Issuu

The University of Arkansas at Little Rockâ€™s Student Newspaper

Jan 2017 25 also IN THIS ISSUE

Guns on campus PAGE4

eat beat PAGE 6

UALR, meet UA Little Rock See page 4

trojan basketball PAGE 7

opinions/news

January 25, 2017

STAFF

Executive Editor Lauren Humphrey Adviser Sonny Rhodes Art Director Bethany Hoover News Editor Jack A. Webb Features Editor Whitney Bryson

Sports Editor Kolton Rutherford Operations Manager Audrey Kelley Distribution Manager Rachel Chatwood ads Manager Adam fry The Forum is the official student newspaper at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. The Forum is funded in part by the student activity fee; members of the UA Little Rock community are allowed one copy per edition. The opinions expressed in The Forum are those of the staff and contributing writers and do not represent the official views of UALR. Advertising inquiries should be referred to The Forum’s advertising office and can be reached by calling 501-569-3319. The Forum is published 7 times in each of the fall and spring semesters. The Forum editor can be reached at 501-569-3265. All material published in this newspaper is copyrighted.

Letters to the Editor

The Forum welcomes letters to the editor on any subject as well as comments on our news coverage and editorial position. •Letters must include the author’s name, classification, major or position and a contact telephone number for confirmation. •Letters are subject to editing to meet space limitations. •Please limit letter to 500 words or less. •The staff will not alter the meaning of the letter, but will correct spelling and punctuation and edit to conform to Associated Press and news style. •All letters are subject to publication. The editor has the right to reject any letter especially those letters that are libelous, obscene or incoherent. Letters should be e-mailed to editor@ualr.edu

opening word by Lauren Humphrey God chose me first. God loved me before I knew what love was. God saw the good, the bad and the ugly and still chose me first. The fear of rejection has always been a great fear of mine. I know I am not worthy of all of all the blessings of God because I’m a broken mess, but so many times it turns into thinking that God doesn’t want my broken mess. God never said He didn’t want me; it’s a lie I’ve chosen to believe. I’ve always wanted control of my life, and I’ve often ignored the Lord wanting to take care of me. I pray so often for people around me and ask the Lord to take care of them, but I forget He deeply desires to take care of

“God saw the good, the bad and the ugly and still chose me first.”

me too. A few days ago, I heard the Lord sweetly say, “How can you say you surrender, but hold onto control? Lauren, I died for you too. My grace is sufficient for you too. You must let me take care of you.” I fear rejection because I haven’t given control to God. I like to convince myself that I’ve finally given the Lord control, but I have believed a lie that He doesn’t want to take care of me. He didn’t owe me any-

Now that he’s our president by Brian Gregory Donald J. Trump is now the 45th President of the United States of America. For all intents and purposes, it was a surreal moment for me. In my wildest dreams, I would have never expected at the start of the election season that this man would be my president. I try to avoid partisanship because it can blind people, but I consider myself a Democrat and voted for Hillary Clinton in the election. More than likely, I would have voted for Marco Rubio, if he had made it to the general election. So in no way did I support Donald Trump, but now he is our president. Regardless of the protests, regardless of the hashtag #NotMyPresident, etc. he still is our President for the next four, or eight years. On this speech, if you voted for Trump, then you loved his speech. For everyone else, the speech was bad, terrifying, dark, or other negative superlatives. Everything we’ve seen from the president has shown his predictability to be non-traditional. Inauguration speeches are usually inspiring, hopeful, and gracious. Donald Trump did none of those things. He made America seem like it was this destitute place that no one wants to live in. While there were some points that hinted towards togetherness and being united, he continued to reach out to his base. Saying it will always be “America First” and that we will bring the jobs of the factory workers in the Rust Belt states,

“I hope and pray that America is great over the next four years.” etc. are policy initiatives that might get done. However, if he or anyone believes this will make America stronger, I am sorry to tell you it won’t. In another divisive dark time in our history Abraham Lincoln said this in his second inaugural address just weeks before he would be assassinated that are very poignant now, “With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation’s wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.” I hope and pray that America is great over the next four years. I hope and pray that the president and other leaders work to bridge divide not enhance. All Americans should work together to make a better place for all, to make this world a better place. Even though it seems bleak, things will be better. I am optimistic and hopeful about the future of America.

thing, but gave me life and continues to pour out His blessings. I am not worthy, but He wants me. He chose me. He loved me and will forever love me. I have nothing but praise to offer the Lord in return.

