PHOTO: LOGAN WEBSTER, PHOTO ILLUSTRATION: ERIK NORTHFELL
Ahead of the Game: Sophomore Standout Student Suffers Concussion from Gate Accident by KRISTEN COPPOLA Staff Writer
LOGAN WEBSTER STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Nathanael Franks, a recipient of the Chancellor’s scholarship, which is only given to the top five percent of the applicant pool according to the academic scholarship office website, is a double major in chemistry in physics, with dreams of becoming a doctor. In addition to taking 17 hours of classes every semester he’s been at the UA, he has also conducted chemistry research. He is a sophomore this year.
by MEGAN HUCKABY Multimedia Editor
A double major in chemistry and physics, dreams of becoming a doctor, more than 17 hours taken in all three semesters at the UA, conducting chemistry research and a recent affinity for insects sounds like someone who spends every waking moment involved in academia. Nathanael Franks, a recipient of the Chancellor’s scholarship, which is only given to the top 5 percent of the applicant pool according to the academic scholarship office website, does all of this all of this plus runs track at the UA. Franks, an SEC First Year Academic Honor Roll athlete, walked on to the track team, according to the UA track and field website. Oh, and he is only a sophomore. Managing time just comes naturally. “I kind of see time as my friend more than my enemy,” he said. “I try to embrace whatever time I have and I mean we get 24 hours.” Franks hopes to use his time here at the UA to fulfil his dream of becoming a doctor. But not just a typical emergency room physician. “I want to be a mountain surgeon,” Franks said. “My dream would be to go to
the Himalayas and work with the people there.” Despite his academic record, Franks didn’t always see college as an option. “I wanted to become a machinist,” he said. “I am kind of against some institutions of education, I like learning more than I do school.” Being forced to learn makes things less interesting, he said. The 6-foot-3 decathlete is “taking these different avenues” of physics and chemistry to figure things out, he said. He wants every student to have the same opinion of school that he does. “[Students] are all about getting that ‘A’ or getting that ‘B’ so that when they walk out of here in four years they will have this transcript, but what did they do on the way and what did they learn along the way,” he said. “I hope they have real memories of their college experience and real knowledge from their college experience. I hope that every person that graduates from this campus will change the world in a positive way,” Franks said. Franks came to the UA from his home in Oregon after turning down a scholarship and the opportunity to run track at Duke University. He attributes his decision to come to the
UA to the professors. “The [professors] at Arkansas were by far the most helpful of any. They wouldn’t only answer your question but they would answer the question you were about to ask,” he said. Handling the work load can cause strain. “It is really easy to feel like you are behind and get down on yourself, but the Lord has really been a comfort to me,” he said. “When I feel like I am drifting away He is always my answer.” Franks also takes part in the international culture team at the UA for fun. “We try to bring the world to the community,” he said. Franks was always busy. In high school he played football, basketball and soccer. He was even a state champion in Swiss wrestling, he said. He was also the valedictorian of his class at Sam Barlow High School, according his biography on the track and field website. Before college he also studied abroad in Germany, his mother’s home country until she emigrated to the U.S. when she was five years old. When he was 16, Franks gained German citizenship. He has also traveled to Lebanon, Turkey and Greece.
A student suffered a concussion sometime between 12:10 p.m. and 12:20 p.m., Tuesday after a construction gate hit the student in the head, UAPD officers and the student said. Meredith Wilson, senior human development major, was walking to class when the wind increased in speed, which caused a gate to dislodge. “There was no advanced warning,” she said. “The gate hit me directly in the face.” Wilson was conscious but disoriented after she was hit by the gate, she said. An ambulance was called and Wilson was taken to Washington Regional hospital. “I was at the hospital for a few hours and was diagnosed with a concussion,” she said.
Tuesday afternoon, Fayetteville experienced 15 to 20 mph winds with gusts as high as 25 mph, according to the National Weather Service. When the gates are closed for students to walk through, there is no attendant, and when the gates are open for trucks to drive through, an attendant guides and secures the gate, Johnson said, so there was no attendant when the gate flew open. The construction company and workers involved were spoken to about safety precautions and ensuring that the gate is properly secured at all times, Johnson said. “Construction leadership on-site talked to [workers] immediately within 10 or so minutes,” he said. “Unfortunately, I wish we were perfect. We were fortunate that the young lady wasn’t more seriously hurt,” he said.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012 VOL. 106, NO. 64 12 PAGES UATRAV.COM
FEATURES THE ARKANSAS TRAVELER WEEKENDER
PAGE 2 THURSDAY, JANUARY 2, 2012
by LAUREN LEATHERBY Features Editor
All UA students have one thing in common: they all have, at some point, been new on campus. And as upperclassmen know well from experience, being new on campus makes it hard to avoid a few blunders that give more experienced students a good laugh. One enterprising student saw genius in this, and @UofA_Fresh_ Move, the University’s most prolific novelty Twitter account, was born. Now, with nearly 4,000 followers, almost one in five UA students follows @UofA_Fresh_Move on Twitter. “I discovered @UofA_Frat_Style not long after I created a personal account. This one and several other ‘parody’ accounts got me discussing the idea with coworkers and friends that I could make a similar account based on typical mistakes made by freshmen and the things that we know we all did as freshmen,” @ UofA_Fresh_Move said. “It took off from there when a ton of this huge new freshmen class got involved and I got some support from some of the bigger accounts I followed.” Accounts like @Arkansauced, @ SafeRideDriver, @WheresParice and @UofA_Frat_Style have all enjoyed their heyday, but there is no doubt that @UofA_Fresh_Move is at the top of its game. Some recent highlights? One student asked a professor if parents needed to sign the syllabus. Another asked a professor for permission to use the restroom, and a third student attended her Monday classes... on a Tuesday. All of these seem funny to old-timers who have been attending classes on this campus for multiple semesters, but to a freshman, they’re honest mistakes to look back and laugh about. “Several freshmen asked where this ‘Club Mullins’ is, and someone just Tweeted to me that a girl forgot about her dorm’s fire drill and got drug out of the shower by her RA,” @UofA_Fresh_Move said. But @UofA_Fresh_Move’s identity is something that the student body will not know anytime soon. Even some of @UofA_Fresh_Move’s friends don’t know who is behind the account.
