Volume 131, Issue 3: October 6, 2022

the

VOLUME 1 31 , ISSUE 3 OCTOBER 6, 2022

S GNAL Tiger Tunes Edition

CONTENTS PAGE 2 | WWW.OBUSIGNAL.COM

COVER STORY.............................3 NEWS......................................4-5 ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT...............6 OPINIONS................................... 7 SPORTS......................................8

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Julia Shands

S GNAL

PRINT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Valeria Gomez

ONLINE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Emilee Webb NEWS EDITOR

Jane Ellen Dial

Isaac Bourne SPORTS EDITOR

Rachel Dunnam OPINIONS EDITOR

Sydney Motl COPY EDITOR

ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Dr. Jeff Root Adviser

Ouachita Baptist University Office: Evans Student Center Email: signal@obu.edu Phone: (870) 245-5210

Matthew Cheatham

AD COORDINATOR

Addie Chumley STAFF DESIGNER

Levi Dade

PHOTO EDITOR

Sarah Dean

PHOTO EDITOR

Dr. Deborah Root Adviser

Jackson Carter Online Adviser

The Signal is the student newspaper of Ouachita Baptist University, and is published twice a month on Thursdays 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.

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 email to signal@obu.edu.

COVER STORY WWW.OBUSIGNAL.COM | PAGE 3

Tunes directors reflect on memorable month

BY MARIAH HALBERT Staff Writer

Tiger Tunes is one of Ouachita’s significant traditions. The production showcases the talent of each social club, along with Student Life, Campus Ministries and Tiger Blast, and is viewed all over the world. All proceeds go to student scholarships, which help students continue to enjoy the activities, traditions and learning opportunities Ouachita offers.

Tunes directors create their theme, pick songs and rewrite the lyrics to match the show, think up choreography, teach their whole club move-by-move, choose costumes, hair and makeup and respond to a hundred questions a day all while being a student at Ouachita. Directors sacrifice their time to make Tiger Tunes an entertaining experience every year.

During the 44th year of Tiger Tunes, Ouachita is presenting the following shows: Eta Alpha Omega “Mall Cops,” Chi Mu “Queens,” Campus Ministries “Marathon,” Student Life “Sweet Shoppe,” EEE “Reporting Live,” Chi Delta “Disco,” Beta Beta “Beach Boys,” Gamma Phi “Aerobics,” Kappa Chi “Australia,” Rho Sig “Referees” and Tri Chi “Rocks.” MegaMix is the grand finale where Tunes directors are given a moment in the spotlight for their work to be appreciated by audience members.

The campus community is thankful for all the hard work that goes toward this scholarship fundraiser.

The Tunes directors shared some of their thoughts on how things go down behind the scenes.

Q: Why did you want to be a Tunes director?

A: From EEE Director Ashton Hurst, “I am a fourth generation OBU student, so I grew up coming to Tunes. I was always mesmer-

Students will perform their shows to a live audience Oct. 6-8 and all proceeds will go to the Ouachita Student Foundation, which raises money for student scholarships. The 2022 Tiger Tunes directors have been working since last spring to create an award-winning show for their club or organization. (photo by Levi Dade)

ized by all the different shows. My sister and I would sing songs from different clubs’ shows for weeks.

Once I came to OBU and experienced being a part of a Tunes show my freshman year, I had an even bigger love for Tunes. So, when I became an EEE, and it was time to run for positions, I knew that Tunes was the place for me. I wanted to help create a show for my club and for all the little kids who come to watch Tunes. I wanted to be a part of the Tiger Tunes legacy.”

Q: How has being a Tunes director been special?

A: From Eta Alpha Omega Director Noah Sanders, “The job has been special each and every time I see the guys having a fun time practicing the show. Choreogra-

phy can be fun or not so fun, but whenever I’d show them a move and they’d freak out in excitement, that’s when I realized I made a good decision.”

Q: What does the job entail?

A: From Kappa Chi Director Tanner Shipman, “There’s so much more done behind the scenes than people think. This job as a Tunes director comes with a lot of work.

