Vol. 1
O
ACLE No. 9
March 18, 2021
Mourning the cancellation of CG Honors Program Hot Springs’ famous parade awards three students
Photo by Levi Dade.
Ouachita’s Carl Goodson Honors Program members (from left) Cora Sadder, Maddie Bailey and Jael Winterholter were awarded 2021 thesis research grants during the Honors Program’s annual Black and White Ceremony held on Wednesday, March 3. Lindsay Hyde realistic scene there while Ouachita Baptist University also forging my own path as
Photo courtesy of ShortestStPats.com.
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders spent their time at The World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade exuding the same spirit they show on the football field. Kelly Stiles previous year, an Arkansan grew to over 30,000. Folks Hot Springs and surroundHSU Oracle Editor in Chief of Irish descent shared a few from all over the world travel ing areas gain a lot of tourism The World’s Shortest St. pints of malted beverage with to Hot Springs to enjoy the and press coverage from the Patrick’s Day Parade did not get some friends on Bridge St. The St. Patrick’s Day’s festivities, event which brings revenue to any luck this year. The annual conversation that night devel- including the concert a couple the community. Unfortunately, event in historic downtown oped the idea to incorporate hours after the parade. A mu- this fun money-making tradiHot Springs is cancelled due the street’s short 98-foot length sical performance ensues on tion will not be found at the end to social distancing restric- into an Irish holiday associated Bridge St. by artists and bands of the 2021 rainbow. tions put in place by Gov. Asa with a short mythical being -- such as Blues Traveller and “I am excited to make up for Hutchinson. the leprechaun. Smashmouth. lost years in 2022,” Solleder. “Even if the pandemic had A few thousand people gath“Enjoy the holiday anyway,” “The parade is already special; ended today, there wouldn’t ered to view that first parade. In Solleder said. “Do the ‘kiss me this next one will be extra, extra be enough time,” Bill Solleder, 2019, the number of attendants I’m Irish’ from six feet away.” special.” director of marketing for Visit Hot Springs, said. While many state-ordained social distancing guidelines have been lifted, Solleder and his coworkers had to decide about a year in advance whether or not the 2021 parade would go on. This year’s parade was cancelled to avoid the disappointment that ensued after the highly anticipated parade of 2020 was called off. “It was sad and difficult to call everyone and cancel,” Solleder said, “It sucked.” Solleder manages the logistics of the parade, including the lineup and pacing as floats make their way down Bridge St. “40 highly creative floats strut their stuff down Bridge Street,” Solleder said. Each year, a celebrity is granted the ceremonial title of “grand marshal.” Those who hold this title typically walk or ride down the street first. Famous stars such as Joey Fatone, Kevin Bacon, Alfonso Ribeiro, Mark Martin, and Mario Lopez have previously participated as grand marshals. “Everyone who comes to watch the parade has the best time of their life,” Solleder said. Photo courtesy of ShortestStPats.com. According to ShortestStRalph Macchio, the same man who crane kicked himself into our hearts in “Karate Kid” and Pats.com, the first ever World’s recently starred in that film’s sequel television series “Cobra Kai” was feeling green when he Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Pawas grand marshal of the famous parade. rade occurred in 2004. The
Ouachita Baptist University’s Carl Goodson Honors Program hosted its annual Black and White Ceremony on Wednesday, March 3, awarding three honors students with thesis research grants, inducting 123 new members and presenting 63 students with badges for their successful thesis proposals. “This is by far the largest group of thesis badge recipients we have ever had,” said Dr. Barbara Pemberton, director of the Carl Goodson Honors Program and professor of Christian missions at Ouachita. “Over 60 students are now working on wonderful thesis projects that will be published later this spring. We are very excited for them!” The three Honors Program students recognized and awarded research grants to further their honors theses include Maddie Bailey, Carl Goodson Scholar; Cora Saddler, Ben Elrod Scholar; and Jael Winterholter, Garrett Ham Scholar. Bailey, a junior political science major from Bauxite, Ark., plans to attend the JuST conference, one of the nation’s leading conferences on juvenile sex trafficking, in Washington, D.C., this November. “While there, I will have the chance to hear from top leaders in the fight against trafficking,” Bailey said. “It’s truly a dream come true to have the opportunity to attend.” Saddler, a junior English and Spanish double major from Cabot, Ark., plans to research the impact of surrealism on art and literature in New York City this summer. “I’ll be exploring as many museums and literary locations as possible, especially as it pertains to surrealism,” Saddler said. “The goal is to be inspired by the sur-
