the
Volume 118, Issue 12 v
VISTA “Our Words, Your Voice.”
vistanews1903 @thevista1903 @thevista1903 The Vista ucentralmedia.com Tuesday, November 17, 2020
Second vaccine shows promise
INSIDE
Sarah Hite Editor-in-Chief
Winter Sports Begin
UCO winter sports are back in action. The men’s and women’s basketball teams prepare for play, See Pg. 6-7
Editorial: Graduation
Kiel Kondrick, the Vista’s managing editor, discusses graduating during a global pandemic. See Pg.5
In what is expected to be the biggest vaccination campaign in U.S. history, Moderna said Monday its COVID-19 vaccine is proving highly effective in a major trial. The company said its vaccine appears to be 94.5% effective, according to preliminary data from Moderna’s ongoing study. The Associated Press reported on the study Monday. A week ago, competitor Pfizer Inc. announced its own vaccine appeared similarly effective — news that puts both companies on track to seek permission within weeks for emergency use in the United States, the AP reported. These announcements come as the globe races for a vaccine to combat a virus that is now killing more than 8,000 people a day worldwide. As of Monday, there are over 11 million positive cases and almost 250,000 deaths in the U.S. and more than 54 million positive cases and 1 million deaths worldwide, according to John Hopkins.
In this July 27, 2020, file photo, nurse Kathe Olmstead prepares a shot that is part of a possible COVID-19 vaccine, developed by the National Institutes of Health and Moderna Inc., in Binghamton, N.Y. Moderna said Monday, Nov. 16, 2020, its COVID-19 shot provides strong protection against the coronavirus that’s surging in the U.S. and around the world. (AP Photo/Hans Pennink, File)
If the FDA allows emergency use of Moderna’s or Pfizer’s candidate, there will be limited, rationed supplies before the end of the year. Both vaccines require people to get two shots, several weeks apart. U.S. officials said they hope to have about 20 million Moder-
na doses and another 20 million doses of the vaccine made by Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech to use in late December, according to AP. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said the hope is that Continued on Pg. 4
Students are seeking change in grading
Ice Storm Cleanup Cleanup of debris from the recent ice storm in Oklahoma is still underway nearly two weeks later. See Pg.6-7
Students on UCO’s campus play large form jenga on a table outside the University Nigh building. Somes students have begun petitioning for the univeristy to allow a pass/no pass grading option for the fall semester. (Cici Simon/The Vista)
Amanda Siew
Contributing Writer
Around Campus Events are happening all over campus this week! ! See Pg. 2
Students at the University of Central Oklahoma are calling on university leadership to implement a pass/no pass grading option for the fall semester, but Academic Affairs is showing reluctance to adjust. Sophomore Jessica Addai and senior Katelyn Sargeant co-authored a petition on Change.org addressed to UCO President Patti Neuhold-Ravikumar on Wednesday. As of Monday morning, the petition had gathered over 1,150 signatures. The petition highlighted several
struggles, including coping with the COVID-19 pandemic, power outages and the shift to alternative learning methods, and calls for the university to “accommodate this semester’s academic disruption.” “All the semester changes and breaks being taken away is not normal either, and trying to pass it off as normal with normal grading is very harmful,” Jessica said. “It ignores our struggles and intersectional identities on campus. “Everything is not OK right now, and it feels like we’re kind of sinking.” In a statement released to UCentral
News Monday, the Division of Academic Affairs said that they will be following the normal grading process for the semester. “After thoughtful consideration, we believe we have implemented instruction for the Fall 2020 semester in a manner that has carefully permitted students to perform at a level of their choosing,” said Charlotte Simmons and Gary Steward, co-interim vice presidents for Academic Affairs. “While our community continues to grapple with COVID-19, we are confident in the traditional letter grade system as indicators of student course performance.” The petition achieved over 700 signatures within the first 24 hours. Several petition supporters left comments as to why they signed the petition. One supporter, Taylor Beshears, commented: “As a college freshman the back and forth between zoom and in person classes has been crazy and hard to keep up with. Adjusting to college is hard enough so I believe this would help tremendously.” Continued on Pg. 3
2 | The Vista
