THE UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS’ STUDENT NEWSPAPER
SINGLE COPY PAID FOR BY STUDENT PUBLICATION
WEDNESDAY
Volume 117 — Issue 17
ucanews.live TODAY’S FORECAST CONWAY
Sports:
Campus Life:
Entertainment:
Women’s Basketball: Sugar Bears continue losing streak.
BEAR Talk: Strickland encourages critical thinking.
page 3
New release: HBO show takes a new approach on an old narrative.
page 7
page 8
Conway special election passes bond issues to fund center
Cloudy
68/50
BY MEGAN HOLDER
swim because their ancestors weren’t allowed to enter neighborhood and public pools.
Staff Writer
THE NEWSDESK FROM THE ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR
Thirty eight million dollars in bond issues were approved in a special election
this just opens up a door for kids who wouldn’t have this opportunity. You can’t just go on Google Earth and knock on someone’s door and ask them to use their
a proposed community center
I N T E R N AT I O N A L featuring an aquatic center
Russia open to talks with Ukraine branch of the government of keep talking with the West about security grievances that led to the current Ukraine situation. While questions remain about Russian President Vladimir are evacuating diplomats and are on alert for possible imminent war amid the worst East-West tensions since the Cold War. Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Europe is “on the edge of a precipice.”
N AT I O N A L
Religious concerns
for unvaccinated
and soccer complex.
were at the polls in which all three bond issues on the ballot passed.
folks cannot straight up afford a membership at a country club.” There’s no set cost for how much the membership
bond issue to pay off a
access to all of it. A lot of folks
construction and operation of the community and aquatic Graphic taken from The City of Conway’s Youtube Channel
build the soccer complex C o n w a y ’ s
break it up into three main part
being
accessibility
third part being all about community.” Kelley said that the multimillion-dollar
Artist rendering of the aquatic center included in the proposed community center. The estimated cost of the center is $38 million. The center will include volleyball courts, a full gymnasium and a concession stand.
investment is going to employ time people. “From
a
business
hosts baseball and softball people from all over the way or another.” Conway resident Larry
days until the primary. Why didn’t they put this election on the primary? The reason for that is because special elections anticipate low what they want. If you look at highest sales tax in the nation. It’s not that I’m against the
from
NASA’s
BY
two SpaceX engineers and
Multi-factor authentication will be coming to campus soon. The phased rollout has three stages to slowly acclimate
IT rolls out multi-factor authentication BY
OLIVIA SNELSON
Assistant Campus Life Editor
UCA will soon begin implementing a multifactor authentication for several programs on campus. “This spring of Central Arkansas will begin rolling out multifactor authentication
suits.
secure way of logging into many UniversityS TAT E related applications that allow access to sensitive Mayor charged with information. This MFA felony theft of property process is part of UCA’s A southwest Arkansas mayor overall cyber security plan has been charged with felony and will be required for a newsletter posted to
according to state Attorney UCA’s website said. General Leslie Rutledge. Glenwood Mayor Billy T. of program management
another layer of security to your UCA user account by utilizing a secondary device token device) to prevent anyone but you from by combining something you know (your password) with something you have (your smartphone/token newsletter. While the focus is currently on faculty and this is something that will eventually apply to students as well. Most people have already had some experience with multifactor authentication. “Many people may be familiar with MFA from Snapchat or online banking
Information
utilize MFA as a part of the
provide. “Multi-Factor Smith surrendered Friday to authentication adds
said. The multi-factor authentication works by “logging into a UCA application that requires you to enter
in
the
in leftover asphalt millings the extra from a highway resurfacing described project to resurface his and protection that multihis son-in-law’s private factor authentication will state authorities at the Pike County jail on felony changes of theft of property and abuse
Index: Police Beat People of UCA Students Say
4 4
6 Opinion 7 Entertainment 5, 8 Sports
UCA’s Nontraditional Students Organization is seeking donations of diapers and wipes through February to support mothers in need and to supply the lactation suites on campus. The Bear Bottoms Diaper Drive is an event put on each semester by the Nontraditional Students Organization. This drive helps provide mothers in need of baby supplies as well as offer them assistance in the lactation suites while on campus. “We are in need of diapers. and we want to be able to help
your credentials and then the being required to enter a Roach said in the newsletter. UCA is not the only university that has decided to start using multifactor authentication. “Defending against cyber security threats has become a major part of the overall security plans for universities across the country. It is becoming increasingly easier for your password to be compromised either
Nontraditional
Students
[packages] of wipes and a handful of diapers.” diapers a month which could help just enough to keep them
of Institutional Diversity and six lactation suites located throughout campus in the Brewer Integrated
Health
Sciences
at Estes Stadium. A new location will open this year in Irby Hall. The Diversity Advisory Committee Lactation Suite subcommittee oversees the administration and operation of these suites. “There are times that students drop by to say how much they appreciate the lactation suites and that they would not have been able to ‘’ Gayfield said. These suites have not only impacted UCA students but UCA’s community as a whole. “We also hear from colleagues that guests to the campus compliment UCA for Gayfield said. A source that wished to remain anonymous said to does not have a private working
was faced with that hard decision
my baby’s bottom.” Romine played a part in the development of the lactation suites where supplies from the said. Phishing attacks are drive will also be distributed. According to UCA’s online attacks aimed at
malicious software on your
stealing user data. This is commonly done through Lactation Suites are to provide email. “The information security team at UCA completes a yearly third- collect and/or store breast milk. “The suites contain party security review. As
Contact Us: 2
AMBER AUSTEN
Staff Writer
Graphic by Madison Ogle
Kennedy
provided by the Conway Human Development Center. The Community Center and the Conway Soccer Complex will be completed in about 18 months after the general contractor is hired for the project.
Diaper donations needed in campus lactation rooms
exemptions are being invoked by staff and approved by managers in large numbers. Hospital administrators are struggling to maintain adequate staff levels and are often reluctant to question the legitimacy of the requests. Some employees threatened to quit if they were required to get the shot.
aiming for an even higher orbit and the chance to take part in a spacewalk. Tech entrepreneur Jared Isaacman announced on Monday that he will make another
but it can be the difference for a lot of people.” The new soccer complex
N O N -T R A D I T I O N A L
month as the government pushes for more people to get vaccinated. In some
The billionaire who launched
community center. I think that Conway could use a swimming pool.” Kelley hopes that the swimming pool will open doors for minority residents who may not know how to
SECURITY
Unvaccinated medical workers are now citing various Old and New
SpaceX to fly again
how much money that they have wasted.” Conway resident Steve
but we’re going to come up with plans and memberships later. We also understand
See SECURITY- page 2
Social:
having the lactation suites. I have used the suites…for extended periods of time over the past four years; they have played a significant role in the wellbeing of my children and myself.” the only ones who can benefit from the Bear Bottoms Diaper Drive. “Getting involved in events like this brings our UCA community together as a we need that … in giving just a Pauly.
Inside:
Opinion:
There’s a lot I don’t know, and that’s okay.
