The Student Newspaper of Westark Community College January 30,1990 Volume 42, Issue 9

Spring Baseball Practice Begins

Page 11

VP expresses pros, cons of grading modificationss both a new semester and a new decade begin, students ask the

administration to consider changes. One change already showing support by some students through letters to the editor is incorporating the minus and plus into the grading system.

As the 1990s begin, the grading system continues with policies established by previous administrations. Do students agree with this current grading system, or do they want to support a change?

In two fall issues of Lion Pride, two students wrote letters to the editor suggesting a revised grading system. They feel the current system unfair. One student letter argues a student with a high B and a student with a low B receive the same grade and points thus showing no accurate reflection on a transcipt, and affecting how it is interpreted by future employers.

Would a B plus versus a B minus make a difference to a future employer looking over a transcript? "I don’t think employers are looking for the grades in particular, but are looking at the grade point average," explains Jackie Vozell, Coordinator of Financial Services for Bost Human Development Services.

According to Dr. John McKay, Vice President for Instruction, there are two sides in deciding to change the grading system. "Theoretically, it (the system) could be changed," says McKay. "It would probably go before the Curriculum Committee and the Faculty Association and maybe the Board

ustees."ihe change would necessitate modifying the computers, also. "Technically,

I’m not sure what would have to be done with the computer to do that. I think it could be done, but I’m not sure what would be involved."

Hearing from and listening to students in support of the change would be one factor in looking into a possible change, as well as looking at what other schools in Arkansas are doing, adds McKay.

There is a down side to this change which works against the student with the higher grade, McKay says. "There may be a student just a little bit short of an A and some instructors might go ahead and give that student an A instead of the B, whereas with the minus and plus system they might give them a B plus.

"I understand what they (students) were saying. Let me look into it and we may raise the issue with the appropiate faculty committee".

by Angela Barlow

"I feel a plus or minus will not be indicative in the cumulative figuring of the grade point average. I don’t think it really matters."

- Charles Albritton.

"I agree with the plus, minus system because I think it’s unfair when students who get high Bs are associated with those who get low Bs. It should show how close you where to the higher or lower grade. "

- Scott McCarthy

Enrollm ents continue increase as spring sets another recordO ffic ial headcount for spring semester totals 4,500, a 7.3 percent increase

over last spring’s record number of 4,172.Many factors contribute to the continued enrollment increases with the

national publicity of a need for greater education being just one of them. "The high illiteracy rate in this country has brought about a greater need for education across the board," says Dr. Eric Priest, Vice President for Student Affairs.

Although education is getting more attention on all levels, the group of students predominately increasing enrollments are the students between the ages of 25 and 40. Priest refers to them as the "almost middle-aged" students. He attributes this increase to the fact employers are realizing the importance of education, not just the technical skills but the general education skills as well.

Employers are increasingly paying tuition for their employees to attend school on a part-time basis. "Many of these students never intend on graduating,

are here to take a block of classes which are applicable to their jobs."West also attributes the increase in part to the Whirlpool layoff. "I don’t

tnink unemployment was a factor, specifically, but the dislocation of Whirlpool workers had a major affect on enrollment which is linked to the job market." Federal funds flow through the state to essentially retrain the Whirlpool workers.

Another factor points to the addition of the proposed University Center."The University Center has driven up enrollment in many of the transfer programs,"

offers Priest. "There are students who might not otherwise be here if it were’t for the Center, and it is those students who are getting serious about graduating and getting their degrees."

A great deal of time is spent on predicting and scheduling the right amount of sections for a particular class, according to Pnest. The division chairs are already working on the summer schedule which should be final about the third week of February.

"When you’re adding programs and classes and opening doors to other people, there is no other way to go but up. You do that consciously, plan for it, gear up for it, market it, and do it in a quality way and that’s what we’ve done in the past three years.*

2, Lion PrideJanuary 30,1990

Apply now for 1990-91 financial aP

Financial Aid Schedules W orkshopA free workshop to assist

students in preparing scholarship applications will be held Tuesday, Feb. 6, and Thursday, Feb. 8, at 7 p.m. in the Gardner Building Lecture Hall. Attendance at only one workshop is necessary. No registration is required.

