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Pg. 8: Perfect Season? ACU seeks win No. 10
Friday, November 7, 2008 :: Vol. 97, No. 22 :: 1 sections, 8 pages :: www.acuoptimist.com
Inside This Issue:
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Christimas Carousel to offer load of options for Christmas gifts
Controversial presidential biopic fails to meet expectations
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One and Done: Soccer team knocked out of LSC Tournament
Registration begins for spring semester Vocal professor By Michael Freeman Managing Editor
With the fall semester coming to a close, students already can register for classes for the 2009 spring semester. Registration for graduate students, Honors Program students and students at Study Abroad sites began Wednesday. Seniors, who have accumulated 90 or more hours, can register Monday; juniors, who have completed 60 to 89 hours, can register Wednesday.
On Nov. 17, sophomores with 30 to 59 hours completed can sign up for classes, and on Nov. 19, freshmen with fewer than 29 hours will be able to register. New for this year is the 2009 summer registration, which will be Feb. 25, 2009 instead of in the coming weeks. Registration for each date begins at 3 p.m., as long as no holds are on student accounts. If a student has a See
Choose Your Classes Registration for Honors Program students and students Studying Abroad has already begun. Here is a list of when students will be able to register for classes: n Seniors (90 or more hours) — Monday n Juniors (60-89 hours) — Wednesday n Sophomores (30-59 hours) — Nov. 17 n Freshmen (0-29 hours) — Nov. 19 Source: www.acu.edu
Registration page 4
Officials: Ad Options Coming
to retire in ’09 By Lydia Melby Arts Editor
After teaching music for 40 years and vocal coaching 37 ACU Homecoming Musicals, Jeanette Lipford, assistant professor emerita of voice at ACU, announced she will retire in May 2009, Lipford making the recent All Shook Up her last Homecoming Musical. Although Lipford officially retired in 1992, she stayed to teach part-time and be involved with the musicals. Lipford, an ACU alum, began teaching music and voice immediately after receiving her master’s degree and has given lessons privately, as well as teaching at the elementary and university levels. “Music was what I always wanted to do,” Lipford said. Lipford has worked in the ACU Department of Theatre for 37 years said Adam Hester, director and chair of the Department of Theatre, and she
has been an invaluable addition to the department. “Jeanette is an amazing person who brought a skill set to the theatre department that we needed to enable students to go to the next step in their professional aspiration,” Hester said. “She also brought a real sense of confidence to students who often feel vulnerable and intimidated when they sing… I’ve had students tell me that they learned just as much about themselves and their goals in her sessions as they did about singing.” Hester, who began directing ACU musicals in 1986 with Annie, has worked with Lipford on every production he has directed. “She has been a great colleague for me to share the directing responsibilities with. It’s hard to imagine doing a Homecoming Musical without Jeanette,” Hester said. Although many have expressed their dismay at her upcoming retirement, Hester said she leaves the department with a capable successor, Kari Hatfield, who was hired last year. See
Lipford page 4
Students sign to serve during spring break By Molly Byrd Page 2 Editor
Zak Zeinert :: chief photographer Mary Reyes, special projects coordinator in the Executive Vice President’s office, explains the administration’s plans to purchase and build kiosks that student groups and students can use to advertise events. The kiosks are meant as one of several new venues for students to advertise events.
SA Congress briefed on plans to build kiosks By Daniel Johnson-Kim Editor in Chief
The Students’ Association Congress unanimously passed two bills at its weekly meeting Wednesday. It also was briefed about the university administration’s plans to reshape the venues and methods student
groups and students can use to advertise events. University officials told the SA Congress of their plans to purchase kiosks that would be strategically placed around campus in areas that receive a lot of traffic. On Oct. 22 Dr. Royce Money, president of the universi-
ty, implemented a new policy that prohibited the posting of ads on campus doors, walls and sidewalks. Money said the policy was an attempt to mirror other universities and maintain a professional looking and clean campus. Mauri Westbrook, director of Student Organizations and
Activities, and Mary Reyes, special projects coordinator in the Executive Vice President’s office, told the Congress the kiosks and other methods of advertising were part of the university’s effort to find new ways for students See
Kiosks page 4
She looked at him with a tear in her eye and said, “Thank you for bringing God to our country.” Although Chris Herrington, junior pre-architecture and interior design major from Abilene, does not speak perfect Spanish, he was able to understand bits and pieces of the 14year-old Nicaraguan girl’s appreciation. Herrington used his spring break last year to join others in a Spring Break Campaign to Nicaragua, and like the more than 300 students who signed up Thursday night to travel to 30 locations around the world
for spring break, he said he will serve again this year. “The best part of the trip was the interaction with the locals,” he said. “I’m going back this spring break for the people.” He set out with the intention to help his team build a school and assist others in need, but he was in for more than he bargained. He said he quickly recognized the trip was not only meant for building schools and improving the Nicaraguans’ quality of life. It was about building relationships and sharing God’s love with everyone. Herrington said the thankful eyes and constant appreciation was overwhelming, See
SBC page 4
Nearby shop offers caffeine connection By Elizabeth Coffee Student Reporter
In the strip center in front of Wal-Mart between Dr. J Express Care and Alltel Wireless is Abilene’s newest coffee shop, Brew.Net Internet Cafe. Its grand opening is Friday until 11 p.m. The Brew.Net offers free Wi-Fi, as well as a wide variety of beverages and food. Opening the coffee shop was a seven-year dream for Dale and Stacey Scaief, owners of Brew.Net. After they
returned from their missions work in Brazil, with no extra money to begin a business, they struggled to make any headway with their dream, Dale said. “God has a bigger picture, and sometimes it’s to hold things off, but when it’s time, God puts people and circumstances together to make it work,” Stacey said. Dale and Stacey, along with their co-owners Gary and Sandy Grisham, designed their business around college
students and their interests. With free Wi-Fi, weekly classic movie nights and weekly Bible studies, these owners intend to reach out to their college community, Dale said. “Our anticipation is that our main line of business is ACU students,” Dale said. With 25 percent of the shop’s revenue going to Lar Efrata, an orphanage in Paulo, Brazil, the establishment also serves as a ministry tool. “Our mindset was something that could be more than
just a coffee shop,” Stacey said. “Our heart is ministry whether in Brazil, in Africa or here in Abilene.” The Scaiefs and Grishams have done mission work with Lar Efrata and lead annual trips every spring break. They also sponsor Vacation Bible School and do numerous building projects. The walls of the small coffee shop are lined with photos of children from the orphanage and the See
Coffee page 3
Zak Zeinert :: chief photographer John Laughlin, Damien Villanueva and Leonard Laughlin make a stop at Brew.Net Internet Cafe, a new coffee shop on State Highway 351.
