the
VOLUME 130, ISSUE 7
SIGNAL
FEBRUARY 10, 2022
A P U B L I C AT I O N O F O U A C H I TA B A P T I S T U N I V E R S I T Y
CONTENTS PAGE 2 | WWW.OBUSIGNAL.COM
COVER STORY.............................3 NEWS......................................4-5 ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT...............6 OPINIONS................................... 7 SPORTS......................................8
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Sara Patterson
SIGNAL
MacKenzie Hall
Sydney Motl
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
NEWS EDITOR
Wyatt Ashlock
ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT & OPINIONS EDITOR
Dr. Jeff Root Adviser
Ryan York
SPORTS EDITOR
COPY EDITOR
Valeria Gomez SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Dr. Deborah Root Adviser
Caroline Derby
AD COORDINATOR
Abby Blankenship PHOTO EDITOR
Levi Dade
PHOTO EDITOR
Jackson Carter Online Adviser
Ouachita Baptist University Office: Evans Student Center Email: signal@obu.edu Phone: (870) 245-5210 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
Professors bond as neighbors, colleagues BY SARA PATTERSON Editor-In-Chief
Adam Jones, Biblical studies lecturer, and Jackson Carter, communications instructor, have a bond that stretches beyond their shared experience as young professors at Ouachita. Though the two work in different areas of campus, they have developed a close friendship as next-door neighbors and Ph.D. students. Jones is currently studying at the London School of Theology and Carter is at the University of South Carolina. Both are doing their programs remotely which presents its own set of unique challenges, one being a lack of shared community. “I don’t know anybody in my cohort for my Ph.D. because I’ve never been to campus,” Jones said. “My first couple of years here, I felt a little isolated. Everybody here’s been great friends to me but nobody was in the same stage of the journey.” Jones began teaching classes in the school of Christian studies in the spring of 2019. When Carter returned to Ouachita to teach in the fall of 2020, the two formed a friendship. Now, they can be found catching up on one of their front porches nearly every weekend. “There’s a level of empathy he has that I don’t think everyone’s got and I think that means a lot,” Carter said. “It almost feels therapeutic just to talk with someone here.” From Carter helping Jones move furniture to Jones watching Carter’s new daughter for a few hours, the two have formed a relationship built on being there for whatever the other person needs, and both have found great comfort in that. “There’s just a level of kindness in our friendship that I don’t see in a lot of people,” Jones said. Jones graduated from Ouachita
in 2016 and Carter graduated in 2015. Though they spent three years on the same campus, they didn’t cross paths because of their different areas of study and social life. Jones majored in Christian studies while Carter majored in mass communications and history. Jones was a member of Eta Alpha Omega while Carter was a member of Kappa Chi. Though their college lives weren’t spent in the same places, both left Ouachita with a shared appreciation for the relatability of faculty, which continues to impact them even as the roles have reversed. “What sticks with me the most are the interactions with professors and faculty. I think anything that I do well in the classroom or as an advisor is just me trying to replicate an experience that I had,” Jones said. Carter felt the same compassion from his professors. When Carter started teaching undergraduate classes at the University of South Carolina in his Ph.D. program, he realized that the kind of listening he saw modeled by Ouachita faculty would be an asset in his career. “There was a student who had a lot of family issues and I told them to come by my office after class. They were a senior and they told me that was their first time interacting with a professor that meant anything. I thought that was pretty telling,” Carter said. “I thought, ‘Maybe I can do something here, because I’m certainly not the smartest here or the best researcher but I love to be in the classroom interacting.’” Jones and Carter also clung to Ouachita’s commitment to love of learning as they took on greater responsibility in graduate studies. “My time as a student developed me as a person more than I expected. Coming out of high school and
going into college you don’t really expect personal development. You just think about learning and education,” Jones said. “One thing that I learned, and it took me three years to learn, was how to learn for the sake of learning and not for the sake of grades. I went to grad school not just to get a degree but to learn things and to be more formed.” As both have obtained master’s degrees and are currently working on doctoral degrees, having a passion for their subject matter provides much-needed motivation. “I think that love of learning keeps you going through grad school. You’ll burn out quickly if you’re just there to get the degree and leave because there’s no incentive to stay, especially if things go bad,” Carter said. “There’s a lot of hoops to jump through just to get a degree. You have to love what you’re doing.” For Carter, being taught to see the natural connection between faith and serious study as a student at Ouachita so impacted him that he was eager to return when given the opportunity. “As a non-Christian studies faculty in a department where it obviously matters but isn’t the focus, being here taught me that there is a great way to meld the two, love of God and love of learning,” Carter said. “It just felt like a natural ‘yes’ when I got a call from Ouachita to come back because I think I grew to appreciate that more in an environment outside of that, and now I’m here. Those are the things that set me up to do something like this, which I’m happy to do. This is the most fun job ever.” Jones and Carter both experienced a shift when entering the classroom for the first time. Though experts in their fields of study, their education concerning
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Mostly left: Jackson Carter. Mostly right: Adam Jones.
