2006 11 01

OPTIMIST

The Vol. 95, No. 19

IN THIS ISSUE CAMPUS Third time’s a charm

The third annual FilmFest will premiere Friday night at the Paramount Theater and the creators of the event will sponsor a spring FilmFest for longer films, page 3

National honors

ACU instructor emeritus of journalism Keith McMillin was honored by the Missouri Hall of Fame, page 4

State of the University The president of the university will give a State of the University address to supporters in San Antonio on Thursday, page 4

FEATURE

The view of a country Abilenian Ruth Jackson captured the heart of a country using her camera, page 7

SPORTS

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1 section, 10 pages

University offers Oxford, Montevideo alternative

WEDNESDAY

November 1, 2006

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www.acuoptimist.com

Hispanic heritage honored

n ACU professor Ed Timmerman coordinates a different study abroad program to send students to different countries for semesters, summer breaks or for internships abroad.

By LAURA SMITH Student Reporter

ACU offers study abroad programs not only in Oxford and Montevideo, but also in Australia, Belize, Canada, Ghana, Ireland, Jamaica and Scotland. But to find these alternative programs, you have to change your course from South to Southeast. Step away from the Study Abroad office in the Hardin Administration Building and head toward Ed Timmerman in the Mabee Business Building.

For six years, Ed Timmerman, professor of marketing and coordinator for the Cooperative Center for Study Abroad, has worked to spread the word about another study abroad option. But because of a small budget, student enrollSee

ABROAD page 8

City’s first ice rink to open Nov. 17 RACHEL LAU STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

A member of Northside King, a Hispanic music duo, performs during Entra a la Plaza last Friday in the mall area on campus. The event was hosted by Hispanos Unidos in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month in September and more than 300 people attended.

n Construction began Tuesday night on an outdoor ice rink, located near the Abilene Zoo. The ice rink opens before Thanksgiving and offers skating lessons and daily specials.

n Hispanos Unidos sponsored the second annual Entra a la Plaza on Friday to celebrate Hispanic Heritage month with free food and local bands.

By KELSI PEACE Features Editor

Opening day

The men’s basketball season begins Thursday in San Antonio against UTSan Antonio, page 10

NEXT ISSUE The race to Austin

Friday’s issue of the Optimist will feature multiple stories on the District 71 election for former Rep. Bob Hunter’s position in the Texas House.

DAILY FORECASTS Wednesday partly sunny

HIGH 59

LOW 43

Thursday partly sunny

HIGH 61

LOW 47

Abilene’s first outdoor ice rink, the Abilene Ice House, began taking shape Tuesday as an Illinois-based company arrived to launch the project, which could require up to 10 days to complete.

The Abilene Ice House will provide winter entertainment unique to West Texas and benefit the Abilene Habitat for Humanity chapter after it opens Nov. 17 near the Abilene Zoo. Habitat for Humanity wanted to try something different to raise funds for another Habitat See

RINK page 8

By ALLEN WILLIAMS Student Reporter

The second annual Entra a la Plaza took place Friday at the GATA Fountain to celebrate Hispanic Heritage month with a variety of Latin music and food.

“The purpose of the event was to showcase the diversity of the Hispanic culture through music, food and fellowship,” said Ernesto Villarreal, senior youth and family ministry and Spanish major from Brownsville.

The event featured two

RACHEL LAU STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Students that attended Entra a la Plaza on Friday night stand in line for free food donated by Los Arcos Restaurant on Ambler Avenue to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. local bands, a DJ from 106.9 FM and free food was donated by local restaurants, such as Los Arcos.

“The food was gone in an instant,” Villarreal said.

“This year’s Entra a la Plaza was a success on all points.

Student attack warns others of dangers n Although a student was injured in an attack on campus last week, ACU police chief said the incident was unusual and should not cause students to panic.

By JARED FIELDS Managing Editor

Brian Schmidt, senior photojournalism major from Austin, was assaulted early Friday morning between Gibson Gym and the

Department of Journalism and Mass Communication

McGlothlin Campus Center.

Schmidt was leaving the Don H. Morris Center about 1 a.m. after working on a research paper. He was walking to the University Park Apartments when the assault took place.

The two men were standing near Gibson Gym while Schmidt was talking on the phone and walking to his apartment. He said the two came at him from out of his

line of sight.

Schmidt was carrying his backpack and one camera with a lens attached; his lens was broken in the attack.

“Nothing was stolen,” said Schmidt, chief photographer for the Optimist. “At the end of the attack I felt a tug at my strap, I guess that’s how the lens was broken. When I lifted my head [after they fled], they were running out to Moody and Cullen.

“I went looking for my lens first, on the ground.”

Bonnie Buchanan, senior art major from Lubbock, witnessed the assault while leaving the Don H. Morris Center.

Buchanan was in front of the Brown Library, walking south, when she said she heard yelling.

“I saw two guys, it looked

Abilene Christian University

See

I would say that about 300 to 350 people attended. We See

PLAZA page 8

Course of action Since Schmidt’s attack, police began a search for his assailants: n If anyone was in the mall area Friday morning between midnight and 1 a.m. and saw any individuals, the police request any information or descriptions. n The Police Department has been reviewing videos of students entering residence halls in case the assailants were students.

ATTACK page 8 Serving the ACU community since 1912

Chapel Checkup Credited Chapels to date:

Wednesday, March 29, 2006 Wednesday, November 1, 2006

01

Calendar & Events Wednesday

Spring Break Campaign lottery tickets available in the Campus Center.

Freshmen registration for Spring and Summer 2007.

02

Thursday

6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Halbert Institute for Missions Team Quest Dinner - Celebrate the work in Burkina Faso and future mission teams.

7 p.m.

District 71 Candidate Debate in the Hilton Room between Mel Hailey and Vanessa Harris.

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) meets Wednesdays at 5 p.m. in COBA Room 315 for those interested in sharpening business skills, entrepreneurial, leadership skills and 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.

03

Friday

7 p.m.

FilmFest - unReel Downtown at the Paramount Theater. Tickets are on sale for $5 in the Campus Center.

Purple Friday

04

Saturday

1 p.m.

FilmFest second showing in Living Room of Campus Center.

Credited Chapels remaining:

45 25

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.

Zane Williams concert - more details to be announced.

ACU Police Tip of the Week Volunteer Opportunities

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.

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 Friday. For more information e-mail filmfest@acu.edu.

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.

If you have any information related to the attempted robbery/assault which occurred Friday 10-27-06 at 1 a.m. between Moody Coliseum and the Campus Center, please contact the ACU Police Department at 674-2305.

Suspects were two white males who had been seen loitering near the south doors of Moody Coliseum just prior to the assault. A reward will be paid for information which results in the identification of these suspects.

Police Log Edited for space

Monday 10/23/2006 20:00 pm Investigated smell of natural gas on Westheimer. Notified Abilene Fire Dept.

23:52 pm Delivered message to student at Adams Hall

at Mabee Lot 18:10 pm Medical emergency at Campus Center, student went to Medical Clinic 21:06 pm Assisted student locked out of residence at 1500 EN 15th

Tuesday 10/24/2006 09:30 am Assisted Abilene PD with search for wanted subject near Sherrod Park 21:05 pm Disturbance at Gibson Gym, student asked to leave

Friday 10/27/2006 01:06 am Assault in Mall area, case #06-199 19:10 pm Traffic stop with motorcycle reference to noise violation

Wednesday 10/25/2006 16:50 pm Cut chain from students bike at Gardner Lot 21:41 pm Report of nude male running on main campus, contacted social club. Subjects were clothed.

