January 26, 2011 by The Echo

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Volume 105 — Issue 1

January 26, 2011 Wednesday

TODAY Sunny

51/29 T H U R S D AY Partly Cloudy

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Around Campus: Study Abroad Open House The Study Abroad Office invites everyone to the Spring 2011 Open House tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Irby Hall 118. Enjoy free food and learn about scholarship opportunities. The deadline to sign up for summer programs is Friday.

“The Spider and the Bee” The story of a spider dreaming of math and science interrupted by a bee who loves to sing will be performed by the UCA Theatre. Performances will be Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 10 a.m. in Reynolds Performance Hall.

Rich Little Singer, entertainer, comedian and impressionist Rich Little will perform at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 4 in Reynolds Performance Hall. Contact the RPH box office for ticket information.

Internships Available The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars now has available scholarships issued from the State of Arkansas offering students the opportunity for semester-long internships and courses and will be visiting campus Monday, Feb. 7th. Contact Dr. Peter Mehl for details at 450-5282.

Spike Lee Writer, director, actor, producer and author Spike Lee will speak at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 7 in Reynolds Performance Hall. Contact the RPH box office for ticket information.

Helping Innocent Vessels (H.I.V.) David D. Robertson will speak at 6 p.m. Feb. 15 in the Student Center Ballroom. The event is sponsored by the Minority Mentorship Program, SGA and Minority Student Services.

Miss Essence Pageant The 2011 Miss Essence Scholarship Pageant will be at 7 p.m. Feb. 17 in Reynolds Perfomance Hall. Admission is free for UCA students with ID, $3 for UCA faculty and staff and $5 for general admission.

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis will perform at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21 in Reynolds Performance Hall. The orchestra is composed of 15 of jazz music’s leading soloists. Contact the RPH box office for ticket information.

Submissions Please submit spring events for Around Campus in 50 words or fewer to ucaechoeditor@gmail. com. Include basic who, what, when and where information as well as contact information.

Opinion: Voice: Trustees should choose to protect unique Jewel Moore Nature Reserve forever through page 3 state easement

Sports:

Campus Life:

Basketball: Sugar Bears lose 60-56 to Lady Cardinals

Reynolds: Semester features Spike Lee, Nicholas Sparks, ‘Legally Blonde’ page 4

page 7

New guide to help parents, students learn about campus, city by Lisa Burnett Entertainment Editor

UCA is partnering with University Parent Media, a company out of Boulder, Col., to offer parents of prospective students a parent guide, which will be aimed at helping both parents and students in making their decision to choose UCA as their university. Rebecca Boozan, sales and marketing consultant for University Parent Media, said, “This organization designs parent guides for over 150 universities throughout the United States.” She said she believes that this will be a pivotal point in bringing parents and

students together. “These guides are really great for parents who don’t know the area where their child is attending school, and can help them understand what their kids can expect,” she said. The parent guide will be available to parents of prospective students who are considering UCA as their college of choice. The University Parent website will also offer tips for parents in helping their child transition from high school to the college lifestyle. Articles on the website can range from academics to upcoming events on the university’s calendar. Larry Burns, project and program director for enrollment management, said

- GOVERNMENT -

SGA receives project proposals by Marisa Hicks Assistant News Editor

The Student Government Association has been accepting project proposals from the student body and faculty and staff members. As part of their big project program the idea is to create something for the students from the students that can be made available to the entire UCA community. Projects must effect students in a positive way Executive President Austin Hall said. SGA has accumulated about $200,000 in reserve funds or leftover student activity funds, and wants to spend it on something big that will effect everyone Hall said. Hall said the goal is to see what students would like to see around campus and make it happen. “We want to leave a lasting impression,” Hall said. The committee received 12 applications and the proposal presentations are currently underway to see which two proposals will cause the largest impact at UCA. Applicants were required to meet several guidelines: projects had to be on campus, directly beneficial to students, open to the entire UCA community, something unique, thoroughly planned, include detailed budget and timeline of project, take place or begin between February and December 2011 and not exceed $50,000, according to the Think BIG! application. “Should a project exceed $50,000, the applicant must prove that they already have prior engagements to cover the rest if they are selected,” Hall said. Final projects are to be presented to a full senate and debated. The committee will choose two projects and will announce the winners Jan. 31.

SGA’s motto is: student’s first. The Think BIG! Project allows SGA to live up to that motto to full effect, fresman representative Branson White said. “I am not personally on the committee, but I really think the project is allowing SGA to reach out to students and show them that we really are hear for them and their ideas,” White said. Freshman committee member Luke Moix said that SGA is trying to get the UCA community more involved. By funding these projects, a piece of the students’ creativity will forever be left behind., he said. SGA has been wondering what to use money in the reserve fund for, and now their idea is coming to life, Moix said. White said that different groups on campus ask for funds for trips and activities, but what they don’t seem to realize is that it is a two-step process. After the first presentation, the group must appear a second time; however, not many groups ever come back to receive funding. That’s how money builds up in the account; no one comes to collect it, he said. Last Monday, the committee met to narrow down the applications to pick out the ones they felt would affect the UCA community most. On Thursday Jan. 20 and Wednesday Jan. 21 the committee met with the applicant’s as they presented their ‘Big Ideas.’ The deciding committee will be composed of five non senators, eight SGA members and four committee members. They will vote Jan. 31 to determine which two projects will become reality Hall said. “This [Think BIG! Project] is a great opportunity to give students a better view of SGA. We do use money to give back to them and anything to help improve the campus,” Moix said.

the parent guide will substantially help prospective students’ parents get a feel for the campus and Conway. “This parent guide has been talked about for years. The information that will be included in the guide will be important for students and parents to know before coming to UCA,” Burns said. The parent guide for UCA is expected to be available in March of this year, which according to Burns is a peak decision time for students to choose their university. “The guide will help students ask their parents questions about the area that they are now living in. It will help parents become knowledgeable about Conway so they can answer all of their child’s questions

Nearly a hundred people composed of faculty, staff and students gathered in the Student Center Ballroom on Friday, Jan. 14 for UCA’s annual Martin Luther King, Jr. breakfast. “Today we are honoring not only the man, but more importantly the message of Martin Luther King,” President Allen Meadors said in a formal greeting to the crowd at the beginning of the breakfast. “Martin Luther King’s message is that we’re all in this together,” Meadors said. “The influence of Martin Luther King will never end.” Meadors cited a quote from King: “No work is insignificant. All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.” Following the quote, Meadors asked the audience, “How could anyone not make that their golden rule in life?”

- HOUSING -

Opinion Campus Life Entertainment Sports

City alderman David Grimes was also in attendance to the breakfast, which included a variety of fruits, bacon, biscuits, gravy and many other breakfast items. “I’m proud that we in America still celebrate this today,” Grimes said. “And I’m glad that the city of Conway celebrates it as well.” Following Grimes’ speech was a performance by choir group Judah Chorale who sang “Lift Every Voice.” Speaking at the event was a former tight end for the Green Bay Packers, Miami Dolphins and the Philadelphia Eagles and P.A.R.K. (Positive Atmosphere Reaches Kids) founder, Keith Jackson, who discussed the importance of time to King while reading several passages from Ecclesiastes. “Sometimes you don’t need a mentor to be alive to be a mentor,” Jackson said. “Sometimes you don’t need a hero standing next to you to be a hero.”

See Breakfast - page 2

Next Issue:

Index 3 4 6 7

Former student caught stealing money from SGA

Photo by Anthony Byrnes

The greek community at UCA grew larger by 221 students in the past few weeks. Sororities extended 99 bids Jan. 16 and Fraternities extended 122 bids.

Former NFL tight end speaks as mentor at annual Martin Luther King, Jr. breakfast Associate Editor

See Guide - page 2

GREEK TO ME

- REMEMBRANCE -

by Preston Tolliver

involving the city,” Burns said. Many universities and colleges in Arkansas already have their own parent guides, including Hendrix, the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and Lyon College. According to Boozan, Parent Media is currently working on getting advertisers to support the parent guide for UCA. Not only will the parent guide help parents answer questions, but according to both Burns and Boozan, it will help bring students and parents together. “Not only will it give parents a lot of information about their child’s school, the guide is basically telling them, ‘this is

Ground breaks on new Bear Hall by Anthony Byrnes Staff Writer

The introduction of UCA’s newest residential college, Bear Hall, began Dec. 17 at a groundbreaking ceremony, which included several members of the UCA community. The groundbreaking ceremony for the new, environmentally-friendly residing hall was attended by President Allen Meadors, Vice President of Government Relations Jeff Pitchford and Interim Director of Housing and Residence Life Rick McCollum. Rows of black chairs covered the parking lot behind Estes Stadium at 2 p.m. as Pitchford began opening introductions and remarks. Bear Hall, a 120,000 square-foot building will include new amenities that few other residence halls on campus contain, Pitchford said. The new hall will be the first facility on campus in the LEED program, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. Minton Hall has been closed for

three years, Meadors said, adding that 50,000 bricks from Minton Hall will be used in the construction of Bear Hall as a memorial to the facility. On the fifth floor of the new residence hall will be skybox seats that overlook Estes Stadium. These seats are funded by private funds within the athletic department and will give UCA football enthusiasts a new place to watch Bear games, Meadors said. Apart from the environmental design and skybox seating, Bear Hall will also provide a welcoming facility for residents, Meadors said. “Resident colleges and resident life are a vibrant part of colleges,” McCollum said. To make UCA’s resident life more vibrant, this hall will contain a large lobby complete with study rooms, a kitchen and laundry facilities, McCollum said. The hall will sleep 385 students and three seminar rooms located in the building

See Housing - page 2

Final Gifts

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2 / January 26, 2011

NEWS

- GOVERNMENT -

Police Beat

Project applicants present to SGA

The following reports and arrests are from the UCAPD docket. UCAPD reports any tickets issued as arrests, according to Lt. Jeremy Crabb.

Student throws chair, charged with disorderly conduct Student Eric Richardson, 18, was charged with disorderly conduct Jan. 17 after throwing a chair and breaking a wooden table in the lobby of Short Hall around 12:26 a.m. Richardson had been confronted about his recent intoxications since the start of the semester and became angry. Residents of Short Hall said that Richardson had been under the influence of Nyquil, Benadryl, and marijuana. Richardson was found in his room and escorted to the UCA Police Department. While being questioned Richardson was asked if he was OK. He replied, “It doesn’t matter, I’m gonna kill myself.” UCAPD called the on-call counselor who said she was familiar with Richardson and his temper and that he had a mandatory meeting with her the next day. Richardson was released to the custody of his mother and received a citation and a court date for March 7th with a disorderly conduct charge.

