Volume 132, Issue 2: September 28, 2023

the

VOLUME 132, ISSUE 2 SEPTEMBER 28, 2023

SIGNAL The heart of Ouachita news

CONTENTS PAGE 2 | WWW.OBUSIGNAL.COM

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

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On the cover: Cabb Batson, Georgia Richards, Jillian Covington, and Joey Whisenhunt pose for a photo in anticipation for Tiger Tunes. This group was instrumental in the creation, preparation and final production of Tunes. (photo by Sarah Dean)

the

Emilee Webb

SIGNAL

PRINT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Kaelin Clay

ONLINE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Kate Ellis

NEWS EDITOR

Jane Ellen Dial

Isaac Bourne SPORTS EDITOR

Camryn Manning OPINIONS EDITOR

Madison Basco 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

Chau Tran

STAFF DESIGNER

Sarah Dean

PHOTO EDITOR

Meghann Bledsoe PHOTO EDITOR

Dr. Deborah Root Adviser

Dr. 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

The Ouachita Student Foundation to celebrate 50 years of service and “Students Helping Students”

BY CAMRYN MANNING Opinions Editor

The year 2024 marks 50 years of the Ouachita Student Foundation (OSF), an organization that strives to provide students with scholarships, maintain tradition, cultivate a philanthropic campus culture and act as student ambassadors of Ouachita. Georgia Richards, OSF vice president, Cabb Batson, OSF president and Jon Merryman, director, reflected on OSF and what it means to Ouachita.

“Our motto is ‘Students Helping Students,’” Richards said. “We raise money for student scholarships for our classmates to stay on campus. It’s cool to see the impact that the work we do has.”

The Ouachita Student Foundation is involved in all different areas across campus.

“We have different committees, and one is student recruitment,” Merryman said. “When admissions is overloaded or there are a lot of people on campus, OSF students give campus tours.”

OSF members are a crucial part of student recruitment as representatives of Ouachita to prospective students and high school seniors.

“Usually, the first person you talk to as a prospective student coming to visit is an OSF member,” Richards added. “It’s neat to get to be on the other side of it now as a member of OSF. It is also great for high school seniors to get a current students’ perspective. It definitely helps them get to know the campus and its community better.”

Another important committee of OSF is philanthropy.

“They help put together Tiger For Life week, and their whole job is to create a philanthropic vibe on campus,” Merryman said. “We’re not just here for scholarships. We

The men and women of the Ouachita Student Foundation (OSF) pose for a group photo. OSF puts on Tiger Tunes, as well as events throughout the year, including Tiger Traks and the Fund Run, to raise scholarship money. (photo by Sarah Dean)

also want to support students to give back to what they are passionate about. Tiger For Life used to just be from the development office and about asking students and alumni to give back to Ouachita financially when they can ‘just to keep the lights on.’ Now, it’s more than that. We do the Fund Run to raise money for philanthropy and Scoops for Scholarships as well.”

OSF leadership is starting preparations to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the organization in 2024.

“We’re on the front end of it celebrating early,” Batson commented. “We’re doing a full calendar year of celebrating it until December of 2024.”

OSF was started in 1974 by Ouachita’s president, Dr. Dan Grant. Tiger Traks started soon after in 1975. Traks looked much different then than now. Instead of a competitive field day, Traks held a bicycle race, a celebrity tennis match and concert. By the 1980s, Traks was much more like it is today, with the eventual addition of the famous tricycle races.

Five years after OSF was founded, Tiger Tunes began. Baylor’s all-campus sing tradition taught OSF members and faculty how to run a show like Tunes, and the implementation of it at Ouachita was a hit. This avenue of fundraising has been widely successful at Ouachita for 45 years, and this year is no exception.

“It’s the 45th year of Tiger Tunes this year and 50th year of OSF next year, so it’s really fun celebrating that,” Richards said. “We only have around 115-150 tickets left for all of Tiger Tunes, and all of those are for Wednesday night,” Richards said.

