The Signal | Ouachita Baptist University |2.5.20

VOLUME 128, ISSUE 7

the

F E B R U A RY 5 , 2 0 2 0

SIGNAL A P U B L I C AT I O N O F O U A C H I TA B A P T I S T U N I V E R S I T Y

contents

PAGE 2 | WWW.OBUSIGNAL.COM

cover story.......................................3 news....................................................4-5 arts/entertainment.....................6 opinions................................................7 Sports....................................................8

CONNECT WITH THE SIGNAL

SCAN FOR AN ONLINE EDITION

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

the

SIGNAL

Ethan Dial

Addy Goodman

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Caleb Byrd

COPY EDITOR

Sara Patterson

NEWS & OPINIONS EDITOR

Phoebe Huff

STAFF ARTIST/CARTOONIST

ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT & SPORTS EDITOR

Dr. Jeff Root Adviser

Justin Trostle

MULTIMEDIA COORDINATOR

Catherine Lyp

Caity Hatchett

AD COORDINATOR

PHOTO EDITOR

Danielle Sourber PHOTO EDITOR

Dr. Deborah Root Adviser

The Signal is the student newspaper of Ouachita Baptist University, and is published twice a month on Wednesdays 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.

cover story WWW.OBUSIGNAL.COM | PAGE 3

Refuge leaders magnify glory of God in service

BY RYLEE ROBERTS Staff Writer

“There are lots of places around the world where people would literally die to have the opportunity to have that many Christians in one place,” said Colton Miller, a senior Christian studies major and one of this semester’s Refuge speakers.

Miller had the opportunity to be a guest speaker at Refuge last semester. Shortly before Christmas break, James Taylor, the Campus Ministries director, asked him to consider taking on the position of this semester’s second Refuge speaker. After prayerful consideration, Miller accepted and joined the Refuge team.

This semester he will lead alongside last semester’s main speaker Madison Burch. Burch is a senior Christian studies major with an emphasis in Christian ministry.

Miller and Burch both hope to work in some kind of church ministry following graduation.

Over her college career, Burch can trace the Lord preparing her for Refuge leadership. Freshman year, her mentor was a Refuge speaker.

The following year, her then boyfriend, now fiancé, served as one of the Refuge speakers. God let her see behind the scenes and helped her to indirectly invest in the ministry and position.

Leading peers in Bible study is an honor, but it comes with a heavy weight of responsibility.

“I don’t want to say anything heretical,” Miller said. “There’s a lot of pressure, too, with acknowledging I am not the most knowledgeable or most equipped person for this position.”

He accepted the position with great humility and aims to lead in the same manner. Burch similarly acknowledges this great responsibility that comes with the position.

“It’s a lot of pressure because you are handling God’s Word,”

Seniors Colton Miller and Madison Burch are extremely enthusiastic about this semester of Refuge. They both have prayed that God will move in big ways on campus. (photo

by Justin Trostle)

Burch said. “You are teaching and training people in what they believe about God and scripture.”

While students see Burch and Miller on stage once a week, they do not see the intense labor that happens behind the scenes. With potential for miscommunication, ever-present, critical study must be done of each preached passage.

Along with their exegesis, Burch and Miller meet with Taylor to discuss their sermon texts before preaching. They do not take their roles lightly as they lead their peers in pursuit of faith.

Miller and Burch each spent their college summers working at camp.

Their experiences shaped them and prepared them in different ways.

Burch served two summers working for Kanakuk at the K-7 camp. During her first year, she led a group of eighth and ninth grade girls each week. Because Burch experienced immense growth in her walk with the Lord at a similar time in her life, she took care to build up her campers as best she could. When she returned for a second summer, Burch was promoted to a Unit Coordinator position.

She had to learn how to healthily confront people in times of con-

flict. Enforcing rules instead of just following them helped her learn to let go of what people might think about her after she gave constructive criticism.

