The Optimist 10.16.15 by ACU Optimist

THE OPTIMIST VOL. 104 NO. 8

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2015

1 SECTION, 24 PAGES

CAMPUS R ALLIES TO HELP WADE FAMILY PAGE 7

EXPLORE THE LAST 50 YEARS OF CAMPUS TRADITION This year’s Homecoming musical, Mary Poppins, is about a whimsical nanny from England and will be performed at the Paramount Theatre all weekend. LYDIA LAWSON STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

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FRIDAY

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SATURDAY

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Homecoming Carnival with food trucks outside of the SRWC at 5 p.m. Chemistry Circus from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in Bennett Gymnasium Jamfest at 7 p.m. in the mall area of the Campus Center Mary Poppins at 8 p.m. at the Abilene Civic Center Homecoming Parade at 9:30 a.m. Homecoming Tailgate at 12 p.m. at Shotwell Stadium; football game begins at 2:30 p.m. Class Reunions from 6-8 p.m. Mary Poppins at 8 p.m. at the Abilene Civic Center Homecoming Fireworks at 8:45 p.m.

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Mary Poppins at 2 p.m. at the Abilene Civic Center

SUNDAY

*Number is based on days Chapel is offered in Moody

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SA funds Breast Cancer Awareness bake sale

Large crowd expected for tailgate Saturday

The Students’ Association passed a bill to fund a bake sale in observation of Breast Cancer Awareness month. Kendall Wermine, freshmen biochemistry major from Frisco, proposed to SA to fund a bake sale to Breast Cancer Awareness month. Awarded $225 from the Congressional Project Fund, volunteers will purchase ingredients and begin baking 700 baked goods. Wermine said all profits from the bake sale will be donated to the National Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

The Students’ Association will partner with social clubs, Wildcat Reign and Wildcat Country to put on a tailgate in the parking lot of Shotwell Stadium this Saturday when the Wildcats take on Sam Houston State for the ACU Homecoming game. Although it isn’t ACU’s first tailgate of the season, Saturday marks the first time that ACU has put together a tailgate environment for the annual Homecoming game. If the better-than-expected student attendance of the past few weeks is any indication of the tailgate this Saturday, ACU students and alumni will be coming in droves.

Admitted students reception Virtuous Sisterhood’s SWAG event is at 7 p.m. in Biblical Studies Building 114

Recent graduate designs shirts for Campus Store

Midterm grades are due

Recent graduate Bailey Sorensen has left her mark on ACU through her T-shirt designs that are now sold in the Campus Store. The process of designing the shirts and selling the designs to the Campus Store took about two weeks, Sorensen said. She also said the shirts are courtesy of skills she learned while in school.

Team55 is promoting National Cyber Security Awareness Month to encourage faculty, staff and students to protect themselves against cyber security threats by offering classes for faculty and staff through the month of October.

By Mercedez Hernandez

By Megan Abel

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THE OPTIMIST

TUESDAY

published by the department of journalism and mass communication

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Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Contest at the Mall of Abilene from 6-8 p.m. Pledging ends

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THURSDAY

Brittany Jackson Editor-in-Chief Opinion Page Editor Allison Brown Online Managing Editor Page 2 Editor

WEDNESDAY

from www.acuoptimist.com

By Emily Guajardo

MONDAY

S P I R I T U A L F O R M AT I O N CREDITS

Women’s Volleyball vs. New Orleans in Moody Coliseum at 6:30 p.m. Midterm grades available to students

By Collin Thompson

Team55 supports cyber security awareness

Ben Todd Cartoonist

Savanah Silva Sports Broadcast Producer

Shera Niemirowski Sports Multimedia Director

Kenneth Pybus Faculty Adviser

Hannah Null Sports Broadcast Producer

Cade White Visuals Adviser

Abby Runnels Copy Editor

Cara Lee Cranford Advertising Manager

Cassandra Cox Copy Editor

Rachel Fritz Print Managing Editor

Abbey Bowling Sports Copy Editor

Elijah Evans Visuals Managing Editor

Daniel Zepeda Online Sports Editor

Mercedez Hernandez Arts & Features Editor

Collin Wieder Print Sports Editor

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10.16.15

NEWS

Police, construction prep for Homecoming BY BRITTANY JACKSON The dust continues to settle on construction projects and parking preparations as ACU looks to open its campus to alumni and friends Friday-Sunday. Purple notices could be found on almost every car parked on Campus Court from East North 16th Street to the parking lot behind Edwards Hall by Wednesday afternoon warning drivers to steer clear of the street come Saturday morning for the Homecoming Parade. ACU Police Chief Jimmy Ellison said even with construction obstructing a few parking spaces, the department isn’t expecting any complication with parking for this Homecoming Week. “There’s not any particular problem we’re expecting,” he said. “We always have parking woes.” Additionally, the students parked in front of Gardner, Nelson and Mc-

Donald Hall will either have to move their cars or be willing to leave them in those spaces until after the parade has been cleared and the streets reopened sometime Saturday afternoon. Ellison said the officers are preparing to see about 10,000 participants in the Homecoming festivities. To better handle the numbers, he said two to three extra officers will be added to the patrol for each event. As for construction, Kevin Roberts said although it may look close, the Onstead-Packer Science Building won’t be complete for alumni and students to tour come Friday. “In some ways, it’s maddening because it’s so close,” Roberts, chief information officer, said. In the meantime, the gates around construction will be locked tight to insure everyone’s safety. bkj12a@acu.edu

Class reunions to grace downtown Abilene BY ABBY RUNNELS One of the highlights of Homecoming weekend is the class reunions taking place all around Abilene. This year, the classes of 1970, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005 and 2010 will make their way back to ACU from all over the country to mingle with their classmates and reminisce about old times. Samantha Adkins, assistant director of Alumni Relations, and the Alumni Office staff have been planning the nine reunion dinners over the course of the weekend for about a year. “We begin planning reunions for the next year a week after Homecoming ends,” said Adkins. “We make reservations for locations right away. In fact, for next year I already have plans to meet next week with members of

the class of 1976 to discuss their 40year reunion.” The Alumni Office stays in contact with members of each class to get an idea of what each class wants from their reunions. “We look for key classmates that can help encourage their fellow classmates to attend their reunion. They share ideas also as to how they’d like the program to flow at their dinner,” said Adkins. The Alumni Office welcomes back about 600 alumni each year for their respective class reunion dinners, Adkins said. Five of the reunion dinners will take place on campus, and four will happen off campus at locations in downtown Abilene, including the Grace Museum. anr11a@acu.edu

NEWS

10.16.15

Homecoming calls to all ages, students 1953 Because of a lack of available documentation, many list the true beginning of Homecoming Week tradition as 1953 with the crowning of the first Homecoming Queen.

1958

ACC organized its first homecoming musical, The Wizard of Oz.

1960

1959

1955

The men’s social club Galaxy brought in Big Tex for the club exhibition contest. The figure has only been to two places outside the Texas State Fair for display to this day.

BY BRITTANY JACKSON

Despite new buildings on campus, a move to Div. I and the constant flow of students, one thing at ACU will always remain the same– Homecoming. Reflective of ACU’s culture as a whole, Homecoming week seeks to unite people on common ground, primarily focusing on past and present students. “We really want to tell the story and continue the nostalgic events that have happened here,” Samantha Adkins, assistant director of Alumni Relations. Adkins, who has worked in Alumni Relations for 13 years, said the tradition itself has changed over the past 110 years, but the essence of it remains constant. In the 1950s, Homecoming consisted of many of the same events hosted today. Established in 1953, the Homecoming Queen tradition allowing students to recognize an outstanding woman on campus campus each fall is here to

Six years after the Homecoming Queen tradition was created, ACC started the Coming Home Court tradition. The court features past Homecoming Queens returning to campus.

stay. In later years (1959) Coming Home Court was also created to allow those past Homecoming Queen’s to revisit ACU campus and pass their crowns. Reunion meals, most often on the lawn between buildings during the warm West Texas afternoon, helped reconnect ACU exes. Also located around campus, social clubs competed with one another for the best exhibition, or display, losing sleep the week before to ensure a club win with their crafty designs. A staple part of the week, clubs would also have breakfasts to promote intergenerational community among the members. Of course, Homecoming would be a amiss without football. Moving from venues like Rose Park, and even playing one game on ACU, then ACC, property, the Wildcats finally settled in Shotwell Stadium in 1960. Fast forwarding to the ‘70s and

