The Signal | Ouachita Baptist University | 10.7.17

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SIGNAL

10.7.17 Vol. 125, Issue 6 www.obusignal.com

25 YEARS OF JONES PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

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IN THIS ISSUE: A OUACHITA TRADITION Clubs compete to raise money for scholarships in Tiger Tunes, p. 3

LEGACY OF LOVE: BETTY JO GRANT Former Ouachita first lady to hold signing for new cookbook, p. 4

BEHIND THE CURTAIN: HOST AND HOSTESS DIRECTORS Meet the people who work behind the scenes to bring the Host and Hostess sets to life, p. 6

COVER STORY: 25 YEARS OF JPAC The “living room of Ouachita,” Jones Performing Arts Center, celebrates 25 years, p. 7

HOMECOMING FOOTBALL PREVIEW Tigers to face Harding Bisons in homecoming football game, p. 10

Ouachita sees enrollment spike in 2017

By ALEC EDMONDS Staff writer

Over the years, Ouachita has had a consistent enrollment number.

According to President Ben Sells, for the past 25 years Ouachita’s student body has averaged about 1500 overall students.

Administration is currently striving to grow the student body, and this growth began with the current freshman class, the class of 2021.

“The goal was 485, but we reached 489,” said Director of Admissions Lori Moti. She described how they strived to reach this goal in order to fulfill an overall goal given

by Sells.

Sells gave Motl and other

administrators the goal of growing the undergraduate student body to 1,750 as they continued to set plans for the coming years. Sells said Ouachita has not reached capacity for several years.

According to Ouachita’s website, the university’s mission is to develop a Christ-centered learning community that embraces the liberal arts tradition. It prepares individuals for ongoing intellectual and spiritual growth, lives of meaningful work, and reasoned engagement within the world. Sells believes this mission of having a university that is preparing students for growth within every part of their lives, specifically spiritually, and sending them out into

the world is the reason we should strive to have more students.

Sells believes that this goal to increase the size of the student body would be an example of fulfilling Ouachita’s mission–sending out 1,750 graduates that have grown to be great examples of not only Ouachita, but also Christ.

Sells also mentioned how growing to capacity of 1,750 would not only fulfill the mission of Ouachita, but would also set an example of stewardship. He believes Ouachita should be taking advantage of all of its available facilities. The university needs to fill every bed and completely reach capacity in order to use all of its currentsee Enrollment z 5

Clark County encourages Ouachita students to register to vote locally

By JULIA WILLIAMS News editor

The May primary elections are approaching quickly in Clark County, and students of Ouachita and the neighboring Henderson State University are eligible to vote.

While some students may choose to vote by absentee ballot in their home counties, students in permanent residence during their four years of school may register to vote here by April 23, 2018.

According to Rhonda Cole, county clerk, students of both universities are encouraged to register here in Clark County. “We strongly encourage most of our residents to come in here to register so we can make sure their information is correct,” Cole said. “With college students, it is their choice if they would like to register here in this county or they can absentee vote through their home county. For OBU students if they live on campus, we would have them put 410 Ouachita Street and their OBU box number as an address. If they live off-campus, they can simply list a street address.”

Cole went on to explain, “To register to vote, all you need is a valid Arkansas Drivers’ License or the last four digits of your social security number. So anyone that has moved here from another state can do that.”

In the fall of 2002 election cycle, there was somewhat of a local stir over college students registering to vote. “I came into office in 1999, and it was always my policy to

register college students. It’s their choice which residence they choose to register,” Cole said. “We had a local attorney who filed suit against me for allowing students to vote.

We went to local court here in Clark County, and Judge John Thomas declared students could not register here and must vote absentee in their home county. The court ordered me to pull registration of anyone who listed a Henderson or Ouachita box number. Then the ACLU got involved and we went to federal court with it.”

Eventually, she described that this court decided in favor of the plaintiffs, students who had filed suit, one of which was current White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee [Sanders], the daughter of then governor Mike Huckabee. In current Clark County policy, students of both universities are strongly encouraged to register in the county should they so choose.

Voter registration drives are scheduled for various parts of the county and there will most likely be some on both university’s campuses.

Furthermore, Cole said that anyone who wishes to hold a registration drive must simply contact the county clerk’s office and that information can be provided. “We can get applications for them and they can do drives at the school. Anyone can do that,” Cole said.

The position on the ballot in May will be all county wide offices, all justices of the peace, constable, and all state constitutional offices such see Elections z 5

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Tiger Tunes celebrates 39 years of fundraising for student scholarships

By MORGAN HOWARD Staff writer Tiger Tunes might be the most popular event of the fall semester—and with good reason. It brings hundreds of alumni and prospective students to campus, all for the purpose of raising scholarship money for students.

