OBU Signal – Feb. 6, 2014

02.06.14 5 IN THIS ISSUE:

#CFW2014 Info about Christian Focus Week, Feb. 9-14, p.2

Free concert Friday Sounds and jazz band in concert Friday night, p.3

Admissions Life A look into OBU’s office of admissions , p.4

Kristen Barnard z The Signal SHAWN BARNARD speaks at Christian Focus Week 2013. Christian Focus Week is a weeklong event hosted each year by Campus Ministries featuring speakers, breakout sessions, special events and a special concert. Christian Focus Week 2014 will be Feb. 9-14.

CFW to feature John Mark McMillan in concert

By JESSICA STEWART News Bureau

Group Projects Surviving everyone’s least favorite type of assignments, p. 5

YOLO V-day Ways to make the most of your single Valentine’s Day, p. 5

Singer/songwriter John Mark McMillan will headline Christian Focus Week concert on Tuesday, Feb. 11.

The concert is set for 7:30 p.m. in Jones Performing Arts Center.

Christian Focus Week, an annual campus event hosted by Campus Ministries, features daily worship sessions, breakout sessions and related events. This year’s emphasis is set for Feb. 9-14.

S News 1 n S Features 4 n S Opinions 5 n S Sports 6 n

ous songs that give you permission to wear your heart on your sleeve before Jesus, unencumbered by the grave cloths of mindless tradition.”

As a preacher’s kid from North Carolina, McMillan also is described as “part storyteller, part poet” as he “crafts spiritually-minded, emotionally-packed songs.”

“John Mark McMillan is one of the most important songwriters in Christian music,” said Jake Fauber, a senior church music major from Marion, Ark. “He’s an

honest writer and his use of poetic devices paints a picture of the gospel of Christ in his music.”

The Tuesday evening concert will open with a performance by former Ouachita student Noah James Mitchell, who also will lead worship during Christian Focus Week. Concert tickets are $10 each for the general public and $5 for Ouachita students and are available online at www.obu.edu/boxoffice or see CFW z 2

Ary Fund sends member students to New York City

By Anna McCulloch Staff Writer

Top Picks Class of 2014 college football recruits to make an impact, p.6

McMillian, who released his first album in 2002, has been described by Relevant magazine as “a true worship pioneer.” His 2005 album, “The Song Inside the Sounds of Breaking Down,” features the popular worship song “How He Loves.”

Recent albums include “The Medicine” and “Economy,” with his latest project, Borderland,” set to release in March.

McMillan, a three-time Dove Award nominee, said he seeks to write “danger-

The members of the Eddie and Phyllis Ary Student Investment Fund will be attending a Global Asset Management Forum in New York City during spring break this March.

This forum brings together student managed investment fund teams from all over the country to give them an opportunity to network as well

as hear from industry professionals.

The Ary Fund is a stock portfolio managed by senior finance students in the Hickingbothom School of Business. Each student involved in the fund becomes an analyst of an assigned sector of the economy. They are responsible for following any stocks from that sector that are in the fund portfolio.

“During our meetings, desee ARY FUND z 3

z Courtesy ARY FUND group members on last semester’s senior business trip to St. Louis.

Honors Program to celebrate 50 years

Ouachita Sounds and Jazz Band to perform in joint concert Friday Feb. 7

By Emily Terry

News Bureau

Editor-in-Chief

@emilymterry This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Carl Goodson Honors Program. Tonight’s annual Black and White Reception will include guests and special presentations to honor this milestone for the program.

“I did not know it was the 50th until I was talking to Dr. Joe Jeffers at Festival of Christmas,” said Dr. Barbara Pemberton, director of the Carl Goodson Honors Program. “I happened to ask him how old the program was and he told me it was 50 years – he was in the first group. So we have not had much time to put all of this together.”

Since December, Dr. Pemberton has been reaching

out to alumni of the Honors Program and also past directors, inviting them to return to campus for the Black and White Reception. Another special guest of the evening is Dr. Tim Goodson, the son of Dr. Carl Goodson, the founder and namesake of the program.

“Dr. Carl Goodson was a professor in the Pruet School of Christian Studies,” Pemberton said. “It was named for him not just because he started the program, but because he had a great vision for the program.”

It is this vision that has continued on and helped bring the Honors Program into its 50th year, which is an impressive anniversary for an organization of its kind.

“The fact that we have had our program for 50 years is really incredible,” Pemberton see HONORS z 3

By Taylor Tomlinson Ouachita Baptist University will present Ouachita Sounds and the Ouachita Jazz Band in a joint concert Friday, Feb. 7, at 7:30 p.m. in Jones Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $8 each and may be purchased at www.obu.edu/boxoffice.

Ouachita Sounds, a 10-member audition-only show choir of men and women, will bring a selection of various classic movies to the stage with choreographed selections from Academy Award-winning movies such as “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” “The Little Mermaid” and “Footloose.”

