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Athletics

Getting to Know Your Baseball Seniors

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By Parker Stinnett Every year in collegiate sports, every university says goodbye to their senior class once the final out, basket, or touchdown is made. This year, the Tennessee Wesleyan University baseball team says goodbye to only two, Parker Stinnett and Daniel Sayre. With this, if you are not familiar with the two, the following information should give you a pretty good idea of who they are. For starters, Parker Stinnett is a Communications Major from Knoxville, TN. Raised in Powell, TN, Parker grew up playing the game of baseball from the age of three. He would eventually go on to play for the panthers at Powell High School. Graduating in 2018, he made his way to Morristown, TN where he would play for two years for the Walters State Senators. With the 2019 season getting cut short because of COVID, he then committed to play at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. After a season of injuries and setbacks, he set his sights on TWU and what he claims to be, “The best decision I’ve ever made”. A highly successful program ran by Head Coach Billy Berry, brought him in and treated him like family and he seemed to be one of the many puzzle pieces they were missing as he helped the 2022 Bulldogs to a 56-8 record, finishing third in the nation. The second senior, Daniel Sayre is a Sports Management Major from Marina, California. Just like Parker, Dan grew up playing the game of baseball, starting at a very young age. Attending Seaside High school, Dan began to take the game more seriously as he started to get looks from college scouts. He landed a scholarship at Sacramento City Junior College, where he excelled in his game of play, hitting .400 for his career. Another big addition to the Bulldog line-up in 2022, Dan came all the way across the country to wear blue and white and was immediately a threat at shortstop, and still is today. He is known for his wild attitude and his noble leadership as a senior. He too, has been brought into the Bulldog family with open arms and will always remember TWU, as, “Another place to call home”. The two are primary examples of “Bulldog Baseball”. Being the only two seniors on the team and already having a great line of college baseball experience, they have stepped up to be the leaders of this year’s team. Their teammates look to them to be their spark, and voice between the lines each game and they always show up when the line-up is posted. Their time at TWU maybe coming to an end, but their bond will live forever. Edited by Marco MartinezPhotos courtesy of Danielle Proulx