‘80s, Alumni Relations improved upon certain events, such as creating a carnival to feature competing club booths and games to inspire more community involvement. Additionally, events like Freshman Follies, Chemistry Club and intramural competitions surfaced to offer more entertainment. In the 1990s, the regular exhibitions in the mall area of ACU changed into a parade featuring the social clubs just marching behind one another down campus court. Eventually, as seen today, the clubs integrated competition into the event, creating the floats that can be seen rolling down Campus Court come Saturday morning. It has also drawn people from the general Abilene public to participate in the festivities. Most recently, in 2004, the Alumni Relations Office decided to created JamFest, a concert featuring complete-

Moving from place to place for football games, the Wildcats finally found a home in Shotwell Stadium after its completion in 1960. The ‘Cats have returned to the stadium every year since, often caravaning in the earlier years, to face their Homecoming game opponents.

ly student artists, to bring entertainment to campus for current students and the surrounding community. Jama Cadle, assistant director of Alumni Relations, said changes will continue to be made so as to maximize the tradition. “We really try to keep in mind all oof our audiences,” she said. “We want people to come back and celebrate the reasons they came to ACU and celebrate the people who’ve hopefully continued to be really important in their lives.” “It’s a great chance to reconnect with old friends and to be back on campus and see things have changed, but see that the heart of this place is never going to change,” Adkins said. All photos contributed by the Prickly Pear, Abilene Reporter-News and the Optimist.

bkj12a@acu.edu

10.16.15

NEWS

to celebrate memories of life on the hill 1962 ACC organized a parent reception in the women’s dormitory Gardner Hall.

1970 The Homecoming Musical moved into the Abilene Civic Center. The building, however, was still under construction as the students began preparing for Homecoming.

1986

2012

To make science more appealing and to expose its entertaining side to kids, students and adults, students and faculty in the science department banded together to create the university’s first Chemistry Circus. The event continues to this day.

1974

The competitions for clubs during Homecoming Week, such as display decorations, included a 26-mile bike ride around Lake Fort Phantom Hill.

1990

Prentis McCarty is named the first ACU King of Campus Court. Following a laughter-filled live debate, McCarty assumed his crown and paraded down Campus Court.

Men’s and women’s social clubs dropped the mall area exhibition traditon to take to the streets for ACU’s first Homecoming Parade. In the years since, university offices and other organizations on campus have joined, with the club competitions escalating to who is capable of creating the best float.

NEWS

10.16.15

Pledge season to end with Homecoming BY ALLISON BROWN The pledging season is almost finished, and social clubs will have new members by next Wednesday. But before the pledges get to finally wear the jerseys and T-shirts they have waited so long for, they must survive Homecoming week. Between intramural games, float preparations, visits and pledging activities, pledges have plenty to keep their schedules full. Mark Jackson, director of student organizations, said most of this week will be centered on Homecoming-related activities. “Each club was allowed one Wednesday night activity that can be up to three hours in length,” Jackson said. “They can also do visits with seniors during lunch or while working on their float. Intramural games are taking place as well, and most clubs have the pledges cheer at the champ games. It’s a tiring week, but a fun week overall.” Jackson also said he thinks this semester’s round of pledging was successful.

ERIKA BOLADO STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

NuNus practice their parade routine as they prepare for Homecoming.

“All in all, I think pledging has gone well, Jackson said. “One of the things I am hoping to implement after Fall Break is a meeting with each club president, pledging officer team and sponsors to discuss what worked well or what could have gone better or needs tweaking in the future.” One new idea for pledging has already been put on the table.

Homecoming Weekend is packed full of club traditions, but Emily Adkins, junior pre-physical therapy major from Irving and a member of Sigma Theta Chi, presented a potential new tradition to club presidents on Wednesday for Saturday’s football game. Adkins suggested pledges wear purple to the football game in addition to their formal colors in an effort to support a more overall sense of school pride. “I know everyone loves to see the pledges in formal colors at the game, struggling to stay awake,” Adkins said. “I love tradition, so I think that is hilarious, but I also think it would be amazing to see everyone with all of their formal colors on, with their purple shirts over them, tucked in, and pledge pin on the outside.” Club presidents were mostly receptive to the idea and will talk to officer teams about pledges wearing purple to the game. “No one had questions other than it being too hot,” Adkins said. “Some guys’ clubs are thinking of purple hats and ties with formal colors instead of shirts. But I

Final Pledge Numbers: Alpha Kai Omega - 41 GATA - 54 Ko Jo Kai - 59 Sigma Theta Chi - 57 Tri Kappa Gamma - 40 Frater Sodalis- 10 Galaxy- 46 Gamma Sigma Phi- 49 Pi Kappa - 10 Sub T-16 - 18 Trojans - 17

think from the positive reactions, hopefully pledges will be wearing purple.” While officer teams mull over the idea, pledges of all clubs are gearing up for the long nights ahead preparing for the parade and for club breakfasts, and maybe, just maybe, they’ll get in someday soon. akb12a@acu.edu

Sing Song director selection begins BY EMILY MUHLBERG Sing Song preparations began last week with the announcement of the hosts and hostesses and will continue this week as the class and club directors will are chosen by Thursday. This will be the second year the freshman class will have two separate acts. The process for choosing the freshman directors includes interviews with the Sing Song co-chairs and Tom Craig, director of Sing Song, said co-chair Taylor Flowers. “Otherwise, like sophomores, juniors and seniors, we told the class presidents that it’s up to them to decide who they want their directors to be,” said Flowers, senior kinesiology major from Spring. “That’s pretty much all we do with them, unless they send somebody that we don’t think would work.” Social club directors are chosen and voted by the members of each club. The co-chairs don’t help in finalizing the club directors, but Flowers said it’s best to choose two different people. “One thing – like GSP – that we need

ties and productions. “The entire structure of the show is created during the fall semester,” said Craig. “Then, when students return in January, they jump immediately into rehearsals, gearing up for the show in February.” The theme for this year’s Sing Song is “On the Town.” Co-chair Kevin Carroll, junior marketing major from Abilene, said the theme is supposed to show what a night on the town would look like, but it’s also open to interpretation. Other preparations include a retreat at the end of the semester for the Sing Song staff, including co-chairs, hosts, hostesses and directors. Individual practices for the acts won’t start until next semester. ALLISON BROWN ONLINE MANAGING EDITOR “Sing Song is the greatest thing that The hosts and hostesses for Sing Song 2016 were chosen and announced last week. ACU offers,” Carroll said. “It’s a great to learn from is that you need to pick administrative stuff last year, and it al- way to get to know people. It’s fun to a musical director and an assistant most cost us a lot of points.” just practice and goof off and get to director, one to be onstage and one to Most of the administrative work for know the people you’re with.” do administrative stuff,” Flowers said. Sing Song happens this semester, said “(GSP) did not do a good job with the Tom Craig, director of student activijmcnetwork@acu.edu

10.16.15

NEWS

Community supports leukemia patient BY ALLSION BROWN On Sept. 21, Hudson Wade was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. Hudson, the 11-year-old son of ACU alumni Kirk and Laura Wade, is currently admitted to Cooks Children’s Hospital in Fort Worth while he undergoes chemotherapy to fight his cancer. He’s been through his first round and now waits for the results of bone marrow tests to see if any of his three siblings are donor matches. Laura Wade, a clinical instructor at ACU’s School of Nursing, said Hudson’s cancer is a more rare type of child leukemia, and it requires tougher treatment. The treatment is much more intense and tougher on his body. He will be in the hospital for the duration of his treatment, even in his three weeks off before a second round of chemo. “His hair is everywhere – on the sheets, on the pillow, on the floor, on his clothes,” Laura said. “It doesn’t seem to bother him though. There are so few choices he gets to make in here, so we told him he could choose whether or not to shave his head. So far, he doesn’t want to. He really has a good attitude about it.” Hudson is one of four kids, and a bone marrow transplant from a sibling is a high possibility for treatment. Hudson’s brother and sisters have the best chance of being a match for the transplant, and match results should be in at the end of the week, Laura said. “He will have his next bone marrow aspiration and lumbar puncture next Tuesday,” Laura said. “This is when they will look to see if the chemo killed the cancer cells. If there are no cancer cells, doctors will give him a couple of weeks to build a little strength in his body before going on to chemo round two. If they see cancer cells, they will not wait