Letter to the Editor

My name is Benjamin Lewis and I read The Forum. Something that stuck out to me about today’s issue is the cover. You decided to put a political cartoon on the front page. Political cartoons absolutely have a place in newspapers. Opinion pieces rightfully make up a specific section of most respectable papers. However, that section is small, contained, and surrounded by non-partial journalism. Deciding to put a political cartoon on your front page shows that it aligns with your values as an organization. You have put on display the biases of the cartoonist (which do generally belong somewhere in the paper), as the biases of the writers as a whole. The cartoon itself is funny, but it isn’t congruent with a mission of a news organization. You have displayed with the placement of this cartoon that this paper is only aimed at a specific portion of the student body and not the student body at large. If this was not your intention, then it was a mistake. I don’t expect anything of you, except to understand what I’m saying, even if you disagree that this indicates a smaller audience than the whole student body. Thanks for taking the time to read my letter.

news

January 25, 2017

UALR, meet UA Little Rock Blackboard issues The chancellor also unveiled a new logo. In a statement released through the school’s website and email, Rogerson shared his excitement for the changes, as well as its advantages. “While our official Lauren Humphrey photo name remains the University by Kolton Rutherford of Arkansas at Little Rock, UA Little Rock represents one of our Chancellor Andrew Rogerson institution’s greatest strengths, announced a new logo and abbreviated name for the university our location in Arkansas’s capital on Monday. Effective immediately, city,” he said. “UA Little Rock also UALR will now go by the newly ab- reflects the university’s commitbreviated name of UA Little Rock. ment and long-standing partner-

ship and service to our community – Little Rock and Central Arkansas. For out-of-state student and employee recruitment and other initiatives, having a name that represents the location of our university is also an advantage.” The logo is a collaboration of the Office of Communications and Marketing and the campus’s Art Department and raised no budgetary concerns for the university. “We will roll out our name change and updated logo in a responsible way that will not create budget concerns,” Rogerson added. “The new logo was created at no cost.”

‘Yes’ campaign in the works

Bethany Hoover Illustration

McClellan gathered a group of staff directors for areas that are highly student oriented: admissions, records and registration,” Phillips said. “That’s where we are at, re-imagining how we do some things.” This gathering resulted in the fruition of the “Yes” campaign. “The ‘Yes’ campaign encourages faculty and staff to think of ways to say yes rather than no. Obviously sometimes the answer is no but someby Talia Winkler times we can be more creative in soluWhen attending college, it’s a tions we find for our students, trying safe bet that every semester will be to find ways to say yes. It may take riddled with multiple trips and or a little more work, it may be a little calls to various offices. Whether it be more complicated,” Phillips says. the admissions office, student housRachel Callahan is a graphic ing, or financial aid, those trips are design major, who lives on campus not known for their fun nature. and has attended UA Little Rock for The Chancellor and other adminthe past 2 years. Each semester she istrators around campus have made deals with the financial aid office it their job to make Little Rock an and student accounts. appealing prospect to incoming stu“The financial aid office has been dents and current students alike. really helpful, I dealt with them all Mia Phillips, Communication and last week, and they helped me with Special Projects Coordinator, in the everything,” says Callahan. Chancellor’s office sheds some light As for the “Yes Campaign,” on the thought process that hopes to Callahan thinks it’s a good idea, make UA Little Rocka better place for pointing out the negative kinds of students to call home. experiences that students can have “It’s not an official campaign as when trying to register and obtain of yet. Our Vice Chancellor Steve financial aid.

