Vol. 2, No. 27
Thursday, July 30, 2020
Congressman John Lewis remembered by Clark County NAACP president Henry Wilson Martin Luther King, Jr. Pres. Clark County NAACP Nonviolent Peace Prize. He received the NAACP SpinOn Fri., July 17, I re- garn Medal in 2002 and the ceived the terrible news that NAACP Chairman’s Award Congressman John Lewis, in 2020. one of the most inspiring We are deeply saddened civil rights heroes of our by his passing but profoundtime, had passed away. ly grateful for his immense Today, the Clark County contributions to justice. A NAACP family, and the national treasure and a civil entire nation mourn his rights legend for the ages, he passing with sorrow in our used every waking moment hearts, but a conviction of his 80 years to push this in our knowledge that his country toward more reprelegacy will live on for gen- sentative democracy and left erations to come. behind a remarkable model. Often called “one of the It is up to us to pick up his most courageous persons mantle and carry on, and we the Civil Rights Movement urge the entire nation to join ever produced,” John Lewis us. As people of all colors dedicated his life to protect- are in the streets seeking raing human rights, securing cial justice, we urge all that civil liberties, and building can to speak louder and stay what he calls “The Beloved a little longer to honor the Community” in America. best warrior for democracy By 1963, Lewis was dubbed our nation has ever known. one of the Big Six leaders of The Clark County NAACP the Civil Rights Movement. extends our sincerest conAt the age of 23, he was dolences to the family of an architect and a keynote Congressman Lewis and speaker at the historic March sends prayers of comfort on Washington in August and strength now and al1963. He went on to become ways. a United States Congress“Every generation leaves man and had served as U.S. behind a legacy. What that Representative of Georgia’s legacy will be is determined Fifth Congressional District by the people of that gensince 1986. eration. What legacy do John Lewis is the re- you want to leave behind?” cipient of numerous awards, - John Lewis including the prestigious
Photo courtesy of Henry Wilson, President of the Clark County NAACP The Clark County NAACP and the Arkadelphia Racial, Cultural & Diversity Committee are hosting a celebration of the “Life and Legacy of Representative John Lewis” on Thurs.
Hutchinson’s mask mandate currently $10M for Wi-Fi Access in effect, violators will be fined Ayanna Williams Crimes Reporter Due to the spike in new COVID-19 cases in the state of Arkansas, it was announced by Governor Asa Hutchinson on July 16 that as of July 20, all citizens of Arkansas are to wear a face mask in indoor and outdoor environments where social distancing cannot be assured. Other states have also made this executive order as new highs have been reached as far as COVID-19 cases. Since the state of Arkansas plans to keep its
economy and businesses opens, this mandate is to maintain daily activities for the citizens. Governor Hutchinson made exemptions for the new mandate. These exemptions include but are not limited to: persons under 10 years old, persons with disabilities and medical conditions prohibiting them from wearing a mask, persons consuming food and beverages, those performing job duties that require no mask in order to effectively perform those duties, etc.. First time violators of this
order will be given a verbal or written warning. The mandate is punishable only
by a fine of no less than one hundred and no more than five hundred dollars.
Borsig officially hired as Henderson State University’s interim chancellor
Photo by Steve Fellers, HSU Creative Services Manager After being approved by the Arkansas Legislative Council, Dr. Jim Borsig will officially take over as interim chancellor following Elaine Kneebone’s tenure as acting president.
Tina Hall As. VP of Marketing and Comm. HSU Dr. Jim Borsig will officially become interim chancellor at Henderson State University on July 27 following the Arkansas Legislative Council’s approval of his contract Friday. “We are fortunate to have attracted a professional educator with considerable experience as both a campus chief executive officer and a system-level administrator,” said Dr. Charles Welch, president of the Arkansas State University System. Borsig received a oneyear employment contract with the understanding that it could be extended to a second year by mutual agreement, Welch said. Borsig will earn an annual salary of $230,000. “I am proud to be part of Henderson’s 130-year educational mission and look forward to working with Reddies across all generations to build on the rich spirit and traditions of Henderson State University,” Borsig said. Henderson State’s Board
of Trustees and the Arkansas State University System Board of Trustees approved a merger agreement and transition plan in 2019. The merger is pending approval from the Higher Learning Commission and action from the Arkansas General Assembly. Welch said the target for completing the transition is Jan. 1, 2021. Borsig will report to Welch under the merger agreement. Borsig most recently served as president of Mississippi University for Women from 2012-2018, and served as both associate commissioner and interim commissioner of higher education in Mississippi. He holds a Ph.D. in public policy and administration from Mississippi State University, a M.S. in political science, and a B.S. in political science and American studies. Borsig replaces Elaine Kneebone, who has served as acting president for the past year and will continue to serve as the university’s general counsel.
LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson announced today the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) has signed agreements with AT&T and TMobile to purchase Wi-Fi access points and data plans at a reduced cost for every school district in the state. Students will receive the devices and internet access at no cost. ADE will fund the project with $10 million from the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund, provided through the federal CARES Act program. ADE will purchase as many as 20,000 devices. ADE will allocate the devices to each school district based on enrollment. The school districts will distribute the devices based on need within the community. “As the coronavirus pandemic has forced us to adjust our methods of teaching, we have become even more aware of the need for virtual education as an option,” Governor Hutchinson said. “This project expands our reach and narrows the gap between those who have access to high-speed broadband and those who do not. This is especially important for our rural communities and for families who otherwise might not be able to afford this vital access. This project opens new opportunities for our educators,
parents, and students.” The agreement with AT&T and T-Mobile guarantees high-speed internet with unlimited data for two years for about $20 per month per device. The providers have also agreed to allow districts to purchase additional devices and data at the same rate as the state plan. Access to the internet is “critical to education,” Secretary of Education Johnny Key said. “Providing Wi-Fi access points to students will allow for a seamless transition between onsite and offsite instruction as needed,” Secretary Key said. “This will support continued learning and allow for greater flexibility.” Sally Bennett, superintendent of the Rivercrest School District, praised the program as a “game changer.” “The digital divide is real and it is deep. This is monumental. It’s truly going to make a difference for equity in access in our communities,” Superintendent Bennett said. “We have an avenue now to fully serve our students, whether they are onsite, as we hope, or if we have to pivot to offsite.” The program is a joint project of ADE, the Arkansas State Broadband Office, and the Governor’s Office.
Children found in car
AR State Police Public Affairs Office The Arkansas State Police is investigating the death of a three-year-old girl and injury to her 15 month old sister. Both are the apparent victims of heat while they were inside a car parked outside their mother’s home in Booneville July 20. Kaylee Petchenik, 21, of 482 West 5th Street in Boonville contacted local police about 2 PM stating that when she awoke from a nap, her children were missing. A Booneville police officer who responded to the residence found the children, both
unconscious, lying on the car’s back floorboard. Laykn Petchenik was later pronounced dead at a Booneville hospital. Her body has been transported to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory for purposes of an autopsy. Olivia Petchenik remains hospitalized in Little Rock. She is in stable, but critical condition. Special Agents of the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division are leading the investigation and will submit a case file to the Logan County prosecuting attorney for consideration.
2 News
Thursday, July 30, 2020
Westerman on return to schools in Fall 2020 By Bruce Westerman U.S. Representative As a father of four and a former school board member, I understand the importance of education and its value to the community. I also understand the severity of COVID-19 and how we must take every precaution to slow its spread and keep Americans safe. With another school year quickly approaching, we are faced with a difficult question: should we reopen schools? I believe we should, and focus all our efforts on providing teachers and students with protective gear, shrinking class sizes, spreading desks apart or finding other ways
to limit contact and prevent contagion. On July 23, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released updated guidelines recommending that children attend school in person, saying children are less likely to contract the virus, and typically experience far less severe symptoms. Governor Asa Hutchinson has also released a comprehensive reopening plan for the fall, ensuring that students and teachers will remain as safe as possible. Moving school online for the foreseeable future simply isn’t tenable. Many Arkansan students don’t
By Asa Hutchinson Arkansas Gov. LITTLE ROCK – This week, I met with doctors, nurses, and respiratory therapists at Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville who have been on the front line of saving lives during this coronavirus pandemic. They were tired and stressed, but their work makes me grateful for their services and sacrifice. Today I’d like to talk about the need to find more people such as those to enter the field. I am hopeful that the sight of their heroic service will inspire others to choose a career in health care. The numbers of those in the health care profession nationally and in Arkansas have been declining for years. This worldwide health crisis has highlighted the shortfall and the urgent need to correct it. There never has been a greater need for young people to enter the health care profession. The reasons for the decline are many, but the result is that as health care professionals retire, there aren’t enough people to replace them. Americans are living longer, which