E-mail: ucaechoeditor@gmail.com @ucaecho The Echo ucaecho © 2022 The Echo, Printed by The Courier, Russellville, Arkansas.
see page 6
2/February 16, 2022
NEWS
Police Beat
ucanews.live
The following information is compiled from UCAPD incident reports by Assistant News Editor Kathryn Thornberry
Student found driving drunk
Sobriety test leads to DWI
Bus crash leads to $80,000 damage
UCA student Caleb Barrentine over and issued a citation for failure to pay a registration fee and a DWI. Barrentine had expired tags. Boyd smelled a mild odor of intoxication coming from Barrentine’s breath when he asked for his license and registration. Barrentine said he was coming from “the den.” Barrentine said he had a couple of beers. Boyd had Barrentine exit his vehicle so that he could administer sobriety tests on him. Barrentine
Minor in Possession of Alcohol and had Lauraine Fosburgh’s driver’s license surrendered. Wise saw Fosburgh’s car drive past a stop sign at without stopping and followed the vehicle into a parking lot. A strong odor of alcohol was coming from the vehicle. Fosburgh had red eyes and slurring of speech. Wise asked Fosburgh to step out of her vehicle and perform sobriety tests. Based on the
because of damages that happened to a UCA shuttle bus. Sylvia Ward was driving the shuttle bus. When she made a right out
Boyd believed he was above the legal limit. Boyd had Barrentine complete a
that Fosburgh had been drinking. Fosburgh was issued a citation for Minor license was suspended and a temporary driver’s license was issued.
Security :
she saw that the stop sign was previously damaged.
Graphic by Mia Waddell
the stop sign struck the second window of the passenger side of the busbreaking the window. Ward took the bus back to
Students receive payments from HEERF
the window was covered in plastic. The broken glass was removed. No other damage to the bus was found. The estimate of the damage to the
Staff Writer
person was injured in the accident.
result in new security the newsletter. M u l t i - f a c t o r
UCA students received Education
Emergency
which was provided by the American Rescue Plan Act. million in HEERF funding through the Coronavirus
Phased rollout for faculty and staff. Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriation (CRRSA)
Continued from page 1
will orchestrate online and in-person phishing attempts. The results from the security review provide real-world
BY SYDNEY AMBRUS
authentication will be part of a phased rollout that will begin with slowly implementing the security measure. “The phased rollout is designed to ensure a smooth transition for the faculty and staff of UCA.
testing
and
validations
workflows without impacting said in the newsletter. Some of the services that will be included in the initial rollout
Plan (ARP) Act. million of those funds were reserved for emergency grants for students. “Through these tough
By rolling this out first to our Division of Information
junior Anthony Williams Jr. said. All students enrolled
IMPROVEMENTS
session were eligible to receive the grant. An email from Student Accounts said students should have dollars by Feb. 11. Students who received the Pell Grant received an
the guidance of the federal government. Pell Grant eligibility is determined by the information submitted on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students were not required to complete any extra documentation to receive the HEERF payment. The funds were automatically deposited depending on each student’s preference. Students were advised in an email from Student Accounts that Direct Deposit was the safest option to receive the funds. Though if students wanted to use the mailed
Smedley said. Students were able to receive these funds due to the CARES Act. The trillion economic bill that was passed by Congress on was then signed into law by former President Donald The bill was formed to help with the economic fallout of the pandemic. The bill helped not only those in higher education but businesses and families as well. “I am very grateful for them. They come in handy most students don’t work
mailing address had to be up to date by Feb. 4. The funds are to help
that’s another resource to
challenges caused by the
Hunter said. The payments have helped students with a
according to the email from Student Accounts. “I’m glad about receiving it [HEERF payment] because I feel like this pandemic has caused strenuous situations on all of than a little extra relief with everything that everyone is
or bills for the ones that live
technology costs and other circumstances. “School textbooks are
junior said.
Altrevian
Bizzell
Graphic by Mia Waddell
with concerns of students.
Room and board increase proposed; physical plant to work on lighting BY
KATHRYN THORNBERRY
Assistant News Editor
heard room and board rate from the African/African American Studies program. The vice president for
She said for the board the administration is looking at
good as they can make it and then hopefully continue to have a very positive experience with food service. results of this year’s safety walk. Carter said that improving the lighting on campus received the most requests from faculty and staff. He said that since the Physical Plant started doing the biggest issue. He said the Physical Plant workers have worked hard
students. The total increase would be
addressing landscape concerns such as sidewalks. “So there’s two things we
both the room and board.
Carter said. “Sometimes you have a sidewalk that’s just
used the total access dining plan and double room for Arkansas Hall. “I feel like we’ve done the best we can do about trying to good experience.” Newton said increasing room and board is important because they are trying to make sure that campus housing is as
that’s where we’ll come in. [We] cut it out and pour in a section of sidewalk.” Carter said the other option is to get a company to use a machine to run over the sidewalk and grind it. the African/African American for their activism regarding the African/African American
Studies program. He said that because of the activism of the students and there has been some progress accomplished. Kithinji said the major got a two-year extension and is supposed to be a working group that is in the process of being formed. The group will be working with the students and community to help promote and increase enrollment in the major. “After two years of this and we will know the fate of the President of SGA Mya Hall moved that the SGA adopt a joint resolution supporting Historically Black Colleges and Universities and UCA Students of Color. “Historically black colleges and universities play a crucial role in higher “HBCU’s have historically faced racism and systems of have played integral roles in educating some of our nation’s greatest leaders.”
Graphic by Mia Waddell
Graphic by Mia Waddell
Campus Life
3
February 16, 2022
Around Campus:
Students for the Arts: Speaker From 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 17, Students for the Arts is hosting a speaker event in Student Center room 203A where students can participate in a Q&A with local artists and entrepreneurs to learn and hear about different careers.
Día de el Amor y Amistad From 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 17, the Latino Students Association is hosting an event in Student Center room 205A where students can learn about valentine’s day in Latinx cultures.
Photo by Madison Ogle
Chad Bradford speaks on the topic of transmedia storytelling, Feb. 10. Bradford cited works such as Star Wars, Schitt’s Creek and the Marvel Cinematic Universe as prime examples
Bradford discusses storytelling across mediums BY
COLBY DERR
Staff Writer
Teacher’s Career Fair From 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 25. Bears 4 Hire is hosting a teacher’s fair. The event will be held in the Student Center Ballroom.
Polar Plunge From 9:45 a.m.-1:00 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 19, Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority and Special Olympics is hosting an event called Polar Plunge at Woolly Hollow State Park in Greenbrier, AR to raise money for Special Olympics. Those who have raised or donated at least $50 can be plunged into ice cold water and receive prizes.