Marc Glidden, Director of Campus Living and Assistant Dean of Students, has plenty of experience dealing with students. He also thinks the “Yes Campaign” will be a positive change for the university. “I think that any organization that takes a proactive look at how they serve their customers, in this case being students, is a positive thing,” says Glidden. “One of the ways to make sure people come back is through good customer service, so that students can have a positive experience and tell other potential students, high school seniors, that yes this is a place where they will help you through the registration process, they’ll help you through the financial aid process, they will help you through the campus living process.” Students will be the major benefactor of the campaign. The hope is that it will make the campus experience a better one. “Ideally every student that comes to us we can help them and be kind to them,” Phillips says. “We help them progress towards their goal. They are here to get an education and we want to make that happen.”

welcome students back to campus

to efficiently work on assignments by Jack A. Webb that require reading or posting makes me anxious and has me worA necessity in today’s higher ried about grades,” Vandiver said. education learning environment, In total, students received a technology has bridged the gap total of four emails regarding the between many challenges that the updates of Blackboard over the modern student today face. From giving freedoms to students to work four days that it took to work with Blackboard and correct the critical and learn in the comfort of their issues. own home and work around their By Friday of that week, Chanceldaily schedule to opening a new way lor Andrew Rogerson was apolofor students to connect with their getic. professors and peers. “Providing an environment that That metaphorical bridge is not promotes learning, fosters engagewithout obstacles of its own--as ment, and enables collaboration is many new and returning UA Little Rockstudents found out during their a priority for this university,” he said in an email. “I deeply regret first week back this semester. that we were not able to provide Blackboard, an essential online that kind of experience in your tool for students and instructors first week of classes.” to manage and engage in their web Rogerson continued stating that courses and lecture classes alike, saw a breakdown in normal activity the “confusion and disruption” was as students were returning to class unacceptable. “I find it to be really inconveafter the winter break. nient, especially at the start of The first official contact regardthe semester,” Vandiver added. “I ing these issues came on Tuesday just hope they fix it sooner rather morning of Jan. 10. A day after than later because with the slower students began the spring 2017 system solution they have, it’s semester. taking me longer to complete things David Montague, Director of from home.” eLearning, and John Rathje, Chief Outages and interruptions conInformation Officer, sent a joint email to all UA Little Rock students tinued to the following week with issues affecting other universities explaining that a scheduled migrathat partner with Blackboard. By tion of Blackboard services set Jan. 20, things seemed to have subfor Dec. 18-25 of last year had not dued with the bulk of the problems ended on time. resolved. Students eager to begin the Montague and Rathje did say semester off strong would have to wait a little while longer as courses that students may still see courses they were enrolled in became visible for which they no longer belong in appear as active in which they and active for them on the site. One such student, Alex Vandiver, advise to simply ignore. They suggest to check in with BOSS for whose classes are primarily online was particularly frustrated. “I’m an the official account of registered classes. organized person so not being able

January 25, 2017

news

State representative hints at new gun bill

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Lauren Humphrey photo illustration by Brittany Dean Arkansas gun laws on college campuses may not be a common conversation starter for most people but it is still a hot topic that faculty, staff, and students across the state should be aware of. The current law on the books, Act 226, passed by the Arkansas Legislature allows for faculty at Arkansas colleges and universities to have concealed weapons on their person while on campus. Right now there is an annual opt-out option, allowing guns to be prohibited on campus. All colleges in the state have exercised their “optout” right since the law was passed in 2013. More recently the idea of changing this law has been tossed around. In December 2016, state Rep. Charlie Collins (R-Fayetteville) said he had intentions of filing a bill during the 91st General Assembly of the Arkansas State Legislature that will take away the opt-out option and allow faculty to carry a weapon on campus. Some faculty members at UA Little Rock campus are concerned about this law being passed. They worry that the safety of the students could be tested.

One faculty member I spoke with is worried about this law because of the easy process it takes to obtain a concealed carry permit. The test is not hard to pass and you have to hit a target that is only 20 yards ahead of you. If legislation does pass this law they would like to see higher and more improved standards to obtain a permit. A psychology student stressed her concerns about the law possibly being passed. She said that she is worried. With the past couple years being full of active shooters on college campuses she cannot help but wonder if this is actually taking a step in the right direction. She also wonders if this is just giving people more access to guns on campus. The next month or two ahead will be something to keep a close eye on. A lot of people will be looking towards seeing what the provisions will be for this new law if legislation passes the law. Will there be stricter requirements to obtain a carry permit and will there be any specific training for having a gun on campus? It will be a waiting game for everyone. It is possible that the law will be filed in the beginning of the year for the legislative session.