You have the job of coming up with a whole show for your club to perform. You have to pick out costumes and get everyone’s sizes, get all of them ordered and stress over their arrival and if it’s going to be on time. The job also includes leading your members during every rehearsal, teaching them lyrics, harmonies, choreography and so

much more.”

Q: Has it been rewarding?

A: From Beta Beta Director Baker Kendrick, “It’s been very rewarding so far, but I believe the biggest reward will come after we win second place on Saturday night. In all seriousness, being a director has taught me a lot about leading people my own age. Seeing the show start to come together has been a huge reward already but seeing how happy the rest of the guys are after we finish each show will be the biggest reward.”

Q: What’s your favorite memory from this season and why?

A: From Tri Chi Director Meredith Medford, “Our dance parties are some of my favorite memories and trading with other shows.

There was one day I led a guided meditation where our club was to take a deep breath in, and on their exhale, they had to scream at the top of their lungs just to relieve tension. Trading shows with other clubs is also so rewarding because we get to just encourage one another, and I honestly think it makes us stronger as a club.”

Q: What are you looking forward to the most during show week?

A: From EEE Director Chloe Lay, “I’m looking forward to sharing the show with everyone. We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished, and it’s always a great feeling to be on the JPAC stage after a month of practice. I’m ready to experience that again.”

NEWS

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Production staff gears up for Tunes performances

BY EMILEE WEBB

Football tailgate gets facelift

BY AUSTYNN CROCKER Staff Writer

Ouachita brought the spirit against Harding Football on Thursday with a revamped tailgate. With purple and white tents, Ouachita students went above and beyond to create a fun, exciting atmosphere before the second home game of the season. In past years, the tents have looked slightly uncoordinated with an array of blue and brown tents.

Ouachita faculty provided as many clubs and tailgate groups as possible with matching tents. Not only was the tailgate cohesive, but it also felt spirited with giveaways, sweet treats and music.

To make freshman more comfortable at their first tailgate, Student Senate representatives at Ouachita brainstormed the perfect way to give them a place to gath-

er and socialize with friends and different clubs before the game.

For the first time this year, freshmen were provided with their very own tailgate tent. The tent included snacks like cotton candy and face paint. They styled their tent after the theme “Purple and Bold.” The freshmen tailgate coordinated a giveaway of purple and yellow checkered Vans for the most spirited outfit. This gave freshmen the opportunity to express themselves and their love for Ouachita football.

A Polaroid camera station was set up for students to snap a picture of themselves or their friends as a keepsake of the game. For years, students requested to listen to their choice of music, instead of the generic bands that play over the loudspeakers. This year, Ouachita allowed the idea. The new freshmen tent was supplied with its own speakers so students could shuffle

their choice of music. The new freshman tent was a success and students went into the Ouachita vs. Harding game ready for another Ouachita win.

Director of Student Life, Tim Harrell, has actively been trying to improve the Ouachita tailgates.

He spearheaded the effort to create cohesive tents and continues to ask students their opinions on how they would like the tailgates to look in the future. The tailgates are an important part of Ouachita tradition, and Harrell, among other Ouachita staff, are working to make it as fun for freshmen as it is for returning students.

“We wanted to create a fun and exciting place for freshmen to get ready for the game,” Harrell commented, “We had a lot of fun.”

Student enthusiasm was high after the Ouachita tailgate and endured as Ouachita took a 21-13 victory over Harding football.

News Editor The 44th annual Tiger Tunes production will be held this weekend in Jones Performing Arts Center (JPAC). Tiger Tunes is a production like no other. JPAC is filled to the brim with families of students, alumni, prospective students and many others that come to support the students that have worked hard to create their shows for an entire month.

However, these shows are not just for fun. All proceeds from Tiger Tunes go directly to student scholarships through the Ouachita Student Foundation, or OSF. In addition to Tiger Tunes participants and directors, there are many people that put in hours of work behind the scenes to ensure that Tiger Tunes runs smoothly.

Nick Smith, the technical director of JPAC, spends many hours working behind the scenes to make Tiger Tunes what it is. His job mostly consists of logistical planning during the month before Tunes.