a novice surrealist writer.” Winterholter, a junior Christian studies/biblical studies & theology major from Fort Wayne, Ind., plans to research the biblical concept of the glory of God. “The Garrett Ham travel grant will allow me to interview several more academic experts and learn how their understanding of God’s glory affects their theology and their ministry,” Winterholter said. “I want to offer my heartfelt thanks to Mr. Garrett Ham, Dr. Pemberton and Dr. Danny Hays for awarding me this grant so I can further my research and deepen my learning!” In place of a guest speaker, this year several Ouachita Honors alumni – Garrett Ham, Cole Jester, Mattie Mae Motl, Alex Nelson, Evan Nelson, Elizabeth Peevy, Dr. Abby Dekle Russ, Bailey Walter, Dr. Dustin Walter and Philip Williamson – sent in video clips to address current and new members during the ceremony. The Carl Goodson Honors Program encourages intellectual growth and academic excellence for highachieving students. Students in the program take 16 honors hours while maintaining a minimum of a 3.5 grade average. The Honors Program was established in 1964 to encourage and challenge students academically and offer them the opportunity to explore subjects not offered through Ouachita’s regular curriculum and conduct research under a professor for a directed study and thesis. For more information about the Carl Goodson Honors Program, visit www. obu.edu/honors or contact Dr. Barbara Pemberton at pembertonb@obu.edu or (870) 245-5541.
Hutchinson on
Five states join forces to end passage of SB410 excessive speeding after record year Arkansas State Police Public Affairs Office Five neighboring statewide law enforcement agencies are sending a unified message urging drivers to slow down. The warning follows a year best described by highway patrol troopers in each state reporting excessive highway speeding across the central U.S. region. The Arkansas State Police, Iowa State Patrol, Kansas Highway Patrol, Missouri State Highway Patrol, and Nebraska State Patrol all report a substantial increase in speeding violations that began to occur coinciding with the COVID-19
pandemic. “We communicate regularly with our law enforcement partners in neighboring states, and the increase in excessive speeding has been a common theme in those conversations over the last year,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “NSP is proud to partner with these neighboring states in reminding motorists of the dangers of excessive speeding and the need for us to all work together to make our states safe.” Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska comprise Region 7 of the National Highway Traffic Safety Admin-
istration. Each state tracked the increase of excessive speeding in different ways, but every method told the same story: A year that felt incredibly long was also the fastest on the roads in recent memory. “With every mile per hour over the speed limit, the reaction time a driver has to avoid a crash is reduced even faster, and with excess speed comes a greater risk of serious or fatal injuries,” said Colonel Bill Bryant, Director of the Arkansas State Police. “Driving 10 miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit won’t get anyone to their destination that must faster, but it will increase
the odds of a crash or a speeding ticket.” A comparison of the increases in speeding violations documented by each state is provided below: As the winter months give way to more favorable driving conditions and busiest travel seasons, each agency is asking all motorists to do their part to keep the roads safe. Obey the posted speed limits, eliminate distractions, never drive impaired, and always buckle up. Troopers in each state will continue to patrol day and night to enforce traffic safety laws and assist any motorist.
