2006 02 17 by ACU Optimist

Vol. 94, No. 37 2 sections, 24 pages

FRIDAY

February 17, 2006

www.acuoptimist.com

Tech sport

RetrOpinion

Hosting history

Technology is changing the way coaches recruit players, page 1B

This week’s opinion page looks back at past Sing Song views, page 11A

Sing Song hosts and hostesses take the spotlight, pages 6A-7A

Sing Song soars to 50 and beyond Hosts’ journey to stage ending n Sing Song hosts and hostesses balanced 20-25 hours of show rehearsal with classes and homework to prepare for the three weekend performances. By SARAH CARLSON Arts Editor

The high heels Jenna Lucado has to fill look awfully similar to her mother’s. Lucado, senior integrated marketing communication major from San Antonio, will perform this weekend in a role her mother, Denalyn (Preston) Lucado, did 27 years ago: Sing Song hostess. “I have wanted to be a hostess since I was a little girl,” Lucado said in an e-mail. “I grew up going to Sing Song. Singing has always been a passion of mine.” Lucado joins five other hosts and hostesses for “The 50th Show,” the 50th anniversary of Sing Song: Crystal Hughes, junior human communication major from Frisco; Ragan Rhodes, junior interdisciplinary major from Fort Worth; Shannon Bailey, senior management major from Corsicana; Josh Castle, junior music teaching major from Overland Park, Kan.; and Will Smyth, senior youth and family ministry major from Keller. Lucado said she was shocked when she learned she was chosen as a hostess and the experience was surreal. “I had already experienced the disappointment from not making hostess last year,” she said, “so I think that made this year even more meaningful.” Castle spent his freshman and sophomore years as an accompanist during Sing Song and said he thought it would be fun to be on stage singing rather than behind a piano. The night of callback auditions, Vivi Massey, wife of director of Student Productions, Kendall Massey, called Castle and acted like she would tell him he had not been chosen. But, he said, in the middle of the conversation came a knock on his door and a group of people ready to kidnap the new host. Castle said he was used to the time-consuming rehearsal schedule, having already worked with the hosts See

HOSTS page 5A

Brian Schmidt/Chief Photographer

Members of the freshman class act perform their Wizard of Oz medley during Sing Song dress rehearsal Wednesday night in Moody Coliseum. This was the first full rehearsal of the show.

Seniors prepare for memorable curtain call n Students reflect on their final opportunity to perform in a Sing Song act and reminisce about what the performance has meant to them after three years. By DENTON JOSEY Student Reporter

For 50 years Sing Song has been an ACU tradition. For senior Jeff McCain, it has been a tradition since he arrived on campus.

“This is see, Fla., has “It brings people together to work toward a what ACU’s participated common goal and allows them to have a little fun.” all about, in Sing Song the fellowevery year Jessica Masters, senior English major from Tallahassee, Fla. shipping except her and the junior year. singing,” said McCain, inteThough he said doing two During their freshman year, grated marketing communi- acts is “out of control,” Mc- Masters and McCain co-dication major from Liberty. Cain said he loves the entire rected the winning freshman Including this year, Mc- process. act, “Ice Cream, You Scream, Cain has participated in sev“I enjoy it,” he said. “I enjoy We all scream for Freshmen!” en acts. Since his sophomore people, and I enjoy music.” This year, they will both year he has been in both his Jessica Masters, senior finish their Sing Song careers class act and social club act. English major from Tallahas- on the stage dressed as Jedi

knights from Star Wars for their senior act. “I appreciate it for what it is, and I don’t want to mess with the incredible and sometimes ridiculous form of entertainment that it is,” Masters said in an email. “Some things, like Sing Song, just can’t be explained or reasoned out; heck, most people don’t even know why See

SENIORS page 12A

Director takes creative license n Kendall Massey, director of Student Productions, inherited Sing Song more than two years ago and has gradually opened new avenues for students to express creativity. By MALLORY SHERWOOD Managing Editor

Gary Rhodes/Contributing Photographer

Kendall Massey, director of Student Productions, works with a class Sing Song act Feb. 10 during Moody Weekend. This year’s production will be Massey’s third since he began the job in 2004.

Inside this special Sing Song edition This two-section edition of the Optimist contains expanded coverage of the many facets of the Sing Song production. Section B coverage includes: • Regular sports coverage, including baseball, softball and basketball, pages 1B-3B • Information about this year’s Sing Song judges, page 5B • A look back at how Sing Song began in 1957 and how the show has changed during the past 50 years, page 6B • Three clubs will not perform in this year’s production because of numbers, disciplinary actions, page 8B

Department of Journalism and Mass Communication

Nearly a decade has passed since Kendall Massey first stepped foot into the world of Sing Song. Now in his third year of directing the production he loved while a student, Massey has helped turn the 50-year tradition into an event that showcases stu-

dents’ talents and keeps the alumni returning. The former host and social club director returned to the stage in 2004 as director of Student Productions and began directing Sing Song with a new vision in mind. “I wanted to give students more ability to be creative,” Massey said. “That’s why we’ve brought in the option to produce video and given students the chance to run a light show. I want them to take Sing Song and make it their own.” Dr. Wayne Barnard, dean

of Campus Life, said in an email that the theory guiding Massey’s vision is based on the fact that he knows firsthand what Sing Song means to students. Massey participated in Sing Song while a student by being involved with his social club’s act, Frater Sodalis, and his class acts each year in addition to performing as a host in 1995. After graduating in 1996, Massey didn’t let go of Sing Song but helped by arrangSee

MASSEY page 5A

Crisp named outstanding alumnus n The university will honor Don Crisp, chair of the Board of Trustees, with the award at the Alumni Day Luncheon at the Abilene Civic Center on Sunday. By JONATHAN SMITH Editor in Chief

Many emotions and thoughts rushed through Don Crisp’s mind last fall when Dr. Royce Money, president of the university, told him he had been selected as ACU’s

2005 Outstanding Alumnus of the Year. “I was surprised and of course honored by it,” Crisp said. “One of my reactions was whether or not it was an appropriate choice, but mostly I felt surprise and appreciation and honor by the whole idea.” Crisp, class of 1964 and chair of the university’s Board of Trustees, will accept that honor at the Alumni Day luncheon honoring

him at 12:15 p.m. Sunday at the Abilene Civic Center. The Outstanding Alumnus of the Year is selected each fall by the Alumni Advisory Board from a list of nominations, Crisp said Betsey Craig, coordinator of the Alumni Network. Money, who

Abilene Christian University

graduated from the university the same year as Crisp, nominated Crisp for the award. “The award is for timely recognition of lifetime achievement that brings honor to the university through personal and professional excellence and service to the university, church or community,” Craig said in an e-mail. Crisp will be in town for the trustees meetings FriSee

CRISP page 12A

Serving the ACU community since 1912

Chapel Checkup Credited Chapels to date: Credited Chapels remaining:

Friday, February 17, 2006

Calendar & Events Friday

Dinner Theater Jane Eyre, 8 p.m, Fulks Theater. Sing Song “The 50th Show,” 8 p.m., Moody Coliseum.

Saturday

Dinner Theater Jane Eyre, 8 p.m, Fulks Theater.

Sunday

88th Annual Lectureship Opening Ceremony, 7 p.m., Cullen Auditorium.

About This Page

Monday

88th Annual Lectureship, 8 a.m., campuswide.

Sing Song “The 50th Show,” 8 p.m., Moody Coliseum.

with sexual purity can join Brothers In Battle: The Struggle for Sexual Purity, a group of students who are involved in the same battle. The group will meet on Thursdays. Time and location are confidential. For more information, contact the Counseling Center at 674-2626. Individuals who struggle with same sex attractions can join Strugglers with Same Sex Attraction: And Those Who Care About Us for help and support on Mondays. The time and location are confidential. Contact the Counseling Center at 674-2626 for more information.

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.

Police Log (edited for space)

Announcements The Medical Clinic has a limited number of flu vaccines available for $15 that will be given on a first come/first serve basis. No appointment is necessary. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. through 4:30 p.m. Call 674-2625 for more information. 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 Campus Activities Board office from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Contact 674-2772 to ask questions. Male students that struggle

24 46

Feb. 6 10 a.m. Medical emergency at Don Morris Center, student was transported to Hendrick Medical Center Feb. 7 1:27 a.m. Secured door at Sing Song warehouse 2:54 a.m. Checked building and secured door at Abilene Christian School field house 3:12 a.m. Alarm at Mail Production Center, 1726 Campus Court, user error Feb. 8 2:36 a.m. Checked and secured door at Abilene Christian High School field house 8:12 a.m. Medical emergency at Bible

building Room 112. No transport, no report 9:45 p.m. Report of vehicle harassing walkers on East North16th Street and report of victim of bb-gun shooting. Checked area unable to locate vehicle 11:07 p.m. Escort from Campus Center to station Feb. 9 12:40 a.m. Escorted student from Nelson Hall to Barret Hall 12:53 a.m. Checked and secured door at Abilene Christian High School field house 2:30 a.m. Placed barricades at Zellner lot 5 a.m. Escorted student from Barret Hall to Nelson Hall 8:24 a.m. Citation issued at Medical Clinic

8:15 p.m. Dating disturbance at Gardner, case #06-025 for Family Violence Feb. 10 2:20 a.m. Loud music at 1300 Westheimer, advised to lower music, complied 3:30 a.m. Bicycle found in Teague lot, placed in evidence 4:30 a.m. Checked and secured door at Abilene Christian High School field house 3:30 p.m. Criminal mischief to vehicle in Gardner lot. Shoe polish, no report 6 p.m. 1600 Campus Court, Alarm at Abilene Educational Supply, false alarm 10:40 p.m. Assisted Abilene PD with traffic stop at San Jacinto and Judge Ely

Feb. 11 1:05 a.m. Gave access to Cullen Auditorium to retrieve lost item 3:43 a.m. Assisted Abilene PD with an off-campus arrest 10 p.m. Escorted two students from University Park Apartments to Zona Luce 11 p.m. Assisted student with vehicle maintenance at Barret lot 11:20 p.m. Escorted student from University Park Apartments to Campus Center Feb. 12 11:45 p.m. Medical emergency at Gardner Hall, possible overdose case, transported to Hendrick hospital

Friday, February 17, 2006

Page 3A

Page 4A

Friday, February 17, 2006

Page 5A

FROM THE FRONT PAGE

Massey: Director works as ‘coach, cheerleader, mentor’ Continued from page 1A ing the vocals for hosts and hostesses. He then moved on to arrange music for the social clubs and classes, and in 2003, he applied for the position as director when Phyllis Wilson left the job that fall. Since he stepped into Wilson’s shoes, Massey jumped headlong into the chaos of Sing Song and decided to create themes that have included: “Silver Screen,” “Off the Charts,” and “The 50th Show.” For the anniversary celebration, Massey began planning a different kind of Sing Song more than a year and a half ago, when he began doing research. “Honestly right after the first year, I began figuring out a way to honor the alumni,” Massey said. “I wanted to bring back the memories they had of making the show.” His tribute to the alumni prompted him to conduct nearly two years of research about Sing Song’s history so he could present his idea to the social clubs and classes: They would perform previous acts. “This year I created a theme that was broad because I want it to be about the history,” he said. “I told each club to take an act that had previously won and to make it their own. This gave the clubs and classes the chance to be creative and still

reach the alumni.” He said the students liked his new idea. “It was interesting to me because they were interested; you could see the wheels turning in their heads when they started thinking about it,” he said. “They didn’t protest or complain, especially when they found out they didn’t have to do the research on their club’s history.” His interest in the students is a trait he is known for and a reason Sing Song is successful, Barnard said. “Kendall has greatly enhanced student participation, including greater diversity,” he said. “More than anything, Kendall has enhanced relationships with students. His motto ... is that it’s all about the students. I believe this is readily seen by anyone who works with Kendall.” Ragan Rhodes can see this in Massey, especially since she spends more than 30 hours a week working with him as a Sing Song hostess this year. “Kendall is one of the kindest people I have ever met,” said Rhodes, senior Bible and music interdisciplinary major from Fort Worth. “I have seen him in situations where he is stressed to the hilt, people are pushing and pressing him from a lot of sides, yet he only shows them kindness.”

Rhodes and five other hosts and hostesses spend their evenings practicing with Massey and his wife, Vivi. Some places they have practiced Sherrod Apartments, Cullen Auditorium, the Williams Performing Arts Center and Discovery Dance Studio. Rhodes said the hosts and hostesses work during practice on choreography, costumes and Massey’s forte: music. “We are a diverse group of hosts and hostesses in the way we perform and the way we sound,” Rhodes said. “Kendall is good at picking up on the kind of performer we are and helping us find our own talents so we can really shine on the stage and do our best.” Massey’s talents don’t end just with vocals though, Barnard said. “Kendall’s talents are many,” he said. “He is an excellent musician, so he has the ability to write and produce tracks to use with both Sing Song and Freshman Follies. He also has the ability to design sound and to know exactly how a particular song should sound. “I’m most impressed with Kendall’s ability to develop themes each year that reflect our students and the ACU community. He has a unique gift when it comes to working with people.” Rhodes, who transferred

Inside the ‘Optimist’ See page 7B for an article about Vivi Massey and her work for Sing Song

to the university in 2004, said she has enjoyed her first Sing Song experience because she has learned a lot from Massey, especially in the way he treats others, including his wife and their three children. Although many believe Massey is the mastermind behind Sing Song, he said he couldn’t do any of it without the help of his wife. “She comes to the practices, helps with vocals, is in charge of all the costumes for hosts, hostesses and the dance team and she is a huge encouragement to the girls as a mentor and a friend,” he said. “She also takes care of me to make sure I’m OK. She does a great job, and she does it all with two little guys in tow.” Another main factor in Massey’s ability to pull off a production like Sing Song is his firm faith in God. “First off, I pray an awful lot that this show will be a production that can glorify him,” he said. “This show is in God’s hands; it’s something entirely separate of talent.” With the help of God, his wife and countless volunteers, Massey is hours from a Sing Song that is expected to be the

Gary Rhodes/Contributing Photographer

Kendall Massey holds his son Jonas during Moody Weekend on Feb. 10. With he and his wife, Vivi, involved in Sing Song, Massey often mixes work and family. best in a while. “There is a lot of pressure for Sing Song to be big, huge and marvelous,” Rhodes said. “Money and politics play into it a bit as does tradition, but Kendall is working as hard as he can to make it one of the best shows. He puts his entire heart into it.” She said the show will be more about God this year, not just flashy and over the top. “Sing Song is about entertainment and being over the top sometimes, but this year is going to be much more personal,” she said. “We’re going to be naked up there, so to speak; we’re going to be real on stage and let people see our true hearts through our voices. We’re going to be genuine and not just

razzle-dazzle you.” Massey said Sing Song was originally created for the spirit of singing together. He said today Sing Song is about working together and creating close friendships, a bond he has formed with the students he works with. “What is so amazing is that our students, most of whom are full-time students who work and have relationships, are the ones who make this happen,” Barnard said. “Kendall is their inspiration, coach, cheerleader, mentor and friend. He continues to breathe life into our student’s dreams, helping their dreams to be transformed into reality.” E-mail Sherwood at: mes02e@acu.edu

