WEDNESDAY
September 14, 2005
Domination
Optimist the
The men and women cross country teams placed first overall this weekend, page 8
Vol. 94, No. 8 1 section, 8 pages www.acuoptimist.com
Thwarting thieves
Serving up wins
A bicycle identification program has begun to help reduce thefts on campus, page 3
The tennis team placed first or second in several matches, page 8
SA allocates $35,000 to groups n At Saturday’s annual fall retreat, Congress unanimously approved the Students’ Association budget, which set aside $7,500 to begin an SA endowment fund. By TIFFANY TAYLOR Features Editor
Student organizations have been allotted about $35,000 of the total students’ association budget for the fall 2005 semester, a drop when com-
Tulane students enroll in classes
pared to the $46,000 given to student organizations in spring 2005 and the $40,000 given in fall 2004. A tighter budget this semester, caused in part by the decision to use $7,500 of students’ association funds to create an endowment, the budget trimmed certain programs and nixed others. In addition, this semester’s
$99,755 budget does not include extra cushion from a rollover from last year, only money received from student fees. Justin Scott, president, explained his reasoning for spending money this semester on an endowment. “As more and more groups want to do more, how do we supplement, instead
of raising activity fees,” Scott said, “That’s going to take commitment, because I’m not going to see it come to fruition in my time here at ACU. The general expenses fund, used for unforeseeable programs, such as the Trevathan fund last year, was given less funds in the budget and the Congressional Budget was not included. The Congressional Budget, which was first included in the Spring 2005
budget, allowed Congress to have direct control over $3,000. Congress voted unanimously to approve the budget, presented to it by Tyler Cosgrove, treasurer, thus approving the students’ association budget for each student organization included and other areas the students’ association is involved. See
BUDGET page 4
Please feed the animals
n ACU opened enrollment from Sept. 1 through last week to students from universities that closed because of Hurricane Katrina and flooding. Copy Editor
Two students began classes Monday, only three weeks late. The students—a freshman exercise science major and a senior pre-med major— transferred from Tulane University in New Orleans after the university closed for the semester. After severe flooding shut down Tulane’s campus and the city of New Orleans, universities all over the country stepped in to receive displaced students. Dr. Wayne Barnard, dean of Campus Life, said Rice University in Houston first began accepting Tulane students because the two universities are sister schools, and soon other schools in Texas began taking students as well. “Of course, we were very willing to also accept those students,” Barnard said. “I think it’s great that we’re part of the universities that gave students a place to come.” ACU announced the enrollment option Sept. 1, and gave students until last Friday to apply. “We weren’t aware at the time how many would come,” Barnard said. The university worked with each student individually to figure out financial aid, Barnard said. But the state was also involved in the process. Robert Heil, director of enrollment operations; Dr. Tom Winter, professor of social work and assistant provost;
TULANE page 4
Total amount of funds available for Congress to distribute
$99,756
Amount set aside for endowment $7,500 Total allotted to student groups
$35,005
Total amount requested by student groups
$75,345
Avg. percentage cut from each group’s request
44 percent
Some decide pledging is not for them n Less than half the sophomore class has chosen to pledge a social club this year for reasons such as already busy schedules and the costs associated with pledging.
By JACI SCHNEIDER
See
SA Budget info
By EMERALD McGOWEN Staff Writer
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
Jai’lon Ford, 5, feeds a goat a pellet of food at the Taylor County 4-H Club’s petting zoo at the West Texas Fair and Rodeo on Tuesday at the Taylor County Expo Center. The fair runs until Sunday. For more pictures from the fair, please see page 5.
Across campus students have posted signs, passed out flyers and roamed around in hula skirts or high heels— pledging time has arrived. But not all students participate in social clubs, and they have many reasons not to pledge, from busy schedules to the cost of participating in club. Mike Spell, advisor of social clubs, said about 310 women and 150 men plan to pledge this semester. Pledging students total less than half of the sophomore class and only about 10 percent of the student body. Raymond Jameson, sophomore history major from Austin, said he will not pledge this year because of time commitments. “Pledging would have been a nice experience,” Jameson said, “and I would have made some good friends from it, but I already have a hard enough time managing my school-work. Being in a social club is something that would get in the way of my life and my grades. Emily Smith, sophomore photojournalism major from Garland, said she will not pledge this year because of the cost of social clubs. “I’m kind of neutral on the subject of social clubs,” Smith said. “I think for some See
CLUBS page 4
Campus Court receives makeover n Construction from East North 16th Street to Ambler Avenue, expected to last through September, will give the street a new surface, lighting, curbs and gutters. By MITCH HOLT Opinion Editor
The City of Abilene is grinding up Campus Court’s old surface and replacing it from East North 16th Street to Ambler Avenue; these renovations will include new curbs, gutters,
street lights, asphalt and more, costing just less than half a million dollars, and estimated to be completed by the end of September. Jimmy Ellison, chief of the ACU Police, said that safety of students is the No.1 priority in this project. The addition of the new Barret Hall, sophomore women’s housing, has increased the number of students crossing the street on a daily basis. Many are concerned about
Department of Journalism and Mass Communication
the safety of the street. “Student safety is always top priority,” Ellison said. “It’s important to note that there were five separate crosswalks on Campus Court before it was torn up. Ellison Regardless of how many walks are provided, people need to use them for
them to be effective.” Crosswalks will not be finished until the new pavement is laid down, but students must show extra care when they are walking to and from campus, Ellison said. Bontke Construction Company is the contracting company in charge of these renovations, and it is taking the safety of each student very seriously, Ellison said. See
STREET page 4
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
A Bontke Brothers construction crew paves a curb and sidewalk along Campus Court, which will remain under construction through September.
Abilene Christian University
Serving the ACU community since 1912
Campus
Day
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
14
Calendar & Events Wednesday
Register for Practice LSAT, 6:30 p.m., AD 219. Culture Show Interest Meeting, 8:30 p.m., Bean Sprout.
15
Thursday
Practice LSAT, 6:30 p.m., room AD 219. Chai Cafe, 9 p.m., Hilton Room.
16
Friday
Benefit Concert for victims of Katrina, 8:00 p.m., Southern Hills Church of Christ auditorium. FilmFest sign-up deadline, Campus Center ticket windows and Adams Center.
17
Saturday
Service Saturday A Day at the Park, 1:30 p.m., meet at tennis court parking lot. Home Football Game, 6 p.m., Shotwell Stadium.