Asa Hutchinson AR Governor
“Today was an important moment in this legislative session with the Senate passing the ARHOME (formerly Arkansas Works) legislation with overwhelming support. This new initiative will assure continued health care coverage for over 300,000 Arkansans with accountability measures in place to
improve maternal health, drug addiction support and mental illness. I applaud Senator Missy Irvin, Representative Michelle Gray and many other legislators who spent countless hours in working with my administration to develop this plan that will now move to the House.”
2 News
Thursday, March 18, 2021
Governor Hutchinson on the benefit of task forces Asa Hutchinson AR Governor
The historic flood of 2019 exposed the weakness of Arkansas’s levee system, an issue that required immediate and focused attention, so I created the Arkansas Levee Task Force. Today, I’d like to talk about some of the task forces that I have relied on during my administration. My model comes from Governor Winthrop Rockefeller’s successful use of task forces as he reshaped Arkansas during his two terms as governor in the 1960s. Arkansas state government is composed of dozens of departments, divisions, agencies, boards, and commissions that handle the day-to-day matters of governing. When an unexpected issue arises – such as our crumbling levees – we have to look for solutions quickly before the problem grows worse. I’m not an expert on every challenge, and state agencies may not always have the time or personnel to undertake the intense and thorough study that the unexpected issues demand. When I create a task force, I seek a range of experts and ask the members to study the problem and report back with recommendations. When I recognized the need for the levee task force, I appointed 27 members including representatives
from the departments of Public Safety, Agriculture, Emergency Management, and Finance and Administration; as well as the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission and Arkansas Waterways Commission. The task force’s report included seventeen recommendations that will ensure we shore up our levees as well as our management and oversight. In fact, The Arkansas General Assembly is considering legislation recommended by the task force. In 2018, two weeks after the horrific shooting of students at the high school in Parkland, Florida, I created another task force called the Arkansas School Safety Commission. My appointees included the director of the Criminal Justice Institute, a retired FBI agent, a school safety manager, a superintendent, several educators, a counselor, and a parent. There were many issues for them to consider, but their bottom-line mission was to find ways to ensure that our young people return home from school every day. Many of their recommendations have been adopted by local school districts and have led to changes that keep our school children safer. The task force whose work led to a great deal of national recognition was the Arkansas Computer Science Task Force. The work by the
members of that task force led to changes and to the recognition of Arkansas as a national leader in computer science education. Other task forces I have created include ones to recommend ways to reduce red tape, guide economic recovery as we navigate COVID-19, and chart the next path in computer science and cybersecurity education. After last summer’s nationwide unrest, I created the Task Force to Advance the State of Law Enforcement in Arkansas, and those recommendations were signed into law this last week. Most recently, after our historic winter storm in February, I created the Energy Resources Planning Task Force to review the adequacy of our supply of critical energy sources during extreme weather events. And so you can see the way task forces work. They allow us to move quickly and to utilize the best minds in Arkansas to solve specific problems. The people I have appointed serve on a voluntary basis, donating hours and energy, sometimes traveling around the state in pursuit of solutions. The quality of life in Arkansas is richer, our educational system is stronger, and we are safer because of their willingness to volunteer their time for our benefit.
Westerman on protecting the right to bear arms Bruce Westerman AR Representative
Above all else, my duty as an elected official and a member of Congress is to uphold and protect the Constitution. That is why I strongly opposed the two gun control bills that Democrats pushed through the House of Representatives this week. These bills directly limit Americans’ constitutional right to bear arms as specified in the Second Amendment. First, the House passed the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021. This misleadingly named bill
would criminalize the common exchanges of firearms such as a parent gifting a gun to their child or a homeowner lending a gun to his neighbor to protect his cattle against wolves. Even worse, this bill would effectively create a national firearm registry. Such a registry is a dramatic government overreach that would infringe on the rights of every American and set a dangerous precedent. Next, the House passed the Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2021 which would slow the background check process to a near standstill. If the FBI has
still not completed an applicant’s background check after 10 days, the applicant must prove their innocence in order to receive a license. What could possibly be more un-American than proving your innocence in order to utilize your Constitutional right? Guns do not hurt people. People hurt people. These bills will do nothing to prevent gun crime, but will instead punish law abiding citizens. The Constitution clearly states our right to bear arms, and that is a right I will continue to fight for every day in Congress.
