VOLUME 128, ISSUE 1
the
SEPTEMBER 4, 2019
SIGNAL A P U B L I C AT I O N O F O U A C H I TA B A P T I S T U N I V E R S I T Y
contents
PAGE 2 | WWW.OBUSIGNAL.COM
cover story.......................................3 news....................................................4-5 arts/entertainment.....................6 opinions................................................7 Sports....................................................8 O B U
E L R O D
CONNECT WITH THE SIGNAL
C E N T E R
T I G E R S E RV E D AY
SCAN FOR AN ONLINE EDITION
S E P T. 2 1 s t
8:30am to 12: 00 p m sign up at www.obu.edu/elrod/serve follow us on instagram @obuelrodcenter Ouachita Baptist University Office: Evans Student Center E-Mail: signal@obu.edu Phone: 870.245.5210
the
SIGNAL
Ethan Dial
Addy Goodman
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Caleb Byrd
COPY EDITOR
Sara Patterson
AD COORDINATOR
Phoebe Huff
NEWS & OPINIONS EDITOR
MULTIMEDIA COORDINATOR
ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT & SPORTS EDITOR
STAFF ARTIST/CARTOONIST
Caity Hatchett
Catherine Lyp
Dr. Jeff Root Adviser
Justin Trostle
PHOTO EDITOR
Danielle Sourber PHOTO EDITOR
Dr. Deborah Root Adviser
The Signal is the student newspaper of Ouachita Baptist University, and is published every Friday 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.
cover story WWW.OBUSIGNAL.COM | PAGE 3
Artist pursues contentment during senior year BY ADDY GOODMAN Copy Editor
A complicated love story. This is how Mandy Berry, a senior studio art and entrepreneurship major from Nashville, Tennessee, views her relationship with her art, a medium she believes is her calling from the Lord. “Since I was a kid, art has been my way to communicate and digest and analyze the world around me,” Berry said. “I didn’t take it seriously at first though.” Berry originally planned on going into the medical field, so her first year and a half of school was spent studying to become a military surgeon. However, like any complex love story, she felt the pull to be an artist the entire time. “I just feel like I’m an artist down to my bones,” Berry said. “I love every art form, every art medium; I love expressing myself. I don’t know. It’s just where I need to be, and I don’t know what that’ll look like after college, but I feel at peace now.” Berry’s love story with her field of study doesn’t look like the typical college student’s. Berry, on track to graduate at the age of 25, spent a portion of her pursuit for higher education at an art trade school in Nashville. Because she didn’t feel at home there, she was open to the pull of her sister, who at the time was studying at Ouachita, to come visit campus. “Everybody says the Ouachita community is their answer, but for me it really was what brought me to Arkadelphia,” Berry said. “It was refreshing to be in a place where people were like-minded as far as having spiritual resources. It was refreshingly weird to me, but in a good way.” Having taken a longer path to college graduation, Berry believes
Mandy Berry, who is “just trying to absorb every moment of every day and make meaningful connections,” holds her painting supplies. (photos by Hannah Smith)
Berry glances back at one of her most recent works of art. Believing that “God can speak through anything,” Berry enjoyed creating this thought provoking piece.
