Optimist Print Edition 02.15.19 (Volume CVIII, Issue XX) by ACU Optimist

@acuoptimist The Optimist @acuoptimist

OPTIMIST

SING SONG SPECIAL EDITION

A student publication of Abilene Christian University since 1912

Friday February 15, 2019

Volume CVIII, Issue XX News

Feature

The Sing Song archives website was released during Homecoming but updated to include more media. In addition, Student Productions will host the first-ever Sing Song block party........................Page 2

Rather than implementing a theme, Nick Tatum, director of student productionts, asked clubs and classes to replicate an act from before 2000. Check out who chose what and why.............................Page 4

F S S M T W T Predictions The Optimist yet again called in the infamous Hal Hoots for his long-awaited Sing Song predictions of who will take home the gold in Men’s, Women’s and Mixed voices divisions............................Page 6-7

RETURN TO THE STAGE

Photo by LAUREN FRANCO| EDITOR IN CHIEF

Photos by LAUREN FRANCO & MEDA BOW

Top left: Gamma Sigma Phi performed as Robin Hood. Top right: Sigma Theta Chi performed as Mary Poppins. Bottom left: The freshman purple act performed as playing cards. Bottom middle: Ko Jo Kai performed as women on a safari. Bottom right: Galaxy performed as lumberjacks.

SEE MORE ONLINE AT ACUOPTIMST.COM

Page 2 | Campus News Events

Thursday 02/14 1. ACU Theatre: Steel Magnolias Friday 02/15 1. Sing Song 2. Baseball vs. Bryant 3. ACU Theatre: Steel Magnolias 4. Wildcat Preview Day Saturday 02/16 1. TKG Sing Song Breakfast 2. President’s Circle Dinner 3. Baseball vs. Bryant 4. Sing Song block party 5. ACU Theatre: Steel Magnolias 6. Sing Song Sunday 02/17 1. Alumni Day Lunch 2. Presidential Scholars 3. Baseball vs. Bryant Monday 02/18 1. Presidential Scholars 2. Midterm grading begins Thursday 02/21 1. Women’s Tennis vs. Tarleton State

days until Spring break

Friday, February 15, 2019 CAMPUS NEWS

Sing Song history preserved by archives ASHLEY ALFRED SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

The official Sing Song archives launched in October, making almost every act available to the public online. Nick Tatum, director of student productions, created the Sing Song archives with the help of Courtney McGaha, Sing Song archivist, to preserve the history of one of ACU’s longest standing traditions. The archives include audio, video, pictures and articles from each annual show, beginning in 1957. McGaha said the purpose of the archives is more than to simply preserve history, but also to connect students and alumni over their shared experiences. From her first time participating in Sing Song, she discovered her interest in the event’s history. McGaha’s parents participated in Sing Song when they were students, and lent her their old recordings from the event. When McGaha noticed the recordings’ deteriorating condition, she converted them

1968 Sing Song Finale.

to mp3 format to preserve them. “After that, I became concerned that all the recordings of other years were also being lost to time and old age,” said McGaha. “Before I graduated, I managed to find a large number of those recordings and convert them, but as I was only doing it for friends, family and for my own interest. I never thought I would get the opportunity to complete the collection.” When Tatum found out

about McGaha’s project, he asked her to finish the archives. He asked McGaha to upload every piece of history they could recover online for students and alumni to enjoy. “I jumped at the chance to be able to preserve as many as I could find,” said McGaha. “I was so excited to finally be able to forever share all of these memories with those that were there and are those that are just now discovering what Sing Song is.”

Throughout the process, McGaha digitized every reelto-reel, vinyl LP, cassette tape, VHS tape or DVD from 62 years of Sing Song. She then went through every version of ACU’s former yearbook, the Prickly Pear, and the Optimist online to find articles applicable to each Sing Song show. McGaha concluded the process by scanning each Sing Song program and building the website. Going forward, she will maintain the files and archival site.

“We believe that in order to take Sing Song into the future, its unique heritage needed to be understood and appreciated,” said McGaha. “This is one of ACU’s greatest traditions and we wanted to make sure everyone could enjoy it to the fullest extent. This will be Nick Tatum’s first Sing Song as director of student productions. Because of this, Tatum made changes to ensure participating acts were gathering necessary content to continue the Sing Song archives. Each act will be required to choose a theme previously performed by any group before 2000. In addition, each performance must include one song from the original act. “To know where we should go, we need to understand where Sing Song has been,” Tatum said. “We’re hoping this twist excites students, adds an interesting challenge and ultimately creates an enjoyable show.” View the Sing Song Archives at https://www.acustupro.com/archives

CAMPUS NEWS

Freshmen seek large pledge class to avoid Zeta Rho folding LAUREN FRANCO EDITOR IN CHIEF

Despite a larger pledge class in 2016, three women are looking to be Zeta Rho’s rechartering class to avoid folding for the third time since it was founded in 1944. Allison Cross, freshman engineering major from San Antonio, Kelsea Abston, freshman advertising/public relations major from Lubbock, and Katie Pantoja, freshman multimedia and digital entertainment technology double major from Roscoe, have the goal of getting 30 women to pledge Zeta Rho this spring. Chris Herrington, social clubs director, approached Cross and Pantoja about reviving the club. Abston said she reached out to ask which clubs would offer spring pledging. Though Herrington said none of the women’s clubs were offering pledging this semester, he offered the three an opportunity to recharter Zeta Rho, which folded due to lack of members.

Photo courtesy of ERIKA BOLADO

Zeta Rho girls talk with potential pledges during the all club rush.

“I was unsure at first, but I took the time to talk with [Chris], and I’ve met with these girls two times this week trying to wrap our heads around what’s going on,” Abston said. “We’re trying to give it fresh light because we don’t know exactly, until we get girls to commit to doing this, if we will have the numbers to do it.” Zeta Rho was founded in 1944 but folded in 1968. It was rechartered in 1973 and again folded in 1998-99. In 2011, it was rechartered for a third time. It had a larger pledge class of 20 in 2016 when an-

other group of women had the similar idea of revamping. “Our main goal right now is to make it a Christ-centered group of girls,” Cross said. “I think a lot of problems with social groups is that sometimes they get so big and it’s really hard. I’ve heard time and time again, they just want to know more people, so we want to create more friendships through solid bonding time.” Cross said she wants to focus the group around community, offering devotionals and worship nights to keep each other grounded.

“Not like a stressful thing,” Abston said. “It’s going to be hard regardless, with the number of people we’re trying to get. Just knowing that, it will help to have a group of girls we have a bond with to get through this, to have Christ as the glue in that bond would be amazing. That’s what we’re trying to shoot for.” Abston mentioned an article discussing the reputation Zeta Rho had for being the club women pledged because they didn’t get their first choice. “It’s not necessarily the leftover girls, which obviously Zeta Rho wasn’t,” Cross said. “It got some reputations because people make assumptions.” Abston said she’s familiar with a few current members because she’s involved in Swing Cats, but Cross and Pantoja are unfamiliar with any. For the first time since the club rechartered, they will not participate in Sing Song. Nick Tatum, director of student productions, said acts must have a minimum of 25 mem-

bers, 12 of which must be members of the club as well. “I built in some numbers so if anyone was or wasn’t in it, or had to drop out, that we would still have a smooth show,” Tatum said. “We had to move things around when they told us they wouldn’t meet the criteria to be in it.” Cross said right now, Zeta Rho is their own club and not participating in Sing Song does not affect the recharter. In agreement, Abston said the only thing hurting their goal to refresh is the stereotypes. “The girls need a break,” Abston said. “While we try to refresh and renew, they’re getting a well deserved break. In my opinion, not doing Sing Song- that was a good choice for them. They’ve been through a lot.” Herrington told the trio if they decide to continue, they will be the rechartering class and will not pledge. “It’d be a good start to get our close friends together and get their close friends together,” Cross said. “There’s al-

“

I think a lot of problems with social groups is that sometimes they get so big and it’s really hard.” ALLISON CROSS FRESHMAN ENGINEERING MAJOR FROM SAN ANTONIO

ready a bond between the girls. We know each other, we’re friends. Whoever else wants to join, that’d be great.” Abston said they were allowed to open the process up to anyone, no matter eligibility. Among more than 100 women eligible to pledge, they are aiming to have 30. “This semester, the only reason they’re letting us open it up is because we’re trying to get 15-20, at least,” Abston said. “They sent us out and told us to go forth and prosper. Once we get that base, next semester will go back to normal. We can’t break the rules forever. “We have to have strong girls who are committed. Whatever needs to happen, God is going to take care of it. I’m just giving it up to Him.”

Student Productions prepares for new Sing Song block party event BRYCE LURKENS STAFF REPORTER

Student Productions is preparing for its first Sing Song block party on Saturday. Nick Tatum, director of student productions, said he is expecting a good turnout of students and guests for the new event. “We wanted to create a

space for guests and students to socialize before the show,” Tatum said. “I also think part of planning a successful event involves engaging the audience before they even enter the venue.” Tatum said the idea of the block party has been in the works for a year. “I developed this idea last year during Sing Song,” Tatum

said. “Based on the timing of the shows, the amount of guests coming and the chance to create more connections among current and former students, this seemed like an ideal opportunity.” Colton Powell, senior financial management major from Brentwood, Tennessee and executive treasurer of SGA, has been working with

Nick Tatum and the Student Productions team. Powell said SGA has supported and helped with the event since it was first mentioned. “We know there has been a tremendous amount of thought and preparation into ensuring that the block party is successful,” Powell said. “We can sense the excite-

ment for the event and it has rubbed off on us as well. We can’t wait.” There are seven food trucks at the block party, which will take place in the area surrounding the GATA Fountain. The list of vendors will include 1981, the Toasted Traveler, the Sweet Side and Hearts BBQ. Sing Song attendees and

participants will have the option to visit these food trucks between the 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. performances. Tatum said if the block party is a success this year, it may become a Sing Song tradition. “We’ll see how this year goes, but hopefully it will become an annual event,” Tatum said.

