Quarterbacks Stepping Up in Fall Camp page10 Vol. 106, NO. 4 UATRAV.COM
PAGE 1 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011
In This Issue:
News
College Degree Worth the Expenses Students and administration weigh in on the value of a college degree.
Page 2
News
VeteransTransition to College Life
by JANNEE SULLIVAN Contributing Writer
Mobs using social Media
Features
From Battlefield to Classroom
Flash mobs have used social media for organizing protests and riots.
Page 5
Veterans on campus have access to numerous resources, including financing options and transitional coping services through the Veterans Resource and Information Center. “The VRIC ensures the academic and professional success of student veterans by understanding their unique needs,” said Erika Gamboa,
the director of the VRIC. The VRIC serves more than 450 students on military educational benefits, Gamboa said. “Going to college was sometimes impossible. My return dates would interfere with the start of classes which caused me to take longer than the average student to complete a bachelor’s degree,” Gamboa said of the experience of serving in the military while going to school. Likewise, student veterans often
find it difficult to return from serving in the military to a campus lifestyle. The VRIC staff helps veterans get involved in programs like Veterans Upward Bound, which provides free math and English classes to veterans. Veterans can also seek out a mentor from the Vet2Vet Mentorship program. Student veterans can get involved with community service through the Military Past and Present on Campus. The VRIC staff is also coordinat-
ing the UA’s first Veterans Week Celebration to honor the school’s veterans, Nov. 7-11, 2011. Classes such as Boots to Books: Healthy Transitions for Military Personnel, co-taught by Gamboa, can help veterans at the UA deal with the transition from a warzone to class.
see VETERANS on page 5
Essentials to Spice Up Any Dorm Room Necessities for any student’s dorm room
Page 7
Features
Get Outside in Fayetteville With its location in the Boston Mountains and extensive trail system, Fayetteville is a great place to experience the great outdoors.
Page 6
Sports
Walker Vying for Playing Time in Backfield
True freshman running back Kody Walker is competing for playing time as Arkansas’ big back.
Page 10
Opinion
Despite Benefits, Higher Ed Not Right For All Traveler columnist Will Simpson writes about issues facing students when deciding if they should go to college.
BRITTANY WULF CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Captain J.T. Hawk sits in his office coordinating activities for a Leadership Lab.
Campus Businesses Uneffected By Economy
Page 4
Senators Weigh in on Partisan Retoric by ADAM TABOR Contributing Writer
The approval ratings of Republicans and Democrats have fallen in the United States as a whole and in the state of Arkansas, according to CNN and Ark. polls. The Republican Party’s approval rating dropped by 10 percent nationwide in just a month’s time, shown by a CNN/Opinion Research Corporation survey released last week. This year, the number of voters who identify themselves as Republican, 21 percent, and Democrat, 28 percent, are down to the lowest numbers in ten years, a recent poll by the UA found.
by STEPHANIE EHRLER Staff Writer
While a 42 percent majority of voters identify themselves as Independent, this is an eight percent increase and is the largest jump in Independent voters in the last ten years, according to the poll. “During the last 20 years politics has become a big business where people earn money on their talk shows commenting on politics,” said Sen. Mark Pryor, D-Ark. The media uses rhetoric to solicit viewers, which nets them more money. This “polarizes the people, and politicians pick up on it and begin mimicking it,” Pryor said.
see POLITICS on page 5
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24 2011 VOL. 106, NO.4 12 PAGES UATRAV.COM
BRITTANY WULF CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
A student worker cashing out students with their textbooks.
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Recent years have revealed a trend toward “walkability” on the UA campus. That is, campus is becoming a city of its own, where students can use it to get food, supplies and even a haircut without even thinking about breaking out the car keys. Garland Avenue businesses profit from being a short walk away for customers. “There is definitely an advantage to being located on campus because we are the closest store to people,” Walmart manager Randy Sterling said. Students can also shop for clothes at the Belle Boutique, which opened in November 2010. “A lot of people who attend UA are not from Arkansas, and we are the first boutique that people see when they come to Fayetteville, so being on campus is great” said Brittany Roberts, Belle Boutique manager. The beginning of the school year means “a big increase in sales with all the students moving back in,” Sterling said. Customers have been limited to
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how much they can spend because the economy, while businesses have tried to keep their prices down. “The economy hurt the profit of retail in general so we try to keep our prices affordable to college students so they can keep shopping with us,” Roberts said. Subway continues to offer its “$5 foot-long” special, which helps customers to afford the sandwiches. “I believe Subway is a great economical choice for students because it has awesome food and I can stretch my dollar there too,” said UA student Andrew Palmer. “Garland is quickly becoming a street that has everything a college kid could need.” While the economy may be down, the gas that students save by walking instead of driving is a convenience. “I used to get my hair done somewhere else, but the Furich Salon has a lot of options for hair and nails,” said UA student Nicole Swank. “I love that it is right on campus too, so I do not have to drive anywhere.”
see BUSINESSES on page 2
NEWS
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24 ,2011
PAGE 2
Tri-state Area Hit By Record Drought by MARK CAMERON Staff Writer
Two-thirds of the state is considered in severe or extreme drought according to the U.S drought monitor. Arkansas farmers and ranchers continue to take hard hits as the brutal heat refuses to let up. “It’s been a really hard summer for farmers here”, said Allen Beuerman, extention agent for Pulaski County. A lot of farmers have had to run irrigation 24/7 and those without it have faced devastating losses in crop yields, he said. Cattle ranchers have been impacted largely as well, as green pastures and grazing grounds begin to run out, he said. “The heat has interfered with pollination which then leads to problems in crop quality and yield. I would say yields in this area are down by about 15 to 20 percent,” Beuerman said. The rest of Arkansas has been feeling the same impact, according to the Arkansas Farm Bureau. “The extra expense of providing adequate water, and selling cattle to reduce herds also apply to northwest Arkansas, but were not as severe as in southwest Arkansas”, said Howell Medders of the Agriculture Communications Services. Shortages of grass, hay and water have led farmers scrambling for some way to feed their cattle and keep their crops alive but as prices go up ranchers feel the economic toll, according to the Arkansas Farm Bureau. “Right now a thousand pound bale of hay is selling for about 100 dollars when it would normally go for about thirty,” said Linda Newkirk, state executive director for the USDA Farm Service Agency. This lack of food is leading many ranchers to liquidate their livestock, Newkirk said. Most row crop farmers in
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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The Arkansas Department of Higher Education staff has been awarded $1 million from the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation. The grant is part of the Complete College America Initiative, where states are awarded money to improve the remediation classes at universities and colleges across Arkansas. “It will address college completion in all states,” said Brandi Hinkle, communications coordinator for the ADHE. “We will use the grant to revamp remediation
other areas of the state are able to irrigate their crops, but the drought has added greatly to their production costs for energy to run irrigation pumps, Medders said. Along with this, the poultry and dairy industries have been bogged down by the continuing heat. The main impact on poultry farms, such as the ones here at the UA, is the additional expense for electricity to keep cooling equipment running longer, Medders said. With this type of heat, milk
production drops as well as the forage supplies needed for dairy cattle, according to the Arkansas Farm Bureau. In response to the heat the United States Department of Agriculture has begun to provide relief to those who qualify, Medders said. “We have 59 counties eligible for livestock feed programs which provide monetary relief,” Newark said. “We’ve also had reports of increased losses in livestock due to the heat and farmers can also receive compensation for that.”
coursework.” Thirty-three other states competed for the grant, but only 10 grants were awarded. The universities have 18 months to find a way to implement the grant, Hinkle said. “Each school will receive $91,250 to revamp no less then half the coursework.” “The grant was very specific about the money,” said Sandra Robertson, UA Little Rock director of budget. “We met with people at the ADHE, but they wrote the proposal for the grant.” Arkansas ranks at or near the bottom on every measure of post-secondary attainment,
despite the 40 percent increase in post-secondary enrollment during the last decade and a 72 percent increase in two-year college enrollment, according to the grant proposal. The grant will go to both four-year and two-year institutions to improve remedial math, English, reading, prior learning assessment and career technical programs, according to the grant proposal. The graduation rate for remediation students at twoyear institutions in Arkansas is 14 percent, and the graduation rate for remediation students at four-year institutions in Arkansas is 19 percent.
