2006 08 30

The Vol. 95, No. 2

IN THIS ISSUE CAMPUS

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1 section, 12 pages

n The Development Office continues to raise money and awareness for the Bob and Shirley Hunter Welcome Center, expected to be complete by 2008.

Staff Writer

Sophomore Tiffany Thompson seeks more involvement with the Big Purple Band this year, page 3

WEDNESDAY

August 30, 2006

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www.acuoptimist.com

Eight million raised for Center Quiznos

By NATHAN STRAUS

Twirler troubles

OPTIMIST

As Rep. Bob Hunter’s long career in the Texas House of Representatives comes to a close, plans are in motion to honor him and his wife Shir-

ley for their lifetime of service to ACU and Abilene.

The Development Office has raised nearly $8 million of the $14 million needed to build the new Hunter Welcome Center, which will sit between the lake and University Park apartments on the east side of campus.

Dr. John Tyson, vice president for development, said the new building will serve to provide a gateway

to the campus.

“The campus can be a pretty unfriendly place to new faces,” he said. “One of the goals of the new center will be to provide a place where we can welcome guests and give new students easy access to all of the offices they need without having to walk all over campus.”

Plans for the new center show architectural similarities to the surrounding

buildings, including the Williams Performing Arts Center and the Onstead-Packer Biblical Studies Building. The 57,000-square-foot giant will house Admissions and Alumni Relations offices, as well as other offices.

Tyson said there is still much work to be done. Two events have been scheduled to help raise the rest of the See

CENTER page 10

Page 2 Editor

The third annual FilmFest will take place Nov. 4 this year, instead of October, page 9

SPORTS brian schmidtCHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Former track coach Don Hood will be inducted into a national hall of fame in December, page 12 brian schmidtCHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

FEATURE

brian schmidtCHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

ONLINE Learning experience

Watch an online video of the Education Building dedication that took place on Saturday at www.acuoptimist.com

WEATHER TODAY’S FORECAST HIGH LOW 90 66 SPEED READS Honoring a legend

The new social sciences building, which is still in the planning stages, will be named after John and Ruth Stevens, the board of trustees announced Friday after their biannual meeting. Stevens was the eighth president of the university and has served ACU for 58 years. In addition to serving as president, he served as chancellor and now serves as chancellor emeritus.

In response to student surveys, the university plans to begin construction of a Quiznos Subs on campus this semester.

Food Service interim director Andre Allen said what is currently Reservations Only in the Campus Center will be transformed into the sub shop by January. Construction will begin by the end of the fall semester.

Last year Dining Services surveyed more than 1,000 students online and in person See

Hall of fame coach

Students traveled across the country with World Wide Witness this summer sharing the message of Jesus, pages 6-7

n After a Dining Services survey last spring, several changes in the food services available in the Campus Center will occur, including a Quiznos Subs.

By DENTON JOSEY

Lights, camera, action

Worldwide wonder

chain to open by January

KATIE GAGERSTAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Above: Kyle Thomas, freshman music education major from Wenatchee, Wash., plays the saxophone at the end of Opening Chapel on Monday during March Grandioso. Top right: Dr. Paul Piersall, professor of music, leads the Ceremony of allegiance. Middle: The Grand Chorus sings “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.” Bottom right: Don Crisp, chair of the board of trustees, and Dr. Royce Money, president of the university, hood Sen. John Cornyn.

U.S. Senator addresses Chapel

n Opening Chapel included a speech by U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, introductions of guests and performances by the Big Purple Band and the Grand Chorus.

By JARED FIELDS

Dr. Dwayne VanRheenen, ACU provost, called to order the 101st Opening Chapel at the university Monday after the Parade of Flags.

Dr. Royce Money, president of ACU, made the opening remarks, then Dr. Gary McCaleb, vice president of the university, welcomed guests from the

community, including other university presidents and educational leaders.

Money welcomed the ACU Family before Dr. Greg Powell, professor of music, greeted the faculty.

Maher Saab, SA President, spoke for the student body and was followed by Dr. Bob Hunter, who lead the alma mater.

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn then received an honorary Doctorate of Laws before addressing the students, faculty, administrators and community members in Moody Coliseum.

Monday marked the second time Cornyn has spoken at Opening Chapel.

Cornyn has been a U.S. senator since he was sworn into office Dec. 2, 2002. He currently serves on five senate committees: Armed Services, Judiciary, Budget, Small Business and Entrepreneurship and Joint Economic.

Cornyn shared his insight by quoting President Abraham Lincoln.

“God cannot be for and against the same thing at the same time,” he said quoting the president.

The senator expressed

his distaste for the division that took place during the Civil War and his thanksgiving for the unity within the U.S. today.

After the Chapel speech, Cornyn addressed members of the Abilene media briefly to answer questions about Hurricane Katrina, airport security, immigration issues, Dyess Air Force Base and ACU. “I wish sometimes people in Washington D.C. could see more of this part of America and what we saw See

OPENING page 10

FOOD page 10

Students, freshmen enrolled increase this fall n Enrollment numbers for the fall semester show an increase in freshmen, transfer and international students, said Robert Heil, vice president of enrollment.

By KELSI PEACE and NATHAN STRAUS

Features Editor and Staff Writer

Each year, ACU receives an increased number of freshmen, transfer students and international students from across the world; this year is no different.

This year’s freshman class is the 100th class to enter ACU and one of the biggest to date, and in Monday’s Parade of Flags in Opening Chapel, 101 flags were carried, representing 46 states and 55 countries.

“These last few years have been some of the largest entering classes we’ve had at ACU,” said Robert Heil, assistant vice See

ENROLL page 10

ACU police play larger role in city n The ACU Police Department announced last spring its increased jurisdiction surrounding campus, which allows the univeristy’s neighbors to receive help quicker.

By DENTON JOSEY Page 2 Editor

This semester the campus police will have a larger role in protecting ACU students.

March 13, ACU police chief Jimmy Ellison announced a larger jurisdiction for the campus police.

Ellison said there was a period last semester when the department was giving out

Department of Journalism and Mass Communication

warnings and not tickets so students would have a reasonable amount of time to get used to the jurisdiction changes.

In cooperation with the Abilene Police Department, ACU police now have the same abilities in the neighborhoods surrounding campus as they do on campus.

In what Ellison calls a “two for one deal,” the city of Abilene is now being protected by the ACU Police Department. Part of the deal is that while the department’s jurisdiction increases, the city and state provide no additional

funding for campus police.

Ellison said Abilene police chief Melvin Martin “is basically getting 10 more officers without paying for it.”

“There’s no difference between a city officer and a campus officer now,” Ellison said. “Students can expect to see more traffic enforcement, and that is a good thing for safety.”

Ellison said some visible effects of the change include more neighborhood patrols, reasonable amounts of traffic enforcement and now two See

POLICE page 10

This map shows ACU Police Department’s jurisidiction and the property owned by the university.

Abilene Christian University

Serving the ACU community since 1912

Chapel Checkup Credited Chapels to date:

Wednesday, March 29, 2006 Wednesday, August 30, 2006

30

Calendar & Events Wednesday

10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Meet the Churches is Wednesday in the Campus Center. Come meet members from local congregations.

For more information e-mail slc@acu.edu or contact Mark Lewis, 674-2867.