Music Faculty Schedule AuditionsOpen auditions for music

scholarships will be held Saturday, March 3, and Friday, March 23, in the Breedlove Building, Room 101. The audition March 23 is planned in conjunction with the High School Career/Visitation Day.

Scholarships are available in voice, keyboard, guitar, woodwinds, brass, and percussion, according to Dr, Brent Ballweg, choral director. Individual auditions also can be scheduled.

Lost And Found In UnionThe Lost and Found

department is located in the Student Activities Office in the student union. Please check with that office if you have lost keys, glasses, jewelry, books, etc. Many items turned in have never been claimed. Lost money or billfolds should be reoprted to the Campus Police.

Campus Police Urge ComplianceCampus Police urge everyone

to please observe all parking regulatipons. With the addition of new parking lots, there should be ample parking at all times.

Sludenls Can Slill Have Photos Taken For Yearbook

Any student who still wants to have their photo included in the 1990 yearbook may stop by the student publications during February and have their picture taken for inclusion in NUMA ’90.

A n y o n e planning to attend the 1990-91 academic year should apply now for financial aid. All students interested in applying for federal financial aid should pick up the ACT Family Financial Statement (FFS) from the Financial Aid Office in the Fullerton Student Union, Room 204.

Early application is encouraged so

New York TimesW e s ta rk has received $5,000,

the first installment of a $ 10,000 grant, from the New York Times Company Foundation.

Bob Eoff, who submitted the proposal to the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, is the general manager of KFSM-TV, an affiliate of the New York Times Company, presented the check to president Joel Stubblefield.

"We appreciate Channel 5 and the New York Times Company," says Stubblefield. "This grant will go to support institutional equipment and quality teaching."

paperwork will be complete when registration begins for fall semester. Also available through the FFS application is the Arkansas State Grant, but students must apply before July 1.

Scholarship applications for the 1990-91 academic year are available and must be completed and submitted

Eoff got involved in the fund-raising efforts during last year’s Major Gifts Campaign in which he served on the Community Gifts committee. He submitted the proposal to the Foundation during the fund drive, with the Foundation Board meeting in October and approving the grant.

Eoff cites his station’s continuing relationship with the college as his motivation in helping W estark acquire the gift. "Several of our employees at KFSM-TV have continued their education or have begun their education at Westark,"

to the financial aid office before March 15.

A free workshop to assist students in preparing scholarship applications will be held Tuesday, Feb. 6, and Thursday, Feb. 8, at 7 p.m. in the Gardner Building Lecture Hall. Attendance at only one workshop is necessary. No registration is required.

Eoff says.The New York Times Company

makes donations both directly and through the Foundation. The Foundation considers grant applications in areas including education, journalism, cultural affairs, community services and environmental concerns. Some national and international activities receive contributions, but the majority of grants are concentrated in the Greater New York area and in localities served by affiliates of the New York Times Company. _

)

Lucille Robinett Speakman 1906-1990

M iss Speakm an jo ined the faculty in 1945 as an instructor in social sciences. Until her retirement in 1976, she also served as chairman o f the Social Sciences Department, Dean o f Women, and Dean o f Students. She was elected to the Board o f Trustees and served the college in that capacity fro m 1983 to 1987. M iss Speakm an was honored by the college in 1987 when she was named one o f the first two honorees to be recognized in the H all o f H onor in the new library.

Foundation gives $10,000 grant

n 3, Lion PrideJanuary 30,1990

donates vehicles for update training

1 he technology division has received a donation of three vehicles making possible state of the art training for automotive students.

According to automotive instructor Ken Butler, enrollment is up and the technology division is adding more GM and late model update training to help service the community in the high tech of the late model cars.

General Motors’ recent donation including a 1989 Chevrolet Truck, an Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, and an Oldsmobile Toronado Trofeo will be one of the keys in offering late model training. GM donates vehicles which have some damage to schools on the basis they be used for training purposes only.

"We don’t have the financial resources needed for training. These donations will help students have state

of the art training in the motor industry," says Dr. Lee Mynatt, division chair.

In other technology division news, the Fort Smith Chapter of the American Welding Society started a scholarship program in 1988 for students who have declared a welding major and show academic promise. The scholarship award varies with welding tuition circumstances so it can be awarded to full or part-tim e students.

