The Optimist 2-19-16 by ACU Optimist

THE OPTIMIST VOL. 104 NO. 21 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2016

1 SECTION, 24 PAGES

COBA SAYS GOODBYE TO LY TLE PAGE 16

Men’s social club Galaxy performs their act, Dads of Our Lives, during a dress rehearsal Wednesday night. ELIJAH EVANS VISUALS EDITOR

EXPLORE 60 YEARS OF SING SONG TRADITION PAGE 12

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FRIDAY • •

SATURDAY

• • • •

Alumni Day Lunch Presidential Scholars Day Men’s basketball vs. Southeastern Louisiana at 1 p.m. in Moody Coliseum Women’s basketball vs. Southeastern Louisiana at 3:30 p.m. in Moody Coliseum

Presidential Scholars Day

MONDAY

•

Sing Song 60th Anniversary Celebration at 8 a.m. in the Campus Center basement Sing Song second show at 2 p.m. in Moody Coliseum President’s Circle Dinner Sing Song final show at 8 p.m. in Moody Coliseum

SUNDAY

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Free screening of The Butler at 7 p.m. in Cullen Auditorium

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Women’s basketball at Houston Baptist at 7 p.m. Broadway in Abilene presents: ‘Annie’ at the Abilene Civic Center at 7:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

Lucado to be named FACUL ‘Friend of Year’

Faculty, students join in new physics findings

Max Lucado will come to ACU on April 25 to accept the “Friend of the Year” award from the Friends of ACU Library and to help inaugurate the Max Lucado Collection at the ACU library. John Weaver, dean of library services and educational technology, organized the event. “I’m hoping that current ACU students and the Abilene community will see the deep impact that ACU had on Lucado’s life, as well as the ways that he sought to serve God and others through his writing,” Weaver said.

Dr. Josh Willis and a couple of physics students were involved in scientific research that supports Einstein’s 1915 general theory of relativity, opening new windows for astronomy. Every year since 2011, Willis, associate professor of the engineering and physics department, spent several months in Hannover, Germany as a visiting scientist and senior lead developer on the PyCBC pipeline in the data analysis group of the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics. Willis worked on developing, testing, and running software while also analyzing data that was detected by Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) detectors. For the first time, scientists observed gravitational waves, ripples in the fabric of space-time from two black holes that are each about 30 times the mass of the sun, colliding with each other. The waves were detected on September of 2015 by both of the twin (LIGO) detectors.

Students invited to try out for mascot position The university will conduct auditions to choose the next Willie the Wildcat. Current mascot Katie Gibson will graduate in May 2017 and is looking for someone to pass off the torch to next year. To sign up for a tryout time, email kag13b@acu.edu.

By Mariana Cedillo

published by the department of journalism and mass communication

•

Honors College screening of Alfred Hitchcock film Rear Window at 6:30 p.m. at the Paramount Theatre

from www.acuoptimist.com

THE OPTIMIST

TUESDAY

S P I R I T U A L F O R M AT I O N CREDITS *Number is based on days Chapel is offered in Moody

• •

Wildcat Preview Day Wildcat Stadium Groundbreaking at 11:45 a.m. at Wally Bullington Practice Field Sing Song first show at 8 p.m. in Moody Coliseum

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

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

Haley Remenar 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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NEWS

02.19.16

60th Sing Song presents a night ‘On the Town’ BY ALLISON BROWN Students will take to stage this weekend for the university’s 60th Sing Song, On The Town. Clubs and classes have created a dazzling array of upstage acts connected to the overall theme, with everything from taxi cab drivers to Hobbits to dads. The hosts and hostesses delight the crowd with their dynamic variety of town-related songs. The 60th production of Sing Song is a significant anniversary for the campus tradition, and Tom Craig, director of Sing Song and student productions, said this year’s show fits the occasion. “When you have a decade anniver-

“I can honestly say this year it is anybody’s game. There’s no clear standout at this point so that makes for a really great show.” Tom Craig sary like the 60th show, it is something that we want to recognize because we have tradition that has been around for so many years,” Craig said. “Our approach to the 60th show has been to make it as big and as dramatic as we possibly can. Our efforts have been poured into making the best Sing Song we know how to create.” Since last fall, groups have been brainstorming to create spectacular three-and-a-half minute performances to wow the audience and, more importantly, the judges. “Upstage acts have been very creative in their theme selection and have done a really good job tying it to the overall theme,” Craig said. Jenny Dennis, director of Sigma Theta Chi’s Dr. Seuss-themed act, “The Who Girl in Town,” said she feels like the club’s idea fits well with the

overall theme of On The Town. “Once we started figuring our Dr. Seuss idea out, we knew we wanted to be Whoville so that we were actually a town,” said Dennis, senior psychology major from Garland. “So it was kind of a bonus that our theme went so well with the overall one. Some of our other ideas we talked about would’ve been kind of a stretch, but with Whoville it was perfect.” This year, groups have been given more access to resources to enhance overall performance. Consultants were brought in, and directors of past winning Sing Song acts made the rounds across campus to help acts maximize their talent and creativity. Whether that meant rethinking costume design or perfecting choreogrpahy, access to these resources have created an extremely competitive upstage environment, with most acts tapping into winning potential. “I think what we will see on stage will be some of the best upstage acts we’ve ever seen,” Craig said. “I can honestly say this year it is anybody’s game. There’s no clear standout at this point, so that makes for a really great show.” Craig and his professional team always have three or four potential themes developing for upcoming years. Craig said there are a few elements to a good overall theme: it has to work for both upstage and downstage. “When picking a theme, we look for themes that allow the upstage acts to have enough flexibility and creativity for it to work,” Craig said. “We want something that translates well upstage and has a lot of songs that work for downstage.” Each January, the following year’s theme is chosen so it can be announced in February at Sing Song, meaning there are a few weeks out of the year where Craig is working on two productions at once. “We look at what is going on all around us at this moment in time and that is how we decide,” Craig said. The theme for Sing Song 2017 will be announced during the shows this weekend. akb12b@acu.edu

LAUREN FRANCO STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

The women of GATA are in it to win it this year as they dazzle the audience with their sparkly act, “Diamonds are a GATA’s Best Friend.”

NEWS

02.19.16

EMILY GUAJARDO STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Students are scheduled to attend classes in the new research center by next spring.