POLICE LOG SELECTED ACUPD CALLS FOR THE WEEK 02/09/2019 3:20 a.m. Officers responded to Gardner Hall in reference to an intoxicated student. Investigation resulted in the student being issued a municipal citation for Consumption of Alcohol by Minor. 02/11/2019 12:05 a.m. ACUPD assisted Abilene PD with a disturbance call. 02/11/2019 9:26 a.m. ACUPD responded to a reported disturbance at Taylor Elementary School. ACUPD stood by until the APD School Resource Officer arrived. 02/11/2019 11:48 p.m. ACUPD completed a report reference a vehicle burglarized in the Powell Lot. On 02/12/2019 Officers recovered most of the stolen property. Investigation ongoing. 911 CALL.............................................................1 ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIVITY........................................................37 ADVICE.............................................................0 ALCOHOL INCIDENT............................2 ANIMAL CALL...............................................1 ASSIST................................................................0 ATTEMPT TO LOCATE..........................0 BARRICADES..............................................6 BOOT/UNBOOT VEHICLE...............3 BUILDING LOCK/UNLOCK.......................................12 BURGLARY(RESIDENCE)...................1 CART PATROL.............................................2 CHECK BUILDING............................363

DIRECT TRAFFIC......................................0 DISTURBANCE...........................................2 DOMESTIC DISTURBANCE..............1 ESCORT.............................................................2 FIRE.......................................................................1 FOOT PATROL............................................9 FOUND PROPERTY...............................8 HIT & RUN.......................................................2 INFORMATION REPORT...................3 INVESTIGATION FOLLOW UP...............................................19 LOST PROPERTY......................................2 MAINTENANCE: UNIV ASSETS............................................26 MENTAL HEALTH CONCERN.........1

MONITOR FACILITY/ LOT......................................................................7 MOTORIST ASSIST: INFLATE TIRE................................................1 MOTORIST ASSIST: JUMPSTART..................................................9 MOTORIST ASSIST: UNLOCK...........................................................8 OTHER...............................................................2 PARKING LOT PATROL...................30 PARKING VIOLATION..........................7 PATROL VEHICLE: MAINTENANCE........................................12 PATROL VEHICLE: REFUEL.............................................................7

RANDOM PATROL................................16 REPORT WRITING................................19 REPORT WRITING FOLLOWUP..........................1 SEX OFFENCE..............................................1 STAND BY.......................................................0 SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY.........................2 THEFT...................................................................1 TRAFFIC HAZARD....................................1 TRAFFIC STOP............................................4 TRAINING........................................................3 VEHICLE COLLISION..............................1

TOTAL...........................................................652

Chief Ellison’s Weekly Tip ACUPD reminds everyone that traffic and parking will be a problem for all SingSong and Presidents Circle Dinner events this weekend. Comply with all barricades and closures, expect delays, plan ahead.

Friday, February 15, 2019

News | Page 3

CAMPUS NEWS

Tatum updates scoring for second year in a row LAUREN FRANCO EDITOR IN CHIEF

For his first year of producing Sing Song by himself, Nick Tatum updated the scoring process for the second year in a row. “This year, based off of things I wanted to do last year and wanted to do for a long time, we changed things,” said Tatum, director of student productions. For the first time in Sing Song history, sets and costumes will have their own category. Tatum said for a while, acts were judged only on costumes, then it changed to appearance. “We’ve never had them separate, which I think is exciting,” Tatum said.

Last year, both were worth 25 percent together in the appearance category. This year, they’re worth 30 percent total. In addition to the updated categories, Tatum said judges will rank entertainment every night for the sake of trying to be fair. “I think those big clubs who have a billion alumni always get lots of cheers and always win in entertainment,” Tatum said. “But on other nights, their applause is just as big as everyone else’s. Judging it every night makes it way more fair to get a read on the audience.” The process of finding judges is the same – pulling from non-ACU professional connections, including choir

directors in Dallas, as well as notable alumni from five, 10 and 15 years ago. To avoid another year of ties, Tatum said they will add a force ranking sheet. “There were so many ties last year, and it was because we couldn’t do a force rank, so this is the solution to it,” Tatum said. “Even if two groups get the same amount of points, we still only want to announce one group as first, second and third, because ties stink.” Tatum said this year, each division’s acts are back-toback to make it easier on the judges to compare alike acts. Each judge will receive a binder for each division and keep it through the last act of the respective division,

something they’ve not been allowed to do in the past. “We redid every sheet, we redid the questions and scoring and freshened everything up,” Tatum said. “After they see everyone, they can adjust scores based off of the other acts. Before, there would be a two-hour gap between the first men’s group and the last men’s group. After they see each act, they fill in the force rank sheet – what they would, in their opinion, rank each group. “If there’s ever a tie, we’ll announce the group who was ranked higher on average. If there was a perfect tie on the force rank, fine, but keeping all of their sheets for the same division will make a huge difference,” Tatum said.

Category Worth Costumes 15.0%

Entertainment 20.0%

Set 15.0%

Vocals 35.0%

Choreography 15.0% Scoring graph for this years Sing Song competition

In the past, judges were required to write notes on each act, but this year they are not. Tatum said this is to give them more time to judge fairly. Compared to previous years, Tatum said judges are receiving a more thorough training, including example videos. To be more transparent, Tatum also said he plans to

release the scores to the Optimist for publication, one category each week after the production is completed. “I think it’s important for us to be transparent,” Tatum said. “It’s not going to change anything. The groups that won will still win. If they’re close, people need to know.”

Theatre performs Steel Magnolias as winter comedy ASHLEY ALFRED STAFF REPORTER

The Department of Theatre will perform Steel Magnolias as its winter comedy on Feb. 14-16 and Feb. 22-23. Students began preparation for the play almost immediately after returning from winter break for the spring semester. “I am so very proud of this cast,” said Dawne Meeks, chair of the theatre department and director of Steel

Magnolias. “They are beautiful women; intelligent and rooted in their faith walk.” Steel Magnolias, written by Robert Harling and first performed in 1987, is a play focused on the bond of a group of women in a small, Southern town. Meeks said Harling wrote the play as a love letter to his sister, Susan Harling-Robinson, after she died of complications from Type 1 diabetes. In the play, Harling-Robinson is represented as Shelby Eaten-

ton-Latcherie. “I love the definition of the women in this story,” Meeks said. “They are charming, intellectual, beautiful and strong.” Steel Magnolias is set in Truvy’s Beauty Salon and focuses on six lead women as they go through emotional journeys of triumph and tragedy. “While it’s listed as a comedy, it is so rich in terms of honesty that many people can relate to,” Meeks said. “It is a

unique story and the characters are so beautifully defined.” The title, Steel Magnolias, is meant to insinuate the idea that these women are delicate like magnolias and strong like steel. “When Robert Harling wrote this piece, he talked about the single magnolia he saw out his window at a time when every blossom should have fallen,” Meeks said. “It’s a beautiful statement that God calls us to cling to him in times of

handling requests sent in by users to the correct branch to solve issues. “We have some departments that will already be hooked up to take the requests that you put in and automatically get it into their workflow software,” she said. “Others will go directly to the person at the city who will then put it into the system they work with in their department.” SeeClickFix has multiple categories of issues users can report. Cockerell said users can get specific within those categories, like solid waste services. “If your container broken or cracked, stuff is coming out of it, someone stole it or it’s missing, you can get in the app and pick the right dropdown category once you’ve taken a picture of what the issue is,” Cockerell said. Users can describe the issue in more detail as they

report it, and the app will automatically locate the issue based on the photo’s GPS. The app also allows city employees to talk with citizens who report issues to give updates or ask follow-up questions. Users can choose to report anonymously. SeeClickFix additionally features a map of the city so users can see what issues have been reported and read updates about the resolution process. The second app, MyABI, is a collaboration between Abilene and the Convention and Visitors Bureau. Though it has been available for over a year, it is currently being re-developed. With MyABI, locals and visitors can find events, festivals and hotels in the city. A new function includes a list and map of almost every restaurant in the city. Users can be linked to a restau-

rant’s contact information to make reservations. “As a local, I love to be able to get in there and be like, ‘this is a cool thing happening,’ and get tuned in with what you can do and take your family out too,” Cockerell said. The city is promoting the new apps through the “Share Your Love” campaign. Users can click a link in either app and write a thank you note to a city employee. Once submitted, users can be entered into a drawing for an Abilene staycation. Other prizes include a four-person season pass to Adventure Cove and an $80 credit to the annual Children’s Art and Literacy Festival. SeeClickFix is available for download in the Apple Store and in the Google Play Store. MyABI will be available for download at the end of February.

