Issue 7, Volume 117-- October 6, 2021

THE UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS’ STUDENT NEWSPAPER

SINGLE COPY PAID FOR BY STUDENT PUBLICATION FEE

WEDNESDAY

OCTOBER 6, 2021 Volume 117 — Issue 7

ucanews.live TODAY’S FORECAST CONWAY

Campus Life:

Bears vs. Wildcats Bears win big in game against Abiline Christian.

AmigoFest: Latino Student Association brings culture to campus.

New Release: Squid Game lives up to the hype.

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Fall counseling groups address rising depression, anxiety

Cloudy

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BY COURTNEY SHEPHERD

THE NEWSDESK FROM THE ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

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

Female majority in Iceland parliament

Iceland elected a femalemajority parliament, making Iceland the only country in Europe with a majority of female law-makers. After all of the votes were counted for Iceland’s 63-seat parliament, female candidates held 33 seats. The three parties led

by Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir won 37 seats.

Centrist parties made the biggest gains in the vote.

N AT I O N A L R. Kelly found guilty

in sex misconduct The U.S. Senate voted President Donald J. Trump not guilty of the charges pressed against him in order to remove him from office Wednesday, Feb. 5.

Trump was previously facing charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.

Investigations and hearings lasted five months and were followed by a three week trial which resulted in a shortcoming of votes needed to impeach the president.

$75 million settlement with Cherokee Nation The Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma agreed to a $75 million settlement with AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health, and McKesson, three of the largest drug distributors in the country. Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. said that the opioid crisis had disproportionately affected people in The Cherokee Nation. The drug companies issued a joint statement denying any transgressions and noted that the settlement payments to The Cherokee Nation will be spread out

S TAT E

Enrollment decline in state universities

The number of students enrolled in public universities in Arkansas declined compared to enrollment numbers from last year, according to data from the state Division of Higher Education. Of the 11 public universities in Arkansas, only the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff saw increases in enrollment. The total combined enrollment at public universities in Arkansas declined for the fifth year in a row.

Staff Writer

In an effort to foster supportive social environments among students on campus, the UCA Counseling Center introduced three therapy groups for the fall 2021 semester on Sept. 22.

The new groups will provide students with an opportunity to connect with their peers, feel less alone in their challenges and get feedback from those dealing with similar issues.

“This year we went with what we were seeing the most,” Reesa Ramsahai, staff counselor and coordinator of outreach programming said.

“We looked at what’s coming in, and we have a lot of depression and anxiety.”

Through collaboration among group members, the new groups—Working with Your Anxiety, Depression Recovery Group, and Elevate Your Mental Health by Meditating—will promote focus, coping skills and self-exploration. Meditation is beneficial in helping students to “stay in the moment to destress,” Ramsahai said.

“Counselors don’t always have the answers,” Ramsahai said. “Sometimes the answers are in the people we work with, so we want them to be collaborative.

We want them to share.”

The desire for students to interact is common among group leaders, as seen in the leading style of Deven Dyer.

Dyer, a graduate assistant with the Counseling Center,

graphic by Madison Ogle

is leading Working with Your Anxiety for his first therapy group in a way that “allows students to interact consistently.”

“The act of articulating one’s thoughts and offering something of value to someone else are important elements for building individual awareness and relationships with group members,” Dyer said.

“A sense of community can be gained through the sharing of

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include activities such as deepbreathing exercises, art and writing.

Volunteer Instructor Daryl Swinson calls on his training in Mindfulness-based stress reduction, the “gold standard in mindfulness training in psychology,” when leading his group, Elevate Your Mental Health by Meditating.”

To start, Swinson said, he will lead with what he calls the

simplest meditation style, an “inwardly-focused” breathing meditation. “Your breath is always there. Your breath is always accessible, and it has the added benefit of providing relaxation,” Swinson said.

Getting into the “lotus position” isn’t necessary for these meditation practices, but students can practice this meditation in their rooms and apartments, Swinson said.

“Distractions can be useful because the point of meditation is focus.”

Distraction while meditating is “inevitable,” Swinson said, “It’s the refocusing that is the power of meditation.”

Students will learn how to take distractions in stride and refocus on what is important to them.

Swinson will teach participants skills for emotional regulation, as well as mindful eating techniques, in his group.

Elevate Your Mental Health by Meditating, meets Mondays from 12:00-12:45 p.m. in room 328 of the Student Health Services Building.

Depression Recovery Group, led by Shelby Byrne, will give participants “the opportunity to connect with others, engage in selfexploration, learn coping skills and develop a personal care plan,” according to the Counseling Center. Byrne’s group will meet Thursdays at 1 p.m. in the Student Health Services Building, room 328.

The Counseling Center is located on the third floor of the Student Health Services Building, room 327.

SYMPOSIUM

UCA not struggling

financially, says Davis BY

ANDREW MCMAHAN

Assistant Sports Editor

For the first time since 2020, the University of Central Arkansas held the Resource Optimization Initiative (ROI) campus forum meeting. The meeting was livestreamed and provided updates from all of the respected governing bodies of UCA. Representatives from the staff senate, faculty senate and Student Government Association were all present and provided what could be considered a year roadmap for each group.

Houston Davis started off his turn at the podium by bringing praise to the governing bodies of UCA. Davis talked on a broad array of topics, bringing attention to the third dose of the Pfizer vaccine to the topic of student enrollment declining.

When discussing the UCA vaccination efforts, Davis said, “We were able to make a match of 61.5% [of students vaccinated], that put us second [in the state] only to Fayetteville.”

Davis mentioned that staff vaccination efforts are the best in the state and staying ahead of the curve.

Davis also discussed budgeting and the effect the pandemic has had on UCA’s budgeting efforts.

Davis emphasized that UCA is not in financial disarray like other institutions have been. Davis was firm in his stance that UCA was financially prepared for the pandemic.

While UCA may have been prepared for the pandemic, there was still an uncontrollable decline in student enrollment via the pandemic. However, according to information Davis provided, enrollment is set to continue to decline through 2024-2025.

Davis presented a slide that depicted that Arkansas is in

an area that will see a 20% decline in enrollment. Davis insists that this decline is due to the housing crisis in the late 2000s.

Davis said, “There probably isn’t a bucket full of money that is just coming our way or any other campus’ way. We’re still wellpositioned to win though.”

Davis does not want there to be any worry whatsoever, as he maintains that UCA is in a great state with the reserve funds.

Davis let the audience know that he wanted to bring a plethora of other new initiatives to UCA soon as well.

SGA President Mya Hall was one of the first speakers of the event. A few days before the meeting, the SGA held its annual retreat. Hall noted that the SGA discussed future events and selected the SGA committee. A day before the meeting, the SGA had its first full-body meeting of the semester. The SGA used this meeting to help define its goals for the semester.

Hall said, “For our first goal, we are going to be working with Aramark and also the food pantry because students always have excess dining dollars at the end of the year. They [Dining Dollars] don’t roll over at the end of the semester, so we wanted to donate the extra to the food pantry and help them out and keep that stocked all summer.”

The SGA is also taking on another issue that hampers UCA, a lack of child care. However, that may not be a problem much longer.

“We are working towards affordable child care on campus, or at least partnering with someone off-campus, to lighten the load on our parents on campus, whether that be students, faculty or staff,” Hall said.

The last goal for the SGA is to get outdoor furniture for residents.

Contact Us: 2

one’s vulnerabilities.”

Working with Your Anxiety functions with the purpose of helping participants better understand their anxiety and learn strategies to manage their emotions, Dyer said.

Dyer’s group, which meets on Mondays from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. in room 328 of the Student Health Services Building, will include both interactive and instructional paths. Sessions will

ROI MEETING

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photo by Madison Ogle

Jennie Case presents her research to the faculty in attendance. Case’s research focused on a person’s attachment to their homeland.

UCA faculty research changes NICU procedures at UAMS in Little Rock

BY MADISON OGLE Entertainment Editor

Faculty showcased research from their respective departments in a virtual Research Symposium that focused on the theme of location and place. The Symposium was hosted by Joy Ritchey, Director of Sponsored Programs, and moderated by Sandy Longhorn, Professor of Creative Writing, as well as presented by the Office of Research & Sponsored Programs and the University Research Council.

The Zoom event took place during x-period, Sept. 30. and was the first of its kind.

“I’m really excited about the fact that this is an inaugural

event, which means we’re moving towards a series of events,” President Houston Davis said. “I think that we will set the bar today on something that we’ll continue to build upon.”

Davis said that events like these are important for uplifting UCA faculty and their work.

“Sometimes I think there can be an under-appreciation [for research] on your home campus, about the expertise that exists around you,” Davis said. “You don’t know that in a variety of disciplines, you have colleagues who are thought of as experts throughout the country and around the world.

The first presenter was

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Jennie Case, a member of the creative writing program.

With a background as a creative writer, Case specializes in place-based writing and environmental writing, both being linked to the interdisciplinary field of place studies, she said.

Case’s presentation discussed our attachment to our homelands and how this concept has changed as a result of modernization and industrialization.

“Prior to modernization and industrialization, most human place attachments tended to look like that image of concentric

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NEWS

Police Beat

Banned Books Week focuses on sexuality, race, and other taboos

The following information is compiled from UCAPD incident reports

by Assistant News Editor Sydney Cyr

Dorm fist fight leads to arrest

A student filed a report with UCAPD after his roommate, Dutch Morse, shoved him into a wall in his dorm and punched him repeatedly. The victim was shocked when Morse attacked him and was not expecting the incident to occur. The victim decided to press charges, so UCAPD attempted to locate Morse. Officers made contact with Morse at his home address. Morse explained that he lost his temper in the moment and nothing similar to the attack has ever happened between him and his roommate before. UCAPD arrested Morse at his house and transported him to jail shortly after.

