The women's soccer team has won five straight games in the past 10 days.

All of the wins have come against Sooner Athletic Conference opponents, improving JBU's conference record to 8-1 and its record to 11-5 overall.

The team's record has earned it a top ranking in SAC ratings and 111 points in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics coaches' poll. Eleven more points would have been enough to boost the Lady Eagles into the Top 25.

Head coach Joe Thoma said a win in the team's last game would give the Lady Eagles the regular season conference championship. The last time the team won the regular season title was 2007.

The Lady Eagles faced Oklahoma Christian University at home on Tuesday, notching a 3-1 win.

Three different players scored during the game for the Lady Eagles.

The first goal came on a breakaway from senior midfielder Jodi Knack in the 18th minute of the game.

Junior forward Robyn Cluka followed suit 10 minutes later with a goal of her own after a scramble in front of the box.

The Lady Eagles scored their final goal of the game in the 44th minute when junior midfielder Alex McMichael scored off a penalty kick after OC's goalkeeper, Allie Cofer, fouled Knack in the box.

OC freshman midfielder India Farr brought JBU's scoring drive to an end in the 59th minute off an assist from senior midfielder Kacie Hoppe.

It was also one of the most physical games the team has seen this season.

JBU picked up 14 fouls to OC's nine and a member of each team was issued a yellow card.

Knack said that the intensity of the game led to more physical contact and, in turn, some exchange of words between players.

"We could have controlled our mouths a little more and played with more class, even though they were trying to egg us on," she said.

Thoma praised the team's efforts despite the scuffles on the field. He said the number one conference ranking is a result of the team consistently working to improve.

"We are doing little things that make a big difference," he said.

He described the team's defense over the past several games as "outstanding." He also said the midfielders did a good job of distributing the ball in Tuesday's game.

"This is where we wanted to be all season," he said. "We have played good soccer in the past couple weeks."

JBU picked up a 1-0 conference win on the road over the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma on Saturday.

Scoring the lone goal of the game was junior midfielder Camille Malkiewicz.

The Lady Eagles grabbed another road win Oct. 21 against Mid-America Christian University (Okla.), 4-0.

Cluka, Knack, sophomore defender Amanda Reed and junior defender Ashley Cecil scored goals for JBU in the game.

In Oct. 17th's 4-0 rout of Oklahoma Baptist University, junior forward Sarah Kidd, McMichael and Reed scored for JBU. An own goal from OBU gave JBU the fourth goal.

On Oct. 14, JBU won a double overtime thriller against Rogers State University (Okla.), 2-1. Scoring in the game for the Lady Eagles were Reed and Knack.

JBU will take on Northwestern Oklahoma State University on Saturday at home at 2 p.m.

A victory in the game would give JBU the regular season SAC championship, along with a first round bye in the SAC tournament and home field advantage in the next round.

The third match-up of the season between the John Brown University volleyball team and College of the Ozarks (Mo.) resulted in a 3-2 win for the Lady Eagles on the road. The win brings the series score to 2-1 and moves JBU's conference record to 5-4 and its overall record to 21-8.

The Lady Eagles are currently riding a three-match winning streak after coming off a three-match losing streak.

JBU lost the first two sets of Tuesday's match 22-25 and 23-25.

Head coach Robyn Daugherty said the team showed composure throughout the entire match and was able to rally back to win the last three sets; 25-14, 25-22, 15-7.

"We were pretty evenly matched," she said.

She also said the team's defense contributed to the victory and described JBU's defensive efforts for the night as "scrappy."

"We were picking up everything in the last three sets and it was frustrating their hitters," she said.

Senior libero Shannon Proctor led the defense with 32 digs.

Junior middle hitter Amber Wilson, sophomore middle hitter Allie Rankin and senior middle hitter Christi Newton each totaled five blocks.

Leading the way in kills was freshman outside hitter Erin Didier with 18. Next was junior Kirsten Lee with 17.

Junior setter Alyssa Hanson contributed 30 assists.

Proctor pointed out the fact that the team only missed two serves during the entire match.

The Lady Eagles were not able to keep their service errors as low in their weekend matches at home.

