Volume 132, Issue 6: December 7, 2023

the

VOLUME 132, ISSUE 6 DECEMBER 7, 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: Dance team co-captain Alyssa Rye (left) and captain Endsley Norman (right) lead the team through their first season on campus. The dance team was started and began its debut season this fall semester. (photo by Meghann Bledsoe)

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

OBU dance team experiences first season

BY KATE ELLIS News Editor

With its tall surrounding trees stretching to the sky, stands packed with Ouachitonians donning purples and golds and talented athletes dominating the field, one would think that the electric game day atmosphere of Cliff Harris Stadium could not get any more perfect, but it can, and it did.

As it turns out, there was an integral element missing from sporting events at OBU: a Ouachita dance team. This academic year, Ouachita played catch up with universities across the nation and introduced its very own dance team to cheer on the Tigers from the sidelines and perform at halftime, led by coaches Ashley and Melissa Carozza.

Endsley Norman, a junior communication sciences and disorders major who has a long history of experience in dance and teaching at studios in her hometown and Arkadelphia, shared her experience as captain in building the team from the ground up.

“I have been in dance since I was three,” Norman said. “I took studio dance up until my senior year of high school and was also on my school’s drill team, where I served as an officer. My responsibilities now mainly consist of leading practices, choreography for halftime routines and sideline dances and just doing whatever the coaches need me to do to help things run smoothly. Having Alyssa as my co-captain has made it even sweeter because she is amazing and my biggest encourager. We also have the best coaches a team could have; it’s like I have two bonus moms.

Dance has always been my outlet, and this has made my junior year my best year at OBU so far.”

This Ouachita spirit squad addition has created a chance for lifelong dancers to come out of retirement and shake the dust off their

Allie Bell (from left), Cassie Carozza, Ava Weeks, Anna Weeks and Audrey Kendrick cheer on the Tigers at the Homecoming football game. The dance team completed its first season on the football sidelines in the fall of 2023. (photo by Sarah Dean)

dancing shoes. Alyssa Rye, junior biology and Christian foundations double major and dance team co-captain, shares the emotions that came along with putting on another uniform, especially with the word Ouachita spread across the chest instead of her hometown of Conway, Ark. “I have been dancing for 14 years,” Rye said. “I danced at a studio for the first ten years and then started dancing on the school team at Conway, where we competed at the state competition every year.

When I heard that there was going to be a dance team at OBU, I was very excited, but very nervous, because I had not danced for two years and was afraid that I would not have the skills that I used to. I gave it a shot and trusted that the Lord would take care of it, and it all came back to me. He has blessed this team in so many ways, and I am so thankful.”

When the first football game rolled around on Aug. 31, students,

parents and faculty and staff shared a common anticipation to see the dance team take the field for their first performance. As the team took their position in the middle of the field at halftime, sparkly purple uniforms glistening in the sun, there was an understood feeling among the audience that the dance team was here to stay. Where the audience saw a captivating dance routine with upbeat music and eye-catching choreography, the team members saw the beginning of a successful and heartening new season of life.

“My favorite memory was the first football game because it was unreal and felt like a dream,” Rye said. “Whenever we came off the field, we all had tears in our eyes because we could not believe it was happening. Everyone was so supportive, and the crowd was so loud. It made us feel so appreciated. It felt like we were all back home again, doing what we loved and had missed for so long.”

Not only does the new team provide a rich community for girls on campus, but it also serves to attract prospective students to Ouachita.

Reflecting on friends from the past who might have attended OBU if there was a dance team, Norman explains how the team is already uniting dancers on campus and creating a renewed interest for incoming freshmen.

“Most colleges have a dance team, so it was more shocking that OBU did not have one already and took this long to start one,” Norman said. “I know many girls who decided to go to a college other than OBU because there wasn’t a dance team here. I think that now that the university has one, it can draw those girls who have grown up dancing toward this campus even more. I think the dance team offers a chance for girls who are talented dancers to find their community on the team.”

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Although the first football season came and went without noticeable wrinkles, no good thing comes easy. Both Norman and Rye have put in hours of work on and off the field to build a system that will last. From designing the uniforms and choreographing dance routines to creating cheers and organizing practice schedules, the captain and co-captain have made their way through this inaugural season hand in hand and are already looking forward to making the team even better next year.

