Vol. 94, No. 46 1 section, 8 pages
FRIDAY
March 31, 2006
www.acuoptimist.com
Spring arrives
An ‘Inside’ look
The baseball team begins LSC South play this weekend against Tarleton State, page 8
Director Spike Lee captures audiences and provokes thought with his bank-heist thriller, page 5
Plane crash kills trustee member, wife n Dr. Paul Johnson, his wife and another couple were killed when the plane tried to return to the airport after experiencing difficulty early in the flight. By SARAH CARLSON Arts Editor
ACU trustee Dr. Paul Johnson was killed along with his wife, Marcia, and two others in a plane crash in the resort
town of Branson, Mo., on March 20. Johnson, 71, was piloting the twin-engine Piper Seneca on route to Lubbock, home to the Johnson’s and Bill and Betty Roach, who were flying with the couple. A memorial service for the Johnsons was Saturday at Broadway Church of Christ in Lubbock. According to the Associ-
ated Press, Johnson radioed he was having difficulty with the plane shortly after it took off at 12:30 p.m. from Point Lookout, Mo., and he would try to return to the airport. The plane, carrying a full load of fuel, crashed into a building of rental storage units. None survived. “We are shocked and saddened at the news of the tragic loss of Dr. Paul and Marcia
Johnson,” Dr. Royce Money, president of the university, said in a statement. “Paul was an outstanding athlete throughout his entire life, and he was a tremendous ambassador, recruiter and trustee for his alma mater. We will truly miss this outstanding Christian couple.” Johnson and his wife, who were married in 1958, are survived by their children, Greg,
Andy and Mary, and their four grandchildren, Rachel, Cayte, Paul and Sarah. After graduating from ACU in 1957, Johnson went on to the Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas in 1960, then moving into general practice in Lubbock. Johnson had been a member of the Board of Trustees See
Crash Details • Dr. Paul Johnson, board of trustee member, his wife Marcia, and Bill and Betty Roach, all from Lubbock, were killed. • The crash occurred on March 20 in Branson, Mo., when it crashed into a building of rental storage units.
JOHNSON page 7
ABC anchor to speak April 8 n Robin Roberts, news anchor of ‘Good Morning, America’ will be the sixth guest to speak about her faith in the Centennial Speaker Series. By DENTON JOSEY Student Reporter
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
Dr. Stephen Carter, professor of law at Yale University, was the fifth speaker in the Centennial Speaker Series this year in celebration of the university turning 100 years old. The celebration which will last a year ends Sept. 11, 2006 and has included speakers, performers and presentations.
Carter addresses democracy issues n Dr. Stephen Carter, law professor at Yale University, spoke Wednesday to faculty and students during a luncheon in the Teague Special Events Center. By JONATHAN SMITH Editor in Chief
Dr. Stephen Carter, professor of law at Yale University, challenged attendees of the Centennial Speaker Series lun-
“Democracy itself suffers and withers when more and more people decide the most important thing is winning.” Dr. Stephen Carter, professor of law at Yale University
cheon Thursday to band together to save the nation’s democracy from being destroyed by partisanship. Carter, a legal scholar and New York Times bestselling
author, spoke in the Teague Special Events Center addressing three problems facing democracy in America today: an increased focus on the necessity of being on the winning
side of every issue, growing pressure among people of faith to exclude themselves from discussions See
CARTER page 7
The university will play host to one of ABC’s bestknown news anchors, Robin Roberts of Good Morning, America, at 7 p.m. April 8 in the Teague Special Events Center. For more than 20 years, Roberts has worked in broadcast journalism in a number of roles. During her award-winning career she has worked with ESPN and ABC News. Roberts is currently the third anchor for Good Morning, America and recently spent time with former President Bill Clinton on his trip to Africa to chronicle the country’s AIDS epidemic. Admission for the event is $10 for students and $20 for the general public; the deadline to reserve tickets is April 4. With 600 people expected to attend, Roberts has chosen to give a speech titled, “Putting Yourself in a Position for Good Things to Happen.” Jennifer Ellison, Centennial Activities coordinator, said in an e-mail that a diverse group is expected to listen to Roberts, including church groups and community
leaders in addition to students and faculty. “I definitely think she will connect with the entire audience,” Ellison said. “I think she will use humor and real-life experiences to make her presentation very personal, therefore allowing her to relate and connect with our constituents.” Throughout the year, the university has brought in speakers from a variety of backgrounds that appeal to the community, Ellison said. She also said the committee has tried to bring in speakers who are recognizable and well-known to the general public, but also hold faith as an integral part of their lives. Betsey Craig, Alumni Network coordinator, said Roberts is one of the most popular speakers to come to campus and that the turnout is expected to be highest so far this year. Ellison said the Abilene community and the ACU community are showing great support. “Robin appeals to a wide spectrum of people, and we’re expecting a wonderful turnout at her event,” Ellison said. “We’re looking forward to having her on campus and expect great things from her presentation.”
E-mail Josey at: optimist@acu.edu
SA narrowly passes bylaws
Education chair accepts new post
n Low attendance during the SA meeting forced a unanimous vote to approve bylaws, which explain duties of Congress members and set election dates.
n Dr. Jerry Whitworth, chair of the Department of Education, has accepted a new position at Texas Woman’s University that will begin next semester.
By JONATHAN SMITH Editor in Chief
Congress put itself at the mercy of a single “no” vote Wednesday when just enough people attended its weekly meeting to pass a new set of bylaws for Congress. Approving the new set of bylaws, which detail such things as the duties of members of Congress and specify when elections take place, requires approval of two-thirds of the entire Congress. With only 29 out of 51 members finally attending the meeting and five voting absentee, the vote required unanimous support of
all those present for approval. Congress eventually approved the bylaws, but not before having to call several members of Congress after the meeting had begun to convince them to attend so that enough people would be present even to vote on the measure. The new set of bylaws, written to coincide with the new constitution students ratified a week ago, made only one significant change from the previous set of bylaws. All elections for voting members of Congress, which excludes executive officers, now will take place in the fall. Executive officer elections still will occur in the spring. Sophomore Sen. Brandon Smith proposed the change, which moves class senator See SA page 7
Department of Journalism and Mass Communication
By JACI SCHNEIDER Copy Editor
Brian Schmidt/Chief Photographer
Christopher Smith, Foster Science Building Rep., explains and defends amendments he proposed to the bylaws to the rest of Congress during Wednesday’s meeting to approve new bylaws.