Students found and charged with drug charge for possession UCA officers were conducting a routine security check of Baridon Hall on Jan. 16 when they smelled burning marijuana. The officers knocked on the door stating they were investigating a smoke smell in the area and were allowed in with a consent for signed by residents Anthony Harper, 19, and Andrew McAlister,

19. McAlister’s and Harper’s eyes appeared to be bloodshot, glassy and their pupils were dilated. While in the room, the officers smelled burning marijuana, and Harper confessed there was marijuana in the dresser. Two glass pipes and a glass Christmas tree container containing marijuana buds were seized as evidence and Harper was arrested. McAlister was given a citation for violating the Clean Air Act and a court date set for March 7th. Harper received a citation and was charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and violating the Clean Air Act and was given a court date for March 7.

Nonstudent banned after possession, violation Nonstudent Robert Nassar, 22, was found in violation of the Clean Air Act, smoking a cigarette in his car in the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity house gravel lot. UCA officer came in contact with Nassar’s car because of his violation. As the officer approached the car, he smelled marijuana and saw that Nassar had bloodshot, glassy eyes and slurred speech. The officer noticed a bottle of vodka on the floor of the driver’s seat. When asked if anything else could be found in the car Nassar pulled a marijuana roach made of cigar paper from the ashtray. Nassar was put into custody, but no other contraband was found. He was given a court date of March 7th, Nassar was banned from campus and given a citation for possession of a controlled substance and violation of the Clean Air Act.

Breakfast:

Campus to host state-wide memorial event on 2012 holiday Continued from page 1 P.A.R.K., according to its website, is an organization that reaches out to high school students in need of academic help. The students it typically reaches out to are minorities with a grade point average of 2.5 or less. The organization aims to help the students raise their grades and get into college, as well as receive scholarships. Jackson said that 25 students who came into the program with a GPA of less than 1.5 are set to graduate from high school this May. Jackson told the audience many stories of his NFL career, such as humorous anecdotes involving friend and defensive end football player Reggie White,

ucaecho.net

before continuing with the inspiration he received from the late King. “He realized something … that there’s no ‘I’ in ‘team’,” Jackson said. “It’s never been about ‘I.’ It’s never about Black or white or others. It’s always been about ‘we.’” Jackson, a resident of Little Rock, was asked by Minority Services to speak at the MLK breakfast. The breakfast was only one of several events planned in commemoration of the 25th Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. On Sunday, Jan. 16, Salem Baptist Church hosted a “Unity in Praise” service. The rest of the week was also full of planned activities,

including a unity march on Monday through Downtown Conway, a children’s carnival that afternoon at the Boys and Girls club and a silent march that Tuesday during x-period. Speaking at the end of the ceremony was Cornell Maltbia from the Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Coalition, who announced that in 2012 UCA will host the state-wide breakfast on the civil rights activist’s holiday. Meadors said a people from the coalition will come to campus in the next couple of months to survey a good location for the breakfast. In attendance at the breakfast this year, which was held at UALR, were the Gov. Mike Beebe and Attorney General Dustin McDaniel, Meadors said. “In many areas, I am right in tune with what [King] was saying,” Meadors said. “I hope I live my life following his vision that we should be living for the betterment of us all and not just thinking of ourselves.”

by Marisa Hicks

having a three foot statue of the official UCA ring placed in front of the Student Center. AFA gave SGA two options: the first option estimated at $40,000 to install a three foot bronze statue on a concrete pedestal; and, the second option estimated at $50,000 to create a three foot mirror polished bronze statue on a concrete pedestal. The first option would take about six months to complete and the second option would take around 18 months to finish. Rick McCollum from the Housing Department presented to the senate the idea to install an amphitheater. The amphitheater would be located in the Student Center Courtyard consisting of three phases of installment. The first phase would cost $103,620 and would be finished by the end of August. The second phase would cost $59,565 and the third would cost $44,495 at a total of $222,680 with the engineering fees of $15,000 included. McCollum could not promise that the stadium would not end up with another donor’s name on the entrance; however, he did say

Assistant News Editor

Monday evening Student Government Association met to review presentations of Think Big! applicants and Vice President of Finance Kyle Boyd immediately brought up cutting travel from funds SGA will cover. Boyd proposed that spending $2,000 on a trip to affect 100 students or $500 to affect 5 students has little effect to other organizations as to the money that could be spent for oncampus events. Boyd said that “five years ago when we [SGA] introduced travel it was an experiment, but it kind of stuck around.” A vote of 36-0 removed travel funding from the SGA Constitution. The first applicants to present their Think Big! idea were Assistant Director of Alumni Service Haley Fowler and junior Anna Lee Carter from the Association of Future Alumni. The idea the presented was to “bring a tradition to life” by

that every penny would be spent. “Should any of the provided funds from SGA not be used they will be returned,” McCollum said. The Housing Department will fund $25,000 if it is selected. Hank Phelps, Director of the Student Center proposed a plan to improve the Ida Waldran Auditorium. His “idea” would cost a total of $11,635. “The stage needs to be recovered, because it is not all level,” Phelps said. The auditorium also needs four new stage lights and a follow spotlight. Recently the University bought a new curtain, but it is too long and heavy to pull back. The curtain needs to be hemmed nine inches, he said. Graduate student Chad Dickinson was the last to present. He proposed the idea of a disk gol trail being put in the Jewel Moore Nature Reserve. There would only be nine holes and it would not interfere with the Biology department or the possible Greek Village, he said. It would be the only disk golf location within 30 minutes of UCA and would cost around $1,100.

Trustees temporarily protect nature reserve by Taylor Lowery

College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission, and would be a permanent “conservation easement” intended for “environmental, scientific and educational uses,” according to the meeting agenda. The existing nature reserve and trail, according to the agenda, is approximately 22 acres of land. Runge said he had met with other departments and faculty on campus, including the housing department and HPER center, and settled with them on 17.5 acres to be reserved. The main point of contention within the board members’ discussion was around the easement being “forever.” Under no circumstances could a future board overturn the resolution and use the land for other purposes. “None of us can predict the future,” board member Kay Hinkle said during the discussion. The movement to protect

Editor & Opinion Editor

The UCA Board of Trustees voted 4-2 to place a protection from development on 17.5 acres of the Jewel Moore Nature Reserve for a period of five years. The protection, which was debated for some time, was a change from the original proposal of permanent protection for the 17.5 acres. Steven Runge, dean of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, presented to proposal to the board at the Dec. 17 meeting. In his speech, Runge stressed the importance of the nature reserve to not only the science department, but many other departments on campus. The protection Runge proposed would be a partnership between the

Guide:

Parents to receive community newsletter at summer orientation Continued

from page 1

what we’re doing, and here’s how we’re trying to help you,’ to both the students and parents. It’s a way for parents to relate to their students and can give them

options to send the students care packages and things like that,” Boozan said. The guide will be given to parents at summer orientation.

Housing:

Bear Hall and renovations will be funded by bond revenue Continued

from page 1

will be an addition to the campus’ residential college program allowing for students to attend classes within their residence hall, McCollum said. SGA President Meghan Thompson said she views this new facility as another way to draw students to get involved in campus life. “My residential stay has

been wonderful and this new residential hall is a great opportunity for UCA,” she said. Greg Barborek, member of the Association of Architects and LEED Accredited Professional said, “the development and design of Bear Hall forces students to move throughout the facility and help them get

the land for five years was made, with board members Randy Sims, Bobby Reynolds, Harold Chakales and Hinke in favor. Scott Roussel and Bobby Reynolds were against. Both Roussel and Reynold expressed support for the permanent easement. Runge said after the meeting that he didn’t intend to stop trying to protect the area permanently. “This is all that’s left of a 250,000 acre area,” he said. “We don’t stop. This area has been here for thousands of years.” He also said he wouldn’t wait for the five years to end before raising the issue again. The board tabled a request by the College of Fine Arts and Communication for $200,000 to be paid over four years from the Board of Trustees Fund. Several board members expressed concern over not understanding how the fund worked and wanted to address the confusion before allocating money.

It is a way for not only the university, but also the community to come together and help students feel more comfortable, Burns said. “This is the first step in building a relationship between the students and their parents, while helping the student become more independent,” Burns said. For more information on parent guides, students can visit universityparent.com. involved.” He said the classic architecture will blend with the rest of the buildings on campus. Bear Hall is being funded by $22 million from UCA bonds sales. The money will also go towards the renovation of other residential halls on campus, including State Hall, Carmichael Hall, Hughes Hall, and Conway Hall, Meadors said. It was “a big day for UCA,” Meadors said. All those involved in the planning process and design of Bear Hall ended the ceremony in hard hats and with gold shovels and broke ground where the new facility will stand.

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The Voice

January 26, 2011

Unique nature reserve deserves to be protected

The Echo Staff All should consider organ donation w

The shooting in Arizona on January 8 that it’s a nice feeling to know that if something severely wounded U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, terrible were to happen to me that I could killed six people and wounded many others is possibly help to save lives. a tragedy that many are claiming should put According to seniorjournal.com, a report an end to the heated political climate in our from Donate Life America in 2009 found that country. the majority of Americans expressed interest If so, then something good would have come in donating organs, but only 38% of licensed from the tragedy as the drivers are registered saying goes. However, organ donors. This it would appear that number is shocking. something good has This would seem to already come from suggest that either most by Julian Spivey the tragedy thanks to people aren’t well enough Campus Life Editor Christina Taylor Green, informed about how to the 9-year-old who become an organ donor was sadly one of the six or, unfortunately, they killed. really aren’t interested in Christina’s father, donating organs, but said John Green, told the Associated Press on Jan. 17 they were for the benefit of the survey. that his daughter’s donated corneas went on to The process for becoming an organ donor is save the eyesight of two children. He told the AP an amazingly simple one. that he didn’t know whether any of Christina’s The easiest way to become an organ donor other organs were donated. Unfortunately her is by designating your decision on your driver’s wounds likely rendered her internal organs license. This is the method that I chose. You unusable. should be asked whether or not you want to John also told the AP that he and his wife become an organ donor each time you renew didn’t hesitate to allow doctors to use Christina’s your license. organs. This was a commendable and right Another way to become an organ donor is decision by the Greens, though I’m sure not an by registering with your state donor registry. easy one. This can be accomplished by calling the I know the decision to become an organ Arkansas Regional Organ Recovery Agency or donor is a personal one, but I believe that Arora at either 501-907-9150 or 866-660-5433. everybody should take the time to become an A third way that you can choose to become organ donor. There’s simply no need to take an organ donor is simply by signing a donor usable organs that could save someone else’s card. You can download and print out a donor life to the grave with you. It frankly seems a bit card online and carry it with you until you are selfish. able to designate your wish to be an organ According to the Mayo Clinic, more than donor on your license or join a donor registry, 101,000 people are waiting today for transplant according to organdonor.gov. surgeries and this number rises by about 300 Donating organs is the ultimate gift people each month. Unfortunately, 19 people a person can give to another. Because of die each day waiting for transplants because of Christina Green’s corneas two children now the shortage of donated organs. have the gift of sight. I’ve been an organ donor for five years and What will your gift be?

