2006 09 19

The Vol. 95, No. 9

IN THIS ISSUE CAMPUS

OPTIMIST

1 section, 10 pages

TUESDAY

September 19, 2006

www.acuoptimist.com

Sub T-16 could end probation early n Men’s social club Sub T-16 waits to see if it can be reinstated earlier than next fall. It was suspended during pledging last fall for hazing allegations.

By MICHELLE JIMENEZ Arts Editor

Members of men’s social club Sub T-16 may have the opportunity to end their

two-year probation early.

The club has begun meeting with a review committee this fall to look at the club’s punishment incurred last fall after hazing allegations caused the club to be suspended during its pledging season.

One year after the club’s punishment, Sub T-16 has finished its mandatory self-

assessment project allowing for the club to warrant the meetings to determine when it will reenter the social scene.

Wayne Barnard, dean of Spiritual Formation and former dean of Campus Life, is part of the committee that will review Sub T-16’s selfassessment. He has helped and encouraged Sub T-16

sub t-16 timeline

throughout this ordeal.

“My guess is that shortly some kind of decision will be made, and I don’t know what that decision will be with respect to when they’re able to be back on campus as an active club,” Barnard said.

“That’s a decision made by several people.”

See

n Fall 2005 - Men’s social club was suspended for two years on hazing allegations.

n Fall 2006 - The club is meeting with a committee to see if the probation may be lifted early. n Fall 2007 - When the original probation officially ends.

SUB T-16 page 9

JamFest auditions

Student bands can audition Thursday and Friday to play in the Homecoming concert Oct. 13, page 4

‘And the truth shall make you free’

ARTS Dis‘illusionist’

The Illusionist’s strong cast doesn’t pull this blockbuster off with a cliche plot and a lack of chemistry, page 7

SPORTS

Audio Adrenaline, MercyMe to perform Thursday n Students can buy tickets for the concert for $20, said KGNZ radio host Doug Harris. Audio Adrenaline will being its final tour in Abilene, ending the group’s 15-year career together.

By DENTON JOSEY Page 2 Editor

Three major-label Christian music acts will play at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Taylor County Coliseum, as part of the MercyMe and Audio Adrenaline “Coming Up to Breathe Tour.”

MercyMe, at the height of its popularity, has received numerous Dove Awards. They have had several No. 1 hits, and their first CD, Almost There, sold more than two million copies, propelled by the single “I Can Only Imagine.”

Winning edge

The Wildcat football team went 2-0 with its 51-14 win over the No. 10-ranked team Southeastern Oklahoma State on Saturday, page 10

See

ONLINE

Tri Kappa Gamma rebuilds club

Making the bid

Men’s and women’s social club pledges endured an all-night initiation Friday to begin the four-week pledging process, view at www. acuoptimist.com

SPEED READ

brian schmidt CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Dr. Jack Reese, dean of the College of Biblical Studies, speaks during the opening lecture of the first fall Lectureship, discussing the blind man in John 9 and how the story relates to people’s lives today.

A new Web site, Repvine. com, was created this year to help the online person keep his or her reputation clean for when potential employers seek information online. This online portfolio service, which began only this year, is a site that entry-level job seekers, freelancers, professional networkers and even the online dating community uses to guard against the community Web sites and search engines like Google.com. The creator, Hagai Yardeney, said this site can help search engines from hurting online users because of what they and other post about them online.

-UWIRE

n Recently re-chartered women’s social club, TKG, wants to rebuild the club this year and has begun the pledging season with four pledges, one more than last’s year pledging class.

By KELSI PEACE Features Editor

n Dr. Jack Reese, dean of the College of Biblical Studies, was the first speaker at the opening fall Lectureship seminar Sunday evening. He spoke from John 9.

By DENTON JOSEY

Protecting online reps

CONCERT page 9

Page 2 Editor

Memories of Lectureship past were shared through a slideshow as Dr. Jack Reese, dean of the college of Biblical Studies, opened the university’s 89th Annual Bible Lectureship.

Because it is the first Lectureship to take place in the fall, Reese used pictures of snowy landscapes to remind the audience of how severe the weather had been during past Lectureships. He also made the point that Sunday’s rainy weather prevented several speakers from making it to Abilene, including worship leader Keith Lancaster.

Before Reese spoke, a dramatic reading of scripture from the book of John was read.

The theme for Lectureship,

“The Truth Shall Make You Free,” comes from John 9:21, Reese began in John 9 and spoke on the phrase “I Was Blind, But Now I See.” Reese said there is something more complex to the story of Jesus healing the blind man, something “frankly, more disturbing” than merely the healing of a blind man.

He said how God used the blind man to teach the Pharisees See

LECTURE page 9

Hanna to speak at zoo anniversary n Jack Hanna, a well-known zoologist with a syndicated show, will speak at the zoo Thursday to celebrate its 40th birthday and help raise money.

By JARED FIELDS Managing Editor

Famous zoologist Jack Hanna will be in Abilene on Thursday to help the Abilene Zoo celebrate its 40th birthday at Nelson Park.

Hanna has appeared on numerous shows, such as “The Late Show with David

Department of Journalism and Mass Communication

Letterman,” “Good Morning America” and is a wildlife correspondent for FOX News.

Hanna, along with his animal guests, will speak to elementary school children Thursday morning at the Teague Special Events Center but is open only to area school children.

At 7 p.m., he will speak at a dinner at the Abilene Civic Center.

Individual seats can be purchased for $50 each at the Abilene Zoo. The dinner will be the only event open to the

public with Hanna that day.

Proceeds from the dinner will go to the new technology educational programs for children at the zoo. The zoo is also building a new learning center at the zoo and is wanting to add distance learning.

Gail Russey, who works for the zoo, said the zoo has been trying to get Hanna to come and speak for three years.

“He said he’d come because its the 40th birthday of the zoo,” Russey said.

E-mail Fields at: jrf03b@acu.edu

Abilene Christian University

Women’s social club Tri Kappa Gamma is ready for more members.

After being re-chartered in spring 2005, TKG has been working to increase its numbers, said Brittany Groves, the club’s president.

Groves said the club had four pledges this year, one more than the previous year.

“This year we really need to work on getting our number up because a lot of our girls will be graduating in May,” she said.

TKG officers have been brainstorming See

TKG page 9

Songs from the heart

justin sebastian CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Michael Card, Christian songwriter and artist, performed Sunday in Cullen Auditorium for the Lectureship crowd, community and students.

Serving the ACU community since 1912

Chapel Checkup Credited Chapels to date: Credited Chapels remaining:

Wednesday, March 29, 2006 Tuesday, September 19, 2006

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Lectureship

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Calendar & Events Tuesday

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Lectureship

Wednesday

1:30 p.m.

Gaines Stanley Reading Room dedication

Announcements The Key City Kiwanis Club will have its annual fish fry 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.

What do Tupac Shakur, Lauryn Hill and Kanye West have to do with Jesus? Come find out Thursday evenings.

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 at 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 Volunteer Center in the Bean Sprout.

Outdoor Club - Kick off the school year with Outdoor Club`s two-year anniversary on Saturday with hotdogs and hamburgers, hammocks, s’mores, games, guest speakers and movies. Also find out what the club is about

and plans concerning outings and other ideas for the year. Open to members and non-members.

Beginning this semester, the International Office will have walk-in times for students. Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., and Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. If you are not able to come during these times, please call 674-2710 to make an appointment. This arrangement will help our office devote uninterrupted time and attention for each student. The office is located in Room 124 in the Hardin Administration Building.

Freshman Follies - ‘What’s Next’ Friday, Sept. 29, at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., and Saturday, Sept.

30, at 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Friday Night Frenzy for freshmen, sponsored by Wildcat Parents, will be Friday. The Bean Sprout and bowling alley will be open for freshmen only.