Abilene unveils two smartphone apps AMBER CHAVEZ VIDEO DIRECTOR

The city of Abilene is unveiling two smartphone apps – one allows citizens to report unsightly environmental issues and the other acts as a guide to finding attractions in the city. SeeClickFix, a 10-year-old service, allows users to take pictures of issues in the city, such as potholes and illegal dumping, and send it to the respective department. The app is used in cities larger cities including Houston, Washington, D.C. and Albuquerque. The goal of the app is to minimize the amount of time it takes the city to fix frequent issues. Mari Cockerell, communications and media relations manager for the city, said she looked at how the city departments work to better streamline the process of

hurt and uncertainty.” The cast includes: Jessica Harms, sophomore theatre major from Yorba Linda, California, as Truvy Jones; Cheney Emberg, sophomore theatre major from Spring, as Annelle Dupuy-DeSoto; Nicole Sutphen, junior theatre maj0r from Abilene, as Clairee Belcher; Victoria Steffins, junior theatre major from Calhoun, Louisiana, as M’Lynn Eatenton; Haley Alvarez, junior theatre major from Pharr, as Louisa

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“Ouiser” Boudreaux and Lauren McDonald, sophomore theatre major from Houston as Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie. There will be performances on Feb. 14-16 and Feb. 22-23 at 7 p.m. in Fulks Theatre, with a talkback on Feb. 22 and a dinner theatre on Feb. 23. Free cheesecake will be provided to those who attend the first showing on Valentine’s Day. Tickets can be purchased at acu. edu/theatre.

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Sign-up Now for Summer and Fall 2019 Housing! Reserve your off campus house now with deposit or get on the waiting list! House showings begin March 2019. Rent is charged to student accounts just like the Dorm (a semester at a time). Utilities are included along with yard care, maintenance, filters, smoke detector batteries, and regular bug treatment. www.acu.edu/community/student-life/residence-life/off-campus-housing

Call (325) 674-6817 Contact Terry Bowman Director of Off-Campus Housing bowmant@acu.edu

Page 4 | Special Edition Feature

GLORY DAYS Sing Song participants replicate old acts with new tricks

Friday, February 15, 2019

Photo courtesy of STUDENT PRODUCTIONS

Photos by LAUREN FRANCO | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF From left to right: Frater Sodalis replicated the Phi Quag Mire act of 1989 as crast test dummies; the women of Alpha Kai Omega replicated the Delta Theta act of 1989 as genies; the seniors replicated the 1986 Senior Act as Adam and Eve. LAUREN FRANCO EDITOR IN CHIEF

Rather than implementing a theme for this year’s Sing Song, Nick Tatum, director of student productions, required all acts to replicate an act that had been done before the year 2000. “I think over the past 10 years, some of the themes have been really great, and some of them have been really hard and limiting for students,” Tatum said. “Historically, we didn’t start doing themes until halfway through Sing Song’s existence, so it’s not like not having a theme is terrible.” Tatum said he still thinks it’s important for groups to have some direction, but he wanted to give them creative freedom. In conjunction with the release of the Sing Song archives website during homecoming weekend, Tatum asked for students to engage in and honor the Sing Song history. “Some of the acts are very similar, some of them are very different,” Tatum said. “It was more of an inspiration for theirs rather than repeating it word-for-word.” For the no-theme idea, Tatum said everyone was really excited. “Initially, people had been dreaming up acts before Sing Song this year, but I think once they got over that, they were excited.” Tatum compared the “no-theme” idea to the quarter quell in the Hunger Games – every few years, he said he’d love to do something that stirs the pot or challenges people in a new way. “This is the first iteration of that.” ALPHA KAI OMEGA Kaios Make Your Wish Come True – replicating Delta Theta’s 1989 act. Director: Samantha Jeffries, senior nursing major from North Richland Hills “At first we were juggling several ideas, we had so many options and didn’t really have a strong direction until we looked at genies from the 1998 Delta Theta act,” Jeffries said. “Once we started talking about it and starting brainstorming ideas, we started coming up with so many options. It just took off from there. Ultimately we made the decision a day or two before we had to select our theme.” Jeffries said they enjoyed the act because it was fun to watch, and would be easy to replicate. “The costumes from the original act deeply inspired our costumes this year. Of course we had to change the yarn wigs that were really popular back in then and add our own sparkle to it. In the original act the choreography was a bit slow, and the song already has a slow pace so we wanted to spice it up a bit with more engaging choreography.” Though they struggled to find a song that fit into the story as they’d written it, they had no issue keeping similarity to the Delta Theta act in their costumes. “As we have progressed, we’ve been able to make changes and improvements that make our costumes different enough from the original act that the audience wont think we dug them out of the archives and put them on,” Jeffries said. Most of all, Jeffries said they are most excited for the Kaio Klock and where it falls in the act. “We used three Disney songs and we are so excited to bring the magic to life with those songs especially,” Jeffries said. “We really think the final song when we break out of our lamp is especially powerful and we hope that the audience enjoys it as much as we do.”

GATA The GATA Show on Earth – replicating Alpha Theta Chi Omega’s 1992 act. Director: Hannah Webb, senior accounting major from Arlington Webb said she heard through the grapevine this year’s “theme” was going to be throwback, so she started researching GATA’s old acts, and wanted to replicate the 2000 GATA Ringmaster act. “It was unique and full of excitement. When we found out that we could only recreate acts before 2000, I was really disappointed to have to change themes. However, we were able to find a similar theme: Circus Clowns. My initial vision for the act obviously had to change, but the overall circus theme remained.” In order to stay true to the 2000 GATA Ringmaster Act, Webb said they will have both clowns and ringmasters on stage. “The clowns arrive late to the circus and cause tension between the ringmasters and clowns. However, they realize at the end that they need each other in order for the circus to be effective. “I honestly can’t even tell you what group performed this act or what year this act is from,” Webb said. “I don’t even know if I ever watched the original act all the way through. I wasn’t impressed with the original act, but I knew we could make it great. Other than using one song from the act, we are pretty much recreating it and making it our own” Webb said she is most excited to have two different characters on stage and execute the back-and-forth storyline. “When Allie Jo and I were creating this act, our goal was to find things that had never been done before on the Sing Song stage. We have some exciting choreography that I can’t wait for everyone to see.” FRATER SODALIS Tests are Painful... When You’re a Dummy – replicating Phi Quag Mire’s 1989 act. Director: Michael Arrasmith, senior physics major from Colorado Springs “We made the decision on our act’s theme in early November. We discussed potential themes with club and my committee during the weeks prior,” Arrasmith said. “We love the intrinsic hilarity of being crash test dummies. Arrasmith said though the act realized it would put them at risk of being too weird or goofy, they loved the originality of being “dummies.” “What better time is there to be weird and goofy than Sing Song,” Arrasmith said. “By far, the best part of the original act was the humor. We are trying to capture that humor and expand upon it. We kept the groundwork of the original act, but we are really making it our own, which is exciting. I am looking forward to cementing Frats as a force in Sing Song.” PI KAPPA Let’s Bake This Bread – replicating Pi Kappa’s 1998 act. Director: Ethan Smetana, junior biochemistry major from Belton “It took me a really long time to figure out which act I wanted to do,” Smetana said. “I thought about doing Delta Theta skeletons and GSP doctors for a long time, but finally decided upon doing an act from our own history. I chose the act because it was Pi Kappa’s very first Sing Song performance.”

Smetana said the act had a lot of potential in the theme, but he wanted to make plot changes. He only kept two songs from the original act, but incorporating them into the act took a lot of thought and consideration. “In the original show, they launch a guy into the air in the end and catch him, but Nick Tatum [director of student productions] wouldn’t let me recreate that part,” Smetana said. “I’m very excited to hear the audience’s reaction to our vocals. There were lots of risky chords and jumps, but the guys have been very adaptive and have rapidly picked up the show. I hope the audience has some good laughs and enjoys the story that we’ve created.” SOPHOMORES Saturday Night Femur – replicating Delta Theta’s 1977 act. Director: Jet Coatney, sophomore communication major from North Richland Hills “We decided we were going to replicate DT’s only winning act back in November when Alex, Marlow and I decided we were going to direct the action,” Coatney said. “It took us about a week to make a final selection. We thought it would be a cute act with lots of song options and it was general enough to make a bunch of really good jokes.” Coatney said the process has been difficult because originally, there were 100 people signed up to participate in the act, and now there are only 58. “Although we’ve had our struggles, it has been so much fun and I’ve gotten to know so many people because of it. I’m very blessed that I’ve been able to direct this act. I’m looking forward to competing toe-to-toe with both of the freshman acts and the senior act. I believe this will be the most competitive year of the class acts.” Sky Holcomb directed the original act and said she had visions of sounds and humor, so when her act delivered, it made for great memories. “I had a feeling after each performance we were a top contender to win simply from the creative pieces of songs,” Holcomb said. “I knew where it needed to be and honey, they worked so hard going over and over it. Who knew skeletons could make so much noise and not break a bone jumping around?” Holcomb said to this day, sweeping in vocals and costumes is one of her favorite memories. SENIORS ...Is it Too Late to Say Sorry? – replicating the Senior’s Adam and Eve act of 1986. Director: Jadon Reynolds, senior Bible and ministry major from Arlington “It took pretty much up until right before we went into our advisory meeting last semester with Nick Tatum about selecting a theme. It took us about as long to decide as it took God to create the world, so roughly seven days.” Reynolds said he chose the act because of the comedic and creative aspects as well as strong song choices that made for easy replication. “I imagine replicating the act was easier than it was for Eve to eat the fruit,” Reynolds said. “I’m most excited to bring Biblical truth to Moody Coliseum using Flo Rida’s 2008 Grammy-nominated hit song, “Low. Les Hunter, who directed the original winning act, said though he won’t be able to make it to town, he’s excited to see what how the seniors made it their own. “We were crazy,” Hunter said. “It was very challenging, but it’ll be fun to see the clever new twist on everything.” READ MORE ONLINE AT ACUOPTIMIST.COM

