The Vol. 95, No. 27
IN THIS ISSUE CAMPUS A Wildcat Christmas
Members of Wildcat Kids will enjoy a Christmas party with their matches complete with food and gifts on Thursday, page 3
Stopping AIDS
Awake 3:18 organized an AIDS awareness week last week with guest speakers and events students could attend, page 4
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OPTIMIST
1 section, 8 pages
WEDNESDAY
December 6, 2006
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www.acuoptimist.com
Quiznos Honor Roll standards change opening delayed until Fall ‘07 n Students who wish to be on the Dean’s Honor Roll beginning this semester must now achieve a grade point average of 3.6 or higher, instead of a 3.45. By BRANDON COOKS Student Reporter
Members of the faculty and staff have made changes to the requirements for students on Dean’s Honor Roll list. Instead of students being required to earn a 3.45 GPA or higher, students will
now have to make a 3.6 or higher to meet honor roll standards. Dr. Tom Winter, vice provost and professor of social work, said the university periodically bench marks its standards to become equivalent to other accredited schools. “We looked at our standards for the dean’s list compared to other competitive institutions and found out we were slightly lower than some schools,” Winter said.
Winter said the reason they came to the conclusion of upgrading standards was because there was an inconsistency in graduating with honors and the Dean’s Honor Roll. “We contact colleges and universities like us in terms of size and the Dean’s Honor Roll in order to make these changes,” he said. Associate registrar Bart Herridge was put in charge of implementing these changes. “The changes get us more
in line with institutions and on track with what they have done,” Herridge said. Herridge said a big list of cohort schools were looked at to make the decision for change and a decrease in the number of ACU students that make the honor roll is expected. “It’s just something that will more than likely happen,” Herridge said. However, Herridge said he believes it will elevate the See
ROLL page 5
Lamb of God
Students in the Honors Association will perform a play parodying the nativity scene Wednesday, page 4
n Construction for the on-campus Quiznos restaurant will not begin during Christmas break as expected; administrators project a summer start instead. By SHELBY COATES Video Editor
Students looking toward the day they can order hot and toasted Quiznos subs on campus will have to wait longer than expected. Plans for an on-campus Quiznos are on hold while upcoming Bean renovations take priority. Renovations to the “World Famous Bean” should be complete by fall 2007, said Anthony Williams, director of retail and purchasing. Then focus will return to bringing a Quiznos restaurant to campus. “We have plans to gut the whole cafeteria, but it may
SPORTS
See
Beginning a streak
The Wildcat men’s basketball team won its second-straight game Saturday against Dallas Baptist University 76-61, page 8
ONLINE
emily smith STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Madison Fisk, Kaylee Moreno and W Roberts from Mrs. Cook’s second grade class perform as penguins in Abilene Christian School’s “Snow Biz” musical, which they performed for students, faculty and parents during Chapel on Tuesday.
Visitors from the Arctic North n Children from Abilene Christian School dressed as various characters performed a Christmas musical program titled “Snow Biz” in Chapel on Tuesday. By DENTON JOSEY Page 2 Editor
Abilene’s ice streak
The city’s first outdoor ice rink had a second grand opening Friday after warm weather melted the rink, view skaters in action online at: www.acuoptimist.com
SPECIAL NEWS Friday will be the final edition of the Optimist for the fall semester. It will also be the last day an Optimist video will be posted until Jan. 19, when our first spring edition will be printed.
Chapel attendance was higher than usual on Tuesday. During a time when students have all of their Chapel credits and take the extra time to study, there were at least 60 more people than usual. Tuesday, Abilene Christian School brought children, second through fifth grade and preschoolers, to ACU Chapel for their annual Christmas presentation. This marked the 19th year ACS has brought classes over. The show is a preview of the longer version that will take place in Cullen Auditorium on Dec. 14. Carole Houston, an administrative staff worker for ACS and mother of a second-grader, has seen the
show for 10 years. “We have big ACU ties because we used to be a part of ACU. We have a lot of kids whose parents work at ACU,” Houston said. “I know the ACU students always love it.” Anne Allison, director of music at ACS, said this year’s show is called “Snow Biz” and it has songs from a collection called Music Rocks and High School Musical. “It’s a winter musical about a big storm,” Allison said. Though the show has been at ACU Chapel for a long time, this year marked the first year the preschool participated. Before the show, Allison was curious about how they would perform. “My preschoolers are going to come and sing one song which they’ve never ever done in ACU Chapel, so it should be very interesting,” she said. “We’ll see if they even sing.” Performing at ACU is beneficial See
KIDS page 5
QUIZNOS page 5
St. James, Littrell to perform Thursday n Two Christian recording artists will begin a Christmas tour in Abilene at the Abilene Civic Center and be supported by acoustic instruments. By JEREMY POND Student Reporter
EMILY SMITH STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Trey Jenkins performs as an arctic fisherman in Tuesday’s Chapel with other students from ACS.
Christian recording artists Rebecca St. James and Brian Littrell, former Backstreet Boys member, will present the first performance of an eightconcert Christmas tour at 7 p.m. at the Abilene Civic Center on Thursday. The event, simply titled “The Christmas Tour,” is being billed as a night of acoustic Christmas music. Rather than using the rock band that typically supports St. James, the two performers will be backed by a simple acoustic arrangement of five or six musicians. Jackie Monaghan, senior media adviser at Morningstar PR and the press contact for See
CONCERT page 5
Half of Saturday’s Sing Song tickets sell early n Sing Song organizers attribute early ticket sales to an addition in the judging process, which allows the audience to vote on the best act online after the show. By SHARON RAPELJE Student Reporter
Sing Song ticket sales began two months early this year, and half have already been sold for Saturday night’s showing, which is
Department of Journalism and Mass Communication
expected to be sold out by January. Kendall Massey, director of student productions, said the high ticket sales may be due to the new voting system. Those who attend either the Friday night or Saturday afternoon show can vote online for desired winners after the show. Winners will be announced Saturday night. Massey said this has prob-
ably affected the increase in ticket sales. “There has just been a high demand for it this year,” he said. For all three showings, there are approximately 3,500 tickets. Tom Craig, managing director of Sing Song, said 3,700 seats are technically available but the extra seats are in a less visible section that will only be opened if
absolutely necessary. He said the popular sections are c, d, e, g, h, and the most popular is section f. “The great thing is now instead of buying your tickets online and having to wait for them, you can print them out at home if you want to, which is a great change,” Massey said. Tickets for Thursday night’s preview show will be available at the door, but
Abilene Christian University
the price has not yet been decided. Lindsey Rodgers, sophomore graphic design major from Denton, participated in last year’s Sing Song. “I really liked it, it was entertaining and the singing was great,” Rodgers said. “Wherever you sit, you are going to hear and see.” See
TICKETS page 5
Serving the ACU community since 1912
Chapel Checkup Credited Chapels to date:
Wednesday, March 29, 2006 Wednesday, December 6, 2006
06
Calendar & Events Wednesday
Christmas Angel Tree gifts due to the Volunteer Service and Learning Center by today.
