Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023
Volume 121, Issue 11
VISTA The
Community garden Page 7
Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2022
“OUR WORDS, YOUR VOICE.”
Volume 119, Issue 19
One year out from presidential election Biden faces challenges, Trump may serve time in Georgia
President Joe Biden speaks to members of the media before he boards Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Nov. 9, 2023. Biden has a lot of unfinished business from his first term that he intends to continue if reelected. (ASSOCIATED PRESS/ANDREW HARNIK)
Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump greets supporters after speaking at the South Texas International Airport Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023, in Edinburg, Texas. (ASSOCIATED PRESS/ERIC GAY)
Jake Ramsey Managing Editor
conducted on the Democratic sideof-the-aisle with President Biden leading at 67.4% amongst Democratic voters. According to Gatch, the 2024 race is presumed to be between Trump and Biden, with the possibility of Trump choosing another one of the Republican primary candidates as his vice president. As it stands, Biden is behind Trump in polling in five of the six major swing-states. Trump currently leads Biden in: Nevada - 52% to 41% Georgia - 49% to 43% Arizona - 49% to 44% Michigan - 48% to 43% Pennsylvania - 48% to 44% With Biden leading in: Wisconsin - 47% to 45% According to a study conducted by the New York Times. While Biden has a disapproval rate of 56%, Trump is also facing a similar rating with a 53% disapproval rate from Americans. With both candidates having such high disapproval ratings, many are left wondering why both
The United States is one year out from a presidential election, and with changes being made at both the state and national levels, as well as international issues causing a dip in polling numbers for President Joe Biden, the race for president is fierce. A recent poll conducted by Reuters found that 56% of Americans disapproved of President Biden for reasons including: Economy - 20% of Americans questioned. Immigration - 11% of Americans questioned. War/Conflict - 8% of Americans questioned. The poll, which was updated Nov. 7, showed that for 113 weeks running, the economy was a top concern for Americans. The economy has also been a hot topic in the recent Republican primary debates, however another topic that the candidates have been discussing is that of former-Pres-
ident Donald Trump, who is currently leading the Republican primary polls, while having not gone to any of the debates. According to Project538, an analytics website that conducts various polls, as of Nov. 22 Trump was in the lead with 60.3% approval from the Republican voter base, following behind was Florida Governor Ron DeSantis at 12.6% and former Governor of South Carolina Nikki Haley at 10%. “No one is going to be overtly critical of Trump if they want to have any chance of connecting with his base,” said UCO professor of political science Loren Gatch when discussing the possibility of the Republican primaries seeking a position as vice president. Gatch also discusses how the large amount of support for Donald Trump from Republican voters is harming the chances of other primary candidates, because, regardless of their positions, the voter-base at large is in support of a second Trump administration. This is countered with polling
candidates have so much support. The simple answer is that the bases are seemingly not voting for one candidate, but against another. According to a poll conducted by Reuters, the possible 2024 candidates were locked in a tight race showing 51% of Americans support Biden, and 49% of Americans support Trump, but when asked for their reasoning why, 50% of Biden supporters were voting against Donald Trump, whereas 38% were voting for Joe Biden, leaving another 12% undecided for why the chose Biden. Countered with Trump’s base of support being 40% were against Joe Biden, and 42% were voting in favor of Donald Trump’s policies, leaving 18% undecided on which reason applied. Both Trump and Biden are the frontrunners for their respective parties, however neither have been formally nominated. The presidential primary election days vary by state, but the Oklahoma presidential primary takes place on March 5, 2024.
Journalism professor Mark Hanebutt wins SPJ Teacher of the Year Sam Kozlowski Reporter
The University of Central Oklahoma has hundreds of educators, academics and mentors, but one professor stands out for his efforts to help students succeed for over 36 years. He’s best known for guiding students with writing, life and legal advice, strong opinions, hard finals and sarcasm. Recently dubbed ‘Snarky Marky’ by his students, Mark Hanebutt was recognized in October as the Teacher of the Year by the Society of Professional Journalists, Oklahoma chapter. The Society of Professional Journalists is an organization dedicated to encouraging the free practice of journalism and stimulating high standards of ethical behavior. The reporter and former president of the Society of Professional Journalists teaches students how to write, practice good use of media law and the importance of Greek philosophy and the Enlightenment. Hanebutt worked decades
as a reporter for newspapers in Florida, Indiana and Oklahoma. After covering Christmas carols for the blind, nearly getting shot in the midst of a shootout and having a machine gun pointed at him by Soviet soldiers in a train, Hanebutt has experienced the many highs and lows of being a professional reporter. With years of writing many editions of “Media Law: A Guide to Understanding Mass Communication Law” and “The Journalist’s Primer: A No-Nonsense Guide to Getting and Reporting the News,” Hanebutt has laid a foundation for mass communication students at UCO. He has worked with organizations, such as SPJ and the Oklahoma Bar Association, pushing for better government transparency for all citizens in the state. When asked how he will continue this success in teaching, Hanebutt answered saying he will not change a thing. “I am always looking for new ways to teach, but over a period of 36 years, you get it down,” he said.
Mark Hanebutt has been a “crucial part of UCO mass communication students’ education for more than three decades,” said Mary Carver, department chair of mass communication. (UCO/OFFICIAL).
Outside of teaching, Hanebutt practices media law as an attorney as well. Since 1987, Hanebutt has
served many students at UCO and plans on continuing his excellence in both academics and law for the future.
