WEDNESDAY October 5, 2005
Optimist the
Vol. 94, No. 14 1 section, 8 pages www.acuoptimist.com
Among nation’s best
Giving back
Winning ways
The cross country teams fares well against D-I competition, page 8
The Foreign Language Department offers to buy new bike racks, page 4
The Wildcats win their 14th straight match this weekend, page 8
Hunter won’t seek re-election n After being diagnosed with cancer, Bob Hunter will end his more than 20-year career as a state representative when his term finishes in January 2007. By JONATHAN SMITH Editor in Chief
Bob Hunter announced last week he would not seek reelection for his seat as Texas State Representative for the
71st District when his term ends in January 2007. Hunter said he had every intention of filing for re-election at the end of this year; however, after doctors discovered he had prostate cancer during a routine checkup in September, Hunter, senior vice president emeritus of the university, said he decided instead to devote more time to his family and the university.
During the next 40 days, Hunter will undergo radiology treatment at Hendrick Medical Center, and after that, he will help the development Hunter team of the university’s Centennial Campaign to raise funds for the
university. “President [Royce] Money had been asking me to consider helping him personally with the development team of our Centennial Campaign,” Hunter said. “This will enable me to have even more time to help him. I’m very excited about the fact that I can be of help.” See
HUNTER page 7
Bob Hunter at ACU • 1956 — Came to ACC as director of special events • 1969 — Became vice president for public relations and development • 1986 — Elected in a special election to State House of Representatives • 1992 — Became ACU’s senior vice president emeritus • 2005 — Announced he will not seek another House term.
Street work almost done n Although work on Campus Court soon will be complete, students can still expect construction along the road for the jogging track and Barret Hall.
Freshmen finish Follies
By TIFFANY TAYLOR Features Editor
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
Women of Nelson Hall’s third floor perform their Freshman Follies skit based on the late 1970s at ACU. Freshman performed the show five times throughout Friday and Saturday, and many students’ parents and families visited for the show. Each act portrayed a different decade in the university’s 100-year history. See page 5 for more photographs and a story about this year’s show.
Queen nominees prepare for crowning n Students can vote on the Homecoming Queen Wednesday through Friday online, and the winner will be announced during halftime of the Homecoming football game Oct. 15.
By SARAH CARLSON Arts Editor
After watching her friend be blindfolded and kidnapped during last week’s Ko Jo Kai meeting, Kelci Young had only a matter of minutes
before her friend’s captors came looking for her. Young, senior integrated marketing and communication major from Franklin, Tenn., was in the middle of explaining instructions to
her club for a pledging activity when she was whisked away to the Alumni Office where she, along with nine other senior women, learned they had been nominated for Homecoming Queen.
“I was really surprised,” Young said. “I was very honored and glad that I got to do it with Meg [Goggin, senior history major from Fort Worth].” See
QUEENS page 7
KACU sets $30,000 goal for pledge drive n ACU’s National Public Radio station earns about half its yearly budget from listeners through pledge drives in the fall and spring semesters. By NATHAN STRAUS Student Reporter
KACU is running another pledge drive for another semester. A pledge drive for a na-
tional radio station is intended to keep the station operational for a certain amount of time, and the goal for this semester’s pledge drive is $30,000. Terri Peterson, KACU’s membership director, said as a nonprofit organization, KACU must raise about half its budget from listeners. “Because National Public Radio stations don’t run a lot
of advertisements, they have to acquire a lot of their funds from their listeners,” Peterson said. John Best, general manager of KACU, said the pledge drive allows the members of KACU to support the station. “It’s very important for us to have community support because if we don’t make $95,000 a year, we will go off the air.”
Students are helping out with the pledge drive as well. Peterson said KACU has students come and take phone calls made by people who are pledging money to KACU. The students then enter the names of the people who called and how much money they pledged into a computer, and the information is recorded. Peterson said KACU gets be-
tween 40 and 50 calls a day. Best said national radio stations run a small number of commercials, which forms a streamlined environment where vital information reaches the listeners quickly. “They like the programming, and the uncluttered environment,” Best said. See
KACU page 7
Workers walked back and forth across Campus Court on Monday and Tuesday carrying torches to melt white plastic strips used for crosswalk lines into the new asphalt. After completing 10 crosswalks on Campus Court, workers for Little Manufacturing, a subcontractor working on Campus Court, will begin to lay down street buttons and reflectors, said Ronnie Hagar, co-owner of Little Manufactory. Using a pattern of three buttons to every one reflector, Hagar said his group will create a turning lane down the center of Campus Court. Work is ahead of schedule, Hagar said, and his group will finish its part of the construction project after sawing open the asphalt under the light where Campus Court meets Ambler Boulevard, allowing technicians to install a traffic loop for the automatic changing lights. However, Little Manufactory is only a part of the construction work taking place on Campus Court. Bontke Brothers Construction Company, which won the contract from the City of Abilene, has subcontracted parts of the project to groups including Little Manufactory. Students have complained about road work and construction spilling out on to the road, said Jimmy Ellison, chief of the ACU Police. Complaints often come to his office, and Ellison said he’s sorry he can’t help aggravated students. “I just laugh,” Ellison said, “Do you think the police department chose this time to do this?” Landscaping for Bontke is being done by Masterscapes, whose bulldozers have begun to obstruct traffic on Campus Court. Corey Ruff, landscape supervisor for Masterscapes said his work should finish in less than three weeks. The army of bulldozers are required so workers can loosen and extract dirt that had previously been comSee
WORK page 7
Habitat house completes GSP project n After raising more than $22,000 through a 60-hour softball game in the spring, members of Gamma Sigma Phi now work to complete a house for a single mother of three. By DANI LINTHICUM Staff Writer
Men in cargo shorts and Gamma Sigma Phi grub T-shirts swarm over the fresh foundation of 2966 Orange St., nailing together walls and erecting
them, slowly but surely building a house and the hope that comes with it. They are sweaty, dirty and unshaven, but they are clearly enjoying themselves. “This is what guys do,” said Patrick Vincent, senior finance and English major from Arlington, “it’s what we love.” The building of this threebedroom, two-bathroom home is the completion of GSP’s Insanity for Humanity project, which
Department of Journalism and Mass Communication
began with a 60-hour softball game last spring. Through support of the Guiness-world-record-breaking game, GSP raised more than $22,000—enough to cover its share of the housebuilding project. According to the Habitat for Humanity Web site, Habitat International is a nonprofit, nondenominational Christian housing organization, and it has built more than 175,000 houses, providing shelter for
nearly 900,000 people in 100 countries. In Abilene, Habitat for Humanity is a vibrant organization that gives many service opportunities to students and housing for those in the community that need it, and Andrea Chauser is one of many whose lives have been touched by others generosity. Chauser, a single mother, See
HOUSE page 7
EMERALD McGOWAN/Staff Photographer
Patrick Vincent, senior finance and English major from Arlington, cuts studs for the Habitat for Humanity house that Gamma Sigma Phi began last week.
Abilene Christian University
Serving the ACU community since 1912
Campus
Day
Wednesday, October 5, 2005
05
Calendar & Events Wednesday
06
Thursday
07
Friday
Latin America Study Abroad interest meeting, 11:45 a.m., COBA Room 201.
