2006 01 20

Vol. 94, No. 29 1 section, 12 pages

FRIDAY

January 20, 2006

www.acuoptimist.com

Year in review

Stepping out

Finishing a long haul

Heading into Oscar season, ArtsFriday looks at potential winning films, page 7

Shades Step Squad will perform at 7 p.m. Friday at a senior art show, page 5

The Wildcats lost Tuesday in their fourth game in eight days, page 12

Money urges campus to respect GLBT group n Dr. Royce Money told students in Chapel on Thursday that the organization will be allowed on campus during its tour across the country in March.

By SARAH CARLSON Arts Editor

Soulforce, a religious activist organization, will send 30 to 35

young adults to ACU on March 27 as part of its Equality Ride bus tour to discuss its views on homosexuality.

ACU is one of 19 religious and military institutions members of the Equality Ride have selected to visit where, according to Soulforce’s Web site, “bans on gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender enrollment

force students into closets of fear and self-hate.”

Dr. Royce Money, president of the university, said he was informed last semester of Soulforce’s intentions to visit campus. Now that information regarding the Equality Ride is online, Money said he felt the student body should be aware of the group’s visit and dis-

cussed the matter in Thursday’s Chapel in Moody Coliseum.

The university does not ban homosexual students from enrollment. Section Two of the student guide under misconduct lists “cohabitation and/or sexual immorality, including homosexual behavior,” as “violations that will result in a minimum disciplinary response of

probation on the first occurrence or suspension/dismissal on the second occurrence.”

“We try to be as even-handed as we possibly can be,” Money said, saying the university tries to treat homosexual behavior the same as heterosexual sexual relations outside of marriage.

Money said the university will allow the Equality Ride

Third Rock from the Hill

team on campus under conditions to be negotiated. The team will not present in Chapel and will not have open access to classrooms unless they have been specifically selected to be a location for the group’s presentation.

“I’m not by any means wantSee

PROTESTORS page 10

Alumnus makes run for House n Ron Booker will be one of two candidates in the March 7 Republican primary for Texas House District 26, which includes suburbs of Houston.

By JONATHAN SMITH Editor in Chief

Ron Booker decided his political time had come now that two of his children are in college and the third is just a year away.

A 1980 graduate of the university and Sugar Land businessman, Booker has filed as a Republican to run in the March 7 primaries for District 26 of the Texas House of Representatives.

“I have considered running for office for many years, but because of my wife’s and my Booker commitment to our children, I was not willing to make the sacrifices that would have been necessary,” Booker said.

With the filing deadline for the election passed on Jan. 3, Booker will face Republican incumbent Charlie Howard for District 26, which includes Houston suburbs such as See

BOOKER page 10

Sing Song Ice cream, coffee parlor opens near campus ticket sales progressing Anna Carroll/Staff Photographer

John Nall, freshman physics major from San Antonio, prepares an order of ice cream at the new Third Rock Creamery on Judge Ely Boulevard next to Subway.

Third Rock Creamery offers more than 15 flavors of homemade ice cream as well as desserts, milkshakes, espresso, non-coffee drinks and flavored coffee.

By MALLORY SHERWOOD Managing Editor

For ice cream out of this world, students do not need to travel farther than Judge Ely Boulevard to find more than 15 flavors of homemade ice cream made daily at Abilene’s newest ice cream parlor, Third Rock Creamery.

The parlor, located next to Subway, is the brainchild of HardinSimmons University senior exercise science major, Robert Lord, with the help of his wife, ACU senior exercise science major Jamie Boles Lord.

“I had noticed that Abilene lacked an ice cream shop that had a hang-out atmosphere,” Robert Lord said. “I wanted to offer great coffee and homemade ice cream because it sounded like a good combo.”

Third Rock Creamery, which opened Jan. 11, has already benefited from the business that students and residents on the north

side of Abilene bring.

“From about 8:30 p.m. and on the place is usually packed,” Lord said. “Two-thirds are usually ACU students, but we have a lot of families come, too.”

The night-time atmosphere appeals to college students because it offers them a place to hang out; it also shows off the parlor’s deco-

The red, crescent-shaped tables and the stainless-steel appearance of the booths add to the luster of the parlor.

“The place is really coolest at night,” Lord said. “Everything else around here is really brightly lit, so I wanted something that would be more relaxing and inviting for the customers.”

“I had noticed that Abilene lacked an ice cream shop that had a hang-out atmosphere.”

Robert Lord, owner of the new Third Rock Creamery ice cream and coffee shop

rations. The shop is open 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 11:30 a.m.-1 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays and is closed on Sundays.

The parlor boasts glow-in-thedark booths, twinkling stars on the ceiling, glow-in-the-dark planets on the walls and TVs playing music videos.

Catering to customers is something Lord is good at after spending more than 18 hours a day working and preparing the place for its first month in action. Lord is taking this semester off from school to focus on the new business.

“We want to be really flexible with the customers and be able to offer them whatever kind of flavor

they want,” he said. “We’re working up to that now; soon we’ll be able to make anything. Right now we make at least 15 flavors, but you can mix and match those and add toppings, too.”

Some flavors include chocolate, vanilla, mint chocolate chip, cookies ‘n cream, raspberry, butterscotch, butter pecan and Lord’s favorites: strawberry, cinnamon and cotton candy.

“People have told me the strawberry is the best they’ve ever had,” he said. “And the cinnamon and cotton candy are really unique and taste great.”

Paul Isham agreed.

Isham, a senior business management major from Dennison, Colo., ordered cotton candy ice cream his first time at Third Rock Creamery.

“This cotton candy ice cream is great,” Isham said. “It’s homemade and delicious, and I can’t See

ICE CREAM page 10

n Only seats in the top few rows are still available for the Saturday night production of Sing Song’s 50th show, according to a Student Productions worker.

By DANI LINTHICUM Opinion Editor

With less than a month left to go until show time, the Saturday night show of the 50th anniversary of Sing Song is almost sold out.

“Saturday night is the most popular,” said Jace Gallagher, an employee of ACU productions. “For that show, only the top couple of rows are still available.”

On Feb. 17 and 18 students will sing and perform unique choreography to original lyrics, hosts and hostesses will entertain in between, and parents, siblings, classmates and alumni will flock to Moody Coliseum to watch.

Tickets to “The 50th Show” are expected to sell out, said Gallagher, senior finance major See

SALES page 10

Track slated for mid-March finish n Bob Nevill, director of physical resources, said students may use completed portions of the track now but should be careful around areas still under construction.

By MITCH HOLT Staff Writer

The jogging trail around campus should soon be complete.

Planners originally sched-

uled to have the project finished by Thanksgiving. But they now expect that the track will be complete by midMarch.

The jogging track, wider than an average sidewalk, stretches around campus, runs along Campus Court, Ambler Avenue, Judge Ely Boulevard and East North 16th Street.

Bob Nevill, one of the planners in the project and direc-

Department of Journalism and Mass Communication

tor of physical resources, said the jogging trail’s main purpose is to better serve the student body.

“The track is intended to provide our students Nevill with a safe, healthy and pleasant way to

exercise and socialize,” Nevill said in an e-mail.

He also said students are now allowed to use the portions of the jogging trail that are finished, but they should exercise care when approaching remaining construction areas, especially at night. Many lights have yet to be installed, and some of the landscaping See

TRACK page 10

Brian Schmidt/Chief Photographer

Construction crews lay rebar near University Park Apartments before pouring concrete for the new jogging track, which should be completed in March.

Abilene Christian University

Serving the ACU community since 1912

Chapel Checkup Credited Chapels to date:

Friday, January 20, 2006

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Calendar & Events Friday

Last day to register for classes.

Last day to withdraw from classes with full refund.

DesignersFive senior art show with a performance by Shades, 7 p.m., Shore Art Gallery.

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Saturday

Football Recruiting, 4-6 p.m., Recreation area of Campus Center.

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Sunday

Nothing scheduled this day.

