Vol 92 iss 07

ARKATECH THE OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1923

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A R K A N S A S T E C H U N I V E R S I T Y / / T H U R S D A Y, O C T. 2 2 , 2 0 1 5 • V O L . 9 2 N O . 0 7

Tech’s 2015 NCAA Woman of the Year finalist LIZ CHRISMAN/UNIVERSITY RELATIONS BEN WEISBECKER

Contributing Writer

In Arkansas Tech University’s 106 year rich history, the school has never had a female in consideration for the NCAA Woman of the Year award until now.

Meet Rebecka Surtevall. She’s from Stockholm, Sweden, and graduated in May of 2015 after an incredible run at Tech filled

with awards from golf performances and her hard work in the classroom.

The award accounts for three main categories of focus: academics, athletics and community service. At one point there were 400 nominees, and Surtevall made all the cuts and is now among the final nine.

The nine finalists are equally distributed between each collegiate level, D1, D2 and D3. The winner of this coveted award will be

announced on Sunday in Indianapolis.

“Not in my wildest dreams did I imagine accomplishing this much coming from Sweden,” she said. “I am greatly honored. It would put the icing on the cake.”

She said she has so many people to thank for making her journey as successful as it has been. From her golf coach, Amy Anderson,

(see SURTEVALL page 4)

Business center helps local businesses grow SIERRA MURPHY

News Writer

An on-campus, Arkansas Tech-supported department has been building the River Valley community one small business owner at a time.

One of seven centers in Arkansas, the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC) serves hopeful business owners in the mid-western part of the state.

ASBTDC main logo represented on atu.com.

"I love helping others start and grow their businesses” ­– Ronda Hawkins,

employee of the year

News briefs

Students can catch the “Dispositions” exhibition

by Michael Warrick for the last time all day Monday in Norman Gallery before it closes.

Students will have an opportunity to talk to professionals in different industries about future careers from 1-4 p.m. on Wednesday at the Fall Career Fair in Young Building. Students are encouraged to bring their resumes. Business attire is required.

SAB is holding an OnTrack event from 7-9 p.m. on Wednesday in the Doc Bryan Lecture Hall with mentalist Carl.

For more Halloween fun, students can enjoy spooky stories about Tech and other campuses with Ms. Storomoe from 7-8:30 p.m. on

“We work with anyone who has any sorts of ideas about starting a business,” Dardanelle native and center director Nathan George said.

“Our only limitation is that you have to be a forprofit entity.”

department surpassed calendar year goals two months ago.

“We’ve got a good center here,” George said.

“We just try to help people, and we have a variety of talent on this staff.”

The staff, consisting of two full-time employees and one part-time employee, includes Arkansas’ State Star, or employee of the year, Ronda Hawkins.

“Ronda has been with us for three and a half years,” George said.

Hawkins also teaches several of the training seminars the department hosts in order to better educate business owners.

The young development program has already created sixty-nine jobs, collaborated on five student projects and processed eight million dollars in loans—just this year. George said the

"I love helping others start and grow their businesses,” Hawkins said. “In addition to training, I also do one-on-one consulting with

Thursday in the Ross Pendergraft Library and Technology Center.

schedules will be posted near advisors’ offices.

Distance learners and night students should contact their advisor to discuss the process for registration.

Student Services will be hosting the Tech Talk “What is Support?” from noon-1 p.m. on Thursday in Baz-Tech. There will be a forum about the LGBTQ community followed by a question and answer session.

Support the Golden Suns Volleyball team as they take on Henderson State University at 6 p.m.

Thursday in Tucker Coliseum.

Early Registration for Spring Begins Oct. 26 The Office of the Registrar has announced the schedule by which current students may register for spring 2016 classes at Arkansas Tech University. Students must consult with their advisor before registering in classes. Appointment

(see ASBTDC page 4)

Students currently enrolled for the fall semester may begin registering for spring 2016 classes according to the following schedule: Monday, Oct. 26- All Graduate Students & Undergraduate Students with 60 or more earned hours Thursday, Oct. 29: 32-59 earned hours Monday, Nov. 2: 22-31 earned hours Monday, Nov. 9: 13-21 earned hours Friday, Nov. 13: 3-12 earned hours Monday, Nov. 30: 2 or fewer earned hours

PAGE 2 | Opinion

Democrats unified on key issues Editorial: ed·i·to·ri·al

[ed-i-tawr-ee-uhl, -tohr-] noun: An article that represents the official viewpoint of a newspaper on a topic of public interest.

