the
VOLUME 132, ISSUE 4 NOVEMBER 2, 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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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
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Dr. Jeff Root Adviser
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Matthew Cheatham
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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
Givens tops career rushing touchdowns record BY CHASE HARTSELL Guest Writer
On Saturday, Oct. 21, Ouachita running back Kendel Givens stood to the right of quarterback Riley Harms on a sunny Football Alumni Day at Cliff Harris Stadium. The Tigers, trailing the Arkansas Tech Wonder Boys by seven points with just over nine minutes to go in the fourth quarter, needed a spark to overcome their in-state rivals. Givens, with a touchdown already under his belt that day, fixated his eyes on the end zone in front of him and, in turn, history. The junior from Little Rock, Arkansas, took the ball from Harms and broke multiple tackles en route to a seven-yard score. As he crossed the goal line, he also crossed a finish line that no Tiger before him ever had. Ouachita’s race to 50 career rushing touchdowns was complete. Since the inception of Ouachita’s football team in 1895, dozens of running backs have created legacies of excellence within the program. Whether it be Johnny Baker’s 4,357-yard rushing career, Kris Oliver’s run to a 2018 Great American Conference (GAC) Offensive Player of the Year award or TJ Cole’s multiple first-team All-American selections, the Tigers are no stranger to remarkable feats from the position. Until 2023, however, no member of the elite group managed to reach 50 career rushing touchdowns. Enter Kendel Givens. After a standout high school career at Little Rock Christian Academy (LRCA) that included more than 4,000 rushing yards, two AllState selections and a 2018 state championship, Givens signed with Ouachita in February of 2020. The following month, the nation began to feel the widespread effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. Though Givens officially started his time
Junior Kendel Givens rushes to the endzone to score a touchdown against Arkansas Tech University on Saturday, Oct. 21. Givens led the Tigers to a 31-24 victory, breaking the school record for career rushing touchdowns. (photo by Sarah Dean)
with the Tigers during the fall of 2020, his first season on the actual gridiron would have to wait. In August, the Great American Conference announced the cancellation of all athletics for the semester. In the meantime, the former LRCA Warrior trained and prepared himself for his eventual collegiate debut, and when the next fall arrived, he found himself number two on the depth chart behind veteran running back TJ Cole. During the 2021 season, Givens made his mark immediately by scoring 23 rushing touchdowns: the most ever by a Tiger freshman. In 2022, he followed up his impressive first season with 13 additional scores on the ground and a selection to the All-GAC Second Team. That same season, TJ Cole made headlines by breaking Ouachita’s single-season and career records for rushing touchdowns with 26 and 49 scores, respectively, in his final year with the Tigers. Having already accumulated 36 rushing touchdowns in his own right as a complimentary back for Cole, Givens found himself within striking distance of his friend’s record heading into 2023. Before the start of his junior campaign, Givens claimed his spot
as the number one running back on the Tigers’ depth chart. According to Ouachita head coach Todd Knight, the Little Rock native’s work ethic and values made him a fitting choice for a leadership role within the team. “For [Kendel], it starts with faith,” Knight said. “[He’s] just a high-character individual, a good student; he’s really the prototype of what you want the Ouachita football player to look like. I’ve always said a player-led team is better than a coach-led team, and when you’ve got Kendel Givens, you’ve got a player-led team.” Through the first seven games of the 2023 season, Givens tallied 12 rushing touchdowns, putting him just one shy of TJ Cole’s record heading into the Tigers’ matchup with Arkansas Tech. With his team down 7-0 early in the second quarter, the junior broke away for a 31yard score on the ground to tie both the game and the school record for rushing touchdowns. The table was set for history. Although Givens helped the Tigers move the ball successfully throughout the contest, he did not receive another opportunity to find the end zone until the fourth quarter. After the junior’s initial score,
three lead changes and one additional tie led to a 24-17 advantage for Arkansas Tech with just under fourteen minutes remaining in the game. On the following drive, Ouachita picked up 68 yards on the first 10 plays to reach the Wonder Boys’ seven-yard line. With the Tigers needing an equalizing score, Givens lined up next to Harms with a golden opportunity to record his 50th career rushing touchdown. He did not waste it. With nine minutes and ten seconds left in the fourth quarter, Kendel Givens crossed the goal line and, upon doing so, became the first Ouachita player ever to reach 50 career rushing touchdowns. At the same time, he surpassed his friend and former teammate TJ Cole to claim sole possession of the school record in that category. While Givens acknowledged the significance of the moment after the game, he admitted that it was tough to reflect on the milestone at the time. “We were in a dogfight, so I couldn’t even think about, ‘yes, I have the record,’” Givens explained. “I was really worried about scoring and trying to win the game; trying to finish out the game the best way [I could].”
