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WEDNESDAY
october 23, 2013 Volume 106 — Issue 8
ucaecho.net 4 TODAY’S FORECAST CONWAY
Campus Life:
Opinion: Voice:
SGA should allow for more discussion about its scholarship raises 4 page 3
Students, faculty participate in university’s first pride walk 4 page 4
Football: Senior
football team leader breaks fibula, out for season 4 page 7
More housing added to Greek Village project
Sunny
62/40
Board of trustees approves funding for 32 beds instead of 22; student government to see compensation
4 THE ONLINE WIRE FROM UCAECHO.NET
by Marisa Ketchum
Students help out with non-profit programs
Editor
Community Connections, a nonprofit organization that provides extracurricular activities and support to special needs kids and their families, will host a fundraiser Nov. 14. The after party features the band Tragikly White and admission is $15 at the door. All funds raised will go directly to the programs and supports groups. The fundraiser is from 8-11 p.m. in the Next Level Events building in Little Rock.
University Theatre to present Brecht production
The UCA Board of Trustees voted to move forward with Phase I of the Greek Village project, upping the number of beds included in each house, and reworded Board Policy No. 622 so that Student Government Association members could receive compensation. The board unanimously approved a revised resolution for the Greek Village that increased the number of beds in each of the five sorority houses from 22 to 32. Board member Robert “Bunny” Adcock said everyone he has talked to in the Conway
community supports the Greek Village. He also said having more beds in each house would attract more students. “Everyone I talked to said, ‘I wish I had more room,” he said, referring to visits he made to Arkansas State University to get ideas based on its Greek Village. The 10-bed addition raises the cost of Phase I from $12 million to $13.8 million. Board member Bobby Reynolds said UCA needs to look to the future, and that if the sorority members can fill the space, they should have more room. Chair Victor Green said, “If we believe in this concept, if it brings more revenue to offset some debt,
and we have the capacity to build those beds, then why are we not looking at 32?” Vice President of Finance and Administration Diane Newton said UCA’s current debt is set at about $27 million. With the new budget of $13.8 million for Phase I of the Greek Village, “that still leaves us with about $13.2 million [more in debt] that we can go up to.” The board also voted unanimously in favor of rewording Board Policy No. 622, which pertains to scholarships awarded to Student Government Association executive members. Newton said the fee waiver terminology in the policy needed to be changed because students
were not receiving scholarship money that was listed in the policy as stipends. She said “stipends” was replaced with “student labor” in the policy, so executive members can receive compensation for their work through work study. SGA President senior Adam Price said executive members are supposed to receive $2,000 each year to compensate them for their time. He said executive members cannot have part-time jobs so the money is to help with that. Newton said this pay and other SGA scholarships is paid through university money. Executive officers will be paid $11 per hour, up to 10 hours a
week for 16 weeks each semester. To receive pay, officers must log their hours. Over the years, he said SGA executive members have not received this pay and by changing the wording in the board policy, executive members can receive compensation. Half of tuition is covered for SGA vice presidents and the president receives full tuition, Price said. Newton said the board policy revision also included clarifications to meal plan coverage and that only mandatory fees are covered by the scholarships the executive officers receive.
CRIME
The UCA Theatre will present “The Caucasian Chalk Circle”by Bertolt Brecht and translated by Aalistair Beaton on Nov. 7, 8, 13, 14 and 15. The play tells the story of how an infant, the child of a pair of ruling class parents, is raised by a peasant girl. When he becomes of age, his mother comes back to claim him. The decision is made using the ancient test of the Chalk Circle. Tickets are $10 each for the general public and two are free for students with a current UCA ID. Reservations are highly encouraged.
Three students granted immunity in Gillean trial Three additional students – current and former – have been granted immunity in the criminal case against former UCA Chief of Staff Jack Gillean. Former student Stephanie Paladino and brothers Jared Santiago, former student, and James Santiago, senior biology major. Cameron Stark, former student worker, was also granted immunity from the case. Gillean, 56, faces five commercial burglary counts, one count of fraudulent insurance acts and one misdemeanor count of issuing a false financial statement.
Anthropology students host program for children UCA museum anthropolgy students hosted a mask-making arts and crafts program for young children Oct. 19 after a Spanish story hour. On Oct. 20, a panel discussion was held for youth and adults about the exhibition. Costumed students were available to answer questions and basoonist Holly Williamson played Halloween and Mexican music for both events. The exhibit focused on the roots of Dia de los Muertos or “Day of the Dead.”
4 WHAT’S AHEAD
IN OUR NEXT ISSUE
Damien Echols’ scheduled appearance sparks criticism, controversy from Arkansans
Arkansas Supreme Court justice hosts oral argument on 1997 murder by Laura Holzhauer Assistant News Editor
The Arkansas Supreme Court visited UCA on Oct. 10 to conduct an oral argument for the public in Reynolds Performance Hall. During x-period, Chief Justice Jim Hannah Jim Hannah spoke before an audience in the Student Center Ballroom. The oral argument began at 9 a.m. in Reynolds. UCAPD conducted bag searches before people were allowed inside the
auditorium. People were not allowed in or out of the auditorium once the argument began. Convicted rapist and murderer Andrew Engram, 58, was the subject. In 1997 Engram raped and murdered security guard Laurie White at McCain Mall in North Little Rock. The victim’s body was found hanging in the Sears merchandise tent she was guarding outside the mall. White died from strangulation and blunt trauma to her neck. Engram was convicted and sentenced to death in 1999. He attempted to appeal his conviction, but in a 2004 Arkansas Supreme Court decision he was denied an appeal 4-3. Engram argued mental retardation in the
request for another hearing should be dismissed. Prior to 1990, the Arkansas Supreme Court was not allowed to hold court procedures outside of Little Rock. However, with the addition of Amendment 80 to the Arkansas Constitution in 2000, the Arkansas Supreme Court is allowed to travel to different cities to hold oral arguments. Hannah created the “Appeals on Wheels” program. He said “Appeals on Wheels” is successful and allows many Arkansans to witness the Arkansas Supreme Court in action. Tom McInnis, political science professor and pre-law adviser, attended the oral argument. “It was an interesting case,” he
said. “The justices took apart the arguments of both sides.” Hannah was invited to speak to an audience in the Student Center Ballroom during x-period. H a n n a h discussed the general lack of knowledge m a n y Americans have about government. “I once Tom McInnis found a poll asking Americans what the three branches of government are,” he said. “Fifty-one percent of the
See Justice - page 2
Senators to amend policy PLAYING IN THE HEAT about non-discrimination by Laura Holzhauer Assistant News Editor
UCA’s 2013-14 Student Government Association met Oct. 21 and discussed nondiscrimination and the possibility of a “Red Cup Policy” at tailgating events. The meeting began with the appointment of Nick Farr as SGA graduate senator. The Non-Discrimination Statement will be amended to create a more positive environment for UCA students and faculty by expanding protection against discrimination to include sexual orientation and gender identity or by removing all specifications of non-discrimination stating that UCA does not discriminate against anyone under any circumstance. SGA will vote on this before the end of the semester. UCAPD Chief Larry James is looking into a case regarding a student being cited for skateboarding on campus. UCA’s Student Safety Committee will determine what areas of campus have safety concerns and will survey students on what they believe needs to be changed in regard to safety. The senators will also meet with Larry Lawrence, Physical Plant director, to discuss this year’s holiday
lighting and improvements that can be made to handicap accessibility around campus. The Traditions Committee said it is looking into how to improve campus tailgating. After researching tailgating practices at Appalachian State University, senators will look into a “Red Cup Policy,” which would allow for some alcohol consumption at UCA’s tailgate parties. The committee researching the matter said it believes that this will encourage more students to participate in tailgating and fill up more seats at UCA ball games. Senators reported that they hope to change tailgaiting policies to allow tailgaiting up to four hours prior to a game and two hours afterward. The Student Services Committee is looking into improving the implementation of charging stations available to students in the Student Center. The Housing and Food Services Committee reported that the stock at the Grab-and-Go has improved. The “Big Event” Committee said the “Big Event” will be April 11-12. It is currently brainstorming ideas for the community service project and attempting to contact Kris Allen to ask him to perform at a benefit concert after the “Big Event.”
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appeal, but failed to argue it at the trial prior to sentencing. Engram was allegedly coerced into waiving his right of appeal by a fraudulent attorney because she missed the deadline for filing for appeal and did not want her lack of professionalism revealed. In the oral argument, Julie Vandiver, one of Engram’s current lawyers, said Engram has an intellectual disability and that, because the law states that a waiver of appeal must be “knowing and intelligent,” Engram should be granted a hearing on whether his waiver was acceptable under the law. Assistant Attorney General Rachel Kemp, representing Arkansas, said all aspects of Engram’s cases are fair and his
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Members of the UCA band tuba section practice together at the UCA practice field. The UCA Bear Marching Band has more than 180 members who rehearse Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons.
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© 2013 The Echo, Printed by the Log Cabin Democrat, Conway, Ark.
Central Landing to create jobs for students, worthwhile destination in Conway
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2/ October 23, 2013
NEWS
ucaecho.net ACTIVISM
Police Beat
The following reports and arrests are from the UCAPD docket. UCAPD reports any tickets issued as arrests, according to ucapd.com.
Four students cited for alcohol violations in Bear Hall Four students were given judicial board citations after drinking alcohol in a dorm room in Bear Hall on Oct. 10. UCAPD responded to excessive noise coming from Bear Hall 346 at about 9:54 p.m. When they knocked on the door, student Robert Carson, 18, opened the door slightly and then slammed it shut when he saw that it was UCAPD. UCAPD heard bottles being moved around and knocked on the door again, telling the students to open the door. When the door was opened again, UCAPD saw Carson walking out of the bathroom.
The officer told student Michael McRae, 18, that he thought it was disrespectful to have a door slammed to his face. Carson apologized to the officer and said he was scared. The officer asked McRae if he could come in and McRae said yes. Students Jordan Bates, 18, and Jackson Gray, 19 were also in the room. The officer searched the dorm and found a bottle of Blue Moon beer that was three fourths full in the bathroom. He told the students that he had heard bottles moving around in the room. Gray revealed two empty bottles of Blue Moon and McRae took the remaining bottles of Blue Moon out of the refrigerator and placed them on the ground. UCAPD had the resident assistant come to the room to witness UCAPD giving all students involved judicial board citations.
