APRIL 17, 2012
Football
Apps
The Vista continues its series on schools of the MIAA with NebraskaKearny Lopers and the Missouri Western Griffons. Page 7
Facebook announced last week it will be buying photo sharing app Instagram. Page 3
uco360.com twitter.com/uco360
THE VISTA
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL OKLAHOMA’S student voice since 1903.
UCOSA
ELECTION WINNERS INAUGURATED By Danniel Parker / Contributing Writer Last Friday, Alex Braden was voted President of the University of Central Oklahoma Student Association in the run-off of a closely contested election. Braden edged out a victory over runner-up Mackenzie Hall winning by eight votes out of 1012 total. Evan Askey, a friend of Braden and fellow Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity brother, won the Vice Presidency by two votes over Paul Brown. Pi Kappa Alpha is the largest fraternity on campus with 88 current members. Also passed was SBR 11-203, the “Fair Elections Act,” which would increase the voting time from 24 to 72 hours and require that elections be announced a week in advance.
I am truly humbled to stand before you as your next student body president. I believe this will be more than a learning experience but the experience of a lifetime Alex Braden
UCOSA Student Body President-Elect “It was a rough campaign. I think the numbers speak by themselves,” Askey said. His victory is the closest in UCOSA history. Both presidential candidates worked together on the Campus Improvements Board until Braden left the group. During the debates held last week Braden called the board “sketchy” for the way it raised the student activity fee and allocated the funds. “Hall and I are the only outsiders running,” Braden said. “All the other candidates have worked closely for years in the UCOSA office, or right next door.” Both Braden and Hall claimed to be angered by the corruption and lack of accountability of UCOSA officers, citing their mismanagement of the student activity fee. They both also took issue with the way Sigma Nu fraternity currently dominates the student body government. “I believe in accountability of UCOSA officers. I don’t believe people should get grandfathered into the next position, if they haven’t been able to handle their duties at a previous position,” Hall said during the debates. Vice President Elect Evan Askey took a similar stance against the current administration. “Matt Blubaugh didn’t live up to the standard UCOSA should have for their president,” Askey said. “I’d like to repair UCOSA’s relationship with the rest of the campus after the anger caused by the campus improvements act.” Askey’s main campaign promise is to design a public forum website where students can track and vote upon what projects their fees fund for the university. At the top, Braden’s platform is the issue of
Alex Braden after his acceptance speech, Monday, April 16, 2012. Photo by Trevor Hultner, The Vista
improving the safety of UCO. He said while serving on the Student Conduct Board he dealt with problems like students being assaulted or raped on campus. “This stuff happens, there are attacks and sexual assaults on campus and it’s a real issue. People don’t know about it because they don’t put these crimes in the newspaper, and they aren’t publicized,” Braden said. In response to these issues Braden plans to cover every corner of campus in security cameras and install as many police call boxes as possible. Broncho Safe-Ride is another program Brasden wants to put into effect. This is a designated driver service where impaired students can anonymously call for a safe and free ride home. Braden also wants to install more streetlights so every street, sidewalk and parking lot on campus is visible. A perfect example of the type of incident Braden wants to prevent is the hit and run accident on March 29, when two female UCO students were struck by an unidentified van. With more and better lighting, Braden hopes something like this would never happen again. Braden and Askey will take office next semester. Askey and Braden were inaugurated on Monday. Also inaugurated were Jason Robison, the incoming speaker of the UCOSA
Alex Braden (left), Evan Askey (middle-left), Jason Robison (middle-right) and Jasmin Worthy (right) are respectively sworn in for the offices of UCOSA president, vice president, speaker of the house and president pro-tempore of the senate on Monday April 16, 2012. Photo by Trevor Hultner, The Vista.
house and the first graduate student to hold that or a UCOSA executive position, and Jasmin Worthy, the incoming president pro-tempore of the UCOSA Senate. “I am truly humbled to stand before you as
your next student body president. I believe this will be more than a learning experience but the experience of a lifetime,” Braden said. Trevor Hultner contributed to this report.
