O UAC H I TA
B A P T I S T
U N I V E R S I T Y
SINCE 1890
What’s Inside 3--History is alive at Magnolia Manor 4--A letter from the editor 5--Victory for the Tigers
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9.1.17
Vol. 126, Issue 1
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WOW ‘offers encouragement, community in time of transition’ By Camryn Reeves Copy editor
As the doors of Frances Crawford, Flippen-Perrin and O.C. Bailey swing open, hundreds of freshmen enter into the best four years of their lives as Ouachitonians. With organized activities that help the students become more accustomed to the Tiger lifestyle, it is no wonder that Welcome to Ouachita’s World, known by students as WOW week, is one of Ouachita’s most cherished traditions. WOW offers encouragement and community in a time of transition for incoming freshmen. “It’s completely different from high school. I feel like a lot of people know that, but they don’t really feel it or see it until they actually get here. It’s definitely going to be more difficult and more time consuming,” said Melody Stotts, a freshman at OBU. Alec Edmonds, a member of the WOW steering committee, explained the preparation that goes into getting campus ready for the bright new faces to enter into Ouachita. He says that a combination of Excel sheets, event planning and assignments is their main focus in planning. There is a wide variety of events and opportunities for new students to engage with the culture of OBU. “We have Coffeehouse on the day the freshmen move in, we have move in, we have a game night, we have WOW Cup Games, we have Purple
and Gold Party, we have Tigers for Life; just a bunch of different stuff,” said Edmonds. “All of the games and activities were around campus so then when the first day of classes came, you knew where your classes were and it was good to learn Ouachita’s nicknames for buildings,” said Stotts. For freshman Bethany Crawley, WOW was very helpful in navigating OBU’s campus and becoming familiar with a new home. “My first day of classes I noticed it was easier because I’ve been here on campus,” she said. Stotts explained, “Now, when I’m walking on campus, it’s not like everybody’s a stranger.” Edmonds, along with the other steering members, was assigned a number of WOW family groups to be in charge of during the orientation week. “I was like the grandpa,” he said. Edmonds explained the impact of leading WOW and welcoming students into our home. “Making an impact is always personal. I think it makes an impact because we’re the first faces they see on move in,” Edmonds said, “It’s our job to be happy and be joyful and to show the love of Jesus and just being able to really just be what Ouachita is to these people that might not know what it is.” “Ouachita is way different because you’re able to adjust quicker. You’re making more friends here because it’s more Christ-centered. Your teachers are praying over you, so that’s
Andy Henderson zPhoto Lab new freshmen learn about Ouachita traditions, including that of the infamous freshman beanie, during “Tigers 4 Life” on the final night of Welcome to Ouachita’s World, or WOW week.
one thing I’ve enjoyed,” said Crawley. It is clear that WOW has an impact on incoming freshmen, but it also has a major impact on the volunteers. “Even though I am a steering member and I don’t have a family, it’s fun for us to go out to events like Coffeehouse and Purple and Gold Party and meeting all these new freshmen and get to actually make relationships with them,” Edmonds said. According to Edmonds, leaders have a very important job. “You are literally pouring into these students. You’re pouring all your heart into them and showing them how much you love Ouachita and showing them what Ouachita is, and so I think it’s a huge
thing to show your love for Ouachita and show your love for the Lord and just pour into students.” The leaders are key to everything about WOW that Ouachita students hold so dear. “It doesn’t stop after WOW weekend. They’re being there for the students and they’re being role models and encouragement for them and I think that helps the freshmen make [OBU] their home, but I think it’s also doing all of the silly things that we do,” Edmonds said. “It’s just the atmosphere of family and just encouraging that atmosphere of togetherness and unity and equality under the Lord and I think that’s exactly what Ouachita
strives to be.” “God is always constant in everything that we’re doing, He’s so obviously here at Ouachita and I can say that was a big part of how we made it our home because through WOW and our first day of classes I had teachers who would legitimately say, ‘can I pray over this class before we get started’ and I think that made it feel like home,” Crawley explains. Edmonds says, “I encourage everyone to be a WOW leader. I think it is such a part of who Ouachita is.” WOW has seemingly accomplished its goal this year by welcoming new students with open arms. According to Stotts, “It already feels like home.” n
“See how God’s light shines...” from the solar eclipse Old traditions lead to new friendships at TWIRP week By Julia Williams News editor
Andy Henderson zPhoto Lab
Andy Henderson zPhoto Lab
Andy Henderson zPhoto Lab
top: students observe the August 21 solar eclipse through homemade cereal box telescopes. BOTTOM LEFT: Dr. Angela Douglas sets up binoculars through which students could safely view the eclipse. BOTTOM RIGHT: Junior Olivia Witcher watches the eclipse through special viewing sunglasses.