Science center construction on schedule for completion BY JESSICA CLARK As the Vision in Action initiative continues, three primary construction projects progress across campus. Kevin Roberts, vice president of planning and operations, oversees the construction projects and said the contruction team is on track to finish Halbert-Walling, their biggest project. “Being done really means ready to move in, and we’re still trying to figure out what that look likes in terms of all of the moving parts,” Roberts said. “The hope is we would be ready to teach classes in there for the spring of 2017.” The construction at Halbert-Walling Research Center eventually will be the corresponding research center to the Onstead Science Building. “The phase of Onstead that we’re working on right now is essentially done,” Roberts said. “As soon as we get everything moved out of Onstead and into Halbert-Walling, then we’ll turn our attention to the interior part and the refurb of the interior. From a planning perspective, we are in the middle of that right now.” The progress in Onstead allows students to use the new lobby area. “Students are congregating in that area and using that space the way we hoped they would,” Roberts said. “It’s great to see that.” The second project in progress is the new residence hall, formerly Christian

Village, which previously housed retirees. “The new residence hall is progressing great,” Roberts said. “It will certainly be ready for the fall. There is not much construction that we are going to have to do on that. The bones of the building are in fantastic shape.” Lastly, construction on two athletic fields has made significant progress over the past few months. “We’re done with the new turf at softball and baseball,” Roberts said. “Football is the big one. The groundbreaking will be Feb. 19 during Sing Song. The plans are moving along for the fall 2017 kick off.” Jon Haarlow, assistant athletic director of internal operations, said the completion of the softball and baseball fields helps improve the look of campus. “The fields look incredible, and when you are looking at campus from Ambler, both new playing surfaces are much more aesthetically pleasing,” Haarlow said. “You won’t find two more beautiful playing fields in the region. These are fields that campus, students and student-athletes alike can all take pride in. “ People will be able to see the construction as they come to campus for Sing Song. “The biggest impact is safety,” Roberts said. “People are curious, and they should be. It’s interesting and fun to watch.” jmcnetwork@acu.edu

02.19.16

NEWS

Zeta Rho, Sub T-16 absent from Sing Song this year BY JONATHAN RAITZ Many clubs will dawn the classic red and black face paint and glitter-covered costumes, but the women of Zeta Rho and the men of Sub T-16 will be absent from this year’s show. This is the first time in three years Zeta Rho will not participate in Sing Song. Mark Jackson, assistant director of student organizations and programs, said they originally wanted to perform, but felt they did not have the numbers. Zeta Rho also decided not to take any pledges last fall but received eight women during spring pledging, a process which will cap off after Sing Song. This is the first time since 2007 Sub T will not compete. Jackson attributed the club’s absence to disciplinary sanctions related to events that took place during the fall pledge season. Jackson did not offer details about what led to the suspension. “When the decision was made, one of the things that was taken away was Sing Song,” Jackson said. “Our hope is that next spring Sub-T will be back and be part of the show.” The club will be able to apply for reinstatement as a social club at the end of this semester. If it is approved by the Office of Student Life, the club could be back on campus by the fall semester. Sub T president Garrett Coppedge did not provide details about the incident that led to Sub T’s suspension. “As for moving forward as a club, I’ve never met a group of guys more willing to take responsibility for their mistakes and the mistakes of others,” Coppedge said in a statement. “You can’t keep a group of men

like that down. We have a great crew, and the future of the club is bright. As for Sing Song, oh, we’ll be back.” As of now, the maximum number of acts allowed in a Sing Song show is 17. With the absence of these clubs, the show will consist of 15 acts – 10 club acts and five class acts. But Tom Craig, director of student productions, said the atmosphere of the show is about more than who is performing.

“I’ve never met a group of guys more willing to take responsibility for their mistakes and the mistakes of others.” Garrett Coppedge “Typically, current students look at Sing Song within a framework of the three or four years they know, whereas alumni look at it over the course of 10, 20 years,” Craig said. This isn’t the first time alumni will watch a show without a club, Craig said, and this scenario will be nothing out of the ordinary for those returning to campus this weekend. jmcnetwork@acu.edu

F E AT U R E S

02.19.16

Sing Song celebrates 60th year of tradition Sing Song, started decades ago by Dr. Bob Hunter, is a beloved tradition among students and alumni. After more than a month of preparation, students are taking the 60th performance On the Town.

02.19.16

NEWS

PHOTOS BY ELIJAH EVANS, EMILY GUAJARDO AND LAUREN FRANCO

PREDICTIONS

02.19.16

Men’s GSP

VOICES

Signed, Stamped, Delivered

The Dwarves Are Back in Town

The men of Gamma Sigma Phi made this year’s performance a real package. Their punny lyrics and cardio antics will make every audience member appreciate neglected mailmen around the world.

GALAXY Dads of Our Lives Despite the smelly diapers, the men of Galaxy managed to take the audience on a nostalgic trip through the stages of dad life. Their strong vocals and quick quips distract the audience from any dad bod physiques.

TROJANS

These dwarves are ready an adventure. The men of stage donning beards and their director, with this act through the fires of Smaug.

PI KAPPA Pi Kappa Takes Out the Trash Nothing stinky about this act. The men of Pi Kappa came back for a second year to prove small numbers can still have loud voices.

to take you on Trojans take the with Gandalf as you can make it

FRATS A Walk Up The Milky Way Hope you’re not lactose intolerant for this act. The men of Frater Sodalis won’t turn sour on you.

PREDICTIONS

02.19.16

Women’s Women’s

SIGMA THETA CHI

VOICES VOICES KO JO KAI

The Who Girl In Town

What’s In Your Wallet?

Don’t be a grinch, the women of Sigma Theta Chi set the standard high with their animated props.Their set will make you think you’ve just dropped down into Whoville.

GATA Diamonds Are A GATA’s Bestfriend The women of GATA proved pressure isn’t always a bad thing. The multifaceted act had us hypnotized by their shining costumes and sychronized dance moves.

The women of Ko Jo Kai struck a gold mine with this act. Watch out for lots of bling and strong vocals from these women.

ALPHA KAI OMEGA We Can Sing It The women of Alpha Kai Omega bring an old-timey but riveting act to the stage this year. Their theme and patriotic lyrics had us ready to enlist.

TRI KAPPA GAMMA Wonders Never Cease The women of Tri Kappa Gamma might be newcomers to the stage, but their flashy costumes and quick choregraphy help bring these superheroes to life.

PREDICTIONS

02.19.16

Mixed FRESHMAN I

VOICES

FRESHMEN II Saved by Blue Bell

Close Encounters of the Freshman Kind

Using a Texas favorite, these freshmen played it cool with strong vocals and clever lyrics. Theirs is an act youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d recall years down the road.

These little green guys wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ask to be taken to your leader before abducting your heart with their extraterrestial tunes. The freshman class set the standards sky high for the rest of the acts.

SOPHOMORES

JUNIORS

SENIORS

Taxi, Taxi Give me a Boost

Paying Tuition, One Bank at a Time

Haunted, Dead or Alive

If they could beat rush hour traffic, they could beat anything. The sophomore act blew us away with their deadly combination of strong vocals and traffic stopping choreography.

These thrifty thieves steal the show with their quirky lyrics and thier performance is anything but stealthy.

Staying true to the theme of senior year, the students in this act trudge through the waste land of their last year in college, while hanging on to the last thread of life.

