Feb. 13, 2013

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

Volume 109 — Issue 4

February 13, 2013 Wednesday

20% Rain Early

4T H U R S DAY

4 page

Partly Cloudy

57/33

Black History Month: ‘Our Voice’ celebrates historically influential figures 4

Voice: Administrators should not be only ones paid above state maximum 4

Basketball: Women fall to Stephen F. Austin, Northwestern State

53/32

Campus Life:

Opinion:

Sports:

4 TODAY

7

page 3

page 6

Baker registers as lobbyist for university

4F R I DAY Mostly Cloudy

49/30

by Marisa Hicks Associate Editor

Fountain of News SGA Rejects Funding Night of Distinction UCA’s Student Government Association did not pass a motion to help fund the needed $5,000 for the third annual Night of Distinction. Funding was rejected by a vote of 18-34.

Adderall Identified As Pills Stolen By Stark According to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, UCAPD said four Adderall pills were identified as the pills stolen by former student Cameron Stark.

The theft of stimulant pills from former UCA Assistant Director of Scholarships Andrew Linn led to the resignation of UCA’s Chief of Staff Jack Gillean and felony charges. Linn was fired by UCA President Tom Courtway Jan. 28 in relation to the case. No drugrelated charges have been filed against Gillean or remaining people involved in the UCA investigation.

Executive Assistant to the President Gilbert Baker registered “out of an abundance of caution” as a lobbyist on Monday, Feb. 11, according to a statement sent to media by UCA President Tom Courtway.

“As I have stated previously, I do not intend for [Baker] to engage in day-to-day lobbying for UCA or on higher education matters,” Courtway said in the statement.

Baker said he and Courtway met Feb. 8 to discuss the possibility of Baker registering as a lobbyist.

“It was my decision [to have Baker register],” Courtway said.

When Courtway announced Nov. 9 that Baker would join UCA’s executive staff, he said he wanted to make it clear that Baker wouldn’t be lobbying for the university any time soon.

At 11:30 a.m. Feb. 11, Courtway sent out a statement, which stated Baker would register as a lobbyist, but that his registration was to prevent the Gilbert Baker perception that Baker is lobbying on the university’s behalf when he “provides advice to me

CHINESE TRADITION

Bear Facts Day Informs Prospective Students UCA will host Bear Facts Day for prospective students, with registration from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. Feb. 16. Prospective students and their families will tour the campus, meet professors and attend information sessions.

Fraternities Add New Members The fraternities of the Independent Greek Council (IGC) and Interfraternity Council (IFC) invited 144 students to join their ranks during recruitment week events. New member counts announced Feb. 1 are: Phi Gamma Delta, 5; Kappa Sigma, 28; Phi Sigma Kappa, 10; Pi Kappa Alpha, 16; Sigma Nu, 13; Sigma Phi Epsilon, 21 and Sigma Tau Gamma, 30.

Beta Upsilon Chi received 21 bids. Scott Isenga, director of fraternity life, said 11 bids are waiting to be picked up. Open bids will continue until April 25.

View More Stories at MyFountainOnline.com Stories featured include articles written by Fountain writers.

Project creates new safety procedures

by Brandon Riddle News Editor

photo by Emily Lawrence

The Chinese Scholars and Students Association perform a long sleeve dance to ring in the Chinese New Year Feb. 10 at 5:18 p.m. in Reynolds Performance Hall.

page 3

UCA’s Building Emergency Plan Subcommittee, in cooperation with local authorities and building administrators, is working to improve campus emergency procedures.

The BEP initiative, based on research from communication professor JJ McIntyre’s crisis communication class in spring 2012 and 2013, focuses on an individualistic approach to building emergency plans.

The 17-member BEP Subcommittee was created in May 2012 as a subcommittee within the University Safety Committee to address the development of emergency plans for each building.

Chief Information Officer Jonathan Glenn and Associate Provost for Finance and Administration Laura Young serve as cochairs of the subcommittee.

The subcommittee has participated in three events during the process: having two subcommittee meetings and providing an update on progress to the University Safety Committee.

UCAPD Project Manager Arch Jones, a member of the subcommittee, said the project was established on a “case-by-case basis.”

“This process has been a major step forward in planning for and responding to

emergencies in our buildings on campus,” Jones said.

Jones said the building emergency plans have been developed by individuals in campus buildings every day, with support and training from UCAPD, Conway Fire Department, and the Physical Plant.

Building administrators are in the process of submitting their BEPs to the appropriate departmental vice presidents or designee for final approval.

Emergency plans for each building on campus include procedures in the event of a fire, tornado, hazardous materials emergency, gas leak, power outage, flood, active shooter incident, suspicious person or object, bomb threat, medical emergency or earthquake.

Jones said the aspects of emergency planning include building evacuations, inclement weather shelter areas and sheltering if an active shooter is present.

Building administrators develop plans based on a template created by the BEP Subcommittee.

Glenn said each building’s purpose as residential, classroom, or administrative space is influential in developing the plans.

Although the university has an emergency preparedness plan already in place, he

See Project - page 2

- E D U C AT I O N -

- L E G I S L AT U R E -

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

Doctorate of nursing degree program will start in summer 2014

Campus groups debate abortion rights

Vaught replaces Harding

by Peyton Olsen Staff Writer

The Department of Higher Education Coordinating Board’s approval for a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree program at UCA has placed the Department of Nursing one step closer toward its goal for the post-master’s degree to begin in the summer of 2014.

The DNP would take students six semesters, including summers, to complete the 36 hours of online courses.

The program is contingent on the approval from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of a substantive change request, which will be submitted in March.

Barbara Williams, nursing department chair, said the HLC approval would depend on a thorough assessment of the DNP and UCA’s ability to prove it can financially and practically support another doctoral program.

“The program is sound,” Williams said. “[The nursing department] is not concerned about the assessment because the nursing program does a lot of assessment for our [department’s]

See Nursing - page 2

4 Campus Life 4 Entertainment 4 Opinion 4 Sports

by Brandon Riddle News Editor

Student groups on campus recently voiced their opinions on proposed abortion legislation introduced by Republican State Sen. Jason Rapert.

Rapert represents the 35th district, which includes Conway.

Members of UCA’s Young Democrats gathered in front of Ferguson Chapel, the university’s free-speech zone, Feb. 5 in opposition to the bills that would restrict a woman’s ability to get an abortion.

Young Democrats President freshman Jared Lareau said he finds the proposed legislation “completely heinous, unconstitutional, archaic and Draconian.”

“The number of abortions that happen right now won’t cease because of these laws,” he said. “[Abortion laws would] just make it to where you can’t go to a doctor anymore and you [would] receive [an] under-the-table abortion that is extremely dangerous to the body.”

The three bills currently being debated are: Senate Bill 134, the Six Week Abortion Ban; House Bill 1100, the Insurance Exchange Abortion Ban and House Bill 1037, the Fetal Pain Abortion Ban. SB 134, the Human Heartbeat Protection Act, would prohibit abortions as early as 10 to 12 weeks into pregnancy. Fetal heartbeats would be detected using an abdominal ultrasound. Rapert announced changes

Next Issue:

Index: Around Campus

Vice President of University and Government Relations Jeff Pitchford said Baker will focus on his other university functions, which include fundraising, working on special projects, working for university development and communications as well as community outreach. “[Courtway] is very cautious,” Baker said. “[By registering], nobody can say we’re playing games.”

Although Baker has registered as a lobbyist, Courtway said he does not plan on Baker lobbying in the near future but that Baker’s registration was to ensure that Baker is not representing the university when he shouldn’t be.

“I didn’t intend for him to lobby in this [legislative] session,” Courtway said.

- P R E PA R E D N E S S -

Chinese Association Hosts Spring Festival Gala UCA’s Chinese Scholars and Students Association invited the public to experience the Chinese Spring Festival Gala at 4:50 p.m. Feb. 10 in Reynolds Performance Hall. Admission was free. According to the Chinese zodiac, 2013 is the year of the snake. A typical Chinese New Year banquet hosted by CSSA at Mulan’s restaurant was served at 6:30 p.m. following the performances.

and other members of the university on legislative matters.”

Baker, a former UCA music instructor, began his position as executive assistant to the president Jan. 15.

Baker, who served two terms on the joint budget committee, has many friends and acquaintances within the Arkansas house and senate who call upon him for answers to budgeting questions.

“I don’t want for him to go out to breakfast or lunch with someone, or if he goes to a meeting unrelated to UCA, I don’t want [the] accusation [that Baker’s lobbying without being registered],” Courtway said.

Baker is not affected by law to “cool off” of lobbying for one year.

3 5 6 7

Spring enrollment up 1.5 percent from last year

to SB 134 last week in response to controversy regarding potentially invasive practices for locating a heartbeat.

According to an Arkansas Business article, Democratic Gov. Mike Beebe said he believes the abortion bill is unconstitutional.

In response to the Young Democrats protest, sophomore Holly Hambuchen said Bears for Life has a completely different vision for women’s health. “[The Young Democrats] are working toward something they believe in and we are too,” she said.

Bears for Life, UCA’s Recognized Student Organization with a pro-life message, supports Rapert’s restrictions on abortion. Hambuchen, Bears for Life co-president, said life begins at conception and that the number of abortions would drop if Rapert’s abortion bills become law.

“Life is something to be treasured,” she said. “Abortion is murder.”

Hambuchen said the focus should not only be on abortion, but also on women’s stresses involving reproductive health.

Former state representative Linda Tyler (D) attended the protest. Tyler lost to Rapert in the 2012 general election.

Tyler said a constitutional challenge would be an option if Rapert’s proposed

See Abortion - page 2

by Marisa Hicks Associate Editor

Gov. Mike Beebe appointed Little Rock businesswoman Shelia Vaught as the newest UCA Board of Trustees member to replace the void left when Rush Harding III retired last year.

Vaught, 62, was able to graduate from UCA in two and half years with a degree in social studies and a minor in English.

Beebe announced Vaught’s appointment on Shelia Vaught Jan. 22. Harding retired from the board last year after serving the maximum time allowed, 21 years.

President Tom Courtway said he believes Vaught will be an asset to the board because of her talents and her past involvement with teaching students.

“I’m very excited about her appointment,” he said. “She’s been involved, civic and charitable in the Little Rock community. She’s very bright, energetic and highly motivated.”

See Vaught - page 2

Inside:

Contact Us: @ucaecho

as new board member

fb.me/ucaecho

Phone: 501-450-3446 E-mail: ucaechoeditor@gmail.com

© 2013 The Echo, Printed by the Log Cabin Democrat, Conway, Ark.

