Oracle CE July 22, 2021

to speak.

INDEX Opinion Events COVID Update Sports

No. 11

Vol. 2

July 22, 2021

Chamber of Commerce VP Chandler perfect for community Blanton Matthews Staff Reporter

Members of Oracle staff have been receiving emails from a member of the community with concerns about the Arkadelphia Regional Economic Development Alliance and Area Chamber of Commerce hiring a new executive vice president that does not currently reside in Arkadelphia.

On paper, this seems to be a reasonable concern, that someone unfamiliar with the area and its needs would be brought into a position of some authority to handle local economic issues. However, this executive vice president is by no means a stranger to the area.

Nikki Chandler, the Alliance’s new executive vice president, came to Arkadelphia as a student at Henderson State University in 2010, and continued to live here for a decade. She married her husband, a coach in Arkadelphia Public Schools, at the courthouse here, and her children were born here and attend school here. Her family attends Second Baptist Church in Arkadelphia.

Before taking the job as executive vice president at the Alliance, she was a Chamber Ambassador and on the Parks and Recreation Committee, and she currently is also a member of the Henderson

State Alumni Board and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Park Board. It is true that she does not reside within city limits, but her heart and life seems to be very much in the city of Arkadelphia.

Chandler says that she asked herself before applying if her residence would affect her ability to perform her duties to the city.

“Although I live outside the boundaries on the map, I am much invested in Arkadelphia—Clark County and so are my husband and children,” she said via email. “I have a love for this community that has been expressed through years of volunteerism. I have a servant’s heart and will use my marketing skills to innovate the Chamber and bring new awareness to our members and our community.”

Last year, at the first spike of the COVID-19 pandemic, Chandler was instrumental in setting up an Easybins operation in Arkadelphia.

The service provides grocery delivery to houses every day from multiple stores in Arkadelphia. She and her husband served as branch managers for the city, and Mr. Chandler even personally handled some deliveries. Chandler stepped down from her Easybins job to work for the Alliance, but the service is still in operation.

“She was a great manager,” Kyle Canale, a delivery em-

2 2 3 4

Cats out of quarantine Phoebe Darley Staff Reporter

Just like children in daycare, if one child gets sick everyone gets sick. In the middle of June a cat snuck a virus into the Humane Society of Clark County, Arkadelphia.

The shelter had been taking care of over a hundred cats and kittens at the time and did not want to take any chances of someone adopting sick animals. So, the shelter quarantined all of their cats and treated them for the virus.

Photo courtesy of Arkadelphia Alliance and Area Chamber of Commerce By the beginning of Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice President Nikki ChanJuly, the virus had run dler stands with her husband and two children who are all its course through most heavily involved in the city of Arkadelphia. of the feline friends ployee for Easybins, said. “She article, which meant a lot to at the shelter and the was really nice to work for. I me. think she’ll be really good for It’s safe to say that Nikki [the] chamber of commerce.” Chandler is highly involved On a personal note, she in Arkadelphia, and will cermade sure to attend the funer- tainly perform as executive al of my late, beloved father vice president of the Alliance Coak Matthews and speak with the community’s best to me afterward to offer her interests at the forefront of condolences even after I gave her mind. her a tough interview for this

last few were isolated and still receiving treatment.

As of July 9th, all of the cats are available for adoption at the shelter.

Their adoption fee is $125 and this includes shots, worming, felv/fiv testing, microchipping, and spay/neutering.

The shelter just had a very successful spay and neuter clinic. While their summer spay and neuter clinic has past they will be holding another one August 30 thru September 1.

If you are interested in signing up for the next clinic, you can come to the shelter and fill out paperwork or send the shelter an email to humanesocietyclarkcounty @yahoo.com.

I hear that train a comin’ Lance Brownfield Editor-in-Chief

After a two year hiatus, Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 is hitting the tracks once again to tour the country. The locomotive will roll into Gurdon’s train station Thursday, Aug. 26 at 8:45 a.m.

It will stay in Gurdon for 30 minutes before coming to the Arkadelphia train station for a 45 minute visit at 9:45 a.m.