Enjoy free bowling, pool and karaoke from 9 p.m. to midnight.

Use meal plans to purchase dinner in the Bean Sprout. Come for a chance to win door prizes.

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Thursday

5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

JamFest 2006 auditions Bands can audition for a concert during Homecoming. Sign-up sheets are in the Bean Sprout by the CAB office.

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Friday

3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

JamFest 2006 auditions Purple Friday Prospective students visit campus

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.

Dreamnight at the Zoo needs volunteers. Saturday, Sept. 30, a special event will take place at the zoo for handicapped and chronically ill children. Help is needed from 2 to 5 p.m. to set up, run events from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and

clean up from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.

If you can help, contact the Volunteer Center in the Bean Sprout.

Want to get away? Join a Weekend Campaign for fun, fellowship, and good old-fashioned community service. The first campaign is September 22-24 to Belton, TX. Sign ups are in the ticket windows Tuesday through Thursday and come to our chapel in the Bean Sprout on Thursdays for more information. For more information contact Amanda Taylor at ajt04a@acu.edu or Tim Pittman at tjp03d@acu.edu.

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.

CAMPUS NEWS

Tuesday, September 19, 2006

Page 3

Tutoring program offered to support student athletes n University offers a tutoring program to help student athletes maintain their academic standing and build relationships with professors.

By DENTON JOSEY Page 2 Editor

In August, Suzanne Dickenson became the director of student athletic academic services when several coaches decided there was a need for someone to devote time to tracking student athletes’ academic progress.

Her job requires responsibility for the academic eligibility of all student-athletes.

She said she keeps them on

track with degree plans, arranges study halls, finds tutors, sends out grade reports, monitors class attendance and academic progress, identifies and assists at-risk students and meets with recruits and prospective students.

Jared Mosley, athletic director, said there has always been the opportunity for athletes to find tutors, but now it will be easier under the direction of one person.

“One of the things we’ve always talked about is making sure the student athletes are prepared academically,” Mosley said. “We want to do

our part in stepping up and getting them graduated.”

Mosley said there are two goals in the process.

“One, to make sure we return the student athletes we have that are coming back the next year,” he said.

“And the ultimate goal is to graduate the majority of our students.”

There are three levels of academic standing for student athletes: satisfactory, average and at-risk.

Satisfactory students maintain grade point averages of 3.6 or better, average students keep between a 2.5 and a 3.59,

Learning Commons dedicated Monday n A dedication ceremony of the Learning Commons took place Monday, including a dedication lecture and a buffet reception at the library.

By JAYME SMITH Student Reporter

Students and faculty gathered Monday on the main floor of the Margaret and Herman Brown Library for the dedication of the Learning Commons.

The presentation included a dedication lecture by Carl R. Holladay, Charles Howard Candler professor of New Testament Studies at Emory University in Atlanta.

After the dedication, Friends of the ACU Library presented their Friend of the Year award along with a buffet reception in the library’s atrium.

Dr. Gregory Straughn, president of FACUL and chair of the Music Department, gave the opening words of the ceremony; Dr. Royce Money, president of the university, said a dedication prayer;

Tabitha Vail, senior English and marketing major from San Antonio, delivered student remarks; and Holladay gave his speech, followed by closing remarks by Dr. Mark Tucker, dean of library information and resources.

“The Learning Commons completes all faces of an academic setting— technical and writing help, a copying center, multi-media presentation and even a place to spend time with friends over coffee,” Tucker said.

“The Internet has changed the way we study dramatically,” Tucker said.

“You can do your work anywhere from a network computer, which makes things a lot more convenient.”

Tucker used to hear comments from students like, “I only go to the library if I have to,” and that made him step back to re-evaluate the building process of the Learning Commons.

“It’s no longer the typical, quiet library but an at-

tractive, comfortable place that encourages more student-faculty interaction,” Tucker said.

The Learning Commons is already a home-like place for some students like Adam Lewis, senior psychology major from Los Angeles.

“That’s where I’ll be if you’re looking for me,” Lewis said. “My favorite part is that I can eat and drink while working on a computer or reading a book and no one complains.”

Lewis also takes advantage of the new services located in the commons area—Starbucks being his favorite, he said.

Tucker said a lot of things can be said to describe the new library, but one thing stands out to him.

“It’s where students can get connected for life,” Tucker said. “We want to be the place for learning outside the classroom.”

E-mail Smith at: optimist@acu.edu

and at-risk student athletes have a 2.5 or less.

At-risk students receive grade reports twice a month while the others only receive them every six weeks.

To maintain eligibility, student-athletes are required to pass six hours every semester. The requirements for eligibility differ depending on classification, but generally students need to keep a 2.0 and pass 24 hours a year.

In addition to helping the student-athletes, Dickenson has other plans in mind as well.

“We want to build re-

lationships between athletes and professors, letting them know we care,” Dickenson said. “It’s not just about sports. We want our grade point averages to be higher than the student body,” Dickenson said. “We want less students in summer school because of eligibility or being misadvised.”

Aaron Bell, senior communication major from Van, has been tutoring for two years and worked under the athletic department last spring. He said in an e-mail the first tutoring sessions start this week.

Bell said he is a tutor because it is a good way to meet people, it pays well and he hopes to be a professor someday.

“The coaches assure me that I am doing a good job with the kids and that they can relate to the way I teach math,” Bell said. “Sometimes math is hard to tutor, but I think that I can teach a different style than some of the math teachers do and I like to think that I can somehow get through to the athletes.”

E-mail Josey at: jdj03e@acu.edu

House upon the rock

LACI ADKINS STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Nathan Doss, sophomore agriculture business major from Springfield, Tenn., Robyn Foulks, freshman psychology major from Ft. Worth, and Jessie Lozano, freshman nursing major from Arkansas City, Kan., work together to build the foundation for the Habitat for Humanity house as part of Lectureship on Monday in the Big Purple Parking Lot.

JamFest seeks student bands to play n Annual free concert, JamFest, is looking for student bands to perform and entertain students and alumni during Homecoming.

By MALLORY SCHLABACH Editor in Chief

Student bands interested in playing at the third annual JamFest during Homecoming can audition Thursday and Friday for a spot in a line-up that already includes Homer Hiccolm & the Rocketboys, Streets of Simon Lee and O’Scarlet.

Auditions will take place from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday, and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday in Bennett Gymnasium, and those interested can sign up in the Campus Activities Board Office, located in the Bean Sprout, before 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, said Chris Campbell, ACU alumni outreach officer.

Assistant co-chair on the steering committee for JamFest Amanda Hollingsworth said five bands had already

signed up as of Tuesday, and several demos had been sent in by bands that couldn’t make the auditions, she said.

A set number of bands able to play in JamFest has not been determined yet, Campbell said.

Bands wanting to audition for JamFest need to be students at the university or a combination of students at the university and recent graduates.

Hollingsworth said last year the steering committee brought in two alumni to perform, but that they wouldn’t do that this year.

“We brought them in for the Centennial Year, and we paid them, but this year we really wanted to focus on the students playing,” she said.

More than 200 alumni and students attended last year, Hollingsworth said.

Although typically more students than alumni attend JamFest, Campbell said, the event is scheduled as one of the first events of Homecoming

because music is something everyone enjoys.

“The carnival is going on at the same time as JamFest, so it makes it easy for alumni to walk over and enjoy the bands as well,” Campbell said.

“All types of genres are represented at JamFest so there’s something there for everyone.”

Hollingsworth, junior agribusiness major from Fanger, said JamFest also allows students to connect with alumni.

“JamFest is a great opportunity to meet alumni,” she said. “A lot of students don’t get the opportunity to see alumni on campus and this time just gives them a chance to causally meet and greet people.”

JamFest will take place Oct. 13 outside the Zona Luce building on the grass. It is a free concert, and T-shirts for JamFest will be sold in the Campus Store during the week of Homecoming for $5, Campbell said.

