Photos Page 2.
Tuesday, Feb.
Nash and Robins advance in the running for Edmond mayor
Charlie Shackelford Reporter
Mark Nash, a financial professional, and Tom Robins, former Ward 1 Councilman, got the highest number of votes during the primary round of elections this past Tuesday. This advanced them on to the general election in April. They moved forward with only 45 votes separating them, with Nash receiving 2,447 and Robins receiving 2,402.
Nash joined the race in November after noticing issues within the community. After the proposed GO Bond’s defeat, which would have helped Edmond move forward with many projects, Nash decided to announce his candidacy for mayor. He is a longtime resident and community leader, living here and raising his family here for over 35 years. Once he joined the Edmond Neighborhood Association, first as a board member and now only as an advisor, he became inspired to fix the various issues that came to his attention. Since then he has spent numerous years on other committees, including the Edmond Public School Foundation and the Edmond Economic Development Authority.
challenging, but sees it as a necessary first step to solving the city’s on-going traffic problems.
recycling center started and wants to continue to support the UCO community.
One of the main issues that Nash is looking to fix is the city’s fiscal transparency. He wants to prioritize the city’s budget in order to move forward in addressing specific issues.
“I’ve got the experience, so why not help solve it… you have to know the process. You have to understand the way government finance works,” Nash stated.
He has worked for state agencies as the Director of Finance to help find ways to save money and monitor how it’s being spent, and that’s where he learned more about government finance and furthered his understanding of it.
One of Nash’s main priorities is focusing on how the city can fix traffic. His plan for this is to transition more roads, like Danforth and Covell, into four-lane roads to take traffic off of 2nd and 15th streets. He acknowledges that this will be
Nash says this election is also going to affect students. Traffic and property values can affect the university students who commute and live off campus. Nash wants to continue the city’s support and strong relationship with the university. He wants to help UCO in their fight for funding against bigger colleges such as Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma. Nash plans to see what the city can do to further help the funding that UCO receives.
He hopes to fix the city’s image and this is where he wants to start.
“This election is about how we can keep this city moving forward,” Nash said.
Robins joined the race earlier, announcing his candidacy in August after stepping down from his position in the City Council. He was elected to City Council in 2023, and since then, he has worked on many projects. Robins is endorsed by the Edmond Police Department due to his help protecting the community. He wants to use this election as an opportunity to serve his neighbors and be a voice for young families.
He sees UCO as a strong quality of Edmond, often taking his families to campus games and theater events. Robins helped to get the UCO
IRS faces scrutiny from Elon Musk and DOGE organization
Ella Spurlock Copy Editor
On Feb. 13 Gavin Kliger visited the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the middle of tax season. Kliger is a 25 year-old former Databricks software engineer and is a top staffer under Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Kliger met with senior executives at the IRS in an effort to scrutinize the agency and its operations per President Trump’s request for DOGE to cut costs, waste and fraud throughout the federal government.
According to an email seen by Reuters, “Separately, senior executives at the IRS were instructed on Thursday to identify all ‘non-essen-
tial’ contracts for termination.” Government contracts are essentially an agreement between a business and the government to provide goods or services in exchange for payment.
The General Service Administration (GSA) deems a contract non-essential if it “merely generates a report, research, coaching, or an artifact.”
These standards for non-essential contracts were brought into play because of the Trump Administration. Businesses big and small operate under specific government contracts and if they are deemed non-essential, the business itself and thousands of jobs are at risk.
Another priority for Robins is providing Edmond with more mental health services. He plans to protect community members with mental health issues by ensuring that steps are taken, so the police don’t need to get involved. He wants to bring more awareness to North Care and Oasis Clubhouse, two mental health services in Edmond that offer support to people struggling with mental health crises.
His plan for solving the traffic issue is to start with a transportation plan. Robins says the city needs to figure out what the future of mobility is, starting with electric bikes. He wants to install more bike racks downtown to promote different forms of transportation in the city. Robins also wants to focus on bringing more accessible options to parks and buildings for citizens with disabilities.
“I’m running to be able to serve and be involved and to choose the community I have. I want to make Edmond a great place to just grow,” Robins said.
The primary election will take place on April 1. Whoever wins this election will serve the city for the next four years.
President Trump’s executive orders are being blocked: here’s why
Ella Spurlock Copy Editor
As of Feb. 12 President Trump has signed more than 60 executive orders. This is the more than any president has ever signed in their first 100 days in office, in more than 40 years.
First, let’s start with what executive orders are. Executive orders are directives from the U.S. president that instructs federal agencies to take a specific action. Only the sitting U.S. president has the power to overturn an existing executive order by issuing a new one to that effect. This is because EOs are not legislation, they do not go through Congress for approval, but Congress can pass legislation that may make it difficult, or even impossible, for an EO to go into effect. Courts can also strikedown EOs on the grounds of the president lacking authority to issue them or the EO is unconstitutional.
Currently, several EOs signed by President Trump are being blocked by federal judges. This means that federal judges are either suing the Trump Administration or imposing injunctions on the EOs. Injunctions prohibit a party from ordering or performing a specified act. Injunctions can either be permanent or temporary, but that has yet to be determined for the EOs being blocked.
One major EO that was blocked by federal courts and judges is President Trump’s order to end birthright citizenship. Birthright citizenship
has been in place since 1868 when the 14th Amendment was ratified. Originally, the clause was meant for former slaves after the Civil War, but in 1898, it was ruled in U.S. v. Wong Kim Ark that birthright citizenship applies to children of immigrants. Looking directly at this clause in the Constitution is a dead give away that this EO was unconstitutional. This fact shows in the 10 lawsuits that the Trump Administration are facing, seven of which challenge the EO directly.
According to Mattathias Schwartz and Seamus Hughes of the New York Times, “The plaintiffs seeking to defend the 14th Amendment’s longstanding guarantee to birthright citizenship include two groups of state attorney generals, nonprofits representing pregnant mothers and an attorney from Orange County, Calif., who is representing his pregnant wife.”
