OBU Signal - Nov. 1, 2012

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VOLLEYBALL SEASON WRAPS UP SPORTS, P. 6 Thursday, Nov. 1, 2012

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Volume 121, Issue 8

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Decision 2012:

Who’s your choice?

Tanner Ward photo illustration. Romney photo courtesy of Gage Skidmore.

Obama photo courtesy of Hiperpato.

I’m voting #ObamaBiden2012

By JACKSON CARTER

I’m voting #RomneyRyan2012

By LINDSEY FOWLER

Guest Columnist

By HANNAH BISHOP

Guest Columnist

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By DIXON LAND

Guest Columnist

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Guest Columnist

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s students around campus start preparing for colder weather, our nation prepares to elect new leaders. The most important race this year is the Presidential election, with the two main candidates being Barack Obama (Democrat) and Mitt Romney (Republican).

With the election drawing ever closer and with early voting having already started, the candidates are determined to separate their campaigns from each other by portraying themselves as the best option for our nation going forward. Personally, I believe that Barack Obama is that man, and he will be the person who gets my vote on Nov. 6.

Personally, economics and foreign relations are the biggest issues this election. While the economy is still not where it needs to be, under the Obama administration there have been 31 consecutive months of job growth and the administration also encourages insourcing of jobs by giving benefits to companies that bring jobs back to the states.

Numbers don’t lie, and I believe that changing the system by radically cutting taxes, reducing the funding of other important government programs such as disability, Medicare and Medicaid to name a few, will help and I personally think that will hurt more than help.

As for foreign relations, I think Obama is better choice than Romney.

hen I was asked to write a short article for the Signal addressing why I am voting for Barack Obama this election season my initial reaction was apprehension. But why was that? I have a firm conviction for my choice, I feel confident in the accuracy of the issues, and I love to talk about politics.

This should have been right up my alley. What was making me uneasy about sharing my thoughts with the rest of my Ouachita family? I think the answer to this question is a problem that has encompassed not just the “Ouachita Bubble” but our nation as a whole.

Partisanship is an inevitable consequence in a winner-take-all, two-party political system like ours. Even as far back as 1787 James Madison concluded in Federalist Paper No. 10 that factions were going to be a necessary evil in this experiment in Democracy that came to be the United States.

Madison points out that the only way to avoid factions (or parties) would be to either take away the liberty of the citizens that allows them to speak out and share differences or to create a homogenous populous where every person simply follows along in uncontested apathy and unison.

I don’t think any person, Republican, Democrat, Libertarian or Independent would find either of those options an appealing solution. So

onald Reagan once said, “Each generation goes further than the generation preceding it because it stands on the shoulders of that generation. You will have opportunities beyond anything we've ever known.”

If we continue to stand on the foundation that President Obama has laid for us, we will have four more years of turmoil and be far from having opportunities to create a stable future.

My vote for Romney and Ryan in the 2012 election is very much based on the hope that, as a soon-to-be college graduate, I will have more opportunities to have a successful career. Right now the youth unemployment rate is at 12.7 percent for people ages 18 to 29 and only one in two college graduates can find a job.

Out of the two presidential candidates, I have to decide who is going to create the future that Reagan dreamed about for the youth of our nation. More than ever before, this election is about seeing the fruition of our jobs and economy be placed in the right hands.

We have gone 43 straight months with the unemployment rate over 8 percent and I can’t risk re-electing a president who doesn’t see that as a problem.

Another issue that Romney and Ryan are prepared to face is entitlement spending. Eventually it will consume 100 percent of all tax revenue meaning reforms must be made. When social security was created in 1935 it

he current presidency is simply not getting it done; and with a socio-economic depression such as the state in which the United States is in, change must happen, the very word Mr. Obama ran on in 2008.

That very year, the unemployment rate was at 7.3 percent, a staggering statistic based on the number of people sitting at home looking for a job. In October of 2009, the unemployment rate hit 10 percent, the highest since the great depression.

This was during Mr. Obama’s honeymoon period with a strong democratic majority in both the House and Senate. Obama claimed his plan would make the unemployment rate 5.4%. We are now nine million jobs away from that. Whereas in 2008, he said he would cut the national debt in half, he has actually doubled it in four years.

Obama has shown no effort in creating bipartisan legislation to better the economy. When Romney took office in Massachusetts, there was a $3 billion deficit. Two years later, the state had a billion dollar surplus; all without ever raising taxes and an 85 percent democratic legislature (Now that’s bipartisanship!).

That’s a $4 billion turn around in just two years! In four years, the Obama budget has had trillion dollar deficits each year and the national debt has increased to $16 trillion

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New Yorker publishes Curlin poem in July issue

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Leader in training

shop will be serving a variety of pastries and juices. Officially called the Library Café, the old coffeehouse was referred to as Starbucks by the majority of students because of the brand of coffee they sold.

“The Starbucks connection

Haney attends Institute in D.C.,

FEATURES, P. 4 Thursday, Oct. 4, 2012

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Volume 121, Issue 5

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There are many questions students face when entering college and even more as they begin the voyage into the “real world.” What am I doing, where am I going and how do I get there? Where do my priorities lie and what will happen if I can’t do it all? Before getting too bogged down, students can rest assured that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Career Services is available as a launching point for every Ouachita student, no matter their classification.

Whether you are an upperclassman preparing for your life ahead or a freshman that doesn’t know where to begin, you are not on this journey alone. Career Services is an organization at Ouachita whose main goal is equipping students with the answers, opportunities and connections needed to succeed both on campus and off. It’s never too early to start taking advantage of all that Career Services has to offer.

“I really hope that more people will get involved with Career Services as a freshman or a sophomore,” said Aly Smith, a sophomore Mass Communications major, “be-

Tiger Tunes 2012

Dr. Jack’s legacy inspires sense of school pride The fact that there is a new coffee shop on campus is old news. However, just reading the name or looking at the logo, the significance might

JOEY LICKLIDER

By KATHLEEN SUIT

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Photo courtesy of Dr. Barbara Pemberton.

Volume 121, Issue 2

Career Services offers students variety of tools, resources

News Editor

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On Jul. 30, 2012, Dr. Jay Curlin, professor of English, had a poem featured in The New Yorker. Curlin never submitted the poem, but after a remarkable set of circumstances, The New Yorker’s poetry editor, Paul Muldoon, contacted Curlin and asked him whether he might publish it in the magazine. The poem, entitled “Evidence of Things Not Seen,” was written in the fall of 2010 to feature

By Tanner Ward two words that appeared in the Editor-in-Chief Daily Word Game utilized by ight students and two professors got what will professors to enhance students’ probably be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in vocabulary. The words were May. They, along with a community member, were “Higgs-Boson,” the legendary granted an almost unheard of invitation to tour god particle and “hirsute,” a Saudi Arabia, a country typically closed to tourism outword meaning hairy. The poside of religious purposes. em’s title is a reference to the Dr. Barbara Pemberton, associate professor of Christian Bible verse Hebrews 11:1. missions and one of the professors who attended, said “After a couple of years of the trip was the result of years of talks between herself, playing the daily word games, a tour company in Saudi Arabia and the Saudi Arabian [Jay] would put [them] in his Nicole McPhate z The Signal embassy in thethe United Theofcertainty of the trip was in the reading in poems he STUDENTS ENJOY newStates. features Dr. Jack’s Coffeehouse recentlyquizzes renovated Evans Student Center. The first president’s unknown evenhelp to the last minute. wrote that he called lexical iconic mutton chops to reinforce the sense of school heritage among students.