Degree Worth the Cost, Students Say by STEPHANIE EHRLER Staff Writer
More than half of Americans think the U.S. fails to provide students with good value education for the money they spend, and 75 percent say that college is too expensive for most Americans, according to a Pew Research Center Poll. In the same poll, 86 percent of Americans with college degrees said their degrees where worth the cost. UA students graduate with an average of $20,171 in debt, according to Kipliner.com, a college ranking website. The price of tuition this semester was raised “in order to keep salaries competitive and reward faculty and staff who do a great job,” said Donald Pederson, vice chancellor for finance and administration. “Approximately 65 percent of our E&G budget is salaries and fringe benefits, which track salaries so not having a tuition increase would have made salary increases nearly impossible”. While students may not be in favor of the increase in price of their education, the inflation was necessary. “When the state does not provide any additional funding as is the case for this year (2011-2012) compared to last year (2010-2011), then a 5 percent increase in tuition will provide only somewhat less than a 2.5 percent increase to the overall budget which bare-
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STAFF EDITORIAL “Along with this the recent rains that broke the drought and helped to lower nighttime temperatures may have made it possible for some crops to recover and make up some of the lost yield potential,” Medders said. The prices of livestock will not be impacted by this drought, according to the Arkansas Farm Bureau. To apply for federal relief contact the County Farm Service Agency.
State Wins College Completion Grant by BOBBIE FOSTER
Main: 479.575.3406 Fax: 479.575.3306 traveler@uark.edu
ly covers inflation of salaries, health care for employees, utilities, insurance and other fixed costs that increase in support of the educational program” Pederson said. Even with the increase in tuition, some UA students feel the degree was worth the cost.
Arkansans would have to pay higher tuition to meet the fixed costs,” Pederson said. While the UA is not the cheapest college to attend, it is not the most expensive either. The tuition price at the UA ranked 14th out of the 19 SEC schools and major universities
“We are not the lowest, but are 10 percent below the average”
-Don Pederson, Vice Chancellor of Finance, in regards to UA tuition
“My tuition is very reasonable since I have the alumni scholarship, so my loan amount is very low,” said UA student Bruce Drebenstedt. The tuition raise affects the out-of-state transfer students more. “I transferred from the University of Minnesota,” said UA student Amy Paul. “Unfortunately, I did not receive in-state tuition as an incoming junior, and without some help from my parents and a part-time job, I will be in debt from tuition.” UA has offered an in-state rate for incoming freshman since the middle of the last century, Pederson said. “The students, who are generally above average students, now have reduced non-resident tuition but pay more than an Arkansas student for the same classes.” The UA has 39 percent outof-state students, according to collegeboard.org. “Without these students, all
from the surrounding states, including Texas, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Kansas, Clemson, Iowa State, Nebraska and Missouri, Pederson said. “Thus, we are not the lowest but are 10 percent below the average,” Pederson said. “For more than a decade, fall of 1998 to fall of 2010, the increase in tuition and mandatory fees at the UA ranked 17th of the 19.” The tuition increase can be motivation for students to meet their own grade expectations. “I want to be at the UA, so the raised tuition gives me incentive to keep up my grades to ensure my degree is worth it ” Paul said. “The UA has a better engineering program than the University of Minnesota, so while the tuition may be more expensive, I definitely feel like the classes are worth it,” she said.
“Each grant will be specific to the campus to choose how to rework their programs,” Hinkle said. The institutions receiving the grant are Arkansas State University in Beebe, Arkansas Northeastern College in Blytheville, North Arkansas College in Harrison, Southern Arkansas University-Tech in East Camden, Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and University of Central Arkansas in Conway.
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BUSINESSES from page 1 While being on Garland Avenue is a beneficial location for businesses it can also be a drawback at times. During the summer most of the students leave UA for home which makes business slow. “It is like everyone is gone from the city,” Sterling said. Companies use advertising to bring in more customers, but in a secluded college location sometimes “it can be hard to get out the word to people,” Roberts said . The UA campus is prime for student customers, but Garland Avenue businesses also gain revenue from nonstudents as well. “Faculty and people from around the neighborhood shop here too,” Sterling said. “We are also a pharmacy and some customers have their prescriptions transferred here because we are closer to them.” When people find a store they like they don’t mind shopping at another location. “I have another store in Rogers and some of my customers have started coming to the Fayetteville store,” Roberts said. Garland Avenue businesses allow students the opportunity to buy the items that are sold the most. “Food and school supplies while saving them money too,” Sterling said.
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CORRECTIONS The Arkansas Traveler strives for accuracy in its reporting and will correct all matters of fact. If you believe the paper has printed an error, please notify the editor at 575.8455 or at traveler@uark.edu.
CAMPUS NUMBERS NEED EMERGENCY HELP? CALL UAPD 575-2222
The women and men of the University of Arkansas Police Department, in partnership with the community, are committed to protecting the future of Arkansas by promoting a safe and secure environment.
HAVE A TICKET? CALL 575-7275 TO RESOLVE IT
The Transit and Parking office handles parking permits and passes and transit for students, including bus routes and GoLoco Ride Sharing. Students with parking violations can contact the office to appeal their citation.
NEED A RIDE AT NIGHT? CALL 575 - 7233 Otherwise known as 575-SAFE, the mission of the Safe Ride program is to provide students with a safe means of transportation from any uncomfortable or inconvenient situation. Safe Ride brings you home safely.
NEED TICKETS? CALL 1-800-982-4647 Don’t forget to call early and reserve your student football tickets for the 2010-2011 season. The ticket office is located on Razorback Road next to Baum Stadium.
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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011
NEWS
OPINION THE ARKANSAS TRAVELER
] PAGE 4
WEDNESDAY,AUGUST 24,2011
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EDITOR: Saba Naseem MANAGING EDITOR: Mattie Quinn
FROM THE BOARD Mid-Week Slump? We at the The Traveler are finding it hard to believe that it’s already Wednesday. The third day of classes is upon us, but for some of us the days have been passing like weeks. (A new spin on the dog-days-of-August cliche?) If any of you are feeling the same way perk up, Wednesday marks the downhill slope for the week. Despite the heat Fayetteville has some great things to do during the weekend. For more information on what’s available this weekend you should check out the Traveler weekend edition that comes out Thursday, which will include an extended Features section.
Thanks for the Break In case you are finding it hard to adjust back into the school routine, the UA administration added a two day Fall Break on October 17 and 18. We at The Traveler are pleased for perhaps the most obvious reason, and the one that’s most important to the majority of students— an extra two days out of classes. But we always appreciate the UA administration responding to something that UA students have wanted, at least, since Mattie Bookhout was the Associated Student Government president. Start counting down, we’ve got 55 days until Fall Break.
Class of 2015 Mindset List Every year Tom McBride, an English professor and Keefer Professor of the Humanities, and Ron Nief, emeritus director of public affairs at Beloit College, at Beloit College releases a “Mindset List” for the incoming freshmen class. The list in its entirety can be found at www.beloit.edu/mindset, but here are some of the Traveler board that we enjoyed the most:
1. They’ve often broken up with their significant others via texting, Facebook, or MySpace. 2. Their classmates could include Taylor Momsen, Agnus Jones and Howard Stern’s daughter.
Anna Jacobs STAFF CARTOONIST
Despite Benefits, Higher Ed Not Right for All
3. Chicken soup has always been soul food. 4. The only significant labor disputes in their lifetimes have
been in major league sports.
5. There have always been at least two women on the Supreme Court, and women have always commanded U.S. Navy ships. 6. As they’ve grown up on websites and cell phones, adult ex-
perts have constantly fretted about their alleged deficits of empathy and concentration.
7. American tax forms have always been available in Spanish. 8. More Americans have always traveled to Latin America than
to Europe.
9. Amazon has never been just a river in South America. 10. Refer to LBJ, and they might assume you’re talking about
LeBron James.
