The Vol. 95, No. 4
IN THIS ISSUE CAMPUS Remote class
Several departments on campus experiment with Quizdom, an electronic interactive program, page 3
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1 section, 10 pages
WEDNESDAY
September 6, 2006
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www.acuoptimist.com
Student, local resident involved in accident n The first injury on the Lunsford Foundation Trail occurred last week when a non-student biker ran into a student’s car as he was pulling into Edwards-Mabee parking lot. By JARED FIELDS Managing Editor
SPORTS
OPTIMIST
The Lunsford Foundation Trail claimed its first victim Thursday night. Police responded to a call at 6:45 p.m. at the entrance to the Mabee and Edwards parking lot at the 1900
block of Campus Court. The accident is the first on the jogging trail since construction started. According to the police report filed by the Abilene Police Department, Mark Cox, 49, was Ellison northbound on the trail when his bicycle collided with the car of Brad Walker,
freshman business management major from Kingwood, who was traveling north before entering the parking lot. Cox hit Walker’s front fender and went over the top and landed on the other side, hitting his forehead on the concrete. Cox was treated and released Thursday. Walker said his car received only a dent in the front fender. “I was driving pretty slowly, just going into the parking lot,” Walker said. “Then he nailed the front of
my car. It was a surprise.” Cox could not be reached for comment. Cox’s bicycle left an 18foot skid mark before hitting Walker’s car. Cox was transported to Hendrick Medical Center to treat the wound on his head. Police did not cite either the bicyclist or the drive at the accident scene because the driver was not at fault for the accident because the bicyclist hit the car, said Jimmy Ellison, ACU police chief.
The rebuilt Wildcat football team makes its debut at home Thursday against the University of Central Oklahoma, page 12
See
CRASH page 8
Spanish Web site launched for new students
When it rains, it pours
Fresh start
Walker said he attended to Cox until the ambulance arrived at 6:58 p.m. Walker said his only contact with Cox was in the ambulance before being taken to the hospital. “I was walking by and he was in the ambulance surrounded by people, and I said to someone to tell him that we’d be praying for him,” Walker said. Although the Abilene Police Department filed the
Stepping onto the field
The women’s soccer team began practicing this fall for its first season, which will begin in the fall of 2007, page 12
FEATURE
n The university launched a Spanish Web site in May which includes information about programs offered for prospective Spanish-speaking students. By JEREMY POND Student Reporter
Miraculous recovery
Sophomore Cody Veteto returned to campus this semester after recovering from a brain-injury after a skiing accident in February, page 7
ONLINE brian schmidt CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
Robyn Foulks, freshman psychology major from Fort Worth, and Korie Darby, sophomore interior design major from Kingwood, share an umbrella as they walk across campus Monday in the rain. The steady rain on Monday totaled just under one inch, raising the year’s total to above average.
Dining Services improves campus food Unlikely storm
Students react to the wet weather Monday after a two-day storm moved into Abilene showering more than 1.5 inches of rain, at www.acuoptimist.com
WEATHER TODAY’S FORECAST HIGH LOW 81 59 SPEED READS Cellular connection
A Canadian company, EQO Communications, introduced a communication device that allows students to connect with friends they’ve met on Internet sites such as Facebook and My Space. Cell phones are used to show pictures, leave messages and post activities. Students can register online at www.eqo.com and upload the device to their phone. -UWIRE
n Healthier options were added to The World Famous Bean this semester including a vegan food line, more salad bar options and homemade Mexican food. By AARON BALLARD Staff Writer
Last spring, Dining Services conducted 1,800 online surveys, 421 Palm Pilot surveys and seven focus groups to gather student feedback about food on campus. After studying the responses, several changes
were made in the Bean and the Bean Sprout this fall. “A plan was put in place in the spring, and now it is coming to fruition,” said Anthony Williams, director of retail and purchasing, who oversees Dining Services. “This represents hours and hours of work.” One of the main complaints was that the Bean offered little in the way of healthy solutions. The Bean began addressing that problem last spring by adding more fruit and salad op-
tions, and the reaction was overwhelmingly positive. “Seventy-five percent of respondents said the fruit was dramatically better,” Williams said. More changes were made this fall to create additional healthy options. Among them is an expanded salad bar with twice as many salad toppings and the option to put grilled chicken on salads. In addition, the wraps were combined with the hoagies so the old wrap line could become a vegan line. Gluten-
free deserts were added as well. Another major complaint was that the Mexican food didn’t taste good. “The problem was that the Mexican line consisted mainly of pre-prepared and frozen foods,” Williams said. “Now, ninety-five percent of the Mexican food is made from scratch.” Other changes in the Bean include improved pizza, an increased consideration for See
FOLLIES page 8
ACU has created a new Web site called ACU en Español to provide prospective students who don’t speak English with information about the university. The university hosted several focus groups and found a need to provide Hispanic students with a link to the university in their own language. Daniel Garcia, multicultural enrollment marketing specialist, said while the main thrust of the site was to provide a helpful tool to prospective students, it certainly was not limited to them. “Some of these students may have family members who prefer to receive some information in Spanish,” Garcia said. “ACU en Español is a great tool for prospective students to share information about ACU with their family.” The site was created in May for domestic use, with sites in other languages already available for those outside the country. The site hosts pages for academics, campus life, spiritual life, professional development and the history of ACU. Garcia and a group of students translated the site with See
SPANISH page 8
Follies sign-ups begin n This year’s theme for the freshman talent production is ‘What’s Next,’ and it takes place the last weekend of September and is orchestrated by Kendall Massey. By KELSI PEACE Features Editor
Students interested in participating in Freshman Follies, which will take place Sept. 2930, can now sign up with their halls to participate in the residence hall acts in this year’s “What’s Next?” themed event. Freshman Follies is a show-
Department of Journalism and Mass Communication
case of the talents of the freshman class, including musical acts from each residence hall floor and individual acts. Kendall Massey, Freshman Follies director, said each hall is responsible for electing a student director. All student directors will meet Sept. 15 and must have the name of their act, a T-shirt design, lyrics, music and a participant list, Massey said. Alyssia Ambrose, sophomore education major from See
SPROUT page 8
brian schmidt FILE PHOTO
Freshman women perform their hall act to the theme of “That 70’s Show.” last year during Freshman Follies.
Abilene Christian University
Serving the ACU community since 1912
Chapel Checkup Credited Chapels to date:
Wednesday, March 29, 2006 Wednesday, September 6, 2006
06
Calendar & Events Wednesday
10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Service Expo Representatives from area volunteer agencies will be in the Campus Center to talk with students about service opportunities.
07
Thursday
10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Service Expo Representatives from area volunteer agencies will be in the Campus Center to talk with students about service opportunities.
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.
08
Friday
8 p.m. ‘Abilene 1906’ Paramount Theater This musical comedy, created by Dr. Jack Boyd (‘55) and Dr. Ed George (‘61), tells the story of Abilene’s relationship with ACU as it was becoming a reality as Childers Classical Institute.
09
Saturday
1 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Centennial Birthday Celebration The dedication of Jacob’s Dream Sculpture, Campus Open House, ACU Century book signing, WACU building reception, outdoor birthday carnival, Centennial Birthday Cake Ceremony, Caedmon’s Call concert, Abilene 1906, fireworks.
