Volume 119, Issue 20
the
VISTA “Our Words, Your Voice.”
vistanews1903 @thevista1903 @thevista1903 The Vista ucentralmedia.com Tuesday, March 1, 2022
Putin orders military operation into Ukraine, financial santions slam the Russian economy
Natali Sevriukova reacts next to her house following a rocket attack the city of Kyiv, Feb. 25, 2022. (Emilio Morenatti/AP Images)
Sam Royka Reporter
Shells dropped on the Kyiv airport early Thursday morning as Russia invaded Ukraine, rolling in tanks and seizing control of Chernobyl. Russia’s nuclear weapons are now on high alert, meaning that the weapons are easier to detonate on shorter notice. Putin ordered the change Sunday. US troops have been ordered into countries that border Ukraine, such as Germany and Poland, but as Ukraine is not part of NATO, there are currently no plans to send troops there.
President Joe Biden confirmed this in his address Friday. Germany has lifted its ban on giving lethal foreign aid, and is sending Ukraine rocket launchers and missiles among other weapons. The Russian currency, the rouble, crashed 40 percent on Monday when trading opened and sanctions hit. Additionally, nine countries have banned Russian aircraft from their airspace. “This night they will storm,” Ukraine President Volodomyr Zelenskyy warned Friday after appealing for a cease-fire. Attacks on Kyiv as well as
other cities continued throughout the night. One Ukrainian, Andriy Vasylenko, is posting videos and updates about his experiences on YouTube. In a video uploaded Friday, Vasylenko describes traffic jams and unavailability of train tickets as people flee the country. He and his family are currently residing in the bomb shelter, as are many other Ukrainians. Kyiv has set a curfew and encouraged evacuation or to go to the bomb shelter. In some areas, subways are being used as shelters. Ukrainian guards fired warning
shots Friday to prevent a stampede at Kyiv’s central train station as crowds forced their way onto evacuation trains, but there were too many people to carry everyone out of Kyiv to western city Lviv. A Ukrainian soldier has blown himself up to prevent further Russian advance on a bridge. His name was Vitaly Skakun Volodymyrovych. He was a Marine battalion engineer. Russian President Vladimir Putin encouraged Ukrainian forces to overthrow their leaders Friday, Continued on Pg. 3
UCO men’s basketball takes 2022 MIAA title Madalyn Nix Editor-in-Chief
At Saturday’s final game of the 2021-22 season at Hamilton Field House, UCO men’s basketball defeated Missouri Southern 95-76, claiming their first MIAA regular season title since joining the league 10 years ago. The Vista spoke with Head Coach Bob Hoffman about the significance of Saturday’s win and what it took to get here and become champions. He said the work began last spring after their postseason loss to Northwest Missouri.
“We had to address a couple of things,” he said. “First of all, we needed to be better at who we were, and just be really… together more and everything we’re doing, so we focused on being able to do it from inside out, and no matter what the circumstances around us were, not let the circumstance define us, but that we would define our circumstances.” Hoffman said he’s excited about what’s next. “Because of our depth and our mindset of what we’ve been Continued on Pg. 3
UCO men’s basketball defeated Missouri Southern 95-76, claiming their first MIAA regular season title since joining the league 10 years ago. (Provided/ UCO Athletics)
2 | The Vista
Tuesday, March 1, 2022 COVID-19 Testing: IMMY Labs is offering free, drive-thru COVID-19 testing at 312 E. Main St. in Edmond from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 to 7 p.m. Employer resumé critiques: From 3 to 5 p.m. in the Nigh University Center 338, professional recruiters will review and provide feedback on student resumés. No appointment is necessary. Housing and Living Fair 2022: From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Broncho Lake, visit with representatives from local Edmond apartment complexes and UCO Housing to find your best fit for next year. How to avoid misinformation: At 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. in the Max Chambers Library 226, learn about avoiding misinformation. Wednesday, March 2, 2022 COVID-19 Testing: IMMY Labs is offering free, drive-thru COVID-19 testing at 312 E. Main St. in Edmond from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 to 7 p.m. F/64 Photo Society meeting: Begin-
March 1, 2022
ning at 1 p.m. in the mass communications building Room 104, UCO’s photo club is hosting their annual bi-weekly meeting. All students and majors are welcome to join. New faculty lecture series: Wendy Barnes, D. Litt.: Beginning at 3:30 p.m., Dr. Wendy Barnes is presenting “Readings in Memoir and Poetry: Excerpts from ‘Landscape with Bloodfeud’ and ‘The Hunger Year’”. Register for the virtual event at uco. edu/barnes. Spring career and internship fair: From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Nigh University Center Ballrooms, learn about opportunities available from a diverse range of organizations and graduate programs. Business professional attire is strongly recommended. Women’s History Month Kickoff: From 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Nigh University Center, Will Rogers Room 421, the American Association of University Women at Central will be kicking off Women’s History Month. Lunch will be provided.
