The Vista Aug. 22, 2011

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AUG 22, 2011

Football Preview

Follow the clues around campus starting with the first one inside this issue.

Page 12

Despite being out of conference, the boys in bronze are gearing up for a winning season.

Page 26

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THE VISTA

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL OKLAHOMA’S student voice since 1903.

Welcome Back

My fellow Bronchos, it is a great privilege to welcome you to another great year at UCO. For some, this is their first, for others our last; but the time we have together this year will be something we won’t soon forget.

In the coming year we can’t even begin to fathom all of the challenges that we will face. But if the past is

any preface, we are not in for any- this ambitious goal, but also willing thing easy. to keep us accountable.

It is my goal that through those things, The Vista stands its ground Go Bronchos, for honest, ethical and accurate reporting no matter what might deter us from that goal.

Cody Bromley I hope that you, our readers, are Editor-In-Chief willing to not only support us in

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Health

Liberal Arts

LIVING WITH THE ENEMY

REVIVING DEBATE

A recent study surveying the pillows of college students found that they had on average 350,000 potential live bacteria colonies and 91,000 potential live yeast and mold colonies. These bacteria can, and do make students ill.

Colton Fitzgerald, a junior computer science major, moves into his dorm room in Murdaugh Hall during move-in weekend at UCO in Edmond, Saturday, Aug. 13, 2011. Photo by Garett FIsbeck, The Vista

WEATHER TODAY

H 102°

L 76°

TOMORROW H 96° L 71°

More weather at www.uco360.com

DID YOU KNOW? About one in every 4 million lobsters is born with a rare genetic defect that turns it blue. One in every 30 million is yellow.

By Chantal Robatteux / Senior Staff Writer As the new semester began, many students began to move on to campus Saturday, Aug. 13. Many met their new roommates, but there is one they have not met: the invisible roommate, bacteria.

A recent study conducted by SleepBetter. org found that pillows in college dorms had 350,000 potential live bacteria colonies as well as 91,000 potential live yeast and mold colonies.

Kacie Edwards, a junior majoring in biology, lives in the Commons and has lived there before. The last apartment she lived in was less than sanitary when she moved in.

“The carpet in my last apartment was stained so badly that I had to steam clean it before I would even walk on it without socks, and most of the furniture had stains and cigarette burns. It makes you wonder if people have ever cleaned that carpet,” she said.

Josh Overocker, director of Housing and Dining, said each room is walked through multiple times a year. “We have a number of staff who identify and handle all different sizes and scopes of mold. We work with our environmental health and safety office if we find any.

Overocker believes the incident with Edwards might have been an exception, not the rule.

“We have an online work order system and students put in work orders. Last year we did almost 3,000 work orders; our average turnaround was 24 to 48 hours in terms of responding to those work orders, so it’s something we work really hard to be able to respond to. We try to respect students’ privacy,

so if a student doesn’t submit a work order, it becomes really hard for us to actually go in and find it. They are the ones living there each and every day.”

Students are able to go in through UCONNECT to the MyHousing tab to submit a work order.

According to Dr. Robert Brennan, associate professor of biology with a doctoral degree in microbiology, students encounter millions of bacteria daily.

“Most people carry bacteria around all the time, but most of the bacteria we encounter on a day-to-day basis are harmless,” he said.

Students living in dorms do not necessarily encounter more bacteria because of living oncampus. “It’s just the environment of living in a dorm; that number of people in close proximity, when there is an infection or something occurs, a transmission can occur more easily,” he said. Brennan recommended cleaning the room and surfaces with Lysol or Clorox disinfecting wipes before students unpack. Sinks, faucets, desktops, and bathroom areas should be cleaned especially well upon moving in.

Brennan explained the best way to reduce the transmission of potentially infectious bacteria is to frequently wash hands with soap and water.

“Try to avoid touching faucets and things like that and turn the faucets off with paper towels,” he said.

However, it is also very important to wash sheets and pillows frequently.

“They should wash it at least once a week; not once a semester. Over time, materials from the body such as sweat, oils, and dead

Continued on page 3

By Bryan Trude / Staff Writer After spending last year on hiatus, the UCO Debate team will be resuming activities this fall under new Director of Debate Matt Moore.

Moore, a former member of UCO Debate, takes over the team following graduate studies at the University of Missouri.

Moore is joined at UCO by new Assistant Debate Coach, Kurt Fifelski.

“The debate team is our academic representative in the larger university community,” Dr. Pamela Washington, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, said. “Our best students who can go and compete with students at Harvard, Cornell, Stanford.

We compete with every university that has a debate team.”

One of the challenges Moore said he has faced since taking over the debate program has been recruiting students.

“Because of the hiatus, we lost a year of recruiting,” Moore said. “We should have several more people on campus to debate. But because of the year we took off, many of those students left for other campuses or just don’t debate. Now, we have to go out, reestablish the relationships in the high school community and find those students, even ones on campus, who would have joined last year,” Moore said.

The team was put on hiatus following the scandal surrounding the debate team’s previous coach, Eric Marlow.

In Fall 2009, Marlow was accused by members of the debate team of sexual misconduct with a female student, as well as pressuring team members into drinking and taking illegal drugs, according to a civil lawsuit filed by the students and former team assistant coaches in September 2010.

The suit, which names Marlow, Washington, UCO and the Oklahoma State Board of Regents as defendants, is still pending in Oklahoma County District Court.

Attorneys for the plaintiffs could not be reached for comment. Marlow is no longer employed by Matt Moore, Director of UCO. Debate, joins UCO this fall As a result of the events sur- as the new head of UCO’s rounding Marlow’s tenure as debate team. Moore is coach, Washington said that reviving the organization the new debate team will be after a controversial year subject to stricter oversight, off. Photo by Garett Fisboth from the dean’s office and beck, The Vista. the Office of Student Conduct.

In addition, Washington said that both students and coaches would be “subject to random drug testing, modeled after the program used by the Athletic Department.”

Moore said that the new regulations on the debate program would not affect how the team operates, or how he operates as a coach, and stresses that it is a “new day” for UCO Debate.

“Bringing in Kurt and myself represents a fundamental culture shift for the team,” Moore said. “Recovering from what happened before has been difficult, but it has been made a lot easier with all the support we have received from administration, from Dean Washington, I can’t say enough about the support she has given us.”

As part of their rebuilding, the debate team will be performing more outreach to UCO students and classes, including an intramural-style debate program for students interested in debate, but does not want to travel to events with the team.

Continued on page 7

THE VISTA 100 North University Drive Edmond, OK 73034 (405)974-5549 editorial@uco360.com

The Vista is published as a newspaper and public forum by UCO students, semi-weekly during the academic year except exam and holiday periods, and only on Wednesdays during the summer, 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.

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OPINION

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AUG 22, 2011

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CAMPUS QUOTES

What are you most looking forward to this year?

ASHMIT PYAKUREL

CAROL WRIGHT

JAMES TURNBOW

Freshman-Bio Med Engineering

Junior-American Studies

Freshman-Nursing

LETTERS The Vista encourages letters to the editor. Letters should address issues and ideas, not personalities. Letters must be typed, double-spaced, with a maximum of 150 words, and must include the author’s printed name, title, major, classification and phone number. 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 730345209, or deliver in person to the editor in the Communications Building, Room 131. Letters can be e-mailed to vistauco@gmail.com.

STAFF

Management

Editorial

Cody Bromley, Editor-In-Chief Christie Southern, Managing Editor Brittany Dalton, Copy Editor Trey Hunter, Sports Editor Garett Fisbeck, Photo Editor

Samantha Maloy, Senior Staff Writer Chantal Robatteux, Senior Staff Writer Ben Luschen, Staff Writer Chris Howell, Staff Writer Josh Hutton, Staff Writer Trevor Hultner, Staff Writer Bryan Trude, Staff Writer

Graphic Design Anthony Murray

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“I really don’t know UCO “Living the American life, “Meeting new people, and that well, so I’m not sure.” making new friends, and living Central. Also, makjust experience America.” ing an impact on people and seeing the impact they make on me.”

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Editorial

WHEN THEY BEG TO BE TAXED

By Cody Bromley / Editor-in-Chief While Oklahomans were having the hottest summer in recorded history, Congress was setting its own record: for idiocy.

It’s a poorly-kept secret that Uncle Sam has a big pile of bills, but a few weeks ago Congress almost let those bills be late in the name of petty theatrics and gimmickry. Entitlement programs, military benefits and our national security were all sitting on a thin fence for a few days and not once did it really seem like Congress cared.

When politicians buckle down, roll up their sleeves and really work for the taxpayers we all win, but this partisan brinkmanship was a new low.

Republicans, all too eager to unseat Mr. Obama next fall, engaged in time-wasting measure after time-wasting measure until the clock was finally up. The blame doesn’t lie solely with the elephant in the room, the jackasses on the left let them do it.

Nor can we forget the absence of the president’s leadership in this agreement.

So instead, we’re left with the bill that nobody wanted, at a time when we already can’t afford anything; while potentially entering a double-dip recession no less.

What’s a falling world power to do? Goldman Sachs’ Warren Buffet thinks that members of Congress, and the president, need to Sach up (forgive the pun) and get serious about reintroducing taxes to the wealthiest Americans.

“Our leaders have asked for ‘shared sacrifice.’ But when they did the asking, they spared me.” Buffet said in an Op-Ed in The New York Times last week. “I checked with my mega-rich friends to learn what pain they were expecting. They, too, were left untouched.”

Buffet suggests raising rates on households making more than $1 million (which by his own count was 236,883 in 2009), and even more so for those making in excess of $10 million (of which there were 8,274 in 2009).

So even when the mega-rich are literally begging to be taxed, why isn’t Congress still getting the memo?

Two words: election season. We’re only a couple months away from knowing the Republican presidential candidate and not much further from Congressional fights starting back up.

In these coming months its only gonna get clearer that the only person who won in those debt deals were incumbent Congress folk. I can already see the ads. “I fought for ______ during last year’s debt fight.”

Here we go again.

“Starting my life. Looking forward to being serious [and] finding a way to make an impact not only on campus but in the world.”

“Looking forward to being “Quidditch! And meeting in a new building (at OSU), the new freshmen, as well getting closer to my dream as school events.” job.”

By Evan Oldham / Cartoonist

NEWS

AUG 22, 2011

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Continued from page 1

BACTERIA skin cells accumulate on the bedding. When you are lying on things, you will shed dead skin cells, oils and bacteria,” Brennan said.

“Depending on what one sleeps in, bedding needs to be washed more frequently. If people sleep in the nude they should wash the sheets much more often, because there is no protective layer between themselves and the bacteria.”

Edwards cleans her sheets at least twice a month, and tries to keep a clean living space.

“The things I can’t stand are a dirty kitchen, dirty floors, and dirty sheets,” she said.

Overocker said there is free laundry available in every housing building for on-campus students.

Students will be able to get texts telling them that the washer or dryer is done so they do not have to sit and wait.

In addition to room maintenance, Overocker said housing is in the process of a complete mattress changeover.

“Over the last two years we’ve been changing from standard fabric mattresses to a slicksurface vinyl; it makes it easier for us to clean and maintain. We are just shy of 1,800 mattresses on campus, but we certainly will finish replacing every mattress by the summer of 2013,” he said.

At that point it will be a four to six year cycle on mattresses.

Overocker said when students check out of their rooms, staff goes in and does an inspection.

“We will replace mattresses on an individual case by case basis, but we go through [them] on a regular basis as well.”

Overocker said they do upholstery cleaning

every summer on the couches as well.

“Furniture tends to wear out very quickly in student rooms. We’ve found that students who live in that room become very comfortable. Sometimes they beat it up a little bit, occasionally we have an arm damaged. And ultimately, chairs get outdated. The fabric on a chair looks old and we try to keep the units looking fresh so we go through and replace upholstered furniture,” he said.

Overocker said replacements are based on

“You have a few thousand people living within ten thousand square feet on a daily basis, so when one person gets sick, it spreads very rapidly through the rest of the population.”

- Dr. Robert Brennan usage, and added a number of students will bring their own mattress cover for mattresses, or egg crate mattress pads.

“The students make the rooms their own and they will bring additional pieces for it,” he said.

As far as the bedding is concerned, he added that students need to make sure to clean sheets, pillows, and their rooms.

Edwards said a clean room is very important to her. “Not only for hygiene reasons but for health reasons as well. I have a very dangerous allergy to mold so clean air and sur-

faces are very important,” she said.

Overocker explains that monthly health and safety inspections are conducted.

“I will be honest that these are 18, 19 and 20-year-old college students, many of them living away from home for the first time,” he said. “They probably don’t keep their rooms as clean here as they did at home with mom and dad, but we have our staff walking through the rooms at least once a month. We are obviously not doing the white glove test where we wipe along the windowsill to determine the last time they polished. We are looking for larger incidents that would be out there.”

Overocker said they also do standard pest control on a monthly basis. “We bring pest control back as needed. If we have someone say they have spiders or nets in their apartment or something, they are on call and will come back to treat those specific incidents,” he said.

They do ask students to clean their rooms on their way out but they also send a custodial team in. “Every room is professionally cleaned by our custodial group once students move out and then just prior to their arrival,” Overocker said.

If the bathroom is a part of a student’s room, the student is responsible for cleaning that bathroom.

“If a bathroom is a community bathroom such as at Murdaugh [Hall] and West [Hall], we have custodial staff clean those bathrooms and they go in at least two, sometimes three times a day. [They do] a deep clean once a day and the other two times are what we call a policing process; a general walk-through to make sure the bathroom is in good shape,”

he said.

If it is not clean, students can submit a work order, they can talk to their RA, their hall director, or go to the housing and dining office and talk with them.

Brennan said a common problem in dormitory settings where communal showers are used is athlete’s foot.

“The best way to reduce your chances of getting athlete’s foot, which is caused by fungus, is to completely dry off your feet after you shower. A lot of people wear flip-flops, but most of the time flip-flops are a breeding ground for the fungus because most people don’t clean their flip-flops after they shower,” Brennan explained.

Brennan also said the biggest thing is to wash one’s hands and not to share personal items.

“Don’t wear other peoples’ clothes, you don’t know who or what they have come in contact with,” he said.

Also, if students have an open sore, open wound or cut, they should take care of it immediately and make sure it’s covered.

“If you are sick with a cold and things like that, make sure to wash your hands, make sure if you cough and sneeze, to do so in a tissue which you can throw away, or cover the cough with a sleeve rather than touching things with the hand,” Brennan said. “And if students have a fever and it’s not getting better, they should see medical personnel.”

He said students don’t need to be paranoid, they just need to know what the real risks are that come with living in an unsanitary space.

A resident of the University Commons carries her belongings across the parking lot Residents move in to the University Commons during move-in day at the University during move-in day at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond, Saturday, Aug. of Central Oklahoma in Edmond, Saturday, Aug. 13, 2011. Photo by Garett FIsbeck, 13, 2011. Photo by Garett FIsbeck, The Vista The Vista

UCO Record Breaking Event!

8.23.11 East Hall Field Help put UCO in the Guinness Book of World Records – we only need 1,416 people to break the record!

