2006 03 03

Vol. 94, No. 41 1 section, 10 pages

FRIDAY

March 3, 2006

www.acuoptimist.com

Oscar showdown

Disaster drama

On the defensive

ArtsFriday looks at Oscar hopefuls before Sunday’s Academy Awards show, page 7

The city of Abilene will stage a plane crash as an emergency management drill, page 5

The football team adds Jason Johns as defensive coordinator, page 10

Weather hurts numbers n Dr. Mark Love, director of Ministry Events, said ice on the roads in Dallas during the first part of the week likely led to fewer people attending Lectureship.

By JACI SCHNEIDER Copy Editor

Between 3,000 and 3,500 people attended the last Bible Lectureship to take place in February.

Dr. Mark Love, director

Clinic traffic busy as break nears

of Ministry Events, said although he has no way of knowing exactly how many people attended, the numbers seemed slightly less than average.

“The evening theme lectures looked a little down,” Love said.

He said with ice on the roads in Dallas on Monday and Tuesday, many people didn’t make the drive to Abilene. However, he said

some hours had very high attendance, especially the 3:15 p.m. classes.

“Attendance then was higher than it typically is,” Love said. More than 800 attended the Restoration Unity Forum.

“And there were three other classes at the same time that were also well attended,” he said.

See

EVENT page 8

Brian Schmidt/File photo

Brandon Scott Thomas and members of ZOE Group sing during the opening of Lectureship on Feb. 19 in Moody Coliseum.

n Students can still join the 400 others already participating in Spring Break Campaigns to locations such as Atlanta, Miami and Virginia Beach, Va.

Seasonal swings

By AARON BALLARD Staff Writer

n Doctors and nurses notice an increase in sick students in the wake of Sing Song, when students often are in large groups and stay up late several nights straight.

By DENTON JOSEY Student Reporter

As spring break approaches, students aren’t the only ones who will receive a respite from the work that comes with being on campus. The University Medical Clinic has also been busy all semester.

The medical clinic has seen an average of 50-60 people a day in recent weeks.

This is the time of year that nurse Angela Estes said is one of the busiest for the medical clinic because after Sing Song they “see a lot of respiratory illnesses.”

See

CLINIC page 9

Sing Song looking to make ‘changes’

Brian Schmidt/Chief Photographer

Jonathan Holloway, junior biology major from Abilene, Kaylie Huddleston, freshman marketing major from College Station, and Stephanie Cobb, freshman bio-chemistry major from College Station, take a break from reading and talk as they enjoy the weather outside the Mabee Business Building on Thursday.

Students weather erratic temperatures as seasons change

By KENNY McENTIRE

“I like being able to go outside and play some basketball with my friends.”

Record heat for March along with dry air reminded the Big Country of this season’s fire hazards and Texas’ weather inconsistency.

Last year, temperatures in the beginning of March danced around the mid ’80s.

The detailed forecast for the month of March shows expected increases in precipitation from last year, and a

Chris Bergman, junior psychology major from San Antonio, about the warm weather

Student Reporter

mild increase in temperature as well.

However, according to the National Weather Service’s Web site, the high temperature for the remainder of the weekend is near 71. A cold front that moved in Wednesday dropped temperatures

n Anthony Williams, director of retail and purchasing, said he is considering opening Barret Hall’s coffee shop on weekends beginning next semester.

By ANNA CARROLL Student Reporter

See

THEME page 9

about 20 degrees. During the weekend the Big Country has a 30 percent chance of rain. The cold front, low level moisture and upper level disturbances may produce thunderstorms with lightening and heavy rain.

Chris Bergman, junior

psychology major from San Antonio, said although the rainy weather is nice for a day, he welcomes the warmer temperatures that come with the spring.

“It’s nice to be in love in the springtime,” Bergman said. “I like being able to go outside and play some basketball with my friends, also.”

While Sunday and MonSee

WEATHER page 9

With just more than one week remaining before spring break, nearly 400 students are preparing to leave on 25 Spring Break Campaigns all over the world.

Eric Hurst, senior accounting and finance major from Garland and chair of the Spring Break Campaign Committee, said the leaders and the committee are busy making final preparations.

“We are very much in prayer that God will work amazing things through Spring Break Campaigns this year, and we know that he will multiply the fruits of our labor and really bless this year’s group,” Hurst said.

Open spots remain on 11 campaigns, including the following: Atlanta; Columbus, Ala.; Laredo; Long Beach, Mass.; Manchester, Conn; Manhattan, N.Y.; Miami; Salem, Ore.; San Luis Obispo, Calif.; Seattle; and Virginia Beach, Va. “There are endless reasons why there are still vacancies,” Hurst said. “Some campaigns anticipated more students participating. Others have had students drop or switch because of special circumstances.”

Those interested in joining a campaign should stop by the War Room, McKinzie Hall Room 129, for more information.

“There are usually a few spots open at this point in time,” Hurst said. “Last year, we were looking for students up until the Friday before Spring Break. It is amazing to see how students will see the need and take up the challenge, even this late in the process.”

A few new things are happening with Spring Break CamSee

SBC page 8

Crowds flocking to fill Den

n Director of Student Productions Kendall Massey said he hopes next year’s Sing Song theme, “Everything Changes,” will give groups more freedom for creativity.

After 50 years of Sing Song, “Everything Changes.” Two weeks after “The 50th Show,” Sing Song 2007 is already in the works with a few changes of its own.

Kendall Massey, director of Student Productions, said he chose the theme “Everything Changes” because nothing ever stays the same; each year Sing Song is different. Next year’s theme will give the clubs and classes more freedom to do their own thing, he said.

Massey said he wants to encourage creativity in the clubs and classes with the broad theme. He said he also wants to encourage students to start preparations early. One way to

Spots remain open on some SBCs

By TAKISHA KNIGHT Page 2 Editor

Anna Carroll/Staff Photographer

Cheri Williams, sophomore interior design major from Arlington, and Amanda McLemore, sophomore English major from Aledo, eat at the Den in Barret Hall on Thursday after Chapel.

Department of Journalism and Mass Communication

About a month since its grand opening, business at The Den, the Java City coffee house in Barret Hall, is still booming.

“This Java City location actually outperforms the Hardin-Simmons Java City location since three or four days after the grand opening,” said Anthony Williams, director of retail and purchasing.

The differences between the Hardin-Simmons Java City and the one at Barret Hall are minor, he said. The menu is nearly identical, but the atmosphere, classroom appendage and the flat screen

television separate the two.

“It’s smaller, so it feels a lot more intimate,” Williams said. “It has a totally different feel. I think the HardinSimmons Java City, though a beautiful coffee shop, has more of a commercial feel. I think, aesthetically, our Java City just feels a little softer.”

Employees at The Williams Den said customer traffic is at its heaviest during opening and late in the evening. However, the late-night crowd tends to be the larger of the two.

Leslie Cox, a cashier at The Den, said people usually beat her there or begin to flood in at 7 a.m., opening time.

“The atmosphere and the

Abilene Christian University

workers have a lot to do with the quality of the product,” she said.

A lot of her former customers from the Connections Café in the Mabee Business Building make their way to Barret for their morning coffee.

“Now, instead of just remembering everybody’s faces, I’m learning everybody’s name,” she said.

In light of the new trend of warm weather, the customer flow is decreasing, she said, but not significantly.

“We love to see them, and apparently they love to see us, ” she said.

Alaina Bearden, junior English and political science major from Orange County, Calif., occasionally makes her way to Barret for a Javalanche, a icy blended coffee drink.

See

JAVA CITY page 8

Serving the ACU community since 1912

Chapel Checkup Credited Chapels to date:

Friday, March 3, 2006

03

Calendar & Events Friday

Purple Friday, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Campus Center Living Room.

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

Wind Ensemble concert, 8 p.m., Cullen Auditorium.

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Saturday

Service Saturday.

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

Philharmonic concert, 8 p.m., Abilene Civic Center.

Announcements Essence of Ebony`s Oklahoma City Spring Break Campaign will host a Bowl-athon at the Whitewood Lanes from 4-7 p.m. Saturday. Each game is $3 per person. The Oklahoma City Campaign will receive 40 percent of all proceeds. Teams of four-onfour are encouraged to compete.