REQUEST
Faculty senate addresses tenure tracks by Elise Woods Staff Writer
The UCA Faculty Senate addressed position conversions in the College of Fine Arts and Communication at its Oct. 8 and Oct. 10 meetings. During the first meeting, tenure status was debated between senators and faculty within the college. Three options in the Faculty Senate Handbook are converting the positions to tenureline appointments, converting of the positions to Lecturer I appointments or eliminating the positions. College of Fine Arts and Communication Interim Dean Terry Wright said the requests vary among departments. “The Department of Communication asks for three conversions to lecturer status,” he said. “The Department of
Writing seeks three conversions to tenure-track appointments and the Department of Mass Communication and Theatre prefers one tenure-line appointment but will accept a lecturer line if necessary.”. Wright said seven departments have requested converting to tenure-track appointments but that converting all seven is unrealistic. The only realistic and acceptable option, he said, is to convert each of the seven non-continuing lines. Wright said he does not think that the recommendation should be offered as converting over into tenure. Senator Brian Bolter said he wants non-tenured faculty to be protected in the same way tenured professors are and that he wants them to have the same advantages. Tenured professors cannot be fired from their job and receive
higher pay, but also are expected to do more as faculty. “We don’t want these positions in this institution [lecturers and full-time visitors],” he said. “These positions are underpaid, overworked faculty without job security.” Payne said it would be greatly unfair to these faculty to terminate them after six and a half to seven years of full-time service with only a little more than over a month to go before the new academic year begins. The senate voted 11-10, with two abstentions to switch to a tenure track for the writing department. The vote was 15-8 with one abstention for the mass communication department and 17-6 for the communication department to recommend to provost to switch to a tenure track.
GOALS
AVID Week activities promote university mission values among campus community by Andy Robertson Assistant Sports Editor
AVID Week, promoting academic vitality, integrity and diversity, educated the UCA community on the university’s mission last week. UCA changed its mission statement in spring 2012 to incorporate AVID values. Faculty views on academic vitality were discussed at a Q&A session during x-period Oct. 8 in the College of Business Auditorium. Journalism lecturer David Keith, Echo adviser, moderated the session, which featured faculty members from each of the six academic colleges. Faculty were asked what academic vitality meant to their students. The audience viewed a promotional “This is UCA” video, which explained the university’s mission statement. Paul Wachtel, City University of New York economics professor, spoke about diversity with a panel of seven UCA students in the Student Center Ballroom on Oct. 10. The panel, which featured
students of different races and sexual orientations, spoke to a crowd of about 60 people and answered questions that Wachtel asked them. Wachtel has written several books about various topics, but the one he focused on was “Race in the Minds of America: Breaking the Vicious Circle Between Blacks and Whites.” The book was published in 1999. Wachtel said it was a difficult book to write.. “What scared me was, I was a white male writing about race and racism is a one-way street,” he said. Wachtel asked the student panel questions about diversity on campus or in their lives. Senior Allison Rubio, Student Government Association senior class representative and resident assistant, said that someone writing about this issue is great. “Racism is a touchy subject and there are some things you can’t say,” she said. “For someone to step out and write a book is a huge thing for us.” The topics were not only about racism in America. Some topics related to how society solves poverty and views sexual
orientation. Panel members discussed studies comparing white males to black males. They said studies show that people will be more likely to lock their car when a black male is walking across a sidewalk than when a white male is walking across a crosswalk no matter what each male is wearing. The panel said people in certain communities set those communities back and there needs to be a change. They mentioned that a majority of young black males grew up around hip-hop and they tend to dress like the hip-hop artists, which sets them back. Every panel member agreed with the saying that “image is everything” in society because society is watching what we do. Arkansas Supreme Court Chief Justice Jim Hannah spoke about integrity as it relates to the justice system to an audience during x-period Oct. 10 in the Student Center Ballroom. Hannah was also on campus earlier the same day for an oral argument in Reynolds Performance Hall.
Justice:
Hannah says Arkansas Supreme Court reviews cases,writes decisions within two weeks, fastest rate of any other state 4 Continued from page 1 respondents of the survey listed the three branches of government as Democrats, Republicans and independents. We have not done a good job of educating people.” Hannah discussed the United States government and judiciary system in particular, saying that the U.S. has the best in the world. “However, if we do not have the support of the people, we cannot function,” Hannah said. He allowed questions from the audience and several audience members asked him about
basic Arkansas Supreme Court functions. Questions such as “What was the first case you ruled on for the Arkansas Supreme Court?” and “What do you do if you do not like a specific law that you have to rule on?” were asked. “We are all guided under the Constitution,” he said. “Checks and balances serve us well. An independent judiciary is what separates the US from other countries. Hannah concluded by speaking on the Arkansas
Supreme Court’s success. He said Arkansas was ranked No. 2 on judiciary productivity in a University of Chicago Law School poll. The Arkansas Supreme Court reviews cases and produces written decisions within two weeks, the fastest rate in the country. “This is a good court and they work hard,” Hannah said. “They do not agree with me all of the time, but that is the way it should be.”
Correction In the October 9 issue of The Echo, an article titled “Senators seek pay from board, discuss Aramark services” reported that senators were seeking pay from the board of trustees. The pay Student Government Association executive members were seeking was for the four executive positions.
photo courtesy of Mouaz Moustafa
UCA alumnus Mouaz Moustafa (left) sits with a refugee family in their tent where he delivered some blankets and toys after the Syrian regime bombed and bulldozed their village, leaving them homeless in Northern Syria.
University graduate vows to aid Syrian rebels, stresses need for increased U.S. involvement by Brandon Riddle Associate Editor
A former UCA student has made it his mission to help Syrian rebels in the country’s civil war, making headlines for his trip with Republican U.S. Sen. John McCain to Syria. Born in Damascus, Syria, 28-year-old UCA alumnus Mouaz Moustafa and his family moved to the United States when he was 12 years old. He grew up in Hot Springs and became a U.S. citizen as a teenager. Moustafa now heads the Syrian Emergency Task Force as executive director. The SETF is a nonprofit organization that works to aid in civil governance and alleviate suffering in his native country. It has offices in Washington, D.C., Syria and Turkey. “My job as the executive director is really to oversee all of the operations – humanitarian, civilian and political advocacy,” he said. Moustafa said he travels between offices for up to two weeks at a time, speaking with national and international figures in politics and organizations. His next trip to Syria is scheduled for the end of this month. On May 27, Moustafa traveled with McCain to Syria to discuss the ongoing situation in the country. SETF organized and facilitated the trip. “The trip went very, very well,” he said. “[McCain] has always been someone who really is focusing on Syria and understands the realities on the ground, but I think he came away with a greater understanding.” In addition to his work with the SETF, Moustafa serves as political director for United for a Free Syria, a nonprofit organization advocating a free and democratic Syria. He was also Libyan Council of North America executive director. While at UCA, Moustafa’s interest in Middle Eastern affairs grew when he majored in international studies and minored in political science. He graduated in 2008 and worked for two Democratic political figures in Arkansas – former U.S. Sen. Blanche Lincoln from Aug. 2008 to June 2011 and former U.S. Rep. Vic Snyder from May to June 2008. President Barack Obama
has been apprehensive about intervening in the Syrian conflict. Moustafa said the U.S. has a responsibility as leader of the free world to react more swiftly and increase its involvement. “There was, I would say, a mishandling by the [Obama] administration on Syrian policy early on,” he said. “The longer the conflict takes, the worse off Syria will be in the post-Assad Syria and the stronger Iran and Hezbollah are in the region.” Moustafa said arming moderate rebels is most important and could be a game-changer if done overtly in coalition with European allies to marginalize extremists and that the SETF is not advocating war. “Syria is not Iraq, it is not Afghanistan, it is not Libya for that matter,” he said. “Syria is an indigenous, populist revolution that came out in eight months of peaceful protests. We have never advocated for a military attack.” Because of a lacking U.S. presence, Moustafa said the country has ended up in a complex situation that is dire for the Syrian people. “The Syrian regime is headed by a dictator that supports terrorist organizations like Hezbollah that is the biggest ally of Iran,” he said. “It is a national security concern for the U.S.” The United Nations Security Council took a stand against Syria’s chemical weapons use following an Aug. 21 attack that resulted in the deadliest single incident in the conflict since it began in 2011. “Chemical weapons were in a sense a distraction and were at least one very tiny aspect of the conflict,” Moustafa said. “Less than one percent of civilian deaths occurred under chemical weapons. More than 100,000 Syrians have been killed with conventional weapons.” He said the greatest concern is decreasing extremism due to the lack of action by the international community. “We do have the obligation [in the U.S.] based on our national interests and our core morals and values to really sort of rectify this conflict by reaching a political solution,” he said. “The only way to do so is to show the regime that the international community is serious about [alAssad] stepping down and is not willing to allow him to massacre his own people, regardless of if he uses conventional or chemical
weaponry.” Moustafa said political science professors such as Mark Mullenbach and Gizachew Tiruneh were influential in his expanded role in working to overthrow Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s dictatorship. “[UCA was] able to prepare me for working on a level that I thought I’d never reach,” he said. Moustafa took Mullenbach’s United Nations & International Politics and American Foreign Policy classes. “Mouaz demonstrated excellent communication skills, intelligence and a wide range of knowledge regarding international affairs, particularly the Middle East region,” Mullenbach said. “I recall being impressed with the fact that during school breaks, Mouaz would often travel independently or with family members to Europe and the Middle East.” In summer 2007, Moustafa was one of eight students who participated in UCA’s study abroad program. He studied in the Baltic region, including Estonia, Latvia and Finland. As a member of the UCA Model United Nations for three years, Moustafa served on Arkansas Model United Nations Conference staff as Social & Humanitarian Committee chair. Moustafa was also a student in Tiruneh’s Dynamics of Democratization and Governments and Politics of the Middle East classes. “My influence on Mouaz’s career is, I believe, in helping him to realize that democracy is the best political system that can work in the Middle East and the world over,” Tiruneh said. He said the reason many Middle Eastern regimes, including those that claim to be secular, have failed to gain legitimacy from their people is because of the absence of democracy in the region. “As an American and as a person of Middle Eastern origin, Mouaz was able to realize this fact by attending my classes,” Tiruneh said. Moustafa said he always comes back from his international visits feeling inspired and that the U.S. political system can become a model for other developing democracies. “Really, the situation is much more depressing from the outside,” he said.
