The Echo | August 30, 2018 by The Echo at UCA

The Echo

THE UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS’ STUDENT NEWSPAPER

THURSDAY

AUGUST 30, 2018 Volume 113— Issue 1

ucaecho.net TODAY’S FORECAST

Campus Life:

CONWAY

Pep Rally: Freshmen tap into their Bear pride. 4 page 3

Entertainment:

Sports:

Song of the Summer: Five contenders take the cake. 4 page 6

I-40 Showdown: A new rivalry grows between UCA and UALR. 4 page 7

Chance of Thunderstorms

New College of Liberal Arts dean strives to expand social media reach

90/73

THE NEWSDESK FROM THE EDITOR

by Jessica Huffmaster

I N T E R N AT I O N A L

Saturday Mothers, an advocacy group protesting the forced disappearances of Turkish citizens, held its 700th meeting on Aug. 25 in Istanbul. Their goal is to denounce the current feuding between Turkish security and Kurdish insurgents in southeastern Turkey. However, the peaceful protest was put to an end after the police used tear gas to apprehend over 47 people into custody. All who were arrested, including 80-year-old protester Emine Ocak whose son disappeared in 1995, were released the following day.

N AT I O N A L

Sen. John McCain, two-time presidential candidate, dead at 81

photo by Lauren Swaim

Senator John McCain ended his long-term battle with brain cancer Aug. 25. The senator was known for overcoming adversity, surviving numerous bouts of skin cancer and, as a naval officer, surviving an explosion, a plane crash and five-and-a-half years as a Vietnam POW. He began his bids for presidency in the 2000s when he was subsequently defeated in the 2008 election by Barack Obama. This did not stunt his passion for political justice and activism. McCain did not hesitate to speak out against current President Donald J. Trump regarding his friendship with Russian President Vladimir Putin. McCain’s funeral services will be in Arizona on Aug. 29 and Aug. 31 in Washington, D.C. where McCain will be put to rest at the U.S. Capitol.

Mass shooting claims two lives, injures 11 On Aug. 26 a mass shooting occurred in Jacksonville, Florida, during a Madden NFL tournament. The first few moments of the incident were captured live on Twitch. After the video feed was disrupted, gunshots could be heard as victims screamed and scrambled for cover. Two fatalities have been confirmed and nine victims were treated for gunshot wounds. Eleven total were injured. Police have confirmed the identity of the alleged shooter David Katz,, 24, from Baltimore, Maryland. Katz was found dead at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. His motive remains undetermined.

S TAT E

Arkansas architects to build houses on Mars Trey Lane, of Rogers, along with two teammates, beat out 19 other teams in a world-wide NASA competition. Their mission was to compile a plan of action to build houses on Mars. They used 3D printers to build models of homes and facilities which would make life viable on Mars. The teams produced plans for all necessities of life such as working laboratories, food access, production of vegetation and areas for exercise. Lane’s team won $20,957 in prize money.

WHAT’S AHEAD

IN OUR NEXT ISSUE Baum Gallery Fall Exhibition Opens

New College of Liberal Arts Dean Tom Williams aims to garner student success and involvement by increasing awareness of resources and opportunities available to students. He believes increasing the campus’s social media presence may be the key.

by Sophia Ordaz Editor

Heeding Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s January 2018 call to freeze tuition at in-state colleges and universities, the UCA Board of Trustees approved for no increase in tuition, but did sanction a 2.66 percent increase in undergraduate fees and a 2.31 percent increase in graduate fees for the 2018-19 fiscal year. “This increase is expected to generate approximately $2.2 million in fee revenue,” said Diane Newton, vice president for finance and administration, in an email. “This revenue will be applied toward the technology refresh, facility maintenance and debt, Student Health Center operations and success initiatives.” For full-time undergraduates registered for 15 hours a semester, the increase in fees is a jump of $227 from the cost of fees in the 2017-18 fiscal year. Some fees saw sharp hikes from last year. Since the 2017-18 year, the technology fee rose by 60 percent, from $7.50 per credit hour to $12 per credit hour, due to the cost of Wi-Fi improvements and a network refresh. “We have had the Wi-Fi improvements,” Student Accounts Director Chad Hearne said. “There is the necessary network refresh as far as infrastructure campuswide that is going to be rather expensive. I would think most students realize that we probably were a little behind on technology, and we’re trying to improve that.” The facilities fee experienced a 14 percent uptick from last year, rising from $12.50 per credit hour to $14.25. “In several years, we’ve had a lot of new buildings,” Hearne said. “The costs of running the buildings, the infrastructure

to keep those buildings up, all of that increase over time.” The Writing/Retention fee has had its name changed to the Student Success fee. Like the Writing/Retention fee, the Student Success fee will fund the Academic Success center, the Writing Center and wages for tutors. “[The name change] just gives a more clarification as to what that goes for. As Writing/ Retention, everyone just thought it was something to do with writing,” Hearne said. “We’re increasing it because the budget is needed there for greater retention. We’re putting a lot of dollars into recruitment. We also need to put dollars into retention. Beefing up the Student Success fee and getting those dollars to increase their budgets over there allows them more resources to be able to help students and to help us better retain them.” The last time the university ushered in a tuition freeze was during the 2014-15 fiscal year, but with an added freeze on fees. A tuition freeze helps make education more immediately affordable to students and helps lower-income students reach graduation, but it also strains university operations. “Freezing tuition limits the potential income to impact general operating lines, like salaries, fringes and supplies necessary for operation inside and outside the classroom,” Newton said. Like public colleges and universities nationwide, in the past 20 years, UCA has been relying more heavily on tuition and fees to finance its operations, rather than state funds. The last time state appropriations exceeded tuition and fees was in the 2003-04 fiscal year.

See Tuition- page 2

4Students Say

4Columns 4Entertainment 4Sports

5 6 7

Phone: 501-499-9822 E-mail: ucaechoeditor@gmail.com

Williams said he is most excited about the opportunity to get to know the students milling around Irby. As dean, he does not get many opportunities to have direct, consistent conversations with students, so he can’t wait to be able to walk around Irby and the rest of UCA’s campus. “Nothing can diminish that feeling of potential and optimism here,” he said. His advice for freshmen is to get to know your peers, go to your professors’ office hours, stay on campus and don’t go home every weekend, take advantage of what is happening on campus and in Conway, explore your opportunities and, most importantly, find a mentor. “Everybody has some low points in his or her academic career,” Williams said. “It’s nice to know you have someone to depend upon and to lift your spirits a little bit.” However, he said possibly the most important advice of all would be for students to drop by his office with some Einstein’s.

BUSINESS

Tuition at a standstill as fees continue to climb

UCA’s new College of Liberal Arts Dean Tom Williams, who began his position in July, has hopes to expand the college’s presence on social media and to change people’s impression of the liberal arts. “[The College of Liberal Arts faculty are] already doing outstanding work in their classroom, their scholarship and research and the service that they do,” Williams said. Williams is aiming to increase the strength of the college’s social media presence to reach a wider audience, as well as focusing on fundraising and making friends of the university know what the college is doing and what they can do to help. He strives to make opportunities within the college more open and available to student, parents and employers who may not have been aware

opportunities previously. “[My primary goal is to] celebrate and maybe even transform the perception that people have of the liberal arts,” Williams said. Before coming to UCA, Williams served as associate dean of the School of English, Communication, Media and Languages at Morehead State University in Kentucky. Williams received his bachelor’s in creative writing from Ashland University in Ohio, master’s in English from Ohio State University and doctorate in creative writing and literature from the University of Houston. Williams said he chose to work at UCA because of its relationship with students and the state. “UCA combines strong traditions for student success with its importance to the state overall,” Williams said. He said he looks forward to the new leadership of and opportunities available with President Houston Davis and Provost Patricia S. Poulter.

FINANCE

Index: 2

Assistant Campus Life Editor

Mothers’ Vigil stamped out by police in Turkey

4Police Beat 4People of UCA

SINGLE COPY PAID FOR BY STUDENT PUBLICATION FEE

photo by Lauren Swaim

Twisted Taco opened its doors at its new Donaghey Hall location Aug. 20. The store is managed by Aramark, which runs all restaurants on UCA Campus.

New Donaghey Hall stores now serving UCA, Conway community

by Lauren Swaim Photo Editor

Two new storefronts are now open in The Shoppes at Donaghey Hall. Twisted Taco, which replaced Mosaique Bistro, opened Aug. 20, while Einstein Bros. Bagels, which replaced Blue Sail Coffee, opened Aug. 21. There are plans to build a UCA Welcome Center, which is expected to be completed by the end of summer 2019. It will occupy the space where Uncle T’s Food Mart once was. General manager for the food service provider Aramark Jim Nabors, said there were reasons for adding Einstein Bros. Bagels and Twisted Taco to UCA’s food retailers. In regards to Einstein Bros. Nabors said, the Donaghey Hall location will be easier for community residents to access than the Student Center location. Because of the limited parking, Nabors received feedback that it was difficult for nonstudents

to access. As for Twisted Taco, Aramark considered student surveys that showed students wanted a Mexican restaurant on campus. UCA’s Twisted Taco is the restaurant’s first location in Arkansas. “I’m expecting not only for it to be the UCA campus, I’m hoping for the community’s involvement also,” Nabors said. Students, faculty and staff can use BearBucks and Dining Dollars at both Einstein Bros. Bagels and Twisted Taco, but students cannot use their meal plans or meal equivalency rates. Twisted Taco will serve alcohol, but BearBucks and Dining Dollars cannot be used to purchase it. Christina Madsen, associate vice president for communications, public relations and marketing at UCA, said the decision was made to place the Welcome Center at Donaghey Hall because it was easier for nonstudents and their families to access than Bernard Hall, which is located in the

Social:

middle of campus. The Welcome Center will be a place to welcome families wanting to tour campus, and a place to discuss academic advising, housing, admissions and scholarships. “When you walk in, that will be your central hub for all your information with admissions and anything you need there,” Madsen said. “Then if you want a cup of coffee or if you want to have lunch or ice cream, you’ve got all that right there, too.” The Space Trek Bicycle once occupied will function as an extension of the Welcome Center, as well as a place for extra meeting rooms. Madsen said there is a real need for extra meeting spaces. When students are looking for a place to study and want to check out a room at the Student Center, oftentimes the rooms are booked. The meeting rooms in Donaghey will provide that necessary space.