Tuesday, Nov. 17 FACS: Emily J. Butterfield: Five Centuries of Flute Music: The UCO Jazz lab will be showcasing a faculty musician and supporting scholarship funds for UCO students. This performance by Emily J. Butterfield will open at 7 p.m. and will cost $10 for entry. Audience sizes will be limited to allow for social distancing. The Jazz Lab encourages reservations due to the limited seating availability. Proceeds from this event will benefit students from the School of Music in financial need. Wednesday, Oct. 18 Adulting 101: Brand Yourself! Through a Zoom meeting, practice skills surrounding building your personal brand. Talk with experts from 3:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. for insight on showing off your personal brand in a professional setting both in-person and online. Follow this Zoom link to join: https://tinyurl.com/y9wb9lnn Thanksgiving Dinner at Ayers Kitchen: Enjoy Thanksgiving food on campus before classes move to a remote setting! Ayers Kitchen will be serving your holiday favorites from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
November 17, 2020
UCO Musical Theatre Concert Series: Theory of Relativity in Concert: At 7:30 p.m. in the courtyard of the CFAD House, experience another socially distanced production. This production is described as "a touching, honest, fun and endearing musical that probes the minds and hearts of today's college students as they emerge into a world that is almost impossible to make sense of." Thursday, Nov. 19 College Boss: I'm So Stressed: As finals near, you can think about joining this event on Zoom via: https://tinyurl.com/ycaqo2uo. After atetnding, you'll be able to better identify what triggers your stress and anxiety, and find new ways to manage them. Women's/Men's Basketball vs Missouri Southern: The UCO Bronchos kick off their regular season this thursday against Missouri Southern. The game will take place here in Edmond at Hamilton Field House between 5:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Melton Gallery: You Are Here-Closing Reception: From 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., join an informal discussion with the artists involved behind the Melton Gallery. This will be followed by a Q&A and closing reception. Spots can be reserved on https://tinyurl.com/ yxemuhun
Around Campus
Friday , Nov. 20
Monday, Nov. 23
Public Thesis Defense: Effectiveness of NATO: At 1:00 p.m., graduate student Stony Kalango will host "Effectiveness of NATO". Kalango is a member of the Political Science Committee. For those wanting to join this virtual public thesis defense, email your request to Dr. Robert Mather at rmather@uco.edu to be added to the Zoom meeting. Passport to India: The Story of India: Freedom, 1700 CE to 2009 CE will take place via Zoom on UCO's passport page here: https://blogs.uco.edu/ passportuco Kaleidoscope Dance Company Concert: At 7:30 p.m. in Mitchell Hall Theatre, the UCO Kaleidoscope Dance Company will present a "oneof-a-kind dance performance" featring new and innovative choreography from UCO faculty and guests. Saturday, Nov. 21 Women's/Men's Basketball vs Pitt State: From 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., the Men's and Women's basketball teams square off against Pitt State at Hamilton Field House in Edmond.
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.
the
VISTA
Staff
Sarah Hite Kiel Kondrick JaNae Williams Jacob Silva Cici Simon Lyric Peterson Tanner Laws Tanner Johnson Bryce McKinnis Cynthia Faulkner
Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Copy Editor Sports Editor Photo Editor Social Media Editor Photographer Reporter Reporter Adviser
Advertise with us! The Vista is published weekly during the spring, summer and fall semesters. In all issues, The Vista has opportunities for both digital, online and print ads. For information or questions contact: 405-974-5549 or thevista.ads@gmail.com
Major Monday: Criminal Justice: The School of Criminal Justice at UCO is offering a preview of what is has to offer during a virtual event this monday. For those interested in the major, be sure to join this event and ask questions to UCO faculty within the program. UCOSA Congress: Join UCOSA at 4 p.m. via Zoom for its weekly congressional meeting. Zoom link via UCORE. Public Thesis Defense: Culture on the Prairie: At 2:00 p.m., Bradley Fritch, a graduate student, in Museum Studies and History Committee Chairperson Heidi Vaughn will host a virtual public defense. To be an audience member, email your request to Dr. Robert Mather at rmather@ uco.edu to be added to the upcoming Zoom meeting.
Front page tease photos, from top: Provided/Vista Archives Provided/Vista Archives Photo/Gretchen Houk Cici Simon/The Vista
UCO’s Student Voice Since 1903 The Vista is published as a newspaper and public forum by UCO students, weekly during the academic year, at the University of Central Oklahoma. The issue price is free for the first copy and $1 for each additional copy obtained.
EDITORIALS
Opinion columns, editorial cartoons, reviews and commentaries represent the views of the writer or artist and not necessarily the views of The Vista Editorial Board, the Department of Mass Communication, UCO or the Board of Regents of Oklahoma Colleges. The Vista is not an official medium of expression for the Regents or UCO.