Opinion
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The Voice
October 23, 2013
SGA pay increases too hasty; more time needed for scrutiny
New shopping site promises benefits for Conway
The Echo Staff
An increase in shopping venues, an emphasis on public parks and a dedication to historical downtown assets and a booming technological industry through Acxiom and Hewlett-Packard are examples of why Conway has become a hot spot. One recent project announcement has the community buzzing with excitement for the future of a city that continues to grow in population and noteworthy sights. UCA is positively affected by city government’s enthusiasm for what Conway can become. Central Landing, a 760,000-square-foot retail project announced Oct. 10 at the Conway Chamber Business Expo Breakfast, brings much more than a shopping venue for the city. Dining, lodging, office space and residence areas are all part of the site plan. Throughout the next few years, many will debate which restaurants and retail stores should be part of Central Landing. As long as the options bring something new to the city, Conway can expect even more attention as an innovative community in Arkansas. The project’s name is appropriate for its intent. Not only will it be a landing spot for much of the city’s retail interests; it will soon represent the central foundation for forward-thinking. Conway is the seventh most populated city in Arkansas, with a population of about 60,470, according to a 2011 population estimate. It is a destination for tourism and relocation, especially for students seeking the right college. Dubbed “The City of Colleges,” students have the option of three higher learning institutions: UCA, Hendrix College and Central Baptist College. These institutions are influential in how Conway moves forward. The new outdoor mall is located near the existing Conway Commons shopping center. Conway Commons is currently Conway’s largest shopping establishment, sitting on 80 acres. Central Landing will fill 150 acres, making it the most ambitious retail project the city has seen. About $90 million will be spent to build on the site of the soon-to-vacate Dennis F. Cantrell Field Municipal Airport. The airport will relocate to Lollie Bottoms, a much safer area for aviation. Access from I-40 and its close proximity to UCA will benefit prospective students looking for
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easy access to retail that keeps them in the city. Travelers can quickly see the shopping center from the interstate, a factor in why developers chose the location. The shopping center will also bring additional job options to college students seeking employment to pay for their education. Will Wilson, Jim Wilson & Associates, LLC president, said in an interview with the Log Cabin Democrat that Conway’s colleges were a factor in the developer’s plans to build. “The colleges bring young, vibrant shoppers that we like, and the town has a lot going for it with great leaders who are thinking toward economic growth,” he said. Conway’s Development by Brandon Corporation estimates Riddle that Central Landing will Associate Editor create about $2 billion in sales over 10 years and generate $34 million in tax collections. That is an enormous figure for the city. According to a JWA study, 450 jobs will be created during the first development phase. Construction is set to begin in fall 2017 on the multi-phase project. The retail portion of Central Landing could bring in an estimated 1,500 jobs. All will benefit greatly from the increased efforts to keep people in Conway and outside Little Rock. This project has been a long time coming, given Conway’s booming economic infrastructure and heightened beautification efforts. I’ve lived in Central Arkansas for almost all of my life and have experienced the changes and their benefits, from the Conway Commons construction to the rebuilt and expanded Cinemark movie theater. Each has proved to be an asset to Conway and the newest addition will bring appeal to a community with diverse offerings. I grew up in Greenbrier, but Conway continues to be the regional hub for culture, entertainment and dining. Downtown Conway continues to improve with reconfigurations of downtown buildings into restaurants such as Table Mesa Bistro and Pasta Grill. Bike lanes throughout the city allow for new trails and parks in the city, a nice way to add visual appeal. Local efforts to improve the community show that city government and business leaders are eager to help Conway grow and become an important area for commerce and culture.
Students should stop, think about reasons for getting tattoos Tattoos. Are they a taboo, tradition or simply a must-have? As a junior, I’ve seen and met a lot of people at UCA. One of the biggest things I’ve noticed is the increase in tattoos. Some people were just like I am now and had virgin skin, meaning they had no tattoos. As school and time progress, I see more people give in to the temptation of getting a tattoo. At some point, it becomes an addiction for many. I see nothing wrong with getting “tatted,” but as long as it’s because the person wanted it for their own reasons, not because that’s what’s in right now. Tattoos can’t necessarily be a “that’s what’s hot” kind of thing, because for the most part once it’s on you it is not coming off. Granted, tattoos have been around for millenia and are used as a representation for some, such as culture or creativity. It is shocking to me that people choose some of the most unintelligent things to put on their bodies. For example, I’ve never understood why people choose to get their own name as well as their lover’s name placed somewhere on their bodies. It doesn’t serve a purpose in a lot of cases. I understand that for some, getting a loved one’s name as a memento or a reminder is a way to motivate them. I know people in the military who say tattoos are the only reminders for them to keep pushing
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because it helps keep in mind that there’s something better waiting for them back home. I have known several young people who thought they were in love and got their partner’s name tattooed on them, only to break up shortly after. If I know my name and yours, I don’t believe there’s a need to have it placed on my body. People also don’t consider the consequences of where they get their tattoos. Always be mindful and think rationally, because right now getting those kisses or names on the side of your neck may by Ari sound like a good idea, but Sumpter they can sometimes be a Staff Writer hindrance to your future. Some employers watch for things like that and may not be able to focus on anything but the tattoo on your wrist or neck, even if you came to the interview with great delivery. If it can’t be covered in a way that looks appropriate, maybe you should reconsider. I can understand how tattoos serve as a means of expression for some, but if your friends are feeling the need for ink and you find yourself constantly second guessing, then follow your first instincts. I have a number of friends who have a symbol that represents friendship tattooed on various places of their body. It’s cool for some, but for the others who got it under peer pressure, how could it mean the same thing? Overall, individuality is key. If tattoos are your forte, go for it. Just be mindful and smart about why and how you go about doing it.
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At the Oct. 11 UCA Board of Trustees meeting, the Student Government Association proposed a bill to update and upgrade its scholarships. In the future, student government should be more careful about how it goes about giving raises. The board of trustees unanimously voted to pass an update to the scholarships for the four SGA executive positions. These include SGA President Adam Price, Executive Vice President Ashley Ross, Vice President of Operations Steven Shook and Vice President of Finance Dylan Doughty. The revisions clarified and changed many facets of the scholarships, including adding May intercession to what classes are covered. The scholarship already covers full tuition for the SGA president and half tuition for the three vice presidents. This is in addition to all mandatory fees, housing and meal plans. When SGA executives have such an amazing scholarship, they should not hastily increase it. Stipends were eliminated in favor of an hourly system, which gives the four SGA members a net raise of about $250 if the members log their hours. The raise isn’t huge, but was announced Oct. 7, four days before the board of trustees meeting that passed it. This gave very little time for any discussion or concerns to be raised by students. When supporting an update to their scholarships, SGA executives should announce the decision much sooner than four days before the vote. There is no reason the changes couldn’t have been announced several weeks before the board of trustees meeting. The four SGA members said the raise was due to their inability to get a part-time job because they work as much as 40 hours per week. However, when nearly all expenses are paid by the scholarship, this argument does not hold weight. Most students work to help pay for gas, food, rent and various other expenses related to living off campus. SGA executive board scholarships take care of all of these expenses or make them much more manageable. Many students would gladly take less spending money if they could have half their tuition as well as all mandatory fees paid. Membership in SGA is entirely voluntary. Every SGA member, including senators and the executive board, run for office. At any time, members can resign, get a part-time job and take loans to pay for school so they have more money to spend while in college. This also generally means they will graduate with a lot more debt than they would with the SGA scholarship. SGA is generally good about announcing its support for issues in a timely manner, but it is important that this is the case for all issues, especially when it involves pay for its members. Transparency is important for all levels of goverment, including student government.
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.
When supporting an update to their scholarships, SGA executives should announce the decision much sooner than four days before the vote.
Campus Life
4
October 23, 2013
ACADEMICS
Around Campus:
Test anxiety boot camp offers tips, techniques
Laser Tag Laser Tag will be from 5-11 p.m. today in the Student Center Ballroom.
Veterans meeting
by Laura Holzhauer
An informational meeting for veteran benefits recipients will be hosted tomorrow during x-period in the Ida Waldran Auditorium by the Office of Veteran Services.
Assistant News Editor
Motivation lecture Gary Bunn will give a presentation titled “Motivation and Leadership Development” during x-period tomorrow in Student Center 214 on behalf of the Staff Senate Professional Development Committee.
Arkatext Novelist Padma Viswanthan will visit UCA as a part of Arkatext. She will present passages from her work at 2 p.m. tomorrow and give a talk about her craft at 11 p.m. in Thompson Hall 331. The events are free to attend and suitable for all ages.
photo courtesy of Peyton Olsen
Dean of Students Gary Roberts spoke to participants of the first annual Pride Walk about the importance of faculty and student support as allies Oct. 5. Roberts, counseling center staff, and many other UCA community members walked with the group.
UNITY IN MOTION
Grits and Glamour Country artists Pam Tillis and Lorrie Morgan will perform in Reynolds Performance Hall from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. tomorrow as a part of their Grits and Glamour tour. The event is $30-$40 to the public and $10 for UCA students.
Guest celloist Dessislava Nenova will perform on the cello as a guest artist at 7:30 p.m. Friday in Snow Fine Arts Center Recital Hall.
‘Despicable Me 2’ The Student Activities Board will host a screening of the film “Despicable Me 2” at 3 p.m. Sunday in the Student Center Ballroom. The event is free.
Composers forum The UCA Student Composers Forum will be at 3 p.m. Sunday in the Snow Fine Arts Center Recital Hall. Student composers’ pieces will be performed.
LGBT activisim The Black Box Student Gallery in Schichtl Hall is hosting “Our Colors, Our Stories: An exhibit on LGBT activism” from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Friday until Oct. 28.
Can-o-rama Bears for Christ is collecting canned foods until Nov. 22. Cans can be dropped off at the organization’s campus house, located at 327 Augusta Ave. and will be donated to the Bethlehem House.
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.