For more information, contact Eric Mallet, ejm03a@acu.edu.

Third Day and the David Crowder Band will be in concert Sunday at the Taylor County Coliseum. Tickets for a special student rate are available in the Campus Activities Board office from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Contact CAB at

674-2772 for more information.

Study Abroad is offering a free iPod drawing for students that turn in an application for the Fall semester of the Latin America Study Abroad program.

There are still spots available in both locations. The deadline is March 31. E-mail study_abroad@ acu.edu for more information.

Communities in Schools needs volunteers at various times throughout the day to spend time with kids at recess, lunch, or in the classroom at Fannin Elementary on Monday through Friday. For more information, contact the Volunteer Center and Service-Learning Center.

About This Page The Optimist maintains this calendar for the ACU community to keep track of local social, academic and service opportunities.

Groups may send announcements directly to optimist@acu.edu or to the Page 2 Editor, ACU Box 27892, Abilene, TX 79699.

To ensure that an item will appear on time, the announcement should be sent at least 10 days before. The Optimist may edit items for space and style.

Corrections and clarifications of published news articles will be printed in this space in a timely manner.

05

Sunday

Third Day and David Crowder Band concert, 6 p.m., Taylor County Coliseum.

06

Monday

Christian Ministry in the National Parks information table, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Campus Center.

Volunteer Opportunities The City of Abilene Emergency Management needs 20 volunteers to act as victims in a simulated airport crash for a city/county wide exercise 8 a.m.-noon April 5.

A professional will add injuries to the volunteers with makeup, the fire departments will rescue them and transport them to the hospital and then back to ACU. Contact the director of emergency management by March 15 to volunteer. For more information contact the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center.

Day Nursey of Abilene needs volunteers to set up, prepare, serve and clean during its 14th annual Mexican Dinner fundraising event from noon until 10 p.m. March 25, 2006.

For more information, contact the Volunteer Service-Learning Center.

Meals on Wheels urgently needs drivers to deliver hot noon meals to 12-16 seniors and adults with disabilities from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays. For more information, contact the Volunteer Service-Learning Center.

Northern Oaks Rehab and Nursing needs volunteers to help with activities with the

elderly such as bingo, dominoes, cards and table games, singing groups, playing piano, visits, or reading or to spend time with them anywhere from 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. or evenings with coordination on weekdays. For more information, contact the Volunteer Service-Learning Center.

Abilene Hope Haven needs volunteers to play with children while assisting with childcare from 6:45-8:15 p.m.

Mondays through Thursdays.

For more information, contact the Volunteer Service-Learning Center.

Achieve Enrichment Program needs volunteers to help middle school students with homework, supervise and assist with recreation and crafts and lead discussions in life skills groups from 3:30-6 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

For more information, contact the Volunteer Service-Learning Center.

Beltway Boys and Girls Club need volunteers to help children with homework, help with sports practice and help in the game room from 3-5:30 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays.

For more information, contact the Volunteer Service-Learning Center.

Credited Chapels remaining:

28 40

Friday, March 3, 2006

Professor emeritus dies of heart failure n Sam McReynolds Jr., associate professor emeritus of mathematics, who taught for 38 years, died Feb. 23 from congestive heart failure.

By SARAH CARLSON Arts Editor

When Dr. Bo Green, professor of mathematics, was a student in the early 1960s, he had trouble staying awake in Sam McReynolds Jr.’s calculus class.

It wasn’t because he was bored or didn’t get enough sleep at night; rather, he has narcolepsy, which is a sleep disorder marked by sudden and uncontrollable urges to sleep, although he didn’t know the diagnosis at the time.

McReynolds, associate professor emeritus of mathematics, didn’t like people sleeping in his class, Green said, and gave a pop quiz one day after seeing Green sleeping.

“Mr. Green, where you asleep or just resting your eyes?” McReynolds asked his student.

Green said he explained to McReynolds that he suffered from a hereditary problem of sleep disorders, and although

McReynolds wasn’t happy with him sleeping in class, he excused his behavior as long as Green kept his grades up.

Green remembers McReynolds fondly and worked beside him in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science from 1972 to 1998, when McReynolds retired after 38 years of teaching.

McReynolds, 78, died Feb.

ago, and he was an only child. His five cousins and their children who live in Arkansas, where he spent his holidays, survive him.

After spending 1945-46 in the U.S. Navy and teaching math and physics at Pepperdine University, McReynolds joined the ACU faculty in 1960 as an assistant professor of mathematics. He became an as-

“So many people loved him and wanted to attend his funeral.”

Dr. Bo Green, professor of mathematics

23 from congestive heart failure at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene and was buried in his home of Morrilton, Ark., Wednesday. An initial funeral was Sunday at the Elliott-Hamil Chapel of Memories in Abilene, which wasn’t large enough to hold all those paying their respects, Green said.

“So many people loved him and wanted to attend his funeral,” he said.

His parents, whom Green said McReynolds was very close to, died several years

sociate professor in 1966, was named Outstanding Teacher of the Year in 1981 and was named an outstanding professor in the then College of Natural and Applied Sciences in 1987.

Green described McReynolds as very thorough, wellprepared and patient, dedicating most of his time to teaching and challenging his students to work hard. He loved golf, reading about history and Abraham Lincoln, and working with his church,

South 11th and Willis Church of Christ, which he considered family along with his math family, Green said.

When Green was chair of the Mathematics Department, and Dr. Royce Money became president of the university in 1991, the university experienced a budget crunch, and Green’s department took several hits, losing faculty members.

Eventually, after a few years, the department was in the financial position to hire another faculty member, but couldn’t decide between two candidates: Dr. David Hendricks and Dr. Carol Williams.

Green said he remembers that McReynolds wanted both to be hired, so he approached the administration, asking for his own pay to be cut in half so both Hendricks and Williams could be hired. The administration agreed, Green said, and McReynolds continued working for half his salary until he retired.

“That tells you want kind of person he was,” Green said.

“He loved this school and this department in particular.”

E-mail Carlson at: skc02a@acu.edu

Brothers can battle sexual impurity together n Men interested in joining a support group that focuses on sexual purity, can attend Brothers in Battle, a counseling group sponsored by the counseling center.

By GARY RHODES Student Reporter

The University Counseling Center has begun a new counseling group called Brothers in Battle to assist men struggling with sexual impurity.

The group, which meets in the counseling center at 11 a.m. Thursdays, is open to anyone said Beau Davis, one of the group’s facilitators.

The group is a way for participants to grow and overcome their struggles with sexual impurity alongside others facing

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CAMPUS NEWS

the same problem, said Davis, graduate marriage and family ministry student from Abilene.

“Participants are encouraged by it,” he said. “It‘s definitely something people want to be a part of.”

Working in a group environment can be a helpful part of a person’s healing process, said Steve Rowlands, director of the counseling center.

“We are all designed as humans to be in a relationship,” he said. “The group is a place that is going to challenge all of us to grow.”

The group also serves to hold individuals accountable for their actions, Rowlands said. Other counseling groups have dealt with similar subjects in the past, Rowlands said. The

“You’re more of a man for handling your emotions around people than for hiding them.”

Beau Davis, graduate marriage and family therapy student from Abilene

counseling center can only provide such groups when it has the personnel to oversee them.

Davis said many people are reluctant to share their problems, especially when they involve sexual issues.

“The easiest way to get someone to talk about a problem is to talk to them about confidentiality—what is said in the group doesn’t leave the group,” he said.

Another way to help a struggling individual decide to share is to normalize the problem, Davis said.

“When you find out more people feel the same as you, it’s easier to talk about it,” he said.

A challenge particular to counseling men about sexual matters is counteracting the culture we live in, Davis said.

“In reality,” Davis said, “you’re really more of a man for handling your emotions around people than for hiding them.”

E-mail Rhodes at: optimist@acu.edu

‘Lean on me’

brian schmidt/Chief Photographer

Ryan Jones, freshman English education major from Abilene, teaches Lauren Gray, freshman elementary education major from Corpus Christi, how to ride a skateboard Thursday in the McKinzie Hall parking lot.