FEATURES EDITOR: LAUREN LEATHERBY ASST. FEATURES EDITOR: KELSI FORD
“One of my favorite examples was when my roommate had a friend over that started reading my tweets out loud, unaware that I had just sent them from my phone,” @ UofA_Fresh_Move said. “I have had a few situations where I overheard people picking on their friends around campus and on Dickson Street with a ‘#totalfreshmove’ stab. I have freshman friends on Facebook that titled their photo albums ‘#totalfreshmove.’” Like any Twitter user, @UofA_ Fresh_Move hoped to get several followers, but thousands of students following the account was not something that @UofA_Fresh_Move expected. “It’s still pretty unbelievable that it got so big,” @UofA_Fresh_Move said. “I’ve tried to keep any ego or sense of popularity out of it, but it does feel good knowing I can pretty easily entertain a couple thousand people a few times a day.” Even with all of the freshmentargeted jokes, students often benefit from reading the tweets, whether from a laugh on a rough day, #totalfreshtips, or the sense of camaraderie that comes across campus when students of different ages and backgrounds are reading and laughing at the same material. “There are a lot of things that upperclassmen are aware of through experience that freshmen aren’t ‘in the know’ about, so sometimes I use the account to offer tips,” @UofA_ Fresh_Move said. The night before a recent basketball game, @UofA_Fresh_Move tweeted a reminder for students to move their cars so they could avoid getting a parking ticket. One follower replied, saying that the tweet
had saved her from getting her car towed or getting a costly parking ticket. She had almost forgotten to move her car. “I’m constantly amazed by this experience. It is so much more than just a little joke to me,” @UofA_ Fresh_Move said. “I’ve had an incredible look at the student body as a family, like seeing thousands of people banded together in support and remembrance of Garrett Uekman. In the same sense, I love the school spirit that takes place around game time and to see about 20 tweeted pictures of a beautiful sunset over campus.” @UofA_Fresh_Move has morphed since it began, but still retains its lighthearted tone. “The account started out heavily relying on my own witty tweets and jokes to gain popularity, but now I am leaning almost entirely on mentions and submissions from my followers,” @UofA_Fresh_Move said. “I had more than 45 mentions on the first day of spring semester. Apparently they didn’t learn too much last semester.” Because the author of @UofA_ Fresh_Move will graduate soon, the future of the account remains unknown, but two things will remain constant: freshmen will never cease to have funny moments while learning the ropes, and the UA student body will continue to stand united. “I’m getting to see a side of this student body and even a side of social networking that most don’t know exists,” @UofA_Fresh_Move said. “I’m amazed by the submissions I read and the feedback I receive, but, more than that, I’m continually amazed at the unity of this campus.”
by EMILY RHODES Staff Writer
It’s that time of year again, Super Bowl weekend. A time to relax, host a few friendly Giants vs. Patriots rivalries with friends, and, of course, eat some great food. This year, why not ditch the sports bar on Super Bowl Sunday and enjoy these easy to make and delicious snacks, perfect for enjoying in front of the big screen. Philly cheesesteaks have to be one of my favorite things to eat. Now, when I say one of my favorites, I mean it’s my go-to on every restaurant menu. When you pair this flavorful sandwich with a game day staple of chips, salsa and guacamole, you really can’t go wrong. Instead of using the traditional Cheez Whiz topping for these tasty treats, I made a creamy Provolone cheese sauce, perfect for smothering, dipping and eating with leftover chips. Philly Cheesesteaks: Serves 2 Ingredients: ½ pound thin sliced steak (I used sirloin tip, but any variety will work) 1 onion, peeled and sliced 1 green pepper, sliced 1-tablespoon vegetable oil, for cooking Seasoning salt Black pepper 2 Hoagie rolls For the cheese sauce: ½ tablespoon margarine or butter ¾ tablespoon flour 2 cups milk 5 slices provolone cheese Salt & Pepper
Begin this recipe by making the cheese sauce for the sandwiches. Melt the margarine in a medium-sized skillet and add the flour, whisking continuously until the fat and flour clump together. Turn the heat down to medium and add the milk, whisking again until the mixture thickens. Take the mixture off the heat altogether, and add the cheese. Whisk again (yes, this takes a lot of whisking) until you have a thick and creamy cheese sauce. Season with salt and pepper, and warm on low heat until the rest of the meal is ready.
MADDIE LOGAN STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Using a large, deep skillet, add the sliced onion, along with the vegetable oil, and cook until the onion is transparent and soft. Then, add the sliced pepper and cook until it just starts to soften (you still want a slight crunch on the pepper). Before adding the meat to the vegetable mixture, place the hoagie rolls on a cookie sheet in a 375°F oven, and bake until crisp, about 5 minutes. Add the thin-sliced steak to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes – the meat will cook very quickly because it’s so thin. Season with the seasoning salt and pepper, and place on one side of the hoagie roll. Then, spoon the cheese sauce over the top of the meat and vegetables, and serve.
by KIMBERLY McGUIRE Staff Writer
We’ve all seen them in the movies, the little Italian restaurants where our heroine meets her beau on their first date. The quaint eateries that emanate small-town romance, even with the Big Apple’s hustle and bustle right outside the entrance. If you’re a Sex and The City fan, you might have seen Carrie Bradshaw encounter a few places like this with Big. Horribly unhealthy relationships aside, a place like this exists right in our very own Fayetteville. Nestled in a little square right by Baum Stadium is a simple, yet unmistakable slice of heaven called Mezza Luna, where you can either find love in the form of a companion… or in the form of a plate of lasagna. Luckily, there’s a full bar inside and next door if the first form proves to be unfavorable. I wouldn’t consider myself to be the romantic type. As much as I despise PDA and the gooey lovebirds that seem to gravitate into my line of vision, it’s as though the atmosphere of Mezza Luna makes it all okay. I’m not saying that everyone I’ve seen in the restaurant was a couple attached at the hip, but it would be the ideal date night place for any collegiate couple. The inside of Mezza Luna is a simple, classic, booth-or-table kind of place. Nothing too fancy, but the staff
PHOTO COURTESY OF FRANK ELDER OF NOWTHATSCOOKIN.COM
and menu is something one would find in an incredibly different environment. I’m not a regular, but every time I’ve visited the restaurant, I’ve had the same waitress, and she’s such a joy to
be around. Although she hasn’t experienced everything on the menu, she
see MEZZA LUNA on page 3
see RECIPES on page 5
THURSDAY, JANUARY 2, 2012
FEATURES MEZZA LUNA from page 2
knows what people have raved over and can help customers make an informed decision. We all know that what you get for dinner is a life-changing decision, right? I took her advice and ordered the Chicken Marsala. She went the extra mile and told us that the sauces that top your meal are prepared fresh for your order, so it’s not sitting there cooking all day. Once my meal arrived, I could definitely tell this was going to be life altering. The asparagus, the mashed potatoes, the chicken, the sauce. Being from a very Italian family, I can safely assume that it’s not blood running through my veins, it’s “suga” (soo-gah), our family’s term for sauce. Hence why I have a very odd relationship with anything saucy and Italian. I cannot tell you how glorious the plate looked, and when I finally got over the awe of the mere sight of the food, my first bite was like the chef wrote a love poem meant only for my taste buds to hear. Distracted by my own plate, I didn’t get a very
good look at the one being served across from me; I took the silence as a sign of “do not interrupt, I’m eating some incredibly delicious pasta.” Once we wrapped up the main course, we made a rather horrible decision and took a gander at the dessert menu. Warning: if you want to survive this meal, don’t look at the dessert menu. Of course, me being the dedicated writer that I am, I decided I would compromise my daily caloric intake for your reading pleasure. I ordered the crème brulee, and my meal ticket (mom), ordered the fudge cheesecake. You know it’s going to be delicious when it has the words “fudge” and “cheesecake” in the name/description or when your waitress lights your creme brulee on fire at your table. Luckily, each one of us got to experience both. We stared at the sinful desserts. I wished I had brought a priest or my rosary with me. Surely, we were about to commit mortal sin by ingesting such devastatingly delightful delicacies, and they were exactly as delicious as we thought. The check came and we sat and repented for a few
minutes on the meal we had just devoured. The waitress returned and told us a little more about the chef. Chef Juan used to cook at Bordino’s on Dickson, and then started his own place, a pizzeria on Wedington, and now Mezza Luna. Then, the man in the hat, the person responsible for my resounding taste buds, the chef himself came to our table. We thanked him for such a wonderful meal, talked about who knows what and awkwardly shuffled out of our booths. The theme of this article might be a little all over the place, but with the looming knowledge that Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, I would say Mezza Luna is the ideal place for a collegiate couple. And like I said, if things don’t go as great as expected, there’s always great food at your fingertips (things could be worse) and a bar (which I think even has karaoke?) next door. For those of us who are single, well, we will make sure to order out and eat at home… watching Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy. May your Single Awareness Day be just as thrilling as mine.