Hosts: Performers balance practice schedule, classes Continued from page 1A and hostesses for two years; he is only taking 12 hours of coursework to accommodate his 20-25 hour work weeks. Lucado said her class load is light because this is her last semester, and she said she finds it funny that the hours she’s rehearsing add up to more than the hours she’s in class. The busy schedules make it difficult for some hosts to find time for everything. “When you’re rehearsing every night, it’s really hard to

find time to do homework,” Castle said, “but I don’t think it’s impossible.” Rehearsals have taken over Lucado’s life, she said, but she couldn’t have asked for a more joyful and encouraging group to work with. “Though rehearsal times get pretty intense, we as a team try to always remember how blessed we are to even be in this position,” she said. “Also, Kendall, as a director and friend, could not be more kind and uplifting.” Smyth said learning to bal-

ance his homework with the practice schedule has taught him better time-management skills, but the fun times he’s had in rehearsals has made the schedule juggling worthwhile. “I have learned so much from everyone and have been encouraged by everyone,” Smyth said in an e-mail. “Rehearsals have not only made me a better singer, but a better person. Everyone gets along great on and off stage. “It’s funny; you’d think we would get annoyed spending six weeks together, but we

have become closer and best friends.” Castle said no two Sing Song productions are alike and this year is different in many ways. Lucado said the song selection runs the gamut of possibilities, from Gloria Estefan to the Beatles, and from Michael Buble crooning numbers to rap. “Sing Song is becoming more diverse, appealing to all different tastes in music,” she said. All three said they have numerous family members and

friends coming to see them perform, with Castle’s family coming from Kansas, and the Lucados are using the weekend as an opportunity for a minifamily reunion, she said. Castle said he isn’t too nervous yet, but he’s sure he’ll have butterflies on opening night. Smyth said he doesn’t get nervous much anymore because he’s been practicing for six weeks. “I’m more excited to see how God is going to bless the

show,” he said. “I just want to give praise to God for all he has done for us and is going to do for us in the show.” Lucado said she’s nervous for the show, and she said when you spend so many hours working on something, you don’t want to make any mistakes. ”But I really have to keep things in perspective,” she said. “Life will go on if I mess up.” E-mail Carlson at: skc02a@acu.edu

SING SONG HOSTS AND HOSTESSES

Page 6A

SING SONG HOSTS AND HOSTESSES

Friday, February 17, 2006

Page 7A

Six juniors and seniors in Sing Song’s ‘The 50th Show’ mix an eclectic group of contemporary, classic and spiritual songs on their way to ...

Playing host to history Ragan Rhodes, Josh Castle and Jenna Lucado dance during “Conga,” which also was performed with the dance team.

Josh Castle and Ragan Rhodes sing during the final act of “The 50th show” in a number called “Sing.”

Crystal Hughes, Shannon Bailey and Will Smyth perform “We live.” These three joined with Jenna Lucado, Josh Castle and Ragan Rhodes as this year’s Sing Song hosts and hostesses.

“Ragan Rhodes and Josh Castle perform a duet during the song “Time after Time.”

Crystal Hughes and Shannon Bailey clap their hands during their rendition of “Conga,” which was performed with the dance team.

Photos by Brian Schmidt chief photographer Design by Jonathan Smith editor in chief

Will Smyth and Shannon Bailey rehearse the medley number during Wednesday night’s dress rehearsal of the show.

Jenna Lucado, Ragan Rhodes and Crystal Hughes practice their act “Conga” during Wednesday night’s first full dress rehearsal of Sing Song.

1 9 5 7

Jenna Lucado

Senior integrated marketing communication major from San Antonio

Ragan Rhodes

junior interdisciplinary major from Fort Worth

Crystal Hughes

Junior human communication major from Frisco

Josh Castle

Junior music teaching major from Overland Park, Kan.

Shannon Bailey Senior management major from Corsicana

Will Smyth

Senior youth and family ministry major from San Antonio

2 0 0 6

Page 8A

February 17, 2006 Box Office

Figures for the weekend of February 10-12, in millions. Total grosses in parentheses. 1. Pink Panther — $20.2 (new) 2. Final Destination 3 — $19.2 (new) 3. Curious George — $14.7 (new) 4. Firewall — $13.6 (new) 5. When a Stranger Calls — $9.1 ($34) 6. Big Momma’s House 2 — $6.9 ($54.9) 7. Nanny McPhee — $4.9 ($33) 8. Brokeback Mountain — $4 ($66.5) 9. Underworld: Evolution — $2.6 ($57.4) 10. Hoodwinked— $2.4 ($47.3)

Today’s Movies Eight Below (Not Rated) — starring the voices of Paul Walker, Bruce Greenwood; directed by Frank Marshall. Three members of a scientific expedition in Antarctica are forced to leave their team of sled dogs behind after an accident, and the dogs must struggle for survival. Freedomland (R) — starring Samuel L. Jackson, Julianne Moore; directed by Joe Roth. A hysterical white woman claims a black man forced her out of her car, hijacking it with her son in the back seat. Date Movie (PG-13) — starring Alyson Hannigan; directed by Aaron Seltzer A parody of various romantic comedies.

‘Eyre’ beautiful, enthralling ensemble piece By SARAH CARLSON Arts Editor

Jane Eyre

The hypocrisy of the social class system and suffocating moral restraints abundant during Queen Victoria’s reign form the backdrop of Jane Eyre: The Musical, a representation of Charlotte Brontë’s most popular novel, first brought to the Broadway stage in 2000. Sweeping, and at times unnerving, musical numbers bring Jane’s story to life in this engaging production, now produced by the ACU Theatre Department for its Winter Dinner Theatre. The Fulks Theatre sets an intimate tone for the story of Jane, an orphan who grows to be a governess. Her strong opinions and faith set her apart from most of her contemporaries, except for Edward Rochester, the master of Thornfield Hall, where she teaches his ward, Adele. Brontë’s story of Jane is in many ways autobiographical, from her unhappy times away at school, losing sisters to tuberculosis and spending time both as a teacher and a governess. The isolation of the English moors, a backdrop for Brontë as well as Jane, is an undercurrent of her work, as is the Gothic genre of horror, seen through the mystery of Thornfield, ghosts and gypsies. Stuffing more than 400 pages of Victorian literature into a two and a half hour musical is a daunting task, but the creative team of John Caird and Paul Gordon, who were behind the 2000 production, manage to maintain the ultimate themes of forgiveness, emotional suffering and unconditional love of Jane Eyre. The musical begins with an

• 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 24-25, and March 3-4 in the Fulks Theatre • Tickets: play-only are $15, dinner and show are $27. For tickets, call 674-2787

adult Jane narrating scenes of her early life, looking over her younger, more stubborn self and reflecting on her hardships and lessons learned. The adult Jane progresses the story, and the transition from past to present is excellent. Julie Miller, senior theatre major from Winter Garden, Fla., as Jane, and Ben Jeffrey, senior theatre major from Kansas City, Mo., as Rochester, both deliver commanding and impressive performances with unbelievable voices. Their characters transition through a variety of complex emotions throughout the novel and play, and Miller and Jeffrey convey these with pitch-perfect precision. Though, despite being the title character, Jane’s show is stolen away by her very own Mr. Rochester. Jeffrey steals most scenes he’s in, giving the strongest performance and having the strongest voice. Miller is still amazing as the reserved Jane but during their powerful duets, I found my eyes following Jeffrey. The delightful Lauren Allred, senior theatre major from Abilene, plays Mrs. Fairfax, the bubbling and slightly deaf housekeeper at Thornfield, and I only wish Allred had received more leading roles during her time at ACU. Emily Savage, junior theatre major from North Richland Hills, delivers an engaging performance as the young Jane

alongside Jane’s childhood friend Helen Burns, portrayed by Jenavene Hester, freshman theatre major from Abilene. Hester also plays Adele, Rochester’s French Ward, and brings energy to the stage and her scenes, tricking the viewer into thinking she really is a young French girl. The ensemble is impressive, with each member serving as narrators and almost as props themselves, moving backdrops throughout the play. Victorian-aged chorus members progress the story and transition various scenes, helping set the restrained tone of the time period, although some of the members looked more bored than restrained. Although Miller and Jeffrey carry most scenes on stage, the production could not have been as accomplished without each member of the ensemble and crew. This demonstrates the skill of all majors and staff involved, especially the stage manager Amy Simpson, junior theatre major from Denver, who has more than 170 cues to call. Every person and object on stage is used and used well, everyone contributing and using an apparently simple set to ingeniously convey the impression of various locations. Members of the ensemble rotate a steel staircase on stage while the characters stand on it, continuing their dialogue as if they were moving throughout Thornfield. Great attention to detail was given during the preparation of this production, from the construction of countless Victorian-age costumes to making sure a blanket used in the desolate orphanage would scatter dust when shaken by a resident. This endearing romance

gary rhodes/Staff Photographer

Emily Savage, junior theatre major from North Richland Hills, left, and Julie Miller, senior theatre major from Winter Garden, Fla., right, portray the young and older Jane, respectively, in ACU Theatre Department’s Winter Dinner Theatre Jane Eyre: The Musical. and ambitious production of Jane Eyre: The Musical is one of the more sweeping and impressive non-Homecoming musicals in recent years, and one of the best Theatre Department productions I’ve seen over the past four years.

E-mail Carlson at: skc02a@acu.edu

Editor’s Note In our Feb. 10 edition, in the story “Brontë’s brooding moors brought to stage in musical ‘Jane Eyre,’” actress Julie Miller was incorrectly identified. The Optimist apologizes for this oversight.

February 17, 2006

Page 9A

The Art of

Faith

Lectureship showcases music, film and their ties to spirituality By SARAH CARLSON Arts Editor

The ability to create and use art as a form of expression of our faith is an essential part of Christianity. When Dr. Mark Love, director of Ministry Events, took over ACU’s Bible Lectureship four years ago, he initiated a Gospel and Culture Coffee House series, a low-key affair where students, faculty and Lectureship attendees could gather to discuss current religious themes in various forms

Gospel and Culture Coffee House 8:45 p.m., McGlothlin Campus Center Bean Sprout Sunday “From Rage to Ecstasy: U2 and the Psalms” Monday “Race in America: Reviewing the Movie Crash”

of media, mainly music and film. The merging of Christ with culture is ever apparent in society, from the Cineplex to the concert stage, and the subsequent art is a powerful tool for bridging barriers and engaging others with Christianity. Thus, the necessity for Christians to examine their faith through the lens of a camera or the lyrics of a song has never been more pertinent. Several Lectureship events, including the Coffee House series, examine the overlapping of art and faith:

Tuesday “Tangled Up in Scripture: The Music of Bob Dylan” Wednesday “Believe the Good News!”

Music, Movies and Visual Art • “We Beheld His Glory” Composing Worship Songs from the Gospel of John, 8:30 a.m., Monday-Wednesday, WPAC Room 145 • “Lux et Tenebrae: Light and Darkness in Sacred Music,” 2 p.m. Monday, WPAC Room 145 • “Concert Chorale” A Cappella Chorus and Univer-

sity Chorale present a concert of works intersecting themes from the Gospel of John, 8:45 p.m. Monday, WPAC Room 111 • “Interpretive Art Inspired by the Gospel of John.” Art Exhibit Opening Reception, 8:45 p.m. Sunday, Shore Art Gallery • Artist talk with Nil Santana and selected students. Brown bag lunch, 12:15 p.m. Monday, Shore Art Gallery • “Hollywood’s Challenge for the Church,” 2 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, Mabee Business Building Room 115

Sunday night’s Coffee House conversation “From Rage to Ecstasy: U2 and the Psalms” will analyze various U2 songs, including “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For,” “Beautiful Day,” “Where the Streets Have No Name” and “With or Without You.”

Page 10A

February 17, 2006

After 50 years, Sing Song still dazzles The issue:

Sing Song celebrates its 50th year this weekend.

Our view:

Sing Song is more then a crazy tradition: it’s a showcase of talent and an enjoyable show.

The solution:

Soak up the joys and displayed talent of Sing Song weekend.

Sing Song will razzle and dazzle audiences will its 50th show this weekend, allowing students to show off a wide range of talents. Although the show began 50 years ago as a way for students to showcase their singing, the extravaganza now brings students of various disciplines and talents together. A single act requires a director, choreographer, lyrics writer, costume designer, video creator, composer, dozens of students willing to devote time to practice, and someone with enough organization

Running down the collegiate dreams Steve Fossett broke the solute airship speed world world record Saturday for record by traveling to Gercompleting the longest non- many so he could fly a Zeppestop flight in aviation history, lin plane. Once there, Fossett t r a v e l i n g had to become certified to fly 26,389 miles not only a German aircraft around the but also the Zeppelin. When globe in 76 he completed his training, he hours. He was one of 17 certified pilots stopped only in the world who could fly a because of Zeppelin. He completed his mechanical flight and set the record at problems. 115 kph. The 61Goals don’t have to be Face the year-old mil- something as outrageous as Facts lionaire ad- Fossett’s, but you have to set venturer left a few to go anywhere in life. Mallory the Kennedy As for me, I want to travel Sherwood Space Cen- around the world and visit ter in Cape Canaveral, Fla., on countries on every continent. Tuesday, despite losing 750 I want to ride in a gondola in gallons of fuel during take off; Venice, Italy, ski in the Swiss he had a mission to fulfill. The Alps, capture the people of 109-time world Recordsetter the world with a camera, open spent the latter part of his my own restaurant, learn to life overcoming challenges by swing dance and tango and land, sea and air after a suc- design my own house. I want cessful financial marketing to graduate with honors, work career. at a small-town newspaper in Fossett set goals that many a management position, marwould call unry my best realistic and friend and Goals don’t have to own a black often worked years to ac- be as outrageous as Labrador. I complish those want to be Fossett’s, but you goals. a leader in have to set a few to my church, I In his most recent record go anywhere in life. want to send breaking atmy kids to tempt, Foscollege and sett flew his lightweight ex- buy a brand- new car. perimental plane around the Without these goals, what world despite fuel loss, weak would I do with my life? winds in the Atlantic Ocean, In August I accomplished heavy turbulence over India one of my goals with my fiancé and a ventilation malfunction when he surprised me with a midway through the flight, hot air balloon ride across the causing him to drink most of Ohio countryside at sunset. his water supply because of Although I’m afraid of heights, 130 degree temperatures in the view was breathtaking, the the cockpit. Fossett’s life sets a ride quite slow and the landstandard for living that many ing unexpected. As our ride would be wise to follow. came to an end and our operaIn May, more than 600 stu- tor was searching for an open dents will graduate and head place to land, we began to race their separate ways for greater time to land before the sun hit things in life. Some have their the horizon. Little did I know lives planned out, some are that our crash-landing into a banking on finding the per- midget Amish farm would be fect job and some probably one of my favorite memories don’t have a clue about where with him. they’ll live or what career path Set high goals, do anything they’ll take. to reach them and enjoy your Don’t paralyze yourself crash-landings. You never with fear about the future. know where they may take Set goals for yourself and do you. whatever you can to achieve them. In 2004, Fossett went to E-mail Sherwood at: mes02e@acu.edu, optimist@acu.edu great lengths to beat the ab-