Sandwiching in History tours make state wide move Zoie Clift Travel Writer
Virtual tours have become a go-to avenue for tourism entities across Arkansas to carry on with programming during COVID-19. The Sandwiching in History tours offered by the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, AHPP, has not only continued via virtual means, it has also shown an increase in popularity due to doing so. “While our staff truly enjoys meeting with history buffs here in Central Arkansas, our monthly in-person tours were generally limited to about 50 to 100 people depending on the public’s level of interest in the topic and the number of guests a location could accommodate,” said Scott Kaufman, agency director for the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program. “The format for the tours was basically a one-hour lunch lecture where a historian or staff member read a script and answered questions while everyone looked on at the historic site being discussed. We did record and archive these to our YouTube channel, but there was very little production value. In 2020, when we made the switch to virtual, not only were we provided with a unique opportunity to begin increasing the production value of these programs, but we saw the number of people exposed to the tours grow.” Kaufman said for example, their October 2020 tour to St. Joseph’s Orphanage in North Little Rock reached more than 2,100 people and has had more than 3,000 minutes viewed. Because those tours live online, the
analytics continue to grow too. “Were we surprised by the growth in popularity after taking the Sandwiching in History tours virtual? You bet,” said Kaufman. “Suddenly people from every corner of the state could experience a slice of Arkansas heritage either by joining us live the first Friday of the month or anytime from the comfort of their couch. The consolation of not being in person was assuaged by being able to give our viewers a behind the scenes look at things they wouldn’t be able to see during an in-person tour, historic photos that give context, plus we’ve made a concerted effort this year to include interviews with experts which really help bring the stories to life.” Kaufman said the programs are designed to be both an intriguing and informative look at historical locations in Arkansas. “I think ideally, we are trying to reach those that are well versed in history and those that have not yet truly realized how interesting history can be, especially their local and state history,” he said. “Every year we try to come up with an eclectic mix of tour locations so that we always have something new for the public to enjoy. Our goal is that the person viewing can walk away with new information and possibly a new way of looking at a historical location, that they perhaps drive by every day and have always been curious to know more about.” By going virtual, the tours have been able to expand the subjects from central Arkansas to across the state. “Just like those attending the in-person tours, for our historians this was an hour
out of their workday so tours generally had to be centered around Little Rock to allow staff to return to their desks,” said Kaufman. “Now, we’re able to expand the reach of our tours. For example, this year we’ll be headed to Hot Springs for our July tour about Green Book properties. This would have been nearly impossible a year and a half ago.” According to Kaufman, increasing the production value of the virtual tours has meant their staff had to learn some new skills, some even self-taught themselves Adobe Premiere Pro. The tours are generally shot on a Canon 7D with wireless microphones but they also use photos, cell phones, and “just about anything they can think of to bring the stories to life.” Kaufman said the most important aspect that led to success was the way they were able to pivot quickly to make the tours a production instead of just a fixed camera location, for instance with the focus being on someone standing in front of a group of people speaking. He credited staff with helping the project come to fruition. As to advice for other entities interested in doing virtual tours, Kaufman said it helps to think about it as an opportunity instead of a challenge. This year, the Sandwiching in History tours will all be virtual and next year’s lineup potentially will be as well. The public can stay updated via the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program Facebook page at Facebook. com/ARHistoricPreservation or via the calendar of events at the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program website at Arkansasheritage. com/arkansas-preservation.