SCAN FOR AN ONLINE EDITION
Coming soon to Ouachita is the annually celebrated TWIRP Week. TWIRP is an acronym for a phrase that crowns the fun of a weeklong collection of campus events sponsored by several on-campus clubs and organizations: The Woman Is Required to Pay. Beginning Sunday, September 3 and going through Saturday, September 9, TWIRP will feature a variety of themed parties each night of the week. According to Tim Harrell, director of student life, TWIRP is a tradition that has been at Ouachita for many generations. While exact origin is unknown, Harrell did explain that it is similar to a Sadie Hawkins style event in high schools around the country. This means that the ladies are responsible for inviting and paying for a date. Danielle Osborne, a junior Christian studies major from Jonesboro, said that some girls can see this as a barrier to participation. A member of the 2016 pledge class of Tri Chi, her first exposure to the TWIRP world was during her freshman year, as it is for most OBU students. “I’m re-
THIS WEEK AT OBUSIGNAL.COM
y The Woman is Required to Pay... For herself: TWIRPing without a date y Taylor Swift: love her or hate her, she’s back
ally awkward. I didn’t want to walk up to a random guy and say, ‘Hey, wanna go to this random thing with me?’” Osborne said. This TWIRP Week will be Osborne’s third year participating. “My first piece of advice to girls would be to not feel awkward about asking a date,” she said. “It’s not serious. It’s not awkward. It’s a great way to meet the clubs and to hang out with others while having fun dressing up. And guys, be respectful to the girl who asks you.” As a new member of Tri Chi, Osborne was also required to wear her 80’s outfit all day of last year’s 80’s night. This costume consisted of big hair and an “ugly pink dress with huge puffed sleeves. It was actually one of my mother’s old bridesmaid’s dresses, and I realized on my way to chapel that morning that the freshmen assumed it was my clothing of choice. I ended up being on Snapchat all day.” Hannah Bunch, a senior political science and history double major from Paragould, is also a TWIRP veteran. While she has not joined a social club, she has remained an active participant in a number of the themed events see TWIRP z 2
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thisTweets weekzCALENDAR of the Week Danny Hays @Haysdanny 15 Apr I love my job. I get to study God’s word & then teach it to eager college students who love the Lord. It’s a great job. Even on Mondays.
Twirp week will begin Sunday, September 3 and continue through Saturday, September 9. For a full calendar, see “story” on page 1. For further OBU @Ouachita 15 Apr information, contact Tim Harrell at harrellt@ So how do you use social media -- to affirm and encourage obu.edu. or to attack and tear doen? “Be ye kind to one another.”
TOP
NO Class on Monday, September 4 in observance of Labor Day. Classes will resume on Tuesday, September 5.
(Eph. 4:32). Hmmm...
Art Exhibit will be displayed refuge will be Thursday, in Rosemary Gossett Adams September 7 at 9:00 p.m. in 1st Justin floor gallery all day today, JPAC. For more Young @JustinYoung072 16 Apr information, Friday, September 1. For more contact James Taylor at The Harley Davidson leather vest must be the key to information, contact Donnie taylorja@obu.edu. memorizing the entire Bible. Copeland at copelandd@obu. edu.
The Signal @obusignal 1 September Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for up-to-the-minute updates on everything going on around Ouachita Baptist. Twitter: @obusignal Facebook: facebook.com/obusignal Instagram: @obusignal
[from our perspective]
5
Freshman rites of passage
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A CDA with your WOW mom Awkwardly asking a stranger to be your TWIRP date Posting your first #chapeltweet Being asked for your name, hometown and major every day Running out of Chick money
What was the coolest thing you did this summer?
Julia Williams News editor
Katherine Carter Opinions editor
Ethan Dial Online editor
Katie Kemp Editor-in-chief
Caleb Byrd Sports editor
“I stood on the floor of the House of Representatives.”
“I was a children’s minstry intern.”
“I went to the beach.”
“I saw Adam Driver at a film screening and got yelled at for trying to take a picture.”
“I went to the last Riverfest ever.”