means the number of people in need of medical care is growing as the number of providers shrinks. In the rural areas of Arkansas, the situation is even more challenging. As the coronavirus has billowed across our nation like a toxic fog, the illness has illustrated the complicated nature of our health care system. We have seen how various medical specialties intersect, and that each is essential: Medical doctors and doctors of osteopathic medicine. Paramedics. Emergency room doctors and registered nurses. Respiratory therapists and licensed practical nurses. Home health caregivers. Researchers. Medical technicians. That is a very short list of the many important jobs in the health care field. A health care career offers many benefits. You can find a job almost anywhere you want to live, and the jobs pay well. But there is more to it than the personal benefit. Health care is a higher calling, much like any other public service. Those who choose that path often are called upon to put the good of others before personal
have reliable internet connections, not to mention the fact that working parents often don’t have the option to alternative childcare or individual tutors. The temporary closure of many businesses, schools and public areas this spring was necessary to flatten the curve and slow the initial spread of COVID-19, but now we must begin the process of safely reinstating aspects of normal daily life in our state and local communities. Students returning to in-person instruction in the fall is a goal of Governor Hutchinson and President Trump, and I believe it is a goal we can achieve.
Hutchinson: “Higher calling of healthcare”
comfort and convenience, as thousands have done during the pandemic. The hours are long, the work can be difficult. But there are the bright moments when someone saves a life or a homebound patient rewards a health aide with a smile of gratitude. Arkansas is growing and in need of more people who are willing to commit to that level of service. Our state needs young professionals with fresh perspectives to help us figure out new and better ways to deliver health care. We need tech-savvy professionals who elevate our health care system, which benefits all Arkansans: A tech-savvy health care system attracts highquality business and industry and enhances Arkansas’s general quality of life. COVID-19 has changed everything about our lives. We have no idea how long we will be fighting the current battle, but the health care professionals who are guiding us through this time inspire confidence and hope. My hope is that their inspiration will attract a new generation of professionals to accept the call.
State capitol week in review By Bruce Maloch AR State Senator The average debt that a student incurs to earn a bachelor’s degree in Arkansas is almost $2,000 less than the national average. Over the course of a 30year career, a person with a bachelor’s degree will earn an estimated $1.25 million, compared to $550,000 that a college dropout will earn over the same period. Estimates of career earnings were compiled for the legislature by three state agencies – the Higher Education Department, the Division of Workforce Services and the Arkansas Research Center. Elected officials and business leaders are keeping a close watch on graduation rates from the state’s colleges and universities, because in the modern global economy the prosperity of a region is directly related to the educational achievements of its people. For reasons of economic development, Arkansas has been trying to increase the number of college graduates. To that end, the legislature changed the formula by which state aid is distributed to higher education campuses, to emphasize graduation rates more than student enrollment. At a recent meeting of
lawmakers at the state Capitol, officials from higher education and workforce services presented an Economic Security Report, which analyzed how the new strategy is working. It’s well known that it pays to get an education. For example, a person with a bachelor’s degree will earn an average of $32,000 in their first year in the workforce, compared to a high school graduate who will earn $12,700 in their first year of working. The report provides specifics from every institution in Arkansas. A person will earn $26,348 the first year after earning a Certificate of Proficiency in tool and die technology from the University of ArkansasRich Mountain, in Mena. A person will earn $28,266 the first year after earning a Technical Certificate from the same campus. Someone with a degree in Natural Resources, which includes studies in General Forestry, from the University of Arkansas at Monticello, will earn $39,057 during the first year of their career. The report is 116 pages, most of which are listings of programs from Arkansas colleges and universities and the estimated earnings that certificate and degree holders can expect during their first year in the work-
force. Among the facts and figures is a chilling fact: neither a high school graduate ($12,700) nor a college dropout ($14,700) will earn, on average, enough to cover the basic expenses of living during their first year of working. A single adult will spend $22,100 a year, according to the report. That includes $6,200 for rent, $4,600 for a car, $3,000 for food, $2,300 for medical costs and $2,800 for other expenses. Two married adults with one child can expect to pay $49,900 a year in expenses. Even when the cost of college loans is factored in, a degree is worth the investment, especially in Arkansas. The average debt for a bachelor’s degree in Arkansas is $26,800, compared to the national average of $28,650. In 2017 health professions constituted the most popular category of study in Arkansas higher education, accounting for 8,415 graduates. There were 4,566 graduates in business, management and marketing, 1,550 in computer and information sciences, 849 in engineering, 276 in legal professions, 167 in foreign languages and 156 in mathematics and statistics.