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 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 at 325674-2554 as soon as possible. Volunteers are needed to work four-hour shifts for childcare during lectureship. Dates and times: Sunday, Sept. 17, to Wednesday, Sept. 20, at either 8 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., 1:30 to 5 p.m. or 6:30 to 9 p.m. Locations are the Gibson Center Room 234 and Hillcrest Church nursery. For more information please contact Dianna Evatt 325-675-5642. Students are needed to volunteer as ushers for the evening theme lecture each day of lectureship. Dates and times: Sunday, Sept. 17, to Wednesday, Sept. 20, from 6 to 8:15 p.m. in Moody Coliseum. For more information contact Kate Miller 325-674-3750. Taylor Elementary Chess Club - Volunteers are needed to assist the chess coach for one hour each week in supervising elementary school students during a weekly after-school chess club meeting every Thursday from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m.
Credited Chapels remaining:
07 63
Police Tip of the Week If you walk, jog or bike at night, go with a friend, carry a cell phone and use a well-lighted area like the new Lunsford Foundation Trail around the campus. Use caution around all street or driveway crossings.
Announcements 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 Friday. 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 Friday at 5 p.m. If you have any questions, please contact SA executive treasurer Tyler Cosgrove at tmc02a@acu.edu. WANTED: Friendly, fun and committed mentors. Wildcat Kids mentoring program wants you! Enrollment is Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. in the Hilton Room and Thursday in Bible Room 115 at 6 p.m. Bring your driver`s license and proof of auto insurance. Visit www.bbbsabilene.org What do Tupac Shakur, Lauryn Hill and Kanye West have to do with Jesus? Come find out Thursday evenings, beginning Sept. 7. We`ll be hosting “Jesus and the Hip-Hop Prophets” at 8:30 p.m. in Bible Room 128. For more information contact Matt Worthington mrw03b@acu.edu. Meals on Wheels needs volunteers to deliver lunch meals to those in need. This is a great way to serve in the Abilene community and you can get credit if your delivery time conflicts with Chapel. For more information stop by the Vol-
unteer Center in the Bean Sprout. Join in intercessory prayer in the Chapel Prayer Room every Tuesday and Thursday in Gibson Room 230, 11 to 11:30 a.m. Chapel credit will be given for those who are present the entire time. Sponsored by Spiritual Life Core. For more information, contact James Rhea at jcr04a@acu.edu. Budget requests for student organizations will be due Friday at 5 p.m. The budget program and guidelines can be found on the SA Web site at www.acu.edu/sa Caedmon’s Call Concert Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at Elmer Gray Stadium. To wrap up the day, the Christian rock/folk band Caedmon’s Call will perform. Bring a picnic meal, lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy live music under the stars. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. Dedication of Jacob’s Dream Sculpture Saturday at 1 p.m. on the southeast lawn of the OnsteadPacker Biblical Studies Building. Join the ACU community in a dedication ceremony for Jacob’s Dream, the breathtaking 32-foottall sculpture created by Jack Maxwell, associate professor and chair of the Department of Art and Design, to commemorate a $26.5 million gift from the Grace L. Woodward Memorial Endowment Trust. Centennial Birthday Cake Celebration Saturday at the GATA Fountain at 4:30 p.m. Willie the Wildcat and Dr. Royce Money blow out the candles on a Birthday Cake as big as the GATA Fountain. Grand Finale Fireworks at Elmer Gray Stadium will take place after the Caedmon’s Call concert.
CAMPUS NEWS
Wednesday, September 6, 2006
Jeff Berry Band ‘Unites’ in Abilene n Jeff Berry, former Abilenebased worship minister, came to town to lead worship at Unite, a worship service at Fountain Gate Fellowship. By DENTON JOSEY P age 2 Editor
The Jeff Berry Band returned to Abilene Tuesday to kick off Unite, a worship service at Fountain Gate Fellowship Church geared towards college students. Jeff Berry led worship for 11 years at Grace Bible Study at University Baptist. Now he and his band tour the country full time and lead worship at the Heights Baptist Church in Richardson. Brandon Hawk, leader of Unite and college minister for Kingdom Life Fellowship, asked the band to start Unite this semester because of its history with Abilene. “Jeff has our heartbeat,” Hawk said. “He’s such a man of God; we’re honored just to have him come and play.” Berry said he’s glad to come back to the place where he has so many memories.
“I’m thrilled I get to come home and have so many friends,” he said. “It was where I got my start in ministry.” The focus of Unite is to bring college students together for worship. “Our heartbeat is to love one another and come together rather than divide,” Hawk said. There are more than 300 Christian churches and three Christian colleges in Abilene, Hawk said. “Our heartbeat is to unite the city to God and to one another,” Hawk said, “to see the barriers and the walls come down so we can put our differences aside and concentrate on what we agree on.” Hardin-Simmons University student McKade Marshall, senior accounting major from Abilene, is the manager for the Jeff Berry Band. Marshall said Berry led worship last year at Unite, formerly Late Night, and Hawk wanted the whole band to come out this time. “He is definitely one of the most sincere worship leaders,” Marshall said. “I
would say his heart is in the right place.” The Jeff Berry Band, going on seven years of being together, earned air time on the radio in Dallas and tours the country full time. With all the success, Berry said the focus hasn’t changed. “Our goal is to lead people to Christ through music, so if we can do that, I think we’ve accomplished our objective,” Berry said. “The whole purpose of Unite is to celebrate unity within the body of Christ.” Hawk and Berry said they both have a passion to see college students love God and love others better. They said their ministry is supposed to draw people of all ages to Christ. “We want to see people passionate about Jesus in Abilene,” Hawk said. “We believe Unite is a place where people can come and experience the power and the presence of God.”
E-mail Josey at: jdj03e@acu.edu
Quizdom to increase class interaction n Quizdom, an electronic classroom interactive program, is used by several professors at ACU, and it gives students a more open classroom approach. By LAUREN SUTTON Opinion Editor
Quizdom is a classroom interactive electronic product that several ACU professors are using to enhance classroom lectures. The program is set up so each student receives a remote control and is able to answer questions or solve problems the professor poses. Quizdom software uses an RF receiver that plugs into the professor’s laptop and anonymously transfers responses from each student’s control to a display screen. “The sky is the limit as to how professors want to interact with their students,” said Chris Faulkner, multimedia specialist at ACU. “Whenever you ask students personal questions, many times they are not completely honest. This is just a more effective way of giving an honest answer and a more accurate voice as to what the class thinks.” Randy Harris, instructor of Bible, missions and ministry, is one professor who is testing Quiz-
dom for discussions in his Philosophy and Life and Teachings of Jesus classes. Harris said he simply wants to experiment with the program. He uses Quizdom when he is teaching something complicated so students can discretely communicate on their control. Similarly, Harris uses Quizdom to more accurately poll students’ thoughts and opinions. Harris said Quizdom is gaining popularity at universities across the nation, and he heard about the program from a friend and professor at Pepperdine University. After asking ACU if he could use it for his classes, he found out the Adams Center had already been using it and that it was available. “It’s one of those things that is becoming popular because it gives professors a lot of interactive feedback,” Faulkner said. It is different because it changes the complexity of the classroom, Faulkner said. “Whether it is used for better or for worse, I don’t know,” he said. “Some students said it limits their class discussion. It just depends on how the professor uses it.”
Faulkner said the Adams Center has a limited supply of controls on campus. While the Adams Center isn’t promoting the Quizdom system for every classroom, Faulkner said they want professors to know it is available. So far, this product has been advertised primarily by word of mouth.