Fight breaks out at Man arrested for football practice DWI on Donaghey

UCAPD responded to a physical altercation between Taurean Mays and Ray Parker, two UCA football players. Mays explained that he and Parker had exchanged harsh words the previous week, but they were trying to keep their conflicts to a minimum. When Mays was practicing blocking with Parker during football practice, he blocked Parker a little harder than usual.

After this occurred, Mays and Parker both grabbed each other’s face masks.

Parker pulled Mays’ helmet off his head and repeatedly hit Mays in the head with the helmet. The team broke up the fight.

Symposium: 4 Continued from page

circles, where cultures had really strong attachments to their homelands,” Case said. “Now, however, as a result of industrialization and modernization, particularly in Western cultures, our place attachments tend to look more like an archipelago or a series of islands where we grow up in one place, we move to another, we go to college in one city, then we maybe move to another for a job, et cetera.”

Case said that she uses much of what she’s researched to apply to her students, focusing on valuing students’ local experiences, environments and stories when envisioning higher education standards.

William Flatley, a member of the geography department, presented after Case. His presentation focused on his interest in the restoration of fire adaptive forests.

“These are forests that need fire, like shortleaf pine forests in the Ouachita mountains,” Flatley said. “One of the research tools that we can use is tree rings because tree rings can survive and record past fires with scars that can be dated to determine the year the fire occurred.”

Flatley said that based on these observations of the diameter and species of trees, it is possible to reconstruct and visualize forest conditions prior to settlement.

“We have about 2,131 records from Polk county,” Flatley said.

“We can reconstruct composition there and see that shortleaf pine, white oak, post oak and black oak are the dominant species. We can also look at spatial patterns to look at interesting and unique patterns within the landscape.”

Benjamin Garner, a member of the department of marketing and management, followed Flatley.

Garner’s presentation dug into his work with local food and farmer’s markets in the Kansas area, as well as his work with the

Officer Chrisopher Vasquez pulled William Brown over on Donaghey Avenue for expired tags.

After making contact with Brown, Vasquez could smell an odor of intoxicants coming from Brown.

Brown was also slurring his words. UCAPD found that Brown had a previous arrest for DWI. Vaquez conducted Standardized Field Sobriety Tests on Brown and noted that Brown performed poorly on the tests. Vasquez arrested Brown for Driving While Intoxicated and transported him to the UCA Police Department.

Brown refused a breath test, so Vasquez obtained a warrant to seize the blood from Brown’s body as evidence of impairment.

Research important to campus.

1 Georgia wine industry.

“Part of the whole point of farmer’s markets was to reconnect with the sense of place,” Garner said. “I did eight publications so far on that local food movement there.”

Garner also had two documentaries released that discussed the Georgia wine industry, a feat he achieved within the past seven years while also working with data from his time in Kansas.

“I’ve got a consulting program right now that I’m working on. So a lot of that is place-based, trying to see what do we have in terms of local products, local tourism,” Garner said. Now that he is back in Arkansas, Garner is looking to incorporate local festivals such as the King Biscuit Blues Festival or the Mountain View Folk Festival into his future work.

Louis S. Nadelson was the fourth presenter of the event. Nadelson works in the department of leadership studies and spoke about his involvement with a four-year project involving the impact of campus maker spaces on students.

“What we were doing was investigating how maker spaces might be influencing and affecting undergraduate education in engineering,” Nadelson said.

The results of this project showed a range of configurations that concerned issues related to belonging, inclusion and access.

“We found that enhanced operation, application, critical thinking skills and leadership plays a huge role in how these are configured. But they [maker spaces] may give some bias towards the perception of engineering,” Nadelson said.

“There’s some people that were not in those spaces that should have been and were somewhat excluded. But it also showed how important [the role of] location played with locating these within schools of engineering.”

The final presenter of the

ucanews.live

event was Charlotte Yates, a member of the department of physical therapy. Her research took place in the neonatal intensive care unit of UAMS and covered the effects of kangaroo care in preterm infants.

Kangaroo care is the act of skin-to-skin holding between parent and child, an action that, at the time of the study, was not allowed until the infant was 30 weeks and off of respiratory support.

“This study looked at the safety and work of kangaroo care in the 27 to 30-week infant. We randomized 40 infants into two groups,” Yates said. “One group was the standard care group, so this group was not held by their parent. The other group was held or had kangaroo care from day-of-life five to day-of-life ten for two hours a day.”

Yates said that this study looked to see if kangaroo care was beneficial in decreasing the pain and stress levels of the participating infants. Cortisol levels of the infants were observed at day-of-life five and then again at day-of-life ten.

“What we found was there was a significant decrease in the salivary cortisol across this time period for both groups,” Yates said. “So what we did is in the group that was being held by the family member, we separated that into the time they were being held and compared that to the time that they were not being held.”

From this, Yates observed that the infants being held demonstrated less problematic responses, such as oxygen decreasing or heart rate dropping. This suggested that holding was indeed beneficial to the infants, proving so significant that the study went on to change the standard of care at UAMS. “Now infants that are born between 27 and 30 weeks, even if they are ventilated or have support, can still participate in kangaroo care,” Yates said.

BY

ANDREA AGUILERA

Staff Writer

Students, faculty and staff read banned or challenged books outside of Torreyson Library in honor of Banned Books Week Sept. 27-30.

Banned Books Week celebrates the first amendment protected right to read without censorship.

Nationwide, people read books that were once banned, censored or challenged in the U.S. The banning of books is still prevalent today, despite what people tend to think.

“Books that touch on current hot button issues, especially ones written for children or young adult audiences, tend to trigger attempts at bans in public schools, local libraries and prison libraries,” Katherine Conley, the main organizer of Banned Books Week at UCA, said.

Anyone on campus was encouraged to read publically in front of the library or just stop by in support. Coordinators provided a cart of books for people to choose from, or they could bring any of their own banned or challenged books.

Readers were entered into a prize draw to win one of the top

three banned books of the year which are “Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You” by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi, “George’’ by Alex Gino and “All American Boys” by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely.

The English department, A Novel Bunch, Muse Residential College, and Torreyson Library coordinated the event.

Volunteers assisted in setting up outside the library, providing information about Banned Books Week and its importance, handing out informational materials, and reading banned books.

Student volunteer and English major, Hailey Beliew, signed up to participate after receiving an email from the English department seeking help. She works in a public library and has a love for literature.

“To me, Banned Books Week means removing the censorship from books and not making children learning about LGBTQ+ people taboo, or learning that racism is a topic that needs to be talked about,” Beliew said.

“It’s important because kids need to see the examples growing up that the heteronormative is not what is expected. It doesn’t always

have to be the prince and the princess. Sometimes it can be the princess and the princess or the prince and the prince, or the royalty and royalty. There need to be examples out there for children.”

Emily Hall is a graduate student in the English department who has volunteered to work Banned Books Week every fall since being a senior in undergrad.

“Banned Books Week is about celebrating our right to read without censure. It’s super important for educating the public about what censorship is and the importance of access to information,” Hall said.

“A great way to participate is by reading aloud from one of the banned books the library has curated for the event. If that’s not your vibe, sharing information about the importance of our right to read on social media is a wonderful way to contribute.”

Those who participated in the event were encouraged to use #BannedBooksWeek on social media posts to help spread awareness. There were signs outside the library that people took photos with.

Check out https:// bannedbooksweek.org/ for more information.

CAMPUS CRIME

graphic by Abby Rich

Dating violence, stalking, robbery spike on campus in 2021 report BY

ABBY RICH

Staff Writer

University of Central Arkansas’s 2021 annual campus Clery safety and fire report showed that on-campus counts of crimes against people and liquor law violation referrals increased between 2019 and 2020.

The specific crimes against people that have increased between 2019 and 2020 include dating violence, stalking, aggravated assault, burglary and arson. Increases ranged anywhere from just over a 50% increase to quadrupling in offense counts.

From 2019 to 2020, dating violence offenses increased from two to eight counts; stalking increased from four to nine counts; aggravated assaults increased from zero to two counts; burglary increased from one to six counts; arson increased from zero to two counts; and liquor law violations increased from 52 to 84 counts.

Although there is an increase of on-campus offense counts for these crimes, “there is no reason to believe that there will be a significant increase in the statistics,” said UCAPD Sergeant Michael Hopper.

“The Annual Security Report is designed to provide information not only to current students, faculty and staff, but also to provide information to prospective students, faculty and staff as well. The ASR not

graphic by Mia Waddell

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only provides crime statistics for our campus, but it also provides information on safety and security, definitions regarding the various offence categories, information on reporting crime, Title IX information, and many other topics,” Hopper said.

Ed Powers, chair of the department and associate professor of criminology, provided further reassurance that the increases on the 2021 annual campus Clery safety and fire report do not necessarily support a significant increase of crime statistics in the community. “The increases are small. There are about 10,000 members of the UCA community. When there are fewer people, fewer reports are made and less people need to be monitored. I am not concerned about the small increase, but it is worth monitoring this trend over time” said Powers.

“It is really difficult to determine any kind of pattern or draw too many conclusions only looking at three years of data.

I have looked at the 2018 ASR and overall, with the exception of stalking, most of the statistics have stayed relatively the same.

I cannot pinpoint any one thing that may have made some of the numbers to increase and others to decrease over the course of one year. The student population on campus was relatively unchanged during the 2020 year and most of the reported statistics occurred in a residence hall. It is hard to say that there is an upward trending pattern on

campus,” said Hopper.

While the trend of oncampus crime statistics will continue to be monitored, Hopper said UCAPD is taking action to raise awareness of crimes and safety on campus.

“We [UCAPD] regularly partner with many of the departments on campus, like Housing and the Division of Student services to provide programming aimed at reducing crime and bringing awareness to safety. Also the department provides constant proactive patrol of the campus both in our patrol vehicles and on foot. We make regular patrols in all of the buildings on campus,” said Sgt. Hopper.