Taylor Lowery Editor & Opinion Editor

Preston Tolliver Associate Editor

Mary DeLoney News Editor

Marisa Hicks Assistant News Editor

Julian Spivey Campus Life Editor

Lisa Burnett Entertainment Editor

Ben Keller Sports Editor

Allison Hartman Assistant Sports Editor

Nick Hillemann Photo Editor

Alex Chalupka Web Editor

Crosby Dunn

Major offers infinite opportunity, lessons

Assistant Web Editor

Heather Chiddix Editorial Cartoonist

Lance Coleman Feature Cartoonist

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Got Letters? Comments or complaints about content of The Echo or in reference to anything on campus should be registered with the newspaper by letters or e-mail to the editors. All letters must be limited to 300 words and include the author’s name and phone number. All letters may be published unless they are marked private. Letters may be edited for style, clarity and length. Editorials written in The Voice express the opinion of the newspaper and the editorial staff. Individual staff opinions are expressed in individual columns.

The Echo office is located in Bernard Hall 003 Newsroom: 501-450-3446 ucaechoeditor@gmail.com http://www.ucaecho.net David Keith, Adviser

When I graduated high school, I had a vague I simply never expected that my professors idea of what I wanted to do with the rest of my would be so helpful, and I can say that these life. mass communication professors are unlike so Because I didn’t have any better ideas, I many others on campus. Not only do they know decided to major in print journalism. I had every student, they can probably tell you a lot been editor of my high school yearbook, and I about every student. enjoyed everything that went into it, whether Another blessing I’ve found in this it be interviewing student in the cafeteria with department is that in my first year I was my pen and reporters learning skills that notebook, or working will be invaluable in hours after school on life … true skills, not layouts and designs and just theories and ideas copy. I thought doing and foundations for something of the sort my career. I learned to by Taylor Lowery would make me happy write for a number of Editor & Opinion Editor in life. audiences in a number I didn’t factor my of ways, and how to major into my decision understand the roles of to come to UCA. I various media and how I have been blessed, could market myself. however, to be embraced into what I think must I waited until my first semester of be the most welcoming, exciting and unique sophomore year to join The Echo. After some departments on this campus. deliberation, I decided to take the newspaper Majoring in journalism has truly defined my route over the yearbook route, simply because I college experience, and I can’t imagine making a thought the skills would translate better in life. better decision. Whether or not that’s true, I can’t say, but I know I’ve been so pleased with the staff in the being on this staff is a decision I would make a Department of Mass Communication and hundred times over. Theatre. Every professor I’ve had in this The things I’ve learned have been department, whether they’ve been teaching invaluable, but at the same time I’ve had fun how to cover a city council meeting or how doing it. In my first few weeks I knew The Echo to work a news camera, has been more than was a place I belonged, for so many reasons. willing to do whatever it takes to make sure their I’ve made friends, learned innumerable lessons students are learning. and been blessed with an advisor who knows Every professor I’ve had the pleasure and everything, and will go out of his way to teach taking, as well as some I haven’t taken, will take it to us. every necessary step to help their students. It was my good fortune to be named editor These professors are willing to help after hours, of The Echo and I am thrilled to be working on come to campus on their days off, and give you a publication so vital to our campus that I am as their numbers to call for help at night. much a part of it as it is a part of me.

In a disappointing end to a heated discussion at the Dec. 17 UCA Board of Trustees meeting, the board voted 4-2 to protect the Jewel Moore Nature Reserve for only five years, refusing to protect the nature reserve from being destroyed forever. Steven Runge, chair of the Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, made a convincing presentation to the board regarding the permanent protection of the Jewel Moore Nature Reserve, located along Farris Road on UCA campus, that the board chose not to approve. The protection would be ensured by the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission. The “conservation easement” would not only protect the land from being destroyed by construction until another group of board members overturned the resolution; it would protect the land “forever.” Runge’s presentation highlighted something few people probably know about the nature reserve. It is truly invaluable as a resource, because the nearly 19 acres of land in the nature reserve have never been plowed. Thanks to renewed protection over the years and careful work by the science department, UCA can boast several acres of virgin prairie located on campus, as well as a number of other extremely unique and valuable characteristic. The science departments have not yet completed a full survey of the land, but there are hundreds of animal and plant species unique to this nature reserve that are not found in nearby land. The trustees’ dilemma was understandable: as board member Kay Hinkle said, it is impossible to predict what the future holds for UCA. This small piece of land, however, is something that should be protected by whatever means possible. It is something that is bigger than UCA: once destroyed, this school can never regrow this valuable educational resource. Building grow old and need constant attention and repair, but this invaluable piece of land requires only the attention and funding the science departments have already been giving it for years. The trustees should be careful of the message they’re sending by failing to permanently protect the Jewel Moore Nature Reserve. In the long run, what is more important: education and resources or growth and expansion? Education should always be the top priority, and this kind of resource can never be found again if it is destroyed. Runge said after the meeting that he intends to continue and fight for the permanent protection of the nature reserve. Five years is simply not enough, and the reserve needs a protection more powerful than UCA, so that in the future it can never be removed. Runge was thoughtful of other departments and facilities on campus before making this proposal. He met with a number of other departments on campus, working and compromising to find an area that every group was comfortable dedicating to the nature reserve, forever. If so many departments on campus were willing to make that decision, the board of trustees should have followed suit and listened to the people who are infinitely involved with the university. It is our hope that Runge will continue to pursue protection of the Jewel Moore Nature Reserve. If he expands his goal to other groups on campus, such as the Student Government Association and receives support from more departments, the board of trustees should listen to the people closely involved and approve protection of this unique UCA landmark.

If so many departments on campus were willing to make that decision, the board of trustees should have followed suit and listened to the people who are infinitely involved with the university.

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The Jewel Moore Nature Reserve, named for retired UCA botany professor Jewel E. Moore, is composed of approximately 19 acres of land, surrounded by a walking trail used by many in the city.

The Echo is printed weekly at the Log Cabin Democrat in Conway, Ark. Decisions about content are made by the student editors. The views published are not necessarily those of the University of Central Arkansas. All material is subject to respective copyrights.

Campus Life

January 26, 2011

Lee, Sparks, ‘Legally Blonde’ highlight Reynolds events by Julian Spivey Campus Life Editor

The Public Appearances spring season at Reynolds Performance Hall has many great acts lined up with something that should appeal to everybody. The season kicked off with a sold-out show of the seven-time Tony Awardwinning Broadway musical “Cats” on Tuesday, Jan. 18. Public Appearances has no shortage of Broadway theater this semester. On Monday, March 14 will be a showing of William Inge’s classic “Bus Stop.” “Bus Stop” is a “charming classic that explores the perils of modern romance,” according to the Public Appearances brochure. The play was made into a film in 1956 that starred Marilyn Monroe. On Thursday, April 21, “Legally Blonde: The Musical” makes its way to the Reynolds stage. “Legally Blonde: The Musical” follows the antics of Elle Woods, a sorority girl who goes to law school following a hard breakup with her boyfriend. A film version starring Reese Witherspoon was a box-office hit in 2001. “Legally Blonde” is free for UCA students. The Russian National Ballet Theatre will perform “Cinderella” on Thursday, April 28. According to the Public Appearances brochure, the Russian National Ballet Theatre is a company of 50 dancers that “brings Cinderella to life as never before.” Reynolds will swing and jive with big band jazz music on Monday, Feb. 21

when Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Orchestra take the stage. Marsalis is a nine-time Grammy Award winner, according to his website, and is the only artist to ever win a Grammy in five consecutive years. Public Appearances Director Jerry Biebesheimer said that Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Orchestra is the event this semester he is most anticipating. “I’m probably most excited by Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Jazz Orchestra. I think he’s arguably the best jazz soloist and big band in the world at the moment,” Biebesheimer said. Public Appearances is also bringing laughter to Reynolds with a couple of big time comedians that will surely leave the audience in stitches. Rich Little, known as The Man with a Thousand Voices for his many celebrity impressions, will perform at Reynolds on Friday, Feb. 4. According to his website, Little’s impressions include George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, Richard Nixon, John F. Kennedy, Jack Nicholson, Clint Eastwood, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, John Wayne and Kermit the Frog. Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood, former stars of ABC’s “Whose Line Is It Anyway?,” will perform at Reynolds on Saturday, April 9. The two will perform their brand of improvisational comedy, while taking contributions from the audience to create scenes, according to the Public Appearance brochure. This event is free for UCA students. The spring semester continues

Reynolds Performance Hall’s lecture series with director, writer, actor, producer and author Spike Lee on Monday, Feb. 7, and best-selling author Nicholas Sparks on Tuesday, March 15. Biebesheimer said he believes that Lee and Sparks could be two of the most popular events of the semester. “I think Nicholas Sparks will be a total sell out, he has a big following in the 15-38 demographic. I think there will be a big crowed for Spike Lee too,” Biebesheimer said. “The difference is that Sparks is general interest, whereas Lee has a smaller group of people who are very interested in what he does.” Lee is an acclaimed director who has directed such films as “Malcolm X,” “He Got Game” and “She’s Gotta Have It.” Lee’s 1989 film “Do the Right Thing” was named the 96th greatest American film of all time by the American Film Institute in 2007. Sparks has written 14 books in his career, including “The Notebook,” “Message in a Bottle,” “A Walk to Remember” and “Dear John.” Six of his novels have been made into films. Sparks’ lecture is an event that many students will likely be interested in. “I think it’s wonderful that UCA brings in well-known authors of different genres. Like our visit from Charlaine Harris last year, Nicholas Sparks should have mass appeal for the community,” senior Cassey Misee said. “It will be interesting to hear a best-selling author speak about his craft.”

photo courtesy of Publiic Appearances

Acclaimed jazz musician Wynton Marsalis, pictured, is one of the many entertainers that will be appearing at Reynolds Performance Hall this semester. Both Lee and Sparks’ lectures are free for UCA students. On Friday, March 4, legendary music groups The Buckinghams and Blood, Sweat & Tears will perform at Reynolds. The Buckinghams had a number one hit in 1967 with “Kind of a Drag.” They also hit the top 10 with “Don’t You Care” and “Mercy, Mercy, Mercy,” also in 1967.