Chad Bradford, a director, actor and composer based in New York City, taught students about transmedia storytelling in Bridges Larson Theatre, Feb. 10. Transmedia storytelling is the act of sharing stories through multiple different platforms or formats. Bradford began the presentation with a clip from the “Star Wars” franchise, explaining that George Lucas created “the most popular and most successful transmedia franchise we’ve ever seen.” He used this example to emphasize the relevance of transmedia storytelling. “You have a story, and you share it as many ways as possible,” Bradford said. Bradford continued
to give the audience everyday examples of transmedia storytelling, citing the Marvel Cinematic Universe, “Schitt’s Creek,” and Pretzel the Scottish Dachshund. Using these examples, Bradford showed the audience how prevalent transmedia storytelling is in today’s world. “You don’t have to take crap from people that tell you that being an art major won’t make any difference. It’s for international travel and tourism, and it’s making billions and billions of dollars,” Bradford said. Bradford showed the audience, using Pretzel the internet-famous Scottish Dachshund, how people can create parallel universes, merchandise and secure brand partnerships. When speaking on drillability and
spreadability, Bradford showed examples of fan art and even merchandise created on specific TV shows and book series. “Spreadability: able to shoot stories to play into places that they normally would never get to,” Bradford said. “Transmedia storytelling is the catch-all phrase we use to describe that kind of activity that we’ve always done, but now we’re exploring in more depth.” Bradford even tied in transmedia storytelling into immersive theater. “Now we get to see how we can stand into these other realms that will continue to make theater an essential art,” Bradford said. Sophomore Eli Summers said “It’s interesting how it’s different from normal
theater because I didn’t understand how it [transmedia storytelling] translated into that, but I found it interesting.” The event was a part of the Artists in Residence program, hosted by the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. The residencies bring artists who practice various mediums to UCA to expand the student body’s knowledge of the arts. Bradford is a member of the Actor’s Equity Association and is the Associate Artistic Director for Shake on the Lake Shakespeare, located in Western New York. Bradford has also worked for many theaters, such as the American Shakespeare Center and the Arkansas Shakespeare Theater. Bradford received
his BA in theater arts at the University of Central Arkansas. The next Artists in Residence presentation will be Elizabeth Rush, the author of “Rising: Dispatches from the New American Shore” and “Still Lifes from a Vanishing City: Essays and Photographs from Yangon, Myanmar.” Rush’s first presentation will be a masterclass on Literary Journalism will take place at 3:30 p.m. Feb. 22 in Win Thompson Hall 331. Her next presentations will include a Public Reading at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 22 in the College of Business Auditorium and a Craft Talk: Environmental Writing, Climate Change, and Literary Journalism at 3 p.m. Feb. 23 in Win Thompson Hall 331.
SEMINAR
Ghostbusters: Afterlife From 7 p.m.-9 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 20, Student Activities Board will be hosting a movie night in the Student Center Ballroom. They will be showing Ghostbusters: Afterlife and will be providing free food to students.
Pre-Law Society General Interest Meeting From 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 22, the UCA Pre-Law Society will be hosting a general interest meeting in Irby room 211 where students who are interested in pre-law can meet other pre-law students and discuss resources.
Photo by Madison Ogle
Talk lineup of the spring 2022 semester.
Sig Kap and Cheese From 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 22, Sigma Kappa sorority will be hosting a fundraiser event called Sig Kap and Cheese in the Sigma Kappa chapter room at their house where they will raise money for Alzheimer’s research.
Artist in Residence From 7:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 22, the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences will be hosting an Artist in Residence event in the College of Business Auditorium. Elizabeth Rush will be giving a public reading, Q&A, and book signing.
First spring BEAR Talk focuses on vitality of critical thinking BY ASHLYN LITTLE
Staff Writer
Students don’t have to have a Ph.D. to be a critical thinker, and it has never been more important to be able to think critically, Charlotte BEAR Talk of the spring semester on Tuesday, Feb. 8. The BEAR Talk, “Critical Thinking as you Grow Yourself and Others,” was focused on the importance of critical thinking in students’ daily lives, from interacting with news via social media to solving brain teasers and debunking popular conspiracy theories. Strickland opened up by presenting the audience with a couple of brain teasers. She asked students to take a shot at solving the
teasers, opening up group conversation and setting the foundation for how to think critically and why it is important to be able to do so. “We’re all looking at the same thing, but we see it differently from our own lenses,” Strickland said as students were attempting to solve brain teasers. Conspiracy theories and statements labeled as facts that are shared on social media are real-world circumstances where it is important to be able to think critically. “I love how she incorporated modern stuff. It made this very relevant. Some speakers don’t do that, but it helps,” sophomore LEAD team member Cade Richesin said. Strickland shared two models of critical thinking
with the audience, focusing on the R.E.D. model to critical thinking, created by Steve Piscitelli with Pearson Education. R.E.D. stands for: recognize assumptions, evaluate information and draw conclusions. She encouraged the audience members to apply these keys to critical thinking to a recent study that she came across, debunking a widely believed myth that drinking one glass of wine per day is not good for you. “I enjoyed the teamwork. I liked when she made us get together in groups to discuss what we thought,” freshman Keely Bounds said. Two things that can affect critical thinking are assumptions and values. Everyone makes assumptions, and it is extremely important to
ask others about their assumptions, especially those that differ from your own, Strickland said. To think critically, people need to see things from multiple points of view. She also explained that one thing that cannot be taken away from critical thinking is people’s values. Values affect critical thinking because they are deeply rooted, which is why perspectives is ideal. This semester the LEAD team, which hosts BEAR Talks, is wanting its speakers to focus on the theme of “growth” in the topic of their choice. Strickland was chosen for her experience in leadership, senior LEAD team director Yaya Ciswondo said. “Her reputation speaks
for itself. She’s experienced and is a vital part of leadership programs here at UCA. She is the pillar for continued growth both on campus and off,” Ciswondo said. Strickland is a UCA alumna with a business marketing degree and a master’s in higher education from the University of South Carolina. Strickland currently serves as the University’s Director of Professional Development and Training. The LEAD team will be hosting two more BEAR Talks this semester. These will be on Thursday, March 10, at UCA Downtown at 6 p.m. and Monday, April 4 at noon in the Ronnie Williams Student Center room 223/224.
4/ February 16, 2022
CAMPUS LIFE
UCA displays art from Black creatives BY ADDI FREEMAN Editor-in-Chief
The University of Central Arkansas’ community multi-use center, UCA Downtown, began February by celebrating Black artists with its Art for the Soul showcase. At the fourth annual Black History Month Exhibit, artwork from three UCA students — Monika Anne Cunningham, Kaitlyn Maxwell and Adrianna Kimble Ray is featured. marketing senior at UCA, said, “Fortunately, I’ve been able to be selected for all of the Black History Month showcases that they’ve [UCA Downtown] had so far, which I’m super grateful for … I feel like representation is super important. I think I bring a different perspective, being a Black Bahamian. Being able to showcase with other Black artists is an honor.” Not only has Cunningham
been featured in all four of the Black History Month showcases at UCA Downtown, but she has also been a part of each Conway Art Walk since October 2021. Nakeya Palmer, assistant for programs and services in UCA’s Division of Outreach and Community Engagement is one of the curators of the Conway Art Walk and helped choose artists to feature in this month’s exhibit. Before working at UCA, Palmer was a student during History Month exhibit at UCA Downtown. “This show, in particular, is very personal to me because didn’t get chosen for it,” Palmer said. Working as an art liaison for UCA by the second annual Black History Month exhibit, she was able to enter her work again, which led to one of her pieces being chosen for the
gallery wall. UCA Downtown often features small art exhibits as a way for students and the community to interact with one another. “I think it gives students an opportunity to show their work somewhere that’s not on campus,” Palmer said. “It allows them to be integrated into the community in Conway. I feel like UCA Downtown is achievable as a young artist because it allows you to get a gallery experience without the strenuous process [of a larger gallery].” While the Conway Art Walk has artists set up around an entire block of downtown Conway, the exhibits at UCA Downtown are featured on one gallery wall. “It’s not as big of a challenge. You can have a very small ensemble and still have a big impact,” Palmer said. Impacting viewers is part of
what inspires Cunningham. “When people see my work, I hope that they can feel the emotions and the vulnerability within it, but also through the vibrancy of the colors — feel some sort of hope and relatability in the story once they see it,” Cunningham said. The fourth annual Black History Month art exhibit opened Feb. 7 and will continue through Feb. 25. The hours of UCA Downtown are Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays from noon to 5 p.m. The pieces featured in the exhibit will be included in the upcoming Conway Art Walk, which will also showcase and celebrate black artists. The next Conway Art Walk is Feb. 17 from 5-8 p.m. along Oak Street in downtown Conway. Snacks and drinks will be available, and Cunningham will be performing a live painting.