“I think the biggest impacts are the scholarships raised and also the student recruitment factor of Tunes,” said Jon Merryman, director of alumni relations and the Ouachita Student Foundation. “As a student, I attended (the President’s Leadership Forum) and received a front row center seat to Tiger Tunes in 1995. When the curtain opened I was floored. I couldn’t pull my jaw off the floor and I knew then I would come to Ouachita.”

All the money raised benefits student scholarships.

“I love that all of the clubs on campus can come together to raise so much money for student scholarships,” said Alayna Morphew, a junior elementary education major and choreography director of Chi Mu’s show. “Without Tunes, a lot of the students here would not be able to continue attending Ouachita without these great scholarships.”

Planning for Tiger Tunes takes almost an entire year.

“First we sit down and pull numbers to see who gets to choose their show, and who gets to sit where and when,” said Jaret Webb, a junior speech pathology major and OSF special events chair. “In the middle of the summer,

you send in all your music.

Nothing really happens until we get back to campus. Then we have a back to school meeting. People will turn in practice schedules and costumes.”

“You might not believe it, but we’ve already started working on next year’s show,” Merryman added.

Of course, Tiger Tunes comes with challenges for people involved in all aspects of it.

“I think that the biggest challenge I have faced would have to be that we have had to work around a lot of people in our club having to be absent for practices,” said Morphew.

Logistics presents the biggest challenge from the technical end. “We try to create the highest quality show possible for the 6,000 plus guests attending while also being careful with costs so we can award as much money as possible as student scholarships in the spring,” Merryman said.

“It’s hard to keep myself and everybody else on track,” said Webb. “You have to problem solve for all these people and balance yourself as well. You have to be a very organized person.”

Despite the obstacles that go into producing a Tiger Tunes show, the end results make it worth the trouble.

“My favorite part of directing is seeing my ideas come to life,” said Morphew. “I have an idea in my head and don’t know if it will turn out well or not. But I show the girls anyway. Then, when I step back and watch them do what I’ve just taught them

Andy Henderson z Photo Lab

Andy Henderson z Photo Lab

Andy Henderson z Photo Lab

TOP: The women of Tri Chi perform in their 2017 Tiger Tunes show, “Tri Chi Takes Flight.” BOTTOM LEFT: The men of Kappa Chi perform as Colonists. BOTTOM RIGHT: The OBU Marching Band performs in Tiger Blast.

and they pull it off, it is a great feeling.”

For Merryman, satisfaction comes from the program running smoothly. “We want the audience to be impressed by the quality and talent of our students here at Ouachita,” he said. “We want them to understand the unique aspect of Tunes raising money for student scholarships, which is unlike any other university program where the funds just

go back into the performance or the university budget.”

“I want others to know that it is a very difficult job, but it’s very rewarding,” said Webb. “So many people get to benefit from it, and so many people will be doing so much better this time next year.”

Morphew sees each show as an opportunity to glorify God. “I hope that the audience sees everyone having

fun together, and that we love Jesus, Ouachita and each other. I want to spread a light to the audience through the show,” she said.

“I think the friendships participants make are important and aid in making their Ouachita experience better,” said Merryman. “Ultimately, we want audiences to get a little glimpse into this special place and to fall in love with it just like we all have.” n

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Betty Jo Grant to host cookbook signing at Signal to host Tunescast Ouachita Bookstore during Homecoming live from JPAC tomorrow

By KACY SPEARS

By ANNI WILLIAMS

Staff writer

Betty Jo Grant, first lady of Ouachita for 18 years, made her mark as an entertainer and hostess through her cookbooks and parties.

Betty Jo, affectionately called “BJ” by her friends, was raised to serve others. As a kid, she remembers passersby knocking on the door to ask for food. Betty Jo’s mother would never let anyone leave hungry. In World War II, Japanese Americans that were forced to relocate would come through Wilmot, Ark., by a train near her house. Betty Jo says she remembers bringing pitchers of cool water to help the train occupants packed into the train before it moved on.

However, when she came to Ouachita in the mid-1940’s at the age of 16, she had no idea how to cook.

Betty Jo returned to Ouachita in 1970 with her husband, Dr. Daniel R. Grant, and cooking skills as the first lady. In 1984, Betty Jo published her first cookbook, “Expressions of Love from BJ’s Kitchen,” on an electric typewriter and with help from the Ouachita Print Shop, and she gifted them as Christmas presents to her family and friends. “By that time, she was entertaining up a storm and had a reputation for throwing a good party and having lots of good food,” said Shirley Hardin, Betty Jo’s daughter and as-

Staff Position

Andy Henderson z Photo Lab DR. DANIEL GRANT and Betty Jo Grant cut a cake at their 70th anniversary celebration earlier this year. Mrs. Grant hosted a number of parties and events during her time as Ouachita’s first lady.

sistant registrar at OBU. The Ouachita Women’s club, a group of women faculty/ staff and wives of faculty/ staff that volunteered to help cater parties, asked Betty Jo if they could print her cookbook and sell it as a fundraiser in the Ouachita bookstore.