-SAB-

Smith entertainers students in food court by Jeanette Anderton Staff Writer

Students who ate in the Student Center food court Thursday between 12:30 and 2 p.m. were treated to a free Ladd Smith concert, courtesy of the Student Activities Board. Ladd Smith, touted by the media as the “John Mayer of the Heartland,” came in from Nashville, Tenn. despite the inclement weather. Smith said, “Snow sucks, but it is pretty.” Smith, 28, was born in Stillwater, Okla., but was raised in Hendersonville, Tenn. Both of his parents were professional musicians. Smith began playing guitar when he was four years old, and began writing songs when he was nine years old. Smith has performed in seventeen countries, including Kuwait where he performed for US troops. Senior Eli Nichols, music chair of the SAB, explained that initially SAB had a different musician lined up, but when that plan fell through, he found Smith and invited him to UCA. “I wanted to get someone a little different from the usual singers/songwriters that come here to perform. He is a great guitar player, as well as a great singer/songwriter,” Nichols said. The audience seemed to agree with this assessment. “He has great stage presence. I like his interaction with the audience, it gives it a one-on-one feel,” junior Stuart LaFollette said. Smith opened the show with an original, “Sunny Day Special.” He explained the title, saying he saw a sign on a store offering rainy day specials on a nasty weather day. The next day, which was clear, he drove past and the sign offered sunny day specials. “That wasn’t special at all,” Smith said, but it did give him a title for a song. Smith continued to offer background and humor before starting a new song, to the audience’s delight. “He is quite interesting,” sophomore Monica Runge said. “He is a people person. That’s a good thing.” Many students could relate to his song about interstate 40, “When They Gonna Fix This Road?” Somehow, Smith turns frustration into humor. He told the audience when a song has a particularly complicated chord structure it always makes him think of an Arkansas road map. Smith performed some cover songs, such as Jason Mraz’s “I’m Yours” and David Allan Coe’s “You Never Even Called Me by My

Junior Shannon Kelly “I went home to Texas. I knitted the whole break, I’m working on a baby blanket for a relative!”

Blood, Sweat & Tears had top five hits with “You’ve Made Me So Very Happy,” “Spinning Wheel” and “And When I Die,” all in 1969. All of these events are $10 for UCA students, except where previously mentioned. The events are $30-$40 for general public. All events start at 7:30 p.m.

- T H E AT E R -

Children’s play opens Friday night at Reynolds by Mary DeLoney News Editor

Marisa Hicks Photo

Singer-songwriter Ladd Smith performs for students in the Student Center Food Court on Thursday, Jan. 20. Name.” When an audience member shouted “Free Bird” from the back, Smith amused everyone by saying, “I didn’t know that guy was coming.” He offered to play the chorus, if the guy would come up and sing, but the guy declined. Sophomore Rebeckah Grisham said: “I like him. He is pretty good.” Smith had CDs available of his latest music, which he recorded in Garth Brooks’ studio in Nashville. He has recorded three original albums, and has written over 350 songs. For more information on Smith, or to hear a sample of his music, students can visit his website, laddsmith.com.

The Cadron Company, a traveling troupe from UCA Theatre, will perform “The Spider and the Bee” by Steven Press at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 28 and at 10 a.m. Jan. 29 in Reynolds Performance Hall. Admission to the production is free. Liz Parker, business and production manager in the College of Fine Arts and Communication, is directing. “We allow students to direct productions but no one had time this semester. I had done it before, so I said I would do it again,” Parker said. The cast includes junior Aron Long playing the role of the spider, senior Hali Free playing the role of the bee, senior Allison Benton playing the role of the butterfly and junior Karen Palmer playing the role of the ladybug. Costume design is by senior Eriko Terao and the set design is by senior Kirsten Seidel. The UCA Theatre puts on a children’s show every year that shows on campus and then goes on tour. The troupe will travel every Tuesday and Thursday morning between now and April 28. “The students don’t take classes those mornings, that’s the deal,” Parker said. “We’re totally booked. We will travel to places like Hot

Students Say story and photos by Lukas Deem

Springs, Vilonia, Atkins, Pottsville and Cabot. It’s very popular. I usually have schools calling me before I can start contacting them.” The production is about 30 minutes long. “It’s a lot of fun to get to be big kids. I think that the kids that come are going to be really into it. It’s high energy with goofy singing and quotes and dancing around,” Free said. The production is mostly paid for by the arts fee paid by students, but the schools that the play travels to pay a royalty fee that funds the production. “The idea of the show is to push arts and help people realize that they’re just as important as science and math. Especially in Arkansas, the arts aren’t as appreciated, so I would be satisfied if one student walked away from the show thinking it might be fun to be an actor or do something arts-based. I’m playing the spider, which is ironically the one pushing for science and math,” Long said. Free said that besides the show being fun, it has a message behind it. “The main message of the show is to work with people even if they have opposite opinions of you. The spider likes math and science, the bee likes singing and dancing, both are really important. I hope kids learn to work together even if you have differences in opinion with somebody,” Free said.

Junior Trevor Gibbons “This break I ran a lot and worked out and spent the rest of the time with my family.”

“What did you do over the winter break?” Freshman Lindsey Dacus “I didn’t do much, I just slept a lot and played ‘Mario Kart’ on the [Nintendo] 64 with my little sister.”

Sophomore Michael Miller “I went on vacation with my family to Colorado to visit with our relatives.”

Sophomore Nick Rasmussen “I visited my family in Nebraska and just slept a lot and hung out with friends. I was really lazy.”

Freshman Ryan Johnson “I went to Atlanta for Passion 2011 and I went to the Sugar Bowl.”

w w w. UCAE cho .n e t / c ampu s - life

Freshman Mikel Thacker “I went to Colorado and saved a girl from a certain and painful death, it was all right I guess.”

Freshman Juliane Pierini “I spent the break at home in Maumelle. I played with the Xbox Kinect for the first time with a friend, it was really cool!”

ucaecho.net

CAMPUS LIFE

January 26, 2011 / 5

by Lance Coleman

-ACTIVITIES-

SAB schedules Spring Fling, ‘Social Network’ for semester by Julian Spivey Campus Life Editor

The Student Activities Board has a lot of movies, music, comedy and more planned for the semester that should excite and interest most UCA students. The SAB events kicked off on Thursday, Jan. 20 with a performance by singer-songwriter Ladd Smith in the Student Center Food Court. The performance by Smith was just one of 14 events currently scheduled by SAB for the spring semester. SAB has seven movies planned for this semester ranging from comedies, Westerns, Sci-Fi, blockbusters and award-winning dramas. On Sunday, SAB will show recent Golden Globe winner for Best Dramatic Picture, “The Social Network,” directed by Golden Globe winner David Fincher and starring Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield and Justin Timberlake. “The Social Network” will start at 7 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom. Other movies that will be shown by SAB this semester in the Student Center Ballroom are “Due Date,” “Megamind,” “Tron: Legacy,” “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows- Part I,” “True Grit” and “Little Fockers.” “Due Date,” starring Robert Downey Jr. and Zach Galifianakis will show on Sunday, Feb. 13 at 7 p.m. “Megamind,” starring Will Ferrell, will show on Sunday, Feb. 27 at 3 p.m. “Tron: Legacy,” starring Garrett Hedlund and Jeff Bridges, will show Sunday, March 6 at 7 p.m. The first part of the final ‘Harry Potter’ film ‘The s Deathly Hallows’ will show on Sunday, March 13 at 7 p.m. The Coen Brothers’ “True Grit,” starring Jeff Bridges and Matt Damon, will show on Sunday, April 3 at

KODIAK MOMENT

photo courtesy tron.com

“Tron: Legacy,” pictured, is one of the seven movies SAB is showing this semester. Other SAB events include the annual Spring Fling, comedian Phil Hanley, relationship expert Ryan Clauson and Fantasy Faces. 7 p.m. and “Little Fockers,” the third of the ‘Fockers’ trilogy, will show on Sunday, April 10 at 7 p.m. SAB film chair and sophomore Travis Alexander said that he believes “Tron: Legacy” is the film that he’s looking forward to the most.

“I’m going to say ‘Tron.’ It was awesome. It had Daft Punk doing the music and was great visually,” Alexander said. Alexander said that this year the attendance for these films has improved greatly.

“Last year we were getting 30 to 50 [people per show]. This year we’ve gotten more people, we maybe got around 200 people for ‘Inception’ [in the fall],” he said. Alexander said that the SAB films are a great opportunity for students to come

out and have some fun on Sunday nights. “We just want to let people know there is everything to gain, free pizza, popcorn and door prizes from coming to these films,” he said. SAB is in the process of putting together a musical festival for Thursday, March 17, president and senior Bryce Vernon said. “We’re trying something new instead of having a bunch of courtyard singers. The music chair, Eli Nichols, wanted to have a music festival showcasing local bands. [We’re] hoping to have an event where students can hang out,” Vernon said. Vernon also said that SAB is working on bringing a bigger act to perform in concert to UCA. “We’re also in the process of scheduling a big concert, which we hope to be booked soon. We’ve been looking at the Avett Brothers. This smaller band called The Gaslight Anthem is another option, but we won’t know for a little longer,” he said. The biggest SAB sponsored event of the spring semester is going to be the annual Spring Fling, Vernon said. “The one big thing is going to be the Spring Fling, we’ll actually have a band, Matt & Kim, provided by Reynolds. I saw them at a festival in California last year. I’m definitely looking forward to the Spring Fling,” Vernon said. Other SAB events this semester include comedian Phil Hanley on Wednesday, March 9, relationship expert Ryan Clauson on Wednesday, Feb. 16, the We Can Make You Laugh Game Show on Wednesday, Feb. 9 and Fantasy Faces, which lets you put your face on things such as magazines and movie posters, on Thursday, March 31.