21:47 pm Runaway juvenile at the Station released to Abilene Police Department Thursday 10/26/2006 00:27 am Cut lock on students bike

Saturday 10/28/2006 10:44 am Report of missing student at Gardner Hall, located and returned to Gardner 22:00 pm Report of a bat in Gardner Hall, ceiling tile was replaced Sunday 10/29/2006 00:15 am Report of possible stolen purse, purse was located 08:00 am Report of criminal mischief to several vehicles at Gardner Lot, case #06-201

Wednesday, November 1, 2006

CAMPUS NEWS

Page 3

Teleconferences give students wider business perspective n Business courses present teleconferences with speakers from across the globe. On Nov. 9, management majors will hear from Conrado R. Hinojosa from Mexico.

By ATSUMI SHIBATA Page 2 Designer

An international businessman from Mexico will speak to an ACU business class in a teleconference organized by Dr. Malcolm Coco, associate professor of business, Nov. 9. at 1:30 p.m.

The conference is for about 50 students in a human resource management class, a required course for

management majors.

At this conference, students will hear from Conrado R. Hinojosa, a plant manager of Duro Bag Manufacturing Company, one of the largest paper bag manufactures in the world.

Hinojosa will speak with students on the phone as they see a prepared presentation about his company in class.

Coco began this teleconference in the mid ‘90s, and each semester he conducts about three international and three to six national teleconferences or video confer-

ences for his students.

He has done some conferences in countries such as China, Japan and England, and he said teleconferences give some perspective that can’t be taught in the classroom.

“I’m very interested in the practical side of education,” he said. “I know there’s more than what books say.”

He usually plans these conferences in the last half of a semester so students can learn and be informed about topics discussed by speakers.

He invites people who

have expertise in certain business areas as speakers, and usually topics discussed complement what students are learning in class at that time.

“They bring special knowledge, current knowledge,” Coco said.

The contents in books become outdated by the time students read, and the teleconference can give “up-to-date” information from professional people who are working in a real field, Coco said.

He said he always chooses people who interest him as well.

“It helps me, too,” he said.

Hinojosa did the teleconference last semester when his son, Conrado Hinojosa, senior management major from McAllen, was sitting and listening to him in the class.

Hinojosa, the son, said his father was nervous at first but had a good time talking to students and his son on the phone.

“That’s why he’s doing this again,” Hinojosa’s son said. And he also had fun listening to his own father speaking and seeing his classmates liking

the presentation.

Hinojosa’s son said he liked teleconferences and recommends it to any students.

“Students need to know what’s behind,” he said.

And he has invited about 50 students in one of his classes—international business—to come listen to his father.

Other teleconferences are planned on Nov. 28 from China, Dec. 3 from England, and Dec. 5 from Dallas.

E-mail Shibata at: axs03d@acu.edu

FilmFest to host second exposition during spring semester n Doug Darby, director of FilmFest, said there will be a second film exposition in the spring, but only those involved in the fall FilmFest can participate.

By KATIE GAGER Student Reporter

The second FilmFest of the school year will take place in the spring because of a growth in interest, but the second event will be more of a film exposition.

Doug Darby, creator and executive director of FilmFest, said the festival in the spring will be different than fall festivals, but

it will “fall under the umbrella of FilmFest.”

FilmFest this fall surpassed the previous two years combined, with 41 entrants at the beginning of the semester; in the end, 21 completed films were submitted.

Film directors will be allowed to use their own equipment and editing programs and there will be no time limits for the films.

The only requirement as of yet is that in order to enter a film the entrants must have participated in the fall FilmFest.

“Before they can jump in we have to see if they can swim first,” Darby said.

The quality of the films this year has improved, Darby said. In the experimental category, an animated film was entered.

“The participants were more independent thought-wise,” said Matt Maxwell, student director and senior electronic media major from Abilene.

“They are really stretching themselves.”

Participation in general for FilmFest has increased this year.

Missions dinner to focus on unity n The theme for this year’s Team Quest dinner is “Face to Face,” which is meant to show students of all majors the realities and wonders of mission work.

By RACHEL DAVIS Student Reporter

ACU students will have the opportunity to learn about another mission opportunity on Thursday night.

The Halbert Institute for Missions will host a dinner in the Teague Special Events Center on Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and the dinner is open to anyone who picks up a ticket in Onstead-Packer Building Room 300, said JoAnn Young, administrative assistant for the institute.

The theme for this year’s dinner is “Face to Face,” and Dr. Sonny Guild, director of the Halbert Missions Institute, said, “It’s about bringing students face to face with the realities of what missions is, and what opportunities there are in missions.”

The dinner will em-

phasize the activities of ACU mission teams from all over the world, and a DVD highlighting experiences of one of last year’s teams that went to Burkina Faso in West Africa will be shown. Teams from past years have gone to Russia, Thailand, Peru, Ecuador and several countries in Africa.

“The main thing about the dinner is to get students interested in missions and to give students the opportunity to learn about what places we are going,” Young said.

Guild said it’s important to obtain awareness about missions taking place throughout the world.

“I think one of the main purposes is to highlight missions but also to communicate to the ACU community, especially the students, about things that are happening in missions,” he said.

Attendees will hear about experiences that fellow students have had on these teams and will be given a chance to see if they want to join a team.

“What would be a wonderful thing to happen would be for someone to realize that their passions and talents could connect with becoming a part of a team going somewhere in the world to minister for the kingdom,” Guild said.

Students from every major are encouraged to attend because the greater diversity a team has, the more things the team can accomplish, Guild said.

Other mission opportunities are available through summer internships at Worldwide Witness, a group that organizes summer missions and offers locations on almost every continent.

The institute also offers a program called Let’s Start Talking, which gives students the opportunity to minister to nonEnglish speaking individuals by reading the Gospel of Luke with them.

For more information, contact missions@acu.edu.

E-mail Davis at: optimist@acu.edu

“It’s a completely volunteer situation,” Darby said. “To see people give up their time has been wonderful.”

FilmFest has received financial aid from both ACU and the Abilene community. Mark Tucker helped with locating and setting up the FilmFest lab in the Mabee Library Auditorium for students to edit their films. The Students’ Association has contributed and helped raise funds.

“It’s interesting to see it evolve from an experi-

ence into a definite part of the ACU culture,” Darby said. “It’s the first ACU tradition taking hold in the second century.”

The judging panel this year is made up not only of ACU alumni but also members of media and film with no connection to ACU. To name a few, film maker and producer, Monica Jimenez-Grillo; folk singer-songwriter Zane Williams; and award-winning cinematographer and founder of Small Wonder Studios, Mark Pleasant.

FilmFest has added a

new recognition this year for best actor and actress. This award will be given on premier night at the Paramount on Friday, along with other awards that have been given in previous years.

Because of more participation, only the top three films of each category will be shown on premier night. Films can be viewed on channel 14, ACU TV, along with voting information.

E-mail Gager at: optimist@acu.edu

CAMPUS NEWS

Page 4

Wednesday, November 1, 2006

Money to speak in San Antonio on Thursday Cardio tennis offers n Dr. Royce Money will speak at a reception in San Antonio Thursday to present a State of the University address to prospective students and alumni.

By KELSI PEACE Features Editor

Dr. Royce Money, president of ACU, will address prospective students, alumni and friends of the university at a reception in San Antonio Thursday.

Money will present a State of the University address, where among other subjects, he will present a brief summary of the Centennial, discuss the Centennial Campaign and highlight a few academic programs.

Money said he will also talk about Jacob’s Dream for the first time at a recruiting event.