Feature| Page 5

Friday, February 15, 2019

COMPETITORS CLASH Acts with most all-time wins aim to advance their records

ASHLEY ALFRED SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

everal acts will compete to add another win to some already impressive records. The highest-scoring women’s club acts, men’s club acts and class acts will remake themes from throughout Sing Song history to produce what they hope will add to their records. Co-directed by Elizabeth Elliot and Emily Duke, the women of Sigma Theta Chi are competing for their 21st all-time win with the theme of Mary Poppins. Elliot, junior interdisciplinary studies major from Fort Worth, said the act was chosen because the club loved the magical aspect of the film and knew it would be a crowd-pleaser, both with its history and its sequel that recently hit theaters. She said that although the original act didn’t win, the club was determined to recreate it into a winning act. “We are really excited to get to remake this act,” Elliot said. “In comparison, I believe we made it better than it was before with our song choices, choreography, costumes and amazing set.” Elliot said there was added pressure, not only when taking on such a big leadership role, but also when directing a group with such an impressive history. “It’s all about working hard, giving it all you’ve got and having fun,” Elliot said. “That’s the ultimate goal toward accomplishing 21.” Sigma Theta Chi has the highest winning record of women’s clubs at 20, one of which was a tie. They are tied with Gamma Sigma Phi for the third highest wins of any act. “I am beyond impressed by all of the work these girls have put in to make it come to life,” Elliot said. “I could not have done any of this without their support and determination.” he women of Ko Jo Kai have the second-highest record of all women’s clubs. Co-directed by Halle Ma-

gee and Hanna Roberts, the club is seeking its 19th win. One of its 18 previous wins was a tie. Magee, senior biology major from Flower Mound, said the theme was chosen because it was fun and unique when performed by a group of only women. “I liked building on the foundation of the act, but being able to make it our own with more funny moments and better contrast in the music,” Magee said. “I think our act is stronger than the original act for sure.” Magee said the most important factor of a winning act is whether or not the participants in the act are invested in the process and the storyline. “Any act can be sharp and sing the right notes, but I think an act will lose its luster and be less likely to win if the participants aren’t 100 percent committed to telling their story,” Magee said. The women of Ko Jo Kai will take the audience on safari, performing a theme previously tackled by the junior class in 1999. Magee said the club’s greatest rival will always be the club that wants it the most, creating intense competition. “A win is never guaranteed,” Magee said. “We are turning our focus on keeping the girls in our act motivated and focused on all of the components we know make an act a winner.” Magee said the Sing Song history of Ko Jo Kai gives the group fuel to work hard and make every year memorable. “All we can do is leave everything we have on stage,” Magee said. f the men’s clubs, Galaxy has the most all-time wins at 26. Chase Rogers, senior English teaching major from Arlington and Galaxy director, said the group is prepared for another win. Galaxy will build on the lumberjack theme, performed by their members in 1994. “In 1994, the lumberjacks swept,” Rogers said. “Our act capitalizes on the

ALL TIME WINS LEADERS WOMEN’S ACTS

MEN’S ACTS

CLASS ACTS

SIGMA THETA CHI – 20*

GALAXY – 26

FRESHMEN – 22*

KO JO KAI – 18*

GAMMA SIGMA PHI – 20

SOPHOMORES– 14

DELTA THETA – 10

FRATER SODALIS – 6

SENIORS– 13

GATA – 10**

KNIGHTS – 3

JUNIORS– 10

TRI KAPPA GAMMA – 2

PHI DELTA PSI – 3*

BIG PURPLE BAND– 14

ALPHA KAI OMEGA – 1

“

TROJANS – 2

ZETA RHO – 1

SUB T-16 – 2*

PANDORA – 1

PI KAPPA – 1

Any act can be sharp and sing the right notes, but I think an act will lose its luster and be less likely to win if the participants aren’t 100 percent committed to telling their story.”

HALLE MAGEE SENIOR BIOLOGY MAJOR FROM FLOWER MOUND

best parts of their act and combines it with our own material, jokes and songs.” Rogers said he has wanted to direct Sing Song since his first time watching. “There’s definitely pressure being the director for Galaxy,” Rogers said. “But the pressure comes with the gig no matter who you’re directing.” Rogers said the men of Galaxy are using the judges’ critiques from the past two years to advance their act. “Two years ago, Galaxy was ridiculously funny; last year Galaxy won vocals, but the act wasn’t entertaining enough,” Rogers said. “This year, we just really wanted to combine both to have it all come together to get number 27.” Rogers said the Moonies are choosing not to focus on their record wins, but rather on the quality of the act. “You can’t worry about the past or future when it comes to the record,”

Rogers said. “You can only focus on the present.” he men of Gamma Sigma Phi are looking to add to their overall record of 20 wins. Weston Weast, junior music major from Edmond, Oklahoma, and GSP director, said the group was looking to achieve another win. Despite not previously being a winning act, Weast believes the group has been working hard and preparing to achieve first place. “If we take first place overall, we would officially conceal a winning streak,” Weast said. “Because of this, most guy clubs are coming out for blood.” GSP will also reuse a theme originally performed by its own members in the recharter act of 1989 – Robin Hood and his Merry Men. “This is a great way to recognize the alumni for creating and growing what GSP is today,” Weast said. “What better way to celebrate our 50th year of club than by redoing a year that amplified GSP back in the day?” Weast said Galaxy traditionally is the club’s greatest competition; however, this year GSP has its eyes on the men of Frater Sodalis as well. “I have high hopes for

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The men of Gamma Sigma Phi started their seven-year win streak by performing as Huckleberry Finn in 2002.

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getting first place overall,” Weast said. “We have been working extremely hard to get where we want.” Weast said this act will be one of the most entertaining of this year’s performances. “This year asks for someone to be bold enough to win or lose at such high steaks,” Weast said. “Whatever happens, I am committed to making a fantastic act that wins the popularity vote.” f the class acts, the senior class, co-directed by Jadon Reynolds and Jamie Warren, will revive a theme from the winning act of 1986 – Adam and Eve. Reynolds, senior Bible and ministry major from Fort Worth, said the act takes components from the original act and biblical story to create a fun act for the audience. “Regardless of the outcome Saturday night, we feel we’ve done an awesome job fusing the origins of the original act with the culture we live in today,” Reynolds said. “The audience will thoroughly enjoy our production.” The senior act currently sits at 13 wins. Reynolds said he and Warren are trying to avoid the pressures of directing, and have fun with the act. “In order to secure the bag this year, all we need to do is sing perfectly, not miss a single choreo move and fake smile really hard for 185 seconds,” Reynolds said. Reynolds said he and Warren are trying to avoid the pressures of directing, and have fun with the act. “We’re expecting to be the most entertaining act all night,” Reynolds said. “Which should mean winning as well.” he freshman class, often consisting of two acts, forms one of the most competitive Sing Song rivalries. If either freshman class act wins, they will secure the class’s 23rd win. This year will also consist of two acts, both of which are prepared to fight for another win. One freshman act, co-directed by Maggie Hess and Allison Skelton, will recycle the theme of the seven dwarfs from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Hess, freshman education major from Lubbock and class director, said she and Skelton are excited to represent a class

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*DENOTES A TIE with so much history. “If we want to win, every aspect of our act needs to be clean and impactful,” Hess said. “We are hopeful to live up to the freshman legacy.” Hess said their act is very different from the original. “Our act is mixed vocals and follows the plot line of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” Hess said. “The original act was all male vocals and mainly featured songs from the movie, but didn’t follow the storyline.” Hess said any class could be a competitive rival, since there is not much known about other acts prior to Moody Week. “We have worked so hard and are definitely capable of making this act a great one,” Hess said. “Seeing it all come together is going to be the greatest reward. We can’t wait to show everyone what we’ve done.” he other freshman class act, directed by Jackson Scott, freshman communications major from Keller, is recreating the theme of playing cards, originally performed by Alpha Theta Chi Omega in 1993. Scott said he believes the group’s new version of the act is better than the original. “I had a lot of creative freedom for this act and was able to make it my own,” Scott said. “I think it’s a huge improvement from the 1993 act.” Scott said he is under a lot of pressure directing the freshman act based on their win record, especially after seeing the freshman class acts from last year. “Our greatest rival is definitely the other freshman act,” Scott said. “They have a large group as well and they really want to win as well, plus the directors are both very talented and hardworking so they know what they’re doing.” Scott said he believes the act is capable of grabbing another win for the class, if they continue to work hard. “I believe we’ve put forth the effort to win this year, but I never want to say we are going to win for sure,” Scott said. “There’s always room to improve, but I definitely think we might win.” Each club and class act will carry on the long-standing Sing Song tradition of intense rivalries as they compete to add to their records in Moody Coliseum.