- E N T E RTA I N M E N T-

Concierge to hold drawing for free Kid Rock concert tickets by Abby Hartz Senior Writer

Scratching your head about how to get a hold of Kid Rock tickets for his Feb. 9 Verizon Arena show? Look no further than the first floor of the Student Center at UCA’s Concierge Services. Concierge Services is giving away 10 free tickets. Actually, two tickets to five people. Who likes to rock out alone? Mallory Carranza, a graduate assistant for Concierge Services, said to be eligible for the drawing anyone who is a part of the UCA community (students, faculty or staff) should become a fan of UCA’s Concierge Services on Facebook and fill out a drawing slip at Concierge Services in the Student Center. The drawing will take place Jan. 31. Winners of the drawing will be notified through contact information they provide on the drawing slip, a post will be made on Concierge Services’ Facebook page and a campus-wide e-mail will be sent out. Carranza said this is the second concert-ticket drawing Concierge Services has participated in, with the first being tickets for the Jan. 21 Jason Aldean concert at Verizon Arena. “We’ve got a deal with Verizon Arena that if we do free advertising for them, they’ll supply 10 tickets for us to give away in a drawing,” Carranza said. “We don’t know very far in advance which concert they’ll give us tickets for. They have to talk with the artist and their marketing teams and then let us know.” Sho Uemura, a junior and Concierge Services student worker, said by Concierge Services offering these drawings it will “get students to utilize us more and see what events are

photo courtesy of kidrock.com

UCA’s Concierge Services is holding a drawing on Monday, Jan. 31 for tickets to the Kid Rock concert at Verizon Arena on Feb. 9. going on.” LaSarah Hudson, a junior and Concierge Services student worker as well, said she thinks the concert drawings help the office of Concierge Services. “It lets students know where we are and it is good publicity for us and also for Verizon Arena. Even if someone doesn’t win the tickets they may still go out and buy tickets because they know about the concert through our drawing,” Hudson said. Carranza said she thinks Concierge Services still needs a lot of growth from its start last semester. “There are still people who don’t know who we are or where we are located,” Carranza said. “Working with Verizon has helped and our Facebook page ‘Likes’ have gone from 60 to 717.” She said many people come

to their Student Center location for a refund from vending machines or lost items but don’t realize what else Concierge Services can offer. According to a Concierge Services handout guide: “Your single source for a listing of campus events, campus maps, cafeteria menus and ticket information. Local information on shopping, restaurants, banks, pharmacies, city maps and outdoor activities. Wake-up call and call-reminder service that allows you to schedule reminders directly to your cell phone.” Carranza said Concierge Services also offers a list of discounts students can take advantage of, refunds for Pepsi vending machines, lost and found, and free printing of maps and directions.

publi c

appearances

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Entertainment

January 26, 2011

-NEW RELEASE-

‘King’ reigns supreme by Lisa Burnett Entertainment Editor

thefightermovie.com

Christian Bale and Mark Wahlberg give outstanding performances as Dicky Eklund and Micky Ward. The entire “Fighter” cast shows off its amazing talent throughout David O. Russell’s movie.

Wahlberg, Bale deliver knockout performances; ‘Fighter’ likely to garner Oscar nominations, wins by Julian Spivey

the greatest Beatle … either way you win. Wahlberg’s performance in this film is extremely raw. Raw is the perfect word to describe the acting in this film and Wahlberg, Bale, Adams and Leo take the audience to school on how realistic acting should be. Wahlberg’s Micky is the star of the film, but is clearly not the star in his own family as his mother and manager is strangely more attached to Dicky, despite his clear wasting of his life and talents. The way that Wahlberg is able to convey the way that Micky is torn between boxing, his family and his girlfriend, Charlene (Adams), is ultimately what makes the performance amazing. Dicky is arrogant, abrasive and addicted to crack. He wants to believe that he’s on his way back to his comeback fight, that’s his reality, but in actual reality he’s sinking into a deep hole that ultimately leads to prison. It’s a scene in prison where he’s going through crack withdrawal that shows us the kind of intensity Bale brings to the role. Adams goes toe-to-toe with both Wahlberg and Bale in this film as far as acting skills go. I believe her role as tough, bar girl Charlene will open up the possibility of more raw roles for Adams in the future. This definitely isn’t your “Enchanted” Amy Adams. However, Adams is as charming as ever in this role, even when she’s punching out one of Micky’s white trash sisters.

Campus Life Editor

David O. Russell’s “The Fighter” is a lot of things, and all of them great. “The Fighter” is without a doubt one of the best movies of 2010. It is easily one of the greatest sports movies ever made. “The Fighter” is arguably the finest performance in Mark Wahlberg’s career. It has some of the greatest supporting performances by Christian Bale, Amy Adams and Melissa Leo that one film could ever possibly have. This film is so good that it’s frankly hard to figure out what to praise first. Since the stunning performances by this truly wonderful cast are what ultimately make “The Fighter” stand tall I guess this is where I’ll start. Wahlberg gives one of the finest performances in recent film history as boxer Micky Ward, who is trying to make his way to the top of the boxing ranks with his crack addict brother, Dicky (Bale), serving as his trainer. Dicky was a fine boxer in his own right who once knocked down the legendary Sugar Ray Leonard and became something of a legend in his hometown. Many critics have noted that Bale’s performance as Dicky might be the finest in film of the year, but I believe that Wahlberg’s is even better. However, this is ultimately like comparing whether or not John Lennon or Paul McCartney is

Leo seems to be the perfect actress to portray the trashy mother of Micky and Dicky and Micky’s manager. Her character, Alice, is the most unlikable character in “The Fighter” and Leo does a wonderful job at making us despise her for what she’s putting Micky through. There is no question that Wahlberg, Bale, Adams and Leo completely became their characters for the almost two-hour length of “The Fighter.” I can’t remember a movie of late where the entire cast is this stellar. There have been a lot of great boxing movies through the years, Martin Scorsese’s “Raging Bull,” John G. Avildsen’s “Rocky” and Clint Eastwood’s “Million Dollar Baby,” and Russell’s “The Fighter” joins this trio easily. It’s also one of the finest sports movies that I’ve ever seen and Russell does an excellent job at combining the boxing scenes with the lives of Micky, Dicky and the others. There aren’t many boxing scenes in the film, but there are just enough, after all, it’s Micky and Dicky’s stories that are the focal point. What boxing scenes are in the film are beautifully photographed. They feel as real as any sports scenes that I’ve ever seen in a film. Russell brings the perfect amount of grit and grime to his film that you almost feel as if you’re walking the streets with Micky and Dicky and feel like you’ll have to duck and dodge the spraying blood from the fight scenes.

- I N T H E AT E R S -

Coen Brothers’ ‘True Grit’ outshines original by Julian Spivey Campus Life Editor

The Coen Brothers’ new film “True Grit” isn’t one of the greatest Westerns of all time, like so many of the young generation who haven’t seen enough Westerns to know are proclaiming. However, it is the finest remake I’ve ever seen and easily one of 2010’s best, and an Oscar contender. Many of the reviews that I’ve read from some of the finest film critics around kept talking about how much different the Coen Brothers’ version of “True Grit” is than Henry Hathaway’s original film version in 1969 that starred John Wayne. The critics said that the Coen Brothers film more closely resembled the novel written by Charles Portis. I’ve never had the opportunity to read Portis’ novel, but the Coen Brothers film version simply isn’t very different then Hathaway’s. In fact, I saw it as a pretty faithful remake. The main difference between the Coens’ version and Hathaway’s version was the ending of the film. The Coens’ version is darker, but I won’t go into details for those who haven’t seen it. I’ll simply say that this isn’t how the Hathaway/Wayne movie ends. The biggest reason that led me to thinking this version is very faithful to the original is that some of the performances really come off as

almost impersonations of the original performances. If you’ve seen both films then you can’t tell me that Dakin Matthews wasn’t essentially impersonating Strother Martin as Col. Stonehill and that Barry Pepper wasn’t essentially impersonating Robert Duvall as “Lucky” Ned Pepper. While the Coen Brothers’ version of “True Grit” is faithful to the original film, I also think that it’s better. There are two key reasons why the Coens’ film is better: Matt Damon and Hailee Steinfeld. Damon is worlds better in the role of Texas Ranger LaBoeuf than Glen Campbell was in the original. Campbell, who is a Country Music Hall of Fame singer, honestly should’ve stuck to singing. His performance as LaBoeuf was one of the most wooden performances I’ve ever seen. No wonder an Oscarnominated caliber actor like Damon is so much better. Steinfeld is a newcomer to film and this was her first big role, but her performance was so much better than that of Kim Darby in the original as Mattie Ross, who the film revolves around when she seeks vengeance on the man who murdered her father. In the original, Darby mostly comes off as annoying. In this version, Steinfeld comes off as determined and tough, like the character should be. It’s amazing how a newbie can perform at such a great level. Steinfeld, along with Damon, are good candidates to receive Oscar

1.“Chuck”

Five Best Shows That Nobody Watches list compiled by Julian Spivey

NBC’s spy dramedy “Chuck” is one of the best shows on TV, but has almost been canceled two times due to low ratings. Zachary Levi stars as a nerd turned superspy when an “intersect” is downloaded into his brain. “Chuck” is part James Bond, part “Get Smart” and one of the better love stories on TV with the Chuck/Sarah drama. A cast of Yvonne Strahovski, Adam Baldwin and Joshua Gomez make this can’t miss.

nominations. The highlight of this “True Grit” is the same highlight from the original: the character of Marshall “Rooster” Cogburn, portrayed here by Jeff Bridges. Bridges’ portrayal is certainly different from that of Wayne in the original, but both are what carry their respective films. The biggest difference between the two performances is Bridges’ portrayal of Cogburn is generally more humorous than Wayne’s stern portrayal. When you have two great actors like Bridges and Wayne portraying this iconic character, you’re not going to go wrong. Bridges is almost certain to garner an Oscar nomination for this role. Another big difference between the Coens’ version and Hathaway’s is that you can tell throughout the film’s one hour and 50 minute runtime that this is obviously a Coen Brothers movie with all of their little nuances and dark humor thrown into the mix. It probably leads to this version being more fun than the 1969 version. One of the things that make Westerns so great is the beautiful cinematography. The cinematography in this film by Roger Deakins is fantastic and should win him an Oscar. There is no doubt in my mind that “True Grit” is the finest remake that I’ve ever seen. It’s nice to see filmmakers do a great job remaking a film. “True Grit” is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of Western violence.

2. “Friday Night Lights” “Friday Night Lights,” which is currently airing its final season on the DirecTV Network is maybe the most realistic show I’ve ever seen as far as acting goes. The show is about the almost religious experience of high school football in Texas. ‘FNL’ stars Kyle Chandler as high school football coach Eric Taylor and it’s one of the most realistic acting performances you’ll ever see. It’s a shame ‘FNL’ and Chandler are as underrated as they are.