Students who have received the scholarship are Luther Davis, a welder for Tyson, and Mark Shipman, a sophomore. Both are working toward an associate of applied science degree in welding. Any welding major interested in applying for the scholarship can contact Mynatt.

by Angela Barlow and Leslie McBride

Phi Theta Kappa plans Spring activities

I f t i Theta Kappa discussed fundraising, service projects, initiation and national convention plans at their first meeting of the spring semester.

The PTK national convention, consisting of seminars and workshops for members and advisors, will be held April 7-9 in San Francisco. Registration fee, due March 22, is $75. Interested memebrs should contact advisors Sharon Winn or Linda Gibbons.

PTK members will be selling 50C and $1.00 Nestle variety candy bars to help raise money to send students to the convention and to use for their service projects.

Brenda Johnson has been appointed as correspondence secretary and chairperson of PTK’s drive to collect eyeglasses from individuals who no longer have a need for them. These prescription glasses will be donated to a medical mission project and distributed to the people of Central America.

An optometrist will clean, inspect, ^ —heck the prescriptions and label the

isses before distribution. This project relates to the PTK national honors topic of "The Americas: Distant Neighbors Building Bridges." Collection boxes will be set up in Echols, Science, Fullerton Union, Library and Vines Buildings. All

students, faculty and staff are encouraged to participate in this project which will continue through mid February.

Dina Treece was appointed chairperson of PTK’s Service Projects. Members will have a Valentine’s party at Brownwood Life Center. In March, PTK will assist Fulfill A Dream in a benefit pancake breakfast. In April, members and officers will present information about Venezueala to a fifth grade class at Parkview Elementary in Van Buren.

Students eligible for PTK membership should have received letters of invitation by now. Eligibilty for membership requires completion of at least 12 semester hours in courses that can be applied toward a recognized degree in a two-year or four-year college or university; a cumulative grade point average of 3.50 or better and 3.0 or better to retain membership; and currently enrolled in at least six semester hours.

Eligible students must attend an orientation session Tuesday, Feb. 6, 12:30 p.m., in Vines 204, or the evening session at 7 p.m., in Echols 101. The inititation will be conducted Sunday, Feb. 18, 2:30 p.m., in the Breedlove Auditorium.

submitted by Lori Cravens, PTK R eporter

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4, Lion PrideJanuary 30,1990

« a a a • ! ! » ! • ft i ------- r

tIY ylr.W m a p i m i F

T he mob tore down the street shouting at Yusef and his friends. Pounding tow ard them they screamed, "Kill the niggers!" The four blacks started to run. It was too late. "Wait. Wait. Please wait," Yusef implored as he stumbled backward. The whites closed in, snarling and waving bats. They forced him against a brick wall. "I ’m not the one, I haven’t done anything wrong. I just

came here to buy a car." "Don’t move anymore!" A kid in white shorts and a white shirt screamed. He pointed a gun. "Okay. Okay. I ’ll beg on my knees," Yusef cried. "Please, Please, please...." A gunshot ripped across the sidewalk. Three more followed. Then....click. The pistol ran out of bullets and the gunman ran off faster than the blood spurting out of Yusef’s cold, lifeless body.

When I first read the account of the Bensonhurst racial murder I thought it was a scene from one of the latest racism films whose purpose seemed to depict an era, 35 years ago, when black people were beaten and killed for crossing racial lines. But it wasn’t. It was an account of Yusef Hawkins, age 16, who found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time.

That 'wrong' place was Bensonhurst, a community similiar to Fort Smith in the sense it wasn’t known for exhibiting racial hatred, or at least the kind that leads to murder. "Sure there is racial tension here, but it’s not so bad there will be killing right now . But it could get to that someday," says a student.

Mb

Ra

Road expansion plans appreciatedDear Editor,

Much work has been done to improve streets in the immediate area. The widening of Grand Avenue is making access to campus much easier.

However, persons approaching campus on Waldron Road still encounter traffic problems. Students must turn left on Kinkead to reach the large parking lot in front of the Union. Since no left-tum lane exists at that intersection, only two or three cars get through the light before it changes, and traffic sometimes gets backed up for blocks. Sitting through several lights can make a difference between getting to class on time or being late.