teaching methods was limited in their graduate courses. “Learn as you go” became the name of the game. “It’s hard to get thrown in when you don’t have the practice to do it. You have to learn it on your own, which is kind of scary,” Carter said. “You want students to come to your level, and to get there they have to walk through the steps that you have. That’s hard to remember sometimes.” Jones is known by many students in the Christian studies department for his quick wit and self-deprecating humor. In challenging classes like Greek, Jones’ personality makes the material feel less daunting. He was not always as eager to show this side of himself to classes, though. “I have somewhat of a reputation now for trying to be funny a lot but my first semester, the first two weeks or so, I tried to be so serious and students were terrified,” Jones said. After a few semesters of teaching
experience, the two have learned what teaching strategies are most effective for their classes. Many students now consider them among their favorite professors because of the energy and authenticity they bring to every class. “I try not to take myself too seriously in class. If I do something dumb, I’ll laugh about it too. It’s worth it. I think it makes everybody feel more comfortable when I don’t take myself too seriously,” Jones said. “I think it’s important to let class happen naturally too. I always go in with a plan. We don’t always get to all of the stuff on the plan but we had a really vibrant discussion.” Though they haven’t been in the classroom for long, Jones and Carter both display a depth of wisdom and compassion that is already continuing the legacy of meaningful faculty-student interactions that leave a lasting impact. The two now embody the very qualities that they admired in their professors as students.
NEWS
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Derby parts with Miss OBU title after two years BY JULIA SHANDS Staff Writer
With the Miss Ouachita Baptist University pageant just around the corner, contestants are preparing to take the stage while the current Miss OBU, Caroline Derby, prepares to give her crown away to a deserving contestant who will follow in her footsteps. This is the first Miss OBU pageant since 2020 due to the unprecedented era of COVID-19, meaning Derby has made Ouachita history by holding the beloved title for a full two years. Although Derby has cherished her time as Miss OBU, she knows how the crown can transform lives and is ready to watch the next girl step into the influential role. “It is a bittersweet feeling to give away my crown, but I am excited to see the next Miss OBU’s life change forever by wearing this crown,” Derby said. “I have had two years with it, which is more than I thought I would have, and it has been a blessing. The next Miss OBU will have an amazing year, and I will be cheering her on every step of the way.” Those attending the Miss OBU pageant are in store for a night of entertainment. From singing and dancing to beautiful ball gowns and inspiring social impact statements, the night will not lack excitement. “The social clubs come out and support their girls competing, the Arkadelphia community comes to see the talent section of the competition and the Ouachita alumni, faculty, staff and students make everything electric for the girls on stage,” Derby said. “The audience will see great talents, be entertained by the Court of Honor and hear the reason behind competing in Miss OBU and the benefits that it provides for women at Ouachita and in Arkansas.”
Caroline Derby, junior mass communications major, is crowned Miss Ouachita Baptist University during the pageant in February 2020. Due to COVID-19, Derby had a historic reign lasting two years. (photo by Hannah Smith)
Emilee Webb, a sophomore English major and contestant for the crown, has been working tirelessly in preparation for the day’s events. “I am a tap dancer, and I have been practicing for a few hours each night to ensure that my dance is stage ready,” Webb said. “I have also been working on my interview by making sure that I am up to date on current events and ready to answer questions about anything the judges may ask me.” The Miss OBU pageant has been a source of inspiration for many young women and continues to be for competitor Kaelin Clay, a freshman communications major.