“The police department hosts a variety of programming like our self-defense classes, “Operation Gotcha,” which is aimed at reducing burglary and theft, events that promote pedestrian and crosswalk safety and alcohol and drug awareness classes and events. These are usually hosted in partnership with UCA Housing. We also work with the Physical Plant and SGA to identify and remediate any real or potential physical hazards on campus each November with our campus ‘Safe Walk,’” Hopper said, regarding various resources and classes UCAPD provides for student safety.

To view the 2021 Clery annual security and fire safety report, visit uca.edu/police/ safeuca/clery-annual-securityand-fire-safety-report.

Campus Life

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October 6, 2021

Around Campus:

Health Screenings From 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. in the UCA HPER, on Oct. 7, the Health Science Club will be offering free health screenings.

These include: cholesterol, blood sugar, flexibility, blood pressure and body fat screenings. The first 400 participants will receive a free hand towel.

Professional Photo Days From Oct. 5-8, in room 225 in the Student Center at 1 p.m. - 4 p.m., Career Services will be taking free professional photographs of seniors and graduate students who register for a 15-minute time slot. To schedule an appointment, sign up through Handshake or call 501-450-3134.

Ivalas Quartet From Oct. 7-8 , the Ivalas String Quartet will be having a discussion, public concert and MasterClass for all students interested in string instruments.

These times and locations vary based on the day. Find more information on CubConnect or reach out to the Music Department, Bear X or the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.

UCA Students 4 the Arts From 5:30 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. on Oct. 7, in room 213 of the Student Center, the Students 4 the Arts will be hosting a tie-dye night. All students are welcome to join and scrunchies and T-shirts will be provided to tie dye.

Photo by Olyvia Gonzalez

Mariachi Nuevo Jalisco performs during Amigo Fest on Saturday, Oct. 2. The event hosted dancers from Tulsa’s Tonatiuh Dance Company, who changed outfits during the event between various colorful dresses. The event was hosted by the Latino Student Association and, along with the music and dancing, was celebrated with different Latin foods.

Amigo Fest offers music and food despite rain by

Olyvia Gonzalez

Assistant Campus Life Editor

UCA’s Diversity and Community’s Latino Student Association embraced the rain to celebrate Hispanic Heritage month through their annual event, Amigo Fest, on Oct. 2.

“Oh goodness, this is always a fun day,” President Houston Davis said. “It’s an opportunity to just celebrate our community. I love it that families feel like they can come out and be a part of Amigo Fest. It’s a great way to introduce UCA and the things that we do for our students as a community to our broader Conway community. It’s just fun. I mean, there is nothing about Amigo Fest that is not joyous.”

Maria Negrete Padronand her team had been preparing for this event shortly after the last Amigo Fest in 2020. As associate director of diversity

and community Tajaro Hudson said, “knowing Maria, she is planning on how to make [Amigo Fest] better already.”

This year’s festivities included: Las Delicias (Mexican ice cream), Ramirez Raspados (Mexican form of snowcones), El Flakos (street tacos) and fresh Pupusas made

by Salvadorian women in the nearby community.

When the rain began to settle over the Amphitheater, there was nothing left to do but dance.

Hudson led Maria out into the rain and, despite the frustration the team was feeling, they danced along to the Latin beat.

“I mean, for the most part, we have everything that we were planning on doing outside,” Hudson said. “We have some folkloric dancers and we are also bringing out a mariachi band, but they are probably not going to be

able to perform [due to the weather], but hey, we are still out here doing our thing.”

A secondary location was suggested in the Ida Waldron Auditorium of Old Main. Yet, with an hour of downpour, there seemed to be a break in the clouds.

Soon, the sun was shining and Mariachi Nuevo Jalisco was on the stage.

The dancers from Tulsa’s Tonatiuh Dance Company were able to leave their shelter from the rain in the Student Center and join the growing crowd in the Student Center Courtyard.

The dancers went through 12 dances, which meant 12 wardrobe changes. During each change in clothing, the Mariachi band entertained the crowd with music such as Guadalajara by Vicente Fernández, Guantanamera primarily performed by Celia Cruz, La Bamba by Ritchie

Valens and many others.

Just as Davis said, community members, students, faculty and staff, along with random visitors to Conway, found themselves on UCA’s Courtyard enjoying Latin culture.

Freshman Neyla Palacios decided to embrace the rain and forced her roommate out of their dorm. “This is my first Amigo Fest. I have a lot of friends who have been before because they live around Conway. So, I am Hispanic, and I just wanted to come out to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. It has been pretty cool so far. The food is super good, the activities seem so much fun and I was so excited for the performances,” Palacios said.

While Amigo Fest seems to be a chance for students to get out of their weekend routines, to the Latin community on campus it is much more than that.

“[Amigo Fest] is a great experience for other people to get to know our different cultures,” sophomore Christopher Perez Velazquez said. “[People who attend]... get a little insight, and not just meet the people. Even though we are not in our own [native] country, I would say, we keep our roots. So, it’s good to remember where we are from, who we are, like, our different dances, languages and things like that. So, we want to remember, and so we can teach other people what we value, what we stand for and things like that.”

Those who could not attend can follow Velazquez’s advice: “Come to our different events, like Amigo Fest.

Amigo Fest is just the one that a lot of people usually come to... We have different events, and we teach our members about other countries, other LatinX cultures.”

F E S T I VA L

Putting COVID-19 in Context On Oct. 8, in Old Main’s Ida Waldron Auditorium, from 3 p.m. - 4 p.m., the Honors College is hosting Challenge Week with a discussion between professors Tish Starks and Adam Frank. They will be addressing modern science and public policy concerning the virus. Starks will follow up with a historical talk on viruses and Frank will address Asian discrimination.

‘Snake Eyes’ On Oct. 10, in the Student Center Ballroom, from 7 p.m.

- 9 p.m., the Student Activities Board will be showing the movie “Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins” (PG-13). Free food will be provided.

National Coming Out Day Booth From 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 11, in the Student Center Courtyard, the Allies of STEM will host a fun photo booth and provide resources to celebrate National Coming Out Day.

Resume Workshop On Oct. 12, from 9:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m., Career Services will be providing an online informational on how to structure a resumé, build a resumé and keep it up-todate. For more information on Career Services’ activities during conference week, check CubConnect.

Photo by Rob Davis

Students at the Chinese Club’s Mid-Autumn festival participate in a chopstick competition on Tuesday, Sept. 28, attempting to put more beans into their bowl than their competitor.

The competition was not a traditional Chinese activity, but helped get students involved. The event also offered Mooncakes, a pastry traditional to the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Mid-Autumn festival gives view into Chinese traditions

by Rob Davis

Staff Writer

UCA’s Chinese Club looked to share the traditions of the Mid-Autumn festival with the rest of the UCA students outside of Old Main as they celebrated with traditional Mooncakes and chopstick battles.

The Chinese Club set up a booth outside of Old Main on Tuesday, Sept. 28, during x-period, in hopes of sharing some traditions of the Asian holiday with whoever was willing to learn and experience something new.

“The festival is a time of reunion and spending time with family while the mooncakes are supposed to represent the moon. It’s centered around the harvest moon, which is supposed to mean it’s a time of good harvest and community,” sophomore Joslyn Bruenger,

a Chinese Club member, said.

With the traditional festival having already occurred on Sept. 21, the festival’s date varies every year as it falls on the fifteenth day of the eighth month of the Chinese lunar calendar.

According to chinahighlights.com, the moon is believed to be the brightest and most beautiful on the night of the Mid-Autumn festival. The roundness of the moon on this day represents the reunion of the family, with families typically gathering in the evening for a special dinner.

One of the traditional practices of the festival is sharing a Mooncake, a Chinese dessert pastry, with friends and family. The Chinese Club had some of their own to hand out.

The cakes are round and dense pastries with generally some sort of decorative design

on top. The filling consisted of a red bean paste along with a whole salted egg yolk inside.

Another part of the club’s festivities was a chopstick competition where two people had to grab beans from a bowl in between the two, and whoever was able to pick up more beans and place them into their respective bowls won the competition.

While the competition was not a traditional Chinese activity, it was an intense game that many enjoyed as they looked to get their name on the competition leaderboard, tracked by Bruenger.

Senior Kate Gooden, another member of the Chinese Club, mentioned that the club typically would meet in the Baum Gallery auditorium to celebrate the festival and that a lot of the Conway Chinese community would be there.

A dinner full of

performances and community was the highlight of the events, however, due to COVID-19, they were unable to put them on at this year’s festival, Gooden said.

“Part of the reason we come out and share the holiday with the UCA community is because of tradition, it’s literally something that we do every year. Another part is just because it’s something that I know we’re able to share

with everyone. It’s like, we can, so why on Earth would we not do it?” Gooden said.

Whether it was someone intrigued by the design of the Mooncake or someone looking to get into some friendly competition, the Chinese Club was able to share tradition and togetherness with the UCA community, embracing the meaning of the Mid-Autumn festival.

4/ October 6, 2021

CAMPUS LIFE

Organizations recruit volunteers at fair

by Abby Rich Staff Writer

Local Central Arkansas nonprofit organizations and University of Central Arkansas student organizations recruited student volunteers at the university’s annual volunteer fair on Sept. 30.

The Division of Outreach and Community Engagement of UCA hosts an annual volunteer fair to allow both students and community partner organizations to connect and create more engagement for volunteers. “The volunteer fair serves as a one-stop-shop for students to date around and find organizations that fit their interests,” volunteer coordinator for UCA outreach Victoria Mays said.

Some of the organizations involved at this year’s volunteer fair included the Creative Institute, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), Rise House, United Way, UCA

Disabilities Resource Center, Capca, Girl Scouts, Pfiefer Kiwanis Camp and Community Connections.

Many organizations were looking to increase student volunteer numbers for both seasonal events and long-term involvement depending on their needs.