Saudi Arabia, traditionally shy of tourism, invites student group for visit

PREPPING THE STAGE:

FEATURES, P. 4

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U N I V E R S I T Y

son, vice president of communications. “He was elected president in 1886 at age 29 and was responsible for recruiting students, hiring faculty and developing the Arkadelphia campus.”

As Ouachita’s first presi-

is important to have a reminder of where the school came from and the people who had a hand in making OBU what it is today.”

Dr. Jack stands out as a symbol for Ouachita and is more

of it’s founding Hosts/Hostessesthanp. just 2 one • Tunes Effects on Clubs p. 3 • Tunescast 2012 p. 3 • Joey Licklider p. 4

The complete print edition in a new interactive format. Now compatible with iPhone/iPad.

Local Elections............. 3 Politics & Religion....... 4 www.obusignal.com CONNECT WITH THE SIGNAL

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Marvel Comics Villians

Magneto. Control over metal and the uncanny desire to subjugate humanity beneath the “evolutionary superior”

Galactus. He has the power of the

cosmos at his disposal and a hunger to swallow world after world Jason Pullano photo.

Dr. Doom. Genius, sociopath and

world domination. What else can describe the Fantastic 4’s arch nemesis

The Tigersharks swim at the Harding invitationa l

Red Skull. Head of Hydra and the

right hand man for Adolf Hitler, the 20th Century’s greatest incarnation of evil

Apocalypse. Immortal, vengeful and

the first mutant Earth had ever seen. He wreaked devastation worthy of his name

this weekzCALENDAR REFUGE will be held tonight at Second Baptist Church from 9-10 p.m. For more information, contact: James Taylor at taylorja@obu.edu

LIPDUB video shoot takes place Sunday at 1:30 p.m. in Grant Plaza. For more information, contact: Lori Motl at motll@obu.edu

LIVE MUSIC will take place at Dr. Jack’s tomorrow at 12:15 p.m. For more information, contact: Tim Harrell at harrellt@obu.edu

CAB MOVIE NIGHT will be Sunday night from 8-11 p.m. in the Walker Conference Center. The movie will be Dark Knight Rises. For more information, contact: Allison Sweatman at sweatmana@obu.edu

NAVY COMMODORES JAZZ BAND will be performing in JPAC Saturday from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Tickets are free for students and are available at the JPAC Box office or at boxoffice@obu.edu

DATE AUCTION will be hosted by the Men of Eta Alpha Omega on Tuesday, Nov. 6 from 8-10 p.m. in the Tiger Den. For more information, contact: Jordan LaBry at lab52258@obu.edu

Ouachita Singers promise talented performances, love of vocal music

By NOAH HUTCHINSON Staff Writer

The Ouachita Singers is the University’s elite choir, made up of a group of hand picked individuals who lend their time and talent to the program for a variety of reasons.

The audition process consists of singing a song, matching various pitches and reading music.

“You start off by singing ‘My Country ‘Tis of Thee’,” said Mitchell Yost, sophomore music major. “Then you match a few random notes on the piano and read some music. “ To maintain the level of talent expected from them, the Ouachita Singers have to practice multiple times a week.

“We meet three times a week, 50 minutes for each rehearsal,” said Dr. Gary Gerber, director of the Singers.

Gerber, who serves as associate dean, professor of music and director of choral activities, emphasized how much the students learn in the process of preparing for concerts.

“It’s really intense getting past learning the notes and rhythms to knowing how the music works out together so the kids will know how their part fits into the music. That way we can get into the music making aspect of it, rather than the music reading aspect,” said Gerber.

Aside from practicing, the Ouachita Singers perform various concerts for different venues and occasions.

“We do various concerts around campus,” said Alayna Rutledge, a sophomore music major and member of Ouachita Singers. “Festival of Christmas, Lessons and Carols and fall and spring concerts. On top of that, we travel and sing at churches pretty frequently and then go on tour each spring.”

However, according to the participants, Ouachita Singers is not all work.

They find the concerts enjoyable, and like to see their work come together.

“Concerts are so fun,” Rutledge said.

“After we’ve worked so hard, it’s really awesome to see how everything pays off. We usually get a ton of compliments for our performances, and it is all so rewarding.”

Factoring in all the practices and growth of talent, the Ouachita Singers wouldn’t be possible without what each student says is their source of motivation. Reasons vary among the different participants, but everyone has something driving them to continue performing.

“I’m on voice scholarship, and participating in Singers is part of that.”

Yost said. “I love it, though, being in a group with such passionate and professional performers is a wonderful experience.”

Vocal scholarship may be a side factor for a lot of the performers, but most do it for the love of music as well as the people in the Singers group itself.

“I love the craft,” said sophomore music major Stephen Curry. “You’re around so many talented people. It’s so cool to feel like you’re part of something bigger than yourself. I wasn’t in it freshman year, but I knew I wanted to be. It’s just so many people who are good at what they do, doing it because it’s what they love.”

The performance season has already begun for the Ouachita Singers. They perfomed their Fall concert Thursday, Oct. 18, in McBeth Recital Hall and they still have many more performences to come.

“We want everybody to come out and watch,” Rutledge said. “We promise you won’t be disappointed.”

For more information about the Ouachita singers and how to join or when they perform, contact Gerber at

Jason Pullano z The Signal THE HANDBELL RINGERS perform their show “Ringers in the Round” last year in McClellan Rotunda.

Handbell Ringers perform variety of music

By KELSEY LAMB Staff Writer

The Handbell Ringers is a group at Ouachita that presents a wide variety of music using handbells.

The Ringers are directed by Dr. Rob Hewell, chair of the department of worship arts, and is a course that offers a half hour credit and is required for all church music majors. There are also non-music majors who take this course.

"While the class is a requirement, it is one of my favorite classes I take here at Ouachita," said Rusty Butler, a junior church music major.

The Handbell Ringers choose a variety of music to play. Their wide range includes ballads, nocturnes and jigs.

Every piece that the Handbell Ringers play is arranged for handbell choirs.

"For programming we always try to mix some things that are very gentle, very peaceful, because the bells are capable of a wide range of musical expression,” Hewell said. “But then we also try to do some things that are energetic or even showy.”

Each ringer is responsible for up to four to ten bells that they use during their performances. They have multiple concerts throughout the year. Their

next concert will be Tuesday, Nov. 6, at 7:30 p.m. in the McClellan Rotunda called Ringers in the Round.

“We use this space because it’s small, and acoustics are great for the handbells. It also makes it possible to be intimate with the audience," said Hewell.

Another performence of the Ringers is A Service of Lessons and Carols during the Christmas season. The Ringers also have performances during chapel once or twice a year.

"It is definitely refreshing to be able to express yourself through music, especially through such a unique instrument as a handbell," Butler said.

In order for a student to join the Handbell Ringers, he or she must sign up through their advisor. It is expected and greatly encouraged that one already know how to read music. Although being a part of the Handbell Ringers is required for worship arts majors , it is not a requirement that a student be a major to be in this course.