“I grew up watching the Miss America competition on TV every year, and I always looked up to the girls competing,” Clay said. “Not only did their talents amaze me, but as I grew older and started competing in pageants, their eloquence and boldness inspired me more and more, and I want to be the role model for younger girls watching just like the previous Miss Americas were for me.” Throughout her reign as Miss OBU, Derby has encouraged and loved the women around her, giving girls like Haley Shourd, freshman music major, the confidence to step into the shoes that she wore
so well. “This summer at the Miss Arkansas Outstanding Teen competition I had the opportunity to become friends with the reigning Miss OBU, Caroline Derby,” Shourd said. “I remember feeling like she stood out from the other candidates in the way she took time to get to know me. I was already planning to go to Ouachita so we made a few connections, but I think it was that first meeting with Caroline that really changed my perspective on the Miss OBU pageant.” As Derby braces herself to say goodbye to a title that has molded her, she reflects on the gift that be-
ing Miss OBU has been. “I started out as a scared freshman girl who didn’t know if she was capable of being Miss OBU,” Derby said. “Here I am now, as the Caroline I feel I am meant to be and I have served Ouachita for two years. It has been the most challenging, sweetest and amazing time of my life. Thank you, Ouachita, for letting me serve you. It has been a dream come true and the honor of a lifetime.” The Miss OBU pageant will be held on Saturday, Feb. 12, at 7:30 p.m. in Jones Performing Arts Center. For ticket information, visit obu.edu/boxoffice.
NEWS
WWW.OBUSIGNAL.COM | PAGE 5
MSP, MORE host events for Black History Month BY EMILEE WEBB Staff Writer
Sherry Cantatore, Kari Ledford and Madison Ledford all work in dining services. They each find ways to encourage students through their jobs. (photo by Abby Blankenship)
Three generations serve students BY MACKENZIE HALL News Editor
Familiar faces on campus, Sherry Cantatore, Kari Ledford and Madison Ledford work for Sodexo at Ouachita. Cantatore is the smiling face standing behind the Simple Servings line, Kari Ledford diligently plans campus favorite events and Madison Ledford greets students as they pay for their Friday Chick-fil-A meal. Serving Ouachita is a family business for the three. The mother, daughter and granddaughter trio started their journey at Ouachita in 2016 when Kari Ledford became the marketing specialist for Sodexo. The next year, Cantatore and Madison Ledford joined the team. Before the three were at Ouachita, though, another member of their family, Dan, had a similar job. “My brother worked here for Sodexo in 2014 at Chick-fil-A as a supervisor. In 2015, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and passed away six weeks later. He was well loved by all the students here,” Kari Ledford said. Shortly after Dan passed away,
family friend and general manager of Sodexo, Jon Fitzgerald, came into their family-owned store, Sears Hometown. Kari Ledford knew Jon was hiring for a marketing position, and the rest was history. The family carries their closeknit relationships not only at home, but also at work. In a fast-paced department, support is crucial in each of their positions. “We all know what’s happening across campus between retail and the cafeteria. We all support each other. It’s more than just the dayto-day work. We’re here to support each other emotionally, physically and spiritually every day,” Kari Ledford said. “If we don’t know what’s going on, we’ll ask. We are a family at work,” Cantatore said. Dining services is a central part of student life on campus. The opportunity to interact and serve students happens three times a day. The trio sees this opportunity and the impact it has on students. They know the simplicity of caring can change the trajectory of a student’s day. “I love to make students feel
important. When a student comes through the line and I can tell them their order, they are always shocked that I can remember,” Madison Ledford said. “I don’t want anyone to ever come up to Chick-fil-A and feel like they can’t talk to me or yell at me across the way. I just want to make it fun.” “I want the students to feel like they can open up. I want to share my faith and tell them that Jesus loves them,” Cantatore said. Because of the trio’s kindness and hospitality, students feel at home while at school. “The highlight for me is the impact that we have on students. It’s the little things that make a difference from the day to day,” Kari Ledford said. “Students can walk in here with no smile on their face and then they realize it’s National Strawberry Day and their whole mood changes. It can be something that small that makes a huge difference.” “I want to be remembered as someone who is loving, caring and willing to listen,” Cantatore said. “I am there for students for whatever they may need—love, spiritual guidance. I want to change hearts.”
