2006 11 29

The Vol. 95, No. 25

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OPTIMIST WEDNESDAY

1 section, 8 pages

November 29, 2006

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www.acuoptimist.com

Staking hope

IN THIS ISSUE CAMPUS Global warming

Outdoor Club president Beth McElwain participated in a national global warming conference, page 4

Senior servants

Graduating seniors were nominated by peers and professors for the Senior Servant awards given Wednesday in Chapel, page 3

Hitting the slopes

Students can attend ACU’s Ski class trip to Red River, N.M., in December, page 3

SPORTS

brian schmidt CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Jenny Robinson, junior special education major from Overland Park, Kan., drives 1,000 stakes with pictures of orphans in Africa with AIDS along with other members of Awake 3:18 into the ground outside of Moody Coliseum following Monday’s Chapel for Awake 3:18’s Lives at Stake event, which jump started the university’s AIDS Awareness Week.

n AIDS Awareness Week began Monday with a Chapel presentation and the Lives at Stake event on Tuesday, where students could pray for the child pictured on the stake during the day.

By MALLORY SCHLABACH Editor in Chief

Shooting hoops

The women’s basketball team won its fourthstraight game Monday against Texas-Permian Basin, page 8

Setting a record

The men’s cross country team won its first national championship title in Pensacola, Fla., on Nov. 18. Nicodemus Naimadu won his third individual national championship title, a first in Div. II history, page 8

WEATHER DAILY FORECASTS Wednesday isolated T-storms

HIGH 74

LOW 33

Thursday AM wintry mix

HIGH 38

LOW 27

Friday sunny

HIGH 53

LOW 29

Awake 3:18 began AIDS Awareness Week on Monday to introduce students and faculty to the idea that they can make a difference against the pandemic.

The week-long campaign opened with a Chapel presentation Monday by members of Awake 3:18, led by co-chair David Altuna, and will end on World AIDS Day on Friday.

“We really wanted to promote awareness and also encourage students to serve in some form or fashion in regards to AIDS,” said Altuna, junior biochemistry major

from Austin.

Awake 3:18 is the ACU chapter of World Vision’s Acting on AIDS, an organization that challenges people to sponsor children and families affected by the global virus. Altuna said about 30 students are members of the chapter.

After Monday’s Chapel, Awake 3:18 members drove 1,000 wooden stakes with pictures of SubSaharan African orphans into the ground outside Moody Coliseum.

Students, faculty and staff were then encouraged to take a stake with them Tuesday and pray for that child throughout the day. On the back of the picture was information like the child’s age, location, disease and history of the child.

On Thursday evening at 7 p.m., Steve Haas, World Vision’s vice president for church relations, will speak at a Chapel forum challeng-

Art work sale raises $3,000 for new Center n Rolando Diaz’s painting was sold for $3,000 on eBay last week, and the money made was donated to the Hunter Welcome Center fund.

By KELSI PEACE Features Editor

When bidding closed on Rolando Diaz’s painting, “Old Havana Jazz,” ACU came $3,000 closer to breaking ground on the Robert D. and Shirley Hunter Welcome Center.

The painting was auctioned on eBay between Nov. 6 and 16.

Diaz, class of ‘79, decided to donate the proceeds from his painting to the Welcome Center because of his relationship with the center’s namesakes, Dr. Bob Hunter, senior vice president emeritus and Texas State Representative, and his wife, Shirley.

“I just think the world of Bob and Shirley,” Diaz said.

Diaz said he has gotten to know Bob Hunter throughout the years, and the See

AUCTION page 5

Department of Journalism and Mass Communication

ing students to take action; he will also speak in Chapel on Friday.

Haas said he hopes the information he presents will inform students about AIDS advocacy and prevention, and also encourage them to engage in providing compassionate care for those affected by the virus.

“I truly believe this could be the greatest moment in church history,” Haas said. “But we have to act.”

Students can get involved in many ways, Altuna said.

“Students can join the mailing list, attend our events on campus or help out at the local AIDS group called Big Country AIDS Resources, by volunteering their hours or by taking lunches to mothers who don’t have the energy to provide meals for their families,” he said.

Ending a legacy n Speakers: Dr. Carl Brecheen, professor emeritus of Bible, missions and ministry; Dr. Paul Faulkner, professor emeritus of Bible, missions and ministry, professional counselor and marriage and family therapist n Final seminar: Dec. 1-2, beginning at 7 p.m. on Dec. 1; Tribute Dinner, 5 p.m., Teague Special Events Center n Cost: $30 per person or $60 per couple and free for full-time students; $15 for the Tribute Dinner. n Breechen and Faulkner first began their ministry in 1974 and since then have shared with couples on five continents, eight countries and 150,000 people. n The two first met at ACU in 1948 as college roommates. Both graduated in 1952, taught at ACU and were named Teacher of the Year at some point in their teaching career at the university.

See

brian schmidt CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

This stake tells the story of Musawenkhosi, a 9-year-old boy in Swaziland who lives in a community severely affected by the HIV/AIDS crisis.

AWAKE page 5

Brecheen, Faulkner prep for final seminar n Drs. Carl Brecheen and Paul Faulkner will conduct their final marriage seminar this weekend at University Church of Christ. The two began these sessions 32 years ago.

By SHELBI WATTEN Student Reporter

They have traveled to five continents, eight countries and 33 states. They are not a rock music tour or a musical performance, but their words have changed the lives of more than 150,000 people. After

375 seminars, Carl Brecheen and Dr. Paul Faulkner will lead their final marriage seminar together this weekend.

Beginning Friday at University Church of Christ, the “Celebration of Marriage” marriage enrichment seminar kicks-off its first session at 7 p.m.

Brecheen, one of the two speakers for the seminar, said he welcomes anyone to attend, including students as young as high school See

SEMINAR page 5

Local ice rink sloshes through week one n The Ice House, Abilene’s first outdoor ice skating rink, opened Nov. 17 but had to close during the past week because of warm weather and winds. The rink will have a grand re-opening Friday.

By SHELBY COATES Student Reporter

Ice may rarely show up in Abilene, but local volunteers are trying to keep three layers of ice frozen despite warm weather.

Workers at The Ice House, Abilene’s first-ever ice skating

rink, prepare for the rink’s grand re-opening Friday; the rink was forced to close because of November’s warm and windy weather.

“Because of the unseasonable warm weather it has melted the ice in a lot of spots,” said Karen Mendoza, event coordinator for The Ice House.

The weather has left the rink with a lot of bumps and uneven spots, Mendoza said.

With the rink closed to the public, Mendoza hopes this week’s cold snap will be the perfect chance to

Abilene Christian University

freeze the rink in time for Friday’s re-opening. The plan is to freeze the rink Wednesday night.

“We want to get it built up when it is going to get to have a hard freeze,” Mendoza said. “We’ll stay up all night long to get it frozen.”

The rink has a plastic base with an anti-freeze grid system running through it. For the rink to freeze the outside flush must freeze, first before starting the layering process. One layer is added, and See

RINK page 5

Serving the ACU community since 1912

Chapel Checkup Credited Chapels to date:

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

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Calendar & Events Wednesday

11 a.m.

Senior Servant Leader Chapel and lunch. Student leaders will be recognized in Chapel.

30

Thursday

7 p.m.

KACU presents Grammy Awardwinning duo Tingstad and Rumbel in the Williams Performing Arts Center.

Tickets are $10.

7 p.m.

Chapel forum with Steve Haas, spokesman for WorldVision, in the Teague Special Events Center.

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.

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 pos-

itive Christian influences in their lives.

Meetings are every Thursday from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. This program will end in May. For more information, please contact Diltzie Andrews at 673-6379.

Big Brothers Big Sisters, in conjunction with Communities in Schools, is starting an after-school program at Ortiz Elementary for students who need to improve their grades and have at least one incarcerated parent. Volunteers will meet with their student weekly at Ortiz Elementary for fun and educational games or activities. Now through Dec. 19, Tuesdays at 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Ortiz Elementary. For more information, contact Erin McMullen at 677-7839.

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.

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Friday

11 a.m.

World AIDS Day Steve Haas, spokesman for WorldVision, will speak in Chapel.

Purple Friday Prospective students visit campus.

02

Saturday

7:30 p.m.

Tri-Collegiate Salsa Celebration at McMurry University in Radford Auditorium open to McMurry, Hardin-Simmons and ACU students.

Credited Chapels remaining:

60 12*

There are 7 days of Chapel remaining but including Thursday night’s 3-credit forum and the 2-credit online survey, there are 12 credits remaining.

About This Page The Optimist maintains this calendar for the ACU community to keep track of local social, academic and service opportunities.

Groups may send announcements directly to optimist@acu.edu or to the Page 2 Editor at jdj03e@acu.edu.

To ensure that an item will appear on time, the announcement should be sent at least 10 days before. The Optimist may edit items for space and style.

Corrections and clarifications of published news articles will be printed in this space in a timely manner.

