03/25/13 Issue

Oracle The

MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2013

HENDERSON STATE UNIVERSITY

VOLUME 15, ISSUE 22

Henderson Idol gives talented students a spotlight Michael Day Staff Writer

tion.

In the end, only 10 contestants were chosen to perform on the Henderson Idol stage: Maegan Estes, Caleb Conrad, Rebecca Martin, Shirley Beard, Jarrod Meyers, Morgan Hight, Kevin Williams, Kendreka Miles, Jacob Flores and Patience Walker.

Sarah Williams, sophomore, was the host for the first night of the annual event in the Garrison Lecture Hall on March 12.

The room was packed. Students were standing at all three exit doors. The fans were anxious to hear the singers who are enrolled on campus.

“It was an exceptional turn-

out,” Joshua Hill, sophomore, said. “A lot of energy. It was crazy as hell.”

As Williams greeted and welcomed the crowd, people in the audience were screaming at the top of their lungs, excited to be in the Lecture Hall and wanting the singing to begin. Williams brought out and introduced the 10 finalists and the judges and got the crowd involved by selecting two special guest judges from the audience.

Maegan Estes went first as people were waiting to see what song she would perform. She would sing pop artist, Carrie Underwood’s “Two Black Cadillacs.”

After getting a round of applause from the crowd, Estes waved at the crowd and left for the next contestant to hit the stage, Caleb Conrad.

Conrad performed his own version of Bruno Mars’ song “When I Was Your Man.” While the lyrics were the same, he added more soul to his singing, which resulted in a positive response from the crowd.

When Conrad was done performing, both he and Estes were critiqued by the judges, and received mostly favorable feedback.

Up next on the stage was Rebecca Martin, who performed pop star Rihanna’s song “Stay.”

Martin was accompanied by Joshua Hill, who played piano for the performance.

Vocalists took the microHill thinks Martin did an exphone one by one as judges ceptional job despite not getwatched and critiqued. It was ting enough practice time in. not “American Idol” and it was “Rebecca did really amaznot “X Factor.” ing,” Hill said. “We only had a Yes, the time of year had couple days to practice, but she come for students across camwas phenomenal, and it was a pus to show off their vocal skills privilege to work with her.” in front of judges and other stu`According to Hill, Martin dents and faculty members durworks very hard, and when she ing Henderson Idol. informed him about auditionIn February, students signed ing for Henderson Idol, she up to audition for the event. wanted to give a full effort.

They showed up on the day of The fourth participant of tryouts to prove they were worHenderson Idol was Shirley thy of singing their hearts out Beard. Beard did the Alicia in the Henderson Idol competiKeys R&B ong, “Girl On Fire.”

Fans sang along with her to the popular hit.

When evaluating how Beard did, one judge commented that she was “shaky but fierce.”

Next, Jerrod Meyers went to the stage and performed “I Will Wait” by Mumford & Sons. After Meyers was Morgan Hight who performed Justin Bieber’s well-known song “As Long As You Love Me.” The final four participants were Kevin Williams, who sung the number one adult R&B hit, “Adorn,” by Miguel, Kendreka Miles, who performed Adele’s Grammy winner “Set Fire to the Rain,” Jacob Flores, performing Ed Sheeran’s “A-Team” and, to finish the night off, Patience Walker, who performed “Stronger” by Kelly Clarkson.

The judges were also judged at the event.

“The judges did a great job on their end,” Hill said, “but the judges should have the characteristics of Paula, Randy and Simon.”

Fans were thrilled about all the performances, but did not favor the location of the event.

“The performances were great,” Emmitt Knowles, freshman, said. “Next time they should have it in Arkansas Photo by Sarah Williams Hall.”

The next time to catch HenCLEAN STREETS The Student Government Association asked groups on campus such as Greek organizations and FYE derson Idol will be Tuesday, to clean up campus on Saturdays when janitors are off duty.

March 26 at 7:30 p.m. in the

Student Government works with student organizations to keep Henderson clean

Ark. governor doesn’t oppose in-state tuition bill Jeannie Nuss Associated Press

Index

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) An Arkansas legislative panel could soon weigh in on a plan to extend cheaper in-state tuition rates to some students who came to the U.S. illegally as children.

And the measure may now have a better chance of passing.

A spokesman for Democratic Gov. Mike Beebe said he’s not opposed to the proposal, despite concerns about it violating federal law.

“He feels that the best approach to all of this is immigration reform on the federal level,” Beebe spokesman Matt DeCample said Friday. “But if the state wants to have a debate and look to pass a DREAM Act on the state level... he’s not going to try to stop that.”

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That marks a change for Beebe, who issued a legal opinion as the state’s top attorney that helped kill a similar proposal in 2005.

He had said the measure violated a 1996 federal law that said no higher-education benefit could be provided to illegal immigrants’ children unless it’s also available to every U.S. citizen.