“It’s the most we’ve ever sold,” Merryman said. “Normally, we have about 600 high school students that come from other schools to watch. Because Tunes is so early, most of them aren’t able to make it this year. Even with them out, we still only have that few tickets left.”

This year’s goal amount for Tiger Tunes scholarship fundraising is $200,000.

“Last year, we raised over $173,000,” Merryman said. “For the last two years now, we’ve had a presenting sponsorship of Two Rivers Credit Union. The amount we raise really will depend on how philanthropic everyone is feeling.

We do the silent auction, which raised about $10,000 last year and People’s Choice, which raised about $20,000 last year. All of that goes into the pot for Tunes to see what we can raise for the students.”

OSF has a goal to ensure that Tiger Tunes is not only a time to raise money, but that it is also a fun and memorable experience for all of the participants.

“We couldn’t do it without the clubs,” Merryman said. “If one day the clubs decided to just not do it, we truly would not have a show anymore. We appreciate that they see the greater good in it, and so many of them are on OSF scholarships and know the impact. The bigger the production gets, the more of them that get the money raised. The reason I came to school here is because I saw Tunes myself.

I hope to continue that tradition for current students and students in the future as well.”

Tiger Tunes is a reason many students choose OBU, and OSF tries to ensure that Tunes really is as much fun as it looks.

“We want to make sure that students enjoy their Tiger Tunes experience,” Batson said. “That’s why we try to encourage each club through things like club love and delicious snacks. They’re giving up all this time to support something for us that will come back to them and their fellow students.

We’re asking a lot of them, and we know it is important to encourage a fun and exciting environment for both the directors and members of all of the shows.”

Tunes also serves as a bonding experience for those participating.

“For upperclassmen especially, it’s cool to watch them bond throughout the season,” Richards said. “You see them build this friendship and find their niche. The community built into Tunes is a huge thing that comes out of it that a lot of people don’t expect at the beginning of Tunes season.”

OSF also encourages alumni to come back to participate in Tiger Tunes fun.

“We want alumni to come in and see all these things going on at their alma mater,” Batson said.

“We cannot wait to show Tiger Tunes to a wide variety of people.”

The scholarships that OSF raises money for open for applicants in the spring, and those that apply must have junior or senior hours the next fall.

“We really want to be able to help as many students stay on campus as possible,” Richards said. “After all, OSF’s main goal is ‘students helping students,’ we’ve been here for 50 years for just that.”

NEWS

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Left: The Women of Tri Chi cheer for their Tunes show, “Space Rescue,” while the Tiger Tunes theme reveal video plays. The video was played during halftime of the football game on Sept. 9. (photo by Sarah Dean) Right: The men of Eta Alpha Omega perform their tunes show, “Greece,” for other clubs during a show swap. Show swaps included all clubs watching each other’s performances. (photo by Sarah Dean)

OSF leadership, show directors, participants gear up for 2023 Tiger Tunes performances

BY KATE ELLIS News Editor

A familiar feeling has settled once again on Ouachita’s campus.

Students are abuzz with excitement, string lights are hung high above Cone-Bottoms lawn and the seats of Jones Performing Arts Center are beckoning for parents, alumni and students alike to come sit and enjoy the spectacle of the year: Tiger Tunes. Over the past four weeks, hosts and hostesses along with 11 clubs and organizations have been practicing choreography, learning lyrics and perfecting their shows in the name of student scholarships. Joey Whisenhunt, Ouachita Student Foundation events chair and director of Tiger Tunes, has been aiding the directors from each club since the end of the past spring semester to make the show come to life.

“Tiger Tunes is the largest event put on by the Ouachita Student Foundation, raising over $170,000 last year for student scholarships and hopefully even more this

year,” Whisenhunt said. “Through ticket sales, sponsorships, a silent auction, people’s choice awards and more, Tiger Tunes is the largest financial contributor to OSF’s mission of ‘Students Helping Students.’ The excitement around Tunes is at an all-time high and ticket sales speak to that. This year’s show is going to be something special. All of the clubs have worked so hard to make their shows the best ever.”