“Sometimes it is necessary for us to say the harder things in order to build God’s Kingdom further,” Burch said. “I think the church has a bad habit of neglecting to say the hard things or talk about the more difficult topics that seem darker or like they might hit too close to home for some people.”

Burch understands the need to talk about passages that are often overlooked in church because the body can benefit from them.

Miller also felt prepared for Refuge by his camp jobs and school experiences. He spent his college summers working at Camp Siloam and plans to return again this summer to lead a discipleship and leadership program for high school students. Throughout his time at camp, Miller learned the power of consistency. With more fervency than any other time in his life, Miller met with God daily on a deep, personal level.

“I attribute most of the fruit the Lord has brought about in my life to consistency, whether that’s be-

ing with Him in His Word or by being with other believers,” Miller said.

As Miller approaches his final semester at Ouachita, he is asking the Lord to use him.

“I hate for people to be alone,” Miller said. “If there is anything the Lord could do through me this semester, I would want Him to show people they are not alone in what they are walking through.”

Miller and Burch alike have hearts for people, wanting to continually invest in them and provide them with community. Fellowship is part of what Burch values in Refuge. It provides a connection as students come together for the same purpose: to worship. They can ride together and talk about it afterwards. Having healthy accountability in relationships with fellow believers while following God on a daily basis is a biblical concept for sharpening the body of Christ, and Refuge is a refreshing experience that highlights biblical community in these ways.

“These are things we think are exceptional about our camp experiences, but the body of Christ is supposed to be living like this every day,” Burch said. “We simply

stop when we get back to our busy schedules.”

Burch loves to hear how God speaks through her to people or ways that God uses her. Affirmation like that reminds her that the work is worth it. She loves to see people passionately following the Lord, pursuing their faith seriously, and asking hard questions “Refuge is one little piece of what the Lord’s doing on campus,” Burch said.

During his time at Ouachita, Miller has participated in the Men of Eta Alpha Omega, serving as their philanthropy chair last semester. He also served as a Life Group leader his junior year and a resident’s assistant in Flippen-Perrin dorm his sophomore year. He also participates in a weekly home group.

Burch has also been active on and off campus in her three years.

She serves as a tutor for the Academic Success Center. She has participated in the Women of EEE and served as their chaplain last year.

Burch was also a part of Ouachita’s cheer team her first two years.

Off campus, she has worked with the youth girls at Second Baptist Church in Arkadelphia.

news

PAGE 4 | WWW.OBUSIGNAL.COM

Two-Stepping into spring with OBU Campus Ministries

BY VALERIA GOMEZ Staff Writer

Campus Ministries’ new student ministry team will host another Two-Step Tuesday on Feb. 11 from 7-9 p.m. in the Tiger Den. After seeing the success TwoStep Tuesday had in the fall, Lila Buchanan, a senior psychology major from Benton, collaborated with her team to host it in the spring semester. Students new and old continue to enjoy the event each year, so Buchanan concluded that more Two-Step Tuesdays were in order.

Buchanan, the new student ministry leader for Campus Ministries, decided to get involved with this ministry after realizing her deep passion for the freshman class and her desire to make them feel as welcomed as she felt her freshman year.

After serving as a WOW leader her sophomore year, Buchanan discovered her desire to minister to new students.

“I love the energy and life that the freshman class brings to campus,” Buchanan said. “When the older students see the new students, in a way we get to relive our freshmen experience all over again. They are always so excited, and everything is so new to them.”

Buchanan especially appreciates the relationships her position allows her to build with the freshman class and the students serving alongside her.

Two-Step Tuesday was intentionally created to be an entertaining event that offers a setting for fellowship and inclusion among students of all classes.

“We want to provide a fun and new way for people to get to know each other and try something new, even to the point of feeling comfortable dancing with a stranger,” Buchanan said.

Ouachita students prove their enjoyment of dance parties by the great turnouts at the typical events occurring throughout the year, but line-dancing provides a new opportunity for people to express themselves in a different way.

“I think it is one of those things that people really enjoy but do not always get the opportunity to do,” Buchanan said. “Some people may want to learn but have never had an opportunity to.”