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Week of 11/27/23 - 12/3/23
The Vista
Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023
Weekly Horoscope
Sam Royka Editor-In-Chief
SUDOKU
Edited by Margie E. Burke
Difficulty: Easy
ARIES
TAURUS
This week, Venus and Pluto square up. Keep any drama at bay and shield your heart against unwelcome energy by trying not to take things personally. You’ve got more important things to focus on anyway. Your song is “Honeybee” by Coast Modern.
This week Mercury teams up with Saturn, urging you to sketch out those grand plans as we ramp up for the holidays. As Venus enters Scorpio, get ready for darker days, longer nights, and a more profound connection with your ride-or-die. Your song is “Coins” by Local Natives.
March 21-April 19
April 20-May 20
9 4 8
ENTERTAINMENT
7 6
2 5 7
HOW TO SOLVE:
Each row must contain the numbers 1 to 9; each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9; and each set of 3 by 3 boxes must contain the numbers 1 to 9.
1 3 6 Answer to Previous Sudoku: 3 4 4 9 7 2 6 1 5 8 3 1 7 5 5 6 2 9 8 3 7 1 4 1 8 3 7 4 5 6 9 2 6 - 12/3/23 3 Week1of 11/27/23 9 3 5 4 1 2 8 6 7 6 7 4 8 3 9 2 5 1 9 1 4 2 1 8 5 7 6 4 3 9 2 7 7 4 6 3 9 8 1 2 5 3 9 83 52 91 16 52 47 93 74 86 5 6
Copyright 2023 by The Puzzle Syndicate
CANCER
GEMINI
May 21-June 20
June 21-July 22
The Full Moon last week was both a jumpstart and a reset. This week continues buzzy, multitasking energy as we wrap up for finals. ! Venus’ move to Scorpio brings a boost of mysterious energy to connections that will soon show itself more deeply. Your song is “Elevators (Me & You)” by Outkast.
This week urges you to think long-term, envision the future, and let those aspirations soar. As Venus waltzes into Scorpio, brace yourself for a shadowy vibe that brings you closer to the ones you love. Your song is “Long Time Coming” by Maria Mena.
LEO
VIRGO
July 23-August 22
August 23- September 22
This week sets the groundwork for changes with two key aspects. The Sun conjuncts Mars, intensifying passion and determination. This combines with Scorpio energy and a transit over your home and family to bring a wave of exciting, intense energy right to your doorstep. Your song is “Taste the Wine” by Vanessa Daou.
LIBR A
September 23-October 2
Last Full Moon’s energy is still buzzing as your public/ work life begins to shift. You are probably seeing fruits of changes you began with tiny seeds. Venus’ move not only infuses sweetness into the air but also casts its glow on your third house, turning the spotlight on your intellect. Your song is “Parasites” by San Fermin.
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Big philosophical lessons may pop up now! Between Venus wrapping up in your sign, the South node in Libra, and the Full Moon in your ninth house – time to review how you find and maintain balance. Lose the people-pleasing tendencies, align your mind, and buckle up! You’re about to step into your power like never before. Your song is “The Gardener” by Tiny Deaths.
SAGITTARIUS
November 22-December 21
The Full Moon we just saw moved around your heartspace. Close connections may be adjusting, while a change deeper inside of you allows your vision to expand. This weekend allows you to settle into a place where the future seems clearer. Take this time to get your goals straight before Venus moves to mysterious Scorpio. Your song is “For You” by Colouring.
AQUARIUS
January 21-February 18
A bountiful time of new friends and free time is on its way re: the Full Moon and Venus’ move to the scorpion. You are more likely to meet someone new at work or develop a connection there even further. Just a couple more weeks of classes left. All together, congratulations! Your song is “Leisure Suite” by Feist.
SCORPIO
October 23-November 21
Many areas of your life have just received a lot of energy; now is a good time to check in with yourself! The Full Moon just shifted your unconscious. Next Monday, to assist in your pending transformation, Venus enters your sign. Expect a whole new exciting and wild intensity to share with your partnersin-crime. Your song is “All Is Full Of Love - Live” by Bjork.
The Weekly Crossword
by Margie E. Burke
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 ACROSS 1 Pasta shape 15 16 14 5 Social stratum 19 17 18 10 Asian housemaid 21 22 20 14 Rainbow goddess 23 24 15 Bagel choice 29 28 16 Pampered one? 25 26 27 17 Self-absorbed 30 31 32 33 34 35 19 Become 36 37 38 39 unhinged 20 Medical setback 40 42 43 41 21 Produce milk 44 45 46 47 23 Domino dot 24 Alleviated 51 48 49 50 25 Grammatical slip 53 54 55 56 29 Cleveland's lake 52 30 Hotel worker 58 59 57 31 Barbecue fare 33 Growl viciously 60 61 62 36 Resistor unit 64 65 63 37 Dependent 39 Fluffy scarf Copyright 2023 by The Puzzle Syndicate 40 Cunning 42 Building toy 37 Stopwatch 48 News media 2 3 High school 43 Cole ___ subj. button 49 Gravy server 44 Turn's partner 4 Pulled a Houdini 38 As a rule 50 Make amends 46 Type of lights 5 Plot together 41 Found 53 Tread-bare 48 Dinner 6 Start the pot 43 Ice cream alter- 54 "Tickle me" doll accessory 7 Knight's title native 55 Coal unit 51 Ms. West of 8 Labors long 45 Hints at, with 56 Arabian and films 9 Protect, in a "of" Caspian 52 Machine gun way 47 Small pie 59 Quilting party sound 10 Refrain from Answers to Previous Crossword: 53 Rodeo props 11 Controllable 57 "Tide" anagram 12 Subside F A I L E P I C W H I S H 58 Chinese porce- 13 Made too much R U T H H O R N E E U R O A R R O G A N C E A M O U R lain color of C H A L L E N G E R A I T A 60 Astringent fruit 18 Grand in scale T E M P T T I E S 61 Mournful chime 22 Swore, old-style F L A R E O U T T R I P O D 62 Actress Stone 24 Natural, as S T A R V E C H I A R E T 63 Put in the mail lighting S T E E R K I L N 64 Disreputable 25 Skyline obscurer O T I S Z O N E H E E H A W L E T 65 Very best 26 Waikiki's island E N G A G E S E T A S I D E 27 Constraint F A R M M E L T S DOWN 28 Window ledge C E L A N D I N E L A T I N 1 Wedding cake 32 Type of palm L A N D S L I D E A L E R T section 34 MGM mascot L I C E K N E W S A F E R 2 Strongly sound S L E W S E A S E N T R Y suggest 35 Ground cover
CAPRICORN
December 21-January 20
This weekend is excellent thinking long term. As we just came off the Full Moon in Gemini, your daily life undergoes a reshuffle. These changes are likely ones you’ve seen coming, while you can consciously pivot now to a future you align with. Do not run away, but don’t be afraid to create distance with people who consistently bring the vibes down. Your song is “Secret Plans” by Furniteur.