EDITORIAL The Arka Tech Although the Democratic debate did little to shake up the race for a presidential bid— Clinton polished her strong lead, Sanders rattled his second-place cage with phrases like “political revolution,” O’Malley couldn’t find the break-out moment he needed and Chafee and Webb were comic relief at best—last Tuesday provided an opportunity to highlight the party’s uniformity on nearly every issue.

Unlike the all-bluster Republican debate, the Democratic candidates showed themselves to be policy wonks humming the same tune.

There of course was discordance about how to achieve certain ends, but no one candidate deviated from the party’s goals.

They all want to tax the wealthy, close the income inequality gap, create a cleaner energy economy without ties to fossil fuels, avoid war, regulate guns and put less money into prisons and a broken legal system and focus their dollars on education.

Clinton said she’d tax Wall Street and keep a closer eye on its activity. Sanders went so

far as to say the financial sector used fraud as a business model and needed complete dismantling. But both assert the process begins with large taxes on corporations and the three biggest banks, the latter of which controls 65 percent of the U.S. GDP.

Each candidate admitted the racial divide and inequality in the U.S. is evident, and O’Malley’s unique perspective as the former mayor of Baltimore allowed him to spout off stats about reforming his city through comprehensive gun legislation, which drew large applause from the audience.

Gun violence was at the top of the list for discussion. Clinton said Sanders’ plan for gun reform didn’t go far enough, and that it’s time to stand up to the NRA’s bullying.

Sanders opted for working with gun lobbyists to promote gradual gun restrictions and remained loyal to the rural sentiments of his home state, a stance which may lose some of his far left supporters.

Claiming his socialist democrat moniker, Sanders proved most liberal on the issue of money in politics. He stated, “These fossil fuel companies are funding the Republican candidates,” which is dead on.

Eight of the Republican candidates are receiving $62 million from sources involved in polluting industries. That chunk of money has come from just 17 billionaires taking advantage of easily corruptible Super Pacs. Sanders used the issue to promote his campaigning platform, which doesn’t use funding from large corporations, but depends on smaller individual donors.

The Republican Party was grilled all night.

Clinton said, “We cannot afford to put a republican in the White House.” She talked about how they “demonized immigrants,” to which everyone agreed.

Republicans were called “obstructionists” because of their refusal to work with democrats in Congress, and their “politics as usual” ideology was called out for leaving our country in a gridlock.

Every candidate rallied together against the conservative right wing, and this was a bond that gave the debate a more mollified tone than the republican rhetoric used in its debate.

But no matter how well democrats work among themselves, it amounts to nil when the Congress is controlled by Republicans who stymie any legislation put forth by a democratic administration.

This is why Sanders is practically unelectable.

Although he’s the candidate most likely to seek large-scale policy changes and has a campaign based on actuating income inequality legislation, when you have the word “socialist” attached to your name, you’re taboo to the American populace like “democrat” is to Congress.

So unless something major shifts in the party’s framework, Clinton will get the nomination for her experience and malleability.

One of the final questions posed asked the candidates how their presidency wouldn’t be a third Obama term. All had their ready-made answers, but in truth, as long as Congress is Republican, it’s two steps back and one step forward in our current Sisyphean system.

Tucker rocks Russellville for birthday bash

Tanya Tucker performed at the Center for the Arts on October 10.

RYAN HARMON Entertainment Writer

album, "What Do I Do With Me".

Country music legend Tanya Tucker came through Russellville on Oct. 10 during her first tour in years, which followed her decision to take time off to be with her children.

As Tucker took the stage, the crowd gave her a standing ovation.

An all-day celebration was planned at the local Center for the Arts to celebrate Tucker's 57th birthday.