The judges that have been hearing these current cases are skeptical of the president’s order and have imposed two preliminary injunctions that have put the EO on hold, for now. Other challenges the Trump Administration is dealing with are cities in Calif., including San Francisco, have sued the administration for an EO that would withhold federal funds from cities that do not enforce President Trump’s new immigration policies.
Skate
Tom Robins (left) and Mark Nash (right) have secured enough votes in the Edmond mayoral race to move on to the general election in April with only 45 votes separating them. (ARRIANA CHARQUEÑO/THE VISTA)
Jake Ramsey Editor-In-Chief
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt ceremoniously kicked-off the 2025 Legislative Session on Feb. 3 and, similarly to last year, had a familiar sentiment to his speeches regarding education and universities – workforce readiness.
“If kids aren’t leaving high school college ready or career ready, we haven’t done our job. I want to sign a bill that creates more internships and apprenticeships. If we can get this right, we’ll lead the nation in workforce development. Companies from all around the world will move operations to Oklahoma because it’ll be clear that we have the strongest workforce anywhere. So I’m calling on businesses, schools and universities to create 250 new apprenticeship and internship programs this year.”
This quote comes from Stitt’s State of the State Address, a call to action for businesses, schools and universities to prepare Oklahoma youth and young adults for the American workforce.
While a seemingly powerful tool for the workforce and economic development in states, the assembly line of education to job to the hopeful career is a recent development in the grandscheme of history and education.
Modern Education
Education, as is in our contemporary society, is flawed to its core. Focusing on grade-point averages (GPA), standardized testing and the most damning factor is the pressure of forging your future without the knowledge of who you are.
A life-lesson that I was fortunate enough to learn in my late teens was:
- Know who you are.
- Know where you’re going.
- Know who you’re going with.
You cannot change that order, and in attempting to do so, you’re in for a world of confusion and disappointment.
However, by focusing on “workforce readiness,” we are changing that system.
Children, and even some young-adults, are expected to have lives figured out while they are still developing as people. The question is asked quite frequently from K-12 in various forms. It starts with, “Who do you want to be when you grow up,” and along the way changes to “What job are you going to get when you leave high school” and commonly ends with “What are
your plans after college.”
By this method, you are placing the profit over the person in a sense. Obviously, asking a child what they want to be when they grow up is a harmless question that will yield a multitude of results all of which rarely come true or are even possible (my dream job as a child was to be Batman, one that unfortunately will never come true or provide a satisfactory income, unless the added factor of being Bruce Wayne was tacked on), but nonetheless the expectation placed upon young folks in the K-12 system to figure out a future “workforce ready” career is frivolous at best, and neglecting the true purpose of education at worst.
Education’s Purpose
What is the purpose of education? Well, if you ask Gov. Stitt, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters or a multitude of other politicians in Oklahoma, the United States and across the globe, the purpose of education is to prepare the next generation of workers.
However, if you ask the Ancient Greeks, the purpose of education was to cultivate well-rounded citizens.
This understanding of education stayed until the late 19th century.
Around the time of the second Industrial Revolution, which historians commonly agree took place from the mid-19th century to the early-20th century, or the Gilded Age, as some call it, North America, particularly the United States, saw a boom in development and an influx of immigration. The natural outcome of significant development, a multitude of desperate workers seeking a new start and unregulated business practice, was an income inequality that skyrocketed.
At the time, the richest 4,000 families in the U.S. (representing less than 1% of the population) had about as much wealth as other 11.6 million families all together, according to Time Magazine.
This economic trend would dwindle as the middle class grew after significant regulations were put into place by the U.S. Government, but still the wealth-inequality remained. With a wealth-inequality, there also came an inequality in education, one that remains to this day.
Low to middle-class individuals simply cannot afford the same outcomes as wealthier individuals and it is shown in schools. Low GPAs and test scores are rampant in the U.S., and the “workforce ready” mentality has set children up
Photo Spotlight
for failure.
But how can we reverse this mentality?
Classical Education
Classical education is a method that approaches learning through traditional tools. Teaching grammar, logic, rhetoric, history, language and a multitude of other skills that are typically underdeveloped in a modern society. However, it teaches one thing above all else; “Who am I?”
Greek Philosopher Aristotle believed the purpose of life was to flourish, and that humans flourished through education.
The Christian Bible, written in Jeremiah 29:11, states, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.’”
Other religions, philosophers and teachers share similar sentiments, that the purpose of life is to flourish and prosper. The purpose of life is not to be “workforce ready,” it is instead to find oneself and give yourself to the community in which you live and in the best way you see fit.
Going back to the life-lesson I learned, know who you are first and foremost.
When a plane is crashing, it is said to apply your oxygen mask first, then the oxygen mask of the baby or toddler. You are useless if you have not first put yourself in a position to help.
The same goes for workforce development. You want good workers? Create good, engaged citizens first. And do it through education.
Teach children how to think for themselves, problem solve and critically inquire about the world around them. Encourage curiosity, growth and difficult conversations. Don’t seek to prepare them for a job, instead prepare them for life.
The saying, “It takes a village,” is ever true in education.
While I am neglecting factors such as technology advancements, social media, bullying and social-ousting, mental health and other determining factors in one’s education experience, the first-step taken should be a course correction towards a classical education. Then begin addressing other factors, but by “workforce ready” campaigns, anti-bullying assemblies and attempts to ban phones in schools, those seeking to fix issues are putting the cart before the horse.
The attempts to reform education in that sense will yield the same results as knowing where one is going before knowing who one is. You cannot take the steps out of order.
Sergio Anguiano Photographer
A skater named Beanie performs a kickflip at the Core Board Shop in OKC.
José Beez performing a grab at a skating event. Zane Larue from Diet Riot doing a kickflip midsong.
DOGE efforts continue in United States Government
Continued from Page 1.