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED BY WADE FAMILY

and will just go straight in to round two.” As Hudson continues to undergo treatment, he and his family have received immense support from the ACU community. Hudson’s friends have put on lemonade stands, various social clubs on campus have conducted gift card drives for the family, and thousands of people on Facebook have committed to praying for the Wades. “It’s very humbling to receive all of this support and

not be able to adequately say thank you like we’d like to,” Laura said. “To be gracious receivers is really teaching us a lot.” After hearing about Hudson’s diagnosis, one of Hudson’s friends from Southern Hills Church, Dawson Mullins, decided to have a lemonade stand to raise money for the Wades. Dawson said he’d heard of people doing lemonade stands for other things so when he heard about Hudson’s diagno-

Ralph, a Golden Retreiver, part of Cook Children’s pet therapy program, visits Hudson almost every weekday. Hudson has a special bond with Ralph; – they even take naps together.

sis, he knew what he wanted to do to help. “When I was sleeping, I had the idea,” Dawson said. “And I was thinking that I wanted to do it, and I told my mom about it and now it’s just going on.” So far, Dawson has had five lemonade stands and raised more than $900 selling lemonade, bracelets and baked goods. “I like the part of it when I get tons of customers because that makes me excited that I’m going to raise more and more

money for Hudson, and it motivates me wanting to do it more and more,” Dawson said. Dawson’s next bake sale will be Friday. Dawson’s mother Rebekah Mullins works as a clinical instructor in the nursing school with Hudson’s mother Laura. Mullins said she’s been amazed by the Wade family during this time. “It’s really been a whirlwind trying to get him treatment quickly and trying to figure out what’s going on,” Mullins said. “I know that the family has been overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and support for them. They keep talking about how people are showing the love of God to them through this tragedy, and they are a very special family.” Laura said her work as a nurse and clinical instructor has helped her family better process the situation. “I have the basic medical knowledge, but then again, I’m not an oncology nurse,” Laura said. “And I’m still a momma so it’s different when it’s your own child. It’s been hard, but Hudson’s been very tough and brave and is getting through this with so much courage and our other three kids are as well.” Laura and her husband Kirk continue to drive back and forth between Abilene and Fort Worth as Hudson’s treatment continues. Laura said they are making it through with the support from their community. “I can really say it’s because of the prayers,” Laura said. “Its definitely God’s doing. This whole thing and all the people praying and reaching out that we don’t know – it’s been an amazing thing to be a part of and not anything we can take credit for.” akb12b@acu.edu

ARTS

10.16.15

Department of art shines spotlight on faculty Exhibition in Shore showcases talents of professors BY RACHEL FRITZ The Department of Art and Design is taking a break from showing off student work by shining the spotlight on the department’s faculty instead. The Faculty Exhibition, the biennial faculty art show, takes place every two years and shows off the talents behind the teachers. Jack Maxwell, a professor in the art department, is the director of the Shore Art Gallery, where the art is being displayed. He said the exhibition is a good showcase of the talent the professors harbor and shows students a different side of them. “I believe that to be a good teacher you need to be a good artist,” Maxwell said. “The faculty loves to show their work, and it allows students to see what their teachers have been working on.” The show opened Sept. 11 with a reception and will remain open until Oct. 22. All 11 faculty members, in-

cluding Maxwell, are featured in the show. Maxwell’s piece, “Two Tree: Eden Series, is a series of four paintings illustrating a tree. The description listed next to the painting says the painting as a whole is about choosing and depicts two ancient trees – roots inseparably locked and entangled together. The trees are located in Avebury, England. Maxwell said there is a good variety of work on display in the gallery. “There’s some art pieces in it all the way from realism to abstraction,” he said.

Many of the pieces and works have a personal meaning to the artist. Virginia Sadler, another professor in the department, has two different styles of art on display. On the walls hang two collages, and in a display case sit three handmade silver pieces – “Server with Oak Leaves”, “Oak Leaves I” and “Oak Leaves II.” The oak leaf theme stems back to memories she had when she was little. “I love oak tree leaves because my childhood home was surrounded by oak trees and we have a big oak tree in our backyard in Abilene,” she said. Two of the pieces are pins to wear

that she completed in 1997. The third is a silver server made from two vacuformed silver shapes with ornamentation derived from oak leaf shapes she completed last summer. The collages are composed of scrap paper left over “as is” from class projects she’s administered to students. Next to her collages, a plaque explains that her work tends to be lowtech with roller printed texture and fabrication techniques. Other professors featured in the art show are: • Mike Wiggins, department chair and associate professor; • Ronnie Rama, associate professor; • Geoffrey Broderick, associate professor; • Ryan Freer, instructor; • Robert Green, professor; • Kenny Jones, professor; • Dan McGregor, associate professor; • Nil Santana, assistant professor; • Brandon Young, assistant professor. ref11a@acu.edu

10.16.15

ARTS

Greek Cafe offers health food near campus

BY ELIJAH EVANS You just got lucky if you’re a lover of Greek cuisine who doesn’t want to drive to the other side of town. The Greek Cafe opened at the corner of Treadaway Boulevard and Ambler Avenue less than a month ago, and it’s only a mile and a half away from campus, across the street from Little Italy Pizza. Its interior is reminiscent of a cozy ‘60s diner, and the welcoming staff is attentive, friendly and accommodating. The Greek Cafe’s gyro sandwich was simple but superb. The lamb was moist and warm but not too hot. Shaved razor thin, the tender gyro meat was effortlessly devoured. A warm and luscious pita was a delicious shell stuffed full of lamb, onions, tomatoes and tzatziki sauce. The gyro sandwich may seem simple, but the Greek Cafe nailed the key components and delivered an effortless, yet savory, experience. For those craving sweeter tastes, the walnut baklava is a classic Greek des-

ELIJAH EVANS VISUALS EDITOR

The Greek Cafe opened a few weeks ago and has already begun to draw a crowd.

sert. Paper-thin layers of phyllo dough drenched in honey entomb a filling packed with honey, chopped walnuts and spices. Although the pastry I sampled was more dense than many baklavas, the baklava concluded my meal on a high note that left me content and stuffed.

Luigi Tetaj and Nathalie Telfort own and operate the Greek Cafe. The couple decided to open a Greek restaurant as a healthy option for the nearby college crowd. “This restaurant has a lot of story behind it,” Telfort said. “I’m a nurse, and I actually used to work across the street,

(at Hendrick Medical Center) and at night I couldn’t find anywhere to actually eat instead of at a place like Taco Bell.” Tetaj owned the building, and the two decided to open a restaurant to cater to people like themselves. Telfort put together the menu and said so far everyone who has eaten at their restaurant has loved the food. Telfort said she remembers trying to eat out on a student budget and designed a student special to fit college student’s financial woes. “I expect all the students to come here, and I wanted to do a $6.99 (student special) because I know the students are on a budget... and that the student special would help that a lot,” Telfort said. The student special starts next Monday and includes either a gyro or chicken sublaki sandwich with fries and a drink. Telfort said customers should remember to bring their student or military IDs. ece12a@acu.edu

Larry’s boasts better burgers for 49 years

BY MERCEDEZ HERNANDEZ On the bleak stretch of road known as Treadaway Boulevard lies a true Abilene gem, Larry’s Better Burgers. The drive-in sits at 1233 N Treadaway Blvd. and has been in business since 1967. The outside, although a bit tattered, only adds to business’ reputation of being a long-standing Abilene icon. The business’s exterior maintains a touch of ‘50s flair, the time period owner Larry Olney believes is when the structure was first built, with a motif of blue and white stripes on its tin roof covering and neon writing on its sign. The best part of Larry’s Better Burgers is obviously their burgers; it’s in the name. But the restaurant offers other all-American foods like hot dogs, Frito pie and chicken strips. In a time of peak health food culture, Larry’s throws all health concerns out the window. The burgers are as greasy as they are delicious, and the fries are no exception. How’s that old saying go, “It’s only good if you can see through the brown paper