11. The New York Times and the Boston Globe have never been rival newspapers. 12. Andre the Giant, River Phoenix, Frank Zappa, Arthur Ashe and Commodore 64 have always been dead. 13. While they’ve been playing outside, their parents have always worried about nasty new bugs borne by birds and mosquitoes. 14. No state has ever failed to observe Martin Luther King Day. 15. They’re the first generation to grow up hearing about the
dangerous overuse of antibiotics.
16. Music has always been available via free downloads. 17. Grown-ups have always been arguing about health care pol-
icy.
18. Feris Bueller and Sloane Peterson could be their parents. 19. They’ve always wanted to be like Shaq or Kobe: Michael
Who?
20. Andy Warhol is a museum in Pittsburgh.
by Will Simpson
Traveler Columnist
Unemployment rates are lower for college graduates than for people who opt out of college. But that sounds like a pretty trite fun fact for graduates who expected to land a job three months ago. “Two of the top students in my class were psyched to be able to get jobs at Starbucks,” recent graduate Elana Bertram recounts. That’s not “recent high school graduate.” Elana and her friends earned JDs from Quinnipiac University Law School in Connecticut. Lawyers who make coffee represent an awkward career limbo called “under-employment.” It doesn’t show up in unemployment rates. It does, however, fly in the face of traditional orthodoxy— that diplomas can earn jobs. Elana grimaces. “I am getting the nicest rejection letters.” Most of our freshmen at Arkansas, who spent last week trying to figure out where they could park around Maple Hill, came here expecting to launch careers. Too many seniors, on the other hand, are beginning to wonder if finding a job is even more impossible than parking. We cooked up all this
anxiety because the unemployment rate for young college graduates doubled between 2007 and 2009 while the starting salaries plummeted by 10 percent according to a Rutgers study. Just to add a bit of bravado, graduates keep hefty student loans, run up credit cards and pony up for unprecedented tuition prices. We should put that college cost in perspective. If overall wage and price inflation had been growing since 1982 at the same rate as tuition, the average American household would be earning $88,550 a year and paying nearly ten bucks for a gallon of milk. By the time all is said and done, the Pew Research Center says that a plurality of Americans view college as only a “fair” value. Not “excellent.” Not even “good.” There is a systematic problem here. First, students make shallow decisions. We are notorious whiners. We can pin blame on anyone else for assignments we miss or weight we gain. But in this case, it’s partially our fault. We fail to give higher education the same cost-benefit analysis we would put into buying a car. Ignoring the cost of education earns us untenable amounts of debt. And, picking majors without consideration to the job market only adds to the feeling of hopelessness. The average college payoff (additional lifetime earnings from a degree) ranges from $250,000 to $1 million.
But that doesn’t highlight expensive degrees for cheap jobs. Financing a social science degree with six figures of debt may never pay off. Higher priced institutions are increasingly hard to justify— English teachers who graduated from elite schools often earn the same salary as teachers from cheaper schools. Financial guru Dave Ramsey offers the mantra “don’t go to a caviar school if you have a tuna fish budget.” On the upside, that’s great news for Arkansas (one of the top-ranked schools by value—shameless plug; but not really, we’re all on the same team here). For some students, the glutted market of bachelor’s degrees has led to a backlash against college altogether. Silicon Valley’s serial entrepreneur Peter Thiel is offering 20 teenagers $100,000 to drop out of college and start their own businesses. Sometimes it works. For many students, higher education is still necessary, but maybe having this conversation in the first place will slow down the gravy train (wreck). The second big picture problem comes from Washington: The federal government is inadvertently egging along the price of education. If you recall during the health care debate (most of us probably don’t recall, so I’ll elaborate), experts griped that patients were so insulated from costs that they didn’t even know the price of their own checkups. Incentives to save costs were zilch. It’s the
same story in education. Sit around Brough and ask people exactly how much they pay for each part of college. The answers come in $10,000 intervals. This price insulation allows many institutions to hike prices at will, having full faith that the government will help students make up the difference. That insulation gives schools a buffer against the impact higher prices would have in a less regulated free market—lower demand. Last year, left-of-center legislators decided to try a new strategy for education. They passed legislation to further nationalize the student loan industry. Pitched as a way to reduce the budget deficit, it eliminated the competition of private lenders and replaced it with a government monopoly. It will take time to see what happens, but the government’s past ventures into financing debt haven’t worked out so well. Just ask homeowners. For the sake of the American economy and my generation, we have to be more realistic about higher education. The government cannot continue to embrace and underwrite cost increases, and students have to be realistic about college decisions and the impacts they have. Will Simpson is a columnist for The Traveler. He is a sophomore, finance major. His column will appear every other Wednesday.
‘Oh the Places You’ll Go’ if You Read by Jordain Carney Opinion Editor travop@uark.edu
EDITORIAL BOARD EDITOR Saba Naseem MANAGING EDITOR Mattie Quinn OPINION EDITOR Jordain Carney ENTERPRISE EDITOR Samantha Williams CONTACT US The Arkansas Traveler welcomes letters to the editor from all interested readers. Letters should be at most 300 words and should include your name, student classification and major or title with the university and a day-time telephone number for verification. Letters should be sent to traveler@uark.edu.
Since I came to the UA in 2008 the complaints have revolved around the same things: parking costs too much, books cost too much and housing or rent is too expensive. These are things that I’m sure we will continue to cover at The Traveler whether in news or opinion during the year, but for now breath, plan extra time to get to your classes —something as a senior I’m still learning to do and go pick up a good book. Yes I’m actually sug-
gesting that you read something besides what is being assigned in a class. (And really how many of do that all time.) I’m an English major, I’m a bookworm and yeah I’m a bit biased but this can’t be more important. Read everything that you can, as much as you can and as often. If you normally read fiction, make yourself read nonfiction for a while, and vice versa. I know that this gets hard with everything else that we’re juggling as students— classes, work and a social life, the easiest way to overcome this is to budget time 15, 30
minutes or even an hour before you go to bed. It’s the easiest way to learn about things outside of your major; or things that you don’t have to take a class about. Good books challenge the way we think whether that be how we see the events , the people around us and even ourself. They can put us into situations we will likely never experience. (For example, David Finkel’s The Good Soldier or Dave Eggers, What is the What.) Through the Readership Fee students can pick up The New York Times, USA Today and The Arkansas Democrat-
Gazette for free during the week. The Fayetteville Public Library that is a short walk, or even shorter drive, also has a large selection of fiction and non-fiction books. (It also has DVD’s and music for users to check out.) A library card is free for UA students, and lasts for a year. A word of warning though, once you’ve found a good book or books it can be an addicting thing. (Once you’ve bought more than 50 books in a semester you might have a problem. Not a serious one, maybe even a good one, but still a problem.
PAGE 5
NEWS
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011
Senator Boozman speaks on Arkansas unemployment. Arkansas unemployment is still below the national average at 9.1 percent, according to Boozeman’s website.
Social Media, a Tool for Flash Mobs
by BOBBIE FOSTER News Editor
Social media has been used to organize events for flash mobs that have been making the news for random violent or illegal acts being committed across the U.S. However, experts do not believe the media is the sole cause. “[These events] are growing because it has become a right of passage,” said John Greenberg, behavioral specialist and author of Stop Hurting Me, I Don’t By It. Social media is only a tool for communication, said radio host and news commentator Malcolm Out Loud. “Unlawful people need to be dealt with, but people will always find a way to protest when they are unhappy.” The gatherings have come from people being very unhappy with the current economic and political environment, not because they have access to social media, he said. [Social media] just allows for speedy communications so the events can be created in minutes rather than days. Most of the people participating are in high school and junior high, a group that is very susceptible to peer pressure, Greenberg said. The key problem is not social media sites, but rather a lack of parental involvement, Greenberg said. “Parents should be monitoring what kids are doing online and helping them to make the right decisions.” Many UA students use social media but have never been to a flash mob event. “I have never been to one,” said Connor Cockrell, freshman biochemistry major. “I do not have a Twitter account.” “The only events I get invitations to are family reunions, baby showers and weddings,” said Lexie Smith, junior. “And then I never go to them.” “I check my Facebook everyday, but I only get invited to things like birthday parties,” said Shelby Glad, freshman. Some students have less time for social media during school.