6:30pm: Check-in – First 1500 people get a FREE tshirt 6:30–8pm: Free food from Slim Chickens, entertainment, and prizes 8–8:15pm: Duck, Duck, Goose - we have to play for 15 minutes to break the record The entire UCO community – students, faculty and staff- and your friends and familyare welcome and encouraged to attend. Just no pets, please.*

Let’s break this record! *Please note change of location from Wantland Stadium to East Hall Field.

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CAMPUS C A M P U S

UA NC TI IVV IET RI E SS I T· YA DOE PF A RCT M E ENNTT ROAF LS T UODKE NL TA AHF O MA FAIRS A C T I V I T I E S

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D E PA R T M E N T

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S T U D E N T

A F F A I R S

NEWS

AUG 22, 2011

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Social Networking

NEW MISSOURI LAW BLOCKS TEACHERS FROM SOCIAL MESSAGING THEIR PUPILS student.”

“I think [the legislation] is a wise move on the state’s part, because of some of the predicaments it could could put educators in. At the same time, I do think it needs to be defined at a level that would allow teachers to maintain a social networking site that would be professional, would be school driven,” Bill Pink, associate dean of the College of Education and Professional Studies, said.

Missouri is the first state to expressly legislate on social media contact between students and teachers. While private messages between a student and teacher would definitely be illegal, other limits the law sets are unclear. The law does not expressly forbid a teacher from friending a student on Facebook, but it is uncertain whether or not the act intends to make that illegal as well.

“We could put [the legislation] at the district level, because, truth be known, I think that’s a district level decision. It’s interesting that the state would make that decision,” Alana Maddock, nurse and cheerleader coach at East Middle School, Joplin, Mo, used Pink said.

Facebook to locate students after the tornado destroyed several schools and much of While other states had not yet expressed Joplin on May 22, 2011. Maddock won’t be able to communicate with students after a law interest in similar legislation, the bill could was passed in Missouri that prohibits teachers from contacting students on Facebook. set a precedent. Other states, including (AP/Mike Gullett) Oklahoma, have created legislation for social media. Last year, Oklahoma passed The act requires that each school district

By Chris Howell / Staff Writer legislation that gave control of the social netproduce a policy regarding communication working profiles of dead people to estate exIn the student-teacher relationship, how between employees, teachers and students, ecutors, rather than the website where it was close is too close? A new law in the state of including social networking sites, and manhosted.

The police department of Evesham Missouri has decided that a Facebook mes- dates that schools must report allegations of Township in New Jersey posts arrest photos sage from your teachers is, by its own defini- abuse to state authorities. to the department Facebook page. tion, too close.

The act also states, “Teachers cannot estab“I think it’ s a violation of the First AmendThe Amy Hestir Student Protection Act, lish, maintain, or use a work-related website ment, your right to free speech,” Dr. Kole named after a Missouri woman assaulted by unless it is available to school administrators Kleeman, a professor of media studies in the one of her teachers, goes into effect next week and the child’s legal custodian, physical cusDepartment of Mass Communication, said. by forbidding private communication be- todian, or legal guardian. Teachers also can“In terms of teachers and students talking tween students under age 18 and teachers on not have a non-work related website that alon Facebook, I just see that as extended office social media websites. lows exclusive access with a current or former hours. I think it can do nothing but expand

Campus Events

DUCK DUCK GOOSE YOU’RE IT!

By Christie Southern / Managing Editor UCO will attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the largest game of Duck, Duck, Goose Aug. 23 at the East Hall Field.

Registration begins at 6:30 p.m. and the game is from 8:00 to 8:15 p.m. The first 1500 participants will get a free T-shirt.

The current record holder is the University of Guelph in Canada, when in 2005, they had 1,415 students play the game.

The object of this game is to walk in a circle, tapping on each child’s head until one is finally chosen to be the new picker.

This is the first time UCO will attempt to break a Guinness World Record.

“We wanted to get the community involved,” Ryan Robbins, Director of Stampede Week said.

Miss UCO Rachel Hill and Dr. Kathryn Gage, UCO Vice President for Student Affairs will be in attendance among other notable campus names.

Some food will be provided. UCO cheer squad and Pom and others are expected to perform from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Additionally, DJ Jeremy Miller the man behind the music for the Oklahoma City Thunder games will perform.

Robbins encourages students to participate in the event and make UCO a part of Guin-

ness history.

“Afterward, we just want people to celebrate and have a good time,” Robbins said.

This event is cosponsored by UCO Athletics.

For more information on the game contact Ryan Robbins at rrobbins3@uco.edu

Don’t know how to play Duck, Duck, Goose? Watch OU’s failed attempt to beat to the record in 2006.

goo.gl/PpY3C

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TARGETED. FLEXIBLE. EFFECTIVE! Contact us: (405) 974-5918

the pedagogical relationship if it’s used in that manner. I also think there’s nothing wrong with teachers being seen as human beings,” Kleeman said.

The bill’s sponsor, Jane Cunningham, a Republican in the Missouri State Senate, said that the bill was not intended to forbid communication between students and teacher; it aims merely to make the communication public.

“I’m for [the bill], because, basically, it protects the teacher from suspicion; but I’m also against it, because the teacher is supposed be having a relationship with their student, and your way of having that relationship is showing that you are human, as a teacher, and just an average person like them,” Christopher Palmer, a 22-year-old majoring in early childhood education at UCO, said.

“I have teachers on my Facebook account that that I had in high school. I would never have tried to be a teacher if I didn’t have that one-on-one connection with my teachers,” he continued.

Facebook officials indicated they were investigating the legislation, but did not take any actions against it.

“I do think [social media] is changing the nature of interaction, and it can be used in good ways, but we always have to be cautious,” Kleeman stated.

The UCO faculty handbook expressly forbids sexual harassment and provides guidelines for student and faculty relationship, but does not prohibit communications to students.

However, Pink advises both faculty and students to maintain a degree of caution. “Once you open up your Facebook to anyone you say is a friend, that really allows them access to a lot of personal information that has nothing to do with the classroom and everything to do with you,” he warned.

NEWS

AUG. 22, 2011

6

Transportation

WHEELS ON THE BUS GO ROUND ‘N’ ROUND

Charles Lamb (left), Mayor Pro-tempore, and Larry Stevens, City Manager, sit at an a Edmond City council meeting in Edmond, Aug. 8, 2011. Photo by Garett Fisbeck, The Vista

By Trevor Hultner / Staff Writer The Edmond City Council voted unanimously at a recent council meeting to reapprove funds towards an agreement with UCO Transportation and Parking Services. The decision, which was voted on together with seven other purchase considerations, granted $185,327 to CityLink, Edmond’s mass transit system.

UCO has had a deal with the Edmond Public Transit Committee (EPTC) to create dedicated transit lines for students for over two years, according to city council member David Miller. This year, the committee has made two marked changes to lines in and around the

university.

One of the changes, which went into effect August 1, was the elimination of route 3B, which traversed the entirety of Broadway between the Festival Market Place and 33rd.

The former route 3A, which circled Boulevard and 15th, now includes stops in the Target and Lowe’s parking lot and has been renamed route 3. It will complete a full run every 30 minutes for more convenience.

The second change was to include a second stop at the Nigh University Center on “BronchoLink,” or route 4.

The first change was agreed upon over the summer, when the EPTC, together with UCO Transportation and Parking Services, tested

both lines for popularity and ridership.

“UCO and the City of Edmond work very closely together constantly talking and discussing and thinking of ways to improve the service,” Chip Nolen, communications coordinator at the Transportation and Parking Services office, said. “One of those ways was to change route 3.”

According to Miller, the city provides the bus and driver that makes the BronchoLink route every day, and the city pays. Both parties are entering their third year of this agreement.

A full map of CityLink transit routes, including times and stops, is included below.

For more informtation about Edmond CityLink, scan this tag

goo.gl/eO6WU

NEWS

AUG. 22, 2011 International Services

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Continued from page 1

AMERICA BY WAY OF UCO DEBATE

By Chantal Robatteux / Senior Staff Writer UCO hosts a large international student population. This semester alone, there are more than 300 new International students enrolled, bringing the total of international students over 1,200.

The Office of International Services worked all week, and will continue this week, to get the new International students enrolled and situated.

One of the new international students is Florian Larbalestier from France. Larbalestier is majoring in English studies. He arrived in Oklahoma Aug. 13 through an exchange program between his French university and UCO. He said the day he arrived, it was too early to have someone pick him up at the airport.

“So first, I didn’t know where to go and who to go with. Someone led me to a sort of taxi [which] drove me to Central Plaza for a quite expensive price,” Larbalestier said.

He added he was very surprised by the weather. “I didn’t know it could be so hot.

But Edmond seems to be a nice place, where people have been quite friendly to me so far.”

Larbalestier said he thinks it’s essential to live in a country whose language one is studying.

“I’m sure it’s the best way to make progress too. I also appreciate the feeling of starting fresh, having to meet new people and getting familiar with a new place,” he said. Larbalestier also speaks French and Spanish, and started learning English 14 years ago.

“But I’m studying English more deeply only since 2005,” he said.

He added the lifestyle is not too different from the French; however, he did have a few

difficulties.

“I’ve had difficulties to get used to the accent because I’ve only been speaking with a British accent until now, [also] what is hard for me is not [the part of] being here, but being here without the people I love the most.”

However, in his few days here, he found some things he already likes.

“What I like the best as of now is the triple chocolate filled muffins. I’ve never found muffins like those in France. I like Starbucks too. But there is also a lot of little things I like here which are not necessarily food,” he said with a smile.

Another new international student, Lizzy Koopman from the Netherlands, is majoring in Media and Entertainment Management.

She arrived Aug. 15 in the evening and was picked up by volunteers of the Office of International Services. She thought about going to Norway, but America was brought to her attention through an email from her home university.

Koopman noticed the people and the weather, just as Larbalestier did.

“In Oklahoma, everyone is friendly and nice, and finally I have good weather; in Netherlands it only rains,” she said.

Koopman said that UCO looked very good.

“I saw the TV studio. It was so much bigger than the studio at my school; it was very nice.”

She added this is the first time she needs to speak English all day and all night. She speaks Dutch, a little German and English.

“I came for the experience and to see the real American life, and to learn more English.

[Also] it’s good to study the world,” Koopman said.

Continued on page 10

“We are committed to bring debate to new people who have never thought about debating before,” Moore said. “We want to make debate accessible to the whole campus.”

The team will be holding a meeting 6 p.m.

Aug. 29 in room 116 of the Center for Transformative Learning, for students interested in debate. Interested students can also call Moore at 974-5564, e-mail at mmoore@uco. edu, or visit him in his office in room 126 of the Liberal Arts building.

Scholarships are available to qualified students who take part in the debate team.

“Debate is one of the greatest things I ever did,” Moore said. “Debate is the reason I could go to college, was able to go to graduate school. The debate program here has meant a lot to me in my life.”

The debate team’s first scheduled tournament is September 24-26 at Missouri State University.

Now that UCO has a debate team again, they can get back on track to winning trophies. Matt Moore, UCO’s new director of debate, wants to make debate more accssible to all of campus. Photo by Trevor Hultner, The Vista

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NEWS

AUG 22, 2011

8

Administration

UCO STILL A GREAT PLACE TO WORK FOR Higher Education Insight Survey 2011 Job Satisfaction/ Support

Teaching Environment 77%

Professional Development

Compensation, Benefits & Work/Life Balance

68%

77%

73%

74%

73%

Facilities

Fairness

Faculty, Administration & Staff Relations

80% 66%

70%

74%

69%

63%

69% 61%

Carnegie Master’s

Carnegie Master’s

Policies, resources & Effciency 68%

62%

Carnegie Master’s

68% 65%

Senior Leadership

Pride

Shared Governance

81%

Carnegie Master’s Carnegie Master’s

78%

68%

Carnegie Master’s

Over the summer, UCO earned a spot on the Chronicle for Higher Education’s annual list of “Great Colleges to Work For.” In addition, they earned the 2011 Innovation Award from the National Association of College and University Business Officers for implementing “lean practices” and making non-faculty school functions more efficient.

UCO was ranked “best in class” in three separate categories on the “Great Colleges to Work For” list; in “professional career development opportunities,” “work-life balance” and “supervisor/department chair relationship.” They also scored very good to excellent in five categories out of 15 total. “[The Chronicle for Higher Education] runs

these surveys on standardized questions, and a whole bunch of different scales, and they send them out to colleges and universities across the nation and people who want to participate,” Steve Kreidler, UCO Executive Vice President, said. “And then people answer directly to the survey. There’s no compiling here at the university, we have no idea what people answer, so in that case it makes it a reasonable comparison against other schools.”

In the Carnegie Master’s classification, which groups together larger universities that are lacking a Ph.D. program, UCO met or exceeded the benchmarks in all categories except one, and scored higher on the survey average.

According to Bob Ault, special assistant to Kreidler, 600 people from UCO participated

62%

Carnegie Master’s

Supervisors/Department Chairs

75%

73%

Carnegie Master’s

Communication 64%

61%

Carnegie Master’s

Carnegie Master’s

Collaboration

68%

Carnegie Master’s

63%

Carnegie Master’s

Graphic by Anthony Murray, The Vista.

The entrance sign and forensic science building at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond, Aug. 9, 2011. Photo by Sacha Swift, The Vista

By Trevor Hultner / Staff Writer

Carnegie Master’s

Carnegie Master’s

in the survey, and the university was ranked against 309 other schools from around the country.

“This is how people on our campus feel about this school, not how administrators feel about it,” Kreidler said. “this is a pretty big sample.”

The university was also among four schools to win the 2011 NACUBO Innovation Award, and is the only school to have done so three times since the inaugural award was given in 2007.

“Since about 2007, (NACUBO) has given the only award they give to universities, and they call it the Innovation Award. And they give this award to the most innovative idea in the nation, to any school or university that has the most innovative idea in our field,”

Kreidler said.

This year, UCO won the award for its “Lean University” program.

“Lean University cuts out things that someone as a student wouldn’t notice today as much as someone would have if they would have been here eight years ago and were still here today,” Kreidler said. “Places where students had to wait in long, long lines; it still seems like you wait a long time in financial aid, except it’s about a tenth of the waiting that you used to have to go through.”

Kreidler said that the school has “leaned up” roughly 65 processes across campus, and has been teaching this program to universities all over the country.

UCO Fraternity and Sorority Life

IFC Rush

NPHC/ MGC Membership Intake

Panhellenic Recruitment

September 6-9

for more information on each chapter’s membership process, visit the:

August 26-30

NUC Heritage Room,

Register online at www.uco.edu/greek

General Informational, Sept. 1, 6 p.m.,

Register online at www.uco.edu/greek IFC fraternities include Acacia, Kappa Sigma, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Nu, Sigma Tau Gamma and Tau Kappa Epsilon.

NPHC fraternities include Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi and Phi Beta Sigma.

NPHC sororities include Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Sigma Gamma Rho and Zeta Phi Beta.

MGC includes Phi Delta Alpha and Sigma Lambda Gamma sororities and Omega Delta Phi fraternity.

Panhellenic sororities include Alpha Gamma Delta, Alpha Xi Delta, Delta Zeta and Sigma Kappa.

Registration ends 8/24

For more information call 405.974.2580, email greeklife@uco.edu, or visit the office of Fraternity and Sorority Life in the Nigh University Center, Room 422, or online at uco.edu/greek.

