ORACLE
P.3- Greek Week P.6- Humane Society P.9- Jerry reviews ‘Astroneer’
VOLUME 113 ISSUE 24
P.12- Double headers and such
HSUORACLE.COM
APRIL 11
The Greeks took over campus last week.
See the results of greek week on page 3. oracle@hsu.edu
HSU Oracle
@hsuoracle
2
REDDIE NEWS
Editor in Chief — Pete Tubbs Editor in training — Ashley Smith Graphics/ Ads designer — Jacob Glasgow Online editor — Aaron O’Quin Copy editor — Jade Wolfe Sports editor — Jordan Williams Photo Editor — Joshua Bradley Opinions editor — Jae-Kur Lockhart Jr. Photo Editor — Paris Dugan Photo chief— Larry Massey LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Write us at ORACLE@HSU.EDU if you have any questions, comments, or if you just want to rant about something. Hell, if it doesn’t suck, we might publish it in next week’s issue. Just do us a favor and keep it between 400-600 words. Just like your Tumblr, we ignore anonymous submissions.
ORACLE ONLINE
Our online home has lots of cool bonus stuff. Go check it out at hsuoracle.com.
ADS
Email us at rmgsalesteam@outlook.com to get in touch with our ads manager.
COVER
David Samuelson trying to put his frat on top in the Greek Olympics. Photo by Paris Dugan, Jr. Photo Editor.
Bryson “Shiloh” Thresher loves his job in intramurals. Photo by Toryano La’Dell.
Bryson Thresher
Four years in intramurals
Story by Toryano Carrigan Student Reporter
Bryson Lane “Shiloh” Thresher is one of the many student faces of Intramurals. Thresher is a senior physical education major. “I’m Pat’s main guy. Everybody knows me because I’ve been here so long,” Thresher said, referring to Patrick Shepard Jr., the director of intramurals. Thresher says his current job in intramurals is a paid position. He called it a ten-of-ten job, “We have a lot of fun here. Every day out on
a field or a court, doing the job and having fun while doing it. It has its days but what job doesn’t,” Thresher told. The job is a fall and spring semester position and he has worked every semester. This is his fourth year in intramurals and he has always been a Reddie. “I started from the bottom, now I’m here,” Thresher said about living on campus for four years. As a freshman he lived in Newberry. His sophomore and junior year he moved up to West Hall. Finally in his last year, Thresher resides at Ridgepoint apartments.
Comparing dorms to apartments, “It’s definitely more complex so to say. You can ‘live’ a lot more as far as cooking and being free; developing life skills,” he said. After graduation, he plans to leave Arkansas and apply as a coach and math teacher at a school in Texas. If you want to get to know Byson Lane Thresher a little more, aka Shiloh, check him out at Dunn Rec Center or at intramural outdoor events.
April 18, 2018
3
Greekin’ out
Sigma Tau Gamma dominated the events last week
Story by Shelby Dixon Student Reporter
Every spring students at Henderson get antsy. There is a need for them to get out of the classroom and do something fun. That is where Greek Week comes in. All social greeks on campus are brought together to compete in numerous events that shows off their talents and diversity. The week started off on Monday with fun yard games like egg toss. Tuesday night was the lip sync battle. It was a great show and the students’ hard work definitely paid off. Alpha Sigma Alpha won that event by close margins. The best night of the week to most students came with the step show. It was a packed auditorium with a loud crowd. Alpha Xi Delta, Alpha Sigma Tau and Kappa Alpha Psi took home the win with a “Fight Night” theme. Friday the weather did not hold off
so the activities for that day got moved back to the next Wednesday. Tug of war, slip and slide kickball, bubble soccer and capture the flag were bracket styled and got competitive. The overall winners and Greek Man/Woman of the year will be announced at the All Greek Banquet at the end of the year. This week is a way for students to relax before finals and also to unify fraternities and sororities. Sigma Tau Gamma member and Business Management major, Jess Ledbetter says “It is good for Greek life to be unified through fun activities. It is not easy but is still fun! I hope that is everyone’s goals during this week.” The goal was successful along with the week. The results for each event are below with Sigma Tau Gamma wiping out the ma-
Representatives from several of the Fraternities and Sororities that participated in Greek Week. Photo by Shelby Dixon, Student Reporter.