Are kiosks where
aCu WeaTher
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Online Poll : students can post ads a good idea?
Log onto www.acuoptimist.com or www.youtube.com/acuvideo to see weekly News casts and Sports casts from the JMC Network News Team and videos profiling various events and stories around campus and Abilene.
a. Yes, as long as they are visible. b. No, abolish the new poster policy. c. Yes, but they will be cluttered. d. No, try a different approach.
acuoptimist.com Department of Journalism and Mass Communication ::
Abilene Christian University
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Serving the ACU community since 1912
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Campus Day Friday, November 7, 2008
Calendar and Events
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Friday
Wildcat Preview Day 10 a.m. Christmas Carousel at the Abilene Civic Center. Shopping and activities for all ages.
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Saturday
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Sunday
10 a.m. Christmas Carousel at the Abilene Civic Center. Shopping and activities for all ages.
12 p.m. Christmas Carousel at the Abilene Civic Center. Shopping and activities for all ages.
11 a.m. ACU Volleyball versus East Central Oklahoma
7 p.m. MercyMe and Bebo Norman concert at Beltway Park Baptist Church
Monday
6 p.m. HSA Ultimate Frisbee game in the fields behind the Zona Luce Building.
2 p.m. ACU Football versus Midwestern State
acuoptimist.com
Online Newscast
Webcast
Watch videos on conservative, liberal and independent students’ views on the presidential election.
Log on to www.youtube.com/acuvideo for highlights from ACU’s Homecoming football game against Tarleton State at Shotwell Stadium.
Announcements
Volunteer Opportunities
About This Page The Optimist maintains this calendar for the ACU community to keep track of local social, academic and service opportunities. Groups may send announcements directly to jmcnetwork@acu.edu or to the Page 2 Editor at mab07d@acu.edu.
Chapel Checkup Credited Chapels to date:
53
The Medical Clinic is offering flu shots to students, faculty and staff Nov. 20 in the Campus Center Living Room from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Those who had the flu last year should not delay. Shots also are available in the clinic Tuesdays and Thursdays during regular clinic hours. Shots are $25 and can be paid by using cash, check or by charging to a Banner account. ACU’s 2008 Virtual Job Fair is Nov. 10-17. All students should login any time on those dates to view opportunities for internships and full-time jobs across the country. Check out: http://www.acu.edu/ campusoffices/careercenter/ index.html. Study Abroad this summer with one of ACU’s six programs. Students can go to Maymester in Oxford with History or JMC, take international business and finance classes with COBA in Oxford during Summer I, travel
to Germany with Psychology, participate in healthcare missions in Latin America or explore faith and film in Oxford. The application fee is $150 until Nov. 15 for Maymesters and Dec. 1 for other summer programs. Apply soon for the chance to study abroad. The dates to register for classes in Summer 2009 have been changed. Rather than registering with Spring 2009, Summer 2009 will have its own registration day, Feb. 25. All classifications will begin registering for summer classes on the date at 3 p.m. The advising release codes will be the same ones used for spring registration. If students are thinking of taking courses in Summer 2009, they need to talk to their adviser. For more information about registration, go to the Registrar’s Web page: http://www.acu. edu/campusoffices/registrar/ schedulebulletin/index.html. The Christmas Carousel is Thursday through Sunday at the Abilene Civic Center. It is an event featuring activities for all ages. Stores from all over Texas will set up booths to showcase fall fashions. Students and faculty can knock out their Christmas shopping in one stop.
The Junior League of Abilene needs volunteers for its annual Christmas Carousel, Style Show and Kids Event beginning Thursday through Sunday at the Abilene Civic Center. Help is needed different times each day for a variety of jobs. Proceeds from this event benefit local charitable organizations. Love & Care Ministries is sponsoring its annual Mission Thanksgiving donation project Nov. 21 at Arrow Ford, 4001 South 1st St. Volunteers are needed to assist with donations that will be brought throughout the day to help clothe and feed the homeless in Abilene. The event runs from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m., and volunteers can come at anytime during the day. Help also is needed Nov. 22 at the Love & Care Ministries site, 233 Fannin St., to help transfer the donated items from the trucks to the building. The ACU School of Social Work needs student volunteers to help with a children’s diabetic group which will meet the 2nd and 4th Monday every month from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The group will offer fun and therapeutic play activities for children ages six to 16 at Hillcrest Church of Christ on 650 E. Ambler Ave. I-CAN is seeking volunteers to help with a house clean-up and
possible renovation Nov. 12 and Nov. 15. The group will meet at 702 Mesquite and be directed to locations from there. Morning and afternoon shifts are avaliable. Come by the Volunteer and Service Leaning Center (downstairs across from the Bean Sprout). The Center for Contemporary Arts needs volunteers to greet patrons, answer phones and help with gallery shows. Three-hour shifts are offered every Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and/or 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The gallery is located in downtown Abilene. For more information, contact Saybra Giles at 677-8389. ACU for the International Rescue Committee is accepting donations this week in the Campus Center. It is collecting supplies to make packages for refugee families that have been resettled in Abilene. Be a good neighbor and help make a family feel welcome in a new place. Find out volunteer opportunities by visiting the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center’s Web site at www.acu.edu/vslc and clicking on Volunteer Opportunities. For more information or to sign up to help, contact the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center in the Bean Sprout.
Credited Chapels remaining:
18
Downtown Dayz welcomes all By Colter Hettich Features Editor
China Now is a program that allows students to go to China and teach English to university students. Opportunities are available for undergraduates to spend one month during the summer or for graduates to work for an entire year. Please visit www.worldwidewitness.org for more information and to begin the application process.
To ensure that an item will appear on time, the announcement should be sent at least 10 days before. The Optimist may edit items for space and style. Corrections and clarifications of published news articles will be printed in this space in a timely manner.
