OBU Signal – Feb. 5, 2015

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Signal

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02.05.15 Volume 123 Issue 14

Ouachita Baptist University

IN THIS ISSUE:

CFW 2015 What’s on the schedule for this year’s Christian Focus Week? For a full list of events see, p.3

Make Her Swoon Don’t punk out on Valentine’s Day. Follow Hutch’s advice and make it one to remember, p.4

Tyler Rosenthal z The Signal NOAH MITCHELL, Taylor Lamb, Michael Curtis and Zach Zucha led worship during last year’s Christian Focus Week. CFW 2015 kicks off this year with Jillian Edwards in concert Sunday, Feb. 8, in JPAC at 8 p.m.

Campus gearing up for Christian Focus Week 2015 Doubleheader Tiger baseball defeats St. Edwards in series, p.5

Signing Day Future Tigers comitted to play for Ouachita during 2015-16 seasons, p.6

S News 1 n S Opinions 4 n S Sports 5 n

By BARRETT GAY Staff Writer

Campus Ministries is gearing up for the anticipated annual Christian Focus Week, an extended period of worship and connection for students, that will start Feb. 8 and last until Feb. 13. This year’s theme is “Citizens.”

The Scripture chosen to represent the theme is Ephesians 2:19-22, which reads, “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.”

Co-chair for the student leadership team is Steven Rutherford, a junior business administration major from Benton.

He said the inspiration for the theme came during the brainstorming process with the Christian Focus Week team.

During the discussion process, Rutherford posed the question, “What should being a church member look like?”

He emphasized the value of connection.

“What I’d really like to drive home is getting involved,” he said. “Not just putting everything on the leadership of the church, actually being active.”

After searching through Scripture and prayerful consideration, the team arrived at the idea of “Citizens” because they wanted to communicate with the student body the importance of understanding their roles as citizens of Heaven and this world.

Rutherford said the team’s vision for

the week is to see students being inspired to plug in and invest their time fruitfully on earth.

“It’s easy for everyone to go through the motions. But the Lord calls us to be intentional and have relationships with people and to be working toward Him every second we can,” Rutherford said.

Campus Ministries director James Taylor says his hope for this year’s CFW is that it will meet students where they are.

“My goal—and I think the leadership team’s goal—is for students on our campus to have the opportunity to hear [the gospel], to believe it and to be changed by it. So, wherever they are in their journey, [we want] for the week to help bring them closer to Christ,” he said. “We have a variety of events that hopefully will connect with people in different ways.”

Some of that variety includes havsee CFW z 3

Seven students to perform with VP Brett Powell selected to Arkansas Intercollegiate Band lead Arkansas Department at convention on Feb. 19-20 of Higher Education

By CHELSEA WHELPLEY News Bureau

Seven members of Ouachita’s band have been selected for the 2015 Arkansas Intercollegiate Band. The band is presented by the Arkansas chapter of the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA). The AIB will perform in concert at the Arkansas Music Educators Convention on Feb. 19-20, at the Hot Springs Convention Center.

Student musicians from 11 universities around the state were selected for the honor by recommendation of their band directors.

“It is an honor for the students to be selected to perform with the AIB,” Dr. Craig Hamilton, Ouachita director of bands, said. “Students learn from an outstanding guest conductor and enjoy the experience of performing with their colleagues from around the state.”

Junior Carter Harlan, a percussionist and instrumental

music education major from Arkadelphia, Ark., is one of the students selected for the AIB. “This is a great opportunity to be able to play with college musicians across the state under some well known conductors,” Harlan said.

This year’s conductor will be Dr. Gary Hill, director of bands at Arizona State University. The AIB’s performance will premiere Michael Markowski’s new work for band, commissioned by the Arkansas chapter of CBDNA. Sophomore Wes Savage, a bassoon player and worship arts major from Rudy, Ark., will also play with the AIB this year.

“I am very grateful for the opportunity to perform with a variety of people,” Savage said. “Ouachita has given me a good basis in learning music and making connections within music as well as to the outside world.”

Allison King, a senior music major from Fort Worth, Texas, see BAND z 3

By TRENNIS HENDERSON News Bureau

Brett Powell, vice president for administrative services at Ouachita, has been chosen to serve as the new director of the Arkansas Department of Higher Education effective Feb. 9.

Powell, 47, was named to the statewide post Jan. 30 by the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board. As a member of the governor’s cabinet, he will serve as an advocate for higher education.

He succeeds Shane Broadway who has accepted a position as vice president for government relations for Arkansas State University.