Severe Weather
TORNADOES HIT OKLAHOMA COMMUNITIES By The Associated Press
Carole Beckett reacts as she sorts through belongings at her home after a tornado moved through Woodward, Okla., Sunday, April 15, 2012. (AP Photo/The Oklahoman, Bryan Terry)
WEATHER
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Forecasters say it appears about 75 tornadoes touched down in four Great Plains states Saturday. Greg Carbin, a meteorologist at the Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Okla., said Monday most of the tornadoes were in Kansas, followed by Oklahoma, Iowa and Nebraska. The tornadoes hit during a 24-hour period from 7 a.m. Saturday to 7 a.m. Sunday after forecasters warned of a “high risk” of severe
TODAY H 77° L 55°
weather. At least six deaths were blamed on a storm that went through the northwest Oklahoma town of Woodward and destroyed more than 100 homes and businesses. Dozens of people were injured. Many tornadoes hit in unpopulated rural areas in Kansas and Oklahoma, and Carbin says researchers are still collecting data. Initial observations from spotters produced an estimate of more than 100 twisters.
TOMORROW H 81° L 59°
DID YOU KNOW? 95 percent of people feel uncomfortable when the television volume is at an odd number.
More weather at www.uco360.com
OPINION
2
APRIL 17, 2012
THE VISTA 100 North University Drive Edmond, OK 73034 (405)974-5549 vistauco@gmail.com
How was your tornadic weekend? The Vista is published as a newspaper and public forum by UCO students, semi-weekly during the academic year except exam and holiday periods, and only on Wednesdays during the summer, at the University of Central Oklahoma. The issue price is free for the first copy and $1 for each additional copy obtained.
MATT ESCHRAH
CAROL WRIGHT
AISHA PICKETT
Biologyy-Sophomore
American Studies/Liberal Arts-Junior
Fashion Marketing-Junior
EDITORIALS Opinion columns, editorial cartoons, reviews and commentaries represent the views of the writer or artist and not necessarily the views of The Vista Editorial Board, the Department of Mass Communication, UCO or the Board of Regents of Oklahoma Colleges. The Vista is not an official medium of expression for the Regents or UCO. LETTERS The Vista encourages letters to the editor. Letters should address issues and ideas, not personalities. Letters must be typed, double-spaced, with a maximum of 250 words, and must include the author’s printed name, title, major, classification and phone number. Letters are subject to editing for libel, clarity and space, or to eliminate statements of questionable taste. The Vista reserves the right not to publish submitted letters. Address letters to: Editor, The Vista, 100 N. University Dr., Edmond, OK 730345209, or deliver in person to the editor in the Communications Building, Room 131. Letters can be emailed to vistauco@gmail.com.
STAFF
Management
Editorial
Cody Bromley, Editor-In-Chief Christie Southern, Managing Editor Brittany Dalton, Copy Editor Bryan Trude, Sports Editor
Ben Luschen, Staff Writer Josh Hutton, Staff Writer Mervyn Chua, Staff Writer Trevor Hultner, Staff Writer Celia Brumfield, Staff Writer
“A little more interesting than the regular weekend. The whole town was in a commotion.”
“I’m from England, so I was “I actually wasn’t here, I like, ‘Wow, I don’t know was in Dallas.” about that.’ I didn’t think it was going to hit us though.”
WALDO
AIESHA WATTLE
MICHAEL MARTINEZ
Outdoor/Community Recreation
Theater Performance-Sophomore
Engineering- Sophomore
Graphic Design Michael McMillian
Advertising
Photography
Kylee Turner Brittany Eddins
Garett Fisbeck, Photo Editor Kathleen Wells Cyn Sheng Ling
Circulation
Editorial Comic
Joseph Choi
Evan Oldham
Adviser Mr. Teddy Burch
Editorial
RULING IN FAVOR OF THE WEALTHY
“The tornado didn’t find me”
“I was at my parents house because my dad told me to. When your dad says come home you have to come home”
‘‘It was fine”
Three out of four Democrats think it’s great and Republicans are split 43 percent for and 54 percent against it. What is it? President Obama’s “Buffett Rule” which would require households who earn over $1 million to pay a minimum 30 percent tax rate. For the past few months, billionaire investor Warren Buffett has been touting the fact that American millionaire and billionaires aren’t paying their fair share of taxes. Republicans dislike Buffett because he doesn’t fit the mold of the traditional billionaire. Instead of hiding his money in offshore accounts, he keeps it in American accounts and pays the proper tax on them like a patriot. But that’s not all, from his platform of cash Buffett is also dispelling rumors that some conservatives would just prefer to believe rather than actually being true, especially the idea that corporate