2006 09 29

OPTIMIST

The Vol. 95, No. 11

IN THIS ISSUE CAMPUS

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1 section, 8 pages

FRIDAY

September 29, 2006

‘Play hard, Play Faire’

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www.acuoptimist.com

Students’ Association budget up from spring n Students’ Association was granted $70,000 more funding than last semester. SA will give much of the money to student organizations, said Maher Saab, SA president.

Up, up and away

Abilene will play host to more than 20 hot air balloons Saturday at Rose Bud Park behind Fazoli’s Restaurant, page 3

By MITCH HOLT Copy Editor

The Students’ Association had its first meeting of the semester Wednesday after a late start, and discussion of the fall budget took the spotlight.

SA’s fall budget is up more than $70,000 from the spring budget, totaling almost $170,000 because of an increase in enrollment. Several changes and improvements have been put into action by the association’s financial officers.

The university’s budget committee’s total revenue is almost $340,000, and the committee approved SA to receive half of the lump sum, along with a $14,000 roll over from SA’s spring budget.

Tyler Cosgrove, executive financial officer and senior management and finance major from Amarillo, said in SA’s first meeting Wednesday that each student organization on campus receives a different amount of money each semester based not on popularity but on the demand of the organization.

“I can’t say ‘each organization will get x amount of money’ because some organizations have higher

ARTS Meat! Abilene

Joe Allen’s Barbeque Restaurant receives a thumbs up review, page 5

ONLINE

See

‘What’s next?’

The freshman class will perform Freshman Follies Friday and Saturday to the theme “What’s Next?” view the rehearsal online at www.acuoptimist.com

SPORTS

katie gager STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Chris “Doc” England changed the run-down miniature golf course into a popular, well-known establishment.

n Chris “Doc” England opened Play Faire Park 12 years ago after first seeing the colorful, 36-hole miniature golf course. The park also features a music stage.

By MITCH HOLT Copy Editor

Vintage neon and pastel colors, looming pine trees and a 52-year-old music-loving, cigarette-smoking owner are what makes Play Faire Park a historical Abilene landmark.

As Chris “Doc” England, the gentle, tie-dye-clad owner of

Facing the competition The cross country team faces some of its toughest opponents this weekend against NCAA Division I competitors, page 8

WEATHER WEEKEND FORECAST Friday sunny

HIGH 83

LOW 64

Saturday sunny

HIGH 92

LOW 68

sunny

HIGH 83

LOW 68

SOLID GROOVE FESTIVAL n What: Day-long music festival featuring local and Texas bands, including ACU band Streets of Simon Lee n When: Saturday, 1 p.m. until last concert. Gates open at 10 a.m. n Where: Play Faire Park, 2300 N. 2nd, just west of downtown n Why: To benefit the local Red Cross n Cost: $10 per person at the gate, $8 pre-sale tickets See

PLAY FAIRE page 7

Freshmen to perform in Follies n Freshmen will perform 28 acts Friday and Saturday at the annual Freshman Follies, directed by Kendall Massey, director of student productions.

By KELSI PEACE Features Editor

Freshmen will ask “What’s Next?” in solo acts, hall acts and a large chorus at the Freshman Follies performances Friday and Saturday.

Performances, which will take place in Cullen Auditorium at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Friday and 1, 3 and 7 p.m. on Saturday, are expected to last about two hours with an intermission, said Kendall Massey, director of student productions.

Massey said tickets have been pre-sold and more will be purchased at the door; however, because Lectureship was last week, he did not have the estimated audience size.

The 28 acts, including solo acts, hall acts and large chorus, assembled for their first group rehearsal Wednesday, and a dress rehearsal took place Thursday to further prepare.

“It looks like a lot of the girls’ acts are really together,” Massey said.

Both Massey and Follies cochair Sam Souder, freshman music education major from See

FOLLIES page 7

Byron Nelson dies Tuesday at age 94 n Former ACU trustee and golf legend Byron Nelson, died Tuesday. His brother Charles Nelson, was a professor of music for 14 years at ACU and his granddaughter attends ACU.

By JARED FIELDS Managing Editor

Byron Nelson, golf legend and former member of the ACU Board of Trustees, died Tuesday at his Roanoke home at the age of 94. His funeral is scheduled for Friday in Irving.

As a golfer, Nelson is remembered for his record 11-straight victories and 18 total wins in 1945. The closest a player has come to breaking that record in six in a row.

“The record 11 in a row will not be forgotten, and I haven’t met a player who thinks it will be broken,” Associated Press golf writer and ACU alumnus Doug Ferguson said in an e-mail from the PGA Tour event in England.

Nelson won 52 total tournaments and five majors in his career.

Nelson made 113 consecutive cuts in his career, surpassed only by Tiger Woods. The EDS Byron Nelson Championship in Irving is the only PGA Tour event named after a professional golfer.

Byron Nelson also had a golf endowment he started in 1984. The Byron and Louise Nelson Golf Endowment helps the ACU golf program pay for expenses and scholarships.

Byron Nelson’s brother, Charles, was a music professor at ACU from 1984 to 1998.

See

LEGEND page 7

Queen nominees kidnapped n Students can vote for one of 10 Homecoming Queen nominees Oct. 11-13 before the Homecoming football game at Shotwell Stadium on Oct. 14.

By TIFFANY GAUNTT Student Reporter

Sunday

the park, interacts with about 15 elementary-aged children at the vintage park for a birthday party, his clutter-filled clubhouse/office attracts a small customer.

“I lost my ball,” says an embarrassed, blond-haired 7-yearold. “It went over the fence, and I can’t reach it.”

“Did you swing too hard?”

England asks. The boy nods.

“Well if you’re more careful this time, you can grab another ball. Don’t even worry about it; every morning is like Easter out here for me.”

SA page 7

Wednesday night the 10 Homecoming Queen nominees were kidnapped by the Homecoming steering committee and initiated into the 2006 homecoming court.

Voting for the 2006 ACU Homecoming Queen was

Department of Journalism and Mass Communication

promoted last week during Chapel and on my.ACU. Betsey Craig, coordinator of the Alumni Network, helped count the ballots this week, and since Wednesday, kept the names of the nominees a secret.

“Most of the girls represent different clubs and organizations across campus, and no matter what, they are always excited each year, not just because they made it onto court, but because they are also excited to see who else is nominated,”

Craig said.

Craig, who also comes across the occasional male nominee, said more than 600 people voted for Homecoming Queen nominees and encourages students to vote next week online.

Continuing the ACU tradition of electing one Homecoming Queen each year, the kidnapping ritual started late last night with anticipation and confusion from the nominees.

See

QUEENS page 3

brian schmidt CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Homecoming Queen nominee Amanda Deveneau, senior elementary education major from Coppell, is blindfolded by Mallorie Frank, junior sociology major from Dallas, outside Bennett Gymnasium on Wednesday night.

Abilene Christian University

Serving the ACU community since 1912

Chapel Checkup Credited Chapels to date:

Wednesday, March 29, 2006 Friday, September 29, 2006

29

Calendar & Events Friday

7 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Freshman Follies - “What’s Next?”

Parents’ Weekend

30

Saturday

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

Freshman Follies - “What’s Next?”

02

Monday

Wellness Week 2006 “Raising the Bar: Pursuing your personal best.”

03

Tuesday

Wellness Week 2006 “Raising the Bar: Pursuing your personal best.”

Parents’ Weekend

Purple Friday Prospective students visit campus.

Volunteer Opportunities The Salvation Army needs volunteers to interview clients for Christmas assistance, verify proper documentation and determine qualification. It begins Oct. 9 and ends Nov. 10. Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The Salvation Army is located at 1226 Butternut. For more information, please contact Cecilia Barahona at 677-1408.

KGNZ Radio needs volunteers to help during the day with its “friend-raiser.” It starts Oct. 17 and ends Oct. 19. 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. 542 Butternut (KGNZ Studios) For more information, contact George Sweatt at 673-8801.

Lee Elementary needs volunteers to play Scrabble with third, fourth and fifth graders every Thursday from 3:14 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the cafeteria For more information, contact Jennifer Clapp or Andy Blessing at 671-4895.