that she has an advantage in college. She knows that year of art school was one of genuine growth and exposure into the purpose of what she’s pursuing in higher education. “I think I have a lot more clarity than other people, because I spent a year paying bills,” Berry said. “I know why I’m here.” As Berry has pursued her love of art at Ouachita, she’s come to understand on a deeper level the purpose of her work according to God’s Heavenly Kingdom. Berry feels passionately that her work as an artist is just as worthwhile as another’s work as a pastor. “Every good thing is a gift from God above,” Berry said. “I think I have been preached to personally so much through just a song, a symphony, going to an art gallery…
have a purpose; I just don’t feel like that’s my calling.” As for life starting May 10, life after college, Berry hopes to hone in on passions she already knows she has, trusting that God will lead her steps toward the gifts he gave her. “I love teaching, I love talking with people, I love being in nature,” Berry said. “I love community things that bring us together. I’m passionate about learning. I wish I could go to school forever.” During this season of preparation, Berry is writing letters to artists she admires. She hopes these letters will result in apprenticeships post-graduation. The majority of these artists are based in Europe. This would require faith beyond reason to go, but Berry sees these opportunities, if given to her, as an-
God can speak through anything, you just have to have an open heart and an open mind.” Berry sees power in the ability art has to impact thought and experience in a life that is so political. The connotation of political parties doesn’t sit with Berry well, as she views her art and her political expression as the ability to express her views in general. She sees her art as an opportunity to share what she’s learned, regardless of topic, and learn from others. “The most effective and moving art I’ve ever witnessed is people just painting a portrait of themselves or of their personality,” Berry said. “I just hope to do that…to convey my passions through my art. I don’t want to just want to paint pretty things, but things that call people to action. Pretty things
swered dreams. “I think voicing your dreams, no matter how big or scary they are, is the first step,” Berry said. Meanwhile, Berry is taking this last year at Ouachita to bask in the blessings she has been given. Finding community within her classmates and her Tri Chi sisters, pursuing passions in her art, and enjoying the simple gifts of the outdoors, free yoga classes, and still meeting new friends, Berry is able to rest in contentment. “I’m just trying to absorb every moment of every day and make meaningful connections,” Berry said. “That’s what ultimately makes life beautiful. I’m focusing on contentment, because in the past I’ve been motivated by discontentment, and that never got me anywhere.”
news
PAGE 4 | WWW.OBUSIGNAL.COM
The newly renovated Berry Chapel is complete with freshly painted walls, new flooring and refurnished pews. The renovation was done this summer and has already been popular among students and used for many gatherings and events. (photo by Grace Talley)
Berry Chapel updates create pleasing aesthetic BY BROC INGOLD Staff Writer
Berry Chapel has been a significant building at Ouachita since its debut in 1959, and its bells have been ringing since then. While the exterior has stayed generally the same, the interior recently underwent significant remodeling. The outdated carpet has been exchanged in favor of a imitation hardwood tile, the pews have been painted a bright white and the walls now have a fresh coat of paint. The renovations started in January 2018
and concluded during the summer. While the new wooden floors and the hard seats make the chapel significantly more echoic, there is very little to complain about with this updated building. One person who is particularly impressed is Ryan Motl. He and his fiancée, Mattie Mae Dodson, will be the first couple to get married in the newly renovated chapel this coming December. “Mattie and I have grown up here, and getting to be the first in the completely new chapel is so special to us because the chapel is so special to us,” Motl said. After living in Arkadelphia for
13 years, Motl has been around the chapel for a significant amount of his life, so finally getting to be married in it will be deeply meaningful. Motl also wanted to get married in Berry Chapel because Ouachita as a school played a big role in him meeting Mattie. “Both of our dads met through teaching at Ouachita, and Mattie and I met through them,” Motl said. “We’ve both grown up on this campus and the chapel just seemed like the obvious choice to get married.” The newly renovated chapel is already being utilized for many events before its first wedding in
December. Whether it’s for Noonday or a Tiger Tunes meeting, the bright white walls and pews of the chapel are being put to good use. While the renovations are certainly a step up, Motl says that it would not have been a factor in the decision for where they would marry. Their first choice was always the chapel. “We thought it was beautiful even though it was a little rickety, and it was just so sentimental to us that even the prospect of going elsewhere because of size really bummed us out,” Motl said. “I can’t see it being anywhere else.” Even though the renovations
were not the deciding factor, Motl is still very impressed with them, especially the new flooring. “The floor is beautifully done. It’s easy to do basic hardwood paneling and they chose to do a really intricate design,” Motl said. While the previous chapel holds a lot of sentimental value for the couple, it goes without saying that the new one will hold an equally special place in their hearts. Just like the future Motls, many more couples will surely enjoy this renovated chapel for years to come. However, if you’re not planning to get married there soon, you can always just walk in and take a peek.