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Friday, March 3, 2006

CAMPUS NEWS

Outdoor enthusiasts can rock climb this weekend n More than 31 students have joined the Outdoor Club this year, a student-led group that helps students realize their part in taking care of and enjoying creation.

By ZACH CUNNINGHAM Student Reporter

Students who need a breath of fresh air can look no further than the Outdoor Club.

The organization offers many opportunities for stressedout students to get away from the confines of the library or classrooms to escape into the great outdoors.

Dusty Vaughn, president of the Outdoor Club and senior biology major from

Spring Hill, Tenn., said in an e-mail that the Outdoor Club is sponsored by the university, and it focuses on outdoor recreation.

“We are a group of students interested in exploring and understanding God’s creation and the role of humans within it,” Vaughn said.

The membership for the club is 31, and it is growing.

The club plans to have an outing, a service project and a meeting every month. Members plan to take a climbing trip to the Brazos River this weekend and a backpacking trip to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge the weekend of March 24-26.

Brett Deaton, co-founder of the club and senior physics major from Staunton, Va., said in an e-mail that the members decide on and plan the groups’ activities.

“That kind of fits with the outlook of the club; we want to become thoughtful initiators in our activities and conservation efforts,” Deaton said.

The outdoors club’s activities range from picking up trash to stargazing. Past activities include trips to Palo Duro Canyon, and skiing trips to Breckenridge, Colo.

“Our purposes are to represent student needs and wants in regard to environmental

Welcome to the real world

and outdoor issues,” Vaughn said. “We also aim to explore the tensions and solutions that exist between practical living and recreation, versus conservation and preservation from a Christian perspective.”

In the future, the leaders of the Outdoor Club will look to offer even more ways for students to experience the outdoors, Vaughn said.

“We are working with the school to develop an Outdoor Recreation Center with a permanent rock climbing wall as well as a place to rent gear for outdoor trips,” Vaughn said. “We are also developing a greenway and trail along

By COURTNEE HEMBREE Student Reporter

ANNA CARROLL/Staff Photographer

Matt Boisvert, director of the Office of Career and Academic Development, spoke to students Thursday afternoon about writing resumes, interviewing techniques and other job-finding tips.

Men can shoot hoops outside halls

By LISA SRIOBCHOEY Student Reporter

The outdoor basketball court between Edwards and Mabee halls is undergoing a face-lift.

What was once a simple 30-foot by 30-foot slab of concrete with a single basketball hoop with a 45-degree tangle tilting rim, a tattered net and a defeated backboard, will soon become a full-court haven for campus street basketball players.

The new basketball court is an expansion of the old half court so two games can be played at the same time on either side of the court, said project manager Colby Blackwell, of Physical Resources.

Baselines and three-point lines will be painted on the

new concrete, and benches and trashcans will be placed on the side of the court.

The renovation of the court came as a result of the cooperation of the staffs of the two halls.

Eric Mallet, Mabee Hall resident assistant, first suggested the idea of renovating the basketball court last semester to Steve Sargent, Edwards Hall residence director.

“It will be great for Mabee guys to be able to play basketball outside at night instead of playing in a gym,” said Mallet, sophomore communication and Christian ministry major from St. Louis.

After the discussion with Mallet, Sargent, a Christian ministry graduate student from Mesquite, presented the idea to Dr. Mimi Barnard, director of Residence Life Education and Housing, who agreed with the idea.

“The renovation of the basketball court is beneficial for students, especially

Outdoor Club • Members: 31 • Purpose: to explore and understand God’s creation and the role of humans within it • Plans: to have an outing, service project and meeting monthly • Upcoming trips: climbing trip to the Brazos River this weekend; backpacking to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, March 24-26 • Past activities: picking up trash, stargazing, trip to Palo Duro Canyon and a skiing trip to Breckenridge, Colo.

E-mail Cunningham at: optimist@acu.edu

Peer leaders needed in fall ’06 n Positions to help incoming freshmen transition into college life during Welcome Week are still available, said Tracy Shilcutt, peer leader adviser.

n Residents in Mabee and Edwards halls can soon play basketball on a double court in the parking lot between the two buildings after spring break.

Cedar Creek that will provide a buffer for the stream and a multi-use trail.”

Members of the organization expect it to grow continually over the next few years; club membership is not complicated.

“Membership dues are $10,” Deaton said. “This goes toward food at events, T-shirt overhead, and membership in national organizations like Leave No Trace and the International Mountain Biking Association. You also have to fill out a membership application, which you can find on the Web site.”

those who live in Mabee and Edwards halls,” Barnard said in an e-mail. “It provides a resource for students to enjoy healthy, outdoor activity.”

Sargent said he is excited about the renovation and said it will be beneficial for many in the community.

“The renovation will allow us to use the basketball court even more,” Sargent said. “It’s great for the community; it’s great for exercise.”

Physical Resources began working on the renovation two weeks ago. The construction team has already laid down the foundation of the basketball court. Blackwell said now workers are waiting for the basketball goals and benches to arrive, which should take about three weeks. If the materials arrive on time, Blackwell said he expects the basketball court to be ready for use in about a month.

E-mail Sriobchoey at: optimist@acu.edu

Upcoming juniors and seniors who have an interest in helping new students make a successful transition to ACU have the opportunity to be peer leaders for the 2006 fall semester.

Peer leaders are students who work with University Seminar instructors to assist new students in various aspects of transition, Dr. Tracy Shilcutt, assistant professor of history, said in an e-mail.

The students chosen will work with incoming freshmen at Passport and Welcome Week and meet with University 100 classes once a week.

Peer leaders are required to attend all University 100 class meetings and activities and serve as a role model for the students in their class. With

the permission of the University 100 instructor, the peer leaders may also teach or lead the class discussions.

Peer leaders must meet several qualifications. They must be of exceptional Christian character and academic strength and have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0, said Shilcutt, who is also the peer leader director. She also said the students must be junior or senior undergraduates as of fall 2006, demonstrate exceptional commitment to ACU through involvement and have a desire to minister to and educate students during this time of transition.

Peer leaders earn $300 per semester. However, to some, the greatest reward is being able to help freshmen with the transition into college and make it as enjoyable as possible, said Mathis Kennington, junior Christian ministry major from San Antonio and peer leader for the 2005 fall semester.

“Everything about college,

whether it’s signing up for classes or talking to a counselor, seems second nature to us now,” Kennington said, “but most of us don’t know anything about that stuff when we first got here, and it’s great to be able to help them.”

Interested students must fill out an application and complete training. Students who have already applied and been notified by Shilcutt that they will be a peer leader for the fall of 2006 will attend a training session from 9 a.m. until noon Saturday or from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Sunday; both sessions will be in the Hilton Room.

Peer leader positions are still open. Forms are available online at www.acu.edu/academics/fyp/leadership. Forms should be returned to Shilcutt at ACU Box 28130. Interviews can be set up by e-mailing Shilcutt at tracy.shilcutt@acu.edu.

An additional training opportunity will occur in April, Shilcutt said.

E-mail Hembree at: optimist@acu.edu

College Christian athletes team up n Fellowship of Christian Athletes meets at 9 p.m. Tuesdays in the Living Room of the Campus Center for fellowship and discussion of spiritual journeys.

By ASHLEY ROBINSON Student Reporter

Despite the name, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes is not focused simply on athletes. Instead, members try to spread the Gospel and help Christians with their everyday challenges.

Craig Howard, senior exercise science major from Amarillo, is the adviser of the campus chapter of the organization.

“We are called the Fellowship of Christian Athletes; however, we are not geared toward athletic endeavors, we are geared toward fellowship,” Howard said.

Howard said members want to help people understand and accept the message and life of Jesus Christ.

“The FCA’s goal is to have

the Gospel preached,” Howard said. “FCA works in direct affiliation with schools to get the word out there and break down the walls.”

The campus chapter began three years ago as a small group meeting in the foyer of the Teague Special Events Center but has since grown and moved to a new location that can better serve its needs, Howard said.

The FCA huddle on campus has grown to about 43 members and meets at 9 p.m.