VETERANS from page 1 “It was a bit of a struggle at first, but you are so used to the structure of that life. You wear the same uniform every day, same thing every day and then you get to this and you have to make your own decisions,” said Scott Cutlip, a military veteran and student who is using the post 9/11 G.I. bill to fund his further education. “It pays for all of your tuition. If it doesn’t pay for all the school will pay for the rest, you get paid up to $1000 a year for books, if you are full time you get a living stipend,” Cutlip said. The post-9/11 G.I. bill pays full tuition and fees for in state public universities for individuals who served at least 90 days
“I will not check Facebook as much now that classes have started,” said Annika Kolb, junior. “I get a lot of invitations to things because my dad is a musician and I am friends with some of his musician friends. I
can’t go to most of the events though, because I am not 21.” “I have much more important things to worry about then what is happening on Facebook,” said Ashley Winters.
of aggregate service on or after Sept. 11, 2001, according to the V.A. website. Some veterans may qualify for higher benefits, such as the Yellow Ribbon Program for out of state or private universities. However, for many veterans attending the UA, their GI bill benefits may not be enough. “Some [veterans] may not receive any and others very little. Even for the students who do receive the maximum amount, the income is not enough to pay for everything a student needs to complete a degree,” Gamboa said. The numerous benefits available to student veterans may be responsible for the high number of veterans with some college education. In 2009, roughly 34 percent of veterans had completed some col-
lege but not earned a degree whereas roughly just 26 percent of non-veterans had completed only some college. However the percent of non-veterans who had earned bachelor’s degrees was higher than veterans. This may be attributed to the transition veterans face when returning from the battlefield and entering back into school. “For some, the transition is easier than for others. Like any other student, veterans are here for their degree and the experience of being a college student,” Gamboa said. While the veterans on campus may have different experiences serving their country, on campus, the VRIC provides various resources to cater to student veterans’ specific needs.
POLITICS from page 1 “Success depends on rhetoric,” Pryor said, “Where rhetoric has changed and those who have the loudest voice are those who are on the extreme edges of their parties.” Most Americans, however, have stayed in the middle of the spectrum, Pryor said, even though the new media is stirring up politics more than it is helping to bring people together. The current rhetoric situation as “red-hot, unfortunate and counterproductive” which reflects the views of many Americans today, he said. Arkansas Sen. John Boozman offered solutions to the heated rhetoric. “We need to be able to disagree,” Boozman said, “But we can’t be disagreeable because that is how democracy works.” As the election year approaches the rhetoric gets worse, Boozman said. “People are very passionate and heated about their views, and so [the rhetoric] gets violent.” The constant media cov-
COURTESY OF JOHN BOOZMAN OFFICIAL WEBSITE
erage also plays a factor into the increasing trend in violent rhetoric, Boozman said. “Everything is recorded now because we have 24-hour news networks. People tend to say things they do not mean or speak without thinking, and this is all recorded and spun by the media.” “I try to work with people, not only because it is the right thing to do, but also because that is the only way to get things done,” Boozman said. As far as political disagreements go, well, things could always be worse. People have always strongly disagreed through the history of politics, but luckily we do not solve them by dueling anymore,” Boozman said. UA political sciences professors also weighed in on political rhetoric. “When fact finders find that the rhetoric is not working,” said John Gaber, political science professor, “the rhetoric will likely be toned down.” “The rhetoric is on par and is typical of the current situation,” he said. There is a definite trend in
people falling away from strict party lines, said Janine Parry, political science professor and director of the Arkansas poll. “Since the 1960’s we have seen de-alignment instead of realignment,” Parry said. “[The current situation can be] attributed to the economy and the general dissatisfaction with where the country is heading.” “People always take out their frustrations on the government. Nothing is ever new in politics,” Parry said. Amidst the falling approval ratings, heated political rhetoric has become prevalent, Pryor said. The rhetoric is nothing new, but now the violent rhetoric is coming from people who have no experience in politics, Pryor said. The Internet is allowing people with little or no expertise in politics to express their opinion and have it heard by millions of people. These people then gain followers, and are now influencing the political landscape like never before, Pryor said.
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THE ARKANSAS TRAVELER
FEATURES
FEATURES EDITOR: Lauren Leatherby ASST. FEATURES EDITOR: Kelsi Ford
PAGE 6 WEDNESDAY,AUGUST 24,2011
COURTESY PHOTO Cody Howard, a UA senior, spent the summer doing an internship with Tyson Foods in China.
LANA HACKLER CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER A man rides his bike on one of the trails that surround Lake Fayetteville. The trails at Lake Fayetteville connect to the trail system that reaches as far as south Fayetteville.
by EDDIE GREGG Staff Writer
Because of Fayetteville’s location in the Boston Mountains and the city’s dedication to highlighting northwest Arkansas’s natural beauty, Fayetteville is a great place to spend time outdoors. The city has about 3,400 acres of parks and nearly 40 miles of natural and paved trails, according to Connie Edmonston, director of Fayetteville parks and recreation. Whether you’re just looking to take a leisurely stroll in the park or you’re into biking, and whether you’re shopping for local produce, fishing or roughing it through wooded hillsides, Fayetteville has no shortage of opportunities to spend time
with Mother Nature without even leaving the city limits. Cycling Fayetteville’s bike trails is a great way to take in the scenery and a fun, eco-friendly way to get around town. “Our trail system goes clear from north Fayetteville clear down to south Fayetteville. It’s along Mud Creek Trail, Skull Creek Trail and Frisco Trail,” Edmonston said. “You can go from one end of the city to the other on [the trails].” Along with the great trail system, the dozens of parks scattered around town provide opportunities for all kinds of outdoor activities. Located just a few blocks northeast of campus, 20acre Wilson Park features all the usual amenities: paved trails, a basketball court, tennis courts and open spac-
es great for playing catch and Frisbee, but it also has a pool and a sweet castle— yes, a castle. Don’t believe it? Check it out for yourself. Lake Fayetteville and surrounding parks, which total approximately 800 acres, are also great places to spend time outdoors. Fishing and boating are allowed on the 200-acre lake if you’re willing to fork over a few bucks for permits, and the three softball fields, 10 miles of paved and natural trails and an 18-hole disk golf are also major attractions surrounding the lake. Deer, many kinds of birds and other local wildlife are commonly sighted along the trails around the lake. Bald eagles have even been spotted in the area, Edmonston said.
Outdoor superstore Lewis & Clark is also conveniently located right next to Lake Fayetteville just in case, on your way around the lake, you get passed by a guy or gal on a sweet mountain bike and decide that you need to buy a better one. Lewis and Clark sell apparel and gear by The North Face and Columbia Sportswear, along with all kinds of other stuff to prepare you for your next venture into the wild. Lewis and Clark also has an indoor climbing wall. “If you’re really wanting to get out into nature,” Edmonston said. “I would go to Lake Sequoyah. There’s a lot of awesome bird watching.
OUTDOORS on page 7
UA Student Recieves International Experience with Tyson in China by SHELBY GILL Staff Writer
Internships can provide students with real-world experiences and, often international experience. This year UA senior Cody Howard took an internship with Tyson in Shanghai, and returned to Arkansas with a wealth of knowledge. “During my internship I had a central role of working with live production in business modeling and strategic planning,” Howard said. “I learned the basics of what it takes to put together a business plan for investing large amounts of capital.” The international internship gave Howard a broad-
er perspective on the industry than he might have gotten staying at home. “With my focus on live production, I was able to see how different agriculture operations are in China [as] compared to the U.S.,” Howard said. “I learned the basics of the poultry industry and also saw what the future holds for world agriculture.” Howard not only had to adapt to a new job but also to an entirely new culture. This type of experience proved to be challenging as well as extremely beneficial, Howard said.