NEWS

AUG 22, 2011

9

Textbooks

JUDGING A BOOK BY ITS NATIONALITY The high price of textbooks has long haunted the wallets of college students, but editions availible abroad provide a lower cost while delivering essentially the same product.

Comparing prices of four textbooks many students at UCO might need, brand new copies of these four international editions cost an average of $50 less than used versions of their US counterparts. (Source: Used U.S. edition priced at UCO Barnes and Noble, international editions priced on Textbooks-R-Us) Graphic by Anthony Murray, The Vista.

By Bryan Trude / Staff Writer New students coming to campus for the first time often get a rude awakening when it comes to the true cost of attending a university.

One of those costs, textbooks, can easily run into the hundreds of dollars before a student even buys all their books.

For some students, both at UCO and at other institutions around the country, a cheaper alternative is helping them keep inflating education costs in check as the American economy continues its struggle to recover.

“International Edition” textbooks are books printed for resale outside the United States. Online textbook retailer Textbooks-R-Us claims international edition books are identical to their U.S. edition counterparts, with some exception for cover design and ISBN numbers.

Textbooks-R-Us did not respond to an interview request from the Vista, however their online information page covering international texts asserts that the books have layouts and content similar to the U.S. edition. The company even guarantees that all content of their international editions are the same as the U.S. versions.

The company goes on to claim that some international books are the exact same with exception of the word “international” on the cover.

Some UCO students have already begun to take advantage of international texts, with some saving as much as 90% over the normal edition.

“I used an international edition book for my chemistry class. A book that would have cost me $200 only cost $20,” Chris Robbs, a premed major, said. “It was the exact

same book, page for page. I would definitely use one again. [The international edition] took a little longer to get in the mail, but it was definitely worth the investment.”

The possible savings of choosing an international edition over the U.S. edition can seem alluring in the face of rising costs. In an economic analysis of the textbook market conducted in 2005 by Dr. James Koch, professor of economics and president emeritus of Old Dominion University in Virginia, the costs of textbooks rose 186% between 1986 and 2004, averaging out to a 6% rise per year.

“When textbook price increases are combined with the 7% annual average increase in tuition and fees over the same time period…this has caused the overall price of higher education to increase significantly,” Koch wrote in his analysis, available

online from the U.S. Department of Education.

Barnes and Noble, the bookstore company that operates the campus bookstore on the second floor of the Nigh University Center, does not deal with international texts, according to store manager Brenda Ramondi.

“We, as a store, do not carry, sell or buy back international texts,” Ramondi said. “Some stores will deal with them, but we will not.”

Some of the concern over the importation of international editions is its legality. Textbooks-R-Us, as well as other international text retailers, operate based on a Supreme Court ruling in a 1998 case, Quality King Distributors v. L’anza Research International Inc. (523 U.S. 135) In the court opinion provided online by the Cornell University Law School, L’anza is a company that

produces hair care products, which sold its products to distributors overseas for much less than products sold in the U.S. Quality King, in turn, purchased the products and resold them in the U.S. at a steep discount. L’anza sued, claiming that such a resale was a violation of their copyrights under the first sale doctrine.

Although lower courts ruled in favor of L’anza, an appeal to the Supreme Court saw that decision overturned, ruling that once the product was initially sold by L’anza to international distributors, they had no right to determine what distributors did with product after it was first sold by L’anza.

“I don’t think I use them now, but I would use international texts if I had the chance,” Leonard Acquaye, an MBA candidate in general studies, said.

10

NEWS

AUG 22, 2011

Campus Organizations

Opinion

TAKING BOLD CLAIMS WITH A GRAIN OF SALT It just is not a skill we get in school,” he said.

At Lack’s previous university, Arkansas Tech, he aided in the establishment of a similar skeptics group. He has struggled with overcoming the perceptions of skeptics. “Often skeptics are confused with cynics. Skeptics do not believe without evidence. Cynics just do not believe,” Lack said.

After attending a Center For Inquiry (CFI) meeting over the summer, Dalaya has developed new ideas for the direction and momentum of the group. “We will meet twice a month. I think we will begin each session discussing relevant topics people are interested in, and then the second half of the session will look at the evidence surrounding a problem we are seeing. But we’ll mix plenty of fun things in there, too,” Dalaya said.

Members of the organization have participated in a variety of events. Ranging from counter-protesting Westboro Baptist Church outside Bill Maher’s show in April, to holding a “Ring in the Rapture” party on May 20th. The group has attended films for discussion, but the camaraderie and information sharing is not limited to physical meetings.

The UCO Skeptics Facebook group is constantly updated with research and findings related to controversial subject matter. Not only are members quick to share ideas, but also have created a library loan aspect. Members list the books they own over a wealth of subjects, so fellow members may request to borrow the literature.

UCO students are not the only people the group hopes to include. “We President Arpana Dalaya and Vice President Matt Korstjens, of UCO Skeptics, are committed to bringing community pose for a photo Thursday, Aug. 11, 2011. Photo by Liz Boyer, The Vista members into the group,” Lack said.

Ideas for various informational fairs on campus. I said absolutely, and Matt have been discussed within the group.

By Josh Hutton / Staff Writer [Korstjens] is coming with me.”

Ideas include a Darwin Day, a focus on Matt Korstjens, UCO Skeptics vice educating about common autism false What do power balance bracelets, vision-boosting eye exercises, and che- president and fellow psychology gradu- treatments, and unveiling products that lation therapy have in common? They ate student, alongside Dr. Lack and Da- fall short of their marketing mantras. each sport no conclusive evidence in the laya, kickstarted the organization. After “We really want to do campus demrealm of success. UCO Skeptics, a rising spending a majority of the fall semester onstrations. We want to show the comstudent organization on campus, seeks drawing up a constitution and vision for munity why this is important; show evnot only to challenge the bold claims the potential freethinking club, the lead- eryone in the community that they are of consumer products and health treat- ers presented their idea to UCOSA. welcome. We also want to help kids.

“I’ve heard most groups go by with Teaching kids critical thinking is so imments, but also to challenge religious and spiritual ideologies with tangible flying colors, whereas we barely passed. portant,” Dalaya said, concerning her We’re cautious. We pick our battles. vision. evidence.

UCO Skeptics became an official stu- We’re not walking on eggshells, but we “I hope our organization can spread dent organization in November 2010. are not antagonizing anyone,” Korstjens critical thinking, giving people a place “Dr. Caleb Lack and I developed a re- said. to talk without ridicule,” Korstjens said.

“It’s not the kind of club where people lationship because I was wearing an “We want an active group where peoevolution T-shirt,” Arpana Dalaya, UCO walk by and give us a thumbs up,” Lack ple feel free to express different views Skeptics president and psychology grad- said. “We want to tap into a minority on and beliefs. Where it isn’t ran by doguate student, said. “I began talking to campus: agnostics, atheists, freethink- ma,” Lack said.

Dr. Lack about how it’s very easy to feel ers. We hope to make isolated people UCO Skeptics will host an informaisolated in this environment. He asked feel comfortable in our group. Our pri- tional booth during Stampede Week to me if I’d like to start a secular group mary goal is to spread critical thinking. bolster interest in the new organization.

Continued from page 7

INTERNATIONAL The most different thing she encountered was the food and the language. She said, “The food, it’s so fat over here, and the language, but I probably will get better at it.” She said she has met some great people already, even though she had just arrived a few days ago.

Koopman’s friend, Carolina “Carlijn” Brandjes, also from the Netherlands, arrived one day later and is a Mass Communications major. Brandjes said she was lucky to be selected to study abroad through a drawing in her home university.

“I didn’t choose, everybody was already placed except some students. It was a big box and I was drawn for Oklahoma,” she said. “Luckily they took my name, or I wouldn’t have gone anywhere.”

Brandjes, on the other hand, did encounter a culture shock because everything was so big.

She agrees with the other two about the people.

“When I just arrived, treatment was very good, they want to help you,” she said. “If you compare it to my other school, it’s so different. They are very nice, awesome people.”

Brandjes always wanted to go abroad to meet new people.

“The experience makes you grow as a person, and learn the language; you cannot learn a language better than being here,” she said.

The hardest thing for her is to get used to the food and the different culture.

“In my country I can drink and smoke whenever and wherever I want since I’m 16, but now I’m 22 and I can’t drink and smoke whenever or wherever I want; it’s gonna be different,” Brandjes said.

She enjoys meeting new people, the weather and the school experience. Brandjes said, “[UCO] is a beautiful school, and a beautiful area.”

By Josh Hutton A Stew in the Stampede I believe a brief introduction is in order. I am the Rebecca Black of columns. Nobody feels I deserve to be heard, and I have a mailbox full of death threats. Included in these death threats tend to be descriptions of why my writing makes UCO students hungry to kill.

I’ve been told my writing leaves a “taste” in their mouth, a taste like “hot metal mixed with a dabble of blood” or that my writing is the “cheese-covered fried potatoes of columns.” Meaning it’s a pleasure so guilty, you regret devouring it.

With a new school year comes the new and unique opportunity for redemption. So picture me now: face lit by laptop screen, bearing war paint, lips covered with a faint veil of Cheeto remnants, fingers pressing onto the keys as if I were on fire. And of course I’m topless due to the hot, hot determinative fury I’ve entered.

To earn your readership, I offer up a pinch of advice.

Follow these three easy steps to avoid being the stuttering buffoon in the wake of a roaring Stampede Week: First off, do not attempt to develop a steamy pile of romance the first week of class. Students tend to have an unbridled energy at the start of fall semester that somehow translates into a dangerous level of confidence. So, when you see a luscious lady or dapper man that reigns supreme on the hierarchy of attractive, put on the blinders. Wait for the usual sense of crippling inadequacy to reemerge. Do not try to prove me wrong out of spite. I’ve seen that movie and SPOILER ALERT: it ends with some pitiful soul losing two years of their life to Facebook creeping and shrine building.

Secondly, whatever you do, do not bowl pumpkins or any variety of large melon into Broncho Lake. The powers that be put up with a massive amount of tomfoolery on campus, but they will make your life a swirling torrent of misery and woe if you desecrate the sanctity of the campus cesspool. If, however, you find a black generic canvas shoe in the lake for some reason, please scratch off the thin layer of green film coating the inside of the shoe to see if the initials J.H. are written inside and bring the sneaker to our Vista offices.

Lastly, and far more importantly, leave your mark on campus. The best way to establish a legacy starts with a good nickname. For example, when I introduce myself, I do not say, “Hey, I’m Josh Hutton.” Nobody could possibly remember a name that plain. So I say, “Why hello, I’m Dr. Beefy, tyrant destroyer.” Couple a good nickname with being active in campus organizations; you will find, as Carl Weathers says, “Baby, you got a stew going.”

Be the stew in the mad rush of Stampede Week: slow simmered, spicy, with a taste that leaves a rich memory for all fellow students you encounter. If we can avoid fever dream relationships and bowling large fruits, we shall begin our journey of wondrous legacy on the right foot. Welcome back, Bronchos.

NEWS

AUG 22, 2011

12

11

New Things for 2011-2012

By Andy Jensen / Contributing Writer

Several changes have happened since the last school year. To get you caught up, here are 12 changes for the 2011-2012 school year.

1.

3.

UCO has a new president. On August 1 Dr. Don Betz became UCO’s 20th president, replacing Dr. Roger Webb. Betz was previously president of Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Okla., and has nearly 40 years of higher education experience.

Names are changing. The Department of Student Life recently announced updated office names. Multicultural Student Services is now The Office of Diversity and Inclusion. Greek Life is now Fraternity and Sorority Life. Parent Programs is now Parent and Family Programs. Lastly, Campus Activities and Events is now Campus Activities.

5.

2.

4.

PrintCentral goes green with a new ZENN (Zero Emission Zero Noise) electric car. The vehicle is used to facilitate pick-up and deliveries from PrintCentral on campus, and within Edmond. Dr. Cynthia Black said that PrintCentral is committed to environmentally friendly practices. “In fact, the leaf and the green in our logo is there in support of our ZENN and ‘green is IN’ corporate commitment,” Black said.

Student Organizations has a new coordinator. Nathan Foster started August 1. “It’s been going really well,” he said.

Foster encourages students to stop by the Student Organizations office on the first floor of NUC and pick up a handbook listing all UCO student organizations. “Our office is always open for student questions,” Foster said.

Construction. Old North, closed for several years due to extensive renovations, will remain closed, but the new eastern structure will be complete soon. Old North will add classrooms and offices in the second phase of construction as funds allow.

7.

Old North Renovation, 18 August 2011, Photo by Liz Boyer, The Vista

10.

Musical expansion. UCO purchased the Oklahoma Hardware Building in Bricktown, enabling UCO’s Academy of Contemporary Music to expand into the second and third floors.

The new space will add more classrooms and music rooms to the rapidly-growing program.

Broncho Buddies. “We pair an international student with a domestic student for the entire semester,” Marco Rodriguez, coordinator of the Centre for Global Competency said. “The goal is to have them learn culturally from each other.”

Students can sign up now, and student pairing will take place in a few weeks.

11.

Easier Internet access. Information Technology is making it easier to use the campus wireless Internet service. Once connected to the new network, a student’s device will store the logon name and password, so they do not have to be entered at each logon. The new network began testing August 14.

12.

The Tech Store is offering a “Back to School” package to students on campus, 18 August 2011, Photo by Liz Boyer, The Vista

Back to school sale.

Central’s Tech Store, located in the Nigh University Center (NUC), is offering a back to school bundle for UCO students. The promotion offers a MacBook Pro with accessories at nearly a $600 savings.

The sale ends August 31.

PrintCentral’s new electric car, 18 August 2011, Photo by Liz Boyer, The Vista

6.

8.

Free parking! Students can sign up for the North Parking Agreement and earn a rebate on their parking decal. Students are restricted to parking lots 1, 2, and 3, located on the north side of campus near Wantland Stadium; however, they will earn back $50 each semester. See Safety and Transportation Services for details or to sign up.

Exciting times for UCO’s ROTC. The ROTC has a new Professor of Military Science, LTC Kenneth Jennings, and a new Senior Military Instructor: MSG John Taylor. Also new is Orientation Day, starting at 7:45 a.m. August 19, which MAJ David Price said will give ROTC a jump start on the semester. “There’s no obligation to join the Army,” Price said. “This is just enrollment in a military science class.”

9.

Know the Biz. The College of Business Administration has restructured its Operations Management and Analysis major after getting feedback from employers. As the new name suggests, a bachelor’s degree in Operations and Supply Chain Management adds useful supply-chain emphasis. The major is available beginning in the fall semester.

12

NEWS

AUG 22, 2011

↑ What’s this?

It’s a QR barcode! Using a camera-equipped device (such as a smartphone, iPod Touch or maybe even laptop) you can scan the code to decode various types of information and web links.

This code is your first clue in our campus-wide scavenger hunt. Scan each code to uncover all the clues plus the secret phrase. When you’re finished, bring your answer to The Vista’s office in the Communications building. First one to decode the clues and unscramble the phrase wins an Amazon Kindle!