Students recognized in Assayers contest TWIRP
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perience from two years ago that has significant meaning to Features editor Dodson and her family. “It was like I was using this The Ouachita Baptist Uni- essay to heal. I told the story of versity Assayers competition my first trip to Times Square, awarded the top three stu- and how that trip, though it dents from two categories on was in the midst of the darkest Wednesday. point in my life, was a light,” The ceremony took place in Dodson said. Lile 200. Students that entered Dodson’s Composition I the competition were tasked professor, Dr. Amy Sonheim, with writing personal or re- noted that her work should be search essays that would po- submitted into Assayers. “Gettentially go on to appear in the ting to meet with her and talk OBU Assayers collection. The about my essay was always the collection is frequently used highlight of my week. I would by the various Composition I not be the writer I am today courses, offered by the English without her critical and encourDepartment. The department aging guidance,” said Dodson. of language and literature de- Haydn Jeffers, a junior Engcides which student written es- lish major from Hot Springs, says will be placed into Assay- placed 1st in the Research Esers each summer. Cash prizes says competition, for her subwere offered to the three best mission “Washington Irving essays in both the ‘personal’ and the Not-So-American and ‘research’ categories. Myth.” Jeffers was inspired to The Personal Essay winner enter the competition by her for 1st place was Mattie Mae American Literature I profesDodson with “Under the Lights sor, Jennifer Pittman. As a stuof Times Square.” Laura Ward dent in English, Jeffers has had won 2nd place with “Clutching more exposure to Assayers Unripe Laurels: A Response to than most. Milton’s ‘Lycidas’.” 3rd place “The concept behind Assaywas awarded to Bonnie Gentry ers is a wonderful one,” Jeffers for “The View from the Scaf- said. “As a reader, I think it’s fold.” amazing that I have such easy The Research Essay winner access to works written by my for 1st place was Haydn Jeffers friends and professors. As a with “Washington Irving and writer, I feel very proud knowthe Not-So-American Myth.” ing that some of my profesVictoria Anderson won 2nd sors--whom I love and respect place with “More than One: more than I probably should-How a Stroke Affects the Vic- thought something I wrote was tim and the Family.” 3rd place good enough to show to other was awarded to Emily Bradley students.” for “Perspective from the Fold: The Assayers competition A Feminist Reading of Marie- is available for all students to Catherine d’Aulnoy’s ‘The enter. Those who are interested Ram’.” in reading the submissions can In the Personal Essays com- purchase the collection in the petition, Mattie Mae Dodson, Ouachita Bookstore. For more a sophomore Christian studies information on the competimajor with a biblical studies tion, contact Doug Sonheim, emphasis from Arkadelphia, chair of the Department of placed first. Dodson’s essay Literature and Language, by “Under the Lights of Times email at sonheimd@obu.edu or Square” utilized a personal ex- in his office, Lile 212. n
By will blase
in her four years at Ouachita. Her first exposure to TWIRP was also in her freshman year when she attended CAB movie night with a group of friends in all of their Marvel Comics gear to watch “Captain America,” but she cites her favorite TWIRP experience as 80’s Night during her sophomore year. “I went with my friend, Ben Worley, to 80’s Night, and we dressed up as Gina and Sonny Crockett from the famous ‘80s television show, ‘Miami Vice’,” Bunch said. “Since my dad is a cop, I got to wear his badge and extra handcuffs with my dress suit.” When asked what her most valuable advice would be to those who have never experienced TWIRP, Bunch said, “freshmen, don’t feel pressured, but also don’t be scared to experience it all. Upperclassmen, definitely go to every night. Especially
seniors, go to a night you’ve never been to before.” According to Harrell, there is an emphasis upon tradition with the themes that are chosen by each club. For some, they have changed their club’s theme since it began, but for others, it has become their trademark. Things like Tri Chi 80’s Night, EEE 50’s Night and Campus Ministries Barn Bash have become some of the most loved traditions of TWIRP Week. TWIRP Week will begin on Sunday with Campus Activities Board Movie Night featuring “Guardians of the Galaxy 2” in Walker Conference Center. Beginning at 8 p.m., the movie is free, but students are encouraged to bring money for concessions at the door. Monday will be Chi Mu’s Geezer’s Night Out in the Tiger Den. Beginning at 8 p.m., couples tickets will be $5 and singles tickets will be $3. Tri Chi 80’s Night will be Tuesday at 8 p.m. in the Tiger
Den. Couples are $5, and singles are $3. Wednesday will be EEE 50’s Night beginning at 8 p.m. in the Tiger Den. Prices for couples and singles are the same. Thursday night will be Chi Delta Luau beginning at 6 p.m. at the Student Village lawn near the sand courts. Ticket prices are the same. Campus Ministries Barn Bash will be Friday at 6 p.m. Tickets may be purchased for $9 per person prior to September 1 and for $10 after September 1. This event includes a barbecue dinner. The final night will be Chi Rho Phi Nerd Prom. Beginning at 6 p.m. in the Tiger Den, couples tickets will be $5 and singles tickets will be $3. For more information regarding TWIRP activities, contact Tim Harrell at harrellt@obu.edu or call the Student Life office at 870245-5539. n
Elise Cobb z Photo Lab junior kesley brown leads a conga line at last year’s 80’s Night, hosted by the women of Tri Chi as part of Ouachita’s annual TWIRP week.
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Features
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Andy Henderson z Photo Lab Magnolia manor, a structure even older than Ouachita, sits tucked away on Hollywood Road. The historic home was built in 1854 and still has several elements reminiscent of its Civil War-era roots, and is currently owned by Ouachita staff members Bill and Sherri Phelps.