19
Monday
Women in Missions Luncheon, 11:30 a.m.-12:50 p.m., Bible 219.
18
Sunday
Nothing scheduled this day.
Volunteer Opportunities The Center for Contem porary Arts needs volunteers to greet patrons, answer phone calls and help with gallery set-up and clean-up. For more information, contact the Volunteer Service-Learning Center. The Lake Stamford relief effort needs 3-4 volunteers with pick-up trucks to deliver supplies with vans September 17 and 25-30 volunteers to sort and pack boxes Friday, September 16. The effort also calls for donations including: nonperishable food, paper goods, linens, folding canvas chairs, and cash. Clothes are not needed at this time. Volunteers are needed to help with the March of Dimes golf tournament fundraiser from Sept. 20-25 at Fairway Oaks Country Club. Big Country Balloon Fest needs volunteers to man ticket booths, silent auction, and the children’s area September 23-25 from 7 a.m.11 p.m. in two-hour shifts. For more information, contact Julie Young at 665-6307. Parents of Children with
Down Syndrome is seeking volunteers to help with child care during support group meetings. Meetings are 6:458:15 p.m. Wednesdays at the Women`s Center of Abilene Regional Medical Center. For more information, contact the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center in the Bean Sprout. Healing Hands Inter national needs volunteers to help local churches prepare, gather and sort clothing for impoverished children on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 2-4:30 p.m. For more information, contact David Catalina at 677-9991. American Heart Associ ations needs help running a golf tournament on Sept. 20-25. For more information, contact Jennifer Woodard at 672-0566. Christian Ministries of Abilene needs volunteers to paint their waiting area on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday. For more information, contact Camila Becton at 673-1234.
Announcements Jamfest Auditions begin Thursday, September 22, 4 p.m. in the Bean sprout. Sign up at the volunteer Service Learning Center or e-mail Amanda Spell at amanda.spell@acu.edu or call her at Ext. 2772. Jamfest begins Friday, October 14, 5:30 p.m. Centennial Homecoming needs hard-working people to serve as members of CAT CREW and partner with the Homecoming Steering Committee for homecoming. Students can apply online at www.acu.edu/homecoming. As part of the Campus Court construction project, all vehicles parked on either curb of Campus Court from East North 16 Street to Ambler Avenue need to be removed immediately. Effective Friday, there will be no curb parking along Campus Court for approximately two weeks. Collegiate Cards are now available in the SA office in the Bean Sprout. Students can use the card to get discounts at Abilene businesses. Overeaters Anonymous will meet Saturday at 10 p.m. and Monday at 6 p.m. at Shades of Hope on Buffalo Gap. For more information, contact Katie at 572-5303.
A typist is needed for a hearing-impaired student. Good listening and typing skills are necessary, but no tools are needed because the student has a computer. Help is needed on Mondays at noon, Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., Wednesdays at 3 p.m. and Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. For more information, contact Mattia Bray at Ext. 2554. Freshman Follies tickets are now available online for students and members of the community at www. freshmanfollies.com. International Rescue Com mittee needs volunteers to mentor refugee families who have recently moved to Abilene. For more information, contact Debi Wheeler at 675-5643 Ext. 12. Big Country Balloon Fest needs volunteers to man ticket booths, silent auction, and the children’s area September 23-25 from 7 a.m.-11 p.m. in two-hour shifts. For more information, contact Julie Young at 665-6307. Volunteers are needed to help with the March of Dimes golf tournament fundraiser from Sept. 20-25 at Fairway Oaks Country Club.
Chapel Checkup Credited Chapels to date: Credited Chapels remaining:
17 53
Police Log September 5, 2005 8:30 a.m. Parking violation at library lot 12:45 p.m. Unlock at 10th & Judge Ely 1:25 p.m. Refueled vehicle 4 p.m. Check in student owned guns at ACUPD 5:15 p.m. Bike theft at Smith Adams lot 6:25 p.m. Unlock vehicle on ACU Drive 8 p.m. Assist student worker with shuttle cart 9:30 p.m. Unlock vehicle at Riata Ranch 9:45 p.m. Unlock vehicle at 642 EN 15th September 6, 2005 12:45 a.m. Suspicious person at University Park Apartments 1 a.m. Foot patrol at Nelson lot 1:16 a.m. Suspicious male in Gardner Hall 2 a.m. Foot patrol at Morris lot 7:20 a.m.Unlock door at Bible Building 7:40 a.m. Move vehicle for road construction on Campus Court 10:45 a.m. Stand-by for Burn House display at Campus Center 1:30 p.m. Refuel vehicle 3:30 p.m. Service check of vehicle No. 1 7:40 p.m. Unlock Bible Building for Dining Services 7:45 p.m. Issue parking permit at the station 9:30 p.m. Telephone harassment at 333 Washington 10:30 p.m. Unlock Cullen Auditorium 11:34 p.m. Theft at Sikes Hall, room 109 September 7, 2005 3:00 a.m. Burglary at Smith Adams Lot, two suspects, vehicles, & radios recovered. 7:30 a.m. Found purse & returned to person at the library 9 a.m. Patrol vehicle Maintenance 1:15 p.m. Refuel vehicle 4:05 p.m.Theft of telephone in Gardner Hall 5:25 p.m. Jumpstart vehicle off campus 5:50 p.m. Service Check of vehicle No. 1 7:30 p.m. Unlock Hart Auditorium 7:50 p.m. Parking violation on main campus 8 p.m. Assist student worker with shuttle cart 9 p.m. Assist APD, road/traffic hazard off campus 10:25 p.m. Suspicious vehicle on ACU Drive 10:45 p.m. Suspicious person in Nelson Lot 11:45 p.m. Unlock vehicle at Gardner Lot September 8, 2005 3 a.m. Assist person at University Apartments 4:45 a.m. Check Sing Song warehouse 1 a.m. Check Bachelor of Applied
Studies building 7:40 a.m. Assist person in Gardner Hall 8:30 a.m. Check Campus Center building 9:10 a.m. Maintenance of patrol cars 3:20 p.m. Service check of vehicle No. 1 3:50 p.m. Bike theft 6:58 p.m. Unlock Performing Arts Center room 227 8:00 p.m. Assist student worker with shuttle cart 11:50 p.m. Traffic stop 1600 Campus Court, no headlights September 9, 2005 12:05 a.m. Refuel vehicle 12:34 a.m. Assist subject at Sikes Hall, needed help locating friend 9:10 a.m. Unlock vehicle at Business lot 11:15 a.m. Interview person, possible harassment 1:50 p.m. Found bike and put in storage 3:30 p.m. Unlock vehicle off campus 3:32 p.m. Jumpstart vehicle off campus 3:45 p.m. Fingerprint student 3:45 p.m. Burglary of motor vehicle at Morris lot 4:40 p.m. Service Check of vehicle No. 1 at station 4:40 p.m. Unlock vehicle at Smith/ Adams Lot 5:40 p.m. Unlock vehicle at Performing Arts lot 6 p.m. Lock Don Morris building 6:12 p.m. Lock library 6:20 p.m. Event support of Cross Country Meet at Sherrod Apartments 6:30 p.m. Lock Maintenance Building 10:10 p.m. Unlock vehicle at University Apartments 10:45 p.m. Traffic Stop, 1800 N Judge Ely, driving without lights September 10, 2005 12:15 a.m. Assist agency at Taco Bueno 12:40 a.m. Traffic stop, reckless driver at Washington & EN 16th 7:25 a.m. Unlock Bible building, Sherrod, Don Morris building, & WPAC 10 a.m. Walk through main campus 1:40 p.m. Unlock vehicle off campus September 11, 2005 1:30 a.m. Check Performing Arts lot 1:39 a.m. Locked gate at Zoe property on EN 10th 3:30 a.m. Refueled vehicle 7:30 a.m. Unlocked Don Morris 8:20 a.m. Unlocked Campus Center 1:15 p.m. Criminal mischief at Morris Hall, 05-134 5:30 p.m. Unlocked Walling Hall 7:30 p.m. Checked Big Purple Lot for citations 8:30 p.m. Unlocked Bible Building
About This Page The Optimist maintains this calendar for the ACU community to keep track of local social, academic and service opportunities. Groups may send announcements directly to optimist@acu.edu or to the Page 2 Editor, ACU Box 27892, Abilene, TX 79699.