“We are hoping to see volunteer hours increase, as well as event volunteering increase,” Laura King, from United Way of Central Arkansas, said.

United Way of Central Arkansas is a nonprofit organization focused on providing resources related to health, education and financial needs for the community.

United Way was promoting their annual Turkey Trot 5k at the volunteer fair, looking for volunteers for the event. The Turkey Trot will take place on November 25, 2021.

The Creative Institute was seeking volunteers for various positions related to an

upcoming event, Conway Art Walk. The first art walk will take place Thursday, Oct. 21, from 5 to 8 p.m., and will be a recurring event on the third Thursday of each month. The Creative Institute is a nonprofit organization for gap year students in central Arkansas, providing creative programs that can be used as credit hours at various in-state institutions.

CASA, Capca, Girl Scouts and Community Connections were among the nonprofit organizations seeking an increase in student volunteers for their long-term organizational programs rather than volunteers for specific seasonal events.

CASA supports and promotes court-appointed special advocates for abused and neglected children, while Capca provides various services for low-income families such as monthly food pantries.

Community Connections caters to children with special needs

and their families.

UCA Disability Resource Center was looking to recruit volunteer note takers.

“Volunteer note takers are responsible for attending class, taking notes, and uploading notes for students in the same class who may have an impairment,” accommodations coordinator Latosha Mitchell said.

Students who are volunteer note takers receive 50 volunteer hours for the semester, as well as qualify for a professional recommendation and Bears Give Extravaganza.

Due to COVID-19, last year’s volunteer fair was virtual, and many organizations found it difficult to recruit student volunteers. “The in-person volunteer fairs are normally a big hit for students,” Mays said.

For more information about community involvement and volunteer opportunities, visit uca.edu/outreach or contact outreach@uca.edu.

ARTIST IN RESIDENCE

Golden: ‘I think I was born to tell stories’

but her love for writing and storytelling began as a child.

“I think I was born to tell Acclaimed author Marita stories. I have an insatiable Golden held a writing craft curiosity about the world, talk in Win Thompson Hall and writing stories allows me Sept. 28 for the Artist in to dialogue with the world,” Residence program.

Golden said. “Creating stories The Artist in Residence connects me to other people, program, hosted by the and that is deeply meaningful College of Arts, Humanities to me.” and Social Sciences, brings It was in college that fine arts professionals onto Golden realized her passion campus for a limited time, could become a lifetime allowing them to display their career. “I realized that writing talents and offer insight to could be more than a hobby, students. that it could be a career and a During the talk, Golden life’s endeavor,” Golden said. discussed how and why she Golden, an alum of wrote a memoir as her first American University, received book. the Fredrick Douglass Golden’s memoir scholarship while in school “Migrations of the Heart” is and wrote for The Eagle, based on her life experiences American University’s from coming of age as a Black student newspaper. Since woman in 1960s Washington, then, Golden has written D.C., to being a political 17 works of fiction and activist and living in Nigeria. nonfiction and cofounded the Golden’s career as an Hurston-Wright Foundation, author started later in her life, a foundation devoted to

by Maci England Staff Writer

increasing representation in Black literacy.

Golden’s work has earned many awards such as the Barnes and Noble Writers for Writers Award, the Authors Guild Distinguished Service Award, the Maryland Author Award from the Association of Maryland Librarians and the Award for Fiction from the Black Caucus of the American Library Association. Golden has also been inducted into the International Literary Hall of Fame of Writers of African Descent.

Golden hopes to inspire students to believe in themselves and the power and significance of their stories.

Along with being an author, Golden is a creative writing coach and literary consultant.

On her website, maritagolden. com, aspiring writers can check out services such as workshops, manuscript evaluation and consultation appointments.

Golden’s newest book, “The Strong Black Woman: How a Myth Endangers the Physical and Mental Health of Black Women,” covers the importance of self-care and mental health in Black women and African American culture in response to systematic racism. Golden’s book will be released in stores Oct. 12 and is available for pre-order on Amazon now.

The next Artists in Residence will be the Ivalas Quartet, a string quartet that includes violinists Reuben Kebede and Tiani Butts, violist Aimée McAnulty and cellist Pedro Sánchez.

The quartet will host a presentation/discussion at the Student Center amphitheater on Oct. during x-period, a Master Class on Oct. 7 from 3 p.m.- 4:30 p.m. in the recital hall at Snow Fine Arts, and a public concert on Oct. 8 at 7:30 p.m. in Reynolds Performance Hall.

ucanews.live

STUDENTS SAY is your favorite “ What bathroom on campus and why? ” Story and photos by Olyvia Gonzalez

Sophomore Bianca Bautista

“My favorite bathroom is by far the Lewis Center bathroom. It’s got like a couch in the area. So, like, I’ll hop in really early, drop my bag, do some studying in there, and go to the bathroom... I have too much to say about this bathroom.”

Senior Dylan Webb

“The bushes because I feel free. “

Freshman Emily Dather

“My favorite one is probably in the Lewis Science Center [because] there are like three on the left and one on the right that is all by itself, and the lighting is just so much better.”

Sophmore Daniel Fuentes

“The basement [of the Student Center] bathroom next to The Bear recording studio, just cause it has privacy and all that.”

MUD VOLLEYBALL

AFA hosts Mudstock with biggest turnout in its 15-year tradition

by Delaney Van Wilpe Editor-in-Chief

members to sign up for. For Harris and her fellow teammates, it was their first time participating in Mudstock.

double elimination. After the teams played the first round, they were split into the “loser’s bracket” or the “winner’s bracket” to play the second round.

Association of Future Alumni hosted their fifteenth annual Mudstock event Oct. 2, with its biggest turnout yet. The physical therapy school’s team Muddie Buddies took the win for the day.

“It’s a big deal for us this year, it’s a big deal for us every year, but we are really excited because it is the fifteenth anniversary,” Gerald said.

Mudstock was held at AFA’s three courts located at the mud volleyball courts behind the HPER and in front of the intramural football fields. Before the event, the physical plant tilled the fields and watered them to make them muddy.

For the rainy event, teams entered to play for the day. This year, 25 teams entered to play, “which is the most we’ve ever had,” Mudstock chair Leah Gerald said.

As of now, only students, both graduate and undergraduate, participate in Mudstock. “In the next few years, maybe the alumni or the people that work in Buffalo Hall could create a team,” Gerald Photo by Delaney Van Wilpe said.

Sophomore Tristan Bishop and junior Presley Sayakhoummane participate in the Association of Future Most of the teams were organized by RSOs Alumni’s annual Mudstock game Oct. 2. with 25 other student teams. This is the fifteenth Mudstock event. or fraternities and sororities on campus, but any students could join and play with a group.

“It was fun, but it was really hard to move [in the Junior Daniel Fuentes was a member of the Sophomore Emma Harris said her sorority, mud],” Harris said.

Average Avengers, a team organized with members Alpha Sigma Alpha, sponsored a team for The day-long tournament was in the fashion of of the Student Orientation Staff (SOS).

“[My favorite thing about Mudstock] is just playing in the mud and playing with friends. It’s the weekend, so we have nothing to do, and it’s just cool to be out here,” Fuentes said.

Gerald organized the event this year. “Before I got into AFA, I actually played my freshman year, and it was so fun, and it rained the whole time,” Gerald said.

Gerald first heard about AFA through her sorority. “It turns out that it’s a really fun organization to be a part of,” Gerald said.

As a three-year member and a senior, this was Gerald’s final Mudstock to participate in before she graduates. “I’m excited to be in charge of it this year,” Gerald said.

Gerald said Mudstock is a great way for students to get a break during the stress of the fall semester.

“You get to come and play in the mud with your friends,” Gerald said.

Mudstock is the biggest event put on by AFA during the year. Besides helping with smaller events on campus, like scholarship ceremonies, AFA also does Roses for Grads, where members sell roses to graduates and their family members outside of the Farris Center on graduation day.

AFA also puts on a tailgate for each home game at Buffalo Hall on Bruce Street.

More information about AFA can be found on CubConnect.

People of UCA: Carly Wilson

by Edmund Burke Staff Writer

Carly Wilson, 26, is currently a graduate student enrolled in the Communication Sciences and Disorders program.

“I plan to be a speechlanguage pathologist,” Wilson said.

As a first-semester grad student, Wilson has yet to narrow down a specialty.

“Everything is so new and exciting! I want to see everything before I truly make a decision,” Wilson said.

Originally from Sheridan, Arkansas, Wilson moved to Conway two years ago after getting married Oct. 2019.

Wilson graduated from the University of Arkansas at Monticello in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts in modern languages and a minor in political science before choosing UCA for the graduate

program.

“It is a very reputable program. I knew other people who had gone through the speech-language pathologist program at UCA and highly recommended it. After taking the leveling courses, I fell in love with most of my professors and knew that if I got into the graduate program, I would get to continue kindling the relationships I’d already built with my classmates and professors,” Wilson said.

Wilson, who expects to graduate in August 2023, said, “Another reason I chose UCA is the fact that there is one semester of classes that we take as graduate students before we start clinical rotations, and I’ve found that to be helpful.”

Wilson describes attending UAM for her bachelor’s degree and now UCA for her graduate degree as “vastly different experiences.”

“I will always be grateful for my time at UAM. It is a small university and I was able to know almost everybody on campus, including most of the faculty and even the chancellor.

All that to say, the academics were lacking for me and I didn’t quite find what I wanted to do until I was two years out of school. UCA is huge comparatively while still being close-knit. I have really enjoyed finding my place on this campus and all the relationships I’ve built here,” Wilson said.

Wilson is a member of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association on campus.

One of Wilson’s favorite parts of campus is “being able to walk and sit outside to eat lunch,” Wilson said. “It’s the highlight of my busy days. UCA is a beautiful campus.”

When not busy with classes and homework Wilson spends

her time with her husband, friends and hiking, but photography is her passion.

