2006 11 08

The Vol. 95, No. 21

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OPTIMIST

1 section, 8 pages

WEDNESDAY

November 8, 2006

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www.acuoptimist.com

IJM to collect change, loosen chains

IN THIS ISSUE CAMPUS

Into the ‘Twilight’

Participants in this year’s Ethnos: Culture Show practice as Nov. 17 approaches for opening night, page 3

n ACU’s International Justice Mission chapter will collect change next week through Thanksgiving to highlight slavery issues around the world.

Fight against flu

Students can receive a flu shot at the ACU medical center later this year even if they missed vaccination shots Tuesday, page 4

A poetic affair

Essence of Ebony will sponsor a poetry night and talent show Thursday in the Bean Sprout, page 3

FEATURE

By SHELBI WATTEN Student Reporter

brian schmidt CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Campaign manager Dr. David Dillman, associate professor of political science, relays numbers to Democrat candidate Mel Hailey, chair of the Political Science Department, during the final hours of the election Tuesday night at the Democratic Campaign Headquarters at T&P Events Center.

King wins District 71 seat n Republican candidate Susan King won Rep. Bob Hunter’s position as District 71’s representative in Austin against professor Mel Hailey.

STAFF REPORT

Bikers for Jesus

James Crim, former president of Abilene’s Christian Biker’s Association, joined the biker’s gang seven years ago, page 5

SPORTS

Democrat Mel Hailey conceded the District 71 race to Republican Susan King an hour and a half after polls closed Tuesday. King won Taylor and Nolan counties with 58 percent of the vote; Hailey took 40 percent; and Libertarian Vanessa Harris took 2 percent. Thirty-nine percent of Taylor and Nolan counties voted in the election with 31,269 voters.

As for the issues in Abilene, the smoking ban resolution passed with 71 percent voting in favor of the citywide public smoking ban; and 81 percent passed the disabled or senior tax freeze, which freezes rates for seniors regardless of the future effect on fewer city services or heavier tax rates on younger voters.

King was in her office with husband, Dr. Austin King, co-founder of the

Voice Institute of West Texas, when Hailey called and conceded.

“It’s like leaving a football game before it’s over,” she said.

She said she didn’t consider anything finished until all votes were counted, but said she respected Hailey’s class.

King thanked those in the district that supported her and her campaign staff once she was officially projected the winner.

“I will give my very heart and soul for this district,” she said.

King’s father, Allen King, said he was ecstatic that his daughter might win. He said he remembered when she told him she was running in Abilene, and that he learned a long time ago to support his children 100 percent.

King’s next move will be to select a staff in Austin and figure out logistics. As for Hailey, chair of the Political Science Department, his next move will be to go back to the classroom.

See

ELECTION page 7

See

Both the men’s and women’s cross country teams won the regional tournament Saturday and will compete at nationals in Florida on Nov. 18, page 8

ONLINE

n Electronic voting units were used during the election in response to the hanging chad fiasco in the 2000 presidential election in Florida.

By JEREMY POND Student Reporter

As people walked into polling stations to cast their votes Tuesday, they were

greeted not by the familiar sight of lever machines and punch cards, but by a series of what looked like oversized, handheld video games.

These units are the area’s new electronic voting system, installed in response to the 2002 Help America Vote Act. The act was crafted partly to phase

CHANGE page 7

Lectures celebrates 20 years Thursday n Margaret Mitchell, professor at the University of Chicago, will speak about interpreting the Bible at the Carmichael-Walling Lectures on Thursday.

By PATRICK YGNACIO Student Reporter

KATIE GAGER STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Republican candidate Susan King learns of her win as she stands at her headquarters on South First Street with her husband, Dr. Austin King. King won the district vote with 58 percent.

Voters casts ballots electronically Tuesday Reigning champs

Coins are heavy and noisy in pockets. Many throw change into the glove compartment, onto the floor or even into the trash, but to International Justice Mission, every little bit counts. On Monday, IJM will begin accepting donations after Chapel for its “Loose Change to Loosen Chains” campaign.

The campaign is the theme of IJM Awareness Week and one of many efforts to raise money to highlight the issue

out punch ballots in response to the dimpled ballot fiasco in Florida during the 2000 presidential election.

About the size of a standard notebook, the new units feature a large screen on which ballot selections are presented. Voters then turn a small wheel to select the candidates and propo-

sitions they favor. The unit is completed by a small set of buttons that allow users to “enter” a vote, move back and forth between pages, and finally to cast their vote.

Kristi Allyn, Taylor County elections administrator, said the biggest See

VOTING page 7

The 20th annual CarmichaelWalling Lectures will take place Thursday, giving attendees the opportunity to discuss Biblical interpretation.

The two lectures will take place in Room 130 of the Onstead-Packer Biblical Studies Building at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

This year’s speaker will be Margaret M. Mitchell, professor of New Testament and early Christian literature in the Divinity School at the University of Chicago. The overall theme of the lectures, “Looking for Biblical Literalism in All the Wrong Places,” will cover the topic See

LECTURE page 7

Animated film takes half of awards at FilmFest n Of the 21 films entered in the third annual FilmFest, a stopmotion animated film took home five of 10 awards, including best director and best film.

By SARA POTTER Student Reporter

Behind the scenes

‘Optimist’ video staff captured the events leading up to the election for all campaigns and the election results, view it at www.acuoptimist.com

Before the lights dimmed over the seats of the Historic Paramount Theatre, the screen displayed a charming attempt at Oscar mockery. As dapper FilmFest participants filed in the south entrance of the theater, they were slowed

Department of Journalism and Mass Communication

down for a live series of red carpet-esque interviews simultaneously displayed for settling theater-goers to view between popcorn runs and bathroom breaks.

This display was only the pre show.

Out of 21 films entered, Friday’s FilmFest featured a few finalists to compete in each category: five entertainment films, three music videos, three informational films and one experimental film.

Awards were presented after intermission and included

two new awards for the year— best actor and actress.

Best actor went to James Barcroft, junior history major from Arlington, for the film Sir Frances Drake and best actress went to Lara Morgan, junior English major from Abilene, for the film Since Feeling is First.

During the award portion of the evening, attendees witnessed a partial sweep, as the film Cell(s), the stopmotion animation film made See

FILMFEST page 7

EMILY SMITH STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Alex York, sophomore art major from Tyler; Adrian Chew, sophomore mathematics major from Klang, Malaysia; and Kenny Jones, instructor of art, accept the award for best film at FilmFest on Friday at the Paramount Theater.

Abilene Christian University

Serving the ACU community since 1912

Chapel Checkup Credited Chapels to date:

Wednesday, March 29, 2006 Wednesday, November 8, 2006

08

Calendar & Events Wednesday

5 p.m.

Students’ Association meeting.

Check Friday’s issue of the Optimist for coverage of the meeting.