Campus Ministries will promote the event on social media as the date approaches, sharing pictures from the full room of students dancing at last year’s event.

Freshman Kallen Smith found out about the new student ministry event last semester through WOW week and attended with a group of his new college friends.

“There were so many people from different classes and social clubs,” Smith said. “I remember how crowded it was as we all danced together and really had a blast.”

Smith found the event helpful for making new friends and cherished memories. He met upperclassmen and Campus Ministry leaders that helped him learn how to get involved in the future. He also used the event to bond with the freshman class.

Smith encourages everyone to attend the event to spend time with people outside their normal social circles.

“Take a break from homework, de-stress, and learn some dances,” Smith said.

Dates are welcome but not necessary. In the same way, dressing in Western wear is encouraged, but not required to have a good time. It can be a time to try something new, learn fun dances, have fun with your friends and meet new people.

Admission is free, and no previous dance experience is necessary.

Senior Sean Carney adds to the mural painted by various students at the Art & Worship event at this year’s Christian Focus Week.

Students painted, worshiped and fellowshipped at the event Tuesday evening. (photo by Hannah Oliver)

CFW promotes ‘Testifying’ Gospel

BY ADDY GOODMAN Copy Editor

Ouachita’s annual Christian Focus Week (CFW) began this past Monday. Planned and presented by the office of Campus Ministries, the week centers around the theme of “Testify” from Acts 20:24.

Throughout the week, students are invited to participate in break-out sessions, worship nights, and Godly conversation. Christian Focus Week will end on Friday with worship and a sermon by First Baptist Church Arkadelphia’s pastor, Rev. Jimmy Darby, and a live-music coffee house in the student center.

CFW has been a staple at Ouachita for decades, dedicating this time each year to furthering faith. This tradition was one of the drawing factors for both CFW ministry leaders: Mercedes Svercauski, a senior speech communications major from Hot Springs, and Jack Bennington, a junior communications and Christian studies double major from Arkadelphia.

“CFW was something that I had heard of [from alumni] before I was even on campus,” Bennington said. “Specifically, one of my really good friend’s mom had a friend who found salvation at CFW thirty-something years ago. Hearing

those stories made me realize that what some see as having a little impact can actually do so much for so many people in a short amount of time. That’s why I applied for this job.”

Svercauski and Bennington applied to be CFW ministry leaders last spring. Once they were chosen, they immediately began the almost year-long process of planning the week.

After conducting post-CFW evaluations from last year and discussing the results, the job was handed over to the ministry leaders to begin official planning. Meeting weekly with James Taylor, the director of Campus Ministries, the duo decided on a theme in August.

“Originally, we had another theme that we were confident about,” Svercauski said. “But then we regrouped and this scripture, Acts 20:24, was mentioned. It talks about Paul and testifying to the grace of God, and while originally that didn’t fit into our plan, it all eventually made complete sense.

In that final meeting of deciding a theme, I just felt the grace of Jesus Christ in that moment.”

Throughout the school year, Svercauski and Bennington noted that there was a constant to-do list of preparation. This year’s CWF

will feature 19 events, all of which required strategic planning, including finding guest speakers, worship leaders and volunteers. One of the largest aspects of the CFW preparation is working with Taylor to decide on which guest speakers to invite, as they are the primary source of carrying out the theme and purpose of the week.

“I was contacted last fall about speaking this week,” Darby said. “I was so excited when James Taylor told me the theme for the week was ‘Testify.’ For my session on Friday, I’ll be talking about the role that love plays in testifying about Jesus…we should testify about God because we are so in love with God.” During this week of study and worship, the university has canceled various classes in order to allow students to attend break-out sessions.

“It’s become a staple on campus,” Svercauski said. “And I pray that while it isn’t the week that people immediately think of looking forward to, they allow Jesus to impact them. I’m looking forward to the work I know He is going to do.”

CFW will end this Friday and is free and open to both students and the community.

