FRIDAY
Optimist the
September 23, 2005
Vol. 94, No. 11 1 section, 8 pages www.acuoptimist.com
On the run
Taking to the skies
Not quite heavenly
Eastern New Mexico brings a potent rushing attack to Shotwell, page 8
The annual Balloon Fest will be Friday through Sunday, page 5
Just Like Heaven tries too hard to be like its predecessor, Ghost, page 4
Hurricane Rita hits home Students from Gulf Coast prepare for worst as families prepare to move out By MALLORY SHERWOOD Managing Editor
1801 Lincoln Drive may receive a few more room mates Friday as family and friends from the southern coastline of Texas and Loui siana flee and head north, some as far as Abilene. Ben Fike, junior Christian ministry major from Friends wood waits to hear from his parents if they will move in with him and his roommates until Hurricane Rita passes
through the Houston area and over their home. “They packed everything into the car that was irre placeable and left to come here yesterday morning,” Fike said of his parent’s move. His parents, along with more than 1.8 million resi dents in the two Gulf States, fled after a mandatory evac uation was issued in order to avoid a repeat of Hurri cane Katrina, which hit Lou isiana on Aug. 29. Hurricane Rita, the 17th
named storm of the hurri cane season, is currently wa vering between a Category 4 and 5 rating but is expected to return to full strength by the time it crashes into the coastline late Friday or early Saturday. Thursday afternoon, Rita sat 460 miles off of the coast traveling northwest at nine miles per hour sustaining winds of more than 165 miles per hour, according to the Na tional Hurricane Center. The Texas and Louisiana
coastlines are the hurricane’s target and where the nation’s largest concentration of oil refineries lies. This region ac counts for 25 percent of the nation’s oil output. Forecasters predict that Rita could be the strongest hurricane ever to hit Texas. To compare storm strengths, the last Category 5 hurricane to hit the United States’ coast line was Andrew, smashing into southern Florida in 1992. See
RITA page 7
“My parents boarded up our house, took all of our valuable items and paperwork and moved the rest to the second floor. It’s going to be gone, completely destroyed, though.” Kaia Jennings, sophomore special education major from Houston
Centennial speaker delays trip to Abilene n MSNBC anchor Lester Holt will stay in Galveston to cover Hurricane Rita, and the dinner event will be rescheduled as soon as possible. By JONATHAN SMITH Editor in Chief
The effects of Hurricane Rita hit the uni versity already Thursday, two days before it is expected to hit the Texas coastline, as Les ter Holt, anchor for MSNBC, postponed his Thursday speaking engagement in Abilene. Jennifer Ellison, Centennial activities coor dinator, said Holt, scheduled as the universi ty’s first of eight Centennial speakers, con tacted the university Thursday morning to inform organizers that he would not be able make it to Abilene because he would be cov ering the hurricane from Galveston, where the airport has been closed, and no flight was available to bring him to Abilene. Ellison said the university heard Wednes day that Holt’s plans to come to the univer sity were up in the air, but he had planned to have a plane fly him to Abilene for the 7 p.m. event at the Civic Center. Amber Peck, director of alumni relations and chair of the Centennial Events Task
Singing a song in search for support
See
HOLT page 7
SA supports addressing parking issue BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
Mariachi performer Abraham D.C. plays his guitar and sings outside the Campus Center on Wednesday as Dulce Vidana, sophomore marketing and accounting major from Zacatecas, Mexico, advertises Hispanos Unidos’ event, Entra a la Plaza, which will be at 7 p.m. Friday by the GATA Fountain.
Follies goes on ‘Mission’ n This year’s Freshman Follies production will include a studentproduced video, which will tie all the themes of the acts together under a central theme. By MALLORY SHERWOOD Managing Editor
Cullen Auditorium will be filled on Sept. 30 as members of the freshman class step onto the stage for the first showing of Freshman Follies: The Mission, a production
comprised of acts written and performed by the freshmen residence hall groups, solo ists, small groups and a large chorus. Follies, a tradition since 1972, brings family, students and members from the com munity to watch as the fresh men make their debut act on campus. Jessica Grice, freshman psy chology major from Detroit and performing soloist, said this class has a lot of talent.
“Come because we’re good, because it’s fun and because you should support everything,” Grice said. “What else are you going to do in Abilene?” This year’s theme, “The Mission,” focuses on both the university’s centennial year and a spin-off of Dan Brown’s best-selling novel, The DaVinci Code, with a treasure hunt unfolding in front of the audi See
FOLLIES page 7
Freshman Follies info Students will perform in Freshman Follies on Sept. 30 and October 1. Here are the details about the performances: • The theme for this year: “The Mission” • Performance times: Sept. 30 at 7 and 9 p.m. and Oct. 1 at 1, 3 and 7 p.m. • Where: Cullen Auditorium • Tickets cost $9 and can be purchased at the door or online at www.freshmanfollies.com/tickets. • New this year: An original film has been created by students to tie all the acts’ themes together.
n Congress passes resolutions to encourage Edwards Hall residents to park in the Big Purple lot and to investigate the high costs of intramurals. By TIFFANY TAYLOR Features Editor
Congress voted Wednesday to pass a resolution addressing parking problems at Mabee and Edwards residence halls. Freshman Sen. Hady Mawajdeh asked Congress to support alleviating the prob lem of congestion in the parking lot Ma bee and Edwards share. While discussing parking with residents at Mabee, where Mawajdeh lives, he found students were frustrated because their parking lot is often full, while the nearby library park ing lot is restricted to faculty and staff, Mawajdeh said. Mawajdeh surveyed 44 men in his hall and found that, this semester, they had amassed a total of more than 100 park ing tickets. Written in response to this problem, the resolution states that a solution may be reached by asking residents of Edwards See
SA page 7
Volunteers teach students art with Grace n The Grace Museum has organized a program sending volunteers and artists into elementary school classrooms to increase interest in art. By JACI SCHNEIDER Copy Editor
Anna Carroll/Staff Photographer
Beverly Kimbrough, outreach docent of the Grace Museum, introduces a guest artist at Fannin Elementary school on Sept. 15.
About 20 fifth graders stand silently in their class room, gathered around an artist as he demonstrates how to sketch one girl’s eyes. The students have already spent the morning learning to sketch cartoon characters, in cluding Garfield and Snoopy, but they are not bored or
Department of Journalism and Mass Communication
restless with the activities. This is as calm as the class has ever been, said their teacher, Sharissa Entrichel. Donovan Sparkawk, a lo cal artist, is in the classroom with Beverly Kimbrough, a volunteer outreach docent for the Grace Museum. Kim brough visits classrooms each month to teach children about art. “I have seen them engaged because it is something new they are learning,” Kim brough said. “But they don’t know they’re learning,” Kimbrough said when she first enters a classroom,
she tells her students three things: Everyone is an art ist; we’re all going to learn something; and we’re going to have fun. Kimbrough isn’t an art teacher. She never taught in a classroom before three years ago. The most art education she had was a summer course at an art museum in Dallas when she was 12 years old. But now, the retired banker, learns about art and teaches students throughout Abilene as part of the Grace Museum art outreach program. See
GRACE page 7
Anna Carroll/Staff Photographer
Donovan Sparhawk, a local artist, shows Fannin Elementary students artwork as part of the Grace Museum’s program to visit classrooms.