His day revolves around scheduling practices, coordinating timing with clubs, hosts and hostesses and making sure all JPAC practices are running on schedule. According to him, the most enjoyable part of his job is technical directing. This includes planning, programming and running lighting and sound for all of the shows. He shared his reasoning for why all of the long hours are worth it in the end.

“It’s a lot of work, late nights, a lot of sleep and free time lost and a lot of dedication,” Smith said. “But, it’s doing what I love. I get to help students bring their shows to life.

And, the end result, getting to see all of the shows on opening night and each night, makes it all worth it. Getting to see the crowd react, laugh, gasp and cheer is amazing.

Nothing beats having a sold out

room every night, and the student engagement and seeing how much fun everyone has on stage makes it all worth it.”

As of Monday, there were a few seats left for the Wednesday night preview performance, but all of the other shows are sold out. Joey Whisenhunt, the special events co-chair for the Ouachita Student Foundation, shared how encouraging it is to see college students work so hard to help keep their peers on campus.

“It is also uplifting to see how committed the student body is to OSF’s mission, ‘students helping students’ and raising scholarship money,” Whisenhunt said. “Tiger Tunes is our biggest fundraiser for the entire year and to see how committed all these students are reassures me that this is the right thing to do. Everyone is devoted to making sure Tiger Tunes is the best that it can be. That’s why it sells out every year, and that’s why it makes the money that it does to give back to student scholarships.”

Jon Merryman, director of OSF, echoes Whisenhunt, giving his encouragement to students who are both participating and planning.

“I just want to thank all the students who work so hard to put this show on,” Merryman said. “I know it takes so many hours of work but it is so worth it as prospective students will make their decision to come to Ouachita. Because of Tunes, we’ll award over $100,000 in scholarships, and I really do think it is the most fun way to raise scholarship dollars. We also want to thank everyone on campus for their patience, support and encouragement as over half the student body participates in the show. We can’t wait for everyone to see this exciting show.”

More information about Tiger Tunes can be found on Ouachita’s official website.

NEWS

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Ouachita Student Foundation raises money for student scholarships through ticket sales

BY MATTHEW CHEATHAM Staff Writer

Tiger Tunes has remained a sought-after event at Ouachita Baptist University since its beginning in 1978. Through the years, the event has become popularized by alumni coming to support their old clubs, family and friends of current students and many others who come to see quality entertainment. However, the purpose of Tiger Tunes is not just to put on a show and have fun. Tiger Tunes raises money for student scholarships.

Organized through the Ouachita Student Foundation in 1978, the idea was inspired by Baylor University’s Baylor Spring Sing, now known as Baylor Sing. There are notable differences in the execution of these events, specifically as Ouachita’s shows are completely student-led, while Baylor is allowed to have guests come help in the planning (lyrics, choreography, costumes, etc) of each show.

The execution of such an event requires long hours of tedious planning. Caroline Derby, president of the Ouachita Student Foundation, fully understands the importance and value of details to achieve the overall task.

“We are working day in and day out to hit our goal,” Derby said. “We totaled up the number of hours the four of us have spent in JPAC and it is over 50, and that doesn’t even count the hours we spent last semester with directors preparing for this season. We are cutting costs where we can, planning events outside of Tiger Tunes and striving toward raising as much money as possible to give away the greatest amount of scholarship money as possible.”

Left: Members of OSF leadership have been planning the logistics of Tiger Tunes since last spring. Left to Right: Cabb Batson, Caroline Derby, Izzy Baughn and Joey Whisenhunt. (photo by Levi Dade) Right: The men of women of Student Life endure late nights practicing their show “Sweet Shoppe.” (photo by Levi Dade)

Scholarships are vital and heavily impactful to the campus and community.

“Lives change when people receive their scholarships from OSF,” Derby said. “Everyone, whether we know it or not, has a need, and when we get to fulfill a financial need, it takes some burden off of students.”

According to Derby, when a student gets to stay at Ouachita, they further more than just their education.