NEWS

02.19.16

HAL HOOTS’ PREDICTIONS MEN’S VOICES Hey slimes, I’m back again this year to tell you what’s good and what’s bad about Sing Song 2016. For those of you who don’t know me, I’m the embodiment of TMZ on this campus, so watch your back. My private and sole purpose is to inform of the highs and lows of the 15 acts taking the stage this weekend. The last two years I predicted every single first place winner correctly, so you might want to pay attention. Don’t get your feathers ruffled if you disagree, because every act had a strength of its own. The judges have their work cut out for them. But every sensible song bird knows that in order to place first here at ACU, vocals are priority. First and second places in every division are neck-and-neck, but I chose the ones who can truly carry a tune to win overall.

HONORABLE MENTIONS Pi Kappa

The men of Pi Kappa did it again. Not only were they adorable to look at, they care about the environment, too. Sadly, they just can’t project like the larger clubs.

Tri Kappa Gamma

In their first year back in more than a decade, the women of Tri Kappa Gamma swept us off our feet. But while their presentation was comical, their vocals weren’t heroic enough.

1. Gamma Sigma Phi As per usual, Gamma Sigs made their debut with strong vocals and near flawless dynamics, but it might not be enough to seal the deal. What they make up for in volume they lack in originality, which might just take their title holding status away. But their active performance will have all the neighborhood dogs salivating and the audience will get a kick out of the fast delivery of their clever lyrics. If they keep up their vocals, the question from last year will stand the test of time– what’s better than singing men in uniform?

2. Galaxy Galaxy might set the record straight this Sing Song. Their walk through the stages of a young man’s journey from singlehood to a dad bod will strike a chord with the audience. Unfortunately, lyrics of pure gold and tales of newborn woes can’t support an entire act. Though they might win in the area of originality, the men of Galaxy will have to step up their vocals to have a real shot against GSP.

3. Trojans Trojans, usually known for their strong vocals, seemed to be having a rough time with making themselves heard. Though their props are down to earth, they seemed to get a little too lost in their lyrics of the Shire to remember to stay animated. But for their size, they’re still a mighty group, and their escape from the fires of Smaug are an addition to the saga you can’t miss.

WOMEN’S VOICES

MIXED VOICES

1. GATA

1. Sophomores

GATA’s act will be tough to scratch this year. These women took a nod from last year and kept up their energy. With possibly the loudest vocals in the women’s voices, they could take their place at the top. However, loud doesn’t always get you the trophy. They’ll have to work on their d-i-c-t-i-o-n if they want to take home the trophy. If they can do that, they’ll keep shining in the audience’s eyes long after curtain call.

No one can deny the sophomores were Uber adorable in this act. Their lyrics ring true even to the homebodies of the crowd, and the presentation will make you forget all about gas prices. Their transitions will take you for a ride around town that won’t leave you taxed at the end, and their show stopping medley will keep you singing along.

2. Sigma Theta Chi

2. Freshman Martians

Siggies came and did what they do best, they harmonized on near impossible notes and somehow managed to rock glitter in outstanding costumes without spreading it all over the stage. However, their animated performance can’t distract from the recycled lyrics of past Dr. Seuss musings, and their cute routine doesn’t carry the same weight of, say, a diamond. Regardless, they’ll make your heart grow three sizes too big.

This group of freshmen were out of this world. As usual, the class act was large in number and loud in volume, but that won’t get them gold. They need to come back down to earth and coordinate their movements a little more to stay in the game. Overall, this energetic show can keep even ET from phoning home.

3. Ko Jo Kai

3. Juniors

As always, Kojies started out strong and rich in vocals. But while their movements are sharp and presentation is striking enough to keep them in the top three, the act seems just as worn as the penny in your left shoe. Never the matter, it’s common cents the audience will love their antics.

The juniors will steal your heart with this funny depiction of the demise of all college students– loans. But where their lyrics will make you cry out with joy, instead of the usual tears of eternal debt, their presentation isn’t enough to rob the sophomore’s place. Even so, they’ll be laughing all the way to the bank.

F E AT U R E S

02.19.16

YEARS On The Town Sing Song, one of ACU’s most beloved traditions among students and alumni, celebrates six decades of performances this weekend.

2010

BY ALLISON BROWN

The Sing Song trophy was introduced in 2010, as well as the Sing Song Give-Back program. Winning acts chose a charity to receive $1,000 in the act’s name.

1962

1975 1969 Sing Song returns to campus for the first-ever show in Moody Coliseum. The freshman class was the first act to integrate choreography into their performance of their “Wizard of Oz” number. Their simple moves of swinging their arms and marching in place wowed the audience, and Sing Song was changed forever.

1956-1957

In the fall of 1956, Bob Hunter (‘52) returned to campus with the idea for a campus-wide singing competition. ACC was known as “the singing college,” and Hunter wanted to showcase that. The first Sing Song took place in Sewell Auditorium on Feb. 14, 1957. To enter, a group had to pay $2, and that first year, 22 groups participated. Men’s club Galaxy and the junior class were the inaugural winners.

The three division format of men’s, women’s and mixed voices was established. This breakdown of acts is still used to determine overall winners today.

2015

After growing freshman class numbers, two freshman class acts competed against each other in the Mixed Voices division. The doughnut act placed second.

2006

Sing Song moves to 1,800-seat Abilene High School Auditorium. $1 tickets to the show sold out in 5 hours. $0.50 dress rehearsal tickets were offered to keep up with the demand.

1959

F E AT U R E S

1964

1967

Gary McCaleb takes role of Director of Sing Song. He served in this role until 1972.

Host and hostesses replace the emcee role and performed numbers during the transitions of acts.

After the university canceled a concert, Students’ Association president Kelly Utsinger (‘75) called for a boycott of Sing Song. The university told students they didn’t have to participate, and the student body took a vote. They just couldn’t live without Sing Song after all. Students came together for the show and performed the show to the largest audience up to that date.

1970

1984

Singer Pat Boone was a guest host, along with his wife and four daughters. The show was broadcast on KTXS.Ticket proceeds went to campus beautification.

Sub T-16 wins the Men’s division as cabbage patch dolls. As part of their prize for trying, the club’s logo is on the scoreboard of Moody Coliseum.

At the 50th Anniversary show, the Women’s division winner was incorrectly announced because of a voting miscalculation. During the finale, Alpha Kai Omega was announced as the winner, but after a dramatic few minutes, Sigma Theta Chi was named the overall winner.

1986

Les Hunter (‘86), son of Sing Song founder Bob Hunter, and Dodd Roberts (‘86) direct the class of 1986 to the first clean sweep in Sing Song history. They won overall in the mixed voices category 4 years in a row.

1991

1998

Sing Song implements a self-sustaining funding model after being dropped from the university budget. It has successfully continued to fund itself over the years.

Matt Moreland and the class of 1998 become the second class to clean sweep four years in a row.

ALL PHOTOS BY ERIKA BOLADO STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

2013

2016

Nick Tatum and the class of 2013 become the third class to clean sweep four years in a row.