Abilene Christian University
Serving the ACU community since 1912
Campus
Day
Friday, September 23, 2005
23
Calendar & Events Friday
Entre A La Plaza, 7-10:30 p.m., GATA Fountain. Missions Connection Night, 5 p.m., Southern Hills Church of Christ Fellowship Hall.
24
25
Sunday
Katrina Relief Effort, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Wal-mart.
26
Monday
Saturday
Nothing scheduled this day.
Home football game, 2 p.m., Shotwell Stadium.
Volunteer Opportunities Volunteers are needed Sunday, anytime between 10 a.m- 6 p.m. at the Wal-mart on Southwest Drive to help box and load items donated to Katrina victims. For more information, contact Randy Perkins at 4371337 or show up at Wal-mart any time. Volunteers are needed to help with the March of Dimes golf tournament fundraiser until Sunday at Fairway Oaks Country Club. 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 Re gional Medical Center. For more information, contact the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center in the Bean Sprout. Healing Hands International 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 this weekend. For more information, contact Jennifer Woodard at 672-0566. Big Country Balloon Fest needs volunteers to man ticket booths, silent auction, and the children’s area Friday to Sunday from 7 a.m.-11 p.m. in two-hour shifts. For more information, contact Julie Young at 665-6307. The Key City Kiwanis fish fry dinner needs volunteers to help in a variety of ways Saturday, Oct. 1 at the Abilene Civic Center. Help is needed from 11:30 a.m.2 p.m. and 4:30-7 p.m. For more information, contact the Volunteer and Service Learning Center.
Announcements
Jamfest begins Friday, Oct. 14, 5:30 p.m. The Counseling Center and the Office of Career and Academic Development is hosting Popcorn and Possibilities, to help students find solutions to their life questions and enjoy popcorn and soda in the lower level of McKinzie on Wednesdays from 2-3 p.m. For more information, call 674-2626 or see the Web site at www.acu. edu/counseling. The Outdoor Club needs volunteers to help with National Public Lands Day Saturday, to help park staff with some projects such as removing non-native plants. Sign up at the tent in the Campus Center Sept. 19-23. 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. Collegiate Cards are now available in the SA office in the Bean Sprout. Students can
use the card to get discounts at Abilene businesses. 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. Prayer Room is open to all students during chapel on Mondays and Tuesdays for chapel credit until the end of the semester in Gibson 230. For more information, e-mail James Rhea at jcr04a@acu.edu.
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.
Chapel Checkup Credited Chapels to date: Credited Chapels remaining:
23 47
CAMPUS NEWS
Friday, September 23, 2005
Loans could be cut n Students are encouraged to take a personal interest in plans to cut federal aid for students, telling their representative how such a cut would hurt them financially.
regardless of what type of college they attend, will be hurt by these deep cuts in federal aid. “Students have always been the most effective advocates for government supBy DANI LINTHICUM port of financial aid,” he said. Staff Writer “They have an important College and university stuchance now to tell Congress dents are targeted with the how they feel.” biggest contribution to the Pals said among all the federal government’s budget groups in the United States, deficit, with about $11 billion college students are being in cuts to student loans. asked to make the biggest Dr. Royce Money, presisacrifice, so the national govdent of the university, sent ernment can reduce the budout an e-mail urging all stuget deficit. dents to call their representa“[Students] will shoulder tives Tuesday and say “I am an inordinate amount of the a university burden,” he student said, “and and urge be hit where you not to it hurts “Students have always been the most effective adcut student them the vocates for government support of financial aid.” loans by 11 most—their billion dolwallets.” Tony Pals, director of public information for the NAICU lars to pay For more for the budinformaget deficit.” tion about Money said in an e-mail to, time remains before the how to get involved, visit the call could make a big Higher Education Act reau- www.studentaidalliance.org difference in the course of thorization bill goes to review or call 1-800-574-4AID to federal aid and he hopes before Congress in October. speak to your representathat all students would “do Tony Pals, director of tive. their part.” public information for the However, many students National Association of Indid not call and are not dependent Colleges and Uniworried about the loss of versities, said all students, E-mail Linthicum at: del01a@acu.edu
Page 3
Kiss your king goodbye
financial aid. “I don’t know,” said Andrew Harmon, freshman management major from Aledo. “Nobody that I know was that affected by it, or at least said anything about it to me.” Other students agreed. “I didn’t call, basically because I’m a procrastinator,” said Spenser Baldwin, sophomore psychology major from Memphis, Tenn. “It could have repercussions, but I think that there will be enough displeasure that [cutbacks] won’t happen.” If students didn’t get a chance to call and would like
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
Ani Attang, sophomore chemical engineering major from Nigeria, and Davy Rakotonarivo, sophomore political science major from Madagascar, play chess in the Campus Center on Wednesday.
New small group focuses on women’s role in Bible n Pam Money has chosen to reach out to women on campus by establishing Heart Matters, where she will focus on issues women deal with in the Bible. By LAUREN SUTTON Student Reporter
Pam Money is trying to reach the hearts of women at the university. Through her Chapel time with female students on cam-
pus, Money said she wants the women to know that the heart matters. Heart Matters, a weekly, Small Group Chapel led by Pam Money, wife of Dr. Royce Money, president of the university, began last Thursday in Walling Lecture Hall. Heart Matters will focus on relevant topics for females by studying the lives of women in the Bible. “Women should have a
place to study the Bible from the point of a woman,” Money said. As opposed to a topical Bible study, the Heart Issues Chapel series will dig deep into scripture and address pertinent issues dealt with by women of the Bible. Heart Issues evolved from a Bible study Money began last fall that focused on the women in Christ’s lineage. Money said the small Bible
study of five to seven women was an answer to her prayer for ways to become involved on campus. The women involved found a counselor, teacher and friend in Money who met with them every Wednesday in her office. Brenna Bullock, junior business major from Fort Worth, said she remembers times that she and Money talked for up to an hour about issues Bullock was dealing with.
“It is an amazing opportunity to have a mentor like her to guide you through anything,” Bullock said. With the leadership of Money and the help of the original attendees, Money began a new Bible study for any female student interested in attending. “I hope the Lord will use us as facilitators to show the women on this campus that they are valuable and a de-
light,” Bullock said. Money said she anticipates that Heart Issues will be an intimate time of Bible study as well as a chance to build relationships with other women on campus. Money said she intends to survey girls to find out what they want to learn about as well as to bring in different speakers.