With the contest now tied at 24 points each, the running back knew his job was not finished. When the Tiger defense forced a three-andout on Arkansas Tech’s next drive, Givens and the offense returned to the field with a chance to score again and take the lead. After getting the ball rolling with a 13-yard reception, Givens capped off the drive by taking a direct snap and leaping over the defense for a one-yard, go-ahead score with less than three minutes to go in the game. From there, Ouachita’s defense made a last-second stand to secure the 31-24 win. His team now standing victorious thanks, in large part, to his game-winning score, Givens finally allowed himself to let the achievements of the last quarter sink in. In the wake of an emotion-filled journey to the Tiger rushing touchdown record and a triumph over Arkansas Tech, one particular feeling took hold for Givens: thankfulness. “I’m blessed,” Givens said. “God has really been faithful to me, and I can’t thank Him enough. Those guys up front - they got it done for me. I’m so happy; I’m grateful I got to do [this] in front of my family. I’m [just] blessed.” Givens finished the game against the Wonder Boys with a career-best 181 rushing yards and three touchdowns. His performance earned him GAC Offensive Player of the Week honors. While these milestones highlight Givens’ already noteworthy career, Knight believes his running back has yet to reach his ceiling. “He’s not done,” Knight said. “This is really just the start for him. There’s a lot of things hanging out there that he can surpass - not just touchdowns. I know he’s got even bigger goals.” Never one to be complacent, Givens now sets his sights on new horizons with a record in tow.
NEWS
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OBU hosts Legislature’s Subcommittee on Higher Education, offers insight for leaders BY KAELIN CLAY
Online Editor-in-Chief A typical day on Ouachita’s campus does not involve a line of legislators making their way into its conference center, but a recent one did, deeming it an important day for Ouachita. The Arkansas State Legislature’s Subcommittee on Higher Education, co-chaired by Rep. Charlene Fite and Sen. Dan Sullivan, convened in Walker Conference Center on Monday, Oct. 23. The subcommittee heard from presenters representing K-12 school districts and university education departments from across the state of Arkansas testifying on behalf of Professional Learning Communities (PLC). PLC is a collaborative effort of alignment amongst educators on every level of the education system that came into play in Arkansas in 2016. At work, it centers around three main ideas: 1. Focus on learning. 2. Build a collaborative culture. 3. Focus on results. To achieve their primary goals, educators first achieve common ground by answering four questions: What do we want our students to know and be able to do? How will we know if they learn it? How will we respond when some students do not learn? How will we extend the learning for students who are already proficient? The focus of the meeting was a panel of presenters from across Arkansas, including University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, Ouachita Baptist University, Arkadelphia Public Schools, Helena-West Helena School District, Henderson State University and Southern Arkansas University, who passionately discussed proficient results affirmed by data collection.
Dr. Jeff Root, Ouachita Dean of the Schools of Education and Humanities, delivered results of the initiative, alongside Nikki Thomas, Superintendent of Arkadelphia Public Schools, on behalf of Ouachita and its PLC partnership with Arkadelphia schools. Root commented on the backbone of his presentation, that very partnership, and gave a nod to the experience that it gifts education majors with.
From a higher education standpoint, partnerships like this one are essential in the curation of a PLC. Through a partnership, students observe, reflect, interview, student teach and develop a portfolio. While presenting, Root expressed that the elements of a PLC partnership allow aspiring teachers to be day-one ready when they accept their first full-time teaching position after college.