See Shoppes- page 2

Inside: Lunch shaming:

@ucaecho The Echo

ucaecho

When lunch becomes a cruel game.

see page 4

2/ August 30, 2018

NEWS

ucaecho.net

Police Beat

Shoppes: Construction makes room for student groups

The following information is compiled from UCAPD incident reports by Assistant News Editor Caela Rist

4 Continued from page 1

photo by Lauren Swaim

Einstein Bros. Bagels opens its doors at their new Donaghey Hall location Aug. 21. The location is the second on campus, with the first being at the Student Center Food Court.

One of the reasons why many of the storefronts in Donaghey closed was because they couldn’t sustain enough business during the times when students were on break. Nabors said Aramark is accustomed these months with little student business at their campus locations, so they will be better prepared to sustain the businesses. During the breaks, the stores will be open with limited hours.

UCA’s grand opening for the new shops is tentatively set for September, Madsen said. Marble Slab Creamery and the UCA Makerspace are the only storefronts that have not closed since Donaghey Hall opened in fall 2016. Across campus in the library, Starbucks is currently being remodeled and is set to reopen at the end of October.

A D M I N I S T R AT I O N

Board hold first fall meeting by Cassidy Kendall Associate Editor

The UCA Board of Trustees received reports from President Houston Davis, the Audit and Finance Committee and Information Technology Aug. 17 at its first meeting of the semester. Davis began his report by presenting the Bear C.L.A.W.S. (Celebrating the Lofty Achievements of our Wonderful Students) award to junior psychology student Brett Anderson. Davis then moved on to talk about the university’s need of focusing intention and aggression into recruiting future students. “We are seeing very good signs that our freshman class will be back above 2,000 for the first time since fall 2015,” he said. However, he said the number of transfer students is fewer than it was two years ago. Davis paused to recognize the exceptionally successful fundraising efforts of the 2017-18 fiscal year. The 2018 Day of Giving breached its initial goal of $50,000, reaching an Arkansas record-breaking total of $434,000, and UCA received four seven-figure gifts throughout the year. The President’s Society, a giving society for donors who contribute at least $1,000 a year, increased its membership by 26 percent, reaching

444 members — the most in UCA’s history “I think it’s important to stop and reflect upon what was a banner and a record year for UCA,” Davis said. On behalf of the Audit and Finance Committee, board member Everette Cornell Maltbia reported no changes nor revisions to the current budget. As for the financial update, Vice President for Finance and Administration Diane Newton said she is in the process of closing the books for the 201718 fiscal year, but that there is nothing to report as the university is in between years. However, Newton said, the budget for the 2019-20 fiscal year is already in the works. The Information Technology report, presented by Chief Information Officer Mike Lloyd, provided a project update on the network refresh — a project planning to move UCA toward a wireless/ mobile first network approach. Lloyd said the project’s completion is expected to take up to four months, pending coordination and scheduling of building downtime, and that the estimated cost is between $4.5 and $4.95 million, excluding the cost of upgraded fiber-runs. He said the third party assessment is complete, while due diligence is nearing completion on two finalists for the contract bid, with pricing refinements in progress with both finalists.

The next steps include finalizing due diligence and pricing by Aug. 31, presenting the recommendation to Davis and the Executive Staff by Sept. 15 and having the board review the network refresh by Oct. 1. Other significant project updates from IT include Bear Village’s internet upgrade, the availability of online direct deposit for student accounts, faculty and staff, the completion of student information system Banner’s hardware update, the redesign of Stadium Park Apartments’ Wi-Fi, the expansion of Donaghey Hall’s Wi-Fi to new businesses and the implementation of new firewall deployments. In other business: • A two-year renewal for UCA’s contract with Blackboard was passed. The two years will allow assessment and review to determine UCA’s eventual status with Blackboard. • The Identity Theft Prevention Program was passed. • Approval for the two vacancies on the Diversity Advisory Committee to be filled by Maltbia and Franklin Holbrook was passed. • The measure to introduce music education as a standalone degree, requiring 120 credit hours upon completion, was passed. The next Board of Trustees meeting will be Oct. 12. For more information, visit uca.edu/board/.

TRANSFER

UCA, UACCM unite with Bear Partners program by Aysha Dixon Social Media Editor

Over the summer, UCA and the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton agreed to initiate a new program that will benefit UACCM students by allowing them access to UCA academic resources and campus activities. UCA President Houston Davis and UACCM Chancellor Larry Davis signed the partnership agreement in early June in the attendance of UCA and UACCM administration. Transitioning from a community college to a fouryear university can seem intimidating to students, which is one of the reasons for the program’s creation. Bear Partners students will experience campus life at UCA prior to completing their associate degrees to help ensure

their success, UACCM Transfer Student representative Bobbi Yarbrough said. Although UCA and UACCM have had previous 2+2 transfer agreements with partner institutions, the Bear Partners Program will build upon both campuses’ hopes for students to seamlessly transfer with no credits lost. Once a full-time UCA Bear, students will have access to resources, like academic advisers and career services, that will assist them with finding a career in their field. Eligibility for the program limited to UACCM students that are currently enrolled at the time of their application. Applications take about 20 minutes to complete and can be accessed online. According to the program’s website, Bear Partners students will have free access to UCA ID cards, admission to regular season UCA athletic

events, admission to select Reynolds Performance Hall events, access to Torreyson Library in-person and online resources, BearBucks and an application fee waiver once they transfer to UCA. Bear Partners students will also be eligible for the Bear Partner Scholarship. This scholarship will be awarded annually to one UACCM student and will cover tuition and fees up to 15 hours per semester, for a maximum of four consecutive Fall/Spring semesters or through completion of a bachelor’s degree. The scholarship recipient will be notified about being awarded by May 1, 2019. Applications, frequently asked questions and contacts for the Bear Partners Program can be found at uca.edu/ bearpartners.

DIFFERENCES IN FEES 2017-18 Fiscal Year

2018-19 Fiscal Year

Percent Change

Facilities

$12.50 per credit hr.

$14.25 per credit hr.

14%

Technology

$7.50 per credit hr.

$12.00 per credit hr.

60%

Student Success (Formerly Writing/ Retention)

$0.35 per credit hr.

$1.00 per credit hr.

185.71%

Health Service

$65.00 per semester

$75.00 per semester

15.38% table by Sophia Ordaz

A table depicting the fees that saw increases from those of the 2017-18 fiscal year.

Tuition: State funds drop in decades-long national trend. 4 Continued from page 1

I’ve been in finance at five four-year states,” Newton said. “When I first started in higher education in Arkansas, our budgets were funded at over 80 percent from state appropriations. Currently our total operating budget is funded at just over 30 percent

from state appropriations.” State disinvestment in higher education is a nationwide trend that is projected to continue. For the first time, student dollars now exceed state appropriations in most states, amounting to a total of 28, according to a

2018 study by the State Higher Education Executive Officers. “I don’t have all the answers, but I do believe the universities and elected officials will continue to keep this conversation at the forefront of each legislative session,” Newton said.

Woman buys stolen phone off Facebook

Jessica Peterson previously purchased a phone off of Facebook Marketplace from Dashuan Green. Peterson gave the cell phone to her father as a gift over the summer. However, while Peterson’s father was away on a business trip the phone was shut off by the provider and reported stolen. Peterson then reported to UCAPD that she had been sold stolen property by Green, providing documentation of their conversations between May 14-23 when she purchased the phone.

Faculty member hits parked vehicle While pulling out of a parking spot in the North Overflow parking lot, faculty member Christopher Stiegler hit the right rear bumper of a nearby parked car. The car was

unoccupied at the time and belonged to faculty member Kenneth Hoyt. Both cars received moderate damage from the collision, including scuffs, scratches and dents. Stiegler immediately reported the incident to UCAPD.

Student’s personal belongings stolen in Christian Cafeteria

Kelsie McQueen reported her ID pouch stolen on Aug. 22. McQueen ate at the Christian Cafeteria around 2 p.m., sitting in the northeast corner of the cafeteria. After finishing her meal and heading back to her dorm room, she realized she had forgotten to pick up her ID pouch which contained several gift cards. Upon returning to the cafeteria, McQueen failed to locate the pouch. She then immediately reported her stolen items and contacted her RA to gain access to her

dorm until she could purchase a replacement ID. McQueen’s items still have yet to be recovered.

Student detained for warrant of arrest

Student Katelynn Hooten was pulled over Aug. 21 after she ran a stop sign at the intersection of Students Lane and W J Sowder Drive. She informed the officer she did not have her driver’s license. However, she did hand over her student ID. After the officer ran her plates and record with UCAPD Dispatch, he was informed Hooten had a possible warrant out for her arrest. The officer asked Hooten to speak with him in front of his vehicle until another officer arrived to the scene. Once the officers confirmed that the warrant was current, he arrested Hooten and brought her in to the Faulkner County Detention Center Unit 2.

GOVERNMENT

Eddinger-Lucero plots his legacy as executive president by Cassidy Kendall Associate Editor

Joshua Eddinger-Lucero, the newly-elected 2018-19 Student Government Association executive president, plans to implement strategic goals to solve students’ problems by encouraging SGA senators to make themselves available as resources for the student body to voice their opinions to. “I would like to see all of our SGA senators be more involved in reaching out to their constituencies,” EddingerLucero said. “[Senators] are all typically heavily involved in organizations across campus, so I would like to see them reaching out to the groups of students they represent.” During his presidency, Eddinger-Lucero said he hopes to build on the successes of his predecessors by striving for the best interest of students and for a diverse SGA senate. “I think last year’s senate was one of the most diverse that we’ve ever had, so I would like to see that momentum continue,” he said. “I would also like to ensure we are being the voice of students on campus. I think that’s a goal that the entire executive board and I share.” When he was initially elected executive president of SGA, the added responsibility made him nervous, he said. “I started the summer off very nervous, wondering how things were going to go and if it was going to be as successful as I had hoped, but as I worked through the summer, I came back for the fall ready to work. I’m excited with the team that we have in place, and I’m looking

forward to a successful year.” He said although some of his nerves may slightly persist in the background, he is excited to see what SGA will accomplish. In taking on this position, he has learned that a good leader must be willing to listen.

photo courtesy of Joshua Eddinger-Lucero

Senior Joshua Eddinger-Lucero is the 2018-19 SGA executive president. He is double majoring in family and consumer sciences education and public administration and minoring in teaching and learning.