Beltway Park Baptist Church needs volunteers for setting up tables, booths and staging for a ministry fair on Saturday from noon to 3 p.m., Monday from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Oct. 7 in the afternoon and Oct. 9 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. For more information, contact Marilyn Smith at 692-6540.

Habitat for Humanity is bringing an ice skating rink to Abilene for the holiday season. Volunteers are needed to work the front gate, ice skate rentals and concessions.

Also, anyone who would like to

help build a house front with a fence to be used as the entrance, contact them ASAP. The ice skating rink will be open from Nov. 17 to Jan. 13. For more information, contact Karen Mendoza at 2010250. Taylor Elementary Chess Club - Volunteers are needed to assist the chess coach for one hour in supervising elementary school students during afterschool chess club meetings every Thursday from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m.

Volunteers are needed for the Optimist Club`s annual Balloon Fest Saturday through Monday. About 20 hot air balloons from across the country will be at the event. There are many ways for volunteers to help throughout each day. For more information, visit the Volunteer Center in the Bean Sprout.

Dreamnight at the Zoo needs volunteers. Saturday, a special event will take place at the zoo for handicapped and chronically ill children. Help is needed to set up from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., to run the event from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and clean up from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30.

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

Volunteers are needed for the annual Alzheimer`s Memory Walk on Saturday at Nelson Park. Help is needed from 6 a.m. to noon to help with set up and tear down. For more information contact the Volunteer Center in the Bean Sprout.

Police Tip of the Week When walking or jogging, never approach a car if someone stops and asks you for directions. Always keep a safe, reactive distance from the car and direct the person to the ACU Police Department for directions or assistance.

Announcements The Key City Kiwanis Club will have its annual fish fry on Saturday, and volunteers are needed to help in a variety of ways. Shifts are from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. 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. “Jesus and the Hip-Hop Prophets” will take place 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 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.

Students in Free Interprise (SIFE) - Meet Wednesdays at 5 p.m. in COBA Room 315. If you are interested in sharpening your business skills, entre-

preneurial and leadership skills and want to be of service to the community at the same time.

Like to travel? There are openings to study business in London during Christmas break.

The dates are Dec. 26 to Jan. 8. The deadline to apply is Oct. 2. Other subjects for non-business students are also available for this program in England, as well as in Australia, India, Hong Kong and Ireland. For more information, contact Ed Timmerman at 674-2815, timmermanj@acu.edu or Room 273 in the Mabee Business Building.

The FilmFest Lab is now open. It is located in the Mabee Library Auditorium, which is by the old entrance to the Library.

Hours are Monday to Friday, 5 p.m. to 12 a.m., and Saturday, noon to 12 a.m. Hours to be extended as demand merits. The lab is open to anyone interested in gaining knowledge about video editing or in need of video resources. For more information, contact Matt Maxwell at mam02j@acu.edu.

Credited Chapels remaining:

22 46

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.

Freshman wins $1,000 in contest n Lydia Melby is one of 10 students awarded a savings bond for her entry in a short story contest. H-E-B sponsored the “Read, Write, Connect” event.

By NATHAN STRAUS STAFF REPORTER

The H-E-B grocery store at South 14th and Barrow awarded a $1,000 savings bond to one of ACU’s freshman students.

Lydia Melby, freshman undeclared major from San Antonio, was one of the ten recipients of the prize.

Melby said she is one of 10 students awarded the savings bond. Five middle school and five high school students were chosen from a large number of contestants to advance to the finals in Austin.

The contest is called “Read, Write, Connect” and is sponsored by H-E-B. “College students weren’t allowed to enter,” Melby said, “but I was registered for the contest during the summer.”

So Melby was allowed to participate.

Joe Stephenson, instructor of English, teaches Melby’s U100 class.

“Lydia is an excellent writer,” Stephenson said. “She’s very smart and motivated.”

The contest was limited to short stories, Stephenson said, and all stories had to be no more than 750 words.

Melby said she found it difficult to write a 750-word because there were too many thoughts she wanted to convey.

“I ended up writing 12 stories,” Melby said. “I then

picked three of them and my friends and family helped me decide which one to enter.”

Melby said the story she entered was not one she particularly liked more than the rest.

The other two stories were the only ones she was deciding on, but she was convinced to let her friends and family look over the third story.

The story that won Melby $1,000 is called “The Race.”

It is told through the eyes of a 12-year-old boy in a poor neighborhood. The kids in the neighborhood occasionally have foot races, and the main character of the story always wins. However, a new boy arrives on the scene and holds his own against the boy.

“The story is about how they learn to respect each other,” Melby said.

Her victory was kept a secret from her until one day in her U100 class when she was surprised with flowers and the prize, as well as demands for her to read the story aloud.

“I was just shocked,” Melby said, “shocked that I had won something like this.”

Oct. 27, Melby will travel to Austin to meet the other nine finalists and determine who the two winners of the $60,000 grand prize will be.

One will be a middle school contestant, the other a high school contestant.

Melby said she hopes and prays to win, as the amount of money at stake is quite a boon to any student.

E-mail Straus at: nrs02a@acu.edu

CAMPUS NEWS / FROM THE FRONT / SPORTS JUMPS

Friday, September 29, 2006

Page 3

Tennis: Tournament tests mental strength Justice Mission Continued from page 8

Juan Nunez advanced to the finals of the ITA Regional Tournament before falling 1-6, 6-4, 6-1 to Henry Estrella of the University of the

Incarnate Word. Senior Holly Lindloff marched through the women’s singles draw to the finals before going down 6-2, 7-5 to Dasha Segenchuk of East Central University.

Assistant coach John

Walker said occasionally the difference in a match is internal, not a talent issue.

“Sometimes it comes down to who’s toughest mentally and emotionally,” Walker said. “When playing

in back-to-back matches, it can get very grueling and very testing. It’s one of the hardest things to control during a tournament.”

E-mail Freeman at: mxf04b@acu.edu

Queens: Online voting will occur Oct. 11-13 Continued from page 1

late last night with anticipation and confusion from the nominees.

Maria del Pinal, senior communication major from Fort Worth, admitted she was flustered when the committee showed up at her house.

“I was blindfolded and they told me that I just had to trust them. Can you imagine that? I was confused and excited all at the same time,” del Pinal said.

Shelbi Watten, president

of Ko Jo Kai, thought she was pledging all over again while she was blindfolded before the announcement of her nomination.

“Even though three Kojies were kidnapped before me, I didn’t expect it at all, I couldn’t stop smiling. It’s such a huge honor and I just kept asking myself ‘how did I get nominated for this?’” said Watten, senior broadcast journalism major from Coppell.

Voting for Homecoming Queen will run online Oct.

11-13. The winner will be announced at halftime of the Homecoming game on Oct. 14.

The following seniors were nominated for the 2006 Homecoming Court: Maria del Pinal, senior communication major from Fort Worth; Amanda Deveneau, senior elementary education major from Coppell; Kayla Freede, senior speech pathology major from Sugar Land; Lauren Hart, senior integrated marketing communication major from Austin;

Hillary Hoover, senior family studies major from Allen; Lindsey Jessup, senior human communication major from Bakersfield, Calif.; Betsy Noah, senior business management and marketing major from Midland; Lindsey Scraggs, senior biology major from Abilene; Calee Varner, senior secondary education major from Amarillo; and Shelbi Watten, senior broadcast journalism major from Coppell.

E-mail Gauntt at: optimist@acu.edu

Balloon Fest to raise funds for local charity n The 12th Annual Balloon Festival needs about 250 more volunteers to work two-hour shifts. Profits earned will be donated for scholarship funds.

By JAYME SMITH Student Reporter

Humpty Dumpty won’t only be found in children’s books this weekend.

For the first time, the nursery rhyme character will fly among 21 other hot air balloons in the free-admission 12th Annual Balloon Fest, sponsored by the Abilene Unlimited Optimist Club.

The Balloon Fest begins Friday and continues through Sunday at Red Bud Park.