Communication Quizdom The Quizdom Web site gives several informative statements about the interactive item. For more information, visit www. camcor.com. n Quizdom brings hitech interaction back into education and the corporate arena. n Quizdom allows students to interact with professors and vice versa without involving the entire class. n Using a remote control and infrared receiver system which registers live feedback, you can create presentations, quizzes, games and surveys. n Quizdom integrates with Microsoft PowerPoint to deliver high-quality content and user interaction.
E-mail Sutton at: les03c@acu.edu
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CAMPUS NEWS
Page 4
Wednesday, September 6, 2006
Synchronized swimming club looks for new members n Experience isn’t required for students wanting to participate in the synchronized swimming club, and lessons are being given with the basics taught first. By KELSI PEACE Features Editor
Synchronized swimming practices began Tuesday at the pool in Moody Coliseum, and club organizers said it’s not too late to get involved. Carissa Martus, senior music major from Aloha, Ore., started the synchronized swimming club
four years ago and said this year she expects a higher level of swimming because she has strong swimmers returning. “I tell the girls that if they can swim 200 yards, then they’re automatically in it,” Martus said. Martus said if a swimmer cannot swim 200 yards, she pays special attention to that person to decide if she will struggle. “Last year I had some girls that could swim 100 yards, and they did wonderfully,” Martus. said
The first two practices are trial periods, and by the third, participants are expected to commit and pay $12 dues, Martus said. Dues cover T-shirts and mandatory nose clips, which enable the swimmer to flip over in the water without having to breathe out, Martus said. Participants are expected to provide their own swim caps, goggles and suits; however, swim caps are optional. Martus said 17 women
signed up to participate at the involvement fair, and she expects about half to commit. Participants are not expected to have synchronized swimming experience. “I begin at the very beginning every year with how to float properly,” Martus said. “You are either using your hands or your feet to support you.” Returning swimmer Shannon Sumner, sophomore music education major from Bothell,
One last farewell
Wash., said it was difficult to decide what aspect of synchronized swimming was her favorite. “I really enjoyed synchro last year. It was a way to exercise and have fun with other girls at the same time,” Sumner said. Sumner also said once Martus gives a swimmer a part in the routine, it is vital that she commits. The second semester will focus on preparing for the water show in May, a thirty-minute production the club works
toward each year. Martus will graduate in May, and she said she is looking for a way to prolong the life of the club. This year Martus is working with a Hardin-Simmons student who swam on a national team to create an intercollegiate synchronized swimming club. Depending on how ACU and HSU feel about the change, Martus hopes the two will co-coach this year, and she will have a successor next year, she said. E-mail Peace at: knp04a@acu.edu
Student check-in sails smoothly n Undergraduate and graduate students were required to electronically check in this semester to see which students would return to the university. By SHARON RAPELJE Student Reporter
rACHEL lAU STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Shalis Stevens, junior graphic design major from Ruston, La.; Yuka Ishi, junior English major from Ibaraki, Japan; Asami Yashiro, junior marketing major from Ibaraki, Japan; and Sachi Enokido, junior marketing major from Ibaraki, Japan, wave their final goodbyes to the group of 10 students that left to study in Montevideo, Uruguay, on Aug. 30.
Electronic check-in, a required process for all students that lets the university know they would attend classes, caught ACU students off-guard last week, but most of the student body was able to check in with few or no problems. B a r t Herridge, assistant registrar for the university, Herridge said electronic check-in is necessary because in the past, registered students, new and returning, would often not show up to classes the first week. He said this not only causes a problem for the teachers, residence halls and dining services that are expecting them, but it is also difficult for the department that sends out bills. “Although this is new for us this semester, it is not new to the university,” Herridge said. In the past, students were required to physically check in with staff in the Campus Center, and electronic check-in is fairly quick and easy, he said. Online check-in began Aug. 27 at midnight, and by 8 a.m. Aug. 28, 1,300 students had checked in. By the end of the day, the number had reached 4,000. At the end of the check-in period, only 30 students had not
checked in both graduate and undergraduate levels. Herridge said the university is taking precautions to make sure the students who haven’t registered plan to attend ACU this fall, and planners are fixing glitches to make check-in more straightforward for next semester. He also said that both he and the staff were blown away at how successful it was. Nikai Coleman, senior interior design major from Hobbs, N.M., said she thought the process was simple, but she didn’t know why she was having to check in. “I liked that it was through myACU, making it easy to access, but what they need to change is explaining to the students why they are doing it,” Coleman said. “It seems as though the school assumed everyone understood why, even though they didn’t.”
Check-in STATS n Students were required to check in or they were dropped from their classes. n Check-in was required to make sure students were attending the university. n Check-in started Aug. 27. n 4,000 students checked in by the end of Aug. 28. n This is the first semester check-in has been performed electronically, and administrators said the process was fairly painless.
E-mail Rapelje at: optimist@acu.edu
Wednesday, September 6, 2006
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CAMPUS NEWS
Spring bike theft numbers increase from past years n Jimmy Ellison, chief of ACU police, said students need to take certain precautions to ensure their bicycles don’t get stolen on campus. By ATSUMI SHIBATA Page Designer
Twelve bicycles were reported stolen last year, which doubles the amount of stolen bikes from spring 2005, according to ACU police statistics. Jimmy Ellison, chief of ACU police, said he thinks the actual number of bicycle thefts is more than the number reported. “If we have 25 bikes reported stolen a year, there are probably at least that many more that got stolen, but people just chose not to report,” he said. “Many students realize it’s a
long shot to get it back.” Ellison said there are some reasons for the increase of bicycle theft. He said there are more bicycles on campus now than there have been in the past because of higher gas prices. Students are choosing to ride to school instead of drive. One of the biggest contributors to bicycle thefts is the owners’ failure to chain his or her bike before they go to class. “It just makes it easier to steal,” Ellison said. “It is just inconvenient for some students to lock their bicycles, but unfortunately, sometimes when they come out of class, bikes are not there,” he said. Many students don’t lock their bikes because they treat inexpensive bikes as disposable even though there are bike racks
across the campus, he said. Outside Adams and Smith Residence Hall, there are two parking lots with bike racks for bicycles. Some residents keep their bicycles inside their rooms, but usually there are about 20-30 bicycles kept outside, said Aldon Wickliffe, dorm director of Adams and Smith. He said he thinks there needs to be more spaces for bicycles because he often sees them left unchained or piled up. He said security cameras are needed but haven’t been set for financial reasons. “You trust people; you don’t think they will steal,” Wickliffe said. “It’s unfortunate.” As the director of the hall, Wickliffe encourages residents to sign up for bicycle registration.
Former director of Adams and Smith Todd Ornsby began bicycle registration for residents. Applicants can get a small sticker with three figures and fill out a form with their personal information and general bicycle information, such as model, type, color and serial number. Ellison said he thinks bicycle registration needs to be mandatory like car registration. “We then know who every bicycle belongs to if we recover one,” he said. “But, unfortunately, bike registration is unpopular.” He said he suggested the idea before, but he didn’t get a lot of positive response.vEllison said a lot of students might view it as another controlling, but trying the registration voluntarily
might be the next step. He said he thinks registering bicycle information would help recover stolen bicycles. “If we can get some positive results, I think more people will take part,” Ellison said. But before their bicycles get stolen, he said, there are things students can do. “The owner of properties is the first line of defense,” he said. For bicycles, locking is the first thing students can do. Ellison also said he encourages students to put personal ID numbers on their bikes. The number could be their drivers’ license number or phone number, but Ellison said he recommends against using names or social security numbers.