07
Thursday
8 p.m. Concert in Cullen Auditorium featuring Natalie Steele, Steven Ward and the Big Purple Band. 8:45 p.m. Homer for the Holidays Homer Hiccolm & the Rocketboys and Toys for Teens will host a benefit show in the Bean Sprout. Bring a gift for someone between the ages of 13 and 18 at the Hendrick Home for Children.
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 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. 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. Praise Day and Blessing of Graduating Seniors in Chapel. 6:30 and 9 p.m. Free Movie Night in Cullen Auditorium, “The Grinch,” featuring Jim Carey.
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Saturday
8 a.m. Galaxy Garage Sale at 604 EN 16th to raise money for a mission trip to New Orleans to help Hurricane Katrina victims.
There are 2 days of Chapel remaining but including the 2-credit online survey, there are 4 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.
Fair Trade coffee to arrive next semester
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 a.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 skat-
Credited Chapels remaining:
68 04*
ing 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 p.m. 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. Men of Galaxy Garage Sale Fundraiser on Saturday. They will be working with Operation Nehemiah and its recovery efforts to help rebuild homes in the devastated areas. They are fundraising to cover the costs and to be able to leave a gift for the ministry in New Orleans. They will be in the campus center this week after chapel to accept monetary or physical items (for the garage sale) that you might be willing to donate and to answer any questions you might have. The garage sale is at 604 EN 16th. Homer for the Holiday: Toys for Teens benefit concert featuring Homer Hiccolm & the Rocketboys and friends Thursday night at 8:45 p.m. in the Bean Sprout. The event will be a Christmas party with free baked goods, free Starbucks hot chocolate and apple cider. Homer Hiccolm will perform Christmas songs and lead a sing-along with special guests. All attendees should bring a Christmas present that a teenager will enjoy. The event will benefit teenagers at the Hendrick Home for Children.
nFair Trade ensures that farmers growing coffee, sugar, cocoa and other products receive fair wages and have good working conditions. By KELSI PEACE FEATURES EDITOR
Purchasing a cup of coffee on campus next semester will do more than provide caffeine—it just may help someone out of poverty, thanks to the efforts of the fall semester Social Work Practice II class. The course, which is taught by Dr. Paul Ammons, director of the School of Social Work, requires a final project at the end of the semester, and this semester students decided to lobby for campus-wide use of Fair Trade coffee, said Jordan Wesley, a student in the course and senior social work major from Amarillo. A Fair Trade logo denotes products that have satisfied regulations established by the non-profit organization, including social and economic development, environmental management and quality labor conditions, according to www.transfairusa.org. According to the Web site, the project offers a solution for farmers in Latin America, Africa and Asia struggling to survive because “low prices, market volatility and isolation often keep farmers in a cycle of poverty, unable to recover their cost of production.” The idea for the campus project originated with Emily Hardegree, administrative assistant in the Office of Social Work, who began offering Fair Trade coffee in the social work office for 25 cents. Hardegree later began offering free coffee with a suggested donation when she learned she was technically “competing” with Aramark and violating ACU’s contract with the company. Anthony Williams, director of retail and purchasing, said he met with Hardegree
to discuss the possibility of using Fair Trade coffee when the contract with Aramark came up for re-negotiating. Hardegree then approached the social work class about lobbying for fair trade coffee on campus, Wesley said. “We can all, as individual people, help spread Christ’s compassion for the poor. And this is one way we can do it,” Hardegree said. Not only can Fair Trade lift farmers out of poverty, Hardegree said, but it may also save lives and improve health conditions. “This is something that will have an impact…this will make a difference in at least one farmer’s life.” Williams made the task of lobbying easy for the class – before they could begin their project, he returned with his answer: he supported Fair Trade coffee in all venues on campus. “It’s something we should be about,” Williams said. Fair Trade coffee is already available in the Fatted Café and the Connections Café, Williams said; by January he expects to have Fair Trade coffee in the Bean. Because Fair Trade coffee offers fair wages to farmers, cost per cup is slightly higher than products without the label. Students can expect to pay from 5 cents to 10 cents more per cup, Williams said. Williams felt the minor increase was worth it to embrace “an opportunity to help those who grow our coffee.” “The coffee we served before was good coffee,” he said. “The Fair Trade model may be a better way to serve the coffee.” Williams’ decision made it easy for the social work class. “We were getting all geared up for a campaign, and it didn’t have to happen,” Wesley said.
E-mail Peace at: knp004a@acu.edu
CAMPUS NEWS
Wednesday, December 6, 2006
Page 3
ACU alum receives honor for psychological research n Dr. Mark D. Cunningham, ‘73, won an award for independent research conducted in the field of psychology from the American Psychologists Association. By KATIE GAGER Student Reporter
Courtesy of Mark cunningham
Mark Cunningham receives an award from APA President Dr. Gerald Koocher at the APA annual convention in New Orleans in August.
ACU alumnus Dr. Mark D. Cunningham, ‘73, won an award for Distinguished Contributions to Research in Public Policy from the American Psychologists Association. He is the first person to receive this award as someone not working at a university but in a private practice and researches as an independent application. Cunningham, a licensed psychologist in 14 states, has conducted research on inmates in various states in the area of capital sentencing evaluations, prison violence and death-sentenced inmates.
In 1999, after examining and testing inmates in Mississippi, Cunningham and his colleague Dr. Mark Vigen caused the Mississippi Supreme Court to reverse prior rulings stating that inmates are unable to represent themselves in post-conviction efforts and Cunningham earned the right to appointed and statefunded representation. “The constitution and the court protections we have are only as good as we provide for lowest and most despised member,” Cunningham said. In 2005, because of his extensive research the Texas state legislature, “Life Without Parole” was passed, stat-
Wildcat Kids prepare for Santa Claus n Wildcat Kids’ annual Christmas party takes place at 6 p.m. Thursday at Highland Church of Christ. Students can earn service hours for helping with the event.
“Knowing that you were a vital part in making those smiles happen is just amazing.” Amy Wood, junior biochemistry major from Seminole
By RACHEL DAVIS Student Reporter
Christmas parties are part of the holiday season, but the organization Wildcat Kids has turned an annual tradition into something a little more uplifting. Each year the organization has a Christmas party with several activities and games geared towards the kids in Abilene that need some positive influence in their lives. This year, the party will be Thursday from 6-8 p.m. at Highland Church of Christ.
Wildcat Kids is an organization that allows ACU students to become involved in the lives of kids in the community. “College students lack a lot of interaction with kids, and it is a great opportunity to hang out with little kids who bring joy to my life,” said Amy Wood, committee member and junior biochemistry major from Seminole. The party will have several events, including a craft table where kids can make ornaments to take home.