“The music will appeal to audience members of all ages,” said Sounds member MaryLacey Thomson, a senior musical theatre major from Plano, Texas. “I think they

will enjoy the wide variety of songs we’re doing.”

Some of these songs include “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” made popular by the classic movie “Mary Poppins,” “What A Feeling,” from the 1983 film “Flashdance,” “The Way You Look Tonight” from the film “Swing Time,” “Under The Sea,” from the Disney classic “The Little Mermaid” and many more.

The Ouachita Jazz Band, also an audition-only ensemble, will accompany Sounds during their performance. The 17-member ensemble also will perform a variety of arrangements on their own, including “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing” by Stevie Wonder, Itaal Shur and Rob Thomas’ “Smooth,” selections by the Blues Brothers and other jazz compilations.

“I am excited for the concert see CONCERT z 3

Thursday, February 6, 2014

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this weekzCALENDAR OBU MINGLE signups will be in the caf tomorrow during lunch, hosted by Psy Chi. Cost is $1. For more information, contact Maddie Myers at mye53926@obu.edu.

KAPPI CHI DISNEY SERENADE will be tonight and begin at Georgia and Maddox Halls at 10:30, moving to Frances Crawford at 10:45 p.m. and ending at Gosser at 11 p.m. For more information, contact Will Richey at ric51753@obu.edu.

TOP

SOUNDS & JAZZ BAND concert is tomorrow night in JPAC at 7:30 p.m. OBU students receive a free ticket with ID. For more information, contact Scott Holsclaw at holsclaws@obu.edu.

Reasons to spend the weekend in Arkadelphia

MENS FRATERNITY will meet at the Tiger Den Sunday night for Bible Study from 8-9 p.m.

For more information, contact Justin Young at you48532@ obu.edu.

1 Saves gas 2 Great parking spots 3 Open dorm?

More bandwidth than during 4 the week Extensive dining options in 5 the caf By: Emily Terry

3 days Christian Focus Week countdown to

Sunday, Feb 9 9 pm

Monday, Feb 10 9 am Noon 6 pm 9 pm

Tuesday, Feb 11 10 am 3:30 pm 6 pm 7:30 pm

Worship, JPAC (classes cancelled) Noonday, Berry Chapel Social Club Service, JPAC Coffehouse/Art & Worship, Tiger Den Worship, JPAC Breakout w/Rick Bezet, Berry Chapel Women’s Tea w/Becky Horne, Walker Concert: John Mark McMillan w/Noah James Mitchell, JPAC

Wednesday, Feb 12 10 am Noon 9 pm

Worship, JPAC (classes cancelled) Noonday, Berry Chapel Breakout, Student Testimonies, Berry Chapel

Thursday, Feb 13 10 am 4 pm 5 pm 9 pm

Worship, JPAC (classes cancelled) Breakout w/Danny Hays, Berry Chapel Men’s BBQ Dinner w/Mark Goad, Walker Refuge, JPAC

Friday, Feb 14

11 am Worship, JPAC (classes cancelled) 12:15 pm Live Music @ Dr. Jack’s

John Markwith McMillan Noah James Mitchell Tuesday, 2.11 7:30 p.m.

JPAC $5

#cfw2014

Dr. Terry Carter Rick Bezet Brandon Barnard Ouachita faculty

New Life Church, Conway

[#CFWSchedule]

Pancakes & Pics, Student Center

[Worship]

[Speakers]

at the Jones Performing Arts Center box office.

“Christian Focus Week is about focus and growth on who Christ is and what He called us all to do,” said Connor Goad, a senior Christian theology and philosophy major from Hot Springs, Ark. “It’s a time that we come together as a campus and a community and grow as one body.”

The theme for this year’s Christian Focus Week is “words,” based on Ephesians 4:29.

“We chose this theme because we felt that it was very prominent and relatable to our campus and to Christians in general,” Goad said.

Among the breakout sessions will be one on a biblical view of sarcasm led by Dr. Danny Hays, dean of the Pruet School of Christian Studies.

“We live in such an instant age that we forget that our responses affect others,” said freshman Haley Martin, a mass communications major from Little Rock, Ark. “This week will take a deeper look into how to use our words positively,” The week’s activities will begin Sunday, Feb. 9, at 9 p.m. with Pancakes and Prayer in Evans Student Center.

Dr. Terry Carter, associate dean of the Pruet School of Christian Studies, will speak during a 9 a.m. worship service in JPAC on Monday, Feb. 10. A social club service at 6 p.m. in JPAC will be led by Dr. Chris Brune, assistant professor of finance. The day will conclude with a coffeehouse, art and worship in the Tiger Den at 9 p.m.

The Tuesday morning chapel service in JPAC at 10 a.m. will feature Rick Bezet, pastor of New Life Church. He will lead a 3:30 p.m. breakout session in Berry Chapel highlighting his story of planting New Life Church. A women’s tea with guest speaker Becky Horne will be held at 6 p.m. in Walker Conference Center. That will be followed by the John Mark McMillan concert at 7:30 p.m. in JPAC. Wednesday morning worship at 10 a.m. classes will feature Joel T., a Southern Baptist international missionary. At 9 p.m., students will share their testimonies in a breakout session in Berry Chapel.