Tuesdays in the Living Room of the Campus Center. Howard said the group moved to the Living Room so it could use sound and video during meetings.

Each meeting begins with the group playing a game or watching a video and then moving into smaller, more personal groups, which allow for discussion and questions about people’s spiritual journeys, Howard said.

FCA is not limited to oncampus activities; each year

the national organization and local chapters organize retreats to bring members from different individual chapters together. Howard said the university’s huddle travels to Dallas for weekend retreats and joins other groups from the area.

“Most important is our impact on the community,” Howard said.

The FCA’s community outreach includes teaming up huddles to fellowship with local junior high and high school students, he said.

“We also have off-campus activities that are held at local churches,” Howard said. “It is a huge blessing when churches open up their doors to us.”

Once a semester, ACU combines with McMurry and Hardin-Simmons university FCA groups for fun and fellowship, with this year’s scheduled for April.

For more information, go to www.bigcountryfca.org.

E-mail Robinson at: optimist@acu.edu

Friday, March 3, 2006

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y = mx + b

Ensemble members to perform n The Wind Ensemble and concert band will perform a variety of music selections at its first concert of the year at 8 p.m.

Friday in Cullen Auditorium.

By BLYTHE THOMPSON Student Reporter

The Big Purple Band will move from the marching field to behind the music stands as members give their first concert this semester at 8 p.m. Friday in Cullen Auditorium.

The Wind Ensemble and concert band will give free performances featuring a variety of music from classical to modern under the direction of Dr. Eric Wilson, associate professor of music, and Natalie Steele, instructor of music, respectively.

Among other selections, “Fanfare Canzanique” is a piece when the Wind Ensemble will show off its brass sections.

Ryan Rampton, sophomore music education major from Naperville, Ill., will play in the ensemble.

“It’s a piece just for brass,” Rampton said. “We have some players actually

“We have some players ... off stage to provide a mixture of different sounds. It’s really cool.”

Ryan Rampton, sophomore music education major from Naperville, Ill.

off stage to provide a mixture of different sounds.

It’s really cool.”

Other musical variety includes: “Low How a Rose er Blooming,” “Blink,” “Toccata Marziale,” “Sanctuary” and a modern piece called “Profanition,” which Rampton said is “more modern with weird and crazy meters.”

Rampton has played music for nine years, beginning his musical career in the sixth grade playing the French horn.

To decide which Big Purple members participate in Wind Ensemble or concert band depends on the individual player.

At the end of the football season, student musicians audition for Wilson, who picks members of both groups based on each player’s performance.

Wind Ensemble members practice five days a week, and the concert band rehearses three. Practice for this concert has been

a culmination since the beginning of the semester.

This semester, the Wind Ensemble plans to tour in early April, performing at several venues throughout the Waco/Baylor University area, including the College Band Directors National Association convention, where the ensemble is one of a few bands selected based on a recorded performance tape from last year’s tour at the Texas Music Educators Association convention in San Antonio.

To maintain the groups’ Christian roots, whether on tour or on campus, the singing of “The Lord Bless You and Keep You” concludes each performance.

Former band alumni are invited on stage, and the audience is encouraged to join in as members link arms and sing.

E-mail Thompson at: optimist@acu.edu

Students needed for staged crash n The Emergency Management Department is looking for at least a dozen volunteers to be a part of a simulated plane crash on April 5 at Abilene Regional Airport.

By ASHLEY TARRANT Student Reporter

An organ hanging out, a burn, a cut: these are just a few of the injuries students can display while participating in a disaster drill April 5.

The Emergency Management Department of Abilene will stage a plane crash at the Abilene Regional Airport at 7:30 a.m. as a part of disaster planning. Students who participate should be finished by 1 p.m.

This upcoming citywide disaster drill trains responders who will deal with a major incident if something like this were to happen locally, said Jimmy Ellison, chief of ACU Police.

“These so-called ‘live-action’ drills help expose logistical concerns that are hard to plan for,” Ellison said.

Twenty students will receive fake injuries and be taken either to Hendrick

“We all have to work together, or we may lose someone.”

Jim Bryan, Emergency Management coordinator

Medical Center or Abilene Regional Hospital, so the injuries can be treated as if they were real. This is done once every three years to help the community, test hospitals and educate students. Only a few students signed up, but a dozen more are needed, said Jim Bryan, Emergency Management coordinator.

Bryan said this drill is called a mass casualty, which is when a disaster effects many people and creates a dilemma. The drill is treated as if the disaster was actually occurring and as if the injuries were real.

“We all have to work together, or we may lose someone,” Bryan said.

On March 21, the department will coordinate the students’ meeting point.

Bryan said students should participate because it helps the community. It’s also an educational process, which

teaches students emergency preparedness and what to expect in a disaster situation, he said.

“It’s a lot of fun, and people in the past have really enjoyed it,” he said. “We move around and give a lot of schools a chance to participate.”

Besides teaching responders how to act quickly, the drill also teaches hospital workers how to handle mass injuries by assigning different variables of injuries to student volunteers. When the students are taken to the hospital, workers have to prioritize what injuries they take care of first. For example, they would treat someone who was severely burned before treating a cut.

Students interested in participating in this drill can call Bryan at 676-6683.

E-mail Tarrant at: optimist@acu.edu

brian schmidt/Chief Photographer

John Mark Atchley, freshman business accounting and finance major from Grapevine, works on homework for his Math 130 Finite Math for Applications class Thursday on the third floor of the Brown Library.

Projects focus on serving neighbors n Students will go out into the university’s immediate neighborhoods to serve where needed as part of Service Saturday, sponsored by SALT.

By NATHAN DRISKELL Student Reporter

Saturday, the university will send students out into the city for Service Saturday for the second time this semester, with a focus on its immediate neighbors.

About a year ago, the Service Action Leadership Team redirected the majority of its service projects to aid the neighborhoods surrounding ACU, said Nancy Coburn, SALT adviser.

“You can’t ignore your geographic neighbor in an attempt to serve the other ways that you can define ‘neighbor,’” said Coburn, also the director of the Volunteer Service-Learning Center.

“It would be like the man who was on the side of the road when the Samaritan stopped, and we would be like the ones before him, who just went by,” she said. “We can’t go by them anymore.”

Coburn said about two-

thirds of SALT’s organized service events are focused on the neighborhood, but students also go in varioussized groups to major local organizations in need of help, including Salvation Army, Day Nursery of Abilene and Habitat for Humanity.

“Our goal is for [students] to find some place they love and enjoy and that really clicks with them that they can do on and on,” Coburn said.

Kelly Klinkerman, committee chair for SALT’s Service Saturday committee, said students often overlook their immediate neighbors when looking for a place to serve.

“A lot of students live out in the neighborhoods, and they won’t even say hello to people, and we just want to say, ‘Well, how can we foster that relationship between our campus and our community?’” Klinkerman said.

Twice a year, the VSLC sends out a notice to its mailing list of organizations announcing the upcoming dates in the semester for Service Saturday, when large numbers of students will be sent into the community with various missions of ser-

Service Saturday Students interested in participating in Service Saturday can call Nancy Coburn in the VSLC at 6742932 for more information.

vice. The VSLC also sets up a special phone line for people in the neighborhood to call if they need work done around their houses and yards. Coburn said students often come to the aid of widows or poor families with children in the neighborhood in need of help.

“They were just waiting and hoping and praying that someone could help them sometime soon, and then here are some college students that show up at their door, and they’re like, ‘Yeah!

This is great!’” Coburn said.

“It’s so fun to watch that and see where there’s a need and someone offering to meet the need, and there they go.”

E-mail Driskell at: optimist@acu.edu

Page 6

March 3, 2006

Wet cement: walk respectfully The issue:

Students’ graffiti is holding up the progress of the new Walk/Jog Trail.

Our view:

We should be mature enough to respect others’ work and not needlessly hold it up.

The solution:

Be cooperative with the construction.

It is making a better safer, campus.

For years, people have endeavored to stay in shape by running around campus.

Without a real path, runners and joggers were cutting rough dirt trails in the sparse Abilene grass and trying to avoid getting hit by cars as they made their way around campus.