ELIJAH EVANS VISUALS EDITOR

Larry’s Better Burger opened more than 40 year ago and is still one of the go-to burger joints in Abilene.

bag?” Well, Larry’s is that good. The toasted bun, grilled patty and melted cheese of a Larry’s Better Burger offers visitors the chance to experience an old-fashioned burger at an authentic ‘50s era drive-in. ACU is even represented at the

restaurant. About 35 years ago, Olney was approached by the university to create a special just for ACU students. If you’d like to bite into a piece of Abilene and ACU history, try the Wildcat Special, which is a meal comprised of a steak sandwich, fries and

a drink. Olney opened the drive-in nearly fifty years ago and hasn’t stopped working a day since. “I opened it because I needed to make a living,” Olney said. “I dropped out of college because my grades were too low, so I thought I’d try hamburgers.” The drive-in could be a well-kept secret, as it seems like the only way to know about Larry’s is through wordof-mouth. Olney does not advertise yet still garners a following through pleased customers who are eager to share about their classic burger experience. “We sell inexpensive hamburgers, no advertisement, no franchise,” Olney said. “We don’t make a lot of money, but we make a lot of burgers.” Similar to its old-fashioned look and food, Larry’s only accepts old-fashioned cold, hard cash, so make sure you stop off at the ATM before heading over to enjoy one of the drive-in’s all-American dishes. mmh13a@acu.edu

ARTS

10.16.15

Things to do: DRI Pumpkin Patch BY MERCEDEZ HERNANDEZ The Disability Resources Incorporated Pumpkin Patch is a must for every Abilenian to visit during the fall. The pumpkin patch is on the lawn of DRI’s campus, which is located at 3602 N Clack St. DRI is a non-profit organization that provides care for adults with developmental disabilities. The organization’s mission is, “to provide exceptional care and contented lives to intellectually challenged adults in a Christian environment.” The pumpkin patch is an annual DRI fundraiser, and had over 10,000 visitors last year. Pumpkins that are available for purchase range from $0.50-$50. The patch is a prime Instagramming location; as it has a variety of

props, swings, hay bales and hundreds of pumpkins to take photos with at completely no charge. Along with the free opportunity to take some Instagram-worthy pics, there are also free hayrides around DRI’s 170 acre property going on at the patch throughout the day. After you snap a few pictures of gourds and take a ride around the bend on a hayride, pick up your own pumpkin as a souvenir. The patch is open Monday-Sunday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. For more information about DRI or the pumpkin patch go to driabilene. org or call 325-677-6815. Groups of 10 or more are recommended to make reservations before visiting the patch. mmh13a@acu.edu

ERIKA BOLADO STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

10.16.15

ARTS

PHOTO BY DEANNA ROMERO

Claire Heath takes the stage at JamFest two years ago. JamFest started in 2004.

Students, alumni band to perform at JamFest BY ALLISON BARKSDALE Low attendance numbers at previous JamFests has prompted organizers to regroup this year hoping to attract a larger audience. Though Jamfest was previously on the lawn outside the Hunter Welcome Center, the location of the free-admission concert has been moved to the mall area of campus. JamFest will start at 7 p.m. Student director Taylor Flowers, senior kinesiology major from Spring, said substantial effort has been made in planning this year’s JamFest. “The Alumni Office, the steering committee and the performers have put in a lot of work to make this the best JamFest yet,” Flowers said. Flowers said this year’s show will be filled with an array of talent. “I have heard every act and can personally attest that this is not going to be a show to miss out on,” Flowers said. JamFest is a concert that showcases the talents of many students. For some, it is an opportunity to use their talent for the entertainment of the campus community. “I’ll be playing a medley with an ensemble of freshmen who performed at Freshman Follies,” said Wes Robbins, junior sociology major from Houston. Jake Rosser, junior multimedia major from Abilene, said he hopes to perform

JamFest 2015 Lineup: • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Washed By The Water Ensemble, Callie Houston, Holly Moran, Savannah Pybus, Jake Rosser, Michael Guillot, Aaron Cervantes, Gary Lane Luttrell, Madysen Pennington, Wes Robbins, Aaron Cervantes, Caroline Levinson, and Pa-Paw, an alumni band

new songs next year. “I will probably do JamFest my senior year, expecting that I will have an album or two with new songs to share with everyone,” said Rosser. Gary Lane Luttrell, junior Christian ministry major from Colleyville, said he hopes there will be a vast amount of audience attendees, and that they will be impressed. “I’m hopeful that there will be a good turn out, and that people can see what kind of talent ACU can produce,” Luttrell said. jmcnetwork@acu.edu

A Very Mary Homecoming Mary Poppins will grace the Civic Center with her famous umbrella, cheery chimney sweeps and music that will delight audiences of all ages. STORY BY MERCEDEZ HERNANDEZ PHOTOS BY LYDIA LAWSON

CU Theatre is bringing the beloved Disney film and book Mary Poppins to the stage for this year’s Homecoming Musical. The musical is based on the Disney film of the same name, as well as the book by P.L Travers. Mary Poppins follows the adventures of a mysterious nanny who suddenly appears on the doorstep of the Banks household to care for siblings Jane and Michael Banks. While in Poppins’ care, the Banks children meet a number of colorful characters including dancing chimney sweeps, a shoemaker and many others. The musical will feature beloved songs like “A Spoonful of Sugar”, “Feed the Birds” and others made famous by the film. Rehearsal for the production of Mary Poppins began about two weeks before classes started, said Kari Hatfield, the director of the musical. This is Hatfield’s seventh time working on a Homecoming production and her second time directing a Homecoming Musical. “I’ve been working with a great team of people who all have been working together, and I’m thankful that I didn’t have to figure it out on my own,” Hatfield said. Mikayla Tipps, senior musical theatre major from Amarillo, is the lead role of Mary Poppins. This is not Tipps’ first encounter with the musical, as she was an assistant choreographer of a production of Mary Poppins this past summer. Tipps has also been in productions like Seussical, Children of Eden and Oklahoma! at Amarillo community theaters but has experience on the ACU stage as well. “I have been in shows like Mary Poppins before,” Tipps said. “I have been in every Homecoming Musical since sophomore year, so this is not

my first time doing a show like this. All of that being said, this is the first time I have had a lead of this caliber in a musical here at ACU.” Joel Edwards, senior musical theatre major from Tyler, is playing the role of Bert, Mary’s cheery, chimney sweep friend. Edwards said that playing Bert has allowed him to have fun while on stage. “I love playing Bert because he embodies the imagination and child-like energy that this show is all about,” Edwards said. “I also love playing Bert because we are very similar in a lot of ways.”

ary Poppins is a technical musical and even requires characters to soar over the stage at certain points in the show, something Tipps said has been an adjustment. “We have the most amazing people ‘flying’ us, but the harnesses are less than comfortable, and flying is not something we have a lot of experience with,” Tipps said. “Getting the timing and posture right has been a challenge.” Hatfield also said working with the technical aspects of the musical has taken some getting used to. “This is the first production that I’ve done where we’ll be having people flying through the air,” Hatfield said. “That was a bit of a challenge, learning how to plan for that. The technical elements in the

show are probably the most challenging aspect because it’s such a larger-than-life production.” A musical would not be complete without dancing, and choreographer Melissa Zaremba said working on the musical has been challenging, yet rewarding, for her as well. “It was challenging to show up for my first week of classes and start teaching and choreographing all on the first day before I really knew anyone in the show,” Zaremba said. “That’s a little opposite from how it typically works.”

aremba, who has been performing, teaching and choreographing for 14 years, says that working with the 44 cast members of the show was a new experience for her, but the progress the cast has made was inspiring to witness. “My favorite part has been watching the progress and how it has grown from day one until now,” Zaremba said. “It’s a show that was already dear to my heart, and it’s been special to watch it become special to a new group of cast members and audiences and how it touches them in some way.” Whether it be in book, on film or on stage, Mary Poppins has been a household name for decades, something Hatfield attributes to the story’s ability to appeal to all ages. “I love the message of the story; I love that it appeals to my children, my parents and grandparents. I love that it’s something they can share together,” Hatfield said. The homecoming production of Mary Poppins will run October 16-17 at 8 p.m. and October 18 at 2 p.m. at the Abilene Civic Center. Tickets can be purchased online, at the box office or by calling 325-674-2787. mmh13a@acu.edu

NEWS

Last year was ACU’s first time hosting a TEDx.