LETTERS
The Vista encourages letters to the
editor. Letters should address issues and ideas, not personalities. Letters must be typed, double-spaced and must include the author’s printed name, major, classification and phone number. Phone numbers are included for contacting purposes only. Letters are subject to editing for libel, clarity and space, or to eliminate statements of questionable taste. The Vista reserves the right not to publish submitted letters.
ADDRESS LETTERS TO:
Editor, The Vista, 100 N. University Dr. Edmond, OK 73034-5209, or deliver in person to the editor in the Communications Building, Room 131. Letters can be emailed to thevista@ucentralmedia.com.
Ice Storm/Grade Petition
November 17, 2020
The Vista | 3
Recovering after destructive ice storm Gretchen Houk Contributing Writer
Partially hanging branches dangled over walkways and other areas on campus as cleanup from the ice storm continued last week. Three sets of contractors were hired to join the UCO facilities management team as they assessed the damages sustained from the ice and wind, and two weeks after the storm they are almost done clearing leftover leaves and small branches. “It’s a two-phase situation,” said Fred Feist, of Facilities Management. Phase one began on Oct. 27, when the workers started cutting hanging branches and clearing debris off the ground. Their first priority was clearing walkways and fire lanes to ensure campus would be safe if classes had resumed on Wednesday, Feist said. Due to power outages across Edmond and the Oklahoma City area, the university canceled classes through the end of the week, as virtual learning students did not have access to the internet. Workers from Signature, a company that the university generally contracts to mow, are finishing up phase one by clearing leftover leaves. Mowers were seen around campus collecting fallen leaves and bagging them to be disposed. Phase two began over the weekend, and workers were spotted cutting branches between the Nigh entrance and Broncho Lake. They will finish trimming the higher branches once
UCO staff member picks up fallen leaves and tree limbs. Oklahoma is still working to cleanup fallen tree debris from an unexpected ice storm that hit Oct. 27, 2020. (Cici Simon/The Vista)
UCO’s campus is still recovering from the recent ice storm that caused many tree limbs to snap. (Cici Simon/The Vista)
campus closes for Thanksgiving. “That’s when we’ll go into the trees and clean them up,” Feist said. Branches that had broken higher in the trees but were not seen as a safety hazard were not immediately cut. The facilities management team attended to the low hanging branches first since they posed a threat to students’ safety. Feist estimated that about 85 percent of trees on campus were damaged, with the deciduous trees sustaining the most damage due to the weight of the ice laden, leafy branches. Although, some of the evergreen trees are entirely brown and
mental breakdowns before this semester, but I had at least four bad ones this semester, which made it hard for me to perform as well as I normally can.” In a Kaiser Family Foundation Tracking Poll conducted in mid-July, 53% of adults in the United States reported that their mental health has been negatively impacted due to worry and stress over the coronavirus. Another supporter, Anna Sitzes, said she signed the petition after struggling with COVID-19. In a comment left on the petition, Sitzes said she was quarantined for three weeks after contracting the virus and is still dealing with the “lingering effects” of it. Sitzes commented: “I pride myself in being a dedicated student and learner, but this semester has made it difficult to do so. My grades do not reflect my commitment to academia, and hav-
ing the P/NP option would take this humongous weight off my shoulders and allow me to focus on completing my coursework without the pressure of my GPA.” UCO Academic Affairs previously offered the pass/no pass option during the spring semester due to “unprecedented circumstances as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,” according to an email sent out to students in March. “Obviously, the circumstances are even more unprecedented this semester, so why don’t we have pass/no pass this semester as well?” Sargeant said. “This is a whole new style of learning, a whole new style of fear, worry and uncertainty.” Students were able to switch from a standard letter grade to pass/no pass after their spring 2020 grades were posted. Both P and NP are grade neutral, meaning “no impact one way or
are unlikely to recover. (See between Mass Comm building and Business Building.) The trees in between Evans Hall and the Administration building were badly damaged according to Feist. Feist said that as they moved around campus working on specific areas they were able to assess the condition of the trees, but will not know the full extent of the damages until the spring when the trees bud. “If we find out they can’t survive, we’ll cut them down, and we’ll be working on the replacement process over the winter,” Feist said. He was hopeful that some of the more heavily damaged trees would recover. “We’ve got a pretty good idea which ones aren’t going to make it, but sometimes things surprise you.” University facilities management employees have been depositing broken branches and debris in Parking Lot 2 over by Northern Hills Elementary, but some of the contractors take debris to the city dump. The university has not received any help from the city of Edmond at this time because its efforts are being concentrated on the debris in residential and commercial areas. Edmond residents can set debris on their curbs, and Edmond facilities workers will come around to collect the limbs and remove it to the city dumps. The city has said that they will begin clearing branches and debris from the east side of town first and will move west.
