The Echo | September 5, 2018 by The Echo at UCA

The Echo

THE UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS’ STUDENT NEWSPAPER

w ed n esday

september 5, 2018 Volume 113 — Issue 2

ucaecho.net TODAY’S FORECAST

Campus Life:

CONWAY

Ying Yang Twins: Students whistle while they twerk

SINGLE COPY PAID FOR BY STUDENT PUBLICATION FEE

Entertainment:

Sports:

Ariana Grande: Newest album possibly the sweetest

Football: Opening game ends in disappointment

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Charges reduced for former UCA student accused of rape

Chance of Thunderstorms

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THE NEWSDESK

by Sophia Ordaz

FROM THE EDITOR

Editor

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

Yemen bombing sparks human rights outrage Human Rights Watch gave a statement regarding the bombing of a Yemen school bus Aug. 9. They said the attack that killed over three dozen children and 51 adults was an “apparent war crime.” The bus was transporting dozens of boys to a field trip when struck with a deadly missile. The bomb was later found to be American-made and sold to Saudi Arabia via a State Department-sanctioned arms deal. The make and model was the same used to kill 155 people at a Yemen funeral in October 2016.

N AT I O N A L

photo by Lauren Swaim

The Arkansas Coding Academy opens a new building two miles south of campus, furnished with new equipment and study rooms. The academy used to run out of a shared space on campus.

Coding academy opens new location by Caela Rist

California boat collision: 2 missing, 13 injured

Assistant News Editor

On Sept. 1, two boats collided at the Moabi Regional Park on the Colorado River. The boaters were celebrating Labor Day weekend when disaster struck. The collision left 13 people injured and two people remain missing. One of the injured endured life-threatening injuries resulting in an emergency airlift to the University Medical Center in Las Vegas. The police searched both boats and their vicinities, but could not locate the remaining two people. The search was called off until it could be resumed in daylight Sunday morning, Sept. 2.

Call to block DACA rejected Seven U.S. states sued to block the DACA program off for future use and were denied by U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen. He argued the states had allowed too much time to pass before seeking preliminary injunction on the issue. The states argued that the DACA program grants unconstitutional rights to those of non-citizen status. The DACA program was created in 2012 by then-president Barack Obama to protect the minors who came to the U.S. illegally from immediate deportation.

UCA is taking part in the future of technology education in Arkansas with the Arkansas Coding Academy. The academy opened in June 2016 at the UCA campus and has gained ground each passing year, particularly in the recent grand opening of their new facilities Aug. 23. As the demand for technology education rises each year, so do the opportunities for employment, particularly in the fields of software development and coding. ACA hones technical talent by offering programs that train aspiring information technologists and coding experts. ACA puts its students through an intense boot camp aimed to boost their knowledge of software development and their capabilities in using development programs. Previously, ACA based its program out of a shared space in the Brewer Hegeman Conference Center on campus. On Aug. 23 UCA celebrated the ribbon cutting for the relocation of ACA. Their new facility has an array of new computers, study rooms, break rooms and personalized classrooms. The new venue is located five minutes from campus on South Donaghey Avenue, making it easily accessible for both students and Conway citizens.

The academy has two courses available: a 3- and 6-month boot camp. “We’re open to everyone. We’re a part of UCA, but our admissions process is completely different,” ACA director Mary Condit said. While the academy specializes in teaching people with a prior technological interest, they also welcome students and community members from every background. The path to becoming a software developer can be bumpy, but it’s prosperous in the long run. “[The program] can be mentally intense and kind of emotionally intense as well. They are both very challenging, but [have] a different set of challenges,” Condit said. The first couple of weeks prove to be challenging for many students. “[Students] are drinking out of a firehose,” Condit said. “For the first two weeks of this course, [they] question everything.” Current ACA student and UCA alumnus Ronnie Stephens said what stood out the most about the boot camp was “two things: the challenge ... and the marketability of the skill.” Students learn what to expect of their future careers in coding and software development from ACA instructor Louis Frederick.

Frederick employs his reallife software development experience within the classroom. He doesn’t hesitate to instill in the students what awaits outside the classroom. “He is constantly stopping to say let me tell you how it will work in the ‘shop,’” Stephens said. Frederick truly gives students a real-world expectation for their futures, Stephens said. Both the 3- and 6-month programs aim to inspire work ethic and personal grit. “Grit is a good way of putting it. It’s nose to the grindstone from day one of the bootcamp,” Stephens said. Despite students facing long nights and trying days, ACA has provided prosperous results for its graduates. “We take people from very little to no knowledge and make them employable. You could walk into a junioror entry-level software development position after you are finished here. If you like problem-solving, logic, algorithmic issues, pattern recognition … if that’s something that you really thrive on or love, software development could potentially be a great career for you,” Condit said. For more information about the two boot camps, tuition cost, scholarships and the application process, visit arkansascodingacademy.com.

STUDENTS ROLLING IN COOKIE DOUGH

S TAT E

Woman drags policeman with vehicle while fleeing After shoplifting from a Searcy Walmart Supercenter and dragging a police officer with her vehicle Aug. 25, Stephanie Carter fled the scene, abandoning her two adolescent children. Carter dragged the officer with her car for 30-feet before dropping him. She was later found Aug. 30 in Jacksonville, Arkansas, with several other miscellaneous warrants out for her arrest. She was detained at the White County Detention Center.

WHAT’S AHEAD

IN OUR NEXT ISSUE Brian Young delivers art lecture at Baum Gallery.

photo by Lauren Swaim

UCA seniors and co-owners of Roll It! Frozen Cream Kyle Mullins (left) and Alex Cottrell (right) mix ingredients to make rolled ice cream at an SAB event Aug. 30 in the Student Center Courtyard. The small business is based out of Conway.

Index: 4Police Beat 4People of UCA

4Students Say

4Columns 4Entertainment 4Sports

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

Former student Michael Zeher III, who was accused of rape after attending a fraternity party September 2017, was found guilty of false imprisonment and sentenced to three years of probation under Act 346. Zeher allegedly raped a female student after escorting her to Bear Hall from a Sigma Tau Gamma party. He pleaded not guilty to a charge of rape last September. Prosecutors representing the 20th Judicial District dropped the rape charge against Zeher. Instead, Zeher pleaded guilty to one count of false imprisonment Aug. 28 at the Faulkner County Circuit Court and received punishment that includes three years of probation and a fine of $1,500, under Act 346, or the Arkansas First Offender Act. The act is a rarity that allows a defendant to plead either guilty or no contest to charges against him in exchange for a sentence of probation. If the

defendant does not violate the conditions of his probation, then the charges will be expunged and cleared from his record after the probationary term is completed. 20th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Luke Ferguson told the Log Cabin Democrat that the plea deal under Act 346 was the best way to have Zeher plead guilty and retain a decision that would be fair to all parties, given the circumstances. “Based on all the facts and circumstances of this case, I believe this outcome was fair and proper,” he said, according to the Log Cabin. “We reached a resolution that provided some accountability for the defendant’s actions while also being respectful of the victim’s need for closure and privacy.” In reaction to a stream of online shaming after the sentence, attorneys representing Zeher reached out to the Log Cabin asking the Conway community to be understanding that Zeher’s

See Rape- page 2

GLOBAL

International exchange students adjust to UCA by Rose McGarrity Staff Writer

International semester exchange students at UCA face many challenges as they navigate their semester away from home. But in spite of language barriers, transportation issues and homesickness, exchange students still appreciate many things about the university and the U.S. in general. Junior Japanese exchange student Imari Tsuji is studying communication at UCA this semester. She said she came to UCA to build her English skills and gain independence. During her time here, Tsuji has quickly discovered that transportation is important. “Without a car, it’s hard to get places,” Tsuji said. Many international students want to explore the state, but without access to a vehicle, they are often forced to stay on campus. Despite the lack of transportation, Tsuji said she still enjoys the U.S. because people are kind to her. Like Tsuji, junior Spanish exchange student Theodora Tuduriu said she enjoys the people at UCA and that she believes the university is very accommodating to students. “People are willing to help you,” Tuduriu said. UCA has many resources available for students who need help, and Tuduriu said she loves taking advantage of Torreyson Library’s long hours, the Center for Writing and Communication and tutoring services. Tuduriu studies economics. She said one difference she noticed between Spain and the U.S. is how the courses operate. Her courses in Spain had fewer tests, so she didn’t

Social:

have to spend as much time studying. Tuduriu said she expects to spend many hours studying for her economics coursework this semester. However, Tuduriu said she has had a positive experience in the U.S. so far. She said it feels like she has been living in the U.S. her entire life. Having been to the U.S. previously, Tuduriu said she had a seamless adjustment to UCA. “There are many opportunities here,” Tuduriu said. Because of the opportunities, she plans to get a job in the U.S., but she does worry about what she would do if something bad were to occur without her having any family nearby. Junior Spanish exchange student Raquel Hernando studies psychology. She said she has found it challenging to study outside of her native language. However, Hernando has enjoyed Arkansas’ nature and hopes to go on many outdoor excursions during her time here. Additionally, Hernando loves the beauty of UCA’s campus. She said in Spain there is a great deal of trash around the universities and that they are smaller than the universities she has seen in the U.S. Hernando also said she likes that her professors here are very involved, and that she can tell they care about their students. Like Tuduriu, this is not Hernando’s first time visiting the U.S. She came to the U.S. once before and had since always wanted to come back, she said. Like Tuduriu, Hernando’s favorite part about living in the U.S. is the food. Currently the Office of International Engagement recruiting international and American students for its Conversation Partners program. Applications are due Sept. 12.

Inside: Debtors’ prisons:

@ucaecho The Echo

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A modern-day system rooted in primitive thinking.

