INDEX Editorial Events Opinion COVID Update Sports
No. 7
Vol. 2
What newspaper?
Lance Brownfield Editor-in-Chief
In case you didn’t know, Arkadelphia has a newspaper. It’s called the Oracle: Community Edition, and here is how we got here. The Arkadelphia Dispatch was founded in 2018 by editor Bill Sutley and publisher John Robert Schirmer after the long-running Daily Siftings Herald was bought out and closed by GateHouse Media. Sutley ran the weekly paper until he retired in April 2019. To keep the Dispatch going, Schirmer reached out to the Arkansas Press Association for help. APA director Ashley Wimberely connected HSU media lecturer and Oracle adviser Steve Listopad with Schirmer. After a short search, HSU graduate student Pete Tubbs took over Sutley’s position as editor of The Dispatch in May 2020. With Tubbs’ appointment, the paper moved its office and production to The Oracle student newspaper offices on HSU campus. In February 2021, Schirmer determined he needed to step away from the Dispatch as well, so the short-lived weekly was closed in the Spring of 2020. And that’s just the beginning of the story. During it’s time run by Tubbs, The Dispatch was an independent news agency that collaborated with students at OBU and Henderson to provide coverage of the community. Through this opportunity, students at both universities were able to learn about all aspects of working for a real news organization.
But Henderson already had a student newspaper, The Oracle, which ran its first issue October 6, 1908. The then bi-monthly paper has grown quite a bit throughout the years into what it is today. The student paper is currently a twice-monthly publication with high quality coverage of all things Henderson complete with an award-winning website. When the decision came to shut down the Dispatch, Listopad and Tubbs created a new edition of The Oracle - The Oracle:Community Edition (CE). The new paper utilized the same production process and staffing of students and volunteers and that The Dispatch used in its final year. The transition from the Dispatch to the Oracle: CE was seamless, and printing and distribution went uninterrupted. The Oracle: CE (formerly The Arkadelphia Dispatch) was now entirely produced by student journalists and community volunteers. That brings us up to date. We are now on our 22nd issue of The Oracle: CE. We distribute 450 print copies in and around Arkadelphia. We publish our stories, breaking news, and multimedia reporting on our website – www.hsuoracle. com. We also distribute our content through social media. We began running a weekly broadcast news update this summer, and you can watch
that at https://www.youtube. com/user/hsutv. And we are far from done expanding and evolving. Recently, there was an editorial released by another Clark county newspaper asking “Where else will you find Clark County news?” The writer of this piece erroneously claimed that his was the “only newspaper being published in Clark County.” This is not only untrue, but it’s an insult to us and to their readers. We here at the Oracle: CE believe in competition. It’s what breeds innovation and it has made our country the best place to live on planet Earth. That being said, we do not believe in lying to the readers that depend on you for accurate and reliable fact-based reporting. When journalism suffers, so do we all. Our very freedoms depend on the future of journalism and when someone attacks it for personal gain, we cannot stand by and let it happen. As with any industry, we are called to adapt or die. The internet age has been here long enough now that we cannot use it as an excuse for our papers going extinct. When a paper is run effectively, the internet can be the best tool for expanding their audience and reach. It’s a miracle of modern technology that I can read articles that were posted today from publications in Chicago,
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June 24, 2021
London, Jerusalem, Tokyo and all over the world. Our goal at the Oracle: CE is to provide the best news product possible for Arkadelphia and Clark County. We aim to provide the very best coverage of what matters most to locals. We will consistently cover sports at Arkadelphia High School and other surrounding schools as well as the two universities. The word “oracle” comes from the Latin word ōrāre, a verb which means “to speak.” As long as we are here, that’s what we’ll do. We will speak for, to, and about the greater Arkadelphia area. We will speak about important topics and we will exercise our first amendment rights to speak even when it gets tough. The Oracle: CE can be counted on to provide you with important weekly news. We don’t take summer breaks. We don’t take off for holidays. We’re here reporting on our community for the long haul. We couldn’t have come as far as we have without help from the Arkansas Press Association, the Arkansas Newspaper Foundation, John Robert Schirmer, Bill Sutley, and many others who believed in The Dispatch and now believe in us. We hope that we can live up to your vision of staving off a news desert in our community and building a new model of community journalism.
