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Student Life

TWU Multimedia Journalism students explore the history of online gaming and its impact on communication

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By Emma Stratton Multimedia Journalism students at Tennessee Wesleyan University are studying the impact ofonline video games to better understand how they affect their community. In the fast-paced world we live in today, people are constantly looking for ways to unwind,escape, and relax from the daily grind. Some turn to yoga or sports, while some find peace indrawing or music. Others find relaxation in digital forms, such as online video games. Online video games, such as Arc Raiders and Fortnite, are a popular choice for many groups.The connection available globally through these games has caused a drastic change in the waypeople communicate daily. However, video games did not always exist online. Video games could be defined as digital, interactive activities that are structured with rules andfeedback, involving a specific goal. They are played for enjoyment, education, or competitionwith the use of skill, strategy, and luck. The first video game, Tennis for Two, was created in 1958 by William Higinbotham. Eventually,video games evolved into an opportunity to play online with strangers from around the world,starting in the 1970s. The game Empire (1973) is said to be the first online game developed fromthe University of Illinois’s PLATO computer-based teaching system. This game allowed “severalplayers (up to eight) to compete against one another on separate screens.” (Harmon, 2022). By the 1980s, players on consoles such as Atari were able to link their consoles to each other.However, online gaming really took off in the 1990s with the rise of internet and local areanetworks. This allowed users to play together without being in the same area, examples being“Doom (1993) and Quake (1996)” (Harmon, 2022). In the early 2000s, online gaming became a more interactive and accessible hobby with “gameslike RuneScape and World of Warcraft [bringing] millions of players together in immersiveonline environments.” (Harmon, 2022). There are multiple genres of online video games with examples including PVP (Player versusPlayer), MMO’s (Massive Multiplayer Online games), PVE (Player versus Everyone), FPS(First-Person Shooters), and Survival. Each genre is focused on using strategy and skills to adaptand survive in a digital world that is filled with players from around the globe, or nation,depending on your servers. Communication methods include tools such as in-game text and voice chat. There are also freecommunication apps, such as Discord, that allow users to join gaming communities and meetother gamers. These communication platforms allow players of all ages, genders, and ethnicities tocommunicate with one another. While this connectivity can be positive, it can also harbornegativity due to the anonymous role-playing aspect many of these games allow. Source Harmon, A. (2022). Online gaming: Sports and leisure: Research starters: EBSCO research.EBSCO. https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/sports-and-leisure/online-gaming

Students eating in the Dining Hall
Student Life

Upcoming Events for the end of February through Mid-March

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By Lexie Lee Tennessee Wesleyan has some fun events and convocations for you to attend in the coming weeks, starting Feb. 22 – Mar. 14.   Events for Feb. 23-26:  NOTE: Spring Break (Feb. 28 – Mar. 8)  Events for Mar. 10-12 Stay tuned for the next â€œUpcoming Events” story after Spring Break!  Photo by Payton ManisEdited by Landyn Sanders

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TWU Battles Rival Bryan in Men’s and Women’s Basketball Doubleheader

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By Cole Vance Women’s Basketball Coming into Saturday’s matchup, the Lady Bulldogs held a 3–2 record and stood 2–1 in conference play. The team had started to find its rhythm in recent outings. After winning their previous games, they aimed to extend that momentum on Saturday vs conference rival Bryan college.   The Lady Bulldogs started strong, taking a 15–13 lead into the end of the first quarter. The second quarter proved costly for the Bulldogs, who went cold and shot only 3-of-10 as Bryan outscored them 26–7. At the break, the Lady Bulldogs faced a 39–22 deficit. Led by freshman guard Camryn Brown’s nine-point third quarter, the Bulldogs clawed their way back into the game and cut the deficit to five heading into the fourth. But the rally stalled, and Bryan pulled away late to earn a 74–62 victory.   The Lady Bulldogs will look to bounce back in their next contest, hosting Johnson University on Tuesday, November 25.  Men’s Basketball  Saturday’s matchup with Bryan marked the home opener for the TWU men’s basketball team. Entering the game at 4–2 overall and 3–0 in conference play and riding a four-game winning streak, the Bulldogs looked to keep their momentum rolling.   TWU controlled much of the first half behind balanced guard play, as senior Charles Neverdon and junior reserve Sohn McGee each chipped in eight points. The Bulldogs carried a 34–29 advantage into the break. The second half turned into a back-and-forth battle. With 29 seconds remaining and TWU clinging to a one-possession lead, senior guard Reshaun Hampton stepped to the line and sank both free throws to extend the advantage to five. Hampton’s 12 second-half points, along with senior guard Stratton Lovvorn’s 10, proved just enough for the Bulldogs to hold on, securing a 76–71 victory over Bryan.  The men’s basketball team is off to a hot start and currently sits tied for first place in the Appalachian Athletic Conference at 4–0. The Bulldogs will look to keep their momentum going at home on Tuesday, November 25 at 7:30 p.m., when they host conference foe Johnson University.    Co-Writer: Josephine Zeoli Graphics & Photos: Jayla Lowe  Highlight Video: Kamaurian Frierson Edited: Niko Marinacci & Lucas Grana