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2/September 5, 2018

NEWS

ucaecho.net

Online sexual harassment training Zeher’s attorneys defend him after online shaming. for new students made mandatory Rape: Continued from page 1 4

by Lauren Swaim Photo Editor

Starting this semester, UCA is implementing a requirement for all new students to complete sexual misconduct awareness online training. If students fail to complete the training, they will not be able to register for spring semester classes. UCA President Houston Davis sent an email out to all first-time students Sept. 4, explaining the training titled Student Empower Plus. Students will receive a link addressed to their UCA student emails, which contains a personalized link to complete the training. “An important initiative of UCA is maintaining the safety of students by providing education and raising awareness about sexual misconduct,” Davis said in the email. “It is important to understand what constitutes as sexual misconduct, how to prevent sexual misconduct, available resources, steps for reporting sexual misconduct and more.” The university’s Associate General Counsel and Title IX Coordinator Mindy Pipkin said the online training has

been around for a few years and has been offered to all students at UCA in order to educate them on sexual misconduct and prevention. This is the first time the university has made it mandatory for certain students to go through the training. Only students new to UCA, including freshmen, transfer and graduate students, will be required to complete the course, Pipkin said. The first-time students will have to complete the training before mid-October, when advance registration begins. If students fail to complete it by then, a hold will be placed on their accounts, preventing them from registering for spring classes. Students can, however, complete the online training after the deadline has passed to lift the hold from his account. The online training includes sections on dating and domestic violence, stalking, sexual harassment and assault, consent and other issues. Pipkin said that as part of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination based on sex, and the Violence Against Women Act, the university

wants to raise awareness and stress the importance of prevention training. “It’s to ensure that we’re getting that awareness and that prevention out there,” Pipkin said. The measure was also put in place in response to a resolution passed by SGA requesting that UCA mandate students to complete the course. This resolution had the support of the Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Committee that Pipkin is a part of. The committee meets every two months to discuss ways to promote students’ awareness of sexual assault on campus. Freshman Nick Zakrzewski said he is glad UCA is making efforts to educate students on the prevention of sexual misconduct, and that it’s a good idea for first-time students to complete the training. “[The training] should be the bar, even if there are some people who know for a fact they aren’t going to be doing something like this,” Zakrzewski said. “It’s still nice to take that safety precaution, and it is something I definitely tip my hat off to in regards to the efforts that UCA is making.”

rape charge was dropped. Lauren Elenbaas, one of the four attorneys who represented Zeher in the criminal proceedings, told the Log Cabin that records provided by the prosecuting attorney “called into question allegations concerning intoxication and lack of consensual activity.” Zeher and the accuser were friends from high school, and when the two arrived at Zeher’s room in Bear Hall, they engaged in a “sexual encounter in which she was mutually receptive,” defense attorney Frank Shaw said to the Log Cabin. During the sexual encounter, a mutual friend walked in on Zeher and the

accuser and started messaging their group of friends about it on Snapchat. Shaw identified that the issue at hand was that the encounter violated the norms of the friend group, the Log Cabin reports. “This is not a rape case,” Shaw said, according to the Log Cabin. “In fact, it’s not even a sexual assault in the third or fourth [degree]. It’s not any kind of sex offense.” According to the probable cause affidavit filed Sept. 11, 2017, by UCAPD officer Jake Moss, when the accuser was asked if Zeher had forced his penis inside her, she said “Yes.” In Moss’s questioning of

him, Zeher admitted to having sexual intercourse with the accuser for 5-10 minutes and that she was “incoherent” at times. Zeher said that the accuser nodded her head yes when he asked her if she was OK with the sexual contact, but told Moss that he did not think the nod was “sufficient consent” to engage in sexual intercourse, according to the affidavit. When Moss asked him why he engaged in sexual intercourse with the accuser even though he knew it was wrong, Zeher said it was because “he had liked her for a long time and that he ‘had feelings for her,’” according to the affidavit.

PROPERTY DAMAGE

R E P R O D U C T I V E H E A LT H

Abortion pill ban temporarily lifted by Sarah Kapity Entertainment Editor

In March 2015, Arkansas passed a law that in practice bans medication abortion, which is one of the safest and most affordable methods of ending a pregnancy. Since then, Planned Parenthood has sued on the basis that it causes an “undue burden” on people seeking abortions, violating a protected right under the landmark Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade. The law itself does not directly ban the abortion pill. However, it requires abortion providers to have a contract with a physician who has hospital privileges and must promise to deal with any and all complications should they arise. Backlash from the community, personal beliefs and legal problems discourage physicians from entering such a contract. U.S. District Judge for the Eastern Disctrict of Arkansas Kristine Baker has since temporarily ruled that Arkansas cannot enforce the ban, so as of now, abortion pills are still accessible and Planned Parenthood has rescheduled over 40 previously canceled appointments. However, the Supreme Court has rejected the case once already, leaving many Arkansas citizens wondering what the future of medicinally

induced abortions will be. “One of the major reasons I disagree with the ban on medication abortion ... is that medication abortion is extremely safe. It’s one of the few very accessible options, particularly for women in rural communities.” said Taine Duncan, associate professor of philosophy and director of the gender studies program. “I’m very worried [because] in a state like Arkansas, there are a lot of rural women [who] do not have a lot of access to medical intervention in the case of unsustainable, unhealthy or undesired pregnancies.” Rural women seeking abortions have to travel much longer distances than urban women. Thirty-one percent traveled more than 100 miles and 42.9 percent traveled 50-100 miles, compared with 3.8 percent and 7 percent respectively for nonrural women, according to a 2014 study by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Sophomore Feminist Union President Thiphavanh Vongvilay also has many concerns about the ban. She said she considers abortion a constitutionally protected right and that Arkansas’ ban is infringing on it. “A lot of people think, with the Trump Administration, that ‘God is back in the White

House,’ and I just think that’s very disturbing and alarming,” Vongvilay said. According to Planned Parenthood, the abortion pill works 98 out of 100 times for pregnancies that are less than eight weeks along. After that, it is effective 96 percent of the time, dropping to 93 percent after nine weeks. Medication abortion consists of two chemical compounds: mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone blocks the body’s progesterone production, which is necessary for the continuation of a pregnancy. Misoprostol induces a heavy period, often accompanied by significant cramping. This ensures that no tissue remains in the uterus that could cause an infection. Medication abortion is one of the safest forms of ending a pregnancy, with less than .25 percent resulting in complications. However, users that experience heavy bleeding for more than two hours, large blood clots, high fevers, nausea or vomiting that lasts longer than 24 hours should contact their doctor right away. As for now, abortion pills are still available in Arkansas, but the future of medication abortion in the state is unclear. Pregnant individuals seeking abortions should speak with their health care provider about the best option for them.

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

Two students brawl in library On Aug. 27 UCAPD officer Torey McManis responded to a battery report at Bear Village. Student Hannah Chavis reported she had been attacked by student Kelsey Dodd while studying in one of Torreyson Library’s private study rooms. Previously, Chavis and Dodd had been quarrelling via Facebook Messenger over an unnamed situation concerning an ex-boyfriend. Dodd warned Chavis not to come to Torreyson Library because she “did not like her.” Dodd found Chavis in the study room and proceeded to threaten Chavis. Despite friends holding Dodd back, she broke free and punched Chavis repeatedly. When Chavis stood to defend herself, Dodd left the building. McManis reported a few hours later that Dodd and Chavis met again in the north overflow parking lot to talk. After the conversation, Chavis asked Dodd for a ride home, which prompted Dodd to then threaten to “break Chavis’ neck.” Chavis later returned home and contacted UCAPD to report both incidents. Officer McManis advised Chavis to cease contact with Dodd. At this time, Chavis does not wish to pursue any criminal charges against Dodd.

Drugs, alcohol found at UCA’s Edge Apartments Tristin Hall a resident of The Edge at Donaghey Apartments called UCAPD Aug. 28 when she smelled an intense odor of marijuana coming from her roommate’s bedroom. The roommate, student Jealberne Smith, had been reported by Hall on more than one occasion for marijuana use. The latest incident was reported Aug. 24. Due to a medical condition, Hall cannot be exposed to any form of smoke. UCAPD officer Christopher Turner arrived on the scene and was allowed access to the apartment by Hall. Turner described the odor as “overwhelming.” Turner could tell the smoke was coming from Smith’s room, but he couldn’t gain access to the room until the apartment’s management arrived a short time later. “I could see a haze in the room, and the odor of burning marijuana and incense blasted me,” Turner said. The officers found marijuana roaches, a burning candle and incense sticks within the bedroom. Smith was not present. Upon searching the common area’s refrigerator, officers found numerous bottles of alcohol. Hall gave a statement

regarding the situation and the officers confiscated the drugs and alcohol. No charges have yet been brought against Smith.

Student receives unwanted sexually explicit messages

photo by Lauren Swaim

A fallen vent pipe damaged a dressing room in the Bridges/Larson Theater in Snow Fine Arts last week. The pipe was 8-10 feet long and weighed 40-45 pounds.

Vent pipe falls in dressing room of Snow Fine Arts Center due to roof construction by Sophia Ordaz Editor

A fallen vent pipe was discovered Aug. 27 in the women’s dressing room of the Bridges/Larson Theater in the Snow Fine Arts Center. The pipe struck a ceramic toilet and caused ceiling grid and tile damage. Physical Plant director Larry Lawrence speculates the pipe could have fallen any time during the weekend before. The pipe was large enough to seriously injure someone, at between 8-10 feet in length and 40-45 pounds in weight, according to Lawrence’s estimate. “I thank the good Lord that it was on the weekend and no one was in there because it could have injured someone,” he said. Lawrence said he believes the pipe fell because of movement from roof work. One end of the pipe reaches through the roof of Snow Fine Arts. The other end of the pipe recedes into the building. A coupling joins the two ends. “Once it’s in the coupling, it’s secure because there’s a hole in the roof that holds it all in place,” Lawrence said. “But through the work up there,

obviously it got out of place and it allowed that pipe to fall down and strike a toilet down below.” The broken toilet will be replaced. Repairs to the damaged ceiling grid and tiles are expected to be completed by early this week. Construction on a new roof for the Snow Fine Arts Center began in summer 2018. The roof is expected to be completed in mid- to late September. Constructed in 1967, the Snow Fine Arts Center is one of the older buildings on campus. The building was renovated and expanded in 1991, but its roof had not undergone major renovations for about 30-35 years, Lawrence said. According to an August 2018 Physical Plant facilities report, other projects planned for the Snow Fine Arts Center include painting the stair towers and various offices and hallways in the building. Plans to renew the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system are under review. “[The theater department has] been working with the Physical Plant to spruce up classrooms and other spaces with new paint, new window coverings and other remodeling projects,” said Shauna Meador, associate

professor and production and budget director for the theater department. “The Physical Plant, in particular for me, Larry Lawrence and John Wages, have been very helpful and responsive to our needs.” The Christian Cafeteria, Prince Center and Harrin Hall are all in need of new roofs, according to the facilities report. Two sections of Mashburn Hall’s roof are being replaced due to leaks and age. This semester, a number of construction and renovation projects have been obstructing the flow of student traffic near Student Lane and Marian Ross Avenue. They include the Mashburn roof repairs and the Snow Fine Arts Center’s new roofing, as well as ongoing residence hall renovations at Hughes Hall and Conway Hall. The current work on Hughes Hall involves installing hot water piping to New Hall and adding boiler rooms to the mechanical room. The renovation is 75 percent complete, according to the facilities report. At Conway Hall, projects include installing new restrooms, lighting and fan coil units. The renovation is projected to be completed in August 2019, according to the report.