The audience was eagerly awaiting the arrival of the "What's Your Mama's Name" singer, when Rodney Williams, promoter of the event, came out to welcome Tucker with his accordion rendition of "Happy Birthday".

The band came out and kicked off "Some Kind Of Trouble", a Top 10 hit from Tucker's 1991

RYAN HARMON / THE ARKA TECH George Jones' "The Window Up Above", which Tucker pointed out was not planned.

"Did we rehearse this one? No? Okay, good!" she said.

The evening was filled with songs that spanned Tucker's 40-year career, with many coming from the ‘90s when Tucker released some of her most popular material.

In the middle of her performance, she was presented with a birthday cake, as Branch & Dean, one of the opening bands, sang Conway Twitty's "Happy Birthday Darlin'".

At 57, Tucker still has the same energy and personality onstage she's always had, showing off some moves during the evening.

Tucker told the crowd about some of her time spent in Arkansas, specifically in the town of Delight, which just so happens to be the birthplace of her most famous ex, Glen Campbell.

Although Tucker is currently working on new material, she stuck to the hits, pleasing fans with songs such as "Love Me Like You Used To" and "Texas (When I Die)".

Tucker also included some of her personal favorites, such as

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2015

"There are quite a few people that live up there, but they're all named Campbell," she laughingly said.

As the concert neared its end, Tucker sang a powerful version

of "Amazing Grace" before launching into "Delta Dawn", the song that launched her career at age 13.

As the band played on, Tucker stood onstage signing autographs, shaking hands and taking pictures with fans before leaving.

Normally, I would play the "I can't believe she didn't do (song title)" game, but it's hard to complain with the show she put on.

It seemed like she was genuinely having a good time and was pulling the songs straight from her heart, rather than from a structured list.

I would buy a ticket to see her again in a heartbeat!

For more information on Tanya Tucker's music and tour schedule, visit www.tanyatucker.com.

Opinion | PAGE 3

MAN ON THE STREET

Power of the people

Should Tech continue to use the Wonder Boys and Golden Suns as team names?

""I would like for it to be one mascot.

Tech is supposed to be one family, right?"

Tripp White Junior Economics and Finance Ozark

"Yes. We've stuck with those names for years."

Zachary Hicks Junior International Studies West Helena

""No. There are so many better mascot options out there."

Rebecca Henderson Freshman

CLAUDIA HALL Managing Editor As a journalist, I am ashamed to admit this.

I am not a fan of hard news.

You know, the type that tells you exactly what’s happening without any pizzazz. I’ve never enjoyed writing it, and I don’t enjoy reading it either.

Don’t misconstrue my words, I do read it. But I’d much rather read or write about a person’s perspective of the news.

Features are an incredible thing. They stick with you longer than hard news.

Last semester, I wrote a feature about Dr. Jason Warnick, an associate professor of psychology.

He was the co-organizer of the Bone Marrow Drive

"No. The Wonderboys was based off one player.

I think it'd be cool to have a mascot."

Chris Gathright Senior Electrical Engineering El Dorado

"Yeah. It's what I've been used to since I got here."

Mason Sims Junior Psychology West Fork

I’ve already forgotten exact details about the drive, but I’ll always remember the interview I had with him.

I observed the people around me for days, no one standing out to me.

Writing from a person’s perspective makes the story much more meaningful to me. But then again, I’m a sucker for a good story.

In my eyes, news and features are like an iceberg. What you see above the water is the facts about the story: the news. The massive chunk below the surface is the feature. I could easily write an entire book about a person’s story.

The most beautiful thing about features is that they can be about anyone and anything. It doesn’t even have to be based around an event.

When I meet an interesting person on campus, the first thing I think is, “Wow, I should write a feature about them.”

I never saw the importance of features until I had to

One morning, I was in line for a smoothie outside of the cafeteria and the woman working started a conversation with me.

It was more than small talk.

She truly wanted to hear what I had to say.

I stuck around for a few minutes and noticed she cared about everyone.

No one left the smoothie bar lonely.

I would have never known she has endured hardship after hardship in her life.

This woman sparked my love for features. She made me see people in a different way.

Simply put, features are underrated.