The office of admissions and the office of alumni relations planned the reception together, creating an event similar

to the State of the University addresses presented in Houston, Dallas and Fort Worth in 2004 and 2005, just before the Centennial year. Alumni and parents of current students in surrounding areas were invited to hear from the president.

The combined recruiting and alumni event is a good combination, Money said.

“We have Money graduates there talking and meeting with prospective students. That’s a good blend,” he said.

Prospective students will hear Money talk about academic quality at the university, the Christcentered mission of the university and the study abroad program.

Money said he may also

discuss career opportunities and internships, but he will only speak about seven minutes, spending the majority of his time “meeting and greeting” prospective students.

“I also talk about it being an investment rather than an expense,” said Money, noting a recent newspaper article discussing the difference in salary between college graduates and non-college graduates.

Alumni in San Antonio and surrounding areas have been invited to the Nov. 2 event, and Campbell said the goal is for 100 alumni to attend.

Campbell said Money meets with alumni regularly, but this reception is larger than usual.

“To go to a city and invite all the alumni to a reception—that’s not as frequently done,” Campbell said.

Money said he usually attends recruiting events in metropolitan areas and

schedules other meetings in the area.

After his meetings in San Antonio, Money will visit a university trustee in the Rio Grand Valley and travel to Kingsville for the football game before returning to Abilene.

Jim Holmans, executive assistant to the president, said no recruiting events have yet been scheduled for the spring semester, but one or two events will most likely be scheduled later.

Money will meet with prospective students and their parents at 7 p.m. at the Westin LaCantera Resort in San Antonio for ‘An Evening with the President.’

Alumni and friends of the university can hear Money present the State of the University at 7:30 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom of the Westin LaCantera Resort.

E-mail Peace at: knp04a@acu.edu

Woman Warriors

E-mail Peace at: knp04a@acu.edu KATIE GAGER STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Members of Femmes on the Front Line had their first meeting to discuss “woman warriors” in the Hilton Room Monday.

alternative workout n Assistant tennis coach John Walker will offer free cardio tennis sessions Friday and Thursday to enhance physical activity using fast-paced dance music.

By TODD PIERSAL Student R eporter

John Walker, assistant tennis coach at ACU, would like to see people play tennis. In fact, he would even play ‘80s dance music in order to get you to come out to the tennis courts.

There is, however, one condition. He won’t let you play tennis without providing a good, solid workout, or a cardio tennis workout, as he calls it.

Walker will offer free cardio tennis sessions on Wednesday and Thursday.

He said he hopes to students and faculty who frequent the ACU tennis courts to the cardio tennis session.

Cardio tennis is for any level of player who wants a good one-hour workout, Walker said.

“It is a great way to get others involved with tennis,” he said.

Like a normal aerobics class, cardio tennis uses constant motion to increase heart rate in order to enhance the cardiovascular system. Like a normal aerobics class, cardio tennis uses fastpaced dance music to inspire its participants.

“There’s energy, there’s music,” Walker said. “We will be playing a variety of music … it is like an aerobic workout

with a tennis twist.”

According to the United States Tennis Association, the cardio tennis program includes a “short, dynamic warmup, a cardio workout phase and a cool-down phase. Each phase has drills specifically designed to be fun, challenging and to get you moving and your heart rate pumping.”

“You are actually learning some tennis skills,” Walker said.

In the past, Walker taught a class called Tennis Aerobics; however, with a new name and new program, Walker expects the new addition to be more popular.

Walker first wants to introduce it to students and faculty members and then eventually the Abilene community.

He said he hopes this grows in popularity and sticks around as a normal class.

After the two free clinics, there will be a four-week session offered. This session will begin Nov. 6 and take place every Monday and Friday.

With so many people playing on the tennis courts at night, Walker said he expects to see a decent turnout.

For more information on cardio tennis, visit www.cardiotennis.com.

E-mail Piersal at: optimist@acu.edu

Former faculty honored with photojournalism award in Missouri n Professor emeritus Keith McMillin was inducted into the Missouri Photojournalism Hall of Fame for his outstanding efforts as a photojournalist.

By SARA POTTER Student Reporter

ACU faculty member Keith McMillin has something to show for his work after years of dedication to the field of photojournalism.

McMillin, instructor emeritus of journalism

and mass communication, taught photojournalism from 1983 to 1996 and was recently inducted into the Missouri Photojournalism Hall of Fame in Washington, Mo. The Missouri Photojournalism Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding efforts to journalism in Missouri.

When McMillin came to ACU the university didn’t have adequate resources for teaching photojournalism. He implemented the

appropriate requirements and initiated the photojournalism faction of the department as the start of his career at ACU. “Awards were not my goal, but to just do my every day job of reporting the news in a truthful and honest manner,” McMillin said in a press release.

McMillin met Dr. Charles Marler, professor emeritus and former chair of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication,

at church in Missouri, and Marler persuaded McMillin to begin a photojournalism program at ACU. “He is a very humble guy but has a super photojournalism eye,” Marler said.

“He understands storytelling through still photos.”

McMillin graduated from Texas Tech in 1953 and began his career as a photojournalist for the Big Spring Daily Herald, where he worked for 11 years.

From Big Spring, Mc-

Millin worked at the Columbia Daily Tribune in Columbia, Mo., in 1964 and won numerous awards from the Associated Press, National Press Photographers and Missouri Press Association.

McMillin worked 16 years as the chief photographer at the Columbia Daily Tribune, collegiate newspaper at the University of Missouri, one of the most prestigious journalism universities

in world.

In 1971, McMillin received the C.G. Wellington Memorial Award from the Associated Press for one of his photographs. McMillin has since retired and lives with his family in northern Arkansas.

“If you could see his portfolio from his 16 years at the Columbia Daily Tribune, you would be astounded,” Marler said.

E-mail Potter at: optimist@acu.edu

CAMPUS NEWS/FEATURE JUMP

Wednesday, November 1, 2006

Page 5

King deals with questions about husband’s ties to ACU n Dr. Austin King has contributed to the university’s Voice Institute, but was never given the title of adjunct professor, Dr. Royce Money, ACU president said.

By MITCH HOLT Copy Editor

As voters go to the polls for early voting until Friday and official voting Nov. 7 for District 71 Texas State Representative, Susan King, Republican candidate, and her campaign staff are promoting the candidate’s 40-point plan and dealing with questions surround-

ing her husband’s affiliation with ACU. In a recent Abilene Reporter-News e-mail interview, the candidate said Dr. Austin King, her husband and cofounder of the Voice Institute of West Texas, has been an adjunct professor at the university for more than 20 years.

Adjunct professor is a title given to an individual who does not have a permanent position at the university and often has a job outside of the institution.

Royce Money, president

of ACU, said in a press release that while Dr. Austin King has “functioned in the capacity of an adjunct professor,” he was never officially given this title because the title didn’t exist in the 1980s when he would have received it.

Dr. Jon Ashby, cofounder of the Voice Institute of West Texas at ACU and treasurer for Susan King’s campaign, said this bit of information is trivial and was surfaced and promoted by Kevin Christian’s campaign staff during the primary

election in the spring.

Christian lost the Republican primary to King in the spring and now works for the ACU Foundation.

“They didn’t have anything, and this was the only thing they could find,” Ashby said. “It’s a false and semantic issue.”

Dr. Austin King, aside from work with the Voice Institute, has had a private medical practice in Abilene, specializing in ear, nose and throat; served as a volunteer medical consultant at ACU; and regularly

participates in medical and academic conferences.

“In the 1980s, there was no official designation of “adjunct professor” for a group of part-time professors,” Money said in the press release. “That practice developed in the 1990s.”