The tour will begin in Cheyenne, Wyoming Thursday, Aug. 5 and conclude back in Cheyenne Tuesday, Sept. 7 after visiting 10 states.

No. 4014, which used to be powered by coal before being switched to no. 5 oil, was just recently returned to service in 2019 after almost 60 years of retirement. The train was one of 25 Big Boys built exclusively for Union Pacific and was delivered in 1941. In 2019, the train came to Gurdon and Arkadelphia on a similar tour.

The Arkadelphia train station is located at 798 South Fifth Street and the Gurdon station is located near the corner of First Street and Main Street.

Wednesday, August 25 Texarkana, Ark.

Arrival

1:15 p.m. CT

100 E. Front St.

Depart

1:45 p.m. CT

Hope, Ark.

Arrival

3:00 p.m. CT

100 E. Division St.

Depart

3:15 p.m. CT

Prescott, Ark.

Arrival

3:45 p.m. CT

Depart

8:00 a.m. CT

Gurdon, Ark.

Arrival

8:45 a.m. CT

Main St. Crossing

Depart

9:15 a.m. CT

Arkadelphia, Ark.

Arrival

9:45 a.m. CT

Walnut St. Crossing

Depart

10:30 a.m. CT

Malvern, Ark.

Arrival

11:15 a.m. CT

200 E. First St.

Depart

11:45 a.m. CT

North Little Rock, Ark.

Arrival

1:30 p.m. CT

Depart

8:00 a.m. CT

Bald Knob, Ark.

Arrival

10:15 a.m. CT

Hickory Street Crossing

Depart

11:00 a.m. CT

Tuckerman, Ark.

Arrival

12:15 p.m. CT

Main St. Crossing

Depart

12:30 p.m. CT

Walnut Ridge, Ark.

Arrival

1:15 p.m. CT

109 Southwest Front St

Depart

2:00 p.m. CT

401 W. 1st St. Thursday, August 26 Prescott, Ark. 401 W. 1st St.

Photo courtesy of Humane Society of Clark County

All the cats at the Humane Society of Clark County were recently treated for a virus after it was brought in. Adoptions have resumed as the virus has run its course.

1000 West 4th Street.

Friday, August 27 North Little Rock, Ark. 1000 West 4th Street.

Photo courtesy of Arkadelphia Alliance and Area Chamber of Commerce

Photo courtesy of up.com

The Taco Lot Fiesta is slated for July 30 in downtown Arkadelphia.

Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 is set to stop in Prescott, Gurdon, Arkadelphia, Malvern and North Little Rock Thursday, Aug. 26.

Info from Weather.com

FRI - July 23 mostly sunny

SAT - July 24 mostly sunny

SUN - July 25 mostly sunny

MON - July 26 partly cloudy

TUE - July 27 mostly sunny

WED - July 28

THU - July 29

98o 72

partly cloudy

93o 72

94o 72

97o 73

98o 73

98o 73

100o 74

Precipitation: 22% Wind: WSW 8 mph Humidity: 72%

Precipitation: 24% Wind: WSW 7 mph Humidity: 73%

Precipitation: 17% Wind: WSW 6 mph Humidity: 64%

Precipitation: 15% Wind: SW 7 mph Humidity: 61%

Precipitation: 11% Wind: SW 6 mph Humidity: 59%

Precipitation: 10% Wind: WSW 5 mph Humidity: 55%

o

o

o

o

o

o

mostly sunny

o

Precipitation: 22% Wind: WSW 5 mph Humidity: 58%

2 News

Thursday, July 22, 2021

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Events Upcoming Events July 6-31 “Christmas in July” sale at The Beehive Thrift Store in Arkadelphia

“Loki” marks the return of a fan favorite Marvel character Sydney Bowman Contributing Reporter

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) seems to be holding nothing back with Phase Four of the popular franchise. Marvel fans have been treated with four distinct entries so far—and the year is only half over. “WandaVision,” “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” and “Black Widow” have all been praised for providing emotional stories for some of the franchise’s underdeveloped characters.