BAUM UNVEILS CERAMICS EXHIBIT

Student Heather Hawkins received unwanted text messages containing sexually explicit details, comments and photos from classmate Ray Mitchell. Unable to convince Mitchell to stop, Hawkins went to UCAPD Aug. 26 and informed officer James Robinson of the matter. Robinson called the offending phone number, but no one answered. The officer left a detailed message advising Mitchell to stop the unwanted text messages and to cease all contact with Hawkins. Officer Jake Moss followed up with Hawkins Aug. 28. He was unable to reach her personally because the number she provided was her mother’s. The officer briefed her mother on the situation and informed her that the texts were being generated through a text-only number, meaning they were likely from a “spoofing” application. photo by Marley Cash-Powell Hawkins has not New York artist Peter Pincus has many pieces featured at the Baum Gallery’s exhibit “Color and Form.” In these urns, followed up with UCAPD regarding the case. Pincus explores the concepts of form and color by using many molds and a gradient of neutral colors.

Campus Life

September 5, 2018

Around Campus: Strike Out Hunger The UCA Police Department and members of Greek life will face off on the softball diamond for a charity event benefiting the UCA Bear Essentials Food Bank Sept. 6. For more information, contact Interfraternity Council member Lamon Wade at lwade3@cub.uca.edu or Food Pantry Coordinator Brian James at bearessentials@uca.edu.

Smooth Yoga Expert yoga instructor True Alisandre will deliver an instructional class designed to teach yoga sequences, stretches and breathing exercises to promote a balanced, energized and relaxed body, mind and spirit. The class costs $100 and will be from 6 to 7 p.m. Sept. 6 at the Brewer Hegeman Conference Center. For more information, contact the Department of Outreach and Community Engagement at outreach@uca.edu.

photo by Lauren Swaim

Fooly Flame from Yung Nation performs at the Transitions Week concert Aug. 31 at the Farris Center. The concert was hosted by the Minority Mentorship Program.

Ying Yang Twins concert gets campus crunk by Aysha Dixon Social Media Editor

Sewing Clinic Professional seamstress Birder Harris will deliver a beginner class in sewing, including lessons in sewing machine settings, needles, threads, bobbins, installing zippers and creating hems. Supplies and a sewing machine are required for the class, which will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 6 at the Brewer Hegeman Conference Center. For more information, contact the Department of Outreach and Community Development at outreach@uca.edu.

To cap off its Transitions Week, the Minority Mentorship Program brought early 2000s entertainment to the Farris Center Aug. 31, with a lineup starring the Ying Yang Twins and supported by Theme Musiq and Yung Nation. Atlanta’s Ying Yang Twins were the night’s main attraction. They performed a range of songs and covers from the crunk classic “Get Low” to Queen’s “We Will Rock You.” Their performance lasted a little over an hour, but their energy remained at a high. Prior to the musical acts, a

group of four dancers known as The Lit Kings entertained the crowd. This energetic ensemble showed off dance moves that are currently popular on social media. By taking turns and hyping up each other on stage, the group’s support of one another was palpable. Two of the group’s members — CBC sophomore Dwayne Jennings, known on Instagram as WayneSoFunny, and UCA graduate student De’Quaylon Gray — shared a few words about how much positive feedback they have received from what was once just a hobby. “We’ve all been dancing ever since we were young … Everytime a beat came on

we were up moving around,” Jennings said. Gray said they danced so much, they decided to record themselves. He even said others wanted to join their group, and that they had so much support they were able to start throwing parties and booking shows around the country. The Lit Kings hyped the crowd up throughout most of the concert. They even served as backup dancers for Yung Nation, a Dallas-based group known for their Texas-made dances. Performing songs like “Everybody Rock” and “Work, Work, Don’t Stop,” Yung Nation kept the crowd engaged before the next act. MMP, stemming from

O U T S TA N D I N G S TA N D - U P

the Office of Diversity and Community, was developed in 1991 with the intent to maximize student success at UCA. The program allows students to succeed both socially and academically through assisting freshmen as they transition to college. Transitions Week is an annual program that includes a range of activities and events that allow students to become more comfortable with the campus and encourages friendships and connections with other incoming freshmen. Picnics, Greek expos and keynote speakers are a few of the events that MMP has hosted in the past. During MMP’s Transitions

Week, freshmen are also paired with an upperclassman mentor. Through training and experience, mentors are prepared to assist with the challenges that come with adjusting to college. According to the organization’s website, students involved in MMP have been shown to have higher GPAs and an overall positive experience at UCA. Tickets for the concert began selling around the first day of the fall semester, and could be purchased at the Reynolds Performance Hall box office for $5. Admission was open to the general public, although the concert was attended mostly by students.

C O M M U N I T Y C O N V E R S AT I O N

Piano Recital The music department’s artist-in-residence and piano professor Neil Rutman will perform a faculty recital 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 7 at the Snow Fine Arts Center Recital Hall. Professor Rutman has received awards from the National Endowment for the Arts and for Artistic Excellence from the Astral Foundation. He has performed in Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Tokyo’s Bunka Kaikan and the Schola Cantorum in Paris. For more information, contact Kortnee Kalberer at kortneek@uca.edu.

photo by Emily Gist

Chicago comedian T. Murph performs stand-up Aug. 29 in the Student Center Ballroom. The subject matter of his comedy ranged from college life to mocking men and women’s reactions in relationships.

Comic cracks jokes on college by Marcus McClain

Camera Class Professional photographer Mike Kemp will deliver a crash course class in photography for students who want to get the most out of their cameras. The class will discuss camera settings, composition and how to photograph in different settings. The class is from 9 a.m. to noon Sept. 8 at the Brewer Hegeman Conference Center. For more information, contact the Department of Outreach and Community Development at outreach@uca.edu.

Baking Class A beginner level cooking class will focus on one of the best dishes in cuisine: cake. The class will teach the fundamentals of baking a cake, making icing and using a decorating bag. Basic cake decorating tools are required and the cost of the class if $55. For more information, contact the Department of Outreach and Community Development at outreach.uca.edu.

Assistant Sports Editor

The Student Activities Board presented Chicago comedian and actor T. Murph Aug. 29 in the Student Center Ballroom. T. Murph is currently touring college campuses around the country, with UCA being his fifth show thus far. “Honesty, I like to do shows in front of college audiences even more than actual comedy clubs,” he said. “I think these crowds are more honest and interactive with me.” He also credited college for getting him started in the comedy business. “I got started just doing open-mic nights in [college]. Eventually, I fell in love with it and started to take it serious,” T. Murph said. Since his early days, T. Murph has seen high levels of success. He participated in MTV’s hit show “Wild ’n Out,” BET’s “ComicView” and HBO’s American Black Film Festival. He can also be seen performing stand-up in Kevin Hart’s Just for Laughs Comedy Festival, which is playing on Hart’s Laugh Out Loud Network streaming service. Soon the Chicago comedian will perform on TruTV’s stand-up showcase, “Laff Tracks.” “‘Laff Tracks’ is something I’m really looking forward to everyone seeing. I think it has the potential to be really big,

so after this tour I’ll be ready to jump right into it,” T. Murph said. He displayed his comedic talents in front of a packed crowd, but made a point to have some serious moments amid all his jokes. He encouraged students to embrace themselves instead of striving to be like someone else because oftentimes, that goes wrong. He went on to describe how he wanted to be like his “tough guy” friends and get into fights, which only led to him getting knocked out by his best friend. T. Murph said he uses personal experiences like these during the show to be authentic and make the audience feel more connected to who he is. Sophomore Tabatha Daniels said, “I think he is one of the best comedians we’ve had here at UCA, if not the best.” Because T. Murph is the first comedian to perform on campus this semester, he has set the bar high for future performers. The SAB organizes a variety of unique performers and events throughout the school year, including performance artists, interactive lessons, parties and food events. SAB’s next comedy night features Derek Hughes — a magician and comedian. Hughes will perform at 7 p.m. Sept. 20 in the Student Center Ballroom.

photo by Taylor Sone

Science Wednesday host and graduate student Lucas Ratz (far left) introduces the panelists for the discussion of the Science of Cybersecurity Aug. 29 at Kings Live Music. The three panelists, (right to left) Professor Mary Beth Sullivan, engineer Zach King and Professor of Political Science Stephen Addison fielded questions from the crowd that varied in subject matter from the technical to the theoretical.

Science Wednesday panel explores cybersecurity by Taylor Sone Campus Life Editor

Cybersecurity, a term with manifold implications that concern virtually every sector of society, was the topic of discussion during Science Wednesday, an open forum discussion Aug. 29 at Kings Live Music in downtown Conway. Bartenders served libations and members of the crowd munched on pizza while three panelists fielded questions on cybersecurity that varied from personal security on the web to the technical operations hackers can employ to commit crimes online. The three panelists at the event were Professor of Physics and Dean of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics Stephen Addison, Associate Professor of Political Science Mary Sullivan and engineer Zach King, who runs the new cyber range at UCA. “Cybersecurity is a really important issue that we have late in the game realized how important it is,” Sullivan said in response to a question about the current state of cybersecurity. “We should be devoting a lot more of our energy and a lot more of our resources to it. We also must educate people in cybersecurity.” Addison said that the threat

to the U.S. as a whole on the front of cybersecurity is one that should concern people. In one example, Addison cited a UPS Cyber Liability study that showed the risk cyber attacks pose to small businesses. The study found that after being the target of a cyberattack, small businesses have a 75 percent chance of going out of business in the next three months. King jumped in and added that most small businesses can invest in cybersecurity, but that most don’t due to its effect on their bottom line. “We live in the most cyber-connected nation on the Earth. Everything is on the internet: refrigerators, irons, water supply, the electrical supply. Almost everything,” Addison said. The devastating effects of cyberattacks and the near limitless number of potential targets likely played a role in the recent acquisition of a cyber range on UCA’s campus. The range’s purpose is to train students in the detection and prevention of cyber attacks. Addison said cyber range demonstrations are scheduled for the near future. King said he thinks the reason the U.S. has so much trouble addressing the problem of cybersecurity is because of the stringent requirements for working on government

systems. “As far as the government sector is concerned, you have to have a top secret clearance,” King said. “To acquire a top secret clearance, it takes two years.” King concluded that this inevitably leads to a perpetual shortage of cybersecurity workers. The discussion did not focus squarely on existential threats. Other questions posed by the crowd turned the conversation in a more pragmatic and personal direction. One such question focused on the ways companies try to get the upper hand against one another in cyberspace in order to convince consumers to buy their products. Addison said that, ethical considerations aside, the extent to which advertisers can reach customers due to their searches illustrates the degree of interconnectivity on the internet. Science Wednesday is on the last Wednesday of every month. The next panel is Sept. 26, and the topic at hand will be the science of identity. Science Wednesday is planned, sponsored and moderated by faculty and students of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and the STEM Residential Hall.

ucaecho.net

CAMPUS LIFE

September 5, 2018 /4

STUDENTS SAY

“

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

story by Jessica Huffmaster photos by Lauren Swaim

photo by Marley Cash-Powell

New York artist Peter Pincus has many pieces featured at the Baum Gallery’s exhibit “Peter Pincus: Color and Form” and “Artistic Processes: Drawings and More.” Pincus challenges the concepts of form and color by using many molds and vibrant colors in his work. Pictured above is “Urns, 2016.”

