UCOSA election still unclear
Jake Ramsey Editor-In-Chief
The University of Central Oklahoma Student Association (UCOSA) held its organization’s presidential election last Tuesday. With no clear majority, the election went to a run-off between Alex Webb and Emma Martinez for president and vice president, and Meleah Meyer and Rylan Bolt for president and vice president, respectively.
As of publication, Monday, April 14, results for the election have yet to be published.
The Vista has contacted election committee officials, who would not comment until a meeting with UCOSA advisors Cole Stanley and Nicole Doherty had been held.
Election Commissioner Jake Eads told The Vista:
“The Election Commission is currently reviewing and investigating all aspects of the election results, including a grievance submitted by Meleah Meyer and Rylan Bolt. This is an unprecedented situation within UCOSA, and we recognize that our systems and decisions must adapt as we grow. We ask patience and understanding as we continue to make informed decisions that shape the future of our organization. Above all, we must remember that we are all human, and thoughtful deliberation is essential in maintaining fairness and integrity in the electoral process.”
Students at UCO have visas revoked
Jake Ramsey Editor-In-Chief
Four international students at the University of Central Oklahoma had their student visas revoked last week in a string of revocations that took place across the country, following a new wave of government scrutiny.
Visas can be cancelled for the following reasons, according to U.S. Government Statutory and Regulatory Authorities:
- The individual is not eligible for the visa classification (this includes ineligibility under INA 214(b)).
- The visa has been physically removed from the passport in which it was issued.
- The individual is subject to an IDENT Watchlist record in System Messages for an arrest or conviction of driving under the influence, driving while intoxicated, or similar arrests/convictions (DUI) that occurred within the previous
five years.
UCO could not comment as to why these four students had their visas revoked. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security could not be reached for comment, as of publication.
6% of the UCO student community is made up of international students, representing 75 countries according to university officials.
“There are concerns that international student enrollment could be impacted, particularly in the short term,” said Vice President for Communications and Public Affairs Adrienne Nobles, in an email to The Vista. “UCO is monitoring US Department of Homeland Security communications for any guidance on this issue.”
There is no clear pattern or trend in terms of nationality of students. Students from all regions of the world are being impacted, according to a NAFSA report on the matter.
Historical precedent shows that students who had their visas revoked were still allowed to keep
legal residence status and complete their studies.
The lack of visa only limited abilities to leave the country and return.
The lack of clarity of what is leading to revocations can create a sense of fear among students, Sarah Spreitzer, vice president of government relations at the American Council on Education told the Associated Press.
“The very public actions that are being taken by ICE and the Department of Homeland Security around some of these students, where they are removing these students from their homes or from their streets, that’s not usually done unless there is a security issue when a student visa is revoked,” she said. “The threat of this very quick removal is something that’s new.”
As the story continues to develop, The Vista will continue to update the UCO community. International students who have been affected or are at risk of being affected are encouraged to contact the paper.
President Trump postpones tariffs
Ella Spurlock Managing Editor
On April 2, President Trump announced a series of tariffs that were categorized as “reciprocal.” These reciprocal tariffs ranged from 10 percent to 50 percent and were calculated by the administration for about 90 different nations across the world and because of this, the stock market began to fall drastically.
In a turn of events, on April 9, Trump backed away from these reciprocal tariffs.
Now, there is currently a 90-day pause on all reciprocal tariffs and the percentages for these tariffs were lowered to at or around 10 percent for all nations affected. The postponement of these tariffs helped the stock market rise again, but one country was exempt from this tariff pause.
China is the only nation that was exempt from a lower tariff rate and instead, the tariff rate for China rose to 124 percent.
Trump released a statement on social media that stated, “Based on the lack of respect that China has shown to the World’s Markets, I am hereby raising the tariff charged to China by the United States of America to 124%, effective immediately.”
This statement came after China had already been hit with a tariff of 104 percent. So, why would Trump keep raising tariffs on China? Well, because China retaliated against Trump’s tariffs by placing their own on the United States. Essentially, the United States is in a tariff war with China.
Dr. Zhu, UCO’s Dr. Michael Metzger Chair Professor of Economics, broke down what a tariff war is, “When we impose tariffs, the foreign country is going to impose tariffs too. That’s why we call it a tariff war.”
A tariff war, like any other trade war, is an economic war. Dr. Zhu expressed that with any kind of war, economic or not, there will be casualties. The tariffs imposed on goods from other countries are going to cause prices to go up on those goods when they enter the United States. So, demand is naturally going to decrease. If demand decreases, then American importers will purchase less from foreign countries, and the same goes for foreign countries that will import less goods from the United States. This will cause domestic and foreign businesses to struggle and in turn, economies are going to start struggling tremendously.