They printed four-hundred copies and sold out. An additional one-thousand copies were printed the next year as a way to celebrate Ouachita’s centennial birthday. The cookbook became a rite of passage into adulthood at that time. “When you got Betty Jo’s cookbook, that was a time you were a real adult,” remembers Hardin.

Now, Betty Jo Grant has published a second edition of her cookbook, a more modern version, entitled “Legacy of Love from BJ’s Kitchen.”

“We included most of the recipes from the original cookbook,” says Hardin.

“When we asked her for her permission to do a new edition, she said ‘If you will update it and ask for recipes from other cooks in the fam-

ily.’”

In this new edition, there are typical recipe sections you’d hope to find in a good cookbook as well as a section that discusses food as a ministry and service, recipes from five generations of chefs in the Grant family and ten favorite recipes from the Ouachita’s International Food Festival, provided by Sharon Cosh. All proceeds from “Legacy of Love from BJ’s Kitchen” will go toward the International Food Festival.“It just seems appropriate for the proceeds of this cookbook to go to another food festival,” says Hardin.

Today, Betty Jo has planned over 1,000 social events that have involved over 30,000 people. Most of these events were hosted in the Ouachita president’s home. Her legacy of service and love continues.

There will be a cookbook signing with Betty Jo Grant at the Ouachita Bookstore homecoming weekend. You can pick up your copy of “Legacy of Love from BJ’s Kitchen” today! n

Tunescast, a live web stream of the final Tiger Tunes Saturday night performance, will begin at 8:25 tomorrow night. The show is streamed online so that everyone who can’t make the last show gets to participate in its final run.

The live webcast features the entire Tiger Tunes show, plus exclusive online content.

This year’s Tunescast will feature a behind the scenes look at how Tiger Tunes shows come together. From theme choice to song choice to choreography, the audience gets to see how the shows become reality.

Tunescast can be found at obusignal.com, where users will find an image to bring them to the 2017 Tiger Tunes page. Before Saturday’s show there will be online content about Tiger Tunes to get audience members ready for the famous Ouachita tradition.

The Tunescast is widely watched across campus, whether it’s by students participating in Tunes or avid fans of the show.

“We’ll have computers all across campus tuned in watching it. Students having parties, clubs watching it while they’re prepping for Tunes… what’s cool about that is that before the livestream there was no opportunity for the students to watch the final awards show as it was happening… this way

they are able to see that show and participate. There’s a limited number of tickets for Saturday night so this provides everyone else the opportunity to see it,” said Assistant Professor Tiffany Eurich, the Signal’s online staff sponsor.

But the reach of Tunescast is not confined to Ouachita’s campus or even just Arkadelphia–there are viewers tuning in from all over the world.

“A lot of people don’t realize what a big deal Tunescast is,” Eurich added. “Last year Tunescast was watched by an estimated 10,000 people. They watched from 28 countries on six continents.” This year, Eurich joked, “I’m shooting for seven, but there’s a language barrier with the polar bears in Antarctica.”

“We have an incredible viewership, and people don’t realize how many people from all over the world are tuned in. Missionaries, families of students, alumni, donors, friends of Ouachita from all over the globe watch Tiger Tunes,” Eurich said. “For someone in China, it might be the middle of the night or early morning.

We’ve had alums in China sitting in McDonalds with Wi-Fi watching on their cell phones. To me, that speaks to that powerful tradition that connects generations of Ouachitonians together.”

As viewers across the globe enjoy the accessibility of the Tiger Tunes webcast, Eurich believes it’s important to resee Tunescast z 5

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Elections

z Continued from Page 2 as governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state and others. Offices of the Fourth Congressional District, as well as local offices like the circuit judge and the prosecuting attorney will also be on the ballot.

According to the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension service, the Arkansas State Constitution limits state legislators to only three issue proposals on the ballot, and thus far, there will be two issues on the November 2018 ballot. One is HJR1016 which would amend the State Constitution by adding a qualification to vote that all voters must present valid photo identification when casting a ballot in person or by absentee. SJR8, the infamously labeled “Tort Reform” measure and second issue on the ballot, is “an amendment concerning civil lawsuits and the powers of the General Assembly and Supreme Court to adopt court rules.”

Cole gave some words of wisdom to young voters. Not only should students remem-

Tunescast

z Continued from Page 4 member why Ouachita puts on Tiger Tunes in the first place.