Whether it is a bicycle, computer or iPod, its owner needs to make sure its safe even on campus, he said. “Not only victims are from campus, but also suspects are from campus,” he said. “People at ACU often think that nobody on campus would commit a crime. There has to be somebody coming from off campus. That’s not true.” Ellison said students need to know that their properties can be stolen by fellow students. “That’s not popular thought,” he said. “That’s not pleasant thought. But it’s the truth. It’s the reality. We have had the increase in bicycle theft. Police departments don’t like it any more than victims do,” he said. E-mail Shibata at: axs03d@acu.edu
University staff shares Faculty, student actors collaborate on stage time to reflect, escape n ACU faculty and staff meet for ‘Time of Reflection’ every Monday at University Church of Christ to escape grief, stress and the anxiety of life. By MICHELLE JIMENEZ Arts Editor
ACU faculty and staff meet every Monday at noon at the chapel of University Church of Christ for a gathering called ‘Time of Reflection,’ a time to relax and reflect. Kurt Boyland, who serves as a counselor in the University Counseling Center, said he hopes these meetings will provide faculty and staff members comfort. “I want the weekly gatherings to provide a brief moment where the sadness, grief and confusion in our lives can speak,” Boyland said in an e-mail. Steve Rowlands, director of the University Counseling Center, has encouraged Boyland to provide something for the
ACU community about the issue of grief. There’s a need to talk about the pain and transitions of grief, Rowlands said. Both Boyland and Rowlands mentioned that the most visited link on the University Counseling Center Web site relates to grief. “That tells me something,” Boyland said. “Every day I talk to people that are sad, lonely and afraid. These states of being are no respecter of persons.” Rowlands said everyone should take time for reflection in their lives. “Without a time of reflection—a time of peaceful transitions in our life—things seem to catch up with us. We get burned out; we can get stretched too thin,” he said. ACU faculty and staff are encouraged to put aside their schedules and attend these weekly gatherings, Rowlands said. E-mail Jimenez at: mmj04b@acu.edu
n The Theatre Department’s fall dinner theatre is ‘Brighton Beach Memoirs,’ a production about a boy living in Brooklyn, N.Y., during WWII. By MITCH HOLT Copy Editor
The Theatre Department combines student and faculty actors in the department’s comical fall dinner theatre production, Brighton Beach Memoirs, by Neil Simon, which opened Aug. 24 after less than a month of rehearsal. The last two shows of the production are Friday and Saturday. Adam Hester, director of the production and chair of the Theatre Department, said planners were looking for a comedic play that would allow students to share the stage with faculty members. “It allows us an opportunity for students to work alongside their mentors, to actually see some of their teachers doing some of the same things they’ve been
teaching them,” Hester said. “And it allows our faculty to stay current and on their toes, and it keeps them working so that we are able to do what we teach.” The play was cast in April so actors and actresses could plan their summers accordingly, Hester said. Hester said he was to see last year’s seniors leave, but the department has a good group of actors coming up who have stepped in and done a great job with Brighton Beach Memoirs. The production takes place in 1937 during World War II and is about a boy named Eugene, a 15-year-old obsessed with the Yankees, growing up with his Jewish family in Brooklyn, N.Y. Two families are forced to live together because of the death of a father in one of the families. The sibling rivalries that take place because of the close quarters of the two families provide comic relief to the play, Hester said. Hester said behind the brilliant humor in the play, seri-
brian schmidt CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
The cast of Brighton Beach Memoirs perform a scene during a family dinner.
ous themes of war, survival and family unity emerge. “The play is really a great play about family, about the hardships of earning a wage in 1937, about the beginnings of World War II and those great Neil Simon oneliners,” he said. Jay Reese, actor who plays the main role of Eugene and junior theatre major from Abilene, said this is a poignant play about forgiveness and reconciliation, and he’s
glad he got to share the experience with a diverse group. “My favorite thing about this play is the collaboration that went into the production,” Reese said. “Everyone had something to bring to this show, whether it was the designers, the director or my fellow actors. It has easily been among my favorite shows to work on.”
E-mail Holt at: mah02f@acu.edu
ViewsWednesday
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Wednesday, September 6, 2006
OPTIMIST
Student cooperation will provide for safe campus The issue:
Recent construction on campus increases chance of accidents.
Our view:
Students should be extra careful as campus construction continues.
The solution:
Pay attention to Police Chief Ellison’s advice and stay alert. Respect each other and respect yourself by maintaining a sense of safety.
Safety is always a concern, but with recent construction, students and non-students need to be extra cautious when on and around campus. Thursday’s accident showed the possibility that something safety-related can happen at ACU. People with any relation to the school should take the bike accident as a warning to prevent future accidents. ACU police chief Jimmy Ellison said the ACU community is on borrowed time concerning another accident and gave some tips to be safe on campus. When on or around the
newly constructThey are a direct Walkers, rollerbladers and cyclers ed Lunsford link to 911 and a may have the right of way, but Foundation Jogvisual deterrent to ging Trail, everypredators. the car will win the battle. one should be n Walk and aware of the podrive safely around tential risks of using it. Walk- If you walk or jog, then you the construction sites, parers, rollerbladers and cyclers can stop when you need to; ticularly around the Jacob’s may have the right of way, you have a better reaction Dream Sculpture. Police will but as Ellison said, the car time. now be posted by it until the will win the battle. Ellison gave us a list of sculpture is complete. “Who will be at fault in safety precautions all stun Don’t blow off traffic the next accident isn’t the dents can heed when exercis- concerns on or off campus. issue. If you’re a pedestrian ing on or around campus: Ellison said not everyone in or a bicyclist, you’re always n Watch your speed in houses around school are going to lose that battle,” El- parking lots. college students and won’t lison said. “It’s like bringing n If you are out at night, have the same reaction time a knife to a gunfight.” it is best to be in groups and a college student would. The Bicyclists should take ex- have a cell phone with you. ACU Police Department gets tra care on the trail because n Emergency call boxes many complaints about the of the speed they can carry. are around the jogging trail. driving speed of students
Let Loose
I have a really hard time It was Donna. dealing with being single. What my Dad didn’t say to I don’t get dates often, her was that he never would scare off most women I’m have recognized her either. interested Donna looked about five in by being or six years older than he myself and did, even though they were I live in a the same age. She was overculture that weight, divorced, paying p r a c t i c a l l y child support and missing w o r s h i p s most of the teeth on both sex. I walk sides of her mouth. The around this years had not been kind The Mouth of school with to her. Here was a person an abnor- who, early in life, expected Madness mal amount to have everything, but was Cole of beautiful now running a cash-register Williams women, I with a hard life and shatfeel like life tered looks. is giving me an axe in the I started feeling betface every time I see them, ter after Dad told me that saying, “Look what you’ll story. I realized all of the never have! beautiful women and the So I was in a funk when I fantastic dating scene I talked to my dad about be- was getting worked up over ing single a few days ago. aren’t going to stay beautiBut he told me a little story ful forever. that helped Some of put everything the girls I’ve in perspective. admired may When he was look good now, Some of the in high school but who knows there was a how the fugirls I’ve girl, let’s call admired may look ture will treat her Donna, them, or me good now, but who had everyfor that matthing. She was ter. I realized who knows how a cheerleader, if you want to the future will she dated the get worked up treat them, or me over someone, best-looking for that matter. bad boys, had imagine them a nice car—the looking as bad works. My Dad as Donna did: continually older, overasked her out, and she al- weight and possibly missing ways turned him down. He some teeth. eventually gave up, figuring But if they’ve maintained that she’d go on to marry a personality that shines some rich guy and live the even though the outside life of luxury. has lost its luster, they’re Fast forward 40 years. the kind of person worth Dad is now married and has getting worked up about. two kids. All the other stuff—the One day he was shopping looks, the status or whatat Academy Sports when he ever else —will all fade. realized there was something familiar about the woman scanning his shoes. He handed her his ID, she E-mail Williams at: looked at it and said, “I never ccw02b@acu.edu, optimist@acu.edu would’ve recognized you.”