Students are seeking change in grading
Continued from Pg. 1
Several petition supporters echoed the difficulty in adapting to new learning environments, including Grace Wray, a professional media junior. “Some of my grades took a nosedive when I was forced to transition,” Wray said. “I’m not sure if it’s the fact the professors cannot see me physically engaging with the class or believe I’m not listening over Zoom and find it easier to dock points. “I’ve worked very hard to have a high GPA, and I hate to see that ruined because I can’t cope with hybrid classrooms.” Rose Nasihatkon, a junior majoring in biomedical science, said she signed the petition for the sake of her mental health. “For some reason, this semester has had a huge toll on my mental health to the point it affected me physically,” Nasihatkon said. “I barely had any
another on a GPA.” “We need to really push forward with trying to understand that not everybody had a peaceful semester,” Addai said. Sargeant, who created a petition for free period products on campus last year, said she was “optimistic and hopeful” about the university listening to student voices. “I think we’ve a good chance of them listening to the petition, just because they have in the past,” Sargeant said. “Even if Academic Affairs doesn’t, Jessica and I are dedicated to making sure someone higher up is going to listen to the students and what we need for this semester.” Addai and Sargeant both hope to achieve 5,000 overall signatures for the petition. They are aiming for 2,500 signatures by Thanksgiving break.
4 | The Vista
November 17, 2020
Thanksgiving/Second Vaccine
Campus concerns for online shift after holidays Adrian Mack Contributing Writer
Normally, Thanksgiving break is a relief to students. This year, however, is different. Students must decide if they’re returning home and how to manage classes that will finish the year through extended classrooms online. Students will not return to on-campus classes until Jan. 19. Kameron Pennington who resides in West Hall had some mixed feelings about it all. “I think it would be a good idea to ask students [to] mandatorily quarantine, if you are going to return to campus,” Pennington said. Chelsea Ratterman, UCO marketing coordinator for Campus Enterprises, which oversees housing and dining, says UCO won’t require students to quarantine, but does encourage them to get tested. While some students plan to reside with their families, others remain on campus. UCO freshman Angel Schmidt, who is a resident in Murdaugh Hall, said: “I’m comfortable with the proces, and I plan to quarantine. My grandmother has a weak immune system and I need to be safe.” Schimidt did not say what her plans would be to return for the extended period, but believes that university has prepared students for a smooth transition. The university has implemented rules and regulations in order to help the students transition. UCO plans to have resources for students who need it, such as tutoring central available online, continuous use of the library and labs on campus and providing
Student walks through campus. Students will soon be shifting to online after Thanksgiving break occurs to complete fall their semester and to ensure safe learning while students and families travel for the holidays. (Cici Simon/The Vista)
wifi for those students who need to come to campus and use it. Students are asked to continue social distancing, wearing masks and washing their hands to avoid potentially exposing others to the virus. “We asked residents to notify us whether they will be staying at any point during the three periods of the break,” Ratterman said. She was referring to the Thanksgiving break, the extended virtual period and the winter break period. Ratterman said this information will determine how many staff will need to be
present to respond for resident supervision, safety and maintenance. Ratterman stated, “This allows for students to qualify for a credit with housing and dining fees, whether they returned for winter break or in the spring.” Despite the efforts to prepare, some students may not feel as comfortable with virtual learning. “ I’ve struggled with my virtual calculus class, just from not being in class physically,” Pennington said. “But my teacher has been flexible.” Pennington, who is a freshman, will
Second vaccine on the way continued Continued from pg. 1
enough doses are available by the end of January to vaccinate adults over 65, who are at the highest risk from the coronavirus, and health care workers. Dr. Anthony Fauci said it may take until spring or summer for anyone who is not high risk and wants a shot to get one. Here is how it works, according to AP: First the shots have to arrive where they’re needed, and Pfizer’s must be kept at ultra-cold temperatures — around minus 94 degrees Fahrenheit. Moderna’s vaccine also starts off frozen, but the company said Monday it can be thawed and kept in a regular refrigerator for 30 days, easing that concern.