“I am most looking forward to giving the team more structure,” Rye said. “Our motto for this year has been to monitor and adjust, which we have had to do every game and practice. This year, we had to do everything for the first time and create a brand-new structure and foundation, which was challenging at times. Next year, we will have more of an idea of what to expect in terms of practices, events and performances.”

“Whenever we came off the field, we all had tears in our eyes... It felt like we were all back home again, doing what we loved and had missed for so long.”

— Alyssa Rye

The Ouachita dance team will join the cheerleading squad on the sidelines of the men’s and women’s basketball games for the upcoming seasons, where they will add entertainment and encouragement to the hustle and bustle of Roy Sturgis gym until they once again take their place on the turf of Cliff Harris stadium in 2024.

NEWS

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Panhellenic Council prepares for rush, social clubs host meet and greet events

BY SYDNI WHITFIELD Staff Writer

Since early Aug., the Panhellenic Council has been working hard to ensure rush week is an amazing experience for the 2024 rushees.

Addy Cassell and Addyson White are this year’s Panhellenic co-presidents. Both Cassell and White rushed in 2020 - a year that was drastically different from what rushees experience now due to COVID-19.

“It was in November, not January, and it was a very spread out process.” White said. “Going through rush, I didn’t know who I should really go to for advice, and at the end of the week, it was hard to make a decision. As a Panhellenic member, I want to take the opportunity to step in to make some positive changes to rush week. We as the Panhellenic Council want every rushee to know someone is rooting for them and is there for them if they need it.”

Cassell and White are excited for the opportunities that this year brings. Panhellenic has been holding meetings to make sure everything runs smoothly.

“We are getting t-shirts ready, assigning girls to rush groups, creating schedules for the week and meeting with club presidents and rush chairs to ensure everyone is on the same page,” Cassell explained.

The Panhellenic Council has been working to make a week that is memorable to many and will make students’ college experiences even better. Cassell and White are making sure the relationship between rushees and their Panhellenic group leader is a priority.

“This year, we will have a meet and greet where girls can come

pick up their t-shirts and name tags,” White said. “The girls will have an opportunity to meet their rush group before the week begins instead of during the craziness of the week itself. This is being done so they don’t feel like they’re being thrown into the unknown.”

Panhellenic will also be holding a meeting on the first night of rush week with the 2024 rushees.

“In the past, Panhellenic never really met throughout rush week,” Cassell explained. “So, to make changes for the better and improve communication, we have already planned days for the council to meet during the week.”

Individual social clubs also have been working hard to prepare.

There have been many meet and greet events for 2024 rushees to

The Women of Gamma Phi have been participating in meetings to gain insight from the different members in the club to provide girls with a positive experience.

“Our bid day committee has been meeting on Thursdays, and our rush committee has been meeting on Tuesdays every week since Tunes ended,” Avery Cornish, the president of Gamma Phi explained.

Clara Griggs smiles for a picture at the Women of Chi Mu’s bracelet making event. Freshman interested in rush stopped by the Neighbor’s Table in the middle of campus to meet current members of the club and craft a bracelet. (photo by Sarah Dean)

“We will gather and inform rushees on what the evening will look like,” White said. “We will address questions and dismiss them by group so that every group walks to their parties together.”

Panhellenic is also making sure communication is clear between the members of the council themselves. This will help ensure that the process is seamless for all of the people involved.

meet with the current members of women’s social clubs, including bracelet making with the Women of Chi Mu, s’mores with the Women of EEE, hot chocolate with the Women of Gamma Phi and cookies and conversation with the Women of Tri Chi. These events allowed future rushees to learn more about all of the social clubs on campus while getting to know upperclassmen in those clubs.

“We have been planning out systems to help rushees feel as comfortable as possible at our parties.”

It is very important to the current members of social clubs that rush is an excellent experience for all of those involved.

“Since rush can be such an overwhelming process, I think the clubs have a responsibility to do as much as we can to be thoughtful and respectful to each individual girl,”

Sydney Motl, vice president of the Women of Tri Chi, said.