Baum exhibit opens, showcases master of ceramics by Marley Cash-Powell News Editor

The Baum Gallery unveiled its two fall exhibitions at a reception Aug. 30: “Artistic Processes: Drawings and More” and “Peter Pincus: Color and Form.” Both exhibitions celebrate the individuality of artists’ processes in various art mediums and will be on display until Oct. 11. “Artistic Processes: Drawings and More” examines artistic processes in multiple mediums, such as sculpture, painting, printing, illustration, posters, banners and ceramics. The finished works are displayed next to their preparatory drawings, rough sketches and scale models. One preparatory piece on display by Charles Burchfield is titled “Monday, May 2nd, 1960” due to it being a spontaneous sketch on a calendar page. The Baum’s other fall exhibition, “Peter Pincus: Color and Form,” will feature an artist talk, a roundtable discussion and a workshop in mid-September. Associate Professor of Art

Elizabeth Smith wanted to host Pincus as an artist in residence for the past four years and is excited he will finally speak to students and members of the Conway community, she said. Due to time constraints, Pincus will likely only discuss his slip casting ceramics technique, but he is well-known for the complexity of his processes. Pincus plans his pieces in a computer-aided drawing design program and uses up to 170 mold parts. Known for combining techniques, he often throws a vessel with thick side walls, then casts it with plaster of Paris while the clay is still wet and finally cuts away the cast and parts of the excess clay on the thick walls of the vessel at different precise angles. “He perfected the form before he started it. He perfected his positive,” junior Harmony Brantley said as she admired Pincus’ ceramics at the reception. “He makes beautiful color choices that work with the body of the piece.” Observing artists’ processes reveals a side to artistry that incorporates math and science. “Many other artists do a lot of their preparatory work on the computer or do

a lot of math and science in preparation,” Smith said at the exhibits’ opening reception. “A lot of artists in ceramics are also very interested in chemistry, because [creating their glazes] is all glaze calculation and glaze chemistry.” All artists have their preferred preparatory processes and execution techniques. “One of the nice things about ceramics is that you can kind of pick,” Smith said. “There can be a lot of science in it, there can be a lot of chemistry, but there doesn’t have to be.” Regardless of the medium, process — whether more or less structured — proves to be essential to producing art. A roundtable discussion for “Peter Pincus: Color and Form” will be at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 19-20 in McCastlain Hall room 143. Panel members include Pincus, his wife and business manager, Laurie Pincus, and Smith, who specializes in ceramics. The discussion will be moderated by Baum Gallery director Brian Young. On Sept. 20 Pincus will start his two-day workshop in the ceramics studio of Schichtl Hall

room 127. Both workshop days will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. During x-period on Sept. 20, Pincus will host an artist talk on process in McCastlain Hall room 143. All events are free and open to the public. Pincus is a New York artist who works in both ceramics and metal. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Fine Arts from Alfred University in Alfred, New York. He was a resident artist at Mendocino Art Center in Mendocino, California. Since earning his Master of Fine Arts, Pincus has served as the studio manager and resident artist coordinator of the Genesee Center for Arts and Education in Rochester, New York, and an adjunct professor of 3D studies at Robert Wesleyan College. He also established a community studio in Fairport, New York, called Turkhill Craft Center. His work has been exhibited in venues such as Salon Art + Design, Lewis Wexler Gallery, Sculpture Objects Functional Art and Design, Duane Reed Gallery, Collective Design, Ferrin Contemporary and Greenwich House Pottery.

Junior Jalen Thomas

Sophomore Jennifer Cale

“Get yourself out there, know how to market yourself. Even if you feel uncomfortable, you never know who you’ll meet.”

“Toy with the edge of the unknown.”

Senior Nate Masseau

Freshman Riley Neil

“Don’t take advice. Fake it until you make it.”

“True maturity and leadership come from learning how to build others up and being there for them, even when there is no direct benefit in it for you.”

Freshman Sabrina Cheri

Sophomore Spencer Hendrix

“You don’t need a teacher to learn something you want to know. Don’t wait to be taught when you know you’re ready to succeed.”

“My mom said if you want to do something, just do it and live without regrets.”

VA R I E T Y S H O W

MMP Showtime includes talented acts, informational sessions by Kai Mortensen Staff Writer

The Minority Mentorship Program introduced freshmen to many of the Recognized Student Organizations for minorities at Showtime with MMP, a variety show featuring dance, spoken word and other performances, Aug. 26 in the Ida Waldran Auditorium. The show kicked off with a group of students who sang. Afterward, presidents, vice presidents and various members of the Student Orientation Staff, Student Activities Board and the Ideal Freshman Leadership team spoke about their

organizations. Freshmen then learned about the African Student Association, Griot Society and Caribbean Student Association. CSA members performed a traditional Caribbean dance to share Caribbean culture. “I liked how each group showed off their talents and what they could do, and I like how everyone was hyped,” freshman Christen Tabor said. Midway through the night a spoken word artist regaled the audience with his talent and wit. He was motivational and cracked jokes about college life that connected with the audience. Representatives for

Students For the Propagation of Black Culture, African American Studies Society, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Real Beauty, Ebony Models and the Interdenominational Christian Council took turns promoting their organizations and explaining what it is they do. “It just feels great performing. I think it gives a great image of your organization, and I enjoy doing things such as what I did tonight,” junior MMP mentor Mylon Boston said. After an intermission where the emcee excited the crowd, the last two organizations,Women

of Excellence and Dancers United, introduced themselves. The show concluded with a performance from Dancers United that showcased their abilities and training. “The performances were really good. I enjoyed all of the programs. I think my favorite was Dancers United,” freshman Jalisa Nealy-McCray said. “I think I’ll be joining Dancers United because I have always danced and it’s kind of cool to have another outlook to do that here other than being on a team.” Not only did freshmen learn more about RSOs, they also enjoyed a night of song and dance.

SPOTLIGHT

PEOPLE OF UCA Leslie Vaught by Jessica Huffmaster Assistant Campus Life Editor

photo by Lauren Swaim

Senior Leslie Vaught is a section leader for the Bear Marching Band Color Guard and has taught color guard at Greenbrier and Vilonia High Schools. Vaught studies vocal music education.

Leslie Vaught is a senior vocal music education major from Springdale, Arkansas. Since she first came to UCA in fall 2015, she has become active in multiple organizations. She has been a part of the Bear Marching Band color guard for four years, serving as a section leader for two. She has also instructed high school color guards at both Greenbrier and Vilonia High Schools. “Music is like a big jigsaw puzzle, and I enjoy analyzing it and understanding how everything comes together to make great music,” Vaught said. She played contrabass clarinet for the UCA Wind Ensemble and sang alto for both the UCA Concert Choir and the UCA University Chorus. Vaught has served as a student conductor for the University Chorus and Voices of Central Arkansas, and was a student-teacher at Carl Stuart Middle School and Marguerite Vann Elementary in Conway. Since spring 2016 Vaught has been a member of the Zeta Chi chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota and currently serves as the organization’s recording secretary. She chose to join Sigma Alpha Iota, a professional music fraternity, because she wanted to learn about different philanthropic opportunities to help the music community. In fall 2017, Vaught applied for a position as an education ambassador for the College of Education. This position was suggested to her by Assistant Professor of Music Jennifer Hawkinson, and Vaught thought it would be a

“great way to integrate music education into the College of Education.” As a vocal music education major, Vaught takes up to 13 classes each semester, some of which don’t count toward her hours for graduation. Her favorite class was music theory III during her sophomore year with Associate Professor of Music Theory Stefanie Dickinson, because all of her music major friends had it with her and the professor did an amazing job of covering the topic, she said. Although she spends most of her time in the Snow Fine Arts Center, Vaught has many hobbies outside of class and the extracurricular organizations she is involved with. She loves spending time with her friends at Old Chicago and Don Pepe’s and binge watching favorite TV series like “Say Yes to the Dress,” “Gossip Girl” and “Friends,” the latter of which she has watched all the way through 37 times. When she is not spending time with her friends, Vaught loves to spend time with her cat, Henry, whom she cares for with her two roommates. One of her favorite hobbies is thrift shopping. She can spend hours sorting through the seemingly random junk of antique and secondhand stores in Conway and Little Rock, she said. Some of her favorite stores include Goodwill, Yours Truly and Style Encore. Vaught expects to graduate May 2019. After graduating, she hopes to pursue a career as a high school choir director, though she has nowhere particular in mind as to where she would like to teach.