PISCES
February 19-March 20
Time to redecorate? The Full Moon revolved around themes of home and family, while Venus’ move may bring about expansion of the mind by connecting through an esoteric and exciting new energy. Following your intuition could lead to a big break. Your song is “Potions” by Day Wave.
The Full Moon on Monday was both a jumpstart and a reset -- full speed ahead!
COMMUNITY
Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023
The Vista
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What’s your favorite Christmas song? Sam Kozlowski Reporter
Christmas is coming fast! You have probably heard Christmas music play in stores already, but which song is the best? Although it may be hated for being extremely overplayed since its release in 1994, Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas is You” has been a holiday staple and hit among (some) students. More of
our Bronchos’ favorite songs include: Wonderful Christmastime by Paul McCartney, Christmastime Is Here from Charlie Brown, White Christmas by Michael Bublé and Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree by Brenda Lee!
Left, Abbey Stamper, “Rockin’ Around the Xmas Tree.” Right, Mackenzie Weygand, “All I Want for Christmas is You” (THE VISTA/VICTOR LOPEZ)
Yoon Soo Kang “All I Want for Christmas is You” (THE VISTA/VICTOR LOPEZ)
Eric Le “Snow Halation by Muse” (THE VISTA/VICTOR LOPEZ)
Victoria Mosburg “Christmas Time is Here (Charlie Brown)” (THE VISTA/VICTOR LOPEZ)
Vivian Willson “White Christmas by Michael Buble” (THE VISTA/VICTOR LOPEZ)
Frank Stanley “Wonderful Christmastime by Paul McCartney” (THE VISTA/ VICTOR LOPEZ)
Joshua Pitzer “All I Want for Xmas is You” (THE VISTA/VICTOR LOPEZ)
Jace Fitzgerald “Merry Christmas - Ed Sheeran” (THE VISTA/VICTOR LOPEZ)
Abby Franklin “I hate every christmas song.” (THE VISTA/VICTOR LOPEZ)
STAFF Sam Royka Editor-in-Chief Jake Ramsey Managing Editor Jaydon Sims Photo Editor Matilda Harvey Copy Editor Sam Kozlowski Reporter Zak Royka Reporter Britton Summers Reporter Phil Rodriguez Sports Reporter Ethan Brown Photographer Victor Lopez Photographer Troy Isbell Photographer Tess Peters Graphic Designer George Lang Adviser
VISTA 2022-23 layout design by Kevin Davis Advertise with us! The Vista is published weekly during the spring, summer and fall semesters. In all issues, The Vista has opportunities for both digital, online and print ads. For information or questions, contact: 405-974-5549 or thevista.ads@gmail.com
UCO’s Student Voice Since 1903
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.
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.
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 Communications, UCO or the Board of Regents of Oklahoma Colleges. The Vista is not an official medium of expression for the Regents or UCO.
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.
LETTERS The Vista encourages letters to the editor. Letters should address issues and ideas, not personalities. Letters must
ADDRESS LETTERS TO: Editor, The Vista 100 N. University Dr. Edmond, OK 73034-5209 Or, deliver in person to the editor in the Mass Communications Building, Room 131. Letters can be emailed to sroyka@uco.edu.
4 The Vista
Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023
Fincher Returns To Crime Thriller With New Flick ‘The Killer’ Britton Summers Reporter
David Fincher is easily one of the best directors living today. He has consistently put out quality films, usually in the crime thriller genre, though he has branched out with dramas such as “Mank,” “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” and one of my personal favorites of his work “The Social Network.” As a fan of the crime fiction genre, I have a particular soft spot for his crime thriller films, and “The Killer” is a return to form for Fincher. Based on the French comic of the same name, “The Killer” was pretty odd. Fincher
was teaming up with Andrew Kevin Walker, who he worked with on “Se7en.” Does “The Killer” live up to their previous collaboration? No. But “The Killer” is still a solid outing from the demented mind of David Fincher. The film’s plot is rather basic: a hitman screws up a job, gets double crossed by his handlers, and goes on revenge. But with Fincher’s slick direction, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross’ magnetic score, and Erik Messerschmidt’s cinematography, “The Killer” is a compelling watch throughout the runtime. While Fincher tends to focus on the psychological tension in his crime films, “The Killer” sees Fincher take on action, and he proves to be
quite good at helming it. One of the things I noticed when watching this was how the film seeks to desensitize you to what our main character (played by the always magnificent Michael Fassbender) does for a living. As we see the film from his perspective, he’s so desensitized from his job that he doesn’t even see his victims as people, only their functions. We don’t get very many names from the people who The Killer hunts, only what they do or what traits they have. It makes this film really haunting. “The Killer” is another worthy addition to David Fincher’s filmography, and one I admired as I watched it.
