March 15, 2012 by Arkansas Traveler

Coming Home: A Gap Year Student Adjusts to UA Life by KRISTEN COPPOLA Staff Writer

CHAD ARNOLD STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

“I should be a sophomore, because I’m already 20,” said freshman Mallory Smith. “I graduated from high school in America, and then I did a year abroad.”

THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012 VOL. 106, NO. 89 12 PAGES UATRAV.COM

Don’t get her wrong -freshman Mallory Smith loves the UA. She loves her Chi Omega sisters and she loves Razorback football games. But her heart is 5,000 miles away, in Belgium. “I should be a sophomore, because I’m already 20,” she said. “I graduated from high school in America, and then I did a year abroad.” The year abroad, called a gap year, is an uncommon choice, but “it’s more popular than students realize,” said Mandy Prorok, study abroad advisor. “There are tons of different types of models of gap year programs,” Prorok said. “I’ve seen a lot of students come in, especially with this year’s freshmen class, having some sort of mission trip or international school trip before they come to the university,” she said. “Having an international experience gives people an opportunity to see the work from a different perspective.”

After graduating from Notre Dame de Sion, an allgirl Catholic high school in Kansas City, Mo., Smith traveled to Liège, Belgium, through the Rotary Club and lived with three host families. She took classes at a Belgium high school, Athènèe Royal de Chênèe, even though none of them counted for college credit. “I went to all of my classes, I took my exams in French, and I passed all of them,” Smith said. The idea to take a year off sprouted during a two-week trip to France and Italy during the summer between Smith’s junior and senior year. “She’s always loved to travel,” said Julie Smith, Mallory’s mother. “She went with her French class and loved it, so we looked into programs. I was very excited for her.” Though Smith had taken four years of French during high school, being totally immersed in the language was difficult. “I knew how to write sentences; I knew how to conjugate

see 4400 on page 6

PHOTO: GARETH PATTERSON, PHOTO ILLUSTRATION: ERIK NORTHFELL

Cudi to Perform

COURTESY PHOTO

Kid Cudi will be performing in Barnhill Arena April 29, said Bailey Moll, headliner committee member. The committee is still deciding how tickets will be distributed and if other artists will perfom with Cudi.

Parking Changes During Spring Break by SARAH DEROUEN Staff Writer

Parking will have special regulation during spring break, a transit and parking official said. Parking will be enforced during the week of spring break, said Andy Gilbride, spokesperson for UA Parking and Transit. Parking in resident re-

served lots will be enforced until 5 p.m. March 16 and then the lots will be open for all permit types. Razorback Transit buses will be on a reduced schedule starting on March 19. The buses will not be in service on March 23 and March 24. These regulations can be found on the Parking and Transit website.

FEATURES THE ARKANSAS TRAVELER WEEKENDER

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THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012

by LOGAN GILMORE Staff Writer

The years spent in college are a time when students join together and follow traditions that have been passed down for years, but some of the stories behind the traditions aren’t necessarily true. Myths, legends, folktales, stories and half-truths are seemingly united in their ability to intrigue those who hear them and to be passed along at breakneck speed. With the help of Scott Flanagin, the UA director of communications for Student Affairs, several myths on the UA campus were debunked.

Myth #1:

If a car or university bus hits a student, they will gain free tuition for the remainder of their collegiate career. FALSE: “Imagine how many people would be jumping in front of buses, if that were the case,” Flanagin said. Though the sight of penniless students risking their precious lives for a few thousand dollars is terrifyingly humorous, it is something that would be most unwelcome. However, if any event like this were to happen, Flanagin said that it would be “taken through the proper channels, as any accident on campus would.”

FEATURES EDITOR: LAUREN LEATHERBY ASST. FEATURES EDITOR: KELSI FORD

directed to psychological services on campus for guidance in overcoming the loss. If this happens to any student, or if another situation arises, Flanagin said to contact the Associate Dean of Students, Aisha Kenner, in order to make sure the student’s collegiate work is taken care of.

Myth #5:

Old Main’s north tower is taller than the south tower because the Union won the Civil War... or because the architect was drunk. FALSE: “The reason it [the north tower] is taller is because this was based off another Old Main in Illinois; this is not the only Old Main in the world,” Flanagin said. “On that building, the north tower was shorter than the south

tower. Ours was switched so that the north tower was taller because it was much easier to view the south tower, which has the clock on it, from downtown Faytteville.”

Myth #6:

Parody blog Arkansauced was shut down by UA officials because certain administration didn’t appreciate its humor. ???: Flanagin had never heard of the infamous blog, so it remains to be seen whether or not the university had anything to do with its demise, or if its writers just decided to quit in a final blaze of glory.

see MYTHBUSTED on page 5

Myth #2:

There is a tunnel system that runs underneath the entirety of campus and if a student is found traveling said tunnels, they are immediately expelled. TRUE: “There is a tunnel system that runs all across campus. It is filled with steam pipes, electrical conduits, and it is a very dangerous place for anyone to be. I don’t know if anyone has been caught down there and immediately expelled, but you’re definitely going to get in big trouble. Plus, you could get seriously injured down there, which is the main reasoning why it is locked and closed down. Only maintenance people who need to be there should be there,” Flanagin said. Whether or not students have been using these tunnels to travel between various Greek houses and dormitories remains to be seen, though it is unlikely due to the severe nature of the punishment of being caught, as well as the inherent danger of the tunnels.

Myth #3:

Football players automatically receive a scooter upon their arrival to campus. FALSE: “You will see a lot of athletes riding scooters. They are not provided a scooter by the athletic department. A lot of these students receive scholarship money, and they will rent a scooter for a semester,” Flanagin said. Still, scooter gangs will continue to be on the rise, no matter who’s funding them.

Myth #4:

If a student’s roommate suffers an early demise, the student will receive all A’s for that semester. FALSE: Flanagin said that students who experience the death of a roommate will not be simply rewarded with free grades. They will be

by MIKE MAHARDY Staff Writer

It is that time of the year again, when the sidewalks of campus are flooded with green outfits. Residents of Fayetteville will flock to the Dickson Street bars, and festivities last long into the night. On March 17, everyone is Irish. Along with the mirth and laughter of the day comes a wave of customers to bolster the profits of local bars and restaurants. For Common Grounds, an espresso bar on Dickson, St. Patty’s Day guarantees business. “We always see a ton of people on St. Patrick’s Day,” said Dawn Stafford, manager at Common Grounds. “Last year, more than 300 people showed up. This year, we think and hope there will be more.” Local radio stations host a show for Common Grounds, where the pub crawl starts for the night. Patrons receive a card to be hole-punched by all of the bars participating in the pub crawl, and the participant must visit all of those on the list in order to receive the free T-shirt at the end of the night. Stafford is excited for the upcoming festivities. “It’s always great to see so many people coming through for the night, the radio station and the staff here always ensure a good time,” she said. For many students of Irish descent, St. Patrick’s Day is a chance to show their pride. “I absolutely love St. Patty’s,” said Joe Riley, a sophomore. “It doesn’t bother me that everyone pretends to be Irish, it’s just great to see everyone wearing green and having fun.” Like many students of Irish descent, Riley has a few traditions on the holiday. “It’s always funny to see people drinking Bud Light Lime or Coronas with limes, just because they’re associated with the color green,” Riley said. “I always pick up some Guinness or Smithwick’s, to make it legitimate.” St. Patrick’s Day marks a day on which those of Irish descent can show their cultural pride and celebrate the arrival of Christianity in Ireland sometime around 432 A.D. While Christianity existed in Ireland at the time, the country was largely pagan. It is certain, however, that it was mainly Christian when Saint Patrick left. Many people don’t take the holiday too seriously, and St. Patrick’s Day can be little more than a day to dress differently or party more than usual. But for those concerned with the true history of the holiday, it can take on a different meaning. For Joe Ruane, a 74-year-old from County Mayo, Ireland, the holiday is a day of prayer and family. “I wake up around 6 a.m. to go to church, then head over to my daughters house to spend the day with my grandchildren,” he said. “It’s a day to relax and enjoy having lunch and dinner with everyone. Back in Ireland when I was younger, we always went to church and had all of our cousins over,” Ruane said. “There’s