“Historically, he’s had the concerns about the federal law,” DeCample said. “And while those concerns remain, you’re seeing more and more states essentially taking the risk that the feds aren’t going to be particularly interested in pursuing enforcement.”

Plus, attitudes about immigration seem to be changing all across the country.

A bipartisan group of senators in Washington is working to craft comprehensive immigration re-

form legislation. Lawmakers in Colorado recently approved an in-state tuition proposal akin to the one being considered in Arkansas. And this past week, Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky spoke at the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, issuing an appeal to conservatives to get involved in the immigration debate and warning that the GOP risks “permanent minority status” if it doesn’t win over more Hispanics.

The sponsor of the Arkansas proposal, Sen. Joyce Elliott, DLittle Rock, says the change in opinions at the national level is reflected here, too.

“It has taken some time for people to get to that point, but I think many, many, many more people are there now,” Elliott said.

“That’s what gives me hope.”

Elliott’s proposal would grant in-state tuition rates to anyone who has attended an Arkansas high school for at least three years and has an Arkansas high school diploma or general education diploma in the state. Supporters say it would more fairly treat students who came to the U.S. illegally as children and attended school here, but have to pay out-of-state tuition rates that are about double the in-state rates.

Those students include 24-yearold Zessna Garcia Rios, who came to the U.S. from Mexico at the age of three and grew up in Bentonville. But since she’s not eligible for cheaper in-state tuition rates, she’s only taking one class per semester at the University of Arkansas.

“It has a lot to do with what I’m able to afford and what I can’t af-

ford,” she said.

She and a number of other students hope that will change.

Elliott has downplayed the immigration angle of the measure this session, instead focusing on it as an education bill. But the fact that Beebe has backed off opposing the in-state tuition bill doesn’t mean the proposal will pass.

Elliott’s proposal failed in 2005 even though she had the backing of Republican and thenGov. Mike Huckabee. A similar measure died in 2009, when she lacked Beebe’s support.

This time around, Beebe is not endorsing the bill and DeCample wouldn’t say whether the governor would sign such a measure should it reach his desk.

But, he said, “He’s not going to be out there campaigning against it.”

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News Briefs

On Monday, March 25, the Henderson golf team will compete at the Jim Bishop Toyota Classic. This will be a day-long match that will take place in Florence, Ala. This event will continue until Tuesday, March 26, where it will also be an all day event.

On Tuesday, March 26, the FYE program will be hosting an event called “Hatt’s Off.” The fun will start for the freshman at 5:30 p.m. in the Wilson Room in the Garrison Activity Center.

The baseball team has an away game on Tuesday, March 26. The Reddies will be in Batesville to take on Lyon College. It will be a doubleheader and the first game will begin at noon.

Also on Tuesday, March 26, Henderson Idol will continue in the Lecture Hall. The show starts at 6 p.m.

There will be a piano recital in the RFA on Wednesday, March 27. The concert will be held throughout the day. The concert will be performed by members of the Henderson faculty as well as students.

There will be a movie playing in the Garrison Lecture Hall this Wednesday, March 27. The feature this week will be “The Hobbit.” The movie will start at 7:30 p.m.

There will be Miss HSU Pageant rehearsal on Wednesday, March 27. For more information regarding the time and location, contact Anna Eudy.

The official Miss HSU Pageant will be on Thursday, March 28. The pageant will begin at 7 p.m. in Arkansas Hall. Come out to watch the new Miss HSU be crowned.

There will be a home baseball game on Friday, March 29. The Reddies will take on Southern Nazarene University at 3 p.m. This will be a home game.

The softball team will also play at home on Friday, March 29. The Lady Reddies will take on the University of Arkansas at Monticello. It will also be a doubleheader, beginning at 1 p.m. This will be folllowed up with another doubleheader on Saturday, March 30, against UAM. The women’s tennis team will play against Arkansas Tech University on Friday, March 29, at 3 p.m.

The National Honor Society, or Gamma Beta Phi, will hold an awards ceremony on Friday, March 29, to honor member achievements. The ceremony will begin at 5:30 p.m. It will be in the Banquet Room in the Garrison.

If you missed “The Hobbit” on Wednesday, there will be a replay of the movie in the Lecture Hall on Friday, March 29 at 7:30 p.m.

There will be one last baseball game for the week. On Saturday, March 30, the team will play Southern Nazarene University for the last time.

This game will be a doubleheader, with the first game starting at noon.

The women’s tennis team will play a match on Saturday, March 30, against Harding. The ladies will travel to Searcy this weekend. The match will start at 4 p.m.

The women’s golf team will also play on Saturday, March 30, in the Missouri Western Invitational. The Invitational will be held in St. Joseph, Mo.

Features

MARCH 25, 2013

Rock climbing gains interest at HSU Zachar y Noga Staff Writer Rock climbing is gaining popularity as a recreational activity across America, and it’s also sparking interest at Henderson.