Thursday’s 10 a.m. worship session will be led by Brandon Barnard, Klayton Seyler and Aaron Williams. Dr. Hays’ breakout session on a biblical view of sarcasm will be held at 4 p.m. in Berry Chapel. A men’s dinner will be held at 5 p.m. in Walker Conference Center and Refuge will be held at 9 p.m. in JPAC. The week’s final worship service will be held on Friday, Feb. 14, at 11 a.m. Christian Focus Week activities will conclude with live music in Dr. Jack’s Coffeehouse at 12:15 p.m.

For more information, contact James Taylor, director of campus ministries, at taylorja@obu. edu or (870) 245-5536. n

Fellowship Bible Church, Little Rock

Klayton Seyler Aaron Williams Noah Mitchell

Fellowship Fellowship Bible Church, Bible Church, Ouachita alumnus Little Rock Little Rock

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NEWS BRIEFS n Thirty second recaps of the biggest stories of the week.

NATIONAL ―The Obama adminis-

WORLD ― Syria has missed a dead-

line to hand over all the toxic materitration enlisted the help of first lady als it declared to the world’s chemical Michelle Obama in an effort to ensure weapons watchdog. The delay puts that low- and middle-income families the program several weeks behind get access to federal aid to help them schedule and could jeopardize a final pay for college. She urged students June 30th target. At the same time, and their parents on Wednesday to take advantage of a form known as the opposition activists say the Syrian air force is attacking the country’s biggest Free Application for Federal Student city, Aleppo, with barrel bombs, forcAid, or FAFSA. The form is used to ing many to flee. Under a deal reached determine eligibility for the differin October between Russia and the ent types of financial aid, including United States, which helped avert a grants, loans and federal work-study US-led missile strike against the govprograms. Obama said she filled out ernment of president Bashar al-Assad, the FAFSA form with the help of her Syria agreed to give up its entire mother, and worked at a daycare censtockpile of chemical weapons by Feb. ter while in college through the work5th. Syria has said it would submit a study program. The effort to boost handover timetable to the Organizaapplications for college financial aid is part of a domestic policy agenda Presi- tion for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), which won the dent Barack Obama unveiled in his Nobel Peace Prize last year in 2013, but State of the Union address last month gave no indication of when that would that focuses on boosting upward mohappen. n bility in the U.S. economy. n Compiled by Sam Cushman, Associate Editor. Sources: usatoday.com, hngn.com, reuters.com, cdc.gov, abcnews.com.

P

SCIENCE ― Builders at a $600 mil-

lion condominium and office towers in Miami, Fla., have made a remarkable find. Holes discovered there lay out the foundations of a prehistoric settlement of the ancient Tequesta tribe at the confluence of the Miami River and Biscayne Bay. The Tequesta tribe lived in what’s now the metropolitan Miami area until the 1700s. The holes recently discovered held pine posts that framed their thatched buildings. An archaeological team has unearthed several thousand holes since last October. The holes have been carved into the limestone that makes up Miami’s bedrock.

In addition to the circular layouts, the team found linear structures that may have been boardwalks for the waterfront settlement. The archaeological discovery means a new hurdle for the Metropolitan Miami complex, which is nearing completion. City officials still have to sign off on the final plans. n

HEALTH ― Most children and adults

in the U.S. are getting less than the recommended amounts of whole grains and dietary fiber, according to a recent study. Researchers found people who did eat the recommended three or more servings of whole grains each day also tended to consume the most fiber. Previous studies have tied whole grain intake to a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease among adults. Eating fiber, according to past studies has been linked to better gut health, less heart disease and lower weights. Fiber is found in whole grains in varying quantities as well as in fruits, vegetables and beans. Dietary guidelines from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Department of Health and Human Services say at least half of all grains consumed should be whole grains. That works out to a minimum of three one-ounce servings per day for adults and some kids. n

From Our

Favorite class taken at Ouachita?

“Everything taught by TIffany Eurich”

“Español con Dr. McGraw”

“Online Media”

“Spiritual Formation”

“Photography with Dr. Kluck”

Emily Terry Editor-in-Chief

Anna Kumpuris News Editor

Noah Hutchinson Opinions Editor

Dixon Land Assistant Sports Editor

Tanner Ward Former Editor-in-Chief

HONORS

z Continued from Page 1 said. “I go to national conventions and there are schools there talking about their 10th or 25th anniversaries and it is just amazing that we have made it this far.”

In addition to being far along in years, the program has a rich history of producing graduates who go above and beyond in their careers and lives after graduation.

Some of these former program members have returned to Ouachita as faculty members and will be recognized at the Black and White Reception along with other alumni and past directors. Recognition will also be given to seniors as well as this year’s Garrett Ham Scholar, Carl Goodson Scholar and Ben Elrod Scholar.