Those who must cope with this situation should be pleased to know there are plans to correct the problem. As a part of the Waldron Road Project, Waldron from Euper Lane to Grand Ave. will be widened, and a center left-turn lanes added at intersections, including Kinkead. Work could begin in spring or summer. The city will also complete the remaining phases of the Grand Avenue Project, including widening Grand to 1-540.

Some property owners on Grand and Waldron opposed widening of these roads and had justifiable reasons. Also, traffic problems will certainly worsen during construction, causing delays to many. Unforunately, change requires the immediate sacrifices of some, for the long-term benefit of the many.

City and college leaders should be applauded for their foresigh 1 perseverance in making these road improvements a reality. Bui .e loudest applause should go to those property owners making personal sacrifices because of the road widening. Hopefully, they can take some comfort from the fact their city, and the many thousands of present and future students will forever owe them a debt of gratitude.

J.B.

Instructor workload too much

lisunderstanding stems from ignorance. Racism is misunderstanding a different culture. Racism is the truest form of social ignorance. It all boils down to human nature. When we don’t understand something, we develop a fear for it. The fear of the unknown, and to many Americans who have grown up only associating themselves with their own race, the unknown can clearly be someone of a different skin color. "We should all be able to accept each other but not mix with each other in social relationships because that is how hatred starts. It will never stop so we should just leave each other alone," says another student.

I started doing research for this column by reading books, news stories and magazine articles on the subject of discrimination. But the facts all seemed too generalized. I decided the best way to prove racism exists (since so many blindly believe it doesn’t) was to interview students on campus. The main picture I received was minorities will not openly admit discrimination while in a majority other than their own. But get a group of minorities, whether they be Asian, Hispanic, or black, and the picture will quickly change. "It’s easier to admit I’m discriminated against when I’m with a group who share my skin color because they know what I’m talking about. But white people will just look at me like I’m crazy and say that I don’t know what I’m talking about," says a black female student.

lacism not only stems from ignorance, but it is a sort of an inbred trait to many. Parents who are racist will not tolerate their children associating with children of another race. Therefore, the child grows (C ont. on p age 9)

D ear Editor,Due to increasing enrollment, many instructors find themselves

overloaded. What can we do to accomodate them and students? Several options can be considered. We could hire more instructors, set an enrollment limit, or make classes bigger. If you take a look at the last two suggestions, you’ll find they limit Westark’s abilities.

If we set an enrollment limit, we would keep many future community leaders from attending college. To many, Westark is the only solution to the college dilemna. For students in small communities who can’t afford to go directly to a university, Westark is the only answer. It’s economical, provides several scholarships and free tutors, allows students to live at home and work while attending classes, and prepares others to leave home and live the ‘college life.’

Adding more students to each class would only bring down the instructor-to-student ratio and, therefore, make the learning process more difficult for many students. Giving instructors more students will not only hinder the students’ ability to learn, but the instructors’ ability to teach. They might have to change their style and devote less attention to each student. Instructors would be overloaded even more.

I realize hiring more instructors means more money would be needed for salaries. Because Westark is a state funded college, getting the extra money may be difficult. However, our community has suppo-'’"^ Westark this far, and with more students’ tuition, possibly more support and our community’s generosity, Westark could manage.

If we hire more instructors and reduce their workloads, most would be able to use their class time on a more personal basis with each student. They may also use some of their new free time to sponsor clubs and deal with their overload stress.

A.W .

J= HAT IDT V v t lI §§§

Do students (eel racism exists on campus?

Next Issue: If you could shoot a Cupid’s arrow and get anyone in the world to (all in love with you, would you do it and who would it be?

In July 1989, an 18-year-old black man was fatally shot in New York while being attacked by a group of white youths. A few weeks earlier a 24-year-old Chinese man was killed in North Carolina by two white men who claimed they didn’t like Vietnamese. The victim didn’t have a chance to tell them otherwise.

With concerns of racism come indications Americans may be more tolerant of bigotry than in recent years. This is partly shown by the publicity of racial incidents in society. People are coming out more and more with tales of injustice and discrimination.

Does racial discrimination exist on campus today? The answer depends upon who you talk to. Brad Nolan, the only white player on the Lion basketball team

^doesn’t feel there is any. "They don’t look Tie as being white and 1 don’t look at

.. .em as being black. We all respect each other as teammates." "1 feel some tension from white people against all minorities," states Jay Richardson, one of the black players on the baseball team. The majority of students believe there isn’t any, but some still do.