09

Thursday

4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Carmichael-Walling Lectures featuring Dr. Margaret M. Mitchell from the University of Chicago in the Onstead-Packer Biblical Studies Building Room 130.

7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Author Lauren F. Winner will speak in Chapel. Three Chapel credits are available for this event.

8:30 p.m.

Jesus and the Hip-Hop Prophets Onstead-Packer Biblical Studies Building Room 128 11 a.m.

18:38 Chapel in Hart Auditorium “A New Image of Jesus.”

10

Friday

11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Halo 2 contest at the Mall of Abilene, proceeds benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Abilene.

The Habitat for Humanity house that began during Lectureship needs help as it nears completion. It is located at 3105 Orange St. For more information, contact Missy Jones at 281-796-6692. $25 deposit due for Spring Break Campaigns. Students are still eligible to sign up.

11

Saturday

11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Halo 2 contest at the Mall of Abilene; proceeds benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Abilene.

Noon to 4 p.m.

The Habitat for Humanity house that began during Lectureship needs help as it nears completion. It is located at 3105 Orange St. For more information, contact Missy Jones at 281-796-6692.

Intercollegiate Service Saturday McMurry, Hardin-Simmons and ACU serve the community. For location and time, contact the Volunteer Service Learning Center.

Credited Chapels remaining:

51 19

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.

*Editor’s note: Because of space this issue, the Police Log will run in Friday’s issue instead.*

Volunteer Opportunities Operation Thanksgiving needs volunteers for lunch at the Abilene Civic Center. This event is hosted by the Veteran`s Service Office. If you can help, be at the north side of the Civic Center by 10:30 a.m. Serving will begin at 11 a.m. For more information, contact Gary Pogrant at 674-1328.

Ice Skating coming to Abilene.

Volunteers are needed to help in a variety of ways with the outdoor ice skating rink that will be coming to Abilene Nov. 17 through Jan. 13,

which will benefit Habitat for Humanity. If you are interested in helping, contact the Volunteer Center in the Bean Sprout.

YW-Care needs students with talent in athletics and any other special talent are needed to come and perform/present their talent before elementary school aged children. Tuesdays and Thursdays through Dec. 15, from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m. at elementary school campuses. For more information, contact Janelle Sands at 677-5321.

Announcements Halo 2 Tournament to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Abilene will take place Thursday and Friday at Planet Lan in the Mall of Abilene.

Half the proceeds will go to BBBS and half will go to the bracket winners. To register or get more information, contact Citibank or Planet Lan. The International Students’ Association presents Ethnos: Twilight. The show will take place in Cullen Auditorium Nov. 17 and 18.

Tickets will be sold in the Campus Center’s ticket window and at the door. E-mail any comments or questions to Rolando Gutierrez at rxg04g@acu.edu.

WorldWide Witness is now accepting applications for over 40 summer internships around the world. All majors are welcome. Apply online at www.worldwidewitness.org. For additional information, contact Gary Green or Wimon Walker at witness@bible.acu.edu.

Girl Scout Troop #1550 needs young women who want to make a difference in young girls’ lives through Girl Scouting. The girls 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.

CAMPUS NEWS

Wednesday, November 8, 2006

Page 3

Ethnos gears up for production n The annual culture show, meant to promote cultural awareness, will feature Polynesian, Native American, Japanese and African dances.

Tickets will be sold for $4.

By RACHEL DAVIS Student Reporter

RACHEL LAU STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Lindy White, junior nursing major from Abilene, gives KrisAnn Christian, freshman psychology major from McKinney, a flu vaccination Tuesday.

Flu warrants vaccination n Twenty cases of students contracting the flu have been reported at the medical clinic on campus. Vaccinations were offered Tuesday.

By CHRIS HANSEN Student R eporter

The medical clinic offered flu vaccinations Tuesday in the Campus Center for students, faculty and staff.

Angela Estes, registered director of nursing, said about 20 people have been diagnosed with the flu at the clinic this season.

“There are certain people at high risk that we prefer to get it first,” Estes said.

High-risk groups include those with long-term health problems, a weakened immune system, children and the elderly. People who spend time or work with people at a high risk should also get vaccinated, along with people visiting highrisk family members during the holidays, Estes said.

Eight hundred vaccines have been ordered, and the clinic will give them until they run out. The vaccine is $20 and covers the cost of the shot, the syringe and the administration.

According to the Center for Disease Control, flu season has been mild with only 49 confirmed cases of the flu since Oct. 1. The CDC described flu activity in Texas as “sporadic” from Oct. 21 to Oct. 28, the last reporting period, and overall flu activity was at a low level. “[The flu] starts very suddenly,” Estes said. If you do get the flu, go to the doctor in the first 48 hours to get an anti-viral medicine.

After 48 hours, the medicine doesn’t do you any good, she said.

“All you can do is rest and treat your symptoms.

The most common symptom is a fever.”

Dr. Anthony Rector,

director of the medical clinic, said three years ago was a flu nightmare. That year, 200 people were diagnosed by early October, and flu season lasted from Homecoming to spring break, he said.

Flu Symptoms Symptoms for influenza, also known as the flu, appear suddenly and include the following: n Fever of 100 °F to 104 °F n Shaking chills n Body aches and muscle pain, commonly in the back, arms or legs n Headache n Fatigue n Loss of appetite n A dry cough, runny nose and a dry or sore throat Information taken directly from webmd.com.

E-mail Hansen at: optimist@acu.edu

The International Students’ Association will host its annual culture show, Ethnos, on Nov. 17 and 18.

The theme for this year is “Twilight,” and director Rolando Gutierrez, junior graphic design and electronic media major from Torreon, Mexico, said he can’t reveal the reason the theme was chosen.

“You’ll just have to come see the show,” Gutierrez said.

The show, in its 12th year of production, will have 15 to 20 acts and will last about two hours. There is also a play circling the acts that will tie the entire show together. Some of the acts will include a Polynesian dancer

and April Gutierrez, professional Native American dancer, will perform with her father.

“I always look forward to the Japanese performance because they are always amazing,” Rolando Gutierrez said. “But it’s hard to pick an act that is my favorite.”

The students have rehearsed for about a month and a half and the groups that perform create their own acts. Actors and actresses for the play were chosen a few weeks ago through a series of auditions.

Gutierrez said he wants to promote unity through the show.

“What I want to do with the show is let the audience have a good time and create unity among different races involved in the show,” he said. “I also want the community of Abilene to be more culturally aware.

There are professors and

important people in the community that don’t know Singapore speaks English and not Chinese.

We’re trying to promote cultural awareness.”

“We want people to have fun expressing the culture they are from,” said Mary Tan, junior English major from Singapore and stage manager of the show. “It’s hard, especially at ACU, because we are such a minority. We just want to show people what we are about and promote cultural awareness.”

Tickets will be on sale starting Monday in the Campus Center for $4, and can be bought at the door for $5. The show will start at 7:50 p.m. and will take place in Cullen Auditorium.