To ensure that an item will appear on time, the announcement should be sent at least 10 days before. The Optimist may edit items for space and style. Corrections and clarifications of published news articles will be printed in this space in a timely manner.
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
CAMPUS NEWS
Page 3
Student bands play Abilene, various cities across nation n Members of bands Homer Hiccolm & the Rocketboys and Clad in Scarlett enjoy playing on campus, fulfilling life-long dreams of being musicians. By SARAH CARLSON A rts Editor
While some only dream of being in a band and performing across the country, a few students actually are living out their goals and are gaining a large following. Concert series such as JamFest, Jam for Justice and performances through the ACU Band Network showcase student bands such as Homer Hiccolm & the Rocketboys and Clad in Scarlett. “This is something I’ve wanted to do my whole life,” said Brandon Kinder, lead
vocals and guitar in Homer Hiccolm and senior history major from Memphis, Tenn. “We all feel that way.” Kinder said the band has gone through several phases and members but has been touring in its current form of six members since January. Band members include Josh Campbell, junior marketing major from Van; Mitch Holt, junior journalism major from Memphis, Tenn.; Phillip Ellis, sophomore theatre major from Van; Scott Delony, senior electronic media major from Humble; and Daniel Wheeler, senior English major from Van. Kinder estimates the band has performed about eight shows on campus and has toured several cities in
Texas and Tennessee. Homer Hiccolm will embark on at least a 10-city tour this Christmas, promoting its new CD, the South Plains EP, which sells for $5. Kinder said he enjoys playing on campus and in Abilene, and that the band has seen a good turnout at their latest shows this semester. Music has always been an important part of his life, Kinder said, and performing is a long-term goal for his future. “There’s always tons of people that come out and support us and sing along with our songs,” Kinder said. “That’s the best feeling in the world.” Homer Hiccolm & the Rocketboys will perform next on Oct. 1 at Play Faire
Park along with another student band, Clad in Scarlett. Carlos Macias, class of 2005 and lead vocals for Clad in Scarlett, is one of the four band members who have known each other for three years and have been playing together for almost as long. “It was always more like a hobby at first,” Macias said. “We just got together and jammed because we could.” However, over time the band members realized what they had and began playing shows on campus and around town, though it was hard to fit in practice time with everyone’s school schedules. Rodrigo Macias, bass player and senior biology major from Durango, Mexico; Luis Rietti, electric guitar player
n New features, such as a link to The Depot and updated colors, help provide a single sign-on and window into all the services available to students. By LACI ARMSTRONG Student Reporter
The face of myACU has changed, and the newest addition is the Depot tab. Students now have access to features such as their academic status, registration and personal information, account balances and links to academic and financial resources. James Langford, director of Web Integration and Programming, said the project of the summer was to change the face of the ACU site and add a new tab to connect it with The Depot. The Depot is in the Campus Center and provides students with all of their necessary academic paperwork and services. The colors have changed on myACU as well. “We were tired of the old colors and wanted to create a more consistent look with
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
Maria Flores, freshman nursing major from Abilene, sits on a ledge outside the Brown Library on Tuesday working on homework for her University Seminar class.
Bike theft prevention in place By RACHEL LAU Student R eporter
The idea of having a campus-wide bicycle registration program is being tested and put to action, with Todd Ormsby taking the first step. Ormsby, resident director of the Adams and Smith halls, decided to take the initiative this semester to test out a program that will help keep track of his residents’ bikes. Adams and Smith bike owners are now required to place a sticker on their bike that identifies it. If a resident reports a missing or stolen bike, the ACU police department will be more likely to be able to locate it and identify the owner. If the program proves successful this semester, bicycle registration might become a campuswide program beginning next fall. Chief of ACU Police Jimmy Ellison, who mentioned the idea to Ormsby last summer, said the program was an idea that has been bounc-
ing around the past couple of years. He said several factors contributed to the idea of making this a campuswide program, including the decision to make the program mandatory or voluntary for all students. “Car registrations are already unpopular, and we don’t want a mandatory bike registration plan to be viewed as another control factor or revenue issue when it’s not the actual intent. It’s to control theft and help with property identification,” Ellison said. Ellison said the idea did not spark from an increase in the number of bike thefts, which remains steady. The registration program would cater more to the prevention of theft and help students find lost bikes and identify abandoned bikes. Many bikes also look similar, or even identical and are easy to confuse, which makes cases very difficult to investigate. Both Ormsby and Ellison advised students to take advantage of the engraving services at the ACU Police Department. They can go there during office hours to have identification numbers engraved inconspicuously
get the resources to make a product we’re proud of.” Macias said he likes to play for diverse audiences, and the band wants their music to appeal to everybody. They enjoy playing on campus and the support that comes from students who follow their music, he said. Before they play Oct. 1, Clad in Scarlett will perform in the Bean Sprout on Friday. No matter what happens with the band, though, Macias and his fellow bandmates are in it for the long run. “All the members decided we wanted to do this regardless of the outcome,” Macias said. “We’re committed to it.”