“My favorite part of the party is when Santa comes and reads a Christmas story to all of the kids,” Wood said. After Santa reads his story, the kids will each receive a present from their college student. “Seeing so many smiles and knowing that you were a vital part in making those smiles happen is just amazing,” Wood said. Casey Thomas, committee member and junior accounting major from Wenatchee,
ing that capital offenders will not receive the death penalty but will be imprisoned for life without the option of parole. “This is another example that research illuminates issues that are important and results in changes of legislation,” Cunningham said. After graduating from ACU, Cunningham attended graduate school at Oklahoma State University where he received his master’s and doctorate degrees. He then interned at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., where he practiced clinical psychology. “I tremendously value the years I spent at ACU,” Cunningham said. “There were a number of faculty members that took interest in me as a student and a person that I owe a debt for the investments they made in me.”
After his postdoctoral work at Yale University teaching part-time, Cunningham served as an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology at HardinSimmons University in 1981 where he also had his own clinical psychology practice. He left Hardin-Simmons in 1983 to work full time in clinical psychology and later went on to become a forensic psychologist. After completing graduate school, he said he never thought he would be a scientist and researcher. “The things you start out doing are not the things you end up doing, especially if you are open to growing and learning,” Cunningham said.
E-mail Gager at: optimist@acu.edu
Recital hall Rumbel
Wash., said, “The best part of any activity, especially the Christmas party, is to see all the kids having fun and enjoying spending time with their partners. It really makes all the hard work worth it to see that it makes a difference.” Service hours are available for anyone who wants to be a part of the set-up or clean-up crew. Wood said they haven’t gotten many volunteers and they could use some help. For more information, contact any of the Wildcat Kids committee members. Katie Gager STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
E-mail Davis at: optimist@acu.edu
Nancy Rumbel, one half of the Grammy-winning duo Tingstad and Rumble, plays the ocarina during Thursday’s concert sponsored by ACU in the Williams’ Performing Arts Center Recital Hall.
CAMPUS NEWS
Page 4
Wednesday, December 6, 2006
HIV/AIDS Awareness week grabs students’ attention n HIV/AIDS Awareness week ended Dec. 1 and helped to raise students’ awareness about the worldwide deadly disease, which kills millions per year. By BLESSED MATAI Student Reporter
HIV/AIDS Awareness week, an effort to raise awareness and fight the worldwide pandemic, ended Dec. 1 after a week of events sponsored by Awake 3:18.
The awareness week began Nov. 27 with a Chapel presentation and the opportunity for students to grab a stake, which had a picture of a child affected by the disease and that child’s information, from the lawn near Moody Coliseum. “This awareness week helped us in some ways, but I wish that they would talk more about AIDS on campus. Just having a week is not enough for most of the students,” said
Nikki Ballard, senior psychology major from Garland. Other students believed the week greatly benefited the university’s student body. “This was a good cause to make a difference not just physically but spiritually,” said Chris Shim, freshman business finance major from Atlanta. “I have a stake in my room and I have been praying about it, and it was like bringing the kid’s life back when I got my
stake from the ground.” At the end of the 2004, about 415,193 people in the U.S. had AIDS, according to www.avert.org, an international AIDS advocacy group. The 1,000 wooden stakes prepared by members of Awake 3:18 only had pictures of people affected by AIDS from the Sahara. Some students said this did not serve to bring awareness about AIDS in the U.S. “AIDS is not just in Africa.
We have friends here in the U.S. dying but nobody does anything,” said Nakia Thompson, senior biology major from Abilene. “We should first look up and pray for people here in the U.S. then worry about others. How are we going to help them if we cannot help ourselves first?” According to www.avert. org, the total number of people living with HIV in the country is unknown because of the
many confidential name-based HIV infections. “We should talk more about this epidemic disease. We cannot wait until the AIDS day to bring the subject to the campus,” Thompson said. “We should have AIDS week like we do with health week; you should have debates about the subject at least two or three times a semester.” E-mail Matai at: optimist@acu.edu
Honors to perform modernized Christmas play next week n Students of an honors fine arts class will perform a Christmas play called “Lamb Of God,” which they adapted and modernized from a 14th century medieval play. By MICHELLE JIMENEZ Art Editor
Freshman and sophomore honor students will perform a student play called “Lamb Of God” on Wednesday at 9 p.m. in Room 103 of the Hardin Administration building as a final project for a fine arts class.
Seminar in the Fine Arts was created specifically to give honor students the option of enrolling in an honors class for their fine arts credit. Joe Stephenson, associate professor of English, is the first to teach this class. “I thought it would be a good idea for people to get an idea of just what fine arts is about,” Stephenson said. “We’re going to do fine arts; we’re not just going to talk about fine arts and write about fine arts.” “Lamb Of God” is a student
adaptation of a medieval play from 14th century England and Handel’s “Messiah.” Stephenson chose the play because it is a beautiful play and accessible for students, he said. The play, written by an anonymous playwright more popularly known as the Wakefield Master, tells the story of the Savior being born intermixed with the story of a lamb being stolen from shepherds. The students’ version will be an adaptation of a mod-
Grand finale
ernized translation from the original, Stephenson said. “We really are keeping the essence of the [play] as it was in the 14th century, but it is modernized,” he said. Amber Smittick, sophomore psychology major from San Antonio, will play the thief’s wife in the performance. “You really don’t realize it’s a Christmas play until the very end,” Smittick said. “It’s great for the season.” A lot of good humor will be added to the performance;
By MEGAN LOWE Student Reporter
GARY RHODES CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
tumes and fancy sets and things,” he said. “Anyone who comes, expect kind of a medieval experience, without fancy furniture; kind of sitting on the floor.” Limited seating is available to those wanting to watch the performance. “I’m very proud of the effort the students have put into this,” Stephenson said. “The students have stepped up and made this … a great E-mail Jimenez at: mmj04b@acu.edu
Study Abroad students to return n Students will return from fall ACU Study Abroad programs in Montevideo and Oxford next week while some students choose to remain and travel.
Charles Nelson, professor emeritus of music, conducted Handel’s “Messiah,” which he performed more than 100 times in his 65-year career, at his final performance Sunday in Cullen Auditorium.