NEWS
WWW.OBUSIGNAL.COM | PAGE 5
OSF named outstanding student organization at 2019 CASE ASAP Awards BY CAITY HATCHETT Arts/Entertainment & Sports Editor
This past summer, the Ouachita Student Foundation won the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) Affiliated Student Advancement Programs (ASAP) award for Outstanding Student Organization. OSF President Selby Tucker, Vice President Mason Woolbright, and Tiger Tunes and Tiger Traks Coordinator Addy Goodman attended the CASE ASAP conference in Baltimore, Maryland. Out of 700 organizations that are part of CASE, OSF was one of three to win the Outstanding Student Organization award. “Last year, we won the Tiger Tunes award, and this year was Outstanding Student Organization,” Woolbright said. “You’re going up against big schools like Boise State in Idaho, and people that you see playing football games on TV, and it’s crazy to think that in small-town Arkadelphia, Ouachita is winning awards like this.” While OSF’s main programs are Tiger Tunes and Tiger Traks, Tucker and Woolbright have begun to focus more on the organization’s philanthropy and other ways that OSF can give back on campus. “We raise all this money and we give it away to so many students, but are there other ways that we can give back on campus?” Woolbright said. “That’s really been a big focus of mine and Selby’s all year, especially coming into meetings we’ve had over the summer, making sure that we don’t just worry about Tiger Tunes and Tiger Traks, but that we worry about all facets of the organization.”
The CASE organization’s main focus is student advancement, which can mean a lot of things. As an organization whose aim is primarily to provide scholarships for students, OSF manages to stand out from a lot of other student advancement organizations. Woolbright believes this may have been one of the reasons that OSF won an Outstanding Student Organization award. With over $100,000 given to student scholarships yearly, OSF definitely makes a difference on campus. “We’re there with other schools’ student foundations and alumni associations, but none of them really have the goal of raising money for student scholarships,” Woolbright said. “Their money’s just kind of going into a general fund. That was the one thing that OSF had above the crowd, is that ours is just such a big ministry-based organization and that everything we’re doing is for student scholarships. And I think they saw that and saw that we stood above everybody else in that regard.” Winning this award will impact OSF’s future, with its leaders hoping to move OSF in a more philanthropic direction, while continuing to focus on student scholarships. They hope continue what they’re doing while still remembering the main goal of OSF: students helping students. “On campus we see the impact that OSF makes and how we’re the backbone of students getting to stay on campus,” Woolbright said. “So you know OSF is a big deal, but you don’t realize just how big of a deal it is until you’re recognized on a national scale like that. It’s definitely really humbling, and it kind of brings into perspective all the hard work that you’re doing.”
The new discipleship coordinator for Campus Ministries, Quantell Williams, speaks to students at the CM Fall Retreat about upcoming opportunities students will have to interact with Life Groups. This retreat was held August 23-24. (photo by Levi Dade)
CM Fall Retreat focuses on words BY RYLEE ROBERTS Staff Writer
Campus Ministries hosted the annual Fall Retreat at Camp Paron on August 23-24 to kick off the new school year with a time to focus on the Lord and discuss the power of words. “Words” served as the theme for this year’s retreat. Speakers such as Ouachita President Ben Sells explored the influence words have over an individual’s mental, emotional and spiritual health. “Coming into this new season of college, using words well is so important - especially for the community aspect,” freshman attendee Claire Sorg said. Breakout sessions covered the significance of words we use in worship, the art of small talk, the impact of words on mental health, taking God’s Word to the nations and spending time in Scripture. The retreat provided a chance for campers to practice each skill taught in these sessions. Application came though singing in worship services, getting to know new people, praying truths of worth over one another and meditating on Scripture in a personal quiet time. “We all need reminders that following Jesus is worth it,” said
Anna Rosenthal, assistant director of CM. “It is worth it to invest in your faith while you are at school.” Two large-group worship sessions accompanied the breakouts. Keynote speaker Byron Eubanks, chair and professor in Ouachita’s philosophy department, shared “Words we need to say” and “Words we need to hear.” He encouraged students with Biblical teaching about their identities in God and challenged them to speak truth over others. CM hosts the retreat as an opportunity for students to connect with one another and with the Lord. All Ouachita students can attend, opening doors for both younger and older students to meet. “It’s less than 24 hours,” said Teresa Workman, a senior who serves as a missions and events leader for CM. “It’s cool to see how quickly you can build a friendship.” Many freshmen attend the retreat each year. CM hosts the event near the beginning so each new student can find others with similar desires and passions in regards to serving and following the Lord. “Coming in to college as a freshman is very overwhelming, so I definitely think that going to this retreat and actually getting to be with other people who were going to pursue the Lord too was meaningful,” Sorg said.