Opinion

ucaechoeditor@gmail.com

September 5, 2018

The Voice

Do not expunge rape from personal history

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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Debtors’ prison: a modern-day problem

You, your family and friends could for the unpaid bill, fines and court costs related easily find yourselves trapped in a modernto the lawsuit. day debtors’ prison. To understand what a If you were cited for a minor traffic violation modern-day debtors’ prison is, one must like speeding and are unable to make the first understand what a debtors’ prison was monthly fine payments for even one month, a historically. warrant could be issued for your arrest. According to a 2015 U.S. Department of The problem this system creates for our Justice article titled “Debtors’ Prisons, Then citizens is that, oftentimes, the ones who are and Now,” a debtors’ prison is “any prison, failing to pay are doing so because they have jail or other detention facility in which no hope of ever being able to afford the debts people are incarcerated for their imposed on them. inability, refusal or failure to pay Once the cycle of missed payments a debt.” starts, it can be altogether impossible The practice of debtors’ to overcome when you consider the prisons has been abolished amount of missed work each person in most civilized countries faces while being detained, which for centuries — having been leads to wage loss at best and job abolished in America since loss at worst. 1833 — and has been considered In addition to jail time, there are primitive since Roman times. also automatic costs added to the The U.S. Supreme initial debt incurred. These Court revisited costs can range from the legality of warrant issuance fees to the practice as fees for driver’s license recently as 1983, reinstatement, seeing at which time they as it is a common practice by Marley Cash-Powell ruled the practice to suspend one’s driver’s News Editor was a breach of license when any warrant citizens’ Fourteenth is issued for that person’s Amendment rights under the equal protection arrest. clause. This means the people who cannot afford However, somehow debtors’ prisons to pay their debts to begin with are punished have survived in the criminal justice system severely. They are arrested and detained, miss even if there are no longer dedicated, work, possibly lose their jobs and then face physical buildings bearing that name. This even more debt than what they had before their modern-day system presents itself most arrests. frequently in experiences involving those who This usually leads to additional missed live at or below the poverty line. payments, which begins the vicious cycle again. Here are two examples of how that might This cycle targets people at or below the poverty look for you or the people you know. line who likely already struggle to escape living If you have an unpaid medical bill that paycheck to paycheck. Imposing this cycle on goes to collections and results in a lawsuit our low-income citizens is causing unreasonable and you are still unable to pay it or you miss financial burden on a class of people who may the notice in the mail and fail to appear at the already be facing situations that make them feel court date, you could find yourself being jailed hopeless.

Division I rivalry to reduce costs, aid athletes We ought to thank our lucky stars for the fans’ high school days. Once the rivalry gains rivalry that has recently formed between UCA some ground among students, this could really and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. be a great event to attend for any head-to-head Division I rivalries have been completely competition. avoided in the state of Arkansas for many In-state rivalries also cost both institutions years, and these Central Arkansas institutions less money for athletic travel expenses. changed all of that with the Governor’s I-40 It only makes sense that if an athletic Showdown. department can spend less on travel expenses, UCA athletic director Brad Teague put more money can be spent on improving it best when he told the Northwest venues and bringing better experiences Arkansas Democrat Gazette, “In-state to the fans, like the Bruce D. Bear competition makes sense. Why not? Bobblehead Day. Why wouldn’t we want to do this? This close rivalry will positively impact players as well as the fans. This is big time.” Many would have expected From the athlete’s perspective, the in-state rivalry to form between any out-of-state competitions the two longest-tenured Division I hinder student athletes from being athletic schools in Arkansas: Arkansas in the classroom due to the length State University and the University of of travel before their respective Arkansas, especially in football. competitions. But the University of It is already a challenge Arkansas’ refusal to play for athletes to study and any other in-state complete homework school is infamous on top of practicing within the state, and and competing each they undoubtedly have week. And when athletes By Cody Macomber little to gain and a lot to miss class time that would Sports Editor lose. enhance their learning and But who cares? allow them to excel in the They’ve made their classroom, it only adds choice. Let’s return to the institutions that more strain to their tight schedules. know what’s up. This rivalry limits the amount of missed UCA and UALR have played each other class time for the student athlete, which may regularly in several sports such as baseball even increase their performance in their and men’s basketball. They often cross paths competitions. at cross country meets and in track and field Additionally, this rivalry will bring more competitions in nearby venues. local press coverage from news channels and Teague said that UALR athletic director newspapers, with added emphasis on these two Chasse Conque was talking to him during a institutions and the newly formed rivalry. baseball game between UCA and UALR when The point system drawn up will bring more Conque brought up the idea of the UALR vs. attention to the sports that don’t usually draw UCA rivalry. as much attention, such as track and field and May all our thanks go to this kind man. cross country events. Now, these sports will Because of this rivalry, the drive is a short have a heavy impact on the rivalry as a whole, one for any local fan. This will probably increase with eight points to be earned for each sport. the faithfulness of fans to attend events and Fans and athletes of UCA and UALR will would be reminiscent of the rivalry games of enjoy the benefits of this new in-state rivalry.

Former student Michael Zeher III was accused of rape September 2017, but was ultimately charged with false imprisonment Aug. 28 and sentenced to three years of probation under Act 346, or the First Offender Act. This change in charge is mystifying at first and abhorrent when its ramifications sink in. According to the Legal Information Institute, false imprisonment is the confining of another person in a bound area. According to the United States Department of Justice, rape is defined as the penetration of the vagina or anus by any object or the sex organ of another person without consent. According to the September 2017 probable cause affidavit, Zeher admitted to having sexual intercourse with the victim while she was “incoherent at times,” the victim said “yes” when asked by police if Zeher had forced himself inside her and the victim’s friends were questioned and their accounts corroborated this. Based on the affidavit and Zeher’s interview with UCAPD, his crime matches the definition of rape and the case should be charged as such. A Log Cabin Democrat article about Zeher’s probationary sentence spurred a surge of online shaming against Zeher. In response, four of Zeher’s defense attorneys reached out to the LCD. In his interview, defense attorney Frank Shaw said Zeher and the victim were friends and that his actions went against the norms of his and the victim’s social group, which he cited as the issue at hand. Shaw said Zeher did not commit a sex offense in any way. “Once [Zeher and the victim] arrived [to Zeher’s room in Bear Hall], they became involved in a sexual encounter to which she was mutually receptive,” Shaw said. However, the affidavit does not support the above claim. According to the affidavit, Zeher had asked the victim if what he was doing was OK and she nodded her head. However, “Mr. Zeher admitted to [the officer] that he did not think that the head nod was sufficient consent given by [her] to have sexual intercourse with her.” In light of the evidence, calling what Zeher did “false imprisonment” is an extreme understatement of the severity of his crime. The attorneys asked the public to be more open to Zeher’s point of view. But what about the victim’s point of view? According to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network, 310 out of every 1,000 rapes are reported to police, 57 of those reports lead to arrest, 11 get referred to prosecutors, 7 lead to felony convictions and 6 of those reported are incarcerated. Zeher’s case seems to fit this nationwide trend that deters many victims from reporting because the crime won’t be punished or out of fear of not being believed. Ultimately, Zeher will face no time in prison, three years of probation and a fine of $1,500. Not only was his rape charge dropped, but so long as he doesn’t break probation, his false imprisonment charge will be wiped clean as well. And though he does not deserve life in jail for his offense, he deserves at least the minimum jail sentence for a crime of this caliber. At the very least, Zeher’s crime should be on his record. What he did was wrong, and his words, according to the affidavit, imply that he knew this as well. The victim deserves closure, and the crime deserves appropriate consequences.

At the very least, Zeher’s crime should be on his record

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

September 5, 2018

New This Week

Ariana Grande pays tribute to Manchester victims in ‘Sweetener’

by Brynn Prewitt

Movies Sept. 7 — Bisbee ‘17 (PG), directed by Robert Greene, starring Mike Anderson, Charles Bethea, Benjamin Joel Caron, Chris Dietz Sept. 7 — The Nun (R), directed by Corin Hardy, starring Demian Bichir, Taisa Farmiga, Jonas Bloquet, Bonnie Aarons Sept. 7 — Peppermint (R), directed by Pierre Morel, starring Jennifer Garner, John Gallagher Jr., John Ortiz, Juan Pablo Raba Sept. 7 — The Predator (R), directed by Shane Black, starring Boyd Holbrook, Trevante Rhodes, Jacob Tremblay, Keegan-Michael Key

Music Sept. 7 — Book of Bad Decisions — Clutch

Staff Writer

Ariana Grande earned her third number one album on Billboard’s Top 200 Chart with the release of her latest album, “Sweetener,” Aug. 12. Arianators and pop music lovers everywhere are raving about standout songs, “no tears left to cry,” “breathin” and “successful,” among other uplifting, positive beats. There is a noticeable difference between “Sweetener” and Grande’s previous albums, not only in her style of pop, but in the message the music delivers. In the past, her albums have adhered to expectations of radio-friendly pop music that fans and critics have placed on the ex-Nickelodeon star. This new album allows Grande to reinvent and express herself creatively and freely. It’s no secret that Grande has been through the unimaginable after the horrific suicide bombing in May 2017

Sept. 7— Egypt Station — Paul McCartney Sept. 7 — Render Another Ugly Method — Mothers Sept. 7 — In the Blue Light — Paul Simon Sept. 7 — Great Thunder — Waxahatchee

Netflix Sept. 6 — Once Upon A Time: Season 7 (TV-PG), created by Adam Horowitz and Edward Kitsis, starring Ginnifer Goodwin, Jennifer Morrison, Lana Parrilla Sept. 7 — Atypical (Season 2), created by Robia Rashid, starring Jennifer Jason Leigh, Keir Gilchrist, Brigette Lundy-Paine Sept. 7 — City of Joy, directed by Madeleine Gavine, starring Christine Schuler-Deschryver, Denis Mukwege Mukengere, Eve Ensler Sept. 7 — Marvel’s Iron Fist (Season 2), created by Scott Buck, starring Finn Jones, Jessica Stroup, Jessica Henwick

Hulu Sept. 6 — Inside the NFL (TVPG), starring Phil Simms, Cris Collinsworth, Warren Sapp

Sept. 7 — Unlocking the Truth: Season 1 (TV-14), starring Ryan Ferguson, Eva Nagao, Tiffani Stone

Sept. 10 — Knock Knock (R), directed by Eli Roth, starring Keanu Reeves, Lorenza Izzo, Ana de Armas

Top Five Must-See Reynolds Performances List compiled by Emily Gist Opinion Editor

at her concert in Manchester, England, which killed 22 attendees and injured 500. As people were leaving the concert, a terrorist detonated a homemade bomb. Grande was forever changed from that night onward, as was the rest of the world, and that’s what makes this album so triumphant. With the release of “Sweetener,” the

media can’t help but respect the courage Grande displays as she refuses to let hate win and instead, successfully creates a dreamy, pastel record that focuses strictly on love, healing, femininity and happiness. In addition to these themes, Grande includes a silent 40 seconds at the end of the last song on the album, “get well soon,” concluding the

C U LT U R E S H O C K

‘Crazy Rich Asians’ examines crossroads of tradition by Macey Cobley

Sept. 7 — Raise Vibration— Lenny Kravitz

photo courtesy of teventim.de

Ariana Grande on the cover of her newest album “Sweetener.” Many of the album art and photos are upside down.