“I love photography so much. Check out @ carlycurryphotography on Instagram for my work,” Wilson said.

Wilson believes being authentic is important.

“Being authentic, vulnerable, and maybe even a little bit weird is so important to me. I’ve found that when you are who you are, you cultivate wildly beautiful relationships with the souls around you because it develops and opens a space where everyone feels safe to be human,” Wilson said.

One of Wilson’s favorite quotes is from professor, lecturer and author Brene Brown: “Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be, and instead embracing who we are.”

Photo by Edmund Burke

Carly Wilson is a graduate student in the Communication Sciences and Disorders program. Wilson has a degree in modern languages.

Sports

5

October 6, 2021

Upcoming Games

Women’s Soccer 7 p.m. Oct. 7 vs Jacksonville State Tennis Oct. 8 at Southern Methodist University Volleyball 6:30 p.m. Oct. 8 vs Eastern Kentucky Softball Noon Oct. 9 vs Harding Men’s Soccer Noon Oct. 9 vs Stetson

Editor’s Take

Photo courtesy of ucasports.com

Politics makes its way to gamedays BY

EMILEE HAGEWOOD

Sports Editor

Over the past two months, friends and family have gathered for sporting events across the nation. With college football being well underway and the number of vaccinated people steadily rising, we are once again enjoying nights spent underneath the stadium lights.

Something many people did not expect at their usual sporting events was chants of disapproval for the current president of the United States.

Across the country, and heavily in the South, people have begun chanting “F*ck Joe Biden,” mostly at sporting events, but also in regular venues. At the concert I attended over the weekend, there were a few times when the phrase was being screamed by the crowd.

Biden’s approval ratings are steadily declining from his weak economic recovery and especially after the Afghanistan debacle.

Since the college football season has started, social media has been flooded with videos of fans chanting the slogan at games, usually multiple times a game, and it’s shown up in some unlikely places. Even in areas and at schools known to be more liberal, the crowds continue to chant their ever-growing disapproval of the president.

According to USA Today, the last week in August showed the lowest approval ratings for the president yet at 41%.

The chants have even spread to professional sports. After the Yankees and Mets met up for a game in New York, early September, fans were united as they left the stadium chanting the explicit slogan.

It begs the question, though, what happened to keeping politics out of sports? Are people so infuriated with Biden’s presidency that politics have now seeped into our favorite pastimes? It takes me back to the Black Lives Matter movement and how Colin Kaepernick, former quarterback for the 49ers, used his platform to become an activist for social justice. When the national anthem was sung, he would kneel in response to the oppression of black people happening in the U.S. These Biden protestors, voicing their disapproval for the president, have started a movement. It doesn’t look like it will be stopping anytime soon, and you can’t help but wonder if at the next UCA football game, will there be chanters there too?

Senior midfielder Hadley Dickinson keeps the ball in motion and away from Kennesaw State. The Bears were tied 3-3 at the end of the game and went into overtime as a result but were ultimately defeated by the Owls. The game ended 3-4 and left the Bears with a 2-4-0 record and no conference wins. The Bears next game will be at home on Oct. 7 at 7 p.m. against Jacksonville State.

Soccer falls flat during overtime against Kennesaw State BY

AMBER AUSTEN

Staff Writer

UCA’s women’s soccer fell short in overtime with a score of 3-4 against Kennesaw State on Sept. 30 on its home field.

Thursday’s game left the team 2-40 overall with no conference wins so far.

From the start, UCA was defending throughout the 90-minute game as Kennesaw got the first kickoff.

The defense put in its work as it kept in touch with the ball up until the backline. Not even three minutes in, and a defensive shot was taken on goal.

Senior defender Gracie Hair swept in in an attempt to prevent the shot, and because of her efforts, sophomore goalie Keyla Perez was able to make a save.

“I make sure to communicate with my defenders what I am seeing and let them know if I think they should be making any adjustments to their positioning to help them out,” said Perez.

Sending the ball to the other side of the field, it was now the offense’s turn to make its move.

The team used all angles of the

field to their advantage as there were various movements to the outside.

“If we have the ball, supporting it so we can send it into open spaces for a chance on goal is key,” said coach Jeremy Bishop.

This is exactly what happened as junior forward Emma Hawkins was able to take the first shot on goal that resulted in a corner kick.

As the game moved along and the ball was transported back and forth from each side of the field, the act of teamwork became crucial.

“Every spot is important. Everybody has to do their job in the moment, whatever that calls for,” said Bishop. “Teamwork, that is all it is about.”

With the action of working together, UCA scored when junior midfielder Sydney Brough opened up the scoring with the only assist of the game from Hawkins.

This did not come without struggle, though, as UCA players faced great aggression from their opponents.

“The refs are out there trying to do their best, but there are times the players let things go [uncalled fouls] when they wish they did not have to. It is just part of the game,” said Bishop.

At the end of the first half, the score was 1-2 with four shots on goal.

Not long into the second half, senior defender Taylor Webb tied the match 2-2.

However, the tied game did not last long as Kennesaw scored three seconds shy of four minutes after Webb scored.

The Bears continued to fight to the end throughout the second half as freshman forward Amanda Walsh re-tied the game with about 10 minutes left on the clock with no further goals from either team.

This pushed the Bears into overtime, but less than a minute in, Kennesaw scored, resulting in a lost match.

Despite the score, there were positive outcomes that emerged from the battle.

“Battling back into the game, sometimes when you get behind it is hard to get over that hump to tie things back up, especially after getting behind twice, so getting back in there and getting the chance to score in overtime was tremendous,” said Bishop.

UCA’s next home game will be Thursday, Oct. 7, against Jacksonville State.

FEATURE

Lamont splits passion between football and fashion sales OLIVIA SNELSON

when COVID-19 was preventing a lot of sports from being able to play normally.“Playing during COVID was definitely different with players going out for a couple games because they were testing positive and it Junior Deandre Lamont is a football player for UCA. Lamont just wasn’t the same without fans. Especially at home not having plays the position of nickelback, which is a defensive back with the tailgating going on for the bear walk. The one thing I liked responsibility of a cornerback, safety and linebacker all in one. about it was our schedule. We played a very unique schedule “My favorite position to play would have to be quarterback last year. We got the opportunity to start off the season or running. I’ve played every skill position on offense and during week zero for the FCS kickoff game,” Lamont said. defense through my 13 years of playing football,” Lamont said.

“I also think it took away the road game experience Lamont has been playing football since he was in the from us as a team when it came to bonding and fourth grade. “Watching Vince Young play in the rose bowl versus fellowship. Everything was different,” Lamont said.

USC was one of the main reasons I wanted to play football, and also Aside from sports, Lamont is a health education because my older cousin played and I wanted to be like him. major with a minor in family and consumer sciences.

My favorite thing about playing football is when plays are One of his main passions is his business. “I started being made and the sideline is going crazy,” Lamont said. my business in February of this year. I resale hype Football is not the only sport that Lamont plays clothing and apparel like Bape, Vlone, Supreme or enjoys watching. “I play recreational basketball and more. I also resale shoes. I always said when and softball. I would play soccer but they play I make it to the next level, I want to have my own during football season. I love to watch basketball, business, and fashion is something I like outside baseball, soccer, and track. Pretty much every of football. I figured I should start now and just sport I’ve played I enjoy watching,” Lamont said. grow my business as I grow as a football player.

Even though he plays football, basketball In the past couple of months, I’ve had customers is the sport he considers to be his favorite. from Europe to NFL players,” Lamont said.

Photo courtesy of ucasports.com “Basketball would probably be my favorite sport.

Lamont plans on making his business “Believe It was the first sport I played. I thought I was going Junior Deandre Lamont plays UCA football, recreational The Hype Streetwear” a storefront here in Conway. to the NBA at one point in my life,” Lamont said. basketball and softball, as well as running his own Look forward to seeing Lamont play next Lamont played for the UCA Bears last season business. on Oct. 16 when UCA faces Eastern Kentucky.

BY

Staff Writer

SOFTBALL

Softball wins first game of fall season against Tulsa at home BY

SYDNEY CYR

Assistant News Editor

The UCA softball team beat Tulsa with a final score of 3-2 on Sunday, Oct. 3, at the Farris Field in Conway.

“Overall, I was happy with how we played for the first weekend,” coach Jenny Parsons said.

The team won the game in the bottom of the tenth inning.

“In the tenth inning, Erin Blackburn led off with a walk, and Reese Curry singled through the left side.

Jordan Johnson, Kayla Beaver and Jorde Chartrand all had strong outings on the mound,” Parsons said.

The team showcased a strong defense and pitched well throughout the game.

“I was able to help the team by hitting a double up the center scoring two runs. It is always a team effort. Everybody worked really hard today to make good plays, and all my teammates were

so friendly and supportive. Also, the pitching was outstanding,” freshman Regan Curry said.

The team worked well together throughout the game to pull through with a win despite the challenges that the team faced during the game.

Freshman Reese Curry said, “The team has great chemistry, and everybody kept such positive energy throughout the entire game.

The coaching staff is amazing, and I was excited to get an opportunity to help the team during the game against Tulsa. It was a true team effort, both offensively and defensively.”

Senior Reagan Sperling was proud of how she and her teammates performed during the game.

“Overall, the game was great. We got to face a team that challenged us. Playing against Tulsa helped make us better. This game was all about winning as a team and getting better as a team. We accomplished that, and we came out with a great team win,” Sperling said.

Parsons plans to work on the team’s offense for future games.

“We need to work on being more consistent and aggressive at the plate,” Parsons said.

The players feel motivated to work hard for the remainder of the season.

“I will continue to grow with this team as we get better every day. I look forward to the rest of our fall games as well as a successful season this year as we have a talented team,” Curry said.

“Our team wants to win a championship, and we are taking that day by day,” Sperling said.

The softball team has three more weeks left of the fall season.

“Our plan is to continue and get better each day,” Parsons said.