One of the incredible aspects of Tunes is that there are many moving pieces, meaning students can be involved in more ways than singing and dancing on stage. Working alongside Joey Whisenhunt to approve schedules, themes, songs, lyrics and costumes, has been OSF events co-chair, Jillian Covington.

“Being on this side of tunes has given me a whole new perspective,” Covington said. “I have a new appreciation for the directors and the OSF members who have worked to make Tiger Tunes the success that it is. My favorite part about organizing the behind-thescenes aspect of tunes is working

with the different shows and seeing their ideas and visions develop.

Being in a show last year, I saw a version of this but on a much smaller scale. Now, I am seeing every club and organization craft these amazing and witty shows, and it has been so fascinating to watch. Spending long nights in JPAC working on spreadsheets is much different than long nights practicing songs and choreo, but there is a spirit about Tunes that makes it fun, and the scholarship money raised in the end makes it all worth it.”

While OSF has been hard at work behind the scenes, club directors have been working just as hard to bring their shows to fruition, while also building camaraderie among club members. Gabe Mills, director of the Men of Eta Alpha Omega’s show, “Greece,” shares his experience being a director.

“My favorite part about being a Tunes director has been being able to bring the idea of a show to life, and for the guys in our club to get as excited about it as we have been,” Mills said. “I think our show

brings some new things to the stage that haven’t been done a whole lot, while also keeping our classic Eta show feel. We were really hoping to be able to engage the audience for every second of the show regardless of their age or musical knowledge, so there is something for everyone to enjoy.”

There is no doubt that Tiger Tunes is a unifying time for Ouachita’s campus. Almost half of the student body works together for the common goal of raising scholarships to keep fellow peers on campus, which is a cause worth celebrating. Following the announcement of results after the final show on Saturday, Sept. 30, Tunes participants will come together one last time to commemorate the past month at Eta Alpha Omega’s annual party, Muggin.

“Muggin is the biggest event that Eta has, and every year, it’s held after the Saturday late night Tunes show,” Mills said. “Everyone goes over in front of the Stu where we pass out bottles of IBC root beer and play music. It’s a lot of fun because a lot of people are still in

their costumes. It’s a celebration of the tunes season as a whole. We’ve been doing Muggin since the early 2000s and it’s a tradition that we love to host. It’s also our tradition that after we finish a show to chant ‘Come to Muggin!’ Three times as we run off stage.”

To be a part of Tiger Tunes, no matter how big or small the role, is to be fully immersed in Ouachita’s culture. Ouachita possesses the unique ability to make anyone feel at home, whether they are audience members who have never stepped foot on campus but whose tickets contributed to a student scholarship, alumni returning to Ouachita after a few years, or show participants who have grown in community with their peers during the month of practice.

“Tunes is one of Ouachita’s most treasured traditions because of the community it creates,” Whisenhunt said. “New friendships are made, and it gets people out of their comfort zones. For the month of Tiger Tunes, over 800 students become part of this show and it really is something special.”

NEWS

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Ouachita prepares to host 2023 Homecoming

BY JACIE SELLARS Staff Writer

Ouachita will host several festive and exciting homecoming events as alumni and visitors arrive on campus for Homecoming and Family Weekend. Students, faculty and staff, alumni and families can celebrate on Sept. 29 at the Purple Plaza Party from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Grant Plaza. Tigerfest, a new tailgate and brunch event, will take place on Sept. 30 from 9-11:30 a.m. at the Kluck Pavilion at Cliff Harris Stadium.

The Purple Plaza Party is an event designed to promote school spirit and showcase different clubs and organizations on campus. According to Alumni Director Jon Merryman, the Purple Plaza Party began several years ago as a way to unite every group on campus.