KRIS JOHNSON STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

The rumor that there is a tunnel system that goes underneath campus is true, according to Scott Flanagin, director of communications for Student Affairs. However, students who enter the tunnels will face harsh consequences.

see GREEN on page 3

BHK Kafé: Worth Two Visits in One Day by KIMBERLY McGUIRE Staff Writer

I’m sure we’ve all psyched ourselves out at some point in time. Whether it was during a test or the everyday qualms of life, we all, at some point, have doubted ourselves. Sometimes these moments get the best of us. I, for one, am guilty of being incredibly high-strung and anxious over the most miniscule of things. My most recent example would be my first visit to BHK Kafe. I am not a vegan nor am I a vegetarian, but for some reason when a restaurant describes itself as “veganfriendly,” I become rather intimidated. Do I have an irrational fear of people who don’t eat meat? No. Do I have an irrational fear of people who might judge me for eating meat? Maybe. After doing a little research on BHK Kafe, I decided to quiet my irrational inner self and have a quick lunch before heading off to my dreary shift at the mall. Nervous not only because was I about to enter unknown territory, but also because I was flying solo on this dining adventure, I walked through the doors that BHK Kafe shares with Nightbird Books. The first thing I noticed was the delightful aroma of ground coffee beans and spices that were foreign to my palate. I hadn’t had one sip of coffee that day and I could already feel the caffeine buzzing in my veins. After my short daydream of coffee beans, I approached the counter to order. Because I suffer from severe near-

sightedness (even with corrective lenses) and am painfully indecisive, I recruited the help of the two staff members behind the counter as I attempted to read the menu hanging above their heads. I somewhat awkwardly blurted out “I’ve never been here before,” which they were quite excited to hear. Could they tell I was panic-stricken? My anxiety was laid to rest after we exchanged a few laughs and I was given the grand tour. Everything in the Kafe is made fresh and locally grown. The staff makes everything themselves, including their own sodas, ganache, syrups and something else that I forgot to take mental note of because they then directed me to the pastry case. This is when I blacked out…almost. I knew if I dwelled too long on their display I would never make it to work on time. Snapping back to reality, I placed an order for the pork tacos, which came highly recommended. I then had the option of combining it with soup or salad and a drink for only $9.95. Because the man behind the counter said “the best coffee in Fayetteville” and “split pea soup,” I just had to do it. I was given my medium roast and a table number, a lot to balance for the uncoordinated, and I carefully made it to a table. I’ll have you know, I didn’t spill a drop. As I waited for my meal, I took a look around and tried to make myself look busy. Attempt failed. The newspaper I was using as a prop to look nonchalant ended up on the floor once I realized it was no longer in my hands. I

JACKI FROST STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Grace Grude makes a latte at work at BHK Wednesday afternoon. “We use a local roaster for our coffee. We are focused on local products and use local farms and producers for our food. If we can’t get it local we look for artists and producers,” said manager Michael Pagana. was too excited that this visit was turning into a success and that I wasn’t being heckled by some needlessly cruel Vegan-Americans for ordering a menu item that just so happened to feature meat. Of course there weren’t many patrons there to be heckled by, but this was due to my, once again, odd timing.

Distracted by how pretty my lipstick looked on the rim of a white coffee cup, I was surprised when the tacos made their way to my table. I found myself in awe yet again. On the Kafe’s website, they said they strive to make food that tastes as good as it looks and vice versa. I was told by

the staff, and by a passerby, that a few shakes of tapatio sauce would only make them taste that much better. I’m obviously very easily swayed. The tacos

see BHK KAFE on page 5

THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012

FEATURES GREEN

from page 2 always a little bit of beer or something like that, but not in excess like people think.” While the tradition of alcohol consumption on St. Patrick’s Day may seem like an excuse to binge drink, this stereotypical activity is not too far from the historical practice. As a Christian holiday, St. Patrick’s Day is closely connected to Lent. Many Christians enjoy St. Patrick’s Day as an exception to the Lenten season. Plus, they are also allowed to drink alcohol, which is often prohibited during the Lenten season. This leads to the assumption that everyone drinks exces-

sively on St. Patrick’s Day. “Yeah, I can see where everyone gets the idea of getting really drunk,” Riley said. “It’s not likely everyone drinks until they drop though. It’s just a tradition for a lot of Irish people to drink a little bit because they usually don’t during Lent.” Some celebrate the traditions of their home country, while others enjoy the holiday to be proud of their heritage. Still others take the chance to party with their friends and enjoy the good cheer of time spent with family. While the groups who celebrate St. Patrick’s Day are as diverse as the traditions themselves, it is always a chance for everyone to say “Erin Go Bragh” “Ireland Forever.”

by EMILY RHODES Opinion Editor

If there is one meal of the day that I am inclined to skip, it’s breakfast. An iced coffee on the way to class will do me just fine. There just never seems to be enough time in the busy morning to finish homework, get ready and pour a bowl of cereal. However, when there are baked egg boats concerned, breakfast may just be considered the most important meal of the day at my house. After finding a photo of these delicious looking breakfast breads, I simply had to recreate it. And what better time to start the day off right than in the hectic week before spring break? I made these egg boats the night before, and served them each morning this week for a hearty and filling breakfast.

Ingredients:

1 loaf French bread 2 eggs ¼ cup heavy cream 4 slices white American cheese, diced ¾ cup ham, diced ¼ cup parmesan cheese 2 green onions, diced 3 basil leaves, diced 1 tablespoon honey mustard Garlic salt Black pepper Preheat the oven to 350°F. Begin by hollowing out the bread, using a knife to slice the top and using your hands to scoop the middle out. Set the hollowed-out bread loaf on a large cookie sheet and slice the extra bread into small cubes. Place the eggs and heavy cream in a large mixing bowl and whisk until incorporated. Add the bread cubes, and allow the egg mixture to coat the bread. Then, add the ham, cheeses, mustard and green onions. Garnish with salt and pepper.

MIKE NORTON STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Mickey Finn’s, an Irish Pub, will be one stop on the St. Patrick’s Day pub crawl.