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Women’s Soccer Conference Tournament Recap

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By Rob Gordon This podcast episode features a Tennessee Wesleyan University Women’s Soccer player reflecting on the team’s conference tournament run and their preparation for the NAIA National Tournament. The episode focuses on confidence, strategy, teamwork, and the emotions that come with high-level competition. It also shows how team culture and mental preparation play a major role in postseason success.  The player begins by explaining how the team ended the regular season strong. Big wins late in the season helped build momentum going into the conference tournament (0:20–0:29). Even though Truett McConnell was undefeated going into the final, TWU felt confident based on how they had been playing (0:44–0:57).  She describes the championship win as exciting and surprising, especially because TWU controlled the match and beat a team that hadn’t lost at home since 2023 (1:07–1:26). Their game plan was to start fast, apply pressure immediately, and keep TMU out of rhythm (1:27–1:48).  Looking ahead to nationals, the player says the team feels more confident than ever and ready to test themselves on a bigger stage (1:55–2:30). She defines a successful national tournament run as going as far as possible and competing at their highest level (2:39–2:56).  Key Quotes  ● “We had a strong end to the season, and that built our momentum.”  ● “The championship win shocked a lot of people because we dominated a team that never loses at home.”  ● “We’re confident heading into nationals and ready to show what we can do.”  The player’s reflections show that postseason success comes from confidence, preparation, and emotional strength. TWU’s game plan against TMU, attacking early and applying pressure, highlights how teams must adjust and think strategically in big games. Emotionally, the championship win gave the players a boost that they used as motivation instead of distraction.  The player also shows a mature mindset by defining success not only as winning, but as competing to their full potential. This connects to sports psychology ideas about confidence, team belief, and staying focused on the process, not just the outcome.  The episode relates to topics like sports communication, leadership, and mental preparation. It shows how teams use communication to stay focused, build culture, and maintain confidence. It also ties into class discussions about strategy, teamwork, and how athletes create meaning from big moments.  This podcast gives a clear look at the mindset and preparation behind TWU Women’s Soccer’s postseason success. Their momentum, detailed game plan, and strong team culture played a major role in their championship win and their confidence going into nationals. Overall, the episode shows how a focused mindset and strong teamwork help athletes perform at their best. Interview by Kevin CampbellVideo by David BallenillaAudio by Julien WithrowPhoto by Jakov KusanovicEditoral Assistance by Olivia Miller 

Athletics

Women’s Soccer Road to Success

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By Jayla Lowe As the Lady Bulldogs prepare for their upcoming Conference Championship, reporters Cole Vance and Jesse Tatum-Stewart sat down with the team’s newcomers, sophomore Lisa Schon and freshman Caitlin Bleeker to reflect on the team’s performance this season. Throughout the conversation, the players shared insight into the team’s journey for success. The interview consisted of the teams overall performance this season and their upcoming goals in winning yet another title. Schon, a sophomore from Friedrichshafen, Germany, is also known for her talents in track and field. Despite joining the team as a walk-on this season, she has quickly proven that she can be versatile while embracing the challenges in her newfound passion for soccer. Schon has endured it all in her first year on the team but showcases determination. Meanwhile, Bleeker, a freshman from Sydney, Australia, has had a seemingly flawless transition into her collegiate debut. She reflects on her first year on the team and discusses the team’s preparation they partake in on games-days. As the interview came to an end, the first year duo closed the interview by giving a meaningful message to the fans. With many new talented additions such as Schon and Bleeker, the Lady Bulldogs are looking to make a mark as they join the race to win their third consecutive conference championship. Note: since interview recording, the Lady Bulldogs captured the AAC Tournament Championship. Interviewers: Cole Vance and Jesse Tatum-StewartAudio: Rob GordonVideo Production: Olivia MillerResearch: David BallenillaPhoto by: Lucas Grana

Campus

Are You Smarter than a bulldog?