“All of the clubs and organizations used to do separate activities during homecoming week, which caused everyone to be separated

and was a lot of work,” Merryman said. “We decided to switch to one big party in the middle of campus on Friday, and many people describe it as a way to blow off steam and enjoy time all together.”

As purple banners decorate Grant Plaza, each club and organization will have a booth with games or giveaways. Student Senate president Brock Bivens is excited to attend the event.

“At the Purple Plaza Party, we will have the top 20 Homecoming nominees presented to campus,” Bivens said. “Student Senate will also have a booth set up. At our booth, we will have a giveaway and a special bingOBU prize.”

The Purple Plaza Party will also include a pep rally featuring the dance team and band as well as a live concert from students studying music industry.

On Saturday, students and visitors can look forward to Tigerfest, a new event that combines alumni teas and the pregame tailgate into one location.

“Different clubs and organizations will have booths for students and alumni to come visit, and we will serve a brunch down there that’s really delicious. This will be a great time for past, future and current students to spend time together,” Merryman said.

This time of reunions will provide a great opportunity for fellowship during homecoming weekend.

Bivens is looking forward to making connections with alumni.

“I think that having interactions with alumni makes the Ouachita experience even better,” Bivens said. “Getting to hear stories from 30+ years ago is so interesting. The alumni have some funny stories up their sleeves.”

Both the Purple Plaza Party and Tigerfest are open to students, families, alumni and faculty and staff.

These events are full of opportunities for everyone to connect with campus organizations, reminisce on college years and celebrate the everlasting Tiger spirit that bonds all of these groups together.

Brennon Humphry and Chloe Wallace sing at the 2022 Purple Plaza Party. The 2023 Purple Plaza Party will be held Sept. 29 at Grant Plaza. (photo by Levi Dade)

Student Senate external vice president Malea Borland believes that campus-wide gatherings help to unify everyone who attends Homecoming and Family Weekend.

“I think it is important to get together with students and alumni,” Borland said. “The Ouachita community knows no bounds, and

these events really help create a bond. Everyone should show up and show out.”

The full schedule for Homecoming and Family Weekend can be viewed at obu.edu/homecoming.

These celebratory events are ones that students and visitors won’t want to miss.

OBU welcomes new staff, faculty members

BY SYDNI WHITFIELD Staff Writer

As students walk around campus welcoming new faces, it will not just be new students they will be greeting, but also new staff and faculty members. Ouachita is welcoming 12 new staff and faculty members this year.

“We are thrilled to add these 12 faculty members to an outstanding faculty team as we seek to fulfill Ouachita’s mission,” Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Justin Hardin said.

Ouachita has also added new majors. Six of the new faculty members are supporting these new

programs. The new programs include a four-year nursing major and engineering and criminal justice majors.

“These are all exciting developments, and we look forward to stewarding these and existing majors well in the coming years,” Hardin said.

Dr. Katie Coggins, assistant professor of kinesiology who is teaching undergraduate students and graduate students studying for Ouachita’s new M.S. in Exercise Science, is happy to be back on campus after graduating in 2006.

“I love the mission and tradition of the university,” Coggins said.

“As the daughter of a professor on

campus, I spent much of my childhood at OBU. I consider it an honor and privilege to have the opportunity to be back on campus. The faculty and staff truly go above and beyond for students to help students succeed.”

Four new nursing faculty members are supporting Ouachita’s growing nursing program. Ashley Knight, assistant professor of nursing, graduated from Ouachita in 2011. She worked in multiple hospitals prior to returning to her alma mater.

“There are so many reasons that I wanted to work at Ouachita,” Knight said. “So much of my family is here in Arkadelphia, and many

of them work at Ouachita. But what really got me here was a trip with nursing to Nicaragua, where I was reminded of just how wonderful Ouachita students are. I knew that as I began moving away from bedside nursing into teaching, this was where I wanted to be.”

These new faculty members are assets to Ouachita. They align with Ouachita’s core beliefs and values, and they also recognize the great things the Ouachita campus and family has to offer.