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Mix the ingredients together and pour into the hollowed out bread boat. Place the egg boat in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is crisp and brown, and the mixture is cooked throughout. Allow the bread to cool, then cut into thick slices and serve with coffee, milk or your favorite breakfast drink.

These egg boats can be recreated using any ingredients, which makes them a versatile and delicious breakfast anyone can enjoy. Try mozzarella, basil and sundried tomatoes for an Italian breakfast bread. Or a vegetable-packed boat with bell peppers, onions and jalapeno for a spicy yet tasty meal. There are endless options to switch up the flavor of these boats while not sacrificing any of the taste.

The melted cheese, tangy mustard, smoky ham and freshness of the green onions is a wonderful flavor profile, and mixed with the rich cream and egg mixture, it’s a breakfast that simply can’t be beat. So, brew up your favorite morning drink, whether it is black coffee or hot chocolate, and enjoy for a breakfast of kings before break.

PHOTOS BY: EMILY RHODES

OPINION THE ARKANSAS TRAVELER WEEKENDER

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EDITOR:SABA EDITOR: SABA NASEEM MANAGING EDITOR: MATTIE QUINN

THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012

CORRECTION UA Group Defends ‘Kony 2012’ Campaign Amid Criticism In the story printed Tuesday, it was reported that Jedidiah Jenkins would be speaking Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Union Theater. He will actually be speaking Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Union Theater.

ABOUT THE ARKANSAS TRAVELER The Arkansas Traveler, the student newspaper of the University of Arkansas, is published every day during the fall and spring academic sessions except during exam periods and university holidays. Opinions expressed in signed columns are those of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Traveler. The editor makes all final content decisions. One copy of The Arkansas Traveler is free to every member of the UA community. Additional copies can be purchased for 50 cents each. Mail subscriptions for delivery within the continental United States can be purchased for $125.00 per semester. Contact the Traveler Business Manager to arrange.

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Celebrities: An Activist Blessing or Curse?

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byJORDAIN CARNEY Traveler Columnist

WASHINGTON, D.C. — I had planned this column to be about the Associated Student Government election results which were announced Friday. I had this whole thing planned out about how I would talk about voter turnout and positions I looked forward to see Pohlner at least try to implement and those that I was weary of. But then I went to the United States Senate Wednesday morning, and had to watch staffers get giggly and excited about standing in the same room as George Clooney. (And, really, Pohlner isn’t sworn in until early May, so there is still time.) The part-actor, part-activist testified before the Senate Foreign Relations committee about the conflict happening in the border region of Sudan

The Good

—

Students experienced heightened allergy issues this week, as spring temperatures rose in Fayetteville.

Spring break is this weekend, giving students a break from class until March 26.

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SEAN MORRISON

Four were shot and injured in a stabbing attack in Columbus, Ohio, Wednesday.

Sports Designer

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The Razorback men’s basketball team lost 54-70 in the SEC Tournament against LSU.

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A 5-year-old at Asbell Elementary School chased students in an after school program with a knife last Thursday.

The Ugly : ((

KATE BEEBE

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The Razorback baseball team beat Binghamton 6-0 Saturday and Gonzaga 1-0 Tuesday.

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The Razorback baseball team lost 1-4 to Houston on Saturday.

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The Bad

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Jordain Carney is a Traveler columnist. Her column appears every other Thursday.

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ZACHARY FRY

role isn’t really to bring about change, at least not quickly. It’s more about raising the awareness of an issue. In fact, if we’re being realistic, there’s little the United States can do about the remaining conflict in Sudan, and along its border. China is a veto-holding power on the United Nations Security Council, and China is an ally of Sudan. Perhaps the only thing that will get it to change its mind is South Sudan’s decision to stop oil production, oil that China depends on. Clooney certainly isn’t the first celebrity to try to use his fame for good. We’re all familiar with Bono and the AIDS movement, Angelina Jolie and the United Nation’s work with refugees. And though watching groups of adults giggling over one person was annoying, as long as these celebrities are willing to use the perks that Hollywood fame gives them for good things, why should we complain? If anything, in a world filled with celebrities of the Lindsay Lohan types, and Rush Limbaugh saying, well, things as offensive as he always has, should we be thankful?

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that was shorter than most of the thousands of commercials I’ve seen that got me interested in Darfur. Without having seen that clip, maybe I wouldn’t have become interested — if I did at all— until George Clooney started talking about it a couple of years later. Maybe I wouldn’t have become interested at all, who knows. This is really the long way of saying that celebrity activists, including George Clooney, can be a good thing. Because of his celebrity status he basically has a megaphone out of which he can speak about anything and, more than likely, it will automatically make news. Luckily for us, he picked activism and trying to stop human rights violations. But, as the cynical kid who sits next to me here in D.C., said, when has a celebrity testifying before Congress really changed anything? How many people will remember anything about what Clooney said? And more than likely Clooney coming before the Senate to discuss the Sudan, South Sudan conflict and the bombings in the Nuba Mountains in Sudan will do next to nothing, if anything, to change what the Sudanese government is doing. But Clooney’s

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and South Sudan, but as Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., noted the obvious, most people were there to see Clooney. It got me thinking about celebrities’ impact on our awareness of issues, especially events that happen in another country. I caught on to the conflict in Darfur, Sudan, in early 2004. I somehow caught a clip that lasted no more than a few seconds on ABC News. Even through my first year of college I seemed to be the one of the few people I knew who knew much about the genocide beyond this scrunched eyebrow look that I would often get, if they knew anything at all. To be fair, Americans were distracted. We had the Iraq War, the conflict in Afghanistan was getting worse and it was an election year so eventually people started paying attention to that. (And if they were paying attention in early 2004, they were probably focused on Howard Dean’s infamous scream in Iowa.) And again, to be fair, there was nothing about me, a teenager living in a small town in Arkansas, which required that I knew about Darfur, or that those around me knew about it either. There was nothing except the random chance that I saw this clip, this clip

The death toll rose to 112 Wednesday after a ferry capsized in Bangladesh. A man outside a Texas Courthouse opened fire Wednesday, killing one and injuring three.

THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012

FEATURES MYTHBUSTED from page 2

Myth #7:

Don’t step on the graduating class of 1904 on the senior walk because they all died mysterious deaths. FALSE: “They looked those people up, and they all lived long lives,” Flanagin said. However, we don’t ever see anyone who graduated in 1904 still

BHK KAFE from page 2

consisted of pork, tomatillo salsa, cabbage slaw and cilantro. I’m one of those people who like their meals with little to no cilantro, which according to my psychology professor is a genetic trait. Despite my past negative cilantro experiences, I put my trust in the chef. The first bite in, and I was sold. All the flavors were so perfectly balanced and harmonious, the cilantro didn’t bother me one bit. I dipped my spoon into the soup, and it was Heaven: round

Myth #10:

Harmon Parking Garage is

unstable, not up to code, and could collapse at a moment’s notice. FALSE: Flanagin mentioned that this myth most likely came from the Washington County courthouse parking garage that collapse a couple years ago. Much to the delight of all those who park within the towering giant known as Harmon, he said that the garage is entirely up to code.