Students on the retreat relive summer-camper days for one night in the cabins of Camp Paron in Paron, Arkansas. Mealtime discussions; game night and sleeping bags on bunk beds create space for connection and reflection. “One of our desires is that the students who go on Fall Retreat will see people who do follow God, and then they can join in on that and be encouraged,” Rosenthal said. Attendees also hear in-depth about different opportunities with Campus Ministries. Numerous options provide a way for students to serve where they are passionate. “I think that if students are desiring to grow in their faith there’s a place for them to grow and a place for them to serve,” Rosenthal explains about the ministries. Though a storm did blow through on Friday night, it put no hindrance on the Holy Spirit. He still worked and moved through the night and following morning. Students walked away from the weekend focused on how to better represent Jesus through what they say. “What we say can really impact people, and they can see Jesus in us through our words,” Sorg said. “Your body is a temple, and whatever comes out of your mouth is a representation of the Lord.”
arts/entertainment PAGE 6 | WWW.OBUSIGNAL.COM
Recital showcases faculty talent BY ASHLEY BECK Staff Writer
The School of Fine Arts held its annual Faculty Showcase Recital last night in McBeth Recital Hall. The event gave Ouachita music faculty the opportunity to showcase their talents on stage in front of students, alumni and members of the Arkadelphia community. Each professor performed a piece of music that brought to light a small piece of their talents. Carlos Feller, visiting assistant professor in music, performed on the flute “Suite No. 2 for Flute and Jazz Piano Trio VIII. Jazzy” by Claude Bolling, along with Ryan Lewis, associate professor in music, on the drums, and Bruce Johnston, lecturer in music, on bass. Glenda Secrest, professor of music, sang in soprano “Cantata: Toccata (Ride On King Jesus)” by John Carter. John Alec Briggs, lecturer in music, sang in tenor and played the piano, performing “Corner of the Sky” from Pippin by Ste-
phen Schwartz and “I’ll Never Say Goodbye” from “The Promise” by David Shire. Lewis performed “Love Never Fails” by Brandon Heath on the vibraphone. Margaret Garrett, associate professor of music, sang in soprano “Lucky Stiff: Times Like This” by Stephen Flaherty. Caroline Taylor, chair of the department of applied music and professor of music, showcased her talent on the saxophone with Dr. Lei Cai, professor of piano, on the piano performing “Snoqualmie Passages” by Patrick Houlihan. Jon Secrest, professor of music, sang “Roméo et Juliette: Ah, lèvetoi, soleil” by Charles Gounod in tenor. Catherine Grace Durbin, adjunct instructor of applied voice, sang in soprano with Geoff Durbin, visiting assistant professor of music, on the trombone. Together they performed “The Lord’s Prayer” by Albert Malotte. Cai performed “Etude in C Minor, Op. 25, No. 12. “Ocean” by Frederic Chopin, his second piece of the night, on the piano.
