Vol. 94, No. 31 1 section, 10 pages
FRIDAY
January 27, 2006
www.acuoptimist.com
Starting strong
Wrong end of the spear
Faster, farther, higher
Ben Maynard earned preseason LSC South pitcher of the year, page 10
The religiously themed End of the Spear doesn’t deliver as a feature film, page 5
ACU’s decorated track team began another season this month, page 10
Former student awaits bond hearing
Sifting through the numbers Where does the students’ money go? As part of the $45 fee every student who takes at least nine hours pays, $25 went to the Students’ Association this year, which entirely funds SA for the semester.
n Brandon Woodruff, who remains in jail on two counts of capital murder, likely will not go on trial until at least 2007, a district attorney said this week.
Total budget:
$116,500 Congress allocates that money to three main areas:
By MALLORY SHERWOOD Managing Editor
Brandon Woodruff, former ACU student, awaits a bond hearing Monday in hopes that the judge will lower his bond that was set at $2 million in October, when Hunt County Police charged him with two counts of capital murder in connection with the death of his parents in their home. Assistant District Attorney Noble Walker said investigators are collecting evidence for Woodruff’s trial, a trial Walker said that might not begin until 2007. “Hunt County is dealing with umpteen million m u r d e r s right now, so a trial date hasn’t even been set,” Walker said. Woodruff, a freshman Woodruff agribusiness major from Rockwall, was a part-time student at the time of his arrest in Texarkana, Ark., where relatives lived, and his parents’ funeral took place. His parents, Dennis, 43, and Norma Woodruff, 42, were found two days after they were murdered in their home near Royse City, northeast of Dallas. They died of multiple gun and knife wounds. No signs of a forced entry were found at the home, which made Brandon Woodruff a suspect early in the investigation, said Chief Deputy Robert White of the Hunt County’s Sheriff Department, in October. Woodruff, the youngest of two children, has a sister named Charla, who was attending college in Arkansas last fall. He began attending ACU last fall after graduating from Rockwall High School in 2005. While at ACU he lived in Mabee Hall with best friend and roommate, Eric Gentry, freshman biblical text major from DeSoto. Gentry said he would be unable to attend the bond hearing but said many people from his community and friends would be attendSee
JUMP page 8
1) Funds that go to and are directly accessible to student groups.
Directly to student groups: Brian Schmidt/Chief Photographer
Adams Hall representative Brittany Thomasson, sophomore interdisciplinary major from Allen, studies the Students’ Association budget proposal as it is presented to Congress during Wednesday’s meeting. Members of Congress unanimously approved the budget by a vote of 40-0 with no abstentions.
Congress unanimously approves budget n SA executive treasurer Tyler Cosgrove said serving two years as treasurer has allowed him to improve the budgeting process for student groups. By JONATHAN SMITH Editor in Chief
The Students’ Association on Wednesday unanimously approved a semester budget of $116,500, which includes more than $40,000 for 33 student groups and organizations. As has become custom, student groups requested much more than Congress had available; this semester, groups asked for $100,000 when they submitted budgets to treasurer Tyler Cos-
grove by noon Jan. 19. Cosgrove met with each group Jan. 19 and 20 to help him understand the group’s needs and priorities. “The meetings make it easier to determine what can be cut and what should be accepted,” Cosgrove said. He also said the meetings give him an opportunity to explain how funding works to students new to the process. Using guidelines he devised last year, Cosgrove reviewed each budget, cutting out or reducing requests made by groups. The guidelines set limits
Gathering in the Den
on how much SA will fund for certain items, and they detail what items SA will not fund. For example, SA will pay up to $150 for airplane tickets, $55 per night at hotels and 50 percent of conference and registration fees. SA will not fund internal social club functions or personal items for students such as T-shirts. After applying those guidelines to each group, Cosgrove said he had to cut very few other items from groups’ budgets. A few groups received full funding, and one had 86 perSee
JUMP page 8
By MITCH HOLT Staff Writer
Brian Schmidt/Chief Photographer
SA officer scholarships:
$18,080 3) Toward SA expenses, such as office supplies, the endowment, which will fund future budgets, and the student leader event Invision.
SA expenses:
$39,524 Brian Schmidt/Chief Photographer
Tyler Cosgrove, executive treasurer of SA, explains this semester’s budget to Congress during SA’s first meeting Wednesday. SA had about $116,500 at its disposal this semester.
By JONATHAN SMITH Editor in Chief
Moving forward with the
idea of living and learning communities, Residence Life Education and Housing will expand that idea next fall to incorporate Barret Hall. Next year, sophomore men and women will have the opportunity to create 22 of their own living and learning community groups — one group for
Department of Journalism and Mass Communication
each of Barret’s living spaces. Dr. Mimi Barnard, director of Residence Life Education and Housing, said because learning can take place in any setting on campus, creating these smaller groups of students with common interests in the residence halls allows for even more focused learning.
Congress also sets aside a small portion of the budget to use as the need arises.
Available as need arises:
$3,750
Late December and early January brought devastating wildfires to Texas, fires that didn’t actually reach Abilene. Because of the favorable fire conditions, Abilene and area officials have placed burn bans and emergency plans into effect for all of Taylor County. Greg Goettsch, lieutenant of the Abilene Fire Department, said the winter has been unseasonably warm and windy, greatly increasing fire danger for the entire state. Immediately following the fires throughout the state,
“People need to refrain from engaging in any activity that could create a spark or flame outdoors.” Greg Goettsch, lieutenant of the Abilene Fire Department
the governor declared all 254 counties in Texas disaster areas because of favorable fire conditions and extreme drought. As he made this declaration, he empowered local judges across the state to take necessary steps to protect citizens within their jurisdiction. This also allowed those losing money from the spreading fires to receive federal aid through low-interest loans. Goettsch said the Abilene Fire Department, Texas Forest Service and the surrounding area fire departments are working together to create the quickest, most effective fire response possible. He
Barret Hall becomes newest living community n Groups of eight students will apply to live together in Barret Hall in create-your-own living and learning communities for sophomore men and women.
2) Toward scholarships that each of the seven SA officers receive each semester.
County under fire bans n After a dry and unseasonably warm winter, fires broke out across Texas during December and January prompting the governor to declare all counties as disaster areas.
A line forms in The Den, the new Java City coffee shop in Barret Hall, which had its grand opening Wednesday morning.
$55,146
“Because people are together, they’re energized by each other,” Barnard said. “They can come together and be really good friends early in their development and have a common language.” Barnard said Barret’s unique construction makes it the optimal place to try this concept.
Although it’s considered one residence hall, Barret essentially is four separate buildings with about six living spaces in each building. Each living space has a common room with four bedrooms attached. Eight students live in each living space,
Abilene Christian University
See
said this coalition has been effective in preventing largescale fire in the area. Helicopters, air tankers, bulldozers and ground crews have all been involved in preventing and extinguishing fires. Abilene Fire Department and city officials have compiled a list of certain precautions that must be taken by individuals living in the atrisk area, including the Taylor County Order Prohibiting Outdoor Burning. The order states that someone who intentionally burns any combustible mateSee
JUMP page 8
Fall housing changes Residence halls that will include living and learning communities in the fall: • One floor of McDonald Hall for freshman women business and biblical studies majors • One floor of McKinzie Hall for freshman men business and biblical studies majors • Barret Hall for sophomore men and women to create their own community groups
JUMP page 8 Serving the ACU community since 1912
Chapel Checkup Credited Chapels to date:
Friday, January 27, 2006
27
Calendar & Events Friday
The Legend of Zorro, 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m., Cullen Auditorium. Purple Friday, 9 a.m.- 2:30 p.m., Campus Center Living Room.