“We just want people to come in and have fun,” Tan said.

E-mail Davis at: optimist@acu.edu

Poetry night to offer talent show n Students are welcomed to attend and compete at “Apollo Night,” an Essence of Ebony poetry and talent show Thursday night at 7 p.m.

By BLESSED MATAI Student Reporter

“Apollo Night” at the Bean Sprout is the first Essence of Ebony poetry night that will feature more than just poetry.

This year’s annual “poetry night” is more like a talent show, featuring singers, dancers and rappers.

“This is the first themed poetry night,” said Erica Ray, junior social work major from Euless and Essence of Ebony president.

The event is open for all students to attend, and this

year judges will give out awards for the best act because it is a talent show.

“There will be only one winner, and [he or she] will win a gift certificate,” Ray said. “And the gift certificate amount and place will be announced during the poetry night.”

Fifteen acts will grace the stage in the Bean Sprout Thursday night.

“Essence of Ebony allows opportunities to black students to participate in activities that they are familiar with, things that they enjoy and the opportunity to express their culture that they don’t have in other activities,” said LaShae Grottis, adviser for Essence of Ebony.

Grottis said the show is different than other shows that take place on campus.

“The difference about our show compared to other shows like Culture Show and Sing Song is that ours is less structured and allows more freedom of expression and talent,” she said.

The student organization’s next big event is the Black History Production. It will take place on Feb. 9 and 10.

“That you say so shall it be will be the title,” Grottis said. “And we will have our alumni coming back for the show since it is the 10th anniversary of the Black History Production.”

E-mail Matai at: optimist@acu.edu

CAMPUS NEWS

Page 4

Wednesday, November 8, 2006

Zane’s tune

Christian author to speak on campus n Author Lauren Winner will visit campus Friday to speak to students and members of the ACU community in various venues during the day.

By ASHLEY ROBINSON Student Reporter

Christian author Lauren Winner will speak to students, staff and faculty during Chapel, selected Bible classes and a special luncheon for woman faculty members and staff on Friday.

This will be Winner’s first time speaking at ACU. “I frequently speak at Christian colleges, and I was invited by ACU; I was

delighted to accept the invitation,” Winner said.

Winner has been writing for eight years and has written books about spiritual memoir, chastity and spiritual disciplines.

Winner’s published work includes three books: Girl Meets God, Mudhouse Sabbath, and Real Sex: The Naked Truth about Chastity.

Winner also co-authored Five Paths to the Love of Your Life.

“My target audience depends on the book,” Winner said. “I wrote Real Sex for a Christian audience, but I hope that Girl Meets God appeals to a broader

audience.”

She will speak at a Chapel forum Thursday at 7 p.m. in Moody Coliseum, presenting the theme “Real Sex.” “I’ll be speaking about sexuality and chastity, healthy dating relationships and about my spiritual autobiography,” Winner said. “I hope that my words will encourage and challenge students to think more deeply about the ways they live out their faith.”

Winner’s visit is hosted by the W-Club.

“I attended one of their meetings last year at

which time they expressed interest in having Lauren Winner visit ACU. We’ve collaborated on the details and funding, and I have provided the Chapel forum as Lauren’s major presentation,” said Dr. Wayne Barnard, dean of spiritual formation and assistant professor of higher education.

“I certainly hope that I represent Christ well in my writing and speaking,” Winner said.

Copies of Winner’s books can be purchased in the Campus Store.

E-mail Robinson at: optimist@acu.edu

Sweep: Team focused on nationals Continued from page 8

in the top eight in the 10K, and all five earned all-region honors. Naimadu led the race with a 31:34, winning his ninth-consecutive race; Laurent Ngirakamaro finished second with a 31:35; Philip Birgen came in third with a 31:37; and Julius Nyango finished fourth

with a 31:28.2. Serge Gasore rounded out ACU’s top runners placing eighth with an overall time of 32:18.

Olha Krvv’yak from Ukraine led the women in the 6K in 22:06, finishing fourth; Loice Cheboi finished sixth in 22:19; and Hayley Garner finished 18th in 22:56.

“I was pleasantly sur-

prised with our women and how strong they came on to win,” Hood said. “They really turned a lot of heads with their overall performance, and I can’t tell you how proud I am of them to compete and finish like that.”

Both teams are concentrating on Adams State, ranked No. 1 in the country,

and Western State, ranked fifth in the country.

“Across the board there they’re two of the best,” Hood said. “We need to keep it simple and stay with the same approach we’ve had all season and I’m confident these we can reach our potential.”

E-mail Harris at: optimist@acu.edu

Regionals: Wildcats take on West Texas Continued from page 8

no committee that will put us in the national tournament, it’s whether or not you win.”

ACU lost the conference tournament for the first time in two years after losing to Texas Woman’s

33-31, 30-24 and 30-22 on Thursday. The Wildcats’ three-game loss knocked them out of the conference tournament, ending their two-year winning streak.

“It hurts your pride to not play as well as you want to in conference,” Mock said. “You just have to put the past behind and

try to make the best out of the future.”

Despite falling out early in the conference tournament, one of the Wildcats’ best offensive weapons, outside hitter Abbie Lowry, was voted to the second team of the Daktronics all-region teams. Lowry was voted in by Sports In-

formation Directors in the Southwest conference.

If ACU wins on Thursday against West Texas, the team will move on to play either Western New Mexico or Montana State Billings.

E-mail Johnson at: djj04a@acu.edu

Opener: Division I competition offers benefits Continued from page 8

said. “We struggled with taking care of the ball.”

With 19 turnovers, the Wildcats more than doubled the eight committed by the UTSA. The Wildcats’ shooting trouble—both in and out of the paint—continued as the team went four of 16 from behind the three-point arc and 20 for 44 in total field goals.

Copeland said ACU

had problems matching up with UTSA in the paint.

In the second half, the Wildcats mustered only six points in the paint, while UTSA scored 24.

Despite the results of the game, Copeland said he is optimistic and even grateful about the way things turned out.

“When you’re playing against Division I, you’re playing with some kids that are bigger, stronger and that have some

more talent.” Copeland said. “Playing them exposes those things to work on. We learn from that. It’s all worth it.

And with ten new guys playing with each other, there is a lot of benefit from playing these [preseason] games.”

This year, the men’s team was picked sixth in the LSC South out of the 14 teams. This is one spot up from last year when the Wildcats were picked to finish sev-

enth. The top two teams picked in the LSC South are Central Oklahoma and Tarleton State universities.

ACU’s next exhibition game against Division I competition is on Friday against the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. The team’s first home game is against Hillsdale Freewill Baptist College in the ACU Classic on Nov. 17 at 7 p.m.

E-mail Penfield at: optimist@acu.edu

RACHEL LAU STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Zane Williams performs in the Bean Sprout as part of FilmFest weekend on Friday night. Williams was a judge for FilmFest.