“Graduates are always quick to express appreciation for how Honors taught them to do independent research, to write professionally and prepare for

ARY FUND

z Continued from Page 1 pending on what sectors we decide to talk about, the analysts will give us an overall view of their sector and recommend any changes they believe we should make, such as buying or selling a stock,” said Kirtin Changose, senior accounting and business administration and finance major.

Although they are in control of their sector, we all make investment decisions as a team.”

There is also a portfolio manager, along with two assistant portfolio mangers, who oversee operations of the fund.

“The Ary Fund has been a really great way for me to apply what I’ve learned in class in a controlled environment,” Changose said. “We are able to make decisions based on the elements we’ve learned in class, but we can also receive guidance from Dr. Brune which helps us learn by experience.”

Senior business administration and finance major Austin Sarabia commented on the im-

graduate seminars, as well as teaching them to take charge of their own education,” Pemberton said. “They say that they feel better prepared for life and work after their time at Ouachita has come to a close.”

One reason students enjoy being a part of Honors is being able to go beyond the walls of their majors to expand their learning.

“I have stuck with Honors these past four years because I enjoy learning new things and Honors has been an amazing avenue for me to study and research things outside of my major,” said senior Alex Nelson, Academic Chair of the program. “I’m a naturally curious person and the Honors Program is a perfect outlet for that curiosity.”

For freshmen and sophomores interested in being in Honors, the entrance requirements for the program are an ACT score of 28 or higher when coming in or a 3.5 GPA during the first semester. n pact of the fund stating, “the Ary Fund has impacted my experience at Ouachita very positively. This fund has given me real world experience with the stock market. This fund, has taught me how to properly evaluate a stock and make a proper recommendation.”

The fund began when Eddie Ary and James Philpot, a Ouachita finance professor, came up with the idea to establish a program to give students the opportunity to actively learn about investing.

The fund took off in 1999, as the OBU Capital Student Investment Fund, when Larry Root, Philpot and Ary donated $8,300. Philpot continued to contribute yearly until he left Ouachita in 2005. The Arys contribute to the fund yearly.

In 2012 the faculty, the Executive Advisory Board and the Business Advisory Board of the Frank D. Hickingbotham School of Business changed the name of the fund to the Eddie and Phyllis Ary Student Investment Fund. Since Ary’s retirement in 2012 Dr. Chris Brune has taken over as faculty advisor of the fund. n

Grace Finley z The Signal OUACHITA SOUNDS will be performing with the Ouachita Jazz Band in a joint concert tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m. in JPAC.

CONCERT

z Continued from Page 1 with Sounds because it will allow us to play for a different kind of audience,” said Jazz Band member Alexandra Lawson, a freshman accounting major from Texarkana, Texas.

Ouachita Sounds is directed

by Mary Worthen, assistant professor of music, and is choreographed with the help of Stacy Hawking, a sophomore musical theatre major from Sherwood, Ark. Other members of Sounds include: Hannah Bauman, a freshman worship arts major from Tyler, Texas; Jake Briggs, a sophomore music major from Alexander, Ark.; Nicole Mattson, a senior musical theatre major from Rowlett, Texas; Todd McNeel, a senior mass communications major from Grand Prairie, Texas; Alexis Morgan, a freshman choral music education major from Frisco, Texas; Tyler Rosenthal, a senior mass communications major from Little Rock, Ark.; Garrett Sayers, a sophomore musical theatre major from Greenwood, Ark.; and MaryLacey Thomson, a

senior musical theatre major from Plano, Texas.

The Ouachita Jazz Band is directed by Dr. Craig Hamilton, Lena Goodwin Trimble Professor of Music and director of bands.

Members of the band include: Zach Barber, a junior instrumental music education major from Mansfield, Texas, on alto saxophone; Kelly Cortez, a senior biology and Spanish major from McKinney, Texas, on trumpet; Drew Ervin, a senior music and computer science major from Springdale, Ark., on drums; Lee Garrett, a freshman music major from Searcy, Ark., on guitar; Alison King, a senior music major from Fort Worth, Texas, on alto saxophone; Dalton King, a freshman instrumental music education major from Greenwood, Ark., on trombone; Alexandra Lawson, a sophomore accounting major from Texarkana, Texas, on trumpet; Justin Massey, a junior instrumental music education major from Weatherford, Texas, on bass; Brent Nessler, a senior performance major from Rowlett, Texas, on tenor saxophone; Lindsay

Palmer, a sophomore instrumental music education major from Idabel, Okla., on trumpet; Jason Potts, a freshman instrumental music education major from Springdale, Ark., on trombone; Kacie Richards, a freshman education major from Rowlett, Texas, on trumpet; Kaden Sosebee, a junior Christian studies/Christian theology and Biblical studies major from Fort Smith, Ark., on trombone; Bret Steed, a senior performance major from Idabel, Okla., on trombone; Hoshiro Takuto, a freshman from Kitakyushu, Japan, on tenor saxophone; Chelsea Villaneuva, a senior instrumental music education major from Bentonville, Ark., on baritone saxophone; and Weston Wills, a freshman choral music education major from Norphlet, Ark., on piano. Carli Sasser, a senior choral music education major from Hamburg, Ark., is the Jazz Band’s featured vocalist.