28
Saturday
Baseball Banquet, 7-11:45 p.m., Campus Center Hilton Room. Football Recruiting, 4-6 p.m., Campus Center Recreation area.
Announcements Third Day and the David Crowder Band will be in concert March 5 at Taylor County Coliseum. Special student rate tickets are available in the CAB office from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Contact 674-2772 with questions. The deadline for submissions to the Shinnery Review, ACU`s student-produced literary and art magazine has been extended to Feb. 8. Go to www.acu.edu/ shinnery to submit your poetry, short fiction, photography and art. Applications are available for the 2006 ACU Leadership Camps Staff. Students can serve as a camp counselor and lead young people ages 7 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 674-2085. 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 an application at http://www. acu.edu/img/assets/2188/ Application%20Only.doc and turn it into the Admissions office or mail it to ACU Box 29000. 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.
29
Sunday
Last chance to sign up for Swing Cats, 7 p.m., Single Gym.
30
Monday
Summer Camp Job Fair, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Campus Center.
Volunteer Opportunities The H.E.R.O. Program needs volunteers to help by walking along side a horse and helping support and interact with a client. For more information contact the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center. ACU Lectureship needs volunteers to work four-hour shifts for childcare. It also needs ushers for the theme lecture each night of lectureship. Male students are needed to serve communion in Moody following the 7 p.m. theme lecture. For more information contact the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center. WTC Council of Governments needs artists to paint in drawings (which are already in place) on classroom walls. Meals on Wheels needs
drivers to deliver hot, noon meals to 12-16 seniors and adults with disabilities. For more information contact the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center. 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. 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.
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:
09 61
Friday, January 27, 2006
ADVERTISEMENT
Page 3
Page 4
Friday, January 27, 2006
CAMPUS NEWS
Students can donate blood Wednesday n Meeks Blood Center will have two bloodmobiles available for students to donate blood Wednesday afternoon in the Campus Center parking lot. By MALLORY SHERWOOD Managing Editor
Students can give the gift of life Wednesday when two bloodmobiles roll onto campus from the Meek Blood Center. The Center, in search of 100 donors, will set up in the Campus Center parking lot at 11 a.m., said Amanda Spell, director of student organizations, in an e-mail. “Hosting a blood drive is a personal passion for me,”
she said. “It is my hope that students who participate in blood drives at ACU will begin a lifelong habit of giving blood. Giving blood is such an easy, life-changing activity. It helps countless people and does not take much of the donor’s time.” Meeks Blood Center normally comes to campus four times a year, and the last time was in November. “We haven’t done very well with blood drives this year at ACU,” said Francis Baker, the donor recruiter at Meeks Blood Center. “Last time we only had 37 donors. We’re trying to improve the visibility by bringing the bloodmobiles.”
She said the Center usually sets up in the Campus Center, but because so many students use the building, students often don’t realize the blood drive is even happening. With the bloodmobiles, students will be able to see where they need to go, and more students can donate at one time, she said. Eleven people can donate blood in the bloodmobiles instead of four in the Campus Center. “Blood is so critical; we’re actually having emergency blood drives right now because donations have dropped a lot,” Baker said. “It only takes an hour to go through the process.”
‘Red five ball, left pocket’
Although the process takes an hour, actual blood donation time takes seven to 10 minutes, according to the Red Cross Web site. Donors give one pint of their blood, which their bodies replenish in 24 hours. “I think it is part of good community service to give of yourself and have to sacrifice your time and your own blood,” Baker said. Every two seconds someone in the United States needs blood. However, in a year, only 5 percent of eligible donors donate blood Blood donated to Meeks Blood Center will be used in 17 local hospitals in a 100mile radius, Baker said.
“More than likely, the blood students donate will go to oncology patients, or the cancer patients, who are on chemotherapy right now and need a blood transfusion,” she said. Students who donate should eat a meal before donating, drink plenty of fluids and weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, she said. They also will receive a long-sleeved black T-shirt for donating. “It really does save lives,” she said. “There is no substitute for blood.”
Reasons to give, from the American Red Cross Web site • You will get free juice and cookies. • It’s easy and convenient — it only takes an hour. • It’s something you can spare; yet, there is still not enough blood to go around. • You will help to ensure that blood is there when someone close to you may need it. • You can be someone’s hero. • Donated blood will help oncology patients at 17 local hospitals
E-mail Sherwood at: mes02e@acu.edu
Applications for RAs available n Residence Life Education and Housing will hire about 60 students as resident assistants for the fall semester; applications are due by Feb. 3. By JACI SCHNEIDER Copy Editor
Students who want to spend more time in the residence halls living with underclassmen have until Feb. 3 to apply for the honor. Residence Life Education and Housing will hire about 60 students as resident assistants for next semester, said the director of the office, Dr. Mimi Barnard. Students interested in being RAs had the opportunity to attend a ResLife rush Thursday
night, where they met the residence hall directors and asked questions about the position, said Rebecca Cates, resident hall director of Sikes Hall and assistant director of Residence Life Education and Housing. Barnard also said she anticipates a few residence hall director positions opening up, although she doesn’t know how many. Residence Life will post the openings in April, she said. Cates said Residence Life doesn’t know how many students plan to apply for positions, but she’s not worried about a lack of applicants. About 100 typically apply for the 60 positions. “We always have more apply than we need,” she said. To apply, students need to
fill out an application, which includes demographic information, grade point average, major, Abilene church attendance and other student leadership positions. The students must also turn in recommendations and meet with directors for an interview. “We look for a person that’s well-rounded, involved in other things … and is responsible,” Cates said. “People who apply should like working with people, feel called to the position as a ministry and like to have fun.” Barnard said students can also apply for desk positions in the residence halls, even if they do not plan to be an RA. E-mail Schneider at: jrs02a@acu.edu
Withdrawal from class not best option BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
Arthur Johnson, freshman undeclared major from Rowett, plays pool in the Mabee Hall lobby Thursday.
n Staff suggest dropping classes may not be the best choice in the long run because of loss of money unless a student drops for personal reasons. By TAKISHA KNIGHT Page 2 Editor
Dropping classes is generally not a good idea, according to some ACU staff. Bart Herridge, assistant registrar for technology said there are cases when withdrawing from classes can impact a student’s financial aid. As a student academic adviser, Nuria Hall of the English Department often deals with students who have to drop classes and face those consequences. “You might as well take the money somewhere and burn it, because what you spend does not benefit you,” Hall said. Students can withdraw from classes without any charge during the first week of each semester. After that first Friday, students will not be fully refunded for dropped courses. Hall said some students in the English Department drop English courses, but most are from other departments.