“We are starting now to promote what we have at our student rec,” D.J. Wibbelsman, junior natural resource management major and cofounder of Bouldering Club, said. “To gather more interest in a fun sport.”

A group of students, with some help from Dr. Hoover, a professor in the recreation department, have organized and are starting the Bouldering Club.

“It offers a more rich climbing experience,” Wibbelsman said, “and you’re surrounded by experienced climbers.”

The future club will help beginners learn the proper way to climb while in a fun and friendly environment. The club will also accommodate experienced climbers as well, providing them with difficult routes on the rock wall with an element of competition.

“I started last fall because of a girl,” Austin Padgett, senior aviation major and cofounder of the Bouldering Club, said.

Wibbelsman tried starting a rock-climbing club during his freshmen year. He said it had great support at the beginning but fizzled out after awhile.

Wibbelsman is eager and feels more comfortable with this club because of faculty support, his best friend, Padgett, and the turnout of climbers at a rock-climbing tournament held by the Dunn Center on Feb. 24.

Photo courtesy of Austin Padgett/Facebook

HANGING OUT Austin Padgett climbs at the Dunn Center for fun. He is the

founder of the HSU rock climbing club, The Boulder Club. The club is relatively new to campus, and opens doors for rock climbing tournaments to be held at the Rec. “Fantastic,” Padgett said of the competition. “A great turn out and a lot more people are interested.”

The competition was open to all levels of rock climbers, from the person born to climb rocks to the person who trips over cracks in the pavement. All types were present and ready to climb for prizes, making new friendships and kicking off the start of the new club.

Eighteen climbers signed up for the competition and they could choose from routes 1-25.

The harder the route, the more points each climber would get.

For example, if a climber were to climb route number 7, named “WWJD,” and the climber completed it on their first attempt, they would get 700 points. However, if the climber failed, they would receive minus 100 points each time they failed until the climber finished the route. Many students, staff and faculty were at the event cheering on the climbers.

The Bouldering Club is currently an unofficial club, but

it is searching for club status.

The one way for the club to thrive is by support among the student body. If a student is not an athlete or is not very coordinated, they can still rock climb in this group setting.

“It’s more fun when you’re in a group,” Wibblesman said.

For more information on the Bouldering Club, talk to the staff members at the front desk in the Dunn Center or come out to the rock-climbing wall Sunday nights at 8:30.

Be ready to climb.

make tough decisions.”

Local authorities throughout the country are being hit by funding cuts as the central government seeks to balance the budget and reduce borrowing.

Funding for local government will fall 33 percent in real terms between April 2011 and March 2015, according to the Local Government Association. The Institute for Fiscal Studies says the cuts tend to hit poor, urban areas like Tower Hamlets hardest, because their spending was higher to begin with.

Some 2,000 museums in Britain are local affairs. Bury Council sold a painting by L.S. Lowry in 2006, and Southampton City Council backed down from plans to sell an Auguste Rodin bronze in the face of public protest.

The depth of the recession and the lack of hope that things will improve soon are fueling the debate.

The latest figures from the Office for Budget Responsibility, an independent agency created in 2010 to advise the government, show the economy is growing more slowly than previously forecast, reducing tax revenue and prolonging the government’s austerity program.

One thing is certain: Tower Hamlets, a community of 254,000 people, desperately needs the money.

Khan says she believes Moore, the son of a coal miner and lifelong socialist who died in 1986, would be moved by the plight of her constituents. She knows women who will be hard hit by proposed limits on benefit payments, people for whom as little as five pounds can make a huge difference‚ and families living in housing with mold growing on the walls.

“If he thought the sale of the sculpture would benefit the lives of thousands in Tower Hamlets ... I think he would be in favor,” Khan said.

The statue features the graceful draping that Moore traced to his observation of people huddled in the Underground during the Blitz.

In a 1966 interview with the BBC, Moore talked about the

fear and exhilaration of Londoners sheltering against the Nazi barrage. He had concern for those he was drawing: He never sat sketching but waited until the following day and drew from memory‚ rather than capturing people in their makeshift bedrooms.

Alan Wilkinson, one of the foremost Moore scholars, said the artist would have been sympathetic about the hard times in Tower Hamlets, but would want his sculptures seen the way they were intended to be seen ‚ in public spaces.

“Public sculpture was incredibly important for him,” Wilkinson said. “He was very fussy about where it was placed.”

Moore sold Old Flo at discount to the London County Council, a forerunner of the city’s current administration, in 1962 on condition the statue would be displayed publicly. It was placed at a public housing project.

The East End was one of the areas hardest hit by Nazi bombs, and its residents were directly connected to the work.

Now war memories have faded. The median age of people in Tower Hamlets is 29, the lowest in London, and 43 percent of the population was born outside the U.K., according to the latest census figures.

Old Flo’s story hasn’t been told to the current generation, said Patrick Brill, an artist who uses the pseudonym Bob and Roberta Smith.

“If we don’t cherish these things, we lose a bit of our history,” he said. “If you lose your history, you lose a bit of your-

self, really.”

