09.07.18 Issue (Volume CVIII, Issue III)

OPTIMIST

@acuoptimist The Optimist @acuoptimist

HOME GAME The Wildcats take on ASU as the season home opener Saturday at 6 p.m.

A student publication of Abilene Christian University since 1912

Volume CVIII, Issue III Campus News Residence Life changes dorm structures, a new dietician brings health goals to students and athletes, and Students for Beto starts a Facebook page advocating for involvement....................Page 1-2

Friday September 07, 2018

S S M

T W R

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Opinion

Sports This weekend, soccer plays North Alabama, football plays Angelo State, and golf is participating in the Gene Miranda Falcon invitational. Read our staff ’s football predictions.................................................Page 6

The Editorial Board explains the importance of voting and the positions available this November, and read why columnists advocate for Labor Day off.......................................................................Page 4

Photo by NICHOLAS CROMWELL | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER Redshirt junior running back Tracy James stiff arms a Baylor defender during a play. James now has a running back who can give him a rest on the sideline this season in junior Billy McCrary after he went off for 141 yards last weekend.

SPORTS

Strong start propels Baylor to win over Wildcats “

MAX PRESTON SPORTS DIRECTOR

The Wildcats opened its season against Baylor at McLane Stadium Saturday evening and fell 55-27 in a 606 yard effort by the Bears.

Baylor got behind its season opening crowd of 45,330 people in the first quarter when the team started on a 17-0 run, including a 25-yard touchdown pass from redshirt senior quarterback Jalan McClendon to another redshirt senior in wide receiver Jalen Hurd.

ACU, however, broke the offensive silence before the quarter ended with a loud 54-yard touchdown pass from redshirt sophomore quarterback Luke

Anthony to redshirt senior wide receiver D.J. Fuller.

The Bears put together a strong second quarter with three touchdowns, highlighted by a 54-yard run from redshirt junior running back JaMycal Hasty. The Wildcats strung together 13 points of its own though, as sophomore kicker Oscar Hernandez hit two field goals and junior running back Billy McCrary scored an impressive 75-yard run.

McCrary said he was ecstatic to come through for his team in such big way.

“The adrenaline I had when I got back to the sideline was awesome, it had been my first to to get in the end zone since high school.” McCrary

We have to be able to finish games and give ourselves chances to score. I think this year’s team is a lot different than last year’s and I don’t think we’ll let this loss keep us from chasing the goal we have this season.”

LUKE ANTHONY REDSHIRT SOPHOMORE QUARTERBACK

said. “My sophomore year at Cal I got maybe a total of five carries, so it’s been since high school that I got in and played a real game.”

In the second-half, scoring was much more sparse. Baylor scored 17 points while ACU scored only a single touchdown.

Anthony connected with junior wide receiver Chase Cokley for a sev-

ABILENE NEWS

A former student was arrested for the second time on Aug. 28 for second-degree felony indecency with a child by sexual contact and third degree felony possession of child pornography, according to police.

Benjamin Roberts, a 25-year-old Abilene resident, originally was arrested in February at his home on Cockrell Street after Abilene Police Department’s Cyber Crimes Unit accused him of downloading child pornography. The team found more than 400 child pornography images and 33 videos, police say.

Taylor County ultimate-

en-yard score in the third quarter to close out the team’s scoring for the evening. Baylor’s sophomore running back John Lovett ran for the only touchdown in the fourth quarter and eventually led to the final score of 55-27.

ACU’s offense showed a potential big three with the performance of Anthony, McCrary and Fuller.

McCrary had a breakout game running for 141 yards on only six carries with one touchdown. Anthony completed 24 passes out of 38 attempts with 224 yards and two touchdowns. His top target of the night was Fuller who

had nine receptions and 102 yards receiving with one touchdown.

The Wildcats ran for 220 yards and passed for another 246 combining its total to 466. The team also showed strength in rushing by averaging 8.1 yards per attempt, which was nearly two more yards than the passing average, 6.2.

Defensively, redshirt junior Bolu Onifade picked up where he left off last season as led the team in tackles with nine. His partnering safety, senior Brandon Richmond, also helped in the game making six tackles.

Junior linebacker Jeremiah Chambers had a solid game making six tackles and two for a loss while

senior safety Erik Huhn made seven tackles.

Anthony said he’s confident his team will move on from the loss and focus on what’s ahead.

“We just got to motivate ourselves weekly no matter who we’re playing,” Anthony said. “We have to be able to finish games and give ourselves chances to score. I think this year’s team is a lot different than last year’s and I don’t think we’ll let this loss keep us from chasing the goal we have this season.”

ACU will next play its home opener this Saturday and begin Wildcat Stadium’s second season of existence. The team will renew its Div. II rivalry with the Angelo State Rams Saturday at 6 p.m.

CAMPUS NEWS

Former student faces federal charges LAUREN FRANCO EDITOR IN CHIEF

SEE GALLERY PAGE 5

ly dropped its own child pornography charges in the spring but left the other charges intact.

Roberts was released from the Taylor County jail after bonding out on Aug. 22 but was rearrested after the FBI filed its own charges against him, Roberts according to police. Possession of child pornography is a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. Indecency with a child is a second-degree felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

“The collaborative effort between Taylor County, the Abilene Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigations aided in the re-arrest of Roberts,” said Rick Tomlin, public information coordinator for APD, in a press release.