10.16.15

PHOTO BY AUSTIN KILCULLEN

TEDxACU accepting speaker applications BY HALEY REMENAR TEDxACU is accepting applications for students to speak at the event Feb. 27, 2016. Bailey Cate , senior communication major from Freemont, Nebraska, and intern for TEDxACU, said students can submit a video online. Videos must be a maximum of 18 minutes and are due by midnight on Oct. 23. The creators of exceptional videos will be called back for judges to listen to their talks live on Nov. 5. “We’re looking for someone who has created an idea worth thinking about,” said Cate. Student speaker Victoria Sun spoke last year about being a millennial. The student speaker should be someone who is thoughtful and creative, Cate said. “It’s not about your age, major or classification,” Cate said. “We want a broad scope of ideas.” Cate also said there are opportunities for students to become student ambassadors. This role includes tasks such as advertising, selling merchandise and helping with check-in. Ten to 12 students were student ambassadors last year, and Cate’s role in the event was onstage visuals. Students can apply online now, and the application has a space to list skills or interest in specific tasks. TED is an international non-profit that started in the 1980s and stands for technology, entertainment and design. TED has national and international events, but any event titled TEDx is a locally organized event. Local events usually are facilitated by cities, universities and schools. TED has

education initiatives, international events and translations of talks into different languages. Dr. Lauren Lemley, TEDxACU director, said the university had to obtain a license to hold the conference and use TED branding. Speakers can’t be paid, and they can’t be donors. They also can’t sell anything, campaign for a political party or preach, though they are allowed to talk about religion as long as they don’t preach a sermon. “The goal is getting people to experience things they wouldn’t normally know,” said Lemley, assistant professor of communication and director of the Speaking Center and graduate studies. Lemley said she hopes to have up to two student speakers this year. All students are encouraged to apply regardless of their major or their public speaking skills. “Public speaking isn’t one-size-fits-all,” Lemley said. “If they are passionate about something, anybody can talk for three minutes.” Students can share life experiences, not just “book-knowledge,” and they can find creative ways to speak such as using videos or music. Student speakers have been as young as 12 years old, so age is not an issue, Lemley said. “Conversations always happen that I never would have expected,” Lemley said. “Who knows what that can spark?” Anyone can attend the student-speaker competition’s final round on Nov. 5. The location will be announced at a later time. jmcnetwork@acu.edu

10.16.15

NEWS

BSA continues new Homecoming tradition BY TORI ALDANA This year’s Homecoming weekend will be full of festivities for all, including a parade and dance. With this year’s theme, “Tell Your Story,” social clubs are working to create exciting floats, incorporating movement and other new techniques said organizers. Black Students’ Association is also hosting its second annual Homecoming dance at the Windsor Hotel. Tom Craig, director of student activities and productions, works with the social clubs for the Homecoming Parade. Typically, the new pledge class of each social club is responsible for building the float. Some clubs have ideas already in place for their pledges to build on, while others leave it completely up to the new class. Once the clubs have their new class, preparations for Homecoming really begin, turning plans from concept to reality. Even though Zeta Rho does not have a pledge class, they are still registered to have a float in the parade. The parade is not just for social clubs. Any groups interested can apply through the Alumni Office, which oversees the parade. “The traditions (of Homecoming) help define who we are and what the experiences each student has at ACU,” Craig said. Having those experiences as a student gives common ground to share with other alumni once graduated, even if they are from different years. Craig’s favorite part of Homecoming is seeing all the people come back. “It’s one of those unique times where you can’t walk through a crowd without seeing someone you know,” said Craig. Daniel Vargas, sophomore accounting major from Coppell, said the most exciting part of Homecoming is when alumni come into town, and you get to see people who have come to ACU. Kiele Samuel, junior nursing major from Dallas and Sigma Theta Chi Keeper of the Key, has been involved with parade preparations. Preparation for Saturday’s parade began over the summer, where the social club picked their theme and gathered supplies. Physical work also went into the preparations with building, assembling and decorating. Although mainly pledges work on the float, members have been involved.

“A lot of girls have been willing to step up and help out,” said Samuel. The pledges this year are special because they are energetic and excited. “It has been fun to watch something that we envisioned come to life, that our ideas are tangible thanks to those who have put in work. This year’s float is special because the theme encompasses who we are,” Samuel said. “I really like when all the clubs get together and and make a float. Everyone lines the streets and watches them. It’s a fun time,” said Kirk Farrell, senior youth ministry major from Richardson. “The most exciting part of Homecoming weekend is the school spirit that is running through everyone’s veins. Everyone that you look to on your left and on your right is proud to be a Wildcat.” BSA is hosting its second annual Homecoming dance, “Autumn in New York.” Last year, nearly 400 students attended. The dance will be at the Windsor Hotel on Oct. 17 from 8-11 p.m. Tickets for BSA members are $5 and $7 for non-members. The eight officers were responsible for planning, but took a lot of feedback from members. At meetings, members helped pick the theme and location. BSA decided against encouraging costumes or a particular style of dress, as it could potentially discourage students from coming to the dance. BSA wants to keep the dance as open to everyone as possible. “BSA brings students from all walks of life, different cultures, ethnicities and grade levels, on campus and brings them together to have fun,” said Shakur Smith, sophomore marketing major from Indianapolis, Indiana. The association decided to host the dance for students to have a fun and safe way to celebrate Homecoming while encouraging school spirit, Smith said. The event is expected to build community among students as it is not catered to one specific group of students. BSA will also have a float in the parade. Officers and members volunteered to create the float, but anyone is encouraged to help out and get community service hours. In addition to Homecoming events, BSA will host a talent show in November. vja14a@acu.edu

MARIANA CEDILLO STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

This year’s Homecoming dance theme is “Autumn in New York” and will take place at the Windsor Hotel downtown. Last year’s theme, pictured above, was “All White Masquerade.”

NEWS

10.16.15

Shootings initiate talk of campus carry BY ABBY RUNNELS In the wake of the campus shooting at Umpqua Community College in Oregon on Oct. 1, students and faculty have been discussing the issue of campus carry as it relates to ACU. On June 1, Gov. Greg Abbott signed into law Senate Bill 11, which provides that CHL (concealed handgun license) holders may carry a concealed handgun

on college campuses. The bill goes into effect Aug. 1, 2016, and makes Texas the eighth state to allow concealed handguns in campus facilities. However, private colleges are given the option to opt out of allowing campus carry after consulting with students, faculty and staff. “In anticipation of the new law, we are currently still in the process of consulting with students, faculty and

staff, as is required by law, and we will report that consultation and summary to the president and the senior administration of the university,” said Jimmy Ellison, ACU Police Department chief of police. Ellison said he has been in contact with many people on both sides of the issue, and said people on each side have valid points.

“People have strong feelings on both sides of the argument,” said Ellison. “Proponents of it argue that lives could potentially be saved before law enforcement can get there. And in many cases, that could be true. Opponents of campus carry say that introducing more guns into the situation could just lead

“It has definitely promoted discussion among me and my friends, especially since it’s an issue ACU is dealing with.” Abby Altom to more tragedy, could lead to police officers misidentifying someone as a gunman, and so on.” Abby Altom, senior communications major from Huntsville, said she believes campus carry should be allowed on ACU’s campus and the shooting in Oregon made the subject more relevant than before. “It has definitely promoted discussion among me and my friends, especially since it’s an issue ACU is dealing with,” she said. The university leadership will have to make a decision regarding campus carry in the next few months. Ellison said he hopes the decision is made by the end of this semester or early next semester so the university can begin getting the ACU community ready for whatever that decision is. “It’s not my role to advocate; my role is to make sure the university is in compliance with the law. I’m involved in advising the senior leadership about the findings, but the ultimate decision is up to president and the university’s leadership,” Ellison said. anr11a@acu.edu