The Secrests performed their second song, “Songs for a New World: I’d Give It All for You” by Jason Robert Brown, together. Mary Chung, assistant professor of music, was the recital pianist. Ouachita music professors not only care about what they teach, but they also enjoy showing their students the importance of being passionate. Whether it be music, theatre, business, or ministry, the professors at Ouachita have shown their students that with passion, prayer, and a love for the Lord, anything is possible. Last night, music faculty displayed passion on stage. “I think that we do not truly realize as students in the music program how blessed we are to have some of the most talented music faculty in Arkansas!” said Bethany Courtney, a senior music major and Christian studies minor. “I am always completely blown away by both the vocal faculty and the instrumental faculty’s performances every year! It’s one of my favorite music events we put on!”
Glenda and Jon Secrest perform at faculty showcase. The recital was held in Mabee Fine Arts Center. (photo by Justin Trostle)
they fall in love and get married. However, Eve does not like dogs, and this causes Enzo to see Eve as a competitor for Denny’s affection. However, when Eve and Denny have a child named Zoë, Enzo and Eve’s relationship is mended. This film has quite a few strong attributes. The actors are very relatable in their roles, the relationships in the movie are simulated in such a way that the audience can connect to the characters, and Costner’s narration helps the audience connect to Enzo and his journey through life. The cinematography was well done and there were a variety of camera angles, including one that portrayed En-
zo’s viewpoint which allows the audience to visualize how a dog sees the world. The soundtrack and score also helps the audience become immersed in the story. While “The Art of Racing in the Rain” has some good moments, there are a few things in the film that need improvement. The plot is jumps around too much, to the point that it becomes difficult to connect with certain characters, including Eve. The film moved so quickly that I did not have the time to care for her character, let alone forgive her for not liking dogs. The first 40 minutes try to summarize eight years of Enzo’s journey, and there are certain points in the film
where I felt as if there was a sign on the screen that shouted, “Foreshadowing!” It got to the point where the plot became so predictable that I knew how certain story lines were going to end about an hour into the movie. The film seems so desperate to connect with its viewers that it will cover a plethora of melodramatic points, trying to make the audience cry throughout the entire film. However, this is done in such a way that the filmmakers do not give the audience a moment to collect their thoughts or process what has happened before the plot moves on to the next point. Overall, I thought that “The Art of Racing in the Rain” was a very
‘The Art of Racing In the Rain’ disappoints BY WYATT ASHLOCK Staff Writer
“The Art of Racing in the Rain” focuses on a golden retriever named Enzo Swift (voiced by Kevin Costner). Enzo narrates the movie, telling about his life and adventures with his owner Denny Swift (Milo Ventimiglia). Denny is a Formula One race car driver. Denny and Enzo are an inseparable team who do everything together, and Enzo dreams of being reincarnated into a human so that he can become a skilled racer just like Denny. When Denny meets a girl named Eve (Amanda Seyfried),
predictable, melodramatic movie. This is a typical movie made for dog lovers, or any animal lovers for that matter, those who enjoy crying, or those who just want a film to play with their emotions. I feel as if all Hollywood movies about dogs share a checklist, and they all tick off the same boxes--including the fact that the movie must be narrated by the dog. This movie checks these boxes. The good in this movie does not outweigh the bad, which causes the film to fail in its goal to deliver its message. I would recommend that people wait to see this movie and rent it at home. I would rate this film 2.5 out of 5 tiger paws.