“Tiger Tunes is a fundraiser, and all of the proceeds of Tiger Tunes go to keeping students at Ouachita, making sure they have the funds to finish out their college experience and education… We’re providing a service so people can watch that show, but we always like to remind people that they have the opportunity to donate to OSF (Ouachi-

Friday, October 6, 2017 u page 5 ber the new law to show photo ID, but they should also study the ballot and know what issues will be presented before they vote. She went on to say, “If students do keep their voter registration in their home states, make sure they know the deadlines of when they need to apply to be an absentee voter.”

To find registration applications, go to the county clerk’s office in the Clark County Courthouse at 401 Clay Street in Arkadelphia.

Students may also find printable applications at clarkcountyarkansas.com on the county clerk tab. These printed applications must be submitted personally or via standard mail to the county clerk’s office, as original signatures are required. Registration requires either a valid Arkansas Driver’s License or the last four digits of a social security number. Deadline to register in time for the May primary is April 23, 2018.

For more information, contact County Clerk Rhonda Cole at (870) 246-4491 or consult the office’s website at clarkcountyarkansas.com. n ta Student Foundation),” she said.

If you would like to do so, you can donate through the Ouachita development page and specify that your gift is for OSF, becoming a part of the very thing that Tiger Tunes stands for–students helping students.

Coverage for Tunescast 2017 will begin at 8:25 p.m. on Saturday, October 7.

For more information and exclusive Tiger Tunes coverage leading up to Saturday's livestream, visit obusignal. com.n

ence as they tour Ouachita’s campus. z Continued from Page 2 Another strategy has been the rebalancing of financial aid. With the team at finanly available resources. cial services, Ouachita has In order to fulfill this goal been able to keep scholarof good stewardship, adminship levels the same and istration put strategies in advertise upfront exactly place to recruit the current how much each prospective freshman class, while others student would be receiving. are still in the works. Some of This made Ouachita more the strategies include events attractive, because students like Explore (previously were able to see that even GROW), The President’s Leadership Forum and “At Ouachita, it is understood to be though the overall cost might seem expensive, the Called To Ministry they would still be able to Conference. According to everyone’s job to get new students attend Ouachita because Motl, admissions plans of the financial aid they to do another event sim- on campus and provide an would receive. ilar to Explore Ouachita in the spring around the experience that makes them want to In the next few years, Ouachita could see many same time as Christian stay.” changes with the number Focus Week, another staof students on campus. ple in Ouachita life.

Social media has also cruitment is understood as This will not affect the enviresponsibility.” ronment at Ouachita, but inplayed a role in the recent everyone’s growth of enrollment num- At Ouachita, it is understood stead enhance it. According bers. “Ouachita has been able to be everyone’s job to get to College Navigator, Ouachito meet students where they new students on campus and ta has the highest graduation are,” said Dr. Keldon Henley, provide an experience that rate among universities in vice president for institution- makes them want to stay. It the state of Arkansas. The al advancement. Henley said is seen not just to be the re- new students will become the communications depart- sponsibility of Sells or the ad- more than just freshmen, ment has updated Ouachi- missions counselors, but also but they will become social ta’s marketing strategies the current students and the club brothers or sisters, classand given prospective stu- welcoming environment that mates, Tiger Tunes partners dents a compelling message prospective students experi- and lifelong friends. n

Enrollment

that would attract them to Ouachita.

Getting prospective students to visit campus is also a huge tactic that has always helped Ouachita attract students. Many students confess that when they took paid their first visit to campus, they quickly realized that Ouachita was the right place for them.

According to Henley, “re-

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Andy Henderson z Photo Lab

Andy Henderson z Photo Lab

LEFT: Tiger Tunes host and hostess choreographer Grace Hampton leads the group during rehearsals for Mega Mix, the show’s closing number featuring the directors of each club show. RIGHT: Tiger Tunes hostess Autumn Romines (center) stands front and center during Mega Mix rehearsal.

Host and Hostess directors prepare for fresh and exciting show

By SAVANNAH HOGG Staff writer

It’s that time of year, and we all know about club directors and the amazing shows they put on stage, but who exactly is creating the host and hostess numbers that round out the Tiger Tunes experience?

David Stanley, a former member of the music faculty, is the music director for the hosts and hostesses. Stanley holds a Bachelors of Music degree in voice performance from Ouachita, and a Master of Music in voice performance from Southern Methodist University. However, the hosts and hostesses haven’t exactly had easy access to Stanley throughout the last month of rehearsals. Stanley is currently living in Texas while completing his Doctorate of Musical Arts from the University of North Texas. At first, this may seem to present a problem for the students

in their rehearsals, but they have been very proactive and found a way that best helps teach themselves.

During their first practice with Stanley, they learned their voice parts and were given music, and since then, the hosts and hostesses took the music and ran with it.