Around Campus
How to avoid plagiarism: At 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. in the Max Chambers Library 226, learn ways to avoid plagiarism. "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street": This performance begins at 7:30 p.m. at Mitchell Hall Theatre. The Midnight Garden closing reception: From 5 to 7:30 p.m. in the Melton Gallery, The Midnight Garden exhibition will have its closing reception. All are welcome to attend. Friday, March 4, 2022 Baseball: UCO competes against Rogers State at 5 p.m. at Wendell Simmons Field in Edmond. COVID-19 Testing: IMMY Labs is offering free, drive-thru COVID-19 testing at 312 E. Main St. in Edmond from 7 to 11 a.m. and 2 to 6 p.m. "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street": This performance begins at 7:30 p.m. at Mitchell Hall Theatre.
Thursday, March 3, 2022
Saturday, March 5, 2022
COVID-19 Testing: IMMY Labs is offering free, drive-thru COVID-19 testing at 312 E. Main St. in Edmond from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 to 7 p.m.
Baseball: UCO competes against Rogers State at 3 p.m. at Wendell Simmons Field in Edmond.
Diamond on the Rocks: This tribute to Neil Diamond begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Jazz Lab, located at 100 E. Fifth St. in Edmond. Doors open at 7 p.m. and tickets are available online. "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street": This performance begins at 7:30 p.m. at Mitchell Hall Theatre. Sunday, March 6, 2022 Baseball: UCO competes against Rogers State at 1 p.m. at Wendell Simmons Field in Edmond. COVID-19 Testing: IMMY Labs is offering free, drive-thru COVID-19 testing at 312 E. Main St. in Edmond from 11 a.m. to 5 pm. Information Technology - maintenance: Systems maintenance will be conducted from 5 a.m. to noon. Multiple services may be unavailable during this timeframe. "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street": This performance begins at 2 p.m. at Mitchell Hall Theatre.
To submit events for next week’s Around Campus, please email thevista@ucentralmedia.com. Include the title of your event, time and place, and a brief description. Descriptions are subject to editing.
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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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Russia/Basketball
The Vista | 3
March 1, 2022
Ukrainian citizens flee Russian invasion Continued from Pg. 1
calling them a “gang of drug addicts and neo-Nazis.” A radio exchange Feb. 24 between Russian and Ukrainian battleships was thought to have ended with the deaths of 13 Ukrainians before the Ukrainian Navy reported that they are “alive and well” Monday. The exchange went as follows. “We are a Russian battleship. We suggest that you disarm and surrender to avoid bloodshed and unnecessary casualties. Otherwise, you will be bombed. Snake Island, we are a Russian battleship, I repeat. We suggest that you disarm and surrender. Otherwise, you will be bombed. Do you copy?” stated the Russian ship. “Russian battleship, idi nahui,” replied the Ukrainian ship. Note: ‘idi nahui’ is a vulgar phrase equivalent to go f*** yourself. Reports have surfaced that Russian forces have attacked a kindergarten, injuring Ukrainian children. Earlier in the week, when Russia had surrounded Ukraine with 150,000 troops, Putin signed a decree to recognize independence of two east Ukrainian
provinces, Donetsk and Luhansk, collectively re- hope that he and his supporters will come to realize ferred to as Donbas. Soon after, Russian forces en- that such greatness can only be attained by using the tered the country in those areas. The pro-Russian power, wealth, and talents of the Russian governseparatists claim control of these regions. ment and people for peaceful rather than belligerPresident Biden has announced more sanctions ent aims,” Huneke said. against Russia, conceding that financial restrictions This is a developing story. did not stop Putin’s invasion, but has not said if the U.S. will send in military forces. We spoke to Erik Huneke, a professor at UCO who is teaching Russian History Since 1917 this semester. “I stand in solidarity with the people and government of Ukraine and with people and governments around the world, including courageous Russian protesters, who support human rights, respect for territorial sovereignty, and peaceful means of resolving conflict,” Huneke said. He continued. “I am appalled but not surprised by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s deplorable acts of military aggression and his government’s disingenuous attempts to justify this aggression as a defensive measure against Ukrainian provocation and as a ‘denazification’ of Ukraine. Putin may harbor ambi- Citizens of Kyiv leave the city after Russia launched its attack on Ukraine. (Pierre Crom/Getty Images) tions to restore Russian greatness, but one can only
Men’s basketball team win the 2022 MIAA championship
The Bronchos finished the regular season with a 23-5 record and posted an 18-4 record in the MIAA. (Provided/UCO men’s basketball twitter) Continued from Pg. 1
able to accomplish, and just really how hard the guys have worked at it, now I think we’ll have another jump in our belief in what we can do collectively, after what just transpired. Hoffman also said his team’s chemistry has been a big factor in their success, and compares positively to last year’s performance. “It’s just night and day how they interact with each other and hang out and spend time together. They’ve really bonded,” Hoffman said. “Not all teams that win have that characteristic, but this team definitely does and they really care at a high level for each other and are excited for each other’s success. And that’s demonstrated the way we’ve played and the way they share the ball and lead the league in assists.” Hoffman said he wants to make sure his team is recognized. “I’ve spent enormous amount of time with these guys individually working on their games and individual workouts, basketball-wise, and their character aspect of the game and developing these guys.