OPINIONS
WWW.OBUSIGNAL.COM | PAGE 7
God says ‘take heart’ when this world says take cover
Rise in media results in pros, cons BY SARAH WILLIAMS Staff Writer
There are so many outlets for the media, everything from Snapchat to Fox news. As our generation grew up, media became apart of our everyday lives. In a way we are addicted to it: we feel a sense of separation anxiety when we lose our phone or do not have Internet access. When we were young we began spending less time playing outside and more time staring at computers and televisions. I think the media is a very powerful tool - it can be used to help people or it can be used to hurt people. Especially as college students, we sometimes cannot make it home for events such as birthdays or weddings in our hometown. Media provides an easy way to communicate with friends and family who are a few hours away or even on another side of the world. In the same way, media, such as television, radio and the Internet, allow us to learn things very quickly. As college students, we do several research papers a year, so the fact that we can do research on the Internet from our phone, tab-
let or laptop lets us be able to do all of our homework without even getting out of bed. Since we have the power of the Internet right at our fingertips, it allows us to get our work done faster and more efficiently. Not only does the Internet help us in school but it helps in the business world as well. Because of the media, companies are able to reach people across the world. For example, a hotel chain of locations, managers and owners from Texas can speak to consumers across the world. Additionally, if a company has some sort of scandal or recall issue, they can use the media to help inform their customers and fix whatever the issue is. Further, media isn’t just for homework or videos on YouTube. It can help our men and women in uniform that serve in the military overseas. Because of things like Facebook and FaceTime, they are able to stay connected to their friends and family back home. However, despite everything good, there are some negative sides to the media. As young people, we are always glued to our phones; because of this we would rather text someone then conduct an over-thephone conversation. This addiction
to screens makes people scared to have a phone call. Because I had my first job when I was 15 years old and I have been working ever since, I was taught from a young age how to have a mature conversation on the phone, even with people who were much older than I was. Because I learned that at such a young age, talking on the phone does not scare me at all. For younger people who have grown up immersed in screens, the thought of talking on the phone scares them beyond reason. Another negative side of the media is the danger of putting your life on the Internet. Every time you post a picture, numerous people see it...even if your account is private. People portray themselves deceptively or falsely online all the time. We see a curated version of who they are and sometimes it is so curated they are unrecognizable in real life. Therefore, we as young people have to be careful about what we post and especially what we assume from others’ posts; even when you delete a post it is never really gone. Overall, having media in our lives is a good thing as long as we are responsible in how we use it every day.
BY ETHAN DIAL Editor-In-Chief
My planner is full of misspelled words and unfinished checklists. Nearly every single neutral page is lined with my doodles and hand written fonts that make it not so. The month of August has “senior year” written at the top with a drawn pencil pointing to the first day of school. The month of October has a cartoon-esque pumpkin with a cute little bat to one side. Being as particular as I am, every month has these little details that make my agenda worthy of my desk mate’s glancing eyes, especially right before Christmas break! Crammed in between the front and back covers and corresponding pages are quickly jotted down prayers and random thoughts worth remembering. Believe it or not, I think my black spiraled agenda gives great insight into this oh-so precious life I’ve been given. It tells you just a bit about who I am: a creator, a writer, an artist, a friend, a horrible speller, a procrastinator, a multitasker...the list goes on and on. Though these are each characteristics of Ethan’s essence, are they truly what define me? Lately, I’ve been thinking about what the world’s perception of me is. Who am I to them? When they look in my agenda, do they see the
most powerful king of kings, Jesus? I understand that the metaphor is a bit silly, but for some reason, I have always defined people by the little things. I’ve taken just a glance at their agenda and determined exactly who I think they are and if I like them or not. Though I know I’m not supposed to judge a book by its cover, I somehow always do. And if I am taking one or two glances at a person and determining who they are, the world is surely doing that same thing to me. Therefore, when that person meets me for the very first time or scrolls through my Instagram for a few seconds, what do they see? Do they see Jesus at first glance? My prayer is that I continually grow closer to the Lord so that the world has no choice but to see the creator of the universe every time they look at me. In everything I do, say, think and feel, I want Jesus to be present. While I know He’s by my side through it all, I want to choose to wake up every day, cast my cares on Him, and totally depend on the God of more than enough to get me through this chaotic life. John 16:33 says that we will struggle in this life, but reminds us to “take heart” because our Jesus has overcome the world. I want to live a life where every day I wake up and “take heart.” What about you?