“Loki” distinguishes itself with its much more grandiose story.

“Loki” is the MCU’s third outing on Disney+, and it has proven to be the most successful one yet. Serving as both a character study of the titular god of mischief as well as a launching point for the main overarching plot of Phase Four, the series sports one of the more interesting stories in the MCU. In the series, an alternative timeline version of Loki (Tom Hiddleston) escapes his defeat at the hands of the Avengers in 2012 (an event shown in “Avengers: Endgame”).

However, he is arrested by the Time Variance Authority (TVA), an organization dedicated to maintaining a single timeline to avoid multiversal war. There, an agent known as Mobius (Owen Wilson) recruits Loki to help him hunt down another Loki variant known as Sylvie (Sophia Di Martino).

It is worth mentioning that Loki met his demise in “Avengers: Infinity War” as a decently well developed antihero. The idea that Loki (albeit a different version) has been brought back into the series via timeline branching seems a bit like a cop-out in concept, but the series proves that Loki’s return is indeed significant. The inherent weirdness of timeline hopping and alternate realities is very fitting for the character, and this version of Loki is not exactly a repeat of the mainline Loki, for better or worse.

In many ways, the show is an emotionally brutal study of the fan favorite character as it tears down and examines his narcissism, loneliness, insecurities, and great capacity to love despite it all. Themes of self-acceptance, personal betterment, and the nature of free will permeate the season from beginning to end. The issue is that the show does not seem to know how exactly to develop Loki himself.

The first three episodes of “Loki” establish a steady yet exciting pace for Loki’s character arc that feels like a fitting place for this particular version of Loki to be in. In the series, Loki learns of his ultimate fate and struggles to find a new purpose in his lonely life. However, starting with episode four, Loki’s personality

July 20 - August 26 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Now showing at the Arkadelphia Arts Center, “Dog Days of Summer,” a collection of dog themed art and objects. Cat art is also included in this fun exhibit. Some of the proceeds from sales will go to the Humane Society of Clark County. Visitors may bring Purina dog and cat food to the center during this show, which will then be donated to the humane society at the exhibit’s conclusion. Other items needed at the shelter include bleach, cat litter, laundry soap, and old towels.

July 23 9 a.m.

Willie Tate Golf Tournament Classic

Photo courtesy of dmedmedia.disney.com

seems to completely switch gears to an almost one-note hero—a far departure from the antihero fans are familiar with.

There is no gradual evolution for Loki past episode three.

Much of this is magnified by the unnecessary amount of weight put on the connection between Loki and Sylvie, who are alternate reflections of each other. This relationship is a classic enemies to allies situation that is meant to emphasize betterment of the self via the bond of another person. Such a theme is indeed significant for the typically lone-wolf Loki, but the entire dynamic is so rushed that it ultimately rings very hollow.

It also causes Sylvie herself to somewhat lack a character arc due to her being present as a catalyst for Loki’s, which fails itself as Loki’s entire development becomes eclipsed by this particular relationship.

This messy arc unfortunately leads to a more passive protagonist role for Loki, which is disappointing especially to long-time fans of the cunning sorcerer. This also sees Loki’s magic and strength considerably toned down. The decision was undoubtedly made for convenience in the plot setup surrounding Loki’s character arc so that his reactions to various story events can, in theory, push his evolution. However, this becomes especially grueling when, by the fifth episode, it seems Loki has almost no stake in the plot.

Despite the troubled execution of Loki’s characterization, the strong central plot of discovering the TVA’s true motives shines as new twists are introduced each episode. The show’s story is very interesting with wellexplained lore and conflict, and it is surprisingly well-paced itself despite both the hurried nature of Loki’s personal journey and an odd subplotfocused third episode.

The TVA remains a mystery throughout nearly the entirety of the first season as a morally gray force that must simultaneously be taken down and preserved for the greater good. Especially upon viewing the finale, audiences are given a moral dilemma without a correct answer. In addition, “Loki” is monumental for both its own contained story as well as the overarching MCU. By sheer concept alone, fans are bound to be excited over the show’s plot. All of

its new characters are likable and sympathetic (especially Mobius) with a nice air of humor to them. In almost every way, “Loki” feels like classic MCU. The superb performances of the cast elevate the show.