I just want to make sure they’re recognized in the midst of all that.” Hoffman gives credit to the coaching staff as well. “Our coaching staff has done a great job and I’m blessed to have great assistants,” he said. Regarding Saturday’s big win, assistant coach Matt Mossman said he’s “just really happy for our guys.” “The work they’ve put in, the adversity they’ve overcome over the course of the season… to win a regular season championship is special. We have really good kids so it’s cool to see them accomplish this. They earned every bit of it,” Mossman said. UCO Athletic Director Stan Wagnon said, “It’s such a special opportunity to clinch a conference championship on your home floor, and I’m just so happy our student-athletes were able to experience that. It’s a memory they’ll cherish forever.” The Bronchos had to go to work on Saturday to earn the trophy. They trailed the Lions by as many as five points all game, until the early part of the second half. A 5-0 run of their own put the Bronchos ahead. Jaden Wells scored a team high 18 points, had nine rebounds and five assists. Callen Haydon scored 17 points, along with eight assists and five rebounds.
Camryn Givens scored 15 points and had four rebounds. Isaiah Wade added 14 points and five rebounds. From the bench, Davon Richardson scored 14 points. Preston Aymond scored eight points, Jalyn Turner added 7 points, and Carson Calavan added 2 points onto the board as well. The Bronchos finished the regular season with a 23-5 record and posted an 18-4 record in the MIAA. UCO will be the No. 1 seed in the MIAA Basketball Championships, which will be held next week in Kansas City, MO. What can we expect from the Bronchos? “This group is hungry for more. We’re just going to take it one day at a time and try to go 1-0 every single day,” Mossman said. He’s “excited to see how much more noise [the team] can make in Kansas City.” “It’s going to be a special weekend but I’m just excited to be the number one seed and just see what we can do with it,” Hoffman said. The Bronchos will play Thursday at 6 p.m. against the winner of the (8) Central Missouri and (9) Northeastern State game, which is set to play on Wednesday.
4 | The Vista
March 1, 2022
Editorial/Gas Prices
Editorial
Hands off: End the handshake ritual Brandon Dale Sports Editor
University of Michigan men’s basketball coach Juwan Howard will serve a five-game suspension after throwing a punch at Wisconsin’s assistant coach, Joe Krabbenhoft. Nearly a week ago, the Wolverines lost to the Badgers 77-63, but the main headline is not about the game of basketball. After the game, both teams lined up to shake one another’s hand, leading to an argument between both head coaches during the handshake. This argument set off a confrontation between both teams, which ultimately led to a brawl. After all is said and done, Howard will have spent $40,000 in fines and will be sitting at home until after the Wolverines play arch-rival Ohio State Buckeyes on March 6. Moreover, why is it that teams still participate in this long-standing tradition of shaking hands after a game? When I played sports at a young age (recreational soccer at age 5), it made sense to shake hands and say “good
University of Michigan men’s basketball coach Juwan Howard. (Doug McSchooler/Associated Press)
game” to each opposing player. After this, the parents would all run under a hand-made tunnel leading us to a refreshment cooler with Capri Sun and peanut butter crackers. The scenario I described is entire-
ly different from a Big Ten matchup featuring premier college basketball teams in the nation. It makes no sense to shake another team’s hand after a heated battle. Sure, it shows good sportsmanship, but at
what cost? Had Michigan walked off the court without shaking hands, their team would still have its head coach going into the last week of the regular season, and the Wolverines could continue their run to the post-season tournament. This tradition should be done away with after this latest incident because it gives players and coaches a chance to make a rash decision that can ultimately have a lingering effect on a team and its coaches moving forward. Michigan has yet to say if this will impact Howard’s tenure moving forward, but that is still up for discussion. The fact is that teams should stop shaking hands after they leave high school. Professional athletes only talk to other players on their terms. Collegiate athletes should follow this protocol to help mitigate these instances from happening in the future. It makes zero sense for teams to shake hands after an intense competition. Players should not shake hands unless they choose to do so, plain and simple.