E-mail Carlson at: skc02a@acu.edu
MyACU receives facelift, features
It’s too hot to study
n Residence directors and ACU Police are working to prevent theft on campus by implementing a registration and tracking system.
and senior finance major from Tegucigalpa, Honduras; and Dave Ruiz, drummer, class of 2005, make up the rest of the band. Now that half of the band has graduated, practicing and performing comes a little easier, Macias said. The band members have spent much of their time fine-tuning their sound and are waiting until they think their songs are solid until they record an album. Now that he’s out of school and applying for a job in town, Macias is spending a lot of time working on and continuing to improve the music. “Last semester was pivotal for the band’s future,” Macias said. “We’re all happy with our sound and have fun. We want to wait until we
on their bikes, laptops and even iPods. “It’s frustrating when a student comes in and says ‘My $2,000 laptop just got stolen,’ and they have no way to identify it. It has a low solvability factor,” Ellison said. He said students should make sure to have a quality lock and use it at all times. One of the most important steps is also to note the make, model and serial number of the item, so that if it does get stolen, the police have somewhere to start. Ormsby said although some people feel the program adds yet another rule at the university, he has received positive feedback from his residents. Ellison said Adams and Smith halls have more bikes and more thefts. He expressed his admiration for Ormsby’s initiation of the program. “He is a very active [resident director] and does anything and everything he can to make life good at the hall,” Ellison said, “and this is just another example of him going the extra mile.”
E-mail Lau at: optimist@acu.edu
the face of the actual ACU Web site,” Langford said. “MyACU is now colored with white and more saturated purples,” “There are several goals we try to accomplish with myACU,” Langford said. The purpose is to provide students with a single window into all of the different services that are offered on myACU. Students used to have different pass codes and log in names for all the different sites such as email, their academic profile, files and the calendar Langford said. “MyACU provides students with a single sign-on and immediate connection to all these different services. We just make it appear as one site using a portal, which is myACU.” Langford said. One of the more important features of myACU that students often overlook is the feedback channel on the home tab. “We welcome lots of feedback,” said Langford. “We take requests from students, and three times a
year add features to affect all areas of business, learning and living.” Langford said. A feedback channel is also on the Depot tab so students can share their opinion on the new features. “So far we’ve gotten all positive responses. People seem to like it real well,” Langford said. “I enjoy having the Depot tab; especially the Bean Bucks’ balance,” said Matt Young, freshman art major from Abilene. This is the third version of myACU, Langford said. “Every two to three years we try to change myACU in order to keep up with advances in Web technology.” He said because this is the Centennial year, it seemed like a good time to change the face of myACU. “I think myACU looks a lot nicer, and I like being able to check my account balance whenever I want,” Young said.
E-mail Armstrong at: optimist@acu.edu
FROM THE FRONT PAGE
Page 4
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Budget: SA approves requests Continued from page 1 Cosgrove distributed this money on the basis of the budgetary principles, which he brought into effect for the first time during his last term as treasurer. The principles provide guidelines which limit spending on airfare, car rental, registration fees and more. For example, Cosgrove has determined that the students’ association will not spend money on personal items for students. “The reason we’re not funding clothing is because a lot of groups want to buy jerseys and then after the year is over, they’ll wear them as T-shirts,” Cosgrove said. Twenty-nine groups were
funded this year; each was required to submit an application for funds on Sept. 4 and have a meeting with Cosgrove to discuss the funds requested. Overall, groups requested $75,345, but their requests were almost cut in half after Cosgrove didn’t approve about 43 percent of the groups’ requests. After the meetings, Cosgrove created the budget based on the budgetary principles, the budgetary standards for refusing funds and the priority a certain fund was to the organization. Habitat for Humanity, National Broadcast Society and Swing Cats submitted requests, but were not included in the
budget because representatives from these organizations did not attend the required meeting and therefore did not qualify to receive funds from the students’ association. However, the organizations may still go before students’ association’s appropriations committee during the school year. Although Cosgrove was very matter-of-fact about this decision, Vice President Melanie Booker explained how this is not what the executive officers wanted to happen. “[Groups] didn’t do what they were supposed to do,” Booker said, “and it breaks my heart that they didn’t do that.” E-mail Taylor at: tat04a@acu.edu
Tulane: Transfer students arrive Continued from page 1
brian schmidt/Chief photographer
Workers from Bontke Brothers Construction company smooth out the curbs along Campus Court in preparation for the repaving of the road Tuesday afternoon.
Street: Construction nears end
Continued from page 1
The university, Bontke CC and the city are teaming up to make the street as safe as possible during the congestion on Campus Court, he said. “We have to keep in mind that construction is a process that has to be worked through,” Ellison said. “Street work and dorm construction are messy and annoying, but
it’s all part of getting new streets, new residence halls and, eventually, a more beautiful campus.” Ellison said that even though lanes and crosswalks aren’t marked, there have not been any accidents since the start of construction on Campus Court. Kevin Watson, associate vice president of Administrative Services, said in an e-mail
that to ensure safety, both drivers and walkers need to be careful. “Think about what you are doing and don’t be talking on your cell phone,” he said. “Drivers need to be looking for people crossing the streets and be especially careful around the residence halls.” E-mail Holt at: mah02f@acu.edu
Dr. Michelle Morris, vice president for University Relations; and Barnard worked with the Registrar’s Office to coordinate the transfers. Barnard said the students who chose to transfer to this university probably already had a connection. The students are required
to follow the same requirements as the rest of the student body, Barnard said, which includes Chapel attendance. Although the students are a few weeks behind in their classes, Barnard said their professors are working with them to catch up, and, according to the Tulane University Web site, the university will
accept transfer credits from ACU, as long as students receive a passing grade. “We’re certainly willing for ACU to be a place for these students to go to school,” Barnard said. “We’re happy to provide them with a place to come.”