PAGE 3
OPINION THE ARKANSAS TRAVELER WEEKENDER
PAGE 4
EDITOR:SABA EDITOR: SABA NASEEM
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012
MANAGING EDITOR: MATTIE QUINN
FROM THE BOARD The All-Nighter: Friend or Foe? In a recent study by The Huffington Post and HerCampus, research showed that pulling an all-nighter in college can prove to cause more problems than create more opportunities for students. Though we are constantly running out of time to proofread our papers, finish projects, make time to see friends and still feel like there is an hour left in the day, we need to make time to sleep night to ensure productive days.While we might think that nothing can come from the occassional all night study session apart from a good test grade, impaired focus, weight gain from late night snacking and digestive problems from altered glucose levels can become major issues from staying up until morning. So, before we choose to head to “Club Mullins” for a night of hitting the books, think again and hit the hay for a much more productive semester.
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.
MARCUS FERREIRA Staff Cartoonist
A Wrong Avenue For Changing Policy Fayetteville Spotlight
CONTACT 119 Kimpel Hall University of Arkansas Fayetteville, AR 72701 Main: 479.575.3406 Fax: 479.575.3306 traveler@uark.edu facebook.com/uatrav twitter.com/uatrav
STAFF EDITORIAL SABA NASEEM Editor -in-Chief 575-8455 traveler@uark.edu
MATTIE QUINN
Managing Editor travmgr@uark.edu
LAUREN LEATHERBY
ZACH TURNER
Asst. Sports Editor
CHAD WOODARD
News Editor 575-3226 travnews@uark.edu
BRITTANY NIMS Asst. News Editor
Features Editor 575-7540 travlife@uark.edu
EMILY RHODES
KELSI FORD
BEN FLOWERS
Asst. Features Editor
JIMMY CARTER Sports Editor 575-7051 travsprt@uark.edu
ADVERTISING & DESIGN
CANNON MCNAIR
Photo Editor
SHELBY GILL
Special Projects Editor
The Good
MICY LIU
Campus Account Executive 575-7594 travad4@uark.edu
AARON TAN
Campus Account Executive 575-7594 travad4@uark.edu
ANDY KOUCKY
KATE BEEBE
SEAN MORRISON
Students and faculty can now access nutritional counseling and weight management programs on campus through QualChoice health insurance. A new sidewalk was added to Razorback Road, providing ways to get around campus during construction.
—
No. 1 receiver in the nation,Dorial GreenBeckham, committed to Missouri over Arkansas Wednesday morning.
—
UPENN student government was found guilty of hazing during a new member initiation last month.
—
American Airlines told unions Wednesday that more than 13,000 jobs would be cut this year.
Sports Designer
A UA student was hospitalized Tuesday after being hit by a construction gate near Vol Walker Hall.
: ((
:(
The University of Iowa and a former student agreed to a $130,000 settlement Wednesday, for a case concerning sexual harassment in exchange for a better class grade.
: ((
DYLAN CRAIG
:(
News Designer
The Razorback basketball team beat Vanderbilt 82-74 Tuesday night at Bud Walton Arena. The Hogs are 16-0 at home.
The Ugly
Features Designer
Graphic Designer
The Bad
:
SARAH COLPITTS
:)
ERIK NORTHFELL
Graphic Designer
The Traveler’s The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
Multimedia Editor
Account Executive 575-8714 travad3@uark.edu
CELI BIRKE
Barrett Lewis is a political science major, and a Traveler columnist. His column appears every other Thursday.
MEGAN HUCKABY
Account Executive 575-8714 travad3@uark.edu Lead Designer/ Web Developer
If they’re forced to print marriage announcements, announcements that under the law simply don’t exist in Arkansas and are purely symbolic, what else might they be expected to run in their paper? If there isn’t some basis of legality for their marriage announcements, what
:
ZACHARY FRY
“If a newspaper were to change its policy on this stance...it risks blowback from readers, advertisers and possibly government officials.”
is to stop them from being under pressure to run other announcements that aren’t lawfully recognized by the state? Obviously that is one of the oldest anti-gay rights retorts around, but in this case it’s true. With no sense of legality supporting these marriages in our state, announcements of really anything are fair game. This is simply the wrong way to go about attaining gay rights. The NWA Times publication is completely allowed to adhere to a basis of legality. The real target of gay rights, as has always been the case, is to change the policy of the state government. When that changes, then activists should focus their efforts any private or public entity that doesn’t respect official policy, not before.
Opinion Editor
:)
Account Executive 575-3899 travad2@uark.edu
risks blowback from readers, advertisers and possibly government officials. It is perfectly alright that the editor of the NWA Times wants to keep the newspaper unbiased and away from activism. This should be the aim of every single newspaper. Beyond that basic purpose of journalism, the slippery slope argument is applicable here.
:
JAIME HOLLAND
Earlier last week, a petition floating around Facebook urged the Northwest Arkansas Times to change its stance on marriage announcements. Specifically, gay rights activists were upset that the NWA Times had refused to list marriage announcements from same-sex couples. Petition organizer, Jay Philips, said he was told by the NWA Times that their policy was to announce marriages that were officially recognized by the State of Arkansas. Since then, the petition went
:)
Advertising Director 575-3839 travad1@uark.edu
by BARRETT LEWIS
Traveler Columnist
somewhat viral, as far as the Northwest Arkansas community goes, that is. At the time of writing this, the online signatures collected stood at 2,508—not a bad number as far as Fayetteville is concerned. I want to make perfectly clear, before continuing with what I have to say, that I am a supporter of gay rights. I believe they should marry and have all the rights anyone else has. I would sign any petition and put my name out there in most degrees to accomplish that. However, that being said, this is the wrong avenue for gay rights activists. One of the main aims of any respectable journalism publication is to spread news. With the exception of activist journalism, the aim of these publications are not to make the news. That should be perfectly understood in our society. If a newspaper were to change its policy on this stance, especially in a state like Arkansas, it
73 people were killed and 1,000 injured in a soccer game riot in Egypt Wednesday. California’s Claremont McKenna College admitted Tuesday to submitting false SAT scores to the U.S. News and World Report since 2005.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 2, 2012
FEATURES RECIPES
from page 2
Guacamole: Serves 4-6 Ingredients: 2 large avocados 1 jalapeno, seeds removed ½ cup diced onions 2 Roma tomatoes, diced Cilantro, for garnish Salt and Pepper
Guacamole is a super simple recipe to make, but is fresh, tasty, and perfect for a large crowd. Slice the avocados in half and remove the pit by hitting a sharp knife into the middle and twisting it out. Scoop out the avocado flesh and mash in a medium sized serving bowl. Remove the seeds from the jalapeno, and finely dice, adding to the avocado. Chop the onion, tomato and cilantro and add, mixing well until you get the desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper, and serve with chips, salsa and queso.
PHOTOS BY: EMILY RHODES
These are just two ideas for some great Superbowl snacks to serve at the big game. Whether you’re a Patriots or a Giants fan, I think we can all agree on Philly Cheesesteaks and chips and dip. Enjoy with your favorite beer or cold drink and, of course, a comfortable couch and a big screen TV.