31

Thursday

Last day to withdraw from classes for 100 percent refund.

Last day to register for classes.

Electronic check-in closes.

Announcements This fall, ACU is beginning a new required check-in process for all students. During the first week of classes, Aug. 28 to Sept.

1, you must electronically check in to the university. If you don’t check in, you will be dropped from all of your classes and lose your financial aid and any scholarships you have. Check-in is simple. Just login to myACU during the first week of classes and follow the directions on the check-in screens that will automatically appear.

For more information, please visit h t t p : / / w w w. a c u . e d u / c h e c k i n .

Social Clubs - Rush week begins Monday, Aug. 28. Look in the Campus Center and at the online social clubs calendar for more information on dates and times.

To pledge, you must meet eligibility requirements and register online. The deadline to register is Sept. 1 at noon. E-mail any questions to socialclubs@acu.edu.

Aug. 29: Social Club Prospective Member Information Night. All prospective members should attend this important informational meeting in Hart Auditorium. Men will meet at 6 p.m.

and women will meet at 7 p.m.

It is strongly advised that anyone interested in pledging attend this meeting to learn about the rushing and pledging process.

Important dates and deadlines will also be given at this meeting.

Synchronized Swimming Club - no experience needed. If you can swim 200 yards and are interested in fun, exercise and meeting new people, e-mail clm02e@ acu.edu for more information.

SALT applications are available in the Volunteer Center and are due by Sept. 8.

The Key City Kiwanis Club will have its annual fish fry on Saturday, Sept. 30, and volunteers are needed to help in a variety of ways. Shifts are from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Please contact the Volunteer Center in the Bean Sprout for more information.

Budget requests for student organizations will be due Sept. 8 at 5 p.m. If you have any questions, please contact SA executive treasurer Tyler Cosgrove at tmc02a@acu.edu.

01

Friday

8 p.m.

Fall Dinner Theatre - Brighton Beach Memoirs The story of Eugene, a Jewish teenager growing up with his family in Brooklyn. Written by Neil Simon and directed by Adam Hester.

02

Saturday

8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Higher Ground Student Leadership Conference Annual leadership conference to help equip various student leaders on campus 8 p.m.

Fall Dinner Theatre - Brighton Beach Memoirs

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 at jdj03e@acu.edu.

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.

Volunteer Opportunities Volunteers are needed at Lee Elementary School on Thursday afternoons from 3:15 to 4 p.m. to help with the Scrabble Club. Third, fourth and fifth graders use their spelling words to play the game of Scrabble and volunteers will assist them. For additional information contact the Volunteer Center in the Bean Sprout.

The Old Town Abilene Neighborhood Association needs volunteers on Saturday, Sept. 9, beginning in the morning to help with its second annual neighborhood clean-

up. There will be a variety of clean-up tasks, and some residents may need assistance with their property. If you are interested in helping with this opportunity, contact the Volunteer Center in the Bean Sprout.

There is an immediate need for a trans-typist to assist a hearing impaired student.

This will involve attending class with her and taking notes on her laptop during class. If you can assist with this need please contact Mattia Bray, 325-6742554, as soon as possible.

Credited Chapels remaining:

02 68

Police Tip of the Week The ACU Police department welcomes you back to campus and reminds everyone to lock their vehicles and keep all valuables out of sight.

Police Log (edited for space) Thursday 08/24/2006

Saturday 08/26/2006

01:00 am Report of suspicious noise at 600 EN 16th, checked area 01:06 am Report of harassing phone calls at Nelson Hall 01:48 am Escort from Morris Hall to University Park Apartments 05:31 am Unlocked Don Morris 06:30 am Briefing at the Station 07:39 am Secured Sing Song Warehouse 08:00 am Foot patrol of Abilene Christian Schools 13:37 pm Contacted Abilene PD in reference to case #06-130 13:40 pm Unlocked vehicle at 2400 Madison 15:00 pm Briefing at the Station 15:20 pm Unlocked vehicle at Big Purple Lot 16:30 pm Parking violations at main campus 18:00 pm Incomplete 911 at Campus Center, misdial 18:20 pm Escorted two students to Shell Station on Judge Ely 18:34 pm Theft report at University Park Apartments case #06-135 22:00 pm Removed barricades at Edwards Lot 22:20 pm Placed barricades at McKinzie Lot 23:00 pm Briefing at the Station

00:30 am Locked WPAC 01:00 am Locked Business Building 03:00 am Parking violation at Gardner Lot 07:00 am Briefing at the Station 07:00 am Unlocked Bennett Gym 07:00 am Unlocked Campus Center 07:00 am Unlocked Business Building 07:00 am Unlocked Bible Building 08:20 am Locked Bennett Gym 13:04 pm Unlocked Bennett Gym 13:20 pm Refueled vehicle 13:45 pm Assisted Colorado City PD with locating family member 15:40 pm Report of tree in the street at 2200 Campus Court 18:45 pm Briefing at the Station 20:15 pm Unlocked vehicle at 800 Green Valley

Friday 08/25/2006 01:10 am Loud party at 1400 Austin.

Advised to quiet/contain.

01:20 am Assisted Abilene Police Department with fight at 1300 Austin, 01:50 am Escorted student from Morris to University Park Apartments 06:00 am Briefing at the Station 07:15 am Monitored McKinzie Lot 10:45 am Parking violation at Business Lot 15:00 pm Briefing at the Station 16:00 pm Parking violation at main campus 16:45 pm Vehicle accident at Bible Lot, no report 19:30 pm Locked main campus

Sunday 08/27/2006 00:05 am Locked Bible Building 06:10 am Unlocked Campus Center 06:19 am Refueled vehicle 08:00 am Unlocked Business Building 10:00 am Unlocked Bible Building 13:05 pm Unlocked Library 14:15 pm Alarm at Library, malfunction, all okay 14:25 pm Assisted Abilene PD with traffic hazard, Campus Ct/Garfield.

15:57 pm Unlocked vehicle at 500 EN 20th 16:40 pm Parking violation at McKinzie Lot 18:10 pm Burglar alarm at Physical Resources, false alarm 18:45 pm Briefing at the Station 19:05 pm Jumpstart vehicle at Smith Lot 19:14 pm Report of students playing on Jacobs Ladder, contacted several females 19:59 pm Locked Moody Coliseum 23:27 pm Incomplete 911 from call box at Walking Track 23:44 pm Escort from Nelson to Morris Hall

Wednesday, August 30, 2006

ADVERTISEMENT

Page 3

CAMPUS NEWS

Page 4

Abilene receives upgrade n New developments were added to the North Abilene scenery this summer, including Chili’s, GameStop and Monks Coffeeshop.

Business is going well.

By MITCH HOLT Copy Editor

During the summer, the north side of Abilene received a whirlwind of renovations, adding several new businesses to the area around ACU including Chili’s, GameStop and Monks Coffeeshop.

All three businesses were added to the city during the summer months, and all three businesses are making solid profits, especially as the fall semester begins.

Curtis Johnson, general manager at Chili’s on Highway 351 near campus, said business has been going well since the store’s May 18 opening, and he’s pleased with the location of the store.

He said he’s glad college students are back in town and hopes for an increase in sales during the school year.

“This location is an up-and-coming area, and we’re right in the middle of it,” Johnson said. “The business developments in the area contribute to good sales for our store.