Those who can find nothing to do in Abilene should mark Nov. 8 on their calendars. Downtown Dayz, the Abilene Downtown Association’s monthly event, gives downtown businesses the chance to spotlight their fare. The event has occurred on the second Saturday of each month since June 2008. Glen Dromgoole, co-owner of Texas Star Trading Company and Abilene Downtown Association member, said Downtown Dayz differs from ArtWalk. Instead of focusing solely on the arts, the day is designed to show visitors a side of Downtown Abilene they might not know. In addition to window-shopping, visitors have the chance to hear a first-hand account of how Downtown Abilene has changed over time. “Bill Minter gives historic walking tours of the area,” Dromgoole said. “He knows a lot of Abilene history just because he has lived it.” Texas author Bill Neal also will be in town Saturday. Neal will sign copies of his latest book From Guns to Gavels: How Justice Grew Up in the Outlaw West for readers. The Downtown Association planned for the annual Veteran’s Day parade to coincide with the event, but ironically the parade was rescheduled out of concern
for Saturday’s previously planned activities. “They thought it would conflict with Downtown Dayz, but we actually wanted it,” Dromgoole said. The day’s events include a free oil painting workshop, a performance by student pianists in the Grace Museum and a Segway demonstration. Jamie Shelburne, visitor services and ArtWalk coordinator, said she has noticed a significant increase in foot traffic in the last six months. She could not directly attribute Downtown Dayz for the rise but said it certainly is not hurting. “Everybody I’ve talked to really enjoys being here,” Shelburne said. “Our crowds are well above average [during Downtown Dayz].” Kaylynn Nossaman has worked at McKay’s Bakery for six months and said the event helps more than business. “It’s nice for people to get the opportunity to see a downtown bakery … but it also helps build a sense of Abilene community,” Nossaman said.
E-mail Hettich at: clh05d@acu.edu
CAMPUS NEWS
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
College Bowl raises money for kids By Lezlee Gutierrez Student Reporter
Tis’ the season to be giving, and ACU is giving even more this year as students participate in the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Abilene’s annual College Bowl for Kids’ Sake fundraiser Saturday. The event will be at the Abilene Bowling Lanes, 279 Ruidosa Drive, from 4-6 p.m. Twenty-two teams are expected to participate, and 15 of them are from ACU organizations. Groups of four to six students, faculty and staff members who sign up for the event are encouraged to raise $350 to donate as a team to BBBS the day of the fundraiser. The teams then enjoy two hours of free bowling, pizza and T-
shirts as a sign of thanks from the organization’s sponsors. “It’s a really great way for local students to get involved in the community,” said Michelle Parrish, Corporate Partnership Coordinator for Big Brothers Big Sisters. “ACU is a huge supporter, making up about 15 percent of our volunteers.” Some of the participating ACU social clubs include three teams from Frater Sodalis, which are donating funds from the haunted house event they sponsored during Halloween; two teams from GATA and three teams from Alpha Kai Omega. “It’s really fun, and we are all excited to help out,” said Erin Chappell, president of Alpha Kai Omega and senior social work major from Southlake.
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Wildcat Win
“Club members and pledges worked together to raise money for the fundraiser.” BBBS is an organization that began in 1978 and helps children by placing them with mentors. This is the sixth year BBBS will hold the College Bowl, and every $1,000 raised through the event sponsors a child’s match for an entire year. Last year, 12 teams raised $3,800. BBBS also will give an anniversary luncheon Dec. 4 to celebrate the organization’s 30th anniversary. The luncheon will be an opportunity for BBBS to gain new volunteers. For more information about College Bowl and the anniversary luncheon, contact Michelle Parrish at 674-3115. E-mail Gutierrez at: jmcnetwork@acu.edu
WCTCC offers Virtual Job Fair By Savannah Shelton Student Reporter
The West Central Texas Career Consortium will sponsor its second annual Virtual Job Fair Nov. 10-17 to allow students to locate available employment opportunities from the comfort of their own keyboards. Students and alumni from Abilene Christian University, Hardin-Simmons University, McMurry University, Angelo State University, Sul Ross State University, Cisco Junior College and Texas State Technical College are invited to participate. “In the past, students have requested an after-hours job fair because the daytime events didn’t work well with their schedules,” said Bradon Owens, employer relations manager in the ACU Career Center. To allow for students’ busy schedules, jobseekers can log
in at www.collegecentral.com/ wctcc 24 hours a day between Nov. 10 and Nov. 17 to read employer descriptions, view posted jobs and submit their résumés. The job fair offers parttime, internship and full-time opportunities. The Web site suggests students visit their career centers for help with résumé writing, sorting available jobs by geographic location and reviewing company Web pages. Résumés may be submitted to the Resume Exchange in Microsoft Word, Rich Text or PDF formats or sent via postal mail or fax. The site also suggests jobseekers check the page frequently because employers will be posting new available jobs throughout the week. In addition to the Virtual Job Fair, the WCTCC is sponsoring an Employment Expo at the Abilene Civic Center on Feb. 19, 2009. The Employment
Expo caters to those seeking jobs in vocational, technical and professional positions and is a convenient way to consolidate multiple days of interviews into one day, according to www.wctcc.org. This event is only advertised on campuses of the schools in the consortium and is not open to the general public. People seeking positions in criminal justice, ranch management, environmental science, social service, finance, accounting, retail science and other fields will find employment opportunities that match their skills and interests. For more information on the Virtual Job Fair, students can call the Career Center at 674-2473.
E-mail Shelton at: jmcnetwork@acu.edu
Jozie Sands :: staff photographer ACU’s mascot Willie the Wildcat performs a victory dance after ACU’s football team defeated Midwestern State 47-17 Saturday. With the win, ACU claimed its first outright LSC title since 1973.
FROM THE FRONT
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Friday, October 7, 2008
SA: Congress passes bill to allocate funds for FilmFest Continued from page 1 to get the word out about upcoming events. “We’ve been fortunate enough to travel to different universities and see what they’re doing,” Reyes said. “We need your help in developing this into the university you want your children to come to.” Westbrook said she was working to make it easier for students to advertise events
on myACU. She said using the student event Google calendar designed for student events, advertising on the myACU log in page and using flat screen televisions that continually have ads are possible choices to advertise events. “We’ve been working with myACU for really the past 10 years on announcements,” Westbrook said. Reyes showed photos of possible kiosks the univer-
sity would purchase and said the decision was being influenced by visits her and other university officials made to various campuses throughout the nation. Congress members questioned whether or not the kiosks would be effective and pondered how students could advertise during SA elections. Dr. Jean Noel Thompson, vice president and dean of Student Life, said he was open to hav-
ing an exception to the poster policy for SA elections, but no decision has been made. SA also unanimously passed a bill to give FilmFest $1,500 from the Congressional Project Fund to help pay for the event in March. FilmFest officers already had been granted $1,500 by the SA Appropriations committee but said they needed more money to help secure the Paramount Theatre in downtown Abilene
as the venue for the event. Sophomore Sens. Rachel Morris and Colin Barnard wrote the legislation and argued it was necessary for the popular event. “It makes it a lot easier because now we don’t have to worry about the Paramount expenses,” said Jonathan Davis, junior business marketing major from Hoffman Estates, Ill. and co-Chair of FilmFest. Davis said it will cost more
than $12,000 to fund the event, and FilmFest officials were working to fundraise the rest of the required funds. SA also passed a bill to appropriate $150 to pay for ads in the Optimist to advertise three free Bowling Nights in the coming weeks. Both bills passed 39-0-0.