Football: Malone posts career game Continued from page 8

“They are the heroes this week,” Badon said about the special teams. “They stepped up and did what they had to do to win this game.”

The hero in Thomsen’s mind was quarterback Billy Malone.

“I was thinking about maybe kneeling the ball and playing for overtime,” Thomsen said. “But coach Collums talked me into going after it and reminded me how much confidence we had in Billy to come through.”

Malone, who drove the Wildcats 74 yards down the field into field goal position with 1:03 remaining on the clock, threw for career-best 404 yards and two touchdowns against Kingsville.

Malone’s performance was the first time he has thrown for more than 400 yards in a game.

“That last drive he did exactly what you’re supposed to do,” Thomsen said. “And that’s the sign of a truly great quarterback; a guy that can do it in those types of situations.”

Two ACU receivers, Badon and wide receiver Chris Morris, both finished with more than 100 receiving yards. Morris led the Wildcats in catches with seven for 122 yards and a touchdown, while Badon made

four grabs for 165 yards and one touchdown.

On the ground, running back Taber Minner led the Wildcats in rushing with 109 yards and two touchdowns.

Chancy Campbell contributed with a touchdown of his own and 36 yards on the ground.

Despite a pregame average of 93 rushing yards, the Kingsville Javelinas’ biggest offensive weapon was its running attack. Kingsville rushed for 240 yards and two touchdowns.

Outside linebacker Marcus Brown led the Wildcats in tackles with nine, while cornerback Corey Jordan recorded his fourth interception this season and linebacker Brandon Henry recorded a pick of his own.

Henry also had the Wildcats’ only sack against the Javelinas.

The Wildcats final regular season test will be in their final home game against Midwestern state on Saturday.

ACU moved up to No. 18 in the American Coaches Football Association national poll and remained at No. 5 in the Southwest Regional rankings. The Wildcats must beat Midwestern to secure a spot in the playoffs and win its first outright conference championship.

E-mail the Johnson at: djj04a@acu.edu

Page 5

November 8, 2006

“We’re about ridin’, havin’ a good time and winnin’ souls for the Lord.”

Jim Weaver, Christian Motorcyclists’ Association member

EMILY SMITH STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

M

otorcycles of varying brands will soon crowd the parking lot of Cotton Patch the restaurant, but right now, only three are present. The owners stand around their bikes admiring one in particular, as their wives talk amongst themselves. The man with shoulder-length, graying hair tied at the nape of his neck walks closer to the one and squats. He glides his fingers across the shiny metal covering the top of the front wheel, unmindful of all but the motorcycle he’s examining. A proud smile spreads across his creasing face.

“He just got a new bike, can’t you tell?” a woman says then laughs, her rust-colored shirt bearing the patch—a signal that she is part of the largest motorcyclists organization in the world.

Another bike pulls into the parking lot.

Soon motorcycles will be left unattended as the back room of the restaurant fills with men and women dressed in leather and denim, bonded by two common interests: motorcycles and God. They gather as proud members of the Christian Motorcyclists Association, an interdenominational organization of more than 100,000 people from around the world, to deliver the Gospel of Jesus to the biker community. More than just a biker club, CMA is a ministry with a vision of “changing the world, one heart at a time.” Its preferred tool of evangelizing: the motorcycle.

Every third Monday of the month, members of the Abilene chapter of CMA meet to discuss “old business” and “new business.”

They’re called Ambassadors on Wheels.

On this particular occasion, the president, Kim Vickers, is wearing neither.

Dressed in khaki slacks and a green, button-down, long-sleeved shirt, Vickers is a stark contrast—ready for the country club rather than the biker club. He apologizes for the gun at his hip; he just came from work and had no time to change.

Vickers, a retired police officer and an Abilene peace officer and investigator with the Texas Commission of Law Enforcement, has been a member of CMA for five years.

When he first attended the CMA meetings he was surprised to find the hard-core biker image prevalent.

The “Christian” in the title threw him off.

“I thought [CMA] would be people kinda dressed like I am right now, you know what I’m sayin’,” he said. “I came in and they were some bikers, and I thought ‘my goodness, this really is a biker deal.’ I wasn’t looking for a motorcycle gang to join.”

A lot of leather, a lot of earrings and long hair is how he described it.

“I was tellin’ my wife about it, and I said, ‘ah I just can’t see me ever wearin’ all that leather.’”

Five years later, he confesses: “I wear it.”

As the business meeting progresses, announcements are given. Carol Hall, chaplain of Ambassadors on Wheels, tells of all the good CMA has done within the last month.

As the business meeting progresses, announcements are given. Carol Hall, chaplain of Ambassadors on Wheels, tells of all the good CMA has done within the last month.

CMA continues to win souls over to Christ, she says then stomps her right foot, trying to hold the sudden wave of emotion at bay. Her chin trembles with overwhelming joy at the good news. She takes a moment to compose herself before continuing her announcements.

After announcements, new business is discussed. Nominations for officers have to be made this night, but first, Hall makes a motion for Ambassadors on Wheels to sponsor a child for $10 a month through a separate organization. Who will second it?

“I second the motion.” Jim Weaver raises his thick hand. The motion carries without dispute.

Weaver has been a member of CMA for two years along with his wife, Kathleen. The love and passion he has for this group radiates from his blue eyes, hidden behind thin, silver-framed glasses. The gentleness in his voice as he speaks of CMA is not what one would expect from a man of his intimidating size.

“I can tell you, without a shadow of a doubt, two things,” he began. “[CMAers] accept you for who you are, and they love you

CMA members stand out by wearing their “colors” and decorating their bikes with Christian messages. They call themselves “ambassadors on wheels.”

Bikes, leather ... and Christ

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY EMILY SMITH, KELSI PEACE

James Crim, former president of the Abilene CMA chapter, attends a tent revival in downtown Abilene to help the homeless Monday night. for where you’re at.”

Weaver first heard about CMA when the annual Blessing of the Bikes was held at the parking lot of his home church, New Hope, an Assemblies of God affiliation.

Blessing of the Bikes is an event where motorcyclists, CMA members or not, gather and play games, but more importantly, they pray and ask the Lord to bless and protect their fellow bikers as they ride.

Two years ago Weaver decided to begin his journey as a CMA member after he and his wife rode up to the blessing line to be prayed for.

“I can remember how powerful the spirit of the Lord just showed up in the parking lot,” he recalled. “When [God] showed up in the parking lot and the love of these people that I never met before and the way they treated me as family and accepted me for who I was […] I knew that’s what I wanted to do. I wanted to be a part of something that was that powerful.

“I don’t believe it’s anywhere other than in a church setting, when big guys in a parking lot aren’t afraid to say ‘I love you’ to each other and hug you. That’s special.”

The nominations for officers of 2007 commence. Kim Vickers asks not to be nominated again for president.