That also means American families and individuals are going to struggle financially and the United States could possibly end up in an economic recession that could lead to mass unemployment and layoffs.
So, with all the negative effects that a tariff war will eventually have on the United States, why would Trump continue with his tariff policies?
One reason is that Trump believes that American manufacturing is the best option when it comes to the American people buying goods. There is some truth to this. Increasing manufacturing in America will provide more manufacturing jobs, which have begun to decline drastically, because of high labor costs and other factors such as automation replacing workers.
While there is some good in American manufacturing, purchasing goods from American manufacturers is not always the best option.
Dr. Zhu elaborated on what could potentially happen in American manufacturing and how prices could be affected.
“If we raise the price of foreign goods, so foreign cars for example. Originally the car cost $30,000, now a 100% tariff will just raise the car price to $60,000. That means that if you want to buy this car imported from a foreign country, you have to pay $60,000. That’s too much. So, Americans will buy a car produced in the United States for a lower price, but why would the American producers continue to charge $30,000 for the car?”
They would not. If American manufacturers start to experience higher demand for goods because tariffs are causing foreign goods to be priced too high, then the American producer will also raise their prices.
Trump may want to return jobs to America and in theory lower prices, but the laws of supply and demand are not going to bend for the president.
“In addition, bringing manufacturing back to the States may not be so easy due to supply chain issues, and, we better not hope for a large increase in jobs in the manufacturing sector as nowadays robotics are replacing humans on the assembly lines,” said Dr. Zhu.
As of now, smart phones, computers and other electronics have been spared from China’s 124 percent tariff.
Photo Spotlight Page 2.
Neither candidate commented on the matter to The Vista.
As the story develops, The Vista will continue to publish the most recently available information online at ucentralmedia.com.
The University of Central Oklahoma’s Old North, a landmark of the UCO campus. (VICTOR LOPEZ/THE VISTA)
Week of 2/10/25 - 2/16/25
FC Tulsa’s Giordano Colli (26) gets challenged by Oakland Root’s Daniel Gomez (6). Saturday, April 12, in Tulsa.
Victor Lopez
Photo Editor
FC Tulsa defender Lamar Batista (15) signals to his teammates for a throw in. Saturday, April 12, in Tulsa.
Jessey Kollie Cartoonist
FC Tulsa’s Taylor Calheira (9) challenges goes for an air duel against Oakland Roots SC player. Saturday, April 12, in Tulsa.
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
Education Department withdraws from plan to address discipline disparities for Native students
Annie Ma and Sarah Raza
Provided Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Education Department has withdrawn from an agreement to address disparities in discipline for Native American students at a South Dakota school system, saying it was wrongly rooted in efforts to promote diversity, equity and inclusion.
The decision reflects a shift in interpretation of anti-discrimination laws under President Donald Trump’s administration, which is planning to review other agreements the department’s Office for Civil Rights has struck with school systems around the U.S.
At issue in the Rapid City Area School District were questions of harsh discipline and access to advanced coursework for Native students, who have been less likely than their white peers to be in high-level classes. A federal investigation found Native students were roughly four times as likely to be suspended and five times as likely to be arrested compared with their white peers.
Last month, the Education Department told the district it would close its compliance review, saying in a letter the agreement violated civil rights laws because DEI was at its foundation.
Some parents who participated in listening sessions with the Office for Civil Rights said they felt their effort had been wasted.
“If there’s a fight, instead of restorative practices, in our schools the first thing they do is call the police who are right there in the schools as resource officers,” said Valeriah Big Eagle, a parent of three children in the school district and a leader at NDN Collective, an Indigenous advocacy group. “We know the school-to-prison pipeline is real for our kids, and the only way we can address that is by promoting restorative practices.”
The Education Department backed away from the Rapid City case because the resolution focused on racial balancing and tasked its lawyers with “micromanaging” how the schools disciplined students, a department official said.
Agreements at other schools lay out plans to address harassment and discrimination
Under Trump, the Education Department has threatened to cut funding from schools that refuse to disavow DEI, which his administra-
tion has described as discriminatory and illegal. The Office for Civil Rights, which was hit hard by reductions in staff, meantime has prioritized investigations into allegations of antisemitism.
The rollback of the South Dakota case reflects the department’s efforts to control school-level decisions on diversity initiatives, regardless of their legal basis, said Michael Pillera, director of educational equity issues at the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law.
“It does feel unprecedented, and it does feel extreme,” Pillera said.
The Trump administration has rescinded one other civil rights resolution agreement with a school district, a case involving books removed from a Forsyth County School District library in Georgia. But the department official said they will be reviewing others.