Before legislators asked a series of questions, Robyn Dawson of the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith offered her gratitude for the legislature’s past support. Harping on the diligent work consistently needed, she rounded out the series of presentations. “This is not a program that comes and goes,” Dawson said. “It’s a way of thinking; it’s a way of working; it’s a way of believing.
Dr. Jeff Root, dean of the schools of Humanities and Education, offers insight at the Legislature’s Subcommittee on Higher Education. The forum was held in Walker Conference Center and focused on collaboration. (photo provided by Kaelin Clay)
“Right now, Arkadelphia Public Schools are going through a process in which they’re chosen by the state to really focus on PLCs,” Root said. “So, we want to partner with them, as we always have, and in doing so through a PLC, it’s going to better prepare our students when they observe in Arkadelphia and when they have the opportunity to student teach in Arkadelphia.”
“You and I both know that nobody has the best day of their career on their first day,” Root said. “Your first day in your career is not the best day of your entire career… Yet, you can be day-one ready and be ready to take over a classroom and make it your classroom.” In return, the connection to higher education strengthens the quality of education in the K-12 levels.
“And guess what? It’s work, but it’s the right work. So, thank you for what you did so long ago and what you continue to do.” Dr. Missy Walley, director of special projects for the Arkansas Department of Education Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, was in attendance. She has hope for the future of PLC. She highlighted the magnitude of
PLC’s impact and encouraged others to think about the way it will affect students and teachers. “I think it’s pretty impactful, and I’m not sure people understand the impactfulness of this,” Walley said. “We are the only state in the nation who has a state initiative that’s working this way within a professional learning community but also embedding and having those partnerships with higher ed, with our educational service cooperatives [and] with our education renewal zones. We are bringing everybody to the table, and we’re aligning the work… and to have higher ed sit at that table today and talk about how we’re not only just preparing teacher candidates for ed prep, but we’re also preparing our principals and superintendents when they get into the school system to lead in a professional learning community.” Several legislators commented that they were pleased to have the important meeting at Ouachita. For some, it was their very first visit to the campus. “It’s rare for Ouachita to have a chance to host a committee meeting from the state legislature,” Root said. “And so, we were very pleased when the State Department of Education asked if we would be interested in it.” The word “rare” encapsulates the occurrence of the meeting. It is rare for Arkansas to have a professionally developed partnership system of PLC, and it is rare for Ouachita to host members of the Senate and House of Representatives. However, these were two things that unfolded right before the eyes of Arkansans. Because of Ouachita’s willingness to open its doors, key conversations of collaboration created milestones in more ways than one.
NEWS
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Ouachita to recognize first generation college students BY SAM BENNETT Staff Writer
In an effort to honor and empower first-generation college students, Ouachita Baptist University is maximizing the efforts of the new First-Generation College Student Program, which aims to make Ouachita an inviting place for students of all academic backgrounds and to foster first-generation student success in higher education. This new student outreach initiative is in line with National First-Generation College Celebration Day, which falls on November 8th, commemorating the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965. This brought forth various programs, including the Federal TRIO programs. These initiatives are designed to support and assist students in beginning and completing their post-secondary degrees. Nicole Porchia, Ouachita’s Associate Vice President for Student Success & Retention and a first-generation college student herself, elaborates on the initiative and its impact. “Our team of faculty, staff and first-generation student leaders aims to raise awareness, celebrate and build community among our first-gen students,” Porchia said. The significance of this initiative lies in recognizing the strengths that many first-generation students bring to college, such as resilience, responsibility and commitment.
“Being first-generation is something to be proud of and is considered a major accomplishment,” Porchia said. Students at OBU have actively taken the lead in this celebration, including senior Shelley Davis. “Being part of a first-generation program connected me with mentors who shared their own experiences as first-generation college students, which was incredibly inspiring. Through this program, I gained the confidence and knowledge needed to pursue my educational goals and create a brighter future for myself,” Davis said. Sophomore Hannah Hallum explained the challenges of beginning college as a first-gen student and how this program has and will continue to help alleviate them. “Coming to college as a FirstGen student can be extremely daunting without guidance. These students, along with various staff members and professors, have guided me in and out of the classroom in ways only fellow first-generation students may understand,” Hallum said. The heart of this initiative lies in sharing stories that will foster a sense of community and attempting to reduce feelings of alienation that many first-generation students face when navigating the complexities of college. OBU’s new program aims to make the college experience less stressful for students of all academic backgrounds.