Students were asked: D o yo u think racial d iscr im in a tio n or te n s io n e x is ts on cam pus?

by Shanteel Jones There is a certain quota in programs like

the Pride where minorites have to be represented

and there’s a racial stigma attached to that.'

Genine Steward

Editor-in-chief - Margie Williams Assistant Editor - Shanteel Jones Chief Reporter - Angela Barlow Clubs Editor - Robin Bolton Advertising Manager - C hristie Michael

'rts Editors - Mike JenningsC arey M cCutchan

_ .rector o f Photography - C urtis Haney Darkroom A ssistan t - Greg George Photographers - Jody Rhoads

Director - Tom Walton

Lion Pride is published every o th e r week fall and spring sem este rs excluding holidays and breaks, and once each sum m er session . LP is p roduced hy studen t publications, a S tu d en t Service budgeted from studen t activity fees. LP staff m em bers are eligible for academ ic credit and scholarships th rough the journalism program of the division of hum anities.

Editorial policy is estab lished with the approval of the D irecto r of S tu d en t Publications. L e tte rs to the ed itor are w elcom ed and encouraged. LP reserves the right to edit le tte rs to conform to AP style and gram m ar, but m eanings will no t he a ltered . All le tte rs m ust he signed including social security num ber; how ever, nam es will be w ithheld from publication and only initials used upon request. No libelous le tte rs will be considered for publication.

M anuscripts, pho tographs and artw ork are also welcomed a t sender’s risk. LP reserves the right to accep t o r reject m a te r ia ls fo r p u b lic a tio n . LP will n e ith e r know ingly discrim inate nor prin t fraudulent or false information in its advertising. Subscrip tions a re $5 per year. C hecks should he mailed to:

Lion PrideWest ark Community College

5210 Grand Ave.Fort Smith, Ar 72913

O ffices a re in Room 105A of the Ballman-Speer Building. T elephone num ber is 7151 on-cam pus o r 785-7151 off- cam pus. LP is a m ini-tabloid p roduced with a Varityper EPICS typesetting system . LP is p rin ted by Alphagraphics.

'! don’t feel tension on the campus."

Joy Jenkins

'No, I don’t feel there is any racial tension

on campus.' Brad

Nolan

'There are over 4,000 white students and 151 black

students, those numbers alone cause tension."

KevinGary

' I haven’t been bothered with any racial

discrimination.’ John

Thompson

"There are only three black student workers. I think there

is a lot of tension because of that and we are given

a lot of slack.' Lynnette

Roberts

6/7, Lion PrideJanuary 30,1990

Student ambassadors represent college in surrounding area

Pride of Westark represents the college all over the northwest Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma area. They might have been an influence on your decision to attend here.

Every student represents the college, whether they support the athletic teams, or simply let everyone know they attend. Their actions reflect upon the college. Through several interviews and observations, Penny Pendleton, Director of Recruitment, and Stacey Jones, Director of Student Activities, choose 20 students to act as official college ambassadors. These students, as members of the Pride of Westark, attend school functions and help in the promotion of the college. They travel to various schools around the area and speak to students about the opportunities available at Westark.

To become a Pride member, a student must show many qualities. According to Pendleton, who co-sponsors the Pride, a potential member must show enthusiasm and have a sparkling personality. Students recognized in high school by teachers, counselors, and even Westark recruiters, may be asked to attend a special meeting if they attend college here.

During the meeting, Pendleton, Jones, and former Pride members tell the candidates what being a Pride consists of. Candidates also make an appointment for an interview within a few days after the meeting. Following the meeting, the students attend a reception. Here Pendleton and Jones observe the candidates’ interactions with various faculty members. They look for those who will handle themselves well when meeting new people. During the interview, Pendleton and Jones look for good speaking abilities, maturity, and leadership. "College develops leadership and the Pride helps give students a chance to shine," says Pendleton. She stresses the importance of good leadership qualities. Though some students may not shine in the beginning, Pendleton looks for their potential.

Once a person becomes a Pride member, they have many responsibilities. Pride members not only have to pay close attention to their manners, but they must work to give the college a good reputation. They must attend college functions and provide services such as ushering at activities involved with the Season of Entertainment, or speaking to an audience at an orientation. They must wear their Pride of Westark jackets and be on time to all events. They should attend every meeting and speak to potential students in the surrounding schools.