Wellness: Physical, 11:30 a.m.1:30 p.m., Campus Center, Hilton Room and Living Room.
Wellness Week: Unstressed Day, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., front of Moody Coliseum.
Wellness Week: Emotional, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Campus Center, Living Room and Hilton Room.
Service Saturday sign-ups, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Campus Center ticket window.
Flu Vaccine Medical Clinic, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Living Room.
Service Saturday sign-ups, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Campus Center ticket window.
Volleyball game, 7 p.m., Moody Coliseum.
08
Saturday
Volleyball game, 2 p.m., Moody Coliseum. Freshman Social, 6 p.m., Highland Church of Christ gym.
Police Log Announcements Students can support hurricane victims by eating dinner at Outback Steakhouse Wednesday. Outback Steakhouse is donating 100 percent of the profits from that night to hurricane victims. October is “National Book Month”. The Abilene Public Library will celebrate National Book Month with several events. For more information, visit www. abilenetx.com/apl. A YouthWorks representative will be in the Campus Center 11:15 a.m.12 p.m. Oct. 17. YouthWorks is a nonprofit organization that exists to provide mission opportunities for teenagers from across the United States and Canada. In 2006 they hope to have 42,000 participants visit one of 85 communities in the U.S., Mexico and Canada. They are recruiting Christian men and women for 365 paid positions. The representative will lead an informational session in the
Living Room 12 p.m.-2 p.m. The Annual Campus Crime & Security Report for ACU is now available at http://www. acu.edu/campusoffices/acu_ police/crimestats.html and free copies can be obtained upon request at ACUPD, 1634 Campus Court during normal business hours. The report includes crime statistics for the previous three years for reported crimes on campus, in certain offcampus locations and on public property immediately adjacent to and accessible from campus. There will be a training session for Macs 3-5 p.m. in room 327 Administration Building. Joshua Tooley will present. Microsoft Word Intermediate will be Oct. 5, from 9-11 a.m. in the Library 3rd floor lab. A Web mail class will be offered Oct. 7, from 9-10 a.m. in the Library 3rd floor lab. Call or e-mail Kristy Strickland to register.
Tuesday, Sept. 27 11:30 a.m. Medical emergency at Campus Center, student transported to Hendrick Medical Center with previous head injury from night before Wednesday, Sept. 28 11:18 a.m. Vehicle accident at Sewell lot 5:30 p.m. Report of skateboarders at Business lot, checked unable to locate 9:35 p.m. Traffic stop at Campus Court. Subject ran stop sign. Student contacted and was being chased by other club members. Property was taken between clubs and was returned. 10:55 p.m. Noise disturbance at Smith/Adams Hall. Subject had slip & slide all OK September 29, 2005 12:35 a.m. Noise disturbance at University Park Apartments 815, contacted subjects that agreed to go inside
Credited Chapels to date: Credited Chapels remaining:
29 41
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.
Volunteer Opportunities
Service Saturday sign-ups, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Campus Center ticket window.
Monday, Sept. 26 2:30 p.m. Vehicle accident in Bible lot
Chapel Checkup
1:40 a.m. Medical emergency at Edwards Hall, student transported to Hendricks Medical Center 9:10 p.m. Traffic stop on Teague Boulevard for driving on wrong direction 9:20 p.m. Theft report off campus of items from club members. Item was recovered from another club at Intramural Field. Friday, Sept. 30 1:30 a.m. Report of suspicious subject at E.N. 22 and Avenue D, unable to locate Saturday, Oct. 1 4:30 a.m. Report of smoke in area of Nelson, McDonald & Gardner, unable to locate Sunday, Oct. 2 12:04 a.m. Report of water balloon fight at Bible lot. Contacted students and advised to play elsewhere 11 a.m. Criminal mischief to vehicle at McKinzie lot 7:05 p.m. Burglary of motor vehicle
An elderly woman, who has just moved into Wesley Court Retirement Center, has urgent need of a volunteer to help her unpack boxes. For more information, contact Jennifer at 437-1184 and ask to have her paged. Mothers of PreSchoolers (MOPS) group need child care workers from 8:45 - 11:45 a.m. Monday mornings at the Highland Church of Christ For more information, contact the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center. T h e M o m s & To t s Program at HSU`s Friendship House needs a volunteer babysitter from 9:30-10:45 a.m. on Wednesdays. For more information, contact the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center. Big Brothers Big Sisters needs volunteers to work on an art project with a child for one hour each week. The deadline to sign up is Oct. 10. Contact the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center, Julie Owen or Amanda Brough at 677-7839 for more information. The Red Cross will be conducting a four-session disaster training in October beginning Monday. There is no charge for these sessions but you must pre-register. Upon
completion of all four sessions, volunteers will be certified to join disaster response teams through the American Red Cross. For more information, contact the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center. Service Saturday is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 8. Sign ups will be TuesdayFriday in the Campus Center ticket windows from 11:30 a.m.1:30 p.m. The ACU Homecoming Carnival needs volunteers to work at inflatable rides, dress up as a clown, paint faces, or assist with other children’s booths on 5-8 p.m. Oct. 14. For more information, contact the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center. Christian Ministries of Abilene needs their waiting area painted. Volunteers can come anytime on Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays. Contact Camilla Becton at 673-1234 for more information. The Boys & Girls Club of Abilene needs volunteers 57 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays to assist with homework and some teaching. For additional information contact the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center.
Freshman Action Council dodges balls for charity n The Freshman Action Council is organizing a charity dodgeball tournament for Hurricane Katrina victims at 7 p.m. Thursday at Gibson Health and P.E. Center. By BLYTHE THOMPSON Student Reporter
Freshmen can put on their sweatbands, tall socks and defend themselves as the balls fly when they take the dodgeball court Thursday. The Freshman Action Council planned the Freshman Dodgeball Tournament for Thursday at the double gyms in Gibson Health and P.E. Center from 7 p.m. to midnight; money collected will go to help Hurricane Katrina victims. The tournament cost $3 per person or $18 for a team of six, which was due Monday. As of Saturday, 20 teams, or 120 freshmen, had signed up which amounts to, but the number was expected to increase, said Tommy Johnson, freshman youth and family
“I just want to hit some of people legally.” Tommy Johnson, freshman youth and family major from Hewitt
major from Hewitt. The FAC chose dodgeball because its fun for everyone to play, and co-ed teams are easy to form, said Ryan Jones, freshman Bible, missions and ministry major from Tulsa, Okla. The release of the movie, Dodgeball, has ignited a new interest in the game, Jones and Johnson said. One student had other reasons for participation. “I just want to hit some people legally,” Johnson said. For all who have dodged the dodgeball craze, according to dictionary.com, dodgeball is a game where players try to eliminate other players by hitting them with an inflated ball. For most children this is a game that was introduced to them during elementary school, but the fun has left them gearing up for more.