60th Anniversary Sing Song production, On The Town, debuts Feb. 19.

F E AT U R E S

02.19.16

YEARS On The Town Sing Song, one of ACU’s most beloved traditions among students and alumni, celebrates six decades of performances this weekend.

2010

BY ALLISON BROWN

The Sing Song trophy was introduced in 2010, as well as the Sing Song Give-Back program. Winning acts chose a charity to receive $1,000 in the act’s name.

1962

1956-1957

The three division format of men’s, women’s and mixed voices was established. This breakdown of acts is still used to determine overall winners today.

2015

After growing freshman class numbers, two freshman class acts competed against each other in the Mixed Voices division. The doughnut act placed second.

2006

Sing Song moves to 1,800-seat Abilene High School Auditorium. $1 tickets to the show sold out in 5 hours. $0.50 dress rehearsal tickets were offered to keep up with the demand.

1959

F E AT U R E S

1964

1967

Gary McCaleb takes role of Director of Sing Song. He served in this role until 1972.

Host and hostesses replace the emcee role and performed numbers during the transitions of acts.

1970

1984

Singer Pat Boone was a guest host, along with his wife and four daughters. The show was broadcast on KTXS.Ticket proceeds went to campus beautification.

Sub T-16 wins the Men’s division as cabbage patch dolls. As part of their prize for trying, the club’s logo is on the scoreboard of Moody Coliseum.

1986

1991

1998

Sing Song implements a self-sustaining funding model after being dropped from the university budget. It has successfully continued to fund itself over the years.

Matt Moreland and the class of 1998 become the second class to clean sweep four years in a row.

ALL PHOTOS BY ERIKA BOLADO STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

2013

2016

Nick Tatum and the class of 2013 become the third class to clean sweep four years in a row.

60th Anniversary Sing Song production, On The Town, debuts Feb. 19.

02.19.16

OPINION

Sing Song tradition is a key part of who we are at ACU If anyone were to walk on campus this week, they’d most likely leave covered in glitter. If they stood still long enough, they might end up with rosy red circles and exaggerated painted eyelashes on their face. Slap a bow on their head, and they are ready to roll. If said hypothetical individual has never encountered such phenomena, they are likely to walk away wondering what on Earth is going on at this college. Some students on campus have never witnessed such a spectacle. Other residents of greater Abilene think we’re absolutely crazy. And yet, we have arrived again for the 60th year in the mid-February madness of an a cappella singing competition involving homemade costumes and parodied popular melody. Sing Song has become permanently ingrained in the culture of our university and adds great value to what it means to be a Wildcat. Whether you are the first to sign up for an act every year or wouldn’t touch the Sing Song stage with your big toe, this campus tradition makes us who

we are as a school. As we look forward to the weekend’s show, we ought to take time to reflect on why such an event like singing on a carpeted stage matters as much as it does. For more than half of ACU’s existence, students have come together to put on this unique production showcasing the talent and creativity across campus. Maybe your grandmother was a hostess in the 60s, or your dad was part of Galaxy’s 7-year winning streak, or you grew up coming to watch your cousins in their class and club acts. Over its six-decade lifetime, Sing Song has grown and morphed and changed, just like any of us. Sing Song lives and breathes in sync with the students that call ACU home every four years. You’d think with all the exhaustion, undone homework and complaints thrown out, the student body would give it up already. Yet we return each spring semester to churn out another spectacular event. So why do we keep Bob Hunter’s dream alive each year? A few

reasons, we think. First, this tradition represents a critical piece of who we are as a school. ACU has been known as “the Singing College” for many years and Sing Song was created to highlight ACU students’ uncanny abilities in four-part harmony and dynamic vocal ranges. To forget Sing Song or discount it as silly and ridiculous is to undermine long time values ACU was built on. Second, every spring, Sing Song brings the campus together and reconnects families and friends. Alumni return and reflect on their own experiences. They often drag their young kids with them, only to leave the show with chattering little voices that can’t wait to be in Sing Song someday when they are big and in college. Third, for us on the battlefield, Sing Song is where memories are born. Win or lose, in sickness and in health, energized or exhausted, the next few days are what dreams are made of. Nobody looks at Sing Song

and says, “Oh, well, that’s normal.” But those who have experienced it know the electrifying feeling of rushing the set up the stairs, tiptoeing to the right spot on stage, searching to find the starting note and singing with perfect diction and a

face so animated it actually physically hurts. You think it sounds crazy? Yeah, it is. But it’s a part of who we are and who we will continue to become year after year as students and alumni of Abilene Christian University.

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

OPINION

02.19.16

I wasn’t meant to be a Westerner On the Fritz Rachel Fritz

My hair extends about five inches in all directions from my scalp in a rounded, curly afro. Since Sunday night, I’ve been trying to figure out what I’m going to do to make it fit under my foam cowboy hat for the senior Sing Song. I’ve thought of putting it in a bun, but it’s not long enough in the back to put on top of my head. I’ve thought about braiding it like the rest of the ladies in my act, but I’d have to detangle it, which would take about 30 minutes, and use a ton of product to make it manageable. Also, I don’t know how to braid my hair. Not many of my friends know how to braid my hair, and I don’t want to pay to visit a professional for a hairstyle I’ll wear only for a few days. Straightening my hair would take about two hours, so that’s out of the question because no one has an extra

two hours during the week of Sing Song. This issue has been weighing on my mind since Sunday when our section leader “suggested” we braid our hair to fit the country theme. What he doesn’t understand is that this natural girl has a hard time doing anything to her hair outside of a few twists and…well, that’s it. I’m grateful I got a four-day warning, but now it’s the night of our first full dress rehearsal and I’m still at a loss. Last night I experimented with my hair and managed to do this twist-y thing that worked, but I could only do one side. Why I couldn’t do the other is beyond me. Back to the drawing board. If I could pin my hat to my head, I would, but a mid-act costume change has eliminated that idea. I’m sure our section leader didn’t think I’d have this hard of a time figuring out how to get a hat to fit over my curls – I’ll admit, my hair looks soft and malleable, but the latter is not true. And it takes a week’s worth of not washing my hair to get it this

soft, believe it or not. So, I won’t be washing my hair until Sunday night because I’ll probably be way too tired to do it after the final show Saturday. Yes, that’ll mean I’ve gone two weeks without washing my hair. (To be honest, that’s just an estimate. I can’t remember the last time I washed it.) Many black women with natural hair go this long without washing their hair. I’ve come across many blogs and websites by women who say they only wash their hair once every 1-2 weeks. There’s no need to do it more than that because of the structure of our hair; our scalps don’t produce as much oil as people with other types of hair. And if you don’t work out or sweat regularly, it’s not a big deal to wait a little longer between washes. There are a lot of things about my naturally large hair that people don’t realize when they ask if they can pet it or tell me they wish their hair looked like mine. They don’t understand much work it takes to get it to fit under a cowboy hat. So, the next time you see some-

Why journalism is the toughest major I’m sorry Miss Jackson

Brittany Jackson

I know you probably read the headline and rolled your eyes as you’re swimming in algorithms and DNA sequences, but hear me out. In the past three and a half years, I’ve learned that no other major could leave me as badly bruised as journalism has. Here’s why: We aren’t given the luxury of keeping our work in our manila folders at home. The way a journalism major improves in his or her work is by producing it in the first place. And no, that doesn’t mean turning in tests, quizzes or abstracts; it means writing stories to be published for the world to see almost immediately. Do you know how nerve-wracking that is? Which, actually leads me to my next point.