E-mail Sutton at: optimist@acu.edu
ArtsFriday Optimist
Page 4
Box Office Figures for the weekend of September 16-18, in millions. Total grosses in parenthesis. 1. Just Like Heaven— $16.4 (new) 2. The Exorcism of Emily Rose—$14.9 ($51.6) 3. Lord of War—$9.4 (new) 4. The 40-Year-Old Virgin—$6 ($90.7) 5. Cry Wolf—$4.4 (new) 6. The Transporter 2—$4 ($36.5) 7. The Constant Gardener—$3.6 ($24.3) 8. Red Eye—$2.9 ($55.2) 9. Wedding Crashers— $2.5 ($203.6) 10. March of the Penguins—$2.5 ($70.4)
Today’s Movies Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride (PG)—starring the voices of Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter; directed by Tim Burton. Set in Victorian England and true to form of Tim Burton’s dark and romantic Edward Scissorhands and other stop-motion, animated feature The Nightmare Before Christmas, Corpse Bride follows a shy young man, Victor, who is taken to the underworld and marries the mysterious Corpse Bride (Carter). However, his real bride, Victoria, remains in the world of the living. Flight Plan (PG13)—starring Jodie Foster, Sean Bean, Peter Sarsgaard; directed by Robert Schwentke. Kyle (Foster), already emotionally distraught because of the sudden death of her husband, is in for a bumpy ride when, while flying from Berlin to New York on a huge new airplane, her 6-year-old daughter goes missing. The problem is that no one remembers seeing her daughter, and there are no records of her even being on the flight. The captain and crew are sympathetic but don’t believe her, and she can’t help but wonder if she made it all up herself. It’s up to Kyle to prove her sanity and try and uncover the mystery of what actually happened to her daughter.
September 23, 2005
‘Heaven’ just a ‘Ghost’ of better plots, characters Just Like Heaven PP n Starring Reese Witherspoon, Mark Ruffalo, Jon Heder, Donal Logue; directed by Mark Waters. Rated PG-13 (for some sexual content) By SARAH CARLSON Arts Editor
Humans have always been interested in the supernatural, otherworldly realms that might exist—and many claim they do. Countless movies have been made that include ghosts, poltergeists or other spirits, whether they remain on earth to haunt us or simply want to fulfill their unfinished business and move on. Romantic films involving ghosts are not as common as thrillers or mysteries, but when done right, such as in Ghost and Always, the two worlds can be connected to form a believable love story. Just Like Heaven wants to be Ghost, quite badly. It wants to be Ghost so bad that it even steals scenes and situations from its predecessor, which was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture in 1991. Just Like Heaven couldn’t make it to the Oscars this year even if its directors had actually brought someone back from the dead and proved it on-screen.
The premise is simple enough: Elizabeth (Witherspoon) is a young doctor living in San Francisco and killing herself for her job and the chance of an attending position at the hospital. We see her dreaming of a garden and when she wakes up from her six-minute nap, she’s back to work, continuing her 23-hour shift with enough coffee to kill a small animal. Her coworkers tell her how lucky she is to not have a family or, really, a life to worry about. Her neighbors don’t know she exists, and her coworkers laugh at the idea of her actually having a boyfriend. As Elizabeth rushes to her sister’s house for a blind date, her car is hit by a semi-truck and we all assume the inevitable. The next scene is of David (Ruffalo) visiting various apartments in the San Francisco area with his realtor. He’s distant and picky and judges the furnished apartments by whether he likes the feel of the couch. He finally chooses an apartment just put on the market, fully furnished with a private roof looking out onto the city. After spending days sitting on the couch, drinking and watching TV, he gets quite the surprise: he’s not alone. David starts to see Elizabeth in his apartment, appearing here and there and demanding to know who he is and how he
Ratings Key Excellent PPPP Good PPP Fair PP Poor P
got into her apartment. She claims the apartment is hers, but she can’t remember anything else about her life. For some reason, she remembers she bought her sheets at Nordstrom and the receipt is in her bedside drawer. But her name? Who knows. She’s convinced she’s alive; he’s convinced she’s dead. David seeks help from a psychic (Heder, Napoleon Dynamite, in the film for brief comic relief only) and tries everything to get rid of her. But, since she’s convinced she’s not dead, she wants his help so she can discover who she is. Enter scenes from Ghost. Elizabeth decides to annoy David by sitting in front of the TV and singing at the top of her lungs, or by inhabiting his body and making him appear ridiculous in front of crowds. This bantering and comedic gags brought Whoopi Goldberg a supporting actress Oscar for her role as the psychic in Ghost, a role Heder can’t fill at all. David finally agrees to help her and after some digging, they learn her identity. The premise of the film is
PHOTO COURTESY of www.rottentomatoes.com
Mark Ruffalo and Reese Witherspoon share a moment this side of Heaven in Just Like Heaven, now in theatres. fate and why Elizabeth and David are brought together. The plot twists are minimal, but they won’t be spoiled here. The most disappointing aspect of Just Like Heaven is the lack of quality in the acting, especially from such talented performers as Witherspoon and Ruffalo. In certain scenes, it’s hard to tell if we’re listening to Elizabeth, or Reese herself, or maybe Elle Woods from Legally Blonde. Ruffalo (You Can Count On Me, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Collateral) is much too talented to be in this movie, and it’s worrisome that he’s been devoting himself to such fluff lately. Aside from the acting, poor timing and editing make the few jokes fall flat. The
cuts back and forth from the characters in a conversation aren’t quick enough, and this hesitation is just enough to make the audience members second-guess what they’re hearing. Heder and Logue, a psychiatrist friend of David’s, provide the most laughs and strange coincidences, but too few and too far between. Just Like Heaven is a typical, easily digested and spit out romantic comedy. Some of the plot twists could be considered unique and a worthy attempt, but, ultimately, one would be better off staying at home and renting Ghost or Always.