Minority representation

LGBT students, veterans need more support from university

page 6

2 / February 13, 2013

NEWS

Nursing:

Police Beat The following reports and arrests are from the UCAPD docket. UCAPD reports any tickets issued as arrests, according to ucapd.com.

Student charged with public intoxication Student Nicholas Simpson, 19, was charged with public intoxication, second degree criminal mischief and theft at 2:15 a.m. Feb. 3.

UCAPD made contact with Simpson on the south east side of Laney Hall as he was crossing the street.

Simpson was carrying a large street sign. Police pulled over and shined their flashlight at Simpson.

Simpson saw the police, dropped the sign and kept walking.

Simpson was staggering and reaked of alcohol. His eyes were red and glassy and his speech was slurred.

Simpson informed UCAPD that he had been drinking at the Sigma Phi Epsilon house that evening.

He said he was walking to his dorm and when he saw the sign leaning, he took it. He also said he planned to keep it in his room.

UCAPD placed Simpson in handcuffs and he was escorted to the back of the patrol vehicle. UCAPD took the sign and took Simpson and the sign to the UCA Police Department.

Simpson was issued a citation and was taken to the Faulkner County Detention Center.

ucaecho.net

Garner found possessing marijuana in car; incident reported to judicial board UCA men’s basketball senior forward Jarvis Garner, 21, received a warning for possession of marijuana at 8:36 p.m. Jan. 30.

UCAPD was in the parking lot west of the HPER Center issuing citations for overtime parking at meters, when it saw a green Ford Taurus parked at a meter that had expired. The vehicle did not have a UCA parking permit.

UCAPD shined a light in the car and saw a small plastic bag that contained marijuana. The bag was lying in Garner’s front driver’s side floorboard.

UCAPD found Garner at the basketball courts.

UCAPD showed Garner the marijuana they found in his car and Garner admitted it was his.

Because of his cooperation, UCAPD decided not to charge Garner and allowed him to destroy the marijuana on the scene.

The incident was reported to the University Judicial Board.

Department director says DNP program will create ‘uniqueness,’ increase student enrollment 4 Continued from

page 1

accreditation.”

An additional fee for DNP students would supplement the university’s financial ability to fund a new faculty member and a new staff member. Williams said the amount of that fee has not yet been decided.

The nursing department currently employs 10 faculty members with the necessary experience to instruct the doctoral courses.

UCA originally partnered with the University of Arkansas, Arkansas State University and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, but after six years of coordination attempts, four separate programs were determined to be cost effective for the universities and the most beneficial for the state’s demand for DNPs. The Arkansas Department of Higher Education approved UAMS and ASU in October 2012. UA’s DNP was approved along with UCA on Feb. 1. Each

program will accept up to 20 students each year.

Nelda New, nursing department graduate program director, said UCA’s DNP would not be restricted to advanced practice nurses like the programs at UA, UAMS and ASU. “In our examination of the DNP nationally, we found that you don’t have to be advanced practice to be a DNP,” she said. “[UCA] decided to have a more broad program.”

New said the “uniqueness,” would open the program to nursing students graduating from UCA’s existing master’s programs and increase enrollment.

According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), the United States had eight DNP programs in 2004. The AACN released a statement calling for advanced practice programs to transition to DNP by 2015. As of March 2012, there were 184 DNP programs enrolling students, with approximately 9,000 students

Abortion:

Vaught:

legislation passed, but that it would be “a long and costly process.”

Freshman Jessica Depew said a 20-week abortion ban without exceptions in cases of rape, incest or when a woman’s life is in danger is wrong. “[These bills are] just like saying that every situation is the same and that there is no situation that it would be allowed in,” she said. “It’s completely ridiculous because no situation is the same.”

Depew said Rapert has not shown proper representation of local residents. “[Rapert] to some extent has blocked himself off from comments,” she said. “He’s ignoring the opinions of his constituents.”

Caeli Waldron, Planned Parenthood of Little Rock volunteer and UCA alumna, handed out information about women’s health services at the protest and said she hopes to work with the Young Democrats to defeat the bills.

Waldron was one of the organizers for the Second Annual

Courtway said Vaught will join trustees Brad Lacy and Bunny Adcock on the UCA Audit Committee for two years.

Vaught’s appointment is effective immediately and her term will expire Jan. 14, 2020.

Vaught said she felt honored to be selected and that she has enjoyed watching UCA grow over the years, despite recent criminal charges against two former presidents.

“I know we’ve had some bad publicity in the last few years, but I think it’s turning around,” she said.

Vaught and her husband Larry have ties to Central Arkansas, she said. Larry is a judge on the Arkansas Court of Appeals.

She and Larry have two daughters, who are both married, and four grandchildren. One of her grandchildren is a junior at North Little Rock High School, who she said she hopes has an eye on UCA. Vaught said she is glad to be involved in the college community again because she

Planned Parenthood, students express concerns regarding women’s reproductive health legislation; Young Democrats’ president calls regulations ‘sexist’ 4 Continued from page 1

photo by Daniel Becker

Freshman UCA Young Democrats President Jared Lareau (from left), sophomore Meleah Bowles, sophomore Colby Sansom and freshman vice president Joe Love hold up signs in front of Ferguson Chapel against antiabortion bills in the Arkansas legislature.

Rally for Reproductive Justice in Little Rock, an event the Young Democrats attended.

“I’m proud of [the Young Democrats] for standing against such a thing because it’s just deplorable that our very own senator of Conway would introduce such a bill and assume

that he can legislate women’s bodies when he doesn’t have a medical degree,” Waldron said. “[Rapert] is a politician.

He should stay out of women’s reproductive health.”

Lareau said women should have the right to choose what to do with their bodies.

“[The UCA Young Democrats] feel that there is no room at all for rhetoric and discourse that is racist and legislation that is sexist,” he said. “I find it completely insane that we have this legislation going that is going right now.”

across 40 states and another 101 DNP programs reported in the planning stages.

Williams said the DNP program is gaining popularity because of American health care system’s need for employees with advanced and specific leadership. “[The DNP program] has the additional systems focus, financial focus [and] policy focus that will truly help [students] to be a leader and facilitate change going through the [health care] system,” Williams said.

New said that without a DNP program, all of the postbaccalaureate nursing programs would not be able to compete with the three other state universities.

“The DNP is a national move and we cannot afford to not adhere to national expectations of a graduate program. We are moving with the tide of change in nursing. We either go with the changes that are happening or we lose it all,” she said.

New board member has ties to Central Arkansas, is UCA alumna 4 Continued from page 1 “flew right through school” to graduate quickly in 1971.

Vaught, who is from Scott, Ark., said she commuted to UCA and took courses in spring, summer and fall sessions to earn her degree quickly.

She said that, looking back, she wishes she hadn’t gone through the college experience so fast, but at the time she wanted to be out of school and into her teaching career.

Vaught taught at Jacksonville Southside Junior High Schowol when she graduated from UCA. Vaught said she has been a dancer her whole life, which is why she decided after six years of teaching to do both.

She opened the Little Rock School of Dance, which she ran for 35 years. Vaught retired seven years ago, leaving the studio to one of the other dance instructors.

Vaught plans weddings across the country, with her next one in Dallas in March.

Vaught chaired RiverFest in 1989 and Race for the Cure in 1997.

Project:

BEP Subcommittee building templates create individualistic policies for emergency scenarios; drills will be conducted annually to measure strengths, weaknesses of safety plans in campus facilities 4 Continued from page 1 said the BEP project creates plans specific to each building.

“While everyone wants to provide for the security of our employees and students, we haven’t had in place the detailed plans from building to building,” he said.

Stairways, elevators, areas of safe refuge, first aid supplies, signage, fire extinguishers, evacuation routes, automated external defibrillators, room space or designation and accommodations for accessibility are considered during the evaluation process and creation of unique building plans.

As BEP Subcommittee cochair, Glenn assisted Jones in developing the BEP template documents. Compliance with the National Incident Management System was considered during the creation of the BEPT template. He said the templates were modeled after many university policies using a “best practices notion” that followed state emergency planning requirements.

“Once those [BEPs] are developed and reviewed by the folks in the police department as well as other appropriate administrators, those plans come either [to the academic affairs office] or to other [divisional] vice presidents’ offices for review at the vice president level,” he said. “At that point, I’m involved again not only in reviewing things for academic affairs, but also in helping the whole group work out the details of how [plans] are going to be published and who will have access to them.”

Jones said a one-size-fitsall approach to the process of emergency planning would limit effectiveness.

“So often, these types of plans are created by first-responders such as the police department or the fire department with limited input from other groups such as students, faculty, and staff,” he said.

Glenn said he hopes the

distinctive building emergency plans will be addressed to students in syllabi and in classrooms.

Burdick Hall had complications creating an efficient policy during the building emergency plan development process. Glenn said the building has two completely different emergency plans to accommodate different needs, with one for the information technology department and another for remaining entities in the building.

“They, of course, had to coordinate with each other to make sure that those plans to conflict with each other,” he said.

A team of building administrators coordinates between buildings and share what works best for developing building emergency plans. During the Jan. 31 BEP Subcommittee meeting, Jones said all building administrators completed the building walk-through process with the Conway Fire Department and UCAPD. The BEP template consisting of basic procedures for developing emergency plans was given to building administrators in fall 2012.

Building administrators had a deadline of Jan. 15 to come up with a emergency plan unique to their building. Jones said certain building administrators requested additional time to develop their BEP. Prior to the BEP implementation process, McIntyre said his crisis communication students assessed buildings after approaching UCAPD and UCA administration.

“There was a need for it on campus and we thought it was a good way to increase safety overall,” he said. “It was really a foundational thing that would make a huge difference.”

The class developed buildings and looked first at Thompson

Hall. Students and community organizations, such as Conway Fire Department, were invited to get involved during the assessment process. The results were given to UCAPD and administration in a presentation on the need for campus readiness. “[The class] really had an enhanced understanding of concerns that students had, the concerns that faculty had, and they didn’t necessarily line up with what [UCAPD] had,” he said.

McIntyre’s crisis communication students received an award from the university, which was signed by President Tom Courtway for their service.

Art Lichtenstein, Torreyson Library director and member of the subcommittee, said the building emergency plans address the needs of people in need of assistance during critically important situations.

“You want to note that so that, so that the people that work in that area as part of their training will be prepared to assist that person in getting out of the building,” he said.

Each building administrator was given a floor plan of each their assigned building by the Physical Plant. Evacuation routes, tornado safety zones and exit locations were included in the emergency plan designs.

Physical Plant Director Larry Lawrence said Buck McArthur, project and program administrator created the floor plan renderings.