Bulldog Family

Honors Day 2023

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By Matti Bray Tennessee Wesleyan University (TWU) held its annual Honors Day on April 18th in Townsend. Honors Day is how TWU celebrates all the achievements reached throughout the school year. This event is held every spring semester and is presented by head professors and (now) Dr. Tyler Forrest, the President of TWU. The room was full of students, staff, and others to show support and pride for the awarded people. Students ranging from Freshmen to Seniors were awarded during the event. Students were rewarded for their dedication to their classes and achievements outside of academics, such as student government, student ambassadors, and leadership. The faculty and staff at TWU were also rewarded for their commitment to the school and the students. Two sports were awarded at this year’s event. The Outstanding Athletic Team Volunteer award was given to the Women’s Soccer team and was received by Tessa Lewis. Paige Manney was given a banner presented by Donnie Mayfield and Coaches for the NAIA Women’s Track and Field Indoor National Championship Triple Jump. The swearing-in of the Student Government Association officers was presented at the end. Bevin Harrill (President), Allison White (Vice Pres.), Madison Stott (Secretary), and Brooklyn Ingram-Nelson (Treasurer) faced the audience, raised their right hand, and repeated the oath spoken by Dr. Forrest. Congratulations to all who were awarded, and keep up the fantastic work! Photos by Dan ThorntonEditorial Assistance by T’evon Shuler Honors Day 2023 Awards List    Department of Fine Arts      The William P. Miller Award Tabitha Netza      The Harrilyn C. Sallis Award Daniel Howell      The Mrs. Sue Carter Sherman Award Riley Smith      The Standing Ovation Award for Career Achievement in Theatre Savannah Stull      The Spotlight Award Dashayla Streeter      The Golden Gaff Tape Award for Exceptional Work Behind-the-Scenes Alley Butler      The Communication Studies Award Tyris Nelson  The Harry Russell Caldwell Award Amelia Selvidge    HISTORY & POLITICAL SCIENCE     The Tennessee Wesleyan University Biblical Studies Award Reagan Kelly     The Naff Award in Religion and Philosophy Wayne Gibson       EDUCATION      Athens Educational Association Award Jamison Harig      McMinn County Retired Teachers Association Award Hannah Sneed      McMinn County Teachers Association Award Keri Cox      Sherry B. Godsey Award Abigail Wicker     Pi Lambda Theta-Educational Honorary Society Emily Crowder  Mallorie Harrell  Hannah McCloud  Drew Rogers Makayla StewartKatie Swafford Abigail Wicker  Chris Brannon Amelia Selvidge Ryan Tallent     Alpha Delta Kappa-Honorary Society Hannah McCloud     NATURAL SCIENCES      The Edmond R. Cox Award for Excellence in Biology Morgan Baldwin      The Joyce R. Baker Award for Excellence in Chemistry Rebecca Brackett      The Carl B. Honaker and the Bud L. Duncan Senior Award in Chemistry Mattea Hooper    BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION  Ms. Anne Montgomery Award Payt Bussey      The TWU Finance Award Parker Hill     The TWU General Management Award Matthew Tullock      The Most Outstanding International Management Award Jan Schmalenberg      The TWU Marketing Award Wesley Christian      The TWU Digital Marketing Award Natacha Mesa Perez     The Most Outstanding Management Excellence Award Jessica Klaaren      The Most Outstanding MBA Student Award Alyson Crowder      The Bill “B.T.” Hudson Award for the Most Outstanding Business Student Oliver Lawson      Business Administration Award in Memory of Allen H. Carter Brad Dunkle      Business Administration Award in Honor of Valerie Carter Tipps Jackson Gregg      Business Administration Award in Memory of Dan Fisher Kolbe Billingsley    SOCIAL SCIENCES     The Jeffrey Barnes Memorial Service Award Emily Lynn Crittenden      The Criminal Justice Excellence Award Hallie G. Huffman      The Annual “Mr. T” Thompson Award Alexis M. Rogers      The Jane Addams Award Bethany Suzanne Souza     The Horizon Award Sierra Butler  Brooklyn Ingram-Nelson  Jadyn Jones Jayden Scott      The William James Psychology Award Lauren Garrison      Psi Chi International Honor Society Lauren Garrison      Phi Alpha Honor Society Charlesy Danielle Pilky Emmaleigh Elizabeth McDaniel Allie Marie Wilson Loryn Nichole Sherwood Alexis M. Rogers Leah Breann Hall     GRADUATING MEMBERS: Bethany Suzanne Sousa  Alexis M. Rogers  Leah Breann Hall  Loryn Nicole Sherwood    MATHEMATICS      The Mr. & Mrs. George Yates Award June Greene      The L & M Motors Mathematics Award Uyen Nguyen      The Jane Bowling Kennerly Award Abigail Wicker  HEALTH AND HUMAN PERFORMANCE    The Health and Human Performance Award Parker Avery     The Service to Health and Human Performance Award Ashley Linn     ENGLISH & MODERN LANGUAGES     Springs of Helicon Awards Elletra Karlsen   Art: Mila Vranikj      The Outstanding English Major Award Luke Frazier      Sigma Tau Delta Inductees 2022-2023  The new members of Sigma Tau Delta is: Mary Lurena Kanipes    STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION     The Jeffrey L. Barnes Service Award Tyris Nelson      The Jim Thompson Service Awards Faculty: Sharon Brown Staff: Miranda Collins       The Ann Vaught Dougherty Award Savannah Solomon      The Dr. Floyd “Jack” Bowling Award Tessa Lewis      The Balfour Award Hannah VanWinkle T’evon Shuler    The Raymond A. Grant Civic Scholarship Award T’evon Shuler       The Townsend Awards Madison Stott Tyris Nelson      RECOGNITION OF AMBASSADORS, and HACKBERRY and OAK SOCIETY     Student Ambassadors  This year’s student ambassadors are: Alexandria Ballew Tyris Nelson  Kariden Hardrick  Chloe Cooper  Keasia Hogan  Anecia Goss  Ashley Caron Akia Jean-Pierre  McKinley Tyson Mackenzie  Alas McKenzie Miller  Ryan Pope  Chaggie Bassar     Hackberry and Oak Society Members  This year’s Hackberry and Oak Society members are: Carley Shadrick  Keely McDonald Amy Johnson Savannah Renfro Emily Crittenden  Reagan Kelly Katie-Grace Reynolds    Center for Servant Leadership   Junior: Kennedy Moore  Keely McDonald McKinley Tyson  Senior: Emily Crittenden      Outstanding Student Organization Volunteer Award Sigma Kappa      Outstanding Athletic Team Volunteer Award Women’s Soccer     Track & Field Award     NAIA Women’s Track & Field Indoor National Championship Triple Jump  The National Triple Jump Champion is: Paige Manney       Presentation of Faculty Awards  New Faculty Incentive Award Will Murray Christine Saladino      Excellence in Teaching and Scholarship Award Randa Colbert      Curriculum Leadership Award Cyndy Davis  Sarah Harris      The Alton L. Smith Award for Academic Advising JJ Hulet         The Deane G. Hall Award Jack Seitz      The Lockmiller Teacher of the Year Ana Barrios     PRESENTATION OF STAFF AWARDS     Aramark/TWU Staff Member of the Year Karen Davis     James Sherman Facilities Award Bradley Stewart      New Staff Member Award Kirk Renegar      President’s Cabinet Award Ersa Henry      The Flame Award Kyle Fulbright     PRESENTATION OF SGA AWARDS     Outgoing SGA Officers President: Lauren Garrison  Vice President: Oliver Lawson  Secretary: Bevin Harrill Treasurer: Allison White      SWORN-IN CEREMONY SGA OFFICERS     Incoming SGA Officers President: Bevin Harrill Vice President: Allison White  Secretary: Madison Stott Treasurer: Brooklyn Ingram-Nelson 