“One thing that really stands out to me is the personal connections that are intentional,” Knight said.

“Not many universities encourage the faculty-student and faculty-fac-

ulty collaboration that Ouachita does, and I think it’s this spirit of loving like Jesus that facilitates all of that.”

Associate Professor of accounting and analytics Dr. Andy Almand recently joined the faculty at Ouachita after previously teaching at Henderson State University. He recognizes Ouachita for its contagious school spirit.

“Everyone loves it here,” Almand said. “That’s pretty special.”

OBU is different from other universities in many ways. The excellent faculty and staff not only help the university stand out, but they also allow the university itself and its students to thrive.

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Berry Chapel houses virtual overflow chapel, student leads acoustic worship

BY KATE ELLIS News Editor

When Ouachita enrollment hit its peak for the first time in 57 years, thus making Jones Performing Arts Center incapable of holding all students for Tuesday morning chapel, James Taylor, director of campus ministries, was tasked with finding a solution. For the first time in Ouachita history, the student body is split among two locations for the weekly chapel: the seats of JPAC and the pews of Berry Chapel.

Overflow chapel in Berry consists of acoustic worship, a medley of guitar, piano and Cajon drum, which is led by sophomore Christian studies and Christian ministries major Blair Yager, and a live stream of the larger chapel gathering in JPAC. Yager, who has a long history of leading worship, shares how this unprecedented event came to be.

“James Taylor, Larry Grayson, Joel Winters, Ben Sells and a few others had a meeting about what to do for chapel overflow worship,

and they thought I would be a good fit,” Yager said. “They reached out to me this summer about the opportunity. I’ve led worship since I was in the fourth grade, so I’ve led at many different churches and events. I interned at a church in Little Rock all summer. I am currently the youth worship leader for Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock. All of these experiences have helped me grow tremendously. If it weren’t for those opportunities growing up then I would not be musically or spiritually skilled enough to lead today.”

The acoustic worship in Berry is a large shift from the sound system, light fixtures and overall encompassing stage presence in JPAC. However, this change is proving to be a positive one, with both students and leaders in agreement that the acoustic sound and close knit Chapel building makes for a more intimate worship environment.

“I personally love the atmosphere in Berry Chapel. Since it will always be an acoustic set, it’s more vulnerable and raw,” Yager

said. “Everyone’s voices echo in the room, so you can hear everyone around you singing. It is super encouraging and refreshing to hear your peers around you worship. It feels more like a church. It also feels like everyone wants to be there, not another class that people are required to go to.”

Not only did overflow chapel succeed in finding a space for over 150 students, but it has also increased students’ desire to attend.

Alaina Moore, junior accounting and finance major, shares her appreciation for this new development and her participation in it.

“The acoustic worship in Berry is awesome,” Moore said. “Hearing everyone sing around you in Berry brings this feeling of fellowship and joy that isn’t available in JPAC. The atmosphere is similar to that of Refuge, and it leads to a serene time of worship. The acoustic worship is very intentional and genuine. It’s not showy, and everyone is just invited into a space of communion with God. The people in Berry seem to want to worship

print from a printmaking class at Ouachita,” Parsons said. “This is a type of print that is only able to be printed once using ink on plexiglass that is transferred onto a piece of paper. I rolled and spread the ink around to create a face and hair that resembles the likeness of the Versace fashion logo, hence the name ‘Versace.’ I had the pleasure of being exhibited in the Juried Art Show all three years that I attended Ouachita and won first place in 2022 with a Greek mythology inspired clay coil pot. Anyone and

everyone on campus can submit artwork, no matter their major. A juror picks pieces that they believe best fit in an exhibit together and name 1st, 2nd, and 3rd best in the show that are all awarded cash prizes. I was the president of the OBU Art Club for a time and enjoyed working with them to hang and present all the pieces by our student artists every year.”