Activities will include a nightly balloon glow, arts and crafts, games, food booths, children’s contests

and street dances, according to the festival’s Web site.

This year a new demonstration will involve 10 commercial kites that will light up and fly across the sky.

Weather permitting, hot air balloons will lift off at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

“In the past, if it becomes too windy, the pilots won’t let the balloons lift off,” said Rita Harrell, administrative coordinator of the Volunteer Service-Learning Center. “Instead, they’ll have a balloon glow, where they light the balloons up while staying grounded.”

“I’ve taken my grandkids in the past,” Harrell said.

“We walked around the entire park grounds; the kids really enjoyed it.”

Balloon Fest service opportunities remain for anyone interested in help-

ing, said Harrell, who has worked in the VSLC office for four years.

“The university has helped out with the event since I’ve worked here, but as of right now, we only have a few volunteers,” Harrell said.

The Optimist Club, a nonprofit civic organization, encourages volunteer work at the festival because profits go toward scholarships for kids, said Pat Young, secretary of the Optimist Club.

“This is our club’s biggest fundraiser of the year and we need all the help we can get,” Young said. “We’re looking for around 500 volunteers, but we only have around half of that.”

Volunteers will work twohour shifts and are needed for crew work, setting up the inflatables, working the archery range and children’s

area, trash duties and numerous other jobs.

Last year about 15,000 people showed up for the Balloon Fest; this year, the goal is to break 20,000 visitors, said Young, a threeyear veteran of the event.

“We’re hoping to raise around $15,000 to $20,000 dollars, but the weather can determine that outcome,” Young said, “although I believe it’s supposed to be clear and cool.”

Big Country residents are invited to the free three-day event.

“I’m definitely looking forward to the Balloon Fest,” Young said. “The Optimist Club is one of the better clubs I’ve ever belonged to, and this fundraiser is a fabulous opportunity to help kids in need.”

E-mail Smith at: optimist@acu.edu

informs, involves n Interest in International Justice Mission has increased to approximately 80 students who attend a weekly IJM small group.

By COURTNEY HEMBREE Student R eporter

International Justice Mission members spent last week informing students about IJM and its mission through a special Chapel, prayer groups and a movie and discussion forum.

“IJM is a Christian human rights group founded by lawyers with a mission to free people from slavery, forced labor, prostitution and police brutality all over the world,” said Brandon Smith, junior political science major from Kansas City, Kan., and president of the organization’s ACU chapter.

IJM is growing on campus, Smith said; every Thursday, about 80 people attend IJM’s small group Chapel in room 120 of the Onstead-Packer Biblical Studies Building.

IJM plans to spread its message to the Abilene community.

Getting local churches involved through a group called Mission 117 is in the works.

IJM members will go to local churches and help them set up their own IJM chapters so they can help with the cause separately from ACU, Smith said.

Smith also said IJM is talking to officials

from ACU and other universities about hosting a social justice conference for students next fall after Lectureship.

Monday through Friday was IJM Awareness week, and the organization’s ACU chapter has been busy helping spread the message of IJM, said Donny Tapie, junior Bible major from Orlando, Fla. All week IJM members have been distributing information about IJM in the Campus Center for those who wanted it.

Smith spoke in Chapel on Tuesday, and afterwards students joined together at the GATA fountain for prayer and fellowship.

Students joined IJM members in the Hilton Room Tuesday for discussion and to watch an IJM documentary called “The Justice Series.”

Jenny Robinson, senior education major from Overland Park, Kan.; David Altuna, senior biochemistry major from Austin; and Tapie led the discussion.

“IJM is different than other human rights groups because it’s faith-based, Tapie said.

“IJM members achieve above and beyond their set goals.

We want people to know that and to want to get involved.”

E-mail Hembree at: optimist@acu.edu

CAMPUS NEWS

Friday, September 29, 2006

Page 4

Pledging affects Barret Hall group project completions n Sophomore students have difficulty completing both requirements of pledging and duties of small group projects offered at Barret Hall.

By SARA POTTER Student Reporter

The face of campus housing is changing through small groups of sophomore students committed to completing prayer, study and service projects while living together in Barret Hall.

With the start of pledging, however, living and learning communities are struggling to get started.

Some students came more prepared, and others are still working out the kinks.

But pledging will take a toll on some of these students’ ability to complete required service projects, said Bob Booth, residence director of Barret Residence Hall.

Last spring, freshmen

wishing to live in Barret Hall in the fall were asked to apply by finding six to eight students and come up with a community theme and mission.

“Of course pledging will be an obstacle,” Booth said.

“Pledging is an intense, but short period of time.”

Formed through higher education research, Barret Hall was built with this idea in mind: that students would live and learn togeth-

er through service, book studies and prayer groups.

The living and learning communities in Barret give students the opportunity to grow outside of the classroom, said Jamie Johnson, sophomore speech pathology major from Kaufman.

She is part of the “Girls for Boys and Girls” group that volunteers weekly at the Highland Boys and Girls Club.

“Although our group

Pledges take advantage to cover costly dues n Some social clubs offer a payment plan to help students solve financial problem, cover costly dues and other fees during pledging.

By EMILY SMITH Student Reporter

Though it’s taxing and expensive, students say pledging is worth the time and money.

Lyndsay Ice, sophomore music major from Hurst, is pledging GATA, and so far, she has spent almost $200 on her club uniforms.

Ice said her grandmother paid dues for her.

“Yeah, it’s a lot of time and money, but you get a lot back,” Ice said.

She said paying for pledging has been expensive, but it has not stopped her from being a Flame. Ice said she expected dues would be costly, but the most surprising expense for her was the price of the club uniforms.

Some clubs offer payment plans, and a Brat of Frater Sodalis, Nathan MacDonald, sophomore broadcast journalism major from Hillsboro, is taking advantage of it. He said the club has taken up a lot of time and money but hasn’t

Hilton, senior visual communication major from Abilene and president of Frats. Fundraising helps Frats keep the dues down, and every penny is used to the members’ advantage.

The Frats give a heads-up on how the money is used

“If someone really wants to pledge, and money is the only thing keeping them from doing it, we’ll find a way to help.”

Brady Hilton, senior visual communication major from Abilene

controlled his life.

MacDonald said he has spent about $150 on his club uniforms. He borrowed money from his parents to cover a part of the cost, and he is paying out his dues slowly.

For the Frats, the price has been the same for the past three years, said Brady

and give back the left-over money to their members.

“If someone really wants to pledge and money is the only thing keeping them from doing it, we’ll find a way to help,” Hilton said.

“It’s not the money that’s important; it’s the people.”

Hilton said he gives one word of advice to students

thinking about pledging: save up.

Megan Hoffman, sophomore music major from Kingston, Wash., said she was as prepared as she could have been for the $200 she’s spent to pledge Alpha Kai Omega.

Hoffman said she planned for a light schedule by taking some Bible courses during the summer and saved her money to anticipate the pledging semester.

“We were well-warned in the spring interest meeting as to how much pledging would cost,” Hoffman said.

Alpha Kai outlined a few things that dues cover, and though Hoffman doesn’t know exactly what every dime goes toward, she said, “I respect my club, so I’m OK with how my money is used.”

E-mail Smith at: optimist@acu.edu

is still getting used to the idea of a residential community with these requirements, just living together has brought us closer than we had initially imagined,” Johnson said.

Sawyer Williams, business management major from Coppell, and his seven roommates are known as the “Learning to Live Wild” group. They are reading Wild at Heart by John Eldredge as their communi-

ty’s activity, their mission being “to live out what we read,” Williams said.

After pledging, students should be able to complete their missions more thoroughly, he said.

Kaufman said the new program will take a bit of adjustment, but residents are learning how to adjust together.

E-mail Potter at: optimist@acu.edu

Halftime concert

brian schmidt CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Big Purple member Garrison Hartline, freshman music education major from Abilene, plays the xylophone during the halftime performance Saturday at Shotwell Stadium.

Thai prime minister disgraced by military leadership New apartment to n A bloodless coup in Thailand, led by military leadership, successfully removed Prime Minister Shinawatra while he was in New York.