ACU Police Tip of the Week Volunteer Opportunities Lee Elementary needs volunteers to play Scrabble with third, fourth and fifth graders every Thursday from 3:15 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the cafeteria. For more information, contact Jennifer Clapp or Andy Blessing at 671-4895.

YW-Care needs students with talent in athletics (all, especially football), the performing arts 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 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. at elementary school campuses. For more information, contact Janelle Sands at 677-5321.

Communities in Schools (Fannin Elementary) Volunteers are needed to sit with a child at lunchtime to talk, give encouragement and mentor. Now through May 18, Monday through Wednesday and Friday, from 10:50 p.m. to 12:50 p.m. at Fannin Elementary. For more information, contact Sheila Ashford at 675-8659.

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 Saturday through Jan. 13, which will benefit Habitat for Humanity. If you are interested in helping, contact the Volunteer Center in the Bean Sprout.

Dignity U Wear/Stein Mart needs volunteers to wrap gifts beginning Friday and ending Dec. 23, Fridays 5 to 8:30 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Stein Mart. For more information, contact Kimberly Kelley at 793-1280.

The Salvation Army needs volunteers at the Mall of Abilene to greet shoppers, record personal information from each person adopting an angel, log in presents and bag up angel presents. Volunteers are needed now through Dec. 17, Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays 12:30 to 6 p.m., at the Mall of Abilene. For more information, contact Cecilia Barahona at 677-1408.

Drive safely around campus. Always keep an eye out for pedestrians crossing the streets and be especially careful when entering campus driveways; watch for walkers & joggers on the Lunsford Trail.

Police Log Edited for space

Monday 11/20/2006 13:45 pm Gave access to Cullen Auditorium to retrieve item 14:05 pm Refueled vehicle 15:05 pm Jumpstart vehicle off campus 16:45 pm Released weapon to student from safekeeping 16:55 pm Fire alarm at Education Building, alarm reset 17:05 pm Jumpstart vehicle at United Grocery on Judge Ely 17:40 pm Report of suspicious subject at Smith Lot, checked unable to locate 21:00 pm Incomplete 911 at Zellner, misdial all okay 21:23 pm Gave access to Education Building to retrieve item Tuesday 11/21/2006 00:20 am Jumpstart vehicle at Morris Lot 01:00 am Unlocked Teague 09:05 am Traffic stop on Campus Court for speeding 10:02 am Cut lock on bicycle for student on Campus Center Road 14:05 pm Unlocked vehicle at Mabee/Edwards Lot 14:06 pm Jumpstart vehicle on ACU Drive 17:20 pm Contacted subject reference to found wallet 21:45 pm Contacted several subjects throwing water balloon at walkers on Lunsford Trail. Identified 4 students, released, referred to ACU Judicial Affairs Wednesday 11/22/2006 14:25 pm Assisted Taylor County Sheriffs Office in locating a student 14:30 pm Theft report at Mabee Hall, case #06-235 14:45 pm Gave directions to visitor 15:00 pm Locked main campus 16:15 pm Gave access to the Library 20:30 pm Refueled vehicle Thursday 11/23/2006 10:54 am Assisted Abilene PD with

disturbance at 1600 Madison 11:25 am Traffic stop at EN 16th & Campus Court for disregarding stop sign 17:30 pm Maintenance to vehicle 19:07 pm Assisted Abilene PD with subject that attempted suicide on East Overland Trail, subject was transported to Hendricks Hospital Friday 11/24/2006 07:30 am Unlocked Administration Building 09:18 am Traffic stop at EN 16th & Campus Court for speeding 11:59 am Contacted suspicious subject in Bible Lot, was asked to leave campus 15:15 pm Locked Administration Building 22:25 pm Locked door at Gardner Hall Saturday 11/25/2006 00:02 am Contacted female hiding inside of Edwards Hall, escorted from building and male students left with RD 03:49 am Burglar alarm at Maintenance Building, checked all secure, alarm reset 13:31 pm Assisted Abilene PD with disturbance at Hillcrest Church Lot 13:47 pm Attempt to locate of subject at 600 EN 15th to check welfare, unable to locate 17:24 pm Traffic stop at EN & Campus Court for disregarding stop sign Sunday 11/26/2006 14:10 pm Suspicious subject at 800 EN 14th, checked all okay 17:11 pm Traffic stop at EN 18th & Campus Court for disregarding stop sign 17:27 pm Traffic stop at EN 18th & Campus Court for disregarding stop sign 17:36 pm Traffic stop at EN 22nd & Campus Court for head light out 19:10 pm Fire alarm at Zona Luce, reset alarm

CAMPUS NEWS

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

Page 3

Thirty seniors to be honored for their servant leadership n Faculty members have nominated seniors for their servant leadership, and 30 students will be recognized in Chapel Wednesday.

By KATIE GAGER Student Reporter

Thirty seniors will be recognized Wednesday in Chapel as servant leaders for exhibiting a servant leadership-like character while attending ACU. “These awards are designed to honor seniors

nominated by faculty who have in some ways very quietly but in some ways publicly served and exhibited servant leadership,” said Wayne Barnard, dean of spiritual formation.

Each year the faculty members nominate students they see as servant leaders. The number of nominations varies from year to year because of the size of the graduating class, Barnard said. All

departments and majors are given the chance to nominate students, and every student nominated receives the award.

“Some that are nominated are leaders of particular service organizations,” Barnard said.

“Others are people who have been involved behind the scenes of organizations but are very much a servant heart and serve in a big way.”

The specifics are not

what matter, Barnard said, but the qualities shown by the individuals. The students chosen show a desire to lead others in a servant type of lifestyle.

Nathan Lambert, senior graphic design major from San Antonio will be receiving an award on Wednesday and said he wondered why he was chosen when he found out about his award.

“I can’t get over how

n Students can sign up to participate in the annual ski trip by the end of the semester.

Participants can bring their friends or family to the trip.

By SHARON RAPELJE Student Reporter

RACHEL LAU STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Greg Bush, director of a jazz studies and trumpet instructor, conducts at a Jazz Ensemble concert presented by the Music Department Nov. 20 in Cullen Auditorium.

Senior speakers share wisdom “I base the decision on number of nominees, but I also pay attention to appropriate representation of the student body,” Barnard said via e-mail. “We always have an equal number of men and women as speakers. I also consider who is willing to speak in Chapel. Speaking in Chapel is not like speaking in other venues. The Chapel ‘gig’ is a tough assignment for a speaker.”

Del Pinal spoke about the importance of hope, and she said the book

of Biblical Studies will speak to nominees; Lambert will read scripture; Jeff McCain, senior integrated marketing communication major from Liberty, will lead worship; and Matt Tietjen, senior youth and family ministry major from Abilene, will lead a prayer.

E-mail Gager at: optimist@acu.edu

Ski trip open to ACU community

Jazz it up

n Four seniors represented their class and spoke about the importance of hope, food and spiritual schizophrenia in Chapel last week.

big of an impact professors have played in my receiving this award,” Lambert said. “There is no way that I would be where I am today without the guidance and the patience they have given. I wish they could get the award as much as I do.”

Dr. Dwayne VanRheenen, provost of the university, will honor the nominees in Chapel on Wednesday; Stephen Johnson from the College

feel unworthy of God and other days it’s different, and he wanted to address that in Chapel.

“When I was asked to do it, I thought ‘I’ve got

By RACHEL DAVIS one opportunity to stand Student Reporter before the group and say Four seniors graduatwhat I want to say,’” Poring in December spoke in ter said. “I decided if I Chapel last week about had one chance to talk, topics ranging from loss I wanted to tell the good of hope to the impornews of Jesus in my life.” tance of food.

Swim’s Chapel speech Jordan Swim, Christian was about the importance ministry major from Richof food and the feeling ardson, and Maria del Pinal, of community that food communication major from creates. He said he chose Fort Worth, to speak spoke on about food Monday. because “I decided if I had one chance to talk, I wanted to Kevin Porit’s a topic tell the good news of Jesus in my life.” ter, youth everyone and famcan underKevin Porter, youth and family ministry major from Dallas ily ministry stand. major from “I like Dallas, and food and a Kara Wilson, vocational Waking the Dead by lot of people that know missions and Spanish John Eldredge inspired me know that I like food,” major from San Antonio, her speech. She read the Swim said. “There’s a spoke Tuesday. book during the summer deeper meaning of com“I was really surprised and she said she felt that munity behind food.” when I was asked to God really wanted her to Some of the speakers speak,” del Pinal said. use what He had taught were sad about graduat“Speaking in Chapel is her in her speech. ing early. a little intimidating, but She chose to speak about Swim said there is it’s a really big honor.” keeping hope because “it’s some emotion about Swim also said he was so easy throughout life to leaving, but he thinks he honored to be chosen to lose hope through trials and is ready. speak in Chapel. pain. We think it’s easier to “I’m not too sad about Dr. Wayne Barnard, turn your heart off so that it because I’ll still be here dean of spiritual forma- you don’t feel anything, and in town next semester tion, chose the four speak- that’s really deadly, espe- with all of my friends,” ers based on nominations cially for Christians.”