“Ouachita is a place where students come to learn and grow into who they are meant to be while deepening their relationships with

the Lord, and preparing for the future,” Derby said. “It should never be a place that becomes stressful or worrisome because of finances. So, when scholarships are given out, and we see the physical and emotional relief on the faces of students across campus, that’s when I feel like the Ouachita Student Foundation has made an impact through the work we do.”

Thoroughness is necessary in the planning phase, and the event has continuously evolved throughout the years. Judges with no prior affiliation with any of the competing clubs are selected to maintain fairness among groups. A new aspect

will be added this year through the use of xylobands, which are simple bracelets that light up in tune with the music of each show.

Through ticket sales, a silent auction, people’s choice voting, merchandise sales, and other marketing tactics, Tigers Tunes helps raise over $120,000 each year.

OSF’s goal for the amount of money raised for student scholarships for the entire academic year is $135,000.

“We have other events throughout the year that help us raise money,” Derby said. “We put on Tiger Traks, a Fund Run, Philanthropy Fair, Deck the Delph, and other

smaller events and tasks across campus.”

The growth of silent auction items (doubling in value from last year) will greatly help toward that goal. Local (and some less local) businesses have gifted OBU with donations from their establishment with all proceeds to going toward student scholarships.

Tiger Tunes is the perfect time to see the appreciation that students have for keeping their fellow classmates on campus through donated dollars from the many dances, songs, and laughs that are practiced diligently and shared on stage for a full-house audience.

ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT PAGE 6 | WWW.OBUSIGNAL.COM

Tiger Tunes HoHos prepare for live performances on JPAC stage, anticipate lively crowds for all shows

BY MADISON BASCO Staff Writer

Tiger Tunes is the biggest event on campus. Parents, alumni, friends and so many others rush to the JPAC stage to see the performances that clubs and organizations on campus work to produce.

The hosts and hostesses have an important job of opening Tunes, keeping the energy up between shows and closing Tiger Tunes for the year.

Seniors Sara Kate Cole and Madi Darr, juniors Brennon Humphry, Michael Pasman and Allie Graves, and sophomores Amaya Hardin, Brandon Holloway and Logan Babel are are this year’s hosts and hostesses. Cole explains that there has been a lot of hard work and preparation put into this year’s performance.

“We really do put a lot of time in,” Cole said. “Every week we’re dancing, singing, performing and perfecting.”

This is Cole’s second time being a hostess. She is also their stu-

dent director this year.

“Our choreographer is in Texas and teaches the dances at the very beginning,” Cole said. “It’s my job to make sure everybody learns it and executes it well. I do all the behind the scenes work for everybody. I polish it all up and make it performance ready.”

Cole explains that there is a lot of responsibility that comes with being a host and hostess.

“When you are a host, you are the face of Ouachita and Tunes season,” Cole said. “You’re held to a higher standard, so you have to keep that in mind whether you are performing at Tunes or you are shopping at Walmart. You have to be on your best behavior at all times.”

Humphry is also a second-year host for Tiger Tunes.

“We open the show, so the first thing that the audience sees is ‘boom,’ lights, curtain, hosts,” said Humphry. “That is the moment that we set the show. We really have to bring energy. Our song this year is going to do that. I feel really good about it.”

He explains that being a host is rewarding because it allows him to perform in a different way, and he enjoys being involved in something that so many people value and love.

“Personally, being a host helped me figure out what kind of performing I loved the most,” Humphry said. “My ability to perform has been affirmed by these experiences. We work so hard, and it’s very validating when people are complimentary. It’s nice to feel appreciated and know that the hard work paid off.”

Darr is a first-time host this year and has anticipated this week for as long as she can remember.

“I am excited for show week to start.” Darr said. “I have loved Tunes ever since I was little. I always loved watching all of the clubs and hosts on the stage. I wanted to be one of those people.

Now, I am one of the main eight of the show, and it is a dream come true.”

Darr said that one of the most rewarding aspects of being a host is knowing that she is a part of some-

This year’s Tiger Tunes hosts and hostesses (left to right) are: Brandon Holloway, Allie Graves, Brennon Humphry, Sara Kate Cole, Amaya Hardin, Micheal Pasman, Madi Darr and Logan Babel. (photo courtesy of Tyler Rosenthal)

thing that raises money for student scholarships. “My hard work is a small part of the reason that some of my friends get to stay at school,” Darr said.