PAGE 5
NEWS THE ARKANSAS TRAVELER WEEKENDER
PAGE 6
NEWS EDITOR: CHAD WOODARD ASST. NEWS EDITOR: BRITTANY NIMS
THURSDAY, JANUARY 2, 2012
Special Traveler Beat
ARTS & CULTURE Medieval Times
UA Makes Room for Prayer by EMILY HARVEY Contributing Writer
BEN FLOWERS PHOTO EDITOR
Carol Prusa gave a workshop to art students last week on the revival of the Medieval drawing technique silverpointing. She is one of the best known artists working in this medium today and her work is featured in the gallery of the Fine Arts building.
UAPD Adds Crime Prevention Officer by AMANDA POGUE Staff Writer
UAPD has a new crime prevention officer, officials said. David Brett Waddell, a longtime employee of UAPD, was promoted to the position of crime prevention officer this month, said Lt. Gary Crain, UAPD spokesperson. The crime prevention officer promotes awareness and protection. Waddell will be in charge of specific programs including rape prevention, alcohol awareness and crime reporting. He will also be responsible for identifying crime patterns and trends, Crain said.
“I like knowing we have an officer who can help us with alcohol and rape awareness programs. We can call on him to help educate our residents and, hopefully, keep them safe,” said Aaron Stobee, senior business student. The position opened up in April when the previous crime prevention officer, Jennifer Sibley, resigned to join another agency, Crain said. “We really want people to know that we have this officer who can help them. We would like people to call on him to help with programs or events related to these topics,” Crain said.
The Fayetteville Prayer Room, which opened in May, began as a simple idea for adoration and prayer. “I was one of many people who were getting a vision for a 24/7 prayer room in Fayetteville,” said Josh Drury, a UA student who co-founded the room. The other people were leaders of New Heights Church, where Drury was interning at the time. “Unaware of their plans, I had felt the Lord call me to stay in Fayetteville for the summer and focus on prayer,” Drury said. “Some friends quickly informed me of the growing interest in opening the room and connected me with the church leadership, and it fit perfectly.” The prayer room also has hosted seminars and worship services. The room “exists to facilitate praise, worship, Thanksgiving and prayer to our Lord Jesus Christ in a way that unifies the body of Christ,” according to the prayer room’s website. “Basically, since I live in a house of 97 girls, it’s hard to find a quiet place to go and pray without being interrupted,” said senior Kappa Kappa Gamma member Hayley Holmgren. “The prayer room is an awesome room with couches, chairs and carpets, so you can pick how you want to worship. It’s peaceful and there is quiet music playing so it’s not too dead silent,” Holmgren said. “It’s the perfect place for me right now to go and meet with the Lord.” Diana Jarek, another student, also enjoys visiting the prayer room. “Possibly my favorite aspect of the prayer room is resource center. They have several prayer guides from mission agencies as well as prayer requests of missionaries from Northwest Arkansas who are serving the Lord in various places worldwide. Praying
LAUREN HUSBAND STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Erin Walker, freshman, studies the Bible at the Fayetteville Prayer Room. Many students visit the establishment for its calming and comfortable atmosphere. over these supplements gives a perspective of how great God is and serves to remind me that there is so much more to the world than the problems of the college bubble in which we live.” Hayley and Diana would recommend the prayer room to anyone who is looking for
Chillin’ in Winter’s Warmth
a peaceful place to pray. “Seriously, He is faithful to meet me in prayer wherever I am but it’s easier for me to focus when I’m at the prayer room. So if anyone is interested in trying to pray more or maybe more focused, or even just start praying for the first time, the prayer
Friday Night Live Hosts TV-Themed Premier by BAILEY KESTNER Staff Writer
Students relax outdoors in February. After multiple years of harsh winter weather, this winter, so far, has been fairly tame.
LOGAN WEBSTER STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
room would be a great place to go.” Diana said. “The Fayetteville Prayer Room really is such a special place and if you haven’t been you are missing out.” It is located on College Avenue next to Mama Carmen’s coffee shop.
Friday Night Live will host Razorback Reality, a free television-themed entertainment event, Friday, Feb. 3, from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. in the Union, officials said. “This program will be the first FNL event of the 2012 spring semester,” said Tyler Overstreet, representative of Residents’ Interhall Congress. “Anyone can participate and watch on the UA campus free of charge.” The event, which will feature activities and shows based on popular television programs, will include a game similar based on “Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader,” in which students answer questions on different subjects, Overstreet said. The event will also feature Razorback Idol, a contest
similar to the show American Idol. Auditions for Razorback Idol will be held Friday, Jan. 27, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, Jan. 29, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., in room 511 in the UA Union. “Anyone can try out for Razorback Idol, on any song they want,” Overstreet said. “We have the necessary equipment ready for students to just come in and audition,” he said. “Razorback Idol is RIC’s signature program that is put on every year,” said Onnissia Harries, RIC advertising and public relations director. The coalition of RIC, FNL, Associated Student Government and Alpha Pi Omega will be creating a larger, more involved event this year, Harries said. “Each of these groups is responsible for one of the activities within the program,” Overstreet said.
DOWNTIME THE ARKANSAS TRAVELER WEEKENDER
PAGE 7 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2011
LAUGH IT UP
Comics, Games, & Much Much More!
SUDOKU
A guy walks into a bar with a chunk of asphalt under his arm. When the bartender asks what he wants, the man responds “Two beers please. One for me and one for the road. Q: What do you call a monkey in a minefield?
A: A baboom!
Difficulty:
I never wanted to believe that my Dad was stealing from his job as a road worker. But when I got home, all the signs were there.
TODAY’S SOLUTION
Q: What do you call a bear with no teeth? A: A gummy bear.
WELCOME TO FALLING ROCK Josh Shalek
BLISS Harry Bliss
THAT MONKEY TUNE Michael A. Kandalaft
BREWSTER ROCKIT Tim Rickard
CALAMITIES OF NATURE Tony Piro
CROSSWORD ACROSS
DOWN
1 Secret rival 6 Pool regimen 10 Devoid of emotion 14 Pope after John X 15 Lamb by another name 16 Australian gem 17 Recesses 18 Riffraff ’s opposite 20 Picasso in preschool? 22 WBA stats 23 Estonian, e.g. 24 Critic who’s a Chicago talk radio co-host 28 Rub the right way? 29 Feel crummy 30 Way to go: Abbr. 31 When only a synthetic will do? 35 Home to many Indians, but few cowboys 37 Television network with a plus sign in its logo 38 “This just __ my day!” 39 Double-cross Old MacDonald? 44 Mother of 35-Down 45 __ Cruces 46 Passé platters 47 Not as critical 49 Clay pigeon flinger 51 Pipe cleaner 54 What Eddie did to warm up for his “Shrek” role? 57 Kept an eye on 60 Outstanding 61 It may be gross: Abbr. 62 Spy’s device 63 Sale, in Calais 64 Tampa Bay team playing in this puzzle’s longest answers? 65 One trading in futures? 66 Award for Elmore Leonard
1 “__! what poverty my Muse brings forth”: Shak. 2 Camera-ready page 3 Día de San Valentín gift 4 “Hurlyburly” Tony winner 5 Fail to follow 6 By the book 7 Flag down, say 8 Lager order 9 Like The Onion 10 “Cape Fear” co-star, 1991 11 “100 years of journalistic excellence” org. 12 Yoga equipment 13 1889-’90 newsmaking circumnavigator 19 Sicilia, e.g. 21 Defense gp. 25 Binoculars component 26 Historic prep school 27 Musical modernization of “La Bohème” 28 “I Kid You Not” author 29 Puberty woe 31 Custom-made things? 32 Quibbles 33 “How impressive!” 34 Impersonal letter intro 35 Son of 44-Across 36 British Open champ between Jack and Tom 40 Bering Sea native 41 Plants with flat-topped flower clusters 42 Blubber 43 Sanction 48 President Santos portrayer on “The West Wing” 49 “Voilà!” 50 U-Haul rival 51 “Advertising is legalized __”: Wells 52 Busybody 53 Landscaping tool 55 __ dieu 56 Agape, maybe 57 Transitional mo. 58 __ tight schedule 59 Anti vote
Crossword provided by MCT Campus
SOLUTION
SPORTS THE ARKANSAS TRAVELER WEEKENDER
PAGE 8
SPORTS EDITOR: JIMMY CARTER
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012
ASST. SPORTS EDITOR: ZACH TURNER FOOTBALL
FILE PHOTO Springfield, Mo., receiver Dorial Green-Beckham committed to Missouri over Arkansas on Tuesday morning.