In Your Words How are you involved with Sing Song?

skills to bring Anyone who says Sing Song is just about club ry and silly all those stucostumes is rivalry and silly costumes is just plain wrong. just dents togethplain er. wrong. And that’s just one act. impress audiences with the Although many students The show also includes same vitality and glamour don’t participate in the show, six hosts and hostesses who without sound, lighting and no other single event on camprepare for months, train- video technicians and tech- pus brings together so many ing their voices and bodies nology experts. diverse groups of students so they can be at peak perThree multitalented co- working toward the same formance level for three re- chairs pull all these students goal. For one week, more than hearsals and three shows in together and work with the 1,000 students and many facfour days. director of Student Produc- ulty and staff members share The university dance team, tions, Kendall Massey, to a common objective: survivShades Step Squad and His- make Sing Song a truly pro- ing Sing Song. panos Unidos also work for fessional show, worthy of Sing Song epitomizes weeks tuning their talents to three full houses. tradition at the university. their highest tier. Anyone who says Sing Bob Hunter, vice president And Sing Song wouldn’t Song is just about club rival- emeritus, created Sing Song

E-mail the Optimist at: optimist@acu.edu

Cole Williams

Let Loose

Sing Song bizarre but beautiful I’m standing in the concourse of the coliseum. My toes feel like ice cubes through my socks. It’s 3 a.m., and I just want to find my shoes and go home to bed. Suddenly, someone hectically motions for me to move Much Ado to the wall. About As I do, I see a line of Something young men Jaci approach. Schneider They’re all w e a r i n g bright green, and giant frogs seem to have engulfed their heads. The line of unsmiling green men keeps coming and coming, preventing me from reaching my shoes or finding my friends. I feel like any moment I should wake up warm and

Even though Sing Song pits social clubs against one another and forces classes to compete, it really does unify the campus. cozy in my bed, but I haven’t gone to sleep yet tonight. This isn’t a dream; it’s Sing Song. I’ve attempted to explain Sing Song to my friends and family back home, but each attempt results in blank stares and many questions. “No, we don’t dance,” I say. “We do choreography.” “We change the lyrics to well-known songs,” I say. “No one plays music, we sing a capella.” “Yes, lots of people participate, and lots and lots of people come watch.” I finally end with, “Well, maybe I’ll buy the DVD this year, and I can show you.” Sing Song is a truly unique event. I can’t think of any other college activity any-

where that combines men wearing tights and makeup, students voluntarily rehearsing hours daily and alumni paying no small fee to see students move their arms together and sing. Even though Sing Song is inexplicable and bizarre, I love it. I love the hours spent rehearsing, the students running around in crazy costumes and the final show with its built-up excitement and apprehension. Even though Sing Song pits social clubs against one another and forces classes to compete, it really does unify the campus. We’re all in it together; we know why everyone around us is tired. We all laugh together at one social club’s

goal of growing mustaches. And we all wonder why we participate in this crazy show every year. I’m going to miss Sing Song after graduation, and even if I come back to watch it, I know it won’t be the same. Classes and clubs will have new inside jokes in their lyrics, new rivalries will have replaced those of today, and students will have created new traditions to celebrate. Coming to college, I never thought I would experience anything like Sing Song, so even though I’m going to walk around like I’m in a bizarre dream this weekend, I’m going to make sure it’s a good dream. One filled with crazy images, best friends and great memories.

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

“I’m not involved, but I have friends who are.”

“I’m in the sophomore class act. We’re going to win.”

“I’m on Shades Step Squad.”

“I’m a freshman usher.”

Kelly Dennis

Rebecca Jerkins

Brian Escochea

Lindsey Sobolik

sophomore education major from Leesburg, Fla.

sophomore English major from Houston

attacks, obscenity, defamation, erroneous information or invasion of privacy. Please limit letters to 350 words or fewer. A name and phone number must be included for verification purposes. Phone numbers will not be published. Address letters to: ACU Box 27892 Abilene, TX 79699 E-mail letters to: optimist@acu.edu

freshman art major from Coppell

freshman electronic media major from San Antonio

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

to further the traditional image of Abilene Christian College as “the singing college.” Although the event doesn’t make much sense to people unfamiliar with it, the university is known for the yearly musical show. And if our university is known for putting on a production that showcases the diverse talents of 1,200 students and allows them to glorify God with those talents, we can’t find anything wrong with that.

Editorial and Management Board

Published by the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication Newsroom: (325) 674-2439

Sports desk: (325) 674-2684

Jonathan Smith

Mitch Holt

Editor in Chief

Opinion Editor

Mallory Sherwood

Brian Schmidt

Managing Editor

Chief Photographer

Jaci Schneider

Jared Fields

Copy Editor

Sports Editor

Photo department: (325) 674-2499

Advertising office: (325) 674-2463

Sarah Carlson

Christi Stark

Arts Editor

Advertising Manager

Tiffany Taylor

Kenneth Pybus

Features Editor

Adviser

Subscriptions ($40/academic year): (325) 674-2296.

Online: www.acuoptimist.com

Page 11A

February 17, 2006

Join in the ‘excitement!’

Looking Back

Retrospective opinion page in honor of 50 years of the Optimist reporting the ups, downs, victories, defeats, and opinions of Sing Song, we have reprinted Opinion-page highlights from years past. Enjoy the stroll down memory lane.

This editorial ran in the February 15, 1985, edition of the Optimist, sharing with the ACU community the excitement of ACU’s

“Excitement” is spreading. Starting from the stage in Moody Coliseum this weekend, “Sing Song excitement” 1985 will be spreading all over campus the energy of friendly competition, the joy of fellowship in a shared project, and the thrill of reuniting with visiting friends and relatives. Involving hundreds of students and many long hours of practice, Sing Song has

always there’s In so many ways, ACU in 1985 is an exciting place to be. We C h r i s proven of the Optimist welcome you to the campus... to be t i a n a main V i l attraction of the school year. students and visitors alike lage of Abilene, a retirement This year, with six hosts and that the excitement at ACU center for Christian seniors hostesses and a stage design won’t stop when Lectureship and a training laboratory for straight form Disney World, ends. We believe that same ACU’s gerontology departthe performance couldn’t excitement produced by the ment, to be constructed just prove to be anything less teaching, the fellowship and across Campus Court from than exciting. the signs of growth should, Edwards Hall; then there’s Next week will bring Lec- and will, continue through- McKinzie Hall, which is betureship and crowds from all out the semester. ing remodeled to include over the United States coming As far as facilities growth, several offices; then there’s to hear and share ideas about several buildings are being the new industrial technol“What the Church Needs to built or remodeled in order ogy department’s addition of Hear.” This theme is sure to to increase the educational several hundred square feet highlight innovative service effectiveness of the univer- of space. and evangelism methods, sity while also enhancing the And in the sports arena, convicting and inspiring mes- beauty of the campus. ACU’s athletes are definitely sages, and edifying fellowship First is the new Mabee Busi- giving cause for excitement. with some of the Church of ness Building, a $6 million faThe ACU men’s basketball Christ’s finest. cility being constructed just team is facing its first chance But we want to affirm to off Judge Ely Boulevard; then for a Lone Star Conference

basketball title since 1979. The male Wildcat’s are 5-1 in conference play, and the women’s team also has lost only one game. Both teams have excellent chances to win the LSC this year. Also in the spotlight, the Wildcat football coaching staff has signed 15 new players for the 1985 football season. And with the leadership of Head Coach John D. Payne, the Wildcats are hoping for a promising year in football. In so many ways, ACU in 1985 is an exciting place to be. We of the Optimist welcome you to the campus and hope you’ll join in our “excitement!”

Optimist Editorial Board

Sing Songing to God’s glory Looking Back This editorial was printed in the February 17, 1984, edition of the Optimist, reminding students of their audience at Sing Song.

Sing Song. Just the mention of the word invokes memories of singing flies, months of practice and spirited competition between the clubs and classes. Thousands of man-hours of preparation will be displayed in the weekends three shows. However, Sing Song goes beyond just the practices and the competition. Sing Song is a chance for the student body to be more cohesive. It is also a chance to worship god and to thank him for the wonderful blessings

we have. Although the competition is a big part of Sing Song, the real beauty of the event comes through when all the groups are finished with their performances, and the awards have been handed out. The real beauty of Sing

It would be difficult for many of us to imagine what ACU would be like without Sing Song ... it gets better every year it is performed. Song is when old and young, Subbers and Frats, parents and children, Kojies and Siggies join hands and sing “The Lord Bless You and Keep You.” During that time, when everyone in Moody Coliseum is focused on sing-

ing praises to God and admonitions to their brothers and sisters that will linger long after the thrill of winning the vocal competition, Sing Song’s true spirit is revealed. Sing Song is a wonderful tradition that hopefully will continue for years to come. It would be difficult for some of us to imagine what ACU would be like without Sing Song; the positive force that the proceeds have on the campus and in the community, and the drawing together of the student body into a great tradition are what have kept Sing Song getting better every year it has been performed. So sing with all your heart. But remember whose glory we should singing for.

Comic by R. Diaz, Feb. 23, 1976

Optimist Editorial Board

Journey to a unique, hypothetical ’74 Sing Song show Looking Back This was printed as a column in the February 23, 1973, edition of the Optimist, suggesting a hypothetical, more commercialized Sing Song performance. The Faculty Senate is reportedly looking into that hallowed institution, Sing Song, to find out whether student participation has not gotten out of hand. Sing Song has come a long way since it’s humble beginnings back in Sewell Auditorium during the 1950’s, and

has improved with age. Some people think it has improved too much: more and more expensive stage equipment is being imported from out-of-state, costume designs are getting wilder and more flamboyant, and student rehearsal have reached the point where they interfere with other activities. As a matter of fact, if Sing Song continues to improve at the rate it has in the past, here is how the 1974 edition of Sing Song might turn out: “Hello everybody, this is Bob Barker, live from Moody Coliseum where CBS is televising the 1974 Sing Song. With me is the lovely June Lockhart, and we’re

enjoying a pleasant intermission. June, in case some of our viewers just tuned in, why not recap some of tonight’s highlights for us?” “My pleasure, Bob. The men’s and women’s social clubs have already performed, and I can only say that if you missed them, you really missed something! The most memorable performance to now has been by the women of GATA, who sang Tara’s theme from Gone With the Wind. Wasn’t that thrilling, Bob?” “Yes, June, and I think their restaging of the burning of Atlanta would rival that of the 1939 movie classic. By the way,

aren’t those the Sing Song hosts and hostesses performing on stage?” “Yes, Bob. You know, the hosts and hostesses used to be selected from the ACC student body, but our producers tell us that they went off campus this year to satisfy a more sophisticated audience. And I think their selection is so superb, Bob: Joe Cocker, Barbara Striesand, Elton John, and Tammy Wynette would do honors to any college musical performance!” “June, I gather that the mixed singing competition is about to begin. Coming on stage at this moment is the freshman class, who will be singing the Love

Theme from 1972’s hit movie, The Poseidon Adventure.” “Bob, all I can say is that the freshmen have really gone all out to win the costumes award. That 24,000 gallon water tank you see on your television screen was specially constructed for this performance. Floating in the tank is an exact replica of the capsized S.S. Poseidon. Amazing, isn’t it, Bob?” “Yes, June. And if none of the fish drown tonight (a little dry humor there) they’ll give the senior class a real run for their money.” “That’s right, Bob. The seniors this year are performing a medley of hits made popular

by the Rolling Stones. All the members are wearing sequined jump suits, and director Kenny Wilson does a smashing imitation of Mick Jagger. Incidentally, Bob, who paid for all those bass and rhythm guitars that the seniors use in their act?” “I don’t know, June, but after this message from Clairol, we’ll return to learn of the results and listen to the ACC Alma Mater as done for us by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, who came all the way from Salt Lake City, Utah, to…”

Another Column John Williams

Sing Song embodies Christian love in 1973 Looking Back This was printed as a letter to the editor in the February 23, 1973, edition of the Optimist, regarding student attitudes at Sing Song. Dear Sing Song participants, I want to take this oppor-

tunity to thank everyone for the job each person played in ranking Sing Song ’73 the greatest production ever. Each group seemed more polished then ever before, and thus reflected the many hours of rehearsals which were spent in trying to make Sing Song a great success! I shall never forget the great spirit which dominated

this year’s performance. This spirit reflected the love which each person, victorious or not, felt his club or class, love felt for the school, but most a love which each person felt for the other persons involved. As Sing Song ’73 ended I couldn’t help but stand and watch the excitement … love … fellowship which was being shared by all. It was beautiful to a real

Christian excitement; Moonies yelling for Kinsmen , Juniors hugging Freshmen, and Kojies laughing with Siggies. Excitement … love … fellowship – all words which describe Sing Song ’73. Thank you for sharing Sing Song ’73. Herb Butrum Sing Song Coordinator of 1973 show

An odd combination of songs and salesmen Looking Back This was printed as a humor column in the February 23, 1973, edition of the Optimist, suggesting a goofy Sing Song/Lectureship combination.

Comic by R. Diaz, Feb. 6, 1976

February is the Abilene season for influenza, drizzling rain, Sing Song, and Lectureship. This year, just to be different, I had the flu in January, and now we are showered with the blessings of a liquor election instead of rain, but Sing

Song and Lectureship apparently will continue as from the beginning. Actually, it is no coincidence that Sing Song and Lectureship occur so close in time and tradition, for each is a quite entertaining spectacle in its’ own right. Who can say which is more fun, a genuine three ring circus or an almostlike-entertainment junior Lawrence Welk hour? There is really no need for the joys of Sing Song to compete with the blessings of Lectureship; it would be so easy to simply combine the two into a truly spiritual extravaganza.