MUSIC
Networking with a Pro brings artists Dazz & Brie BY BENNETT TINNERMON Associate Editor
UCA alumni Brie Boyce and Dazzmin Murry shared their journey from students to music artists during “Networking with a Pro: ‘Music Edition’,” hosted by the Students for the Propagation of Black Culture on Feb. 10. Boyce and Murry, whose band is called Dazz & Brie, met at UCA from being in Alpha Kappa Alpha together. The two graduated in 2012, Boyce with a degree in mass communication and Murry with a degree in public relations. Dazz & Brie is a rock ‘n soul band, according to their website. The two said they write and produce their music themselves but bring in three other members for live shows. Boyce does vocals for their music while Murry plays the drums and guitar. “I came from a very small town, so I didn’t get the opportunity to form deep connections with other black women,” Boyce said, adding that arriving at UCA allowed her to see many others, who looked like her, doing amazing things.
Murry said that she didn’t want to be limited in the genres she performed as people often asked her if she played rhythm and blues or rap, even though other popular genres like rock and country were pioneered by black artists. Murry said asking a black artist if they play rock or country should be just as normal as asking about R&B or rap. Boyce described her and Murry’s music as rock but with soul, adding that they put soul into everything they do. “It’s who we are,” Boyce said. Dazz & Brie have had their music featured in Tyler Perry’s movie “Nobody’s Fool” and a Kit Kat commercial after winning a jingle competition. “We would take Kit Kats to our shows and get people to sing the jingle with us,” Boyce said. Sophomore Jeromy Hunt Jr. enjoyed hearing Boyce and Murry speak. “The knowledge that I received during the program was wonderful and impactful! I learned about some opportunities that I can use to better my career and got an insight of what old-school UCA was like,” Hunt said.
Murry said if she could advise a student, she would suggest putting oneself out there more as college is a good time to engage and network. Boyce said students should be sure to use their resources while in college. “UCA does a great job of giving its students resources,” Boyce said. The event, held over Zoom, was a part
Angela Jackson introduced Boyce and Murry, asking questions with Tajaro Hudson, advisor of the National Pan-Hellenic Council. Boyce can be found on Instagram @ bois_boyce and Murry @kinghoneyisdazz. More information about Dazz & Brie can be found on their website, dazzandbrie.com The SPBC’s next Black History Month event is the Love Poetry Night: “Can We Valentalk” in the Ronnie Williams Student Center room 205A at 6 p.m., Feb. 16. More events can be found at uca.edu/ news/black-history-month-2022.
FGSS hosts non-exclusive paint party for all BY KATHRYN THORNBERRY Assistant News Editor
Photo by Kathryn Thornberry
having students that are alike come together makes the college experience more comfortable. “Today, I got to talk to some freshmen that I’ve never met before,” Akbar said, “It’s nice seeing people who are just like me.” Akbar said that her favorite thing about hosting these types of events is seeing people that are in the position
STUDENTS SAY be tuning in to “ WilltheyouSuper Bowl? ” Story and photos by Olivia Snelson and Will McDonald
Freshman Kevin King “I’m going to watch to be around friends for the Super Bowl parties. I’ll be rooting for the Bengals.”
Freshman Cade Womack “I am watching the Super Bowl next Sunday. I like watching the commercials and then I also really like the halftime show. Also, I think it would be cool to just watch with friends.”
and Community’s Black History Month programs. Associate Dean and Director
CRAFTING
The First Generation Scholars Society hosted a painting event for members and nonmembers Thursday, Feb. 10. Freshman Madison Dupriest, a member of the FGSS executive board, said she really enjoys hosting events like the paint party, so that students can enjoy fun activities. “I really enjoy hosting events like this, because it gets people who are firstgeneration students to get to know other first-generation students,” Dupriest said. “Being one of those kids is really scary. So being able to interact with other people is really fun.” Dupriest said that college is scary, but not just for FGSS students “College is scary for anybody,” Dupriest said. “I think it’s just a good stress reliever and a good way to get out of your dorm and do something besides homework.” Junior Jamia Akbar, treasurer of FGSS, said that
ucanews.live
that she had once been in. Freshman Kimberly Nuricumbo is a member of FGSS. While painting, she met new members in the society as well as students that were not members. Nuricumbo liked a lot of things about the event. She said she liked the food, the “vibe” and the chance to meet new people. “You bond with people,”
Nuricumbo said, “You make memories.” Nuricumbo said that, after the pandemic, it’s important to get out and act like everything is normal. Freshman Cindy Castro, member of FGSS, said she liked the opportunity to get out and do something outside of school. Junior and member of FGSS, Angela Mendez, said that because of COVID-19 she hasn’t gotten to go to many events hosted by the society before. Mendez said that while members don’t have to attend events like the paint party, it’s something to do in order to get together and know people who are also firstgeneration students. “It’s kind of like a relaxing thing,” Mendez said. “But it definitely gets you to do something that maybe you wouldn’t normally do.” The First Generation Scholars Society will continue to host events throughout the semester. They encourage anyone among the first in their immediate family to attend college to join them.
Sophomore Jake Bridger “I won’t watch because I’m not too interested in football. I play in the marching band so that’s as much football as I watch.”
Junior Jadon Pierce
“I usually end up watching it because it’s just on the TV whenever I’m hanging out with friends.”
Freshman Ariel Nelson
“I’m going to be cheering on my future husband on the Los Angeles Rams.”
Senior Kyshaun Bradford “Yeah, I’m going to watch it. Obviously I’ll watch the halftime show. It’s funny to see people and friends get pissed off and cussing about if their team doesn’t win or when they lose money.”