“My big thing is I’m so busy; I have so many irons in the fire that it got a little difficult at times trying to juggle everything,” he said once it was all finished.

As Vickers calls out the positions for candidacy, Weaver secretly steals the coffee cup of former president of Ambassadors on Wheels, James Crim, as his back is turned.

After sweetening the coffee he places the cup back where it belonged.

All eyes are on Crim as he turns around and grabs his cup. Mischievous smiles and anxious eyes greet him. He knows something is up as snickers circle around the table.

How’s your coffee, Weaver asks. Crim takes a sip.

“It’s tainted,” he responds sending the table into a fit of laughter.

F

or seven years, CMA has been part of Crim’s everyday life. He grew up riding motorcycles, living the hard life of drugs and alcohol, but didn’t become familiar with the Christian motorcycle circle until his friend brought him to a Christian motorcycle rally in Dallas 11 years ago.

“People [who] grew up riding bikes...

probably lived like an idiot, like I did, but you know God forgives you for all of that.

You’re just even more eager to go out and share him.

“You don’t want to hide your faith; you wear it on your back.”

And that’s exactly what he does. On the back of his denim and leather vests, on his helmet and especially on his bike, his faith is plastered for all to see.

“God is not in a box,” he said the conviction in his voice is unwavering. “God is not at the building on Sunday morning. God is everyday. God is every time you get on your bike. You represent God—you put your back patch on.”

A

fter the nomination process concludes and the meeting comes to a close, the Abilene CMA members join hands to form a prayer circle, but not all of the Ambassadors are present.

One of ACU’s own, Dr. Jerry Winsor, has been unable to attend the Monday night business meetings because work has taken up the time slot.

As a professor of communication, Winsor’s Monday nights are spent on base at Dyess Air Force Base teaching Intercultural Communication to graduate students.

Winsor has been a CMA member since 1993, first in Missouri now in Abilene. His first encounter with CMA was at a National Convention at Missouri’s state fairgrounds.

He watched as men in tattoos talked about how grateful they were that Jesus had reclaimed their lives. After hearing the founder of CMA talk about his life, Winsor made the decision to join the group.

Winsor proudly wears his CMA patch 13 years later. The yellow-orange ribbons with the inscription “Riding for the Son” flutter at the top and bottom of the matching colored triangle patch. A bible with a cross and praying hands is at the very center. He admits the patch—the “colors”—on the back of his black denim vest are more than just identification but a way of being.

“I realize when I put on those colors I behave a little better. You wouldn’t want to ever do anything to be disrespectful. When you’re wearing those colors, it’s a responsibility; you make a statement. People are probably gonna watch you a little more closely than they would.”

That especially holds true at secular

Story by

Michelle Jimenez Design by

Kelsi Peace rallies. CMA members will often attend secular rallies, proudly displaying their colors. They’ll camp out, set up booths, give out free water with scriptures inscribed on the cups and just be a presence in a place where God is usually not found nor welcomed. But Kim Vickers is quick to say that, despite the occasional scoffers, CMA is well accepted at almost any secular rally around the country.

There are even times when the covering of the night brings along question-laden visitors, ready to hear the Good News.

“Once it gets dark and nobody’s around, out of the dark somebody walk up and start talkin’ to ‘em because they don’t want to be seen, you know what I’m sayin’, by their buddies ‘cause they’ll look at it as weakness. That kinda stuff happens a lot.”

Vickers said.

For Jim Weaver, attending a secular rally is about “being a part of [it] but not compromising who we are to Christ.”

Respect among the secular and spiritual biker organizations is a key issue when at secular rallies. CMA isn’t there to compete, cause problems or condemn. It’s there to bring people closer to God. “[Secular clubs] know that [CMA] is there for everybody,” Winsor said. “I think they just appreciate that purpose and the fact that we’re willing to go to their rallies and support and encourage anyone we can in there to find Christ.”

Being a presence and representing the colors well is how members of CMA win and keep respect.

“Just be visible. Wear the colors. Ride the motorcycle and be visible,” Vickers said.

“You don’t have to go out lookin’. They’ll come to you. … There’s enough people looking for answers, enough people looking for what’s missing in their lives. … just be available and God will bring ‘em.”

Weaver sums it up well: “We’re about ridin’, havin’ a good time and winnin’ souls for the Lord.”

E-mail Jimenez at: mmj04b@acu.edu

ViewsWednesday Optimist

Page 6

November 8, 2006

Administration should increase campus surveillance

The issue:

Recent occurrences of criminal activity on campus have raised interest in installing surveillance cameras at ACU.

Several instances of criminal activity have taken place on and near campus in the past two weeks. Several breakins, harassing phone calls and a student mugging all took place during October.

Something must be done to ensure the safety of the student body.

While the ACU Police Department adds vehicles to its fleet of cruisers and increases the number of officers on duty, what does the university do? Surveillance cameras must be installed on several of the buildings on campus to ensure supervision of what happens in the campus’ interior.

One of our very own Optimist staff members

Our view:

Surveillance cameras would help deter criminal acts, assist in tracking down the instigators of such acts and allow students to feel safe on campus.

The solution:

Support the university police and any progress that they make toward placing surveillance cameras at ACU.

was at- Students should be able to enjoy and utilize the a r o u n d tacked late campus, campus of the university they pay so much to Thursday the interior evening of the camattend without the fear of being mugged. during his pus simply walk from cannot be the Don H. seen from Morris Center to UniverThe solution is simple. these roads, leaving sity Park Apartments. If there had been cameras much of the campus unAs he walked between focused on various parts supervised.

Moody Coliseum and the of the campus during the Students are often on Campus Center, two sub- time of the attacks, the campus until late into the tle individuals lunged at hunt for the individu- night because of student him, trying to steal his als who attacked Brian activities like studying in camera while pounding Schmidt, senior photo- the library, which is open on the top of his head journalism major from until midnight; working with their fists.

Austin and chief photog- on student publications None of this was re- rapher for the Optimist, such as the Optimist; or corded on camera. The would be a much easier simply taking a late night best that has been done process. walk or jog before bed. is looking at the cameras It seems like a no- Students should be able within the residence halls brainer that the safety of to enjoy and utilize the for people coming and students on campus at campus of the university going around the time of night should be a prior- they pay so much to atthe attack. But no leads ity. Although ACU police tend without the fear of have surfaced. officers cruise the roads being mugged.

Cole Williams

Let Loose

Don’t rush the Christmas season Some guys see November as a month of freedom. A whole month they can go without shaving.

No-shave November.

I am not participating in this celebration. I would rather start another protest.

Fields of No-songs Dreams November.

The new Jared protest, and Fields not just for guys, is to protest everything that is putting Christmas into our thoughts before Thanksgiving.