MIZ-DGB
Top target signs with Tigers Less than a week before
by JIMMY CARTER & SYDNEY GANUS Traveler Staff
LOGAN WEBSTER STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Arkansas signed 23 recruits on National Signing Day, but missed out on the consensus No. 1 player in the nation, receiver Dorial Green-Beckham as well as highly-touted junior college receiver Courtney Gardner. The Razorbacks’ class was ranked No. 21 in the nation by Scout.com and No. 31 by Rivals.com. The class was No. 9 in the SEC by Scout, No. 11 by Rivals.
Signing Day Success? +RJV ¿ OO QHHGV PLVV RQ WRXWHG SURVSHFWV
by JIMMY CARTER Sports Editor
Signing day didn’t go the way Arkansas envisioned. The Razorbacks missed on two of their highest-rated prospects and dropped in recruiting rankings as other teams signed top targets. The Hogs signed 23 recruits Wednesday to go along with one mid-term recruit signed in December, but slipped toward the bottom of the Southeastern Conference rankings. Despite the subpar rankings, coach Bobby Petrino was pleased with the class, he said. “One thing that I want to make sure is that everybody understands is that we feel real strong with what we have on the football team right now,” Petrino said. “I like our players. I like our athleticism. I like our speed. I think this class has a chance to come in and really add to that.”
The class was ranked No. 21 in the nation by Scout.com and No. 31 by Rivals.com, as of late Wednesday, rankings that translated to Nos. 9 and 11 in the SEC, respectively. “This class will really be defined in three years,” recruiting coordinator Tim Horton said. “Today we feel really good about it. It’s a class that filled all of our needs. It’s a class that’s very, very athletic. It’s a class that’s got great speed.” Petrino’s previous four Razorbacks classes ranked No. 17 in 2011, No. 35 in 2010, No. 20 in 2009 and No. 24 in 2008, according to Scout. The classes paved the way for the Hogs win 21 games the last two seasons and finish the 2011 season ranked No. 5. “A lot of it is development,” Petrino said. “When they get here, they’ve got to be able to get in the weight room. Get in the offseason program and grind and improve physical-
ly. We’ve been able to do that very, very well this year.” Springfield, Mo., receiver Dorial Green-Beckham, the consensus No. 1 receiver in the nation, committed to Missouri in a nationally-televised press conference. Green-Beckham chose the Tigers just three days after finishing a visit to the home-state school. California junior college receiver Courtney Gardner was verbally committed to Arkansas, but signed with Oklahoma following a weekend visit to Norman, Okla. Gardner was one just two Razorbacks’ consensus four-star commitments. The duo would have likely been a big help in replacing graduating senior receivers Jarius Wright, Joe Adams and Greg Childs, who finished Nos. 1, 4 and 7 in school career receiving yards. The Hogs still signed four receivers in the class. “We wish Dorial well, but
at the same time, we got four great receivers that we really feel good about and they’re excited about them,” Horton said. Owasso, Okla., receiver Keon Hatcher headlined the group. The 6-foot-2, 195-pounder is rated a four star by Scout, ESPN and 24/7 Sports and had 1,610 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns as a senior. “I’m excited about our receiving corps,” Petrino said. “When you look at who is coming back you’ve got Cobi Hamilton and he’s certainly going to be the leader of it. We’ve got guys on campus we’re really fired up about. We did feel like losing all that production between Jarius Wright, Joe Adams and Greg’s first three years that we certainly, that was an area of emphasis and an area we addressed.”
see SIGNING DAY on page 11
Arkansas Loading Up on Defense by ZACH TURNER
Asst. Sports Editor
Arkansas has to replace the 651 combined tackles racked up by graduated linebackers Jerry Franklin and Jerico Nelson during their careers. On Wednesday, the Razorbacks took a step toward filling that void, signing three linebackers in the 2012 recruiting class. The linebackers include one of the Hogs’ four commits from instate in Bearden native A.J. Turner. Parade All-American Vin Ascolese of North Bergen, N.J. and Otha Peters of Covington, La., the highest rated among the group, round out the group. Peters has the potential to play right away for the Razorbacks coach Bobby Petrino LOGAN WEBSTER STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER said. Arkansas signed 23 players on National Signing Day Wednesday, including 13 on defense, three of “He has the speed that you which are linebackers. The Razorbacks decided not to sign a quarterback in the 2012 class coach Bobby need,” Petrino said. “He has Petrino said. Arkansas also got a late commit from Alabama DT Darius Philon. the strength that you need
and is physically ready to play and that gives him an opportunity.” The 6-foot-2, 225-pound linebacker was originally a Tennessee commit before switching to the Hogs on Tuesday, just one day before National Signing Day. “His mother actually went to the school we got him to change from, so that’s a good job of recruiting,” Petrino said. Turner is from East Poinsett County high school in Lepanto, Ark., where he was named to the Arkansas Super Team by the Associated Press after his 205-tackle senior season. The 6-foot-2, 212 pound prospect also forced seven turnovers in his final season for the Warriors. “A.J. is a tremendous athlete,” Petrino said. “We feel like he has great development see LINEBACKERS on page 10
signing day, 14 of 15 national recruiting analysts predicted Springfield, Mo., receiver Dorial Green-Beckham would sign with Arkansas. Green-Beckham visited Missouri over the weekend and the consensus No. 1 receiver in the nation committed to the Tigers in a press conference nationally televised on ESPNU. Green-Beckham -- nicknamed DGB -- chose the homestate school over Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas in his high school gym. “I just felt like it was just the place to be, just to stay home and to have all these people come out to watch me play,” GreenBeckham said. “All the hog fans I like. I enjoyed them, Staying at home was just the right feeling.” Adding the 6-foot-6, 230-pounder would have likely greatly helped the transition of losing Jarius Wright, Joe Adams and Greg Childs to graduation. The trio combined for 7,410
receiving yards and 56 touchdowns in their careers. “Well we wish him good luck,” Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino said. “We’re really fired up about our class and what we’ve got coming back. We’ve led the SEC in passing the last three years. So we feel good about not only how we recruit, what we do recruit at the quarterback and wide receiver position.” Green-Beckham picked the Missouri three days after finishing an official visit to Columbia, Mo. “I’ve been having a good relationship with the coaches, the people, the players,” GreenBeckham said. “Just the whole atmosphere has been outstanding for me to be able to fulfill my dreams at the University of Missouri … All of (Missouri) fans that came to some of my games (and) were just calm and just patient, not having me rush things and just be able to go off of what I wanted to.” Following the visit, five of
see MIZ-DGB on page 10
BASKETBALL
Arkansas Trying to End Road Woes by ZACH TURNER
Asst. Sports Editor
Arkansas will have two chances within the next seven days to win a road game for the first time this season. The Razorbacks travel to LSU on Saturday before taking on Georgia in Athens, Ga., on Feb. 8. The two-game stretch will be the Hogs’ only back-to-back road games during SEC play. “I have always said people like winners and we are starting to visualize that,” coach Mike Anderson said. “We have done well at home so it remains to be seen as we go on the road and see what
takes place when adversity takes place on the road.” The Tigers and Bulldogs are a combined 3-10 in SEC play, while the Razorbacks are 4-3, but have yet to win away from Bud Walton Arena this season. In the Hogs’ upset win over No. 25 Vanderbilt, freshman forward Hunter Mickelson had a highlightspin and dunk that guard Rickey Scott said could spark the 6-foot-10 freshman to help the team on the road. “If he kept doing stuff like that on the road I definitesee ROAD WOES on page 12
RYAN MILLER STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Arkansas head coach Mike Anderson has yet to win a game away from Bud Walton in his first season as the Razorbacks coach. The Razorbacks are on the road for their next two games, facing LSU on Saturday before traveling to Georgia on Wednesday.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 2, 2012
SPORTS GYMNASTICS
WOMEN’S TRACK
Harter Wants to Increase National Qualifiers by ZACH LIGI Staff Writer
LOGAN WEBSTER STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Arkansas sophomore Katherine Grable helps anchor a Razorback gymnastics team that has two meets at home over the weekend, taking on Auburn Friday before dueling with Oklahoma on Sunday.
