The Vol. 95, No. 17
IN THIS ISSUE CAMPUS Wild wild west
The Honors Students’ Association will sponsor a masquerade themed “Cowboys and Indians” on Friday, page 3
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1 sections, 8 pages
n Dr. Royce Money, president of the university, announced the university’s vision for its next 100 years at an all-university meeting Tuesday afternoon. Managing Editor
ACU’s station, KACU, is conducting its biannual drive where listeners pledge money, page 3
FEATURE
Christian collections
How does Christian merchandise benefit the community besides through business profits? page 5
ONLINE
WEDNESDAY
October 25, 2006
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www.acuoptimist.com
ACU refines second century vision By JARED FIELDS
Radio drive
OPTIMIST
Dr. Royce Money, president of the university, announced the 21st Century Vision on Tuesday and began by talking
about the undefeated football team and a flywheel, comparing their momentums to that of the university’s going into the next decade. “I would suggest to you all that ACU has been building up for a century accumulating momentum,” Dr. Money said. “The 21st Century Vision is designed to tell us which way to ‘push’ for the next decade.” Money said the vision will
include three parts: to produce leaders who think critically, globally and missionally; to build distinctive and innovative programs; and to expand ACU’s educational reach nationally and internationally. Money said he wants the university to become a significant voice in the broader Christian community and in higher education circles, in particular niches to become
a leading Christian university taking faith-based, quality education to the world and to be known as an innovative leader in higher education throughout the world. Where student outcomes are concerned, the vision focuses on the broadening of a student’s knowledge and experience. It states the outcomes will be to have a broad, See
Our vision ACU will: n Produce leaders who think critically, globally and missionally n Build distinctive and innovative programs n Expand ACU’s educational reach nationally and internationally
VISION page 4
Walking the line
College begins search for new dean n The dean of the College of Arts and Sciences announced her retirement in August and prompted the search for a new dean by next year. By JEREMY POND Student Reporter
Football fan ride
Students filled up four charter buses for the football game against West Texas A&M, view it at www.acuoptimist.com
The Provost’s Office is creating a committee of faculty and administration to search for a new dean for the College of Arts and Sciences. The move comes after current dean, Dr. Colleen Durrington, announced her decision to retire in late August. The committee will be made up of seven faculty members from the college. For the nomination process, the college was divided up in four sections: behavioral and See
DEAN page 4
Online face lift
The ‘Optimist’ Web site will change its look Wednesday, view it at www.acuoptimist.com
SPORTS
Continuing the streak
The Wildcats have the chance to go 8-0 on Saturday against Tarleton State after their win against West Texas A&M on Thursday, page 8
WEATHER DAILY FORECAST WEDNESDAY A.M Showers
HIGH 79
LOW 60
Students choose spring break locations n Sign-ups began Tuesday for Spring Break Campaigns. More than 30 locations are offered this year as the program celebrates its 30th anniversary. By EMILY SMITH Student Reporter
Most of the Spring Break Campaign groups at the university have a specific destination and purpose chosen before they leave. Justin Webb, senior history major from Coppell, led a spring break campaign in 2005 called “Seek and Follow.” The campaign had no itinerary. Instead, the campaigners chose a direction and went in it. ““Seek and Follow” was about listening to God for direction in both the physical and spiritual sense,” Webb said. “Seek and Follow” is one See
SBC page 4
Department of Journalism and Mass Communication
brian schmidt CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
Chris Hluchan, freshman computer science major from Grapevine, balances on a rock climbing strap that he tied between two trees between the Campus Center and Beauchamp Amphitheater on Wednesday.
Six earn Sing Song hosting duties n Six juniors and seniors were kidnapped early Thursday morning and told they were the hosts and hostesses for the 2007 Sing Song on Feb. 16 and 17. By MALLORY SCHLABACH Editor in Chief
Luke Baty was still groggy when he was kidnapped early Thursday morning and told he was a Sing Song host. But he was still excited. Baty, junior music major from Orchard Park, N.Y., said he was happy about being chosen once he woke up and realized who surrounded him. Baty was one of about to 45 people who auditioned
for the position of Sing Song host or hostesses on Sept. 17. Six were chosen for the parts, said Kendall Massey, director of student productions and a judge at the auditions. He said each person was given three minutes to perform a solo either with accompaniment or with a track. The next day most people were called back for a second audition. Massey said each person went through interviews with the judges and had to sight sing in groups to hear how groups blended. The groups were then tested for how individuals could move on stage and if they
had stage presence. Randy Royse, junior music major from Bedford, said she sang “Can’t Help Lovin’ Him” from the musical Showboat, and “Captivate Us” by Watermark. She said she was surprised and honored that she was selected because she is only a junior. “I started screaming and jumping up and down when they came,” Royse said. Both Royse and Baty decided to try out because they love to sing. “I just love to sing and perform,” he said. “It’s what I grew up doing so I wasn’t too nervous, just at the end waiting to hear results. I’m
Abilene Christian University
glad I can share my gift with others during Sing Song.” In the end, the six that were chosen were Baty, Royse; Jeremiah Gibson, senior youth and family ministry major from Garland; Evan Black, senior integrated marketing and communication major from Denison; Shalesia Rhodes, junior music education major from Longview; and Shaylee Busch, senior interior design major from Cedar Park. Now that hosts and hostesses have been chosen, Massey is focusing on helping them pick their songs See
HOSTS page 4
Serving the ACU community since 1912
Chapel Checkup Credited Chapels to date:
Wednesday, March 29, 2006 Wednesday, October 25, 2006
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Calendar & Events Wednesday
11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Peer Leader Training For more information, contact Tracy Shilcutt at tracy.shilcutt@acu.edu.
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Thursday
8 to 10 p.m. Freshman Social Thursday freshmen are invited to gather at The Skate Place. Tickets can be purchased in the Campus Center for $15, which covers the expenses for the evening.
Announcements 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 the Onstead-Packer Biblical Studies Building 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 Enterprise (SIFE) meet Wednesdays at 5 p.m. in COBA Room 315 for those who are interested in sharpening business skills, entrepreneurial and leadership skills and want to be of service to the community. The FilmFest Lab is now open. It is located in the Mabee Library Auditorium, which is by the old entrance to Brown Library. Hours are Monday to Friday, 5 p.m. to midnight; and Saturday, noon to midnight. Hours will 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. Habitat for Humanity will bring an ice skating rink to Abilene for the holidays. 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 organizers. The ice skating rink will be open from Nov. 17 to Jan. 13. For more information, contact Karen Mendoza at 201-0250. Girl Scout Troop #1550 needs young women who want to make a difference in young girls’ lives through Girl Scouting. The girls are from underprivileged homes, and they need positive Christian influences in their lives. Meetings are every Thursday from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. This program will end in May. For more information, please contact Diltzie Andrews at 673-6379.
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Friday
4 to 7 p.m., 8:30 p.m. to midnight Spirits Haunted Island Frater Sodalis presents a haunted tour at Fort Phantom Lake.
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Saturday
4 to 7 p.m., 8:30 p.m. to midnight Spirits Haunted Island
Honors Students’ Association Masquerade will take place at Joe Allen’s. Cover charge is $10.
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.