The students met two to three times a week to review what they had learned at the previous rehearsal, but a majority of their practices were spent trying to pinpoint issues that they would need to work out with Stanley the next time they got to rehearse with him.

Kaitlyn Watson has been the hostess that has taken the role and responsibility of leading the group in its music rehearsals. Although a majority of the host and hostess group are music majors, Watson said the group’s biggest struggle has been “not being able to sit down at the piano and play everyone’s parts, because I’m not that great at piano, and Stanley is. He can

play it like no big deal, which would make it easier to hear what’s wrong.”

“It’s been difficult when someone has an idea and others don’t agree with it.

I’m their same age, and it’s hard to take commands from someone who is your friend,” said Watson. Overall, Watson believes the hosts and hostesses are making the best out of the situation and the group is super excited for their “chill fam” to perform this weekend.

Grace Hampton is the director of choreography for the hosts and hostesses. Hampton graduated from Ouachita in 2011 with a biology degree after transferring from Baylor University. She currently works as a teacher at DancePraize, a dance studio in Arkadelphia. She’s married to Drew Hampton, a fine arts professor at Ouachita.

The students started working on choreography with Hampton once they had learned all their music for the

Andy Henderson z Photo Lab TIGER TUNES HOST Dylan Blackwood practices choreography at a rehearsal.

show.

“She’s super fun, and she’s always really prepared,” said host Cedar Valdez. “When we get to practice she knows exactly what she wants to work on. She explains things in a way so we can pick it up pretty easily. She’s also very good at working with us on choreography that we’re struggling with, and if we really can’t get it, she’s flexible enough to change it. She’s also really great to be around.

We rant with her, we laugh

with her, we joke with her.”

Valdez says he’s really excited about the choreography because it’s different from the host and hostess choreography seen in past Tiger Tunes shows. The group is especially excited about a number where they’ll be using props, which hasn’t been done very often in past years. The group is looking forward to being in front of a live audience this week and showing off what they have been working on for the past few months. n

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Jones Performing Arts Center celebrates 25th anniversary

By CAMRYN REEVES Copy editor

Jones Performing Arts Center is essential to the Ouachita experience. Hosting a variety of Ouachita events, including Tiger Tunes, JPAC is the hub of Ouachita alumni, students, and staff. This year, Ouachitonians will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of the completion and dedication of JPAC during homecoming festivities.

When Ouachita embarked on its $5.5 million journey in adding a performing arts center to Ouachita’s campus 25 years ago, it was intended to be used both as a space for students to worship and attend chapel and also for Ouachita to host events such as Tiger Tunes, according to Stephen Myers, Technical Director and Production Manager of JPAC. The huge project went underway during the summer of 1991 while students were not on campus. During the fall semester of 1992, the huge project was completed, and Ouachita hasn’t been the same since.

The 1,500-seat auditorium hosted its first chapel on September 8 of that year.

JPAC was built to be a multi-purpose facility. “Dr. Wright [Dean of Fine Arts at the time] saw that they could get a lot of high impact learning circumstances or shows out of a space like that if it is a performing arts center and music and theater, and all these different art programs can showcase their shows in a space that feels like a professional theater and uses a

lot of the technology that is out there,” Myers says. JPAC has helped to prepare students who intend to pursue a career in fine arts for their respective careers.

Mrs. Bernice Jones provided for the construction of JPAC through a generous gift. Thanks to her, a vast number of students have been able to enjoy JPAC’s blessing to Ouachita’s campus since 1992.

According to Myers, before JPAC was built, the previous auditorium was student-run, so events weren’t very well produced and organization of technical issues needed improvement. Since JPAC’s development, staff and faculty involvement has grown and it is well-run by staff with the help of a variety of students.

When JPAC was built, it changed the way that Ouachita events were hosted.

Since then, Tiger Tunes has become the pinnacle event for Ouachita and its alumni. It serves as a place where alumni can come back home to Ouachita and feel like they never left.

In regards to Tiger Tunes, “Over the years, it evolved into more and more staff involvement,” said Myers. This helped to improve how Tiger Tunes specifically was run in Mitchell Auditorium, but the production was definitely still in need of a new facility.

Since the construction of JPAC, the Ouachita Student Foundation has been able to provide more student scholarships because they are able to seat more guests for Ti-

Andy Henderson z Photo Lab

Ouachitonian z Courtesy

Ouachitonian z Courtesy

TOP: Jones Performing Arts Center as it appears today on Ouachita’s campus. 2017 marked the 25th anniversary of the building’s construction and dedication. BOTTOM LEFT: Construction on the interior of JPAC is illuminated by sunlight.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Dr. Terry Carter cleans a chair in JPAC’s auditorium in preparation for its unveling to the public in 1992.

ger Tunes, according to Jaret Webb, a junior speech pathology major and special events chair of OSF. Ultimately, JPAC has helped students stay at Ouachita through OSF scholarships.