E-mail Carlson at: skc02a@acu.edu
Copper Creek not quite gold, needs variety Restaurant Review: Copper Creek, fine Texas dining By JORDAN SWIM Special Contributor
Many people, places and experiences have influenced my food thoughts throughout the years and all have collected to mold me into a “foodie.” A foodie is someone whose life, thoughts and actions are consumed with the beauty of food. Not just food as in eating, but food as in cooking, tasting, drinking, creating, dining and atmosphere that surrounds great meal experiences. A lover of dining, I took my foodie expertise to the most recent addition to Abilene’s dining scene: Copper Creek, located on Loop 322 near the airport. For me, the restaurant is still up for debate. After hearing mixed stories from opening night, I, along with seven trusted dining friends, visited Copper Creek on its third night. Copper Creek prides itself as an establishment of fine Texas dining. Walking
into this $750,000 restaurant, diners feel like they are stepping into a brand new custom home. Walking up to the restaurant, diners walk through the landscaped garden that surrounds the new Texas palace, complete with rock fountains, oversized terra cotta planters and lush greenery. The hostess station, patio and bar are appointed in chic Southwestern style, while the restaurant itself is filled with heavy accents of wrought iron, dim mood lights, flat screen televisions, polished cement floors and wooden antiques. This entire area comes together well and is consistent through the restaurant. The cathedral ceilings, overstuffed leather chairs and fine furniture create a truly Texas dining atmosphere. However, my dining partners and I were rather uneasy about the number of monstrous animal heads staring down at our food. The stuffed animals that adorn the walls are supposed to be the crowning Texas flair, but I think they resemble a
theme park more than a restaurant. A common thread of charm is missing from the atmosphere at Copper Creek, something only time can help create. The most important aspect of any dining establishment is the food. First glance of the menu shows some variation, but not much beyond your typical Abilene menu staples. The menu is straightforward. Appetizers include seafood and fried finger foods, and the menu offers a few interesting salads, lots of options for grilled seafood and meat and your basic desserts. The highlight to our meal was the warm sourdough bread with real butter heaped on top—something that always gets high marks in my book. Other high points include well seasoned grilled asparagus, grilled bacon-wrapped shrimp stuffed with monterey jack cheese and jalapeno. The long grain rice was dry, unflavorful and disappointing. The two salads worthy of some recognition are a
salmon salad on top of field greens with a citrus vinaigrette, (the menu mentioned strawberries, but if anything, the berries were previously frozen and were a low point) and another mixed salad was topped with beef tenderloin and seemed interesting enough. One diner was very disappointed with her selection of a house salad and potato soup. The salad was nothing beyond your basic mixed iceberg lettuce and runny blue cheese. Her soup was gummy and bland. The steak kabob I ordered was under-portioned with fatty steak and over portioned with dry garlic mashed potatoes. The rib eye ordered medium was well-seasoned and enjoyed; however the presentation with the foil wrapped potato was not up to standard for a steak, priced more than $20. All the menu selections appear overpriced. I paid $40 for two people with a salad and the steak kabob. For many restaurants trying to compete in a high-end market, that price would be OK,
but not for the meal I ate at Copper Creek. The service was the crowning mark of the restaurant. The place is well-staffed with eager waiters, bus persons, host, hostesses and managers. My cup was always filled, there was always bread in the basket, and when my fellow diner complained of the soup and salad, the manger gladly removed the selection from the bill. For those hungry for an expensive steak with minimal frills and pristine service, head on over to Copper Creek fine Texas dining. Maybe the restaurant should have spent more money and energy crafting the menu and food than on the décor. This foodie will be seen dining at many other places before he returns to give Copper Creek another chance. I just don’t have that much money. Jordan Swim is a junior Christian ministry major from Richardson.
E-mail Swim at: jas02f@acu.edu
LOCAL NEWS
Friday, September 23, 2005
Club sponsors Balloon Fest
Page 5
Tooting their own horns
n Hot air balloons will be the biggest attraction at the upcoming Optimist Club fundraiser event, which also includes bands and games.
when the balloons will stay tethered, are scheduled for Friday and Saturday night at 8 p.m. Balloon flights are scheduled to take place each day, but flights could be cancelled or postponed By KAYLA ANDERSON due to rain or high winds. Student Reporter Balloon Fest particiA 166-foot-tall, pink pants can take a balloon bunny will be flying over ride for $150. Tethered Abilene this weekend. balloon rides cost $10. The Energizer Bunny Hot Friday night is Christian “Hare” balloon, the world’s music night and will fealargest hot air balloon, ture several local bands, is one of 18 coming to including Burgundy Road Abilene for the Big Coun- and Jamison Priest. try Balloon Fest. The Big Country Balloon The 11 th annual Bal- Fest is a stopping point loon Fest, sponsored by for many balloon pilots on the Abilene Unlimited Op- their way to the Albuquertimist Club, will be Friday que International Balloon through SunFiesta, which day at Redbegins Sept. On the Web bud Park. 30, Young www.bigcountryballoonfest.com Balloon said. Fest, the Many of main fundraiser for the the balloons that plan to Optimist Club, will fea- stop in Abilene normally ture hot air balloons, live charge thousands of dolmusic, exhibitions, food, lars to make an appeargames and more. ance. However, all of the “Balloon Fest is just a pilots are donating their blast. It’s something that time this weekend, Hicks is very unique to Abilene,” said. said Robin Hicks, this The Optimist Club still year’s Balloon Fest coordi- needs 50 volunteers to nator. “When it all comes help throughout the weektogether, and you see that end. Volunteers will have the crowd is having a good many responsibilities time, and you know that “from helping crew a baleverything you do is go- loon, to cleaning a bathing to benefit youth; you room, to working a ticket know that it’s a worthwhile booth,” Young said. event.” Students interested in Julie Young, president of volunteering at Balloon the Abilene Unlimited Op- Fest can get more informatimist Club, said all of the tion in the Volunteer and proceeds from the Balloon Service-Learning Center or Fest will benefit Abilene by visiting the Balloon Fest youth, either through or- Web site at www.bigcounganizations such as the tryballoonfest.com. Boys and Girls Club and Toys for Tots or through scholarship programs the Optimist Club sponsors. Hot air balloon glows, E-mail Anderson at: optimist@acu.edu
brian schmidt/Chief Photographer
Members of the Big Purple marching band’s trumpet section perform during halftime of Saturday’s football game at Shotwell Stadium.
FBI joins employers in recruiting n A recruiter from the FBI plans to visit McMurry and HardinSimmons, answering questions about career opportunities and the internship program. By AARON BALLARD Staff Writer
Johnette Russell, special agent and recruiter for the FBI, plans to visit Abilene on Friday to meet with ACU, Hardin-Simmons and McMurry students who are interested in a possible career with the FBI. “This is a great opportunity to ask questions about career opportunities with the FBI and to get the answers straight from someone who has gone through the hiring process,” said Bradon Tharp, employer relations special-
ist in the Office of Career and Academic Development. Tharp works with employers to develop career opportunities for ACU graduates. “This type of information cannot be gained by simply reviewing the FBI Web site,” Tharp said. Russell will not only speak about full-time career opportunities but also about the Summer Internship Program. Any student, but particularly juniors, seniors and graduate students with an interest in the field, should attend one of the meetings, regardless of major, Tharp said. Russell will be at the Moody Center at Hardin-Simmons from 9 a.m. until noon and at Garrison Campus Center at McMurry from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. “Unfortunately, the FBI
agent will not be on the ACU campus. She will only be here one day and called us after she had already scheduled time with McMurry and Hardin-Simmons,” Tharp said. “However, ACU students are invited and welcome to attend.” Students do not have to R.S.V.P., so no one knows how many students will attend the meetings, Tharp said. However, 21 students have already viewed information about the FBI’s internship program online at CareerLink, which can be accessed after a CareerLink account is created at www.acu.edu/careerlink. “In addition to this, I have spoken with many students who have heard about the opportunity by word of mouth and plan on attending,”
Tharp said. “Last week, I met with a student for a resumé review. He has been interested in meeting with an FBI agent for years, but has never had an opportunity. When I told him about the upcoming opportunity to meet with an agent locally, he was very excited.” This event is just one of many opportunities for students to meet with employers throughout the school year. “This semester alone, there will be 13 companies interviewing on campus. In addition, there will be at least four companies here for the purpose of providing information on their companies and industries,” Tharp said.
E-mail Ballard at: agb04b@acu.edu
ViewsFriday Optimist
Page 6
September 23, 2005
LSU being sued–human life over animal life The issue:
Animal rights group PETA is suing the Health Science Center, home of LSU’s medical school, because thousands of animals died in the building while the center was helping wounded hurricane victims.