E-mail Johnson-Kim at: djj04a@acu.edu
Registration: Account SBC: Hundreds choose destinations holds prevent sign-up Continued from page 1
Continued from page 1 hold, he or she must go to the office or department that implemented the hold in order to have it resolved. “We’ve had several students that had not checked and had holds on their accounts, and they couldn’t register,” said Stephanie Smith, administrative coordinator of the Honors Program. “But the Honors registration went rather smoothly.” To register, students can log on to myACU and click on the Banner tab to reach the “Student & Financial Aid” button. After clicking the “Student & Financial Aid” button, click on the Registration button, which will display options to add classes, check one’s registration status and view semester schedules. Before signing up for classes, students must click on the “Select Term” menu option and set it to the Spring 2009 semester to view courses available for that semester. Also, students will be required to input an advising release code, which they can get from their academic adviser. High server traffic could
cause problems on registration dates, said Bart Herridge, registrar and director of academic records. The Registrar’s Office Web site suggests several methods to avoid Web errors and system “time-outs” during the registration process. Some methods include registering for only one class at a time, using a computer with a wired port instead of a wireless port and logging out of myACU and restarting the process if an error message appears. “We’ve planned and arranged the technology where we were not going to have any major issues,” Herridge said. “I think there will certainly be a slower response time on the servers than during a normal day, since everyone will be on at one time. One thing that would be helpful is for students that aren’t registering on that day to limit their activity use on the network from 3 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. to be respectful of the students who are registering.” For more information, students can visit www.acu.edu/ registrar. E-mail Freeman at: mxf04b@acu.edu
especially since he only did a small amount to help. He is working two jobs so he can return to Nicaragua as a group leader this spring break. Students interested in going on a campaign were given a lottery number.
Each Spring Break Campaign offers students the opportunity to experience events like Herrington. People in places around the world, including Florida, Alaska, California, Colorado and Canada, need help from those who desire to make a difference in others’ lives.
Campaign leaders prepare for the trips by planning the budget so they can provide their team with a rough estimate as to how much they will need to fundraise. Funds are collected by sending out pledge letters, donating plasma or participating in other groups’ fundraisers,
Herrington said. “Money should never be a reason holding someone back from participating in a Spring Break Campaign because God will somehow provide,” he said.
E-mail Byrd at: mab07b@acu.edu
Lipford: Students sing praises of professor Continued from page 1 “I’m really pleased with Kari,” Hester said. “She is really an exceptional person, and the students have been really excited to learn from her, and I think we are going to be in good hands.” Lipford is quite popular with her students and has been lauded for her training technique. Hester said she frequently has helped a student with damaged vocal cords both heal and learn to use his or her voice correctly. “I honestly wouldn’t be as good of a singer today if I hadn’t met her,” said Jasmin Richardson, senior musical
theatre major from Round Rock. “She has done so much to change my technique as a performer and has helped me develop as a singer, as a performer and even as a person.” Jonathan Bragg, senior musical theatre major from Rowlett, agreed. “She just pretty much is one of the sweetest ladies in the world. Being able to work with her is just really fantastic, and she really works to get the best out of you,” Bragg said. “She is really the top example of a servant teacher, someone who will give a lot of herself for her students.” Richardson, who is the 200809 recipient of the “Harold and
Jeanette Lipford Music/Theatre Scholarship Fund,” said she was grateful for Lipford’s willingness to not only give her time and effort to students but also help students financially through the scholarship fund. Lipford said the idea for the scholarship fund originated with her father, who taught at ACU and donated his retirement for a scholarship fund for students in financial need. “It’s a way for us to encourage students to come to ACU and be able to stay,” Lipford said. “I believe that if you have a Christian background and walk that walk, then we can change the world.”
Although she will retire next year, Lipford said she hopes to remain connected with ACU and the theatre department and definitely will attend the upcoming musicals. Lipford also hopes to continue to reach out to her community and plans to use her free time to become a mentor with University Church of Christ’s Mothers of Mothers (M.O.M.S) program. “Everyone needs somebody to be encouraging,” Lipford said, “And I really feel like that is a gift that i have.
E-mail Melby at: lgm05e@acu.edu
ArtsFriday
November 7, 2008
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Stone’s controversial film hits middle mark
By Blake Penfield Contributing Writer
Director Oliver Stone surprised a lot of folks with his willingness to address extremely tender and controversial modern events with 2006’s World Trade Center. Most people did not quite know what to think – was it too soon? Was it morally permissible to profit financially from the single greatest tragedy our country has faced in 60 years? With these questions still freshly percolating in our heads, Stone once again slams us with a movie premising on controversial current events. And I do mean current events. Like, now current. While presidential biopics are not completely uncharted waters (especially for Stone who directed Nixon and JFK prior to W.), a biopic about a president currently occupying the White House is completely unknown. Even Nixon did not come out until a year after Richard Nixon’s death. Compound that with the fact that a film as politically charged and pertinent as this one was released less than a month prior to the presidential election, and you get a sense of the amount of audacity surrounding W.’s release. I say all that to say this: the movie has caused more controversy than a Harry Potter novel at a Christian book club. The advertisements have been none-too subtle about the director’s take on the titular character. Commercials depict George W. Bush committing acts of
idiocy w i t h George Thorogood’s song One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer playing in the background. Posters show an exasperated and confused Bush with his head resting on slumped arms in the oval office. The tagline for the film is “A Life Misunderestimated.” The audience already knows what the message of the film is going to be before they even sit down in the theatre. However, regardless of whether you agree or disagree with the movie’s premise, the key question is going to be this: is the flick any good? Well, it’s not bad but it’s not too good either. The most accurate way I can describe the film is aggressively mediocre. For W. to be at all engaging, you have to buy into Stone’s claim that George W. Bush has daddy issues on an Indiana Jonesian level. According to Stone, every action George W. has done, every job he has undertaken and every political position he has held was an attempt to earn his father’s love and respect. If you do not pick
up on this notion initially, do not worry. The movie will bring it up at least 143 more times by the time the credits roll. And that is really what I mean by “aggressively mediocre.” Stone is no believer in the scalpel here. He uses a hammer that puts Mjolnir
to shame (Wikipedia that if you do not get it, so you can appreciate how pretentious I am). The idea of W.’s motives being centered on a never-ending pursuit of his father’s respect is an interesting one but not interesting enough to explore for an entire two hours. Yet, that is
exactly what it does. The film wields this psychological motivation around with such a sense of selfimportance, you would think it discovered the cure for cancer. A similarly blunt and egregious approach is given to how the film handles the Iraq War. The script strips the president’s decision to go to war of any shades of gray. The audience is told two definitive things about the war: 1) Bush only resolved to go to war because Dick Cheney manipulated him, and 2) Cheney is a more purely evil being than Lex Luthor, the Joker and George Lucas all wrapped into one. The performances, for the most part, are very good. Josh Brolin is fantastic as George W. Bush. He may not look anything like the president but he certainly has the mannerisms and vocal syntax down. Richard Dreyfus also is exceptional (and evil) in his role as Dick Cheney. Other characters,
