February 2, 2011 by The Echo

w w w. UCAE cho .n e t Single Copy Paid For by Student Publication Fee

Volume 105 — Issue 2

February 2, 2011 Wednesday

4 TODAY

Partly Cloudy/Wind

32/21

4T H U R S D AY

Opinion: Voice: All students, regardless of race, should take advantage of Black HIstory events

4 page 3

Mostly Sunny

34/22

4F R I D AY

Partly Cloudy

44/27

Around Campus: SPJ@UCA The Society of Professional Journalists will meet in Stanley Russ room 108 during x-period Feb. 3. The meeting will feature guest speaker Sonny Albarado, the projects editor at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

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

Yearbook Photos Scroll yearbook portraits will be 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 7-8 in Christian Cafeteria and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. in the Scroll office, Bernard Hall room 008. Students, faculty and staff can take pictures alone or in groups.

Spike Lee 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. Miss Arkansas Alyse Eady will perform as a special guest.

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. Contact the RPH box office for ticket information.

Alumni Association Scholarship UCA Alumni Association Scholarship Applications are available for 2011-12 for incoming and current UCA students. Brochures can be found at uca.edu/go/ alumnischolarships, the Student Center information desk or Buffalo Alumni Hall. The deadline to turn them in is March 11.

Foundation Scholarship UCA Foundation Scholarship Applications are available for 2011-12 for incoming and current UCA students. Brochures can be found at uca.edu/go/ foundationscholarships, the Student Center information desk or Buffalo Alumni Hall. Deadline to turn them in is March 11, 2011l

Sports:

Campus Life:

Basketball: Bears get first conference win over Lions 62-59

Black History: Lee, Miss Essence Pagaent highlight months 4 page 4 events

4 page 8

Ethics commission dismisses complaint against Meadors by Preston Tolliver Associate Editor

An ethics complaint against UCA President Allen Meadors in regards to the UCAPD transporting his wife and parents to sanctioned UCA events was dismissed last week after an investigation by the Arkansas Ethics Commission concluded that the rides given to Meadors’ family did not warrant a formal complaint. The complaint was made by Greenbriar resident Carole Lonsway after articles about the free transportation were run in

the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Meadors was sent a letter notifying him of the complaint on Oct. 18. According to a letter that Graham Sloan, director of the Ethics Commission, sent Meadors on Jan. 21 notifying him that the complaint had been dismissed, the commission searched through all documents regarding donated transportation in 2009 and 2010. The letter addresses that Meadors’ wife and parents were given a ride from their UCA residences to a football game at Estes Stadium in 2009 and another in 2010. It also said that Meadors’ wife was given a ride

- SAFETY -

Alleged sexual assault case sent to prosecuting attorney by Mary DeLoney News Editor

The UCA Police Department has turned over their findings to the Office of the 20th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney in the alleged on-campus rape at the Sigma Phi Epsilon house. According to the report, an 18-year-old female student reported to police that a 21-year-old student at a party at the SPE house had sexually assaulted her Jan. 23. UCA Police have made no arrests in the case. “It’s an ongoing investigation and there is no expectation of when a decision is to be made,” Prosecuting Attorney Cody Hiland said. No details will be released until the prosecutor makes a decision. “At this point in the case the details of the incident are redacted from the report. We have concluded our investigation and handed it over to the prosecutor’s office. In accordance with standard law enforcement practices, details are withheld so as not to compromise the investigation. Details of the investigation will not be released until

Baker speaks on proposed amendment Assistant News Editor

Jeff Pitchford of Government Relations invited Sen.Gilbert Baker to speak in the conference room of Wingo Hall at 2 p.m. Jan. 28. Pitchford said that he would like a senator to speak every Friday and that representative Linda Tyler would be at UCA to speak in two weeks. Former Arkansas Gov. Ben Laney is able to appropriate the amount of money each session. He decides which departments can spend what at UCA through the Revenue Stabilization Amendment. This amendment has been in the process of being amended since 1947. When amended, this amendment will appropriate funds, Baker said. He said that when revenues dip the legislature goes through revenue stabilization and the legislature makes cuts. According to the forecast, $125 million will flow over for the next fiscal year. The current fiscal year ends June 30. The governor decides how this money is spent; $7 million of this carried over money will be spent towards higher education, which is a one percent increase. Baker said that he is trying to convince others in the legislature to allow all of the money to be put toward higher education, but he is just one of 155 members. The question at hand is how much money is actually leftover after tax cuts have been made to be used toward education, Baker said. If Amendment 33 is modified, it will allow the legislature to have more control over independent agencies. The legislature will have more input on tuition fees. Baker said that if this modification were

4 Opinion 4 Campus Life 4 Entertainment 4 Sports

put on the ballot, it would probably pass, but it has to go through both chambers. “Does it have a good chance, no,” Baker said, “but a chance, yes.” Baker said that he would like to adjust the funding formula so that UCA is funded at least 75 percent of its costs. It is hard to get money for higher education, because most change is done over a period and either changes are made or they are forgotten about, he said. Baker said he supports annual sessions because he does not believe that a revenue projection can accurately determine what can happen in 2013. He then proceeded to talk about the lottery scholarship. The legislature gets a report every year so that it can come up with an amount for the next two to four years. Sophomores right now, he said, have been committed by legislature to receive either $2,500 or $5,000. More decisions must be made in order to keep this from changing. The university has to turn students down for scholarships because they are not able to award all distinguished students. There are too many students making a 32 or higher on their ACT’s, he said. Baker said that challenges to receive the lottery scholarship should be reinstated because as it stands now the scholarship is too accessible and is being awarded to more than it can fund. “When it comes down to general improvements,” Pitchford said, “Baker gives it all to UCA.” Baker said that the chancellors meet every Monday to go over bills and files. “We in higher education get our process and strategy together as the [legislation] session builds up. We decide what bills we are for and against,” he said.

Next Issue:

Index 3 4

7 8

UCA President to obtain special privileges for your spouse or parents,” the letter said. Meadors said he felt the articles run by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette were distasteful and unprofessional. “[Reporter Debra Hale-Shelton] just thought that because they were my parents, they shouldn’t be treated like invited guests.” Meadors said Hale-Shelton encouraged Lonsway to make the formal complaint to the Ethics Commission.

See Ethics - page 2

TURNING CARTWHEELS

the prosecutor has made a decision in this case,” UCAPD Director of Organizational and Community Service Arch Jones said. SPE claims to be working with local authorities. “The Sigma Phi Epsilon Chapter at the University of Central Arkansas acted quickly and appropriately in response to a recent incident at its chapter house. Chapter members are fully cooperating with local authorities as they investigate allegations. The Arkansas Zeta chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon is a well-respected member of the Greek community with a history of positive engagement on campus. The chapter will take every measure to ensure that it continues its strong partnership with the university,” President of Alumni and Volunteer Corporation of Arkansas Zeta Bart Shaw said. Jones wants to ensure students that UCA is safe. “Statistics show that UCA is a safe campus. Students, faculty and staff may view crime statistics and crime prevention information in the 2010 Cleary Annual Security and Fire Safety Report which resides on our website, ucapd.com,” Jones said.

- L E G I S L AT I O N -

by Marisa Hicks

to attend a graduation ceremony at Farris Center in 2009. Among these, it also states that that Meadors and his family were taken to on-campus events in which his family were considered invited guests. “The evidence reflected that UCA has a longstanding policy or practice of providing on-campus transportation to invited guests (and reserved parking to those arriving from off campus) which predates your admnistration. Accordingly, the Commission determined that probable cause did not exist for finding that you violated [the code] by using your position as

International Programs holds town hall meeting in Business Building

Photo by Marisa Hicks

Freshman Natara Robertson turned cartwheels in front of Carmichael Hall on her way back from Christian Cafeteria on Jan. 31.

- CRIME -

Former student steals money from SGA offices, caught breaking in by SGA officers by Mary DeLoney News Editor

Through a series of break-ins to the Student Government Association offices, former student Gregory Gordon stole the forms needed and forged authorized signatures to obtain reimbursement checks from accounts payable, totaling $15,883.91. University Auditors and Accounts Payable provided police with a list of 11 checks that had been requested by Gordon. He cashed nine checks. Only one of those checks dated for June 8, in the amount of $1,734, was authorized. One check dated for June 15, in the amount of $1,689.30, was requested but had not been picked up and was voided. Gordon started receiving these checks Sept. 25, 2009. “We caught him by luck, really,” SGA Vice President of Finance Kyle Boyd said. In June 2010,while SGA officers were transitioning from old officers to new officers, former VPF Chad Dickinson caught Gordon in the SGA offices and chased him outside along with Boyd, former student Kane Moix and former UCA employee Lindsay Grifford. “I thought he was stealing my personal belongings,” Boyd said. “It wasn’t until later we realized what he was actually doing.” At 2:35 p.m. on June 15, police received a phone call from Wingo Hall saying Gordon had just walked out of the building. Police followed Gordon in his vehicle. Gordon pulled over on Baridon

Street and ran from police. Police chased Gordon through several backyards and told him to freeze. Gordon did not comply with police and was taken into custody. On June 17, an officer searched Gordon’s car and found a file folder labeled “Fall 2010-Spring 2011 Reserve” that contained several UCA disbursement documents. One of the documents had a piece of another disbursement form containing original signatures that was taped on the front of a copy. Police received Gordon’s bank records and were able to verify that he cashed the checks and deposited the funds into his personal account. Since the incidents, the SGA offices have gotten better locks and a security camera. “We’re better for it. We’ve learned a lot from it and it will be a whole lot harder to do it again,” Boyd said. Prosecuting Attorney Cody Hiland confirmed Gordon’s court date for 9 a.m. May 4. He is being charged with a misdemeanor of fleeing and felonies of commercial burglary, theft greater than $2,500 from a building and forgery. “The university is seeking reparations. We’re hoping to get all of they money back along with pressing charges,” Boyd said. According to Docket Report results, on June 30, 2009 Gordon pleaded not guilty to a residential burglary felony. He received a year of probation, 100 hours of community service and had to pay several fines.

Foreign Languages

Learning new language teaches student value of culture 4 page 3

2 / February 2, 2011

NEWS

- GOVERNMENT -

Police Beat

SGA approves Think BIG! proposals

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

Nonstudent strips on run, banned from campus The UCAPD received a call from the Conway Police Department informing UCAPD that a girl was stripping off her clothes in the parking lot south of Wingo Hall at 2:18 a.m. Jan. 30. When UCAPD arrived at the location at the intersection of Robins and Donaghey, they noticed female Jessyca Thurman gathering and throwing things from a taxi cab. Thurman noticed the officers and began to run. The officers chased Thurman across the parking lot and caught up with her after running through most of the parking lot. She was wearing only her bra, a coat and jeans because she had thrown off everything else on the run. Thurman reeked of alcohol and began crying and acting hysterical and would not walk when the officers tried to escort her to the car. The cab driver voluntarily wrote a statement about what had happened and stated that Thurman started screaming and thrashing her arms around in his car. She then preceded to start kicking her feet at the steering wheel and the windshield causing the driver to veer off the road. She was charged with public intoxication, disorderly conduct and criminal mischief and her bond was set at $1,450.

Student found under the influence, vehicle towed A car belonging to student Alex Peret was seen traveling south on Farris Road at 1 a.m. Jan. 30 at an unsafe distance of 10 feet behind another car traveling south. When the other vehicle turned, Peret continued to accelerate, reaching 50 miles per hour in the 30 mile per hour zone. UCA Police stopped Peret at the Centennial Bank parking lot by the intersection of Dave Ward Drive and Farris Road. As the officer made contact with Peret’s car he could smell alcohol. Peret admitted to having a few

beers and was asked to perform field sobriety tests. He was administered the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus, the Walk and Turn and the One Leg Stand tests and was determined to be under the influenced and arrested. A glass pipe was found in the driver’s side door cavity that smelled strongly of marijuana. Peret’s vehicle was towed and he was transported to the UCA Police Department to be administered the breath test. He blew a 0.09 and was issued a citation for DWI, possession of drug paraphernalia, following too close and speeding.