In a world full of constant news and business, we forget people are what matter the most. Features bring us back to the start.

We see thousands of faces every day and never stop to think about what their stories are. Everyone has a story to tell.

Star Wars Battlefront beta impressions First off, the game looks incredible.

It’s the best looking game I’ve seen on this generation of consoles so far.

Dardanelle

Creative Writing and English Clinton

write one for a class last year.

He was so passionate about the event. His passion moved me, and I became passionate about it as well. Through my story, hundreds more students heard about the event.

Accounting/ Economics and Finance

"No. A mascot is for the school to take pride in. They aren't mascots. They're nicknames."

Joe England Senior

Tech held.

Star Wars is a property that lends itself to impressive visuals, and Battlefront doesn’t disappoint.

MATTHEW EMERY Sports Writer “Star Wars Battlefront” by DICE is the newest entry in the “Battlefront” series, which was originally published by LucasArts.

LucasArts still exists, but after the Disney purchase of Lucasfilm in 2012, it hangs in limbo.

“Battlefront” is the first licensed Star Wars game to come out since the Disney acquisition and also the first on modern consoles.

A beta was released on Oct. 8 and ran until Oct. 13, seeing over nine million players.

The beta included access to three online modes, but I found myself spending the most time with only one, Walker Assault Mode.

Walker Assault Mode takes place on the snowy tundra of Hoth, and pits Rebels against the Empire.

It’s a standard deathmatch mode, but gigantic AT-AT Walkers are making their way toward the Rebel base, so the Rebel team must defend.

The white fields of Hoth juxtaposed with red lasers shooting back and forth, as well as dark TIE Fighters flying overhead, was something to admire.

In the audio department, DICE once again delivers, as it always has in its other series.

All the music and sounds Star Wars is known for are fully licensed, so it really feels like an authentic slice of the property.

“Battlefront” does something I find interesting for a competitive online shooter: It allows the player to go from first to third person with the press of a button.

Most games are exclusively first person or third, so for “Battlefront” to try something new is pleasant.

Unfortunately, that’s where it bugged me the most.

I love third person shooters, and while it was playable, it was quite janky.

The animations were often awkward, jittery messes.

This isn’t an issue in first person, so if that’s how you intend on playing, have no fear.

Also, it’s important to keep in mind it’s a beta.

The point of a beta is to discover things like this so

they’re fixed for the retail release.

“Battlefront” also differs from other popular online shooters by placing powerups on the battlegrounds.

After you run over a powerup, you have it in your inventory and can activate it by pressing the bumper buttons at the same time.

The powerups I saw included piloting a TIE Fighter or Airspeeder, manning the canon on the AT-AT and assuming the role of Luke Skywalker or Darth Vader, depending on your alliance.

The vehicles controlled well and were easy enough to man, especially when compared to the sister series “Battlefield.”

Honestly, it was nostalgic to fly an Airspeeder around an AT-AT on Hoth again for the first time since "Shadows of the Empire" on N64.

The hero power up, which gives you control of series legends Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader, were really fun and felt right.

Sure, you’re overpowered and can destroy anyone in your path, but a well approached team attack can bring you down.

It’s fair and empowering at the same time.

The beta offered a very small taste of “Battlefront,” but it’s left me more interested than I was before.

I worried the game would be too similar to DICE’s other project, “Battlefield,” but it’s clear that they are giving this game its own legs.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2015

PAGE 4 | News

Branson star to perform in Russellville Tickets for Tabuchi's performance are as follows:

RYAN HARMON Entertainment Writer

SHOJI TABUCHI CHRISTMAS SHOW/THE STRAND THEATRE

Orchestra Seating - $48.00

Shoji Tabuchi, a veteran Branson, Missouri, performer for 27 years, will be bringing a night of Branson to Russellville.

Mezzanine Seating - $42.50

"A Christmas with Shoji Tabuchi" will take place at 7 p.m. on Dec. 17 at The Center for the Arts on the Russellville High School campus.

The Center for the Arts opened in 2012 and features a 1,875 seat performance hall, which has hosted many attractive events.

