ACUOPTIMIST.COM | Friday, January 17, 2020 | 1
Dr. Marcia Straughn and Dr. Theresa Naldoza share about Adobe grant
A student publication of Abilene Christian University since 1912
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BY DAVID MITCHELL | PHOTOGRAPHER
Aaron Guillen, sophomore kinesiology major from Coppell, and Katherine Jones, sophomore nursing major from Brentwood, Tennessee, pray over a classmate at Study Abroad Send-Off on Wednesday morning.
Four suspects arrested in homicide BY ALLISON HARRELL EDITOR IN CHIEF
Abilene Police have arrested four suspects in the New Years Eve death of a 20-year-old man in the 2500 block of Rountree, just a block north of campus. Abilene Police Department detectives arrested Michael Wright-Collazo, 18, Tyree Neal, 17, Rodaeshi Hines, 17, and Creshawn Howard, 18, in connection to the death of David Devora, a 2018 Abilene High School graduate attending Austin Communi-
ty College. The four suspects have been charged on counts of murder and aggravated robbery. A fifth subject of interest is being interviewed, say police. According to police, Devora was visiting the residence in the Hillcrest neighborhood when he was shot through the front door of the residence and killed at about 8 p.m. Dec. 31. Rick Tomlin, APD public information coordinator, said the department has not released information related to motive for the killing. “This continues to be
an ongoing investigation,” Tomlin said. “The case, once complete by detectives, will be forwarded to the district attorney’s office.” ACU Police Chief Jimmy Ellison sent a Timely Warning notification about the homicide at 10:36 p.m. on Dec. 31 to members of the ACU community. According to the email, police responded at about 8:20 p.m. to a report of a shooting at a residence in close proximity to campus. Upon arrival, officials declared Devora deceased. “Because there was a homicide, which obviously is
a Clery category crime, that occurred in very close proximity to campus we felt like a Timely Warning under the Clery Act was required and would also be a good idea for our community,” Ellison said. “But it was believed early on that this was not a random crime. This was a targeted incident at that individual, at that residence.” Timely Warnings are required by the U.S. Department of Education under the Clery Act intended to give campus communities a general awareness of what crimes have occurred, the
“This continues to be an ongoing investigation.” RICK TOMLIN APD PUBLIC INFORMATION COORDINATOR
status of the current situation and any particular steps the general public can take to protect their wellbeing. To not dilute the impact of a Timely Warning, Ellison said he reserves them for serious crimes which may pose ongoing personal safety risks for the general public. “The Timely Warning
aspect comes into play if you’ve had a serious crime that is one of the Clery category crimes and, in the opinion of the Chief of Police, there is an ongoing risk of danger to the community,” Ellison said. “We are constantly filtering everything that occurs on our campus and then in our immediate area surrounding campus.” The ACU campus and geographical regions in close proximity are patrolled 24/7 by ACUPD and APD. Report crimes or suspicious activity to ACUPD at 325-674-2911.
NEWS
See what is coming soon in the Rec PAGE 2
SPORTS
OPTIMIST FILE PHOTO
First Generation Student Success Program table set up in the campus center.
1GEN program to kick off next Tuesday BY DILLON DANIEL MANAGING EDITOR
The new 1GEN Student Success Program will kickoff with a meet and greet from 4 to 6 p.m. on Jan. 21 in the Student Life Classroom. Students who have signed on with the program have been connected with a mentor and will meet with them for the first time if they have not already done so. However, Mary Beth Strader, associate director of advising and student programs, said that students who show up but have not signed up for the program will still
be accepted. “We are not going to turn someone away. If there is a first generation student who is a senior and they want to come, then yeah, come.” The event will feature Tamara Long, vice president for enrollment management, and Jordan Jones, associate director of financial counseling and student ser vices, introducing the program to the students. Afterward, students will be introduced to their mentors and will be able to step out into the Campus Center discuss topics such as academic and college life
concerns, interests and backgrounds. “Even if we don’t have the same interests, I want to be available,” Strader said. “If they have questions and they don’t know where to go where they can find an answer, they want someone to at least reply so they can help them figure it out. My goal as a mentor is to help that student ask the right questions, find the answers they need and be available for anything.” According to its overview on myACU, the 1GEN program’s mission is to “help these students adjust to the
“My goal as a mentor is to help that student ask the right questions, find the answers they need and be available for anything.” MARY BETH STRADER ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF ADVISING AND STUDENT PROGRAMS
college experience by offering a variety of opportunities and resources, from workshops to social activities.” The program allows students to work as mentors, guiding first generation students from freshman to senior level. Milka Weldemichile, senior social work major from Fort Worth, said her freshman year ex-
perience influenced her to become a mentor for this program because she was also a first-generation student. “That example growing up opened up my mind to want to help those students that are in that phase of life and I was luckily blessed to have mentors in my life that have helped me get this far,” Weldemichile said. “And I think having a mentor or someone they can look up to motivate them to keep going is a big deal in college.” Students can learn to get involved by emailing 1gen@acu.ed for more infor mation.