Porter said. from Campus Life staff, Porter spoke about spirdeans of the colleges, the itual life and being a “spirnursing school and the itual schizophrenic.” He First-Year program. said some days Christians E-mail Davis at: optimist@acu.edu

The ski class will go on its annual ski trip open to all students Jan. 8-16 in Red River, N.M. Lynn Luttrell, associate professor of exercise science and instructor of the course, expects about 100 people, but one student who did not enroll in the class again is Cody Veteto.

Last year, Veteto, sophomore electronic media major from Tulsa, Okla., crashed into a tree on the spring semester ski trip. He was in the hospital for months but recovered and is now back at ACU. Although he will not attend, he does have some advice for the skiers and snow boarders.

“Don’t ski in the trees; avoid the trees. I really want everyone, skiing people, everyone, to wear helmets— wearing a helmet saved my life,” Veteto said.

The price for skiers and snow boarders is $360, and this includes

five nights of lodging, four-day lift tickets, four-day rentals and four lessons.

Those interested can sign up by the end of the semester with Luttrell, and anyone attending can bring friends or family not affiliated with ACU. Participants will be on the slopes as long as the lifts run, which is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., along with lunch breaks and lessons. Luttrell said the lessons provided are for every skill level, and with four lessons, beginners have a better chance of progressing more quickly.

Crowds will not hinder anyone’s progress.

Luttrell said the trip is during the slow time of the year so there will be no lines to get on the lifts. He said because there are so few people, it feels as though ACU reserved the mountain.

The group will also have a devotional each of the five nights.

“To have 100 people at a devotional praising God in snow country is just a real special time spiritually,” Luttrell said.

Adam Browning, freshman journalism major from San Antonio, said

he can’t wait to “get away from the time restraints of school and relax as we board.”

Browning said he plans to drift on the snow with a snowboard because he prefers the challenge of snowboarding to skiing.

Scott Morrison, sophomore electronic media major from San Antonio, also plans to snowboard.

“I’ve never skied before but it looked more fun on a board. The thing about skis is when you fall, it sucks to get back up,” Morrison said.

He said he has been snowboarding off and on for six years and began to snowboard differently after Veteto’s accident.

“I don’t ride the way I used to anymore because of the accident; I’m a lot more cautious when it comes to trees and steeper slopes,” Morrison said.

Morrison said his favorite part of snowboarding is “the feeling of just flying like loose knees on a board and just cruising. Nothing else matters; you’re just there to enjoy.”

E-mail Rapelje at: optimist@acu.edu

CAMPUS NEWS

Page 4

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

Study abroad Forensics team prepares for tournament offered cheaper n Students can travel to countries such as Belize, Hong Kong, India and Ireland at a lower cost with the Cooperative Center for Study Abroad.

By EMILY SMITH Student Reporter

Studying abroad is an expensive endeavor; however, the Cooperative Center for Study Abroad provides a complete package as a less expensive alternative for students who decide to study abroad.

CCSA is a consortium of colleges dedicated to short courses and semester-long classes for students interested in studying abroad. In this program, students have the opportunity to mingle with other students and professors from 26 other universities.

Mindy Morgan, junior marketing and finance major from Prosper, went with her roommate to London for about three weeks last Christmas break.

“There were about 40 other kids and they were from different colleges like Kentucky and Cincinnati, and they were all from state schools so that was an interesting experience,” she said.

Morgan and her roommate enjoyed side trips to places such as Stratford upon Avon and Dover, she said.

Her trip cost a bit more than $3,000 with her scholarship.

The price for studying abroad through CCSA varies with each location, but the pro-

gram includes airfare, lodging, transportation, insurance and a few meals—not including the cost of tuition.

CCSA has programs in ten different locations: Australia, Belize, Canada, England, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Jamaica and Scotland.

“We try to keep classes for the country they’re in,” said Ed Timmerman, professor of marketing and business and the university’s representative for CCSA. For example, more literature classes are available in London, he said, and students sign up for classes on their home campuses and pay tuition there, he said.

“One of the advantages to that is that you don’t have to worry about transfer credit,” Timmerman said. His job as representative is to work with students and department chairs to determine credit value for classes abroad.

ACU has been a part of the program since 1999, sending the first class of students out in 2000. Twenty-six colleges across the country participate, and a variety of classes are offered for credit from Contemporary British Literature to Problem Solving at Its Best.

Brochures about CCSA and a list of available classes are available in the Mabee business building in the foyer.

E-mail Smith at: optimist@acu.edu

n Students on the forensics team qualified for the National Forensics Association’s national championship which will take place in the spring.

By CHRIS HANSEN Student Reporter

As the forensics team gears up for its fourth tournament of the year, returning debaters Kevin Gillespie, Brandon Smith and Seth Copeland will lead a young team to the tournament at Cameron University in Lawton, Okla., Dec. 1 and 2.

The team started the season successfully at the University of Houston in October where three students qualified for the national tournament. Michael Johnson, Kevin Gillespie and Jason Sanchez all qualified to compete in the National Forensic Association’s national

tournament this spring.

Sally Gary, director of forensics and assistant professor of communication, said the second tournament of the year at Creighton University in Omaha, Neb., was difficult.

“That was a baptism-byfire tournament,” she said.

“It was really good competition,” said freshman political science major Boe Surbeck. “You’re going up against people who are well-practiced and very polished.”

Gary said the tournament was chosen to demonstrate to the team that they are going to have to learn from their mistakes and work hard.

“When you completely get the round handed to you, you learn a lot more from that than the ones you win,” Surbeck said.

“It helps you to learn

what works and what doesn’t.”

The third tournament was at Louisiana State University in Shreveport, La., where the freshmen team of Jason Sanchez and Boe Surbeck placed first. Four speakers also received awards, including Gillespie, who earned honors as the second best overall speaker.

Gary said many of the members are national champion material if they continue to work hard and get a little lucky.

“We’ve got freshmen who are coming in who can be national champions,” Gary said.

The freshmen may be the future of the team, but don’t overlook veteran debaters Smith and Gillespie. Smith came in second at a national tournament last year,

and Gillespie was a novice national champion as a freshman.

Freshman political science major Chelsea Hackney said the small, closeknit team is what she enjoys most.

“We have people like [Gillespie, Smith and Copeland], who actually take the time to pay attention to freshmen,” Hackney said.

Both Smith and Gillespie have a chance to win the national championship this year, Gary said.

“It all depends on how the draw falls, who the competitors are, and I really believe God has a hand in how things play out,” Gary said. “Who wins is icing on the cake.”

E-mail Hansen at: optimist@acu.edu

Surveys rate faculty, staff quality of life n Faculty and staff expressed concerns related to workloads in this year’s Quality of Life surveys.

The surveys are meant to address issues of faculty and staff morale.

By PATRICK YGNACIO Student Reporter

Results from this year’s Quality of Life survey, which depicts how faculty and staff perceive the quality of their work environment, will soon be reported to the administration.

The Quality of Life Team is a group of faculty and staff appointed by Dr. Royce Money, president of the university, to gather and report information to Money about issues that affect the morale of the staff and faculty.

This year’s team will monitor survey results from previous years and will consider any new ideas about the quality of life at ACU presented in this year’s survey.

Dana Hood, associate professor of education,

is the chair of the Quality of Life Team.

“The purpose of the survey has changed a little since its first administration,” Hood said in an e-mail. “The goal now is to keep a pulse of how staff and faculty are feeling and to identify the consistent messages and concerns about the quality of life at ACU.” Dr. Money established the first task force in 2004, conducting a survey that yielded a 61 percent response rate from the faculty and staff. Results from Quality of Life surveys in past years have initiated several programs, according to an e-mail sent to faculty and staff members informing them about this year’s survey.

These programs include a task force to study faculty workloads and the allocation of $4.5 million during the next three years towards faculty and staff salaries.

“The first team was able to identify some initiatives that were quickly implemented, such as the Christmas closure of campus,” Hood said. “Changes like this had a strong impact on employee morale.”

Hood said 47 percent of faculty and staff responded to the survey this year, and 87 percent of those who responded, responded positively about quality of life at the university.

“I was pleased and surprised at the response rate this year,” Hood said.

“This is a very high rate of return on any survey, particularly for the third administration.”

After reviewing the results of this year’s survey, Hood said the areas of common concern relate to workloads. Hood said the task force commissioned to explore this issue is in the beginning stages of its work. She said workloads is a complex issue and requires

some time to address.

“Issues like workload do not have simple solutions,” Hood said. “The Quality of Life Team will continue to be a voice to encourage the groups more directly responsible for exploring these tough questions.”