We’re glad to be here.”

Monks Coffeeshop, located at Cypress and North Third Street downtown, has been open since Aug. 10, and store manager Jeff Bryant thinks business will pick up when students realize it’s there.

“Business has been going better than we expected from the start,” Bryant said. “We’ve noticed more college students downtown. It’s just going to get better from here.”

The Monks Web site says the mission of the store is to promote reflection and fellowship within the business of selling coffee. The mission statement states that they “love the idea of setting one’s self apart for reflection, prayer and discipline for a season, if not a lifetime.”

Wednesday, August 30, 2006

Set in stone

Monks chose to serve Highland Coffee after several coffee-tasting sessions. Bryant said the staff spent time finding a coffee vendor that was right for the store. Highland is more of a momand-pop company, which is what Monks’ founders were going for, Bryant said.

The store is located across the street from The Leaf and McKay’s Bakery, and it serves an assortment of pastries, coffee, tea, smoothies, energy drinks and espresso drinks. Monks recently pressed its catchy “Keep Abilene Boring” Tshirts, modeled after the infamous “Keep Austin Weird” T-shirts. Monks shirts can be purchased at the store.

The staff hopes to promote fellowship and friendship while providing a comfortable atmosphere for customers, Bryant said. brian schmidt CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER E-mail Holt at: mah02f@acu.edu

Saturday, Nil Santana, instructor of graphic design, with help from Jack Maxwell, chair of the Art and Design Department, engraves John 3:16 on one of the stones around the Lunsford Foundation Trail.

Presidential scholars granted off-campus option n This summer, the Presidential Scholarship policy changed to give students the option of living off campus their junior and seniors years at the university.

By MICHELLE JIMENEZ Arts Editor

Presidential scholars are no longer required to reside in University Park apartments for their junior and senior years.

The Presidential Scholarship Guide on ACU’s Web site says there are now “special exceptions for fall 2006-spring 2007” that give scholars the op-

tion of living off campus, but it comes at price.

Scholars wanting to live off campus in universityapproved housing must be willing to give up a portion of their scholarship. A reduction in the initial award will decrease the amount to the level of a Trustee Scholarship.

Dr. Chris Willerton, informal chair of the Presidential and National Merit Finalist Scholarship Board, said he sees it as a trade-off.

“We give up having their influence in the resi-

dence halls and they give up some money,” Willerton said.

The Presidential and National Merit Finalist Scholarship Board receives about two or three complaints each year concerning on-campus living.

The complaints in the past five years have become persistent enough to grab the board’s attention.

“We think it’s the tip of the iceberg,” Willerton said. “We think a number of people would like to live off campus, but they know we would turn

down their request for exemption.”

This is only the first phase of change in the oncampus housing policy for presidential scholarships.

Dr. Willerton and representatives for Campus Life and Housing, Student Financial Services, Honor’s Program and Recruiting and Admissions will meet this fall to decide on the long-term form this option will take.

Exactly how much the award will be reduced for the following school years is yet to be determined.

Like other university programs, the Presidential Scholars program is reviewed periodically to meet ACU’s mission. The decision to allow students to live off campus was made this summer by Dr. Royce Money, president of the university; Dr. Michelle Morris, vice president of university relations; Mimi Barnard, director of Residence Life Housing and Education; and Kelly Young from Financial Management Services.

Dr. Tom Winter, vice

provost at ACU, said the policy change should be contingent with the goals of the Presidential Scholars program.

“The decision made this summer is one they hoped could be fair and consistent,” Winter said.

According to the Presidential Scholarship Guide, this award is “one of the most prestigious scholarships granted by Abilene Christian University.”

It covers full tuition or half tuition.

E-mail Jimenez at: mmj04b@acu.edu

Dean Barnard adds new topics for Chapel n Topics such as Identity Theft, Living Uphill and 24: A Day in the Life of Jesus are incorporated into Chapel to add variety this semester, said Chapel coordinators.

By JARED FIELDS Managing Editor

In the spring, Dr. Wayne Barnard moved from dean of Campus Life to the newly formed role of dean of spiritual formation. The move means Barnard will take on an even greater role in Chapel, while also working more with students and faculty on campus.

“I’m also collaborating in new ways across campus, not just with students, but also with staff and faculty,” Barnard said. “This is why my title is university dean instead of just dean; it’s all students, as well as staff and faculty.”

As the Barnard first university dean of spiritual formation, Barnard said he wants to make changes to the Chapel format this year.

One of the changes Barnard wants to implement is to present three different topics during the course of the semester. His themes will be Identity Theft, Living Uphill and 24: A Day in the Life of Jesus.

Barnard also wants to move Thursday’s 18:38 Chapel out of Moody Coliseum and into Hart Auditorium. Barnard said he wants to shift the focus of large group Chapel on Thursdays

to a textual instead of topical session.

Barnard said he wants to walk through the Gospel of Luke in 18:38 Chapel this year.

In the new Chapel format, Barnard wants to spend four weeks on each topic to keep Chapel fresh.

“I have a hard time maintaining energy through the whole semester,” Barnard said. “So having some variety after four weeks will help me, and if it helps me then it’s probably going to help students.”

Barnard said he will use the Identity Theft period to take a current theme and connect it to today’s Christians.

“What I think is important is our identities being formed with that of Jesus,” Barnard said. “What are the things that steer us away from that?”

In Living Uphill, Barnard compared the theme to climbing a mountain and said the life of a Christian is never lived running downhill.

“Those are just images in my mind that work for me, so I hope they work for students as well,” Barnard said.

Chapel Changes n Three new topics will be added to the Chapel format. n 18:38 will move to Hart Auditorium on Thursdays n 18:38 will focus on the Gospel of Luke

E-mail Fields at: jrf03b@acu.edu

Wednesday, August 30, 2006

CAMPUS NEWS

brian schmidt FILE PHOTO

2005 Junior Olympics gold and silver medalist Tiffany Thompson, sophomore education major from Garland, put her baton-twirling skills on display during Freshmen Follies on Aug. 29, 2005.

Twirler seeks role in color guard n Tiffany Thompson, gold and silver medalist baton twirler, aspires to twirl with the Wildcat color guard regularly, promising well-prepared performances.

cated acrobatics she likes to include in her acts.

Thompson said the few weeks she was given to plan and practice her performance made for a very last-minute feel.

In high school, Thompson said her friends were used to her absence at school when she prepared for competitions; her routine was usually developed during a period of about four months.

Thompson’s passion for twirling is evident in her eagerness to increase her in-

world titles, and other regional titles.

Thompson also competed in the 2005 Junior Olympics, earning the coveted gold medal in two-baton and the silver medal in both one and

By KELSI PEACE three-baton events.

Features Editor Laura Schmitt, captain of The ACU color guard may the color guard, appreciates have a new addition to its Thompson’s talent in both team this year. the guard and as a twirler and Tiffany Thompson, sophowould like to see her particimore education major from pate in both aspects of the Garland, wants to twirl batons color guard. regularly with the guard.