Announcements

There will be an informational meeting focused on building a mission team for Russia at 7 p.m. in the Campus Center Living Room Thursday.

The meeting will also include watching the movie River Trip to Moscou, deserts and drinks.

For more information, call Ext. 3767.

World Wide Witness has enrolled 50 students for international internships but has many openings still available. For information and online applications go to www.

WorldWideWitness.org.

Law School Scholarship applications are available to any graduating senior interested in attending law school at Pepperdine, Texas Tech or Baylor in the fall of 2006, and has already taken the LSAT exam.

Scholarship application packets are in the Harding Administration Building Room 220.

Applications are available for the 2006 ACU Leadership Camps Staff. Students can serve as a camp counselor and lead young people ages seven to 18 to be more like Jesus. Applications are in the Leadership Camps office in the Bean Sprout.

There will be a summer camp job fair in the Campus Center from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Monday. Summer camp representatives from 20 different summer camps will be accepting applications and interviewing for summer staff positions.

Two Figure Drawing classes are looking for several male and female models to work Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9-11 a.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8-11 a.m. For more information, contact the Design department in the Don Morris Building Room 142 or call ext. 2085.

The office of admissions is looking for a student translator to work 10-20 hours per week. The student will work in translating documents from English to Spanish and other office duties. The students must be fluent in both English and Spanish. Previous experience in translation is preferable, but not necessary.

To apply, complete a student application http:// www.acu.edu/img/assets/2188/ Application%20Only.doc and turn it into the Admissions office or mail it to ACU Box 29000.

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Monday

Vector Marketing Table, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Campus Center.

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Tuesday

Service Expo, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Campus Center.

Mateo Coronado Senior Vocal Recital, 8 p.m., William Performance Arts Center Recital Hall.

Volunteer Opportunities The Alzheimer’s Association needs volunteers to distribute brochures and visit with attendees at a health fair in the Abilene Civic Center from 9 a.m.4 p.m. on Feb. 16 in Abilene. For more information contact the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center.

West Texas Rehab needs volunteers to call donors from 5:30-9 p.m. for the rehab center Friday. For more information contact the Volunteer and ServiceLearning Center.

Northern Oaks Rehab and Nursing needs help coordinating activities with the elderly such as bingo, dominoes, card games, playing piano, visiting or reading from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on weekdays.

For more information contact the

Volunteer and Service-Learning Center.

The American Red Cross needs six to eight student to organize closets and the garage and to wash/wax Red Cross vehicles from 1-3 p.m. on weekdays. For more information contact the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center.

The Herald of Truth needs help in the office with shredding, folding and other office jobs from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on weekdays. For more information contact the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center.

G.V. Daniels Recreation Center needs two or three college students to help children from ages six-13 with their homework and other activities. For more information contact the Volunteer and ServiceLearning Center.

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.

Credited Chapels remaining:

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Friday, January 20, 2006

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Vice president recalls friend n Dr. Gary McCaleb, former mayor of Abilene, met Ehud Olmert, interim prime minister of Israel, in Jerusalem 10 years ago at a conference for mayors.

Friday, January 20, 2006

CAMPUS NEWS

people from the U.S. but also specifically from Texas,” McCaleb said. “Texas has the benefit of an intriguing history, so he seemed particularly interested in meeting me.”

By JONATHAN SMITH McCaleb talked with and Editor in Chief befriended Olmert throughOut of the 40 mayors Dr. out the weeklong conference.

Gary McCaleb stood with Listening to Olmert preside in Jerusalem 10 years ago, over various events and lead several have gone on to bigsome discussion sessions ger and better allowed posts.

McCaleb A future U.S. to rec“You could tell he had a vision for the future of senator from ognize Jerusalem. Based on some things he’s said now, Minnesota, a Olmert’s it seems like he has translated that vision U.S. senator skills as from Nebraska a leader. for Jerusalem to a vision for Israel.” and U.S. secre“You Gary McCaleb, vice president of the university and former mayor of Abilene tary of agriculc o u l d ture. tell he But given the had a vipresent frail sion for situation in the Middle East, Jerusalem. the future of Jerusalem,” Mcone mayor has surpassed the The conference included Caleb said. “Based on some others. mayors from cities in coun- of the things he’s said now, Even 10 years ago, Mc- tries such as the United it seems like he has translatCaleb thought Ehud Olmert, States, Greece, Argentina, ed that vision from a vision mayor of Jerusalem at the Cyprus and the Congo. for Jerusalem to a vision for time, was a man who would McCaleb was one of 11 Israel.” move up through the ranks mayors from the United On Monday, members of of the Israeli government.

States invited to attend the the Sharon’s political party “He demonstrated the conference in 1996, and he Kadima elected Olmert as qualities that if circumstanc- said because of his religious the party’s interim leader. es worked out, he could background, the opportunity He likely will remain acting move up,” said McCaleb, vice to meet the mayor of Jerusa- prime minister until Israpresident of the university. lem intrigued him. McCaleb el’s Parliament elections in Circumstances have said his hometown also in- March. worked out for Olmert; after trigued Olmert.

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel “People all over the world Sharon, 77, suffered a stroke seem interested to meet E-mail Smith at: jvs02a@acu.edu

Frappucinos make studying fun again

Jan. 4, and doctors placed him in a medically induced coma. Deputy Prime Minister Olmert, 60, has been acting prime minister since Sharon’s stroke.

McCaleb recalls meeting and befriending Olmert while attending the 16th Jerusalem Conference of Mayors in March 1996 while McCaleb was mayor of Abilene and Olmert was mayor of

emerald mcgowan/Staff Photographer

Jennifer Smith, senior biology major from Overland Park, Kan., and her brother, Brandon Smith, sophomore political science major from Overland Park Kan., drink frappucinos Wednesday at the new café in Barret Hall.

New year brought new life n Casen Matthew Kilmer, son of Wendy Kilmer, director of Public Relations, and her husband, Scott, was the first baby born in Abilene in 2006 at 12:25 a.m.

By MALLORY SHERWOOD Managing Editor

Wendy Kilmer, director of Public Relations, gave birth to Abilene’s first 2006 baby at 12:25 a.m. at Hendrick Medical Center. Kilmer and her husband, Scott, welcomed Casen Matthew a week earlier than expected.

“When we Kilmer first found out when the due date was, we kind of laughed it off that our baby could be born on Jan. 1,” Wendy said.

“Three days before Casen was born, the doctor said I was showing no progress

and said if anything I would deliver late. Needless to say we were all surprised when he came on the first.”

Casen, weighing six pounds 11 ounces and 20.5 inches in length, is adjusting well to life at the Kilmer home.

“He’s doing really well,” Wendy said. “We didn’t have any problems during the labor and he is just recovering from a cold this past week.”

The blue-eyed, blondehaired baby looks pretty cute, Wendy said, although she said the verdict is still out on who he resembles most.

Wendy will be on maternity leave until March 1 and then will return to campus to work part time in Public Relations. For now, Tom Craig, the former director of Public Relations and an antique shop owner, is filling in part time, as well as recent graduate, Jennifer

Bass.

Bass, a December 2005 graduate and media relations assistant has worked under Kilmer for the past 3.5 years.

“I’ve loved working with Wendy since I was a sophomore,” Bass said. “Each year she gave me more responsibility and taught me a lot.”

She said the office would remain busy this semester with Lectureship and Sing Song and that she was glad to be a part of the process.

Although she hasn’t seen Casen yet, she said the office has plenty of pictures posted of the latest addition to the office.

“Everything seems to be going well on campus while I’m gone,” she said. “I feel good about being able to stay home and spend time with Casen.”

E-mail Sherwood at: mes02e@acu.edu

CAMPUS NEWS

Friday, January 20, 2006

Shades up for two performances n The student-comprised step squad will perform at Sing Song and March 31 and April 1 for its annual program, which will be bigger than ever, members said.

By JACI SCHNEIDER Copy Editor

Shades Step Squad will perform at 7 p.m. Friday at a senior art show in preparation for Sing Song and its annual production planned for March.

The show will be in the Shore Art Gallery, where it will be part of Brandon Jones’ senior show. Jones, graphic design major from Tyler, is a co-captain of Shades, and the routine will be a performance piece in his show.

The group hasn’t performed since last semester.

Although the captains of Shades originally planned to have the annual show in November, Jones said they have had to move the date back twice — once because the

group couldn’t secure a practice location early enough last semester and the second time because of communication errors. However, Jones said the delay had some positive aspects.

“We’re going to have a much bigger show,” he said.

“There will be a lot more acts, and it will be much longer.”

However, before the Shades show premieres in March, group members will participate in Sing Song on Feb. 17-18.

Members will step to the song “Via Dela Rosa,” while the hosts and hostesses and Hispanos Unidos will sing in two languages, Jones said.

“If you thought last year was good, then this year will blow you out of the water,” Jones said. “It’s going to be good.”

The annual show is now slated for 7 p.m. March 31 and April 1 in Cullen Auditorium. The theme for the men’s

Page 5

Don Morris: Skateboarder’s Heaven

show will be “VH1’s I Love the ’90s,” and the women’s show will be the “Not So Desperate Housewives.”

Although Jones said coming up with steps for the routines doesn’t take very much time, perfecting the routines is very time consuming.

“You can come up with a step in a day, but it takes a while to get it precise.” Jones said.

The group also needs time to find costumes and memorize their routines, while also keeping up with schoolwork.

“Coming up with a show, that takes an entire semester,” Jones said.

Shades is made up of about 25 members, who must audition to join the squad.

Members usually performs at least a couple of times each semester.

Brian schmidt/Chief Photographer

E-mail Schneider at: jrs02a@acu.edu

Dusty Faulk, freshman financial management major from Jones Creek, jumps his skateboard over the steps between the Don Morris Building and the Brown Library on Thursday.

January short courses offer students chance to focus

n Each year the number of students grows who want to attend one-week short courses applicable for all majors during January for credit, statistics show.

By MALLORY SHERWOOD Managing Editor

Blake Earnhart originally took a January short course because he wanted to make his course load easier this semester. After taking Church Leadership, the one-week course with Jerry Taylor, associate professor of Bible, he realized he had gained more than a lighter load.

“I needed the class credit, and this class is only offered in January short course,” Earnhart, a junior youth and family ministry major from

St. Louis, said. “I became really excited about the class despite the early mornings, long hours and daily assignments because I was in this class with other Bible majors.

I was with the future and next generation of the church.”

Church Taylor Leadership is only one of more than 34 classes, or sections of classes, offered during the week-long course.

In this class, Earnhart said students learned about the dark side of leadership and heard amazing stories from Taylor.

“Once you get to really know Professor Taylor, you’ll really like him,” Earnhart said. “He is a neat guy and an admirable church leader.”

In addition to lectures, Earnhart said the class was also able to participate in activities such as writing their own eulogies.

Professor Steve Wages, assistant professor of Family Studies, taught Ministry to Fathers to 92 students, a number typical for the class. The high number of students might be because this is the only time this class is offered, Wages said in an e-mail.

“I like this format because my goal is to shape the mind and heart of students,” Wages said. “The in-

tensity of the short format provides an opportunity to touch the heart of students in a way that is different from a regular class.”

He said he doesn’t find it too difficult to accomplish everything in the five-day period, as long as he is on task and sticks to his schedule.

He said he would recommend this format of class to all students and reads comments students have written him after taking the class.

“The things I learned in this class will stay with me forever and allow me to be a well equipped imperfect parent and wife. We need more of this message on campus,” wrote a female student.

Another student wrote:

“Many classes have challenged my thinking, my knowledge, and my abilities, but no other class has challenged me spiritually like this one. I can walk away from this class feeling closer to Christ, and being better equipped for having a Godly family some day. I prayed for God to change me through this class. My prayers were answered.”

Benefits of January short courses are apparent to students by the sheer number of students who enroll each year. This year more than 500 students participated in a January short course, up seven percent from last year.

E-mail Sherwood at: mes02e@acu.edu

January short courses • Church Leadership • ST: Ministry to Child & Family • Sex & Personal Issues of Sexuality • Arts & Culture: A Christian Aesthetic • ST: Ministry in Times of Crisis • Christian Spiritual Formation • Intro to Graduate Study • The Gospel of John • Biblical Exegesis • ST: Women in the Old Testament • Phonological Disorders • Ministry with Older Adults • Ministry to Fathers • Behavior Modification

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January 20, 2006

Sing Song is coming — so get ready The issue:

At the beginning of the semester, it’s often tempting to slack off in class.

Our view:

Even though it can be tough, students should stick it out and prepare for the long haul.

The solution:

Students need a plan for success this semester. Make good habits now and they will prove invaluable later.

Sing Song will startle campus in less than four weeks, and we need to prepare. The week before Sing Song is notorious for its hectic pace and high stress levels, but students can do something to prevent feeling like they’ve been hit by a tornado.

The first step is to have a plan — start off the semester with a good schedule and good habits. The first few weeks of school are not the time to slack off and fall behind. Some might find it tempting to skip class and assignments, but when the busy times of the semester

Counting down to graduation NASA began a countdown and a couple of solid internTuesday for a 10-year, 3-bil- ships will be enough to get lion-mile mission to Pluto, me off the ground. just hours after hundreds Regardless of all of of students, NASA’s months and years of i n c l u d - planning, regardless of the ing myself, money poured into the projl a u n c h e d ect, 38-mile-an-hour winds their own are all it takes to derail even 1 7 - w e e k the most precise plans. Thirc o u n t d o w n ty-eight-mile-an-hour winds toward the and the life’s goal and work final day of of some of the smartest their formal people in the world can be Ask the education. put off by something only Question The se- God controls. niors’ misKind of makes all that Jonathan sion got off planning seem a little silly.

Smith to a smoothBut plans are imporer start, as high-wind con- tant — specific ones at that. cerns scrubbed NASA’s They just have to be flexoriginally scheduled launch ible enough not the break at of the New Horizons probe the first sign of turbulence. back to Thursday; perhaps That’s why NASA can keep only a freak Lectureship pushing their launch date snowstorm can put a hitch back to Feb. 14 — the date in in the seniors’ schedule be- which the first launch winfore their liftoff. dow closes.

Although it took NASA But after liftoff, NASA’s three days to hammer down plans for New Horizons a launch time, it has just have very little wiggle room about everything else for for the next 10 years. It’s eithe mission planned out. ther Pluto or bust.

Nine hours from liftoff to I’m still amazed at how the moon. Thirteen months much can happen and to Jupiter at 36,000 mph. change over a five-week Another nine years to Pluto. Christmas break. I can’t About all I even begin know for sure to imagine is my liftoff what could be I don’t know about different in time at May commencemy life four the other seniors ment.

Only from but I certainly feel months a complete now when like at this point meltdown I graduate, in my sevmuch less in I’m on cruise en hours of control going about 10 years. course work That’s the 47,000 miles per could derail beauty of my that. But after plan and the hour. Only, I have May 13, plans Achilles’ heel no idea where I’m range from a of NASA’s. headed or when little hazy to If, in 10 I’ll be there. nonexistent. years, New NASA plans Horizon’s for New Horidoes not arzons to reach rive at Pluto, Jupiter in one year and use project leaders likely will the planet’s gravity to ac- consider the whole mission celerate to 47,000 miles per a failure. I can graduate in hour and continue another May and head in the direcnine years to Pluto essen- tion I think I want to go, tially on cruise control. but if I end up somewhere I don’t know about the completely different during other seniors, but I certainly the next decade, I can still feel like at this point I’m on consider my pursuits a succruise control going about cess.

47,000 miles per hour.

But in 10 years, about Only, unlike the New Hori- the time we hopefully are zons probe, I have no idea nearing Pluto, I just hope I exactly where I’m headed or can look back and see that when I’ll be there.

I ended up exactly where I NASA also seems to know needed to be. exactly what it will take to Until then: T-minus 113 travel to Pluto. A $700 mil- days and counting until lion expense account. A liftoff. spacecraft about the size of a baby grand piano. Twentyfour pounds of plutonium to fuel the ship’s battery.

E-mail Smith at: jvs02a@acu.edu, optimist@acu.edu I’m just hoping a diploma

arrive, catchJust remember how nice it the weather will flu season in full ing up won’t swing, staying be in April and how great it would be to be easy. healthy should be have an extra absence to use then.

Every sea priority. mester, proStudents should fessors warn also try to spend students of the university’s later in the semester, pro- time with their friends now, attendance policy: students fessors won’t be very sym- before they become a blur must attend 80 percent of pathetic if you cut class so in between school projects the class to pass. That does many times your absences and Sing Song practice. not mean you should skip 20 are gone.

The relationships students percent of your class in the The beginning of the se- build are what makes colfirst month of the semes- mester also provides a good lege the experience it is, and ter. Just remember how nice opportunity to sleep. We all those relationships, along the weather will be in April know that as the semester with everything else, suffer and how great it would be to progresses, our time in bed when students’ lives become have an extra absence to use will diminish. Sleep is one hectic. So make sure your then. of the easiest ways to pre- friends know how important Also, if you become sick vent getting sick, and with they are to you, before you’re

Cole Williams

Sing Song brings sickness, stress Students in the next several weeks will practice choreography for hours, sew thousands of costumes, study for tests, and about 1,000 will visit the University Medical Clinic.

S i n g Song season brings on a hectic pace for students, Much Ado and profesAbout sors should Something make a legitimate effort Jaci to make life Schneider less stressful and demanding for students.

This argument has simmered for years, probably as long as Sing Song has existed. Students beg their professors to postpone tests and delay due dates until after Sing Song, but rather than ignore the complaints, facul-

Professors want students to learn the course material, but their goal should be long-term learning, not short-term cramming. ty should seriously consider these arguments this year.

Students fall sick in February. According to University Medical Clinic records, 976 students came in for appointments in February last year, compared to 635 in April. The professors of this university should care about the health of their students. If students are sick, they cannot use their full learning potential.

When students try to fit both schoolwork and Sing Song into their schedule, most end up doing halfhearted and sub-par work.

Professors want students to learn the course material, but their goal should be for long-term learning, not

short-term cramming.

Waiting a week to give a test will not make poor students. Instead it will allow students more time to adequately study and prepare, helping them learn more and retain the knowledge in the long run.

Many professors don’t like postponing academic work for Sing Song because they think classes should be a first priority for students.

However, the university depends on students to participate in Sing Song, and without the students, the event would be nonexistent.

The Admissions Office uses Sing Song to recruit students to ACU by making the weekend an official Pre-

E-mail letters to: optimist@acu.edu

view Weekend. The university also counts on the weekend for alumni support and participation. If all students made schoolwork a priority, Sing Song would not be possible, and the university would lose.

Although students come to college to learn, they also come for the “college experience.” Although some students might not prioritize their time as professors would wish, professors should sometimes take extra curricular activities into consideration as they plan their syllabi for the semester. This doesn’t mean they should plan their courses around students’ social lives, but for big events, such as Sing Song, they should consider making the exception.

E-mail Schneider at: jrs02a@acu.edu, optimist@acu.edu

Student believes we should honor Presidents Day This year, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was observed by the nation on January 16. Since 1983, America has set aside the third Monday in January to honor a great man, a man with a dream. Through his vision and work Dr. King made his dream of equality a reality the United States.

This university, however, has committed the gross oversight of another day, February 20. To be honest, I’m really not sure how such an oversight occurred.

Since Presidents’ Day has

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 the Optimist at: optimist@acu.edu

Let Loose

Your Voice Student asks why the university does not honor Presidents’ Day in the same way as MLK Day. been a national holiday 15 years longer than MLK Day, I must conclude that the administration is in fact aware of its existence. And, since we live every day enjoying the benefits of the work of the 43 men Presidents’ Day honors, I must conclude that they are certainly at least as

worthy of recognition and honor as Dr. King. And, since the rest of the nation takes a day to remember, should we not as well?

Please do not misunderstand my intentions. I am by no means stating that we should not recognize MLK Day. Our nation stands forever indebted to Dr. King and his work, and it is proper that we should take a day to remember.

However, our nation stands at least equally indebted to the 43 men from George Washington to George W.

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

too busy to tell them.

And most importantly, use this these first few days to firmly establish your spiritual life. Make time in your day to be alone with God and don’t let that time become invaded by Sing Song craziness. Because although this semester will surely become overwhelmingly stressful at some point or another, God will always be there to assure us that we will make it through to May in one piece.

Bush that have led our nation, and to ignore the day honoring them while the rest of the nation remembers is an oversight that begs to be corrected by this university’s administration.

I understand that the academic calendar for this year is already set, but in coming years will you not take a day to honor the presidents that have given so much to our nation?

Jeremy Pond junior journalism major from Wichita Falls

Editorial and Management Board Jonathan Smith Editor in Chief

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January 20, 2006 Box Office Figures for the weekend of January 13-15, in millions. Total grosses in parenthesis.

1. Glory Road — $13.6 (new) 2. Last Holiday — $12.8 (new) 3. Hoodwinked — $12.4 (new) 4. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe — $10.1 ($261.3) 5. Hostel — $10 ($35) 6. Fun with Dick and Jane — $8.7 ($92.6) 7. King Kong — $7.5 ($203) 8. Tristan and Isolde — $6.6 (new) 9. Brokeback Mountain — $5.8 ($30.8) 10. Cheaper by the Dozen 2— $5.1 ($73)

Today’s Movies Underworld: Evolution — starring Kate Beckinsale, Scott Speedman, Bill Nighy; directed by Len Wiseman.

A sequel to 2003’s Underworld, the war between vampires and werewolves is apparently still raging. In this sure-to-be-enthralling film, the legacy of both vampires and werewolves will be revealed, as will the personal histories of Selene (Beckinsale), the vampire warrior, and Viktor (Nighy), the father of modern-day vampires.

Page 7

Year’s best defy labels, exceed expectations

By SARAH CARLSON Arts Editor

Despite disappointing box office revenues for most of the year, 2005’s cinematic finale provided impressive and inspiring steps from daring filmmakers asking tough questions. That’s a lot of vague adjectives that don’t really mean anything because most of the year’s top films are hard to categorize and describe. They’re not your average popcorn-munching, building-exploding flicks to which the masses flock.

Good Night, and Good Luck, which once on DVD will sit on a shelf next to this journalism nerd’s copy of All the President’s Men, is perched high on most critics’ Top 10 lists for good reason. George Clooney’s ode to his journalist father, Nick, is a simple yet pitch-perfect depiction of CBS anchor Edward R. Murrow’s battle with Sen. Joseph McCarthy during the Communist scare of the 1950s.

Clooney won the Freedom Award at the 11th annual Critics Choice Awards on Jan. 9 for “illuminating our shared values of freedom, tolerance and democracy.”

In his acceptance speech, Clooney shared his award with other filmmakers in the room, noting that the spirit of freedom is alive in the year’s top films.

“When I look at Munich, at Crash, at The Constant Gardener, we are taking chances, and we are succeeding. This is a great night for the freedom of filmmaking,” he said.

Whether in response to current societal trends or political battles, filmmakers are bringing stories of freedom to life, whether freedom from oppression, fear, addictions or prejudice, and the ultimate question of how far one should go to obtain and/ or maintain freedom.

Though some provide more questions than answers, such as Steven Spielberg’s harrowing Munich, they refuse to take the easy way out by settling for fundamentalist answers. I was not only entertained or challenged by these films, but left the theatre appreciating the experience and the artists’ messages, which doesn’t happen often.

Here are my choices for the Academy Awards Best Picture category if I ran the show:

Brokeback Mountain

Photo courtesy of www.yahoo.com

David Strathairn stars as legendary newscaster Edward R. Murrow in Good Night, and Good Luck.