Still, Old Flo has a fan club.

Danny Boyle, director of films such as “Slumdog Millionaire” and “Trainspotting,” signed an open letter asking the council to reverse its decision.

Critics believe money raised by the sale would quickly vanish‚ and Old Flo would disappear into the private collection of a foreign hedge fund owner or Russian oligarch, taking Moore’s message into hiding Rushanara Ali, a member of Parliament who represents part of Tower Hamlets, raised the issue during a December debate, suggesting the proposal was more the result of “profligacy and extraordinary waste,” than tough economic times.

“This bonfire of public art is not the answer,” Ali said. “One has to ask, where does this end? What precedents will be set for other areas that may wish to make such sales to deal with financial challenges?”

Noting Moore’s interest in the work of Pablo Picasso, Brill said Old Flo was influenced by “Guernica,” the 1937 painting that shows the suffering inflicted by war. As such, she still has resonance for the people of Tower Hamlets, an area that has been home to generations of immigrants, including the Bangladeshis who today account for 32 percent of the population.

“Old Flo ... is a very British ‘keep calm carry on’ image of the same thing as ‘Guernica,’” he said. “Old Flo is East London’s monument to people seeking sanctuary. She is our ‘Guernica.’”

Art world shivers at sale of Henry Moore Danica Kirka Associated Press

The massive bronze sculpture is formally known as “Draped Seated Woman,” a Henry Moore creation that evoked Londoners huddled in air raid shelters during the Blitz.

To the East Enders who lived nearby, the artwork was known as “Old Flo,” a stalwart symbol of people facing oppression with dignity and grace. But now, Old Flo may have to go.

The cash-strapped London borough of Tower Hamlets, one of the poorest communities in Britain, plans to sell the statue ‚ estimated to be worth as much as 20 million pounds ($30 million).

Art lovers fear the sale of such a famous sculpture would set a worrisome precedent, triggering the sell-off of hundreds of lesser works housed in parks, public buildings and little local museums as communities throughout Britain struggle to balance their budgets amid the longest and deepest economic slowdown since the Great Depression.

“If the sale of Old Flo goes through, it can open the flood gates,” said Sally Wrampling, head of policy at the Art Fund, the national fundraising charity for art and one of the groups campaigning to block the sale.

The proposal embodies a dilemma faced by many struggling households: Do you sell the family silver to get through tough times?

Tower Hamlets, where a recent study found that 42 percent of children live in poverty, is 100 million pounds in the red.

The sculpture hasn’t even been in the borough for 15 years. It was moved to a sculpture park in the north of England when authorities tore down the housing project where it had been placed.

The council says just the insurance alone for the massive bronze would be a burden to taxpayers.

“We make this decision with a heavy heart,” said Rania Khan, a local councilor who focuses on culture issues. “We have to

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MARCH 25, 2013

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Henderson Shake-A-Wish succeeds in fundraising Hunter Lively Staff Writer For one small boy, it was more than a game. Austin Taylor, a 12-year-old from Gurdon, wanted to take part in something major, something exciting, something memorable.

Approximately four years ago, Taylor was diagnosed with extreme kidney failure, and the Make-A-Wish foundation helped save his life.

On Feb. 28, Henderson’s men’s basketball team took on the Ouachita Baptist Tigers in the Southern Bancorp “Battle of the Ravine.”

The teams battled back and forth throughout the game with the Reddies taking the win, but the half-time show was what all the buzz was about.

The “Harlem Shake” is a fad going viral across the nation that many organizations are participating in. Professional sports teams, college organizations, and even the crew from Duck Dynasty hopped on the bandwagon.

However, Henderson decided to use the Harlem Shake not just for exposure and fun, but

Photo by Ryan Klare

FOR GOODNESS, SHAKE Austin Taylor came to the Battle of the Ravine, where Henderson Athletics teamed up with the Make-A-Wish Foundation to raise money for kids like Taylor who hope to have their wishes met. for a good cause. Kale Gober, athletic director, contacted the Make-A-Wish Foundation in Little Rock and asked if they would be able to come up with a child to send for the Henderson/OBU game.

They gave him the contact in-

formation for Taylor, and from there the official “Henderson State Harlem Shake-A-Wish” was created.

Students and faculty began to hear about what was going to happen, so they spread the word via Facebook and Twitter,

causing a social media frenzy across campus.

“The whole process went better than I could’ve imagined,” Gober said. “I’m happy that Austin got his wish. It’s definitely a blessing to be a part of something like that.”

Kevin Rodgers, quarterback for the Reddie football team, was one of the students that participated in the event. He also echoed Gober’s comments.

“I thought it was amazing how we were involved in an event like that to support Austin,” he said. “So many students were there to help make his wish come true. It was a great honor to be a part of something like that.”

Rodgers also talked about how the event has affected the community.

“It’s great to see how Henderson has been involved in the community like this, and I hope we continue to get involved with events like this in the future,” he said.