The FAC has planned several upcoming events, including the Freshman Social this Saturday with a TV Land theme. Also planned to begin Monday was a week of prayer. Plans are still leading up to next week’s Homecoming, where FAC plans to create its own float, said Belinda Floyd, freshman psychology major from Kaufman. According to the ACU Web site, the FAC has about 50 freshmen, which are divided into sub-committees to plan, coordinate and run various activities for the freshman class, not only activities like formals and games, but also devotionals and service projects, which are planned for freshmen to get to know their fellow newcomers to the university. E-mail Thompson at: optimist@acu.edu
CAMPUS NEWS
Wednesday, October 5, 2005
Wheaton president set to speak n Dr. Duane Litfin, president of Wheaton College and author of ‘Conceiving the Christian College,’ will speak Wednesday about Christian higher education. By ANNA CARROLL Student Reporter
The president of Wheaton College will speak to faculty and students Wednesday about Christian higher education to end a conference on faith and learning. His recent book, Conceiving the Christian College, inspired the theme for the conference, which was Christian Higher Education: Heritage and Promise. Dr. Duane Litfin, president of Wheaton College, was asked to speak in celebration of the Centennial school year.
His talks focused on higher education in church-related institutions and what that should look like in the 21st century, said Dr. Dwayne VanRheenen, provost of the university. Litfin’s first speaking engagement was Tuesday at noon, where he spoke to community leaders at the Abilene Country Club about the impact of Christian education on the community, according to an ACU press release. This event was by invitation only and was expected to have 75 to 80 people, said Lea Watkins, assistant to the vice president. Litfin also spoke at Graduate Chapel on Wednesday and to various groups of faculty and students at other times.
“What students as well as faculty members will be considering is what it means to be a Christian practitioner, leader, scholar,” VanRheenen said. “What implications does that have for things that we do on campus for instance, that help students grow and develop as human beings?” Talking about these things will help shape ACU’s vision for the next 10 years, he said. Faculty members were given the opportunity to receive a copy of Litfin’s book before the symposium, and about 100 requested a copy, said Ruth Traylor, executive secretary for the provost. “For me, the book describes the challenges of the 21st century for Christian
Page 3
Painting the day away
higher education and how schools like ACU and Wheaton need to take those into account,” VanRheenen said. This is Litfin’s 13th year as Wheaton’s seventh president. He has an undergraduate degree in biblical studies and a master’s degree in theology. He has a doctorate in communication from Perdue University and a doctorate in the New Testament from Oxford University. He has written several other books including Recent Homiletical Thought, Public Speaking and St. Paul’s Theology of Proclamation and has writings published in journals and periodicals.
E-mail Carroll at: optimist@acu.edu
Jazz Combo plans night of music n The group’s first performance consisted of different types of jazz numbers, including bee-bop and funk, and they plan to have more concerts later this year. By DENTON JOSEY Student R eporter
The ACU Jazz Combo planned to perform for the first time this semester Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. in the Bean Sprout and will perform on several Tuesdays throughout the semester. Originally, the concert was scheduled for Sept. 27, but Greg Bush, director of Jazz Studies, said the group did not have enough material at that time. Bush, also an instructor of trumpet, invited students to come “to listen to jazz, sup-
port their colleagues and enjoy good music.” The Jazz Combo is comprised of 10 members, which is smaller than the ACU big band. The combo planned to play two 45-minute sets and feature more solos and improvisation than the jazz ensemble. Sarah Mullen, sophomore music education major from Fort Worth, has played with the Jazz Combo for two years and planned to play Tuesday night. “We’re starting a jazz hang,” Mullen said. Mullen, who plays tenor saxophone, said the atmosphere at Jazz Combo performances is very relaxed. “It’s not like it’s a recital hall or anything,” Mullen said. “It’s more like a jam
session.” Members planned to play at least three different kinds of jazz throughout the night, including bee-bop, funk and some songs in the vein of jazz great John Coltrane. “We usually do a lot of bee-bop like stuff,” Mullen said. “This is like beatnik, laid back, drinking your coffee—that type of music that you’d hear in that environment.” Luke Powell, sophomore music major from Paducah, Ky., said students should come to the show “to support some of their students. There’s a lot of talk about school spirit and supporting athletics, but the arts programs have students working very hard, too. It’d be really nice to be supported.”
Powell, the combo’s only guitarist, said in the past the Swingcats, the university’s swing dance club, have attended performances with the combo. He also said a vocalist has sometimes accompanied the combo in the past but not for Tuesday’s show. For people who may not know much about jazz, the performance was a good time to learn, Powell said, because “Mr. Bush talks about the songs and puts things in context.” The Jazz Combo plans to play several Tuesday dates, and all shows in the Bean Sprout will be free.
By JAYME SMITH Student R eporter
Students began praying Monday for the university’s first Prayer Week, which is sponsored by the spiritual life group of the Freshman Action Council. The organization’s goal was to have at least one student praying every 15 minutes, from 5 a.m. until midnight beginning Monday and ending Friday, said Kylie Jennings, freshman speech pathology major and FAC member from North Richland Hills. She said it was encouraging to
finally see a signature on every time slot. Students wanting to volunteer to pray signed up last week after Chapel at the Campus Center ticket windows. Certain prayer topics were considered or assigned to the prayer vol-
up for a 15-minute increment, while others added an extra 30 to 40 minutes of prayer time attached to their names, Jennings said. When students have their time to pray, they can just stop what they’re doing and pray, said Eric Gentry,
“I believe in the power of prayer. God can do great things through this.” Eric Gentry, freshman Biblical text major from DeSoto
unteers, such as prayer for the spiritual life of the university, students and the hurricane victims. “It’s important that we’re letting God take control of ACU,” Jennings said. Most students signed
freshman Biblical text major and FAC member from DeSoto. “The student doesn’t have to be anywhere special,” Gentry said. “If the student’s time is at 6 a.m., he or she just needs to
Résumés collected for HR conference n The Office of Career and Academic Development is collecting student résumés to submit at a human resources conference in Fort Worth. By DANNY GAMBERO Student R eporter
E-mail Josey at: optimist@acu.edu
FAC organizes first week of prayer n The Freshman Action Council’s spiritual life group created the week to encourage students to focus on keeping prayer in their daily routines.
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
Katie Lea Conwell, junior graphic design major from Atlanta, and Heather Norman, junior management major from Arlington, prepare for the Homecoming building decoration contest outside of Zellner Hall on Monday.
make sure that they wake up to pray.” One of the goals of Prayer Week is to “hopefully better the spiritual atmosphere on campus,” Gentry said. He said that students involved with Prayer Week have a good opportunity to grow closer to the Lord and also to their brothers and sisters in Christ. The decision of sponsoring Prayer Week in future years rests with FAC, Gentry said. He said that he is optimistic about Prayer Week and also signed up for a prayer time. “I believe in the power of prayer,” Gentry said. “God can do great things through this.” E-mail Smith at: optimist@acu.edu
The Office of Career and Academic Development is collecting student résumés to give to employers from across the country at an upcoming human resources conference. Students have until Tuesday to submit their résumés for the conference, called HR Southwest. The conference occurs once a year for human resource managers to learn more about their professions. ACU is one of eight universities that will be in the exhibit hall handing out student résumés and portfolios. This year, the conference will be Oct. 25-28 in Fort Worth.