“I’m delighted with the selection of Dr. Powell to be the new director of higher education,” said Gov. Asa Hutchinson in a press release. “I’m pleased with the choice and I’m pleased with the way the board conducted the selection process. I have no doubt that Dr. Powell will do a great job leading a department so crucial to the future of Arkansas.”

Brett Powell

Powell, who has served at Ouachita since 2006, previously was associate vice chancellor at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and director of financial services at the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service.

“Brett Powell was my first administrative hire at Ouachita. He came to us at a crucial time,” said Ouachita President Rex Horne.

“I could not be more gratesee POWELL z 3

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Thursday, February 5, 2015

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TOP

this weekzCALENDAR REFUGE is tonight at 9 p.m. at Second Baptist Church. For more information, contact: James Taylor at taylorja@obu.edu.

CAMPUS ACTIVITIES BOARD will host a free movie screening of Mockingjay Part I Friday at 8 p.m. in Dr. Jack’s. For information contact: Jimmy Phillips at phillipsj@obu.edu.

THE WOMEN OF SIGMA ALPHA IOTA will host the Rose Ball Saturday from 6-9 p.m. in Walker Conference Center. Tickets are $15-$20. For more information contact: Amy Simon at sim50931@obu.edu.

JILLIAN EDWARDS will perform in concert Sunday night from 8-10 p.m. in Jones Performing Arts Center. For more information contact: James Taylor at taylorj@obu.edu.

5 4 3 2 1

CHRISTIAN FOCUS WEEK will kick off this Sunday night. For more information contact: James Taylor at taylorj@obu.edu.

DOWNLINE LITTLE ROCK will be recruiting in Evans Student Center on Tuesday, Feb. 10 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information contact David Adams at david@downlinelittlerock. com.

[from your perspective]

Superbowl Commercials [without dads and death] T-Mobile feat. Kim Kardashian Subaru dogs Avocados from Mexico Clash of Clans feat. Liam Neeson Budweiser’s “Lost Dog”

If you could live in any TV show, which would you choose?

Taryn Bailey Freshman

Josh Rubin Junior

Elise Cobb Sophomore

Caleb Hurst Freshman

“Gilmore Girls”

“Friends”

“Grey’s Anatomy”

“Adventure Time”

BIBLICALLY ROOTED + THEOLOGICALLY FORMED

The Biblical and Theological Studies department equips scholars with a solid theological base and methodological skills that prepare you for doctoral studies or a variety of ministry contexts. Our diverse evangelical community provides a rich, interdisciplinary learning environment where biblical reflection and theological discussion go beyond the classroom.

Faculty are committed to helping students understand the theological foundation of their lives and calling within the context of Christ’s Kingdom. We invite YOU to explore our community at Wheaton College Graduate School.

WHEATON.EDU/BTS3

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POWELL

z Continued from Page 1 ful for Brett’s years of service and dedication to Ouachita,” he added. “He has had input in so many vital areas of importance in all things Ouachita. He will be missed, but we all can be proud of his contributions that will continue.”

“What a privilege it has been to serve at Ouachita and to play a small part in a number of positive changes that have occurred in recent years,” Powell said.

“While I am tremendously excited about this new opportunity, I know it means leaving behind an institution and, more importantly, the faculty, staff and students who make the institution special, that I will truly miss,” he noted. “I will always treasure my time at Ouachita, both for the rewarding work completed and for the lasting friendships gained.”

In his role as vice president for administrative services, Powell has directed the university’s accounting, budgeting, investment management,

BAND

z Continued from Page 1 was chosen to play bass clarinet for the band.

“I’m looking forward to learning and playing new music, and I especially like seeing that there are other bass clarinetists in the world than myself and the few others I’ve been in band with.”

The AIB features double the typical number of bass clarinetists.

“For most concerts at OBU, an ensemble will rehearse dozens of times over the course of a few months,” Harlan noted.

“With AIB, we will present a concert with only a few hours of rehearsal, so it will be a fun challenge and a great experi-

Thursday, February 5, 2015

payroll, human resource services, facilities planning and management, purchasing, information technology, risk management, student financial services and auxiliary services. He supervised such major campus construction projects as the Student Village residence halls completed in 2009 and Cliff Harris Stadium dedicated in 2014.

In addition to his work at Ouachita, Powell chairs the Benchmarking Committee of the Southern Association of College and University Business Officers and is the past president of the Arkansas Association of College and University Administrators.

He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in accounting from the University of Louisiana, Monroe, as well as a Master of Business Administration and a Doctorate of Education in higher education administration from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. He also holds an Arkansas license as a certified public accountant.