Athletics

Back-to-Back Pitcher of the Week Performances

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By Marco Martinez Coming off an AAC Pitcher of the Week award Tennessee Wesleyan’s very own, Cheyenne Strong leads the Lady Bulldogs to two more conference wins behind two shutout performances while racking up 23 strikeouts on no runs and six hits in 14 innings of work. The Lady Bulldogs had four games against conference opponents, Bluefield University and Union College, both doubleheaders held at home at Athens Regional Park. Game one against Bluefield featured Strong’s 17 strikeouts in seven innings of work, giving up no runs on two hits leading the Lady Bulldogs to a 7-0 win. Right fielder, Caroline Moore, went 3-4 with a double, RBI, and two runs scored, followed by an impressive 3-3 performance from shortstop, Taylor Penning. The scoring was topped off by Loryn Sherwood’s two-run home-run in the bottom of the fifth. Game two featured an 8-0, six-inning mercy powered by another stellar pitching performance from Baylie Davis. Davis went six innings, striking out five on one hit adding a shutout to her record now. Third basemen, Emily Mikkola, and Penning powered the offense, both collecting two hits and two RBI. Game one of the doubleheader against Union ended in a 5-0 victory on another strong seven innings from Strong, striking out six and only giving up four hits. Moore went 4-4 with two runs scored, a triple, and a stolen base. While Mikkola had herself another solid day going 1-3 with two RBI and a stolen base. Game two gave the Lady Bulldogs their fourth win of the week, winning this contest 7-1. Davis picked up her second win of the week on seven innings pitched and nine strikeouts while only allowing one run. Center fielder, Destiny Painter, went 2-3 with two runs scored, one RBI, and a stolen base. Mikkola went 3-3 with two runs scored and Penning added another three RBI on a 1-4 day. Edited by Baylie DavisPhotos by Matti BrayVideo by T’evon Shuler and Parker Stinnett

Student Life

The Best Places to Study in Athens

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By Parker Stinnett It’s a week before finals and you are about to graduate with your bachelors in Communication. Everything comes down to these final four exams that you must pass before receiving your degree. You know the stakes at hand, and you want to do every possible thing you can to succeed on these tests but for some odd reason, you cannot grasp enough focus just sitting on your bed or at your desk. Luckily, you’re a student at Tennessee Wesleyan University in Athens Tennessee where there are handfuls of great places to go and study and just get away to get that relaxed and focused feeling you’ve always wanted to have. For starters, students at TWU have many options on campus for great study spots such as the study rooms in the top level of the student center, the chairs placed throughout campus in front of the many fire pits, and even the Trinity Church on campus allows the students to come and do what they need to do, to be successful students. Ranging off campus, Blue Front Coffee Shop is a great pace to go get your school work done and hang with friends. Sitting about five hundred feet away from campus, I can guarantee you won’t be the only one stopping by to work on your math homework. Moving down the street about two hundred feet closer to the school are the benches right across the street from trinity Church. There are three to four benches in a nice grassed area that are nice and peaceful depending on the weather of course. Another great place to give a try to would be the Athens Regional Park, located 3.0 miles from campus and is only an eight-minute drive. It offers great scenery and different locations to sit and study about. If you’re studying with an appetite, Athens gives you multiple places with food menus to conquer the hunger with. Maddie Mae’s on S White St and is located about .3 miles from campus or a quick seven-minute walk. They are known for their friendly approach to their customers and for their well made sandwiches and frozen custard. Along with this, Jenkins Restaurant and Deli is also a great option for a study spot. It happens to be one of the most well known places in town and offers a great deal of food choices from chicken salad all the way to fish and chips. It gives a homey feeling when you walk in and is located just 1.0 mile from campus. One final place worth mentioning would be the city of Cleveland Tennessee. It is about thirty minutes from campus down I-75 towards Chattanooga. Cleveland offers everything Athens has to offer but just doubled in size and choices to choose from. A great spot to go study or even just getting away from the school work and enjoying your day. As finals week approaches, look to these places to get you out of your comfort zone or maybe back into your comfort zone while studying. A small change in scenery just might give you the edge you need to break through your mental block. Edited by Marco MartinezPhotos by Dan Thornton