Pike House party shut down While working a registered event at the Kappa Sigma House, a UCA officer overheard students saying that they were headed to a party at the Pike House Jan. 28. There was no registered event at the Pike House for that night. When the officer arrived at the Pike House, students were seen from the windows drinking alcohol. Most of the students ran to the back when the officer knocked on the door. A blonde male answered the door and told the officer that they were having their pledges that night and that he was the vice president. The officer said that the contact the two of them were having was their warning because he could smell the alcohol. The officer has said that rumors were heard at the Kappa Sigma House and that they would be written up; the president of the Pike House was present during the conversation. Around back, students were drinking and listening to the music coming from the meeting hall. Two males were seen throwing their beer bottles into the bushes and running inside to the meeting room. There were about 75 people in the meeting room and about the same amount outside. The president of the fraternity complied when the officer told him to shut down the party and get everyone out. The president and another member stood outside to keep people from coming in while the officer ordered everyone out of the building.

Ethics:

Meadors said he never asked UCAPD to provide transportation 4 Continued

from page 1

Hale-Shelton denied encouraging Lonsway to do so, saying: “It is untrue. I report the facts and they lead wherever they lead. I write stories and she read and decided she wanted to file it.” Meadors said that he never asked UCAPD to provide transportation to his parents, who live in a UCA-funded home behind his. He said that

ucaecho.net

UCAPD, and other departments, depending on the event, look at a list of invited guests and pick them up accordingly. UCAPD Public Information Officer Arch Jones agreed, saying that UCAPD officers have been known to give ride to guests and visitors. “UCAPD officers, on occasion and for a number of different

reasons, provide rides and or escorts to members of the UCA community or to visitors of the campus,” Jones said. “On no occasion has such a ride and or escort interfered with an officer’s responsibility to ensure the safety of the campus.” Meadors said the complaint was actually dropped shortly after it was made, but is glad that the proper procedure was taken in resolving the matter. He also said his parents will no longer accept rides from UCA. “They were so hurt that they won’t take rides anymore,” he said. “[Hale-Shelton] thought it was OK to poke at them like that.”

by Marisa Hicks Assistant News Editor

The Student Government Association voted Monday night on project proposals for the Think BIG! program. At the end of the meeting, SGA voted with a majority vote of 36-0 to allocate no more than $4,000 towards the Bear Trail Disk Golf trail, $11, 635 for restorations to Ida Waldran and no more that $50,000 to be allocated towards the amphitheater of the Think BIG! Project. SGA will not fund the amphitheater until all the other funds of the $103,000 are proven to be matched. President Meghan Thompson reported that an update meeting on commencement had been set for Tuesday Feb. 1 in Wingo Hall 210 at 7:30 p.m. She collected representatives from Liberal Arts, College of Business, College of Education, Health and Behavioral Sciences and graduate seniors to debate with President Meadors. Thompson also mentioned that she is planning a meeting for Feb. with Executive Assistant to the President Tom Courtway to talk about issuing another Constitution Day for next semester. Constitution Day would include debates about the First Amendment’s Rights and determine the rights to religion on campus.

Vice President of Operations Kyle Moix provided the senate with updates on Operation Safewalk. Improvements that needed to be made were divided into two categories: items already on campus in need of improvements and suggestions. There were 95 items identified for repairs that are expected to be completed by June 11. Tomorrow, half of these repairs will already have been completed. The suggestions received were divided into four categories based on priority, in which 54 percent will be completed by June 30. The freshman class reported that they are still working on the movie channel and are hoping to get a Netflix network started for UCA. Also, the freshmen class is working with the physical plant to get the sidewalk by Estes Stadium paved. The sophomore class reported that they are working with Larry Lawrence from the physical plant next Wednesday to make decisions on the mural for the Public Art Project. The junior class reported that they are researching the pros and cons for the UCA Police Department of a parking ticket notification update. Primary Senator at Large Ty Bittle spoke for the other senators at large and said that he spoke to the physical plant to determine what their master route was to determine where money was being wasted; however, the

physical plant does not have a master route for the shuttle buses, Bittle said. There are 600 international students who would like to take a shuttle bus to Little Rock to go to the Park Plaza Mall. The buses only hold 35 students. At the Town Hall meeting tomorrow at 6 p.m. they will discuss getting more funding for these buses. Graduate senators reported that they will be speaking with Associate Dean of the Student Center Hank Phelps to rent out the Student Center for a graduation fair set for April. The graduate senators would like for a representative from each department to attend and speak to the seniors. The committee reported that the president is getting antsy about hearing more on the Public Art Project. SGA voted in a majority vote of 30-7 to increase Writing and Academic Research fees of $2.50 to a total of $5.00. Junior class representative T.J. Beringer said that the funds would not increase per credit hour. Graduate students would only have to pay $2.50 to supplement the Writing Center. Director of the University Julia Winden Fey said that in the fall semester 14,741 visits were made to the Academic Success Center. Also, they voted with a majority vote of 20-18 to extend the deadline for the vacancy for a junior class representative to Mon. Feb. 7 at 2 p.m.

- L AW -

UCAPD works to enforce pedestrian safety by Marisa Hicks Assistant News Editor

As part of an ongoing effort to raise awareness of vehicle and pedestrian safety on campus, UCAPD is enforcing a state law to improve sidewalk safety. UCAPD would like to remind the campus community that it is prohibited to drive or park motor vehicles on the university’s sidewalks. All state laws and regulations pertaining to sidewalk safety will be enforced by UCAPD. Anyone who chooses to violate these laws will be subject to citation. Director of Organizational and Community Services Arch Jones said that the UCAPD wants to remind everyone to be safe and if issuing citations is what it takes the department will do so. “Last semester, the university introduced ‘Brakes for Bears’ to raise public awareness for safety in crosswalks. Pedestrians and drivers both must be aware of what’s going on which is along the same lines as pedestrians and vehicles on the sidewalk,” Jones said. He said that the UCAPD is trying to limit risks by banning vehicles from the sidewalks and

that sidewalks are for pedestrians and golf cart drivers need to be aware of that fact and careful for where they are going. Those who choose to ride bicycles or drive golf carts around campus need to use the campus roadways whenever possible, no matter how convenient the sidewalks may be, he said. Sidewalks on campus are there for pedestrians in order to allow the mobilization to and from classes less hectic. Bicycle and golf cart operators have been reminded that by Arkansas law and university regulation that if they are caught on campus sidewalks, they are subject to citation. If it becomes necessary to drive on campus sidewalks, operators of bicycles and golf cart drives must be informed and reminded that pedestrians always have the right-of-way. Major Glenn Stacks said that there is no Arkansas law prohibiting bicyclists from riding on the sidewalk. “It is not against the law to ride a bicycle on the sidewalks, but pedestrians do have the right-of-way,” Stacks said. If anyone, student or

faculty, is caught putting either passengers or pedestrians at risk, they will face receiving a citation, said Jones. “We want a safe campus here at UCA, and just as ‘Brakes for Bears’ raised awareness for the right of way in the crosswalk, we want to raise awareness that pedestrians on the sidewalks always have the right of way over a bicycle or a golf cart,” Jones said. He said that he drives a golf cart around campus himself, but he prefers to drive his cart between classes whenever necessary. UCAPD said that all members of the campus community are asked to voluntarily comply with these parking and traffic regulations in order to reduce the risk of injuries and accidents and to enhance the quality of life on campus. Jones said that students no longer have to worry about walking on the edge of sidewalks to and from classes in attempts to avoid on-coming and going golf carts, because now the operators are forced to use their vehicles on the campus’ roadways.

- A G R I C U LT U R E -

Professors, students work to preserve state, conserve plant species through seed swapping Simon Gable Staff Writer

Conserving Arkansas’ Agricultural Heritage (CAAH) is in the non-profit business of conserving endangered seeds native to Arkansas and dispersing them to willing growers around the state. According to CAAH’s website, arkansasargo.wordpress.com, “CAAH is a project dedicated to preserving agricultural folkways and knowledge.” CAAH preserves Arkansas tradition by saving seeds in a central seed bank, and then dispersing them at Seed Swaps. CAAH’s seed bank helps preserve genetic diversity and stocks seeds that are more weather and pest-tolerant, according to the website. CAAH founder and anthropology professor Brian Campbell said, “This year we (CAAH) will be co-sponsoring 10 Seed Swaps across the state, including the fourth annual Ozark Seed Swap at the Ozark Folk Center in Mountain View.” CAAH will also be cosponsoring the third annual Faulkner county Seed Swap in Conway, at the Faulkner County Library, Campbell said. The seed swaps held in

Russellville, Searcy, Jasper, El Dorado and Fayetteville will be in their second years and the swaps held in Little Rock, Hot Springs and Eureka Springs will be in their opening years, according to the website. “Ideally, in the future we would like to have a seed swap in every community in the state,” Campbell said. The Seed Swaps allow farmers and gardeners, or anyone interested in preserving Arkansas’ heritage, to come and trade native seeds. “While we encourage anyone to attend the seed swaps, the seeds we swap are more for small-scale domestic agriculture,” Campbell said. “It’s all about being self-sufficient and knowing exactly where your food comes from.” CAAH is interested in any heirloom (seeds that were grown from plants historically, but have not been used in large scale modern agriculture), open pollinated, or nonhybrid seeds that are native to Arkansas. We are interested in any seeds, whether they are medicinal, ornamental or used for food, Campbell said. Junior and CAAH project coordinator Kimberly Goodgion said, “All the seeds we receive at the swaps are sorted and filed in a

computer database.” Goodgion became interested in CAAH when she was exposed to the program in fall of 2009 during an intro to anthropology class with Campbell. She said, “I have always loved gardening and CAAH allows me to integrate that with my interest in anthropology.” As project coordinator, Goodgion files the seeds in the database and handles all things gardening. She is also expected to attend a few of the seed swaps. “I will be attending a couple of the swaps, but there will be at least one CAAH representative at each of the swaps,” Campbell said. Along with the seeds that are exchanged at the swaps, crucial knowledge is also dispersed. “The knowledge we receive about the cultivation and harvesting process of the seeds is invaluable. The right cultivation and harvesting process is crucial in ensuring the survival of these endangered species of plants,” Campbell said. “All that we ask here at CAAH, if you come and swap seeds with us, is that you return one-third of the seeds you harvest back to CAAH, eat one-third, and give one-third away,” Goodgion said.

Opinion

February 2, 2011

ucaechoeditor@gmail.com

The Voice

Events celebrate Black History, American past

The Echo Staff Student learns importance of culture w

Here in America, we grow up knowing only our teacher was showing us a French grammatical own culture. While everyone else in the world sees concept, and a student exclaimed, “Well that’s American culture on TV and the Internet, we get a stupid!” My professor’s response still affects me double dose. I can remember my personal ignorance today: “No, maybe it’s your language that is stupid! as a child dealing with culture and language. I No language is correct.” thought that all other countries were less advanced Our perspective has been shaped by our than us, that we were the best. I thought that English lives here in America; we see things through an was the best language and American canon. Changing if you didn’t speak it you your perspective physically were somehow inferior. In can be as easy as climbing my mind, only in America on top of a building or a could you find amazing mountain and looking down, human achievements or you can go farther with in technology and this idea and travel to another architecture, such as country. In both cases, not by Lukas Deem skyscrapers or fancy cars. only have we physically Staff Writer There seems to be a lack changed our perspective but of interest by Americans in we have changed our mental other cultures. In general, perspective on things as well. people don’t like change. This change of perspective We don’t like things different from what we are used can help us to understand another point of view and to. This is fine, but I think it causes the same closeaccept people of different cultures. minded ideas from my childhood, an “American Learning a language can challenge your linguistic Syndrome” if you will. I think my story is much more perspective and is also a good seed for changing common than we would admit. your cultural perspective. As you learn that another We have all seen the interview with Miss Teen language, which usually sounds like nonsense, South Carolina Lauren Upton at the 2007 Miss actually means something, you may begin to have Teen America contest. She was asked the following a realization similar to mine. I remember one day question: “Recent polls have shown a fifth of lying in my bed comparing the sounds for the same Americans can’t locate the United State on a world English and French words. map, why do you think this is?” For example I would say “with” and then the Her answer to the question included some French equivalent “avec.” Suddenly I understood, in incoherent rambling about South Africans not having both situations it was only a noise coming from my maps. This video has become so popular because mouth. At the same time, I realized that when other of her answer, but for me it is the question that I people hear us speak English, unless they understand find so shocking. This means that if you have 500 English, it just sounds like a bunch of babble. Our Americans in a room and ask them to show you the language sounds just as weird as other languages do United States on a world map, 100 would not be to us. This sounds like a small revelation but it shook able to do it. It is apparent that an alarmingly large my perspective at its core. I have found that this way number of Americans are generally geographically of looking at things can be applied to any situation. ignorant. Try asking random people on the street to At its definition, culture is the shared beliefs see this exemplified. If asked to point to Germany on and values of a group. These shared ideas include a map, or any country for that matter, the problem the beliefs, customs, practices, and social behavior is apparent. I owe most of my current geographical of a particular nation or people. I believe that knowledge to a certain professor. One day in class, changing our perspective can lead to tolerance and he pulled up a world map and asked us if we knew hopefully to acceptance of others and their ideas. where a few things were. While we got most of the This ignorance to other cultures and glorification and larger ones right, with a lot of the other countries, excessive pride in our own may seem harmless. The we were nowhere close. After seeing this, he became dangers become more apparent when you realize irritated and yelled “Do you even know where your that the world is getting smaller and smaller every fellow Americans are dying right now?” day. America may not be the economic superpower I think he asked a very valid question. Not only it has been anymore very soon. Transportation and should we become more aware of what is happening communication technology have reduced the world a in the world, but that we should also be more aware much more accessible size. of what America is doing in the world. So maybe I have been saved because I was lucky What can we do to become less ignorant? Though enough to have passionate teachers that will yell I didn’t know it at the time, my first step was taking at me if that is what it takes for me to understand. a language course. At first learning a language may There are many ways to take action now by learning seem trivial. Many of us may never use our skills a foreign language, reading the world news, getting and quickly lose them. Personally, it has become to know the international students, and more. By less about learning a language than it has become changing our perspective and opening our minds to about learning perspective, tolerance, and most new ideas we are essentially taking our medication importantly, acceptance. Once while in class, my for the American Syndrome.