Information about non-essential contracts was not the only thing DOGE was seeking out. A source that spoke to the AP that requested anonymity reported that DOGE is specifically seeking access to the IRS’ Integrated Data Retrieval System (IDRS). This system gives anyone who accesses it “instantaneous visual access to certain taxpayer accounts,” according to the IRS website. The system can also be used for “researching account information and requesting returns,” and “automatically generating notices, collection documents and other outposts.”
Simply, the IDRS is a giant search engine that gives certain IRS employees the capability to access every record that the agency has on file and every single database within the IRS. This includes, but is not limited to, private bank information, tax information and social security numbers. The only IRS employees allowed to access the IDRS are those working directly with taxpayers that may need past tax information, information about a balance owed, etc.
With DOGE and Musk putting the IRS under tight scrutiny and requesting access to the IDRS during tax season, private information is at risk, as well as the integrity of the IRS. Not only is DOGE operating blindly and offering up criticisms and opinions that won’t necessarily benefit the tax-collecting agency or the American people, they have pressed the IRS for permission to access individual tax history of every individual, household, nonprofit and business in the country.
This is an issue because most taxpayer information is highly confidential and illegal to access unless you have the correct credentials. DOGE demanding access to such a large magnitude
of private information and, in such little time, lays the groundwork for the information to land into the wrong hands. DOGE can inadvertently access the information illegally as a special government entity, or they run the risk of exposing sensitive data about American families, businesses, nonprofits and individuals to a third party. There is no real clear indicator of what DOGE and Musk’s plans are and what they plan on using this confidential information for, but it has alarmed many federal officials, judges and agencies. Most cannot understand why DOGE accessing the IDRS would lead to minimizing fraud. It also brings into question the right of privacy that all individuals and entities are entitled to in the United States under the constitution. Because of this, many say DOGE’s actions and requests are unconstitutional. Especially because
DOGE is not a completely recognized government agency, they’re only contracted by the government.
Along with DOGE scrutinizing the IRS, as of Feb. 20 7,000 IRS employees will be laid off by President Trump in the middle of tax season. This is roughly 7% of the agency’s workforce.
The employee cuts are just one example of Trump’s goal to downsize the government and get rid of everything that is not of “importance.” These efforts have affected bank regulators, forest workers, rocket scientists and tens of thousands of other government employees that were originally told their job is necessary.
Again, there is no clear indicator that these downsizing efforts will be beneficial to the American people, economy or the government itself.
Trump’s executive orders continue to be blocked
Continued from Page 1.
President Trump’s EOs range in several topics. From immigration to federal funds, the president seems to think our current policies are not fit. Another EO President Trump signed on his first day in office targets transgender women in the prison system and instructs transgender women to be rehoused to men’s facilities. It also prohibits the Bureau of Prisons from providing gender-affirming care to inmates. This EO was blocked by U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth, and was not only blocked by a federal judge, but three transgender women currently housed in women’s prison facilities sued over the order. They claimed the EO was representing sexbased discrimination and violates the protection from cruel and unusual punishment that they are ensured, as inmates.
The three women’s attorney, Jennifer Levi, told the judge, “given the serious risk of violence and sexual assault,” they will face in men’s facilities, it is inhumane to rehouse them. The judge ruled in favor of the inmates based on this argument and others.
The Trump Administration’s anti-transgender policies are abundant, but most don’t differentiate between if these policies are truly needed or if they are just discriminatory and promote violence, as well as discrimination.
While there are several other EOs being blocked by federal judges, these are examples of a few of President Trump’s EOs, how EOs are blocked by federal judges and how other EOs,
Over his first month in office, President Donald Trump has signed over 100 executive orders. (PROVIDED/ASSOCIATED PRESS)
like these, may be blocked as well.
Although there is still a chance that these EOs will go through, there is an equal chance that they will be injunctioned permanently, the suits will win or the EOs will be found to be unconstitutional in federal court.
UCO’s Student Voice Since 1903
Jake Ramsey Editor-in-Chief
Victor Lopez Photo Editor
Mariah Vanzant Copy Editor
Ella Spurlock Copy Editor
Isabel Contreras Digital Editor
Bradie Gray Sports Editor
Callie Turley Reporter
Troy Isbell Reporter
Jessey Kollie Cartoonist
Andrea Vasquez Photographer
Arriana Charqueno Photographer
Sergio Anguiano Photographer
Erika Williams Advisor
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
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.
EDITORIALS
Opinion columns, editorial cartoons, reviews and commentaries represent the views of the writer or artist and not necessarily the views of The Vista Editorial Board, the Department of Mass Communications, UCO or the Board of Regents of Oklahoma Colleges. The Vista is not an official medium of expression for the Regents or UCO.
LETTERS
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 Mass Communications Building, Room 131. Letters can be emailed to jramsey14@uco.edu
Elon Musk continues to consolidate federal programs in the U.S. Government. (PROVIDED/ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Breaking the ice: Raymond Streuli is UCO Hockey’s youngest Broncho
Andrew Frazier Reporter
For Raymond Streuli, hockey has been a part of his life for as long as he can remember. Some of his earliest memories are of sitting in the stands at the Cox Convention Center with his father, watching the Oklahoma City Barons take the ice. Thanks to a former student of his aunt, who frequently refereed the Barons’ games, Streuli was able to step into locker rooms, meet players and hold game-used pucks. Those small moments left a big impression, sparking a passion that would lead him to where he is today.
Now, at just 18 years old, Streuli is the youngest player on the University of Central Oklahoma hockey team, a squad known for its dominance in the Western Collegiate Hockey League (WCHL) and for capturing two American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Division I National Championships. Despite the team’s success, his path to UCO wasn’t exactly planned. After spending the majority of his high school career in Des Moines, he decided to return home to Edmond for his senior year and graduate alongside his childhood friends. At that point, college hockey wasn’t really on his radar. He figured he’d attend school at the University of Oklahoma as a regular student, but fate had other plans.