on Highway 32 to one lane controlled by portable traffic signals between the River Run West Recreation Area road and the River Run East Outlet Channel road starting at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, July 27 and continuing until work is complete which
is estimated to take eight weeks. This closure will allow crews to patch, level and overlay Highway 32 as well as remove the current guardrail, extend the shoulder, and install a new guardrail on the extended shoulder.
Highway 32 Lane Closures By Britni Padilla-Dumas AR Department of Transportation Pavement preservation work on Highway 32 across Millwood Dam will require temporary lane closures. Weather permitting, crews will reduce traffic
Arkadelphia Dispatch
Upcoming Events >>> <<< Arkadelphia Bands had planned to host its first-ever Mattress Sale Fundraiser from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat., April 18 at AHS, 401 High School Road, but that’s been postponed to Aug. 1. The fundraising sale will feature brands such as Simmons, Beautyrest, and more, with on-site mattresses priced up to 50% below retail. >>> <<< The Third Annual Comics Studies Society Conference will be hosted by Henderson State University from Aug. 5 to Aug. 9. The conference exists to bring together “scolars, artists, and other members of the international Comics Studies community” to discuss topics within the area of comics. Matthew J. Smith from Radford University and Randy Duncan from HSU are the organizers. Those interested can register at comicssociety.org. >>> <<< The Spring Hazardous Household Waste event that was scheduled for last Sat. was cancelled as a result of COVID-19 precautions. The Southwest Regional Solid Waste Management District will continue with the Fall Household Hazardous Waste event on Oct. 17. The Southwest Regional Solid Waste Management District is the planning board that oversees solid waste management for Clark, Garland, and Hot Spring Counties. Ongoing >>> <<< Alcoholics Anonymous hosts two meetings a week in Arkadelphia. The meetings are open to anyone interested in AA’s program of recovery. The Arkadelphia Group meets at 7 p.m. every Tues. in the Sturgis Building at North 9 and Caddo Streets. For more information on the Arkadelphia Group Meetings, call 870-403-3001. The U-Turn Group meets at 7 p.m. every Thurs. on the front, upper level of Park Hill Baptist Church, 3163 Hollywood Road. For information on that group’s meetings, call 870-2302975 or 870-260-9277. >>> <<< Through the summer the Arkadelphia Arts Center will have original art on display created by members of the Caddo River Art Guild. The window exhibits will vary through the weeks so check back often. The artists’ name and contact information are displayed next to each piece. For more information about the Arkadelphia Arts Center and the Caddo River Art Guild find their pages on Facebook or visit CaddoRiverArtGuild.com or CCAHC.org. >>> <<< Al-Anon meetings, designed to help family and friends affected by alcohol, are held three days a week in the Arkadelphia area: - Tues. at 7 p.m., Sturgis Building, corner of 9 and Caddo. 870-403-2019 - Thurs. at 6:30 p.m., Park Hill Baptist Church. 870-403-2019 - Fri. at noon, Clark County Library, 609 Caddo St., side door. 512-750-2292
Arkadelphia Dispatch
News 3
Thursday, July 30, 2020
Tom Hanks fighting in the sea in new World War II movie “Greyhound” Pete Tubbs Interim Editor in Chief
Tom Hanks, hero to most and enemy to COVID-19 has returned to our screens once again. Also once again, he’s in a World War II project. Hanks started his career as a comic actor. He starred in the likes of the hit tv show “Bosom Buddies,” and comedies like “The Burbs,” and “Money Pit.” After a while, though, Hollywood began to recognize what a commodity he could become. After being nominated for Best Actor for his starring turn in 1988’s “Big,” he was poised for greatness. Beginning in 1992, Hanks had a string of hits like no other. “A League of Their Own,” “Sleepless in Seattle,” “Philadelphia” (his first Oscar), “Forrest Gump” (his second Oscar), “Apollo 13,” “Toy Story,” “That Thing You Do!” (which he also directed), “Saving Private Ryan,” “You’ve Got Mail,” “Toy Story 2,” “The Green Mile,” “Cast Away,” “Road to Perdition,” and “Catch Me If You Can” all came back to back. If you ask me, that’s one of the most
astounding runs of acting of all time. While most of these were huge successes, the roles did provide something of a misfortune for the actor. Aside from “Road to Perdition,” Hanks pretty much played the good guy in all of these. While there have been outliers throughout the rest of his career like “Cloud Atlas,” and “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close” (only because that movie really sucked), Hanks has been typecast as the all-american hero in everything he does. Combine this with his affinity with war projects, and we’ve got an even bigger conundrum. Hanks has been involved with things like “Band of Brothers,” “The Pacific,” “Bridge of Spies,” and “Saving Private Ryan” in the past, and while most of these were fantastic, it’s never good to be stuck in a rut so familiar. This brings us to “Greyhound.” The 2020 film stars Hanks as Ernest Krause. He’s an aged man who is enjoying his first commanding tenure of a battleship (codenamed Greyhound) when SS U-Boats attack. Based on the 1955 novel
Photo courtesy of Apple TV+ Tom Hanks stars in one of the most high profile films that have been pushed to streaming because of the COVID-19 crisis, “Greyhound.”