jority of the events for the fraternities. Search for the Red E: Alpha Sigma Tau Field Pong: Alpha Sigma Tau Egg Toss: Alpha Xi Delta Relay Race: Alpha Sigma Tau Slip and Slide Kickball: Alpha Sigma Alpha, Phi Lambda Chi, Omega Psi Phi Yard Baggo: Alpha Xi Delta Step Show: Alpha Xi Delta, Alpha Sigma Tau, Kappa Alpha Psi Lip Sync: Alpha Sigma Alpha Bubble Soccer: Alpha Sigma Tau Yard Tic-Tac: Alpha Xi Delta Tug of War: Alpha Sigma Tau Dodgeball: Alpha Sigma Tau
Freshman Elementary Education major Mirela Tornatore made her way around the slippery bases to third base. The girls of Alpha Xi Delta worked their hardest to pull out a win but to no avail. Their smiles and bonding throughout the game were all worth it. Photo by Shelby Dixon, Student Reporter.
4
The ones who help you succeed
Brittnee Dinger's passion for teaching
Brittnee Dinger's passion is education. Photo courtesy of Dinger. Story by Rae Dinger Student Reporter
It’s often said that the youngest minds are the most impressionable. We as a society entrust young minds in the hands of teachers, one of the most important people in our lives, whether or not we realize it. We’ve all had that one teacher who made a certain impact on our lives that
we remember years later. Brittnee Dinger, a senior education major, hopes to one day make the same sort of impact on her future students. “I’m most passionate about teaching,” said Dinger, “It takes a certain type of person to be one, just as it takes a certain type of person to be a doctor or an artist. There is so much that a teacher has to do on a daily basis to have a successful classroom, and to teach the people in it.” As students, we never truly realize how hard a teacher’s job is. There are so many behind the scenes factors that come together to build a lesson plan, activity, or assignment. I then asked Dinger what made her decide to become a teacher: “I decided I wanted to be one during my senior year of high school, after I sat down one night and realized how much of an impact my previous teacher had had on me.” Like them or hate them, nearly everyone has a story about how a teacher inspired them to do better things, or how a teacher disciplined them to a
degree that might have been overkill according to the individual. “Wanting to be a teacher has altered my view of our education system and every teacher I had through grade school,” Dinger said, “I didn’t realize everything a teacher had to do just to teach one lesson. There’s so much that goes into a single lesson plan; the time to prepare it, making sure it reaches certain standards, and seeing how the material can be presented to meet the needs of the students.” I asked if she had any supporters about her passion for teaching, as there are some people out there who don’t see teaching as a lucrative career path. “My family and friends are all very supportive of my decision to be a teacher,” she replied, “I’ve been able to get through a lot due to their support.” I then asked her how she’d sway people into becoming interested in her passion for teaching. “If you’re passionate about waking up every morning and teaching a classroom full of young minds, leaving
each day knowing you’re planting the seeds for the minds of the future, then teaching is the job for you,” she said, “As a future teacher, the best advice I can give is to make sure that you realize you’re your students hero and biggest role model. “One word, action, or lesson can be retained by each of them, and you need to be sure it’s something you would be proud knowing they remembered.” Dinger then closed with this: “Teaching is something that not everyone is cut out for. For those it is, however, it’s the most rewarding feeling to know that your students are able to move to the next grade level with so much more knowledge that you were able to teach them.” The next time you go to bash a teacher or a professor for not having your last assignment graded on time, or decide to zone out of a lesson, remember. Remember the hard work that goes into everything you’re taught, and give thanks to the teachers who made it possible for you to succeed.
There’s a snake in my boot
Students experience horseback riding at Lake Catherine State Park
Story by Cassidy Witherspoon Student Reporter
I’m not horsing around when I say that Henderson offers some interesting excursions. Casidy Jackson, Outdoor Recreational Specialist, is responsible for picking fun activities that HSU students might enjoy. This past weekend, he took a group of seven students to go horseback riding at Lake Catherine State Park.