Magnolia Manor: as rich in history as it is in beauty By ETHAN DIAL Online Editor
S
ettled along Hol- Manor, which was named lywood Road and for the huge magnolia tree surrounded by trees in the front yard, sat on a stands a house root- plantation that harvested ed in history. Magnolia cotton and raised cattle. Manor, which was built in The home, which has 1854, is among one of the stood for over a century, most historic landmarks survived the Civil War in Arkadelphia and is also despite being raided and home to OBU’s very own looted by Union Soldiers Bill and Sherri Phelps. on their way to the Confed After meeting during erate’s capital at the time-their freshman year at Washington, Arkansas. Ouachita, the Phelps be- Although the history is a came friends and later very important part of the started dating right before home to the Phelps, it is not their junior year. Sherri’s favorite part if she They were married dur- could name one. ing their senior year and “The rooms in it are so considered moving to Little big and inviting and it Rock. However, this was sounds really crazy benot the Lord’s plan for cause big and inviting usuthem, and they ally do not go to“Really in gether, but there’s ended up staying in Arkadelphia. the end, this something about “It’s where we the house that just wanted to raise house is part says ‘come in,’” our family and of all of our Sherri said. it’s been the right The large rooms history.” and place for us… We the openness BILL PHELPS have this sense of of the home aid family and community that in making Magnolia Manor sometimes in a large city a place of community. Bill you don’t get,” Sherri said. and Sherri both have large When it came to choos- families, so Magnolia Maning a home, Bill had known or has proven to be the perfor quite some time where fect place to host holidays. he wanted to live. A history The Phelps also enjoy major and an architecture hosting Ouachita and Arkenthusiast, Bill had previ- adelphia events and even ously been fascinated by inviting strangers interMagnolia Manor. ested in the history of their “[In] one of our classes, we home to tour. actually took a driving tour “When you walk upof Arkadelphia and looked stairs and when you get to at various homes. This was the top landing, you’ll see one of the houses we drove dents all in the floor, and it by, and I loved it when we just makes me think of how came by,” Bill said. many hundreds and even So one day while on an- thousands of people have other drive with Sherri, he walked up those stairs in showed her the home. a hundred and sixty years “I pointed to this house and how many boots and I said, ‘we’re going to have made prints in those live there some day,’” Bill stairs,” Bill said. said. This is what makes the Little did either of them home special for Bill, who know that over 30 years lat- loves opening up Magnolia er, in 2005, they would gain Manor to the community of the opportunity to not only Arkadelphia. buy, but also restore this “Really in the end, this historic site. house is part of all of our “We restored the house. history. Not just our history It’s still a work in progress. but everybody’s history. We still have lots of things And so, in a way, everywe want to do and can do,” body is kind of a stakeholdBill said. er in a house like this,” Bill While they “preserved” said. the historical elements of Living in such a historic the home, they did have place, the Phelps feel honto do a great deal of work ored that they can call Magto make the house livable nolia Manor their home. for them and their daugh- “I don’t feel like we ter Blaire. This included an own this house; I feel like addition so that they could we bought the privilege have bathrooms, closets to live here and take care and a laundry room. of it during our lifetime,” Originally, Magnolia Bill said. n
The manor’s entrance provides vistors with quite a view. The Phelps’ restoration process has been extremely fruitful.
Bill Phelps sits in Magnolia Manor’s living room.The Phelps have restored the 160-year-old house over the past 10 years.
a classic fireplace serves as the centerpiece for one of the Manor’s main rooms. The manor features a beautiful property as well as interior. The Phelps have remained thankful that the house became availible.
Magnolia Manor features a prominent main staircase. Older homes have used staircases to create open spaces for hundreds of years.
Andy Henderson z Photos
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Charlottesville: Some monsters are real By Dr. Kevin C. Motl Guest writer
It wasn’t that long ago that I was an undergraduate senior fumbling my way toward graduation. I remember thumbing through a printed course schedule in a desperate search for a seminar course to fulfill my degree requirements. Only one section of six was open. Not even knowing the subject, I enrolled. What difference could it possibly make? All of it, as it happened. I had blindly enrolled in a course titled “The Holocaust,” taught by Arnold P. Krammer, a man who became and remains my academic mentor. I had but a layman’s understanding of the Nazi Regime then, to say nothing of the Final Solution, but even on the first day, something felt very different about that classroom. I knew so little. Dr. Krammer changed that, and in so doing, he changed me. In the first class meeting, nestled amid remarks about the syllabus, he said something that seared itself into my consciousness. He compared Nazism to a tarantula in a jar. When contained, he said, the monster becomes a public curiosity. So long as the lid is secure, we can comfortably turn the jar about in our hands, scrutinize the monster closely, stare it back in its confined eye and call that act courage. All of this is possible while the lid remains on the jar. The jar, he explained, could remain sealed only through continued vigilance among people
of good will committed to and symbols. They weren’t ately driven by a Nazi sympakeeping it sealed, for the Nazis, they said. They each thizer into a nearby crowd of monster remains animated maintained a respectable dis- idle counter-protesters. within, probing for weakness, tance from the monster, they As a people we now have awaiting the opportunity to said. The jar is not open, they a moral obligation to conescape. We have a moral and said. front and reject the National civic responsibility to ensure Charlottesville, Virginia Socialist ethos whenever and that it cannot. Should the lid put paid to these lies on Fri- however it rears its diseased be removed, and the monster day, August 11, and exposed head. Nazism is the heroin released, there will be danger. the truth: all are constructed of ideologies: it promises evThere will be terror. There upon racial hierarchy, and erything, but in the end, supwill be tragedy. all are committed to the es- plies only a cheap, brief thrill The jar has been reopened tablishment of an white eth- before leaving you emptier in the United than you were beThe values upon which both States. fore you tried it. Reactionaries ofIt is incapable of ten flock to extrem- American citizenship and solving problems. ism to articulate It