Practices for the Ouachita Handbell Ringers are held every Tuesday and Thursday at 3:15 p.m. in the Mabee Fine Arts Center. For more information about the Handbell Ringers, their performaences or how to join, contact Hewell at hewellr@obu.edu. n

nation & world news n 3

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Thursday, November 1, 2012

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

RELIEF ― For those wishing to offer help in the Hurricane Sandy relief efforts in the coming weeks, the American Red Cross is accepting donations.

Monetary donations are preferred because they can be used more quickly to purchase food, supplies and other necessities close to the disaster area. To donate, go to www.redcross.org, call 1-800-RED-CROSS or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions may also be mailed to the American Red Cross P.O. Box 37243, Washington D.C. 20013The Salvation Army will be providing food and clean-up kits as well as emotional care and counseling. To contribute go to http://donate.salvationarmyusa. org/disaster n

WEATHER―In the aftermath of

Hurricane Sandy, scientists are now predicting that the annual number of increasingly intense hurricanes will double over the next century – especially affecting North America’s Atlantic Coast due to climate change.

Hurricanes are created and fed by warm waters. Relatively cooler air condenses vapor rising from water below and the heat released gives the hurricane the energy to produce winds up to and well over 75 miles an hour.

Although the earth has been warming for decades, as data collected over 30 years shows, scientists still differ on how rising temperatures affect hurricane conditions as hurricane formation is still not completely understood. n

SCIENCE ― The soils in the Martian Valley of Gale Crater are similar in composition to sand samples found in Hawaii according to NASA officials during a teleconference Tuesday.

NASA’s Curiosity rover has been collecting data at a Martian sand dune named Rocknest for almost a month.

Using the CheMin instrument (short for Chemistry and Minerology) the rover scooped up sand and used an X-ray beam to analyze the minerals in the sand. The image taken revealed the presence of miniature crystals of feldspar, pyroxenes and olivine mixed in with other non-crystaline materials.

The sample looks similar to volcanic soils at the Mauna Kea shield volcano in Hawaii.n

WORLD ― Syrian fighter jets

bombed rebel targets with increased intensity Tuesday afternoon, including striking targets inside Damascus for the first time. In renewed violence following a four-day cease-fire that was largely ignored over the Eid alAdha holiday, rebels in the area also claimed to have assassinated an air force general in Damascus and fierce clashes broke out between rebels and troops backed by Palestinian supporters in the country’s largest Palestinian camp. Elsewhere in Damascus, a warplane dropped four bombs on the eastern neighborhood of Jobar, near the opposition-held suburb of Zamalka, where rebel fighters were locked in fierce clashes with the army. n

Compiled by Sam Cushman, News Editor. Sources: space.com, abcnews.com, online.wsj.com, dailystar.com, redcross.org, salvationarmyusa.org, energy.gov, weather.gov.

Hurricane Sandy rocks the northeastern seaboard

By SAM CUSHMAN News Editor

@SamuelCushman With millions out of power, floodwaters drenching heavily populated cities and public transit systems down indefinitely, authorities throughout the Northeastern U.S. continue to strain to assess the widespread damage and devastation wrought by Hurricane Sandy.

According to the national weather service, Sandy’s winds had dropped to 45 miles an hour Tuesday morning as the storm hit Pennsylvania traveling at 10 miles an hour.

The full impact of Sandy’s ini-

tial storm surge is still becoming clear in coastal cities.

Across eight states, at least 33 people have been confirmed dead according to emergency officials, with more confirmations still expected to come.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 8 million are without power and three nuclear power plants shut down due to water pump problems.

New Jersey suffered the greatest extent of damage. The Atlantic City boardwalk was reduced to splinters and the Seaside park roller coaster lies in the ocean. In a statement at a news conference, Gov. Chris Christie said that at least four people in the state have been killed and there are 5,500 peo-

FOWLER

z Continued from Page 1 before I open myself up to the potential criticism from my peers I ask that we stop for just a moment to consider others who may not coincide with our political standing from the perspective of James Madison.

People who differ from us are exercising the same liberties that we have in our political activities and want to see America continue to be a great nation; they just have a different idea about what role government should play in achieving that.

It seems odd to me that we share our daily goings-on, our prayer requests, frustrations and encouragements with one another and yet we have a very strong aversion to listening to someone’s political perspective if it isn’t synonymous with what we want to hear.

So as intense as this political season has been from both sides, I challenge our student body, Republicans and Democrats, to change our perspective of another party from that of the “other” to a group of equally concerned citizens with ideas that deserve to be heard as much as our own.

CARTER

z Continued from Page 1 We all remember when Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize. Many claimed the only reason he won was because he wasn’t George Bush. This shows how he has a very good standing compared to other presidents in the international community. Also, Romney’s international trips recently to the United Kingdom, Israel and Poland, seemed to stir up controversy in every country.

As for the Middle East, I think that whoever is elected is not going to make major progress, bearing some

ple in government shelters as well as 2.4 million people without electricity.

“There are no words to describe what so many New Jerseyians experienced over the last 24 hours,” he said Tuesday.

“The level of devastation at the Jersey Shore is unthinkable.”

Also among the hardest hit areas was New York City, particularly the borough of Queens, where at least 80 percent of homes in the Breezy Point neighborhood were completely destroyed by fire.

“The clouds were glowing from the intense flames,” said Joe Jordan, a 59-year-old resident, in an interview with the Wall Street Journal.

Jordan spent the night with

Now to finally reach the objective for this article: why I will vote for Barack Obama.

His work on healthcare reform, although far from perfect, is the first major step that our nation has taken to extend what I believe is a natural right to all Americans, regardless of pre-existing conditions or certain socio-economic standings.

His first executive act as president was to sign the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act to eliminate wage disparities for women in the workforce, something very important to me as I look toward entering the workforce in less than two years and working alongside men with equal abilities.

Oil imports have decreased under his administration as America begins making strides in supplying our own green-energy. These are just a few of the many issues that have impressed upon me the legitimacy of our president.

I am not saying that he is perfect, or that Mitt Romney would be a bad choice, but between two candidates who are both intelligent, concerned and motivated to hold this office I feel that Barack Obama is the candidate I can rally behind during the 2012 presidential election. n miracle. I also don’t believe Romney would offer anything different for Israel. Regardless of who is elected to office, if Israel is attacked, the United States will undoubtedly come to its aid.

While these are the two main issues that I use to look at who I will vote for, other things that I have problems with include his ability to changes sides of major issues dealing with foreign and social policy.

While I believe that Mitt Romney is a good person at heart, I also believe Barack Obama is the better candidate, and that is why I will be voting for Barack Obama in the 2012 presidential election. n

LAND

z Continued from Page 1 and is still counting.

On to a subject we all like to discuss: our blatant inability to protect our Ambassadors. Here at Ouachita we can all agree that a good boss would take care of his employees. Furthermore, you would think the leader of a country would ensure the safety of his people against the inhumane terrorist attacks committed on the same day of the 11th anniversary of the worst terrorist attack on U.S. soil since Pearl Harbor. It took the Obama Administration eight days to classify it as a terrorist attack. And Mr. Obama is currently hoping to cover up more information that continues to come to the surface about the warning signs leading up to the attack on Benghazi.

Now, I’d like to discuss the negative campaign ads and immoral policies by which Obama runs on. Just the other day, I saw an ad for Obama comparing voting to having intercourse for the first

BISHOP

z Continued from Page 1 was meant to protect people from being forced into poverty in their senior years.

