The Signal | Ouachita Baptist University | 4.4.19

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4.03.19 | Vol. 127, Issue 21 | www.obusignal.com

Student Senate, Sells host first annual “Senate Summit” By ETHAN DIAL Online editor   Students, along with Ouachita President Ben Sells, met last Thursday at the inaugural Senate Summit, an event to cultivate and develop leadership skills.   “The reason why I wanted to attend was because I wanted to grow in my knowledge of how to be a successful leader. When I heard the case study was from Harvard I figured it would be worth my while,” said James Renshaw, a freshman business administration and management major from North Little Rock, Ark.   The event, which was co-hosted by Senate Summit and Sells, was open up to the whole campus, and specifically the leaders of different organizations. Students from a variety of classifications and majors attended, were served breakfast and then engaged in discussion regarding the study.   “Dr. Sells spent so much time and effort preparing for the morning and that was very evident throughout the event. Our discussion was centered around a case study on leadership based off of a real life trek up Mount Everest. We used lessons from the study and focused on how we can apply those principles to our own lives as leaders,” said Brady Barton, a

political science and graphic design major from Russellville, Ark.   Sells lead the discussion in this first Senate Summit and used a Harvard case study that he has previously had the chance to both experience and teach before. The study, “Everest,” followed the story of Robert Hall and Scott Fischer, who lead unexperienced climbers who were willing to pay around $65,000 to summit.   Going through their real-life trials and struggles, the case study follows their expedition up the mountain, and eventually describes what lead to their death. Though this was an extreme scenario, the case study points out leadership flaws and successes.   “This case study definitely helped me learn…about leadership. One of the things that I wrote down that Dr. Sells said was a quote by Dwight D. Eisenhower. He said, ‘Plans are nothing, and planning is everything.’ Which means we need to prepare for what comes ahead. If we prepare and go beyond what we need to do, then even if our plans don’t work, we can adjust. Leaders have to know what to do even when their plans don’t work out,” Renshaw said.   After the groups did accelerated reading and read through the case study, Dr. Sells began asking them questions and asking them to dig deep with their responses. He re-

Ethan Dial z Courtesy STUDENT LEADERS meet to discuss the case study “Mt. Everest” at last week’s First Annual Senate Summit. Dr. Sells and Student Senate co-hosted and co-sponsored an event in which Ouachita student leaders could engage in discussion of valuable leadership skills.

lated it all back to them as leaders at Ouachita.   “At Senate Summit, I learned that leadership is shared in part by the leaders and their followers. It is all about communication between the two. The leader is responsible in providing care and assistance to their followers, but the followers should be keeping the leader accountable. I loved the Everest analogy. It really helped us to see

good and bad leadership forms. I would love to do this again,”said Keleigh Shands, a junior psychology and political science major from Searcy, Ark.   Over all, the event had a significant impact on those who attended, many of whom plan to attend the next Senate Summit in the fall.   “To have a president that makes the time and wants to invest so

much in his students is something we are so blessed to have,” Renshaw said.   “The event was a true testament to Ouachita’s and Dr. Sells’ passion for investing in students. I can’t imagine anywhere else that the President of the University would personally lead and give up an early morning for students like Dr. Sells demonstrated at the summit,” Barton said. n

Beals speaks about faith, integration Atwood speaks at Nell Mondy

lecture on nutritional genomics

By ETHAN DIAL Online editor Little Rock Nine member Melba Patillo Beals spoke at the Birkett Williams Lecture yesterday. Addressing her time at Little Rock Central High School, as one of the nine Afircan-American students who integrated in 1957, Beals discussed the aversity she faced, equality and specifically, how this has formed who she is today. Her faith in her “Lord, Jesus” was the highlight of the discussion. “I tell you these stories…to understand the back and forth, the journey, the this and there, the come hither come yon, the to and fro of life and to still hold on. Ladies and gentlemen, let me say to you this is a bumpy ride. And what you’ve been given to hold onto is your belief that no matter what you have a friend…someone who is willing to give you guidance” Beals said. This friend of hers is Jesus. When others have asked “how did you sustain yourself” in times of tribulation, especially in the halls of Central High School, Beals has always responded with the one word answer of “prayer.” Even when equality wasn’t an option, Beals knew that the only thing that could and would ever help was the love of her Savior. “The solution, if there is a solution…the only solution is love— never violence. Never, ever vio-

By MANDY HALBERT Staff writer

Alex Blankenship z Photo lab editor MELBA PATILLO BEALS discusses her perspective as one of the famed Little Rock Nine, a group of African-American students who integrated Little Rock Central High School in 1957. Beals cited her faith in Jesus as a constant support throughout her life.

lence. So this evening, I want to talk about equality. We all talk about equality and we say that word. It’s in our constitution. We read about it, but so few of us ever define it. So few of us ever think about it in terms of ourselves. I’m going to define it very simply for you: equality is voice, choice and inclusion,” Beals said. “I’ve got a voice in what goes on around me, in what I participate in. I have a choice to drink out of the water fountain, where I’m going to live, what car I’m going to buy, what school I’m going to attend. And, I’m going to be included if I want to be included. I cannot be excluded for something like the shape of my body, the color of my hair, my eyes, how I speak or what

I eat. Voice. Choice. And Inclusion. That’s something I didn’t have as a little girl in Little Rock, Ark. in 1941.” Recounting memories of how the Lord saw her through, Beals noted that God was always as close to her as her skin was, and she encouraged students with this same message. “Everything I have, everything I am, everything I will be, everything I hope to be is vested in my religion and what I believe,” Beals said. “The God in me sees the God in you, and that’s the most important thing is that we see the God in each one of us, that we understand equality in each one of us, that we understand the value in each one of us.” n

The Nell Mondy Lecture series featured Casey Atwood, a registered dietitian nutritionist at the Arkansas Heart Hospital, on Monday, March 25. Atwood spoke about nutritional genomics, the study of how specific nutrients interact with genes and affect people in different ways.   “Specifically, the speaker discussed areas of the world with a high amount of people who lived to be over 100 years old, and the lifestyle, diet, and other practices that these areas have in common,” dietetics major Molly Boone said. “She also compared these ways of living to America and how we can incorporate them into our daily lives.”   The Nell Mondy Lecture Series was created in honor of Ouachita alumna and food scientist, Dr. Nell Mondy. The Patterson School of Natural Sciences invites speakers each year in the fields of chemistry, nutrition and food sciences each year for the series.   “We tend to have very high attendance at these lectures, usually between 150-200 attendees from amongst our faculty, staff, students, and the community,” Dr. Sara Hubbard said. “Our faculty members do a great job encouraging their students to attend the