Putting together a portfolio of résumés is the job of Matthew Boisvert, director of Career Development, and Bradon Tharp, employer relations specialist. They will bring the portfolios with them to HR Southwest where they hope to share copies of them with more than 1,000 different companies. This will ensure that an employer will at least look at the students who submit their résumés. This is open for juniors and seniors. “It would be a great opportunity for pursuing internships as well, for juniors,” Tharp said. To submit a résumé, students should create one and post it on ACU’s CareerLink Web site. This is the first year OCAD will attend the conference.
E-mail Gambero at: optimist@acu.edu
CAMPUS NEWS
Page 4
Café delivers tastes of cultures n ISA plans Chai Café as a way for students to take a break from their busy schedules while learning about and meeting students from different cultures. By DENTON JOSEY Student Reporter
The International Students Association invites students to the Campus Center on Oct. 13 from 9 – 11 p.m. for Chai Café. Chai Café is an event where international and American students can take a break from studying, meet new people and learn about each other’s culture. The university’s international students comprise most of ISA, but ISA president Marcela Gutierrez said the purpose of Chai Café is to integrate people from all cultures. “Everything we do is open to American students,” Guti-
errez said. “It’s intended to be a time for relaxing and a break from your hectic week,” Gutierrez said. She also said the meeting is a great opportunity for people to escape their regular routine and meet people they may not otherwise talk with very much. “It’s just such a blessing—it’s so diverse,” Gutierrez said. “It’s so funny all the differences, but you can still see we’re the same, too.” Recently, Chai Café had theme nights where the décor and food reflected certain cultures, such as Latin American night or Asian night, even Texas night. The café takes place in either the Hilton Room or Living Room, depending on availability. Yuri Sudo, sophomore undeclared major from Ibraki, Japan, said she enjoys Chai Café because she can have a
time just to talk with friends from all over the world. “Well, I get to meet many friends from other countries,” Sudo said. “I usually can’t meet everyone because we are busy with classes, but with Chai Café we can talk.” Chai Café allows students like Sudo to find out more about their American friends, at least those that come. “I think almost all my American friends are interested in Asian culture,” Sudo said. “We exchange culture through conversation. We can understand more.” ISA uses Chai Café to inform participants of upcoming events and encourage them to get involved. “We just want people to know about these events, try to advertise them,” said Rachel Lau, junior photojournalism major from Penang, Malaysia. Lau is also the ISA
By EMERALD McGOWAN Student Reporter
While many students spent the summer at various internships or summer jobs, Austin Basye monitored data at the Brookhaven National Laboratory on Long Island and as a result, visited Hawaii this semester. Basye, sophomore physics major from Canyon, worked as an on-call specialist on the PHENIX detector, a machine that analyzes hot, dense matter formed in collisions of ions. Unlike his friends work-
ing more traditional jobs during the summer, Basye’s summer job landed him a free trip to Hawaii. Basye was one of four physics students to receive a scholarship to spend last week in Hawaii, presenting the work they did over the summer at the Conference Experience for Undergraduates. The CEU is an event that provides a way for undergraduate students to present research in nuclear physics to the professional community and each other. The CEU is held every year in a different location, but is unusual this year as it was a combined conference between America and Japan. Dr. Michael Sadler, professor of physics, accompanied the students to the con-
ference to interact with the Japanese physicists, learn of the latest research results in the nuclear physics field and plan future research projects for the university. A new accelerator is being built near Tokyo that will have capabilities not presently available. ACU is a participant in three intended future experiments at this facility, he said. Dr. Rusty Towell, professor of physics, also attended the conference as a lecturer. Towell gave two lectures, one on a series of experiments the university has completed and plans to complete on the contents of a proton. The other lecture was about a grant the department is part of that will improve the PHENIX detec-
E-mail Josey at: optimist@acu.edu
tor Basye worked on during the summer. “Doing research is fun,” Towell said. “It’s always exciting to discover something new and share it with others.” Basye said he and the other students from ACU found time in between presentations to go snorkeling and found the “fish beautiful, the surf challenging, and the sunsets amazing. “I must say, I am American by birth and Texan by the grace of God himself,” Basye said. “But God made Hawaii a paradise, and if I had to live anywhere besides Texas, I would live in Hawaii.”
E-mail McGowan at: optimist@acu.edu
Department offers to buy bike racks n The Foreign Language Department offered funds to buy bike racks for campus to help alleviate overcrowding at the existing racks. By LUKE HARRIS Staff Writer
The Foreign Language Department has decided to give something to the students: bike racks. Many students now find it necessary to ride their bikes to school instead of driving because gas prices have increased in past weeks. As a result, many bike racks on campus are overcrowded, and the Foreign Language Department would like to help. Harland Rall, associate chair of foreign language, said
he would normally ride his bike to school, but because of the overcrowded bike racks all over campus, Rall said it has become harder and harder to find a spot. Rall blames the overcrowding on the gas prices increase, which causes many more students to ride to school on their bikes, leaving few bike rack spots unoccupied. The bike racks that are less occupied, however, are in inconvenient places, which causes students and faculty to park their bikes in the mud, Rall said. “The Foreign Language Department is all about students being able to live with each other easily and in a comfortable community,” Rall said. “We are just trying
to help the student community.” Mark Jones, chair of the Foreign Language Department, is behind the decision for the new bike racks and thinks they are a necessity on campus. Jones said the Foreign Language Department studies different cultures, and many other cultures use bikes much more than cars, and he thinks that should be encouraged. The lack of cars and the increase in bicycles is a good thing, Jones said, and with some funds that the Foreign Language Department already had, Jones felt this was the best place to put the money. “A big concern with stu-
Chocolate is good
public relations officer. “We just want people to know ISA is not just for international students,” she said. Though Chai Café is a time where students can take a break from studying, students still learn as they interact with each other. “It’s not just you come to get snacks and hang out, but you actually learn about other cultures,” Lau said. Chai Café meets every other Thursday, and plenty of other opportunities exist for students to get involved with ISA. The group has a food festival coming up in November and is working on this year’s Ethnos show, which showcases culture and talent and will also be in November.
Physics majors spend week in Hawaii n Four students received a scholarship to spend last week in Hawaii, presenting their summer research at an undergraduate conference.
Wednesday, October 5, 2005
dents is the crowding and the lack of security this causes for their bikes,” Jones said. “With these new bike racks we can encourage more students and faculty to use their bikes.” Jeff Knight, junior biochemistry major from Tyler, said he was chaining his bike to trees because of overcrowded bike racks. “The bike racks have to be overcrowded five to one,” Knight said. “If we get these new bike racks, it’ll really help a lot of students.” Knight, for one, said he hopes the new bike racks will be put up soon.
E-mail Harris at: dlh03a@acu.edu
ANNA CARROLL/Staff Photographer
Noel Cothren, junior art for certification major from Albuquerque, N.M., dips chocolate on top of her ice cream sundae at Sundaes on Mondays’ first meeting Monday. The group meets on various Mondays to discuss multicultural issues.