Today, more than 30 million Americans depend on social security, but without reform we can’t expect that we will be able to rely on it when we become 65.

The government is taking the social security “trust fund” and using it to fund government programs, while not counting this borrowed money against the deficit. Without acknowledging this problem and attempting to fix it, our generation faces the risk of losing our ability to retire with any kind of financial stability. I support Romney and Ryan’s stance on this issue because they have the best plan to guarantee the preservation of social security without raising taxes and by slowly adjusting the retirement age without affecting today’s

Voting in Clark County Early Voting

Today and Tomorrow: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Monday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 6.

his three Yorkie terriers on a damp couch as water rose three feet inside his home.

New York State Emergency Management officials said they don’t have a complete tally yet, but they have confirmed the deaths of five people, with three outside New York City.

In New Jersey, emergency responders in boats were still attempting to rescue Atlantic City residents Tuesday morning. There were an estimated 3000 who had not evacuated.

Near the town of Moonachie, a natural berm burst causing water to surge up the Hackensack River causing three to five feet of water to surge into the town of 2,700 residents.

In Pennsylvania, three peo-

ple were confirmed dead due to the storm. In Connecticut, three people were reported dead, including a fire-fighter and an elderly woman, according to state troopers. Officials in Virginia linked two traffic related deaths to the storm. In Maryland, emergency officials confirmed the deaths of three people and in North Carolina, a 25-year-old man was killed when his car hit a fallen tree.

Forecasters estimated that Sandy would continue its northwestward trek through southern Pennsylvania Tuesday afternoon before turning to western New York an moving into Canada Wednesday afternoon where it would merge with cold air fronts. n

time. With an administration that openly opposes so many doctrines of the evangelistic church and representing a party that removed God from the platform, I cannot see myself voting for someone so far off on moral doctrine. Furthermore, I can’t see myself voting for someone who tweets like an immature kindergartener about the dangers of “Romnesia.”

Lastly, I can’t see myself voting for someone who would fund Big Bird rather than the United States Military.

In conclusion, we can’t afford four more years of complacency. We, as a country, are creeping closer and closer to bankruptcy and being controlled by the likes of China and India. We already outsource so many jobs to those countries.

Four years ago, we elected a speaker instead of a doer. We have seen where this has led us.

Let’s not waste four more years on someone who talks, without backing up his words. Let’s elect a doer. Let’s elect a businessman. Let’s elect a leader.

Let’s elect Mitt Romney president of our United States of America. n seniors.

Finally and most importantly, I support Romney and Ryan because of their traditional values. They are proudly pro-life and against the legalization of same-sex marriage. We are a nation under GOD, and as Christians, I believe that we should elect leaders who reflect the principles that are clearly written in the Bible and that our nation was founded upon.

Ultimately, our country can’t afford to suffer through four more years with Obama in office without seeing changes, and I’m positive that we won’t see any if he continues to be president. The last three years have been all talk and no action, and have caused America to fall in the downward spiral we are experiencing now. As I transition out of college and into the real world, I want to be able to have faith in my country and its national leaders to lead Americans into a time of prosperity and hope. n

Where do I vote?

If you are registered in Clark County... ...And you live on campus: First United Methodist Church ...And you live off campus: Check the Clark County website for you local polling location

4 n features Thursday, November 1, 2012

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William Hoiles z Courtesy RELIGION OFTEN plays a bigger role than realized in deciding who voters choose. “[Religion] offers us a cue—a tip into the heart and soul of an individual—and it gives us a sense of either identity with them or separation from them,” Dr. Hal Bass said.

Religion in Politics Professor weighs in on big topic of upcoming election

By ELISE HOLMAN Special to the Signal

The noise is everywhere. We are all distracted by the puffery offered by the candidates and their policies.

Commercials bombard us with messages of, “don’t vote for him, he’s bad; vote for me, I’m good.” It seems quite clear that this ethos appeal is what the campaign expects us to consider when voting, not the actual candidates and their respective knowledge of policy.

An overwhelming ideological factor that separates the voters is quite simply—or not so simply—religion. For a majority of people, political identity hinges on religious identity. It is no question that the evangelical Christians are predominantly Republican. It is also no surprise that the majority of evangelical Christians are located in the South, recalled fondly, or sardonically, as the Bible Belt. This is where Ouachita Baptist University is. It is in the heart of the Bible Belt.

In light of the current presidential election, and the region in which we live, it is expected that religion, particularly Christianity, will be very influential in the voting process—but should it?

Should religion really play a role in our vote for the presidency? Should that be the only factor governing our decision?

It is difficult sometimes to come up with the answers to these questions, but luckily, at a liberal arts university, there are professors in every field who are waiting to help you do just that.

Two of the office walls are lined to the ceiling with bookshelves without room enough to as much as squeeze in the stacks of paper that lay surrounding them on the floor. There are books aplenty; new and old, dusty and shiny, covered and with torn binding. Just

reading the titles—ranging from parties and campaigns, to congress and public policy, to the presidency—makes you feel substantially more informed, simply for having stepped in the room.

The third wall—the first wall that you see upon entering the office—is crafted entirely of windows. Sitting in the wooden seat in front of the desk, the sun shines on you—shedding a light not merely for visual purposes, but also as if to illuminate the intellectual journey of the student eager to discover the truth.

Dr. Hal Bass sits behind that desk. A political science professor at Ouachita for the last 37 years and election commissioner for Clark County, he is an expert on the presidency. Working for a religious and scholastic institution makes Dr. Bass the quintessential guide for students inquiring as to just how much their religious beliefs should factor into their political decisions.

“I think that [religion] has a significant, but at the same time limited, role…I think that the constitution, for example, forbids religious tests for public office. They’re unconstitutional.

I think that a pluralistic society needs to demonstrate a high degree of not just toleration, but commitment to religious freedom. In other words, I am very distressed when I see…signs that those principles of religious liberty that are enshrined in the Bill of Rights are being undermined here in terms of establishment or free exercise,” Bass said.

“Having said all of that,” he continued, “politics is about the allocation of values in society and religion is a source… of the values that individuals have. So it is certainly plausible and appropriate to try to separate church and state, but that does not necessarily mean a separation

of religion and politics in that…in the civic arena, we cannot shed ourselves of our religious values… I do think that religious values are vital to the expression of our political values.”

Dr. Bass noted that this dilemma is especially relevant for students in our area because we are located in the Bible Belt, for in this region people tend to, “wear their religion on their sleeves.”

He said that he found it interesting that one of the best indicators of electoral behavior, particularly among white Protestants in America, is their response to, “How often do you show up to church?”

When asked if he felt that voters would consider a president’s religion more so than their policy initiatives, his response was not entirely surprising.

“It depends. [Religion] offers us a cue—a tip into the heart and soul of an individual—and it gives us a sense of either identity with them or separation from them,” Bass said. “He is one of [or] he is not ‘one of us’—with religion being the indicator.”

He called this concept “identity politics,” a concept distinctive from policy-focused politics. He proceeded to say, “What we know about electoral behavior is that most voters do not do the heavy lifting to really find out much about the specific policy stances.”

When asked if he felt this lack of thorough consideration on the part of the voter was detrimental to the governing of our society, he stated, “No, I think that it is entirely realistic to expect voters to take shortcuts, and it is entirely realistic and not inappropriate to make religion one of those shortcuts…I would just offer some cautions about going too far.