“This initiative is an incredible opportunity for first-gens to write their own story, create their community and thrive here at Ouachita,” Porchia said. There are many events throughout the month of November that all students can attend. The kickoff celebration was held on Nov. 1. On November 8th, students, faculty and staff can join Lisa Sells as she shares her own firstgen journey from 12:00 to 12:50 p.m. in Walker Conference Center. And, on November 29th, “Voices of First-Gen at Ouachita” will be held at 12:10 p.m. in Walker Conference Center. This event offers the chance to hear from a panel of first-generation students, faculty and staff as they share their experiences, offer encouragement and provide advice to college students. OBU’s celebration of first-generation college students is a clear testament to the University’s spirit of community, support and empowerment. This initiative serves as a powerful reminder that being a first-generation student is a journey of strength. The program warmly welcomes anyone interested in supporting first-gen students to get involved, including those who are not first-generation college students themselves. Students, faculty and staff interested in participating can sign up for events throughout November or send an email to asc@ obu.edu to learn more.
Christian Studies faculty, students plan trip to Israel BY CAMRYN MANNING Opinions Editor
In light of the Israel-Hamas war, many OBU students have been left wondering what will happen to the scheduled Israel Biblical Studies trip this upcoming summer. Some wonder if the trip will be postponed or modified, and some assume it will not happen altogether. Dr. Nykolaishen, professor of Biblical Studies and faculty sponsor, responded to these concerns. “Yes, we are going to do the Biblical Studies trip and go somewhere safe,” Nykolaishen said. “Right now, it’s still looking like the area of Israel we will visit is safe. Gaza is a small area of land 25 miles long and 6 miles wide on the Mediterranean coast, and we haven’t had any plans to even come close to Gaza. Our sites, in the central and northern parts of Israel, haven’t been damaged at all.” Other options are being weighed in case the original location for the trip becomes unsafe. “If it gets closer and looks like it may not be a good idea, we will shift to another destination,” Nykolaishen said. “The details haven’t been fully worked out yet, but we have considered a trip following the journeys of Paul. It would take us to a number of sites mentioned in Acts 7 and the areas of the churches in Revelation.” The purpose of the trip is to help students more fully understand what is happening when they open their Bibles. “Our trip includes sites mentioned in the New and Old Testaments, giving a lot of perspectives on those passages,” Nykolaishen said.
Some of these sites include the Jerusalem temple, probable sites of Jesus’ teaching and miracles, a Nazareth village that has been reconstructed and represents first-century life around the time of Jesus, the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum, Bethesda, the site likely for Jesus’ famous Sermon on the Mount, Caesarea Phillipi, Shiloh, Jacob’s Well, Beersheba, Jericho and the Valley of Elah where David fought Goliath. “We chose all of these sites because they connect with the Bible and help understand those passages better,” Nykolaishen said. “By seeing what’s there, we can understand the context better.” Junior Jenna McGraw has been planning on attending the trip since last school year. “I work in Pruett, so I’ve heard a lot about it,” McGraw said. “I’ve wanted to for a while, and my parents urged me to go. I’ve been planning on it for a few months. It has such an educational focus and makes the Bible come to life.” McGraw believes that she’d like to see the trip look toward not only education, but also service. “There are a lot of people’s lives being turned upside-down right now,” McGraw said. “When we travel there, we may have a shift in perspective and begin to ask, ‘how can we serve?’” An accompanying class this spring is required for those interested in going on the trip. “Students won’t be paying into the trip until January,” Nykolaishen said. “If anyone wants to go, they should let me know so I can keep them informed about any updates or changes.”
ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT PAGE 6 | WWW.OBUSIGNAL.COM
“Amelia Goes to the Ball” takes the stage BY JACIE SELLARS Staff Writier
The Division of Music will present “Amelia Goes to the Ball” on Nov. 2 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 5 at 2:30 p.m. in McBeth Recital Hall. “Amelia Goes to the Ball” is a 20th century comic opera that centers around chaotic events involving a woman named Amelia. Tickets are available through the Box Office and are free to Ouachita students. Associate Professor of Music Dr. Candice Aipperspach is directing and staging the show. According to Aipperspach, the plot of “Amelia Goes to the Ball” matches the show’s title. “This opera recounts the comedic events of the socialite Amelia as she overcomes obstacles while trying to attend the first ball of the social season,” Aipperspach said. However, drama unfolds in a comedic and ridiculous fashion as Amelia’s personal decisions stand in the way of the ball. Junior Kieran Malmer will be playing the title role of Amelia. Malmer has enjoyed playing such a driven and spirited character.
“I would describe Amelia as very stubborn,” Malmer said. “She has major tunnel vision, and she will do what she must to get to the ball, even if that means ignoring the ever-growing conflict between her husband and her lover.” Amelia’s desire to attend the ball extends beyond any concerns and conflicts, which creates an interesting dynamic that drives the plot of the show. “My favorite thing about portraying this character is the stark contrast between her confident, manipulative front and her desperation slipping through,” Malmer said. Audiences can expect to enjoy a combination of drama and humor throughout “Amelia Goes to the Ball.” Malmer particularly enjoys how the show’s operatic music accentuates dramatic moments. “My favorite moment in the show is when an argument between Amelia, her husband and her lover comes to a climax,” Malmer said. “We break into a trio that diffuses the growing tension in a jarring, farcical spectacle.” Aipperspach believes that the humor is one of the elements that
The cast of the Division of Music’s presentation of “Amelia Goes to the Ball” prepares by rehearsing scenes from the opera. The performances will be held on Nov. 2 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 5 at 2:30 p.m. in McBeth Recital Hall. (photo by Sarah Dean)
makes this production enjoyable for all audiences. “I think that the comedy in this show lends itself to people who are not used to opera,” Aipperspach said. “Some operas have humor that is a bit dated, but this humor is
very overt, and the audience simply will not miss it.” For those who have never attended an opera, “Amelia Goes to the Ball” is a good place to start. “It’s an insane show, but it’s still really easy to follow,” Aipperspach
said. “The main points are easy to grasp, and from there, you just have to enjoy the show. Those who enjoy beautiful music, an exciting story and a good laugh won’t want to miss “Amelia Goes to the Ball.”
“Killers of the Flower Moon” captivates audiences BY JAMES MCINTYRE Staff Writer
Martin Scorsese returns with his latest directorial effort. Based on David Grann’s 2017 book and starring Scorsese regulars Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro, “Killers of the Flower Moon” tells the true story of the Osage murders that occurred in Oklahoma in the early 20th century. When oil is discovered on Osage land, the indigenous people become some of the wealthiest men and women in the nation. This, of course, does not go unnoticed, and
soon there are many with schemes to take the money for themselves. Enter crime boss William Hale, played by De Niro, and his nephew Ernest Burkhart, played by DiCaprio. Hale devises a plot to have Burkhart wed an Osage woman and then kill as many people as he has to so that the headrights go to Burkhart and, by extension, Hale. Burkhart eventually finds an Osage woman named Mollie, played by Lily Gladstone. Then, the trouble begins for Mollie’s family. In recent years, there has been an understandable desire for more indigenous stories to be told, and
“Killers of the Flower Moon” accomplishes the mission of educating its audience on the cruelties that have been commonplace throughout the history of this country. A cold, pervasive melancholia hangs over the proceedings. The dehumanizing attitudes of the white characters feel almost alien. The characters show little remorse for murdering indigenous people. It is truly as gruesome and disturbing as any horror film one might see in October. Scorsese has always been a raw, uncompromising filmmaker, and nowhere is this more evident than
in his decision to give an authentic portrayal of the time period in all its nuance. In the film, the people of the town have a casual relationship with the Ku Klux Klan, and at one point, Mollie even mentions that klansmen are helping the Osage try to find the killers. Scorsese gives us an honest view of these complex intersectionalities as they were without any anachronistic 21st-century moralizing. It is refreshing and important, as it helps us remember that history is rarely black-and-white. The director has made no secret of his sour feelings toward the current state of the movie industry. This
film is certainly the opposite of the “amusement ride” experience he has so berated, and in a year where the superhero potboilers and remakes have underperformed while creative risks have seen big success, maybe the studios will begin to fall more in line with his perspective. We can hope that we’re nearing the end of the “rollercoaster” spectacles that boast action scenes created before the script. This film unquestionably breaks away from the action-packed and story-lacking films that Scorsese despises, and it is a must watch.