Roberts worked in children’s daycare at Wylie Baptist Church, Southern Hills Church of Christ and the Beltway Park Church Youth Program. Until the fall of 2015, he studied child and family services.

According to the police press release, the victim count among the three churches is still eight.

SEE ARREST PAGE 2

Growth of faculty offers peek into future of Abilene, Dallas ALLAYNA FORD MANAGING EDITOR

ACU hired 22 new faculty members between the main and Dallas campuses, with 8 faculty members who received tenure last year.

The university has grown from having one doctoral program, doctorate of ministry, on the main campus to three following the graduate program expansion at ACU Dallas, which now includes a doctorate of education and a doctorate of nursing practice.

Provost Dr. Robert Rhodes said the expansion of the

acuoptimist.com

graduate programs is a key reason for the new hires.

“One of the most important things I do is hire really good faculty, I don’t think there is anything I do in a year that is as important as hiring our next cohort of faculty members,” Rhodes said. “I am proud of the individuals we are adding to ACU’s faculty this year.

Having strong faculty across each of our programs is extremely important.”

According to Stephen Johnson, Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of ACU Dallas, the decision of who to hire

was monumental to make sure candidates fit what the university was looking for.

“It is important to find faculty who have the appropriate expertise and credentials and that are really excellent scholars and teachers, who have experience in teaching in the online modality and who have a deep commitment to our mission,” said Johnson.

Johnson estimated that by fall of 2019 there will approximately 1500 students enrolled in programs SEE FACULTY PAGE 3

Page 2 | Campus News Events

Friday 09/07 1. SGA runoff elections 2. Movies on the Hill 3. West Texas Fair & Rodeo 4. Selena movie showing @ the Paramount Saturday 09/08 1. Football vs. ASU 2. Tailgate 3. West Texas Fair & Rodeo 4. Selena movie showing @ the Paramount Sunday 09/09 1. Women’s Teas 2. West Texas Fair & Rodeo Monday 09/10 1. Men’s and Women’s rushes Tuesday 09/11 1. Men’s and Women’s rushes

49

days until fall break

ABILENE NEWS

Friday, September 07, 2018 CAMPUS NEWS

ResLife changes physical structure of dorms

ALLAYNA FORD MANAGING EDITOR

Changes to dorms and the dorm life experience for students will be implemented throughout the year.

Over the summer, freshman halls Sikes and McKinzie were fitted with new hardwood flooring, while about half of the dorm halls were upgraded to more eco-friendly sustainable air conditioning units.

“We really want to provide students with exceptional living spaces,” said Shannon Kaczmarek, Director of Residence Life.

“We have five words that really hit at the foundation of who we are and what we do and those include belonging, advocacy, safety, intentionality and spirituality. Those five pillars are really what we are seeking to be about and the environment we are trying to create for our residents.”

Another aspect of residence life created to faCAMPUS NEWS

McDonald dorm was closed at the end of last spring to update and rennovate, but will remain closed indefinitely.

cilitate a new experience is the tiered pricing of dorms, which began three years ago. Under this system, dorms are priced differently the reflect what the dorm has to offer.

“While some freshman will choose Nelson, they like the building but they also like that they are pay-

ing $1000 less to live in this building,” Kaczmarek said.

A new emphasis will also be placed on spiritual formation while living in dorms, with resident directors implementing new ways to challenge students growth in their faith.

Scott Busby, Residence Director of Barret Hall,

Arrest: Police find photos, videos

ly on a Christian College Campus spirituality and the learning that happens in a residence hall go hand-in-hand,” Busby said. “I count myself very privileged and honored to be a part of that. It’s one of the aspects of my job that I value and appreciate the most.”

New dietician shares health goals with students

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

“We anticipate this could change, as this is an ongoing investigation,” Tomlin said. “We still have to review some video.”

At a press conference on May 29, Standridge announced an arrest warrant for Amanda McKee, the childhood development director at Wylie Baptist Church, for failure to report. An arrest record said McKee self-surrendered on May 29.

“This is a reminder to all of our citizens that you are required by statute to report alleged child abuse within 48 hours either to Child Protective Services or to law enforcement,” Standridge said in the press conference.

Roberts remains in the Taylor County Jail.

said the leadership of Barret hall will focus on the theme verse of Psalm 127:1 and create bible studies as well as group service projects to help students develop their spirituality and to show them how rewarding that responsibility is.

“I think that especial-

ALLISON HARREL STAFF REPORTER

The 2011 Shades Step team performs prior to a brief period of no leadership that caused a hiatus.

Shades steps through history ASHLEY ALFRED STAFF WRITER

The Shades Step Team, formerly known as Shades Step Squad, performs dances by creating their own rhythm and beats.

Current captain, Precious Kwaramba joined the team during her freshman year and worked her to captain her sophomore year.

“I have been stepping since I was about 6 years old,” said Kwaramba, junior biology major from Fort Worth. “God has really been on me to incorporate scripture into the team to keep the team active on campus after I leave because I won’t always be there.”

Kwaramba said she plans to focus on scripture for this year’s theme rather than strictly entertainment during performances. The team holds the verse Isaiah 40:29-31 as their team scripture.