After serving as chair of the Department of Education for nine years, Dr. Jerry Whitworth will move to Texas Woman’s University next semester. Although Whitworth was a candidate to be dean of the new College of Education and Human Service at ACU, he said he will fill the position of associate dean of the College of Professional Education at Texas Woman’s, which has about the same enrollment at ACU, but a larger graduate program. “I’m really impressed with Texas Woman’s,” Whitworth said. “It will provide
Abilene Christian University
me with lots of professional opportunities and opportunities to grow.” Although Whitworth said he will miss the students at ACU after his 10 years, he said he feels like it’s time for him to move on, especially considering the Department of Education will no longer exist in the same form once the new Whitworth college opens next fall. “I’ve been here 10 years, and it seemed like I was ready for a change,” Whitworth said. “If I stayed, my job would change anyway.” In his new position at Texas Woman’s in Denton, Whitworth See
WHITWORTH page 7
Serving the ACU community since 1912
Chapel Checkup Credited Chapels to date:
Wednesday, March 29, 2006 Friday, March 31, 2006
31
Calendar & Events Friday
Cody Veteto prayer chain sign-up, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows. Shades show ticket sale, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows. Film auditions, 5-8 p.m., Hilton Room.
01
Saturday
Battle of the Bands, 7 p.m.-11 p.m., Bean Sprout.
02
Monday
Rodeo sign-ups, 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Campus Center ticket windows.
04
Tuesday
Rodeo sign-ups, 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Campus Center ticket windows.
Announcements Sunday
Nothing scheduled.
Battle of the Bands, 7 p.m.-11 p.m., Bean Sprout.
Volunteer Opportunities
ACU for Abilene will be April 22. Students, staff and faculty will go into the community to serve Abilene for ACU’s last planned service day of the semester. Students can sign up to carry a flag in The Parade of Flags during Opening Assembly on Aug. 28. The Opening Assembly of 2006 marks the 101st official opening of another fall semester at ACU. Current students and/ or employees for the fall 2006 semester who want to participate can contact the office of University Events at 674-2632 or send a message to UniversityEvents@ acu.edu. Applicants must include name, e-mail address and which flag they prefer. Flags are assigned on first-come basis. Taste of Abilene 2006 needs volunteers from 4:30-9:30 p.m. on Tuesday at the Taylor County Expo Center. Volunteers will help with the set up at 4:30 p.m., assist participants during the event and help clean up afterwards. Volunteers will be able to sample food from 20 booths of
03
participating restaurants. For more information contact the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center in the Bean Sprout. Fannin Elementary School needs volunteers to read a book to a class on April 7 anytime between 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. For more information contact the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center. The Volunteer Center has received a request for drivers and baby sitters for a family from Burundi currently living in Abilene. Students who can periodically help in either of these areas can contact Susan Moellinger abileneed@capitalsenior.com or call (325) 793-1144. American Cancer Society Realy for Life needs volunteers to help with an all-night event from 6 p.m.-6 a.m. on April 78. Volunteers can work the concession stand, luminary’s and registration, as well as set up and clean up. Volunteers can also help with the children’s area with face painting and games.
Robin Roberts, co-host for ABC’s Good Morning America and former sportscaster for ESPN, will speak at 7 p.m. on April 8 at a dinner in Teague Special Events Center. The event is part of ACU’s Centennial Speaker Series. For more details or to buy tickets call 674-2622. 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 Friday. E-mail study_abroad@ acu.edu for more information. Abilene State School need volunteers to help with food preparation for staff
appreciation day sponsored by Family Association of Abilene State School from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., May 1. The 24-hour Prayer Cover for Cody Veteto will be Sunday through Saturday. Members of the ACU community will pray for Cody around the clock. To signup for a 15-minute slot, visit the display in the Campus Center. For more information e-mail slc@acu.edu. Students registering for classes on Banner Web must choose the Term Selection menu option before going into the Add/Drop Classes menu. Select “Fall 2006” and then click on Add/Drop Classes.
About This Page The Optimist maintains this calendar for the ACU community to keep track of local social, academic and service opportunities. Groups may send announcements directly to optimist@acu.edu or to the Page 2 Editor, ACU Box 27892, Abilene, TX 79699.
To ensure that an item will appear on time, the announcement should be sent at least 10 days before. The Optimist may edit items for space and style. Corrections and clarifications of published news articles will be printed in this space in a timely manner.
Credited Chapels remaining:
43 25
Friday, March 31, 2006
Job fair nears for teachers
Capturing the still life
By DANI LINTHICUM Opinion Editor
By DANNY GAMBERO Student Reporter
E-mail Gambero at: optimist@acu.edu
Sculpture almost complete n Students have been assisting Jack Maxwell, chair of the Art and Design Department, to fashion the “Jacob’s Ladder” sculpture to be finished by the fall of 2006.
n Representatives from across the state and nation will gather in the Abilene Civic Center on Thursday to interview potential candidates for teaching jobs.
A tri-university teacher job fair will be Thursday at 9 a.m., and education majors will have a chance meet with representatives from school districts across the United States. The job fair will feature 80 school districts looking for students to hire when they graduate this year, said Matt Boisvert, director of the Office of Career and Development. “These school districts know the talent coming from the three universities. These districts choose to come because of our great quality,” Boisvert said. Students should arrive at the Abilene Civic Center before noon and dress professionally for the event. They also must have several copies of a their résumé to hand out. Amber Dods, elementary education major from Kingwood, isn’t graduating until December, but she still plans to attend the teacher job fair. She said hopes to make connections with different schools around Abilene. “At this point, I would just like to make some contacts for the spring and maybe get my name in there for substitute teaching for any school here that needs it,” Dods said. Boisvert said some of the school districts attending the job fair are from Abilene, Dallas, Fort Worth, Irving, Midland the Houston area and Las Vegas.
Page 3
CAMPUS NEWS
Emerald McGowan/Staff Photographer
Amanda Helland, sophomore theatre design major from San Diego, works on her perspective drawing for the Basic Drawing class in a hallway of the Don Morris Center on Thursday.
The university’s newest sculpture will be completed by fall 2006. “Jacob’s Ladder,” a 33foot bronze sculpture will consist of four eight-and-ahalf-foot tall angels ascending and descending a ladder, which will be suspended 11 feet off the ground. A landscaped “meditation” area, located between Onstead-Packer Biblical Studies Building and the Mabee Business Building and will house the piece. The sculpture was inspired by the Genesis 28 account of Jacob’s dream at Bethel, and Limestone slabs will surround the angels with scriptures from that passage.