I walked into three stores this weekend—all playing Christmas music. I asked the third store’s cashier if they were playing the unseasonably merry music because of store mandate. She said yes, the one CD they use gets very old by the time Christmas actually rolls

They cannot get away from cheery songs and merry carolers that smother them from Nov. 1 to Dec. 25 and later.

around. On that particular day, she had 51 days to go.

I felt sadness and pity for her instead of joy to the world.

The lounge act covers of classic holiday songs by obscure artists is enjoyed by customers who think the music is fresh. But to the employees the working environment is more than torturous. The looping CD shrinks their hearts smaller than that of the Grinch.

Everyone has a song or group they cannot listen to because of bad associations with the music. If a onceloved band reminds you of a bitter ex-girlfriend, then the once-loved band can at least be ignored. Hating a band because they’re bigger than fat Elvis when you liked them when they were unknown

In Your Words How would surveillance cameras benefit campus?

also causes problems. The same goes for fat Elvis and exgirlfriends; it can be avoided.

But what is the poor department store cashier to do when the Christmas season approaches? They can’t get away from cheery songs and merry carolers that smother them from Nov. 1 to Dec. 25 or later.

For these poor individuals where the Christmas spirit is stolen, I propose no-songs November.

Just boycotting Christmas songs is not enough, however. To change this Christmasis-never-too-early attitude, we must place a bigger emphasis on Thanksgiving. To do this, we must rally behind our best musicians and artists and force them to stop making their Christmas Hits

albums and start making original Thanksgiving music.

Imagine a month of new classics like Grandma Got Ran Over by a Gobbler; Silent Afternoon, Holy Afternoon; What Turkey is This?; We Three Indians; and Joy to the World, the Turkey’s done.

Creating a genre of music dedicated to another Holiday will force our department stores and little shops to play that music instead, giving us the month we deserve to properly prepare for Christmas music.

So please, even if you love listening to Christmas music all year long, please consider laying off the music between Halloween and Thanksgiving. If not for me, then for the cashiers. They don’t deserve to have such a great part of Christmas ruined like dry, overcooked stuffing.

E-mail Fields at: jrf03b@acu.edu, optimist@acu.edu

It wouldn’t. It gives ACU a reason to put its nose in everyone’s business.

Preventing or being able to identify people who steal bikes.

Adam Baron

Erica Findley

junior accounting major from Cedar Park

sophomore art major from Bakersfield, Calif.

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

Atom bombs for dummies What is the intelli- lar Iraq War. They were gence community’s lat- desperately searching est solution to fighting for a means of justificainternational terrorism? tion for the Middle East P o s t i n g conundrum during an an “Atom election year.

Bomb for And why wouldn’t dummies” they? manual on Despite a recent rise the Inter- in economic growth and net. a newly adopted foreign Accord- policy where finding ing to the diplomatic solutions is Stereotype New York the new answer to the Free Times ar- Iran and North Korea ticle “U.S. problems, the party in Daniel Web site power’s biggest critiJohnson is said to cism from the media reveal Nuclear Primer,” and American citizens a government Web site, this election year has initially created to ar- been the Iraq War. chive Iraqi documents But the Republicans captured during the Iraq would-be Trojan Horse war, was yanked from found them knee deep the World in manure.

Wide Web The digital by the Bush misstep only administheir How do you expect hurt tration for chances of the country to becontaining earning the a docucountry’s aplieve you are makment with ing progress in “the proval. detailed inHow do War on Terror” structions you expect on how when you’re aiding the country to build to believe you the enemy. an atom are making bomb. progress in The doc“the War on uments, Terror” when which date you’re aiding back to before the 1991 the enemy?

Persian Gulf War, were You can’t. targeted as a danger by Although I admit that weapons experts and if I were in the Republiled to the complete clo- can’s messy shoes right sure of the Web sites’ now, I would give anyarchive. thing for a realistic reaThe International son to justify the war in Atomic Energy Agency Iraq, but giving the enefeared the documents my the keys to the kingcould aid countries in dom is not the answer Bush’s “Axis of Evil,” they were looking for. like Iran, in developing Rather than post dannuclear weapons in the gerous documents, the near future. intelligence community So where does the would do better to start blame for this atomic- a YouTube.com account sized mis-post deserve and post bloopers from to be placed? president Bush’s speechCongressional Repub- es while in office. licans.

I’ll take Bush bloopThe Web site was ers over an atom bomb created last March af- from Iran any day of ter the Bush adminis- the week. tration buckled under pressure from the “representatives in red” and their desire to use the Internet to build a reE-mail Johnson at: sume’ supporting the djj04a@acu.edu, optimist@acu.edu increasingly unpopu-

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

Because ACU police can’t catch every instance of crime in the neighborhood, it is the university’s responsibility to install surveillance equipment and increase campus security to monitor what happens late at night.

For when this plan is executed, students won’t have to fear walking from an academic building to their cars, apartments and residence halls.

Crime cannot be completely eliminated. It’s an ever-present part of society, but students will feel more comfort knowing their university has taken every possible step to keep them safe.

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

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Online: www.acuoptimist.com

Wednesday, November 8, 2006

FROM THE FRONT PAGE

Page 7

Lecture: Mitchell to speak on Bible interpretation Continued from page 1

of Biblical interpretation in early Christianity and today.

Each lecture will be followed by a question and answer session between Mitchell and attendees of the event.

Mitchell’s afternoon lecture, “Antioch in Late Antiquity,” will focus on ancient interpreters Eustathius and Chrysostom at Antioch.

Mitchell will also compare ancient interpretations to modern day interpretations in the evening lecture, “The ‘Christian Right’ in Mod-

ern America.” Mitchell will also discuss the parallels between the two in order to further examine what it means to adopt a literal interpretation of the Bible.

Dr. Jeff Childers, Carmichael-Walling chair for New Testament and early Christianity, said this is the first year a woman has been chosen to deliver the lectures.

Childers said Mitchell’s lectures will cover modern Biblical viewpoints more than in previous years.

The lectures are free, open to the public and

sponsored by the Graduate School of Theology. The lectures have a history of examining current works in New Testament and early Christian studies by outside scholars.

Carroll Osburn, former professor of New Testament language and literature at ACU, founded the Carmichael-Walling Lectures 20 years ago and served as coordinator and host before retiring in 2004.

Tera Harmon, divinity graduate student, has attended the last four lectures

and also worked as a research assistant to Osburn.

Harmon said she appreciates how the lectures bring in representatives from other denominations. The appreciation of lecturers from outside the Church of Christ was initially a rare thing, Harmon said, but was also something that was important to Osburn when he started the lectures.

“It’s one of the opportunities that we have on campus for a more ecumenical experience,” Harmon said.

“I’ve appreciated the level

of scholarship of the people who have come in; they’ve all given really excellent lectures.”

Childers said the specialized speakers combined with themes oriented toward a more general audience are what distinguish the lectures from others held on campus.

“It opens up a bigger world and gives people opportunities they hadn’t had before and makes the books they are reading come alive a little more,” Childers said.