OBU students may receive one free ticket with their valid university ID. For more information, contact the Jones Performing Arts Center box office at (870) 245-5555. n

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features

Thursday, February 6, 2014

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Sharing the Ouachita love

By CAROLINE NIMOCKS Staff Writer

D

o you often think about your admissions counselor?

Although it might not be a frequent occurrence, these supportive individuals made a difference in our lives. Today, the admissions counselors at Ouachita continue to play a large role in helping prospective students and newcomers as they make the transition from high school to college.

Stacy Beck, a current admissions counselor and Ouachita alumna says, “We help families with whatever they want to know about OBU and even give personal testimonies.”

Traveling is a large part of an admissions counselor’s job. They seek to reach out to prospective students by visiting numerous high schools during the fall.

“Fall is really our travel season. I was on the road for a little over a months’ worth’s time last semester,” Beck said. Traveling is also done in the spring. However, the fall semester is the busiest in terms of travel, because this season is when counselors need to try and talk to prospects as they are applying for schools.

Ouachita alumna and admissions counselor Brittany Armstrong explains, “Traveling isn’t as heavy in the spring as it is in the fall.

We do have to travel to different locations for receptions but those mainly occur only in January. There will be award ceremonies at the high schools in the end of May.” Although admissions counselors remain busy, they seem to maintain a constant relationship with each student they work with.

Beck says, “We also do lots of hand-written cards to our students thanking them for ap-

plying, congratulating them on acceptance and telling them how excited we are that they visited campus!”

Stacy Beck and Brittany Armstrong both went to school at Ouachita, and truly appreciate how supportive the university is throughout the four years of its students’ experience. In Beck’s words, “Ouachita really helped me grow. I still love my professors, Ouachita friends, this campus and its atmosphere so much. I love helping people and leading them to a school that could change their lives.”

What is the life of an admissions counselor truly about then? Think back to the hand-written letters you once received in the mail. They were very personalized and made you feel like you were already part of the Ouachita family. Through these small tokens, Ouachita’s admissions counselors have been able to share with each student some significant piece of Ouachita. The counselors want prospective students and newcomers to have some idea of what Ouachita has to offer— even if they can’t fully experience it just yet.

“A day in the life of an admissions counselor is all about showing people what Ouachita is all about,” Beck said.

If you ever find yourself being nostalgic of the time you spent with your admissions counselor, remember that the counselors at Ouachita devote a substantial amount of time to this job—not because they have to, but because they enjoy getting to work with every individual on a personal level. Although it is just a job title, Stacy Beck sees it as something more “It’s awesome having God use me to bring students here,” she says, “This job is great for me.” n Photos by Kristen Barnard, The Signal

Every week, check out the Signal YouTube page for a new feature video on a Ouachita student. We will be randomly selecting students each week to interview and feature. Our campus is full of students with stories to tell, so we are giving students the opportunity to tell them in their own words. Check it out every Thursday at www.youtube.com/obusignal. Maybe you will be asked to share your unique story next, so get it ready.

Scan this for this week’s video!

Ouachita youtube.com/ obusignal

Faces

opinions

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Thursday, February 6, 2014

How to survive a group project

By NOAH HUTCHINSON Opinions Editor @Hutch15 “I’m very curious to hear your thoughts on what we’ve covered so far in class, as well as what you’ve gotten out of the lectures and readings. So, you’re going to be divided up for a group paper...”

Group paper? Group...paper? The explanation may as well have stopped right there, because the damage to my psyche was going to need at least a 12 pack of chicken nuggets in order to be repaired. Group paper?! What are we, a hive of bees? How are any number of people greater than one supposed to construct a cohesive essay on one topic? More importantly, how am I, or anybody who finds themselves involved in any group project, supposed to handle partially placing their fate in the hands of their potentially pedestrian classmates? It’s a trial that all of us will have to face in our time here, I’m afraid, but it may not have to be all that bad. For the sake of your grade, you might find it within you to become something greater than yourself. A new person. A hero. Or an opportunist slacker. Either one will work as long as it’s what your situation calls for.

The first persona you could take on to catapult your group project to victory is what I’d call a bull moose.

Sure, you’re still working on your bachelor’s degree and your parents still pay your cell phone bill, but gosh darn it, you have all the answers to the universe.

Your professor, like, totally said you did the best job out of everyone in the class on your last solo project.

Or did she say you did the best out of everyone who's ever taken the class? Compliments tend to get muddled when you get so many of them. You deserve to be the leader, so puff out your chest and assert your mental dominance by casually tossing out a few ten dollar words in the pre-plan conversation. They’re good for more than putting a hurtin’ on grandma when she challenges you to Scrabble.