taxes are hurting job creation. “The corporate taxes as a percentage of GDP were 1.2 percent, $180 billion. That’s just about the lowest we’ve seen. So our corporate tax rate last year, effectively, in terms of taxes paid for the United States, was around 12 percent, which is well below those existing in most of the industrialized countries around the world. So it is a myth that American corporations are paying 35 percent or anything like it. Corporate taxes are not strangling American competitiveness,” Buffet said in an interview with CNBC this past February. Back in October, when Texas Governor Rick Perry was still being considered a viable candidate for the Republican presidential nomination, it was announced that Mr. Buffett would only end up paying a 0.2 percent tax rate under the plan endorsed by the Perry. Instead of paying $6.9 million like he did in 2010, Buffett would only pay $120k. Is that fair? Perry’s plan was going to eliminate all taxes on income derived from capital gains and dividends, essentially keeping the richest Americans the richest Americans and enlarging the already growing disparity between those with money and those without it. President Obama’s “Buffett Rule” is not expected to pass when it comes up for a vote this week, but the idea behind it is the reason for passing it. It’s time we decided that our country’s richest citizens should put our debt on it’s shoulders and not the poorest Americans. Those in deep poverty have enough on their backs as it is. By Evan Oldham / Cartoonist
NEWS
APRIL 17, 2012
3
Social Media
FACEBOOK BUYING PHOTO SHARING APP INSTAGRAM
By Josh Hutton Me 2012
Photo Illustration by Micheal McMillian, The Vista
By Katelyn Swanson / Contributing Writer Facebook recently announced that it will buy Instagram for $1 billion in cash and in cash and Facebook stocks. The acquisition is one that has many Instagram users worried about its fate. Shortly after the deal became public knowledge, social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram experienced an outpouring of opinions about this purchase, both good and bad.
“We will try to learn from Instagram’s experience to build similar features into our other products. At the same time, we will try to help Instagram continue to grow by using Facebook’s strong engineering team and infrastructure.” Mark Zuckerberg
Facebook CEO
In a blog post Monday, Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg addressed issues he knew would be concerns of Instagram and Facebook users: “We think the fact that Instagram is connected to other services beyond Facebook is an important part of the experience. We plan on keeping features like the ability to post to other social networks, the ability to not share your Instagrams on Facebook if you want, and the ability to have followers and follow people separately from your friends on Facebook,” Zuckerberg said. “We will try to learn from Instagram’s experience to build
similar features into our other products. At the same time, we will try to help Instagram continue to grow by using Facebook’s strong engineering team and infrastructure.” Instagram CEO Kevin Systrom also addressed user concerns in a blog post to Instagram users: “It’s important to be clear that Instagram is not going away. We’ll be working with Facebook to evolve Instagram and build the network. We’ll continue to add new features to the product and find new ways to create a better mobile photos experience.” Last week Android had its users excited about the addition of the Instagram App to their platform. Previously, only those with Apple devices were able to download and use Instagram. UCO English junior Marlo Cottingham was excited that she could finally use Instagram on her Android phone, but was not excited about the acquisition of Instagram by Facebook. “It is completely and utterly preposterous,” Cottingham said. Not all Instagram users are upset about the acquisition, though. “I’m glad Facebook bought the whole company and team and not just the product,” UCO junior elementary education major Colore Lincoln said. “Because they bought the team of developers, it is likely that the format of Instagram won’t be affected as much. I’m hopeful that Instagram will stay the same.” Facebook currently has 850 million users and has been around since 2004. Instagram has 30 million users and has been around for 18 months. An article in the New York Times stated that in 20, Zuckerberg approached Systrom about buying Instagram but Systrom decided to focus on growing the app for a time instead of selling it.
MONTESSORI CERTIFICATION AND MASTER OF EDUCATION 1-YEAR FAST TRACK!
At Oklahoma City University you can obtain your AMS certification and M.Ed. in just one year!
ONE OF A KIND!