has no creative their grievances, Christian faith stand are in direct impulse. It ofmost of which gerfers only scapeminate in fantasy. and energetic opposition to goats, manufacIn America, the tured grievances, periodic calls for everything for which National false community, secession and the destruction, and corollary embrace Socialism stands. death. It is an episof a Confederate temology of lies. flag under the risible claim nostate, which ensures the The Germans know this of “heritage, not hate;” the dominance and attends to better than anyone. In 1949, self-styled “alt-Right,” who the needs of a single racially- the Federal Republic of Geremerged online in 2016 as fer- defined citizenry at the de- many (then West Germany) vent advocates of the Trump liberate expense of everyone codified the prohibition of candidacy; hand-wringing else. These ideas—that a su- the Nazi Party and any other over meaningless popula- perior race exists and the state groups that could be connecttion data, like fertility rates is right to privilege them al- ed by degrees to this genocidamong European descen- ways—lie at the heart of Na- al movement. They banned dants; or popular outcry over tional Socialism. That night the public display of symbols academic curricula dedicated members of the Alt-Right and icons used in the context to Mexican- or African-Amer- Knights, neo-Nazis, and Ku of advocating for those moveican studies as an institutional Klux Klan rallied in common ments. Those laws remain in slight against “the West,” as if cause on the largely empty force today. They knew then there were some sort of coher- campus of the University of and know now that Nazism is ence even to that unhistori- Virginia, their organizational a flame that illuminates nothcal concept—all examples of affiliations indistinguishable ing but consumes all; if given this genre of resentment poli- amid their howling, fevered oxygen, it will rage out of tics. Americans have recently chorus of baseless resentment control and leave only a smoltoyed with these and other and rage, decrying injustices dering ruin in its wake—just indecencies at the fringes of they’ve never actually expe- as it did in 1945. bona fide National Socialism, rienced, decrying oppression Americans don’t know this eschewing the “Nazi” brand they’ve never actually known. danger as intimately, and our while crouching in the pen- Heather Heyer died amid the mindfulness toward it enerumbras of legitimacy with violence that followed there- vates further with each sucNazi ideas, slogans, gestures, after, struck by a car deliber- ceeding generation. In our
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amnesia, Nazism and its auxiliaries are portrayed as edgy and audacious, as if they were but another hue in a spectrum of legitimate, mainstream conservative beliefs. Look no further than the media treatments of white nationalist Richard Spencer in 2016 to see the cavalier framing of a white nationalist anti-Semite as an up-and-coming political leader, with only anodyne framing of his open embrace of Nazi ideas and behaviors deployed in support of the current administration. I want to be clear: you cannot embrace any aspect of the National Socialist worldview and still claim identity as an American. You cannot embrace any aspect of the National Socialist worldview and still claim identity as a Christian. The values upon which both American citizenship and Christian faith stand are in direct and energetic opposition to everything for which National Socialism stands. If you claim the latter, even marginally, you automatically surrender the former. You can’t dabble in National Socialist ideas for the lulz. Any oxygen to the flame puts all at risk. The monster does not discriminate in what it destroys. Charlottesville has revealed to us all that barbarism is once more on the march, threatening human dignity, decency, and the American identity. The jar is open, but the lid is still within sight. It is still within our grasp. We have a collective responsibility to put it back on tightly and permanently. What will you do now to see that done? n
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The Signal is the student newspaper of Ouachita Baptist University, and is published every Thursday 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 Hope Star.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Letters to the editor are encouraged and accepted, unless libelous, irresponsible or obscene. Letters should be typed and include a signature and contact phone number, and must be less than 500 words. The Signal reserves the right to edit letters for space and style. Letters should be sent via campus mail to Box 3761 or via e-mail to signal@obu.edu.
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Childhood dreams become reality By Katie kemp Editor-in-chief
I was too young the first time I set foot in a newsroom for me to remember what that initial encounter was like. My dad worked as the chief photographer for the Log Cabin Democrat, the local newspaper in my hometown of Conway, Ark., for the first eight years of my life, and there are several little details that I remember vividly from visiting him at work. The rumble of the giant printing press, the smell of freshly printed ink on paper, the constant motion on the newsroom floor—even at such a young age, I was fascinated. So I guess I was always destined to work for a newspaper in some capacity. When I joined the Signal team as a staff writer in the fall of my freshman year at OBU, I had no prior publication experience—only a passion for telling stories and a desire to get better at doing so. In the three years since, not only have I had the opportunity to write countless stories about all kinds of people, but I’ve also fallen in love with the publication that allowed me to do so and redeveloped a passion for news. I have always believed in the Signal, and the fact that I’ve been given the opportunity to serve as editor-in-chief
this year is one of the greatest honors of my life. As I’ve prepared to take on a role I’ve been dreaming about for three years, I’ve found that it’s so hard to pinpoint just a few main goals for a publication I see so much potential in. But overall, I hope this year that the words we write and the stories will tell will not just be written about Ouachita, but written for Ouachita. It is my hope that the content we release will not just be wellwritten, but also be engaging, informative and relevant to you, the reader, as a member of the Ouachita community. The Signal exists primarily to inform, yes, but I hope that you will feel that what you’re reading is important, too. As journalists, it’s our responsibility at the Signal to keep you informed about the important things you need to know about, and you should never question whether what you’re reading is reliable or true. Given the current political and social climates and all of the different attitudes toward the news media, it’s now more important than ever for journalists to write with integrity and for readers to be mindful of the media they consume. While the stories we report will typically not be as hard-hitting as those in a major newspaper would be, you can rest assured that they are written