Pride members promote the college and help future students to feel comfortable and have a better understanding of the college. Members must keep their grades up and maintain good relations with their peers and the faculty. As a Pride, members must work hard and show the energy Westark generates.

Pride members share reasoi

Many clubs exist on campus and give the satisfaction the Pride of Westark can give. Several Pride members, when interviewed, shared what a special experience recruiting students can be, and why these students wanted to become Pride members.

- Brad Lelemsis

I love Westark and I couldn’t wait to tell other people about it."

"I love Westark and I couldn’t wait to tell other people about it," says Brad Lelemsis, vice president of the Pride. Brad, a freshman who graduated from Southside, expressess a strong need to share his experiences with potential students. He is an officer because he wants to be "front and center" instead of a part of the background.

Jenny Massey says she didn’t want to be, "just another face." Jem .^v h o also graduated from Southside, speaks with students in her home town and in the surrounding area. She shows students how they can hold a job and become involved in school activities while being good students at the same time. She stresses the importance of the lasting impression a student can leave on other students, as opposed to the impression just counselors and instructors leave.

7 became a Pride because I wanted the opportunity to meet new people and learn more about Westark."

- Krista Lewis

by Amy Whittington

8 for becoming ambassadors"I became a Pride because I wanted the opportunity to meet new people

and learn more about Westark," states sophomore Krista Lewis, a graduate of Fort Smith Christian. She came to Westark because a Pride member visited her school and showed her what career opportunities would be available to her here. "I would like to bring others to Westark so they can have the opportunity to learn about what interests them as individuals. The most important decision they will probably make in the next few years will be what they do with their future, and I would like to help them decide what is best for them."

"I’ve always enjoyed speaking to an audience and I hope I can use my abilities to influence others to go to college. "

- Stephanie Black

anie Black claims she joined the Pride to improve her speaking skills. " I\ .ways enjoyed speaking to an audience and I hope I can use my abilities to influence others to go to college. Even if they don’t choose Westark, I want to help them find out what is best for them at at this point in their life." She came from Greenwood High School and will complete her freshman year this spring.

Each Pride member may have different reasons for joining the organization, but each had one central idea in common. Each Pride, no matter where they came from or where they will go, wants to make a difference in someone’s life, and wants to encourage them to go to college.

by Amy W hittington

Pride o f W e * * " * * * * * * "group meetings-

their

Pride helps recruiting efforts

Who would have imagined students could change so much? Penny Pendleton did.

In 1984, she came to Westark from Kansas City. Many know her as Director of Recruitment

srhnntc rtr : . inC! most have seen her face in * e area high students l„J ° Ut an£ about the campus with her students. These

students known as the Pride of Westark, became official ambassadors the college after Penny began her recruiting duties, n the fall of 1985, she spoke to several counselors at various

colleges. She discovered the key to many of the college’s enrollment increases had been due to an addition in the recruitment staff. Many schools had chosen elite students to represent their schools and accompany counselors to various high schools or college career days and orientations. These students shared their personal experiences with the other students and could relate better to their needs as potential college freshmen.

When she heard of the success of the representatives, she joined forces with Stacey Jones, Student Activities Director, and worked a plan for Westark’s own student ambassadors. She and Jones began the Pride of Westark. Tbe Pride consists of many different types

of students, each coming from a different walk of life and each having a sparkling personality which comes through whenever they travel from school to school.

She and Jones choose the students by conducting interviews and hosting a reception. They observe the potential Pride’s reactions

when meeting new people during the reception and their personality and leadership ability during the interview.

The first two groups consisted of 15 members, but each year a few members had to drop during the second semester. To make up for the shortage, she and Jones chose 20 Pride members last year. "Each year I get a really special group of students," she says."I enjoy watching them grow and shine as a Pride."

The more visible the Pride becomes, according to Pendleton, the more visible Westark becomes. "The students are a wonderful asset

“o ’ - VCT> ' hi8h « * .

8, Lion PrideJanuary 30,1990

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Homecoming features ' 'beachy' setting

Imagine a place where in February students can forget the winter weather, the heavy coats, and the ice on car windshields. Instead, they can think of sand betwixt their toes, palm trees swaying in the breeze, and wearing t- shirts and shorts all of the time.