Rodney Williams, promoter of such events as the annual "Balloons Over RussVegas", made the announcement at the "Tanya Tucker Birthday Bash" on Oct. 10, where the country music legend performed that night.

Tickets for "A Christmas with Shoji Tabuchi" are on sale now and can be purchased at www. balloonfestivalnetwork.thundertix. com.

Balcony Seating - $37.50

For more information, call (479) 304-7777.

Tech family raises New social media minor money for students ASHLEY PEARSON Staff Writer The Arkansas Tech family came together Oct. 8-11 to raise money for assisting students in need.

Arkansas Tech held Signature Weekend of Giving during homecoming festivities. The money donated by the community will be used as an emergency fund for current Tech students in need of finical assistance.

The goal was exceeded when more than 265 members of the Tech family donated $29,446.15 for the Fight On Fund.

The total amount raised was $31,238.60.

Funds may still be provided to the Fight On Fund by visiting www.atu. edu/signaturegift or calling (479) 356-2071.

When the event began on Oct. 8, an anonymous donor pledged

(SURTEVALL from page 1 ) to all the professors, classmates and people “behind the scenes,” she said she feels greatly honored and is proud to represent a school like Tech.

She is currently living in Orlando, Florida, where she is pursuing her ultimate dream of playing on the LPGA tour. But for now, she

(ASBTDC from page 1 ) business owners and those wanting to start a business. My consulting specialties included marketing, website creation, online presence development, recordkeeping, financial analysis and starting a business."

“We want [the businesses] to be

a $10,000 donation. After the donation, the goal was to raise $10,000 more by Oct. 11 at 11:59 p.m.

works teaching young children the importance of sportsmanship and character through a program called TGA golf (teach, grow, achieve).

Furthermore, she is playing professionally on the Suncoast Tour and is competing in tournaments throughout the fall in order to gain recognition and status to make her dream come true.

SAM HOISINGTON

Web Master

Arkansas Tech will soon be the first university in the state to offer a minor in social media. Students will be able to declare the minor starting in the summer II term of 2016.

The minor will consist of 21 hours of courses. Most of the courses will be taught by professors and instructors in the department of communication and journalism.

One of the courses for the minor will be taught by the department of behavioral sciences, and one

prepared as possible to start a business,” George said.

week,” George said. “I taught three classes of it.”

Start-up businesses aren’t the only entities the development center assists. George and his associates offer refresher courses for businesses already growing roots, and even teach classes here at Tech.

With two decades of teaching high school history under his belt, George is no stranger to the classroom. Owning a business for 41 years also provides him with the experience he needs to counsel business owners new and thriving alike.

“I taught business law just last

Ross Pendergraft Library and The Department of Arkansas Heritage PRESENTS

"HAUNTED SITES" AT ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY Thursday, October 29th 7:00 pm Ross Pendergraft Library & Technology Center Room 300 South Guest Speaker:Shelle Stormoe Education Outreach Coordinator-Arkansas Historic Preservation Program

Join us to find out fact from fiction - if you can handle it!

Ms. Stormoe has done extensive research for AHPP and will be showcasing spooky stories and folklore associated with several historic buildings at Arkansas Tech and other campuses around the state.

For More Information... http://library.atu.edu

SAM HOISINGTON/THE ARKA TECH

479-964-0569 askalibrarian@atu.edu

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2015

will be taught by the department of business. No new courses will be created for the minor.

When researching the feasibility of a minor in social media, Tech administered a survey to approximately 600 students.

About one third expressed interest in a potential social media minor, according to Anthony Caton, department head of the department of communication and journalism “It’s an evolving media, the social media, so I think it’s really a hot topic right now,” Caton said. “I think the timing [of the creation of the minor] is really good.”

“I can drive you around and about every few blocks go, ‘Hey, we worked with them, and we helped this business open,’” George said.

“It’s a good feeling.”

Those interested in pursuing opening a business or a student project can contact Tech’s ASBTDC online at www.atu.edu/ asbtdc.

The Arka Tech GENERAL POLICY

News stories printed in The Arka Tech must be accurate, fair and as unbiased as possible. Any mistakes in fact found in an issue of The Arka Tech will be corrected in the first possible issue.