Oracle: CE
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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 870-230-2975 or 870-260-9277. >>> <<< H& R Block has a new location at 2749 Pine St in Arkadelphia, AR! Visit their new office today to put their expertise to work on your refund. >>> <<< The Arkadelphia Arts Center directors are looking forward to the day when we can open the doors to the public. Meanwhile, enjoy our rotating exhibits that may be seen through the window and glass door. Contact information is listed on identification cards near 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. >>> <<< 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, March 18, 2021
Page 3
Obituaries for March 1-15
Dale James Minnie Margaret Knight Montgomery
Dale James Kight, age
granddaughter, Willow
64, of Hot Springs, passed
Kight; two sisters, Jeanne
away March 5, 2021. He was
Roberts (Bill) and Sandy
born May 21, 1956 to the late
Nottenkamper (Stan).
James and Lillie Kight in Kingston, NY.
Memorial service will be 10:00 AM Saturday, March
Dale was an avid out-
13, 2021 in the outdoor
doorsman. He retired from
chapel in DeLamar Cem-
Gibbs Brothers Cooperage
etery near Manning. Bishop
after 41 years and was a
Dawayne Smith will offici-
volunteer fireman for Lake
ate. Private burial to follow.
Hamilton and 70 West fire
Arrangements by Rug-
department for 15 years.
gles-Wilcox Funeral Home,
Dale is survived by Karen Kight, the mother of their
517 Clay Street, Arkadelphia, AR 71923.
two sons: Tyler Kight (Jordynn) and Asher Kight;
Online Guestbook: www. ruggleswilcox.com
Minnie Margaret Montgomery, age 88, of Arkadelphia passed away Saturday, February 27, 2021. She was born January 21, 1933, the daughter of Loyd and Minnie Holladay. She was a hair stylist and retired as the owner of her own beauty salon. Survivors include two sons, Ronald D. Montgomery of Little Rock and John Studer of Malvern, one daughter, Norma Carpenter of Tennessee. She has 6 grandchildren, David, Bradley and Lewis Montgomery, Christi Curfman, Nikki Willis, and Avery Studer along with many great grandchildren. Margie was the founder of God’s Helping Hands, a nonprofit organization that served the city of Arkadelphia and the surrounding communities with a shelter for the homeless along with
support for their various physical and financial needs. Her vision was to be the hands and feet of God and to take his blessings outside the four walls of the church to those in need. Margie was an active leader and facilitator of The Counsel. She believed in reaching out to the lonely, hurting and abused to provide encouragement and counsel. Margie was also an active member of the Bismarck Pentecostal Church. Visitation will be March 7th from 2pm-4pm at Ruggles-Wilcox Funeral Home Chapel in Arkadelphia. The graveside service will be held at Forrest Hills Cemetery in Bryant, AR on March 8th at 10am. Arrangements by Ruggles-Wilcox Funeral Home, 517 Clay St, Arkadelphia, AR. Online Guestbook: www.ruggleswilcox.com
Arkansas Department of Health COVID-19 Update
Arkansas Department of Health
According to the Arkansas Department of Health Administration in its COVID-19 update, there are a total of 69,822 probable cases in the state as of March 18. In reference to ADH’s
graph, there are a total of
graph weekly according to
precautions, however, as
327,060 cases with 318,695
what is available from the
games are being cancelled
recovered.
Department of Health and
left and right to coincide
state officials.
with regulations.
The counties are colored by light to dark in terms of
Vaccines are now avail-
With Joe Biden as the
able for a limited amount
new President of the United
The Dispatch will post
of people. Baptist Health in
States and vaccines being
an updated version of this
Arkadelphia has been sup-
given to those that meet
plying shots for weeks for
the needed qualifications,
selected employees across
things are changing week
town.
by week.
density of cases.
Crites & Tackett Tree Service
Tree removal, trimming, topping and stump removal. Free estimates, worker’s comp, and liability insurance. 501-337-1565 or 501-337-9094
O
ACLE
Golf, softball, women’s
People are encouraged to
volleyball, and basketball
continue social distancing
are in full swing, so sports
and staying at least six feet
teams are keeping an eye
away from others. Testing
on COVID guidelines. That’s
is widely available in most
not to say that there aren’t
cities.