Another important message per the AP: Additional vaccines that work in different ways are still in testing — and despite the promising news about Moderna’s and Pfizer’s shots, more volunteers are needed for those studies. Both Moderna’s shots and the Pfizer-BioNTech candidate are so-called mRNA vaccines, a brand-new technology. RNA vaccines are faster and cheaper to produce than traditional vaccines, and a RNA based vaccine is also safer for the patient, as they are not produced using infectious elements, as stated in the University of Cambridge RNA vaccine briefing and introduction. “Unlike a normal vaccine, RNA vaccines work by introducing an mRNA
sequence (the molecule which tells cells what to build) which is coded for a disease specific antigen, once produced within the body, the antigen is recognised by the immune system, preparing it to fight the real thing,” the briefing stated. This means they aren’t made with the coronavirus itself, meaning there’s no chance anyone could catch it from the shots. Instead, the vaccine contains a piece of genetic code that trains the immune system to recognize the spiked protein on the surface of the virus, AP reports.
not be leaving for the break and is staying through the extended period. “It’s hard. COVID has ruined the traditional college experience, so it’s been hard to make friends.” While students will be able to take a break, the COVID-19 virus will not. Oklahoma and the country are seeing a daily rise in cases. UCO has updated the learners resource page with tips for staying safe over the break and keeping up with classwork.
Breaking News! On Monday November 16th, Governor Kevin Stitt announced a series of safety measures to reduce COVID-19 cases in Oklahoma. Stitt stated that the measures will go into effect Thursday November 19th. Restaurants must ensure all tables are 6 feet apart, and if this can’t be achieved that they can install sanitized dividers to keep groups separated. Stitt is also requesting that all bars and restaurants are to close at 11 p.m. This includes no inperson service of food or alcohol will be allowed after 11 p.m. except for curbside or drive-thru windows. As of Tuesday November 17th, the governor is also implicating that all state employees and customers are to wear a mask in common areas near state buildings.
Editorial/
November 17, 2020
The Vista | 5
Editorial: Graduating during a pandemic Kiel Kondrick Managing Editor
College Graduation. It’s an immense accomplishment and absolute privilege – one I personally don’t take lightly. Graduations are always included in the basket of memories you know you’ll remember even before they happen. If you’re about to graduate in December, like me, then you have already accomplished so much up to this point. Congratulations on your great achievement. You learned to walk, go to the bathroom on your own, tie your shoes, spell your name, completed your multiplication tables, got through junior high and somehow made it through high school and decided, “You know
what? Let’s keep going.” Just getting to college is a big deal. Graduating is a whole other huge accomplishment. Be proud of that. I know I am. If you’re like me, it’s sometimes hard to focus on the positive side of things and be excited for what’s next with the state of the world we are in right now and the brunt force of life we are about to subject ourselves to. Postgraduation is unnerving enough, but to add on a global pandemic – one that doesn’t seem to be letting up any time soon – that has also created one of the worst economic climates this country has ever witnessed, well, that sucks. I think it’s okay to feel like our situation sucks. We have plenty of jus-
tifiable reasons. Why couldn’t we just get a normal end to our great achievement? Throughout this semester I have asked myself, “What is normal?” You know what? This is my normal. No matter how much graduating without a rising global pandemic and a spiraling economy would be appreciated, this is the hand I was dealt. I can’t change that fact. If I could, I would, but I can’t. None of us can. It won’t be easy, it’s going to be hard. Although, nothing easy is worth doing– it’s a cliche for a reason. I am lucky enough that through this whole crazy year, I have had little to no complications. I’m extremely grateful for that, and I know how lucky I am. If you are one of those people going
through it all right now, know that you’re not forgotten. There’s a lot of talk about generational superiority because of how hard older generations had it. We definitely earned ours. Also, think of how nice it will be when you’re older to argue with the younger generations about how easy they have it compared to when you graduated. That’s a pretty nice consolation prize. The best advice I can think of, if i'm allowed to give any, is that everything will work itself out. If you’re graduating, it’ll be okay. If you’re not graduating, it’ll be okay, too. That’s the best we can do, I think. Relish the achievement and do what you can afterward.