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

Heather Chiddix Editorial Cartoonist

Lance Coleman Feature Cartoonist

ucaechoeditor@gmail.com

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

Advertising Advertising: 499-9UCA (822) echonewspaperads@gmail.com Jonathan Spurr, Business Manager Robert Haynes, Advertising Director

County would benefit from alcohol sales During the November elections, Clark County exist. successfully lifted their dry county status and are It is no big secret that alcohol sales increase now allowed to sell alcohol. revenue and help bring money into cities and This was not the first time Clark County had tried counties. Why should Faulkner County citizens have to repel the dry status but it was lucky number three to drive to Pulaski County if they want to buy a pack that got the job done. Because of beer when they could buy of this successful attempt, I it in their hometown and put think it’s time for Faulkner their money back into their County to give it a go. With the community? recent addition of many new The first days of alcohol restaurants selling alcohol on sale in Clark County were premises in Conway, I think unbelievable. Store clerks by Ben Keller it is safe to assume a lot of told the media they were Sports Editor Conway residents would be struggling to keep up with behind this. the number of customers One big argument coming in to the stores. people in Clark County had While it will be awhile before was that it would create an actual results are given for unfit learning environment for the county’s two if the alcohol sales boosted profits in Clark County, colleges, Henderson University and Ouachita Baptist I expect the results will be positive after seeing the University. First, anyone who thinks there is going to enthusiasm customers have shown. be a college campus that is not going to have alcohol In Faulkner, we can see some of that success brought onto it lives in a world of ignorance naivety. even though we are still dry. It comes down to the students being responsible Old Chicago Pizza, U.S. Pizza, JJ’s Bar and enough to know when to draw the line with alcohol, Grill, Bears Den and the many other restaurants not the school saying they don’t want students that also serve as bars always have big crowds at having booze. So for those out there that think this night throughout the week, so why shouldn’t other will have a negative effect on students and their businesses around Conway and Faulkner County ability to learn, then that person has obviously never see the same success that those restaurants are been to Old Chicago or Bears Den on a school night. experiencing? Prohibition in the US ended over 70 years Not only could the switch from dry county to ago. It is time the pockets of dry communities wet county put money back into the county, but around the country, primarily in the South, get it could also bring in new businesses and jobs. It with the program. It is ridiculous that once the 21st would also get rid of that annoying 30 minute drive Amendment was ratified that states didn’t drop their to Maumelle to buy alcohol. While that is by far the own state laws that banned liquor, and now that it is least important reason to do the switch, it still is a 2011 it is even more ludicrous that these areas still gas and time saver.

n celebration of Black History Month, UCA has organized a number of events to give students and the local community an entertaining and exciting way to celebrate the history of AfricanAmerican culture in the US. Students here at UCA and members of the community have been given a unique opportunity. Though Black History month has been designated every February for 36 years, people aren’t often exposed to the vast amout of events UCA is offering aimed at recognizing outstanding blacks and the contributions they have made to society, as well as celebrating black culture. Students should take advantage of the events offered this month, regardless of race. After all, Black History Month is for every person, not just the black community. Kicking off the 12 events is “The Color of My Skin,” a program aimed at raising awareness about how the color of one’s skin can affect one’s life, and discusses society’s expectations of beauty. Other events will include Distinguished Lecturer Spike Lee, a man who has been credited with revolutionizing the role of black actors in film. It is an amazing opportunity for everyone, not just black students, to see someone of this caliber speaking on our campus. Lee’s “Bamboozled” will also be shown later in the week. Other events span a variety of topics, including the Little Rock Central High School segregation, H.I.V., cervical cancer awareness, and jazz music. Each events should interest a large group of students. Another highlight of the month will be the appearance of Miss Arkansas Alyse Eady, who was just named first runnerup in the 2011 Miss America pageant. She will be at the Miss Essence Pageant, which is being held by Students for the Propagation of Black Culture, SGA, and Minority Student Services. The importance of Black History Month is something that is bigger than the black community. Black history is American history, and it is something that should be learned, respected and celebrated by every American, regarless of race. Every bit of black history, from slavery, emancipation and civil rights to the United States’ first black president, affects every American in innumerable ways. Students at UCA have been given a rare opportunity: they can take part in a great number of events celebrating Black History Month and black culture, with the chance to hear living legends on their very own campus. All students should take advantage of the events this month, because it is not just a celebration of black history, but American history.

Black history is American history, and it is something that should be learned, respected and celebrated by every American, regardless of race.

Have an opinion? Everyone does.

Write a letter to the editor at

ucaecholetters@gmail.com Letters to the editor don’t just have to be about Echo content. If you’ve noticed something on campus that’s positive or negative, we want to hear about it. (Follow the guidelines in the Got Letters? column to the left.)

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

February 2, 2011

Spike Lee, Miss Essence highlight Black History Month by Julian Spivey and Simon Gable Campus Life Editor and Staff Writer

UCA is celebrating Black History Month in February by hosting 12 events that will bring acclaimed producers, musicians, artists and speakers to UCA to celebrate the contributions that AfricanAmericans have made to our history and culture. UCA Director of Minority Services Angela Jackson said Black History Month is important because it celebrates the country’s African-American contributions. “It gives us the opportunity to sit back and celebrate the African-American contributions that have made this country great,” Jackson said. Freshman Chelsea Jackson said she shares the same sentiments about the importance of the month. “It’s phenomenal because we get to celebrate our culture for a whole month. It doesn’t get any better than that,” she said. February has been officially designated Black History Month by every U.S. president since 1976, according to

history.com. According to the site, Gerald Ford first “officially recognized Black History Month, calling upon the public to ‘seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.’” The first event scheduled for Black History Month is “The Color of My Skin” tonight at 7 in Student Center room 214. The event is free and open to the public. On Monday, Feb. 7, director, writer, producer, actor and author Spike Lee will appear at Reynolds Performance Hall as a part of the UCA Public Appearances Distinguished Lectures series at 7:30 p.m. This event is free to UCA students and $10 for the general public. Jackson said Lee could potentially be the most popular event of the month. “It all depends on the person, but right now Spike Lee has all the buzz, and his tickets are free for students,” she said. On Friday, Feb. 11, will be a film screening of “The Crisis Mr. Faubus Made: The Role of the Arkansas Democrat in the Central High Crisis” at Reynolds Performance Hall at 7:30 p.m. At 3:30 that afternoon there will be a panel discussion in the College of Business. The events are free and open to the public.

The UCA Theatre is putting on the play “Court Martial at Ft. Devins” on Thursday, Feb. 10 and Friday, Feb. 11 and again on from Feb. 16-18 at the Snow Fine Arts Center Theatre. All showings will begin at 7:30 p.m. According to a UCA press release, the play is about several black women who are promised training as medical technicians when they join the Women’s Army Corps, but a racist colonel has other ideas and demotes them to cleaning duty. The women refuse and a court martial ensues. Tickets for the play cost $10 for the public and free to those with a UCA ID. The annual Miss Essence Pageant will be Thursday, Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. in Reynolds Performance Hall. The event is free for UCA students. Jackson said that this year’s Miss Essence Pageant will include a special guest. “This year we will have Alyse Eady as our guest performer. She was the 2010 Miss Arkansas and the runner-up for the 2011 Miss America Pageant,” Jackson said. Other events scheduled for Black History Month include jazz musician Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Center

photo courtesy of Publiic Appearances

Director, producer, writer, actor and author Spike Lee will appear at Reynolds Performance Hall as part of Black History Month on Monday, Feb. 7. Orchestra on Monday, Feb. 21 at 7:30 at the Reynolds Performance Hall, the Imani Winds Quartet on Wednesday, Feb. 23 at 7:30 at the Reynolds Performance Hall and speaker David Robertson who

- T H E AT E R -

‘Spider, Bee’ play thrills young audience

will share his story of living with HIV “in an effort to educate individuals about the correlation of HIV and depression in various communities,” according to a UCA press release.

SWORD FIGHT

by Jeanette Anderton Staff Writer

Reynolds Performance Hall was filled with laughter and singing Friday night as UCA Theatre performed Steven Press’ play, “The Spider and the Bee.” The play addresses the age-old debate of which is more important, the sciences or the arts. The play opens with the spider, portrayed by junior Aron Long, using mathematics to build a perfectly precise web. Along comes a singing, joking carefree bee, senior Hali Free, to distract the spider. As the spider and bee are debating which is more important, the bee gets trapped in the spider’s web. They decide together to have a trial to determine which subject is more important, in which the butterfly, senior Allison Benton, and ladybug, junior Karen Palmer, are jurors. After hearing both sides, they conclude that both subjects are very important. “Without science, there would be no television, but without the arts, there would be no stories to show on television,” a quote from the play said. The nearly packed house was mostly children who enjoyed all the singing and humor. “I was scared because I didn’t know how the kids would react,” Long said, “but they laughed more than other audiences.” Long, who joined UCA Theatre last fall, has been doing plays for three years, but said this was his first children’s show. This is Benton’s fourth year with UCA Theatre. She is also a member of the honorary theatre fraternity, Alpha Psi Omega. She has been in several plays, but this was also her first children’s show. “Everyone should get involved,” Benton said, “Come out to see the shows. It is a lot of fun.” Although this is her second semester with UCA Theatre, this was Palmer’s first performance. “This was an awesome experience. We have a great cast, crew and director. It was a real good time,” Palmer said. The children really enjoyed the costumes, which were designed by Eriko Terao, Alpha Psi Omega member. “I wish I could have the butterfly costume,” 8-year-old audience member Ellexis Rushing said. After transferring from Beebe, Free has been with UCA Theatre for two years. She had previously done a children’s show at “my old school,” but this was her first children’s show with UCA Theatre. Production Manager Liz Parker, who directed the play, said: “I’m amazed at how much the kids buy into it. It’s really neat to watch them get into the play. They are usually scared of the

Sophomore Reid Schlack “You never see a stoner causing a problem at a party. Spread the love.”

Nick Hilleman photo

Senior Hali Free, left, senior Allison Benton, center, and junior Aron Long, right, star in “The Spider and the Bee” on Jan. 29. spider.” Parker said UCA Theatre will be performing “The Spider and the Bee” at grade schools within a 60-mile radius of Conway throughout this semester. After the play, the entire cast came out to the lobby where they signed autographs and had their pictures taken with some of the children from the audience. Almost all of the families stayed behind to let their delighted children meet the characters. One curious little boy asked Long if he, like the spider, only liked science and math. Long explained that he actually prefers the arts over the sciences, but just like in the play, he understands that they are both important.