In the event of an emergency, the building administrator will implement the appropriate emergency procedures. As a back up, alternate building administrators and department emergency coordinators are assigned to assist in safety measures.

The Department Emergency Coordinators (DEC) are appointed by the Building Administrators.

DEC responsibilities include designating the Building

Emergency Teams within the building and assigning specific duties.

For example, evacuations and other emergency actions as necessary. The Physical Plant and UCAPD would also assist in emergency efforts.

Lawrence said the Physical Plant would provide transportation, lighting setup and help direct traffic if incident required such services.

The uniqueness of building designs and functions can create a burden on responders of emergency situations.

With the extended and unusual hours of the library, Lichtenstein said it is important for police and fire departments to know and follow proper procedures.

“This [BEP document] also serves for the responders [in emergency situations],” he said.

Lichtenstein said the project is not about creating a set of completely new policies, but rather a more in-depth look into ways to streamline and ensure the efficiency of emergency building plans.

“There has been no coordinated, systematic, compiled-into-one book plan that pulls [emergency procedures] together,” he said.

Jones said the primary concerns during the development of BEPs were making sure that building administrators and their teams had necessary support and training.

During the development of emergency plans, Jones said there was quite a bit of discussion on ways to deal with active shooter situations.

“For obvious reasons, this topic is on everyone’s mind these days,” Jones said.

To notify the campus community of new emergency procedures, the BEP documents will be distributed to building administrators and other designated safety officials during

training.

At the Jan. 31 BEP Subcommittee meeting, Glenn said he is looking into possibly using MyUCA to distribute the 6065 individual BEP documents to students and faculty because he does not want the public to access the plans. MyUCA would act as a location for BEPs to be archived.

Training for faculty and staff includes enacting emergency scenarios through drills and by hosting workshops.

Each building will conduct drills annually to assess the strengths and weaknesses of emergency procedures.

Training and support for building administrators is expected to begin in March.

UCAPD Chief Larry James said the plan is to conduct drills in a couple of buildings each semester.

The drills would be used as a public awareness campaign of campus emergency procedures.

Campus Life

3

February 13, 2013

- CONCERT-

Around Campus:

A Lovely Sunday The UCA Theatre Program will Present “A Lovely Sunday for Creve Coeur” at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 14 and Feb. 15 in Snow Fine Arts.

The one-act play by Tennessee Williams centers around a young school teacher who dreams of marrying her “Prince Charming,” who also happens to be her boss.

Photo by Pham Minh

Taste of Latin America

Ian Hominick performs “32 Variation in C Minor, WoO. 80” from Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) on Feb. 5 in Snow Fine Arts.

The Conway Symphony Orchestra will perform Latin American music at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 16 in Reynolds Performance Hall with “Sabor de America Latina.” The event will feature many Latin artists’ music.

Hominick plays piano

Old School Celebration “Musical Timewarp” continues Black History Month events at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 19 in the Snow Fine Arts Recital Hall. This event is free and will feature various artists, including Fonzworth Bentley.

by Andrew McClain Staff Writer

Miss Essence Pageant The annual Miss Essence Scholarship Pageant will be at 7 p.m. Feb. 22 in the Ida Waldran Auditorium. The event has a $5 admission fee but is free to students with a current ID.

Poetry Slam Continuing Black History Month, the second annual Unity Poetry Slam will be at 7 p.m. Feb. 25 in the Student Center Ballroom. The event will host def poet Dana Gilmore, Foreign Tongues and eight amatuer poets.

Fiction Frenzy Artist in Residence Jennifer Egan will host a public reading and book signing at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 26 in the College of Business Auditorium. Egan, who is famous for her literary fiction writing, won a Pulitzer Prize for fiction and is an international best seller.

American Boychoir The world renowned American Boychoir will perform at 7:30 p.m.

March 1 in Reynolds Performance Hall. The group, featuring boys from grades four through eight, travels the world as one of the world’s best boy choirs.

Submissions Please submit events for Around Campus in 50 words or fewer to ucaechoeditor@gmail.com.

Include basic who, what, when and where information as well as contact information.

Photos by Jeanette Anderton

(Top) Freshman Katherine Renfro greets young fans after Saturday’s showing of “The Emperor’s New Clothes.” (Bottom from left to right) Renfro, senior Stephanie Yancy, sophomore Madison Ledbetter and freshman Austin Gaither stayed in the lobby for 30 minutes after the play to sign autographs and pose for pictures.

Children’s production full of humor

by Jeanette Anderton Editor

Children squealed with delight as they took part in the UCA Theatre Program’s interactive showing of “The Emperor’s New Clothes” Saturday in Reynolds Performance Hall.

“My favorite part was making the noises [of the loom],” 4-year-old Luke Evans said. “I make a good loom.”

The “lowly tailor” Bailey, who was played by sophomore Madison Ledbetter, asked the audience to help her mimic the whirring sounds of a loom spinning in an effort to fool the emperor and his wife into thinking she was actually making the emperor a new outfit.

“I love doing children shows,” Ledbetter said, after the play. “[I love] seeing their faces

light up; you don’t get that look from kids for anything else.”

The play, written by Hans Christian Andersen, is about a young girl who, in an effort to earn enough money to provide for her family, tells an emperor and his wife that she will make him a new outfit using “magical” loom that is beautiful but can’t be seen by simple-minded people. The girl believes her plan is foolproof because she doesn’t think anyone will admit to not seeing the nonexistent fabric.

Liz Parker, UCA theatre business and production manager, directed the play. She said she was pleased with the play’s turnout.

“We had a great show last night, but today’s crowd was much bigger,” she said. “When I saw the audience I thought, ‘Oh my goodness. It’s such a large crowd.’ They all seemed to enjoy the show very much.”

Seven-year-old Courtney

James said the emperor’s wife, who was played by freshman Katherine Renfro, was her favorite character.

“She’s so pretty,” she said.

“She looks like [Amy Adams] from that movie ‘Enchanted.’

She’s a good actress like [Adams] too.”

Renfro said she has been doing children’s shows since she was in high school.

“You can’t beat the kids’ reactions,” she said. “It’s priceless. I love kids.”

After the play, the cast mingled with audience members in the lobby, posing for pictures with children and signing autographs.

Senior Stephanie Yancey, who narrated the play, said she enjoyed meeting the fans.

“I love kids and I love theatre,” she said. “This was the perfect play for me. [I like] performing in front of the kids and meeting with them after the

play; they bring so much more to it.”

Conway children and their parents weren’t the only audience members Saturday.

Several UCA students watched the play.

Freshman Ryan Most said he wanted to show his support of the theater program.

“I think it’s great,” he said.

“My favorite part of the play was when the emperor came out in his undergarments.”

Freshman Austin Gaither, who played the role of emperor, said he didn’t mind the costumes and that he enjoyed being in the play.

“I enjoy acting,” he said. “I’m so glad I did this play. [After the play] getting to see all the kids so ecstatic, it’s so cute.”

The play began at 10 a.m. and lasted approximately 30 minutes. The cast stayed in the lobby with fans for another 30 minutes after the show.

- C E L E B R AT E -

Multicultural Student Services helps students celebrate with music

by Durrell Green Staff Writer

Kimmie Kidd, Nicole Pryor, Joel Rene and Renata reflected the history of African American women through songs Feb. 10 as a part of “Our Voice: A Celebration of Black Women in Music.”

The event, which took place in the Snow Fine Arts Auditorium, was hosted by Multicultural Student Services and continued its celebration of Black History Month on campus.

Renata said she enjoyed her time at UCA. “It was fun,” she said. “We would love to come back.”

The four performers are known for having prestigious backgrounds in Broadway productions. For Sunday’s show, the women performed covers of songs by African American women throughout several decades.

They began the show performing “I’m Every Woman,” the 1978 hit for Chaka Khan.

The ladies chose to change a couple of the lyrics at the end of the song to say, “There was a time, all we had was our voice,” which led them straight into “Hoe

Photo by Sean Shrewsbury

Joel Renee, Nicole Pryor and Nadine Roden, members of “Our Voice” performed Tina Turner’s famous “Rollin’ on the River” Sunday night for audience members.

Emma Hoe,” which is a call and response hymn about slavery.

In an effort to help the audience visualize the importance of the lyrics, a screen displayed on the stage projected black and white photos of women during slavery as the women sang the moving song.

Next, the show picked up the pace, with Kidd giving a passionate performance of the upbeat “Strange Fruit” by Billie Holiday. As the music was

winding down, Rene immediately began introducing the musical movement of jazz.

The ladies performed the brief “A Tisket, A Tasket” by Ella Fitzgerald before moving into the longer and popular “Stop in the Name of Love” by The Supremes, which was led by Renata.

The group didn’t overlook the disco era, covering “Last Dance”

by Donna Summers, at which point the ladies came down from the stage to dance with willing

audience members as they sang.

Rene slowed the pace with a solo performance of Aretha Frankiln’s “Natural Woman.”

Kidd took over immediately, with a soulful rendition of “Midnight Train” by Gladys Knight.

The audience was amused when the group, in an effort to pay homage to Tina Turner, mimicked Turner’s signature dance moves as they sang her hit song, “Rolling on the River.”

The ladies once again changed the tempo by following Turner’s homage with “We Shall Overcome,” a spiritual song that was a representative of the civil rights movement. Once again, pictures were projected on the stage screen; this time of images from the civil rights era.

Rene took over once again with a powerful operatic voice covering “Summertime” from the opera by Porgy and Bess, which seemed to ignite the audience’s enthusiasm. Renata followed by covering “Home” from the Broadway musical “The Wiz.” Kidd tackled the issue of black patriotism, performing “God Bless America” and the national anthem, as pictures of Whitney Houston singing

w w w. UCAE cho .n e t / c ampu slife

the national anthem at the 1991 Super Bowl played on the projection screen.

The ladies ended the show performing the upbeat “Survivor,” by award-winning music group Destiny’s Child and “Never Give Up” by Yolanda Adams.

After the concert, the ladies opened the floor to the audience for questions. They were asked about how to be successful in the music industry. A few audience members commented on being grateful to the group for combining music and black history.

The ladies thanked the audience for their warm welcome and Kidd said she especially enjoyed the “Southern hospitality” showed by Multicultural Student Services Director Angela Jackson.

Jackson said the group was easy to work with.

“My experience working with the group was excellent,” Jackson said, after the show. “‘Our Voice’ took into consideration the amount we had in our budget, even though it was considerably less than their minimum asking amount, and blessed us with an awesome performance.”

Classical pianist Ian Hominick entertained a crowd on Feb. 5 in the Snow Fine Arts Bridges/Larson Theater.

Hominick is an accomplished piano professor who has recorded and toured extensively and currently teaches at the University of Mississippi.