“The more tickets we sell, the more money we get to provide as student scholar-

ships,” said Webb.

JPAC has truly made Ouachita what it is today.

Guests attending Tiger Tunes may notice that several aspects of the show pay tribute to JPAC, from sets on stage to photos of the building inside of a program shaped to look like JPAC.

According to Webb, Jones wanted JPAC to be “the living room of Ouachita.” Webb acknowledges that this is exactly what JPAC is–a place where people gather.

“It’s a room that everyone comes in and says, ‘This is Ouachita.’ Everyone gathers here.” n

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NFL protests expose bigger problem

By KATHERINE CARTER Opinions editor

Some might say it all started with a simple act performed by Colin Kaepernick, then San Francisco 49ers quarterback. Others say it goes way back to the roots of this country.

President Trump gave a speech in Huntsville, Ala. on Friday, September 22, in which he discussed a number of interesting topics, including the anthem protests.

“Wouldn’t you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, to say, ‘Get that son of a b**** off the field right now. Out! He’s fired. He’s fired!’”

In response to President Trump’s comments, many in the NFL took it upon themselves to take a knee in solidarity the following Sunday.

Some stood together as a team locking arms, while others knelt or sat down. Some chose to take a knee before the singing of the national anthem; others chose to do so while it was sung.

It took me a long time to form an opinion about these anthem protests after Kaepernick participated in them last season. However, after careful consideration, I realized I was ignorant of the reason as to why Kaepernick was protesting.

2016 was a violent year. It was marked in particular by the deaths of black men at the hands of police officers.

This is a fact, not an opinion.

That being said, I am not a police officer nor was I pres-

ent during any of these men’s deaths, so I’m not going to pretend to know all the facts to each of these cases. Nonetheless, this does not take away from the fact that these men, those who appeared in the media, regardless of the reason, died after interacting

men who died as a result of police interaction were justifiably killed or not. A justified shooting could be interpreted as intentional and vice versa.

Sometimes even thorough investigations aren’t enough to reveal the truth of a situation.

Once we establish this

this toxic, systematic racism that has existed in our nation since its inception. They are kneeling during the national anthem not out of disrespect for those who have fought for the freedoms of the citizens of America, but for those who still haven’t experienced

with police.

I greatly admire police officers and all that they do for us every day. They get a bad rap, especially in today’s climate, but that doesn’t mean they can’t make mistakes. Police officers are human after all; humans are incapable of being inerrant.

The reason behind each death is important. Truth is important. It does matter whether a police officer kills someone legally or not; the truth determines whether it’s a just kill or murder. The truth is, we can’t know whether the

fact, we can understand why black Americans may feel as though they are being targeted. Wrongful deaths or not, this has created an atmosphere of terror for black and other minority Americans.

That being said, viewing police as the primary problem proves incredibly myopic. The police aren’t the problem themselves—it’s the racial discrimination that is prevalent throughout America.

The real problem that Kaepernick, and the rest of the NFL, are protesting is

complete freedom.

Such hateful comments have been spewed out at these guys for standing up (or kneeling, in this case) for what they believe in. They’ve burned the jerseys and cursed the names of those who dared to kneel or sit down during the national anthem. The First Amendment guarantees our right to the freedom of speech, but some seem to believe that applies only when what’s being said doesn’t conflict with their own beliefs.

What if I told you that this

country is so much more than a flag? What if I told you that this country is so much more than a song?

For those who are uncomfortable with those who kneel during the national anthem, I get it. I’m an American, too.

My heart swells with pride at the sight of the American flag.

Be that as it may, our country is not just a flag. A flag is simply a symbol; it does not make a country. America could survive without a flag; it cannot survive without its people.

Many black Americans, and other minority Americans alike, are feeling disenfranchised by the systematic racism in America today.

They feel like they are not heard or considered equal to their white countrymen.

Because of racism, minority Americans may not feel that they are offered the same freedoms as white Americans are. They don’t want to salute the symbol of a country that doesn’t treat them as full citizens. Regardless of how one might feel individually, this is the overall consensus.

Forcing members of the NFL, or anyone else for that matter, to stand up, shut up and slap their right hands over their hearts is not the solution. Telling them they’re going to be fired from their jobs if they protest likewise is not the solution. Treating someone as equal regardless of their skin color is the solution. Recognizing that there is a problem, whether you see it or not, is the solution.

Making sure every American citizen feels like they have a voice is the solution. That is a country worth saluting. n

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Ouachita homecoming haikus

By HANNAH WALKER Staff writer

The temperature Finally begins to drop To below 90 All the students are Exhausted, yet excited It is almost time!