NEWS

WWW.OBUSIGNAL.COM | PAGE 5

Ouachita crowns Caroline Derby Miss OBU

BY SARA PATTERSON News & Opinions Editor

Ouachita hosted the Miss Ouachita Baptist University Scholarship Pageant on Saturday, Feb. 1 in Jones Performing Arts Center.

After the night of competition, Elizabeth Steely was named 1st runner up, Danielle Hall received 2nd runner up, Melody Stotts received 3rd runner up and Katie Kumpuris received 4th runner up.

Caroline Derby, a freshman mass communications and political science double major from Arkadelphia, won the title of Miss OBU. For Derby, this title fulfills a long-held childhood dream.

Derby grew to love Ouachita at a young age through her experience as the daughter of an OBU football coach.

“Being an Arkadelphia native, I grew up on the campus of Ouachita Baptist University. I would ride my scooter on the sidewalks outside of the student center and I started watching OBU football games when I was two months old,” Derby said.

Derby found that she could combine her love for Ouachita with her passion for pageants by participating in the Miss OBU competition.

“I grew up admiring Miss OBU and everything she stood for. Miss OBU got to represent Ouachita, the best place on Earth, and I dreamed of getting to fulfill that role one day,” Derby said.

Derby prepared and competed in Miss OBU with this childhood dream in mind, but with an awareness that there is more to the dream than a title that attracts accolades: it is a ministry.

“As I was preparing for Miss OBU, I kept reminding myself that this is not just a crown, but an opportunity to share the Gospel and share my heart with all of Ouachita and every person I would come

Caroline Derby, overcome with emotion, accepts the title of Miss Ouachita Baptist University. Derby is excited to live out her dream and faithfully serve Ouachita this year. (photo by Justin Trostle)

into contact with,” Derby said. “A close friend of mine told me, never pray to win, never pray not to lose, but pray for anointed moments.

I prayed for an anointed moment and for the girl who would represent Ouachita for the next year.”

Derby’s social impact platform focusing on achieving one’s dreams especially serves Ouachita’s demographic.

“Through my Social Impact Initiative, ‘Aspire to Achieve: Ready, Set, Go!’ I encourage people of all ages to chase after their dreams and achieve their goals. Be ‘Ready’-

find out what you’re passionate about. Get ‘Set’- set a goal and develop a plan of action. Lastly, ‘Go’follow through with your plan and go achieve your dreams. I hope I can encourage people to believe in themselves and to be confident in their dreams,” Derby said.

Many Ouachita students as well as younger students in the Arkadelphia community need the motivation and insight that Derby champions through her platform and will promote as Miss OBU. Once the three stages of competition - on-stage interview, talent,

and evening wear and social impact statement - were complete, award announcements began.

Awards for various categories, such as academic success, congeniality and specific stages of competition, were given first.

Lastly, Derby was announced and crowned as the new Miss OBU. “I was ultimately shocked and honored,” Derby said. “There were so many emotions going on at the same time; I’m not sure I could describe each one of them. So many tears of happiness, gratitude, re-

sponsibility, faithfulness and joy were streaming down my face. I hugged Julie Williams, a woman that I have looked up to for many years, and I am honored to call her my friend. She left a legacy of greatness as Miss OBU and I hope to continue that legacy during my reign.”

Derby is confident that she could not have accomplished this goal without the help of her family and friends.

“There are numerous people that I need to thank. So many people cheered me on from the audience, sent me texts of encouragements, and believed in me every step of the way. Mom, Dad and Anna are my constant supporters. They’ve been there in times of joy and in times of defeat, and I can’t thank them enough for all they’ve done for me,” Derby said.

Derby is also thankful for the place that made this dream come alive for her as a child and has continued to sustain that passion to this day: Ouachita Baptist University.

“I’ve always considered Ouachita my first home, and to represent the people and place that shaped me into the Caroline that I am today, is one of the greatest honors of my entire life. Thank you for letting me serve you, my beloved Ouachita,” Derby said.