The game between the two rival schools was definitely hyped up and quite a display of athleticism from both teams, but on that night, the show belonged to Taylor. By passing cans around throughout the bleachers, Henderson was able to raise $1,800 for the Make-AWish Foundation.

The video can be found on Youtube.com by searching “HSU Harlem Shake-A-Wish.”

Ladies League shows off student styles Cherith Cobbs Staff Writer On March 12 the Ladies League proudly presented Designs of Refinement, a student fashion event.

The event was hosted by Samantha Jones, and Michelle West, mentors of the Ladies League.

Ties, bow ties, unique jewelry, African scarfs and more were worn by students on campus to express the designer’s feelings or to show off swag.

West, co-host of the event, express how important it was for this event to occur.

“Having ‘Designs of Refinement’ was very essential because it was important to have a diverse event that did not include Greek life,” West explained. “It was also beneficial because it helped promote the Ladies League and raise awareness on Autism Speaks.”

Wanda Harris, a facility advisor, also expressed the importance of getting students out of their dorm to go to events that are held on campus.

“The Ladies League is looking to find things to get the university involved,” Harris said.

“The idea of this event was Samantha’s and Michelle’s, and they have done a phenomenal job setting this event up.”

Over 150 people attended the event, bidding on exceptional clothing and accessories and even hair-dos.

Farrest Jenkins, business management major, and Leroy James Jr., social science secondary education major, were on the turn tables as they provided the music for the models’ entrances.

There were 10 designers whose clothing, accessories and hair fashion was shown off: Kyra Bell, Somerlyn Mason, Erin Harris, O Onipede, Adrienne Johnson, Shaye Coakley,

Kelsie Jackson, Hassana Tadi and Akaylah Jones.

First off, Bell displayed unique bracelets originally made bracelets in honor of her Aunt, a breast cancer survivor.

Now they are known as “Kyra’s Kreations.”

Next designer was Somerlyn Mason. She had distinguished bow ties that wowed the audience.

“The reason I participate in the event was to gain more exposure around campus,” Mason said.

Erin Harris was the next designer. Harris presented Henderson’s t-shirts.

O Onipede designed African necklaces.

Adrienne Johnson followed up Onipede. Her work was custom bow ties, which she wears frequently around school.

Clothes and assessories weren’t the only thing people were looking to bid on. Shaye Coakley showed her hair doing skills.

Kelsie Jackson designed crocheting. She feels it has been out of style for too long.

Hassana Tadi showed off her African heritage by displaying rings, necklaces, scarfs and earrings modeled by Kayelyn Foote and Lysia Coates.

Last designer was Akaylah Jones, who’s inspiration came from African and ethnic paintings.

Many people feel fashion is important in today’s society.

“A lot of things are based on fashion,” Coleman said. “Sometimes it’s not always the inside that counts.”

Franks also spoke highly on fashion by stating “appearance is everything.”

If you’re looking to get involved in programs by the Ladies League, they take applications every semester, free of charge. The grade point average requirement is 2.5.

The

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The editorial staff reserves the right to arbitrarily select articles, letters and ads to be published. In addition, the Oracle reserves the right to edit all letters for space, style and libel as per the Associated Press Stylebook and Libel Manual.

The Oracle, as a forum for public opinion, welcomes all signed letters. Unsigned letters cannot be published. Letters must bear the writer’s name, class standing, major and phone number.

The deadline for letters and for advertising is noon Thursday for inclusion in the following week’s publication.

The Oracle is published in Garrison L113 and printed by GateHouse Media in Hope, Ark. Two copies per student are provided free of charge. Additional copies can be purchased for 50 cents each.

Editor-in-Chief: Morgan Acuff newantiquity@gmail.com Faculty Adviser: Mike Taylor taylorm@hsu.edu News Editor: Stephanie Hartman sh17097@reddies.hsu.edu Sports Editor: Kaitlyn Kitchens kk175413@reddies.hsu. edu Photo Editor: Ryan Klare rk167403@reddies.hsu. edu

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Columnists: “Don’t Feed the Trolls” Ryan Klare rk167403@reddies.hsu.edu

Staff Writers TBA

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MARCH 25, 2013

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Sports

MARCH 25, 2013

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Lady Reddies split four games with Muleriders Julia Schulz Staff Writer The Lady Reddies kicked off Spring Break with a four game split with the Lady Muleriders of Southern Arkansas University.

On Friday, March 15, game one started strong for the Lady Reddies as senior Amber Wilburn knocked a three-run homerun, her third of the season.

Sarah Gipson started off the inning with a walk, followed by a Laura Mabary single.

Wilburn then cleaned up the bases, putting the Lady Reddies (15-15, 9-5 GAC) up 3-0 after only one inning of work.

The game hit a standstill until the fifth inning when Wilburn decided to shake things up once more with homerun number two, but over the right field fence this time.

“I just focused on hitting with my hands,” Wilburn said.