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By Roni Bailey ​​On Thursday, October 2, Tennessee Wesleyan University hosted its annual Open House, welcoming prospective students to campus and offering tours and information sessions. To their surprise, our communication studies department and students organized a podcast segment that included a Jeopardy-style game called “Are You Smarter Than a Bulldog?” This event brought together current Bulldogs and prospective students for a fun, interactive experience.​  The event was held in Reece Hall, where the Communication Department is located. Prospective students were invited to test their general knowledge against current students in a lighthearted trivia game. Questions ranged from word and math problems to Disney lore and everything in between. The room was filled with laughter and cheers as participants competed to see who really knew more—the future Bulldogs or the current ones.  The event embodied the welcoming and vibrant spirit of Tennessee Wesleyan University by combining humor, teamwork, and determination. The “Are You Smarter Than a Bulldog?” game show transformed the open house into an unforgettable experience for both visitors and current students. It allowed everyone to engage in a fun atmosphere, fostering connections and excitement about the university.  ​​Tank Montgomery, the campus event coordinator, shared his hopes and expectations for the upcoming event. He said that he wants prospective students to experience what it’s like to be at Tennessee Wesleyan and to be part of the Communication Department. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the admissions and academic departments, noting that everyone shares the common goal of attracting students and that the community operates like a family.  ​JJ Hulet, a communications professor, explained how the event helps prospective students grasp what studying communications entails at the institution. He stated that studying communications at Tennessee Wesleyan is a combination of theory and practice. He highlighted that for those interested in learning how to use the tools that create the media they consume and understanding the “why” behind that media, Tennessee Wesleyan is the right choice. The event served as a creative platform to showcase all that the communication department has to offer. Through hands-on learning, current and prospective students took on roles involving recording, sound, and hosting duties, allowing them to adapt to challenges much like they would in a real broadcast environment.​ 

Athletics

Baseball Competes in Fall World Series

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By Bulldog Beat Staff In conjunction with the MLB World Series, the TWU Bulldogs baseball team competed in their own Fall Classic, last week, with Lead Team completing a three-game sweep of the Blue Team. The games were not traditonally scored, but rather a points system was used. Hits and Runs were worth a point, with a bonus five points for winning the game. Errors cost the team one point. “I thought the World Series went well overall,” said junior pitcher Koehn Thomas. “The energy was high all throughout the three-games series. I think we could have played defense a bit better, but the offense made up for a lot of mistakes.” Game 1Wednesday’s game 1 saw the Lead team complete a 14-6 win. Kolton Reynolds homered for the winning Lead Team, with Jordan Massis and Matthew Martinez hitting home runs for Blue in the loss. Game 2Behind another home run from Kolton Reynolds and solid pitching from Baylor Homesley and Wes Butler, the Lead team took game 2, 30-10. Game 3The Lead team completed the sweep of the blue team, 47-24, thanks to a walk-off win, their second of the series. The Bulldogs now enter the quiet winter months before season preparations begin in January, with opening day slated for late January. The team closed the 2024 season ranked No.5 in the nation after another trip to the Avista-NAIA World Series in Lewiston, Idaho. Editorial Assistance by Cole VancePhotos by Jakov Kusanovic

Athletics

Bulldogs Set the Tone Early in Preseason Scrimmage Against Cleveland State 

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By Kamaurian Frierson Veterans lead early while young players shine as Tennessee Wesleyan builds momentum for the season ahead  As the Bulldogs enter the new season, tonight’s scrimmage could very well set the tone for what’s ahead. Tennessee Wesleyan took on Cleveland State in a high-energy preseason matchup, and both teams came ready to compete for an early statement win.  The starting lineup for Wesleyan featured #5 Ty Runyan, #3 Reshaun Hampton, #12 Charles Neverdon, and #2 Omarion Barrek. From the moment the ball tipped, you could feel the intensity radiating from both sides of the court.  Neverdon Leads Early Surge  Senior guard Charles Neverdon (#12) wasted no time making his presence felt, knocking down a clean 3-pointer to open the scoring and spark an early run for the Bulldogs. His leadership was evident as he set the pace and helped his teammates find their rhythm.  After the game, Neverdon reflected on his performance and the team’s mindset moving forward.  “We played hard as a team. We got a lot of energy, man,” Neverdon said. “Speaking for myself, Im  not really hit as many shots as I would like, but you know, I started getting other guys involved, getting assists and stuff like that. So as long as we got the dub, I’m happy. There’s still stuff to work on, like finishing halves, but we had so much team effort.”  Neverdon finished the night with about 12 points, setting the example of what it means to be a senior leader on and off the court.  Freshman Chris Cowan Shows Poise  Coming out of halftime, the Bulldogs led 44–36. A bit of competitive trash talk broke out between freshman guard Chris Cowan (#10) and a Cleveland State player, but Cowan kept his composure, letting his performance do the talking. His maturity and confidence were evident, especially for a first-year player stepping into the college game.  After the win, Cowan spoke about what it felt like playing at such a high level so early in his career.  “I feel like I had a good performance, bro, especially with it being my first year — just getting out there and having fun,” Cowan said.  He also shared some wisdom he’s picked up from his veteran teammates.  “Stay level-headed through it all, man,” he said. “With so much practice, just keep a good mindset through it all, for sure.”  Cowan’s playstyle and mindset are already turning heads, and he’s quickly proving why he belongs on this Bulldogs roster. He finished the game with 10 points and several key plays that energized his team.  Hampton Keeps the Bulldogs Steady  Sophomore guard Reshaun Hampton (#3) also turned in an impressive performance. His ability to control the game’s tempo and make smart decisions kept the Bulldogs in rhythm throughout both halves. Hampton contributed on both ends of the floor, playing tough defense and hitting big shots when the team needed them.  After the game, Hampton expressed confidence in both the team’s preparation and its potential this season.  “Oh man, I feel good, man,” he said. “You know our team been working hard all this spring, and we just love to see it pay off.”  Hampton finished with 10 strong points, demonstrating his steady presence and showing that Tennessee Wesleyan’s backcourt depth will be a real strength this season.  Building Momentum for the Season Ahead  From veterans like Neverdon to the young talent in Cowan and Hampton, the Bulldogs displayed a balanced attack and strong chemistry in this preseason test. Their energy, effort, and communication were constant from tip-off to the final buzzer.  If tonight’s scrimmage is any indication, Tennessee Wesleyan looks locked in and ready to make some noise this season.  Co-Writer: Daveion Smith Photos & Graphics: Jayla Lowe  Edited & Published: Josephine Zeoli 