Students, faculty march together in pride walk to show support for LGBT community by Christina Huynh Campus Life Editor
Rain or shine, the first pride walk on UCA’s campus was going to happen Oct. 15, university counselor Reesa Ramasahai told PRISM Alliance president and senior Jennifer Wagner. An estimated 40 students, faculty and administration participated in the university’s inaugural pride walk, despite the rainy weather during x-period to show their support for the LGBT community. The walk, which was coordinated by Ramasahai, kicked off at the Crafton Pavilion, continued down Bruce Street, turned down Donaghey Avenue into Alumni Circle and finished its route at the amphitheaer, where Dean of Students Gary Roberts addressed the crowd with a short, impromptu speech. “Times are changing and it’s time for peoples’ lives to be open,” he said. “I think you’re taking these steps here to open peoples’ eyes and it’s appreciated.” Several Recognized Student Organizations joined the pride walk with colorful signs and painted banners, including the PRISM Alliance, Feminist Union, Social Justice League and the Young Democrats. The Office of Diversity and Community also participated in the inaugural pride walk. Wagner said she appreciated seeing the number of faculty who turned up to the walk, saying she’d “never seen so many faculty show up to an event.” About 15 faculty and administration staff were a
part of the pride walk, including interim Health and Behavioral Sciences College Dean J. Arthur Gillaspy Jr., Torreyson Library Director Art Lichtenstein and Sociology Department Chair John Toth. Gillaspy said activism is “a healthy thing on a college campus” and that he was pleased to be a part of it. “What I hope [the ones who participate in the parade] get is an opportunity to express their views, to show their photo courtesy of Peyton Olsen support and their solidarity,” Gillaspy Senior Ashlyn Palmer, 21, gets in line with a banner of support from UCA’s said. “I think in general UCA is a Social Justice League. pretty open place. I think that we’re president said he thought anticipated — given that it supportive of one another.” the walk was “fabulous” and was the first pride walk at the Lichtenstein said he was that he thought the faculty’s university — and said she was thrilled to work at a campus participation in the walk was surprised by the number of that’s “open-minded enough to the best part about it. faculty and administration that foster this kind of event.” He said the walk signifies attended the event. He said that while he and reflects an attitude of Ramasahai said she did not thought the event would be “acclimation.” Sansom said expect any protestors to be at larger, he was happy with the there’s many university students the pride walk. presence at the walk. who are still adjusting to the For the pride walk next “I think a lot of people idea of homosexuality. year, Ramasahai said she sometimes live always in their Counseling Center intern would like to have live music comfort zone, and they forget Maggie James, who is working there’s people out there that toward her PhD in counseling accompanying the walk as well aren’t just like them,” he said. psychology, said she decided as sunshine. “When your symbol is a “Maybe this [walk] will just to join the pride walk because, remind people.” “I’m an ally, and I want everyone rainbow, you sort of expect that rain might follow you,” Interim Junior Colby Sansom, who to know it.” also is the Arkansas Young She said the walk had a Counseling Center Director Democrats Stonewall Caucus bigger turnout than she had Susan Sobel said.
MUSIC
MUD MATCH
Band concert wows crowd at Reynolds By Tyler Riley
Assistant Campus Life Editor
photo by Pham Minh
A participant dives into a save for her team at Mudstock 2013 on Oct. 11. The annual event took place in “The Pit,” which is located behind the Physical Plant.
The general public was given the opportunity to see and hear the Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble perform various compositions in Reynolds Performance Hall at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 15. The concert lasted for about an hour and featured seven pieces — three performed by the Symphonic Band and four by the Wind Ensemble. Selections for the performance included
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diverse and challenging compositions. The Symphonic Band performed first under the theme “Suites for Band.” They opened the show on a bass note with Gustav Holst’s “First suit for Military Band in Eb,” conducted by Graduate Intern Les Sellers. Sellers also performed on the upright bass in some of the other performances.
See Band - page 5
The Student Health Clinic offered a seminar called “Test Anxiety Boot Camp” during x-period Oct. 15 to provide tips to students who have difficulty taking their academic course exams. Test anxiety is defined as “the excessive worry, tension or physical arousal that occurs in response to the specific circumstances that surround examinations,” predoctoral intern Cathy Staton said. Staton was the main speaker for the boot camp and used a PowerPoint presentation to highlight information to help control test anxiety. Staton said test anxiety affects many university students and said she experienced it while taking her Graduate Record Examinations, otherwise known as the GRE. “I knew [my test anxiety] was affecting the rest of my future,” she said. Some adrenaline is good and is necessary to work, Staton said. However, too much can raise a person’s stress levels to where it harms their test performance, she said. Test anxiety symptoms Staton listed were divided into two categories: body and thought. Body symptoms include sweaty palms, a racing heart, difficulty breathing, headache, upset stomach, shakiness, nausea, tense muscles and blurry vision. Thought symptoms include not being able to concentrate, going “blank,” not being able to understand questions, re-reading the questions multiple times, feeling fearful, looking at other students and repeatedly looking at the clock. Staton said the first steps a person should take toward conquering their text anxiety involve managing their health, such as getting an adequate amount of sleep, exercising, eating healthy, and setting aside time for socializing. Ways to prepare before a test include relaxing with deep breathing techniques, visualizing success and imagining a peaceful place, she said. Staton directed students to practice a deep-breathing exercise they could use to help control their test anxiety. “Pretend like you’re blowing up a balloon,” Staton said. “Breathe in for three seconds, hold it in for three seconds and then breathe out. This is telling your body to calm down and that you’re not going into battle.” She then named common thoughts that hover in a student’s mind while taking a test: “I should have studied more,” “I can’t think,” “I have to get an A,” “I need to hurry,” “I’ll fail the class” and “I’m so embarrassed.” “It doesn’t mean your life is over — it’s just one test,” Staton said. “Thoughts like these keep you in the past or in the future instead of right here in the moment.” Staton recommended that students who identify with these thoughts should replace them with positive ones, such as changing “I’m going to fail” to “I’m doing my best” and “I can’t do this” to “I’m doing this one question at a time.” Senior Abby Hinton said, “I think what stuck out most was when she mentioned identifying your negative thoughts.” Staton provided a checklist students could use while experiencing test anxiety. The checklist advised students to do one thing at a time, give each task their full attention, think in the present moment and think without judgement. Other studying and test-taking tips Staton provided include avoiding cramming, taking practice tests, appointing a time to arrive for a test that’s not too early or too late, completing the easiest questions first and the questions that are worth the most points on a test last, staying positive and refraining from comparing a person’s pace with your own. She also said students should try to sit in the same seat in every class, as well as when they are taking their test. “I want students to be able to perform to their fullest potential, and I know that text anxiety gets in the way,” she said.
ucaecho.net
CAMPUS LIFE
REYNOLDS
Paul Taylor Dance Company gets standing ovation by Anastassiya Khvan Staff Writer
The Paul Taylor Dance Company earned a standing ovation following its performance of several contemporary pieces Oct. 8 in Reynolds Performance Hall. The dance company, which started in 1954, has performed in more than 500 cities in 62 countries, according to UCA’s Public Appearances website. The company’s choreographer Paul Taylor served as an inspiration behind the company’s founding and has been nationally recognized for his work, receiving awards including the Kennedy Center Honors, an Emmy Award, the MacArthur Foundation Fellowship and the National Medal of Arts, which was presented to him by thenPres. Bill Clinton in 1993. Amanda Horton, UCA Public Appearances director said, “They have amazing artistic choreography and some of the most talented performers in modern dance.” The first piece the dance company performed was “Arden Court,” which was accompanied with baroque music — Symphonies Nos. 1, 3, 4, 7 and 8 — written by composer William Boyce. Male dancers wore nude-colored outfits with flower patterns during this piece and
Band:
Different music styles featuring jazzy, classical pieces played at concert 4 Continued from page 4 The Symphonic Band also performed Ron Nelson’s “Medieval Suite,” in which part of the band put down their instruments and provided vocal accompaniment. Their final selection was a ballet suit by Sir Arthur Sullivan titled “Pineapple Poll.” The Wind Ensemble took the stage after the Symphonic Band. Its portion of the performance also featured Sellers as conducter for Aaron Copland’s “An Outdoor Overture.” It performed a jazzy piece by Adam Gorb titled “Awayday,” Dimitri Kabalevsky’s orchestral piece titled “Overture to Colas Breugnon” and Eric Ewazen’s “Concerto for Miramba and Wind Ensemble.” Senior Donald “Moose” Davis was featured on marimba in Ewazen’s “Concerto for Marimba and Wind Ensemble.” Davis earned the feature as one of the winners of the UCA Wind Ensemble Student Spotlight Competition. Davis danced back and forth across the marimba, impressively switching mallets and performing his part from memory. Regarding his performance, Davis said, “I don’t remember a single part of it. I’ve learned that’s typically a good thing.” The audience gave a standing ovation in response to Davis and the Wind Ensemble after their concerto performance. The entire show was received well. The audience showered both bands with standing ovations. Junior Percussionist Chris Minette said, “We’ve been working on [this performance] since the beginning of the semester. [It] reflected our hard work.” Band Director Ricky Brooks conducted pieces for both bands. Symphonic Band Director Brantley Douglas also conducted pieces for the Symphonic Band.
the female dancers donned dresses that were intended to represent flowers. The second piece, titled “To Make Crops Grow,” was set to “Grand Canyon Suite” written by American composer Ferde Grofé. Dancers played citizens of a 20th century village that was being led by a shaman, or a person who interacts with the spiritual world. Citizens were required to take one piece of paper, similar to a lottery, in this dystopia. In this piece, one woman drew a photo by Pham Minh ticket that selected Dancers simultaneously spiral in the Paul Taylor Dance Company’s opening her as a target for act at Reynolds Performance Hall. The performance featured three distinct other citizens to routines, exhibiting various styles of modern ballet. pelt stones at. The last piece, there also was a male duet. third piece. called “Piazzolla At the end of the company’s “I thoroughly enjoyed the Caldera,” was set to music written by Astor Piazzolla and performance, the audience stood show,” he said. “There were Jerzy Peterburshsky. Hanging up and applauded the dance turns in the dances, [which] was something that threw me lamps onstage created a bar troupe’s works of art. University of Arkansas off because I expected it to be scene atmosphere. The dancers performed a — Little Rock student Danny something else and it just took tango number, where dancers Jimenez said he was impressed a twist. And I was like, ‘OK, I did were sectioned into small groups. with the “power and strength and not see that coming.’ That threw Woman danced with men, but ferocity” of the male duet in the me off but I loved it.”
October 23,2013 /5
Students Say
“
How do you feel about the controversy surrounding Damien Echols and his upcoming presentation at UCA?
”
story by Tyler Riley photos by Jared Holt
Senior Ben Lykins
Junior Bryce Crabb
“For me specifically, I’d say neutral ... we have to be ready to be open minded about things that go on in general. “
“I think that it is great for the diversity of our campus for him to be here and for him to speak.”