Neil Rutman, piano professor at UCA said he invited Hominick to perform at UCA. “Ian is a friend of mine who I met while performing [at the World Conference of European Piano Teachers Association] in Serbia, so I invited him to come play here,” Rutman said.

Hominick played unaccompanied at a Steinway grand piano. He opened with “32 Variations in C Minor WoO. 80,” by Ludwig Van Beethoven.

He continued with Muzio Clementi’s “Sonata quasi Concerto, Op. 33, No. 3.”

Hominick said he has recorded many of Clementi’s works as he shared stories with the audience about Clementi and his peers.

Hominick said Mozart was not fond of Clementi and that Mozart went on record advising people not to play Clementi’s works, saying, “You might hurt yourself.”

Hominick, who is from Nova Scotia and has traveled extensively while studying piano, said this was his first visit to Conway but not to Arkansas.

He said he visited Eureka Springs while on a road trip from Chicago with his wife.

After intermission, Hominick talked about Sigismund Thalberg, a Swiss composer who toured the Unites States in 1857 and made $150,000.

“I don’t think he played Conway, but he did perform in Natchez and Vicksburg,” Hominick said.

Hominick said Thalberg had a background in the aristocracy and was looked down upon by other composers.

Thalberg had a publicized feud with Franz Liszt, which culminated in the two having a pianists’ duel in Paris in 1836. Hominick said Thalberg’s unique style of playing and composing often gave the illusion that he was playing with three hands.

Hominick said there was an amateur pianist who became “mystified” by Thalberg’s style and was driven insane because he never saw Thalberg’s “third hand.”

Hominick performed only Thalberg pieces for the second half of the show. Hominick said he had recorded some of the Thalberg pieces in the 1990s and had not revisited them until recently.

Hominick played his “Barcarolle in A Minor, Op.60,” “Nocturne in D-flat Major, Op. 21/3,” “Nocturne in B Major, Op. 66 bis” and “Tarantelle in C Minor, Op. 65.”

The audience laughed as Hominick shared several humorous stories throughout the concert, including a story about the tarantelle.

“Does anyone know what a tarantelle is?” Hominick asked. “No? It’s the dance that takes place after the bite of the tarantula.”

After the tarantelle story, a young girl ran onstage and presented Hominick with a bouquet of flowers. Hominick played a short piece by George Gershwin as an encore.

ucaecho.net

CAMPUS LIFE

February 13, 2013 /4

BY JENNIFER HICKS

CONRAD AND SYD

-HABITS-

Student Wellness, Development hosts heart health seminar

by Tanner Smith Staff Writer

A 13-year-old boy born with half a heart encouraged students to make heart-healthy choices at the Student Wellness and Development’s Feb. 4 seminar, “The Heart of the Matter.”

Aside from UCA health students, a special attendee was 13-year-old Brady Woods and his family. Brady told the audience about the struggles he has faced because he was born with only half of his heart, as a result of hypoplastic left-heart syndrome.

He said he has had four openheart surgeries: when he was two weeks old, six months old, three years old and the fourth shortly before he turned five years old.

Everyone listened closely and seemed to grow emotional as he told his story at the front of the room.

Freshman Kelsey Pope said she was inspired by Brady and was glad she attended the seminar.

“I learned that everyone is at risk for heart disease; not just people with genetic histories,” she said. “I’m planning on changing my behaviors and being a little more careful with myself.”

Jenna Davidson, program coordinator, and Intern Taylor Guthrie organized the event.

Photo by Pham Minh

Taylor Guthrie lectures “The Heart of the Matter” for students in the Student Center Ballroom on Feb. 4. The event taught attendees tips and risk factors to be aware of for heart health.

Davidson and Guthrie started the seminar by giving a presentation about heart disease. Guthrie said heart disease isn’t a problem that develops overnight.

“It can affect everyone,” he said. “It’s the choices being made now that affect our bodies later in life.”

Davidson told attendees that it’s never too early to start

thinking about heart disease. “[You should think about it] at every age,” she said. “It’s never too early to start developing good healthy habits. We should all be getting daily exercise to stay healthy, get better sleep, have more energy and stay at a healthy weight.”

Guthrie gave the group examples of different kinds of

heart disease including coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, heart infections and congenial heart disorders. He said some risk factors include genetics, physical activity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and lifestyle choices.

He said the lifestyle choices that are the most common risk factors among college students are binge drinking, poor diet, birth control,

FREE HUGS

high stress and tobacco use.

The group viewed two videos to help reinforce the importance of being heart healthy. The crowd seemed to most enjoy the first video, which was a Public Service Announcement starring Elizabeth Banks. In it, Banks has survived a heart attack and is learning how to prevent future attacks

- T H E AT E R -

‘A Lovely Sunday’ play to display drama, love

by Stephen Reynolds Entertainment Editor

Photo by Pham Minh

Resident Coordinator Tony King and Senior Courtney McCowen from the Housing Department participate in “free hug” in front of the Student Center Feb. 7.

-MUSICA-

Conway orchestra to give community taste of Latin sounds

by Spencer Griffin Campus Life Editor

The Conway Symphony Orchestra will feature music from Latin countries and cultures at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 16 in Reynolds Performance Hall.

The event will feature Marquez’s “Danzon No. 2,” Moncayo’s “Huapango,” Bernstein’s “West Side Story Selections” and Piazzolla’s “Adios Nonino.”

The event, which is underwritten by Carroll and Mary Lee Williams, will feature Rick Dimond on accordion.

“Sabor de America Latina,” which means “the flavor of Latin America” will bring a diverse and up-tempo music style to UCA. Israel Getzov, CSO conductor, said he hopes the community has a fun time with this event.

and what to do if she does have another attack.

After the videos, Guthrie gave a lecture on taking care of your body titled “Take Charge of Your Health.”

He said the most important step is to know your body well.

“Nobody knows your body better than you do,” Guthrie said.

“It is your responsibility to be aware of changes in your health.

Healthy habits matter now. Heart disease can be congenital or develop over time. A heart attack rarely just happens. It is the result of years of bad habits and plaque building up in your arteries.”

After reviewing the key points of the seminar, Guthrie asked a front-row attendee, senior Candace Marconi, what she would change in order to stay healthy that she learned fom the lecture. “[I will change] some of the stuff I eat and my daily habits,” she said.

Senior Kara Norton was awarded the door prize, a Sporty Runner gift card, when her ticket was drawn at the end of the lecture.

Guthrie said anyone with questions about healthy habits could come to his office in the Student Health Clinic Suite 308.

“I’m looking forward to having more fun than is legal,” he said. “First and foremost, I’m sure [the audience] will have a great time. I hope they will now have a new appreciation of Latin America.”

Getzov said the style of music “Sabor de America Latina” features is unique and has no limits.

“Latin American music is full of life, full of passion and is enjoyed by people from every culture,” he said.

Dustin Knepp, assistant professor of Spanish, said he sees this as a great opportunity for the UCA community.

“For those of us who already enjoy many of the various styles of music coming from Latin America or within the U.S., as well as for someone who might be new to the sounds that will

be presented, it is always nice to have the chance to experience the music in person,” he said.

He said the event shows that UCA cares about its programs and the people on campus.

“Having musical diversity shows that UCA supports musical appreciation,” he said. “Hopefully it is reflective of the university’s efforts to support other forms of diversity on campus as well. It certainly is a chance for UCA to show its dedication to some of the diverse student interests on campus.”

He said students could gain a new appreciation for the culture and artistic representations of Latin America and discover a real connection to what the music conveys. Knepp said the event is as significant as attending a lecture on a daily basis.

“It is important to realize that

experiencing a cultural event can be as significant of a learning experience as attending a class session,” he said. “By hosting these types of events, UCA reinforces its commitment to educating central Arkansas and providing a unique experience for the audience members to gain an enhanced global perspective.”

The CSO exists to create meaningful experiences through performances and education, according to its mission statement. The program also strives to provide high quality, professional musical performances for Central Arkansas.

Tickets for the event can be purchased at the Reynolds Performance Hall Box Office.

For more information on CSO, go to conwaysymphonyorchestra.org.

UCA’s Theatre Program will present the work of Tennessee Williams in his one-act play, “A Lovely Sunday for Creve Coeur” in the Bridges/Larson Theater in the Snow Fine Arts Center.

The play opens at 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 14, 15, 20 to 22.

The play is about a young schoolteacher, Dottie, who dreams of marrying her “Prince Charming,” which is her boss, T. Ralph Ellis, after she allows him to seduce her in the backseat of a car.

When she finds that he is engaged, her heart is broken and she must move on to a more suitable mate.

The one-act, two-scene play is one of William’s more famous short plays. Williams is also known for “A Streetcar Named Desire,” “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” and “The Glass Menagerie,” all of which have been adapted into films.

Williams’s plays focus on mental illness, dysfunctional relationships, familial relationships, drug and alcohol use, domestic violence, homosexuality and the depths and origins of human feelings and motivations.

The actors and actresses have been working on the production for weeks and Friday was the first technical rehearsal.

Monday was the first dress rehearsal.

“Friday we had fittings, so it

was the first time we got to try on what our characters wear,” junior Katie Stogsdill said.

“It is a spectacular feeling to finally get into the character’s ‘skin’. Monday is our first dress rehearsal which is both terrifying and exciting.”

The production will be directed by Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre’s Artistic Director Rebekah Scallet with set design by alumna Elizabeth Weatherford. Costume design is by senior Jennifer Hicks and lighting design is by senior Josh Anderson.

Cast members include recent UCA graduate Ashli Brown of Ft. Smith, Stogsdill of Greenbrier, senior Geneva Galloway of Maumelle and freshman Jordyn Daniels of Bentonville.

“One thing that a lot of audience members going to see our play probably won’t know is that Creve Coeur is French for ‘broken heart’,” Stogsdill said.

“So the play’s title translated would mean ‘A lovely Sunday for a broken heart.’ We all thought this was ironic and funny, considering that opening night happens to be on Valentine’s Day.” Daniels said the team works hard.

“We have rehearsals every night from 6 to 9 and we have just recently been running the entire show every night and then working certain scenes afterwards,” she said.

Tickets are $10 for the public and two free for students with a current UCA I.D.

Entertainment

5 -TELEVISION-

February 13, 2013

New This Week Books

Feb. 19 ­— Nothing Gold Can Stay by Ron Rash Feb. 19 — Buddhist Boot Camp

by Timber Hawkeye Feb. 19 — Prague Winter: A Personal Story of Remembrance and War by Madeleine Albright

photo courtesy of www.examiner.com

“The Walking Dead” is a horror drama that airs Sundays on AMC. The show is directed by Frank Darabout and Robert Kirkman.