Opinions expressed in The Arka Tech are not necessarily the opinions of Arkansas Tech University or its students. Individual copies of The Arka Tech are free to members of the Tech community. Contact the adviser for pricing of multiple copies.

CONTACT US Office: Energy Center 138 General email: arkatech@atu.edu Ads email: arkatech.ads@atu.edu Faculty Advisor: TOMMY MUMERT

Editor-in-Chief: RYAN SMITH

Managing Editors: JENN TERRELL CLAUDIA HALL AMBER QUAID News Writer: SIERRA MURPHY Staff Writer: ASHLEY PEARSON Entertainment Writer: RYAN HARMON Web Master: SAM HOISINGTON Sports Writer: MATTHEW EMERY Advertising Manager: MICHAEL HARRIS

ARKATECH

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Micro aggressions, unlearning a lifetime

Campus | PAGE 5

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AMBER QUAID/THE ARKA TECH AMBER QUAID

Managing Editor

Insulting people without meaning to insult them. Time does not heal this wound; in fact, it cuts it deeper. This is the impact of microaggressions. Arkansas Tech University’s Department of Diversity and Inclusion is trying to reduce microaggressions on campus.

“Microaggressions are the everyday verbal, nonverbal and environmental slights, snubs or insults, whether intentional or unintentional, which communicate hostile, derogatory or negative messages to target persons based solely upon their marginalized group membership,” said Derald Wing Sue, a professor of psychology and education in the Department of Counseling and Clinical Psychology at Teachers College, Columbia University.

Microaggressions became an issue on campus in the spring of 2015.

This was one of the issues Dr. Marteze Hammonds, associate dean for diversity and inclusion, had to face in his new position.

The department says it is trying to educate students by having a Diversity and Inclusion Week, which is designed remove students from

their own perspectives and put them into someone else’s.

Educating students about an issue such as microaggressions helps them realize how they may be excluding or insulting another person even though they don’t mean to.

“One of the most prominent microaggressions that we are teaching all across the nation is racial microaggressions,” Hammonds said. “On all the college campuses I have been on for example, we have a student of color that gives a presentation, and someone will say, ‘Oh my goodness, he/she speaks so articulate;’ the hidden message is why wouldn’t they?”

An example of a racial microaggression is an Asian American, born and raised in the United States, complimented for speaking "good English." Hidden message: You are not a true American. You are a perpetual foreigner in your own country.

men.

Microaggressions are broken into three parts: microassaults, microinsults and microinvalidations.

Each can be focused at any marginalized group.

Microassaults are made up of repetitive phrases meant to wound someone over time. For example, saying “at least you tried” every time someone does not succeed at something implies they weren’t good at it in the first place.

Microassaults occur when a person’s identity is discriminated against. For example, if a Kaur wears a suit to school, someone may ask, “Do your people always dress like that?” This type of question implies how the Kaur dresses is not the same and therefore worse than the speaker’s clothing.

Microinvalidations are a person excluding another person’s feelings, thoughts or experiences. For example, asking an American-born Hispanic person what part of Mexico they come from implies the person is not American, although they were born here.

Microaggressions can be ingrained in people’s brains through the social and biological environments in which they were raised. Breaking the cycle of microaggressions is important, but it can only happen with education and patience.

For more examples of microaggressions, go online to www. psychologytoday.com.

For more information about microaggressions or the November 2 Diversity and Inclusion Week, call 479-880-4358.

An example of a gender microaggression would be a female physician wearing a stethoscope and being mistaken for a nurse. Hidden message: Women should occupy nurturing and not decision-making roles. Women are less capable than

Thank You For Your Continued Support Of The Arka Tech Contact us: arkatech@atu.edu Find us online: arkatechnews.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2015

PAGE 6 | Features

Stegall leads Tech to winning record in GAC as freshman

MATTHEW EMERY Sports Writer The Arkansas Tech Golden Suns volleyball team is off to another fantastic start. Nearing the midway point of the season, the Golden Suns are 13-5 and 7-0 in Great American Conference play.

An integral part of their success is rookie sensation Sarita Stegall, a freshman setter from Fort Smith.