however, there’s a risk that the humor may cast the theological message into the shadows, Stephenson said. That’s where Handel’s “Messiah” will come in to play. “We thought inserting [the music] in there, [will] help to emphasize a lot of the theological themes,” Stephenson said. Stephenson was quick to point out that the student’s play isn’t so much of a production but more of a presentation. “It is a class project. We’re not going to have fancy cos-
For students anticipating the arrival of the fall ACU Study Abroad students, the wait is almost over. The students and faculty, who have spent the past five months studying in Montevideo, Uruguay, will arrive to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport on Dec. 14. Oxford students will arrive the day before on Dec. 13. “The students’ Study Abroad experience terminates at DFW,” said Kevin Kehl, director of study abroad. After the students land on the ground, they are free to go home or back to campus. Not all students come back at the same time though. While applying for Study Abroad, students chose whether or not they would like to deviate from the group at the end of the semester. “Some students choose to go back and visit their favorite places or travel the country some more,” Kehl said. Although they are not re-
quired to participate in any other study abroad events immediately following their trip, there are two events on campus during the first two weeks of the spring semester for Study Abroad participants. The first is a welcome back dinner, which is a formal dinner for all the participants of the fall Study Abroad in both Latin America and Europe. Students will also have the chance to cope with culture shock and learn how to use their experience to help with their future. “They will have the opportunity to share their experiences in a different venue with others who have experienced similar things. They will also be given information on how to use their trips for their careers,” Kehl said. Erin Shoulders, junior interdisciplinary major from Keller, said the dinner was a great chance to have everyone together again. “There were a few speeches, but mostly we reminisced about our trip,” Shoulders said. The groups flying home will fly on British Airways from Oxford and American
Airlines from Montevideo. “We don’t anticipate any delays with the flights,” Kehl said. On the eight-hour flight home, Shoulders said she slept mostly. “We had stayed up the night before having a Christmas party,” Shoulders said. For those students coming home, it is sometimes hard to share their memories with friends that did not experience what they did. “Most of the people here don’t have an appreciation for what you experienced, and most people will listen only for a short while and then want to talk about something else. They are more eager to tell about their semester than to hear about yours simply because they can’t fathom what you experienced,” Shoulders said.
Arrival dates n Oxford: Dec 13 n Montevideo: Dec. 14
E-mail Lowe at: optimist@acu.edu
Wednesday, December 6, 2006
FROM THE FRONT PAGE/CAMPUS NEWS
Page 5
Concert: Performers encourage audience participation Continued from page 1 St. James, said the record labels for the two artists worked together to set up “The Christmas Tour.” She also said the tour came about because so many people wanted it. “They saw a demand,” Monaghan said. “Christmas
music is a once-a-year kind of thing, and since Rebecca already has a popular Christmas album, they thought this would work well.” The two-hour concert will open with solo sets performed by both St. James and Littrell, and close with a set featuring the pair on stage together.
Monaghan also said the concert will be formatted to allow the audience to participate in singing along with a number of the songs. “The music almost requires that,” she said. “Christmas music is all about getting together and singing those hymns.”
According to a press release, St. James said she hoped the acoustic set would allow for her and Littrell to engage the audience on a more personal level than a simple concert would, bringing the focus for the event to what she feels is the reason for the season. “I love Christmas music,”
she said. “It represents some of the most powerful worship music to God in the world.” St. James and Littrell, former member of pop group Backstreet Boys, met at last year’s Dove Awards ceremony, Christian music’s highest awards. Of touring with Littrell, St. James said she was very excit-
ed to have the opportunity. “To go on the road with an artist of the caliber of Brian Littrell, and share the belief in the powerful message that we do, is a tremendous thrill.”
E-mail Pond at: optimist@acu.edu
Quiznos: Changes put on hold Continued from page 1 also be done in phases,” Williams said. “If we build a Quiznos, that would hinder what the architect could do.” The original decision to bring Quiznos to ACU was made last year after The Bean conducted two student surveys and seven student focus groups with Aramark, ACU’s food service provider. More than 400 quick standing surveys were conducted at Bean card sliders as well. Surveyors collected 1,100 student responses. “We were trying to identify the appraisals of current offerings,” Williams said. “The easiest way to identify what someone wants is to ask that someone.” After reviewing the results, Williams noticed students wanted more dining options on campus, specifically hot and cold sub sandwiches. Williams worked with Aramark to find a sub sandwich restaurant chain appropriate for the ACU student body. Ara-
mark considered three chains: Subway, Blimpie and Quiznos. The team decided on Quiznos because Subway was so close to campus and Blimpie had a limited menu, Williams said. With Quiznos plans on hold because of structural changes to the Bean, improvements in food quality have been made, Williams said. “It has totally improved. The menu has totally improved,” said Andre Allen, interim food service director. “It’s definitely night and day from previous years.” Last year’s student surveys helped Allen decide what changes were needed in the Bean, he said. The Bean has added newer food stations since last year. Now students have the options of eating from a vegetarian and vegan station, home-cooked meals at the Home Zone and wraps and toasted sandwiches from the new wrap and hoagies station. The Bean has revamped its salad bar, adding more variety
and fresher toppings, said Allen. New pizza equipment has helped in making more pizza at a better quality. Allen is working to get a gelato station, too. He hopes the Italian ice cream dessert will be another option available in the Bean. “That’s what it’s all about: getting feedback from those that eat at the World Famous Bean,” Allen said. “It wasn’t that hard, but we still have a ways to go.” Williams also took part in improving the food quality of the Bean. “I believe once the Bean is completely finished, it will be one of the better restaurants in the city of Abilene,” Williams said. In an August issue of the Optimist, Allen said Quiznos would be up and running in the Campus Center by January, but further Bean renovations have been pushed back.
E-mail Coates at: optimist@acu.edu
Roll: Criteria changed for 2007 Continued from page 1 emily smith STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Hailey Roberts and Abby Ham perform in Abilene Christian Schools’ Christmas program in Chapel on Tuesday. Students perform every year before Christmas Break.
Kids: Students spread cheer Continued from page 1 for the college students before they leave for Christmas break, to get them geared up for Christmas.” The children look forward to the Chapel performance. “They absolutely love it,” Allison said. “Every year they ask me, ‘When do we get to
go to the big building?’” One of the most outstanding memories Allison has from the Chapel performances was when a child got too nervous on stage. “One year a kid on the very front row threw up all over the basketball floor. It was not pretty,” Allison said. She said she has since told kids to sit down if they
are feeling sick. As much as it is good practice for the performers and a welcome show for the spectators, Allison said there is an underlying point to it all. “Feeling good for Christmas is what it’s really all about,” Allison said. E-mail Josey at: jdj03e@acu.edu
university’s academia and prove the educational system valid for students looking to attend ACU. Winter also said he believes these changes will represent the exceptional
education provided by the university as a whole. In past years, the Dean’s Honor Roll was based on three criteria. Students must be undergraduate students, enrolled for at least 12 hours with six graded hours, and maintain grade
point average of 3.45 or above. Sixty-five students made the Dean’s Honor Roll in spring 2006.
E-mail Cooks at: optimist@acu.edu
Tickets: Friday night to sell out Continued from page 1 Massey encourages students to buy tickets as early as possible. He said he believes Friday night will sell out this year. Given the time frame of ticket sales, Craig said stu-
dents could buy tickets as Christmas presents. The prices for the Friday night and Saturday afternoon shows are $14 general, $16 premium and $18 prime. Tickets for Saturday night are all $20.
Tickets can be bought at the ticket window in Moody Coliseum or online at www. acu.edu/singsong.