Talk a lot at Taco Lot Fiesta Tierra McCraney Staff Reporter
The City of Arkadelphia and sponsor Southwest Auto Collection are hosting “Taco Lot Fiesta” on July 30 at 6:30 p.m. This community event will take place at the parking lot in front of The Arkadelphia Mural downtown (next to Group Living). The fiesta will include live music from Jacob Flores Music (sponsored by Nelson Construction), food, and games for adults and children.
Photo courtesy of Henderson State University archive
The Oracle student edition has been in circulation for over 100 years.
Food tickets are $20. One plate includes two street tacos, seasoned pulled pork, fiesta slaw, an onion/cilantro mix, fresh lime and salsa verde, Spanish rice, refried beans, Mexican corn, and tortilla chips with red salsa. Admission to the event is free and tickets will be available until July 23 at the Arkadelphia Alliance and Chamber Office located at 201 N 26th Street in Arkadelphia.
Photo courtesy of Arkadelphia Alliance and Area Chamber
Food tickets for the Taco Lot Fiesta are available until July 27.
“Good things are worth waiting for” Sherry Kelly Gurdon Mayor Good things are worth waiting for. Preparations for the new playground equipment are underway at the Gurdon City Park. That includes painting the bathrooms and pavilion and removing the old structure. Everything should be ready for families before the Fourth of July.
All indications are that the new Dollar General Store will be complete by the end of this year. We have been working with the buyers and seller to make sure that the project goes smoothly and we are looking forward to shopping in the new larger store before too long. The February snow storm caused damage on Main Street. The weight of the snow on the aw-
nings caused some to collapse. We will have the awning replaced at The Market On Main sometime in July, the materials are currently on order. The hail storm caused a lot of damage in Gurdon earlier this year. You can still hear roofers making their repairs all over town. We had damage on several of our buildings and we are currently awaiting repairs.
Ribbon cutting at Fairfield
Photo courtesy of Arkadelphia Alliance & Area Chamber of Commerce
After breaking ground a few years ago, the Fairfield by Marriot in Arkadelphia opened April 29. The 83 room hotel is complete with a gym, pool, conference room and an outdoor area with two fire pits. The entertainment for the ribbon cutting was provided by the HSU euphonium quartet and the food by HSU Sodexo.
Photo courtesy of Chamber of Commerce
Nikki Chandler poses with her family at the Chamber of Commerce meet and greet last Thursday. Chandler replaces Saybra Scott as Executive Vice President of the Area Chamber of Commerce.