Jim Holmans, executive assistant to Money, said the Quality of Life Team works closely with Money. Holmans recognized the team as an important entity in observing the work standards among the ACU faculty and staff.

“It makes a major difference in the way the school operates and the way the employees feel about the school,” Holmans said. “It is a very critical piece of our university culture. And so, when the Quality of Life Task Force speaks, Dr. Money listens.”

E-mail Ygnacio at: optimist@acu.edu

Global warming issues provoke future action n A student and professor hope ACU can become a leading figure among Christian universities in voicing environmental concerns.

By TODD PIERSALL Student Reporter

Beth McElwain, junior education major from Farmersville, represented ACU and Texas at a global warming conference in Washington D.C. on Nov. 16. The conference was sponsored by the Evangelical Youth Climate Initiative, an organization designed to encourage youth to become involved in environmental issues.

Jim Ball, director of the Environmental Evangelical Network, contacted ACU’s Outdoor Club to see if any students would like to be involved in the global warm-

ing issue by rallying support from students across campus. McElwain, president of the Outdoor Club, said she was eager to get involved but said she didn’t know much about global warming.

“I heard about it but I didn’t think it was that big of a deal,” McElwain said. “I had to do some research on the subject.”

After researching the issue on global warming, McElwain gathered 160 signatures of students saying they would do their share to fight global warming.

Because of the large number of signatures received, McElwain said Jim Ball contacted her again but this time to represent ACU and Texas at the conference. McElwain said she was particularly motivated to go on the trip

because the Environmental Evangelical Network would pay for everything.

During the conference, students selected from different universities around the country discussed how to get Christian students and universities more involved in the fight against global warming.

McElwain said that out of students from about 20 States she and two others were selected to brief the press on the conference.

McElwain said she would like to see ACU become an environmental leader for other Christian universities. McElwain proposed the idea of using wind power instead of the traditional coal to supply ACU with power.

She said that no other universities receive their power by wind.

McElwain said that she has already set up meeting times with Dr. Royce Money, president of the university, and others to discuss the environmental future of ACU. “If we were educated more on the issue we could have more impact,” McElwain said. “We need to take care of the blessings God has given us.”

Dr. Jim Cooke, professor of environmental science, said he supports the idea of ACU becoming a prominent voice in issues concerning the environment.

“What Beth and other students are concerned with is real,” Cooke said. “Global climate change is real and there are things that we can do as individuals to help.”

E-mail Piersall at: optimist@acu.edu

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

FROM THE FRONT PAGE/CAMPUS NEWS

Page 5

Seminar: Counseling veterans call it quits Continued from page 1

school and those who have not started dating yet.

“It’s more about relationships than it is about marriage,” Brecheen said.

“It’s good for roommates, friends wanting to be better friends and those wanting to make friends. It covers all kinds of relationships.”

Paul Vertz, congregation coordinator for University Church, organized the event. He said this will be his fifth time to attend the seminar and looks forward to a great finale.

“Anybody who is thinking that one day they will get married will find information that will prepare them psychologically and informatively for a marriage relationship,”

Vertz said. “Every time I go I find new information that I hadn’t understood or heard before.

They have continuously updated their materials.

As always, I am looking for ways to make my own marriage better.”

B r e cheen and Faulkner have led marriage enrichment seminars Brecheen for 32 years and for the first time, do not have a schedule booked five years in advance. Brecheen said he hopes this seminar accomplishes what past seminars have accomplished in the past.

“We originally planned it for young marriages,” Bre-

“It’s more about relationships than it is about marriage. It covers all kinds of relationships.”

Dr. Carl Brecheen, professor emeritus of Bible, ministry and missions

cheen said. “What we found is it prepared unmarried couples, strengthened new marriages, prevented new marriages from making big mistakes and strengthened old marriages by reminding them about what they had lapsed about mediocrity on.”

Brecheen is a pastoral counselor, professor of Bible and was ACU Lectureship director from 1970 to 2002. Both are professor emeritus of Bible, missions and ministry.

Faulkner is a professional counselor and marriage and family therapist, a member of the

American Psychological Association and a former ACU professor of Bible for 39 years.

“These two men have had in their hearts for many years to try to help people with marriage and make it as Biblically sound and relationally healthy as possible,” Vertz said.

“They have both been models as teachers and family men for all these years. They are just plain good guys.”

The event consists of a total of six sessions. Brecheen said Friday night’s sessions will lay the Biblical background and focus

on commitment to God’s design, Saturday morning sessions will focus on men and women’s roles in a marriage and the afternoon sessions will focus on communication, including sexual communication. Faulkner and Brecheen will switch off speaking on each topic.

Those interested in attending can register online www.uccabilene. org/marriage or call the University Church office at 325-673-6497. Registration is $60 per couple, $30 per single, $20 per alumni couple or alumnus and free for full-time students, active military personnel and ministers.

ACU is also sponsoring a dinner to honor the two men at Teague Special Events Center at 5 p.m. following the last session

on Saturday afternoon.

Tickets for the dinner are an additional $15 per person and may be purchased through registration.

Brecheen said he has regrets and reliefs about going into the weekend knowing it will be his last seminar with Faulkner.

When all is said and done, Brecheen said he looks forward to seeing couples renew their commitments to each other and discover new ways to spice up their marriages.

“This weekend we hope more of the same is accomplished with marriages strengthened and energized and back on the right track,” Brecheen said.

E-mail Watten at: optimist@acu.edu

Hollywood Connect gives Christians foot in film door n Christians who want to break into the Hollywood film industry can connect with other Christians in Hollywood, living in Los Angeles through the Gateway program.

By RACHEL DAVIS Student Reporter

The film industry can be a hard world to break into, but Hollywood Connect has created a way for Christians interested in film to get involved more easily.

Hollywood Connect, a company that allows Christians to get plugged in to various opportunities in Hollywood, just launched a new Gateway program in September.

Participants can stay for one, two or four weeks

in a condo just outside of Hollywood, and the program fee varies based on how long the participant stays.

The Gateway program is designed to meet the practical needs of individuals and married couples visiting Los Angeles to explore the possibility of a new career and ministry, and to provide transitional housing for those who have made the decision to relocate to the Hollywood area. Participants also receive information about permanent housing, job placement services, educational opportunities, and personal support ministries.

Elizabeth Chapman,

administrative assistant for Hollywood Connect, said only two people have gone through the program so far, and they are hoping to get more and more participants.

“It sounds like an amazing opportunity,” Elena Stephenson, sophomore theatre major from Kansas City, said.

“I’d definitely look into something like this after I graduate.”

Elizabeth Chapman and her husband, Matt Chapman, co-founded the Gateway program and decided to move to Hollywood from their hometown of Grand Rapids, Mich., after Matt took a film class and realized he

loved working with film.

“It was a really inspiring experience,” Matt Chapman said. “I just really began to see that there might be enjoyable and meaningful things for me out here.”

Both graduated from Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, where Elizabeth Chapman was a business major and Matt Chapman was a Bible major. Matt Chapman currently works as a development executive and hopes to become a fulltime producer. After his film class, Matt Chapman and Elizabeth Chapman felt called to move out to Hollywood.

“We started to under-

stand more about Hollywood being a mission field and the needs that were out here,” Elizabeth Chapman said. “The more I became involved I started falling in love with the industry and the people that were out here.”

Elizabeth Chapman said when they moved to California and later Los Angeles, they were continually running into people that didn’t know how to get involved in the film industry, and Matt Chapman had the idea to buy a second condo to help others get more involved.

“We just wanted to give people a friendly ear to listen and some extra help when people get out here,”

Elizabeth Chapman said.

“We can teach them everything they need to know, they just need a place to start from and be able to find housing, employment, and be able to make a good decision about what they want to do.”

Matt Chapman said the last person that stayed with them said the experience left a huge impact on her.

“She said it was everything she could have hoped for and more,” Matt Chapman said.

For more information on the program, visit www.hollywoodconnect. com.

E-mail Davis at: optimist@acu.edu

Rink: Ice House skating rink provides taste of winter Continued from page 1

Emily smith/Staff Photographer

Joy Huskerson helps daughter Kelly McIver, both from Abilene, learn to skate Nov. 17 on the grand opening of The Ice House at Nelson park. The Ice House will re-open Friday at 3 p.m.

must freeze before another layer can be added.

The Ice House will provide free hot chocolate, Christmas cookies and live bands for the reopening. After the reopening, the rink will remain open at the regularly scheduled hours.

Before the closure, the rink’s hours were pushed back to 7 p.m. until midnight because the cooler nights helped the ice stay frozen. The time changes and current closures have not stopped business, Mendoza said.

“It’s been overwhelming,” she said.

Lines and crowds form before 7 p.m. Even when

the rink has to close because of poor weather conditions, crowds still come back, she said. After being open for about one week, the rink already raised $21,000. Funds raised will be donated to Habitat for Humanity and the Dyess We Care Team, a group of off-duty military members and their families who perform minor home repairs for the handicapped and the elderly.