Need a QR Scanning App? Both iOS (iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch) and Android device owners can use the Google Search app availible at: http://m.google.com/search Blackberry owners can use the free QR scanning app availible on the BlackBerry Appworld and at: http://goo.gl/6fs8Q You’re not limited to these apps or devices though, infact quite the opposite. Explore the apps availible for your devices and find the one that works best for you. Just make sure it supports QR barcodes!

AUG 22, 2011

NEWS

13

Health

13

Opinion

NEW DOC ON THE BLOCK

Out of Context By Brittany Dalton Prepared to Fail

Dr. Stephanie Husen is the newest member to the Mercy Clinic at UCO. Photo by Garett Fisbeck, The Vista

By Chris Howell / Staff Writer Availible to students and the general public, Mercy Clinic at UCO provides health care services inside UCO’s Wellness Center. The Vista caught up with one of the clinic’s newest team members, Dr. Stephanie Husen.

Vista: When did you start working here on the campus?

Dr. Husen: I started working here at the Mercy Clinic in the middle of July. July 18.

Vista: What is your training?

Husen: I have done student health before in Greenville, South Carolina, for another university. I trained in adult medicine and pediatric medicine, and also non-operative sports medicine.

Vista:What services does the Mercy Clinic offer?

Husen: Out of this clinic of course, we see primary care, adult patients, and pediatric patients. We can do sick visits and preventative medicine. We can do immunizations for children going to school, or adults who need to stay current on their immunizations. We can see injuries. We have an Xray machine here, so we can do an X-ray if you’ve been in a car accident, or if you’ve injured yourself playing a sport or

just riding your bike down the street. We can also see people with more long-term problems, like high blood pressure, asthma or diabetes.

Vista: Why did you choose to work at UCO? Husen: I like this setting on a college campus, and taking care of this age group of patients, but also I like doing primary care. When this opportunity became available through Mercy and UCO, it was a good fit for me.

Vista: Why did you become a doctor?

Husen: I didn’t start out as a child, saying “I want to be a doctor.” I went to college and got a degree in physical therapy, and worked as a physical therapist in a variety of settings for about four years. During that time I thought that I was rehabilitating the patients, getting the patients better, but I didn’t know much about their acute illness.

Vista: What is the strangest condition you’ve treated?

Husen: I’ve seen things from rare fractures to side effects of bacterial infections. A common sore throat can track into the throat, and actually cause your cervical spine to sublux [partially dislocate] onto itself, which can be very scary, where the spine actually turns and rotates so the patient ends up with a head that stuck in a twisted position. It’s because you have in infection deep down in the neck.

Fundraiser

HOMECOMING COMMITTEE TO BENEFIT POSITIVE TOMORROWS

By Brittany Dalton / Copy Editor As another year begins, returning as well as incoming Bronchos seek to leave their mark on Central. One way students choose to get involved is by becoming a part of Homecoming. Each year the Homecoming Activities Board (HAB) chooses a particular philanthropy to benefit from their efforts and events.

This year, the HAB is partnering with Housing and Dining; both have settled upon a single philanthropy to benefit.

“In the past couple years, we had chosen the Infant Crisis Center,” Courtney James, assistant director of Campus Activities, said. “We always collect different items. Every year we collect so much stuff, and for this coming year we wanted to share the love a little more.”

The members of the Homecoming committee discussed options for the coming year’s philanthropy, with one in particular as a frontrunner. After a discussion with members of Housing revealed similar results, the two decided to partner in their efforts.

“One that kept popping up was Positive Tomorrows,” James said. “In pass-

ing conversation [with Housing], we mentioned we were considering it. That conversation really put it over the edge for us, and we decided to partner with Housing’s Rock the Block.”

Proceeds from Rock the Block, as James explained, will be donated to Positive Tomorrows’ operations fund, and items collected will add to the “room full of items needed” that exists at Positive Tomorrows.

“You wouldn’t believe the items they are in need of,” James explained. “What you and I would think of as ‘normal’ things: alarm clocks, clothes, even food and bottled water.”

Positive Tomorrows is an organization in Oklahoma City which provides schooling for homeless children aged kindergarten to fifth grade. In their mission statement, Positive Tomorrow states their goal is to “stabilize homeless children, ensure their exit from homelessness, and facilitate their return to public schools.”

James elaborates that there are approximately 1,500 children in the Oklahoma City area in need of this service,

and around 700 are currently served by the organization.

“What [Positive Tomorrows] does is, they go and find the students, pick them up and get them to school. Because the nature of their homelessness is that they aren’t always living in the same place, this provides a reliable means for them,” she said. “Not only do they pick the students up, they provide two meals and a large snack for them over the course of the day.”

Although the children are provided breakfast, lunch and a small snack, James notes that a lot of students must go home with no guarantee of finding a meal there.

“I was fortunate enough to go on a tour,” she said. “And some children would come back in on Monday, and eat two or three helpings of breakfast. Just because they hadn’t eaten over the previous weekend.”

In a 2010 study conducted over Positive Tomorrows by the Institute for Children, Poverty and Homelessness (ICPH),

Continued on page 16

As another year of academia unfurls before us, many of my peers return from far-flung locales. Some look to the new year with trepidation, others with passive indifference. I set foot on campus once more for my fourth and final year.

Your student body president offers free Scantrons, and (if you’re lucky) your theater professor offers extra credit. I offer you my words, my experiences. Take them with a grain of salt, or turn the page impatiently with greasy, salt-sprinkled fingers as you devour your hot waffle fries.

Take a quick survey of your surroundings: the thousands en masse, the faceless swarm that deludes freshman into belief they are the “little fish in a big sea.”

We’re all slouching toward a certain outcome. As my Philosophy professor told my class freshman year, everything you do from this point on is ultimately tied to your pursuit of eventual happiness. Your car, degree, even your girlfriend (well…maybe not this one). Mull it over. From the moment you set foot on this campus –even before that, really- you were in pursuit of happiness. Intense, right?

The thing is: are you prepared to fail?

Disappointment in life, failure itself, is inevitable.

Maybe it came upon you when your parents bought Skipper, not Barbie. Maybe you weren’t the ninth caller, or you’re on your third driver’s test attempt. When a friend of mine failed her driving test for the third time, she moaned, “I’m always going to fail.” (My response, “Well, duh,” while in that instance true, reduced my friend count by one.)

But failure is a persistent bedfellow. In fact, failure is the troublesome, annoying acquaintance we invite into our homes and serve dinner with a smile; all the while biting our tongue, gritting our teeth and wishing they’d just get out already.

Basically, we often bring the burden of it upon ourselves. Sometimes, you’ve got no one to blame but your own mug in the mirror. How many times have you ever reduced yourself to the latest diet fad, grimly grubbing on an apple and Triscuits to lose weight?

How many all-nighters have you pulled to study for the 20 credit hours you enrolled in when 12 was all you needed or could afford? How often do you find yourself anxiously refreshing your Internet browser to see the eventual B in Biology, the one which for nights on end will haunt your dreams?

Lofty expectations will ruin you quickest. No misguidance intended; expectations alone aren’t the enemy. It’s when we throw all reason to the curbside and attempt impossible goals, we’re bound to be disappointed. We’re bound to fail. I believe that as humans we are capable of incredible things, but we are also at times capable of incredible fault. If you’re stewing over a failure, be it yesterday or yesteryear: let it go.

Let go of this misconception that you have to be “the” best. The only person you’ve got to answer to is yourself. The only question of worth in your mind should be this: is this my personal best? If you can truthfully affirm that, you are doing this right.

You are bound to encounter failure in your life.

Probably at some point in your four years here, evenyou have or will. Don’t let disappoint derail you from your own pursuit of happiness; don’t let regrets rain on your parade.

With the resilience it provides in you comes a newfound sort of freedom; what you do with it in the coming year, is your choice.

To my fellow Bronchos, both new and returning: Welcome back, and I wish you the best of luck with the year that stretches before you. Make of it what you will it to be.

14

CLASSIFIED

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

EMPLOYMENT

AUG 22, 2011 CROSSWORDS

S h o g u n Steakhouse

Searching for an exciting fall internship? JJ KELLY bridal is looking for self-motivated, Looking for conscientious responsible, organized, cre- workers. Part-time servers, ative individuals! Applicants bussers, & bartenders. No exmust be a college student ma- perience necessary. joring in fashion marketing or related fields. Must have computer skills. For consideration please email your resume and availability to info@ jjkellybridal.com, or call 405752-0029.

“Part-time jobs. Senior Services of Oklahoma is looking for students to fill part-time positions Monday-Friday. We pay $10/hour for energetic phone work. No experience is needed, we will train. BusiSearching for an exciting ness is located at 1417 N.W. fall internship? I do appoint- 150th St. in Edmond. Call ments is looking for a self 879-1888 to set up interview. motivated, responsible, orga- Ask for Megan Parris.” nized, self motivated, creative individual! Applicants must be a college student majoring in graphic design, public relations, advertising, communications, online media, web development, marketing or a related field. Please note that In home daycare, looking I do appointments internships for part-time assistant. Must are unpaid and are designed have some morning availabilto be for school credit. For ity. Call Rebecca for an interconsideration please email view @ 513-4221. your resume and availability to info@jjkellybridal.com, or call 405-820-0987.

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

FOR RENT Room for rent. Utilities covered, electric, gas, water, internet and Part-time receptionist Great college job. Approx. cable. $300/month. $100 27 hrs/week. Kennedy Tire refundable deposit. Call and Auto Service at 530 W. Caroline @ 474-1835.

Help Wanted

Edmond Road. 341-8767.

Drop in and apply today!

Help Wanted PT TECHS. OPT NORTH AND OPT SOUTH ARE HIRING PT TECHS. PLEASE FAX YOUR RESUME TO 9366493 OR SEND IT BY MAIL TO 3705 WEST MEMORIAL ROAD, SUITE 310, OKC, OK 73134 IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS THE OPT OPPORTUNITIES.

CAREER OR INCOME OPPORTUNITY Join the nation’s fastest growing industry – Mobile Marketing. Earn extra money or explore a career working for yourself but not by yourself with your own hours.

Unlimited income potential.

No sales experience necessary. Contact local company – Woodward & Associates Mobile Marketing, 405-2278008 jameswoodward@cox. net.

Private Golf Club Looking for friendly, energetic people. Bartenders, banquet staff and wait staff in the Golfers Grill at River Oaks Golf Club. We have fulltime and part-time positions so come join our team! Will train!!

Located just a few minutes from UCO, apply in person at 10909 Clubhouse Road, Edmond OK or email david@ riveroaksgolf.com

OKLAHOMA FUN FACTS About one in every 4 million lobsters is born with a rare genetic defect that turns it blue.

One in every 30 million is yellow.

Cashews are always sold without their shells because the shell contains an oil that can cause a rash similar to poison ivy.

New York Tribune founder Horace Greeley is best known for saying, “Go West, young man.” Problem is, he didn’t say it. The quote actually came from Indiana newspaper editor John B.L. Soule.

In fact, Greeley’s own comments regarding the West were less than encouraging. In 1859, while traveling across Utah, he wrote, “The desolation seems irredeemable.” Twelve years later, he proclaimed, “This Daniel Boone business is about played out.”

Sleeping through the winter is called hibernation, while sleeping through hot and dry periods like summer is called estivation.

Across

Down

1. Mexican cuisine ingredient 10. Biology lab supply 14. Jurassic quadruped 15. Cavalry weapon 17. Vocalization 18. Jack 19. “___ any drop to drink”: Coleridge 20. Appropriate 21. Staggered 22. During 24. Magazine middle 26. Kind of jar 28. Check 29. Born 30. Hand over for protection 32. Oriental 35. “Dilbert” cartoonist Scott Adams has one: Abbr.

36. Code word 37. Disgustingly 41. ___ Hardy, Marvel Comics’ Black Cat 45. Call, as a game 46. Kill, in a way 48. Check for fit (2 wd) 49. Unconventional (3 wd) 53. Arp’s art 54. More artful 55. Associations 57. Barely beat 58. Bind 59. Continental U.S. 61. Kind of code 62. Heights above sea level 63. Animal shelters 64. Tiny

1. Salt shaker?

2. Place to put the feet up 3. Poet 4. “Act your ___!”

5. Cause for a lawsuit 6. Bartender on TV’s Pacific Princess 7. Limpest 8. Clear 9. Bauxite, e.g.

10. Inquiring one 11. Swindler, slangily 12. Marine rock-clinger 13. Noisy partier 16. Blush 21. Created again 23. Residence halls 25. Athletic supporter?

27. Central parts 31. Tray 33. Preserve, in a way

SUDOKU Puzzle 1 (Easy, difficulty rating 0.35)

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APR 22 ANSWERS CROSSWORD

34. Show place 37. Become an adult (2 wd) 38. Cultivated 39. Not connected to network 40. Churchyard tree in “Romeo and Juliet” 41. Leaf-shaped 42. Poisonous salt 43. Salts with I 44. Short-short-long meter 47. Be a snitch 50. Hyperion, for one 51. Cobbler’s stock 52. Accept (2 wd) 56. Adjusts, as a clock 59. Cal. col.

60. ___ generis

THE VISTA Missed an issue?

Want to read into your campus history?

Now you can. The Vista Archives has thirty years of UCO history in digital format.

SIMPLY FOLLOW THE LINK AT THE TOP OF UCO360.COM

AUG 22, 2011

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NEWS

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Artifacts

OLD NORTH CLOCK REINFORCED FOR DISPLAY UCO carpenter Creig Mayhew reinforced a retired Old North clock face. It was originally installed on Old North in 1912 and is now on display in Evans Hall.

Wiley Simpson and Creig Mayhew of UCO’s carpentry department set a retired Old North clock face in the back of a pick-up truck, Wednesday, Aug. 17. The clock was installed in the Old North clock tower in 1912. The clock also had a date on the back of the face referring to a repair that was made in 1941. Mayhew made repairs to reinforce the clock’s wood work and it is on display at Evans Hall on the UCO campus. Photo by Garett Fisbeck, The Vista.

The aged outside edge of the Old North clock face that is now on display in Evans Hall. Photo by Garett Fisbeck, The Vista.

To view the audio slideshow, follow this barcode to UCO360.com

goo.gl/xTt7k

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NEWS

AUG 22, 2011

Art

GALLERY OPENS FEATURING UCO ARTISTS

By Ben Luschen / Staff Writer An art gallery owned and operated by several UCO artists opened its doors to public viewing on Aug. 12.

The Red Dirt Art Gallery, which was opened by UCO art professor Dr. Bob Palmer, held a large reception to welcome its new guests; treating them to free food, live music, and the many art works produced by several of Palmer’s students.

The gallery, which is located in Piedmont near NW Expressway, has a studio next door where the artists are allowed to work on their various projects. The gallery itself features a variety of different works, all for sale, including photographs, paintings, pottery and more.

For some artists, finding the right works to display can be quite a chore.

“It’s a very hard process to figure out which ones you are willing to part with but feel they’re good enough to put out there and to represent you,” Amanda Dodson, a senior studio art major who had several photographs and drawings on display at the opening, said.

Palmer happened across the facility after the man who owned the property gave him an offer on a building that he couldn’t refuse.

“He asked me to put a gallery out here and I told him I really didn’t have gallery experience and really none of my students did, but he said, ‘Well, what if I give you a year’s free rent?’ I said, ‘Well, let me

think about it for just two seconds,’” Palmer joked.