Darr acknowledges that the performance is nerve-wracking but knows that it’s worth it to make memories that she will treasure forever through this experience.

“I want to think about singing to the young Madi Darrs in the audience, and I want to be someone they can look up to,” Darr said. “It

helps calm me down when it comes to perfection. When I was little, I never remembered anyone messing up on stage. I have to remind myself to just go out there and have fun. If I mess up, it will be okay.”

Humphry can’t believe Tunes season is already here, and is excited to showcase what the host and hostesses have worked so hard on.

“It is an insane experience,” Humphry said. “The audience treats us like rockstars, and this year is going to be very special.”

Alumni office hosts Purple Plaza Party Friday

BY JACIE SELLARS Staff Writer

On Friday, Ouachita Alumni Relations will host the Purple Plaza Party as part of the Homecoming festivities taking place on campus.

The party will be held at Grant Plaza and on the campus lawn from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Clubs and organizations from all across campus will set up booths with a variety of games and activities, and a delicious barbecue lunch will be served on the lawn. The

campus will also be decorated with purple and gold pennants strung across lamp posts, signifying the start to an eventful Homecoming weekend.

Student Life director Tim Harrell said, “The Purple Plaza Party has a tailgate atmosphere, but it’s bigger than our normal tailgates. The event is designed to be an end of the week celebration that leads into Homecoming weekend, and it will be huge and fun.”

The Purple Plaza Party will include several events designed to promote school spirit. At noon, the

top 20 homecoming court nominees will be announced and will be escorted by senior football players.

This exciting announcement will remind people to vote for homecoming queen and attend the football game on Saturday. Afterward, the Ouachita marching band and cheerleading squad will put on a pep rally for those in attendance.

Freshman Carleigh Himmelsher is looking forward to performing with the band.

“I’m excited to finally be a part of this Ouachita tradition.” Himmelsher said. “I can’t wait to rally

together with the student body and spread school spirit.”

The party will also feature live music. After the pep rally, a group of junior and senior music industry majors will perform a concert of fun hits. The music industry department has given their students the opportunity to practice performing by hosting live performances at Dr. Jacks throughout the semester. Students from the department volunteered to perform at the party, and they are excited for the opportunity to be a part of the Homecoming celebration

The Purple Plaza Party is a way to celebrate past, present and future Tigers, and Harrell enjoys the broad community that the event creates.

“The Purple Plaza Party provides everyone with the opportunity to meet outside and build school spirit,” Harrell said. “There will be current students, alumni and prospective students who are looking at Ouachita. This event has a big family atmosphere.”

This fun event is one that students and visitors shouldn’t want to miss.

OPINIONS

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How to have the most spirit for HOCO

BY KATIE BAYER Staff Writer

For most, the first week in October means more school, the daily grind of a nine-to-five or just another ordinary schedule. But for Ouachitonians, this marks one of the busiest and most exciting weeks of the academic year, a time known as Homecoming. For students, professors and alumni alike, this week is filled with a vast array of activities steeped in tradition.

This week truly is what makes Ouachita special. For all you Tigers out there, here are a few ways that you can get into the spirit this week and make lasting memories for years to come.

1. Go to the Homecoming football game. There is truly nothing more exciting than watching the Homecoming Queen candidates parade across the sacred turf of Cliff Harris Stadium.

Here, revel in the sights and sounds of the season, from the sizzle of hot dogs on the grill to the raucous roar of the Tigers cheering their team to victory.

Yesiree, folks, it doesn’t get much better than this.

2. Purple Plaza Party. Next up on our list of attractions is the Purple Plaza Party, an event that would leave other universities positively green”with envy. Students, faculty and prospective students can immerse themselves in a number of games

and activities planned by clubs and organizations. There is live music,

a pep rally and of course, dozens upon dozens of purple banners!