Only do this if you want to carry the team, thus ensuring that your grade is in your own hands. Talking a big game and then leaving your group out to dry is the bull moose equivalent of having 1,000 lb antlers on a 100 lb body.

If you see yourself as more of a supervisor than a workhorse, you might want to try being the comic relief. Somebody throws a helpful comment into the brainstorm? Let it be. Say nothing. Lurk, like a stealthy little raccoon hiding under the table at a 4th of July picnic. Somebody says something stupid? Undermine it with a joke. Crush that person’s spirit. Encourage their peers to laugh down their ideas.

“Hey, when we give our presentation, we should all wear matching outfits and memorize a little script so we can finish each other’s sentences!”

“Yeah, and we should throw in a blood sacrifice while we’re at it just in case that by itself doesn’t make the professor think we’re starting a cult.”

You get the idea. You are the vigilant anti-aircraft gun of your group, using your quips and jibes to shoot down anything that might make your project bomb.

If neither of those suit your fancy and your goal is just to skim by while doing as little work as possible (or you have an awesome group that you know will get a good grade without you putting forth much ef-

fort) you can always take the role of the bench warmer. The non combatant. The warm body.

To do this well, you’ve got to make sure that everybody else in the group is OK with you contributing the absolute bare minimum. If you’re doing a presentation on the Vietnam War, ask your teammates if that was the one with the Nazis. They’ve asked you to type up a 500 word report? Stop at 470 words and make the text pink or yellow. Maybe even type it in comic sans if you don’t think they’ll catch on to the fact that you’ve got to be faking.

Never let your group catch on to the fact that you’re slacking though, or your grade will suffer in the event of any kind of team member evaluation. Make them believe that you’re performing to the best of your abilities. Show up five minutes early to all the meetings, and gush over anyone who comes up with a good idea. If your professor asks about your contributions to the group, their response should be along the lines of “Well, bless his heart, at least he’s got the right attitude.”

If you’ve ever been called “adorable” or been compared to any kind of small animal, this act could save your life in the event of early onset senioritis.

If you don’t think any of these group member archetypes would work out for you, then I guess you could just try being a helpful, hard working, good natured teammate who’s willing to compromise on ideas and go the extra mile for the good of everyone’s grade. You might want to buy a shoulder holster for your AP style book though. When somebody emails you an essay that’s 30 words short and typed up in yellow, 14 point comic sans, you can go ahead and assume that they’ve never seen one before. n

Mope-less Valentine’s Day

By HANNAH PEARCE

Staff Writer

W

ith Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, ‘tis the season of broken hearts.

As a female, I know our first reaction is to wear our favorite sweatpants, lie in bed all day, eat a gallon of rocky road ice cream and watch “The Notebook” until we cry because “it’s just so beautiful!”

Ladies…you’re doing it wrong.

I’m not promoting irresponsible behavior here, but, you have four Chapel absences for a reason. Use them wisely!

Last week, when I found myself struggling against the urge to lose myself in a beautiful tub of Blue Bell and to get cozy with a few good men (Ben and Jerry), a good friend and I had a crazy idea: let’s go to New Orleans.

We spent 21 hours together laughing, crying and praying that we didn’t die in the ice storm of the century. It was beyond refreshing.

We left just as the sun was rising and got back in the dead of night. We drove for hours and hours just to get to experience walking around the historic French Quarter only for a little bit. We even got pulled over once, but with a little charm and a nice smile, we got out scot-free. All of the shops were closed due to the weather even McDonald’s. Be that as it may, we still had a blast. It was so worth it.

Okay, so, maybe going to New Orleans on a Tuesday when it was blizzarding wasn’t the best idea.

My point is this: you’re a strong, independent woman who don’t need no man! You have two choices. You can sit in your room and wallow in your own self-pity or you can go out, live life with your girls, and move on. Every little thing is going to be all right.

When I got back, however, I wasn’t in that mood where I hated all men and they’re all evil and stay away from me because you have cooties. “I don’t want to catch feelings!”

Haha, no.

This is the most important step in the healing process: forgiveness. This doesn’t mean that you have to seek “he-who-must-not-be-named” out and actually say it, but it’s important for you to have peace in your heart. Being bitter helps no one. In fact, it hurts you and those around you. When you date someone it’s an experiment, and when it doesn’t work out, it’s just an experiment gone wrong. It’s not the end of the world.

Trust me.

There are plenty of people out there that care about you. They will listen, they’ll make you laugh, they’ll cook you Hot Pockets and cut your extremely tough meat in the caf for you, they’ll give you advice and they’ll stick up for you. If you were one of those people

for me, and you know who you are, I sincerely appreciate everything you’ve done for me. For every jerk out there, there’s a whole mob of best friends that will have your back.

College is about having fun! Learning, yes, but a

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majority of it is about having fun! Use every excuse you can get to get out of the Delph and do something you’ve never done before. And who knows, maybe you’ll end up with a pretty cool story to tell your grandkids someday. 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.