ACU Police Tip of the Week
Volunteer Opportunities AWAKE 3:18, an organization supporting AIDS awareness, has its first meeting on Monday at 8 p.m. in Barret Residence Hall. The Salvation Army needs volunteers to interview clients for Christmas assistance, verify proper documentation and determine qualification. Until Nov. 10, volunteers are needed Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The Salvation Army is located at 1226 Butternut St. For more information, contact Cecilia Barahona at 677-1408. Lee Elementary needs volunteers to play Scrabble with third, fourth and fifth graders every Thursday from 3:15 to 4 p.m. in the cafeteria. For more information, contact Jennifer Clapp or Andy Blessing at 671-4895. Junior League of Abilene Christmas Carousel needs volunteers to help with the Christmas Carousel Style Show. The main task will be entertaining children models and helping them get dressed. The show is Nov. 3, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Abilene Civic Center. For more information, contact Holly Cowan at 823-3791.
Credited Chapels remaining:
40 30
Abilene Habitat for Humanity needs volunteers for their annual Mall-o-ween. Volunteers will be manning doors and small game booths. There will be some set-up and clean-up, but it is incorporated into the time frame. Tuesday, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the Mall of Abilene Customer Service Desk. For more information, contact Shannon Wake at 670-0489. FilmFest needs volunteers to help with the editing lab, located in the Mabee Library Auditorium. The volunteer does not have to have experience with film editing. The lab is open Monday to Friday from 5 p.m. to midnight and on Saturday from noon to midnight. FilmFest also needs someone to help with the budget to keep track of funds and donations. The premiere for FilmFest is Nov. 3, and ushers are needed as well as people to run the ticket booth. For more information e-mail filmfest@acu.edu. G. V. Daniels Recreation Center will have its annual Fall Festival on Tuesday from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. and volunteers are needed to help run the booths, give out candy and clean up afterward. If you can help, contact the Volunteer Center in the Bean Sprout. Wesley Court needs volunteers to work in their gift shop and assist with inventory. Volunteers are needed Nov. 1, Monday through Friday, anytime from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Two hour shifts would be very helpful. For more information, contact Susan Conwell at 437-1184. Ortiz Elementary needs volunteers for their Fall Festival. Volunteers would work the booths and give prizes to the children. For more information, contact Angela Rodriquez at 673-8794. Volunteers are needed to work on the Habitat for Humanity House that was started during Lectureship. The days volunteers are needed are Nov. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 and Dec. 1, 2, 8, and 9. For more information, contact Missy Jones at 281-796-6692.
Help ACUPD be able to track and recover stolen property, always keep a record of serial numbers, brand name and descriptions of valuable property such as cameras, computers and other valuables.
Police Log Edited for space
Monday 10/16/2006 03:30 am Contacted several subjects inside Library Computer Lab, identified/released. 07:15 am Monitored barricades at Teague Lot 15:20 pm Booted vehicle in Big Purple Lot, multiple citations/unable to identify 16:00 pm Follow up on case #06183 16:25 pm Vehicle hit and run accident in Bible Lot, case #06-188 17:00 pm Unlocked vehicle in Moody Lot 22:40 pm Fire alarm at McKenzie Hall, false alarm 23:00 pm Briefing at the Station 23:16 pm Random patrol at 600 EN 19th
Tuesday 10/17/2006 04:20 am Parking violation off campus 14:50 pm Fingerprinted student at the Station 16:00 pm Medical emergency at Administration Building, case #06189 18:10 pm Medical emergency at Intramural Field, case #06-190 19:40 pm Jumpstart vehicle at Mabee/Edwards Lot 19:41 pm Removed boot from vehicle at Big Purple Lot 22::01 pm Locked Gibson 22:45 pm Briefing at the Station Wednesday 10/18/2006 07:30 am Radar certification at the Station 15:10 pm Theft report at Edwards Hall, case #06-191 16:30 pm Unlocked vehicle at 700 EN 13th 18:25 pm Incomplete 911 at Lunsford Trail near McDonald Hall, no one near the phone 18:40 pm Assisted motorist with flat tire at WPAC Lot 19:55 pm Unlocked vehicle at
Teague Lot 23:40 pm Report of noise violation at 2000 Lincoln, contacted subjects, no violation Thursday 10/19/2006 00:36 am Traffic stop at Will Hair Park on Ambler, reference to park curfew 01:01 am Fire alarm at Mabee Hall, set off by steam in showers 03:55 am Assisted Abilene PD with disturbance at 800 EN 12th 22:50 pm Checked student guns in for safekeeping at the Station 23:45 pm Loud music at University Park Apartments building 6 Friday 10/20/2006 00:18 am Burglary of motor vehicle at Sikes Lot case #06-194 06:15 am Medical emergency at Gardner Hall 06:34 am Briefing at the Station 10:07 am Traffic stop at EN 18th & Campus Court for disregarding stop sign 10:17 am Marital Disturbance, 1200 Washington, advised. 23:30 pm Loud music disturbance at University Park Apartments building 6 Saturday 10/21/2006 08:00 am Gave directions to visitor 20:06 pm Assisted Abilene PD with noise violation at EN 16th & Cedar Crest 22:00 pm Assisted Abilene PD with identifying wanted subject Sunday 10/22/2006 00:20 am Escort of student to 1200 Washington from WPAC 00:45 am Traffic stop at Will Hair Park, subjects violating park curfew 18:30 pm Assisted motorist at 1800 N. Judge Ely 22:50 pm Checked in students’ guns for safekeeping at the Station
CAMPUS NEWS
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Page 3
Fall pledging season end n Campus Life has returned to normal now that the four week pledging period is officially over. Former pledges said they are able to focus more on schoolwork. By RACHEL DAVIS Student Reporter
The seats on the floor of Moody Coliseum were strikingly void of yellow skirts and green polo shirts during Chapel on Monday. Random spots of blue dress shirts or brown skirts and the group of men wearing suits were gone, reminding students that campus life returned to normal. When Dr. Wayne Barnard, dean of spiritual formation, announced Monday in Chapel that pledging was finished, a resounding cheer rang out in the coliseum. Shelley Paxton, junior physical therapy major from Dimmitt who pledged Alpha
Kai Omega, said, “I’m glad pledging is over because now I have time to sleep.” “Pledging was stressful on my grades,” said Emerald Cardenas, sophomore marketing and finance major from Abilene. “We had to work out a lot for Delta Theta, but when we finished and got in, it was worth it.” Pledging this year lasted a little more than four weeks and ended just before fall break, which gave students a long weekend to relax and recuperate from the pledging period. “Pledging was stressful but I learned a lot more about myself by going through it,” Paxton said. “I really enjoyed meeting new people, making new friends and all of the new experiences. I really like feeling more involved with things going on at ACU.”