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lectures.”   The purpose of the lecture series is to is to bring highly qualified specialists to speak to students about their field and issues in the real world. Students are able to get a better grasp of how fields interact and affect different areas of study.   “It is always important that we remember, especially as a liberal arts university, that all majors, whether within the same school or not, can be related and intertwined in some way,” Boone said. “I feel like the Nell Mondy series is another way that OBU reflects its emphasis on incorporating different fields of study into student's education experience.”   Atwood spoke on Monday about the commonalities in the lifestyles, diets, and other practices in areas of the world that have high populations of people over the age of 100.   “One of the things I learned from this lecture was the effectiveness of the Mediterranean diet,” Boone said. “The Mediterranean diet encompasses the eating patterns of those who live in the Mediterranean region, one of the areas of the world that had the highest amount of people who live to be over 100 years old and are in impeccable health for their age.”   Many students who attended were dietetics majors and were eager to hear the expertise and see Lecture z 2

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If you could time travel, what event would you want to witness?

Julia Williams Editor-In-Chief

Will Blase News editor

Will Johnson Opinions/ Sports editor

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“Ronald Reagan’s 1987 speech at the Berlin Wall.”

“The Wright brothers’ first successful flight.”

“I wanna watch the Razorbacks win a national championship in basketball.”

“Seeing my parents meet and fall in love.”

“The signing of the Declaration of Independence.”

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News Briefs

A look at the biggest news of the week Mozambique Cholera Outbreak   After a devastating cyclone, Mozambique has reported 1400 cases of Cholera, in a sudden outbreak. The cyclone left nearly 128,000 residents displaced, creating a race against the clock to prevent spread of the bacterial disease.   Early Tuesday morning, hundreds of thousands of donated vaccine doses arrived in Mozambique. There have been two reported deaths linked to the sudden outbreak of Cholera.   Cholera is typically spread by food and water contamination and, if left untreated, can kill within hours. The displaced residents living in crowded and dirty shelters, create a worrying possiblity for the disease to spread.   Cyclone Adai also claimed the lives of 598 people living in Mozambique. Source: AP

Final Four upsets   After a large lull in action, the March Madness tournament found its footing as it entered the ‘Elite Eight’ and upsets aplenty rocked the competition.   Michigan State advanced over the dominant Duke team, marking the eighth ‘Final Four’ appearance for head coach Tom Izzo. The team bested Duke last minute by a mere point, winning 68-67.   However, three of the ‘Final Four’ coaches are looking at their first ‘Final Four ’ appearance. Texas Tech coach Chris Beard has finally made it to the top four bracketed spots, the first time in his 12 team coaching span. Tony Bennett, head coach of the Virginia Cavaliers, finally cinched the top four spot after a 10 season drought as head coach. Bruce Pearl and the Auburn Tigers pulled off a win in over Kentucky after a dominant victory last week over the UNC Tar Heels. Source: AP

Lecture

Westerman to speak at Innovation Summit By JACOB COTTRELL Staff writer   Ouachita will be hosting the Forestry Innovation summit on Monday, April 8. Congressman Bruce Westerman will be leading this year’s discussion based on the outlook and energy sources produced by natural resources. It will be held in Walker Conference Center from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and tickets are $35 with lunch provided.   “A gathering of leaders in Southwest Arkansas to hear from national and state experts who will educate and inspire us about a world of opportunities. While Arkansas has 19 million acres of forests and is producing more timber than it’s using, there’s more opportunities than ever to be innovative in the use of wood by-products in the consumer, building and bio-chemical areas. However, much of the innovation in this space in occurring outside the state; if we could change that dynamic, it would bring many economic development opportunities to Arkansas and our region,” President Ben Sells said about this Summit.   Arkansas is known to be the “Natural State” and takes pride in this title due to the environment that it harbors. With the mountains in the northwest to the sprawling forest surrounding Ouachita’s campus, there are plenty of ways to be using materials for energy.   With this industry finding a

good home in Arkansas, comes jobs to help the local community and workforce.   This Summit is not one that is about Ouachita, but it includes multiple organizations coming together to collaborate how these sources can be used more efficiently. These organizations are focused on helping others and growing communities with the smart use of the natural resources. Ouachita is hosting the summit due to its location in the state but also with its location in a timber  Congressman Bruce Westerman will be the keynote producing region. This is city  speaker at the Innovation Summit. Westerman and community that is used  serves on the Committe for Natural Resources. to the logging industry being a part of daily life. General Assembly. He currently   “Ouachita took the lead in origi- resides in Hot Springs, with his nating and hosting the conference wife, Sharon, and their four kids. A and has been joined by co-spon- full biography on Westerman can sors: the Arkadelphia Regional be found at westerman.house.gov. Economic Development Alliance   Ouachita will host this summit and Area Chamber of Commerce, on Monday, April 8 alongside Henderson State University and other committees and universities Innovate Arkansas, an initiative of dedicated in seeing the resources Winrock International,” Sells said. around the state used wisely. Fore   Congressman Westerman is the more information on the event, keynote speaker for the event. As go to obu.edu/about/forestryinan engineer with a master’s degree novation/. in forestry, Westerman serves on   “Ouachita is situated in the two committees in the U.S. House middle of a forest and filled with of Representatives, including the entrepreneurial-minded students; Committee on Natural Resources I hope this summit inspires stuand the Committee on Transpor- dents to develop innovative prodtation and Infrastructure. He was ucts. Furthermore, our University elected to represent Arkansas’ plays a vital role in developing fourth congressional district in the local economy which is good 2014 after serving as the House for our community as well as our Majority Leader in the Arkansas campus,” Sells said. n

z Continued from Page1 experiences that Atwood has had in her career and studies.   “I am hoping to become a registered dietitian like Casey Atwood,” Hannah Primm said. “This area of study in the field of dietetics is relatively new, so it was exciting to learned about such a new and growing area of study from an accomplished Dietitian. I think it is always beneficial to hear from a professional who is farther along on the career path you wish to pursue.”   Hubbard believes that the lecture series in an effective way to