In 2011, much of the step team graduated, leaving behind a majority freshman team. The following year, they gained two co-captains, Angie Nsumbu and Diamond Cobb. In 2014, Shades advisor Bryon Martin left ACU, leaving the team without their required two advisors to remain an organization on campus.

Kwaramba said the significance and history of the step team is more than the history on campus.

The dance started in Johannesburg, South Africa. The first historical documents of step started in the 1890s when South Africans were forced by slave owners to become gold miners.

“They wore these shoes called gumboots whenever they were mining,” said Kwaramba. “To communicate with each other without their slave owners hearing them, they would

stomp certain beats to where only other minors could understand. It was their secret language.”

Kwaramba said the communication eventually became entertaining for slave owners.

“So at times, they would have them perform for them because they liked it,” Kwaramba said.

“So that’s how it became an art rather than a form of communication.”

Ajahcia Powell, senior nursing major from Odessa, is a veteran team member. She will soon become Kwaramba’s co-captain following tryouts.

“It’s a lot of fun,” said Powell. “We’re a lot of different personalities that come together to do something we’re really passionate about.”

Tryouts will be Wednesday from 7-9 p.m. in Studio A of the SRWC.

Dietitian Lindsay Arthur was hired to facilitate healthier eating habits on campus.

Lindsay Arthur grew up in Plano, Texas and attended school at Texas Women’s University where she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. After completing her Dietetic Internship at Texas Women’s University, she began her career as a professor at Collin College. However, her desire to be a hands-on advocate for healthy living drew her to ACU’s new position opening for a Dietitian Specialist on-campus.

“I wanted to practice as a dietitian, so that’s how I came here,” Arthur said. “It has helped having the background in higher education.”

When Chartwells took over the dining facilities at The World Famous Bean, ACU began looking to hire a dietitian that could help manage the special food accommodations needed for students.

“My main goal here, working for Chartwells through ACU, is to really make sure that every student is accommodated and every student has not only nutritious food, but safe food to eat,” Arthur said. “My biggest role is to make sure everyone gets fed in a nutritious and safe way.”

One big change to look for in The Bean is the G8

Station. This station caters to students with dietary restrictions toward the eight most common food allergens: fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, wheat, milk and soy.

The G8 Station, although its primary purpose is to accommodate those with allergies, is an added benefit to students looking to pursue healthy eating habits, as well. G8 provides straight-cut meats and vegetables so that guests can enjoy a completely guilt-free meal, with no added sauce or fried food. The station is lo-

“

My biggest role is to make sure everyone gets fed in a nutritious and safe way.”

LINDSAY AURTHUR DIETETIAN SPECIALIST

cated to the left of the Grill in The Bean.

“It is kind of a hidden gem on campus,” Arthur said.

Arthur is now offering free consultations. Whether you are needing advice on how to maintain a healthy diet plan, achieve a specific goal, or needing solutions to an allergy problem, Arthur is here to help. Schedule an appointment with her through e-mail, Lindsay.Arthur@compass-usa.com, or by visiting her office, below the Campus Center in Room 43D.

POLICE LOG SELECTED ACUPD CALLS FOR THE WEEK 08/28/2018 9:40 p.m.

ACUPD responded to the 1300 blk Washington Blvd reference a dog barking and unknown noises outside. The person stated they were followed earlier in the day by unknown subject. Officers checked the area and did not locate anything unusual.

08/29/2018 1:55 p.m.

A student reported his iPhone stolen from a table in the Bean. Case Open.

09/02/2018 12:40 a.m.

ACUPD responded to Mabee Hall in reference to students being in possession of alcohol. MIP Citations issued.

911 CALL............................................................3 ACCIDENT......................................................0 ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIVITY........................................................34 ADVICE..............................................................2 ALARM...............................................................8 ANIMAL CALL...............................................1 ASSIST.................................................................3 ATTEMPT TO LOCATE..........................0 BARRICADES..............................................0 BUILDING LOCK/UNLOCK.......................................10 BURGLARY......................................................1 CART PATROL.............................................6 CHECK BUILDING.............................375

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF.............................1 DIRECT TRAFFIC......................................0 DOMESTIC DISTURBANCE..............1 FOOT PATROL..........................................10 FOUND CHILD...........................................0 FOUND PROPERTY...............................3 HARASSMENT............................................0 HIT & RUN......................................................0 INFORMATION REPORT...................0 INVESTIGATION FOLLOW UP.................................................9 LOST PROPERTY........................................1 MAINTENANCE: UNIV ASSETS............................................25 MEDICAL EMERGENCY.....................2

MONITOR FACILITY/ LOT........................................................................9 MOTORIST ASSIST: INFLATE TIRE................................................1 MOTORIST ASSIST: JUMPSTART..................................................3 MOTORIST ASSIST: UNLOCK...........................................................6 OTHER...............................................................4 PARKING LOT PATROL....................25 PARKING VIOLATION..........................8 PATROL VEHICLE: MAINTENANCE.........................................5 PATROL VEHICLE: REFUEL............................................................9

PROWLER...................................................3 RANDOM PATROL...........................24 REPORT WRITING.............................12 SOLICITING...............................................0 SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY....................0 SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE....................2 THEFT............................................................4 TRAFFIC HAZARD...............................1 TRAFFIC STOP......................................8 TRAINING..................................................3 TRESPASSER ........................................0 WELFARE CHECK..............................1 TOTAL.....................................................635

Chief Ellison’s Weekly Tip ACUPD encourages everyone to come out to Wildcat Stadium Saturday at 6pm for the home football opener, and then remember to be respectful of your neighbors after the game by keeping all gatherings manageable in crowd size and noise volume.