This spring, that will change. In November, construction began on the twomile Walk/Jog Trail, paid for with funds from donors and the senior gifts of several graduating classes. This gift benefits students, faculty and the Abilene community by providing a safe and well-constructed track for all to use.

Originally the end date was set for Thanksgiving,

18:38 Chapel fails truthful purpose In the spring of 2005, those than the age-old command to in charge of Chapel program- save sex until marriage. ming created what at the time Anyone that has been seemed to be a brilliant new unfortunate enough to sit format. On through one of these 18:38 Thursdays, torture sessions has gained “18:38 Cha- a new appreciation for the pel” would phrase, “silence is golden.” be in Moody As the speakers brought Coliseum. in continue to be ill-prepared The goal and unimpressive at best, of this new students begin watching the Chapel was clock and bolting the moment the discov- the speaker makes a move Guest ery of truth that could be interpreted as a Column through in- dismissal. Not to mention the Jeremy t e r a c t i o n unnamed student, who every b e t w e e n week seems magnetically Pond knowledge- drawn to the microphone so able speakers and students he can ask yet another mindwith genuine questions or less question and bask in his concerns. At first, I and many fifteen seconds of fame. other students thought 18:38 It’s like a bad episode of was a great idea. Tragically, American Idol. the Spiritual Life Core wasted The resounding question little time in destroying what now seems to be, if this is could have been a wonderful truth, why should we want opportunity. anything to do with it?

The horror began with the Honestly, if the discovery of destruction truth is nothing of what could more than SLC Tragically, the have been shouting back good topics. at us what we Spiritual Life Core Last spring, a already know, wasted little time session took why bother? in destroying what place to disFar be it could have been a cuss the topic from me to wonderful of alcohol. complain withGood idea, out offering a opportunity. right? Throw solution to the out the bombsituation. It’s shell and let students, faculty quite simple really. and staff present biblically Scrap 18:38. based opinions on a controThose in charge could versial issue. spend the rest of the semester It sounds great in theory. trying to pump life back into In practice it became just this cadaver, but it’s just not another soapbox to use worth it. On Monday, a vidmeaningless scare tactics eo was shown in Chapel that to keep students away from made students care far more the bottle. about the biblical view of reRecently, it’s gotten even lationships than three weeks worse. of 18:38 even came close to For the last three weeks, achieving. Let’s face it. 18:38 18:38 sessions have been fo- is worthless. cusing on holy relationships.

I suggest you drop 18:38 At least, that’s what we were and the so-called “search for told they were going to dis- truth” because, frankly, we’re cuss. Instead, those of us in not buying it. attendance were bombarded by a string of mindless presentations offering little more E-mail Pond at: jlp04b@acu.edu

but be- Don’t graffiti the campus because you think it’s funny, r o a d — l i t cause of erally, said because of a dare, or any other reason. weather Rick Bontke, and stuproject mandents’ behavior, construc- peratures, high wind and ager, in a previous Optimist tion is still not complete.

90-plus degree days in the article in November.

As spring break looms four-month span they’ve Students should rememahead and construction worked. ber the trail was not made workers feverishly pour ceThey also have had to re-do just for them and that tens of ment so the track and land- parts of the trail because of thousands of dollars, countscape can be finished by students attempting to show less hours and much plangraduation, the ACU com- off their artistic abilities. ning went into its developmunity should realize and Last semester students ment so it could be enjoyed respect how much work doodled or wrote names by an entire community. goes into its construction. in the wet concrete, which Don’t graffiti the campus From sunup to 5:30 p.m., added several more hours because you think it’s funnearly a dozen workers from of work for the men for each ny, because of a dare or any Bontke Brothers Construc- name written. other reason. tion lay the foundation, After finishing a section As college students, we pour concrete and edge the of the trail, the workers had should be mature enough path for the 9-foot-wide, 5- to cover the students’ mark- to leave others’ hard work inch deep sidewalk ings with a thinner sand alone, and think about more The crew has battled qua- mixture, which eventually then the few minutes of si-snow, rain, freezing tem- will lead to cracks down the gratification that scribbling

a name in the damp concrete might bring.

Before the end of the semester, construction will be complete, but not before entrances to residence halls and buildings are temporarily closed. Although this will cause many an inconvenience, the closure will only last a few days.

Don’t spout off complaints to the workers, ACU police or the administration.

Respect the crew members as they finish their work and the addition and be thankful for the hard work they have put into the trail.

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

Let Loose

Cole Williams

Take me out to the Red Sox games When the Red Sox won the World Series in 2004, it was like a breath of fresh air.

I spent the first 18 years of my life in a Fenway frenzy, hoping for a winning s e a s o n year after y e a r — a World Series victory Don’t Believe the last posthe Hype sibility in my mind.

Mitch Holt Between the fourth and 11th years of my life, I watched countless Sox games in the famous ballpark and from the confines of my family’s small Connecticut home, witnessing the Buckner tragedy as an infant, a 1991 pennant win, the league-wide strike of 1994, and greats like Clemens, Boggs, Canseco, Burks, Eckersley and Evans.

I consider myself lucky to have grown up watching and adoring a team with so much history and character.

One might say my early years were the real deal. I consider myself lucky to have grown up watching and adoring a team with so much history and character, despite all of the heartbreak it might have brought upon its fans before the curse-breaking 2004 season.

This week Florida’s Grapefruit League spring training begins for Major League Baseball teams, and fans expect very little from the Sox. After all, losing former “Jesus look-alike” Johnny Damon to the loathed Yankees was a blow to the team’s morale — right? Damon was so quick to shave his face and head to become another pawn in the Yankees’ organization — a very rich organization — that Red Sox fans

didn’t even have a chance to egg his car before he snuck out of town.

Along with Damon’s arrogant, slap-in-the-face departure, the Sox lost two starters and a back-up catcher, who was the only player on the team that could catch for knuckleballer Tim Wakefield.

Sports buffs say this will be a quiet season for the Red Sox. I guess this should be the part in which I assure you that the Sox will prove critics wrong and earn themselves another World Series win, leaving Damon wishing he had never sold out.

But the truth is, it doesn’t really matter.

My team is the Red Sox. Your team is the Rangers or

the Astros or the Yankees.

All have come together to form a priceless tradition in America that has a larger meaning than who wins the World Series.

The fact that baseball, in the midst of war, death, divorce and scandal, for years has provided a desired career path for children and a means for adults to become kids again, and the opportunity for thousands of opposing fans to sing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” proves the game’s undeniable consistency.

As the new season begins, take baseball for what it is: friendly competition, America’s past-time and a tradition-filled spectacle.

And watch the Sox obliterate the Yankees’ billion dollar ball club.

E-mail Holt at: mah02f@acu.edu, optimist@acu.edu

In Your Words

Do you plan to watch the Oscars this weekend? Why or why not?

“Yes. I love movies of all sorts.”

“No. I like movies, but don’t pay much attention to actors when they are off-screen.”

“No. I just don’t have time.”

“Yeah. I really liked Walk the Line, so I’m rooting for Joaquin Phoenix”

Abby Loe

Travis Hunter

Ashley Baird

Leslie Spainhower

junior psychology major from Canyon

senior physics major from Colorado Springs, Colo.

sophomore biology major from Corpus Christi

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

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

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

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

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 youth and family ministry major from Antioch, Calif.

Editorial and Management Board Jonathan Smith Editor in Chief

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

Sports desk: (325) 674-2684

Mallory Sherwood Managing Editor

Photo department: (325) 674-2499

Dani Linthicum Opinion Editor

Sarah Carlson

Brian Schmidt

Arts Editor

Chief Photographer

Jared Fields Sports Editor

Advertising office: (325) 674-2463

Jaci Schneider Copy Editor

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

Christi Stark Advertising Manager

Kenneth Pybus Adviser

Online: www.acuoptimist.com

March 3, 2006

Figures for the weekend of February 24-26, in millions. Total grosses in parentheses.

1. Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Family Reunion — $30 (new) 2. Eight Below — $15.9 ($45.2) 3. Pink Panther — $11.1 ($60.8) 4. Date Movie — $9.1 ($33.8) 5. Curious George — $7.2 ($43.3) 6. Firewall— $6.7 ($37.3) 7. Final Destination 3 — $5.5 ($44.9) 8. Doogal — $3.6 (new) 9. Running Scared — $3.4 (new) 10. Freedomland— $2.9 ($10.8)

Today’s Movies Dave Chappelle’s Block Party (R) — starring Dave Chappelle; directed by Michel Gondry.

The comedian throws a free block party for a Brooklyn neighborhood and invites famous friends to perform.

16 Blocks (PG-13) — starring Bruce Willis, David Morse; directed by Richard Donner.

An out of shape and alcoholic cop (Willis) finds himself in a crisis when he and the prisoner he is transporting from prison to court are attacked by a gang wanting to kill the prisoner­ — a gang of fellow cops.

Ultraviolet (PG-13) —starring Milla Jovovich, Cameron Bright; directed by Kurt Wimmer.

A subculture of humans in the late 21st century have emerged with genetic mutations, giving them enhanced speed and stamina.

‘New York Times’ BestSeller List, Fiction Numbers indicate: current position, last week’s position and total weeks on the list.

1/-/1 The 5th Horseman,

by James Patterson 2/1/4 Cell, by Stephen King 3/2/152 The Da Vinci Code, by Dan Brown 4/5/5 The Last Templar,

by Raymond Khoury 5/4/2 Sea Change, by Robert B. Parker 6/-/1 In the Company of the Courtesan, by Sarah Dunant 7/3/4 Memory in Death,

by J.D. Robb 8/6/2 Lovers & Players, by Jackie Collins 9/7/3 Gone, by Lisa Gardner 10/11/14 Mary, Mary, by James Patterson

Oscar Bound

Philip Seymour Hoffman, right, in Capote.

Box Office

Page 7

Your scorecard for the 78th Academy Awards

By SARAH CARLSON Arts Editor

Sunday night’s Academy Awards ceremony marks my 10-year anniversary with the show, having not missed a ceremony since 1996. I’ve watched the Oscars almost half of my life and don’t plan on missing a show anytime soon.

I’m not quite sure why I’m obsessed with Hollywood and the self-congratulating award shows its stars clamor to, but I always follow the Oscar buzz and try to see as many of the Best Picture contenders as I can, making predictions.

This year, my brother and I have a contest to see who can predict the most winners. “Dorks,” you’re probably thinking. And you’re right — we are dorks.

But it makes us happy, so go with it.

The race for the Best Picture of 2005 is tricky, having no clear blockbuster or inspirational story that has swept the nation. Steven Spielberg’s Munich had the widest release out of the other nominees, unlike Capote or Good Night, and Good Luck. Brokeback Mountain is independent, but word-of-mouth and controversy have helped it earn steady box office sales.

With such serious topics as a gay love story, terrorist plots, a newsroom drama, racial tensions and small-town murder, host Jon Stewart of Comedy Central’s The Daily Show has his comedic work cut out for him.

Here are the nominees and, for certain categories I’m the most familiar with, I’ve put a star next to who I think will win, but not necessarily who I think should win:

Good Night, and Good luck Munich

Best Director

George Clooney Good Night, and Good Luck Paul Haggis Crash P Ang Lee Brokeback Mountain Bennett Miller Capote Steven Spielberg Munich

Best Actor

P Philip Seymour Hoffman

Capote Terrence Howard Hustle and Flow Heath Ledger Brokeback Mountain Joaquin Phoenix Walk the Line David Strathairn Good Night, and Good Luck

Best Actress

Judi Dench Mrs. Henderson Presents Felicity Huffman Transamerica Keira Knightley Pride & Prejudice Charlize Theron North Country P Reese Witherspoon Walk the Line

Best Supporting Actor

P George Clooney Syriana Matt Dillon Crash Paul Giamatti Cinderella Man Jake Gyllenhaal Brokeback Mountain William Hurt A History of Violence

Pimp” Hustle and Flow “Travelin’ Thru” Transamerica

Best Original Score

Amy Adams Junebug Catherine Keener Capote Frances McDormand North Country P Rachel Weisz The Constant Gardener Michelle Williams Brokeback Mountain

Brokeback Mountain Gustavo Santaolalla The Constant Gardener Alberto Iglesis Memoirs of a Geisha John Williams Munich John Williams Pride & Prejudice Dario Marianelli

Best Animated Film

Best Original Screenplay

Howl’s Moving Castle Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride P Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit

Best Adapted Screenplay

Best Visual Effects

P Brokeback Mountain

Larry McMurtry and Diana Ossana Capote Dan Futterman The Constant Gardener Jeffrey Caine A History of Violence Josh Olson Munich Tony Kushner and Eric Roth

Best Original Song

Best Documentary Darwin’s Nightmare Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room March of the Penguins Murderball Street Fight

Best Costume Design Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Gabriella Pescucci Memoirs of a Geisha Colleen Atwood Mrs. Henderson Presents Sandy Powell Pride & Prejudice Jacqueline Durran Walk the Line Arianne Phillips

Best Cinematography

Crash Paul Haggis and Bobby Moresco Good Night, and Good Luck George Clooney and Grant Heslov Match Point Woody Allen P The Squid and the Whale Noah Baumbach Syriana Stephen Gaghan

“In the Deep” Crash “It’s Hard Out Here for a

Best Picture

P Brokeback Mountain Capote Crash

Best Supporting Actress

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe King Kong War of the Worlds

Best Foreign-Language Film Don’t Tell Italy Joyeux Noel France Paradise Now Palestine Sophie Scholl: The Final Days Germany Tsotsi South Africa

Batman Begins Wally Pfister Brokeback Mountain Rodrigo Prieto P Good Night, and Good Luck Robert Elswit Memoirs of a Geisha Dion Beebe The New World Emmanuel Lubezki All photos courtesy of www. rottentomatoes.com

E-mail Carlson at: skc02a@acu.edu

Page 8

Friday, March 3, 2006

FROM THE FRONT PAGE

SBC: Spots open

Event: Forums draw crowd Continued from page 1 Along with the 3:15 p.m. time slot, the Restoration Unity Forum had high attendance at all times of the day, Love said. He also said many people attended the theme lecture Tuesday night from Mike Cope, preaching minister at Highland Church of Christ and adjunct professor of Bible, missions and ministry.

“He’s a well-known local preacher,” Love said. “And Mike’s just going to draw a crowd any time he speaks.”

The evening coffee houses also saw high numbers.

Love estimated about 200 people attended Sunday night’s presentation about the band U2, with student band Homer Hiccolm & the Rocketboys covering several

songs. About 100 more attended Monday night, when Stephen Moore, assistant professor of English, spoke about the movie Crash.

Love said scheduling two Lectureships in one year could have affected the attendance, but he doesn’t think it had a big influence.

“A big part of our Love audience are church leaders,” he said.

“They tend to think of the year from September to August, not January to December, so they don’t necessarily see it as two in one year.”

Now that the February

Lectureship has completed, Love is planning for the one to take place in September by sending out invitations to speakers and creating the program.

He said he expects the September event to attract an average-sized audience.

“Most exhibitors who are set-up in the Teague Special Events Center have already reserved spaces,” he said.

“That’s a good sign.”

Although Love said he heard from a few people who won’t be able to attend in September, for the most part he’s heard positive responses.

“I had a lot of people say to me, ‘I’ll see you in September,’” Love said.

E-mail Schneider at: jrs02a@acu.edu

Continued from page 1

brian schmidt/File Photo

Homer Hiccolm & the Rocketboys plays Feb. 19 at the Gospel and Culture Coffee House, a popular event among the Lectureship crowd.

Java City: Coffee shop could open for weekends Continued from page 1 “I’m really glad we have it,” she said. “I love being able to come here for classes. It’s really nice to have a coffee shop over here on this side of town, finally.”

She said she likes the location, and it makes scheduling coffee dates with friends easier. She also said using meal plans and Bean Bucks at the coffee shop is a bonus.

Williams said future enhancements will be considered next semester as management scopes out the students’ needs and responses to the environment at the coffeehouse.

He said management will consider opening The Den on the weekends according to customer demand.