“It’s our first year so we’re learning. It’s a big learning experience,” Mendoza said.

The ice rink was shipped from Illinois and acted as a service project for the Abilene chapter of Habitat for Humanity.

With the reopening of Abilene’s only ice skating rink, many students are looking to skate on the rink for the first time.

“I was really disappointed that Abilene didn’t have a rink here,” said Sarah Drummond, sophomore elementary education major from Pueblo, Colo. “I’m from Colorado and I’m really used to winter things and I love to skate.”

“I think people would like it because it has never been here before,” Drummond said.

Plans have already begun for bringing the ice skating rink back to Abilene next year.

E-mail Coates at: optimist@acu.edu

Auction: Painting brings in cash for Center Awake: AIDS group to Continued from page 1

donation was a way “to say thank you just for the years of watching and just who he is.”

While at ACU, Diaz and the Hunters’ son, Kent, were roommates.

“We just grew up like family,” Diaz said.

The Hunters share his warm sentiments and appreciate his donation.

“Having been a longstanding friend to me and my family, and because he is such an outstanding artist, it greatly pleases Shirley and me and our family that Rolando would provide an original painting to the

university to benefit the proposed new Welc o m e Center,” H u n t e r said. “We are deeply grateful.”

T h e Hunter painting Diaz donated to ACU holds special meaning because Diaz said it reflects his heritage.

Born in Cuba and raised in Miami, Diaz found himself reminded of his heritage while listening to a saxophonist play.

“It reminded me some

of the old Cuban music,” he said. “It took me back in my mind to the memories and sounds of old Havana.”

He painted the “Old Havana Jazz” while he listened, using the musician as “a bit of a reference” for his work.

Bongo drums, designs representing Havana’s ironwork and vibrant colors come together in the oil painting to create Diaz’s impression of old Cuba.

The painting is an original and is 30 inches by 40 inches.

“Old Havana Jazz” was valued at $5,000, Diaz said, and the final bid

ended at $3,000.

“Man, I’d wish it’d gone for a lot more,” said Diaz, whose most expensive painting sold for $25,000 to Paul Harris of The Hoblitzel Foundation as a fundraiser for the Pegasus Project renovation in Dallas.

Phil Boone, director of the Centennial Campaign, said in an e-mail that he did not have permission to release the purchaser’s name yet.

After Diaz’s donation, Boone said, $6,763,000 remains to be raised for the Welcome Center before construction will begin.

E-mail Peace at: knp04a@acu.edu

rally campus awareness Continued from page 1

On a video informing students about the AIDS crisis around the world, one woman challenged students to be like Christ, and so did Altuna.

“Christ was able to preach to people all over, but he was also sensitive to when they needed a drink of water or something to eat,” he said.

He said students can do something about helping orphans with AIDS in Africa by joining Make Your Mark for Children.

He said in 2003 more than $15 billion was allo-

cated to people in Africa with HIV and AIDS, but that more needed to be done.

“Urge your local government officials and the president that we need to do more to support global AIDS measures.”

Students can participate this week by signing a petition with their thumbprint showing they support this action in the Campus Center or by texting the organization at ACTNOW. *Jeremy Pond contributed to this story.

E-mail Schlabach at: mes02e@acu.edu

ViewsWednesday Optimist

Page 6

Awake 3:18 focuses on AIDS

The issue:

AIDS and HIV are quickly becoming a major pandemic across the world, and it does not appear to be getting any better. According to an Associated Press article, the number of global AIDS cases is steadily rising and may soon become the third-largest cause of death in the world.

AIDS is an issue that has been discussed to great extent in recent years but little progress has been made.

The primary areas affected are sub-Saharan Africa, but now much of Asia and Eastern Europe also. According to the United Nations and the World Health Organization, the majority of new cases are because of drug use and unsafe sex, showing that despite a wide range of information, people are either not being well-informed or just ignoring everything.

This week is AIDS awareness week, which focuses on the growing international pandemic.

Our view:

Student group Awake 3:18 is raising awareness and money to help victims across the world. It is a great outlet to educate yourself and become involved in the fight against AIDS.

The solution:

Join Awake, research the issue or simply help a person you know who has been affected by the virus to partake in this noble cause.

Numbers you busy There are plenty of other things that can be can often have all of the done to help out in the battle against AIDS. a numbing aftime, you fect, but they can simply will not go ple in the most affected ardo small away until more people get eas but also those right here things to help, many of proactive and do something. in Abilene. Many HIV/AIDS which you can get involved This week is a time when the patients in America are vir- with through Awake 3:18 issue is brought front and tually forgotten amongst and similar groups. Above center because Friday is na- all the statistics about AIDS all, it must be noted that actional AIDS awareness day. overseas in the developing tion begins with knowledge; AIDS is not a problem only countries, but they need a you must be informed to at this time, it is a constant lot of help, too. One local properly act. Statistics, espethreat year-round. As young- group students can work cially in regard to AIDS, can adults, or “the future” as we with is Big Country AIDS Re- becoming numbing someare often called, we are a source, which reaches out times because there are so perfect community to begin to the local community to many morbid numbers, but strong actions, or even small inform the general popula- even just knowing the issues actions, to try to combat this tion as well as helping those will help you to be progresever-growing problem in the affected by AIDS locally. sive in your actions. world.

College students are an Awake 3:18 gives you Awake 3:18, the campus active group and one of the a place to get plugged in, AIDS awareness group, is biggest things that can be not only with the local and a relatively small but ambi- done to help the AIDS situ- national AIDS issues and tious organization on cam- ation, as well as any other groups, but also internationpus with lofty aspirations problem, is simply to be ac- ally, because this is no small and can always use more tive in one way or another. issue affecting small, localmembers. Awake not only Helping doesn’t have to be ized populations. Awake has the goal of helping peo- a difficult thing that keeps 3:18, as with any other group,

Cole Williams

Let Loose

Don’t ignore the power of the Court In the wake of the 2006 elections, Americans were left looking at the legislative branch of government and either rejoicing for the change or wringing their hands at the defeat.

And eyes turned inquisitively Thoughtful to the execuRamblings tive branch as questions Kelsi rose, once Peace again, about the war and, in general, what exactly a legislature with a democratic majority will mean for the Republican president. In all the partisan hullabaloo, monumental issues in the third branch of government—oh yes, the judicial branch—are often overlooked. America needs to regard the Supreme Court with the unrelentingly critical eye with which it watches the president and the legislature—after all, while the nation buzzes about the rise and fall of the political parties, the Court is meeting, quietly hearing cases. And these decisions carry so much more weight than whether to ban partial birth abortion—they set precedents, determine jurisdiction and inter-

While the nation buzzes about the rise and fall of political parties, the Court is meeting quietly hearing cases.

pret the U.S. Constitution.

As a staunch supporter of strict constitutionalist judges, I say it is vital to watch the Courts. Disregarding the judicial branch in today’s government is a mistake—judges make decisions that will profoundly affect the nation.

The Supreme Court issued its first full opinion for the 2006-2007 term on Nov. 13, ruling in a 5-4 decision that “the factor (k) instruction is consistent with the constitutional right to present mitigating evidence in capital sentencing proceedings.” “Factor k” is the instruction the judge gives to the jury before the verdict is presented, in which he informs the jury to consider “any other circumstance which extenuates the gravity of the crime even though it is not a legal excuse for the crime,” according to the Court’s written opinion. In the Supreme Court case Ayers v. Belmontes, this meant that the jury could consider mitigating evidence from prison chaplains and sponsors saying that Belmontes

had turned to Christianity and would lead a productive life if released. The case was a capitol punishment case.

The decision not only upheld the jury’s verdict, (Belmontes received the death penalty) but also determined the Court’s interpretation of rights given those on trial for capital punishment.

In October, the court granted certiorari to cases over patent-infringement, actions of police officers and individualized education programs. When these cases are heard, they will determine more than simply who is in the wrong. For example, a decision on how police officers are regulated in high-speed chases offers implications for how police officers are regulated in other situations as well, which may mean a great deal to you the next time you glace in your rearview mirror and see those glaring red and blue lights.

And there are the everpresent “hot-button” issues.

The Court heard arguments surrounding the partialbirth abortion ban in the

Gonzales v. Carhart case at the beginning of the month.

The Court, with two new justices appointed by President Bush, just might have a different answer than the Court in 2000, which struck down another partial-birth abortion ban five votes to four in 2000. Again, a decision from the Court says more than when government decides life begins—it will determine if (and how) the justices will legislate from the bench, reveal the role precedent will play in the Court’s decisions and foreshadow how the Court will respond in the face of controversial issues. This won’t be the first tough case the Courts will face this year.

While the Democrats were gaining control of Congress and Bush was defending the war, the Supreme Court was beginning important cases very much out of the spotlight.

I hope America is aware.

Justices may be appointed, but they can still be held accountable. Stay aware.

The first three words of the U.S. Constitution are “We the people.” What are the people saying?