It is not detrimental—unless it is. It goes too far…when one does try to divide the body politic into the good

folks and the bad folks based on your own understanding of your religious values,” He continued, “In a pluralistic society there is an expectation and demand that we have respect and appreciation for those that don’t think exactly like we do in the religious realm.

Our culture says that we are not going to let religion be a source of division in our society and to an extent we do that now.”

Dr. Bass expressed a concern for the divisiveness that religion has caused among Americans. He noted that our very country was founded upon the premise of religious toleration; however, many in this country are not often tolerant, to which he says, “…I think we are going against our heritage.

It is not just religious liberty for us—it is religious liberty for all.”

Religion and politics are often divisive issues. It is often said, “If you want to make friends, don’t bring up religion or politics.” This should not be the case. Both religion and politics are vital for the individual and society.

Dr. Bass believes that voters should consider their religious convictions—it is entirely sane for a voter to do so, and Bass is not opposed to that. However, there is a balance that must be maintained. A person should consider ideological similarities, but they should not try to impose their beliefs upon others. Our society was built on a presumption of religious freedom. As a pluralistic society, we must make an effort to respect all belief systems and ideological preferences.

With his knowledge and understanding of the institution of the presidency: who will win the 2012 election according to Bass? Without hesitation, he answered, “If the election were held today, I think that Obama would prevail…but not in Arkansas.” n

opinions n 5

www.obusignal.com

Thursday, November 1, 2012

How to survive a horror movie

first half a second of “Living on a Prayer” every time find a fortified location and call the cops on your fully your hunny-bunny sends you a text. Furthermore, charged cellphone. These can all be done at the same NOAH HUTCHINSON nobody wants the first half a second of “Living on time, but arming yourself is the most important.

Staff Writer a Prayer” to give away your group’s position to the Anything will work, but not all improvised weapaxe wielding manic when it gets real. ons are created equal. Things like knives, bats, hand Proper cell phone handling is the most important tools and metal pipes are the obvious choices, but aspect of pre-bad guy reveal planyou may have to get creThe Command BROst ning, but there are others. Always ative. By “creative” I don’t bring a bright, reliable flashlight if The first rule of post-bad mean to tie your shoes to You and your friends are driving out to the lake you’re going somewhere that you gether by the laces and use one Friday night when somebody gets the bright know won’t have electricity. If the guy reveal survival is not them as nun-chucks. Howidea to unplug the iPod and see what’s on the nor- beam only gives you a five foot cir- to run unless you’re sure ever, if you have to pull the mal radio. About halfway through the second play- cle of light while making anything legs off of a nearby table ing of some early 2000’s abomination that everyone in your peripheral vision look black that you’re running away for a few makeshift clubs, over-enthusiastically sings along with to hide their as an inkwell in comparison, it’s not from danger. If you sprint you can pay for the damshame and self-loathing, the ring of an emergency good enough. ages with your Town Hero announcement interrupts the music. Sally “the skull- On that note, if you’re inside, off into the woods alone grant after you’ve busted splitter” Saldino recently massacred every guard in don’t even bother pointing it in at the sound of a cracked some heads. the local asylum before escaping into the wilderness. front of you. Point it at the ceiling.

Calling the cops is pretty In unrelated news, the local chainsaw emporium Unless you’re in some massive room twig, you might be runself explanatory, and alwas robbed blind less than an hour ago. Everyone like a theatre or a factory, the light ning straight into the though finding a fortified shoots each other nervous looks will bounce location is almost as easy, as you hurtle further and further off the ceiling unfeeling embrace of a it could still be explained away from society, but you aren’t If all else fails, set some- and light up cursed scarecrow. further. Snuggling up in really scared. everything. your tent with your sleepthing on fire. “911? It’s Hal- Imagine see— Noah Hutchinson ing bag pulled over your Lake Stiflescream is like your own little private island. It’s so loween and a masked man ing Jason head will only buy you a still and quiet, you’d think peoround the corner into a fully few seconds while the bad guy tries to stop laughis standing menacingly out- lit room, with your entire cast ing. You need a solid structure that can’t be easily deple had tried to forget where it is.

There won’t be another soul for side my front door” is much just standing there staring. stroyed, and has a manageable number of entrances. miles. You’ll be fine. almost feel embarrassed A house, cabin or small room within some larger less effective at summon- You’d You’ve unwittingly found for him. Other than that, stay building is ideal. If you found a gun while arming yourself in a horror movie, and ing emergency personnel sober, and remember that if a yourself, that’s great. Sit in the corner, aim at the although everyone rolls their breeze is whispering hor- door and don’t shoot until you know for sure you’re than five calls saying, “Hey! cold eyes at the foolish antics of rible things in your ear, it’s not shooting at the bad guy. If not, it’s not a big deal. Just countless buxom blonde plot My crazy neighbor just lit a good time to make out. sit there and wait for the cops to get there, or for the devices as they practically hand Now that you’re prepared, killer to find you. Even if the killer finds you, what’s his car on fire and sent it let’s say that your horror mov- he going to do? At best, it’s one on one and you’re themselves over to the bad guy, can you honestly say you’d do rolling down the street!” ie circumstances were abso- both armed. Channel your inner Macho Man Randy any better? The last time you — Noah Hutchinson lutely unavoidable. The obvi- Savage and tell your masked psychopath that his luwere afraid for your life, did you ous solution is to head back to nacy is but a grain of sand in the vast desert that is boldly run into the face of danyour car and get out of there, your Macho Madness. Oh, yeah. ger, ready to give it what for? Or did you use the but maybe the engine is mysteriously missing when If all else fails, set something on fire. “911? It’s Halnearest child as a meat-shield as you begged to be you try to start it up. loween and a masked man is standing menacingly taken last?

This is where the fun starts. outside my front door” is much less effective at sum This guide will help you go from “that one guy The first rule of post-bad guy reveal survival is not moning emergency personnel than five calls saying, who got gutted before the title screen” to Hoss Del- to run unless you’re sure that you’re running away “Hey! My crazy neighbor just lit his car on fire and gado, and make even the most methodical psycho- from danger. If you sprint off into the woods alone sent it rolling down the street!” path rage-quit like a noob. at the sound of a cracked twig, you might be run- When the moon turns red and the laughter of small The first rule of any undertaking in life is that ning straight into the unfeeling embrace of a cursed children starts to echo from nowhere, don’t be the proper planning prevents poor performance. scarecrow. If you have a group, you all need to stay first one to be offed. Charge your cell phone, switch If you just know that the laughter coming from the together and move slowly unless running will surely it to vibrate, bring a flashlight, save the making out abandoned doll factory every year on the anniver- take you away from danger. If you’re by yourself, for later, call the cops, arm yourself, fort up, start a sary of the night it mysteriously caught fire means make the bad guy come to you. Maybe he’ll get tired fire and punch a ghost in the face. Don’t believe the that there’s a sweet party going on inside, make sure and forget about his blood lust until the next full movies when the say you can’t punch a ghost. That your phone is charged before you go in. This goes moon. is just ghost propaganda. If you get photo evidence for just about any situation, at any point in time. Now that you’ve sworn to keep your wits and not of having punched a ghost in the face, you get a free Also, keep it on vibrate. Nobody wants to hear the run away like a nancy-boy, you need to arm yourself, t-shirt. n

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theSignal ‘Duck Dynasty’: ‘Valuable Ouachita Baptist University Office: Evans Student Center E-Mail: signal@obu.edu Phone: 870.245.5210

lessons of work, fun, love’

NICOLE MCPHATE Tanner Ward

Photo Editor

z EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Sam Cushman z NEWS EDITOR

Emily Terry

z FEATURES/SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR

Tarah Elliott

z OPINIONS EDITOR

Chelsea Byers z SPORTS EDITOR

Daniel Aylett z ONLINE EDITOR

Nicole McPhate z PHOTO EDITOR

Abbey Fowler

z ADVERTISING MANAGER

Dr. Jeff Root z ADVISER

Dr. Deborah Root z ADVISER

Ms. Tiffany Eurich z ONLINE ADVISER

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 are encouraged and accepted, unless libelous, irresponsible or obscene. Letters should be typed and include a signature and contact phone number. Letters 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.