By LAUREN SUTTON Opinion Editor

The unusually large amount of luggage on Thaksin Shinawatra’s charter plane suggested he knew he wouldn’t be returning to Thailand for a while.

As Thai Prime Minister Shinawatra traveled to New York on Sept. 19 to speak at the U.N. General Assembly, Thai tanks rolled through the streets of Bangkok in hopes of overthrowing his 6-year-old government.

In a bloodless coup, the military leadership of Thai-

land successfully removed Thaksin, the leader of the Thai Rak Thai (Thais love Thais) party, and the only re-elected prime minister in Thai history, from power.

“I was prime minister when I went to New York, but I am jobless on the way back,” Thaksin said to the Associated Press.

Thaksin’s administration successfully helped Thailand’s rural community by leading economic reform in 1997 and 1998, but few mention these advances.

Instead Thaksin is remembered for the many ways he used Thai politics for personal gain and became a threat to social order to his country.

“The Thai people, across

the board really dislike Thaksin because he is arrogant and ignored the wishes of the people,” said Larry Henderson, missions coordinator for Asia and former Thai missionary.

Army Cmdr.

Sonthi Boonyarakalin led last week’s coup by isolating Army officials loyal to Thaksin and setting guidelines for a restored democracy.

The coup occured to eliminate the possibility of Thai Rak Thai being reelected.

“If elections were held tomorrow and supervised by the U.N., Thaksin would win,” said political scientist Thitinan Pongsudhirak, director of the Institute of

International Studies at Bangkok’s Chulalongkorn University, to AP. “And that’s a problem for Thailand.”

The majority of Thailand’s people, including their monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, support the military in their move to overthrow the prime minister.

Right now, the Constitutional Court is deciding whether Thaksin is guilty of election violations as Thaksin is in exile in London. If found guilty, the Thai Rak Thai party will be barred from holding political office for the next 10 years.

E-mail Sutton at: les03c@acu.edu

be built in October n Construction for a new apartment complex will begin in October, and it will be completed and available for students next fall.

By DENTON JOSEY Page 2 Editor

Students have a new option for housing next year.

The Abilene City Council unanimously approved a request by Campus Crest Development, a housing company based in North Carolina, to purchase land and construct a new apartment complex.

Construction for new apartments for college students will begin in late October on the southwest corner of Judge Ely Boulevard and Interstate 20, near Abilene Christian High School.

According to notes from a city council meeting, The Grove at Abilene apartments will cost approximately $10 million.

David Todd, engineer for the project, said plans are to finish in time for the fall semester of school next year. Ten housing complexes and a clubhouse will be built.

The company has housing complexes across the nation in New Mexico, Georgia and North Carolina. They each boast a high-speed Internet café, 24/7 workout room, coffee bar and tanning beds. There is

also a game room and flat screen TVs in the clubhouse.

Each of the fully furnished 2 or 3 bedroom apartments has a full kitchen, bathrooms attached to each room and a washer and dryer. Cable and wireless-internet are included in the package, and leases are based per individual and utility costs are included.

Rent for the existing Grove apartments averages $440 per person for a 3bedroom and $500 per person for a 2-bedroom.

Dr. Gary McCaleb, vice president of the university, was at the City Council meeting when zoning was discussed. He voiced concern about the traffic problems it may bring.

“We just thought putting 500 cars out at that exit was a real traffic hazard for everybody involved,” McCaleb said. “It’s kind of a recipe for accidents.”

Jimmy Ellison, ACU police chief, said he didn’t have any specific crime concerns regarding the complex.

“Traffic increases from the apartment complex, while that does concern me, I don’t think crime would be anywhere close to what Wal-Mart and the surrounding area has brought to Ambler.”

E-mail Josey at: jdj03e@acu.edu

September 29, 2006

Page 5

Meat! Abilene: Abilene original BBQ n Student food connoisseur to visit the best of the best in Abilene meat. Joe Allen’s was the first on the list, gaining Jordan Swim’s stamp of approval.

By JORDAN SWIM

C ontributing Writer

Being a foodie, I am interested in what region boasts the real deal in barbecue is concerned.

I have enjoyed the pork of the Carolina’s, the ribs of Memphis and southwest slabs of beef.

One thing is for sure: this country has an affinity for slow cooked meat.

So when I moved to Abilene, I knew I was in the market for world-class barbecue.

I had in my imagination countless meals of brisket, sausage, chicken and ribs, and I was right.

During the next few weeks I would like to take a journey through the smoke and share my tales of barbecue in West Texas. I hope you enjoy, and more than that I hope you venture off campus and taste what this city has to offer.

Joe Allen’s is the West Texas barbecue joint of your dreams: truck-filled parking lots, honky-tonk-filled

rooms and walls lined with neon beer signs.

Joe Allen’s is celebrated for its mesquite grilled meats, homemade breads and desserts, savory sides and all of your other barbeque favorites.

Your experience starts as you pass through the rustic wood door and take your place in line to order.

The menu is posted on the wall and offers hand cut brisket, ham, sausage, chicken or surprisingly good turkey sandwiches for $4 to $5.50; grilled hamburgers $4; barbecue combination plates with all the fixings for $7.89 to $9.95; ribeye fajitas for $9.95; Grilled

trout for $8.95; and last but not least—hand-cut mesquite grilled ribeyes for $16.95 to $27.95.

After ordering, you are free to fill your plate with Joe Allen’s buffet sides. The line consists of red new potatoes, pinto beans, coleslaw, cabbage and potato salad. You may order baked potatoes or French fries al a Carte.

The bread is where I find my joy at Joe Allen’s—warm cornbread with real butter and homemade sourdough loafs take you back to grandma’s.

By the time your moist and flavorful meat comes out, which might take a little while,

you will experience the grub only cowboys dream of.

Top the entire meal off with warm cobbler or bread pudding and you will have tasted some of Abilene’s finest.

As many agree, this is one of the best tastes of Abilene.

The combination of western décor, hearty and flavorful meals and reasonable prices inspires me to put my stamp of approval on Joe Allen’s.

Look for more barbecue favorites in the weeks to come.

Get out there and taste what this town has to offer.

E-mail Swim at: jas02f@acu.edu

David Crowder explores the soul, death n David Crowder Band members research the existence of the soul and the eschatology of bluegrass in their book ‘Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven, But Nobody Wants to Die.’

By MICHELLE JIMENEZ Arts Editor

The words in the title of the book drew me in. Is that not a statement most think of when pondering death and the nearness of it. But why is the thought of death so fearful?

I wanted to know.

Maybe this book could reveal a few mysteries. The words on the yellow cover were inviting. It was almost as if it was softly whispering ‘read me.’ And I did.

To my surprise, this book was more than just about the thought of heaven and the fear of dying; the authors, David Crowder and fellow band member and friend Mike Hogan, attempted to dissect and discover the existence of the human soul and its connection with death and bluegrass music.

Wait. Did I just say ‘bluegrass music?’ Yes, I did.

The authors beThere are unconlieve bluegrass is ventional sections strikingly similar to devoted to instant the view of death messaging between and life and use it as the two authors a parallel. But it’s not meant to discuss just bluegrass music their thoughts on they refer to; it’s the the previous chapeschatology of blueter but sometimes grass. This is where end up in a purging the matter lies. of their feelings.

“There is an eschaOne instant mestology of bluegrass sage, for example, music that holds both was about procrassuffering and hope,” tination: the authors write. “[Procrastina“In the living of life tion] helps assure here on earth, there is us that we’ll still be most assuredly presaround. Maybe we ent a large amount of need to put stuff off joy, but there is also a to help promote the given amount of pain. lie. I should start Bluegrass is a shakusing that. ing, shimmering echo “No. I’m not lazy, of this—our reality.” thank you very And so begins the much. I am simply Photo Courtesy of RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM journey of discover- Cover for Crowder’s book on death, the soul and the making an attempt ing the soul, death, eschatology of bluegrass. Released Sept. 12. at providing myself bluegrass and how assurance that I will it’s all connected. be here tomorrow,” Crowder and Hogan use tual as Wikipedia.com, their Crowder said sarcastically their collective wit to en- main resource of informa- in the book. tice readers to see things tion, allows them to be. from their perspective, all The format of this book is the while remaining as fac- unlike any I have ever read.