E-mail Peace at: knp04a@acu.edu, optimist@acu.edu

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

has a basis of raising money, but only because it is in constant need. However, that is not all that is needed; there are plenty of other things that can be done to help out in the battle against AIDS. One of the things that can really get you personally active is by simply working with someone or even just talking with someone who is affected. Doing things that directly affect those in need will lead to you feeling better involved and more helpful.

No matter what you do, do something. Even the little things have a strong effect that, when combined with other people doing things, will have a profound effect on the AIDS issue across the world.

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

Join with others to make a difference Service should not be um was one of the first limited, stereotyped or American organizations avoided for fear of be- to label the conflict in ing unable to make a dif- Darfur as a “genocide ference in emergency,” a term that the world. the Sudanese governE v e r y o n e ment had long resisted. has a part “We are screaming so to play, a much that the exhibit is role to fill. bursting out of the walls This is of the museum onto the why I am exterior,” John Heffere n c o u r - nan, the director of the A State aged by genocide prevention iniof Mind the many tiative at the US Holod i f f e r - caust Memorial Museum Lauren ent age in Washington told BBC. Sutton groups, Many Christian orsub-cultures and re- ganizations that aided ligions in the United in the previous northStates that have chosen south conflict between to lend a helping hand Muslims and Christians to the people of Darfur. have continued to supAfter learning of the port the Sudenese peo200,000 people who ple. 180 organizations have died now supin Darfur port the and the Save Darfur three milOrganizaMore than lion others tion. raising money, who have And let fled their us not forstudents hope to country beget the nuraise awareness cause of vim e r o u s concerning the olence, two celebrities high school genocide in Sudan. who have students come to began a naplay in intion-wide ternational networking issues. program via Myspace George Clooney reand Facebook in order cently returned from to raise money for the the region and will soon people of Sudan. speak out against the Their program, Dol- genocide in Washinglars for Darfur, aims ton. to gain support from It’s refreshing and en1,000 high schools wil- couraging to know that ing to donate $10 to so many different types their cause. of people could care “There are 27,000 enough about the war in high schools in the US Sudan to be pro-active and if each school raised in aiding the situation. just $10, we could easPerhaps it is that care ily have more than= and a willingness to $200,000,” co-founder give in some capacity Nick Anderson said. that binds mankind toMore than raising gether. money, students hope Though I can’t underto raise awareness con- stand what the Sudencerning the genocide in ese must be presently Sudan. experiencing, I can rally Multiple religious behind them with other groups have supported people who, like me, the people of Darfur hope that all the effort, as the Holocaust Muse- prayers and concern um’s involvement with will in some way make a the African conflict has difference. a new exhibit and Christian workers travel to Sudan to help in some E-mail Sutton at: capacity. les03c@acu.edu, optimist@acu.edu The Holocaust Muse-

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

November 29, 2006

Editorial and Management Board Mallory Schlabach

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Wednesday, November 29, 2006

Page 7

SPORTS JUMPS

Football: Malone, Badon set records Continued from page 8 for the first time since 1981, set a team record with 11 firstteam all-conference awards and finished the season with a No. 22 national ranking. And on top of that the Wildcats’ playoff berth was the first time an ACU football team made any postseason—NCAA or otherwise—since 1977.

“I think we’ve grown as a team and as a family,” said linebacker Cody Stutts. “I’m looking forward to the offseason and getting started with my family.”

Individually, Malone se-

cured his spot in the ACU record books by setting the new record for completions in a single season with 245. Malone’s total of 3,136 claimed him the second spot in the ACU single-season record, and his 27 touchdown passes put him third in that single Badon season record.

Malone’s most consistent target, wide receiver Jerale Badon, also climbed toward the

top of the ACU record books.

With 63 catches this season, Badon posted the third-best performance in ACU history and is second on the career receiving charts with 162.

Badon’s 63 catches and 973 yards led the Wildcat receiving corps and wide receiver Chris Morris was second with 42 catches for 539 yards.

Running back Taber Minner finished the season with 815-yards rushing and 12 touchdowns while running back Chancy Campbell was second with 654 yards and nine touchdowns.

On defense, Stutts led the

Wildcats in tackles with 93, defensive end Travis Carpenter led the team with nine sacks and cornerback Corey Jordan had a team high four interceptions.

Regardless of the Wildcats’ success and Malone’s personal success, he said he is ready to begin preparation for next season.

“You win your football games in the offseason and I truly believe that if we work our butts of its gonna pay off on the field.”

E-mail Johnson: djj04a@acu.edu

Champs: Naimadu wins third straight Continued from page 8

GARY RHODES FILE PHOTO

Runner Nicodemus Naimadu made NCAA DIvision II history after winning his third-straight national championship on Nov. 18.

Nicodemus Naimadu, who finished the season undefeated, led the Wildcats, finishing the 10K race in 29:17, just ahead of Harding University’s Julius Kosher, who finished in 29:19. Naimadu became only one of five athletes in NCAA history to win three individual national championships, and next season he will attempt to become the only athlete in NCAA history to win four individual national titles.

“Nicodemus is so physically and mentally blessed that he has this confidence and assurance about him that he can beat anybody if he just stays focused,” Hood said. “He’s really taken a leadership role for our younger guys this year and made sure that our team came before himself.”

The men finished with 65 points, beating the country’s No. 1 ranked team in Adams State, which finished with 82

points. All five of the ACU runners received all-American honors and placed in the top 25 in the championship field.

Sophomore Julius Myango finished eighth in 29:42, followed by sophomore Serge Gasore in ninth.

Sophomore Laurent Ngirakamaro finished 15th, and junior Philip Birgen rounded out the top five in 24th.

The women finished 12th, racking up 327 points and led by allAmerican Olha Kryv’yak from Ukraine, who finished the 6K race in 11th place with a 20:45.

“I was very pleased with the outcome of the women this year,” Hood said. “When you consider the make up of this team and to have three first time runners in national championship race is something positive to build on of the future.”

E-mail Harris at: optimist@acu.edu

brian schmidt CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Forward Igor Vrzina goes to the basket during the Wildcats’ 116-114 win over Concordia. ACU is 3-1 after losing to St. Edwards on Monday.

Basketball: ACU men move to 3-1 after loss Continued from page 8 three in a row to bring the lead back up with under a minute left.

After an off-the-bench three-pointer by guard Cortnie Ross with 36 seconds left, St. Edwards continued to knock down free throw after free throw.

After all was said and done, the Wildcats shot

only 40 percent in the second half and missed a total of 10 free throws.

Brooks led the Wildcats with 15 points. Copeland was able to sum up ACU’s loss succinctly.

“They hit their free throws. We didn’t,” he said.

E-mail Penfield at: optimist@acu.edu

SportsWednesday

Page 8

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

ScoreBoard Standings FOOTBALL

Team

Div. 5-1 5-1 4-2 4-2 2-4 1-5 0-6

WTAM Tarleton MSU ACU Angelo St. ENMU TAMU-K

Overall 11-2 6-4 10-2 8-3 3-7 3-7 3-8

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Team

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

Tarleton TAMU-K MSU ACU Angelo St. WTAM ENMU

Overall 5-0 4-0 3-0 3-1 2-2 2-3 2-3

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Team

Div. WTAMU 1-0 ENMU 0-1 ACU 0-0 Tarleton 0-0 Angelo St. 0-0 TX Woman’s 0-0 TAMK-U 0-0 MSU 0-0

Overall 5-1 3-1 4-0 3-0 2-0 2-1 2-2 2-2

St. Edwards ends ACU’s three-game streak n The ACU men’s basketball team went 3-1 after losing to St. Edwards on Monday. The men began with a three-game winning streak before losing on the road to St. Edwards.

Men’s basketball

By BLAKE PENFIELD Sports Writer

The men’s basketball team experienced college basketball’s ups and downs this past week with a comeback victory over Howard Payne University Nov. 21 and a loss to St. Edwards University Monday, putting the team at 3-1 on the season.

Both games were won and lost by free throws.

During the Nov. 21 game in Moody Coliseum, the Wildcats were ahead by nine points after a relatively uneventful first half.

But HPU fought back hard in the second half of the game and managed to flip the lead nine points in their favor 13 minutes into the second half.

The Wildcats roared back with a surging 13-4 run that tied the score at 72-72.

The game then became a tugof-war match between the two teams with the lead going back and forth until a huge threepointer by forward Cameron Holson brought the intense stalemate to a crescendo. With ACU leading 79-78, Holson hammered another nail into HPU’s coffin by drawing the foul after snagging an offensive rebound and hitting a decisive free throw.

HPU once again tied the score with a three-pointer of its own.

But the Wildcats were relentless. In a flurry of steals and fouls, ACU was able to win the game by hitting six out of eight free throws in the final eight seconds of the game. The final score was 87-81.

Holson set his career scoring record with 25 points.