People of UCA: Will Ketcher BY EDMUND BURKE Staff Writer
Will Ketcher believes that storytelling is at the core of what makes a film profound. “If you can tell a story beautifully, I feel that’s what film is about — but you have to have a great story,” Ketcher said. Ketcher, 23, is a Little Rock, Arkansas, native majoring in film set to graduate in the spring of 2023. “I chose UCA since it so was close to home but also because it was one of the few schools in Arkansas that has a film program,” Ketcher said. “I also heard that the film program was really good, so that’s why I came to UCA.” Ketcher spent his free time devouring films while attending Catholic High School for Boys in Little Rock, which led him to the realization of wanting to work in film. “I remember in high school they had accelerated reader, I remember thinking there should be an accelerated watcher, but I just liked film,” Ketcher said. “I liked watching movies. But there’s not exactly a
job with watching movies, but there’s a job for making movies, so it just evolved from there.” Ketcher’s top three films include “Forrest Gump,” “Shawshank Redemption” and “Citizen Kane.” The most recent film that Ketcher watched in a theater was Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story” remake. Spielberg is Ketcher’s favorite director. “I heard how great the movie was, and I’ve never seen the original, but the music and dancing were great,” Ketcher said. “The story as a whole reminded me of Romeo and Juliet in a way because they’re from two opposing sides.” Ketcher’s latest film project is “What’s Wrong?” and is currently in production. “It’s about a college kid. He’s battling depression and all the pressures that come with being an adult. I think it’s great, and a lot of people will connect with it,” Ketcher said. Ketcher recently submitted his short film “Stealing Down the Line” to the Arkansas Film Festival. Ultimately, Ketcher believes that the
foundation of a great film is a good story. “In film, people are concerned with a lot of things that are aesthetic, and those things are important, but if you don’t have a story, it’s not going to be that good,”Ketcher said. “The lighting, cinematography, composition, the continuity, all of that enhances a great story.” “Telling a story beautifully is intricate — kind of like you have to have a good picture, good sound and good performances,” Ketcher said. “Everybody else, the director, the cinematographer, they’re trying to marry that, and when you have that, you’re going to achieve what you set out to do.” Even with graduation a year away, Ketcher has given some thought to what the next steps could look like for him. “I don’t have concrete plans per se. I’m planning that I’ll have to move to Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York City, somewhere where film is more prominent,” Ketcher said. “I did hear they are building a film studio in Fort Smith; I may just need to move up there — but I mean, only time will tell.”
Photo courtesy of Edmund Burke
Sports
5
February 16, 2022
Upcoming Games Men’s Basketball 7 p.m., Feb. 16 vs. Bellarmine Women’s Basketball 7 p.m., Feb. 17 vs. Bellarmine Baseball 3 p.m., Feb. 18 vs. Missouri State Men’s and Women’s Track and Field Feb. 18 at Arkansas Qualifier
Editor’s Take
Super Bowl LVI: UCA alum and Rams win BY
EMILEE HAGEWOOD
Sports Editor
The 56th Super Bowl took place this Sunday, where the Rams faced the Bengals in a heated match. The Rams ended up taking home the trophy at the end, and, in a way, UCA did too. One of the most exciting parts about watching the Super Bowl this year was knowing that UCA football star Robert Rochell was a part of the winning team. Rochell was drafted last year by the Rams as the 130th overall in the fourth round of the NFL draft. In his time at UCA, the cornerback had 77 career tackles and 10 interceptions. A beast on the field like this was the perfect match for a team like the Rams. Although he didn’t get to play this game, UCA was still so proud to have a representative in LA. The Rams are dripping with talent already, and once Rochell comes out of his injured reserve status, I have no doubt he’ll be a powerhouse player. The two teams felt so evenly matched this year that the final score only rose to 23-20. This was the Bengals’ first time in the Super Bowl since 1989, back when the games were played in January. Arguably the biggest reason they made it was because of first-pick Joe Burrow, a star quarterback. I believe he was the driving force behind their success — a success they haven’t seen in years. In 2020, Burrow’s first season was cut short due to an injury, and the Bengals won only four games in their regular season. But with Burrow fully recovered, they won 10 and made it to their first playoff game since 1990. Although his first season didn’t end the way I anticipated, I think it’s safe to say that we will be seeing much more of Burrow in the future. There were a lot of factors that put the game at the result that it did. If Odell Beckham Jr. hadn’t gotten injured in the first half, the game probably would’ve been decided way earlier. The loss of one of their strongest players didn’t dampen the Rams’ energy, though. Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford and wide receiver Cooper Kupp were a match made in heaven, completing several impressive plays and putting points on the board. Defensive tackle Aaron Donald was another key player who kept Burrow from advancing multiple times. He closed out the game on the defensive line by forcing Burrow into an erratic throw that shut down any hope of a comeback for the Bengals in the last thirty seconds of the game.
Photo courtesy of ucasports.com
Bears set personal, school records at Gorilla Classic BY
ADDI FREEMAN
Editor-in-Chief
The UCA men’s and women’s track teams set several personal records and one school record at the 7th Annual Indoor Gorilla Classic in Pittsburg, Kan, on Feb. 11-12. Junior Jordan Atkins broke UCA’s school record and achieved a personal record on the 60-meter hurdles, finishing the race in second place with a time of 7.94 seconds Feb. 12. The weekend’s meet was full of personal records with two members of the women’s team and five on the men’s team achieving PRs on the first day, and six members of the women’s team and 11 on the men’s team achieving PRs on the second and final day of the events. Freshman Ali Nachtigal finished
32 in the Feb. 12 women’s mile run with a PR time of 5:12.94. “I was happy with my race today. I was two seconds off my PR and four seconds faster than my previous time at our last meet in Alabama,” Nachtigal said. Ciara Tucker also set a PR in the 200-meter dash race Feb. 11. Tucker placed 69 with a time of 26.56. “I feel great about my new PR. I am always striving for a new PR, whether it’s big or small,” Tucker said. “It allows me to see my growth in the sport as well as my progress getting to where I would like to be on the track.” The track at the Gorilla Classic was a 300-meter track rather than the typical length of 400 meters. “We have not run on a 300-meter track this year, so it was different for everyone,” junior Kobe Gill said.
Gill ran the 200-meter dash Feb. 11 and the 60-meter dash Feb. 12. He set PRs in both, finishing the 200-meter race in 22.13 seconds and the 60-meter race in 6.8 seconds. “I’m grateful that I was able to PR today, but I’m still shooting for the school record. I’m happy but not satisfied,” Gill said. “I will be working on getting stronger all around and being able to hold top speed longer and getting a faster top speed.” Sophomore Hunter Henderson set a PR in the men’s mile run, crossing the finish line in 17th with a time of 4:15.02. “Overall, as a team, this is our third time competing at Pitt State, so I’d say we have become pretty familiar with the track. It’s a beautiful indoor facility that allows us to get fast marks leading up
to conference,” Henderson said. “Personally, I just need to clean up my race tactics a little bit and top off the cycle of training with a little bit of speed work. At this point in the season, it’s all about staying healthy and maintaining all the work we put in during the fall and early winter.” Graduate student Philipp Haessner, who set a PR in the 3,000-meter race with a time of 8:34.14, agreed with Henderson. “The three key factors for every athlete are training, nutrition and sleep. We have 11 days until the indoor conference, and every day counts,” Haessner said. The next meet is the Feb. 18 Arkansas Qualifier in Fayetteville, Ark. Both the men’s and women’s teams will compete. It will be the last meet before the teams begin competing in the ASUN Conference Championship Feb. 25.