Schmitt said details have As a freshnot been ceman, Thompmented for son joined “I’m not asking for a spotlight. I just want to do Thompson’s the color participawhat I’m good at.” guard and tion, but was allowed she knows Tiffany Thompson, sophomore education major from Garland to twirl durthe admining two songs istration at the Centenwould like nial Celebration. volvement with the color her to participate as a twirlThompson recalled stand- guard. er, though perhaps in a role ing on the sidelines as she “I don’t remember a time not as large and Thompson prepared to twirl at her first when I didn’t twirl,” said would like. college game, feeling incred- Thompson, who has been “I’m not asking for a spotibly nervous. twirling since age three. light. I just want to do what I’m Twirling on a college field Thompson said she stopped good at,” Thompson explained. remains one of Thompson’s competing at the end of last Thompson is confident in goals, and her minimal par- year, when she thought she her abilities as a twirler, and ticipation last year left her had gone as far as she could. promises she will not make feeling a little disappointed, Her years of competition distracting errors. she said. earned many prestigious ti“I wouldn’t go out there if I When twirling with the tles, among them Miss Major- wasn’t practiced,” she said. guard, Thompson said she ette of Texas, a top 10 rankwas constantly moving, leav- ing in the Miss Majorette of ing no time for more compli- America competition, a few E-mail Peace at: knp04a@acu.edu

Reading room dedicated to Biblical studies n The new theological reading room in the library is the result of the $730,000 gift from Gaines Stanley Jr. dedicated to Biblical studies in honor of the life of his father.

By DENTON JOSEY Page 2 Editor

The Gaines B. Stanley Sr. Theological Reading Room in the Stevens Wing of the library is a new area dedicated to Biblical studies.

In spring 2005, plans for the addition began. Dr. Mark Tucker, dean of Library and Information Services, said an interest in a theological reading room had existed for quite awhile.

“This concern goes to the heart of institutional identity, serving most directly the 3,000 undergraduates who study Bible each year, plus about half our graduate students,” Tucker said in an e-mail.

The $730,000 gift that made the room possible was donated

by Gaines Stanley Jr. in honor of the life his father. A 1950 graduate of ACU, Gaines B. Stanley preached in a number of churches in Texas, Colorado and California. He currently teaches at the Southern California School of Evangelism.

Laura Baker, government document librarian and interim Learning Commons coordinator, said, “It was a very generous gift and it’s all because they want to honor their father. It’s just been a real blessing for us here.”

“The honoree is a beautiful, gracious, amazing, humble servant of God. It has been one of life’s greatest joys for me to get to know Gaines B. Stanley Sr., his wife Jean and their family,” Dr. Tucker Tucker said.

“He and his wife are visionary leaders of a vibrant, outreachfocused, multi-racial church in Anaheim, Calif.”

During the summer the library staff moved the theological books to the new reading room. Though this may be a change for returning students, the consolidation is seen by library staff as an improvement.

“The books will be in a different location, but that won’t be a large learning curve,” Baker said. “Basically, if you are looking for anything related to

the Bible you’ll go to the theology wing.”

Though the addition will impact a large number of students on campus, the Bible department is particularly affected by the change. Dr. Tucker said he hopes students are able to make a visual connection between the College of Biblical Studies and the Stanley Reading Room. He said it is designed to serve all students, faculty, staff and alumni.

“The Bible faculty has been helping with the plans since the beginning,” Baker said.

“They are excited about it.”

Scott McBryde, graduate student in the Department of Marriage and Family Therapy from Allen, said he sees many benefits from the new wing.

“I think it’s going to help the Bible department give its students their space to study,” McBryde said. “It will help students find what they need quicker.”

Dr. Tucker said the library wants the Stanley Reading Room to be as hospitable as the Learning Commons. “The environment and focus will be different, but our devotion to students should be equally apparent.”

E-mail Josey at: jdj03e@acu.edu

Page 5

WORLD WIDE WITNESS

Page 6

Wednesday, August 30, 2006

WORLD WIDE WITNESS

Page 7

burkina faso: A deeper look

Delphine prepares a gelatin-like mixture in her kitchen for the interns, who stayed with her during an expedition to her town to form relationships with residents. The final product is thicker than jello and is scooped up by hand. Smith was neutral about the food - she said she neither liked or disliked it.

A baby sleeps soundly amidst enthusiastic singing and clapping at a lively church service. Local mothers often tie their babies to their backs with a cloth called a Panya, as this mother did to hold her infant. This church service, like many services in the village, took place outdoors. Drums and dancing are an important part of services.

witnessing in dano, burkina faso Junior photojournalism major Emily Smith, sophomore Brett Curbo, and former ACU student Lesley Larsen spent six weeks in Dano, Burkina Faso with World Wide Witness, learning the language and experiencing life as the residents live it.

The students went on village visits four times a week with a missionary, but were not able to teach because of the language barrier.

To combat the language barrier, they spent time in language lessons three times a week, learning the local language, Dagara.

After an hour of class, the students would travel to the market, where they would practice the day’s lessons with the locals.

By the end of the six weeks, the students spoke the basics: greetings, nouns, foods and sales language.

The water in Burkina Faso is not safe to drink; locals brew Dolo, a homemade beer, instead, and use the water for bathing, washing and cooking.

As part of the program, students also spent time in the locals’ homes, which sometimes entailed a night with no electricity or fans and the option of bucket bathing.

acu students serve as international and domestic interns

Interns went out in search of a hippo one afternoon, and the accompanying children stopped to swim in the river. The children sang a song before throwing each other in the water.

Photographs

by Emily Smith Story and captions as told to Kelsi Peace

by Emily Smith.

A mother gives her child a bath behind an apartment. The students visited the village on a survey trip they took to experience life in the village.

Villagers gather to watch what is similar to a professional soccer match. The rowdy crowd storms the field and does flips after each goal is scored.

The interns watched an area championship game and enjoyed the crowd’s intensity. “Soccer is like West Texas football,” Smith explained.

During the summer, 57 ACU students engaged in World Wide Witness internships, short-term missions programs in 23 different locations across the world, ranging from 6 to 10 weeks in length.

Dr. Gary Green, missions coordinator in the Halbert Institute for Missions at ACU, said WWW provides participants with an extremely experimental form of learning.

“It helps students learn about themselves and other cultures,” Green said. “They can see God active in ways they never would have dreamed of. It’s truly a stretching spiritual experience.”

World Wide Witness works in partnership with the Let’s Start Talking program to recruit and train teams for mission sites across the world. Participants spend months in preparation, and most of them take a missions course during Maymester for further preparation.

According to the WWW’s mission statement, the organization’s goal is to provide opportunities for spiritual development, give participants a chance to hear God’s call to long-term missionary service, help increase ministry skills, increase the missions vision of American churches by multiplying the number of church members who have had first-hand experience, and give missionaries on the field short-term help with specific tasks.

Four ACU WWW interns traveled to New York to work with house churches in the area and team up with the Bronx Fellowship of Christ in community outreach. The four students worshipped and ate meals with house church members each week, and they reached out to the community through teaching English to immigrants, teaching children in the projects and landscaping for members of the community.

Kevin Porter, senior youth and family ministry major from Dallas and one of the New York team members, said the experience exposed the team to a new form of “church” emerging among unconventional Christians in the U.S. He said the internship gave them experience in full-time ministry during the 10 weeks they were there. “[House churches] are not perfect,” Porter said. “But they reach a group of people that traditional church, as we know it, does not reach.”

-By Mitch Holt

ACU interns, surrounded by children. From left: Emily Smith, Lesley Larsen and Brett Curbo.