Jack Maxwell, chair of the Art and Design Department, is the lead artist working on the piece, but he also has several art and design students helping create the sculpture. “Most people don’t realize how complex a sculpture of this size is,” Maxwell said. “There are 70 different molds just for the eight wings of the angels. It’s like assembling a giant jigsaw puzzle.” Because of the complexity of the project, Maxwell said he sought out detailoriented, quality individuals to assist him. “I’ve had all of the students that are helping me in classes before,” Maxwell said. “And they are all great people and definitely perfectionists — and that’s a really good thing for this kind of project.” All of the student artists are paid for their services, but Maxwell said they are involved for the experi-
ence. “This is a great learning opportunity,” he said. Erin Holland, junior two-dimensional studio art major from Abilene, said she has been working on “Jacob’s Ladder” for almost two years, and has learned through and enjoyed the experience. “Getting the real-life experience outside of class is great,” Holland said. “I love getting to work so closely with Jack as well; he’s such a talented artist and so dedicated to his work. I have learned a lot from just spending time with him on this project.” Holland said it is exciting to think that she is a part of a piece of ACU history. “This piece will be a monument for many years to come,” she said. “I’m so excited to see it drawing nearer to completion.”
E-mail Linthicum at: del01a@acu.edu
Broadcast society students attend conference n Members of the university’s chapter of the National Broadcast Society competed in live competitions and mingled with professionals in Washington, D.C. By MICHELLE JIMINEZ Student Reporter
Eleven students had the opportunity to take their talent beyond the classroom at the National Broadcasting Society convention in Washington, D.C., during spring break, and several brought home awards. The annual spring event began with more that 400 students from across the country in attendance. J.R. Kessler, instructor of journalism and mass communication and adviser of ACU’s chapter of NBS;
ShaVonne Herndon, senior broadcast journalism major from Houston; and Dustin Reid, junior electronic media major from Rockwall, were among the numbers representing the ACU chapter. The highlight of the convention, Kessler said, was the annual national awards ceremony for competition entries submitted prior to the convention. Reid won an award for his Optimist Online video “Jamfest” in the best feature segment. He was also in the team that won the award for the live feature story competition with its video, “Kyle Crumley, Mr. President.” For this specific award, teams had only 24 hours to complete the video package. Reid’s teammates include
Dominique Anderson, senior electronic media major from Abilene; Sherri Snyder, senior broadcast journalism major from Abilene; John Kincaid, sophomore communication major from Abilene; and Alisa Hail, senior electronic media major from Cross Plains. NBS is the “springboard to success in electronic media,” Kessler said in an e-mail. Its purpose is to help students within the electronic media field make the transition to the professional world. Students could be involved at the convention by attending Speaker sessions, seminars and competitions. Students heard from and met professionals such as Chris Matthews, from MSNBC’s Hardball with Chris Matthews, and Sam Donaldson,
30-year ABC veteran who covers the White House for World News Tonight. “To have an individual like Mr. Donaldson in your midst is just a dream come true,” Herndon said in an e-mail. Students could also attend classes that were informative of the electronic media industry and how to get started within the business. Herndon attended a class entitled “Is graduate school in my future?” which discussed how to look for top journalism schools and another class entitled “How to get your first job,” which taught students how to put a résumé together and be successful after getting their first job in their profession. This was Reid’s first year with NBS.
“I had been kind of reluctant to join the first two years that I had been here at ACU. I didn’t really know what NBS was about,” he said. “No one gave me any good reason to join and J.R. [Kessler] just said, ‘You know, I think you have a good chance of winning and it would look great on a résumé.’ So I did,” Reid said. He said he had more fun than he expected, and the conference also gave him the chance to connect with fellow NBS members. Next spring, the NBS convention will be in Chicago, and the keynote speaker will be Robert Iger, president and CEO of the Walt Disney Company. E-mail Jiminez at: optimist@acu.edu
Page 4
Friday, March 31, 2006
CAMPUS NEWS
‘This won’t hurt a bit’
Women for ACU offers scholarships n Sophomore or junior women and men majoring in biblical studies can apply by Wednesday for one of 10 scholarships, which is usually offered by WACU. By TIFFANY GAUNTT Student Reporter
Brian Schmidt/Chief Photographer
Meek Blood Center’s Santiago Cano prepares to draw blood from James Rhea, sophomore English major from St. Louis, during Wednesday’s blood drive.
Spiritual Life Core looks for applicants n Students can apply to be involved in the SLC and be “plugged in to a real student ministry on this campus,” said the SLC activities coordinator. By ZACK CUNNINGHAM Student Reporter
The Spiritual Life Core is accepting applications for the 2006-07 school year. Students are welcome to apply for various ministry positions on campus through either an online application or a hand-written one, said Todd Ormsby, coordinator for SLC activities. “What we’re trying to do is get students plugged in to a real student ministry on this campus,” Ormsby said, “We’re trying to form groups of students who are interested in talking about the real issues that we deal with, in a laid back setting that they don’t get to talk about elsewhere.” Students can participate in multiple activities to get involved in ministry on campus. A few examples are the Prayer and Encouragement Ministry, the Discipleship Ministry, the 3P (Past, Present, and Phuture) Ministry, the Special Events Ministry,
On the Web www.acu.edu/campusoffices/ spirituallife/slc.html
and the Writing/Publications Ministry. “Our purpose is to allow students, in a club-like setting, to get involved with other students and form a ministry situation,” said Ormsby. “We’re going for a more mainstream approach.” The purpose of the SLC is to encourage spiritual formation in students by challenging them in their faith as disciples of Jesus Christ. The mission of the SLC is to provide an adequate place for students to develop and use their spiritual gifts to glorify God on campus. Requirements for being a member of the SLC include being an active member at a local church, upholding standards set by the university, maintain excellent standards in academics and other areas of pursuit, respecting different beliefs, attending the SLC Chapels, and attaining at least the minimum required Chapel credit. E-mail Cunningham at: optimist@acu.edu
Each year the Women for ACU offers at least one $1,000 scholarship per semester for junior and senior students in the university, but this year 10 scholarships will be available. The deadline to apply is April 7. The scholarship is only available to men if they major in biblical studies. The requirements for women include: maintaining a 3.0 grade point average, active involvement at the university and sophomore or junior standing. Donna Garrett, vice pres-
ident of funding and projects for WACU, said the organization’s purpose is to help raise money and give back to students. “We were very fortunate to have enough money this year to hand out 10 scholarships to students at the university,” Garrett said. Last year, WACU awarded five scholarships to juniors and seniors who met all the requirements. Samantha Adkins, coordinator of Alumni Programs, said most of the women in WACU have children who attend the university or have in the past. Adkins also said the group desires the opportunity to give students a chance to relax. “They are encouraged that these students will be leaders of the future and maybe possibly the women
will be interested in being active in Women for ACU and keeping it alive,” Adkins said. She said the group continues its work ultimately because it loves ACU and the students. “ T h e y truly enjoy reading the letters of recommendation with great and interesting facts about Adkins each of the applicants; they want to get to know them,” Adkins said. This year the Alumni Association placed an ad on the My.ACU homepage and received more than 60 replies from students who were interested in the scholarships.