Only about 1 percent of English course withdrawals come from students in the English department. The overwhelming majority comes from a combination of other departments. Most students tend to drop freshman literature courses, she said. Besides financial disadvantages, withdrawing from classes can have a negative effect on student transcripts. “Transcripts show your life at school, what you did, what you didn’t do in school,” she said. To avoid getting into the position of having to drop classes, Hall suggests students visit their advisers. She said advisers tend to have a good idea of which classes will balance the student’s work load most prudently. “Time management is the most important thing,” she said. To avoid having to drop classes because of time conflicts, Hall suggested the following steps: 1. Contact your advisor before registering. Advisers knows the ins and outs of most curriculum courses and can help students make
the best choices. 2. Attend classes and get a feel for how to budget your time. If classes seem to be too much work students can drop before the free drop/ add period ends. 3. Keep ahead in research and homework, so the work load is manageable to the very last day of classes. Though dropping courses is not recommended for most students, sometimes a drop is a good strategy to keep up grades in other class, Hall said. Hall said students with serious health concerns might find that dropping a course is the best option. “By dropping one subject, a student can salvage others,” she said. Sometimes students might have a tragedy in the family or struggle with a serious illness that will effect their performance in class. Instead of trying to manage a full course load, a drop may prevent a bad performance in other courses. For more information about registration go to: www.acu.edu/campusoffices/registrar/registration.
E-mail Knight at: tnk03a@acu.edu
January 27, 2006 Box Office Figures for the weekend of January 20-22, in millions. Total grosses in parenthesis. 1. Underworld:Evolution — $26.9 (new) 2. Hoodwinked — $10.4 ($28.6) 3. Glory Road — $8.8 ($27.7) 4. Last Holiday — $8.7 ($26) 5. Brokeback Mountain — $7.8 ($42.1) 6. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe — $6.2 ($271.9) 7. Fun with Dick and Jane — $5.8 ($101.4) 8. End of the Spear — $4.3 (new) 9. Hostel— $4.2 ($42.7) 10. King Kong— $4.2 ($209.9)
Today’s Movies Nanny McPhee — starring Emma Thompson, Colin Firth; directed by Kirk Jones. Nanny McPhee (Thompson) comes to help out in the household of Mr. Brown (Firth) and his seven unruly children. Based on the Nurse Matilda books by Christianna Brand. The Matador — starring Pierce Brosnan, Greg Kinnear, Hope Davis; directed by Richard Shephard Brosnan stars as a middle-aged hitman who is beginning to lose his nerve.
Page 5
‘Spear’ pummels toward hokiness, mediocrity By SARAH CARLSON Arts Editor
Overview
As I sat in the theatre watching End of the Spear, listening to the various sniffles coming from viewers all around me, I realized I hadn’t been that bored and uninterested in a film in years. Maybe when my parents dragged me to see some Star Trek movie when I was 10, and I fell asleep on my mom’s shoulder. Yeah, that was probably the last time I was that bored. I shifted my weight countless times, checked my watch, yawned and tried to pay attention to the “plot.” Maybe the reason for the tears shed is because Abilene has a large religious crowd, and some of the viewers were manipulated enough to weep over nothing. And there’s the rub: how to make a genuinely religious film without manipulating your audience. Seeing the success of The Passion of the Christ among religious audiences, studios now seem more likely to greenlight religious and especially Christian-themed films. The success of The Passion, which grossed more than $370 million domestically, baffled the non-Christian world and helped open doors for Christian filmmakers. These open doors are both heartening and depressing when considering the possibilities of what Christians could produce compared to the disappointing films Christians actually produce. This disappointment oozes out of every crack in End of the Spear, even though the film is based on a true and incredible story of five missionary families living in the Amazon Basin in Ecuador in the 1950s and their encoun-
End of the Spear P 1/2 Rated: PG-13 (for intense sequences of violence) Starring: Chad Allen, Louie Leonardo, Stephen Caudill Directed by: Jim Hanon Release Date: Jan. 20
ters with the native Waodani tribe. Many are familiar with the book Through Gates of Splendor, written by Elisabeth Elliot, wife of one of the missionaries. I’ve heard it’s engaging, and you’d probably be better sticking with the novel than seeing the film. The Waodani are a violent people with violent beginnings. As a child, the leader, Mincayani, escaped another tribe’s attack on his tribe and was forced to flee. The opening chase sequences are confusing because no distinction is made between any of the various tribes. We do see many people get speared, though this isn’t as dramatic as you’d think. The tribesmen pummel their spears with the force of 13-year-old girls. Not only is the action bad, but the real shame of the film comes from poor filming and editing. The spear fights end in a surprising lack of blood, but you don’t need a lot of blood to convey a bloody battle. Consider sequences from The Last of the Mohicans: Not much blood is seen, but the edits are so quick, you’re overwhelmed with the action
and the suspense is heightened. Not here. Here, the action plays out like a reenactment on the History Channel. After we learn the violent beginnings of Mincayani’s life, the next chapter begins with he and the rest of the Waodani warriors traveling through the Ecuadorian jungles, killing innocent foreigners for reasons that aren’t clear. Nate Saint, one of the missionaries and father to Steve, who narrates the story, wants to make contact with them to apparently tell them not to kill people. Because the Waodani are so violent, Steve is obviously concerned about his father’s trips into the jungle via plane to visit them. Before Nate’s final journey to the tribe’s camp, Steve asks him if he plans to shoot the Waodani if they become violent. “I can’t shoot the Waodani,” Nate tells Steve. “They’re not ready for Heaven. We are.” That’s the first reference to anything remotely religious or Christian, other than the term “missionary” mentioned in brief. While the phrase may be well known in Christian circles because of the book and carry certain meanings, no context has been established in the film, and the quote only brings confusion. First-time director Jim Hanon apparently didn’t want to make an overtly religious film and therefore settles for subtleties. But in this case, considering the true story, it would be helpful for audiences, especially secular ones, to understand what a missionary is and what would posses them to venture to Ecuador to talk with violent tribesmen without knowing the language or the culture. I was raised going to church and knowing missionaries, and I’m still
photo courtesy of www.endofthespear.com
Waodani tribesman Mincayani (Louie Leonardo) peers through jungle branches in End of the Spear, now in theatres. confused. We learn nothing about the missionaries and their families. No personality traits, no goals, no ambitions, not even all of their names. The limited interaction between the families is sparse and confusing, and we never know why they’re really there or why they care so much about making contact with the Waodani. The missionaries’ reactions to and encounters with the Waodani reminded me of a scene in Disney’s animated Tarzan, when Jane and her father discover gorillas for the first time. After yelling random things such as “The Creator God is our friend,” which draws several Waodani out of the jungle, the missionaries jump around, ecstatic. They’re excited, but we don’t know why. What are they trying to prove, change, initiate? The more questions I ask about End of the Spear, the more confused I become. Well, for several reasons and miscommunication, the five male missionaries are murdered by the Waodani, which is really the beginning of the story but what takes up far too much of the film.
The real inspiration of the story comes when Steve and his aunt spend time with the Waodani and learn their customs, all the while teaching them to abandon their violent lifestyles and live in peace. However, the transition from violence to peace, both in the missionaries’ and the Waodani’s lives, plays out unnaturally on screen. The lives of the missionaries and their families are not done justice in End of the Spear, a poorly made and acted film that has cheesy music playing at least 75 percent of the time. Most Christians want to support Christian films or stories with family-friendly themes. They falsely assume that critics don’t like these films based on their message and praise the secular awardwinners instead. The films that win awards win because they are better made, better acted and better directed. If Christians seriously want to make a change in Hollywood and produce films with a strong religious message, then its time for Christian filmmakers to get serious. E-mail Carlson at: skc02a@acu.edu
Page 6
January 27, 2006
ACU athletic teams deserve support The issue:
Attending athletic events is fun and important.
Our view:
ACU Athletics are fun to watch and worth students’ time to get involved.
The solution:
Take time out to go to a game or meet. Many opportunities are coming up, and as a campus, we should take advantage of them.
Imagine coming out to play your chosen sport. You have worked and sweated for this moment, and it has paid off. You are ready to take on the challenge, defeat the enemy, take no prisoners, and every other cheesy sports movie cliché. But as you walk onto the field, you are stunned by the sound of silence. The only ones who have turned out to watch you reap the benefits of your hard work are the visiting teams’ loyal fans and the resident ravens sitting on the fence. This may be an extreme picture, but many of our athletes struggle with the strain of being unrecognized despite their
Give thoughtful response to visit
Equality Ride, an activist Christianity into its rules and group’s upcoming bus tour to automatically assumes the adchallenge religious and mili- ministration is biased against tary institutions across the homosexual students. country that If one reads the student “ban the en- guide carefully, he or she will rollment of realize this is simply not true. gay, lesbian, The university does a solid bisexual and job of keeping all sexual mistransgender conduct on the same level. students” will One thing that draws many be on campus in-state and out-of-state students to Abilene, including Don’t Believe March 27. According myself, is the open-minded the Hype to SoulForce, approach the university takes the organi- to handling such issues, esMitch Holt zation be- pecially compared to other hind Equality Church of Christ universities Ride, the group will visit 19 in the United States. religious and military instituThe administration does tions to challenge policies re- not create an atmosphere in garding homosexuality with which students dealing with which they disagree. same sex attraction should Section 2-15 of the univer- feel neglected or inferior. sity’s Student Guide restricts The student body, howev“cohabitation and/or sexual er, probably does. immorality, including both Commonly used words like heterosexual and homosexual “fag,” “queer” and “homo” behavior.” Section 3-07 ulti- make light of the struggles mately states the same poli- of many students on campus. cy. Both of these sections are These degrading and carelessthe only crystal clear mention ly used words make students of sexuality in the student who are attracted to the same guide. sex feel like they can’t be honAs mentioned, the purpose est, ultimately isolating them of Equality even more. Ride is to conCompasfront universision should be This is the student ties about their our first priorbody’s chance to rules banning ity, especially give a good impres- when interacthomosexual behavior. An sion of Christianity; ing with the inconsistency this is the best way equality ride in SoulForce’s members in to show campus qualm with March, as well ACU is that the as those dealvisitors what we university does ing with sameare about. not restrict sex attraction. homosexual When March students from enrolling and 27 arrives, engage in construcbeing accepted into the insti- tive conversation with those tution. The university’s policy in Equality Ride; steer clear of does, however, prohibit pre- heated debate. Stand strong in marital sex for any sexual your beliefs, but don’t attempt preference, heterosexual or to force them upon someone homosexual. else. The university does not This is the student body’s frown more upon homosexual chance to give a good imprespromiscuity over heterosexu- sion of Christianity; this is al promiscuity. As a Christian the best way to show campus university that tries to uphold visitors what we are about. Christian standards and docIt’s important for students trine, any form of sexual in- to realize that ACU does not tercourse outside of marriage prohibit the admission of between a man and a woman homosexual students, but it is prohibited — not just ho- does ask them to abide by the mosexual intercourse. same sexual ethics as heteroEven if one disagrees with sexual students while they these policies, he or she are here. must admit that they are Students must exercise the consistent. same compassion on these Ultimately, SoulForce is issues, even if one doesn’t not refuting ACU’s policy on agree with someone’s sexual homosexuality, but rather the leanings or his opinions on university’s entire policy on the matter. any kind of sexuality. SoulForce just doesn’t realize it. E-mail Holt at: The organization sees the mah02f@acu.edu, optimist@acu.edu university’s incorporation of
best efforts. league’s preWhat better way to spend an afternoon then the ACU has season poll. outside, cheering on your home team? athletics to be Basketball is proud of, but also in full swing, few of our stu10th nationally in the Colleand both men’s dents know or care about giate Baseball pre-season poll, and women’s are fighting games and athletic events. won the South title with a 16-4 strong, with the men standing But, let’s face it. This is league mark last year and has at 3-1 in the conference and Abilene. Students are con- won at least 40 games in sev- the women at 1-3. stantly complaining of bore- en of the past eight seasons. Both men’s and women’s dom and lack of exciting ac- In the Lone Star Conference, tennis teams sent players to tivities. the Wildcats are picked to win national championships last So what better way to spend this spring’s South Division year and are consistently enan afternoon than outside in race, according to the annual joyable matches to watch. Abilene’s unseasonably warm preseason poll announced by Of course, track and field weather, cheering on your conference officials. is always legendary, and this home team? The Wildcat softball team, season is no exception. The Baseball and track and field coming off the most success- team began the 2006 indoor are all beginning their new ful season in the program’s season at the Wes Kittley Inseasons soon, and they stand history, was picked to finish vitational, and the men’s and to make us proud. second in the LSC South Di- women’s teams combined to ACU baseball is ranked vision this year, according to post six individual provisional
Cole Williams
A call to stand up for something It can be really hard to believe in something. Sometimes, I think it’s hard to believe in anything. If you really believe in something, you have to let it change you. You must believe in it enough to stand by Soapbox it even if nobody else will. Central Truly believDani ing in someLinthicum thing is a radical, difficult step, and more often then not, we let it just slip away. Many in our generation don’t vote and seem apathetic about politics. It’s not that they don’t truly care, it’s that they are tired of caring, or seeing
We are the next generation of leaders in this country, but too few of us really care. their parents and other people that they love care so much. It’s easier to just ignore it and remain friends with everybody then get all hot and bothered about the issues. Apathy is easier then fighting for a cause. If we can let the issue go with a shrug, why not? Why get tangled up in the big questions and tough decisions when a simple “I don’t care” can fix it or at least make it go away? However, the problem with this line of thinking is obvious; the issues will not go away simply because we have shrugged them off. In fact, like a monster under the bed, they will often grow because of our reluctance to turn and
face them. Last week, millions of people across the nation recognized “life week” in honor of the anniversary of Roe vs. Wade. Normal people — moms, dads, laborers, professionals, families, single parents, grandparents — all turned out to share their beliefs with the world. As I watched the news coverage, I was touched by the level of their conviction. They were unashamed to march on their city halls, courthouses and Capitol Hill with their signs, pins and beliefs literally on their sleeves. I’m not here to tell you what to believe. Another talking head is not going to help you decide where you stand
E-mail letters to: optimist@acu.edu
on any one issue, especially one as complex and personal as abortion. But I am going to ask that we believe in something. No, not just to believe but to stand up for that belief. We are the next generation of leaders and thinkers in this country, but too few of us really care. Soon enough, we will be entrusted with the future of our cities, communities, families, churches and ultimately our country. College is boot camp for our beliefs, and we are learning real-life lessons in standing up for them. Let’s not let these opportunities pass us by. It will be hard, but let’s believe in something.
E-mail Linthicum at: del01a@acu.edu, optimist@acu.edu
1967 alumnus remembers Delta Theta’s success I was a member of Delta Theta from 1965 to 1967. At that time, DTs were some of the greatest girls on campus. We won Sing Song several times, won Homecoming displays several times and were generally considered a highly desirable club to join. At that time, clubs were not as separated from each other. I had many friends in
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 Alumnus remembers how clubs used to be, and notes how they have changed. the other clubs. We did not sit together at Chapel, which I honestly believe is a negative. It makes you look as if you are among the elite when some really awesome kids just don’t want to be in a club
for one reason or another. We were close and had great times, but weren’t so exclusive. There was a greater spread of honors such as Sing Song winner among the clubs then. Now it seems as if the same clubs always win everything. My brother, Charles Cayce, directed Subbers in Sing Song in 1967 and ’68. They won 2nd in ’67 and 1st in ’68.
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
qualifiers for the NCAA Division II indoor championship meet in March. The ACU women were the most successful of the two teams, provisionally qualifying four athletes in four different events, as well as the 4x400 relay team. The men’s team provisionally qualified two individual athletes and the 4x400 relay team. So, you see? There’s no reason to leave our athletes without support. It’s a worthwhile activity and a great way to spend an evening or sunny afternoon. See you in the stands.
My daughter, a 2001 graduate chose to be a DT and really enjoyed it. I know time passes on and things change, but it is my hope that Delta Theta can become again the club it once was. I wish those young women the very best.
Carole
Cayce Clinton Class of 1967
Editorial and Management Board Jonathan Smith Editor in Chief
Published by the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication Newsroom: (325) 674-2439
Sports desk: (325) 674-2684
Mallory Sherwood Managing Editor
Jaci Schneider
Dani Linthicum
Jared Fields
Christi Stark
Opinion Editor
Sports Editor
Advertising Manager
Brian Schmidt
Sarah Carlson
Kenneth Pybus
Chief Photographer
Arts Editor
Adviser
Copy Editor
Photo department: (325) 674-2499
Advertising office: (325) 674-2463
Subscriptions ($40/academic year): (325) 674-2296.
Online: www.acuoptimist.com
CAMPUS NEWS
Friday, January 27, 2006
Page 7
Leadership Camps taking applications n Students have until Friday at 5 p.m. to apply for work as counselors with ACU Leadership Camps beginning in June for various age groups. By AARON BALLARD Staff Writer
Students who want to work as counselors for ACU Leadership Camps this summer have until Friday at 5 p.m. to turn in applications in the lower level of the Campus Center. To help run the camps, which span from the first week in June to the last week in July, 22 males and 24 females are needed as counselors, as well as two head counselors and four asMeyer sistants. Although ACU students typically fill up the majority of these positions, any college student can apply. “We are looking for students willing to spend their summers serving and hanging out with kids and who don’t mind early mornings, late nights, and some pretty intense work,” said Kyle Stallard, male head counselor and junior interdisciplinary major in youth and family ministry and communication from Clear Lake. “It takes a special kind of person to work camps.” Camp directors Jan Meyer and Bob Strader will review the applications, oversee the interviews and ultimately decide who will be a part of the camp staff this summer. Applicants will know before spring break whether they have been chosen or not. Those chosen will participate in a couple of hours of
training every Tuesday night to prepare for the summer. In addition, they will attend a weekend retreat and return to campus one week before camps begin to set up and prepare for campers. Four different camps, tailored to specific age ranges, are offered throughout the summer, with three to four sessions each. They include Kadesh, for students in grades 10 through graduates; MPulse, for grades seven through nine; Learning to Lead, for grades four to six; and KidQuest, for grades one to three. Last summer, more than 2,000 kids attended the various camps, which began in 1982. Counselors either work with the older kids at Kadesh and MPulse or with the younger kids at Learning to Lead and KidQuest. They can request to work with one of the two sets, but that does not mean they will automatically be put there, Stallard said. Although huge differences exist between the four camps as to what the counselors actually do, they do have similarities. All counselors stay in either Mabee or Gardner halls, they wake up around 8 a.m., and they must eat in the Bean, Stallard said. The counselors are given one week off, usually around July 4. “I became a counselor after I saw as a camper the impact that these camps have on a young person’s life,” Stallard said. “The level of spiritual learning and growth made me want to be a part of the experience. I hope to have an impact on these kids by letting God work through me however He sees fit.”
E-mail Ballard at: agb04b@acu.edu
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
The University Church of Christ began its renovation process in 2001, when members began planning for the renovation, which is near completion.
Construction nears end for church n Members of the University Church of Christ will celebrate the church’s 100th anniversary with thanksgiving and dedicate the new facility of the church Sunday. By DANI LINTHICUM Opinion Editor
When the members of the College Church of Christ celebrated its 50th anniversary, they did so its brand new building across the street from campus. This was a change from worshipping on the “old” ACC campus, or in Sewell Theatre on the “new” campus. So it is appropriate that the celebration of the University Church of Christ’s 100th anniversary culminates in a beautiful new facility Sunday. Service times will be the same: 9 a.m. class and 10 a.m. worship service, but the focus will be on thanksgiving and thoughtful dedi-
cation of the new facility, said Eddie Sharp, pulpit minister of UCC. “This is a tool in service of Christ,” Sharp said. “Not our own toy to play with.” According to the UCC Web site, www.uccabilene. org, the proposed building and expansion plans will serve UCC members of all ages, and are based on recommendations made by two different committees and endorsed by the elders. In 2001, a needs assessment study showed that a new facility for fellowship, more and larger adult classrooms, and an elevator should be a priority. The Building Committee did further study, and the elders have visited with church leaders whose experience elsewhere confirmed and enhanced the commitment to missions and other ministries, which would be helped and enhanced by a
new building. The recommendations were turned over to the Tittle Luther Partnership, and after extensive consultation with the Building Committee and the elders, a plan was developed and approved that will meet the needs listed. Some of the enhancements include: an elevator; a covered, handicap accessible drive-through drop-off at the building’s southwest entry; renovations to the second floor classrooms; and exterior maintenance. A new, 15,000-squarefoot multi-purpose facility was also built called the Fellowship Center. The Fellowship Center includes: a large, wellequipped kitchen; four large classrooms; a gymnasiumsized room large enough to accommodate fellowship activities for the entire church; and restrooms
including showers so that when weather conditions cause hardships, the church will be able to provide a refuge for weary travelers and local citizens displaced from their homes. “I think that the Fellowship Center will be used a great deal,” Sharp said. “It’s like Swiss Army knife – it has a lot of different uses.” According to the Web site, “this building will allow all of us to meet together for fellowship meals and other important family times. “And it will provide a place for our youngest generations to gather safely whether for recreation, worship, service activities, or outreach. Essential landscaping and parking lot modification complete the project.” E-mail Linthicum at: del01a@acu.edu
Writing Center still experiences steady flow of students n Despite construction delays, the Writing Center, located in the basement of Brown Library, still offers writing assistance to many students. By KELLINE LINTON Staff Writer
Up one flight of stairs, down two more flights, and through a maze of gray cubicals, students can follow orange arrows to the campus Writing Center. Directors of the Writing Center, located in the base-
ment of the library, had hoped to be moved to the new Library Commons by the end of last semester. “Delays in construction have got us behind schedule,” said Lauren Dowdy, assistant director to the Writing Center and second-year graduate student from Atlanta. Once moved, the Center will be located in the previous director’s office on the first floor, next to the new coffee shop. Until the move, however, the Writing Center will remain hidden away at the cen-
ter of numerous twists and turns on the bottom level of the library, where asking for directions is essential. “It’s a dungeon down here,” said tutor Joel Overall, English graduate student from Abilene. “I’m excited about the coffee and the move. The new Center will be very aesthetically pleasing.” The Writing Center currently employs 10 tutors, five of whom are graduate students. Writing Director Cole Bennett also helps with tutoring; however, he is
teaching in Oxford, England, this semester. The Writing Center assists with any part of the writing process and is free of charge for ACU students and the Abilene community. “You can come in with any paper from any class at any stage, even résumés and job applications,” Dowdy said. The Center aids the invention, development, revision, pre-writing, editing and final stages of a paper, including help with scholarship essays and fellowship applications.