however, are further evidence of Stone’s preference of the hammer over the scalpel. By and large, many of the characters come off as more of an SNL parody than a nuanced serious human being. The performers playing Condoleeza Rice and Colin Powell are especially guilty of this. Now, people can say all they want about Stone’s politics and views and ethics, but they cannot take away from the fact the man is a very talented director. For a film with as little going on story-wise as this one, pacing is never a problem. The shots are never static, and the audience constantly is being presented with things to think about (although the “daddy issue” thing accounts for about half of that). The entire two hours go by quickly with no real room for boredom. Whether you like it or not, Stone has been given a big, loud pulpit to preach his political views. Questions about whether an entertainer’s ideas should be given so much power of persuasion essentially are irrelevant. If you are a staunch Bush supporter, this film will not sway you. If you are a staunch Bush critic, this film really will not give you any more ammunition. The film is interesting enough to warrant a viewing but too mediocre to transcend any inherent limitations of the film media. If Stone’s trend continues, we can all look forward to the motion picture Obama in 2010. E-mail Penfield at: jmcnetwork@acu.edu
ViewsFriday
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November 7, 2008
Attendance policy leaves students feeling impending doom
L
et us use the scientific method conjoined with philosophy to hypothesize for a moment. Student A is a responsible, knowledgeable individual who receives A’s, and to her collegiate dismay, sometimes B’s. Student A is on track to graduate on time and attends most of her classes, as opposed to Student B who attends all classes and is in the B and C average realm. The question that comes to play here is who works harder? The philosophical answer is not presented in this equation because no one can conclusively dictate this due to unseen circumstances. We do not know Student A or Student B’s class schedules nor do we know whether or not Students A or B have jobs.
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Should students who miss class be penalized, or should students who attend class be rewarded?
We do know that if they’re enrolled at ACU and Student A originally makes an A in the class but accumulates too many absences, she will be docked a letter grade. We understand ACU has informed its future and current students about this policy before enrollment, but that was when students attended high school. High school was a place where the most crucial decision burdening teenagers was which limousine to rent for prom. High school was not really a place of learn-
”
ing but a breeding ground for adolescent drama; if you do not know what we mean, just take your pick by watching any High School Musical movie. Getting back on track, the attendance policy encourages students to attend class, but surely there is another way to implement it besides docking a student one-letter grade for missing one extra class than the syllabus allows. The situation might sound unjust when Student A still makes better grades than Student B even though
Student B attends every class while A does not, but unseen factors play a large role in many students’ attendance records. Should students who miss class be penalized, or should students who attend class be rewarded? One way to view this dilemma: students should not be awarded for attending a class that will benefit them later in their respected career fields. If students do not receive a positive incentive, why does a negative one loom over the heads of every student on campus? That dreadful feeling of acquiring the one extra tardy or else docked a letter grade is just another ulcer waiting to happen. With students worry-
The issue:
ACU’s current attendance policy harshly punishes students for missing class but fails to reward students who regularly attend.
Our view:
The attendance policy should incorporate more positive reinforcement.
The solution:
Involving additional individual responsibility in the attendance policy could require students find increased positive motivation to go to class. ing about social lives, work, school and all the other fun and exciting struggles the vast majority of ACU students share; does the attendance policy hinder or benefit students? A change in the attendance policy could mean more individual responsibility for students. Instead of attending class because they are required to do so, students would need to find
a new drive to wake up for that 8 a.m. class. This drive could replace the impending doom of the attendance policy, which draws unwilling students to class everyday.
E-mail the Optimist at: jmcnetwork@acu.edu
Obama’s election offers hope for scarred nation Beginning Jan. 20, 2008 President Barack Hussein Obama will lead the United States of America in an office blocks away from where slaves were once chained, displayed and sold. He will be the CommanderIn Case You in-Chief of Wondered a military By Daniel that did not Johnson-Kim officially integrate until 1948. He will sponsor dinners and events that men of his color were not allowed to attend in the past. He will sleep near rooms where Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation and Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964. His presidency will help heal this country’s embarrassing record of racism, segregation, separation and hate. Finally, the United States of America has its first black president. Emotions — both jovial and heated — tied to this historical moment in this country are spreading throughout the globe. In Kenya they declared a national holiday, one British newspaper declared Obama’s election “One giant leap for mankind” and even President George W. Bush recognized the significance of Obama’s victory. “What an awesome night for you, your family and your supporters,” Bush said. “You are about to go on one of the great journeys of life. Congratulations and go enjoy yourself.” Copies of the Nov. 5 edition of the New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times and newspapers across the country are in high demand. New York Times papers were on sale on eBay for as much as $600, and papers across the nation reported selling out the editions that reported Obama’s victory. Black leaders and citizens have written various opinion pieces and acted as frequent guests on news channels, which focus on Obama’s victory and its historical impact. Journalists and commentators on Election night
Palin’s career possibilities peak interest of party, public With the President-elect declared, the nation’s attention is glued on Barack Obama, but my focus remains on the Republican candidate. No, not Sen. John McCain. I’m talking about Gov. Sarah Palin. Love her or hate her, Palin was a Got Your phenomenon Grammar Talk as the ReBy Kelline publican vice Linton presidential running mate. McCain plucked this self-declared moose-hunting hockey mom from obscurity and thrust her on the national stage. Imagine an unknown governor from Alaska competing against Joe Biden, the senior
U.S. senator from Delaware who began his Senate career in 1972 as the fifth-youngest senator in U.S. history. Palin’s political career includes six years as mayor of Wasilla, Alaska, and about two years as governor of Alaska; although, she is the first female governor of Alaska and the youngest person elected to the position. And as the presidential celebrations continue, pundits, critics, reporters and bloggers all are discussing Palin’s future in the Republican Party. Will she run against Obama for president in 2012? In McCain’s concession speech Tuesday night, he talked about Palin. “We can all look forward with great interest to her future service to Alaska, the Republican Party and
Letter to the Editor
Faith should influence even political choices
I regret the ACU student newspaper’s endorsement of Obama to be our nation’s president. For a man who has done and will do all he can to en-
courage abortion and gay lifestyles, the endorsement of this candidate for president of our great country by the newspaper of a Christian university is an abomination. As I have grown older, I often find our young people show us the more excellent way and exhibit a boldness in their faith that some of us older ones seem to have lost along the way. However, in this case you
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. Signed columns, cartoons and letters are the opinions of their creators and may not necessarily reflect the viewpoints of the Optimist or the university. The Optimist encourages reader response through letters to the editor but reserves the right to limit frequent contributors or to refuse to print letters containing personal attacks, obscenity, defamation, erroneous
information or invasion of privacy. Please limit letters to 350 words or fewer. A name and phone number must be included for verification purposes. Phone numbers will not be published. Address letters to: ACU Box 27892 Abilene, TX 79699 E-mail letters to: jmcnetwork@acu.edu
our country,” he said. In her hometown of Wasilla, “Palin 2012” T-shirts are already on sale. Asked by reporters if she might run for president, Palin said, “We’ll see what happens then.” During the campaign, Palin drew bigger crowds than McCain. She was a powerful performer in front of thousands of Republican supporters but was less successful in television interviews (an understatement). Her frumpy outfits, folksy, “you betcha” style and nonsensical, rambling answers made some doubt the wisdom in placing her a heartbeat away from the presidency. But my Palin dedication never faltered. Who could resist watching her every movement on television from doppelganger Tina Fey’s hilarious
have lost your saltiness. Our country was founded on the principles of God, and rather our religion be kept separate as one of your Letters to the Editor encouraged, our faith should be the central focus of our lives and touch all we are about in order to glorify the living God. You have taken the way of the world in rationalizing your decisions. Sadly, I have found myself guilty of the same. I guess I was hoping the next generation was going to get it right.