E-mail Schneider at: jrs02a@acu.edu
Clubs: Students opt out of pledging Continued from page 1 people social clubs are great because they get to meet a lot of people, but I find it kind of weird to pay money to make friends. I guess I’d just prefer to make friends a different way.” Some of Smith’s friends are pledging this year, which makes it difficult for her to spend time with them. “It’s kind of ironic,” she said, “considering that I chose to keep my current friends and
not join club to get friends, while my current friends are leaving me to join club and get friends.” Kalyn Pierce, junior art education major from Menard, said she did not pledge last year and won’t pledge this year because she does not want to be stereotyped. “When you join a social club you are willingly accepting the stereotype of that club, regardless of how true that stereotype actually is,” Pierce said.
Pierce also said she prefers to participate in special interest groups, such as the Shinnery Review, the university’s annual literary magazine, instead of social clubs. Students can get more information about joining special interest groups at http://www.acu. edu/campusoffices/studentorgs/interests.html or at the Campus Activities Board calendar, in the Bean Sprout.
E-mail McGowan at: optimist@acu.edu
FocusWednesday All’s Fair Optimist
September 14, 2005
Page 5
in
Abilene
Emerald McGowan/Staff Photographer
Kelsey Kickhoefer, 9, has her face painted at the West Texas Fair and Rodeo Saturday, by Jeff Wall, 16. Wall is part of a group from Elwood Baptist Church that paints faces and tells Bible stories at the fair.
EMERALD McGOwaN/Staff Photographer
Dan Essary, of Circle E Designs, teaches Ripley Kunkel, 4, and Riley Kunkel, 7, how to use a lasso Wednesday at the West Texas Fair and Rodeo at the Taylor County Expo Center.
EMERALD McGOWAN/Staff Photographer
An aerial view of West Texas Fair and Rodeo grounds during the evening, when rides’ lights compete for attention.
EMERALD McGOWAN/Staff Photographer
Christopher King, sophomore biology major from Argyle, and Eric Lemmons, junior bible youth and family ministry major from Tuscon, Ariz., march with the Big Purple in the West Texas Fair and Rodeo parade through downtown Abilene on Saturday.
Brian SCHmIDT/Chief Photographer
Yasmine Hernandez, 13 months old, feeds the goats with her father, Adolfo Hernandez, on Monday at the Taylor County 4-H club’s petting zoo. Yasmine’s father let’s her fly solo after showing her how to feed the livestock.
ViewsWednesday Optimist
Page 6
The issue:
Six women’s teams and seven men’s teams make up the Athletic Department. Many criticize the seeming unevenness in these numbers but fail to realize the true reasoning behind these uneven numbers.
Our view:
Factors unseen to the public go into creating an additional sports team—men’s or women’s. Certain issues are holding the department back from adding another team for women. Gender issues are not prevalent in this process.
The Solution:
Be patient. The Athletic Department is discussing adding two new female teams. The future is promising for female athletics at ACU, but patience is required on the part of Wildcat fans.
September 14, 2005
Another women’s team–easier said than done Women athletes have one fewer team than the men in the Athletics Department— but worse things have taken place. Students, faculty and ACU supporters often look at these numbers and instantly decide that gender prohibits women from fielding the same number of teams as the men. Wildcat sports fans often fail to notice the issues of money, scholarships and planning that come into effect with every discussion of a new women’s team. Hardin-Simmons and McMurry universities, the other two Christian colleges in the city, both seem to cater to more female athletics than ACU does. Hardin-Simmons has an even six-to-six male-
Life 101–for all future planning In a few months, seniors help students adjust to life have to decide what to do after school. This course with their lives. But even would address issues such before graduation they as applying for a job, gethave to ting into graduate school, start mak- buying health insurance, ing plans. filing taxes, developing Do I want contacts in the business to go to world and the numerous isg r a d u a t e sues associated with being school? If I a grown-up. do go, what Instead of forcing freshs c h o o l men to take U100, students should I go should have to option to Much Ado to? When take U100 as a freshman About should I or Life 101 as a junior or Something take the senior. Then students GRE? What wouldn’t complain so much Jaci Schneider if I want to about U100 because they wait a year, chose to take it, and stuwhen should I begin apply- dents who need a little help ing for jobs? Should I begin adjusting to college life can my career right away or still get it. find something to do for a Seniors need more than few years first? just a diploma before they With so many questions jump into the real world. swimming around in se- Many students would gladniors’ heads, it’s surprising ly welcome a little bit of any of them advice and have time to instruction Instead of University go to class from their and partici- Seminar, the university p r o f e s pate in camsors, who should offer Life pus activihave been Seminar to help stuties. through the dents adjust to life As a process and after school. freshman, have helped students students for must take a years. Howone-hour class called Uni- ever, professors and stuversity Seminar. The class dents, especially seniors, is supposed to prepare are busy, and finding time students for life in college; to discuss future plans outthey read about diversity, side of class is not easy. If homesickness and study students took a one-hour habits. Some students love class and met with a profesthe class, but just as many sor and fellow seniors once people think it’s worthless. a week, graduation might With the General Edu- not seem so daunting. cational Review CommitFor now, I’ll sit here, tee making plans for the wondering what I’ll do with university’s future gen- my life and praying for eral curriculum, I think it sudden fortune to allow should consider offering me to bum around Europe an alternative to University and put off the inevitable: Seminar. growing up. Instead of University Seminar, the university E-mail Schneider at: jrs02a@acu.edu, optimist@acu.edu should offer Life Seminar to
to-female ACU wants to start more women’s teams but is waiting low cost. sports raJared Mosley, for ripe circumstances before it moves into this procedure. tio, and director of the McMurry Wildcat Athletoffers two more women’s sion II university than critics ics Department, said ACU sports than ACU’s Athletics realize. Fans see the greater is seriously considering feDepartment. number of female teams at male golf and soccer teams Why do Division III univer- McMurry and the even num- because other teams in our sities with fewer resources ber of teams at HSU and as- region compete in these than ACU field either more sume the athletic director sports. women’s teams or an equal can start a team by making However, most Division II number of teams for each a phone call. schools in our region don’t gender than a program fundDifferent mindsets and offer a sport like swimming, ed at an athletically success- philosophies must be taken which makes the economics ful Division II university? in making decisions for a D- of competition with distant We offer two possible an- II program. D-III universities universities too pricey. swers. have less amounts of money Division II athletics proFirst, ACU focuses so to give to athletes for schol- grams like ACU’s are more much on improving its cur- arships, so the ones that organized and are provided rent sports lineup that it play there are playing for to bring talented athletes to doesn’t have the time or less, and, many times, these our campus, providing qualresources to add another smaller schools offer sports ity resources for athletic enteam. as a means of boosting en- deavors in addition to boostSecond, more factors go rollment, so they can add a ing enrollment numbers. into starting a team at a Divi- high number of teams at a Funds are more limited at
Cole Williams
Let Loose
An anonymous letter to a friend I think I might have received a letter by mistake at my ACU address earlier this week. Attempts to locate its intended recipient have come up empty. Clearly, the letter was meant for an underclassman, but with no other names and Ask the few clues, I Question am at a loss with what I Jonathan should do Smith with it. Take a look below and see if you have any idea to whom this letter was written: I can’t believe it has already been a couple weeks since you have been off on your own at ACU. It does not seem like so long ago that we were there together.