Big Weekend Ahead for Razorback Gymnastics by HARRISON STANFILL Staff Writer
Arkansas’ No. 2 gymnastics team has a big weekend in store as it hosts No. 13 Auburn on Friday and No. 5 Oklahoma on Sunday in Barnhill Arena. The Razorbacks are coming off a 197.775–196.700 loss to then-No.8 Florida last weekend in a quad meet where they finished second, besting No. 24 Maryland and Bridgeport. After the loss Arkansas dropped from one spot from the No. 1 ranking it had achieved earlier in the week. “I’ll take No. 2 any day,” Arkansas co-coach Mark Cook said. “We want number No. 1 again, trust me, but you know we are still No. 1 on uneven parallel bars and have a couple of kids who are No. 1 in their individual events.” As a team, the Razorbacks are still No. 1 on bars and No. 2 on floor. Individually, the seniors have led the charge. All-American Jamie Pisani and Mariah How-
deshell are No. 1 in the nation in individual events Pisani scored a 9.90 against Florida and is ranked No. 1 in the nation on floor. Howdeshell scored a 9.875 on bars last weekend and is No. 1 on bars, which gives the Razorbacks their second and third individual No. 1 rankings all-time. “Mariah learned a new dismount in the pre-season and summer time and it’s been the key to her success,” Mark Cook said. “Jamie is just a senior and she is doing awesome.” Sophomore All-American Katherine Grable ranks No. 2 in the nation on the beam and in allaround. “Kat is very focused, she wants to be up there,” co-coach Rene Cook “It’s kind of cool to see that focus and discipline within her attitude and her training to really excel at a high level.” The Razorbacks are going to need more strong performances as they go into this weekend with two meets in three days. “Well it’s definitely going to be
a challenge,” Rene Cook said. “Every once in a while we will schedule a back to back competition because it mimics the national championships. It gives us a little bit of experience.” This is the only time this year where Arkansas has two meets in the same weekend. “It is hard emotionally and physically, so we had an extra day off this week,” Rene Cook said. “We’re kind of pacing them through this week a little bit differently than we have.” The Razorbacks not only have two meets in one weekend, but both meets are against top-15 opponents. “Auburn is a very good team; they are very consistent right now,” Rene Cook said. “We are not going to be able to have a mistake in order to beat them. OU, the past two years have been ranked second and third in the country, they are a phenomenal program.” The Razorbacks go up against Auburn at 7 p.m. Friday and take on Oklahoma at 2 p.m. Sunday.
PAGE 9
Already with three automatic qualifiers, Arkansas women’s track coach Lance Harter and his team are hoping to improve on that number when they go to New York this weekend for the 11th annual New Balance Collegiate Invitational. The Razorbacks stayed ranked No. 3 in the nation after a solid performance in the Razorback Invitational. Arkansas qualified two athletes for nationals in the meet, junior Stephanie Brown in the 800-meters and senior Kristen Gillespie in the mile run. Senior Tina Sutej made the qualifying mark for a second time and set the seasonal record in the pole vault. Arkansas’ fourth meet of the season will provide an opportunity for more qualifiers.
“We’re looking to get our distance medley and our mile relay qualified (this weekend),” said Harter. The meet isn’t a team mee and only a limited amount of the players will even make the trip. “We were originally at 18 plane tickets,” Harter said. “Now we are at 30 tickets, so we have 26 athletes competing.” With more than 100 teams sending players to compete, the Razorbacks have a great test ready for them in the meet, a good way for the team to prepare for the conference championships and for nationals. Including Arkansas, four of the top five ranked teams in the nation will be there and seven out of the top 10. No. 1 Oregon won’t be sending any athletes to the meet, but No. 2 LSU will be. Participants in the Razorback invitational and SEC rivals,
LSU will be big competition for the Hogs. “The sprints are going to be fast,” Harter said. “We have three of the really big teams coming after us.” Arkansas freshman distance runner Kaitlin Flattmann will make her collegiate debut this weekend. “Kaitlin will be running her first collegiate indoor event, the 5,000,” said Harter Flattmann had a successful career in high school at Benton, La., where she was a ninetime Louisiana state champion in Class 4A. Events start on Friday and will be concluded on Saturday. The meet will be hosted in The Armory, the home of the National Track and Field Hall of Fame. After this week’s meet, Arkansas has a big meet scheduled for the Tyson Invitational on Feb. 10-11.
LOGAN WEBSTER STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Arkansas sophomore Grace Heymsfield finished sixth in the mile for the Razorbacks at the annual Razorback Invitational over the weekend.
PAGE 10
SPORTS
THURSDAY, JANUARY 2, 2012
2012 Football Signees Breakdown IMPACT SIGNEES
by MARTHA SWEARINGEN
BIGGEST MISSES
1. AUSTIN FLYNN DE, 6-5, 250, Wilmington, Calif. (JUCO) Flynn registered 11 sacks while playing defensive end in 2011, but will get an opportunity to compete for the starting middle linebacker job in spring practice after enrolling in school in December. His size combined with 4.55 speed in the 40-yard dash make him a physical specimen.
UNDER THE RADAR 1. WILL HINES CB, 6-1, 175, Waco, Texas Hines flipped from Missouri to Arkansas in mid-January and could compete for playing time in a defensive backfield losing two senior cornerbacks.
1. DORIAL GREEN-BECKHAM WR, 6-6, 220, Springfield, Mo. The consensus No. 1 recruit in the nation committed to Missouri after visiting the home-state school over the weekend. Prior to the visit, he was widely projected to sign with Arkansas.