The pull-in was hidden and quite a few cars passed by and had to turn around. An older man named Ray greeted us and smiled under his long, styled mustache. We were offered helmets to protect our noggins. The “cool” kids declined. The “safe” kids accepted. We were assigned horses varying in size and color. Autumn Bailey, human services
sophomore, had never been near horses so she was assigned a cute, old lady named Bessie. We mounted up and headed into the backwoods. AKA, a few beaten down trails winding through the area behind the stables. While we were enjoying our time with nature, we witnessed Dogwood trees in full bloom, Whitetail deer, and a group of oddly cute armadillos. The ride wasn’t without adventure
though. It involved crossing creeks and maneuvering over fallen trees. A sign reading “If you enjoyed your ride, feel free to tip your guide or kiss your horse,” greeted us as we came down the home stretch of our ride. “I used to only listen to country music,” Bailey said, “Now I’ve lived it.”
April 18, 2018
DELPH & BEYOND
5
A map of Arkansas storms as provided by the National Weather Service last week.
April showers, May flowers? Story by Greta Goslee Student Reporter
The spring 2018 semester began with tornado warnings in nearby Pike County. Shortly after this set of storms, campus police began planning a campus-wide tornado drill, but it did not happen this semester. The effects of tornadoes and tornado preparedness are back in the spotlight once again after storms over this past weekend. A storm system quickly moved through Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas and Missouri, leaving a wide path of damage. At around 2 p.m. on Friday, April 13 the system was declared by the National Weather Service as a “particularly dangerous situation” in northeastern Texas and the majority of Arkansas with
Arkadelphia very clearly in the predicted path of the storm. Around 4 p.m., the storm moved into Northwest Arkansas. Residents of Fort Smith, Van Buren and surrounding towns were warned to be prepared by local meteorologists. Mountainburg was the first town in Arkansas severely damaged by the storm. In the town of 700, storms cause damage to 160 buildings, including six homes that were classified as “completely destroyed” by the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management. 2,000 residents of Mountainburg and surrounding communities were left without electricity as many power lines were down. Injuries caused by the EF-2 tornado in Mountainburg were fairly minimal with four hospitalized. One woman
went into labor at a shelter. Around 10 p.m. the storm made its way to Central Arkansas. A residence hall at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway faced damage to the roof, but all students were evacuated and there were no injuries reported. Thankfully, the storms caused minimal injury but the damage will require many hours of disaster relief in many areas of Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas and Missouri. In Arkadelphia, it felt like any other humid afternoon with gray skies that occasionally let a peek of sun and blue sky through. The storms in Southwest Arkansas were less severe than predicted, but would Arkadelphia be prepared if there had been a situation similar to that of Mountainburg or even UCA? “Tornadoes are hard to prepare for,
even if you’re just a family, let alone a whole college campus. I think that it would be really difficult to herd that many people to a safe space should they have to, but drills and knowledge about procedure would help to streamline the process,” said Easton Cowart, junior communication major. Senior psychology and Spanish double major, Kayla Ann Kaster was in Hot Springs at her dad’s house on Lake Hamilton. They sat on the porch watching the storms roll in “from the front porch - barefoot, in true Arkansas fashion,” she said. She says she was “gratefully underwhelmed” by the storms “because we were being prepared for a dangerous tornado that was thankfully just a thunderstorm.”
6
Oh the humanity
Story and Photos by Julia Young Student Reporter
The Humane Society of Clark County
The shelter takes in as many animals as they can, working to get them healthy and, hopefully, adopted. “You watch this transition of [this animal] becoming something that a new family just adores. I think that’s the best part of it,” said Clark County Humane Society director Amanda Henderson freshman Caitlyn Walters at the Humane Society. While the shelter takes doBell. nations, they also appreciate the many students who like to come in just to visit with the animals. “This is such a good outlet for people. When you’ve had a hard week, it’s nice to be able to come into this room and just pet cats,” said Amanda Bell. “It makes a difference, I think.”
Henderson freshman Cheyanne Perry volunteering her time painting walls for Last year, the shelter saved over 600 animals. They’ve taken in 27 cats and 97 dogs the Clark County Humane Society. Students often volunteer for class projects so far in 2018, not including puppies like this one pictured above. to raise awareness of the organization and help out in any way that they can.