Students to serve Abilene Saturday n Sign-ups for Service Saturday will run through Friday in the Campus Center ticket windows, and students can choose the location where they will work. By DANIELLE SPENCE-MARROW Student Reporter
Students can join together this Saturday to serve in the Abilene community for Service Saturday. Students can partner with different organizations, such as the Abilene Zoo, Salvation Army, Day Nursery of Abilene, Faith Works, and many others to help with the areas in need, said Rita Harrell, administrative coordinator of the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center. Sign-ups for Service Saturday began Tuesday and will continue through Friday in the Campus Center ticket windows from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Students can signup and choose the location
they wish to serve on Saturday. Usually, about 100 or more students sign up; however, planners are unsure about how many will sign–up this time, Harrell said. Although many students have plans other than Service Saturday, such as hunting or visiting family, they said they still think it is a great idea. “It is a good way to make new friends and help people at the same time,” said Kylie Jennings, freshman speech pathology major from North Richland Hills. “I get more out of helping people because it is humbling.” Service Saturday is also a way to earn credit for classes that require volunteer hours. This is a good way for students to become involved, Harrell said, “Service is about meeting the needs of whatever.” E-mail Spence-Marrow at: optimist@acu.edu
October 5, 2005
FocusWednesday Optimist
Freshmen on a
Mission
Gardner 3rd West’s act, All That Jazz, represents the conservatives in the 1920s at ACC.
Women from of Nelson 2nd sing about the beginning of ACC in the “dinosaur” age in the 1900s and perform part of the Thriller dance routine, dressed in Flinstones costumes.
First-years frolic through Follies By Daniel Gambero Student Reporter
Last weekend, 2,100 people attended Freshman Follies, making the show gross more than $18,000. The theme, The Mission, had to do with the mission statement for the university. A video played in between acts featured seven students finding a code hidden within the statement and trying to decode it. Each residence hall had a different era they sang and performed a skit. At the end of the show, the students figured out that the code leads to the Bible verses, Matthew 28:18-
20. The code was telling the freshmen to find their purpose at the university. “It’s like The DaVinci Code or National Treasure,” said Kendall Massey, director of Student Productions. Justin Heinsen, freshman business major from Trophy Club, said the overall production of Follies was well done, but could have had better skits. “My favorite part was the singing,” Heinsen said, “They had good singers; it was impressive.” The different acts ranged from women in poodle skirts, to a student in a wet-
On the Web Visit www.acuoptimist.com/multimedia for a video report on Freshman Follies.
suit dancing behind someone listening to an iPod. Massey said that Follies went without hardly any “hiccups.” This year was “better than could be expected,” Massey said. He also said that the freshmen had a really good time working on the event. This is the third year Kendall has been in charge of Student Production staff for Freshman Follies. E-mail Gambero at: optimist@acu.edu
Women from the Nelson 3rd sing to the audience during their ’70s-themed act.
A member of the Morris act performs part of Thriller.
Photos by: Brian Schmidt Men from Mabee 1st North dance in a group during their performance, which did not include any vocals.
Page 5
ViewsWednesday Optimist
Page 6
The issue:
The university seems to have a wide range of political views among professors. With views ranging from Libertarian to Democrat to Republican, the university is politically diverse.
Our view:
Political diversity is a beneficial trait in any situation, especially on the campus of a Christian university. Students can draw many different views from faculty, and gain insights on aspects of politics they may have never heard before.
The solution:
Students should be openminded. Search for your views instead of adopting the views of others. This university is a good starting point in the development of your personal opinions.
October 5, 2005
Politically diverse faculty opens student minds
ACU is located in the buckle of the Bible belt, in a “red” state, and most of the student population comes from conservative households. But diversity does exist when it comes to the political preferences of the professors on campus who identify themselves as Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians and some that choose no political affiliation. A politically diverse faculty produces a dynamic learning environment beneficial to higher education and student development. In the Learning Covenant set forth by the university, diversity is encouraged and the faculty accepts the challenge to create a respectful environment. A particular professor’s political preferences may or may
Blind eye turned from immodesty
Freshman follies were once your folly I’ve never entertained the idea of what it might have been like to be a freshman during the 1920s, ’50s or ’80s but this year’s freshman class enlightened me as well as hundreds of others this weekend with its production of Freshman Follies. Face the For those Facts who didn’t Mallory attend or Sherwood haven’t heard of Follies before, it is a collection of short choreographed acts that groups of freshmen perform while parodying popular songs with their own lyrics based on a theme. In other words you mix hundreds of giggly, overly dramatic freshmen with a beat, someone to show them how to move to it, and add talent. I arrived half an hour early with the rest of the parents from out of town and watched my younger brother enjoy
Brittany Kahla
senior elementary education major from Sugarland
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
Cole Williams
“I think it is good because it helps people think about their beliefs and challenges what they’ve always known.”
In Your Words
Dr. Neal Coates, assistant professor of Political Science, said security and order are important to Republicans. The American Foreign Policy course taught at ACU, focuses not only on economic and diplomatic strength, but also the military and its strengths. Professors at ACU teach because of their beliefs. Political diversity compels students to think critically, question their established beliefs and recognize the issues of a global society we soon will enter. Through the respect of each other’s beliefs, we have a faculty who can enrich our lives with their diversity and prepare us to maintain open-minded and eager attitudes toward those we encounter.
Let Loose
Did you see me last week? Wednesday’s theme was I was the one dressed like my hoochie shorts. I didn’t expect skin was allergic to clothes. I to get much reaction because wore a shirt that used an ex- this is Texas, even if my shorts pletive and rivaled Miss Daisy Duke’s. Apblasphemed parently, I was the only one God. uncomfortable because no A c c o r d - one said a word to me. ing to the The same with Thursday— Office of athletic-wear day. I rode my Judicial Af- bike across campus and atfairs 2005- tended my Small Group Cha06 Student pel in the Onstead Packard Guide, the Biblical Studies Building. But Guest ACU dress again, no one said anything, Column code states not even in jest. Monica “ImplemenFriday was the day I dreadtation and ed the most. The day’s focus Smith enforcement would feature “clothing with of the dress code are the re- inappropriate advertising, sponsibility of the entire uni- pictures and/or sayings.” I versity community.” wore a shirt that used profanThe dress code states that ity and denounced God. students are expected to Let it be said, I don’t condress with Christian appropri- done swearing, nor do I beateness and gives examples of lieve the sayings that were extremes that are unaccept- painted across my shirt. able—halter tops, short skirts I expected Friday would be and shorts (mid-thigh or lon- the day angry students and ger) and “clothing with inap- professors would demand I propriate advertising, pictures change or bring me before the and/or sayings.” dean. However, only one perLast week, I decided to son confronted me—my 10 wear each of a.m. professor, those things who said, “Tell c o n s i d e r e d You and I chose this me about your inappropri- institution, therefore shirt, Monica.” ate. I went a agreeing to abide Monday week out of by its rules. came, and dress code to I decided see if anyone to start off would conlight—a simple black spaghet- front my decisions to wear ti-strap top with a glittering revealing and disrespectful British flag sewn on the front. clothing. For a whole week I I attended two classes without strutted around showing skin the slightest remark but went like a girl on Laguna Beach, home after class. and for a day I wore a shirt Tuesday, I decided to that took 30 minutes for me spend extra time on campus to gather up the courage to to allow faculty and students wear. And for what? To be igtime to witness and approach nored. me. I donned a white v-neck You and I chose to attend halter top and pulled my hair this private institution, thereup to emphasize the “hal- fore agreeing to abide by its ter-ness” of the attire. Off rules and standards. However, to class I went, where I had the responsibility lies within a test, splitting my time be- the faculty and the student tween writing an essay and body to stand up to those who trying not to show too much blatantly choose to act with skin. Then came Chapel, my disregard to the university’s last class and dinner in the principles on modesty. Campus Center. Morning and E-mail Smith at: evening passed, the second mxs02a@acu.edu, optimist@acu.edu day—no comments.