Staff Writer The romantic comedy and drama, “Crazy Rich Asians” provides an inside look into the lives of Singapore’s wealthy with an all-Asian cast. This film was released Aug. 15. The opening scene introduces the main character Rachel Chu (Constance Wu), an economics professor who is dating Nick Young (Henry Golding), a fellow professor. Young invites Chu to Singapore to attend his best friend’s wedding and to meet his family. Chu agrees, expecting a quiet get away, but soon learns about her boyfriend’s financial background. Chu suspected her boyfriend’s family was wealthy when Young’s family paid for the couple to fly first class, and her suspicions were confirmed not too long after they arrived in Singapore and everybody knows who she is: the girlfriend of one of Singapore’s most prominent millionaires. The film is not only

about wealth, but also about the traditions wealthy families uphold. Throughout the film, it’s evident how protective Young’s mother, Michelle Yeoh (Eleanor Sung-Young) is when it comes to her family and the future of her financial empire. She explains that women in a wealthy Singaporean society should understand that the role they are meant to play is not to chase after their dreams, but instead sacrifice themselves in order to be the backbone of their family. Being American-born, and having her own views on the role of women in the family, Rachel must decide where she stands with these differing traditions. She decides that this way of life will not suit her or her family, and outrightly refuses to fall in line with Yeoh’s expectations. “Crazy Rich Asians” is not only a romantic comedy, but a film that depicts traditions and beliefs that are often very different from the viewer’s. Chu represents a modern

Asian-American woman who believes she is just like everybody else, but soon learns being born in America gives her a disadvantage in Singaporean society. Wu challenges herself as an actress and as a person. She had to be conscious of her mental well-being once the film was released because she was worried that American audiences wouldn’t see an Asian-American woman as a strong leading character in a classic romantic comedy. In spite of her concerns, people raved about her acting skills and praised her for the way she played her role so well. Wu gives viewers an insight on how to adapt in a new culture and society while still maintaining personal beliefs. “Crazy Rich Asians” indicates that there are ways to coexist and understand different cultures. “Crazy Rich Asians” is rated PG-13 and is now playing at Cinemark Towne Center.

HIGH HOPES

Panic! at the Disco release uplifting music video

by Lauren Swaim

Photo Editor Panic! at the Disco has long been known for their emo and pop rock sound, but more recently, lead singer and last original band member Brendon Urie is leading the band in a more mainstream direction, as proven with the release of the music video for “High Hopes.” “High Hopes” is the fourth track from the band’s 2018 album, “Pray for the Wicked.” This new album is very pop-centric in comparison to the rest of the band’s repertoire. Like the song, the music video is simple and straight to the point, but still opens up a new dimension of symbolism. The song documents Urie’s hopes of someday making it big, and how through all the obstacles and difficulties, he didn’t give up and kept following his dream. At the beginning of the video, Urie gets out of a Tesla, looks around at the skyscrapers of downtown Los Angeles and begins singing the intro of the song. He is small in comparison to the buildings, but he 1. Buddy Guy If you’re a big rock ‘n’ roll fan, you need to see Buddy Guy perform. Not only was he a major influence on multiple rock artists, but he has also won a plethora of accolades for his blues and rock music, including seven Grammy Awards for multiple blues albums and rock performances. Considering his prominence in the rock and blues industry, and that he’s now 81 years old, his performance at Reynolds Performance Hall is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students and faculty to appreciate his influential music. Buddy Guy will perform at Reynolds at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 20.

straightens out his jacket, builds up his confidence and starts walking, symbolizing he is just one among the multitude of people who want to be a star, but that his determination keeps him going. As he is making his way through the city, people purposely bump into Urie, just as the obstacles he has faced on the path to fame deterred him. Eventually he stops in front of a tall, daunting building. Urie’s facial expression is uncertain, as if he is doubting himself, then it changes as he realizes what he is there to do: walk up the side of that building. I know what you’re thinking, and no, this isn’t “Mission: Impossible.” Urie isn’t using special gloves to scale this skyscraper; he’s using his own determination and talent. As he ascends, still singing, people on the ground look up in amazement, raising their phones to take photos and video. Urie is now full of smiles, because he has confidence in himself to climb the building to stardom. When Urie has almost reached the top, he falters, but regains his balance and

finishes his long trek up the skyscraper. Once he reaches the top, a crowd that has formed at the bottom of the building breaks out into cheers. Urie looks around at the beautiful view from atop the building of glory and fame as the sun begins to set. Then, seemingly from out of nowhere, the rest of his band appears to back him up. While the symbolism in the music video isn’t very deep, it gets the point across. Because of this, more people can relate to the meaning of the song, which is to keep your hopes high. Many of Panic! at the Disco’s new songs, including “High Hopes,” are different compared to the songs of past albums. Particularly in their last two albums, the band has transitioned to centering around Urie. While it is disappointing that the song consists of Urie bragging about how famous he is, he is also singing an anthem of hope to people who are trying to make it through the climb of life. “Pray for the Wicked” now streaming on Apple Music and Spotify and can be purchased on Google Play and iTunes.

2. “Chicago” “Chicago” is predicted to be such a big hit that Reynolds Performance Hall has reserved two nights for the show. “Chicago” is the longest-running American musical to ever be on Broadway. The musical has won six Tony Awards, two Oliver Awards and a Grammy Award. In the musical, protagonist Roxie Hart is sent to prison for killing a man who tried to “walk out” on her. While in prison, Hart meets a Vaudeville star named Velma Kelly, and both vie for the same lawyer, Billy Flynn, to help them get out. “Chicago” will arrive at Reynolds at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 27.

3. The New Chinese Acrobats Reynolds Performance Hall hosts an acrobatic show every year; however, the New Chinese Acrobats will deliver a show unlike any past acrobatic performances. The New Chinese Acrobats will provide a unique show experience with new and original costume designs based on traditional Chinese clothing. The acrobats will offer a modern take on ancient Chinese tradition. The New Chinese Acrobats is not a typical acrobatics show and will perform at Reynolds at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 21.

song at five minutes and 22 seconds to represent the date of the Manchester bombing as a memorial for the souls lost and the souls left permanently affected. The artist has always put her fans first. “I just wanted to give people a hug musically,” Grande told Ebro Darden in an interview with Apple Beats 1 radio.

Grande has overcome a mental battle no one should ever have to process, and it’s safe to assume that a fraction of this renewed outlook on life is due to her new fiance, comedian Pete Davidson. The couple reunited backstage at the Jimmy Fallon Late Night Show and hit it off right away, becoming engaged less than a month after reuniting. In interviews the couple is constantly expressing their love for one another and gushing about their future together. “Sweetener” includes a song titled, “pete davidson,” to signify Grande’s devotion to Davidson. “Music lasts forever. It’ll outlive any tattoo, any memory, any anything, even myself, so I want my love for him and how I feel to be a part of that,” Grande tweeted July 30. “Sweetener” is guaranteed to lift your spirits and move your feet to march on in celebration. “Sweetener” is now streaming on Apple Music and Spotify and can be purchased on Google Play and iTunes.

TRUE LOVE

photo courtesy of earmilk.com

James William Hatcher and Andrew Peter Clutterbuck of Honne pose for a promotional image. The two are longtime best friends.

Honne’s latest album speaks to both lovebirds, broken hearts by Lauren McLemore

Staff Writer The up-and-coming English electronic duo Honne released their second album, “Love Me / Love Me Not,” Aug. 24. The album contains 12 songs and features other European artists and DJs such as Tom Misch, Anna of the North and Nana Rogues. While its title may suggest a rigid contrast between being loved and unloved, the album artfully demonstrates multiple sides of love with songs falling into categories ranging from electronic dance music to jazzy soul. Opener “I Might” starts out as a piano solo before morphing into a more familiar electric dance sound accompanied by Honne’s British-accented vocals. “I Might” is about starting a new life in order to be happier, which is a perfect theme to open r the album. Following the first track is a song titled “Me & You,” featuring Tom Misch and a dance-worthy, somewhat upbeat, R&B take on being together forever. Also in line with the “Love Me” portion of the album is “Day 1,” the duo’s number one song on Spotify, which has appeared on various alternative, indie and EDM playlists because of its seductive yet upbeat sound. As far as the “Love Me Not” portion of the album’s songs goes, its songs congregate near the end of the album, perhaps causing those who listen to the album from beginning to end to struggle not to lose hope for the once-happy couple that the music portrays. While these songs might be your song choice on repeat for dealing with heartbreak, “I 4.“Something Rotten!” “Something Rotten!” is one of the newest Broadway shows to come to Reynolds Performance Hall, having just come off Broadway in 2017. It’s set in 1595 where two brothers, Nick and Nigel, want to write a play that competes with their main rival, William Shakespeare. When a fortune teller says the future of theater will require singing, dancing and acting all at once, the two brothers set out to write the first-ever musical. “Something Rotten!” derives its humor from self-references and the suspense, “Something Rotten!” will come to Reynolds at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 23, 2019.

Just Wanna Go Back,” “Crying Over You” and “Sometimes,” are still no less artistic in terms of sound composition. All in all, each song is a perfect, unexpected combination of synth-pop, contemporary R&B, modern soul, electronic dance and alternative music,. Both Honne, the artists’ name, and Tatamae, their early recording label, are Japanese concepts that describe the way one’s feelings and desires contrasts with behavior and public opinions. In a press release from their current recording label, Atlantic Records, the duo states, “Those two sides have been rooted in us from the beginning, but now is the first time we’ve truly demonstrated it. One doesn’t exist without the other, and so this time these songs have to be there together. A lot of films and TV shows either explore the good or bad, but we wanted to show a balance and the gray space.” Having already surpassed 3 million monthly listeners on Spotify, the duo is resonating with listeners. The album is a musical depiction of a confused lover picking off flower petals one by one. It captures the sentiments of the romantically distressed and those who keep finding themselves in weird love triangles. No matter what stage of a relationship listeners find themselves in, “Love Me / Love Me Not has a song to fit it, as well as a sound that can’t keep even the most brokenhearted from dancing. “Love Me / Love Me Not” is now streaming on Apple Music and Spotify and can be purchased on Google Play and iTunes.