Expanded from Annie Proulx’s short story and directed by Ang Lee, Brokeback Mountain has been unfortunately and unfairly labeled as the “gay cowboy movie” since its inception as a screenplay.

The story, however, defies labels and forces viewers to

Photo courtesy of www.rottentomatoes.com

Heath Ledger stars as Ennis del Mar, a ranch hand of few words struggling through life in 1960s-1970s Wyoming in Brokeback Mountain, which won the Golden Globe on Monday for best drama. question their own beliefs and feelings, whether they’re comfortable with it or agree with it or not. The affair between two ranch hands (Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger) is heartbreaking. After its recent win at The Golden Globes, Brokeback should and most likely will take home the Oscar.

room drama, letting veteran character actor David Strathairn embody Murrow.

Shot in black and white, staged on only a few sets all indoors, rated PG and at a length of 93 minutes, Clooney captures the intensity of the time period and the importance of Murrow’s words with old-fashioned flair.

The Constant Gardener

Munich

Not only is Gardener a mystery and thriller, it’s a call to social justice and activism on behalf of the victims depicted: Africans taken advantage of by big pharmaceutical companies and those daring enough to expose them.

Ralph Fiennes is so brilliant he almost goes unnoticed, becoming his compliant character so completely you forget he’s acting.

When I think of Spielberg, I think of Happy Spielberg, as in the director of E.T. or the Indiana Jones trilogy. I seem to forget that this is also the filmmaker who brought us Schindler’s List and Saving Private Ryan, easily two of the best WWII films. Munich runs along those themes in its depiction of the events surrounding the 1972 Olympics in Munich when 11 Israeli athletes were murdered by a Palestinian extremist group known as Black September. The Israelis retaliate,

Good Night, and Good Luck Clooney brilliantly took a backseat role in this news-

answering violence with violence. One of the most haunting and disturbing films I’ve seen.

Walk the Line Winner of The Golden Globe for best picture musical or comedy, neither of which it really is, James Mangold’s biopic of country legend Johnny Cash presents a raw look at the singer and his various addictions and struggles, as well as his ultimate redemption. And, unlike most of the abovementioned films, it won’t leave you depressed. Joaquin Phoenix’s transformation to Cash can only be rivaled by Philip Seymour Hoffman’s impressive transformation to Truman Capote in Capote, another excellent film. Both won Golden Globes for their roles, but I believe the Oscar will end up with Hoffman.

E-mail Carlson at: skc02a@acu.edu

CAMPUS NEWS

Page 8

Friday, January 20, 2006

Service opportunities are available for students n Students can volunteer to work with Big Brothers Big Sisters, Meals on Wheels, the Boys and Girls Club or to teach refugees English this spring.

By TAKISHA KNIGHT Page 2 Editor

Local service agencies will display various ways students can give back to Abilene at the Service Expo between 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday in the Campus Center.

Students can plug into local programs that range from teaching English to refugees through the International Rescue Mission to helping Wincrest residents with Alzheimer’s to spending time with children through the Boys and Girls Club of Abilene.

Each local organization will set up a display booth so students can have easy access to information involving volunteering with different programs.

As students browse, representatives from the service agencies will answer questions and even sign students up to volunteer.

Rita Harrell, director of the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center, said the Service Expo is a good resource for students who are required to do community service for class assignments or scholarship programs. The expo is also a good way for students to learn how they can be involved with the community, she said.

Students can choose from a wide range of volunteer op-

portunities, including several programs that serve children in Abilene.

“Many students enjoy Big Brothers and Big Sisters or Boys and Girls Club and Meals on Wheels,” Harrell said.

The program director of Big Brothers Big Sisters, Ginger Owens, said ACU students provide the majority of volunteers for the program.

“Perhaps it is because the student body is larger, but perhaps it is an inborn sensitivity to becoming servant leaders,” Owens said.

“I think it is the heart of the students.”

Though ACU students have been helpful in the past, Owens said the program requires more volunteers from more diverse backgrounds.

“It seems we can always

recruit females, but we always need men,” Owens said.

“The more males, the better our children will be served.”

There is also a great need for black and Hispanic student volunteers, she said.

Another challenge, Owens said she hopes new volunteers will consider, is engaging teenagers. Children ages 12-14 are often forgotten or passed up for younger children, she said.

“They make excellent littles,” she said. “They are ready-made for fun.”

Mitzi McAndrew, volunteer coordinator of Meals on Wheels, also looks to the ACU campus for large volunteer participation.

“Since the students have been gone for five weeks, we’ve missed them a lot,” she said.

World Wide Witness prepares future missionaries n Students will begin training this weekend by learning their strengths and weaknesses, going on a prayer walk and meeting with missionaries.

By JACI SCHNEIDER Copy Editor

At least 50 students will spend part of their summers serving as missionaries and they will begin training this weekend.

The students will intern for six to 10 weeks with World Wide Witness, a university organization in its sixth summer that places students with missionaries Green around the world.

Some will work in an orphanage in Ghana, some at a shelter for homeless teens in Denver, and some will work with youth and college ministries in Australia, New Zealand, and Thailand, said Dr.

“They will broaden their worldview, learn more about themselves and see God work in new ways.”

Dr. Gary Green, missions coordinator and professor of Bible, missions and ministry

Gary Green, missions coordinator and professor of Bible, missions and ministry.

This weekend the 50 students will gather to begin their training, find out their destinations and meet each other. Green said the students will fill out personality inventories to learn their strengths and weaknesses.

They will go on a prayer walk, have devotionals together and meet with missionaries.

“It’s a time for students to learn more about themselves and work together as teams,” Green said.

After this weekend, the students will meet weekly for training on topics such as culture shock, fundraising and staying healthy spiritually. Trainers who have been missionaries from every continent will lead the weekly

meetings.

The interns will need to raise $2,000 to $4,000 for their summer missions, depending on the length of their trip and destination.

When they apply they list their top two locations they want to work in, Green said.

The directors try to facilitate their top choices, but also take into considerations their personalities and histories in the decision.

Although the training begins this week, Green said students can still apply through the end of the month by visiting www. worldwidewitness.org and filling out the application.

Green said with the world changing so rapidly, students should step out of their own cultures to experience the changes.

“They will broaden their

worldview, learn more about themselves and see God work in new ways,” Green said.

Although some of the students participating in World Wide Witness are Bible, missions and ministry majors, students don’t have to be to be a particular major to participate in the program.

“In three of the first five years we sent more nonBible majors than Bible majors,” Green said.

Tricia Skidmore, senior biology major from Springfield, Mo., said she hopes to spend the majority of her summer in Burkina Faso, Africa. She said she’s participating in the program because she’s dreamed about going to Africa since middle school, and she wants to see and experience what missionaries do there.

“I know my dream isn’t reality,” she said. “It’s probably a romanticized view, so I want to see what it’s really E-mail Schneider at: jrs02a@acu.edu

In the past, the Meals on Wheels program has had an overwhelming majority of volunteers come from campus.

Meals on Wheels volunteers serve about 1,000 meals each weekday, which serves people on a total of 64 routes.

Students participate by delivering warm meals to the elderly and the disabled in the community. Volunteers can serve once a week for one hour, which equals about 12-14 stops or one route.

McAndrew said at this point many routes are available to volunteers.

Other than delivering meals, students deliver groceries, books from the library, blankets, heaters and other items that the

people on the route request, as they are physically unable to get those things for themselves.

“Students tend to find volunteering very rewarding,” she said.

Some students who did routes last year were so anxious to get back, they began on the first day of school, she said.

McAndrew said students often build relationships with the people they serve and tend to want to see them as the bond grows.

“ACU is the No.1 school for volunteers,” McAndrew said. “We can use as many students that are willing.”

E-mail Knight at: tnk03a@acu.edu

“I’ve still got game”

Brian schmidt/Chief Photographer

Bobby Gorton, sophomore business marketing major from Austin, tries to defend a jump shot by Joe Avin, sophomore finance and accounting major from Houston, on the basketball court outside Edwards Hall.