Multicultural Student Programs has planned a series of events throughout the month of February in recognition of Black History Month. To kick off the month, MSP hosted a soul food lunch in the Commons and a chapel service with Multicultural Organization Reaching Equality (MORE) student leadership on Feb. 1. Because of inclement weather, the Alumni Spotlight has been rescheduled for Friday, Feb. 11 at noon in the Alumni Room in the Commons. MORE president Dayja James encourages all students to attend and learn from Kendra Pruitt, attorney and chief of staff for the mayor of Little Rock. “I am truly excited to hear from her,” James said. “She is a woman who wears many hats, but knows the unique struggles of being an African American woman in rooms dominated by not only a different ethnic group, but a different gender.” In addition, MORE will be hosting “MORE’s Got Talent” on Feb. 17 at 7:30 p.m. A variety of talents will be showcased, and students, faculty and staff are encouraged to attend and witness the talents and skills of individuals on campus that they may not know yet. “You do not want to miss this,” James said. There will be a performance from the MSP Gospel Choir at the talent show as well. The Gospel Choir will also hold a coffeehouse performance on Feb. 25 at noon. Student leaders have worked hard to plan these events and hope to see their work pay off. “There have been a lot of meetings and a lot of planning and
brainstorming. I believe the challenge has been to not end up with a congested calendar, but rather to have one of quality,” James said. “One of our goals has been to provide enriching experiences for students campus-wide, but especially for students of color who feel as though they lack some of these activities year around.” Along with James, other students have stepped up to make these events possible. “Leaders like Aiiryel McCoy, Khennedy Brunson, Katie Gray, J’Nayzia King and others have truly stepped up to the plate in ways that are unique to their skill set and it has been cool to see that up close,” James said. Students on campus are encouraged to attend all of the remaining events in recognition of Black History Month. There will be ways to get involved throughout the year as well. “We are seeking to build morale on campus within Multicultural Student Programs, and this is a great time to get involved,” James said. “Later in the semester we hope to have an interest meeting open to all students for further engagement. It is our goal to have activities and events not only during Black History Month, but throughout the year.” Getting involved is simple but powerful. James hopes that many students choose to attend the events this month and those to come throughout the year. “Improvement can happen, but it starts with you,” James said. “Being a leader is not a title given, but a way of life you choose. Jesus Christ calls us to lead, but with His love and His light. Never forget the purpose behind which all things should be done: to the glory and honor of God.”
ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT PAGE 6 | WWW.OBUSIGNAL.COM
Streaming services differ in value, variety
BY WYATT ASHLOCK
Arts/Entertainment & Opinions Editor Netflix released its streaming service in 2007 and changed the entertainment industry. People were able to stream shows and movies of their choosing instead of having to watch whatever was live on television or on their digital video recorder (DVR). Soon after, a few more streaming services became available including Hulu, Prime Video and HBO. In recent years, there has been a shift in streaming services as entertainment companies realized that they do not need to rely on other services, resulting in many new streaming services such as Dis-
ney+, Peacock and Paramount+. This can leave college students asking which streaming services to get since many students are on a fixed budget. Netflix is still by far the most used streaming service. Netflix has a great variety of content which keeps people coming back. Netflix also has a lot of originals but they are not always audience favorites. This service offers three different packages; the first of which is $9.99 a month which allows for one person to stream at a time, but does not allow for streaming in high definition. The second package is $15.99 a month, allowing for two people to stream at the same time and for high definition streaming. Option three is $19.99 a month and
allows four people to stream at the same time and allows for streaming in ultra high definition. Disney+ has much more to offer than just Disney and Pixar movies. If you are wanting to keep up with the Marvel Cinematic Universe or the Star Wars Universe, then this service is a necessity. There is also 20th Century Studios content and the only streaming licensed version of “Hamilton.” Disney+ is a great service for any college student coming in at $8 a month. Hulu has a great variety of shows, and unlike Netflix, this service uploads new episodes to their service the day after they are aired on television. Hulu offers two different packages, an ad version for $6.99 a month or ad-free