5. “Erth’s Prehistoric Aquarium Adventure” The dinosaurs will be roaming the Earth and Reynolds Performance Hall in a deep sea adventure. The performance will take a look at the deep oceans where prehistoric marine reptiles lived in the beginning formations of the Earth. The show will utilize live actors, puppets and modern technology to put the lives of these prehistoric reptiles on display. The show will also be using science to describe these creatures and inform the audience. This adventure will show at Reynolds at 6 p.m. April 28, 2019.

Sports

September 5, 2018

Editor’s Take

ROAD TO THE GOVERNOR’S TROPHY

Oakland Raiders’ choice of trading star defender leaves many frustrated

Date

Sport

Location

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

by Marcus McClain Assistant Sports Editor

The Oakland Raiders may have made the biggest off-season mistake in recent memory, trading away defensive end Khalil Mack. The 2016 Defensive Player of the Year and two-time first-team All-Pro isn’t a player that is easily replaced. He led the Raiders’ defensive charge and was arguably their best overall player. This decision came after his contract demands to Oakland were too high. He was then sent to the Chicago Bears in exchange for their first-round picks in 2019 and 2020, along with a third-round pick in 2019 and a sixth-rounder in 2020. This wasn’t the smartest move for the Raiders, as Mack was still under contract for the upcoming season and they could have simply franchise-tagged him the following year. Despite Mack not reporting to the team’s practice facility since the end of last season, it seems that the Raiders’ effort to retain him was minimal. Allowing a player of Mack’s caliber to simply walk away without taking on another player of equal value is disappointing to say the least. Now they can only hope that the draft picks they acquired pan out to have similar value. On the other hand, the Chicago Bears gave Mack everything he wanted and more, making him the highest paid defensive player in NFL history. He agreed to a 6-year, $141 million deal, including $90 million guarantee money. The deal came just one day after Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald signed what was then the highest valued defensive deal in NFL history at six years for $135 million. It seems like the Raiders were one of the only teams to not get the memo on retaining the team’s strongest players. Aaron Rodgers and Odell Beckham Jr. reached extensions with their respective teams. The decision to deal Mack to the Bears will be judged for years to come as the three-time Pro Bowler has reached double-digit sacks in each of the last three seasons. Not to mention, just last season he reached a new career high with 78 tackles. This is a decision that could lead to several new job openings in the Raiders’ organization if those draft picks don’t provide high-quality production.

Upcoming Games Women’s Soccer

7 p.m. vs. Oral Roberts University Sept. 5 Volleyball

7 p.m. vs. University of Arkansas at Little Rock Sept. 6

photo courtesy of UCASports

Senior linebacker Reggio Dean (37) and junior defensive end Chris Terrell (95) celebrate after an unsuccessful play from the Tulsa Hurricane. Terrell had eight tackles, including one sack against Tulsa. Dean had five tackles, with one tackle for loss

UCA football fights closely with FBS opponent Tulsa

by Marcus McClain Assistant Sports Editor

Coach Nathan Brown didn’t get the result he desired in his coaching debut as the UCA Bears (0-1,0-0) fell to Tulsa University (1-0, 0-0) 38-27 Sept. 1. It was a back-and-forth game that could’ve tipped to either team’s favor. With 8:11 left to play and a chance to close the game, a costly turnover burned the Bears. A muffed kickoff return took UCA’s possession away and Tulsa recovered the ball inside the UCA 10-yard line. The Golden Hurricane went on to score a touchdown just two plays later, extending their lead to 38-27, ultimately sealing the game. Tulsa was also able to strike first on its opening drive as senior receiver Justin Hobbs scored on a 49-yard pass from sophomore quarterback Luke Skipper. The Bears responded to

Tulsa’s opening drive by scoring 13 unanswered points for the remainder of the quarter. After senior kicker Matt Cummins converted on both a 40- and a 10-yard kick, UCA punched in their first touchdown of the night on a 1-yard run from redshirt sophomore redshirt Kierra Crossley. The Hurricane regained momentum in the second frame, holding UCA to a scoreless quarter. Tulsa took advantage of this opportunity and jumped back in front, scoring 14 points on runs from Skipper and sophomore running back Shamari Brooks. This handed the Bears a 21-13 deficit going into halftime. UCA shrunk that deficit to 1 point in the third with a 14-play drive, ending with a 2-yard touchdown run from quarterback Breylin Smith. Junior cornerback Juan Jackson sparked the drive by forcing a fumble, and sophomore safety Jackie Harvell recovered

the loose ball to give UCA the possession. Forcing turnovers was a strong point for the Bears defense throughout the game as they caused three fumbles. This stingy defense came up big for UCA again early in the fourth as senior linebacker Raphael Garner caused another fumble, this time from Tulsa quarterback Luke Skipper. Senior defensive end Cardell Best was there to recover the ball and return it to Tulsa’s 5-yard line before also fumbling himself. UCA sophomore linebacker Justin Morris was there to fall on the ball in the endzone and gave UCA a 27-24 lead with 11 minutes left to play. The Golden Hurricane didn’t quit and bounced back with another touchdown of their own. A 14-yard pass from Skipper connected with senior tight end Cole Neph,

See Tulsa page 8

S L I P P E D AWAY

CHIEF

Former UCA player a possible NFL starter by Cody Macomber Sports Editor

photo courtesy of UCAsports

The Sugar Bears celebrate after earning another point Sept. 1 in the Skyhawk Tournament. After losing their first two matches of the tournament, UCA won its next two games against the University of Memphis and Florida A&M University.

Volleyball suffers first road loss by Ryan Bradford

Staff Writer

the

second

set,

the

Skyhawks retaliated, ending it

The Skyhawks ended the match 3-2. The Sugar Bears attempted

25-20. The Sugar Bears volleyball

For the third set, each

a comeback Aug. 31 in their

team (5-2) faced off in the

side faced off until a kill by

second game of the invitational

Skyhawk Invitational Aug. 30

sophomore

player

as they faced off against the UAB

to Sept. 1, losing out to the

Jamie Rys gave them a 7-6 lead.

Blazers, but ended up losing 2-0.

Men’s Soccer

University

In the end, the Skyhawks were

In the first set, the Sugar

7 p.m. at University of Incarnate Word Sept. 7

Martin (4-3) and the University

looking to close it 25-19, but an

Bears took the lead early on

attack error made it 20-19. UTM

until sophomore Blazer Emma

then closed the set on a 5-0 run.

Mitchell scored a kill for the

The Sugar Bears came back

sand and tied the match 8-8. The

Football

Memphis Tigers (3-5) and the

with a vengeance for the fourth

Blazers kept up the tempo and

6 p.m. vs. Murray State University Sept. 8

Florida A&M University Rattlers

set, taking the lead with a 10-2

closed with a 7-2 run, winning

(0-6).

run, but the Skyhawks fought

25-16.

Alabama

Blazers

(5-2),

against

the

Tennessee at

Birmingham but

winning

University

Skyhawks

first

back to make the score 13-10

In the next set, the teams

loss Aug. 30 against the UTM

after four straight Sugar Bear

battled fiercely and tied three

Skyhawks, with the Skyhawks

errors. That was as far as they

times early on. The set then

taking the victory 3-2.

got in set four as UCA controlled

saw the Sugar Bears and Blazers

the remainder of the set, ending

each make a run before scoring

with a total of 14 kills.

multiple ties yet again. The

UCA

suffered

its

In the first set, the Sugar Bears took the lead 25-19. behind

Pts. Result

six kills from senior Savanah

For the final set of the game,

Allen and 13 assists from junior

the Sugar Bears were unable to

Elizabeth Armstrong.

take the win, with a 15-10 loss.

Blazers pulled ahead in the end, managing a close 27-25 win.

See Volleyball page 8

Former UCA defensive back and punt returner Tremon Smith made the cut onto the 53-man roster for the Kansas City Chiefs after being drafted and signed to the team in spring 2018. After being drafted in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Smith signed a $2.6 million contract with the Chiefs May 7. Smith has the potential to return kickoffs for the Chiefs, as special teams coordinator for the Chiefs, Dave Toub, said that they may only be scratching the surface of Smith’s returning potential, since he didn’t have much kick-returning experience in college. Sports outlet Arrowhead Pride called Smith “the name to watch at kick returner for the Chiefs.” Because Smith played for a Football Championship Subdivision school, scouts didn’t have as many clips to see when they considered Smith in the draft. Toub praised his scouting staff for finding Smith despite the scouting disadvantage. “You don’t have to see a lot of clips to see talent,” Toub told Arrowhead Pride. “We noticed that, and the scouts did a good job of evaluating this guy and bringing him in.” Smith was known to shut down one half of the field for quarterbacks when they looked for open receivers, and he earned many worthwhile stats during his college tenure. He ranks fifth in UCA history in interceptions with 15, has 146 tackles, including 6.5 tackles for loss, and forced two fumbles for the Bears. He was a two-time All-Southland Conference first team defensive back in 2015 and 2016 and received honorable mention as a punt

returner in 2016 with 224 punt return yards. However, Smith really made a name for himself during UCA’s Pro Day. Smith ran a 4.32 40-yard dash, which would have tied him with the fastest time among cornerbacks at the NFL Scouting Combine. After watching Smith during training camp, Toub told SB Nation that Smith is the second fastest player on the team, behind only wide receiver Tyreke Hill. Smith told the press during the summer that rookies’ chances to play normally come on special teams, and he’s ready to make a name for himself. “Rookies make their names on special teams their first few years, so I am willing to do whatever it takes,” Smith said to SB Nation. Toub told Arrowhead Pride that Smith is a good catcher, has a good first step and could bring out real potential once in action. However, special teams may not be Smith’s only chance at playing soon. According to Chiefs cornerback David Amerson, the team will play 90-percent press coverage. If this is the case, then Smith’s experience could greatly benefit his playing time. According to the NFL website, Smith has the potential to fight for an outside or slot role on defense, or on special teams. Bleacher Report said that he is a well-built, versatile athlete who has the speed to run vertically with receivers. They said his lack of top-tier competition may hurt him and that he needs to learn timing and technique on skills such as hip turns. If Smith can stay aggressive and learn at a high level, the former Bear may be one of the greatest steals in recent draft history.

ucaecho.net

SPORTS

8/September 5, 2018

UCA STATS CORNER

SPORT

OPPONENT

Tulsa University

Football

Florida A&M

Volleyball

photo by Lauren Swaim

Senior running back Cedric Battle uses football as a stress reliever. Before coming to UCA, Battle played for Trinity Valley Community College in Athens, Texas.