3. Go to Tiger Tunes. Tiger Tunes is one of the biggest events on Ouachita’s campus next to Homecoming and Battle of the Ravine. Here, you can cheer on your friends from other clubs as they perform in a larger-than-life production with crazy themes.

Better yet, participate in Tunes yourself! If you aren’t in a social club, there is room to participate with either Student Life or Campus Ministries. If you have the opportunity to perform at least once while at Ouachita, do it! It will be an experience that you’ll never forget!

4. “GO TO MUGGIN!” Directly after the last Tiger Tunes show, students can make their way to the area in front of the Stu, where

the men of Eta Alpha Omega host the biggest root beer bash on campus known as “Muggin.” Students raise their ice-cold glasses to the celebration of another successful Tunes season and can interact with other clubs as they dance the night away under the stars.

5. Explore Arkadelphia’s cuisine. Our lovely town has several food options for those late nights after festivities. Midnight Waffle House runs are always a favorite for the seasoned Tiger, as are drives to Sonic or a trip to Dunkin’ for some well-deserved caffeine.

No matter what traditions you participate in this HOCO week, make the most of it with the ones you love. There’s no better time in the year to show up and show out!

To park or not to park, commuter students ask

BY CAMRYN MANNING Staff Writer

This year, Ouachita opened new apartment complexes which are able to house a maximum of 144 students within close proximity to campus. The unveiling of these apartments came with several complications such as the question of commuter parking. With the apartments being so close to campus, residents were originally told they could not park in campus lots; however, Ouachita recently allowed these apartment-dwellers to have the option of commuter parking.

Though the apartments seem a distance away, Sophie Weghorst prefers to travel on foot to campus.“It’s good to get out there and

walk,” Weghorts said. The distance of the apartments is still closer than other apartment buildings available to Ouachita students. However, she does believe in the need for commuter parking because of inclement weather and for those that have further to walk than she does.

She also pointed out Ouachita’s already-existing parking problems: Francis-Crawford Hall has recently experienced parking overflow in addition to Gosser Hall, and the extended parking lot downhill from Maddox Hall and Georgia Hall is often overlooked because the lot is hidden. Because of the campus’ current parking situation, it may not be wise to allow even more students to park on campus when the campus parking spots are already being competed for.

Resident Emily Watson loves

the new apartments. She enjoys the quality of the living spaces and appreciates the new independence, despite her floor’s smaller size due to the A-framed roofs of the buildings. Watson also sees a need for commuter parking.

“You have people that are expected to walk from the apartments to places like Lile, Moses-Provine, and SPEC… and walking there from the new apartments through the Maddox circle to the rest of campus, that’s easily a 10 to 20 minute walk,” Watson said.

She added that while parking is sometimes available at SPEC, it isn’t always guaranteed. She is excited about the new commuter parking available to apartment residents and says she will definitely utilize it.

One concern regarding com-

muter parking is that Ouachita is already limited on parking as is, and allowing the students from the new apartments to commute would only add to the problem. Watson addressed this with an ingenious idea: She proposed reforming the parking system at OBU in order to distribute parking more evenly across campus.

Under the system she believes would work, there would only be two categories of car-stickers for parking: one parking designation be for faculty and staff, and then one other designation be available to any student regardless of their place of residence. For example, a Gosser Hall resident would be able to turn to Tollett Hall parking when the Gosser lot overflows (the Tollett lot frequently sits three-quarters taken with plenty of

spots left over).

Francis-Crawford residents could park in the Maddox or Gosser lots if no other space was available, with no fear of receiving a ticket due to full Francis-Crawford parking. The goal of the redesignations would be to distribute parking more evenly across campus and would also allow students who live in the new apartments to commute without adding to the current parking shortage.

Though the question of commuter parking has become a concern across campus, most new apartment dwellers thoroughly appreciate their new homes. The lawn between the apartments is a great place to bring animals, lawn games and picnic blankets, and the residents enjoy being the very first students to live in these new spaces.