Rapper Nipsey Hussle killed   Grammy nominated rapper Nipsey Hussle was killed Sunday night in South Los Angeles, CA. The 33 year old was one year away from his major-label debut.   Hussle, alongside three other men, were shot outside of Marathon Clothing, a store that Hussle founded. Hussle had made waves within his community after purchasing an entire plaza to renovate into affordable housing. His entrepreneurship and vision were helping him to rebuild the struggling Los Angeles neighborhood he was a part of.   Members of the neighborhood flocked to the sight in vigil, their love for Hussle evident. Fellow rappers such as Rihanna and Snoop Dogg posted on social media, mourning their friend.   Source: AP

spark students’ interest in their field and to give them insight into the real world.   “Student attendees ask some really great questions and definitely walk out having learned something new,” Hubbard said. “I love when I run into students and colleagues in the days and weeks after a lecture and they are still excited about the new things they’ve learned by attending the lecture. We hope that students will walk out of these lectures with a little more knowledge, a little bit better understanding, a few questions, and hopefully an interest to learn more.” n


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Refuge leaders reflect on year of growth, teaching By SARA PATTERSON Staff writer

Every Thursday evening at 9 p.m., Ouachita and Henderson students gather to worship and hear God’s word taught from student Refuge speakers, Cole Jester and Kord Offenbacker.  Cole Jester, a senior Christian studies and political science major from Benton, felt that the role of speaking at Refuge was a good way for him to act on the Lord’s call to ministry in his life.   “When I was fourteen, I felt called to ministry, and that is a call that has continued. As the process has gone on, I’ve realized right now it’s supposed to not be vocational, but I still have a passion for teaching and any way I can do that I was excited to be a part. And I definitely understood Refuge as a way to teach our fellow students about what walking the Christian walk looks like,” Jester said.   Kord Offenbacker, a senior from Fayetteville with a Christian studies major and emphases in Christian ministry and biblical studies and a business entrepreneurship minor, also found that speaking at Refuge was a good way for him to act in obedience to God and prepare for a future of responding to God’s will for his life in ministry.   “Back in high school, I got a calling to ministry, and gradually over time, the Lord revealed to me that I had this calling to preach more specifically, so that’s what lead me to Ouachita ultimately. And then I saw something like Refuge and Campus Ministries and I thought ‘if anything can prepare me to preach in the long run, it would be something like Refuge, you know, getting to really prepare sermons and deliver them in front of my

peers, so that’s what sort of something you have to do. that message and encourage drew me to Refuge in the It’s a blessing, it’s something me,” Offenbacker said. first place,” Offenbacker said. that comes natural, it’s fruit   As for Jester, his favorite   As Refuge leaders, Jester from labor,” Offenbacker said. sermon from the year is one and Offenbacker take turns   Offenbacker preached the that he preached on the fruit delivering sermons so that they first Refuge sermon for the of the spirit in terms of how each speak every other week. beginning of this year, which Christians act in community. Their leadership roles require turned out to be his favorite   “My favorite Refuge hours of prayer, preparation sermon he has preached so far. sermon by far was when I and practice in order to   “A personal favorite of mine talked about the fruit of the bring an effective, godly was the first one in JPAC at the spirit in community. It had a teaching for college students. beginning of this year. My big little bit less on the academic   “Putting together a good purpose behind doing it was ‘if side, but I was very convicted message that is honoring to God is just, he is worthy of our to be in prayer for the sermon the Lord takes from 10 to 20 trust and we can trust him.’ I continually and the Lord hours out of convicted me Ransey Joiner z Photo lab your week, that something so in a couple important weeks it’s a lot was going to of work. But, happen from it’s definitely it and I had worth it in the to take it very long run,” said seriously. I just O ff e n b a c k e r. had that feeling   F o r the entire week O ff e n b a c k e r, and it came out accomplishing to be a sermon all that is that really met required of him people where Ransey Joiner z Photo lab they not only as a were Refuge leader and pointed but also as a them towards student that is grace and the reliant on his love of Christ willingness especially to keep his in their perspective communities on God and to which is work for his something we glory above should strive other things. for,” Jester said. KORD OFFENBACKER (TOP) AND COLE JESTER (BOTTOM) are the two Refuge  “This is a leaders for this academic year. Offenbacker and Jester have both surrendered to   B o t h ministry, but ministry, detailing Refuge as a signigicant part of their growth as pastors. Jester and this is not my Offenbacker ministry. This is the Lord’s, think so often, students and so have enjoyed the challenge this is something I get to do, many Christians run into these of speaking at Refuge this but it’s not something I have situations of ‘Okay, where is year and are expectant for to do, it’s not an extra thing on God in this situation? Why God to continue working my schedule as far as classes isn’t he taking care of me?... in this ministry after and working at a church and The whole purpose behind that they graduate in May. Refuge and all of these things. message was saying ,‘Okay, if  Offenbacker’s hope for It’s not really my schedule, it’s God really is just, you can trust the upcoming Refuge leaders the Lord’s. I really try to cling him with not just with your life is that they would practice to Colossians 3:23 in reference but also your feelings and your personal discipline so that they to that in what it looks like circumstances.’ That was one may set a good example for to work heartily as for the of my personal favorites and I the students in this ministry. Lord and not for man and had multiple people come up  “Cole and I have tried to with that, the discipline isn’t to me afterwards and affirm take it very seriously and

honor the Lord with our preparation… with how we do Refuge. I would encourage hopefully the person who does it next: continue the same discipline that we’ve tried to do. We haven’t done it perfectly, but we have tried to honor the Lord with our time and that’s how Refuge is going to grow. If people see you are honoring the Lord with your time and you have put together a good message and you have put together a good worship experience for the students, they’re going to enjoy it and their lives could be changed because of it,” Offenbacker said.   In addition, Offenbacker also believes that group prayer is an important part of the preparation process when it comes to Refuge and something that could be done more frequently.   “I think we could have done a lot better job in our group meetings- having them more focused on prayer and surrendering to the Lord. We do, but it’s just more personal on our own personal time. So that’s something I would hope to see done better in the future in how the team interacts,” Offenbacker said.  Jester believes that the most important message that a Refuge speaker could give is the Gospel of salvation in Jesus Christ. Jester’s hope for the future is that Refuge would proclaim the gospel.  “Every time you have someone at Refuge, I’m hoping that you’re having someone who is hearing the Gospel. So, the more people that go, the more people you can tell the Gospel to,” Jester said. “My goal would be that Refuge grows, not just for size, but so that it can be a way to reach out to people with truth and in a society that increasingly needs that.” n