Students Say story and photos by Lukas Deem

“Do you think marijuana should be legalized?” Junior Ron Walter “I think prohibition of drugs causes more problems than it solves. The war on drugs is not really winnable. I think it is no worse or better than alcohol for the user and for society.”

Freshman Mallory Meek “I don’t care if it is legal, it has been proven that it can help people and I think that it is something that can be decided on a personal basis.”

Sophomore Daimon Gibson “I think so for recreational purposes. In California medical marijuana is already legal and it has caused a decrease in small crimes. The government is wasting money trying to arrest people for marijuana use and possession.”

Freshman Phallon Thomas “I don’t think it should be legal because everyone would be really stoned and there would be no good food left in the cafeteria.”

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

Lukas Deem photo

Junior Neal Abbott and senior Justin Abbott playfully sword fight each other outside of New Hall on Monday, Jan. 24.

Freshman Mariah Rodriguez “I have mixed feelings about it because some people get really weird when they are high, this should be under control. Other than that, though, I think it would be fine to legalize it.”

Junior Camille Wood “I think it would save a lot of taxpayers’ money. I think that it will be legal and we should stop spending money trying to arrest people for it.”

Senior Hunner Taylor “The question should be, ‘Why isn’t marijuana legal?’ One love brah.”

ucaecho.net

CAMPUS LIFE

KODIAK MOMENT

February 2, 2011 / 5 by Lance Coleman

-REVIEW-

Peiking Buffet offers good Chinese, convenient location for students by Abby Hartz Senior Writer

Peiking Buffet, Conway’s newest mega-Chinese buffet on Dave Ward Drive, stands out amongst its competitors like New China and China Town with its all-day offerings and glamorous atmosphere. While glamour isn’t usually a term associated with a Chinese buffet, the larger-than-life chandelier hanging in the middle of the buffet area gives the oversized room a more elegant feel than the more often seen fluorescent-only lighting. The point however, is about the food. Not the lighting. The food is delicious and does its job nicely; it fills you up – just as a buffet should. If accompanying a Chinese foodloving friend and it’s not your thing, simply feast on the pizza, crawfish, stuffed mushrooms, fried chicken wings, fried frog legs or BBQ ribs while the others fill their plates with fried rice, sushi, General Tso’s chicken and Peking duck. The fried rice is lacking a little something; it’s a peculiar yellowish color and doesn’t have the taste one might expect from fried rice. The General Tso’s was wonderful,

Lukas Deem photo

The new Peiking Buffet restaurant on Dave Ward Drive is a convenient spot for students who might want something different than the Christian Cafeteria and Student Center Food Court for lunch. spicy and saucy in all the right ways. However, once you are gorged to the point of no return – you must return once more to the buffet line, but this time, head to the desserts. While you’ll see the normal and somewhat peculiar Jell-o squares and

the must-have frozen yogurt machine, the fried and sugared doughnuts are a wonderful accompaniment to your overextended waistline. If you’re on a diet, stay clear. This is not the place for you, unless you’re a pro at portion control.

-PUBLIC APPEARANCES-

Peiking Buffet also boasts a full sushi bar and Hibachi grill bar option all day, which manager and co-owner Paul Grass said is something not all Asian buffets do. Grass said since Peiking Buffet’s opening Oct. 5, he has been happy with the amount of business the restaurant

-EXERCISE-

HPER helps lose weight for new year by Zachary O’Neal Staff Writer

photos courtesy of Public Appearances & collider.com

Comedian Rich Little will appear at Reynolds Performance Hall on Friday night at 7:30. Spike Lee will appear at Reynolds on Monday, Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. as part of the Distinguished Lecture Series.

Little, Lee to perform at Reynolds by Julian Spivey Campus Life Editor

Comedian Rich Little and director, writer, actor, producer and author Spike Lee will both entertain audiences at Reynolds Performance Hall in the next week. Little will perform at Reynolds on Friday at 7:30 p.m. as a part of the Public Appearances Nostalgia Series. According to Little’s website, he is known as “The Man of a Thousand Voices” for his unique ability to impersonate numerous celebrities. Among Little’s impression repertoire are many past U.S. Presidents like Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Richard Nixon, Hollywood legends like Jack Nicholson, Clint Eastwood, John Wayne and James Stewart, musicians like Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong, Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley and even fictional characters like Mickey Mouse, Kermit the Frog and Elmer Fudd. Little is a well honored comedian who was named Comedy Star of the Year by the American Guild of Variety Artists in 1974, according to his website. His HBO special “Rich Little’s Christmas Carol” in 1979 won

an Emmy Award. Little has also recorded two other comedy specials for HBO and recorded nine comedy albums, according to the Public Appearances brochure. Most recently, Little served as the host of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in 2007. Tickets to see Little are $10 for UCA students with a current student ID, $23-33 for UCA faculty and $30-40 for adults. Lee will appear at Reynolds on Monday, Feb. 7 at 7:30 p.m. as part of Public Appearances’ continued Distinguished Lectures series. Lee has been one of film’s most successful directors since about the mid-‘80s. He has directed over 20 feature films and documentaries throughout his career. Among Lee’s most notable works are “Malcolm X” (1992), “She’s Gotta Have It” (1986), “Clockers” (1995), “He Got Game” (1998) and “Bamboozled” (2000). Lee’s most recent feature film release was 2008’s “Miracle at St. Anna.” Senior D.K. Wilson said that his personal favorite Lee film is 1988’s “School Daze.” “’School Daze’ is my favorite because I’m a college student and it takes place on a college campus and you get to see yourself as a character. And to see how college

has received. “The first couple of months we were open, we were packed almost every night,” Grass said. “When the holidays hit and students left campus things slowed down, but with the students back on campus, things have picked up.” Grass said there are normally more college students on the week days and families on the weekends. Students also get a 10 percent discount if they show their student ID. Freshman Michael Sindle said on Jan. 25 it was his first time at Peiking Buffet, but that he liked it and would come back. “I came because it was the closest Chinese buffet to campus,” Sindle said. The prices are competitive at $6.55 for the lunch buffet and $8.25 for the dinner buffet. However, New China on Harkrider Street and China Town on Skyline Drive also offer their lunch and dinner buffets for the same price. Peiking Buffet definitely has location on its side, though. Its Dave Ward Drive location could be a convenient walk to and from campus for quick lunch alternative to the Christian Cafeteria or the Student Center Food Court. Peiking Buffet’s lunch buffet hours are Monday-Saturday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., the dinner hours are MondayThursday from 4:05-9:30 p.m. and FridaySaturday from 4-10 p.m. The Sunday allday buffet is 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

life is raw and how you relate to it; and how college changes you,” Wilson said. Lee’s most acclaimed film is his 1989 film “Do the Right Thing,” which was named the 96th greatest American movie of all time in 2007. “Do the Right Thing” garnered Lee an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay and was selected for preservation in the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry in 1999 for being “culturally significant.” Lee’s documentary work has also gained him national recognition. Lee’s 2006 documentary “When the Levee Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts,” about the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, won two Emmy Awards. Lee’s 1997 documentary “4 Little Girls” was nominated for both Academy Awards and Emmy Awards. Public Appearances Director Jerry Biebesheimer said that they actually tried to get Lee for more than one date. “We tried real hard to get him two days instead of one, to talk to some films classes and African history classes, but he couldn’t fit the extra day in his schedule,” Biebesheimer said. “It took us probably 20 e-mails and close to a month to get a date settled on.”

The HPER began a new exercise program this semester in an attempt to improve student health. The name of the program is “New Year to Downsize You.” It started Jan. 18 and will end March 28. The program is aimed toward out-ofshape individuals who are not utilizing the HPER, according to a press release. In order to take part in this event, you must be a UCA student, you must have a body mass index of 35 percent or higher and you must not be enrolled in any other fitness programs. The program is run by Arian Story, the assistant director of the HPER. To start off, the participants will be taken through an initial fitness assessment to check for the need of physician clearances. There is a combination of both cardio workout and weight lifting, Story said. “The main reason for us implementing this program is because one of our biggest things we want to do is target people who aren’t yet utilizing the HPER Center,” Story said. “From what I can tell, it’s brought in those types of people who aren’t yet utilizing the HPER Center, but have a want to but are most likely a little bit intimidated to get in an atmosphere of the fitness center can sometimes bring.” There are no dietary plans, but basic health tips are provided to better eating. Story gave some steps to better weight loss which she refers to as “smart goals.” The first thing was to get a fitness assessment to give them a starting point on where

they stand. She also pointed out the importance that people should be aware of the difference in physical activity and actual exercise. One example she gave was someone walking to their car versus actually entering into a gym and getting on an exercise machine. There was an initial meeting of the group of 10 participants leading to the fitness assessment and then they break off. Every other week, they meet to touch base as a group and check up on the progress. “We’re focusing on a group of people who are more or less intimidated to come into a gym setting, so they are more likely to meet friends in this group and meet workout buddies to help motivate them,” Story said. “Keeping in touch with them on a weekly basis also helps motivate them to continue with the program aside from the guidance they will receive.” Senior Latoya Haskin said she had her exercise habit improved after being a part of this program. “I always thought I had good workout habits,” she said. “I usually work out about three to five days a week. Now I add more intensity to the elliptical and on the treadmill I went from walking to running.” Not only did she say her exercise habits improved, but she also said she had a boost in her confidence to lose weight. Even after the program comes to an end she feels she will still be able to keep up her workout habits. “The best thing is it teaches me to be more healthy,” Haskin said. “I’m more aware of my health.”

6 / February 2, 2011

CAMPUS LIFE

- CHARIT Y-

ucaecho.net

-ART-

Honors students knit for Cradle Care by Jillian Browder Staff Writer

This past semester students were busy crafting for a cause. Associate Dean of the Honors College Donna Bowman, along with students from her craft wisely seminar and Knitwise program, joined forces to make a difference and raise awareness regarding teen pregnancy and its effect on society. Together with their shared knitting and crocheting skills, the students worked at creating hats for local Conway Cradle Care, a program devoted to keeping teen parents in school and equipping them with the tools needed to be successful in education as well as the work force. Bowman said she had known for a while that she would be doing a class on crafting. With service learning projects playing such a key role in the honors curriculum, all that was left was finding the right one. Then this past summer during a service-learning workshop at UCA she met Diana Byrd from Conway Cradle Care. “I kind of gravitated over to her because I thought, babies, knitting, natural fit,” said Bowman. Not really knowing how exactly the program would take form, Bowman said she left the rest up to her students. The students then used information presented

to them by representatives from Conway Cradle Care and their own sense of what they could contribute to design the project. “No matter how you feel about teen pregnancy, about abstinence and all of those issues it seemed to me that this was something all students could get behind – staying in school,” Bowman said. The organization provides mentoring for teen parents as well as daycare services to make sure they have the ability to stay in school. They offer programs geared toward everything from parenting skills to interviewing skills to skills that will give them an edge in the work force. “It really got beyond the whole political and moral aspect and just is about making sure our society doesn’t throw people away,” Bowman said. When it came to the students, it wasn’t just a chance to help others out in the community, but an opportunity to teach one another. “One of my favorite parts about the program was just being able to teach others how to make hats,” senior and vice president of Knitwise Ariel Moore said. “I also enjoyed seeing the one boy that got my hat. It was just this plain black hat but it was perfect for his personality.” But it wasn’t just Bowman and her students doing all the work. Hats poured in from all over the nation in order to contribute to the cause. People that the associate dean knew online from a national knitting relay race wanted to get involved, too.

- E D U C AT I O N -

Anthony Byrnes photo

Kat Wilson’s work is one of those currently featured at the Baum Gallery. Wilson, a photographer/ artist from Fort Smith, has won several awards for her photography.

Works from country, world displayed in Baum Gallery by Preston Tolliver Associate Editor

Anthony Byrnes photo

Sophomore Josh Jones studies in the Academic Success Center in the basement of Old Main. The Academic Success Center is available to all students and is open Sunday through Friday.