“Recognizing that students’ viewpoints and opinions are not going to be the same as yours, but you have to hear the opinions and the voices of all students because you represent all students — the ones you agree with and disagree with.” He said seeing the difference student government can make at UCA and looking at the influence SGA has on administration is what motivates him to continue doing the work he does for students. Other motivations for Eddinger-Lucero include President Houston Davis and

Provost Patricia S. Poulter, who he said are both studentfocused and ensure students have the best college experience as possible, as well as faculty and staff, who are quick to address any problems he experiences. Eddinger-Lucero credits his successes to his professors. “My professors in the family and consumer sciences department have been some of my biggest supporters since I set foot on campus three years ago,” he said. “I don’t think I would be sitting in this position as executive president of SGA or do the other things I’ve been able to do at UCA without their support and encouragement.” Last year, EddingerLucero’served as the Academic College Representative for the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences. While in this position, Eddinger-Lucero was also the chair of the Academic Affairs Committee — a committee that conducted a campus wide academic advising survey to gain feedback from students on both good and bad academic advising within the Advising Center and departmental advising. The committee’s compiled report from the survey brought on several of the recommended changes within advising underway this fall. “I want my legacy as SGA executive president to be one where it’s a very open line of communication between SGA and the student body, in recognizing that I’m here to represent all students and serve as the voice for all students — one where the student body feels that they have been adequately represented,” Eddinger-Lucero said.

ACHIEVEMENT

Faculty welcome Research Development Grant to fund bio-medical projects, engage students by Caroline Bivens Online Editor

A p p r o x i m a t e l y $1.4 million was awarded to five faculty members from the College of Natural Science and Mathematics for research in the medical and biology fields. The Research Development Grant was funded through Arkansas IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence, which is backed by the Institutional Development Award Program of the National Institute of Health to promote medical research in Arkansas. The grant is intended to enable university faculty to include students in their research processes and will be distributed over three years. “With the grant, I am able to involve more undergraduate students in research projects that they have ownership of,” Assistant Professor of Chemistry Tori Dunlap said. “I train them, and they do the science themselves and I help them troubleshoot any problems.” Dunlap was awarded $273,754 to study proteins

and how their structures contribute to Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease and certain cancers. Dunlap said the study of these proteins can help better understand how they affect diseases. Dunlap said she was required to submit a 10-page research proposal that included background on the project, the effect it will have in biomedical research and a plan of how the research will occur. Dunlap said her funding will get more students involved and help purchase supplies and equipment. Assistant Professor of Computer Science Tansel Halic was awarded $297,027 to develop a virtual reality software that will help students receive “hands-on” learning before entering the operating room. Halic said the software can help limit the need for students to practice on real patients before they’ve had proper training. “Practicing on real patients is problematic. The patient could be me or you, and it’s really risky,” Halic said.

Halic said he will use his funds to develop the software and run it through a series of clinical trials. Halic said he will also pay students who are chosen to work on the project. Halic said the skills learned in the virtual reality program will translate to the operating room, and that the new software will potentially save lives. Halic hopes that when the project is finished, it will be part of the curriculum. Halic said the project could take five years to complete, but that he hopes to finish in three. Associate Professor of Computer Science Sinan Kockara received $293,000 to further his research in developing a software that will better diagnose people with skin lesions. Associate Professor of Biology Arijit Mukherjee received $279,767 to help improve the sustainability of crops at a molecular level. Assistant Professor of Computer Science Mahmut Karakaya was awarded $291,800 to fund his research of screening for diabetic retinopathy using a smartphone to show signs of blindness or loss of sight caused by diabetes.

Campus Life

August 30, 2018

Around Campus: Baum Gallery A new exhibition will have an opening reception from 4-7 p.m. Aug. 30 in the Baum Gallery on campus. The exhibit, titled “Peter Pincus: Color and Form,” features ceramics by the artist in the title.

Karaoke Donaghey Hall residents have the opportunity to meet their fellow residents from 7-8 p.m. Aug. 30 during a karaoke event where free popsicles will also be given out.

photo by Taylor Sone

The UCA Dance Team performs during the first pep rally and scrimmage of the year Aug. 22 at Estes Stadium. The Bears kick off their first game of the season Sept. 1 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Pep rally, scrimmage introduce freshmen to Bear football

by Taylor Sone Campus Life Editor

Frozen Treats Roll it! Frozen Cream will be on the Student Center Lawn at 11:30 a.m. Aug. 30 to give away a new take on a classic treat. The Student Activities Board will have a table setup on the lawn where the treats will be dispensed.

A back to school pep rally Aug. 23 at Estes Stadium demonstrated the class of 2022’s proclivity for football, their willingness to learn the essential chants and cheers of the student section and their readiness for the first game of the season. The pep rally, organized by the Bear Den, gathered new and returning students for an edifying practice session of the chants, cheers and jeers the student section engages in to support the Bears. The pep rally also included a showcase of the football team in a loose format scrimmage, performances by

the cheer and dance teams and music from the Bear Marching Band. Sophomore Kathryn Walden, public relations representative for the Bear Den, said she hopes the experience will help get students involved in all UCA has to offer. “I hope that we give [freshmen] a good environment to get out of their shells, to just have fun and really experience what UCA is. I hope it gets them involved in the community and lets them be who they actually are,” Walden said. Walden said college is a great opportunity for students to shed their high school personas. Students were given

noise-makers when they entered the stadium so they could get some practice at striking the devices together in unison — a technique used in many of the student section chants. Other chants they practiced involved shouting back and forth with the cheer team and taunting the opposing team with chants like “If you’re losing and you know it clap your hands: that’s you!” Football coach Nathan Brown addressed the students at the end of the scrimmage, expressing how essential the student section is for victory at home games. He said if students show up and get involved, the Bears will be winning a lot this fall.

NEW BEGINNINGS

Ying Yang Twins SGA and Minority Mentorship Program present a back to school concert at 7 p.m. Aug. 31 in the Farris Center. The concert will feature Yung Nation and the Ying Yang Twins.

Gymless Fitness A clinic teaching fitness techniques that don’t require expensive gym memberships, and can be used in the home or office, will be taught at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 4 in the Brewer Hegemen Conference Center. The clinic costs $105 and includes workout equipment. The event is sponsored by UCA Outreach and Community Engagement.

Volunteer Fair UCA’s annual Volunteer Fair, which gathers representatives from more than 40 nonprofits, will be from 1-3 p.m. Sept. 4 in the Student Center Ballroom. Students can come speak to representatives to learn about on-campus and off-campus volunteer opportunities.

Freshman Emily Werth, who attended the rally with friends who are returning students, said her first UCA pep rally was a fun learning experience. “It was interesting seeing the difference between a high school and a college pep rally,” Werth said. She said she is now ready for the first home game of the season Sept. 8 against Murray State University. The Bears scrimmaged for about an hour, covering all aspects of the game, keeping track of yards gained or lost and simulating special teams practice. The Bear Den has many other events planned for the upcoming football season,

including more pep rallies, tailgates, homecoming activities and family day activities. The pep rally was one of the highlights of Welcome Week. Other Welcome Week events included an opening convocation with UCA President Houston Davis, Battle of the Halls — a competition pitting residence halls against one another in a series of difficult and fun challenges — and a closing ceremony with live music, inflatable play areas, free pizza and a raffle in front of Arkansas Hall. The Bears kick off this football season with an away game against the Tulsa Golden Hurricanes Sept. 1 at Chapman Stadium in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

DANCE

Freshman’s Guide to UCA by Taylor Sone and Jessica Huffmaster

Campus Life Editor and Assistant Campus Life Editor Few events in life are as transformative as the college experience. With hard work, perseverance and a little luck, earning your degree will help you become the person you always wanted to be: a master of your destiny. While on the journey toward your degree, it is important to take things in stride; don’t forget to stop and smell the roses, and don’t forget to take care of yourself. This starts with familiarizing yourself with your new surroundings. As a new member of the community, it is important to take time to learn about the many places you can go for relaxation, rehabilitation and support. Finding time to relax and unwind is essential to success in your studies. It is the yin to studying’s yang. Students can spend downtime in various pursuits, such as participating in intramural sports, which include activities like soccer or softball. Group exercise classes, like free student yoga and spin classes, offering a way to stay in shape and keeping your mind clear. The campus HPER offers these and other classes throughout the semester. Exploring Conway is another great way to unwind. Few things are more relaxing than hiking at Hippie Rock in Cadron Settlement Park right outside of town. Outdoor equipment can be rented at the Campus Outdoor Pursuits and Activities desk located in the back of the HPER center. In addition to the aforementioned lifestyle opportunities, there are many restaurants that offer fun variety. If you depend on a daily coffee fix, but want to try something other than Starbucks or Einstein Bros.

Bagels, Round Mountain Coffee and Blue Sail Coffee come highly recommended (RMC also hosts open mic nights). When it comes to a fun night out with your friends, Old Chicago, Bear’s Den Pizza, Zaza’s and King’s Live Music offer lively atmospheres where lasting memories are guaranteed. For world-class entertainment, students need look no further than Reynolds Performance Hall. This semester will showcase music and shows like blues legend Buddy Guy, Broadway shows “Kinky Boots,” “Something Rotten” and “Chicago,” a speech by football legend Lou Holtz and many other exciting performances. If you ever find yourself struggling with schoolwork or finding a quiet place to study, UCA has many great locations. The second floor of Torreyson Library has a quiet space with many individual study rooms, and it also houses the Tutoring Center, which provides help in most fields. Additionally, the Creative Writing Center is in Win Thompson Hall and is helpful for those unfortunate moments you get hit with intense writer’s block. The stress that inevitably comes with performing academic duties can sometimes go from being a minor nuisance to a major problem. This is where the Counseling Center, located on the third floor of the Student Health Center, can help. Along with providing a wide range of mental health services, the center also offers educational programs and online mental health screenings. Your time in college will be some of the best years of your life. To get the most out of them, balance is key. By choosing to join the UCA family, you have surrounded yourself with people who care about your wellbeing and success, and won’t hesitate to help you achieve that balance.

photo by Lauren Swaim

(Right to left) Seniors Micaela Norment, Shayla Harrell and Shylar Crofton dance with the ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority at the Stroll Off Aug. 20 at the Farris Center. Alpha Kappa Alpha later won first place for the dance competition.