Hiddleston, ever devoted to his long-held role, excellently plays Loki to the emotional level demanded by the script.

He is joined by Wilson and Di Martino, who portray their characters with equal enthusiasm. Wilson in particular seems to have found a renewed vigor in his career after nearly four years without a major acting role.

“Loki” also excels in terms of atmosphere. Its haunting score composed by Natalie Holt is arguably the best soundtrack of any MCU project. The music coupled with dim lowkey lighting, numerous lowangle shots, and expansive landscape visuals concocted by director Kate Herron and cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw gives off a fantastic vibe of subdued yet unsettling power.

So, how does “Loki” compare to the other two Marvel Studios series on Disney+? It is a solid middle between them. The show is an improvement over “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” simply because “Loki” does not suffer from a fundamentally weak central conflict and more or less keeps itself together throughout the entire season.

“WandaVision” is still the superior series of the three, with much tighter writing all around than “Loki.” However, “Loki” is definitely the most consequential and the only series to be receiving a second season.

Overall, “Loki” is yet another sound entry into the already great Phase Four.

The show proves that the MCU is not ready to leave the beloved trickster behind just yet, which is an exciting prospect for many fans. The series offers much intrigue and emotional moments, though it also sparks frustration with its disappointing exploration of the historically complex protagonist. Regardless, the first season provides an entertaining experience for Marvel fans despite its shortcomings. The second season will undoubtedly be much anticipated.

All episodes of the first season of “Loki” are now streaming on Disney+.

July 30 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Arkadelphia Area Chamber of Commerce Taco Lot Fiesta August 3 8:30 p.m.

National Night Out 2021 at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park (1420 Pine St.) August 5 8:30 p.m.

Arkadelphia Rec Center Drive-In Movie Nights

Recurring Friday Night Magic The Gathering - Atlas Gaming ♦♦♦ 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 870-230-2975 or 870-260-9277. ♦♦♦ The current Arkadelphia Arts Center exhibit, “Handmade Baskets,” includes wonderful creations by several members of the Caddo River Art Guild. For more information visit theww Arkadelphia Arts Center Facebook page. ♦♦♦ With Late ‘til 8, local businesses stay open to 8:00 pm so that customers can shop and also win door prizes! this is a monthly event that happens every first Thursday of every month. ♦♦♦ Pediatrics Plus is excited to announce that our brand new facility is now open. Our new facility is located at 702 Hickory Street. The new facility offers includes a Developmental Preschool and Therapy Services that include: ABA, Occupational, Physical, and Speech Therapy. In addition, our brand new, state-of-the-art facilities include a House Next Door suite which offers a homey feel for children learning daily living activities like cooking, feeding therapy, making the bed, getting dressed, and more! Other features of the new facility include a new playground, gross motor gym, high stimulation and low stimulation gyms, and a library! Enroll Now to get a spot in our new location! ♦♦♦ 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.

Oracle:CE

Thursday, July 22, 2021

Democracy in Action Asa Hutchingson AR Governor

LITTLE ROCK – Last week, I announced I would be traveling the state for a series of Community COVID Conversations, and today I’d like to talk about why these exercises in democracy matter.

The tours are a throwback to the time when community leaders and constituents had more meetings at town hall and all-day picnics.

The topic for the tour is the pandemic, but listening tours are valuable for any topic. When it comes to working through issues, nothing beats face-to-face conversations.

I have met with folks in six cities so far. Each meeting is as different as the community I am visiting, but each is alike in one way – each is democracy in action.

Democracy is a big and noble concept that we can practice simply and in the smallest venues.

The goal of the Community COVID Conversation is for me to hear first-hand your concerns and ideas.

Likewise, the meetings give you the chance to hear directly from me. This kind of opportunity often is the start of understanding.

In the end, we still may not agree, but we may understand.

During the meeting in Batesville, one gentleman said something I’m sure he has expressed often, but this time he had the opportunity to get it off his chest directly to the governor. And I had the chance to respond directly.