‘Dead’ comes back to life

Feb. 19 — Batman: Night of the Owls by Scott Snyder Feb. 19 — The Everyday Life Bible: The Power of God’s Word for Everyday Living by Joyce Meyer

Kendrick Lamar is a rap artist from the city of Compton, Cali. He has released two studio albums, five mixtapes and an EP. He is also a member of the hip hop supergroup, Black Hippy.

Feb. 19 — The Sound of Broken Glass by Deborah Crombie

Lamar still sitting at top of rap charts

Movies Feb. 14 ­— Safe Haven, directed by Lasse Hallström, starring Julianne Hough, Josh Duhamel Feb. 14 — Beautiful Creatures, directed by Richard LaGravenese, starring Alice Englert, Viola Davis Feb. 14 — A Good Day to Die Hard, directed by John Moore, starring Bruce Willis, Jai Courtney Feb. 15 — Escape from Planet Earth, directed by Cal Brunker, starring Jessica Alba, Rob Corddry

Music Feb. 19 — III - Eat Skull Feb. 19 ­— Wild Chorus - Anders and Kendall Feb. 19 — Clash the Truth Beach Fossils Feb. 19 — Free the Universe Major Lazer Feb. 19 — Confessions Buckcherry Feb. 19 — Push The Sky Away Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds Feb. 19 ­— In A World of Mallets Jason Marsalis Vibes Quartet Feb. 19 ­— The Marriage Of True Minds - Matmos Feb. 19 — You’re Nothing Iceage Feb. 19 — Privilege - Parenthetical Girls Feb. 19 — Someone Else’s Cake Red Jacket Mine Feb. 19 — Jamie Lidell - Jamie Lidell

Video Games Feb. 19 — Hakuoki: Warriors of the Shinsengumi, Sony PSP exclusive Feb. 19 — ­ Metal Gear Rising Revengeance, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 Feb. 19 ­— Crysis 3 Hunter Edition, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3

photo courtesy of www.bet.com

by Clark Johnson Sports Editor

The second album release

by Compton-native Kendrick Lamar “good kid, m.A.A.d city” still sits on the Billboard charts as the third-highest selling hip hop album after being released nearly four months ago.

“Good kid, m.A.A.d city” was released on Oct. 22, 2012. The album is considered Lamar’s “introduction” to be the big music industry. His first studio album, “Section.80” was independently released through iTunes.

Lamar gained attention in the mainstream hip hop world from the single “Swimming Pools (Drank),” which was released well before the album came out.

Considered to be the most radiofriendly song on the album, the song depicts Lamar’s upbringing of constantly being around alcohol, while maintaining a catchy chorus suitable for nearly any environment.

“Poetic Justice,” the second single released from the album, is a less aggressive song that still makes airwaves daily. Lamar shows a softer, more melodic side of his music with this song, which features a full band playing behind the lyrics. “Poetic Justice”

Sci-Fi Shows of the Past 15 Years List compiled by Brad Smith

city” are the final two: “Real” and “Compton.”

“Real” features singer Anna Wise on the chorus, which simply repeats “I’m proud to say ya, I’m real. I’m real, I’m really really real.”

Though the chorus is repetitive and not lyrically complex, Lamar’s lyricism shines in this track.

The song depicts how people can find themselves loving situations they’re in with others, but still aren’t comfortable with themselves. I highly recommend this song.

The final track, “Compton,” features the iconic figure of the notoriously dangerous Los Angeles suburb, Dr. Dre. Who else would be on a track titled “Compton?”

This song is a complete 360 from the other tracks on “good kid, m.A.A.d city,” disregarding the story throughout the album to end with a different sound, fitting in with Snoop Dogg’s and Dre’s early styles. This West Coast sound, which is one of my favorite genres of rap, impressed me more than the rest of Lamar’s album, because it shows Lamar is capable of tackling different styles of hip hop.

Lamar has become one of the most popular new artists in the rap industry.

Entertainment Editor

“The Walking Dead” returned with an explosive mid-season premiere Sunday night. Episode 309, “The Suicide King” returned right where the previous episode left off. The mid-season finale, “Made to Suffer” left off with Daryl Dixon, played by Norman Reedus, being forced to fight his brother Merle, played by Michael Rooker. The Governor, played by David Morrisey, had caught Daryl as part of a group of “terrorists” and accused Merle of helping them get into Woodbury.

“The Suicide King” begins with the two brothers banding together to escape the fight and Woodbury, as Rick Grimes, played by Andrew Lincoln, and Maggie Greene, played by Lauren Cohan, return to Woodbury to rescue Daryl. They end up rescuing both brothers, but when they return to Glenn, played by Steven Yeun, and Michonne, played by Danai Gurira, they refuse to let Merle join their group and accompany them to the prison.

Daryl sides with Merle and leaves the group, leaving them shocked and afraid. Glenn questions Rick’s leadership after he lets Daryl leave, as Daryl has become one of the most valued members of the group.

Back at Woodbury, chaos has erupted. The Governor has retreated to his home and refuses to come out, causing the citizens to panic. In the chaos, two walkers enter the city and attack a

-GAMES-

citizen. Andrea, played by Laurie Holden, kills the two walkers as the dying citizen pleads for help.

The Governor, who has been absent since the fight, walks out of his home, shoots the man in the head and walks back into his house. Rick, Glenn, Michonne and Maggie return to the prison to find Tyreese’s, played by Chad Coleman, group waiting anxiously. Rick initially refuses to let them stay in the prison, however, Hershel, played by Scott Wilson, pleads with him to change his mind. Before Rick can decide, he sees an apparition of Lori and has another psychotic episode, scaring both groups and causing them to scatter.

The show was incredible and left you in a state of suspense, as always. The end left both groups in the prison and Woodbury in chaos with the whereabouts of Daryl and Merle unknown.

The acting was great, as always.

The Governor has made the progression from the “pretty boy, Jim Jones type” to the Governor from the comics: more stoic, ruthless and heartless.

Rick has lost his mind, yet again, and Tyreese, who is a central character in the comics starts moving into the group.

The preview for the next episode shows a war brewing, with Merle and Daryl fighting for their lives on an interstate overpass and the Governor plotting an assault on the prison group.

“The Walking Dead” is back in action. The story of survival continues at 8 p.m. Sundays on AMC.

-CINEMA-

‘Temple Run 2’ improves on previous app ‘Side Effects’ is fantastic finish with more powerups, characters, obstacles by Tanner Smith

by Spencer Griffin Campus Life Editor

The nation-wide craze of Temple Run is back with Temple Run 2, which is now available on iTunes and in the Google Play store.

The game that everyone used to compete to get the highest score has released its second installment of the game, with new features and obstacles.

The overall object of the game is still the same: run as long as you can and grab as many coins and power-ups as possible.

The game is played identically to the first, pertaining to the camera angle and controls.

One must still swipe his finger on his smartphone to make his character jump, slide or turn.

Rather than being chased around the scenery by three monkeys, Temple Run 2 involves one giant monkey chasing the character around the map.

Imangi Studios, the makers of the application, have added new environments, obstacles, powerups and achievements.

The stage is set in yet another jungle-type atmosphere, but the scenery can change at times. One specific change that the user will notice right away is the use of zip lines.

The player will need to swipe upward on the smartphone to get

1. Battlestar Galactica (2004-2009)

The Top Five Best

features Drake, who takes the second verse, while Lamar has the first and third verses, along with the chorus.

Aside from the two singles, “good kid, m.A.A.d city” is less of a radio album and more of a story album.

Throughout the album, Lamar uses voice clips to emphasize a backdrop to the story the lyrics are trying to portray. Regular characters in the voice clips include Lamar, his parents, his friends and the recurring conversation about Lamar’s loveinterest “Sherane.”

The first track, “Sherane a.k.a. Master Splinter’s Daughter” introduces listeners to Lamar meeting Sherane and finding out about her dangerous family history which Lamar disregards due to his lust for her.

Like much of the album, the first track has no chorus or specific song structure. The typical rap song includes verses with 16 bars, but Lamar ignores tradition to help tell the story of his late teen years. The stories of Sherane, his friends and the dangerous streets of Compton are illustrated chronologically on the album.

The two tracks that stand out the most on “good kid, m.A.A.d

by Stephen Reynolds

Arguably the best science fiction television series of all time, “Battlestar Galactica” managed to mix topical, relatable storylines with an enthralling overarching narrative; something no military science fiction show had accomplished before. A remake of the late 1970s show, “Battlestar Galactica” unfortunately never managed to attract a truly mainstream audience. The Sci-Fi Channel allowed the series to run its course.

his character in the air and sliding down the zip line while leaning to collect coins.

Another big change the game has undergone is the incorporation of mining carts.

The character, at times, will run into a tunnel, which is the mining shaft, and will hop in the cart and make his way on the track.

While in the cart, the player must lean certain ways to choose the right path, avoid falling off and gather coins.

The user must also be sure to duck in the mining shaft in order to avoid being killed by the lowhanging obstacles.

Another obstacle that Temple Run 2 offers is an ancient-looking, round block of wood with spikes on it.

When this comes into the path, the player must simply jump to avoid it.

Perhaps one of the downfalls of the original Temple Run game was the lack of diversity within the characters.

Players would often unlock another character, using their coins and be disappointed to find that the character’s movements or speed did not change in the slightest.

In Temple Run 2, the different characters that are available have their own special power-ups.

To get the power-ups, one must simply collect enough coins

2. Fringe (2008-2013) J.J. Abram’s next big science fiction show after “Lost,” “Fringe” drew many comparisons to “The X-Files.” The first two seasons had a science fiction serial crime drama feel, but toward the end of the second season the show takes off and never stops. The show’s willingness to take risks developed a cult audience who would follow it anywhere. The show’s creative strength turned out to be its biggest obstacle in the fight for ratings.

to fill the power-up bar on the left of the screen.

Once the bar is filled, the user must simply double tap the screen to activate the power-ups.

For example, with the first character, the power-up is a shield.

Once the user collects enough coins to activate the power-up and double taps the screen, the character forms a shield around him and is allowed one free “mistake” when running into an object.

The power-ups vary with the different characters so the user has more of a choice than in the first game.

With the improvements to the first version of the app, Temple Run 2 looks to be even better and more diverse.

Many users will like the choices they can make in this game more than in the first.

Still, some complaints from the users will be the occasional lagging of the game, thus causing the character to fall off the map.

One upside to perhaps solve this problem is the game’s ability to revive the character.

For the first “save me” from death, the user must spend one ruby, which is available throughout the map and can be obtained through coinage. The second “save me” costs two rubies and the pattern continues from there.