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features

January 25, 2017

From script to screen: August Wilson’s ‘Fences’ gives a remarkable performance by Brittany Owens The film “Fences” brought more emotions than anyone could ever imagine. “Fences” is film about a father trying to come to terms with the outcome of his life. Set in Pittsburg in the 1950’s, the film focuses on Troy Maxson, a waste collector, and his relationships with his wife, two sons, and brother. The film is an adaptation of a 1983 screenplay written by August Wilson. It was directed by Denzel Washington, who played Troy. Washington also played the lead role when the screenplay was revived on Broadway in 2010. Also starring in the film is Viola Davis, from ABC’s How to Get Away with

Little Rock Soup Sunday 2017 Jan. 29

by Whitney Bryson

The Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families gears up for another Little Rock Soup Sunday. The Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families is a non-profit organization “which encourages public policy in Arkansas that will benefit children and their families.” This event will be located at the Statehouse Convention Center on 101 E. Markham St. from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. And there will be music, fun, live and silent auctions to raise money for a good cause. Children under the age of 5 will get in free. But admission tickets for children (ages 5-17) will be $10 and $25-$30 for adults.

Murder, as Rose, Troy’s wife of 18 years. Both Washington and Davis did phenomenal jobs portraying their characters. They help the audience relate to Troy and Rose as real people and give an idea of the mind-set of African-American people in the years segregation was commonly practiced. The supporting actors who played Troy’s sons, Lyons, played by Russell Hornsby from ABC Family’s Lincoln Heights, and Cory, played by Jovan Adepo from HBO’s The Leftovers, and his best friend Jim Bono, played by Stephen McKinley Henderson who has starred in several August Wilson plays, also did outstanding jobs in

the film. But Mykel T. Williamson, who you might remember as Uncle George from ATL, performed the best supporting role, in my opinion. While the other supporting actors helped tell the story behind Troy’s actions as a father and husband, Williamson’s character Gabriel, Troy’s brother, helped to show a different side of the main character. Williamson’s performance was probably the most captivating to me. Of course, I was pleased by Washington and Davis’ performances, but to see this actor that I recognize from Waiting to Exhale and ATL, play a war veteran suffering from a head injury that left him

mentally ill, was unexpected and ultimately mind-blowing. Ultimately the actors’ performances were undeniable and left the box office overflowing. The prerelease of the film exceeded the box office expectations the first weekend. On Christmas day, “Fences” grossed $6.7 million. By the end of the second day, the movie made $11.5 million. So far, “Fences” has grossed $45.9 million in the month since its release. “Fences” is still in theaters. There are several theaters in Little Rock to choose from. Rave Cinema’s on Colonel Glenn Road gives student discounts. I highly recommend a movie date to see this film.

Harlem Globetrotters

Jan. 31

What better way to spend an evening with family and friends? Go out and enjoy an exciting game of basketball. The Harlem Globetrotters’ 2017 World Tour is in full effect. This event will exhibit amazing basketball skills, comedy, and fan interaction. Famed team members include Big Easy Lofton, Ant Atkinson, Hi-Lite Bruton, Thunder Law, Bull Bullard and Cheese Chisholm – plus female stars TNT Lister and Ace Jackson. At the end of the game, fans will have the chance to get signed autographs and take photos with Globetrotter players. This event will be located at the Verizon Arena in North Little Rock at 7 p.m. and ticket prices range from $30-$130.

Holdin’ My Own Tour Feb. 4

Country music fans get ready as Eric Church graces the stage with his ‘Holdin’ My Own’ tour. This concert will include two full sets and an intermission, with no supporting acts. The concert will be held at the Verizon Arena, starting at 8 p.m. For tickets and seating information, go to www.box-officetickets.com. Don’t miss out on a night of country music.