E-mail Rapelje at: optimist@acu.edu
Internships offer experience, confidence for future n Seven departments at ACU offer internship-for-credit courses. Most professors say internships benefit students with experience not available in the classroom. By ATSUMI SHIBATA Page Designer
Alison Tetrick first did an internship at AMGEN Inc., researching for cancer drugs at a large drug company in Cambridge, Mass., last summer. The company provided for her housing and transportation costs and impressed her with the way it treated its interns. Now she is trying to apply for a full-time job at the company. Lucky for Tetrick, companies are more likely to hire a previous intern over a college graduate applying for the job blind, said Matt Boisvert, executive director of the Office of Career and Academic Development. “It’s almost not enough to just graduate,” he said. If one person has a grade point average of 4.0 but no internship, and the other had a lower GPA but various internship experiences, a company is more likely to hire the one with internship. “Internship is critical to your success in finding your dream jobs,” Boisvert said. And he said about 50 percent of internship can turn into full-time jobs. Seven departments at ACU
offer internship-for-credit courses: agricultural and environmental science, chemistry, business, Bible, exercise science and health, journalism and mass communication, and sociology and social work, according to the OCAD Web site. Not all of these departments require students to perform an internship; however, most professors say internship experience is recommended and important for students’ future. Doing an internship is one way to help students decide their career plans. It also allows them to see the professional fields of their interests. Many professors agree that internships has many benefits including: giving a student experience not available in the classroom; providing material that will shine on a resume; and helping a student decide what to do after college. According to ACU statistics, 303 May ’06 graduates completed survey for OCAD, and 56 percent of those respondents said they have completed an internship. Although the number shows more than half have done an internship before graduation, Boisvert said he would like to see more students involved in internship because employers evaluation people’s internship experiences as much as their majors.
Robert Oglesby, director of youth and family ministry, did youth ministry internships while attending at ACU. “It set me to who I am,” he said. “It really gave me a foundation.” Oglesby said internships enhance a student’s learning and gives them confidence. In a ministry internship, helping people and receiving feedback from them mean a lot to students, he said. “They receive a real blessing,” he said. “I think the internship helps them to grow.” Megan Nuncio agrees. As a senior youth and family ministry major from Alvin, Nuncio has done three ministry internships in the summer. She helped organize Bible studies and summer camps for youth groups, and said she enjoyed working with teenage girls in this important time to shape their lives. “I felt called by God,” she said. Sometimes she had a difficult time, and she said she felt like she couldn’t do it anymore. During those hard times though, she said she learned from God. “He just loved me,” she said. “And he helped me to continue loving other people.” Even though only one internship is required in her degree, Nuncio said she wanted to do more to get different experiences. She said she learned different things through each
one that her experiences will help her be able to choose and combine what she likes to create her own ministry. “I think it’s very important to do internships, as many as you can,” she said. “It brings diversity.” But for students interested in doing an internship, Boisvert said they need to begin planning and preparing in advance to find an internship. About 15 to 30 students visit his office every day, but most of them don’t know what to do to find internships. Even if they do know where to begin, a major problem he
sees is that people don’t know how to write a resume. Resume is necessary to apply for an internship or a full-time position, but most students are not good at writing their resume, Boisvert said. A resume should reflect what a student has accomplished and why a company should hire the person. If the resume is not good, a student might not even get a chance for an interview. Grade point average, volunteer or service projects, leadership skill, and involvement in community are primary sources included in resume, but more than any-
thing, internship experience shows how serious the person wants to work for the company, Boisvert said. For a summer internship, Boisvert suggests students begin preparing in January or February. ACU Career Link provides internship information. Currently on the Web site, 162 various internship programs are posted. Students can get help from the Office of Career and Academic Development to find an internship and to learn resume writing.
E-mail Shibata at: axs03d@acu.edu
ViewsWednesday Optimist
Page 6
December 6, 2006
ACU requires finals to comply with state regulations
The issue:
ACU is required to give finals to meet the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s 16-weeksof-classes rule.
Despite the holiday season, grumbling across campus will reach an alltime high next week when the most dreaded week of the semester begins: finals week. During this week, students will attempt to regurgitate everything learned since August, while professors attempt to catch up on grading before grades are due. For some professors, finals week is a time to test a student’s knowledge and memory skills. For others, finals week means nothing more than creating an additional unit test for the class, and some professors
Our view:
It is important for the university to comply with these rules so ACU course credits can transfer.
The solution:
Don’t complain about taking your finals, and remember they will all be over soon.
don’t even So as finals week approaches, know that finals to meet for give a final its final or to are being given for a reason. test. While cancel its this grace class final, from a profescation Coordinating Board, the universor to not give a final may which grants private schools sity is not complying with the be a blessing to the student, like ACU the ability to trans- rules and puts its transferring finals are required by the fer all of its class credits to credit status in jeopardy, said university and there is no any state school in Texas Tom Winters, vice provost for getting around it. without exception. the university. Regardless of how a proTo gain this privilege, Although not every stufessor measures a student’s members of the THECB must dent will attempt to transfer knowledge or mastery of the voluntarily comply with a credits during their college topic, professors need to ei- few rules, including one that career, for those that need ther give a final project, fi- requires universities to meet to or may need to one day, it nal written exam or meet for for 16 weeks of classes in is important to attend a uniclass presentations during a semester. At ACU classes versity has credits transferfinals week for one reason: meet for 15 weeks and a fi- able anywhere. transferring credits. nal is given in the class durSo as finals week approachThe university is a mem- ing the 16th week. es, know that finals are being ber of the Texas Higher EduIf a professor decides not given for a reason.
Cole Williams
Let Loose
Confessions of a chick-flick connoisseur I have a confession to make. I love romantic films. Of any kind. They can be funny, or they can be serious. They can end happily ever after, or Kevin Costner can drown trying to save a couple caught out A Ripple in at sea durthe Pond ing a storm. I suppose Jeremy the dialogue Pond is one reason I’m such a fan. Lines like, “You have bewitched me in body and soul,” or, “You had me at ‘Hello,’” or even, “You saved my shoe,” all keep me coming back for more. Yeah, it’s cheesy, I know. Many of the guys reading this are probably thinking, “Dude, are you gay?” Many of my friends read-
I just can’t get enough of Tom Hanks setting Meg Ryan up to fall for him when she finally realizes he’s the one who has been her Internet love affair.
ing this are thinking that I desperately need a life. Me? I just can’t get enough of Tom Hanks setting Meg Ryan up to fall for him when she finally realizes he’s the one that has been her Internet love affair. Some people hate chick flicks. They feel that such movies skew reality so we all get this false impression in our heads of the way love is supposed to work. It generally looks something like this. Boy meets girl, boy likes girl, girl thinks boy is really cute, boy thinks girl is really ho um has a great personality, they quickly fall for each other, they find out
In Your Words What do you do to combat the the stress of finals week?
something about each other that threatens to destroy the happy ending, and it all gets resolved just in time for us all to go home with a few joyful tears and the dream that one day it will happen for us, too. Granted, it is all a myth. Romantic films represent the ideal, and we’ve all been around long enough to realize the ideal almost never plays out in reality. But here’s the thing. Just because love doesn’t generally work that way doesn’t keep us from recognizing the parts of the story we could achieve. Whether or not people will admit to bawling like a
baby when it’s revealed that Mandy Moore has leukemia and Shane West’s heart is crushed, deep down most of us yearn to be a part of a relationship that gives us courage when life sucks and creates moments of bliss that you could stay in forever. And let’s face it. We’re attending a school known almost as much for it’s marriage statistics as it is for its academics. Relationships of all kinds are going to be paraded in front of all of us for as long as we’re here. So, I’m not apologizing for my taste in cinema. I love chick flicks because, while I’m waiting for my shot at the real, a vicarious taste of the ideal makes the waiting just a little bit easier.