If you’re a fan of The Decemberists, you’re not alone, and pretty soon there will be more. The Decemberists released their sixth studio album, “The King is Dead,” on Jan. 18. iTunes described this album as “alternative country.” I definitely have to agree with this. All ten tracks on this album follow this genre. This album is definitely different from The Decemberists previous five. “The King is Dead” breaks all expectations fans would have for a The Decemberists album. Usually the band has a laid back, easy-going feel to their songs, but this gives The Decemberists more individuality and makes them stand out and show their true talents as artists. Some of The Decemberists’ songs remind me of a mix of The Band, The Doobie Brothers and Fleetwood Mac, with a new spin to it. Colin Meloy, lead singer for The Decemberists, has a voice somewhat similar to Death Cab for Cutie’s lead singer, Ben Gibbard. “June Hymn” is a prime example of this new-but-old kind of song. The beginning guitar melody reminds me of The Doobie Brothers’ song, “Listen to the Music.” The harmonies between lead singer Meloy and Jenny Conlee are perfect. Not only does the music complement their voices, but the lyrics the two sing are beautiful: “Once upon it/ the yellow bonnets/ garland all the lawn/ and you were waking/ and day was breaking.” These lyrics paint a beautiful picture of a passionate love story. “Down by the Water” is my favorite song on “The King is Dead.” It has a fun, poppy beat and no one can miss the

talented harmonica solos that give this album such a distinct sound. Some of the lyrics in this song remind me that summer is just around the corner and times as fun as this song sounds are soon to come. Lyrics such as: “the season rubs me wrong/ the summer swells anon/ so knock me down, tear me up/ but I would bare it all broken just to fill my cup,” promise a good time while listening to this song. “This is Why We Fight,” reminds me of a person struggling through a battle and realizing how stupid the conflict really is. “When we die/ we will die with our arms unbound/ and this is why/ this is why we fight,” emphasizes that the person fighting the battle wants to die without any attachment to any conflict. I think this is a song that people in our nation really need to listen to and realize how violence affects our daily lives. I think that everyone has room in their music library for The Decemberists. The money spent on this album is well worth it. Even though there are only 10 songs, those 10 songs are worth every penny. From country fans to rock fans, there is bound to be at least one song on “The King is Dead” that you will thoroughly enjoy.

-CD REVIEW-

cagetheelephant.com

Cage the Elephant impresses fans and attracts new listeners with their second studio album, “Thank You, Happy Birthday.”

Cage the Elephant ‘Thanks’ fans

by Lisa Burnett Entertainment Editor

Cage the Elephant is really starting to make a name for themselves. Their second album, “Thank You, Happy Birthday,” released Jan. 11, will help the band become well known this year. This album shows how talented the band actually is. They have a unique sound that makes them stand out from other bands in the alternative/rock genre they fall under. So many bands in this genre start to sound the same, but Cage the Elephant is breaking this stereotype. Fans might be surprised with the sound of this album in comparison with their self-titled first studio album. Most people know the band’s most popular song, “Ain’t no Rest for the Wicked,” but “Thank You, Happy Birthday,” combines everything that fans loved about that song into an entire album. “Thank You, Happy Birthday,” has more substance and diversity than their first album. This album has 12 tracks that are all different from each other. “Shake Me Down,” was the first single released from this album Nov. 22, which has left fans anticipating this album for a while. This song can pretty much sum up what Cage the Elephant is all about. There is just enough of a rock feel, ballad feel and Shultz’s amazing voice. I would describe this song as “vintage-y” rock. It sounds like a song you could expect to hear on vinyl. The sound is rich and sets this band

3. “Community” “Community” is in its second season on NBC and, like many NBC series, just doesn’t seem to draw the ratings it deserves. When this comedy is on its game, it might be the funniest on TV, rivaling “Modern Family,” “30 Rock” and “How I Met Your Mother,” but when it’s not, it shows. However, those hits, like this season’s Halloween zombie episode or last season’s paintball massacre episode, are worth sitting through some weaklings.

apart from a lot of others that have tried to achieve a sound such as this. The opening track, “Always Something,” gives listeners a basic overview of how the album will sound, but still leaves some anticipation of songs to come. There is some repetitiveness in it, but the vocals by frontman Matthew Shultz are phenomenal. Putting all of the hard rock vocals and guitar solos aside, Cage the Elephant does have a softer side, which is apparent in their soft ballad, “Rubber Ball.” The soft melody and heartfelt lyrics such as: “All I got is nothing but/ a little bit of love and gonna/ give it to the people then they’ll see/ then they’ll see.” My favorite song on the album would have to be “Right Before My Eyes.” It’s the perfect mix of rock and meaningful lyrics all put to a catchy, but not too fast beat. Some of the lyrics that I love so much are: “Right before my eyes/ I saw the whole world lose control/ the whole world lost control/ before my eyes.” Something that I really like about this song is that even though the lyrics are a bit repetitive, it emphasizes the deep meaning of this song. “Around My Head,” is another song that stands out on “Thank You, Happy Birthday.” It combines the originality of Cage the Elephant’s lyrics to a backbeat that sounds almost like the band, MGMT. This is just a taste of how good this album really is. If I were to make a prediction about this band, I can almost guarantee that they will become more of a household name in 2011.

4. “Men of a Certain Age” TNT’s “Men of a Certain Age” is similar to “Friday Night Lights” in that it’s one of the most realistic portrayals of life on TV. It’s a basic premise: three men dealing with middle age. It would be boring if not done right, but in the capable hands of Emmy winners Ray Romano and Andre Braugher and Golden Globe winner Scott Bakula, the show is charming, humorous and full of moving moments.

5. “Parenthood” NBC’s “Parenthood” is another one of those realistic shows on TV that most people don’t seem to watch. “Parenthood” follows the four siblings of the Braverman family as they struggle through family, love and life. The series includes fine performances by Peter Krause, Lauren Graham, Dax Shepard, Craig T. Nelson and others. Like “Men of a Certain Age,” it’s also humorous and charming.

Sports

sports@ucaecho.net

January 26, 2010

From the Shotgun By Ben Keller

New semester for UCA means new season for spring sports

t’s a new year and another semester here at UCA and that means a whole new batch of sports will be gearing up to represent our school. Both the men’s and women’s basketball teams have already started their seasons and are well underway in conference play, and the men’s and women’s golf teams will start playing again for their spring tournaments. Even the track and field team has already competed in one meet in December and has just returned from Jonesboro where the team competed this weekend. What the spring does bring are the season openers for baseball, softball and tennis. The Bears baseball team will be something interesting to watch. There are so many new things the Bears will be encountering and dealing with this semester that there are a lot of unknowns for this season. It is coach Allen Gum’s first season here as the new head coach and it is going to be interesting to see how he has changed the program and what he has done to try and turn the team around after a devastating 2010 season. Last season the Bears had a rough record of 1935-1 and a conference record of 10-22-1. Gum had great success with the Southern Arkansas University at Magnolia program where, under his coaching, it was consistently ranked number one for 24 weeks over three seasons and Gum’s winning percentage of .769 is the second best in the Gulf South Conference. To go along with a new coach, the Bears also got some changes and improvements to Bear Stadium. The new artificial infield, which is made

with the GeoGreen surface, is one of the new changes. New student section porches were also added in the outfield and other improvements to the stadium have been made. I am extremely curious to see games on the new infield and see if there is any noticeable difference in the way the ball travels or if it will affect the infielders. Geosurfaces.com however, claims that the GeoGreen surfaces do not in any way affect the way a ball travels across it or the grip cleats have on the ground. While softball hasn’t had the changes the baseball team did, it is going to be another exciting season for the team. While last year they only ranked eighth in the Southland, the actual records for the top 10 teams were fairly close and the Bears came in just behind UTSA, Nicholls State and Texas A&M Corpus Christi. The Bears are sure to see another great season of pitching with sophomore pitcher Kelsie Armstrong. Armstrong finished last season with an ERA of 2.59 and had 17 wins during the season and two saves. She also recorded 212 strikeouts. While the teams at UCA are getting geared up and getting ready to put their new changes into motion, you may have noticed that the sports section of The Echo has a new addition as well. Every week this semester, The Echo will be highlighting a player from all of the sports being played during the spring. If you have ever wondered what the athletes you cheer on are like off the field, be sure to check the front page of the sports section every week to meet a new player.

- B A S K E T B A L L-

Bears ready to face Lions at Farris Center in SLC showdown by Marisa Hicks Assistant News Editor

The men’s basketball team has been preparing to protect its home court tonight as the Bears face the Southeastern Louisiana Lions at 7 p.m. in the Farris Center. In the past the team has lost to the Lions, but they are looking forward to the challenge, Coach Corliss Williamson said. Williamson said as each game comes up they have scouting reports for defense and offense positions to be ready to know who they need in a play. Senior guard Mike Pouncy said he is ready for the game against the Lions and it will be a big game for him since has never had the chance to face them. “I’ve never played against them. Last season I broke my foot so I had to watch from

Bear Chat with

Megan Herbert

the bench. I’m sure the team is good, but not that good. We need to protect our home court. These next few games are vital to us. Every game is the first game,” Pouncy said. Pouncy missed most of his two seasons at UCA because of a foot-injury that kept him from playing for the majority of both seasons. The team has 11 more conference matches and they need to win six out of the seven home games to attend the Southland Conference Tournament. Senior guard Imad Qahwash said the team has been focusing on shooting drills and executing games. The team has been working on end of game situations in order to take advantage of the court whenever possible in tight situations. If the team pulls through it will be their first home conference win.

Sophomore forward Megan Herbert made a splash on the UCA athletics scene last year. Not only was she named Southland Conference Freshman of the Year and first-team All-Conference, she had an unbelievable 23consecutive streak of doubledoubles. Herbert led the nation last season in both total and offensive rebounds. So far this season, she has a .557 percent shooting percentage and a .818 percent in free throws. She also has a total 205 rebounds. Herbert played high school basketball at Shiloh Christian and is from Rogers, Ark.

photo by Anthony Byrnes

Sugar Bears junior guard Destinee Rogers under pressure from Lamar Lady Cardinals defenders during their game on Saturday, Jan. 22 in the Farris Center. The Sugar Bears lost 60-56. The Sugar Bears lost to Lamar earlier in the season.