Features

january 25, 2017

E T BE T Dizzy’s Gypsy Bistro

by Elton Tevebaugh I had been meaning to check out this restaurant for some time, and my only regret was that I didn’t visit sooner! Dizzy’s Gypsy Bistro is located in the River Market area of downtown Little Rock, and is renowned for their award-winning cheese dip. Naturally, I had to indulge. While the food piqued my interest, the decor and general feel to Dizzy’s was very friendly and inviting. I started off with the awardwinning cheese dip, and I’m not sure if it has actually won any awards, but I can understand how it could win. The cheese dip was quite delicious, creamy, and rich. It’s easy to get burned out on how restaurants can taut their wares as the “best” or similar accolades, but this could very well have been the best cheese dip that I’ve ever had in my life. That being said, this was just the beginning of my dining experience at Dizzy’s. After finishing the cheese dip, I decided to look for something light for a few reasons. First off, after finishing that big bowl of cheese dip to myself, I could only eat something light. Secondly, I’m a full-time college student that works part-time, and I’m constantly strapped for cash, so my options were narrowed down due to financial restrictions. Finally, I always make a point to tip the wait staff a bare minimum of 15 percent. Usually, I tip around 20 percent, and

I don’t tip less than 15 percent. If you can afford to go out and eat, then you can afford to tip decently well. I decided to go with a sandwich, and “Rigsby’s ‘South’ Pacific” caught my eye. This sandwich is made up of Sriracha marinated grilled shrimp, two fried eggs, cheddar, lettuce, tomato and Asian spicy mustard on grilled Texas toast, and came with a small side of fries. I am in the habit of having a glass of wine with dinner when I go out, so I decided to pair the sandwich with a house Pinot Grigiot. This turned out to be another good decision. Not only was the sandwich delicious, but it paired well with the wine. The walls were covered in interesting and colorful paintings, and the chandeliers were definitely a sight to see! I was engaged by several members of the staff, and they were very friendly and polite. I was slightly surprised when receiving my bill, as I was expecting to have spent more money. To sum up the meal, I had an order of cheese dip, a beer on draft, “Rigsby’s ‘South’ Pacific” sandwich, and a glass of the house Pinot Grigiot. My total was $42 including the tip. I thoroughly enjoyed my dinner at Dizzy’s Gypsy Bistro, and would gladly recommend their restaurant, and their cheese dip, to anyone who wants a good meal downtown in the River Market.

The STRUGGLE Bethany Hoover Illustration

isREAL

by Brittany Owens It happens every year. I wear myself thin in the Fall semester, then I use the three and a half week break to try and catch up on all the sleeping we missed. But in January, when the Spring semester begins, I feel overwhelmed and over worked. I spend my free time complaining to my friends about how much work I have or how I wish we could have one more week of break. Why is it so hard to get back into the swing of things every January? Why don’t our professors understand that they can’t just throw the work at us in the first week? We are only a couple of weeks into the semester and I am already feeling

it. I was given four assignments in the first week and I’m having the hardest time focusing on them. Even writing this article was difficult for me. I have found myself staring at a blank document on my laptop, wishing I stayed on my toes over winter break by purchasing my textbooks for the spring before break and reading ahead for at least one of my classes. And it’s not like I spent the whole break partying or being irresponsible. When I wasn’t catching up on my sleep, I was working or helping my mother take care of my grandmother. Working retail during the holiday season is stressful enough, but doing that while taking care of someone who wakes up at 6 a.m. and needs attention constantly from the moment they open their eyes until they rest, is a whole new level of stress.

It’s hard for me to get back in the swing of things after spring break also, especially if I go out of town for the whole week. I spend the week before trying to work ahead so I don’t have to worry about the consequences of my short vacation the week after. But when I get back, I’m so tired that I wish I had slept more. With that break being short though, it’s not as difficult as the beginning of the semester. I just spend a day sleeping and get back to work the next day while counting down until the end of the semester. You would think I would have it figured out by now, being that I’m a senior, but I don’t think this can be figured out. The best advice I can give to anyone who can relate is, go to the quiet floor of the library to get your mind right.