Coach Hugo Bezdeck of the previously named Arkansas “Cardinals” said his team played “like a pack of wild razorbacks.” LEGEND: This could not be confirmed or denied by Flanagin. It is a pure legend that ignited more than a century of tradition, which far exceeds any trivial myths that may rise or fall throughout the years to come.

two. I took a sip of my coffee (which I usually don’t take black, but this time I did), and I was hooked. BHK Kafe and the bookstore are the perfect example of mutualism. The cohabitation of the two enhances the atmosphere and makes it a sort of fairy tale location. You sit and are surrounded by books and coffee and the distant sound of birds chirping. I thought I was hallucinating the chirps, but lo and behold, there are actual birds in the shop. Who would have thought a place called

Nightbird Books would house cute little birds in a cute, notso-little glass birdhouse? As I ate around my increasingly numbed lips, I decided I was going to have to order a pastry. Once I was done feasting on what could have been the best decision of my life, I asked for a white chocolate brownie to go and experienced full on foodie nirvana. Not only was this brownie huge, but it also had a giant dollop of white chocolate smack dab in the middle. Needless to say, the BHK Kafe food high lasted me my entire shift

and then some. This visit was nothing but positive, and because of that, I returned the same day for dinner. Luckily, the staff was replenished with fresh, and equally helpful, faces that wouldn’t recognize me from earlier that day. This time around, I brought two additional mouths to feed to sample more of the menu. The pork tacos still reign supreme, but the time will come when the menu will be revamped and adapted to the season. In the mean time, I fully intend on becoming a regular at BHK.

walking around now, do we?

Myth #8:

Parking and Transit employees are paid based on how many tickets they issue. FALSE: Though many students are frustrated by their seemingly omnipresence on campus, Flanagin said that they are paid by the hour.

Myth #9:

Chase Wingfield, sophomore finds BHK a peaceful place to study Wednesday afternoon.

JACKI FROST STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

PAGE 5

NEWS THE ARKANSAS TRAVELER WEEKENDER

PAGE 6

NEWS EDITOR: CHAD WOODARD

THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012

ASST. NEWS EDITOR: BRITTANY NIMS

Special Traveler Beat

ARTS & CULTURE

A Small Project for a Huge Idea

MADDIE LOGAN STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Brian Giniewski’s “Small Models for Huge Failures” exhibit in the Fine Arts Gallery shows photographs and 3D designs to portray abstract forms and ideas.

4400

from page 1

CHAD ARNOLD STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

WEEKEND ON THE HILL D C A B

Thursday, March 15

Speaker: Jedidiah Jenkins Jedidiah Jenkins, the Director of Ideology at Invisible Children, is coming from San Diego to discuss the future of idealism. 7-9 p.m. Arkansas Union

Friday, March 16

Clarinet and Trombone Recital The public is invited to attend and admission is free. 7 p.m. Stella Boyle Smith Concert Hall Fine Arts Center

Saturday, March 17

AKA Debutante Ball Third Biennial Debutante Presentation and Ball to be held on March 17, 2012 at 7 pm. Tickets are $35 per person. 7 p.m. Holiday Inn Ballroom Springdale, AR.

Saturday, March 17

Spring Break Dallas Trip ISS has organized a trip to Dallas for Spring Break from March 17-20. The trip will cost $300 and will include hotel, entry to all the attractions and transportation. ISS Classroom Holcombe Residence Hall

verbs; I knew all of the vocab. I just couldn’t speak it,” she said. But she was forced to learn. “It was survival,” she said with a laugh. “If you wanted to eat, you had to speak French. If you wanted to tell your host parents, you had to speak French. If you wanted to make friends, even.” Smith’s biggest fear wasn’t talking —it was the traditional French greeting, la bise, or the kiss on the cheek. “I was so nervous. I was explaining that to my host mom, and she was like, ‘When I went to America, they picked me up in a big hug.’” Smith said. Smith maintained a weekly blog in her year abroad for her family and the Rotary Club. In her last post, titled “Last Words… (some Kick Ass words),” Smith listed changes she saw in herself, including a new ability to speak a foreign language. “Might I dare to say that I am ‘fluent,’” she wrote. It wasn’t just the language, but the larger culture. Smith also had to adapt to host families and a foreign high school. “I’m an only child, so it was a lot of adapting to their family and their children and their rules,” she said. Friends came easily, however, after she formed a closeknit friendship with the brothers in her second host family. “One of my host brothers was in my grade, and he was kind of the cool guy, so all of the girls would try to be my friend. I made a lot of close girl friends, too,” Smith said. Smith’s family struggled with the separation, but the blog helped maintain regular contact. “We’ve always been really close,” Smith’s mother said. “We couldn’t talk daily like we normally would have, but I got to know her schedule. On Wednesday mornings at 6 a.m., she was getting home from school in Belgium and we would try to touch base.” “If anything, [the year abroad] has brought my family closer together,” Smith said. “My family would all read [my

blog]. None of my grandparents lived in Kansas City, so I was never really that close with all of them, but after they read it they really knew me better.” Smith said she was delighted to learn that most Belgians love Americans. “In Belgium, if you tell someone you’re American, they’re like, ‘Oh my gosh! Come into my home! Come have a beer! Tell me about your life!’” she said. “Literally, I would just walk into places and be like, ‘I’m American!’ “I think it goes back to World War II. There are still tanks in Belgium where an American tank liberated a small town. There’s like 20 monuments in a little city.” After returning to the U.S., Smith began her freshman year at the UA by pledging Chi Omega. “When I rushed, it was kind of awkward being like, ‘I’m your age!’” she said. “It was frustrating having to explain.” Smith, an international relations and French major, is considering adding a minor in German. Plans to study abroad are also in her mind, hopefully with trips back to Belgium to visit friends. “It’s crazy,” she said. “It’s weird because they go to parties that I would be at. They’re like ‘Oh, we missed you!’ And I don’t know when I’m going to go back.” Acclimating back to the U.S. and college life has been an interesting experience for Smith. “I’ve been home for seven months already, and I’m still trying to adjust,” she said. Maturity is something that both Smith and her mother have noticed as a change since her year abroad. “When me and my friends go out, I’m always the one that’s like, ‘Don’t do that. Stop doing that.’ I guess some of my friends think it’s annoying, but I just have an older perspective,” she said. Smith said she thinks about Belgium every day. “It was a once in a lifetime experience,” she said. “It’s hard not telling everyone you meet about it. I feel like sometimes I talk way too much about Belgium.”

THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012

NEWS

Heavy Drinking Increases Risk for Sexual Assault, Health Officials Say by EMILY HILLEY-SIERZCHULA Staff Writer

With spring break right around the corner, startling facts about sexual assault take on increased significance. College students traditionally drink excessively during this time, health officials said. “Alcohol is the number 1 date rape drug,” said Mary Wyandt-Hiebert, director of STAR Central at the Pat Walker Health Center. STAR Central is the Office of Support, Training, Advocacy and Resources on Sexual Assault and Relationship Violence. One in six American women have been the victim of an attempted or completed rape, according to the National Institute of Justice and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. An estimated 7 to 10 percent of men have been victims of sexual assault at some point in their lives, according to the 2005 National Crime Victimization Study, which is compiled by the U.S. Department of Justice. College-age women are more likely to be victims of rape than any other age group—80 percent of victims are younger than 30. “Girls ages 16 to 19 are four times more likely than the general population to be victims of rape, attempted rape or sexual

assault,” according to the 2004 National Crime Victimization Survey. Several national studies have shown that 60 to 90 percent of sexual assaults on college campuses involve alcohol, with the victim, perpetrator or both being under the influence, Wyandt-Hiebert said. “The vast majority of people I see who have been victims of sexual violence have been extremely intoxicated. Usually alcohol,” she said. Occasionally, she sees incidents of date rape drugs. “A red flag goes up when the person says, ‘I only had one beer, or one glass of wine,’ and then felt extremely intoxicated,” she said. More than 20 different drugs can be used during rapes, including Rohypnol, GHB and Ketamine, Wyandt-Hiebert said. By the time someone reports an assault, date rape drugs have already been metabolized out of the body, she said. As required by law, UAPD releases the annual Clery Report, which publishes crimes that happen on college campuses nationwide. Sexual assault incidents on campus have declined from 11 in 2008 to two in 2010, according to the report. “Just because the Clery Report shows a decline doesn’t mean that it is declining per

Numbers of Women in UA Grad Programs Remain Constant by JACK SUNTRUP Staff Writer

While graduate schools across the country have seen increased enrollment among women, female enrollment in UA graduate programs has remained constant, an official said. Last year, 32 percent of students in the Walton College of Business were females. There were 78 women pursuing master’s degrees, or 33 percent of students, according to the Office of Institutional Research. The number of women taking the graduate school admissions test nationwide increased to 41 percent last year, according to the Chronicle of Higher Education. One reason schools are seeing a rise in females in their MBA programs is because of an increase in oneyear programs. Arkansas has no such program and does not plan on adding any, said Marion Dunagan, associate dean for Graduate Programs. “The one-year programs do not have enough curriculum to get students what they need,” she said. Arkansas does offer oneyear certification programs for technology and Certified Public Accountant training, which are 30 credit hours, Dunagan said. The UA 16-month MBA program is 48 credit hours. There are two unique programs. Night classes, Dunagan said, are hard for moms to attend. UA does offer Saturday classes once a month, she said. “The average age for a regular MBA program is 24,”

she said. “Once you have a full-time job and children, it is more than a full-time job. The average age of the Saturday program is 30. The average 30-year-old is working and having a family.” The addition of Saturday classes has attracted busy students and working moms from around the region, Dunagan said. “We want to recruit as many quality students as possible. Our program is a good fit for women, but we do not do anything differently,” she said. Unlike some graduate programs, UA students do not necessarily need three years of work experience to be admitted. Other factors include internships and test scores, Dunagan said. “We prefer for applicants to have work experience because students get more out of class having managed and having managerial experience they can draw on,” Dunagan said. “The three-year wait can only start after undergrad, even if the student was working part-time,” she said. Dunagan’s office also reaches out to women via student ambassadors. “We’re trying to use students to reach out to others,” she said. “Men are also involved in the program because they work with and hire women. They can help us reach out to candidates out in the corporate world and explain why this is the right fit for them.” She hopes word will spread. “We are looking forward to seeing more and more women take advantage of the opportunity,” Dunagan said.

se, it just depends on where the incidents happen,” WyandtHiebert said. “I certainly don’t feel like I’m getting any less busy.” Counseling services for sexual assault victims are still in high demand. The categories used in the Clery Report lead to misleading information because the divisions are “self-limiting,” Wyandt-Hiebert said. Because the Clery Report only documents cases that happen on property owned or used by the university, the report leaves out many other cases that affect students. For example, if a student is raped in a Fayetteville apartment, then the Fayetteville Police Department is responsible for the case and it will not show up in the report, Wyandt-Hiebert said. The psychological effects of rape on a victim can be complex and everlasting. Victims of sexual assault are three times more likely to suffer from depression, six times more likely to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, 13 times more likely to abuse alcohol, 26 times more likely to abuse drugs, and four times more likely to contemplate suicide, according to the World Health Organization. “It’s devastating to their lives,” said mental health therapist Sharon Nelson of Nelson

Counseling in Rogers. “There are long-term repercussions: it affects them emotionally, mentally, spiritually, sexually and socially.” Sexual assault is one of the most under-reported crimes in the nation. More than 60 percent of rapes never are reported to the police. “Factoring in unreported rapes, only about 6 percent of rapists ever serve a day in jail,” according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics. “We call sexual assault the silent epidemic because so many incidents are not reported,” Wyandt-Hiebert said. “On college campuses, only about 5 percent of sexual assaults are reported to authorities.” Counselors often deal with victims who have chosen not to go to the police. “Reporting the crime is a process that is frightening in itself. Talking about it to people who are looking for facts as opposed to feelings is unsettling for victims,” Nelson said. “What a personal thing to be under a microscope for. It overwhelms me to think about it.” The Health Center offers counseling services through several programs, including STAR Central, Rape Education Services by Peers Encouraging Conscious Thought, and CAPS Counseling and Psychological Services.

PAGE 7

DOWNTIME THE ARKANSAS TRAVELER WEEKENDER

PAGE 8

THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012

LAUGH IT UP

Comics, Games, & Much Much More!

SUDOKU

Q: Have you seen the tree’s new car? A: It’s a two-cedar. Q: Where do fleas go to surf? A: To the microwave. An astronomer looks at the sky through a telescope, searching for something. After a while he stands up, looks to the heavens, and yells, “You cannot be Sirius!”

Difficulty:

Q: What do you call a fruit that stays up very late to study for tests?

TODAY’S SOLUTION

A: A cramberry. Q: Why was the willow weeping? A: He was unpoplar.

WELCOME TO FALLING ROCK

Josh Shalek

THAT MONKEY TUNE

Michael A. Kandalaft

BREWSTER ROCKIT

Tim Rickard

BLISS

Harry Bliss

CALAMITIES OF NATURE

CROSSWORD ACROSS

DOWN

1 Henri’s here 4 Sci-fi psychic 10 Druid’s sacred hill 14 What a D.C. wall commemorates 15 Craps table tactic 16 Like some terrible reviews 17 Wee 18 Bandit feature? 19 Watch lights, briefly 20 Easy-to-use sock drawer organizer? 23 Emphatic words 24 Run-of-the-mill 27 Track position 28 Dog show eye-catchers? 32 Cornerstone abbr. 34 Just outside of 35 Rolls in the grass? 36 Feline alpha groups? 40 Palm Sunday carrier 43 German battleship Graf __ 44 1945 “Big Three” conference site 48 “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “We Are the Champions”? 52 Slangy negatives 53 14th-century Russian prince 54 Retro tees 56 Winter Olympics winner’s wall hanging? 60 Prussian pair 62 Stimulate 63 36 for nine, often 64 Votes for 65 Semi-sheer fabrics 66 Owner of Abbey Road Studios 67 Orkin target 68 Speak with conviction 69 Decoding org.