Ashton Spence details a Day in the Life with a hedgehog maintenance creatures, but Penelope definitely poses Staff Writer some unique challenges for Spence. But Spence would not   Ashton Spence is a junior mass trade Penelope for anything. communications and theatre  “I have a dog named major from Marion, Ark. A Honeybun at home and I could typical day for her includes going have brought her, but my to class and work, attending any suitemate is allergic to dogs. So rehearsals for shows the theatre I had to do research to figure out department is putting on and what was the best animal for our hanging out with her suitemates. living conditions,” Spence said.   Each night, though, Spence gets   Penelope has definitely helped to spend time with her emotional comfort Spence, and her job as an support animal, an adorable emotional support animal is an hedgehog named Penelope. important one. Penelope is often   For Spence, the best part of the only one who can comfort her day is usually cuddling with Spence after a bad day, and Penelope. Spence struggles with her lively manner can always depression and anxiety, and put a smile on Spence’s face. Penelope helps her control them  “She [Penelope] comforts in a way. She got Penelope from me when I’m stressed; I can be a friend and went through all having the worst day ever and of the steps to get the hedgehog I go back to my room and pull certified as her emotional support her out of her cage and her face animal. Spence and Penelope is just full of life,” Spence said. have been best friends ever since. “She cuddles me and comforts  “I have slight depression me when I need her, and she and anxiety. Growing up, I motivates me to get out of bed was surrounded by animals every day because no one else and they helped me through a can take care of her but me.” lot,” Spence said, “but I moved   As far as academics go, Spence here to OBU and didn’t have enjoys being both a theatre mass communications any animals, which made my and Both disciplines depression and anxiety worse. major. When I got Penelope, everything inspire her, and she really changed and things got better.” wants to work with a church   Spence’s suitemate is allergic ministry when she graduates. to dogs, so finding a different   Theatre has helped Spence emotional support animal was to expand her worldview, a challenge for Spence. She pushing her to look beyond settled on a hedgehog after the normal limits of herself, seeing one at a summer camp. while also reminding her connect with others.  Hedgehogs are fairly low- to

By CAITY HATCHETT

Meagan Woodard z Photo lab

JUNIOR ASHTON SPENCE smiles with her emotional support hedgehog named Penelope. Spence discussed her challenges with facing anxiety and depression, citing Penelope as a means to cope and adjust.

“Theater gives me another view of things that mass communications does not,” Spence said. “It teaches me how to be creative and gives me other skills for my toolbox.”   Spence’s career plans are a mix of her two majors, which is stressful in and of itself. She wants to use the creative aspects of being a theatre major and the practical aspects of her mass communications degree to work in a church setting.   Most of what Spence does for theatre is on the technical side, and she also works in the video production department here at Ouachita. Spence’s skill sets have definitely prepared her for this, and she is excited to try something new.   “I want to work with a church

as a technological director, doing video and planning creative things for sermons,” Spence said.   Despite her excitement for her career, Spence has had to overcome a lot of obstacles along the way. Her depression and anxiety, leaving her beloved pets behind, and ultimately adjusting to caring for Penelope have all helped her to appreciate her journey. She has learned valuable lessons and has realized that she cannot deal with her anxiety and depression alone; having someone to talk to is always a good idea.   “If you suffer from anxiety or depression, be sure to talk to someone. Don’t try and deal with it yourself because you can’t,” Spence said. “I tried, and it just made things worse.”

For those considering purchasing a hedgehog, whether as a pet or an emotional support animal, Spence suggests doing research. Deciding to buy Penelope was a decision she made after carefully weighing all of her options and looking at the care involved in owning a hedgehog. While they are fairly easy to take care of, hedgehogs are still unusual pets and one needs to be familiar with all of the needs associated with owning them.   “If you are thinking about getting a hedgehog, do your research first. I did research for months on hedgehogs before even looking for one,” Spence said. “[Taking care of Penelope is] not very hard. It’s just a matter of clipping her nails and keeping her cage clean.” n


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Student reflects on James Bay’s album “Electric Light” By ETHAN DIAL Online editor

If you scroll through all of the music on my phone, and trust me, it would take you a while, you probably wouldn’t be shocked by any artist that pops up. I unashamedly like classics.   I know in this day and age, everyone is supposed to have their own unique style of music they listen to, with hits that haven’t blasted through every car radio. However, I have always seemed to love the hits a little extra than everyone else and keep them tucked away amidst a variety of songs in all of my go-to playlists.   Like I said, you could most likely guess all the music on my phone, well until recently. About a month ago, I discovered an artist that took me back to the ‘80s and totally kept me in the present at the exact same time.   He isn’t pop or rock, and he hasn’t really been featured on any of the radio stations that I listen to. Though many of you have most likely heard of him and his music, his newer alternative album, is one I would not typically listen to.   Needless to say, I have completely fallen in love with “Electric Light,” James Bay’s

2018 album. From the black and white, iconic cover, to each of the individual 14 songs, this has become my album of 2019.   My favorite song, you ask. That’s a bit too difficult to pin down. As of the moment, I can’t seem to get “I Found You” out of my head.   The chorus, which reads “I can’t believe I get to know ya; Whoa, I can’t believe I get to show ya; I had no one till I found you; Till I found you,” might just be one of my favorite choruses right now.  The incredible musicality of the song, which includes a radical band and orchestration that is just as catchy as the lyrics, is phenomenal.   Another one of my favorites at the moment is “In My Head.” This versatile song includes acoustic sections with handclaps, additional vocalists that sound like a full choir and a brass section that makes the song extremely upbeat.   “Electric Light” contains bop after bop, including an “Intro” and “Interlude.” Though not necessary, it is fun to listen to the album in sequential order, from the beginning to the end, since these elements are included.   Perfect for any occasion, whether it be on the dance floor, with your hand in the wind outside of your car window or

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just sitting in your room, this album should always be queued.   Bay also has a new song that came out in 2019 called Peer Pressure, that features Julia Michaels. Its strong lyrics and tune prove that Bay will continue to make stellar music.   All in all, I won’t quickly forget

to shuffle through Bay’s music that now dominates many of my playlists. I believe my love for his music is so strong because of his love for all kinds of music.   In the Apple Music description of “Electric Light,” they showcase Bay’s versatility by categorizing this set of songs as a mixture of

“simmering funk-rock, taut altpop and folky electro-R&B.”   Basically, if you like any kind of music, and you know you do, you should give “Electric Light” a listen. My first time, I was so obsessed I listened to the whole album in one sitting. I’m begging you to do the same. n