From Weather.com
FRI - June 25 partly cloudy
SAT - June 26 scattered thunderstorm
SUN - June 27 scattered thunderstorm
MON - June 28 scattered thunderstorm
TUE - June 29 isolated thunderstorm
WED - June 30 isolated
THU - July 01
thunderstorm
isolated thunderstorm
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88o69
Precipitation: 15% Wind: SSW 8 mph Humidity: 72%
Precipitation: 36% Wind: SW 7 mph Humidity: 76%
Precipitation: 45% Wind: WSW 5 mph Humidity: 81%
Precipitation: 48% Wind: WSW 4 mph Humidity: 81%
Precipitation: 31% Wind: WSW 4 mph Humidity: 75%
Precipitation: 32% Wind: SSW 4 mph Humidity: 73%
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Precipitation: 31% Wind: SW 5 mph Humidity: 72%
2 News
Thursday, June 24, 2021
Arkadelphia High School Honor Roll Second Semester 2020-21 All A’s 12th Grade – Caroline Bennington, Rachel Bosley, Maegan Cooper, GraceAnn Covington, Carson Craft, Danny Curl, Emma Durand, Kyla Elgas, Logan Garner, Kennady Garrett, Lily Kesterson, Shepherd Molinari, Mary Morgan, David Noriega, Kerigan Overturf, Elizabeth Rodriguez, Dave Rohant, Emma Taylor, Jenna Taylor, Ben Tibbs, Ke’asia Tilson, Ashari Whitaker, Elizabeth Willmon and Logan Wilson All A’s & B’s 12th Grade - Jessica Allen, Desha Bivens, Mauricio Cervantes, Kerrah Charles, Anna Cobb, Preston DeMorrow, Gracie Dunaway, Taylor Dunkelgod, Tyler Edwards, Anyah Evans, Nayan Ghodela, Cydney Holmes, Rocky Hughes JR, La’mya Luster, Romeo, Haylee McClain, McClure, Mikayla Middleton, Madison Morris, Kelin Nelson, Latanya Price, Dylan Rich, Andrew Rodgers, Octavio Saldana, Katelyn Scott, Colton Skinner, Rebecca Thomas, Katherine Turner and Roger Ward 3.000+ 12th Grade – Taylor Berry, Indiyah Brown, Hannah Calhoon, Dazalyn Colvin, Isaac Conant, Deneasha Dangerfield, Benton Fairchild, Jackson Forthman, Tanner Garner, Aniyah Gulley, Khilah Gulley, Kyler Hayes, Adrien Hickson, Joseph Jester, Olivia Lock, D’metria McDuffie, Justin Miller, Ashley Murphy, Donte’ Page, Kyler Phifer, Joey Pollard, Adamari Rivera, Kailyn Rook-Sims, Corbin Saldana, Rashaun Smith, Braeden Thomas, Tyanna Thomas, Gabriella Wempe and Elijah Wheeler All A’s Grade 11 – Colby Adair, Jarrett Bell, Kennedy Campbell, Audrey Cordero, Taylor Echols, Breanna Edington, Mohammad Faiq, Mallery Gilbert, Tate Goodrum, Sierra Haynes, Colby Helms, Katelyn Hunting, James Jackson V, Tucker Johnson, Asia Joseph, Joshua
LeVar, Peyton Lowery, Noah McAllister, Trinity McKenzie, Nancy Miller, Hannah Moss, Joshua Motl, Colin Phillips, Gracie Simpson, Lillian Trammel, Jhene Utley and Jamelle Williams All A’s and B’s 11th Grade - Kobey Buckley, James Daniell, Jaishon Davis, Kimberly Escobar, Jameeka Green, Ryan Harris, Lovell Hayes, Terra Hembree, Matyas Johnson, Collin J ones, Landon Kuhn, Lori Maxey, Matthew Porter, Emily Smith, LaCoriyana Thomas, Angel Townsend, , Alex Turley and Ollie Ware III 3.000+ 11th Grade – Spencer Allen, Braylon Bailey, Derrion Beard, Savannah Beard-Miller, Ta’Seliya Blanchett, Brooklyn Buford, Mary Cain, Cahleel Campbell, Colin Conroy, Kamryn Crawford, Courtlon Crow, Manadia Gardner, Te’shanna Gordon, Jason Haddox, Ayden Hewitt, Latavia Johnson, Taylor Killackey, Shelby Krantz, Nazjay Lambert, Sasha Maxey, Alissa McClure, Charles Muncrief, Jasmine Newborn, Wynn Pentecost, Kanen Rutledge and John Schaefer All A’s 10th Grade - Logan Barnett, Blaise Batson, Brooklyn Boyette, Bailey Boyles, Nathanael Campbell, Calvin Clardy, Anna Derby, Laila Dickerson, Olivia Fenocchi, Makayla Gentry, Kevin Ghodela, Kirstin Hall, Julia Jones, Gray Manning, Madelyn Neel and Savannah Zeiler All A’s & B’s 10th Grade – Alena Alcala, Carter Babb, Julia Carter, Judsen Coon, Leslie Dennis, Avery Garner, Amaya Garrard, Hayden Harper, Cameron Jones, Lauren Jones, Alana LyndersGonzalez, Isabel Martin-Tyler, Andrew McGlone, Caitlyn McGough, Timothy Morgan, Mtende Moyo, Hailey O’Neal, Joy Opiri, Kathleen Ramirez, Britzel Rivera, Nigel Robinson, Madison Runyan, Mariah Rutherford, Dakota Singleton,