See

BASKETBALL page 7

n The ACU women’s basketball team improved to 4-0 after handing TexasPermian Basin a 85-62 rout on Monday.

The win was the second game in a row ACU won by more than 20 points.

Nov. 18

By MICHAEL FREEMAN

FOOTBALL

Online Editor

West Texas A&M 30, ACU 27

MEN’S BASKETBALL ACU 116, Concordia 114

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL ACU 63, St. Edwards 52

Nov. 21 MEN’S BASKETBALL ACU 87, Howard Payne 81

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL ACU 90, Texas Lutheran 40

Monday MEN’S BASKETBALL St. Edwards 65, ACU 60

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL ACU 85, Texas-Permian Basin 62

Upcoming WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

GARY RHODES CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Guard Courtnie Ross shoots over Valentino Maxwell during the Wildcats 116-114 win over Concordia on Nov. 18.

Wildcats roll in fourth-straight win

Scores

Thursday

“He really played well. He made some great plays down the stretch and hit one three that put us up. He just played really well,” said head coach Jason Copeland.

Monday’s game in Austin did not turn out quite as well for the Wildcats. While ACU had a higher shooting percentage in the first period than their opponents, they still finished the half behind St. Edwards, 35-29.

This lead steadily grew throughout the second half until the Wildcats finally began to trim it down with two minutes left to play and the score at 58-47.

ACU forward Philip Brooks hit two of only six free throws ACU attempted. Holson followed suit with a lay-up that shrunk St. Edwards’ lead to seven.

However, St. Edwards’ free throws proved to be solid, sinking

brian schmidt CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Guard Laci Blau goes up for a finger roll during the Wildcats’ 85-62 win over Texas-Permian Basin on Monday.

After a blow-out exhibition win over Texas Wesleyan University, the Wildcat women’s basketball team opened its season on a roll.

ACU improved to 4-0 Monday after an 85-62 victory over the University of Texas-Permian Basin in Moody Coliseum. Guard Alex Guiton and center Audrey Maxwell each scored 18 points to help the Wildcats to victory.

“We did a good job running the floor and finishing strong,” Guiton said after the game.

ACU overcame a slow start and 24 turnovers by passing unselfishly and winning the battle of the boards to finish the night triumphantly.

The Wildcats snagged 57 rebounds while Texas-Permian Basin only hauled in 34 rebounds. Maxwell and guard Kelsey Darby each grabbed 11 rebounds. ACU also passed out 24 assists in route to a dozen fast break points.

“The girls are doing a great job

Women’s basketball on and off the court,” assistant head coach Terri Twilligear said.

“They’re finishing out games and not being content with playing close games.”

The Wildcats started the season in Austin at the St. Edward’s Shootout tournament on Nov. 17 by crushing the University of the Incarnate Word 80-62. Maxwell recorded 23 points and 14 rebounds, while forward Ashlee Barr scored 16 points for ACU. On Nov. 18, Guiton and Maxwell led the way with 17 and 14 points respectively to give ACU a 63-52 win over St. Edward’s University. Forward Kristee Davidson also finished with a doubledouble, which included 12 points and 10 assists. At the end of the weekend, ACU’s Audrey Maxwell was named the Most Valuable Player for the St. Edward’s tournament. Maxwell was also named the Lone Star Conference South Division Player of the Week after averaging 18.5 points and 8 rebounds per game during the tournament. Furthermore, Alex Guiton and Ashlee Barr were both named to the all-tournament team.

Then, the Wildcats returned to

ACU vs. St. Mary’s, 6 p.m.

Abilene to play Texas Lutheran University on Nov. 21. Davidson guided the way with 16 points and seven steals in a 90-40 rout of Texas Lutheran. The Wildcats impressively shot 54 percent (35 of 65) from the floor. Forward Jody Meyer put up her first double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

“We’ve had a lot of great balance early on,” head coach Shawna Lavender said. “As a team, we’ve stepped up. I feel good about where we are now.”

On Thursday, the Wildcats will take on St. Mary’s University in Moody Coliseum at 6 p.m. KYYW 1470 AM radio will cover the game.

“St. Mary’s is always tough.

Each year, they’re battling for the top spot in their conference—the Heartland Conference,” Lavender said. “I feel good about the game.

But, it just gets progressively harder.”

The game against St. Mary’s will be the first of six games ACU will play over a quick two-week period.

“We need to take it one game at a time,” Lavender said.

Men win first national title

MEN’S BASKETBALL ACU vs. Dallas Baptist, 8 p.m.

Saturday WOMEN’S BASKETBALL ACU vs. Texas A&M Commerce, 2 p.m.

n The ACU men’s cross country team made history after winning the program’s first NCAA Division II national championship on Nov. 18.

MEN’S BASKETBALL ACU vs. Texas A&M Commerce, 4 p.m.

n Home games listed in Italics

By HUTTON HARRIS Sports Editor

Online n Watch highlights of ACU’s 30-27 playoff loss against West Texas A&M at: www.acuoptimist.com The loss was ACU’s first appearance in the NCAA Division II playoffs and ended the Wildcats season.

ACU finished with an 8-3 record.

Intramural Round-up Upcoming n The intramural schedule seen on the Optimist sports page is not final and is subject to change. Any last-minute changes can be viewed on the intramural bulletin board in Moody Coliseum.

WATERBALL Waterball games postponed until further notice.

3-2 SOFTBALL Tournament dates: Nov. 30, Dec. 1 and Dec. 2.

E-mail Freeman at: mxf04b@acu.edu

brian schmidt CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Quarterback Billy Malone runs for a first down in the third quarter of the Wildcats’ 30-27 loss against West Texas A&M on Nov. 18. ACU lost after West Texas blocked a field goal attempt in overtime.

Playoff loss ends season n ACU blew a 15-point fourth quarter lead over West Texas A&M and lost 30-27 in overtime. The loss ended the Wildcats’ playoff run and season at 8-3.

By DANIEL JOHNSON Sports Editor

ACU’s football team posted one of its best seasons in almost 30 years, but quarterback Billy Malone is unwilling to call the season a complete success.

“We can talk about how good we did, but we didn’t finish well,” Malone said.

ACU finished its season

Football with a 30-27 overtime loss to West Texas A&M in the first round of the NCAA Division II playoffs on Nov. 18. The loss was ACU’s first appearance in the playoffs since joining the NCAA and dropped the Wildcats’ overall record to 8-3.

Although ACU had a 15point lead with eight minutes remaining in the game, quarterback Dalton Bell led West Texas in a fourth-quarter charge of 15 unanswered points to tie the game and force an overtime.

In overtime, West Texas

gained a three-point advantage with a 20-yard field goal and sustained its lead after blocking an ACU field goal attempt in the Wildcats’ first overtime possession.

The victory moved the Buffs to the next round of the playoffs, where they lost 4317 to Chadron State.

Despite ending the season with a loss, the Wildcats did things that an ACU football team hasn’t done in a long time.

ACU recorded eight wins See

FOOTBALL page 7

Two new milestones were achieved in the ACU track and field program Nov. 18 in Pensacola, Fla. The men’s cross country team won the school’s first ever national championship after defeating Adams State

Cross country University by 17 points, and senior Nicodemus Naimadu from Kenya won a NCAA record-breaking, third-consecutive individual national title.

“We always knew from day one that we had the potential to win,” second year head coach Derek Hood said. “And to be honest, it was huge sigh of relief when we finally followed through with that potential.”

See

CHAMPS page 7

Manning Tracker n Danieal Manning forced two fumbles, recovered one and recorded four tackles in the Bears’ 17-13 loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday. Manning’s second forced fumble gave the Bears’ a chance to win the game, but quarterback Rex Grossman threw and interception on the first play of the drive. The loss dropped the Bears to 8-2 and was their first against an AFC team.

Despite the loss the Bears still have the best record in the NFC.

COURTESY OF Chicago bears

SportsWednesday

Page 8

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

ScoreBoard Standings FOOTBALL

Team

Div. 5-1 5-1 4-2 4-2 2-4 1-5 0-6

WTAM Tarleton MSU ACU Angelo St. ENMU TAMU-K

Overall 11-2 6-4 10-2 8-3 3-7 3-7 3-8

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Team

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

Tarleton TAMU-K MSU ACU Angelo St. WTAM ENMU

Overall 5-0 4-0 3-0 3-1 2-2 2-3 2-3

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Team

Div. WTAMU 1-0 ENMU 0-1 ACU 0-0 Tarleton 0-0 Angelo St. 0-0 TX Woman’s 0-0 TAMK-U 0-0 MSU 0-0

Overall 5-1 3-1 4-0 3-0 2-0 2-1 2-2 2-2

St. Edward’s ends ACU’s three-game streak n The ACU men’s basketball team went 3-1 after losing to St. Edwards on Monday. The men began with a three-game winning streak before losing on the road to St. Edwards.