After hitting one homerun, often it’s hard to not overthink technique the following at-bats.

“I was just looking to get good solid base hits, it just happened to go over the second time,” Wilburn said.

Kayla Williams held the Muleriders (16-14, 8-6 GAC) scoreless in the circle until the bottom of the fifth.

Southern Arkansas’ Lauren Witzke singled to right to start off the inning, followed by a strikeout by Brittany Wood.

Darian Harris then homered, scoring Witzke making it a 4-2 ballgame.

The Lady Reddies threatened in the top of the seventh, but were unable to convert and had to rely on their defense to hold on to their slim lead.

Witzke came up with her second single of the game to start things off for SAU. Harris doubled down the right field line, moving Witzke to third.

A hard hit to third base by Ashley Quintana resulted in a HSU error, scoring Witzke and moving two more Muleriders into scoring position.

With the game on the line, Williams got Mackenzie

Photo by Ryan Klare

LADY REDDIES SPLIT The Lady Reddies played Southern Arkansas University March 15 and 16

where they split four wins to SAU. Henderson walked away the first day by winning both games of the day, 4-3 and 8-4. The Muleriders came back the second day to go home with two wins of 0-3 and 5-10.

Spanko to ground out, cementing the win for the Lady Lady Reddies.

SAU came out swinging in the second game, but Henderson used key hits and solid defense to hold off the Muleriders for the second time.

Sarah Higginbotham started things off for SAU in the first inning with two outs, doubling down the right field line.

Kelci Garza followed up with an infield single, moving Higginbotham to third.

Garza then advanced to second on a wild pitch right before Witzke singled, scoring Higginbotham and moving Garza to third.

With runners in the corners and two outs, Witzke broke for second, drawing a throw from Lady Reddies catcher Katie Hulan.

Garza took off for home on the throw, scoring as Witzke slid safely into second.

The Mulerider’s 2-0 lead go-

ing into the top of the second inning wouldn’t last long.

Henderson showed off its own base running skills, while Kailey Johnson singled then advanced to second on a passed ball.

Hulan singled to centerfield, scoring Johnson, then darted to second when SAU’s centerfielder hesitated.

The inning ended with a groundout by freshman Morgan South, but not before Henderson made a dent in SAU’s lead to make it 2-1.

The Lady Reddies took the lead in commanding fashion in the third inning.

After Mabary singled and Wilburn reached on a fielder’s choice, senior Katey Gorsage found her stroke and belted one over the centerfield fence putting the Lady Reddies on top 4-2.

The Muleriders responded in the bottom half with a run of their own, but Henderson

wasn’t quiet long.

When the sixth rolled around Johnson showed centerfield some more attention with a bomb of her own, the first of her college career.

“I had been struggling at the plate, so that homer felt amazing,” Johnson said.

“She just put it in my power zone.”

In the top of the seventh, the score 5-3 in Henderson’s favor, the Lady Reddies added some insurance runs.

The bats of Amy Halter, Gipson and Mabary came alive, lighting up the right side of the field with singles.

Halter used her speed to advance to third on Gipson’s single, then both scored easily on an error committed while the right fielder tried to handle Mabary’s hit.

With the score now 8-3, the Muleriders were only able to scratch up one run in the bottom of the seventh, falling short

for the second time Friday.

“It felt good to have run support,” Kasey Carlock, senior pitcher for the Lady Reddies, said.

“That’s us playing as a team and having each other’s back.

When we play on both sides of the game like that, it usually ends in our favor.”

Williams (9-6) and senior Kasey Carlock (6-8) each recorded a win in the circle for Henderson.

Both pitched a complete game.

The Lady Reddies also racked up 16 hits through the doubleheader.

Mabary led the pack with four hits on the day while Wilburn had three and Gipson, Johnson and Hulan had two.

The Lady Reddies will next play University of Arkansas at Monticello in Arkadelphia Ark. on March 29 at the Dee White Feild. The first pitch of the game is scheduled for 1 pm.

SAU wins two games on second day of split Julia Schulz Staff Writer A record was broken Saturday, but nothing in favor of the Lady Lady Reddies.

The Muleriders (15-14, 7-6 GAC) pulled out their first win against Henderson since April 25, 2009, on Saturday, March 16, in Magnolia, AR. Although Henderson put together 14 hits on the day, it was not enough to overcome the Muleriders.

The record-breaking contest was a slow one for both teams, the only runs coming from homeruns off the bat of SAU’s Sarah Higginbotham and Kelci Garza.

Henderson (15-16, 9-6 GAC) threatened in the sixth when Kayla Williams led off with single then stole second, her sixth of the season.

Sarah Gipson then singled to right, but Laura Mabary hit into a double play right afterward, clearing everyone but Williams, who advanced to third.

The threat was ended when Amber Wilburn hit a shot that SAU’s first baseman was lucky to catch.

The Lady Reddies couldn’t

cross the plate and the game ended with a 3-0 score.