Michael Fassbender in “The Killer.”(NETFLIX/PROVIDED)
Six decades of ‘Doctor Who’ celebrated with Tennant and Tate Sam Kozlowski Reporter
Your favorite action-packed, British science fiction is celebrating their 60th anniversary with three special episodes airing through Dec. 9 on BBC One and Disney+. The “Wild Blue Yonder” special will air Dec. 2 and “The Giggle” on Dec. 9. Arguably one of the most liked doctor-and-companion duos return, Scottish actor David Tennant and English actress Catherine Tate for the 60th anniversary specials, according to Polygon. What started as a family friendly educational program, Doctor Who quickly gained popularity as a British time travel-themed space action series with aliens, drama and weeping angels. “Doctor Who” chronicles the quests of a
witty alien time traveler’s life, or lives, as they journey through the universe in a time machine disguised as an vintage British police box, known as the TARDIS (Time and Relative Dimensions in Space). Although The Doctor has historically been cast as a man, English actor Jodie Whittaker was cast as the first female Doctor in 2017. She appeared in 31 episodes between 2018 and 2022. On November 23, 1963, the day after President John F. Kennedy was assassinated, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) aired its first episode of Doctor Who, featuring English actor William Hartnell as the first Doctor. After years with various doctors, Tom Baker was cast as The Fourth Doctor in 1974, and he was wildly popular for his quirkiness and en-
ergy. He took the show to new heights of success not seen since the show began at the peak of the space race (when the United States and the Soviet Union engaged in proving themselves better than the other in terms of space exploration) a decade before. The show was canned in 1989 and had an unsuccessful movie revamp in 1996. However in 2005, the series was brought back to BBC and continued from where it left off 16 years prior. Doctor Who has captivated audiences for six decades and is continuing to do so in these specials, which also feature star actors such as Neil Patrick Harris, Yasmin Finney and others. The new doctor, played by Ncuti Gatwa (“Sex Education”), will premiere in his first episode Dec. 25.
‘The Silver Cord’: Pull it out or plug it in? King Gizzard goes electronic
Logan Hobart Contributing Writer
After listening to King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard’s October drop, “The Silver Cord,” in full for the first time, I describe it as a fever dream. The initial three song collection that the band released to build anticipation (“Theia,” “The Silver Cord,” and “Set”) absolutely threw me for a loop and initially disappointed simply because it was the complete opposite of what I was expecting. The majority of King Gizzard’s music, at least on streaming services, is lumped into the alternative genre. As someone who releases music on such platforms, I assume it’s just easier to “consolidate” the music when you consider that they shift genres so frequently. One thing I will say: when compared specifically to the band’s other ‘pop’ music, I think this album is their first solid foré into the sonic space. The opener “Theia” wastes no time dropping you in a reverb and delay
drenched soundscape. The clever use of rhythmic and melodic motifs from the previous album are a nice way to continue the Gizzverse connection. Coupled with its extended mix, I think this is the strongest track on the album. Track two, “The Silver Cord” grants us another textural surprise. The android-esque mangled vocals are a strange mix of uneasy and pleasant. The track follows a similar dynamic structure to the last one in that there is a large buildup in a smaller release (into the next track) with its extended version compensating for the lack of bridge sections. The band members all grew up and went to school in the Deniliquin, Melbourne, as well as the Geelong areas of Australia. Stu Mackenzie, Eric Moore, and Joey Walker met studying the music industry at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, with the other members being mutual friends. The band started off as an informal jam band, with the eventual lineup becoming Mackenzie, Walker, Moore, (who
left the band in 2020 to focus on running their record label “Flightless”). Ambrose Kenny-Smith, Michael Cavanagh, Cook Craig, and Lucas Harwood. Kenny-Smith was the last one to enter the band in 2011. The band’s name was created “last minute”; Mackenzie wanted to name the band “Gizzard Gizzard”, while another band member wanted Jim Morrison’s nickname “Lizard King”. They eventually compromised with King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard. However, Mackenzie denied this in a post on the band’s Twitter account, stating that he was “not sure where that came from.” Still, I maintain my view that this whole album feels like a fever dream. However, this album seems to continue the themes of environmental collapse, albeit with a slightly more subtle approach than the last album. In fact, I feel the need to stretch this as far as a comparison to “Paper Maché Dream Balloon’’ in that there is a juxtaposition between the music and the lyrical themes. This tech-
King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, “The Silver Cord.” (FLIGHTLESS/PROVIDED)
nique is a bit more subtle on “The Silver Cord,’’ but it’s still something that has stood out to me over the course of my time with this album. My main takeaway from the album is this: While it is certainly not my favorite KG album and one that I probably won’t come back to frequently, I enjoyed the experience. The extended mixes of each song definitely improve my overall
rating because I was able to appreciate the references to the previous album. This album is exactly what “Butterfly 3000” should’ve been! Though it may have come at the wrong time, the concept has a much clearer execution and overall feels much more cohesive. I’m excited to see where the aptly nicknamed “shape shifting Aussies” take us with their next album.