UCO makes COVID-19 plan for spring semester return Brianna Garcia Contributing Writer
At this time, the University of Central Oklahoma has not released a new contingency plan for the Spring semester. With COVID-19 cases rising daily, university officials recommend getting tested before returning to campus. During a news conference on Nov. 10, Gov. Kevin Stitt recommended that all college students get tested for the virus before leaving campus for holidays. “Getting a test before you head home will make sure you do not bring this virus back home to your loved ones,” Stitt said. The University of Central Oklahoma, with about 12,000 undergraduates, sent out an email Monday morning encouraging all faculty, staff and students to get tested for the COVID-19 before traveling back home for Thanksgiving break. This is the first email in a series of communications that will go out to the UCO community regarding recommendations on leaving and returning to campus. “We are strongly encouraging students who plan to return to campus for housing and/or classes for the Spring get a PCR test 3-5 days before their return to campus and to continue to monitor themselves for symptoms,” said Adrienne Nobles, Vice President for Communications and Public Affairs. According to Nobles, the university plans to follow the same reopening guidelines that are listed in the fall contingency plan for the Spring semester.
A medical worker at an IMMY Labs drive-through testing site at the Cleveland County Health Department in Norman, Oklahoma prepares to take a test sample. Cleveland, Oklahoma and Tulsa counties have the highest numbers of positive COVID-19 cases in Oklahoma as the state case count continues to rise. (JaNae Williams/The Vista)
Nobles said in an email to The Vista, if a student living on campus test positive before Thanksgiving break they should report it to the university and self-isolate for 10 days since symptoms first appeared. Students living on campus may choose to quarantine on campus and should contact their hall director to make arrangements for food delivery. UCO, in partnership with the IMMY Labs and the Oklahoma State Department of Health, will continue to offer free COVID-19 testing on campus for members of the UCO community. The campus testing site is located at the parking lot at the corner of University and First Street. Testing will be available Monday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The city of Edmond currently has a mask ordinance in place, which will
expire on Nov. 30. Oklahoma City’s mask mandate will be effective until Dec. 7, which requires everyone 11 and up to wear a mask in indoor public places. Dr. Dale Bratlzer, the University of Oklahoma’s Chief COVID officer, gave some recommendations for students traveling home for the holidays on OU’s website. “Avoid large crowds and attempt to maintain physical distancing at all times. Help those around you understand the impact of this disease and the reasons to practice those important public health measures to slow the spread of this disease,” stated Bratzler in the Q&A. Bratzler also recommends students to get a regular flu shot this flu season as it’s possible to be infected with both viruses at the same time.
“Young people with this infection are often asymptomatic, but could transmit the infection to their parents, grandparents, siblings and others,” Bratzler wrote. “If a student tests positive, they need to be in isolation and not directly interact with their family members for at least 10 days after a positive test.” College students who are returning home for the holidays are considered part of a different household from those living in the home already, according to the CDC. The CDC defines a household as anyone who currently lives and shares common spaces in a single home. Individuals who do not follow the CDC’s coronavirus prevention measures, such as handwashing, mask wearing, and social distancing, pose a higher risk than those who consistently practice them.
6 | The Vista
November, 17, 2020
MIAA/Bronze & Blue
Broncho basketball returns for regular
MIAA media day gives a new perspective ahead of season start Tanner Johnson Staff Writer
The Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association Basketball Media Day took place on Tuesday, with coaches from every team answering questions from the press in a virtual conference. The MIAA also announced Tuesday its coaches’ poll for both men’s and women’s basketball. The UCO men’s team was tabbed sixth, and the women’s team seventh. In men’s head coach Bob Hoffman’s opening statement, he talked about his excitement for the upcoming season. “I’m really excited about our opportunity to step into this season with the team we have,” Hoffman said. “I thought our guys last year finished well. We didn’t do what we wanted to do in the conference tournament, but we’re really thrilled about our new guys that are going to be a part of our squad. I just love my team.” Hoffman also talked about how some of the new additions to the team, and how they can give them a boost. “We’ve added some pieces. Cal-
Senior forward Kelsey Johnson backs down a Newman player. Johson broke the UCO record for FG% last season, shooting 60.4%. (Provided/UCO Photo Services)
len Haydon, who led the country in assists at Connors Junior College, he can really handle the ball. Davon Richardson, point guard, big guard out of Sand Springs High School, and we have multiple shooters. Jaden Wells is going to be great, Conner Calavan and Austin Fenton, all those guys are new. We had two guys sitting out at practice. Shemar Smith from Norman North, he will be a freshman, then Isaiah Wade I think has a chance to lead the country in rebounding.” Central was picked last place in the MIAA coaches’ poll last season, so they improved by eight spots. In women’s head coach Guy Har-
daker’s opening statement, he talks about COVID-19 and how it has affected his team. “For a team like mine that has had to quarantine three different times this season, we are nowhere ready to be playing, but for their mental well-being and mental health, it has been fantastic for our kids to have something to look forward to,” he said. “We got a decent team this year, I believe. We are strong in some areas, and we have to get better in some other areas. Fortunately for us, we will have very strong post-play. One of the best players in the league will be back for us, Kelsey Johnson.”