The Office for Civil Rights enters into hundreds of resolution agreements a year with districts in cases involving racial harassment, disproportionate discipline, disability discrimination and gender discrimination. It can require corrective action ranging from resolving access issues for individual students with disabilities to sweeping audits of district-wide practices.
The issues uncovered in Rapid City schools around disproportionate discipline and policing have long been an area of concern when it comes to preventing discrimination against students of color, said Liz King, senior director for the education equity program at the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights.
“The question is, do we care what the effect of discrimination is or not?” King said. “If we’re seeing they’re causing disproportionate harm to some groups of students, we need to be asking hard questions about whether or not we can justify those policies.”
Rapid City schools say the reforms will continue, but some parents have doubts
The Rapid City investigation began in 2010 and was closed in 2024 under the Biden administration.
In interviews with federal investigators, a former superintendent said high truancy rates owed to some Native American tribes not valuing education, and that they operate on “Indian time,” arriving late. The board fired her last summer over the derogatory remarks.
In a statement, the district’s acting superintendent, Cory Strasser, said neither the board or district leadership were involved in the decision to terminate the resolution agreement. He said that the district had already done much of the work required by the resolution agreement, which ranged from training in implicit bias to better tracking of discipline data. He said the work will continue without federal oversight.
“These efforts have positively impacted all students,” Strasser said.
Some in the community worry the district on its own will not follow through on the recommendations. Nick Tilsen, founder of the Rapid City-based NDN Collective, said it has been flooded with calls from concerned parents and students.
“The agreement exists because the Rapid City Area school board needed to be held accountable to implementing those provisions,” Tilsen said. “They can’t just simply say that they’re doing it, because the data already shows that they’re not implementing these things.”
Darren Thompson, media relations director at the Native nonprofit Sacred Defense Fund, said it is the latest in a series of federal decisions that affects tribal citizens but did not solicit input from any tribal communities. He added the Native American population in South Dakota is unique because many have distinctly Indian surnames, like “Black Elk,” which can make them targets of discrimination in schools or when seeking employment. ___
Associated Press writer Collin Binkley in Washington contributed to this report. Raza reported from Sioux Falls, S.D.
This story was republished by The Vista from the Associated Press.
Counselor speaks on social media impacts on mental health
J.D. Peak
Contributing Writer
Oklahoma Licensed Professional Counselor
Jimi Fleming talked about the impact that social media has on mental health Monday, including the role cyberbullying plays on mental health, who holds the most responsibility in this issue and different strategies to limit social media’s impact on mental health.
Recent studies have shown that the long-term use of social media can be detrimental to some individual’s mental health, especially with teens and young adults.
Fleming said that the effects of an over dependence on social media mirrors qualities of any other addiction.
“As with anything that has too much use, other aspects of life and development suffer and may exacerbate other mental health concerns,” said Fleming.
Fleming noted that the biggest weapon in decreasing social media’s mental health effects is the process of becoming self-aware and deter-
mining what amount of social media usage is safe for each individual.
“Limiting use of social media helps, but addressing its impact even in its reduced use is important,” said Fleming. “Reframing the validity of online comments is a major step.”
He also mentioned that another important step is to define what comments and opinions matter. This way, individuals can separate the people who have positive or negative impacts on their lives.
One aspect of social media that is having an effect on young adults worldwide is cyberbullying. Fleming noted that cyberbullying can create problems that differ from previous instances of bullying because of the added factor of social media.
“Bullying in general can accelerate and deepen either depression or anxiety that already exists,” said Fleming. “Cyberbullying is more easily available and present and therefore may have a greater impact. The jury is still out on the role it plays in the development of depression and anxiety.”
Despite the cognitive impact of social media, Fleming believes it’s in the individual, not the social media company to protect their own mental health.
“They provide a product that its users can use or misuse,” said Fleming. “Users have the ultimate responsibility.”
As more data on the mental effects of social media continue to be released, Fleming said that this issue is important for everyone to be aware of.
“Making informed decisions about one’s choices generally leads to more beneficial outcomes regardless of age or where one goes to school,” said Fleming. “As college educated individuals, the chance to be in an influential role isn’t guaranteed, but is increased. That influence, in my opinion, deserves to be used toward the betterment of our civilization.”
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Two UCO football stars leave the program following Dorrel arrest
Bradie Gray Sports Editor
Following the arrest of UCO head football coach Adam Dorrel for suspicion of DUI, the Broncho football team has seen two pivotal players leave the program by way of the NCAA Transfer Portal.
Star wide receiver Terrill Davis was the first to announce his departure from Edmond via an announcement on his Instagram on Thursday.
“I can’t express how thankful I am to have been a part of this program. With all that being said, I will be entering my name into the transfer portal with 1 year of eligibility remaining,” Davis said in his statement.