One of the pieces, a black and white illustration by Sabaoot Esho named “The Covid Doctor,” is an homage to the classic Renaissance

Students participate in worship led by Blair Yager in Berry Chapel. The decision was made to provide students with a new acoustic and virtual weekly chapel experience because of this year’s peak enrollment. (photo by Breanna Watson)

and draw near to God. This leads to an environment filled with joy and peace. If overflow Chapel was ever offered again, I would jump at the opportunity to participate in it. I think it’s a great space of genuine worship, and I would love to be able to have Chapel in Berry every semester. I would sign up again and

encourage others to as well. It’s been such a great experience.”

Whether this be a long or short term solution, it is safe to say that Berry Chapel and the overflow Chapel experience is breathing new life into what is already an incredible weekly gathering among students, faculty and staff.

illustrations of the bubonic plague with a man wearing a hazmat suit in place of the beak and robe.

Another piece by Maegan Royster, named “Waves,” is a series of paper rings intricately weaved together into a large sculpture.

Jubilee Collins, one of the student artists, is showcasing her piece “Paper Cut Self-Portrait.”

“I found the paper cut extremely satisfying to make,” Collins said.

This was my first time attempting this method. I started with a blank piece of black paper, taped the image

on top and used an Exacto knife to remove the positive space.

This project tested my patience because of the process of creating it, but the result was definitely well worth it.”

Collins explains her pride in her artwork and her thankfulness that it is being displayed.

“This artwork is one of my favorites that I have created,” Collins said. “I am happy and honored that it is being shown in the exhibition and I hope that I can achieve that again this year.”

Art exhibits in Moses-Provine spark creativity

BY JAMES MCINTYRE Staff Writer

A number of student artworks are on display in Moses-Provine Hall until Sept. 30. They span a wide variety of mediums, from paintings to sculpture to photography, and they cover all manner of subjects from personal to satirical.

Jill Parsons, a former student artist and recent OBU graduate, is displaying her piece, “Versace.”

“The work that’s featured in the Juried Show exhibit is a monotype

OPINIONS

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How I’m surviving Tiger Tunes season

BY JORDAN DALLIMORE Staff Writer

During the fall semester, students from various organizations and social clubs on campus put on a one of kind show known as Tiger Tunes. As a member of a social club, I was excited to become closer with my fellow members while performing on stage.

Even though I’d been in Tunes before, one thing I was worried about at the beginning of Tunes season was being able to balance everything school-related while putting my all into the show.

Thoughts ran through my head like, “Am I going to be able to finish my work on time? Can I even remember the choreography? How will I even survive this month?”

Coming into my first Tunes practice this year, I had already mentally prepared myself for the long

hours. It was nice to have previous experience by being a part of Campus Ministries “Church Choir” my freshman year.

I realized from my first Tunes experience that you have to go into it with a positive attitude. Long practices and busy schedules are made exciting and refreshing by being optimistic yourself and being surrounded by others that are keeping great attitudes as well.

As I am currently going through this faster-paced Tunes season, I’ve had to face the challenge of finishing my work on time and taking the time to study amidst the craziness.

As a born procrastinator, Tunes has forced me to become as organized as possible to keep my grades up.

The best way I’ve found to organize all of my plans, homework, tests, quizzes and more is to put everything in both a planner and a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet to ensure that I can see all my work in

the same place and don’t miss any deadlines. This method has definitely saved me a time or two!

While working hard and making a great show, I have realized that even though Tunes is a competition, it is also an opportunity for everyone to put themselves out there, have a fun time and make new friends.

This season has given me an amazing opportunity to branch out to those in my club I’m not as close with, but it has also taught me to rely on those I am close with to help me when times are tough.

The choreography might seem too hard, or you might not have all the lyrics memorized, or you may not even be able to sing and dance at the same time. You might have homework that doesn’t seem like it will get finished or places that you need to be. However, everyone has had those struggles at some point, and they are going through it with

you. It brings you closer to them in a way that nothing else can.

Tiger Tunes is an experience like no other. You will never get these memories back. Once I graduate, I will never again have the chance to experience fun theme nights.