Photo courtesy of ucasports.com
Kennesaw Owls defeat Bears despite close match-up BY
EDMUND BURKE
Staff Writer
The UCA men’s basketball Bears couldn’t escape the Kennesaw Owls talons on Feb. 9 in the ASUN meet up that ended in an 83-72 loss at the Kennesaw State University Convocation Center in Georgia. According to ucasports.com, the Owls (11-13, 6-5) shot 65.5 percent from the field in the first half and finished the game at 62.5 percent. UCA (7-16, 4-6) had 16 more field goal attempts than KSU but shot just 40.6 percent overall and went 5 of 19 (26.3 percent) from the three-point range. “Without looking at the field-goal percentage, it seems like it’s a game we should have won,” coach Anthony Boone told ucasports.com. “We had more shot attempts than they did, we had quite a few offensive rebounds (12), and we turned them over quite a bit (16), certainly more than we turned it over (10). “They scored 13 points in the last three minutes in the first half. Hitting a buzzer-beater because of my mistake going into the half,” fresh-
man point guard Camren Hunter said. The Bears trailed 51-41 at halftime despite graduate forward Jared Chatham’s early doubledouble with 12 points and 10 rebounds, and 14 points from freshman point guard Camren Hunter. “Jared had an incredible game. That’s two games in a row now with a double-double. He’s just been really solid for us. And that’s been Jared’s trend the last few years,” Boone told ucasports.com. “He’s become really solid down the stretch of the season. Hopefully, we can continue that and get a couple of other guys where they are making a couple more shots. And Jared, with that kind of production, can certainly help us finish strong down the stretch.” Camren Hunter came within a point of tying his career-high with 20 points. When asked if he gives much thought to career stats, Hunter said, “I really don’t think about stats too much. I just let the game come to me, and I just had a day. It really doesn’t matter because we didn’t finish the job.” UCA junior guard-forward Eddy Kayouloud
scored 15 points, and junior forward Darious Hall scored 10 points in his first game since Jan. 27, following an injury. Hall said, “It felt better” to be back on the court. “It felt great to have Darious back out there even though he’s only like 70-80 percent. You can tell he’s trying to get back in the groove, and he will,” Hunter said. “It was great to see him out there. He mishandled the ball a few times, and that was to be expected, his timing is a little bit off. But he’s going to have to just get out there and start doing it at some point, and today was the day,” Boone told ucasports.com. “I wasn’t planning to let him play as long as he did, but he gave us over 20 minutes, and I thought he looked comfortable on the floor.” The Owls managed to hold onto their lead in the final 20 minutes of the game, but the Bears played them within one point (32-31). The Bears faced the Jacksonville State Gamecocks in Alabama on Feb. 12 and won 72-62. Their next game will be at home Feb. 16 at 7 p.m. against Bellarmine.
Opinion
6
February 16, 2022
The Voice
S t u d e n t s d o n’t need the stress of virtual class during snow days
The Echo Staff Addi Freeman Editor-in-Chief Bennett Tinnermon Associate Editor Mia Waddell News Editor Kathryn Thornberry Assistant News Editor Madison Ogle Campus Life Editor/Cartoonist Olivia Snelson Assistant Campus Life Editor Milo Strain Opinion Editor Sydney Cyr Entertainment Editor Emilee Hagewood Sports Editor Will McDonald Assistant Sports Editor Delaney Van Wilpe Online Editor Olyvia Gonzalez Assistant Online Editor
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With remote learning being widely adopted by all levels of education in the wake of COVID-19, schools now have the opportunity to continue classes during severe weather conditions, but should they? The answer might not be as simple as you might think. As reported in the news section of The Echo this week by staff writer Estefani Mojica, UCA opted to hold classes virtually during the recent ice storm that hit Conway. This decision makes sense from UCA’s perspective. Why put everything on hold for bad weather when we can just have Zoom classes? We have had them hundreds of times before, and everyone is probably used to remote learning by now. While this is true, this decision doesn’t take into account several important factors. Virtual learning is obviously much less engaging and effective than classI’m buying. Heart-shaped plates? I already room learning, especially during an bought those. There are small little joys that the ice or snowstorm. It is hard enough to holiday of love brings people, and there’s no do virtual classes in an environment full of distractions, and it is even more shame in that.
Valentine’s Day does not have to suck Many will disagree, but Valentine’s Day doesn’t suck. I think many people have conditioned themselves to hate it because they think it’s cheesy or they think it’s trendy to hate on it. To many, February 14 is just a marketing ploy to get more money. While that may be true, it doesn’t take away from the fact that Valentine’s day is fun to celebrate!
I understand that Valentine’s Day may bring about pressure between partners. Gift-giving can be expensive, and there may be big expectations. The holiday doesn’t have to be about showering each other with expensive gifts or eating at overpriced restaurants. Simply spending enjoy the occasion. In fact, sometimes time with one another and appreciating it’s more fun to celebrate with friends or each other a little extra is good enough, loved ones. Palentine’s, a portmanteau at least in my book. of the words “pal” and “Valentine’s,” As long as couples communicate is a chance to get together with with one another on their expectations, friends for a potluck full of treats and disappointments are avoidable. If you laughter. still want to do something special for If you’re like me, you might someone else without spending enjoy some Galentine’s — any money, write them a letter “gal” plus “Valentine’s” or make a home-cooked meal — time with the girls. together with ingredients Chocolates, pajamas you already have. Stop BY ANDRAEA AGUILERA and romantic comedies using gifts as an excuse not Staff Writer make for a perfect to enjoy Valentine’s Day. temporary getaway in In a relationship or the midst of winter. not, don’t let others dictate Even single people have people they love and whether or not you enjoy the festivities of appreciate. Valentine’s day celebrates platonic Valentine’s Day. Wear pink or red. Buy heartrelationships, too. shaped sugar cookies. Decorate your home with Besides being an excuse for hanging out, a plethora of themed decorations. Send sweet Valentine’s Day provides a reason to buy texts of appreciation to family members you yourself chocolate. You can’t pass through the love but don’t see often. Take pictures with your aisles of any store without being enticed by all the options. Not to mention, stores usually have them wherever you wish. after-holiday discount prices on all the candy. If you’re a V-Day hater, keep it to yourself. There’s no need to wait until Halloween to treat Let people do what makes them happy. Yes, yourself. Speaking of treating yourself, Valentine’s photos and pictures of stuffed animals and Day decor has a special chokehold on me. I show no mercy in the Target dollar section when it scrolling. It’s one day out of the year. Go be anticomes to holiday decor. Heart-shaped pillows? Valentine’s Day somewhere else.
You don’t always have to know everything The Echo’s advisor, David Keith, will consistently tell any student of his that journalists must know everything. I agree, but I must confess that it’s not how I’ve been living and that’s okay. There are things I don’t understand — and likely never will. At some point, I wonder how long a journalist must fake it before they make it. Is
know what to say and how to react? If there is, does it come in layman’s terms? Cryptocurrency, international affairs, healthcare, taxes and American politics, the list could warrant it’s own separate article. A lot of current matters and affairs are just vast and incredibly extensive to me. Sure, I could read upwards of 50,000 words on each, but topics such as these seldomly become easier to grasp. Unlike the op-ed writers of any larger publication, I’m afraid I don’t know what Joe Biden is thinking right BY MADISON OGLE COVID-19 in a day. Rather than jumping into the constant shouting
concise and probably sits in nice little bundles strewn-about stacks of documents, all scattered along the walls of my skull.
there. When they aren’t making commentary on political and international affairs they sometimes stem from more personal experiences, like Tierra Curry’s “America’s rivers need help. I should know — I swam in 108 of them this summer.” This piece earned itself a spot on the Washington Post’s list of favorite op-eds from the year 2021. Praise from the Washington Post is something I would do anything for, but swimming in 108 rivers is excluded from that. Perhaps you must do more to understand more. Maybe that’s a sentiment I’m just not keen on. Though I hate writing editorials that are nothing it’s all I can manage.