“The Good Sheperd” by C.S. Forester, this one seemed to have all sails set for a rousing adventure. I suppose that’s exactly what it gives us. There are tense moments of palpable dread as torpedoes are launched at the Greyhound
or the Greyhound attempts to rescue soldiers who’ve jumped from their exploding ship, but mostly this movie is just full of people yelling technical terms at eachother. I’m all for historical accuracy. If a movie plays a song
that was released after the movie is supposed to take place, I’m liable to walk out of the theater. Having said that, however, there must be some give and take with the more confusing aspects of reality. For instance, I love watching foreign films. “Parasite” was one of the best films of the decade and even managed to win Best Picture at the Oscars last year. Imagine watching it with no subtitles, though. That is what the majority of “Greyhound” is. Yes, the audience can see that the characters are stressed out about something, but we have no idea how they’re going to fix their situation because we have no idea what situation they’re in because they’re yelling terms that may seem foreign to the audience. Don’t get me wrong, the battle scenes are beautifully filmed. The final one in particular had me on the edge of my seat. I just can’t help but zone out in between these scenes because I have no way of knowing what anyone is saying. Aside from the technical terminology and the under-
water battles, there really isn’t much to focus on. Tom Hanks is one of our greatest stars, and it’s always a joy to watch him work his magic on screen. But when his character has no traits whatsoever, even he can be boring. That goes for every other character as well. After watching the film, I couldn’t tell you one discernible trait about anyone other than Hanks, and even then I had precious little to work with. It may sound like I’m being too harsh, and that may be true. When I see Tom Hanks’ name plastered on something, I want something extraordinary. “Greyhound” is that minus the “extra.” There are several better “war at sea” films than this. “Dunkirk” immediately comes to mind as one of the best depictions of this since “Battleship Potemkin.” While “Greyhound” is passable entertainment, it’s nothing special. If you can get past the technical dribble and enjoy Hanks’ weary performance and the spectacular battle scenes, this one might be enough to keep you awake.
Continuing tracking of COVID-19 by Arkansas Department of Health AR. Department of Health
According to the Arkansas Department of Health Administration in its COVID-19 update, a total of 408 deaths have occurred in the state as of June 16. In reference to ADH’s graph, there are a total of 39,447 cases with 6,674 active and 32,365 recovered. The counties are colored by light to dark in terms of density of cases. The Dispatch will post an updated version of this graph weekly according to
what is available from the Department of Health and state officials. As the cases continue to rise, more and more states are reverting back to more strict quarantine and social distance rules. Masks are nearly universally required to enter most businesses. They are available in most grocery and convenience stores. People are encouraged to continue social distancing and staying at least six feet away from others. Testing is widely available in most cities.
Arkadelphia Dispatch Editor: Pete Tubbs arkadelphiadispatch@gmail.com 870-230-5221 Calls will be returned. The Arkadelphia Dispatch is published weekly by Nashville Leader, Inc., 119 N. Main, Nashville, AR 71852.