“We’re still trying to adjust and gauge the hours that we need to be open,” he said.

paigns this year. Several groups are going to locations that have never been visited by campaigns before. Also, the Alumni Office has encouraged alumni near each of the locations to join the groups for a day of service.

The various campaigns range in cost. Some are as inexpensive as $300, while others cost more than $1,000.

One main determinant of the cost is whether a campaign involves flying or driving.

Campaigners made their final payment for the trip this week.

To raise funds, many students sent out letters to family, friends and churches. Others simply paid for the trips themselves.

“Fundraising is coming along well, and hopefully all the campaigns will have the funds that they need to make their trips possible,” Hurst said. “It has been my experience that people are very generous when they see students who are giving up their spring break for a week of service.”

The initial sign-up for campaigns was in early November.

Since then, the groups have been meeting in Small Group Chapels every Thursday. This is the 30th year for ACU to send out Spring Break Campaigns.

“Spring Break Campaigns are important to ACU because they embody the mission of the university,” Hurst said. “They teach students what it means to be a true servant leader. Students give up their entire week to serve people who are not as fortunate as them. They choose to serve when they could be doing so many other things.”

Anna carroll/Staff Photographer

E-mail Knight at: tnk03a@acu.edu

Students wait in line in The Den after Chapel on Thursday. Management is considering opening on weekends because of the coffee shop’s popularity.

E-mail Ballard at: agb04b@acu.edu

Friday, March 3, 2006

Page 9

FROM THE FRONT PAGE

Weather: High 70s expected

Theme: Planning begins

Continued from page 1

Continued from page 1

day are expected to be dry, showers are expected again

by Tuesday. Fluctuations in the weather remind the residents of the Big Country of the recent inclement weather that has plagued the region in recent months.

In late December and early January, wildfires sprung up across Texas. Wildfires hit Cross Plains on Dec. 28, and Lake Stamford had a flood in September. Texas, in the last six months, has seen a conflicting mix of weather with wildfires, floods and even a weekend of snow.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s 90-day prediction said the temperatures in Texas will be in the high ’70s through the remainder of March.

satisfaction at the least with where we have come so far.”

prepare, he said, is for clubs to start looking at directors as year round positions.

“I want to help students not jam it all in there,” he said. “I don’t want people just to survive the show; I want them to enjoy it.”

Unlike some clubs, the women of GATA elect a Sing Song director in the spring semester when they elect other club officers, said Lindsey Scraggs, senior biology teaching major from Abilene and 2006 Sing Song director.

“I don’t think that’s too early,” she said. “It’s so much work if you wait.”

This year, GATA started a little late, Scraggs said, because the original director couldn’t fulfill the position, and Scraggs took over at the end of the fall semester.

This year GATA will elect a director after spring break, Scraggs said, and she will be able to start thinking of themes and picking songs.

Now in his third year in charge of Sing Song, Massey said he is almost done making changes to the show.

“We’re almost to the point where I feel we should be with the show,” he said. “I’m trying to be very calculated about it.”

One of those changes is in the budget. Massey said he tries to cut costs to make it profitable for the university.

He said he is always looking for ways for the show to give back to the university.

Another change Massey is working on for next year is to involve the co-chairs with picking the theme and with the creative side of the show.

Co-chair tryouts will be in April. For more information about Sing Song, subscribe to the Sing Song announcements on MyACU or visit www.acusingsong.com.

Massey said he is working on making the Web site more informative.

E-mail Johnson at: djj04a@acu.edu

E-mail Carroll at: optimist@acu.edu

E-mail McEntire at: optimist@acu.edu

Anna carroll/Staff Photographer

Calee Varner, junior secondary education major from Amarillo, teaches Rebecca Venable, junior secondary education major from Longmont, Colo., how to play golf Wednesday by the volleyball court at University Park Apartments. Venable said the experience “could possibly be the most embarrassing moment of my life.”

Clinic: 30 flu shots still available Continued from page 1 Estes linked the illnesses with students staying up late, not eating healthy and not getting enough sleep, as well as being in crowded groups of people.

“It seems like they are more susceptible to sickness when that happens,” Estes said.

Despite Sing Song no longer keeping students out late and in close quarters, health concerns still abound. With weather that changes frequently, abundant pollens and molds and wind affect

allergies, Estes said.

Ranee Knox, also a nurse at the medical clinic, said that after spring break, the clinic is usually not as busy.

She also said there have been instances in the past where students go on Spring Break Campaigns and get sick but aren’t treated until they return to campus.

The most common illnesses treated by the medical clinic include respiratory illnesses, such as influenza, gastrointestinal sickness and gastritis.

Students can help prevent

such infirmities by remembering to wash their hands frequently and drinking six to eight glasses of water a day.

“Wash your hands a bunch.

Cover your mouth when you cough and sneeze,” Estes said.

Adequate diet and rest are also important to overall health, which Estes said “is more than two or three hours of sleep a day and a hamburger.”

As Abilene begins to steadily get warmer and see more sunny days, students must protect themselves from the sun.

“It’s very important anytime you’re outside to apply sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher,” Knox said.

She also said avoiding direct sunlight by staying in the shade when possible helps against sunburn, which is a cause of skin cancer.

For more information, students can look at the medical clinic’s Web site, www.acu. edu/campusoffices/medical. html. Currently it advertises flu shots for $15, and about 30 are left, Estes said.

Healthy living Nurses Ranee Knox and Angela Estes at the University Medical Clinic said students can give themselves better odds for staying healthy during the change in seasons by following several tips: • Wash hands frequently • Cover mouth during coughs and sneezes • Drink six to eight glasses of water daily • Apply at least 15 SPF sunscreen to protect skin

E-mail Josey at: optimist@acu.edu

Golf: Coach looking for play to improve Continued from page 10 a score of 14 over par for a tenth place tie out of 80 golfers. Freshman Hilton Funk and sophomore Curtis Harris were next in line for ACU, tying for 25th with an overall score of 19 over par.

Junior Cian Daly, who had the team’s lowest scoring

average last fall, was unable to match his past successes with a 52nd place finish at 30 over par.

“I feel I could have done better on a lot of holes, but with the conditions and course setup being so thorough, you really can’t beat yourself up for not playing your best.” Byerly said.

For Campbell, this me-

diocre finish is an unsettling start to an optimistic spring season. Campbell will rely on consistent play from top 10 finishers Byerly and Hanauer along with fall season star Daly to carry the team to success in regionals and giving the Wildcats a shot at nationals. Despite Daly’s unsuccessful first tournament,

Campbell said he is expecting him to relive his fall success and step up as a leader for the upcoming tournaments and challenges.

“I am not disappointed with our performance, but we all know we can play better than we did,” Campbell said.

“We will keep improving and working hard, and there is no

Page 10

March 3, 2006 Standings 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 10-1 8-1 5-1 3-1 3-2 2-6

Manning displays skills at NFL Combine n Danieal Manning ran in front of NFL Scouts at the NFL Combine Tuesday in preparation for the draft. Manning worked out with receivers and defensive backs.

By JARED FIELDS

SOFTBALL Team Div. Tarleton St. 0-0 ACU

0-0 ENMU 0-0 TAMU-K 0-0 Angelo St. 0-0 0-0 WTAMU

Sports Editor

Overall 7-2 10-4 8-4 4-4 4-7 4-7

Scores Saturday

Women’s basketball Texas Woman’s 72, ACU 60 Baseball ACU 5, East Central 3 ACU 10, East Central 0

Brian schmidt/File Photo

Danieal Manning ran in front of NFL scouts Tuesday at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. Analysts have projected Manning as a first day pick.

Along with some of the top prospects of the April 29 NFL Draft, former ACU all-American Danieal Manning worked out in front of scouts at the NFL Combine on Tuesday.

At the Combine, players are physically tested in areas such as the 40-yard dash, vertical and broad jump, cone drills and repetitions at 225 lbs. on the bench press.

Publicized as a smallschool sleeper pick before the Combine, Manning said he’s getting plenty of attention.

“They really didn’t tell

Football me about how I improved, just that I did well,” Manning said. “I’m getting a lot of recognition; a lot of teams met with me.”