Campus Life Editor/Cartoonist
my mouth shut and offering a nod or a shrug during any rant someone wishes to offer me. The notion that I or any other person, let alone journalist, must be able to offer insight on any given topic is too high of an expectation to amount to. I’m guilty of telling people to “just Google it.” Quite frankly, I don’t think that makes me any less intelligent. I don’t plan on having any of my opinions published on a national scale anytime soon. I’ll leave that to the people whose knowledge is
thoughts about current affairs, it’s likely that some man with gray hair has written my exact thoughts for the New York Times — just better, faster and more coherently. If nobody else shares the feeling of being constantly intimidated by the brain-power of their peers, that’s wonderful. If it’s just me, then don’t worry, you can pretend like you never saw this. what I do know about the world, and I’ll keep reminding myself that I don’t have to know everything all of the time.
we used to get snow days off the entire time. Depending on your schedule you might not even have a chance to take a walk or enjoy the winter weather during the day if that’s something you care about doing. Students who live off-campus and nontraditional students make up a those students to attend virtual classes
While it’s not clear yet whether snow days are gone for good, things could be headed that way while they’re iced in. Ice storms can cause major power outages, as well as making driving very dangerous or impossible. Students in affected areas may not have an internet connection or cannot get to anywhere that does for the duration of the storm, especially if they live far away from campus. Students also have responsibilities outside of school that take priority during an ice storm. Some students are parents and might have to watch their kids while they are home from school, or they might have younger siblings they need to take care of. While these students may not make up the majority, it should still be important to consider such cases when making the decision to cancel or do virtual learning. It would be nice if there was some transparency in the decision-making process, but it seems like there isn’t much of a process at all. According to Mojica’s article, UCA decides to cancel classes on a case-by-case basis every time and bases its decision on power outages and stability during adverse weather conditions. This raises questions. How many outages need to be reported? How stable does the power grid need to be? Who monitors these things? More transparency and consistency in the process would surely be appreciated by everyone. While it’s not clear yet whether snow days are gone for good, things could be headed that way. Our recent use of virtual learning during our little ice storm was a glimpse into a grim future where the snow day, one of the few good things we have left as students, is gone.
Correction: The Voice in the Feb. 9 issue incorrectly stated the university’s role in the proposed elimination of the AAAS program. The ADHE proposed the elimination based on low graduation rates within the program.
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 by The Courier. 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
7
February 16, 2022
‘The Fallout’ takes new approach to old narrative
New This Week
BY
Movies
COURTNEY SHEPHERD
Staff Writer
Feb. 17 — King Knight (NR), directed by Richard Bates Jr., starring Matthew Gray Gubler, Angela Sarafyan, Aubrey Plaza, Andy Milonakis, and Johnny Pemberton no surprise to any American
Feb. 18 — Dog (PG-13), directed by Reid Carolin and Channing Tatum, starring Channing Tatum, Skyler Joy, and Cayden Boyd
Photo courtesy of www.hbomax.com
more realistic effect of mass do not typically participate
forced to return to normalcy
But, in all fairness, writer and
Feb. 18 — Uncharted (PG13), directed by Ruben Fleischer, starring Tom Holland, Mark Wahlberg, Sophia Taylor Ali, and Antonio Banderas
and bloody murders and more fairly accurate representation
Music
Vada, expertly played by Jenna
Feb. 16 — PREY//IV — Alice Glass
Feb. 18 — Life On Earth Hurray for the Riff Raff
Representation can make or admit.
MUSIC
NOVEL
—
‘The Magnolia Palace:’
a captivating page-turner BY
LINDZIE LUNSFORD
Staff Writer
Feb. 18 — Blackberry Rose — Lavender Country
Feb. 18 — Are You Haunted? — Methyl Ethel
between 1919 and 1966, mysteries of romance, betrayal and scandalous murder
Feb. 18 — Sad Cities — Sally Shapiro
Photo courtesy of www.spotify.com
Veronica Weber. Feb. 18 — Once Twice Melody — Beach House
Zahm’s song ‘Fat Funny Friend’ makes TikTok users feel seen
wrapped up in a scandal. By
BY
Netflix
suspenseful and left readers
Feb. 16 — jeen-yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy, directed by Clarence Simmons Jr. and Chike Ozah, starring Kanye West, Jay-Z
ANDRAEA AGUILERA
Staff Writer
4. dramatic and curt.
Feb. 16 — Secrets of Summer, directed by Jorge Edelstein, starring Pilar Pascual, Abril di Yorio, Victor Varona, Thais Rippel, and Guido Messina
found. Readers
are
already.
left suspenseful.
been on.
Feb. 17 — Fistful of Vengeance, directed by Roel Reine, starring Iko Uwais, Lewis Tan, Lawrence Kao, Pearl Thusi, Francesca Ploypailin Corney, and Jason Tobin
relatable.
mirror.”
read. expertly
placed
clues
and time put into it. media
Top 5 Ice Cream Flavors List compiled by Maci England Staff Writer
especially
wait for my cue to be comedic relief.”
was paid to small details in 1. Vanilla Creamy, sweet and classic. Vanilla’s success comes from its
platforms,
2. Chocolate
3. Cookies and Cream
platforms. 4. Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
5. Mint Chocolate Chip
Cookies and Cream mixes cookie crumbles for a delicious
delicious by itself but rounds out
combination of ice cream and
delectable an Oreo cookie
cream on top to cool it down? Or
natural release of dopamine and
ice cream world needs. Now, Cookies and Cream ice cream a try.
cream” debate.