E-mail Schlabach at: mes02e@acu.edu

CAMPUS NEWS

Page 4

Tuesday, September 19, 2006

Book festival to bring Texas authors Lectureship includes n An annual five-day festival, the West Texas Book and Music Festival, will provide various events to promote reading and writing books and music.

By MITCH HOLT Copy Editor

The Abilene ReporterNews and Friends of the Abilene Public Library will host the Sixth Annual West Texas Book and Music Festival, which will take place Tuesday through Saturday in downtown Abilene in a festival of writers, readers, musicians and anyone interested in those things.

Janis Test, publicity chairperson for Friends of the Abilene Public Library, said the purpose of the event is to promote the love of reading and writing books and music.

“There is something for everyone at the festival,” Test said. “If college

students don’t want to spend money, they can still have just as much fun as those who do.”

The five-day festival is mainly a free event, but several of the events at the festival cost money and require tickets, including the Texas Cookbook Gala and the Boots and Books Luncheon. The Gala has been sold out for a while, but the luncheon still has tickets available. “[The Cookbook Gala] is really a lot of fun,” Test said.

“We ask four cooks from Texas who have published a cookbook in the past year to collaborate on a dinner.”

The dinner is $100 a plate and is a “fancy sitdown dinner,” Test said.

The Boots and Books Luncheon costs $25 per plate and will take place noon on Saturday at the Abilene Civic Center.

“This event is a little more accessible,” she said. “You get to meet a lot of authors and interact with them.”

According to the West Texas Book and Music Festival Web site, the festival was created as a way to promote literacy, raise awareness of books being written and published in Texas, raise funds to support the Abilene Public Library and improve quality of life in Abilene and West Texas.

Test said although the event serves the interest of the public, the festival provides an opportunity for aspiring writers to network with more established writers and publishing companies.

“You can sit down and chat with the most exalted writers and the writers still trying to get their

foot in the door,” she said.

“People network a lot, and authors go from table to table, talking to people about writing.”

Festival planners made a last-minute decision to incorporate music into the festival. Test said that’s the reason there are no huge musical acts at the event this year, but several popular local acts will perform throughout the event.

“We expanded to music because writing music is such a creative process like writing books,” Test said. “We’ve got so much talent in this area that people don’t know about.

We want to spotlight that and celebrate it together.”

Visit www.abilenetx. com/apl/book_music_fest. html for more information on the festival E-mail Holt at: mah02f@acu.edu

Reading room dedication to benefit Biblical studies n The new theological reading room was made possible by the $125,000 donation from Gaines B. Stanley Jr. in honor of his father, Gaines B. Stanley Sr.

By MICHELLE JIMENEZ Arts Editor

Dedication for the Gaines B. Stanley Sr. Theological Reading Room will take place at 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday in the atrium of the Margaret and Herman Brown Library.

This dedication is meant to honor Gaines B. Stanley Sr. (’50).

His son, Gaines B. Stanley Jr., is an alumni who donated $125,000 to establish the Gaines B. Stanley Sr. Biblical Studies Reference Collection, which includes Bible dictionaries, atlases, encyclopedias and

commentary sets. $100,000 of the donated money was used to endow the reference collection, and the remaining $25,000 was used to launch the collection.

The dedication should be about 30 to 40 minutes long, and the honoree and his wife and four children are expected to attend the event.

Dr. Mark Tucker, dean of Library and Information Resources, will be part of the dedication. He said the new Theological Reading Room is a unique space that allows all of the Biblical studies material to be placed in one location.

“Biblical studies is the strongest collection we have and this space allows us to make that statement

that this is what we do best,” he said.

“You’ll be pleased. I guarantee you, you’ll be pleased,” he said, referring to the new space.

Craig Churchill, theological librarian and associate professor of Library Science, will also be part of this event, offering a prayer of dedication.

“I’m excited about having an area where our students, particularly our students in the Graduate School of Theology, can have an area for building community and a discreet area where they can come and gather,” Churchill said.

Dr. Greg Straughn, president of Friends of the ACU Library and chair of the Music Department, will begin the ceremo-

ny, followed by a prayer of dedication by Larry James, CEO of Central Dallas Ministries. Dr. Jack Reese, dean of the College of Biblical Studies and professor of preaching, will offer faculty remarks and Ben Reis, graduate student of Theology, will offer student remarks.

The Gaines B. Stanley Sr. Theological Reading Room is located on the top floor of the Stevens Wing in the space formerly occupied by the U.S. Government documents.

Everyone is welcome to attend the dedication.

A tour will be given of the Theological Reading Room after the event.

E-mail Jimenez at: mmj04b@acu.edu

ware fair at Teague

n Meet Me at Teague, which provides 80 booths of various items that center around Christianity, will take place during Lectureship.

By NATHAN STRAUS Staff Writer

From Sunday to Wednesday, students looking to peruse a considerable amount of merchandise can visit the Teague Special Events Center and sort through more than 80 booths of items during the Meet Me at Teague event.

Sandy Lowe, an events coordinator, said 88 exhibits are ready to bring their wares out for everyone in the community.

“There will be everything ranging from vendors of Christian products to a massage therapist,” Lowe said.

Some old favorites will be returning to Teague this time, Lowe said. Among the book and CD sellers, the Women of ACU will be selling many different kinds of pies to hungry guests for $3 per slice.

The money raised by the pie sales will be used to provide scholarships for

recently accepted female freshmen as well as male freshmen who are Bible majors, said Samantha Adkins, coordinator of alumni programs.

A newcomer to Meet Me at Teague and Lectureship is Carl Trimble, owner of Trimble Studios, which specializes in stained glass art.

Trimble said he is coming from Denton to put his work on display for the Abilene community to see.

A recent creation of Trimble’s is “The Flight of the Spirit,” which is inspired by the scene of Jesus’ crucifixion when his spirit left him.

“Stained glass can transform the light of our worship environment as the light of the gospel transforms the souls of the lost,” Trimble said Trimble said he hopes churches in Abilene will notice his business.

Lowe said cases like Trimble’s are what Meet Me at Teague is for. Christian businesses and mission efforts can gather in one place to reach as many people as possible, she said.

E-mail Straus at: nrs02a@acu.edu

Tuesday, September 19, 2006

Page 5

Singing, studying his way to success

photo courtesy of Pavlin Bazovski

Bazovski’s grandmother, well-known Bulgarian folk singer, on the cover of her album.

emily smith STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Pavlin Bazovski sits outside on the deck of Adams and Smith Residence Halls.

By Kelsi Peace Features Editor

W

hen Pavlin Bazovski attended his first U100 seminar class, one of his classmates said he could have been mistaken for a soap opera star.

And though Bazovski is no television star, he is well known. In fact, he has claimed a top three spot on the Bulgarian music charts with his work.

Bazovski left behind friends, family and his home in Bulgaria’s capital city, Sofia, to arrive in Abilene after a 23-hour flight and some frustrating encounters with various airline employees.

But he’s not in Abilene to pursue fame in America—he is here for a degree.

“It’s a big prestige” to study at an American university, said Bazovski, who is a freshman broadcast journalism major.

A cousin who lives in New York directed Bazovski to ACU, and after two years of planning, he finally enrolled.

“This is a dream for me to be here,” Bazovski said. “It was hard for me to come here.”

The challenge in coming to the United States is an economical one, Bazovski said. Life in Bulgaria is incredibly expensive, and leaving the country even more costly; however, to Bazovksi, the expense is worth it.

“If I graduated here, and I will do everything to succeed, I have the chance to succeed in my country,” he said.

Pursuing a career in music is not the first thing on Bazovski’s mind right now. He said he plans to work in the media once he returns to Bulgaria, because it offers a more stable income than music. “[Singing] is something like my… hobby,” he said.