The building is housed near the Timber Lodge Steakhouse, which actually contains a mural created

by Palmer and others. Being within walking distance of a popular eatery has provided the Red Dirt with some curious new guests, according to Hal Ripper, a senior studio art major whose pottery and paintings are among those featured in the gallery.

“I didn’t think we would have any foot traffic, but we do and the main reason is because that restaurant is so popular. The people out here have been dying for something like that restaurant, so you have a lot of people going there which means a lot of people coming here,” Ripper

said.

Though the question of how the gallery got its physical location requires some explaining, asking why open an art gallery in the first place may get you a simple, Zen-like answer.

“Because we’re artists,” Ripper said.

Though the ultimate goal of artists is to have their work seen and enjoyed, some of the gallery’s artists, such as Andrew Akufo, whose painted tribute to the Oklahoma City Thunder is the artist’s personal favorite, have had trouble getting noticed by a more particular audience.

“I actually tried to get in touch with the Oklahoma City Thunder. I got on their website and sent them

Freshman Orientation 2011

a little message about that. They still haven’t gotten in touch with me,” Akufo said.

Though Dr. Palmer is proud of all those currently involved in the gallery, he is currently in the process of searching for another artist. Palmer says there are plenty of reasons for someone to get involved in the studio.

“Well, the price is right,” Palmer said. “I think we pay 50 bucks a month for utilities. Also, [the location] used to be kind of out here in the middle of nowhere, but the city is kind of coming out here to nowhere. We have a lot of traffic going by, so we we’re kind of in a growth spurt out here and it’s kind of nice to be a part of that.”

Continued from Page 13

HOMECOMING 72 percent of the students helped by Positive Tomorrows improved a minimum of one grade level in each subject.

The organization also participates in outreach programs directed toward the parents; Positive Tomorrows refers parents to resources available in the community.

Although Positive Tomorrow seeks to impact the numerous families with children impacted by homelessness, James notes the organization is not government funded. “They are funded through donations and fundraisers, that type of thing,” she said.

James notes that UCO students hoping to make an impact on their community can do so in numerous ways.

“The first and easiest way students can help is by coming to Rock the Block,” James said.

Students can purchase a wristband for $3, or a T-shirt and wristband for $7. All proceeds from Rock the Block will benefit Positive Tomorrows.

For more information on how to get involved, visit the Homecoming committee’s website by scanning this tag.

Freshmen students from across the country attended orientation at the Wellness Center, Thursday, Aug. 18, 2011. Students gather around in a circle to play “get to know each other” games. Photo by Liz Boyer, The Vista

goo.gl/O1XOw

Panhellenic Sorority Recruitment August 26-30, 2011 Register online at uco.edu/greek Registration deadline: August 24 For more information call 405.974.2580, email greeklife@uco.edu or visit the office of Fraternity and Sorority Life in the NUC, Room 422. Join us on Facebook: UCO Greek Life

THE VISTA

AUG 22, 2011

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k c a B e m o c l e W ! s o h c n o r B

INSIDE THIS SECTION 18 - FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK 19 - WELCOME BACK LETTERS 20 & 21 - LOCAL EATING GUIDE

22 - STAMPEDE WEEK CALENDAR 23 - MEET THE VISTA’S STAFF 24 - CAMPUS MAP PHOTO BY GARET T FISBECK

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THE VISTA

AUG 22, 2011

From the President’s Desk I am delighted to welcome you to UCO for this year.

Susanne and I are excited to return to Central after a six year absence.

The faculty and staff are looking forward to a year of opportunity and interaction with each of you. You are the reason why we are here, and why we continue to craft a learning and living environment here that both challenges and encourages you toward achievement with a focus on you accomplishing a most important goal – graduation.

This is a time of great opportunity for each of you and for Central. Ideally located in the metropolitan area, UCO has been a gathering place for education since 1890. Central today inherits the original responsibility and passion for learning, and since 1890 Central has been educating citizens around this region, state and beyond. You are the next generation of students, citizens and learners to be partners in this valued tradition.

I encourage you to become familiar quickly with the values that guide us here at Central, those ideals that we believe in and work hard each day to fulfill. The university’s focus on character, civility and community combine with the academic values of integrity, excellence, continuous improvement and collegiality to frame what we do and why. This is what we mean when we say we Live Central.

You will find that UCO continues to change and develop even as we seek to realize the promise of enduring values. The changes reflect our commitment to create and sustain encouraging, safe and productive learning and living environments. Dynamism is an enduring trait at Central.

So the stage is set for you to chart your course, to map your future. Your mission is to empower you to succeed. To do so you will acquire information, perspective and the power of analysis. You will develop and refine learning habits and communication skills that you will use throughout your lives.

We want you to learn how to learn effectively, so as the world around you continues to change and demands more from you, you will have the capacity and desire to adapt, learn, re-learn and learn again.

This process of adaptation will become easier and more fulfilling as you develop a passion for learning.

It is one of the most potent abilities you can cultivate.

We want you to become your own “college of one.”

In this way, you will be able to use your skills to take care of yourself and to serve those around you in your family, community, tribe, state or country. You will be able to use your powers and skills for you and in service to others. You will be the change you wish to see around you.

President Don Betz has enjoyed a distinguished career in higher education for more than 37 years. During that time he developed a reputation for teaching and encouraging students, leadership development and diplomacy through his international activities, most notably associated with the United Nations and its affiliated non-government organizations.

On July 1, 2008, Dr. Betz became the 17th president of Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, on the eve of the institution’s Centennial Celebration. President Betz resumed his association with NSU, where he began his academic career, after serving as Chancellor at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls since 2005. At the University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, Oklahoma, he was Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Professor of Political Science from 1999 to July 2005. From 1994 to 1999, he served as the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at

We believe you can do it.

My hope for each of you is that you will focus on your true goals and persist to achieve them. Help one another as the challenges increase. Many of your classmates will not make succeeding and graduating their priority. Some of them will not be standing next to you at graduation.

So keep your “eyes on the prize,” and in this case it is earning your degree. Fewer than 25 percent of Oklahomans have achieved this goal. We are ready and eager to get to know you, to be your learning partner, mentor, coach and teacher. You can persist. You can succeed.

We believe in you.

Whether you are a first time student, or returning to finish your degree, welcome to Central, your home for learning, leading and serving.

Susanne and I look forward to meeting you at university events and activities.

Sincerely, Don Betz President

Palmer College, Davenport, Iowa. For twenty-three years, he fulfilled various capacities at Northeastern, including the Vice President of University Relations and Professor of Political Science. While at NSU, he also was the Executive Director of the Educational Foundation, Assistant to the President, Dean of Continuing Education and Special Programs, Director of the Sequoyah Institute/Center for Tribal Studies, the founder and advisor of the university’s President’s Leadership Class and its Model United Nations program.

Throughout his career, he has taught thousands of students.

From 1982 through 2003, Dr. Betz worked for and with the United Nations on Middle East issues. He founded and chaired the International Coordinating Committee on the Question of Palestine (ICCP), a UN-affiliated non-governmental organization (NGO) network pursuing peace in the Middle East based on UN resolutions. Dr. Betz’s extensive international experi-

ence includes service with the University of Pittsburgh’s Semester-at-Sea, Chapman College’s World Campus Afloat, and journalistic experience in the Middle East.

A frequent writer and speaker, Dr. Betz has addressed international, educational, motivational topics, and has worked with newspapers, radio and television. His life-long interest in global issues and his passion for promoting cross-cultural understanding led him to over 80 countries.

President Betz received his B.A. in Political Science and Philosophy from the University of San Francisco and his M.A. and Ph.D. in International Studies from the Graduate School of International Studies at the University of Denver. He completed Harvard University’s Institute for Educational Management (IEM).

THE VISTA

AUG 22, 2011

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Welcome to Fall 2011 Welcome to the University of Central Oklahoma. For those of you who are returning Bronchos welcome back.

What a great choice you have made for your education.

UCO has a talented and caring faculty, small classes, and big opportunities. UCO faculty members are engaged in the scholarship of teaching and learning and are committed, along with the Office of the President, Student Affairs, Administration, Office of Information Technology, Enrollment Management, and the UCO Foundation, to providing transformative experience for you.

We know that you are likely to change careers several times during your working life so we want to be sure that in addition to an excellent experience in your subject that you will leave us with leadership and problem solving skills, connections to your community and your world and an understanding of health and wellness. These skills will serve you regardless of the career path on which you find yourself. UCO calls this Transformative Learning or “the Central Six.”

have 900 talented, engaged and caring faculty members ready to change lives and they are waiting for you.

Our mission at UCO is helping students learn by providing transformative experiences so that they may become productive, creative, ethical, engaged citizens and leaders contributing to the intellectual, cultural, economic and social advancement of the communities they serve.

Welcome to your University. Welcome to UCO. William Radke Provost and Vice President Academic Affairs

Next fall UCO’s accrediting body, The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, will visit our campus and judge how we are doing at helping students learn. Please find out all you can about the process and the visit this year. Get involved.

There will be informational events and opportunities to provide your input. UCO needs you to tell its story.

You will have a stellar undergraduate experience at UCO and I want you to be aware that the great faculty members you have for your undergraduate program are the same ones who teach in our graduate programs. We

With fall enrollment expected to be approximately 17,000 for the first time in our institution’s 119-year history, we hope you share our excitement as we begin another great year on campus. Nearly 50 full and part-time staff of UCO Safety and Transportation Services, as well as numerous other campus offices, will work diligently this year to help ensure that you are safe, that your property is secure and that you can get to, from and around campus as easily and safely as possible.

Parking availability is a frequent topic of discussion on campus. This fall’s record enrollment will place additional burdens on our parking availability during peak times. I encourage you to seek parking in parking lots located in the northern part of campus. Parking lots located east of Wantland Stadium are only a ten minute walk (or less) to the Nigh University Center and nearly always have available parking spaces.

If you feel uncomfortable walking between these parking lots and other campus buildings, we encourage you to use our Safe Walk program by calling Police Services at 9742345, or contact us via one of the Safe Walk intercom phones located in academic buildings campus wide, or our outdoor emergency phones.

To help with transportation needs, we have partnered with the City of Edmond’s CityLink bus system that serves the Central community via our free BronchoLink bus route. You may also borrow a bike for free via our innovative Bum-ABike program, rent a car by the hour with our Connect by Hertz program or get preferred parking when you share a ride in our High Occupancy Vehicle parking area, just south of the new Center for Transformational Learning facility.

Emergency preparedness is taken seriously at Central. The university is developing a nationwide reputation for emergency preparedness and will continue to work hard so that if a crisis does occur, losses will be minimized and the campus will be restored to normal operations as quickly as possible.

Every student, faculty and staff member is encouraged to sign up for Central Alert. This system will allow UCO officials to communicate directly to you via text messaging, e-mail and voice message in the event of an emergency. You can also opt-in to receive weather notices that impact campus such as ice or snow-related closures. Log on to UCONNECT and click on the “My Central Alert” link to enter your information.

UCO Police Services is here to serve you around the clock.

While you are on campus, Police Services is your police department. Police staff are certified, commissioned and trained to standards that exceed those required by many other departments in Oklahoma. Do not hesitate to call 911 in an emergency or our non-emergency number, 974-2345 if you have questions or need assistance.

You are also served by UCO’s Environmental Health and Safety unit. These professional staff persons make sure that your campus environment is safe from occupational and environmental hazards. They manage our campus fire systems, chemical disposal and a host of other safety activities. If you have concerns about our safety environment, you can reach them by calling 974-2216.

If you have questions about safety or security activities on our campus please call us at 974-2345, or visit our Website at www.uco.edu. You can access the current edition of our Annual Security Report which provides details on all campus safety services on the main UCO Website (search for “Annual Security Report” in the search box). The new issue of this report will be available October 1.

Remember, safety and security is everyone’s business at Central. Please do not hesitate to call us if you need assistance or information. Have a great year!

Jeffrey Harp Executive Director of Safety and Transportation Services

I would like to welcome all incoming freshmen and all returning students back for another incredible year at UCO! I am very excited to once again have the opportunity to serve you this year and hope that we can all continue to improve this amazing university. For those of you that are new to campus, UCOSA (UCO Student Association) is our student government and acts as the governing body and main source of funding for all UCO Student Organizations and sport clubs.

UCOSA strives to represent the student body and increase pride and unity on campus through dynamic leadership, a commitment to diversity, and an ongoing devotion to the quality of university life. We aim to meet the needs and address the concerns of our fellow students and encourage students to voice their ideas to help us create the best possible “Central Experience”.

Many amazing programs and possibilities you enjoy daily on UCO’s campus are the result of UCOSA’s hard work and vision. This includes but is not limited to the construction of the Wellness Center, extended library hours, the 4 way stop at Bauman and Ayers, game day tailgating and most recently free scantrons. It is the mission of UCOSA to serve as the voice of the student body by providing students with representation, services and advocacy within the university structure.

Over the summer, I have worked with the UCOSA executive team on many projects that we hope you will enjoy. Together, we have set a series of lofty goals for this academic year. We share a common commitment to improving campus safety, continuing to enhance the UCO Game Day Experience, increasing central pride, broadening cultural horizons and enriching our academic experience. We are devoted to increasing civic engagement and campus involvement among

UCO students through unique and dynamic programs and initiatives.

We as students have the opportunity to affect our campus environment more than ever before. In the areas of Academic Affairs, Campus Life and organizational funding, we as UCO students have achieved a level of input rarely seen on other campuses. Having worked extensively in these areas as your Student Body President, I have the utmost confidence, optimism and hope that together we will make an unprecedented positive impact on this campus. Whatever your expectations for UCOSA are, they will be exceeded!

Our door is always open, so feel free to stop by the UCOSA office, Room 148 on the first floor of the Nigh University Center. We want to hear any and all suggestions that you may have for new initiatives and projects that will benefit students at UCO for years to come!

Go Bronchos!

Matt Blubaugh UCO Student Body President

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THE VISTA

AUG 22, 2011

Eat Local, Live Happy Let’s Do Greek 180 W 15th St. Let’s Do Greek offers Greek and other various Mediterranean cuisine, including Suvlakia, Tabouleh, Falafel and Hummus on top of the standard Gyro.

Run by UCO alum Mahshid Aguilar, Let’s Do Greek has a distinct Mediterranean atmosphere with a little Oklahoma flair, the walls dotted with images of Greek landscapes hanging next to bulletin boards full of military unit patches and letters from customers applauding the food. A corner of the restaurant is even dedicated to the Oklahoma City Thunder, anchored around a large HDTV.

Let’s Do Greek in Edmond Aug. 15, 2011. Photo by Liz Boyer, The Vista

The food, prepared with fresh ingredients, is reasonably priced, with a sizeable selection of sandwiches and pitas priced below $5, with only one entrée above $8.

The suvlakia chicken had a warm and mild flavor, and was averaged out to be a sizeable portion; the relatively small serving of chicken was accompanied by a hearty serving of rice, onions and grilled tomato.

A popular dish at Let’s Do Greek is the oregano chicken sandwich. Priced at $4.89, one customer proudly declared that she drives to Edmond from Piedmont on a regular basis for the dish, describing it as “a spicy piece of heaven.”