Greg Herrington, sophomore mathematics major from Abilene, said he pledged Frater Sodalis because he went to some of the rushes, and he liked what they stood for. “I really enjoyed getting to know people, hearing their stories and to know where they came from,” Herrington said. Paxton chose Alpha Kai Omega because she felt like she could be herself. “They all seemed like down-to-earth girls who could act crazy and goofy and also loved God,” Paxton said. Now that pledging is over, pledges can get back to their schoolwork and their social lives. “Now I have time to pass my classes,” Paxton said. E-mail Davis at: optimist@acu.edu
Cowboys, Indians to attend Ball n The theme for this year’s Honors Students’ Association Masquerade is Cowboys and Indians. All are welcomed to attend dressed in their finest Western attire. By SARA POTTER Student Reporter
Forget a black tie affair, this year’s annual Honors Masquerade, a social event put on by the Honors Students’ Association of ACU, will feature a cow-chip tossing event. Every year the Honors Program puts on a masquerade, but with this year’s theme being Cowboys and Indians, instead of dressing up in their best for the event, students and faculty will gear up for a rip-roaring rampage of Western recreation. “I think the differences can be summarized through
saying that at last year’s masquerade, we wore formal attire,” said Katie Lindsey, sophomore business management major from Missouri city and president of the Honors Students’ Association. The masquerade will begin Friday at 7 p.m. at Joe Allen’s. Tickets are $10 and will be sold Monday through Friday after Chapel in the ticket windows. The event will be catered by Joe Allen’s, and the cost includes all expenses. Last year, the event took place at the Abilene Women’s Club, where formally dressed students were greeted with masks to embellish and wear throughout the night while vying to win the decorating contest. Students this year, however, will dress in their
Western best, head out to Joe Allen’s BBQ at Lytle Bend Ranch and compete in a series of fun competitions to win door prizes. Door prizes and friendly competition should attract students and faculty, but last year’s event attracted only 50 students. This year, 100 is the goal, Lindsey said. “It’s not just open to honor students. We encourage everyone to come. Masquerade is a totally open event. Even non-ACU students are welcome. We’re hoping to have something for everyone, whether its a cow-chip toss, a teepee building contest, mad libs, or just enjoying incredible barbecue with friends,” Lindsey said.
E-mail Potter at: optimist@acu.edu
EMILY SMITH STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Dr. Cheryl Bacon, chair of the Journalism and Mass Communication Department, serves as a guest co-host for KACU with Lynda Gilreath of Abilene Interior Design Tuesday.
KACU celebrates 20th year n KACU’s pledge drive asks listeners to help fund its public radio programming for the 20th anniversary. The drive ends Wednesday. By SHELBI WATTEN Student Reporter
For KACU’s 20th birthday, the radio station is asking for one simple gift: a pledge. Thursday marked the first day of KACU’s semiannual pledge drive, which ends Wednesday. The pledge drive requests funds from listeners to provide one-fourth of the funding it takes to provide public radio programming. It bases its overall goal on the amount of pledges received before the pledge drive starts as well as “matching funds,” which are pledges from those who donate a certain amount and use it to match funds during the drive. Terri Peterson, KACU’s membership director, is in charge of the pledge drive. She said she listens to KACU because “you get a much more extensive perspective on the new, plus there’s no
other place in Abilene that you can get classical jazz and world music.” Peterson said one reason she supports KACU is because it has its own programs that listeners can’t get anywhere else on the radio. Her favorite KACU program is Speaking of Faith. “It’s a broader perspective of how religion affects our lives in everyday. It’s not just a preaching program that is targeting to a certain group of people,” Peterson said. “It’s about all kinds of religions and about all kinds of way of thinking about how it affects our lives.” KACU is a non-profit public radio station and also provides opportunities for journalism students to obtain experience on-air before graduating. The KACU radio station resides in the lower level of Sherrod Don Morris, ACU’s Journalism and Mass Communication department building. ACU students are helping answer phones and take pledges during the drive.
Jeremy Pond, senior broadcast journalism major from Wichita Falls, works on-air at KACU. He has been working at KACU since his freshman year and said he does not know of many other schools that allow students to work on their radio stations before they have entered graduate school. “I want to work for [National Public Radio],” Pond said. “Down the road, that is my dream job. As far as the training for that, I could not be anywhere better. This is the place for me. I am getting experience that I really don’t think I could get anywhere else.” KACU is also promoting a nine-day trip to the Greek Isles to raise money. The trip is open to anyone and will take place June 1 through 9. Those interested in attending the trip or making a pledge to the KACU drive can call 674KACU or look online at www.kacu.org.
E-mail Watten at: optimist@acu.edu
FROM THE FRONT/CAMPUS NEWS
Page 4
Vision: Money reveals century plans Continued from page 1
deep foundation in liberal arts and sciences; be exceptionally competent in their disciplines; learn to work well in teams, handle rapid change, think critically, live missionally; and to think globally. After laying out ACU’s new vision, Money said the next steps will involve conversations, both
formal and informal, and reviewing five-year plans of departments and operational areas. “For now, we’ll use the 21st Century road map to help us push in the same direction,” Money said. Money closed by talking about the university’s current status, saying he thinks ACU has the strongest faculty, students, reputation, alumni and financial position the
school has ever had. “What we’re trying to do in the vision is to say ‘here’s the skeleton’ and we put the flesh on as we’re able to do that together,” Money said. “I think what it implies is that we will have not just an increased nationally reputation, but that it will be genuine.” Measuring the outcomes will be difficult, but Money said measure-
ments should be made of things that are measurable. “But in terms of outcomes [what matters is] are we who we say we are and are we producing what we say we are producing,” Money said.
and determine their style. “Auditions went really great this year,” he said. “The styles of voices cho-
sen are all very different. Some have an older style, which sounds like the 50s or 60s, while some are still exploring their style and figuring out what suits
their voices.” Massey’s next step is finding people for the production staff. He said students interested can sign up on the door of Room
of the 33 Spring Break Campaigns students can participate in this spring. Back for a 30th year, Spring Break Campaigns will send more than 500 students to 33 locations across the country and around the world. Byron Martin, sophomore psychology major from Mesquite, is a leader
for the Essence of Ebony campaign that is going to Oklahoma City. Martin said he is already spreading the word about his campaign. “I’m trying to put a bug in people’s ears,” he said. The Oklahoma City campaign will renovate two houses inside and out. “It calls you,” Martin said, “and you can’t wait to go.”
The Oklahoma campaign has 20 spots available. Spring Break Campaigns runs a lottery so students will have an equal chance at getting into a campaign. Lottery tickets will be available Monday through Nov. 2 in the Campus Center ticket windows. Information about all 33 campaigns will be dis-
E-mail Smith at: optimist@acu.edu
133 in McKenzie; interviews will begin Wednesday and Thursday.
E-mail Schlabach at: mes02e@acu.edu
played in the Campus Center on Tuesday from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and students will be able to chat with leaders. Spring Break Campaign sign-ups will be from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Nov. 2. Spring break is March 10 through 17.