The Dry Abilene Christian University Sing Sell could present every circus tent booth operator as a member of a competitively costumed religious music chorus. For instance, all of the vendors of church bathroom fixtures could harmoniously sing, “Shall We Gather at the River” or “Rest for the Weary.” Enterprising church building architects and contractors could join in a rousing round of “The Wise Man Built His House Upon the Rock.” ... Aging but lovable evangelists and bulletin editors could warn of false prophets and

bingo games between verses of “Give Me That Old-Time Religion” or ‘Faith of our Father’s Father.” Finally, all of the spiritual profiteers making thousands of dollars selling assorted goodies for the good of the brotherhood will put on sackcloth, ashes, and poverty stricken expressions and sing a moving rendition of “Bringing in the Sheaves.” You can bet that tickets will sell out faster then ever, so order early for a ringside seat. Chuckles Chuck Bradford

Page 12A

Friday, February 17, 2006

FROM THE FRONT PAGE

Seniors: Students perform final act

Crisp: Trustee, alumnus honored

Continued from page 1A

Sing Song happens.” “This isn’t just for us; it shouldn’t be,” McCain said. With this year’s Sing Song focusing on the history of Sing Song through the years, McCain said that his social club, Gamma Sigma Phi, is doing a rendition of their club’s 1975 act. McCain said GSP alumni will enjoy watching this year’s club re-doing their old act. McCain said Sing Song is popular because alumni want to come back and see students doing what they did when they were here. “It’s a portal for them to reminisce,” McCain said. “I’m sure I’m going to come back the next 50 years.” Masters said she enjoys seeing all the people come in

for Sing Song. “Most are alumni who have participated in Sing Song, and so it holds a special place in their memory,” Masters said. “Some are parents or grandparents or other relatives coming to see their child perform.” McCain and Masters are two of the 58 seniors performing in the senior class act. Though the senior class numbers aren’t as high as some of the other acts, Masters said the experience is fun for those who do participate. “The fact is that it brings people together to work toward a common goal and allows them to have a little fun in the process,” Masters said. “And we all need a little fun in life.” E-mail Josey at: optimist@acu.edu

Brian Schmidt/Chief Photographer

Members of the senior class perform their Star Wars themed act in Moody Coliseum during Wednesday’s dress rehearsal.

day and Saturday before he receives the award Sunday. “I can’t think of any institution that I would be more honored to receive an award like this from,” Crisp said. “It’s very much a highlight for me.” Crisp, who has served as the chair of the Board of Trustees since 1992, works as the chair of the Rosewood Corporation, a Dallas/Fort Worth-based company that owns holdings in the oil and gas industry, real estate and hotel management. While a student at the university, Crisp served as president of men’s social club Galaxy and the Business Administration Council, and he was treasurer for the Students’ Association.

He has served on the board of trustees for Dallas Christian Schools, Christian Services of the Southwest, The Christian Chronicle and Missions Resource Network. Crisp said he feels like he is representing thousands of other deserving alumni. “It’s really not possible to select one person,” Crisp said. “I’ve been thinking about the thousands of graduates who have come out of ACU through the last 100 years … who haven’t received this recognition. I’d like to dedicate this to the thousands of alumni out there who are just great people.”

E-mail Smith at: jvs02a@acu.edu

Page 1B

February 17, 2006 Standings

Men’s Basketball Team Tarleton St. WTAMU TAMU-K MSU ENMU ACU

Div. 9-0 7-2 5-3 4-5 3-5 3-7

Overall 20-4 18-6 15-8 15-9 9-14 8-17

Women’s Basketball Team WTAMU Angelo St. Tarleton St. TX Woman’s ACU MSU

Div. 10-1 9-1 8-2 5-5 4-7 3-7

Overall 21-3 18-5 16-7 12-10 10-14 9-14

BASEBALL Team ACU ENMU Angelo St. TAMU-K WTAMU Tarleton St.

Div. 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0

Overall 8-1 8-1 5-1 3-1 3-2 2-6

SOFTBALL Team Div. Tarleton St. 0-0 ACU 0-0 ENMU 0-0 TAMU-K 0-0 Angelo St. 0-0 0-0 WTAMU

Wildcats jump to No. 4 in national poll n The No. 4 Wildcats beat Incarnate Word 11-4 on Tuesday in San Antonio before playing No. 1 Central Oklahoma this weekend at Crutcher Scott Field. By PATRICK LOVELESS Sports Writer

Tuesday afternoon Wildcat baseball defeated the Incarnate Word Cardinals in San Antonio in a game that the Wildcats used to tune up for this weekend’s series against the Central Oklahoma Bronchos. Despite a quick run scored

Baseball in the first inning by the Cardinals, the Wildcats had little trouble striking back and breezing through the rest of the game, winning 11-4. “We did a lot of things well,” said head coach Britt Bonneau, “We saw some great pitching from Brandon Moore, and we did well with our hitting as well.” With a second inning home run from Joel Wells, a five-run inning in the fifth, and a ninth inning two-run

home run from Chris Walsh, and 14 total hits for the Wildcats, “well” is an understatement. The team’s dominance at the plate has been consistent through the year. Also, with Brandon Moore only giving up one earned run in four innings, it comes as no surprise that the Wildcats pummeled the Cardinals by seven runs. Designated hitter Joel Wells, coming off a great weekend against Arkansas Tech, was named this week’s

“Hitter of the Week” for the Lone Star Conference. With two top five teams in the nation belonging to the LSC, this is no minor feat. He proved himself worthy of such an honor Tuesday with two hits, an RBI, and a home run to lead off the second inning with a bang. “Wells is finding his swing,” Bonneau said. “When he gets in a zone, and he knows what pitches he needs to be swinging at, he can go on a big streak. Hopefully we can keep his hot bat in the line-up.”

Recruiting turns high tech

Overall 7-2 8-4 8-4 4-2 4-7 4-7

n After a fast start to Tuesday’s game against West Texas A&M, the Wildcats let their lead slip away to a 82-67 loss. By JARED FIELDS Sports Editor

Tuesday

baseball ACU 11, Incarnate Word 4

Wednesday

softball ACU 10, Incarnate Word 2 ACU 5, Incarnate Word 4 (8) wOMEN’S BASKETBALL WTAMU 82, ACU 67 men’s Basketball WTAMU 87, ACU 73

Upcoming Schedule Friday

Softball ACU vs. SE Oklahoma St. 11:30 a.m. ACU vs. SW Oklahoma St. 4:30 p.m. baseball ACU vs. Central Oklahoma 1 p.m. (DH) Men’s tennis ACU at Cal-Poly Invitational 2 p.m.

Players, coaches find one another with ease more than ever because of new technology.

Saturday

Women’s basketball ACU at Eastern New Mexico, 6 p.m. Men’s basketball ACU at Eastern New Mexico, 8 p.m. Softball ACU vs. St. Edward’s 3:30 p.m. Men’s tennis ACU at Cal-Poly Invitational 2 p.m.

Sunday Men’s tennis ACU at Cal-Poly Invitational 2 p.m.

Story by Jared Fields

• Home games listed in italics

Briefs Head track and field coach Don Hood will take a “handful” of athletes to the Oklahoma Sooner Indoor Invitational Saturday for their second-to-last chance to qualify for the NCAA Division II Indoor National Championships. Hood said he will take several field event athletes and a few runners to Oklahoma, while most of the team will remain in Abilene and train before the national meet. “Our plan from the beginning was that we’d run three track meets and have about three weeks to train,” Hood said. “There are a couple more people that need to go run another race. One or two points can spell the difference at a national meet.” Eight individual men and two relay teams have qualified provisionally for the national meet, while two men have posted automatic qualifying times. On the women’s side, 11 individuals have qualified provisionally, while one individual and two relay teams have posted automatic qualifying times. Following Saturday’s race, remaining athletes who have not qualified will have their final opportunity to do so at the George Mason Last Chance Meet in Fairfax, Va., on Saturday. — Steve Holt Sports Writer

E-mail Loveless at: spl05a@acu.edu

Inconsistent play dooms Wildcats

Scores

Sooner Invitational next meet for a few athletes.

The team will need all the hot bats it can get this weekend, as the Wildcats will face the No. 1 team in the nation, Central Oklahoma. The Wildcats have a 2-1 record against No. 1 ranked teams in its history, with both wins against Delta State in the 2003 Division II Regionals. The Wildcats face Central Oklahoma at 1 p.m. Friday, if weather permits, in a double header.

Jessica Johnson earned a spot on the ACU softball team without ever trying out in front of a Wildcat coach. Instead, like many players on the roster, Johnson gained attention from Wildcat coaches through video clips on a Web site. Johnson said she wanted to play college softball but was running out of options her senior year of high school. “They were going to fly out here for tryouts,” head coach Chantiel Wilson said. “I told them to save their money and send a video.”

The video, which included some defensive clips and atbats, convinced the coaches Johnson was worthy of a spot on the team. “Putting my video online was the greatest thing that could have happened to me,” Johnson said. “It makes it easier for some people to get recruited.” Sending a video to a coach is nothing new, but the ways prospective college athletes and coaches interact have drastically changed over the years. The Internet and other developing technologies give coaches and

recruits far more opportunities to find one another.

New Technology Recruits who have grown up in the computer age are more technologically savvy than ever before, and coaches find themselves competing to stay with the times. Along with Web sites, text messaging and instant messaging also are changing the way some coaches approach recruits. See

In a reversal of roles for the women’s basketball team, the Wildcats lost Tuesday 82-67 to West Texas A&M. The pattern of the game followed the Wildcats’ game against Midwestern State on Saturday, except this time, the Wildcats lost. Against West Texas the Wildcats jumped out to an early 155 lead. After the quick start, the Lady Buffs made a run to take a 36-27 lead going into half. In the second half, the Wildcats came within four points of the lead, but West Texas went on a run of its own and kept a comfortable lead for the rest of the game. “We were playing with a lot of confidence early and let them have a little run going into halftime,” head coach Shawna Lavender said. “After the half we cut it to four at one point and made a run but didn’t make the plays we needed to after that.” Senior Ashley King was 5-10 from 3-point range and led the Wildcats with 23 points. Sophomore point guard Alex Guiton scored 10 points, made eight assists and three steals. Despite the inconsistency at times by the offense, Lavender said the defense made the difference in the game. “I was really disappointed in our game defensively last night,” Lavender said. “We didn’t do a good job of knowing where the shooters were, didn’t do a good job against guard penetration, and we were very inconsistent last night.” Three games remain for the Wildcats. Saturday the team plays their final LSC road game at Eastern New Mexico, then finish the season with games against Texas A&M-Kingsville and Texas Woman’s. The Wildcats trail Texas Woman’s in the LSC South standings. The schedule favors the Wildcats going into the final games. Texas Women’s play Midwestern State on Saturday. Next week the Pioneers play Angelo State, which is 9-1 in conference play. The final three games the Wildcats play are against teams they beat in the first round of conference games. “We’ve just got to take care of business and win the games we’re supposed to win,” Lavender said.

RECRUITING page 2B

E-mail Fields at: jrf03b@acu.edu

Cats sweep double-header n The Wildcats won both games of their double-header against Incarnate Word on Tuesday night at Wells Field, 10-2, 5-4, to improve their record to 10-4 overall. By ASHLEY MOORE Sports Writer

brian schmidt/Chief Photographer

Junior third baseman Nicole Deel catches a line drive and then doubles up Incarnate Word’s Ashley Hinojosa for an inning-ending double play in the second inning of the first game Tuesday at Wells Field.

The women’s softball team pulled out two more wins in a double-header against Incarnate Word on Wednesday. The first game was called in the fifth inning because of the “eight-run rule” with the Wildcats leading 10-2. Incarnate Word forced the Wildcats to work harder dur-

Softball ing the second game. After eight innings, the Wildcats brought home their second win of the night with a 5-4 final score, advancing their record to 10-4 overall and remaining undefeated at home. Jennifer Leal pitched the first game, making this her fourth win of the season. The Wildcats started out the bottom of the first inning scoring big with five runs. Four of those runs came from the grand slam that junior infielder Jenna Daugherty knocked to center field, al-

lowing Nicole Deel, Samantha Borgeson, and Jessica Johnson all to reach home. Daugherty said it felt great to finally get the lead in the first inning and not the other way around. Deel and Daugherty scored two more runs in the third. They earned the last three runs of the game in the fifth inning with Johnson hitting a home run to seal the Wildcat win. The second win of the night was a little tougher than the first. The game went into an extra inning, and the Wildcats See

SOFTBALL page 3B

SPORTS JUMPS

Page 2B

Friday, February 17, 2006

Recruiting: Technology affects coaches and players Continued from page 1B Women’s basketball coach Shawna Lavender is one coach willing to adapt to the times. “The text messaging, the IM and all that kind of stuff, that’s what kids do now so you have to be able to do it,” Lavender said. “You have to be able to learn how to do those things. I think that’s been a huge change.” The NCAA limits the number of phone calls coaches are allowed to make to a recruit. Most coaches get only one call per week, but they can e-mail juniors and seniors as much as they want. The access to instant communication soothes the need coaches feel to stay in contact with a recruit. “Just the instant ‘hey, how’d your game go tonight’ makes it a lot quicker to communicate than it was before,” Lavender said. Coaches also have access to more players on Web sites devoted to certain sports. Some sites update game scores and stats to be seen nationwide by anyone. This

helps coaches track a player throughout a season or in out-of-season leagues. “I wouldn’t say that I found players through the Internet, but there are a lot that I followed through the Internet,” Lavender said. The price of technology has come with a learning curve for those who haven’t been around computers all their lives. Whether coaches are fresh out of college or on the brink of retirement, time has to be put into learning something new. “It takes me 30 minutes to type out a small text message, and they text me back in like two seconds,” Lavender said. Not all coaches are taking the time to get into messaging. Chantiel Wilson said she doesn’t have the time to instant message. Other coaches don’t even consider it. However, for Lavender something like e-mail or instant messaging provides an effective and legal way to stay in contact with a prospective player on a daily basis when schools with bigger budgets will send a recruit something every day to attract top-tal-

ent. From a cost perspective, sending e-mails are more budget-friendly than sending packets through the mail every day. “We recruited some kids against D-I schools, and I told them right up front ‘I’m not going to be sending you something every single day, but we want you here,’” Lavender said. Despite the growth in technology, Lavender said older coaches have an even tougher time adjusting to the technology and keeping pace with other coaches. Coaches that don’t know how to use the Internet continue to sift through paper and make phone calls. “I know coaches that have been in it for 15-20 years, and they have no clue,” Lavender said. “Some of the coaches I’ve talked to just had to learn how to do it.”

Traditional Recruiting Don D. Hood said he doesn’t think recruiting methods have changed, but what it takes to attract ath-

letes has changed. Hood, ACU’s head track and field coach, grew up around the sport. His dad, Don, coached the Wildcats in the ’80s, and Don D. has seen the change in recruiting through the years. “When I was I college watching my dad, it was just a phone call,” Don D. said. In the competitive recruiting world, “just a phone call” doesn’t get the results for coaches it once did. “He might go visit their house, but you didn’t have to fly them in and wine ’em and dine ‘em,” Don D. said. Now recruits look at how nice locker rooms, residence halls, cafeterias and, most importantly, equipment is in the program. “Now it’s more than just recruiting, you almost have to buy them,” Don D. said. “I don’t mean illegally, you just have to show them that you’ll get more stuff, whereas before it was, ‘how good of a coach are you and what kind of an education am I going to get.’” For Don D., staying ahead of the competition in recruiting involves many aspects of his job outside of technology, like scoping out a wide range of possible recruits in the U.S and internationally. “Here, there are so many connections,” Don D. said. “You’ve got missionaries in Kenya that are calling. I’ve got friends all over. I’ve got friends at D-I colleges where if they can’t get a kid, they’ll call me instantly.” Don D. also sends out about 300 questionnaires a year and receives about 150 back; he also receives an additional three or four completed questionnaires online a day and calls coaches about other athletes he’s interested in recruiting. In one year, Don D. said he hears from as many as 1,500 people. Head football coach Chris Thomsen said he looks at

about 1,200 players a year. Thomsen keeps a database on his computer of players the coaching staff wants to pursue. Of the 145 players in Thomsen’s database, he said just seven or eight players will end up as a Wildcat. Like any other sport, Thomsen and his staff have to evaluate many players. Thomsen says his process is similar to most schools. He subscribes to a service called Texas Films that gives him access to game film of every 4A and 5A school in Texas. When Thomsen sees a player he likes, he follows up by contacting coaches and teachers to find out more about the player. Compared to Lavender, Thomsen’s recruiting methods are more traditional. But, Lavender said the “old-fashioned” way is still the best. “And that’s never going to change,” she said.