CODY HOWARD on page 8
Career Closet Dresses Students for Success by EMILY RHODES Staff Writer
A new year means a new workforce, but dressing for the job can be the toughest part for many students. The cost of buying new business attire for an interview, job fair or everyday work can total hundreds or thousands of dollars, but with help from the Walton College Career Closet, UA students have full access to a wide array of professional clothing options. Each semester, the Walton College holds a Career Closet Clothing Drive, which takes place in the business building. Leadership Walton students who organize the drive are looking for gently used, clean and excellent quality donations to build inventory for this semester’s closet. Items that are current in style and are less than five years old can be dropped off at room 226 in Willard J. Walker Hall by August 31, according to the closet’s flyer. Since August 2010, the Career Closet has provided Walton College students with business casual and professional attire completely free of charge. Offering quality business clothing and acces-
sories, the Career Closet allows currently enrolled Walton students to choose up to four individual items per academic year from dress pants, jackets, ties or a suit to build a business closet. “Business attire can be expensive depending on where the job is, but could be required at work and recommended for the interview,” said Paul Valentine, a master’s student in public administration. “As a student, you might as well take advantage of a free opportunity to get some business attire, especially if money is an issue.” Located in room 420 of Willard J. Walker Hall, the Career Closet will be open to students throughout the fall semester on Tuesdays from 9 to 11 a.m. and Wednesday from 1 to 3 p.m., according to the flyer. Students who are not part of the business college but are looking for professional clothing can take advantage of the Career Closet overstock day, a chance for all currently enrolled students to pick up some free workplace attire. This semester, overstock day will be held September 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will offer busi-
ness attire to all students of any major free of charge. “The Career Closet is great because not everyone who goes to school here can afford to go out and buy clothes that they otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford,” said Ben Holderby, a UA junior majoring in accounting and logistics. “I will definitely be going to add some more to my wardrobe this semester for interviews and for any time that I need to be in front of potential employers.” Not only can business students in need of a closet revamp pick up clothing, but they are also offered free alterations up to $50 per semester as well as 10 percent off a dry cleaning service. Vouchers for alteration and cleaning services can be obtained through the Career Closet for use at Peggy’s Cleaners and Laundry at 20 North School Ave. With support across town, UA students can now feel confident replying “yes” to a business event and can look the part during an interview or in the workplace. During your next closet cleanup, don’t forget to drop off your gently used donations at the Career Closet and pick up a few new items for yourself while you’re at it.
For more information about Career Closet and events visit
http://waltoncollege.uark.edu/career/closet.asp
Two of the featured outfits available at the Walton College’s Career Closet.
COURTESY PHOTOS
PAGE 7
FEATURES
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011
Essentials to Spice Up Any Dorm Room by NICK BROTHERS Staff Writer
For most incoming UA freshmen, living in the dorms will be the first time to live on their own. The key to success in the dorms is to make the room into a home, and there is a long list of essentials to make a room great. However, along with the typical items like a laundry basket and a set of towels, there are a few things that are usually overlooked. One of which is paper towels, an easy and multiuse item. As surprising as it may be, many students often ignore them at the grocery store when having such a universal cleanup tool in your room inevitably comes in handy. Scissors and tape are also often overl o o k e d essentials. Tape is helpful for decorating doors in hall competitions or hanging posters on the cinder block walls. Cool posters can help make a dorm room feel comfortable, as well as give the room personality. A pack of Scantrons within arms reach in the dorm room will always come in handy.
They can be bought individually or in packs of five, although the multi-pack may be more useful for forgetful students. It’s much easier to have a supply of them so that when you realize, at the last second, that it’s the day of a test, y o u can bypass the long morning line at Club Red. For the late-to-rise types, the value of a Clif bar in exchange for breakfast cannot be stressed enough. The bars are packed with protein, vitamins, fiber, they taste pretty good, and they are somewhat filling in lieu of a meal. Not only are they great for breakfast, but they make healthy alternatives to late night snacks. And on the flip side, while not the healthiest option out there, it isn’t a true dorm room unless you have Ram e n No o d l e s . T h e s e r e a l ly are the college staple: cheap, tasty and easy to make. Just be sure to have a microwave-safe cup to pour the boiling water in. A refillable water bottle is an environmentally friend-
ly way to get your eight glasses in, especially in dorm rooms without faucets or sinks. It will come in handy in the trek across campus, and there are many water fountains around to fill them. But, utility aside, the dorm room is really all about comfort. “It’s important to make your room feel more like home,” said junior Chelsea Clem. “Whether it be with pictures of friends and family, posters, bedding, team memorabilia, a stuffed animal or anything that is important to you, it helps make the transition much easier.” The layout of the room also plays a role in personalizing the one-size-fits-all dorm. Bunking or lofting beds is a popular alternative to a bed on the floor, although students should take extra measures to make the necessary objects accessible from such a height. “I think anyone planning on lofting their bed needs to get a caddy or a bedside table. We all use our phone as alarms or while in bed. I had to stack books on top of a table on top of my desk,” said Tracer Moore, a UA sophomore. UA junior Sarah Biggs
LAUREN HUSBAND CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER A UA student folds towels in her dorm room. Organization is the first step in making a dorm room your own.
had a few tips she relies on to help make a dorm room great. “A fan in your room is essential if you’re a light sleeper like me. It drowns out the noise with a breeze,” Biggs said. “A reed diffuser keeps my room smelling great, even when I haven’t done laundry.” Reed diffusers are a safe alternative to the dorm-illegal candles, and can be found
at any home décor place like Pier 1 Imports, located at 4100 N. College Ave., or Romancing the Stone in the Northwest Arkansas Mall. Other candle-alternatives include dimly lit Chinese lanterns and Christmas lights, and both can be found at stores like Target and Wa l m a r t . Draped under lofted beds or in win-
dows, these make for inexpensive, cozy decoration that rivals the harsh overhead fluorescents. With the lights out, they can create a cool movie-theater vibe or an intimate setting. Whether it’s something unique to the room or simply something essential, there are countless things that can turn a standard dorm room into something personal and more like home.
by BRADY TACKETT Staff Writer
Brady is a senior journalism major and music minor. He likes Christmas lights, skate shoes, and black coffee.
LANA HACKLER CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER A man walks through Wilson Park. Wilson Park, located close to campus, has many places to sit and read, as well as many tables and grills.
OUTDOORS from page 6 You’re right there by the lake.” Lake Sequoyah, which is about 15 minutes away from campus, has two unpaved trails that are a combined three miles in length. Fishing and boating, with the proper permits, are allowed at the lake. But aside from all the hiking and other typical park activities, Fayetteville’s scenic parks are great places to just relax and hang out with friends, as two Czech students studying at the UA explained while sitting in the shade of some trees at Gulley Park. Gulley Park, full of open spaces and circled by a paved trail, is nestled between Township Street and Old Wire Road. “In the park we are usually just sitting and speaking,” said Tereza Cechova.
“[It’s] relaxing. It’s quiet here. It’s nice to see people walking and running,” said Cechova’s friend Kaderina Hrbackova. The Fayetteville Farmers’ Market is another major outdoor attraction in town. “You know our world has gotten rather beige, and you go down there and there’s this riot of color,” said Peggy Maringer, manager of the Fayetteville Farmers’ Market. “It’s really a nice break.” About 60 vendors set up shop at the market on Saturdays, which is the biggest day of the week for the market, Maringer said. “On a typical Saturday, we’ll have 4,000 people come through,” she said. On Saturday, the market runs from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., but it is also held on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at different locations
and times around town. Shoppers can expect to find everything from locally grown produce and fresh-cut flowers to handmade baskets and pottery, Maringer said. The market also features lots of free live music and occasionally jugglers, magicians and other entertainers, she said. “If you’re not in a good mood when you get there, you’ll be in a good mood after a while,” Maringer said. For detailed maps, descriptions and more of the parks and trails in Fayetteville, visit: www.accessfayette v i l le.org/gover nment/ parks_and_recreation/. For more information on the Fayetteville Farmers’ Market, visit: w w w. f aye tte v i l l e farmersmarket.org/.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Video Games by Lana Del Rey 5th Song by Don Trip & Starlito Ms. Fat Booty by Mos Def Gotta Have It by Jay-Z & Kanye West All Blues by Miles Davis Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues by Bob Dylan Riding for the Feeling by Bill Callahan Separator by Radiohead
COURTESY PHOTOS
FEATURES
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011
PAGE 8
CODY HOWARD from page 6
LANA HACKLER CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Customers enjoy Pink Swirls’ frozen yogurt. Pink Swirls is located on Zion Road in north Fayetteville.
by CAITLIN MURAD Staff Writer
In May, many students mourned the closing of 3 Spoons Yogurt located on Garland Street. Luckily for frozen yogurt lovers, a new yogurt shop, Pink Swirls Frozen Yogurt, has opened up a location at 1450 E.