E-mail Smith at: optimist@acu.edu
Dean: Committee to be announced Nov. 1. Continued from page 1
social sciences, languages and communication, visual and performing arts, and sciences and mathematics. Faculty members were asked to nominate themselves or others to serve on the committee. Six names were submitted for all sections except for sciences and mathematics, which received ten. After nominations were received, all faculty members were asked to rank the nominees in their corresponding sections from first choice to last choice. All rankings were received by the end of the day Monday. If the process proceeds
as it has in the past, the top-ranked person from each of the sections will be appointed to the committee. Provost Dr. Dwayne VanRheenen and president Dr. Royce Money will then sift through the remaining names and appoint three more members. The appointment of a dean from another college will round out the committee at eight members. The college is scheduled to announce the final makeup of the committee Nov. 1. Once the committee is set, it will advertise the open position and nominations and applications will be accepted from faculty members on cam-
pus and from across the nation. The committee will then narrow the list and begin interviews. When the interviews are complete, the search committee will again review the material and make a recommendation the president and the provost, who then have the option to accept the recommendation, reject it or postpone the decision. Money said the committee would be searching for the absolute best person for the job. “The new dean will need to be someone who is widely respected as an academic as well as having a broad understanding of the many depart-
n State Rep. Bob Hunter and his wife Shirley Hunter will be honored for their legacy and fundraising for ACU at a tribute dinner in Dallas on Thursday. Student Reporter
SBC: Students enter lottery for campaigns Continued from page 1
Dinner to honor university legend By SHELBY COATS
Hosts: Massey to begin working with hosts Continued from page 1
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
ments in the college,” he said. Durrington said she first considered retiring three years ago. “I decided the time wasn’t right then,” she said. “Now I’m at the age where it’s time for me to do some new things and for someone with new, fresh ideas to come in and lead the college.” Durrington has continued working as the dean since her announcement and is planning to step down after this academic year. She expects the changeover to take place around July 1.
E-mail Pond at: optimist@acu.edu
Between 800 and 900 guests will dig deep in their hearts and pockets to celebrate a Lone Star legacy and raise money for a new ACU Welcome Center in his honor. State Rep. Bob Hunter, a lifelong contributor to ACU and higher education, and his wife Shirley Hunter will be honored at “Deep in Our Hearts: A Lone Star Tribute to Bob Hunter,” at 7 p.m. Thursday at Crystal Ballroom of the InterContinental Hotel in Dallas. The tribute dinner also acts as fundraiser for the $14 million Bob and Shirley Hunter Welcome Center set to be completed in 2008. All proceeds and donations from the dinner will go to the Welcome Center. With a little more than $8 million dollars raised for the project, the dinner will help the ACU community reach its $14 million goal, said Brent Magner, director of development. Grammy Award-winning singer Amy Grant and Texas Governor Rick Perry are some of many guest coming to pay tribute to the Hunters. The event will be co-chaired by Gov. Rick Perry, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives Tom Craddick. Sam Cook, professor of music, will also sing an A Cappella rendition of the Lord’s Prayer. “I am very grateful for all the work Dr. Money, Dr. John Tyson and all the work the Development Department has done to bring people in from all over the country,” said Dr. Bob Hunter, state Representative and senior vice president emeritus of ACU. “I’m just delighted to be a benefit to ACU.” Hunter has served at ACU and other private colleges and universities, the city of Abilene,
and the state of Texas in many ways. Hunter is best known for his passage of the Texas Tuition Equalization Grant program, which has given more that $1 billion to students wishing to attend private colleges and universities in Texas. “This dinner is very well deserved,” said Sherri Statler, Hunter’s political director and associate. “It’s deserved and a tremendous honor.” Many times a representative is not always singled out. The fact that his supporters come from all over is an honor, Statler said. The “Deep in Our Hearts” tribute dinner is the second big event planned by the Development office to honor Hunter and raise funds for the Welcome Center. The first even took place in Abilene in August, said Lynne Bruton, director of public relations. After completing the Abilene event, plans begin on a bigger program to take place in a more central location—the tribute dinner in Dallas. “This event is a full house,” said Barbara Hejl, director of stewardship programs. “To add anymore to the guest list would call for more tables. We’re basically full at this point.” Planners of the event expect politicians, family members, ACU community members and other guest to literally come from all over the country to give greetings and tributes to Dr. Bob Hunter and his wife. “I’m very excited,” Hejl said. “This is one of the biggest events I’ve been involved with in my 16 years at ACU.” For more information about the tribute dinner or the Bob and Shirley Hunter Welcome Center look to the ACU Web site. Ticket information about the event can be found at www.acu.edu/ bob or by contacting 325-674-2824.
E-mail Coats at: optimist@acu.edu
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Evangelism: In stores now Jesus Sells!
The child runs down the aisle and falls to the floor clutching a smiling, stuffed cucumber in a purple hat. “But Mom, I don’t have a Larry Boy toy yet, I need a Larry Boy toy!” he wails. A similar tantrum could be played out almost any day on any toy aisle, but this fit is different and not just because of the cucumber he’s holding. Despite the seeming familiarity of some of the products, everything in this store is different and Christian. Surrounding are rows of books, music, clothing and Bibles. The salespeople are courteous. They give change back with a smile and say, “God bless you” or “Have a blessed day.” And they sell stuffed vegetables posing as spiritual heroes. The Christian bookstore is similar to a scaled down model of the mall or WalMart. Inside are toys, books, CD’s, movies, jewelry, interior design items and clothing. At first glance, it seems the only thing that makes this store different is its odd variety. But these bookstores have a faithful following from their devout customers.
“There are a lot of Christian writers that think the mainstreaming of Christianity weakens it some. Can you cheapen it with too much cutesy stuff? I don’t know – I don’t have that answer.” Patty Snodgrass, sales associate for the Bible Bookstore
Set Apart According to Patty Snodgrass, sales associate for the Bible Bookstore, of the 12 places in Abilene to buy Christian products, not all are Christian bookstores. Both WalMart and Target sell Christian music and religious books. Snodgrass said the larger, secular retail stores sell Christian merchandise because of the demand. Annual sales for Christian retail total more than $4 billion, according to Forbes.com. “There’s money to be made in it. If it wasn’t a bigger market they wouldn’t be using the shelf space for it,” Snodgrass said. What sets Christian bookstores apart is the depth and variety of selection. “In our area, people are comfortable with surrounding their whole lives with what’s important to them,” Snodgrass said. “They are happy to have clothing, decorations, things like that to enhance their everyday life.” The Christian bookstores have made it easy for consumers to have their whole lives surrounded. They market the standard bumper stickers with Christian messages (CSI – Christ Saves Individuals), along with board games (Bibleopoly), dog tags (J.C.I.D.), candles and even Christian Sudoku. Former youth minister Bob Booth, residence director for Barret Hall, isn’t against Christian merchandise, but he is wary of putting too much stock in the products. “The number of Christian shirts in your closet doesn’t correlate with your Christlikeness,” Booth said. He said he wonders if Christians need to wear the message of Jesus on their clothing or on their inside. “I am wary of our identity being in the Christian things we buy,” Booth said. “I think loving and serving someone is a far better evangelistic tool than making sure your friends see you playing cards with Jesus cards.”
Armor of God Christian apparel is a popular area among bookstore commodities. From Tshirts aimed at youth that read: “Hottest is modest!” to wallets that announce: “Yes, I am a princess” and then explain: “My father is the King of Kings,” clergy are no longer the only group whose faith can be identified by their clothes.