Friday, September 07, 2018

Lifestyle & People|Page 3

FACULTY: Profs hired, others receive tenure CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Lily Balogh, Artist in Residence, Theatre Catherine Baumgardener, Assistant Professor of Theatre

RYAN FEERER ART AND DESIGN

Robert "Bob" Delony, Instructor of Political Science and Criminal Justice Dr. Jim Drachenberg, Associate Professor of Engineering and Physics

EDUCATION

DR. DAVID KNEIP BIBLE, MISSIONS AND MINISTRY

JIM LITTON, J.D. GRIGGS CENTER

DR. DOUG MENDENHALL

JOURNALISM AND MASS COMMUNICATION

DR. CARSON REED THEOLOGY

DR. NIL SANTANA

ART AND DESIGN

DR. KYLE TIPPENS ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE

Dr. Joseph Halbert, Assistant Professor of Conflict Management and Resolution

NEWLY HIRED FACULTY

DR. ANDREW HUDDLESTON

NEWLY TENURED FACULTY

at the Dallas campus, which is a growth of over 300 additional students from this year.

ACU is currently only allowed to have three doctoral programs under its current classification, however, according to Dr. Rhodes, the school will ask for a higher classification to introduce more programs in order to continue growth.

With the new faculty at ACU Dallas came the newly developing dance program on campus to bring in a dance expert. Dr. Rhodes said the expansion of dance is one that will hopefully be very popular.

When a faculty member is given tenure, they are given a permanent position on campus. Tenured faculty go through a six-year evaluation process before being evaluated for tenure to move from an assistant professor to an associate by their department, college, the university promotion and tenure committee, and lastly by Rhodes.

“To me it’s really enjoyable to see good faculty spend five or six years here at ACU, develop a strong portfolio, and then be successful in that process,” Rhodes said.

“What I pledge to them is that this is a place where they will receive support to be the very best faculty member they can be and that will continuously create an environment where they want to be for their career.”

Jake Harbour, Assistant Professor of Theatre Melinda Isbell, Assistant Professor, Brown Library Dr. Kendra Jernigan, Associate Professor of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Jacob Lollar, Post-Doctoral Fellow, Center for Studies of Ancient Religious Texts Kelly Mann, Instructor of Art and Design Kervin Scott Marshall, Assistant Professor of Engineering and Physics Dr. Adam McGee, Assistant Professor of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Dr. Daniel Morrison, Assistant Professor of Communication and Sociology Dr. Michelle Peek, Assistant Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders Sheila Ritchie, Instructor of Communication and Sociology Dr. Malcolm Scott, Assistant Professor of Social Work Ellen Shutt, Instructor of Communication Science and Disorders Hayley Stewart, Clinical Instructor of Language and Literature Lillie Thomas, Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy Adam Ybarra, Instructor of Athletic Training Dr. Katherine Yeager, Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership

New members slide into Sanctify Hip-Hop Co. “ TESSA KENNEDY STAFF REPORTER Sanctify is Abilene Christian University’s on campus hip hop company. It was formed in 2010 by Terry Wilkerson and her daughter, Kirby, who was a student at ACU. In addition to assisting with Sanctify, Wilkerson runs her own dance studio in Abilene called Dance Discovery and helps choreograph for the Sing Song hosts, hostesses and dance team each year.

Maggie Moody, a junior nursing major from Pittsfield, Massachusetts came to ACU in 2016 and became the captain of Sanctify in 2017. She remains the current captain for this upcoming season.

Sanctify is featured in various performances both on and off campus. In the fall, the dance troupe can be seen in ACU’s homecoming parade, annual Ethnos festival and lip sync battle. In the spring, the team hosts their own spring show.

“We also try to have a little get together like a dinner or banquet at the end of every semester,”

“My favorite part of the group is definitely the relationships you make with the people.”

MAGGIE MOODY SCANCITY CAPTAIN

Moody said. “Last semester, we had a fundraiser for Abilene Christian School and hosted a backyard bash.”

Auditions for the group occur at the beginning of each independent semester.

For fall of 2018, auditions will be held Saturday September 8th from 10am12pm in Rec Studio A. Any student at ACU is more than welcome to audition, with or without experience.

“We are a very accepting group, and we hope to

get a lot of people to come to tryouts,” Moody said.

“We are trying to recruit as many people as we can.”

When asked to state her favorite aspect surrounding her involvement with the group, Moody commented on the friendships formed through the art.

“Our organization really becomes a little family,” Moody said. “My favorite part of the group is definitely the relationships you make with the people. We really grow close and become good friends.”

Mission statement: Sanctify Hip ­Hop Company strives to redeem the image of Hip­Hop throughout our campus and community, and to express our love for Jesus Christ through our passion of dance.

Photo courtesy of SANCTIFY Sanctify posing after auditions.