Freshman Jordan Kemp
Freshman Tanguila Suen
RSO
Saudi Club hosts traditional celebration, teaches culture, Muslim holiday’s history by Austin DuVall News Editor Everyone at UCA, regardless of religious or ethnic affilation, was invited to the Eid Al-Adha Celebration on Oct. 15. The event, hosted by the UCA Saudi Club during x-period in the Student Center Ballroom, featured Saudi culture. After a reading from the Quran, senior Sarah Al-Sadi Al, UCA Saudi Club vice president, introduced the celebration and what it meant. “Eid Al-Adha is celebrated by Muslims all over the world,” Al-Sadi said. “On this day, we sacrifice animals who meet certain religious requirements in honor of when God commanded Abraham to kill his son. God then changed his request at the last second and ordered Abraham to kill a lamb instead. People also dress up in their finest clothing.” Al-Adha said the holiday shows that everyone, not just Muslims, are equal. She said, “There’s no difference in color. There’s no difference in ethnicity or language. It just makes us all get together and share the same food.” There was a quiz at the end of the presentation and prizes
were given out to audience members who could answer correctly. After the audience learned the holiday’s history, Intensive English Program (IEP) student Hael Rajab and his classmates performed a comedy skit about common mistakes Americans make when trying to learn Arabic. Rajab is a fourth-year IEP student who teaches Arabic voluntarily to UCA students and has been teaching since his first year in the program. Al-Sadi introduced the oud, a relative of the European lute and popular instrument within the Saudi culture. Adel Al-Rajeh, or “Uncle Adel” as he is known among the students in the club, played the oud while IEP student Ali Al-Mughirah sang and played a metal drum. IEP graduate Hashel AlSaroor created a film for the event, depicting a Saudi boy who wants to attend college in the United States. The short film poked fun at a few stereotypes related to both Saudis and college students in general. After the presentations wrapped up, Al-Sadi said the audience was free to help themselves to the banquet of free food behind them. The buffet was stocked with traditional and popular Saudi dishes, such as the national
dish, kabsa. Kabsa is a rice dish complete with long rice, meat and vegetables. The flavor varies depending on the type and amount of spices added to it. Other dishes included falafel, a vegetarian dish, dates, Arabian coffee and hummus. Sera Streiff-Vena, senior lecturer in the Intensive English Program and Saudi Club faculty adviser, said that it’s good for students to attend such a celebration because it gives them a cultural experience other than their own. “What they need to understand,” Streiff-Vena said, “is that in many cases, the way people celebrate around the world is the same and has a common feeling to it. This is kind of like their Thanksgiving because it’s a time for the family to get together, cook and give food away to charity.”
ASIAN FESTIVAL
Woodland Heights Baptist Church 4215 Prince St. * Conway November 9 from 10:30 a.m. til 5:30 p.m. Ethnic foods, entertainment, business and retail vendors, door prizes, hula hoop contest, and eggroll eating contest!
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“I know we’re in the South, but we’re still supposed to be open minded.... If you don’t want to hear it then don’t go.”
“It’s a great opportunity to hear his opinion about it, how he felt and his side of the story of what happened. “
#
UCA Seniors Say
“ What do you think about the
Freshman Ashley Louden “I want to go watch him talk. I think it’s a good thing that he’s coming to speak.”
SGA executive board asking for a pay increase?
”
Tweet @UCAEcho along with this hashtag, and we may choose your answer to be featured on ucaecho.net.
Entertainment
6
October 23, 2013
MOVIE
New This Week
‘Don Jon’ is twist on conflict
Movies
by Jessica Seastrom
Oct. 25 —The Counselor, directed by Ridley Scott, starring Brad Pitt, Goran Visnjic, Michael Fassbender
Staff Writer
Oct. 25 — Bad Grandpa, directed by Jeff Tremaine, starring Johnny Knoxville, Jackson Nicoll, Spike Jonze
Music Oct. 29 — Christmas Songs - Bad Religion Oct. 29 — Reflecktor - The Arcade Fire Oct. 29 — Error 500 - Mutation Oct. 29 — Wrapped In Red - Kelly Clarkson Oct. 29 — Good Wine And Bad Decisions - Julie Roberts Oct. 29 — The Flood And The Mercy Ed Kowalczyk Oct. 29 — My Friend Fish - Diane Coffee Oct. 29 — The Life That You’ve Chosen - Survive This! Oct. 29 — Serpents Unleashed Skeletonwitch Oct. 29 — The Light Under Closed Doors - The Swellers Oct. 29 — Lemonade Corsicana - White De Oct. 29 — Borrowed Time - Far-Out Fangtooth Oct. 29 — Night Time, My Time - Sky Ferreria Oct. 29 — Black Radio 2 - Robert Glasper Experiment
Books Oct. 28 — Rush Revere and the Brave Pilgrims: Time-Travel Adventures with Exceptional Americans by Rush Limbaugh Oct. 28 — A Dance With Dragons by George R.R. Martin Oct. 28 — Medicare For Dummies by Patricia Barry Oct. 28 —The Dark Secret by Tui T. Sutherland Oct. 29 — The Most of Nora Ephron by Nora Ephron Oct. 29 — The De-Textbook: The Stuff You Didn’t Know About the Stuff You Thought You Knew by Cracked.com
Video Games Oct. 29 — Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag - Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii U Oct. 29 — Battlefield 4 - Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
photo courtesy of hasitleaked.com
Terrence Thorton, known by his stage name Pusha T released his debut studio album “My Name Is My Name” on Oct. 8. He has also released two mixtapes and one EP.
Pusha T raps his way to top with debut by Spencer Griffin Sports Editor
Released Oct. 8, “My Name is My Name” by Pusha T is one of the shortest albums I have downloaded and listened to. This album is astoundingly short compared to other rap albums, at 46 minutes and 25 seconds. Although the album is short in length, it’s a good listen lyrically and musically. Pusha T released this album through GOOD Music and Def Jam records. His producers were Kanye West and Swizz Beatz, among many others. It was evident the album would be short since the first two songs were under three minutes long, whereas other songs on the album are more than three minutes. Only four songs are four minutes or longer, and none of those reach the five-minute mark. Pusha T went all out for this album, with big names featured. He has songs featuring Chris Brown, Rick Ross, Jeezy, Kelly Rowland, 2 Chainz, Big Sean, Kendrick Lamar, Future and Pharrell. His song with Future is absolutely, hands down, the best track on the album. While the lyrics in the song are solid, it’s the
Favorite Up-andComing Rappers
List compiled by Stephen Reynolds
of the album. The album art for the explicit version of the album is just a bar code. This says to me, “my name is my name” really means what it says. It is a name and a label. A name is just a label of who you are, but doesn’t tell the whole story, and that’s exactly what a bar code is, a label that says nothing on the surface, but if you dig and figure out what that label or name means, you can find that one’s personality is much deeper than just a name. It was an interesting idea that was good to see on the album. Through the album, Pusha T gives variation in his songs by slowing down some of them, obviously one being the one featuring Kelly Rowland, “Let Me Love You,” and the song featuring Chris Brown, “Sweet Serenade.” As an up-and-coming rap artist, Pusha T couldn’t have put out a better album and couldn’t have chosen better guests or producers for his tracks. The album can be purchased in iTunes or Google Play for $9.99. Don’t let the length of the album fool you, Pusha T chose quality over quantity with “My Name Is My Name” and did a terrific job in doing so.
MUSIC
A Day To Remember releases 5th album despite lawsuit with Victory Records label by Andy Robertson Assistant Sports Editor
After an almost two-year long lawsuit with its record label, American metalcore/pop punk band A Day to Remember released its fifth studio album, “Common Courtesy,” independently. On Dec. 15, 2011, the band filed a lawsuit against Victory Records for breach of contract. A Day to Remember claimed Victory owed them $75,000 in royalties. Victory claimed the lawsuit was about the band’s refusal to fulfill its five album contractual commitment. Because of the lawsuit, A Day to Remember put clips of the band in the studio online. This is something I have never heard in an album before. This was the album I was looking forward to most in the last six months and A Day to Remember did not disappoint. “Common Courtesy” features many different sounds the band has used in the past. The album ranges from some of the heaviest music it has written, from soft acoustic songs, to fast-paced pop punk songs. The seventh track on the album, “Violence (Enough is Enough)” was released on the band’s website in December 2012 and was the album’s lone single.
1. Kendrick Lamar (Section.80 - 2011)
The Top Five
extremely catchy and seemingly “hype” beat that catches the listener’s ear. The song is called “Pain” because Pusha T is saying that because he has felt too much pain in his life, he doesn’t ever feel pain anymore. This track has one of the best beats I have heard in a long while, and may be one of the best beats of all the songs I have downloaded. There’s something about “Pain” that will keep listeners coming back day after day. The percussion backgrounds of the song are on point and fit perfectly with this song. Not surprisingly, West helped produce this track. “S.N.I.T.C.H.” is another song that stands out on this album. This song features Pharrell and it seems as if the title has a dual meaning. In the hook, S.N.I.T.C.H stands for “Sorry Nigga, I’m Trying to Come Home.” The lyrics seem as if Pusha T is trying to say snitching is bad. He has split from what used to be his great friends and now has no association with them because of the things they are doing, but still will not snitch on them. The simple album art speaks volumes and has an underlying message that ties in with the title
While Kendrick Lamar has been around long enough to “make it,” I have stubbornly been ignoring him despite friends insisting that he really is that good. After hearing “A.D.H.D.” in the background while driving around in “Grand Theft Auto V,” I decided to give Lamar a listen and was plesantly surprised by the rapper’s unique style and mean flow. We can expect much more creative genius from Lamar in the next few years.
A Day to Remember also released a series of videos on YouTube called “Common Courtesy: The Series” which takes viewers into the studio. The videos are not necessarily about recording but more directed toward comedy. The album kicks off with “City of Ocala.” In the song, the band pays homage to its hometown of Ocala, Fla. and the memories it had practicing in garages. My favorite song on the album is the second track, “Right Back at it Again.” This song was first leaked when a fan uploaded the audio from a live show to YouTube. I like this song because it features a fast pace and catchy lyrics. The intro to this song is one of my favorite intros in recent memory. It starts heavy and moves to a pop punk sound. Another song that stood out to me was “Life @ 11.” The song is another one of the catchy pop punk songs that the band has been producing since the 2009 “Homesick” album. The heavy stuff is good but there is something about pop punk songs that fills me with energy. The shortest song on the album is “Life Lessons Learned the Hard Way.” The song is the only one under three minutes but it is possibly the heaviest song the band has written. Rumors around the Internet say this song is about Hunter Moore, founder
2. Action Bronson (Dr. Lecter - 2011) Arian Asllani, known by his stage name Action Bronson, is a rapper from Queens, New York City. His style resembles the rapper Ghostface Killah’s. Bronson was a gourmet chef in New York City and brings his culinary knowledge to the rap game which makes his style unique. He doesn’t resemble the “traditional” rapper at all, but don’t let looks deceive you. He is one hell of an artist and I expect to see much more of him.
and manager of a now defunct “revenge porn” website. Moore started the website, which features revealing photos of men and women that were linked to their social networking sites in 2009. One of the strongest lines in the song says, “a little girl, killed herself today, the blood’s on your hands.” The end of the song has a ticking noise that foreshadows a bomb exploding. The next song on the album is “End of Me.” I would say that it is my second-favorite song on the album because it is like nothing I’ve heard from the band but it was still powerful. “The Document Speaks For Itself” is without a doubt about the owner of Victory Records. Early cuts of the songs that were released online featured a voicemail from Victory owner Tony Brummel where he said he is suing the band. The final, and longest song on the album is “I Remember.” The song is about seeing the country and touring for the first time. At the end of the track, there is a sound of a bomb exploding. I got the impression that it was a metaphor for the lawsuit. Because they are releasing it independently, the album cannot be purchased on iTunes or the Google Play Store, but it can be downloaded from the band’s website for $10.