Liyah Smith, Emily Talley, Thomas Thacker, Aliyah Ware, Conner Welcher, Donovan Whitten and Gabrielle Williams 3.000+ 10th Grade – Shamiha Alam, Camryn Allison, Stanley Cordero, Tifton Covington II, Brandon Dickey, Felicia Dixson, Rylee Evans, Latore Gossett JR, Hope Howerton, Latonnieo Hughes II, Rocky Hughes, A.J. Lambert, Skyler Mountz, Mikayla Perry, Connor Robbins, Ashtynne Robinson, Darrel Simnpson JR, Ja’lyus Solomon, De’lion Summerville, Haedyn Taylor, Zane Thomason, Cheasni Thompson, Andrew Trigg, Sydney Trigg, Angelina Turner, Conner Vance, Max Wilson and Taylor Woodson All A’s 9th Grade – Kennedi Arnold, Hunter Blakeney, Tanner Cotton, Savannah Currey, Anaiya Ford, Kourtni Foster, Noah Heard, Phillip Hill, Avery Hrabal, Bret McDill, Tori Millerd, Summersky Molinari, Kate Perrin, J’layiah Perry, Isabel Rodgers, Angela Rosas, Tristan Smith, Catherine Turner, Kevin Williams and Kahlea Wilson All A’s & B’s 9th Grade - Ava Beck, Lydia Benjamin, Zoe’ Davis, Lexus Diehl, Timothy Gables, Kennedy Gentry, Samara Hammack, Zachery Johnson, Miles Jones, Daniel Kesterson, Mychia Leatherwood, Jacob Lewis, Lexie Miller, Parker Schaeffer, Adrian Smith, Chase Vantilborg, Annabeth Wyatt and Emilee Young 3.000+ 9th Grade – Triston Adams, Darriah Ashley, Anthony Askey, Maddox Atkins, Nakia Box, Lucas Burroughs, Ethan Burton, Jacob Gables, Landon Gladstone, Madison Hill, Tiffany Keeling, Aiden Killackey, Kayla Knox, Michael McBride, Jayme Melugin, Zachary Miller, Rowan Phelps, Yharley Ramirez, Chase Rutledge, Sydney Tatum and Hunter Thompson
Anthony Freeman and Tyranni Hubbard receive Ouachita’s Annie Abrams Living Legacy Award Mandy Halbert OBU News Bureau Ouachita Baptist University has named Anthony Freeman from Monroe, La., and Tyranni Hubbard from Little Rock, Ark., as the 2021 recipients of the second annual Annie Abrams Living Legacy Award for Black student leaders. They each will receive $2,500. Named to honor the living legacy of civil rights activist Annie Abrams, the award was established in 2020 to recognize students who have demonstrated leadership and service within Ouachita’s Multicultural Organization Reaching Equality (MORE), living out the university’s mission to live lives of meaningful work. “Mrs. Abrams is a native of Arkadelphia and spent her formative years growing up in this community,” said Dr. Lewis A. Shepherd, special assistant to the president. “Mrs. Abrams is a nationally recognized civil rights activist who makes her home in Little Rock where her museum is located in the residence. For six decades, Mrs. Abrams has given her life to make life better for others.” Abrams was named to Arkansas’ Black Hall of Fame in 2010, and she is the recipient of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Award given by Coretta Scott King, the First Lady’s Women in Public Service Award and the Brooks Hays Award for Civil Rights Champions. “The idea of providing this award to Ouachita students is to encourage them to become servant leaders and
make a difference in the local communities where they will live and work,” Shepherd said. Freeman, a rising senior kinesiology and leisure studies/pre-professional major, is a member of Ouachita’s football team, recently took a leadership role in Ouachita’s MORE program, serves as a resident assistant and has been named to the Dean’s list. He is the son of Alisha Freeman of Monroe and is a graduate of Neville High School. “This reward was very unexpected,” Freeman said. “I always thrive to do my best in everything I do, and with that hard work, it paid off. I am overwhelmed, excited and thankful for the people who chose me for this reward.” “Anthony has a great personality and the ability to establish a comfortable rapport with our campus and the local community,” said Nicole Porchia, director of multicultural student programs. “He is continuously looking for ways to help others or for opportunities to be involved in programs that advance the mission of diversity and inclusion.” Hubbard, a rising sophomore theatre arts and choral music education double major, is the co-chair choir director of MORE and enjoys theatre and vocal performance opportunities. She is the daughter of Gwendolyn Critton and Sam Hubbard of Little Rock and was a graduate of Pulaski Academy. “This award will help me continue my journey in my education for theatre and music,” Hubbard said.