At a wedding for one of his close friends, former UCO player Vitali Mikhailov, Streuli met several UCO players who knew he had experience on the ice, but wasn’t playing anywhere at the time. They suggested he give UCO hockey a shot, and after a few conversations and some thought, he found himself on the ice at a practice.
“I just kind of showed up and they never told me to leave,” Streuli joked.
Getting onto the roster was one thing, but adjusting to college life was another. Streuli
had to navigate enrolling at UCO in the middle of an academic block, but having the support from both the team and the university made the transition smooth.
“Everybody was super helpful,” he emphasized. “It was a weird time to get into school, but they really made it easy.”
The locker room dynamic also took some getting used to. With teammates anywhere from two to eight years older than him, Streuli suddenly found himself surrounded by players with much more experience, both on and off the ice.
D3, ACHA D1 and so on. It’ll make things even more competitive.”
“There’s definitely a big gap,” he admitted. “Some guys are almost a decade older than me, but it’s a good balance. I learn a lot from them and they help keep me in check.”
The mix of experience and mentorship has helped him grow, and he’s already thinking about what’s next. Streuli pointed out that an upcoming rule change will drastically shift the landscape of college hockey, allowing players from Canada’s major junior leagues, who were previously ineligible for NCAA competition, to join college programs. It’s a move that will send ripples through all levels of collegiate hockey.
“It’s going to create a chain reaction,” he explained. “Some of those players who would have gone straight to Division I will now be forced to Division II, pushing others down to
For Streuli, he plans to stay at UCO, play through his eligibility and then take his ambitions off the ice and into law school.
As a business major, he’s already laying the groundwork for his future beyond hockey.
When asked what advice he’d give to young players, especially those from Oklahoma who might not have the same hockey opportunities as kids from traditional hockey markets, Streuli kept it simple: self-motivation is key.
“You don’t need to rely on an organization to develop,” he said. “It’s on you. You have to find the extra hours, open ice and put in the work yourself.”
From a child in the stands at Barons games to an 18-year-old now suiting up for the Bronchos, Raymond Streuli is proof of that mindset.
UCO Baseball off to an 0-2 start in MIAA play
Dylan Hibbard-Scott Reporter
University of Central Oklahoma baseball went 4-0 on the weekend in Arkadelphia, making it six wins in a row.
UCO outscored opponents 39 to 19 at the invitational which included double-digits in the last three games. Friday night was the closest game the Bronchos had all weekend with a 5-4 win in a thriller.
In game one against Henderson State, it started out in the top of the first when Carson Carpenter went deep to right to give the ‘Chos an early 1-0 lead. After HSU scored four in the bottom of the fourth to take a 4-1 lead, UCO scored one in the sixth and one in the eighth. Then in the top of the ninth Bronchos were down 4-3 when Coach John Martin called on Brooks Miller to pinch hit. Miller had not taken one at bat as a Broncho and what does he do? He hits a homerun over the left field wall to tie the game at four and spark the eventual 5-4 win.
After Friday night Central Oklahoma wouldn’t care for another close game as they would go on to blow out Ouachita Baptist 14-0 and take down Southern Arkansas twice with a 10-8 and 10-7 win. This invitational also saw the Bronchos hit nine home runs as a team. Central Oklahoma now improves to 6-2 on the young season. After dropping the first two games, the ‘Chos look to have found some mojo heading into their Valentine’s weekend series against Colorado Christian.
UCO hosts the Cougars starting Friday at 3pm, then has a double header Saturday at 12pm and 2:30pm, finally closing the series on Sunday at 12pm all at Wendell Simmons Field.
Softball brings the heat
Ian Nikkel Reporter
The Bronchos softball team was originally scheduled to play Friday, Saturday and Sunday in Topeka for the Washburn Invitational, but because of the snowstorm in the great plains, the Invitational was delayed to Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. They started off with a dominating doubleheader by run ruling both opponents in five innings. They first faced Missouri S&T and after two scoreless innings, the Bronchos caught fire with a Rylee Lemos triple down the left field line to score Brooklyn Ryan. Rylee Anglen would hit a single to score Lemos. After a Kennedy Clark lineout and a Terin
Ritz walk. Emily Deramus would smash a ball over to left center to put UCO up 5-0. The Bronchos would put up five more in the fourth, thanks in big part to a Deramus two RBI double. Shelby Beard won her seventh game of the season with four innings pitched, two hits and five strikeouts in the 10-0 routing. Later in the day, the Bronchos battled Concordia-St Paul at Washburn Rural High School and it was Emily Deramus who got the party started in the first inning with a single. In the two games today, Deramus hit a combined 4-5 with eight RBIs. Ariah Mitchell would hit into a fielder’s choice to score another run in the first. Deramus doubled to center and Ariah Mitchell would
lead the charge for a five run third inning to increase their lead to seven. A sacrifice fly by Deramus would give UCO the eighth run needed for a run rule. Sydney Ward did her part by striking out seven and allowing just two hits for a 8-0 victory for Central Oklahoma and their 11th win of the season. The Bronchos will play more games in the Washburn Invitational. Monday they will play Wanye State at 9:30 a.m. and Minnesota State at 11:30 a.m. at Silver Lake High School. The following day, Central Oklahoma will battle Minot State at Washburn Rural High School at 10 a.m. and will play Maryville at Washburn University at 4 p.m. We will have recaps of those games on the Vista website.