It is not just women’s social clubs who are working hard in preparation. The men’s social clubs are also putting in a lot of work.

“Eta is preparing for rush by making sure that we create a comfortable atmosphere for the guys planning on rushing,” Eta’s president, Adam Lott, said. “Before we bring new guys into the club and show them what Eta is, we want to make sure that we are all on the same page about what our club should stand for on a daily basis.”

Rush week can bring about a lot of different emotions, ranging from fear to excitement to anxiety.

Those who have been through the process can offer helpful advice to the 2024 rushees.

“If I could go back and give myself advice I would say to just be yourself,” Lott said. “All the guys in clubs just want to get to know you and make sure you have a good experience. Just be yourself, and don’t be afraid to ask people for advice because it can go a long way in the future.”

There can be a lot of uncertainty associated with rush week, but Panhellenic offers support.

“If I could give rushees any piece of advice it would be to keep an open mind,” Cassell said. “I had to realize it is okay to not know where you want to be, but it is important to pray and trust in the Lord during this process.”

Rush week can be a hard week with a lot of ups and downs.

“Panhellenic is here for you.”

White said. “If you need to talk, we are the people you should go to throughout the week. We want to help you through this week, no matter what it brings.”

NEWS

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Students, faculty and staff usher in the holiday season at Christmas on Ouachita Street event

BY KYNDALL FOMBY-BELL Staff Writer

The Office of Student Life staff hosted “Christmas on Ouachita Street” on Thursday, Nov. 30. With help from the Office of Communications and Marketing and many social clubs and organizations on campus, the student life staff decked the halls of Evans Student Center for the holiday event.

Many treats were spread around the student center, including a hot cocoa bar, a s’mores station and a cookie decorating table. Outside of treat stations, other activities included a Christmas card decorating area, a photo booth, a DIY bracelet and ornament-making station and a karaoke stage.

Allison Kizzia, Director of Student Life, shares about the uniqueness of the event and why it is so loved on campus.

“It is a chance to celebrate Jesus and what makes the season so special, but we also get to celebrate our friendships, the Ouachita family and our community,” Kizzia explained. “We got to do this through music, photos, crafts and more.”

As we reach the end of the semester, students continue to look for ways to bond with friends and relax, and Christmas on Ouachita Street provided a festive atmosphere where that could happen.

“Last year was the first official ‘Christmas on Ouachita Street’ with the additional outdoor decorations and caroling around campus.

Due to weather, we had to adjust this year but still had a cheerful evening,” Kizzia said.

Students and faculty were able to enjoy holiday activities and snacks while making a jingle of memories to end the semester.

“I thought that the event was a lot of fun for everyone and defi-

nitely has the potential to turn into something bigger,” sophomore Hope Johnson said.

Johnson reveals her favorite events at “Christmas on Ouachita Street” this year and why they meant so much to her.

“Being able to go on stage and do karaoke was something I never would have done anywhere else,” Johnson explained. “I loved that students were able to just jump on stage and no one would judge them. Everyone was able to celebrate and come together as one in song and spirit.”

“Christmas on Ouachita Street” was a memorable event that showcased the most wonderful time of the year through peace, joy and love. This event made endless spirits bright and served as a happy moment for many as students finish out the semester dashing through the stress-filled last weeks of class and finals.

Students pose for a photo with Dr. Ben and Lisa Sells at “Christmas on Ouachita Street.” This event was held in Evans Student Center. (photo by Meghann Bledsoe)

ETS serves as valuable learning experience

BY SAM BENNETT Staff Writer

A small group of Ouachita students and faculty attended the 75th anniversary meeting of the Evangelical Theological Society (ETS) in San Antonio, Texas. This annual event, held from November 13th to 16th, marked a significant milestone in the society’s history, tracing its origins back to a humble gathering of a mere 60 scholars in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1949.

“The first annual meeting of the ETS was held in an effort to foster conservative biblical scholarship by providing a medium for the oral exchange and written expression of

thought and research in the general field of theological disciplines as centered in the Scriptures. Much has changed in evangelicalism in our world in the last 75 years, but the Lord’s constant faithfulness continues to bless the work of the ETS,” ETS program chair and president-elect Karen H. Jobes said in a letter to attendees.