SPORTS

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Swim team welcomes back former athletes

BY JULIA SHANDS Editor-in-Chief

The Ouachita Baptist University swim and diving teams are welcoming back retired athletes and hosting the annual Homecoming Alumni meet on Oct. 8. Current swimmers will race against past swimmers in the place they once called home. The nostalgic event allows for camaraderie between the swim network and a chance to share stories over a meal with former and present athletes.

“This is always a big weekend for the swim team,” said Dawson Pritchard, assistant coach and recruiting coordinator. “We invite all of our alumni back to campus. If they can make it, they’re encouraged to hop back in the water where they trained and competed for four years. The meet is very relaxed, super fun and pits the alumni against the current swimmers and divers.”

The competing teams will swim a 50 in each stroke and take part in relays consistenting of alumni and current swimmers. After the race is finished, they plan to make their way to the Homecoming football game for a tailgate.

The current swimmers enjoy the friendly competition with past swimmers as there’s no scoring involved, and for some alumni, it’s been years since they’ve gotten back in the pool.

“Our competitors are the alumni themselves along with our fellow teammates,” said Chad Gscheidle, junior swim captain from Lantana, Texas. “For the upperclassmen on the team, it is typically funny to race old teammates that are no longer in swimming shape. I am not so much worried about the competition for this meet because this meet is just for fun and bonding.”

After having a spectacular start of the season at the All-Arkansas

meet in Little Rock, Ark., alumni are excited to meet the athletes that made their way up on the leaderboard.

“The alumni meet and tailgate gives the alumni a chance to meet the current athletes and vice versa, all while doing something we love, getting to compete,” Pritchard said.

“Our alumni have been very supportive and have been keeping up with the team through social media and through Ouachita news sources, so they like to meet the athletes that are being talked about.”

The alumni may have an energy advantage on the Ouachita swimmers as the current Ouachita team plans to swim against Oklahoma Christian the day before.

“They’re very similar in size and recruiting styles to our team, so the meets are always very fun,” Pritchard mentioned.

Pritchard has seen monumental improvement from the previous season, and it’s proven by the way the team finished at the All Arkansas Invite. Highlights from the event include freshmen Anthony Paculba and Tyler Andruss taking 1st and 2nd place in the 500 yard freestyle; Noah Smith, Elijah Christenson, Anthony Paculba and Angel Medina placing 1st through 4th in the 200 yard individual medley; A and B relays placing 1st and 2nd in the 400 free relay and the men’s team winning the meet with a total of 583 points.

The women’s team also made noteworthy strides with Freshman Keilee Holcomb taking home 3rd in the 200 freestyle and 5th in the 100 yard butterfly; senior Kaitlyn Montgomery placing 8th in the 200 yard individual medley and 6th in the 100 yard backstroke; freshman Rachel Del Angel finishing 7th in the 100 yard freestyle; sophomore Kate McCown placing 8th in the 500 yard freestyle; the freestyle team earning 4th in the 200 yard

Swimmer Angel Medina gets excited after a race last season. The Tigers have seen quick success at the start of their 2022 season, and they hope to build on that success in their upcoming meets. (photo by Sarah Dean)

relay and freshman diver Bella Howell placing 4th in the one meter dive.

“We’ve been pushing our team in different ways than we have before,” Pritchard said. “Our Head Coach Steven Bostick always says that you have to change at least 25 percent of what you did from last year to grow. If you do the same thing, you should expect the same results. We had an amazing recruiting class start with the team this season, so we’re off to a better start than what we could have hoped for.

But competition in swimming isn’t tracked by wins and losses like many other sports; instead, we are trying to swim the fastest we can to reach qualifying times to make it to the NCAA Championship meet this coming March.”

FOOTBALL Ouachita Baptist NW Oklahoma St

Saturday Oct 1 MEN’S SOCCER

Sat Oct 1 OBU 0 RSU 5

WOMEN’S SOCCER

Thurs Sept 29 OBU 3 NOSU 1 Sat Oct 1 OBU 0 SWOS 0

VOLLEYBALL

Mon Sept 26 OBU 3 MUW 0 Thurs Sept 29 OBU 1 SNU 3 Fri Sept 30 OBU 0 OBU 3