A young Raymond Streuli stands with his trophy alongside his father, Ted Steuli. (RAYMOND STREULI/PROVIDED)
UCO pitcher Brett McComas (15) finishes out his pitch. (ARRIANA CHARQUEÑO/THE VISTA)
UCO infielder Garrett Long (8) makes a catch that gurantees an out for the Bronchos. (ARRIANA CHARQUEÑO/THE VISTA)
Bronchos Stumble in Topeka, Drop Doubleheader
Andrew Frazier Reporter
The University of Central Oklahoma basketball teams had a rough night in Topeka on Thursday, with both the men’s and women’s squads falling to Washburn. The men kept it close early but could not keep up with the fourth-ranked Ichabods, losing 93-72, while the women struggled in the second quarter and never found their footing in a 75-60 defeat.The UCO men started off strong, briefly leading 5-2 before Washburn responded with an 8-0 run. Israel Hart carried the Bronchos through the first half, scoring 18 of his game-high 23 points, including a deep 3-pointer before halftime to cut the deficit to 42-32. The Bronchos came out firing after the break, trimming the lead to 42-37, but Washburn answered with an 8-2 burst and steadily pulled away from there. Brayden Shorter led the Ichabods with 25 points and five 3-pointers, while Jacob Hanna added 22 points, hitting 14 of 16 free throws. Hart finished 7-for-19 from the field with five assists and two steals. Jacobi Sebock added 14 points and a team-high eight rebounds, while JV Seat chipped in 13 points. The Bronchos struggled to find a rhythm, shooting just 40 percent from the field and 7-for-24 from 3-point range, while Washburn shot 52.7 percent and dominated the glass with a plus-15 rebounding advantage. The loss
dropped UCO to 14-11 overall and 8-8 in the MIAA as they continue their final road trip of the regular season. While the men’s team saw the game slip away late, the women’s team ran into trouble much earlier. UCO started strong, trading baskets in the first quarter behind Jordyn Turner’s hot start. She scored the Bronchos’ first eight points before foul trouble forced her to the bench. UCO trailed just 20-17 after one, but the game quickly took a turn for the worse in the second quarter. Costly turnovers fueled a 12-0 Washburn run, and the Bronchos struggled to find any rhythm offensively. They managed just six points in the period, three of which came on a buzzer-beater from Karly Wadsworth. By halftime, UCO found itself in a deep 35-23 hole Turner finished with 13 points and nine rebounds, while LaKysia Johnson led the team with 15 points on 7-for-8 shooting. Karly Wadsworth was a bright spot, hitting four 3-pointers to move into second place on UCO’s all-time 3-point list with 187 makes, just three shy of the program record. The Bronchos attempted to mount a comeback, outscoring Washburn 26-22 in the fourth quarter, but the damage had already been done. Payton Sterk paced Washburn with 20 points, while Yiibari Nwidadah added 13 points and seven rebounds. The loss dropped Central Oklahoma to 7-18 on the season and 6-10 in the MIAA. UCO heads to Central Missouri on Saturday, looking to regroup and end the road trip on a high note.
Bronchos Split Final Road Test as Postseason Push Continues
The University of Central Oklahoma basketball teams wrapped up their final road trip of the regular season Saturday with mixed results against Central Missouri. The men’s team pulled off a dramatic 64-62 win in Warrensburg, highlighted by Jacobi Sebock’s game-winning and-1 in the final seconds. Meanwhile, the women’s team stayed competitive in the first half but struggled after the break, falling 80-58. UCO’s men got off to a rough start, jumping ahead 3-0 on a Sebock 3-pointer before surrendering an 18-0 Central Missouri run. Frustrated with his team’s early effort, head coach Bob Hoffman made a bold move and pulled all five of his starters just four minutes in. The new lineup gave up five quick points, but the message was received. Hoffman sent the starters back in, and they responded with a renewed defensive energy and a better shot selection that sparked a 12-0 run. By halftime, the Bronchos had trimmed the deficit to just three at 30-27. The second half saw eight lead changes as both teams traded runs. The Bronchos put together an 8-0 stretch midway through the half to take a 54-50 lead, but Central Missouri answered with its own late push to go up 62-61 with under a minute to play. That set the stage for Sebock, who caught an inbounds pass with 11 seconds left, drove to the rim, and finished through contact. His free throw put UCO up by two, and then he sealed the game with a steal on the other end. Sebock finished with 12 points, six rebounds and two steals. Israel Hart led the Bronchos with 16 points and seven rebounds, while Luke Haasl and JV Seat each added 10. UCO shot 46 percent in the second half, outscoring Central Missouri 3732 after the break to improve to 15-11 overall and 9-8 in the MIAA.With the win, UCO moved to 15-11 overall and 9-8 in the MIAA, advancing into a tie for fifth place in the conference standings alongside Nebraska Kearney. The victory will also give the Bronchos a boost in the KPI rankings that play a key role in determining seeding for the 10-team MIAA Tourna-
ment. UCO came into the game sitting seventh in KPI and will have two more chances to improve its standing before the postseason. While the men’s team celebrated a thrilling win, the women’s team found itself in a similar back-and-forth battle early before struggling in the second half. Korie Allensworth led the first half in scoring with 13 points, including three 3-pointers, while Jordyn Turner dominated the glass with 10 rebounds. The Bronchos battled to a 33-33 tie at halftime, but the second half belonged to Central Missouri. UCO went cold from the floor in the third quarter, managing just three field goals as the Jennies took control with a 21-9 run. The struggles continued in the fourth, as Central Missouri extended its lead to 20 before cruising to an 80-58 win. Allensworth was a bright spot for the Bronchos, pouring in 27 points on 10-for-20 shooting, including six 3-pointers. Turner added 13 points and a career-high 17 rebounds, marking her 12th game this season with double-digit boards. The loss dropped UCO to 7-19 overall and 6-11 in the MIAA, keeping the team in a three-way tie for ninth place in the conference standings. The Bronchos remain on the bubble for the MIAA Tournament, currently sitting 11th in the KPI rankings. With two home games left, UCO will need to pick up wins against Arkansas-Fort Smith and Northeastern State to solidify a postseason spot. Both Broncho teams now return to Edmond for the final stretch of the regular season, with Senior Day on Saturday serving as the final home game for Korie Allensworth, LaKysia Johnson, Alexis Lewis, Jordyn Turner and Karly Wadsworth on the women’s side, and Preston Aymond, Luke Haasl, Israel Hart and Jordan Thompson for the men.