Fancy-footed Greeks slay competition, bring home trophy at annual Stroll Off by Timothy Morrison Staff Writer

Members of UCA’s fraternities and sororities competed in the Greek Life Stroll Off Aug. 20. Originally scheduled to be at the Student Center Amphitheater, the competition was moved to the Farris Center due to unpredicatble weather. Sororities and fraternities took the stage and tried to prove who had the best dance moves in front of the packed auditorium. Each team had its own style, which they demonstrated with different dance formations. The size of the teams differed, with some having as few as three members and others having 15 or more. Team outfits were varied, with dancers wearing shorts, jeans, long-sleeved tops, short-sleeved tops, camouflage, hats and bandanas. You didn’t need to be affiliated with Greek life to enjoy the event. Freshman Catelyn Khamisavang said that she had fun at the event, even though she wasn’t rooting for a particular team. Host Kaylon Bradford introduced the dancers and kept the crowd’s energy up, making sure there was never a

dull moment. There was an unexpected moment midway through the event when a lone shoe that had been knocked off a dancer’s foot graced the stage during a routine; it had to be carefully avoided by members of Alpha Sigma Tau until it was finally reunited with its owner when the dance concluded. Shortly afterward, an audience member raised a dog up, causing the crowd to go into an uproar. During intermission, an impromptu dance took place onstage with various dancers and some audience members. The only illumination came from the multicolored lights on stage, which provided sporadic silhouettes of the dancers. Soon after, much of the crowd began to dance and it became tougher to make out where the stage ended and where the audience began. As things began to settle, audience members raised their phones in the air like lighters, swaying with the music. The lights soon came back on and a winner was revealed. Sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha won the event and took home the trophy. Sigma Kappa was the runner-up and defending champions Delta Sigma Beta finished third.

It was a hard-earned victory for AKA. Senior AKA members Markiana Collins and Deshaunna Jamison said their members had to practice at least three times a week for over a month to perfect their routine. Collins said being onstage in front of the crowd felt amazing. Jamison said she was nervous going in, but the nerves quickly subsided when her team’s routine started. Their routine was developed with help from new initiates, and was considered a bonding experience for everyone involved. “We wanted it to be really lit,” Jamison said. Jamison said she wanted the whole audience to be able to connect with their routine. It featured music by Busta Rhymes, Usher, Drake, the Ying Yang Twins and other artists. AKA President Kaley Dedner said she thinks the win will motivate the sorority going forward. Collins and Jamison said dancing isn’t just a fun hobby for them because it plays an important role in self-expression. “It’s freedom. It’s a release,” Collins said.

ucaecho.net

CAMPUS LIFE

August 30, 2018 /4

STUDENTS SAY

“

What are you most excited for this semester?

story by Jessica Huffmaster photos by Lauren Swaim

photo by Taylor Sone

New students show their school spirit during the Battle of the Halls competition Aug. 21 at the Intramural Field. The competition pitted residence halls against one another in a variety of fun challenges organized by the Student Orientation Staff and the Department of New Student Programs.

Bernard rings victorious at annual Battle of the Halls by Taylor Sone Campus Life Editor

The 2018 Battle of the Halls pits residence halls against one another in a showdown to be crowned Battle of the Halls Champion, a much coveted title that Bernard Hall won this year. The competition required participants to give their all during a series of fun challenges Aug. 21 at the muddy intramural field on campus. After organizing into their teams — and after a bit of smack talk amongst the participants — the competition began. The first event was the three-legged race. Despite the slick conditions, the teams managed to be surprisingly agile as they tottered back and forth on the wet grass. Following the three-legged race was a game requiring highly developed hand-eye coordination: the egg toss. Teams of two started tossing

an egg back and forth. With each successful toss, the teams were required to increase the distance between one another. Splattered egg soon littered the field as the tosses approached impossible distances. As the teams competed, members of the Student Orientation Staff played the role of referees in determining who took the top spot in each competition. At the North end of the field, event MCs Chase Woodruff and Luke Koenigseder warned potential cheaters of the consequences of deceptive play. After the egg toss, the “Necking the Orange” event was up next. This event required students to abandon normal personal-space etiquette as they gripped an orange in the crook of their neck and passed it in line, from neck-to-neck, person-to-person, down the line. A similar event followed — “The Sponge” — in which students passed soaked

sponges in line, alternating between an overhead pass and another pass, which resembled a football hike to a bucket at the end of the line. The first team to fill their bucket was declared the winner. After “The Sponge” was the spin relay event, which was the most hectic challenge of the evening. Participants spun themselves silly with a baseball bat, then made a mad dash around a cone and back to the starting line. Laughter mixed with cheers from the crowd as participants unsuccessfully tried to stay on their feet. Freshman Camille Holmes, who participated in multiple Welcome Week events, said she enjoyed the atmosphere of the events. “It was pretty cool. It was like a lot of people coming together as a family,” Holmes said. Another relay event followed the spin relay, the “Fountains of Fun” challenge.

Participants were given a red plastic cup with holes in it and sped-walked to a bucket, emptying the water that didn’t end up spilling on their head in an attempt to have the fullest bucket on the field. The field events wrapped up with a classic challenge: the potato-sack race. As with many of the other challenges, the field conditions were not conducive to speed, but the racers overcame the odds. The final event of the evening was a cheer contest between the eight halls. Cheers were bombastic and rewarded the most creative and spirited team with points. The following night, at a closing ceremony for Welcome Week, the winners of the Battle of the Halls were declared. In third place was Hughes Hall, in second, State Hall and the winner was Bernard Hall. Graduate student Bernard Nichols accepted the trophy on behalf of his hard-working hall.

ARTS

Reynolds Performance Hall releases 2018-19 showcase lineup by Emily Gist Opinion Editor

Reynolds Performance Hall is showcasing an extensive mix of performances and keynote speakers for its 201819 season, including a popular set of award-winning Broadway shows, two keynote speakers and a Main Stage Education series. UCA Director of Public Appearances Amanda Horton said the Reynolds lineup will appeal to a broad audience. “It’s a very eclectic series. You may not like everything in this series, but I guarantee you’ll find at least one thing you like,” Horton said. Horton said she predicts that the upcoming season’s Broadway shows will be most popular because they tend to resonate with Reynolds’

audience. Last year’s biggest show was “Cinderella,” and this year Horton predicts “Chicago,” “Kinky Boots” and “Something Rotten” will be popular with the audience. Horton said she had to book multiple nights to get “Chicago” on campus. “I’ve been working on getting it here, but they wanted multiple nights, and as you see from our brochure, we don’t often do multiple nights, but we felt like it was such a strong title,” Horton said. “It was a classic show. It’s the longestrunning American musical to ever be on Broadway.” Horton said she also thinks “Kinky Boots” will be popular because of its notoriety. “‘Kinky Boots won six Tony Awards, and that’s pretty amazing. The year they won, they swept the Tonys,” Horton

said. “Something Rotten” is one of the newer Broadway shows in the series. “‘Something Rotten’ in our Broadway series is one of the newest Broadway shows we’ve brought in. It literally just went off Broadway last year,” Horton said. Aside from the Broadway series, Horton said she thinks the New Chinese Acrobatics show will appeal to Reynolds’ audience because of its modern costume design and acrobatics. “It is going to be a really neat, updated acrobatics show, so the costumes are very modern and it’s a different twist on what the students have seen in the past with our Chinese acrobat shows,” Horton said. Additionally, she said keynote speaker Lou Holtz, a former pro football player, would appeal to audiences

attracted to athletics, particularly football. Holtz is, according to the Reynold’s brochure, “one of the most established football coaches of all time.” The new Reynolds lineup has some nostalgic titles in its Main Stage Education series. The series contains six shows; however, only three of them will be available to the student body. Those include “Pete the Cat,” “Junie B. Jones: Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!” and “Earth’s Prehistoric Aquarium Adventure.” Horton said students will receive some special deals on these upcoming shows. In the Reynolds Performance Hall program, every show with a UCA symbol means students may receive two free tickets. If the show is not free, students can receive up to two $10 tickets.

Freshman Chauncey Williams-Wesley

Sophomore Hunter Eskola

“For the new opportunities and the independence that I get to have.”

“To get back into football and to come back and meet new people.”

Sophomore Rebeccca Rodriguez

Junior Cody Kirschner

“I’m taking Organic Chemistry and the professor is really awesome, and his teaching is really good.”

“Having everybody back in Conway. Since I live here, during the summer too, it’s like my friends and community being back in Conway.”

Junior Chance Levinson

Junior Zack Waitzman

“Meeting new people and new professors as well as going to football games — that’s going to be fun.”

“Participating on campus again — I miss doing that during the summer when I’m living in Illinois, so I really miss that.”

SPOTLIGHT

PEOPLE OF UCA Michael Hopper by Emily Gist Opinion Editor

photo by Emily Gist

When he’s off the clock, UCAPD communications officer Michael Hopper spends his time listening to music from the 1930s through ‘60s. He also enjoys gardening and hiking in Petit Jean State Park with his family.

Michael Hopper is the communications officer of the UCA police department. During school hours, he spends his time in his office providing students with information and communicating to the public regarding what is happening in his department. Outside the office, Hopper describes himself as an old soul who listens to the radio, prunes his yard and hikes with his family. Hopper said he enjoys listening to Radio Classics on Sirius XM radio. The channel broadcasts radio programs from the ‘30s to the ‘60s with radio shows like the detective series “Dragnet,” the western drama “Gunsmoke” and the comedy show “Jack Bennie.” Hopper said listening to these radio shows engages his mind because he has to imagine the scenes from the lines alone. He said he listens to the radio in his car and on a phone app, but he also owns his own vacuum tube radios from the early ‘40s. He said that as a kid he got most of his entertainment from the radio. “The radio format seems to suit my personality better than the TV does,” Hopper said. Hopper said he likes the radio because he is able to do other activities while listening to it, such as tending to the flower beds in his front yard. Hopper has a few flower beds in front of his house that have perennials and annuals. “Sometimes I’ll just sow a bunch of

wildflower seeds out there and see what comes up,” Hopper said. He said he sowed some seeds and ended up with just yellow flowers because excessive rains washed his seeds away this year. Hopper said he wants to increase the breadth of his gardening and start a vegetable garden in his backyard with his wife and two sons. He said the idea appealed to him because it reminded him of a Victory Garden — a type of garden planted during wartime to increase food production. “It’s something to do outside to get the kids involved in,” Hopper said. “The concept of the Victory Garden is each family, or group of families, coming together to get through those shortfalls. I think, for me anyways, it’s sort of harkening back to those times.” Hopper also enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and two sons. He said he goes hiking at Petit Jean State Park with his family about once or twice a week, and often goes fishing. “Being out, being together, it helps make us more of a tight-knit family,” Hopper said. “It’s about doing something as a family together, taking the couple of hours to go on a good hike.” Growing up, Hopper was a Boy Scout and always enjoyed his time outdoors. “Learning those, not just life skills, not just service to others, but learning the outdoor skills as well, that’s what I enjoyed about being in the Boy Scouts,” Hopper said. “It shaped a lot of who I am today.”