Greccian Burger at Let’s Do Greek in Edmond, Aug. 15 2011. Photo by Liz Boyer, The Vista

Zarate’s Latin Mexican Grill 706 S Broadway What separates Zarate’s Latin Mexican Grill, located on 706 S Broadway, from the rest of the abundant Tex-Mex options in the Oklahoma City metro are the Latin American dishes available in their menu.

The rotini chicken pasta, a Peruvian dish, has wonderful flavors but you have to overlook the slightly overcooked pasta. The fajita for two is a great deal and the portions are hefty, so bring a date or a friend. The banana-leaf tamale is one of the better options on the menu since it’s a dish you won’t find in many places around the metro.

At Zarate’s, 18 August 2011, Photo by Liz Boyer, The Vista

The pureed tomato-based salsa is very nicely seasoned but if you dig something spicier then it’s not for you. On the other hand, the chips, salsa and queso keep on coming until your meal arrives. The dessert options are limited, but I would highly recommend the arroz con leche (rice with milk). It’s satisfying and filling.

The waiters and waitresses are very friendly and most speak Spanish as well.

The owner and his wife often take time to visit with customers.

The restaurant is very friendly and lively, abundantly decorated with Mexican and Latin American relics.

This is by far one of the better Mexican and Latin American food joints in Edmond.

THE VISTA

AUG 22, 2011

21

Thai Delight 1708 E. 2nd St. Thai Delight, located at 1708 E. 2nd St., stands as one of the metro’s best-kept secrets among Thai restaurants. The food is very flavorful and authentic. The décor taken is very open and comfortable. The lighting is low, giving it a softer look. The restaurant is very clean and the staff is always willing to answer any questions about their dishes. The Tom Kha Gai soup has a great balance of flavors with fresh lime, lemon grass and mushrooms. The Red Curry dish is a sizeable portion for the price.

The chicken with red curry in coconut milk, bamboo shoots and sweet basil is one of the better curry dishes on the menu.

The Pad Thai is a classic staple at any Thai place and theirs is one of the best.

Cody Gregory tosses a homemade pizza crust at New York Pizza & Pasta located off of 2nd St, 18 August 2011, Photo

by Liz Boyer, The Vista Pad thai and spring roll at Thai Delight in Edmond, Friday, Aug. 19, 2011. Photo by Garett Fisbeck, The Vista

New York Pizza & Pasta 1169 E. 2nd St. New York Pizza & Pasta is one of only two in Oklahoma, located at 1169 E. 2nd Street stashed away in the corner; the little pizzeria may be easily dismissed. Yet, this is one place worth checking out. The pizza by-the-slice option is good if you’re on the go; however, their specialty is their made-to-order pizzas. All their pasta and calzones are homemade, which shows in the rich flavor of the sauce. Not only do they “throw dough”, reminiscent of old school pizza parlors, when making pizza, but they have a big pot of homemade sauce on the stove, giving the restaurant a very at-home feel. You won’t see that at Domino’s. The staff is friendly and the food arrived timely.

Iggy’s 1710 E 2nd St The menu at Iggy’s is simple and inexpensive. The Chicago dog was decent. The real draw with Iggy’s is their $1 hot dogs on Wednesdays. They also offer a 15 percent student discount for UCO students daily. Their menu includes hot dogs, gyros, falafel, and an Italian beef sandwich. For those seeking some All-American flavor, try a chilicheese dog, and for those looking to appease their sweet tooth Iggy’s baklava sure hits the spot.

Chantal Robbateux Senior Staff Writer

Trevor Hultner Staff Writer

Kylee Turner Advertising

Teddy Burch Director of Publication Troy Fisbeck Maggie Melssen circulation Administrative Assistant

Evan Oldham Bryan Trude Cartoonist sports reporter

Anthony Murray graphic design

Trey Hunter sports editor

Cody Bromley editor-in-chief

Christie Southern managing editor

Garett Fisbeck photo editor

Elizabeth Boyer Brittany Dalton photographer copy editor

Ben Luschen Staff Writer

Josh Hutton Staff Writer

Chris Howell Staff Writer

Samantha Maloy Senior Staff Writer

THE FALL 2011 VISTA STAFF AUG. 22, 2011

THE VISTA 23

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THE VISTA

AUG 22, 2011

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1. Wellness Center 2. Baseball Field 3. Softball Field 4. Wantland Stadium 5. Hamilton Field House 6. Tennis Courts 7. University Suites 8. University Commons 9. Thompson Field 10. Max Chambers Library 11. West Hall 12. Buddy’s Cafeteria 13. East Field 14. UCO Police Services 15. Education 16. Murdaugh Hall 17. Communications

18. Business Administration 19. Central Plant 20. Old North 21. Art and Design 22. Liberal Arts 23. Lillard Administration 24. Evans Hall 25. Plunkett Park 26.Human Environmental Sciences 27. Broncho Lake 28. Thatcher Hall 29. Center for Transformartive Learning 30. Y Chapel of Song 31. Music 32. Nigh University Center 33. Mitchell Hall 34. Health & Physical Education

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35. Wantland Hall 36. Howell Hall 37. Science Lab 38. Baptist Colliegete Ministires 39. Math / Computer Science 40. Coyner Health Science 41. Forensic Science 42. Edmond Chamber of Commerce 43. Edmond Fire Station 44. Central Plaza

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SPORTS

AUG 22, 2011

WELCOME BACK THE ATHLETE EDITION

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SPORTS

AUG 22, 2011

UCO Football

SHARP AS A TACK

Quarterback Ethan Sharp poses for a photo at Wantland Stadium at the University of Central of Oklahoma in Edmond, Okla., Aug. 9. Sharp will lead UCO into their first and only season as NCAA Division II Independents. They will move to the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association in 2012-2013. Photo by Garett Fisbeck, The Vista

By Trey Hunter / Sports Editor Ethan Sharp had to earn his spot as UCO’s quarterback last season, winning an early season battle with former Shawnee High School quarterback Carter Whitson. Sharp had to prove to head coach Tracy Holland and former offensive coordinator Jay Wilkinson that he was the guy and that he had the abilities to run Central’s wide-open offense.

Sharp had to prove he was the right choice to handle the spotlight.

Sharp no longer has to worry about winning his coaches over.

It’s a new season for UCO football and also the beginning of a new era.

For the first time in three seasons, the Bronchos will compete without NCAA restrictions due to recruiting

violations before Holland’s tenure.

They will also compete as Division II independents for the first time in school history before entering the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association at the start of the 2012-2013 academic-year. A new era brings new expectations.

“We’re really excited about playing against such tough competition,” Holland said. “The MIAA, I think, is the premier football conference at the Division II level. We open up against one of the toughest teams in the country at the site where they hold the D-II championship. It’s an exciting time for our program.”

Sharp will be the leader of the Bronchos coming into this unprec-

edented season, with the support of his coaching staff, including new offensive coordinator, Chase Harp.

Harp was the offensive line coach last season and has been groomed

by Holland for the offensive coordinator position since coming to the school. Harp believes Sharp has the tools to carry UCO’s offense into a very tough schedule.

“Ethan has tools to run our offense,” Harp said. “He has become the leader of our team because of the position he plays. The quarterback is like the point guard in basketball.

He has to take control and be more vocal than he has in the past. He has led more by example than with his words in the past, but I think he’s ready for that to change.”

Sharp understands the expectations of not only himself, but also his team. The schedule is loaded with quality Division II programs. The Bronchos open up against the University of North Alabama, coached by former Auburn University head coach, Terry Bowden. They will also compete in road contests against Southeastern Oklahoma State, Angelo State and Southwestern Oklahoma State before their first home game against East Central on October 1.

“This is going to be a challenging year,” Sharp said. “I’m ready for anything and everything that gets thrown at me, and the team. We have a very tough schedule and we are finally going to be off of proba-

tion, which really excites everybody on the team.”

The former Eufala High School signal caller had one of the best seasons in school history last year finishing with 2,444 passing yards, which ranks fifth on Central’s single season record books. He also had 24 touchdown passes, falling short of the UCO record by one. He also had two rushing touchdowns with 88 yards.

“There’s no question that Ethan has the tools,” Harp said. “He was able to prove that last season and he knows the system well enough that he can improve upon all of his stats.

We are going to run an up-tempo style of offense this year and I think he will be the right guy to run it.”

View From The Cheap Seats: Welcome Back Edition

2011 UCO FOOTBALL PREVIEW

By Trey Hunter / Sports Editor

The University of Central Oklahoma football team will finally compete without NCAA restrictions for the first time in Tracy Holland’s threeyear tenure. However, this may be his toughest season yet.

The Bronchos will compete as Division II Independents for the first time in school history before moving into one of the toughest football conferences in the country, the MidAmerica Intercollegiate Athletics Association, in 2012. The first game on UCO’s schedule is against D-II powerhouse, North Alabama. The Lions are coached by former Auburn University head coach, Terry Bowden and are preparing to move their program into the Division I ranks. They are a very well coached team with some of the best athletes at the D-II level and

will be a formidable opponent for the Bronchos to open the season against.

After their trip to Alabama, Central stays on the road for contests against Southeastern Oklahoma State, Angelo State and Southwestern Oklahoma State before hosting East Central for their first home game of 2011. They will begin another two-game road trip after the East Central contest, making trips to San Louis Obispo, Calif. to take on California Polytechnic State and traveling to Washburn, Kan. for a game against Washburn University.

After a grueling schedule away from Edmond, the Bronchos will finish the season off with four straight home games to ease the pain of being on the road for such a long stretch.

The first thing the Bronchos will have to address, in order to compete

against their grueling schedule, is their defense. UCO gave up over 37 points and over 196 rushing yards per game. They also gave up 232 yards per game through the air. Head coach Tracy Holland brought in new defensive coordinator Jason Petrino to ease the Bronchos defensive woes.

Petrino helped Winona State to a 7-4 record in 2010 as the team’s defensive coordinator and should help the Bronchos improve as well.

Holland also promoted Chase Harp, former offensive line coach, to offensive coordinator after the departure of Jay Wilkinson. Harp runs a high-tempo, wide-open style similar to Wilkinson and has the attitude to keep the Bronchos top-notched offense in great shape. He will have plenty of athletes to work with, in-

cluding All-American running back Josh Birmingham and quarterback Ethan Sharp. Birmingham and Sharp were the mainstays in the offense last season and should carry the momentum into 2011.

Overall, the conference change seems to be the main hurdle the Bronchos will need to leap in 2011.

It’s never easy to leave a conference and compete in a category that is unfamiliar to everyone in the program.

However, the changes on defense and the addition of key recruits should bring the defense back up to par to what UCO is used to. The offense should pick up right where it left off as well, especially with Sharp gaining a year’s worth of experience. Look for the Bronchos to have a very successful season.

SPORTS

AUG 22, 2011

27

27

UCO Hockey

EVERY SHOT IS A GOOD SHOT

UCO hockey player, Donald Geary, poses for a photo at Arctic Edge arena in Edmond, Aug. 12. Central will open their season on on Sept. 23. Photo by Garett Fisbeck, The Vista

By Bryan Trude / Sports Writer Their players come from all over the world. They have no scholarships to help pay for their education. Their team gets no budget from the athletic department to help pay for travel and equipment. Their coach runs a pharmacy in Yukon during the day.

Despite all the disadvantages the UCO Hockey program faces as a club program, unassociated with UCO’s athletic department, they are getting ready to once again take to the ice in their sixth season as an independent team with the American Collegiate Hockey Association.

“Most of the schools in UCO’s main conference don’t have hockey, so we wind up playing a lot of NCAA Division One schools like Illinois, OU, Arizona, Penn State, just teams from all over the place,” Bronchos

Coach Craig McAlister said. “We play schools ten times bigger than we are, I couldn’t believe how big Penn State was until we went there last season and played two games.”

One of the notable moments of those Penn State games last season was a UCO goal to send one game to overtime. For that goal’s scorer, Sophomore Physical Education major Donald Geary, the moment was one of the more memorable ones from last year, despite losing the game in overtime.

“During that game, what went through my head was, I got the puck behind the net. I looked up, had four guys in front of me, and I just took the shot,” Geary said. “Any shot is a good shot.”

The Bronchos return 22 players from last season, a 16-18-0 affair that saw UCO lose three shootouts and once in overtime. To shore up his roster, McAlister lead a recruit-

ing effort during the offseason that brought in 13 new players, out of which only one came from Oklahoma – Forward Shane Khalaf of Tulsa. Out of those recruits, eight come from outside the United States’ borders. Six come from Canada, Defenseman Peter Kressner hails from Sweden and Goaltender Zdenek Zavadil is a native of the Czech Republic.

McAlister hopes these new additions can help the Bronchos build off of last season, which saw the team rebuild following the departure of 14 seniors.

“We had a tremendous amount of momentum on our side coming out of last season,” McAlister said.

“We knew that we had a decent core coming in, and we recruited to supplement that.”

For Geary, building team chemistry early will be integral to UCO’s success this season.

“It’s all like a waiting game.

There’s a lot of players coming back this year, if we can find a way to get some team chemistry early in the season, we can start by getting a few wins and get started off on the right foot,” Geary said. “I think that would be a big asset to help us come together as a team.”

For Geary and fellow Broncho player Anthony Knuth, that process started before they ever came to Edmond.

“Two years ago, I played with Anthony in El Paso, Texas. We became pretty good friends out there.”

Geary said. “We both got offers to all kinds of schools, but UCO seemed like a good fit. We decided to follow each other, we got together, asked what we were going to do, and we decided to come here to Oklahoma.”

As Geary and the rest of the Bronchos prepare for their season opener

Sept. 23 against Niagara University, they are already preparing and improving their game.

“The biggest thing I am working on is getting stronger. I was dealing with too many injuries last year,” Geary said. “Scoring goals is fine if I can play. As long as I can play, I can contribute and help this team.”

“One thing we need to work on is defensive play,” McAlister said.

“When everything is not going right, you need to know how to shut down the other team. That’s where it all starts.”

“We aren’t going to sneak up on anybody anymore. Teams like OU and Penn State know who we are and what we do,” Geary said. “Big teams are circling that day on the calendar when they play the UCO Bronchos, and they know they have to bring their A game.”

View From The Cheap Seats: Welcome Back Edition

2011 UCO HOCKEY PREVIEW Hockey has quickly become the most popular sport at the University of Central Oklahoma, even though the team is sponsored in no way by the school. The Central hockey team will begin their sixth season as an independent team with the American Collegiate Hockey Association and since their birth, they have created numerous rivalries across the league.

No rivalry is more fierce than the UCO vs. OU matchup that will take place six times in the upcoming season.

The Bronchos square off against the Sooners on Oct. 13 and 14, Dec. 2 and 3 and Feb. 24 and 25 to end the year.

By Trey Hunter / Sports Editor The great thing about this rivalry is

the fans. Go to one of their matchups and try to explain to your friends and family that you didn’t have a good time cheering on either team. You can’t. It’s impossible not to get caught up in the intensity and rowdiness at the games. There are ice cold refreshments being sold along with hot dogs, pretzels and popcorn. There are fights, blood, sweat and sometimes, tears.

Around here, all you hear about is football this and football that, especially on Saturdays in the neighboring towns of Stillwater and Norman.