The Writing Center is not a tutoring session for remedial students and is not associated with the Learning Enhancement Center. The tutors available assist the writer and make helpful suggestions; they do not teach basic grammar structures. The basement location has not hurt the Center’s clientele. “We have quite a few clients, surprisingly,” Overall said. “Once they find us, they tend to come and use our services frequently, since
it is so valuable.” The upcoming move will build on the existing list of clients. The Writing Center is open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m.; on Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and on Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, but tutors encourage appointments. Sessions usually last from half an hour to an hour. E-mail Linton at: krl04b@acu.edu
FROM THE FRONT PAGE
Page 8
Friday, January 27, 2006
SA: Congress approves spring budget proposal Continued from page 1 cent of its request cut, but all groups received an average cut of about 60 percent from their requests. Cosgrove said he has not heard many complaints from groups about feeling slighted in this semester’s budget. He said it is important for groups to remember that one group isn’t entitled to more funding because of its cause, and changing one
group’s funding also affects 32 other groups asking for money. This semester’s budget also included $12,500 toward the newly created SA endowment fund, which one day will help fund Congressional budgets. The endowment now contains $20,000. Congress will also pay the last of four installments of a $29,500 loan from the university administration that
SA took after it discovered it owed that much money for the electronic scoring bowling system in the Recreation Area of the Campus Center in fall of 2004. The budCosgrove get apparently contained few surprises, as Congress members
Woodruff: Former roommate recalls friend’s childhood Continued from page 1 ing and possibly testifying as character witnesses for Woodruff. He said he hopes for Brandon’s sake they would lower his bail. During Christmas break Gentry was able to visit Woodruff for 20 minutes at Hunt County Criminal Justice Center. “Brandon was really surprised to see me,” Gentry said. “He had no idea I was coming. He looked good and healthy, as well as you could in prison. He seemed like he was holding up OK, though.” Since his incarceration, Woodruff had been sending letters to Gentry, filling him in on what was happening with his case. Because Gentry expects he will have to testify at trial, as Woodruff’s best friend and roommate, he cannot answer the letters in case prosecutors use them against his testimony. “I explained to Brandon why I couldn’t answer them when I saw him, and he understood and was OK with it,” he said. Gentry said he was happy to testify in court on Woodruff’s behalf. “The Brandon that I know was a good guy, a great guy,” he said. “I’m glad to be able to tell the court that. Anything to help.” Woodruff participated in Freshman Follies last fall and was president of Future Farmers of America while in high school at Rockwall. “Brandon was passionate about horses; he shared that love with his parents,” Gentry said. “I know he was really involved and great showman at competitions with his horses. I don’t know what he wanted to do in the future, but I know it had
something to do with his horses.” He said during their senior year, he and Woodruff would ride Woodruff’s horses sometimes on the weekends when they met. Woodruff and Gentry became friends after they attended the same church camp in Oklahoma four years ago, Gentry said. During their junior year they began keeping in contact more and would meet on weekends at either Gentry’s home in DeSoto, 45-minutes away from Rockwall, or at Woodruff’s girlfriend’s ranch, he said. He said he and other friends of Brandon were able to attend the funerals in Texarkana, and they were able to hang out with him and take him out to eat. A few days later, Gentry received a phone call from a friend who told him about Woodruff’s arrest. “I was numb for a long time and really overwhelmed that he had been arrested,” Gentry said. “The Brandon I know was and is a great guy and friend. I have been praying a lot for him since then and praying that he didn’t do it. I don’t know if he did it or not, but I hope he didn’t.” He said it bothered him that people would write things to him about the murders on his Facebook. com profile, especially those that weren’t close to him. “People have the right to say and think whatever they want,” he said “But I just ask that whether they think Brandon did it or not, that they are supportive of him as Christians. That’s all we can do right now is be supportive of our friend.”
E-mail Sherwood at: mes02e@acu.edu
clarified a few points with questions but bypassed the opportunity to debate elements of the budget before quickly moving on to the unanimous vote. This was Cosgrove’s fourth Congressional budget to prepare as executive treasurer of SA. During the past two years, Cosgrove said he believes the budgeting process has improved. “Our understanding of what should and shouldn’t
be accepted into the budget has progressed greatly,” Cosgrove said, recalling that older SA budgets almost seemed to cut groups’ funding arbitrarily, and officers would not inform groups why budgets had been cut. Chief development office Erin Dimas also announced during the meeting that several members of Congress created a petition to the university to open the Bean on Sunday nights instead
of Sunday mornings. To indicate interest among students to the administrators, freshman and sophomore senators and residence hall representatives will have petitions during the next week for interested students to sign. Congress wants at least 1,000 student signatures on the petition to present to administrators. E-mail Smith at: jvs02a@acu.edu
Thinking ahead to the summer
Anna Carroll/Staff Photographer
Robby Mayne, conference director for Pine Cove Camp, interviews Abbey Carthel, freshman communication disorders major from Amarillo, in the Onstead-Packer Biblical Studies Building on Thursday for a position during the summer at the camp.