Unsigned band to perform n Five Times August, known for having singles on MTV’s ‘Laguna Beach,’ will perform in Abilene for the second time at the Bean Counter on Saturday.

By MICHELLE JIMENEZ Arts Editor

Independent band Five Times August will perform at the Bean Counter on Saturday as part of its 2006 Texas tour.

Abilene is the seventh stop on this eight-stop tour, but this isn’t the first time this unsigned band has played in Abilene.

A year ago, Five Times August became familiar with the Abilene crowd while opening up for former ACU band Stephen Speaks at the Paramount.

Although the venue will be a lot smaller this time around with an expectation of only

100 people at the Bean Counter, Brad Skistimas, singer, songwriter and the only member of Five Times August, said he is looking forward to coming back to Abilene.

Kelly Vandergriff, the artist’s manager, said the response from last year’s performance in Abilene was great, and there have been many requests to do another show here.

The artist’s music was played on MTV’s “Laguna Beach,” along with being the No. 1 unsigned Texas artist and the No. 3 unsigned acoustic artist on Myspace.com.

But Skistimas has no plans to slow down even after this type of success for an independent artist.

“Kelly [Vandergriff] and I aren’t taking it for what it is,” he said. “[We want] to keep progressing.”

Fry Street is Five Times Au-

gust fifth CD and the “most polished,” Skistimas said.

“This CD represents the sound I’m at right now. It’s a little more mature music,” Skistimas said, referring to his previous albums.

Five Time August falls into the pop/acoustic/alternative genre of music with most, if not all, of the lyrical content focusing on relationships. Vandergriff describes it as “good clean music.”

Skistimas said he encourages anyone who isn’t familiar with the music to check out the Web site at www.fivetimesaugust.com where you can listen to Fry Street and his previous albums in full stream.

Saturday’s show at the Bean Counter will start at 8:30 p.m. and cost $7 at the door.

E-mail Jimenez at: mmj04b@acu.edu

There are also sections called columns where the readers find themselves turning the book horizontally just to read the fictional stories of three people with unique, out-of-the-ordinary lives, but they are all connected. There would be times when the story of one would travel into the column of another.

By the time you finish reading Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven, But Nobody Wants to Die, you’ll be left with a sense of comfort, knowing death is not something to be feared, but embraced.

You’ll be left knowing no matter how often history tried to disprove the existence of the human soul, there is no life without it. You’ll also be left with a fondness for bluegrass music, no matter how distasteful you may find it.

E-mail Jimenez at: mmj04b@acu.edu

Best-Selling Books Top five best-selling hardcover fiction novels of the week. Publisher and price in parenthesis. n The Thirteenth Tale, by Diane Setterfield (Atria, $26). n The Book of Fate, by Brad Meltzer (Warner, $25.99). n The Mephisto Club, by Tess Gerritsen (Ballantine, $25.95) . n Rise and Shine, by Anna Quindlen (Random House, $24.95). n Judge & Jury, by James Patterson and Andrew Gross (Little, Brown, $27.99).

Top five best-selling hardcover nonfiction novels of the week.

Publisher and price in parenthesis. n Marley & Me, by John Grogan (Morrow, $21.95). n I Feel Bad About My Neck, by Nora Ephron (Knopf, $19.95). n The Looming Tower, by Lawrence Wright (Knopf, $27.95). n The World Is Flat, by Thomas L. Friedman (Farrar, Straus & Giroux, $27.50). n State of Emergency, by Patrick J. Buchanan (Thomas Dunne/St. Martin’s, $24.95).

Top five best-selling paperback fiction novels of the week. Publisher and price in parenthesis. n Morrigan’s Cross, by Nora Roberts (Jove, $7.99). n The Memory Keeper’s Daughter,

by Kim Edwards (Penguin, $14). n Rainier Drive, by Debbie Macomber (Mira, $7.99) n Camel Club, by David Baldacci (Warner Vision, $7.99). n At First Sight, by Nicholas Sparks (Warner, $13.99).

Information taken from nytimes.com

Page 6

September 29, 2006

Awareness: key to bringing fellow believers together

The issue:

The segregation of culturally different churches still occurs within the Church of Christ.

Our view:

Opening your eyes to the diverse congregations around you is the first step in cultural cohesiveness.

The solution:

Challenge yourself to find out what is going on in churches other than your own, and push yourself to understand their points of view.

The topic of racial unity within the church is an old one.

Since before the civil rights movement to this year’s Lectureship, the church focuses on race relations.

Long discussions have been made about this topic, but for it to still be around there has been little change.

In many denominations, churches split according to culture and race. Within a denomination there may be a white church, black church and Hispanic church.

The main problem does not lie with the distinction of different churches though; the problem comes from one not know-

ing of another’s churches in their deUnity does not come from bringing existence. Churches nomination. Churches everyone into the same church. work independentcan be so isolated that ly from one another members may not be and wonder why a aware of a sister church’s congregation lacks existence. There should cultural balance. ish in an attempt to add culture. be a connection of brotherhood Unity does not come from The response was unenthusias- and community, not a divide of bringing everyone into the tic and unwelcome at best. competition and rivalry. same church. Different churchIn a utopian world, complete Most people are comfortes within denominations ex- cultural unity may be the solu- able with how and where they ist because of other traditions tion, but the first steps need to worship and may not be open and styles of worship. Trying be taken before you get there. to major change. But, a relato bring about unity by putting Complete cultural unity comes tionship with a church with two or three churches together when everyone can feel com- some different culture can be is not the answer for now. There fortable worshipping together. healthy. Guest speakers and anneed to be steps taken first for If we truly call for cultural nouncements of events outside that to ever be possibility. and racial unity in the church, a particular church can help This was tried in Chapel then churches must start by foster the unity everyone talks when songs were sung in Span- communicating with other about but doesn’t see.

The most formative event age. His roar is powerful, of my life happened when distinct, and brings a smile I was about two or three to my face whenever I hear years old.

My Dad was it. baby-sitting And Godzilla, like many me, and for iconic characters, has insome reason spired numerous knockI wouldn’t offs; from long-time giant stop crying. turtle rival Gamera, with He tried his extremely campy movies e v e r y t h i n g and excellent ‘90s movies, to and finally the Korean Yonggary to the resorted to British Gorgo to the Danish Mouth of channel surf- oddity Reptilicus; but few Madness ing to get me match the power and lonto be quiet. gevity of the original.

Cole Suddenly, And I know it’s weird, but Williams he landed on Godzilla is important to me. s o m e t h i n g , Maybe it’s because growand I went silent. I was ing up as a kid picked on at transfixed, captivated by school a lot, I needed a rewhat I was seeing. lease from the average day.

It was a Godzilla movie.

And although I had a And so began a lifelong wonderful family to help love of the Big G. me, there was something You see, most people cathartic about a giant have one thing in this world monster­­­— alone, unique that they absolutely adore. and misunderstood—a lot Some like Star Trek, others like me.

Star Wars and And while others football, the first movie baseball, volleymay be an exHis roar is ball or NASCAR, cellent dramatic powerful, one thing they commentary on distinct and attach themthe horror of brings a smile selves and their nuclear war, and identity to. For the later movies to my face me, that thing is such as Godzilwhenever I a 200 foot-tall rala vs. the Smog hear it. dioactive mutant Monster and the lizard with more newer ones like movies than Star Godzilla, Mothra Trek or James and King GhidoBond. rah: Giant MonYeah, if you’re expecting a sters All-Out Attack may be serious column full of advice action-packed thrill rides, and wisdom, time to be dis- it’s the monster himself appointed: this is a gush. that draws me back.

So why do I love Godzilla?