Gas prices: A heavy price to pay for commuters Lauren Couch
Contributing Writer
With empty store shelves, inflation hitting consumer items across the board and now rising gas prices, UCO student commuters are experiencing the negative effects of increased prices at the pump. Gas prices in Oklahoma have surged to nearly $3.20 in some areas, and experts at GasBuddy are claiming gas prices could potentially exceed $4 in the next few months. Senior Ebony Sayles commutes about 30 minutes three or four times a week depending on her needs for on-campus services, such as the UCO School of Design print lab. “The increase in gas prices has really hurt my wallet and has caused inconvenience in my routines,” Sayles said. Sayles mentioned part of the disruption in her routine comes from needing to refuel. She can only pump what she can afford and that sometimes means leaving without a full tank. Students face an even heavier price to pay when it comes to deciding between filling their tanks for commuting or purchasing items required for their education. “Overall, the experience has been
Prices at the pump impact students living off campus. (Provided/Pexels)
negative and causes a ripple effect that impacts not only my commute but my ability to pay for materials for school projects, as well as day-to-day necessities,” Sayles said. Junior Sofia Arenas shares a similar sentiment that climbing gas prices has made it a struggle to commute to UCO. She makes the 30-minute drive to school around two times a week but lately has had to reevaluate what used to be a routine trip.
“Instead of thinking, ‘I’m going to class to learn,’ it’s ‘I’m going to need to figure out how to afford the time and gas this drive will take me,” Arenas said. There are two causes for gas price fluctuations: crude oil prices and supply and demand. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), “Gasoline prices can change rapidly if something disrupts crude oil supplies, refinery operations or gaso-
line pipeline deliveries.” In the current global circumstances, the pandemic is playing a part in prices. If oil production does not increase, prices will not decrease. So why are companies hesitant to amp up their production? Industry heads see it as a risk given the current conditions. If the economy suffers from another spike in COVID-19 cases, companies could lose money and employees. However, high prices are not expected to become the norm forever. The EIA estimates that gas prices will decline toward the end of 2022. In their latest Short-Term Energy outlook, the EIA reported, “We expect that slower demand growth and increasing crude oil production through 2022 and 2023 will contribute to lower crude oil and petroleum product prices.” While this might appear to be an abstract concept filled with statistics and economic jargon, the bottom line is that the current prices have damaging results and will continue to hurt working-class individuals and students alike until prices decline and level out.
Cryptocurrency/Schools
March 1, 2022
The Vista | 5
Cryptocurrency affects global energy use, bit by bit Ainsley Martinez Managing Editor
The world of cryptocurrency has walked the line between future reality and virtual fantasy since its start in 2009 with Bitcoin. Thirteen years later, many people still do not understand how cryptocurrency works, what goes into it, or how it might impact them. But while the average person has a hard time benefitting from cryptocurrencies, the production process of Bitcoin affects everyone — including the planet itself. Research from Cambridge University found that Bitcoin uses around 121.36 terawatt hours (TWh) a year through its various server systems. This is more electricity than Argentina consumes annually, BBC News reported. This raises red flags for Travis Roach, an associate professor with the department of economics at UCO. He holds a Ph.D from Texas Tech University. “The electricity that's been used to generate all of this Bitcoin through mining, [and] the CO2 emissions involved with that, is incredible. It's one of the biggest drivers of electricity consumption right now,” Roach said. “And given how we produce our electricity, that's concerning.” He said cryptocurrencies often act outside the traditional relationships
between supply and demand. Typically, energy consumption is related to the price of a product. Roach used driving as an example. “When I make the decision to drive into work, that decision is made by me having to be at work. How I get there is dependent on, let's say, the price of gas,” Roach said. “If the price of gas keeps going up, I'm more and more likely to switch to a hybrid car, electric vehicle or something else.” As consumers react to changing prices and incentives, many times the “external cost or the externality effect” of these emissions remain overlooked, Roach said. “My consuming gasoline to do my own thing, and to get into work, has negative impacts on everyone else who's sharing the road and breathes the air along the way,” Roach said. “The cost of gasoline does not actually reflect the true cost to society that burning that gasoline has, and the end result is that we over consume. Because if I had to fully realize all the costs that I was incurring on others, it would cost more to me.” The difference between cars as an emission driver and Bitcoin’s server systems is its obvious benefit to many consumers, i.e going into work. In terms of the enormous energy use with cryptocurrencies? “I don't see the role that cryptocur-
rency fills. I don't see the benefit side,” Roach said. Companies like Bitcoin and Ethereum that deal in cryptocurrency cater to those who are already wealthy, or have the comfort of taking the investment’s risk—and only a small group of investors reap the benefits. According to a National Bureau of Economic Research study, 10,000 bitcoin investors own in total 5 million bitcoins, or equivalent to $230 billion. This means these top ranking millionaires and billionaires represent about 0.01% of all Bitcoin stockholders. “I know some people mine it and then they sell it, so they get the benefit. But as far as a good or a service, I'm not sure what's being created, or what value is created there,” Roach said. “However, it’s a massive consumer of energy, which means that it produces a lot of carbon dioxide emissions.” Bitcoin’s response to the criticism of their energy consumption was to start using solar energy, and now a globally estimated 40% to 75% of its energy comes from renewable sources. But perhaps the main concern is not where the energy comes from, but how it’s used. “It's better than not doing this, but that solar could probably be better used to electrify a school or make regular household energy consumption greener, instead of solely being used