UCO Broncho LaKysia Johnson (3) defends against Fort Hays State player, Sunday, Jan. 26, in Edmond. (ARRIANA CHARQUEÑO/THE VISTA)
Andrew Frazier Reporter
UCO Broncho Jordan Thompson (2) dribbles the ball against Fort Hays State player, Sunday, Jan. 26, in Edmond. (ANDREA VASQUEZ/THE VISTA)
Ella Spurlock Copy Editor
“Fantasies, Forms & Florals — A Look Into Wonder and Abstraction” is the current art exhibition located in the Myriad Botanical Gardens Crystal Bridge Art Gallery and Lobby. The exhibit is open until Feb. 26, Monday - Saturday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. The exhibit features artist Debra Elizabeth Martin. It is free admission for the public.
Debra Elizabeth Martin is a multidisciplinary artist and teacher based in Oklahoma City. She reflects her ancestry, identity and community through her vibrant artwork. Martin works in both abstract and landscape pieces and experiments with bold colors and African textiles within her work. She has drawn inspiration from her self-taught artist mother, which helps highlight African American aesthetics and representation.
“As a contemporary artist, I enjoy using acrylic paint often to explore Black female representation – relying on my own personal navigation throughout the world with the knowledge of Black womanhood,” said Martin.
The artwork on display by Martin, at the Myriad Gardens is named “I’m a Black Mermaid: African Myths & Black Folklore and Mythology, Fables & Folklore: Celebrating Mermaids of Color.” This series is widely celebrated and explores African mythology and the affirming power of water. This belief is rooted in Yoruba traditions. The Yoruba people are one of the largest ethnic groups in Africa and possess many beliefs, including religious ones, that have influenced other ethnic groups and some forms of vodou.
“I felt like I almost walked from a garden to an aquarium. I always love Myriad’s art exhibits, but this one is definitely my favorite. It’s fun, but still has meaning,” said visitor Leala Baker. Martin’s use of textiles and bright colors gives
depth to the art and provides imagery for the viewer that has to deal with African culture. Her art from this series invites the viewer into a vibrant underwater world full of history and mermaids. She brings together abstraction and
history wonderfully through her works. Myriad Botanical Gardens rotate art exhibits regularly. The exhibits often feature local artists and some work is even up for sale.
Great Expectations celebrates exceptional student
Jeremy Ramirez Reporter
Great Expectations, a gallery featuring design projects from freshmen to seniors in both graphic and interior design, is being hosted by The University of Central Oklahoma School of Design in the Donna Nigh Gallery on the third and fourth floors of the Nigh University Center until March 13. the exhibit is free and open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“The work featured is from all levels of the design program, so we can show what hitting it out of the ballpark would look like for that particular year,” said Cynthia Luong, graphic designer for the UCO School of Design and organizer of the gallery. “It’s also a way to let design students know that we have great expectations of them, but they should also have great expectations of themselves moving forward past the program,” continued Luong.
Each piece showcases creativity, hard work and excellence in design.
“The main goal is to showcase exceptional work from current and some past students that have gone above and beyond what was expected of them in the project scope,” said Luong.
The exhibit does just that and spans two floors.
Although this is a new gallery, Luong is optimistic about its future and complimented a few submissions that exceeded expectations.
“A standout piece is ‘Exterior Rendering’ by Katelynn Potts, which is a freshman level course project that requires hand rendering a building in two-point perspective using watercolor”.
“There’s also ‘Fanfare Parfum’ by Emma Thompson, an upper-level graphic design course project where the student designs and 3D renders a perfume bottle,” said Luong. Luong highlighted how the gallery is a valuable platform for student growth.
“I have seen many students grow through this exhibition. This exhibition has some students that had work from multiple years and although they are in this gallery because their professor found their work excellent, you can see how much they have improved further going into just the next level-just a year or even a semester can make a difference,” said Luong.
Luong said that not only does this exhibit provide a space for students to display their work, but she hopes that it inspires other students, while boosting the artist’s self-esteem.
“It’s important for students because not only does it get their work out there for others to see, but it also encourages them to improve, to look at other student’s great work and strive to compete. After all this is a competitive field,” said Luong. “It’s also a great boost to a student’s confidence because their work has been seen and heard, not only by their peers
and teachers, but by others looking at the exhibit,” said Luong.
Luong said the exhibit has been received incredibly well and has gotten nothing but positive feedback.
“Even while putting up the boards for the gallery, there were passers-by that would stop and take a look even before we finished putting everything up,” said Luong.
Onlooker looks at are being displayed at “Fantasies, Forms & Florals”. Sunday, Feb. 16, in Oklahoma City.
(SERGIO ANGUIANO/THE VISTA)
Poster used to advertise “Great Expectations” a gallery held in the Nigh University Center until March 13. (PROVIDED)
The art exhibit at the Myriad Botanical Gardens features artwork by Debra Elizabeth Martin. Sunday, Feb. 16, in Oklahoma City. (SERGIO ANGUIANO/THE VISTA)
Zoe Gfeller discusses her film “Strawberry Milkshake” being selected to play at Okie Women Film Festival
Callie Turley Reporter
UCO student Zoe Gfeller’s film “Strawberry Milkshake” was recently selected to be shown at Okie Women Film Festival. This film was co-directed and co-produced by Zoe Gfeller and UCO alumni Summer Lyric. Lyric wrote the film. Gfeller said the film is a visual poem with images that go along with the writings it is based on. She said Lyric had these essays and they went through and picked one for the film to be about. They picked one about Lyric’s dad who she lost around high school. Gfeller said they liked how visually this writing would work for the film. She said it was metaphorically connected to Lyric’s dad. Gfeller said this was the first time getting her film in a festival. She heard about the film festival, saw they had
free submissions and decided to submit hers. She said even though it is a small festival, she likes the thought of knowing others liked her film. Gfeller and Lyric have previously worked together on a music video to the song “Grenadine” by Street Racer. Gfeller said they both had a similar aesthetic. When they made the music video it turned out better than they thought, so they wanted to work together again. Gfeller said there was a short time span in between coming up with the idea of the film and actually creating it. She said they got together a few times and wrote down specific shots they wanted in the film. They came up with this idea of a strawberry tree. They bought strawberries, pinned them to ribbons and hung them on a tree. They went to Lyric’s hometown of Henryetta, Oklahoma to film it. She said it was challenging because they were working on the film with just two people,
and one of those people was Lyric, who was the subject of the film. Gfeller said they did not have great camera equipment or audio equipment, but they had some cool lenses to work with. She said it was also difficult figuring out the lighting for the atmosphere they were filming in. “Strawberry Milkshake” has music written and played by Gfeller herself. She said she came up with something on the guitar for the film. She said looking back on it she does not like it as much, but she likes the vibes of it. Gfeller and Lyric met through the film club at UCO. Gfeller said she has been making films since she started school at UCO as a freshman. She is currently a senior. She said she joined the film club and that is when she started getting interested in filmmaking. She said besides the two films she made with Lyric she has worked on projects for film club and for classes she has taken.