The Montessori program at Oklahoma City University is the only Montessori graduate program in Oklahoma! Oklahoma City University’s Montessori Teacher Education Program is accredited by the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education. To find out more about the Montessori program at OCU visit www.okcu.edu/petree/education/montessori 2501 N. Blackwelder • Oklahoma City, OK 73106 • (405) 208-5094 OCU pledges to recruit, select and promote diversity by providing equality of opportunity for all persons. • ED13712
ED14912-UCO.indd 1
3/1/12 2:15 PM
With Invisible Children’s imminent “Cover the Night” campaign closing out this week, the initial boiling intensity of support has faded to a lulling simmer. While many critics scrutinized the organization’s finances, the misleading use of footage from Uganda’s condition from five years ago in their “Kony 2012” mini-documentary, and the fair weather social-networking supporters that turned to vapor, there is a valuable leadership lesson to my generation that so many have failed to notice. Though service has been deeply ingrained into youth culture, it’s often a self-serving act of volunteerism or world-changing idea. The three founders of Invisible Children exemplify this ethos. Jason Russell, Bobby Bailey, and Laren Poole have taken on staring roles in a majority of the 11 films the group has produced since 2004. Al Jazeera called Invisible Children’s method to be evidence of “the warmongering, the narcissism, the commercialization, the reductive and one-sided story they tell, their portrayal of Africans as helpless children in need of rescue by white children.” The idea of bringing global awareness to a brutal warlord stands as a noble cause. The nearly 90,000,000 YouTube views of “Kony 2012” proved the firestorm effectiveness of idea sharing in the digital age. However, the inclusion of Russell’s personal life made the man a public figure – thus a man fair to at-
tack. Russell’s meltdown in San Diego in March gave up even more ground to critics. His behavior (which Invisible Children deemed the “effects of extreme exhaustion”) made the “Kony 2012” film come across as hypocritical. In an effort to save face, “Kony 2012: Part II” was released last week. It has been viewed 1,700,000 times – a rather small number compared to the success of the first video. The lesson learned should be this: service isn’t about self, it isn’t fashionable, and it doesn’t even have to be concerned with ideals. Volunteerism is essentially helping those in need for no compensation. I am thrilled to be a part of a generation that cares so much about service. But I think the generation needs a dose of skepticism when it comes to backing a cause. The world is grey. No organization is inherently good nor is another inherently evil. Youth interested in service must arm themselves with facts. Has Invisible Children been effective in Uganda? I’d say, yes. They’ve raised over $13 million, created scholarship programs, built schools, and aided in the development of infrastructure in Uganda. Are their methods of delivery playing on pathos? Absolutely. Know the facts. Serve with others in mind. If you conclude that you are content with an organization, work with diligence, empathy, and boldness.
Comment on this column on UCO360.com Follow Josh on Twitter @purposenomadic
4
NEWS
APRIL 17, 2012
Kite Festival
UCO INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS CELEBRATE BASANT-A KITE FESTIVAL
Desiree Alexander (left), Tze Horng (center), and Chun Yin (right), work on a kite during BasantA kite festival at UCO’s Soccer Field, Friday, April 13, 2012. All photos by Cyn Sheng Ling, The Vista
Aik Sim Leong, Marketing major junior, is tying the strings on his kite during Basant-A kite festival.
A kite is flown onto a tree during Basant-A kite festival at UCO’s Soccer Field.
Have a
?
Follow Vista Multimedia for photos of campus news, life, and sports.
@UCOVistaVisual Dr.Dennis Dunham, Director of UCO’s International Services, speaks and opens the event
NEWS
APRIL 17, 2012
5
SAFE
SAFE PREMIERES “IT GETS BETTER” VIDEO By Ben Luschen / Staff Writer UCO’s Student Alliance For Equality (SAFE) has produced a documentary video entitled “It Get’s Better.” The organization premiered the film, in conjuncture with the Student Programming Board, on Thursday, April 12, inside of a Nigh University Center ballroom. Brandon White, president of SAFE, says he hopes the video gives victims of discrimination hope for the future. “It was made to encourage LGBT youth and let them know that once you get passed all the bullying and all the name calling that you might experience in high school, it really does get better,” White said. The first part of the film features interviews of four different people associated with UCO and their experiences growing up gay, bisexual or transgendered. The second part, which will be shown at future freshman orientations, shows a variety of UCO students and staff making a pledge to keep the campus an accepting and open environment. The video was inspired by the national It Gets Better campaign, which started in 2010 in response to a number of suicides that took place earlier that year within the LGBT community. Dan Savage, a social activist and internationally syndicated columnist, made the first It Gets Better video with his partner and now-husband in September 2010. Since Savage’s video, countless other people, organizations, universities and celebrities have made videos under the phrase “It Get’s Better,” many of which can be viewed on YouTube. The production of UCO’s video was a collaborative effort which took place over the course of six months. Quin Tran, a UCO alum, handled much of the interviewing and video work for the project through her company Starfire Communications. “She used to work for News 4 and she’s fabulous,” White said. “She specializes in making documentaries, so that’s how she was found.” Recently, UCO added sexual orientation and gender identification to its nondiscrimination policy. It is the first school in
Randie Neal, a forensic science and criminal justice freshman, signs a sign at the “It Gets Better” event at the Nigh University Center, Thursday, April12, 2012. Photo by Garett Fisbeck, The Vista
the state to include gender identification in such a policy. White says a change to the policy was an issue that had been brought up in the past but only came to reality after the school saw a change in administration. “President Betz has been extremely supportive,” he said. “He’s been a wonderful ally.” White describes UCO as a school that is “ahead of its time” in the area of LGBT rights. Though he says the school’s location in traditionally conservative Edmond presents its fair share of challenges, he is still pleased with what the school has already accomplished.