Center helps students with their homework by Abby Hartz Senior Writer

Those confusing World Literature II assignments and pesky College Algebra equations have met their match at the Academic Success Center, located in the basement of Old Main. The Academic Success Center, also known as the tutoring center, boasts tutors in numerous subjects, is open six days a week and provides individual and group study rooms, along with a computer lab. Vickie Wyeth, supervisor of the Academic Success Center, said: “Some people don’t even know we exist. We are available to all students, for free. If you come in at 9 a.m. for help in differential equations we may not be able to help you right then, but if you take a look at our schedule, you should be able to find something.” Wyeth said all of the center’s tutors are trained to tutor College Algebra and many of the tutors are seniors, so they have had experience in many other fields of study. Wyeth added that tutors

must have a 3.5 GPA or higher and must be a junior or senior, although she said she has experimented with a few freshmen and sophomores. “Students shouldn’t think a tutor will make them feel stupid,” Wyeth said. “These tutors can relate, they’ve been through some courses that they have struggled in as well.” Emileigh Selman, a senior and pre-physical therapy major, tutors in the Academic Success Center and said students mostly come in for help in math or to use the computer lab. “It is a job that is flexible and when there is downtime you can work on your own homework,” Selman said. “Each tutor has their own strong area to tutor in. Mine is science.” Wyeth said she hopes one day the center will be located in a more modern, state-of-theart facility that everyone knows about. Wyeth said there has been growth in the number of students utilizing the center from fall 2009 to spring 2010. According to a document provided by Wyeth, the total number of non-athlete visits in

fall 2009 was 1,232 and grew to 1,495 in spring 2010. The center had a total of 14,741 visitors for the 2009-10 academic year. The center also offers free printing in the computer lab if own paper is supplied, lend calculators for an exam and some office equipment. Bob Reising, the evening supervisor at the Academic Success Center, said most of his responsibility concerns athletes, who commonly study in the evening. Reising is working with sophomore English major Allie Brass on a new tutoring program to assist students with their reading skills and comprehension in all of the disciplines. “We want to make sure students are reading effectively, so we are launching this initiative and think it will be a nice supplement,” Reising said. Brass will tutor in this new initiative from 6-8 p.m. on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights. The hours for the tutoring center are Monday - Thursday: 9 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday: 9 a.m.-2 p.m., closed on Saturday and open on Sunday from 6-10 p.m.

Students can view Baum Gallery’s “Spring Season of Exhibits” until Feb. 24, where they can see pieces by artists from all over the country, as well as several donated pieces by the late Czech artist Jiri Anderle. Lining the first room of the gallery are several of Anderle’s best works, which were donated by the Baruch Foundation. The Baruch Foundation, according to its website, baruchfoundation.com, aims at sharing art from Central and Eastern Europe to American artists and viewers. As students walk into the next room they’ll immediately see large photographs by Kat Wilson, a photographer/artist from Fort Smith. The photographs depict different people showing off different lifestyles, all focusing on collections of items depicting what the people in the pictures love, rather than the people themselves. “Kat did not choose these things and arrange them,” Barbara Satterfield, director of Baum Gallery and art professor, said. “She just made an appointment and asked the subject to pick things they love and lay them in front of them. Her interest is those objects.” Satterfield said Wilson has won several awards for her photography, including a contemporary’s Delta award this year. Wilson’s photography is also for sale. Prices are located on the wall next to her works. Baum Gallery does not charge a commission fee, Satterfield said. “It would be unethical for us to charge a commission,” Satterfield said. She said other gallery’s usually charge a 40-50 percent commission. On the right side of the room as you’re walking

in is a vast collection of works donated by the Society of Illustrators, which is based in New York, New York. “This is an unusual show,” senior Sandra Worm said. “They’re always unusual.” Worm said her favorite work in the exhibit was one titled “Mr. Reversible” by Anderle. The rest of the room is filled with a collection of different books, arranged by Satterfield, assistant professor of graphic design Ray Ogar and artist Doug Cason. Ogar donated many books from his own personal collection to share with visitors of the gallery in his own corrugate. “I’m just a book collector,” Ogar said. “[The collection] is everything from comics and graphic novels to what I call ‘designer novels’.” Ogar said about half of the books on display are his own, while others were donated by artists and some were bought by Satterfield. Ogar said the books that Satterfield bought will be donated to the Torreyson Library once the exhibit is over. Ogar said he’s been working on the corrugate for about two and a half years. All the books he has on display are available to be looked through by students. Cason’s works include collections of books arranged and manipulated in different ways, as well as books with their covers replaced by ones he painted himself. The next room of Baum Gallery contains an exhibit by art professor Holly Laws called “Axis Mundi: Levittown.” The exhibit features several small houses placed on pedestals with video and audio clips coming from each of them. The gallery held its opening ceremonies Jan. 13 and will close Feb. 24.

-WELLNESS-

Boot camp helps procrastination problem by Brad Smith Staff Writer

The UCA Health and Wellness Center hosted its “Boot Camp for Procrastinators” in the Student Health Center during x-period on Thursday, Jan. 27. The workshop was aimed at informing students about procrastination causes and what they can do to help themselves form better habits. Lead by Reesa Ramsahai, counselor and coordinator of Outreach Programming, the workshop was an informal forum that gave students a chance to voice their feelings on their work and study habits and to give thoughts on how they could manage their procrastination. Lisa Patterson Thomas, a counselor who was in attendance, said the workshops were successful. “There was a lot of interaction,” she said. “I was impressed by how many spoke up.” Ramsahai also said she felt that the boot camp was a success. “We had a good turn out,” she said. “There was a lot of interaction and head nods. We connected.” Ramsahai, an admitted procrastinator herself, talked to students about how to identify their procrastination habits by asking students what they felt they were doing to procrastinate. Students were encouraged to voice their opinions on why they procrastinate. Ramsahai said that a dislike for repetition and impatience are factors in procrastination. She said many procrastinators are also good with big ideas, but get overwhelmed by details. She added that many procrastinators may be creative or perfectionists. “Sometimes what causes procrastination is that you want to do it perfect the first time,” Ramsahai said. “You’re going for perfection and you write nothing down.”

She also noted the difference between procrastinators and people that occasionally procrastinate. Ramsahai felt that while everyone has the capacity to procrastinate, only people that form habits of procrastination are considered procrastinators. Many students in the room said that they felt the effects of waiting until the last moment to do homework or projects. Many said that they lost sleep and that they became stressed out and angry when they procrastinate. “Lack of sleep makes everything worse,” Ramsahai said. Ramsahai said while procrastination can be a big problem, it also can and should be managed. “Because you’re in college and trying to make a better life, you have to accept the responsibilities that come with it,” she said. Ramsahai gave simple and easy steps for managing procrastination. Time management through visualization was a key part of her managing strategy. She gave out an “Un-schedule” that was designed to make students see what times in their day were unavailable due to class or work and to schedule their study and homework time in the ranges of time that were available. Ramsahai said that being honest with yourself, breaking tasks into smaller units, rewarding yourself and doing the worst part of the workload first were important strategies for managing procrastination. “It’s like when you’re eating dinner and you eat the veggies first,” she said. Many of the students at the boot camp said that distractions such as their friends and computers were a big part of their problem for procrastinating. Ramsahai said that a good strategy was to minimize distractions and use them as rewards instead of constantly being distracted by them.

Entertainment

February 2, 2011

-COMING SOON-

Adele grows up with ‘21’ by Andrew McClain Staff Writer

verizonarena.com

Jason Aldean gives his Arkansas audience what they approve of by changing some of the lyrics in his songs to Arkansas references. Aldean played to a sold-out audience along with Eric Church and the JaneDear Girls Jan. 21.

Aldean performs to sold-out Verizon Arena;

openers include Church, JaneDear Girls by Lee Hogan Staff Writer

Jason Aldean’s “My Kinda Party” tour kicked off in North Little Rock on Jan. 21 in front of a sold out crowd at Verizon Arena. The show started off with a new upand-coming duo, the JaneDear Girls. The duo did a great job for an opening act, considering they only have one single that has been released. The duo opened with a few songs off of their self-titled debut album, which was released yesterday. For their last song, the girls performed their popular debut single “Wildflower,” to a receptive crowd. The next performer, Eric Church, took stage in front of a capacity crowd and set the tempo for the night with his rowdy performance. Church kicked off his performance with a song from his first album, “Before She Does.” He wasted little time in exciting the Arkansas crowd by changing the lyrics of his song to say, “I believe that cats ain’t as good as those Razorbacks.” The mention of the beloved Razorbacks got everyone in the arena up and cheering, which continued throughout all of Church’s songs. Church has become a popular artist in country music and has had many

singles top the charts from both his first album, “Sinners Like Me” and his latest album, “Carolina.” Church’s most memorable performance was that of another single off his first album called “These Boots.” While Church was singing the song, most of the audience took off their boots, if they were wearing boots, and held them up towards the stage. Church took a pair of rhinestonecovered boots from a girl by the stage and held them up for the entire arena to see. Church continued to captivate the audience during the rest of his set, namely his performance of “Livin’ Part of Life,” an unreleased track from his first album, and also “How ‘Bout You,” his debut single. Jason Aldean, the main attraction, took the stage behind a large transparent screen with his silhouette shown to the crowd. As the crowd screamed loud, Aldean yelled, “What’s up Little Rock?” The screen dropped and the amazing show began. Aldean’s opening song, “Tattoos on this Town” was from his latest album, “My Kinda Party.” Aldean must have taken notes from his tour partner Church, playing into the Arkansas crowd’s hands by referencing the state in his opening song. Aldean changed the last line of

his song to say, “Like tattoos on this Arkansas town,” which was met with large applause and cheering from everyone in the arena. The crowd at Verizon Arena never sat down after Aldean took the stage and seemed to enjoy every minute of the performance thoroughly. One of the crowd favorites of the night was the recently released duet “Don’t You Wanna Stay,” which is performed by Aldean and pop star Kelly Clarkson. Clarkson was not present at the concert, but a video of her singing was shown on the screen behind the stage. Even though Clarkson was absent, it seemed as if she was there. Aldean came back out on stage after a short break to perform two great encore songs. Aldean performed “Wanted Dead or Alive,” made popular by Bon Jovi, and also one of Aldean’s most well known singles, “She’s Country.” Aldean waved bye to the crowd after that performance and thanked the crowd for making his opening night a memorable and sold out one. He left his audience screaming for more after he left the stage after his encore. Aldean and his guest acts did a great job of entertaining the crowd throughout the night and made it an unforgettable concert for all who attended.

- O F F T H E S H E LV E S -

Koontz’ ‘Night Knows’ spooks audience after losing streak by Jeanette Anderton Staff Writer

Author Dean Koontz’s latest supernatural thriller, “What the Night Knows,” is finally giving his readers something to talk about, rather than something to complain about. As an avid Koontz fan for years, I have been sorely disappointed with his last three novels. It seemed his ability to frighten readers and make them become emotionally attached to his characters had died along with his beloved golden retriever, Trixie. After writing Trixie’s memoirs, a children’s story in which he listed Trixie as the author and a Trixie photography book, Koontz has finally returned to the genre in which he shines: horror. “What the Night Knows” begins with homicide detective John Calvino visiting a 14-year-old boy in an insane asylum who has butchered his entire family. The teenage boy has been a model student and son right up to the point when he became a homicidal maniac. Calvino senses that something is wrong with this picture. Calvino finds the facts of this case eerily similar to the brutal murder, twenty years ago, of his own family. Calvino, who was 14 at the time, shot and killed the murderer of his family, Alton Turner Blackwood, that night. Before he died, Blackwood made

a promise to Calvino that he intends to keep, even if he must keep it from beyond the grave. Those words have been in the back of Calvino’s mind for the last 20 years, and now he fears the day has come for Blackwood to deliver. Calvino, who as a detective usually relies on verifiable facts, senses that there is a supernatural element to the boy and the murders. Calvino must rely on his instincts, his family and a disgraced priest in order to protect his wife and children. There are some problems with this book. First of all, Calvino’s family is far too perfect. His son and two daughters are extremely well behaved and have an overly impressive vocabulary for their ages. His wife is an unbelievably successful artist who homeschools her children. She is so successful, in fact, that the Calvinos live in a mansion and have servants. But of course, she remains humble. She keeps roses in her art studio to remind herself that her art pales in comparison to nature’s beauty. Give me a break. Another huge problem for Koontz is when Calvino turns to a chain-smoking former priest for help. The former priest is persona non grata in the church after a disgraceful sexual downfall. In a effort to save his family, Calvino will turn to anyone who can help, even 1. “Casablanca”

Five Movies Everyone Should See list compiled by Jillian Browder

“Casablanca” is about as classic as it gets. Rick Blaine, an American with a cynical reputation, owns and operates a chic nightclub in unoccupied Africa during the beginning of World War II. Toss in a little rekindled romance with a former flame, a few gamblers and an invading Nazi army and you’ve got yourself a winner. Let’s not forget the very quotable, “Here’s looking at you, kid.”

a child molestor. While I understood Calvino’s need to get assistance, no matter the source, I was extremely skeptical of the information this man provided. The Calvino home is another problem for Koontz. On one hand, the two sisters share a room, suggesting that perhaps that are only three bedrooms. On the other hand, apparently the house is so large that family members aren’t able to hear one another scream in separate parts of the house. Koontz is conveniently short on description of the house, but the picture of the house in my mind kept changing in size. It’s an unnecessary distraction that could have easily been fixed with better editing. Despite that, Koontz is able to keep the suspense going at a decent pace. There are entries from Blackwood’s journal throughout the book that are delightfully creepy. Aside from the supernatural element, there are also plenty of ordinary people who are evil enough to help move the action along. The dark humor that fans have sorely missed from Koontz is sprinkled throughout the novel, though not as prominent as in his past novels. All in all, I enjoyed this book, despite the flaws. There were just enough glimpses of classic Koontz that I was unable to put it down. Koontz was finally able to spook me to my core again.