Fire: Outdoor activities banned Continued from page 1 rial outside of a fire enclosure is in direct violation of the ban. Violation of this order may result in a Class C Misdemeanor, and it can be enforced by any on-duty police officer. “People need to refrain
from engaging in any activity that could create a spark or a flame outdoors,” Goettsch said. “Always have water handy and call 911 immediately if any fire occurs.” City officials said people in the area need to refrain from certain activities outdoors. Welding, cooking, smoking
and bonfires are all equally hazardous under the current conditions, and citizens can protect their property by mowing grass as short as possible and clearing brush from a 30-foot perimeter around their homes. “Abilene City Manager Larry Gilley has been extremely
supportive of our efforts to help our neighbors in this time of need.” Goettsch said. “He and Fire Chief Brad Fitzer have been working together on ways to prevent further fire loss for our Abilene neighbors.” E-mail Holt at: mah02f@acu.edu
Residence: Changes expected in fall Continued from page 1 and only those eight students have card access to their living space, each of which opens to the outside. Having men and women live in Barret Hall would be comparable the set-up in Smith and Adams halls, where women live in Adams, men live in Smith and they are connected by a large lobby. The university has utilized living and learning communities in its residence halls for three years. The program first included freshman men biblical studies majors and has
grown each year. Whereas living and learning communities have been limited to business or biblical studies majors and their roommates the past three years, the new community concept for Barret Hall will extend that opportunity to the whole student body. “There are limitless numbers of ways students can organize themselves,” Barnard said, suggesting such groups as students who plan to do mission work in an upcoming summer. In the coming weeks, Barnard said this year’s freshmen will have the opportunity to organize into groups of eight
and fill out a one- or two-page application that will include each group’s vision for their community. Groups will also select a faculty sponsor who can meet with them periodically throughout the year and some sort of project, such as reading a book together or working on Barnard a service project, that the group can do together throughout the year. Although students are assigned to other residence halls using a lottery system, Barnard said a committee will review all of the groups’ applications for Barret Hall and select the 22 groups from their applications. Other living and learning
community options next year include one floor of McKinzie Hall for freshman men business and biblical studies majors and their roommates and one floor of McDonald for freshman women business and biblical studies majors and their roommates. Barnard said she is sensitive to the fact that some might believe pulling specific groups of students out to live in certain residence halls could segregate certain groups out of the student body. However, Barnard said because the university has other community-building opportunities, such as Chapel and intramurals, students still have a chance to interact with everyone else on campus whether or not they live in a living and learning community. E-mail Smith at: jvs02a@acu.edu
SPORTS JUMPS
Friday, January 27, 2006
Page 9
Track: Coach expects another successful year training for the three remaining indoor track and Jessica Hunt; middle-disfield competitions before tance stars Trina Cox and the NCAA Division II Indoor Olha Kryv’yak; and junior National Championships pole vaulter Angie Aguilar. March 10-11 in Boston. Hood Sophomore Shawna-Kaye views the indoor track and Thompson will be one of the field season a little differtop 100-meter hurdlers in ently than some collegiate Division II. coaches, however. The wom“It’s preen’s 4x400season,” meter relay Hood said. “Not only are we getting good athletes, we’re team, which “We’re going has already to compete getting good people and pretty good students.” posted a hard, but Don D. Hood, head track and field coach provisional we’re not goqualifying to peak ing time of during indoor 3:56.34 at season.” the Wes Kittley Invitational here to get a degree from Instead, Hood said his in Lubbock on Jan. 21, is here. Not only are we getting teams will train hard through composed of Brooklyn Hunt, good athletes, we’re getting the indoor season and rest freshman Azraa Rounds, good people and pretty good their legs toward the end Thompson and Keva Wilkins students.” of the outdoor season with and should lower that time Recruiting high school or the hopes that performances considerably this season as transfer athletes will be an will improve then. it meets faster competition. additional task for the Hood This weekend, select On the men’s side, junior brothers this spring, and Wildcat pole vaulters will Marvin Bien-Aime, the 2005 Don D. already has his eye travel to Reno, Nev., for the champion in the 200-meter on vacancies that graduat- Pole Vault Summit, an event dash outdoors, is a favorite ing seniors will leave on the featuring the best elite and in both the indoor and out- 2007 track and field teams. collegiate vaulters in the door sprints in 2006. Bien“We’ve got a lot to replace United States. Both teams Aime posted a provisional on the men’s team; we’re los- will return to action against qualifying time of 21.56 in ing three or four pretty key Division I competition Feb. a winning effort in Lubbock guys next year,” Hood said. 3-4 in Lincoln, Neb., for the last weekend. “So we’ve been on the road a Frank Sevigne Classic. Sprinters Elton Garus- lot talking to some kids, we’ve “To me, if these guys are Oab, Montez Pride and been doing a lot of mail-outs training hard, they need to Delt Cockrell form quite a and phone calls. Again, that’s compete against good peosprint squad, and adding one of the neat things about ple,” Hood said of the upBien-Aime, a pretty speedy this place – I’ve gotten a lot coming Division I meets. 4x400-meter relay team. Se- of phone calls from kids who nior Cory Aguilar is back for want to come here.” one more shot at qualifying But the task at hand is E-mail Holt at: smh00a@acu.edu for and winning the national meet in the pole vault, a feat that has eluded him for four years despite clearing 17 feet nearly every season. Throw in Division II cross country national champion Nicodemus Naimadu in the distance events, and Hood just might have one of the best men’s teams ACU has seen in a few years. Hood said it is for just this reason that he will push his teams to work extra hard this season. “I want to win wherever I am,” Hood said. “To me, brian schmidt/File Photo whether this was the premier program or the dog Elton Garus-Oab and senior Delt Cockrell, along with Montez Pride and Marvin program, we’re going to try Bien-Aime won the 4x400 meter relay last weekend at Texas Tech in 3:17.10. Continued from page 10
brian schmidt/File Photo
Senior jumper Yevgen Pashchenko makes a jump attempt in the LSC Championships held at Angelo State University.
Tennis: Teams ready to compete
Baseball: Wildcats have tough schedule
Continued from page 10
Continued from page 10 of Feb. 17 and 18 in Abilene. “Playing Central Oklahoma at home will be a good weekend for us because it will give us a chance to see the competition that we might face in the post-season,” Bonneau said. “We look forward to every challenge.” E-mail Loveless at: spl05a@acu.edu
to make it the best we can make it.” Hood said keeping the ACU track and field program at or near the top of Division II is perhaps easier than at some of its rival universities. “Kids want to come run at Abilene Christian,” Hood said. “Kids want to come
brian schmidt/File Photo
Senior outfielder Jade Wilson received LSC South Division Preseason Player of the Year honors. Wilson hit .318, had 12 home runs and drove in 54 runs last year, earning a spot on the all-LSC South first team.
Softball: ‘Up to the challenge’ Continued from page 10 “I feel we have a more balanced team than we had last year. We added two more solid pitchers, along
with two excellent defensive catchers. Overall, we are better defensively and offensively with great pitching depth,” Wilson said. “We have a tough schedule this
season as we will be playing a lot of games on the road. But, I am confident this team is up to the challenge.” E-mail Moore at: aem03e@acu.edu
spring season Wednesday when the travel to Eastern New Mexico and Texas Tech. The men play Prairie View A&M and Texas Tech in Lubbock on Feb. 4. Jones said he is confident about playing against Eastern New Mexico and Prairie View
A&M. However, the match-ups with the Red Raiders present a challenge. Texas Tech owns the 23rd spot in the Division I national rankings. “We have beaten Tech before,” Jones said. “But, we are going to be pushed, and that will make us a better team.” E-mail Freeman at: mxf04b@acu.edu
Page 10
January 27, 2006
Setting the standard
Standings Men’s Basketball Team Tarleton St. WTAMU ACU TAMU-K ENMU MSU
Div. 3-0 2-0 3-1 1-1 1-1 0-3
Overall 14-4 13-4 8-11 11-6 7-10 11-7
women’s Basketball Team Tarleton St. WTAMU Angelo St. TX Woman’s ENMU ACU
Div. 4-0 3-0 3-1 3-1 1-3 1-3
Overall 12-5 14-2 12-5 10-6 7-10 7-10
Scores Tuesday
WoMen’s Basketball ACU 83, Eastern New Mexico 63 Men’s Basketball ACU 82, Eastern New Mexico 73
Indoor track & field teams ready for championship runs By STEVE HOLT
Upcoming Schedule Friday
Indoor Track ACU at Pole Vault Summit, 2 p.m.