with no agenda but to inform the reader. Thankfully, the Signal has a team of talented, capable and energized editors to help accomplish this mission. I had a nightmare a few weeks back that they all quit and I had to put together the first issue on my own, and I can tell you based on that alone that I would be lost without them. Online editor Ethan Dial, news editor Julia Williams, features editor Will Blase, opinions editor Katherine Carter, sports editor Caleb Byrd and copy editor Camryn Reeves are all Signal veterans and I’m confident that they will excel in making their respective sections the best they can be. Like I said earlier, being editor-in-chief of the Signal has been a dream of mine for my entire college career, and in those three years I’ve learned that it takes a village to raise an editor. To the three editors-in-chief I’ve worked under as a staff member, Emily Terry, Dixon Land and Barrett Gay, thank you for making the Signal something to be proud of and for allowing me to grow as a writer. A special thank you needs to be said to Barrett for building me up to take on this role last semester—she answered every single one of my hundreds of questions, showed more grace than I probably deserved and helped me
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to believe that I can do this. She’s the real deal. Professor Tiffany Eurich is an ever-encouraging source of insight and accountability, and she keeps the online Signal running like a well-oiled machine. She will be a huge help to Ethan and me this year, and I’m excited to see where we go with the online Signal. Dr. Jeff Root was the one who first recruited me to be on the Signal staff before I even moved into my freshman dorm, so I guess I kind of owe him my life now. He and his wife, Dr. Deborah Root, have been a consistent source of encouragement, ad-
vice and Little Debbie cakes for my entire college career and a simple paragraph won’t cover even an inch of my gratitude to them. (Hopefully if I say enough nice things about them, they’ll let me go to New York with them again.) I still can’t really believe that I’m getting to fulfill such a longtime dream of mine. The little girl who toddled around her dad’s darkroom at the local paper never would have dreamed that she’d get to be the editor-inchief of one someday. It’s going to be a wonderful year, and I hope you’ll join us for the ride. n
Student Senate: leading through serving By hannah bunch Guest writer
I really did not know where to begin with sharing my thoughts and vision for Senate, because my mind is still blown by the fact that I have this amazing opportunity to serve, lead, and grow through holding this office. First of all, I want to thank the student body for entrusting me to represent you as your student body President. I love this school so very much, and it thrills my heart to be one of your voices and representatives. I must be honest, being the Student Senate President is also a tad terrifying! Because I love the people of this school and this organization, I take this role seriously and want to be the leader Ouachita deserves. My father has stated this truth my entire life, “everything rises and falls on leadership.” My father first heard this from Dr. Lee Roberson, who must have heard it from Pastor John C. Maxwell because Google gives him the credit, and Google is always right, right?! In any case, this quote taught me godly leadership is imperative to the maintenance and growth of any community. I already know that within myself I could never be a godly leader. Thankfully, I know Someone who can shepherd, model service and lead better than I ever could. As long as I lean on Him, I know with your help, we will have a great year! This is where the student body comes in. I like to think of student government as hopefully a representation of how America’s government is supposed to run. Maybe that is the political science/ history major in me, but it’s really how I envision the organization. In American government
The People rule, and those in office have the sacred honor of serving their rulers. When American citizens embrace their true role in the government, government officials can more easily understand they are to submit themselves to The People.
“We, the students of Ouachita Baptist University, in order to provide means for responsible and effective participation in the organization of student affairs; to investigate student problems; to provide activities for students; to initiate ac-
be wholly taken advantage of by the Senators elected to work out in their official duties, and to be accessed and used also by the student body. In the past year you may have heard many of us in Senate discuss going through
Hannah Bunch z Courtesy
My hope is that Ouachita’s students realize in relation to Student Senate they are “the rulers.” Our organization exists because of and for the student body. Ouachita Senators are to be servant leaders to our peers. I say all of this to express my wish that students would access this organization, keep working with us, and also let us serve them. Let me share the Preamble of Student Senate’s Constitution,
tions; to provide the official voice through which student opinion may be expressed; to encourage the responsible participation of the students in overall policy and decision making processes of the university community; to enhance the quality and scope of education, do establish this constitution for the associated students of Ouachita Baptist University.” Each of these aspects listed in the preamble are to
the Constitution and Bylaws. By doing this, we realized we had not fully taken advantage of the opportunities to lead in accordance with the purpose of Student Senate. Over the summer, Dr. Chris Brune (professor of finance and also Student Senate sponsor) and I worked on building off of the work Senate began last year. We presented some ideas and plans to the Executive Committee when we met this past
Tuesday. Some of these plans include implementing a Soundboard where students make appointments with Senators to express ideas or concerns to their Senators. The Soundboard is still taking shape and form, but we hope to have our first Soundboard meeting by the end of the semester. By bringing the Soundboard into existence we will be creating a formal and efficient way in which to, as the preamble states, “investigate student problems,” “provide the official voice through which student opinion may be expressed,” and “initiate actions.” Another plan in the works at this time is for Senate to begin sponsoring a council or forum to encourage and foster the growth of student leaders. We hope to have our first meeting at the beginning of Spring Semester. These two specific plans that the Executive Committee and I have begun working on are new to us and will be new to you. I do ask for patience as we begin to put into practice our own creations. I believe this is what is scary about leadership-trying something new and owning what you did well and not so well. However, I am excited to work with the other Senators as we begin to start a new chapter within Senate! Overall, my hope and prayer for what I will achieve as Ouachita’s Student Senate President is to lead us into a place where there is no doubt Senate is an organization used by God. My hope is that Senate will take significant strides this year to take ownership of the precious responsibility listed not only in the Preamble but throughout our whole Constitution. This year, may we flawed Student Senators display what Christlike servant leadership is and how much of a positive impact it makes on a community. n