3. Firefly (2002) Creator Joss Whedon, who also created “Buffy the Vampire,” “Slayer” and “Angel,” went in a different direction with his space western series “Firefly.” Often cited as one of television’s greater tragedies by science fiction fans, the show was canceled after only 11 episodes. Hopes to bring the show back in some form were realized by fans in 2005 when the movie “Serenity” was released to tie up plot holes. “Firefly” is gone for good now, unfortunately.

Staff Writer

“Side Effects,” director Steven Soderbergh’s reported final film, has so many twists and turns in its story and development that it’s hard not to think of one of the late Alfred Hitchcock’s thrillers.

It’s said that Hitchcock always loved to play his audiences like a piano with his films and it seems that Soderbergh wanted to do the same thing in this film.

I didn’t watch a single trailer for “Side Effects,” nor did I read any other reviews beforehand.

“Side Effects” has twist after twist, bringing a solid, gripping thriller from one of the best directors.

As the movie opens, we’re introduced to 28-year-old Emily Taylor, played by Rooney Mara, who is waiting for her husband Martin, played by Channing Tatum, to be released from a four-year prison sentence. As if in a trance, Emily drives her car into a parking garage wall and nearly kills herself. This begins a series of therapy sessions with Dr. Jonathan Banks, played by Jude Law, who prescribes her antidepressants. The drugs work, as Emily begins to gain her normal life with Martin again. However, Emily begins sleepwalking, a side effect of the medications, which leads to tragedy.

Mara is given her first leading role since her Oscar-nominated turn in “The Girl with the Dragon

4. Lost (2004-2010) A huge network hit, “Lost” is possibly the best-known sci-fi series in recent memory.

Enough of a mystery to get viewers in without being too “nerdy” for mainstream viewers, the show’s large cast of welldeveloped characters, plot twists and the most developed online advertising campaign ever for a television series helped developed a mainstream and cult following.

It had one of the most twisted endings in TV history.

Tattoo.” In the difficult role of a woman fighting depression and confusion, she’s great in this movie.

Law handles his role with great conviction and it’s his finest performance in quite a while. Tatum is a reliable screen presence as Emily’s husband, and Vinessa Shaw is convincing as Banks’ wife who can’t quite handle her husband’s obsessiveness and anger after the aforementioned tragedy occurs. Catherine ZetaJones portrays Emily’s previous therapist whom Banks visits for advice about Emily’s conditions.

Unfortunately, she’s miscast here.

She doesn’t do a terrible job, but she just seems too obvious.

Not everything about “Side Effects” works, however. While you can follow the story fine, there are little details I wish were extended. And the twist that sets up the final act of the movie, while I never saw it coming, is a little too much for me to buy.

Apparently, Soderbergh has said that he wanted to try something new, with TV as an example. But one can hope that “Side Effects” does not turn out to be his final film, because he knows how to make movies and tell stories in an unpredictable way. If the former is true, and this is his last film, “Side Effects” is a decent way to go.

“Side Effects” is rated R, runs at 106 minutes and is playing at the Cinemark Towne Center.

5. Farscape (1999-2003) (2004) “Farscape” was a Sci-Fi Channel original series that paved the way for future shows like “Battlestar Galactica.” The show’s witty, colorful characters and lack of military aspects set it apart from other live action shows like “Star Trek.” Canceled on a cliffhanger in 2003 due to flagging ratings, it was concluded with a mini-series in 2004 when fans mounted a massive campaign to bring the show back. The show originated from Australia.

Opinion

6

ucaechoeditor@gmail.com

The Voice

February 13, 2013

Administrators not only well-qualified campus personnel

The Echo Staff University making progress on minority groups w

w

w

Jeanette Anderton Editor

Marisa Hicks Associate Editor

Brandon Riddle News Editor

Andy Robertson Assistant News Editor

Spencer Griffin Campus Life Editor

Brad Smith Opinion Editor

Clark Johnson Sports Editor

Hunter Brooks Assistant Sports Editor

Stephen Reynolds Entertainment Editor

Daniel Becker Photo Editor

Chase Blasingame Web Editor

Jennifer Hicks Feature Cartoonist

James Johnson Editorial Cartoonist

w

w

w

ucaechoeditor@gmail.com

Got Letters?

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

Letters may be edited for style, clarity and length.

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

The Echo office is located in Bernard Hall 003

UCA’s Student Government Association has made significant strides in approaching minority issues through its diversity committee.

Working with minority groups has been a problem for faculty and staff at UCA as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students in particular find themselves seeking support from a university that does not have clear representation in diversity policies. Nondiscrimination efforts are only visible through the university diversity message.

I do not believe the university has a vendetta against specific minority groups. However, I think it is important for student representatives and administrators to move forward and address an increasingly important part of the student population in a more straightforward manner.

SGA has brought up the topic of building a relationship with such minority groups as the LGBT community and student veterans at meetings in fall 2012 and this semester.

At the Feb. 4 SGA meeting, diversity committee representatives addressed ongoing efforts to improve relations with university programs in regard to services for LGBT students and veterans.

A focus on veteran interests is vital to ensuring the students are able to adapt to a university environment and thrive. SGA is interested in improving veterans affairs by working on transitional support services and drafting faculty protocol for interacting with student veterans. Those are immensely positive projects that will benefit a large number of students who feel underrepresented and at times forgotten.

SGA Diversity Committee Chair senior Justin Phillips spoke at the Nov. 26, 2012 open-forum meeting, describing certain students’ concerns that the Counseling Center was hostile toward LGBT students seeking guidance from counselors.

He said the counselors are unequipped to handle problems in the community, often working with a

“Christian mindset.”

Comments that counselors work with a shut-off attitude toward LGBT individuals are troubling, but I do not believe they are due to a lack of support in most cases. In this constantly changing age, more training and understanding on the topic can be beneficial for counselors to carry out their job of helping students.

That does not mean disregarding personal religious or moral views, but it does mean counselor should go into counseling sessions with an open mind. If hostility is truly visible toward LGBT students, SGA’s focus on the issue is justified.

That mindset could be carried out through every other minority group that seems to be underrepresented.

PRISM (Pride, Raising Awareness, Involvement, by Brandon Support and Mentoring), Riddle UCA’s only Recognized Student News Editor Organization dealing with LGBT student issues, hosts events throughout the year to encourage dialogue and discussion. The organization’s efforts through recent public panel discussions and events can be beneficial to educating the public about its goals and priorities.

In an April 11, 2012 article of The Echo, Dean of Students Gary Roberts said UCA has taken steps to provide services for the LGBT community. He added that faculty members have received diversity training in relation to sexual orientation.

I agree the university has taken substantial steps. More specifically, SGA is leading the charge of addressing the needs of growing minority student groups on campus.

With that said, I do not think many people would argue that UCA is not a welcoming environment for a diverse group of students. Discussions of minority representation should also continue to include topics of race, religion and gender.

SGA’s work since last semester shows that times are changing and progress is being made for all minority groups on campus. It is equally important for students, faculty and staff to progress and have forums to address students’ concerns and hopes for improving the university’s diversity mission statement.

Mumford and Sons insincere pop musicians Sunday night, Mumford & Sons lost the “Americana” Grammy to Bonnie Raitt, and this made my week. I don’t even listen to Bonnie Raitt.

When I graduated high school, I was voted by my classmates “Most Likely to Disapprove of What You’re Listening To.” I think this was due largely to an outspoken hatred for Nickelback. Now I’m done hating Nickelback, but I have to hate one band at a time.

I don’t get my kicks from hating different artists. I’m familiar with the feeling of making someone reconsider their fondness for an artist, and it’s a sad feeling that I don’t relish. I love garbage bubble gum pop – hey, you should like what you like, right? But that being said, I have to hate one artist at a time and for the past two years it’s been Mumford & Sons.

What it boils down to is this: all I ask from an artist is that they make me believe them. Whatever you’re selling me, just make it sincere. Even Taylor Swift seems to have a keen awareness of who she is, even when it comes to the idea of her as a commercial product.

Marcus Mumford (the only Mumford in Mumford & Sons) is a childless British man who dresses up in Great Depression-era clothing and plays folk-flavored music.

Other Mumford members include an English gentleman who goes by the name of “Country

Winston.” This awkward bit of cultural tourism seems like a misguided attempt at seeming “real” and “authentic” that should have backfired on these folky Londoners, but it seems to have paid off.

If you haven’t heard Mumford & Sons’ music, every one of their songs sounds like it was written for the music cue at the end of an episode of a medical drama where the main character realizes they were wrong and runs back in the rain to find their lover. Every song is massive and dramatic, built to fill an

by Andrew arena.

McClain Now it occurs to me Staff Writer that these qualities might not sound like a bad thing to some people. Fair enough, but consider how awkward they sound on small speakers, or while you’re waiting in the drive-through at the bank. When you have this massive, dramatic sound, it’s polarizing – either you’re on board and you believe Mumford and his melodrama, or it sounds empty and insincere.

Other modern bands with this arena-filling sound, like Kings of Leon and U2, were rock bands, but the Mumfords have the gall to keep pretending like they’re folky troubadours with ragged clothes in front of a festival crowd of 10,000 people, which is totally shameless.

Pop stars seem fake all the time, but most of them embrace the fact that artifice and playing dress-up come along with the pop star schtick. Mumford & Sons, on the other hand, are selling heart-wrenching sincerity and they still seem fake to me.

Newsroom: 501-450-3446 ucaechoeditor@gmail.com http://www.ucaecho.net David Keith, Adviser

Advertising

Have an opinion?

Everyone does.

Write a letter to the editor at

ucaechoeditor@gmail.com

Advertising: 499-9UCA (822)

Letters to the editor don’t just have to be about Echo content. If you’ve noticed

echonewspaperads@gmail.com

something on campus that’s positive or negative, we want to hear about it.

Matt Williams, Business Manager Kynan Dancy, Ad Director

(Follow the guidelines in the Got Letters? column to the left)

Last week, The Echo reported that the only employees on campus paid higher than their salary cap are President Tom Courtway and five university vicepresidents.

State law allows the university to pay up to 25 percent above the salary cap to 10 percent of its employees.

Vice President for University and Government Relations Jeff Pitchford, who is not paid above his salary cap, said this salary boost was given to “well-qualified” personnel on campus. Pitchford seems to forget about the other 99 percent of faculty who were hired because they are wellqualified.

Courtway and the five vicepresidents are not the only wellqualified employees on campus.

Though it is not necessarily the case, ideally all faculty and staff on campus should be well-qualified in their fields. Requirements are different for every job on campus, so what “well-qualified” means differs for each position, whether it is in administration, faculty or staff.