WACU raises money throughout the year with several different fundraisers, such as selling pies in the Teague Special Events Center and selling Centennial Christmas Tree ornaments with proceeds going toward the scholarships. In the past, WACU conducted a “Walk With Money” campaign where students would find sponsors and walk with Dr. Royce Money, president of the university, and his wife, Pam, to raise money for the scholarship fund. The WACU scholarship deadline is April 7, and all applications from any qualifying sophomore or junior need to be turned into the Alumni Association office at 809 EN 16th St.
E-mail Gauntt at: optimist@acu.edu
Co-chairs sought to plan FilmFest n Students interested in the two or potentially three positions should submit a résumé and a letter of introduction to FilmFest organizers online by Friday. By KELSI PEACE Staff Writer
Students are needed for next fall’s FilmFest to serve as co-chairs of the Creative and Production and the Logistical and Organizational branches of the event. Two co-chairs are needed for certain; a third may be selected if “the right person comes along,” said Doug Darby, executive director of FilmFest. A co-chair of the Creative and Production portion of FilmFest should display good communication skills, independence, flexibility and creativity, and the Logistical and Organizational co-chair must possess good management
and marketing skills. “These individuals really do serve as the right and left brain for the event,” Darby said. The co-chairs will help the executive director plan, market, manage and report on the event, and they must flourish under pressure. Next year will be the third year of FilmFest, and Matt Maxwell, junior electronic media major from Abilene, stumbled into co-chairing the first FilmFest when he connected with Doug Darby and began helping out with
various things. “I was just so excited to see ACU doing something with creative video and film,” Maxwell said. This year, Maxwell will move to a newly created position: student director. He will oversee the co-chairs and alleviate some duties from Darby’s load. Maxwell has nothing but praise about his experiences as a co-chair. “It was the perfect outlet for what I want to do in life,” he said. Maxwell said he appreciates the unique opportunity FilmFest provides for those who are not members of social clubs or intramural sports teams to get involved on campus. The joy of being a cochair, Maxwell said, is the relationships formed between co-chairs, judges, faculty and students. Maxwell also said he felt he
especially bonded with the other co-chairs during FilmFest. “It’s fun, but there’s a lot of stress involved,” he said. “Just jump in, go for it, and swim.” In addition to forming friendships, co-chairs will develop skills and contacts that may be valuable in the future, Darby said. “Individuals selected in the past have found this experience to be key in not only post-graduate placement, but have found benefit through the relationship and networking developed at multiple levels,” Darby said. Students interested in applying for a co-chair position can send in a resume and letter of introduction to FilmFest@acu.edu by Friday.
E-mail Peace at: knp04a@acu.edu
March 31, 2006 Box Office Figures for the weekend of March 24-26, in millions. Total grosses in parentheses. 1. Inside Man — $29 (new) 2. V for Vendetta — $12.3 ($46.2) 3. Stay Alive — $10.7 (new) 4. Failure to Launch— $10.5 ($63.5) 5. The Shaggy Dog — $9 ($47.8) 6. She’s The Man— $7.3 ($20.3) 7. Larry the Cable Guy: Health Inspector — $6.9 (new) 8. The Hills Have Eyes — $4.4 ($35.7) 9. Eight Below — $2.7 ($77.1) 10. 16 Blocks— $2.2 ($34)
Today’s Movies Slither (R) — starring Nathan Fillion, Elizabeth Banks; directed by James Gunn. A crazy organism begins attacking a small town, intent on absorbing and devouring all life on earth. Directed by James Gunn, who wrote 2004’s Dawn of the Dead. Ice Age: The Meltdown (PG) — starring the voices of Ray Romano, John Leguizamo; directed by Carlos Saldanha. Sequel to 2002’s Ice Age, this time with the woolly mammoth, the sloth and the saber-toothed tiger delighting in the melting down of their environment as the Ice Age ends. Basic Instinct 2: Risk Addiction (R)—starring Sharon Stone, David Morrissey; directed by Michael Caton-Jones. In a weak effort to revive her career, Stone returns as the seductive crime novelist Catherine Tramell, who’s once again in trouble with the law.
Page 5
Lee delves ‘Inside’ realm of NYC power players By SARAH CARLSON Arts Editor
Going in to any movie helmed by director Spike Lee ensures only one thing: You’ll be challenged to think about life’s everyday situations more critically than perhaps you had before. Inside Man is more than your average bank-heist caper, with writer Russell Gewirtz and Lee interjecting sharp glimpses of American society and racial tensions still present on every street corner, no matter the neighborhood. In addition to the ever-present racial dialogue normal to Lee, here we examine the corrupting power of wealth, and power in general. Dalton Russell (Owen) has planned the perfect bank robbery, targeting Manhattan Trust in New York City with a team of three, apparently thinking of every possible flaw to his plan beforehand. His team walks into the bank dressed as painters with hats, sunglasses and fabric covering their faces, taking the customers and workers hostage and waiting for the police to begin negotiations. Detective Keith Frazier
Overview Inside Man PPP 1/2 Rated: R (for language and some violent images) Starring: Clive Owen, Denzel Washington, Jodie Foster Directed by: Spike Lee Release Date: March 24
(Washington) is no stranger to negotiating with criminals, and he and his partner Bill Mitchell (Chiwetel Ejiofor) set up camp, working alongside the police and strategizing their next move. Washington himself is no stranger to playing a cop, and here we’re treated to his typical genial mannerisms and wit, but not much more. While Frazier negotiates with Russell, a new problem in the form of Madeline White (Foster) appears at the blocked-off street corner in
front of the bank. Madeline’s a key power player in New York, though we never know her exact job. Bank owner Arthur Case (Christopher Plummer) contacted her, asking her to use her skills to protect his mysterious belongings kept in one of the bank’s safety deposit boxes. Foster brings a level of class and artistry to her films that most actresses would murder to have. Here, as the powerful Madeline, she never loses her smile and posits her, at times, unethical requests with a serpentine sweetness you know has carried her to her current status. The story weaves between action inside the bank and future interrogation scenes of the hostages, each one carrying his own story, stereotypes and opinions on how the robbery went. New York City is its own character, an undeniable melting pot of the American Dream. But what are these dreams built on, and more pertinent here, what have those who’ve risen to power done to achieve them? Owen is brilliant in anything he does and can com-
Photo courtesy of www.rottentomatoes.com
Dalton Russell (Clive Owen) speaks with hostage negotiators during his heist of Manhattan Trust in Inside Man, now playing. mand attention on the screen even when concealed behind sunglasses and a mask. Though we don’t see as much of him or learn as much about his character, what Dalton does do and say is never without great consideration and purpose. He says it himself in the opening dialogue of the film: You’d better listen to him carefully, because he never repeats himself. Entertaining and thought provoking, the film dabbles in civics lessons and sociological studies in addition
to its thrilling twists and turns. Unlike certain films, like Crash, which tell you in practically every frame how important and serious it is, Inside Man allows the viewer to decide for himself the lessons to be learned. Though more mainstream than Lee’s typical work, Inside Man is a smart thriller that asks important questions, which are all too relevant in our present society to be ignored. E-mail Carlson at: skc02a@acu.edu
Steinbeck’s tale of companionship brought to stage n The Theatre Department’s Spring Classic is John Steinbeck’s ‘Of Mice and Men,’ which contains adult-themed material and asks the audience tough questions. By GARY RHODES Student Reporter
The Theatre Department will present John Steinbeck’s play Of Mice and Men on April 6-8 and 13-15. The play is based on Steinbeck’s novella of the same name and is directed by Mike Fernandez, assistant professor of theatre history and dramaturgy. The department chose the play as the part of its plan to add more classics to its repertoire, said Adam Hester, chair of the Theatre Department.