Is political diversity on campus a good or bad thing? Why?
not be known might face questions Political diversity compels students to a student. on how their field to think critically and question Professors who of study can affect their established beliefs. are Democrats justice in our nation don’t declare and the world. Being the donkey as their favorite who is a Libertarian would fo- a Democrat does not necessarianimal, and those who are Re- cus on each individual’s choices ly make a professor pro-choice, publicans don’t dress up like and freedoms in the classroom. pro-homosexual marriage or elephants for Opening Chapel, As a Libertarian who is a Chris- anti-war, as many people might but any professors’ political tian, Bennett said a professor generalize, though some may views—red, blue or otherwise— also would encourage the in- be. Dr. William Rankin, assiscan and more than likely will tegration of the individual stu- tant professor of English, said filter into their teaching meth- dent’s Christianity with views Christian professors at ACU ods and philosophies. on such policies because of affiliated with the Democratic For example, Libertarians the student’s own decision of Party feel compelled by scripare specifically interested in the adopting a moral code to live tures such as those in James liberty of the individual person, by. Libertarians keep politics and specifically the Sermon on with minimal governmental in- separate from their moral val- the Mount, which call us to take fluence, unless the behavior of ues. care of those in need—the widthe individual harms another Social and civil justices are ows and orphans, offer help for citizen. Dr. Cole Bennett, assis- key issues for the Democratic those who cannot help themtant professor of English and Party. In the classroom of a selves and offer a voice to the a Libertarian, said a professor Democratic professor, students voiceless.
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
Whether you appreciate the freshman class or not, it is talented and has a lot to offer the university during its years here. himself on stage with the Mabee 2nd West act, dressed in someone’s leopard print dress. Picture a nearly six-foot kid with jeans rolled up to his knees, frolicking on stage with spray painted trashcans while wearing a necklace made of marshmallows. I’ve never been more proud. This year’s theme was “The Mission,” which included a video created by seven students on a treasure hunt across campus to discover their mission. They scampered across campus and found clues that led them buildings they had to know trivia about, such as when it was built, which then inspired the overused phrase: “I wonder what it would have been like to be a freshman in the ’40s” and so on. A group would then appear on stage to sing to the audience with familiar songs and catchy lyr-
ics, illustrating their version of what it must have been like. Residence hall acts included how girls might have felt when the men on campus left for both World War II and Vietnam and how the ’20s affected campus with the flappers versus the “good girls.” Others provided laughter with the usual lyrics about rings by spring, food at the Bean and curfew. The women’s groups sounded good even when they mixed shouting and singing. The men were pretty hilarious as well. Lacking the women’s precision, the men’s groups performed wearing humorous costumes. Many of the men simply jumped around the stage beating on trashcans, stomping their feet and attempting to dance from the era they were depicting and had the time of
Blaise Russel
Daniel Kramar
freshman psychology major from Castle Rock, Colo.
senior Spanish major from Escinido, Calif.
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“The diversity on campus shows a wide spectrum of people.”
“It’s a good thing because it allows each person to reconsider what they believe and see different opinions.”
the
their lives trying. The evening was also well crafted with soloists and small groups performing songs such as “White Flag” by Dido, “There’s More to Me Than You” by Jessica Andrews and “I’ve Got Love” by Acappella. The show ended with the seven students from the video arriving on stage to find their final clue—Matthew 28: 1820, which enlightened them of their mission: to find their purpose at the university while they are here. I say all of this to make this point: whether you appreciate the freshman class or not, it is talented and has a lot to offer the university during its four years here. Remember that not long ago, you too, stayed up all night for no reason, protested curfew, giggled incessantly and stalked the women’s residence halls; you too were just looking for your purpose.
“Diversity is good because it adds holistically to students’ experiences on campus.”
Jeremy Webb
senior youth and family ministry major from Austin
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FROM THE FRONT PAGE
Wednesday, October 5, 2005
Page 7
Work: Construction to continue for several weeks Continued from page 1 pacted so Barret would have a level, stable base to be built on. However, the “bin tin” soil added and packed for stability has no nutrients, making it horrible for landscaping, Ruff said. Bulldozers will lift away 12 inches of soil where grass is to be planted, 24 inches for flower beds and at least 30 inches for trees, Ruff said. Ruff must then allow a week
for another company to install irrigation pipes and the sprinkler system. However, Ruff said Masterscapes will only take a week to fill the area with healthy top soil and plant the shrubs. With the two subcontractors nearing the completion of their projects, Bontke is finishing the road construction, which it is directly overseeing, said Lee Gonzalez, field superintendent
for Bontke. All that remains is to tie all the sidestreets into Campus Court’s new asphalt. “Trying to work the traffic and doing things in a busy street like this is murder,” Gonzalez said. However, Gonzalez said construction has gone well, even though the surge of students at lunch time, class change and at 5 p.m. has been hard to deal with. Workers have been safe, despite
working so long on the side of a road, Gonzalez said. “You’ll have one crazy kid who has to try out his engine or show off for his girlfriend,” Gonzalez said, “but that’s to be expected.” Students will have more than just a few weeks of construction to deal with, though, Ellison said. Preliminary work has begun on the jogging track, with a section running along Campus Court.