4 News
Thursday, July 30, 2020
Arkadelphia Dispatch
Ouachita and HSU to participate in 2020 athletics, start date delayed to Sept. 28 RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – The Great American Conference Council of Presidents unanimously approved a plan to delay the start of all intercollegiate athletic practices until the week of August 31, with the launch of competition postponed until the week of September 28. Teams will play current GAC schedule grids when play resumes in late September. The GAC will formulate
a plan to reschedule those games not played on the existing schedule - as well as the format for fall conference postseason events - following NCAA Division II action on the status of fall championships. “This plan creates additional time to craft a safe and meaningful championship season for our student- athletes,” GAC Commissioner Will Prewitt said. “It affords
our members the ability to open their campuses for inperson learning and allows additional time for studentathletes to acclimate back to full athletic activity.” The conference will continue to consult with campus medical professionals, outside consultants, and local public health officials to monitor the viability of playing conditions during the reopening of campuses.
“Our leadership has worked hard to find a path forward and join other NCAA Division II conferences that intend to compete this fall,” Prewitt said. “I’m cautiously optimistic about the return of GAC competition, but work remains to ensure the health and safety of our student-athletes, their families, coaches, and administrators.” The Council has the abil-
ity to adjust its recommendation as necessary to protect the health and safety of all involved in GAC athletics. Conference administrators and the Council of Presidents will both meet weekly to address developments as they arise. “The GAC Council of Presidents share a united voice in the decision we made today as we continue to search for ways to al-
low our student athletes to compete safely during this most challenging year,” said Harding President and GAC Council of Presidents Chairman Dr. Bruce McLarty. “This decision keeps hope alive that we will be able to compete this year. The safety of our students, our campuses, and the communities in which we live remains our top priority.”
Henderson and Ouachita players nominated for GAC Male Athlete of the Year Award By Eric Moyer GAC Communications RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – The Great American Conference released the list of nominees for the league’s Male Athlete of the Year award. Administrators from the 12 members institutions will vote on the following nominees to determine the overall conference honoree. ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY: Francois Jacobs (Golf) Class: Sophomore Hometown: League City, Texas Supportive Information: Jacobs finished the season as GolfStat.com’s top ranked golfer in the Central Region and as the No. 36 player in the country. He made the GCAA/ Ping Third-Team All-American Team. He finished in the top 11 in six of seven starts. He matched the program’s 18-hole scoring record with an 8-under par 64 at the NCAA/ Central Midwest Regional Preview. UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT MONTICELLO: KJ Lesure (Basketball)
Class: Senior Hometown: Indianapolis, Indiana Supportive Information: Lesure earned three GAC Player of the Week honors as he became a two-time All-GAC selection. He tied the Weevil record for assists in a season and surpassed the 1,000-point mark. He twice claimed the GAC Distinguished Scholar Athlete award. He graduated with a perfect 4.00 GPA as he earned first-team Academic All-America honors. EAST CENTRAL UNIVERSITY: Camron Talley (Basketball) Class: Senior Hometown: Rockwall, Texas Supportive Information: Talley became one of just three men’s basketball players in league history to make threestraight All-GAC First Teams. He finished his career ranked third on the GAC’ career scoring list and joined former Tiger All-American Braxton Reeves as the only two players in conference history to make 300 3-pointers. HARDING UNIVERSITY:
Cole Chancey (Football) Class: Junior Hometown: Commerce, Georgia Supportive Information: Chancey led the Bisons to the NCAA DII Playoffs for the fourth-straight season as he broke his own conference single-season rushing record with 1,375 yards. Harding led Division II in rushing yards per game at 373.6. He earned Second-Team All-America honors from D2Football.com and Don Hansen. He became the program’s second Harlon Hill award finalist and placed seventh in the voting. HENDERSON STATE UNIVERSITY: Mercardo Anderson (Football) Class: Senior Hometown: Ashdown, Texas Supportive Information: Anderson helped the Reddies return to the postseason for the first time since 2015 as he finished as the only player to place inside the top four in the league in both tackles for loss and interceptions. He became the first GAC defensive player in the last eight years
of any player on the roster — and carried a team-best stroke average of 72.59. He had two Top-5 and three Top-10 finishes in seven total events. Ford, a junior from Little Rock, Arkansas, had a stroke average of 74.07 during the 2019-20 season. He played 15 rounds and six events for Henderson and had two Top-10 results at The Battle for the Belt and The Arkansas Collegiate. Woods, a senior from Summerville, South Carolina, played in six events and 14 rounds for the Reddies this season. He finished with a stroke average of 75.86
and secured a Top-10 individual finish at the Missouri Southern Fall Invitational. Ford, Shapiro and Woods were three of 404 golfers from around the country, and just 87 total from the NCAA Division II level, who were honored during this awards period.