Choreography And lyrics fill the dreams of Tunes participants

The crazy weeks of Long practices, zero sleep About to pay off

Tiger Tunes profits, Through OSF, benefit Ouachita students.

School spirit abounds, Purple and gold permeate Support our Tigers!

The campus is packed Multiple generations Drawn to this Lighthouse

Suddenly, all the Beards on campus disappear…

Time for the Tunes ‘stache!

Vote, then vote againRoyalty will soon be crowned!

All hail the new Queen

The Bubble is filled With ecstatic reunions, Alumni return

From Tunes practice and Homecoming nominations To Eta’s Muggin’,

Countless hours of Singing, dancing, and bonding Come to fruition

“Ouachita Tigers!!”

-The stadium overflows“Let me hear you ROAR!!”

Prospective students Get a first-hand look at their Possible future

No better time to Raise a cheer for Ouachita And come visit “home”!

Campus Cat Chronicles After all of her years at OBU, Snowball finds herself nominated for homecoming queen...

Our 2017 homecoming queen is...

SNOWBALL!

GO SNOWBALL! I WON!

By Katherine Carter

Sports

www.obusignal.com

Friday, October 6, 2017 u page 10

Andy Henderson z Photo Lab THE TIGERS run onto the field at Ouachita’s Cliff Harris Stadium. This weekend’s homecoming game will pit the Tigers against the Harding University Bisons.

Homecoming game sure to be exciting with Harding as opponent

By CALEB BYRD Sports editor

Every school has homecoming traditions, and Ouachita is no different.

Tunes, tailgates, alumni, court – these are just a few of the many homecoming traditions Ouachita has to offer.

However, the biggest tradition – and one that is shared by almost every school around the country – is the homecoming football game.

This year, Ouachita will face their traditional rivals, the Harding Bisons, in what is sure to be an outstanding

football game.

The Tigers are coming off of a 35-31 victory over 11th ranked Arkansas Tech.

Ouachita’s Drew Harris ran for a four-yard touchdown with 1:36 left, and the Tiger defense forced an incomplete pass as time expired to give themselves the victory.

Quarterback Austin Warford threw for 293 yards and two touchdowns, while junior receiver Drew Harris finished the game with 178 total yards and three total touchdowns.

Three Tiger defenders – Keandre Evans, Elijah Jones and Tevin Jones – had eleven tackles each.

The win was the Tigers’ second consecutive win and gave them a 4-1 record on the season. They now sit in second place in the Great American Conference where they trail Southeastern Oklahoma, the only team to which they have lost this season.

Harding, on the other hand, has won two straight games after starting the season 0-3. Last week, the Bisons knocked off Arkansas-Monticello by a final score of 56-46.

The team ran for 474 yards in their triple-option offense.

Harding has two players with more than 300 rushing yards this season and two

players with seven rushing touchdowns each.

“They’re a triple-option football team. They’re going to stay with what they do.

They’re very talented. There’s a few teams which still run it.

It’s a very, very tough offense to defend,” Ouachita Head Coach Todd Knight said.

“It’s a much different week in practice. To defend the triple option, it’s not just about our defense. It’s about all three phases. You’ve got to be good everywhere. You don’t get as many possessions on offense because of their time of possession. So, it’s not just a deal where you go in there

and you try to scheme up defensively. You’ve got to have a full gameplan and be able to execute and defend an option team, and they’re a very good option team.”

In the last few seasons, Ouachita has played in close games against Harding, which had conference title implications. In 2014, when Ouachita won the GAC championship, quarterback Keihl Frazier led Ouachita on a game-winning drive with less than two minutes remaining to beat Harding and maintain their undefeated season. Last year, Harding beat Ouachita in Searcy by a

Sports

www.obusignal.com final score of 24-20 in route to their undefeated conference slate and subsequent playoff run. Ouachita is 26-31-1 against Harding all-time.

Ouachita has also played in exciting homecoming games in the last few seasons. Last season, it took a last-second 50-yard field goal from Cole Antley and four overtimes for Ouachita to beat Southern Arkansas at homecoming.

Two seasons ago, the Tigers faced the 12th ranked Bisons in homecoming and won 2621. In that game, Ouachita’s tight end caught the winning pass with 1:40 left, and Ouachita’s defensive end forced a safety to stop Harding’s final drive. Put Harding and homecoming together, and this game is bound to be special.

“You can count on any time Ouachita and Harding play – it is a rivalry and it probably will go down to the end of the game,” Knight said.

The rivalry between Harding and Ouachita dates back to 1928 when the two teams first met in Arkadelphia and finished the game with a riveting 0-0 tie. The two schools began to meet annually on the gridiron in 1960 where they once again tied 0-0.