However, in Edmond, football takes a backseat to hockey, no matter what day it falls on. It’s hard to believe, I know, but there is nothing wrong

with it. In a way, it’s a refreshing change from the gridiron.

I’m not saying that this rivalry takes the place of an Oklahoma vs. Texas football rivalry or the famous Bedlam Battle on the last day of the football season. I am saying, however, that there are some things to concentrate on outside of football. There is no reason we can’t take a step back and get a breather from the pigskin.

This is a challenge to all football fans at UCO and in Edmond. Go check out a Central Hockey game, and if you can, check out UCO vs.

OU. I promise that if you go to just one game, you won’t be turned away empty handed. They will put on a show, I guarantee it. They might even

give you the urge to come back for more.

There aren’t any stars to this rivalry either. There aren’t any Landry Jones or Ryan Broyles-type talents, poised to make names for themselves outside of the collegiate ranks. There are, however, tough, gritty athletes who don’t have the luxury of making the big-time money after they graduate.

They put everything they have out on the ice and all they want in return is a little cheer from their local fans.

So take my challenge. Go to a game.

Buy a refreshment and some popcorn. Bring a friend or show up with a group. Any way you do it, be sure to bring your blue and gold shirts and be ready to have a great time.

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SPORTS

AUG 22, 2011

UCO Men’s Basketball

SIBLING RIVALRY

Brothers Tyler and Tucker Phillips pose for a photo at Hamilton Field House Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2011. Tyler will be the UCO captain in 2011. Photo by Garett Fisbeck, The Vista

By Trey Hunter / Sports Editor Do you remember playing oneon-one with your brother growing up? There was always that sibling rivalry that sometimes turned into a fight or a shouting match that eventually your mom or dad had to break up. You would take the ball strong to the basket and your brother would always be there to swat it out of the driveway and down the street. Those were the days, weren’t they?

Now put yourself in a real college game with your brother playing on the same team. You drive to the basket with the crowd going crazy in

the background. However, this time you dish it off to him for the easy basket and the easy assist. That’s exactly how UCO’s Tyler and Tucker Phillips feel every time they take the court together.

Tyler, a senior guard, and Tucker, a junior forward, have grown up playing basketball and other sports, but have rarely played on the same team due to their one year age difference.

“Last season was really our first full year together on the same team,” Tyler said. “We were always a year apart in little league and once we got to UCO, injuries kind of stalled us from getting on the court

at the same time.”

“When we are out there at the same time, it’s like we have a sense of where each other is at on the court,” Tucker said. “It makes the game a lot easier for both of us.”

Playing under Terry Evans has helped both brothers individually as well. Evans, a former University of Oklahoma point guard, has elevated the Central program and led them to their best season in school history last year.

“Last year we had very high hopes,” Tucker said. “Daunte (Williams) was one of the best players in the country and everybody on the team though we could win it all. It

was a little disappointing when we came up short.”

The team’s Sweet 16 appearance was the highest achievement in Evans’ tenure, but after finishing the season with a record 30 wins, their expectations of reaching the Final Four weren’t reached.

“Although we didn’t get to where we wanted to last year, I think it will help us with the team we have coming back,” Tyler said. “It gives us something to work for everyday.

Also, the players we have returning have that taste in their mouths and that helps more than anything when you want to win.”

Basketball may be the main focus

in the Phillips brothers’ lives, however, sometimes it takes a backseat to some of the finer things in life, such as video games and golf.

Tucker had a chance to play college golf, but chose basketball after tearing his labrum coming into his freshman season. Tucker claims Tyler isn’t quite the golfer he is, but is pretty solid when it comes to the XBox 360.

“He’s pretty good at the modern warfare games,” Tucker said. “He dominates games like Call of Duty, but when it comes to the sports games like FIFA, I’m the best of the best.”

How’s that for sibling rivalry?

UCO Women’s Basketball

PLAYING WITHOUT REGRET

By Samantha Maloy / Senior Staff Writer

Every job requires certain tools to accomplish tasks, and it is important that those tools function correctly. As an athlete, the body is the main tool and it is also very important that it functions correctly. Under favorable circumstances, many athletes come back without serious repercussions after one injury. Hard as it may be, they recover, rehab and re-enter their game.

But imagine as an athlete, your body –your tool- breaking down on you and suffering not just a second, but a third and fourth injury and surgery. Suddenly, the very tool you need to do your job fails you.

The thought of recovering and rehabbing yet again looks even less appealing. A lot of athletes might be compelled to quit at this point, and understandably so.

Well, not every athlete. Not Kasey Tweed.

Tweed, a 22-year-old senior from Mustang, decided that she “didn’t want to have any regrets” and has continued to pursue basketball despite suffering two knee injuries in high school and two during her college career.

“I never really wanted to quit,” Tweed said, even though doctors and other people around her advised her to do so.

“I didn’t want to have regrets when I’m older,” she said and elaborated that working through an injury made her work harder.

“It makes you a better player,”

Kasey Tweed poses for a photo in Hamilton Field House on the University of Central Oklahoma campus in Edmond, Friday, July 29, 2011. Photo by Garett Fisbeck, The Vista

Tweed said.

The accounting major who is a guard for the UCO women’s basketball team is looking forward to what will be her last year playing for the Bronchos after her redshirt season last year.

Though Tweed has been playing basketball for many years, it did not start out as her first love, nor did

she heavily pursue playing the sport in college.

“I probably started [playing] when I was about five…on a little league team,” Tweed said. “I played mainly softball, and basketball in my free time.”

Once she got to high school, she narrowed her focus to basketball.

Yet as a high school began to wind

down for Tweed, a college basketball career was still not on her radar.

Nichole Copeland, who now coaches at Norman High School, was Tweed’s coach at Mustang.

“I had a really great high school coach; she prepared me so well for college,” Tweed said of Copeland.

Once Tweed was on Central’s campus, “it made me appreciate her

[Copeland] so much more.”

“I didn’t know if I really wanted to play in college,” Tweed said, but recalls that Copeland was supportive and continued to suggest that Tweed could at least try it, and if she did not enjoy playing at the collegiate level, she could always quit after a year.

Through the non-invasive support and gentle hints from Copeland, Tweed decided to take the chance and landed with the Bronchos.

Again with the no-regrets mentality.

Guy Hardaker has been the coach of the Bronchos’ basketball team for the past six years.

“Coach Hardaker has been great, very supportive,” Tweed said.

Through all her injuries, she added that “he has been there for me.”

Assistant coach Bill Shaw weighed in on Tweed’s contribution to the team. Shaw has been with the team for four years.

“Kasey is an inspiration to all. She has played through numerous injuries in order to fulfill her desire to finish out her career. She displays great leadership, passion and grace in all situations,” Shaw said.

The few months remaining before the season officially starts will fly by quickly.

“I am looking forward to playing a game. It has been about a year and a half, since I’ve played a real game.

I love the group of girls [that are my team,]” Tweed said.

Maybe there is something to this no-regrets mentality.

29

AUG 22, 2011 SPORTS

AUG 22, 2011

29

UCO Baseball

GREAT EXPECTATIONS

Tucker Brown, UCO baseball player, poses for a photo Tuesday, Aug. 16. 2011. The Bronchos won 12 of their last 15 games to end the year. Photo by Garett Fisbeck, The Vista

By Trey Hunter / Sports Editor Tucker Brown claims his first love isn’t the sport he plays at the University of Central Oklahoma. The Bronchos’ second baseman on the baseball diamond claims his passion is still football.

“I came to UCO thinking that I was going to walk on and play quarterback for thefootball team,” Brown said. “However, I was wrong.

Due to the team’s probation, Iwas forced to just stick to baseball.”

Brown came to play baseball at the school after spending a season at Seminole State Junior College in Seminole, Okla. Former UCO head

coach Wendell Simmons recruited Brown, but retired after the 2010 season. Brown thought about transferring to a school that provided a better football opportunity, but decided to stay after hearing Dax Leone, a childhood friend, was named Simmons’ replacement.

“Dax and I have a great past,” Brown said. “I grew up in Shawnee, which is where Dax played as well.

My dad and him became friends and I spend most of my child-hood watching and learning from him.

The decision was easy once I heard he was coming to UCO.” Leone entered his first season

with plenty of high hopes, mainly because Brown had spread the good word. Brown explained to his teammates that if they stayed, they wouldn’t regret it.

“I told the guys who were trying to decide if they wanted to stay or go that if they stayed, Dax would make them better players,” Brown said. “I told them that he knows a lot about the game and that they wouldn’t regret staying.”

Leone proved Brown right. The team got off to a slow start, but after winning 12 of their last 15 games, they were able to finish one game above .500 with a record of 24-23.

“The slow start was mainly due to team chemistry,” Brown said. “There were a few bad eggs on the team and once they were weeded out, things started to come together.”

Brown has high hopes for this year’s team. He believes that the strength of the team could come from the momentum that carried the Bronchos above the .500 mark last year.

“Our team goals are much higher this season. We should be able to use the momentum we had from last year’s winning streak and carry it over to this year’s team. If we take things a little more serious this year,

we could have a very talented team.”

The addition of some key recruits and the experience that the Bronchos bring back this year are going to decide whether the team achieves their goals. Brown and players like Uriah Fisher and Derrick Grimes provide the pitching and power that teams desperately need at the D-II level.

“I really enjoy the guys on the team and I think everybody feels the same way. I’m pretty sure, after being around the game for so long, that if we work hard enough and concentrate, we will be a team to be reckoned with this year.”

UCO Softball

OPPORTUNITY WORTH TAKING

By Bryan Trude / Sports Writer Entering the capstone of a 15year career as a softball pitcher, Rachael Steverson, senior advertising major, personifies looking to make strides in this independent year as Broncho athletics transitions from the Lone Star Conference to the Mid-American Intercollegiate Athletic Association.

The Bronchos enter the 2012 season coming off of a 25-23 2011 campaign, going 7-11 in the LSC North division.

“Our record last year wasn’t the best, but we stayed in the regional rankings quite a bit due to our strength of schedule,” head coach Ginny Stidham said. “Those rankings are based upon win-loss records against your opponents inregion, and we had a very powerful strength of schedule last year.”

Going into her 15th year as UCO’s head coach, Stidham is emphasizing producing a faster, more aggressive Broncho team during this lull season between conferences.

“The main thing that we’ve had to change is the fact that we had a lack of speed,” Stidham said. “This team will be concentrating on executing a lot more steals, a lot more runs, squeeze plays, bunt and run plays, we’re really going to concentrate on the speed.”

“I’m working on my pitching, getting all of my pitches to work every

in college, but then Coach Stidham approached me and asked me to play for her team. I just decided to take the opportunity.”

As she winds down her career in her senior season, Steverson looks to take a more active leadership role.

“I feel like a leader because I’m going to be a senior,” Steverson said. “I would like to take a leadership role with the rest of the seniors. I would lead by example, I think, by working hard in the weight room and on the field.”

Steverson also described the experience of pitching in a softball game, and the thoughts – or lack thereof – that go through her mind.

“When about to throw a pitch, I don’t think about anything other than what I’m about to throw,” Steverson said. “I don’t think about the hitter or what other things are going on. It’s like I get tunnel vision.”

Rachel Steverson (25), pitcher, poses for a photo at Broncho Field at the University of Central Oklahoma Primarily a spring sport, the in Edmond, Aug. 12, 2011. Photo by Garett Fisbeck, The Vista Bronchos open up the year with a game,” Steverson said. “I’m trying mans.

Stidham said that she actively re- short series of fall games, beginning to get stronger so that I can throw Timmermans, a product of Stede- cruited for speed, with a focus on Sept. 21 against the Oklahoma Bapharder.” lyh Lyceum Enschede in Oldenzaal, bringing in “slappers,” batters who tist University Bison in Edmond.

“I think, as a team, we will do To accomplish her goal, Stidham Netherlands, is a member of the work on putting the ball into play really good this season,” Steverson returns most of her roster from last Dutch National Softball team. She as opposed to trying to go for the said.

“We will definitely make some season with exception of outfielder comes to UCO with a .380 batting home run. changes this year and go further Megan Bentley and designated play- average, featuring 49 RBIs and nine Steverson, herself a transfer from than we did last year. My teammates er Brooke Walters. home runs last season for the OCU Oklahoma City Community Colmake playing softball a lot more fun In addition to her returning play- Stars. lege, didn’t go into her college caat UCO. If I was just having to do ers, which include seven seniors, The incoming freshmen are third reer planning on playing softball. it by myself, I probably wouldn’t do Stidham has brought in three fresh- baseman Macy McKay from Law- “I transferred to UCO midway it.” men and a transfer from Oklahoma ton, Kaylee Brunson of Tuttle and through my freshman year,” she City University, Nathalie Timmer- Debyn Fraizer of Broken Arrow. said. “I wasn’t going to play softball

30

SPORTS

AUG 22, 2011

UCO Rowing

ROWING IN POPULARITY

Central rowing captain Kristin Philhower poses for a photo at the Chesapeake Boathouse in Oklahoma City, Okla. Thursday, Aug. 18. Photo by Garett Fisbeck, The Vista

By Celia Brumfield / Contributing Writer

Rowing is generally thought of as an English sport, or at the very least, Ivy League. But according to UCO assistant rowing coach Andrew Derrick, “Rowing is a sport that is growing across the country and very rapidly here in Oklahoma.”

Kristin Philhower, a senior at UCO, is captain of the rowing team this year. She transferred to UCO her sophomore year and is majoring in kinesiology. “Basically, it’s the study of movement,” Philhower, who was not a rower before coming to UCO, said. “I saw a booth at Broncho Week and I walked over.”

Despite the growing popularity of the sport, “most people do not have exposure to it in high school,” Derrick said. “Because of that, we do some statewide high school recruiting, but we also look for very athletic people that might be ready

to try a different sport than the ones they have played, and have possibly gotten burnt out on already.”

“They do tryouts, and you’re a member of the novice team,” Philhower said of her first semsester with the sport. “I was moved up my second semester. Now I’m a captain.”

Philhower has won awards for rowing including: Coach’s Award, Broncho Award, Hammer Award, Newcomer of the Year, and Novice of the Year.

“Kristin is one of the hardest working athletes I have ever been fortunate enough to coach,” Derrick said. “She never gives up, ever, and has a very mature confidence about her.”

Philhower and her team spend most of their time training at the Oklahoma River at the Oklahoma City Boathouse Foundation, where she also works. “It definitely helps to get to know the sport,” she said.

“I’m surrounded by Olympic coaches; Oklahoma City is an Olympic training site.”

Like many sports, the rowing team practices twice a day during the season. “Most of our training is outdoors,” Philhower said. “We carpool to the Oklahoma River at 5 a.m. and we do strength and conditioning in the afternoon, and we’re always doing some running. Rowing is really time-consuming.”

Rowing is all in the family for the Philhowers. “Her younger sister Kelsey just finished her freshman year here at UCO as a rower, and her parents did not miss a single race last year, including trips to Florida, Tennessee and California, ” Derrick said.

In fact, Philhower’s parents won a team parents’ award.

The two Philhower sisters also live together near campus, and Kristin said of her little sister, “She’s the morning person. I usually eat

oatmeal for breakfast. My sis always has apples ready to go in the morning. We don’t specifically have a diet.”

Philhower added she does not drink alcohol, eats healthfully, and says staying hydrated is important.