Opinion

ucaechoeditor@gmail.com

August 30, 2018

The Voice

Loss of Donaghey stores, loss of our campus charm

The Echo Staff Sophia Ordaz Editor

Cassidy Kendall Associate Editor

Marley Cash-Powell News Editor

Caela Rist

Assistant News Editor

Taylor Sone

Campus Life Editor

Jessica Huffmaster

Assistant Campus Life Editor

Emily Gist Opinion Editor

Sarah Kapity

Entertainment Editor

Cody Macomber Sports Editor

Marcus McClain Assistant Sports Editor

Caroline Bivens Online Editor

Aysha Dixon

Social Media Editor

Lauren Swaim Photo Editor

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Lunch special: institutionalized bullying 1 percent of their annual expenditure.” As a kid, I was embarrassed to use free So why is lunch shaming even a thing? Not lunch tokens, but I convinced myself that if only do lunch debts not impede the ability of I handed them over to the cashier quickly SFAs to break even over the course of multiple enough, my classmates might not notice. years, but even when a deficit does persist, a less Nowadays, new card-scanning systems free than 1 percent deficit hardly seems appropriate students from this sleight-of-hand trick. cause for stigmatization of innocent kids. When Unfortunately, some students do not lunch debts do become a crisis for individual qualify for free or reduced lunch, or their schools, these schools could opt for more parents do not file the proper paperwork. creative solutions such as fundraising rallies. These students worry about a much different form of embarrassment related Yet New Mexico is the only state that has banned lunch shaming. According to their food insecurity: lunch to the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance, shaming. over 163,800 children in Arkansas are Lunch shaming is an allfood insecure, meaning “their access too-common practice used to adequate food is limited by a lack by schools attempting to of money and other resources.” collect unpaid lunch bills. According to a food hardship study This practice often includes by the Food Research and Action discussing a debt with the Center, New Mexico ranks 10th in student in front of peers, stamping the U.S. for childhood food “I need lunch money” hardship and Arkansas on the student’s ranks third. hand, discarding Arkansas should the student’s follow New Mexico’s hot lunch tray in lead. For me, this is exchange for a cold by Marley Cash-Powell a matter of conscience; lunch usually consisting News Editor however, the research is of a peanut butter and also resounding. In regards jelly or cheese sandwich to achievement, without adequate nutrition, and a small milk, making the student perform students’ thought processes are greatly hindered. janitorial tasks to pay the debt or denying the In the test-driven education system of today, the student lunch altogether. concern over nutrition should be a high priority. Shaming children is a cruel practice, Psychologically, it has also been especially considering that, according to a well-documented over the past century that 2017 study by the United States Department of shame can lead to suicidal tendencies. Simply Agriculture, “lost revenue from unpaid meals put, adults are better equipped to deal with did not appear to have a meaningful effect embarrassment than children and adolescents on the ability of [a School Food Authority] to are. Most schools have implemented a operate at the break-even level.” zero-tolerance policy for bullying, but it’s difficult As nonprofits, School Food Authorities to understand how lunch shaming can be viewed aim to balance their ratio of revenues to as anything other than institutionalized bullying expenditures between .9 and 1.1, depending for profit’s sake. on the individual SFA. According to the USDA Lunch shaming seems to be the only thing study, for nearly 90 percent of SFAs, “the net today’s students need less of on their plates. revenues lost amounted to no more than

Hit the ground running starting freshman year Incoming freshmen have a lot on their In college, I found myself devoting hours to minds when entering college. They adjust to flashcards and textbooks. I also worked hard dorm life, attend parties, join Greek life and to attend every class I had, even the dreaded find themselves in a new environment. 8 a.m. classes. It’s important for freshmen to remember You pay tuition to go to class, and every to put school first, because your entire college time you skip, you’re wasting money. You also career is based off of your first few lose valuable learning time. semesters. Learning to manage my time and I’m a senior now, but prioritize academics early in the looking back, my freshman semester has helped me to excel and sophomore years were the in school. I wouldn’t have the GPA toughest years academically. and high academic standing that I I was taking all the do now if I hadn’t hit the books hard prerequisite math and science as a freshman. classes that I struggled with in I’ve never had to retake a class and high school, and they were much my hard-earned grades have earned harder in college and me respect from my professors. required more study Don’t worry, I’m not a time. total dweeb. I still have I quickly fun in school, but I’m realized that if I able to manage my study wanted to make time and my social life by By Caroline Bivens good grades, then I getting homework done in Online Editor needed to work hard and between classes instead of put school first and my watching Netflix like I want social life second. to. Some of my friends regret not trying harder All the hard work and hours in the library and slacking off as freshmen because it has put have been worth it. It was hard having to cancel them behind in school and their GPAs have plans because I needed to study, but that’s what suffered. It gets harder to motivate yourself I’m in college to do. when you’re so close to graduation. Also, future employers will be interested to I did the same thing in high school. I didn’t see how well you did in school. If they see you’ve attend many honors classes or push myself to slacked off, they may think you’ll do the same at take AP classes. My main goal in high school a job. You want to show them that you’re willing was to enroll in college. I didn’t graduate with to put the work in that’s necessary to succeed. any special awards and didn’t have any cords at Freshman year is full of new experiences graduation. and distractions from school, but it’s important I wanted college to be different. In high to put school first in order to achieve a successful school, I was able to pass tests without studying. college career that can build a successful future.

As the new semester rolls in, it’s natural to reflect on changes made since last year, and one of the most notable changes is the replacement of two of the five Donaghey Hall storefronts. Last semester two stores were replaced to “better serve our students,” Vice President of Finance and Administration Diane Newton said. Mosaique Bistro was replaced with Twisted Taco and Blue Sail Coffee was replaced with a second Einstein Bros. Bagels location. Meanwhile, the space that formerly housed Uncle T’s is undergoing construction to become the UCA Welcome Center by the end of summer 2019, and the Trek Bicycle Store space will be used for meetings and events by UCA. Oftentimes, change is a good thing. It’s necessary for the progression of a place and an evolution of a people. However, there is also a risk that such change could overtake the original spirit of a community. Conway has a unique aesthetic, and its local stores reflect that. Think of Whole Hog, Taziki’s, Tacos 4 Life, Hog Pen and a multitude of other local Conway restaurants. These restaurants exist within the context of where they are. One cannot find a Whole Hog in California, or a Tacos 4 Life in New York, and that’s what makes Conway unique. Each of those local restaurants adds to the charm of Conway, Arkansas. The UCA campus community is a slice of the Conway community. And for UCA, the old Donaghey stores — the Blue Sail and Mosaique — were the Hog Pen and Taziki’s of the campus community. They were locally-owned businesses that provided opportunity for local entrepreneurs to thrive. In fact, the Blue Sail was owned by UCA alumnus Kyle Tabor. A UCA alumnus would know far more about the UCA campus community’s needs than the Einstein Bros. founder from California. The Blue Sail on Donaghey was the only one of three, the other two being in Downtown Conway and Little Rock. And Mosaique’s sole location was at Donaghey Hall, meaning its closure is the death of that brand. Perhaps Einstein Bagels and Twisted Taco will be more popular and yield more revenue than local businesses. And that, of course, is a good thing for the campus economy. However, not only is the UCA campus home to an Einstein Bagels in the Student Center, but Einstein Bagels adds no cultural value to campus. Virtually every university has an Einstein Bagels or a similar coffee chain on its campus. The Twisted Taco is less profuse, but one can still find it in Georgia or Tennessee. Why go to a university that looks just like any other school and has the same food as any other campus? Why make UCA less noteworthy? That’s not to say a community cannot have more popular stores and restaurants within its shopping display. After all, there’s a reason those restaurants are as popular as they are. But that’s what the Student Center aims to do: provide well-known brands that are familiar to potential and current students so they can feel comfortable. But The Shoppes at Donaghey are something else entirely. Everything about Donaghey, from its giant metal bear to its purple interior lighting, reads UCA bears. The retired Donaghey stores added local flavor to UCA. From a purely economic standpoint, perhaps these stores “better serve our students.” But at what cost?

The retired Donaghey stores added local flavor to UCA

Have an opinion? Everyone does. Write a letter to the editor at ucaechoeditor@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. The Echo is printed weekly at the Jacksonville Patriot. 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.

Entertainment August 30, 2018

New This Week Movies

Songs of the Summer

by Sarah Kapity

catchy chorus and, of course, Adam Levine’s familiar tenor. It’s the kind of timeless pop song that uncovers old summer memories, which is why it makes this list. Since the release of “Red Pill Blues” last November, Maroon 5 has been laying low, but considering that this song has been ranked number two for the past week on Billboard’s hot 100 songs, it’s clear that Maroon 5 has still got it.