OPINIONS
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Taking a class online: the pros and cons BY JORDAN DALLIMORE Staff Writer
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the option to take online courses has significantly increased regardless of academic level. Some students have even chosen to continue their educational learning strictly online. From a residential student’s point of view, online classes have their obvious pros and cons. Some students love online classes, and others avoid them at all costs. While online classes are certainly an advantage for some, they prove to be harder for others, causing me to recommend that each student assess their own academic strengths and weaknesses before choosing to add an online course to their schedule. As pre-registration season approaches, I hope my discussion of online classes will prove advantageous for those unsure if the format is right for them. The ability to take a course that works well with my responsibilities and busy life is why I love to take online classes. As a basketball manager who is about to start trav-
eling a lot with the team, having the flexibility to study and complete assignments at my own pace allows my stress levels to decrease. For some, this is what makes online classes so great. Having more flexibility can allow those with busier schedules to work at
However, for those who struggle with time management and keeping up with all of their assignments, online classes may have the opposite effect. Online classes do not always provide the structure that in-person classes do, and this may lead to procrastination.
within each semester. An entire semester’s worth of work is done within about nine weeks, or half the semester. These courses move quicker than those taught in-person, which means that more work is done for each week that a student is in the course.
Dr. Kevin Brennan leads a lecture for World Politics class while students listen, learn and take notes. (photo by Sarah Dean)
their own pace. In many cases, this can increase productivity and encourage students to take deadlines more seriously.
The timeline for online classes is another thing to consider. At Ouachita, online classes are broken up into term 1 and term 2 courses
A portion of students see this as a huge benefit. The opportunity to complete coursework faster gives them the chance to take more
courses or have a bit of a lighter course load during the other half of the semester. However, it can be a source of added stress for others. The fast-paced timeline can be overwhelming, and simply looking at the syllabus can deter them from choosing that class. Online classes can also have some drawbacks that limit an individual’s learning environment. While learning online, you lack in-person interactions and an in-person classroom atmosphere. However, technology has made online classes much more interactive and beneficial. Zoom and other platforms allow students to communicate with their peers and professors, even in a class conducted completely online. I see both the pros and cons of taking an online class. For me, adding online classes to my schedule provides flexibility and adaptability that I need. As students begin to start the pre-registration process for the spring semester, they should consider these points when deciding whether or not to add an online class to their schedule.
Making Thanksgiving a season of gratitude BY SYDNI WHITFIELD Staff Writer
As the Thanksgiving season approaches, I am taking time to reflect on all the blessings in my life. For me, Thanksgiving has always been a time of looking forward to the Christmas season: seeing family, enjoying all the lights and drinking hot chocolate by a fireplace. I have noticed that I usually think of Thanksgiving as just a day. The day comes, we see loved ones, we eat a hearty meal and we spend the day resting in our gratitude. This year, however, I am aiming to
make this month a season of gratitude. This caused me to evaluate how I can add thankfulness to my daily life. 1. Write it down. One day last week, I spent time thinking about what I am grateful for and made a challenge for myself. I set a timer for five minutes and wrote out everything I am grateful for and did not stop writing until the timer went off. Looking back at my list, I saw things I never would have thought to write down if it wasn’t for this challenge. Doing this can help you remember all there is to be thankful for.