When Stegall joined the team, she had no idea what kind of playing time she would get.

“I didn’t expect to start, but I was able to fill the spot; that was pretty cool,” Stegall said.

Stegall has filled in just fine for the Golden Suns, as she is currently ranked fourth in the GAC in assists and has won GAC Setter of the Week in back-to-back weeks, the only setter in the GAC to do so this season.

“I didn’t even know that was a thing,” she said. “A couple of the girls came in and congratulated me. I was like ‘Oh, this is pretty cool.’ It gave me confidence and showed me how much I can do for my team.”

For the uninitiated, the setter position is similar to that of the quarterback. They are the play callers and control the flow of a match.

to fill. Everyone encouraged me and had confidence in me. That helped a lot.”

Stegall has achieved this while attending her first semester of college. Balancing studies and a first place team is something she has been able to manage well.

“The preseason was a bit overwhelming with all the practice, but once the season and school actually started, it got easier,” she said. “The older girls gave me advice on how to handle everything.”

Success isn’t new to Stegall. She achieved all-state honors twice in high school and helped lead her team to a state championship in 2013.

She doesn’t take all the credit, though.

“I wouldn’t be able to accomplish any of this without God, who blessed me with awesome brothers and parents,” she said.

Stegall’s brothers have been crucial to her both on and off the court.

“Growing up with two brothers, they never took it easy on me.”

She recounted her brother Daniel playing professional baseball.

“Seeing him do that made me realize ‘Okay, this is within reach, you just have to work for it.’”

Stegall entered a team that has made it to the NCAA Championship Tournament the last two years in a row and took over a key position.

Her other brother, Zach, dreamed of moving to California. After attending Arkansas Tech, he managed to get a job in California.

“There was definitely a pressure at first,” she said. “It was a big spot

“He helped me focus on what I want and how to get it,” she said.

“It was a big spot to fill.

Everyone encouraged me and had confidence in me.

That helped a lot.”

-Sarita Stegall THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2015

Stegall’s parents have also been a big part to her success.

“Sometimes I think my dad forgets I’m a girl,” she said.

“He always pushes me; I really appreciate it. My mom is really competitive. She helps me make good decisions. They helped me realize that anything is possible. If you set your mind to it, you can accomplish it.”

Stegall hopes she can continue her success with the Golden Suns and beyond.

“I think we can make it to the NCAA Championship

Tournament again. I want to make it through the first round. We’ve never done that before. I know we can do it.”

After Tech, Stegall wants to continue her volleyball career and try out for a professional team.

“I’d have to try out in a different country for a pro team,” she said.

“That would be cool. If I keep playing well, hopefully I can do that.”

Stegall closed the post-practice interview saying, “I’m excited all of this is happening. It’s never boring, that’s for sure.”

Photos By: Liz Chrisman

Sports | PAGE 7

Wonder Boys fall to 5-2 in GAC MATTHEW EMERY Sports Writer The Wonder Boys were handed their second loss of the season on Saturday, as East Central edged out a 20-19 victory over Arkansas Tech.

Senior quarterback Arsenio Favor had one of his strongest outings of the season, compiling 260 yards on 22 completions and adding on one rushing touchdown.

However, Favor was unable to complete a comeback victory after his team took over with 2:56 left in the fourth quarter.

After an 84-yard drive that saw three fourth down conversions and a 45-yard completion to junior wide receiver Henry Wesley, the Wonder Boys seemed to be rolling.

Then Favor’s pass was picked off on the ECU 5-yard-line, and ECU was able to run out the clock.

The Wonder Boys take on Southeastern Oklahoma this Saturday at 2 pm.

The Wonder Boys were held to only six total points in the second half, all of which came from sophomore kicker Eric Perez on 29-yard and 45yard field goals.

Unfortunately for Tech, Perez’s only miss of the day was one that proved to be costly.

After

freshman

running

back

MATTHEW EMERY/THE ARKA TECH

Kristian Thompson scored on a 44yard rush with 8:33 left in the first quarter, Perez missed the extra point attempt.

The Wonder Boys defense was not its usual self, managing to hold the ECU ground game to 49 yards but getting blasted through the air for 370 yards.