The Choctaw-native has not announced the reasoning for his departure, but insiders believe it is due to the Dorrel arrest.
While in Edmond, Davis rewrote several receiving records for the Bronchos, including setting and then immediately rebreaking the single-game
catches record in back-to-back weeks this year. The Division II All-American finished 2024 with 109 receptions, 1609 yards and 15 touchdowns; one of the best seasons in UCO history at any position. He has already fielded nearly a dozen Division I offers, including from Oklahoma State. Later that same day, All-American offensive lineman Montriel Lee also announced his entering into the transfer portal.
“To the UCO coaches and players, thank you for welcoming me with open arms and making me feel like family from day one… With that being said, after much thought and prayer, I will be entering the transfer portal with one year of eligibility remaining,” Lee said in a statement on his X account.
The Del City-native was a crucial part of the offensive line that helped set the school’s total offense record last season.
His reasoning for leaving has also not been confirmed, but insider speculation connects it to the Dorrel arrest as well.
The announcements threw a massive wrench into an already tumultuous spring for the Bronchos.
Following Dorrel’s arrest, assistant head coach and offensive coordinator James Curlee was named acting head coach of the team for the time being. Dorrel is currently not allowed to participate in team activities while the investigations from both Edmond PD and UCO occur.
The Bronchos will face Southern Nazarene in their annual Spring Game on Thursday while they try to mount another push for their second-ever MIAA Championship.
Late-game losses spoil win streak for UCO baseball
Andrew Frazier Reporter
The Bronchos opened their week by outlasting Northeastern State 11-9 on Wednesday to clinch the series. Caden Robertson launched a grand slam in the second inning, his 20th home run of the season, to put UCO ahead 7-0 early. Ty Hammack and Drake Lee each added solo shots, and after NSU cut the lead to 10-8, Grant Randall added a sacrifice fly in the ninth. Valek Cisneros closed it out with a game-ending double play for his ninth save. Randall, Hammack and Orlando Gonzalez all had two hits.
The Bronchos entered Friday’s opener at Central Missouri riding a 13-game win streak
and looking to keep momentum on their side. UCO trimmed an early 4-0 deficit to 4-3 by the seventh, but a late four-run inning from the Mules put the game out of reach in an 8-3 loss. The defeat snapped UCO’s longest win streak of the season. The Bronchos finished with five hits, all from different players, including doubles from Joe Ricchio and Caden Robertson.
Saturday was another close one. UCO took a 5-2 lead in the eighth on Hammack’s second RBI double, a single from Gonzalez and a sacrifice fly by Ricchio. Central Missouri answered with three runs to tie it, and after Chapman put the Bronchos back on top with a sacrifice fly in the ninth, the Mules walked it off with a two-run rally to win 7-6.
From OKC to the Big
Dylan HIbbard Sports Reporter
Lane Ramsey is an Oklahoma City-native who has made it to the MLB, but his path is not like most who have made it to the Bigs. Ramsey’s favorite sport wasn’t even baseball growing up, as he played football, basketball and baseball up until his high school years.
“Basketball was my true love and is still my favorite sport,” Ramsey exclaimed.
For Ramsey, baseball was almost never a thing he was going to pursue for a career as he said he almost quit baseball completely at the age of 12, but his father talked him out of quitting and sticking to the sport. Ramsey just didn’t believe that his love for baseball would get him far with how much he loved basketball.
“I’m extremely thankful for my Dad and Mom as they have been such huge parts of helping me realize a lot of potential I had in this game,” Ramsey said.
As most high school baseball players, Lane both pitched and hit throughout his time at Putnam City North High School. When it became time for his senior year, his hitting saw a decline and his pitching began to grow even better.
“I had a conversation with my high school coach, along with my parents, and felt that focusing on purely pitching would be the best thing for my career as I progress,” Ramsey quoted.
Ramsey would, after high school, go on to play college baseball at Newman University, then make a pitstop at the JUCO-level Cisco JC, before transferring to the University of Oklahoma. Ramsey would then play at Oklahoma in
Sunday’s finale stretched into extras but ended in a similar fashion. Dax Sharp threw nine strong innings and took the mound again in the 10th after UCO grabbed a 2-1 lead on a hitand-run single by Chapman and an error in right field that allowed Randall to score. In the bottom half, a leadoff double and an outfield error put the tying run on third, and UCM followed with a two-run walk-off homer to hand the Bronchos a 3-2 loss.
UCO fell to 29-11 overall and 19-9 in MIAA play. The Bronchos continue their road stretch this week at Rogers State before returning home for a Thursday-Saturday series against Northwest Missouri.
Leagues
2018 and then get drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the 23rd round, pick 678 overall.