Telethon volunteers needed n Students who volunteer to call past Rehab donors from 5:30 to 9 p.m., will receive dinner, free tickets for the Saturday night Telethon and be eligible for door prizes.

By DANI LINTHICUM Opinion Editor

The West Texas Rehabilitation Center needs volunteers to help with its annual telethon from 5:30 to 9 p.m. on Friday night. Volunteers will help by calling Rehab donors and asking them to make their pledge before the annual telethon Saturday night.

All volunteers will receive dinner, be eligible for many door prizes given away each night and receive free tickets to the Telethon.

According to the West Texas Rehabilitation Center newsletter, the Rehab 2006 Telethon will feature

performances by the country music duo, the Bellamy Brothers. Also scheduled to host the 36th annual show is Charlie Chase, longtime cohost of the popular “Crook and Chase” talk show on the Nashville Network and the “Crook and Chase Country Countdown” on national radio.

Red Steagall with The Boys in the Bunkhouse will appear, and for the second time, Kristy Lee. Other regulars lined up to appear are Bill and Susan Hayes (Days of Our Lives), Brad Maule (General Hospital) and Anacani (Lawrence Welk Show).

Television stations in Abilene, San Angelo, Austin, Corpus Christi, Laredo, Midland/Odessa, Lubbock, Amarillo, Waco/Temple and Wichita Falls/Lawton, Okla. will show the entire fivehour special live.

The annual telethon raises more than $1 million to help the West Texas Rehabilitation Center serve more than 20,000 men, women and children with disabilities, regardless of their financial circumstances.

The Rehab 2006 Telethon will air live and originate from the Abilene Civic Center on Saturday beginning at 7 p.m. and ending at midnight. Tickets cost $12 each and are available at the Rehab Centers or at the door.

For more information about this service opportunity, contact the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center in the Bean Sprout, or contact Michelle Mickey, volunteer coordinator, at 6771342, Ext. 110.

E-mail Linthicum at: del01a@acu.edu

Friday, January 20, 2006

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Page 9

Page 10

Friday, January 20, 2006

FROM THE FRONT PAGE

Ice cream: Local college student opens new parlor Continued from page 1 believe how much it tastes like cotton candy.”

He also said the employees were friendly.

After working at Walt Disney World in various departments for several years, Lord said he enjoyed working in the ice cream shop the most, which helped him with the idea for his own parlor and with his customer experience.

He said he began thinking about creating the ice cream parlor last April, a quick beginning for a non-franchise restaurant that employs 11 people and is owned by a college student.

“I love working here, but it’s hard because we had to start from scratch and come up with everything now,” Lord said. “I didn’t want to wait for anything, so we built the deck outside and put up the TVs inside. Everything is exactly how I want it.”

In addition to the TVs inside, the deck attached to the north end of the building includes

deck furniture, bar tables, Adirondack chairs and a big screen TV that plays a new movie each night.

“I’ve had to research everything, and so far our decisions are turning out good,” he said.

For anywhere between $1 and $4.50, customers can order homemade ice cream, desserts, milkshakes, espressos, frappes, non-coffee drinks and flavored coffee.

“It’s a little more expensive but a lot better than the Bean Sprout,” said Andrew Donovan, sophomore business management major from Lakewood, Colo. “It’s also great that you can come and watch a movie without buying anything.”

The smoke-free deck includes lantern-lit tables and cushioned couches, too.

“I think we’re different than a lot of other ice cream places because we really want people to want to stay here,” Lord said.

“We’re not here just to serve and get you out.”

E-mail Sherwood at: mes02e@acu.edu

ANNA CARROLL/Staff Photographer

Paul Isham, senior business management major from Gunnison, Colo.; Ashley Kee, freshman undeclared major from Plano; Daniel Thompson, senior psychology major from Coppell; Jared Sparks, junior agriculture business major from Memphis, Tenn.; and Emily Cornelius, freshman undeclared major from New Orleans, La., enjoy their ice cream on the deck while watching “Mean Girls” on the big screen TV on Wednesday night at Third Rock Creamery.

Protestors: University doesn’t want to dictate student opinion Continued from page 1 ing to dictate where every student should come out on this issue,” Money said. Rather, he wants to affirm the core values of the university, which, as a Christian institution, include that the only expression of human sexual relations recognized by God are between a man and a woman in marriage, Money wrote in an e-mail sent

to faculty Thursday.

“There’s a difference between homosexuality or samesex attraction and making a decision to act on that, just as there is for a heterosexual,” he said. “We’re talking about boundaries, not basic rights.”

When students enroll in a private university, he said, they voluntarily give up certain rights not deemed appropriate by the institution.

Similarly, the institution has the right not to allow certain individuals or groups to demonstrate on campus.

When Money explained this to the Chapel crowd Thursday, adding that he could have the Equality Ride members arrested for trespassing, some students applauded the notion.

“The applause caught me off-guard a bit,” he said. “As soon as I said we’re not going

to do that, others applauded.

I was trying to ask people to hear me out, trying to be objective.”

Patrick Leech, senior history major from Tuscola, said he wasn’t surprised by the various reactions in Chapel, which to him reflect a polarization often felt in Christian circles. Some have the view of “we’re Christians and we’re right,” while others take the

position of “we’re Christians and we’re called to love everyone,” he said. He said he’s not sure how to react to the news of the group coming to campus.

“It depends on how we as a university are responding to it,” Leech said. “If it’s a forum with the intention of a dialogue, maybe trying to reach an understanding, then it’ll be worth the time.”

Money said that the campus needs time to process the upcoming Equality Ride tour stop and doesn’t want the visit to dominate the spring semester.

“I want to keep this visit in perspective,” he said. “On the other hand, I don’t want to stifle conversation about it.”

E-mail Carlson at: skc02a@acu.edu

Track: Completion expected by mid-March

Booker: Race for Texas House begins

Continued from page 1

English major from Ruidoso, N.M. Kelsey said she plans to use the jogging track because it will provide her with a better terrain to run on, helping her avoid injuries to her feet and ankles.

Planners said the administration and Board of Trustees decided to build the jogging trail because they are continuously looking for ways to enrich the students experience at the university and to encourage them to exercise.

Nevill said the jogging trail is not limited to runners. Bikers, inline skaters and walkers are also free to use the jogging trail.

The university also built the trail to encourage physical health along with the university’s goal of creating individuals who are spiritually healthy, Nevill said.

Sugar Land, Missouri City and Stafford.

In a district with no Democrat candidates, the winner of the Republican primary will win the seat in November’s general election unless an independent candidate runs then.

Booker said he has seen the need for new representation in Austin, and others in his district have, too.

“If things are working as they should in Austin, the campaign will die on its own because there is not a need for a new candidate,” Booker said. “However, if things are not working as they should, once you turn it on it is impos-

E-mail Holt at: mah02f@acu.edu

from North Pole, Alaska.

Ticket prices are slightly higher this year than they have been in the past, but Kendall Massey, director of student productions, said the price increase happened for a good reason.

“The show is more expensive to produce this year, so tickets have to cover costs for the show,” Massey said.

“We bring in as much light-

isn’t finished.

After months of researching possible surface materials for the trail, planners consulted Paul Carozza, owner of RunTex in Austin, marathoner and former member of the university’s track team. They decided on concrete to cover the surface of the trail.

“Concrete is the easiest to maintain and will last longer than materials like clay or crushed granite,” said Kevin Watson, associate vice president of administrative services, in an interview last semester.

Anticipation among student runners seems to be forming as the project nears its end.

“It will be nice not to have to run on a narrow path along Judge Ely and face the risk of getting hit by a car,” said Stephanie Kelsey, junior

Continued from page 1

sible to turn it off because the need for new ideas and energy is so great. I have barely had a chance to catch my breath as this community has expressed its desire for change in its representation in Austin.”