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Elton Tevebaugh photo

sports

january 25, 2017

Trojan hoops over holiday break by Adrian Miller While most UA Little Rock students were enjoying the winter break, the men’s and women’s basketball teams were hard at work on the basketball court. The Little Rock (LR) men looked to defend their Sun Belt Conference championship and the women were on a mission to achieve one. During the break, the Trojan men went 4-3 overall while the Lady Trojans went 5-2. Inside the conference, the men went 2-1, beating Appalachian State and ULM, but suffered their first conference loss against LouisianaLafayette. The Lady Trojans went 4-0 inside the conference with victories over Louisiana-Lafayette, a 44-point blowout victory over Louisiana Monroe, and close victories over Coastal Carolina and Appalachian State. The first game for the Trojan men was at home game against UCA. Senior standout guard Marcus Johnson Jr. set a Jack Stephens record with nine three-pointers, scoring 29 points total. In their next game, the LR men’s team defeated Northern Arizona in a close contest. The upper classmen stepped up with seniors Marcus Johnson Jr., Jalen Jackson, Kemy Osse and Maurius Hill all scoring in double figures. The Trojan men fell in their next two contests against Oral Roberts and SEC powerhouse Florida. The Trojans shot a dismal 34.5 percent from the field and 0-15 behind the 3-point line against Oral Roberts. Their next game, nationallytelevised, took them to Gainesville, Florida to face the Florida Gators. The Trojans fell behind in the first half, and it was difficult for them to come back against the Gators. Senior center Lis Shoshi had a good scoring game finishing with 19 points. The Trojans returned home and protected the Jack to gain their first conference win against Louisiana-Monroe. The score went

back and forth, but the Trojan men secured a 79-75 victory in overtime. Sophomore Forward Oliver Black posted his first double-double at UALR, finishing with 10 points and 10 rebounds. The Trojan men then suffered their first Sun Belt loss against Louisiana-Lafayette, pulled out a close victory against Appalachian State, but fell in a close conference game to Coastal Carolina. The Lady Trojans faced two tremendous battles over the break, SEC competitors Mississippi State and LSU. Mississippi State was ranked fifth in the nation and overcame the Lady Trojans 58-44 at the Jack. Sophomore Forward Ronjanae DeGray shot a perfect 7-7 from the field and finished with a career high 18 points. Freshman guard and Little Rock native Kyra Collier showed great effort in their next outing, recording her first double-double at LR with 15 points and 17 rebounds in a 63-58 victory over Tulsa. The Lady Trojans then traveled to Baton Rouge to face the LSU Tigers. LSU won 69-49, but the Trojans were only down by 5 at halftime. Louisiana native and senior forward Kaitlyn Pratt scored in double figures in the loss. The Lady Trojans then opened conference play with two victories; the first was a nail biter against Louisiana-Lafayette in which the Lady Trojans overcame a 15 point deficit to win 64-60. The next was a dominating win against ULM at the Jack, as LR held the Warhawks to only 9 first half points. The backcourt of the Lady Trojans was excellent. Kyra Collier was very close to the second triple-double in LR history, finishing with 13 points, nine boards and nine assists. Superstar Kaitlyn Pratt showcased her skills in the Lady Trojans next two conference victories. The senior forward scored a career high 24 in the win over Coastal Carolina then matched her point total and achieved her fifth double-double of the year with 10 boards in the win over Appalachian State.