Across campus, renovation of the old Burford Music Building, which will include asbestos abaitment and some demolition, began Tuesday, requiring the closure of the McKinzie parking lot, Ellison said. Ellison is exploring temporary solutions for McKinzie residents who will be displaced during construction. One possible solution Ellison said he is considering is allowing McKinzie residents
Hunter: State representative won’t seek term Continued from page 1 Money said in an e-mail that Hunter’s work on the Centennial Campaign will be greatly appreciated. “Many of the traditions we’re celebrating this year were started by Bob, and it will be nice to have him apply his energy and passion to our Centennial,” Money said. Hunter said he decided to announce his retirement now,
so that other candidates can consider running for the office. Candidates can begin filing for election in December. Local media reported Dr. Gary McCaleb, vice president of the university and former mayor of Abilene, said he has been approached about and is considering running for the office. But Hunter will complete the final 15 months of his term, and he said he still has plans for his final year in the State
House of Representatives. He said he hopes to continue working toward a solution for public school financing, something the House has been unable to resolve in several special sessions. He also looks forward to serving the people of West Texas—his favorite part of the job. Hunter, who was elected in August 1986, will have served as a representative more than
20 years when his term ends in January 2007. Looking back on his time representing the people of West Texas, Hunter said the work he is most proud of includes helping institute the Tuition Equalization Grant for students, bringing economic development to this area and helping begin a Bible study group for representatives, which continues to meet every week they are in Austin. And although Hunter has
enjoyed serving the people of West Texas, he said he now looks forward to spending more time at the university. “It will give me more of an opportunity to interact with students and faculty on campus, which I’ve missed over the years,” Hunter said. “And of course I look forward to having an open office in my Zellner office.” E-mail Smith at: jvs02a@acu.edu
Queens: Nominees say they don’t care who wins Continued from page 1 Young said she tried to call her mother to tell her the news, but she didn’t answer. She then tried calling her father, then her brother, but because they had just gotten out of church, their phones were turned off. After Young continued to frantically call, her mother walked out of an elder’s meeting to see what was wrong. “I told her ‘Mom, you’re going to have to tell Dad to bring
a suit to Homecoming,’” Young said, telling her about the nomination. “She just started screaming; she was so excited.” Young’s father will escort her during Homecoming’s Friday and Saturday Chapels, while her brother, Cole Young, class of 2004, will escort her at the Homecoming football game Saturday. Chapel and the football game are two of many activities the Homecoming Queen nomi-
nees will participate in, part of a tradition that’s been around for many years, and Betsey Craig, coordinator of Queen’s Activities during Homecoming, can’t even remember when it began. “It’s been around as long as anyone can remember, so it’s one that we keep,” Craig said. “People seem to enjoy it.” Craig said this year, a more diverse group of women was nominated, with some not representing social clubs. Students
can vote for one of the 10 nominees Wednesday through Friday online at www.acu.edu/ queen. Eight of the 10 Coming Home Court members will be back for Homecoming festivities, Craig said, including the Coming Home Queen Kendra (Sorrells) Vaughn, class of 1995. Vaughn was in Tri Kappa Gamma and Wildcat Kids. Craig said whoever is crowned Queen will get to keep her crown, and the entire court
KACU: Radio station popular for 20 years Continued from page 1 Best said a reason why KACU is so popular is because KACU supplies National Public Radio news. KACU also features educational programs and entertainment programs such as Adventures in Good Music and Tech Nation.
Peterson said KACU became a national news station in June 1986, and will be celebrating its 20th anniversary in June 2006. KACU before then was only capable of broadcasting around campus and was used primarily by students. KACU applied for a grant to become a national public radio station, and extended its
broadcasting range to an area that encompasses Abilene. Another function KACU performs is the training of young profes-
sionals for a career in broadcast journalism. E-mail Straus at: optimist@acu.edu
will receive gifts to remember the occasion. Young said she’s not worried about who will win, adding she didn’t think any of the women nominated really care. They’re all just happy to be nominated, she said. Almost 400 students nominated the 10 women, and Craig said she hopes a lot of students will vote for a Queen next week.
to use the nearest faculty and staff parking lot, requiring these students to have a special decal on their vehicle. He said he wants students to know that, although he continues to expect students to follow parking laws, he understands their problem. “We sympathize with the inconvience that parking causes,” he said.
E-mail Taylor at: tat04a@acu.edu
House: GSP begins to work on project Continued from page 1 and her three children, ages 12, 10 and 5, are moving into GSP’s house upon its completion. “We are so excited,” Chauser said. “I’ve never owned my own home before … this is just incredible.” Getting to meet Chauser and see first-hand the results of their hard-played softball and sleep deprivation has been an amazing blessing, Vincent said. “Getting to follow-through on this project and see it all come together is a daily fulfillment,” said Jake Roseberry, junior management major from Troy, Ohio, and service activities coordinator for GSP. “Some of these guys come from a construction background, some have never lifted a hammer before, but we’re all working together. It’s a daily renewal.”
E-mail Carlson at: skc02a@acu.edu E-mail Linthicum at: del01a@acu.edu
SportsWednesday Optimist
Page 8 Standings Football Team WTAMU ENMU Angelo St. Tarleton St. TAMU-K ACU
Conf. Overall 4-0 6-0 4-1 4-2 3-1 5-1 3-1 4-1 3-1 4-1 2-2 2-3
Tough division teams ahead for ACU n The Wildcats face Eastern New Mexico and West Texas A&M Thursday and Saturday in Moody Coliseum to finish the first round of LSC divisional play. By JARED FIELDS Sports Editor
Volleyball Team Div. ACU 3-0 WTAMU 2-0 TAMU-K 2-2 ENMU 1-1 Angelo St. 1-2 Tarleton St. 0-4
October 5, 2005
Overall 14-3 15-6 6-12 4-9 9-9 8-8
Senior outside hitter Michelle Bernhardt played another big game for the Wildcats on Friday, as the Wildcats easily handled another non-conference team Friday, beating St. Mary’s 3-0. The Wildcats put away St. Mary’s with scores of 30-20, 30-18, and 30-21 to extend their win streak to 14 matches for the year and 29 straight in Moody Coliseum. Bernhardt had 13 kills and 23 digs to lead the team in both categories, and senior setter Lindsey Martin added to her record assists with 42 in the three games against St. Mary’s. The Wildcats will play two strong Lone Star Conference South Division teams this weekend when Eastern New Mexico and West Texas A&M visit Moody Coliseum. Last year, Eastern New Mexico finished second in the South, and gave the Wildcats their only division loss of the year. “I know they’ll be solid,” head coach Brek Horn said. “They are always a solid blocking team and a solid defensive team.” Horn said Eastern New Mexico runs an unorthodox type of offense, and the Wildcats will
Scores Friday
Volleyball ACU 3, St. Mary’s 0
Saturday
FOOTball SE Oklahoma State 42, ACU 24
Upcoming Schedule Thursday Volleyball ACU vs. Eastern New Mexico, 7 p.m.
Friday
Tennis Women, LSC Championships, 11 a.m. Men, LSC Championships, 11 a.m.
Saturday
Football ACU at Angelo State, 7 p.m.
Volleyball have to work on patience before the game. “They make amazing plays on the ball and then get it back over and then wait for you to mess up,” Horn said. “As a hitter, if you keep hitting it at them, and they keep digging it and getting it back, you get frustrated because what you’re doing’s not working.” The real test will be Saturday, when the Wildcats take on the Lady Buffs, a perennial power in the conference. “In my opinion [they] will be our toughest competition—in conference,” Horn said. “I think that we will be duking it our for who’s going to win the South zone.” The Lady Buffs are 15-6 overall and began their South division play this weekend by beating Texas A&M-Kingsville and Tarleton State three games to none. After this weekend’s games, five conference games remain for the Wildcats with four on the road. “We know that’s hard; we have the target on our backs because we are the defending conference champions,” Horn said. “Everyone’s trying to knock us off.” The Wildcats play Eastern New Mexico at 7 p.m. Thursday and West Texas A&M at 2 p.m. Saturday.
E-mail Fields at: jrf03b@acu.edu
VOlleyball ACU vs. West Texas A&M, 2 p.m. Tennis Women, LSC Championships, 11 a.m. Men, LSC Championships, 11 a.m.
• Home games listed in italics Gary Rhodes/Contributing Photographer
Gary Rhodes/Contributing Photographer
Sophomore outside hitter Abbie Lowry attempts the kill in Friday’s 3-0 win against St. Mary’s in Moody Coliseum.
Seniors Amanda Slate and Michelle Bernhardt go for a block against St. Mary’s.