Duck calls. Family mischief. Beards.

And the best midweek break for a stressed college student, or for anyone really. “Duck Dynasty” is the new reality TV sensation and I’ve been on board since day one. New episodes premiere every Wednesday night at 9 p.m. on A&E. I was born and raised a city girl, with little interaction with the woods, but even I can relate to the backwood rednecks that are the Robertsons.

The Robertsons live in Monroe, La., but their multimillion-dollar company and booming TV show keep them in the national spotlight. During each episode we follow the Robertsons and their quest for the answers to life and the best duck recipe Mrs. Kay can serve up. Willie, the CEO, spends each episode attempting to

keep his coworkers (with whom he shares DNA) on track to keep the business running. Phil, Willie’s dad and the founder of Duck Commander, spends his time hunting, babysitting the grandkids and keeping Uncle Si out of trouble, which can be a major task all on its own. Jase, Willie’s brother, keeps Willie on his toes as he entices the rest of his coworkers to play hard and work not so hard, although he can crank out some duck calls when the time comes. Together these men, with their wives and children, bring laughter and entertainment to the living rooms of thousands of Americans, including my own.

Each character is unique in his or her own way and brings something fun to the table, like Phil teaching us how to gut a fish, or Uncle Si giving us some dating advice.

The Robertsons are unlike many of the other reality shows on TV today. They don’t fist-pump to obnoxiously loud music or spray tan their 2 year old so they can pay their mortgage. The Robertsons remind us what it’s like to have southern roots and a family built on faith and hard work. That’s a hard thing to come

by on cable TV these days. Watching the Robertson men give their daughters and granddaughters dating advice reminds me of the moments when my dad shares his fatherly wisdom, or when Mrs. Kay teaches Sadie how to cook, and all I can think about are those sweet moments with my grandmother in the kitchen.

The Robertsons remind me of home, and maybe that’s why Wednesday nights have become much anticipated for me, because for one hour, I feel like I’m at home with a family and not stuck in school mode hours away from my own family.

The Robertsons give me hope for the future of America and TV shows my kids may one day watch. The Robertsons teach valuable lessons of work, love and fun.

But most of all they give me a chance to be reminded of my own family and the great people I have been blessed with.

So if you are missing home or just feel like you need a little friendly entertainment, tune into “Duck Dynasty” on Wednesday nights. You definitely won’t regret it. And you will be laughing all night long. n

6 n sports

Thursday, November 1, 2012

www.obusignal.com

Jason Pullano z The Signal OUACHITA TIGERSHARKS begin with a splash as they start their season. Ouachita’s swim team looks to come back stronger than ever with a full caliber group of swimmers and a shot at the conference title.

Goose-Eye View: Life, sports lessons from bubble graduate

By TOWNSEND KELLER Guest Columnist

Don’t call it a comeback.

Like Zombie Shane in “The Walking Dead,” I’ve returned much to your surprise and probably horror. But the current Signal staff has been either nice or foolish enough to allow me to invade the pages one more time.

So how is life going for the Goose post-grad? I’ll sum it up the best way I know how.

The first lesson I learned after I got out of school is life doesn’t hand you what you want.

My feelings about the Miami Heat were well documented in my time at this paper. I don’t like them; in fact you could say I despise them. The assembling of a team of that magnitude in a city like Miami is the biggest waste in sports.

Their fans don’t bother to show up to games until April and when they do they’re constantly checking their watches to make sure they don’t leave too late in the third quarter so they won’t be tardy for their next cocktail party.

So you can imagine my displeasure when LeBron James finally got his first championship beating Oklahoma City.

I wanted the small market to emerge victorious over the Evil Empire, have Kevin Durant prove that you don’t need to make a super-team to win the big one. I didn’t want the Heat to win the Finals by buying it.

“Too bad,” LeBron said. “Sit on your couch and deal with it.” (I may be paraphrasing slightly.)

When I graduated I thought I wouldn’t have any trouble finding a media job. “I was among the best Mass Comm graduates this year,” I thought to myself, “surely someone will recognize this and give me a fantastic job where I write or broadcast all day and life is just peaches and cream.”

I had wanted it bad enough in college to work my rear off, why wouldn’t newspapers and radio stations want to hire me?

Fast forward a couple of weeks: “Hey Townsend! Graduated college, eh? What are you up to these days?”

“Oh you know, working as a lifeguard for now…hopefully something works out soon.”

As summer progressed, I experienced life ripping something right out from under your feet.

The Rangers, after having been in first place for 161 games this season, lost the division to the Oakland A’s in their final regular season game.

The embarrassment effec-

tively ended an underwhelm- in a 32-team league. ing season that was consumed My team hasn’t held a lead with Josh Hamilton’s increas- in a single second of play ingly tiresome drama; either in seven games. The season beating himself up over dip or is almost halfway over and laughing at Ron Washington not once have they had more after his manager chewed him points than their opponent out for dropping a routine fly. during regulation.

Maybe he was laughing at How historically ham-fisted the fact Wash refused to play is this? The last time an NFL stud prospect Jurickson Profar team “accomplished” a feat so Michael Young could con- like this new cars cost about tinue to swing at pitches head- $800. John McCain was four ed for his shoes. years old and a gallon of gas They were cruising, for five was 11 cents. The Brooklyn months they had a chokehold Dodgers were an NFL team on the division. And in one and the Pittsburgh Pirates reday it got snatched away from named themselves the Steelers. them.

When was this? 1940. FDR All the hard work, all the and Churchill. Abbot and sacrifice, the previous 161 Costello. It’s been awhile. games where they were the Meanwhile, I managed to get a team to beat, freelance gig it was all just covering high gone. school footWhat I’ve expe A couple of ball for the weeks after I rienced through newspaper I got over the sports and life my interned for post-Bubble in college. depression, I first few months out I mostly applied and in the cold world has cover my got accepted hometown to write for a been invaluable and team, so I sports web- is . . . applicable to essentially site. I figured get paid to it would just you at Ouachita. watch my be something little brother — Townsend Keller play football. to keep me busy and Life finally from my seemed to be writing getting rusty. moving in a positive direction After a week, they told me and I had at least a portion of they wanted to advance me my life figured out. My writing to a Featured Columnist trial. was still my wheelhouse.