With almost a century of history, the ETS conference has become a vital platform for fostering conservative Biblical scholarship, focusing on the exchange of ideas and research within theological disciplines centered around Scripture. This year’s chosen theme, “Theological Anthropology: What

does it mean to be human created in the image of God?” set the stage for profound, in-depth discussions rooted in scripture and theology.

This conference provided OBU students and faculty the chance to immerse themselves in diverse perspectives and culturally-relevant discussions. The sessions and seminars attended by Ouachitonians encompassed a wide array of topics, providing a rich and intellectually stimulating experience that will undoubtedly resonate with attendees and their Ouachita experience for years to come.

Dr. Adam Jones, assistant professor of Biblical studies, reflects on his experience at the conference.

“Many of us spent the mornings and afternoons perusing the exhibit hall and hearing presentations on topics of interest,” Jones said.

“Our lunch and dinner times are often scheduled in a way that allows us to share meals with current students, alumni and friends. One of the highlights of the trip is that we take a small group of students who are members of Theta Alpha Kappa, the National Honor Society for Religious Studies and Theology.”

Mallorie Carozza, a junior Christian studies major, attended the conference. She recalls ETS and the memories made there fondly, remarking how transformative the conference was for her.

“It was the coolest experience to get to attend ETS,” Carozza said.

“Every day, we attended sessions and had conversations with world renowned scholars and got to hear presentations on what they were currently studying. It truly was an honor and an inspiration to get to learn from hundreds of people at the conference who have spent their lives studying the Bible. It made it even better to to get to experience all of this alongside my friends and professors from OBU. Traveling to the conference renewed my own love of studying Scripture and opened my eyes again to how great and good our God is. I am so thankful for our trip to ETS.”

ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT PAGE 6 | WWW.OBUSIGNAL.COM

New movies wow audiences to round out 2023

BY JAMES MCINTYRE Staff Writer

November brought moviegoers many delights with multiple releases of highly-anticipated films in several different genres. Theaters were full of excited audience members itching to experience the thrill of seeing a new movie.

“Sideways” and “Nebraska” director Alexander Payne returns to give us “The Holdovers,” starring Paul Giamatti as a grouchy boarding school teacher given the unenviable task of staying on campus over Christmas break to look after the handful of students who are unable to go home. It’s a fantastic,

character-driven “hangout” movie about understanding and empathy.

If you see nothing else in 2023, see “The Holdovers.”

Keeping with the theme of academia, Emerald Fennell’s second feature film, “Saltburn,” centers around Oxford student Oliver Quick (Barry Keoghan) as he entangles himself in the lives of the wealthy residents of the Saltburn estate. The cinematography is gorgeous, and the atmosphere is haunting. It’s not entirely clear whether it’s a comedy or horror until the final twist. This movie a close runner-up to “The Holdovers.”

Ridley Scott delivers another historical epic with “Napoleon,”

starring Joaqin Phoenix as the titular emperor. It follows Napoleon Bonaparte’s rise and fall from the last days of the French Revolution until the end of his life.

Much has been said about the film’s historical accuracy or lack thereof, and I believe that movies are not under any obligation to be historically accurate so long as they are good, and Napoleon is certainly good. The battle scenes are spectacular without an overreliance on CGI, but Phoenix himself feels miscast. He doesn’t exude the aura of charisma that this figure is meant to have.

Nicolas Cage once again proves he is the king of oddball per-

formances in Kristoffer Borgli’s “Dream Scenario,” which is about a college professor who inexplicably begins to appear in the dreams of countless people around the world.

He at first wishes to capitalize on all this newfound attention, but things quickly take a dark turn. It’s a commentary on everything from the price of fame to social media, advertising and cancel culture. It’s also a very funny comedy that I highly recommend for everyone to see.

Lastly, from acclaimed visual filmmaker Takashi Yamazaki comes “Godzilla Minus One,” the latest in the long-running monster movie franchise, and arguably the best.

Two years after World War II, Japan

once again faces destruction, this time from a giant, radioactive creature. It’s up to a disgraced pilot (Ryunosuke Kamiki) and a team of ex-navy personnel to stop the beast. This is a Godzilla movie that manages to include good characters and an engaging, poignant script so that the audience is not anxiously counting down the minutes until the monster shows up again.