“The Goonies” remains 1980s classic Percussion ensemble to

present concert, feature guest

By CATHERINE LYP Arts / Features editor

Movies made in the 1980s are commonly referred to as classics. From “The Breakfast Club” to “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” the 1980’s was full of iconic movies. One such memorable movie from the ‘80s is “The Goonies.”   Released in 1985 and directed by Richard Donner, “The Goonies” follows a group of kids who live in a neighborhood that is about to be foreclosed. In order to save their homes, seven friends, Mikey (Sean Astin), Brand (Corey Feldman), Chunk (Jeff Cohen), Andy (Kerri Green) and Stef (Martha Plimpton), go on a quest to find the treasure of One-Eyed Willie, a pirate of local legend. While in the attic of Mikey and Brand’s house, Mikey, Brand, Chunk, Data and Mouth find a map to the treasure of One-Eyed Willie.   Against his older brother’s advice, Mikey, Chunk, Mouth and Data tie up Brand and take the map. After following the map, they are lead to an abandoned restaurant. After going inside, they are startled by a family of criminals. The group is confronted by brothers Jake and Francis Fratelli and their mother, who try to scare the boys off, but Mikey refuses to give up his search for the treasure. Mikey, Chunk, Data and Mouth leave the restaurant frightened and are met by Brand, Andi and Stef.  The group continues their search into the restaurant once the Fratellis leave. As they explore deeper into the dilapidated building, they go into the basement and discover the various illegal activities of the Fratelli family. After seeing a man chained up in a room, a dead body in a freezer and counterfeit money, the group accidentally discov-

By GRACIE STOVER Staff writer

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ers a secret tunnel. In an effort to not be found by the Fratelli’s, the kids descend into the tunnel, leaving Chunk to alert the police.   As the group travels through a stone passageway, Chunk stops a car to ask for help, not knowing it was the Fratelli brothers, who then take him back to the restaurant, where they interrogate him. As the Fratelli’s interrogate Chunk, they are alerted by an explosion of bats from the fireplace. Chunk then tells them about the treasure, leading them to follow the kids down the passageway, leaving Chunk chained to a chair. The movie continues as the kids outsmart traps and fight against the Fratelli’s in a race to One-Eyed Willie’s treasure.   “The Goonies” has several components that add to the story to make the film as whole effective. For instance, the set design has a large impact on the effectiveness of the film. The set design within each of the various locations throughout the film are different, yet they don’t feel separate from one another. The town looks realistic, with it’s normal looking neighborhood and rundown restaurant, yet the passageways beneath the town add a sense of wonder and mystery. While the tunnels, passageways

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and traps have an older look and quality about them, they still fit as a whole with the town. By linking the tunnels with locations in the town, such as a waterfall in the tunnel leading to a wishing well above, the idea of hidden passages being beneath a town seems more possible.   One of the best parts of the film is the characters and their development throughout the movie. Each character is different and unique, without seeming unrealistic. For instance, the character of Data wears a backpack and trenchcoat throughout the movie that are equipped with various contraptions he has invented, which help the group in their journey. In contrast to Data, Mouth is loud and outspoken, while Mikey is purposeful, adventurous and determined. The differences in each character and the role that they play in the group dynamic effects and adds to the story as their journey to the treasure unfolds.  Out of the many movies that came from the 1980s, “The Goonies” is one of those which many deem as a classic. With it’s ragtag band of misfits and their journey to save their homes, the movie is an adventure full of friendship. n

Ouachita’s Percussion Ensemble is performing a concert tonight at 8:00 p.m. The concert will take place in McBeth Recital Hall in Mabee Fine Arts Center. The concert is free and open to the public.   Dr. Ryan Lewis, associate professor of music and director of the ensemble, said, “We hope to expose the audience to a wide variety of percussion instruments and show the musical possibilities of the instruments and performers.”   The Percussion Ensemble will perform five pieces for the evening’s concert. There will also be some improvisation sessions by the students that are motivated by the composed works they will also be performing.   “Two of the performances will be improvised in the moment, which is very exciting for the performers and audience alike,” said Dr. Lewis.   The concert will begin with “Free Improvisation #1: Sunrise and Sunset in the Amazon Rain Forest,” which was composed by the Ouachita Percussion Ensemble. It will be followed by Ney Rosauro’s “Marimba Concerto No. 1” and “Wart Hog No. 3” by Austin Wrinkle.   According to Dr. Lewis, “each student has chosen a hand drum from a culture around the

world to learn to play through this piece.” “Wart Hog No. 3” is inspired by the rhythms of North Indian Hindustani music, proving the unique cultural versatility of percussion.   To close the concert, the ensemble will perform “Free Improvisation #2: Shadowlands,” composed by the Percussion Ensemble, and “Shadow Chasers” by Michael Burritt. “Shadow Chasers” will feature a special guest artist,

“We hope to expose the audience to the true musical and creative power of percussion instruments.” -- Ryan Lewis

Dr. Scott Herring, professor of percussion at the University of South Carolina. Dr. Herring will be on campus preceding the concert rehearsing with students. He will also be presenting a concert percussion clinic. “We hope to expose the audience to the true musical and creative power of percussion instruments,” Lewis said. n

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Train commutes considered obsolete, remain necessary evil By HAYDN JEFFERS Staff writer

Last Wednesday I was supposed to board a train headed to St. Louis at 10 p.m. That train did not arrive at the station until 3:30 the next morning. Why was it so delayed, you may ask? Because freight trains always get the right of way, railroads do not receive adequate maintenance and the trains themselves are forced to chug along in slow motion.   Why even take a train? Here’s the thing. I and six of my fellow English majors had to travel to the Sigma Tau Delta International English Convention in St. Louis to present papers and panels on various literary subjects. We were excited, but there were seven of us and we didn’t exactly have the budget to fly.   Well, Arkadelphia has a quaint little Amtrak station just a few minutes away from campus, and seven round-trip train tickets cost about as much as one round-trip plane ticket. The choice seemed obvious: we would take the train, board Platform 9 ¾ and be inspired just like J.K. Rowling was when she came up with the idea for Harry Potter. Did that happen, though? Ha.   After a five-hour delay to get

to St. Louis, we thought our luck might turn when it came time to return to Arkadelphia. It did a little, and the train was delayed by less than an hour. We were supposed to arrive by 4:30 a.m., though, and we didn’t get there until 8:30 because of freight traffic.   When they think of trains, most people either imagine the magical world of Harry Potter or the highspeed bullet trains in Asia and Europe, some of which prove to be faster than traveling by plane. So why can’t U.S. trains be the same way?   My trip from Arkadelphia to St. Louis was just over 400 miles, and Amtrak was by far the cheapest option for seven passengers, so that’s a win for trains. However, the travel time was obscene—8.5 hours to get to St. Louis, 11.5 to get back to Arkadelphia.   To put it in perspective, driving would have taken around 6.5, and I haven’t even counted the 5.5 hours we spent simply waiting for the delayed trains to arrive.   Here are just a few of the problems: The trains we took were slow to the point of being vulgar. They had to stop several times to let freight trains pass, they didn’t have Internet access and they were in no way conducive to a tight schedule.   One of the biggest problems with U.S. passenger trains, though,