Learning to treasure singlehood Stop looking around the corner for love to appear and worrying that it never will. often drifts to wedding plans. Being surrounded by this constant reminder of bliss has somewhat warped my thinking. I found myself in despair a few nights ago, exclaiming to my other still-single roommate, “Sometimes I think I am going to die alone.” And that is ridiculous. While I couldn’t be happier for my friends who have already found lasting love, I am also excited for those of us who are single. Yes, it’s hard to live in an atmosphere that daily reminds me of some sort of bizarre marriage market, but there is a rich life to be lived
for singles as well. For those of you who look around at all the happy couples and groan inwardly: snap out of it. You have the privilege to devote your whole heart to your passions and develop yourself as a unique individual. And if you become consumed by feeling alone, you will overlook friendships you ought to be cherishing and become dull and self-pitying. Stop looking around the corner for love to appear. Instead, take your freedom and run with it. Commit yourself to a mission, become a faith-
E-mail the Optimist at: optimist@acu.edu
Missing teeth bring new perspective
Cole Williams
I often joke that my diploma won’t be awarded to me unless an engagement ring glistens on my hand. And, the trite adage that every ACU woman can expect a “ring by spring” exists endlessly in Freshman Follies acts, in the Thoughtful bitter jokes Ramblings of those who haven’t obtained Kelsi a ring and Peace as the frequent topic of conversation between roommates. In fact, one of my roommates is a glowingly happy bride-to-be, and conversation
from the university. n Beware of new crosswalks near Barret Hall. Pedestrians and cyclists have the right of way. The ACU Police Department is also doing its part to serve the ACU community. Respect the safety of each other and respect the safety of yourself. Pay attention to how fast you are going, what you can do to better protect yourself and those around you and spread the word about safety on and off campus.
ful and dedicated volunteer and enjoy the many people you will meet along the way. As plans for my roommate’s wedding progress, I am sure more time and thought will be dedicated to all things wedding related. I am determined to enjoy the flowers and the dresses and treasure watching my good friends commit their lives to each other. But I enjoy every moment that comes my way without wondering when I will walk down the aisle. I think I’d rather be swept off my feet when I’m not looking.
E-mail Peace at: knp04a@acu.edu, optimist@acu.edu
In Your Words If you were getting on a plane today, where would you go and why? “Tokyo. It’s an upbeat, intelligent and futuristic city.”
“The moon because I want to see if it’s made of cheese.”
“I would go to San Francisco to watch the 49ers play.”
“I want to go to Thailand to get my scuba diving license.”
“I would go to Africa to meet other people that I could help.”
Austin Faulkner
Joelly Rasamoelina
Willis Hogan
Lex Hunt
Venessa Whittle
senior English and philosophy major from Nashville, Tenn.
junior sociology major from Madagascar
senior Biblical studies major from Auburn, Ala..
sophomore physical education major from Sundown
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
sophomore exercise science major from Jamaica
Editorial and Management Board Mallory Schlabach Editor in Chief
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Online: www.acuoptimist.com
Wednesday, September 6, 2006
Page 7
photo courtesy of the veteto family
Maribeth Maynard, freshman education major from Tulsa, Okla., visited Veteto at an Intensive Care Unit in Tulsa, Okla.
katie gager PHOTO ILLUSTRATION
Veteto and his friends reunited at Taco Bueno in Abilene. Veteto’s love of the restaurant brought his friends to Bueno.
photo courtesy of the veteto family
Veteto sleeps at an Intensive Care Unit in Denver in March.
An ecstatic return to camaraderie By KELSI PEACE Features Editor
After an excruciating recovery from a severe brain injury, Cody Veteto wants to convey one thing: “Scott Morrison is my hero,” he said. “He’s humble, and he’ll deny this, but I still say he saved my life.” Veteto, who ran into a tree while snowboarding during the advanced skiing trip to Winter Park, Colo.., on Feb. 25, returned to ACU this semester to the delight of both close friends like Morrison and concerned students, staff and faculty who participated in prayer vigils for his recovery last spring. Morrison, sophomore youth and family ministry major from San Antonio, found Veteto slumped against a tree after the collision and screamed for help until Veteto was in the care of paramedics. After talking with Veteto, sophomore electronic media major from Tulsa, Okla., for a few minutes, his renewed passion for life, people and God is apparent. “I was truly a miracle,” Veteto said. “I’m alive.” He is more than alive; he is recovered and healthy. The first thing he recalls after his accident was waking up in his final Magnetic Resonance Imaging session, Veteto said. He likened the sensation to a hammer beating against the metal machine. His initial reaction, Veteto said, was to escape. He said the fact that he didn’t know where he was never crossed his mind—he instinctively wanted to escape. After that point, Veteto said he began remembering more. As far as remembering his accident, Veteto knows only what friends and family have told him. Morrison said as his health improved, Veteto asked questions about the trip and the accident more often. Without a hint of self-pity, Veteto explained the laborious recovery process of the past few months. “Part of the recovery is just to be at home and keep living—literally,” Veteto said. Veteto spent three days a week in physical, speech and occupational therapy to reverse the damage of his injury. Veteto said before his accident, he weighed 113 pounds; after nearly two months spent confined to bed, he weighed 84 pounds. During physical therapy, Veteto performed simple exercises such as lifting one-pound weights to improve muscle mass and coordination. Occupational therapy focused on memory improvement, which Veteto said he still struggles with at times. During occupational therapy sessions, he re-learned skills such as setting the temperature and time on an oven and locking the bathroom door. Because he especially struggled with speech, Veteto was released from speech therapy after physical and occupational therapy; about July 7 he was officially finished with all therapy sessions. Speech therapy entailed everything from reading children’s books out loud to reading magazine articles and writing response papers, Veteto said.