2. “The Shawshank Redemption” This 1994 film adaptation of Stephen King’s novella “Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption” was nominated for seven Academy Awards and two Golden Globes. It follows the story of two men, played by Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins, who find consolation and redemption through acts of courage and good ol’ common decency during their time in prison.

English singer Adele was 19 years old when she recorded her first album, “19,” which gained Adele critical acclaim and an abundance of music awards, including winning two of her five Grammy nominations, one for Best New Artist and one for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for her song “Chasing Pavements.” Adele released her sophomore album, “21” on Jan. 24 in the U.K., and it will release Feb. 22 in the U.S. The album opens with its lead single, “Rolling in the Deep,” a smoldering, vitriolic kiss-off. Adele allows her voice, as powerful and classically beautiful as any on American Top 40 radio, to squeak, vulnerable and emotive, singing: “We could have had it all.” Great pop songs tend to center around heartbreak, and Adele’s are no different. Looking at her two albums, recorded three years apart, there is a visible change and progression of the way she deals with loss, rejection and heartbreak in different ways with age. The loss of a casual-but-inconvenient relationship at 19 is bittersweet, but the loss of “true love” at 21 is another thing entirely, and Adele reflects this in her voice and in her songwriting. Backing music for pop songs centered around a single artist’s vocal talent is usually fairly boring, nondescript and mixed-down like musical radio static, coming in either pop, rock, country or R&B flavors, but Adele’s producers understand that her enormous voice requires space and is often sufficient on its own, so the instrumentation remains sparse and clear, doing what it must to accommodate her voice in tasteful shades of rich soul, classic pop and a bit

of Nashville pop. This a departure from her first album, which had electronic and Brit-pop undertones, whereas “21” sounds decidedly more “grown-up.” The second single from “21,” called “Set Fire to the Rain,” is clean, driving and cathartic with a cinematic-sounding string section. Other highlights include the upbeat, brassy neo-soul torch song “I’ll Be Waiting” and her pensive, mournful, Rick Rubin-produced cover of The Cure’s “Lovesong.” Among the most emotionally compelling is the closing track on the album, “Someone Like You,” a piano ballad that attempts to deal with the emotions that come with the marriage of a former love to someone else Adele sings: “Never mind, I’ll find someone like you / I wish nothing for the best for you two.” Adele has neither the figure nor the demeanor of a typical pop icon, and this makes her exceptional in the world of pop music; she doesn’t seem to be a product manufactured by her record label or to have anyone working to manipulate her image into a product. She seems uncomplicated and down-toearth without seeming unintelligent. She seems like she may be the best thing that happens to pop music this year.

-TELEVISION-

altfg.com

Roger Ebert, though unable to speak, still gives his audience what they love with his new show, “Roger Ebert Presents at the Movies.”

Ebert’s return not quite thumbs up by Julian Spivey Campus Life Editor

“Roger Ebert Presents at the Movies” debuted in late January on PBS and I must say that it’s a thrill and an honor to see America’s greatest living film critic back on television in a revived version of a show he debuted more than 30 years ago. The show’s debut marked Ebert’s first appearance on a review show since an emergency surgery for thyroid cancer in 2006 took his ability to speak. The two new film critics on ‘At the Movies’ are Associated Press critic Christy Lemire and MUBI.com critic Ignatiy Vishnevetsky. Lemire is a charming veteran critic who seems to have a negative streak in her, which I quite like, and works well for a critic. Vishnevetsky seems incredibly too positive to be a film critic and seems too young to have a critic job of this stature. The original co-host of the show was supposed to be NPR critic Elvis Mitchell and I fear his departure and Visnevetsky’s addition is a negative thing for the show. In addition to Lemire and Vishnevetsky introducing movies, talking about them and giving them the Ebert trademark thumbs up or thumbs down, the show also includes a section called “Roger’s Office,” where Ebert uses a computerized voice to talk about something in film that interests him, a section on classic films and more. In the debut, Lemire and Vishnevetsky reviewed the most recent Hollywood releases: “No Strings Attached,” “The Company Men,” “The

3. “A Few Good Men” This 1992 film was nominated for four Oscars and five Golden Globes. It follows the story of a military lawyer named Daniel Kaffee as he sets out to defend two U.S. Marines charged with the murder of a fellow Marine while stationed in Guantanamo Bay. It is filled with quotable lines that have been integrated into everyday American jargon, the most famous of course, “You can’t handle the truth!”

Way Back,” “The Green Hornet” and “The Dilemma.” In what I feel is an unusual moment, Lemire gave every one of these films a thumbs down and Vishnevetsky gave every one of these films a thumbs up. It appears that I’d probably trust Lemire’s opinion on film more than Vishnevetsky, especially upon seeing that he’s given films like ‘Dilemma’ and Nicolas Cage’s current film “Season of the Witch” thumbs up. The inaugural “Roger’s Office” consisted of Ebert talking about his great love for a recent animated film called “My Dog Tulip,” that is directed by Paul Fierlinger. “My Dog Tulip” is based on a 1956 book by J.R. Ackerly and tells the story of his relationship with his German Shepherd. This animated film is geared more toward an adult audience than that of a children’s animated feature. The best segment of the ‘At the Movies’ debut was critic Kim Morgan’s segment on classic films, which I have a feeling will be my personal favorite segment each week on the show. In the first classic film segment, Morgan talks about her love for Carol Reed’s 1949 expressionistic film noir classic “The Third Man,” starring Joseph Cotten and Orson Welles. You can easily see Morgan’s enthusiasm for classic film as she talks about “The Third Man” mentioning how Welles’ entrance is one of the greatest entrances in film history and how it gives her chills every time and how “The Third Man” will “restore your hope and break your heart” all at the same time.

4. “Dead Poets Society” Starring Robin Williams, this 1989 film tells the story of John Keating, an English professor at an all-boys boarding school who inspires his students to “seize the day” or as many have come to know as “Carpe diem.” Walking away with one Oscar and nominations for three more as well as four Golden Globe nominations, “Dead Poets Society” is definitely a mustwatch.

5. “A.I. Artificial Intelligence” This movie stars Haley Joel Osment and directed by Steven Spielberg, this 2001 motion picture is a tearjerker to say the least. It paints the heartbreaking story of a robotic child whose only wish is to become “real” in a way that only Spielberg can. The film picked up two Oscar nominations along with three Golden Globe nominations and an award from the Venice Film Festival.

Sports

February 2, 2011

From the Shotgun By Ben Keller

Winter X-Games helped define snow sports, athletes, introduced new Winter Olympics competitions

ast week marked the start of the 15th annual Winter X-Games on ESPN and showcased some impressive winter athletes from all different kinds of sports. Whether you watch the games for the snowboard and ski cross, snowmobile cross or the big air competitions, you have to recognize what the X-Games have done for modern winter sports in the international community. Some of you may not remember just because, like me, we were just too young, but there was such a time in history when the Winter Olympics did not contain snowboarding, halfpipe or ski and snowboard cross events. Certainly, this doesn’t seem like a big deal but in reality it is. Do you know how rare it is for a new sport to be introduced into the Olympics or the Winter Olympics and have it achieve international popularity? Anyone know about the abysmal Summer Olympics sport that is synchronized diving? That reared its ugly head during the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia, and in the two games since then, I can’t ever remember it getting any primetime coverage or any coverage at all. Trust me, there are plenty more examples of forgotten events throughout the history of the Olympics. So yes, it is a big deal for a modern sport to receive high viewership when it is introduced in the Olympics. The Winter X-Games, first held in 1997, carved the path for snowboarders and freestyle skiers to make their ways into the Winter Olympics. The next Winter Olympics in 1998 in Nagano, Japan set the international stage for snowboarding. On a side note, curling was also introduced then, and while it isn’t as popular, I think it is about the funniest and coolest winter sport that gets fairly good coverage. In 1998, only two events took place for both men and women. The giant slalom and the halfpipe made their debut in Japan, and the Winter Olympics were forever changed. In 2002 in Salt Lake City, Utah the same two events were held and 119 competitors from 19 nations competed in them. It was in 2002 that the U.S. established itself as a snowboarding powerhouse and won the most medals of any nation in the snowboarding events that year. The trend would continue, but now, the freestyle skiing and snowboarding community is passed on to a much younger generation. In 2006 in Turin, Italy Shaun White made his debut in the Olympics and won

Bear Chat with

Mike Pouncy

by Lee Hogan Staff Writer

his first gold medal in his first Winter Olympics appearance. White, who was only 19 years old at the time, has become one of the most recognized icons in professional snowboarding and has helped solidify the sport internationally and right here in the U.S. He is also a repeat competitor in the Winter X-Games and has been for many years. In women’s snowboarding, two huge home-grown hits and Winter X-Games veterans also made a splash on the international scene in Turin. Gretchen Bleiler has won multiple gold medals since 2003 in the Winter X-Games. Bleiler grabbed the silver medal in the half-pipe in 2006 and was considered a shoe-in for the half-pipe in 2010. However, two falls on both of her runs ruined her chances. Lindsey Jacobellis grabbed the silver medal for snowboard cross in 2006. She met similar misfortune in the 2010 Games when she failed to make it to the medal rounds after she landed badly after a jump and was forced out of bounds. Jacobellis has won seven gold medals for snowboard cross in the Winter X-Games. The 2006 games also saw the introduction of one of the most exciting winter sports, snowboard cross. Snowboard cross, which was a founding event for the Winter X-Games, pits several boarders in a downhill race through tight turns, gap jumps, drops and plenty of other surprises to test a riders ability to execute the obstacles. American Seth Wescott won the first gold medal for the U.S. in the snowboard cross in 2006. Wescott is also a Winter X-Games veteran who has won several silver medals and a bronze in his snowboard cross career. The 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada also added another Winter X-Games classic known as the ski cross. Also known as skiercross or skier-X, ski cross is the same concept as the snowboard cross except with skiers racing for the finish. While we will have to wait until 2014 to see if it will get the same amount of coverage it did in Vancouver, I cannot think of any reason why it will not because it drew a huge crowd to the mountainside and I thought some of those races last year were just as intense as any other of the downhill racing events. So, next year when you’re sitting around during late January and have nothing to do, turn on ESPN and watch some of the most talented winter athletes duke it out in Aspen, Colo. in some of the most interesting and unique competitions out there.

Senior guard Mike Pouncy has become a huge leader this season for the UCA Bears basketball team. Pouncy came to UCA in 2008 after attending Jacksonville College, a junior college in Texas, for the first two years of his college career. His first two seasons at UCA provided Pouncy with a lot hard times as foot injuries ended both campaigns early in the year, landing Pouncy inactive before the season really got going. Coming into this year, Pouncy had only played in 19 games, but started 15 of those in his career at UCA. While his playing time had been limited due to injuries, when he got the chance to play, he was making the most of it. He averaged almost 11 points a game shooting close to 47 percent from the field.