Derby now has the unique experience of living in a reality that was formerly her lifelong dream, though it still feels like a dream to her at this point.

As Miss Ouachita Baptist University, Derby plans to give back to the campus as a whole.

“Ultimately, I want to love on Ouachita. I want to watch our ‘Queen of the College World’ thrive and grow throughout my year as well.,” Derby said.

Derby will compete as Miss OBU at the Miss Arkansas Scholarship Pageant this upcoming June.

arts/entertainment PAGE 6 | WWW.OBUSIGNAL.COM

‘Dolittle’ does little to wow

audience, despite much hype flashing arrows. The main antagonist’s motivation was very poor, Staff Writer and it was hard to watch. The sec“Dolittle” is a film about Dr. ondary villain of the movie has a John Dolittle (Robert Downey Jr.) very confusing motivation due to and his amazing ability to speak poor writing that did not establish to animals. Dolittle’s wife passed his character very well. away, causing him to be depressed The CGI was very well done at and to isolate himself and his ani- times and at others was very poor. mals from the world. When Queen The score of this film was amazing, Victoria falls gravely ill, Dr. Dolit- and it helped immerse the audience tle and his animals must go on an into the movie. The film does tell adventure to find the cure. When Dr. Dolittle’s backstory in an inthe adventure teresting way. begins, Dr. DoIt’s told through little takes up a watercolor young Tommy painting collecStubins (Harry tion before tranCollett) as his sitioning into apprentice and live action. shows him how What was exto communicate pected to be an with animals. amazing film “I rate ‘Dolittle’ a Dr. Dolittle and was a disapthree out of five Tiger pointment, and Tommy work together to save putting a really Paws.” the Queen befamous name on -Wyatt Ashlock fore it is too late. the poster can “Dolittle” is a only do so much very mediocre film. Having a very in a film with many issues. I do talented cast is what provided the not believe that “Dolittle” is a bad “hype” for “Dolittle.” However, movie, but it definitely did not live using this strategy caused the mov- up to audience expectations. ie to be a let-down for those who Many criticized Downey, Jr.’s expected a high quality film. The performance as Dr. Dolittle, but I voice actors did an amazing job; felt it was a refreshing take on the however, some of their most publi- character. “Dolittle” tries to send a cized celebrities—including Sele- message about being who you are, na Gomez and Tom Holland—only but its cheesy style prevents it from had a few lines in the first 20 min- being taken seriously. utes and then were written off until This film is definitely a Redbox the end of the movie. Downey, Jr. rental instead of going to see it in did an amazing job portraying his the theaters. It is a great family character. Collett is very impres- movie if your family has no other sive in his role, especially for being movie to watch. I recommend this such a young actor. The voice ac- film to people who enjoyed movtors also did a great job of bringing ies like the live action “Lion King” their characters to life. and live action “Lady and the The plot is very predictable, Tramp.” While this motion picture with foreshadowing so obvious will not win any awards, it is a film they might as well have been using that many can appreciate.

BY WYATT ASHLOCK

Students Ryan Lynch and Carlin Campbell rehearse for this year’s Muse Project “Almost, Maine.” The show is directed by seniors Dylan Blackwood and Raleigh Peterson. (photo by Danielle Sourber)

‘Almost, Maine’ displays real love

BY SCARLETT CASTLEBERRY Staff Writer “‘Almost’ is the saddest word in the English language because it had the potential to be something and it never was,” Student Director Dylan Blackwood said.

Blackwood and fellow senior musical theatre major Raleigh Peterson set out as co-directors to bring this year’s Muse Project to the Ouachita stage.

“Almost, Maine” is a modern play written in 2006 by actor and playwright John Cariani. It originally opened in Portland, Maine, before going off-Broadway and then becoming one of the most popular choices for high school and college productions across the United States. It is a collection of nine vignettes that are, according to Blackwood, about “honest connection and the transparency of love.” The show exists in a kind of twilight zone where love is depicted as various physical objects to demonstrate its realism.

“Almost, Maine” deals with love

at every stage of a relationship.