“Every time [Cody] sees somebody, his eyes light up like it’s the first time. It’s a new ‘hi’ everyday, a new high five everyday.” Scott Morrison, sophomore youth and family ministry major from San Antonio
His slow speech recovery aggravates him, Veteto said, and he feels he continues to slur and stutter at times, although the impairment is minor. “[Therapy] is difficult to go through, and it’s slow,” Veteto said. “Maybe tomorrow it’ll be better. That’s what I kept thinking over the summer.” While his parents seemed to notice improvement, Veteto said he found the process agonizingly slow. Despite the long procedure, Veteto said he is, in a way, grateful for the experience. “I don’t wish I didn’t have the brain injury,” he said. “Now I’m a better person than I was a couple days before my accident. I didn’t like going through it at
all. I didn’t like what it did to my parents and my sister at all. But for me, I’m glad it [happened].” Veteto recalled a moment, while lying in his hospital bed, where he realized had he died, he would have gone to heaven. “That made things different,” he said. “Then and there, I wanted to be a better Christian and wanted to really glorify God,” he said. “Every time he sees somebody, his eyes light up like it’s the first time,” Morrison said. “It’s a new ‘hi’ everyday, a new high five everyday.” Morrison, who lived on Veteto’s hall last year, recalls Veteto leaving encouraging notes under his door. “You kind of take for granted a person
like that,” Morrison said. After meeting during Welcome Week in 2005, Morrison and Veteto became friends and often went to Taco Bueno together. Morrison, who dislikes the food at Bueno, said he went because Veteto adored the restaurant. While Veteto was hospitalized, Morrison visited the restaurant in his honor. “I had a major craving for this food I’d never liked before,” Morrison said when Veteto returned to Abilene. The two returned to Bueno for their reunion, and Morrison said he was afraid to look at Veteto because he worried he might cry from relief when he saw him. Morrison, who did not see Veteto during the summer, said his friend improved drastically during the summer in awareness and ability. “The last day I saw him, he was on a respirator, on a cart, being air lifted out,” Morrison said. He also said Veteto has become more driven in the pursuit of his goals. “He’s not going to be set back by anything,” Morrison said. Veteto returned to ACU and immediately became involved in campus activities. Veteto said he and former roommate Ryan Jones, sophomore Christian ministry major from Tulsa, Okla., filmed Welcome Week this year, and Veteto said he also plans to pledge and may participate in FilmFest. Simply returning to ACU was amazing, Veteto said. And seeing his friends again? “Amazing—I just felt ecstatic about it,” he said. Veteto also returned to Denver during the summer for a reunion with the people who cared for him in Colorado, although he said he doesn’t remember them. Veteto and his family returned to Lakewood Church of Christ, where he said he experienced the most powerful church service he has ever attended. As far as a return to the slopes goes, Veteto said he will not snowboard again; however, he said he might ski one day— with a helmet. “If you’re skiing or snowboarding, get a helmet. It will save your life,” said Veteto, who pointed out that he is living proof. In fact, Veteto received his helmet from Dr. Wayne Barnard, dean of spiritual formation, last Wednesday. Veteto’s helmet was mailed to Barnard after the accident. Except for a few small scratches, the helmet is intact, Veteto said. Six months later, Veteto has recovered from his terrible accident. “I’m up to par physically,” he said. “But everything is slower. I eat slower, walk slower, think slower—everything. It’s not drastic, but you can tell a little bit of a difference.” Veteto said since his return to ACU, he has noticed more improvement. And each time he talks about the struggle to improve, he adds, “I’m alive—I really feel like a miracle.”
katie gager STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Veteto’s friends laid hands on him to pray for him during dinner at Taco Bueno on Tuesday.
E-mail Peace at: knp04a@acu.edu
Page 8
Sprout: Changes add flavor to food Continued from page 1 food allergies and a gelato machine, which will arrive in two weeks. Williams also noticed the patio outside the Bean had gone 14 months without being used and decided it was in need of an overhaul. The area was cleaned out, rotting boards were replaced, new furniture was bought, the deck was stained, retractable shades were installed and wireless internet and outlets were added. “The surveys showed that the student body wanted more places to socialize,” Williams said. “Hopefully this, along with the Learning Commons, will help will that void.” Several changes were made in the Bean Sprout as well. An expensive electric smoker was purchased for chicken and barbecue, among other things. Also, a key complaint from the surveys was that the prices in the Bean Sprout were too high. As a result, the prices were lowered. “This represents very, very aggressive pricing,” said Williams. More changes are in the works. By next fall, Williams hopes to implement a new program with Aramark called RFOC, or Real Food on Campus. This would completely remodel the Bean, bringing the kitchen to the front, so that all the food would be cooked in front of you. The idea needs administrative and board approval. Furthermore, aesthetic renovations for the Bean Sprout are being planned. Each wall will feature a theme, such as Sing Song or athletics, and Williams hopes to start renovations this year and be finished by next year. “I am very excited about the changes that have been made,” Williams said. “The
Bean & Bean Sprout changes
accident, both departments were involved. “When someone calls 911, Abilene police always re-
‘Abilene 1906’ set for weekend debut n Two former music faculty, Dr. Jack Boyd and Dr. Ed George, have created ‘Abilene 1906,’ a comical portrayal of early interactions of ACU and Abilene. By MITCH HOLT Copy Editor
Dining Services conducted surveys last semester that led to these changes:
Menu changes n More salad bar options, including a grilled chicken option; a vegan food line where the wraps once were; homemade Mexican food entrees in the Bean. n An electric smoker for chicken and barbecue, a nacho option, chicken wings and more salads were added to the Bean Sprout.
As ACU begins its second century of higher education and the city of Abilene celebrates its 125th birthday this year, Dr. Jack Boyd, former ACU professor of music, and Dr. Ed George, former chair of the Department of Music, have collaboratively put a portrayal of life in Abilene in 1906 into musical form. Abilene 1906 tells the story of Abilene during the
industrial and train era when ACU was about to become a reality and how the two entities have been community partners since the beginning. George, writer of music and lyrics for the musical, said the musical is not a precise history. “There are books you can read about the history of Abilene or the history of ACU,” he said in an ACU Today article. “What we want to do is provide a couple hours of escapism. But we do have real people included as characters, and you will leave knowing some things you didn’t know before.” Boyd, writer of the book and lyrics for the musi-
cal, received his bachelor’s degree in music education from ACU in 1955. George first came to Abilene Christian as a student in 1957 and received a bachelor’s and master’s degree in music education from the university. George joined the ACU music faculty in 1969 and in 1990 became the head of the Department of Music. The two have combined to write and compose more than six dramatic productions, including the musical Cedar Gap Homecoming in 1999, based on Boyd’s book, Cedar Gap Chronicles. Homecoming played to enthusiastic audiences in Abilene and
spawned two subsequent plays, The Kids of Cedar Gap in 2001 and Christmas at Cedar Gap in 2002. The two arrived at ACU within a year of each other and have worked together ever since. Abilene 1906 will be shown Sept. 8 and Sept. 9 at 8 p.m. and Sept. 10 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5, $10 and $15, depending on which seat you want. Purchase tickets online at www.acu.edu/alumni_rsvp or call the Alumni Relations Office at 800-3734220 or 325-674-2622.
E-mail Holt at: mah02f@acu.edu
Atmosphere changes n The patio outside the Bean was renovated, including new furniture, new patio floorboards, retractable shades and wireless internet and ethernet outlets.
Price changes n A major complaint students addressed on surveys was the high prices in the Bean Sprout. As a result, Dining Service lowered prices for the fall semester.
future changes n Dining Services would like to implement a new program called Real Food on Campus by next fall that will allow the kitchen to be moved to the front of the Bean so all food is cooked in front of students. n Aesthetic renovations for the Bean Sprout are also in the planning stages to make the atmosphere more conducive to student interest.
student body was directly behind them. Almost everything brought up in the surveys has either been addressed or is in the process of being addressed.”
brian schmidt FILE PHOTO
Freshmen men from the 2005 entering class participate in a residence hall floor act during Freshman Follies festivities last year.
Follies: Students perform, sing for peers Continued from page 1 E-mail Ballard at: agb04b@acu.edu
Crash: Pedestrian injured on track Continued from page 1
Wednesday, September 6, 2006
FROM THE FRONT PAGE/ CAMPUS NEWS
spond,” Ellison said. “It depends on who gets there first. Both [departments] assisted, but they ended up filing.”
Killeen, directed the Nelson First act last year. “We practiced once a week, and it was not enough,” said Ambrose, who suggested having at least two practices a week. Ambrose also said she would urge this year’s directors to take charge from the beginning. Students who are not interested in participating in a hall act can get involved in the video that is shown between acts.