1 Fire up 2 Set pieces? 3 Cry from one reaching the top 4 Lyrical poetic form 5 Zealot-plus 6 Appearance announcement 7 Gain __: get further ahead in the race 8 Empty weight 9 Mass music 10 “Honor Thy Father” author 11 Grows 12 Purged 13 Spots with slogans 21 Egg toss miss indicator 22 Light carriage 25 Flap 26 Dr. Leary’s turn-on 29 No right __ 30 Jasmine neckwear, perhaps 31 Wicked 33 Sarajevo’s region 37 Forgetful writer’s letters? 38 Louvre Pyramid designer 39 Subj. of an ‘80s-’90s financial crisis 40 EPA concern 41 Toyota RAV4, e.g. 42 Navy builders 45 Expose 46 St. Louis team, familiarly 47 Ancient kingdom on the Tigris 49 Sign on 50 Star of France 51 Bakery utensil 55 Discharge 57 Price or Battle 58 Genesis grandson 59 H.S. courses 60 Cook quickly, in a way 61 Three-switch railroad track section

Crossword provided by MCT Campus

SOLUTION

Tony Piro

SPORTS THE ARKANSAS TRAVELER WEEKENDER

PAGE 9

SPORTS EDITOR: JIMMY CARTER

THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012

ASST. SPORTS EDITOR: ZACH TURNER WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

GARETH PATTERSON STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

LOGAN WEBSTER STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Razorback Two-Step

GARETH PATTERSON STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Arkansas hoping for two weekend wins in Big Dance by MONICA CHAPMAN Staff Writer

Arkansas’ women won 10 of 11 games down the stretch of the season, including wins against two ranked opponents. The Razorbacks never cracked the top 25. Now, Arkansas is a No. 6 seed in the NCAA Tournament. The majority people filling out ESPN brackets project the Razorbacks to beat No. 11 seed Dayton in

No. 11 DAYTON vs No. 6 ARKANSAS Saturday, 3:05 p.m. College Station, Texas NCAA Tournament First Round ESPN 2 the first round, but Arkansas is also the No. 6 seed least picked to win two games and advance to the Sweet Sixteen. “I think a lot of people overlook us,” senior guard C’eira Ricketts said. “We

showed them this year that we’re here to play and we’re better than most people see us to be. I think just making this tournament is showing everybody just what we’re made of.” The Razorbacks aren’t content with just being in the tournament for the first time since 2003, though. They want to become the first Arkansas team since to advance to the Sweet Sixteen since the 1998 Razorbacks. That team went to

the Final Four. Any run has to begin with a first-round win against the Flyers, though. “We have to find a way to take that nervous energy they have and channel it to Dayton and Dayton only,” Arkansas coach Tom Collen said. “Our team has been pretty good that way. I think they believe in what we’re trying to do. I think they believe that we’re trying to help them win so hopefully they’re just fo-

cusing on that game.” A win against Dayton would potentially match Arkansas against No. 3 seed Texas A&M and former Razorback coach Gary Blair, the coach of the 1998 and 2003 teams. Blair was fired after Arkansas lost in the second round of the NCAA Tournament for the third consecutive season in 2003. Collen was Blair’s assistant head coach and recruiting coordinator for four years and helped recruit the

SPRING FOOTBALL

1998 team before leaving to become the head coach at Colorado State in 1997. “Our focus really will be on Dayton,” Collen said. “The players don’t know who Coach Blair is. They know he coached here. It’s the furthest thing from their mind, to be honest with you … Kids just don’t think like that anymore.” Collen and his wife, Nikki, an Arkansas assistant,

see WOMEN’S BASKETBALL on page 10

GYMNASTICS

Highsmith Out for Spring Curing Road Woes Senior linebacker injures pec

by HARRISON STANFIL Staff Writer

by JIMMY CARTER & ZACH TURNER Traveler Staff

Arkansas’ only returning starting linebacker will miss spring practice. Senior Alonzo Highsmith partially tore a tendon in his left pectoral muscle while bench pressing on Tuesday, an injury that will cause him to miss all 15 spring practices, coach Bobby Petrino said. “It’s already been repaired today and he’ll be back this summer doing things and be full speed and ready to go by August, no question about it,” Petrino said. “We’re going to miss him. It was big for him to be here, but guys are going to have to step up and really provide leadership.” Highsmith started all 13 games last season after transferring from junior college, racking up 80 tackles, including 12.5 for loss, a stat that ranked 10th in the Southeastern Conference. His injury coupled with the graduation of Jerry Franklin and Jerico Nelson leaves the Razorbacks without a starting linebacker from last season. “I was waiting to see him take over that group,” Petrino said. “Be the leader. Make all the calls. Run it. Now he’s just going to have to make sure that he does it this summer and early in the fall. It does hurt us, but we’ve just got to move on and get somebody else ready to go.” Junior linebacker Robert Atiga worked with the firstteam defense in Highsmith’s absence Wednesday. The

Gymnastics searching for first road win

Arkansas’ No. 9 gymnastics team will get one final opportunity to end its road woes before postseason play. The Razorbacks dropped to 0-5 in road meets this season in a loss at West Virginia last weekend, but have a final chance to win in an opponent’s gym Friday at No. 16 Missouri. Arkansas is 9-5 against ranked opponents this season, but has struggled outside Barnhill Arena. “We need to put it all together and get the momentum back,” co-coach Rene Cook said. “Not counting falls, being consistent, and having positive energy

throughout the entire competition.” The banged-up Razorbacks had trouble posting consistent scores against the Mountaineers without two of their all-around performers, Katherine Grable and Jordan Salsburg, then lost junior Kelci Lewis halfway through the meet with an ankle injury. Junior Amy Borsellino was a bright spot last week. She stepped up for Arkansas and won the vault title with 9.90, her first individual title, against West Virginia. “Amy has a very good presence out there on the floor,” Rene Cook said. “She is very composed and she

see GYMNASTICS on page 12

RYAN MILLER STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Arkansas senior linebacker Alonzo Highsmith will miss spring practice after partially tearing a tendon in his left pectoral muscle while lifting weights on Tuesday. Highsmith had 80 tackles last season and is the Razorbacks’ only returning starting linebacker.

6-foot-3, 240-pounder played in just two games and didn’t register any tackles last season. Wednesday, Atiga split time with senior Terrell Williams and redshirt freshman Brock Haman. “He was lined up second on the depth chart, so he jumped

in there with the first group,” Petrino said. “We’ll just evaluate the video and see where we’re at.” Davis Full Go on First Day Junior running back Knile Davis fully participated in Arkansas’ first spring practice Wednesday, his first public

workout since breaking his ankle on Aug. 11, an injury that caused him to miss the 2011 season. Davis took part in all the drills as the Razorbacks worked

see SPRING FOOTBALL on page 11

LOGAN WEBSTER STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Arkansas senior Jamie Pisani, ranked No. 1 in the nation in all-around, will try to help lead the Razorbacks to their first road win Friday at No. 16 Missouri.