Page 6 | Predictions

Friday, February 15, 2019 |

2019 PREDICTIONS Competition is heating up among this year’s Sing Song acts. So the Optimist yet again called in the infamous Hal Hoots for his longawaited Sing Song predictions. Hal calls it like he sees it and has handed over his list of who he thinks will take home the gold in Men’s, Women’s and Mixed voices divisions. Editor’s note: Staff members participating in a Sing Song act did not partake in the prediction process for their respective division.

1. KO JO KAI

1. GALAXY FRATER SODALIS Tests Are Painful...When You’re a Dummy

Though the men of Frater Sodalis might be dummies when it comes to testing, they won’t crash and burn thanks to their amusing lyrics. The audience will have the time of their lives throughout the entire performance.

2. SIGMA THETA CHI

2. GAMMA SIGMA PHI

2. SOPHOMORE CLASS

3. TRI KAPPA GAMMA

Buckle up! Let’s hope the Frats don’t hit a wall with their smashing dynamics. They have what it takes to survive the rankings, but they’ll have to clean up their choreography if they want to wreck the competition. Who knows, maybe they’ll fly out of the top three with their scattered vocals.

The Moonies make the rest of the acts yell “timber” with their moonlit set and shady lyrics. The audience will surely think these lumberjacks are a treet as they take the stage chopping down the competition.

The seniors are all by themselves at number one, as this enticing act is sinfully entertaining. They didn’t have clothes, but they did have an O.G. storyline. Their costumes were created God’s way, but we were petrified by their vocals, so they’ll need to hide their off-pitch notes to survive. How ‘bout them apples?

Just a spoonful of sugar helps the pain of second place. Their vocals, diction and choreography were a few of our favorite things. Although it wasn’t atrocious, they’ll have to keep up their enchanting dynamics to make up for the lack of originality or magical set.

3. FRATER SODALIS

An Axe You Won’t Forget

1. SENIOR CLASS

Beware. The Kojies are on the prowl with hungry eyes. These safari women constrict the competition with their extravagant set and wild vocals. They slithered their way to the top, but they’ll be endangered if they don’t speed up their sloth-like choreography.

How do you measure a lumberjack win? By chopping down Sherwood Forest. The Moonies used their vocals to smoke the competition and reach the top of the rankings. As long as their suspenders don’t snap and their expressions don’t fall – TIMBER – you can’t axe for much more from a number one act.

Robin Hood didn’t quite steal the show, but they did give it to Galaxy with a few missed notes and some off choreography. Even though it wasn’t taxing to watch, if they can figure out how to synchronize, they might have a chance to be the heroes and overcome the lumberjacks.

GALAXY

MIXED VOICES

WOMEN’S VOICES

MEN’S VOICES

Though the skeletons strike the funny bone, they don’t have the syncrhonization to bury the competition. If they can’t liven up their vocals and sharpen their stone-cold choreography, the act will be a total nightmare. They’ll need to look more alive or they might be digging their own grave.

S.O.S. These race car drivers are burning up the entertainment category, but the caution flags go up with their flat vocals and bumpy choreography. If they want to win the cup, they’ll have to race to clean up their act, but they might be under too much pressure to finish third.

The men of Sub T-16 will fight their way to the top with their rulefollowing lyrics. Though they don’t rank in vocals, they’re 69 percent likely to steal the entertainment category with punches to other clubs. Scoreboard!

Kaios Make Your Wish Come True Prepare to be set free because these genies are granting wishes with their magical choreography. It might be tight in the bottle, but this act is in a whole new world.

3. FRESHMAN CARDS GO AWAY FRESHMEN. It was a gamble for these aces and spades to call out the clubs, but it didn’t make up for their bland set. Though their costumes are fit for a king, if they want to shuffle their way up, these playing cards will need to lose the poker face and put on a Sing Song face.

HONORABLE MENTIONS SUB T-16

ALPHA KAI OMEGA

GATA

These circus clowns are walking a tightrope in our predictions. They didn’t have what it takes to make it to the top, but if they can synchronize their vocals and choreography, they might put on a greater show.

FRESHMAN DWARFS

These fairytale creatures had a magical set, but they put us to sleep with their bashful choreography. Though they’re not the fairest of them all, their vocals could bring their act back to life.

DELTA THETA Ain’t Nothin’ But a Pound Dog These furry pups are a treat with their eye-catching set and furry costumes. They’ll throw the audience a bone as they take the stage and leave them howling for more.

FRESHMAN CARDS

FRESHMAN DWARFS

SOPHOMORES

SENIORS

GATA

IT ‘Sherwood’ Be Nice ‘Forest’ to Win, Again!

Do You Want to Play a Card Game?

Heigh Ho!

Saturday Night Femur

...Is It Too Late to Say Sorry?

Prepare to take a stroll through the forest with these merry men and their rich choreography. Their vocals and intricate set will hit the bullseye and steal your heart.

Nothing short of an ace of an act, these freshman cards will make you feel like a king. Without bluffing their vocal talent, they’re sure to deal you a full hand.

You positively can’t go wrong with this heigh-energy freshman act. Thanks to their set from a fairytale and dreamy storyline, the audience will surely leave happy.

These bad-to-the-bone skeletons are the backbone of the show with their humerus lyrics and jawdropping set. No body will get under their skin as their strong dynamics carry them to be an audience favorite.

From the beginning, the audience will surely eat up this act. They might not have clothes, but their angelic vocals will make them the apple of your eye.

The GATA Show on Earth Get ready to take a trip into the greatest show as the women of GATA ringmastered their balancing act with their strong vocals and sparkly set. They’ll leave the stage with a standing ovation.

SIGMA THETA CHI

KO JO KAI

GAMMA SIGMA PHI

PI KAPPA

SUB T-16

TROJANS

TRI KAPPA GAMMA

Let’s Bake This Bread!

Finally, the Act You Have All Been Waiting For

Deliver Me a Pizza

Place Your Bets on Car 86

Siggiecalifragilisticexpialidocious!

These Pikes cooked up a tasty act, treating the audience with their sweet vocals and simplistic costumes. The chefs are sure to take the cake this year.

These boxers are 10 percent luck, 20 percent skill and will steal the spotlight with their punchy lyrics and chaotic choreography. Sub T-16 will likely get a victory in this ring.

The men of Trojans delivered with their cheesy lyrics and their hungry eyes on the prize. Even dough they’re small, they’ll take a slice of your heart.

They’re speeding ahead of the competition in their racing stripes and sparkly hats. The women of Tri Kappa Gamma won’t leave you tired as they drive to the top with their entertaining storyline.

Up, up and away, this act will make your day. The Siggies leave the audience feeling sweet and SUPERcalifragilisticexpialidocious with their magical vocals and poppin’ choreography.

We’ll ‘Giraffe’ You Wild and We Ain’t ‘Lion’! You won’t have to go searching far into the jungle to find talent in these safari gals. Their exotic set and roaring vocals will leave the audience itching for more!

Page 7

Page 6 | Predictions

Friday, February 15, 2019 |

1. KO JO KAI

1. GALAXY FRATER SODALIS Tests Are Painful...When You’re a Dummy

2. SIGMA THETA CHI

2. GAMMA SIGMA PHI

2. SOPHOMORE CLASS

3. TRI KAPPA GAMMA

3. FRATER SODALIS

An Axe You Won’t Forget

1. SENIOR CLASS

GALAXY

MIXED VOICES

WOMEN’S VOICES

MEN’S VOICES

Kaios Make Your Wish Come True Prepare to be set free because these genies are granting wishes with their magical choreography. It might be tight in the bottle, but this act is in a whole new world.

HONORABLE MENTIONS SUB T-16

ALPHA KAI OMEGA

GATA

FRESHMAN DWARFS

These fairytale creatures had a magical set, but they put us to sleep with their bashful choreography. Though they’re not the fairest of them all, their vocals could bring their act back to life.

FRESHMAN CARDS

FRESHMAN DWARFS

SOPHOMORES

SENIORS

GATA

IT ‘Sherwood’ Be Nice ‘Forest’ to Win, Again!

Do You Want to Play a Card Game?

Heigh Ho!

Saturday Night Femur

...Is It Too Late to Say Sorry?

Prepare to take a stroll through the forest with these merry men and their rich choreography. Their vocals and intricate set will hit the bullseye and steal your heart.

Nothing short of an ace of an act, these freshman cards will make you feel like a king. Without bluffing their vocal talent, they’re sure to deal you a full hand.

You positively can’t go wrong with this heigh-energy freshman act. Thanks to their set from a fairytale and dreamy storyline, the audience will surely leave happy.

From the beginning, the audience will surely eat up this act. They might not have clothes, but their angelic vocals will make them the apple of your eye.

SIGMA THETA CHI

KO JO KAI

GAMMA SIGMA PHI

PI KAPPA

SUB T-16

TROJANS

TRI KAPPA GAMMA

Let’s Bake This Bread!

Finally, the Act You Have All Been Waiting For

Deliver Me a Pizza

Place Your Bets on Car 86

Siggiecalifragilisticexpialidocious!

These Pikes cooked up a tasty act, treating the audience with their sweet vocals and simplistic costumes. The chefs are sure to take the cake this year.

These boxers are 10 percent luck, 20 percent skill and will steal the spotlight with their punchy lyrics and chaotic choreography. Sub T-16 will likely get a victory in this ring.