impersonations to Palin’s own ultraconservative statements and disastrous performances in TV interviews? Palin’s charisma is refreshing, and her down-to-earth attitude adds spice to a stale Republican party. If she can rebuild her damaged image, gain more experience and get re-elected in the next few years, who knows what may happen? For now, the GOP remains “The Sarah Party,” and I remain a fervent fan of the most entertaining candidate of the year.
E-mail Linton at: krl04b@acu.edu
I will support the newly elected president because he is now the elected leader of our country but when I am called on to give an answer for my faith, I pray I will have an answer that glorifies Him rather than shrink to an answer contrived to create enhanced readership supposedly in the interest of “good” journalism. We have enough of that type of journalism already.
Tom Foster
Optimist the
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expressed amazement and disbelief that a candidate from a minority group that was treated so harshly in the past could succeed like Obama did. “I never went to a school where a black student went to school,” said CBS’ veteran anchor Bob Schieffer, describing his amazement after his own encounters with racism and segregation throughout his life. Although some may be angry with Obama’s victory or disagree with his policies, they must not let their partisanship diminish what this means for our country — the American dream that anyone of any race, from any origin, can succeed in the U.S. is alive with the election of Obama.
“
His presidency will help heal this country’s embarrassing record of racism, segregation, separation and hate.
”
Among all the reactions after the presidential election, the most touching was when an elementary-aged black boy told what Obama’s election meant to him. While describing how proud he was of Obama, he began to cry. Spitting out words in between sobs, the boy was overwhelmed with emotion and sat down, letting his tears of joy stream down his face. He finally has proof that a young black child in America can be anything when he grows up.
E-mail Johnson-Kim at: djj04a@acu.edu
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SPORTS JUMPS
Friday, November 7, 2008
Page 7
Football: ACU’s regular season finale at Shotwell Continued from page 8 Knox leads all receivers with 848 yards and 10 touchdowns, while wide receivers Ferguson and Edmund Gates have combined for 908 yards and seven touchdowns for the No. 2 passing offense in the LSC. “There is nothing new for this week,” Ferguson said. “We just have to run our offense and get better at it and come out and let it fly.” Defensively, the Wildcats rank first in the LSC in scoring defense (16.1), second in rushing defense (74.4),
first in pass-defense efficiency (104.1) and first in turnover margin (+20). The Wildcats have intercepted 16 passes and recovered 18 fumbles while scoring seven defensive touchdowns. Linebacker Mike Kern leads the team with 45 tackles in front of safety Nick Fellows (44) and linebacker Bryson Lewis (42). Defensive end Vantrise Studivant leads the team with 6.5 sacks, while defensive end Aston Whiteside and linebacker Fred Thompson have each added six. “This game is just as important as the last nine,”
Volleyball: Golden leads team to win Continued from page 8 Wildcats also led the third set for the most part and won two of the final three points to win 25-22. The fourth set was contested both ways, and ACU led 24-23. Then, St. Edward’s senior Kelsey Teal earned three-straight service aces to take the set and extend the match. In the final set, the Wildcats didn’t give up despite being down 14-13. ACU, much like St. Edward’s in the previous set, scored the final three points to take the set and the match. Redshirt freshman outside hitter Britini Golden led the team with 17 kills in the victory. Sophomore middle blocker Jordan Schilling added 16 kills. Freshman outside hitter Jennie Hutt earned a double-double by adding a team-high 15 digs to go along with 14 kills and a .367 hitting percentage. Golden also recorded a double-double with 13 digs to go with her team-high in kills. Junior setter Erika Dickson led the team with 54 assists in her first start this season. “St. Edward’s is in a fourway tie atop the Heartland
Conference and is a good squad,” Kellen Mock, ACU head volleyball coach, said. “We wanted to play them earlier this season but because of Hurricane Ike we weren’t able to. The girls did some good things, and we had great play out of Britini Golden and got a good win.” With the victory, the Wildcats move to 22-8 on the season. The loss drops the Hilltoppers to 13-12. This was the team’s final non-conference match of the season. The team played Southeastern Oklahoma on Thursday night, but results were unavailable at press time. On Saturday, the team will complete the regular season with its final home game at 11 a.m. verus East Central. “It’s always bitter sweet when we get to the end of the season,” Mock said. “We are excited but sad.” This will be the final home game for senior libero Amy Wilson. “We will miss Amy Wilson,” Mock said. “It will be Parent Day and Senior Day. We hope to have a lot of fans out there with us.”
E-mail Harris at: tch05f@acu.edu
Ferguson said. “We need to come out and play at our highest level, and we have practiced with the attitude to get better, but this game will be just as important as the others.” The Wildcats will play the Mustangs Saturday at Shotwell Stadium at 2 p.m. With a win, the Wildcats will complete the first undefeated regular season since 1950, ACU’s only perfect season. More importantly, a win would ensure the Wildcats a first-round playoff bye and clinch the right to host at least second-round and
quarterfinal playoff games. “We just need to play at our highest level and not get caught up in talking about clinching conference,” Thomsen said. “[Playoff seeds] are irrelevant because it will all work itself out, and we need to play at our highest level and carry that momentum into the playoffs.”