But, Money said, the university is grateful for the relationship Dr. Austin King has had with the Voice Institute at ACU. The candidates for the District 71 seat in the Texas House of Representatives, a position previously

held by Dr. Bob Hunter, vice president emeritus of the university, are Susan King, registered nurse who served in various roles on the Abilene School Board; Dr. Mel Hailey, Democrat candidate and professor of political science and chair of the Political Science Department at ACU; and Vanessa Harris, Libertarian candidate and secretary at the 12th Armored Division Memorial Museum.

E-mail Holt at: mah02f@acu.edu

‘Optimist’ Web site renovated n The ‘Optimist’ Web site was redesigned for the first time since going online in 2001 and offers new possibilities such as podcasting, slide shows and an RSS feed.

By JEREMY POND Student Reporter

photo courtesy of ruth jackson

Since returning home from Haiti, Jackson has collected $2,500 for the orphans in Cap-Haitien.

Haiti: Collecting funds to help Continued from page 7

the past. I was very touched by how much they loved her and how much she loved them.”

They fed the people, built with them and did what they could to get medical help for them. Ruth taught about 19 children in a school how to paint and draw pictures with art supplies she brought in suitcases. The children made pictures of plants and birds from their island in bright colors, which Ruth brought back to the states and sold as greeting cards in the September ArtWalk downtown as a benefit for the children.

There were many physical challenges Ruth could not have anticipated.

Early one morning, Evelyn and her team decided to go to Aux Peche to retrieve a young preacher to get medical help in Cap-Haitien.

Evelyn rented a small van for $150 to go to his village about 40 miles away.

Riding in Cap-Haitien is a different experience because the roads are difficult. Ruth said they were no more than “donkey trails” and “pot holes.” A trip to a village about 50 miles away called Ranquitte took about six hours on the back of a truck up a steep and dangerous mountain.

Children would chase after the truck, and passengers would toss toys and

candies out to the children.

En route to Aux Peche, the non-air conditioned van with only one window that would open felt like a sauna booth. About five miles outside of a nearby village, the van engine caught fire. After two hours of waiting, one of the Cap-Hatiens hitched a ride back to the village to get help,” Ruth said. “These are friendly people and they seemed eager to help. Five UN vehicles sped by without even a glance our way.”

Further on their tedious trek, the team met with more trouble. A white pickup truck with a blue light on the cab forced them to pull over. There were five men inside with a gun claiming to be police.

“They weren’t stopping anyone else,” Ruth said.

“Many times I had to hide my camera and I knew this was one of these times. They wanted our passports and money. I was a little concerned, but I should have trusted in little Ms. Evelyn.

She set them straight in her flawless Creole and we were soon on our way again. We didn’t give them our passports or money.”

Reaching Beyond Haiti In the short time Ruth was in Haiti, she visited several churches, distributed food and taught art to the children of the hopeful villages. Her heart for Haiti grew as she lived among

the people.

“I saw so much need; I left my clothes, shoes and the money I took. I had to borrow money from the group to get out of Haiti,” she said.

When Ruth returned home, she got to work on making prints and art work based from her photos and the children’s work in Haiti.

The September ArtWalk downtown initiated her fundraiser that has already collected more than $2,500 dollars for the orphans in Cap-Haitien.

At 72 years old, Ruth began a new chapter in life.

Cap-Hatien was just the beginning, it seems. In December, Ruth plans to bring her gifts and her camera to India where she will teach art to about 40 orphans and aid 150 widows with missionaries Ray and Amanda Pettit, who read about her work in Haiti. They invited her to their winter trip to India, and she gratefully accepted.

“You might say that most 72-year-old people are going to Miami and the Caribbean, but I’m going to Haiti and India, the world’s poorest places,” Ruth said, smiling at the peculiarity. “I’ll go as long as God directs me.

I just kind of wait for his call.”

E-mail Knight at: tnk03a@acu.edu

The Optimist’s Web site, ACUOptimist.com, received a much-needed face lift last week.

The site went online in 2001 with a design that has not been changed since its creation. Kenneth Pybus, assistant professor of journalism and faculty adviser for the Optimist, said the old design had outlived its usefulness.

“Most Web sites are updated every year or two,” he said. “The Optimist’s site had the same design for nearly half the lifespan of the Internet.”

An opportunity to recreate the site came when the provider, College Publisher, merged with New Digital Group. Pybus said the merger created possibilities previously not available to the Optimist, includ-

ing podcasting, photo slide shows and an RSS feed.

He also said new design itself came with its own benefits.

“It’s just much cleaner than it was before,” he said.

“It’s much easier to find things, and I think it better represents our audience.”

The new site has access to all content from the last few issues of the newspaper and some content not available in the paper. Eventually, the archives will be extended to include material dating years back.

Dr. Susan Lewis, assistant professor of journalism and mass communication, said the new design is a vast improvement over the old one.

“It’s more usable,” she said. “The new tools are what people expect from a newspaper’s Web site, and now we’re meeting those expectations.

Lewis was responsible for helping design the new site and coordinating with the provider.

She said the update just needed

to happen.

“The old site was unattractive, and the color choices were no longer appropriate,” Lewis said. “The new design is far more visually pleasing.”

The new Web site will also serve as the vehicle for Pybus’ dream for the Optimist to offer daily content distribution, including print, audio and visual media.

“We’re not viewing the Web site as just a secondary tool, but instead as another way of distributing the newspaper,” he said.

In the past, ACUOptimist. com has served as little more than an online copy of the Optimist. Pybus says while that may be OK, so much more is possible.

“It’s like eating just the salad when you have a full gourmet spread available,” he said. “Why not take advantage of everything you’ve got?”

E-mail Pond at: optimist@acu.edu

November 1, 2006

Page 6

Hailey offers experience for House

The issue:

The Optimist’s editorial board supports Mel Hailey in the District 71 election for Texas House Representative.

Our view:

Hailey’s profession, stance on issues and virtuous character make him the best candidate for the position of House Rep.

The solution:

Decide which candidate best represents your values and concerns and support them by voting.

As the race to represent District 71 comes to a close Tuesday, the Optimist editorial board endorses Dr. Mel Hailey. Hailey may be a professor at ACU, but his proximity to the staff is not why he was chosen. The editorial board selected Hailey because of his experience, moderation and character.

Hailey best represents Abilene because he understands politics. As a professor of political science for the past 27 years at ACU and chair of the Political Science Department, Hailey not only understands the

intricacies of tax from a libHailey runs as a conservative Democrat in how the politeral approach, a district that primarily supports ical system in but his constitRepublican candidates.

Texas works, uents can rest but he has easy knowing volunteered for local and trum, Hailey gains the re- he will make the best decinational campaigns. spect of Democrats and sions on all issues across He has also shown him- Republicans who reside in the board. self to be a person of mod- Abilene. Because the maHailey’s character emerate views. Hailey runs as jority party in the House bodies the values West a conservative Democrat of Representatives is not Texans hold dear: honin a district that primar- Democrat, Hailey would esty and integrity. He has ily supports Republican not be forced or expected made it clear that the way candidates. Because of the to vote party line, allowing to succeed in the House is uniqueness of his views him to best represent the not through what one says as a conservative, pro-life district’s diverse views. while in Austin, but through Democrat and a politician Hailey tends to view is- one’s hard work. that views issues closer sues such as school finance, He is a tireless servant to the middle of the spec- immigration and property of the community that has

Let Loose

Supporting Grandfather’s love for politics Nothing could compel me to admit to my grandfather how much I dislike politics.

But elections for governor in Puerto Rico are unlike anything else.