Sports
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Friday, September 1, 2017 u page 6
Tigers pull out win against NWOSU, 31-28 By Caleb Byrd Sports Editor
The Ouachita football team defeated Northwestern Oklahoma in a thrilling season opener Wednesday night by a final score of 31-28. Despite scoring three early unanswered touchdowns and holding a 21-7 lead halfway through the second quarter, Ouachita was unable to maintain their lead. The Ouachita defense allowed big plays; the team committed untimely penalties, and the offense was unable to capitalize when they were in scoring positions. Ultimately, it took a forced fumble with less than 10 seconds remaining to ensure a Tiger victory. “We were kind of our own worst enemy,” said Ouachita Head Coach Todd Knight. Sophomore running back Shun’cee Thomas filled in for Kris Oliver, who went down with an ankle sprain early in the first quarter, and rushed for 124 yards and three touchdowns. Senior quarterback Austin Warford threw for 200 yards while running for 84. Senior wide receiver La’Darius McElroy had several big catches and finished with four catches for 53 yards. Senior linebacker Elijah Jones led the Tigers defensively with 10 tackles. Jon Johnson accrued 8 tackles in the game, while Tevin Jones picked up 7. Austin Guymon and Earnest Reed picked up a sack each. The Tigers failed to score
Andy Henderson z Photo Lab Shun’cee Thomas cuts into the hole and through Northwestern defenders. Thomas rushed for 127 yards and 3 touchdowns, filling in for the injured Kris Oliver. Thomas filled in for Olliver for the last 5 games of 2016.
first, but dominated for a majority of the first half against Northwestern Oklahoma. On the first drive of the game, running back Kris Oliver went down with an injury, effectively killing any momentum they had accumulated. Warford fumbled on the next play, giving the ball to the Rangers. On the ensuing possession, Northwestern drove the ball steadily to the 30 yard line before running back Anthony Cota burst through an open hole on the left-hand side of the field and practically walked into the end zone. Ouachita responded to their early mistake, however, with three unanswered rushing touchdowns. Two touch-
downs came from Thomas while one came from Barry Bennett. Following the final touchdown, the Tigers led 21-7 with just over six minutes remaining. Northwestern was finally able to respond to Ouachita’s stifling defense when they went on a drive powered by big passing plays. The drive culminated when a Northwestern receiver snatched a touchdown from the helmet of a Ouachita defensive back. With only 3:25 seconds remaining after the Northwestern touchdown, Ouachita quickly pushed the ball down the field and into the red zone where All-American kicker Cole Antley converted on a 30-
yard field goal attempt to settle the half-time score at 24-14. Ouachita’s Zach Miller intercepted Northwestern on their first drive of the second half, but the Tigers were unable to capitalize on the ensuing possession despite driving the ball 90 yards down the field into the red zone. The drive ended when Antley missed a 29-yard field goal. Ouachita once again made a mistake on their next possession when a facemask penalty gave Northwestern an automatic first down in the red zone in place of a fourth-andeight. The Rangers capitalized and scored three plays later. After trading possessions with Northwestern, the Tigers
went on a scoring drive fueled by big pass plays. Deep passes to Allie Freeman and Jerry Morehead gave the Tigers a first-and-goal situation which allowed Drew Harris to prance into the end zone from four yards out and give the Tigers a 31-21 lead with just over six minutes remaining. Northwestern came out on the next drive and quickly responded to Ouachita’s touchdown. After converting on a fourth down, the Rangers were able to drive into the Ouachita red zone where Isiah Weed threw a 9-yard touchdown pass to De’Shawn Gordon across the middle of the field. The score cut the Ouachita lead to 31-28 with just over 3 minutes left to play in the game. Ouachita was able to run the play clock down to 31 seconds before punting the ball away to the Rangers. Northwestern picked up yardage on a couple of quick plays, but Ouachita lineman Earnest Reed sacked the Northwestern quarterback and forced a fumble, effectively ending the game. “[Winning the first game] is huge,” said Head Coach Todd Knight. “Our first goal for the year was to win the first game … You’ve gotta prepare to win the first game because that gets you started for the year.” The Tigers will travel to Weatherford, Okla., for their next game against Southwestern Oklahoma State. The game will be played on Saturday, Sept. 9 at 6 p.m. n
Warford returns for last shot at GAC crown By Caleb Byrd Sports Editor
It was a cold, fall night in late October. The Malvern Cubs trailed the Hot Springs Trojans by three points in the fourth quarter of the final game of the season. The Cubs had one last chance to salvage the game from their rivals, so they called their bread-and-butter play, a power run. The guard pulled to kick out the end while eighth-grade fullback Austin Warford allowed the running back a clear path to the endzone by demolishing the middle linebacker. That stocky eighth grader is now entering his third season as starting quarterback for the Ouachita football team, but it was that moment in middle school that Warford considers to be the defining moment of his football career. “That was the moment when I realized the game of football is so much more than one person. It’s a team effort. It takes all eleven people,” Warford said. Last season, the Ouachita football team proved to Warford what he learned in the eighth grade. In a game against Harding, Warford was under pressure and rolled out of the pocket and to his right. He was hit by a Harding player and landed awkwardly on his foot, hearing a pop. Warford hobbled off the field and played the rest of the game, but was forced to miss the rest of the season as he had broken his foot. Warford thought he had played his last college football game. “So many things go through your mind. Especially with it being my senior year,” Warford said. ”I knew I was graduating – I was going to hang it up. It just leaves a bad taste in your mouth. It hits you when you’re going through practice and every-
Kelsey Blackmon z Photo Lab austin Warford sheds a would-be tackler against Southwestern Oklahoma last season. Warford ran for 488 yards and six touchdowns before his injury.