Page 5
125 stores nationwide and attracts 14 million viewers to their Web site. LifeWay also sees its business as an opportunity for ministry. LifeWay’s vision statement says: “As God works through us … We will help people and churches know Jesus Christ and seek his Kingdom by providing biblical solutions that spiritually transform individuals and culture.” LifeWay operates as a not-for-profit store, with all profit going to support the mission work of Baptist missionaries. Amy Isbell, assistant manager for LifeWay in Abilene, said, “Since we’re a non-profit, it adds to the enjoyment of making it a ministry tool in helping our customers know the Lord better. It takes the pressure off.” Still, some of the items sold seem odd to Isbell. “We have gift items I think are really crazy,” Isbell said. “But who knows, a customer may be looking for a gift item and find what they are looking for.” Whether the customer wants golf balls with John 3:16 on them or candles featuring the “scent of Jesus” as gift items or for themselves, they can find them with the help of a Christian bookstore. “We’re going to merchandise to what people are going to buy,” Isbell said. Whether selling Gospel-related items is appropriate or not is something the Christian bookstores and their patrons are deciding. In the meantime, the secular world has noticed the niche market and acted on it.
Taking on Retail Giants
“There’s so much Christian apparel,” Snodgrass said. “The process of taking worldly themes of advertising and turning them Christian is popular.” Popular indeed. Why buy a mood ring when a Rainbow Promise Ring is available? Wearing a shirt with “A Breadcrumb and Fish” emblazoned across the chest supports the Gospel instead of Abercrombie and Fitch. “You can take anything and give it a Christian twist,” Snodgrass said. She adds that her store tries to avoid doing that. Dr. David Gotcher, chair of the Department of Sociology and Social Work, doesn’t put much stock in such commercialization. “On the surface it might seem to be a good idea; however, it is a process of secularization,” he said. There should be a distinction between secular and sacred, Gotcher said. “If religion crosses over into the secular life, it should be action instead of T-shirts.” One of the most recent items to hit the market is a new kind of children’s sleepwear. According the their Web site, www.armorofgodpjs.com, Armor of God pajamas are inspired by Ephesians 6, give children security, safety and peace as they sleep in pants, shirts, hats and with a shield pillow representing the armor of God. Two years as a youth minister made Booth no stranger to Christian merchan-
Story by
Denton Josey Photographs by
Rachel Lau Design by
Kelsi Peace
dise. He said he has even bought items in the past. He sees two sides to ministry-business. “I think Christian objects can be symbols that draw us nearer to God, they can remind us and focus us back on God,” Booth said. On the other hand, he doesn’t like Christian merchandise that makes political or evangelistic statements that are exclusive. “Slapping a ‘Turn or Burn’ bumper sticker on your car does not make you closer to God,” Booth said. “In fact, it might be alienating you from the world he loves.” Retailers assert their job is to present variety, not decide for the customer what to buy or how much. “It can just overload, like everything else we do in America,” Snodgrass said. “Do we need 72 designs of Icthus-fish for your car? Do you need 72 types of gum in our country? I don’t know, but if I’m the bubble gum store I’ve got to have all of them.” Snodgrass said the reason her customers buy Christian products is because that is what they are about. She said it fits into their lives and families.
Business = Ministry Equipping customers with Christian products that fit into their lives and families is what Christian retail is all about. Based on sales, the company doing the best equipping is Family Christian Bookstores, the nation’s foremost Christian retailer. The franchise has 299 stores in 37 states and employs 5,000. In 2003, President and CEO Dave Browne informed customers on the store’s Web site that after much prayer and consideration, Family Christian decided to open its doors on Sundays in order to better meet the needs of their clientele. Second to Family Christian is LifeWay Christian Bookstores, which has more than
Doors closed for 271 Christian retailers in 2003 due to larger chains selling the same merchandise at cheaper prices, Newsweek reported. Retail giants like Wal-Mart, Target and Barnes and Noble have noticed that people are buying Christian merchandise. In turn, many Christian bookstores have joined the Christian Bookseller Association in hopes of survival. The CBA serves the interests of nearly 2,300 Christian stores in America and more than 1,000 stores internationally in 50 countries. The CBA’s vision is to “be the leading force in bringing the Christian retail channel together and be a champion for its growth and success,” according to their Web site. The growth and success of Christian retail is moving away from simply books only and towards whatever has the best potential to sell. Gotcher said he knows why the unusual products are sold. “It’s to make money. The bottom line is it will sell.” He is leery that the secularization will ultimately “secularize, trivialize and commercialize Christianity.” Snodgrass said she is more concerned with the danger in judging the people who sell Christian merchandise. “Somebody may be cashing in on Christianity; our job isn’t to judge,” Snodgrass said. “I don’t think rhinestone cross earrings takes advantage of anybody – they can buy it or not.”
Batman vs. Bibleman Christian retail has a tendency to take anything the secular market makes and provide buyers with a Christian counterpart, Snodgrass said. She likens it to the commercialization of Batman, whose image is on bed sheets, pajamas, action figures, etc. For parents who don’t want to deal with non-Christian action figures, Christian retail offers Bibleman, a human transformed by the word of God. Snodgrass said some items might serve as subtle witnessing tools for many teens hoping to introduce their friends to Jesus. “A lot of teenagers like to have that silent witness, however obscurely,” she said. Gotcher isn’t as certain about the obscure witness that comes through commercial items. He said he suspects “a lot of this stuff” doesn’t have the impact the patronage thinks it does. “Ultimately, it will secularize, trivialize and commercialize Christianity.” Like all potentially good things, Booth said, you can lose sight and “become so obsessed with Christian merchandise you miss God in it.” But, he said, if Christian merchandise produces character change and spiritual formation, then it is good. The bottom line for the business side of Christian merchandise is it sells, and there is still an audience hungry for Christian morals taught by talking cucumbers and tomatoes. Whether they buy Veggie Tales at Family Christian or pick up the latest Christian rock CD at Best Buy, it seems for now the choice is up to the consumer. E-mail Josey at jdj03e@acu.edu
Page 6 The issue:
Sign-ups for Spring Break Campaigns, which offer students a variety of ways to engage in service during their Spring break vacation, begin this week.
Our view:
Spring Break Campaigns are a great way to serve the community, improve a resume and build lasting friendships.
The solution:
Go to the Campus Center Tuesday night, and talk to campaign leaders to see how you can become involved.