E-mail Pond at: jlp04b@acu.edu, optimist@acu.edu
“I don’t; I just stay really stressed out the whole time.”
“Listen to music and sit outside.”
Manda Mosley
Issac Vazquez
senior political science major from Corpus Christi
senior graphic design major from Houston
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
AIDS fundraising must be honest Members of Awake 3:18 mon. You can help Benjaled an inspiring Chapel min by giving just a small last Monday, bringing the amount each month …” student body’s attention Whoa. Wait a minute. upon AIDS As I kept reading, not v i c t i m s even halfway finished, across the the rest of the words on world and the card were about how k i c k i n g I could help financially. off AIDS I felt mislead. Awareness “I thought all they asked Week with of me was to pray for Bena bang. jamin,” I thought. But inDon’t Believe As I sat stead, most of the card the Hype in Chapel was about how I could l i s t e n i n g help by giving money. Mitch to fellow As I went about my day, I Holt s t u d e n t s prayed for Benjamin as the p a s s i o n - Chapel speaker requested ate about the issue pour and as I had been inspired their hearts into a well- to do. These were some of thought-out presentation, the most sincere prayers a peace came upon me. I prayed in a long time, I began to think, “What but I felt manipulated. can I do to join these stuWhy didn’t he simply dents in their cause?” tell us what else was on the Then, it seemed, my card? It seems as if they question was answered. wanted to keep the money The co-chair of the stu- aspect of the card a secret dent organization got up until a student was halfto speak and delivered a way into a prayer and slip humbling message about a financial request in there. the ever-present horrors The issue here is not of AIDS and giving money what can be to the cause. done to help. Any person It seems as if they with the reTo wrap up his speech, sources to wanted to keep he encourdo so should the money aspect help those who aged students of the card a to pick up a need help. But stake from the issue is secret until a the courtyard student was half- how one must near Moody petition stuway into a prayer dents to give Coliseum, which had a to the cause. and slip a finanpiece of paper Throwing a cial request with a child’s financial rein there. picture and quest on the bio on it. card and into “All we ask a student’s is that you prayer withpick up one of these stakes out any mention of money and pray for the child on it seems like subtle maniputhroughout your day,” The lation and a more effective speaker said to the student way to raise money from body. “That’s all we ask.” poor college students. That was my ticket to I appreciate Awake 3:18 helping out the cause. I’m spearheading AIDS Awarebroke so I felt financially ness Week. It was wellhelpless, but the concept planned, sincere and a of simple prayer resound- great display of advocacy. ed beautifully in my ears. But in an effort like this, I rushed right out of Cha- the organization must be pel, picked up a stake up front and blunt about and began to read what financial needs—not was on the piece of paper. just tack it into a clever My piece of paper way to raise awareness. had a picture of Benjamin from Uganda on it. “Benjamin likes to play soccer and other sports, he likes to read and he enjoys science,” it read. I continued. “Benjamin E-mail Holt at: lives in a community mah02f@acu.edu, optimist@acu.edu where AIDS is very com-
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
Professors are not seeking to hurt your course grade with a final excruciating test, and the university wants nothing more than for you to graduate and pass with flying colors. Face up to the facts that finals are here to stay. Prepare for a long week ahead and remember that when Dec. 15 ends and all pencils are laid down, you’ve just completed half your college year, and it’s nothing but tinsel-laden trees and fruitcakes for the weeks ahead.
Editorial and Management Board Mallory Schlabach
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Online: www.acuoptimist.com
Wednesday, December 6, 2006
Page 7
SPORTS JUMPS
Basketball: Wildcats undefeated at home
“Defense!”
Continued from page 8
brian schmidt CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
Purple pack members Ryan Elam, freshman undeclared major from Pottstown, Penn.; Emily Jorganson, freshman electronic media major from Parker, Colo.; Brent Dill, freshman integrated marketing communication major from Brownfield; Jason Toy, freshman Christian ministry major from Lawton, Okla.; and others scream a chant during the ACU men’s basketball team’s game against Dallas Baptist University on Monday.
the beginning of the half. But Searight wasn’t done yet. With yet another jumper and 51 seconds left, Searight cut the Wildcat lead to a mere point. At this point Commerce began to foul ACU at every possession to get ACU to the foul line and give themselves maximum offensive opportunities. But the Cats would not flinch and they sunk five out of six free throws in the final 30 seconds of the game. The victory marked the first time the Wildcats have defeated the Lions in five games.
Copeland chalks Commerce’s inability to put up numbers at the end of the game to solid Wildcat defense. “We forced them into some tough shots and limited them to that one shot. We rebounded the ball well late and had some guys make some big shots late,” he said. High scorer for the Wildcats Courtnie Ross gives a lot of credit to the fans. “We feed off the crowd. We feed off their energy. We haven’t won a crossover game in three years, so this was a big step for our team and our school as a whole,” Ross said. “It feels good.” E-mail Penfield at: optimist@acu.edu
ACU teams sign athletes for 07-08 n ACU head baseball, track and field and tennis coaches announced the players they would add to their 2007-08 roster on Wednesday. By DANIEL JOHNSON Sports Editor
Fourteen athletes secured their destinies as Wildcats for at least the 2007-08 school year after signing letters of intent to compete on various athletic teams on Wednesday. Head baseball coach Britt Bonneau, head tennis coach Hutton Jones and head track and field coach Don D. Hood all welcomed the incoming athletes when the high school seniors and junior college athletes signed letters of intent to compete at ACU. Bonneau added six, while Jones and Hood added four each to of their teams. The baseball signings included Brandon Jordan of Gover High School; Lorn Smith of Langham Creek High School; Kevin Justice of San Angelo Central High School; Cameron Bankston of Burleson High School;
and junior college pitchers Carlos Hernandez and David Mastiner, both from West Valley College. Bonneau, who announced the largest class of early signers in his 11 years at ACU, said the player who would most likely have biggest immediate impact would be Hernandez. “He’s a guy that will for sure benefit our program,” Bonneau said. Hernandez went 12-1 as a freshman at West Valley, was a first-team all-American and was twice drafted by major league teams. “It’s not too often that you get a shot at an athlete like that,” Bonneau said. Four Texas high school tennis players will have their shot as ACU athletes after signing letters of intent to play on the tennis teams. Abilene High stars Jaclyn Walker, Karl Bein and Hayden Scruggs, in addition to Lubbock Coronado High School player Bryan Joiner, all signed with the Wildcats. “All of these are just ACU tennis type of people,” Jones said. “I wouldn’t recruit anybody that I don’t think has a
shot to play.” The three Abilene natives were part of the three-time District 3-5A championship tennis team, which was ranked in the top five of the state all four years the athletes played, and Joiner was a three-time all-district selection at Coronado. “These are the kind of people we want and will potentially be better tennis players,” Jones said. Hood also saw potential and signed four Texas track and field athletes: thrower Paige Newby of Colorado City; middle-distance runner Allyson Dunn of San Antonio; hurdler Destinee Nixon of Mesquite; and thrower Nick Jones of Amarillo. Hood said the three female athletes would all contribute to the team, but he expects Newby to contribute right at the start of her college career. “[Newby is] somebody that can come in as a freshman and have a chance to win a national championship,” Hood said. “That’s a huge impact.” Newby won the class 2A state championship in the
Frisbee: SA helps pay tourney funds Continued from page 8 on Saturday morning against Southwestern University 13-9 and finished the day with a 14 record. “The first few games were extremely frustrating for me personally because I’m used our simple pick up games,” said Mike Griffith, junior business management major from St. Louis. “But overall I felt our team adjusted to that style of play very quickly and will be able to compete at a higher level next time.” “I think we were a little anxious to do well at the beginning but we moved really
into positions and played with a lot of hustle,” Townsend said. The Students’ Association granted the club travel funds such as gas and entry fees. The trip was the first of many the club team plans to take this school year, and it will continue to press for the money from the university office and its players to keep the season rolling. “We have been very pleased with the interest so far this season and we hope we can continue to travel and compete as the school year continues,” Townsend said. The club team, which prac-
tices on Tuesday and Thursday nights, will not see any more tournament action until next semester. “We will enter as many tournaments as possible next semester and focus on the finer points of the game and try to better solidify this team for the future,” Townsend said.