Photos of MET Gala Globall Night 2025
Callie Turley Reporter
ACM alumni D’Lanee Fields is an indie musician who graduated from ACM in the Spring of 2024. Fields describes her music as indie folk or indie pop. She said it is a mesh between a lot of indie techniques and indie styles with elements of folk and pop music mixed into it. She said the production styles of Julia Jacklin, Generationals and Gotye inspire her own music. Growing up Taylor Swift was a big inspiration to her, she said. Fields started in classical music. Growing up, she said she was trained as a choral singer and a classical singer. Then when she moved to ACM she switched to contemporary music. Fields said music has always been there for her and she even has videos of her as a three year-old trying to play the piano and singing. She started writing songs when she was about 12-years-old. Fields said her writing has always been about what she is thinking about and it is the way she processes the world. Now she is able to write her own instrumentals at the same time as the lyrics. Fields said her dad helped her along the way. She said growing up she saw him writing songs and playing guitar. At one point she got to see him perform on stage. She said he definitely inspired her to not let go of music and even bought her first guitar for her. Fields was not always sure that she could be an artist. She said during Covid in her senior year of high school, she was deciding what career she wanted to pursue. Nothing captured her enough to make her want to pursue that career path. “I just asked myself If I don’t do this thing. If I don’t try to do it. Will I be okay with it? Can I live the rest of my life not having known where I would have gone,” she Fields. She said the answer for her
was no, so she decided to pursue music. She came out with an EP “The Words I’ve Never Said Before” in December of 2023 and realized at the time that she was not happy with it. She felt like it was a little premature. She worked on it and re-released it in April of 2024. Fields said her biggest take away was realizing the need to go at her own pace and making sure she gives herself enough time so that she has a product that she is fully happy with. The hardest part for her is knowing the balance between when she needs to stop and when she is not going to be proud of her music.Fields is currently working on an album and wants to release a couple singles in possibly April or June of this year. One of the singles is called “Caroline” and she describes it as a fun pop adjacent/rock adjacent song that has sapphic love vibes. The second single is a sweet love song about her grandparents for their 60th anniversary called “The Fields,” she said. She is unsure of what her performing
schedule
will look like. Fields said she is looking at playing at one of ACM’s Live Rooms, but is trying to lock in her recording schedule first.
D’Lanee Fields on her start in music, upcoming singles and learning when to be happy with her music
D’Lanee Fields is an ACM alumni who is currently working on an album. (PROVIDED/ D’LANEE FIELDS)
Students dance at the UCO Gala, Saturday, Feb.22, at BCM in Edmond. (ARRIANA CHARQUEÑO/THE VISTA)
Students gathered at the UCO Gala, Saturday, Feb.22, at BCM in Edmond. (ARRIANA CHARQUEÑO/THE VISTA)
A circle forms around a dancer at the UCO Gala, Saturday, Feb.22, at BCM in Edmond. (ARRIANA CHARQUEÑO/THE VISTA)
Dancers shown at UCO Gala, Saturday, Feb.22, at BCM in Edmond. (ARRIANA CHARQUEÑO/ THE VISTA)
Opinion: season three of “Reacher” keeps it’s edge
Britton Summers Columnist
“Reacher” is back. The adaptation of Lee Child’s series of books featuring Jack Reacher returns for its third season this week. The first season was an excellent small-town mystery with a likable cast of characters, alongside our titular protagonist (as played by Alan Ritchson). The second season was a more overblown action movie with a squad of characters taking on some evil government conspiracy, but it was still a solid piece of television. After the problems that season two had, fans hoped the show hadn’t lost its edge. Luckily, season three is on track to be yet another fine season of television. Much like the first season, this season focuses on the mystery and building tension. The new season follows Reacher as he joins a trio of DEA agents to take down an old enemy of his.
The season starts out with a bang, as Reacher once again finds trouble or should
it be that trouble finds him once again. The show wastes no time in building tension, especially as Reacher joins the organization of Zachary Beck (played by Anthony Michael Hall) and hurdles keep popping in his way.
One thing “Reacher” understands is that Reacher isn’t a complicated character. Like The Punisher, he’s more of a force of nature than a fully fledged human being, but the show makes up for it by giving the characters around him depth and nuance. The character interactions feel natural and the dialogue flows clearly. “Reacher” has the occasional one liners, while not taking away from the natural chemistry between the characters. The mystery is also deeply compelling,
Opinion: “The Monkey”
Mariah Vanzant
Copy Editor
“The Monkey” is a dark horror comedy movie directed by Anthony Perkins’ (“Psycho”) son, Osgood Perkins (“Longlegs”), about a cursed toy monkey based on the short story written by Stephen King. Whenever the monkey’s drumstick hits the drum, somebody dies. The first portion of the movie follows twin brothers, Hal and Bill, as kids after they discover their estranged father’s old toy monkey. This portion of the film follows the boys as they discover the horror of the toy. The second portion of the film follows the twins as adults when the monkey returns to haunt them.