The next softball game will be against Harding at noon on Saturday, Oct. 9, at the Farris Field in Conway.

Opinion

6

ucaechoeditor@gmail.com

October 6, 2021

The Voice

Ne x t - g e n e r at i on s tu d e nt s w i l l c ont i nu e t o re a d b an n e d b o o k s

The Echo Staff Delaney Van Wilpe Editor-in-Chief Addi Freeman Associate Editor Mia Waddell News Editor Sydney Cyr Assistant News Editor Bennett Tinnermon Campus Life Editor Olyvia Gonzalez Assistant Campus Life Editor Sarah Smythe Opinion Editor Madison Ogle Entertainment Editor/Cartoonist Emilee Hagewood Sports Editor Andrew McMahan Assistant Sports Editor Megan Holder Online Editor Ashley Savage Photography Editor

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Comments or complaints about content of The Echo or in reference to anything on campus should be registered with the newspaper by letters or email to the editors. All letters must be limited to 300 words and include the author’s name and phone number. All letters may be published unless they are marked private. Letters may be edited for style, clarity and length.

Editorials written in The Voice express the opinion of the newspaper and the editorial staff. Individual staff opinions are expressed in individual columns.

The Echo office is located in Stanley Russ Hall 124

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It’s not my job to teach fellow students It’s clear that college courses are switching from traditionally lecture-rooted meetings to discussionbased discourse.

Professors and instructors want more participation from students, and they want to get a feel for how the student mind works.

Promoting discussion is a great way to do this.

Forcing discussion on students, however, will not help professors see how students think, nor will it help students delve deeper into the material given to them.

Like many other students, I came to university to learn.

I wanted to be taught by professionals; by people who have studied the field they’re in for years and have deep insight into things I can only scratch the surface of.

And I get this in some of my classes.

But, in far too many of my courses, the teaching

by Addi Freeman duties fall to the untrained students.

Associate Editor Not only do the professors not present the material themselves, but they place the burden of teaching and creating discussion for full chapters on the students in their class.

It may not be their intention, but when professors do this, it seems like they’re shirking their duties rather than trying to get students involved.

Students pay thousands of dollars a semester to be taught by professionals, but what they get is half-hearted conversations that are surface-level and superficial.

When this responsibility is placed on us, we read just enough of the material to be able to pose a question that seems open-ended enough that it appears like we’ve looked deeply into the chapter.

In courses like this, there’s typically one day out of the week that we meet as a class and talk things

over.

But this one-hour class is still spent trying to get a good conversation going instead of instructing students on things they missed from the lesson or things relating to the lesson only the professor could bring to our attention.

I am not a trained educator. Neither are my peers.

If I wanted a bunch of opinions on a textbook chapter, I could start a super boring book club.

Another drawback of placing the teaching responsibilities on students is that everyone has different learning styles, and their teaching style will reflect that.

If I learn one way, I’m going to present the material in a way I would understand.

If someone learns in a way I don’t, they’ll present vital information in a way I don’t understand.

When professors give lectures over material, they present material in a deeply informational way. If a student doesn’t fully understand, they can ask a question prompting the professor to explain the material in a different way.

This is how a productive conversation gets started.

Once students see one another comfortably asking questions about the material, confidence rises, and we can have an insightful discussion on the material.

If the lecture is engaging enough, it will bring about a natural conversation and lead students to greater knowledge of the topic at hand.

If the discussion is forced upon students, the conversation will veer off-topic and lead us nowhere.

Professors knew what they signed up for when submitting their applications for their jobs. Unless they’re willing to split a little of their pay with their classes, this do-it-yourself discussion method needs to be put to rest.

Every year at the end of September since 1982, libraries across the world celebrate the freedom to read through Banned Books Week.

I can remember through my childhood that my school library celebrated Banned Books Week. It holds memories just like the yearly book fair with the cool erasers for sale.

Most of the time, decorations are put out in libraries, around schools, and in other places like bookstores, museums and other local shops to celebrate this week.

Banned Books Week is more than just putting out a stack of old books that we read growing up though.

This week should be used to celebrate the freedom we have to even access information and ideas that are not free for just anyone to get their hands on.

The freedom to access ideas is a fundamental right to every person in the world and should not be taken away lightly.

To ban books from people is a violation of the First Amendment. It should be taken very seriously but is constantly looked over.

With that being said, bans happen more frequently in places that do not have the protection of the First Amendment.

In the name of censorship, books can be challenged and banned.

A challenge is an attempt to remove or restrict materials or services based on the content, and a ban is the full removal of materials or total cancellation of services based on the content.

Books are usually challenged due to the desire to protect kids from “inappropriate” content.

These books can be challenged because of sexual content, profanity, age appropriateness, religious views, violence, LGBTQ content, drug and alcohol use, political bias, suicide, and so much more.

Some of these instances I can see not wanting children to read about, especially not from a book they picked up from the school library. Others seem to prohibit accessibility to knowledge entirely though.

Some of the most well known challenged books are the “Harry Potter” series, “To Kill a Mockingbird,” “Of For more times than I can remember, random I once had a man come up to me and ask for my Mice and Men,” and “The Kite Runner.” customers have approached me at my job and already mother’s name.

These books have been banned for a knew my name, which is why name tags should be I don’t know why he asked me, but my survival number of reasons, including racial slurs banned from certain jobs. skills instantly kicked in. and stereotypes, but what about the other It’s the creepiest thing when I’m in the middle of I never told him my mother’s name because he side of this that wants to help educate doing my job, and a complete stranger walks up from obviously already knew mine because of my nametag. kids about themselves? behind me and says, “Hi Megan.”

Name tags can also put employees at risk of Books like “Stamped: Racism, AntiDepending on the sound of their voice depends identity theft. racism, and You” by Ibram X. Kendi and on the level of awkwardness I feel.

This can put a person in a financial crisis, Jason Reynolds; “The Absolutely True I’m actually thankful for the mask which can take a lifetime to recover from.

Diary of a Part-Time Indian” by Sherman requirement at times like this because it There are some places where Alexie; “Something Happened in Our kind of hides the look employees have to swipe an Town: A Child’s Story About Racial I make when this happens. identification card when coming to and Injustice” by Marianne Celano, Marietta My eyes widen, and my heart jumps leaving work, but they should not be Collins, and Ann Hazzard, illustrated by a little bit. required to wear the card all day.

When I get nervous, I’m the type I never said that name tags should Jennifer Zivoin; and “Beyond Magenta: of person whose hands sweat as if I be banned from all professions Transgender Teens Speak Out” by Susan just bathed them and am letting them because they’re necessary at some Kuklin, are purposely written about pressing and important issues in the air dry. jobs.

I never introduce myself to Places the public is allowed to world we live in today.

Yet these books are being banned for someone unless we have an actual enter are where there should be conversation. limits. The ban on name the same old reasons, mostly LGBTQ I’m a sociable person only tags should be in jobs such involvement and anti-police mannerisms, if it’s an actual conversation.

by Megan Holder as banks, grocery stores, that older generations just can’t wrap Some people may say that their heads around.

Online Editor restaurants, etc. just because you introduce Banned Books Week, again, is more People may walk in yourself doesn’t mean you than just a crusty cart of books sitting places like this and have no know a person. out, it is a huge celebration of novels, intentions of cashing a check, buying groceries or just Yes, that’s true, but I feel like my privacy is comic books, art and plays, journalism at eating. invaded if someone takes time to read my name, but When I’m working, I’m not focused on if someone its core and so much more. we never converse.

If you missed Banned Books Week is squinting their eyes from across the room trying to Not only is this extremely weird, but it can this year, don’t worry. identify me, but somehow it happens when I’m least become a safety concern, especially for young people.

There are still plenty of books to It’s easy nowadays for people to look others up expecting it. check out in Torreyson Library that are If name tags are required for public workplaces, on social media. available year round.

All you need is a first name and their city of then 24-hour security should be required as well.

If you’re indecisive when it comes Just because you haven’t had a bad experience residence. to books, ask the librarian what their with a stranger doesn’t mean the next person hasn’t.

As long as we have some type of uniform as favorite banned book is and get to The safety and comfort of workers is just as a business, that should be enough to help our reading. important as the safety and comfort of customers. employers and coworkers identify us.

Did I miss when I told you my name?

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

October 6, 2021

New This Week

Korean Netflix series ‘Squid Game’ lives up to hype

by

Movies

Milo Strain

Staff Writer

“Squid Game” is an intense Korean show that has taken the world by storm, quickly becoming Netflix’s number one most-watched show globally. “Squid Game” is the first show out of South Oct. 8 — Pokémon the Movie: Korea to accomplish such a Secrets of the Jungle (G), feat. Netflix co-CEO, Ted directed by Tetsuo Yajima, starring Sarandos, said it’s on track to Rica Matsumoto, Ikue Otani and become their “biggest show ever.”

Moka Kamishiraishi But does “Squid Game” live up to the massive amount Oct. 8 — Justin Bieber: Our of hype?

World (PG), directed by Michael After watching the nine D. Ratner, starring Justin Bieber, episodes of “Squid Game,” Hailey Bieber and Scooter Braun it isn’t hard to see why this show has gained so much Oct. 8 — No Time to Die (PGpopularity so quickly. The 13), directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, story is incredibly intriguing and mysterious, grabbing starring Daniel Craig, Rami Malek the viewer’s attention and Léa Seydoux right away with one of the most impressive and brutal Music opening episodes of any show.

“Squid Game” is a hard Oct. 8 — Talk Memory — show to write about without BadBadNotGood spoiling anything. Like “Twin Peaks” or “Lost,” one of the most gratifying parts of Oct. 8 — The Million Things experiencing “Squid Game” That Never Happened — Billy is following the twists and Bragg turns and trying to figure out Oct. 7 — Dune (PG-13), directed

by Denis Villeneuve, starring Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson and Oscar Isaac

Oct. 8 — The Other Side— Christian Lopez Oct. 8 — Friends That Break Your Heart — James Blake Oct. 8 — I Want The Door To Open — Lala Lala

each other, the stakes are life and death, and every time a contestant dies, more money gets added to the prize.