He said many people aren’t taking the vaccine because they don’t trust the government.

I said, Let me ask you what advice you would give me.

Shoot straight with the people, he said. Tell them the facts.

I told him I agreed 100 percent that we must tell the truth, and the truth

is that we have a deadly disease that is still killing people so we must continue to push vaccinations, the best solution to beating COVID. Then I offered advice that he probably didn’t expect, and to be honest, I’m not sure I had ever said it exactly this way. I told him that since he doesn’t trust politicians, that he should talk to an expert that he does trust, whether it’s his doctor or someone at a medical clinic. That way, I said, you bypass the government, which can’t solve most of our problems anyway.

Another moment of democracy grew uncomfortable because it was so honest. A constituent name a couple of controversial COVID treatments and asked a doctor in the audience whether he would prescribe either.

He asked: Are you giving (them)?

The doctor said: No sir we are not

The constituent asked: If the patient asks for it ... will you give it?

The doctor said no patient had asked for either of the treatments.

The constituent pressed for an answer: But would you?

The doctor paused six seconds to answer. Then he answered with the courage of his training and belief: No. I probably would not.

Did either gentleman change his mind? I doubt it.

But each was free to speak his mind in a moment of democracy at its most fundamental level.

Soon I will announce the next towns on the Community COVID Conversation tour. The number of cases of COVID and those hospitalized with it continues to rise, so I continue to encourage everyone to get vaccinated.

I’m hopeful that as the tour continues, we will find ways to reassure those who are hesitant, and soon, the tour won’t be necessary.

News 3

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HOW TO REACH YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS Arkadelphia Mayor Scott Byrd 700 Clay Street Arkadelphia, AR 71923 (870) 246-6745 Arkadelphia Treasurer Shacresha Wilson (870) 246-9864 shacresha.wilson@ arkadelphia.gov Prosecuting Attorney Dan Turner 414 Court Street Arkadelphia, AR 71923 (870) 246-9868 dan.turner@ClarkAR.us Clark County Judge Troy Tucker 401 Clay Street Arkadelphia, AR 71923 (870) 246-5847 Clark County Sheriff Jason Watson 406 South 5th Street Arkadelphia, AR 71923 (870) 246-8859 Governor Asa Hutchinson 250 State Capital Bldg.

Little Rock, AR 72201 (501) 682-2345

Attorney General Leslie Rutledge 323 Center Street, Suite 200 Little Rock, AR 72201 (501) 682-2007 State Senator Alan Clark P.O. Box 211 Lonsdale, AR 72087 (501) 844-6800 Congressman Bruce Westerman 130 Cannon House Office Bldg.

Washington, DC 20515 (202) 225-3772 U.S. Senator Tom Cotton B33 Russell Senate Office Bldg.

Washington, DC 20515 (202) 225-3772 U.S. Senator John Boozman 1 Russell Courtyard Washington, DC 20510 (202) 224-4843

SUBSCRIPTION FORM Comic by Blanton Matthews

Arkansas Department of Health COVID-19 update

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Editor in Chief: Lance Brownfield General Manager: Keyuna Thrower Oracle Editor: Kaela McKim Sports Editor: Donovan Lee Staff Reporters: Phoebe Darley, Blanton Matthews, Tierra McCraney, Juliann Reaper, Aaron Weatherford, Jaylon McKewen, Madison Hardcastle, Haven Hughes Adviser: Steve Listopad

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4 Sports

UPCOMING EVENTS

7/29 AHS football team camp @ Prescott

Thursday, July 22, 2021

Oracle: CE

Arkadelphia Football begins second half of summer athletics Aaron Weatherford Staff Reporter

The Badgers were back on the gridiron last Tuesday after a two week dead period that is designated by the Arkansas Activities Association.

Arkadelphia three weeks prior had traveled up to Pulaski Academy for their second team camp of the summer. They headed back up to Bruin Country for their third camp of the summer last week.