But, in a process that regularly re-elects incumbents year after year, Booker has already seen the struggles of facing an incumbent, especially from the same party. Gaining funding from political action committees has been difficult, so Booker said most of his funding for his campaign will come from individuals. Booker estimates his campaign will spend between $100,000 and $150,000, while his opponent has said he is prepared to

spend $500,000.

Booker said although Howard indicated to him that he would likely relinquish his seat after this next two-year term when he is 65, Booker could not stand the idea of waiting for an empty seat.

“My heart and mind tell me that there are too many issues that we face now that need real solutions: public school finance, border control, property taxes, lawsuit reform, private property rights, and the list goes on and on,” Booker said. “I cannot, in good conscience, sit back and not get involved.”

One person particularly excited that Booker plans to run for election is his daughter,

Melanie Booker, senior political science major from Sugar Land and executive vice president of the Students’ Association.

“I was ecstatic,” Melanie said. “I was a little frustrated that I am here and will have to be here until May. I wish I could be there all year.”

But 400 miles of separation hasn’t stopped Melanie for contributing what she can for the campaign.

She said her dad has given her tasks she can complete anywhere, such as writing letters to registered voters in the district between the ages of 18 and 22.

E-mail Smith at: jvs02a@acu.edu

Sales: Tickets for Sing Song available Continued from page 1

ing and sound as a large touring concert, yet tickets cost much less. Relatively speaking, the cost of a ticket for Sing Song is quite a bargain—especially if you go Friday or Saturday afternoon.”

For the past 13 years, the show has cost more to produce than it generates in ticket sales, Massey said.

“However, you cannot measure, or at least is hasn’t been measured yet, the im-

pact the show has had on recruiting and student retention,” Massey said. “So with those things factored in, I would have to say the show is definitely profitable for the university.”

Massey said he is trying to do some “radical things” to alleviate the financial burden that Sing Song has been on the university.

“If they all fall into place as it looks like they are,” Massey said, “we will con-

sistently generate revenue for the university.”

Tickets cost $14-20 dollars each and can be purchased at the ticket windows in Moody Coliseum every day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., or online at www.acusingsong.com until Feb. 10.

For more information, call 674-2767.

E-mail Linthicum at: del01a@acu.edu

SPORTS JUMPS

Friday, January 20, 2006

Page 11

Poll: Wildcats begin year with high expectations Continued from page 12 the Wildcats into the top 10 pre-season poll this year.

As the preseason rankings are based mainly as a tribute to what was accomplished the year before, the Wildcats have plenty to prove and will have to

come out and defeat their non-conference opponents early in the season to stay in the top 10.

With No. 4 ranked Central Oklahoma playing in Abilene early in the season, the Wildcats will get their chance to prove they belong at the top of the division.

Shrine: Manning among D-I best

Yet, the Wildcats aren’t focusing on their ranking, Bonneau said, “Our goal this year is to play our best games in April and May, and that will put us where we need to be.”

E-mail Loveless at: spl05a@acu.edu

Extra effort

Continued from page 12

Shrine Game Info What: East-West Shrine Game Presented by AT&T Where: Alamodome, San Antonio When: 3 p.m.

TV: ESPN2

brian schmidt/Chief Photographer

Sophomore forward Ashlee Barr drives to the hoop in the Wildcats 66-61 overtime game Tuesday against the No. 17 West Texas A&M Lady Buffs in Moody Coliseum. Barr finished the game with eight points.

Overtime: Wildcats continue search for first win against Zias Continued from page 12 in the paint that made the difference in the game.

In the Lone Star Conference pre-season poll, voters tabbed the Wildcats as the team to win the South Division. Now with an 0-3 start, Lavender said the team still has time, and no one is thinking about throwing in the towel.

“Our biggest thing is con-

fidence, getting over the hump,” Lavender said. “Once we do, things can turn. This weekend will be a good test to see where we are.”

To get over that ‘hump,’ the Wildcats will need a win.

“We have the talent to do it, we just have to have a good mindset to do it,” Lavender said.

During the Christmas break the Wildcats went 2-

6 and lost twice to division rival Angelo State. The two wins came against North Division teams, East Central and Southwest Oklahoma State.

Saturday the Wildcats play Eastern New Mexico at 2 p.m. in Moody Coliseum.

The Zias are 0-1 in division play and 8-7 overall.

E-mail Fields at: jrf03b@acu.edu

West squad players include Texas A&M quarterback Reggie McNeal, UCLA quarterback Drew Olsen, University of Texas tight end David Thomas and Texas Tech running back Taurean Henderson and safety Dwayne Slay.

Others representing the West are Oregon State linebacker Keith Ellison, Nebraska running back Cory Ross and T e x a s A&M wide receiver J a s o n Carter.

Manning S o m e notable players on the East squad are Wisconsin wide receiver Brandon Williams, Florida State running back Leon Washington and Northwestern quarterback Brett Basanez.

Also on the list are Ohio State safety Nate Salley, Notre Dame linebacker Brandon Hoyte and University of Tennessee defensive lineman Jason Hall.

E-mail Fields at: jrf03b@acu.edu

Brian schmidt/Chief Photographer

Senior forward Mauro Matai jumps for the rebound in Tuesday’s 65-55 loss to West Texas A&M in Moody Coliseum.

Indoor: Season opens in Lubbock Continued from page 12 Hood said he is excited to see the return of Wildcat junior Liga Klavina, who red-shirted in 2005 with an injury but will compete in several events in 2006, including the heptathlon. On the men’s side, sprinters Marvin Bien-Aime and Delt Cockrell come in as two of the fastest collegians in Division II. A complete season preview of the 2006 Wildcat track and field teams will appear before the Frank Se-

vigne Classic, which will be Feb. 3-4 in Lincoln, Neb. E-mail Holt at: smh00a@acu.edu

Page 12

January 20, 2006

Manning picks NFL over ACU

Standings Men’s Basketball Team Tarleton St. WTAMU ACU

TAMU-K ENMU MSU

Div. 2-0 1-0 2-1 0-0 0-0 0-2

Overall 13-4 12-4 7-11 10-5 6-9 11-6

n After choosing to enter the NFL draft, Manning will play in Saturday’s East-West Shrine game at 3 p.m. in San Antonio. The game will be broadcast on ESPN2.

By JARED FIELDS Sports Editor

women’s Basketball Team WTAMU Angelo St. Tarleton St. TX Woman’s ENMU

ACU

Div. 2-0 2-0 2-0 2-0 0-1 0-3

Overall 13-2 11-4 10-5 9-5 8-7 6-10

Scores Tuesday

WoMen’s Basketball West Texas A&M 66, ACU 61 (OT) Men’s Basketball West Texas A&M 65, ACU 55

Upcoming Schedule Friday

Indoor Track ACU at Wes Kittley Invitational, 1 p.m.

Saturday

woMen’s basketball ACU vs. Eastern New Mexico, 2 p.m. men’s basketball ACU vs. Eastern New Mexico, 4 p.m.

• Home games listed in italics

Briefs Farrell named defensive MVP in Cactus Bowl.

Defensive end Clayton Farrell recorded four sacks and one forced fumble in the sixth annual Cactus Bowl.

The Cactus Bowl is an allstar game for Division II seniors.

Farrell set a Cactus Bowl record for sacks and also with his tackles resulting in 34 yards for loss.

Teammate Rashon Myles also participated for the West team. Myles, a running back from Dallas, carried the ball 12 times for 45 yards in the West’s 49-33 win.

The two players, along with wide receiver Robb Spells will run for NFL scouts at ACU’s “Pro Day” later this spring.

brian schmidt/File Photo

Junior safety Danieal Manning decided to forego his senior season and enter the NFL draft and, consequently was invited to play in the East-West Shrine Game on Saturday.

Multiple all-American selection Danieal Manning, a junior defensive back from Corsicana, chose to forfeit his final year of eligibility and enter the NFL draft, which will begin April 29.