Our view:
PETA is suing LSU for a choice that clearly had to be made. The loss of animal life is not an easy choice, but humans should clearly take priority if presented with a choice between the two.
The solution:
In the midst of this effort, certain choices need to be made by institutions and businesses involved. Certain things take priority—human life, for example. Groups like PETA need to embrace the bigger issue of the wellbeing of humankind and the preservation of animal life, when possible.
Thousands of humans have died. The devastation, cordially provided by Hurricane Katrina, is continuously escalating as people truly realize how much they’ve lost—as the relief of surviving is wearing off, if that’s possible. Billions of dollars in damage to universities, businesses, families and just about any other money-making party, and not to mention the loss of human life, are just a few of the effects Katrina has shown. In the midst of the terror that is still prevalent in the affected areas, an animal rights group is suing Louisiana State University because of the number of animals that died in the flooding of the university’s Health Sciences Center in downtown New Orleans. The group, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), according to the Chronicle of Higher Education, claims
Mega changes to mega churches Most ACU students won’t doubtedly become unsettled be attending churches that at the idea that a comfortlook anything like the ones able, predictable church exthey grew up in, according perience might be on its way to two new out, but millions are finding books by that the more outreach-orir e s p e c t e d ented, participatory forms of C h r i s t i a n Christian community are exauthors. actly what they’ve been missA grow- ing all along. What’s more, ing number the church has grown at its of people, most alarming rates through e s p e c i a l l y similar movements in the Column Like I young peo- first three centuries after ple, are re- Pentecost, and more recently See ‘Em jecting their under government opposip a r e n t s ’ tion in China. Steve churches for Here in the West, we Holt n o n - t r a d i - haven’t seen anything yet. tional, participatory churchThis news should come as es, writes George Barna in his a breath of fresh air for those upcoming book release, Rev- involved in the expansion of olution. Barna, founder and the kingdom of God in North president of the Barna Group America. After all, one of the and pollster of thought and tasks of the church amid practice in American Christi- Christ’s kingdom is to selfanity for more than 20 years, lessly give its life up for the says 70 percent of Christian world. church-goers in America curMany will claim the recent rently attend a “traditional” trends are merely the latest church, but that this figure fads within the church comwill fall to 30-35 percent munity, similar to the Jesus in 20 years. Moving in are Movement in the 1960s, the emerging church models worship revolution in the such as house churches, cy- 1990s, and the emergent ber-churchmovement toes, family day. But this churches, and couldn’t be A revolution postmodfarther from is taking place ern churches the truth, as in the kingdom (which meet the “open primarily in church” moveof God. homes, coffee ment seeks to shops, online, re-define what in businesses, and in the “being the church” means marketplace) which are be- in a way that is consistent ginning to grow in appeal. with scripture and our conJames Rutz reported text, not simply do the same some of the same conclu- thing a different way. sions as Barna in his recent Barna correctly calls this book, Mega Shift, in which movement a revolution that he claims we are seeing a will “change not only the reworldwide movement of the cruiting strategies of semi“open church”—a church naries and Bible schools, “with no vertical hierarchies but also radically question which will change the fu- church building projects.” ture.” If Barna and Rutz are Rutz declares that the church correct, many current ACU is transforming itself from an students will eventually find organization to an organism, their place within this “open and “people are rediscoverchurch” movement. ing the original forms and Many in the “church functions in an open, particiworld” already are asking the patory system mostly conobvious question in response sisting of house churches.” to the research presented in A revolution is taking these books: Is this a good place in the kingdom of God. thing? Should we celebrate or You in? oppose the apparent decline of a church model present since Emperor Constantine nationalized Christianity in E-mail Holt at: smh00a@acu.edu, optimist@acu.edu Rome in AD 325? Many un-
that the lab aniWelfare Act, a law The lawsuit is being brought against an mals were simthat discusses treatinstitution that decided human life ply left in their ment of animals was more important than anything. cages to die, used in research, and nothing and the dean of the was done to save them. being helped, thousands of medical school at LSU should During the alleged “murder” animals were left in their cages be dismissed. of these animals, the Health and died. This animals rights group Sciences Center’s hospital and PETA has included a number is practically accusing LSU of medical school were being of accusations and requests in murder, even though the same flooded with wounded hur- its case because of this alleged center helped hundreds of peoricane victims. The Chronicle cruelty to animals. ple safely evacuate the area. states that the center lacked These accusations and reLSU has apparently been infood, water, electricity and doc- quests, according to an article volved in animal refuge since tors, as those helping vigorous- in The Chronicle of Higher Edu- this catastrophe began. ly attempted to keep patients cation include, but are not limAccording to Cornell Unialive. Even the doctors who ited to: versity’s news service, LSU has worked in the animal labs were “We believe that Louisiana turned their John M. Parker Colbeing called to tend to human State University officials must iseum into a large-scale animal victims because of a shortage be charged with the cruel aban- shelter, boarding more than 500 of helping hands. donment of the thousands of animals and expecting more as These doctors, students and animals who drowned, suf- the relief effort unfolds. nurses, after days of providing focated, starved or died of deThe article says that since help to these victims, were able hydration in its laboratories,” animals aren’t allowed in huto shuffle all of them up eight stated a letter sent by PETA to man shelters in the area, LSU flights of stairs to the roof, the attorney general of Louisi- set up the shelter to provide where they were transported ana, Charles C. Foti, Jr. important care to hundreds of out by helicopters. PETA also claims that the animals that would otherwise While injured humans were university violated the Animal have nowhere to go.
Hurricane Rita–public enemy No. 1 Dear Rita, please go away. We don’t want you here; I’m very sorry, but you’re not at all welcome. Your sister Katrina already visited last month, and we’re still recovering; your family sure knows how to outstay its welcome. Much Ado I know, you’re thinkAbout ing about visSomething iting GalvesJaci ton and Schneider Houston this time, instead of New Orleans, but you know how easy it is for you to wander off track, and even a quick visit in New Orleans would
E-mail letters to: optimist@acu.edu
If you just disappeared, people would praise you for your thoughtfulness. throw it back into a flooded chaos. You don’t want that to happen do you? And I really don’t think it would be wise to visit Texas either. All those tens of thousands of people your sister forced out of Louisiana are trying to make a home there; you really would be cruel to come in and force them to become nomadic once again. Some people are already leaving for Arkansas. Aren’t you remorseful at all? Sure, Katrina has gotten a lot of attention lately, and it must be hard to be the 17th child. I know you don’t want to
feel neglected, but maybe you should work on positive attention, not negative like your older sister. You’ve already shown us you have the capacity for mercy by sparing the Florida Keys on Tuesday. Think of the joy you would bring if you just disappeared this week. People would return home with happy hearts, praising you and your thoughtfulness. If you really must visit us, at least calm down a little bit first. Try to downgrade to a tropical storm, or maybe just a thunderstorm—that would really be great. Don’t go bothering our
neighbors either. Mexico has also had enough visits from your family this year, and they have enough of their own problems without you interfering. And please, tell your family to leave us alone. It seems you guys can’t get enough of us, but we sure have had enough of you. Yes, technically your family can stay with us for two more months, but this has been an intense summer. You know what Proverbs 25:17 says: “Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house—too much of you, and he will hate you.” We really don’t want to hate you Rita, but if you come visit us, we will.