Each scene depicts a relationship and “how they almost had someone, almost left someone, almost lost someone, almost fell in love,” Peterson said.

Before rehearsal typically begins, the two directors are ready to go with the goals they’ve set for that night. Cast and crew members alike rush around, setting up props and equipment, doing jumping jacks to keep the energy high and falling into line immediately when Blackwood and Peterson say it’s time to start.

As the scene begins, stage manager Ashlynn Lockhart watches everything, ready for anything.

Blackwood and Peterson whisper back and forth intermittently as they watch the show. They nod with approval and make notes to discuss with the cast.

Once a scene is finished, everyone is up and moving, discussing accomplishments and improvements. As they compare movements and character choices, Blackwood and Peterson work hard to ensure that each actor is

connecting with and understanding the character they are portraying.

It is through collaboration that the team reaches an understanding of how they are going to bring their vision to life.

“It’s been a lot of fun,” Blackwood and Peterson said.

“We’re hoping that people can see themselves,” Blackwood said.

“We want people to not be afraid to laugh and cry. This is a modern play. It’s very close, very relational and real. It’s not presentational.”

“And it’s not a sad show,” Peterson said.

“But all of the comedy is grounded in realism,” Blackwood said.

“It’s kind of fitting that this play is opening the week of Valentine’s Day.” The show stars Carlin Campbell, Molly Kennedy, Cross Brandon, Ryan Lynch, Autumn Romines, Emily Johnson, Aaron George and Lily Kay as the lead actors.

“Almost, Maine” runs Feb. 1317, with performances on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Monday at 7:30 p.m., and one on Sunday at 2:30 p.m.

OPINIONS

WWW.OBUSIGNAL.COM | PAGE 7

Showing ‘Club Love’ authentically As last semester ensues,

BY LANGLEY LEVERETT Staff Writer

No man is an island. As much as I’d like to hide behind my hermit facade, there is no denying that numbers bring strength to individuals.

Finding community isn’t always the most obvious route to take, nor the easiest task to keep, but the prize of a real relationship is invaluable. This prize is unmeasured and cannot be forged as easily as preconceived.

Genuine relationships require work. They take time. They operate only at full capacity. They require sincere, focused effort, not halfheartedness.

This is no easy thing to undertake — finding a place where you can truly belong — but it is worth the effort.

Most often, genuine community appears in different forms for different people. It brings different benefits. For some, it is resume points, reputation and prestige. For others, it’s about connection, inclusion and support.

There are numerous reasons that lead to involvement in social clubs, academic honor societies, athletics and other countless opportunities campus life has to offer, but the most important question remains: what are you hoping to have gained by the end of your experience?

Collegiate involvement is more than having a certain kind of

“school spirit;” it is necessary to the development of character.

It sounds dramatic, but the evidence is overwhelmingly convincing. In a student life study completed by Ohio State University in 2015, statistics showed that 83% of students who were engaged in social and professional organizations felt emotionally connected to their peers and to the university. Out of this portion, 78% reported higher esteem and improved problem solving skills.

Now, to revert back to the previous question, I can’t supply an easy answer.

Intentions are not identical, but for the most part, students who interact with people and find honest and natural relationships thrive, both outwardly and inwardly.

Connecting with people who share similar values and passions allows for personal and communal growth. Problems are solved. Insecurities crumble. Empathy grows.

It is in the midst of this growth that “club love” came into existence.

Ouachita provides many ways to find your niche, whether that’s in a social club or not. It’s ironic when people mention “club love,” because it seems so obvious that clubs across campus should love each other. That’s obvious and clear. The real challenge lurks beneath the surface: overcoming labels.

“Club love” is a concept that should reach beyond Greek letters.

It is a phrase that is tossed around casually, especially during Tunes and Rush week. It’s tossed around, rather than carried as a precious gift. “Club love” should be extended to those walking in the hallways, sitting in the cafeteria, taking notes next to you in class; it should extend far beyond the reaches of an organization and stand for genuine respect for the individual.