“It’s almost like UCO lives in its bubble and I think the people are understanding that we’re a liberal university in a conservative town,” he said. Though he hopes UCO’s “It Get’s Better” video can reach out to the Edmond community and to students already on campus, White hopes the impact of the film will be measured by the number of new or prospective students it impacts. “I really want to have it reach out to people who are trying to find a university that is inclusive and that is open and has LGBT groups like SAFE that are active and actually have great support groups.”
To watch the video, scan this barcode:
goo.gl/ePy4AV
Sign a Lease for F
REE
Party Like You’re Famous! April 1 9 th-23rd
Saturday, April 21st 5pm-8pm
Bring your entourage and have some great food, tons of fun, great music, and win some prizes! MTV ‘Battle of the Exes’ Mark Long and Las Vegas Resident DJ Eric Forbes
1600 Kickingbird Road Edmond, OK 73034 888-803-8154 Bryant@PeakCampus.com Located on the corner of Bryant and Kickingbird across the street from Bank of America.
Scan this code with your mobile device for more info.
BryantPlace.info
6
CLASSIFIED
APRIL 17, 2012 CROSSWORDS
EMPLOYMENT
Camelot Child Development Center
Research Volunteers Needed
3 Locations now hiring bus drivers and FT/PT teachers We promote a very positive and fun atmosphere! Please call for specific openings: Edmond-749-2262 Quail-254-5222 Deer Creek- 562-1315
Researchers at OU Health Sciences Center need healthy volunteers ages 18 to 30 who have a parentwith or without a history of an alcohol or drug problem. Qualified participants will be compensated for their time. Call (405) 456-4303 to learn more about the study and to see if you qualify. The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution.
Now Hiring “Now hiring employees, management, and cashiers. Full and Part-time available with flexible schedules. Fast Lanes Of America, 2220 S. Broadway, Edmond OK. 844-8084.”
River Oaks Golf Club Are you 21 years or older? Need a summer job or desire bartending experience? Come join our family friendly community at River Oaks Golf Club. We train! Call Michael at 834-6588.
Part Time Jobs Part-time jobs. Senior Services of Oklahoma is looking for students to fill part-time positions Monday-Friday. We pay $10/hour for energetic phone work. No expe rience is needed, we will train. Business is located at 1417 N.W. 150th St. in Edmond. Call 879-1888 to set up interview. Ask for Megan Parris.
STORAGE
Now Hiring Warehouse help wanted. Full time and part time. Please apply in person. 1914 E. 2nd, Edmond, OK.
Female Christian Driver Needed Female Christian driver needed for a disabled person. Pay $10/hr, including wait times. Plus $0.20/mi. Call 3303446 or 341-6225.
Help Wanted Student to clean vacant apts, general house cleaning. Afternoons. Near UCO. Must be dependable, trustworthy, and do quality work. Call Connie. 641-0712.”
Advertise with The Vista Contact Kylie at 405-974-5913 or email your questions to vistamedia@ yahoo.com for rates. RANDOM FACT
Discount! Summer student and professor storage discounts. Call for details. Arrowhead Self Storage 405-478-7233.
The fastest two-legged creature on Earth is the ostrich, which can reach 45 mph over short distances.
WE DELIVER!
Across
47. Clairvoyance, e.g.
1. Fit
50. Former French coin
5. La ___
51. Gift tag word
10. And others, for short
54. “___ go!”
12. Los Angeles suburb 13. Caught with a lasso 21. Disgrace 22. Inheritable 56. Pompous fool 14. Fishing, perhaps 15. Chocolate substitute
57. One who sets written†material into type 60. 10 jiao 62. Back in
33. Page
18. “He’s ___ nowhere man” (Beatles lyric)
63. Sort
34. ___ Wednesday
19. Parentheses, e.g.
64. Coastal raptor
35. Its motto is “Industry”
17. “___ does it!”