The men of Trojans delivered with their cheesy lyrics and their hungry eyes on the prize. Even dough they’re small, they’ll take a slice of your heart.

They’re speeding ahead of the competition in their racing stripes and sparkly hats. The women of Tri Kappa Gamma won’t leave you tired as they drive to the top with their entertaining storyline.

Up, up and away, this act will make your day. The Siggies leave the audience feeling sweet and SUPERcalifragilisticexpialidocious with their magical vocals and poppin’ choreography.

Page 7

Friday, February 15, 2019

Features | Page 8

FEATURES

Sing Song sees new, passionate creativity from Tatum DILLON DANIEL STAFF REPORTER

Sing Song, the annual event that takes the campus by storm, is under new management with the head of Student Productions, Nick Tatum as director. From 2012 to 2017, Tatum served as assistant to former director Tom Craig, getting to learn the managing of the event but not have an extensive amount of oversight. With this being his first year as director, Tatum has full creative freedom for the first time since getting involved in 2010. “I feel like I’ve been waiting in the wings, collecting thoughts and directions, so it’s nice after all these years I’ve been able to put my creative license over the production,” Tatum said. Although this is a vital role on campus, Tatum now has to work with all of the moving parts by keeping in touch with the directors of each act, viewing each of the acts, working with the hosts and hostesses all while being a full-time professor. This authority has put him in event-changing positions both expansive and unfortunate. For the first time in

eight to ten years, we will see the reintroduction of sophomores as hosts/ hostesses. This will take away the requirement of being a junior or senior to be in this position, allowing for more on-campus talent to be on stage. His work with the downstage crew has had a showing effect with Tre’ McLeod, junior Musical Theater major from Houston. “I have learned to trust Nick so much,” Tatum said. “‘Islands in the Stream’ is the last song I would have picked for a duet with Jess, but now I can’t imagine singing a better song with her.” However, we will also see the absence of a junior class act. Tatum said this is not the first time an act has been cancelled. Tatum said the hosts and hostesses sing different songs and less dancing than traditionally performed. He said he hopes the audience will be just as excited about the changes made as he is. Sing Song 2019 will have showings on Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday 2 and 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased on https:// www.acustupro.com/tickets with prices ranging from $15 to $28.

Photo by MEDA BOW | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Nick Tatum, director of student productions, poses by the GATA fountain.

Sophomores among hostesses for first time ever DILLON DANIEL STAFF REPORTER

Sing Song 2019, likely the largest annual on-campus event, will be led by a talented group of hosts and hostesses. These six performers get to belt their pipes throughout the show before and after the acts. While they do not get the chance to take home bragging rights, they do have the opportunity to make this Sing Song a historic one. The Sing Song 2019 hosts and hostesses include Tre’ McLeod, Kolby Hart, Jessica Overton, Sarah Ross and, for the first time ever, two sophomore hostesses: Abby Ware and Erin May. Before Nick Tatum was put as the director of student productions, a rule was kept in place under former director, Tom Craig, that only juniors and seniors were allowed to be hosts and hostesses. With the new rule change, Ware and May were given an opportunity they are thrilled to be a part of. Ware, sophomore speech-language pathology major from Hurst said she enjoys “the commu-

Photo by MEDA BOW | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Sing Song hosts and hostesses sing “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” nity that is built through performing, laughing and working as a team.” “Although Sing Song can get exhausting, you end up getting so close to the people you’re working with,” May said. “You develop these incredible friendships that you’ll carry

with you through the rest of your college career and long after.” Although each member varies in their major, a common pattern is their love for the art of performing. “Before I discovered my love for musical theatre, I knew I loved pop

music,” said Tre’ McLeod, musical theatre major from Houston. “From a young age, one of my favorite things to watch on TV has been awards shows like the Grammys, Tony’s or Oscars, because of all the performances in between speeches.”

Jessica Overton, junior vocal music education major from Arlington, said, “Being a hostess this year has truly been a dream come true. Ever since freshman year I’ve dreamed of having this opportunity so I’m just super grateful to be able to make

music and perform with some of the most talented and fun people ever.” With the work they have put in, each of the hosts and hostesses said they saw this opportunity as a blessing. “Being a hostess is a dream,” said Sarah Ross, worship ministry major from Sugar Land. “Getting to use the gifts that God has given me, in this season specifically, has been so fruitful.” However, being in a position like this isn’t easy from the start. Kolby Hart, senior marketing major from Tyler, said, “It requires a lot of work and planning. You have to pace yourself and learn things on your own as well as with a group. Don’t be afraid to sing in front of people while learning music, you have to push yourself. But it’s all so much fun and so worth it.” With the annual hype that surrounds Sing Song, the pressure is not only immense on the acts, but also these six hosts and hostesses. This is not something they are concerned with, rather they are enthusiastic the show they will put on will be exciting and unique.

CAMPUS NEWS

SGA fixes Bible Building doors for physically disabled LAUREN FRANCO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Over Christmas break, the university changed the handicap accessible doors to be automatic after a resolution unanimously passed in December. Jenny Gower, sophomore youth and family ministry major from Houston, and Ozzy Garcia, sophomore youth and family ministry major from Dumas drafted the resolution in November and presented it to congress in December. “The first thing I thought of was the doors,” said Gower, a representative for the College of Biblical Studies. “I didn’t like the way they worked and I always saw a problem with people coming in and out. The button wouldn’t work, so that’s when I approached Ozzy because he had shown interest too and had looked

Photo by MEDA BOW | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Oswaldo Garia and Jenny Gower gracefully stroll through doors without handles into it previously before I brought it up to him.” Garcia, in his second year of involvement with SGA, said he had a few projects he wanted to start last year, but was timid to do so. He is also on the

Americans with Disabilities Act committee alongside Corey Ruff, director of physical resources, who ensures campus meets ADA compliance. “We brought up some doors where we heard issues

from students that struggled or have physical impairments,” said Garcia. “We wanted to make it easier for them first and foremost.” Gower said she approached Garcia for help because he had the knowl-

edge of how to fix the doors. Garcia said his expectations were only that the motor in the door would be fixed, but they had hopes for the doors to be changed completely. “Within the resolution, we actually just kept it very broad,” Gower said. “Even it’s just replacing the motor and getting a new one, we wanted that to be done.” The duo said the only requirement was that the doors be fixed by the time students returned from Christmas break. Garcia is a tour guide, and said when he came back, he was giving a tour and saw that the doors had not been started. By Thursday, crews had torn the walls down and Ozzy said he knew administration was doing more than just fixing the motor. “When we found out it was sliding doors, we both were shocked,” Gower said. “I didn’t think it was going to happen. So Ozzy

had been on campus for a short course and called me with just pure excitement in his voice.” Garcia and Gower had two inspirations, Savannah Mitcham and a freshman student. Mitcham, a sophomore child and family services major from Lewisville had a lot of say in the doors because she is the primary student voice on the ADA accessibility committee. “Almost all of my classes are in the Bible building,” said Mitcham, who has cerebral palsy. “The Bible building is the one thing I wanted fixed if I had a choice.” Though Garcia said his next feat is the dorms, Mitcham said a big problem area is Moody. “The doors are a big step in the right direction,” Mitcham said. “Maybe soon we will be able to get some donors to help make campus more accessible, but in the meantime I will celebrate this big victory.”

Friday, February 15, 2019

Opinion| Page 9

STAFF COLUMNS

And so the Sing Song grinch emerges QUITE FRANCO-LY LAUREN FRANCO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Senior convergence journalism major from Euless

When I first tell people I’ve never done Sing Song, their initial reaction is complete shock, as if I’ve just confessed to committing a crime. The conversation becomes one of those in which you keep looking at the clock, thinking of all the other things you could be doing. As editor of the Optimist and a few other things, my experience is an anomaly (to be fair, the editor last year participated in Sing Song, and the one before directed the Senior Act). I put in more hours of work in two weeks than Sing Song participants do in one month, but so do other students, including athletes and those with a full-time job. The average act practices

for eight hours each week, starting in January. Eight hours per week for five weeks equals 40 hours, maybe more if you include set, costumes and Moody rehearsals. I reach half of those hours just by photographing Moody practices on Monday through Wednesday. I, too, sacrifice my week to make sure students will remember their experience and alumni will be impressed with our work. And as a staff, we spend at least three or four hours working on Sing Song predictions to make people angry, you would think. The newsroom becomes more of a home than my home, and my meals become a mix of Starbucks and vending machine food. Student-athletes prac-

“

tice 15 hours each week on top of academics. Although they have access to special resources, they don’t get classes canceled to compensate for their exhaustion, nor do they publicly complain much about how much they practice. Traveling for games, on top of practices, can be time consuming and distracting from academics for four months, more than the single month of Sing Song. In addition to athletes, students who have fulltime jobs already work, in one week, about as much as Sing Song participants practice in one month. Whether late or long shifts, I understand firsthand how easy it is to fall behind for the sake of supporting yourself. Sing Song, I’ll admit, isn’t just mentally exhausting and draining, it’s also physically taxing. Though the Medical and Counseling Care Center does not have specific numbers, Abby Pimentel,

To all of the people in my boat, to the people who don’t really care for Sing Song, to the people who haven’t done it and won’t see it, it’s OK.” LAUREN FRANCO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

administrative assistant, said they see an increase of cases around this time of year. She said this year, there was an acceleration of illness this year, starting earlier than in years past. “It is easy to pass illness around during Sing Song season, as many people are worn down and continue to be with others,” Pimentel said. “The sharing of water bottles or tubes of lipstick in the gym between the shows also affects the numbers we see in our clinic.” I’ve never understood why people are so willing

to subject themselves to sitting in a crowded gym around other sick people to perform for three minutes (only for the chance to win a trophy that you have to give back). Community, memories and experience might all be an answers to the question I’ve asked myself for four years, but those things are available in so many other places, including the 70+ student organizations funded by the Student Government Association. Though Nick Tatum, director of student productions, said participant numbers are higher than normal, it seems like the dropout rate is as well. An entire act disbanded because people didn’t want to do it, and the sophomore act has lost over 50 people since practices began. I’ll admit that Sing Song participants work hard. But just like students who choose to pledge, it’s a voluntary sacrifice of academics (or of sleep and

sanity for the sake of academics), and physical and emotional health. It’s hard, but it’s a choice. Though I will say I enjoy a few parts of Sing Song – taking corn dogs to Frats and laughing at people’s reactions when they receive honorable mention in our predictions – the list isn’t long enough to sway me. To all of the people in my boat, to the people who don’t really care for Sing Song, to the people who haven’t done it and won’t see it, it’s OK. And to all of the people who live and breathe Sing Song and its history, enjoy it. But don’t act so shocked when people don’t like it or participate in it. So this year, I’ll eat my knock-off Chex-Mix and sip on my second iced caramel macchiato of the day as the grinch of Sing Song, and grumble about designing five pages while “Mr. Clean” plays in the background. I’ll remind myself that it’ll all be over in three days.

Sing Song deserves more credit than many give it

“

THE FISHER-MAN RILEY FISHER STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Freshman theatre major from Abilene

Sing Song has become one of the most endeared and long-standing traditions at ACU since its implementation over 50 years ago by Dr. Bob Hunter. It’s an event designed for everyone, no matter how much singing or dancing experience they have. Students, alumni, faculty, staff and the Abilene community come together each year, whether to enjoy a new experience or relive an old one. According to ACU’s website, each year about a third of the student body joins an act or volunteers to work on the crew. The members of the student

body who perform in the show compete not only for the fun bragging rights, but also for the chance to give their act’s winnings to the charity of their choice. Many students continue a family legacy not only by attending the university, but also by participating in Sing Song. As a second-generation ACU student and long-time citizen of Abilene, I understand the connection many feel to the community and the tradition of Sing Song. Both of my parents and many of my relatives participated in the production. In addition, I have seen the show every year since 2008.

It is important for students to participate in Sing Song, as it brings the community of the university together.”

school and attending Student Life sessions before the days of Nick Tatum. Those sessions are designed for people who have never heard of Sing Song before stepping foot on campus, and they provide a lot of helpful information. I’ve had many conversations explaining its significance with people who didn’t know about the show since then, even some with people on this year’s leadership team. Many students push off participation in Sing Song because they worry about the time commitment. While I understand that concern, I must say I have been working on an act, I’m a manager on the leadership team and I work 20+ hours per week at my job, all while maintaining my grades. Academics, life and Sing Song can coexist, and

RILEY FISHER STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Through those years spent hearing stories and watching shows, I have continued to look forward to the day I would be able to participate in Sing Song. I will acknowledge that my experience is unique, as most students don’t get to watch Sing Song 11 times before their first show. However, for those who are starting a family legacy of their own, Sing Song still poses a new and exciting opportunity for students to look forward to. I remember visiting campus as a student in high

while sacrifices in other areas may be a result, it’s ultimately been an enjoyable and wholesome experience. It is important for students to participate in Sing Song, as it brings the community of the university together. It allows for more connections between members of classes as they strive for victory. While Sing Song isn’t the only way to create a community, there isn’t anything quite like the time spent on putting lyrics, music, costumes and sets together that achieves the same goal. As a leader of one of the freshman acts, but not a performer, I have been able to stand back and watch people make connections with their sections or project groups more than the typical person. It creates a different kind of community that the typical student

organization doesn’t. I don’t know of any other student organization that allows students to build important skills by working on such a largescale production that they can look back on and be proud of. This isn’t to say that other student organizations aren’t good or fulfilling; they just provide a different experience. These performances and the time spent working on them, difficult though they may be, can create some of the most treasured memories that students leave this campus with after graduation. As participants and a community, we should continue to enjoy the company and competition that Sing Song provides. While they may not be for everyone, these opportunities aren’t worth missing out on.

GUEST COLUMN

Don’t let Sing Song overshadow Black History Month CYNTHIA RANGEL GUEST CONTRIBUTOR

Junior convergence journalism major with teaching certification from Duncanville Black History Month is here, yet outside of the Office of Multicultural Affairs, there have been few mentions of this important annual celebration. Sadly, it is overshadowed at ACU by a bigger February event: Sing Song. A group of historians created Negro History Week in 1926. In 1976, President Gerald Ford extended the celebration to what is known today as Black History Month. Ford said the country needed to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplish-

ments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” However, for most students, February means Sing Song – a time when most are preparing their acts as they lose sleep, try not to fall behind in class or contract the flu. For OMA and the Black Students Union, February is the month to celebrate and engage with others on black history and culture. BSU is having a monthlong fast with the goal of unlocking the power of God within them. The union is also posting daily devotionals to inspire and guide peo-

ple during their fast. “Doing this fast, I hope that it’s going to free us to really be ourselves and really dig deep and dig into our blood and pull out all of the good.” said Jasmine Green, senior worship major from Dallas and BSU president. OMA is hosting weekly movie nights, a game show with SGA and ending the month with a blackout dance. OMA has its hands full trying to celebrate Black History Month and other planned events but can only do so much to bring students together. The university outside of OMA needs to do more to highlight the importance of Black History Month. Sing Song was founded in 1957 and has been around for more than 60 years.

EDITORIAL AND LETTER POLICY Unsigned editorials are the opinions of the Optimist and may not necessarily reflect the views of the university or its administration. Signed columns, cartoons and letters are the opinions of their creators and may not necessarily reflect the viewpoints of the Optimist or the university. The Optimist encourages reader response through letters to the editor but reserves the right to limit frequent contributors or to refuse to print letters containing

personal attacks, obscenity, defamation, erroneous information or invasion of privacy. Please limit letters to 350 words or fewer. A name and phone number must be included for verification purposes. Phone numbers will not be published. Address letters to: ACU Box 27892 Abilene, TX 79609 E-mail letters to: optimist@acu.edu

It’s a wonderful, amusing event that highlights the university’s history and culture. However, it is not the most important thing for the ACU community to be talking about this month. Certainly, Sing Song attracts alumni who bring money to the unAiversity, but that’s no excuse for shining more light on a two-day production than on Black History Month. It’s not OMA’s job to be the only voice on campus screaming to acknowledge the cultures and backgrounds of students. The university has a bigger task at hand than acknowledging Black History Month – it should work with OMA and celebrate Black History Month, but it shouldn’t stop there.

THE

“

Whether you identify as black or not, it’s still a part of who you are, because blackness is what made America what it is today.” APRIL NAPIER DIRECTOR OF OMA

Celebrating Black History Month is important. It’s a chance to learn about the history and culture of our brothers and sisters. It’s a chance to learn and ask questions about the impact the African-American community has made on history. It’s a chance to get past the ignorance and stereotypes that are built into this country.

Black History Month is not just for people of color; it’s for everyone. “Blackness is not something that just subsides in its own thing,” said April Napier, director of OMA. “Blackness is a part of what America is. If you overshadow that and don’t recognize how that part is a part of everyone’s history, then you’re not recognizing your own history. Whether you identify as black or not, it’s still a part of who you are, because blackness is what made America what it is today.” Black history does not begin and end in February, like our university tradition of Sing Song. Black History Month should not be the only time black history and culture is acknowledged, but it is a good start.

O PTI M I ST

published by the department of journalism and mass communication staff and management board

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Friday, February 15, 2019

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Page 12 | Sports FEATURE

Friday, February 15, 2019

UNIQUE JOURNEY

Maxwell transitions from homeschool to college athletics OWEN SIMPSON SPORTS REPORTER

Redshirt junior guard B.J. Maxwell, like many college athletes, fought hard to become as talented as he is today. “I started playing organized basketball in fourth grade,” Maxwell said. “I’ve always been around the game of basketball whether I was with my cousins or brother.” However, for a portion of Maxwell’s life, he took a path that most Div. 1 athletes never take. During his senior year of high school, he moved from Austin to Oklahoma, where he was homeschooled. “It opened my eyes,” Maxwell said. “I had a misconception of homeschooling in my head and what the kids would be like [on the homeschool basketball team], but honestly it’s no different from being in a public school. The kids who are homeschooled actually have a better mindset, in my opinion, and I really enjoyed being homeschooled.” Maxwell finished his high school career with the OKC Storm, where he played alongside Wildcat redshirt junior center Jalone Friday. The duo