Bazovski’s first record was released 10 years ago, he said, when he was “a little child.” He won a competition for young stars after competing against musicians from Bulgaria, Russia, and countries in Europe.

The song, roughly translated to “I Need You” in English, was sung in Bulgarian, and all Bazovski said about its popularity was that “people like it.”

photo courtesy of pavlin bazovski

Bazovski and his cousin, Antonio Kiriloff, pose in “traditional reality” costumes. Bazovski’s costume is a count, Kiriloff’s a viscompte.

“He is kind of famous. And the students find that very interesting and kind of amusing that we have this Bulgarian pop star in our learning community.”

Dr. Susan Lewis, U100 professor and assistant professor of journalism and mass communication

“He’s very humble about it. I don’t know that he comprehends how cool that is,” said William Moore, freshman integrated marketing and communication major from Arlington and a member of Bazovski’s Learning Community, “Words, Images, Power.”

“We were talking about weird jobs we’d done, and he just threw out, ‘well, I’m a pop star in my country’… we just thought he was kidding,” Moore said of a discussion held in their U100 class.

The learning community’s U100 professor, Dr. Susan Lewis, assistant professor of journalism and mass communication, said watching the other students’ reactions to Bazovski is very interesting.

“He is kind of famous,” Lewis said.

“And the students find that very interesting and kind of amusing that we have this Bulgarian pop star in our learning community.”

Brian English, freshman broadcast journalism major from North Richland Hills, said he and Moore have listened to Bazovski’s song on his MySpace, but they have not actually heard him sing, although they have listened to Bazovski play both the piano and the organ.

“He didn’t play any of his stuff because he didn’t like the way the organ sounded. He seems like a musical perfectionist,” English said. azovski hasn’t given up singing and recording while he is in Abilene; he has a new project recording a cover of Tom Jones’s “A Minute of Your Time.”

Pursuing music in Bulgaria requires more than talent, Bazovski said.

“If you want to do something like this in my country, you must know that it is difficult. Not the technique, but the economical situation in my country… you need a lot of money.”

And he ought to know—his mother is an opera singer and his grandmother,

B

Pavlina Gorcheva, is “the most famous folk singer” in Bulgaria, Bazovski said.

In fact, many of Bazovski’s family members are accustomed to being in the public eye.

Bazovski said his father is an exstatesman and ex-colonel in the Bulgarian army, his grandfather is a retired general and his great-grandfather is hailed as a revolutionary hero for his political action during the Bulgarian revolution, Bazovski said.

“My surname is old,” he said. “It’s maybe 300 years or more. This is [a] Slovenian surname, and Bulgarian. It’s a mixture.”

After talking with Bazovski, his pride in his country is obvious. After spending the summer working for national military television as a reporter, he understands the intricate workings of Bulgaria. Because the Bulgarian government controls its media, Bazovski worked for the minister of defense, with “lots of famous journalists and statesman,” he said.

Bazovski was given the opportunity to share his love of country with his learning community in Dr. Mel Hailey’s National Government course.

Hailey said because Bazovski is in the class, he took a day to “look at two governments in comparative perspective.”

Not only did Hailey compare the governmental structures of the U.S. and Bulgaria, but he also presented a slide show presentation with the history, points of interest and beauty of Bulgaria, Hailey said.

English said he sat next to Bazovski during the presentation.

“Pavlin knew exactly everything that was going on and the history behind it,” he said.

Lewis said Bazovski adds an unexpected “facet” to her class; his perspective offers variety.

“I think it’s so good to take students and faculty out of this kind of American idea of what the world is,” she said.

Her point is well-taken—all one has to do is discuss World War II with Bazovski to realize that there are two sides to every issue, and the American lens is but one lens with which to view the world. hile Bazovski is changing the way his American peers think, he is learning to adjust to American ways of life.

He privately studied English for three years before coming to the U.S., but said the slang and the drawl he encounters here make it difficult to communicate.

“I just love all the blank stares that he gives us,” Moore said.

After trying to explain cow-tipping to Bazovski, English said he concluded that “[Pavlin] is not as easily entertained as we are.”

Bazovski comes from a country that is rich in history, adorned with elaborate architecture and surrounded by beautiful beaches, and adjusting to life in Abilene has been a struggle.

“The Dead Sea, it’s our sea,” Bazovski said. His family owns a villa on the beach, and Bazovski said he spent time at the villa just before leaving.

“It was a depressed moment in my life because of my leaving,” he said.

Bazovski also said he likes the people and the university in Abilene.

And according to Moore and English, he is having no trouble making friends.

And Moore did compare him to a soap opera star.

Bazovski appears unconcerned with his achievements back home and merely eager to succeed in the United States.

“I hope that here I will be able to meet, and I [do] meet everyday, young people who are willing to help me get accustomed to the American way of life,” he said.

W

E-mail Peace at: knp04a@acu.edu

Page 6

Tuesday, September 19, 2006

Observe pledging with a more skeptical lens The issue:

Pledging time has arrived, and pledge classes are working to gain the approval and acceptance of their older club members.

Our view:

Pledging has many negative aspects as students’ grades drop, they are pushed beyond their physical limit and excludes many club hopefuls.

The solution:

Evaluate pledging in light of ACU’s mission and purpose, and put an end to traditions that contradict that purpose.

Pledging is upon us.

It’s that overwhelming time when men and women forget their school work, lives and friends for a four-week, nothing-but-club period.

Clubs create a unique atmosphere on campus and are a good fit for some students. They can give someone a place to belong and help members create memories of what they did while at the university in a way that not many student groups can. However, the cons outweigh the pros when looking at the way the clubs induct new members through pledging.

Pledges will be subjected to physical activities, earlymorning meetings and a dress code, and, in the end, pledges will have a newfound loyalty to the club and university, learn cov-

eted club sees secrets or Many say these traditions create unity, but this crets and be the history cycle of training new members only breeds an initiated into of the club attitude of “since I went through it, you will too.” or to break an exclusive group. them down Many say to become these traditions create uni- ter during the pledging pro- stronger people. ty, but this cycle of training cess.

Still, clubs don’t do anynew members only breeds But what about those who thing throughout the year an attitude of “since I went wanted to join but were voted that requires its members through it, you will too.” against because they didn’t to be stronger, other than Many uninvolved with the know enough names in club, the flag football games each inner-workings of club watch because they didn’t look the week. It is not a club’s rethis process take place year part of that club or because sponsibility to “build boys after year, wondering how they simply attended too into men” as one club presisomething so seemingly un- many rushes of competing dent said of Bid Night. intentional, exclusive and clubs? How does choosing Every student on campus often unkind can draw such a few and excluding the rest is an adult and does not need a large following. Clubs ex- imitate Christ, the claimed a group of peers making clusively choose members purpose by many clubs? No them into “men” or “womfor various reasons. One rea- other student group on cam- en.” We respect that endurson is to limit the number of pus excludes people the way ing such a hard process will new members that join each social clubs do. inevitably unite the pledging year. A women’s club memClubs also claim that class, but frankly, the pledgber said this exclusivity is throughout the pledging ing process, as it stands torequired so the pledge class process each activity is for a day, only pushes pledges to is small and can bond bet- reason, either to teach pledg- do more than they think and

Alex York

Lebensgefahr

Staff should respond respectfully Wow. Criticize Alumni Relations and expect to get burned.

First was a mean-spirited, overthe-top response from the director of Alumni Relations regarding Mr. Field’s evaluation of the graduation party in May. This letter certainly took strides in the building of relationships with future and current alumni— particularly in the JMC department.

Then someone with very close ties to Alumni Relations but not currently employed in that office (much wiser and slightly more sly than the director responding) chastises and pokes fun at criticisms of ACU for making you pay upon arrival at a birthday party.