Harding and Ouachita competed against each other in the Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference for a number of years while competing in the

Friday , October 6, 2017 u page 11 NAIA, then moved into Gulf South Conference competition in the 1990’s as the teams transitioned to the NCAA. Both schools were inaugural members of the Great American Conference when it was founded in 2011.

Since joining the conference, both schools have been very successful and have developed a rivalry based upon that success. Ouachita won the conference in its inaugural season in 2011 and then again in 2014. Harding won the conference last season and went into the third round of the NCAA tournament where it lost to the eventual national champions.

Every year, Ouachita’s football team knows they are going to have to put up a fight against Harding. Even after an emotional win over Arkansas Tech last week and the knowledge that Harding is in the midst of a down year and possesses a losing record, Coach Knight does not believe Ouachita will have any trouble getting motivated for their upcoming game.

“There won’t be any drop off,” Knight said. “There will be zero drop off from coaches, players, anybody else.

This is a game we look to year round, and they do, too. We’ll play with some emotion, and we’ll play hard.”

Kick-off for Saturday’s game will occur at 12 p.m. n

OUACHITA SCOREBOARD

WOMEN’S SOCCER 1-0 win @ Harding 0-3 loss @ SWOSU 3-2 win @ NWOSU

VOLLEYBALL

3-2 win vs. Henderson

FOOTBALL

35-31 win @ Arkansas Tech

MEN’S SOCCER 0-1 loss @ Harding

Alexander leads team both on and off field

By CHRIS DIGIVOANNI Staff writer Cameron Alexander is a big man with an even bigger heart. The redshirt junior from Nashville, Arkansas is listed at 6-foot-3, but when he walks in a room, his presence is felt immediately. Alexander is a natural leader, which is probably why he has emerged as a leader for the football team.

For Alexander, the love of the sport started early.

“I grew up in Nashville, one of the biggest football towns in the state,” Alexander remembers, “and we started out playing on the playground in primary school and eventually (I) made it to junior high and high school football.”

Alexander was a standout on the gridiron for the Scrappers, a three year starter at guard. The big man was plugged into center in his senior year and has been there ever since.

When the question of college came up, Alexander knew quickly that Ouachita was the place for him.

“OBU just felt like home when I visited,” Alexander said, “and I loved the campus.”

Alexander has been a regular on the offensive line, fighting in the trenches every game for Ouachita, and his career has been full of ups and downs, like any football player.

“High points would be winning a conference championship as a freshman [2014], winning the Battle of the Ravine, and beating Ar-

kansas Tech this season.” Alexander has worked through his share of low points, and said, “Low points would be any game we’ve lost and tearing my meniscus last spring.

The meniscus is a pad of tissue that separates the thigh from the shin, providing padding for impact. Alexander was in an orthotic boot for a few weeks in the spring of 2017 but came back in time to play the season.

Alexander is humble, but the victory over the Wonderboys of Arkansas Tech was something to behold.

Ouachita came into Russellville as a David looking at the Goliath of Arkansas Tech, the number 11 team in NCAA Division II football. Ouachita came out of it with a 35-31 win. Alexander played steady and strong for quarterback Austin Warford, playing solid center.

Alexander studies secondary education and history and hopes to one day become a coach, looking to influence the lives of athletes of future generations. He hopes to use his experiences to help him further down the road.

“I’ve learned how to work hard and work together with a team to achieve goals, and I can use that in relationships, at work and in my future,” said Alexander.

Alexander has taken part in the leadership of the Ouachita football team and has been named a captain of the team, representing the team and the school he loves.

As captain, he is a leader for the younger players and is respected by coaches all around.

Dr. Wesley Kluck z Courtesy CAMERON ALEXANDER leads the offensive line from the center position.

For Cameron Alexander, football has been a way of life for years, and his love for it is infectious. When he talks about the high points in his time as a football player, anyone listening cannot help but smile. He is also respected around campus. Every time he interacts with a professor, they come away impressed with him.

One day, Alexander hopes to give back to the sport that has helped him achieve so much by becoming a coach, and one cannot help but think if he keeps the aspects that make him so likable and respected, he will be successful.

Perhaps Zack Perez, a freshman Business major from Nashville who has known Alexander since high school, said it right.

“Cam has been nice to everyone he’s met since I’ve known him,” Perez said. “He will go far in life with that attitude.” n

Campus Ministries “Barber Shop”

Tri Chi “Takes Flight”

EEE “Genies”

Rho Sigma “NASCAR”

Kappa Chi “Colonists”

Chi Delta “Barbies” Eta Alpha Omega “Sidekicks”

Chi Mu “Dominoes”

Student Life “Ghosts”

Beta Beta “Pirates”

Photos by Andy Henderson

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The Signal is the student newspaper of Ouachita Baptist University, and is published every Friday 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.

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