E-mail Abston at: gda04b@acu.edu
Zak Zeinert :: chief photographer The Wildcat football team plays Midwestern State on Saturday at 2 p.m. at Shotwell Stadium.This is the final regular season game.
Cross Country: Teams have nationals in sight Continued from page 8
Zak Zeinert :: chief photographer
Sophomore Casey Luby and freshman Matt Upshaw run at the ACU Classic on Sept. 6. The team travels to San Antonio this weekend.
not pleased with how they ran at the conference championship, this regional race is a great chance for redemption,” Burroughs said. He said he would love to see a top-10 finish for his team to prove wrong the rankings and also would love to see some individuals qualify for nationals at this race. On the men’s side, Burroughs said he expects more of the same. Earlier this month the men claimed an astonishing 18th consecutive conference title, and if national rankings are any indication, the men should experience success at the regional race as well. The most recent rankings list has ACU as the top team in the region and also as the No. 2 team in the nation behind Adams State University. Burroughs said he hopes to see a successful race out of his men’s team as well as they take
the next step toward another national championship. “My goal for our men’s team is to advance to the national championship in a way that won’t aggravate any injuries or create any new ones. I’d love to win, but only if we do it the right way,” Burroughs said. Several nationally ranked teams will compete in the region alongside the Wildcats. Southwest Baptist is ranked No. 16 in the nation; Pittsburgh State is No. 18 and Missouri Southern comes in as the No. 20 team in the nation. This race is the final step before the national championship in Slippery Rock, Pa., and yet again the Wildcats fully expect to be a player in the national picture, which should become a lot clearer after this weekend.
E-mail Craig at: jmcnetwork@acu.edu
Students: Let’s all rush the field Continued from page 8 Lubbock on the Texas Tech campus. In no way am I a fan of the Red Raiders, but the atmosphere those students generated for the Texas game last week was infectious. Even with Texas mounting a valiant comeback, the crowd never
gave up and in the end was rewarded with jubilation. Who says that just because we are a small school we can’t do some of the same things as Tech? Let’s give our football team something to be proud of before it heads into postseason play. I’m talking about noisemakers, body paint,
printing up T-shirts, jumping up and down: the works. Most of all, I think when the game ends, we should rush the field. Why not? Go give Bernard Scott a highfive or pick Coach Thomsen up and carry him off the field. Let’s celebrate this achievement and give AISD
a reason to buy new goal posts. If nothing else, it will give you a reason to start a new Facebook album full of cool pictures of you and your friends having fun in a semi-legal way at an ACU sporting event. E-mail Harris at: tch05f@acu.edu
Soccer: Wilson looks to build on success in 2009 Continued from page 8
Emily Jorgenson :: staff photographer
Sophomore setter Ijeoma Moronu dives for a ball in a game at Moody Coliseum. The Wildcats have one remaining home game this season.
the score 3-1. That would be the final goal of the game as the Broncos eliminated the Wildcats from their first postseason appearance. “We didn’t really play one of our best games of the season and Central Oklahoma played like they wanted it more,” said head coach Casey Wilson. The Wildcats finished 9-8-2 on the season and impressively made the postseason in only its second year. Coach Wilson has
developed the program quickly and is looking to build on this season for the future. “We are real proud of the girls,” Wilson said. “They definitely earned their spot in the tournament this year. We are only losing two seniors, so the core of our team is returning. We hope to bring in more talent next season to score and we look to build from there.” Jozie Sands :: staff photographer E-mail Cantrell at: jmcnetwork@acu.edu
Senior Micah Merrill-Johnson battles for possesion of the ball against Central Oklahoma on Oct. 17. ACU finished the season 9-8-2.
SportsFriday
Page 8
SCOREBOARD Standings Football Team
Div. 5-0 4-1 3-2 3-2 2-3 1-4 0-6
ACU WTAMU Tarleton St. MSU TAMU-K Angelo St. ENMU
Volleyball Team
Div. 11-0 9-2 7-4 7-4 7-4 TX Woman’s 7-4 WTAMU Tarleton St. MSU ACU TAMU-C
Soccer team falls in first playoff game By Ryan Cantrell Sports Writer
Overall 9-0 9-1 8-2 6-3 6-4 3-7 1-9 Overall 28-4 20-8 23-8 22-8 15-9 18-11
*6 out of 14 teams
Women’s Soccer Team
Div. 8-2 7-1-2 7-3 6-3-1 5-4-1 NESU 4-3-3 Angelo St. 4-4-2 TX Woman’s 4-4-2 ENMU 3-7 East Central 1-8-1 SW Okla. 0-10 WTAMU TAMU-C MSU Central Okla. ACU
Overall 14-3-1 13-2-3 13-6 12-5-3 9-7-2 7-7-4 10-7-3 9-8-2 9-10 5-11-2 2-17
November 7, 2008
The Wildcats made the playoffs for the first time in the program’s history last week. They played the Broncos of Central Oklahoma Thursday in the postseason. Central Oklahoma avenged a 1-0 loss earlier in the season by defeating the Wildcats 3-1, knocking them out of the postseason tournament. The Wildcats won their last regular season game to make the postseason and entered the match as the No.5 seed in the tournament. The Wildcats
Soccer were set to square off against the fourth seeded Broncos of Central Oklahoma in Canyon. The first half tested the defense early as the majority of the half was played in the Wildcats’ defensive zone. Crissy Lawson and the defense was up to the chalWilson lenge as they kept the Broncos scoreless. The Broncos best chance of
the half, was a missed shot by Ashton Morris with the goal open after Lawson came out to cut down the shooting angle. Lawson came up huge in the final minutes of the half stopping a hard shot by Whitney Craft to keep the game scoreless. The Wildcats were out shot 15-1 in the first half (4-1 on goal), but the score remained 0-0. The pressure applied by Central Oklahoma early in the second half resulted in the first goal of the match. Ashton Morris scored by heading the ball past goalie Crissy Lawson. It was a play that was
set up by a great pass by Katy Kashwer. The Wildcats began to fight back and created some chances, however, they were unable to put the ball in the net. Ashton Morris scored her second goal in the game, once again set up Katy Kashwer to make the score 2-0. The Wildcats became desperate as the time was winding down. Courtney Wilson scored with 16 minutes remaining to cut the Broncos lead to 2-1. The Broncos would get their two goal lead right back, scoring two minutes later to make See
Soccer page 7
Sight Set on Perfection
Sports Writer
Friday Soccer ACU 1, West Texas A&M 2
Saturday Football ACU 42, Texas A&M-Kingsville 17
Sunday Soccer ACU 1, Eastern New Mexico 0
Volleyball ACU 3, St. Edward’s University 2
Thursday Soccer ACU 1, Central Oklahoma 3
Upcoming Saturday Cross Country South Central Regional, 9:30 a.m.