This helps students planning on attending graduate school to have a variety of styles and genres on their résumé. “This helps a students résumé to bear the same strength as if they were coming from a state university,” he said. Fernandez said the story deals with some tough issues, including the individual’s responsibility to his fellow man. “It asks a fundamental human question that goes back to Genesis: Am I my brothers keeper?” Fernandez said. “We have a responsibility to one another.” The story also deals with violence and racism and includes some profanity, much of which the department has decided to retain to stay true to the text of the original story, he said.
Tickets Tickets are $12. Call 6742787. Box Office open 1-5 p.m., Monday-Friday. The department is advising audience members when they purchase tickets that the play is not recommended for those under the age of 15. The audience will be informed of this decision before each performance as well. Although the two main char-
acters in the play, George Milton and Lennie Small, played by Ryan Massie and Caleb Todd, respectively, have a negative outlook on life, Fernandez said that he still sees a powerful message in the story. “As human beings, we are not doomed to be alone,” he said. “We need to have companionship.” Asking an audience to look at these ideas and characters that might be different from their own worldview is an important part of the art of the-
atre, Fernandez said. “One of the purposes of art is to hold a mirror up to the audience and say ‘This is your reflection.’ The question is, ‘Do you like your reflection?’” he said. “Of Mice and Men asks some really hard questions.” Hester said the audience must provide the answers. “Theater is not good at giving answers,” he said. “It is best at asking questions.”
E-mail Rhodes at: optimist@acu.edu
Page 6
March 31, 2006
Low SA meeting attendance hurts productivity
The issue:
Attendance at the Students’ Association meetings has been low and some members have regularly abstained from voting. Missing meetings and abstaining from voting is reasonable if done once or twice, but such behavior has gotten out of hand.
Our view:
Congress members should care enough about students to attend meetings and stay informed on current topics.
The solution:
Congress members should attend meetings and give input on decision-making. That’s why they are on SA in the first place.
The Students’ Association Congress regularly has been operating at barely half strength the past month as poor meeting attendance and lazy voting habits have nearly derailed Congress’ ability to do business several times this semester. Members of Congress had to be called and asked to come to the SA meeting Wednesday so enough people would be present to vote on new bylaws. Fifty-one student senators, residence hall and building representatives make up Congress, and only 29 arrived by the meeting’s end. To approve new bylaws, SA requires a two-thirds vote of the entire Congress, meaning 34 members had to attend. With five absentee votes turned in, each of the 29
Journalist’s life inspires thoughts American journalist Jill about what people needed to Carroll was released Thurs- know: the issues that faced day after being held captive the people of Iraq, especially for 84 days. The 28-year-old during this transition period f r e e l a n c e for a new government. writer for Carroll’s family had rethe Chris- ceived no news about her tian Science condition since her captors’ Monitor had last video that renewed their been work- threat to kill Carroll unless ing in Iraq Iraqi women prisoners were for the past released. Carroll’s twin sisthree years ter, Katie, publicly pleaded s u b m e r s e d Wednesday for Carroll’s capFace the in the Arab tors to release her — someFacts culture when thing her and her parents, Mallory she was ab- politicians, clerics, actresses, ducted Jan. newspapers and Iraqi offiSherwood 7 while leav- cials have done numerous ing an interview. Her inter- times since Carroll’s cappreter was killed, her driver ture — and miraculously she escaped and she was kid- was released hours after Kanapped and forced to live in tie Carroll’s plea aired. a house with no contact with Perhaps Carroll’s story the outside hits closer to world. home for me Only 10 because I am a If I don’t have a days after journalist and passion about some- am on a similar her kidnapthing, then what am path; although I ping, her I doing here? c a p t o r s could never see aired a video myself as a forof Carroll eign corresponspeaking to dent. a camera on Al Jazeera teleI don’t know where my cavision. Although Carroll’s reer choice will lead me, nor voice could not be heard on do I know if journalism will the video, her captors is- be where I make a difference. sued a statement demanding But if I don’t have a passion the United States release all about something, then what Iraqi women prisoners in 72 am I doing here? hours — or else Carroll would Everyone should strive to be killed. make a difference in their Carroll was working in a world, hometown or comcountry she loved, writing munity because they have a about people she cared about passion for something. Don’t because she wanted to make limit yourself with expeca difference. As a journalist, tations of making national she was on a quest for truth news or upsetting terrorists that may have ultimately led with agendas or by waiting to her kidnapping. until you are older, richer, What will be your quest wiser, prettier or less busy for truth? Will you be willing to do something. The quest to take a stand for what you starts here and now: What believe to be right? difference will you make? Carroll wasn’t a nosy American stirring up trouble in Iraq with inquisitive quesE-mail Sherwood at: mes02e@acu.edu, tions. Instead, she wrote optimist@acu.edu
members presCongress members need to take ent still had and get off the fence. to arrive at a unanimous decision. One dissenting vote isn’t the first time SA has run could have sunk what oth- into problems, though. Beerwise would have been the cause of Congress members’ clear will of Congress. apathetic attitude towards SA At the beginning of the meetings, members regularly meeting only 27 members have been encouraged not to had arrived. With five mem- leave during meetings this bers voting absentee, Con- semester so Congress would gress was short two members not lose quorum — just more when it wanted to begin vot- than half its voting members ing. This lack of attendance — which is required to do any is unacceptable. business during meetings. Members were elected Another problem SA faces or appointed to their posi- is when Congress members tions because they wanted regularly abstain from votto serve on Congress and be- ing even when they are prescause they wanted to make ent at meetings. Voting to a difference for the student abstain essentially counts as body. Members must follow absolutely nothing in a vote through with promises made on Congress. and attend SA meetings. To see how this can cause This week’s low attendance problems for Congress, stu-
dents need to look no further than late February when Congress was voting to determine if it would add a Study Abroad representative to Congress. Initially, the measure passed 14-12 with seven abstentions. When executive officers reminded members of Congress that abstentions did not count in the final vote totals, those who had abstained almost immediately changed their votes when they reconsidered the motion, and the amendment failed 13-18. Abstaining from voting is OK occasionally if a Congress member feels he or she doesn’t know enough information to make an informed decision. However, in this example, none of those
a stand