10.16.15

NEWS

Galaxy to host benefit dinner for KGR

BY KASSIE KIM Galaxy’s second annual Kirk Goodwin Run benefit dinner will be at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Grace Museum, and all money raised will help fund the next KGR. KRG is a 5K and half marathon that Galaxy members host every spring semester. The money raised from the run is donated to a family struggling with significant medical expenses or to research funds. “Galaxy started the KGR in 1984,” said Troy Osborn, senior accounting and finance major from Salt Lake City, Utah. “Kirk Goodwin, who was a member of Galaxy, died in a car accident. We began the run in his honor to help his family pay medical bills. His family asked us to continue the run to help other families in similar situations.” Galaxy added the half marathon to the 5K a few years ago, which raised the cost of funding the run. “The KGR benefit dinner started so

people attended last year’s dinner. “So far we have had 70 people buy tickets beforehand,” Harpold said. “We are expecting to have 100 people attend, so we have about 30 seats left.” Tickets for the dinner are $50 per plate. Monty Tuttle, a friend of Goodwin, will speak at the dinner about Goodwin and what the KGR is. Dr. Phil Schubert, president of the university, is the main speaker for the night. “This is not only a tradition that matters, but one that gives back,” Harpold said. “It pulls the best out of us in putting this on. Not only the dinner, but the run. Our club really pulls together, and you can see the best out PHOTO BY PAIGE OTWAY of everyone which is a great experiThe Kirk Goodwin Run was started more than 30 years ago in rememberance of Galaxy club ence. The KGR is not about Galaxy; it’s about helping others and giving back we could raise money to cover the cost systems major from Fredericksburg. because we’ve been given so much.” of both the 5K and the half marathon “Anything that is excess goes straight The next KGR 5K and half maraand not have to worry about having to to what the KGR run raises.” thon will be April 23. pay for everything out of pocket,” said Seventy-eight, not including active Blake Harpold, junior information Galaxy members and new pledges jmcnetwork@acu.edu

10.16.15

OPINION

Campus carry debate needs new angle

The United States witnessed more fatal shootings of preschoolers (82) than fatal shootings of police officers (27) in the line of duty, according to figures for 2013 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the FBI. Despite horrifying statistics like this, America has demonstrated a gross incapability on national and state levels to effectively address the gun control and the gun regulation dilemma. Lawmakers and the general public have refused to view gun control as a public-health issue and continue to shun proven public-health improvement strategies as impractical or unconstitutional. In the wake of increased media coverage of shootings, the Texas Legislature passed the campus carry bill, which will allow concealed handgun license (CHL) holders to carry their concealed firearm on public college campuses. Private universities, like ACU, have the option of opting out. This bill has drawn harsh criticism from academics and students alike and highlights the incongruent approaches to gun control in the nation. The Optimist Editorial Board believes the public and the nation need to look at the issue through a different lens. Mass shootings are undoubtedly a stain on our nation, yet we refuse to see the problem as a public-health policy issue. Instead, we attack the non-issues because deep down we are all undoubtedly certain that mass shootings are fundamentally wrong. So we attack gun collectors, gun shows and specific categories of firearms, belabor our opponents’ views and direct our focus toward other fringe problems, while we ignore the 33,636 Americans involved in fatal shootings in 2013. The campus carry bill is

controversial, to put it lightly, and will become more so in the coming months when ACU must decide if it will opt in or out. The Optimist polled 100 ACU students and learned that 33 out of the 100 own a firearm, and 43 do not own a firearm but have family members that do. Seventy percent of these 76 students said the firearm is for protection, and 66 percent own a firearm for hunting purposes. Although the survey was elementary, it illustrates the relevance of gun control legislation and its potential impact on the ACU community. The Optimist Editorial Board believes that the ACU community should stop wasting words and effort strafing the fringes of the gun control issue and instead dig into the meat of the situation. Instead of arguing about

2nd Amendment rights, most Finally, the ACU community recently defined in District should stop and ask why more of Columbia v. Heller (2008), effective regulations and gun the ACU community should consider, “that majorities even EDITORIAL AND of gun-owners favor universal background checks; tighter Unsigned editorials are the regulation of gun dealers; safe opinions of the Optimist storage requirements in homes; and may not necessarily and a 10-year prohibition on reflect the views of the unipossessing guns for anyone versity or its administration. convicted of domestic violence, Signed columns, cartoons assault or similar offenses.” and letters are the opinions Instead of mocking the of their creators and may comparison between automonot necessarily reflect the biles and firearms, the ACU viewpoints of the Optimist community should consider or the university. automobiles an example of the The Optimist encourages effectiveness of public-health reader response through policy. Despite not banning cars, letters to the editor but we have reduced the auto fatality reserves the right to limit rate by 95 percent through the frequent contributors or requirement of driver’s licenses, to refuse to print letters seatbelts, padded dashboards, containing personal attacks, airbags, safety glass and collapsobscenity, defamation, ible steering columns.

control measures have been ignored. The gun lobby has done a stellar job blocking funding toward research focused on gun safety. “Between 1973 and 2012, the National Institutes of Health awarded 89 grants for the study of rabies and 212 for cholera — and only three for firearms injuries,” Nicholas Kristof reported. Not only has funding for research been blocked, but in 2003, Congress barred the government from revealing information detailing which gun stores sold the most firearms later linked to crimes. The tragedy of mass shootings and shocking legislation like the campus carry bill provoke strong reactionary responses and actions. But the Optimist Editorial Board believes that the prevalence of mass shootings in the United States is not a new development or a national problem resolved by emotional, knee-jerk legislature. Campus carry is coming to Texas, whether the ACU community opts in or not. Read the extended story at www.acuoptimist.com

LETTER POLICY 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 79609 E-mail letters to: optimist@acu.edu

OPINION

10.16.15

Letter to the editor: The crux of the core

This week, the ACU faculty are voting on a change to the university requirements for all students, what is commonly called “general education.” A part of their deliberation is what to do with the CORE classes. The proposal would make no change to CORE 110 (Cornerstone) or the BCOR class in Bible; it would place CORE 210 into a larger menu of options. Of course, doing that would mean the course is no longer required of all students; rather, it would be an option among other choices. The other main change would be including a Historical Literacy class for all students – either an HIST course or one of several approved courses that focus on

historical topics. From the faculty’s perspective, the biggest detriment to this proposal is the loss of a sequence of courses that expose complex ideas like justice, belief, and critical thinking. I share that concern. There are no other courses that intentionally and sequentially engage those topics. From the student’s perspective, I am confident there is a sigh of relief. In part because there remains uncertainty as to the purpose of the class, and in part, because there’s always the temptation to revel in schadenfreude. First: resist temptation. Second: what construes misfortune, and is this a legitimate case?

That’s the kind of conversation I’ve most enjoyed having in the CORE classes I’ve taught. For those who are currently enrolled in 210, I would say finish strong. You have invested your time and energy into the course, finish what you started. If your degree plan calls for you to take it next semester, do it – there will be several sections to choose from. If, however, you want to change to the 2016-17 catalog, be prepared to meet all of the expectations and requirements of that catalog. Deciding the learning outcomes for all graduates is one of the most important roles of faculty: in large part, doing this

lives out the mission of the university. General Education is a foundation on which those outcomes are built. As higher education continues to change, I think there will be an increasingly wide variety of ways to satisfy general education requirements in the future. John Henry Cardinal Newman, the British theologian and philosopher and author of The Idea of a University, noted that “to live is to change, and to be perfect is to have changed often.” I think this is may be the crux of the core.

Dr. Gregory Straughn is the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

The ACU difference: More than just a hashtag N-I-E-M-I-R-O-W-S-K-I SHERA NIEMIROWSKI Just over three years ago, I was standing in an Abilene 7-Eleven during Welcome Week, slurpee-less, crying and saying things I’m not allowed to type. My mom and I had driven to four different 7-Elevens, none of which had this treat I was somehow convinced would solve my current breakdown. Fast forward to now: it’s almost 2 o’clock in the morning, the day this very paper is due, and I’m jamming out to

Hozier in the newsroom with some of the best people I know. And I wouldn’t change a thing. Back to freshman, bratty, Slurpee-less Shera. Between an injury decision and feeling God’s guidance like I never had before in my life, I kissed Mizzou goodbye and was dragged to West Texas just in time to start in the fall. I jumped right in later during Welcome Week, looking at clubs on campus and job opportunities. I got involved with fellow freshman, wanted to learn outside the classroom from my professors, and started working in my department. All of this led me to where I am now. We hear it all the time, but it’s true:

hashtagACU Follow @acuoptimist on Twitter Oct. 12 11:52 a.m.