Although she has her weaknesses, “I drink a lot of coffee, and I definitely love ice cream,” she said. “My favorite is probably pistachio, but not the fake Braums kind.”

If rowing is an unfamiliar sport, the nomenclature is equally so. A “coxswain” is a commander of racing “shell”, which is what they call the boat. “Crabbing” does not involve crustaceans.

“Sometimes the water catches your blade wrong and can flip you over,” Philhower said, explaining the concept of crabbing. “People flip over boats all the time. Our whole team always laughs.”

When they are not driving to the Oklahoma River, or running, the

team is heading to enviable locales, for rowing competitions. The rowers recently traveled to San Diego, Philadelphia, Oak Ridge, and spent Spring Break in Cocoa Beach, Fla. UCO’s biggest competitor is Oklahoma Christian University, who established the first rowing team in the state, and the annual race between the two rivals has been christened the “Stroklahoma,” which UCO won last year.

Philhower plans to attend graduate school after graduation and hopes to be a grad assistant rowing coach in the future. “I would love to go into coaching, but I would love to go into anything in the field,” Philhower said.

Derrick is confident in Philhower in her leadership position. “I think she exhibits some truly remarkable leadership skills that will serve her well as she takes the next step in her life after graduation this year.”

UCO Men’s Golf

STANDING ABOVE THE REST

By Trey Hunter / Sports Editor You don’t have to look far to find UCO’s Andrew Green. He is the 6-foot-8, lanky golfer walking the fairways of Edmond’s local golf courses. He is noticeable not only for his height, but his game as well.

The star senior, who finished tied for third at the NCAA Division-II Nationals last season is one of the best golfers in the nation and has been a factor for the Bronchos since his freshman season. He helped the Bronchos to one of their best seasons in 2010 and has hopes of making a repeat in 2011.

“Last year was really exciting,” Green said.

“We had a lot of talent on the team and we made the most of it at almost every tournament. Like usual, we get off to a slow start, but we played much better towards the end of the year and ended up with a third place finish at nationals.”

“We should be able to compete again this season and we have set some pretty high goals as a team. I have also set high goals individually and I feel like experience could help me reach them,” he said.

Green, a business major, has plans of going professional immediately after graduating and hopes friends and family members will help him towards making it to Q-School, qualify-

ing school for the PGA Tour.

“I would love to play on the PGA Tour,” Green said. “That’s been one of my goals since I was a kid. My family and friends have told me my whole life that they will help me with whatever they can, and I’m going to do what I can to make them proud.”

Green has the stats to back him up. He competed in 13 tournaments last season and finished with a 72.30 average. He had seven top10 finishes including a second place finish at the 61st D-II SoCal Intercollegiate Championships in southern California. He also qualified for the 111th U.S. Amateur Open after shooting seven-under-par at Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club in a qualification round.

“My idols growing up were Tiger Woods and Payne Stewart. They showed me that on the course you have to work hard to shoot great scores. They also showed me that those scores don’t come from nowhere, so you have to work just as hard off the course.”

There has never been a taller golfer in UCO history. His high-standing stature may urge you to think Green is a star for Central’s men’s basketball team. However, even though extraordinary height mostly produces great basketball players, after this season, Central golf fans will realize it produces great golfers Andrew Green, a UCO golfer and senior business major, poses for a photo at Kickingbird Golf Course in Edmond, Tuesday, Aug. 16. Photo by Garett Fisbeck, The Vista as well.

SPORTS

AUG 22, 2011

31

UCO Women’s Golf

CUTTING DOWN THE STROKES

Mychael McWhorter, a UCO golfer, poses for a photo a Plunkett Park, Tuesday, Aug. 16. McWhorter finished with an 82 average in 2010. Photo by Garett Fisbeck, The Vista

By Celia Brumfield / Contributing Writer

Mychael McWhorter was recruited from high school to play golf for UCO, but when she arrived on campus, she was greeted by a different coach than the one that recruited her. “We both came in at the same time,” said UCO golf coach Michael Bond.

It was three years ago that she started training with Bond.

“I couldn’t have found a better coach,” McWhorther said. “None of us would trade him now, that’s for sure.

We’ve done really well as a team.”

“In the fall we finished 12th in the Nation, and top five in GPA,” Bond said.

McWhorter is also honored as an

“Academic All-American” for her GPA. A senior this year at UCO, McWhorter is majoring in Criminal Justice. “I just finished an internship in Texas with U.S. Probation,” McWhorter said. She would like to continue in the same line of work after graduation, and also plans to go to graduate school.

McWhorter has honed her golf game since the age of 12 and has recently been focusing her efforts on her short game. “Which is chipping and putting,” McWhorter said.

“That’s where you pick up strokes.”

“In golf, she’s very consistent and doesn’t get into a lot of trouble,” Bond said. “Her short game has improved immensely.”

The UCO golf team plays to-

gether on the course and off, and has a strong sense of camaraderie.

“I hang out with the team for sure,” McWhorter said. “We like to go bowling a lot on the weekends, and we take short trips. We all came down to Texas and stayed in a cabin on the lake.”

Bond corroborated this, adding, “Every road trip there’s tons of stories. Mychael and I are usually laughing at the others. She’s kind of the mom on the team.”

“Every year we go to Monterey, California, and that is by far the most fun trip,” McWhorter.

If you have the same name as your coach it can be confusing at restaurants, but McWhorter will soon be living in a world of two. “I have a twin sister that just got ac-

cepted to UCO Nursing School, so she’ll be here in the fall,” she said.

In addition to daily practices at Kickingbird Golf Course, trips to the driving range, and workouts at the Wellness Center on campus, McWhorter stays active in other extracurricular activities. “I’m a part of emerging leaders on campus and also the Criminal Justice Club,” she said.

McWhorter is also a member of the Wesley Foundation, the Methodist College Ministry, and the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), which plans events, fundraisers and charities.

McWhorter’s second favorite sport is sand volleyball. “The last three years I’ve lived in The Commons on campus,” McWhorter said,

which has its own sand volleyball court outside.

She also likes ultimate Frisbee and of course, Putt-Putt, but she admits, “Most golfers are never as good at Putt-Putt as they are at real golf. You put us on fake grass and we don’t know to do,” McWhorter said. “It frustrates us all.”

“I’m not very good at Putt-Putt,” Bond said. “I have a seven-year-old and we played in Dallas and she beat me.”

McWhorter’s best golf game was a score of 75. Her only weakness is Coke Icees, and she loves dogs. “I have an Australian Shepherd and a chocolate Lab,” she said.

“She’s definitely a leader,” Bond said. “and just a great kid to be around.”

UCO Soccer

PREPARING FOR CONFIDENCE

By Brittany Dalton / Copy Editor

While some athletes yearn for the win and the glory, at least one Broncho athlete strives for a higher goal.

“This season I really want to focus on being a leader for the team,” Samantha Rusk, a senior majoring in humanities, said. “I intend to work hard to ensure that we have the best possible chance at achieving victory.”

Rusk, whose love of soccer predates her time with UCO, from the young age of six, played several other sports in childhood before settling on soccer, including softball, basketball and volleyball. Originally from San Diego, Cali., Rusk moved to Bixby, Okla. for high school and continues to play from there. A product of what she describes as an “athletically-inclined” family, Rusk is the second-oldest of five.

“My parents are very active in our participation,” she adds.

For Rusk, the most memorable games are those her parents are able to attend. “My parents moved to Clinton, Iowa my freshman year, so unfortunately they aren’t able to make some because of distance,”

she said.

The life of an athlete is one which carries over into other aspects of one’s life, and Rusk notes she is no exception. “From my experience as a UCO athlete, I’ve learned a lot about time management, about teamwork, dedication and working hard to achieve my goals,” she said.

Her post-graduation plans are not set in stone, although Rusk hopes to travel extensively and help all those she meets. For the coming year, she and the UCO soccer team hope to deliver on their own personal goals.

“I would just really like to see our team make it far in the tournament this year,” she said. “We have the talent and desire, all that’s left is the application.”

Having worked hard over the summer in preparation for the coming season, the team according to Rusk has gained a certain amount of momentum that she feels will carry them far. But she notes that it doesn’t stop there, and continual improvement both as an athlete and as a team is a must.

“We hope to improve, and maintain that improvement, every time we step onto the field,” she said.

“If we are able to do this then we

will play our best, and that’s all you can really ask for. Luckily when this team plays its best it means good, fun soccer as well as the win. In order to achieve this we have to keep our goals in mind always; every sprint at practice and every second of every games counts.”

The only ingredient left in a winning team is an inspiring, dedicated coach. “Coach [Mike] Cook is very knowledgeable when it comes to soccer,” Rusk explained. “The sport is such an instrumental part of his life, and he’s very passionate about the program. It is extremely helpful, to tap into that experience and devotion.”

Rusk is ready for what could be a successful, productive season. “I feel confident about the upcoming season,” she said. “I know everyone has worked hard this summer and we ended the spring on a strong note so if we continue with that momentum, we will be great.

During the World Cup this summer one of the players said, ‘Our preparation is our confidence,’ and I believe that suits us perfectly.”

Samantha Rusk poses for a photo at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond, Aug. 12. Photo by Garett Fisbeck, The Vista

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SPORTS

AUG 22, 2011

UCO Track and Field

THE SKY IS THE LIMIT

Lacey Rhodes jumps at Edmond North High School in Edmond, Aug. 11, 2011. Rhodes was named an NCAA D-II All-American last season. Photo by Garett Fisbeck, The Vista

By Celia Brumfield / Contributing Writer

Summer is a change of pace for the NCAA-honored All-American high jumper, long jumper, and hurdler Lacey Rhodes. “I haven’t been jumping or anything, just coaching,” Rhodes, a sophomore majoring in public relations, said. “I’ve been helping a freshman in high school with the high jump.”

One of Rhodes’ new events for this season is the hurdles, which involves speed and strength. “She enjoys hurdling,” UCO head track coach Martha Brennan said. “For the off-season semester I really want to get stronger,” Rhodes said. “If I build up muscle now it will be with me in the spring. I’m hoping I can get my time down in the hurdles.”

At a photo shoot, Lacey mentioned that she had never tripped or fallen over a hurdle, but declined to jump while holding her NCAA trophy, a unique photo opportunity, stating that this would probably end her lucky streak.

For her freshman year, Rhodes’ “season best” jump was 5’9 ¾” and she feels confident that she will meet her personal goal of clearing the 6’ bar this fall. “High jump will always be her focus, but this year it will be interesting to see how those other events develop,” Brennan said.

“She’s done a really good job as a freshman transitioning from high school,” Brennan said. “Her sophomore year will be fun because she knows what’s going on.”

Despite her inexperience, Rhodes was the highest-ranking freshman

at the recent NCAA Nationals track meet held at Cal-State, and was honored as “All-American” for clearing the 5’6” bar in the high jump event.

When asked if she set individual goals for her athletes, Brennan replied, “No. I think it is dangerous to say ‘you should jump this high,’ or ‘you should run this fast.’ My goal is always to develop a competitive team, and to do that you’ve got to have people like Lacey Rhodes.”

Rhodes spends her summers in Pauls Valley with her family and works at a golf course which she enjoys, but admits, “I have never golfed a day in my life. I am awful at sports that are slow and golf seems like a slow sport to me.” Rhodes always likes to be busy, whether it is summer, or classes are in session.

“She’s a kid that typically doesn’t

like running workouts but over the summer she’s been telling me she enjoys long runs,” Brennan said of Rhodes, and added that they keep in touch over the summer.

“It’s perfectly normal for us to just talk once a month. We spend so much time together during the season, I think we need a break from each other,” Brennan added, laughing.

“My summer training has just been a lot of cardio,” Rhodes said, and added that during the regular season, “Coach makes us run three miles, three days a week, and three easy lifts.” And once a week, I’ll do one mile hard, squats, and a really hard lift,” Rhodes said.

“On the days I do three miles, I’ll do push-ups,” Rhodes added. “Usually I just do a set of 15…hopefully,

but we have to be able to do 20.”

Practice usually involves up to 60 push-ups, but not all together.

When asked the question, “regular or girly-style push-ups,” Rhodes replied, “I used to have to do the girly kind, but when I got to college Coach B wouldn’t let me. She said I needed to build my upper body.”

Upper-body strength will be even more important as Rhodes will start training for the javelin this season in addition to her other events. Brennan said, “The National meet is in May, and that first week after Labor Day, we’ll start practicing.”

Brennan said of her main goal for her athletes,” I want them to really learn the sport… and have a successful career.”

UCO Cross-Country

CALLING ALL CAPTAINS

By Celia Brumfield / Contributing Writer

“She’s going to be the new team captain this year,” head cross-country coach J.D. Martin said of UCO senior Heather Braley, who was close-lipped for weeks about being honored with the position. “I think she wanted me to announce it,” Martin said.

Martin chose Braley for her experience, performance, and attitude.

“We do try to get seniors for one thing,” Martin said. “Heather’s a very hard-working, dedicated individual, and she’s demonstrated being a good leader.”

Braley is a psychology major who plans on going to graduate school after graduation. She wants to focus her studies on autism. “There is so much that has yet to be discovered,” Braley said. “I want to work with people who have autism. It’s kind of been a passion of mine. I want to know what goes on in their heads.”

Braley stays very busy with cross

country practices at 6 a.m. and 3 p.m. as well as classes. “She works as well as going to school,” Martin said.

“Sometimes,” Braley said, “it’s hard to work around having a job and classes.”

The new UCO cross-country team captain also runs track in the off season. “I like track,” Braley said.

She competes in the 1500 and the 1800 meter races.

“We’re pretty much running year round,” Braley explained. “During the year it’s pretty much every day.

You kind of have to have that competitive nature… You have to love it.”

In addition to a competitive nature and a desire to perform, an athlete must be in-tune with their bodies. “You have to know when your body needs a break,” Braley said.

“She’s had more than her fair share of injuries… she’s rehabbed hard,” Martin said.

Of her recovery, Braley said, “It’s kind of hard to come back.”

When she was recovering from an injury she had to be careful. “She spent most of her time in the wellness center,” Martin recalled. “She couldn’t come out and run with the team. She missed so much she didn’t have the season she should have. But if she stays healthy, she’ll have her best year.

She’s a good kid,” he said of Brawley.

Braley enjoys spending time with her teammates and said they are usually laughing when they’re together, but when questioned, she was unwilling to divulge any information as to what the laughter was about.

“We’re competitive within our team,” she said, and added that last season, as far as the pace-keeping at practice went, “We kind of took turns leading a lot.”

Practices are usually spent running around five miles. “Our long runs will be around eight,” Braley said. “When we first start, it’s mostly about mileage. It’s not hard for me.

Heather Braley, senior cross-country runner, poses for a photo at Plunkett Park, Tuesday, Aug. 16. Photo by Garett Fisbeck, The Vista

I’ve kind of been doing it forever.”

Although, the most she ever runs is about 10 miles at a time. “I don’t do the crazy marathon or anything,” she said.

Braley always tries to eat healthfully, but in cross-country she said,”

We don’t really have a specific diet.

I don’t drink pop.”

However, she incriminated herself by saying she indeed likes cookies, and went even further by saying, “Sometimes I drink energy drinks. That’s what I need to stop.”