sports
PAGE 8 | WWW.OBUSIGNAL.COM
The Ouachita football team lines up at practice, warming up for their first game this Thursday at 7:00 p.m. in Cliff Harris Stadium. The team spent all summer preparing for this upcoming season. (photo by Levi Dade)
OBU welcomes new coaches for women’s teams BY SANDY SWANSON Staff Writer
When you hear the word “coach,” what comes to mind? Perhaps those who have played sports experience a rush of endearing memories. Maybe coaches have left a bitter taste in the mouths of some players. For sports spectators, images of a leader barking orders from the sideline most likely come to mind. But how do the coaches define what they do? What does it mean to them? As the newest additions to Ouachita’s coaching staff, Robert Dallimore and Steve Guymon defined their jobs for the rest of the university. Robert Dallimore is joining Ouachita this year as the head coach of women’s basketball. His coaching career began when he started coaching middle school basketball during his last two years of law school. After graduating law school, Dallimore became a head coach for high school base-
ball and basketball. Since 2005, he has coached only collegiate women’s basketball, but collectively he has 29 years of coaching experience. Dallimore was friends with Coach Garry Crowder, Ouachita’s former women’s basketball coach, but it was his faith that drew him to Ouachita. “My spiritual background attracted me to Ouachita. I had always told my wife this would be a really neat place to coach,” said Dallimore. “Basketball is just a tool that I think God gave me, a talent in order to have an opportunity to mentor.” Dallimore does not measure success in wins or losses; he cares for the spiritual, academic, athletic and social health of his players. If his team is doing well both on and off of the court, there is success. “Are my players maximizing their potential to be women of excellence in all aspects of their lives?” Dallimore asks himself. “First spiritually, then academically, athletically, and hopefully they
have a balance socially.” Dallimore revealed that the highest point in his career so far had little to do with basketball. In 2003, he got to coach Louisiana’s all-star women’s high school basketball team, which was comprised of the best players in the state. The girls requested to go to a Bible study as a team, and Dallimore was given the opportunity to share his testimony. “When I gave my testimony, four girls on that team got saved, and one kid rededicated her life to Christ,” Dallimore said. “That was the best moment of my coaching career - not the championships, not anything else.” So maybe coaching is not centered around sports at all. Maybe it has a deeper meaning and a different focus. Starting this semester, Steve Guymon is Ouachita’s women’s cross-country coach, and he will act as coach of the women’s track team. His love of the sport started when he began running in high school, and he continued run-
ning through college as well. Since then, Guymon has coached young women of all ages across all divisions. With 34 years of experience behind him, he speaks very highly of coaching. “Teaching and coaching are really the most important jobs in the world,” Guymon said. “Everyone learned from someone.” Guymon acknowledges that there is more than running involved in coaching cross country and track, and recruiting is a personal process at Ouachita. “We recruit them and get to know their families, and when they get here, we gain their trust, instill confidence in them, and work on their life choices,” Guymon said. Though both Dallimore and Guymon testify to how meaningful and fulfilling coaching is, both admit that it can be a struggle. For Guymon, failing to help his team improve themselves can be particularly difficult. “I have a strong belief in people, and failing to get players to believe
in themselves and develop that self-confidence can be frustrating,” Guymon said. Both of the coaches also shared the pain of witnessing unfulfilled potential. “Regardless of natural talent, I’m much happier with the kid who has taken what God has given her and has maximized it,” Dallimore said. “When you have someone who is extremely talented and doesn’t work very hard-- that’s probably my biggest frustration,” Guymon said. After years of experience, Dallimore and Guymon have uncovered what it means to be a coach. Taking on whatever role is necessary to strengthen their team members has become first priority, and they’ve learned the importance of caring for students despite what the scoreboard says. “It’s not about winning,” Guymon said, gesturing towards photographs of students on his shelf. “It’s about them.”