20. Radio†station that broadcasts a directional signal for navigational purposes
65. Nabisco cookies 66. Knowing, as a secret 67. Change
23. More, in Madrid 68. “Yum!”
38. Altdorf is its capital 39. Alpha’s opposite
69. Penny 26. Altar avowal
Down
41. Title for this puzzle?
27. Cave
1. Odium
44. Lizard, old-style
28. “At Seventeen” singer Janis
2. Feel shame
45. Plant disease
3. Hard to lift
47. Ccolourless flammable gas used in welding
25. Loafer, e.g.
31. Bully 4. Dine at home 33. News office 5. Fink
40. Advil target 42. TV’s “___ and Greg” 43. Inclined 46. Get a move on
APARTMENTS
For Rent
©2011 JIMMY JOHN’S FRANCHISE, LLC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
37. Grand
40. Analyst who performs chemical tests on metals
24. Correct, as text
37. Characterized by violent behaviour
DELIVERY!
30. Call for 32. Band with the hit “Barbie Girl”
16. Actress Miles
36. Campus area
FREAKY FAST
29. Dadaism founder
CORNER’S APT, REMODELED APT, NEW APPLIANCES, GRANITE COUTERTOP 1 BED AVAILABLE FROM $500. 5 MIN TO UCO, CALL JOE @ 405-414-8150 FOR DETAILS.
6. Quip, part 3 7. Bailiwicks
48. Walk over 49. Bring up 52. “La BohËme,” e.g. 53. Particles
8. Slender freshwater fish resembling a catfish
55. Kind of nerve
9. Flowering
58. Small cave with attractive†features
10. “Die Meistersinger” heroine
59. Like Santa’s cheeks
11. Ultimate goal
61. “The Matrix” hero
RIDDLE ANSWER
RANDOM QUOTE
Forgiveness.
People with courage and character always seem sinister to the rest.
- Hermann Hesse
SPORTS
APRIL 17, 2012
7
MIAA
GETTING TO KNOW: NEBRASKA-KEARNY LOPERS, MISSOURI WESTERN GRIFFONS By Blake Colston / Contributing Writer
Continued from Page 8
THE BEN ZONE a new dimension to the game and reduce the number of returns at the same time. Don’t like my first plan? How about this -why don’t we just change the kicks to punts? Punts don’t go as far, so players don’t have the time to pick up the kind of speed that make kick-offs dangerous. Fans also still get to see the returns that they like so much.
Either way, simply starting at the 20 on each change of possession is not the answer. Teams need the chance to score a touchdown on special teams – teams need the chance for a Music City Miracle. I’m strongly in favor of a safer NFL, but not at the cost of radically altering the game we love.
BRAND NEW Apartments w/ One Month FREE Rent!!
BRAND NEW A partments w/ One Month F R E E Rent!! *
L o v e W h e r e Yo
The University of Nebraska-Kearney and Missouri Western University take the spotlight in the next stop along the Vista’s tour through the MIAA conference. Founded in 1905 and located in southcentral Nebraska, the University of NebraskaKearney fields 17 athletic teams has been a member of Division II since 1991. Nebraska-Kearney will enter the MIAA conference alongside UCO for the 2012-2013 academic year. Kearney had been a member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference since 1989. The Lopers’ school colors are royal blue and old gold. UNK’s athletic programs (nine female and eight male) compete in 17 varsity sports. Men’s sports include football, basketball, baseball, wrestling, cross-country, tennis, track and field, and golf. UNK women’s athletic programs include basketball, softball, tennis, soccer, track and field, volleyball, swimming and diving, golf and cross-country. UCO does not field a swimming and diving team or men’s track and field team. Nebraska-Kearney’s wrestling program has enjoyed success under the leadership of head coach Marc Bauer. The Lopers wrestling program captured the school’s first ever NCAA Division II National Championship in 2008 and has finished in the top 10 nine times under Bauer. UNK Volleyball has also had success in the past decade, led by coach Rick Squires, the Lopers have made 10 NCAA Tournament appearances, three Elite Eight appearances and won seven RMAC conference titles. What about the football program, you ask? The Lopers football program has posted a 92-39 record since 1999, while making four appearances in the Division II playoffs and capturing two RMAC titles. The Lopers are not a part of UCO’s 2012 football schedule. Longtime MIAA member Missouri Western State University will welcome the Bronchos and Lopers into the conference next season.