“It was definitely a let down losing to a team we had such a long winning streak against,” Kailey Johnson said, “We just have to keep our focus.”

Gipson, Wilburn and Williams accounted for Henderson’s three hits. Williams took the loss in the circle.

The Lady Reddies’ bats were hot in the second game but couldn’t convert enough hits into runs and took a second loss for the day.

Gipson started things off for Henderson blasting a single to centerfield, followed by an error by SAU’s shortstop Kelsey Fisher putting Mabary on first and moving Gipson to second.

A fielder’s choice, flyout and strikeout by the next three batters stranded Gipson and Mabary.

“We were hitting the ball hard,” Williams said.

“Things just weren’t going our way.”

SAU went three up, three down ending the first.

Freshman Morgan South singled through the left side.

Hali Kizer and Shelby Palmore singled behind her and

thanks to another error by SAU’s defense, South scored the Lady Lady Reddies’ first run of the day.

Amy Halter struckout, then Gipson lined out to shortstop.

Mabary then came up and knocked a single to right, scoring Kizer and Palmore. Wilburn then grounded out to end the inning.

Senior Katey Gorsage found a gap and led off the top of the third with a hard double to right center.

South hit her second single of the day after a Katie Hulan strikeout.

A third error by SAU allowed South to take second and Gorsage to score.

The score now 4-0, Halter used her speed to force another Mulerider error, which resulted in another run for Henderson.

Unfortunately that’s where the scoring stopped for the Lady Reddies.

The rest of the game was a scoring frenzy by the Muleriders, putting together ten runs on seven hits.

In the bottom of the third, three hit batters loaded the bases for the Muleriders.

Garza cut the deficit to one by knocking a grandslam to clear the bases and make the score 5-4.

After a quiet forth and fifth inning, the Muleriders’ bats came alive again, producing six runs on five hits.

Enough action for an entire game was packed into one half an inning.

The Muleriders got singles from Lauren Witzke, Fisher, Courtney Hudgins and Mackenzie Spanko, and a double by Brittany Wood to move runs across the plate.

“I’m happy for the two wins, but the losses were frustrat-

ing,” Gorsage said.

“My team has so much talent. Those should have been two more wins.”

Gipson, who leads the team in batting average, had three hits on the day.

Mabary, Kizer, South and Williams had two hits each.

The Lady Reddies only had two days off this Spring Break after the SAU games and went back to work to prepare for

their four game series with Northwestern Oklahoma State University.

The games were later canceled for march 22 and 23 against Northwestern Oklahoma State University.

Henderson will play University of Arkansas at Monticello on March 29 on the Dee White Feilds in Arkadelphia Arkansas.

Sports

PAGE 6

MARCH 25 , 2013

Coaches and players lauded for record-breaking year Troy Mitchell Sports Information Henderson State head football coach Scott Maxfield was named Great American Conference Coach of the Year, while Kevin Rodgers, Maxie Graham and Tim Llewellyn earned the league’s top individual honors by garnering player of the year recognition as it was announced by the conference office on Tuesday.

Rodgers was the unanimous choice for Offensive Player of the Year, while Graham garnered Defensive Player of the Year honors. Llewellyn was tabbed as the league’s Freshman of the Year.

An astonishing 19 Reddies in all earned All-GAC honors with 10 being named to the All-GAC First-Team.

The All-Conference teams were voted on by the league’s 11 head coaches. Coaches were not allowed to vote on their own players.

For Maxfield, he earns his second Coach of the Year award in three years. In 2010, Maxfield led the Reddies to their first conference championship in 25 years as Henderson State claimed a share of the Gulf South Conference title.

Coaching in his eighth season at Henderson, Maxfield has guided the 2012 Reddies to its first undefeated and untied season in school history.

When the Reddies play their first-ever NCAA playoff game on November 24th, Maxfield will be out to capture his 50th win as head coach at Henderson State.

Maxfield has compiled a 49-34 record at Henderson and has led the Reddies to 12 straight victories.

Rodgers, a candidate for the Harlon Hill Award, receives Offensive Player of the Year honors after earning GAC Player of the Week honors a record six times.

Rodgers has also been named NCAA and D2Football.com National Player of the Week during the year.

The sophomore sensation is on pace to set every passing record in Henderson State history and has already set the record for touchdown passes in a season (40) and in a career (49) in just 17 games played.

The Rockwall, Texas product leads the nation in passing efficiency at 189.41 and ranks in the top five nationally in total offense and touchdown passes.

For the season, Rodgers has completed 234-of-344 passes for a completion percentage of 68.0. He has totaled 3,590 yards and has gone over the 300-yard mark in seven of 10 games.

Graham earns the GAC Defensive Player of the Year Award after leading the league in tackles per game, averaging 10.2 stops per contest.

The senior linebacker has totaled 102 tackles on the year while having 10 tackles for lost yardage.