for mining a currency… that is maybe a fad.” Though the fears of climate change can feel like predicting a hypothetical doom for some, Roach says thinking in terms of “Did climate change cause this?” might be the wrong approach. “I think the better question is, ‘Did climate change make this or that worse?’” Roach said. He said natural disasters are inevitable at times, but hotter temperatures can make them happen faster or become more destructive. “It's like steroids,” Roach said. “Maybe you were always going to hit a home run, but with steroids you're going to knock it out of the park.” More research is looking into how climate change affects GDP growth and the community as a whole. In his research at UCO, Roach noticed hotter temperatures make it harder for students to learn and pay attention in school. Although the average consumer cannot control the production habits of large companies, Roach gives advice to those who want to be more environmentally conscious. “Be conscious of what you're consuming, always support policies that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and then be knowledgeable about the effects [of climate change],” Roach said.
Charter schools bill moves out of educational committee Lauren Henry
Contributing Writer
said in a recent tweet. The bill provides more funding for these schools, but opponents believe that it could potentially harm public schools by reducing the funding that they receive. Others are asking questions as to whether the bill will provide transportation for students, and some are worried that public schools in rural areas will face more challenges because of the bill. Stitt’s recent tweets and announcements about the new bill have gotten mixed responses on social media. Some are all for it and others have reservations. “This voucher system is only wanted by a small percent of Oklahoma citizens,” wrote Twitter user @jdud18. “If you think parents need a choice it’s because there has not been enough done to improve education by the government.” Others are excited for the bill and the changes it could provide for education. “Thank you for fighting to put students first by empowering parents to make the educational decisions that are best suited for their children,” wrote Facebook user Liz Miller. “Education can't be a one size fits all approach. Children have individual needs and Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt supports State Bill 1647, saying the bill pro- learn best in differing environments.”
State Bill 1647, the “Oklahoma Empowerment Act,” would allow vouchers to offset the costs of education if a child were to attend private school or charter schools. A charter school is what some would deem to be a hybrid of a public and a private school. Charter schools receive government funding but operate independently of the state school system. Supported by Governor Kevin Stitt, the bill states, “It is the intent of the Legislature that parents, legal guardians, and others with legal authority over children in this state be able to seek educational services that meet the needs of their individual children by directing education dollars to follow each child.” The bill won the approval of the Senate Education Committee in an 8-7 vote. In a poll, The Vista asked UCO students if they had attended a charter school or private school prior to becoming a student at UCO. Out of the 33 students who participated, only four had attended private or charter schools. Many of them said that their experiences were similar to that of public school, but with smaller class sizes. “This bill empowers parents to choose the school that best fits their child's needs,” Stitt vides more funding to schools. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
6 | The Vista
Conference/Central Pantry
March 1, 2022
Students to compete in international conference Sam Royka Reporter
“Curiosity knows no boundaries,” proclaims the website for the No Limits conference, which will be held at the University of Nebraska’s Lincoln campus this year. “We have 21 students attending,” said Lindsey Churchill, a UCO associate professor of history who was keynote speaker at the conference in 2021 with a presentation titled “Reproductive Justice in a Red State.” The conference is set for Friday, March 11, 2022 in the City Campus Union. “The students’ research varies with issues regarding women’s, gender and sexuality studies. UCO makes up nearly one third of the presentations at the No Limits conference,” Churchill said. The theme of the conference will be “Writing as Resistance” and keynote speaker SJ Sindu’s presentation is titled “Inheriting Resistance.” “I am most excited to collaborate and establish connections with scholars across the country,” said UCO student Grace Payne, who prefers to go by GP. The event will hold many networking opportunities. When asked why they chose to attend, GP said, “so I can celebrate queer resistance in literature and ’zines.” Another student spoke about what is most exciting for him. “During this upcoming conference in Nebraska, I am most excited about the networking opportunities that this event presents,” said Jacob Reavis. Reavis said he hopes to use his presentation “as a way to get feedback from many scholars in the field
UCO makes up nearly one third of the presentations at the No Limits conference. (Provided/The Center)
of South Asian Studies and British Imperialism.” “This is one of the main reasons I am attending, but I am also excited for this year’s keynote speaker SJ Sindu who will be speaking on “Inheriting Resistance” which is a consistent theme in future projects I will be conducting,” Reavis said. The No Limits conference, held annually since 1994, encourages “creative” presentations as well as traditional presentations, according to the UNL webpage. The conference is put on by the Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies program at the University of Nebraska and rotates location annually between each of the university’s three campuses.
The University of Nebraska is taking precautions against COVID, encouraging “attendees be vaccinated and boosted before arriving,” according to an email sent out Feb. 21, or alternatively asking attendees to “please have a negative COVID 48-hours before the conference.” The university has also requested masks and social distancing where possible. Seating will be distanced and lunches will be boxed. There will be 20 sessions and more than 60 presenters in addition to the keynote speaker. Find out more at https://www.unl.edu/wgs/ no-limits-conference.
Central Pantry offers assistance to campus community Camryn Sturgill Contributing Writer
UCO’s Central Pantry, located in Room 151 in the Nigh University Center, is a supplemental food pantry available to UCO students, faculty and staff. The pantry is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. According to the UCO website, the pantry is intended to be used by those who meet the gross income limit, found by calculating 185% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines set forth by the Oklahoma Emergency Assistance Program. All that is required of shoppers is proof of current UCO enrollment or employment and a completed client form. Nicole Doherty, director of community engagement, said the Central Pantry is a partner agency of the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma (RFBO) that is there to help those within the UCO community. “I think that hunger for college students is sometimes an unknown factor,” Doherty said. “That’s why the Central Pantry was created in the first place. We found that a lot of our students were going to local food shelters
to get their weekly groceries.” Roughly 300 to 400 client forms are filled out per year. Although the pantry is used by UCO faculty and staff, the majority of users are students, Doherty said. “Just because someone filled out a client form does not mean that they use the pantry every week, but it does mean that they have used it at least once,” Doherty said. “In 2021, we served over 3,000 individuals, including UCO students, faculty and staff and their household members.” The pantry depends primarily on the Edmond community and the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma for nonperishable food donations. Several item-focused food drives are held throughout the year for items the pantry might have in short supply. RFBO offers goods and services that are not found in supplemental pantries. “Our partners offer a wide variety of nutritious produce, dairy and protein products,” Marketing Manager at the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma Austin Prickett said. RFBO also offers services beyond food assistance.
Provided/Central Pantry
“At our food and Resource Center partners, we offer help connecting our visitors with resources that help pay utility bills, health bills and more,” Prickett said. For those who may be experiencing homelessness in addition to hunger, the Homeless Alliance in Oklahoma City offers help. Editor of the Curbside Chronicle, Nathan Poppe, said that homelessness is usually never caused by one thing. “More often than not, it’s a messy web of poverty, misfortune, trauma and challenging circumstances that puts people face to face with what might be the worst day of their life,”
Poppe said. The Homeless Alliance’s mission is to put an end to long-term homelessness. Its campus is equipped with a day shelter that serves breakfast and lunch everyday. This service is available to the public. The Community Engagement office continually seeks volunteers for the Central Pantry. All UCO students receive an email at the beginning of each semester containing volunteer information. Those interested in volunteering with the pantry should note its semester-long commitment, and that applications will be open this spring.
Sports
The Vista | 7
March 1, 2022
A successful week for spring sports Madalyn Nix Editor-in-Chief
yesterday, where the Bronchos fell to Barry 4-0.
Multiple UCO athletics programs had a historic, successful week.
BASKETBALL
Provided/UCO athletics
GOLF
400 in 56.93 seconds and finished eighth. Kaleigh Dyas finished 12th on Saturday in the 60-meter dash with a time of 7.74 seconds. She did not advance to the finals. During weight throwing, Dahsauni Lyday finished 12th with a mark of 15.01 meters, Tatum Robertson finished 18th with 13.62 meters, and Eve Brennan finished 19th with 13.43 meters. On Sunday, competing in shot put, Lyday finished fifth, Robertson finished 14th and Brennan finished 15th in the championship. Jordan Chancellor finished 24th in the long jump with 4.57 meters. Cali Dorman and Jacie Edwards finished 15th and 16th respectively with times of 1:01.72 and 1:07.22. Arizona Hummingbird finished 16th in the mile race with 5.18.02. She also ran the 3,000 meters and finished 26th.
BASEBALL No. 11 Brooke Rayner looks to shoot during the final regular season game against Missouri Southern on Saturday at Hamilton Field House. (The Vista/Sierra Perkins)
UCO men’s and women’s basketball wrapped up their final, regular 2021-22 season games at Hamilton Field House on Saturday. Women’s basketball fell to Missouri Southern 7168. The Lions hit a three-point shot with 3.0 seconds left in the final quarter, overtaking the Bronchos home finale. The women’s team finished the regular season with a 16-12 overall record and a 12-10 record in the MIAA. Going into the postseason, the Bronchos are set to play Emporia State next week. Men’s basketball defeated Missouri Southern 9576 and became MIAA Champions for the first time since joining the league 10 years ago. Read pages one and three for more details.
Provided/Broncho Golf Twitter
On Feb. 22, the women’s golf team won the Tunica Cup in Tunica, Miss. with a score of 305 over 36 holes. Susana Olivares took the individual title while Emma Shelley finished fourth and Mika Ramos finished fifth. All three players were named to the all-tournament team. The Bronchos are set to play March 7-8 at the Diffee Ford-Lincoln Invitational hosted by Southern Nazarene at Lincoln Park East in Oklahoma City.
TRACK & FIELD
WRESTLING
The Vista/Manuela Soldi
On Saturday, the Bronchos opened MIAA play with three games against Missouri Western. In the first game, the Bronchos beat the Lions 2-0, but fell on Sunday 7-4. The final game is playing Monday at 1 p.m. The Bronchos are now 6-4 on the season and 1-1 in the MIAA.
SOFTBALL
Provided/UCO athletics
The No. 1 ranked Bronchos took first place in the NCAA Super Regional IV tournament on Saturday at Hyland Arena. The Bronchos crowned six champions and will send eight qualifiers to the NCAA Division II Wrestling National Championships in St. Louis, MO March 11-12. The six regional champions include Dalton Abney, Tanner Cole, Brik Filippo, Heath Gray, Paxton Rosen, and Shawn Streck.
TENNIS
The Bronchos, ranked No. 3 in the country, opened the 2022 ITA Division II Women’s Tennis Indoor National Championship with a 4-0 win over Columbus State on Saturday at Edmond Center Court. On Sunday, the Bronchos defeated No. 2 Indianapolis 4-3, advancing to the championship title game
Harlie Hanson (above) runs 17.52.7 in the 5K at the MIAA Indoor Track and Field Championships. (Provided/UCO Cross Country and Track Instagram)
The Bronchos wrapped up their indoor season at the 2022 MIAA Indoor Championships last weekend at Northwest Missouri State’s Hughes Field House. Harlie Hanson finished seventh in the 5,000-meter race on Saturday with a time of 17:52.70, setting a new school record, which previously belonged to her anyway. On Sunday, she finished 13th in the 3,000-meter race with a time of 10:20.13, her personal second-best mark. Ansley Scott qualified for the 400-meter finals with a dashing performance Saturday in the prelims. She finished eighth, timing 57.75 seconds, a personal best and the best time by a Broncho this season. She also ran in the 200-meter race, but failed to qualify for that championship race. On Sunday, she ran the
Pictured is No. 25 Amelya Huggins. (The Vista/Sierra Perkins)
On Feb. 21, the Bronchos defeated East Central 8-0. The team remains No. 16 in NCAA Division II softball rankings, according to the top-25 poll released by the National Coaches Association. The Bronchos are 12-2 on the season and are riding a 10-game winning streak. Today, the Bronchos are set to head to Wichita Falls down in Texas to take on Midwestern State in a doubleheader.