Childers said Mitchell’s

message of Biblical interpretation is relevant to today’s political and religious debates and that the lectures encourage students to become more connected with scholars who are actively involved in important discussions.

“It’s harder to rub shoulders with these people unless we bring them down,” Childers said. “And that’s what we are doing here.”

E-mail Ygnacio at: optimist@acu.edu

Election: Hailey concedes IJM: Campaign begins Monday Continued from page 1

“[I’ll] go right back in the classroom,” Hailey said. “I’ve always said the Lord had plans for me and maybe those plans are to be in the classroom.”

He said he didn’t see himself running again in a race.

“Absolutely not with an exclamation point,” he said. “But overall it was a good experience, you just have to get up and go on from here.”

Hailey wished King luck in Austin in his conceding speech as he stood with his wife, Jan Hailey,

instructor of New Testament Greek.

“We fought a good and positive race, and we kept our integrity,” he said. “I wish my opponent the best and hope she can fill the big shoes she’s been talking about with Representative Bob Hunter.”

Hailey said that he could have gone negative in his campaign, but instead tried to give voters a reason to vote for Mel Hailey and not against King.

Hailey’s campaign manager, Dr. David Dillman, associate professor of political science, said he was

disappointed with the results.

“I thought he was the better candidate and spoke to the issues and would have made the better representative,” Dillman said. “It is clear that money speaks. She got so much from the speaker and the speaker’s friends and she will have a large debt that she will have to repay.”

Staff writers Daniel Johnson, Kelsi Peace and Jeremy Pond contributed to this report.

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

Voting: Votes counted quicker Continued from page 1

good publicity on that,” Allyn said. “We had groups of people go out into the communities to demonstrate how to use the machines.”

While there had been concern about the security of an electronic system, Allyn said measures were taken to prevent any possibility of tampering.

Each polling site had a judge’s booth controller containing a flash card that recorded each ballot cast at that site. When the polls close, each card was then

sealed for transportation to the tabulation computer.

Election officials checked the seal the moment it arrived to ensure that it had not been tampered with.

Once all of the cards were collected, they were input into a stand-alone computer, cut off from any outside network or phone lines. That computer was in a secure room protected by an alarm system. Allyn said few people had access to the room.

“We are very confident in the security of this system,” she said.

The system also cut down on the time that it takes to count the ballots.

In the past, it took longer to count the votes if more people voted. Allyn said thanks to the new system, votes can be counted very quickly once the cards have been assembled.

“In the past there was no telling how long it would take,” she said. “Now each year we can be relatively certain of having results in time for the 10 o’clock news.”

E-mail Pond at: optimist@acu.edu

FilmFest: Changes improve event Continued from page 1

the stop-motion animation film made from photographs of still-frame drawings and paper models, won five out of the remaining eight awards, including best film.

Their other awards were best technical director, production designer and director, Alex York, sophomore art major from Tyler, and best sound designer, Adrian

Chew, sophomore mathematics major from Klang, Malaysia.

“The results went beyond my most fantastic expectations,” York said.

Aaron Rector, senior electronic media major from Abilene, won best producer for the film Fall Guy, and Chris Birkheimer, won best writer for the film The Package.

People’s Choice Award, the award in which students

were given the opportunity to view films online and vote for their favorite, went to the film Theodore Brekk

by Shaley Lucas, junior integrated marketing communication major from Coppell, and Evan Black, senior integrated marketing communication major from Denison. *Editor’s note: view a complete list of the winners at www.acuoptimist.com.

E-mail Potter at: optimist@acu.edu

Continued from page 1

of slavery in the world today.

Donny Tapie, junior Biblical text major from Orlando, Florida, and chaplain of ACU’s chapter of IJM, said this campaign is one of the best causes to which students can donate.

“If every student gave a quarter that would be a lot of money for 5,000 students,” Tapie said. “Why let money go to waste in our sock drawers when it can go to free people who are basically locked in a cage? I think it is a very noble sacrifice to give and a very simple sacrifice.”

IJM will collect change every afternoon from Monday until Thanksgiving break in the Campus Center and at different donation spots around campus. Brandon Smith, junior political science major from Kansas City, Kan., is president of

ACU’s IJM chapter. He said this campaign is particularly important to him because it is a practical way students can get involved in what God is doing around the world.

“I am personally involved because God has called me to this in my life I feel,” Smith said. “I don’t have an option.

My options as a Christian don’t let me sit back and allow this to happen.”

IJM is an organization based out of Washington D.C. with a mission to document and prosecute cases of illegal detention, prostitution and slavery or forced labor. The organization documents subjugation in other countries to free the oppressed and prosecute oppressors.

“People are being enslaved and forced to work six days a week, 18 hours a day rolling cigarettes or making bricks, and that’s all they’ve known since they were born,” Tapie said. “IJM

can do something about that whereas other organizations can’t. IJM is able to stop and put an end to that.”

ACU’s chapter of IJM is the first and oldest campus chapter in the world and one of the most active student groups on campus outside of social clubs, Smith said.

The ACU chapter hopes to raise $10,000 by fall of next year with this campaign and other fundraisers. Smith and Tapie expect to not only raise funds but also raise awareness.

“There are more slaves in the world today than there were taken out of Africa in the 400 years of the transatlantic slave trade,” Smith said. “My message to the student body is that IJM can make a difference and we are here to start a justice revolution.”

E-mail Watten at: optimist@acu.edu

SportsWednesday

Wednesday, November 8, 2006

ScoreBoard

Wildcats kick back

Standings FOOTBALL

Team

Div. 5-0 4-1 4-1 3-2 1-4 1-5 0-5

Tarleton WTAMU ACU MSU Angelo St. ENMU TAMU-K

Team

Overall 6-3 9-1 8-1 8-2 2-7 2-7 3-7

n The Wildcats kicked back from their one-point loss to Tarleton State by beating Texas A&MKingsville 41-38 with a lastsecond field goal on Saturday.

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

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

Overall 29-3 18-10 14-15 8-22 4-21 6-27

Football

By DANIEL JOHNSON Sports Editor

Wide receiver Jerale Badon made one catch in the second half against Texas A&M-Kingsville.

But it was the most important catch of the game.

After heading to the sideline with a first-half MCL sprain, an injured Badon returned with 14 seconds on the clock and caught a 34-yard pass to set up place kicker Matt Adams for a game-winning field goal.

“We weren’t going to play [Badon] unless we had to have him,” offensive coordinator Ken Collums said. “There is

Scores Thursday VOLLEYBALL Texas Woman’s 3, ACU 0

Saturday FOOTBALL ACU 41, Texas A&MKingsville, 38

Upcoming

Page 8

just something in him that is different.”

Adams’ 25-yard field goal ended a back-and-forth offensive battle and won the Wildcats the game 41-38.