PAGE 10

SPORTS

THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012

from WOMEN’S BASKETBALL on page 9 also have ties with Dayton because of previous relationships with Flyers coach Jim Jabir. “Jim Jabir the coach at Dayton is a very close friend of mine, I’ve been in the profession with him for 30 years,” Collen said. “My wife played for him at the University of Marquette so that’s another story line. The NCAA loves a good story line.” Collen’s relationship with Jabir has resulted in Dayton running a similar offensive scheme to the Razorbacks. “They run a lot of high ball screen stuff,” Collen said. “He came to me a long time ago in his career and decided he wanted to run that action, so he’s come to me for a lot of advice, so we have that connection.” Arkansas wins against Dayton and Texas A&M would give Collen a one-up against his a close friend and a mentor. It would also cement the season as the Razorbacks’ best since Blair led the program to its only Final Four appearance more than a decade ago.

BASEBALL

ARKANSAS (23-8, 10-6 SEC) PLAYER C’eira Ricketts Lyndsay Harris Sarah Watkins Keira Peak Ashley Daniels

Dominique Robinson Quistelle Williams Calli Berna

Starters POS G G P F F

HT 5-9 5-9 6-3 5-9 6-2

Key Reserves F 6-0 F 6-0 G 5-10

PPG 11.3 9.3 10.1 4.1 7.9

RPG 4.6 2.1 4.5 3.0 6.3

6.8 4.7 3.7

4.0 4.2 2.6*

DAYTON (22-6, 12-2 A-10) Starters PLAYER POS Andrea Hoover G Patrice Lalor G Justine Raterman F Elle Queen F Casey Nance C

Ally Malott Cassie Sant Samantha Mackay *Assists

HT 5-9 5-6 6-1 6-0 6-5

Key Reserves F 6-4 C 6-3 G 5-8

“I know we’ve got great history going back even prior to when Gary was here,” Collen said. “It fell on hard times for a few years and it’s been a long hard battle. Ev-

PPG 9.8 7.4 14.5 6.2 5.2

RPG 5.2 3.4 6.3 2.8* 4.4

6.4 8.4 5.1

3.4 3.4 1.8

erything is a step in the right direction. I hope that this is just the beginning of putting us back on the map and we’ve got many great things to come.”

LOGAN WEBSTER STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Arkansas junior left-hander Trent Daniel started and threw two shutout innings as the No. 4 Razorbacks’ completed a two-game sweep against No. 22 Gonzaga with a 5-3 win on Wednesday at Baum Stadium.

Arkansas Holds on for Win by MARTHA SWEARINGEN Staff Writer

LOGAN WEBSTER STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Arkansas senior guard Lyndsay Harris is one of five Razorbacks seniors who will make their first NCAA Tournament appearance on Saturday against No. 11 seed Dayton.

No. 4 Arkansas closed the final game with the No. 22 Gonzaga with a 5-3 victory in front of 2,694 fans at home Wednesday afternoon. Arkansas and Gonzaga remained scoreless until the fourth and fifth innings, but the Hogs were the first to score. Junior infielder Jacob Mahan doubled through the left side of the field bringing outfielder Sam Bates home and advancing senior third baseman Matt Reynolds to third. Junior Derek Bleeker followed Mahan at the plate and grounded out to the shortstop, but Reynolds was able to score putting Arkansas on top 2-0 after four innings. The Bulldogs pitched around Ficociello in the fifth inning for his third walk of the afternoon, but Bates responded with a double to right center to bring sophomore outfielder Jimmy Bosco home and advance Ficociello to third. “It just gives you a little extra incentive to get the job done,” Bates said. “When they do that, they’re just telling you they think he’s a better hitter than you are and you just want to prove them wrong, so it was good to get that knock and drive in a run there.” A single from Reynolds to

center field allowed Ficociello and Bates to score giving Arkansas a 5-0 lead. Gonzaga scored two runs in the seventh inning after a home run by senior right fielder Royce Bolinger bringing in designated hitter Clayton Eslick. The Bulldog’s final run came in the top of the ninth when sophomore first baseman Marco Gonzales hit a single to send sophomore outfielder Brock Slavin home to make the score 5-3 in favor of the Hogs. “It’s good to get two wins against a quality team like that,” Arkansas coach Dave Van Horn said. “ Left-hander Trent Daniel started Wednesday’s game on the mound for the Razorbacks. Daniel has appeared twice this season, in the Villanova and Northwestern State series. The junior pitched two scoreless innings and struck out one while allowing one hit. “Daniel was okay,” Van Horn said. “He was in and out of the zone a little too much, but he got through it.” Sophomore right-hander Brandon Moore took to the mound in the third inning before left-handed freshman Mark Reyes relieved him in the sixth. Both allowed no runs and one hit. Right-hander Greg Milhorn pitched the seventh inning, but was replaced by right-handed

sophomore Colby Suggs after allowing two runs to the Bulldogs while also hitting a batter. Suggs struck out two of the three batters he faced and allowed one hit the rest of the inning. Freshman left-hander Michael Gunn relieved Suggs for the remainder of the inning and junior left-hander Ty Wright opened the eighth. Gunn walked one batter and Wright struck out one, but allowed a hit, run and walk. “Milhorn just didn’t command the strike zone much and Gunn was a little wild,” Van Horn said. “I was hoping to get a little more out of them, and with a five-run lead, we were hoping we wouldn’t have to go to Barrett.” Right-hander Barrett Astin closed the game after replacing Wright in the top of the ninth and allowed just one hit in the inning. The game was the Razorbacks’ last before beginning Southeastern Conference play over the weekend against Alabama beginning on Friday at 6:35 p.m. “It’s the real deal now,” Bates said. “This is what we’ve been playing for, all these gamesto get us ready for SEC,” Bates said. “So I feel like as a team we’re making progress and I think we’ll have positive results this weekend.”

LOGAN WEBSTER STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Arkansas coach Dave Van Horn gives signs during the Razorbacks’ midweek series against No. 22 Gonzaga. Van Horn and the Hogs start conference play this weekend against Alabama in Baum Stadium.

LOGAN WEBSTER STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Arkansas shortstop Tim Carver flips the ball to second baseman Bo Bigham for an out in the No. 4 Razorbacks’ midweek series against No. 22 Gonzaga.

SPORTS from SPRING FOOTBALL on page 9 out in helmets and shorts. “I was thinking about this all week last week,” Davis said. “Just waiting for this day to get here. I’m feeling good.” Davis practiced with the team during the last few weeks of the regular season and took part in practice without contact leading up to the Hogs’ 2916 Cotton Bowl victory against Kansas State. Whether the 6-foot, 226-pound running back will take part in contact drills during the spring is unclear, Petrino said Tuesday. “I haven’t talked to Coach P about that,” Davis said. “I’m willing to do whatever he says. Light contact, that’s cool. If he says full contact, I’m ready to get it on … No contact, I’m good with that, too. He was the only player to place in the top 5 in each of Arkansas’ spring testing drills.

THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012 Davis was the fastest on the team with a 4.33 time in the 40-yard dash, while his bench press max of 415 pounds was fifth and his squat max of 570 pounds was third. “Shoot, I’ve just been in the weight room trying to lift as much as I can, run as fast as I can,” Davis said. “My testing numbers were pretty good and I’m just proud about that … I was trying to get them to let me do more, but they cut me off.” New receivers emerge Arkansas’ offense got its first look at life without graduated receivers Joe Adams, Jarius Wright and Greg Childs. Senior Cobi Hamilton is the only receiver on the roster with more than 200 career receiving yards. “It was a little different going out there, but I have been expecting it for two months,” Hamilton said. “It wasn’t that bad and I was actually looking forward to it.”