Oracle Online Want all the Oracle with less of the hassle? Catch up with the times and read the Oracle Online.
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Violet Collins
Violet Jean Collins, age
brother-in-law, Truman
83, of Arkadelphia, passed
Collins of Curtis; sisters-
away Wednesday, March
in-law: Bernice Glasscock
10, 2021. She was born
of Benton, Carolyn Carter
September 21, 1937 to the
of Searcy, Jean Dean of
late Fred and Ervie Murch
Lonoke, Linda Dugan of
in Henryetta, OK.
Little Rock, and Corine Clay
Violet was the best wife
(Ray) of Hot Springs; and
a husband could ever have
numerous nieces, nephews
and the best mother a son
and friends.
could have.
Graveside service will
Violet is survived by her
be Friday, March 12, 2021
husband of 67 years, Edgar
at Rest Haven Memorial
Collins; son, Edgar Collins,
Gardens in Malvern. Due to
Jr of Arkadelphia; broth-
COVID-19 precautions there
er, Carlos Murch (Susan)
will be no visitation.
of Malvern; sisters: Patsy
Arrangements by Rug-
Marshal of Hernando, MS,
gles-Wilcox Funeral Home,
Erma Hendrix (Jim) of Ark-
517 Clay St, Arkadelphia,
adelphia, Darlene Kender
AR 71923.
(Eddie) of Arkadelphia;
New Benefits Director Alex Johnston Dept. of Transportation
The Department of Transformation and Shared Services (TSS) names Jake Bleed as director of the Employee Benefits Division (EBD). EBD oversees the health and life insurance plans for state and public school employees. EBD serves more than 158,000 members and includes new hires, active employees, retirees, and dependents. “I am thankful to the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Board for their tireless work to bring forward experienced and knowledgeable candidates,” said Secretary Amy Fecher. “Jake brings a wealth of experience working in state government and knows how to manage a tight budget. These skills will be important as we improve our financial situation and safeguard the long-term viability of our plans.” Bleed joins EBD after more than a decade of experience in state government. He currently serves as director of the Office of Budget within the Department of Finance and Administration. “Jake has served as an invaluable resource for not only our Department, but state government as a whole,” said Larry Walther,
O
Secretary of DFA. “On behalf of his many friends and colleagues at the Department, I thank Jake for his tireless service and look forward to the outstanding work he will do at EBD.” Before becoming budget director, Bleed was fiscal and policy director for Governor Asa Hutchinson and held various roles in the Department of Finance and Administration. “Jake was an important part of my office,” said Governor Asa Hutchinson. “He has excelled in various roles as a public servant and I know he will safeguard the support EBD provides to our state employees.” Bleed said he is grateful for the opportunity and looks forward to meeting the challenges faced by EBD. “EBD is a great asset for the state and for our public schools and we’ve got to keep it that way,” Bleed said. “I look forward to working with all involved to keep EBD financially sound, both now and in the future.” A former newspaper reporter, Bleed is a licensed attorney and lives in Little Rock with his wife, Jill, and their daughters, Claire and Greta. Bleed will remain in his role at DFA until the end of the legislative session.
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4 Sports
Thursday, March 18, 2021
Henderson in fifth at loaded UCO Invitational David Salley HSU Sports
Henderson State’s men’s golf team shot rounds of 301 and 295 on Tuesday and is tied for fifth-place at the UCO Broncho Invitational after 36 holes of play. The Reddies are 16 strokes back of the lead at the loaded 20-team tournament that features 10 ranked programs, including three that are in the Top-10 in the latest GolfStat poll. Senior Stuart Krog led HSU in the first two rounds of action. Krog shot 3-over 73 and 2-over 72 to finish the day 5-over par and tied for eighth individually. The native of Zimbabwe had five birdies on Tuesday and three in the second round. Fellow Reddie senior Mitchell Ford is also in the Top-20 overall after carding scores of 5-over 75 and 3-over 73. Ford recorded four birdies in the second round alone and is even through two rounds on Par 3 holes. Oklahoma Christian currently leads the field at the event after finishing the day with a two round score of 20-over par 580. Henderson will look to climb the leaderboard in the third and final round of competition tomorrow morning at the Oak Tree Golf Club.