April 18, 2018
ARTS & MUSIC
7
The cast of Starcatcher included Baleigh Almond of Hot Springs, Anna Brantley of White Hall, Aaron Burnside of Hot Springs, Wyatt Gunter of Sheridan, Adrian Hinojosa of Hot Springs, LaDarius Jamerson of Ft. Smith, Dakota Mansfield of Benton, Andrew McBride of Benton, Hannah Mims of Fouke, Cecil Nicholson of Clinton, Colin Perry of Texarkana, Jacey Russell of Morrilton, Nahum Sabay of Santiago, Chili, and Ayanna Williams of Lewisville. Photo courtesy of HSU Theatre.
Peter and the Starcatcher HSU Theatre’s newest production Story by Philis Wood Student Reporter
A backstory to Peter Pan had audiences filled with anticipation as Peter and the Starcatcher opened at Henderson State University. High seas adventure and a shipwreck on Mollusk Island set the stage for a whimsical night filled with star stuff, pirates, mermaids, and identical-looking orphan boys. The dramatic lighting effects on the ship Neverland, and the lush stage settings throughout the play held the audience spellbound. The cast did an excellent job in drawing in their audience to the point of one almost wanting
to participate. A delightful mix of fantastical costumes and exuberant humor held theatergoers’ attention and evoked howls of laughter. The merriment of this play was evident by the unique costume designs – which had flamboyant mermaids boosting coconut bras, grass skirts, and a lavish bejeweled golden mermaid gown. The innocent looking but determined character of Molly quickly befriended the orphan boys and—in particular—one orphan boy named Peter. Molly’s and Peter’s fondness grew into a kiss and long fullness of each
other that was not forgotten. Molly’s father, Lord Astor, and the play’s antagonist, Black Stache had several transfixed moments of intensity where the two characters were locked nose to nose. Stache’s sidekick Smee kept the audience entertained with the two characters functioning as a hilarious duo. Stache drew in the audience with his boisterous commands and high-spirited theatrical facial expressions that would make the most boring professor laugh. Peter’s pizzazz kept the audience riveted and culminated in a backflip like a high dive!
The enigmatic trunk holds center stage as it battles high seas and storms along with the characters. The intriguing stage setting was augmented with mysterious jungle sounds and characters that mystically transformed. Every character was on cue and the diction mimicked a Broadway play. The songs were pitch-perfect and the music made you feel like you were in a jungle or on a swaying ship. The play’s modern-day punch lines got more than a few gut-busting laughs. All in all the play offers theatregoers a look into a magical night of enchantment with loads of laughter and big fun.
8
ARTS & MUSIC
Amity Road and 67 Grill
Where to hang and what to listen to
Story by Zac Walthall Student Reporter
In a small area like Arkadelphia, despite being a two-college town, there is almost nothing to do during the week. Most places close somewhere around nine or ten o’clock, largely defeating any sort of nightlife before it even begins. Most students and residents usually have to resort to walking around Walmart, backroading, or staying in when attempting to overcome the boredom of southern living. This slump has not gone unnoticed by the owners of the 67 Grill, a burger shack and bar that was opened relatively recently in downtown Arkadelphia. They have made a valiant effort to revitalize the scene, bringing in music acts, DJs, and hosting karaoke and open mic nights across the board. These shows come along with a slew of merriment,
as the crowd only grows more and more lively as their bar tabs skyrocket. One of these acts is Amity Road, a southern rock and country band that has its roots in Arkadelphia. I caught up with the band’s drummer, a junior Innovative Media major named Forrest Talley. According to Talley, the group got their start via a mutual connection obtained by attending Henderson State University. Talley also went on to say that every member of the group is also heavily invested in the campus Greek Life, covering all three of the Interfraternity Council groups on campus. Though one might think that these 67 Grill’s Hours of operation. Graphic courtesy of 67 Grill. allegiances could breed animosity, that Talley estimated there was approxi- always nice to play in front of your home does not seem to be the case, as the mately two hundred people in the venue, crowd. Thank you so much for the supgroup has already book more gigs, be- providing a good audience for a night of port and come see us at the Rev Room in ing scheduled to play May 12 at the Rev music enjoyment. Little Rock on May 12 at 8 p.m.!” Room in Little Rock for the third time “It was really fun seeing so many peosince the band’s inception. ple show up to a local gig like this. It’s
Ph fro
OPINIONS
April 18, 2018
9
‘Astroneer’ lets you create your own story. Photo courtesy of wikia.com.