October 25, 2006
Spring break campaigns change the world Service is essential to Christianity, and it’s spreading throughout the world. As students at ACU, we constantly hear the grand goal the university has set for itself and its students: change the world. Spring Break Campaigns are one way for the ACU community to help change the world. Spring Break Campaigns occur at a time when you don’t have anything else to do, are relatively inexpensive and offer a chance to do God’s work and experience His glory and His creation all at the same time. As Christians, we are
called to lead been. As Christians, we are called to lead through through exSpring Break example, and selflessly serving others is a ample, and Campaigns also great way to show who Christians should be. selflessly servprovide you ing others is with service a great way to show how verse place and 24 of the cam- hours that you can report for Christians should be. paigns offered allow you to scholarships, classes and are On top of being beneficial to travel to places you may never beneficial on resumes. others, going on a Spring Break have been before, see people Spring Break Campaign Campaign can also be benefi- you never have seen before sign-ups will take place on cial to you. and experience some of the Nov. 2 in the Living Room College is all about relation- diversity America has to of- of the Campus Center from ships, and as many people fer. On top of that, seven more 5 to 8:30 p.m., with your returning from Spring Break campaigns allow you to broad- time determined by a lotCampaigns have said, you can en your horizons even more tery number attained in the foster some life-changing re- and leave the country. Campus Center ticket winlationships with people you These campaigns will allow dows between Monday and didn’t know in just one week. you to do things you haven’t Nov. 2. Campaign leaders America is also a very di- done in places you haven’t will be available for stu-
Let Loose
Cole Williams
The best new mascot for McMurry Two weeks ago, McMurry University decided to be a mascot-less university instead of picking a new one. The NCAA forced the school to drop ‘Indians’ as its mascot. The decision means Fields of McMurry Dreams athletics Jared teams will Fields not have a native people or fuzzy animal to identify themselves with. Instead, the athletes will be referred to as “the McMurry football team” or whatever sport they are playing. Our crosstown neighbors dropped the ball on this decision. They had the opportunity to pick a name. They had a chance to pick a mascot that would not only represent
The decision to means McMurry athletics teams will not have a native people or fuzzy animal to identify with. the university but strike fear in their opponents as well. An animal mascot should not be considered. All of them are taken, and most are overused. A mascot representing a regional group like Indians or Cowboys falls under the same rules as the animals: too many and overused. McMurry should change its mascot to the “Outlaws.” There are at least 5 good reasons “Outlaws” would be the perfect mascot for McMurry. 5. Outlaws make great headlines in newspapers. “Outlaws rob Badgers of win. If they play a team named the Cowboys in a high scoring basketball game: Outlaws hold up Cowboys in shooting match.
4. Outlaws works for the men’s and women’s teams. What is a female outlaw? An outlaw. There’s no need for the annoying “Lady” in front. Besides, adding “Lady” in front of Outlaws just takes away from the effect of the name. “Lady Outlaws” doesn’t sound too scary. It works for both. 3. Fans will have their unique way to dress. Outlaws bring to mind pictures of rough looking bandits with bandanas covering their faces. So fans could show spirit by simply wearing a bandana over their faces. It eliminates the need for face paint and fat guys with no shirts on. Outlaws are usually fully clothed.
2. There is no one to get offended and make you change your name again. As far as I know, there are no true outlaws left. 1. Outlaws can do whatever they want. That’s why they’re outlaws. From the evidence I have presented, there is no reason McMurry should not adopt “Outlaws” at its new mascot. It is clearly the best mascot ever, and after seeing the reasons, I am shocked there aren’t more “Outlaws” out there. Besides, who wants to be referred to as the “No-names?” But if McMurry doesn’t want to pick up this great mascot, then I will be ready for the next mascotnaming contest. I won’t let the great outlaws of the past be forgotten. Long live the Outlaws. E-mail Fields at: jrf03b@acu.edu or optimist@acu.edu
In Your Words Why do you think Spring Break campaigns are important? It’s important because you are demonstrating God’s love.
I think it’s important for people to learn how to serve outside the ACU community.
You are able to see that God is bigger than the Christian community and that he is in everything.
Vanessa Hart
Adam Dittemore
Faith Brodie
freshman elementary education major from Austin
sophomore business management major from Seattle
sophomore integrated marketing communication major from Salado
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
E-mail the Optimist at: optimist@acu.edu
Poverty: the everpresent epidemic The poor are often blan- ic family life and the idea that keted with the one specific he’s never going to break the stereotype—laziness. barriers of race, location and All situations are differ- economic status to become ent, and a “successful” person, in the one simple standards of this capitalist explanation America. can’t cover Andrew was doomed to everyone liv- lifelong poverty from the ing in a state moment he was born—or at of economic least that’s what he’s been suffering. led to believe. He isn’t simply An article “in a hurry to have fun,” as Don’t Believe printed in Is- the above excerpt states. The Hype sues & Views, So with this young man’s Mitch a conserva- acquired taste for being Holt tive publi- down-and-out and having cation for nothing to lose, he resorts those “concerned about lib- to outlets that seem the best erties lost, especially through choice for the situation— the ongoing exploitation of gang affiliations, violence, race,” delivers one explana- petty crimes and taking what tion for poverty: he needs to survive. “In economically mobile, According to the Global relatively free societies, the Development Research Cenpoor are often guilty of fail- ter, an educational resource ing to take steps to prosper. that specializes in issues They marry too early and about the economy, envihave too many kids and thus ronment, urban centers and arrest their own community, many d e v e l o p m e n t We don’t know different reasons and, also, those for poverty exist. what goes on of their children. Lack of educain the lives of tional preparation, They stick with bad jobs because physical handicaps, the poor they have gotten culture of poverty individuals themselves into and gender and in Abilene. debt too early. racial discriminaThey do not take tion are all reasons time to get educated be- people live in poverty, accause they are in the hurry cording to the organizations to have fun.” Web site. The “economically mobile, Laziness might be the imrelatively free society” men- mediate reason people live in tioned in this article is an ob- poverty, but the true, undervious reference to the United lying reason has everything States. The writer basically to do with where a person thinks that poverty can be comes from. Poor education attributed to laziness, irre- or physical infirmities are not sponsibility and stupidity. the fault of the child— neiThis argument sounds ther are the lifestyles an indiabout right from our middle- vidual learns from his or her class American perspective. family or the neighborhood However, we don’t know in which he or she grew up. what goes on in the lives of People don’t get to choose the poor individuals in this their quality of life much of Abilene society. The true ig- the time. norance in the above arguBut America needs to rement rings clear to those who alize this; Abilene needs to have experienced poverty. realize this. The sooner the Meet hypothetical An- haves start helping the havedrew. He was born into a five- nots — intertwining values member family and is the and culture and breaking youngest of four siblings. His down racial and socioecofather left after he was born, nomic barriers — the sooner and he’s lived with a single the number living in poverty mother who has worked a will drop. $7.50-per-hour job his enA change in attitude is in tire life to support the large order for everyone, and the family but still depends on a beginning of this change is Welfare check each month to trying to understand the lives get by. of those living in poverty. The only thing he’s ever known is a less-than-adeE-mail Holt at: mah02f@acu.edu or optimist@acu.edu quate school system, a chaot-
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
dents to talk to on Tuesday from 7 to 9:30 p.m. in the Campus Center. Be sure to at least make some time to check out the campaigns offered and consider going on a campaign. Our world has many things that need changing., and you can do something to help. No matter where you go and what you end up doing, every little bit helps and proves to people that Christians do care and that it is possible to change the world.