The Vista
Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023
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UCO observes community standards on alcohol at sports events Madison Simon Contributing Writer
Since introducing alcohol sales at football games in 2018, the University of Central Oklahoma has strategically balanced its traditional values with modern trends in college athletics, aligning with a national movement where 80% of Power Five schools now sell alcohol in their stadiums. A recent Associated Press study found that 55 of the 69 Power Five conference schools now sell alcohol in their stadiums. This trend highlights a major shift in the culture of college sports and has been gaining momentum over the past decade. It reflects a growing acceptance of alcohol sales as a means to enhance the game-day experience and generate additional revenue. Chris Brannick, UCO’s assistant athletic director for media relations, shared insights into the university’s decision making process. “I think a lot of people wanted to, but didn’t want to be the first.” Brannick said. “I think that was the case at UCO several years ago when we made that decision. We were willing to do it, but we didn’t want to be the first ones. And so, once everyone started to do it, I’m not surprised that it all filled in from there.” UCO’s policy contrasts with the national trend in its cautious approach. While other universities have embraced widespread alcohol sales, UCO has limited
options of beer, all beers are sold in cans and opened by concessionaires at the point of sale. All concessions are outsourced through Oklahoma City Special Events, a local event planning company. This restraint reflects a respect for UCO’s traditions as a historically dry campus. The impact on revenue, while positive, has not been the primary focus. “It makes a difference. I don’t think it’s a big difference. It definitely helps though,” said Brannick. Brannick explained how UCO’s sporting events are not heavily attended and the reliance on concession stands at games are important. “We do rely on concessions to increase revenue,” he said. “And so that was part of our decision making process to allow alcohol sales, is that we do rely on concessions to help with the revenue.” Safety and drinking responsibility have been top priorities. UCO’s policy of a two-drink limit per sale, wristband monitoring, and ceasing sales at a specific point in the game proves the commitment to a controlled environment. This cautious approach is slightly more conservative when compared to some Power Five schools, which have more options and fewer restrictions. Community response has been positive, Brannick said. “There’s not been a
Concession sales of beer at UCO sporting events provides an important revenue stream. (ASSOCIATED PRESS/PROVIDED)
significant incident for us to kind of take a step back and think about what we’re doing. It’s gone pretty well,” he said. “I know a lot of the fans and alumni appreciate it.” Brannick emphasizes the university’s moderate approach to alcohol sales. “We don’t feel like we’re shoving it down people’s faces, like it’s not something we promote heavily, it’s just an option,” he said. The decisions UCO made on its journey are small examples of the bigger changes happening in college sports. While embracing a popular trend, UCO has tailored its approach to fit its community, demonstrating that while national trends are influential, local morals and values still play a crucial role in the decision-making process of university policies.
Chris Brannick, assistant athletic director for media relations, said UCO takes a moderate approach to alcohol sales at games (UCENTRAL/PROVIDED)
Music at UCO sports events will be family friendly after complaint
Music playlists at UCO sports events will be family friendly following a complaint sent to President Todd Lamb. (SCREENSHOT/THE VISTA)
Brooke Niver Contributing Writer
The University of Central Oklahoma Athletics Department will begin to play family friendly music at sporting events after a Sept. 16 complaint was made by a spectator concerning explicit language and racial slurs. Chris Brannick, assistant athletic director of media relations, said UCO Athletics Department received an email after the football game against Missouri Western from an individual who was upset about the music that the university was allowing to be played. The email was sent to both President Todd Lamb, and Athletic Director Stan Wagnon. The spectator said the music being played included inappropriate language, and they did not appreciate it being played at the sporting events.
“Obviously, most importantly, it was the language. That was not the intent. It was kind of a slip up on our part that the song ended up getting played,” said Brannick. “That is the most important thing, that we don’t play songs with curse words, but also don’t play songs with explicit messages.” During a weekly staff meeting for the athletics department, members decided to eliminate any chances of another complaint by setting restrictions on what music will be played during the event. Brannick said that different genres of music can be played; it is just important to be more cautious of the potential messages that could be delivered through the choices of music. The athletics department is prioritizing a family friendly environment, making sure that music about sexual relationships, drug use, alcohol or substance abuse, and language will not be played.
“I know that not every student athlete is going to enjoy the music because the music is toned down a bit, but you’re kind of always going to have to fight that battle,” Brannick said. Tatum Long, a senior on the UCO softball team, took offense to the issue brought to athletes’ attention after the new restrictions. “I just don’t think, because one person complained, that it should affect every single sport,” Long said. Long said that she does think that music played at the UCO football games can be a fine line, but not every sport has to suffer the consequences. “Every song insinuates something. There is no way to get around it,” said Long. “I think it is a known thing that this is how people get excited for games and stay excited during it.”