abstaining needed any more information to make a decision. Why they abstained in the first place remains unclear, but abstaining because one doesn’t want to make a decision one way or another is not acceptable. Congress members need to take a stand and get off the fence. By regularly abstaining from voting, their voice is not heard and they have little effect on decision making. When Congress members do not care enough to attend meetings and vote on what matters to students, they send the message that they don’t care about students either. Do what is right and make your vote count. E-mail the Optimist at: optimist@acu.edu
Lebensgefahr
Alex York
Show Christ-like love every day Monday’s Chapel was unusually calm. And it only took a gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender activist group to thwart the zoo-like atmosphere Chapel normally has. Imagine that. What if students Don’t Believe acted as they did the Hype on Monday Mitch Holt every day? What if people paid attention in Chapel, discussed controversial issues in a non-judgmental way and saw the undeniable good in those whose lifestyles are different than ours. It would probably make
What if students acted as they did on Monday every day? us seem less hypocritical for appearing to be the extremely spiritual, accepting-of-opposing-ideas university that we sold to Soulforce on Monday. Don’t get me wrong. I believe this university has a spirituality and openness uncommon in the Church of Christ university spectrum. However, I don’t believe these elements are as visible as they need to be. A compassionate response to a delicate situation is worth rejoicing in. But what is one compassionate act without more compassionate acts to follow? The constructive dialogue provided by ACU was much appreciated by
our visitors — the group relayed its message and students responded. Minds were opened, relationships built and lessons learned. But it can’t end here. I am proud to be part of a university that embraces open-minded discussion and welcomes individuals with opposing views. I am proud — but not that proud. The reason I say this is because I believe the university’s response to Soulforce is what should be expected from Christians in a situation like this one — a response like this shouldn’t be out of the ordinary and applauded more than anything else we do as
Christians. Monday is long gone. Talk of the university’s visit with the activist group is dwindling, and the excitement is calming down. But what are we doing? I see us patting ourselves on the back for a job well done. I hear people, myself included, saying, “I think we handled that situation well. What do you think?” I hear talk of how compassionately everyone on campus acted Monday. But the behavior displayed on Monday is how campus should be every day — not just when the university is caught in the cross-fire of publicity and its reputation is at stake.
E-mail Holt at: mah02f@acu.edu, optimist@acu.edu
In Your Words
Who do you think will win the Men’s NCAA Championship? “Florida. It’s my dad’s home state.”
“UCLA.”
Kyle Moore
Jordan Williams
sophomore management and accounting major from Double Oak
sophomore accounting and finance major from Longview
“Batman?”
“I have no idea.”
Lance Ferguson
Lana Baker
junior marketing major from Ontario, Calif.
junior English major from Abilene
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
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
Friday, March 31, 2006
Page 7
FROM THE FRONT PAGE
SA: Unanimous vote only narrowly approves bylaws Continued from page 1 elections from the spring to the first four weeks of the fall when academic and residential representative elections take place. Smith proposed the change with the mindset that having all elections in the fall would bring more attention to Congress at a time when students are just getting back into school.
“The more people talk about SA, the more legitimized it is,” Smith said. “This is going to bring a lot of awareness in the fall.” Several members supported the change because they reasoned that fewer people care about SA elections in the spring and fall elections would mean more voter participation. Some argued that having more elections in the fall leaves
potential members of Congress in too much uncertainty as they plan their fall schedules. “There is significant stress on academic representatives from not knowing over the summer if you’re going to be on Congress,” Foster Science Building Rep. Christopher Smith said. “It’s really helpful for those of us who are academic representatives to know in advance what our
schedules are.” However, after all the debate, 27 people voted in favor of moving the elections to the fall with only one abstention. With the meeting nearing 6:45 p.m. and most of Congress ready to approve the bylaws and adjourn, several members pushed forward to a final vote on the bylaws, which required unanimous support of those present to garner two-thirds
support of all of Congress. However, Rep. Christopher Smith wanted to add another line saying the bylaws would go into effect within seven calendar days, instead of the regular 10 school days. Petitions for class senator elections are set to go out to students Wednesday, but the new bylaws that move those elections to the fall would not be in effect until after those petitions go out.
Although 33 votes were cast in favor of the bylaws, Smith’s “no” vote blocked their approval and clearly frustrated several members of Congress. Despite their frustration, Congress worked through an amendment to put the bylaws into effect by Wednesday, and Congress unanimously voted to approve the amended bylaws. E-mail Smith at: jvs02a@acu.edu
Carter: Speaker defends democracy Johnson: Trustee Continued from page 1 and extreme partisanship among politicians in Washington, D.C. “Democracy itself suffers and withers when more and more people decide the most important thing is winning,” said Carter, who was recently named by Time magazine as one of the 50 leaders of the next century. Carter said this problem is very apparent as people turn more to the courts to decide issues rather than voting on them. “In order to preserve democracy, we have to be willing to confront issues instead of taking them off the table,” Carter said. As an example, he refer-
enced ACU’s visit from the gay rights activist group Soulforce this week and commended the university for opening its doors to having a conversation with the group instead of closing itself off from discussion. During a question-andanswer session at the end of his talk, Carter commended the young people of today for having a spirit of openness that allows them to have conversations with one another and learn from each other without closing themselves off. Carter also said people of faith do not need to exclude themselves from discussions with others. He said it was a mistaken idea that a person speaking out of their own
Whitworth: Chair moving to TWU Continued from page 1 will help oversee teacher education, the reading program, family studies and library science. Whitworth said he already knows several faculty members at his new university because he is president of the Texas Association for Colleges of Teacher Education. “Through that role I’ve worked closely with faculty at Texas Woman’s,” Whitworth said. Whitworth said although the department will not replace him specifically, it will hire at least two new faculty. “We’ve really gone through a lot of changes and really grown,” Whitworth said. “I’m really proud of what we’ve accomplished.” Whitworth said he thinks his
new position will be very challenging and rewarding, but he’s looking forward to a new variety of activities. Dr. Dana Hood, associate professor of education, said Whitworth enjoys new adventures and problem solving, so she thinks he’ll do very well at Texas Woman’s. However, she said she will miss him greatly. “He is going to be extremely difficult to replace,” Hood said. “He is able to put out scholastic work that always amazes me.” Hood said Whitworth will also be missed personally. “I would not be where I am professionally without Jerry Whitworth,” she said. “He has been a great gift to me and this department.”