UCA running back sets bar high for success personally, for the team in his senior season by Tim Morrison Staff Writer

“Even when I’m having a bad day, football is my getaway,” senior running back Cedric Battle said. Battle has only played one year with UCA football, but he has spent most of his life on the gridiron. Growing up in Nevada, he played in the Nevada Youth Football League, where he scored 4-5 touchdowns per game. His mother moved their family to Texas when he was 13-years old and he credits that move as the moment when his football career began. “In Texas, they take high school football seriously,” Battle said. He went to Hirschi High School in Wichita Falls, Texas, and becoming the lead running back his junior year. They went 7-4 that year but fell back to 3-8 during his senior season. Despite his team’s struggles, Battle proved his impressive skill. In one game during his senior season, he rushed for 531 yards in three quarters. When Battle was a senior and the team’s starting quarterback got hurt, the team became a wildcat offense with Battle playing quarterback. He finished his high school career as the all-time leading rusher for Hirschi, amassing

RECOGNITION

4,270 yards and 33 touchdowns. Battle played football for two seasons at Trinity Valley Community College. He said the competition was much tougher than high school was for him. “In high school … every game I knew I was going for at least 200 rushing yards,” Battle said. “College was a step up, with players coming from different states and programs.” Battle also had to learn a completely different offensive system than what he used in high school. He gained 2,060 all-purpose yards in 17 games for TVCC. As a junior college prospect, he signed with the University of Alabama at Birmingham, but quickly transferred to UCA because it was a better fit for him. In his first year at UCA, Battle had 220 yards rushing, 340 yards receiving and added 649 yards in kickoff and punt returns. It is a new role for him, as he has had to go from being the bell cow running back in high school to now being used more sporadically. He says it has been a hard transition, but that he trusts his coaches and how they will utilize him. Battle was mainly used out of the backfield last year, but

by Cody Macomber Sports Editor

After being ranked within the top 10 of the FCS in 2017-18, UCA comes into this new season with similar national expectations, ranked 17th nationally by the NCAA. UCA kept up with an FBS opponent Sept. 1 in Tulsa, and should have more of its way against lesser opponents as the season rolls on. The offense may not be as explosive this year under a new quarterback, but the defense seems to be just as tenacious, with a forced fumble against Tulsa that resulted in a touchdown.

University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

Volleyball: The Sugar Bears opened

on an 11-4 run in the third set,

38-27 (L)

(0-1, 0-0)

3-2 (W)

(5-2, 0-0)

4-0 (L)

(1-1, 0-0)

4-0 (W)

(3-2-1, 0-0)

UCA wins two in Skyhawk Tournament.

aces by sophomore Emily Doss. Other

highlights

the

with senior Anderson scoring

set included junior Elizabeth

four kills. The Sugar Bears then

Armstrong

managed to take the set 25-21. The fourth set was neck and neck throughout the match, but a kill by Anderson and an attack error made on the part of the Blazers allowed the Sugar Bears to take the fourth set 28-26.

seniors

with

Samantha

assists,

Anderson

and Savanah Allen both scoring four kills and junior Rayna Jefferis picking up eight digs. The Sugar Bears closed the set 25-18. The teams kept it up in

The final set saw the Blazers

the second set, trading points

take the lead before the Sugar

early on until a 5-1 Sugar Bear

Bears mounted a comeback. In

run gave them the lead at 11-9.

the end, it wasn’t enough for the

The Tigers called for a timeout

Sugar Bears to take the win.

before coming back to take the

Things turned around for

lead 23-21. UCA managed to

the Sugar Bears Sept.1, as UCA

win the set 27-25. The third set was a back and forth before the Sugar Bears came out on top with a 25-22 win, leaving the overall score at 3-0.

beat out the Tigers and Rattlers. The Sugar Bears started things off with a 10-4 lead on the Memphis Tigers. The Tigers came back and tied the score 16-16 before forcing the Sugar

In the second match of the

Bears into a timeout. The Sugar

day, the Sugar Bears faced the

Bears came back on top with a

Florida A&M Rattlers.

9-2 run brought from a pair of

In their first set against

the Rattlers, the Sugar Bears grabbed an early lead before taking the set 25-24. For the second set, the Sugar Bears once again took an early lead until the Rattlers retaliated with a 9-2 run. The Rattlers continued the battle before taking the set 26-24. The Sugar Bears fought for the lead in the third set, with it paying off in a 25-22 win for the set. The fourth set was close with no decisive leads. In the end, the Sugar Bears managed to pull out a 25-23 win. In the final set of the invitational, the Sugar Bears took an 11-6 lead. They then went on to take the set with four straight points, leaving the final score at 3-2. The Sugar Bears will host the 2018 Central Arkansas Invitational Sept. 6-8 in the Farris Center.

T R AV E L I N G

Senior experience could lead to successful season Staff Writer

Football earns top-25 ranking

Women’s Soccer

Marquette University

RECORD

FOLLOW ME

by Ronak Patel

rankings courtesy NCAA.com

says he could get more action on the outside and in the slot this season. He models his game after Tavon Austin, who was electric at West Virginia before being drafted by the Rams in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft. Like Austin, Battle does a little bit of everything. Battle finished the 2017 season incredibly strong, with 154 yards receiving and 2 touchdowns against New Hampshire. Battle said his goal for the upcoming season is to make it to the national championship. During his time at TVCC, he was just a game away from a championship. “Last year, I feel like we had a championship team,” Battle said. “I’m a senior now, so every down, every game … it all counts to me.” The only thing Battle values more than football, is his daughters: AnaLeah and LaMiah. He takes health education classes and said he tries to ensure that he and his daughters lead a healthy life. They Facetime every chance they get. “They mean the most to me,” Battle said. “I want to set a high bar for them and push them to be the best they can be. Everything I do is for them.”

Men’s Soccer

University

RESULT

One of the biggest challenges for college sports teams is being successful each year after losing some of their best players to graduation. To fill these voids, teams sign high school seniors, recruit transfers and train team members. UCA’s volleyball team recognizes the key to developing the talents of new and old players is leadership. “It’s important for everyone to be a leader,” coach Jeni Chatman said. “Even though every player might not have the title of being a leader, they are still expected to be one.” Seniors Haley Tippett, Savannah Allen and Samantha Anderson will be expected to act as leaders given their age and experience on the team. All three of these seniors played on last year’s team, which had a phenomenal playoff run and made it to the NCAA Tournament against the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. “Our entire program grew

Tulsa:

from that experience,” Chatman said. The team is hoping to have similar success this season. Chatman said she has a lot of faith in the leadership of the team’s senior players. Oftentimes in sports, leaders aren’t made by stuffing the stats sheet or making the highlights reel and headlines. Chatman said these seniors became leaders even before they had the stats. “Their leadership comes not only by what they bring off the court, but what they can statistically provide on the court,” Chatman said. “All three have not been statistical leaders on the floor their entire career. However, they have been leaders in strength and conditioning, their time management, their team-first mentality and much more.” The team is focused on overcoming any regression from last season’s success. “It is a goal of ours to get better from day to day and from match to match, and if we can do that, then I think we will be in good shape,” Chatman said.

The Bears come up short.

which pushed Tulsa ahead again with 31-27. The Hurricane ended the game with 470 yards of total offense, while holding UCA to only 247. Third downs also played a big part of the game as UCA was unable to convert on 10 its occasions, while Tulsa converted on 12 of their 20 chances. Tulsa’s strongest advantage may have been the possession game, as they were able to run a total of 30 more plays than the Bears. This was UCA quarterback Smith’s first game as a starter. He completed 17 of his 25 pass

attempts and finished with 165 yards. Six of those passes were completed to senior Jakari Dillard, who finished with 61 receiving yards. The Bears finished the game with 82 total yards on the ground led by junior running back Carlos Blackman with 57 yards and a long of 18 yards. The Bears return to action Sept. 8 for their home opener against Murray State University. UCA will be looking for a repeat performance from last season’s matchup as the Bears cruised to a 41-13 victory. A victory would be UCA’s sixth straight against the Racers.

photo by Yannick Nzinga

The women’s soccer team walks off the field after the 4-0 victory against the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Sept. 2 at the Bill Stephens Soccer Complex. This marks the Sugar Bears’ first home victory of the season. This marked UCA’s third straight year to shut out the Lady Lions. They beat them 3-0 in 2016 and 6-0 in 2017.

Men’s and women’s soccer struggle early on the road, women win second game

by Daniel Adams Staff Writer

The road was not kind to UCA’s soccer teams on both the men’s and women’s sides Aug. 30 in Marquette and Starkville. The men were taken down by the 22nd-ranked Marquette Golden Eagles 4-0 in a game that challenged the Bears. The team would get a few shots on goal, but the Eagles defense stopped them at every turn. There were some slight positives, as the Bears kept up with the Eagles in shots on goal with six, compared to the opponent’s eight. Despite the loss, coach Ross Duncan still had a fairly positive take on how things went. “We went out to gauge where we were at,” Duncan said. “We wanted to challenge ourselves early on in the season.” The team’s next game is scheduled to be against the University of the Incarnate Word Sept. 7, before they go against Houston Baptist University

Sept. 9. The women’s team also came away from the road with a loss. The Sugar Bears lost to the Mississippi State University Bulldogs in a close 2-0 game in Starkvillle, Mississippi. The Bulldogs played a tough defense, keeping UCA contained. The Bulldogs only allowed UCA to get two shots out throughout the course of the match. Much like the men’s team, however, the women were not fazed and simply moved on to the next round of the schedule. With that being the last game of a four-game away stint, coming away with two wins and two losses, the Sugar Bears moved on to a home game at Bill Stephens Field against the Golden Lions from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. The team had a much better outing this time, dominating the game and taking the win 4-0 over the Lady Golden Lions. The Sugar Bears had a very

successful game in comparison to their previous game against the Bulldogs, showing off a defensive effort that kept the Lady Lions from getting in a single shot. Coach Jeremy Bishop praised the team for improving from the last road game at this second home game against the Lady Lions. “[The team was] able to find the open player, which is opening up lots of things up for us,” Bishop said. Bishop also made a positive note of the bench depth for the Sugar Bears. “It’s great. That’s the kind of thing that you hope for in conference when you have players rested … we got some quality plays in and nobody played too many minutes,” he said. The Sugar Bears will play against Oral Roberts University Sept. 5 at home before travelling to play Arkansas State University in their last nonconference game of the season Sept. 8.