A native of Jackson, Miss., Graham was named GAC Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts against Arkansas-Monticello in a game where he totaled 15 tackles and had two interceptions.

Graphic by Lauren Penick

Llewellyn earned GAC Freshman of the Year honors after turning in a productive freshman campaign.

In his first season as a Reddie, Llewellyn had 37 tackles, an interception and a fumble recovery.

The linebacker from Dallas had seven tackles in games against UAM, Harding and Southern Arkansas.

As conference players of the year, it is no surprise that Rodgers and Graham were All-GAC First-Team selections.

Joining the two on the firstteam from Henderson were receivers Robert Jordan and Dustin Holland, center Kelton Hays, offensive tackles RJ Taylor and Cherokee Streetman, defensive tackle Robbie Aldridge, linebacker Keaton Stigger, and return specialist Israel Valentin.

Jordan leads the GAC in receiving yards (94.9) and all-purpose yards (140.5) per game.

The junior from Miami, Fla. has 56 catches for 949 yards and 10 touchdowns on the sea-

son.

As a punt returner, Jordan has totaled 456 yards on 26 attempts and has returned two punts for touchdowns, both against Southeastern Oklahoma (82 and 69 yards).

Holland is known as one of the toughest receivers in the GAC with most of his receptions going across the middle.

The sophomore is fourth in the GAC in yards per game with a 76.1 average.

A native of Bryant, Holland has 49 receptions for 761 yards and four touchdowns this season.

Hays, Taylor and Streetman have dominated the line of scrimmage all season. Henderson State leads the nation in scoring, averaging 53.3 points per game, and ranks third in total offense, averaging 520.5 yards per game.

All of that offensive success is thanks in part to the Reddie offensive front.

Henderson’s offensive unit has also allowed just 10 sacks in nearly 370 passing attempts

on the year.

Hays, a junior from Jonesville, La., is a candidate for the prestigious Gene Upshaw Lineman of the Year Award. On the year, Hays has totaled 28 knockdown blocks.

Taylor is a junior from Moultrie, Ga. and has totaled 30 knockdown blocks, while Streetman, a senior from Arlington, Texas, has totaled 22 knockdowns for the year.

Aldridge earns first-team honors after being named to the GAC second-team a year ago. Despite playing injured, the senior from Trussville, Ala. managed to record 7.5 tackles for lost yardage and three quarterback sacks to go along with six hurries.

Stigger earns first-team honors for the second time in his career after compiling 87 tackles. The junior from Collierville, Tenn. has seven tackles for lost yardage, two interceptions, and eight pass breakups to his credit.

Israel Valentin is one of the top kick returners in the na-

tion averaging 33.9 yards per return.

The sophomore from Fort Worth, Texas has touchdown returns of 97 yards against East Central Oklahoma and 92 yards against Arkansas Tech.

Valentin also doubles as a wide receiver and has 25 catches for 288 yards and three scores.

Second-Team All-GAC selections include running back Jarvis Smith, defensive end Glennon Bobo, corner back Wesley Brady, and safety Jeremy Williams.

Smith earned second-team honors for the second year having totaled 769 yards on 109 carries and eight touchdowns.

The senior from Drew, Miss. had a career-high 191 yards against Ouachita Baptist.

Bobo leads the Reddies in tackles for lost yardage with 12. The sophomore from Ashdown, Ark. has totaled 32 tackles on the year and has a teambest eight quarterback hurries.

Brady has collected 33 tackles this season including three pass breakups.

The junior from Homestead, Fla. was an honorable mention selection last season.

In Henderson’s last game against OBU, Brady intercepted a pass in the end zone to prevent a Tiger score.

Williams is third on the team in total tackles with 57 while having a team-leading three interceptions.

A senior from Raymond, Miss., Williams was named GAC Defensive Player of the Week after having eight tackles, two stops for lost yardage and an interception against Southwestern Oklahoma.

On the GAC Honorable Mention list are wide receivers Elliot Hebert and Darius Davis, safety Chuck Obi and offensive guard Doug Despain.

Hebert is third on the team in receiving with 579 yards on 33 receptions.

The senior from Scott, La. has nine touchdown receptions and averages 64.3 yards per game.

Davis leads the team in average yards per catch with an average of 21.4.

The sophomore from Frisco, Texas has 20 receptions for 428 yards. Eight of his 20 catches have resulted in touchdowns.

On the year, Obi has been in on 53 tackles and has four pass breakups.

The senior from Roseberg, Texas was in on some big plays for the Reddies including a momentum-shifting goal-line tackle against Harding that resulted in a loss of downs.

Obi also had a 50-yard fumble return and a blocked punt, both for touchdowns.

Despain is the fourth offensive lineman to earn a spot on the All-GAC team.

The junior from Austin, Texas has collected 20 knockdown blocks on the season.

The 10 first-team all-conference selections are the most in Henderson State history, with the total of 19 members selected to the all-conference team being the most since 1989 when Henderson had 20 players selected All-Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference.