2005 10 07

FRIDAY

Optimist the

October 7, 2005

Vol. 94, No. 15 1 section, 8 pages www.acuoptimist.com

Halfway point

Freshmen become social

‘Serenity’ now

With half their games to go, the Wildcats look to climb from a 2-3 hole, page 8

Saturday’s freshman social calls for students to come as their favorite TV characters, page 3

The movie Serenity stands out among recent sci-fi films, page 5

Pledging halted for three clubs n Delta Theta will be an inactive club for at least this semester, Galaxy has been put on probation, and Sub T-16 is being investigated for alleged hazing violations.

By JONATHAN SMITH Editor in Chief

The university’s response to allegations about the pledging activities of three social clubs has left one club inactive for the semester, another on probation and another being reviewed for

potential hazing violations.

The women’s social club Delta Theta will spend the remainder of the semester in an inactive status while conducting a self-review after advisers resigned last week because of differences with officers and members. Dr. Wayne Barnard, dean of Campus Life, said its 21 pledges were allowed to join the club, but pledging has ceased for the semester.

Allegations against Galaxy’s and Sub T-16’s pledging activities have also prompt-

ed Campus Life to halt their pledging activities.

Galaxy’s pledges were required to be admitted into the club this week, and it will not be allowed to continue pledging this Barnard semester.

Barnard said Jimmy Ellison, chief of ACU Police, is now investigating allegations

made against Sub T last week about activities that possibly could have been hazing.

Delta Theta inactive Barnard said he became aware of problems with Delta Theta when all advisers resigned last week. Barnard said the advisers resigned because of internal conflicts with club officers about pledging practices.

When the advisers resigned, Barnard said the decision about what to do with

the club was relatively easy.

“You can’t be an active club on campus and not have advisers,” Barnard said.

While the club is inactive, Barnard said he wants Delta Theta to look back on the club’s history and original mission to determine if changes need to be made as well as finding new sponsors.

“We already met, and we’re already looking at changes that need to be made,” said See

CLUBS page 7

Braving the elements

Editor in Chief

BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer

Congress passes resolution for club unity

By TIFFANY TAYLOR Features Editor

Congress endorsed an initiative Wednesday to create unity among the six women’s social clubs.

Officers from every club have been working together to encourage interclub unity, including changing the Chapel

Jogging track details The Walk/Jog track should be complete by the end of November.

• The track will be made of concrete, after administrators discussed the issue for more than a year • Dimensions: two miles around campus, nine-feet wide and five-inches deep • Runners, walkers, strollers, roller bladers and bicyclists can use the track.

routine last Monday by asking pledges and members from every club to sit together instead of segregated according to club, said junior class representative Lauren Hart.

“It’s been my dream since freshman year to see that happen,” Hart said. “Now that I have the role of chaplain, I feel like I have the ability to fulfill that dream.”

Club chaplains have met together and planned an of-

ficer’s Chapel, inviting every club’s officers to come and build connections, Hart said.

She said she hopes clubs can continue to have these Chapels and make the day of mixing clubs in Chapel a permanent tradition.

Although Hart said the clubs would work towards unity with or without the Students’ Association’s support, she said she would prefer SA’s support.

“If things come up, I’d like

to have the student body’s support,” Hart said.

Hart said she plans to send thank you letters to the dean, SA and the chaplains of the women’s social clubs for their support, especially in organizing the Chapel sitting arrangements for pledges. She would have sent thank you notes on her own, but Hart said she thinks letters with SA letterhead have more credibility.

The resolution does not bind SA to any long-term support of social clubs, said Erin Dimas, chief development officer.

n The College of Education and Human Services will include three departments and a school of social work when it opens next fall as the university’s second largest college.

By JONATHAN SMITH

Cassie Boswell, freshman psychology major from Kansas City, and Elizabeth McCormack, freshman criminal justice major from Moran, walk back to Nelson Hall from the Campus Center in the rain and 40-degree temperatures Thursday afternoon. Temperatures dropped about 45 degrees between Wednesday and Thursday when the rainy weather blew into town.

n The resolution supports social club’s actions to work together to promote unity among pledges and members throughout the year, including during Chapel.

Details chosen for new college

She said passing the resolution would not require any social club to work towards unity, but that SA will support their efforts if clubs plan events in the future.

SA is supporting a good cause, Hart said, because only good can come from supporting unity within the student body.

Congress also appointed David Tuttle as representative for University Park Apartments.

E-mail Taylor at: tat04a@acu.edu

Three departments and a school formerly in the College of Arts and Sciences will move next year to be part of the university’s newly created College of Education and Human Services, administrators said Wednesday.

The departments of Education; Exercise Science and Health; Communication Sciences and Disorders and the School of Social Work, which houses both undergraduate and graduate social work programs, will comprise the university’s fourth college, which will open in the fall of 2006.

Dr. Colleen Durrington, dean of the VanRheenen College of Arts and Sciences, and Dr. Dwayne VanRheenen, provost, both said these departments and programs fit Durrington together well and should benefit from the new college structure.

“Education degrees, while grounded in the liberal arts, prepare students specifically for a profession that requires external certification,” VanRheenen said in an e-mail.

“The same is true for social work, physical education, health, speech pathology and audiology, to mention a few.

Putting these programs together in a new college should communicate how much we value these programs.”

VanRheenen said at other universities, education and human service programs are not part of colleges of arts and sciences like they are here.

“To not have a college of education when almost all peer institutions do have a separate, free-standing unit may leave the impression that ACU sees these areas as less See

COLLEGE page 7

Construction set to begin on jogging track n The concrete Walk/Jog trail that will encircle campus is expected to be complete by the end of November, Kevin Watson, project coordinator said.

By MALLORY SHERWOOD Managing Editor

By the end of November, the university will have a new addition to improve its appearance and the fitness of students, faculty and staff on campus, should they choose to use it. Construction has al-

Department of Journalism and Mass Communication

ready begun on the new Walk/ Medical Clinic and a runner, of material for a track would Jog trail that will wind two said he thinks the jogging have its pros and cons. miles around campus, weav- track is a great idea and he “The pro of concrete is ing in and out of the trees and supports the idea because that it is durable, and once include lighted you put it paths, restdown you are ing benches “If you don’t run on concrete on a daily basis or train e s s e n t i a l l y and places to as marathon runners do, then it won’t be a big deal.” done; the meditate. The con is that it Dr. Anthony Rector, director of the University Medical Clinic nine-foot, fiveis harder on inch-deep trail your legs,” made of conRector said. crete has brought excitement of its health benefits.

“If you don’t run on concrete and concern to the campus.

He said concrete is reason- on a daily basis or train as Dr. Anthony Rector, di- able to run on although not marathon runners do, then it rector of the University ideal. He also said any type won’t be a big deal.”

Abilene Christian University

He said he will use the track and is glad it will be lighted for safety issues of both women and those who might injure themselves running.

“Anything that promotes physical activity is something I am a supporter of,” Rector said. “All in all, I think this jogging track will be a good measure.”

He said other resources for the track’s use would not See

JOG page 7

Serving the ACU community since 1912

Campus Friday, October 7, 2005

07

Calendar & Events Friday

09

Sunday

Wellness Week: Unstressed Day, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., front of Moody Coliseum.

Nothing scheduled this day.

Flu Vaccine Medical Clinic, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Living Room.

10

Service Saturday sign-ups, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Campus Center ticket window.

Last day to vote for Homecoming Queen.

08

Day

Saturday

Volleyball game, 2 p.m., Moody Coliseum.

Freshman Social, 6 p.m., Highland Church of Christ gym.

Monday

Tuesday

Jazz at the Bean Sprout, 6 p.m.-9 p.m., Bean Sprout.

Volunteer Opportunities 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.

The Red Cross has an immediate need for volunteers 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday to assist hurricane victims by directing them to the proper location to receive financial assistance.

Volunteers could serve in 2hour shifts to help people find the proper office within the building. Contact the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center for more information.

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 Monday.

Wednesday

Nothing scheduled this day.

13

Thursday

Essence of Ebony Luncheon, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Hilton Room.

Gutenberg Dinner, 6:30 p.m., Teague Special Events Center.

Alex Clements Piano Concert, 8 p.m., William Performance Arts Center Recital Hall.

11

12

Contact the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center, Julie Owen or Amanda Brough at 677-7839 for more information.

The Red Cross will conduct a four-session disaster train­ ing 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.

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.

Announcements Friday is the last day to vote for Homecoming Queen. The Homecoming Queen will be announced Oct. 15 at halftime of the Homecoming football game at Shotwell Stadium.

All students that have American Red Cross training but are not a part of a team can contact Rachel Klick at rek00a@acu.edu to sign up for times or check on shelter schedules.

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.noon Oct. 17. YouthWorks is a nonprofit organization that exists to provide mission opportunities for teenagers from across the United States and Canada. In 2006 it hopes to have 42,000 participants visit one of 85 communities in the United States, 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 noon-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 off-campus 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. A Web mail class will be offered Friday, from 9-10 a.m. in the Library 3rd floor lab.

Call or e-mail Kristy Strickland to register.

Service Saturday is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 8. Sign ups will be Friday in the Campus Center ticket windows from 11:30 a.m.1:30 p.m.

The Prayer Room is open during chapel on Mondays and Tuesdays in Gibson 230. Chapel credit is given for participants. For more information, contact 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:

31 39

CAMPUS NEWS

Friday, October 7, 2005

Page 3

TV characters can come to life at social n This year’s freshman social, sponsored by the FAC, gives students the opportunity to dress up as a favorite television character Saturday.

By Demarcquez Rembert Student Reporter

Students can dress like their favorite television character at the freshman social in the gym of Highland Church of Christ on Saturday.

The social, sponsored by the Freshman Action Council, starts at 6 p.m. The cost for admission is $20 per person and $35 dollars per couple.

The social is for fresh-

man students only. The FAC expects more than 250 students to attend.

The theme for the social is “Look Mom, I’m on TV.”

that involve only freshmen.

“Students are always complaining that there is nothing to do on campus. Here is something that they can

“Students are always complaining there is nothing to do on campus. Here is something they can participate in.”

Kylie Jennings, freshman speech pathology major from North Richland Hills

Many students will dress and act like their favorite television characters from classic TV shows, such as I Love Lucy, and Green Acres.

The freshman social is one of just a few events on campus

participate in,” said Kylie Jennings, freshman speech pathology major from North Richland Hills. “Students get a chance to meet and socialize with other freshmen.”

Activities for the social

include, charades and professional photography, and a hypnotist will also be present. Betty Rose’s Little Brisket will cater food.

Megan Pruitt, junior business major, said she thinks the social will be a great experience for the students who attend.

“I had a lot of fun when I went to the social my freshman year,” Pruitt said.

For more information email Jeff McCain at jam02c@ acu.edu. Students can also pick up flyers in the student center.

E-mail Rembert at: optimist@acu.edu

Students prepare to enter law school

“Hi-ya”

n Students wanting to apply to law school must take the LSAT, a required exam that is administered on campus four times a year by Dr. Mel Hailey.

By RACHEL LAU Student R eporter

BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer

Robert Garza and Joey Medina, part of the Kuk Sool Won demo team demonstrate karate techniques for students in the Campus Center on Thursday after Chapel.

History professor needs interns n Dr. Vernon Williams needs interns to compile research for his two documentaries and book on World War II for the spring and fall semesters.

By JACI SCHNEIDER Copy Editor

Dr. Vernon Williams needs four or five interns to help him compile research for documentaries and a book about World War II, although the application deadline has already passed.

Williams has already made four films documenting different aspects of World War II, and one, called, Deopham Green: The Saga of the 452nd Bomb Group in WWII, won first place at the National Broadcasting Society competition.

Williams’ documentaries and his book focus on the communities formed in England when American troops based out of small towns.

“There’s hundreds and

hundreds of stories,” Williams said.

Williams needs interns to help him transcribe interviews, and build databases of diaries and photographs.

Although the interns won’t receive a paycheck, they will receive significant benefits, Williams said.

“This will be a significant résumé item,” he said. “It’s very unusual experience.”

The interns will work from three to 10 hours a week, and they can make their own schedules, Williams said. The internship will last the whole year, not just this semester and can count for honors credit.

Williams said he plans to begin writing the book in January, but the interns will work on the project, “East Anglia War Project,” as a whole.

“The book is something that will come out of it all later,” he said.

One story that illustrates Williams’ passion for the subject, is the story of Jack,

BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief photographer

Ryan Jones, Christian ministry major from Tulsa, Okla., persuades Minda Hide, pre-physical therapy major from Hampton, Maine, and Michelle Hurley, pre-physical therapy major from Abilene, to come to the freshman social.

a World War II flier who was stationed at an Air Force base in a small town. When Jack would return to the base after flying, he would visit with a British family, playing cards, going to the pub and doing laundry.

“It was one thing that made them sane,” Williams said, “a home away from home.”

However, one day Jack didn’t return from his flight, and officers picked up the laundry he had left in the home. The family assumed he was dead, but at the end of the war, Jack, who had been a prisoner of war, listed the English household as his family and returned.

“There’s such a sense of community that developed,” Williams said. “That’s my quest: to find these people and interview them.”

Students interested in interning for Williams can visit e-mail him at vwilliams@ acu.edu.

E-mail Schneider at: jrs02a@acu.edu

Law school preparation began at the university when 14 students took the LSAT on Saturday. The Law School Admission Test is a required exam for anyone who wishes to apply to most law schools and is administered four times a year.

Students do not have to be on a prelaw track to take the Hailey test.

Austin Brennan, senior finance major from Amarillo, took the test. Brennan said he studied in his own time and feels pretty confident as he waits for his results.

Mel Hailey, chair of the Department of Political Sci-

ence and prelaw adviser, said the department does not prepare students specifically for the exam. It does, however, give out a recently administered LSAT as a practice test once a semester and will grade it for students who wish to take it. Hailey said showing them their grades helps them realize the importance of the exam.

Brennan said the LSAT’s format was similar to the SAT, the Standardized Admission Test, which is required for most college applications.

The LSAT consists of five sections, each with a 35-minute time frame. Only four of the sections, however, will contribute to the grade; students will not know which sections count.

Students who are prelaw and political science majors have a good chance of entering law school. Eli Rickman, senior political science major from Grapevine and a student manager in the admissions office, said almost 100 percent of prelaw and

political science students receive acceptance into law school, and 96 percent receive acceptance to the school of their first choice.

“I feel more prepared now than if I hadn’t taken the prelaw classes,” said Rickman, who plans to take the LSAT in the spring semester.

Students who wish to take the LSAT must register directly with the testing company, the Law School Admission Council. Lsac. org is the official Web site with all necessary information. Students can register online, over the phone or by mail. The LSAT will be administered again on Saturday, Dec. 3. The registration deadline is Nov. 1, and the cost is $115.

The results for the test taken on Saturday will come out Oct. 21.

“I tried, and I feel pretty good about it, so now it’s just a waiting game,” Brennan said.

E-mail Lau at: optimist@acu.edu

CAMPUS NEWS

Page 4

Friday, October 7, 2005

Red Cross class trains for disaster relief n Students can now help with the extensive aid Red Cross offers hurricane victims by attending a disaster training class that prepares volunteers.

By DANI LINTHICUM Staff Writer

On Monday students will get the unique opportunity to learn how to respond to disasters such as hurricanes Katrina and Rita, as well as smaller scale situations such as house fires in Abilene. By

attending a 3-hour class at the American Red Cross office at 1610 N. 2nd St., anyone interested in an overview of disaster training will have the chance to make a difference through the Red Cross disaster response, said Terra Ward, a Red Cross volunteer.

No background experience is needed, but knowing CPR and other basic first-aid skills is helpful, she said.

“We need volunteers,” Ward said. “Anyone who is interested should call us and

sign up for this opportunity.”

According to its Web site, www.redcross.org, the American Red Cross estimates that Hurricane Katrina relief efforts will exceed $2 billion, meeting the urgent needs of nearly 1 million families in three key areas — food and shelter, emergency financial assistance to disaster survivors, and physical and mental health services.

According to the Web site, as of Oct. 4, about $1.3 billion has been spent or committed

to hurricane relief efforts.

This includes but is not limited to: Emergency Financial Assistance to Disaster Survivors — $854 million Food and Shelter — $110 million Transient Hotel Accommodations/Lodging Expenses — $100 million “We are so grateful to everyone who has given their money,” Ward said. “But if you don’t have those kinds of resources, we can always use

• • •

n Women social club officers have begun working together to promote unity among members from different clubs, hoping to dispel negative stereotypes.

By LAUREN SUTTON Student Reporter

BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer

Jenny Berry, freshman journalism and mass communication major from Arlington, gets a massage from Maria Whittemore employed by the Abilene Institute of Massage, in the Campus Center on Wednesday. Massages were free.

Jazz artist to perform

By JOHNNY BAUTISTA and MICHAEL KNUTZ Student Reporters

The Department of Music will sponsor a free concert in the Williams Performing Arts Center Recital Hall at 8 p.m. on Monday as part of the Guest Artist Series. The concert will feature Canadian jazz pianist, Alex Clements.

The performance is not on the Guest Artist Series schedule because Clements’ performance was not added to this year’s line up until after the schedule was printed, said Glenda Weatherford, senior administrative coordinator and academic adviser in the Department of Music.

Students interested in piano can also receive first-hand instruction from Clements by attending a Piano Master Class at 2 p.m. Tuesday on the second floor of the Williams Performing Arts Center, Room 228.

According to a biography written by Greg Bush, director of Jazz Studies, Clements has been working in Orlando, Fla., as the associate musical director performing Cirque du Soleil’s production show La Nouba for the past six years.

In addition, Clements maintains an active performing career in jazz, organizing his own concerts as well as directing and working as a sideman at venues in Florida and Canada.

Bush, a long-time friend of Clements, said he hopes to perform a duet with Clements followed by a quartet with the drums and bass joining.

The concert will consist of

four performers, including Clements playing the piano, Dave Keown, of Abilene playing bass, Bush playing the trumpet, and Allen Teel, director of Percussion Studies, playing the drums.

“We are expecting about 100 people to come out,” Bush said.

“I know that some of the music majors will come out, and we want some of the faculty, staff and students to be there, too.”

The Department of Music will provide free performances for students throughout the rest of the school year. To find out who is performing and when and where, check the calendar of events on ACU’s Web site or stop by the Williams Performing Arts Center and pick up a copy of the schedule.

E-mail Bautista at: optimist@acu.edu and Knutz at: optimist@acu.edu

Seniors apply to graduate in Spring n Seniors must complete a graduation application and view their online degree audit, so any missing classes can be taken care of before the graduation date.

By JOHNNY BAUTISTA Student Reporter

For most seniors, one of the many things on their minds this year is graduation.

Before seniors can enjoy their last year here and graduate, they must remember to fill out a graduation application.

Graduation applications for undergraduates are due by Oct 21st in the Registrar’s Office and

are available online on the Registrar’s Office Web site. Danelle Brand, university registrar and director of academic records, said the Registrar’s Office expects 550 applications and so far has received 206.

Beginning Monday, students will be able to view their degree audit online.

Students’ degree audits will be available at www.acu.edu/ campusoffices/registrar.

The audit will allow students to view any courses that they may lack.

“We think that the online audit will really be able to help students find out what courses

volunteers.”

Since Hurricane Katrina made landfall, the Red Cross has provided hurricane survivors with more than 3.2 million overnight stays in 1,150 shelters across 27 states.

On Monday, the Red Cross housed more than 483,000 people in motels in 50 states and the District of Columbia, according to the Web site.

Just lodging was not enough, Ward said. In coordination with the Southern Baptist Convention, the Red Cross has served more than 20 million hot meals and more than 13.2 million snacks to hurricane survivors.

Those interested in attending disaster training, volunteering, or helping the Red Cross in any way, should call 677-2622, or visit www.redcross.org.

E-mail Linthicum at: optimist@acu.edu

Chaplains promote unity

Given the royal treatment

n Canadian jazz pianist, Alex Clements will perform at the Williams Performing Arts Center and teach a Piano Master class during his visit to the ACU campus.

On the Web

www.redcross.org

they have not met,” Brand said.

After completing an application, undergraduates must then take it to their adviser.

The adviser will look at the application, and if something is wrong or missing, the application will be sent to the Registrar’s Office.

If students lack courses, the registrar’s office will contact them and their advisers by email. If the problem is not resolved, then the student will be taken off the graduation list.

E-mail Bautista at: optimist@acu.edu

Officers took the first step in encouraging unity among the women by having pledges and members from all women’s social clubs sit next to each other in Chapel on Monday.

Before pledging began, chaplains of the women’s social clubs began working diligently to get rid of social club stereotypes and unify the population of women on campus because they decided segregation of social clubs needs to stop.

“God doesn’t see Greek letters; He doesn’t see colors,” said Brandy Lynch,

senior exercise sports science major from Aurora, Colo., a third year chaplain for Alpha Kai Omega.

In an attempt to bring unity among clubs, chaplains came up with the idea of providing a Small Group Chapel for women’s social club officers. The Chapel began last Thursday, and chaplains emphasized that change within social clubs is possible. The chaplains wanted officers to know that any change that occurs will be the work of the Lord.

Chaplains have begun thinking of different ways to unite clubs in serving the university community as well as the city of Abilene.

Lynch spoke about ideas that range from inter-club service projects to prayer walks around town.

Lauren Burns, junior bi-

ology major from Amarillo, said she dreams of having rushes with other social clubs and finding ways to eliminate the competition over women interested in rushing.

Chaplains said they hope to break down negative vibes and stereotypes within social clubs. Burns, chaplain for Sigma Theta Chi, said clubs make judgments on girls depending on the jerseys they are wearing. Burns said students’ identities should not be stereotyped by the club they are in. She hopes that working towards unifying the women’s clubs will help give everyone a new perspective of social clubs.

E-mail Sutton at: optimist@acu.edu

Campus focuses on wellness n The University Counseling Center has prepared the booths in the Campus Center and tables manned by represen­ta­ tives encourage healthy living.

“We’re trying to give incentives for students to get more information about their health,” said Steve Rowlands, director of the University Counseling Center. “Our goal is always education, to improve the quality of students’ lives.”

One specific goal for the event, Rowlands said, was to make it a more collaborative effort among the university community.

This year the Exercise Science Department was more actively involved, as were area churches and businesses.

gle school and pledging.

“It’s very encouraging for me to see campus leaders trying to help students any way they can,” she said.

Krystal Flores, sophoBy EMERALD McGOWAN more nutrition major from Student Reporter Del Rio, manned a booth Jarrod King walks on priorities in the Campus among the brightly colored Center. Flores said student booths, talking to attenresponse to her topic was dants, picking up papers positive; they even asked and snatching a few pieces her to suggest a Priority of free candy.

Day during Wellness Week “I love Wellness Week,” next year. said King, junior commu“I choose the topic of nication and youth and priorities because it’s family ministry major something I struggle with from Argyle. “Most college myself,” Flores said. “It students feels good don’t take to help peotime out of ple realize “Our bodies are a complex system, and our goal their day to what’s imrelax and portant in for students is that they are healthy in mind, remember their lives.” body and spirit. Each one affects the other.” that their One imhealth is portant priSteve Rowlands, director of the University Counseling Center just as imority for portant King is sleep. as their King said he school work.

Wellness “Our bodies are a com- pays special attention to Week helps to create a bal- plex system,” Rowlands statistics and facts regardance between the two.” said, “and our goal for ing the effect of sleep deKing is just one of the students is that they are privation. many students who have healthy in mind, body and “I want to sleep, I just responded favorably to spirit. Each one affects the never get around to it,” he Wellness Week, an event other.” said. “It is impossible for sponsored by the UniverAshlea Allred, sopho- this college student to get sity Counseling Center. more psychology major eight full hours of sleep Some Wellness Week ac- from Bedford, said she no- a night, so I like to know tivities include free mas- ticed and appreciated the what’s going to happen to sages, drawings for gifts Counseling Center’s obvi- me on only three or four and prizes and an abun- ous concern for students’ hours.” dance of information on health. Wellness Week falls how students can live at a very convenient time healthier lives while in col- for Allred, who is under a lege. lot of stress trying to jugE-mail McGowan at: optimist@acu.edu

ArtsFriday Optimist

October 7, 2005

Box Office Figures for the weekend of Sept. 30-Oct. 2, in millions. Total grosses in parenthesis.

1. Flightplan—$14.8 ($45.9) 2. Serenity—$10.1 (new) 3. Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride—$10 ($33.2) 4. A History of Violence—$8.1 ($8.9) 5. Into the Blue—$7.1 (new) 6. Just Like Heaven— $6.1 ($38.4) 7. The Exorcism of Emily Rose—$4.4 ($68.5) 8. Roll Bounce—$4 ($12.7) 9. The Greatest Game Ever Played—$3.7 (new) 10. The 40-Year-Old Virgin—$3.1 ($101.4)

Today’s Movies In Her Shoes (PG13)—starring Cameron Diaz, Toni Collette, Shirley MacLaine; directed

by Curtis Hanson.

Maggie (Diaz) is a party girl who barely graduated from high school and spends her days flirting and shifting from job to job while sleeping on the couches of friends and family.

She’s confident in her ability to attract men, but is unsure of her intellectual capabilties. Her sister, Rose (Collette), is the complete opposite of Maggie. A Princetoneducated lawyer, she’s successful in her career but not in her social life.

She struggles with her weight and her self-esteem. The only thing the two have in common is their shoe size: 8 1/2. After a huge falling out and once they discover their maternal grandmother (MacLaine), whom they thought was dead, the two travel the road of reconciliation, each learning from the other.

Page 5

‘Serenity’ soars thanks to fans, great characters Serenity PPP 1/2

n Starring Nathan Fillion, Gina Torres, Alan Tudyk, Summer Glau, Sean Maher, Adam Baldwin, Jewel Staite; written and directed by Joss Whedon.

Rated PG-13 (for sequences of intense violence and action, and some sexual references)

By SARAH CARLSON Arts Editor

Anything labeled as science fiction gets a bad rap from anyone who’s skeptical of the genre. While some scifi flicks deal with aliens or time travel, not all films pigeon-holed with the title carry the same clunky dialogue, cheesy outfits and outlandish plotlines as do many of their predecessors, a la anything from the 1960s through the 1980s.

Serenity is not your run-ofthe-mill sci-fi film: Set about 500 years in the future, the plot embraces the idea of technology increasing so rapidly along with population size, that humans branch out into the universe, creating planets to live on and spaceships to fly.

The film is a follow-up to the little TV-series-thatcould: Firefly. The show ran in 2002 on Friday nights on Fox but was cancelled after 11 episodes. But, because of popular demand from loyal fans and DVD sales of 500,000 and counting, it’s revived in movie format.

The story follows Capt.

Malcolm Reynolds (Fillion),

a hardened veteran from the losing side of a galactic civil war known as the Browncoats, and his shipmates as they travel through space on their ship named Serenity (Firefly is the type of ship).

The crew harbors fugitives, Simon and River Tan, siblings on the run from the Alliance, a government seeking a utopian form of society where one’s thoughts and actions, or basically sin, can be controlled. The crew is reluctant to bring such danger on board, but Simon’s skills as a doctor prove invaluable considering the shipmates’ knack for getting shot or stabbed by whomever they’re battling at the time.

The ragtag crew consists of Wash (Tudyk), the selfdeprecating funny guy who’s married to Zoe (Torres), a tough-as-nails first mate who served alongside Malcolm in the war for independence against the Alliance; Jayne (Baldwin), a crude and slightly simple-minded mer­ cenary; and Kaylee (Staite), a sweet engineer with eyes for Simon.

Serenity picks up where Firefly left off, but those new to the story and characters can easily jump in and know what’s going on, something creator, writer and director Joss Whedon made sure of.

It’s been six months since Simon boarded Serenity with psychic sister River, who he had smuggled on board after sneaking her out of the Alliance’s headquarters.

The Alliance experimented on River’s brain, turning her into a sleeper agent to be used at their disposal. Her captivity has made her some-

PHOTO COURTESY OF ROTTENTOMATOES.COM

SImon (Sean Maher, left) comforts his sister River (Summer Glau, right) in the film Serenity, a continuation of the TV show, Firefly.

Ratings Key Excellent PPPP Good PPP Fair PP Poor P

what socially awkward, and she sees and hears things no one else can, leaving her troubled and unable to fully rest.

Now searching the skies for River is a man called The Operative (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a person who kills without remorse and will stop at nothing to retrieve her. River’s psychic abilities exposed her to some of the Alliance’s dirty tricks, and it’s up to Simon, who’ll stop at nothing to care for her and save her life, and the rest of the crew to discover what’s troubling her before the Alliance’s hit man can catch up.

The crew endures its share of obstacles and hard times, living on the outskirts of the poorest planets, picking up random jobs of transporting goods here and there, whether they’re honest jobs or not.

The TV show and film are the brainchild of Joss Whedon, creator and writer behind the cult-TV hits Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel. Whedon likes to think outside the box when conjuring plot lines and characters, leaving his shows more than just vampire stories or spaceship battles. The wit and style of his writing bring his characters to life, sucking the viewers in and making them fans before they know what hit them.

Despite a cast of relative unknowns, the actors each carry their respective roles with ease and believability.

Fillion easily fills the shoes of a leading man with the entire cast delivering strong and at times heart-wrenching performances.

The concept of Firefly and now Serenity is unique, molding various customs and cultures to form a society similar to that of the Old West, where outlaws roam free, and brothels are considered commonplace.

Serenity is not only a scifi film, but a Western, where characters talk right nicely

PHOTO courtesy of www.rottentomatoes.com

Capt. Malcolm Reynolds (Nathon Fillion, left) looks for enemies alongside his shipmate Jayne Cobb (Adam Baldwin, right) in the new film Serenity, now playing in theatres. Serenity opened at No. 2 at the Box Office as the largest opener for the weekend. and wear gun holsters and vests. The combination is unique but entirely plausible, as is the concept of Chinese culture being interwoven throughout their lives. If a crew member swears, it’s in Chinese. Considering the Chinese make up about onesixth of the world’s population now, it only makes sense that in 500 years the culture will have spread into all other cultures.

Serenity is fast-paced and engaging with memorable characters and convincing conflict. The action sequences and space battles are intense at times, as are the plot twists and hard lessons learned by the crew members. While the film may not be as polished as a George Lucas production, Whedon captures what Lucas can’t: believable characters and dialogue that don’t need special effects to be impressive.

If the thought of anything set in space puts you in a comatose state, this film might

not be for you. Nevertheless, it’s one of the best sci-fi movies as of late and is worth the devoted following it’s earned.

Settings, costumes and props don’t add up to anything in a film or theatre production without a great story behind them. No matter the genre, without intriguing plots and characters a story doesn’t add up to anything.

Fans of the TV show were appeased with Serenity, a clever and entertaining film worth seeing. Rumors of a sequel have swirled among Whedon’s fans, which would only happen if the film rakes in at least enough to cover its $40 million price tag.

Regardless of a sequel or a continuation of the series, Serenity stands on its own as an impressive directorial debut from Whedon and a creative reimagining of a genre often misunderstood.

E-mail Carlson at: skc02a@acu.edu

ViewsFriday Optimist

Page 6

Felonies, hazing–social clubs investigated

The issue:

Three clubs’ pledging processes have ended several weeks early because of problems related with pledging. Incidents of alleged hazing are being investigated, and reports continue to swirl that club members have broken into other clubs’ houses to steal and vandalize items.

Our view:

Pledging practices of certain clubs have gotten out of hand.

When fellow students are being mistreated because they are pledges or members of another club, the point of campus social clubs is being missed.

The solution:

Club members should rise above actions such as hazing and mistreatment of other clubs. Decide if each club member is meeting his or her potential in service and unification with members of every social club as brothers and sisters in Christ.

One year ago, six members and pledges of Gamma Sigma Phi stole the Frater Sodalis crest, and clubs don’t seem to have learned their lesson. Club rivalries continue to spiral out of control, and include pranks that border on felonies and alleged hazing that ACU Police is investigating.

Recently, clubs took things a step further and began breaking into houses of other clubs’ members, stealing personal and club items, often destroying them. Members of several men’s clubs said pranks are “all in good fun” and, unless a house burns down, or someone is sent to the hospital, boundaries are not overstepped. They also said people shouldn’t report something

considered a Victims of hazing need to have the guts to say their actions. prank to adClubs that what happened, even if someone in your ministration continue to club did something. or the police steal from because clubs others, deshould hanstroy perdle things internally. begun as a harmless “prank” sonal and club items or break Dr. Wayne Barnard, dean between two clubs quickly gets into houses, either don’t think of Campus Life, disagreed. He out of hand when clubs take about or don’t care about the said no one never knows how matters into their own hands. repercussions. a prank will be received and Although leaders and memClubs must first treat their although it may not have been bers of clubs may not condone own members and pledges with meant maliciously, people are or encourage pranks among respect before they can be exalways victimized. He said any the members, these actions still pected to treat other clubs with time a home is entered without occur, said Scott Brooks, Galaxy respect. the owner’s or tenant’s permis- president. He said it was imporClubs need to own up to sion, it is breaking and entering tant for club members to keep their actions and stop treatand that charges can be filed. their noses clean, although he ing pledges and members of ACU Police said those said Galaxy, like other clubs, other clubs this way. Victims charged with breaking and has no policy addressing the is- of hazing need to have the guts entering can receive anywhere sues of pranks and theft. to report what happened, no from two to 20 years in prison Clubs must take a stand matter the circumstances. Fear if found guilty. What may have against pranks and think about because of social pressures vic-

Cole Williams

Let Loose

Money makes a modest proposal Monica Smith’s column in Wednesday’s Optimist boldly discussed a subject—the dress code—that has been on my mind and heart for quite some time.

Although her methods were somewhat unorthodox, I agree Message from with her reour the President sults: ACU commuDr. Royce nity has beMoney come much too tolerant and apathetic about immodest and inappropriate attire.

We have called together focus groups on this issue, discussed it in endless meetings, and shared e-mails about our serious concern regarding the way some of our students choose to dress. If there was a simple solution, I believe we would have uncovered it by now.

Visitors to our campus in the early 1980s often commented on how modest and nicely dressed our students were at the time. It was a part of our culture; we enjoyed that culture very much—and it reflected in many ways the style of dress of society at large at that time.

In two decades, society’s standards have changed dramatically. Unfortunately, for

October 7, 2005

an increasing number of ACU students, their style of dress now mirrors society. And society encourages young people to copy the styles of gang members, music videos, strange reality shows and Hollywood’s latest movie idols.

The culture says it’s OK to bare midriffs, allow underclothes to show, reveal cleavage and to wear see-through or tight shirts, jeans that are falling off or ride low, and short-shorts, tiny swimsuits and skin-tight pants. The Bible calls Christians to “dress modestly, with decency and propriety” (1 Timothy 2:9).

I am greatly concerned about the immodest dress

Men and women find it extremely difficult to approach an individual to say, “Your clothes today are not modest, and I’d like you to change.”

Or maybe, “I don’t believe what you are wearing today is appropriate attire for my class.”

It’s awkward; if the individual asks, “Why is this immodest or inappropriate?” people find it challenging to make specific statements such as, “Your blouse is too low,” “Your jeans are too loose and show your underwear,” or “That statement on your Tshirt is rude and offensive.”

I must say here that the vast majority of our students dress extremely modestly,

Let’s find a way to help all individuals understand modest, appropriate dress. that is appearing on our campus, but not merely because it’s a violation of our dress code. I’m more concerned that the move toward the world’s standards of dress reveals deeper issues—within individuals and within our campus culture.

I believe dress-code violations are a great concern, and I’ll share my perspective on the reasons we have not been able to solve this challenging problem.

and they are embarrassed about the less-than-appropriate dress of their peers. They also find it difficult to say something to their friends or acquaintances about their clothing.

But I want to challenge our entire ACU community to find a solution to this issue together. Let’s address it boldly and directly. Let’s begin a serious dialog about how we can all set higher standards—Biblical standards—throughout

Editorial and letter policy Unsigned editorials are the opinions of the Optimist and may not necessarily reflect the views of the university or its administration.

Signed columns, cartoons and letters are the opinions of their creators and may not necessarily reflect the viewpoints of the Optimist or the university.

The Optimist encourages reader response through letters to the editor but reserves the right to limit frequent contributors or to refuse to print letters containing personal

attacks, obscenity, defamation, erroneous information or invasion of privacy.

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our campus, and how we can enforce them consistently, for the good of our community.

Let’s find a way to help all individuals understand modest, appropriate dress that honors and respects them the way that God intends them to be honored and respected. Let’s find ways to talk to one another about this issue openly, honestly and respectfully.

The ACU community has higher standards, and we must decide—all of us, faculty, staff and students—to call one another to live out our Christian values in our words, our actions—and our standards of dress.

I am officially calling for your thoughts and ideas on how to best address this issue in a way that honors and respects all those involved in the dialog. This issue will not be resolved with more words in a dress code or by assigning the task to a few individuals to police. This is a community issue, and it must be addressed by the community.

Please send me your thoughts on how we can help to change our culture in this respect in e-mail form.

Royce Money is the president of Abilene Christian University. Contact his office at moneyr@acu.edu.

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timizes too many people and someone needs to take a stand against it.

The vicious cycle of prank wars will end if clubs stop retaliating and handling justice their own way. Take a risk and seek justice through Campus Life or the police.

When club items are stolen or destroyed, when one’s safety in his own home is jeopardized by members of a club, or if pledges are harmed during the pledging process, it taints the name of all social clubs.

Members who want others to take their club seriously and see the good they do on campus need to take a stand and defend their name and honor.

Behave as though the club deserves honor by its actions.

The world–every nation under God As images of bombs falling world … We invite you to join on Afghanistan and Iraq were us.” emblazoned across two large “Patriotic” events like Sunscreens, some church-goers day’s seem to always include clapped and the heavy implication that cheered.

America is God’s chosen naT h a t ’ s tion and thus has a mandate r i g h t — to “civilize” the rest of the scenes of world. This civilization most war ignited often is carried out through celebration military force. But if efforts from some at world change are taking members of place as a result of violence, Column Like I a Christian then how does that reconcile church in with the peaceful mandate of See ‘Em Abilene.

Christ? Can a Christian conSteve Holt I heard sciously support the “civilizathe above tion” of other countries with story from a friend, who the use of force? This quesheard it from a friend. It may tion has disturbed me. not be completely accurate, The view that God has but even if it were false, as blessed America above other my friend said, it’s just as sad nations also often carries with that we couldn’t pass off such it an animosity toward Amera story and say, “That could ica’s perceived enemies. For never happen in Abilene.” this reason, Christian AmeriWe can’t, because unfortu- cans were some of the first nately, many Christians seem out of their seats calling for to have taken a pro-war stance massive military retaliation in the last few years, seem- after the attacks on Sept. 11, ingly elevating their American 2001. A couple years later, the citizenship same group over their was backing The view that God citizenship in the president Heaven. This has blessed America in air raids stance has over other countries on Baghdad seemed to go carries an animosity because they beyond simwere contoward America’s ply agreeing vinced Al Qaperceived enemies. or disagreeeda and Iraq ing with the were one in necessity of America’s pres- the same—threats to the freeence in Iraq but has glorified doms and comforts we enjoy. battle and wished harm on And so, these attitudes America’s foes. also might drive a Christian How can we find the mid- person to cheer at images of dle ground between appreci- violence and pain and call it ating the sacrifices made by patriotism. These attitudes many military women and might cause churches to dismen and glorifying violence? play signs saying, “God Bless In my estimation, the church America’s Soldiers,” as if he must find this balance, as we doesn’t or won’t protect and are a people living in a “new bless other nations’ soldiers. order” established by Christ When claiming citizenship and marked by radical com- in the kingdom of Heaven, mitments to love and non- Christians ought to love and violence. appreciate soldiers as they On Sunday, many Chris- would anyone else, while puttians will worship together ting war and “love of country” in a community-wide service in their proper places. honoring Abilene’s military Dr. Royce Money, presiwomen and men and their dent of the university, effecfamilies. tively communicated many of Called “Faith for the Fight,” these ideas in the Centennial the service will feature New Opening Convocation speech: York Times Best-Seller Ste“God is not the God of phen Mansfield, author of The one nation over the other. In Faith of George W. Bush and ways we do not fully underThe Faith of the American Sol- stand, God ordains governdier. The flyer for the military ments as His servants, and all appreciation day contains this come under the judgments of message to troops in the area: the Lord, as to whether they “Because of what you mean to stand or fall.” our community… Because of the sacrifices you have made for our freedom … Because E-mail Holt at: smh00a@acu.edu, optimist@acu.edu of the hope you bring to our

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FROM THE FRONT PAGE

Friday, October 7, 2005

Page 7

Clubs: Men on probation, under investigation Continued from page 1 Nique Allen, president of Delta Theta and senior management major from Canyon. “New leadership is stepping up. We have a lot of girls that are very passionate about getting the club off the ground.”

Barnard said he is encouraged by club members’ attitudes and is hopeful members can complete the self-study and become an active club in the spring. He said the club will also need to find new advisers before becoming active.

Because the club is inactive, its pledging process has ended, and the club will not be able to participate in activities until it becomes active again.

“The saddest part about this situation is that our pledges are not able to participate in all of the pledging rituals and traditions of DT and how much this has affected them,” Allen said.

Delta Theta’s pledges became official members of the club earlier this week, and some already have said they are hopeful about the future.

“It’s time to make DT the respectable, traditional club that it needs to be on campus,” said Julie Vazquez, Delta Theta new member and sophomore management major from Abilene.

“Everything has a purpose and happens for a reason. I think this deactivation with DT is the thing that will bring back our honor and respect to the campus.”

anyway.

Although the club is on probation, Galaxy can continue to meet and have regular club activities throughout the year. However, their pledging will not continue, and pledges officially will become members of the club. At any future activities, such as the Homecoming Parade, no distinction

hazing violations, Barnard said he decided to let Ellison and the ACU Police look into the situation late last week.

“These are only allegations at this point, and we are doing due diligence by investigating those allegations,” Ellison said. “The law is very clear, and it requires the university to take it very

Galaxy on probation Campus Life officials met with Galaxy on Thursday to inform the club it would be on probation through the end of the school year because of an unapproved pledging activity during the weekend.

This year, Campus Life required clubs to submit pledging activity proposals before pledging began to have activities approved.

Barnard said clubs should have adhered strictly to the approved proposals.

Barnard said the club also had no advisers present at the unapproved activity. If Galaxy had presented a proposal for this activity, Barnard said he probably would not have approved it

“Everything happens for a reason. I think this deactivation with DT is the thing that will bring back our honor and respect on campus.”

Julie Vazquez, sophomore management major from Abilene

will be made between members and this year’s pledge class.

Barnard said members of the club were very cooperative, apologetic and humble when informed of the university’s decision.

Sub T-16 investigated Barnard said he first heard allegations about Sub T’s pledging activities last week. Because those allegations indicated potential

seriously.”

Texas’ hazing law states that organizations cannot endanger the mental or physical health of another who is seeking entry into that organization through ways such as physical brutality, extreme physical activity or subjecting someone to extreme mental stress, shame or humiliation.

Ellison said he hoped his investigation would be far enough along by next week

to determine what direction the university should proceed. If evidence of hazing is found, Ellison said criminal charges could be filed if a victim wishes to do so.

“Many will probably react that this is just guys being guys. Unfortunately the law does not say that,” Ellison said. “We’re concerned for student safety here. Anything going on out there that could endanger that deserves to be looked in to.”

Barnard said he cannot remember a time when the university has investigated three clubs simultaneously.

He said he attributes the rarity to the increased amount of discussions with clubs and pledges about hazing and appropriate activities.

Because those involved are better informed, Barnard said people know better when to report violations.

“Because we’ve had more scrutiny, we’re having reports we might not have had previously,” Barnard said.

Barnard said the clubs must now respond to the adversity to find solutions before problems build up again.

“If there’s conflict, let’s

work that out. Let’s not get to a point where advisors resign,” Barnard said. “If we are needing to make changes, I want to make changes. We all get caught up in things we shouldn’t do. The question is, once we know that, and once we work on that, what are we going to do with that? How are we going to get better?”

Barnard said that despite some rumors that the university is particularly hard on social clubs, he would like to see them be the best they can be.

As that process begins for three clubs, Barnard said he is encouraged by what he has seen from the clubs after meeting with them.

“They know right and wrong, and they know they just messed up,” Barnard said. “When [clubs] aren’t their best, we’ve got to make some corrections, and I want to engage that process completely.”

Mallory Sherwood tributed to this report.

con-

E-mail Smith at: jvs02a@acu.edu

College: Social work given separate school Continued from page 1 important than do other universities,” VanRheenen said.

VanRheenen also said the programs should benefit from the restructuring because students, faculty and administrators in those departments and programs would have much easier and more frequent access to administrators of the college.

Durrington said she began speaking with department chairs after the university’s Board of Trustees approved the new college in August. She said each de-

partment had the option to move to the new college.

Dr. David Gotcher, interim chair of the Department of Sociology and Social Work, said the undergraduate social work program will split away from his department and combine with the masters of social work program, which will began taking students in the fall of 2007, to form the School of Social Work within the new college. The programs of sociology, criminal justice, family studies and gerontology will remain in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Gotcher said moving so-

cial work to the new college will benefit all the programs in his department.

“The department as it’s currently structured have worked together very well over the last several years, but we’ve been very sensitive to each other’s needs,” Gotcher said. “Things that sociology might have liked to develop, we have not because we have been considering these other programs.

Splitting us up will allow us to develop our programs a little easier.”

Gotcher also said the social work program’s accreditation council, the Council on Social Work Education,

prefers that social work programs operate as a separate unit, not as part of a larger department.

Although the social work program has received its accreditation, Gotcher Gotcher said creating a separate School of Social Work will better satisfy accreditation requirements.

Financially, VanRheenen said the university will have to add a faculty member to serve as dean of the college as well as teach a

couple courses each year.

By shifting to a smaller college, VanRheenen said faculty in each individual department, particularly the department of education, might have to spend less time on administration and be able to spend more time teaching.

Durrington said the university will conduct a nationwide search for a new dean of the college, but the university might not have someone in place until late spring.

When the college opens next fall with about 900 students, it will be the university’s second largest col-

lege, behind only the College of Arts and Sciences, where they all now reside.

Durrington said the headquarters for the new college will be the remodeled Burford Music Hall, which should be complete by next fall. The new hall will house the college’s administrators as well as the Department of Education.

All other departments or programs will stay in their current location.

E-mail Smith at: jvs02a@acu.edu

Jog: Choosing track’s material a difficult decision Continued from page 1 hold up as well, nor be as cost efficient. Wood chips would cause erosion problems and would have to be replaced often and a stateof-the-art track like Elmer Gray’s stadium would be very expensive, he said.

Kevin Watson, associate vice president of administrative services and coordinator of the project and design, agreed.

Watson said he and his team decided to use concrete reached after more than a year of discussion and input from administra-

tion, members of the community and faculty and staff.

“We put down a sample trail with crushed granite and received only negative responses,” Watson said.

“We put down a section of mulch, and it washed out during the first rain.”

He said the team looked at materials that would allow for more activities and that hard surfaces would allow for multiple uses.

“Asphalt and concrete allow for those that want to run with a stroller, roller blades, bicycling, etc.,” Watson said. “We are not

designing this for the normal runner, not necessarily for the marathoner.”

He also said the university did not have the funding to put down a track surface like the one in Elmer Gray Stadium. Concrete will last the longest, allow the broadest Cooke use of activities and is the best decision after looking at all the concerns, he said.

Watson said workers are

beginning construction of the trail at the entrance of the library parking lot and continuing north. He said the stakes were removed so portions of the trail could be relocated to soften some of the turns and improve the overall feel of the trail.

Others don’t like the idea of a concrete jogging path.

Jim Cooke, professor of environmental sciences, said he was surprised when he heard how much concrete would be used for the trail.

“If you asked people,” Cooke said, “I don’t think they would choose concrete

to run on.”

He said he could think of other options to use such a recycled rubber or tires, which would make the impact softer as well as recycle forgotten items.

Cooke said he was excited about the idea of a Walk/Jog trail because it would be a great addition to the university, but he doesn’t think it will work well for runners.

Cooke said he would prefer if the track used a different material for environmental reasons too.

“I understand it is going to have trees and be land-

scaped around the campus,” he said. “I think it sounds great, except that they are going to pave right over the natural things with their path.”

Although Cooke would prefer another material for the track and a chance to offer input, he said it will still be useful to others “It’s going to be a good addition to the university,” Cooke said. “It will be part of the community, and all will be able to use it at some point.”

E-mail Sherwood at: mes02e@acu.edu

SportsFriday Optimist

Page 8 Standings Football Team Conf. Overall 4-0 6-0 WTAMU ENMU 4-1 4-2 Angelo St. 3-1 5-1 Tarleton St. 3-1 4-1 TAMU-K 3-1 4-1 ACU 2-2 2-3

Wildcats gear up for rivalry game n The Wildcats begin a five game stretch of LSC South Division opponents Saturday in San Angelo against the Angelo State Rams.

By JARED FIELDS Sports Editor

Volleyball Team Div. ACU

3-0 2-0 WTAMU TAMU-K 2-2 ENMU 1-1 Angelo St. 1-2

Tarleton St. 0-4

October 7, 2005

Overall 14-3 15-6 6-12 5-9 9-9 9-8

Scores Friday

Volleyball ACU 3, St. Mary’s 0

Saturday

FOOTball SE Oklahoma State 42, ACU 24

Upcoming Schedule Friday

Tennis Women, LSC Championships, 11 a.m.

Men, LSC Championships, 11 a.m.

Saturday

Football ACU at Angelo State, 7 p.m.

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

brian schmidt/Chief Photographer

Senior cornerback Doug Barnett deflects a pass against senior wide receiver Robb Spells during practice Wednesday as the first team offense scrimmaged the first team defense.

Halfway through the season with the toughest and most important part of the schedule ahead, the Wildcats find themselves at the bottom of a deep hole.

The Wildcats are 2-3 and face rival Angelo State at 7 p.m. Saturday in San Angelo Stadium.

The Rams are 5-1 with their only loss coming last week against Eastern New Mexico, 38-14. Eastern New Mexico put up 337 rushing yards and held the Rams to only 191 yards offensively.

Despite Angelo State’s below average numbers against Eastern New Mexico, Wildcats head coach Chris Thomsen said the Rams are still a tough overall football team.

“They’re playing well together as a team,” Thomsen said. “They stack the line of scrimmage on defense like everybody else does and if you can’t throw it or run the option on them, you’re going to have a long day.”

The Wildcats don’t run the option, but they’ve proven they can throw the ball. In last week’s game against Southeastern Oklahoma State, the Wildcats totaled 488 yards passing, with Billy Malone accounting for 343 of those yards and three touchdowns.

Jerale Badon tied a school record with 13 receptions; he also had 205 yards.

Badon helped the passing attack by throwing a pass to Andrew Hansen for 71 yards.

“If they want to step up with eight men in the box, then we’ve got to make our play-action work,” senior running back Rashon Myles said. “You have [Robb] Spells and Jerale Badon and the rest of the receiving corps with Billy throwing bombs, it’s really not a good situation for them.”

The Wildcats will have to throw the ball well to have success against a defense that focuses on stopping the run.

Football “When they’ve got eight or nine people up there, it’s tough to run. If you can’t throw the ball a little bit you’ve got problems,” Thomsen said.

“We’ve got to loosen them up throwing the ball.”

The Rams offense averages 374.3 yards a game, with fairly balanced rushing and passing yards.

Rams quarterback Trey Weishuhn and running backs Kyle Fox and Alexis Cooper carry the bulk of the load for Angelo State.

Weishuhn averages 203.5 yards a game passing and has six touchdowns so far this year. Fox and Cooper provide most of the yards on the ground for the Rams, gaining a combined 127.4 yards a game and 10 touchdowns.

The kicking game for the Rams is strong as well. Angelo State kicker J.D. Williams is 5-6 on field goal attempts with a long of 41 yards.

“They’ve got a good kicking team,” Thomsen said. “They’ve won some really close games by being able to kick the ball well.”

The kicking game for the Wildcats is more in question this week.

Sophomore Mark Trevino suffered a concussion in last week’s game, and freshman Matt Adams is still battling a pulled groin.

“They’ll be fine; they both practiced yesterday,” Thomsen said Wednesday.

“We’re still evaluating that. We’ll probably wait until Thursday or Friday and see who’s the most healthy from there.”

With two losses in a row, the Wildcats need a win to avoid any a worse losing streak. However, the team is not in panic mode yet, Thomsen said.

“Right now they just want to play well.”

Along with the weekly radio broadcast, Saturday’s game will be aired on KRBC-TV Channel 9 beginning at 7 p.m. The announcers will be Cayden McFarland and Craig Carnesi.

E-mail Fields at: jrf03b@acu.edu

Golf team gains experience from difficult course n The men’s golf team came back from the Grand Canyon Fall Classic with a 12th place, but beat the No. 2 ranked team in Division II by four strokes.

By BRIAN HOLLAND Student R eporter

The golf team ended its two-day tournament near Phoenix, Ariz., Tuesday in 12th place. The Wildcats finished with a three-round total of 887, dropping them four places from Monday’s finish.

Eighteen teams played in the Grand Canyon Fall Classic. Among the eighteen in the tournament were four

Golf of the top 10-ranked teams and seven of the top 25. After a first day of 36 holes, the final round on Tuesday only featured 18 holes but gave the team its worst scoring round of the tournament.

“This was one of the toughest fields we’ll play,” said head coach Mike Campbell.

The Wildcats came into the second day in eighth place but again posted higher scores in their last round. Campbell said the team didn’t play as well in the final round because of

different hole placements and higher winds.

“It wasn’t anything we weren’t already accustomed to, but it did make a difference,” Campbell said.

The Jack Nicklaus-designed course, a par-72, was rated among the top U.S. public courses and ranked fifth among courses in the Phoenix area. Because of the desert course, hitting good shots off the tee and into the fairways were the main focus for the team.

“We emphasized keeping the ball in play in our meeting before the tournament,” Campbell said.

Cian Daly, a junior trans-

fer student from Limerick, Ireland, shot a four-over 220 and boasted the lowest score of the ACU team.

“I hit quality shots, but I felt I could have done better,” Daly said.

The way the grass grows, called the grain, on a green varies from course to course, which gives the Wildcats variety. The Bermuda grass greens, which are very grainy, tested the putting of the Wildcats throughout the tournament.

“The greens were a little different from what I’m used to; I felt I could have finished better today,” Daly said.

One of the keys to the Wildcats coming in with a good score among such tough competition was the ability for the team to hit the fairways.

Campbell also emphasized the Wildcats’ performance against quality Division II opponents. Central Arkansas, a team ranked second among Division II schools according to Golfstat.com, came in behind the Wildcats in 13th place. The Wildcats finish, as a team, came within only five shots of taking over eighth.

Grand Canyon Fall Classic results Team Team Total CSU-Bakersfield 855 CSU-Stanislaus 863 Grand Canyon 864 Western Washington 868 St. Mary’s (TX) 870 Texas Wesleyan 880 Northeastern State 880 Western New Mexico 883 Point Loma Nazarene 884 CSU-San Bernardino 885 CSU-Monterey Bay 886 Abilene Christian 887 Central Arkansas 891

E-mail Holland at: optimist@acu.edu

New intramural fields see playing time after long wait n Intramural flag football games have not been played on the new intramural field until this week due to maintenance to prepare the field for play.

By Kenny McEntire Student Reporter

This semester, students have not played any games on the new intramural fields for maintenance reasons. Instead they have been playing their games on the older fields next to Elmer Gray Stadium.

Jon Ross, intramural

Intramurals sports coordinator, said the new fields should begin being used this week for intramural flag football. The intramural flag football season should last through November, including the championships, and all remaining games will take place on the newer field.

Larry C. “Satch” Sanders Intramural Field had to undergo routine grounds keeping, before any games could be played on it, Ross said “The field was under

maintenance while stickers were removed, and holes were being repaired to prevent injuries,” Ross said.

plaints from students living in nearby residence halls.

Gibbs also said that another reason could be that the uni-

“The field was under maintenance while stickers were removed, and holes were being repaired.”

JB Gibbs, men’s soccer club adviser

JB Gibbs, men’s soccer club advisor, said another reason for the new intramural fields lack of use could be a result of a noise com-

versity is trying not to wear out the field. The fields are not going completely unused though because Taylor Elementary School students

use the field every day for recess.

So far this year softball and flag football have been the only active sports in intramurals. The softball games are always held on the older fields, because the new fields have limited space. Last season, intramural flag football players played on the new field, and one student said he remembers what playing on the field was like.

Brad Tyndall, junior integrated marketing communication major from North Richland Hills, was playing

a game last semester when he saw his roommate Ryan Alexander, junior business management major from Hurst, tear his ACL and his meniscus. The memories of what happened last year, Tyndall said, are enough to make him think twice about planting his feet for a juke or stop.

The new intramural field received its name from Larry C. Sanders, who has been a Frater Sodalis sponsor for the past 25 years.

E-mail McEntire at: optimist@acu.edu

High attendance at games gives players home field advantage n Wildcat sports have seen bigger crowds so far this year due to successful teams. Larger crowds affect games and give the teams a home field advantage.

By ASHLEY MOORE Sports Writer

Students who have attended a sporting event this semester have noticed an increase in the number of fans from last season. With an average of about 450 fans at volleyball games and 6,000

Attendance fans at football games, it seems that the sports teams have had a definite growth in their fan base.

Head football coach Chris Thomsen said the size of the crowd affects a team.

“It has a big effect. Anytime you have a big crowd, it affects the players and gets them motivated,” Thomsen said.

Glancing up into the stands, he said he always no-

tices a lot of students in the bleachers and said because the students are all very vocal, it plays a big role in influencing the outcome of the game. The players recognize that their peers are supportive and behind them 100 percent.

“There are some exciting players this year that are fun to watch,” Thomsen said.

Brek Horn, head volleyball coach, also agrees that crowd attendance has a tremendous affect on how the team plays.

She said she wants the home gym to be very tough for the opposing teams, and to make it very difficult for them to win.

With 29straight home wins behind the team, this seems to be a Lowry good strategy. She also said she believes the turnout has increased because the volleyball team has

been improving so much over the last few years.

They have been winning their games and “people want to watch you win,” Horn said.

“The crowds will show up for a successful team. The students are the rowdy ones, which is great.”

Sophomore outside hitter Abbie Lowry, said the team loves the “noise and energy that the crowd brings in.” But with all the excitement going on around them, they have to “focus more and not get over-

whelmed.”

Student fans have said they love going to watch the volleyball games because they are so intense, and they love to see the team win. Many older fans come because they have a history with the university, and a lot of them have a wife or other family member who played volleyball for the school at one time, and they said they like to come see how the team has changed.

E-mail Moore at: aem03e@acu.edu