is ownership.   According to Bryan Menegus of Gizmodo, rail services like Amtrak “operate on tracks owned by other companies—companies that prioritize freight cars and have limited interest in making sure passenger cars can hit their top speeds or get to their destinations with minimal delays.”   This problem cannot be easily fixed. Menegus states that rail infrastructure is too expensive for Amtrak to simply build its own rails or switch to other railway systems, so people are pretty much stuck with terrible passenger trains if they’re looking for a more affordable means of travel.   Amtrak is trying to improve

Ask The Signal By WILL BLASE News editor

If you could go back and give your freshman-self one piece of advice, what would it be?   Going off to college is a monumental occasion in a young person’s life. We’re prepared by high school counselors, teachers and our peers to some degree, but enrolling at a university can often feel like a leap of faith. Sometimes we manipulate and maneuver financial barriers to ensure a quality education and sometimes we face difficult decisions as we weigh out our collegiate options. The single most important piece of advice that I was left with was, “don’t be afraid to try new things.” Now I know what you’re thinking, “did he seriously just suggest that? Could it be more obvious?”   When I first got to Ouachita, I didn’t know anyone. I remember the gut-wrenching feeling as I watched my parents wave goodbye from the car as they drove away, and I remember the awkward trudge back to my freshmen dorm room that first night. We’ve all been in that situation. We’ve all shared those hardships.   I won’t lie. There were difficult nights where I thought I had made the wrong decision. There I was, seventeen

hours away from home and struggling to find myself—to find completely new friends. Sure, there were opportunities like WOW week and the football rally early in the first week, but those felt overwhelming and too social for me.   Typically, I’m a man of routine. I like to get up at the same time each morning, get to my classes ten minutes early, maintain a healthy workout routine… the list goes on and on. Coming to Ouachita put the routines I had built up for years into a state of disarray. Working to mold these routines to dorm life is stressful, not to mention learning how to navigate class schedules and daily life.   However, it was through going to school events and the peers in my classes that helped me begin building up confidence and forming meaningful relationships that I had been so skittish toward. TWIRP week seemed ridiculous, but I ended up going to a few of the nights with peers I had met through my WOW group and actually had a good time. I was introduced to new friends by my WOW group and slowly began to branch out of my comfort zone. I found myself actively pursuing friendships, usually through students in my classes.   There’s no guarantee that following this simple advice will work for everyone. I’d consider myself an introvert, but by making that extra push to find

people in similar situations to myself, I was able to make meaningful relationships— many of which I still have today.   Another area that can feel like a leap of faith is the selection of a major. It’s intimidating to see other students so confident of their choice. If you’re a freshman struggling to find classes that intrigue and challenge you, it might be time for a change in majors, the addition of another major, or picking up a minor. Sometimes the tracks and plans that we lock ourselves into early seem concrete, but you’d be surprised just how much freedom many of the degree plans offer students. If you’re feeling stuck, reach out to your advisor. A simple conversation can open up so many avenues for opportunity—many of which seem impossible at first glance.   College truly is what you make it. It’s easy to get bogged down by social pressures and difficult studies. Releasing the grip that fear has on your mind is liberating, but this doesn’t happen overnight. I implore you to work toward conquering one area of struggle that you’re currently undergoing. Go to the next club event, reach out to other students on your floor or in your classes, and put yourself out there. I know it’s scary, but new situations can amplify and better our college and life experiences. We’re all in this together. n

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its services, at least. According to the company’s website, by 2021 it hopes to have introduced newer, faster trains.   This sounds great, but Amtrak seems to forget that those faster trains can’t reach their top speeds when they have to stop every time a freight train appears; spending money on slightly faster trains wouldn’t do anything to fix the clogged railways.   Many people consider passenger trains obsolete, and they aren’t wrong; there are so many other, quicker ways to travel. But those same people aren’t exactly right, either.   I was shocked to find that both trains I and my friends boarded

were filled with passengers.   I sat near a man who had boarded in San Antonio and wouldn’t be getting off until the end of the route in Chicago. For him, a train was the best and most affordable way to arrive at his destination.   For us, it was the same, and we were lucky we weren’t on such a tight schedule that the delays caused us to miss our presentations.   Passenger trains are a necessary evil. They’re obsolete until you need to use them and realize how many other people do, too. Because of this, the passenger train lives on, a broken necessity that laughs in the faces of poor college students who have places to be. n

Apple AirPower abandoned, innovation decrease possible By WILL BLASE

News editor

Apple was going to completely change the game. AirPower was going to drastically alter just how we charge our phones, watches and headphones—all at the same time. The product was pitched as a pad that users could connect to a charging cable and place all of their devices onto—charging each device at the same time. Wireless charging is considered the next major advancement in electronics and Apple wanted to get to the party early, but it turns they’re going to arrive fashionably late.   Generally, I’m more critical of Apple, but I have to commend them for backing down and cancelling the program. They initiated the closure due to inability to meet the high standards they had placed on themselves, a humble thing to fess up to. Apple has long been an innovator in technology, but are they beginning to stumble and falter?   Let’s take the iPod for example. The first iPod released in 2001 and continually sold more and more units until driving all competitive brands away from portable players. Apple’s plan was nothing short of releasing a device that allowed users to listen to music on-the-go and craft their own playlists. Sure, the technology behind the iPod is impressive and Apple gradually scaled the device down in size, but when we look at iPods today they don’t seem wildly impressive. Apple has long been able to see their plans to fruition and bring us products that we don’t need, but it’s always the best version of the product.   The iPad made massive waves in our tech savvy culture, just as its older siblings the iPod and iPhone did. While tablets and e-readers had existed peacefully and produced humble numbers, nobody was prepared for the aftershock that would accompany the release of the iPad. E-reader companies struggled to keep their heads