It turns the intensity up to levels I didn’t think were possible almost right away and doesn’t let up hardly at all, yet still has time for moments that are so gutwrenching they hit like a freight train.

“Squid Game” is also a

by

Olyvia Gonzalez

Assistant Campus Life Editor

reflective of their previous Hispanic album, “Como En El Cielo,” there were songs that had been translated to fit the Hispanic community’s desires. For example, Naomi Raine’s top song, Promises, was one the team recorded in Spanish for the listening pleasure of their fans.

If you think the album’s main focus is going to be on the typical Latin rhythm, then there might be slight disappointment. Yet, the videography from Libertad and Nadie Como Tú contains fun atmospheres that seem less focused on praise and more concerned with the Hispanic nature of the song.

New worship songs on, “Venga Tu Reino,” written

by Moses were identical to Maverick’s familiar beat, sound and tune. However, Tu Fidelidad stands alone; the track is an old Spanish hymn. The soft worship songs brought the crew back to a place of deep-reaching love for Christ.

I have mixed emotions about this album, because after the album, “Jubilee: Juneteenth Edition,” my expectations were high.

I was ready to hear Maverick City turn up the heat and produce something major for Hispanic Heritage Month.

I was ready to have songs reflective of the culture I grew up with.

However, this is still a worship album. So again it is clear to me, one’s identity should not be focused in their culture when one chooses to follow after Christ.

And I appreciate the songwriters’ choice in this matter of not focusing on the obsessive need to be connected to a heritage.

“Venga Tu Reino” is now available to stream on Apple Music and Spotify.

lot deeper than it looks, and it presents a lot of ideas with implications well beyond the show.

I can’t get into it without spoiling anything but this show is one of the most violently anti-capitalist pieces of media I’ve seen, and it holds up a mirror to society in a way most people don’t realize. Every time I thought it couldn’t get more insane, it managed to top itself in the

MUSICAL TO FILM ADAPTION

‘Venga Tu Reino’ inspires worship

Maverick City is known for its contributions in cultural worship to the eternal God, Jesus. With this in mind, their new Oct. 8 — A Pillar Of Salt — 12-track album, “Venga Noah Gundersen Tu Reino” (Thy Kingdom Come), released on Oct. 1.

It is unsure if Maverick Oct. 8 — Welcome Break— Pip City’s intention for this album was to bring homage Blom to Hispanic Heritage Month, but its drop was timely as the Nation celebrates the history, influence and Netflix contributions of Hispanic Americans.

Many Spanish artists Oct. 6 — The Five Juanas, were featured, but Adrienne directed by Pepe Castro and and Israel Houghton were Rodrigo Ugalde De Haene, starring the team’s greatest asset.

Juanita Arias, Sofia Engberg and Apart from the fact that Oka Giner Israel proved his range was impressive, he was also a writer alongside Moses, Dante Brown, Daniel Oct. 8 — Grudge, directed by Calveti and others.

Turkan Derya, starring Yilmaz Primarily performed Erdogan, Cem Yigit Uzümoglu and by the Houghton couple, “Nadie Como Tú (No One Duygu Sarisin Like You),” provides a Latin beat that all singers, musicians and worship team are seen swaying to in the Oct. 8 — Pretty Smart, created music video.

by Jack Dolgen and Doug Mand, Falling short of my last starring Cinthya Carmona, Olivia name, the Spanish language Macklin and Emily Osment is not one of my own.

Yet, this album proved that you don’t need to know what was said, because it bleeds passion from the Oct. 8 — Diana, Created by singers and worshippers in Christopher Ashley, starring Jeanna de Waal, Erin Davie and Roe every note.

Spontaneous worship is Hartrampf controversial in Christian churches, but this Echo writer loves hearing raw worship. In one track, there is a prayer given in Spanish Oct. 8 — My Brother, My followed by an eruption of Sister, directed by Roberto whole-hearted praise. Due Capucci, starring Caterina Murino, to the fast-paced nature of Latin music, some Alessandro Preziosi and Frank songs seemed to produce Gerrish a boisterous and familiar feeling in the culturallydriven tracks. While the other songs seemed to be

List compiled by Mia Waddell News Editor

what’s really happening.

That being said, the basic premise of “Squid Game” is hundreds of people, each one of them on the verge of financial collapse, are all invited to compete in a mysterious game with the chance of winning an incredible amount of money. The contestants are kidnapped and brought to the game site, where they learn the competition is against

WORSHIP ALBUM

Oct. 8 — Good Morning It’s Now Tomorrow — Matt Maltese

Top 5 RenterFriendly Decor tips

Photo courtesy of www.netflix.com

Seong Gi-Hun, portrayed by actor Lee Jae Jung, stars in episode one of “Squid Game.” “Squid game” was released Sept. 17 worldwide, recieving overwhelmingly positive reviews.

most bizarre and deranged ways.

“Squid Game” is also visually stunning. Most of the series takes place in a massive underground facility on an uninhabited island, and it’s here that the set design really shines.

It looks like M.C. Escher and Dr. Suess designed an enormous subterranean building full of mind-bending architecture whose only purpose is to confuse and terrify you. You just have to see it.

However, this series isn’t for everyone. Despite its childish look at times, “Squid Game” contains a lot of adult themes and intense graphic violence and can be too much for some viewers. “Squid Game” is also in Korean, so you’ll need to read subtitles or watch it with the English overdub. Some fans have voiced their disappointment online over the poor quality of Netflix’s translation. If none of that bothers you, though, and you haven’t seen “Squid Game” yet, don’t wait any longer.

“Squid Game” is available to stream on Netflix.

Photo courtesy of www.dehmovie.com

Evan Hansen, portrayed by Ben Platt, remembers Connor Murphy during a memorial service. “Dear Evan Hansen” was released Sept. 24 and is playing only in theaters.

‘Dear Evan Hansen’ is worth the watch despite criticism by

Addi Freeman

Associate Editor

Every so often a musical comes along and takes the world by storm, bringing out emotions people haven’t let themselves feel in ages and telling a story that someone, somewhere out there, needs to hear.

“Dear Evan Hansen” was that musical in 2016, when it first opened on Broadway. Flash-forward to 2021, and the six-time Tony Award-winning musical has hit the big screen with feedback that undermines its Tony-winning ability.

While the movie has a couple of draw-backs, it in no way warrants the barrage of hate being thrown its way.

“Dear Evan Hansen” tells the story of Evan as he gets himself tangled in the life -- and death -- of Connor Murphy. With a couple of lies, Evan finds himself on the way to finding the person he’s always wanted to be, but soon everything crashes around him.

The biggest issue with the film, directed by Stephen Chbosky, is the casting of 28-year-old Ben Platt as 17-year-old Evan

Hansen. Platt’s de-aging process didn’t go well, and he sort of looks even older than his actual age in the film. But Ben Platt is Evan Hansen. He originated the role. He embodies Evan in a way that’s almost magical.

However, the story could have been even more spectacular had the decision to take songs from the Broadway soundtrack out of the film version not been made.

By taking out songs such as “Anybody Have a Map,” “To Break in a Glove” and “Good for You” -- songs revolving around the parents of Evan and Connor -- the film loses some of its potency.

Some of the original songs were replaced with one written specifically for the movie titled “The Anonymous Ones.” While it shifts the highlighting of characters from the parents to a completely different character, it still carries a strong and important message that needs to be heard.

The casting was also spot-on. When musicals move from the stage to the Hollywood screen, actors

without musical chops often get big roles and mess things up. But this wasn’t the case with DEH. Adding to the story, we get new scenes that aren’t present in the stage version.

Sometimes extra scenes in the film version of a typically stage-produced show take away from the story and put our focus on something not as important to the central message of the story.

However, the added scenes in this film help viewers get a better understanding of both Evan and Connor. They draw us closer to them.

Overall, “Dear Evan Hansen,” like most Broadway productions, is best experienced on stage, with the actors right in front of you. But this film is a fantastic way to be introduced to DEH and the topics discussed within it.

If this is the only positive review you see about this movie, but you still aren’t sure whether it’s worth your time, here’s some advice: Go see it.

Sincerely, Me. “Dear Evan Hansen” is available to watch only in theaters.

1.Command-Hook Curtains

2. 5 Below Rugs

3. Use Whats Already There

4. Masking Tape/Stick Wallpaper

5. Artbook Prints

College apartments can be rough. If you’ve got big windows and cheapo blinds, theres a good chance you’ve been woken up far too early on a Saturday morning with the sun shining in your eyes.

Command hook are an ingenious solution. Here’s how to do it.

Head to your local walmart and pick up a pack of curtain rod command hooks. They are steel in color. Next, grab a curtain rod. Make sure it is less than one inch in diameter, so it will rest easily in the hook. Finally, blackout curtains. Walmart has some seriously cheap blackout curtains that are fantastic.

Assemble, and voila!

Perhaps the easiest way to gussy up a room is with rugs. Despite how simple and low effort they are, rugs can come at a big cost to renters. I can’t promise these will fit your aesthetic exactly, or that they’ll be particularly luxurious, but 5 Below has some fantastic decorate rugs. Search in store or on their website for themthey’re super cheap! An added bonus is that because these are cheaper rugs, they’re quite thin, which makes them extremely easy to wash in typical washers.

Just airdry afterward. The rugs on the website seem to be more neutral in color.

I live in a rental house, so I cant speak to apartment complexes, but there was still quite a few nails in the wall when I moved in. Rather than whipping out the hammer and nail yourself, take your artwork and work around the nails already in the wall. Afterall, if the nails are still there long after the last tenant, they probably hit a stud and have quite a sturdy hold. Additionally, I recommend having different sizes of nails and scouring your walls for nail holes you can just slide yours into. No hammer needed! Finally, use the features of your home/apartment to your advantage. My house has old school laundry drying stands I use to cut down on my dryer bill.