Coming Soon: View a video on Friday of the new Ultimate Frisbee club at: www.acuoptimist.com E-mail Harris at: optimist@acu.edu
discus and won 26 of the 30 high school meets she competed in. Hood said he expects Jones to contribute on the men’s team as a much-needed thrower. Jones, who will also play defensive end for the Wildcat football team, won a District 2-5A shot put championship for Amarillo Tascosa High School and was a runner up at the Region I-5A meet. “I’m just really excited to get these kids in the fall,” Hood said. “The type of athletes we’ve sign is a good sign for the type of recruiting that we’re doing. It shows we’re able to get some of the good kids.” brian schmidt CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER E-mail Johnson at: djj04a@acu.edu
Guard Elmo Williams sinks a three-point shot during the Wildcats’ win against Dallas Baptist University on Monday. Williams had eight points.
SportsWednesday
Page 8
Wednesday, December 6, 2006
ScoreBoard Standings MEN’S BASKETBALL
Team
Div. 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
Tarleton TAMU-K ACU MSU Angelo St. ENMU WTAM
Overall 6-0 6-0 5-1 3-1 3-3 3-4 3-5
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
Team
Div. 1-0 0-1 0-0 0-0 0-0 TX Woman’s 0-0 MSU 0-0 TAMU-K 0-0 WTAMU ENMU ACU Angelo St. Tarleton
Overall 7-1 5-1 6-0 4-0 4-0 3-3 2-3 2-4
Scores Thursday WOMEN’S BASKETBALL ACU 74, St. Mary’s 60
Saturday WOMEN’S BASKETBALL ACU 83, Texas A&MCommerce 77
MEN’S BASKETBALL ACU 88, Texas A&MCommerce 84
Monday MEN’S BASKETBALL ACU 76, Dallas Baptist 61
Upcoming Thursday WOMEN’S BASKETBALL ACU at Northeastern Oklahoma State, Talequah Okla., 6 p.m.
MEN’S BASKETBALL ACU at Northeastern Oklahoma State, Talequah, Okla., 8 p.m.
Saturday WOMEN’S BASKETBALL ACU at Central Oklahoma, Edmond, Okla., 2 p.m.
MEN’S BASKETBALL ACU at Central Oklahoma, Edmond, Okla., 4 p.m.
n Home games listed in Italics
Broken heater postpones waterball till spring n The intramural waterball tournament was postponed until Jan 22, 23 and 25 because of complications with the heater in the Gibson pool. By DANIEL JOHNSON Sports Editor
The intramural waterball tournament has been rescheduled for next semester because of complications brought on by a broken heater in the Gibson swimming pool. The tournament was rescheduled for Jan. 22, 23 and 25 when the pool broke before Thanksgiving break. Although the replacement heater was installed on Monday, the preparation of the
Waterball pool would not be ready in time before finals week, so the Intramural Department pushed the tournament back, said Susan Hardcastle, administrative coordinator for intramurals. Hardcastle said because the tournament takes three days to complete and intramurals aren’t allowed to take place during finals week, there wasn’t enough time to complete the tournament during the fall semester. “At this point we are just going to have to move the tournament back,” Hardcastle said. For some people, especially men’s social clubs, the
n The ACU men’s basketball team moved to 5-1 after its 76-61 win over Dallas Baptist on Monday. The win was ACU’s secondconsecutive and fourth at home. By BLAKE PENFIELD Sports Writer
The men’s basketball club pulled out two huge victories against the Texas A&M University-Commerce Lions and the Dallas Baptist University Patriots on Saturday and Monday nights, respectively. The wins put the Wildcats’ season record at 5-1 and dropped A&M-Commerce’s record to 5-2 and DBU’s record to 2-3. ACU started out Tuesday’s game against DBU sluggishly, giving the Patriots a 7-0 run in the opening minutes of the game. However, guard Philip Brooks—highest scorer for the night with 21 points— snapped the scoring draught with a three-pointer that would set the tone for the way he and the Wildcats played for the rest of the night. ACU continued to play aggressive offense and unrelenting defense until they had secured a 39-31 lead at halftime. The first half was just a small preview of what the Cats would offer up in the second.
Men’s basketball With a flurry of three-pointers and forced turnovers, ACU consistently gained even more ground throughout the second half until DBU finally showed some kind of life with a brief four-point run with 8:48 left on the clock. This would prove to be the last substantial effort for the Patriots to avoid defeat as ACU guards Norman Alexander and Tiago Souza sunk threepointer after three-pointer. The game ended with the Cats enjoying a solid 76-61 victory and three players contributing double digits to the score. “It was good because it was one of the best games we played overall as a team. We played consistent without much ups and downs,” forward Brooks Norman said. Saturday night’s game against A&M-Commerce was not quite as decisive, but a few clutch plays in the final minutes of the game ensured similar results. The first half of the game went smoothly for the Wildcats, but after halftime the team began to slump. “We came out and played a really good first half offensively and defensively, though we didn’t shoot our
WATERBALL Waterball games postponed until Jan 22, 23 and 25.