Oldham Lane Church of Christ Oldham Lane Lane Church of Christ Oldham Church of Christ

invites to our invites you you toyou our invites to our college group college group college group

SUNDAYS 9:00 AM SUNDAYS @ 9:00@AM

@ 9:00 AM GREAT CLASS, ACTIVITIES GREATSUNDAYS CLASS, ACTIVITIES BREAKFAST & COFFEE GREAT CLASS, ACTIVITIES BREAKFAST & COFFEE BREAKFAST & COFFEE

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WEDNESDAYS 7:00 PM WEDNESDAYS 7:00 PM (CHAPEL CREDIT) (CHAPEL CREDIT) WEDNESDAYS 7:00 PM

(CHAPEL CREDIT)

WITH COACH ADAM DORREL, GRANT BOONE, AND MAX PRESTON

@acutv @acuoptimist @optimistsports

WATCH SATURDAYS AT 11 AM ON K TAB -T V

September 16-19, 2018 acu.edu/summit

Special Edition Gallery| Page 5

Friday, September 07, 2018

Photos by LAUREN FRANCO & NICHOLAS CROMWELL

BIG GAME, BIG STAGE ACU faced Baylor at McLane Stadium for their first match-up ever against a Big 12 school. The bears defeated the Wildcats 55-27.

Page 4 |Opinion

Friday, September 07, 2018

This November, your small-election vote matters OUR TAKE

THE ISSUE Many citizens in Texas, including students, feel as if midterm elections don’t matter or impact them.

And even if they do matter, many think their vote won’t matter in the grand scheme of things.

Voting in state wide elections will have a real impact on students, their families and future generations. Registering and voting are one of the most noble acts of civic engagement one can engage in.

Optimist Editorial Board | editor@jmcnetwork.com The midterm elections will take place on Nov. 6. It is important that students begin practicing their civic duty by voting in these midterm elections. A lot is at stake, and every vote matters. Before you can vote, you need to be registered to vote. You can find information on how to register to vote or to check if you are already registered at the votetexas.gov website. The last day to register to vote for the midterm elections is Oct. 9.

At this point, we’ve all heard about the Senate race between Beto O’Rourke and incumbent Ted Cruz, but this is not the only position being voted on. We’ll save our Senate endorsements for a later date, but we still want to demonstrate some of the lesser-known ballot positions being voted on are relevant to you as students.

In November, voters are tasked with choosing a new state comptroller, public land commissioner, agricultural commissioner

and railroad commissioner. Some of these titles are self-explanatory, but others, such as the comptroller and railroad commissioner, are more obscure.

Let’s dive into what each of these titles entails.

The Texas state comptroller serves in an obscure position, but one with far-reaching consequences.

The comptroller is responsible for collecting over 60 different forms of taxes and fees ranging from sales taxes to fees on fuel, hotels and tobacco. Additionally, the comptroller oversees the 529 college savings plans, which are tax-deductible savings accounts adults and students can put money into. The comptroller also balances the books for Texas’ $200 million plus budget. The current state comptroller is Republican Glenn Heger who was elected to the position in 2015. He is being challenged by Democratic entrepreneur Joi Chevalier.

As the name implies, the Public Land Commis-

sioner oversees all state owned land. The person in this role is responsible for making money for the states Permanent School Fund through the leasing and sale of public land.

The school fund currently sits at $41.4 billion and contributes more money to public schools than the state lottery. The school fund is invested and regularly sees returns of 10% annually. According to a report by the Office of the Land Commissioner, the fund distributed $1.06 billion to school districts in the 2017 fiscal year. Additionally, the school fund was used as collateral in $72.85 billion in school district bond offerings resulting in savings for 843 public school districts.

Revenue from the leasing and selling of land also goes to funding veterans programs and wildlife initiatives. The current public land commissioner is republican George P. Bush, he is being challenged by Democratic lawyer Miguel Suazo.

The Agriculture Com-

missioner deals in regulations and policies for the state’s $106 billion agriculture sector, but additionally plays a role in advocating for healthy living and economic development in rural areas. The commissioner presides over an annual budget of $592.3 million. The quality of organic products, administration of the National School Lunch and Breakfast program, which provides healthy meals to public school students with federal dollars and the allocation of funds to non-profit organizations, which service homebound disabled and elderly citizens, are all handled by the agricultural commissioner.

The current agriculture

commissioner, Republican Sid Miller, is being challenged by Democrat and former Air Force Col. Kim Olsen.

The railroad commissioner’s title is misleading.

Since 2005, all railroad related matters were transferred to the State Department of Transportation.

The Office of Railroad Commissioner is in charge of all state-wide oil regulations ranging from output levels, to pipeline safety regulations. Additionally, they handle disputes between oil and gas drillers.

The state of Texas has over 260,000 miles of oil pipelines, their regulatory decisions impact small businesses, citizens located near drilling sites and

many many more. The current Railroad Commissioner is Republican Christi Craddick is going up against Democrat Carla Morton, a neuropsychologist who has served on the state board of education.

As we have demonstrated, these state positions, hold vast sway and power over the lives of every day Texans. The representation in these positions matters.

These profiles are by no means exhaustive; instead, we urge you to do further research on each candidate and their prospective position. Most importantly, we urge you to vote in November.

STAFF COLUMNS

We rise by lifting those in our community up MADS AT ACU MADELINE DAYTON COLUMNIST

Senior global studies and business management major from Katy, Texas If you know me well, you’ll know I love to use quotes to portray my convictions.