Powell and his wife, Stacey, have one daughter, Chandler, who is a junior at Ouachita. n ence for all the players.”

Additional Ouachita students chosen to perform include: Elizabeth Lawson, a senior instrumental music education major from Texarkana, Texas, on horn; Justin Massey, a junior instrumental music education major from Weatherford, Texas, on bass; Jason Potts, a sophomore instrumental music education major from Springdale, Ark., on trombone; and Chelsea Villanueva, a senior music performance major from Bentonville, Ark., on clarinet.

For more information about the Arkansas Intercollegiate Band or the Ouachita bands program, contact Dr. Craig Hamilton by email at hamiltonc@obu.edu. n

CFW

z Continued from Page 1 ing a new speaker each day, a different direction from last year. “I’m looking forward to the chance to get to hear from a number of different people and have some different voices,” Taylor said.

Christian Focus Week has been part of Ouachita for over 30 years. Since it lasts an entire school week and there are a multitude of activities some classes will be cancelled to

accommodate extra worship services. Taylor expressed gratitude to Ouachita’s administration for valuing CFW enough to bend the school schedule around it.

“That’s the great thing about how Ouachita invests in the spiritual lives of its students.

The school says this is important enough that once a year they set aside time other than the normal chapel time for morning worship services. It’s a tradition,” he said. “Really it’s because the administra-

tors at this school support this week that it makes it the success that it is.”

This Christ-centered weeklong experience will kick off with the Jillian Edwards concert in JPAC on Feb. 8. The concert is free for students, faculty and staff and $5 to the public.

Pancakes will be served at Dr. Jack’s afterwards.

CFW will host several events each day throughout the week.

See below for the full schedule.For more information visit http://www.obu.edu/cfw. n

CFW 2015 Schedule For a complete list of events and more information, download the “Christian Focus Week” guide on the Ouachita app. worship leaders for the week: Rusty Butler & Wade Stotts

Tuesday, 2/10 + 10 a.m. Worship: Jackie Flake [jpac] CLASSES CANCELLED + 5:30 p.m. Men’s Dinner w/Jason Curry [tiger den]

Sunday, 2/8 + 8 p.m. Jillian Edwards in concert [jpac] + 9 p.m. Pancakes [evans student center]

Monday, 2/9 + 9 a.m. Worship: Sonny Tucker [jpac] CLASSES CANCELLED + 12 p.m. Noonday [berry chapel] + 6 p.m. Social Club Service [jpac] + 9 p.m. Coffeehouse/Art & Worship [tiger den]

+ 6 p.m. Women’s Tea w/ Barbara Pemberton [walker] + 8 p.m. A Night of Worship with We The Union [jpac]

Wednesday, 2/11 + 10 a.m. Worship: Scott Duvall [jpac] CLASSES CANCELLED + 12 p.m. Noonday [berry chapel} + 9 p.m. Breakout: Student Testimonies [berry chapel]

Thursday, 2/12 + 10 a.m. Worship: Jonathan Curtis [jpac] CLASSES CANCELLED + 4 p.m. Breakout with Dr. Horne: Heaven [berry chapel] + 9:30 p.m. Refuge: Austin Wadlow [jpac]

Friday, 2/13 + 11 a.m. Worship: Austin Wadlow [jpac] CLASSES CANCELLED + 12:15 p.m. Live Music [dr. jack’s] for more information, contact James at taylorja@obu.edu or stop by the CM office on the esc bridge

It’s Legal. It’s Safe. It’s Anonymous.

Safe Haven is a law designed to protect babies.

What is Safe Haven? In Arkansas, the Safe Haven law allows a parent to give up an infant anonymously.

The purpose of Safe Haven is to prevent babies from being hurt or killed by unsafe abandonment.

Unsafely abandoning a baby puts the infant in extreme danger that can result in the baby’s death.

It also is illegal, with severe consequences.

There is an option. Don’t abandon your baby.

1-888-510-BABY 2 2 2 9 w w w. a r k a n s a s s a f e h a v e n . o r g www.HumanServices.Arkansas.gov | Division of Children and Family Services

4

opinions

Thursday, February 5, 2015

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Don’t punk out on Valentine’s Day

By NOAH HUTCHINSON Opinions Editor @Hutch15 “Hello,” Bob said as he approached his lady love.

“Mandatory couple participation holiday number one is upon us once more.”

“Did you get me a card?” asked Sarah.

“Yes,” replied Bob. “I got you a card. It is red. It came from Walmart. I love you.”