Thankful? Jealous? You can get back to me on that in six weeks. Your time to leave snuck up on us so fast, we feel like there were some pieces of advice we forgot to give you before you left. But before I get to those, I’ve been hearing some strange things have been going on there. I hear you have been wearing the same clothes every day. I realize that is what many of the other students are doing these days, but I know you left with more clothes than that. And what’s this about all these parties and get-togethers you have been attending—at least one or two events each week? I also hear you are planning an all-nighter soon. Just make sure you keep your priorities straight during this busy time.
“I would like to be on a tropical island on an awesome beach.”
In Your Words
ACU, because of the better quality players who expect more scholarship money. ACU wants to start more women’s teams but is waiting for ripe circumstances (money, players, ideas, etc.) before it moves into this expensive procedure. The university’s female athletes have been successful in the past. ACU’s volleyball team won the Lone Star conference championship last year to finish with a 316 record, and the women’s tennis team won the Division II Central Region tennis title last year and advanced to nationals in Florida. Women’s sports at ACU are excelling, and an even brighter future looms—just give the Wildcat women time.
You’ll be meeting many people during the next few weeks and making friendships that will last the rest of your life. But don’t forget about the friends you left before setting out on this adventure. I’ve heard from several of them since you left, and they miss you, too. And don’t let these new friends try to change who you are. Joining a certain crowd shouldn’t make you change how you act. Hopefully you have gotten in with a group that fits your personality instead of fitting your personality to a group. You probably will be pretty busy until fall break, but we definitely are looking forward to you coming back around then.
“I wish I was in Georgetown right now—it’s a nice area.”
Until then, don’t forget to write. Let us know how you’re doing. Maybe even drop by on some weekends. Don’t forget that you are supposed to be having fun, and we will see you in a few weeks. Sincerely, Your friends not pledging a social club P.S. Don’t forget that you should feel special, too. No other pledge class might ever have it like you. With changes in the pledging process almost assured by the administration, pledging activities once regularly approved by administrators will receive more scrutiny and some will have to be dramatically changed. Thankful? Jealous? You can get back to me on that in six weeks. E-mail Smith at: jvs02a@acu.edu, optimist@acu.edu
“I would like to be at my beautiful home in southern California.”
“Ideally, I would be at the beach right now— preferably the outer banks of North Carolina with friends.”
Where in the world would you rather be than in school right now? Brittany Barnes
Stephanie Jarvis
senior biology major from Van
Editorial and letter policy Unsigned editorials are the opinions of the Optimist and may not necessarily reflect the views of the university or its administration. Signed columns, cartoons and letters are the opinions of their creators and may not necessarily reflect the viewpoints of the Optimist or the university. The Optimist encourages reader response through letters to the editor but reserves the right to limit frequent contributors or to refuse to print letters containing personal
attacks, obscenity, defamation, erroneous information or invasion of privacy. Please limit letters to 350 words or fewer. A name and phone number must be included for verification purposes. Phone numbers will not be published. Address letters to: ACU Box 27892 Abilene, TX 79699 E-mail letters to: optimist@acu.edu
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sophomore political science major from Stamford
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SPORTS JUMPS
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Page 7
Volleyball: Two home wins Continued from page 8 but for us it comes down to our mental state and focus when we get onto the court.” Martin said the team needs to realize that wins and national rankings mean nothing until it proves itself throughout the season and makes it to the post-season. Horn said in between matches, the team focused on having fun and not stressing themselves out. She said the players were getting angry at themselves because they weren’t playing perfectly, “but we’re not perfect people, and we’re not going to play perfect volleyball.” “They got so frustrated that they weren’t enjoying the game, and therefore it wasn’t flowing for us,” Horn said. “When you have fun, you’ll play well, and when you play well, you’ll have
fun, it works both ways.” In the first match against Wayland Baptist, Michelle Bernhardt and Amanda Slate led the team with 13 and 11 kills, respectively. Martin, Liz Snoddy and Bernhardt provided double-digit digs with 18, 16 and 13, respectively. Lindsey Martin finished the game with 45 assists, as she continues to increase her lead in the all-time career assists category for ACU. The frustration caused the team to make numerous errors in both games, with 16 service errors and 17 attack errors in the second match verses nine and 15, respectively, for Southwest Baptist. However, the offense was still a bright spot for the Wildcats, with four players scoring double-digit kills: Michelle Bernhardt led the team with 13; Ashlee Motola and Abbie Lowry chipped in with 12; while Amanda Slate
had 10. Liz Snoddy, 18, and Malia Plumlee, 10, ended the match with double-digit digs while Martin finished with 44 assists, double the team total for Southwest. After their first two tournaments in Tampa, Fla. and Denver, Colo., the Wildcats said they are excited to be home and playing in front of a crowd, which Martin said helps energize the team. “You don’t realize how fun and how exciting it is until you’re on your home turf and you have all of your fans,” she said. “When you see that the people you’re playing for are getting excited and they’re getting to cheer for you, it makes you even more excited, and you want to get out there and do even more, so they’ll be even more excited for you.”
E-mail Schmidt at: bms02e@acu.edu
Running: Leading the pack Continued from page 8 brian schmidt/Chief Photographer
Senior George Carstens, from South Africa, reaches for the ball during the ACU Wal-Mart Open on Saturday.