Perhaps we shouldn’t ex-

pect ACU to foot the bill for fun when invited to attend a party, yet, Celebrate Abilene advertised admission fees. What a joy for ACU’s neighbors, who were invited, to arrive only to be unable to enjoy the fun because of unexpected fees. It is also noteworthy, as an earlier letter stated, that ACU did advertise prices for other events not only that day, but throughout the year of the Centennial Celebration and all other events on campus: ballgames, plays, admission to special events. Besides, why shouldn’t we expect ACU to foot the bill for a carnival? It’s been done numerous times before and your 100th birthday only comes once.

A former boss taught me

Your Voice Letter to the editor about previous letters addressing Centennial Celebration.

about “rhino-skin”. Rhino-skin is what you need to be in a position where everyone is not going to appreciate your work.

I was leading Chapel, a rhinoskin job. He also reminded me of lessons learned in kindergarten: respect others’ opinions and think before responding in anger. This advice has already been given, but yet to be heeded on any side of the arguments.

In short, if you’re going to be in charge, find more con-

structive ways to handle criticism than demeaning others.

After all, they attended your events, unlike many critics, and their feedback should be as valuable as those who praised your work. The office of Alumni Relations, should serve as ambassadors for ACU— these letters were disappointing in reaching this goal.

Thanks for a great year celebrating the Centennial. Your work on these events is appreciated and they were enjoyed by many students, faculty, staff, alumni and neighbors.

Brad Carter Former director of Alumni Relations brad .carter@acu.edu

are often physically capable of.

During this time, more pledges are sick, tired and emotionally drained from all the pledging activities required of them. Schoolwork is often not a top priority, and many pledges’ grades drop because they aren’t able to complete everything required of them.

The pledging process should be evaluated to reflect the mission and purpose of the clubs. Now it serves as a month of initiation rituals where club members can frighten and push pledges to do anything to fit in with the select group. Perhaps that is the true purpose of clubs.

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

Sharpen your sword for battle Spiritual warfare is real. I see what’s happening, It happens everyday. and maybe I’ll say a hasty It doesn’t only happen in prayer but maybe I won’t. third-world countries. It’s I’m too lazy to dive h a p p e n i n g deeper into the word of right here, God and spend time with right now, my Creator. There always in this town seems to be something filled with else I want to do before I c h u r c h e s get around to reading the and church- Bible or praying. And when going Chris- I do start reading the Bitians. There ble, I tend to get bored at Come are bat- times.

Undone tles being But that’s exactly what fought all Satan wants from us.

Michelle around us, He’ll do anything to Jimenez and we are keep us from growing part of the greater war be- closer to the one who is tween angels and demons. his enemy. He’s here exBut the demons aren’t panding his territory over just fighting angels; us because we’re fighting they’re fighting us. What with dull swords that are are we suppose to do? Are now becoming rusty. What we supposed a great adto just sit vantage he There always seems has. back and let this unseen Satan and to be something else war silently his demons I want to do before I take victims? are doing a Ephesians get around to reading good job in 6 talks about the Bible or praying. this unseen the Armor war.

We’re of God. The helping the Lord has given us protec- very one whose only purtion for this war.

He’s pose in life is to cause prepared us to enter into destruction, strife and battle. He’s given us our calamity. Is that really weapon— our double- something we want to be edged sword— that comes doing? from knowing the Word I’m thinking it’s about and I have let it become time to sharpen that sword dull. of mine. How’s your sword My weapon, the only looking? thing I have to slay my enemies, has become dull, not sharp enough to elicit a minor flesh wound.

And what am I doing E-mail Jimenez at: mmj04b@acu.edu, optimist@acu.edu about it? Hardly anything.

Freshman expresses the importance of high school letter jacket I feel obligated to respond to the article entitled “Enjoy freedom of freshman year” by Jared Fields.

As a freshman, I am offended by the patronizing tone of the article. I did appreciate learning about how the Chapel card-swipe works; I didn’t know that there was a card-swipe by an official before anyone could get credit. But there was absolutely no need to couch this information in phrases that make the freshman class sound like 3-year-olds, or students with mental disabilities.

Your Voice Letter to the editor in response to Fields’ column addressed to freshman.

But that was certainly not the part of the article that offended me the most. Regardless of whether the jackets were “cool at your high school,” letter jackets have two very major benefits. They are typically quite warm, which is nice in the cold snaps that west Texas does indeed experience. And

they represent four years of hard work and dedication.

My letter jacket boasts two Texas All-State Band patches; three State Solo and Ensemble patches; one State One-Act Play patch; one State Spelling and Vocabulary patch; one patch indicating my involvement with the Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps; and countless other patches from regional and district events in which I competed.

I worked hard for those patches, and I am rightly proud of them. Your casual dismiss-

al of my jacket as “uncool” is tantamount to declaring those achievements unworthy of attention. I do not wear the jacket in order to shove my accomplishments in students’ faces. I wear it mainly to remind myself of the victories I achieved in high school and to show others that hard work does pay off.

My blood, sweat and tears were ground into more football fields than I can count this summer with the Crossmen.

That patch is incredibly meaningful to me. Practicing for an hour and a half every day for

two years, eventually resulting in winning first chair in the Texas All-State Band. You can bet that patch means something to me. And that’s what matters —what my jacket means to me. Maybe you think those accomplishments are worthless.

You’ve obviously never drilled vocabulary words for weeks on end, but I am not going to belittle your choice of activities.

But looking at my jacket takes me back to San Antonio, where I played my solo in front of an enormous crowd. It takes me back to the University of

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

Wisconsin, where I conducted the Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps in their semi-final round performance. It takes me back to Austin, where I was in the final round of a competition in which five hundred thousand students have participated.

That’s plenty cool enough for me.

Eric Wyatt freshman music major from Stamford esw05a@acu.edu

Editorial and Management Board Mallory Schlabach

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Online: www.acuoptimist.com

September 19, 2006

ArtsTuesday

‘Illusionist’ provides cliché illusion The Illusionist PP n Magician, Eisenheim, gathers a crowd of devoted followers after he performs what are thought to be ‘supernatural’ illusions in 1900 Vienna.

By MICHELLE JIMENEZ Arts Editor

Magic, mystery, special effects, romance and a bit of intrigue don’t effectively disguise the cliché in The Illusionist.

Magician Eisenheim (Norton) has his own production in 1900 Vienna performing breathtaking illusions.

With tricks like miniature orange trees growing out of nothing, a disappearing handkerchief and rising of the dead, Eisenheim proves to be a masterful magician. He soon gains the following of many passionately devoted fans and a few cynics, namely Chief Inspector Uhl (Giamatti) and Crown Prince Leopold (Sewell), who try to put him out of business by exposing the secrets of his illusions.

But Eisenheim has one last illusion, and perhaps his greatest illusion yet which includes his long-lost childhood love who is also the Crown

Ratings Key

Page 7 Box Office Stats Latest movies and gross rates for the weekend of Sept. 15-17. n Gridiron Gang: $14,414,630

Excellent PPPP Good PPP Fair PP Poor P

n The Black Dahlia: $10,005,895 n Everyone’s Hero: $6,061,762

Prince’s fiancée.

The Illusionist bears a few Alist stars but neither one could make up for the fact that the plot is one that has been used and abused since the creation of films.

Who hasn’t seen a forbidden love affair turned bittersweet?

Neil Burger, director of the film, created a wonderful piece of foreshadowing as the film came full circle near the end, explaining mysteries left unexplored in the beginning of the film.

Edward Norton played talented, unenthusiastic illusionist Eisenheim. Unlike many of his previous performances, Norton lacked the fervor needed to make Eisenheim believable.

Jessica Biel was at her best playing Norton’s love interest, Duchess Sophie. But the chemistry between them evaporated the moment Eisenheim and Sophie laid eyes on one other.