“I didn’t get you anything because I’m a woman,” Sarah said. “But I also love you.”

After that heartwarming exchange, the happy couple hopped into Bob’s truck, drove to Olive Garden, waited 40 minutes for a table with all the other happy couples and had casual conversation over the closest thing to Italian food that they could find. They had desert though, so it was special. Happy Valentine’s Day. There’s no way that you could convince me that you go hard in life if you’re in a committed relationship and don’t go hard on Valentine’s Day. If you receive snuggles from a female on even a semi-regular basis, you better cook up something that will make her single friends absolutely nauseous with misery when she runs back to brag about what an awesome time she had. Otherwise, you aren’t sucking the marrow out of this 80 year feast of mortality that the good Lord bestowed upon you. You aren’t even scarfing down all the meat. If life were a wing eating contest, lackluster Valentine’s Day guy would be that dude that the judge is always having to hover over to make

sure he picks the bones clean. That’s a shameful title if ever I’ve heard one.

Everybody’s had someone in their life that they cared about to a downright embarassing degree, even if it was a platonic or unrequited thing. At the same time though, that girl that’s got you skipping down the sidewalk humming “You Are My Sunshine” to yourself is still just a cog in the big bad hate machine that is the world like everyone else. They might oversleep on that all important morning when they were going to start their workout plan. Some hidden or underemphasized stress might be weighing on them, eating away at their peace of mind. They might have to interact on a daily basis with someone who doesn't see them in the light that you do, someone who might disrespect them or make life just a horrifyingly tiny bit more difficult. Whatever the case is, we’re all just human, and if we forget it, something will surely come along and remind us. Don’t you want to let your special someone know, in a way sincere enough to communicate it with exactly the depth that you mean it, that they’re the best? That they’ve got the power to make you go weak in the knees whenever you see them in the distance? That they deserve to feel as special as you’ve realized that they are?

You can’t let the romance in your life die, and I’m not talking about the ooey-gooey, kissing over a sunset in a hot-air balloon kind of romance. I’m talking about that sense of magic that momentarily transforms you into a noir film detective every time you let yourself stare out of a car window on a rainy night.

Don’t see Valentine’s Day as another dumb societal construct of the capitalist fat cats to sell cards and flowers. See it as an opportunity to inject a little extra happiness into the typical day-to-day of someone that you care for. And if you’re that couple that’s planning

Sundance Film Fest: A cultural experience

By CAROLINE POOLE Copy Editor We were standing in a line of people, waiting for the premier of one of the biggest movies at the festival, hoping desperately to get a seat in the already packed theater. It was snowing outside and the tent where we were held like cattle was warm with the body heat of way too many people. There was the familiar low hum of excitement that fills every corner of the city for two weeks every year, overshadowed only by talk of James Franco and Jonah Hill. The atmosphere was electric—everyone wanted to know if they were standing next to someone famous (I’m still convinced I was behind Christopher Walken) and what films were worth the waitlist. It was that atmosphere that formed the unmistakable community of lovers of good film and good conversation. That atmosphere is what keeps people coming back to Sundance.

I first heard of the Sundance Film Festival a year ago when Dr. Rebecca Jones gave a plug in one of our communications classes for a class on film she and Dr. Doug Sonheim were teaching. The class went to the festival at the end of January, and then met throughout the semester to discuss and write and apply the connection between faith and film and culture. I attended the interest meeting for the class because I happened to be in the right place at the right time, I applied because I received an email attachment from Dr. Jones and I accepted a position in the class because I heard I might meet Nick Offerman (I didn’t, but he was in the film that won the Grand Jury Prize, so I guess it’s OK).

My indecisiveness, however, became the avenue to which I had a small taste of what I think we, as Christians, mean when we say “in the world but not of the world.”

A day in the life of a Sundancer is long. The Windrider Forum, a daily, two-hour-long, seminar-style analysis of how film affects faith comes first.

The forum is composed of students from across the country who want to understand culture through a faith

lens. The rest of the day is composed of bus rides, lines, films, panels with directors and producers and, for those that are lucky, the occasional meal at the Red Banjo Café. By the time the last screening is over and the temperature is well below freezing, it’s far past the time of night when the city of Arkadelphia shuts down. Even with the occasional crazy lady on the midnight bus from Eccles Theater to Prospector Square, the street we like to call home, the dim but ever-present glow of fresh snow and full hearts is still strong.

If you’re still confused as to exactly what Sundance is, don’t feel bad. I didn’t fully understand what I was doing until our plane landed in Salt Lake City. While at Sundance I saw a documentary about the Dreamcatcher Foundation. Dreamcatcher is based in inner-city Chicago and works to help women who have been prostituted.