3. Pusha T (Fear of God - 2011) Terrence Thorton, known by his stage name Pusha T, has only released one studio album, but has been in the rap game since 1992 as part of the duo Clipse, alongside his brother Gene. Pusha T is another rapper like Lamar, who was reccomended to me and I ignored. After every listen, I began liking his music more. Thanks to sports editor senior Spencer Griffin for reccomending “Pain” to begin my Pusha T addiction.
Dramatic comedy “Don Jon,” a film written and directed by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, is the actor’s directorial debut. Gordon-Levitt also starred in the movie as the main character, Jon Martello. You may recognize Gordon-Levitt from earlier roles on television in “3rd Rock from the Sun” or in movies such as “10 Things I Hate About You,” “Inception,” “The Dark Night Rises” and “Looper.” Other stars join him, such as Scarlett Johansson, who starred in the recent “Avengers” movie as Black Widow. Julianne Moore and Tony Danza play important characters in Martello’s life. Gordon-Levitt is the founder of HitRecord, a company which was one of the three production agencies who supported the film. The company promotes artists from all around in a variety of medias to send in their work and allow it to be used in other movies, shows or commercials. The other two companies were Voltage Pictures and Ram Bergman Productions. Martello is a handsome man with few focuses in life; his body, ride, family, church, guy friends, girls and his porn. When Martello meets a girl and becomes interested in her, he has to find a balance between a traditional
relationship with her as well as his desire to keep watching porn. And, he watches quite a bit of it. It’s a great comedy for men and women because of its hilarious and relatable situations from all characters. This may not be the type of movie to watch with your parents and may not be suitable for viewers with a more modest taste. Clips from pornographic videos are shown throughout the movie. The clips are risky, but “Don Jon” is rated R so nothing terribly graphic is shown. The unpredictability of the plot kept it interesting and separated it from many other comedies. This is not the typical romantic comedy that guys might refrain from watching because of the genre attached to it. I would suggest watching this film with a good friend or a date because it’s awkward and funny at the same time. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and received a NC-17 rating. After the showing, Gordon-Levitt made the decision to cut out the more graphic footage so people would not think that it was solely about pornography but instead focus on the meaning behind the images. “Don Jon” comes across a as well-produced independent film and is a different take on a common situation between new couples. It is rated R and playing at the Cinemark Towne Center in Conway.
ALBUM
photo courtesy of news.revolt.tv
Miley Cyrus released her fourth studio album “Bangerz” on Oct. 8. She calls it her debut, her first since the end of Hannah Montana.
‘Bangerz’ is unexceptional by Laura Holzhauer Assistant News Editor
Miley Cyrus released her fourth album, “Bangerz,” on Oct. 8, after a storm of criticism regarding her shocking Video Music Awards performance Aug. 26. Despite having her fair share of critics, Cyrus has held her head high and released an album that is worth at least a listen. However, “Bangerz” as a whole lacks the impact of hit singles “We Can’t Stop” and “Wrecking Ball.” Cyrus wants to leave her Hannah Montana image behind and be seen as a rebel. She tries hard to fulfill this image with “Bangerz,” but it is difficult to take her decent songs seriously when many of the others come off as ridiculous. Cyrus’s album was produced by Mike Will Made It and a variety of rappers are also featured on the album. They include Nelly, Future, Big Sean, French Montana and Ludacris. Britney Spears is featured on the title track “SMS (Bangerz).” While “We Can’t Stop” is an incredibly catchy party hit and “Wrecking Ball” is powerful and melodious, most songs on ”Bangerz” lack something special to earn a second listen. Subject matter on the album is, for the most part, limited to break-up songs and carefree party songs. The opening track, “Adore You,” is a sweet, slow and simple love song and is one of the stronger
4. Earl Sweatshirt (Earl - 2010) Thebe Neruda Kgositsile, known as Earl Sweatshirt, has a more unique beginning to his career. After releasing his mixtape “Earl” in 2010, Sweatshirt’s mother sent him to a reform boarding school in Samoa until his 18th birthday, because of his troublemaking. He returned to the U.S. in 2012 and released his first studio album Aug. 20, 2013. Sweatshirt is one of the many artists I’ve heard as guests for Frank Ocean.
tracks on the album. Songs like the title track “SMS (Bangerz)” featuring Britney Spears, “4 x 4” featuring Nelly and “Do My Thang” are somewhat annoying with laughable lyrics. These are some songs that seem to be Cyrus’s way of asserting her independence and are not enjoyable, aside from the initial laugh you get. One of my favorite non-single tracks is “Drive,” where Cyrus sings about the heartbreak of being led on by someone she loved. “Drive” possesses the desperate and soulful quality that “Wrecking Ball” has with an electronic beat in the background. In “Someone Else,” Cyrus sings about heartbreak and selfcondolence (“If you’re trying to find pity you need to look somewhere else/I surely can’t help you, I’m hurting myself/I’ve turned into someone else.”) She describes how her vision of love changed from being like a fairy tale to hopeless and destructive. This is another one of my favorite tracks. “FU,” featuring French Montana, is a notable track that is jazzy, soulful and reminiscent of Amy Winehouse. This style certainly suits Cyrus’s voice. While “Bangerz” is hit-andmiss, I will always support Cyrus because I admire her unabashed persistence and ability to get herself noticed. She may not be a perfect role model for preteen girls anymore, but she exudes confidence and is experimenting with her musical ability. “Bangerz” costs $10.99 on iTunes and Google Play.
5. Problem (Hotels - 2011) Jason Martin, also known as Problem, has not released a studio album yet, but does have nine mixtapes under his belt. He has not gotten much attention from mainstream rap, but with an arsenal of mixtapes, he can’t go unnoticed for long. My favorite songs include “T.O.” off his “Welcome To Mollywood” mixtape, “Like Whaaat?” off his “Ain’t Nobody Hotter Than Me” mixtape and “Say That Then” off his “The Seperation” mixtape.
Sports
7
October 23, 2013
Week at a glance
Team plagued by injuries The UCA football team lost a senior player to injury during Saturday’s win against Lamar. In the third quarter, senior tight end Chase Dixon went down with a leg injury that was reported as a broken fibula. This is the exact injury that was reported for senior quarterback Wyrick Smothers a week prior. Smothers’ injury also occurred in the third quarter. The Bears have battled through injuries all season. Junior wide receiver Dezmin Lewis is out with a leg injury and junior running back Willie Matthews missed the Lamar game due to a staph infection in his elbow. Lewis is leading the team in receiving.
Rushing happy with team Only four players will return for the UCA Sugar Bear basketball team four players from last year’s team, but Coach Sandra Rushing said she is excited to see what this team can do and how it will face adversity. The team will go on the road tomorrow for its first closed scrimmage. Because it is a scrimmage, stats and results cannot be released to the public. Rushing said she has seen a lot of improvement, but there is still more for the team to improve on. Her players’ attitudes and work ethics have been great in practice, she said. The returning players Rushing will have are senior center Courtney Duever, senior point guard Micah Rice, junior forward Tyisha Amos and sophomore guard Jameka Watkins. Rushing said the team has good chemistry. The team will play its first game Nov. 8 at home against Alcorn State.
Bears to continue battle Although the UCA football team is banged up and has had season-ending injuries for key players, the team looks forward to playing Stephen F. Austin at 3 p.m. Saturday. It will be a crucial game for Southland Conference standings and is UCA’s homecoming. The Bears’ defense will go up against senior quarterback Brady Attaway, who is No. 1 in the Southland Conference in average passing yards per game with 341.9. Senior quarterback Wynrick Smothers sits behind him at the No. 2 spot with 302.7 passing yards per game. Attaway also leads the Southland in total offense with 336.6 yards per game. The UCA defense is No. 7 in the Southland Conference.
Upcoming games Football
Saturday vs. Stephen F. Austin State University. 3 p.m. Volleyball
Thursday vs. Houston Baptist University. 7 p.m. Saturday vs. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. 12 p.m. Men’s Soccer
GOAL
Men’s team adds home draw, road loss on week by Brandon Riddle Associate Editor
The UCA men’s soccer team (4-7-2, 0-1-1 Missouri Valley Conference) failed to claim victories in two games that went into overtime Oct. 12 and Oct. 16. Freshman midfielder and forward Wes Carson scored the Bears’ only goal during the Oct. 12 MVC match at home against the Bradley University Braves, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Carson leads the team in points, shots and shots on goal. Last season, the Bears and Bradley ended the final day of play with a similar 1-1 draw. Men’s Soccer Coach Ross Duncan said that while UCA wanted to come out with a victory, Bradley was a quality opponent. “It was a battle,” he said. “It was two Valley teams. [For] both teams, I think it was pretty even on stats and chances on goal.” Junior midfielder Logan Miller said the game was a disappointment for UCA and that the team was sloppy in certain aspects, such as goals. “[The Bears] wanted that win,” he said. “We should have had it. We had chances to and we missed it.” Despite the draw, Miller said the team got a point and wanted more, but couldn’t be mad about the game’s outcome. “We’ve got a lot of positives we can take out of it,” he said. “We played well on the ground passing the ball.” Bradley went 1-0 in the 12th minute Oct. 12 when its freshman forward, Christian Okeke, lofted a cross into the Bears’ box, where Braves senior forward Wojciech Wojcik collected it and put it in the back of the net. UCA was unable to score a goal until the 65th minute of play when Carson fielded a pass from senior midfielder Jaden Hoth and fired the ball off the left post into the net. Neither team was able to gain an advantage in regulation play and the two overtime periods. “We we’re pressing hard and the ball was popping around,” Carson said. “[Duncan] said [Bradley’s keeper] is not very solid going to his laterals, so he said just take shots on him and I took a rip and it goes in.” In terms of his game performance, Duncan said Carson is opportunistic and has good work rate. “He’s a nice blend of what you look for in a forward,” he said. “He’s undersized, so he’s got to work harder. [Wojcik] is probably 6’3” and 200 lbs. and [Carson is] 5’6” and probably 140 lbs.” Duncan said the team made strategy adjustments at halftime and that they were a huge positive for the Bears.