It would be a four to six week Then one night after I turn evaluation period and if I did in my story the phone rings. well, I would be among a se- It’s my editor: “Hey man, you lect few the website chose from need to work on implementing among their best writers. the inverted pyramid. This sto I got an email from the web- ry buries the lead. We apprecisite after I had been contrib- ate the work and we’re going uting for three months: “Mr. to use it, but it’s a really dry Keller, We’re sorry to inform write-up.” you we cannot offer you a Fea- Finally, I’ve learned everytured Columnist position…” thing can change in a single Next, I learned you’re never instant. as good as you think you’re go- If you watched college footing to be. ball this past weekend, you Football season came around probably witnessed one of the and I thought it was going to be most horrific sights you can my year. The Chiefs were com- ever see on national televiing back stronger than ever. sion without tuning in to “Two Jamaal Charles and Eric Berry Broke Girls.” were back from ACL injuries, South Carolina-Tennessee Romeo Crennel had whipped wasn’t supposed to be a parthe defense into potentially ticularly relevant matchup. elite status and the Conway The Gamecocks still can’t seem Cannonball, Peyton Hillis, was to put themselves in the elite going to give our offense a class of the SEC and Derek whole new dimension.

Dooley’s Vols are like a ball in Then they got blown out by tall grass….lost.

Atlanta, then Buffalo, then San Marcus Lattimore has been Diego, then Baltimore, then one of the premiere backs in Tampa Bay, then Oakland. college and the only dominant They’ve gone more than playmaker South Carolina had 30 offensive drives without a on offense since the departure touchdown and the defense is of Alshon Jeffrey to the NFL. allowing almost 30 points per He was almost guaranteed to game. The starting quarter- be drafted in the first round back, Matt Cassel, is rated 33rd of the NFL Draft in the spring

and be set for life, the world was his fame -and-moneyfilled oyster.

And then his leg bent in a way no human limb should ever bend. With one tackler already draped on him, another slammed into his legs and his right knee bent backwards and hit the turf.

It was horrifying, and impossible to watch without having to consciously keep your lunch down. It would be a miracle if his knee wasn’t completely destroyed. An injury of that severity threw his ability to run around with his kids and walk normally into question, much less touch a football field again.

One instant and his future as a pro athlete is gone, it’s the worst sports has to offer. It was followed by the best display of sportsmanship any game could offer.

As Lattimore lay on the field in agony, the South Carolina bench cleared to gather around him. Then the entire Tennessee sideline made their way to Lattimore and joined their opponents in supporting their fallen comrade.

As the injured back left the field on a cart, both teams applauded the heartbroken young man. It was the kind of display that restores your faith in the decency of people.

One instant and Lattimore never plays football again.

Another instant, hope is restored. We can only imagine the kind of relief the young man felt when he heard the diagnosis of his grisly ordeal: a dislocated right knee and ligament damage, but miraculously no broken bones or fractures. With a medical redshirt year, Lattimore could play football again in 2014.

What I’ve experienced through sports and life my first few months out in the cold, cold world has been invaluable and is perfectly applicable to you at Ouachita.

Life doesn’t always give you what you want, but when it does be thankful. Sometimes things get ripped right out from under you, but it could be for a very good reason. You’re never as good as you think you are, but you’re never as bad as you think either.

And everything can change in one, single instant. Hold on, email.

“Dear Mr. Keller, Earlier this month you applied for a reporting position with the Jamestown Sun. I’d like to know if you’re still interested in a job with us.”

Jamestown, North Dakota, huh? Where’s my heavy coat? n

Heather Ellis z The Signal SAVANNAH WHITE sets the ball up for another Ouachita point.

Lady Tigers end season with bang

By SAMANTHA GUERRA Staff Writer

As the 2012 volleyball season winds down, some exciting news came for the Lady Tigers volleyball team last Tuesday.

For the first time in this 2012 season a Lady Tiger Megan Askew was named GAC Defensive Player of the Week after her performance in Ouachita’s two conference wins over Henderson State and Southeastern Oklahoma.

Askew racked up 27 digs and 10 blocks between the two games. Her strong defensive play helped the Lady Tigers win their first two conference road victories of the season.

At almost the end of their season the Ouachita Lady Tigers are (7-15, 4-7 GAC) after a tough road loss this past Thursday to Harding (22-6, 11-0 GAC) who have yet to lose in conference play. The Lady Tigers battled but were not able to defeat the Lady Bisons.

Offense didn’t come easy for OBU this game with an attack percentage of .056. But, three different players for the Tigers did finish in double digits with digs. Savannah White had 11, Megan Askew with 10, and Allison Frizzell finished with 12.

This season the Lady Tigers have a road record of 4-6 and a home record of 2-3.

Ouachita’s neutral site record is 1-6.

As for the remainder of the season, the Lady Tigers have four games left to play including the last installment of the Battle of the Ravine at home against Henderson State on November 8.

The GAC tournament is set to start on November 16-17. n

sports n 7

www.obusignal.com

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Jason Pullano z The Signal

Jason Pullano z The Signal LADY TIGERSHARKS power through the beginning of their season with a hard fought battle against Henderson State University. They were not able to gain a win, but finished strong in the meet.

Wrestling team prepares for another competitive season

By LAUREN SNOW Staff Writer

Wrestling season is starting up and Head Coach Kevin Ward is preparing his Tigers for a competitive season.

The wrestlers are looking forward to exceeding outside expectations, but more importantly, improving their team as a whole.

This year’s Ouachita Baptist Wrestling Team has been ranked ninth in the preseason poll. Since this program is still fairly young the high ranking shows huge improvement for the team.

“365 days ago we were ranked last in the country, now we are in the top 10,” Coach Ward excitedly shared.

Motivated by the outer influence to succeed, this program is definitely one to keep an eye on.

Looking back on the previous year, the wrestling program had three particular standouts. The few athletes that achieved All-American were Bobby Williams, Garrett Evans, and Dallas Smith.

Since they have received such high recognition, they are undoubtedly seen as leaders on this year’s team.

Even though he has an AllAmerican title under his belt, Bobby Williams continues to strive for more.

“I personally want an individual national title this season,” he said, but more

importantly a “top three finish as a team at the national tournament.”

Although the Ouachita wrestling team had an acknowledgeable previous season “there are plenty of things to build off of and learn from,” for the new season ahead, sophomore Zach Matthews said.

There are several differences from last season to the current one now. From new members, outside recognition, and never before, true competition in weight classes for starting positions, this program is bound to see new faces on the mats.

Coach Ward is most thrilled for this main change, “Weight classes are deep and each has strong guys, particularly there are four weights that jump out at me due to depth and variety of talent. I am looking forward to what the guys have to bring.”

Ouachita is blessed with a great program, the talented and growing wrestling team.

The wrestlers face high expectations for the upcoming season but could have their first National Champion and multiple All-Americans on the podium in the near future.

The team and Coach Ward are excited about the new ranking, but like Zach Matthews states, “It is certainly not how you begin the season, but how you end it.” n

Beta Beta, EEE social clubs participate in Fayetteville flag football tournament

By HUNTER SOPER Staff Writer

Two flag-football teams, a men and women’s, represented Ouachita went upstate to compete in the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association Regional Tournament (NIRSA for short) at Fayetteville last weekend.

They each competed against other teams from six states and different schools such as Texas State, Kansas State, and UCA and managed to hold their own.

The men’s team was comprised of the Betas, the team that won the Ouachita upper league championship as well as a few others strategically picked up players.

Beta Black kicked off the tournament Friday night against state rivals Arkansas Tech and struggled to find a rhythm, as they were unable to compensate for their five turnovers and lost a nail-biter, 13-7.