ucanews.live
SPORTS
8 / February 16 , 2022
UCA STATS CORNER SPORT
OPPONENT
RESULT
RECORD
Men’s Basketball
Jacksonville State
72-62 W
16-9, 9-3
Women’s Basketball
Jacksonville State
66-48 L
8-15, 3-9
4-3 W
4-3
2-1 L
1-4
Tennis
Softball
Arkansas Tech
LSU
FEATURE
Photo courtesy of ucasports.com
Back-to-back losses extend Sugar Bears losing streak to five on road BY
ANDREW MCMAHAN
Staff Writer
The University of Central Arkansas women’s basketball team (8-15, 3-9 ASUN) remains winless in February after backto-back losses this week. These losses also extended the Sugar Bears’ losing streak to five. On Wednesday, the Sugar Bears began their two-game road trip, starting with a trip to Kennesaw State (8-13, 4-6 ASUN). UCA started the game hot and outscored Kennesaw in the first quarter by a score of 17-13. Kennesaw State would respond with an impressive defensive effort in the second quarter. Kennesaw State held UCA to seven points in the second quarter; that also helped Kennesaw take the lead over the Sugar Bears at halftime by a score of 26 to 24. In the second half, Kennesaw took full control of the tempo and controlled both ends of the court. The third quarter was what really separated the two teams, as Kennesaw outscored UCA
21-11. Kennesaw held a 12 point lead entering the third quarter. Kennesaw continued to play tough defense, however, UCA would continue to claw and grind in the fourth. Kennesaw scored just two more points than UCA in the fourth quarter. In the end, UCA lost to Kennesaw by a score of 66-52. Junior forward Lucy Ibeh shot 7 of 10 from the field and led the Sugar Bears in scoring and rebounding. Ibeh had a doubledouble with 18 points and 15 rebounds. For game number two of the week, the Sugar Bears traveled to Jacksonville, Ala. to take on the Jacksonville State Gamecocks (18-6, 9-3 ASUN). The Gamecocks were one of the better Atlantic Sun Conference teams coming into this matchup, and they proved that again on Saturday. The Sugar Bears came out in the first quarter with enough effort to keep Jacksonville State in check. The Gamecocks led by just one, with a score of 14-13 at the end of the first quarter. The second quarter completely got away from the
PREVIEW
Sugar Bears. UCA only scored eight points in the second quarter and gave up 23 points on defense as well. UCA was down 37-21 at the halftime break. When the third quarter came, the outcome was ever so similar to the second quarter. The Sugar Bears were again outscored by the Gamecocks by a large margin, this time it was 22-11 in the third quarter. UCA did manage to outperform Jacksonville State in the fourth quarter. The Sugar Bears scored 16 points in the fourth quarter while holding the Gamecocks to 7 points. The final score of the game was 6648 in favor of Jacksonville State. Lucy Ibeh once again led the Sugar Bears with 11 points and 5 rebounds. Freshman forward Lashiyah Fowler managed to hit double digits as well with 10 points. This was the second time that Fowler has managed to hit double-digit scoring this season and in her young career. UCA looks to end the losing streak next week with a pair of home games. The first one is against Bellarmine on Thursday BY COURTNEY SHEPHERD at 7 p.m. in the Farris Center.
LaVan: ‘I will be breaking the men’s 400-meter indoor record’
Staff Writer
To Tristan LaVan, transferring to UCA meant an opportunity to showcase his talents on the track. Since then, he’s made it clear that he won’t waste his opportunity. LaVan, 23, joined the UCA men’s track team in the fall of 2020, leaving behind Coffeyville Community College to advance his career as a college athlete. “A kid coming out of junior college saw this as a next step,” LaVan said, a big leap from his introduction to track in the 6th grade. “Track means a lot to me,” Photo courtesy of ucasports.com he said. “My mom ran track in college, so it kind of bounced onto me.” LaVan was born into a family of athletes. Growing up, he said, he and his six siblings, all of whom are student-athletes, would compete at home. “My family is very encouraging and has always been hold them accountable. ten toes behind me,” he said. Harlan said, “Respect, integrity, gratitude, humility and He is motivated by the love and toughness, those are things that support he has received from his I think allow you to come out and family, as well as his faith in God. “My first race ever was the consistently perform at a high 800,” he said. level.” Practice makes perfect, and good habits create consistency, this is how the Bears have been training over the last few months. Although they haven’t ever played most of the competitors in their conference, Harlan said their objective is to create a schedule of games that will allow them to play at a high level against strong players and teams. Keeping up with the competition and playing well is more important to the coach than the teams they play. “I don’t spend a lot of time comparing us to other people. I spend more time making sure that we’re playing the game the right way,” Harlan said. The team is focused on mastering the fundamentals of the game, which Harlan thinks will put them in a position to win more games. The first home game of the season for the Bears is Friday, Feb. 18, in the three-game series against Missouri State University.
Harlan excited for first season as head coach and new competition BY
EMILEE HAGEWOOD
Sports Editor
The Bears have been preparing for the upcoming baseball season and their first time playing in the ASUN Conference by practicing hard and focusing on their goals. Nick Harlan took over the head coach position last season after serving as the associate head coach and pitching coach since 2013. “I love UCA. I’m very thankful for the opportunity to stay here, very grateful,” Harlan said. He and his wife Lindsey are very involved with the baseball team. Lindsey Harlan is a UCA graduate who is very passionate about making a difference in young people’s lives. Their goal is to make a strong impact on the players as a family through the game of baseball. Harlan said that it’s exciting to be in a new conference, UCA hasn’t had a conference change since 2007, and it has been interesting watching how each sport steps up to new competitors. “It’s a good league, we have a tremendous amount of respect for the coaches and the programs in this league, so I think we’re
looking forward to that,” Harlan said. The team’s main focus this season is on things they can control. “For us, we just try to place a high value on every day, so the objective for us is to just keep getting better every day,” Harlan said. There’s a sense of urgency as the first game against Missouri State approaches on Feb. 18. “We’re trying to get as many reps in as possible and live at-bats, trying to get our pitchers facing as many hitters as possible,” Harlan said. “The game demands urgency, and we want our guys to be prepared for that. We’re just training every day with the idea that we can get a little bit better so that when competition shows up, we’re prepared.” At the end of the day, it’s not necessarily a win that Harlan is looking for but rather great teamwork, attitudes and effort. Going into the new conference, the objective is not only to show up and show out but to play the game at a highly competitive level. The team has established core values that Harlan said drive their decisions every day and
Photo by ucasports.com
“My speed wasn’t fully developed, but I had a lot of endurance.” In his freshman year of high school, LaVan “fell fully in love with track,” after seeing progress in his body and speed. He has continued to grow in sprint versatility throughout the years. Though he mainly runs in the 400-meter race, he has experience in the 200 meter, the 4x1 and the 4x4. LaVan has grown immensely throughout his college track career, but it has not come easily. In November of 2020, just months after his transfer to UCA, a hamstring injury put LaVan out of practice for two months during the off-season. Though shaken by this injury, he did not falter. “I didn’t have the most confidence because I was scared to pull my hamstring again,” LaVan said. “My pops helped me during that journey. He called me every day, making sure I didn’t get discouraged or lose confidence,” he said. “So each meet, I got better and better.” Confidence, as defined by LaVan, means believing in yourself against all odds.
It’s the feeling he gets while running a race with his family watching from the stands. “Confidence is key,” he said. “I don’t worry about who I’m running against, I play my music and just calm my mind.” “I give every practice 100% effort and push myself to be better each day,” LaVan said, and his efforts paid off a year after his injury. In December of 2021, LaVan broke the UCA Men’s 600-meter record with a time of 1:19:31, and he’s not done yet. “I will be breaking the men’s 400-meter indoor record pretty soon, as well,” he said. LaVan is confident in his upcoming senior season. “It’s all about trusting the process,” he said. He predicts he will run a 46.4 in the indoor 400-meter race and a 21.2 in the 200. For outdoor races, he predicts a 45.6 and a 20.7. “The work everyone put in is good, we just need to stay confident and also have fun,” LaVan said.“This year feels like conference winning season.” LaVan will be racing with his team this week at the Arkansas Qualifier in Fayetteville on Friday.
Graphic by Delaney Van Wilpe