“The Monkey” is a fun, engaging and gory movie that will leave the audience laughing and enjoying some fun kills. The kills in “The Monkey” feel like the kills from the “Final Destination” movie. They are all made to seem like a freak accident. Fans of “Final Des-
and it may remind viewers of the highs of season one. This new season feels like a return to form.
adds humor to dark horror
tination” will definitely appreciate the creativity of the death scenes.
While the marketing for “The Monkey” made this movie seem much more intense than it actually was, audiences will enjoy the dry humor throughout the entire film. However, the humor almost felt out of place with the darker tone of the film. This movie had a lot of potential to actually be scary if it had not been a horror comedy.
“The Monkey” did not shy away from the blood and gore, using a mix of practical effects and CGI. The movie had more splatter gore than anything else, making the gore not as interesting as it all kind of felt the same. However, the opening scene was the most creative kill and use of gore.
The acting in “The Monkey” was nothing outstanding. The acting felt campy and goofy but done much better than “Heart Eyes”. The
movie stars Theo James (“Divergent”, “The White Lotus”) as both adult Hal and Bill and he did an excellent job at portraying both brothers. Christian Convery (“Cocaine Bear”) was the standout actor in this film portraying both young Hal and Bill. Rohan Campbell’s (“Halloween Ends”) acting, however, fell flat. While he was phenomenal in “Halloween Ends,” his character was not given any development or opportunity to shine. Overall, this movie is a fun film to watch when you don’t want something too serious or dark. It has its flaws, but it is funny and entertaining. Audiences will not be bored watching this film.
UCO Jazz Lab brings education and live music to Edmond
Karla Brizuela
Contributing Writer
The UCO Jazz Lab has been a vital part of Edmond’s music scene for over 22 years, offering education and live performances, showcasing the talents of both students and professional artists.
Located at 100 E 5th St, Edmond, OK 73034, The Jazz Lab has three main purposes: education, entertainment and promoting creative aspects of local jazz. The venue primarily serves as a teaching facility for UCO’s Jazz Studies program, while offering a variety of functions for both students and the community.
UCO’s Jazz Studies program is unique in the state, providing comprehensive academic degrees. These include a Minor in Jazz Studies, the only Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance in Oklahoma, and the only Master of Music in Jazz Studies.
All UCO students, both music majors and non-majors, can audition and participate in their eleven student jazz groups. The Jazz
Lab also functions as a live music venue, with weekly performances. It houses an advanced recording studio featuring the latest in audio technology for students and limited commercial clients.
“The Jazz Lab is the direct interface with the community,” said Dr. Brian Gorrell, Director of Jazz Studies at UCO. “Our best students are not only learning here, but they’re also performing in local venues, whether it’s jazz clubs or retirement communities.” He emphasized the program’s role in connecting students with professional opportunities. “We provide a platform for students to network with the local music scene, whether it’s performing in jazz clubs or recording sessions.”
Upcoming events at the UCO Jazz Lab include performances featuring student talent and guest artists. On February 28, “Souled Out” will be performed at 8:00 p.m., featuring classic party and dance hits from the glory days of Motown through today.
On March 3rd, the faculty’s artist concert series will present “Fat Tuesday…On a Monday” a traditional New Orleans jazz concert at 7:00 p.m. Additional performances are also scheduled in the coming weeks.
UCO Students can attend most performances for free with their ID. For those unable to attend in person, the UCO Jazz Lab streams select performances on their Facebook page. More information about events, times and dates is available at ucojazzlab.com under the events section.
“I got involved with the Jazz Lab as a middle and high school student attending the week-long summer jazz camps which was crucial in my development as a saxophone player,” said Sam Vaughn, a Master’s student at UCO pursuing a degree in Jazz Studies. “One of the most fulfilling aspects is playing
LISTEN UP FOR LIVE MUSIC
FEBRUARY
Jeff Leeson, Feb. 26, Bricktown Comedy Club, 409 E. California, bricktowncomedy.com
Josh Blue, Feb. 27-28, Bricktown Comedy Club, 409 E. California, bricktowncomedy. com
Max Frost, Feb. 27, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com
MARCH
Red Hot Chili Peppers, March 1, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com
Flipturn, March 1, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com
Fiona Cauley, March 2, Bricktown Comedy Club, 409 E. California, bricktowncomedy. com
Tab Benoit, March 2, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com
The Amity Affliction, March 5, Diamond
Ballroom, 8001 S. Eastern, diamondballroom. com
Kelsey Cook, March 6-8, Bricktown Comedy Club, 409 E. California, bricktowncomedy. com
Marc Maron, March 6, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com
Flogging Molly. March 7, Diamond Ballroom, 8001 S. Eastern, diamondballroom.com
Banda MS, March 8, Paycom Center, 100 W. Reno, paycomcenter.com
Ric Diez, Heath Cordes and Enrique Chacon, March 8, Bricktown Comedy Club, 409 E. California, bricktowncomedy.com
Killswitch Engage, March 9, The Criterion, 500 E. Sheridan, criterionokc.com
Mikey B, March 9, Bricktown Comedy Club, 409 E. California, bricktowncomedy.com
Yacht Rock Revue, March 9, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com
Rich Amiri, March 12, Beer City Music Hall,
1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com
Preacher Lawson, March 13-15, Bricktown Comedy Club, 409 E. California, bricktowncomedy.com
Hinder, March 15, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com
Coal Chamber, March 16, Diamond Ballroom, 8001 S. Eastern, diamondballroom. com
“Peter Pan,” March 18-23, Civic Center, 100 W. Reno, paycomcenter.com
Ensifrtum, March 20, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com
John Caparulo, March 20-21, Bricktown Comedy Club, 409 E. California, bricktowncomedy.com
Bunt., March 21, Beer City Music Hall,, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com
Season three of the “Reacher” premiers on Amazon Prime Video on Feb. 20, 2025. (PROVIDED/AMAZON STUDIOS)