The founder is a former prostitute and works to help women find jobs and rehabilitation centers. She also works to teach high school girls about the dangers of prostitution in the city. The documentary was extremely difficult to watch. The exploitation of women and children is devastating, but it forces the viewer to take a step back and see the change that needs to happen. There was also a documentary called “How to Dance in Ohio” that follows a group of high-functioning autistic young adults as they learn basic social skills.

We have a tendency to discount those that are not what we consider mainstream. Sundance pushes you to admire all things that are not normal.

It is a two-week block of time where people come together to watch films that aren’t about superheroes and don’t end with the guy getting the girl. It’s a place where people are challenged to take action for those that are marginalized and examine how they interact with the world around them. It is a place to learn how to love those that seem unlovable and continue to resist conforming to the world. It’s a place where people are transported to a world of art and culture and community, only to return to their corner of the nation to live boldly, act thoughtfully and love fiercely. n

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Four stages of Netflix grief, A journey of love and loss

By Nadalie Gill Staff Writer You have finally done it. You finished it. That one fantastic show that you have been binge watching for these past few days has finally come to a close. So what if you stayed up ‘til the wee hours of the morning, pushing back that assignment due the very next day. So what if your friends are beginning to worry about your mental state and the paleness of your skin from locking yourself inside a dorm and the bags under your eyes from staring at a screen.

The plot has run it’s course, the characters have found their resolutions, and another television series can be put in the books. But even though the series you have been watching has concluded, there is a feeling deep within yourself that is utterly unfulfilling. You think, “I just binge watched over 160 hours worth of TV content, I can take on the world,” yet you are left with this rather depressing mood, wondering what you should do with your life. Well, if you have ever experienced these certain feelings during post-Netflix binging, you may be experiencing the four stages of Netflix grief.

I certainly felt the grief after finishing the final season of “Psych.”

Having to end the adventures with Shawn Spencer and the S.B.P.D. was tragic to say the least. So if you are like me and have an emotional breakdown because of the scenarios played out by fictional characters, you my want to look for the tell-tale signs of Netflix grief.

The first stage of Netflix grief includes feelings of contentment. This stage is most commonly felt directly after finishing a series. Those moments gaping at the screen as the credits roll are the signs of an endeavor finally conquered. Even in the moment of satisfaction there can be different emotions. There can be hap-

Ouachita Baptist University Office: Evans Student Center E-Mail: signal@obu.edu Phone: 870.245.5210

Emily Terry

Dixon Land

Tyler Rosenthal

Dr. Jeff Root

Anna Kumpuris

Ali Robinson

Nate Wallace

Dr. Deborah Root

Noah Hutchinson

Caroline Poole

z EDITOR-IN-CHIEF z NEWS EDITOR

z OPINIONS EDITOR

z SPORTS EDITOR z AD MANAGER z COPY EDITOR

z PHOTO EDITOR

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on sitting on the couch, watching Netflix and eating junk food together because normal people things are “dumb” and you both “just want to be lazy anyway,” don’t let it be just a typical hang out session. Maybe while you’re waiting for the pizza to show up and she’s deciding on which flavor of cookie dough to gorge herself on first, read her a little note you had taken the time to write before hand. Tell her that even in the sweatpants that she first binge watched all of “30 Rock” in, she looks breathtaking enough to turn heads at even the most hoity-toity of high teas. On the day that has been specifically set aside for you to do something other than choke down your feelings, don’t act like the whole thing is just some kind of obligation that you have to trudge through. Shirk the cynicism of our generation and accept that the world is a magical place if only for the fluttering of your heart whenever you make your precious honey-dew melon crack a smile.

As a side note to all of this, don’t equate “magic” with money. Expressing yourself is free. Write something, say something, find a way to convey the message of “you’re awesome” rather than “it’s Valentine’s day so I did a thing.”

Pair some genuine emotion with even the tinniest heartfelt gesture, and it’ll be more memorable than blowing a sizable chunk of change just because you were expected to do something.

If you’ve gagged your way through the entirety of this strange mixture of advice column and purple prose, remember the words of the Macho Man Randy Savage.

“The true macho man feels the full spectrum of emotions, ohhhh yeeeaah!”

And if you’re a girl, don’t let your man carry the team this year, you lazy trollop. n

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Ms. Tiffany Eurich z ONLINE ADVISER

piness in the ending of a brilliantly orchestrated series, or anger in a frustrating resolution, or realizing that you finished a series on Netflix and it continues on cable TV and you must now wait in one week increments for your next new episode. Ain’t nobody got time for that.