JBU faced conference opponent St. Gregory's University (Okla.) Saturday and won easily in three sets; 25-17, 25-16, 25-20, despite seven service errors in the match.

The Lady Eagles also picked up a non-conference win at home on Saturday against Texas Wesleyan University in three sets; 25-16, 25-16, 25-21.

JBU suffered a loss on the road last Thursday to conference opponent Oklahoma Baptist University. The Lady Eagles fell in four sets; 21-25, 18-25, 25-22, 22-25.

JBU hosted a triangular on Oct. 16 and suffered defeat in two non-conference matches.

University of Arkansas at Ft. Smith was the first opponent for the Lady Eagles. JBU took the first set; 25-20, but lost the match after dropping the next three; 23-25, 17-25, 17-25.

The next match against Evangel University (Mo.) went to five sets, but resulted in a loss for JBU; 20-25, 22-25, 25-21, 25-13, 9-15.

Next, JBU will take on two tough conference opponents at home Friday and Saturday.

JBU will face Wayland Baptist University (Texas) on Friday at 7 p.m. WBU is currently ranked second in the SAC.

The Lady Eagles will take on Lubbock Christian University (Texas) on Saturday at 1 p.m. LCU is currently ranked number one in the SAC.

Daugherty said JBU didn't execute well in its previous match against LCU and for the team to be successful this time, it would have to pass well.

Proctor said getting victories in the matches was crucial.

"We know it's going to be a tough weekend, but we know we have to win," she said.

The men's soccer team didn't come out sharp enough to take down Oklahoma Christian University on Tuesday and lost its final regular season match 1-0.

Head coach John Miglarese said the team played a weak first half and a second half that was only a little better.

Despite chances at both ends, the game remained scoreless at halftime.

The second half started out the same way until JBU got a close call in the 68th minute, when a goal from OC was called back for off-sides.

The teams continued to trade chances until OC scored the only goal with 11 minutes left in the game. Sophomore midfielder Matt Lambert found the net for OC when his cross caught JBU senior goalkeeper Ryan Helmer off guard, deflected off the crossbar and went in.

JBU pushed to get the equalizer, but failed after several missed opportunities.

OC outshot JBU 20-15 and also had an advantage in shots-on-goal with 10 to JBU's six.

OC freshman goalkeeper Tim Spencer picked up six saves in the shutout and Helmer had nine for JBU.

Miglarese said his team did not connect on passes and lacked composure during the match.

"The way we were playing, they were going to score," he said. "We just were not sharp."

Senior midfielder Justin Thompson said that JBU didn't underestimate OC but that the team simply did not play to its potential.

"We knew [OC] would be good but they also lost to teams that we beat and played well against, so we thought we could definitely beat them," he said. "We came out well in the second half, but we just faded out in the end."

Playing competitive teams has not been the only adversity JBU has faced this year. The team has undergone several lineup changes due to a loss of starters.

"It started out with the suspensions of three players at the beginning of the season and then three more starters out with injuries for the rest of the season," Thompson said.

Starting freshman midfielder David Castagne is out for the rest of the season with a torn meniscus and ACL, junior forward Sasha Viatrov is out with a broken foot and freshman forward Cristobal Duran tore his ACL during the Oct. 14 match against Rogers State University (Okla.).

Freshman midfielder Fernando Lopez sat out the last two games with a knee injury and freshman defender Mikhail Kolemasov only played the first half against OC but was taken out in the second with a minor hip injury.

Both players are expected to return for the SAC Tournament.

Miglarese said he was encouraged with the ten wins the team has notched so far. The team was also able to get four SAC wins as compared to last year's two.

"We have improved," he said. "Now we just have to sit back and wait to see where we are going into the SAC Tournament."

Thompson called this season a "turnaround" from last year, especially considering the injuries that seemed to plague the team midseason.

"I think that the players that have had to step up have come out with a decent record," he said. "We did well in the face of adversity."

With the SAC Tournament approaching, things won't be getting any easier for JBU.

"It doesn't matter who we play, it's going to be tough," Thompson said. "Because of the nature of our conference as one of the stronger conferences in the country, the playoffs will only bring out a higher level of competition."

Tuesday's loss puts JBU at 10-7-1 overall and 4-4-1 in SAC play.