We rarely know if anyone actually reads our work until we’ve done something ‘wrong’. People have told me I don’t have any morals and I’m a horrible, biased writer on so many occasions I’ve contemplated changing my major every year. And I’m willing to bet I’m going to hear more about the Sing Song predictions being foul or unjust than I will about the detailed design of the ‘60th Sing Song’ spread or multiple features the entire Optimist staff worked on diligently throughout the week. We’re told to serve two masters. News never stops, so neither do we. If you think student media advisers and target audiences will forgive you for missing breaking news because you’re in class, you’re hysterical. Student media is held to such a high standard, it’s ridiculous to believe students are capable of doing it and getting a college education while maintaining sanity.

You don’t even know if your work will pay off. Despite my involvement on student media, there’s no guarantee I’ll find a job in this market. And if we’re being honest, almost everything I’ve learned in my classes will be outdated by the time I’m in a modern newsroom. Which just adds the pressure to be self-taught in just about everything, in addition to going to class and working. It’s fine, it’s good, I got this. All of that is to say, journalism is the toughest major I could have chosen because it has a certain expectation that I’m capable of being a professional at the same time I’m still learning the ropes. Most of all, though, college journalism is the toughest because it’s forced me to be more vulnerable and open with my work, my thoughts and my confidence than I ever thought I would be with 3,500+ people in 12 pages every Friday after

hashtagACU Follow @acuoptimist on Twitter Feb. 18 4:56 p.m.

it is 81 degrees and I have on panty hose + 3 layers of shirts. ready for sweat song 2k16

@emjmuhl Feb. 18 3:25 p.m.

today, I heard Beyonce’s “Diva” for the first time and needless to say it’s lit in my living room

Feb. 18 11:51 a.m.

When you sing song so hard that your eardrum actually bursts. This is not a joke.

@goodbyereality Feb. 18 11:58 a.m.

*big event coming up* ACU: “ALRIGHT BOYS... It’s time to power was all the bird poop off the sidewalks!”

@phoebehead @rudymgarza Feb. 18 7:04 p.m.

*forgets to bring sing song costume to sing song* oops.

@b_armstrong3 Feb. 18 5:28 p.m.

Sing song is a whole week of “I’ll sleep when I’m dead.” Well, I’m officially dead, where’s my sleep?

@kelseygoin

Feb. 18 4:53 p.m.

Walking across campus dressed as Wonder Woman #likeaboss

@alannarael Feb. 18 5:12 p.m.

only in Abilene does practice get moved inside because of wind

@SophieStandifer Feb. 18 8:59 a.m.

There’s a place I know if you’re looking for a show where they go hardcore and there’s glitter on the floor Thnx @ke$ha, thnx @ SingSong

Feb. 17 9:20 a.m.

I’m gonna write a memoir about Sing Song week called: “Glitter in my coffee, but I drank it anyways” DM me for a signed copy

@annacurby

@ amyynicole Feb. 18 2:21 p.m.

I could be wrong but pretty sure I just saw @k_winz lil wayne driving a four wheeler down EN 16th

@hottmessjess13

F E AT U R E S

02.19.16

F E AT U R E S

Lytle leaves behind legacy of excellence BY MERCEDEZ HERNANDEZ

tive industries, and when they thought the time was right, the Lytles moved from the ick Lytle is stepping mountains of Colorado to the down from his 16 year plains of Abilene. deanship, but is not “I had a real passion and disappearing from campus heard a calling to work with just yet. college kids,” Lytle said. “BeLytle first came to the cause my college experience university 25 years ago and is was so powerful for me. leaving his longtime position Lytle said he also went into to serve as the CEO of CEO teaching to fight the negative Forum Inc., a non-profit orga- bias that many have toward nization whose mission is to the business industry, an create spiritual statesmen and industry he saw change his women for the marketplace. parent’s way of life for the The organization works with better. CEOs from companies such Both of Lytle’s parents as ExxonMobil, Walmart and were deaf, but an encounFedEx. Lytle will also be the ter Lytle’s father had in the director of CEO Forum Inc.’s seventh grade reminds Lytle Center for Leadership and that good can come from the Faith Development. marketplace. Although he is taking a Henry Ford came into Lystep back from the universitle’s father’s classroom at the ty, Lytle will still direct the deaf school in Detroit and told university’s Lytle Center for him and his classmates if they Leadership Development, worked hard in school and got which will be in charge of an education, they could come COBA’s annual Leadership to the factory and he would Summit conference in Colora- give them a job, Lytle said. do, the Distinguished Speaker Lytle’s father stuck to that series throughout the year promise and went to work for and Impact conference in Ford after finishing school, Dallas. but soon wanted to become Lytle first felt called to a white collar worker. After teach when he was finishing going to design school, Lytle’s up his Master’s in Business father earned a job on Ford’s Administration at Oklahoma design floor, a job he would State University. OSU faculty have for 42 and a half years. members Dwayne Dowell, “I saw the power of indusPhil Lewis and Lamar Reinsch try and business and how that were leaving OSU for ACU and impacted my dad-that if he then COBA dean Bill Petty en- worked hard and had a dream, couraged Lytle to get his PhD then he could have a standard and work at ACU. of living that could support “I was flattered, but I want- my mom, my two brothers ed to work in the industry and I beyond anything they first,” Lytle said. “I really liked could’ve imagined,” Lytle said. the professors I had that had It was also at this time their Ph.D, and worked in the when Lytle saw how faith and marketplace, so that’s exactly business could influence one what I did.” another. Petty and COBA faculty Lytle’s maternal grandstayed in touch with Lyfather had started a deaf tle over the seven years he congregation at their church worked in the oil and automo- where members could come to