E-mail Schneider at: jrs02a@acu.edu, optimist@acu.edu
Mixed reactions to women’s dress column Your Voice
In response to “Women need to cover up and keep it real” by Mallory Sherwood, Sept. 21. Thank you so much for addressing this issue. I’ve been disappointed with the choice of attire on campus. I feel very strongly about our responsibility to our brothers, especially
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
Cole Williams
Let Loose
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
Several different universities, including Cornell and Mississippi State, have sent faculty from their veterinary colleges to help LSU veterinary faculty in this effort. PETA is suing LSU for the mistreatment of many animals out of ignorance and aggression. The university’s Health Science Center, clearly bombarded with injured humans, undoubtedly had a responsibility to take care of these people above anything else, even at the expense of many animals. The death of an animal is not to be taken lightly, yet the life of a human should clearly be a higher priority. This law suit is being brought against an institution that decided helping dying human victims survive was more important than anything, and an institution that, at the same time, is providing shelter to hundreds of homeless animals.
those in Christ. We are called to a higher standard. Thank you so much for not backing away from this issue. Sisters, remember whose you are—your body has been bought, and it is the temple of our Lord.
Laura Davis freshman undeclared major from Eustace
Optimist the
Published by the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication
Newsroom: (325) 674-2439
Sports desk: (325) 674-2684
Look, I’m not trying to advocate girls walking around in lingerie, but maybe it’s time to relax a little bit. As an alumnus of a very conservative Christian college, it’s a little frustrating sometimes to watch people over-react to little things. It isn’t the job of an institution of higher learning to legislate the manner in which someone dresses. I understand that the university
wants to maintain a certain separateness from the rest of the world, but let’s not be too judgemental. I live in a warm part of the country—I can tell you firsthand how uncomfortable it is to be covered up when the weather is hot. Let’s not be militant about it. Let people dress comfortably. Nathan Mowrer Sales Representative California
Editorial and Management Board Jonathan Smith
Mitch Holt
Editor in Chief
Opinion Editor
Mallory Sherwood
Brian Schmidt
Managing Editor
Chief Photographer
Jaci Schneider
Jared Fields
Copy Editor
Sports Editor
Photo department: (325) 674-2499
Advertising office: (325) 674-2463
Sarah Carlson
Christi Stark
Arts Editor
Advertising Manager
Tiffany Taylor
Kenneth Pybus
Features Editor
Adviser
Subscriptions ($40/academic year): (325) 674-2296.
Online: www.acuoptimist.com
FROM THE FRONT PAGE
Friday, September 23, 2005
Page 7
Follies: Freshmen promise talent Rita: Hurricane aims for Houston Continued from page 1
ence’s eyes in an original film produced by seven students. The film will tie in each hall act as well as each song chosen for the soloists. Kate Whitworth, freshman print journalism major from Houston, said Follies is a time to take a risk and make an impression. “As freshmen, we’re all trying so hard not to stick out and this is an opportunity for us to put everything out there and make a first impression on campus,” Whitworth said. Whitworth, a soloist singing an acoustic version of Dido’s “White Flag,” is also
participating in the McDonald Hall act. She said hall acts are less prepared than the soloists because of the number of girls and their priorities. More than 70 women are expected to perform in McDonald’s performance, but only 18 showed up to the practice on Tuesday, Whitworth said. “The girls have other priorities and a lot of excuses,” she said. “People who could contribute so much aren’t willing to make a commitment.” However, she said the residents will realize how close the performance is and start practicing soon.
Other halls are more prepared, said Leah Payne, freshman marketing major from Belton. Payne is director of Nelson 1st floor’s act, based during the ’60s, and a soloist. She said the floor is rewriting the lyrics to “I wanna hold your hand” by the Beatles; “Where did our love go” by Diana Ross and the Supremes; and “Browneyed girl” by Van Morrison. She said she is looking forward to performing with her hall and wearing tie-dye shirts, long skirts, bare feet and large sunglasses. “I love to watch things like this,” Payne said. “It is a smaller version of Sing Song that
everyone can enjoy.” With each decade depicted, audience members can relate to what students perform, making the show unique. Massey said people don’t realize that Follies is not just another show. “Everything moves so much faster than Sing Song, and there is no down time,” Massey said. “People are going to wonder where the time went, and if they missed it, they’re going to wish they hadn’t.”
E-mail Sherwood at: mes02e@acu.edu
SA: Congress discusses parking Continued from page 1 to park in the Big Purple parking lot, which has a location that Mawajdeh said is equally convenient for Edwards residents. If their sophomore neighbors chose to park in the Big Purple parking lot, Mawajdeh said Mabee residents would find it easier to park according to campus regulations. “In case you think I’m doing this for a selfish reason, I ride my bike and walk everywhere on campus,” Mawajdeh said. Students will not be ticketed for parking in the Big Purple parking lot. However, Mawajdeh said he had not considered how spaces in the current shared parking lot will be allotted to the two dorms if a change is made.
Casey Bingham, junior senator, said he wanted to know what would happen to the Big Purple on a rainy day, when the band uses the parking lot to practice if its field is too wet. Although Mawajdeh said he had not planned for this, Melanie Booker, vice president, said the parking lot had only been used twice for Big Purple practices, and that was during summer band practices. Congress members voted to support the resolution, but many said they find it hard to support something they don’t have control over, such as parking. Mawajdeh said he understands Congress cannot control parking, but would
like the support of the Students’ Association when he discusses the issue with the residence directors from both halls. Zack Tabers, Williams Performing Arts Center representative, said he would like Congress to be a part of projects that are more proactive. “It doesn’t do anything just to put our stamp of approval,” Tabers said. The second resolution approached less debate, which junior senator Andrew Tuegel brought forth. Tuegal’s resolution states that the administrative relations committee should be directed to work on lowering the cost of participating in intramural sports. Through discussion with
the administration, Tuegal said he hopes the Students’ Association will find the causes of such large fees and decide what steps can be taken to lower the cost for students. Using fees for flag football teams as an example, Tuegal compared ACU’s team fees for flag football to surrounding universities and found ACU has the highest fee: $250. ACU team fees soundly beat larger state universities, such as Texas A&M, which charges $50 per team and universities more comparable to ACU, such as Lubbock Christian University, which has kept intramurals free to students.