Photo by RILEY FISHER | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER Redshirt junior guard B.J. Maxwell’s road to college basketball was different than most athletes

led the team to its third straight national championship in the 2014-15 season. Maxwell averaged 19 points, four rebounds and three assists per game with the Storm his senior season and was named National Homeschool Player of the Year. Maxwell’s first three seasons with the Wildcats were very different from this season. His first year, he was redshirted to help develop his game and give him another year of eligibility. For the first two seasons he was on the court, his time was limited, and he averaged three points per

game with two rebounds. But he kept showing progress, particularly with his rebounding ability. This year, Maxwell has started the majority of his games, averaging nine points and is second on the team with five rebounds per game. He is shooting 48 percent from the field and leading the team at the free throw line with an 85 percent efficiency. “Staying aggressive and getting in a routine has contributed to my success on the court,” Maxwell said. “This past summer, my assistant coaches gave us a workout routine and

being consistent as possible with that really helped. Another thing that’s important to me and the rest of the team is to trust the process.” Outside of basketball, Maxwell is like many other college students. He loves to play video games, be around his friends as much as possible, binge-watch Netflix and hang out with his teammates. Many college athletes always have a dream to go pro and make it all the way. Maxwell is no different. “I’d really like to play professional basketball after college and after a ca-

reer like that, I’d want to be a sports commentator,” Maxwell said. While this is his fourth year in college, Maxwell said he is “certain” he will return again next year. The Wildcats are sitting at 19-4 on the season and are only two games back from first place in the conference. ACU’s goal from the beginning of the season has been to win the conference. “We have to take every game one at a time and show up to play every night, because in this league, anybody can beat anybody on a given night,” Maxwell said. “This conference constantly gets better and more competitive.” The Wildcats will have an important road game on Saturday as they face Incarnate Word, who currently sits in last place in the conference. The Wildcats have not yet played the Cardinals this season, making this matchup a possible tester for either team as we near the final month of play. The game tips off at 3 p.m. in the Alice P. McDermott Convocation Center in San Antonio. The game can be streamed on ESPN3.

STANDINGS Women’s Basketball Team

Ovrl.

SFA Lamar ACU SHSU Nicholls TAMU-CC UCA SLU UNO McNeese UIW NSU HBU

20-3 18-5 15-8 13-9 13-10 12-10 10-12 9-14 8-13 5-17 3-19 8-15 7-14

Div. 11-0 11-1 8-4 8-4 7-4 6-5 5-7 4-8 4-8 3-8 3-8 3-9 2-9

Men’s Basketball Team

Ovrl.

SHSU ACU UNO SLU SFA Lamar TAMU-CC UCA Nicholls HBU NSU McNeese UIW

17-8 20-5 13-10 12-13 13-10 13-12 10-14 10-15 11-13 8-14 9-16 7-17 6-18

Div. 12-0 9-3 8-4 8-4 6-5 6-6 5-6 5-7 4-7 4-7 4-8 3-8 1-10

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Basketball

FOOTBALL

Wildcats nab former South Dakota State coach MAX PRESTON SPORTS DIRECTOR

The football team officially introduced the now former South Dakota State University defensive coordinator as the successor to Tremaine Jackson. Clint Brown comes from a ten year career at fellow FCS school SDSU. He was the co-defensive coordinator for his first four years and became the lone coordinator his final six. He found out about earning the job at ACU last Tuesday after interviewing with staff two different times.

Brown said many talks with head coach Adam Dorrel and aspects of the football program excited him for the opportunity to coach the Wildcats. “His (Dorrel’s) philosophy and the culture he’s building here really interested me,” Brown said. “I felt like for me it was time to move and learn from a new head coach.” Since 2009, when Brown arrived at SDSU, he helped lead the Jackrabbits to an 8344 overall record. He coached SDSU to a playoff berth his first year on staff, then from 2012-2018 his team earned a playoff spot each year.

In his final two years, Brown and the Jackrabbits fought their way to the semifinals. They lost to FCS powerhouse James Madison University in 2017, then fell to the eventual national champion North Dakota State University this past season. The Jackrabbits finished the 2018 season at fourth in the Missouri Valley Football Conference in points allowed per game with 22.3. They were also third in interceptions as they grabbed 17 total on the year. Overall, they finished second in the conference behind NDSU with a 6-2 Missouri Valley record

and a 10-3 overall record. He now joins a Wildcat team that completed its first winning season since transitioning to Div. I both in conference (5-4) and overall (6-5). ACU’s defense stood its ground allowing 385.5 yards per game good enough for third in Southland. The Wildcats also finished fourth in point allowed per game with 26.9. Brown gets to work with a talented group of returning defenders including soon to be seniors safety Bolu Onifade and linebacker Jeremiah Chambers. He said he doesn’t plan on making big changes

in ACU’s defensive scheme and looks forward to working with the players. “We just need to continue to build on what they’ve already built,” Brown said. “The scheme is not going to change drastically, there will be some tweaks, but if it isn’t broke don’t fix it. There’s a lot of talent in this group, but in the end, mental and physical effort is going to win us the game.” The South Dakota native has already been with the team for a week and he will get his first look at the Wildcats later in February when spring football begins.

Willimason Senior guard Sara Williamson played a big role in the women’s 76-66 win over Nicholls Wednesday evening. She came off the bench to play 25 minutes and scored 24 points in the game. She continued her efficient season fomr the field converting on 11 of 14 shots. Her overall field goal percentage is now 60.7. Williamson also showed an impressive performance defensively as she came up with four steals and two blocks. The Wildcats will now hit the road for San Antonio to face Incarnate Word Saturday for the first time.

Basketball

MEN’S BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2019 SEASON STATS

Ricks

75.9

POINTS PER GAME

66.3

32.9

REBOUNDS PG

27.7

15.7

ASSISTS PG

11.2

64.8 POINTS ALLOWED PG 74.7 UNIVERSITY OF THE INCARNATE WORD (6-16)

ABILENE CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY (20-5)

MAX PRESTON SPORTS DIRECTOR

OWEN SIMPSON SPORTS REPORTER

BREVEN CAMPBELL SPORTS REPORTER

RACHEL POE

SPORTS REPORTER

Incarnate Word is not a terrible team, they’re just not finding ways to win this season as they warm up to new head coach, Dr. Carson Cunningham. They’ve been on the losing end of several blowouts this season, however, the Cardinals have lost enough close matchups that would put them in the fight for a postseason spot at this point in the season. The Wildcats can’t be too cocky coming into this game, especially being on the road. I am confident ACU will get the win with how tough they’re playing. This team does not give up and a double overtime game against Sam Houston last Saturday proves the men have a strong desire to win this conference. The Wildcats have puzzled teams each night this season by changing their gameplan on offense. This last week, Jaylen Franklin, a playmaker in his usual form, found multiple ways to score and led his team in both the Lamar and Sam Houston game. Unpredictable play by the Wildcats is what will get them the win Saturday and a stronger hold on the second seed.

After dropping a heartbreaker to Sam Houston back on Saturday in double overtime, the Wildcats are hopeful for a far better weekend this go around. It couldn’t be much more of a favorable opportunity for ACU given that Incarnate Word is dead last in the Southland conference. Given the top two seeds in the conference receive a double-bye in the tournament, the Wildcats must capitalize on games like these. The Cardinals have lost nine in a row, but ACU will need to contain sophomore forward Christian Peevy. He’s leading the team averaging 14 points per game shooting at a very efficient 56 percent on the season. At the free throw line, he’s one of the best in the NCAA this season shooting at an impressive 89 percent mark. Abilene Christian will need to continue feeding junior guard Payten Ricks as he’s been efficient on the court averaging 13 points at a 55 percent clip. Wildcats get a strong win here with the game never in doubt.

Incarnate Word may be in last place of the conference, but they definitely do not look like a last place team. In most of their games, they play one solid half of basketball, but they always seem to play one bad half of basketball. The half that is played well varies from game to game, but the Cardinals are not scared of the challenge of going up against one of the best teams in the Southland Conference. The Wildcats will be looking to prove themselves the rest of the season after a heartbreaking loss to Sam Houston State. If the Wildcats come out with the mindset of proving themselves to the conference, then teams need to watch out. A slow-start may not hurt the Wildcats this game, but the first half of a game could be the achilles heel for the Wildcats’ season. After ACU settles into the game, it is over for the Cardinals.

Although Incarnate Word is in last place for the Southland Conference, they should not be overlooked. UIW is not always consistent throughout both halves, making them hard to read. This could be dangerous for ACU, if they do not come to play. ACU is just coming off of a tough double-overtime loss against the number one seed in the conference, Sam Houston, while UIW had lost nine games in a row. This is where the ACU Wildcats will pick up their head and come back from San Antonio with a win. If Franklin can continue to score and lead his team as he did in the past two games, ACU will add another win to their record.

FINAL SCORE: ACU 82 UIW 72

FINAL SCORE: ACU 79 UIW 59

FINAL SCORE: ACU 75 UIW 64

FINAL SCORE: ACU 76 UIW 65

Junior guard Payten Ricks was a hero for the Wildcats last Saturday when splashing a three-pointer against Sam Houston which sent the game into overtime. He came away with 14 points in the game by hitting four threes and knocking down both free throws he took. Ricks ranks eighth in the nation in three point percentage at 47.3. He added six points and two three-pointers Wednesday evening against Nicholls. The men next face Incarnate Word on the road Saturday.

Basketball

Lewis Senior forward Jaren Lewis was productive in both the men’s games this last week. He finished against Sam Houston with 16 points after making five of 11 shots from the field and six out of seven free throws. Lewis also grabbed four rebounds and passed for three assists. Against Nicholls, Lewis led the team with 15 points. He was 6-11 from the field and converted on all three of his free throws. He also finished with five rebounds and two steals.

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