Zion Road in Fayetteville. The franchise is based out of Oklahoma City and has expanded to seven different locations. Two of the store locations are in Arkansas: one in Jonesboro, and now one in Fayetteville. Pink Swirls, located about 10 minutes from campus, opened in mid-July and of-
fers 12 flavors of yogurt which rotate seasonally. “We have pumpkin pie flavor for the fall,” said Trevor Mastin, a Pink Swirls employee. “During Christmas time we have red velvet and candy cane. And we always have more fruity flavors in the summer.” What sets this frozen yogurt
shop apart is that Pink Swirls yogurt is made with 100 percent natural ingredients and their yogurt is non-fat, except for the Green Tea flavor. All of the yogurt flavors are less than 120 calories per serving. In addition to natural ingredients, Pink Swirls’ yogurt contains live and active cultures, meaning that those live bacteria can aids the body in many ways, according to the National Yogurt Association. “It [probiotic bacteria] is nonfat, improves digestive system, strengthens your immune system, contains vitamins, lots of calcium and protein, as well as helps clear your complexion,” Mastin said. Yogurt in general has several health benefits: it increases colon health and lowers cholesterol, and scientists are researching the health benefits of live culture yogurt and have found that it has significantly
more health benefits than yogurt without live cultures. “Researchers around the world are studying the potential of live and active cultures in preventing gastrointestinal infections, boosting the body’s immune system, fighting certain types of cancer and preventing osteoporosis,” according to the National Yogurt Association website. The shop features a toppings bar filled with more than 60 toppings and nine different syrups to put on your yogurt, shaved ice or Belgian waffles. They also sell smoothies. Pink Swirls is open from noon to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and noon to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Visit the Pink Swirls Facebook page, Pink Swirls FayArk, to keep updated on promotions and yogurt flavors.
Outdoor Movie Night, Tonight!
COURTESY PHOTO
University Programs will present director Christopher Nolan’s acclaimed film Inception for tonight’s Outdoor Movie Night. The movie will be showing on Old Main Lawn at 9:30 p.m. with free pizza and soda for students. Feel free to bring blankets and chairs!
“An international internship experience can expand the baccalaureate program by providing real world application of curriculum in addition to cultural knowledge,” said Michael T. Kidd, director of The Center of Excellence for Poultry Science. “Poultry is indeed global, and we are encouraged by the experiences that Cody has gleaned and the opportunities he has had. His interaction with fellow students in Fayetteville will further expand the impact of his experience”. Just as companies operate differently across borders, social traditions of different communities also diverge. Howard experienced this firsthand. “The Chinese social life has a long history with many traditions,” Howard said. ”Most of the things done today are intermixes of the old traditions and new modern activities from around the world.” Howard enjoyed the global experience, but was also able to explore the city, although that was no small feat. Shanghai, with more than 23 million people, is China’s biggest city, according to 2010 census numbers. “Shanghai is a modern city with anything available that could be found in a modern city,” Howard said. “I had a group of coworkers that were close to my age and also some other American interns that I spent my downtime with. From trying traditional meals to shopping in fake markets, there are endless possibilities.” Some of the struggles Howard experienced were concerned with the most basic of needs: though it may seem trivial, even learning to eat food in a different country can be a challenge. “My process of learning to eat with chopsticks was a challenge. During my first weeks, I struggled to use them and hoped for a fork; now after several weeks I have grown accustomed to them, and no dish is a challenge,” said Howard. Howard’s trip took him through all parts of Shanghai, but after a few weeks abroad, he was a frequent visitor of the financial district. Even after he found a favorite spot, though, there were aspects of life at the UA and of the United States that he missed. “The financial district [was] my favorite area of Shanghai. Located in the district are some of the most modern and tallest buildings in the world along with great restaurants, but while I was away, I missed driving, family, friends and the freedoms of press and the Internet,” Howard said. Through the internship, Howard gained a new perspective on the poultry industry and international business. “I have been able to see how a developing country handles the food supply chain to feed expanding populations,” Howard said. “The poultry industry in China is growing to try to meet demand while in the States we have oversupply. Now, when I look at any business or industry, I understand the international markets and how truly connected everything has become.” Even though Howard interned for an Americanbased company, the experience overseas was unmatched in how the differences in culture can affect daily work life. “My experience in China has been a great education and blessing to me,” Howard said. “I have been fortunate to get to work at Tyson Foods for my internship. I have worked with some of the industry’s best and learned more than I could have imagined just by living and working in a different country. I now have a different view of life and realize just how good we have it in the U.S.”
You can check out the Traveler online at uatrav.com or by scanning here:
THE ARKANSAS TRAVELER
DOWNTIME
Comics, Games, & Much Much More!
PAGE 9 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011
LAUGH IT UP
SUDOKU
Q: Where do you find a zebra? A: 25 letters after A, brah. Q: What do you call an Irishman who stays out all night in the rain?
A: Patty O’Furniture Q: Why can’t dogs dance? A: They have two left feet.
Difficulty:
Q: What do you get from a pampered cow? A: Spoiled Milk Q: What do you get when you throw a grenade
TODAY’S SOLUTION
into a french kitchen?
A: Linoleum-Blown-Apart 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 Espresso concoction 6 Pile 10 With 13-Across, comingout phrase? 13 See 10-Across 14 Surprisingly, the Rays don’t play there 15 Something to pick 16 Dairy food for a haunted house? 18 “CSI” proof 19 Campfire whopper 20 Mer flow 21 More revolting 23 Boxed Brie? 26 Shower head, maybe 29 Georgetown athlete 30 Outlet store abbr. 31 Thwart the re-election bid of 34 Sask. neighbor 38 With 41-Across, pancakeflavored drink? 40 Priest’s vestment 41 See 38-Across 42 Drifting, maybe 43 Pedicure stone 45 Parliament vote 46 Literary __ 48 Runs the show 50 Snacks for an all-nighter? 55 Goldbricks 56 App with a Buddy List 57 __ vez: Spaniard’s “again” 61 Flee 62 Dinner dish decorated for a king? 65 Sugar suffix 66 Filled a hold with 67 Western 68 Kitten’s cry 69 Checked out 70 Set of principles
1 Like some lingerie 2 Uttar Pradesh tourist city 3 Stratum 4 Medium state? 5 Bugler with horns 6 With “The,” city with a lake called the Hofvijver at its center 7 It has six toes 8 Fuzzy fruit 9 Weather forecast word 10 Sundance entry, usually 11 Pitchfork parts 12 Gape 14 Perfectly 17 Be homesick (for) 22 Name that means “cool breeze” in Hawaiian 24 Casanova 25 Abu __ 26 Flaky mineral 27 Boots an easy grounder 28 Arbor Day planting 32 Spa offering 33 Popular street name 35 “Correct answer” sound 36 “... Prince Albert in __?” 37 Ring jinglers 39 Conceals sneakily 41 Boo bird’s call 43 Depict 44 Cupcake filling 47 Emotionally unavailable type 49 Weather map line 50 Drive insert 51 Stir 52 One of Nixon’s vices? 53 Made like a crow 54 Good-hearted 58 Spot for un chapeau 59 Lou of The Velvet Underground 60 __-Cuban music 63 William Browne’s “Awake, faire Muse,” e.g. 64 Sawbones
Crossword provided by MCT Campus
SOLUTION
Tony Piro
SPORTS THE ARKANSAS TRAVELER
PAGE 10
Scan here to go to the Sports section on uatrav.com:
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011
SPORTS EDITOR: Jimmy Carter ASST. SPORTS EDITOR: Zach Turner FOOTBALL
COMMENTARY
Hold Your Horses, Aggies Old-Fashioned 3-point Play
ZACH TURNER zwturner@uark.edu
GARETH PATTERSON STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Junior quarterback Tyler Wilson completed 22 of 28 passes for 391 yards in Arkansas’closed scrimmage on Thursday. The coaching staff hasn’t announced the starting quarterback.