Photo courtesy of ShortestStPats.com.
Senior Stuart Krog found himself in the lead for the first two rounds of the UCO Broncho Invitational
Oracle: CE
Bison season ends at regionals LUBBOCK, Texas - The Oklahoma Baptist men’s basketball team could not overcome a slow shooting night as they struggled to contain a hot shooting Lubbock Christian team as the Chaparrals pulled away for a 79-55 win in the South Central Region Semifinals. OBU shot a season-low 20 of 58 (35%) from the field including 29 percent in the first half. The Bison knocked down nine 3-pointers including seven in the second half, but were 6 of 9 (67%) at the line. On the other side, Lubbock shot 32 of 62 (52%) from the field including 10 of 21 (48%) from deep. The Chaps were unreal offensively, only turning it over two times while holding a 35-34 advantage in rebounds. LCU held a 36-20 advantage in the paint and an 11-2 lead in points off turnovers. The Chaps came out hot and stayed hot, opened up a 6-0 lead and pushing it to an 11-2 lead in the first three minutes. The lead extended to 18 at the under 12 mark as they pushed it out ot 27-9 shooting upwards near 80 percent in the early going. LCU began to cool down as OBU started to get some stops, but were dreadful from the field in the first half. Free throw shooting helped OBU cut it back down and eventually the Bison chipped it to 10 points at 36-26 on a Jordan Thompson two pointer. The Chaps added a bucket in the last 30 seconds to make it a 38-26 as they took
that lead into the break. OBU kept pushing the mark in the second half, getting down to 12 seven different times, but could never get over the hump and get it into single digits to truly make Lubbock Christian sweat. Jarius Hicklen and Harrison Stoddart picked it up from behind arc, connecting on a combined five 3-pointers, but the Chaps eventually pulled away, using a 12-0 run to close the game and advance. Hicklen scored 14 points with three 3-pointers while Stoddart added his eighth double-double of the season with 13 points and 13 rebounds including five on the offensive end. Jaquan Simms scored nine while Thompson had eight points and two 3-pointers. Wilcox had five points, nine rebounds, and three assists while Brantly Thompson and Trey Green each had three. Rowan Mackenzie led LCU with 18 points and six boads while Lloyd Daniels had 17 points. Parker Hicks added a double-double with 11 points and 13 rebounds while Ty Coswell had 12 and four assists. Oklahoma Baptist concludes a unique season at 16-6 overall and a GAC Western Division Championship. It was their second straight year making the NCAA Tournament under third year Head Coach Jason Eaker.
HSU Women’s Golf takes Henderson State seventh at Emerald Coast Baseball schedule David Salley HSU Sports
Henderson State shot 310 on Tuesday in the final round of play at the Emerald Coast Classic to finish in seventh-place at the 16team event. The Reddies ended the two-day, 54-hole tournament 66-over par with a
total score of 918. HSU was the highest finishing Great American Conference team, besting Arkansas Tech and Harding. After shooting 76 and 80 in her first two rounds, freshman Daphney Tilton led the Reddies on Tuesday by shooting 1-over 72 to climb the leaderboard and
tie for 19th as an individual. Tilton had three birdies and 11 pars on the day. Hannah Choi, who played as an individual, also tied for 19th and shot 3-over 74 in the final round. Karen Lee carded a 78 for her final 18 holes to finish tied for 22nd, while Gracen Blount turned in a score of 80 to take 26th.
Blount was 2-under par on Par 5 holes in the event. Arkansas Fort Smith won the tournament with a three-round score of 44over 896. Henderson plays next at Hot Springs Country Club, where it will host the HSU Spring Invitational on Mar. 22-23.