Lady Cardinals beat Sugar Bears 60-56 by Allison Hartman Assistant Sports Editor

The Sugar Bears basketball team lost to the Lamar University Cardinals 60-56 Saturday after holding the lead until the last minute of the game. The Cardinals (14-4, 3-1) scored the first points of the game after sophomore guard Kalis Loyd sank a two-pointer, but the Sugar Bears (11-7, 3-2) went on a 17-point scoring streak started by sophomore forward Megan Herbert, putting them ahead 17-2 early in the game. The Sugar Bears built a 20-5 lead in the first 10 minutes of the game, but the Cardinals began to slowly cut into the lead throughout the rest of the game before outscoring the Sugar Bears in the last minute, giving them their second win over the Sugar Bears this season. The Sugar Bears maintained a comfortable lead for the majority of the first half, but the Cardinals were able to pull within eight with just under 2:00 left in the half when senior forward Trashanna Smith made both free throws after being fouled, making the score 26-28. The Sugar Bears tried to add cushion to their lead in the last two minutes of the half when freshman center Courtney Duever made a basket, followed by a Cardinals

turnover that resulted in a layup from junior guard Nakeia Guiden that put the Sugar Bears up 30-18, but the Cardinals were able to score a two-pointer from Smith, followed by a basket from junior forward Monique Whittaker at the buzzer to make the score 3022 at the end of the first half. The Sugar Bears scored the first points of the second half off of a three-pointer from junior guard Destinee Rogers to put them up 33-22, but the Cardinals went on an eightpoint scoring streak highlighted by a threepointer from senior guard Jenna Plumley, pulling the Cardinals within three. The Cardinals were able to cut the Sugar Bears lead to one after a basket from Smith, but the Sugar Bears were able to hold them off and pull ahead by eight points with 8:30 remaining after sophomore forward Westin Taylor hit a three-pointer. The Cardinals tied the game for the first time after Plumpley hit another three-pointer, tying the score at 54. They took the lead for the first time since their 2-0 when Plumpley hit a two-pointer, giving the Cardinals a 56-54 lead. With less than 1:00 remaining, Duever was fouled and missed the free throw and the Sugar Bears got the rebound, but they turned the ball over and fouled Whittaker who made both of her free throws, putting the Cardinals up by four.

The Sugar Bears cut the lead to two with less than 30 seconds left, but they couldn’t regain the lead in the last moments of the game and the Cardinals clenched the win when Plumpley made two free throws, making the final score 60-56. Herbert led all players with 21 points and 18 rebounds in the game. Duever scored 14 points and got six rebounds for the Sugar Bears, and went six-of-six from the floor. Plumley and Whittacker scored 16 points a piece for the Cardinals, followed by Smith with 14 and 13 rebounds. Sophomore guard Micah Rice said the Cardinals changed their game plan coming into the second half to a more zone style of play. “I guess we just didn’t adjust well. We need to work on that and learn how to get moving and get more aggressive when they are zoning up instead of playing man-to-man,” Rice said. Coach Matt Daniel said the Sugar Bears didn’t get to the free throw line enough and missed shots late in the game, but the defense did a good job holding the Cardinals to 60 points. “Our defense held Lamar to 60 points and that’s a good effort. We didn’t get to the free throw line nearly as much as we typically do, and I think that contributed. We tried to be aggressive but missed some shots late that could have helped us along,” Daniel said.

-PREVIEW-

Track and field preparing, hopeful for 2011 season by Ben Keller Sports Editor

The Bears men’s and women’s track and field team has already gotten its season underway, and coach Richard Martin said these first meets are going to be a good way to get the teams back in shape and ready for the rest of the season. Martin said everyone on the team had a preplanned running schedule they worked on over the break, and now that they are back on campus they have been practicing together. Freshman Shannon Donahue said the distance runners have been working on continually increasing their mileage and have been doing speed workouts to make sure they are running at their best. “We have been doing three speed workouts a week and have just been trying to get faster and stronger,” she said. “Our distance girls have just been working on keeping their mileage up and running more and more.” The team has already competed in two meets, one on Dec. 3-4 at the ASU Kickoff Klassic and this past weekend the Bears competed in the ASU Invitational in Jonesboro, Ark. Martin said the weather so far has not affected the teams’ practices, but if winter weather or rain comes in it will shut down their practices until it clears. “As long as it isn’t raining and we can run we will be out at the track running. I don’t care how cold it gets,” he said. Donahue said she and the other team

When did you first start playing basketball? I started playing when I was in first grade and I have been playing ever since. At first I didn’t want to play but my mom made me and now I love it.

Are there any other sports you like to play or watch? I don’t play any other sports but I like to watch football, baseball, basketball and pretty much any sport. I just love watching sports.

members have to come up with creative ways of cross-training in order to get around bad weather. “We are out there in the cold, but today [Jan. 20] we are just going to be having practice on our won,” she said. “Some people will be doing cross-training or swimming and some of the runners are going to the Pepsi Center to get some running in.” Martin said he is hoping to see continued improvement from the teams compared to last year and he believes they will continue to get better as the season goes on. The Bears are now full-fledged members of the NCAA as a division 1 school and Martin says this will help the team in the future with recruiting and pushing members to strive for reaching qualifying times and distances to compete in the NCAA tournament. “Having the restrictions lifted from us this season not only means we can go to the NCAA tournament but it will really help us as we start recruiting,” he said. Martin said he believes two track and field members have good chances of competing in the NCAA tournament, but more could step up as the season progresses. Martin said senior Donovan Loring has the ability to qualify for the NCAA tournament in the triple jump event as well as junior Jaron Criswell in the long jump. Martin said he believes the teams’ best events will vary between the men’s and women’s teams, but he believes the best for both teams will be the distance running event. He said he contributes that to the many cross country runners who also compete for the track and field teams in distance events.

Donahue said the transition from cross country to track and field is not a big change for her. She said the main difference is that she and the other distance runners now do a lot more speed workouts compared to the number they did in cross country. Martin said the other events the teams should excel in are the pole vault and sprints for the women’s team and the men’s team should do well in triple jump, 400-meter dash, javelin throw and pole vault. He also said the men’s four by one relay and the women’s four by four relay should see a major improvement from previous years. This year will mark the second year in a row that UCA will host the UCA Invitational at its own complex, the Bill Stephens Soccer/ Track and Field Complex. Martin said he is looking forward to getting to host an invitational on the Bears home field. Donahue said she is excited to get the chance to run on her home track not only because she thinks it will give them an advantage, but also because she wants all the UCA fans, family and friends to have the opportunity to come to a meet and see how hard the teams have been working. “I am really excited about that meet actually. People that I know on campus ask where we have our meets because they want to watch the teams compete,” she said. “We just want people to see how hard we have been working to represent UCA.” The UCA Invitational will be held on April 2 and the Bears next competition will be on Feb. 4-5 during the Southern Illinois McDonald’s Invitational in Carbondale, Ill.

What is your favorite thing about UCA and being a Sugar Bear?

What has been your most memorable moment as a Sugar Bear?

I absolutely love it. It isn’t a big university but it isn’t small either. It’s right in between. I love being here and I love my teammates. The girls are awesome and are so much fun to be around. I love our coaching staff and Coach Daniel and it is just a fun place to be around. We have our fun, we relax, we play and we win. I think that is the biggest thing and we put a lot of effort in to what we do. It’s just like a family here and that is what I really like about us.

When we played Tulsa here at home and beat them. That was by far the most fun game I have ever played in. I cannot even describe how great that game felt. We all wanted to win that game so bad. We were down by so much at halftime but then we gave it our all and came back and won. It was just a great game.

What are your plans after you graduate?

I’m not sure if I want to continue playing basketball or not after I graduate. I think by that time I may want to go out and get an internship, get a job and start my own life. I think I’ll just want to look back on everything I did here at college and think about how much fun I had.

What is your major? My major is nutrition.

Do you have a favorite basketball team? No, not really.

8 / January 26, 2010

SPORTS

ucaecho.net

-SPRING-

-PREVIEW-

Tennis team, new members prepare for season Marisa Hicks

Siegfried from Germany have proven themselves to be great additions to the team, Miller said. Siegfried is an excellent doubles player, and Horsikyan’s strong point is singles, she said. The team has five home games this season and will have 11 conference meets. “We do not really have any clear cut rivals. Northwestern and Lamar have been two very tough teams in the past,” Miller said. The team is scheduled to play against Northwestern State on Feb. 13 and Lamar on April 17. Both are away games. “I don’t really know much about the other teams right now, but I am confident that we will be a great team this season. We will fight hard. We have to play our best at all matches,” senior Lisa Mainz said. Due to past injuries, practicing became difficult, Miller said. Now that the team is back on their feet they have been training to become more aggressive, and the Sugar Bears have been working on flexibility and agility, Mainz said. “With our first match next Friday we have been trying to stay fit and healthy. I haven’t been allowed to practice; I’ve just been watching the team. They’ve been

Assistant News Editor The Sugar Bears tennis team is preparing for the upcoming season to begin, introducing two new players this season. Last semester the Sugar Bears were plagued by a shortage of members with two injured and unable to play, but now the team has recruited two new members and everyone is able to play. Their first match is Friday in Dallas, Texas against Texas A&M Corpus Christi. “Our first match is on the 29th of this month, so we have been training every day, Monday through Friday. We have been working on doubles this week,” Coach Rebecca Miller said. Last summer junior Allison Hartman underwent hip surgery and senior Kati Andersen had knee surgery, but both have been released by the doctor to begin playing again. “Six girls is not enough to compete with two injured,” Andersen said. Now that the team has recruited two members and everyone is healthy, they have some wiggle room if someone gets injured, she said. Freshmen Simona Horsikyan from Bulgaria and Maribelle

getting really strong and now that me and Allison have been released the team can only grow better,” Andersen said. Every player has been working on singles and doubles, Andersen said. This is the last season for many of the women of UCA’s tennis team. Three of the players are seniors and will be graduating, and the coach recently got engaged and will be moving to Texas. Miller said that it is important for the team to be close. “Being more closely bonded with my team is a 100 percent positive thing. When a team is close to each other, they can help carry each other when one is struggling and hold each other accountable in practice and matches,” Miller said. Miller said with more girls on the team and everyone fit, it is expected that the team will perform better at the match on Jan. 31 against Arkansas State than at the ASU Tournament. “The team would like for students to come out and support them whenever they can,” Andersen said. “I am excited for the season to get underway,” Miller said. “The girls have really been working hard.”