Entertainment Editor

August 31— Destination Wedding (R), directed by Victor Levin, starring Keanu Reeves, Winona Ryder, DJ Dallenbach

August 31 — Juliet, Naked (R), directed by Jesse Peretz, starring Rose Byrne, Ethan Hawke, Chris O’Dowd

August 31 — Kin (R), directed by Jonathan and Josh Baker, starring Carrie Coon, James Franco, Zoe Kravitz

August 31 — The Little Stranger (R), directed by Lenny Abrahamson, starring Ruth Wilson, Josh Dylan, Domhnall Gleeson

Music

August 31 — Karma For Cheap — Aaron Lee Tasjan

August 31 — Is This Thing Cursed? — Alkaline Trio

August 31 — My New Moon — Amos Lee

August 31 — Weed Garden — Iron & Wine

August 31— Treat Myself — Meghan Trainor

August 31— Bloom — Troye Sivan

1. “I Like It” by Cardi B, Bad Bunny, J Balvin If you keep the radio on for more than 10 minutes, you will more than likely hear this song, and for good reason. It’s a colorful bop that will make you want to dance no matter where you are. In the music video, Cardi B explodes with the exact kind of summer energy 2018 needed. Colorful, extravagant outfits, confidence and sassy dancing reinforce the fact that we have all been aware for a while now: Cardi B is not only a baller, she’s the freakin’ queen of the summer. 2. “Nice for What” by Drake Drake has released so many hits this year that his music could be all five of these contenders for song of the summer. “God’s Plan,” “In My Feelings” and other hit songs from his new album “Scorpion,” which was

5. “The Middle” by Zedd, Maren Morris, Grey

photos courtesy of indiependentmusic, dansendeberen.be, glamourmagazine.co.uk, billboard.com

[Left to right] Zedd, Adam Levine, Beyoncé, Cardi B, Jay Z, Drake

released in June, are still topping the charts. Ultimately, “Nice for What” makes the list because it’s a fast-paced song full of energy and happy Drake vibes, released just in time for summer celebrations. 3. “Apeshit” by The Carters If you haven’t heard

Beyoncé rap, drop what you’re doing right now and listen to her new album with Jay-Z. Feeding off each other’s awesomeness, The Carters hit the music scene again, this time as a power couple. On first listen, this song will give you goosebumps, and

VIVIR, MIRAR, ESCUCHAR

D E TA C H E D A P P E N D A G E S

‘The Motive’ is uniquely disturbing must-watch by Sarah Kapity Entertainment Editor

“The Motive,” a Netflix original movie directed by Manuel Martín Cuenca, is definitely a film that makes you think, embodying the idea that life imitates art while exploring what it means to be a writer, a human, a neighbor and a lover. While it can be slow at times, the expert cinematography and acting is captivating. Plot twists, mostly fueled by the immorality of main character Álvaro (Javier Gutiérrez), keep the film feeling fresh and unpredictable from the beginning to the end. This film was originally titled “El Autor,” and is based on a book titled “The Motive” by Javier Cercas in which a talentless man becomes obsessed with being a famous author, particularly of “real literature.” Because he lacks imagination, he meddles in his neighbors’ lives in order to produce interesting writing material for himself. Netflix streams the movie, originally in Spanish, with both the English subtitles and dub. I

recommend watching with subtitles, because the actors really give their all in this movie and the dub lacks that kind of emotion. It’s definitely the details that make this film a must-watch. For instance, background noise and music is chosen very deliberately to convey Álvaro’s emotions. When he’s at work, there are clicking, whirring, squeaking and the incessant chatter of his coworkers, which make the viewer feel the same discomfort and frustration that Álvaro does. Music is used sparingly, leading to many loaded and uncomfortable silences. When Álvaro is experiencing extreme writer’s block, he jogs in circles around his apartment, shouting, groaning, sighing and throwing his hands in the air. This scene is particularly striking because of the lack of music. We tap into Álvaro’s frustration solely from witnessing his actions, expressions and exclamations. Much like the use of background noise, the setting is always very specific. Álvaro’s apartment is white and featureless, completely empty but for his computer

and desk. Mr. Montero (Rafael Téllez), Álvaro’s old, rich neighbor, has globes and chess sets, deer heads and expensive trinkets in his home. Similarly, the apartments of the other neighbors match their personalities — like how the home of the landlady (Adelfa Calvo) is filled with clutter and weird statues, mirroring her disorganized and off-kilter demeanor.) As a writer, the very premise of this film was intriguing to me. Álvaro continuously consults his writing professor regarding the “story” he’s writing, and the professor gives him advice on the next possible steps. Not only was it an interesting way to approach foreshadowing, but the professor gave such fresh insights into the craft of writing literature that I felt I learned something from watching it. “The Motive” is full of surprises, lessons, contemplations and funny moments. If you’re a writer, a lover of philosophy or you just enjoy movies with unique premises, this film is definitely for you. It’s rated R and can be streamed on Netflix.

TELEVISION August 31 — Indigo — Wild Nothing

‘Insatiable’ covers important social issues using satire

by Ronak Patel Staff Writer

Netflix

August 31— The Comedy Lineup: Part 2, starring Michelle Buteau, Tim Dillon, Sabrina Jalees

August 31 — Inside the Criminal Mind, directed by Max Serio

August 31— The Laws of Thermodynamics, directed by Mateo Gil, starring Vito Sanz, Berta Vasque

August 31 — Paradise PD, created by Roger Black, Waco O’Guin, starring Tom Kenny, Sarah Chalke, Dana Snyder

Five Most Attacked Zodiac Signs List compiled by Sarah Kapity Entertainment Editor

the music video, filmed in the Louvre, is mesmerizing. The video’s choreography is as intense as the beat. 4. “Girls Like You” by Maroon 5, Cardi B This song definitely has the potential to become a Maroon 5 classic, with its

In the Netflix original series “Insatiable,” lead star Debby Ryan plays the role of Patricia “Patty” Bladell, an overweight teenager. Patty is your typical high schooler who has trouble fitting in and is bullied relentlessly by the other girls at her school. To make Patty’s situation worse, she eats to cope with her problems. Like too many high schoolers struggling with their weight, Patty decides to starve herself and ends up passing out during gym class, where the cute guy of the school, Brick Armstrong (Michael Provost) comes to her rescue. It seems like Patty is finally catching a break, until Patty’s only friend Nonnie Thompson (Kimmie Shields) gives her the idea of asking Brick out on a date, but Nonnie ends up asking for her. Things take a turn for the worse when Brick rudely rejects her. Later, after refusing a homeless man money, he gets upset and calls Patty a “fatty.” Patty and the homeless man get into a fight that gives Patty a broken jaw and the homeless man 1. Gemini Perhaps it’s self-centered of me to put my own sign as number one, but Geminis are pretty unanimously hated on. Stereotyped as two-faced liars, we really get a bad rap. However, we deeply value seeing every situation or argument from multiple points of view. Geminis are also easy to misunderstand because we can be indecisive and inconsistent, usually due to our hatred of routine and boredom. Get to know a Gemini, and you’ll find that we’re actually very open-minded and love trying to understand everyone.

a bloody nose. Because she threw the first punch, Patty is in serious legal trouble. For whatever reason, the lawyers in the city don’t want to help a fat girl. Patty’s only hope is Robert “Bob” Armstrong (Dallas Roberts), a lawyer who is only employed because his father owns a law firm. Armstrong,a former pageant coach, was fired because he was falsely accused of groping one of the contestants. After weeks of only drinking liquids due to her broken jaw, Patty loses 70 pounds and becomes conventionally attractive to her classmates. Her beauty catches the eye of Armstrong and he realizes she is the key to him getting back into the beauty pageant world. The lawyer for the homeless man just happens to be Robert “Bob” Barnard (Christopher Gorham), who is Armstrong’s rival. For Armstrong, this case represents a chance to finally beat his rival and get into the pageant world once again. This series is great for audiences who enjoy satire. On its surface, it seems like a very generic teenage drama 2. Leo As you may know, Leos are often seen as self-obsessed, arrogant and stubborn. This is most likely because people are intimidated by their natural leadership skills and confidence, which are actually some of the best qualities of a Leo. They’re usually very ambitious go-getters who are capable of inspiring the people around them to take risks and pursue their dreams. Leos are very loving and great at giving advice, so if you have one in your life, don’t let them go.

This is the kind of song that encourages listeners to jump up and down, which certainly feels like a summer activity. It’s the perfect background music for a party, barbecue or even just dancing around your room. Like “Girls Like You,” it can get stuck in your head for weeks. It has been number one on Billboard’s hottest dance songs for a record 28 weeks.

that is way over the top, but it is more than that. In the series’ depiction of beauty pageants, it exposes our society’s problematic way of making character judgements based solely on appearance. Armstrong teaches the girls in his pageants to cover their flaws and dodge anything that could make them seem bad. Instead of showing their true selves, contestants create a facade to wow the judges and the audience. Armstrong uses the same manipulative techniques with Patty in court. Instead of building a good defense case, Patty is taught how to manipulate the jury and judge with her newfound attractiveness. This is a perfect portrayal of how in today’s world, oftentimes we only care about what is on the outside, disregarding if the inside of someone is just as good. This is incredibly relevant in the social media age. If your image on social media is considered attractive to your peers, then you are deemed beautiful, even if you aren’t on the inside. “Insatiable” can be found on Netflix and is rated TV-MA. 3. Scorpio Scorpios have a very extreme stereotype. They’re seen as sex-obsessed, violent, jealous and secretive. Yes, perhaps Scorpios can be hard-headed, but they are trustworthy, decisive leaders, which makes them perfect partners in crime. They can keep a level head in difficult situations (if they want to) and only do what they want do, when they want to do it. Scorpios are disliked much for the same reasons as Leos are — because assertive, intelligent people are intimidating.

Black comedy an absurd, gross, riveting spectacle by Timothy Morrison Staff Writer

The Netflix original comedy, “The Package,” is a late-night teen flick made in the same vein as earlier genre classics like “American Pie,” “Superbad” and “Wet Hot American Summer.” Director Jake Szymanski previously worked on “Saturday Night Live” and various other television shows before directing his first feature length film, “Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates,” in 2016. In “The Package,” five friends go on a hiking trip to the mountains during spring break. Among them are Sean (Daniel Doheny) and Becky (Geraldine Viswanathan), whose sexual tension is taut; Donnie (Luke Spencer Roberts) and Sarah (Sadie Calvano), who still hold ill will toward each other over a former fling; and Jeremy (Eduardo Franco), who is loved only by his parents. After strapping on some hefty backpacks, the group starts their trek up a mountain range led by their Bowie-knifewielding leader, Jeremy. Sean, who previously struck out with Becky due to an unfortunate incident involving a boner of sorts, decides he must use the trip to win her over. The first night is christened with a round of drinking, dancing and general merriment by the campfire, until something goes horribly wrong. Sean and Donnie sneak up on Jeremy in an attempt to scare him, and because of Jeremy’s surprise and the aforementioned Bowie knife, he accidentally cuts off his “package.” The immediate concern is not his sudden lack of manhood, but his life-threatening loss of blood. The second concern is finding the bloody appendage that lies somewhere in the woods. Sean calls 911, which promptly respond by sending a helicopter.

johnson. Upon arriving at the scene, the first responder says that as long as they can get Jeremy to the hospital in the next 12 hours, the member can be reattached. They then take him away. The rest of the group returns to the camp in a celebratory mood that is quickly dampened by the discovery that the first responder had taken the wrong cooler and Jeremy’s penis still remained in camp, even though the rest of him was flying away. This movie isn’t for everyone, and thankfully it doesn’t try to be; it is made for degenerates, the immature and lovers of childish humor. It is not a movie that should be taken too seriously or thought about too hard. The characters are differentiated well enough, with each having their own goals and ambitions, and the actors playing them look and talk more like high schoolers than in most teen comedies. Franco shines in every scene, portraying his character as wholly sympathetic. Calvano and Mary Holland, who plays the triage nurse who assist the teens, also shone brightly during their screen time. No one else stood out in a major way, but that is acceptable given how plot-driven the movie is. It will be remembered for its outrageous plot, not its characters. On the whole, the movie escalates at a steady enough pace that the viewer never discerns the complete absurdity of it all, and before you can become numb to the overwhelming ridiculousness of the plot, the movie switches gears and takes on a more genuine, heartfelt tone in the final 30 minutes. We see the gravity of the situation and how, in our toughest moments, we can sometimes gain clarity that shows us what we value the most in this world.