As the year draws to a close, audiences are reminded that 2023 was a year of great movies and crowds returning to the theater.

These films satisfied audiences with interesting dialogue and stories, finishing the year strong.

Guitarmageddon performers to rock the stage

BY ELLA ONUOHA Staff Writer

Guitarmageddon (GMAG), a guitar-oriented performance, is set to happen in the Evans Student Center on Dec. 8 at 8 p.m.

The event is free and expected to be lively. The show is traditionally held at the end of each semester

by Ouachita guitar and bass music majors in conjunction with the music industry program.

GMAG’s unique name attracts attention because of its creativity.

Dr. Bruce Johnston, director of the program named the program almost by accident.

“The original concept was everyone playing on every song, which was quite an overwhelming guitar aesthetic. So, I jokingly called it Guitarmaggedon, and it just kind of stuck,” Johnston said.

GMAG began seven years ago with Johnston on the drums, four guitarists and a bass player. It has significantly grown over the years.

There are currently eight guitarists, two bass players and six dedicated

singers. Although a lot has changed, Johnston remains a constant.

“I still lead them from behind with the drum set,” Johnston explained. “My dad was a drummer… it’s something I’ve grown up with, and I have found out it is the best way to lead an ensemble.”

The rehearsal time is taxing because of the complexity of the performance. Sometimes students feel as though they have taken on more than they can accomplish.

“We get an hour a week to rehearse the ensemble,” Johnston said. “This makes it even more realistic to simulate a one-off performance scenario. We inevitably end up biting off more than we can chew when it comes to the amount of material and difficulty, but this just ends up making the students’ success even more fun to revel in.

We get to celebrate all of their hard work and determination throughout this entire process.”

Brynn Clark, a senior music industry major involved in GMAG, revealed that in recent years GMAG has had a subtle shift in its

performance and feel as a result of the creative flow in practice.

“In the last few years, [GMAG] has begun to shift to incorporate more vocal songs to involve singers from the music industry department,” Clark said. “This makes the event even bigger.”

This semester’s performance is a bit different from the previous performances; this semester comes with a theme.

“We’re playing only songs from the eighties,” Johnston said. “It’s still going to be an eclectic mix of the songs in the tradition of the previous shows, but it was fun to find songs from the eighties that would work for us.”

Featured music in the show includes songs by popular artists Michael Jackson, Stevie Nicks and Prince. This has created an exciting atmosphere of anticipation from the members. They are looking forward to playing music that the crowd will enjoy and will get people on their feet and dancing.

The students are enthusiastic and have put in a lot of hard work, and

Senior Logan Talley plays guitar at Guitarmageddon 2022. (photo by Broc Ingold)

Johnston has been with them every step of the way and will continue to be during this unique performance.

“I try to make it a special point to play with them because I remember my favorite moments of being a music major were the times that my professors and mentors would actually play in the ensembles with the students,” Johnston said. “Nothing

can replace those experiences or memories made as a student with peers and professors.”

With the great deal of hard work poured into this event by all involved, the turnout is expected to be impressive.

“It is bound to be the biggest one yet, so we are looking forward to it,” Clark said.

OPINIONS

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Dr. Kathy Collins leaves a lasting impact

BY JANE ELLEN DIAL Arts/Entertainment Editor

Dr. Kathy Collins. I first heard of Dr. Collins when my brother was at Ouachita. At that time, I was dreaming about being a teacher and going through the Ouachita Education Department. She was never my brother’s professor, but she made a point of getting to know him and keeping up communication even when he was no longer a student.

Once I got to Ouachita, I knew I couldn’t wait to have her as a professor. My first class with Dr. Collins was Foundations of Education my first semester. In that class, I got to see Dr. Collins’ passion for education. I could tell that she absolutely loved what she was doing.

I remember sitting in that class on the first day, and she gave each student her personal cell phone number. Some of these students were not even education majors.

She told us to contact her whenever we needed to for whatever reason.

That showed her heart.

She was not only there to teach; she was there to love. And she loved not only her education students, she loved every student.