2. OTHA PETERS LB, 6-1, 221, Covington, La. The Covington linebacker has changed his commitment from Tennessee to Arkansas Tuesday. Peters is a four-star recruit and ranked the No. 4 overall prospect in Louisiana by Rivals.com. He is also ranked the No. 6 inside linebacker in the country by Rivals.
2. A.J. TURNER LB. 6-3, 210, Bearden, Ark. Turner put up monster stats as a senior, finishing with 205 tackles. Losing starting linebackers Jerry Franklin and Jerico Nelson to graduation could give Turner an opportunity to contribute as a freshman.
2. COURTNEY GARDNER WR 6-3, 215, Roseville, Calif. (JUCO) Coming from Sierra Community College, Gardner is a four-star wide receiver who committed to Arkansas in December, but chose Oklahoma after a visit this weekend. Gardner was one of the three highest-rated players in the class.
3. KEON HATCHER WR, 6-2, 197, Owasso, Okla. Hatcher, a three-star receiver, reconfirmed his commitment to Arkansas after visiting Fayetteville two weeks ago. The Owasso native caught for 1,610 yards on 100 catches and 20 touchdowns during his senior season. He is the No. 5 prospect out of Oklahoma.
3. VIN ASCOLESE LB, 6-2, 210, North Bergen, N.J. The Star-Ledger’s North Jersey Player of the Year chose the Razorbacks over Illinois and Texas A&M. Ascolese recorded 134 tackles, 57 for loss, 11 sacks, eight forced fumbles and two interceptions during
3. DALTON SANTOS MLB, 6-3, 257, Van, Texas The four-star prospect was verbally committed to Tennessee, but visited Arkansas with several other top recruits two weeks ago. Santos committed to Texas after receiving an offer on Sunday.
Staff Writer
from MIZ-DGB on page 8 the national analysts changed their predictions, forecasting he would sign with the Tigers. The Tulsa World reported on Monday that Green-Beckham would sign with Missouri, according to a source, though his adopted father and coach, John Beckham, denied the report. Green-Beckham didn’t tell any coaches his decision and when it came time to make his choice public, he donned a black Tigers hat. “I slept on it Monday and then I felt good about it the next day and I told my parents where I would like to attend for my college career,” Green-Beckham said. “They were real comfortable with it, my decision I mean,
from LINEBACKERS on page 8 potential ahead of him. He can already run, hit and do those things he needs to do, he is just going to have to put some pounds on.” Turner was a member of the Warriors state championship basketball team in 2011 with current Arkansas guard Ky Madden. Ascolese played for his grandfather for three years at North Bergen high school, registering more than 300 tackles and 22 sacks in his career. The 6-foot-3, 220-pound linebacker chose the Hogs over Illinois and Texas A&M. “(He’s a) young man that I think will be a really good player for us,” Petrino said. “The first thing you see when you watch Vince is how fast he is and how well he plays the game.” Arkansas ranked No. 9 in the SEC in total defense during the 2011 season, which led to the resignation of defensive coordinator Willy Robinson. Newly-hired coordinator Paul Haynes said he likes how the linebacker group shaped up for the Hogs going into his first season. “You see the toughness,” Haynes said. “Those guys are all tough kids that can run and are very active. That is what
and after that it was no questions asked, it was just the place for me.” Arkansas coaches watched the announcement on TV. “You just kind of move on,” Razorbacks recruiting coordinator Tim Horton, Green-Beckham’s lead recruiter, said. The Razorbacks signed four other receivers, none nearly as touted as Green-Beckham, though. “If guys don’t come here, we wish them well,” receivers coach Kris Cinkovich said. “We get to know people in the recruiting process, but we focus on our guys here and once that deal’s done we focus on what we’ve got to do next.” Green-Beckham visited Fayetteville unofficially multiple times, then took his official visit
the weekend of Jan. 21. Former Arkansas offensive coordinator Garrick McGee’s decision to take the AlabamaBirmingham head coaching job had an affect on the decision, said John Beckham, GreenBeckham’s adoptive father and coach. Green-Beckham has been compared to NFL greats Randy Moss and Calvin Johnson by recruiting analysts. He finished his high school career with a national high school record 6,353 receiving yards and 75 touchdowns for Hillcrest High while playing for his adopted father, John Beckham. He has reported 4.37 speed in the 40-yard dash and won the state 100-meter dash as a sophomore.
we like about at the linebacker spot is guys who are active.” Class complete without a quarterback Arkansas quarterback Tyler Wilson decided to come back for his senior season just days before the NFL Draft early entry deadline came. Wilson’s return brought a change in the recruiting strategy for the Hogs. Arkansas signed 24 of the maximum 25 recruits possible for a signing class without a quarterback among them. “We decided not to take a quarterback,” Petrino said. “We feel good about the three quarterbacks we have. Obviously there was a little bit of discussion there when Tyler was deciding if he would stay or if he would go, but we are happy he stayed.” Chicago native Robert Gregory, who starred at Simeon high school, was once a Hog commit but later reopened his recruitment. “You got through bowl practice and you feel like you have three real good players at that position,” offensive coordinator Paul Petrino said. “It came down to, do you take a quarterback or take another receiver, or playmaker or another running back? We decided lets go get one more guy that we can put the ball in his hands and make then happen,
then get a great quarterback in next year’s class.” Philon signs with Hogs at the last minute Defensive tackle Darius Philon had been verbally committed to Alabama since September, but when it came time to put pen to paper the Mobile, Ala., native choose Arkansas. Philon had been asked to grayshirt if he chose the Crimson Tide, two of his high school teammates told AI.com. The 6-foot-1, 280 pound defensive lineman racked up 66 tackles with 11 sacks during his senior season at Vigor High School. “He is a young man that within the last 24-48 hours wasn’t feeling good about his decision,” assistant coach Bobby Allen said. “Having JaMichael (Winston) there telling him how good of a situation and how much he liked Arkansas, he got to thinking, and initiated a phone call.” Winston, a defensive end that signed with the Razorbacks 2012 class, also went to Vigor. Philon and Winston teamed up to anchor a defense that allowed just 7.7 points during their senior seasons. “Coach Caldwell has done a great job,” Petrino said. “He has played at defensive end and defensive tackle and we see him being able to do both.”
THURSDAY, JANUARY 2, 2012
SPORTS from SIGNING DAY on page 8 Arkansas also stocked up on defensive recruits at need positions, signing six defensive ends, three linebackers and three cornerbacks. The signees will try to help bolster a defense that ranked No. 9 in the SEC in 2011. “There is no doubt we filled needs,” defensive coordinator Paul Haynes said. “We always
PLAYER Vin Ascolese Cordale Boyd Ray Buchanan Jr. Jared Collins D’Arthur Cowan Demetrius Dean Austin Flynn Keon Hatcher Eric Hawkins Will Hines Nathan Holmes Taiwan Johnson Brandon Lewis Defonta Lowe Otha Peters Darius Philon Donovan Roberts Jeremy Sprinkle A.J. Turner Jeremy Ward Jonathan Williams Demetrius Wilson JaMichael Winston Deatrich Wise
start with the front and those guys we got up front are definitely going to help us if not next year then down the road. We had a need at linebacker, which we felt we did a good job of recruiting the linebackers that we needed.” One of the Razorbacks big gets came the day before signing day when Covington, La., linebacker Otha Peters switched his commitment to
POS OLB OL/DL CB CB WR TE DE WR WR CB ATH DE DE ATH LB DL RB DE LB OG RB WR DE DE
HEIGHT 6-3 6-3 5-11 6-0 6-3 6-3 6-5 6-2 5-11 6-0 6-1 6-3 6-5 6-3 6-2 6-1 6-0 6-6 6-3 6-4 5-11 6-3 6-6 6-5
the Hogs from Tennessee. The 6-foot-2, 225-pounder is rated a four star by Rivals and racked up 153 tackles as a senior. “Otha will probably have a great chance to come in here and play right away,” Petrino said. “He’s the speed that you need. He’s already physically ready to play. Coach (Taver) Johnson and (Kevin) Peoples got involved and did a good
job getting him and his mom to change his commitment.” Arkansas already has one of its big signees on campus. California junior college prospect Austin Flynn graduated at mid-term, is enrolled at the UA and will go through spring practice. The 6-foot-5, 250-pounder played defensive end in junior college and could help replace graduated AllSEC end Jake Bequette.