Founded in 1915 and located in St. Joseph, Mo., MWSU has a student enrollment of 6,134. The Griffons field ten varsity athletic programs and have been part of the MIAA since 1989. Missouri Western’s athletic programs have been successful in recent seasons. This season the Griffons softball team holds a 35-7 record and is rated fifth in the South Central region. The football program has finished with a winning record for seven straight seasons and has appeared the NCAA Division II playoffs in two consecutive seasons, losing in the first round in both appearances. The Bronchos and Griffons met on the gridiron in 2005 with MWSU defeating Central 26-7. UCO will travel to St. Joseph next season to square off against the Griffons on September 29. The Griffons football program recently received a huge boost with the addition of a $9.9 million dollar indoor practice facility that serves as the summer training camp home of the Kansas City Chiefs. Facility improvements have been the name of the game for Griffon athletics recently. A spring sports complex which includes a baseball and softball stadium was constructed in 2011 for $7 million dollars. MWSU has spent more than $20 million dollars on facility improvements in the last five years. Thursday, Northeastern State University and Northwest Missouri State’s athletic programs will be featured in the Vista’s MIAA preview.
For more information and news on UCO’s new conference, visit
THEMIAA.COM
American Democracy Project 10th Anniversary
Democracy and Civic Engagement: Continuing the Civic Work in Partnership with The New York Times and Honoring President Don Betz
u L i ve ! !
Wednesday, April 18, 2012 Nigh University Center “The Citizenship Imperative of the 21st Century” Keynote Address by George Mehaffy, Vice President for Leadership and Change, American Association of State Colleges and Universities 4:00–5:00 p.m., Constitution Hall, Nigh University Center George Mehaffy, Vice President for Leadership and Change, Association of State Colleges and Universities, and founder of the American Democracy Project, will explore the challenges of citizenship in a new era. Following the presentation, Jean Hendrickson, Executive Director of Oklahoma A+ Schools, will join George Mehaffy for dialogue and Q&A.
Reception in Honor of President Don Betz
Scan here for more information!
5:00–6:00 p.m., Rooms 201 and 202, Nigh University Center Reception hosted by The New York Times.
“Arab Spring: The Call for Change” Michael Slackman, Deputy Foreign Editor of The New York Times
at Coffee Creek
(405) 216-3642 401 W Covell Rd. | Edmond, OK
Full Size Washer & Dryer • All Major Kitchen Appliances 9 ft. or 11 ft. Vaulted Ceilings • Clubroom with Big Screen TV Business Center • Fitness Center • Tanning Beds • Swimming Pool On-Site Management & Maintenance • Furnished Units Available
View photos, floorplans and rates @
www.lindseymanagement.com Professionally Managed by Lindsey Management. Co., Inc. *Applies to new leases only *Call for complete details
6:00 p.m., Constitution Hall, Nigh University Center Michael Slackman is deputy foreign editor at The New York Times where he oversees global coverage with an emphasis on the Middle East. Slackman covered Bahrain’s pro-democracy demonstrations in February 2011. Prior to this, he served as a correspondent, most recently as the Berlin Bureau Chief. He has also spent eight years based in Egypt, three for the Los Angeles Times and five for The New York Times. In that time he reported from every country in the region, from Morocco to Iran. He covered Iraq before and after the invasion, documenting the tremendous changes sweeping the Arab world as a reporter and editor. Mr. Slackman was also Newsday’s Moscow Bureau chief for three years covering the economy and social chaos that swept post-Soviet Russia and the transition from Yeltsin to Putin. Following the presentation, President Betz will join Michael Slackman for dialogue and Q&A. For more information about the American Democracy Project Civic Engagement Conference, please visit www.uco.edu/adp. For the full schedule of inauguration programming for President Don Betz, please visit inauguration.uco.edu. Sponsored by The New York Times, American Democracy Project, Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame, Educators’ Leadership Academy, Oklahoma Campus Compact, and Oklahoma A+ Schools.