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above water. Nook, a prominent e-reader, ended up being bought by Barnes and Noble and to this day Amazon continues to sell its own e-reader, but virtually every e-reader was driven out of business by this new and sleek iPad. But the iPad wasn’t designed to function solely as an e-reader—a useful excuse when accused of driving competitors out of business. Modern iPads are basically computers. If the user chooses to, they can forgo a traditional laptop altogether and supplement their tablet with styluses and keyboards. Apple is making the best and most advanced versions of the same products their competitors are.   And it’s reasons like this that I’ve begun to despise Apple over the years. Yes, I have an iPhone. Yes, I have a MacBook, but it’s somewhat frightening to step back for a moment and see just how much Apple tech we have in our homes. How many charging cables do you have shoved into drawers? Are there old Apple headphones hidden about the house? To some degree, this is telling of the conscious effort that Apple has placed into its brand building. While they may slow down older devices (a devious and scummy method of forcing us to buy newer products) Apple products last longer than most and they have lasting value. Have you noticed how Apple doesn’t write its name on packaging and advertisements? They only include the Apple logo. Brand building— they’re ruthless…they’re one of the best.   So as Apple steps down from launching AirPower, it’s hard to tell if the strong, successful innovators of the past are running into larger obstacles. Are their creative teams running out of attainable ideas? Surely not. Are they going to continue releasing the products that they know to be successful? Yes, and they’ll probably continue releasing the best products possible. The future is wireless and don’t be surprised to see another take on AirPower in the near future. n

The Signal is the student newspaper of Ouachita Baptist University, and is published every Wednesday during the fall and spring semesters when school is in session. The newspaper is distributed free of charge; 1,200 copies are placed in more than 20 locations across campus. Opinions expressed are those of the writer and not necessarily those of the newspaper staff or university. The Signal is a member of the Columbia Scholastic Press Association and the Associated Collegiate Press and is printed by the Nashville Leader.

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Lady Tigers’ coach Garry Crowder retires after 24 years at Ouachita By CALEB BYRD Staff writer

Garry Crowder, head coach of the Ouachita women’s basketball team, announced his retirement last week after 24 years of service to the university, 40 years of coaching and 756 career wins.   Crowder is the winningest women’s basketball coach in Ouachita history, with a Ouachita record of 352-313. He led the Lady Tigers to their first NCAA Division II tournament appearance in 2009 where the Tigers made the Sweet 16. Crowder was named the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette “College Coach of the Year” for that 2008-09 season.   “Coach Crowder’s had 24 years here, and that’s a great career,” athletic director David Sharp said. “He’s impacted and influenced many lives. He’s left a mark which you don’t see very often any more – someone staying somewhere in one place for 24 years. I think he’s done a very good job here with our women’s basketball program.”   “I think God allowed me to be successful,” Crowder said of his coaching career. “I’ve had a lot of success, but it’s because God allowed me to have success. He gave me the players. He gave me the assistant coaches. He gave me the administration that would help me be successful. Without him, I wouldn’t be able to say we won this many games or this many championships or went to the sweet 16. He’s the one who allowed that to happen. I hope that I glorified him by being the coach he wanted me to be.”   After a career which included stops at small-town Taylor

Alex Blankenship z Photo Lab Editor COACH GARRY CROWDER instructs his team during a timeout against Henderson State. Crowder has spent 41 years as a head coach in the Natural State, with his last 24 at Ouachita.

and Jessieville High Schools, Crowder believes that God is calling him to pursue another career – ministry with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. This new career path is nothing new to Crowder, as he viewed his many years of coaching as a form of ministry as well.   “I believe that God called me to this profession,” Crowder said. “I believe that as a coach he expected me to be a Christian witness to the young ladies. I believe he expected me to let the young ladies that I coach see Christ in me and hopefully see how I live my life that it would hopefully influence them to be stronger in their relationship with God. That’s the most important thing.”   The first inklings of Crowder’s

call to coaching came through an interest in sports at a young age. He said that he first became interested in coaching at the age of nine when his small town of Leola, Ark. hosted a county basketball tournament.   “I was an elementary student thinking, ‘Wow, it is so cool to sit on the bench and cheer for your team to win games.’ So, I decided I wanted to coach,” Crowder recalled.   After playing baseball for four years at Henderson State, Crowder moved into the coaching profession. The fact that he began coaching women’s basketball happened by chance – Crowder took the first good job which came about, the head women’s basketball coach in Taylor, Ark. After a few years

at Taylor, Crowder moved to Jessieville High School, outside of Hot Springs, where he coached for 13 years, winning the conference championship in 11 of them. That high school coaching success led him to be considered for the Ouachita job, which he accepted in 1995.   “My goal was to always coach in college,” Crowder said. “I took a bit of a more unusual route to get there. It’s much easier to start as a graduate assistant, then get an assistant job and work your way up. I was very fortunate to have a successful high school coaching career which made Ouachita interested in me.”   While Crowder came to coach women’s basketball by chance, he has greatly enjoyed the opportunity, probably even

more than he would’ve had he coached boys.   “I’ve enjoyed coaching young ladies for forty years. They work hard,” Crowder said. “Sometimes I think it’s a little easier because sometimes you don’t have to deal with the egos which you normally would. Sometimes I think girls have a tendency to buy into the team concept a little bit better rather than thinking about getting their points or doing their thing.”   Crowder recognizes he might not have had the same amount of success coaching men’s basketball and may not have even been able to coach at Ouachita, a place which is very special in his heart.   “Ouachita is a special place because of the people,” Crowder said. “It’s a great Christian atmosphere. I always wanted to coach in college, and I’m a graduate of the school right across the street. I really thought I might get to coach at my alma mater. God brought me to this Christian university because of the value system it has, because of the kind of people I would get to be around, because the kind of kids I wanted to recruit would fit my value system. It’s just a wonderful place with great people and a great atmosphere. It has a family feel. Everybody loves everybody around here.”   Crowder hopes to take his love for Ouachita into his next phase of life with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.   “I am looking forward to being a very good ambassador for Ouachita. I will be around a lot of high school kids, hopefully sharing Christ with them. I want to be a very good ambassador for this university.” n

Tigers challenge rivals in dramatic series Tennis competes for GAC position in weekend play By WILL JOHNSON