“The remembrance of Annie Abrams’ remarkable accomplishments in her education and her astonishing career as a civil activist makes it an honor for me to accept this award. Annie Abrams’ achievements in desegregating Little Rock Central High School and her service in the Arkansas Teachers Association, motivate me to pledge my dedication to serve and inspire others in education through theatre and vocal performance.” “Tyranni’s commitment to MORE and many other programs at Ouachita have been evident in her involvement and dedication to each student she has come into contact with on our campus,” Porchia said. “As a valued member of our leadership team, her determination has been well recognized. She has always gone above and beyond to ensure the organization’s success.” The award serves to acknowledge the service these students have portrayed both on campus and throughout their communities. “Similar to Ms. Abrams’ legacy, Anthony and Tyranni exemplify the leadership skills to make positive change on our campus,” Porchia said. “Dedication and service are two words that best describe these students; I have personally watched them both pour into the lives of their peers.” To donate to the Annie Abrams Living Legacy Award fund, visit obu.edu/ give and list “Annie Abrams Living Legacy Award” in the instructions line.
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Events Upcoming Events June 24 9 p.m. Arkadelphia Rec Center Drive-In Movie Nights July 15 9 p.m. Arkadelphia Rec Center Drive-In Movie Nights July 23 9 a.m. Willie Tate Golf Tournament Classic July 30 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. Arkadelphia Area Chamber of Commerce Taco Lot Fiesta 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, June 24, 2021
“The Devil Made Me Do It” Jaylon McEwen Staff Reporter Fans of the famed Conjuring series can rejoice as the latest installment has found its new home on the streaming platform HBO Max. This may be labeled the third movie in the series but only under the title of “Conjuring.” Most fans are encouraged to watch the first six films before tuning into the latest one. The films in order of viewing are: The Nun, Annabelle: Creation, Annabelle, The Conjuring, Annabelle Comes Home, The Curse of La Llorona, and finally The Conjuring 2. The films in this order follow a chronological order rather than a release order. Conjuring 3 brings back well known characters Ed and Lorraine Warren (Vera Farmiga & Patrick Wilson). The Married Paranormal
investigators are first seen performing an exorcism on a young boy named David Glatzel (Julian Hillard) in the Glatzel’s family home. After a life-threatening encounter Ed finds himself unconscious and Vera believes the exorcism to be a complete success. However, the exact opposite turns out to be the case as viewers will soon discover later in the movie. The film in it’s first two weeks greatly exceeded expectations when the box office profit grossed over $142 million despite only a $39 million budget. Despite such a profit, The Conjuring 3 only managed to score a rating of 56 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. Viewers who have not had the chance to enjoy the frightening thrill of the film still have a chance to catch it in theaters or on HBO max before its departure on the Fourth of July.