No matter what colors or badges they’re wearing, no matter what Rush party they attend, no matter what club they pledge or don’t pledge to, “club love” should be worn and carried with care and precision.

“Club love” should be in every interaction. Not just at fun events or written in mass letters. It should be celebrated. It should be honored on all occasions.

We’re only human and we all have our days, but at the end of the night, are we actually engaging with those around us? Are we truly trying to make a difference? Are we being truthful to the adjectives that surround club pillars? Are we being truthful to the Word of God? I love my club. I love being in a club. I love being surrounded by people who have my best interests at heart.

Although sometimes club life is taxing, as any involvement can be, at the end of the night, there is something incredibly profound to be had when you realize the full extent of the words “inclusion” and “community.”

love for Ouachita increases

BY ETHAN DIAL Editor-In-Chief

“Don’t wish it away.” This all too common phrase is something I’ve heard from family and friends all of my life in nearly every circumstance, but it hasn’t really impacted me much until now. Every senior I’ve ever encountered at Ouachita has imparted this same truth and it’s one that I’m finding to be more true as each day passes, drawing me closer to putting on that cap and gown.

Last semester, I was ready to graduate. I still didn’t have a plan for after school (and I still don’t), but that didn’t matter. The busyness and typically self-induced stress that came with over crowding my time caused me to long for a nineto-five, in which my schedule was set and my routine was pact.

However, now that this final semester here at Ouachita has begun, my thoughts are quite contrary.

It truly feels like I’m watching the final season of my favorite Netflix dramedy. Just like each beloved character you root for, I find myself inquiring about the plot line of each of my friends’ lives. I want to know what’s next for them and where they’ll go from here. I want to spend every moment I can with them and not miss a single quote.

I root for “that couple,” the one I’ve shipped since freshman year,

and when they finally fulfill the “ring by spring” motto, I couldn’t be happier for them. I flash back to the first season before that villain was redeemed and that secret was revealed. I recreate the trips to Waffle House and the memorable CDAs. Everything, even the funniest moments seem to make me emotional, and in the end, despite the ever-present uncertainty, I can see it all coming together. I sense that in the last five minutes or so that the writers will perfectly tie up all the loose ends.

My problem while watching this last season of my final semester here at Ouachita is wanting to binge watch it. I keep wanting to fast forward to figure it all out and see if I’m right about this or that.

I keep waiting for the answers to come and hit the “next episode” button at every single cliff hanger.

Thus, my goal has now become to take it day by day. I don’t want to speed through it at all. Rather, I want to savor every single scene. I don’t just want to watch one clip after the other; I want to experience it. I just keep telling myself that when it’s all said and done, when the pictures have been taken and the diplomas distributed, that there’ll still be hope. Maybe, just maybe, a brand new spin-off will follow this incredible show I’ve watched for the last four years, and if fans demand it, we could even see a revival in 20 years or so.

sports

PAGE 8 | WWW.OBUSIGNAL.COM

Tiger football named GAC Team of the Decade

BY MITCHELL EMRICH Staff Writer

The Ouachita Tiger football team was recently named the first Great American Conference Team of the Decade. Along with this prestigious honor, there were eleven individual players from the decade that were named to the GAC All-Decade Team, including three of the players that helped lead the team to its third consecutive GAC title in the 2019 season. Allie Freeman, Keandre Evans and Cori Gooseberry were all key pieces during the team’s success in the 2019 season.

“It feels good to solidify this program in history,” Gooseberry said.

“To me, and I hate to say it, Team of the Decade means we have been dominating this conference for the past 10 years. I’m excited to see the next 10 years for the program.”

Along with their GAC honors, a few Tigers won individual awards for their efforts in 2019. Freeman, senior wide receiver for the Tigers, was named to the D2football.com All-American team, along with setting numerous team and con-

ference records. He was named to the All-GAC First Team as a wide receiver and a return specialist.

Freeman broke the GAC record for career receptions and was the first non-quarterback in GAC history to rack up 5,000 all-purpose yards.