Basey got off to a 15-5 lead early in the first quarter. The blue team ended the first with a 28-19 lead. Senior Isaiah Wade on the white team led all scorers with 10 points and Basey had 8 points for the blue team. In the second quarter, things evened up a bit as the white team outscored the blue team 21-17. The scrimmage
ended after two 10 minute quarters. The blue team won, 45-40. Isaiah Wade led all scorers with 16 points and 9 rebounds. D.J. Basey had 14 points for the blue team. Richardson and Wells made their presence known combining for 25 points, and each played 19 of the 20 total minutes.
Hardaker also talked about the youth of the team this season. “As the league goes, you are as good as your guards. We will be playing a lot of young, inexperienced freshman, a couple of them at the point guard spot. I think the key to us is how quickly they develop,” he said. Hardaker was also asked what the consistent factor has been for the program over the years. “I think it’s consistency as far as your work ethic. We are recruiting mainly high school kids. we receive very few transfers, and in this league, there are a lot of transfers,” he said. “We haven’t had a lot of luck with that. Obviously, Kelsey is a transfer and she is our best player, but we got to remain consistent day in and day out. We got to practice and compete hard every day, and we got to recruit high-character kids.” The men’s and women’s teams will hold their Bronze & Blue game on Wednesday, and they are scheduled to open up the season against the Missouri Southern State Lions on Thursday, Nov. 19 at Hamilton Field House.
Men’s team scrimmages, yields opportunity with starters out Preston Poole Contributing Writer
Men’s basketball coach Bob Hoffman and the University of Central Oklahoma Bronchos returned to the hardwood Wednesday in the Bronze & Blue scrimmage at Hamilton Field House. The scrimmage was the first live sporting event with fans to be held at UCO since the cancelation of spring sports in March. “What a blessing it was to get back out there. And there’s so many people working so many different things — and in a normal year, that would never happen — so we’re grateful and thankful,” Hoffman said. The Bronchos were without starters Alex Ogunseye, Carson Calavan, Justin Nimmer and Cam Givens. “We had three guys who were major contributors that were out tonight. But we have a young team we’re going to grow every day, and I’m going to keep coaching them hard,” Hoffman said. UCO welcomed a few new faces to the lineup this year with freshmen Davon Richardson and Jaden Wells. Wells led the Dallas-Fort Worth area in points last year as a senior in high school. The blue team led by sophomore D.J.
Hoffman said Wells is a pleasure to coach. “The thing he can do that most people don’t know is that he probably got five or six deflections. He’s so long and athletic, and he sees the floor,” Hoffman said.
Sophomore forward D.J. Basey defends an inbound pass during practice. Basey scored 14 points for the Bronchos in the Bronze & Blue Scrimmage, trailing only forward Isaiah Wade in scoring, who scored 16 points himself. (Provided/UCO Photo Services)
Season Preview
The Vista | 7
November 17, 2020
Season, kicks off winter athletics at UCO
The Bronchos prepare ahead of their matchups with Missouri Southern State Jacob Silva Sports Editor
Amid a tumultuous year, the University of Central Oklahoma men’s and women’s basketball teams will step into some sense of wavering normalcy next week as regular season play begins. Following COVID-19 protocol, the teams managed to continue a scaleddown level of practice and preparation inside of the Sports Performance Center. This included reduced num-
Women’s Team The Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association released its preseason coaches poll, and the women’s basketball team landed right in the middle at No. 7. The Bronchos finished the 2019-2020 season at a promising 18-10, while going 12-7 in conference play. They also made it to the postseason tournament but were knocked out in the first game against Northwest Missouri. Although they didn’t get the ending they wanted, Hardaker can be sure of one quality his team will carry over from last season: consistency. Three starters return to the lineup, including Kelsey Johnson—the Broncho who broke the school record for field goal percentage last season at 60.2 percent, according to assistant athletic director Chris Brannick. Johnson is joined by Jaci Littell, who made the most 3-pointers out of returning players last season with 31, and Brooke Rayner, who had the most assists out of returning players with 49. Hardaker has spoken on the level of experience from his guards, citing at MIAA media day that “As the league goes, you are as good as your guards,” and most of the Broncho guards are freshmen. Hardaker touted his program’s work ethic as a reason for optimism in that position though. A frontcourt loaded with experience and rebounding prowess, backed by a young rotation of guards should bring balance to the roster. Being a guard with less experience at this level can be eased quite a bit when you have a reliable presence like Kelsey Johnson to throw an entry pass to or run a pick and roll with. The women’s team prepares to take on the Missouri Southern State Lions 5:30 p.m.Thursday at Hamilton Field House.