This might be the only time I get to goof around in between breaks of practicing and have the unforgettable late night Taco Bell runs with Tunes friends.

When it feels overwhelming, remind yourself that this season is short. It is short in the fact that it will be over soon, but also in the fact that once we graduate, we will not get to experience this again.

Enjoy Tiger Tunes while it lasts.

Make the most of it while you can.

Learn the songs, learn the choreography, stay on top of school by staying organized and most importantly, have fun.

I asked several people, coffee lovers and non-coffee lovers alike, how they felt about the choices for coffee in Arkadelphia. It turns out, we have a lot of varying opinions here at OBU. However, not everyone chose their favorite because of the same reason. Students elaborated on their choices by citing reasons such as taste, convenience, the environment and the price tag.

The most common answer I heard was Samantha’s, a local coffee shop located in downtown Arkadelphia. The shop recently renovated and redecorated, and it attracts students with its friendly atmosphere and delicious coffee.

“I actually like Samantha’s Nutella Latte the most,” junior Camryn Manning said. “It has all my favorite coffee flavors in one drink.”

Other students enjoy Samantha’s because of the variety of flavors they offer.

“My favorite is Samantha’s,” senior Isabella Berajano said. “I like it a lot because it’s ethically sourced and it’s always very fresh.

They always come up with the best seasonal flavors.”

Other students enjoy Dunkin’ Donuts, a chain coffee shop that offers reasonably priced coffee and breakfast food items.

“I like Dunkin’s caramel cold brew,” sophomore Halley Daniel said. “It’s just really good.”

Java Primo, another fan favorite, is located in downtown Arkadelphia and is owned by Ouachita alumni. Students find that Java Primo is a great place to get coffee and food and a nice place to study.

“The best coffee in town is Java Primo,” Alicia Thomas, a Java Primo employee, said. “Everything is made fresh and with fast service.”

Other students feel as though the best choice is right here on our campus. Dr. Jacks is conviently located in Evans Students Center and serves students their choice of many delicious drinks, including coffee, espresso drinks, tea, and their special frapjacks.

“I am not the biggest fan of coffee, but I love Dr. Jack’s matcha with oat milk,” freshman Karol Carmargo said.

Donut Palace is known for their delicious donuts, but they serve coffee as well. The store is unique in the fact that their coffee is served on a sweetness scale. After choosing a flavor, customers can cus-

tomize their drink by choosing a number between one and ten. This number corresponds to the sweetness level of the drink. Senior Micah Martin comments on how she has grown to love Donut Palace during her time as an OBU student.

“I go to Donut Palace once a week,” Martin said. “It has been a great part of my weekly routine.

The service is great, and the coffee is consistent. I will miss it when I graduate in the spring.”

Although students have varying opinions about the best choice for coffee in Arkadelphia, they all have found something they enjoy.

So, if you need an extra caffeine boost before a test or just want to try something new, check out some of these recommendations and see what you think.

The Women of Chi Mu practice their 2023 Tiger Tunes show. Their show was created by Ashton Long, Josie White, and Kensley Flynn. (photo by Sarah Dean)

Best coffee in Arkadelphia, student survey

BY ELLA ONUOHA Staff Writer

“What’s your favorite coffee in Arkadelphia, and why?” was a question I asked many students over the past week. Arkadelphia is a small town without as many options as large towns to choose from, so the question had my interviewees pausing and scrunching up their brows to think about the coffees they’ve had in Arkadelphia.

Delicious coffees are not hard to find in Arkadelphia. From our very own Dr. Jack’s at Ouachita or the Henderson Starbucks, to Java Primo and Samantha’s in downtown Arkadelphia, to Dunkin’ Donuts and Donut Palace, there are many great options for Ouachita students to enjoy.