Opposing parties rally against one another, each with appointed days, forming large groups of vehicles ready to take over the streets of their beloved island.

The color of their preferred party— either red, blue or green,—proudly displayed as they sit in the beds of trucks, waving flags, shouting with fellow supporters and ready to yell at, and possibly fight, anyone who dares speak against their political party. The event, a caravana, is serious business.

My grandfather is a

devout supporter of the “blue party,” more popularly known as PNP, or Partido Nuevo Progresista, or the New Progressive Party. His love for this party is nigh to overwhelming. So much so that he never wears a red shirt—the color of his opposing party.

His loyalty for the blue party surpasses that of logic. Although he openly admits the vices of the most recent PNP candidate for governor, he will never turn his back on la palma real.

He rears his young grandchildren to follow and proudly support the palm tree engulfed in blue, the logo of PNP,

the party that represents statehood, security and progress.

Nothing could compel me to admit to my grandfather how much I dislike politics. I can just imagine the joy drain from his face as I speak those words, and that is something I never want to see.

So, if for some crazy reason you happen to be in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, during elections, you will find me lined up on the street in front of my grandfather’s house, waving my blue and white flag with a palm tree, cheering on PNP— the only party I support—even if it is just for my grandfather.

E-mail Jimenez at: mmj04b@.edu or optimist@acu.edu

In Your Words If you ran for a state office, what would you change?

I would definitely call for a recycling reform.

I don’t know; I really just don’t care.

I would probably change the way highway maintenance is handled.

Katie Farris

Patrick Lewis

Jeremy Varner

junior English major from Gresham, Ore.

freshman undeclared major from Abilene

freshman theatre major from Abilene.

Elections loom at the cans to comply with what beginning of November. I believe are correct moral Discussions center around standards cannot reasonwhich party will control the ably exist, does not mean I House and can’t use my vote and my who will country to stand up and s u p p o r t make life a little better for or oppose someone else. hot-button The Bible speaks conissues like stantly of role-reversals, a b o r t i o n when the downtrodden and gay will be uplifted, when the marriage, marginalized will find solThoughtful a t t e m p t - ace and compassion. Yes, Ramblings ing to lure I can volunteer, build reKelsi voters — lationships and offer a Peace especially much more personal hand y o u n g e r to these people. But I can ones—to the polls. also spare a few minutes Christians face a unique to educate myself, drive to battle in determining what a voting booth and cast an role politics ought to play informed vote for someone in a life dedicated to Christ. I think will use his or her Some feel politics have no power to implement poliplace at all, citing Paul’s cies to help the less-forwords in Philippians 3:20 tunate rather than oppress that tell us “our citizen- them. ship is in heaven.”

My vote is my voice.

But though my citizenPeople are quiet too ofship is ultimately ten; people are in heaven, my ignorant too citizenship in often.

And People are American still both of these equips me with quiet too often; are dangerous. people are the power to afIn another exfect change— the ample, places ignorant too ability to inform like the Congo, often. myself through Darfur and an independent Rwanda sufmedia, to voice my fer hideous viopinion in whatevolence in mute er non-violent method I de- agony because not enough sire and to vote for amend- people are aware. People ments and leaders I believe do not know that Darfur will improve the lives of lost 400,000 citizens benot only Americans, but cause of genocide, accordpeople everywhere. ing to an article at www.

As someone who finds jewishjournal.com. the so-called ChristianPeople do not know coalition and evangelical that some are pleading for right more than a little American leaders to instate unnerving, I am not advo- a United Nations peacecating that students rush keeping force, increase huto the polls and cast a manitarian aid and declare specific vote. a no-fly zone to end the Instead, I am asserting crimes in Darfur. Elected that Christians ought to leaders, make these deciparticipate in politics, re- sions and write these polimain informed and voice cies. their opinions. After all, Those who vote elect Christ is to rule over every these leaders, demonstrate aspect of our lives, and our approval or disapproval government is one aspect. for policies and keep electFor example, if the Roe ed officials in line with the versus Wade case is re- threat of the vote. And so viewed again, the decision I ask— how will you use will imply America’s view your power to vote? of what constitutes a life.

Christians should have a say in this decision.

I agree with those who argue that we cannot “legislate morality.” Though E-mail Peace at: knp04a@.edu or optimist@acu.edu laws that force Ameri-

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

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

Voice your views through voting

Cole Williams

Campaigns. Elections.

Voting.

When it comes to politics, I’m as naïve and apathetic as they come.

Ask me if I care the slightest bit about political issues, and Come I’ll respond with a Undone shrug and Michelle a shaking Jimenez head. Politics just doesn’t matter to me.

I can already hear the bitter mumblings now: “Politics is the only thing worth caring about,” is how it will begin. “Political issues directly affect you,” is how it will end.

Even so, the majority of the time, I care not to waste my time on politics.

served on various boards and committees of Abilene’s many non-profit organizations. He also is a defender of the down-and-out: the impoverished, the battered and those that education affects most—children.

The editorial board consists of staff members with varying political beliefs but everyone agreed regardless of Hailey’s political party— that he is the best candidate to represent the needs of the Abilene community.

Editorial and Management Board Mallory Schlabach

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

Sports desk: (325) 674-2684

Lauren Sutton

Daniel Johnson

Editor in Chief

Opinion Editor

Sports Editor

Jared Fields

Brian Schmidt

Michelle Jimenez

Christi Stark Advertising Manager

Managing Editor

Chief Photographer

Arts Editor

Kenneth Pybus

Mitch Holt

Kelsi Peace

Shelby Coates

Adviser

Copy Editor

Photo department: (325) 674-2499

Features Editor

Advertising office: (325) 674-2463

Video Editor

Subscriptions ($40/academic year): (325) 674-2296.

Online: www.acuoptimist.com

Page 7

Wednesday, November 1, 2006

Capturing the heart of the

Story by

Takisha Knight Photographs Courtesy of

Ruth Jackson Design by

Kelsi Peace

Haitians

her money in support of her mission.

When she found she had to pay $100 to take extra shots and meds before going on the journey, she paid it but even that was covered when a friend later gave her $100 toward her mission: the same cost of her immunization treatment.

A month later, Ruth landed on a small island north Haiti.

The Other Side of Paradise: Cap-Haitien

S

ix-hundred miles off the glitz-studded Miami coast, political unrest, severe poverty and overpopulation afflict the people of Haiti.

Ruth Jackson—at age 72—decided to do something about it. Most people would say she had nothing. No money, no medical or construction skills, just a camera, but to Ruth that was something. The local artist set out to document the lives of the people of Cap-Haitien, a city of 500,000 on the northern coast of the country.

A group with Highland Church of Christ planned a trip to Haiti for June 2005 and invited Ruth to come along.

Ruth was more than up for it. The former ACU fine arts major, class of ’56, was excited to spend time with the orphans.

With 15 grandchildren, Ruth, with her kind blue eyes, has a passion for children.

The first glance into her home reveals the fact. The warm, harvest gold walls are covered with pictures and portraits of children—her grandchildren—laughing, playing, frozen in time.

The Best Laid Plans About a week before it was time to go, Ruth’s bags were packed. She went through the advised medical treatments and immunizations. She even spent time learning songs in Creole, the primary language of the Haitians, but within a week, the group’s plans fell a part. Political violence broke out in Haiti. No one could

make sense of the trouble, but they were convinced the danger was imminent: there would be no trip to Haiti.

Undaunted, Ruth collected photographs from missionaries who had gone to Haiti and had an art exhibit to benefit the Haitians. She made seventeen acrylic paintings and prints from the photographs to hang in the exhibit, and that was that—so she thought.