Paul Giamatti’s performance was good but expected. His performance as Chief Inspector

n The Covenant: $4,777,554 n The Last Kiss: $4,627,989 n Invincible: $4,114,921 n The Illusionist: $ 3,623,084 n Little Miss Sunshine: $ 3,319,124 n Hollywoodland: $2,722,954 Photo courtesy of ROTTENTOMATOES.COM

Duchess Sophie (Jessica Biel) helps the illusionist, Eisenheim (Edward Norton), perform one of his illusions.

Uhl was just like any other, but this time he added an accent to his speech. He just can’t seem to be in a movie without being awkward and goofy.

Trailers for The Illusionist made the film appear like a unique, sure-to-be-amazing hit with a cute little love story mixed in, but it was anything but that. Viewed with the hope of seeing a movie of a magician performing incred-

ible, leave-you-dumbfounded tricks, it turned out that I was the one tricked.

Sure, there was wonderful foreshadowing and that one great jaw-dropping scene of his greatest illusion.

But overall, The Illusionist was simply an illusion.

E-mail Jimenez at: mmj04b@acu.edu

n Crank: $2,680,225

CAMPUS NEWS

Page 8

Tuesday, September 19, 2006

Artists to display reactions to ‘Invisible Children’ n A student and a faculty member created pieces of artwork in response to North African conflict that will be on display this week.

By SARA SNELSON

Contributing Writer

Bonnie Buchanan, senior art major from Lubbock, and Katrina Willis, who works in the Adams Center, will make presentations about some of their artwork Tuesday

at 12:15 p.m. in the Living Room of the Campus Center.

The lunch presentation is open to anyone who is interested, but art majors who attend can receive event credit.

The presenters’ works are reactions to the Invisible Children documentary, Northern Africa conflicts and social justice issues.

Buchanan said her work

is a “personal reaction to suffering.”

“My pieces are large in scale, dusky and dark and each piece has sort of an inner glow,” she said.

“The most intimate level, the communal level and the level of global suffering are the levels of suffering in the pieces.”

Willis said her North African influences gave her a literal outlook for her large-scale pieces.

“My literal approach juxtaposed in relation to Bonnie Buchanan’s general approach creates a nice rhythm in this show, unlike anything we’ve had on campus in recent history,” she said.

Willis’ earlier pieces along this line were in direct reaction to the conflict in the Darfur region in the Sudan. The primary purpose was to raise awareness.

Her newer

Charge!

paintings are not far off, she said.

“I’ve treated them differently in light of recent transitions in Northern Africa,” Willis said.

The titles of her pieces include Out of the Bush, A Sudan Painting, Pieta and Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep. “The paintings display my journey as an artist, our journey as a community of artists and these families in Africa,”

By TAKISHA KNIGHT Contributing Writer

brian schmidt CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Demyron Bell, freshman exercise science major from Killeen, Charles Gaines, freshman political science major from Duncanville, and Jason Creed, junior youth and family ministry major from Greensboro, N.C., cheer on the Wildcats volleyball team during its 30-22, 30-16, 30-27 win in Moody Coliseum on Saturday.

Men’s dinner to feature Harris as speaker

By NATHAN STRAUS Staff Writer

Hillcrest Church of Christ will offer a men-only Lectureship dinner at 4:45 p.m.

Tuesday and Betty Rose’s will be served.

Tickets for the event can be purchased at the Teague Special Events Center up until the day of the dinner,

and it will take place in the church’s multi-purpose fellowship room.

This year Randy Harris will be the after-dinner speaker. Terry Brown, preaching minister at Hillcrest, said this is different from last year’s dinner.

Harris, instructor of Bible, missions and ministry, will speak about what an authentic, post-modern, Christian American looks like.

“It will be a call to live out the faith in the public world,” Harris said.

Harris also said the speech will be about showing Jesus in all situations.

The topic of Christianity in the workplace has floated around in his mind for a while, Harris said, and needs to be released so an audience can act on it.

“Only about 20 percent of America goes to church,” Harris said. “The speech is about impacting the rest— the new clergy are accountants, artists and teachers.

These are the people who interact with others outside

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

Festival to celebrate Hispanic Heritage n Saturday is the 10th Annual Festival of the Americas to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, where homemade meals, games, contests and music will be.

n Randy Harris will speak at the Hillcrest Church of Christ men’s dinner Tuesday evening, discussing what an authentic, post-modern Christian looks like.

Willis said.

This lectureship event will display the pieces they created. The artists will go into more detail about their journeys and how these pieces came about. It is strongly recommended that anyone who has interest in this work and process should attend, she said.

of a church setting.”

Harris said though a large percentage, more than 80, claim to be religious, the number is not as meaningful as the percentage of those who attend church.

However, the number of church-goers isn’t absolutely important either.

“Church is not a be all, end all for finding out who the Christians are,” Harris said, “but it’s something we can measure.”

E-mail Straus at: nrs02a@acu.edu

The Hispanic Leadership Council will host the 10th Annual Festival of the Americas Friday and Saturday in downtown Abilene in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.

According to the Hispanic Leadership council Web site, all proceeds from the event will raise money for high school scholarships and benefit the ACCESS Learning Center (Abilene Child Centered Educational Support Services) where youth in at-risk situations and their families can get help with tutoring or get help with English as a Second Language courses.

Daniel Garcia of the Department of Admission and Student Recruiting is partnering with the Hispanic Leadership Council and encourages students to attend the event.

“Whether you are Hispanic or not, you should go,” he said. “Come out and support the Hispanic community in Abilene.”

Each year the festival brings homemade meals, games, contests and music to the Abilene com-

munity. This year the theme is “Celebrating Our Youth, Our Family, Our Legacy.” Some of the highlights from this year are to include: old-school boxing, jalapeno-eating contests, arts and crafts, Ballet Folklorico, face painting, food booths and more.

The kickoff parade begins at 10 a.m. Saturday in front of City Hall.

Activities will take place near the Frontier Texas parking lot on North First Street. Admission is free to those who wish to attend the event.

Another main attraction is the Mexicanismo Mariachi Show de Jose Antonio who will entertain students and families with authentic mariachi music. There will also be Latin American dancing.

Admission to the concert and dance on Friday is $3 and $5 on Saturday.

Garcia said the event will be rewarding, for participants as well as volunteers.

“It will be fun to experience another culture,” he said. “The best support is to just show up.”

To volunteer to help with the Festival of the Americas, e-mail Ernesto Villareal at ebv02a@acu. edu by Friday. For more information go online to Hispanicabilene.com.

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

FROM THE FRONT PAGE/SPORTS JUMPS

Tuesday, September 19, 2006

Page 9

TKG: Four pledges enter pledging Football: ACU beats SEOK 51-14 Continued from page 1

ways to encourage membership, but “it’s hard to find ideas that work,” Groves said.

“I think one things that’s kind of overlooked is that every club is special and unique,” Groves said.

Groves said members of TKG are close friends and she is proud of it.

To maintain a sense of camaraderie, Groves said it is important to integrate the new members.

“We don’t want there to be any segregation between the pledge class and club members,” Groves said.

Because she is a re-charter member, Groves said she didn’t go through the rushing process.

Groves said she gets ideas from the social clubs at other Christian schools and she likes the way Harding

University’s rushes work.

As for the small clubs at ACU, Groves said, “I feel like the system as it’s set up for girls to rush and pledge is part of the problem.”

Groves said when larger clubs exceed the membership caps they set it hurts the smaller clubs. She also said girls who don’t get a bid from the club of their choice often rush again their junior year when the chance of getting a bid is much higher.

Club officers and the social club office members are meeting to work out a solution and find a way to increase membership of the smaller clubs, Groves said.

Mauri Westbrook, coordinator of student activities and organizations said the pledging process would be re-evaluated once its over this year.

“We’re trying to encour-

age girls that don’t necessarily get their first choice to consider some of the smaller clubs,” Westbrook said.