Men’s basketball

By BLAKE PENFIELD Sports Writer

The men’s basketball team experienced college basketball’s ups and downs this past week with a comeback victory over Howard Payne University Nov. 21 and a loss to St. Edwards University Monday, putting the team at 3-1 on the season.

Both games were won and lost by free throws.

During the Nov. 21 game in Moody Coliseum, the Wildcats were ahead by nine points after a relatively uneventful first half.

But HPU fought back hard in the second half of the game and managed to flip the lead nine points in their favor 13 minutes into the second half.

The Wildcats roared back with a surging 13-4 run that tied the score at 72-72.

The game then became a tugof-war match between the two teams with the lead going back and forth until a huge threepointer by forward Cameron Holson brought the intense stalemate to a crescendo. With ACU leading 79-78, Holson hammered another nail into HPU’s coffin by drawing the foul after snagging an offensive rebound and hitting a decisive free throw.

HPU once again tied the score with a three-pointer of its own.

But the Wildcats were relentless. In a flurry of steals and fouls, ACU was able to win the game by hitting six out of eight free throws in the final eight seconds of the game. The final score was 87-81.

Holson set his career scoring record with 25 points.

See

BASKETBALL page 7

n The ACU women’s basketball team improved to 4-0 after handing TexasPermian Basin a 85-62 rout on Monday.

The win was the second game in a row ACU won by more than 20 points.

Nov. 18

By MICHAEL FREEMAN

FOOTBALL

Online Editor

West Texas A&M 30, ACU 27

MEN’S BASKETBALL ACU 116, Concordia 114

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL ACU 63, St. Edwards 52

Nov. 21 MEN’S BASKETBALL ACU 87, Howard Payne 81

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL ACU 90, Texas Lutheran 40

Monday MEN’S BASKETBALL St. Edwards 65, ACU 60

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL ACU 85, Texas-Permian Basin 62

Upcoming WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

GARY RHODES CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Guard Courtnie Ross shoots over Valentino Maxwell during the Wildcats 116-114 win over Concordia on Nov. 18.

Wildcats roll in fourth-straight win

Scores

Thursday

“He really played well. He made some great plays down the stretch and hit one three that put us up. He just played really well,” said head coach Jason Copeland.

Monday’s game in Austin did not turn out quite as well for the Wildcats. While ACU had a higher shooting percentage in the first period than their opponents, they still finished the half behind St. Edwards, 35-29.

This lead steadily grew throughout the second half until the Wildcats finally began to trim it down with two minutes left to play and the score at 58-47.

ACU forward Philip Brooks hit two of only six free throws ACU attempted. Holson followed suit with a lay-up that shrunk St. Edwards’ lead to seven.

However, St. Edwards’ free throws proved to be solid, sinking

brian schmidt CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Guard Laci Blau goes up for a finger roll during the Wildcats’ 85-62 win over Texas-Permian Basin on Monday.

After a blow-out exhibition win over Texas Wesleyan University, the Wildcat women’s basketball team opened its season on a roll.

ACU improved to 4-0 Monday after an 85-62 victory over the University of Texas-Permian Basin in Moody Coliseum. Guard Alex Guiton and center Audrey Maxwell each scored 18 points to help the Wildcats to victory.

“We did a good job running the floor and finishing strong,” Guiton said after the game.

ACU overcame a slow start and 24 turnovers by passing unselfishly and winning the battle of the boards to finish the night triumphantly.

The Wildcats snagged 57 rebounds while Texas-Permian Basin only hauled in 34 rebounds. Maxwell and guard Kelsey Darby each grabbed 11 rebounds. ACU also passed out 24 assists in route to a dozen fast break points.

“The girls are doing a great job

Women’s basketball on and off the court,” assistant head coach Terri Twilligear said.

“They’re finishing out games and not being content with playing close games.”

The Wildcats started the season in Austin at the St. Edward’s Shootout tournament on Nov. 17 by crushing the University of the Incarnate Word 80-62. Maxwell recorded 23 points and 14 rebounds, while forward Ashlee Barr scored 16 points for ACU. On Nov. 18, Guiton and Maxwell led the way with 17 and 14 points respectively to give ACU a 63-52 win over St. Edward’s University. Forward Kristee Davidson also finished with a doubledouble, which included 12 points and 10 assists. At the end of the weekend, ACU’s Audrey Maxwell was named the Most Valuable Player for the St. Edward’s tournament. Maxwell was also named the Lone Star Conference South Division Player of the Week after averaging 18.5 points and 8 rebounds per game during the tournament. Furthermore, Alex Guiton and Ashlee Barr were both named to the all-tournament team.

Then, the Wildcats returned to

ACU vs. St. Mary’s, 6 p.m.

Abilene to play Texas Lutheran University on Nov. 21. Davidson guided the way with 16 points and seven steals in a 90-40 rout of Texas Lutheran. The Wildcats impressively shot 54 percent (35 of 65) from the floor. Forward Jody Meyer put up her first double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

“We’ve had a lot of great balance early on,” head coach Shawna Lavender said. “As a team, we’ve stepped up. I feel good about where we are now.”

On Thursday, the Wildcats will take on St. Mary’s University in Moody Coliseum at 6 p.m. KYYW 1470 AM radio will cover the game.

“St. Mary’s is always tough.

Each year, they’re battling for the top spot in their conference—the Heartland Conference,” Lavender said. “I feel good about the game.

But, it just gets progressively harder.”

The game against St. Mary’s will be the first of six games ACU will play over a quick two-week period.

“We need to take it one game at a time,” Lavender said.

Men win first national title

MEN’S BASKETBALL ACU vs. Dallas Baptist, 8 p.m.

Saturday WOMEN’S BASKETBALL ACU vs. Texas A&M Commerce, 2 p.m.

n The ACU men’s cross country team made history after winning the program’s first NCAA Division II national championship on Nov. 18.

MEN’S BASKETBALL ACU vs. Texas A&M Commerce, 4 p.m.

n Home games listed in Italics

By HUTTON HARRIS Sports Editor

Online n Watch highlights of ACU’s 30-27 playoff loss against West Texas A&M at: www.acuoptimist.com The loss was ACU’s first appearance in the NCAA Division II playoffs and ended the Wildcats season.

ACU finished with an 8-3 record.

Intramural Round-up Upcoming n The intramural schedule seen on the Optimist sports page is not final and is subject to change. Any last-minute changes can be viewed on the intramural bulletin board in Moody Coliseum.

WATERBALL Waterball games postponed until further notice.

3-2 SOFTBALL Tournament dates: Nov. 30, Dec. 1 and Dec. 2.

E-mail Freeman at: mxf04b@acu.edu

brian schmidt CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Quarterback Billy Malone runs for a first down in the third quarter of the Wildcats’ 30-27 loss against West Texas A&M on Nov. 18. ACU lost after West Texas blocked a field goal attempt in overtime.

Playoff loss ends season n ACU blew a 15-point fourth quarter lead over West Texas A&M and lost 30-27 in overtime. The loss ended the Wildcats’ playoff run and season at 8-3.

By DANIEL JOHNSON Sports Editor

ACU’s football team posted one of its best seasons in almost 30 years, but quarterback Billy Malone is unwilling to call the season a complete success.

“We can talk about how good we did, but we didn’t finish well,” Malone said.

ACU finished its season

Football with a 30-27 overtime loss to West Texas A&M in the first round of the NCAA Division II playoffs on Nov. 18. The loss was ACU’s first appearance in the playoffs since joining the NCAA and dropped the Wildcats’ overall record to 8-3.

Although ACU had a 15point lead with eight minutes remaining in the game, quarterback Dalton Bell led West Texas in a fourth-quarter charge of 15 unanswered points to tie the game and force an overtime.

In overtime, West Texas

gained a three-point advantage with a 20-yard field goal and sustained its lead after blocking an ACU field goal attempt in the Wildcats’ first overtime possession.

The victory moved the Buffs to the next round of the playoffs, where they lost 4317 to Chadron State.

Despite ending the season with a loss, the Wildcats did things that an ACU football team hasn’t done in a long time.

ACU recorded eight wins See

FOOTBALL page 7

Two new milestones were achieved in the ACU track and field program Nov. 18 in Pensacola, Fla. The men’s cross country team won the school’s first ever national championship after defeating Adams State

Cross country University by 17 points, and senior Nicodemus Naimadu from Kenya won a NCAA record-breaking, third-consecutive individual national title.

“We always knew from day one that we had the potential to win,” second year head coach Derek Hood said. “And to be honest, it was huge sigh of relief when we finally followed through with that potential.”

See

CHAMPS page 7

Manning Tracker n Danieal Manning forced two fumbles, recovered one and recorded four tackles in the Bears’ 17-13 loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday. Manning’s second forced fumble gave the Bears’ a chance to win the game, but quarterback Rex Grossman threw and interception on the first play of the drive. The loss dropped the Bears to 8-2 and was their first against an AFC team.

Despite the loss the Bears still have the best record in the NFC.

COURTESY OF Chicago bears