So let’s do that justice with this quote from Booker T. Washington: “If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.”

Coming to college, everyone tells you to prioritize your experience, do what’s

best for you, and how to get ready for your career. Rarely do we talk about what it’s like to prioritize others and how to make your life about more than just yourself. If we live our college lives only thinking about ourselves, how are we supposed to transition out of the me-focused lifestyle

when we leave college? One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned in college is that the best way to live a fulfilled life is to lift others before myself.

I took a course through COBA last year called Strategic Philanthropy, where the class is given $50,000 to give away into the Abilene community during the semester. Through this class, you learn how to change your mindset and start giving back, even in college.

I found out about a local nonprofit called Abilene Hope Haven, which is a

housing first model seeking to prevent homelessness in Abilene. I’ve always been passionate about ending homelessness, but until I looked beyond myself and reached out, I didn’t even know that an organization like Abilene Hope Haven existed in my own college town. This organization is one of many incredible non profits seeking to make a difference in Abilene, but they need volunteers like us to invest in their mission.

Philanthropy is a lifestyle, not a habit once you reach a certain salary or ca-

reer point. I always thought I would start to give back once I had a real job, but what I’m doing now in college is real too. I have my time and my passions, which is enough. So do you. The time is now for me and for you to start lifting others and giving back. College isn’t just about you, or me it’s about us: and a lot more is included in that “us” than just focusing on grades, social clubs and future careers.

Abilene is actually a city full of nonprofits and wonderful organizations to volunteer with, whether or not

you plan to go into that sort of work as a career. ACU can be a bubble, but only you have the power to pop the bubble and get involved.

Whether it’s something small like volunteering on campus or making sure you always recycle, think about the world around you. Look for opportunities to give back and get involved locally. I promise you won’t regret it, and I’d hopefully presume that you will end up lifting yourself through the habit of giving back.

Give us Labor Day or give us death BUILT FORD TOUGH ALLAYNA FORD MANAGING EDITOR

Sophmore convergence journalism major from Allen, Texas ‘Twas the night before Labor Day, and all through the school, not a student was stirring, not even in the lazy pool.

Well, at least that will be the case for campuses across America other than this one.

Labor Day is a national holiday celebrated on the first Monday of September, and was created to recognized the working class for the prosperity of our country. However, if you want to be technical, full-time students are not considered part of the the workforce.

I find it lamentable as

full time students who work hard to prepare ourselves for a career in order to add to America’s prosperity, we still find ourselves sitting in a classroom when others are enjoying the last days of summer with a mental break.

I realize that we are given a Friday off for Fall Break, but, that is more like a disruption to the flow professors and students have created for the semester. Labor Day is the perfect day off from the crazy amount of information thrown at students from syllabus week and a nice day for professors to spend

with their family, who most likely have the day off from their elementary, middle, or high schools.

Summer break is a long two and a half months, in which students find themsewlves working jobs, internships, or taking accelerated courses. The first week of the fall semester is a hard transition from one routine you have established for yourself into a completely new routine and way of life. A day off would allow students to take a small breath and have more time to get into the groove of their new life for the next four months.

Labor Day should be given back to the deserving, hardworking faculty, staff and students to take a break for one day, along side the rest of the nation.

EDITORIAL AND LETTER POLICY Unsigned editorials are the opinions of the Optimist and may not necessarily reflect the views of the university or its administration.

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Taentedah @TaenJohnson the juul looks like the eye of sauron ph0ebe @phoebevo if one more my little pony fan account follows me on instagram this week.......

Madison Massey @ragingfloortile Beto is like the new boy at school that everyone is telling Texas to dump Ted Cruz for Mary Margaret Johnson @mmj5838 Div. I College Football: Baylor 55 ACU 27 - FINAL In their first ever matchup with a Big 12 team, the ACU Wildcats put up more points than they scored in their first two games last season combined. I see a lot of promise in this team Amber Chavez @chocoholicabc I love escaping a car accident bc old people in Abilene can’t drive (((((((: Rach Scott @rachescott Ah yes. Highways and Biways. The mating dance of ACU.

THE

bailey baker @baileyjanebaker “Welcome to class on a federal holiday. And at night too” Thanks for that one, ACU Cedric Garza @CedricGarza Just saw 2 people ride their bikes through the grass on campus Do we live in a lawless society??????

Andrew Boone @andrewboonedog I’m not doing my homework till I get three stars on the Flower Cup on 200 cc ACU Sports @ACUsports .@ACUFootball I ... and in the most unsurprising move of the night, we’ll have yet anohter review. We’re on pace for a 4-hourplus game tonight. We’ll all meet at McLane for church in a few hours. First denomination with the most members here gets to decide if we use instruments.

Chris Garcia @chrisgarcia4444 You gotta move with the cheese!

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Sports | Page 6

Friday, September 07, 2018

FOOTBALL

Football to renew ASU rivalry

MAX PRESTON SPORTS DIRECTOR

The football team will begin its second season in Wildcat Stadium Saturday with a game against the Angelo State Rams.

ACU defeated Houston Baptist 24-3 for its first-ever game in the stadium last season and will look to duplicate the result in its opener this weekend.

A game against the Rams this weekend also means a revival of the Div. II rivalry between the two teams.