TKG vice president Kenna Baskin, junior nursing major from Helotes, said most people want to be members of a larger club for intramurals and Sing Song, and she called the larger clubs the “popularity contest of ACU.” Smaller clubs have their advantages, Baskin said.

As a transfer student, she attended Sigma Theta Chi, Delta Theta, GATA and Tri Kappa Gamma rushes before deciding she felt most comfortable with Tri Kappa Gamma.

Baskin said she became involved immediately as the rush director, which gave her a voice in club decisions.

This year, Baskin is both

rush director and vice president.

As rush director, Baskin said she worked tirelessly to increase membership and felt encouraged when 37 women attended a TKG rush in the spring.

The low number of pledges this fall was disheartening, she said.

This year, the club plans to participate in everything it can and will most likely do several service projects, Baskin said.

Because TKG was founded in 1986, the club is just now old enough for children of alumni to pledge.

For that reason, she said she expects the club to start growing during the next few years.

Audio Adrenaline will embark on its farewell tour after a 15-year career, three million albums sold, 18 No. 1 radio hits and numerous Grammy and Dove awards.

The night will open with music by emerging artist Phil Wickham, 21-year old singer and songwriter supporting his debut self-titled Simple Records album, which features the song “Grace.”

Doug Harris, operations and concert coordinator for KGNZ, said Audio Adrenaline is hanging up the towel for musical reasons.

“The main reason Audio Adrenaline is calling it quits is because the lead singer’s vocal chords are shot,” Harris said. “About four to five songs is all he can do, so

that’s about all they can do per night.”

Abilene marks the first concert on this tour for the bands. Harris said he was contacted to help bring the tour to town.

They wanted a strong showing to kick the tour off, so they picked Abilene, Harris said.

“We’ve always done well with the show,” Harris said.

“Last time they were here we sold out.”

The tour will go through about 30 cities, Harris said, and it will run through November.

“If you’ve seen MercyMe, they’re a worship band and they’ve really made an impact on Christian music. “I can Only Imagine” really catapulted them into Christian music,” Harris said.

“You felt like you left having church. They took you to that level. They’ll put on a good show, but they’re also going to have a time where you worship.”

For college students looking to save money, Harris said KGNZ is selling tickets for $20.

“We’re just trying to make it affordable to the students,” he said.

Randall Ramirez, sales associate in Abilene for Lifeway Christian Stores, is most excited about seeing Audio Adrenaline. Ramirez said he has been a fan of Audio Adrenaline since one of their first CDs, Bloom, came out in 1996.

“I’ve listened to them since their first CD. The message in their songs is very relevant; it doesn’t matter what their

Sub T: Probation under review Continued from page 1

be without our official name,” Clark said.

Sub T-16 has gathered alumni support, which Barnard said is important for any club to have.

Barnard said. “And, I’ll be honest with you, I appreciate that.

Those involved in the reviewI think they’re a good group of ing process are Tom Winter, asguys.” sociate provost; Jeff Arrington, “I think honestly, if people associate dean of Campus knew who we really are and Life; Mauri what we reWestbrook, ally are about coordinator and the kind “If people knew who we really are ... and the kind of campus of guys we are, of guys we are, we wouldn’t be looked at so badly activities and we wouldn’t organizabe looked at or differently or wrongfully.” tions; Dwayne so badly or Aaron Clark, senior electronic media major from Abilene VanRheenen, differently or provost of wrongfully,” the universiClark said. ty, and Mike As for the Spell, judicial affairs.

“My hope is that alumni will future of Sub T-16, Clark said Regardless of the current pull together and that they’ll they’re excited about the changcircumstance, the men of Sub be back and they’ll be back es that will occur.

T-16 are still involved with ac- strong,” he said.

“We know that we want to be tivities as a club such as intraSub T-16 has gotten the rep- back on campus, whenever that mural sports, adopt-a-highway utation as being the “bad-boy” is. We look for a bright future and there are plans for a home- club, but Barnard would be the as a club, as a whole,” Clark coming breakfast. first to come to their defense. said. “We know that we can get Aaron Clark, senior electron“Anytime there’s been a through it.” ic media major from Abilene, is problem, Sub T have always the current intramural director been stand up men who’ll come for Sub T-16. in and own up to something “We’re as active as we can and then want to make it right,” E-mail Jimenez at: mmj04b@acu.edu

Cornerback Mark Gaines and defensive back Corey Jordan intercepted passed from Patrucha, and Gaines returned his interception for 16-yards.

“The defense played well considering what [SE Oklahoma] had done in their past two games,” said Thomsen.

“We forced five turnovers and limited them to 14 points.”

ACU balanced its offensive attack, scoring seven touchdowns between passing and rushing and outshining the former North Division offensive leaders by dominating the control of the ball for 473 total yards of offensive production.

Quarterback Billy Malone

was more than on target with 319 yards and three touchdowns against the SE Oklahoma defense. Running backs Taber Minner and Chancy Campbell had two touchdowns each and combined for 147 yards rushing.

Thomsen said he is more than pleased with his team for not letting the pressure or criticisms about ACU’s capability affect Saturday’s game.

ACU will return to Shotwell Stadium Sept. 23 for its third pre-division game against Southwestern Oklahoma State. ACU is tied for first in the LSC South with Midwestern State and West Texas A&M universities.

E-mail Johnson at: djj04a@acu.edu

E-mail Peace at: knp04a@acu.edu

Concert: Tour begins in Abilene Continued from page 1

Continued from page 10

age is,” Ramirez said.

Ramirez said Lifeway has already sold about a couple hundred tickets. He said because this is the last time to see Audio Adrenaline, it makes the tour a better opportunity to see them play.

“For Christian music, these are two of the biggest bands right now. For them to come to Abilene I think is a good opportunity for all of us to go watch them.”

TICKET INFORMATION n Prices: $33.50/$25 for individual tickets, $20 for students; $27 day of show n Tickets can be purchased at Lifeway Christian Stores or online at www.itickets.com E-mail Josey at: jdj03e@acu.edu

Lecture: First fall Lectureship begins Continued from page 1 about how they treated people.

“Do we have to find a place for him? Do we have to include him with us?”

Reese said, paralleling the Pharisees’ reluctance to care for the blind man with the common tendency to ignore certain people in society that aren’t like most Christians.

Jesus, Reese said, was not afraid to go to the people with no face value.

Trying to welcome people to us using all sorts of gimmicks but not knowing anyone outside of us is ineffective, he said. People who don’t know Jesus, Reese said, aren’t being reached when Christians don’t meet them where

they are.

In the end, Reese explained Jesus told the Pharisees they were the ones who were blind, not the man who had been healed of physical blindness.

“Perhaps today those harsh words of judgment might become words of power and grace for those of us with eyes,” Reese said.

The lecture concluded with Reese gathering up his notes and Bible as he said, “For those who have eyes to see…”

The 89th Annual Lectureship will have theme lecturers every evening, followed by Lectureship Late Night events.

E-mail Josey at: jdj03e@acu.edu

Tuesday, September 19, 2006

ScoreBoard Standings FOOTBALL

Team

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

WTAMU MSU ACU ENMU TAMU-K Angelo St. Tarleton

Team

Overall 3-0 3-0 2-0 1-1 1-2 1-2 0-2

VOLLEYBALL Div. 2-0 1-1 0-0 0-2 0-0 0-1

ACU Tarelton St. WTAMU TAMU-K ENMU Angelo St.

Overall 6-7 4-5 11-3 3-10 3-11 3-10

Scores Thursday VOLLEYBALL ACU 3, Texas A&M Kingsville 0

Saturday VOLLEYBALL ACU 3, Tarleton State 0

FOOTBALL ACU 51, SE Oklahoma State 14

SportsTuesday Coming back for seconds

n Four ACU head coaches began their second year at the university after surviving the ups and downs of their first season at the helm.