An adventure through poly art space
‘Astroneer’ is worth $20
Opinion by Jerry Crowe Student Reporter
Adventure into a poly art filled galaxy as a cute little astronaut trying to live on desolate planets one component at a time. System Era are newcomers to the gaming world working on, the adventurous space exploration, “Astroneer” that starts with landing with a new planet unexplored by mankind with a very pixel-shape graphics called poly art and the gamer, like in Minecraft, creates their own story, but in space with three big planets. First landing on this random unnamed planet was a fun experience as my little pod transformed into a base of operations, for which I could expand from. Materials are scattered, but the world is randomly generated with lots of materials on and under the surface. There are preset building designs that
need certain material to make, yet the challenge of having to dig down deep into the planet to gather these resources had me preparing for toxins from plants and pitfalls to my death. Materials help build machinery from platforms, smelter, and resource devices to rovers and ships that can further the player’s journey beyond the stars and across the planets exoskeleton. Storms on the surface of the planets made me rush into the cover of my base or rover as well as even dig holes to hide from debris that could kill me, which was a fun part of the exterior of the world. When feeling bored of digging downward my aim was higher as I adventured to the tallest peaks and other planets for more interesting bases to build. Recently, “Astroneer” has had an overhaul in mechanics, graphics, and
looks of almost every piece of equipment the player has. Of course, there are some things that need to be changed in the game that I find would be annoying to the average gamer. Non-playable characters are not present in the game, but that did not stop me from bringing a friend to play the game online. Camera angles are still wonky sometimes getting objects the player picks up in their way and confusing them while stuck in tiny areas, but of course, that could be fixed. Falling damage is confusing to how high the damage actually takes a toll, yet this is still a fair mechanic. Still, in game-preview, “Astroneer” is still being worked on, but that is where this game strives because of how well the creators listen to their fans. When a player has new ideas about what they would like to see or problems with As-
troneer the company will listen. All anyone has to do is join the forum for the game and share their ideas on what would make the game better, which the creators take into consideration. While still being unfinished this game holds a lot of fun in the art and idea of joining your buddies on a voyage. Taking on the darkness of the planet to gather materials was a challenge at times, but the aesthetics of riding your rover across a valley under the beautiful night sky was 4 out of 5 stars’ worthy. “Astroneer” is not bad for a $20 game on Xbox One’s game-preview, so go on an adventure through poly art space and help out the System Era team to make the perfect game for you.
10
Finals week is coming up
Does Bunky have tips for you?
Opinion by Bunky Raines Student Reporter
With the semester winding down and finals week rapidly approaching, I’m beginning to notice a pattern in my behavior. I had so much homework to do over my four-day weekend. Now it’s Monday and I’m just getting started. I should’ve begun as soon as I got home from school on Thursday, but that’s just not my style. I’m a procrastinator of the worst sort. When my workload gets overwhelming, I retreat to to the sanctuary of Netflix. This weekend, instead of studying for the test I have on Tuesday, completing my final project for Dr. Peraza and writing the poetry report that’s due tomorrow, I binge watched the whole weekend away. I took in both seasons of “Stranger Things” (awesome, by the way). Aside from just being a killer story, I was a child in the 80’s and the show gives me a feeling of nostalgia. After that, I started catching up on “The Walking Dead” and wouldn’t stop until I saw Negan get what he had coming. I’ll bite my tongue and avoid spoilers.
This is exactly what I did last semester... “F***k it. I’ll take a B.”
This is exactly what I did last semester during finals week. I waited until the last minute, when I absolutely couldn’t wait another moment. Then I said, “F**k it. I’ll take a B,” threw something together and turned it in just to have the awful experience over with. This pattern has become a problem for me. I’ve looked at myself in the mirror and asked, “What can I do to change this behavior?” To answer this question, I did what I always do when I need to find wisdom and inner strength. I googled that s**t. The article I landed on was titled “7
Tips For Surviving Finals Week When You’re Overwhelmed With Papers” by Hannah Anain. Let’s break it down. 1. “Start early” then work on it every day. Yeah, no. Not my style. 2. “Outline everything” Have a plan. Do people really do this? I’m always painfully aware of what needs to be done. Having to make an outline would just add more shit to my to-do list. 3. “Take breaks” Don’t burn yourself out. This one really resonates with me.