The win extended the Wildcats’ record to 8-1 and kept the program’s hopes for its first NCAA Division II playoff berth alive.

“I know I was praying,” head coach Chris Thomsen said. “I was praying for him to just have confidence and to just go out there and nail it.”

And nail it he did.

Adams was named Lone Star Conference South Division Special Teams Player of the Week after completing two of three field goals and bootSee

FOOTBALL page 4

brian schmidt CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Placekicker Matt Adams attempts a field goal against Angelo State on Oct. 14. Adams kicked the game-winning field goal in the Wildcats’ 41-38 win over Texas A&M-Kingsville on Saturday.

Thursday VOLLEYBALL ACU vs. West Texas A&M at Southwest Regional Tournament, Canyon, 7:30 p.m.

Friday MEN’S BASKETBALL ACU at New Mexico, Albuquerque, N.M., 8 p.m.

VOLLEYBALL ACU at Southwest Regional Tournament, Canyon, TBA

Saturday FOOTBALL ACU vs. Midwestern State, 2 p.m.

VOLLEYBALL ACU at Lone Star Conference Tournament, Canyon, TBA

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL ACU vs. Texas Westland, 6 p.m.

Cross Country teams sweep regional meet n The cross country teams earned their right to go to the national championships in Pensacola, Fla., after sweeping the regional meet on Saturday.

By HUTTON HARRIS Sports Writer

A week from Saturday the men’s and women’s cross country teams will travel to Pensacola, Fla., trying to complete the season with yet another national championship.

Both the men and women ensured their spots at the national championship on Nov.18 by winning the Division II South Central Region meet on Saturday in Warrensburg, Mo., With the victory, the men’s team clinched its seventh-consecutive regional title, finishing with a near-perfect score of 18 overall points—55 points ahead of second place Missouri

Cross Country Southern. The women also placed first with 71 points.

The men finished first through fourth in the standings led by the No. 1 runner in the country, Nicodemus Naimadu from Kenya, who won his third-consecutive, individual regional championship. On Nov. 18, he will attempt to become the first runner in Division II history to win more than two individual national titles.

“To be under 20 points is simply phenomenal,” said second-year head coach Derek Hood. “Finishing like that versus the entire region is something special and further validates that they belong among the best.”

The men had all five runners finish

regional meet times Men’s Top Five n Nicodemus Naimadu, ACU—31:34.40 n Laurent Ngirakamaro, ACU­—31:37.00 n Philip Birgen, ACU—31:37.60 n Julius Nyango, ACU—31:46.20 n David Chirchir, Cameron—31:56.50 Women’s Top Five n Jacquie Faust, Truman St.—22:00.80 n Rachel Ingram, SW Okla.—22:02.80 n Jonel Rossbach, Emporia—22:03.20 n Olha Kryv’yak, ACU—22:06.60 n Bridget Brown, Fort Hays—22:11.60

See

SWEEP page 4

brian schmidt CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Olha Kryv’yak runs during the Jon Murray Invitational on Sept. 15., Kryv’yak led the ACU women’s team at the regional meet on Saturday.

n Home games listed in Italics

Wildcats fall in season opener

Briefs Adams named Special Teams Player of the Week

n The men’s basketball team lost to the University of TexasSan Antonio on Thursday in the first of two scheduled preseason games against D-I competition.

n ACU Placekicker Matt Adams was voted LSC South Special Teams Player of the Week after booting a 25yard game-winning field goal against Texas A&M-Kingsville on Saturday. The Wildcats won 41-38.

Lowry makes second team on all-Southwest region team

n Junior outside hitter Abbie Lowry was named to the all-Southwest region team.

Lowry led the Wildcats’ in kills throughout the regular season and finished with 466 and a .217 hitting percentage.

Intramural Round-up

By BLAKE PENFIELD Sports Writer

brian schmidt CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Middle Blocker Michelle Bacon digs a ball during practice on Monday. Bacon and the rest of the Wildcats will travel to Canyon to compete in their third-straight appearance at the Southwest Regional Tournament on Thursday.

Regionals offer second chance n The ACU volleyball team will compete in the regional tournament in Canyon on Thursday. The Wildcats’ first game will be against West Texas A&M.

By DANIEL JOHNSON

Upcoming Thursday WOMEN’S WATERBALL Delta Theta vs. Siggies, 6:30 p.m.

Alpha Kai vs. Kojies, 7:30 p.m.

MEN’S WATERBALL G-2 vs. GSP-Garza, 8:30 p.m.

G-1 vs. Frat 1, 9:30 p.m.

Sports Editor

The ACU volleyball team lost to Texas Woman’s University in the quarterfinals of the Lone Star Conference Tournament. But their postseason is far from over.

The Wildcats will make their third-straight appearance in the NCAA Division II Southwest Regional Tournament on Thursday, with their first match against newly crowned LSC champions WTAMU. “This is a great chance to prove ourselves,” head coach

Volleyball Kellen Mock said. “This is our second chance.”

The Wildcats’ second chance in the playoffs will be their third chance to beat West Texas this season. ACU fell both times the two met in the regular season and the two are the only LSC teams in the tournament.

West Texas has the No. 1 seed and will host the tournament in Canyon. ACU holds the No. 8 seed.

Despite losing early in the LSC tournament, Mock said she has no doubts that her team belongs at regionals.

“Our season has shown we’ve beaten the people in our region we needed to,” Mock said. “We’ve won the

games we’re supposed to win and I think that means we deserve to go.”

West Texas earned its right to go to the tournament after finishing first in the Southwest region and finishing the undefeated in conference play. The Lady Buffs’ have been the team to beat throughout the season and are coming off of their 25thconsecutive win and first conference title since 2003.

“I think we need to put less emphasis on the fact that it’s West Texas and more emphasis on the fact that we’re going to the playoffs,” Mock said.

“We need to do everything we can to stay alive and there is See

REGIONALS page 4

The men’s basketball team lost its exhibition game 69-56 to the Division 1 University of Texas in San Antonio Thursday despite the Wildcats’ halftime lead.

Though ACU started off strong, a 25-6 run by the Roadrunners in the second half proved to be too paralyz-

Men’s basketball ing a blow for the Wildcats.

Guard Cortnie Ross, coming off the bench after recently recovering from oral surgery, coupled with starting forward Cameron Holson, one of the three returning players, led the Wildcats with 11 points a piece. Guard Elmo Williams closely followed them with 10 points off the bench.

“Turnovers hurt us a lot,” head coach Jason Copeland

See

OPENER page 4

Manning Tracker n Danieal Manning recorded eight tackles in the Chicago Bears’ first loss of the season to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.

The Dolphins surprised the then-undefeated Bears 31-13 at home as Bears’ quarterback Rex Grossman played his worst game of the season. Grossman threw three interceptions and dropped a fumble. The Bears’ next game will be against the New York Giants on Sunday.

COURTESY OF Chicago bears