Anthony Byrnes photo

Senior guard Imad Qahwash attempting to get around a Southeastern Louisiana Lions defender to score during the game on Wednesday, Jan. 26. The Bears won the game 62-59, giving them their first conference win of the season.

Bears win first Southland game 62-59 by Ben Keller Sports Editor

The Bears basketball team got its first Southland victory Jan. 26 when they defeated the Southeastern Louisiana Lions 62-59. The Bears clenched the victory in the Farris Center in the final two minutes of the game when senior forward Tadre Sheppard sank two foul shots to give the Bears back the lead and then hit two more in the final seconds to seal the victory. Coach Corliss Williamson said he was proud of his team for not giving in at the end of the game and is glad to finally have a Southland Conference win. “Our guys could have easily packed it in with all the tough games we have lost this year,” he said. “They have been coming to practice every day, eager to work, and it is like I have been telling them ‘if we stay relentless and pursue this direction we would eventually win that game and hopefully start a trend.” The Bears record after the game stood at 1-5 in the Southland Conference with their overall record at 5-14, but with a loss to the McNeese State Cowboys last Saturday the Bears current record is now 1-6 in the Southland. After holding the lead for the majority of the game, the Lions broke free of the Bears at the 8:35 mark in the second half when they took a 52-50 lead with a layup from junior guard DeShawn Patterson. The Bears recovered from the lead change four minutes later and took back control with a jump shot from sophomore forward Terry Tidwell

to make the score 56-55. The Bears tried to widen the gap in the remaining two minutes when senior guard Imad Qahwash broke through the Lions defense and rolled in a layup to give the Bears a three point lead, but the Lions answered right back as Patterson sank a jump shot to bring them within one with a score of 58-57. The Lions took their last lead of the game when senior guard Rodney Jones put in a layup to make the score 59-58 with only 1:50 left in the game, however, Sheppard sealed the victory for the Bears with his free throws. Qahwash said the last two minutes of the game were intense for the entire team. “Coach [Williamson] wanted our undivided attention and we were just super focused,” he said. “It was really intense; there is no other word for it.” Qahwash said it feels great to finally get a Southland Conference win and to hopefully keep this momentum building for the remainder of the season. “It feels great to finally have that monkey off of our back,” he said. “To get a good win against a good team on our court in front of our fans, who were a lot of help tonight, it just felt good.” The Bears were 14-16 in free throws with Sheppard hitting 4-4, Tidwell shooting 2-2 senior guard Mike Pouncy hitting 5-6 and freshman guard Ryan Williams making 3-4. Williamson said he was most proud of his team for its free throw shooting against the Lions. During the first half, the Bears had a 16 point lead over the Lions that they started whittling away at as halftime neared and then broke through and took the lead during the

second half. Williamson said losing that big lead was tough for the Bears but said he was confident they would play tough and get the victory. “I guess it was us just being us you know?” he said. “We’ve had big leads before and squandered them away. Whether it’s breaking down on defense or it’s getting away from what we were doing on offense that gave us the lead to begin with. Not to take anything away from [the Lions] because they recognized we were breaking down and they took advantage of that. Fortunately, we were able to settle ourselves down and make a few shots.” The Bears did come out shooting during the first half. They quickly exerted themselves over the Lions and built momentum to give them a lead they continually added to throughout the first half. Senior center Carlos Dos Santos was 3-3 from the field to get the Bears going in the first period. Pouncy and Qahwash both contributed to the score by going 4-6 and 2-6 respectively. During the game, and primarily in the first half, the Bears had 21 turnovers against the Lions who only allowed 11. Williamson said he was speechless to see that statistic and said he and the team have been constantly talking to try and correct this problem. “We were just throwing the ball to Casper the friendly ghost, but of course he isn’t on our team,” he said. “We had a bunch of unforced turnovers and that is something we cannot do.” The Bears’ next game is tonight in Natchitoches, La. where they face the Northwestern State Demons at 7.

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

Sugar Bears hogtie Cowgirls 74-73 in Farris

by Brad Smith Staff Writer

The Sugar Bears basketball team continued their winning streak Jan. 29, narrowly beating the formerly undefeated McNeese State Cowgirls in overtime 74-73 and bringing their Southland Conference record to 5-2. Despite being a player short due to sophomore forward Westin Taylor being out sick, Coach Matt Daniel said he was happy about the team’s performance. “It was a big-time win against a big-time team,” he said. “We got a stop when we needed one, got a bucket when we needed one and I’m just real proud of the kids’ effort.” The Sugar Bears led the Cowgirls throughout most of the first half, leading by as much as 10 points at a time. The Sugar Bears managed to get a couple breakaway plays early in the first half, and the Cowgirls answered with a three point shot. Throughout the first half, the Cowgirls went scoreless for

In this, his senior year, Pouncy has not shied away from the challenge, becoming one of the leaders for the team. “We’ve told our guys to follow Mike,” Coach Corliss Williamson said. “He’s really embraced being a leader this year.” Pouncy has managed to stay healthy and seems to have found his place on the team. Pouncy plays as a true point guard should by not always taking the shot, but by looking to get his teammates open looks to get the entire team involved. Pouncy leads the teams in assists so far this year with 48 total through 19 games. He has played in all of the Bears’ games this season and has started in 14 of those as well. Pouncy played high school basketball for Duncanville High School in Texas, which is also his home town.

up to three minutes at a time, getting shut down by the Sugar Bears’ defense. By the end of the first half, the Cowgirls had brought down the Sugar Bears’ lead to five points, ending the first half 30-25. The Cowgirls came back strong in the second half, leading most of the second half by as much as eight points. The Sugar Bears managed to hang on though, pulling through a four-minute scoring drought to tie the game with 1:20 left. After a layup by sophomore forward Megan Herbert followed by a free throw from sophomore guard Micah Rice, the Bears lead by three with 15 seconds remaining in the game. A quick drive by the Cowgirls resulted in a three point shot by sophomore guard Caitlyn Baggett to tie the game with eight seconds left in the second half. Rice attempted a quick three-point shot, but it was off and the game went to overtime. Daniel received a technical foul with 4:30 left in the second half, which resulted in the Cowgirls’ sophomore guard Ashlyn Baggett making one of her two free throws.

When did you start playing basketball? I started playing when I was five. That’s why I wear the jersey number five.

Was basketball your first love?

“It went in to overtime and I said ‘I need a favor,’” Daniel said. “‘I put you in a bad spot and gave up a bucket. I need you to bail me out.’ And I’ll be dogged if they didn’t do just that.” During overtime, the Sugar Bears and Cowgirls both held on until the last seconds of the game. Herbert scored the final points, making the score 74-73, and the Cowgirls missed a three-point shot and called a timeout with four seconds left. The Cowgirls’ Ashlyn Baggett missed a shot at the buzzer and the Sugar Bears won by one point. Herbert and freshman center Courtney Duever lead the Sugar Bears in points, with Herbert scoring 20 points with 14 rebounds and Duever scoring 20 points with 12 rebounds, a career high for her and her first game to get a double-double. The game marked Herbert’s sixth 20-point game this season. The Sugar Bears play their next game at home tonight at 7 p.m. against the Northwestern State Lady Demons.

What is your most memorable moment as a Bear? There has been so many here, but I’d have to say when Coach [Williamson] got hired.

What brought you here to UCA?

No it wasn’t. Football was.

Are there any other sports that you enjoy watching or playing? Pretty much anything. Football, baseball, and sometimes rugby. And sometimes tennis, but only if Serena Williams is playing.

What is your favorite thing about being a Bear? Just the people in general and also the teachers.

The opportunity of more playing time. The campus was great too.

What is your major? My major is Family and Consumer Sciences, but I want to be a coach.

What are your plans after graduation? I want to try and start out as a graduate assistant somewhere, but preferably here at UCA.

Who is your favorite NBA player? Chauncey Billups. He’s been my favorite since I was about 12 years old.

Is there a player you model your game after? Chauncey Billups for sure. At least I try my best to.

Do you have any pregame rituals or superstitions? I just pray really. I also try to break a sweat before the game so that I can catch my second wind by the time the game starts.

What is your favorite pregame song or artist? Pretty much anything that Lil’ Wayne does.

ucaecho.net

SPORTS

-ALUMNA-

February 2, 2011 / 9

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

Bears roped by Cowboys at Farris 70-63 by Marisa Hicks Assistant News Editor

Nick Hillemann photo

Senior right side hitter Chloe Smith goes up for a kill during a match last semester in the Sugar Bears’ 2010 season. Smith is now playing professionally in Finland for the Kuusamo Ball Bears.

Former volleyballer Smith playing professionally by Allison Hartman Assistant Sports Editor

Chloe Smith, former Sugar Bears volleyball player, recently began playing professional volleyball in Finland in the Mestarrusliiga Level One league, or Champions League, for the Kuusamo Pallo-Karhut, which is translated to mean Kuusamo Ball Bears. Smith, who is the three-time Southland Conference Player and Student Athlete of the Year and the first Sugar Bear to turn professional in volleyball, said there are eight teams in the Champions League, which is the highest level of volleyball in Finland. The Kuusamo Ball Bears are located in Kuusamo, which is just 37 miles from the Arctic Circle. Smith said she has known since her sophomore year of college that she would like to play professionally. “Coming into college I was just happy to be playing past high school and didn’t really know that a professional career would be an option for me, and now I’m just happy to be playing past the collegiate level,” Smith said. Smith said she went on an exposure tour designed to place players in professional leagues in different countries. The manager of the club came to watch the practices before they started playing in other countries, and within a couple of days Smith

said she was contacted about playing in Finland next year. Smith said a couple days after she learned she was wanted in Finland for next season, they contacted her about joining the team right away. Sugar Bears volleyball coach Steven McRoberts said he is proud of Smith’s accomplishments and the example she has set for current and future Sugar Bears. “I am proud of Chloe. She really had her heart focused on playing professionally and she did it. I think this will be a great experience for her,” McRoberts said. “She is young, gets to travel overseas and do what she loves and I hope she enjoys every minute of it because there are a lot of volleyball players who would love to be doing what she is doing right now.” Smith said the team’s season started in September, so she joined toward the end of the season. “Their season has been a bit shaky so far as the team has gone through a couple different players leaving and coming into the club with myself being the most recent addition,” Smith said. After waiting for her paperwork to go through before she could compete, Smith said she played in her first match against LiigaEura, which her team won 3-1. Smith, who is a senior and played for the Sugar Bears in the

fall, said she is still walking in May graduation and is taking her remaining classes via Internet correspondence. “I should be back mid-April in time for the UCA Film Festival, finals, my Honors presentation and, of course, graduation,” Smith said. Smith said her ultimate goal for her career is to be the best volleyball player she can possibly be. “I do not think I have reached my peak performance as a player yet and I do not want to stop playing until I have reached that point,” Smith said. Smith said it would be a dream come true to make the United States Olympic Volleyball Team. “I’m going to need a lot of training, but nothing’s out of reach, right?” Smith said. “I’ve actually tried out for, and been denied from, the National Team twice.” McRoberts said having a Sugar Bear go pro is great for the program. “It shows the players currently on this team and potential recruits that they can continue their volleyball career after they finish their four years here, if that’s what they want to do,” McRoberts said. Smith finished her career as a Sugar Bear as the all-time leader in kills with 1,689, kills per set with 3.78 and attempts with 4,182.

-PREVIEW-

Sugar Bears hope to exorcise Lady Demons tonight by Mary DeLoney News Editor

The Sugar Bears basketball team has spent this week preparing to take on the Lady Demons of Northwestern State University tonight at 7 in the Farris Center. The Lady Demons won their last game against Southeastern Louisiana after suffering four straight losses, one of those being to the Sugar Bears. “Northwestern State is a quality opponent who is coming off of a big win this weekend. Down there earlier this year the game was tight at the half and we made some adjustments and played with great effort in the second half to get a road win. We will need a similar effort [tonight],” Associate Head Coach Tony Kemper said. The Sugar Bears won both conference games played last week against Southeastern Louisiana and McNeese State. They hope to do the same this week.