2. Recognize what you have. Often, we forget how lucky we are to have access to many things in our lives that we take for granted. This month, I have the goal to partake in more fasts so I can truly appreciate what I do have. As someone who loves to hike and backpack, my favorite part of the trip is missing the fresh food, the stove and the heating or air conditioning that I so regularly take for granted. I am aiming to make it a goal to fast from social media and other aspects of my day-to-day life in order to fully recognize the good things that I don’t always see.
3. Acknowledge growth. Looking back on where you came from can help you realize how far you have come. In this season, I am also taking time to acknowledge where I have grown. As I approach my junior year of college, I think back to my freshman year self. I have grown in ways I never would have thought possible. 4. Act on your gratitude. We often go too long without thanking the people in our lives. I think to myself all the time how lucky I am to have certain people in my life, but I often neglect telling them because I assume they already know.
Now, when I think about someone and how they have impacted me in my life, I either want to send them a text, email them or better yet, give them a quick call. Doing this can not only make someone else’s day, but it can also help you reflect on your own feelings of gratitude. By incorporating these small steps, I hope to see the feeling of thankfulness permeate my life not only for the next month and season, but for the forseeable future. This November, I hope that you’ll join me in taking steps to ensure that the Thanksgiving season is one of true gratitude and thankfulness.
SPORTS
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Men’s swimming with three straight ranked wins BY ISAAC BOURNE Sports Editor
Posting up a 3-1 dual meet record this season so far, the Ouachita Baptist men’s swimming and diving team has begun to etch its place in the record books. Before a close loss to a 9thranked Henderson squad sporting the top two sprinters in the nation (Lamar Taylor and Jack Armstrong), the Tigersharks took wins over #11 Oklahoma Christian, #26 Missouri-St. Louis and #21 Delta State over three straight weekends. After being left off the monthly College Swimming & Diving Association (CSCAA) coaches poll to start the season, head coach Steven Bostick and his team took that omission personally into their meets on their way to three straight upsets, cementing a spot in the future poll. “Having that, it was really a blessing in disguise,” said Bostick. “Personally, our feelings were hurt…it was an easy motivator.”
The ranking drove the Tigersharks to a huge four-point win over OCU to start their dual meet season, where the Eagles, coached by Olympic gold-medalist Josh Davis, fell after losing crucial races in the 200 and 500 freestyle. “I think in a sport like swimming where you don’t always get all the publicity and people don’t always understand the sport, you need different things to motivate the athletes,” Bostick said. “Look, they’re spending 20 hours a week staring at a black line on the bottom of the pool, and that’ll drive you crazy.” Aside from the leadership of Bostick, the men’s team has seen success from all classes. Senior Jeff McCoy has won a plethora of big races for the Tigersharks (200 and 400 individual medley, 100 and 200 backstroke), while sophomore Tyler Andruss (200, 500 and 1000 freestyle), senior Elijah Christenson (100 and 200 butterfly), junior Miles Schulze (100 and 200 breastroke) and sophomore Sam Rags-
dell (50 and 100 freestyle) have also been high point-scorers for the team, while freshmen Gavin Richardson and Carson Powers have been crucial in the diving events (one-meter and three-meter). “We go up against a lot of really good teams,” said Bostick. “I really think it’s been a total team effort. There [have] been meets where we will get beat on the swim side, but our divers came through and won the diving.” Now, following a hard month of training and meets, the Tigersharks face the first of two “taper” periods of the season. The team will now start to loosen up at practice in preparation for the Oklahoma Christian Invitational on Nov. 10, where they will go up against the OCU Eagles in Edmond, Oklahoma. At this meet, fans will start to see the true potential of the Ouachita men’s swimming and diving team, as they will be fully suited up in specialized “tech suits” and tapered.
Senior Elijah Christenson swims the 100-yard butterfly in the home meet against Delta State. Christenson won the event in a time of 51.83. (photo by Sarah Dean)
The team is gearing up for midseason, hoping to give the CSCAA yet another reason to place the Tigersharks in the coaches poll, and, it is their time to prove that their 3-1 record is not just for show.
No matter how hard the practices become, the Tigersharks will work hard to be ready for competition, hoping to win themselves another banner to display proudly in Waggoner Pool.
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