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The Vista
Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023
SPORTS
Bronchos defense Jimmied open by Jamestown, OU next up
Forward Frank Mondi skates into attacking position in UCO’s loss to Jamestown. (THE VISTA/VICTOR LOPEZ)
Phil Rodriguez Sports Editor
The UCO Bronchos Hockey team lost back-toback games for the first time this season, as they were swept by the University of Jamestown on Nov. 17 and 18. Friday’s matchup was a close one, with the Bronchos keeping pace early on with the Jimmies after a goal early in the second period from forward Ondrej Blaha made it 1-1. But Jamestown scored two goals in less than a minute with about five minutes to go in the second period, with forward Reid Wilson scoring his second goal of the game before forward Zane McDonald added an insurance goal to give the Jimmies a 3-1 lead. Bronchos forward Sam Sykes was assisted by
defenseman Cooper Kraus for a goal late in the second that offered UCO a gasping chance at a comeback. But the Jimmies put the clamp down, often playing all five of their skaters deep in their own ice to maximize their defense during a scoreless third period. The Bronchos outshot the Jimmies 9-3 in the final third of the game and 29-20 overall, but they failed to capitalize on their chances enough to even up the score, handing the Bronchos 3-2 a loss. While the Bronchos played well enough to have a definite shot at winning their first matchup against Jamestown, the opposite was true of their Saturday night matchup. UCO looked outplayed for nearly the entirety of the 5-0 defeat, and even outclassed
at times. The Jimmies played a fast-paced style predicated on quick, deadly-accurate passing that allowed them to move the puck at will. No matter how the Bronchos defended, the Jimmies were constantly passing around and through them. And in the rare moments that UCO managed to gain possession, Jamestown’s skaters pounced rapidly, tightly and aggressively marking their defensive assignments and forcing them to give back the puck. Although the Bronchos were able to get off multiple quality shots, even outshooting Jamestown 11-9 in the first period, Jimmies goalie Brandon Weane simply refused to yield. He finished with a 100% save rate, having saved all 24 of UCO’s shots.
The Bronchos, after taking some time off for Thanksgiving, will face off against their instate rivals
the Oklahoma Sooners this weekend on Dec. 1 and 2 at Arctic Edge Ice Arena.
UCO skater Jeff Rebmann greets enthusiastic fans as forward Adam Stalzer takes the ice. (THE VISTA/VICTOR LOPEZ)
Broncho Buckaround: B-ball up, V-ball down Phil Rodriguez Sports Editor Volleyball Suffers Shock Upset Defeat, Bounced out of MIAA Tourney in First Round
The UCO Bronchos 2nd-seeded volleyball team tripped up and fell 3-1 to 7th-seeded Missouri Southern in the MIAA Tournament Thursday, November 16. Despite sweeping the team before in both regular season matchups, the Bronchos simply couldn’t stick the landing and tumbled out of the MIAA tournament in the first round. After an opening set victory that had an almost-dominating score of 2517, the Bronchos dropped three nail-bitingly close sets to the Lions by scores of 25-22, 25-23, and 25-
20, giving Missouri Southern a pass to the next round and sending the Bronchos home. More bad news came for the Bronchos on November 20, with the announcement of the list of teams involved in this year’s NCAA Division II Championship tournament being conspicuously absent of 19th-ranked UCO. This marks a devastating and possibly even unfair end to the season, as several teams that the Bronchos have dispatched during the season, like Oklahoma Baptist and Nebraska-Kearney, will compete in the tournament while the Bronchos stay home. Despite how the season ended, however, the Bronchos look like they will return all of their key players next year, like All-American
Star junior point guard Karly Wadsworth goes for a pass against Oklahoma Christian. (THE VISTA/JAYDON SIMS)
junior libero Jaedynn Evans, AllMIAA setter Lindsay Houran, and All-MIAA outside hitters junior Jenna Karp and sophomore Sidney Huck.
tions in Kansas, their next game will be a Nov. 30 home game against MIAA rival Central Missouri, to start at 7:30 p.m. or at the conclusion of the women’s team’s game.
The UCO men’s basketball team has climbed the NCAA Division 2 National Association Basketball Coaches’ Poll all the way to the 3rd-ranked spot, on their way to a 5-0 record. They blew out SWOSU in a 91-57 home win, with stars Danquez Dawsey, Jaden Wells and Luke Haasl combining for 47 points while all shooting above 50% from the floor. Forwards Matthew Willenborg and Preston Aymond ruled the boards, meanwhile, combining for 16 rebounds. After the postponement of Sunday, Nov. 26’s matchup versus Tabor College due to blizzard condi-
Meanwhile, the UCO women’s basketball team enjoyed an 89-75 win over instate rival Oklahoma Christian in the UCO Thanksgiving Classic, their first win of the 2023 season. Junior guard Karly Wadsworth led the scoring with 15 points on 4-11 shooting, while also contributing 3 steals in the win. Junior forward Caley Young stood out also with pinpoint accurate shooting, going 6 for 7 while also contributing 5 rebounds. The next matchup for women’s basketball will be on Nov. 30 against Central Missouri at Hamilton Field House at 5:30 p.m.
Bronchos men’s basketball continues to roll
UCO guard Jaden Wells commands the offense during the Nov. 19 win for the Bronchos. (THE VISTA/VICTOR LOPEZ)
Women’s basketball gobbles up first win
Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023
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Community garden springs back to life with students for sustainability Sam Royka Editor-in-Chief
peppers, and okra growing in the beds inside the garden fence. There were also giant buckets suspended on frames to make compost easier. Students for sustainability, abbreviated as s4s, is one group on campus taking care of the details. They can be found here on UCORE.
The UCO community garden, right by the Suites on campus, is now open to anyone who wants to help. The garden already has plants growing and will be donating food to the Central Pantry, said Mark Walvoord, assistant director of STLR and adviser for students for sustainability.