— Jacob Silva
bers in weight rooms, mask compliance while training and during scrimmages, and contact tracing when necessary. Sports will begin again this week at UCO after being stalled at the start of the pandemic in March and April, though students on campus will be shifting to online learning starting next Thursday the 26th. No schedule changes have been made to this point as COVID-19 continues to surge around the country to the highest
Women’s Schedule Preview
number yet. Oklahoma sits at an average of 2500 new cases of COVID-19 each day. Gov. Kevin Stitt and a team of leaders in Oklahoma’s medical field gathered last Thursday to express utmost urgency around the pandemic. Following the lead of college football, college basketball will resume nonetheless. Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association Commissioner Mike Racy added that the conference will be the first conference in Division
Men’s Schedule Preview
Missouri Southern 11/19 5:30 P.M.
Missouri Southern 11/19 7:30 P.M.
Pittsburg State 11/21 1:30 P.M.
Pittsburg State 11/21 3:30 P.M.
@ Washburn 12/3 5:30 P.M.
@ Washburn 12/3 7:30 P.M.
@ Emporia State 12/5 1:30 P.M.
@ Emporia State 12/5 3:30 P.M.
Nebraska-Kearney 12/12 1:30 P.M.
Nebraska-Kearney 12/12 3:30 P.M.
@ Newman 12/19 1:30 P.M.
@ Newman 12/19 7:30 P.M.
Fort Hays State 1/2 1:30 P.M.
Fort Hays State 1/2 3:30 P.M.
@ Northeastern State 1/7 5:30 P.M.
@ Northeastern State 1/7 7:30 P.M.
@ Rogers State 1/9 1:30 P.M.
@ Rogers State 1/9 3:30 P.M.
Central Missouri 1/14 5:30 P.M.
Central Missouri 1/14 7:30 P.M.
Lincoln 1/16 1:30 P.M.
Lincoln 1/16 3:30 P.M.
@ Northwest Missouri 1/21 5:30 P.M.
@ Northwest Missouri 1/21 7:30 P.M.
@ Missouri Western 1/23 1:30 P.M.
@ Missouri Western 1/23 3:30 P.M.
Emporia State 1/28 5:30 P.M.
Emporia State 1/28 7:30 P.M.
Washburn 1/30 1:30 P.M. @ Nebraska-Kearney 2/4 5:30 P.M.
Washburn 1/30 3:30 P.M. @ Nebraska-Kearney 2/4 7:30 P.M.
I or II to play again. Women’s basketball head coach Guy Hardaker explained on MIAA Media Day that “For a team like mine that has had to quarantine three different times this season, we are nowhere ready to be playing, but for their mental well-being and mental health, it has been fantastic for our kids to have something to look forward to.” Here’s what to expect from Broncho Basketball in the months ahead:
Men’s Team The men’s basketball team will look to show growth after a disappointing season in 2019-2020. A season that was defined by its young but developing roster they went 11-18 on the season and 8-11 in MIAA play. They made it to the postseason but lost in their first game against Lincoln and were eliminated. A young team with a high potential will be closer to reaching that potential this season assuming the young talent continues to develop. In the preseason coaches poll, they ranked sixth out of fourteen teams— last season they ranked last. Head coach Bob Hoffman additionally touted the new members of the team as more reason for a high level of play. Callen Haydon, David Richardson, Jaden Wells and Conner Calavan are just some of the new faces on the roster, and all bring a different skill set to bolster what talents the team carried over from last season. Leading some of the new faces will be three returning starters. Camryn Givens, Justin Nimmer and Seth Hurd will bring experience and chemistry to the starting lineup. Of the returning players, Givens led the team in scoring last season at 10.4 points per game. With previous leading scorer Dashawn McDowell moving on from the team, a larger volume of shots will be available for guys like Givens and Nimmer. Keep an eye on if one of them becomes the de facto leading scorer on this Bronchos team by taking advantage of those new shot opportunities. The Calavan brothers, Carson and Conner, have said how excited they are to play with one another and should offer some exciting moments this season as well. The team will prepare to face the Missouri Southern State Lions at 7 p.m. Thursday at Hamilton Field House.
— Jacob Silva