The 370 yards allowed by Tech is the most this season by a wide margin, the next closest being the Sept. 19 game against Arkansas Monticello, when they allowed 255 yards.

The Wonder Boys will look to reset and remain undefeated at Thone Stadium, this Saturday as they take on Southeastern Oklahoma at 2 p.m.

Tech stays undefeated in GAC with sweep

KRISTINA EDEN Contributing Writer

The Arkansas Tech volleyball team (14-5, 9-0 GAC) swept a four-match stretch this weekend at Tucker Coliseum to remain unbeaten in conference play at the halfway point of the schedule.

On Friday, the Golden Suns started with an easy first set but had to fight back against the Southwestern Oklahoma Bulldogs (11-8, 5-3 GAC) to take the win.

Freshman Hunter Eshnaur tallied 19 kills on .359 hitting, adding four aces and eight digs, while senior Katie Huff added 13 kills on .458 hitting and a pair of blocks.

“Hunter Eshnaur did a great job of getting kills for us when we needed them,” head coach Kristy Bayer said. “She was mixing the ball up on the court and had a really nice match. [Freshman] Sarita Stegall was making good choices offensively, and we were able to turn that into points for the team.”

The Golden Suns hit .319 for the match, adding eight team blocks, while the Bulldogs attacked at a .273 clip.

Saturday afternoon, Tech was back in action facing Northwestern Oklahoma.

The Golden Suns topped the Rangers (6-13, 4-5 GAC) by scores of 25-19, 25-22 and 25-22.

“We wanted to say thanks to the community and the students who continue to support us all season and gave us great crowds, especially over our fall break,” Bayer says.

Eshnaur tallied 13 kills to lead the team, with sophomore Haley Own adding 11 kills.

Stegall notched at least 40 assists for the eighth time this season.

Tech hit .280 on the day, including a .415 mark in the opening set.

The Golden Suns are back in Tucker Coliseum Tuesday, hosting Lyon College and Central Baptist in a tri-match beginning at 3 p.m.

MATTHEW EMERY/THE ARKA TECH The Golden Suns prepare to play again here Tuesday.

Solutions to this week's puzzles will be featured in the next issue of The Arka Tech.

Thank You For Your Continued Support Of The Arka Tech THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2015

PAGE 8 | Community

Photos By: Jenn Terrell

Food day expands again

SIERRA MURPHY News Writer

After a year of fasting, Tech took a bite out of its biggest Food Day yet last Wednesday, October 14. Food Day, on a national level, is focused on local, sustainable foods.

“We shifted it and added the international organizations,” Klay Rutherford, senior English major from Maumelle and president of the anthropology club, said. “This year, we thought if we’re going with this angle, we need to get all the international organizations involved, and all the organizations with food involved.”

Students were served a variety of foods at the event.

The focus on food generated participation from ten organizations, including newly organized SETA, or Students for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. At the bell tower, Tech’s SETA chapter was able to educate the campus about some of the basic principles of veganism.

“That’s our main thing; we want to raise awareness and we want people to know about more plant based options,” said Whitney Gifford, senior psychology major from Blytheville and secretary of SETA. Alongside SETA, the African American Student Association (AASA) and Hispanic Student Association (HSA) participated in Food Day for the first time in either of their organizations’ histories.

“The growth of the event has been a really exciting thing to me as a professor,” said Rebecca Weiwel, assistant professor of anthropology. “And I think it was a really important thing to include a variety of organizations that all have something to do with anthropology. Whether they know it or not, all of them are kind of designed to broaden our perspectives on the variety of lifestyles out there.”

Halloween cupcakes were served to students by Dempsey Bakery.

Veronica Jacobo and Cristina Suaste hold a flag of Mexico as they represent the Foreign Languages Club.

Katherine Nunez interacts at the Anthropology club booth.

ABOVE: Books about food sat out on a table for students to look through.

LEFT: Lowell Lybarger, a music librarian at Tech, played various instruments at the event including the horn pictured.

Thank You For Your Continued Support Of The Arka Tech Contact us: arkatech@atu.edu Find us online: arkatechnews.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2015