Donnie and Sarah temporarily get over their beef and manage to find what first appears to be coyote droppings, but is later discovered to be Jeremy’s

“The Package” is a light, funny, seldom boring movie that manages to toe the line between outrageous and genuine just enough to keep you engaged. This film is rated TV-MA and can be streamed only on Netflix.

4. Pisces The Pisces stereotype is probably quite easily recognizable. They can be seen as the sensitive, head-in-theclouds, naive type — which often leads people to underestimate them or disregard their emotions and opinions. It’s true that Pisces are usually sensitive, but they have the unique ability to intuitively empathize with others, and they are gentle, expressive and understanding friends. Their emotional nature is often an asset, because you can always count on a Pisces to comfort you in your time of need.

5. Aries When you find out that someone is an Aries, you might immediately peg them as short-tempered, aggressive, rude and hardheaded. This fire sign has a similar stereotype as Gemini and Scorpio because of its intensity. Though they can be intimidating and sometimes hard to deal with, Aries are brave, optimistic and dedicated people. They love passionately and give their all no matter the endeavor. You can trust an Aries to be on your side, as long as you reciprocate that loyalty.

Sports

August 30, 2018

Editor’s Take

RIVALRY POINT SYSTEM

Storm forward Breanna Stewart performing well

Date

Sport

Location

Pts. Result

Aug. 17

Women’s Soccer

Bill Stephens Track and Soccer Complex

(tie) LR- 1.5 UCA 1.5

Sept. 6

Volleyball

Conway

Sept. 9

Men’s Cross Country

Conway

Sept. 9

Women’s Cross Country

Conway

Oct. 14

Men’s Cross Country

Little Rock

Oct. 14

Women’s Cross Country

Little Rock

Oct. 22-23

Men’s Golf

Little Rock

Oct. 28-30

Women’s Golf

Hot Springs Village

Nov. 28

Men’s Basketball

Conway

Dec. 4

Men’s Basketball

Little Rock

TBD

Men’s Track and Field

Conway

TBD

Women’s Track and Field

Conway

TBD

Men’s Track and Field

Little Rock

TBD

Women’s Track and Field

Little Rock

TBD

Baseball

Conway

TBD

Baseball

Little Rock

TBD

Baseball

DickeyStephens Park

early in her WNBA career by Marcus McClain Assistant Sports Editor

Just three years into her professional career, Seattle Storm forward Breanna Stewart has already reached expectations and shown that she is destined for greatness. She was only one vote shy of being unanimously chosen as Rookie of the Year in 2016. Along with this, she was named to the All-WNBA Second Team and the All-Defensive Second team. Last season, she became an All-Star for the first time and became the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 1,000 points and 500 rebounds in only 55 games. This year, Stewart reached a new milestone that placed her name among a list of greats: the WNBA’s Most Valuable Player award. Stewart’s contributions this season have been massive as she set a career-high 53 percent field goal percentage. She has also led the team in scoring with 21.8 points per game, behind only Dallas Wings’ center Liz Cambage for the league’s highest average. To say Stewart has had a decorated career to this point is an understatement, and she still has so much more of her career in front of her. Playing alongside other WNBA stars like guards Jewell Loyd and Sue Bird, Stewart has helped turn the fortunes of the franchise around. After having records below .500 the last two seasons, the Seattle Storm have launched to the top of the standings, finishing the regular season with a 26-8 record. The Storm’s exceptional play this season earned them a double-bye entering the postseason, needing to win only one best-of-five series to earn a spot in the championship round. With the way Stewart and the Storm have played this season, they are without a doubt the favorites to take home the title. Despite having to face a hot team in the Phoenix Mercury, led by Diana Taurasi, Stewart and the Storm appear poised to get the job done. After taking a 1-0 lead in the series Aug. 26 behind 28 points from the new MVP, it seems that Stewart is ready to return to her winning ways from college where she helped the University of Connecticut win four consecutive national titles. It is highly likely that Stewart will add the ultimate accolade to her already decorated career: a WNBA Championship.

photo courtesy of UCA Sports

The newly formed I-40 Showdown will feature several head-to-head competitions between the University of Little Rock and UCA. A pre-determined point system will help decide the winner and keeper of the Governor’s Trophy for the athletic season.

Little distance, large stakes in new rivalry showdown by Cody Macomber Sports Editor

Two familiar foes became revered rivals this summer as UCA and the University of Little Rock formalized the Governor’s I-40 Showdown. On Aug. 17, both schools’ athletic departments met with Gov. Asa Hutchinson in the Governor’s Reception Room of the State Capitol and announced the new rivalry. In Hutchinson’s press release, he said the rivalry will encourage fans and athletes of at both schools. “The Showdown no doubt will boost interest in all 11 sports designated for the competition and will encourage the athletes by showing their fans are behind them,” Hutchinson said. Athletic Director Brad Teague said the idea arose about a year ago, and that both staffs have been working to make it happen. “It originated out of

a discussion between the University of Little Rock Athletic Director Chasse Conque and me,” Teague said. “We were already playing in several sports and Chasse had the idea to play in all sports and make it an annual competition.” Teague also said in-state competition brings many benefits such as less class time missed, less travelling costs, and the promotion of Division-I athletics in the state. “In-state competition makes sense. Why not? Why wouldn’t we want to do this? It’s big-time,” Teague said. The rivalry setup ensures each competition between both schools will impact who receives the Governor’s Trophy. Each sporting event will give a set number of points to the winning team. The university with the highest number of points at the end of the athletic season will have its name engraved on the Governor’s Trophy and keep the trophy at

their respective campus for the following year. The trophy will be presented at the baseball game between both schools at Dickey-Stephens Park, which marks the last competition between the two schools for the athletic year. Rivalry competitions will include baseball, men’s basketball, women’s soccer, volleyball, men’s and women’s track and field, men’s and women’s cross country and men’s and women’s golf. Women’s basketball will be included in the rivalry starting the 2019-20 season. Though the rivalry just developed, both teams have competed against each other for decades. In the team sports over the past four seasons, UCA has won seven of 10 baseball matchups. Little Rock has won six of seven games in men’s basketball. The

See Rivalry- page 8

FOOTBALL

Volleyball

6 p.m. Aug. 30 at University of Tennessee - Martin Women’s Soccer

7 p.m. Aug. 30 at Mississippi State University Men’s Soccer

7 p.m. Aug. 30 at Marquette University Football

6 p.m. Sept. 1 at Tulsa University Cross Country

Sept. 1 at Christian Brothers University

Defense helps Sugar Bears win two early road games Assistant Sports Editor

The UCA women’s soccer team (2-1-1, 0-0 SLC) won its second game of the week after defeating Missouri State University (3-2, 0-0 MVC) 2-0 at the Allison South Stadium Aug. 26. This may have served as revenge for the Sugar Bears after losing a 1-0 nail-bitter in last season’s home opener.

Conway native and junior Breylin Smith, the new starting quarterback for the 2018-19 season, is gearing up to win the championship this year. In his spare time, Smith enjoys riding bulls, going to rodeos and relaxing with a round of golf.

Upcoming Games

K I C K S TA R T

by Marcus McClain

photo by Lauren Swaim

photo courtesy of slamonline.com

table by Cody Macomber

The predetermined point system will help to determine the victor to receive the Governor’s Trophy at the end of the school year after the baseball game at Dickey-Stephens Park. All mutual sporting competitions will take place this year except for women’s basketball, which will begin a series for the 2019-20 season.

New quarterback to lead offense by Ronak Patel Staff Writer

Junior Breylin Smith of Conway will be the Bears’ new starting quarterback for the 2018-19 season. He takes the reigns of an explosive offense that averaged 35.75 points per game last season under quarterback Hayden Hildebrand, who has since graduated. Smith will be filling some big shoes from the previous Southland Conference player of the year, who threw over 3,000 yards for the Bears in his senior season, but he is ready to assume the role and succeed. Smith said his goal is to do something the Bears haven’t done since George H. W. Bush was president: “Chase championships.” Smith was introduced to the

game of football at a very young age. Smith’s father played at the University of Arkansas and his two uncles both played at the NFL level. UCA was the first school to recruit Smith, and he wanted to stay close to his home and family. Another factor in Smith’s decision was the relationship he built with coach Nathan Brown during the recruiting process. Smith was drawn in by the caring nature of coach Brown, who would, “write him letters, to check in on him.” Since he has been at UCA, his relationship with Brown has stayed strong and is what helped him become the starting quarterback. On top of working hard in the gym and in the film room, Smith has a few rituals he

believes helps the Bears and himself perform better on game days. Before he takes the field with his teammates, Smith likes to say a prayer. In addition to his prayer, Smith wears good luck charms. ”If we are winning, I wear the same headband and wristbands,” Smith said. Smith said fans should keep their eyes on senior running back Cedric Battle, who could break out and have a big year for the Bears. Battle appeared in 12 games for the Bears last year and led the Bears in kick returns with 610 returning yards, including a season-high 102 yards on 3 kick returns against Stephen F. Austin University Oct. 14.