An elephant charged the students’ truck while they were on a safari, which stands out as one of Smith’s most terrifying and exciting moments.

Children crowd around the camera for a chance to have their picture taken, excited to see their own images.

Melissa Johnson, a local missionary, kisses her adopted baby, Elijah.

ViewsWednesday Optimist

Page 8

Editorial page offers views beyond the news

The Issue:

The Opinion page expresses a spectrum of opinions written by Optimist staff members and the editorial board.

Our view:

Students should remember the freedoms guaranteed in the First Amendment as they read the Opinion page.

The solution:

Wednesday, August 30, 2006

The editorial board and staff writers are committed to respecting students and faculty while directly confronting controversial subjects.

What you are about to read will not only affect how you view the Optimist, but also how you view your peers. You are reading an editorial, written and composed by members of the Optimist editorial board.

This is the collective opinion of various members on staff, including the editor in chief, managing editor, copy editor and opinion editor. It is not one person’s opinions or writings; therefore, it is unsigned.

The Opinion This is a place where someone can state his or her of speech.” page is one section We don’t opinion and be heard on campus. of the Optimist take the dedicated to sharFirstAmending thoughts and ment lightopinions of the staff, campus published. ly and neither should you. and community.

The Opinion page offers stuInvariably, the Optimist will This is a place where some- dents and faculty the chance receive letters from the comone can state his or her opin- to express themselves. munity, students and faculty ion and be heard on campus.

In the First Amendment, claiming we are biased or misIt is a place where someone Americans are given a unique representing the university or can write about issues on cam- role in society—the freedom Christianity. pus that need to be addressed to say whatever they want.

While we will kindly read and a place where someone This is a journalists’ favorite and print your opinion on this can write disagreeing or agree- part: “Congress shall make no page, we ask you to read ours ing with an article or column law … abridging the freedom with the same respect.

Dust yourself off and try again Hundreds of new students arrived on campus last week ready to begin a journey ending for many of us.

As a senior , I have noticed that the freshmen seem like babies, so Face the young and unaware of Facts what will Mallory come.

Schlabach I was like this once. Although no upperclassman will admit it, we were in your shoes not too long ago. You’re embarking on an incredible time in your life. Soak it all in, stay up late and call home every now and then.

Freshman year was my favorite year of college because it was fun. I had fewer commitments and more time to be silly. I relished in my freedom, made new friends, ate at Taco Bell too much and gained the freshman 15.

I also had memorable experiences that have helped shape who I am now.

I remember it like it was yesterday. Thankfully, it wasn’t. It was the first day of class during my freshman year. I was an art major at the time and walking the long trek from Gardner Residence Hall to the Don Morris building with my new best friend I met in my Welcome Week group.

As an art major, I had a plastic box full of art supplies in one hand and my backpack over my shoulder. My large drawing pad held out in front of me.

The only way to de-

scribe what happened next is eternal mortification.

Most people would never notice the foot-high cement wall lining the Campus Center I certainly didn’t.

One minute I was following the sidewalk, thinking about my first college class; the next I’m face down in the mud, my legs poking over the wall I hadn’t noticed.

Art supplies tumbled in all directions; my drawing pad flew into the grass, and my friend who helped me up was trying not to laugh at my mud-covered face.

Unfortunately, I had an audience of upperclassman waltzing to their classes, and I received an applause, a lot of uncontrolled laughter and a few ‘Are you OK’s?’ as soon as I stood up.

Completely embarrassed, I couldn’t do anything but laugh, and three years later, I still laugh when I see the short wall that should be impossible to trip on.

Although it seemed like the end of my life, it really marked the beginning of my college career. Along my journey, I’ve experienced times of laughter, clutzy falls, boring classes, false fire alarms, scary encounters with upperclassmen, a church I can call home and friends I’ll keep forever.

This is your first week of college. Embrace the funny, awkward, scary and sad moments, and from upperclassmen to freshman, welcome to ACU. E-mail Schlabach at: mes02e@acu.edu or optimist@acu.edu

Another element of this page is columns. Columns are written by members on staff and are accompanied with staff mugshots. Columns are the opinion of the columnist and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Optimist or university.

As you read the opinion page this year, please feel free to write and express your opinions. We will be waiting to hear from you E-mail the Optimist at: optimist@acu.edu

Let Loose

Cole Williams

Centennial encourages excessiveness This whole “Centennial Celebration” thing is great for ACU. It really is. There have been great t h i n g s done to celebrate what ACU has done and what ACU will do in the next century.

Fields of But, the Dreams university Jared has used as Fields an excuse to overdo things just a bit, like the Graduation Celebration in May. For those of you unfortunate enough to miss it, Graduation Celebration took place the Friday night before graduation to honor those about to graduate. It was a big todo with graduates, family, friends and faculty

gathered in the mall area of campus.

What made this an over -the-top spectacle can’t be narrowed to one thing; there were many things that pushed this to “ridiculous” status.

After hearing rumors of fireworks, what followed was nothing short of a letdown.

After the speeches, there was a laser show, accompanied by some music. That’s right, a laser show like the kind you thought was cool when you were 6-yearsold at Six Flags.

The school may have had good intentions with this laser show, but it came off the wrong way.

It would be like hiring a petting zoo for your kid’s birthday. It’s OK for a kid in kindergarten, but not for a 22-year-old.

Then, just at the cli-

max of the “I-can’t-believe-ACU-paid-goodmoney-for-a-laser-show” show, tons of purple and white confetti shot out of massive canons.

Who sits around planning one of the biggest events of the year and says, “I think a laser show followed by mindboggling amounts of confetti would be appropriate?”

I’m sure people in Potosi were wondering where those pieces of purple and white confetti came from when they started blowing in during June.

After the confetti, students and faculty were too puzzled to express their thoughts with words. Very few verbalized thoughts came out as “cool” or “I liked it.”

The words were more like “lame”or “joke,”

while students cried from laughter.

Others weren’t too surprised by ACU’s ability to take something potentially great and turn it into a laugh-fest.

What ACU intended to be an honoring of the graduating class turned into a joke. If anything, it showed how out-oftouch the administration is from the students.

Maybe ACU got the hint after the Graduation Celebration and will follow through on the rumors that the Birthday Celebration will have fireworks.

That’s a move the university should have made in May. It would have saved a lot of embarrassment.

E-mail Fields at: jrf03b@acu.edu or optimist@acu.edu

2006 Optimist Editorial Board Mallory Schlabach •Senior journalism major from Orrville, Ohio •Editor in Chief •Conservative views

Jared Fields •Junior journalism major from Paducah •Managing Editor • Moderate views

Mitch Holt •Senior journalism major from Memphis, Tenn.

•Copy Editor •Liberal views

Lauren Sutton •Junior journalism major from Denton •Opinion Editor •Moderate views

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

Brian Schmidt •Senior journalism major from Austin •Chief Photographer •Moderate views

Editorial and Management Board Mallory Schlabach

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

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CAMPUS NEWS

Wednesday, August 30, 2006

Page 9

Soulforce activists experience welcome and hostility after campus visit in March n After visiting ACU in March, Soulforce activists continued their tour across the nation, experiencing both warm welcomes and cold shoulders.