Hamilton takes over as the Hogs No. 1 option after waiting in the wings his first two seasons. “Every receiver wants the ball in the game of football,” Hamilton said. “If I come out here every day and show the quarterbacks I am capable of making plays, which is what I am here for. Show them I can be trusted out there.” Hamilton had 34 catches for 542 yards and four touchdowns in 2011. Alongside Hamilton, juniors Julian Horton and Javontee Herndon opened spring practice as the Razorbacks’ other two starting receivers. The duo played in every game last season combining for 17 catches for 222 yards. “They are hungry right now,” Hamilton said. “I was talking to all the receivers in the locker room before we came out for practice saying ‘this is our chance. This is our time now.”

RYAN MILLER STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Arkansas junior running back Knile Davis participates in the Razorbacks’ first spring practice Wednesday. Over the last week, Davis finished first on the team in 40-yard dash (4.33), fifth in bench press (415 pounds) and third in squats (570 pounds).

OFFENSE WR Julian Horton Marquel Wade Hunter Jarvis

Arkansas Spring Depth Chart

PAGE 11 DEFENSE

6-1 5-11 5-8

194 185 171

DE Chris Smith Austin Flynn D. Kelly-Thomas

Jr. Jr. Fr.

6-3 6-5 6-4

251 260 230

WR Cobi Hamilton Sr. M. Humphrey Jr. Kane Whitehurst Fr.

6-3 6-3 6-0

209 185 175

DT Bryan Jones Jr. Alfred Davis Sr. DeMarcus Hodge Fr.

6-2 6-1 6-1

312 318 301

WR Javontee Herndon Jr. Keante Minor So. Q. Funderburk Fr.

6-1 6-0 6-4

204 205 200

DT Robert Thomas DeQuinta Jones Horace Arkadie

Jr. Sr. Fr.

6-3 6-5 6-4

308 299 270

TE Chris Gragg Austin Tate Brett Weir

Sr. Jr. Fr.

6-3 6-6 6-5

236 253 250

DE Tenarius Wright Trey Flowers C. Miles-Nash

Sr. So. Sr.

6-2 6-4 6-6

252 243 261

OT Jason Peacock David Hurd

Sr. Jr.

6-4 6-6

305 300

OG Tyler Deacon Mitch Smothers

LB Matt Marshall Jarrett Lake Daunte Carr

Sr. Jr. So.

6-1 6-3 6-3

230 223 224

Sr. So.

6-4 6-4

300 296

C Travis Swanson Jr. Luke Charpentier So.

6-5 6-4

305 3-5

LB Alonzo Highsmith Sr. Robert Atiga Jr. Terrell Williams Sr.

6-1 6-3 6-3

233 240 232

OG Alvin Bailey M. Danenhauer

Jr. Fr.

6-5 6-5

312 300

LB Braylon Mitchell Tyler Gilbert Austin Jones

So. So. Jr.

6-3 6-3 6-2

232 244 230

OT Brey Cook Chris Stringer

So. So.

6-7 6-7

308 304

CB Tevin Mitchel So. Davyon McKinney Fr.

6-0 6-3

192 190

QB Tyler WIlson Sr. Brandon Allen Fr. Brandon Mitchell Jr.

6-3 6-3 6-4

220 212 230

S Eric Bennett Alan Turner Houston Pruitt

Jr. So. Jr.

6-0 6-0 5-11

206 212 192

RB Knile Davis Ronnie Wingo Dennis Johnson

6-0 6-3 5-9

226 231 213

S Ross Rasner Jerry Mitchell Rohan Gaines

Sr. Jr. Fr.

6-0 6-1 5-11

212 219 190

Jr. So. Jr.

Jr. Sr. Sr.

PAGE 12

SPORTS

THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012

TYLER WILSON Guard 6’3’’ Senior All-SEC quarterback Tyler Wilson talked to the media about life his top receivers, watching NFL quarterbacks and the first day of Arkansas spring practice.

175 lbs. Freshman

Is it weird to be out there without Joe Adams, Jarius Wright and Greg Childs? Definitely it does feel a little different. I’ve seen them here for four years. Today was good getting some other guys the ball and seeing what they could do with it. I mentioned Demetrius Dean a few times. I think he is going to be special. I thought he did really well today. Jevontee Herndon and Marquel and some of those other guys. Offensive coordinator Paul Petrino said you watched some NFL quarterbacks in the offseason? You know I watched Aaron Rodgers the other day. You watch Aaron. You watch Tony (Romo). You watch all the good ones. That’s my goal is to, is to… I even pulled up old USC film and watched Mark Sanchez and Matt Leinart when they were playing really well. One thing I really notice is they get the ball back so deep to the running backs. I think that is really important because it gives Knile and some of those guys a chance to see the hole and make cuts that they wouldn’t make if you’re not getting the ball deep. On the naked game they’re so explosive. They get around. They play really fast I guess is what I’mg etting at. That’s really what I’m working on as well as the mental part of the game. What did you think about the first day of spring practice? I thought it was a pretty good first day. Obviously there will be mistakes on day one. There is every year. Obviously I think we had a pretty good day out there today and some young guys you kind of get a first glimpse of I thought they made a pretty good statement today and I’m excited for the future. How important will it be to get timing with the new receivers? Well, we’ve worked together for four years and we’ve worked together in the offseason and all winter. So it was pretty good today. I thought it was good going into routes. There’s always the first day jitters for a lot of guys and there were more dropped balls than we usually see throwing routes, but I expect those to be cleaned up tomorrow and the days to come. So, I’m excited.

GARETH PATTERSON STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER from GYMNASTICS on page 9 brings a definite calmness to the team when she is out there competing.” Sophomore Scarlett Williams also stepped up big for the Razorbacks last weekend, tying her career high 9.875 on beam and posting a career high 9.775 on floor. “Scarlett has great scoring potential in all the events she does, her challenge are doing it consistently like Jamie and Kat week in and week out,” Rene Cook said. “She is starting to get that maturity which is something we are going to need in the postseason.” Despite the shaken-up lineup, the one constant throughout this season has been the solid performance of All-American Jamie Pisani. The senior has won nine event titles the past two weeks and is ranked No. 1 in the nation in the all-around. “She is going after it this

year, she really is,” co-coach Mark Cook said. “She is a consistent athlete and aggressive, she is passionate and really goes out there and gives it her all.” In addition to trying to end the road struggles, Arkansas (10-6 overall) will try to fine tune for the March 24 SEC Championship meet. “Everyone in the lineup is capable of scoring a 9.8 or higher there is no one on this team who is not capable of that,” Rene Cook said “That is what we need top to bottom, If we can do that we are competitive with anyone on any given night.” Friday, the Razorbacks will try to score in a range they’ve hit just once in the five road losses. “It is important for us to go on the road and be consistent.” Mark Cook said. “We want to score between a 196.500–197. If we can do that we will move back up in the rankings.”

LOGAN WEBSTER STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Arkansas sophomore Scarlett Williams tied her career-high on the beam and set her career-high on the floor last week at West Virginia.