Before the exhibit, Ruth came across an article about Evelyn Boyd, a longtime missionary to Haiti, featured in the Abilene Reporter-News in mid-June. Evelyn, 83, had been traveling to Cap-Haitien for 21 years and established three orphanages for sick and starving children.

Undeterred by her lung cancer, Evelyn traveled to Haiti several times a year.

“I never get to stay as long as I’d like to,” Evelyn said. “There’s so much to be done.”

After Evelyn lost her husband in 1983, she worked in a clinic as a nurse, but she didn’t feel needed, she said.

“I prayed for God to use me. I discovered that I was doing the thing that was easy to do and not really reaching out like I should,” she said.

“One day I was standing at the sink and I realized I was sin-

ning, and I dropped to my knees and started thanking God for my life.”

Soon she heard her calling to join the mission field and never looked back.

Like Evelyn, Ruth is also a widow.

“Anyone would be inspired by her story,” she said.

Ruth wrote Evelyn a letter inviting her to the exhibit and soon received a response from Evelyn inviting her to join the next trip to Haiti set for July 27.

Ruth hesitated. “I had a back and forth discussion with God in my head,” she said. She wondered if she should ever get another chance to go.

“If she could go, why couldn’t I go with her,” Ruth said.

She weighed the obstacles—money, time and her responsibilities—only to find that everything was in perfect order to take the trip.

“God is just incredible in his time. I had all the paintings ready and I didn’t have any classes coming up,” she said. “It seemed like a godsend.”

As far as money, she didn’t even have to ask.

“In all cases when I felt like [God] called me to do something, he has given me the means,” she said.

People gave

Ruth, along with seven team members, boarded the Sky King, a small, 18-passenger plane to Haiti. She said the flight was “a bit scary.”

“I thought we saw some smoke coming up under our seats, but we made it OK,” she said, laughing at the thought. “I think it was just the fog or something. We never decided what it was.”

The Cap-Haitien international airport was nothing more than a crowded and bustling wooden frame. Evelyn met Ruth and her team at the airport with her friend Moses who would help them out of the airport.

“Without someone that knew the language and could help us do all that, we would have been lost,” Ruth said.

Ruth could hardly believe how different of a world existed just a few hundred miles outside of the glamour of Miami.

“I took 100 pictures from the airport to the hotel,” she said. “I was just so taken by all we saw. It wasn’t like another world; it was another world.”

They were crowded by people and children saying, “My friend, my friend! Give me a dolla!”

“We’d tease and say that back to them: ‘My friend, give me a dolla,’ because we’d hear that all the time,” Ruth smiled. She explained that she wanted to give the children something but if she had, she would have been overwhelmed with crowds.

Cap-Haitien life was unlike anything Ruth had seen before. The city streets were littered with trash, but the people were very clean. The streets smelled of fresh fruit and goods. People cooked over outdoor fires and hearths. Women carried baskets and vessels upon their head and everyone seemed happy, she said.

“No matter where we went there were always people—young and old—outside, cooking, playing, laughing, working and visiting,” she said.

A Tedious Trek The missionaries got to work quickly.

Ruth, Evelyn and team members visited seven out of the 50 homes of the sick and destitute Cap-Haitiens that church members look after.

“When we got there, every day people were lined up to see [Evelyn] at the hotel and tell her their needs, and they just loved her,” she said. “The people were very kind, considerate and loving, and I just fell in love with them as she had in See

HAITI page 8

Wednesday, November 1, 2006

Page 8

FROM THE FRONT PAGE

Attack: Student injured Continued from page 1 like they were fighting,” Buchanan said. “I couldn’t tell it was Brian at first; I thought they were probably fighting with one another.

“I don’t even know if they knew I was there.”

Schmidt was on the phone with 911 before Buchanan arrived to help. Buchanan stayed with Schmidt before ACU police officer Ed Miller arrived as the first officer on the scene.

Schmidt was bleeding from a cut to the top of his head and suffered other scrapes and bruises, along with a bruised left jaw.

Jimmy Ellison, ACU police chief, said the ACU Police Department is actively

investigating the crime, although only a general description was provided.

“We are asking anybody that would have been in the area from midnight to 1 a.m. that saw any individuals to contact us and provide information,” Ellison said.

Despite not knowing much about the two men, Ellison said the department is also looking at video of the nearby dorms for students entering at that time.

“We don’t know if they are ACU students,” Ellison said. “We’re not going to assume either but be objective and work at both possibilities.”

Ellison said this incident is the first of its kind in re-

cent memory but is not a cause for panic.

“While it’s a serious accident, there were no previous incidences and no cause for panic,” Ellison said. “It does underscore how people need to be safe on campus.”

During the weekend, Gibson Gym was also burglarized, Ellison said.

“This helps show the need of a campus-wide camera system,” Ellison said. “With minimal staffing, it’s difficult to cover all areas adequately.”

E-mail Fields at: jrf03b@acu.edu

Abroad: New locales offered Continued from page 1 ment has been low, Timmerman said.

“My horror is that someone will graduate from ACU and say, ‘I really wish I had done study abroad,’” Timmerman said.

If you think it’s too late or studying abroad would interfere with your schedule, you might be surprised, Timmerman said. If you’ve made it to your senior year and need a specific course in your last semester that isn’t offered at ACU, chances are you’ll find something that fits you, Timmerman said. His study

abroad program offers many specific course options as well as abbreviated courses, programs for the summer, spring and fall, and internships overseas.

Summer application deadline is Feb. 28. Interested students can get an application in the Mabee Business Building. Fill out the form inside, and give it to Ed Timmerman.

Those in the program will join teachers and students from universities across the United States for hands on experience in your field of interest, Timmerman said.

Sally Stevens, senior English major from Ruston, La.,

is currently studying in Montevideo with the ACU Study Abroad Program. After seeing the advertisement on myACU.com; she’s now considering studying in Scotland during the summer.

“I am very interested in experiencing other cultures, and, one day, I want to teach English as a second language.

An option for me is to teach it at a language institute abroad,” Stevens said. “I’m becoming addicted to visiting other countries.”

E-mail Smith at: optimist@acu.edu

RACHEL LAU STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Francisco Villa, junior political science major from Hurst, plays with his band during Entra a la Plaza on Friday.

Plaza: More than 300 attend Continued from page 1 also had good support from the community and it was appreciated.”

Entra a la Plaza was put together by Hispanos Unidos, student organization that represents various Latin cultures. Villarreal said he hopes

to make it a tradition at ACU. “This year’s event was different than last year’s,” Villarreal said. “Last year mainly showcased Mexican culture, but this year represented Hispanic culture in general.”

“Our goal for Hispanos Unidos is to have a community of people willing to learn

about Latin culture,” Villarreal said.

Hispanos Unidos also hosts a class to learn Milango, a Latin dance. It takes place on Mondays at 7:30 p.m. in Foster Science Building Room 417.

E-mail Williams at: optimist@acu.edu

Ice: Seasonal rink to provide fun Continued from page 1 house, and they drew inspiration from a rink put up in Fredericksburg.

“Nobody would expect outdoor ice skating in West Texas,” said Karen Medoza, Habitat for Humanity event coordinator.

Funds for Habitat will come from skaters, who will pay $10 for skates and an all-day skate pass and sponsors, who have contributed to the rink.

“We hope that we will make enough to build another home for a qualifying family,” Medoza said.

Community members responded eagerly, Medoza said, offering their services to paint signs, teach skating lessons and provide music for the rink.

A portion of the proceeds from the rink will be given to the Dyess We Care Team, Medoza said, in recognition of its work in for Habitat and in the community.