See Draw - page 8
Smothers out for season
by Andy Robertson Assistant Sports Editor
T h e UCA Bears football team lost senior quarterback Wy n r i c k Smothers for the rest of the season Oct. 12 when he broke his Wynrick Smothers fibula in the third quarter in the 31-0 win against Division II opponent Nebraska-Kearney. The fifth-year senior’s playing career was cut short when he was tackled after a 10-yard gain and a first down. Football Coach Clint Conque said the team lost one of its best players. “We lost one of our all-time great players,” he said. “That win came at a price.” Smothers finished the game ranking second in the Southland Conference in total passing yards with 1,816 and first in completion percentage with 66.1 percent of his passes completed. The completion percentage is two points higher than his career high. He also rushed for 133 yards and two touchdowns.
Smothers has thrown eight touchdowns on the season and nine interceptions. Smothers came in the season as the reigning Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Year. He is the second UCA quarterback to hold the honor, following current Quarterback Coach Nathan Brown. He was named to the 2012 All-Southland Conference First Team. Smothers has been named Southland Offensive Player of the week five times in his career with the first one coming in his freshman year. He tied a school record in 2012 in touchdowns passes with 31. Smothers has helped lead the Bears to back-to-back undefeated seasons at home. Sophomore running back Blake Veasley said he hates seeing injuries. “You just hate to see anyone go down,” he said. “Prayers go out to him and his family.” Junior quarterback Ryan Howard will take over for Smothers at quarterback. Howard has appeared in six games and has completed six passes for 86 yards and a touchdown. Smothers said Howard will handle the job well. “I think Ryan will do a good job taking over the [quarterback] position, but [Reed] will contribute
FOOTBALL
Bears continue to battle injuries, collect wins against UNK, Lamar by Andy Robertson and Elise Woods Assistant Sports Editor and Staff Writer
Saturday at Lamar With All-Southland Conference senior quarterback Wynrick Smothers on the sidelines and out for the season, back-up junior quarterback Ryan Howard engineered a come-from-behind 26-24 UCA victory over Lamar University on Saturday night in Beaumont, Texas. With the Bears (4-3 overall, 1-1 in the conference) trailing 10-3 at halftime, Howard went to work with a crucial third-quarter spurt that saw him complete eight of nine passes for 122 yards and two touchdowns. His 23-yard scoring strike to sophomore wide receiver Courtney Whitehead with 2:53 left in the fourth quarter pushed UCA ahead. Howard got most of the time at quarterback Saturday night, although transfer and sophomore quarterback Taylor Reed took some snaps as well as junior wide receiver Jacoby Walker for the wildcat formation. Senior defensive back Jestin Love said he was proud of the quarterback play during the game. “The quarterbacks stepped up and answered the call all night,” Love said. “With more game experience they’re only going to get better.” Junior placekicker Eddie Camara provided UCA with its
photo courtesy of Josh Goff
Sophomore wide receiver Courtney Whitehead holds up the ball to let the referee know he completed the game-winning catch to give the Bears a 26-24 lead over Lamar on Oct. 19. only points of the first half, which came on a 42yard field goal. Camara, however, knocked down a 42-yard attempt with 12:03 left in the fourth quarter to give the Bears their first lead of the game. Camara said he had been struggling with consistency recently, but that Saturday night saw him regain his old form. “I was just hurt, but we’d been struggling with protection (on placement snaps),” Camara said. “I let that get to me a little, but I’m now just focusing on myself. I was just happy to show confidence and help the team tonight.” Howard got off to a slow start in the first half, completing only six of 15 passes for 55 yards. UCA managed only 128 total yards in the first half before Howard caught fire in the final two quarters. Howard’s heroics in the fourth quarter came after Lamar (3-4, 0-2) regained the lead on a touchdown
Saturday vs. University of Evansville. 12 p.m. Women’s Soccer
Friday at Oral Roberts University. 7 p.m. Sunday vs. Stephen F. Austin State University. 1 p.m.
pass from junior quarterback Caleb Berry. The problem for the Cardinals, however, was that it left too much time on the clock. There were still 6:34 to play and that proved to be plenty for Howard to work his magic. Howard set up his winning touchdown with pass completions to sophomore running back Blake Veasley and freshman running back Kelton Warren down to the Lamar 23-yard line. Whitehead, who caught four passes for 100 yards, was open in the corner of the end zone for the game-winner. Howard’s accomplice, Reed, had his moments as well Saturday. He completed passes to 13 different receivers. The Bears’ win, however, didn’t come without a significant loss.
See Bears - page 8
VOLLEYBALL
Sugar Bears keep winning, go 2-0 in Louisiana after downing Oral Roberts in four sets at Prince Center by Ariana Sumpter Staff Writer
Wednesday at Missouri State University. 7 p.m.
some,” he said. Sophomore quarterback Taylor Reed transferred to UCA after sitting out a year at the University of Arkansas, where he sat out after transferring from the University of Memphis. Smothers said his responsibilities will change because of the injury. “I’ll just have to be more of a motivator and somewhat of a cheerleader because they’ll need to see me out there pulling for them,” he said. Smothers finishes his playing career at UCA ranking sixth in career passing yards with 5,477 and fifth in passing touchdowns and completion percentage with 42 touchdowns and a completion percentage of 63.6. He ran for 813 yards and eight touchdowns in his career. He also caught a touchdown in sophomore season. Smothers was redshirted when came to UCA in 2009 from Destrehan, La. In his senior year at Destrehan High School, Smothers helped lead the team to a 14-0 record and a 5A championship. Prior to the season, Smothers was named a nominee for the Walter Payton Award. The annual award is given to the most outstanding offensive player in the Division I Football Championship Subdivision.
The UCA Sugar Bears continue to hold their undefeated record this season, winning two Southland Conference games against McNeese State University and Nicholls State University. The Sugar Bears played the first game of a two-game road trip Thursday, playing against the McNeese State Cowgirls. The Sugar Bears continued their Southland Conference winning streak, defeating the Cowgirls 25-22, 25-21, 25-20. They then played Nicholls State on Saturday, where they won another straight 25-11, 25-15, 2523 set, to earn their 10th straight victory. Winning these two games keeps the Sugar Bears in the No. 1 spot in the Southland Conference so far.
photo by Jared Holt
Senior middle blocker Paige Gantar goes for the kill in the Sugar Bears’ 4-1 victory against Oral Roberts on Oct. 12. Senior outside hitter and middle blocker Kyle Hartman said both teams were good competition. “McNeese and Nicholls have
improved a lot, but I think we handled them well,” she said. “We came out ready to play for both of the games.” Hartman said these teams, as
well as each game played, helps them get closer to their overall goal. “Every game we play helps us towards the conference tournament. While we are always focused on the upcoming game, our ultimate goal is to win the tournament and these games will help us get there,” she said. Senior setter Marissa Collins said having confidence is a key factor to the Sugar Bears’ success thus far. “I think the key to us winning is the level of confidence that we always have during every game,” she said. “We come out ready to go and never back down. Aggression is key to our success.” Collins said working on consistency can help UCA stay strong as a team.
See Winning - page 8
HEADER
Soccer snaps three-game losing skid by Brittany Harris Staff Writer
The UCA women’s soccer team split two games in Texas this weekend, losing 1-0 on Friday at Sam Houston, and winning 1-0 Sunday at Houston Baptist. Coach Jeremy Bishop said it was a confidence-boosting weekend, with the Bears coming out more successful than they have in the last few weekend matches. Bishop said his team played well Friday and that it deserved a much better outcome. “We out shot them, had way more of the ball, even tied the score late only to have our goal called back on an incorrect off sides call by the referee,” he said. Senior defender Emma Reed said UCA was “clearly the better team on Friday.” She said she was unimpressed by the referees’ behavior. She said it seemed like they were playing two opponents at once. “We played with emotion and created a lot of chances,” she said. “It seemed like we were playing against the officials as well as Sam Houston, and we were very unlucky not to pull out a win.” In the game, the Bears shot more than the Sam Houston Bearkats did, but they were not as accurate and did not yield a goal each time. UCA had seven of its 18 shots on goal, where Sam Houston’s shots were on goal on each of its 10 attempts. On Sunday, the Bears played the Houston Baptist Huskies. Neither team was able to score in the first half of the game, but UCA was able to take a one point lead in the 64th minute. Senior forward Adriana Lucar made the goal that won the game Sunday 1-0. Freshman midfielder and forward Kate Koch assisted with that goal. It was Lucar’s ninth goal of the season. Bishop praised his players, saying the team kept its head up and stayed together. “We played pretty well, creating a lot of good scoring chances and we finally put one away,” he said. He said the team “definitely held strong.” Reed said her team played hard, with passion and fought until the last second. “It was a critical win that we needed in our fight for post-season play, as well as a confidence booster,” she said. Junior midfielder Vanessa Randall said Sunday’s game went smoothly and that it was a crucial win. “We played well and got the win,” she said. “We needed this win really badly, so it was a great team effort to pull together and succeed. It wasn’t the prettiest game of soccer we’ve ever played but we got it done.” Randall said she feels confident in the team’s standing going into the last four regular games of the season. With its chances at the Southland Conference Tournament still on the table, UCA will have to practice hard to secure more wins in the upcoming soccer matches. The UCA women’s soccer team played two games last weekend at home before going on the road, losing to the Southeastern Louisiana University Lady Lions and the Nicholls State University Colonels. The games were disappointing 2-1 losses for UCA at home. Bishop said he was proud of his team, but it was out played. “The girls played really well, and it could have gone either way,” he said. “I give credit to Southeastern for coming out on top.” For UCA to tie the game, sophomore forward Marisela Chavez sent the ball into the box where freshman forward and midfielder Kate Koch was able to drill it into the net. This goal matched Southeastern’s goal, making the score 1-1 in the game’s 40th minute. The Bears were not able to match Southeastern’s second goal, however, and the final score was a 2-1 loss. Junior midfielder Vanessa Randall said she was proud of the team’s will to win, but it just didn’t work out.