Friday, Saturday 3-2 SOFTBALL Tournament on Friday and Saturday at the intramural softball fields on Campus Court, behind Edwards residence hall. View the schedule on the intramural bulletin board in Moody Coliseum.
free throws well. The second half we came out flat,” head coach Jason Copeland said. This slump led to ACU trailing the Lions 76-66 with five-and-a-half minutes left on the clock. With the game’s leading scorer with 27, A&M-Commerce guard Lamar Searight, burying bucket after bucket, the Wildcats finally ignited their run with a deep threepointer by guard Tiago Souza. Guard Philip Brooks continued the trend for ACU by adding another two points to the scoreboard with a pair of free throws. A&M-Commerce’s Searight tried to swing the momentum back the Lions’ way with a quick jump shot, but from this point on, it was all Wildcats basketball. Brooks answered the jumper with one of his own and cut the Lions’ lead to 78-73 with three minutes left. Searight scored yet again only to have Wildcat guard Cameron Holson roar back with a three-pointer. After a made free throw by ACU center Marcos Hubner and a lay-up by guard Courtnie Ross, the Wildcats found themselves with the lead for the first time since See
n The 6-0 ACU women’s basketball team posted its best start in 10 years after picking up their sixth consecutive win on Saturday.
n ACU women’s basketball guard Alex Guiton was named Lone Star Conference South Division Player of the Week after averaging 21.3 points, 3.0 rebounds and 4.7 assists in the Wildcats’ two games last week. Guiton scored 25 points in the Wildcats’ most recent win over Texas A&M University-Commerce on Saturday. Guiton leads the Wildcats with a .475 field goal percentage and a .464 three-point percentage.
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.
the intramural offices. Waterball began on Nov. 8 and the only two undefeated teams after the regular season games ended the No. 1 teams of men’s social clubs Frater Sodalis and Gamma Sigma Phi. The two teams, Frat 1 and GSP Garza, both competed in the championship game last year and are expected to meet again in the championships this year. Although waterball was postponed, the 3-2 intramural softball tournament will still be played this semester. The tournament is slated for Friday and Saturday at the intramural softball field on Campus court. E-mail Johnson at: djj04a@acu.edu
BASKETBALL page 7
brian schmidt CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
Guard Courtnie Ross attempts a layup over guard Erik Villarreal during the Wildcats’ 76-61 win over Dallas Baptist on Monday. Ross recorded six points and five steals in the win, which pushed ACU’s record to 5-1.
Win propels women to best start since ‘95
Guiton named LSC-South Player of the Week
Upcoming
sible absence of some of GSP’s players, he is confident his team is still one of the best and they still have a very good chance to win it all. The GSP team is not the only team affected by the rescheduling of the tournament. Cameron Hartsell, member of a Frater Sodalis waterball team, said he is disappointed that GSP is losing players also. “If we’re going to win I want the beat the whole team,” said Hartsell, senior political science major from Gilmer. “I want to win right; I don’t want to just play half of their guys.” Despite the disappointment, the problem is out of the hands of the teams and
ACU men jump to 5-1 with win
Briefs
Intramural Round-up
delay of the tournament is very frustrating. Some teams have players who will graduate in December, meaning they may not be able to play in the tournament they have been working toward during the past month; one such team is No. 1 team for men’s social club Gamma Sigma Phi. “I think this will have a big effect on how the tournament plays out,” said GSP Team Garza captain Taylor Reid, senior social justice major from Austin. “Both myself and our other team captain will be moving away at the end of the semester and won’t be able to play in the tournament.” Reid said despite the pos-
By MICHAEL FREEMAN Online Editor
brian schmidt CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
Guard Alex Guiton drives towards the basket during the Wildcats’ 74-60 win over St. Mary’s on Thursday.
A frigid weekend in Abilene did not chill the Wildcats’ hot streak. On Saturday, the ACU women’s basketball team scorched Texas A&M University-Commerce 83-77 in Moody Coliseum. And in another home game on Thursday, the Wildcats defeated St. Mary’s University 74-60. The wins pushed ACU to 6-0 on the season, the best start in school history since the 1995-96 season’s team, which went 25-0 before its first loss of the season.
Women’s basketball “We’re playing with confidence,” assistant head coach Terri Twilligear said. “Everyone wants to give their best every time they’re out there.” The Wildcats’ best definitely came out during Saturday’s match up against A&M-Commerce. Guard Alex Guiton chalked up 25 points as ACU battled the Lions of A&M-Commerce. “Saturday’s game was the best game we’ve played as a team,” Twilligear said. After a close first half, the Wildcats went into halftime with a slim 28-27 lead. But ACU entered the final half on fire. The Wildcats shot more than 70 percent from the field in the second half, which included hitting five
Frisbee club begins first season n The newly founded ACU ultimate frisbee club went 2-5 at the Jingle Bell Hell tournament in Denton. The tournament was the first in the history of the club. By HUTTON HARRIS Sports Writer
The ACU Frisbee club competed in its first-ever tournament Saturday and Sunday in Denton among 20 other club teams from Texas. The team was represented by 18 ACU students—13 males and five females—who were chosen after tryouts during the past
Ultimate frisbee three weeks. ACU finished the weekend with an overall tournament 2-5 with wins over Southwestern University and Big Springs. “I thought for our first time out we played surprisingly well,” said Daniel Townsend, junior biology major from Manhattan, Kan. “It was great for the team as a whole to get that first exposure to a real tournament.” The tournament was the Jingle Bell Hell tournament put on by the University of
North Texas. Participating in the weekend’s tournament were teams from Division I schools such as UNT and Texas Christian University. “We knew going in that we would be facing bigger schools, and it was encouraging as to how well we competed with them all weekend and showed a lot of promise for the future,” team captain Daniel Townsend said. ACU won its first match See
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of nine three-pointers. But A&M-Commerce refused to die as they cut ACU’s lead to 79-77 with 43 seconds remaining. Thanks to some key free throw shooting and grabbing of a few defensive rebounds, the Wildcats sealed an 83-77 victory. Forward Kristee Davidson helped lead the Wildcats to the win and scored 14 points. Center Audrey Maxwell and forward Jody Meyer also contributed with 13 and 10 points, respectively. During the first half, forward Lacey Blau went down with an ankle injury but returned in the second half to finish with nine points and seven rebounds. “It was a definition of a team win,” head coach Shawna Lavender said. “We were
disciplined and played our game. I was proud of how the girls played.” On Thursday, ACU also won despite failing to score a field goal in the final seven minutes of the game against St. Mary’s. Leading the way was Wildcat forward Ashlee Barr, who scored 19 points and caught 11 rebounds. Guiton recorded 21 points, five assists and three steals for ACU. “I thought we were a little sloppy at times,” Lavender said. “But we made adjustments.” The Wildcats’ next matchup will be on the road against Northeastern State University on Thursday.
E-mail Freeman at: mxf04b@acu.edu
Manning Tracker
n Danieal Manning recorded an interception and five tackles in the Chicago Bears’ 23-13 win over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. The Bears clinched the NFC North Division after going 10-2 with the win and are in prime position to clinch home advantage for the playoffs. Manning now has two interceptions, two forced fumbles and 39 tackles in his rookie season with the Bears. COURTESY OF CReative Services