one is out there working and you’re sitting on the sideline on crutches with a boot on. It makes you think things a little bit differently.” The rest of the team rallied after that game and finished the season 4-2 with Lucas Reed as their quarterback. Warford stood on the field on senior day thinking he had played his last down of college football. However, that turned out not to be the case. Because Warford had redshirted when he was a sophomore, he had an extra year of eligibility under his belt. He was planning on forfeiting that year and joining the workforce, but head football coach Todd Knight convinced him otherwise. Knight approached Warford in December about the possibility of returning. Warford turned him down initially, but, after a few weeks of consideration, decided he was going to return to the Ouachita football team. “Coach Knight wouldn’t let me quit. He wouldn’t let me jump the gun,” Warford recalled. “I knew we’d be really good, with or without me, so I wanted to be a part of this team.” Warford returns to a college football team with an
immense amount of talent. The offense promises to be prolific as they are returning 8 of 11 starters from last season, and the defense returns quite a bit of talent as well. Warford takes an already good 2017 football team and makes it even better. “He’s a freakish athlete,” Coach Knight said of his quarterback. “He’s one of the strongest guys on the team. He’s one of the fastest guys on the team. He’s probably got one of the strongest arms that we’ve coached, and we’ve coached some good ones.” Just looking at Warford, he does not have the imposing physique you would expect from the star quarterback for a nationally-recognized football team. Coach Knight measures Warford at a generous 5’10, but Warford himself says he is 5’9. Many people would point to Warford’s size as being a disadvantage, but Warford doesn’t see it that way. “I think we (small quarterbacks) kinda get a bad rep,” said Warford. “I can move a little bit, so that helps me. A lot of times people say we can’t see over the line – especially with quarterbacks who are over six foot, no matter what division they’re
at. But you’re never really looking over the line, you’re throwing through gaps. For me, it’s just being able to find those windows and hitting my receivers on time.” Warford’s coach adds some insight to the situation as well. “He’s never been 6’3 or 6’4, so he doesn’t know the difference,” Knight said. “You can look across the country, and there’s some [quarterbacks] playing at that size. He’s a great athlete. He’s very passionate about playing. I don’t think it puts him at a disadvantage at all.” Warford’s production certainly does not struggle due to his size. In Warford’s first season as a starter, he accumulated over 2,300 total yards and 15 touchdowns. In less than half a season last year, Warford had over 1,500 total yards and 12 touchdowns. His talent on the field is undeniable, but Warford believes his greatest strength this year may be his experience. The longer a quarterback plays in an offensive system, the more complex the system can get. “Coach Derby and I are on the same page now,” Warford said of his offensive coordinator. “I feel like I know what plays he is going to call in certain situations. The first year, there was maybe one or two checks in a play and now we can kinda expand on that and have three or four checks in a play. It keeps the defense on their toes.” With Warford at the helm, there’s no question that the Tigers are going to have a successful 2017 football season. He brings the skillset, experience and mindset the team needs. “I’m still hungry,” concluded Warford. “I want a [conference championship] of my own. I want to lead this team to an undefeated season and make a playoff run.” n
OBU Tiger Sports Update women’s soccer Last week 8.25.17 Ouachita 10 Central Baptist 0 this week 9.1.17 @ Missouri Western St. 9.2.17 @ Emporia St. 9.8.17 Missouri Southern St. Men’s soccer last week 8.25.17 Ouachita 2 Central Baptist 1 8.26.17 Ouachita 0 Univ. of the Ozarks 1 this week 9.2.17 vs. Southwest Baptist 9.8.17 @ Mississippi College Volleyball this week 9.1-9.2.17 SE Okla. Tournament Durant, Okla. 9.5.17 vs. Lyon visit obusignal.com for more sports news and analysis.