“It was a surreal feeling. It felt like all of the training and sacrifices I made were worth it in the end,” Ramsey explained.
It seems as of the past decade the state of Oklahoma has improved dramatically with more and more players making it to the next level and beyond, especially in the OKC-metro and surrounding towns.
“Oklahoma is a terrific spot for baseball players to improve their skills and play at an extremely high level.”
“The state routinely has high school players being drafted in the MLB draft or athletes going to all colleges across the country and some at the highest level,” Ramsey said.
One of the biggest changes to help players and specifically pitchers master their craft and learn the best way they can is a machine and program called PitchingWRX. Ramsey is general manager at PitchingWRX in Edmond to help the next generation of players coming through the state.
Ramsey explained that “We have upwards of 250 athletes ranging from high school down to the youth ages of 8 and seeing the drive and skill level these kids possess at such an early age is incredible to witness.”
For most pitchers, the biggest time for improvement is the offseason. The offseason for baseball is typically from October through February. For Ramsey he says his offseason has different phases throughout the winter months.
“Early on in the offseason is typically when pitchers don’t throw or keep throwing to a minimum for recovery. Then as November approaches my throwing will continue to ramp up each week as well as my lifting program,” Ramsey explained.
“The whole goal of an offseason for a pitcher is to look back on what you did well and what you didn’t do well in the previous season and work to get better in those areas. Whether that’s physically, mentally, mechanically, velocity, working on pitch shapes or correcting limiting factors in your body that may be harming you.”
Ramsey wants everyone to understand that no matter what might be going on in your life, don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t make it, and if you put your mind to it anything is possible.
“If a kid who loves basketball can make it to the MLB then any of these kids can do what they believe.”
Lane Ramsey prepares to pitch at the White Sox spring training 2023. (JAKE RAMSEY/THE VISTA)
UCO’s Terrill Davis (8) runs uncontested to the endzone vs Fort Hays State. Saturday, Sept. 28, in Edmond. (ARRIANA CHARQUEÑO/THE VISTA)
UCO’s offensive linemen Montirel Lee (52) blocks Fort Hays State player. Saturday, Sept. 28, in Edmond. (ARRIANA CHARQUEÑO/THE VISTA)
Ian
The Bronchos softball team played their last conference games at home over the weekend and celebrated their senior day with four wins. Their first game against Nebraska-Kearney was a shutout, led by the Shohei Ohtani of softball, Terin Ritz. She threw four shutout innings and smacked a home run into center field to shutout the Lopers 11-0. The Lopers would strike back with a sixth inning comeback, tying the second game 4-4. But Kennedy Clark would deliver the walk off hit with a line drive to first base to sweep the Lopers 5-4.
Senior Day was celebrated before the doubleheader against Fort Hays State. Five seniors, pitchers Terin Ritz, Sydney Ward, Kaylee Bradley and Jordyn Pipkin and catcher Layne Smith were all honored.
Central started it with a Terin Ritz two-run home run in the first inning. Kya Watson would hit a single in the fourth to extend the lead to three.
Fort Hays would try to mount a comeback but would only score one run as Ritz pitched a complete game with eight strikeouts as UCO won 3-1.
The final game of the doubleheader
would start off poorly as Fort Hays catcher Madison Pierce would hit a solo home run in the first inning and shut out the Bronchos in the first as well. Then the game got flipped upside down. Central scored 13 runs in the second inning, capped off by a Brooklyn Ryan grand slam down the left field line. Fort Hays needed three pitchers to get out of the second inning alone. The runs wouldn’t stop as four runs were scored in the third inning and three more in the fourth inning, including Terin Ritz’s sixth straight game with a home run with this one going over the scoreboard in left center field and pitcher Shelby Beard, in her first plate appearance of the season, smacking another home run off the scoreboard as the Bronchos crushed the Tigers 20-1.
The Bronchos sit at 37-6 overall with a conference record of 16-2, good for first place in the MIAA.
Thunder finish record breaking season on a high note
In game one of the curtains closing, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 42 points, adding six rebounds and six assists, as the Oklahoma City Thunder rallied past the Los Angeles Lakers 136-120 on Tuesday night, avenging a blowout loss just two days prior.
The Thunder trailed by four in the third quarter when Lakers star Luka Dončić was ejected after receiving his second technical foul for talking to a fan after hitting a floater. Though the technical was rescinded after the game, the momentum shift was undeniable.
Without Dončić, the Thunder surged ahead, closing the game on a dominant 27-16 run in the fourth quarter. Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge with a series of jumpers and slashes to the rim, energizing a Paycom Center crowd, hungry for revenge after Sunday’s 126-99 loss.