Downside of technology The abundance of information online gives coaches a chance to follow their sport on a more nationwide scale than ever before. It also gives players the opportunity to be seen by more than just area schools. Assistant softball coach Casey Wilson is in charge of most of the recruiting efforts for the team. Casey said to learn about a player 10 years ago coaches had to rely mainly on phone calls and mail. Now he says there are too many players. Coach Lavender knows to take the good and the bad with technology benefits. “Now with the mass emails and mass resumes that come out through the Internet, I think we get a lot more hits,” Lavender said. “I think we get more information from kids that don’t even

know it’s coming to us.” “I guess it’s a catch-22. You get a lot of good ones, but then you get a lot more information from the kids where they’re sending it to 700,000 coaches.” Whether sorting through video or stacks of paper, coaches have to sort through the information one way or another. Chantiel Wilson sees things the same as Lavender. “I think a negative to technology is that there are some players who will draft up a form letter and send it to as many coaches as possible,” Chantiel Wilson said. Then coaches aren’t getting players with a genuine interest in playing at ACU, but players who just want any type of scholarship, she said. The accessibility of coaches has caused some problems for recruiters. “I have got letters addressed to other coaches,” Chantiel said. Don D. gets calls from parents and coaches who say their kid is going to be a star. “Then you get a video of them and you think, ‘oh man, there’s no way,’” he said. “You can’t keep up with all the people you get in, so you have to make quick judgments a lot of times.” Jessica Johnson is a success story. No matter how much technology helps or hinders coaches’ recruiting styles, Johnson is batting near .500 this season and is at the top of most offensive categories. But she said the outcome would have been different if she did not have a computer. “If it wouldn’t have been for a computer, I would either be at a junior college or not playing at all,” Johnson said. “Would I be playing at ACU? Probably not.”

E-mail Fields at: jrf03b@acu.edu

SPORTS JUMPS

Friday, February 17, 2006

Page 3B

Men have slim playoff hopes after West Texas loss n A record setting night from behind the arc could not help the Wildcats overcome West Texas A&M Tuesday night at the First United Bank Center in Canyon. By BRIAN HOLLAND Sports Editor

Tiago Souza drained seven 3-pointers as he helped the Wildcats set a new school record of 16 3-pointers in one game, but that couldn’t stop the West Texas A&M Buffaloes from downing ACU Tuesday night, 87-73. The win marked West Texas A&M’s 14th-straight consecutive win against the Wildcats, its 17th-straight victory overall, and it clinched the team a playoff berth. The Buffaloes also kept their home dominance of visitors to First

Men’s Basketball United Bank Center intact, now a perfect 13-0. Souza, a junior guard, went 7-13 from behind the arc and ended with 24 points for the Wildcats, while senior small forward Tex Rembert scored 21 points on 5-10 shooting from 3-point land. Will Alexander, a junior guard, also turned out an impressive night from the point, dishing out 10 assists and adding six points. The first ten minutes of the game consisted of eight lead changes and three ties, but the Buffaloes went on a 17-4 run to go into the half with a 49-36 advantage. The Wildcats went on an 8-0 run to open the second half and cut the lead to five but never

saw a score that close again. West Texas A&M would go on a run to stretch the lead to as much as 21 in the second half. Although not known to comment on the officials nor

“We’re still in the playoff hunt. It’s not ideal, but we’ve got a shot.” Head men’s basketball coach Jason Copeland

make excuses for his team, head coach Jason Copeland expressed his dismay after the game about the referees Tuesday night. “The officials were really bad,” Copeland said. “This is the only game [this season] I felt like the officials had

Softball: Relief pitching key Continued from page 1B fought with intensity to the end. “We were seeing the ball OK and knew what we needed to do,” Daugherty said. “We were hitting well; our hits just weren’t going through.” Sarah Vidalin was the starting pitcher for ACU and struck

out two batters during her time on the mound. Melanie Smith came in as her relief in the sixth inning and made it through the game allowing only one hit. Although Borgeson had two RBI singles to win the game, it was the relief pitching of Smith that made a huge difference to keep the team in the lead, head

brian schmidt/Chief Photographer

Junior Jenna Daugherty touches home plate as her team congratulates her grand slam in the first game of a double-header against Incarnate Word.

something to do with the outcome of the game.” ACU was shut down in the paint by what Copeland characterized as: “getting hacked.” The called-foul disparity

coach Chantiel Wilson said. Deel finally scored one run for ACU in the fourth, and the Cardinals then retaliated with a run in the fifth. Incarnate Word gained three more points in the sixth inning, and the Wildcats struck back with another three. At the end of the seventh inning, the game was tied at four. The Cardinals didn’t last long in the eighth inning, as they went out not putting any more points on the board. But the Wildcats were determined to finish it out strong. Allison Crouse scored the final point off of Borgeson’s single to right field for the triumph. The Wildcats will play in the CBS Insurance Classic tournament in Abilene this weekend. The Wildcats play Southwest Oklahoma at 4:30 p.m. Friday and Southeast Oklahoma at 11 a.m. Saturday. E-mail Moore at: aem03e@acu.edu

was a theme throughout the game, as the referees called almost twice as many fouls on the visiting Wildcats than the home team. Only five fouls were called on the Buffaloes in the first half and seven in the second half, compared to 10 called fouls

on ACU in the first and 13 in the second half. West Texas A&M went to the free-throw line 27 times during the course of the game, while the Wildcats only made four trips to the line. The Wildcats also continued their struggles with bench play, scoring only eight points in 43 minutes of play. The team also got out-rebounded 56-30. “We didn’t rebound well,” said Copeland, “they just killed us on the boards.” The loss dropped ACU to 3-7 in conference play with its sixth-straight loss overall. Fortunately for the Wildcats, the fourth-place and holder of the last playoff spot, Midwestern State, lost to Texas A&M-Kingsville Wednesday night, opening

the door for a little hope in the remaining season. With the Wildcats still only one game behind Midwestern State in the Lone Star Conference’s South Division with two to play, the team has to win the rest of its games and hope Midwestern State loses its last two games. That journey will begin with the Wildcats’ first test under a do-ordie situation against Eastern New Mexico in Portales, N.M., at 8 p.m. Saturday. “We’re still in the playoff hunt,” Copeland said. “It’s not ideal, but we’ve got a shot.” If the Wildcats do find a way to make it to the postseason, it will give fans something to cheer about for the first time in a long time. E-mail Holland at: beh03e@acu.edu

Page 4B

Friday, February 17, 2006

Page 5B

SING SONG NEWS

Security stamps backstage traffic n The Sing Song security team will resolve potential hazards caused by overcrowding the backstage area by stamping the hands of Sing Song participants. By ATSUMI SHIBATA Student Reporter

Brian schmidt/Chief Photographer

Participants in the children’s Sing Song act perform during the dress rehearsal Wednesday night. The children perform alongside the hosts and hostesses on stage during the musical number “Swing, Swing” while wearing flapper dresses and gangster suits.

Children to perform in Sing Song n After weeks of preparation, two students will direct a dance performance of “Swing, Swing” by 5 to 10 year-olds Friday and Saturday in “The 50th Show.” By JACI SCHNEIDER Copy Editor

In second and fourth grade Casey Lewis danced in the Children’s Act for Sing Song. This year, she’s directing the act. Lewis, sophomore nursing major from Abilene, said after growing up watching Sing Song and being a part of it, she knew she wanted to be involved when she got to college. “I’ve been coming to Sing Song since I was real young,”

Lewis said. “I remember just loving it, so that’s one of the reasons I wanted to [direct the children’s act].” Lewis and Melanie Fullerton, junior education major from Garland, are directing about 25 children in the song “Swing, Swing” for the 50th Sing Song. The children, ages 5 to 10, will wear flapper dresses and gangster suits, Lewis said. Though the children usually dance while the host and hostess sing, this year they might sing along as well, Lewis said. “If it works, we’ll mic them,” she said. “They sound really cute.” The act will be the last number before the first intermission. The university swing

“I remember just loving it, so that’s one of the reasons I wanted to [direct the children’s act].” Casey Lewis, sophomore nursing major from Abilene

dance group, the Swing Cats, will also perform during the number. The children have been rehearsing for the past three weeks. They met twice a week for hour-long rehearsals, Lewis said. At their practices, they learned the choreography and the words to the song. “At first it was really busy,” she said, “but now we’re in a routine, and I don’t really feel a lot of pressure about their performance at all.” Many of the children have ties to the university, but

many are just members of the Abilene community. Lewis said she called all the parents from the list of children who participated last year and tried to spread the word around the university to recruit children. Along with directing the children, Lewis and Fullerton will perform in the Sigma Theta Chi Sing Song act, Lewis said. “It’s been a really full plate to do both,” she said, “but it has been fun.” E-mail Schneider at: jrs02a@acu.edu

Sing Song participants will have their hands stamped at dress rehearsal Thursday in a new effort to increase security and limit the number of people backstage. A Sing Song security team member will put stamps on all participants’ hand, so they will be able to make sure every person backstage is in the show. The security team is going to give a trial run at a dress rehearsal Thursday night. If the system is successful, they will implement it for the Friday and Saturday shows. Student Production staff members Andrew Tuegel, junior political science major from Abilene, and Jeremy Gudgel, junior communication major from Andrews, are in charge of security at Sing Song this year. They coordinate a security team of 13 volunteers, many from men’s social club Sub T-16. At the show, they will assist people to their seats, make sure participants are in position, and help the show run smoothly. Gudgel was in charge of Sing Song security last year, and he said there was one

problem. “People who were not participants were trying to get into the gym where participants were waiting to go on the stage,” Gudgel said. He said he expects it to be the biggest problem again this year. “It’s fine that people want to hang out with their friends, but we can’t have 1,000 peo-

“If you don’t feel safe, you won’t be able to enjoy the show.” Kendall Massey, director of Student Productions

ple backstage,” Tuegel said. “It would make it impossible to have the show if there wasn’t somebody keeping track of who’s backstage.” The work of the security team is necessary for a successful show, said Kendall Massey, director of Student Productions. “If you don’t feel safe, you won’t be able to enjoy the show,” Massey said, describing the importance of security in helping a show run smoothly. “The most important thing is to have a good game plan,” Massey said. “Where they need to be, who needs to be where, and the order.” E-mail Shibata at: optimist@acu.edu

An eclectic panel anticipates a landmark 50th Show n A panel of 20 judges including former participants, Sing Song founder Dr. Bob Hunter and university Vice President Dr. Gary McCaleb, anticipate the acts. By KELSI PEACE Staff Writer

After weeks of rigorous practices, Sing Song participants finally will find themselves on stage, where a panel of 20 judges will carefully critique their acts to announce a winner. This year’s judges have seen another side of the Sing Song stage in the past the judges were chosen based on previous participation in Sing Song. Several judges have influenced Sing Song as producers; others have made their marks by directing a club or class act while attending the

university. Dr. Bob Hunter, vice president emeritus and a member of the Texas House of Representatives, founded Sing Song in 1957 during his time as the director of Special Events. A f t e r launching Sing Song, H u n t e r served as director for the next six years. Hunter will judge Hunter this year with only one year of previous judging experience, not for lack of demand, however. “I thought every group is a winner, and I never wanted to judge one against another,” he said.

At the enthusiastic insistence of Kendall Massey, director of Student Productions, Hunter consented to judge. This year will see a unique occurrence: Hunter’s son,

as Minority Report, Artificial Intelligence and Mission: Impossible II. Dr. Gary McCaleb, vice president of the university, joins the panel with extensive Sing Song experience.

“I thought every group was a winner, and I never wanted to judge one against another.” Dr. Bob Hunter, vice president emeritus and Texas House of Representatives member

Les Hunter, class of 1986, will arrive to judge as well. Les Hunter returns to his alma mater as a former class director. He directed his class act all four years, and merited a win each time. Les Hunter now works as a visual effects producer, contributing to movies such

As a student, he participated in class acts, though not every year. McCaleb later produced the show from 1965-72. Sing Song offers many positive opportunities, McCaleb said. “It exhibits the quality of the talent and creativity of

the ACU student body,” McCaleb said. Not only does it showcase talented performers, McCaleb said, but it also allows students to fill positions of leadership as co-chairs, directors and hosts or hostesses. Ted Starnes, another member of the panel, coordinated Sing Song in 1988 and 1989. “World Premiere” was 1988’s theme, while 1989 declared: “The Showboat’s Comin’.” Starnes’ time as a student preceded Sing Song. He attended from 1951 to 1955, barely missing Sing Song’s 1957 premiere. Acts looking to impress Starnes should note this: he expects “an exciting, colorful, precise and animated presentation.” The 20 judges are dis-

persed between the shows: Friday night’s panel will contain seven judges, Saturday afternoon’s six and Saturday night’s seven. Each panel selects a winner from every category — men’s clubs, women’s clubs and class acts—and Saturday evening’s panel will reveal the overall winner of each category. With the credentials of this year’s panel, contestants face high standards. Starnes offers students this: “Do not let yourself become overwhelmed by Sing Song. Be yourself. Remember all are God’s children and should bring glory to Him.”

E-mail Peace at: knp04a@acu.edu

Page 6B

February 17, 2006

Photos courtesy of creative services

Photo courtesy of creative services

Men of Frater Sodalis sing together during their 1994 Sing Song act.

Members of men’s social club, Kinsmen, perform in 1971’s Sing Song.

Students involved in 1978’s Sing Song, combine on stage for the final act.

From the

Beginning

ifty years ago last week, George W. Bush was 10 years old, man had yet to venture into space, Dr. John Willis was still a student at ACC, and not every group performing in the earliest Sing Song productions had even decided on its music yet. Fifty years turned one boy into the president of the United States and made Neil Armstrong and John Glenn household names. It also turned the dream of an administrator of one small West Texas college into the biggest annual production of the year for the university. As the university prepares for the 50th annual Sing Song this weekend, those involved with the show — some since its beginning in 1957 — can’t help but look back and remember the show as it has evolved through parts of six decades. Bob Hunter, senior vice president emeritus and Sing Song director for its first six years, remembers wanting to have a Sing Song-esque production when he was a senior at ACC in 1952, and he took his idea to the school’s administration. “The administration did not approve of a campuswide Sing Song at that time,” Hunter said. That year, Hunter and other students settled for a quartet competition, which gave students a taste of what Sing Song could be. Hunter said he thought a singing competition would be fitting for a college known as the “singing school.” ACC earned the nickname when its football team would sing together at away games. His graduation and four years in the Navy could not kill Hunter’s dream of a campuswide singing competition. After being hired by ACC and beginning in 1956 as director of Special Events, Hunter lobbied successfully for Sing Song but not without some skepticism. To convince the rest of the administration it would be a serious, professional show, Hunter made Lewis Fulks, professor emeritus and former chair of the Theatre

Article by: Jonathan Smith Design by: Mallory Sherwood

Department, after whom the theatre in the Williams Performing Arts Center is now named, technical director of the show. Sing Song premiered Feb. 14, 1957, but the first show looked much different than this weekend’s 50th show. Acts contained no choreography, hand movements, costumes or costume changes. Groups competed in only one category, and any group — including social clubs, the faculty men’s glee club, the W Club and the Aggie Club — could participate. Twenty-three groups participated in 1957. In the earliest shows, some of the groups did not even select music until a week or two before the show. Groups performed on sets of risers in Sewell Auditorium. Dr. Gary McCaleb, vice president of the university and director of Sing Song from 1964 to 1972, said this small performance space was limiting for groups. “A lot of what the hosts and hostesses do now, they just didn’t have the space to do all that,” McCaleb said. “Same with the group acts.” Galaxy placed first that first year, and Hunter knew they had a successful event. “We thought it was going to be a great singing performance,” Hunter said. “It became far more than that.”