- B A S K E T B A L L-

Bears hope to have succesful end to 2010-2011 season Anthony Byrnes Staff Writer

The UCA men’s basketball team has a losing record in its 2010-2011 season, but Coach Corliss Williamson said he has not given up on this team’s ability to come back. Out of their 13 losses, seven have been by 10 points or fewer, and Williamson said the team is hopeful that with 12 games left on its schedule, a Southland Conference Championship is still within reach. “We lost by a small margin most games to almost every team,” senior guard Imad Qahwash said. “But I feel we have gotten better because of our tough non-conference schedule which has helped put us in a position to win conference games.” While the Bears did have close games against tough non-conference teams like the Southern Methodist University Mustangs and the Oklahoma University Sooners, the Bears have

been struggling to keep up with their Southland Conference rivals. The Bears are looking for things to turn around for their last few games of the season, all while keeping the dream of a Southland Conference championship in the forefront, Qahwash said. “I feel like the team has really gotten better as a whole,” junior guard Dewan Clayborn said. “Some good things that have taken place are that we are getting better with our defense and our offensive ability on the court … one thing I think we could improve on though is our ability to finish out close games.” Many of the players said they do not feel that the winloss record thus far has shown just how truly talented this team really is. While the Bears are working diligently on becoming a more solid and consistent team, they are keeping their focus on the possibility of entering the conference championship tournament, senior forward Tadre Sheppard said. Clayborn said one of the

prominent and immediate goals that the team has for accomplishing this is that they want to play hard and smart for the entire 40 minutes of the game, rather than just in spurts. “I would like to see some improvement on our defense and finishing games, and also on taking better shots and trusting each other more as a team,” Sheppard said. Although the Bears have a lot to work out for the remainder of the season, Clayborn said he feels that Williamson believes in their ability as a team to overcome past mistakes and turn the season around. “Coach Williamson doesn’t only help us grow as athletes, but he helps us grow as men,” Clayborn said. He said he believes Williamson knows they have plenty of time to make this season a success. The Bears are working hard on and off the court in order to ensure that they accomplish the goals that they have set before them, Clayborn said.

Bears Brief • The Bears basketball team lost to the Nicholls State Colonels (8-7, 2-2) 70-51 on Jan. 19 in Thibodaux, La. to make them 0-4 in conference play. Colonels’ senior forward Anatoly Bose leads the Southland Conference in scoring with 22.9 points per game, but the Bears held him to 18 points in the game. The Bears shot 38.6 percent from the field in the first half but only 3 of 8 from the line. The Bears turned the ball over 12 times in the game and only forced five. Senior guard Imad Qahwash led the Bears in scoring 12 points, followed by senior forward Tadre Sheppard with 11 points and eight rebounds. • The Bears basketball team lost to the Lamar University Cardinals (9-9, 3-1) 107-72 Saturday in Beaumont, Texas. The Cardinals led the Bears by just two points at half time but pulled ahead quickly, giving them their second win over the Bears this season. The loss gives the Bears a 0-5 record in Southland Conference play and a 4-14 record overall. Senior guard Mike Pouncy had a career high of 16 points to lead the team in points and had four rebounds and four assists. Freshman guard Ryan Williams scored 15 points for the Bears followed by senior forward Tadre Sheppard with 13. The Bears return to the Farris Center tonight at 7 against the Southeastern Lousisiana Lions. They will host the McNeese State Cowboys on Saturday at 4:30 in the Farris Center. • The men and women’s track and field teams combined to break seven school records and had 14 qualifiers for the Southland Conference Championship in Jonesboro, Ark. on Sunday. For the men’s team, Sophomore Daniel Reese placed second and broke his own record in the pole vault at 4.66 meters. Senior Donavan Loring qualified and won the triple jump with a mark of 14.63 meters. Juniors Bobby Washington and

James Anderson took second and third place and qualified. Junior Jarson Criswell qualified in the long jump and senior Logan Dockery qualified in the 5,000 meters. For the women, sophomore Courtney Efurd qualified in the 800 meters and the mile. Freshman Kayla Nehus also qualified in the mile. Sophomore Elizabeth Craig broke the school record in the 5,000 meters and qualified with a time of 19:45:33. Sophomore Tasha Bryles broke a school record and qualified in the shot put while sophomore Mackenzie Johnson qualified and broke a school record in the weight throw. Sophomore April Martin and freshman Anilah Bashir qualified in the triple jump and sophmore Jessica Potter qualified in the high jump. Freshman Tanesha Maxwell set two school records in 55 meters and 200 meter dash and sophomore Jasmine Ellis broke the school record in the 55 meter hurdles. The track team will compete in the SIU McDonald’s Invitations in Carbondale, Ill. Feb. 4-5. • UCA’s 375 student-athletes combined to earn a 2.85 during the fall semester, giving them a cumulative GPA of 2.92. Fourteen out of 15 teams made higher than a 2.6 with five teams making above a 3.0. during the fall semester. Eight teams are cumulatively above a 3.0 and the other seven are above a 2.5. The female student-athletes combine for a cumulative GPA of 3.12 and the male studentathletes have a cumulative GPA of 2.79. 66 student athletes made above a 3.0 and GPA and 11 had a 4.0. The volleyball team had the highest GPA of any team in the fall wih a 3.35. The tennis team, which made a 3.3 for the fall semester, holds the highest cumulative GPA with a 3.43.

photo by Anthony Byrnes

The Sugar Bears team and coaching staff watch from the bench during their game against the Lamar University Lady Cardinals. The Sugar Bears lost 60-56.

Sugar Bears look to win way into championship Anthony Byrnes Staff Writer

With a record of 11-7 and 11 games left on their schedule, the Sugar Bears basketball team is continuing to fight for a chance to win the Southland Championship. They are going to have to bring their best to the court for the remainder of the season, however, to achieve this dream, assistant coach Caronica Randle said. “We have had a lot of struggles and changes from the beginning to where we are now,” sophomore forward Megan Herbert said, “but we are finally getting it together and being a team and it shows on the court because we are winning.” The Sugar Bears this season are on average losing by nine points per game. The Sugar Bears

were on a three-game winning streak until losing to Lamar 60-56 Saturday. The Sugar Bears are taking all the right measures on and off the court to ensure a shot at becoming the conference champions, Randle said. “I would like to see us and feel like we should be competing for the conference championship ... we talk about it all the time and if we execute and play together we will be there. We are continuing to work hard and strive for that championship every day,” Herbert said. Assistant coach Caronica Randle said the girls are playing with a lot of heart and they are great women and students both on and off the court. “One thing I can say ... they do play together, they love each other just like brothers and sisters would in a normal relationship,” Randle said. “We are hoping to

bring history to UCA by winning a first ever division one conference championship.” Randle said the Sugars Bears have all the right tools to make them the first ever division one champions. She said they have drive, talent and ambition—all skills that could potentially help propel them into the Southland Conference tournament. “If they could just harness those tools to their advantage, play with consistency and drive and apply what they are learning in practice on the court, they have nothing holding them back from all the goals they have laid out to accomplish,” Randle said. The Sugar Bears’ next home game is Saturday Jan. 29 at 2 p.m. and the coaching staff, along with the players, is encouraging everyone to come out and support their Sugar Bears as they fight for a chance to be conference champions.

-HOOPS-

Sugar Bears outshoot, defeat Lady Colonels 91-56 at Farris by Ben Keller Sports Editor

The Sugar Bears basketball team improved its record to 3-1 in the Southland Conference after soundly defeating the Nicholls State Lady Colonels 9156 on Jan. 19 in Conway at the Farris Center. The Sugar Bears dominated throughout the game and never allowed the Lady Colonels to lead them. The Sugar Bears offensive performance kept the Lady Colonels down. The Sugar Bears started the game off by quickly getting the lead. Rice sank her first three point shot in the opening seconds of play and put the Sugar Bears on the board first. The Lady Colonels struggled with keeping possession of the ball and a botched pass lead to the Sugar Bears possession again. The Lady Colonels started putting pressure on the Sugar Bears early in the game and continued with that strategy throughout the game, but they could not contain the Sugar Bears and keep up with their pace. Junior guard Nakeia Guiden hit a layup to add to the Sugar Bears score making it 5-0. The Lady Colonels scored their first points of the game with 18:26 left in the first period off of a jump shot by sophomore forward Alisha Allen making the score 5-2. Throughout the first period, the Sugar Bears continued to steadily add to their lead and constantly stopped the Lady Colonels in their tracks every time they attempted to score. Halfway through the first period, the Sugar Bears had lengthened their lead to a 24 point margin with a score of 32-8. The Sugar Bears made three back-to-back points to give them a 30 point lead. The shots were made by sophomore forward Desiree Rogers and sophomore forward Megan Herbert. The Sugar Bears continued putting up a tough defense that the Lady Colonels could not get around and forced several turnovers that lead to points. The Sugar Bears went into half time with a 34 point lead of 50-16. During the second period, the Lady Colonels started to show signs of life, but it was not enough to overcome the Sugar Bears demanding lead and their rapid fire offensive that carried over from the first period. The first points of the second period did not come until 18:26 when

photo by Lukas Deem

Junior guard Nakeia Guiden protects the ball from a Nicholls State Lady Colonels defender Jan. 19. The Sugar Bears won 9156. The Sugar Bears face the Lady Colonels again Feb. 23 in La. Allen hit a jump shot to start the Lady Colonels off. The Sugar Bears got a chance to rebuttal with a made free throw shot from junior guard Marci Moffitt after she was fouled by Lady Colonels senior forward Cassie Hearon. The Sugar Bears and Lady Colonels continued scoring back and forth until the Colonels slowly started gaining ground and shrinking the margin in the score. Lady Colonel’s senior guard Rischanda Bickham scored the three point basket that brought the Lady Colonels the closest to the Sugar Bears score. Her basket brought the Lady Colonels within 23 points of the Sugar Bears with a score of 64-41. The Sugar Bears ended the game strong with two free throw shots made by junior guard Jelessa Williams in the final 30 seconds of the game making the final score 91-56. Coach Matt Daniel said that he was pleased with the way his team performed and that it was a great offensive effort. “The first half was probably

one of the best basketball games I have ever seen on any level,” he said. “Second half was not that way but that is hard to do.” Daniel said the team’s offense was a huge factor in the game and the number of assists was a great thing to see. “It has been a long time since I have seen a team have 30 assists in a game,” he said. Herbert said the team did a great job on both sides of the ball and everyone clicked and played well together. “We just had fun,” she said. “We all just played together and that showed in all the assists we had. We had a lot of chemistry going on and we didn’t care who was scoring.” Herbert said it was a huge help to the team’s offense by playing well defensively. “When we come out and play well defensively we are going to have a good offense too,” she said. The Sugar Bears next game is tonight against the Southeastern Louisiana Lady Lions at 7 in Hammond, La.