Bulldog Family

International Day 2023

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By Matti Bray On Tuesday, Tennessee Wesleyan University (TWU) held its 9th Annual International Day in the Johnson Event Center in Colloms. International Day started in 2014 and, except for a brief pause due to the pandemic, has occurred every spring semester since. There were 29 tables at the recent event; different countries represented 26 and three were represented by clubs at TWU. Dr. Augustin Bocco, a professor at TWU, hosted his own table for his native Togo. “Tennessee Wesleyan looks very small, but has a lot of internationals that come to this campus, so we are doing this to showcase who we are,” stated Dr. Bocco when asked why International Day was created. He also explained that it is to “show the diversity” within such a small school and town. The students got to set up and decorate their own tables with whoever else was representing their country. Although most of the countries represented were done by people from that country, some students represented countries they’re not from for a class. Most students made poster boards, brought food, showed videos, wore clothes from their cultures, and so much more! All students, international or not, were able to walk around and learn about all the different tables set up. There was also an ‘Choose Blue’ event on the same day. ‘Choose Blue’ was an open house for prospective incoming students to see a day in the life of a student and to see the campus. Therefore, the tour guides were able to bring prospective students up to see what was going on and to allow them to see just how diverse this school is.   There were also live performances held during the event. A student, Ella, presented a song from Guatemala. Following after, there was a dance performed by a local dance coach, Jessie (along with his wife). After the dance performance, the students got to join in and learn a few dance moves. Throughout the day, students, staff, and visitors could vote for which country’s table was best. Even though all the tables were excellent, only three were announced as the best. Third place was Canada, second place was Spain, and the best table was… Argentina! Edited by Baylie DavisPhotos by T’evon Shuler

Athletics

Baseball plows through Columbia International

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By T’evon Shuler ATHENS, Tenn. – The Tennessee Wesleyan University Baseball team (13-0) swept a three-game series against visiting Columbia International University, February 23 and 24, at Athens Insurance Stadium. The dominant performance by the second-ranked Bulldogs came one day early, as forecasted rain caused the series to be moved up. Game 1: 12-2 After a slow start offensively, the Bulldogs ran away in the 6th inning, scoring seven runs en route to the eventual run rule after eight innings. Robert Kelley and Sam Rochard combined for seven strikeouts through eight innings, only allowing two runs. The 12-hit TWU attack was led by Andre Tarver, who recorded three hits, all doubles, and two RBI. Carson Ford added two doubles, two RBI, and a run scored. Parker Stinnett had two hits, including a two-run home run. Dan Sayre also had two hits, two RBI, and two runs scored. Game 2: 6-5 TWU earned the walk-off win in game two, as Stinnett scored on a pinch-hit single by Chad Picton. The second contest was closer as the Bulldogs and Rams battled through four lead changes and two ties. Offensively Cayle Webster led the team with a double and a home run, knocking in two. Preston Welchel also contributed two doubles, scoring twice. The winning pitcher was Kyle Bloor, who gave up one run in two innings, striking out four. Game 3 (Friday): 7-0 TWU completed the sweep with the shutout win, Friday. Blake Peyton earned the win, pitching 5.1 shutout innings with nine strikeouts, allowing just one hit. Carter Gannaway shut the door, not allowing a hit in 3.2 innings. Sayre helped the team on offense with two doubles and two runs scored. Stinnett added a hit, an RBI, and also scored twice. Edited by Parker StinnettPhotos by Matti BrayVideo by Dan Thornton