“Set Goals” I do this, but then I just blow it off. 4. “Collaborate” Get other students to help you. Again, not my style. I’ve always been more of a loner, but it may work for some. 5. “Self control” Not just your own. This chick is peddling an app that blocks sites that may distract you. So, this whole article is an ad. S**t. I’m too far in to turn back now, but I’m not saying the name of the app. Take that, you sneaky ad b******s. 6. “Set Goals” I do this, but then I just blow it off. 7. “Create a proofreading crew” Get your friends to read it. Not me. Don’t ask me. I’m not even doing my own papers. Thanks a lot, Hannah. The one way you could’ve helped me was to say something inspiring about self control, and you used the opportunity to sell your soul to the f*****g app devils. This article hasn’t changed me at all, but maybe it can help some of my poor, overwhelmed classmates and friends. Cheers, you bunch of freaks. I love ya.
GAMES
April 18, 2018
CROSSWORD
Last week’s answers
11
SudokU
12
SPORTS
Double header madness
Baseball and Softball played several games last week
Story by Jordan Williams Sports Editor
After losing the series to Southern Arkansas State earlier this week on the road the Reddies softball team returned home to Dee White field for a double header two day series against Southwestern Oklahoma State. They played against a team who has struggled so far to find its footing in the GAC the Reddies and looked to boost its standing while putting on a show for thehometown fans. Game one of the double header opened up as an absolute home run derby for the Reddies. In a 9-1 victory over the Lady Bulldogs hitting home runs in the first three innings, Sydney Bonner won her tenth straight game of the year while manning the circle. Southwestern Oklahoma actually started the game off on the right note when they scored their first run off of three hits in the top of the first before the Reddies responded with bases loaded single in the bottom of the same inning with bases loaded to scored two runs. In the next inning, Lindsey Williams singled to start things off while Maddie Green launched one out of the park to put Henderson up to a 4-1 lead. The Reddies saw another home run scored in the next inning when Christina camp drilled one to put the Reddies up to a 5-1 lead. With the bats still hot going into the fourth, Kailey Reese gave the Reddies their third home run of the when she knocked a line drive over the right wall. With Lindsey Williams already on base, the Reddies saw their lead grow to 7-1.
Not done just yet after Bethany Allen drew a walk pinch hitter Selena Mendoza delivered a line drive base hit on a full count. After the centerfielder misplayed the ball, Allen was able to score a run to push the lead to 8-1. Allen then wrapped up things in the bottom of the sixth as she singled Reese from second base on her on the second hit of the day. This put the mercy rule in to effect and saw the final score at 9-1. The second game of Saturday’s double header saw a seven run fifth inning blow the Lady Bulldogs out of the water, or park, to complete the sweep of the first of the weekend’s doubles headers. Mallory brewer got her fourth win in the circle with this win and allowed just one run on six hits in the five innings it took to finish up in the Saturday affair. The Reddies just
seemed to be in full control of every aspect of each game while the Southwestern displayed the same confusion and lack of footing they showed all season. The Reddies came into Sunday’s double header expecting more of the same coming into the game with under the assumption that they could display the same dominance they had shown yesterday. Nothing seemed to click, however, as they Reddies played down right sloppy throughout both of Sunday’s games. Numerous errors and lapses of judgment in the games more critical and winnable moments led to the Reddies losing both of Sunday’s games. The first game had the most shocking outcome as the Reddies saw the final score end with them having only 1 run scored the entire outing. On the other end of the box score, Southwestern Oklahoma
had 8 runs on 12 hits scoring in all but 3 of the seven innings played. The next game saw a more gridlock affair came down to the wire that could have easily gone either way in the bottom of the seventh inning. With the score 3 -2, the Reddies needed two runs to see themselves coming out of this with a win but were unable to respond to an error that had happened at the top of the seventh half that allowed them to go up 3-2. With their record now standing at 18-15 in conference play the Reddies will hit the road to play three straight road games, the first of which will have them traveling across the ravine to face off against OBU. The first of the double header starting off at 4 p.m. and then they are traveling to Alva, Okla. to face off against Northwestern Oklahoma State University. The schedule for the upcoming games for all kinds of sports is below.