I’ve never really considered myself a major procrastinator... but here I am starting my paper that’s due in three hours. College changes you.

Oct. 13 8:02 a.m.

Everyone’s getting engaged and I’m just over here trying to find a date to grub :^(

@allisonkbrown @juliaaprior

Oct. 15 10:24 a.m.

I’ve been at Office Depot so much this week that they know me by my first name:) #thanksSteve

@Em_ily_95 Oct. 11 9:46 p.m.

hey ACU if you’re ever feeling down go watch people dodge the sprinklers on the Lunsford at night

@emjmuhl

there is an ACU difference. That difference is not what we tweet about: The Bean cookies, leaving your stuff in the library with no worries or the cat feeding stations. It’s that we have amazing opportunities and Godly professors who want what’s best for us, but who are also willing to knock us right off our feet. I hated this place just a few years ago, and I have no problem admitting that. But like seemingly everything else in life, I was quickly proven wrong. I could list many stories of when I felt so at home and welcome and loved that it was overwhelming, but the most recent one hit home the hardest (no pun intended). Oct. 15 9:35 a .m.

At least we still have our health #CollegeIn7Words

This summer, I had an old friend pass away suddenly. I was ready to quit my job, finish up at Abilene,and get out. As I expressed this to one of my professors, and rather than saying “Bye” and “Your loss,” he talked it out with me, and we came up with a plan. I cried then and I’m crying now because I know that anywhere else, professors would not do the same. All that being said, Homecoming to me is more than club events, musicals, queens, and yes, even football games. Homecoming at ACU is a reminder of the refuge, and sometimes a party or football game, that we have in this crazy world with some of the best people we’ll ever encounter.

Oct. 14 1:20 p.m.

Projector got a new bulb in my 1 o’clock. We are all very excited. #gocats

@EricLHamilton Oct. 14 9:59 a.m.

Just overheard someone say: “it’s starting to get cold out, I don’t want to get sick!” ... My friend, the high is 96 today.

@ReeseGwin Oct. 13 1:58 p.m.

Nothing says procrastination like a 2 hour @k_winz nap

@wyatt_french @ryne_parrish

Oct. 12 12:02 p.m.

Just bc ACU now supports dancing doesn’t mean we should shake our hips in the bean

@hannahhecker Oct. 13 10:47 a.m.

Can i change my major to ultimate frisbee plz?

@camzilla_k

10.16.15

SPORTS

Ahead of the pack: Freshmen boost soccer BY DANIEL ZEPEDA It’s not supposed to happen like this. This isn’t how it’s supposed to go. To be this young and this good, already, it just doesn’t happen. Not everyday at least. That’s the case for two members of the women’s soccer squad. Freshmen Dylan Owens and Sophie Standifer have quickly proven that success does not always require patience. “It means a lot as a freshman,” Owens said. “Usually it’s something you would expect for the older girls, but now we’re looking at playing a lot of time.” The forward duo leads ACU in several offensive categories. They are second and third in points and shots and tied for first in goals and assists. The two have combined for six goals and 44 shots. In conference, Owens is among the leaders in points with eight and goals with three. Most of her success she credits to her teammates, emphasizing the fact

ELIJAH EVANS VISUALS EDITOR

ACU soccer continues to climb the Southland standings with Owens (left) and Standifer (right). Last season, forward Baylee Mitchell earned all-conference honors after leading the team with seven goals in her freshman year.

that she’s just doing her job. “My accomplishments have really been set up by other people around me,” Owens said. “I think most people in this conference could finish plays that have been set up for me. Sophie is the one who is more of taking it in, dribbling around 10 people and scoring. Mine is more of Lindsey Jones making a beautiful pass to me, and I just have to tap it in.” Although humble, Owens’ description may be a tad off. Against Northwestern State, she was able to steal the ball in the early minutes of the game and score on a one-on-one matchup at Elmer Gray Stadium. Dylan Owens fought for possession against University of North Texas earlier this season “I was hyped for that game,” Owens said. “It was the first game for my parents to see me at ACU. It meant a lot.” Both players have been tossed into the starting rotation for the Wildcats and have been forced to play the majority of minutes. Standifer has started all but the opening two games of the season, while Owens has recently found her place as a starter. “I kind of got thrown into it earlier on, especially playing against the

bigger schools that were intimidating,” Standifer said. “I had to adjust so that now, playing conference games, I feel better than when we played bigger school like Texas or A&M.” “I feel like I started out a little more rough,” Owens said. “But I’m starting to gel and gain more confidence. Against the tougher teams, I felt like I was a little kid playing against older girls. But now, I feel confident that I can compete with them.” The Wildcats have a well-established balance of youth and experience this season. With a talented freshmen class, Owens and Standifer have taken no time in standing out, as head coach Casey Wilson has given them both a heavier load of the offense. “Coach talked to me and told me that he wanted me to start playing more, which is always good to hear,” Owens said. “It’s also intimidating because I have a lot more on my shoulders now. I feel like since he and the team have confidence in me, that I should be confident in myself and my abilities.” Read more at acuoptimist.com djz11a@acu.edu

10.16.15

SPORTS

Staying on Par: Carpenter returns from injury BY COLLIN THOMPSON On June 26, 2014, Luke Carpenter had surgery to repair the torn hip labrum on his left side, which required six months of recovery. His next surgery in December was for the same issue, this time on his right side. The second surgery came with another six months on the sidelines. After more than a year of recovery, Carpenter’s long journey back to the ACU men’s golf team is coming to fruition. A Little Rock, Arkansas, native, Carpenter won three golf state championships and graduated from Arkansas Baptist High School in 2011. He followed up his high school success with an equally impressive freshman campaign at ACU that included a Lone Star Conference honorable mention and a ninth-place finish at the Lone Star Conference Championship with a three-over-par (219) in 2012. Then came the health issues. “When I came out of high school, I was playing great, and freshman year I played great,” Carpenter said. “But then in sophomore year, something wasn’t right, and junior year it was worse. At that point it was just a lot of ice and ibuprofen, but when I figured out that I needed surgery, that explained a lot, and I was bummed. At the same time, I was pumped to get it taken care of, get healthy and then be the player I was and get even better.” But for Carpenter, the process would be much longer and drawn out than simple surgeries and getting back out on the course. “It was so hard; For a year you’re out, and you’re just dreaming about the day you get back,” Carpenter said. “You get back and expect yourself to be getting it done, but you have to be so patient. There was a two-to-three month period where I was frustrated, but at the same time, I had to remind myself every day that I had to give myself time. I’ve just learned that as a golfer, you beat the crap out of your body, and things are going to happen sometimes; you can’t control them.” Now that Carpenter is back playing golf at a regular and healthy pace, he’s still adjusting to playing at the Div. 1 level and to the best of his own ability, which has come with its own difficulties. “Course management, that’s been the hardest part,” Carpenter said. “The swing came back pretty quick, but de-

EMILY GUAJARDO STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Carpenter has a lot to live up to in his return to the team. He had two other brothers who attended ACU, Adam and Alex Carpenter. Alex is best known for his 20 career tournament wins.

cision-making and distance control was hard. Before surgery, I was weak and in pain and couldn’t really hit anything full, so I came back and everything was going so much further, and I had to adapt to that and figure it out.” In the year Carpenter spent away from golf, he missed the opportunity to compete for head coach Tom Shaw, who was in his first year coaching ACU golf.