Club flag football heats up Wildcats successful at Jamboree n More is on the line than just a win during intramural flag football. With club team games bringing large crowds, bragging rights are at stake every game. By BRADY HILTON Student Reporter
Three nights a week, the lights on the intramural fields shine down on the battles taking place below. On any given night on the intramural fields during a big game between the social clubs, 200-300 students will cheer on and support their teams. This support of intramurals is often found at uncanny levels during the flag football season because of pledging. During pledging, clubs often require pledges to show support for their teams. In most cases, this often brings elaborate team entrances and loud sidelines. Last week, before the Ko Jo Kai vs. Sigma Theta Chi game, the Siggies drove to the game
Intramurals in a yellow school bus escorted by the Abilene Fire Department and brandishing the Kojies’ KJK letters covered in yellow. Siggies went on to defeat the Kojies 6-0. “There is nothing like screaming at the top of your lungs and seeing a cloud of yellow to inspire Squig pride,” said Valerie Hanneken, sophomore integrated marketing communication major from Garland. Some of the most heated rivalries between clubs are played out on the intramural fields each week. This is a healthy way for teams, club or not, to fulfill the desire for competition. “I think people live for the competition,” said Shane Spencer, senior financial management major from White Oak. “It is healthy and promotes growth of club if done right.” With some of the big club games drawing as many as 200
people, it means more pride is on the line, not only for those in club but also for those who want to take it away. “Playing for a club team, there is more emotion involved, because club pride is on the line,” said Mac Leavell, senior management major from Abilene NOLA, a team put together of players from many different organizations and clubs, beat Frater Sodalis 21-20 two weeks ago and Galaxy 16-14 last week, and seems to be the Championship League team to beat, said Leavell, quarterback for the Frater Sodalis Championship League team. So far this year, competition among club teams is evenly matched across the board, said Spencer, quarterback for GSP’s championship team. With the teams so closely matched it should make the rest of the flag football season one to watch. E-mail Hilton at: optimist@acu.edu
n The men’s and women’s cross country teams left Stillwater, Okla., with top five team finishes against some of the best Division I teams in the country. By STEVE HOLT Sports Writer
A soggy course and the nation’s best competition didn’t deter the Wildcat cross country teams Saturday at the Oklahoma State Cowboy Jamboree in Stillwater, Okla. Despite having to run through mud, the men’s and women’s teams finished second and fifth, respectively, against Division I powerhouses like Arkansas, Oklahoma State, Texas A&M and Rice. Sophomore Nicodemus Naimadu finished fifth overall, covering the eight-kilometer course in 25 minutes, 12 seconds. Freshman Philip Birgen was 13th overall with a time of 25:51, followed by freshman Serge Gasore in 17th (26:00),
Cross Country senior Lucky Hadebe in 22nd (26:14) and senior Martin O’Kello in 49th (27:00). Head coach Derek Hood said the race experience was worth the inclement weather conditions. “It had rained all night, but shoot, it’s cross country,” he said. “We went there for the competition, so we got what we were looking for.” The men’s team is ranked No. 2 in the national coaches’ poll behind Adams State (Colo.). The women’s team rose to No. 1 in the South Central Region from a No. 6 ranking a week ago after finishing fifth in Stillwater. Sophomore Olha Kryv’yak was the top Wildcat finisher in the 5,000-meter race, placing ninth in 18:34. Senior Adeh Mwamba was 12th in 18:43, just ahead of teammate Trina Cox, who finished 14th in 18:49.
The story of the day on the women’s side for Hood, however, were the performances of his No. 4 and 5 runners, Abbie Waters and Mollye Stanford. Waters placed 72nd in the large field of runners with a time of 21:17, followed by Stanford’s 88th-place effort in 21:45. “That was the icing on the cake,” Hood said of the women’s performance. “If you had told me going into the meet that we would be fifth, I would have giggled about it. There were really two keys to it: our top three runners were within 15 seconds of each other, and our four and five runners competed great.” The Wildcats will have the coming weekend off before returning to action Oct. 15 at the Arkansas Razorback Chili Pepper Invitational in Fayetteville, Ark. E-mail Holt at: smh00a@acu.edu
Record performance can’t overcome mistakes in loss n Sophomore receiver Jerale Badon caught 13 passes for 205 yards and threw a 71-yard pass in Saturday’s 42-24 loss against Southeastern Oklahoma State. By KYLE ROBARTS Sports Writer
If you asked football fans what the suspected outcome of a game for a team who gained 563 yards of total offense and punted only once, they’d probably tell you that it was blowout. Unfortunately for ACU, which put up that much offense, and Chase Fishback, who only punted on the Wildcats’ first offensive drive, Southeastern Oklahoma managed a 42-24 victory in Durant, Okla. Saturday.
Football The Wildcats gave up more than 200 yards, rushing for the second straight week and the third time this season. Southeastern’s Sean Cooper led the way for the Savages with a 172yard performance on 28 carries; he also added 62 yards receiving and accounted for three of Southeastern’s touchdowns. Drew Crawford added 62 yards bringing Southeastern’s total to 235 yards rushing. However, the Savages hurt ACU through the air as well, scoring three times behind the leadership of quarterback Justin Pitrucha who completed 23 of 35 passes for 249 yards. “We had some communication errors,” said senior defen-
sive end Mark Malunowe. “We had a couple of guys running the wrong play a couple of times, and those little things add up to turnovers, and opponent scores real quick.” The bright spot in the game for the Wildcats was the performance of sophomore Badon receiver Jerale Badon, who caught 13 passes, tying the school record for most receptions in a game and recorded the sixth-highest total for receiving yards in a game by a Wildcat with 205 yards. Badon caught a 55-yard
touchdown from Billy Malone in the fourth quarter, and in the first quarter caught a screen pass behind the line of scrimmage and heaved the ball to wide-open Andrew Hansen for a 71-yard gain. Southeastern led at halftime 14-10, but two Savage touchdowns in a 14-second span in the third quarter gave the Wildcats an 18-point hole to dig themselves out of. ACU didn’t quit, however, after a Clinton Farrell touchdown reception brought the score to 28-16, Mark Trevino attempted an onside kick, but the officials ruled that a Wildcat player touched the ball before it went 10 yards; Southeastern capitalized on the field position. Having only to drive the ball 45
yards, the team scored on a 32yard pass from Pitrucha to Sean Cooper and put the lead to 19 points. The Wildcat offense responded with Badon’s long touchdown catch to make the score 35-24 in favor of Southeastern. Trevino tried his luck again with the onside kick and Badon appeared to have recovered the ball on ACU’s 47-yard line. But again, the officials ruled that he picked up the ball before it traveled 10 yards, which ended hopes of a comeback. With a 2-3 season, the Wildcats will prepare for the second half of the season this week, a five-game stretch against all Lone Star Conference South Division opponents. ACU is 0-1 in the South with last week’s loss
to Eastern New Mexico. ENMU and West Texas A&M remain the only two unbeaten teams in the division at 2-0 while Tarleton State and Angelo State fell this week to Texas A&M-Kingsville and Eastern New Mexico respectively. “Everybody knows you gotta stay positive, you can’t give up; almost everyone in the South has lost,” Malunowe said. “We know we have to win out to accomplish what we want to do. It’ll be a hard road to take, but everybody’s willing to put in the effort.” The Wildcats will next make the 90-mile trip to San Angelo in hopes of evening both their overall and conference records. E-mail Robarts at: krd00c@acu.edu