LeBron James led the Lakers with 28 points, seven rebounds, and three assists, but L.A. struggled to generate offense in Dončić’s absence. The Thunder capitalized on turnovers and fast-break opportunities down the stretch to seal the win.
In their next game, with MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
resting, the OKC still proved too much for the Phoenix Suns, earning a 125-112 win Wednesday night behind a strong performance from Jalen Williams.
Williams, the Thunder’s other All-Star, finished with 33 points, seven rebounds, and five assists, helping Oklahoma City maintain its momentum. Chet Holmgren added 22 points and 10 rebounds, continuing his strong recovery from injury.
Phoenix, already eliminated from playoff contention in a disappointing campaign, was without Kevin Durant due to an ankle injury. Rumors have begun swirling about the Hall of Famers future, with speculation that the Suns could explore moving him to a contender this offseason.
Despite the absence of Durant, Devin Booker delivered a strong showing, finishing with 20 points and 14 assists, just one shy of setting a new career high. Still, it wasn’t enough to overcome Oklahoma City’s balanced attack and defensive pressure.
The Thunder kept winning, while the Suns continued to search for answers in what has become a turbulent and underwhelming season.
In game three, the Thunder showcased their depth in emphatic fashion Friday night, cruising to a
145-111 win over the Utah Jazz despite resting their entire starting lineup.
Jaylin Williams notched his third triple-double of the season with 15 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists in just 25 minutes of action, leading a reserve-heavy Thunder squad that looked playoff-ready even without its stars.
Isaiah Joe poured in 32 points while Aaron Wiggins added 35, as Oklahoma City’s bench overwhelmed a depleted Utah team that is firmly in rebuild mode and clearly trying their best to improve their odds for the top pick in this year’s draft, Cooper Flagg. The Jazz rested most of their starters, leaving only second-year guard Keyonte George in the lineup as the franchise leans into a youth movement and draft positioning.
With the postseason approaching, the Thunder chose to rest Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, and other starters, prioritizing health ahead of a likely deep playoff push. Still, their performance in Salt Lake City sent a message — this OKC team is deep, dangerous, and ready to compete.
In the season finale, Oklahoma City closed out their record-breaking regular season on a high note Sunday, defeating the New Orleans
Pelicans 115-100 behind strong performances from Aaron Wiggins and Branden Carlson despite both teams resting their starters. Wiggins led the Thunder with 28 points, continuing his impressive scoring stretch in the absence of the team’s usual starting five. Carlson added a career-high 26 points in what may be his final appearance this season. The rookie big man, on a two-way contract, is ineligible to play in the postseason.
With playoff seeding locked and health a priority, both teams opted to sit their stars. For the Thunder, it was the second straight game resting starters Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren. The Pelicans, preparing for the lottery, did the same with CJ McCollum and Zion Williamson. The win marks Oklahoma City’s fourth-straight and caps a historic season for the young squad. Now, the Thunder will await the outcome of the Play-In Tournament to determine their first-round opponent as the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference.
UCO’s softball Macie Andrews (4) bats against the University of Nebraska Kearney. Friday, April 11, 2025 in Edmond. (TROY ISBELL/THE VISTA)
Cannon Chugon Reporter
Nikkel Reporter
UCO’s softball team shaking hands after a huddle. Friday, April 11, 2025 in Edmond.(TROY ISBELL/THE VISTA)
Photo Spotlight: UCO Theatre Arts presents Dolly Parton’s 9-5
Sergio Anguiano Photographer
UCO Theater closes out their performance of Dolly Parton’s “9-5” this last Sunday, April 13 in Mitchell Hall Theater.
Senior Morgan Paulson as Doralee and Harrison Shaw as Dwayne in Dolly Parton’s “9-5.”
Senior Hope Horton as Violet performs with a cast member in Dolly Parton’s “9-5.”
From left: Seniors, Hope Horton, Baily Hill and Morgan Paulson, form the main cast for Dolly Parton’s “9-5.”
Edmond Famer’s Market returns for the 2025 sea son
Charlie Shackelford Reporter
The Edmond Farmers Market has returned downtown to kick off its 2025 season. This year will be the market’s 47th year serving the community. Over 60 vendors came out to offer a diverse range of products ranging from homemade crafts to fresh pastries and produce.
Verdant Farms, located in Arcadia, was one of many vendors at the market specializing in plants and produce. Owners Charles and Jae Smith first decided to pursue farming seriously in 2020, once their kids were old enough for them to fully commit to their plans for the farm. They had always shared extra produce with neighbors and eventually decided they wanted to share more of what they had with their community. Like much of the produce at the market, their products are natural and avoid all chemicals. They offer everything from fresh eggs to household plants. The couple said they continue to return to the market after three years because of their love for what they do and the opportunity to socialize with their community.