SPORTS

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Tennis teams begin new 2023-2024 season

BY MADISON BASCO Copy Editor

The Ouachita Baptist University men’s and women’s tennis teams have been working hard, participating in tournaments and preparing for team matches that will resume in the spring. Head women’s tennis coach, Kourtney Chumbley is excited for the upcoming season.

“It is still so early, we’ve only been on the court for about three weeks, but we already have two tournaments behind us,” Chumbley said. “I am proud of how the girls showed up to campus for the semester. They were ready to compete and motivated to improve.”

The women’s tennis team had their first tournament at Northwestern where they walked away with several notable wins, including Austynn Crocker’s in over NSU’s line one player.

“Each of the three freshmen walked away with their first Division II collegiate tennis win,” Chumbley said. “Even more, one of our freshmen, Sadbaroy Kholdarova went undefeated in singles the first weekend.”

The following weekend, the women’s tennis team competed at Collin College in Texas. “[We played] against three highly competitive teams and went 12-7 in singles overall and 5-4 in doubles,” Chumbley said. “Several more notable wins with Senior Olivia Gaston and all three freshmen, Sadbaroy Kholdarova, Ruxy Tolescu and Marlee Bledsoe, going undefeated in singles.”

Practices this season for women’s tennis have combined tactical and technical work. “[We are focused on] point structure and how to use our individual strengths,” Chumbley said.

“This year, we have the privilege of working with strength and conditioning coach, Dakota Flash, which allows us to focus practice time strictly on tennis and

WEEKLY SCOREBOARD TUES SEPT 19 Women’s Volleyball VS

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THURS SEPT 14 Women’s Soccer VS Members of the women’s team celebrate after a match. They combined for a total of nine wins at ITA Regionals in Edmond, OK on Sept. 25th. (photo by Levi Dade)

allows the girls extra time in the weight room to work on strength, injury prevention and recovery.”

Chumbley feels incredibly fortunate to be working with her team for a fourth year at Ouachita.

“The way [the team] shows up to work hard every day makes me a proud coach and tiger tennis alumna,” Chumbley said. “I am grateful to be a part of their daily life and tennis is an added bonus.

They will accomplish great things this year, on and off the court.”

Senior Oliva Gaston has enjoyed the practices so far this year.

“Practices have been challenging, productive, and a lot of fun,” Gaston said. “After being apart all summer, it’s awesome being able to enjoy practices again with all of my teammates.”

Gatson enjoys the community of being on a team and is excited for her last year as an OBU tennis player.

“Now that I’m a senior, I look at everything with so much gratitude because being a part of this program is truly a dream,” Gatson said.

“We have fun but also work hard and push each other to be our best.”

So far, the men’s tennis team has participated in two tournaments. They have been putting in hard work, practicing and preparing for those tournaments. Junior Phil Exner has enjoyed being back on campus and practicing with his teammates.

“The most rewarding thing about being on a team is [being able] to achieve your goals together with your teammates [who] are almost like a family away from home,” Exner said.

Exner is looking forward to the spring season and the competition.

“My favorite moment with the tennis team was when we won the MIAA/GAC Conference Championship in 2022,” Exner said. “In that season, we also advanced to the Sweet-16 and competed for the national championship in Orlando. For our spring season, I’m looking forward to exciting matches with the goal in mind to win the conference championship and advance again to the Sweet-16.”

Head men’s tennis coach Craig Ward is especially grateful for the leadership his players are exuding this year.

“We have great senior leadership with Fernando and Alex,” Ward said. “Both of them are hungry to succeed and know it will take great effort to win our conference, regionals and advance to the national championship. But, that is the goal. Everyday when we go on the court, our goal is to make our teammates the best they can be. If you do that, you will make yourself better also. Focusing on the moment takes care of the future. I am looking forward to a great year.”

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What to Watch this Week: Thurs Women’s Volleyball @ SAU Thurs Men’s Soccer vs FHSU Sat Men’s Soccer vs Newman Sat Football vs SEOSU Sat Women’s Soccer @ SWOSU Women’s Volleyball vs Lane & vs UoC