Though the title “vice president” carries with it a broader set of concerns to deal with than most other positions on campus, it does not necessarily make the people in the positions more qualified for their respective jobs; it makes them differently qualified.

The most qualified professor on campus has still probably not received a raise in several years and most professors are paid well below their salary caps. However, excessive qualifications do not necessarily make someone the best person for the job in any position.

Former President Allen Meadors and former Chief of Staff Jack Gillean were both well-qualified for their administrative positions, but both turned out to have an immensely negative impact on campus.

The best, most passionate professors on campus are not necessarily the professors with the most esteemed qualifications, but they still deserve a pay raise that has been put off for years.

University teaching is one of a select few professions where an advanced degree is required, but pay is still low.

Undoubtedly, Pitchford did not mean to imply anyone else on campus is less qualified than the vice presidents. It is also apparent that money to use for across-theboard raises does not appear out of thin air. However, if the standard for being paid above the statemandated salary cap is being well-qualified, there are many professors and staff members who deserve raises.

The argument that only well-qualified employees at the university are paid above their legal salary cap is a null one because in order to get hired for any position on campus, every employee must be qualified for it. If the university wants to give raises to all of its well-qualified employees, there should be thousands of raises coming to university employees soon.

The Echo is printed weekly at the Log Cabin Democrat in Conway, Ark. Decisions about content are made by the student editors.

The views published are not necessarily those of the University of Central Arkansas. All material is subject to respective copyrights.

If the standard for being paid above the state mandated salary cap is being well qualified, there are many professors and staff members who deserve raises.

Sports

7

February 13, 2013

Week at a glance Bears drop road games

After winning three of four games at the Farris Center, the UCA men’s basketball team dropped two road games last week. The Bears were held to a season-low 36 points in a 72-36 loss to Stephen F. Austin on Feb. 7. Two days later, the Bears fell to Northwestern State in a highscoring affair, losing 73-93.

Sugar Bears’ woes continue After starting conference play strong, the Sugar Bears have continued to fall in Southland Conference games. The Sugar Bears fell 48-53 to Stephen F. Austin on Feb. 7. The women’s basketball team was also downed by the Northwestern State Lady Demons 47-52 Feb. 9. The two losses have brought the Sugar Bears to a four-game losing skid.

Tennis earns two wins The UCA tennis team earned two victories over the weekend. The Bears beat Murray State 6-1 Feb. 9 and North Alabama 6-1 Feb. 10 at Burns Park.

Tennis downs Murray State, North Alabama, climbs to 3-5

by Peyton Olsen Staff Writer

The UCA tennis team opened its home season with a 6-1 victory over the Murray State University Racers and a 7-0 blowout against the University of Northern Alabama Lions over the weekend.

The Bears’ seasonal record climbed to 3-5.

Saturday’s match against MSU proved to be a successful day for UCA’s doubles play.

The Bears won all three matches, which broke the Racers’ hopes for victory.

Sophomore Allison Murphy and freshman Krizia Buck pulled in their second doubles win this season with an 8-6 victory over senior Ashley Canty and junior Carla Suga. “[Krizia and I] played really well together,” Murphy said.

“We are getting used to playing together and it keeps getting better.”

Juniors Simona Horsikyan and Sasha Ruocco beat freshmen Megan Blue and Erin Patton, 8-5, making Saturday’s match their second doubles win, as well.

Sophomore Kristina Horsikyan and freshman Anna

Buyukyan picked up their fifth doubles victory this season, 8-5, over sophomore Carolyn Huerth and freshman Suzaan Stoltz.

Kristina said the consistent communication in practice and the match made the win.

The Bears picked up three victories and one loss in singles play, with two leading matches declared unfinished because of rain.

The Sunday morning rain moved the match against UNA to the Burns Park indoor courts in North Little Rock.

UCA continued its winning streak with domination of the doubles competition 8-4, 8-3, 8-1, and six singles victories.

Head Coach Jeff Borengasser said, “We worked hard, especially on doubles this week and I feel like it paid off.”

The matches marked Buck’s and Murphy’s third doubles win of the season, Simona’s and Ruocco’s third victory of the season and Kristina’s and Buyukyan’s sixth doubles win with an 8-1 triumph over juniors Madison Patey and Mary Anne Sykes.

Borengasser said he plans to stick with the same pairs when

The UCA softball team traveled to Nashville, Tenn. to participate in the Belmont Invitational last week. The Bears went 2-2, beating Belmont and Jackson State, but falling to Western Illinois and Valparaiso.

by Andy Robertson Assistant News Editor

Upcoming games Men’s Basketball Tomorrow vs. Texas A&M- Corpus Christi 7:30 p.m.

Women’s Basketball Tomorrow vs. Texas A&M- Corpus Christi 5:30 p.m.

Saturday vs. Sam Houston State 4 p.m.

Baseball Friday vs. Murray State.

6 p.m.

Saturday vs. Murray State. 4 p.m.

Sunday vs. Murray State. 1 p.m.

Tennis Saturday vs. Nicholls State. 9 a.m.

Tuesday at ArkansasFort Smith. 12:30 p.m.

Softball Today at ArkansasPine Bluff. 3 p.m.

Mardi Gras Invitational Friday vs. Ole Miss.

1:15 p.m.

Friday vs. South Alabama. 3:30 p.m.

Saturday vs. Jackson State. 11 a.m.

Sunday vs. South Alabama. 12:15 p.m.

Photo by Rose Cowling

Sophomore Kristina Horsikyan prepares for a serve. Horsikyan and freshman Anna Buyukyan won their doubles match 8-5.

Baseball opens season this week

Softball starts 2-2

Saturday vs. Sam Houston State. 4 p.m.

the Bears return to conference play against Nicholls State Feb. 16.

Kristina defeated sophomore Natalia Barrigan 6-3, 7-6 in a lengthy match to earn her third singles victory of the season.

During the match, Kristina asked official Rick Carmichael to review Barrigan’s out-of-bounds call.

Carmichael said, “Had [Kristina] not asked me, I wouldn’t have made a call, but I saw [the ball] grazing the line, so I had to call it in, which made the game point for the UCA player.”

UNA Head Coach Brice Bishop said he thought the Lions played “very average.”

“I don’t think we played as well as we’re capable, but it’s early in the season,” Bishop said. “It’s only our third match of the year, so we [have] a lot of getting better to do.”

Borengasser said he was happy with the focus and intensity he saw on the courts throughout the weekend and that the girls are ready “to play their best” Feb. 16.

The Bears host the Nicholls State Colonels on at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday.

Photo courtesy of ucasports.com

Junior guard Deshone McClure drives past Demon’s senior guard Shamir Davis on Feb. 9 at Northwestern State.

Men drop two on road

by Clark Johnson Sports Editor

After a successful string of conference games that led to winning four of five games, the UCA Bears men’s basketball team dropped two games last week on the road.

UCA 36, Stephen F. Austin 72 The Bears traveled to Nacogdoches, Texas to take on Southland Conference-leading Stephen F. Austin Feb. 7. UCA came into the game after a series of close wins, but fell victim to a swarming defensive effort from the Lumberjacks (20-2, 11-1.)

The 72-36 loss was the largest deficit UCA fell by this season.

The Bears 36 points was also their lowest scoring total of the season.

Stephen F. Austin tallied its 15th consecutive home win in the victory. Coming into the game, the Bears boasted the nation’s seventh ranked scoring offense, averaging 78.7 points per game.

However, the Lumberjacks are the nation’s leading scoring defense, allowing only 49.5 points per game.

The Bears went into halftime, with a slight chance to mount a comeback, down 39-23. The second half saw more of the Lumberjacks’ defensive skill, allowing just 13 points from UCA in the final 20 minutes.

In his first game back from a two-game suspension, senior forward Jarvis Garner led the Bears in scoring with 13 points.

UCA Head Coach Corliss Williamson said Stephen F. Austin isn’t a team you want to face on the road.

“They pushed us back on our heels the entire game,” he said. “It was just an embarrassing performance by our team.”

UCA 73, Northwestern State 93.

The Bears tried to bounce back Feb. 9 against the Northwestern State Demons (16-6, 10-2.) While the Bears were able to get back to their highscoring ways, they ran into the nation’s leading scoring offense.

The Demons were hot from three-point range on Saturday to help deter the fast-paced UCA offense.

Northwestern State shot 11-27 from three-point range to help down the Bears. The Demons were led by junior guard Brison White’s 20 points. White went 8-12 from the floor, including going 2-3 from three-point range.

UCA got production from its consistent starting group, led by Garner’s 13 points. Junior guard DeShone McClure added 12 points, shooting 5-8 from the floor.

More than half of the Demons’ points came from their bench.

Northwestern State tallied 57 points outside of its starting five.

The Bears went into halftime down 45-34 after shooting 33.3 percent in the first half. Though UCA was able to pull within single digits throughout the half, the Demons stretched their lead late in the game. With just over two minutes to play, Northwestern State stretched its lead to 23 points over the Bears.

Brandon Cowart, a graduate assistant for the Northwestern State men’s basketball team, said he was impressed by the Demons’ ability to keep their pace throughout the game.

“We play a very fast style of basketball, which is why we tend to have high scoring games,” Cowart said. “It’s hard to play that fast for 40 minutes, but we had to in order to keep them [UCA] away.”

The Bears return to the Farris Center for two home games this week; Thursday against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and Saturday against Sam Houston State.

The UCA baseball team opens its season Friday at Bear Stadium, facing the Murray State Thoroughbreds for a three-game series.

When the Bears met up with the Thoroughbreds last season, the Bears dropped the first two games in a three-game series before going on to win the final game.

The Bears finished seventh in the Southland Conference, going 16-17 in conference play and 25-30 overall. The seventhplace finish allowed the Bears to play in the Southland Conference tournament for the first time.

The Bears lost back-to-back games in the double-elimination tournament.

UCA was successful at home last season, going 19-10, but struggled on the road, going 6-17.

The team plans to use experience from last season to improve on the road.

Last season the Bears were near the top in several offensive categories: first in on-base percentage and walks and second in batting average, slugging percentage, runs scored, runs

batted in and hit by pitch.

“We’re the kind of team that puts guys on base and does not give up outs,” assistant coach Dallas Black said.

Murray State finished ninth in the Ohio Valley Conference, going 8-19 in conference play and 23-33 overall.

Murray State finished fifth in the OVC in team batting, sixth in team pitching and eighth in team defense.

The Bears have been picked fifth in the preseason polls, led by preseason SLC first team members, senior outfielder Forrestt Allday and junior outfielder Jonathan Davis. Senior outfielder Ethan Harris received second team honors.