Many vendors agreed with the Smiths’ love
UCO Jazz Lab closes
Karla Brizuela Contributing Writer
The UCO Jazz Lab will host a series of performances as the spring semester comes to an end. The events will feature student talent, professional musicians and guest artists.
On April 15 and 16, Jazz combos will take the stage at 7 p.m. The performances include Latin and Fusion Combo, Garrett Jacobson Jazz Repertory Combo and the 5th Street Strutters on Tuesday. On Wednesday, the lineup includes the Jazz Composers Combo, Sam Vaughn Jazz Repertory Combo and Zac Lee Jazz Repertory Combo. Admission is free for UCO students with a valid ID and $20 for the general public.
“Each semester has helped me grow in different ways. I’ve worked with a number of direc-
for interacting with the community. Desiree Mathews, owner of Redeemed Soil Farm and local Edmond teacher, said she loves giving back to the Edmond community through the market. She sees it as the best way to serve her neighbors by providing them with produce they can trust.
The market thanked the community for an incredible turnout in a recent Facebook post.
“There are not enough words to share how
grateful we all are for continued support of our community. To see so many familiar faces and even more new shoppers enjoying the experience, talking to the vendors, and filling up those new market totes is such a joy”.
The farmers market is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the spring weather and support Edmond’s local businesses. It will be open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. until Oct. 25.
tors, and each of them have taught me something new about being a jazz singer,” said Molly Kelly, a jazz performance major at UCO.
In addition to the combo concerts, the Jazz Lab will host a variety of other performances through early May. Scheduled acts include the Mitch Bell Quartet on April 18, Uncle Zep on April 25, the Garrett Jacobson Jazz Collective on April 26 and Darian Asplund’s West Coast Jazz Night on April 27, with a second performance by Asplund later in the evening.
“I think something that is so special about the environment at the Jazz Lab is that there’s so many events that happen here at once,” Kelly said.
Jazz Ensembles III and II will perform on April 29 and Jazz Ensembles IV and I on April 30 at 7 p.m. Each night will include special performances by local high school jazz bands from
Westmoore High School and Fort Gibson High School.
“The UCO Jazz Lab has continued to be a premiere live music and performance venue, which features everything from student musicians to national headline acts,” said Matt Fowler, manager of the UCO Jazz Lab.
He added the lab has hosted major performers this year, including Karla Bonoff, Laila Biali and John Pizzarelli.
The UCO Jazz Lab is home to eleven student jazz groups and serves as a daily classroom and performance space for students in the School of Music’s Jazz Studies Division. Many of the events through the end of the semester are free for students with a student ID, with tickets available for purchase by the general public online or by calling 405-974-2100.
UCO Musical Theater performs an office scene starring seniors Baily Hill, as Judy, and Hope Horton, as Violet, in Dolly Parton’s “9-5.”
Harrison Shaw, as Dwayne, and Morgan Paulson, as Doralee, share a scene in Dolly Parton’s “9-5” during the closing show on Sunday, April 13.
A sign seen at Edmond Farmer’s Market showcases different items that are available at the vendor booth. (CHARLIE SHACKELFORD/THE VISTA)
‘Drop’ has interesting plot, but falls flat
Mariah Vanzant
Copy Editor
“Drop” is a thriller about a widowed mother, Violet, played by Meghann Fahy (“The White Lotus”), going on her first date since the death of her husband. During the date, she starts receiving threatening and mysterious drops on her phone. She soon realizes that somebody is in her home ready to kill her sister and her son if she does not do what she’s told.
The marketing for “Drop” makes it seem like the movie is going to be a more lighthearted thriller movie. It’s also directed by Christopher Landon (“Happy Death Day”), which also makes it seem like it would be a more lighthearted film. However, it deals with heavy topics such as domestic violence. While it has some comedic moments, they are few and far between.
The movie felt very anti-climatic. It’s meant to be a standard whodunit, however they make every single character seem suspicious that the audience isn’t going to care who is doing it because there is no way to make a logical, educated guess as to who it is.
The acting was nothing astounding. Henry, played by Brandon Sklenar (“It Ends with Us”), was just a typical nice guy. Sklenar was not given the material to do anything to really showcase his acting. However, the chemistry between Sklenar and Fahy was charming and believable. Surprisingly, the best actor in the film was Reed Diamond (“13 Reasons Why”), who played
an older man who was on a blind date at the restaurant.
Overall, this movie was lackluster and while it had an interesting plot, it fell flat. It took the fun out of guessing who the bad guy was because
there were no actual hints to any particular characters. Every character felt like a red herring. It was a subpar movie that will leave audiences feeling disappointed.