Head coach Adam Dorrel said he realizes the history between the two teams but wants to focus on advancing as a team.

“It’s an old rivalry game, I’ve known that before I got to ACU that Angelo-ACU was a big rival game,” Dorrel said. “We’re just trying to take the next step as a football program. Right now, everybody we play is a rival.

The Wildcats were defeated 55-27 last week by Baylor. Several positives came out of the game, however.

ACU rushed for 220 yards and junior transfer running back Billy McCrary accounted for most of the total with 141 yards. His highlight of the night was a 75-yard touchdown run that came with 3:50 left in the second quarter.

McCrary said he was happy to have a big impact in his team’s first game.

“It was amazing, I had

Photo by EMILY GUAJARDO | GUEST CONTRIBUTOR The sun sets below Wildcat Stadium during an evening game.

been sitting at Cal for awhile, so it’s been a long time since I got on the field and really played my position,” McCrary said.

“I’m thankful for the opportunity, especially on that stage.”

With redshirt junior running back Tracy James having been expected to be the main back headed into the season, the Wildcats now have the possibility of rotating in fresh legs between James and McCrary.

The Wildcats also saw redshirt sophomore quarterback Luke Anthony sling a 54-yard touchdown pass to redshirt senior wide receiver D.J. Fuller.

Anthony finished with 25 completions out of 38 attempts on 224 yards passing and two touchdowns while Fuller caught nine

passes for 102 yards and a touchdown.

After this performance, the Wildcats seem to have many options they can lean on offensively this season with two worthy tailbacks and a stable quarterback.

Besides Fuller, Anthony completed passes to four different receivers at least twice. Junior wide receiver Chase Cokley was included in that group, hauling in six passes for 40 yards and a touchdown.

For Angelo State, the Rams won their first game 24-17 against Western Oregon University despite having to travel all the way to Monmouth.

Junior quarterback Charlie Rotherham led the way for ASU offensively with 199 yards and two touchdowns. The team’s lead run-

ning back was prevalent as sophomore Tyrese Nathan had 23 carries for 134 yards and a touchdown.

Defensively, two talented returners in senior linebacker Grant Aschenbeck and senior defensive end Markus Jones had impressive games. Jones was monstrous on the defensive line coming up with three sacks and five tackles for a loss.

Aschenbeck led his team with 13 tackles while his fellow linebacker, redshirt sophomore Hunter Kyle, had 10 tackles and two interceptions.

The two teams will now meet for the first time since 2012 when ASU defeated the Wildcats 28-23.

Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. Coverage of the game can be heard on 98.1 FM.

Golf preps for weekend tournament in Colorado The men’s golf team will head to Colorado Springs to participate in the Gene Miranda Falcon Invitational this weekend.

This invitational is hosted

by Air Force and was named after college hall of fame coach Gene Miranda. This will be the 50th year of the invitational. The tournament will take place on the Dwight

Soccer looks to improve road record RACHEL POE ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

GOLF

CARSON WRIGHT SPORTS REPORTER

SOCCER

Eisenhower Blue Course, a par 72, 7,511-yard layout.

ACU participated in the Invitational last year, ranking 10th out of 19 colleges last year. Schools included were Texas State, Drake and Colorado. The top player for ACU last year was junior Bryce Dooley, who tied for 24th out of 111 players, shooting one under par for the tournament.

Senior Garrett Glanton said he looks forward to the competition and uniqueness

of the tournament “Playing in Colorado gives us the opportunity to compete in a different environment than we are used to here in the South. Everyone who is traveling this week has the potential to take it low, so we are going into the tournament with an aggressive mindset,” Glanton said. “Personally, I am looking forward to competing against schools that we will not see for the remainder of the season. Having the op-

portunity to play a golf tournament on the Air Force base is an incredible opportunity.”

Last season, the Wildcats had two top-five finishes as a team including a win in the Houston Baptist University-Colin Montgomerie Invitational.

Other schools competing in Colorado Springs this year include Wyoming, New Mexico State, and Missouri State.

The tournament will start Friday and last until Sunday.

The soccer team will go on the road to face the University of North Alabama and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff this weekend.

The Wildcats have been strong at home this season with a 3-0 record, however, they will look to improve on their 0-2 road record this weekend.

Sophomore midfielder Cristina Arteaga leads the Wildcats offensively with two goals and an assist so far this season. Senior forward Dylan Owens also has two goals of her own. Arteaga and Owens account for 80 percent of the offense this season as freshman midfielder/forward Ashley Stamps has the team’s only other goal.

Meanwhile, the University of North Alabama remains undefeated at home being 3-0.

The Lions, however, just lost their first game of the season at Vanderbilt this past Sunday.

UNA’s leading scorers, junior midfielder Shelby Wall and senior forward Kylie Huey, have four goals and 23 shot attempts each. Senior goalkeeper Shelby Thornton has has two shutouts on the season along with 12 saves and six goals allowed.

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, 0-2, has just started their season. The Golden Lions have scored zero goals this season and has allowed 11 goals.

Seniors Rebecca Holmes and Karissa Fenwick are the only two players to have a total of five shot attempts. This will be the first home game for the Golden Lions.

Owens said she doesn’t know much about the teams, but will ready to compete with her team no matter what.

“As always, these teams are good and they come out strong,” Owens said. “If we want to win we have to really bring it.”