Highs and lows for

Little Rock’s team at the Jack holding a comfortable advantage, as Arkansas State never cut the lead to less than six points. Going into the break, LR lead the Red Wolves 43-31. Top first half performers included Senior Marcus Johnson Jr. with 12 points, while fellow Senior Maurius Hill scored 10. The second half saw the Red Wolves cut into the Trojans lead, and LR led by only one with 13 minutes left in the game. While LR fought to hold on their lead, Redshirt-Senior Kemy Osse looks for a Arkansas State eventually took its pass. Osse finished with 11 points and first lead of the game, 69-68, with an assist. Kolton Rutherford photo 4 minutes remaining. In the final by Kolton Rutherford minutes, LR would take a brief Trojan Basketball took on lead, but Arkansas State quickly Arkansas State, South Alabama, regained control and ultimately and Troy in their first home games went home with a 77-72 win. since students returned for the Marcus Johnson Jr. led LR with 15 spring semester. The home stand points, while Sophomore Deondre offered a mixed bag, as Little Rock Burns added 14. (LR) handedly beat Sun Belt oppoIn the Trojans second game, LR nent South Alabama but lost to faced the South Alabama Jaguars. Troy and in-state rival Arkansas In a game where the LR consisState. tently looked the better team, the On January 14th, LR faced Trojans won 73-56. LR took an Arkansas State in front of a crowd early lead, outplaying the Jaguars of 5,161 at the Jack. In a close throughout the first half, heading contest, the Trojans fell to the Red into the break with a 33-22 lead. Wolves 77-72 on “Pack the Jack” The Trojans continued playnight. LR held an early 15-7 lead ing well in the second half and as the team played well on both extended their lead, holding a ends of the court. LR maintained 58-33 advantage with ten minutes their lead throughout the first half, remaining. While South Alabama

January

26th Women’s Basketball ulm @ monroe, la 6:00 pm

outscored LR the rest of the way, the Jaquars found the deficit too much to overcome. Marcus Johnson Jr. led the Trojans with 22 points, while Senior Jalen Jackson added 16 points and 8 rebounds. Monday night, LR took on Troy. Despite double-digit point totals from three players, LR lost 78-69 in front of 2,571 people, including many prospective students from the Experience UA Little Rock event. LR started the game well, and Troy didn’t take its first lead until seven minutes remained in the first half. Once Troy gained the lead, they controlled the tempo, and halftime saw the Trojans down 45-39. Coming out of the break, LR remained within striking distance of Troy, and with just five minutes left in the game, LR cut the deficit to a single point as Deondre Burns made two clutch free-throws. But that was as close as LR came as Troy pulled away for a 78-69 win. The loss dropped LR to 12-8 overall, with a 3-4 record in Sun Belt play. Troy is now 11-10 on the year and is tied with LR in conference play. Next, Little Rock’s Team will travel to Louisiana for games against Louisiana-Lafayette (1/28) and ULM (1/30).

27th 28th men’s/women’s Track and field/cc AState Invitational @ jonesboro, ar all day

men’s/women’s Track and field/cc AState Invitational @ jonesboro, ar all day Women’s Basketball louisiana @ lafayette, la 5:00 pm men’s Basketball louisiana @ lafayette, la 7:15 pm

january 25, 2017

Lady Trojans on fire,

win three straight in homestand

Senior Sharde’ Collins shoots from the 3-point line versus Arkansas State. Collins went 3 for 6 from behind the arc. Kolton Rutherford photo

30th men’s basketball ulm @ monroe, la 7:00 pm

february

by Kolton Rutherford The Lady Trojans ended the winter break on a 4-game winning streak and continued their run in the first three games of the spring semester. Facing off against Sun Belt rivals Arkansas State, Troy, and South Alabama, Little Rock (LR) defeated each opponent, moving to 7-0 in Sun Belt play and 13-6 overall. In a January 14th meeting against in-state rival Arkansas State at the Jack, the Lady Trojans defeated the Red Wolves 73-59. LR started hot, taking an early 17-8 lead. In the second

quarter, Arkansas State whittled the margin to 6 points, but the Lady Trojans finished the first half strong, holding a 40-26 lead at the break. The Lady Trojans shot well from the charity stripe in the first half, converting 6 of 7 free throws, along with a 46% field goal percentage. LR came out of the break firing on all cylinders and held their impressive lead over the Red Wolves, ending the third quarter with a 57-41 advantage. In the final quarter, the Red Wolves struggled to cut into the LR lead, but the deficit was too much to overcome. LR won the game 73-59. Standout performers for the Lady Trojans included Senior Sharde’ Collins, who had 24 points. Fellow Senior Kaitlyn Pratt totaled 15 points, as did Junior Monique Townson. Freshman Kyra Collier led the team in assists and rebounds, with ten and eleven respectively. On January 19th, the Lady Trojans faced Troy and clawed their way to a 77-74 victory in front of a home crowd of 1,068. Both teams’ first quarter performances set the tone for the game, with LR holding a 19-18 lead. The second quarter started much like the first, with Troy and LR swapping points. LR held onto its