The second stage includes feelings of nothingness. Now that you have finally finished the series and given a solid fist pump in the air for your victory, you find yourself in a void. The emotional bond that you have built with these characters has been tragically severed, and you come to the realization that the quest has ended.

You are probably curled up on your bed in front of your computer, in the fetal position, wondering what you are going to do with your life now that this monumental chapter has ended. Do I wash the pile of clothes that has been stacking up in the room, or write that five thousand page paper that is due tomorrow? Nah, I won’t do anything, because I’ve gone through too much emotional trauma to be able to do anything today.

The third stage of Netflix grief is longing. Now that I have come to terms with the end of this phenomenal series, I search or something else to fill this void. But the options are just too overwhelming to choose from. Do you start a 15 minute comedy like “Parks and Rec” or a 45 minute gripping drama like “Breaking Bad”?

Then it transitions into the final stage of Netflix grief: acceptance.

Acceptance of the fact that you have indeed invested a solid week of your life into fictitious characters who are now gone. You may now want to invest in some human face-to-face time in these next few days, and begin the process of reestablishing yourself in society. But if that is hard for you, don’t worry. Yes, that glorious show is long gone, but there will always be another series on the Netflix to get hooked on. n

The Signal is the student newspaper of Ouachita Baptist University, and is published every Thursday 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 Hope Star.

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 e-mail to signal@obu.edu.

5

sports

Thursday, February 5, 2015

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Dr. Wesley Kluck y Courtesy JACE MELBY hits a single in the Sunday game of the series with St. Edwards. Melby hit a homerun in the third game of the series and the game-winning sacrifice bunt to drive in Chandler Blake to get a Tiger win 3-2. The Tigers won the series 2-1.

Baseball defeats St. Edwards in series 2-1

By DIXON LAND Sports Editor @dixoncland

The Ouachita Tigers and the St. Edwards Hilltoppers split wins in a doubleheader on Monday, giving the Tigers a 2-1 win in the series played this past weekend.

“I thought it was a great team win,” catcher Matt Sinclair said. “We didn’t quite and I feel like we really wanted it.

It was a great way to start the season.”

In the first game on Monday, the Tigers lost to the Hilltoppers 5-4.

In the bottom of the fourth, Kevin Mayo scored on a single by Nate Turner through the right side. The Hilltoppers added two more in the next inning when J.D. Arrowood singled up the middle and drove in Gable

Whitacre. Wesley Harris would reach on a fielder’s choice on the next play, scoring Arrowood.

The Tigers scored a run in the sixth when Drew Feuerbacher scored on a single from Reuben Miller.

The Hilltoppers added two more runs in the seventh inning, when Arrowood scored again on a sacrifice fly ball from Harris and Mayo scored from a Dylan Watts single.

Down 5-1 in the bottom of the ninth, Preston Speers doubled down the line, scoring Reuben Miller from second base. Following that play, Justin Weigle doubled down the line as well, scoring Jakahari Howell, who pinch ran for Speers, and Tyler Faught.

Trip Cecil, who pitched for the Tigers, gave up three runs through six innings and Josh Reeves, who came

in as relief, allowed two runs in three innings pitched.

In the second game, Connor Reed struck out the first three batters, then in the bottom of the inning, Jace Melby hit a homerun that scored Feuerbacher giving the Tigers a 2-0 lead.

The Hilltoppers fought back, scoring runs off of sac flies in the second and third innings.

Lance Cullum came in in the top of the seventh inning as relief for Connor Reed, who had six strikeouts through six innings. Cullum finished the game with two strikeouts in three innings pitched.

Both teams failed to score again in the scheduled seven innings of play.

With the score tied at two, the teams began extra innings.

In the ninth inning, Speers got to first

Ouachita wrestling defeats Central Okla. in second match, 31-7

By BRANDON SMITH Sports Information

Dr. Wesley Kluck y Courtesy TIRRELL BROWN goes up for a layup against an SAU Mulrider defender. The Tigers defeated Southern Ark. 77-70 on Saturday. Brown had 22 points on the day.

Tiger Tirrell Brown named GAC Player of the Week

By KYLE PARRIS

Sports Information Director For the second time this season, Tirrell Brown was named the Great American Conference men’s basketball Player of the Week.

Brown’s performance helped the Tigers improve to 14-4 and gain sole possesion of first place in the conference.

Brown averaged 22.5 points in wins against Arkansas-Monticello and

Arkansas Tech. He scored 23 points, grabbed six rebounds and blocked four shots against the Boll Weevils.