U N I V E R S I T Y
O F
C E N T R A L
O K L A H O M A
8
SPORTS
APRIL 17, 2012 Softball
Opinion
THE BEN ZONE #4 BRONCHOS CONTINUE
STREAK WITH WIN OVER NSU By Ben Luschen Vista Columnist
KICK OFF CHANGES ON HORIZON TICKS OFF FOOTBALL FAITHFUL A lot of things can ‘kick off.’ Shoes can be kicked off. Sometimes even launched, depending on one’s mood. Labor Day Weekend always seems to kick off around Thursday, especially for college students. Parties tend to kick off at 9, though I think that’s actually code for 10:15. One thing that may not be kicking off for much longer? The National Football League. It’s hard to imagine that the origin of one of America’s biggest clichés could soon go the way of flattops and Jheri curls, but it seems to be a likely scenario. The NFL’s growing concern - read as ‘fear of liability’ - over player safety is not a passing phase, but a permanent change in philosophy. Last year, the placement of the ball on kickoffs was moved up five yards from the 30 to the 35. This was done because kickoffs are usually one of the most dangerous plays in football - players are running toward each other at full speed. As a result, the number of touchbacks increased by 28 percent and the number of concussions decreased by almost 40 percent. This is success by any measure, but was it enough to satisfy the league? John Mara, owner of the New York Giants, doesn’t think so. “There’s no consensus on it right now, but I could see the day in the future where that play could be taken out of the game,” Mara said in an interview for his team’s official website. Fans would be irate if the NFL got rid of kickoffs as they often lead to some very exciting returns and yes, bonecrunching hits. However, the NFL’s fear of a potentially devastating lawsuit after a demobilizing player injury or even death would outweigh the disapproval of fans, which would likely be temporary. As of now, it appears the league’s preferred alternative to a kick-off is to start each team at its own 20 to begin a half or after a score. This would be the league’s worst choice. When a team gets the ball, trailing, with just seconds remaining, they need to have the chance to either return the ball for a touchdown or at least get some good field position. It makes for a more exciting game. Also, popular players like Devin Hester and Josh Cribbs would become nearly useless. In hopes that the league does not adopt such a rule change, I have two other propositions for replacing the kickoff. First, why don’t we let the team’s decide how they want to receive the ball? The choice between taking the ball at, say, the 25 or taking a chance on a kickoff return would add
Continued on page 7
Macy McKay (9) celebrates with Nathalie Timmermans (45) during a softball game between UCO and Northeastern State University in Edmond, Friday, April 13, 2012. Photo by Garett Fisbeck, The Vista
By Chris Brannick/ Contributing Writer The UCO Softball team continued its record setting ways on Saturday, defeating in-state rival Northeastern State University 12-5. Win number 34 on the season and consecutive win number 32. UCO holds the longest current winning streak in all levels of NCAA competition and the Bronchos hold a number four ranking nationally in Division II. The Bronchos have set records in multiple hit categories this season including homeruns. They hit an average of 1.42 per game and launched past that mark by hitting four in Saturday’s contest. Senior catcher Nathalie Timmermans has destroyed the previous record and continued her steady pace by hitting two homeruns, numbers 18 and 19. Junior third baseman Kacie Edwards had 13 homeruns coming into this weekend. Edwards connected in the first inning on her fourteenth slam, which would have been a school record had Timmermans not broke it first. Edwards’s homerun was the second in as many pitches after Timmermans did the same in the previous at bat. The Bronchos were ahead on the scoreboard 2-0,
over the Riverhawks. Sophomore Amanda McClelland started for the Broncho defense and had a strong first two innings. However in the third NSU answered and evened the score at two runs apiece when Junior infielder Cayce Coleman hit her first homerun of the season. NSU then took the lead in the fifth inning after Senior shortstop Shelbi Bowin hit a three run homerun. “It didn’t look good there for a minute, but this team never gives up and they find a way to make things happen,” head coach Genny Stidham said. That marked the end of the day for McClelland and Senior Rachael Steverson took over with two outs in the top of the fifth inning. When the Bronchos took to their bats in the bottom half of the fifth, Freshmen Devyn Frazier and Kaylee Brunson quickly got on base and Senior Kaycee Raines added another hit to load the bases. Timmermans flew out in the next at bat and Edwards hustled her way out of what would have been the inningending double play and Frazier scored to pull the Bronchos within two. Senior Megan Whitmire blasted the very next pitch over the centerfield wall,
driving in Brunson and Edwards and giving the Bronchos the 6-3 lead. “We had a lot of girls step up and make some plays at the end,” Stidham said. The slugfest continued in the sixth inning with Raines and Timmermans leading the way. Raines collected two runs batted in with a double and scored herself when Timmermans nailed her nineteenth homerun of the season.. Steverson would gain her eighteenth win of the season after throwing 2 1/3 innings. Steverson struck out two of the ten batters she faced and only allowed two hits. McClelland avoided the loss and also finished with two strikeouts. McClelland allowed seven hits and five runs, all earned. The Bronchos collectively connected for 13 hits with all but one starter getting at least one. In 31 plate appearances for the Bronchos only once did they strikeout. UCO will continue its homestand on Wednesday when they host Midwestern State University in a doubleheader at 1 p.m. The Bronchos defeated MSU 9-5 and 10-0 in a doubleheader on February 29.