for $12.99 a month. However, for $4.99 students can get access to Spotify Premium, Showtime and Hulu all in one bundle. Peacock is a newer streaming service that offers live television and most shows owned by NBC including “The Office,” “Parks and Recreation” and “Brooklyn Nine Nine.” Peacock is also slowly releasing a new version of “The Office” called “The Office Superfan Episodes” which includes never-before-seen content in each episode. Peacock offers a free version, but not everything is available including the new version of “The Office.” The second option is $4.99 a month and includes everything Peacock has to offer but has ads. The $9.99 option gives every-
thing Peacock can offer and is ad free. HBO Max has a giant library from DC to Cartoon Network to Warner Brothers; it has something for everyone. HBO Max stands out by offering the show “Friends” as well as any movie from Warner Brothers. The movies release on HBO Max on the same day for no additional charge. HBO Max has two packages: $9.99 with ads or $14.99 without ads. These are just a few of many streaming services. Many offer student discounts, such as Prime Video, Paramount+ and YouTube Premium. As companies grow, more streaming services will be released, and people will have to decide what services take priority.
‘Tanglewood’ brings student’s dream to stage BY AMY JACKSON Staff Writer
“Tanglewood” is set to be a warm, heartfelt addition to the 2021-2022 theatre arts season. This full-length musical was written and directed by senior musical theatre major Sammy Campione. Set in a magical forest, a community of animals must work together to acknowledge and defeat a widespread but taboo problem that runs deeper than previously thought. “It’s a whimsical fantasy with a lot of fun colors and sounds,
but plenty of drama as well,” said Campione. Inspired by works such as “Lord of the Rings,” “Alice in Wonderland” and last year’s Muse Project, “The Old Man and the Old Moon,” Campione spent over two years fashioning “Tanglewood” into what it is today. “It began as a song idea about a kooky old wizard that goes around the forest, tending it, watching over it and taking care of the animals there,” said Campione. “When my friend Ezra and I started talking about working on a project togeth-
er, I suggested we take that song idea and use it as the opener to a musical. From there the story took a variety of deviations from what I originally pictured in my head, it’s barely recognizable compared to the original concept we came up with.” The Muse Project is an annual production slot in the theatre arts department’s calendar that invites student leadership in direction, design and execution of a creative work. Students prepare for over a year to find or create the perfect play or musical, which is chosen
by the theatre faculty in March of the preceding year. The design team includes sophomore Grace Woodward on costumes, sophomore Brynlee Beams on set and senior Mat Snook on lights. “It’s been more than a dream to work with so many talented collaborators on this process,” Campione said. “More than a dream because it was a dream, and now it’s become a reality and I truly could not have done it alone. I chose all my designers very specifically, and they’ve more than surpassed ex-
pectations, especially on a budget.” Campione hopes that audiences are immersed in the story. “If we accomplish this, then I hope they see in it the importance of personal responsibility and the scale of what can be accomplished when seemingly powerless individuals work together as a community,” Campione said. “Tanglewood” runs from Feb. 16-17 and 19-21 in Verser Theater. Tickets are available through the box office 1-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, or at obu.edu/boxoffice for no charge with a student I.D.
Arts Engagement Calendar Art Credit:
Theatre Credit:
Music Credit:
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Music Credit:
Ceramic Works by Logan Hunter and Hannah May Jan. 19th - Feb. 19th Moses-Provine 1st Floor Gallery
“Tanglewood” Feb. 16th-17th, 19th and 21st at 7:30 PM 20th at 2:30 PM Verser Theatre
Guest Artist Recital Rachel Breen - Piano Feb. 21st at 7:30 PM McBeth Recital Hall
Guest Artist Recital Caitlyn Secrest - Voice Feb. 22nd at 7:30 PM McBeth Recital Hall
Jazz Band Concert Feb. 28th at 7:30 PM Jones Performing Arts Center
OPINIONS
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Romans 8:18 gives hope to believers facing trials BY MALLORY GATSON Staff Writer
When unfortunate things happen to people, the common question they often have is, “Why would God allow something like this to happen to me?” In reality, the question should be, “Why wouldn’t God allow this to happen to me?” God does nothing by mistake. Everything is already orchestrated, working together to accomplish God’s plan in each of our lives. Romans 8:18 has always warmed my heart in my times of despair. In this scripture, Paul tells us that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. He tells us that, regardless of what we are dealing with right now, there will be joy after this.