The team now waits for it's seeding for the SAC Tournament, which begins Nov. 6.

After finishing one of the best seasons in school history, the John Brown University men's basketball team isn't slacking off.

The heartbreaking, two-point loss to Rogers State University (Okla.) in the Sooner Athletic Conference Championship last year is still in the back of the players' minds.

But they aren't busy plotting revenge.

Head coach Clark Sheehy and his team are in the work phase of the season and they are focusing on constantly getting better.

Improving on last year's 23-10 season will take some work, but Sheehy said his team is up to the challenge.

After losing four seniors from last year's third place SAC team, this year's returners and newcomers will have to step up and contribute.

Leading the way for the returning players is JBU's lone senior, forward Davaughn Jackson.

Jackson was the leading scorer and rebounder for the Golden Eagles last year with 14.7 points per game and 7.6 rebounds per game.

This year he is learning to play the leadership role on the team as well.

"I tell the guys we need to always keep up the intensity," Jackson said.

Also looking to contribute in the paint is redshirt sophomore Francisco "Kiko" Rodriguez. After averaging about one point and one rebound per game in 17 games last year, Rodriguez is expected to play a more significant role this year.

Sophomore forwards Ian Alexander and Ryan Thomas should also see more minutes this year as well.

Coming off a strong sophomore season with the Eagles is junior guard Andrius Mikutis. He will lead the team on the perimeter as one of only five upperclassmen on the team. Mikutis is the team's second leading scorer returning from last year and averaged nearly 11 points per game.

Sophomore forward Adrian Miller led the team in field goal percentage last year as a freshman shooting 63 percent. He's a quick defender and will most likely cause some tough match-ups for opposing players this year.

Also on the wing for the Golden Eagles is junior guard Ryland Allen, who contributed consistently off the bench last year and is expected to make an impact again this year.

Last year's SAC Freshman of the Year Abel Galliguez returns this season to run the Eagles' offense. Abel is dangerous from behind the arc, knocking down a team-high of 72 three-pointers last season. He can also make the stop on the defensive end and isn't afraid to take the charge.

Abel's twin brother Thomas Galliguez will also share point guard duties once he returns from a broken foot.

Junior guard Jonathan Sparks is also expected to play a big role this year and execute his leadership responsibilities as an upperclassman on the team.

Four freshmen and one transfer round out this year's roster.

Sam Bartlett, a junior transfer from Northern Oklahoma Community College will be relied on for help down low. Freshman center Zach Hersha and freshman forward Sam Johnson will also help out in the paint.

Freshman guard Coleson Rakestraw, a Siloam Springs native, is a versatile player who is expected to make an immediate impact. Freshman combo guard EJ McWoods could also see some playing time this season.

As the team adjusts to playing with new members, Jackson said team communication is improving, but still needs work.

Sheehy said another main focus of the team is improving the defense.

"If we are good on defense, we have a chance to win every game," Sheehy said.

Jackson agreed that the team has very high defensive goals.

"We want to be the best defensive team in school history," Jackson said.

Sheehy said he just wants the team to focus on improving every day.

"If the guys buy into that, the results will be there," he said.

The men's basketball team tips off its season tonight at home against Hillsdale Freewill Baptist University (Okla.) at 7 p.m.

The first game of the JBU basketball season also marks the last Toilet Paper Game in Murray Sells Gymnasium before the opening of Bill George Arena next year.

Several John Brown University athletes joined the ranks of over 44,000 athletes across 38 states Oct. 14 to share their testimonies and encourage their peers through Fellowship of Christian Athletes' Fields of Faith.

Emcees for the event were junior basketball player Emily Ortiz and sophomore basketball player Thomas Galliguez.

In addition to being the voices of the evening, Ortiz and Galliguez had the responsibility of finding middle school and high school athletes to share their testimonies.

Nine local students spoke to their peers that evening about FCA's theme verse: Romans 12:2.

Among them was JBU sophomore basketball player Abel Galliguez.

Abel recounted the role basketball played in his life growing up and how the sport sometimes overshadowed his relationship with Christ.

"I gave God glory in lip-service, but I was leading a double-life," Abel said.