Ford, Shapiro, Woods named Scholar All-Americans By David Salley HSU Director of Athletic Communications NORMAN, Okla. — Three Henderson State golfers were recognized for their efforts in the classroom this week, as Mitchell Ford, Nick Shapiro and Christian Woods each received 201920 Srixon/Cleveland Golf All-America Scholar honors. To be eligible for Srixon/ Cleveland Golf All-America Scholar status an individual must be a sophomore, junior or senior academically in Division I, II, III, and NAIA, or receiving their Associate’s Degree and in their last year of athletic eligibility in the NJCAA. In addition, they must have a stroke-average under 76.0 in Division I, 78.0 in Division II, 78.0 in NAIA and 79.0 in Division III, 77.0 in NJCAA, and maintain a minimum cumulative career grade-point average of 3.2. Shapiro, a senior from Plano, Texas, played in 17 rounds this season for the Reddies — tied for most
to earn three weekly awards in a season. He earned SecondTeam All-American honors from both the AFCA and the D2CCA. NORTHWESTERN OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY: Maurice Wright, Jr. (Football) Class: Senior Hometown: Luther, Oklahoma Supportive Information: Wright became the first Ranger football player to earn one of the GAC year-end awards as he garnered the Defensive Player of the Year honor. He led the conference in total tackles, 130, highlighted by matching the league’s singlegame record of 25. He finished his career with 457 tackles, the second-highest total in league history. He earned AP, D2CCA and Don Hansen AllAmerican honors. OKLAHOMA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY: Preston Haire (Football) Class: Junior Hometown: Trophy Club, Texas Supportive Information: Haire captured the GAC Offensive Player of the Year accolade after he led the league in passing yards, completions, total offense and touchdown responsibility for the secondstraight year. He became the fourth player in league history to gain at least 9,000 yards of total offense in a career. He made the D2CCA and Don Hansen All-Region teams. OUACHITA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY: Allie Freeman (Football & Basketball) Class: Senior Hometown: Little Rock, Arkansas Supportive Informa-
tion: Freeman shattered the league’s single-season and career receptions records as well as the career all-purpose yardage total as the Tigers completed their second-straight undefeated regular-season. His 95 catches finished 11 more than the next-highest total in league history. He became the first player in league history to amass 5,000 all-purpose yards. He completed his second season as a two-sport athlete by averaging 10.2 points per game for the basketball team. SOUTHEASTERN OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY: Kevin Buckingham (Basketball) Class: Senior Hometown: Keller, Texas Supportive Information: Buckingham became the conference’s second 2,000-point scorer as he led the Savage Storm back to the NCAA Tournament for the secondstraight season. He set the conference career record for rebounds. He earned All-Region honors from the NABC and the D2CCA. He became the league’s first two-time Academic All-American SOUTHERN ARKANSAS UNIVERSITY: Antonio Washington (Football) Class: Junior Hometown: Marshall, Texas Supportive Information: Washington earned All-America honors from D2Football. com and the AFCA after he registered 60 tackles, to rank third on the team. His 13.5 tackles for loss placed third
in the conference. He became a finalist for the Cliff Harris Award as the top small college defensive player of the year. SOUTHERN NAZARENE UNIVERSITY: Jhonathan Dunn (Basketball) Class: Senior Hometown: San Antonio, Texas Supportive Information: Dunn became the first twotime men’s basketball Player of the Year in league history as the Crimson Storm won a third-straight regular-season title. He set GAC single-season records for points, points per game, 20-point and 30-point games and established GAC career records for points and made field goals. DII Bulletin named him the first FirstTeam All-American in league history. SOUTHWESTERN OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY: Alex Bedard (Baseball) Class: Senior Hometown: Levis, Quebec, Canada Supportive Information: Bedard held the GAC lead in batting average (.485) and stolen bases (15) in the abbreviated 2020 season. He recorded a pair of five-hit games through the Bulldogs first 18 games. In 2019, he earned AllGAC honors after leading the conference in triples, ranking second in doubles and stolen bases and sharing third in runs scored.