Massey said there will be an interview Thursday, and students can sign up at his office. To participate in the video, students do not need to have acting experience. They must simply show up and be willing to put together a quality video. Tryouts for solo acts took place last week, and participation was lower than expected, Massey said. “It’s been one of our busiest years,” Massey said, who felt it has been
more difficult to release information about Follies. Massey said freshmen should participate because they’ll have fun and get to know people, and students may regret not getting involved when it’s over. Ambrose said she agrees with Massey’s sentiments and said because of Follies, she got to know girls on both ends of her hall instead of just her neighbors. Follies will also feature a dance team, which students can audition for
Tuesday in Cullen Auditorium. Last year’s dance team did an interpretive dance to Coldplay’s “Fix You” and was a big hit at the event. Large chorus, which will begin practice Monday in the Hilton Room at 6:30 p.m., does not require an audition. For more information, visit www.freshmanfollies. com or e-mail Massey at kendall.massey@acu.edu.
E-mail Peace at: knp04a@acu.edu
E-mail Fields at: jrf03b@acu.edu
Spanish: Site acknowledges diversity on campus Continued from page 1 the help of a professional translator. Several Spanish faculty members then checked their work. Though the site has been operational since May, it con-
tinues to be expanded. “We are regularly creating new content and updates of new information and resources,” Garcia said. Robert Heil, assistant vice president for enrollment and strategic marketing operations,
said more than 20 percent of this year’s new freshmen and transfer students are ethnic minority or international students. “Diversity is an important goal to ACU,” Heil said. “We believe it is part of our mission of educating students for Christian service and leadership throughout the world.” Ernesto Villarreal, senior youth and family ministry and Spanish major from Brownsville and president of Hispanos Unidos, said the site was a great idea.
“The main challenge ACU has in meeting students from other cultures where they are is the language barrier,” he said. Villarreal also noted that the site will benefit ACU as much as it does the students and family members it was created to help. “The university will be able to prosper in diversity as well as tapping into a pool of students that previously were very difficult to reach.” E-mail Pond at: optimist@acu.edu
SPORTS JUMPS
Wednesday, September 6, 2006
Page 9
Soccer: Practice begins Football: UCO first test Continued from page 1 Mosley said even though the season doesn’t officially start until fall 2007, a group of ladies who want to play are using this year as a red shirt year. There are already a few women who have secured spots on the team including freshmen and transfers that have agreed to spend this year focusing on practice. There will be inter-squad scrimmages and practice times set aside to prepare
“We will practice as a team during this school year to get in shape and teach the players our style of play here at ACU.” Casey Wilson, head soccer coach
for the upcoming season. Casey Wilson is moving to the head coaching position after having previously assisted Chantiel Wilson in the softball program.
“I am working on getting the best possible team together to compete in the always-tough Lone Star Conference,” Wilson said. “We will practice as a team during this school year to get in Mosley shape and teach the players our style of play here at ACU.” Most of the ladies on the team have been playing club soccer for ACU the past couple years, and Wilson said the team is trying to fit in as many conference games as possible to get a feel for the level of play in the LSC. Thomas Pertuit is a new member of the coaching staff as a graduate assistant. “Thomas has a lot of soccer experience as both a player and coach and will be very big asset to this program as we get started,” Wilson said. There have already been three sets of tryouts, the most recent on Aug. 29. Wilson plans to have 12-14 players constantly preparing for next season. Wilson said he feels the current players are a solid group to start with to provide a good foundation for the new program. The team will practice throughout the fall before adding high school recruits to their roster of upperclassmen in 2007. Anyone interested in trying out for the team should contact Wilson for more information on the status of the new women’s soccert team.
E-mail Moore at: aem03e@acu.edu
Photos by brian schmidt CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
Sophomore Lauren Baker [above] and Junior Alyssa Hawkins [below] practice on Tuesday. All of the girls currently on the women’s soccer team are practicing this year as red shirt players to maintain eligibility for the first season in 2007.
Continued from page 1 and get those first-game jitters out of the way. Thomsen is hopeful his team’s experience and lessons learned from last season will not be taken for granted. He is confident his first season as head coach, despite
being a losing season, only better prepared the team and coaches to begin the 2006 season on the right foot. “The first game is a starting point and more than anything a way to see what your team is about,” Thomsen said. “You can practice and scrimmage, but eventually
you have to go play under the lights and see how your guys perform.” The lights over ACU and UCO will shine for the first time this season at Shotwell Stadium Thursday night.
E-mail Johnson at: djj04a@acu.edu
Cross Country: Strong start Continued from page 1 the last five conference championships, the ACU women also looked strong in the meet. Loice Cheboi, ACU unattached runner because she did not participate on last year’s
team, won the women’s race with a time of 18:30. Future teammates of Cheboi, Ohla Kryv’yak and Denise Morgan, took second and fourth places respectively. The lady Wildcats won by 10 points to TSU, but would have finished with six more
points had Cheboi worn an ACU jersey. Either way, the Wildcats once again showed they are the team to beat come this season’s conference championship. E-mail Holland at: beh03e@acu.edu
Volleyball: 1-3 at tourney Continued from page 1 and 30-21 before losing the third game 30-23. Washburn halted any Wildcat comeback though in the fourth game by finishing the match with a final 30-26 win. No. 5 Duluth defeated the Wildcats for the Lowry second time of the season on day two of the tournament. ACU lost to Duluth at the Northern Mich-
igan Tournament on Aug. 26 and fell once more on Saturday. Duluth defeated the wildcats in three games in both encounters, and ACU lost 30-18, 30-21 and 30-18 in Denver. The Wildcats fourth and final match of the tournament was another loss, this time to No. 10 Central Missouri State. Central Missouri finished the tournament with a four game victory over ACU. Despite finishing with a losing record, Mock is optimistic about the benefits playing such hard competi-
tion during the preseason brought. “This schedule gives us more experience,” Mock said. “You won’t be a top 10 team in the nation if you don’t go and compete against top ten teams in the nation.” The Wildcats are 3-5 in the preseason and will play its final preseason tournament at home on Saturday when they host a tournament against Ouachita Baptist, Missouri Southern and Lubbock Christian.
E-mail Johnson at: optimist@acu.edu
Sports Wednesday
Wednesday, September 6, 2006
ScoreBoard Standings FOOTBALL
Team
Div. 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
WTAMU MSU Angelo St. Tarleton St. TAMU-K ENMU ACU
Team
Overall 1-0 1-0 1-0 0-1 0-1 0-0 0-0
VOLLEYBALL Div. 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
WTAMU Tarelton St. ACU ENMU TAMU-K Angelo St.
Overall 5-2 2-3 3-5 3-6 2-8 1-7
Scores Friday
VOLLEYBALL
#7 Washburn 3, ACU 1 ACU 3, Metro St. (Colo.) 2
Saturday
VOLLEYBALL
#5 Minnesota-Duluth 3, ACU 0 #10 C. Missouri St. 3, ACU 1
Upcoming Thursday
FOOTBALL
ACU vs. University of Central Oklahoma, 7 p.m.
Friday
VOLLEYBALL
ACU vs. Ouachita Baptist, 5 p.m.
TENNIS
ACU Wal-Mart Invitational Open
Saturday
VOLLEYBALL
ACU vs. Missouri Southern, 11 a.m. ACU vs. Lubbock Christian, 5 p.m.