LAUREN FRANCO STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

worship and gain insight from Lytle’s father on how to be successful in business. “I saw this merge of the marketplace and faith and how lives could be transformed,” Lytle said. “When I hear people kind of take negative shots at business people it makes me even stronger to say that I want to train godly men and women to go out into the marketplace.” Since coming to Abilene 25 years ago, Lytle and his faculty have molded COBA into one of the strongest colleges on campus. Under Lytle’s deanship, COBA gained AACSB accreditation in 2004, increased student enrollment

in COBA from 650 to almost 900 students and the endowment grew from $5 million to $30 million. “Accreditation had been a dream of Bill Petty’s and Jack Riggs, and I just thought why not?” Lytle said. “If we say we’re great, let’s go get the credentials and get better in the process.” Dr. Jack Griggs was the COBA dean before Lytle, and is one of his mentors. He says Lytle’s exceptional communication skills and faith are what has made him a successful educator. “The Lord has blessed him with exceptional talent,” Griggs said. “Whatever he

does, it’ll be where he can best serve the Lord.” Leaving ACU, Lytle said, has been a difficult decision to make, but with the support of his wife, Jeanne, daughters Kelly, Hannah and Michelle, a senior marketing major, and his faith, he is confident that his transition away from being dean will be a good one. “My family means everything to me,” Lytle said. “They have been fundamental to everything we’ve done here. I know that God has great things in store moving ahead and I’m thankful that I’ll still get to play some small role at ACU.” mmh13a@acu.edu

NEWS

02.19.16

Sing Song, construction present annual parking issue BY TREVOR WYATT Sing Song has been around since 1956 and brings in hundreds of prospective students, distinguished alumni and family members. But the yearly influx of campus guests regularly creates issues with parking on campus. The combination of an influx of students, construction and a low number of parking spaces creates a limited amount of parking for the mass crowd. To help with the issue, the university’s biggest parking lot is shut off from student use, though it may be an inconvenience for them. ACU Police Chief Jimmy Ellison has had a long history of experience with Sing Song and said the series of events during the weekend lend to the parking problem. “In addition to multiple shows and high attendance, we couple it with the President’s Circle Dinner in the Teague

Center,” Ellison said. “And unfortunately, along with those two events, we’ve also had a number of construction projects in the last few years, which makes this a very difficult event to manage.” Ellison urged students to be understanding and to show patience and respect. “Overall, students are very patient and take this very well and understand that most will try to schedule accordingly and get to school a little early, and we thank them,” he said. Ellison said he realizes the Sing Song-induced parking situation may not be ideal for students but offers advice on MARIANA CEDILLO STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER making it through the weekend. ACUPD Chief Jimmy Ellison encourages “Get here early and park in an out- students to do the neighborly thing to allow lying area, and walk in,” he said. “Plan room for guests to park for the weekend. ahead, get here a few minutes early, and so if you do get displaced, you have students, as well as faculty and staff, time to get to where you need to go. But that this is a headline week for the unimost of all, we need to remind all of our versity, and we have a huge number

of visitors on campus. We need to go out of our way, and do the neighborly thing, and try to take care of our guests appropriately.” Aaron Deaver, junior engineering major from Denton, has had firsthand experience with parking problems during Sing Song. “It’s atrocious,” Deaver said. “ACU already doesn’t have the best parking, and making all the sophomores move their cars from Edwards or else they will get towed, and then they have to fit all of Moody Coliseum into that lot; it’s not easy.” But Deaver has found a way to make the weekend more bearable and suggests other students to follow his advice. “Find a spot now, and stay there,” he said. “Don’t leave for any reason, and keep your car in a safe place.” jmcnetwork@acu.edu

POLICE LOG SELECTED ACUPD CALLS FOR THE WEEK 02/10/2016 12:56 p.m. A student’s bicycle was stolen from a bike rack on the west side of COBA. 02/10/2016 5:00 p.m. ACUPD investigated the report of marijuana odor in a vehicle in the Library Lot. A non-ACU affiliated female was arrested for possession of marijuana. 02/10/2016 10:40 p.m. A student’s automobile tire sidewall was slashed while the car was parked in the driveway in the 1100 block of Washington Boulevard. 02/11/2016 7:38 p.m. ACUPD issued a municipal citation to a Smith-Adams Hall resident for minor in possession of alcohol. 02/13/2016 11:23 p.m. ACUPD contacted three non-ACU affiliated adult males in the COBA parking lot. Two were in possession of beer. All three were age 21 or over so no offense was being committed. Subjects were advised of the ACU dry campus policy and instructed to leave campus. 02/16/16 12:15 p.m. Team 55 reported the theft of an Apple MacBook Air laptop computer checked out by a former student. Weekly Stats for Week of February 10-17, 2016 - Total Events: 427 911 CALL 2 ACCIDENT 3 ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIVITY 21 ADVICE 1 ALARM 4 ALCOHOL INCIDENT 1 BACK UP OFFICER 1 BARRICADES 2 BUILDING LOCK/UNLOCK 21 BURGLARY (RESIDENCE) 1 CART PATROL 1 CHECK BUILDING 200

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF 1 DISCHARGE OF FIREARM 2 DOMESTIC DISTURBANCE 1 DRUG ACTIVITY/OFFENSE 3 ESCORT 2 FOOT PATROL 27 FOUND PROPERTY 6 INFORMATION REPORT 4 INVESTIGATION FOLLOW UP 3 LOST PROPERTY 2 MAINTENANCE UNIV ASSESTS: CCTV 2

MEDIAL EMERGENCY 1 MONITOR FACILITY/LOT 5 MOTORIST ASSIST: INFLATE TIRE 1 MOTORIST ASSIST: JUMPSTART 3 MOTORIST ASSIST: OTHER 1 MOTORIST ASSIST: UNLOCK 8 OTHER 5 PARKING LOT PATROL 37 PARKING VIOLATION 3 PATROL VEHICLE: REFUEL 8 PUBLIC SERVICE 1 RANDOM PATROL 19

REPORT WRITING 7 SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY 4 THEFT 4 TRAFFIC HAZARD 1 TRAFFIC STOP 3 WELFARE CHECK 2 POLICE CHIEF TIP OF THE WEEK: Expect major parking congestion Friday and Saturday due to Sing-Song and associated major events. Be patient and courteous to our campus visitors.

02.19.16

NEWS

Show culminates weeks of practice for hosts, hostesses When people dive into Sing Song week, glittered sets, failing grades, long nights and stressful early mornings transform their lives into craziness. But that’s all normal for the hosts and hostesses. Their schedules have been packed since they were selected in October for their roles in the 60th show. This year’s hosts and hostesses represent many majors from across campus including elementary education, pre-physical therapy, marketing, vocal performance and musical theater. This year’s group also has a wide range of hometowns stretching from Texas and Oklahoma to California. “This is a fun group,” said Mark Jackson, assistant director of Sing Song. “They really support each other and root for each other.” Ryan Woods, junior pre-physical therapy major from Mesquite, attended Sing Song twice before he came to ACU. He said he remembers looking at the hosts and saying, “That’s exactly what I want to do.” When he became a student, it was his mission to become a host. This year’s hosts and hostesses have a variety of personalities. The group said the biggest jokester and the most focused in the group is Josh Alexander, junior musical theater major from Keller, while the diva of the group is Woods. “I am not a diva,” Woods said. Time is a big commitment for hosts and hostesses. “When you become a host, you have to sacrifice a lot of things,” said Gabby Thompson, junior vocal performance major from Los Angeles. “You have to know where your priorities are. Enjoy the ride as you go along.” One of the biggest challenges for hosts and hostesses is balancing their schedules. “Sing Song is important, but again you have a social life; you have to try to keep up with friends and family,” said Jonathan Steffins, musical theater major from Bixby, Oklahoma. “You’ve got work, school, class – it’s just been a lesson in prioritizing.” The hosts and hostesses will perform 17 numbers throughout the show. Some songs will include every host and hostess, while others are featured songs, highlighting one of the performers’ vocal talents. Tom Craig, director of Sing Song, and Kristin Ward, host and hostess vocal coach, began selecting songs for the hosts and hostesses last summer. The two came up with a master list compiled of 50 songs.