‘Warfare’ is a technical masterpiece of
Britton Summers Columnist
“War is hell, but that’s not the half of it, because war is also mystery and terror and adventure and courage and discovery and holiness and pity and despair and longing and love. War is nasty; war is fun. War is thrilling; war is drudgery. War makes you a man; war makes you dead,” said Tim O’Brien from “The Things They Carried.”
It is often questioned how much historical accuracy matters. Whether it be in a book, movie, TV show, comic book or even video games. But when it comes to something like war, it’s such a strange beast. So much happens that couldn’t make it into movies because it would be considered too insane, too unbelievable. Reality is often a stranger thing than fiction.
That’s where “Warfare” comes in. This film is the result of a collaboration between Alex Garland and Iraq War veteran Ray Mendoza, who is fictionalized in this movie and played by D’Pharoah Woon-A-Tai. Unlike many war films, much of the film is taken directly from Mendoza’s recollection of an event that happened in 2006 during the Battle of Ramadi. Much of what is depicted in the film is very close to how it happened in real life. On the one hand, it’s very impressive how authentic this film feels and how accurately it captures everything that happened. On the other hand, it’s very bare bones in its depiction.
The first comparison to be made will be “Dunkirk.” It’s not a movie about some amazing story about the horrors of war, but what it is is a very authentic retelling of what war feels like. Sure, it’s a horrible experience where people get killed, maimed and even psychologically scarred for the rest of their lives, but it’s also where you forge close friendships. Soldiers border on broth-
war films
erhood with people who are the only ones that will understand what you saw when you head to war.
The characters aren’t particularly memorable, but what propels this film is the pacing and drama that comes from an intense situation. Mendoza and Garland expertly put the audience into the soldiers’ shoes as they go through this situation. You feel their fear and panic as they quickly realize they’re fighting an enemy who will go much further than they will. Also, once some of their boys get wounded, the stress and intensity end up worsening and the film expertly gets you to feel what the soldiers are feeling throughout the film. The action sequences are also well
helmed, with some of the best sound design committed to film in the past several years. But once again, one is left wondering how much historical accuracy matters. “Warfare” takes the concept of historical accuracy to its most logical conclusion here, capturing every detail of what happened during this event to the letter. But was it needed? There were several scenes of the men sitting around and hanging out before the battle. From all accounts, how the events of the story happened in the movie was how it happened. But fiction is often a meticulously constructed illusion of reality and maybe it should stay that way.
LISTEN UP FOR LIVE MUSIC
APRIL
Boywithuke, April 16, The Criterion, 500 E. Sheridan, criterionokc.com
James Kennedy, April 18, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com
The Moss, April 21, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com
While She Sleeps & Bury Tomorrow, April 23, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com
Corey Kent, April 24, The Criterion, 500 E. Sheridan, criterionokc.com Monet X Change, April 25-26, Bricktown Comedy Club, 409 E. California, bricktowncomedy.com
Nurse John, April 26, The Criterion, 500 E. Sheridan, criterionokc.com
The Day Players, April 26, Bricktown Comedy Club, 409 E. California, bricktowncomedy.com
Kevin James Thorton, April 27, Bricktown Comedy Club, 409 E. California, bricktowncomedy.com
Rocky Dale Davis, April 27, Bricktown Comedy Club, 409 E. California, bricktowncomedy.com
Disturbed, April 28, Paycom Center, 100 W. Reno, paycomcenter.com “& Juliet,” April 29- May 4, Civic Center, 100 W. Reno, paycomcenter. com Yo La Tengo, April 30, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc. com
MAY
David Joechner, May 2-4, Bricktown Comedy Club, 409 E. California, bricktowncomedy.com
Erra, May 6, Diamond Ballroom, 8001 S. Eastern, diamondballroom. com
John Christ, May 9, The Criterion, 500 E. Sheridan, criterionokc.com
Noel Miller, May 9-10, Bricktown Comedy Club, 409 E. California, bricktowncomedy.com
Joshua Ray Walker, May 10, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com
Alison Krauss, May 13, The Criterion, 500 E. Sheridan, criterionokc. com
Sir Woman, May 15, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com
Shakey Graves, May 15, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com
Connor Wood, May 16-17, Bricktown Comedy Club, 409 E. California, bricktowncomedy.com
Lee Asher, May 16, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc. com
Megan Moroney, May 17, The Criterion, 500 E. Sheridan, criterionokc. com
Jess Hilarious, May 23-24, Bricktown Comedy Club, 409 E. California, bricktowncomedy.com
Chris Porter, May 31, Bricktown Comedy Club, 409 E. California, bricktowncomedy.com
Richard,
Meghann Fahy (left) and Brandon Sklenar (right) are the stars of recently released “Drop” (PROVIDED)
“Warfare” released on April 11, to high reviews. (PROVIDED)