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
-Romans 8:18, NIV
There is purpose in suffering. I know that sounds crazy, especially when you are experiencing what feels like an unbearable burden or a hopeless trial, but there truly is. The hurt, the heartaches, the betrayal and the misunderstandings are all part of the plan we cannot fully see. When I was in second grade, I was taken away from my mom and placed in a foster home. Although I was a kid, I can vividly remember the sorrow I felt. To this day, I can remember everything about my temporary home, especially how
much I hated being there. Every night when I went to sleep, I prayed to God. I constantly included in my prayers, “I know tomorrow will be a new day and I’ll be able to leave.” I would be so disappointed when I woke up the next morning and I was still there. I thought I could no longer endure. I was very unhappy there and there seemed to be no happy ending in sight. I went from playing with my Bratz Dolls like any other child to feeling like I was completely alone. Eight-year-old me could not imagine what God was up to. I didn’t know how to look past what I was dealing with. I knew how to pray, though, and the entire time I was in foster care, I didn’t miss a moment of praying. I wanted my family back. I wanted nothing more than to be reunited with my mother. Years later, I was. My pain didn’t end as quickly as I wanted it to, but it ended. Sufferings like what I experienced are surely hurtful, but Paul reminds us that what we are experiencing now cannot even compare to the glory that is coming. This is the marvelous glory God has prepared for those who love him, you and I. It is a hard truth to accept, but all Christians do suffer; there are no exceptions. If you are a true believer in Christ, trials will follow. We can endure the suffering, however, because we know the glory that is to come. I challenge you to be reminded of Romans 8:18 when you find yourself in a time of suffering. I challenge you to call this verse to mind when you are in a dark place, and I challenge you to endure suffering with joy because there is hope for tomorrow.
Gather friends for Galentine’s day BY VALERIA GOMEZ Staff Writer
You either love celebrating Valentine’s Day, genuinely do not care or dislike it. Some people struggle to celebrate the holiday because it causes pain or brings back memories of past relationships. I want to encourage you to use this day to celebrate your circle of friends. Consider the friends in your life who make the ordinary things fun and are always there for you. It’s easy to overlook celebrating them, unless it’s their birthday. Planning your own Galentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to gather all your friends together and show them how much you appreciate their friendship. Galentine’s usually happens on Feb. 13, but it doesn’t have to. You could celebrate a week after if that is what everyone’s schedules permit. Make a list of friends you want to invite. Double check to make sure no one is excluded; you want everyone to feel loved and celebrated. Be as inclusive as you can.
Design some festive and cute invites. You want all the information necessary to be on the invitation. Remove all confusion by providing details like bring your own drink, bring a plate to share or wear specific colors like pink and red. Make them personal by addressing it to each person or personally deliver it. People always appreciate when they feel seen and valued. Look for a venue according to the number of people you invited. If you choose a place that is too big, the room will feel empty and people are less likely to bond. Proximity matters when making connections, so think about how your friends are going to gather. Nobody wants to feel left out. Plan your menu and make it festive. Depending on your budget, you might only get a few snacks instead of a meal and that is perfectly fine. Get some pink and red frosted cookies, heart shaped pizza or nuggets, pink lemonade or Valentine’s themed candy. Food brings people together, so think about how the food will be
presented and how it will allow people to connect. Every party needs entertainment. Come up with games that will make people laugh, think and work together. This is even more important if you invite friends who don’t know each other. Teamwork will create a space to get to know people and form new friendships. Games like Heads Up, Pictionary, Two Truths and a Lie or quick card games are always fun and keep people engaged. Also, consider taking pictures as part of the entertainment. Set up a pretty background and allow time for your guests to take pictures. People love documenting moments like these. Galentine’s is all about having fun and celebrating the gift of friendship. There is no need to stress about it. Create a checklist, set a budget and enjoy putting together a gathering for the people you love. The memorable night will show your friends how fun the holiday can be when it’s taken as a chance to encourage one another.