“When we had auditions in October and knew what voices we had, we could narrow it down to fit the specific people and their styles,” Ward said. “It is important to us that we represent as many genres of music as possible – pop, rock, folk, country, jazz, 50s, a cappella, Latin, R&B, etc. – to appeal to many generations of audience members.” In October, the hosts and hostesses were selected, songs were selected and the show began to take shape. The hosts, hostesses and production team began preparing for Sing Song at a Sing Song retreat the weekend after the fall finals week. “I’ve been working with this group since finals week of the fall semester, when we went on a retreat to learn all 17 songs they are singing in the show,” Ward said. “I rehearsed with them on vocals every day, Monday through Friday, since the semester started, and they would go to separate choreography rehearsals.” The hosts and hostesses added choreography the Sunday before the spring semester began. Teri Wilkerson, the choreographer for student productions, said one difference about this show is how advanced this year’s choreography is from prior years. Wilkerson has worked with Sing Song hosts and hostesses since 2000. Melissa Myer, downstage co-chair of Sing Song and senior human resource management major from Lubbock, said this year’s hosts and hostesses have the ability to sing and dance at the same time; a natural rhythm everyone wishes they could have. Wilkerson said this show will be almost impossible for the audience members to leave and not only be entertained and blown away but also have the desire to do a little dancing of their own. “Each year I try to improve on our technical and performance levels,” Wilkerson said. “I also am determined to increasingly challenge our hosts, hostesses and dance team and continue ACU’s progression into the dance world.” Wilkerson said out of all of the numbers this year, Uptown Funk is the most advanced. “Uptown Funk was a challenge for most involved just because it’s high energy hiphop,” Wilkerson said. “Stylized choreography of this magnitude is totally different than one’s own personal groove.” The hosts and hostesses view Uptown

Sing Song 2016 Hosts & Hostesses Gabrielle Thompson - vocal performance major from Los Angeles Jonathan Steffins - musical theater major from Bixby, Oklahoma Josh Alexander - musical theater major from Keller Lauren Milam - elementary education major from Rowlett Ryan Woods - pre-physical therapy major from Mesquite Sarah Yarbrough - marketing major from Farmers Branch Funk as the most challenging, too. “We are dancing and singing all at the same time,” Thompson said. “These are dance moves that you see in music videos.” With the advanced dance moves, singing can become more difficult for the hosts and hostesses. “The amount of dancing is the hardest, but it’s going to be the best part about the show,” Alexander said. “Now I get why people lip sync in music videos.”

With the first official night of the show right out around the corner, emotions are high. “I am so excited to see this whole show come together,” Meyer said. “From the beginning, we wanted to make the 60th anniversary show something that people would remember, and I think we have accomplished that.”

F E AT U R E S

02.19.16

Campus Court bids farewell to 40-year florist

PHOTOS BY LAUREN FRANCO

02.19.16

F E AT U R E S

PHOTO BY LAUREN FRANCO

BY BRITTANY JACKSON

fter 40 years of candy baskets, floral arrangements, weddings and mums, Bitsy’s Flowers is finally moving off Campus Court. Bitsy Gregory, the owner, closed the doors in May of 2013, but didn’t sell the property until last Friday. It may have been two years coming, but Bitsy finally handed over her keys and left for good. She did not release the name of the buyer, and no signs indicating the name of the new owner can be found on the property, but Bitsy said he or she is bound to make something of the place. Looking back on her time on Campus Court, she said the people have been nothing but kind to her, and that she’ll miss all the familiar faces that would frequent her flower shop over the past forty years. The inspiration to go into floristry came in part from her sister, Bitsy said, who used to call her from Forth Worth, urging her to take classes in the art. “It’s just been a good life, and I never planned to be a florist,” she said. “My sister got onto me and said ‘you’ve got to have something to do, I’m going to teach you how to do flowers.’”

Bitsy said her sister would call her every afternoon around 5 p.m. for a lesson, teaching her over the phone how to cut stems, how much water to use and how to keep stems from breaking. Every so often Bitsy would make the drive to Fort Worth to show demonstrations to her sister, which she would check over for errors. Despite working on arrangements each night, Bitsy didn’t commit full time to floristry until she lost her job. She then began making and selling arrangements out of her house in Abilene. After doing so for a while, she said city officials contacted her and told her to move to a commercial business area if she wanted to continue vending merchandise, as it is restricted in residential areas. Keeping an ear to the ground, she waited for an affordable space to open up where she felt comfortable starting her business. On Sept. 10, 1975, Bitsy opened the family-owned business on Campus Court. Over the next several years after renting the first store, the shops surrounding her became available to rent. She said, despite the original landowner’s skepticism about whether she could manage

PHOTO BY LAUREN FRANCO

the multiple properties, she couldn’t miss the opportunity and bought the three shops surrounding her own. “Of course I’ve always been taught to try to do it your best,” she said. “You have never seen a more scared person in your life than when he told me that he wanted cash and that he’d like for me to bring it to him.” Her husband had recently retired and joined her in the office, often going on deliveries for her. “He became our delivery boy and he had more fun with that; he would wear his cowboy hat and his boots,” Bitsy said. “His

boots would always jingle, so they would call him Jingles. He would tell them a little bit about the flowers or something like that, and all the kids had something to go and tell their mommy and daddy.” Her son Colin also helped with deliveries, riding his skateboard between the shop and the women’s residence halls. “He was the only one to help us because the other boys just sneezed and sniffled,” Bitsy said. Colin remembers working all night on an assembly line of 12 people, making more than 4,000 unique mums for an event

in town. Bitsy isn’t just known around Abilene; her floristry’s roots have grown far outside of this West Texas town. “People I met in London knew her,” Colin said. He said he had missed a train and overheard some people talking about his mother’s business. “That just tickled him to death; he got the biggest charge out of that,” Bitsy said. After her three sons grew up and moved out of the house, Bitsy and her husband moved into the apartment adjacent to the original store property. They lived there for almost 26 years. “We just ate and slept and waited on the customers, and we enjoyed it,” Bitsy said. About two years ago, after her husband passed away, Bitsy decided it was time to move out of the building and, subsequently, close up shop. She still entertains the idea of riding a paddleboat down the Mississippi River someday. “I’ve enjoyed my life here,” she said, looking around the shop as her family and friends helped move the leftover inventory from the shelves and into truck beds. bkj12a@acu.edu

SPORTS

02.19.16

Baylor highlights future football schedule DANIEL ZEPEDA ACU athletics released the football program’s non-conference slate through 2021 on Wednesday afternoon. The schedule includes some of the top programs in the nation along with several familiar names. Head coach Ken Collums and staff will have the task of preparing future ACU teams for two members of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), one from the Big 12, three from the Mountain West Conference, one from Conference USA and one from the American Athletic Conference between 2016 and 2021. “These games will give us a great opportunity to showcase our brand, our university and our football program on a national stage,” said Lee De Leon, director of athletics. “Certainly these will be extremely tough tests for everyone in our program, but I believe our coaches will be able to use the experience of playing against those teams on the recruiting trail and attract great student-athletes.”