6

sports

Thursday, February 6, 2014

www.obusignal.com

National Signing Day to produce new football stars

By DIXON LAND

Assistant Sports Editor @DixonCLand

Dr. Wesley Kluck z Courtesy OUACHITA LADY Tigers claim one of the two GAC Sportsmanship Honors. The cross country team, as well as the football team, were recognized for their outstanding leadership as well as positive representation of their school.

Ouachita Tigers claim two GAC Sportsmanship Honors

By KYLE PARRIS Sports Information

On Tuesday, the Great American Conference announced the winners of the league’s sportsmanship awards for the fall sports: men’s cross country, women’s cross country, volleyball, football and women’s soccer.

Ouachita Baptist claimed a pair of the accolades. The Tiger football team that received a bid to the C.H.A.M.P.S. Heart of Texas Bowl earned that sport’s distinction. OBU also garnered the award for women’s cross country.

Head Coaches Todd Knight and Mike McGhee were honored for the recognition their student-athletes received.

“I could not be more proud of our cross country team receiving this honor,” said Coach McGhee.

He added, “They are a tremendous group of young la-

dies that represent our university with moral and Christian values our university stands for and are truly deserving of this honor. On and off the course, they really work to be an example in life.”

Coach Knight echoed the same sentiments. “This is a big honor for our team, staff, and University,” he said. “We take pride in being able to put it together in all areas.

It’s great seeing our athletes having success on the field, in the classroom and in the community while doing it with positive energy and attitude.”

In 2012, the Great American Conference’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee initiated a sportsmanship award to be presented for all team sports.

The winning school will receive a banner similar to the one presented to GAC tournament championship winners.

“These awards reflect the NCAA Division II emphasis on

sportsmanship and game environment,” GAC Commissioner Will Prewitt said. “These selected programs have competed with dignity and class and have represented the GAC in a manner befitting of recognition.”

Ouachita Athletic Director David Sharp was quick to point to leadership as a key for both program’s success on and off the field.

“I am very pleased to see that two of our athletic teams have been recognized for their sportsmanship, Coach Sharp said. “I think it is also important to recognize that both Coach Todd Knight and Coach Mike McGhee lead their respective teams on and off the field in a very positive manner.”

The winners of the GAC Team Sportsmanship Awards were chosen by league game officials and coaches based on a point system. n

2014 Ouachita Tigers Signing Class NAME

Cortez Akins Cameron Alexander RJ Bailey AJ Burton Michael Carr Andrew Estes Michael Farley Drew Farmer Kiehl Frazier Tyler Gahr Jordan Harold Cameron Haskins Nicholas Hayes Jakahari Howell Demetric Jennings Drake Jones Austin Kirkpatrick Joseph Klein Chris Leger Kraft McLean Jahlon Mitchell Logan Morris Alex Myres Kris Oliver Davon Potts John Rachal II James Ryan Reed Trevor Reger Tristen Walsworth Shelton Wooley

POS. DL OL DB DB WR OL DB WR QB OL LB LB DB ATH DL FB ATH LB DL LB LB TE DB RB DL DL OL WR DL P/K

HT 6’2 6’3 5’10 5’9 5’8 6’0 6’1 5’8 6’2 6’2 6’1 6’0 5’10 5’10 6’2 5’11 5’10 5’10 5’11 5’11 5’11 6’4 5’9 5’8 6’2 6’3 6’3” 5’9 5’11 5’10

WT 250 280 185 180 165 275 185 165 225 280 225 215 180 180 220 215 180 185 260 210 185 220 175 170 215 225 250 170 270 180

SCHOOL Conway H.S. Nashville H.S. Dumas H.S. Conway H.S. Liberty-Eylau H.S. Arkansas Baptist Lufkin H.S. Clinton H.S. Auburn Univ.

Valley View H.S. Horn H.S. Garland H.S. LR Central H.S. Arkadelphia H.S. Commerce H.S. Warren H.S. Gurdon H.S. Whitehouse H.S. North Shore H.S. Canton Academy Arkadelphia H.S. Hamburg H.S. College Park H.S. Arkadelphia H.S. Hope H.S. Channelview H.S. Rison H.S. Detroit H.S. Troup H.S. Ruston H.S.

HOMETOWN Conway, Ar Nashville, Ar Dumas, Ar Conway, Ar Texarkana, Tx Little Rock, Ar Lufkin, Tx Clinton, Ar West Fork, Ar Valley View, Ar Mesquite, Tx Garland, Tx Little Rock, Ar Arkadelphia, Ar Commerce, Tx Warren, Ar Gurdon, Ar Whitehouse, Tx Houston, Tx Canton, Ms Arkadelphia, Ar Hamburg, Ar The Woodlands, Tx Arkadelphia, Ar Hope, Ar Channelview, Tx Rison, Ar Detroit, Tx Troup, Tx Ruston, La

Like many other avid College Football fans, I sit and watch as hundreds of top prospects decide where they will play football for the next three to four years.