Volleyball ACU vs. East Central, 11 a.m.
Football ACU vs. Midwestern State, 2 p.m. :: Home games listed in italics
NOTES n Middle blocker Shawna Hines earned LSC Defensive Player of the Week honors after helping Hines ACU win its seventhstraight match overall and fifth-straight LSC match last week. Hines had 17 blocks, five solo and 12 assisted while recording 27 kills. She also passed 100 total blocks for her second-straight season. n Running back Bernard Scott was announced as one of the 24 finalists for the 2008 Harlon Hill Scott Trophy, given to the NCAA Division II Player of the Year. Scott has racked up 1,494 yards on the ground and 647 yards through the air this season while scoring 24 total touchdowns.
ACU ready for regional meet this weekend By Jeff Craig
Scores
Tuesday
Zak Zeinert :: chief photographer The cross country team will travel to San Antonio Saturday for the Regional Championships.
Zak Zeinert :: chief photographer Defensive back Richard Havins (29) makes a tackle against San Angelo on Oct. 11. The Wildcats will play Midwestern State Saturday at 2 p.m. in ACU’s last regular season game at Shotwell Stadium. With a win, the Wildcats will become the first team to finish the regular season undefeated since 1950.
Win over Midwestern gives ACU perfect regular season By Grant Abston Sports Editor
After claiming at least a share of the Lone Star Conference championship by defeating Texas A&M-Kingsville Saturday, the Wildcats can wrap up their first outright LSC championship since 1973 with a win over Midwestern State. The 9-0 Wildcats enter the game ranked No. 2 in the nation and No. 1 in the regional poll and will face a 6-3 Midwestern State team that needs a win to keep its playoff hopes alive. The Wildcats can claim the LSC title with a win over Midwestern or a Tarleton State victory over West Texas A&M. “[Midwestern State] is a really good team,” said head coach Chris Thomsen. “The quarterback has really developed as the year has gone on and has turned into a really great player. The running
Football backs are explosive, and the defense is really good; the returner is the best in the conference, and they have a lot of really good players on the team and are playing really well as of late. It’s another great challenge to finish out the season.” Midwestern State enters the game in fourth place in the LSC South Division after defeating Eastern New Mexico 59-16 last weekend. In the win, quarterback Zack Eskridge threw for 295 yards and six touchdowns, tying a school and LSC record for touchdown passes in a game. Eskridge earned LSC South co-Offensive Player of the Week honors, along with ACU quarterback Zach Stewart, for his performance. Eskridge has thrown for 1,609 yards and 16 touchdowns on the season. Running backs Marcus Mathis and BeeJay Mathis will lead the Mustangs rushing
attack, which averages 150 yards a game. Marcus Mathis leads the team with 558 yards and five touchdowns, while BeeJay, the No. 1 punt returner in the LSC, has rushed for 353 yards and two touchdowns. Wide receiver Andy Tanner leads the team with 279 yards and three touchdowns, while wide receivers Marlon Haynes and David Little have combined for 429 yards and four touchdowns. “They are a great team every year and a team full of athletes,” said wide receiver Jonathan Ferguson. “It usually comes down to us and them on who goes to the playoffs.” While quarterback Billy Malone has sat out the last two weeks with an injury, the offense hardly has missed a step behind backup quarterback Stewart, ranking No. 1 in the nation scoring offense and total offense by averaging 541 yards and 50 points a game for the year. Stewart
Cats win eighth-straight By Chandler Harris Assistant Sports Editor
Emily Jorgenson :: staff photographer Jordan Schilling, left, and Britni Golden, right, jump for a block versus UT-PB. The Wildcats have won eight consecutive games.
The ACU volleyball team extended its latest winning streak on Tuesday night, defeating St. Edward’s 3-2 (2025, 25-23, 25-22, 24-26, 1614). The Wildcats now have won eight consecutive matches dating back to Oct. 18. The Wildcats struggled in the first set, hitting just .024 as a team, while the Hilltoppers hit .278. The teams were tied 16-16, but St. Edward’s pulled away, winning nine of the final 13 points. ACU led the second set 2114 and held off a Hilltopper run to win the set 25-23. The See
Volleyball page 7
acuoptimist.com See video highlights of ACU’s game against Midwestern State has thrown for 547 yards and five touchdowns in Malone’s absence, earning LSC South co-Offensive Player of the Week honors after last week in ACU’s win over Texas A&MKingsville. Malone will be reevaluated this week and continues to be a week-to-week game-time decision. Running back Bernard Scott enters the game as the No. 1 scorer and all-purpose runner in Division II. Scott has rushed for 1,494 yards and 19 touchdowns while catching 36 passes for 647 yards and five touchdowns to lead the No. 1 rushing offense in the LSC. Wide receiver Johnny See
Football page 7
The cross country teams will travel to the University of Incarnate Word in San Antonio for the NCAA Division II South Central Regional Championship Saturday. The meet is the final level of competition within the region and will consist of both a men’s and women’s race with awards going to teams and individuals. The field will be filled by schools from across the South Central United States with the top-three finishing schools in each race qualifying for the NCAA Division II National Championship. Head coach Sam Burroughs hopes to see a good combination of both team and individual goals achieved from his runners this weekend in the Alamo City. “I hope that the kids race well for themselves and I also hope that ACU will ultimately have some great representation at the national championship,” Burroughs said. It has been an up-anddown season for the women’s team. The squad has shown some outstanding individual performances but has not experienced the same team success as their counterparts on the men’s team. The women’s streak of consecutive Lone Star Conference titles ended at seven earlier this month, and recent regional rankings have the women ranked outside of the top 10. Burroughs said he is surprised the women are outside of the top 10 but views this weekend as a time for personal redemption for the women. “If any of the girls were See
Cross Country page 7
Student body struggles despite perfect season The Wildcat football team is poised to clinch its first conference title, since my father went to ACU back in Thoughts from 1977, with a the Bleachers win on Saturday at Shotwell. It might By Chandler just be me, but Harris I feel like we, as a student body, have done a terrible job of supporting our team this season despite them giving us the best team performance in school history. Just two years ago, I remember when everyone was
going crazy about our team being “6-0, 4 to go,” and The Campus Store even printed cool shirts for us to look unified at the games. Why hasn’t that happened this year? Is it because, like Braves fans in the ’90s, we have become accustomed to our team’s success and therefore aren’t enthused anymore by an undefeated season? I would like to personally challenge the student body to take it up a notch for this final home game of the season. For a standard of school spirit, look no further than three hours down the road to See
Students page 7