Students can do just that at the Homecoming Dance Saturday, Feb. 10. The theme of this year’s dance is 'Beach Bum Homecoming.'

The dance in the Student Union will last from 9 p.m. until midnight. Westark students enter free; all others must pay $2. Those in beach bum attire will receive a lei (a Hawaiian garland of flowers) at the door. No one wearing a bikini will be allowed in. Mark Scott from the B-98 radio station will be the deejay at the dance.

The Student Union will be decorated with palm trees and multi-colored streamers by the Student Activities Council, says SAC President Robbin Edwards.

The dance begins after the basketball games against Southern Baptist. The Lady Lions will play at 6 p.m. and the Lions at 8 p.m. Between games the Homecoming court will be presented and the Homecoming queen crowned.

The Homecoming court is comprised of young women nominated by the basketball team. The five young women with the most votes are on the court. The young woman with the most votes of the five is crowned Queen between the games. None of the young women names will be known prior to the naming of the queen.

bv Christy Griffin

Jan. 31... SAC Meeting, 1 p.m., BB110Jan. 31... S.T.E.P. Meeting... 1 p.m., V203Feb. 1... Lion/Lady Lion Basketball vs. Carl Albert, Home

Feb. 3 ... Lion/Lady Lion Basketball vs. ASU-Beebe, AwayFeb. 5 ... Lion/Lady Lion Basketball vs. Connors, AwayFeb. 7 ... SAC Meeting, 1 p.m., BB110Feb. 8... Lion/Lady Lion Basketball vs. Eastern, AwayFeb. 10... Lion/Lady Lion Basketball vs. Southern Baptist, HomecomiiFeb. 10... Homecoming Dance, Student Union, 9 p.m.-midnightFeb. 12... Lion/Lady Lion Basketball vs. Bacone, AwayFeb. 13... Lion Pride

10, Lion PrideJanuary 30,1990

Lions lose first conference game Lions set victory margin recordL ife isn't getting easier for the

10th ranked Lions, but the team is looking forward to the challenge.

The Lions, 16-2 overall and 0-1 in conference play heading into last night’s game at NEO, run into the heart of their schedule during the next two weeks. Perhaps the toughest stretch will be February 3-8 when the Lions play three road games in six days. ASU-Beebe hosts the Lions on February 3, Eastern on February 8. In between stands second-ranked Connors on Monday, February 5.

According to Assistant Coach Doc Sadler, the Lions take a positive attitude into road games. "We’re looking forward to beating them in front of their home crowd."

Sadler says the team is now back in shape after the long holiday lay­off. "We’ve got depth, which allows the kids to play hard. We feel like we can wear other people down."

Two areas the Lions need to improve on are turnovers and defensive rebounding, according to Sadler. "Rebounding is a matter of playing hard and wanting the ball." Eric Traylor, a 6'5" freshman, leads the Lions in rebounding with eight

per game. James "Chicago" White and Ron Coleman also contribute five and four rebounds, respectively, per game.

The Lions have been relatively injury free this season. "The team is in better shape," says Sadler. Unfortunately conditioning won’t stop the flu, which caught up with Coleman last week. Coleman missed last Thursday’s 91-89 overtime loss to Bacone, but was expected back last night.

In the loss to Bacone, Robert Shepherd scored 27 points and Traylor added 26 to lead the Lions.

In addition to these games, the schedule for the next two weeks includes home games against Carl Albert, February 1, and Southern Baptist, February 10 (Homecoming), followed by a trip to Muskogee for a rematch with Bacone February 12.

by Mike Jennings

T h e Lady Lions gear up for conference play this week, but injuries and one of the toughest Bi-State conferences ever must be overcome for the Lady Lions to succeed.

The Lady Lions opened conference play Thursday, defeating Bacone 106- 52, the largest margin of victory in school history. Nafeesah Brown led the scoring barrage with 20 points, followed by "Cookie" Thomas with 17 and Vicki Herekamp with 16.

Thursday night’s match-up, however, may be no indication of the rest of the conference schedule. "It’s a tough conference", points out Coach Louis Whorton. "Out of all the schools in the nation on our level [with] 11 wins five are in our conference."