The Wildcats open the 2016 season on Sept. 3 in Colorado Spring, Colorado, against the Air Force Academy Falcons. The following year, ACU will open up its 2017 season on the road against New Mexico on Sept. 2 in Albuquerque, New Mexico and then at Colorado State on Sept. 9 in the first game of the Rams’ new on-campus stadium. The third week of the 2017 season will be the grand opening of ACU’s very own on-campus football stadium. The Wildcats will play in Waco against Baylor on Sept. 1, 2018 to kickoff the 2018 season in their only non-conference matchup scheduled to date. The 2019 schedule will feature games with North Texas on Aug. 31, 2019 in Denton, and SEC member Mississippi State a month later on Oct. 12, in Starkville, Mississippi. Mississippi State is another rising program. The Bulldogs are currently on a six-year bowl streak, which is the longest in their history. ACU’s two conference games of

2020 and 2021 will keep them instate, but will be against vey well known Texas programs. The Wildcats will travel to College Station to take on Texas A&M on Nov. 21, 2020 at Kyle Field. In 2021, ACU has scheduled the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at Ford Stadium in Dallas on Sept. 4, 2021. Since the move to Div. I in 2013, the Wildcats have already played against several Football Bowl Subdivision programs. ACU took on Fresno State in 2015 falling 34-13. The Wildcats lost a thriller to Georgia State in 2014, 38-37, and another close game to New Mexico State in 2013, 34-29. ACU defeated its first FBS opponent since returning to Div. I in 2014. When the Wildcats dropped Troy University in Troy, Alabama, 38-35, on September 13, 2014, in one of the biggest wins of the programs history.

STANDINGS MEN’S BASKETBALL STANDINGS

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

Div. 12-0 10-3 9-4 9-4 8-4 6-6 5-7 5-7 4-8 4-9 4-9 3-9 2-11

Ovrl 19-5 19-6 15-11 14-12 13-10 11-14 7-18 6-16 8-15 7-16 6-17 7-19 10-15

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL STANDINGS

Team ACU UCA NSU SFA MSU HBU Lamar Nicholls St. SHSU TAMU-CC djz11a@acu.edu NO

Div. 12-1 11-2 9-5 7-5 8-6 6-7 6-7 6-7 5-8 5-9 3-9

Ovrl 21-3 21-3 15-10 13-10 16-10 11-12 10-14 8-15 9-14 9-16 6-15

02.19.16

SPORTS

Britt Bonneau leads Baseball for twentieth season BY DEREK MARCELAIN ACU Baseball head coach Britt Bonneau is entering his 20th season. Coach Bonneau has compiled a respectable record of 706-398-1 at the helm. During his career, Coach Bonneau has made a lot of memories, but says the memories started from his first year at ACU. “When I look back, the first year here I was an assistant, that was the first year we went to Regionals,” Bonneau said. “That was ’96 when we won the conference championship.” When Bonneau was promoted to head coach, his success created most of his memories. “As a head coach, the 2000-2002 team, we were back-to-back-to-back conference champions,” Bonneau said. “And we got to host one of the Regionals here, we got to go to some Regionals over in Cleveland, Mississippi. Watching those guys win championships, those teams were really good and that kinda put us on the map.” In 2003, the team went to the College World Series after beating Delta State. They came in riding a 44-game winning streak and the a number one ranking. The 2010 team went 50-14, Bonneau says the team had the ability to take on anyone at any time. “at any given day we could beat anybody, that team was amazing and we had a lot of fun guys on that team.” Bonneau said. “a lot of good memories and a lot of positives that have taken place on this field.” Coach Bonneau has had a passion for sports all his life. He established himself as a talented baseball player, and was able to learn coaching techniques and drills from former big leaguers. Along with his success in being able to play some pro ball, and his history at Lubbock Christian, Coach Bonneau was offered the chance to come to ACU as an assistant coach. Bonneau has decent expectations for his squad but understands the difficulty of a Div. I transition. “I always have high expectations, but I’m also very realistic about the process we are needing to go through in order to be an elite team in our conference,” Bonneau said. “We went from being a highly recruited junior

LAUREN FRANCO STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Head baseball coach Britt Bonneau led the Wildcats to a massive conference improvement in 2015. The Wildcats improved from 6-18 in conference in 2014 to 13-17 in the conference in 2015.

college type program to a highly recruited high school type program. And that has to do with getting kids eligible, we want kids out of high school, because we can develop them longer and they are part of the program longer, the team unity is better when you have those type of seniors that have been together for four years.” Bonneau says the recent innovations to the field should help with recruiting. “With the new field, having the new astroturf, having a new outfield wall, having new padding around the whole stadium, it is just going to add to our recruiting needs of being able

to go out and getting top athletes,” Bonneau said. “When the NCAA doesn’t let you go to the playoffs for four years, that hurts your recruiting a little bit early on in that process, but we are just now getting to the end of that, were we are starting to talk to high school kids, who when they come here will be eligible to be in the playoffs, so that has helped us out as far as getting better quality kids to come here and play for us and be ready sooner rather than later in their careers. You just gotta work through it and all the challenges of being a Div. I program, and with use to being the team to beat, but now so many big teams in the top-20, we are

just trying to work hard to be a team that can be up in there.” Coach says the opportunity of coaching Div. I baseball at ACU is a dream come true. “One of the greatest things of my career is being able to coach at the Div. I level, it is a dream I have always had and I have had opportunities, but they just weren’t right for me and my family, but to be able to do that here at ACU and to be able to put ACU on the map and go and compete against anyone in the country has been such a joy.” djm14b@acu.edu

SPORTS

THE OPTIMIST FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2016 PAGE 24

FOOTBALL RELEASES ITS NONCONFERENCE SCHEDULE PAGE 22

Senior Jason Proctor has helped the men’s tennis team to a 10-4 overall record this season. LAUREN FRANCO STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

BONNEAU ENTERS 20TH SEASON AS BASEBALL COACH

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