Athletics

Men’s Soccer Team Hosts Annual Senior Night

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By Niko Marinacci On Saturday, October 25, 2025, the Tennessee Wesleyan Bulldogs men’s soccer team played against Bluefield College in Athens, Tennessee. The match ended in a 1–0 victory for the Bulldogs. This was the Bulldogs 8th win of the season giving them an 8-7-1 record on the season and a 7-4-1 record in AAC Conference play.  The significance of this game was that it was senior night. The Bulldogs recognized 7 seniors this season who have not only made an impact on the field but off the field as well. Prior to the game players went through different festivities with their friends and families, making it a memorable day for those who were able to make it to such an amazing point in their athletic careers. We held a Q and A with a current senior, Nicko Bellot, about some of the aspects of the soccer team and this is what he had to say: Q: How does it feel to be so close to the playoffs, especially as a senior? A: It feels amazing honestly. Knowing we are this close especially during my senior year makes it even more special. The team has endured rough seasons in the past, and to see how far we have come as a program is really exciting. It feels like all of the hard work over the years is finally paying off, and to be able to experience that with my teammates during my last year means a lot. Q: What has been your favorite game or moment this season? A: Definitely senior day. It was such an emotional game – my family was in the stands, the crowd was loud, and we were playing one of the top teams in the conference. We left everything on the field. Getting the win made it even better, it was one of those moments that you dream about as an athlete. Q: How do you and your teammates keep each other motivated as the season comes to an end? A: We keep each other motivated by remembering why we started. For us seniors, it is knowing that this is our last chance to leave a mark on the program. For the younger players, it is about building something that lasts beyond this season. We push each other everyday in practice – even though it’s tough – because we all want to see the team reach its full potential. The goal of making playoffs keeps us locked in and hungry. The Bulldogs next game will come in the conference tournament, where the team will look to make a run and steal a conference title. Photos by Rob GordonInterview by David BallenillaEdited by Lucas Grana

Campus

Delta Zeta Phi Annual Seesaw Marathon

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By Lexie Lee Why was there a seesaw in the quad? The Tennessee Wesleyan University Fraternity, Delta Zeta Phi, finished their fundraising Seesaw Marathon where they rode the seesaw, taking turns, for 100 hours straight from September 22-26! The event was organized to raise money from local businesses and donations from people within the community to benefit the on-campus food pantry, Love Thy Neighbor Project. As Love Thy Neighbor is Delta Zeta Phi’s charity partner, the fraternity worked this project to raise money so that Love Thy Neighbor can continue helping those in the Athens community who are in need. The group decided that for every $500 raised, they would add another 24 hours to the time spent on the seesaw. “Balancing sleep and classes was difficult, but because this was the second year [of the annual Seesaw Marathon], we had a much better process for who was riding the seesaw and when,” said Roni Bailey, a member of the Delta Zeta Phi fraternity. Mostly fraternity members, along with the occasional professors and other students, rode the seesaw, enabling the club to raise $3,000. “Those young men have been such a blessing for our food pantry! We appreciate them so much. The money they raise, most likely, will go to our back sack program. This program provides weekend meals to low-income students at now 6 schools in McMinn County. We make approximately 220-250 bags and deliver them to all of these schools. Our program now runs every other week and is our largest expense at the pantry. It is a wonderful program and we are currently accepting donations to help fund it,” explains Vicki Weber from Love Thy Neighbor Project.