Arkadelphia performed phenomenally. Even though they were one of the smaller schools in attendance, the Badgers played tough with class 5A defending state champion and Arkansas

high school football power Pulaski Academy.

Each team ran 12 plays on offense and defense for 13 minutes. Arkadelphia did not back down to Pulaski Academy. Another impressive showing the Badgers had was against last year’s class 6A runner up in Lake Hamilton.

Players on offense like Donovan Whitten, Jaishon Davis, Alex Loy, Braylon Bailey, and others had a field day with the Wolves defense. Linebackers Alex Turley and Landon Kuhn held down a run-heavy Lake Hamilton offense.

The Badgers also saw really defensive line play out of defensive end and senior Derrion Beard.

Arkadelphia is scheduled to play Lake Hamilton again this year as their benefit game, or scrimmage game as some would call it.

The Wolves and Badgers definitely showed some chippiness here and there.

At the end of the day it was all good competition.

Arkadelphia showed more promise on defense when they went up against El Dorado who is also in class 6A like Lake Hamilton.

Coach Schucker and his staff seemed really impressed with their players at the end of the camp saying, “we got better today.”

This Tuesday, Arkadelphia will be headed over Lake Hamilton for another team camp.

Photo by Aaron Weatherford

Senior receiver Alex Loy highpoints and hauls in a great catch for a touchdown.

8/2 - 8/6 AHS football Fall camp

8/9 - 8/13 AHS football Fall camp

Photo by Aaron Weatherford

Head Coach Trey Schucker talks with his team before beginning the camp.

8/16 AHS football benefit game vs. Lake Hamilton

8/27 AHS football vs.

Camden Fairview (non-conference)

Photo by Aaron Weatherford

Defensive End Derrion Beard lines up for the next play.

L’liott Curry Named Lindy’s DII Preseason All-American HSU Sports

After bursting onto the scene in 2019, Henderson State senior receiver L’liott Curry was named a 2021 Preseason Division II First Team All-American by Lindy’s Sports in its annual College Football Preview magazine.

Curry, from Guthrie, Oklahoma, was a D2Football.com Second Team All-American, an Honorable Mention Don Hansen All-American, a First Team All-Central Region honoree and earned unanimous First

Team All-GAC accolades in 2019 when he caught 84 passes for 1167 yards and 14 touchdowns in 12 games for the Reddies. Curry was one of 36 nominees nationally for the Harlon Hill Trophy and one of just six receivers to earn a nomination.

During his break-out 2019 campaign, Curry led the GAC in receiving yards and touchdowns and recorded at least one score in nine of Henderson’s 12 games. He was one of just six players in the country with 80 or more receptions, 1000 or more receiving yards, and 10 or more

touchdowns. His herculean efforts helped the Reddies to a 9-3 record and a berth in the Live United Bowl.

Curry was one of just two receivers nationally to be named to the Lindy’s Preseason Division II First Team. He is the first Reddie to earn preseason All-American honors since Darius Davis and Kevin Rodgers in 2014.

Henderson kicks off its 2021 football season on Thursday, Sept.

2 when it travels to Weatherford, Oklahoma to face Southwestern Oklahoma State at 6

Photo courtesy of HSU Sports

L’liot Curry named 2021 Preseason DII All-American in Lindy’s Sports’ College Football Preview magazine.

p.m. The Reddies’ home opener comes the following Saturday, Sept. 11, when they host Northwestern

Oklahoma State at 6 p.m. inside Carpenter-Haygood Stadium and Ruggles Field.

Allie Bianchi Named 2021 GAC Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year

To have your organization’s events featured, email oraclecommunityedition@gmail. com.

Photo courtesy of HSU Sports

Sophomore golfer Allie Bianchi named Great American Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Year Wednesday.

HSU Sports RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – Henderson State sophomore golfer Allie Bianchi added another accolade to her postseason resume on

Wednesday afternoon when she was named the Great American Conference’s 2021 Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year.

The prestigious honor comes just one week after

Bianchi was recognized as an All-American Scholar by the Women’s Golf Coaches Association and an Academic All-District honoree by CoSIDA. She is the first Reddie to ever be named Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year by the GAC and is the first Henderson State student-athlete to win one of the league’s year-end awards since Kevin Rodgers in 201314.