Evolving show

he success of the first year ensured future annual productions, but Hunter made changes to the show in its second year. The competition split into three categories in 1958: men, women and mixed voices, in which students still compete today. In 1960, admission was charged for the first time, and proceeds from the show funded projects on campus, such as beautification, sidewalks and building funds. “We were able to fund a great many things with Sing Song proceeds,” Hunter said. Sing Song changed venues three times in its first 13 years. After consistently selling out Sewell Auditorium for five years, even after adding a second performance, the show moved to the Abilene High School auditorium in 1963 and then to Moody Coliseum when it was built in 1969. Hunter remembers 1969, not because of the move to Moody Coliseum, but because of an addition that no modern Sing Song act lacks: choreographed hand movements. “When the freshman class performed the Wizard of Oz medley, they started using choreography and movements, and they received

a standing ovation,” Hunter said. “Sing Song was forever changed then.” As the competition grew more serious, the time it took to coordinate acts grew as well. Hunter said this likely caused group participation to evolve. Although any group could perform any act for Sing Song, most students chose to participate in either their social club or class acts as the show progressed. Of the original 23 groups, six—all social clubs — still participate today: Delta Theta, Frater Sodalis, Galaxy, GATA, Ko Jo Kai and Sub T-16. “One of the great things about Sing Song is that it’s so much of a student production,” McCaleb said. “It is really amazing to see the talent of those students who make it happen every year.” Sometimes, students put those Sing Song talents to use after their graduation, Hunter said. Although he may not remember all their names, Hunter can list more than a dozen people off the top of his head who have gone on to have successful careers with the experiences they gained from Sing Song. He rattles off a lighting director for the winter Olympics, graphic designers for major firms, singers, producers in the entertainment and music businesses and winners of arts awards. “You could just have a long list of alumni who went on to do great things in their professional life because of the experience they got while working on Sing Song,” Hunter said.

much will still feel oddly familiar. Even Optimist coverage of the event hasn’t changed much during the past 50 years. The following words were written in the Optimist 25 years ago to commemorate Sing Song’s quartercentury birthday: “It’s hard to imagine what new turns Sing Song will take, but no doubt in the next few years it will probably go through as many changes as it already has. But through the changing, adding and relocating performances, Sing Song is very much the same show that first began in 1957 to bring the students and alumni together. “Some students hate the hard work, the strained voices, the makeup and the busy schedules, but they wouldn’t give it up for anything in the world. That’s why Sing Song is a legend.” So much can change in 50 years, and for Sing Song, much has changed. For Sing Song, that means the evolution of a dream into a production that has become a legend in its own time. That legend continues this weekend.

E-mail Smith at: jvs02a@acu.edu

The legend continues

ing Song grew out of the Alumni Association years ago to become part of Campus Life with its own director and budget. And, although the performance looks much different today than it did in 1957, Hunter said many alumni come back every year because of their memories of the show. “I hope we will never forget that Sing Song is for the student groups to perform and to have that camaraderie,” Hunter said. “I think they form bonds they will have for a lifetime.” Some alumni return now not only to watch the show they performed in, but to see their children perform. “When something can last 50 years, it really establishes it’s own niche in the university,” McCaleb said. “There are now kids performing whose parents performed in it.” Although returning alumni will see a very different show than what they performed in,

BRIAN SCHMIDT/File photo

Holly Whited, senior vocal performance major from Richardson, performs as a hostess in Sing Song 2005.

Photo courtesy of creative services

Far left, Burke Brack; above left, Holly Sparlin; above middle, Matt Duncan; bottom middle, Rachel Chrane; above right, Sharon Hickey; right, Ben Stevens, participate as hosts and hostesses in 1989’s Sing Song.

SING SONG NEWS

Friday, February 17, 2006

Page 7B

Crews beautify campus n ACU prepares for the incoming Sing Song and Lectureship alumni, parents and other visitors with a little housekeeping, construction and landscaping. By ASHLEY TARRANT Student Reporter

Students dodging dirt piles while walking to class, construction workers laying bricks on the pathway between Edwards Hall and Don H. Morris along with other campus construction projects serve the purpose of beautifying campus. Although landscaping and facility maintenance are yearround activities, the grounds staff began working on beautifying the campus landscape in mid-January. Sing Song, Lectureship and Homecoming are opportunities for the university to showcase all of the changes that have occurred on campus.

“A visual display of a wellgroomed facility is a way to present ACU in a positive way,” said Bob Nevill, director of Physical Resources. “We want everyone who comes to ACU to feel moved in a positive way by the experience,” he said. Many things are being done to beautify the campus for these events. Five full-time grounds staff and 15 student workers assist in landscaping campus. The grounds staff trim shrubs, clean leaves and debris from the flowerbeds, and conducted a general clean-up of the campus grounds. The staff is also preparing for visitors by assuring that all building systems are functioning properly, and interior spaces are clean. The grounds staff has always installed the rubber mat for the Sing Song stage; this year,

instead, they have installed a layer of plastic covered with brown paper in order to provide protection to the floor in Moody Coliseum. For the first time in many years, the Sing Song stage is different, because the Sing Song production staff decided to use a different type of stage. “The Physical Resource department will have just about everything they set out to accomplish completed by the time Sing Song arrives,” Nevill said. “There will always be unforeseen things that occur and must be dealt with,” he said, “but we are staffed to react as required by these events.”

AnnA Carroll/Staff Photographer

E-mail Tarrant at: optimist@acu.edu

Miora Ravalomanana, sophomore environmental science major from Antananarivo, Madagascar, plants flowers around a tree by the GATA fountain.

Massey duo tag teams show High schoolers visit campus n Vivi Massey, former Sing Song hostess and long-time supporter, offers her talents to her husband Kendall Massey, director of Student Productions, for the show. By LISA SRIOBCHOEY Student Reporter

For the past seven years, Vivi Massey has been working hard to make each song in Sing Song come to life through costumes, hair and make-up. Massey, mother to three sons and wife of Kendall Massey, director of Student Productions, is in charge of design, costumes, hair and make-up for Sing Song. Her work for this year’s Sing Song began in December after the hosts and hostesses were selected. She got their sizes, helped her husband develop the theme for the show, then designed costumes, hair and make-up to match each song in the show. “I love to bring the life of the song out in costumes. They make the story of the song

complete,” Massey said. Massey handles costumes, hair and make-up for the six hosts and hostesses and everyone else who is going to be on stage at the same time as the hosts and hostesses. “I want the performers to feel 100 percent confident that they looked beautiful on stage, so they can concentrate on being one with their songs,” she said. Although Massey’s work began almost three months before Sing Song, the hardest part is the three minutes between each song during the show. Massey and her assistants only have two minutes and 30 seconds to change the performers’ costumes, hair and make-up. Massey said they usually practice doing this beginning the Wednesday before the show, so by Friday everything is “pretty much clockwork.” For the past few weeks, both Vivi and Kendall Massey have been around the campus from 8 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. At 10 p.m. Thursday, Vivi Massey was still

running back and forth between several Sing Song rehearsals and home to a sick child. “I hate not devoting myself 150 percent in everything I do,” Massey said. “I was stretched thin in a lot of directions being a mother, a wife, a costumer, a designer and a vocal coach. The hardest part is that I have to be careful not to stretch myself to where I neglect something.” Kendall Massey said he is proud of his wife. “My wife’s contribution to Sing Song is invaluable,” he said. “I don’t think I can make the show or even survive without her.” Because Vivi Massey has been part of Sing Song since her time at ACU as a theater major, she still wants to continue to help the production. “I’ll be here as long as my husband needs me,” she said. “I will help him as long as God wants him to work in this position.”

E-mail Sriobchoey at: optimist@acu.edu

n About 188 potential students will arrive to campus Friday and Saturday during Preview Weekend to get a sampling of the ACU college experience. By KENNY McINTIRE Student Reporter

More than 150 students will arrive on campus Friday and Saturday for Preview Weekend. The prospective students will get to see what the daily routine of an ACU student is like. Allison Stoll, Admissions and Recruiting Guest Service coordinator, said she expects 188 students and said that with family and friends that come along, the total could be more than 600 people between the two days. High school students have the chance to stay in the freshman residence halls, and transfer students can stay in the sophomore halls. “We make sure that all the visitors have the opportunity to go to Chapel, eat in the

Bean, go to a class and stay in the dorm if they want,” Stoll said. Students who attend Preview Weekend also tend to be anxious to meet people in the department that they wish to join if they choose ACU. “We also make sure that all

“I remember walking around in shock at the size of the campus.” Grant Walker, junior political science major from Dalworthington Gardens

academic departments will be available to meet with students who are interested,” Stoll said. The Admissions and Recruiting Department’s goal is to make the experience a beneficial one for the students that attend, she said. Grant Walker, junior political science major from Dalworthington Gardens, said he remembers the Preview Week-

end he attended in 2002. “I remember walking around in shock at the size of the campus,” Walker said. “I also remember being asked by at least five students if I needed help finding something. Everyone was so kind, I knew this was the place for me.” The Preview Weekend aims to give the students who visit a glimpse at everyday life on campus. Feb. 17 and 18 will decide the futures of many students, and William Horn, director of recruiting for the graduate and degree completion program, has a positive attitude about the weekend. “The preview is for undergrads coming up on the weekend of Lectureship,” Horn said. “It’s designed to help perspective undergrads come on campus and get a snapshot of the ACU experience.”

E-mail McIntire at: optimist@acu.edu

Page 8B

Friday, February 17, 2006

SING SONG NEWS

GATA not sheepish about singing n The women’s social club has non-members helping with its Sing Song act to increase numbers on stage and show other women what a social club is like. By KELLINE LINTON Staff Writer

GATA social club invited non-members to “baaaa” in their Sing Song act as bad black sheep and lost little lambs this year. The club extended the invitation to close friends, roommates and women who wanted to be involved in Sing Song to give their act a stronger sound, said Abra Barker, senior integrated marketing communication major from Flower Mound. “We know this is not tradi-

“We get to give some girls the taste of how much fun a social club can be.” Abra Barker, senior integrated marketing communication major from Flower Mound

tionally what GATA has done in the past, but this year we wanted Sing Song to not be about winning but doing something well while having fun,” said Barker, GATA president. This semester the social club celebrated its 86th year on campus, along with its 50-year participation in Sing Song. The club’s mission was to change the way social clubs look on campus. “Through this awesome opportunity, we get to give some girls the taste of how much fun a social club can

be,” Barker said. The unusual invitation allowed the women to make new friends within and outside the club “that they will have the rest of their college years,” Barker said. GATA Sing Song director Lindsey Scraggs led this year’s act, called “Embraceable Ewes.” The women, dressed as sheep, sing about being lost and bad black sheep, but the act’s spotlight shines on how rams can’t live without ewes. E-mail Linton at: krl04b@acu.edu

gary rhodes/Staff Photographer

The women of GATA perform at Wednesday night’s Sing Song dress rehearsal in Moody. The club opened up the act, “Embraceable Ewes,” to non-members to help increase numbers on stage.

Munchkins, Jedi, Superman and animals battle for class title n Members of the class acts for Sing Song fine-tune their performances and talk up their chances of winning in the final days before the show. By CAMILLE PAINTER Student Reporter

Sing Song class acts spent their final week of practice taking care of the remaining tasks and running through their acts in preparation for this weekend. The class act directors tuned voices, exercised arms and created costumes aiming for grand applause at their act’s conclusion. However, the freshman class directors have a slightly different goal. “I want people to look at

it and, instead of clapping, be staring in amazement when we’re done,” said Jamie Spires, co-director of the freshman act. The freshman theme, The Wizard of Oz, was chosen because it was the first freshman act performed after motions were allowed. In all the class acts, students have chosen the themes, written the lyrics and practiced for hours. The biggest task left now is fine-tuning. “Now we have a week; and three practices are left … so it’s just going to be drilling, drilling, drilling, drilling, drilling until we’ve got it down,” said Spires, freshman undeclared major from Arlington.

Lagging behind the other class acts in progress last week were the juniors who “have a little bit more choreography to teach,” said director Evan Woods, junior instrumental education ma-

for several different pairs of animals as well as Noah and his family. While other class acts were finished with costumes a week in advance, the sophomores were still

“It’s a really hysterical act; everybody wants to be at practice because it’s so much fun.” Kasey Spain, senior graphic design major from South Lake and senior class director

jor from Fleming, Ohio. Although their movements aren’t completely developed, the juniors have all the costumes ready for their “Just say Noah” act, which requires elaborate costumes

in the process of completing their costumes. Ryan Rampton, sophomore class co-director, said his class is attempting to design costumes that will represent their well-known theme,

“Superman,” while not being too expensive. Despite costume delays, Rampton, music education major from Naperville, Ill., said the class is ready. “After a few more rehearsals and some cleaning, I think we’re going to be ready for the show,” Rampton said. Kasey Spain, senior graphic design major from South Lake, said the senior class is on schedule and is excited and devoted to the act. “I think in a lot of ways we’re more prepared than the other acts,” said Spain, director of the senior act. “It’s a really hysterical act; everybody wants to be at practice because it’s so much fun.”

The freshman act has 100 performers; sophomores have about 105; juniors have 30 to 35; and seniors have about 60. None of the leaders complained about the numbers in their group. “I would’ve been happy with 100 people,” said Woods, who leads the smallest act. “But I like the group we have too, so size doesn’t matter.” “It’s not how much talent you have, because everyone here is talented,” said Hannah Anderson, freshman elementary education major from Waco. “It’s just a matter of the kind of attitude they have.”