In that same class, she also invited all of us to her home on Sunday nights for home group. During my freshman year, this group created a sense of home and peace for me.

I got to eat a home-cooked meal, experience Christ-like community and feel like family while being away from home for the first time.

Dr. Collins cared and loved deeply.

This semester, I had Dr. Collins for Teaching Social Studies. I was so excited to be in her class again because I knew that every day that I went in, I would be okay. The class was never a stressor for me. I was always excited to walk in the classroom because I knew that I would be learning and growing not only as an educator, but as a human.

She was one of the best teachers I’ve ever had. She created an environment to discuss and learn about the type of teachers we should be.

Our class felt like family.

I am so grateful to have been a part of the family that Dr. Collins created within the four walls of her tiger adorned classroom.

I am so grateful for the impact Dr. Collins had on my life, and I will cherish my memories with her.

Dr. Kathy Collins passed away on Nov. 5. A memorial service for Collins was held on campus in Jones Performing Arts Center on Nov. 9. (photo by Madeline Circle)

Celebrating Ouachita Christmas traditions

BY CAMRYN MANNING Opinions Editor

With all the commotion surrounding the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas, it’s easy to miss events and celebrations of the holidays happening around campus because of busy schedules and heavy workloads. In this story, I’d like to share some of my personal favorite Christmas traditions around campus in case you missed them and have the chance to go in the future, or in case you need some recommendations on how to celebrate this year.

The Festival of Christmas is an absolute must for everyone on campus. It’s a feast for the eyes and ears with singing, dancing and music from the orchestra filling the JPAC stage. Having participated in it last year, I know just how much fun it can be both on and off-stage as either a performer or an audi-

ence member. You can tell just how much work the performers put in to make the show possible, and it puts you in the holiday spirit!

Deck the Delph is an event accompanying Festival of Christmas and fills Ouachita’s campus with booths from small businesses showcasing and selling their products. It is a great opportunity to invest in the local community and get your Christmas shopping done early. With it happening at the same time as Festival of Christmas, it’s convenient too if you’re there for the show and want to support the community at the same time!

Another favorite tradition of mine is the Chi Mu oreo ball sale.

At three for three dollars, they’re an easy, cheap and delicious way to support the Women of Chi Mu. “Christmas on Ouachita Street” is a fun event to see what all the clubs and organizations around campus are doing to celebrate the

season. From the Sodexo hot chocolate station to cookie decorating with Chi Delta, the activities showcase campus life and provide yummy treats as an added bonus.

The Tri Chi Thrift Store is another way to support fellow students in a really fun way. The store is a sustainable way to find cute clothing items for yourself or to gift to others for Christmas.

Lessons and Carols is one of my personal favorite events at Ouachita. It follows the story of the Bible in Scripture and song and centers around the birth of Christ, explaining Christmas’s significance and why we really celebrate the season. It features the pipe organ and different instrumental selections; this year the event had a flute choir that really added to the Ouachita Singers’ musicality. Between the wonderful music selections and the focus on Christ, it is a great holiday tradition at Ouachita.

Another fun tradition at Ouachita is attending the Christmas band concert. The marching band and wind ensemble combine and bring festivity to the stage and play holiday favorites every year that you can sing along to and enjoy. With several medleys of popular carols that are sure to be lively, you won’t want to miss it!

Are you looking to get into the Christmas spirit but do not have time to attend an entire event? Just take a walk around campus! One thing I love during the Ouachita Christmas season is to see all the lights around campus. From the giant tree in the Grant Flag Plaza to the greenery and lights surrounding our beloved Cone-Bottoms, all of the decorations are beautiful. Grab a hot chocolate from Dr. Jacks and your friends and take a stroll through campus after sunset.

This is sure to get you ready to celebrate Christmas!

Some dorms on campus also have their own Christmas traditions! When I was a freshman, the Francis Crawford Hall Christmas party was one of my favorites.

Maddox Hall and Georgia Hall also hold their own festivities.

These parties are a great way to plug in to Residence Life, meet new people and learn more about those who live around you without ever leaving your residence hall.