Allday said being named to the first-team doesn’t change his expectations.

“I don’t try to worry about any of that stuff because it’s the stuff you can’t control,” Allday said. “I control what I can control and I have always set high expectations for myself so it’s not any different.”

During the offseason the team worked on improving the offense, defense and pitching.

“The coaches have done a great job getting us ready for the

season,” Allday said. “We have really learned how to link up as a line-up. I feel like we have a great all-around team and our line-up will be able to hit 1-9.”

Allday led the conference in on-base percentage (.486) and walks (57), third in runs scored and tied for fourth in triples while hitting .324 last season. Allday earned second-team All-SLC honors last spring.

Davis was UCA’s leading hitter at .333, was sixth in on-base percentage (.432), eighth in stolen bases (17) and 11th in walks (26).

Davis was also a second-team AllSLC member last spring.

Harris hit.286 and finished third in the conference in RBI with 46, eighth in runs scored with 40, hit four home runs and stole seven bases.

The team has been intersquading and getting healthy for the series against Murray State.

“I’m really excited about this team. It’s a real good group of guys we got here and honestly, I feel like we can make a run at the Southland Conference title,” Allday said.

Game one starts at 6 p.m.

Friday, game two starts at 4 p.m.

Saturday and game three starts at 1 p.m. Sunday.

Football announces signing class

by Hunter Brooks Assistant Sports Editor

The Bears football team announced the signing of 23 new players on Feb. 6 in Wingo Hall.

Head Coach Clint Conque and his coaching staff held their annual Signing Day reception where they announced the 2013 football signing class. The Bears added three mid-year transfers and 20 freshmen to the program.

Feb. 6 was the first day of the official national signing period.

“We are extremely pleased with the extensive work that our coaches put forth in this process,” Conque said. “We announced an extremely talented class that meets the immediate and future needs and championship expectations within our program.”

Conque and his staff focused their recruiting on the offensive and defensive line, signing 10 total linemen for the 2013 class.

The class features six offensive linemen, four defensive backs, four wide receivers, three defensive tackles, two running backs, one punter, one quarterback, a defensive end and one player classified only as “an athlete.”

“The talk is this is the best recruiting class in the school’s history,” senior quarterback Wynrick Smothers said.

“Hopefully these young guys can come in and show immediate impact, whether it’s playing time as freshmen or pushing the other guys we already have here in practice. This class makes me even more excited for the season to get started and winning a

championship in my senior year.”

The 23man class is made up of seven signees from Texas, four from Louisiana and Mississippi, three from Arkansas and Tennessee and one from Alabama and Missouri.

Photo courtesy of ucasports.com Notable UCA Head Coach Clint Conque adresses the signees include crowd on Feb. 5 at the signing day conference. wide receiver Jatavious transferred from the University of Wilson, athlete Southern Mississippi, where he Darrien Daniels and incoming played in eight games and started transfer Justin Burdette. one as a freshman last season.

Wilson, from Bastrop High The state recruits are running School in Louisiana, was ranked back Jeff Anderson from Conway, a two-star recruit by Rivals and offensive lineman Gilberto Garcia compiled 207 receptions, 3,275 from Morrilton and offensive yards and 47 touchdowns in high lineman Stockton Mallett from school.

Yellville Summit.

He had scholarship offers Central Arkansas is coming off from Arkansas State University a 9-4 season that saw the Bears and Southland rival McNeese win the Southland Conference State. He was looked at by and reach the second round of Louisiana State University and the the NCAA Division I Playoffs for University of Alabama. the second straight year. Early Daniels, from Riverview preseason rankings have the Gardens High School in St. Louis, Bears, once again, near the top of Mo., was ranked a 3-star recruit the conference.

by ESPN.com. He had 2,952 allUCA opens the 2013 season purpose yards in high school on Aug. 29 against Incarnate Word playing at wide receiver and at First Security Field at Estes Stadium, where the Bears haven’t running back. lost a game since before the Burdette, a wide receiver installation of “The Stripes.” who is already enrolled at UCA,

8 / February 13, 2013

SPORTS

ucaecho.net

Women’s losing skid continues; fall to Ladyjacks, Lady Demons

by Hunter Brooks Assistant Sports Editor

The UCA Sugar Bears are on a four-game losing streak after dropping two games on the road last week.

UCA lost to the Stephen F. Austin Ladyjacks 53-48 in Nacogdoches, Texas Feb 7.

The Sugar Bears (13-10, 6-6) missed three shots in the final 30 seconds en route to their fifth conference loss of the season.

Before the loss, UCA had not lost three straight conference games since 2009.

“We just played dumb basketball,” UCA Head Coach Sandra Rushing said. “We had great effort and a good game plan, but we didn’t execute.

There’s no excuse for that.”

UCA dropped to 0-5 all time in Nacogdoches, shooting just 27.8 percent (15-54) from the field. All but one field goal attempt came from the starting five. The Sugar Bears allowed 21 points off 15 turnovers.

“These mistakes shouldn’t be happening in February,” Rushing said. “It’s one thing to happen in November or December, but a successful basketball team doesn’t make them this late in the season. It all goes back to fundamentals.”

Senior forward Megan Herbert and junior center Courtney Duever had 11 points each, but were a combined 6 of 25 shooting. Herbert, along with senior forward Britney Gowans and senior guard Tracey Parsons, had nine rebounds.

The Ladyjacks (10-13, 5-7) were led by sophomore center Porsha Roberts, with 17 points.

Sophomore forward Tierany Henderson added nine points and 10 rebounds.

UCA fell to the Northwestern State Lady Demons 52-47 in Natchitoses, La. Feb. 9.

The Sugar Bears had a chance to take the lead with 11 seconds left in the game, when Duever went to the foul line.

Trailing 48-47, Duever missed the front end of a one-and-one and Northwestern grabbed the rebound.

After a pair of Lady Demon free throws by sophomore guard Jasmine Bradley, Gowans missed

photo courtesy of ucasports.com

UCA senior pitcher Kelsie Armstrong meets with members of the softball team at the mound during the Belmont Invitational. Armstrong went 1-2 on the weekend.

Softball opens season in Nashville, leaves Belmont Invitational at 2-2

by Hunter Brooks Assistant Sports Editor

Photo courtesy of ucasports.com

Sophomore Kristina Horsikyan prepares for a serve. Horsikyan and freshman Anna Buyukyan won their doubles match 8-5. a 3-pointer that would have tied the game. Freshman guard Janelle Perez would add two free throws and secure the victory for Northwestern.

UCA held an 18-17 halftime lead but an 11-1 scoring run by the Lady Demons in the second half proved too much to overcome.

Duever led the Sugar Bears with 16 points and nine rebounds, while Herbert added 12 points and eight rebounds.

“I think it will take heart to get back to our winning ways,” Duever said. “It’s nothing anyone is doing right now. Nothing is wrong, we just have to win.”

Perez accounted for 16 points for the Lady Demons, while Bradley added 12 points and 10 rebounds.

Northwestern State improved to 9-13 overall and 5-7 in conference play.

UCA has lost six of its last eight games and currently sits at sixth in the conference.

Rushing said the team needs to play smarter to get back on track.

“We need to take care of the basketball, know where to pass the ball and block out,” Rushing said.

Duever said UCA has to win soon.

“These next two games are very important,” Duever said.

“We need to get more wins to make it to the conference tournament in Texas. From there, anything can happen.”

UCA returns home to the Farris Center this week for two games. The Sugar Bears host Texas A&M-Corpus Christi on Thursday and league leader Sam Houston State on Saturday in UCA’s Women’s Breast Cancer Awareness Pink Zone game.

Weʼre adding to our writing and sales staff! If you...

Want experience in journalism Need to add to your resumé Like to work at your own pace

...then ask about joining our team!

The UCA women’s softball team opened its season with two wins and two losses at the Belmont Invitational in Nashville over the weekend.

The Bears (2-2) opened up the invitational playing the hosting team, Belmont, on Friday. The Bears downed the Bruins 3-1 in the first game of the tournament.

The Bears got on the board first in the contest, when sophomore first baseman Ashley Boswell cranked a solo home run over the center field fence.

UCA added to its total in the fourth inning when freshman pinch hitter Jessie Taylor’s basesloaded single up the middle of the field brought in freshman right fielder Sam Forrest.

With the bases still loaded, the Bears brought their lead to three on another single from freshman pinch hitter Lindsay Elliot plated Boswell.

The Bruins lone run of the game came in the top of the fifth, on a bases-loaded walk. Belmont failed to rally against the Bears to give UCA its first win of the season.

In the first of two games on Saturday, the Bears faced Western Illinois at 11 a.m.

The game was tied at 3-3 at the end of seven innings, calling for extra innings.

In the bottom of the eighth inning, the Leathernecks dropped seven runs on the Bears.

The rally began on two errors from the Bears. With the bases loaded, Western Illinois junior left fielder Monica Rondon hit a grand slam off of UCA senior pitcher Kelsie Armstrong. Armstrong pitched all eight innings in the game.

The Bears were unable to manufacture any runs in the bottom of the frame, falling 10-3.

In the second game of the double-header, UCA responded by downing the Jackson State Lady Tigers 7-3.

The Bears fell behind early to the Lady Tigers. After two innings, Jackson State had a 3-0 lead on the Bears.

The Bears held the Lady Tigers scoreless for the remainder of the game.

In the top of the third, with two outs, the Bears had the bases loaded. Two singles from sophomore infielder Lissa Avitia and freshman third baseman Lindsay Elliott trimmed the margin to 3-2. A bases-loaded walk tied the score at 3-3.

After a series of errors in the top of the sixth, the Bears brought their scoring total to 7-3 to down

Jackson State.

UCA wrapped up its stint in Nashville on Sunday with a 7-3 loss to Valparaiso.

Both teams scored early.

Valparaiso earned a run in the top of the first off of a left field double from sophomore designated hitter Brittany Duncan.

In the bottom of the frame, UCA freshman outfielder Sam Forrest led off with a solo home run, her first as a Bear.

Neither team was able to add to its total until Valparaiso plated six runs in the top of the fifth.

Errors allowed runners to advance on base for the Crusaders. Valparaiso didn’t hold back in the inning to hand UCA its second loss of the season.

UCA Head Coach David Kuhn said the fifth inning wasn’t a good performance.

“The wheels just kind of fell off there,” Kuhn said.

Kuhn said he applauded the effort Forrest in the invitational.

“Forrest really stuck out this weekend,” Kuhn said.

Armstrong said she was happy with the trip.

“I think overall we did alright for our first weekend,” she said.

“We still have a lot of work to do.

We are learning to come together and when that happens, I believe we will be at the top of our game.”