8 | The Vista
March 1, 2022
Pope/Archive 81
Former UCO official busted in prostitution sting Ainsley Martinez Managing Editor
A former UCO vice president resigned from his current position at the University of Alabama after he was found trying to buy sex work during an undercover prostitution investigation. Myron Pope, 50, was charged with solitciting prostitution on Feb. 17 when a two-day sting operation lead by the West Alabama Human Trafficking Task Force found him at the site in Northport, AL. The Associated Press reported Pope used an “app to meet and pay for sex.” He is out on a $1000 bond. Pope worked at UCO beginning in 2003, serving as the assistant vice president of student affairs, and accepted the role as the vice president of student affairs in 2013. He left UCO a month after former President Don Betz retired in June 2019. Although the vice president for communications and public affairs said it is “not appropriate for the university or the President to offer [a] comment related to Dr. Pope or the incident that occurred in Alabama,” she did say Pope’s actions did not align with the expectations at UCO. “The university has the expectation that employees and students abide by all state and federal laws. Please refer to the university’s employee handbook and student code of conduct for further information,” Adrienne Nobles said. In the faculty handbook, chapter 2 section 2.6 defines reasons for the dismissal of faculty members, and that “committing a felony or other serious violation of law that is admitted or proved before a court of competent jurisdiction,” is means for suspension. The University of Alabama’s employee hand-
book reads similar, “Adequate cause to terminate a probationary or renewable contract faculty member before the end of the employment term… [is] when the faculty member engages in behaviors such as the following (this list is not exhaustive)... Conviction of a crime substantially related to the duties and responsibilities associated with teaching, research, or service, or that impedes professional capacities as a teacher, advisor, or researcher/scholar.” However, it is important to note Pope has not been found guilty of the misdemeanor charge, and was not terminated from his position at the University of Alabama. In an exclusive statement with the Black Wall Street Times, Pope stated he apologized for the incident. “I want to apologize for the actions that led to my arrest. I recognize that I did not live up to my own values, and I let a lot of people down, starting with my family and the students and staff who looked to me as a leader. I have dedicated my life to serving young people and helping them pursue and achieve their goals. I can only hope that my story will serve as a cautionary tale for others — one moment of poor judgment can jeopardize everything you’ve worked your whole life for and all that you hold dear. I want to thank my family and friends for their unwavering support. I’m grateful for God’s grace and forgiveness in the midst of my shortcomings. I hope that in time I can regain the Myron Pope resigned from his current position at the University trust of those I love and continue to make a of Alabama after he was found trying to buy sex work during an undercover prostitution investigation. (Provided/UCO website) positive impact in the lives of others.”
Netflix series “Archive 81”: to binge or not to binge?
acter that it would be hard to see him otherwise in any future roles he chooses. Produced by Atomic Monster Productions, Nestled between “Ozark” and “Too Hot To Hanknown for “Annabelle” and “The Conjuring” among dle” on Netflix’s Top 10 in the U.S. today is the paramany other popular horror films, “Archive 81” is psychological thriller mini-series, “Archive less about jump scares and more about the 81.” The show is bound to make viewers lingering feeling of anxiety. This is thanks, question whether to binge it because it’s acin part, to the continuous and intensifying tually good, or because it’s so bad, it’s good. humming noise of the cult that pulls viewBased on a real podcast of the same name, ers in just enough to catch them at their the series takes place in modern-day New weakest moment. Don’t worry though: the York City. Dan Turner, played by Mamoudou overly drawn-out episodes will give you Athie, works quietly as an archivist, fixing plenty of time for your heart rate to rest. damaged videotapes and cassettes. After Regardless of the paranormal occurbeing approached by a businessman with a rences Turner later faces, half of his psysketchily amassed fortune, Turner is offered chological distress must come from the a small $100,000 to restore videotapes he fact that he never turns on a light during must keep confidential. If the massive lump his stay at the compound. The paranormal sum isn’t enough of a red flag, consider the does not exist when the lights are on, reisolated compound he must work out of unmember? Despite my personal taste that til he finishes the job or the demonic cult he refuses to align with the hyper-modern runs into when watching the footage. decor and cool tones, the set designers and During Turner’s innocent attempt at fol- Dina Shihabi stars in “Archive 81” on Netflix. (Clifton Prescod/Netflix) cinematographer created a world of uneaslowing the rules and fixing the tapes, he is iness that any horror fan would appreciate. quickly drawn into the life of Melody Pendras, a of plot points and miscellaneous information that Although Season 2 is not confirmed yet, viewers doctoral candidate researching New York’s Visser take forever to put two and two together. But, for are bound to beg for it, as the ending left many ends apartment building for her oral history project. It what it lacks in pace, it eventually makes up with an untied and was overall unsatisfying. While there is is quickly noted that the building is full of bizarre interesting plot and convincing performances. Evan another world in this series to explore, it is far from people and an even more bizarre history. Jonigkeit, plays Samuel as such an insufferable char- the otherworldly experience I was expecting. Lauren Couch
Contributing Writer
Although the split between modern-day and the recovered footage from the 1990s makes for a good twist on “The Blair Witch Project” style of filmmaking, the pace of the overall show is agonizingly slow. Viewers are also simultaneously hit with a bundle