Despite this, Freeman feels like he has been underestimated during his time at Ouachita.

“Achieving these awards means everything,” Freeman said. “People look at my outward appearance and underestimate me, but God looks at my heart.”

With 2,900 receiving yards over the past 4 seasons and a reputation for terrorizing teams as a kick returner, it’s safe to say that teams are finished underestimating Freeman.

Gooseberry was named to the NCAA.com All-American team, and the Little Rock Touchdown Club honored him with the Willie Roaf Award for Arkansas’ Offensive Lineman of the Year. Gooseberry also pointed back to his teammates when asked about his individual award.

“Winning the award means that the hard work that I put in during

the spring and the summer with my teammates actually paid off,” Gooseberry said. “It means that people outside this program are actually seeing the growth and development of Ouachita football.”

Senior running back Brockton Brown was also honored by the Little Rock Touchdown Club as a recipient of the Darren McFadden Award for being the best college running back in Arkansas. In the season opener against Harding University, Brown scored the only touchdown in the game, and he went on to lead the Tigers in scoring during the 2019 season, with 25 total touchdowns. This makes him the second leading scorer in all of Division II football. However, Brown pointed out the fact that even though he was the one who received the Darren McFadden Award, it was definitely a team effort.

“This award means that all of the hard work our team has put in is recognized,” Brown said. “It means my O-line, along with the rest of the offense, gets due credit for how they made my job easy.”

Keandre Evans celebrates on the field. Having finished his career as a senior defensive back for the Tigers in the 2019 season, Evans was one of the football players to be named to the GAC’s All-Decade Team. (photo by Hannah Smith)

Mamba Mentality: Remembering Kobe Bryant

BY BATES YOAKUM Guest Writer

January 26, 2020, was a difficult day for sports fans around the globe as NBA superstar and Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna “GiGi” Bryant, along with seven others, died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California.

Bryant is survived by his wife Vanessa and daughters Natalia, Bianka and Capri.

Kobe Bryant was drafted out of Lower Merion High School in 1996 by the Charlotte Hornets, then immediately traded to the

Lakers. Bryant would go on to become a five-time NBA champion, 18-time All-Star NBA MVP and a two-time NBA Finals MVP. He also holds the record for the second most points scored in a single game, putting up 81 points against the Toronto Raptors in January 2006, and is fourth on the all-time scoring list. The night before his death, NBA superstar LeBron James passed Bryant to become third on the NBA’s all-time scoring list. Among these incredible accolades, Bryant is also one of the only players in NBA history to play his 20-year career with just one team: the Los Angeles Lakers.

After Bryant’s legendary 60 point final game on April 13, 2016, he officially retired from basketball, but his legacy was far from over.

Bryant went on to become successful in the business industry and won an Oscar with his media company Granity Studios for the short film “Dear Basketball.” On top of his success in business, he began coaching his daughter’s basketball team and became an advocate for women’s basketball teams.

Following Bryant’s unexpected death Sunday morning, social media began to spiral out of control.

Many media sources quickly pub-

lished the story, leading to some interesting and false reports on who exactly was in the helicopter during the crash. One media source even claimed that former NBA player Rick Fox was among those in the crash; however, this was proven to be incorrect.

There were 6 NBA games scheduled on the day of Bryant’s passing, and in honor of him each team gave up their first possession and let the twenty-four second shot clock run out in honor of the number Bryant wore from the 20062007 season until his retirement in 2016. Other NBA teams followed suit over the next few days, giving

up their first possession of the ball to honor the NBA legend.

On the night of Bryant’s death, NBA players Trae Young and Devin Booker had some interesting stats from their play. Both players took twenty-four shot attempts, and both combined for a total of 81 points. Both numbers are significant pieces of Bryant’s legendary NBA career.

Kobe Bryant will be remembered for his many accomplishments on and off of the court, but perhaps his greatest one is the generation of athletes he inspired, who are now writing their own names in the sports record books.