By DANIEL JOHNSON Sports Editor

Derek Hood remembers his first day of work.

With a cluttered new office and older brother Don Hood down the hall, he unpacked his things and couldn’t enjoy the view. The team he had never met was to report in one week, he had three meets to plan and a new cross country course to lay out.

His schedule was more than filled.

“It was hectic,” said Derek Hood, ACU’s head cross country coach. “But once again, having that pressure is kind of what I thrive on.”

He wasn’t the only one last year dealing with the pressures ofafirstseasoncoachingatACU. Four ACU head coaches faced different challenges during their first year and are ready for their second time after driving through the mistakes and successes of their freshman year in the Athletic Department.

brian schmidt CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Head cross country coach Derek Hood congratulates runner Philip Birgen after the John Murray Invitational Saturday.

Hood is in his second year as the head ocah of the nationally ranked cross country team.

Pressure of a dynasty

Upcoming Tuesday VOLLEYBALL ACU at Angelo St., 7 p.m.

Friday

VOLLEYBALL

ACU vs. Incarnate Word, 7 p.m.

Saturday FOOTBALL ACU vs. SW Oklahoma State, 6 p.m.

n Home games listed in Italics

Briefs n Defensive end Travis Carpenter was named LSC South Defensive Player of the Week after recording five tackles, two sacks and one forced fumble in the Wildcats 51-14 victory over the South eastern Oklahoma University Saturday. Carpenter helped the Wildcat defense shutdown SE Oklahoma quaterback Jason Pitrucha and hold their team to only 217 yards.

Page 10

For Derek Hood and his brother Don, ACU felt just like home. After growing up watching their father Don H. Hood help build the ACU track and field program into the dynasty it is today and graduating from the halls of the Hill, ACU was filled with memories for the brothers. But this time, the pressure of more than 30 national championships and the expectations of the ACU community to continue that tradition rested on their shoulders.

Both Derek and Don Hood accepted the pressures and expectations that came with leading the dynastic ACU cross country and track and field teams with open arms and let it drive them to do their jobs right the first time.

“This is the first time I’ve come into a place where they’ve expected to win,” Don Hood said. “I thought the pressure was tremendous last year.”

After the Hoods’ championship caliber team was unable to secure ACU’s eight consecutive Indoor Track and Field National Championships, the pressure increased and doubt showed its ugly head.

brian schmidt FILE PHOTO

brian schmidt FILE PHOTO

Head football coach Chris Thomsen argues with a referee.

Head basketball coach Jason Copeland directs his team in Moody Coliseum during a time out .

“I was tremendously embarrassed,” Don Hood said. “Then I starting having those doubts if we messed up or if there was something we could have done better, but we got past that, and if you dwell on the past, you will never be good enough.”

Don and Derek Hood were good enough the second time around at the Outdoor Track and Field National Championships, in which the men won their fifth straight national title and the women fell inches behind first place Lincoln.

“Those seniors had never

lost a national championship meet before the indoor meet,” said Don Hood. “They did some things that made it just enough to get it done at the outdoors.”

Now in their second year, with one national championship of their own to add to the banner in Moody, the Hoods know what to expect from their team.

“It was a challenge to go up to our star athletes like Nicodemus [Naimudu] and saying we really need you to come through for us,” said Derek Hood. “And now looking back,

it’s kind of comforting that they are the kind of athletes who will come through no matter what in those kind of situations.”

But not every coach wins a national championship in a first year with a program.

Starting from scratch Head football coach Chris Thomsen and head basketball coach Jason Copeland spent their first season at ACU building their respective programs.

ACU football and basketball were struggling programs before Thomsen and Cope-

land took control, both hadn’t made the playoffs in almost a decade. And turning around the drought wasn’t something that would happen overnight, as both teams’ first season resulted in losing records.

For Thomsen, his biggest challenge was learning how to get his staff and team on the same page.

“The first thing was just learning how to focus a football team,” Thomsen said.

“More than anything I had to let my team know what want and what I expect.”

Thomsen, who had never been a head coach in college prior to ACU, had help in the form of all-American and now NFL rookie Danieal Manning.

Manning played his last year of college football under Thomsen and helped lead the team.

“It was great having a guy like that,” Thomsen said.

“First of all to be around a player with that kind of talent was awesome, and he really led our team because he worked his hardest everyday.

Copeland’s first-year battle was recruiting. He was unable to put his best foot forward at the beginning of the season because he was behind after being hired in May 2005.

“I felt like there was a lot to get done recruiting-wise,” Copeland said. “Most of the other teams in our conference had pretty much signed.”

Copeland made the best with the players he had and relied on his players’ neversay-die work ethic to carry them through the season.

“We may have been short on talent level, but I never thought that effort was lacking,” Copeland said. “That team played as hard as they could every game.”

Looking back, Copeland is unwilling to take his first year as anything but a learning experience.

“There were some challenges,” Copeland said. “It was not necessarily something I want to go through again, but we went through some thins that I though helped me learn to be better coach.”

Derek Hood laughs and takes pride in the fact that he never completely finished moving into his office until one year after his first day.

But after the last box was unpacked, another year full of new challenges and pressures was just around the corner.

E-mail Johnson at: djj04a@acu.edu

Hitting the top

Intramural Round-up Upcoming Tuesday WOMEN’S CHAMP FLAG FOOTBALL Asian Invasion vs. EOX-Ashley Hunton, 9 p.m., Field 2 Kojies vs. Delta Theta, 10 p.m., Field 1 The Justice League vs. Second Wind, 8 p.m., Field 2

Thursday MEN’S CHAMP FLAG FOOTBALL OTP vs. Bannana Splits, 9 p.m., Field 1 G-1 vs. Frats 1-Booby Miles, 10 p.m., Field 1

WOMEN’S CHAMP FLAG FOOTBALL Siggies-Jordan Reese vs. Asian Invasion, 9 p.m., Field 2

For complete intramural scores and schedules visit: w w w. a c u o p t i m i s t . c o m

brian schmidt CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Quarterback Billy Malone looks downfield against the University of Central Oklahoma. Malone threw for 319 yards Saturday in the Wildcats’ 51-14 victory over the Southeastern Oklahoma.

Wildcats calm ‘Storm’ n The ACU football team’s offense unloaded on South Eastern Oklahoma State Saturday, scoring 51 points and combining for 473-yards.

By DANIEL JOHNSON Sports Editor

The ACU football team has been making history this season, and Saturday’s game against nationally ranked Southeastern Oklahoma State was no exception.

“We still have a lot to prove and we’re still trying to figure out what kind of team we are,” head Coach Chris Thomsen said.

ACU shut down and out-

Football gunned the best offense the LSC North has to offer and broke a five game losing streak to the SE Oklahoma with a 51-14 thrashing Saturday. Prior to Saturday’s win ACU had not won against SE Oklahoma since 1929 or scored 51 points since 1994.

The Wildcats extended their record to 2-0 with the victory while 2-1 SE Oklahoma dropped its first loss of the season. ACU’s second victory of the season marks the first time the university has started with a 2-0 record since 1997.

The SE Oklahoma Savage

Storm produced a drizzle at best throughout the game after the Wildcat defense held them to more than 250 yards and 20 points below what their pre-game averages were.

Leading the way for the Wildcat defense was LSC South defensive player of the week Travis Carpenter, who recorded five tackles, two sacks and one forced fumble in the game. ACU’s experienced defense held SE Oklahoma to 159 yards in the air and 58 yards on the ground, it and sacked quarterback Justin Pitrucha four times for a loss of 27 yards.

See

Football page 9

brian schmidt CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Freshman middle blocker Michelle Bacon spikes a ball during the Wildcats’ win over Tarleton State Saturday. The 2-0 Wildcats lead the conference and will travel San Angelo Tuesday to play Angelo State.