By KELSI PEACE Features Editor

After the group’s visit to ACU in late March, Soulforce continued its Equality Ride of Christian, politically conservative and military institutions across the nation, experiencing both warm welcomes and

cold shoulders.

“The Equality Ride’s goal overall was to bring a perspective that we feel is not freely or openly shared about what it’s like to be a gay or lesbian at a Christian, conservative school,” said Haven Herrin, co-director of Equality Ride.

While at ACU, the group made presentations at several forums where members shared perspectives, invited discussion and gave

students a glimpse into life from a side not often heard

by ACU students.

Herrin said ACU was gracious for opening the campus to the group.

“It’s a testament to academic freedom that your school welcomed us,” she said.

Though the overall experience was a positive one, Herrin said her reservations about ACU are still somewhat prevalent.

“It makes me very sad

for the gay and lesbian students who are on your campus,” she said.

The stop at ACU was near the beginning of Equality Ride’s tour, and the group continued on to Texas A&M, the Coalition for Christian Colleges and Universities Conference, Biola University, California Baptist University, Azusa Pacific University, Brigham Young University, Colorado Christian University, U.S. Air Force

FilmFest theme ‘Unreel’ to take different approach n This year’s FilmFest focuses on the ‘Unreel’ to challenge students to “step outside the realm of normalcy and expand the limitations of their imagination.”

By MICHELLE JIMENEZ Arts Editor

This year’s FilmFest theme is ‘Unreel,’ and an interest meeting will take place Sept. 14 in the Campus Center Living Room to answer any logistical questions.

The idea behind the theme is meant to challenge students to step outside the realm of normalcy and expand the limitations of their imagination,

said Doug Darby, creative and media specialist and third-year FilmFest planner. He said he hopes for this year’s event to give students the opportunity to freely express their ideas and beliefs. “’Unreel’ is just that— it’s unreal,” Darby said.

“It doesn’t have to be anything in particular. It’s about using imagination and thinking outside the box.”

No prior knowledge of filmmaking is required to participate in the event.

All necessary equipment and training is provided with the required $30 contribution fee.

A film-editing workshop will be offered Sept.

16 in Room 114 of the Onstead-Packer Biblical Studies Building.

Matt Maxwell, student director and senior electronic media major from Abilene, is helping Darby with FilmFest.

“The judges are prestigious people involved in Hollywood,” Maxwell said.

“It’s just a way for students to meet, greet and rub shoulders with the

greats of Hollywood, and I think it’s an opportunity that most students do not get.”

Along with an informational meeting, a creative workshop for students interested in learning about filmmaking will be offered.

Although FilmFest is part of Lectureship this year, the official premiere for entries is Nov. 3.

E-mail Jimenez at: mmj04b@acu.edu

Academy, North Central University, Bethel University, Wheaton College, Eastern University and U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

Herrin said visits to North Central University and West Point were disappointing visits, where the group was arrested before arriving on campus and cadets were put on lockdown and forbidden to go within six feet of Equality Ride members.

In spite of these bad experiences, Herrin said the ride was a memorable experience.

“There was a lot of heartfelt conversation,” added Herrin, “So much devotion to understanding.”

The group is taking applications for its 2007 tour and looking to visit schools they have not yet visited.

E-mail Peace at: knp04a@acu.edu

Page 10

Food: Sub shop first change in dining Continued from page 1 using Palm Pilots to understand the dining wants and needs in the ACU community.

“When you talk about subs, there are only three options: Subway, Blimpie and Quiznos,” said Anthony Williams, director of Retail Operations.

Because there are many Subway restaurants already in town, Williams said the choice was between Blimpie and Quiznos.

“Quiznos had more brand equity,” Williams said. “It would be easier for our stu-

Wednesday, August 30, 2006

FROM THE FRONT PAGE

dents and patrons to identify them.”

In June 2005, Quiznos was ranked No. 1 for growth by the Nation Restaurant News Top 100.

The franchise began in Denver in 1981 and has over 4,000 restaurants nationwide and locations in 21 countries. The Quiznos Web site said there is a new store opening every nine hours.

Allen said as soon as there is a set opening date students are welcome to apply for jobs.

“We encourage students to come apply because we

Enrollment: Trend continues this fall

need them,” Allen said.

Like Starbuck’s in the Learning Commons or Pizza Hut in the Campus Center, Quiznos will take meal plans, Bean Bucks and Campus Cash.

Blair Delaughter, sophomore accounting and finance major from Atlanta, is excited about having another option for dining and thinks it will be a popular place for students.

“That’s so exciting because there’s a lack of healthy food choices,” Delaughter said. “I think it was a good choice because sand-

wich shops are popular and you can pick out what you want. It’s healthy, quick and relatively inexpensive.”

Williams said there are plans for more changes and additions in dining options for students.

“Our focal point is to drive up satisfaction for our students,” Williams said.

“This whole initiative is for our students. We have even more dramatic initiatives planned than Quiznos.”

E-mail Josey at: jdj03e@acu.edu

‘I know it’s here somewhere’

Opening: Cornyn discusses hard topics Continued from page 1 there today,” Cornyn said.

“I was inspired and excited to see that kind of event.”

Talking about Katrina, Cornyn said communication and planning are the biggest concerns for natural disasters.

“At some point, the biggest natural disaster is going to overcome the best of all plans,” he said. “But we need to do the best we can to prepare for them and deal with them after they hit.”

Continued from page 1 president for enrollment, in an e-mail.

Heil said the 975 freshmen and 180 transfer students expected this year were not a surprise. The increase was expected because of the university’s rapid growth.

These numbers may not be the final count for this year, Heil said. More students will probably arrive later this week.

In May, the number of applicants was higher than usual, and Heil said his office received more applications during the summer.

The Enrollment office is especially busy during the summer because transfers usually decide to change schools at the last minute, he said.

Heil said projecting the number of students who will attend ACU enables leaders on campus to plan accordingly for housing, courses and Passport.

But after one hundred

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

brian schmidt CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Amber Tolich, senior elementary education major from Apple Valley, Calif., searches for a book Monday in the basement of the Campus Store.

Center: Bob, Shirley Hunter to be honored Continued from page 1 funds for this project. One will be a gala event in Dallas called “Deep in Our Hearts: A Lone Star Tribute to Bob Hunter,” featuring Grammy Award-winning artist Amy Grant. Funds from the dinner will be put towards the new center.

“This is a high priority for the university,” Tyson said.

“It’s a special and unique opportunity to honor Bob and his wife for their service.”

Brent Magner, director of

development, said the university hopes to have the building finished in 2008.

Groundbreaking will take place as soon as all of the necessary funds have been committed.

“It’s all about service to campus visitors as well as our campus community,” Magner said. “The Hunter Welcome Center will benefit many people for a lot of years to come.”

E-mail Pond at: optimist@acu.edu

E-mail Fields at: jrf03b@acu.edu

Police: ACU neighbors glad for jurisdiction Continued from page 1

years of Christian higher education, the university still has yet to receive a student from Rhode Island. However, hundreds of international students from dozens of countries across the world attend ACU each year.

“ACU’s reach goes well beyond that typical radius,” Heil said. “And every year, thousands of students across the U.S. and worldwide choose to attend ACU.” Steven Gist, international student recruiter, said international advertising is handled by overseas organizations that represent the university.