Football: Overtime win Continued from page 8
ball to the 13 yard line before his final run in which he took the ball the rest of the way in for the game winning touchdown. “That’s why I love our team,” Manning said. “Our guys just never give up.” As dramatic as the end of the game was, the first half was not as smooth for the Wildcats’ offense. Myles and redshirt freshman Taber Minor each fumbled after big plays. Myles fumbled after a 33-yard run that crossed into NSU territory on the Wildcats second drive of the game. Minor caught a pass from Malone on the 15-yard line while the Wildcats were threatening to score, only to lose the ball to NSU after a fumble. Adams missed a 36-yard field goal as well, and the Wildcats went into the locker room down 140 at halftime. Northeastern scored its first points on a drive that was kept alive by an ACU penalty on a punt play gave
NSU a first down. “You’re just going to have that stuff early in the season,” Thomsen said. “I think the more comfortable they get the better they’ll do. It just takes a little time to get comfortable with it.” At the end of ACU’s first drive of the second half, Malone took a big hit to the side of the head and had to leave the game. Bird filled in and threw for 77 yards on 7-9 passing, including the game tying touchdown to Badon. “He did pretty good, he made some plays,” Thomsen said of Bird’s performance. Thomsen said that Malone should be back for this weekend’s game, but the team is still evaluating his condition. “It’ll take some time to see how that goes,” Thomsen said. After Malone’s departure, the Wildcat defense gave the team a spark when senior inside linebacker Marcus Brown forced a fumble that was smothered by senior defensive end Clayton Farrell late in
the third quarter. The offense couldn’t capitalize on the play, but the defense continued to dominate in the in the remaining minutes of the game. The Wildcats heart showed through in their play through the end of the game. Coach Thomsen notices the heart and attitude his team has. “It comes from experience and leadership,” Thomsen said. “And also it comes from guys who can make good plays.” Offensively, the Wildcats’ stat sheet looked decent. Badon caught six passes for 96 yards, and Myles rushed for 105 yards off of 16 carries. Combined, the two ACU quarterbacks had zero interceptions and 184 yards in the air. Saturday the Wildcats return home to play Texas A&MCommerce at 6 p.m. “Here on out it’s going to be some tough games,” Manning said. “We have a chance to win a lot of games.”
E-mail Fields at: jrf03b@acu.edu
couple aches and pains. With the emphasis on running together as a group, no Wildcat runners stood out in terms of times. But defending national champion Naimadu looked strong throughout the race and told fans to expect even better results in the coming weeks. “We were running in our first meet to get in shape,” the Kenyan said. “It was a nice race, but in two to three weeks’ time, we will be in our best shape.” Angelo State was second in the team scoring with 53 points, followed by Wayland Baptist (55), Tarleton State (133) and Texas A&M-Kingsville (136). Naimadu won the individual title at last year’s NCAA Division II Cross Country National Championships, before winning three titles during the track and field season. He is clear and confident about his individual goal this season. “My personal goal this season is to retain my national title,” Naimadu said. As a team, Naimadu said he believes ACU will have its best season in school history. “I think this is our year,”
he said. “If we cannot win nationals this year, I don’t think there will be any other time.” In the women’s race, everyone was chasing South Plains College’s Sally Kipyega, and not even ACU sophomore Trina Cox could catch her. Kipyega completed the three-mile race in first place, followed by Cox. Sophomore Olha Kryv’yak was third in the race, while senior Adeh Mwamba placed fifth. Rounding out the top five for the Wildcats were Mollye Stanford and Abbie Waters. “I thought Trina ran well,” Hood said. “You could tell she was giving it her all. I thought she had the best individual effort of the day.” Kryv’yak, who ran alone most of the race staring at the backs of Kipyega and Cox, said she felt good during the race and identified a few areas of improvement as practice continues this week. “After just two weeks of practice, I felt good out there,” Kryv’yak said. “We need to run more hills and a little bit more mileage.” A serious question mark this season will be who will step up and fill the all-important fourth and fifth positions on the women’s
team. Stanford and Waters went out conservatively Friday, but were able to finish strong. Hood said their development over this season could literally decide how far the women’s team is able to go. “It rests on their shoulders – there’s just no getting around it,” Hood said. “We’ve got three nationalclass runners, and then those four empty spots. But [Stanford and Waters] are seniors, and I have no doubt they know how to handle it. Their work ethic’s been great.” Following ACU, Angelo State placed second with 52 points, followed by West Texas A&M (80), Tarleton State (102) and Wayland Baptist (103). Hood will take six men and three women to the Great American Cross Country Festival in Raleigh, N.C., on September 24, where the Wildcats will get the season’s first taste of top national collegiate talent. The athletes who remain in Abilene will use that weekend to train for the Cowboy Jamboree in Stillwater, Okla., on Oct. 1.
E-mail Holt at: smh00a@acu.edu
SportsWednesday Optimist
Page 8
Wildcats pull off dramatic OT win
Standings Football Team Angelo St. TAMU-K WTAMU Tarleton St. ACU MSU
Conf. Overall 1-0 3-0 2-0 3-0 1-0 3-0 1-0 2-0 1-0 1-1 0-1 0-1
Volleyball Team Conf. Overall Tarleton St. 0-0 5-2 ACU 0-0 6-3 WTAMU 0-0 7-5 Angelo St. 0-0 4-6 TAMU-K 0-0 1-8 ENMU 0-0 0-6
n The Wildcats came from 14 points down in the final quarter to tie the game and win in overtime 20-14 for their first conference win against Northeastern State.
Scores
By JARED FIELDS
Saturday
Sports Editor
volleyball ACU 3, Wayland Baptist 0 ACU 3, Southwest Baptist 0 football ACU 20, NSU 14 (OT) BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
Upcoming Schedule Friday
Tennis New Mexico Invitational, Women: 11 a.m., Men: noon Volleyball ACU vs Central Oklahoma, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday
football ACU vs. A&M-Commerce, 6 p.m. volleyball ACU vs. SE Oklahoma St.,1 p.m. ACU vs. Midwestern St., 5 p.m. Tennis New Mexico Invitational, Women: 11 a.m., Men: noon
• Home games listed in italics
September 14, 2005
Lucky Hadebe, Serge Gasore, Laurent Ngirakamaro (unattached student at ACU) and Nicodemus Naimadu lead the way over the hill on the cross country course near Sherrod Apartments in the ACU Classic on Friday. Hadebe finished first in the race, Gasore was second, Ngirakamaro third and Naimadu fourth.