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HOW TO REACH YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS Arkadelphia Mayor Scott Byrd 700 Clay Street Arkadelphia, AR 71923 (870) 246-6745 Photo courtesy of Arkadelphia Arts Center
Handmade Baskets includes creations by several members of the Caddo River Art Guild and r u n s t h r o u g h m i d - J u l y. T h e A r k a d e l p h i a A r t s Center is currently scheduling exhibits with a slow opening soon.
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
Comic by BLanton Matthews
Arkansas Department of Health COVID-19 Update
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
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Editor in Chief: Lance Brownfield Ads 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
6/7 - 8/5 Coak Matthews HSU Red Wave Learn to Swim
6/24 AHS football team camp @ Pulaski Academy
7/13 AHS football team camp @ Pulaski Academy
7/20 AHS football team camp @ Lake Hamilton
7/29 AHS football team camp @ Prescott
8/2 - 8/6 AHS football Fall camp
8/9 - 8/13 AHS football Fall camp
Thursday, June 24, 2021
Oracle: CE
Badgers out on the Gridiron preparing for 2021 Season Aaron Weatherford Staff Reporter Last Thursday morning, the Arkadelphia Badger football team hit AllCare Field in Badger Stadium at eight o’clock sharp for their fourth summer practice this month. Despite the early practice, Head Coach Trey Schucker brought the energy to his team. Due to Arkansas Activities Association rules, high school football players are not allowed to wear pads during the summer unless it is a team camp. So Arkadelphia came out with only helmets and their team workout shirts. The Badgers warmed up and stretched like a normal evening practice and sounded as if they were getting ready for a game. With the help of some music playing over the loudspeakers on the pressbox, the players looked calm and ready to go. Coach Schucker worked with his receivers, running backs, and quarterbacks as they went through a series of routes and reads for his players. The lineman were, of course, doing the dirty work pushing the sled and working on hand and footwork. With Schucker already being an offensive minded coach, expect this Badger team to score a lot of points this fall. Defensive Coordinator Dustin Grimmett also had a hand in practice when it came to the defensive session in practice. At first, he and Defensive Line Coach Bobby Evins Badger offensive lineman works on his foot and hand work. lined everyone up and gave them assignments about who to take and what zone to cover when the pass came open. Grimmett also coached the middle linebackers on what to read when a run play unfolds. Once the players knew their assignments and reads, the team again broke into individual groups to their own position. Most drills included form tackling, footwork, and knocking the ball loose. The practice continued on with a 7 on 7 scrimmage between both offensive and defensive squads. Just about every skill player got on the field with both first and second teams playing against each other. Coach Schucker ended the practice with three conditioning stations to keep his players in shape. Today, Arkadelphia heads to Pulaski Academy in Little Rock for a team camp before a two week dead period from Badger receiver looks a pass into his hands. June 28th to July 9th.
Photo by Aaron Weatherford
Photo by Aaron Weatherford
8/16 AHS football benefit game vs. Lake Hamilton
8/27 AHS football vs. Camden Fairview (non-conference)
Photo by Aaron Weatherford
Badger football team huddles together after conditioning drills..
Blanchar Named ITA Central Region Rookie of the Year OBU Tigers
To have your organization’s events featured, email oraclecommunityedition@gmail. com. Photo courtesy of OBU Tigers
Hailing from Spain, OBU’s Alex Blanchar has been named the Intercollegiate Tennis Association’s Central Region Rookie of the Year.
Alex Blanchar has been named the 2020-21 ITA Division II Central Region Rookie of the Year, as announced by the ITA. The native of Sant Andreu de Llavaneres, Spain, posted an 11-2 singles record as a freshman. Blanchar’s debut season at the collegiate level included a nine-match singles winning streak. He won five of his final six matches of the season at No. 3 singles after spending the first half of his spring playing mostly at 4 and 5. He earned his first collegiate victory in his career debut with a 6-0, 6-0 sweep over Texas A&M-Texarkana’s Felipe de la Carrera. Staytunedtoobutigers.com for all the latest on Tiger tennis.