Gist said the farther a student is from Abilene, the stronger the relationship between the university and the student has to be. A student from a different state is more likely to attend ACU if he or she knows a student than an international student who doesn’t know anyone at the university.

While addressing immigration, Cornyn said the biggest problems are the lack of border patrol agents and the intentions of immigrants from countries other than Mexico. He expressed that parts of the border are practically bridges to the U.S. After Cornyn addressed the media, Money presented him with a copy of the ACU Centennial book.

departments serving the area.

“It will affect a lot of people, not just students,” Ellison said.

Ellison plans to increase personnel from the current 10 officers to 15 in the near future. He said the state average for police officers on Ellison a campus the size of ACU is 17, and with an increased jurisdiction the need for more officers is more obvious.

One of the benefits from this change is a quicker response time from the police.

“If you live in this neighborhood things will be much safer,” Ellison said.

“We’ll get there quicker because we’re right around

the corner.”

Betty Shipp, retired ACU alumnus who lives on East North 18th Street, is pleased with the new jurisdiction.

“The school has 4,000 people in it, and they don’t all live on campus. They live around the campus,” Shipp said. “This is nothing but OK for them to do.

It’s usually the ones who live off campus who get into trouble.”

The increased jurisdiction is not an attempt to enforce ACU policy, Ellison said. It is a law enforcement issue. This will enable the ACU police to keep a larger area safer as they are able to patrol surrounding neighborhoods, not limited to the students, faculty and staff of ACU. “We just wanted to make this place a safer place to live in,” Ellison said.

“That’s the bottom line.”

E-mail Josey at: jdj03d@acu.edu

SPORTS JUMPS

Wednesday, August 30, 2006

Page 11

Tennis: Volleyball: Cats find unity in preseason Recruits increase strength team for fall Mock said.

But with defeat on the we needed to do and put horizon, the Wildcats them on the defensive as found their game and came opposed to us.” back to win the next three “This past weekend we games and leave the tourhad to learn how to rely nament with a win. Accordon each other.” Mock said. ing to Mock, her team came “Mentally we learned a lot together to turn the odds and learned how to rely on and make the comeback each other and compete victory. with each other to beat “You could see the somebody. Although the switch in their faces,” she two losses were negative said. “They wanted to win, for us, I and noththink that ing was the posig o i n g tive that to stop “This past weekend we came out them.” had to learn how to rely of it was T h a t on each other. Mentally that the s w i t c h we learned how to rely on helped the team had to learn each other completely with W i l d c a t s how to beovercome each other to beat come a coSt. Cloud somebody.” hesive unit State with against a rally win Kellen Mock, head volleyball coach someone 30-24, 30else.”

24 and 16I n 14. their fi“ O u r nal match the Wildcats team really stepped up as were well on their way to a whole and we turned the returning to Texas with a energy around,” said senior 1-3 record after losing the setter/defensive specialfirst two games 30-25 to St. ist Malia Plumlee. “We got Cloud State. all of the momentum and “We forgot what we were went with it.” aiming for, and before we The next preseason test knew it we were behind.” in the Wildcats’ schedule is Continued from page 1

Continued from page 1 ACU history, but there are a lot of factors on whether or not we’ll win the national championship.” Jones said.

For the men, success in the fall will have to come without one of their star players, graduate Casper Steenkamp.

Last May the Intercollegiate Tennis Association named Steenkamp the winner of the Arthur Ashe Leadership and Sportsmanship Award.

But the coaching staff is optimistic about the men’s team this year as team leaders Juan Nunez, Kevin Beedy and George Carstens all return in the fall.

Nunez was named the NCAA Division II Central Region Rookie of the Year and the Lone Star Conference Freshman of the Year. While Beedy and Carstens both made first team all LSC last July. The newcomer to the Wildcats is freshman Luke Hawk, a 3-time state champion in division 3A tennis.

According to Jones, the ACU men will be competing in a tough division where the ideal of teamwork is essential.

“If the teammates don’t love each other, then you rarely achieve greatness,” said Jones “We’ve been successful for a long time, and we’re not going down on my watch,” The tennis teams will get their first taste of the fall season on Sept. 8-9 in the ACU Wal-Mart Invitational Open held on campus at the Eager Tennis Pavilion.

E-mail Freeman at: mxf04b@acu.edu

one they passed with flying colors in 2005. They will return to the Premier Challenge in Denver September 1-2 as defending tournament champions and will face No. 7 Washburn and Metropolitan State in the preliminaries of the tournament.

“I feel a lot more confident going into this weekend now that we’ve learned how to pull ourselves out of a rut and know how to identify when negative things are happening on the court and fix them,” Mock said.

After competing in Denver, the Wildcats will host their last preseason tournament Sept. 8-9.

volleyball results n ACU 3, Michigan Tech 1 n Northern Michigan 3, ACU 1 n Minnesota-Deluth 3, ACU 0 n ACU 3, St. Cloud State 2 brian schmidt CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER Senior setter/defensive specialist Malia Plumlee sets a ball during practice on Aug 22. Plumlee and the rest of the Wildcats pulled off a three-game rally to defeat St. Cloud State in Marquette, Mich.

E-mail Johnson at: djj04a@acu.edu

Hood: Former coach inducted Continued from page 1 team, which turned around the week after to drive to Sacramento, Calif., and win the NAIA championship, his “biggest thrill.”

“He wasn’t about conference championships,” said Derek Hood, second-year cross country coach and son of the hall-of-famer.

“He was after winning national championships.”

Despite the accolades he’s racked up during his time with the track team, the always-humble Hood

deflects the recent attention of his hall of fame nod back to the reason he delved into coaching—his players.

“I think coaches can sometimes forget why we’re here, and that’s the players,” Hood said.

Hood not only strove to make his runners better on the track, but off the track as well, promoting sports to be vital in preparing for life.

His term of 1976-88 set a precedent of which his five successors have at-

tempted to achieve since he left. But Hood isn’t one who has forgotten about the university or the sport he loves. Since his retirement, he’s volunteered as an assistant at almost every practice.

Don Hood is appreciative of the honor, but if he were to vote, he says he would leave himself off the ballot.

Good thing he isn’t on the committee.

E-mail Holland at: beh03e@acu.edu

SportsWednesday

Wednesday, August 30, 2006

Page 12

Past success prepares new squad n Both the ACU men’s and women’s tennis teams reached the regional tournament in the fall season. The women advanced to nationals and finished sixth.

By MICHAEL FREEMAN Online Editor

Coming off a successful spring season, the ACU tennis teams are counting on returning players to carry them to another successful fall season.

Last spring, the ACU women claimed the Lone Star Conference championship title, advanced to the quarterfinal round of the NCAA Division II national tournament and finished the year with a 31-7 re-

Tennis cord, tying the school record for single-season victories, a record set the previous year.

The ACU men reached the finals of the NCAA Central Region Tournament and ended their season with a record of 21-11.

In the final NCAA Division II team rankings, the ACU women finished No. 6 in the nation, while the ACU men finished No. 22.

This fall, coach Hutton Jones anticipates finishing even better than last spring. Entering his 11th year as head coach, Jones said the tennis teams have set high objectives.

“We have high goals every year,” he said. “And making it to nationals is one of those goals.”

With the acquisition of two outstanding athletes, the ACU women should have a good chance at fulfilling their goal of returning to the national tournament for the 12th year in a row.