Saturday
woMen’s basketball ACU at Texas Woman’s, 2 p.m. Indoor Track ACU at Pole Vault Summitt
Tuesday
woMen’s basketball ACU vs. Tarleton State, 6 p.m. Men’s basketball ACU vs. Tarleton State, 8 p.m.
• Home games listed in italics
Sports Writer
Try to catch ACU track and field coach Don D. Hood without a smile on his face, and chances are you won’t. That’s because when it comes to his new position at his alma mater alongside brother Derek and father Don, Don D. is speechless. “I walked away from a pretty good job to come do this, and this is better than I could ever have wanted it to be,” said Hood, who left an assistant coaching position at Texas Tech after four years. “This is — I don’t know — I don’t know the right words for it. It’s just a dream come true.” Brother Derek is the cross country coach in the fall and coaches the distance runners during track and field season. Father Don volunteers coaching
the Wildcat pole vaulters. Rounding out the coaching staff is assistant Stephen Moore, the 1996 NCAA Division II decathlon champion and one of the nation’s best decathletes, and former Wildcat hurdles star Suzanne Dickenson, who coaches women’s sprints and hurdles. “We’ve got a well-rounded staff,” Hood said. “Just about anybody on the staff can coach any event.” Don D. Hood takes over a program vacated last summer by new Texas Tech distance and cross country coach Jon Murray, a program that has won eight consecutive men’s national titles (four indoor and four outdoor). The women’s team has not won a national title since 2000, a dry spell that Hood believes could end in 2006. “Probably the biggest thing that
stands out to me is that the women’s team is stronger than it’s ever been,” Hood said. “Coach Murray left the cupboard full, without a doubt, on both the men’s and the women’s side. I’m really excited that the women have a chance to win the national championship again.” The cupboard contains an even mixture of sprinters, jumpers, hurdlers and distance runners. Some of the athletes Hood is most excited about watching perform are sophomore Liga Klavina, an elite heptathlete in her home country of Latvia; twin sprinters Brooklyn and
By ASHLEY MOORE Sports Writer
The ACU women’s softball team, as chosen by the league’s annual preseason polls, has been picked to finish in second place in the Lone Star Conference South Division for the 2006 season. Angelo State was voted to finish first in the LSC South Division, along with
Wildcats first season and home games Season: Feb. 2-4 St. Mary’s TournamentSan Antonio Home: Feb. 7 Cameron, 3 p.m. Feb. 10-12 West Texas A&M Tournament
Softball
n The Lone Star Conference named Ben Maynard the Preseason Pitcher of the Year and picked the Wildcats to finish atop the LSC South Division standings.
Texas A&M-Kingsville being named third place. ACU received two first place votes, and Angelo State collected the other 17 of 19 votes. ACU head coach Chantiel Wilson said she is very pleased with this year’s picks. “We set a standard for this program last season and feel we earned the respect of the South Division by finishing one game out of first place.” The Wildcats finished with a 31-22 overall record last season, the best in the team’s history and advanced to the NCAA Division II South Central Region Tournament for the first time. Senior Jade Wilson was recently chosen as the Preseason Player of the Year. She was a first team all-LSC South Division selection last year and hit .318 with 12 home runs. The Wildcats will be a bit more solid than last season because of a few new players. See
SOFTBALL page 9
TRACK page 9
Baseball tops conference list
Softball ranked No. 2 in South n The Wildcats are picked to finish in second place in the LSC South Division behind Angelo State, the same place they ended in the 2005 season.
See
By PATRICK LOVELESS Sports Writer
brian schmidt/File Photo
Ben Maynard was named LSC South Division Preseason Pitcher of the Year. In 2005, Maynard had a 9-1 record, 3.92 ERA and threw four complete games.
The Wildcat baseball team has been voted as the No. 1 team in the Lone Star Conference South Division. By receiving 11 of the 15 first place votes, the Wildcats baseball team has solidly claimed the top of the division. “This team hasn’t won anything yet,” head coach Britt Bonneau said. “We are still learning our roles and our identity as a new team this year. This team wants to do what the teams of the past five years have done, which is to become a new team, and to succeed and win as a team.” A major reason for the expected success of the Wildcats is starting pitcher Ben Maynard. Maynard received the award for Preseason Pitcher of the Year and is 9-1 as a starter for the Wildcats.
Baseball
Wildcats first games Feb. 2 Alabama-Huntsville, 4 p.m. Feb. 3 Henderson State, 4 p.m. Feb. 4 Henderson State, Noon (DH)
Ben Maynard had surgery on his knee Wednesday, and is expected to miss 10-12 days, which will have him out for at least the first two games. Bonneau said the Wildcats always expect to be in the top of the South Division. ACU has been voted as one of the top two teams of the division in each of the past five years. In the North Division, Central Oklahoma (ranked No. 4 nationally) is the unanimous No. 1 pick. The Wildcats meet the Central Oklahoma Bronchos the weekend See
BASEBALL page 9
Tennis teams anticipate even more titles and success this season n The women’s tennis team begins the 2006 spring season Wednesday in Eastern New Mexico, and the men begin their year Feb. 4 at Prairie View A&M. By MICHAEL FREEMAN Sports Writer
brian schmidt/File Photo
Juniors Holly Lindloff and Lana Pavlin team up in doubles play at the ITA South Central Regional Tournament in October.
Full of optimism and fervor, the Wildcat tennis teams are looking toward the spring season. The women’s team is ranked ninth and men’s team is ranked 13th in the Division II national polls. After a landmark 200405 year, which included the women tallying a school record 31 victories, and the men reaching the highest final ranking in years, head coach Hutton Jones said he likes what he sees on
Tennis the court for the upcoming spring season. “This is no doubt the deepest talent level I’ve had at ACU,” Jones said. Even though the women’s team is without any senior players, Jones is upbeat about the team’s chances. “We’re really young this year,” he said. “But we have a very talented group of juniors and sophomores.” Two of those juniors, Holly Lindloff and Lana Pavlin, teamed together to capture the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Central Region doubles title last season. Sophomores Sara Baker, Meagan Brown and junior Allison Tetrick are on the team as
well. Also, the team possesses a few skillful freshmen, such as Sarah Drummond, Elizabeth Korinek, Heidi Lindloff, Aleksandra Vucic and Fed Cup-experienced Irene Squillaci, who plan to contribute this season. Meagan Brown has the same optimism as Jones. “The new freshmen and transfers that we have are going to provide us with great depth,” she said. With the addition of several proficient freshmen, the men’s team will also vie for success. Ryan Hudson, Hutton Jones Jr., Juan Nunez, Erik Morin and Brett Proctor round out the list of firstyear players. “We can only play six players in a tournament, but we
have eleven very good players,” Jones said. “It’s tough as a coach to name a line-up, but it’s good for ACU tennis because it makes the players more competitive.” The men’s roster also contains junior Kevin Beedy, junior Bryce Hicks, seniors George Carstens, Evan Puglia, Jason Ray and Casper Steenkamp. Led by the more experienced players, such as Steenkamp who is ranked thirteenth nationally in the Division II poll, the men are looking for a winning season. “I think we have a really good team this semester,” Nunez said. The women begin the See
TENNIS page 9