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Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Page 7
SPORTS JUMPS
Champs: Regionals next Continued from page 8 “They’re expected to win,” Hood said. “This is ACU; I don’t have to waste my time explaining to them why they should win—they just know.” Cheboi took home her first LSC crown, finishing with a time of 21:38 in the 6,000-meter race. Overall, the women had a strong performance as well, placing all top five runners in the top 20. The women finished with a total of 45
points, beating second place Angelo State by 35 points. Cheboi coasted to a 17second victory over Southwestern Oklahoma State’s Rachel Ingram, who came in at 21:55. Olha Kryv’yak was third for the Wildcats in 22:21, while Venessa Whittle was 10th in 22:59. Jessica Torres finished 15th overall in 23:12 and Hayley Garner was 16th in 23:21.0. “The biggest bonus of the day was Vanessa,” Hood said. “This was her first real chance to prove something,
and she showed that she can have a huge impact and put pressure on the others team to compete with her.” After winning both conference championships, Hood’s squad will look toward the South Central Regional meet in Warrensburg, Missouri, on Nov. 4, where the Wildcats will compete for yet another trip to the Division II National Championship in Pensacola, Florida, on Nov. 18. E-mail Harris at: optimist@acu.edu
Tennis: Strong fall finish Continued from page 8 the Wildcats’ results. “Overall, it was a very strong showing.” ACU’s “strong showing” in the fall semester set the stage for an exciting spring team season. Jones said he believes that, based on recent results, the Wildcat teams have shown signs of progress, especially after the Tyler tournament. “It gave me a glimpse of
how we’ve improved,” Jones said. “We’re becoming more aggressive players.” Jones said the ACU players are working on becoming better all-court players, developing offensive and defensive skills. “We’re tweaking our skills as not to be one-dimensional,” Jones said. Jones also said both Wildcat teams should be dominant in doubles next fall. But Jones said the Wild-
cats will be strongest in the most important aspect of the game—the mental game. “Emotionally, I think we’re a very solid team,” Jones said. “And that’s going to win us a lot of matches by being emotionally tough.” Both the ACU men’s and women’s teams will rev up for the spring team season in February.
E-mail Freeman at: mxf04b@acu.edu
brian schmidt CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
Running back Chancy Campbell runs past a West Texas defender during the Wildcats 49-33 win on Thursday. Chancy combined with running back Taber Minner for 98 rushing yards in the win.
Football: Cats move to 7-0 Continued from page 8 its highest level as they held WTAM in 11 of its 15 third down conversion attempts. Outside linebacker Brandon Henry led the team with nine total tackles, while cornerback Quitin Wilson had the Wildcats’ only interception and defensive end Travis Carpenter added two more sacks to his conference-leading total
of four. Cornerback Corey Jordan said he knew from the beginning ACU would come out with the victory. “We began preparing the day after we beat [Angelo State],” Jordan said. “This was just another game; that’s what we said all week.” Other than the Wildcats’ defense, the biggest key that kept West Texas out of the en-
dzone was West Texas, as the Buffs had 12 penalties for a loss of 143 yards. The Wildcats have a chance to go 8-0 when they take on Tarleton State at 7 p.m. Saturday. ACU and Tarleton are both 3-0 in LSC South competition and are tied for first in the division. E-mail Johnson at: djj04a@acu.edu
Season ends with ‘Rattler’ n The nationally ranked ACU golf team finished its fall season in San Antonio, with a fourth place finish at the Rattler Invitational on Oct. 16. By NATHAN MACDONALD Sports Writer
brian schmidt CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
Setter Erica Dickenson and middle blocker Nicole Killebrew block a shot against Angelo State on Thursday. Dickenson, a freshman, leads the team in assists with 876.
Volleyball: Coach optimistic Continued from page 8 rely on others to pick up the slack.” Those “others” are middle blocker Lauren Leone and setter Erica Dickenson. Despite being two of the youngest players on the team, Leone, a sophomore and Dickenson, a freshman, have been key players in the Wildcats’ recent success. Leone is second behind Lowry with 244 kills and averages 2.57 kills per game. In addition to helping out on offense, Leone’s defensive presence aids the Wildcats. Dickenson, since moving
into the starting setter position, leads the team with 876 assists. Mock said Dickenson has also become an offensive threat as she continues to grow accustomed to the college level of play. West Texas is currently 8-0 in the conference and has one of the more experienced teams in the LSC. Outside hitter Rachel Altman and setter Libby Garza, both seniors, were named LSC Players of the Week in their positions and are coming off three-straight wins last week. But Mock is not intimated by the experience and re-
cord of the Lady Buffs. “They are a strong team but are not unbeatable,” Mock said. “They’re not any better than any other teams we have beat this season.” One more thing that keeps Mock optimistic about playing the Buffs is the advantage playing at home brings. “We’re hoping for a big crowd,” Mock said. “We definitely have a home court advantage.”
E-mail Johnson at: djj04a@acu.edu
The ACU golf team finished its fall season with a bang and placed fourth at the Rattler Invitational and tenth in the nation. The team headed southbound to San Antonio Oct. 16 and competed against Division I teams such as Baylor and Texas A&M, along with Lone Star Conference schools like West Texas A&M and Central Oklahoma. ACU reached fourth place with Texas A&M winning the invitational with an overall
Golf score of 862. There were only fifteen strokes between first place Texas A&M and fourth place ACU and only a two stroke difference between Baylor’s third place and ACU’s fourth place. Hugues Joannes and Patrick Hanauer both tied for 15th place overall in medalists, tying with Austin Schauer from Texas A&M and Cane Shumaker from Cameron University. ACU’s Stephen Knight was in a three-way tie for nineteenth place with Donald Zaruba III from Grand Canyon University and Pat McCarthy from Southwest Oklahoma State. Curtis Harris went into a four-way tie for 31st place with Nathan Leonhardt from
Northwood University, Michael Lee from Cameron and Jordan Fowles from Dixie State Community College in Utah. Hilton Funk was also in a four-way tie for the 48 spot with Chance Tatum from Central Oklahoma, Kevin Doskocil from Texas Wesleyan and Jon Musser from West Texas A&M. Out of the 105 college golfers at the invitational, the Wildcats placed well within the top half percentile competing. Although the Rattler Invitational ends the fall golf season for the Wildcats, the team is looking forward to see what it will do in the spring.
E-mail Macdonald at: nxm04a@acu.edu
SportsWednesday
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
ScoreBoard Standings FOOTBALL
Team
Div. 3-0 3-0 3-1 2-2 1-2 0-3 0-4
ACU Tarleton WTAM-U MSU Angelo TAMU-K ENMU
Team
Page 8
Malone throws No. 14 ACU into first
Overall 7-0 4-3 7-1 6-2 2-5 3-5 1-6
VOLLEYBALL Div. 8-0 7-1 5-4 3-6 1-7 1-7
WTAM ACU Tarelton St. TAMK-U ENMU Angelo St.
Overall 26-3 17-8 12-13 15-22 6-23 3-20
Scores Thursday FOOTBALL ACU 49, West Texas A&M 33
VOLLEYBALL brian schmidt CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
ACU 3, Angelo State 1
Quarterback Billy Malone throws a touchdown pass in the Wildcats’ 49-33 win over West Texas A&M Thursday. Malone and the rest of the Wildcats jumped to No. 14 in the nation after the win.
Saturday ACU 3, St. Edwards 0
Upcoming Thursday VOLLEYBALL ACU vs. West Texas A&M, 7 p.m.
Saturday FOOTBALL ACU vs. Tarleton State, 2 p.m.