Geek, nerd, dork, call me It’s so ingrained in me, what you want: I’ve heard it’s almost hard to tell. all of it, and most of it I’m Godzilla is unique among proud of. Loving Godzilla giant monsters (“kaiju” in is no different than putting Japanese); he is not only on pointy ears and dressing the first to step out of the as Mr. Spock or painting Land of The Rising Sun, but yourself purple and going easily the best. His design to a football game. I love is iconic, looking like a mix the King of the Monsters, of dinosaur and dragon, and he will always rule in with cool irregular spikes my heart. on his back and the ability to breathe deadly blue radioactive fire, which is abE-mail Williams at: solutely cool to a kid of any cww02b@acu.edu, optimist@acu.edu

ACU experiences an influx of lemmings Since first learning what lemmings do, I’ve wondered what would makes creature leap en masse to their deaths.

L e m mings jump off cliffs in large numbers because of poor viField’s of sion. They Dreams can’t tell the difference Jared between a Fields riverbank and the sharp edge of a cliff.

With this in mind, I arrived at ACU freshman year and was introduced to the same sort of confusing behavior.

Groups of people would collectively join social clubs for not much more benefit than a few more friends who may not be made otherwise.

I saw the traditional sorority and fraternity behavior from TV and movies: physical

Imitating Christ does not mean paying the amount of money it costs to be in club. exertion, humility, torture and other forms of hazing.

However, social clubs said their main focus is to better learn how to imitate Christ.

When someone says they want to imitate Christ, I respect that. What I don’t respect is a group claiming to imitate Christ going on to violate most hazing rules as described in the Texas Education Code hazing provisions.

A few of those provisions are: any type of physical brutality; any type of physical activity, such as sleep deprivation or calisthenics; any activity involving consumption of a food, liquid … that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student; and any activity that intimidates or threatens the student with ostracism,

that subjects the student to extreme mental stress, shame, or humiliation that adversely affects the mental health or dignity of the student.

I don’t want to speak for Jesus— my words aren’t printed in red— but I don’t see Jesus as the kind of guy who treats others in a way he doesn’t want to be treated.

Imitating Christ does not mean paying the amount of money it costs to be in a club.

The ACU social club handbook estimates the cost to be in a club at $350 to $600 per year and this amount can be higher for those pledging.

Going broke to wear what people tell me to wear is not imitating Jesus.

He was more economical than that.

There is no problem with social clubs if its members truly want to get closer to God

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

Giant, mutant lizard in my heart

Alex York

Lebensgefahr

The church structure does not need remodeling to accommodate these changes, if they are changes at all. What the church does need to do is open up to what is outside the church parking lot. Introducing new beliefs and ideas is not a bad thing. One of the best ways to grow spiritually is to be challenged.

No one is perfect enough to stay the same in their faith.

Challenging that faith by mixing different cultures and ideas is a good way foster the growth of one’s faith.

through their experiences.

There is a problem with clubs who say putting God first is their main purpose when their actions do not show it.

The social clubs on campus have become more about being “social” and less about being like Jesus.

The commonality I see between social clubs and lemmings comes down to vision.

Some people see a group running to a river and making it to the river. They join a club to grow in their spiritual life and succeed.

Others end up going off a cliff. They put up a front saying a river is the goal, but go off anyway.

It’s too bad those running off the cliff represent all lemmings.

E-mail Fields at: jrf02b@acu.eduoptimist@acu.edu

In Your Words

What is the most culturally different worship setting you have been in?

“I went to a Sunday morning service with my wife; we were the only white people not speaking in tongues.”

“In San Felipe Mexico, and it was all in Spanish.”

“This summer when I experienced worship with local Indian believers.”

“Singing quietly behind locked doors with Christians from the Communist country of Laos.”

“Working with innner-city kids in Tulsa on a mission trip. They had many ethnicities.”

Xander Waites

Jeremy Vandlandingham

Cara Williams

Larry Henderson

McKenzie Lewis

Bible graduate student from Rochester, Mich.

junior interdisciplinary major from Abilene

sophomore undeclared major from Denver

Missions Coordinator, Asia

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

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

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

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

Please limit letters to 350 words or fewer. A name and phone number must be included for verification purposes. Phone numbers will not be published.

Address letters to: ACU Box 27892 Abilene, TX 79699 E-mail letters to: optimist@acu.edu

freshman elementary education major from Marble

Editorial and Management Board Mallory Schlabach

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

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Online: www.acuoptimist.com

Friday, September 29, 2006

Page 7

FROM THE FRONT

SA: Congress Follies: Students perform 28 acts discusses budget Continued from page 1

Continued from page 1 demand than others,” Cosgrove said. “If it has higher demand, why shouldn’t we give them more money than the others?”

Along with an increase in funding for the association, several changes from last semester’s budget have taken effect, including an increase in the amount of funding for student travel expenses required in various out-of-town activities.

Cosgrove also said SA’s communication with student organizations has improved from last term because they often have questions about financial policy, and several sitdown meetings have and will take place during the semester to inform the organizations of changes being made to financial policy.

“These meetings will help keep organizations accountable financially,” he said. “It’s really just precautionary, but everyone needs to be held ac-

countable.”

Also discussed in the meeting were the strategic objectives of the fall SA budget. According to the budget packet, student advocacy, leadership development, student involvement, creating a lifestyle of service and financial growth are the financial objectives of the association.

Maher Saab, senior political science major from Abilene and SA president, said he feels blessed to be part of a budget that allows SA to give more to student organizations.

“Since a larger budget has been approved for us, we have a larger opportunity better fund [organizations] to do their thing so they can better serve the community,” Saab said. “It’s more like a chain reaction. We give them more and they, in turn, give more to the community.”

E-mail Holt at: mah02f@acu.edu

Arlington, said the 15 solo acts display a lot of talent.

“This year is cool because there is a lot of original music,” Souder said. “These are songs that freshmen have written.”

In between the acts, Souder said a video will display interviews with freshmen as they follow the “What’s Next?” theme and discuss their futures in and after college.

Although Massey said the unusually busy fall made it difficult to get information about Follies out, Souder said

this year’s chorus is one of the larger ones the production has had.

Participating students have been working hard, Souder said, spending anywhere from five to 15 hours preparing for the show.

The director of the Nelson First act, Emily Barnes, freshman theatre major from Gainesville, Ga., said her hall met four times during the month to plan and practice their act. The theme for Nelson First is Annie and Oliver Twist, Barnes said.

Getting the participants to

cooperate was difficult sometimes, Barnes said, but “it’s been great to see people’s creativity come out.”

Jeremy Spradling, freshman music theatre major from Fort Worth, choreographed the Mabee Second act.

After around 10 hours of practice, Spradling said, “I think that for a guy’s act at least, we’re really prepared.”

Spradling said that although the men on his hall like to “goof off,” they focused and learned the routine.

Two backstage managers and 14 helpers are working

together, Massey said, to make sure the show goes smoothly.

Souder said the audience will not be disappointed by the show.

“I think they’ll get to see a lot of talented people who are just coming to ACU and looking for a place to get plugged in,” he said.

Tickets to Follies can be purchased online at www. freshmanfollies.com, in the Campus Center ticket window or at the door.

E-mail Peace at: knp04a@acu.edu

Legend: Familiar golfer missed, remembered Continued from page 1 Aside from golf, Nelson is known for his caring spirit and gentleness.

“It was his gentle, humble nature that drew so many people to him,” Ferguson said.

Those who knew Byron Nelson remember him as a man who cared about people.

“I first got to know him

when I was a player here at ACU,” head golf coach Mike Campbell said. “We were playing a tournament in Dallas, and he took us out to dinner.

We sat around and he talked to us all.

“When I got the job in 2003, I remember he called me on my cell phone to congratulate me and said he was happy I was going to be the coach.”

Ferguson said he remembers the first time he met Nelson and the presence he had around people.

“He was watching the Ryder Cup from behind the sixth green at Oak Hill in 1995, and even at 83 years old, he had such a presence about him,” Ferguson said. “But for all he meant in the game, he wasn’t intimidating. He made you

feel like you were the most important person at that moment. And that’s the legacy he leaves.”