Campus

TWU Basketball Wraps Up 22-23 Season

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By Baylie Davis On February 23rd, the AAC Conference Tournament for men’s and women’s basketball began. The Tennessee Wesleyan women’s basketball team advanced to the semifinals with their first win in the tournament against Reinhardt University. However, their season came to an end on February 24th after losing a close game to Bryan College 59-54. The TWU men’s basketball team opened the tournament playing Bryan College but fell short against the #5 seed, ending their season on February 23rd. The TWU women’s basketball team ended their season ranking at number 5 in the conference and having an overall record of 19-9. The TWU men’s basketball team ended their season standing at number 4 in the conference and having an overall record of 15-11.   For women’s basketball, Yeika Jimenez Diaz was awarded AAC Freshman of the Year, All-AAC First Team, and AAC All-Freshman Team, and Jordan Wright was awarded All-AAC Second Team. For men’s basketball, Ty Patterson was awarded All-AAC First Team.   On the eve of the AAC Conference Tournament, Baylie Davis and Marco Martinez sat down with Tennessee Wesleyan Basketball players, Jordan Wright and Cameron Montgomery, to talk with them about how they felt going into the conference tournament, their lives as collegiate athletes, and if they would rather lose an arm or a leg. See what Jordan and Cameron had to say in the second episode of the 2023 Bulldog Beat Podcast. Podcast Hosted by Baylie Davis and Marco MartinezPodcast Production by Matti Bray and Parker StinnettEditorial Assistance by Bulldog Beat StaffPhotos courtesy of TWU Athletics

Campus

Bulldog Beat Podcast – Spring Edition

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By Dan Thornton In this episode of the Bulldog Beat Podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing two members of the Tennessee Wesleyan baseball team, Marco Martinez and Parker Stinnett, as well as Baylie Davis from the softball team. I had a great time chatting with them about their lives, athletic careers, and even some personable questions. Marco shared with us how he got into playing baseball and the challenges he has faced as a student-athlete. Baylie also talked about her journey in softball, including the moment she realized she wanted to pursue playing softball at the collegiate level. Parker shared with us how the grind was from junior college to the beginning of his career at Tennessee Wesleyan. They all talked about the importance of balancing their academics and athletics and how it has helped them in their lives. At the end of this episode, I asked them some fun questions, such as what are five things they cannot live without. They gave us a wide range of answers from Cookout to sandals. Overall, it was a great conversation with the inspiring athletes who have a bright future ahead of them. You can stream this episode by clicking the link below.  Check out photos from Tennessee Wesleyan Baseball vs. Columbia International University, February 23, at Athens Insurance Stadium. Edited by Baylie DavisPhotos by Matti BrayPodcast Production by Bulldog Beat Staff

Student Life

Upcoming Convocations at TWU

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By T’evon Shuler Here at Tennessee Wesleyan University, 5 convocations are required every semester in order to graduate. These convocations consist of many different things that can give information about world events/history or provide entertainment for students. The spring semester convocations will range from “Childhood Trauma” to “Honors Day” for TWU students. There are nine convocations from February 7th to April 18th and are every Tuesday, so plan the best five to attend. More information on Convocations is listed in the TWU App, under Events, or on the Tennessee Wesleyan website. Human Trafficking AwarenessMarch 14, 11amColloms Campus Center 203 9th Annual International DayMarch 28, 10am-2pmJohnson Event CenterCheck out our coverage of last year’s International Day Heritage Day – The Bible and American WayMarch 29, 7-8pmColloms Campus Center 203March 30, 11am-12pmTownsend Auditorium Food AccessibilityApril 4, 11amColloms Campus Center 203 Arbor Day Celebration April 11, 11 amTownsend Auditorium Honors DayApril 18, 11 amTownsend Auditorium ChapelEvery Sunday and Thursday, 11am Trinity UMC Edited by Parker StinnettGraphic courtesy of TWU Student LifeEditorial Assistance by Bulldog Beat Staff

Campus

TWU Track Dogs

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By Cameron Williams The TWU Track Dogs were ready for their season opener this year on November 29th, at Oakridge High School. The team has many talents and is very excited to get the season rolling. The video below shows one of many workouts that the team must endure on what they call “Mad Dawg Monday”. On Tuesday the Track Dogs had 3 Nation Qualifiers and 20 Conference Qualifiers. Help me welcome the team into new fresh season! Edited by Marco MartinezVideo by Dakota CaldwellVideo Editing by Cameron Williams, T’evon Shuler, and Dakota Caldwell