Sports / Opinions editor

Ouachita’s softball team welcomed rivals Henderson State to home soil by splitting a doubleheader on Tuesday, March 26, behind complete game pitching performances and effective hitting from the 4-hole.   The Tigers (13-19, 11-11 GAC) were led by senior pitcher Marissa Butler’s complete game effort to take game one of the doubleheader, 3-1. Although freshman Mabry Smith compiled a complete game of her own in the second contest, the Reddies (18-18, 12-12 GAC) claimed the victory, 9-6. Junior centerfielder Macy Wilson was 4-7 in the series, including a pair of doubles in the nightcap.   “The Battle of the Ravine is always a high intensity, high pressure game, so in Monday’s practice we really focused on tee work and tried to eliminate our weaknesses,” Wilson said. “I think that as a team, we all approached the plate confident and with the goal of hitting the ball hard somewhere just to make something happen in hopes of walking away with two wins.”   In the first game between the two schools, Ouachita jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the second inning. Henderson State allowed the first two batters to reach via fielding miscues, then walked senior Samantha Ortiz to load the bases with nobody out. Sophomore catcher Tori Herbert followed with a two-run single to open the scoring, and freshman Callie Jourdan added another with a two-out base hit to pad the Tiger lead early.   Ouachita was held scoreless the rest of the game, but the big second inning proved to be the difference, and Butler’s complete pitching performance kept Henderson State at bay. The Reddies stranded a runner in each of the final six innings as Butler forced the hitters into a few pop-ups and strikeouts to end the opponent’s constant threats to get on the board. In the last inning, Henderson State flied out

By CAITY HATCHETT Staff writer

Spencer Ewing z Photo Lab JUNIOR MACY WILSON sparks the home team with a big swing. Wilson went 4-7 in the doubleheader at the cleanup spot.

for the first out but followed with a single, hit-by-pitch and error to score its first run and put the winning run at the plate. Butler got out of the jam by inducing a flyout, and sophomore Tobi Finley’s dart from left field threw out the runner trying to reach home. The Tigers won, 3-1.  Henderson State found its bats in the second game of the doubleheader. The Reddies got the scoring started in the top of the first on freshman Cecily Rodriguez’s towering solo home run to center. Henderson State extended the lead on sophomore Kailey Reese’s single through the hole. Ouachita responded in the second inning on three straight doubles from Wilson, Finley and freshman Leighton Withers. Brooke Taylor’s RBI groundout tied the game at 2-2.   The Reddies regained the lead in the next inning, but the Tigers again responded in the bottom half of the third by plating four runs and claiming their first lead of the game, 6-3. Wilson and Withers both hit run-scoring doubles, and freshman Madison Miller’s two-RBI single extended the lead. Eight of the nine batters in Ouachita’s order came to the plate in the third inning.   Each time the Tigers scored, the Reddies had an answer. In

the fourth, Henderson State scored two runs to slim the deficit to one. Two innings later, the Reddies hit a home run and capitalized on a few fielding miscues to take an 8-6 lead. An insurance run was added in the seventh via sophomore Madie Green’s solo shot.  Freshman Monica Monreal came in out of the bullpen to completely shut down Ouachita after scoring its sixth and final run. Monreal pitched 4.1 outstanding innings in relief, giving out just two hits and no runs out of the final 16 batters faced. Henderson State came out on top, 9-6.   Wilson saw some positives from the team following the series against the Reddies.   “Both offensively and defensively our short game is there, we just have to really put it all together and work as a whole to make the plays happen,” Wilson said. “Holding our ground and maintaining composure is another thing that we are working on as a whole and are taking steps daily to make it better.   Next up, Ouachita plays a doubleheader today at home against the University of Arkansas-Monticello. First pitch is set for a 1 p.m. start. n

This past week, Ouachita’s men’s and women’s tennis teams kicked off their conference play at home.   The men faced off against Southern Arkansas University on Thursday and against Harding University on Friday. The women played against Arkansas Tech University on Wednesday and against Harding University on Friday. While the men’s team came out with a loss against Southern Arkansas and a win against Harding, the women lost to both Arkansas Tech and Harding.   The men’s team kicked off their conference play on Thursday with a 4-0 loss to the Muleriders of Southern Arkansas University. Juan Moncada, Francisco Oliveira and Nair Adi tied their singles matches, but Dan Kaplun, Santiago Kearney and Tobias Fuerschuss lost their matches. In doubles, Kaplun and Kearney along with Adi and Fuerschuss tied their matches, but Moncada and Oliveira lost their match. The Tigers just could not keep up with the Muleriders.   “We have a very strong conference this year. Of the five men’s tennis teams any one is capable of winning against the other on a given day. Our philosophy is very simple: ‘If you’re not winning, you are learning,’” Coach Craig Ward said. “I thought in our match with SAU we learned we were capable of playing at a higher level and needed to do that. Even though we lost the match it was a great learning experience.”   On Friday, the Tigers faced off against the Bisons of Harding University. They came out on top with a 4-0 win, winning three of their six singles matches and two of their three doubles matches. Moncada, Oliveira and Kearney tied their matches in singles, while Kaplun won 6-4 and 7-5, Adi 6-2 and 6-0 and Fuerschuss 6-0 and 6-4. For doubles, Kaplun and Kearney won 6-4 and Adi and Fuerschuss won

7-5, but Moncada and Oliveira lost 6-4.   “The next day against Harding we were more focused on the deciding points and overall played smarter,” Ward said. “Our goal is to continue to improve and be our best when it matters most.”   It was a tough week for the women’s team, though. With a 7-0 loss against the Golden Suns of Arkansas Tech University on Wednesday, the Lady Tigers got off to a rocky start in conference play. Mallory Tabler and Kendra Dinsmore, Taylor Hansard and Haylee Cannon as well as Shirley Hernandez and Clair Phillips lost their doubles matches to the Golden Suns. Tabler, Cannon, Dinsmore, Hansard, Phillips and Hernandez lost their singles matches as well, resulting in an overall loss for the Lady Tigers.   On Friday, the Lady Tigers faced off against the Lady Bisons of Harding University. While unable to pull off a win, they did put up a good fight. Tabler and Dinsmore, Cannon and Hansard as well as Lindsay Gills and Phillips lost their doubles matches. In singles matches, Tabler, Cannon, Dinsmore, Hansard, Gills and Phillips all lost to the Lady Bisons. The week was rough, but Coach Rachel Jones is still proud of her team.   “We knew going in to our conference matches that they would be pretty tough. Each of the other schools in our conference have strong players and lineups,” Jones said. “The team has worked hard the entire season, but the season isn’t over yet. Our ultimate goal is still to be at the conference tournament in a few weeks.”   Both teams return to action this weekend, hitting the road for more conference games. The men’s tennis team will play at Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee, Okla. at 11 a.m. on Friday. The women’s tennis team will face off against Southeastern Oklahoma State University at 4 p.m. tomorrow. At 2 p.m. on Friday, the Lady Tigers will take on the Lady Bison of Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee, Okla. n


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