Volunteers created festive yard art that will “give the warm feeling of Christmas,” Medoza said. The team had

help from the Lions Club and college students painting the art.

Emily Flatt, freshman communication major from Midland, has figure skated for eight-and-a-half years and will volunteer during her free time to teach skating lessons.

Flatt said the rink may offer one night dedicated to giving lessons.

Other former figure skaters and members of the ACU Hockey team also plan to volunteer their time at the rink.

Flatt created an event for Ice House on www.facebook. com to encourage students to attend. As of Monday, 36 guests had confirmed and 75 said they might attend.

Skeptics have worried an ice rink is not possible in Abilene, Flatt said.

“A lot of people aren’t sure what it’s about,” she said.

The Illinois-based company providing the rink will ensure the 48-by-108-foot ice rink will stay frozen because of a chiller system at the end of the ice rink.

The rink aims to entertain all ages, offering themes for each night: Military Mondays, half price admission for members of the military; College Night Tuesdays, $2 off with a college ID; All Skate Night Wednesdays; Rock n’ Skate Thursday, featuring live bands; and Date Night Fridays, $16 per couple.

Santa Claus will make sporadic appearances during the rink’s opening week.

Local TV and radio stations will broadcast the rink’s grand opening, and the rink will raffle a 32-inch flat screen TV donated by Circuit City.

Hours for the rink are 49 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 3-11 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday.

During school holidays, the rink will be open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday to Thursday. The rink will be open until Jan. 13.

E-mail Peace at: knp04a@acu.edu

Wednesday, November 1, 2006

Page 9

SPORTS JUMPS

Football: Wildcats’ come-back booted by field goal Continued from page 10 to Tarleton’s explosive running game in the fourth quarter, the early blocked punt and two failed PAT came back to haunt the Wildcats and made the difference that gave the Tarleton Texans their fifth-straight win.

“We didn’t play well collectively,” said wide receiver Jerale Badon, whose 14-catch performance broke the ACU single-game record.

“We made mistakes we don’t usually make.”

Those mistakes dropped the Wildcats to No. 5 in the Southwest regional rankings behind Tarleton State, and ACU needs to win the remaining two games of the season to secure the programs’ first NCAA DII playoff berth.

The Wildcats’ defense struggled to find an answer for Tarleton running back Michael Sampson, who rushed for 157 yards for three touchdowns and averaged 5.8 yards-per-carry.

Sampson, a Georgia Tech transfer, was injured for the Texans’ first three losses but has played in all of five of Tarleton’s wins.

ACU quarterback Billy Malone recorded his fourthstraight game with more than 300 yards passing as he threw for 353 yards and four touchdowns. Malone is ranked fourth in the nation

in passing efficiency and total offense and 20 touchdown passes this season.

The Wildcats finished the game with only 44-yards on the ground and averaged 2.1 yards-per-carry.

ACU grabbed an early lead after Malone completed three passes for 80 yards, the latter being a 27-yard touchdown to wide receiver John Brock, to help ACU to a an early lead. But the early ACU score was soon overshadowed by the Tarleton State offense that scored on its first five possessions of the game.

The five scores were a two rushing touchdowns from Sampson, a 33-yard catch by wide receiver Richard Bartel and two field goals by Williams.

ACU’s only immediate answer to the Tarleton’s boost of offense was a field goal from Matt Adams before half time, leaving the Wildcats behind 27-10.

ACU came back from the deficit and appeared to find the answer to Sampson’s rushing attack and Tarleton’s defense, after forcing fourstraight punts and scoring two third quarter touchdowns.

Malone found running back Taber Minner on the left and Minner weaved his way through the defense for a 24-yard touchdown early in the third-quarter. Minutes later running back Chancy Campbell ran in the second

brian schmidt CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Running back Sneezy Beltan returns a kick against Tarleton State on Saturday. Sneezy and the rest of the ACU offense recorded 397 total yards in the loss, and quarterback Billy Malone threw his fourth consecutive game with more than 300 yards passing. third quarter touchdown after breaking through the line and escaping for a 28-yard score on a crucial third and one possession. The scored pulled ACU within three points of Tarleton’s game long lead.

ACU continued to score as Malone found Badon for a 16-yard touchdown and the Wildcats’ first lead of the game but failed to convert the extra point after Tarleton blocked the play. Sampson presented Tarleton’s answer

the following drive with a 32-yard touchdown.

ACU pulled ahead once more with another MaloneBrock touchdown, this time for nine yards. But another missed extra point gave put Tarleton within two points

with 5:22 remaining.

Tarleton capitalized on the final drive and made it to the 29-yard line to set up Williams’ game-winning kick.

E-mail Hansen at: optimist@acu.edu

Soccer: Best season to date Continued from page 10 to have 11 show up to a game,” J.B. Gibbs said.

Even with the increased number of players on the team, J.B. Gibbs said he had a different roster from game to game. Not having three starters probably hurt the team’s chances in the regional tournament, he said.

J.B. Gibbs said freshman Jonathan Garner surprised him

brian schmidt CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Libero Liz Snoddy, defensive specialist Malia Plumlee, setter Erica Dickenson and others celebrate after scoring a point against Eastern New Mexico on Saturday.

Closer: ACU heads to tourney Continued from page 10 go from phenomenal to unsure and she’s always steady and confident on the front line.”

After going up early 7-2 in the first game, ACU never looked back as it beat the Eastern New Mexico Zias 3018.

ACU overpowered the Zias and led throughout the game by as much as twelve points.

Despite winning the first four points of game two, ACU conceded the lead for the first time of the match when ENMU pulled ahead after a 13-13 tie.

The Wildcats and Zias tied two more times in the match, 1919 and 23-23, before winning the second game 30-25.

ACU finished off the match with a 30-22 game three win.

The Wildcats had an early 40 lead once more and held on throughout the game to win their seventh conference and ninth overall three-game victory.

Outside hitter Erin Curry led the Wildcats in kills with 14 and middle blocker Lauren Leone followed close behind with 12 of her own. Defensively, libero Liz Snoddy led the team with 11 digs while Plumlee was second with eight.

The Wildcats will move onto the LSC tournament on Nov. 2-4 in Lawton, Okla., to compete for their third-straight LSC championship.

E-mail Johnson at: djj04a@acu.edu

VOLLEYBALL STATISTICS Kills n Abbie Lowry, 454 n Lauren Leone, 265 n Erin Curry, 253 Digs n Liz Snoddy, 433 n Abbie Lowry, 260 Assists n Erica Dickeson, 960 n Malia Plumlee, 269 Blocks n Lauren Leone, 90 n Nicole Killebrew, 72

and ended the year second in the conference with 12 points.

“You just never know with freshman what you are going to get until you start playing,” he said. “He did really good.”

Lucas Gibbs was the top scorer in the Lone Star North Central Conference with nine goals and five assists, totaling 23 points.

Having the team does come at a cost to the players that must pay for league fees, ref-

erees, field costs and travel expenses throughout the regular season and for uniforms.

This year, the team made the regional tournament so the Intramurals Program paid for the entry fee into the regional tournament and for hotel rooms. The Students’ Association pitched in money for gas and food.

E-mail Hansen at: optimist@acu.edu

SportsWednesday

Wednesday, November 1, 2006

Men’s season begins Thursday

ScoreBoard Standings Team

Tarleton WTAM-U ACU MSU Angelo ENMU TAMK

Team

n The ACU men’s basketball team begins its season Thursday in San Antonio and will rely on team chemistry on and off the court to be successful.