However, it didn’t take long for quarterback Jake Edwards to get back into his groove against their next opponent, Arkansas State University at Beebe.

During this game, Ryan Tibbets pulled in a long touchdown reception the very first play from scrimmage.

Beta Black smashed ASU

Purple-Gold Dual

OBU

11/24/2012

Oklahoma Open

Oklahoma City, OK

12/1/2012

By JOSH FINK

Sports Information Director RUSSELLVILLE, Ark.- Following the conclusion of the women’s soccer regular season, it has been announced that the Ouachita women’s soccer team received three All-GAC selections for the 2012 season.

Ouachita’s selections are highlighted by their lone AllGAC First Team selection in defender Carrie Lieblong.

The other two Lady Tigers who were selected were awarded All-GAC Second Team honors.

Lauren Hatch was named as an All-GAC Second Team selection due to her play as a mid-fielder, while goalkeeper Shelby Shepherd was named to the second team as well for her play in net for Ouachita this season.

The Lady Tigers will travel to Weatherford, Oklahoma, on Friday to take on East Central in the first round of the 2012 GAC Tournament.

Last year, the pair of Tigers faced off in the championship game of the tournament, which Ouachita lost after a shootout. This year’s game is scheduled to begin at noon. n

tions.

The women of EEE, the winners of the intramural league, traveled alongside the Betas to Fayetteville to compete in the women’s flagfootball regional tournament.

EEE Hardcore started off their tournament play similar to Black, falling short by a score of 14-12 to UCA after losing Leah Whitlow to a neck injury as she collided with an opposing player.

They came out the next morning led by quarterback Joanna Curtis and beat Arkansas Tech 21-14, losing yet another player, Lauren Jackson, to a busted forehead.

The battered but persistent EEE’s played a few hours later against the ZTA’s from the University of Arkansas and came out on top 13-6 thanks to Brittaney Reynolds’ stellar defensive play.

This win clinched the EEE Hardcore team a semifinals appearance against Texas Tech University early on Sunday morning.

The injuries were too much to overcome as the Ouachita sponsored EEE Hardcore weren’t able to match up with Texas Tech, and lost 40-0.

Although they didn’t come away number 1 in the region, Hardcore placed 4th overall out of 12 total teams, which is incredible considering Ouachita’s enrollment. n

11/14/2012

11/27/2012

Lady Tiger Soccer awarded three all-GAC selections

49-0 but it wasn’t just the offense that shined, defensive ends Mason Wadley and Brandon Briscoe accounted for 10 sacks in that game alone, giving the offense great field position to start at.

Next, Black faced a team from Kansas State; a school with an enrollment of 24,200 students compared to Ouachita’s 1,600.

They obviously didn’t pay any attention to that statistic, since they walked into halftime with 28-0 lead and ended up with the W, beating the Division 1 Big 12 team 40-20.

Their last and final game of the tournament was played against number 1 seed Texas State. The first half of play didn’t go their way and went into half time down 26-0.

Black managed to maintain some dignity as Edwards hooked up with Justin “Rumblin Bumblin Stumblin” Young for an over-exaggerated diving touchdown and extra point to add seven points to the board.

This Division 1 team proved too much for Black, as they fell short 33-7 but their tournament appearance was not in vain.

Out of the 32 teams that competed, Ouachita’s Black took 6th place, led by defensive players, Hollis Landreth and Kyle Hartman, which led the team with three intercep-

OBU Wrestling Team Schedule 11/17/2012

Dr. Wesley Kluck z Courtesy CARRIE LIEBLONG, Lauren Hatch and Shelby Shepherd (from L to R) received All-GAC First team and Second team honors.

Jason Pullano z The Signal

Lindenwood Open

Central Baptist College Maryville Open

St. Charles, MO OBU

St. Louis, MO

7:00 PM

All Day

All Day

6:00 PM

All Day

Ouachita Tigersharks Season Schedule

11/9-10/2012 HSU Invitational Bryant, AR 6:00 PM 11/17/2012 Delta State Arkadelphia, AR 1:00 PM 11/29/2012 UALR Little Rock, AR TBA 1/12/2013 Delta State Cleveland, MS 1:00 PM

Lady Tigersharks Season Schedule 11/9 HSU Bryant, AR 6:00 PM 11/17 Delta State

Arkadelphia, AR

1:00 PM

Arkadelphia, AR

TBA

11/29 UALR Little Rock, AR TBA 12/31 Winter Training 1/12 Delta State

1/18 Okla. Baptist 1/25 Henderson State

Cleveland, MS

1:00 PM

Arkadelphia, AR

6:00 PM

Oklahoma City, OK

5:00 PM

OBU Tiger Football Schedule 11/3 Southern Ark. (Senior Day) OBU

1:00 PM

11/10 Henderson State

3:00 PM

Arkadelphia, AR

8 n backpage Thursday, November 1, 2012

www.obusignal.com

Christian Ichter and Jordan Neal

Emily Anderson and Zach Smith

Intramurals 2012

By TAYLOR TOMLINSON Staff Writer

Each fall and spring, hundreds of Ouachita students hit the fields and courts on campus to play the sport of their choice. These students are the athletes of intramural sports, something that has become increasingly popular over the years.

Joining an intramural team is an attractive idea to many of these students because it gives them the chance to make or join their own teams, and then pick which sport or sports they want to play. Right now, intramurals include six different sports, offered in either the fall or spring. Flag football, soccer, tennis and volleyball are in the fall; basketball and softball are in the spring. Soccer, softball and volleyball can also be played with co-ed teams.

This year, Jason Bean became the new director for recreational life, which includes intramurals. Along with receiving a new director, intramurals also added new sports and a championship. Mitchell Kelley, a junior mass communications

Photos by Grace Finley

major, said that in addition to tennis being added this semester, there is also a possibility for water polo in the spring.

Kelley also said that this will be the first year for the “campus cup”, which will encompass all the teams’ scores in all the sports, and award the highest scoring team as the winner.

Since Ouachita is such a diverse campus, one of the main attractions to intramurals is that within these sports you can choose to be on either an upper or lower level, which lets students play against teams based on skill level.

Since many students who play sports in high school do not want to play at a college level, this provides them with a good opportunity to continue with sports without all the demands. Kara Reynolds, a junior speech pathology major, played on the EEE Hardcore team, an upper level team. She played basketball and softball in high school, but was too burnt out on sports to play in college.

“Intramurals was a good way to not give up on it altogether and play on a more fun

and laid-back level where I actually get to enjoy the sport,” Reynolds said.

While some play to continue with their athletics, many students play simply for a fun way to be active and meet new people. This is one reason why Logan Webb, a junior Christian studies major, joined intramurals. While he played tennis and basketball in high school and plays some sports on an upper team, he also plays some of the sports on the lower league and says intramurals are “a good way to build friendships.”

While the “campus cup” is a newly added initiative for winning games, the chance to go to the regional intramurals tournament is not something new.

In fact, two Ouachita teams (EEE Hardcore and Beta Black) just attended the tournament this past weekend in Fayetteville. If a team wins at the regional tournament, then they advance to the finals, which are in Florida this year.

To join intramurals, all you have to do is sign up online through OBU Rec Sports at imleagues.com/obu. n

Jacob Moreno, Emily Anderson and Tyler Smith

Matt Ray and Andrew Russell

Zach Smith