Starting Quarterback Depends On Offensive Identity by RUMIL BAUTISTA Staff Writer
Arkansas’ coaching staff still hasn’t named its starting quarterback. The Razorbacks are less than two weeks from the Sept. 3 season opener against Missouri State. Junior Tyler Wilson is the favorite to earn the job after competing with sophomore Brandon Mitchell in fall practice. “They understand how important the position is to us and where we are as a program,” offensive coordinator Garrick McGee said. “I spent some time watching our quarterbacks, trying to figure out what they did good, what they didn’t understand, so that we could start to figure out who we are as an offense and the direction that we want go. But I do know they’re committed.” Wilson completed 22 of 28
passes for 391 yards in a closed scrimmage Thursday, but was also intercepted by senior cornerback Isaac Madison. “He threw for over 300 yards, a few touchdowns but made a few mistakes that you can’t make in games,” McGee said. Wilson has more experience than Mitchell. The 6-foot-3, 220-pounder threw for 453 yards and four touchdowns last season, impressing against Auburn and Ole Miss when starter Ryan Mallett was injured. “Tyler can really throw the ball, so we got faith in Tyler 110 percent and we have faith in him getting the job done,” Wright said. Second Down: Smothers Working At First Team The offensive line is starting to come together. Four starters are in place and true freshman Mitch Smothers
VOLLEYBALL
Volleyball Prepares for Opener by MARTHA SWEARINGEN Staff Writer
Arkansas’ volleyball team will host the Arkansas Invitational this weekend to open the 2011 season. The Razorbacks will face No. 15 Colorado State, Mc-
Neese State and Middle Tennessee Friday and Saturday in Barnhill Arena. Colorado State has been ranked in the top 25 for the past four years and has been
see VOLLEYBALL on page 11
continued to work at offensive tackle with the first-team offense ahead of junior college transfer Jason Peacock. “We’ve spent a lot of time in training camp mixing and matching. I think they’re starting to get settled in with their positions,” McGee said. Smothers’ youth shows up occasionally, but he has impressed sophomore center Travis Swanson. “You can tell when he was a little wide-eyed sometimes,” Swanson said. “I can only imagine what he’s going through. It looks like sometimes it can be overwhelming to him, but the other guys on the line really help him out a lot and he’s come a long way since the beginning of camp. The line will continue to work on blocking for the running game and does not think there will be a drop off in production despite the loss of starting running back Knile
1. Beating SEC Teams
Walker Vying for Big Back Role True freshman Kody Walker can earn early playing time this fall by JIMMY CARTER Sports Editor
Kody Walker
FILE PHOTO
see FOOTBALL on page 11
FOOTBALL
When Kody Walker signed his letter-of-intent with Arkansas in February, he was the No. 5 running back on a team stocked with depth and talent on offense. Walker was viewed by many as a probable redshirt candidate. Less than two weeks from the
Junior Amanda Anderson enters her third season as Arkansas’ starting middle blocker.
Davis, Swanson said. “I think we’re at the point where they understand what they’re responsible for; they understand the defensive front’s blocking schemes,” McGee said. “We just have to continue to teach them to be smarter players.” Third Down: Receivers Continue To Impress Arkansas’ highly-touted receiving corps impressed junior quarterback Tyler Wilson at practice. “They came out, ran routes and had a lot of enthusiasm. They looked ready to go. It was awesome seeing them play today,” Wilson said. Four of the top five receiving threats from last year return, a group including seniors Greg Childs, Joe Adams and Jarius
Sept. 3 season opener against Missouri State, he’s the Razorbacks’ No. 3 running back, competing for carries in short-yardage situations. “Right now I might get a little more playing time than I figured,” Walker said. “I’ve just got to step up now with the help
from the vets, like Dennis (Johnson), (Ronnie) Wingo and (Ronald) Watkins. It’s getting easier every day.” Senior Broderick Green – the Hogs’ 6-foot-2, 244-pound big back last season – tore his ACL in the spring and will miss the season. Junior All-SEC starter Knile Davis broke his ankle in the second week of fall practice. Juniors Ronnie Wingo and Dennis Johnson are the only remaining running backs with collegiate experience. The duo can handle the bulk of the carries, but Walker is in position to contribute and is another injury away from being thrust into a key role this fall. “He’s a real physical runner and broke a lot of tackles,” coach Bobby Petrino said after a recent scrimmage. “The number one thing I like about Kody is he’s picked the offense up.” Walker ran for 1,004 yards and 16 touchdowns as a high school senior and battled through injuries of his own. The 6-foot-2 Jefferson City, Mo., native weighs 245 pounds and could earn playing time as Arkansas’ big back near the goal line and in short-
see WALKER on page 12
After much whining and complaining about the way the University of Texas practically runs the Big 12 Conference, Texas A&M tried to force their way out. Where were they trying to head, though? The Aggies, along with Texas governor Rick Perry made it clear that the secondlargest school in the state of Texas wanted to move east to the Southeastern Conference. This news story, along with all the other nooks and crannies surrounding the details of a potential move had the sports media outlets abuzz for two weeks, particularly in the Big 12 and SEC communities. On Aug. 14, the SEC school presidents along with the commissioner Mike Slive and other SEC officials gathered to determine if a potential move for Texas A&M could happen as early as 2012. Luckily, I will explain why I say luckily later, the move did not go through and A&M is back to square one, sitting as the little sister to the much more powerful University of Texas. The main reason A&M wanted to leave the Big 12 conference was because of the Longhorn Network that will be launching Aug. 26. It was only a matter of time before a major Division I university landed its own network dedicated solely to sports, so how appropriate that the fifth-largest college in the nation, with an enrollment of 51,195, is the one. Not to mention Texas — in 2006 — was the last school outside the SEC to win the BCS Championship. With all that being said, here are just a few reasons why Texas A&M does not belong in college football’s premier conference. For a team begging on their knees for a spot in the SEC, Texas A&M has not done a good job of proving that they actually belong in the conference. You would think the Aggies would have the desire to compete in a conference they have had success in. In its last four games against SEC opponents — two vs. Arkansas, one vs. LSU and one vs. Georgia — Texas A&M is 0-4 and has lost by a combined score of 156-78. All four of these contests were on neutral sites, so the “Well they had home-field advantage,” excuse can be tossed out the window. Yet, the Aggies still feel they belong in not only the SEC, but the SEC West, which boasts four of the last eight BCS National Champions from three different programs. If the Aggies run their losing streak to three against Arkansas in the annual Southwest Classic game Oct. 1, that is saying something because Arkansas is projected behind both Alabama and LSU in the race to represent the West in the SEC Championship game. Texas A&M is 1-9 in its last 10 bowl game appearances with its only win in that span coming against TCU in the 2001 Galleryfurniture.com Bowl. Let me repeat. The Galleryfurniture.com Bowl. During this same amount of time, the SEC has won seven BCS National Championships. Enough said.