E-mail Taylor at: tat04a@acu.edu
Grace: Giving back to Abilene area Continued from page 1 The Grace Museum began the art outreach program in 2004, according to the museum’s Web site, and since it began, about 450 children have participated in the program. Kimbrough was one of the first to become an outreach docent, and she said she loves being in the classroom with the students, and she loves showing students their potentials as artists. “It lets the children know there are possibilities for them,” Kimbrough said. “There are opportunities for them.” Although docents visit classrooms of different elementary grades, Kimbrough said she particularly enjoys the fifth graders because they’re on the brink of junior high education. “They’re thinking about electives, and when they have an art docent come and expose them to artistic teaching, they can see possibilities,” Kimbrough said. “You start to empower
them; you get them to look at themselves and see the possibilities—fifth grade is just great.” The Grace only has enough funding to visit Title I schools, which are often schools that have had art programs cut from the curriculum because of funding. Entrichel said her students only have an art teacher for six weeks out of the year. Kimbrough said the outreach docents try to help the classroom teacher by incorporating art into the curriculum. One docent who is good at math uses math in her art projects with students. The docents also provide the teachers with a sometime-needed break from everyday classroom functioning. “If we just take one day and teach these students in a different way, to give [teachers] a new perspective, or just a break, that’s where we can be a service,” Kimbrough said. “The Grace is giving back to the community.” At the end of the school
year, Entrichel’s 5th graders will take a field trip to the Grace Museum to see and explore the exhibits there. “The kids don’t get to go downtown very often,” Entrichel said. “So this brings the Grace to them.” At the museum, a different group of docents will introduce the students to the artwork. “Art reaches out to all classes, all levels of education,” Kimbrough said. “It’s a great way to express oneself.” In order to teach children about art, Kimbrough must learn about art herself. As a retired banker, she had little art experience, but the Grace makes sure its volunteers know what they’re talking about when they visit a classroom. Kathryn Best, the curator of education for the Grace, said the docents receive monthly training. The museum brings in artists whose art will be displayed; art teachers teach them projects and games, and the docents have opportunities
to visit museums in Dallas. “You don’t have to have any art background to be a docent,” Best said. “You just have to like kids.” Anyone can be docent, they just have to be available a few hours a month and make a commitment to the kids. Many of the docent are retirees, but many work full time; students can even volunteer. Kimbrough said she enjoys the art lessons she receives from the museum. “I think it’s an ongoing self discovery,” she said. She’s had lessons in portrait drawing, perspectives, watercolors, printmaking and sculptures. Although she enjoys learning about art, the real reason she continues to work as a docent is because of the students. “Once you give, you get back so much more,” she said. “What I am seeing is a blossoming of these children.”
E-mail Schneider at: jrs02a@acu.edu
Continued from page 1 Hurricane Katrina only reached a Category 4. Fike said he doesn’t know what to expect from Hurricane Rita, but he hopes it isn’t as bad as predicted. “I guess you never know what they’ll do,” Fike said. “It could be nothing or as bad or worse as Katrina.” For the Fike family and others fleeing the city, traffic was at a stand still. Fike said it took his dad more than five hours to cross Houston at noon Wednesday, when it normally takes an hour and a half. Others face the same situation. Chris Butler, junior nursing major from Houston, waits for news of his mother’s arrival in Dallas after leaving her home across the street from the coastline Wednesday morning. “My mom packed all of our family pictures, albums and memories of the place in her car and put the rest of the house in storage,” Butler said. “I guarantee the house will be gone the next time she returns,” he said, “the storage will also be gone too, which makes it worse.” Butler said he was worried about his mom and his friends who were still in Houston. “The thing is, my entire life up until college is there, and next time I go home, there won’t be a home,” Butler said. Gov. Rick Perry halted all southbound traffic on Interstate 45 into Houston on Thursday, and opened all eight lanes to northbound traffic out of the city, extending for 125 miles to speed up evacuating the city of more than four million people. But according to MSNBC’s Web site, cars were bumper to bumper for up to 100 miles north of the city Thursday, gas stations were reported to be running out of gas, and grocery
stores were out of non-perishable food items. CNN reported Thursday that the Department of Defense was helping to set up field hospitals to hold 2,500 beds, supplying materials to build temporary bridges and organizing food kitchens in preparation for Hurricane Rita. Learning from the mistake of Katrina, President Bush declared Rita an “incident of national significance” before it hit, and hundreds of buses were dispatched to Houston to evacuate the poor, and hospital and nursing home patients were moved to northern cities. Rita’s arrival marks this year’s hurricane season as the fourth busiest season since the National Hurricane Center began recording in 1851. The record season has 21 named storms and the hurricane season won’t end until Nov. 30, leaving two more months of hurricane anticipation. Houston sits 60 miles inland, is the state’s largest city and home to the largest concentration of Katrina evacuees. Kaia Jennings, sophomore special education major from Houston lives on the coast and fully expects her home to be destroyed. “My parents boarded up our house, took all of our valuable items and paperwork and moved the rest to the second floor of our house,” Jennings said. “It’s going to be gone— completely destroyed though.” Jennings said most of her family lives in the same area, and they evacuated already. She said her parents moved into Houston hospital where her mother is director. Jennings was able to talk to them Wednesday, but said she can no longer call the hospital or the area because the lines are jammed with other calls. “It’s the last time I could talk to them until it hits,” Jennings said. E-mail Sherwood at: mes02e@acu.edu
Holt: Centennial speaker postpones Continued from page 1 Force, said many were disappointed to hear Holt had to postpone, but understood the situation. “His first priority right now is covering Hurricane Rita,” Peck said. “We want him to do that; it’s important for everyone.” Peck said no one is sure when Holt will be able to reschedule the event in Abilene. She said it would likely be a couple of weeks before news about the hurricane subsides and she would be able to speak with Holt and his agent about scheduling a new date. Despite the late cancellation, Peck said businesses have been very accommodat-
ing so the university will not lose any money because of postponement. These businesses and groups include the Civic Center, florist and caterers and all the money planned for Thursday’s event can be applied to the rescheduled date. Ticket holders for Thursday’s event will be able to transfer their tickets to the new date. Those who cannot attend on the new date will be able to receive a refund and those wishing to attend will be able to purchase available tickets. Those interested in more ticketing information can call Ext. 2622. E-mail Smith at: jvs02a@acu.edu
SportsFriday Optimist
Page 8 Standings Football Team Angelo St. WTAMU Tarleton St. TAMU-K ACU MSU
Conf. Overall 2-0 4-0 2-0 4-0 2-0 3-0 2-0 3-0 2-0 2-1 1-1 2-1
Wildcats ready for Greyhounds n The Wildcats’ defense will face the 2-2 Eastern New Mexico Greyhounds’ option offense in their first South division game of the year. By JARED FIELDS Sports Editor
Volleyball Team Div. ACU 0-0 Tarleton St. 0-0 WTAMU 0-0 Angelo St. 0-0 TAMU-K 0-0 ENMU 0-0
Overall 10-3 8-3 9-6 7-7 4-10 2-8
September 23, 2005
If the Wildcats’ first three games have been any indication on how the season will be, then Saturday’s 6 p.m. game against Eastern New Mexico at Shotwell Stadium should be just as exciting. The Wildcats enter Saturday’s game with a 2-1 overall
Football record, and are tied for the conference lead with a 2-0 record. The Greyhounds are 2-2 so far this year, and are 2-1 in conference play. After two losses to begin the season, the Greyhounds evened their record with wins over Southwestern Oklahoma State and East Central University. In last week’s win against East Central, the Greyhounds put up 425 yards rushing from nine different ball carriers. However, Greyhounds
quarterback Michael Benton completed just one of seven passes for nine yards. Most of the yards on the ground came from Benton, who is the center of the Greyhounds’ triple-option ground attack. Benton rushed the ball 21 times for 162 yards, and running back Jason Tezeno gained 126 yards on 18 attempts. As a team, Eastern New Mexico ranks last in the LSC in pass offense, but second in rush offense, with 260.2 yards rushing a game. ACU senior defensive end
Clayton Farrell knows the Greyhounds will mainly run the ball Saturday, and that Benton will be the key guy behind the run. “You always have to account for that quarterback because he’s the one behind that offense,” Farrell said. “He’s the one that will make things happen when he’s got the opportunity.” To stop the Greyhounds’ option attack, Farrell says the defense is putting together many different personnel packages. The Wildcats normally run a three-man front,
Scores Friday
Volleyball ACU 3, Central Oklahoma 1
Saturday
Volleyball ACU 3, SE OK. St. 0 ACU 3, Midwestern St. 0 Football ACU 27, A&M-Commerce 18
Upcoming Schedule Friday
Tennis ITA Central Regional, Women, 11 a.m. Men, noon
Saturday
Football ACU vs. Eastern New Mexico, 2 p.m. Volleyball ACU at Tarleton State, 2 p.m. Tennis ITA Central Regional, Women, 11 a.m.