Cross country dominates Classic n The cross country teams won both races in Friday’s ACU Classic. The men had a total of 18 points, and the women placed three runners in the top five. By STEVE HOLT Sports Writer
As expected, the Wildcats dominated the ACU Cross Country Classic on Friday, placing first in both the men’s and women’s races. The men were nearly perfect, scoring a meet-low 18 points and placing all five runners in the top seven finishers. The women scored 34 points
Cross Country on their way to a team win, placing three in the top 10 finishers in the three-mile race. ACU’s top seven runners went out fast in the race, joined by Wayland Baptist’s Nimrod Lelei and Vincent Tanui, running as a tight pack for three of the race’s four miles. The pack of mostly purple went through the one-mile marker at five minutes flat, and wouldn’t slow much the rest of the race. Letting others lead most of the race, sophomore super-
star Nicodemus Naimadu took his place in first with a little over a mile to go, followed closely by Wildcat freshman Philip Birgen and unattached runner Laurant Ngirakamaro. Naimadu finished first in the race with a time of 20:43.75, followed by Birgen (20:43.96) and Ngirakamaro (20:45.70). Freshman Serge Gasore was fourth in 20:49.32. Lelei was fifth in 21:04.66, followed by junior Lucky Hadebe in 21:07.40 and Tanui in 21:09.19. Head coach Derek Hood said he was most proud of
his freshmen, Birgen, Gasore, and Alberic Nkurunziza, for taking the team out strong from the starting line. “It was so great seeing that pack of ACU runners right up there at the front,” Hood said. “[Vice President] Dr. [Gary] McCaleb took a picture of that, and I think I’m going to blow it up and make a poster out of it.” Hood said he expects Nkurunziza to improve on Friday’s performance as he adjusts to being in the United States and overcomes a See
RUNNING page 7
Tennis begins with victories n Both men’s and women’s players dominated the competition at the annual ACU Wal-Mart Open where both teams finished high in their brackets.
Gary Rhodes/Contributing Photographer
Meagan Brown serves during her match at the ACU Wal-Mart Open on Saturday.
The tournament also gave new prospects Juan Nunez and Alekschools represented this weekend sandra Vucic a chance to play as being of Division III, this tourna- unattached players in the tournament was to help work on things ment in order to show what they and smooth the rough spots. By have to offer. By Brady Hilton the semi-finals, in most of the “All together it confirmed to Sports Writer flights the wildcats were playing me that we will be really good this This weekend at ACU’s Wal-Mart their teammates. This opportunity year,” Jones said, “But with our Open, the Wildcat tennis teams gave some of the young players youth, we still have a lot to learn.” ranked well against the opposition. a chance to shine. In an upset in This weekend’s tournament was Players from South Western, Col- doubles flight two, Meagan Brown the first test of what coach Jones lin County Junior College, Howard and Elizabeth Korinek defeated the is trying to teach the younger playPayne University, ers: how to play ACU Hardin Simmons tennis. Jones said that University, Mceach year he works his Murry University, team to pride them“With this strong of a start it will be exciting to see Texas Southern selves on their higher where they will reach by the end of the year.” and North Central degrees of fitness and Texas College Unistrength compared to Hutton Jones, head tennis coach versity attended their competitors. the tournament. “With this strong of Wildcats fina start it will be excitished first or secing to see where they ond in four singles and four dou- more-experienced team of Holly will reach by the end of the year,” bles flights of the tournament. Lindloff and Lana Pavlin in a tough Jones said. “I expected us to do this well in three-match set. Even though this the tournament,” head coach Hut- loss was to fellow team mats it is ton Jones said. With ACU being a wake up call to Pavlin and Lindconsidered in the top standings in loff, and a confidence builder for Division II and most of the other Korinek and Brown said Jones. E-mail Hilton at: bah02g@acu.edu
Tennis
Last week when the Wildcats needed a big play to get back into the game, Danieal Manning stepped up to the challenge. So when the team needed something this weekend against Northeastern State, it should be no surprise that Manning once again came through in the clutch. Manning blocked a field goal and a punt that was returned for a touchdown to lead the Wildcats to a comefrom-behind win in overtime on the road. With 7:47 left in the game, the Wildcats trailed 14-0 when Manning blocked a punt and redshirt freshman Chris Morris returned the ball 20 yards for the team’s first score of the night. “They hadn’t been kicking me the ball, so coach Headrick lined me up on the line to block it,” Manning said. After the blocked punt return, the Wildcats held Northeastern State for two more possessions until they got the ball with 1:53 on their own 34 yard line. Redshirt freshman Nick Bird, filling in for starting quarterback Billy Malone, who went out early in the second half with a concussion, completed three straight passes to sophomore Jerale Badon, whose last catch was a 46 yard touchdown pass that tied the game. Before the overtime period began, the Wildcats won the toss, and forced Northeastern to have the first possession. Head coach Chris Thomsen said he felt like his team had an edge going into overtime. “You feel like you’ve got momentum because you’ve scored 14 straight points, and the defense is playing pretty well,” Thomsen said. In fact, ACU’s defense allowed only 99 yards to Northeastern in the entire second half. Northeastern’s first possession ended with a missed field goal from 36 yards away. On the Wildcats turn, Thomsen said he just wanted to run the ball until he put freshman kicker Matt Adams in to win the game. However, that didn’t happen. Senior running back Rashon Myles ran the ball four times and advanced the See
FOOTBALL page 7
Wildcats win two at home n The Wildcats played their first two home games of the season, winning both 3-0 to improve their record to 6-3 on the year, and climbed to No. 17 in the nation. By BRian Schmidt Chief Photographer
Despite extending season and home winning streaks to six and 22 games, respectively, with two shutout victories Saturday, the Wildcats said they didn’t play to their potential and have a lot to work on to stay in the national rankings. After improving to 6-3 for the season, the Wildcats moved to No. 17 in the American Volleyball Coaches’ Association Top 25 Poll up from No. 19 a week ago.
Volleyball Head coach Brek Horn said she was disappointed with the way the team played, especially in the first match against Wayland, 3-0 (30-20, 30-11, 30-27), considering how well they played in the Premier Challenge in Denver the previous weekend. Horn said the strength of their tournament opponents showed the level that they could play at. “We controlled the match, we handled it, but at the same time we, in the third game, broke down mentally and that caused us to struggle a little bit,” she said. “They were more frustrated after we beat Wayland than I was because they know how much better
they can play, and that’s good, you want them to desire that and you want them to be frustrated when they’re not playing to their potential.” Both Horn and senior Lindsey Martin said that they played better in the second game, against Southwest Baptist, 3-0 (30-23, 30-23, 30-17), but a lot remains from the team to work on as it continues through the season. “It was great that it was a win, but it was definitely not how we ever want to play when we step foot on the court, especially our first home match,” Martin said. “There’s still some rocky places, but I think we need to realize that we have the athletic ability, See
VOLLEYBALL page 7
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
Senior Ashlee Motola goes for the kill in the Wildcats’ second match at home against Southwest Baptist University.