VOLLEYBALL ACU vs. Eastern New Mexico, 2 p.m.
n Quarterback Billy Malone led the Wildcat football team to 7-0 and first place in the Lone Star Conference, throwing for six touchdowns Thursday. By DANIEL JOHNSON Sports Editor
Quarterback Billy Malone’s best game began with his first fumble. “I didn’t play good,” said a dissatisfied Malone, whose fumble dropped the Wildcats into a 15-point deficit, the biggest of the season. The early mistake was soon forgotten as Malone tied the
Football ACU and Lone Star Conference records for most touchdown passes in a single game and led the Wildcats to a 4933 come-from-behind victory over formerly fourth ranked West Texas A&M Thursday. Malone threw six touchdowns and 388 passing yards in front of a national television audience, 13,641 fans and former ACU standout, now NFL rookie, Danieal Manning, who flew in from Chicago. But Malone wasn’t quick to forgive himself for his early mistake.
“My goal was to make good decisions 100 percent of the time and not have any turnovers,” Malone said. Although he failed to meet his own expectations, Malone’s performance was good enough to pick up the Wildcats’ seventh straight win, securing the team’s spot atop the LSC standings and earning him LSC South Offensive Player of the Week honors. Malone and the Wildcats are nationally ranked and undefeated in his second year. “I’ve never been a part of something like this,” Malone said.
n Home games listed in Italics
Malone ties record, earns LSC Honors
n Quarterback Billy Malone was named Lone Star Conference South Division Player of the Week after tying the ACU and LSC record for most touchdowns thrown in a game in the Wildcats’ 49-33 win over West Texas A&M on Thursday. Malone threw for six touchdowns, 388 yards and was 23 of 36 against West Texas.
n The ACU men’s and women’s cross country teams took the LSC Championships in Stephenville Saturday, as the men won five of the top six places in the meet. By HUTTON HARRIS Sports Writer
GARY RHODES CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
American Football Coaches Association Poll: No. 14 D2football.com Top 25 Poll: No. 11 Scoring offense Conference (2) National (6) Total offense Conference (2) National (9) Passing offense Conference (2) National (7) Rushing offense Conference (5) National (38) Scoring defense Conference (1) National (13) Total defense Conference (3) National (45) Passing defense Conference (6) National (42) Rushing defense Conference (3) National (46)
Intramural Round-up FLAG FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS See schedule at intramural board in Moody Coliseum. WATERBALL Sign up deadline, Nov. 2
for itself.” Head coach Chris Thomsen said he wasn’t surprised his team did so well against such high caliber competition and he attributes all of his team’s fruits to the labor they put in at the beginning of the season. “We want to play at the highest level,” Thomsen said. “That’s been our goal all year and we want to accomplish that no matter what.” The Wildcat defense kept the nation’s second-best passing offense from playing at See
FOOTBALL page 7
Runners sweep LSC cross country titles
Briefs
football Rankings
The last time “something like this” happened was in 1950 when ACU had its only unblemished record and first national championship. Malone’s biggest target was wide receiver John Brock, who had four catches, three touchdowns and 160 receiving yards. Brock’s longest touchdown grab was an 84yard, fourth-quarter bomb, and the hail-mary touchdown was one of two, as he pulled in a 64-yard grab for the Wildcats’ first score. “We just found something in the defense,” Brock said. “This win really speaks
Outside hitter Abbie Lowry kills a ball in the Wildcats’ 3-1 victory over Angelo State on Oct. 19. Lowry leads the team in kills with 427 and has led her team to a 7-1 conference record.
Cats face undefeated foes n The volleyball team will put its seven-game winning streak on the line against 8-0 West Texas A&M, the only LSC team that has beaten ACU. By DANIEL JOHNSON Sports Editor
The one thing that would prevent the ACU volleyball team from winning its eight straight match Thursday isn’t the undefeated West Texas A&M Lady Buffs; it is whether or not the Wildcats play consistently, said head coach Kellen Mock.
Volleyball “It will be a dog fight regardless of who wins,” Mock said. ACU will take on Lone Star Conference leaders West Texas A&M in Moody Coliseum in its second to last game before the LSC Tournament. The first time the Wildcats and Lady Buffs met resulted in ACU’s first conference loss of the season. The Wildcats suffered a three game loss on the road and bounced back to win seven straight matches in the second
half of the season. The biggest reason ACU was able to recover from the loss was the consistent play of outside hitter Abbie Lowry. Lowry leads the team in kills, with 427, averages 4.49 kills per game and was posted 21 kills in the Wildcats latest 3-0 win over St. Edwards Saturday. “Abbie had a phenomenal night against St. Edwards,” Mock said “But when she isn’t on, we can See
VOLLEYBALL page 7
Sixteen and six. The ACU cross country team made those numbers a reality Saturday in Stephenville: 16 straight Lone Star Conference championships for the men and six straight for the women. Even more impressive was the men’s total score 17—a near perfect score—as the men swept five of the top six places, led by three-time conference and two-time national champion Nicodemus Naimadu. But following him home were two runners to make it a 1-2-3 ACU finish. Two more Wildcat runners finished only seconds behind in fifth and sixth, just missing a perfect 1-5 sweep that would have earned a perfect 15-point total. “I couldn’t have been more proud of the way our top five competed,” said second-year head coach Derek Hood. “To only have 17 points overall is really just icing on the cake.
Cross Country It’s just a testament to their talent and work ethic to win in that fashion.” Once again, leading the Wildcat men was Naimadu from Kenya and for the women was Loice Cheboi from Ukraine, sweeping both time trials. Naimadu won his eighth consecutive race this season and captured his third consecutive LSC title in the 8,000-meter run with a time of 24:33. The ACU men convincingly proved why they are one of the top programs in the nation, grasping five of the top six spots in the men’s category, totaling 17 overall points on the scoreboard for the Wildcats and easily beating runner-up East Central with 59 overall points. Naimadu, who is undefeated since last year’s Arkansas Chile Pepper Festival race, finished one second ahead of teammate Serge Gasore, who ran a 24:34. ACU’s Philip Birgen was third in 24:36, while Julius Nyango was fifth overall in 24:46 and Laurent Ngirakamaro was sixth in 24:47.
See
CHAMPS page 7
Men’s tennis team ends fall season in Tyler n The ACU men’s tennis team completed its season in Tyler against top junior college competition. Ryan Hudson was the only Wildcat to win a singles flight. By MICHAEL FREEMAN Online Editor
The fall tennis season is finished, and the ACU men’s tennis team finished the sea-
Men’s Tennis son strong. Friday and Saturday, the Wildcats played in the Tyler Invitational. The tournament was hosted by the top tennis junior college in the nation, Tyler Junior College. Along with Tyler Junior College, two other highly ranked teams competed in
the tournament: Ouachita Baptist University and Holland County Junior College. Out of the five singles flights, one ACU player came out of the tournament triumphant. Sophomore Ryan Hudson tore through the No. 2 flight and won the finals. ACU senior Kevin Beedy also fought to the finals of the No. 3 flight before falling in his
last match. Six out of the eight competing Wildcat singles players finished the weekend with a winning record. In doubles, senior George Carstens and freshman Luke Hawk teamed up and dominated the No. 3 flight. Carstens and Hawk won their final match by a decisive score of 6-2, 6-2. The duo of Hutton Jones Jr. and sophomore Brett
Proctor made it to the finals of the No. 4 doubles flight before losing. Every Wildcat doubles team came out with an above-.500 record. “It was encouraging to see how we compared to the top junior college teams,” head coach Hutton Jones said of
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