Sophomore Aina Rafolomanantsiatosika, a transfer player from Auburn University-Montgomery and a NAIA All-American, along with freshman Dina Pavlin, a state semifinalist in 5A divisional tennis, are joining the Wildcats this fall.

Most of the ACU players

from last year are returning to the team this season, including junior Meagan Brown, who was named to the all-conference team last July, and seniors Holly Lindloff and Lana Pavlin.

“We’ll have a solid, quality team,” assistant coach John Walker said. “Our lineup is going to be so much better than in the past. The girls are going to be a force to deal with.”

Coach Jones agrees that the women’s team will do well.

“The girls have the talent for being the best team in brian schmidt CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

See

TENNIS page 11

Holly Lindloff returns a ball during the 2006 NCAA D-II Central Regional Tournament. The ACU Women finished sixth at nationals in May 2006.

Intramural season around the corner n The fall 2006 intramural sports season will begin Sept. 11 with flag football and will include tennis, waterball, softball, indoor soccer and basketball.

By MICHAEL FREEMAN Online Editor

The intramurals office is preparing to offer a medley of exciting sports for the fall semester. Coming off of a busy week, intramurals staff members expect an eventful season.

“We had 25 flag football teams compete during Welcome Week,” said Danny Kittley, director of intramurals. “And we’re anticipating a lot of teams later this fall.”

The intramurals program will offer six sports this fall. sports include flag football, tennis, waterball, three-two softball, indoor soccer and three-on-three basketball.

Registration for all of the sports is located in the Intramural Sports office inside Bennett Gym. Flag football is the most popular sport among the six. The deadline to sign up for the next flag football tournament is Sept. 7. The tournament will take place on Sept. 11.

Kittley said teams should assemble a roster of 13 players with one team captain.

But the intramural staff will find teams for players that sign up individually.

On Oct. 6-8 an intramural tennis tournament will take place at the Eager Tennis Pavilion. The deadline to register for the tournament is Oct. 5.

The deadline for the waterball tournament is Nov. 2, but the date for the tournament has yet to be set.

Also, the deadlines have yet to be determined for the remaining sports of three-two softball, indoor soccer and

intramural Roundup Intramural Sign Up Deadlines n Flag Football, Sept. 7 n Tennis, Oct. 5 n Waterball, Nov. 2 n Softball, TBD n Indoor Soccer, TBD n 3 on 3 Basketball, TBD Intramural Sign Up Costs n Flag Football, $200 per team n Tennis, $10 per person n Waterball, $100 per team

Intramurals three-on-three basketball.

All full-time students and graduate students who are enrolled at ACU and take at least 12 hours are eligible to participate in intramurals.

The first place teams of the fall semester will be awarded T-shirts. Additionally, social clubs can compete for a university championship crown to be presented in April. The social clubs will play in several sports, and the winner of the crown will be determined from the results of a point system.

Schedules and results for intramurals will be posted on the intramurals bulletin board in Moody Coliseum.

This information will be made available on the ACU Web site.

The ACU intramurals Sports office aims to provide students the opportunities to exercise and socialize.

“It’s the place to be,” Kittley said. “It’s a great way to make friends and have fun.”

brian schmidt FILE PHOTO

Former track & field head coach Don. H. Hood, seen here coaching former pole vaulter Corey Aguilar, coached pole-vaulting greats such as Olympic pole-vaulter Billy Olson. Hood still contributes his expertise to the program currently coached by his son Don D. Hood. The hall-of-famer will be inducted to the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Hall of Fame in December after his record-breaking 11 years at the university.

Hall honors humble Hood n Soon to be hall of fame track & field Coach Don H. Hood is reluctant to attribute his success as a coach to anyone but the players that were under him.

Track & Field

By BRIAN HOLLAND

Assistant Sports Editor

Don H. Hood, former ACU track and field head coach, will be inducted into the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Hall of Fame in December.

But make no mistake—he isn’t a hall of fame coach. At

least, that’s what he would say.

Hood, credited with bringing track teams at ACU back to prominence from their once-successful days of the 1950’s and early ‘60’s, racked up eight NCAA national championships, one NAIA national championship and coached numerous All-Americans, including Olympic pole-vaulter Billy Olson.

In just 11 years at ACU, he coached 13 pole-vaulters who broke the 18-foot

“I think coaches can sometimes forget why we’re here, and that’s the players.”

Don H. Hood, former track & field head coach

E-mail Freeman at: mxf04b@acu.edu

mark along with Olson, who set 11 indoor records in the 1980’s, including being the first American pole-vaulter to clear 19 feet.

Hood’s 1984 outdoor track championship team set relay records that still stand to this day and obliterated the rest of the field by winning the meet by an uncanny 117 points, ending with 246 for the meet.

In comparison to last year’s ACU national championship team scored 90 points to take home the title.

After getting his first head coaching job with Howard Payne University, Hood was invited to take the same role at ACU. Even though the track program receives much recognition for its dominance in the past 30 years, Hood remembers the beginning of his tenure

with the Wildcats as a modest one.

“It was hard at first,” Hood said. “I remember I had to go around town to raise money just to go to meets because we couldn’t pay our way for the trips.”

Taking over for an assistant football coach who was doubling as track coach at the time, Hood remembers having to sleep four to a bedroom in a Motel 6 and giving his runners a $2.50 spending limit at McDonald’s.

Even with minimal program funding and little recognition, Hood’s teams not just excelled at meets, but dominated. During his 11 years as head coach, Hood deems his 1982 NCAA Division II national champi-

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HOOD page 11

Volleyball starts at 2-2 n The Volleyball team began its 2006 season with a victory over Michigan Tech and went on to finish 2-2 at the Northwestern Michigan Invitational.

By DANIEL JOHNSON Sports Editor

brian schmidt CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Junior outside hitter Abbie Lowry stretches for a ball during practice on Aug. 22. Lowry currently leads the team in kills, with 72 and was chosen as the Lone Star Conference co-Preseason player of the year. w

The returning LSC champion and nationally ranked Wildcat volleyball team split its opening tournament of the 2006 season with 2-2 record after competing in the Northern Michigan Invitational the weekend of Aug 25-26.

Under the leadership of new head coach Kellen Mock, the No. 20 Wildcats traveled to Marquette, Mich., to test their young team against some of the best Division II programs

Volleyball the Midwest has to offer.

The Wildcats passed their first challenge of the tournament after defeating the Michigan Tech Huskies in five games Friday afternoon.

The season opening win was coach Mock’s first as head coach.

ACU downed Michigan Tech 27-30, 34-32, 30-25, 2030 and 15-13. Junior outside hitter Abbie Lowry led the team with 22 kills, while junior outside hitter Amy Silva had 15 and freshman middle blocker Michelle Bacon added 12.

Later that night in their second match in Marquette the purple and white Wild-

cats fell to the green and gold Wildcats of Northern Michigan in four games. Lowry led again with 17 kills and junior Liz Snoddy had 16 digs.

After losing its second match, the team was tested once more against No. 5 MinnesotaDuluth. The Duluth Bulldogs grabbed the victory in three games, defeating the Wildcats 30-24, 30-24 and 3019.

“We struggled to close them down on the block and were on the defensive most of the game.” Mock said. “We could not quite get our heads together in order to do what See VOLLEYBALL page 11