“This should be a very competitive game. Both teams are very athletic and both teams have great guard penetration and aggressive post players,” Assistant Coach Caronica Randle said. The Sugar Bears began preparing for the game on Monday by going over all of the Lady Demons plays and calls. “During the conference season we have two days to prepare for each opponent so we are used to the quick turnaround,” Kemper said. Randle said the girls usually get together and have a movie night with each other to watch game film. “We will expect great offensive and defensive execution and being more alert on defense since this is our second time to play Northwestern. We should have their personnel pack down,” Randle said. The Sugar Bears have several aspects about them that are threatening to the opposing team. “Early in conference play

our guards were hot and playing with a lot of confidence. Of late, including Saturday’s over-time win against McNeese, our interior players have been tremendous, so we feel like we have multiple weapons and can hurt teams in a variety of ways,” Kemper said. Team bonding and good attitudes also help when it comes to winning. “The Sugar Bears are strongest in being able to play together. They share the ball well and try to play with a positive attitude and effort in each game. A lot of people never get to see the players off the court. But, they have a strong bond that is like no other,” Randle said. Including tonight’s game, the team has nine more conference matches. “Conference games in any league across the country are tough to win, so you have to get together as a team and fight,” Kemper said. The Sugar Bears hope to not disappoint the home crowd tonight.

The men’s basketball team lost by seven points in a 70-63 game Saturday, Jan. 29 against the McNeese State Cowboys. Two minutes into the game senior center Carlos Dos Santos scored the first two points. No credit was given to the points scored by senior forward Tadre Sheppard as there was a foul called on the play. After the Cowboys earned three points from free throws and scored two points, junior forward guard Mark Rutledge scored from the three-point line. A foul was called out against McNesse, allowing Santos to gain two points for the Bears, setting the score at 8-5 with 16:19 on the clock. The teams raced across the court back and forth and with just under 13 minutes on the clock the Cowboys had a 10point lead of 19-9. Senior guard Imad Qahwash was quick to make a three-point shot, but the Cowboys were right behind him as senior center Preston David immediately scored a two-point shot. Junior forward Chris Henson turned over the ball in an attempt to score some points for the team, but a foul ended the play. Qahwash was quick on his feet to put some Marisa Hicks photo points on the board and scored Senior guard Imad Qahwash goes up for a layup during the game from the three-point line. Just after the Cowboys against the McNeese State Cowboys on Jan. 29. The Bears lost the scored two points, senior guard game 70-63 and now have a conference record of 1-6. Mike Pouncy scored another three-point basket for the The two teams shot free scored two points and with 5:39 Bears. throws back and forth but just on the clock, Qahwash scored With 8:18 on the board, the after the Cowboys were quick two points for the Bears. Bears were catching up to the to make two two-point shots by The Cowboys, however, were Cowboys and were only four Alawoya and senior guard Diego able to stay in the lead and won points behind. Kapelan, giving the Cowboys an by seven points when senior The Cowboys continued eight-point lead with 15:34 on to score and senior guard C.J. guard Stephan Martin scored the clock. Collins of McNesse rebounded two free throw shots with 23.3 Pouncy rebounded the an attempted free throw by seconds on the clock, setting the ball and scored two points, Sheppard and scored two points. score at 70-63. Sophomore forward Terry Tidwell but between free throws and a Coach Corliss Williamson two-point shot by Alawoya, the shot a free throw setting the said, “I talked to the guys after Cowboys were up four more Bears just six points behind. the game, and even at halftime, points and in the lead by 10. Junior forward Patrick that tonight our shot selection, to With 14:25 on the clock, Richard of McNesse scored a me, was terrible to say the least.” the Cowboys scored 11 straight three-point basket. He said that in order to win, points and the Bears were down With 15 seconds on the clock the players must take and make by 17 with 10:30 on the clock. Qahwash scored two points good shots. Tidwell shot and scored from leaving the team four points “It was a tough loss,” junior the three-point line, changing the behind at halftime. guard T.K. Smith said. “We need score to 45-60. In the second half the to focus on free throws, running Junior center Daniel Richard Cowboys were quick to score the of McNesse rebounded and offense and making better shots.” first five points.

10 / February 2, 2011

SPORTS

Bears Brief • The Sugar Bears tennis team lost its spring opener on Friday, Jan. 29 to the Texas A&M Corpus Christi Islanders 7-0 in Dallas, Texas. The Islanders sweep of the Sugar Bears began in doubles play, but Sugar Bears number one team of junior Allison Hartman and senior Lisa Mainz made the Islanders work for the victory. With a final score of 8-6, the Sugar Bears duo fought it down to the wire but was not able to secure the doubles win. Single matches did not go so well for the Sugar Bears either. Sugar Bears freshman Sasha Ruocco came the closest to winning a singles match for the Sugar Bears. Islander senior Bianca Discordia defeated Ruocco 6-4, 6-0 in number three singles. The Sugar Bears next match is today at 12:30 against the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith Lady Lions in Fort Smith, Ark.

ucaecho.net

BEAR BOARD

• The Sugar Bears basketball team defeated the Southeastern Louisiana Lady Lions on Wednesday, Jan. 26 in Hammond, La. 69-65. This victory preceded the Sugar Bears victory over the McNeese State Cowgirls who they defeated Saturday, Jan. 29 74-73 in an overtime game. The Sugar Bears had control of the game over the Lady Lions for the majority of both periods. The Sugar Bears sealed their victory in the final seconds of the game when sophomore forward Megan Herbert sank a jump shot to break the tie score and put the Sugar Bears ahead 67-65. Herbert put up two more free throw shots to lengthen the Sugar Bears league and set the final score at 69-65. The Sugar Bears shot 43.6 percent from the field and were 18-22 on free throws.

-PREVIEW-

Track and field teams head to Illinois for meet by Lisa Burnett Entertainment Editor

Not only has the UCA track team just begun its spring season for 2011, but the team members and coach Richard Martin have high hopes for this upcoming season as they approach their next meet in Carbondale, Ill. in the Southern Illinois McDonald’s Invitational on Feb. 4. The team has already competed in two meets at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. On Jan. 22, the team’s last meet, the women and men’s track teams broke seven school records and had 14 qualifiers for the Southland Conference Championships at the ASU invitational, according to ucasports.com. Sophomore Daniel Reese broke his own pole-vaulting record of 4.66 meters and placed second in the pole vault at this meet. Senior Donavan Loring placed first in the triple jump with a jump of 48 feet. The men weren’t the only track team members that made their mark on the ASU invitational. Sophomore Courtney Efurd qualified for the SLC Championship in the 800 meters and the mile. Freshman Kayla Nehus also qualified for the SLC Championship in the mile. Sophomore Elizabeth

Craig also qualified by breaking the UCA record in the 5,000 meters. Sophomore Tasha Bryles qualified in the shot put for the Bears. Both the men and women’s track teams have been working hard to prepare for their upcoming meet in Illinois. Martin said he has high expectations of the teams for the upcoming meet. “We’ve been out here running in the cold all week getting ready for this meet,” Martin said. “We’ve been doing more speed work and we have had more time to prepare for this meet,” junior Courtney Houff said. Houff is a sprinter for the UCA track team. “I think we will perform a lot better at this meet because at the last meet, we were just getting back from Christmas break and we only had about three days to train,” Houff said. The men and women’s track teams are scheduled to compete in 12 more meets after the Southern Illinois McDonald’s Invitational with one being a home meet at the Bill Stephens track/soccer complex April 2. “I feel like we’re definitely ready for this meet. Compared to last week at ASU, I think we will perform better. I’m thinking we’re going to get some more first

places at SIU,” Houff said. Martin said the track teams are expected to compete against approximately eight or nine teams in this meet. “All of the stuff we’re doing in practice just depends on what event the person is competing in. Our sprinters are doing eight 300s in 45 seconds, “ Martin said. Houff said he has high expectations for the track team this season. “The four by 400 meter relay team has a really good chance of placing in the conference this year. I’m hoping we can make it happen,” Houff said. Martin said, “You never know about how the meet will turn out because it’s an indoor and the way the members perform just depends on how they are feeling that day.” Martin said he hopes that his entire team performs well, while some might realize how different indoor meets are from outdoor. “The freshmen do have more trouble adjusting to indoor meets because they have to learn how to run indoors. They didn’t run indoors in high school and aren’t used to it,” Martin said. Although some track team members have qualifying times already, Martin is having those members run in more than one event so they can qualify in both events.

publi c

appearances

2010—2011 facebook.com/ucareynolds

@ucareynolds

Ben Keller photo

Bear Stadium received another facelift on Wednesday, Jan. 26 when the stadium’s new scoreboard was lifted into place. This was one of many new additions that have recently been added to the stadium.

-SEASON PREVIEW-

Bears softball team prepares for tough 2011 schedule by Ben Keller Sports Editor

The Bears softball team has begun preparing for its 2011 season where it will face a mix of SEC and Big 12 games to go with the Southland Conference schedule. Coach David Kuhn said he hopes the tough non-conference games will help develop the team and solidify the lineup for conference play. “I think our schedule is going to help us a lot,” he said. “We play some really tough non-conference opponents and hopefully that will prepare us for when we start playing within our conference. It is going to help us see where everyone should be on the line up and figure out how everyone is hitting.” The Bears will play against Troy University, Baylor University, Ole Miss and Oklahoma University during the 2011 season. Kuhn said he is looking at the team’s offensive capabilities to be a major factor for having a successful season. “Hitting and our chance to score runs should be our strength,” he said. He said pitching will be a big contributing factor and having sophomore pitcher Kelsie Armstrong back for another season gives the Bears bullpen a boost. Last season, Armstrong had an ERA of 2.59 and came out even in wins and losses with 1717. She also threw 212 strikeouts and had two saves. The Bears have a lot of key returners coming back for the 2011 season including junior first baseman Kasey Britt, senior designated player Shay Ristau, sophomore catcher Melanie Bryant and sophomore outfielder Candice Gauntt.

Kuhn said these four players were big hitters for the team’s offense last season and he is expecting the same for 2011. “[They are] four AllConference returning players,” he said. “With Kasey at first, Shay and Candice are big in the outfield and Melanie as catcher will help us on the field and with our offense. We also have a few new girls who can help us out offensively,” he said. Last season, Gauntt led the team in hits with 60 and pulled off a .324 batting average. Britt, Ristau and Bryant had 51, 48 and 47 hits, respectively. Kuhn said he also thinks the team’s new players will also contribute to the teams overall success and have transitioned into the Bears style of play and strategy. “Having all of our returners out on the field has definitely helped our new kids coming in transition our system,” he said. “We feel pretty good with that.” Sophomore infielder Melissa Bryant said the Bears will have to execute well in the field as well to be successful and will have to cut out unnecessary errors and mistakes. “Mainly we just cannot let balls get past us and drop. We have to catch those fly balls,” she said. “Our pitchers will have to be strong along with everyone else. We can’t freak out if we make errors and we just have to move on and get past it.” Bryant said it will be important for the infielders to make sure they are supporting their pitcher and have her back when they are out in the field. Kuhn said one thing the team has to change from last season was its struggle to win on the road. “A couple times last year we got swept on the road and we

cannot let that happen,” he said. “You have to find to take at least 2-3 every weekend out on the road no matter what. It is never easy though, because a lot of the good teams find ways to win and hopefully we will be able to do that this year.” The Bears were 11-15 last season when traveling. Bryant said a big part of the team’s problems last year was the lack of mental preparedness. “We are spending a lot more time getting mentally prepared than we did last season,” she said. “We had it last year physically but the problem was we just didn’t mentally. We didn’t believe in ourselves.” Kuhn said the team’s biggest goal this season is to have a winning season. From there, he wants to see them win the conference, compete in the Southland Conference Tournament and hopefully win now that they are a fully functional division 1 team. “We will take those in any order,” he said. “In the past two seasons we have beaten every team in the Southland Conference at least once. We know on any given day we can compete with anyone in our league.” Bryant said every season, each player hopes to achieve a hitting average above .300 and getting a winning season would be huge for the team and give them the opportunity to play in the conference championship. The Bears will kick off their season against the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Lady Lions in Conway on Feb. 10 at 3 p.m. After that game, the Bears will be on the road playing in several different tournaments and will not return to Conway to play until March 2 where they will face the Mississippi Valley State Devilettes.