ACU will travel to face UNA on Friday at 7 p.m. and will then face Arkansas-Pine Bluff Sunday at 1 p.m.

PREDICTIONS

FOOTBALL MATCHUP PREVIEW

STANDINGS Volleyball Team

Ovrl. Div.

UCA SFA NWSU HBU SHSU UNO Lamar Nicholls ACU SELU TAMU-CC UIW McNeese

5-2 5-2 4-2 5-3 3-3 3-4 2-4 2-5 2-6 1-5 0-7 0-7 0-7

0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0

Soccer Team

Ovrl.

McNeese UCA Lamar NWSU ACU SELU SFA HBU Nicholls SHSU TAMU-CC UIW

5-1 3-2-1 3-3 3-2 3-2 2-2-1 2-3 2-3 2-4 1-3-1 1-2-1 0-3

Div. 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0

SCHEDULE Football ASU McNeese MSU PVAMU Lamar UIW SELU GSU TSU UIW Nicholls

v v v v v v v v v v v

ACU HBU UCA SHSU TTU UNM LSU NWSU SFA UNT Tulane

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Football

McCrary Junior transfer running back Billy McCrary caught the attention of his team and fans in Waco Saturday with a 141-yard effort on only six carries. This included a 75-yard touchdown in the second quarter that brought the score to 31-17. It will be interesting to see how the Wildcats use McCrary with the presence of fellow running back redshirt junior Tracy James. Answers will come Saturday evening in ACU’s home opener against ASU.

Soccer

WEEK 1

27

POINTS

24

220

RUSHING YARDS

185

246

PASSING YARDS

286

55

POINTS ALLOWED

17 ANGELO STATE UNIVERSITY (1–0)

ABILENE CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY (0–1)

MAX PRESTON SPORTS DIRECTOR

Arteaga

RACHEL POE ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

MADISON CRITES SPORTS REPORTER

BRIAN SWEET SPORTS REPORTER

The score from last week may look like the Wildcats took a beating, but in reality, the team showed some strengths that could benefit them the rest of the season. ACU ran for a total of 220 yards against Baylor thanks to 141 yards from Billy McCrary. This proved the Wildcats could be in for a strong rushing total with the McCrary and Tracy James duo. Passing won’t be a problem, as Luke Anthony threw for 224 yards and two touchdowns. D.J. Fuller will be a big a target for Anthony as we saw the two link up for a 54-yard touchdown last week. Angelo State doesn’t impress me with a 24-17 win against WOU. ACU will be facing a slower and less talented team, especially after keeping up with the pace of Big 12 Baylor. ASU returns two important starters on defense in Grant Aschenbeck and Markus Jones. Aschenbeck made 99 tackles last season while Jones made an impressive 10.5 sacks.

This game, however, belongs to the Wildcats in their home opener.

The Wildcats are ready for their home opener at Wildcat Stadium. Last Saturday the Wildcats fought hard against the Baylor Bears. People thought ACU would not even get on the scoreboard or into double digits last Saturday night, however the Wildcats came to play. I have complete confidence that ACU will come out strong and beat D2 Angelo State. All eyes will be on Quarterback Luke Anthony, DJ Fuller and Billy McCarry to see if they can pull another outstanding performance this Saturday. This should be an easy win for the new D1 team.

The Wildcats are ready for their 2018 home opener after a hard and strong fight against Baylor last week. This looks to be a promising game after seeing substantial growth from both the offense and defense. QB Luke Anthony looked to prove himself to Wildcat fans and I believe will help carry the team their first win of the season this Saturday. After showing out last week, our offense as a whole looks strong enough to take down D2 Angelo State. Be looking out for DJ Fuller to have another outstanding game after racking up 102 receiving yards against Baylor. Although Angelo State will be coming for blood, the Wildcats should take home an easy win.

ACU players can’t wait to open up the home side of the schedule against Angelo state this weekend.

From the Baylor game, we can see both sides of the ball have improved from last year.

Luke Anthony seems to have improved at quarterback. DJ Fuller and Billy McCrary look to be his primary weapons on the offensive side of the ball. While on the defensive side, both the pass rush and defense have shown considerable improvement by giving Baylor’s offense fits last week. Angelo State comes in with quarterback Charlie Rotherham and in the backfield, sophomore running back Tyrese Nathan is looking to spoil ACU’s Home opener but ACU is going to win by a mile against Angelo state.

FINAL SCORE: ACU 45 ASU 14

FINAL SCORE: ACU 45 ASU 17

FINAL SCORE: ACU 41 ASU 17

FINAL SCORE: ACU 54 ASU 14

Sophomore midfielder/ forward Cristina Arteaga has showed young leadership on her team so far this season. She scored one of the three goals in the 3-2 win over New Mexico State Sunday afternoon and also tallied an assist. Arteaga is the co-leader in goals with senior forward Dylan Owens, netting two a piece.

Her team hits the road for a clash with North Alabama Friday evening.

Golf

Glanton

Senior Garrett Glanton looks to lead his team in its first tournament of the season this weekend. Glanton had an impressive third place finish in the HBU Colin Montgomerie Invitational last season, a tournament in which the team won as a whole. He returns as one of four seniors on the roster this season. His team will look to approve on its 10th place finish from last year in the Gene Miranda Falcon Invitational this weekend.