Signees Breakdown 2012 Football WEIGHT 220 303 180 170 180 250 260 195 170 187 180 238 235 190 225 280 204 220 212 290 210 180 238 236
40 4.55 N/A
4.5 4.38 4.56 N/A
4.55 4.5 4.3 4.5 4.49 4.8 4.7 4.5 4.6 4.78 4.5 4.6 4.5 5.3 4.5 4.4 N/A
4.7
HOMETOWN North Bergen, N.J. Memphis, Tenn. Atlanta Tulsa, Okla. Olive Branch, Miss. Fayetteville, Ark. Wilmington, Calif. (JUCO) Owasso, Okla. Longview, Texas Waco, Texas Port Arthur, Texas Manvel, Texas Memphis, Tenn. Bearden, Ark. Covington, La. Prichard, Ala. Norman, Okla. White Hall, Ark. Lepanto, Ark. Pottsville, Ark. Allen, Texas Glendale, Ariz. (JUCO) Prichard, Ala. Carrollton, Texas
“We needed to go out and find a guy that could come in and contribute right away,” Petrino said. “You almost found one in the same mold (as Bequette), with the size and speed and strength ... He’s already one of the strongest guys in the weight room and is extremely athletic.” The Razorbacks might not be done signing players. Chicago Simeon offensive
Rivals 2 3 3 3 3 N/A 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 3 3 3 3 3 4 3 3 3
STARS
Scout 3 3 3 3 3 N/A 3 4 3 3 3 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 3 3 4
ESPN 2 3 3 2 4 4 N/A 4 N/A 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 N/A 3 3
PAGE 11
tackle Jordan Diamond will announce Friday. Diamond is a five-star prospect, according to Scout. The 6-foot-6, 290-pounder will decide between the Hogs, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio State and Auburn. “There’s always that chance (to add one more),” Petrino said. “We’re certainly going to keep pounding at it and working at it.”
24/7 2 3 3 3 3 N/A 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 3 3 3 3 4 4 3 3 3
AVG 2.25 3.0 3.0 2.75 3.25 4.0 3.33 3.75 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.25 3.0 3.0 3.5 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.5 4.0 3.0 3.0 3.25
PAGE 12
SPORTS
THURSDAY, JANUARY 2, 2012 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
Will to Win
LOGAN WEBSTER STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Arkansas sophomore forward Kiera Peak is shooting 100 percent off the bench for the Razorbacks during their last two games. The Razorbacks can make it six consecutive wins in Southeastern Conference play with a win over Alabama on Thursday. by MONICA CHAPMAN Staff Writer
Arkansas will try and get its sixth consecutive win in Southeastern Conference play Thursday against Alabama. The Razorback women’s basketball team came back from a 12-point deficit at halftime Sunday against Florida and eventually won in double overtime. “I think coming off an exciting game the way that we played against Florida and the fact that we had to come back and battle so hard, I think the kids just got a great shot of adrenaline,” coach Tom Collen said. “I can tell you our practice was enthusiastic, maybe too enthusiastic. We had too many happy people out there, too many confident people out there. It’s a good sign to see.” The Crimson Tide, however, are coming off a 14-point loss to Kentucky in Lexington on Sunday. “It’s been awhile since we’ve been able to put together streaks like that in the SEC,”
Collen said. “It gives me a shot of energy just like it gives the kids confidence. It certainly makes me feel like we’re right there and we’re ready to turn the corner.” Alabama (10-12, 0-8 SEC) is still looking for its first win in conference play. “We’re definitely not overlooking them,” senior Lyndsay Harris said. “Alabama has always played good against us not matter where we played them whether it was here or in Alabama. They’re a team that’s struggling right now but they’re playing with a mentality they don’t have anything to lose.” At least two Razorback players have scored in double figures during the win streak. “I think the fact that they rely on a little different players on this team, that they believe in each other, I think that makes a difference in these tight games,” Collen said. Arkansas benefitted against Florida with its balanced scoring attack. All five starters scored in double figures. “I think the biggest differ-
ence is, in my eyes, feeling like last year I think we felt like certain kids had to bring us back in the game by ourselves,” Harris said. “Now it’s like what can anybody do? Whether it’s Keira Peak coming off the bench getting the defense going or Dominique getting some offensive rebounds. Little stuff like that where I feel the tem as a whole is helping us win games.” Coach Collen credits the mentality and their experience as a team for their current success. “I just think we’re a veteran team,” Collen said. “So you know we’ve been down before and we’ve come back before and I think they realize that if we keep playing hard and make a couple breaks for ourselves we can get it done” Arkansas is going to hold onto this success for as long as they can. “It’s been a good run and we want to keep it going,” Collen said. “We don’t just want to shut this thing down. When you get these opportunities you want to ride them as long as you can.”
from ROAD WOES on page 8 ly think we could get a lot of wins,” Scott said. “That definitely picked us up and added some momentum for us.” The Razorbacks are one of two SEC teams without a road win this season, the other being Tennessee. “You have to protect home,” junior guard Julysses Nobles said. “We have to get better though and take it to the next level by winning on the road.” Arkansas has benefitted at home this season against ranked opponents by their ability to shoot 3-pointers. The Hogs are 40.8 percent from 3-point range in three games against ranked opponents at home, but have shot just 33.3 percent from 3-point range in their three SEC road games.
ARKANSAS (16-5, 4-3 SEC) PLAYER Devonta Abron Michael Sanchez Rickey Scott Mardracus Wade Julysses Nobles
Starters POS HT F 6-8 F 6-8 G 6-3 G 6-2 G 6-1
PPG 5.7 4.3 10.5 10.8 9.0
RPG 4.9 3.4 3.8 2.1 4.0
BJ Young Ky Madden Hunter Mickelson
Key Reserves G 6-3 G 6-5 F 6-10
14.3 7.5 5.0
3.2 3.5 3.8
PPG 13.6 8.2 8.6 9.7 10.6
RPG 7.2 5.0 2.7 4.0* 2.2
8.1 3.7 2.2
6.3 2.4 2.3
LSU (12-9, 2-5 SEC) PLAYER Justin Hamilton Storm Warren Ralston Turner Anthony Hickey Andre Stringer Johnny O’Bryant Malcolm White Eddie Ludwig *Assists
Starters POS HT C 7-0 F 6-7 G 6-6 G 5-11 G 5-9 Key Reserves F 6-9 F 6-9 F 6-9