See Soccer - page 8
8/ October 23, 2013
SPORTS RUNNING
Cross country teams win meet, breaks records, gathers several top 10 finishes by Misti Hollenbaugh Staff Writer
The UCA cross country teams swept the men’s and women’s team and individual titles at the UALR Invitational on Oct. 19 at Murray Park. “It’s a big win for UCA,” sophomore Corentin Louis said. The 9 a.m. race was run on a golf course in Little Rock. UCA had five top 10 finishers in the women’s 5k race in Little Rock. Freshman Brooke Cassar won the race with a time of 16:40.03, breaking her own school record by more than 25 seconds and averaging 5:22 minutes per mile. Senior Erika Setzler finished second with a time of 16:57.25, averaging 5:28 minutes per mile. Senior Kayla Nehus finished fourth (17:54.21), while freshman Brigette Caruthers was sixth (18:18.45) and graduate student Megan Effinger was eighth (18:34.26). Freshman Briana Stuepfert was 15th (19:17.92) and sophomore Cassandra Rosas was 19th (19:40.72). UCA won the meet, followed by Lousiana-Lafayette, Arkansas
Soccer:
State, University of Arkansas — Little Rock, University of Arkansas — Pine Bluff, McMurry, Arkansas Tech and Henderson State. Senior Erika Setzler said it was an awesome feeling having top five finishes that close together. “It shows that our team is really coming together and working hard to push each other,” she said. She said the practice shows through the meet. “It definitely shows off the all of the hard work everybody has been putting in,” she said. In the men’s 8k race, UCA placed four runners in the top 10. Senior Edward Limo won with a time of 24:27.44, averaging 4:53 minutes per mile. Junior Jonathan Burgess finished third with a time of 24:54.13, averaging 4:58 minutes per mile, while senior Amos Gerber was fourth with a time of 24:56.33, averaging 4:59 minutes per mile. Louis was sixth, finishing in 25:05.72, and freshman Grant Williams finished 11th with a time of 25:23.82. Sophomore Albert Maeder was 13th (25:34.42) and sophomore James Leonard was 15th (25:49.58).
UCA finished first in the meet, followed by UALR, Arkansas State, Louisiana-Lafayette, UAPB and McMurry. Because the race was run against NCAA Division II teams, it was scored as separate dual meets. The UCA men’s team had a score of 23-33. Louis said the men had a very good team average placement, and that it was a very good race. “All of the team members did awesome, with most guys getting a personal record,” he said. Louis said the course was very flat for an 8k race. Setzler said last week the team did some pretty tough speed workouts. “We knew it was going to be a smaller meet,” she said, “But knew we had to keep our minds focused even though there wasn’t a whole lot of competition. We just came into it hoping for a win.” The Bears will compete in the Southland Conference Cross Country Championship at 9 a.m. Nov. 1 in Lake Charles, La. After that, they will compete in NCAA Regionals at 9 a.m Nov. 15 at Baylor University in Waco, Texas.
Winning:
Volleyball on 10-game win streak, remains at No. 1 spot in Southland Conference play 4 Continued from page 7 “We just need to work on playing a consistent game,” she said. “We have some strong starts and some strong finishes. We’re now aiming to play a complete match and be strong all the way through.” Hartman said the team believes, with practice, it can improve in its weakest areas. “We leaked a few points here and there this weekend and let more points than we wanted to get away from us in the third game against Nicholls,” she said. “We always say there is no such thing as a little thing, and we are all ready to get back to practice and work on our weaknesses to improve for some big games next weekend.” Hartman and Collins said the team is filled with hard workers, but that freshman outside hitter Evie Grace Singleton stepped up in these two games. Hartman said she was proud of Singleton and that she has a lot of talent.
“Evie Grace played a great game against Nicholls,” she said. “She’s only a freshman and has a pretty heavy hand when she hits the ball. She and many other girls on the team go to show that it doesn’t matter who’s on the court, we are all out there to win.” In Thursday’s game against McNeese State University the Sugar Bears were led offensively by Hartman and junior middle blocker and outside hitter Alicia Dittrich, who each earned a match-high 12 kills. Sophomore outside hitter Heather Schnars added 10 kills, while senior middle blocker Paige Gantar gained nine kills for the Sugar Bears. Senior setter Marissa Collins picked up a double-double, having 48 assists and 12 digs, while junior defensive specialist and libero Shelbee Berringer dug up 19 attacks to lead UCA’s defense. Saturday’s game against Nicholls State University was led offensively by Singleton, who had
11 kills, and Hartman, who turned in 11 kills and two blocks. Freshman middle blocker Fulani Petties had nine kills and junior outside hitter Scout Brooks added eight kills to go with three service aces. The Sugar Bear offense was keyed by Collins and sophomore setter Amy South, who dished out 24 and 11 assists respectively. These two conference wins come on the heels of the Sugar Bears’ victory against Oral Roberts at home Oct. 12. The Sugar Bears won that match in four sets. Junior libero and defensive specialist Shelbee Berringer said their energy levels kept them on top for sets one, three and four. “We came out energized and focused on our goal,” Berringer said. “We were ready to play and our momentum was pumped up.” The Sugar Bears return to their home court Thursday to host Houston Baptist University in the Prince Center.
Bears:
After losing first game on stripes, UCA football team goes on two-game win streak 4 Continued from page 7
Bears back to winning after defeating Houston Baptist 1-0
on road
4 Continued from page 7 “Everyone worked really hard, we just couldn’t finish our opportunities and Southeastern did,” she said. “It was a good team effort and we connected a lot of passes, but we just couldn’t get the end result.” On Sunday, the Bears got an early lead against the Nicholls State University Colonels when sophomore forward Adriana Lucar scored a goal in the seventh minute. UCA was unable to score again throughout the game, and the Colonels had a successful second half, matching UCA’s goal in the 52nd minute and scoring another goal 31 minutes later. Consistency is something
Draw:
ucaecho.net
Randall said she believes the team should work on. “Lately we have been playing well for periods throughout games and then we will let down and give up a goal or two,” she said. “We need to work on being consistent through an entire game.” She said the team feels it could be playing better, and will take the disappointment of this weekend’s games as incentive to practice even harder to play better games all around, focusing more on securing wins. Randall said the Southland Conference Tournament will be in mid-November, so the team must perform well against its upcoming Southland opponents to secure a
spot in the tournament. “I hope we can come together as a team and recover from the two losses this weekend because we really want to make it to the conference tournament this year,” Randall said. “We are just going to practice really hard this week and prepare for this weekend in Houston.” The team will return to play two more Southland opponents this weekend when it travels to Tulsa, Okla. to play against Oral Roberts at 7 p.m. Friday. It will then return home to Conway the following Sunday, playing at 1 p.m. against Stephen F. Austin at Bill Stephens Soccer Complex.
Men’s team draws against Bradley, loses 2-1 at Memphis in
overtime 4 Continued from page 7 “The guys defended much better,” he said. “I thought we were more organized. We finally got our possession going and we were obviously better in the attack.” While Duncan said he thought the game could have been more clean, he said the team generally did well. “We held strong defensively which is the main thing we focused on here,” he said. “As long as we get it done defensively, we’ve got a good attack so we know we’re going to get goals.” In non-conference play, the Bears traveled to Memphis, Tenn. to play against the University of Memphis Tigers on Oct. 16, losing 2-1. UCA had the lead in the 18th minute when Miller drove the ball toward Carson along the Memphis back line. Carson broke through the Tigers defense for a goal. Carson’s shot on goal was the only one for the Bears during the game. The goal was his seventh goal of the season and fifth in the past five games. Junior forward Daylon Schiffel, senior midfielder Taylor Hart and Miller also got shots. Memphis outshot UCA 15-2 in the second half. The Tigers got six shots after UCA took the lead, but each was either stopped by senior goalkeeper Patxi Shortsleeve or missed the net. Shortsleeve made seven saves during the game for UCA, keeping the Tigers scoreless until the 86th minute. Duncan said Memphis was a similar team to Bradley University in terms of athleticism and style of play. “They are a very, very good opponent,” he said. Memphis scored its gamewinning goal following a header in the first overtime period, needing only 26 seconds for senior
photo by Jared Holt
Junior UCA midfielder Logan Miller and Bradley sophomore defender Grant Bell fight for a ball during the 1-1 tie Oct. 12. midfielder Shane Keely to fire a cross into UCA’s box, where junior forward Fakhry Khulfan led the Tigers to the win. UCA will travel to Springfield, Mo. for a Missouri Valley
Conference match against Missouri State University at 7 p.m. tonight. The team looks to improve its record to 5-7-1 overall and get its first conference win.
All-conference senior tight end Chase Dixon broke his right fibula in the third quarter and is out for the season. Camara said the team will get ready for the next opponent this week. “We’ll watch film and fix the mistakes this week and get ready for Stephen F. Austin this week,” Camara said. The Bears host SFA for homecoming on Saturday.
Oct. 12 vs. Nebraska Kearney One week after from suffering its first loss on the stripes, the UCA football team bounced back to beat Division II opponent University of Nebraska-Kearney, 31-0. The 20th-ranked Bears (3-3, 0-1 SLC) held onto a 10-0 lead at halftime over the Lopers (1-5, 1-4 MIAA), with both scores coming in the first quarter. The Bears scored on their opening possession on a 21-yard field goal by Camara. The field goal capped off an 83-yard drive. The Lopers failed to gain a first down against the Bears defense and UCA took over at its 42-yard line. The Bears drove down the field and scored a touchdown on a seven-yard rush by Smothers. This would be the score going into halftime. UCA’s defense held the Lopers’ offense to 59 yards of total offense in the first half, while UCA’s offense had 234 yards of total offense. The UCA defense managed to sack Nebraska-Kearney freshman quarterback Luke McNitt twice. Smothers ended the half completing 19 passes on 30 attempts and ran for 18 yards on three rushes. Reed traded snaps with Smothers in the first half. Reed started 11 games as a freshman at the University of Memphis and transferred to the University of Arkansas the following season,
photo by Jared Holt
Freshman wide receiver Jatavious Wilson jukes out Nebraska Kearney defenders Oct. 12 during the Bears’ rout of the Lopers 31-0. Wilson had six catches for 54 yards. where he was forced to sit out a year. Reed said it was good to get back on the field. “It’s fun to get back in between the lines,” he said. The Bears’ defense started off strong in the second half when sophomore Bobby Watkins picked off McNitt and returned the interception 37 yards. UCA scored on the ensuing possession on a six-yard rushing touchdown by junior running back Willie Matthews to bring the score to 17-0. Nebraska-Kearney moved the ball 56 yards, but was unable to score and was forced to punt. Reed started off the drive with two rushes for 16 yards. Smothers was back in at quarterback for four plays until he injured himself on a 10-yard rush. Conque said Smothers broke his fibula.
“It’s tough. You’ve got a young man and a family that is really hurting right now,” he said. Junior quarterback Ryan Howard took over for Smothers. Smothers finished the game with 22 completions on 34 attempts for 177 yards and rushed for one touchdown on 28 yards. Howard finished off the 91yard drive with a touchdown pass to senior tight end Chase Dixon to bring the score to 24-0. Veasley got the final touchdown to make the score 31-0. The Bears’ defense held the Lopers to 169 yards of total offense. Despite holding the ball for less time, the UCA offense outgained the Lopers by 293 yards. Conque said he was happy with the way the team played. “It’s always good to win,” he said. “Nebraska-Kearney came in here and played pretty hard.”
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