Admittedly, I haven’t tried this, but I plan on it. If you’ve got the landlord special of horrible white/gray walls, floor to ceiling, your space can begin to feel a little drab. Stick wallpaper is a fantastic solution, but if you’re like me, and you really want that security deposit back, here’s how to ensure no paint gets peeled. Grab some painter’s tape from your local hardware store and make sure its the widest roll you can get.

Next, place it on the wall you plan on sticking your wallpaper too. Essentially, wallpaper your wall with the painter’s tape.

After it’s complete, stick your wallpaper up! This will ensure that moisture and temperature changes don’t cause your wallpaper to peel the paint off the wall when it’s time to move out.

If you read number three and thought to yourself- I don’t have any wall art! I have a solution for you. Over the years I’ve acquired quite a few art books from thrift shops and the like. Rather than letting them collect dust on your shelf- which is all they’re really meant for anyway, crack it open and tear out what you’d like to hang. Typically, artbooks are made with really sturdy paper, so sticking your tear out in a cheap dollar store frame should look a whole lot more expensive than it sounds! Art books a.k.a coffee table books are super easy to find at GoodWill.

ucanews.live

SPORTS

8 / October 6, 2021

UCA STATS CORNER SPORT

OPPONENT

Women’s Soccer

Kennesaw St.

Men’s Soccer Football

FGCU Abilene Christian

RESULT

RECORD

3-4 L

2-1-0

2-1 W

3-0-0

42-21 W

2-3

Volleyball

Lipscomb

3-0 L

1-3

Softball

Tulsa

3-2 W

1-0

TENNIS

Photo courtesy of ucasports.com

Junior Sara Steimel runs to the finish line. Steimel placed forty-seventh in the race and beat her personal record at the Chili Pepper Festival in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The women’s team placed sixteenth and the men’s placed eighth overall.

Cross country set eleven personal records at Chili Pepper Festival BY

MIA WADDELL

News Editor

UCA’s cross country teams placed middle of the road during the Chile Pepper Festival cross country meet on Friday, Oct. 1.

There were 322 runners, making up 37 women’s teams and 36 men’s teams that competed. Overall, the men’s team placed eighth, and the women’s team placed sixteenth.

“This meet allowed the Bears to move up in the South Central Regional rankings,” according to ucasports.com.

Individually, the UCA cross country players set 11 personal records.

Junior Sara Steimel placed forty-seventh, the highest out of the UCA women’s team, with a time of 17:53.2, which was also a new personal record.

“I think it was really good.

I know that a couple of us matched our PRs and think we just ran really good,” said Steimel.

Men’s leader Thomas Cain placed thirty-seventh with a time of 24:53.6.

“I’m really proud of the

team today. This is the best showing we’ve ever had for team UCA,” Cain said. “It’s really heartwarming to see where this program has been these past three years. I felt like last year at this point that I was almost done with my running career, and now these guys are just keeping me going.”

Freshman Ali Nachtigal placed one-hundred-first and set a personal record with a time of 18:32.0. Sophomore Anna Bommes placed one-hundredthirty-eighth and set a personal record with a time of 18:53.3.

Seven men’s team members set personal records during the meet.

Senior Tate Whaley set a personal record with a time of 25:26.0.

Sophomore Christian Tamura placed eighty-second and set a personal record with a time of 25:33.6.

“We ran great as a team at the Chile Pepper Invitational, beating a majority of the teams there,” Tamura said. “We still have work to do, but the UCA cross country team should not be overlooked this year.”

Freshman Fionn Harrington set a personal record with a time of 25:42.1.

Harrington placed ninetieth.

“The team came out with a lot of personal records, and overall we performed well,” said Harrington. “We beat some teams who are regionally ranked ahead of us, so we are excited for the rest of the season and prove we are a team that shouldn’t be counted out.”

In comparison to the other South Central Regional Teams, UCA’s men’s team placed third, being beaten by the University of Arkansas and LSU. The women’s team was beaten by The University of Arkansas, LSU, Arkansas State and UT Arlington.

Assistant coach Grey Howard told UCA sports, “We are building towards conference, and Chile Pepper is just another step in the right direction. It was great to face off against and have success against teams within close proximity to us.”

The Bears’ next meet is at Pre Nationals in Tallahassee, Florida on Friday, Oct. 15.

NON-CONFERENCE FINALE

Photos by Delaney Van Wilpe

(top) Sophomore Paulina Engback swings during a doubles match at UCA’s 2nd Fall Invitational Oct. 4. (bottom) Freshman Sumomo Hamanaga and sophomore Jaeun Lee celebrate doubles win. The next match that UCA will participate in will be at the Southern Methodist University Invitational Oct. 8-Oct. 10 in Dallas, Texas.

Bears tennis anticipate to build on last season this fall semester BY

EDMUND BURKE

Staff Writer

Photo courtesy of ucasports.com

Junior quarterback Breylin Smith thows one of his 38 passing attempts in the Abilene Christian game Oct. 2. Smith earned his second ASUN Offensive Player of the Week Oct. 4 after the Bears’ win against Abilene Christian.

Football finishes out non-conference play with a win against the Wildcats BY

CHRISTIAN WEST

Staff Writer

The Bears football team came up with a big 42-21 win on the road at Abilene Christian this past weekend.

This win puts the Bears at 2-3, non-conference, and helps set them up to make it an even 3-3 next week.

The Bears were off to a slow start being outscored in the first quarter 7-0, but once the second quarter rolled around, there was no slowing down as the Bears scored 14 points in each of the three remaining quarters.

The Bears were down 2114 at half-time, but the Bears defense played to near perfection and held the Wildcats to score zero points in the second half.

Bears junior quarterback Breylin Smith played a phenomenal game, throwing five touchdowns and 358 passing yards. He also only had 10 incomplete passes; he threw 28 completions on 38 passing attempts.

Bears junior wide receiver

Lujuan Winningham was on the receiving end of a lot of Smith’s throws. Winningham caught eight passes for one touchdown and 211 receiving yards.

Winningham’s touchdown came in the second quarter while the Bears were down 14-0. Smith connected with Winningham on a huge 57yard touchdown pass to bring the score to 14-7, which helped the Bears get back in the game.

Another Bears wide receiver, sophomore Christian Richmond, was practically living in the end zone as he had three receiving touchdowns on only five receptions.

Sophomore tight end Austin Eldridge had the fifth receiving touchdown along with two catches for 25 receiving yards.

The Bears had a balanced attack running the ball with two running backs rushing 80 plus yards each.

Freshman running back Trysten Smith had 87 rushing yards on 13 carries, and other freshman running back Darius Hale had 86 rushing yards on 22 carries

and one rushing touchdown.

On the defensive side, the Bears were still making plays.

The Bears’ defense forced three turnovers in the game, including one interception and two fumble recoveries. The interception was made by freshman defensive back Nick Nakwaasah.

The Bears and the Wildcats both had six penalties called against them, but the Bears committed less damaging penalties, as their six penalties cost them 48 yards in comparison to the Wildcats’ 85.

The Bears as a whole unit came to play in this game.

The Bears outperformed the Wildcats in both passing and rushing yards, while also having fewer turnovers with zero total.

The Bears will be playing Eastern Kentucky next on Saturday, Oct. 16 in Conway, which will start their conference season. The Bears will be on their bye week this week, a week during the middle of the season where they do not have a game, which will give them a chance to prepare for their game against Eastern Kentucky.

The University of Central Arkansas Bears’ fall tennis season is officially underway as the Bears hosted and participated in UCA Second Fall Invitational Oct. 3 and Oct. 4, which was delayed due to weather conditions.

The Bears finished last season with an overall record of (14-11) and (8-2) in the Southland Conference.

“We are trying to build on last season. We know what we need to do individually, and now we just need to go out and do it well on each court,” coach Casey Wharton said.

For this season, senior Yada Vasupongchai said, “My goal would be to have fun and enjoy every moment I have left. Stay in the present with my coach and teammates and myself.”

The 2021-22 tennis roster includes freshman Sumomo Hamanaga, sophomores Paulina Engback, Maja Gledic,

and Jaeun Lee, juniors Mei Ishimura, Fuka Nonoyama, and Chunxi Xin, and senior Yada Vasupongchai.

“We put 100% of our efforts into every practice, we share, we support, and we encourage each other all the time. We’ve been working hard for the upcoming season and can’t wait to be on court to have fun,” Vasupongchai said.

The bears hosted the UCA First Fall Invitational from Sept. 17 through Sept. 18, resulting in 12 single wins and nine double wins, with sophomore Maja Gledic earning championship honors in both singles play and doubles with partner sophomore Jaeun Lee. “The tournament [First Fall Invitational] is always a great way to start the season. It has many teams, and many matches and most are very competitive. It’s also nice to play at home and sleep in our beds,” Wharton said.

The bears traveled to

Birmingham, Alabama, Sept.

24 through Sept. 26, for the Samford Fall Invitational.

The Bears faced off against the Samford Bulldogs and, new to the ASUN Conference, Lipscomb University’s Bisons, Tennessee.

The Bears dominated the bisons with a clean sweep victory on the doubles side.

Highlights of the weekend include junior Mei Ishimura undefeated in singles (2-0), dropping only one match against Samford with partner senior Yada Vasupongchai (2-1).

Coming into the weekend’s invitational undefeated in singles (3-0) and doubles (3-0) – Maja Gledic – left Birmingham with her first loss in both but extended her winning streak as she finished with a (5-1) singles and (5-1) doubles record.

“We are a veteran team who has competed at high levels in the past, and I think if we stay healthy, this year could be our best year yet,” Wharton said.