TENNIS
ACU Wal-Mart Invitational Open
n Home games listed in Italics
Coaching Changes The following coaches joined the ACU athletic department over the summer: n Jason Johns, football defensive coordinator n Abe Brown, track & field assistant coach n Jerrod Cook, track & field assistant coach n Corey Aguilar, track & field graduate assistant n J.D. Doty, softball assistant coach n Casey Wilson, women’s soccer head coach n Thomas Pertuit, assistant women’s soccer coach n Kellen Mock, volleyball head coach n Lindsey Martin, volleyball assistant coach n Laura Jones, volleyball assistant coach n Lynsie Blau, women’s basketball assistant coach
Intramural Round-up Intramurals will begin Sept. 11 with flag football. Fall sign up deadlines n Flag football, Thursday Sept. 4 n Tennis, Tuesday Oct. 10 n Waterball, Thursday Nov. 2 n Indoor Soccer, TBD n 3 v. 3 Basketball, TBD Fall sign up fees n Flag football, $200 per team n Tennis, $10 per person n Waterball, $100 per team
Page 10
Experience gives edge in opener n ACU is looking to its returning starters on the roster to give them an advantage over the younger University of Central Oklahoma on Thursday. By DANIEL JOHNSON Sports Editor
The ACU football team has not won a season opener since 1998, and head coach Chris Thomsen wants to change that. Thomsen’s chance to break that streak will come Thursday night at 7 p.m. at Shotwell Stadium when the Wildcats host University of Central Oklahoma to kickoff the 2006 season. ACU is opening the season against UCO for the third season in a row and will use its experience on both sides of the ball as an advantage against the young UCO roster. When ACU and UCO played in the season opener last season, the lack of experience and familiarity on the Wildcat sideline caused turnovers that eventually lost ACU the game, 49-37. This year the tables have turned. UCO has nine new starters on defense and only four seasoned players on offense after graduating several players that helped overcome ACU 49-37 in 2005. Offensively, UCO’s main threats are transfer quarterback Ryan O’Hara and running backs Maurice Little and Alex Aguilar. Aguilar
National volleyball losses give Wildcats experience
brian schmidt CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
Freshman wide receiver John Nation catches a pass during practice on Aug. 30. ACU will kick off its season against Lone Star Conference North Division opponents University of Central Oklahoma this Thursday at 7 p.m. ACU lost to UCO in last season’s opening game 49-37.
Football made first team in the AllLone Star Conference North Division for two years in a row and is a threat as a back and a receiver. In 2005 he caught 23 balls for 181 yards and two touchdowns. In comparison to UCO’s young roster, ACU brings experience on both sides of the ball. Thomsen said returning quarterback Billy Malone has matured immensely and is more comfortable with the offensive scheme and vision of
the program. Malone, who struggled in 2005, is starting for his second season in a row. Malone’s two biggest allies on the field will be returning running back Taber Minner and returning wide receiver Jerale Badon. No matter how deep ACU’s experience is, offensive coordinator Ken Collums is worried about only one thing. “The thing that I’m more concerned with is our guys and our execution,” said Collums. “In the first game you have to play to your
own strengths and whether [UCO] is young or new, they’ve played a game and we haven’t.” ACU’s first game of the season will be UCO’s second. The UCO Bronchos are coming off a season opening 29-32 loss to Missouri Western on Aug. 31. Defensive coordinator Jason Johns said UCO’s earlyseason game helped their young team get accustomed to the college level, a disadvantage to the Wildcats. “One advantage they have is they’ve played a game, so
ACU wins Classic
nACU went 1-3 at the Premier Challenge in Denver, Colo. The Wildcats competed against nationally ranked schools and defeated host Metro State.
those guys aren’t new players anymore,” Johns said. “They’ve made those firstgame mistakes and had a week to correct them and they’re going to perform at a much higher level this week.“ John’s defense will rely on its veterans in the secondary and linebacker positions to offset the inexperience in ACU’s defensive line. John said he is eager to see his defense on the field See
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Soccer prepares for ’07 season n ACU’s new women’s soccer team becomes the university’s sixth NCAA women’s sport. Head coach Casey Wilson began practices on Tuesday.
By DANIEL JOHNSON
By ASHLEY MOORE
The 20th ranked Wildcat volleyball team was unable to repeat its 2005 first place finish at the Premier Challenge Tournament in Denver, Colo., this weekend after finishing with a 1-3 tournament record and dropping the overall record to 3-5. All 12 teams that competed in Denver, including ACU, are among or just shy of the top 25 preseason poll developed by the American Volleyball Coaches Association. ACU’s only win of the tournament was a five-game battle against regional opponents and co-hosts Metro State. After conceding the first and third games to Metro, the Wildcats’ came from behind to win the final two games of the match 31-29 and 15-13. None of ACU’s three wins have been in less than five games. “[Metro] was a great game for us in regional rankings; it gives us respect in our region,” said head coach Kellen Mock. Last week’s LSC offensive player of the week, junior outside hitter Abbie Lowry, led the team in kills against Metro with 18. All three of ACU’s losses during the tournament were against teams ranked in the national top 10—Washburn, Minnesota-Duluth and Central Missouri State. In the tournament opener against No. 7 Washburn, ACU fell in four games to the 6-2 Lady Blues. Washburn won the first two games 30-14
ACU athletics is joining the world and the rest of the Lone Star Conference by integrating one of the most popular sports in the world. The ACU women’s soccer team will take the field for the first time in fall 2007. During the last three years, the issue has been repeatedly discussed. ”There have been conversations for several years talking about the possibility of adding new programs,” said ACU athletic director Jared Mosley. For many young women, the only remaining factor in what college to choose was simply the soccer program, or lack thereof, Mosely said. “There had been so many inquiries from potential students asking about women’s soccer,” Mosley said. “The primary reason was the interest level was so high, and it allowed us to capture additional students.” Since adding women’s soccer, many former ACU students have transferred back. The reason there is no men’s team yet is because the interest level was not quite as abundant as it was for the women. The Title Nine perspective also states the balance between men’s and women’s sports teams must remain equal. “With football, we needed to find a way to implement and accommodate the interest of the female popula-
Sports Editor
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Sports Writer
brian schmidt CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
ACU cross country runners Nicodemus Naimadu, Philip Birgen, Laurent Ngirakamaro and Serge Gasore finish in line at the ACU Cross Country Classic on Saturday.
n The ACU men’s and women’s cross country teams outran conference opponent Tarleton State in their first meet of the season. By BRIAN HOLLAND
Assistant Sports Editor
The ACU Cross Country Classic proved not to be a challenge for the Wildcats Saturday as both teams coasted to easy wins, scoring 17-40 on the men’s side and 23-33 on the women’s. The two-team meet featured both ACU and conference foe, Tarleton State University, in a head-tohead clash of Lone Star Conference South opponents. The meet tested the Wildcats’ fitness from individual summer work-
Cross Country outs, and head coach Derek Hood says he’s pleased with the way his teams ran this weekend. “It gave us more of a chance to get out and run at a race pace, something we hadn’t done all summer. It was more of a fitness check,” he said. Two-time Division-II National Champion and junior Nicodemus Naimadu controlled the race by posting a four-mile time of 20:22, two seconds ahead of the second-place finisher. With such a strong performance from the men’s number one runner, the coaching staff likes what they see early on from the national champion.
“He’s looking a lot stronger at this point than he was last year, which is scary,” Hood said. Expectations are always high for the men’s cross country team, having won the last 15 conference championships, but to win another one, Hood says, depth will be the key to get their 16th in a row. Teammates of Naimadu, Philip Birgen and Serge Gasore, finished second and third in the race to assure ACU contention for onlookers. “That’s our team strength,” Hood said. “We have a lot of quality depth.” Meanwhile, winners of See CROSS COUNTRY page 9
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