2. Beating Teams In The Big 12 Now I give the Aggies a bit of credit on this one, they did beat Texas, Oklahoma and Nebraska all in the same season during 2010. However this was the first time A&M had accomplished this feat and Texas had such a pitiful season they weren’t even bowl eligible. Texas A&M has not been in a conference championship game since 1998. The Big 12 has been widely seen as the second-or third-best football conference in the nation by media depending on the year. It seems to flip-flop between the Big 12 and Big 10 on which conference takes the No. 2 spot behind the SEC in terms of conference power rankings. That said, the Aggies are playing good competition, but haven’t been an elite program. Texas A&M has had one season in the past decade which they finished the season
see COMMENTARY on page 11
PAGE 11
SPORTS
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011
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"SLBOTBT 5SBWFMFS contributing writer Martha Swearingen sat down with Razorbacks volleyball player Brooke Fournier. The two talked about what drew Fournier to Arkansas and her experience playing for the women’s national team in the summer. The Redondo Beach, Calif., native was one of just two freshman libero starters in the Southeastern Conference last season and played in all 122 sets. When did you first start playing volleyball? * XBT SFBMMZ MJUUMF CVU * TUBSUFE DMVC XIFO * XBT Why did you first start playing? 0OF PG NZ CFTU GSJFOE T EBE QMBZFE CFBDI WPMMFZCBMM TP XF XPVME BMXBZT MJLF UP HP XBUDI IJN "OE UIFO XF KVTU TUBSUFE QMBZJOH XJUI IJN BU UIF CFBDI )F UPME NF UP HP USZ PVU from VOLLEYBALL on page 10 .PVOUBJO 8FTU $POGFSFODF DIBNQJPOT UIF QBTU UXP ZFBST "SLBOTBT QMBZT UIFN BU Q N i5IF DMPDL JT UJDLJOH EPXO w "SLBOTBT DPBDI 3PC FSU 1VMMJ[B TBJE i" DPVQMF PG EBZT IFSF CFGPSF UIF UFBNT TUBSU BSSJWJOH IFSF JO 'BZ FUUFWJMMF BOE XF UFF JU PGG PO 'SJEBZ /P CFUUFS XBZ UP HFU UIJOHT TUBSUFE XJUI UIF UI SBOLFE UFBN JO UIF DPVOUSZ TP JU T HPJOH UP CF BO FYDJUJOH GJSTU NBUDI JO #BSOIJMM "SF OB w "MNPTU IBMG UIF 3BNT SPT UFS JT GSFTINFO PS SFETIJSU GSFTINFO CVU $PMPSBEP 4UBUF XJMM QSFTFOU BO PQQPTJOH DIBM MFOHF GPS UIF 3B[PSCBDLT i5IFJS GSPOU MJOF JT HP JOH UP CF MJLF TP UIFZ MM CF SFBMMZ SFBMMZ QIZTJ DBM BOE JU XJMM MFU VT LOPX FBS MZ PO UP TFF XIFSF XF SF BU w 1VMMJ[B TBJE .D/FFTF 4UBUF XBT QJDLFE UP GJOJTI FJHIUI JO UIF 4PVUI MBOE $POGFSFODF CZ TQPSUT JOGPSNBUJPO EJSFDUPST JO UIF 4PVUIMBOE $POGFSFODF QSF TFBTPO QPMMT i.D/FFTF 4UBUF IBT B CSBOE OFX IFBE DPBDI )F T B HSFBU DPBDI TP IF T HPJOH UP IBWF UIPTF HVZT SFBEZ UP HP *U T HPJOH UP CF UIFJS PQFO FS TP UIFZ SF HPJOH UP CF BMM QTZDIFE VQ SFBEZ UP QMBZ IFSF JO #BSOIJMM TP * FYQFDU B WFSZ HPPE .D/FFTF 4UBUF w 1VMMJ[B TBJE .JEEMF 5FOOFTTFF XPO UIF 4VOCFMU $POGFSFODF BOE NBEF BO /$"" 5PVSOBNFOU BQ QFBSBODF JO TPNFUIJOH "SLBOTBT IBTO U EPOF JO 1VM MJ[B T UISFF TFBTPOT i.JEEMF 5FOOFTTFF BHBJO BO /$"" UPVSOBNFOU UFBN 7FSZ WFSZ GBTU UFBN WFSZ IBSE UP EFGFOE "OE UIFZ SF SFUVSOJOH GJWF TUBSUFST BOE B TUBSUFS GSPN UXP TFBTPOT BHP
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3. Culture
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from FOOTBALL on page 10
Fourth Down: Miles-Nash Comfortable at Tight End
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SPORTS
WEDNESDAY,AUGUST 24,2011
PAGE 12
Arkansas Traveler contributing writer Monica Chapman caught up with first-team running back Ronnie Wingo to discuss which games he is looking forward to the most as well as any pregame rituals the junior out of St. Louis might have. Which game are you most looking forward to during the season, and why? Ronnie Wingo: I’m really looking forward to all of them, but I’d have to say the ones I’m looking forward to most have to be the Alabama or LSU game because of how major they’re going to be. Nationwide, two top 15 football programs and so much on the line for a national championship, as well as SEC Championship. They’re just going to be the biggest games. What is one thing you want to do differently this year? RW: I guess I want to win all the games. As far as a personal thing, run better in between tackles and be a better leader and motivator and just be a good team player. Do you have any game day rituals or superstitions that you do? RW: I listen to the same playlist probably since my freshman year. I add a couple of song here and there, but basically the same couple of songs. I chew gum all the way up until game time. Do you wear certain socks or anything? RW: Sometimes. I wear the same socks until we lose then I get some new socks. What keeps you motivated throughout the season? RW: It’s just something I love doing. I’ve been playing football since I was six. I wake up every morning and I’m the oldest child so I’ve got younger siblings, so they’re just motivating me to keep going and going, all my brothers and sisters. How’s Kody Walker doing in practice? RW: Oh he’s a fast learner. He’s coming along good. I mean he’s a freshman and he’s still making the same mistakes that we made when we were freshmen. There’s going to come a time that he learns everything, but he’s coming along good though. How do you think he can contribute to the team? RW: He’s going to help out by learning the playbook and everything and to not think too much. That’s what the main problem is when it comes to freshman. It was the same way with me, Knile and D.J.
Ronnie Wingo
Junior, RB 6-foot-3, 231 lbs St. Louis, Mo. 253 rushing yards, 1 TD, 4 recieving TDs RYAN MILLER STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER GARETH PATTERSON STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
from WALKER on page 10 yardage situations. “He’s big, he’s nimble and has really big hips, so it’s hard to bring him down,” offensive coordinator Garrick McGee said. He ran for a team-best 66 yards on 15 carries in the Razorbacks’ lone public full-contact scrimmage in fall camp, the same scrimmage Davis suffered his broken ankle. Since Davis’ injury, Walker has been on an accelerated crash course to learn the offense. “When I first saw the playbook, I thought it was a dictionary,” Walker said. “There’s a lot of stuff in there. I had trouble with the playbook coming in early when I first got here. I stuck with it, I’m in it every day and it’s getting easier.” Wingo and Johnson – entering their third and fourth seasons in the program, respectively – have taken Walker under their wing. “There’s something new
I pick up every day,” Walker said. “The vets help me a lot. I’m feeling I’m getting better, but I can always get better at little thinks like running to the sideline and making sure I stay low when I cut up field. I’m going to work hard every day.” He’s also gotten one instruction driven into his head by the coaching staff. “Kody’s got to learn to run lower,” McGee said. “I hope he doesn’t have to learn the hard way and take a shot right in the chest in a game. He’s a big powerful back. I want to see him lower his shoulder and really punish the defensive backs, for sure.” He and fellow freshman Kelvin Fisher – moved from cornerback to running back after Davis’ injury – were the only running backs to participate in a live-tackling drill last week in fall camp, allowing Walker to work on his running style while Wingo and Johnson rested minor ailments. “I think he’ll learn,” McGee said. “Later on in the scrimmage, in the live work, I saw
Razorback Running Backs
Ronnie Wingo Year:Junior Career yards: 253 Career touchdowns: 4 Status: Competing for first team
Dennis Johnson Year: Junior Career yards: 608 Career touchdowns: 2 Status: Competing for first team
Kody Walker
Year: Freshman Career yards: N/A Career touchdowns: N/A Status: Competing for playing time
Knile Davis Year: Junior Career yards: 1485 Career touchdowns: 17 Status: Out for season- ankle
Broderick Green Year: Senior Career yards: 807 Career touchdowns: 14 Status: Out for season- knee