2nd Women’s basketball appalachian state @ little rock,ar 6:30 pm

one-point lead, 31-30, with four minutes left in the half. LR held a comfortable lead for most of the third quarter, but Troy finished the quarter much like LR ended the first half, outscoring the Lady Trojans 9-0 and taking a 57-56 lead. The final quarter played out much like the first, with neither team able to gain more than a 3-point lead. With a 77-74 lead and 8 seconds remaining, a Troy 3-point attempt fell short. LR’s Kyra Collier forced a steal as time expired, and the Lady Trojans held on for the win. In the final game of their home stand, the Lady Trojans faced South Alabama. While the teams finished the first quarter deadlocked at 10, LR took command in the second and led at the half 31-23. After the break, LR continued to pull away from the Jaguars and finished the game with a 71-54 victory, their seventh straight win. Sharde’ Collins and Kaitlyn Pratt led LR with 29 and 17 points respectively, while Kyra Collier gathered 8 rebounds. Next up, the first-place Lady Trojans look to continue their winning ways when they travel to Louisiana for games against ULM and Louisiana-Lafayette on January 26th and 28th.

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sports

On the Road: swim team enters conference championships on high note by Adrian Miller The Little Rock swimming and diving team traveled to Arkadelphia on Jan. 21st and defeated Ouachita Baptist 149-16. It was a solid response after suffering a loss the prior weekend. On Jan. 14th, Southern Illinois sunk Little Rock 224-74 at the Dr. Edward J. Shea Natatorium in Carbondale, Ill. The loss was the Trojans first meet since mid-November. Little Rock swam fast but just could not seem to edge the Salukis. The swim team had second place finishes in eight out of the twelve individual races as well as both relay races. The team of Laura Ruiz Astorga, Nuria Gallego Murcia, Courtney Coe, and Emma Doll swam second in the competitions first event, the Women’s 400 yd medley relay. Tori Fryar finished second in the next event, the 1000 yd freestyle with a time of 10:33.64. Sophomore Laura Ruiz Astorga finished just less than two seconds out of the lead in the 100 and 200 yd backstroke, 1:00.26 and 2:09.70 respectively. Jinson Kang was two tenths of a second from a victory in the 200 yd Butterfly with a time of 2:08.72. The senior swimmer then came up a few seconds short of first place in the 400 yd IM, finishing in 4:36.88. Other notable finishes were sophomore Imre Van Huyssteen

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with a time of 53.99 in the Women’s 100 yd freestyle, just three tenths of a second off the lead. Senior Courtney Coe came in just four tenths of a second off the lead in the 100 yd butterfly with a time of 53.99. Diver Samantha Gray had a 3rd place finish in the 3 meter Diving. Little Rock responded in a dominant fashion in their meet this past Saturday. The Trojans traveled to Arkadelphia and won all ten events of the competition against Ouachita Baptist. The combination of Jessie Baldwin, Ginger Bryant, Isabelle Finzen and Emma Doll set the tone in the first event and the rest of the team followed suit. Junior swimmer Tori Fryar took 1st in the next event, the 200 yd freestyle, and again in the 100 yd freestyle with times of 1:56.95 and 54.07, respectively. Freshman Isabelle Finzen won the 200 yd IM and 100 yd backstroke in 2:14.90 and 1:00.98 respectively. Laura Ruiz Astorga took 1st in 100 yard butterfly at 1:00.92 and finished just short to teammate Imre Van Huyssteen in the 50 yd freestyle. Huyssteen won the event in 25.37. The Trojans will be traveling to Iowa City, IA to compete in the Missouri Valley Conference Championships. Entering with a 6-2 record and coming off a commanding victory, Little Rock should feel very optimistic of its chance at a conference title.

6TH men’s basketball appalachian state @ little rock,ar 8:00 pm