He followed up with 22 points, on 8-of-12 shooting, seven rebounds and three blocks versus the Wonder Boys. The win over Tech improved the Tigers’ record at home this season to 10-0.

Brown is averaging 18.0 points per game this season, shooting 69% from the floor. He leads the team in blocks and is shooting 76% from the freethrow line. n

on a throwing error (Chandler Blake pinched ran for him) and Weigle bunted a single. Parker Norris reached first on the next play with a fielder’s choice that didn’t get to the base in time.

Jace Melby came to the plate and bunted. The throw to the catcher was dropped, as Blake reached home to give the Tigers a 3-2 win.

Along with the two wins this weekend, Lance Cullum was named as the GAC Pitcher of the Week. Cullum gave up only two hits on the weekend and struck out four batters. He is a transfer from New Mexico Community College.

With the win, the Tigers start the season with a 2-1 record. The Tigers play Texas A&M-Kingsville at 1 p.m. today in the Quicktrip Division II Classic Tournament. n

The fourth-ranked Ouachita Tigers wrestling squad defeated central-region rival, Central Oklahoma for the second time this season in dominating fashion.

The Tigers defeated the Bronchos 31-7 in Edmond, Oklahoma on Sunday. In two duals this season, Ouachita has outscored Central Oklahoma 57-16.

Ouachita jumped out to an early 11-0 lead behind wins by All-Americans Garrett Evans, Nate Rodriguez and Josh Myers. The 125-pounder Evans scored three points in the third period of his match against Zac D’Amico to break a 2-2 tie and earn a 5-3 decision win.

133 pounder Evans scored two takedowns in his match against Dustin Reed, notching a 6-1 decision win.

141-pounder Myers

dominated Josh Durham for a 21-5 technical fall win, scoring seven takedowns and two near falls.

O u a c h i t a ’ s 149-pounder Blake Clevenger went in to overtime, tied 3-3 with the Bronchos Spencer Rutherford. Rutherford scored a takedown and near fall to earn the sudden victory and cut the Tigers lead, 11-3.

The 157-pound match also ended in an overtime win, but this time in favor of the Tigers’ Dakota Head. Head tied the match 4-4 at the end of the third period and scored a quick takedown in overtime to earn a 6-4 decision win and give the Tigers a 14-3 advantage.

A major decision victory by Central Oklahoma at 165 pounds cut the Tigers lead to seven. Ouachita answered with four straight wins, kicked off by 174-pounder Payne Hatter’s 6-1 decision win over Colton Gallo.

All-American

184-pounder Dallas Smith earned a major decision victory over Caleb Hawes, 12-3. Smith scored four takedowns and a two-point near fall to earn the decisive win and extend the Tigers’ lead to 21-7.

197 pounder O’Dell Lee put the dual away for Ouachita and secured their second-straight win over Central Oklahoma with a win by pin fall over Michael Conner in the first period. Lee’s win gave the Tigers a 27-7 lead heading into the heavyweight match.

285 pounder Blake Andrews capped off the dual for Ouachita with a 14-5 major decision win. Andrews scored five takedowns and a near fall to give Ouachita the 31-7 victory over the 12th-ranked Bronchos.

The Tigers will host their final home dual of the season this Friday, February 7, against Shorter University. The dual is scheduled to start at 7:00 p.m. in Bill Vining Arena. n

sports

6

www.obusignal.com

Thursday, February 5, 2015

2015 Class:

u 25 Arkansas Signees u 13 All-State Selections u Largest Signing Class since 2011 kSpring practice begins March 2

“These young men will represent their families and Ouachita well over the next four years.”

—Brett Shockley

Dr. Wesley Kluck y Courtesy

Tigers sign 29 in National Signing Day

By KYLE PARRIS

Sports Information Director

A

fter a record-setting 2014 season in which the Tigers finished 10-1 and were ranked ninth in the final AFCA Top 25 poll, the Ouachita football program continued their success into the 2015 recruiting season. Losing the winningest class in program history, the Tigers look to this recruiting class to fill a void left by 20 seniors.

The 2015 signing class includes 29 total signees.

With this class, the program continues its successful tradition of signing high school athletes and growing and developing them within the family.

Similar to their 2014 on-the-field performance, the Tigers dominated the recruiting scene in the state of Arkansas, signing 25 in-state student-athletes.

Ouachita addressed needs at the defensive line, signing seven players, three at defensive end and four interior lineman. The Tigers graduate four from the defensive line this season.