Abel said he became frustrated with his hypocrisy during his junior year of high school and begged God to renew his mind.

He said he has consistently put God first in his life since his turnaround and he encouraged younger athletes to do the same.

Ortiz reaffirmed Abel's call to transformation, saying that students should become emboldened about sharing their faith in athletics.

Ortiz and Thomas decided to become involved with Fields of Faith after realizing the need local middle school and high school athletes had for consistent Christian role models.

"FCA has meant a lot to me, and this was a way I could give back," Ortiz said. "We wanted to give students a faith-filled experience they might not get any other way."

Thomas said he valued the opportunity to show God's love to others in the community.

"JBU students and faculty are always talking about how we need to be sent out. I was given that opportunity," he said.

Siloam Springs High School junior Sarah Lowry said JBU athletes were good role models for younger athletes.

"Hearing their stories inspires me to share my faith with other people," she said.

Thomas said younger athletes often look up to the examples of professional athletes, which sometimes aren't the best role models.

"JBU athletes need to be an example to younger athletes of how you can be an athlete and still live your life for the Lord," he said.

Look! It's a marijuana joint.

Actually, it's the 2010 Olympic torch.

The sleek, white and chrome staff has caused a lot of buzz in the past several months about its striking resemblance to something that is actually capable of giving its user a real buzz.

Locals in the host city of Vancouver have jokingly dubbed it the Olympic Toke.

What's more ironic is the fact that Vancouver is located in British Columbia, where marijuana is a booming cash crop.

With all the strange coincidences surrounding this iconic symbol, one has to wonder: What were the designers thinking?

Or perhaps a more appropriate question would be: What were they smoking?

Bombadier, the company responsible for creating the spliff, eh... staff, said the design was inspired by Canada's open land and natural lines formed by snow and ice.

Maybe they just liked the pretty wisps of smoke that were drifting upward from their reefers.

Perhaps this criticism sounds too harsh, but how are the prestigious Olympic Games going to be represented to the world with such a controversial symbol?

Will the public overlook the questionable design, or will the integrity of the Olympic Torch be trashed?

Feedback is sure to come as the Olympic Torch Relay gets underway.

The Olympic Flame was lit at a traditional ritual lighting ceremony in Olympia, Greece, on Oct. 22.

The Flame will travel through Greece for eight days before heading to Canada for the longest domestic Olympic Torch Relay in history.

The Canadian stage of the relay will begin on Oct. 30 in Victoria, British Columbia. The Flame will be carried by 12,000 people over 45,000 kilometers in 106 days.

Sounds like a pretty dope party to me.

But that also brings up another problem.

Twenty-seven of those 12,000 people will be journalists working for Canadian Television Network, the official Olympic TV rights holder, and its affiliated companies.

This is completely unacceptable in the journalism world.

Reporters are supposed to be fair and unbiased without becoming personally involved in the events they are covering.

Any member of the media carrying the Olympic Flame constitutes a major conflict of interest.

Perhaps the scent of the weed put the in a haze and inhibited their prudence.

Among the 27 media personalities to accept the role of Olympic torchbearer is high-profile news anchor Brian Williams, the managing editor of NBC Nightly News.

Williams is scheduled to host primetime Olympic coverage throughout the course of the games.

How are we supposed to take Williams or any of these other journalists seriously as unprejudiced hosts and analysts after they have participated in promoting the games themselves?

Hopefully the puffs of smoke won't linger long enough to cloud their judgment.

These journalists who accepted torchbearer positions should be ashamed of themselves. They have forgotten their sense of propriety and media ethics.

They never should have accepted their positions.

Or maybe they simply could have lowered their high expectations.

As part of the Olympic cheerleading procession, how likely will these reporters be to investigate any unpopular issues that might arise during the games that would be of public interest?

Not very.

Former Olympic rower and Toronto Sun columnist Alison Korn turn down the invitation to apply to be a torchbearer. She summed up the embarrassing errors in judgment nicely.

"To award a torchbearer opportunity to media is wrong," she said. "That's why it's totally proper that I didn't get it. It's also why we should all worry about what CTV's torchbearers mean for journalism."

The journalists who accepted the torchbearer positions must be smoking the very joint, ahem, torches they will carry.