Now, both are catching up for lost time, building the rapport that comes between coach and player. “I like what I see,” Shaw said. “I think Luke is encouraged now by where his game is at, and he wants to get better and that kind of drive, that initiative, makes coaching a lot easier.” The team also received a lot of new faces, whether freshmen or college

transfers. Carpenter believes that he can not only make great relationships with them, but also has the ability to lead. “It’s been cool to get to know them,” Carpenter said. “I definitely looked forward to it and it has definitely been fun to be able to be with them on the course. Read more at acuoptimist.com cnt13c@acu.edu

SPORTS

10.16.15

Nursing major pummels offenses BY DEREK MARCELAIN At 6’1” and 290 pounds, Josh Bloom does not strike most people as the prototypical nurse in training. In fact, if anything, he may remind most as a bodyguard or club bouncer. But looks can be misleading, as the ACU football defensive tackle and nursing major spends most of his time tackling and sending opponents to the sideline, but also has the ability to bandage them up. “I spend the first six or seven months of the semester wearing pads and hitting people, hurting people, and then after that I go put on scrubs and go to the hospital and care for people,” Bloom said. “It’s definitely something that you have to know when to flip the switch, but it has been a pretty good experience.” Born in Kingwood, Bloom’s parents introduced him to athletics at just fouryears-old when he tried out many different sports, but ultimately football was the one that stuck. “I liked the physicality of it, I liked hitting people and being aggressive,” Bloom said. “Because I mean, you could not do that in baseball or basketball to that degree without getting in trouble, so football was the way to go.” Bloom credits a hospital visit as a freshman in high school with his desire to become a nurse. “I had an emergency appendectomy, had my appendix removed and a few weeks later had developed some complications and had a really bad infection that kept me in the hospital for over a month and I lost over 80 pounds,” Bloom said. “So it was just real teary and weathered and the people that kept me motivated and kept me up and excited everyday to get up and do things were my nurses. Just seeing that, the way they impacted me, the choice was pretty simple from there, I wanted to help people and to do it in that profession. There was no other choice.” Several universities around the country have established nursing programs, but Bloom wanted to go somewhere he could learn to be a great nurse while also get to be a great football player. “When I was getting recruited, Coach (Ken) Collums was the only coach out of all the coaches that recruited me that didn’t talk about football,” Bloom said. “He talked about my development as a man and as a father, husband, and I mean that is just so new and different. You normally don’t

STANDINGS FOOTBALL STANDINGS

Div. 4-0 3-0 3-1 2-1 2-1 2-2 2-2 1-3 0-3 0-3 0-3

Team MSU UCA SHSU SELU Lamar UIW ACU SFA HBU Nicholls St. NSU

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

SOCCER STANDINGS

Team SFA ACU SELU

HBU

SHSU UCA TAMU-CC MSU Lamar NSU UIW Nicholls St.

Div. 4-0-2 4-1-1 4-2 4-2 4-2 3-2-1 2-3-1 2-4 2-4 1-3-2 1-4-1 1-5

Ovrl 5-6-2 5-7-2 9-3-1 6-4-1 7-5-1 6-7-1 2-8-2 5-7 5-9 4-6-3 3-10-1 3-8-1

VOLLEYBALL STANDINGS

Team TAMU-CC UCA SFA ACU SHSU Lamar MSU NO SELU HBU UIW NSU Nicholls St. ELIJAH EVANS VISUALS EDITOR

Josh Bloom has been a defensive contributor since his redshirt freshman season. Bloom has recorded 5.5 career tackles for loss and batted down 6 passes.

Div. 6-0 6-2 5-2 4-2 4-3 3-3 3-3 2-3 2-3 2-4 2-4 2-6 0-6

Ovrl 18-4 10-10 13-10 4-15 10-11 13-7 7-13 11-9 8-11 9-11 4-11 4-17 5-13

BRIEFINGS Stories available at acuoptimist.com

hear that with recruiting trips and I just came here and fell in love with the campus, fell in love with the people and it was pretty clear cut from there.” Now in his fourth year with the Wildcats, Bloom has grown as a player, but also as a nurse. And to top it off, Bloom also has spent the past few years on the track and field team for ACU, participating in the shot put. “I have done a lot, I have traveled a lot

to cool places,” Bloom said. “My first time on a plane happened when we traveled for a game for football, so that is something that sticks out. All the things we get to do, all the places we have been, the teams we have faced, the overall atmosphere of the college level of playing is just totally different from anything else. It’s been a really good ride.” djm14b@acu.edu

Football continues rough gauntlet against Sam Houston State by Collin Wieder Second place soccer heads out for long road trip by Daniel Zepeda Be sure to follow @OptimistSports on Twitter for more stories and the latest ACU sports news coverage.

10.16.15

SPORTS

Senior trio finds way to win despite odds BY JONATHAN RAITZ For ACU volleyball’s seniors Madison Hoover, Sarah Siemens and Jennie Loerch, the journey has been anything but consistent. However, through coaching changes, a transition to Div. 1 and player exits, one thing has remained the same for these three: Each other. “We always like talk about that how like it’s been a hard four years here at ACU, but like playing with my best friends ever is like the best thing that’s ever happened,” Siemens said. “We’ve gone through so much us three as best friends, but also as like teammates. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience with Hoover and Jennie.” One of the biggest changes the seniors experienced has been ACU’s transition to Div. I. During the Wildcats’ inaugural season they finished 6-18 and 2-12 in conference. “Div. 1 players are just more physical, like bigger and they hit harder,” Loerch said. “In Div. II the tempo was faster and stuff like that, but in Div. II it’s more physical.” Along with the move to Div. I came a coaching change and player flux as well as other issues. “We’ve gone through a lot like we’ve had 10 girls quit leave, we’ve had two different head coaches, two different assistant coaches, a transition to Div. I, but we’ve just kind of like never given up and we’ve kept working hard through all the different adversity,” Siemens said. Although wins have not come as frequent as they would like, the trio has stuck together, totaling more than 200 sets played together. “It’s hard whenever you have to be a senior and be a leader and also be positive whenever we have gone through all our trials and tribulations,” Hoover said. She said although it hasn’t always been easy the accountability with each other has been crucial during some of their lowest moments. “To have those girls be my backbone and remind me like, ‘hey, you’re kind of being negative and the team doesn’t need that right now, and to just have them step up when I need them, they’ve just been my best friends,”

JAKE ROSSER STAFF PHTOGRAPHER

The trio of seniors have seen a lot of change but remained consistently in the lineup. All three earned letters from their freshman year through their junior seasons.

Hoover said. Despite this positive accountability and mentality, the 2015 season has produced its fair share of new challenges, including welcoming seven new players to the team but Loerch said this was a fairly easy transition. “They are all just great girls and like before they came the seven of us (returners) had a really special bond and we were all kind of worried about the freshmen coming in and ruining that, but they added to it and made it even more beautiful and cohesive,” Loerch said. This cohesiveness has been critical to the Wildcats’ recent success. The Wildcats were picked to finish second from the bottom in the Southland Conference, but after a 4-2 start in the 2015 conference campaign and rank fourth overall in the conference. “Everyone knows our preseason

was super rough, like going 0-14 was really hard on my confidence, and I was just so scared when we got to conference,” Hoover said. “But we got here, and we’re 4-2 now and we are taking people out that we haven’t beat before.” The first of these wins came against Northwestern State in the Wildcats home opener where they conducted a three set sweep. “We had been like stressed out and freaking out about not winning a game yet and stuff and it was such a sweet moment to have that sweep and just have all our hard work pay off in the end,” Siemens said. Many of the players have said one of the differences with this year’s team is the control and confidence they play with, as the Wildcats have been able to finish close games and matches unlike previous years.

“When everyone is doing their job successfully and confidently so like our passes are on, our sets are on, our hits are on, we are just in control,” Loerch said. “And the other team, the beauty of it is it makes them start making errors and lose control.” With 10 games left, this team and trio want nothing more than a conference title but they know as important as cohesiveness is on the court, it is magnified outside of volleyball. “Well now that it’s my senior year and it is all ending I don’t think volleyball, I mean I’m always going to miss volleyball, but I think it’s just playing with my best friends Sarah and Jen,” Hoover said. “Coming in as freshmen and not knowing each other and somehow God placed us at this school to be together and now we are going to be best friends forever.” jmr13b@acu.edu

SPORTS

THE OPTIMIST FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2015 PAGE 24

LUKE CARPENTER RETURNS TO ACU GOLF PAGE 21

Seniors Jennifer Loerch, Sarah Siemens and Madison Hoover went through ACU volleyball’s Div. I move, a coaching change and rough seasons. Now they sit 4-2 in conference contending with the best the Southland has to offer. JAKE ROSSER STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

PUTTING THE HURT ON: BLOOM DISRUPTS BACKFIELD

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