Bianchi was terrific on the course this season for the Reddies. The WGCA AllRegion selection and All-GAC Second Teamer led the 2021 GAC Champion Henderson State women’s golf team with four Top-5 finishes on the

year. Bianchi also became only the second Reddie ever to qualify as an individual for the NCAA Division II National Championships after coming in fourth place at the Central/ Midwest Regional in Kansas City.

In addition to her strong play, the Finance major from Allen, Texas, held a perfect 4.0 grade point average and received the Beau and Haley Baker Financial Planning Award from Henderson State in April.

“Being named the 2021 GAC Female Scholar-Athlete [of the Year] is a huge honor and is not something I take lightly,” Bianchi said. “To receive it this year may be

different than others for me because I feel that I have worked endlessly this past year through several heavy loads of classes and an even more jam-packed season.

My teammates are a huge reminder of why I push myself the way I do, and as a team, we truly embrace the competitive culture as a student and as an athlete. Giving 110% effort in all of my classes and in every practice is always my main focus.”

Bianchi stands a chance to add to her long list accolades for 2020-21 with a potential Academic All-America nod from CoSIDA. The first, second and third teams will be announced in early August.

Colton Cowan Hired as Henderson State Head Golf Coach Courtlin Haygarth HSU Sports

Henderson State Athletics has announced the hiring of Colton Cowan as the new head coach of the Reddies men’s and women’s golf programs.

Cowan, who comes to HSU following a two-year stint as the women’s golf assistant coach at NCAA Division I Austin Peay State, was selected after a national search and will replace Forrest Schultz, who recently departed for Troy University.

“After a thorough search that extended across our region and nationally, it became very clear that Colton was the right fit to lead the Reddie Golf programs,” Director of Athletics Shawn Jones said. “Colton brings tremendous collegiate coaching experience at both the Division I level and inside the Great American Conference, but what struck me most about

him was his passion for the game, his care for his studentathletes and his infectious positive energy that I know he will bring to work every day. He is well suited to continue the rich tradition of the Reddie Golf programs and I look forward to everyone getting to know Colton and his wife Chrystal, as they are outstanding additions to the Reddie Athletics family.”

A native of Piedmont, Oklahoma, Cowan spent five seasons as both a player and assistant coach at Southwestern Oklahoma State prior to his time at Austin Peay. Cowan was a three-year letter winner for the Bulldogs from 2014-17 and served as SWOSU’s graduate assistant coach for both the men’s and women’s teams until 2019.

“I am incredibly humbled and excited to be the head coach of Reddie Golf,” Cowan said. “To be given the oppor-

tunity to lead a program as accomplished and poised for future success as Henderson State is a true blessing. I am privileged to be the next in line to direct this phenomenal program and I cannot wait to get started.”

During his two seasons at SWOSU, Cowan helped the Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs each secure two appearances in the NCAA Central Regional Tournament and led the women’s team to a berth in the 2019 NCAA National Finals. At the 2019 NCAA DII Championships, SWOSU advanced to medal match play before eventually bowing out in the national semifinals. In Cowan’s tenure, Southwestern Oklahoma State produced six Academic All-Americans and two WGCA All-Region players in Gloria Choi and Elin Wahlin.

At Austin Peay State, Cowan was part of a staff that guided

Photo courtesy of HSU Sports

Colton Cowan takes over as head coach for the HSU Golf team.

the Lady Governors to seven Top-5 team finishes from 2019 to 2021. APSU took sixth at the 2021 Ohio Valley Conference Tournament and was the recipient of the 2021 OVC Team Sportsmanship award.

“Colton Cowan is an excellent choice to lead the Henderson State golf programs,” Troy University head coach and former Henderson State head

coach Forrest Schultz said. “I have known Colton for many years as both a player and a coach, and he is as good a person and teacher of the game of golf as they come. I know he will make a tremendous positive impact and continue the success the program has enjoyed.”

Cowan will officially begin his duties at Henderson State on July 19.