E-mail Painter at: optimist@acu.edu

Some social clubs without songs for weekend n Delta Theta, Sub T-16 and Tri Kappa Gamma are not participating in Sing Song because of disciplinary problems or lack of willing participants. By ERIC GENTRY Student Reporter

They used to win Sing Song; Delta Theta in the ’70s, Tri Kappa Gamma in the ’80s. But this weekend, years since their last victories, neither club will participate in what was once its mainstay. After being inactivated last semester when the club adviser’s resigned, Delta Theta is still attempting to complete their self-study process, said Lindsey Jessup, DT president and senior human communication major from Bakersfield, Calif. Until then, members are ineligible to compete as a

club in the show. “Delta Theta used to be a powerhouse in Sing Song,” Jessup said. “It’s sad we won’t be a part of it.” Jessup said DT members hope to be reactivated in time for spring rushes; they plan to enter next year’s

sons for not entering are much different. With only 40 members, about 20 of whom are active, club members didn’t believe they could field a group large enough to compete, said Brittany Groves, Tri Kappa Gamma president

“I’m sure there are a lot of people who are upset, but we’re just not allowed to participate.” Lindsey Jessup, senior human communication major from Bakersfield, Calif.

Sing Song. “I’m sure there are a lot of people who are upset, but we’re just not allowed to participate,” she said. “But I have full faith in next year’s Sing Song. They will do an awesome job.” Tri Kappa Gamma’s rea-

and junior graphic design major from Yukon, Okla. “In 1985, we used to be the biggest club on campus,” she said. “It’s sad because before our numbers started going down in the ’90s, Tri Kappa Gamma was winning consistently every year.”

Kendall Massey, director of Student Productions, said he encourages clubs with even small numbers to participate in Sing Song. There is no minimum number required for Sing Song group shows. “The first acts were all really small, only 20 or 25 people,” he said. “And a lot of clubs don’t realize that they can combine with others.” Groves said Tri Kappa Gamma had the opportunity to combine with several other groups but decided against it. “It’s just a matter of rebuilding, getting our numbers up and encouraging members to be active,” she said. “That’s what we’ll have to do.”

E-mail Gentry at: optimist@acu.edu

Friday, February 17, 2006

Page 9B

SING SONG NEWS

Diversity meets Sing Song n Hispanos Unidos, Shades Step Squad and the Swing Cats will perform between acts during Sing Song, bringing variety to the production. By GARY RHODES Student Reporter

This year, Sing Song will feature several student groups performing on the lower stage with the hosts and hostesses. Hispanos Unidos, Shades Step Squad and the Swing Cats all have a part in this year’s show. Shades and Hispanos Unidos will perform together with the hosts and hostesses in an act called “Via De la Rosa.” The act features Hispanos Unidos clapping and Shades stepping along with the vocals from the host and hostesses, said Kendall Massey, director of Student

Productions and Shades coadviser. The Swing Cats will participate in the Children’s Act and dance to the song “Swing Swing.” This year is the second time that Shades has had a role in the show. “We had a great time,” said Marie Thomas, Shades adviser. “Shades really loved it. I think it will be a tradition after this year.” Shades involvement last year was Massey’s idea, Thomas said. “He envisioned us being involved and making the beats while the host and hostesses sang a cappella,” she said. Shades members liked their act last year so much they used it in other performances as well, Thomas said. “It’s a step up to be a part of Sing Song,” she said.

“We even closed another show last year with our same act. We will probably do that again with our act this year.” Although the groups will perform on the lower stage this year, Massey said they could compete with the classes and the social clubs if they wanted to. “Hispanos Unidos has done it in the past,” he said. “All three groups have the ability to compete upstage.” Thomas said having Shades compete could be a possibility, although they would need more room than other acts. “What Shades does is very different,” she said. “The clubs and classes have a half stage. Shades needs a full stage.” E-mail Rhodes at: optimist@acu.edu

brian schmidt/Chief Photographer

Members of the dance team perform at a Sing Song dress rehearsal Wednesday. The women danced along with the host and hostesses, who sang a cover of Gloria Estefan’s “Conga.”

Patience with parking urged Dance revolution created on stage n ACU Police and Campus Life officials encourage students, faculty and staff to prepare for parking delays because of Sing Song and Lectureship. By KATHERINE FLANARY Student Reporter

Students, faculty and staff who like to park close to their class or building might be frustrated this weekend when they don’t get their desired parking space. However, officials said wanting to park closer may not be the key to solving the parking problem. ACU Police Chief Jimmy Ellison said in an e-mail that parking frustration is not unique to this university. Ellison also said the term “parking problem” can be relative. “There are an ample number of spaces on campus, just not enough front row spaces to park everyone who arrives for work or class five minutes early,” Ellison said. Construction has contributed some to recent parking frustrations. “I do believe that recent construction has created parking difficulties for some students,” said Dr. Wayne Barnard, dean of Campus Life. “For instance, I am saddened that McKinzie residents have been displaced from their parking lot. To me, this is a legitimate problem, and one that deserves attention.” Ellison said students should not try to enter restricted areas.

“If a parking lot is blocked off for construction purposes or other maintenance needs, students cannot use that lot,” Ellison said. “Going around the barricades or moving the barricades is not only a safety issue for workers, it is a violation.” Ellison also said the university tries to limit construction and maintenance on parking lots to weekends or holiday breaks, but sometimes urgent repairs or work needs to be dealt with. “This can be inconvenient, but just like road construction, it’s part of life and must be dealt with,” Ellison said. Parking may be difficult, but for Dr. Mimi Barnard, director of Residence Life Education and Housing, the parking situation at ACU is nothing. “When I was in grad school, I parked four blocks from my class building,” Mimi Barnard said in an email. “I remember thinking how far it was to walk; over time, I got used to it and actually enjoyed the way I was forced to slow down to a different pace for a few minutes.” Some students, faculty and staff might not be happy about parking and walking a few minutes to a class, but others expect a front-row parking spot. “I think it is reasonable for people to expect decent parking on campus, but … people have varying levels of expectations,” Ellison said. “To some, they think

that they should be able to expect a space right next to their building of destination, whether they are early or late for class. To others, just having a space to park in and walk three to five minutes to class is reasonable.” Wayne Barnard said students, faculty and staff should expect to arrive early to work and to class. “No one should necessarily expect that they will always be able to find the most convenient parking space relative to where they live, work or attend class, especially when arriving late to class or work,” he said. Students, faculty and staff also need to consider walking through campus instead of driving from building to building. “Students who live on campus should not expect to drive from their residence hall to a classroom on the other side of campus and find a parking space,” Wayne Barnard said. “Instead, those of us already on campus should plan a few minutes extra to walk to our classes or our meetings across campus. “Regardless of our desires to the contrary, I think we should all expect to do some additional walking,” Barnard said. “Speaking for myself only, it wouldn’t hurt me to walk a bit more in my daily exercise routine. I suspect that is true for most of us.” E-mail Flanary at: optimist@acu.edu

n The seven-member Dance Team will perform in several host and hostess numbers in Sing Song, continuing the group’s recent tradition of involvement. By RACHEL WINSTON Student Reporter

Dancing may be against some rules at the university, but not when it comes to one of the main events of the year: Sing Song. The dance team’s acts have become a tradition throughout the event’s history. Erin Wilson, junior English major from Austin and one of this year’s dancers, said she enjoys dancing with the team each year because it sharpens dancers’ skills and provides a solid backing for the production. “It is such an honor to get to express our God-given talents and touch others

“It is such an honor to get to express our God-given talents and touch others through dance.” Erin Wilson, junior English major from Austin

through dance,” she said. Teri Wilkerson, owner of Dance Discovery Studios in Abilene, creates the choreography each year for the dance team. Wilson has been a part of the team for the past two years and has worked with Wilkerson during both. “Teri is so talented and it is an honor to work with her and such fun, amazing dancers,” Wilson said. The dancers spend a lot of time practicing their routines. Before this week, the team met every Friday night for three hours and some weeknights. Although the event requires a lot of time and hard work, Wilson

said being a part of the Sing Song dance team has been a blessing. The dancers this year besides Wilson are Elizabeth Billingsley, junior interdisciplinary major from Leander; Heather Edmondson, sophomore communication disorder major from Abilene; Ashley Berres, sophomore psychology major from Lakeville, Minn.; Amy Stone, freshman marketing major from Lubbock; Amber Anglin, freshman chemistry major from Midland; and Brooke Prock, freshman interdisciplinary major from Garland. E-mail Winston at: optimist@acu.edu

SING SONG NEWS

Friday, February 17, 2006

Page 10B

Circle dinner gives back

Seeing the invisible

n Annual dinner for President’s Circle will be held Saturday, and this year joins with the Heritage Society to celebrate the university’s Centennial year. By DANI LINTHICUM Opinion Editor

brian schmidt/Chief Photographer

Tre Reaume, an Invisible Children volunteer, answers questions about the movie and the organization during the Chapel forum Tuesday in Cullen. Reaume, who is from San Diego, said he felt called to join the group that is one of many traveling across the country sharing the movie and message of Invisible Children.

New honorees in Hall of Fame n Five former athletes will be honored in ACU’s Sports Hall of Fame at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, bringing the total number of members to 117. By ZACK CUNNINGHAM Student Reporter

Five alumni will enter the ACU Sports Hall of Fame on Saturday. The inductees for this year include: former track stars Cliff Felkins and Brad Pursley; sports writer Bill Hart; former Wildcat women’s basketball star Jennifer Clarkson-Frazier; and former football star John Mayes. This year’s inductees bring the total for the Sports Hall of Fame to 117 members. The ceremony inducting the honorees will take place at 11:30 a.m. Saturday in the Hilton Room of the Campus Center. Tickets to the luncheon cost $15 and can be purchased by calling 674-2353.

Felkins was a powerful force on the ACU track and field team in the ’80s. In 1987, he won the Division II National Title in the shot put; he won the Division I National Title in the event the same year and was inducted into the NCAA Division II Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1998. Pursley was also a dominant force in track and field. He became one of the most talented collegiate pole-vaulters and won the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics National Title in the event in 1981. He has been inducted into the NAIA-Gill National Track and Field Hall of Fame. Clarkson-Frazier was the leader of the Wildcats women’s basketball team in the 1995-96 season that went all the way to the Elite Eight in the NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball Tournament. She guided

her team to a third place finish that year and was a two-time winner of the NCAA Division II Player of the Year award. She is one of only two ACU athletes to have their jerseys retired. Mayes ranks fourth on the ACU all-time passing yards list for football. He led the Wildcats to the 1977 NAIA Championship. He also received second-team NAIA Division I All-America, honorable mention AP All-America, and First-team Lone Star Conference. Hart has reported for the Abilene-Reporter News for more than 20 years, and he is a five-time recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award. He has received numerous awards and been inducted into the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame and the Big Country Sports Hall of Fame.

E-mail Cunningham at: optimist@acu.edu

More than 700 guests will be on campus Saturday night, for the President’s Circle Dinner and program in The Teague Special Events Center. The President’s Circle Dinner has been held annually by the president of the university since 1970 as an opportunity for the university to express appreciation for and recognize those who give the university a minimum annual gift of $1,000. “In No Ordinary University, Dr. John Stevens explains that the goal of this event was to ‘have an attractive setting, good meal, great program, and to adjourn in time for Saturday night’s Sing Song

performance,’ said Barbara Hejl, director of Stewardship & Donor Relations. “You could say that the same goals continue for this 37th annual dinner.” In celebration of ACU’s Centennial, the three tennis courts will be transformed to take guests back 100 years to the early years of this institution, Hejl said. The hosts will be dressed in early 1900s attire, and a quartet will sing songs from that time period as well. “After a reception and dinner, President Money will address over 700 guests, expressing appreciation for their partnership in educating students for Christian service and leadership throughout the world,” Hejl said. The guests will watch a film being produced for the event before closing the evening by singing “The Lord Bless You and Keep You,” led by Dr. Robert Hunter, vice president

emeritus. This year, in recognition of the Centennial year, the dinner will include all Heritage Society members as well. The Heritage Society recognizes those who have made deferred and/or perpetuating gifts to the university through wills, trusts or other means. Normally, the Heritage Society and President’s Circle have separate events, but this year they are joining together, said Dan Garrett, president of The ACU Foundation and vice chancellor of the university. “This will be a wonderful time to say ‘thank you’ to those who support the mission of ACU,” Garrett said. Attendance at this event is by invitation only for those who are current members of the President’s Circle and/or the Heritage Society.

E-mail Linthicum at: del01a@acu.edu

University to give 100 awards n The “Change the World” honor will be presented to 100 alumni and other friends of the university in recognition of work they have done. By TIFFANY GAUNTT Student Reporter

One hundred recipients, instead of the usual three to eight, will receive the Change the World Award during the Centennial Celebration to honor the work they have done within their communities. At 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the Abilene Civic Center, the Alumni Association will present 100 Change the World awards to alumni and friends of the university. Jama Cadle, coordinator of Alumni Events, said the Change the World Award honors “alumni and friends who quietly make a difference in small and large ways on campus, in their communities and throughout the world.” The award is “very, very diverse” and “more for the

people who live the mission not only of ACU, but of Christ every day and are not typically recognized; they’re the teachers, the mothers and the missionaries” Cadle said. Since the Change the World campaign began in 2000, the President’s Office has honored anywhere from three to eight people each year, until the Centennial Celebration. This year, the President’s Office passed the job down to the Alumni Association and the Alumni Advisory Board, which is made up of 36 alumni, because of the large alumni database it has collected. Bill and Ann Young of Abilene are one of the couples nominated. Samantha Adkins, coordinator of Alumni Projects, said the Youngs were nominated for their role in the Churches of Christ across Texas and “Bill’s help with introducing Dr. [Royce] Money [president of the university] into unfamiliar congregations.”

Bill Young has preached for 35 years, was a trustee for ACU from 1984-90, served as director of Lectureship from 1994 - 2001. “We were pretty surprised, and I don’t know if we’ve done anything that singularly significant to get this kind of an award,” Bill Young said. “Our work has been more church focused,” said Ann Young, who volunteers for Frontier Texas! and served as the National Board chair for Women for ACU. Though many of the recipients live in Texas, nine recipients are currently in Africa, France, Canada, Lithuania, Uganda, Argentina, Thailand and Brazil. Also among the list of recipients are 15 married couples, one father and son, and three who have died and will be posthumously awarded.

E-mail Gauntt at: optimist@acu.edu

Ex-hosts reunite for ‘50th Show’ n Hosts and hostesses will come together this weekend to celebrate 50 years of Sing Song memories, history and shared experiences. By JACI SCHNEIDER Copy Editor

The six hosts and hostesses will share the Sing Song spotlight this year as they join in song with hosts and hostesses of the past. For the 50th show of Sing Song, Kendall Massey, director of Student Productions, invited all past hosts and hostesses to return to campus to see how Sing Song has changed in the past 50 years. The guests will have the opportunity to sing the song “Sing” by Aaron Spiro on stage, according a letter written by

Massey. “We hope to have as many former hosts and hostesses involved on stage as possible,” Massey wrote in his letter to the former hosts and hostesses. They can also attend two receptions planned for the weekend, said Kaylie Huddleston, freshman business marketing major from College Station and planner of the receptions. Huddleston said she sent 289 invitations for the two receptions, one after the Friday night show, and one after the 2 p.m. Saturday show. Huddleston said the reception should be interesting because the role of hosts are not the same as they were in 1958, when the first hosts participated in Sing Song. “Their roles have changes

Midas

so much over the years,” Huddleston said. “They used to do skits and just introduce acts.” According to Massey’s letter, the former hosts and hostesses will help compile a database of Sing Song information for the Office of Student Productions. “You built this show,” Massey wrote. “And we hope to carry the tradition proudly.” Although Huddleston said she didn’t ask the former hosts and hostesses to RSVP for the receptions, she said she hopes many will attend. “It’s going to be a really neat experience,” she said. “A lot of really neat people have been involved in Sing Song over the years.”