The Student Art Association drew the stencil while students filled in the mural. (THE VISTA/TAYLOR HORN)
“I love gardens, makes food, has plants, allows pollinators to come in, but community garden, adding that community piece means the community needs to be here. So I’m just excited to have it more open and accessible and available for the community to faculty, staff and students,” Walvoord said. “I think I’m most excited in the spring for just seeing people out here.” He said he hopes the UCO community will ask about resources and get more involved with both volunteering and gardening, which starts officially in spring 2024. “The whole UCO community, to just be out in nature, connecting
Students could choose from many different sizes of paintbrush and colors of paint. (THE VISTA/TAYLOR HORN)
Community members drank cider and hot chocolate while they painted. (THE VISTA/ TAYLOR HORN)
to nature, and doing something practical, like growing food that we can donate to the central pantry for people who are food insecure,” Walvoord said. The garden is about seven years old now, and it was ready for a redux. “We worked with housing to build this originally in 2015,” he said. This community garden was a project that needed multiple sources of support to come alive. “When we had an office of sustainability on campus, the director of that and myself over in the Student Transformative Learning Record Office, really wanted to try to use some of our STLR project monies to build a garden so that students could get involved,” said Walvoord. When the COVID-19 pandemic took its toll, this garden was not left out. Walvoord said post-COVID they are “just trying to get it restarted and reopened. UCO housing had kind of come in and started regrowing, got it back going, spent their funds to get seeds and some of the stuff you see behind you.” He gestured to the rows of sage, spicy fresh
UCORE is the official portal for student organizations. The link to Students for Sustainability is printed above.
Zane Henderson, president of the group, helped share resources and information at the event. “I love that we’re making produce to give to people that are going to need it. My understanding of this is that most of the produce is going to the pantry. So that’ll be nice,” said Henderson. Walvoord said they “wanted to relaunch it to the community.
A butterfly graces the fence closest to community garden. (THE VISTA/TAYLOR HORN)
So the students for sustainability, which I’m the advisor of, and the STLR office, and housing, and office of community engagement kind of got together. [We] asked the student art association if they wanted to help us with the mural on the outside just to make it a whole event to make it exciting for the community,” he said. Visitors can check the garden fence for an updated look at the painting, now finished.
The space is open to gardeners officially Spring 2024. (THE VISTA/TAYLOR HORN)
Central Pantry provides relief from food insecurity for UCO community Destini Pittman Contributing Writer
Across the U.S. roughly 30% of college students face food insecurity according to a study conducted at Temple University. This means many university students do not know where their next meal will come from or how they will afford it. Due to this ongoing crisis, many college cam-
puses, including UCO, provide a food pantry for members of the campus community facing hunger. The Central Pantry is a choice model pantry for students, faculty, and staff members. This means the customer gets to select what they need, rather than receive a prepackaged bag or box. There are two Central Pantry locations: the first floor of the Nigh University Center and the Wellness Center. To use the Central Pantry, cus-
tomers must fill out a client form and then they can visit the pantry once a week. The pantry is staffed completely by volunteers and accepts nonperishable food donations. These donations are able to help many in the UCO community. Visit uco.edu/student-resources/ce/central-pantry.
Earth temperatures reach record highs: UCO professor talks climate change JD Peak Contributing Writer
“It has also been shown that if we increase the efficiency of our buildings in general and supplement their electricity with renewable resources like solar and wind, those will also help tremendously,” said Messick. She said as temperatures get higher, the main
lack of adaptability from plants and animals, our sources of food will begin to diminish. Messick said from a global perspective, one of the main results of the increase in temperatures is University of Central Oklahoma biology the melting of the glaciers in the arctic. She said professor and curator of the UCO herbarium as the glaciers continue to melt, the sea level will Jenna Messick shared the potential outcomes of begin to rise. As a result of the Earth’s climate Tuesday this, coastal areas will begin through her expertise and to disappear. research in a time when the “In Oklahoma, the precipiEarth has seen record temtations and amount of rainfall peratures. is changing its timing and Temperatures across the amounts. I-35 is a divider beearth have reached a record tween a wetter east side and high in the past year, reporta drier west side of the state ed Dinah Voyles Pulver. and that line is starting to shift Messick said an atmoeastward. So, just slightly east spheric increase of the two of I-35 is starting to tend to main greenhouse gases, be drier,” said Messick. carbon dioxide and methane, Over the past few years, are the biggest contributors Messick and some of her to the rise of global temperastudents have been studying ture. plants throughout the central “We have to figure out Oklahoma area to see the ways to decrease those effect the climate has on their greenhouse gases going into flowering patterns. She said the atmosphere and at the she also plans to conduct a same time try to reduce those study spanning more than a overall concentrations in the year researching the order of atmosphere,” said Messick. blooming plants during the Messick said a few ways spring in the surrounding that people can help manage area. the climate are to drive more Messick said that it is fuel-efficient vehicles, eat less This graph from Climate.Gov uses data from the National Centers for Environmental Information. important for everyone to care red meat and consume more The 10 warmest years in the historical record have all occurred since 2010. about the Earth because if we plant-based meals. She says can’t adapt to our environment, we won’t be able that the use of gas-powered vehicles and the pro- concern for humans is not our biological reaction to the temperature because of our ability to to thrive in our own lifestyles. cess of beef production contributes to a higher innovate and adapt. However, as a result of the carbon footprint.