OBU Women’s Tennis lose close match to Delta State at 4-3 Ouachita Baptist University Sports
THE RUNDOWN Ouachita Baptist women’s tennis played its closest match of the season Sunday
in a 4-3 loss to Delta State. The Tigers took the doubles point and got singles wins from Clarissa Valenzuela and Austynn Crocker. Makeilah Turner and Crocker picked up a 6-3
doubles win on Court 1, and Shelly Davilus and Taylor Hansard won 6-1 on Court 2. Crocker and Valenzuela each picked up threeset wins on Courts 4 and 5, respectively. The Lady
Statesmen collected singles wins on Courts 1, 2, 3, and 6. The Tigers are back in action Wednesday at Arkansas Tech.
HSU Women’s Golf takes seventh at Emerald Coast Ouachita Baptist University Sports
THE RUNDOWN Ouachita Baptist men’s tennis’ winning streak came to an end Sunday in a 5-2 loss to Northwest Missouri State in Springfield, Mis-
souri. Alex Blanchar and Matias Parzajuk picked up singles wins. “It was a great match with lots of energy from both teams,” head coach Craig Ward said. “Mark Rosewell always has great teams and a great bunch of guys. The
only way to improve is to play good competition like that.” Blanchar defeated Filippo Piranomonte 7-6, 7-6 at No. 3 singles. Parzajuk beat Agustin Velasco 7-6, 7-6 on Court 6. Francisco Oliveira and
Santiago Kearney picked up a 6-4 doubles win on Court 1. The Tigers are back in action next weekend with a pair of matches in Texarkana.
SWOSU ends season at regionals SWOSU University Sports
CANYON, Texas – In a Regional Final showdown for the ages, SWOSU built an eight-point lead midway through the third quarter but they were unable to hold off #1 Lubbock Christian’s 56.3% shooting in the fourth quarter as the Lady Chaps pulled away for a 78-65 victory on Monday night in Canyon. Both teams struggled shooting the ball in the early going and shot identical marks of 6-16 in the first quarter, but LCU used an advantage at the free throw line to lead 16-13. The Lady Chaps would build a lead of six points in the second quarter before SWOSU ral-
lied and took a brief lead, but LCU scored a basket late to take a 36-33 lead into the locker room. It was the Lady Bulldogs who threw the first punch, bursting out of the intermission with a 17-6 run keyed by Bethany Franks and Macy Gore that gave SWOSU their biggest lead of the night at 50-42. The lead remained at eight, 56-48, with 2:14 to play in the third before LCU scored the final six points of the quarter and made it a two-point game. The run continued into the fourth as LCU put up the first nine points of the quarter and all told, it ended up as a 15-0 run before the Lady Dawgs got it stopped by a pair of free throws from Karly Gore with 6:52
remaining. LCU would end up hitting 9-16 field goals in the fourth quarter while holding SWOSU to 2-12 shooting and they outscored the Lady Dawgs 24-9 to pull away for the final margin. SWOSU was paced by Macy Gore, who scored 17 points on 7-16 shooting to go along with three rebounds, three blocked shots and two assists. Bethany Franks and Makyra Tramble, who both secured a spot on the All-South Central Regional Tournament Team, finished with 13 and 12 points, respectively, while Franks added seven rebounds before fouling out in her final game. “I’m so proud of this team for dealing with COVID, uncertainties and an unpre-
dictable season,” SWOSU Head Coach Kelsi Musick said. “We are a young group, but this group of seniors left a legacy here at SWOSU that will remain with our program for many years to come. Thank you to all our friends and families for their support during this difficult season, it was very appreciated. Go Dawgs!” The Lady Bulldogs end another phenomenal season under head coach Kelsi Musick with a record of 18-4. Her decorated senior class of Taber Beer, Bethany Franks and Maddie Sperle graduates with a career record of 100 wins and 19 losses and they are the first group of seniors at SWOSU to qualify for four consecutive NCAA Division II National Tour-