I, like many others, sit there and wonder why my favorite athletes don’t go to where I want them to go. I scream and yell when teams like Auburn go ahead and put athletes like Raashad Evans on their website as an officially signed player of the 2014 class, when he signs with a rival school just minutes later.

Or, when like last year, Alex Collins had a delayed signing because his mother stole his letter of intent. Nevertheless, here are my top five prospects that I believe could make an imediate impact at their respective schools.

Kyle Allen, QB (Texas A&M)-Dubbed by many as the next Johnny Manziel, expect Allen (6’4”, 195) to make a big impact on campus soon. Allen, while not nearly as mobile as Manziel, makes up for it in arm strength and statistics.

Allen boasts a 4.0 GPA and threw for over 3,000 yards and 36 TD’s last season. And while considered by most as a pocket passer, Allen does run a 4.87, 40-yard dash. The quarterback has a tight spiral and can thread the needle as well as any in his class.

Da’Shawn Hand, DE (Alabama)-Ranked by many recruiting services as the number one recruit in the country, Hand (4.6, 40) is poised to bring speed and superior strength to the Crimson Tide this fall. At 6’4”, 260, he racked up 110 tackles and 16 sacks last season.

Hand is aggressive and fires off the line of scrimmage to shed blocks quickly and effectively. Many scouts only concern about Hand is his ability to shed blocks in any other way besides the bull rush. Nevertheless, Hand was a 2014 Under Armor AllAmerican and a state champion wrestler.

Travis Rudolph, WR (Florida State University)-Headed to Florida St., Rudolph is expected to make an impact early on to FSU’s tremendous receiving core. With 63 receptions for over 1,200 yards and 15 touchdowns, Rudolph has great hands and a big body. He is also very versatile and could be expected to return punts and kickoffs for the Seminoles.

Jabrill Peppers, DB (Michigan)-At 6’1”, 205 lbs., Peppers runs a 4.4, 40 and has impressed many scouts with his closing speed to the ball. With 70 tackles and four interceptions, Peppers is expected to make a sudden impact on campus at Michigan. Look for Peppers to play some special teams.

Along with playing safety, Peppers also started at Paramus Catholic High school at running back and rushed for over 1,500 yards. He boasts great hands, incredible intangibles and a strong work ethic.

Leonard Fortunette, RB (LSU)-With 7,800 rushing yards and 92 touchdowns in his high school career, Fortunette has been touted as the top running back in this class. He has been praised for his great hands and real coachability.

In fact, Les Miles even was quoted as saying that it was “conceivable,” that Fortunette could start at running back in the first game against Wisconsin in Houston, TX. Expect him to play a major role early on.

Alabama again dominated the recruiting season, landing 27 letters of intent including five-star players, Rashaan Evans and Marlon Humphrey, as well as snagging transfer Jacob Coker from Florida State. The Crimson Tide again land a solid-recruiting class.

Second on the list was Louisiana State University. With 23 commits, Les Miles should be very excited about his new freshman class. Miles will bring in Fortunette, along with great talent in Malachi Dupre and Clifton Garrett. Miles expects them to have a big impact early on.

Coming in third was FSU. For the reigning National Champions, the Seminoles land another solid recruiting class. They signed five star recruits Dalvin Cook and Matthew Thomas.

Both could see significant time next season as the Seminoles look to build on their perfect season in 2013.

In fourth, Texas A&M signed 22 committs including Kyle Allen. In fifth, Tennessee suprised much of the College Football world and signed 36 commits-more than any other team did this pre-season.

The SEC still dominated in the overall ESPN Top 300. Together, they signed 121 recruits while the ACC finished second with 49 recruits. The PAC-10 finished third with 42 recruits.

In conclusion, this class of 2014 seems to be the best one in years. The all around talent within the top 300 recruits is astounding and while some may be busts, it seems as if many of these players will end up playing on Sunday. I’m excited about this next season of College Football. Now, just to wait six months for the official season to roll around. n

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Dr. Wesley Kluck z Courtesy

Davis Ward named GAC Pitcher of the Week

By BRANDON SMITH

Sports Information Ouachita Tiger Davis Ward was named Great American Conference Pitcher of the Week after throwing a three-hit complete game shutout on opening day against third-ranked St.

Edwards University in Austin, Texas.

Ward, the 2013 GAC Pitcher of the Year, got the Tigers off to a 1-0 start in a head-to-head match-up against St. Edwards ace Brannon Easterling, the 2013 College Baseball Lineup

Division II Josh Willingham Most Valuable Player.

Ward faced 24 batters, scattering three hits and recording five strikeouts and no walks.

The right-hander has 16 career complete games, tops in the GAC. n

This Week: Collegiate coverage with Kirby Von Edwins and Ben Cline. Coleson Lechner’s Not Top 5 Countdown Intramurals: Mitchell Kelley and Tyler Davis cover Tunes Squad/Powerhouse Watch online at www.obusignal.com