At the linebacker spot, the Tigers signed two from northeast Arkansas that will improve the athleticism at that position. Ouachita will return all

Name Josh Armstrong Matthew Berry Josh Blair Tristan Bulice J. Brooks Burnham Aaron Church Trajan Doss Dez Falls Kervin Flores Connor Fogle Cori Gooseberry Justin Gooseberry Drew Harris Lamar Haynes Sakedron Horn Sage Kesterson Cole Moore Trey Purifoy Ernest Reed Dakota Shelton Ben Shepard Colton Sims Jaylin Small Chandler Smith LaFoy Smith Ben Snoga Khairan Stafford Parker Witt Brenden Young

but one linebacker from 2014.

The Tigers’ biggest need on the defensive side was in a defensive backfield that graduated three starters, including two All-Americans. Ouachita added three safeties and one cornerback.

“Defensively, a team cannot be good unless they are talented up front,” said Ouachita Head Coach Todd Knight. “I am excited about the defensive linemen that we are bringing in. That is where you win football games. On the back end, I feel like we improved our athleticism with every signee.”

On offensive line, the Tigers lost a combined 93 starts at the interior line position, two of which earned All-Region honors in 2014. The three seniors were replaced by signing three tackles and three interior lineman.

Ouachita bolstered an already potent offensive backfield, signing two from northwest Arkansas.

The Tigers will look to replace a 1,200 yard AllRegion rusher.

The Tigers added five in-state playmakers to fill the spots left by three senior wide receivers. The Tigers added depth to the tight end position with a signee from northeast Arkansas. Ouachita also added two multi-positional athletes to this class.

“We really addressed our needs offensively,”

said Knight. “We signed some guys who will have to play early, and some guys who are going to be dominant figures down the road.”

With the loss of an All-American punt returner, the Tigers added four athletes who will contribute to the position.

“This past season, Etuaj Allen set the bar extremely high in our return game,” said Knight.

“I feel this class, along with what we have on campus, will continue this tradition of solid special teams play.”

This is the largest class that the Tigers have signed since the two-time GAC championship class of 2011.

“Our coaching staff did a phenomenal job of covering all parts of the state,” said Recruiting Coordinator Brett Shockley. “We definitely dominated our own territory this year. From top to bottom, this class is extremely athletic, but more importantly, a high-character class. These young men will represent their families and Ouachita well over the next four years.”

The Tigers are currently in offseason workouts.

Spring football will start on the first week of March, where the Tigers begin their quest for a third Great American Conference title. n

2015 Tiger Football Signees:

Hometown Junction City, Ark. Booneville, Ark. Katy, Texas Cabot, Ark. Arkadelphia, Ark. Warren, Ark. Sherwood, Ark. Jonesboro, Ark. Russellville, Ark. Melbourne, Ark. Little Rock, Ark. Little Rock, Ark. Benton, Ark. Jonesboro, Ark. Spring, Texas Mena, Ark. Little Rock, Ark. Little Rock, Ark. El Dorado, Ark. Alma, Ark. The Woodlands, Texas Greenwood, Ark. Nettleton, Ark. Springdale, Ark. Warren, Ark. Seguin, Texas Newport, Ark. Dardenelle, Ark. Bryant, Ark.

High School Junction City H.S. Booneville H.S. Katy H.S. Cabot H.S. Arkadelphia H.S. Warren H.S. Sylvan Hills H.S. Jonesboro H.S. Russellville H.S. Melbourne H.S. LR Episcopal H.S. LR Episcopal H.S. Benton H.S. Jonesboro H.S. Klein Collins H.S. Mena H.S. LR Catholic H.S. LR Catholic H.S. El Dorado H.S. Alma H.S. College Park H.S. Greenwood H.S. Nettleton H.S. Shiloh Christian H.S. Warren H.S. San Antonio Christian H.S. Newport H.S. Dardanelle H.S. Bryant H.S.

Pos. ATH RB CB DT WR DT WR Saf. DT TE OL OL WR WR DE ATH Saf. WR DT OL OL OL LB RB DL OL LB DE Saf.

Height 5’10” 5’11” 5’9” 5’11” 5’9” 5’10” 5’10” 6’1” 6’3” 6’2” 6’3” 6’4” 5’10” 6’1” 6’2” 6’0” 6’0” 6’6” 6’6” 6’3” 6’3” 5’10” 5’10” 6’0” 6’1” 6’1” 6’1” 6’3” 6’0”

Weight 170 178 180 255 175 245 180 180 275 230 240 250 185 175 205 180 185 200 285 290 270 260 190 190 245 270 225 220 195