See Breylin- page 8

MSU controlled the ball for much of the first half, but UCA’s defense proved to be up for the task. One minute into the game, MSU senior Brooke Prondzinski fired an accurate shot, but UCA senior Lauren Mercuri grabbed her first save of the night. In the 30th minute, UCA’s offense got their first goal of the game from junior forward Savannah Tidd from five yards out with an assist from junior midfielder Jordan Slim. In the final seconds of the first half, MSU would get another chance at their first goal, but again, Mercuri was there for the save. Just two minutes into the second half, UCA extended their lead. UCA freshman Gracie Hair blasted a kick toward the back post and teammate junior Connie Awuku-Darkoh chased it down and completed the play, giving UCA a 2-0 lead and Awuku-Darkoh’s third goal of the year. MSU continued to play aggressively, ending with a total of 18 shots with six on goal, but nothing to show for it on the scoreboard. Mercuri played a big part in this, finishing the game with a total of six saves. “It was a great weekend,” coach Jeremy Bishop told UCASports. “We got another shutout road win. We did a good job of limiting their scoring chances to mostly long-range shots, and at the

same time, we made good on our opportunities.” Despite holding UCA to just five shots, MSU’s offensive deficiencies were too much to overcome. The defeated

Sugar the

Bears

also

University

Louisiana (0-4, 0-0 SBC) at Monroe 2-0 at the ULM Soccer Complex Aug. 24. Just as in last season’s match up, UCA was able to hold the Warhawks scoreless and cruise to victory. The Sugar Bears got off to an early start, scoring their first goal only 10 minutes into the game. Senior Camille Bassett was able to give UCA the 1-0 lead after she received a pass from sophomore Hadley Dickinson. The next three shots from junior forward Bria Williams, senior forward Camille Bassett and

freshman

midfielder

Gracie Hair all fired wide as the Sugar Bears looked to capitalize on an early lead. In the 29th minute, UCA broke their cold streak as senior Kristen Ricks assisted AwukuDarkoh to close out the half 2-0. The Sugar Bears outshot the Warhawks 16-8 while holding a 6-3 edge in shots on goal to finish the game. UCA also played the more fundamental game, committing three less fouls despite having the only offsides penalty throughout the game. Defensively,

UCA

held

ULM to eight shots with only three being on goal. Mercuri led the charge for the Sugar Bears with three saves. This puts Mercuri on route to pass last season’s save total of 12. UCA will return to action Aug. 28 at Mississippi State University and will host the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Sept. 2 at 7 p.m.

Rivalry:

ucaecho.net

SPORTS

8/August 30, 2018

Bears to face Trojans annually in many sports

UCA STATS CORNER

SPORT

OPPONENT

RESULT

RECORD

Missouri State University

2-0 (W)

2-1-1

Men’s Soccer

Georgia State University

1-0 (W)

1-0

Volleyball

Marist College

3-1 (W)

3-0

Women’s Soccer

photo courtesy of the Purple and Gray Network

Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson helps to unveil the new emblem for the newly formed rivalry between University of Arkansas at Little Rock and UCA. Hutchinson said this creates a friendly rivalry in the state which will bring a well-earned Governor’s Trophy to the campus of the winning institution.

Little Rock women’s soccer team has won two of the last three matchups (not including this year’s game) and both teams have won one game in volleyball. The women’s basketball programs have not played each other in recent years. In individual sports, most

Breylin:

He also rushed 45 times for 220 yards and four touchdowns and caught five touchdowns. Battle could emerge as one of Smith’s favorite targets. Smith said Battle is a dynamic player once the ball is in his hands. The Bears’ new quarterback is just as exciting off the field as he is on the field.

notably, the UCA men and women’s cross country teams gathered more points than Little Rock at both universities’ local venues last year. Currently, both teams have 1.5 points to start the rivalry, as the women’s soccer teams tied 1-1 after going into double overtime Aug. 17 at the Bill

New UCA quarterback ready to lead explosive offense When Smith isn’t on the field avoiding sacks from blitzing defensive lineman, he rides bulls. There are multiple pictures and videos for fans to see on his Instagram page of his bull riding. When Smith wants to wind down from the intense activities of football and rodeoing or the pressure of school Smith likes to

golf as a hobby. At UCA, Smith is studying health education and plans to go into the field of insurance business after college. One message Smith had for the fans is he loves UCA and the people here. Central Arkansas is home to him and there’s no other place he’d rather be.

NEW HIRE

SOCCER

Men start well against Georgia State University

photo courtesy of UCA Sports

Senior Amanda Dimon (4) gives senior Samantha Anderson a high-five as the team gathers to celebrate a point during the Wildcat Classic in Davidson, North Carolina. The Sugar Bears won all three matches during the Classic and Tippett (1) won Tournament MVP.

UCA volleyball starts hot with three wins during Wildcat Classic in North Carolina

by Ronak Patel Staff Writer

After winning the Missouri Valley Conference tournament last year, the Bears continued their success to start this season with a win at home against Georgia State University Aug. 24. In UCA’s first regular season game at home, the Bears (1-0) won a 1-0 thriller against the Georgia State Panthers (0-1) who finished last season with a 12-7-1 record. Entering his seventh year as coach of UCA’s men’s soccer team, Ross Duncan knew the challenges the season’s opener would bring. Duncan had his team prepared for GSU’s “unique system” on offense, overcoming the roster changes that a new season brings. Duncan was aware of possible scheme changes by GSU and said he was ready to adjust on the fly for Friday’s game. UCA senior Daltyn Knutson shined bright for the offense on Friday night, being the only player to score for either team. Approaching the opponent’s goal, the team had a play that was intended to set up sophomore Jake Bates, but during the play, the pass was short. However, Knutson seized his chance to “attack it,” leading to the only goal of the game. The Bears also performed well defensively. GSU took 18 shots at the goal, which was seven more than the Bears attempted, yet didn’t connect on a single one. With seconds left in the game, GSU drove the ball into UCA territory and had a few chances near the goal to tie the game, but the Bears denied what little hope GSU had of tying the game. UCA junior goalkeeper Marc Olsen played a huge role in orchestrating a shutout against GSU, with four saves in the match. Olsen said the key to the shutout was being “well-organized and communicating well.” The Bears will start this season completely healthy. The Bears didn’t have any major injuries going into the game against GSU and finished the first game of the season without any injuries.

PERFECT SET

Stephens Soccer Complex in Conway. The next rivalry competition will be the Sept. 6 volleyball game that will take place in Conway. Last year, UCA defeated Little Rock in the Farris Center three sets to one during the UCA Invitational.

by Cody Macomber Sports Editor

photo by Lauren Swaim

Matt Whiting has been named the new athletic director for external relations. He served as the assistant athletic director for two years before being promoted to his current position.

Former assistant athletic director promoted to execute global goals for the UCA athletic department by Cody Macomber Sports Editor

Athletic director Brad Teague made Matt Whiting the new athletic director for external relations due to his success in reaching out to donors and alumni for support for athletic affairs at UCA. Whiting served as UCA’s assistant athletic director for the past two years prior to this promotion. Teague said the qualities that Whiting works with has brought success for the athletic department’s outreach goals. “He brings great leadership qualities of work ethic, integrity and professionalism,” Teague said. “Matt understands how to communicate with our donors and enjoys tying alumni back into UCA.” Whiting will be responsible for overseeing areas such as sponsorships, ticketing and marketing. Marketing goals will begin with UCA’s Director of Marketing and then continue through Whiting. This promotion enjoins with the athletic department’s newly formed leadership team to promote UCA globally. The team includes Teague, senior associate athletic director Darrell Walsh, associate athletic director for media relations Steve East, associate athletic director for

compliance Natalie Shock and Whiting. Teague said the team will be looking at long-range plans. Teague said he has three guiding principles for the work of the athletic department: providing an outstanding student-athlete experience, providing a great fan and donor experience and ensuring all operations present a first-class image. Over the past two years, UCA Athletics has seen records in external revenue, increases in private fundraising for both the annual fund and major gifts given and corporative sponsorships. Whiting said this success came from engaging donors in an exciting experience and telling the story of UCA Athletics, players and coaches. “We want to hear the stories of our former student athletes, alumni and friends, and really let them know what they are investing in, as well as the impact their gift has on over 400 UCA student athletes,” Whiting said. This strategy helped UCA to get more than $374,000 in cash and gift-in-kind contributions last year through the Purple Circle fund. The total number of donors was 372. “We are focused on building strong relationships with our fans and donors,” Whiting said.

For the second straight year, the UCA volleyball team (3-0) won its first three games to start the season. They swept host Davidson College (2-1) Aug. 24, defeated William & Mary (0-3) 3-2 and finished the Wildcat Classic undefeated by beating Marist College 3-1. Senior Haley Tippett was named the Tournament MVP and senior Savanah Allen and sophomore Emily Doss were named to the All-Tournament team. Marist College started with a 4-1 lead and stood tall through UCA’s efforts to take a 14-9 lead that forced UCA to take its first timeout. UCA went on a 5-point run that gave them an 18-17 lead,

and UCA maintained the lead to take the set 25-22. The second set fared much the same, as UCA fought from behind to squeeze out a 26-24 second set win. After the Red Foxes won the third set, UCA went on a 7-1 run in the fourth set to seal the set and the match. In the middle match of the Classic, UCA had to fight from behind with a 7-3 run to win the first set against William & Mary. UCA found themselves behind in the second set, and wasn’t able to find the lead late in the set, tying the match 1-1. Tippett helped UCA take control in the third set with a 9-4 lead. The Sugar Bears responded to the Tribe’s comeback efforts, and took the third set 25-17. The Tribe took the fourth set, but UCA had a 4-0 run in the final set to put themselves

in a good position, winning the match 15-9. In the first match of the Classic and of UCA’s season, both the Wildcats and the Sugar Bears exchanged points in a hard-fought first round before UCA went on an 11-3 run to win the first set. Neither team took a clear advantage in the second set until UCA scored 3 unanswered points to win the second set 2522. In the final set of the match, Davidson took a 25-24 lead, on the verge of winning a set, when senior Savanah Allen scored 3 straight points to secure UCA’s first win. In the tournament, Tippett had 39 kills, Allen had 33 kills and senior Samantha Anderson had 35 kills for the Sugar Bears. They play next Aug. 30 at the University of Tennesee Martin.

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