However, Manning and his agent, Russell Hicks, said he didn’t meet goals set before the Combine. In the 40yard dash Manning ran 4.46 seconds, a slow time in his group and behind the 4.3 second goal Hicks said they wanted to get.

“He had some personal goals that he wanted to meet, and he came up short,” Hicks said. “4.46 is fast for someone weighing 210 lbs., but he was hoping to run a 4.3.”

With Manning’s performance Tuesday, he will work out at ACU’s pro day scheduled for March 11 with for-

mer teammates Clayton Farrell, Robb Spells and Rashon Myles. With a better showing at the Combine, Manning likely would not have planned to run at the pro day.

“I feel like I did well on some things, but I’ll have a chance to improve on things at the pro day,” Manning said.

In his other tests, Manning did well. He jumped 39.5 inches in the vertical jump, broad jumped 10-feet 3inches and made 17 reps on the bench press, three higher than the average for defensive backs.

Aside from working out with the defensive backs, Manning said he ran routes with receivers. Manning is still unsure of what position NFL teams will play him in the league. A safety at ACU, Manning might play cornerback,

safety or have some ball-handling responsibilities.

“They had me do receiver drills; they wanted to see me run some routes. I’m going to return punts, too,” Manning said.

When it comes to the draft, he sees just as much uncertainty in when he’ll be picked as the position he’ll play.

“The NFL Advisory Committee had me at a fourthround pick but other places have had me at the second round,” Manning said. “Anywhere on the first day would be safe.”

The NFL Draft is April 2930 in New York City. The first four rounds take place on the first day of the draft, and the second day includes the final three rounds.

E-mail Fields at: jrf03b@acu.edu

Upcoming Schedule Friday Baseball ACU vs. Northeastern State, 4 p.m. (DH) Softball ACU at Texas A&M-Kingsville, 5 p.m.

Men’s Tennis ACU vs. New Mexico Military, 2 p.m.

Saturday Baseball ACU vs. Northeastern State, noon (DH) Softball ACU at Texas A&M-Kingsville, 5 p.m.

Defensive coordinator added to coaching staff n Head football coach Chris Thomsen added a new defensive coordinator to his staff, shifting former defensive coordinator Jerry Wilson to coach defensive linemen.

By DANIEL JOHNSON Sports Writer

Football Johns said.

Thomsen and Johns have worked together in the past under former Wichita Falls head coach Leo Brittain in 2001. Thomsen was the offensive coordinator, and Johns was the defensive coordinator.

Johns graduated from Angelo State in 1996 and assisted in Olney before returning for two years as a graduate assistant at ASU, eventually coaching for Wichita Falls.

Thomsen said he is hopeful that Johns’ passion and experience will help contribute to success in the upcoming season. After a disappointing 2-4 conference record in 2005, the Wildcats are optimistic for Thomsen’s second season at the helm.

The hiring of Johns supplements the reshuffling of the Wildcats coaching staff.

Returning coach Desmond Gant will coach defensive safeties, while former defensive line coach Colby Carthel shifts sides of the ball to coach ACU’s running backs.

Ken Collums returns as quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator, as new full-time assistant Brandon Avants coaches the offensive line and graduate assistant Steve Fox helps coach linebackers.

Golf gets sixth place in opening tournament

The football program added former Wichita Falls High School head coach Jason Johns as the new defensive coordinator to help restructure the Wildcats coaching staff for the 2006 season.

“Coach Johns is really passionate about the game of football and helping our players develop on and off the field,” said head coach Chris Thomsen.

After coaching in Wichita Falls for five years, Johns, a former player and graduate assistant at Lone Star Conference rival Angelo Sate, will take over for veteran coach Jerry Wilson to coordinate the defense. Wilson will stay on staff as defensive line coach and special teams coordinator with the help of Nathan Headrick.

Coming out of a successful 4A high school program, Johns said he is hopeful his addition and experience with the Lone Star Conference will help the Wildcats find future success.

“I am excited to be working for coach Thomsen and such a great program; Thomsen is a tremendous coach, recruiter, and human being.”

n Golf opened the season in Austin at the St. Edwards Spring Invitational with a sixth-place finish among some of the top teams in the region and nation.

After disappointing year, women prepare for next season

• Home games listed in italics

Baseball Stats Player

Avg.

• Matt McGuire .560 .640 SLG%, .593 OB% • Johnny Zepeda .442 18 R, 13 RBI • Alec Sowards .441 11 R, 8 RBI • Joel Wells .439 6 HR, 19 RBI, 1.024 SLG% • Chris Walsh .413 15 R, 7 RBI • Ruben Rivera .375 12 R, 14 RBI

By DANIEL JOHNSON Sports Writer

The No. 24-ranked golf team began its spring season with a sixth-place finish at the Circle C Golf Club for the St. Edwards Spring Invitational in Austin on Monday and Tuesday.

With all 15 teams of the tournament in the Wildcats’ region, including six out of the top 24 teams in the nation, this tournament was substantial to regional rankings and future outlook for the regional tournament later in the season, said head coach Mike Campbell.

“We really finished where our ranking would dictate,” Campbell said.

“With the windy weather and difficult course set-up and pin positions, scores were higher for everybody.”

In the face of a difficult course and distracting conditions, the Wildcats tabulated a combined score of 62 over par in Austin.

Junior Kyle Byerly and freshman Patrick Hanauer each led the Wildcats with See

GOLF page 9

n The Wildcats missed the LSC Postseason Tournament by a coin flip, but are putting that behind at preparing to improve on this season for next year.

By JARED FIELDS Sports Editor

Having their season decided by a coin flip, the Wildcats are gearing up for next

brian schmidt/Chief Photographer

E-mail Johnson at: djj04a@acu.edu

Women’s Basketball season in hopes for a better outcome. Head coach Shawna Lavender remains optimistic, but the team needs to rebound from a disappointing year and the loss of key senior players.

Picked to win the Lone Star Conference South Division in the preseason, the Wildcats

Former Wichita Falls High School head coach Jason Johns works with linebackers Thursday after being named the Wildcats defensive coordinator. Johns takes the job coach Jerry Wilson had, who will coach defensive linemen next year.

entered divisional play with a 6-9 record and held a .500 record once in conference play.

In a sense of turning lemons into lemonade, Lavender wants her team to use this season as motivation for the next.

“I think after a year like this, the kids you have coming back are mad enough and

brian schmidt/File Photo

With the exception of Haley Hammond (second from left), some players will have to jump from role players to major contributors next year. Pictured are: Audrey Maxwell, Kristee Davidson, Lacey Blau, Jamie Hall and CiCi Davis.

frustrated enough that they come back with a little bit more of an attitude, kind of ready to prove something,” Lavender said.

Graduating preseason player of the year Jamie Boles-Lord and school 3point record holder Ashley King, along with Kierstan Barbee and Haley Hammond, will leave big holes for next year’s Wildcats. Lord, King and Barbee finished twothree-four in points per game behind sophomore Alex Guiton and were the top three rebounders on the team.

Lavender expects current players to step into holes left by the departure of seniors and the more established players to improve their level of play.

“I’m excited about our younger kids coming back and what I think they bring to the team,” Lavender said.

Guiton, a two-year starter at point guard, led the LSC in minutes per game and has become the leader on the court.

Sophomore Ashlee Barr returns after starting 16 games this season and junior Lacey Blau pose an inside-outside threat. Freshman Kristee Davidson, who transferred to

ACU after spending a year at California-Irvine, showed potential this season while averaging 5.6 points, three rebounds and 16.3 minutes a game. True freshman Audrey Maxwell challenged for playing time toward the end of the season and got the nod for five starts.

Other than her returning players, Lavender also likes the players she’s signed for this year’s recruiting class.

Lavender is bringing in 6foot tall twins from Round Rock, a guard who can play forward or guard and a point guard from Fort Worth Christian, current point guard Alex Guiton’s alma mater.

Lavender said she is not done recruiting; she is still working on signing two or three more players this spring. She is spending the week in Austin for the girls high school state championship tournament to finalize her signing class.

Overall, Lavender likes the outlook of her team for next year.

“We have a good core coming back, and I’m excited about our new players,” Lavender said.

E-mail Fields at: jrf03b@acu.edu