Wednesday the U.S. Senate approved a bill to posthumously give Nelson the Congressional Gold Medal for what Campbell said has “nothing to do with golfing ability.”

E-mail Fields at: jrf03b@acu.edu

Play Faire: Local park offers fun, unique atmosphere Continued from page 1 When Chris ‘Doc’ England walked into Play Faire Park for the first time 12 years ago, he knew he had to buy the rundown miniature golf course.

“We walked in, there was no music and few people, and I knew we could do something really fun here,” England said about the 59-year-old park and one of Abilene’s longest-running businesses. “But it was in horrible shape.”

As Play Faire approaches the end of its 60th year of business, England says he’s certain it will continue to improve and grow in its purpose—to provide “good, clean fun without the bells and whistles.”

A mother quietly approaches the old-fashioned register to pay for her son’s birthday party.

“I think this should cover it,” she says handing England two $20 bills.

“This is too much money,” he says. “It only cost $30.”

“Keep it; you deserve it,” the mother replies while keeping an eye on her son and his friends, Hula Hooping at the mouth of the park. “We’ll be back again.”

England bought Play Faire Park in 1994 when former owners came to him and asked him to consider the investment. But he didn’t seriously consider leaving his contracting work with his father at first.

“Then it just came to me that this is what I should be doing,” England said. So he bought the park and worked as much as he could on it while he kept his youth pastor position at St. Paul United Methodist Church.

The park has had good times and bad times in its history. During the hot summer months, former owners often hung a sign that read “It’s too

hot. We’re going home,” and, at one point, they turned the park over to their teenage son.

“He did a good job for a teenager,” England said. “But people thought it was closed.

It was really run-down, and we’ve been trying to build it back up ever since.”

England grew up in Abilene, was a lineman for Abilene High School’s football team and eventually attended Adams State College in Alamosa, Colo., where he played football and “fell in love with the mountains.” He lived in Colorado for ten years, earned a degree in recreation and psychology and then returned to Texas.

“I felt like I ran out of challenges there. I moved to the metro-glob in Fort Worth, and I sold wooden stoves,” he said.

“But I’m not a salesman.”

So England took his business elsewhere.

He put his college degree to work and got back into community recreation and outdoor education in Denton.

Soon after his transition from salesman to recreation specialist, England met his future stepdaughter, Jessica, at one of his children’s recreation programs at Denton Parks and Recreation.

“She was a 4-year-old little girl who just lived on my shoulders, and we fell in love,” he said. “Then her mom and I fell in love.”

In 1983, he married Jessica’s mother, Melanie, and turned down several job offers in child recreation so his stepdaughter could grow up in Abilene. England went to work for his father’s contracting business here, thinking he could make some money for his new family.

“I was simply unhappy with that,” he said. “That’s when the church called, and God said, ‘It’s time to go to work.’”

England left his father’s business in 1984 to become the youth director at St. Paul United Methodist Church. After a few years at the church, he left to become the director of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Abilene, but was forced to resign when “it didn’t work out,”

opening, the park has undergone heavy renovations, including lighting, plumbing, new greens and the addition of a neon green, Christmas light-covered stage in the middle of the park, which opened up new musical doors for England and Play Faire.

the inclusion of live music brings in the kids and adults in Abilene who really need nurturing.

“I’ll get an adult coming in here with a stern look on his face,” he says, “and by the time he leaves, he’s got a big smile on his face. I’ll get a gothic kid in here looking all mopy, and by the time he leaves, he’s Hula Hooping and laughing.”

In 1998, Play Faire Park began welcoming local music acts to play at the miniature golf-courseturned-venue, and as time and local music proKATIE GAGER STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER gressed, England began reChris ‘Doc’ England repairing one of the greens at Play Faire Park on Wednesday. The park ceiving phone has 1960s colors and is hidden between the trees in northwest Abilene. calls from bands across he said.

Carlos Macias, ACU alum- the country that wanted to From a rough ride at the nus and member of local band play at the park.

Boys and Girls Clubs, England O’Scarlet, has played several England said he wanted to bought Play Faire and returned shows on the neon stage and provide a place that appeals to to ministry at St. Paul in 1994. is a good friend of England. He “kids of all ages,” and the muIn 2002, England left St. Paul said he likes Play Faire because sic element helped set that in for the last time to “retire” and it truly captures, in a creative motion. focus on the miniature golf way, the essence of Abilene.

Adversity struck in 2002, business, said Lisa Barela, ad“It’s what Abilene needs,” six years after the park opened, ministrative assistant at St. Macias said. “It looks kind of when five Wylie High School Paul United Methodist who ghetto at first, but once you students broke into the park, worked with England there. get in, you realize how much stole money and candy from “Chris England has a warm fun it is.” the clubhouse and burned it personality and is well liked Macias said he likes book- down. England said he was by teenage children,” Barela ing shows at Play Faire be- simply hurt by the event. said. “He relates well to them cause England is “trying to “The damage wasn’t combecause of his free spirit per- make something happen in pletely devastating,” he said. sonality.” the Abilene music scene.”

“But it’s sad that kids would She said the departure was “He always keeps his hope do this to a place that stands good for England because it for the music scene even when for what it does.” allowed him to focus more on people have lost it,” he said.

Joe Mitchell, volunteer at his passion for children and “He’s a hard-working hippie.”

Play Faire Park, walks up to the recreation.

England lights up another clubhouse and hands England In the 12 years since its cigarette and explains that a pack of Sky Dancers ciga-

rettes and the change from the transaction, adjusting the orange cotton visor on his head.

“I’m kind of like Chris in that I don’t think kids need to be sitting around the house playing video games all the time,” Mitchell says. “Play Faire is a great place to bring the whole family and have an enjoyable time.”

Mitchell chats for a bit, walks off, and England explains that the two met when they worked for the Boys and Girls Clubs, and they’ve been friends since.

“Joe is a great guy,” he says.

“He’s had a hard life, and he’s got a good heart.”

England has a heart for children and the down-and-out, evident in his career choice and interactions with individuals like Mitchell.

The Play Faire gang is gearing up for a busy fall with events taking place almost every weekend. Discounts are given to students and children, and England said his park is a “great place for dates.” As renovations continue, he said he knows he will never complete all the elements he wants to add to the park, but he can sure try.

In November, Chris England and Melanie will become grandparents. Jessica, now 29, is pregnant and due in November. England says with a grin that he’s got it good.

No caves, no waterfalls, no five-tiered greens—just 36 simple new greens decked out in aluminum windmills and other mini golf obstacles, and owner England who loves every second of it are what Play Faire Park has to offer. “We give people a place to play,” he says. “People need to get out more and play. It doesn’t matter how old you are.”

E-mail Holt at: mah02f@acu.edu

Friday, September 29, 2006

SportsFriday

Page 8

ScoreBoard Standings FOOTBALL

Team

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

MSU WTAMU ACU TAMU-K ENMU Angelo St. Tarleton

Team

Overall 4-0 4-0 3-0 2-2 1-2 1-2 0-3

VOLLEYBALL Div. 3-0 2-0 2-2 1-2 0-1 0-3

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

Overall 9-7 14-3 5-7 3-12 5-12 3-12

Scores brian schmidt CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Fullback Chris Conklin runs for a touchdown after receiving a screen pass from quarterback Billy Malone during the Wildcats’ 31-0 blowout against Southwestern Oklahoma State on Sept. 23.

Monday VOLLEYBALL ACU 3, St. Edward’s 1

Upcoming Saturday FOOTBALL ACU at Eastern New Mexico, Portales, N.M., 9 p.m.

VOLLEYBALL ACU at West Texas A&M, Canyon, 2 p.m.

CROSS COUNTRY ACU at OSU Cowboy Jamboree, Stillwater, Okla.

Monday

GOLF

ACU at Grand Canyon University Fall Classic, Phoenix, Ariz.

Tuesday ACU at Grand Canyon University Fall Classic, Phoenix, Ariz.

n Home games listed in Italics

Run defense key against ENMU n The 3-0 nationally ranked ACU football team will face the triple option running scheme of Eastern New Mexico University on the road Saturday.