E-mail Schneider at: jrs02a@acu.edu
experience in faith could not relate to a person of a different faith. Carter concluded his talk by condemning the partisanship among politicians today that causes them to dislike each other instead of each other’s viewpoints. He called for citizens to come together regardless of ideology to save a democracy threatened by partisanship — a message that resounded with Rep. Bob Hunter, Texas state 71st District who attended the luncheon. “Dr. Carter was right on target regarding the partisan atmosphere that has virtually locked up legislatures across our nation,” Hunter said. Hunter said the partisan-
ship has made it difficult for legislators to truly represent their constituents views when so much pressure is placed on them by political party leadership. Carter was the fifth of eight presenters the university chose as part of its Centennial Speaker Series. Past speakers include MSNBC anchor Lester Holt and former football commentator Pat Summerall. The Centennial Speaker Series continues April 8 when Good Morning, America cohost Robin Roberts speaks at a dinner in the Teague Special Events Center.
E-mail Smith at: jvs02a@acu.edu
dies in plane crash Continued from page 1 since 1988 and was a 1993 inductee into the ACU Sports Hall of Fame. An avid runner, Johnson’s lifetime consisted of setting records in track and field, competing from his time at ACU up through his late 60s. Dr. Gary McCaleb, vice president of the university, described Johnson as a man who lived life wholeheartedly, continuing to compete in track and field events, serving in leadership roles in his community and career field, and representing ACU wherever he traveled. “If he was going to do some-
thing, he was going to do it all the way and do it to the best of his ability,” McCaleb said. Johnson was a teammate of Olympian Bobby Morrow and narrowly missed attending the 1956 Olympics himself, finishing eighth in the 1500 meters at the trials in Los Angeles. His other merits include winning fourth in the NCAA Division I national championships in 1956 in the 800 meters and setting a then-school record of 3:51.7 in the 1500 meters. “He was always energized, enthusiastic about life, people, what was going on,” McCaleb said. “He’ll be missed.” E-mail Carlson at: skc02a@acu.edu
Page 8
March 31, 2006 Standings BASEBALL
Team TAMU-K ACU Angelo St. ENMU WTAMU Tarleton St.
Div. 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
Overall 25-5 25-7 21-10 17-15 15-16 11-23
SOFTBALL Team Div. 9-1 ACU ENMU 6-2 Angelo St. 6-4 TX Woman’s 3-2 Tarleton St. 5-7 1-4 TAMU-K
Overall 27-8 24-12 20-17 14-25 20-13 13-20
Scores Saturday
Baseball Cameron 5, ACU 3 Cameron 3, ACU 2 Softball ACU 9, Tarleton State 0 ACU 13, Tarleton State 7
Upcoming Schedule Friday Baseball ACU at Tarleton State, 2 p.m. (DH) Softball ACU vs. Eastern New Mexico, 5 p.m. (DH) Tennis ACU at Blue-Gray Classic, Montgomery, Ala.
Saturday Baseball ACU at Tarleton State, 2 p.m. (DH Softball ACU vs. Eastern New Mexico, 1 p.m. (DH) track & Field ACU vs. Oliver Jackson Open Tennis ACU at Blue-Gray Classic, Montgomery, Ala.
Sunday tennis ACU at Blue-Gray Classic, Montgomery, Ala.
• Home games listed in italics
Baseball opens division play at Tarleton n The No. 6-ranked Wildcats begin conference play on the road against Tarleton State this weekend in Stephenville. By DANIEL JOHNSON Sports Writer
After winning 27 of their first 32 games, the No. 6-ranked Wildcats will begin conference play with a clean slate this weekend, as it takes on unranked LSC rivals Tarleton State on the road in Stephenville. Following a disappointing weekend against Cameron University, the Wildcats must be successful in all aspects of the game and will rely on the experience of veterans if they want to begin conference play on a successful note against the Texans. “If we play well together, we can beat people,” said head coach Britt Bonneau. “We really need to be successful in all three phases of the game this weekend: hitting, pitching and defense.” The last time the Texans and the Wildcats met in the 2005 season, ACU won the series 3-1. Tarleton, which also fell three times in its last preseason series, holds the worst overall record of the LSC South at 11-23, but Bonneau said that is inconsequential with conference play beginning. “This weekend is big for everybody in conference,” he said “We all have a record of 0-0, and we need to play like we did all preseason, hitting well and pitching consistently.” The Wildcats’ explosive hitting and consistent pitching were the driving forces of their preseason successes. Finishing with an overall record of 25-7, the Wildcats lead their conference in offensive statistics, with a team batting average of .345 and 236 RBI. Individually, veterans Joel Wells, Johnny Zepeda and right-handed pitcher Chris Wiman all lead the conference in various categories after the preseason. Wells is on top of the conference with 33 RBI and is currently tied with Tarleton State slugger Ryan Howard with eight preseason home runs. Zepeda has
file photo by brian schmidt/Chief Photographer
Sophomore Chris Wiman is 6-1 this year and leads the team with a 3.04 ERA in 50.1 innings pitched and has 55 strikeouts in preseason play.
Baseball the best conference on-base percentage (.556) and is tied for most runs scored at 32. On the mound, Wiman shares the most wins honor at six with Angelo State’s J.W. Nastoupil and Texas A&M Kingsville’s Chris White, in addition to leading the conference with 55 strikeouts in 50.1 innings pitched. Looking back on the preseason, Bonneau said he is confident the match-ups and challenges the team faced adequately prepared it for the upcoming conference battles. “We had some tough competition this preseason against similar teams we will meet in conference,” Bonneau said. “We were able to play more guys than ever before and evaluate our talent not only for this season, but for next year as well.”