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Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023
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Forensic Science Institute partners with Innocence Project Hannah Wagar Contributing Writer
Guilty until proven innocent is not how it is supposed to go, but for some, that is the reality of their legal situation. The path to innocence might seem impossible for someone who has been wrongfully convicted. But in some cases, the truth will come out, and some UCO students are helping to find that truth. The Forensic Science Institute has had a long-term connection with the Oklahoma division of the Innocence Project. The Innocence Project was created over 30 years ago by public defenders Barry Scheck and Peter Neufeld, who worked with students on the case of Marion Coakley, who was convicted of robbery and rape but exonerated through the use of DNA testing. The public defenders began to work with students and volunteers, primarily through the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in New York, to view cases that involved incorrectly processed or insufficient evidence, or corporeal evidence that could not be tested at the time the trial took place. In 1992, Glen Woodall, who had been wrongfully convicted of sexual assault, was the first of the Innocent Project’s clients to be exonerated. In 2011, The Oklahoma Innocence Project was founded at Oklahoma City University School of Law. Over the last couple of years, the partnership between OCU and
UCO’s Forensic Science Institute become stronger with a new agreement between the universities and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation that helped reaffirm commitments and create the Innocence Project Capstone course, according to Caitlyn Porterfield, who oversees this capstone at UCO. This capstone is unique in that it pairs UCO forensic science students with OCU law students to work together on an active case of potential innocence or wrongful conviction. Each forensic student is paired with a law student to review a case and determine the legal and forensic implications that could potentially be investigated further. “It gives our students some exposure to what the legal road looks like, what types of things can happen in the courtroom resulting in wrongful convictions, and how we (forensic scientists) can collaborate with the legal system,” said Porterfield. “I think one of the most important things for the students is that it gets them talking to each other. It develops relationships where, even after graduating, these students that become attorneys can now reach out to my students, the forensic scientists, to ask questions.” Beyond the student benefit, this partnership has a large impact on the Innocence Project, as students do the majority of the groundwork for these cases. With only three full-time employees and hundreds of case requests, the program relies
Students at the Forensic Science Institute will help the Oklahoma Innocence Project exonerate wrongly convicted felons. (UCO/PROVIDED)
on students to prepare the cases through their legal review, research, and testing requests. With the help of the forensic science students, this process can go more smoothly as the law students and professors do not have the forensic science background that is often essential to proving the innocence of a wrongfully convicted individual. The students work hard on their cases, according to Porterfield, who notes that they often go beyond expectations, putting in several additional hours a week into research for their cases. Unfortunately, students do not see the fruits of their labor firsthand. “From the time that we take on a wrongful conviction case to the time that it takes to potentially get
someone who has been wrongfully convicted out of prison is eight years,” said Porterfield, “and since our capstone has only been offered the last couple years, students will have graduated by the time their case has been processed.” Students, however, do see the success stories of those before them. In October 2023, the Innocence Project celebrated the release of Perry Lot, a man who was wrongfully convicted of rape in 1988, based on a witness testimony. He was exonerated with post-conviction DNA testing following the work of the Oklahoma Innocence Project and OCU’s law students, exemplifying the impacts of this partnership outside of the classroom.
LISTEN UP FOR LIVE MUSIC
Trans Siberian Orchestra performs Dec. 7 at Paycom Center. (TRANS SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA/PROVIDED)
NOVEMBER Hiss Golden Messenger, Nov. 30, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com The Motet, Nov. 30, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc. com Narrow Head, Nov. 30, Resonant Head, 400 SW 25, Suite A, resonanthead.com DECEMBER Rory Scovell, Dec. 1, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com Angel Du$t, Dec. 1, Resonant Head, 400 SW 25, Suite A, resonanthead.com Aranda, Dec. 1, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com A Place to Bury Strangers, Dec. 2, Resonant Head, 400 SW 25, Suite A, resonanthead.com Asleep at the Wheel, Dec. 3, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com Liz Phair, Dec. 4, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com Moon Taxi, Dec. 5, The Jones Assembly, 901 W. Sheridan, thejonesassembly.com From Ashes to New, Dec. 6, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com Thelma and the Sleaze, Dec. 6, Resonant Head, 400 SW 25, Suite A, resonanthead.com Cam Cole, Dec. 6, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com Josh Fudge, Dec. 7, Resonant Head, 400 SW 25, Suite A, resonanthead. com Trans Siberian Orchestra, Dec. 7, Paycom Center, 100 W. Reno, paycomcenter.com Brotherboy, Dec. 8, Resonant Head, 400 SW 25, Suite A, resonanthead. com Shaun Cassidy, Dec. 8, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc. com Husbands, Dec. 9, Resonant Head, 400 SW 25, Suite A, resonanthead. com Adam Sandler, Dec. 9, Paycom Center, 100 W. Reno, paycomcenter. com Jason Scott and the High Heat, Dec. 9, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com Daniel Donato, Dec. 10, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com
Deebaby, Dec. 13, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com Sunsquabi, Dec. 15, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com Paula Poundstone, Dec. 15, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com Option Ego, Dec. 16, Resonant Head, 400 SW 25, Suite A, resonanthead.com Alexandra Kay, Dec. 19, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com Van Full of Nuns, Dec. 22, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com Arkansauce, Dec. 22, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com Daniel Mudliar, Dec. 22, Resonant Head, 400 SW 25, Suite A, resonanthead.com Heartbyrne, Dec. 28, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc. com Jeff Dunham, Dec. 28, Paycom Center, 100 W. Reno, paycomcenter. com Devotchka, Dec. 29, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com Soft Hands, Dec. 29, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc. com Dylan Wheeler, Dec. 30, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com Uptown Getdown, Dec. 31, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com JANUARY That 1 Guy, Jan. 9, Ponyboy, 423 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com Panhandlers, Jan. 13, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc. com Lotus, Jan. 18, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com Travis Linville, Jan. 19, Ponyboy, 423 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com Monkeys on a String, Jan. 20, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com Mountain Goats, Craig Finn and Bully, Jan. 24, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com Kitchen Dwellers, Jan. 25, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com Drake and J. Cole, Jan. 25-26, Paycom Center, 100 W. Reno, paycomcenter.com
Drake and J. Cole perform Jan. 25-26 at Paycom Center (JONATHAN SHORT/ASSOCIATED PRESS)