SPORTS
PAGE 8 | WWW.OBUSIGNAL.COM
Basketball teams grind in unpredictable season BY MATTHEW CHEATHAM Staff Writer
Tiger basketball is putting in the work to earn its stripes this season. Amid yet another season impacted by COVID-19, the men’s and women’s teams have to adapt to the chaos. The men hold a record of 5-16, while he women hold a record of 7-11. Senior guard Larenz Nero will be the only one leaving the men’s team next season after staying for his extended eligibility due to COVID. Leading the team in total assists, assists per game, assist to turnover ratio and games played, Nero tries to lead with his actions both on and off the court. “I have always prided myself on being a great leader for my team by leading them vocally with positive affirmation and, more importantly, by example, whether that is on the court or in the classroom,” Nero said. Of the eleven members on the women’s team, six are freshmen, representatives of the largest freshman class in school history. “In my opinion, we don’t have one person as a leader; everyone on the team takes charge and holds you accountable. Being a freshman on the team doesn’t mean anything.
Men’s Basketball
Sat Feb 5 OBU 82 Harding 75 Mon Feb 7 HSU 57 OBU 49
Women’s Basketball
Sat Feb 5 OBU 64 Harding 76 Mon Feb 7 HSU 71 OBU 73
Junior guard Ma’Darius Hobson faces Reddie player in a triple threat position. The final score was 59-47 Henderson. (photo by Levi Dade)
If you are doing your part and producing on the court, that’s all that matters,” freshman forward McKenzie Jones said. “I believe this program has come a long way from where it was, and I can’t wait to see
Baseball
Sat Feb 5 OBU 0 HSU 4 Sat Feb 5 OBU 0 NWMS 1 Mon Feb 7 OBU 10 Rogers St 7
how it progresses from here.” Freshman guard Aspen Thornton has been a bright spot for the Lady Tigers all season. Starting every game, she leads the team from the free-throw line at 84%, total
Softball
Sat Feb 5 OBU 1 ESU 4 Sat Feb 5 OBU 0 Cameron 2 Sun Feb 6 OBU 0 SBU 4 Sun Feb 6 OBU 0 NSU 3
steals 57, steals per game 3.1, total minutes 701, minutes per game 34.9, total points 489 and points per game 24.5. She has scored 15 or more points in all but one game and already has two 40-point
Men’s Tennis
Fri Feb 4 Delta St 0 OBU 7 Sat Feb 5 SBU 1 OBU 6
Women’s Tennis Sat Feb 5
OBU 8 Hendrix 1
games under her belt at the collegiate level. Junior guard Ma’Darius Hobson has been one of the focal points of the Tiger’s offense while also providing meaningful defense. He leads the team in total points 301, points per game 15.8, rebounds per game 5.4, total steals 32, steals per game 1.8, total minutes 632, minutes per game 33.1 and has scored in double figures in 17 of his 19 games played this season. There are seven more regular season games for the men’s team and six for the women’s team until the GAC tournament begins March 3. The most recent matchup for the men’s and women’s teams was against Henderson State University. The tension of both games lived up to the historic rivalry. The Lady Tigers walked off the court with a buzzer beater layup by Claudia Vanzant giving them the 73-71 victory. For the Tigers, there was no moment of relaxation until the last few minutes of the game. As the final minutes passed, the Reddies secured their lead with free throws, giving them the 59-47 victory. The next home game for the men’s and women’s teams will be Feb. 10 against Northwestern Oklahoma State at Bill Vining Arena starting with the women’s team at 5:30 p.m.
Men’s Swimming
Fri Jan 28 HSU 129 OBU 107
Women’s Swimming
Fri Jan 28 HSU 112 OBU 118