Bonneau said the Wildcats’ surplus of options in the line up and depth in the bullpen will continue to increase the team’s ability to win. The Wildcats’ will not make many changes to the line up heading into conference play and will attempt to remain focused on their long-term goal of making the regional tournament for the second year in a row. “I think this preseason we showed that we can hit, and if we continue to have solid pitching from our four starters and hit well, we’ll be successful,” Bonneau said. Following this weekend’s series in Stephenville, the Wildcats will be out of town against rival Angelo State before returning home to Crutcher Scott Field to take on No. 7 Texas A&M-Kingsville on April 14. E-mail Johnson at: djj04a@acu.edu
Enjoy the best time of the year
Track teams ready to compete at home n The Oliver Jackson Open will take place Saturday at Elmer Gray Stadium with the Wildcats taking on local LSC opponents and smaller college teams. By STEVE HOLT Sports Writer
The Wildcat track and field teams will be in action on familiar ground Saturday, as ACU plays host to the Oliver Jackson Open at Elmer Gray Stadium. The field of competition will include Lone Star Conference foes Angelo State and Tarleton State, plus the successful South Plains Junior College and Southwest Christian. After 11 women and men qualified for the outdoor national meet last weekend at the Baylor Dr Pepper Open in Waco, head coach Don Hood said he hopes to see more qualifiers this Saturday and good fan support at home. “The weather’s supposed to be good, and there’s nothing more exciting than hav-
Track & Field ing a stadium full of people cheering for your teams,” Hood said. “People run harder, they throw farther, and they do more if they know the crowd’s behind them.” Sophomore Shawna-Kaye Thompson and freshman Jessica Withrow, who already have proven themselves in the shorter sprints and hurdles, will debut in the 400meter hurdles Saturday. “I think they’ll run some qualifying times or very close to it,” Hood said. Hood also said he thinks the relays and sprints will be fun to watch as Wildcat speedsters face off against individuals and relay squads from traditionally fast schools. A high school meet will take place Friday at Elmer Gray Stadium, which Hood hopes will draw more spectators to watch the collegiate meet the next day. E-mail Holt at: smh00a@acu.edu
File Photo by Brian Schmidt/Chief Photographer
Junior long and triple jumper Vladyslav Gorbenko will compete at the Oliver Jackson Open this weekend at ACU’s Elmer Gray Stadium.
Golf maintains consistent play at tournament n The golf team placed fifth out of 14 teams at the Kickingbird Classic in Edmond, Okla., on Monday and Tuesday, but dropped eight spots in the national poll. By BRIAN HOLLAND Sports Writer
With the first day of spring gone and the most important Division II golf tournaments of the Wildcats’ year, the spring season of ACU golf is coming down the back nine. With three tournaments under its belt and just one remaining before the Lone Star Conference Tournament, the golf team traveled to Edmond, Okla., on Monday and Tuesday to face many of its Southern Regional op-
Golf ponents in the Kickingbird Classic to take fifth out of 14 teams. “All of our guys just really played solid,” said head coach Mike Campbell. “All five are pretty even, sometimes you just have a bad day.” Four of the top five Wildcats playing came within two strokes of each other, with Cian Daly shooting a seven-over-par (217) for the tournament. The next three: Hilton Funk, Kyle Byerly and Patrick Hannauer all finished at +9 (219). The fifth member of the team, Curtis Harris, came back from a first day that consisted of two scores of nine-over-par to shoot an even 70 in his last
file photo by brian schmidt/Chief Photographer
Alec Sowards is batting .398 with 3 home runs this season going into LSC South Division play against Tarleton State this weekend.
18 holes, a one-round score only matched on the team throughout the tournament by Daly The comeback not only impressed Campbell, but helped the team to overtake Dallas Baptist University on the last day for its fifth place spot. Consistency has been the key for the team recently, coming in the spot in which most would have predicted by beating all teams ranked behind them, but falling behind all teams ranked ahead. With good weather on the second day, ACU was able to post their best single-round score as a team all year (284). Now ahead for the team remains the Subway Invitational
in Amarillo, where the Wildcats will once again face many of their rivals and try to hang on to one of the top eight spots in the region to make it to the regional tournament, a goal Campbell has chalked up as the most important for his team. Nothing will come easy for the Wildcats though. After last week’s win, the rankings showed ACU dropping from 27th in the nation among Division II teams to 35th. With so much hinging on this last tournament, the Wildcats will have to finish with what they’ve been doing all year: ending up where they’re supposed to. E-mail Holland at: beh03e@acu.edu
The first weekend of April ing how I couldn’t like them. is the best time of year. The answer is simple, I don’t Major league baseball has go to school there. As corny as opening day. Pranksters have it sounds, I go to school here, April Fool’s so this is where I place my athDay. But more letic allegiance. Yes, we are in importantly, a different division, and people college bas- have strong regional ties, but it ketball lovers doesn’t matter. Just because I have the Final am from Texas doesn’t mean Four. I have to cheer for the LongIt’s one of horns. Many schools are in the only dates Texas, big and small, and the I make plans Longhorns don’t represent Fields for years in this state just because they Aplenty advance. I are good now. Every team you don’t know watch is the same; they all try Jared what I’m do- to win, and contrary to popuFields ing at Christ- lar belief, are not evil. Except mas in two years, but I plan to Duke. be in San Antonio to watch the Colleges and universities Final Four in 2008. are centers for higher educaThe Final tion. They Four is the are not esc u l m i n a - Major league baseball has t a b l i s h e d tion of the on hopes opening day. Pranksters best things of one day have April Fool’s Day. in sports. building a But more importantly, Everything football, college basketball lovers a sports fan basketball could want or lacrosse have the Final Four. is in this dynasty. madness. If you And, to make it better, it’s like a college or university, at spread over three weeks. But least know something about by the time the sport’s climax their academic programs. It’s rolls around, many people are a stretch, but that’s what they disinterested because their are, or should be about. Don’t team has already lost. just be a fan because they’re The biggest example of fans “cool.” It’s OK to enjoy watchabandoning the tournament ing a team, but loyalty to a can be found in supporters team you have no ties to is riof the Texas Longhorns, Duke diculous. Blue Devils and Connecticut If you are a true basketball Huskies. After disappointing fan, then you’ll absorb everylosses, many people have said thing about this weekend. There they don’t care anymore be- is nothing worse than a faircause their team isn’t in the weather fan who only cheers tournament. The upsets and at high tide. Enjoy the madness buzzer beaters in this tourna- and acknowledge that “your ment have been unprecedent- team” will eventually lose. ed. This is one of the most Everyone loses; so don’t let memorable and historic tour- “your team’s” inevitable loss naments in the game’s history, turn you off from the best time and these people don’t care. of the year. When I say the Longhorns’ loss to LSU was a great game, E-mail Fields at: I get responses of people askjrf03b@acu.edu, optimist@acu.edu