Even with the stress from finals week closing in and deadlines looming closer and closer, it’s important to take a step back and remember why we celebrate the holiday season. Getting into the Christmas spirit is easy on campus, and celebrating Ouachita’s Christmas traditions is something you surely won’t regret. Over the next few weeks, be sure to take a study break or two and experience the most wonderful time of the year here at Ouachita.

SPORTS

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The women’s soccer team smiles with their trophy at the end of the championship game. (photo provided by obutigers.com)

Junior guard Reggie Martin goes for an up-and-under layup. (photo by Levi Dade)

Lady Tiger soccer team wins to bring home GAC conference title

and give Him all the credit for to overtime and fell short 1-0.

Men’s basketball looking to BY MADISON BASCO that,” Inman explained. “I can also Their goal next year is to make it Copy Editor my teammates in any even further into the NCAA tourbounce back after 1-5 start The Ouachita women’s soc- encourage area of life and know that they will nament. Head Coach Kevin Wright

BY ISAAC BOURNE Sports Editor

After a rough start in the GAC, the OBU Tiger basketball team is looking to bounce back.

Following a tough loss to Harding at home, the Tigers went on the road to Arkansas Tech, where shooting woes and too many turnovers led to another unfortunate loss. In a long season, though, the Tigers have time to make their mark.

With high expectations going forward after a disappointing 1-5 start, the Tigers have strengths that they will look to improve upon in upcoming matchups. With a seven-to-seven balance between returners and newcomers, this Tiger squad has a high ceiling.

“I think this team is much deeper than we’ve had in the past,” said head coach Dennis Nutt. “I think there’s a lot more skill level there that we probably

didn’t have in the past years… so it’s a pretty good balance.”

Heading up the crowd of returners are senior forward Tyler Haynes and junior guard Reggie Martin. Haynes, the leading scorer for the Tigers, averages 13.7 points per game, while Martin averages 10.8 points through six games played so far this season.

On the transfer side, junior guard Emorie Knox comes in from Charleston Southern to lead the offense, while junior forward and former #1 player in Arkansas Terran Williams transfers in from Louisiana Tech. Both players bring in some much needed outside shooting, making this OBU squad a very dangerous team from beyond the arc.

To achieve more wins during GAC play, the Tigers are going to need more of that shooting and limited turnovers, but together, that makes a recipe for GAC success.

cer team has been rejoicing in their victory as the champions of the Great American Conference (GAC) that took place Nov. 9-12.

The team competed against Southern Nazarene in the semifinals on Nov. 9 and won 1-0. Then, on Nov. 12, they played in the finals and won against Oklahoma Baptist University with a score of 1-0.

Junior Abbey Inman explains the feelings she had about her team and the year they had together during the moment of their victory.

“I watched as my teammates celebrated and thanked God for all that He had done for us during the season,” Inman said. “I was more happy for my team than I was about the trophy. It was so surreal and a huge celebration.”

Inman recounts the best part about being a part of the team. “[Being on the team] is a platform I have been given by the Lord where I can have skills and talents

encourage me back. I love that we get to play a game that we all love together, knowing that He handpicked us all to be on this specific team to do good works for Him.” Inman explains that through this victory she has learned the importance of discipline and grit, acknowledging that hard work is the most important aspect of being on a team.

“I have learned that there are bad days and that they are bound to happen, but if there is 100% effort given, then that’s all that matters,” Inman explained. “I have also learned the importance of each role on the team.”

Because the team won the conference championship, they automatically got a bid to the NCAA tournament. The team took a trip to Kansas as a seed eight in the NCAA tournament. They played the number one seed, Washburn University, where they took them

is proud of his team and the hard work they executed this year.

“We ask a lot from them throughout the year, so it is really neat to see them reap the benefits of their work,” Wright explained.

“We tell them often that the game gives you what you deserve more often than not. A question I like to ask them is: ‘does your commitment, work ethic and engagement deserve positive results?’ It’s really fun at the end of it to be able to see a group deserve those moments.”

Wright hopes to see the women’s soccer team continue to achieve great things in the future. “[It] feels great to watch a group of players that are so committed to our program and in the process reach their goals,” Wright said. “I try to take it in because it really is special to watch them celebrate. We feel good about this group and look forward to really good things from them.”