“I felt like it was time,” Manning said. “At first it was rough, but now it’s pretty clear.”

n Coming off a three-game winning streak, the Wildcats lost to West Texas A&M 65-55 Tuesday and dropped to a 2-1 division record.

By BRIAN HOLLAND Sports Writer

The men’s basketball team had its three-game winning streak halted Tuesday night in a 65-55 loss.

The Wildcats beat Angelo State, South West Oklahoma State and Cameron last week but struggled offensively against West Texas A&M’s stifling defense. The loss marks the 13thstraight time the Buffaloes have defeated the Wildcats in conference play.

“We just didn’t play hard enough,” Matai said senior center Mauro Matai.

The Wildcats held the Buffaloes six points under their points-pergame average but failed to convert offensive opportunities down the stretch.

“We were getting stops on defense at the end, we just weren’t hitting shots,” said head coach Jason Copeland. “Their defense is extremely good, but you just can’t simulate that type of defense in practice.”

The Wildcats missed three 3pointers in the last 40 seconds and six in the final 1:45. The Buffs forced 22 turnovers that led to 18 points in

fast-break points.

Copeland said he thinks fatigue was a factor in Tuesday night’s game, as this was the fourth game in eight days for the Wildcats. Usually a starter, Tiago Souza, also showed signs of fatigue, as he had been hospitalized earlier in the day from what Copeland called as “a 24-hour bug.”

Though the Christmas break’s schedule was a busy one for the team, the Wildcats did well during the holiday, holding two three-game winning streaks and getting off to a 2-0 conference start.

Also during the break, Tex Rembert, received player-of-the-week honors in the Lone Star Conference for Jan. 9-15. Rembert averaged 24.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists in the three games last week. Along with those numbers, he also helped the Wildcats in the win against Cameron by making the last four freethrows.

“We really improved over the break,” Copeland said. “The second half against Cameron was as good 20 minutes of basketball as I’ve been a part of.”

The Wildcats will look to keep their winning record as they face Eastern New Mexico, which is on a two-game win streak, at 4 p.m. Saturday in Moody.

E-mail Holland at: beh03e@acu.edu

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Shrine page 11

brian schmidt/Chief Photographer

Junior guard Will Alexander hits a jump-shot just out of the reach of West Texas A&M defenders during ACU’s 65-55 loss in Moody Coliseum, ending the Wildcats winning streak.

Wildcats lose in overtime n The Wildcats came from 10 points down with 2:00 left in the game to force overtime, but couldn’t hold the Lady Buffs in the final period, losing 66-61.

By JARED FIELDS Sports Editor

By PATRICK LOVELESS Sports Writer

POLL page 11

mulated 49 total tackles, 33 solo, one sack and three interceptions from his safety position. As a kick returner Manning scored a touchdown on a punt and kickoff return while averaging 12.8 yards per punt return and 26.8 yards per kickoff return.

Along with Manning, some of the best Division-I players in the country will play in the game. Manning is one of a few to ever play in the Shrine Game as a junior and will play on the West squad. Some other

Men’s Basketball

n Wildcat baseball kicks off the 2006 season ranked No. 10 by Collegiate Baseball Newspaper a season after advancing to the NCAA Division II Regional Finals.

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ACU head football coach Chris Thomsen said he wasn’t surprised by Manning’s decision.

“At the time he was unsure, but he got a grade by the NFL, and it was a good enough grade that he was confident,” Thomsen said.

Manning will play in the East-West Shrine Game on Saturday at 3 p.m. in San Antonio.

The 81st Shrine Game is an annual college all-star game played to showcase some of the best college players in the country and

raise money to support Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Even though Manning is a junior coming from a Division-II university, Thomsen said NFL scouts choose who plays in the game.

“The scouts want to see him play in the game and see how he can do with other great athletes,” Thomsen said.

Manning said his family helped him with his decision.

“They said to go with the best decision you can make, and the things they brought up made sense,” Manning said.

In 2005, Manning accu-

Men’s basketball horned by Buffs

Baseball starts season at No. 10

The ACU baseball team ranks No. 10 in Collegiate Baseball Newspaper’s preseason poll. The Wildcats have been ranked in the top 10 four of the past five years in the pre-season, and rival teams usually salivate at a chance to take a shot at a highly ranked opponent, making it very difficult for a top 10 team to keep that ranking the entire year.

“Our new players will need to get used to having this bull’s-eye on our chest,” said coach Britt Bonneau. “To keep such a high rank, we must develop as a new team from last year. We are fortunate to have our returning seniors, who know what its like to win and who can carry these new players.”

The ACU baseball team finished with a 42-17 record at the end of the 2005 season, which helped to propel

Football

brian schmidt/Chief Photographer

Sophomore guard Alex Guiton gets fouled as she tries to drive between Buffs defenders Natalie Wheeler and Dixie Bell during ACU’s 66-61 OT loss.

The women’s basketball team forced Tuesday’s game to overtime against No. 17 West Texas A&M after coming back from 10 points behind with 2:07 left to play but came up short in the extra period, 66-61.

“I knew we could come back, we just had to make some defensive stops,” said sophomore point guard Alex Guiton.

Senior guard Ashley King made a free throw to tie the game at 56 with :03 seconds remaining in regulation play, but missed the second shot

Women’s Basketball

that would have won the game and given the Wildcats their first conference win of the season.

“A win would have been huge,” Guiton said. “More than words could say.”

Tuesday’s loss drops them to 0-3 in conference play and 6-10 overall.

Guiton led all scorers with 24 points and five threepointers.

“The last three games she’s really stepped up for us,” head coach Shawna Lavender said. “Alex is such a competitor and is becoming a good floor leader for us.”

The Wildcats shot poorly from long range, making 8-25 shots from behind the arc.

“We shot a lot more three’s than normal, their 6-foot-5inch player affected what we

did offensively,” Lavender said. “Our people shooting are good shooters and normally hit more than that.”

It was the Buffs 6-foot5-inch Alicia Saunders that caused problems for the ACU offense and forced the Wildcats to get away from their inside game.

Senior center Jamie BolesLord scored 12 points, but other posts had trouble getting to the bucket.

Saunders didn’t do much damage offensively, scoring only five points. The Wildcats effectively kept Saunders from hurting them, but as Lavender said, “it was the others that hurt us.”

Other than the Wildcats low shooting percentage, it was West Texas A&M’s 34 points in the paint to ACU’s 22 points See

OVERTIME page 11

Track teams begin indoor season at Texas Tech meet n The Wes Kittley Invitational is the first meet for the men’s and women’s indoor track teams today at Texas Tech’s Athletic Training Center.

By STEVE HOLT Sports Writer

With two new coaches and two fresh squads, the track team will open its 2006 indoor season Friday at the Wes Kittley Invitational in Lubbock. The meet will be a homecoming of sorts for new Wildcat

Indoor Track & Field head coach Don D. Hood, who left an assistant coaching position at Texas Tech University in August to fill the shoes of departing head coach Jon Murray.

“I’m excited to go back and see the coaches, the kids and everybody,” Hood said. “That’s going to be a real fun meet for me and my whole family; they’re all going up there to watch.”

Hood’s younger brother, Derek, made a success-

ful jump from high school coaching to the college level in the fall, taking both the men’s and women’s cross country teams to the NCAA Division II Cross Country Championships for the first time in 10 years.

Don said he and his teams are approaching the opening meet as what it is – the first meet of the season.

“The first meet is always the most difficult; you think you know where you are, but once you get in there the shock of your

body being back in competition can surprise you,” he said. “I don’t have high expectations as far as marks and times. This is not the beginning of an era; we’re just getting the season started.”

Friday’s meet, which will be in Tech’s Athletic Training Center, is the first competition of the season and a first look at some of the top Division I track and field talent in the nation. Along with the ninth-ranked Red Raiders, University of Tex-

Track & Field Preview The full 2006 men’s and women’s track and field preview will appear in the Feb. 3 sports section of the Optimist. as-El Paso, Texas Christian University, and University of Texas-San Antonio are among the schools that will compete.

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