FOOTBALL Div. 4-0 4-1 3-1 2-2 1-3 1-4 0-4

Overall 5-3 8-1 7-1 7-2 2-6 2-6 3-6

By BLAKE PENFIELD Sports Writer

VOLLEYBALL Div. 10-0 8-2 6-4 3-7 2-8 1-9

WTAM ACU Tarleton St. TAMK-U Angelo St. ENMU

Overall 28-3 18-9 13-13 8-22 6-26 3-20

Scores Saturday VOLLEYBALL ACU 3, Eastern New Mexico 0

FOOTBALL

Page 10

Katie Gager STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Forward Cameron Holson picks up his dribble during practice on Tuesday. Holson finished with a .497 field goal average last season

The wait is over. The ACU Wildcat men’s basketball season is about to get underway with the first game against Texas-San Antonio on Thursday.

Who are the new players?

What differences will there be between this season and last season? These questions about the beginning of new seasons are even more relevant this year with ten new players on the team.

However, one question

Basketball head coach Jason Copeland cannot quite yet answer is who the starters will be.

“We’re still experimenting with starters,” Copeland said. “The competition has been good in practice. A variety of different guys could start this year.”

But Copeland said he plans on at least one or two of the three returning players starting as long as their performance is consistent.

“We’re looking for a group that can get us started well.”

Copeland said. “They need to establish that way we’ll execute on the offensive end and need to play the defense it will take to help us win some games,”

Forward Igor Vrzina, forward Marko Nikolic, guard Philip Brooks and center Marcos Hubner were some of the Wildcats mentioned by their teammates as players to look out for.

Although this is only his second season to coach, the players are very pleased with his methods and style.

“Coach did a good job bringing in guys who can all get along well and gel together. The guys he recruited give us a good shot to win,” Holson said.

Players agree the team’s improvements in height and depth will be valuable to them over the course of the season.

“Having this many new guys, they’ve really gotten

good at getting used to each other,” Copeland said. “It can always be better, but they’re really bonding well.”

Copeland said he wishes they would bond as well with the ball.

“We’ve got to take care of the ball better and cut down our turnovers. We also need to eliminate our bad shots.

Those are two things we’ve really got to work on,” he said.

However, confidence between the coach and the players is high going into the new season.

“We’re much farther along at this point this year than we were last year,” Holson said.

“I’m excited.”

E-mail Penfield at: jbp04a@acu.edu

Special teams mistakes cost win n A last-second field goal made the difference in the Wildcats’ 37-36 loss to Tarleton State on Saturday.

The loss is the Wildcats’ first and drops them to No. 19 in the nation.

Tarleton State 37, ACU 36

Upcoming Thursday

By DANIEL JOHNSON Sports Editor

VOLLEYBALL ACU at Lone Star Conference Tournament, Lawton, Okla.

Friday VOLLEYBALL ACU at Lone Star Conference Tournament, Lawton, Okla.

Saturday FOOTBALL ACU vs Texas A&M Kingsville, Kingsville, 2 p.m.

VOLLEYBALL ACU at Lone Star Conference Tournament, Lawton, Okla.

CROSS COUNTRY ACU at NCAA II Regional, Warrensburg, Mo.

n Home games listed in Italics brian schmidt CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Briefs Wildcats drop in national, regional rankings n The ACU football team dropped to No. 19 in the American Football Coaches Association poll and to No. 5 in the NCCA D-II Southwest Regional rankings after its first loss of the season to Tarleton State. The loss also dropped the Wildcats to third in the Lone Star Conference South.

Volleyball team finishes season ranked second in conference, regionals n The Wildcat volleyball team completed their regular season second in both the conference and NCAA D-II Southwest Regional rankings.

West Texas A&M, who handed the Wildcats their only two conference losses, finished ahead of ACU in conference and regional rankings.

Online

Tarleton wide receiver Jeremy Madkins blocks a punt from Brock Sherwood during the Wildcats’ 37-36 loss on Saturday. The Wildcats lost after a series of missed PAT’s opened the door for a game-winning field goal from Tarleton. The Wildcats are 3-1 in conference and 7-1 overall after the loss.

See

Football page 9

Victory prepares team for postseason n The ACU volleyball team will begin its postseason after a three-game victory over Eastern New Mexico on Saturday.

By DANIEL JOHNSON Sports Editor

For the Wildcat volleyball team, the upcoming Lone Star Conference tournament began with the last game of the season.

“We knew we had to win,” defensive specialist Malia Plumlee said.

“This was the beginning of the conference tournament for us.”

The Wildcats finished their regular season and headed into the postseason with a 30-18, 3025, 30-22 victory over Eastern New Mexico on Saturday.

“It’s good to get this win,” head coach Kellen Mock said. “We need to stay as excited as possible and want to stay mentally tough.”

ACU finished its regular sea-

Volleyball son with an 8-2 record and extended its overall record to 18-9.

The Wildcats head into the postseason second in the LSC South Division and NCAA Southwest Region, with their only two conference losses against conference leaders, undefeated West Texas A&M. Mock praised the play of middle blocker Nicole Killebrew for her performance in the match and throughout the season. Mock said that although Killebrew doesn’t post as high statistics as some of her players, her presence on the court is a big reason why the Wildcats have been successful.

“The unsung hero was Nicole Killebrew,” Mock said. “Our play can brian schmidt CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

See

Libero Liz Snoddy watches as defensive specialist Jessica Reyna digs a ball during ACU’s 3-0 win over Eastern New Mexico on Saturday. ACU finished the regular season in second place in the LSC South.

CLOSER page 9

Soccer team reaches regionals n The ACU club soccer team finished its 2006 season at regionals after completing the regular season undefeated with seven wins and three ties.

By CHRIS HANSEN Sports Writer

View highlights of the ACU football team’s 37-36 loss to the Tarleton State Texans on Saturday. View them at: www.acuoptimist.com

The back-and-forth South division tiebreaker between ACU and Tarleton State came down to special teams. Tarleton executed and ACU didn’t.

“It’s a disappointing deal,” head coach Chris Thomsen said. “We had the opportunity to win the game … we just got beat.”

Tarleton State kicker Paul Williams booted a 32-yard field goal with four seconds remaining in the game to beat the nationally ranked ACU Wildcats 37-36 and pull into first place in the Lone Star Conference South division on Saturday.

The game-winning kick came after ACU failed to convert a PAT for the second time in a row.

Despite coming back from a 17-point first-half deficit and finding a temporary answer

The ACU men’s intramural soccer team was the only Division II team to qualify for the regional tournament in San Marcos last weekend.

The team played Louisiana State University and Texas Tech University, losing both games 2-1. The

Club Soccer team failed to qualify for the national tournament, needing to come out of the regional tournament as one of the top two teams.

After going undefeated with seven wins, zero loses and three ties in the regular season, the soccer team entered the regional tournament ranked No. 9 in the Southwest region. This was the first time the team had ever qualified for the regional tournament.

Coach and midfielder J.B.

Gibbs said the success raises expectations for the future.

Junior forward Lucas Gibbs, J.B. Gibbs’ younger brother, will likely take over coaching duties next year and said he doesn’t see a reason the team wouldn’t do just as well or better next season. The team will return eight of 11 starters next season, he said.

This year, the team had 20 players.

“Years past we struggled

See

SOCCER page 9

Manning Tracker n Danieal Manning and the rest of the Chicago Bears went 7-0 for the first time since 1985, the year of the Bears last Superbowl victory, in the Bears’ 41-10 blowout of the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.

Manning recorded three tackles in the win and has 22 total tackles and one interception in his rookie season. Chicago will place its undefeated streak on the line against the 1-6 Miami Dolphins.

COURTESY OF Chicago bears