• Home games listed in italics
but this week will bring in a linebacker for additional support. “We’re bringing an outside linebacker down and put his hand in the dirt,” Farrell said. “We’re doing a lot of stunting.” Offensively for the Wildcats, quarterback Billy Malone and running back Rashon Myles will be counted on to balance out the offensive strike. “We try to keep it balanced,” Thomsen said of his offense. “Once the game starts, you never know what you’ve got to do.” Thomsen said the Greyhounds put eight men in the box on defense and aren’t afraid to bring the team on a rush. “Their scheming will be tough to deal with. You take what they give,” Thomsen said of the Greyhounds’ blitzing defense. Taking what they give may involve airing the ball out a little more. Sophomore Jerale Badon leads the team with 18 catches for 211 yards in the first three games. Senior Robb Spells had big numbers in his first game for the Wildcats against UCO, but hasn’t seen as many balls since. In last week’s game, Spells went without any receptions. If the old saying that defense wins championships is true, then it will be shown this weekend. The game will be full of defense. “I think it’s fun because you never know what’s coming,” Farrell said about playing against a run dominant offense. “It’s a matter of beating the guy in front of you and getting to the ball. It’s pretty exciting.” The game is the Wildcats first South division game, and begins at 6 p.m. Saturday.
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
Junior free safety Danieal Manning eludes tacklers in a 28-yard kickoff return in the second quarter of Saturday’s 27-18 win over Texas A&M-Commerce.
E-mail Fields at: jrf03b@acu.edu
Runners travel to North Carolina for Oct. 1 meet n Sophomore Nicodemus Naimadu and the rest of the ACU cross country teams will compete in the Great American Cross Country Festival Oct. 1, in Cary, N.C. By STEVE HOLT Sports Writer
On Oct. 1, Nicodemus Naimadu will be turned loose. The sophomore cross country runner from Kenya will have his first opportunity of many to obliterate the competition, a habit he formed last cross country season and
Cross Country in the spring during track and field season. Head cross country coach Derek Hood will take six men, whose team is ranked second in the nation, and three women to the Great American Cross Country Festival in Cary, N.C., where he expects the defending Division II individual national champion to put on a show. “We’re going to turn Nicodemus loose pretty much this whole season with the opportunity to win races, not nec-
essarily to lead the pack or be a pack runner,” Hood said of his star runner, who is expected to be even better than last season. Joining Naimadu on the six-man roster will be standout freshmen Philip Birgen, Serge Gasore and Alberic Nkurunziza, as well as seniors Lucky Hadebe and Martin O’Kello. ACU will be one of the smaller schools in the men’s race, which will include Division I powerhouses such as Clemson, Duke, North Carolina State, North Carolina,
Georgia, Virginia, Wake Forest, and William & Mary. “It’ll be a big test for our guys, and bring some exposure to our program,” Hood said. “It’s a luxury to have six quality runners, so if one of them has a bad day, another can step up.” Hood said his goal for the men is to finish within a minute to a minute and a half of each other in the eight-kilometer race. If his athletes do that, the team should compete well alongside the stiff competition.
Three Wildcat women also will compete Saturday in a fivekilometer race: seniors Trina Cox and Adeh Mwamba, and sophomore Olha Kryv’yak. The women’s race will include the same Division I competition as the men’s race, plus Brigham Young University. Hood said he expects the trio to run this race aggressively on a hilly and winding course—something to which the Wildcat runners are not necessarily accustomed—after barely being pushed at the ACU Classic on Sept. 9.
“This will be a chance to run with a fast group,” Hood said. “They’ll have to be pretty aggressive. At this course, they’re going to have to think and be focused throughout the entire race.” The men’s Nike Race of Champions will begin at 9:55 a.m. EST, and the women’s race will begin at 10:55 a.m. Hood expects good things out of both teams. “It’ll be a time to shine,” he said. E-mail Holt at: smh00a@acu.edu
Golf competes in Oklahoma
Going for the block
n The golf team competed in the Territory Classic in Duncan, Okla., on Monday and Tuesday, and finished eighth place in the team standings with a 38-over-par 614. By BRIAN HOLLAND Student Reporter
Brian Schmidt/Chief Photographer
Senior rightside hitter Ashlee Motola and freshman middle blocker Lauren Leone go up for a block during Saturday’s 3-0 win over Southeastern Oklahoma.
The golf team finished close to the rear in the Territory Classic in Duncan, Okla., on Tuesday with a two-day total, 38over par 614. The Wildcats trailed by just eight shots as a team going into the final round Tuesday, but again faltered down the stretch by piling 14 strokes on top of their already-high 12-over par Monday score. Coming in eighth, the team finished 29 strokes off the winning team, St. Edwards University, which obliterated the field with a nine-over par. The second place team, Texas Wesleyan University, came in five strokes behind the winning score. One thing that has been consistent in both this and last
Golf week’s tournaments has been the play of Cian Daly, junior; Patrick Hanauer, freshman; and Kyle Byerly, junior. All three finished with a seven-over-par 151 to come in tied for 22nd out of 68. Only ten strokes throughout the two days separated the trio from finishing with the leader, Brian Ward of Northeastern State University. Cameron University, the winner of last week’s Charles Coody West Texas Intercollegiate Tournament, came in third among the 12 teams in this week’s tournament. While eighth out of twelve teams did place them in the bottom half of the tournament scores, it gave the team a close fourth out of seven Lone Star Conference opponents. Other notable finishes for the Wildcats include Curtis Harris (161), Hilton Funk (163) and Matt Samples (170). E-mail Holland at: optimist@acu.edu