Adding to the difficulty of league play wil be the Lady Lions’ injuries. Melinda Hampton’s auto accident and Tina Chadwick’s stress fracture have forced the Lady Lions deeper into their bench. "Injuries like these just happen sometimes." Hampton returned to action January 20, but Chadwick’s 11 points per game will have to come from somewhere else during the next three weeks.

Among those players picking up me slack are Suzie Clark and Vicki Herekamp. "Suzie has stepped up and played some quality minutes," and Herekamp, a sophomore, "is playing as well as ever," according to Whorton. Starting point guard Kathy Wilson responded with 28 points against Seminole on January 20, bettering her season average by nearly 20 points.

The Lady Lions field a quicker team than last season, which has to be the leading factor in this season’s turnaround. Even as well as the Lady Lions have performed, they will need all resources to win "one of the toughest conferences in the nation," as Coach Whorton describes the Bi- State East.

The Lady Lions record going into last night's game with NEO is 16-3. Upcoming games include Carl Albert here February 1; ASU-Beebe there February 3; second-ranked Connors State there February 5; Eastern there February 8; Homecoming against Southern Baptist February 10; and Bacone there February 12.

by M ike- - - - - -and Mike J

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11, Lion PrideJanuary 30,1990

Spring practice begins for Lion baseball players Barn e tt's S tudio

T h e baseball Lions have had only one losing season in the last 24 years. Although many things can be credited with the success of the Lions, the cliche "practice makes perfect" supports the team’s success more than anything else.

Bill Crowder, in his 24th season as head coach of the Lions, believes practicing is imperative- so everyday at about 1:30 p.m. the baseball players take the field for practice.

"Practices are going good. As long as we keep working hard in practice, we can look forward to a winning season," says Vince Jones, freshman outfielder.

Practices consist of stretching, drilling, conditioning, throwing, intrasquad games, and two-mile runs. Practices usually last until 4 p.m., but will run late if Coach Crowder feels the players need to work longer on something. Even the weekends are devoted to practice, if necessary.

f — "They’ve got to get down the fund­

amental drills if they’re going to be where they can play," explains Crowder.

The baseball team is recruited "by all means and fashions," adds Crowder. Because Westark is well known nationwide, the team consists of players from several different states. One player, Ed Turow, hails from Ontario, Canada.

"I heard about Westark from pro scouts in the Angels organization. I chose Westark because it has a good program. I like living in Arkansas and playing ball here," says Ed .

"My most valuable players are the players who can come in and do the job they are supposed to do at the time they’re supposed to do it," adds Crowder.

The season opens Saturday, Feb. 17, at Arkansas Tech. "We’re anxious for the season to begin- we’re ready," says Eddie Lee, sophomore third baseman.

by Carey McCutchan

Ed Turow works on fundamentals during the first week o f spring baseballpractice, (photo by Margie Williams)

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f1 12, Lion Pride

im | January 30,1990

Pride member has full schedule, finds time to sleep, tooT Tr l o w many hours do you spend

at home each day? If you walked in Jenny Massey’s shoes, you would only be home about ten hours a day -- for studying, eating, and sleeping.

Jenny, a freshman, carries 16 hours, works 20 hours, and then helps at her church for three hours each week. She also helps recruit students through the Pride of Westark. Working and going to college full-time keeps her busy, but adding volunteer work for her church and for the college makes things close to impossible.

"I enjoy keeping busy and I wouldn’t trade my extra curricular activities with anyone. If I didn’t enjoy it, I wouldn’t be doing it." Classes keep her going from 8 a.m. to noon on MWF, and from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on TR. Work keeps her from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. each day, and she takes piano lessons on Thursday mornings and plays for the children’s choir at her church three nights a week.

"I love working with the children. My brother is in the choir and because he is the youngest in my family, I try to give my Mom a break by taking care of him when I can." She has four younger brothers and tries to spend as much time with them as possible.

As a working Pride member, Jenny’s time with the club can often be limited because Pride activities are usually limited to school hours. She then has to make up the class time she misses with extra homework.

Because her schedule stays so full, when Jenny does go out to recruit with the counselors she can share many details with the students. Since many students must work while they attend college, Jenny can directly relate her schedule to the students she speaks to about Westark.

by Amy W hittington

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