E-mail Schneider at: jrs02a@acu.edu

Friday, February 17, 2006

Page 11B

SING SONG NEWS

Sing Song to boost Abilene commerce n ACU alumni, friends and family contribute more than $280,000 in commerce for the city of Abilene during Sing Song and Lectureship weekend each year.

BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer

Members of the Freshman Ushers perform on the steps between sections in Moody Coliseum during the Sing Song dress rehearsal Wednesday. In addition to the traditional Usher entrance and performance on the coliseum floor, the Ushers will go into the audience to create a feeling of participation.

Freshman Ushers hit the stage Cuban-style n Students participating in the act will interact with the crowd during Sing Song in addition to greeting audience members and helping judges. By AARON BALLARD Staff Writer

Nearly 120 freshmen will participate in Sing Song as Freshman Ushers this weekend. “The theme for this year is a Cuban party,” said Elizabeth Russell, sophomore communication major from College Station and Usher director. “The dance will be to the music of Gloria Estefan, and everyone is going to be wearing bright colors and fun skirts and pants.” Sign-ups began Jan. 20, and the first meeting took place Jan. 24. Freshmen did not have to try out for the act. “Standing in front of a panel of judges can be intim-

idating, and we wanted Ushers to be something where everyone felt welcome to participate,” Russell said. Since the first meeting, the Ushers have been practicing twice a week for about two hours, Russell said. “The freshmen have done a great job,” she said. “I’ve been very impressed by their work ethic and respect for one another as well as for those in charge. “I am extremely proud of them, and I think their part of Sing Song is going to be very successful.” As opposed to the class and club acts on stage, the Ushers have more contact with the crowd, Russell said. Also, this year the Ushers will perform with the hosts and hostesses, where in years past they have done their dance alone and between other acts. “The ushers can be considered the tie between the

The Campus Store to experience more traffic n Shopping and eating on campus receive a boost of business with many visitors on campus for Sing Song and Lectureship this weekend. By COURTNEE HEMBREE Student Reporter

In preparation for Sing Song and Bible Lectureship, The Campus Store will extend its hours Saturday. The Campus Store is busy making last minute adjustments to displays of ACU memorabilia, said Anthony Williams Williams, The Campus Store manager. Instead of being open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, the store will open at 8 a.m. and close at 4 p.m.

Then The Campus Store workers will have to make changes to prepare for the following week, as the target audience changes from the parents and alumni of Sing Song to the guest lecturers and Lectureship crowds. Williams said the store, as an extension of the university, wants visitors to realize that by purchasing a coffee mug or T-shirt, they’re also purchasing a part of ACU and its history. Cory Bourg, director of ARAMARK, has said in a previous issue of the Optimist, that the Bean, like The Campus Store, also shows a tremendous increase of business during the week of Lectureship.

crowd and the people actually in the show,” Russell said. “They will be strategically placed among the crowd during their number in hopes that the crowd will leave the show with a feeling of participation.” In addition to the dance, the Ushers are responsible for greeting guests and helping with judges’ sheets, guest evaluations, and the Children’s Act. “Their presence is very important because they will be the first people that the guests see when they enter Moody Coliseum,” Russell said. Besides Russell, several others have been involved with organizing Freshman Ushers. “Although technically I am the only person with the title of ‘director,’ my job has been fairly easy in comparison to the other people doing the behind-the-scenes

Sing Song Crew Facts

• Upstage and downstage managers spent 15-to-18-hour days working on the set for Sing Song this week. • The stage will be rented this year instead of built by the production crew. • The Children’s Act will be bigger than before with the dance team, Swing Cats and hosts and hostesses performing with the children during their act. • The production crew takes care of lighting, sound equipment and makes sure props are in the correct location, among other things. • More than 1,200 students are involved in the production of Sing Song this year.

E-mail Hembree at: optimist@acu.edu

work,” Russell said. “To be honest, they deserve all the credit.” Kendall Massey, director of Student Productions, put together all of the music and has been overseeing the performance. In addition, Heather Edmondson, junior communication sciences and disorders major from Abilene, choreographed and taught the dance. Jenny Robinson, sophomore music major from Overland Park, Kan., and Courtnee Hembree, sophomore journalism major from Abilene, have helped Russell organize and conduct practices. “My primary goal for the Ushers is that they make new friends and have fun,” Russell said. “I want them to walk away with great memories of new friends and fun times, not stress.” E-mail Ballard at: agb04b@acu.edu

university events. Hotel representatives said Sing Song and Lectureship bring more business than ACU’s Homecoming, but graduation trumps both events. Best Western desk clerk By TAKISHA KNIGHT Kristi Norman said she worked Page 2 Editor the weekend shift for last year’s Sing Song and Lectureship Sing Song weekend. are long-standing ACU tradi“Just now I’m seeing the tions that attract friends, alum- pattern. We’re full during Sing ni and a boost in commerce for Song, and most guests are from the city of Abilene. ACU,” she said. “But we’re alUniversity area hotel repre- ready booked for graduation.” sentatives said the only univerAccording to Visitors Bureau sity event that brings more busi- reports, hotels are not the only ness than businesses Sing Song that benefit is graduafrom the “Just now I’m seeing the tion, since Sing Song pattern. We’re full durMcMurry, crowd. Loing Sing Song, and most Hardin-Simcal restauguests are from ACU.” mons and rants reACU have ceive a lot Kristi Norman, Best Western desk clerk graduation of business. near the L i l e s same time. said some Nancy Liles, executive di- of the more popular resrector of the Abilene Conven- taurants for out-of-towners tion and Visitors Bureau, said include Perini Ranch Steakabout 1,000 visitors come to house, Cypress Street Station, Abilene each year for Sing Spanos, Olive Garden, Chili’s Song. Each year Lectureship and Jo Allen’s. Because of the and Sing Song contribute large number of guests, most about $287,200 in commerce restaurants throughout town to the city. tend to be busy around this Vicki Britten, director of De- time of year as well, she said. velopment Operations, is often Liles said brochures are in charge of making reserva- prepared for the Sing Song tions for the Board of Trustees crowd during this time at the of the university during Sing Abilene Convention and VisiSong and Lectureship. tors Bureau, complete with “Every hotel on this side discounts to Abilene attracof town is booked solid,” tions and restaurants. she said. For more information Hotel representatives in about Abilene attractions the university area concur. and restaurants, visit the According to hotel report Abilene Convention and Visrecords at the Abilene Con- itors Bureau online at www. vention and Visitor’s Bureau, abilenevisitors.com or call Holiday Inn, Courtyard By the bureau at 676-2556 or Marriot, Ambassador Suites, toll free at 1-800-727-1630. Fairfield and Hampton are just a few hotels in the university area that book to the maximum during popular E-mail Knight at: tnk03a@acu.edu

Production crew works hard n Students on the production staff directed acts, set up lighting and sound and made sure props were in place for Sing Song’s dress rehearsals and final shows. By MEGAN LOWE Student Reporter

Students on the Sing Song production staff worked 15to 18-hour days to prepare Moody Coliseum in time for Wednesday night’s Sing Song dress rehearsal and the shows to follow. Jordan Swim, senior Christian ministry major from Richardson, is serving for his second year as assistant upstage manager on the production staff. As an assistant, Swim performed most of his staff responsibilities this week. His job includes setting up the stage and sound equipment as well as making sure props are in their correct places. “Sing Song is like a well-

oiled machine,” Swim said. “You just have to manage and organize all the people to be in the right place at the right time,” Swim said. Part of his attraction to being on staff is the high energy of the show and the chance to meet new people. “It’s a wonderful show to be a part of, “ he said. Casey Lewis, sophomore nursing major from Abilene, is participating in the production staff as the children’s co-director. She works alongside Kendall Massey, director of Student Productions, and Melanie Fullerton, children’s co-director, to plan the Children’s Act and organize rehearsals twice a week. “Working with the kids is a lot of fun but stressful at times; they are cute but sometimes they don’t listen,” Lewis said. Although she said she has no free time during the day between classes, work,

her club act, and Children’s Act, Lewis said all the hard work is worth it. Many things will be different for the 50th show. For example, the stage, which is usually built, will be rented. The Children’s Act will be different as well. “It will be a lot bigger than it has ever been before,” Lewis said. “The dance team as well as the hosts and hostesses will be involved in the act.” Lauren Smith, human communication graduate student from Kerrville, is serving as this year’s House Manager, and said this show will be very special. “There is a big emphasis on remembering where Sing Song came from and the people who grew the show into what we see on stage this weekend,” she said.

E-mail Lowe at: optimist@acu.edu

Page 12B

Friday, February 17, 2006

CAMPUS NEWS

‘Don’t trip’

Employee morale boosted on campus n The 2005-06 Quality of Life survey shows positive results from administrators, faculty and staff about work issues at the university compared to last year. By SARAH CARLSON Arts Editor

ANNA CARROLL/Staff Photographer

Tiffany Stidham, senior exercise science major from Los Alamos, N.M., takes a soccer skills test for a class outside Moody Coliseum on Thursday.

Initial results for the 200506 Quality of Life survey taken by faculty and staff reflect an overall improvement in the quality of life for employees at the university and their commitment to its mission, said Dr. Dana Hood, associate professor of education and co-chair of the Quality of Life Committee, in an e-mail. Hood said the 55 percent response rate, with 455 faculty and staff out of 801, was excellent, especially considering it is the second year of the survey. Last year’s response rate was 61 percent. Dr. Royce Money, president of the university, implemented the Quality of Life Committee in the fall of 2004 after budget cuts eliminated pay raises for faculty and staff. Of those who responded to this year’s survey, senior administrators made up 3 percent, while exempt staff

(monthly paid) were 36 percent, non-exempt staff (hourly paid) were 28 percent and faculty were 34 percent. “I believe it demonstrates an overall trust in the process and a belief that the committee and the administration truly want to hear from the faculty and staff,” Hood said. Because of last year’s survey results, the university made changes during the past year to help boost faculty and staff morale. The school made the period between Christmas and New Year’s Day vacation time, and faculty and staff no longer pay a fee to use the South Exercise Room and the Powell Fitness Center. Two new questions on this year’s survey were, “As a result of the changes implemented since the last survey, I believe that the overall quality of my work environment at ACU is improved,” and “The changes recommended by the Quality of Life Task Force improved the morale at ACU.” Hood said the responses to the two questions were overwhelmingly positive, with almost 90 percent of those responded answering affirmatively.

“This was very encouraging and challenges us to continue seeking ways to make our staff and faculty valued and appreciated,” she said. The survey results generally represent a positive outlook by faculty and staff on their jobs and work environment, though some questions had mixed responses, especially when they were concerned with salary, workload and time management. For instance, on the question “I feel my workload is appropriate,” 15 percent strongly agree, 32 percent moderately agree, 20 percent slightly agree, 13 percent slightly disagree, 10 percent moderately disagree, and 10 percent strongly disagreed. On the question “I have more work to do than I am able to do well,” 60 percent strongly agree, 17 percent moderately agree, 26 percent slightly agree, 17 percent slightly disagree, 14 percent moderately agree, and 11 percent strongly disagree. In addition to varied opinions on workload, questions pertaining to salary brought differing responses. “Considering my capabilities, I believe

Author, poet to visit as Centennial Speaker n ‘New York Times’ best-selling author and poet will speak on campus Feb. 27 in Hart Auditorium as part of the Centennial Speaker Series. By BLYTHE THOMPSON Student Reporter

Kathleen Norris says “God is love” is like saying “Eat Wheaties.” The noted poet, author and writer known for her storytelling will explain this statement at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 27 in Hart Auditorium. Norris’ literary feats include poems, several books and more than 30 years of writing.

Her speech topic stems from thoughts by Thomas Merton, a fellow religious writer. Merton wrote, “People don’t want to hear any more words. In our mechanical age, all words have become alike.... To say ‘God is Love’ is like saying, ‘Eat Wheaties.’” Norris will expand on this in her speech. “We can no longer presume that even our most sacred words still have meaning or value,” said Norris in an article, “Living by the Word: Standing on the Promises,” printed Nov. 29. Jennifer Ellison, Centenni-

al Activities coordinator, said the university extended an invitation to Norris in June for her lecture this month. “She promptly accepted our offer two days after we sent her a formal invitation,” Ellison said. Part of Norris’ reputation comes from her New York Times best-selling books including: The Cloister Walk and Amazing Grace: A Vocabulary of Faith; two others also made the list. Norris also won the Big Table, Younger Poet Society award for her first book of poetry, Falling Off, in 1971. Her other poetry collection con-

sists of seven other books. She graduated from Bennington College in 1969. Her years spent there prompted her to write the book: The Virgin of Bennington. The poems in this book are taken from her undergraduate years and added to the poems she wrote five years later as a poet living in New York as an assistant for Elizabeth Kray, executive director of the Academy of American Poets. Dakota: A Spiritual Geography, one of her best-sellers, depicts her move to Lemmon, S.D., when she gave up an exciting lifestyle in New York City to move to a farm she ac-

quired from her grandmother. The book was also a New York Times “Notable Book of the Year” and a Library Journal book of the year. Norris is included in a long list of centennial speakers in honor of ACU’s 100th year. Upcoming speakers include: • Dr. Stephen Carter, professor of Law at Yale University, March 31 • Robin Roberts, Good Morning America co-anchor, April 8 • Dr. Jean Bethke Elshtain, political philosopher, April 20.

E-mail Thompson at: optimist@acu.edu

my pay is satisfactory,” had 6 percent strongly agree, 20 percent moderately agree, 17 percent slightly agree, 13 percent slightly disagree, 20 percent moderately disagree, and 24 percent strongly disagree. “I would consider leaving ACU if a comparable job at the same level or a slightly higher pay level was available in another organization” had 10 percent strongly agree, 18 percent moderately agree, 19 percent slightly agree, 20 percent slightly disagree, 17 percent moderately disagree and 16 percent strongly disagree. Fifty-four percent of responders fell into the agree categories for “Job-related stress significantly affects my ability to enjoy my work at ACU,” and 47 percent agreed in some way to “Senior administrators are unapproachable.” Hood said the Quality of Life committee is carefully examining the survey results and will make recommendations to Money, adding that she anticipates he will discuss these recommendations at a faculty and staff meeting in late April. E-mail Carlson at: skc02a@acu.edu

Upcoming Centennial Speakers • Kathleen Norris, New York Times best-selling author and poet, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 27 in Hart Auditorium. • Dr. Stephen Carter, professor of law at Yale University, March 31. • Robin Roberts, Good Morning America co-anchor, April 8. • Dr. Jean Bethke Elshtain, political philosopher, April 20.