By DANIEL JOHNSON Sports Editor

The ACU football team is nationally ranked for the first time since 1997 and head coach Chris Thomsen is focused on one thing: the next opponent on the schedule.

“I’m glad our players and assistant coaches have been recognized for their hard work early in the season,” Thomsen said. “But I don’t put a lot of stock in early national rankings. I’ll relax when our team is ranked at the end of the season.”

ACU will put its newly ac-

Football quired national ranking and undefeated record on the line Saturday in the Lone Star Conference South Division opener against University of Eastern New Mexico in Blackwater, N.M. The team received rankings in four Division II polls after its 31-0 blowout against the Southwestern Oklahoma State on Sept. 30. The highest of ACU’s four rankings is No. 17 by www.collegesportsreport.com and the lowest is No. 25 by the American Association of Football Coaches.

The Wildcats have not been ranked since they were 5-1 on Oct. 13, 1997, after defeating Midwestern State 34-14.

One major contributor to the recent success and long

n The ACU men’s and women’s cross country team will run against top Division I teams Saturday, including nationally ranked University of Arkansas.

Upcoming

By BRIAN HOLLAND Sports Writer

n The intramural schedule seen on the Optimist Sports Page is not final and is subject to change. Any last-minute changes made can be viewed on the intramural bulletin board in Moody Coliseum.

Monday MEN’S REC FLAG FOOTBALL Agboys vs. Outdoor Club, 7 p.m., Field 2 GSP- B. Grant vs. Frats-Q. Carter, 8 p.m., Field 1

WOMEN’S CHAMP FLAG FOOTBALL EOX vs. Siggies, 9 p.m., Field 1

brian schmidt CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Olha Kryv’yak runs during the Jon Murray Invitational on Sept. 15.

The men’s and women’s cross country teams are ranked first in the Division II South Central Region, but that standing holds little weight this weekend in Oklahoma State University’s Cowboy Jamboree in Stillwater, Okla.

“I’m very anxious to see how we do this weekend,” head coach Derek Hood said. “I think it would be a big shot of confidence for our team if we were to do well.”

The majority of competition in this weekend’s contest will include Division I schools from the Big 12 Conference and No. 2 University of Arkansas.

linebacker Cody Stutts headlines that defense with 23 tackles.

Stutts’ fellow running back and former first team all-LSC player Marcus Brown is close behind with 21 tackles of his own and Defensive end Travis Carpenter leads the team in sacks with six for a loss of 33 yards.

“Our defense has been focusing on three basics, assignment, technique and effort,” Stutts said. “If we all know those three things, it’s hard to stop a defense.”

ACU’s biggest chance to score points will be in the air against the league’s worst passing defense. Eastern New Mexico allowed an average of 232 yards-per-game and is ranked last in the LSC against the pass.

ACU quarterback Billy Malone

is third in the league with an average of 244 yards per game and six touchdowns.

The Greyhounds beat the Wildcats in their last two meetings, including last year’s 3330 come-from-behind victory.

The Wildcats lost at home in 2005 and lead the overall series of games against Eastern New Mexico 16-11.

The Wildcats will be 4-0 with a win Saturday, after defeating three of the six teams in the LSC North Division. The away game is one of two the Wildcats play before Homecoming against Angelo State on Oct. 14. ACU is 1-0 on the road after blowing out the former nationally ranked Southeastern Oklahoma State 51-14 on Sept. 16.

E-mail Johnson at: djj04a@acu.edu

Cross Country Last year the men finished second behind Arkansas, and the women finished sixth as host Oklahoma State University took the title.

The men travel to Oklahoma with a fifth overall national ranking in Division II and twotime national champion Nicodemus Naimadu. Although Naimadu took fifth in the competition last year, Hood said he prepared to do better this season.

“I expect a better performance from him this year.

The conditions last year were wet and muddy and he wasn’t to fired up about competing.”

Hood said. “With him being in better shape and if there is good weather, that is a recipe for success.”

Last year, the women finished in the top 10 in the Cowboy Jamboree with a sixth place finish, but will be short

handed this time around after losing two runners.

Denise Morgan, senior from Jamaica, returned home to attend her grandfather’s funeral and Rachel Hood, wife of head track coach Don Hood, is out with an injury to her hip and leg. The women will run against Oklahoma State University, who is ranked fourth in the nation, Kansas State University, University of Houston and Texas Christian University.

ACU will test its runners against the best Division I has to offer Saturday, and Hood has realistic expectations for his Division II team.

“It would be a huge boost for our program if we do well at Oklahoma State,” Hood said.

“If we could close the gap on Arkansas and the rest of the DI teams it would be a boost to our progress this season.”

E-mail Holland at: beh03e@acu.edu

brian schmidt CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Nicodemus Naimadu runs during the Jon Murray Invitational on Sept. 15.

Women continue D-I competition

Second Wind vs. Bandits, 9 p.m., Field 2

n The ACU women’s tennis team will continue to test its talent against Division I competition at the Red Raider Fall Invitational in Lubbock on Friday and Saturday.

Kojies vs. Alpha Kai, 10 p.m., Field 1

MEN’S CHAMP FLAG FOOTBALL Scallywags vs. Banana Splits, 10 p.m., Field 2

By MICHAEL FREEMAN

Tuesday

Online Editor

WOMEN’S CHAMP FLAG FOOTBALL Delta Theta vs. Asian Invasion, 9 p.m., Field 2 The Justice League vs. Siggies, 6 p.m., Field 1

MEN’S CHAMP FLAG FOOTBALL G-1 vs. You Know Who, 10 p.m., Field 1

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

absent national respect is the Wildcats’ consistent defensive production in their first three wins. But that defense faces a new challenge in New Mexico, an old-fashioned option-running offense.

The Eastern New Mexico Greyhounds are the only team in the Lone Star Conference using a triple option as it’s main weapon and quarterback Michael Benton is the key. Benton leads the LSC with 488 yards, five touchdowns and a rushing average of 162.7 yards on 69 carries. All five of Benton’s touchdowns are on the ground, and he has yet to throw a touchdown pass.

ACU’s defense against the run is among the best in the nation and leads the LSC, after only allowing 72.7 yards-pergame in three games. Middle

Division I’s best awaits Wildcats in Oklahoma

Intramural Round-up

GSP- B. Lazcano vs. Off in the woods, 8 p.m., Field 2

brian schmidt CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Free safety Landon Kinchen yanks back Southwestern Oklahoma wide receiver Derek Wall during the teams victory against Sept 23.

brian schmidt CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Irene Squillaci digs for a ball during the ITA Central Regional Tournament on Sept. 16.

After playing in the highly competitive Intercollegiate Tennis Association Central Region Individual Tournament, the Wildcats look forward to a fall invitational contest Friday. The women will head to Lubbock to play in the Scarborough Specialties Open, hosted by Texas Tech University.

The women will face tough Division I players from schools like Texas Tech University, Air Force, University of North Texas, Texas State University,

Tennis New Mexico State University and University of Texas-San Antonio.

Despite the stiff competition, head coach Hutton Jones said he is confident the weekend will go very well.

“We’ll hold our own. And I think we’ll make another notch towards improving,” he said.

Coach Jones said he expects the results of the tournament will be similar to results at the Baylor Invitational.

Sept. 16, the ACU women battled with Division I teams in Waco. No Wildcat won a flight of play, but there were some highlights.

Sophomore Aina Rafolomanantsiatosika made it to the semifinals of the second

flight of singles. And in the first singles flight consolation draw, sophomore Irene Squillaci defeated Andrea Martinez of Lamar University, who was named the Southland Conference Player of the Year in 2005.

The Wildcats have had glimpses of victory but have ultimately come up short.

While the women were in Waco two weeks ago, the ACU men were competing in the New Mexico State Invitational.

There, sophomore Ryan Hudson soared to the finals of the main singles draw before losing 6-4, 6-3 to Roman Stoisavljevic of New Mexico State.

Last weekend, sophomore Juan Nunez advanced to the See

TENNIS page 3