Meet junior center Kolton Kohl PAGE 5
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2 | Friday, January 17, 2020 | NEWS
Nutrition lab under construction in Rec
BY RILEY FISHER | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
Nutrition place under construction in the Royce and Pam Money Recreation and Wellness Center. BY ALYSSA HIGH STAFF WRITER AND ALLISON HARRELL EDITOR IN CHIEF
The Laboratory for Experiential Activities in Nutrition is being constructed in place of the Oasis smoothie bar in the Royce and Pam Money Student Recreation and Wellness Center. The Laboratory for Experiential Activities in Nutrition (LEAN) is set to open Sing Song Weekend. It will serve as a lab for nutrition students during
classes, volunteer activities, presentations and food demonstrations. Dr. Sheila Jones, chair of the department of kinesiology and nutrition, said the laboratory is not a snack bar and will not look like one and hopes there won’t be that confusion. “The inspiration came from wanting to incorporate more experiential activities in our nutrition courses and prepare our students to be master communicators of nutrition in-
formation,” Jones said. The LEAN will include a kitchen area with industrialized equipment. The design plans for the kitchen are modern. “I think it is a perception that everyone knows about nutrition, but they really do not,” Jones said. “In my nutrition and wellness class for non-nutrition majors, most realize how deficient their diets are after a diet analysis assignment. People don’t know the importance of each nutrient and how to
get them. There are many, many misperceptions about nutrition, and the Internet is a huge source of misinformation.” Madaleen Acosta, junior nutrition major from Edinburg, said she believes the LEAN was needed for nutrition majors because it will allow her to take what she is learning in class and put it into practice. “I believe it will not only be beneficial to nutrition students here at ACU, but non-nutrition
“I believe it will not only be beneficial to nutrition students here at ACU, but non-nutrition majors as well.” MADALEEN ACOSTA JUNIOR NUTRITION MAJOR FROM EDINBURG
majors as well,” Acosta said. “Throughout the semester, nutrition majors will be giving presentations and food demonstrations at the LEAN, educating about the concepts we are
learning in our classes. For example, one of our assignments is to give a cooking demonstration with a food that is high in a particular vitamin while talking about the benefits and functions of it.” The LEAN will be used for demonstrations with food preparation and nutrition education. The front of the lab will be completed with a glass window, so anyone in the Rec Center can see what is taking place inside the lab.
Former three-star recruit transfers to ACU BY OWEN SIMPSON SPORTS DIRECTOR
The Wildcats have made a new addition to quarterback in preparation for the 2020 season following redshirt graduate Luke Anthony’s decision to transfer. Sophomore backup quarterback Peyton Mansell announced his decision to transfer from the University of Iowa
to ACU Thursday. It was just one day after he had entered the NCAA transfer portal. Mansell announced his decision via Instagram to transfer to ACU. “Iowa will always have a special place in my heart,” Mansell said. “I’m going to miss my teammates, and I wish nothing but the best for them.” Mansell is originally
from Texas and played football at Belton high school. In his senior season, he threw for over 2500 yards, 33 passing touchdowns and 7 interceptions in 12 games. Coming out of high school, Mansell was a three-star recruit and held offers from Iowa, Abilene Christian, Coastal Carolina, Columbia, Cornell, Dart-
mouth, Florida Atlantic, Harvard, New Mexico, New Mexico State, North Dakota State, San Diego State, North Texas and others. In his two seasons at Iowa, he completed five of his eight passes for 83 yards and an interception. He also ran eight times for a total of 31 yards and a touchdown. With spring training
on the horizon and a depleted quarterback roster, the starting quarterback for the new season is still unknown.
Sophomore quarterback Sema’J Davis for ACU saw the field in all 12 games last season passing for 388 yards, three passing touchdowns and four interceptions. He also carried the ball 102 times for 621 yards and four touchdowns. The Wildcats return to action at Kyle Field Sept. 5 to play Texas A&M.
“Iowa will always have a special place in my heart. I’m going to miss my teammates, and I wish nothing but the best for them.” PEYTON MANSELL SOPHOMORE BACK-UP QUARTERBACK
WHAT’S HAPPENING? MON., JAN. 20 Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday (Abilene Campus Closed) Women’s Tennis vs. SMU
TUES., JAN. 21
WED., JAN. 22
THURS., JAN. 23
FRI., JAN. 24
SAT., JAN. 25
12 p.m.- ACU Writing Center opens
7 p.m.- Prayer & Worship Vigil 7 p.m.- Shades Step Team Try-Outs
2 p.m.- Anxiety Workshop with Horses 6 p.m.- Intramural Rodeo Committee Meeting
Admitted Student Day
11 a.m.- Sanctify Hip Hop Dance Auditions 5 p.m.- Daniel Ayala Student Recital
POLICE LOG SELECTED ACUPD CALLS FOR THE WEEK: •
ACUPD investigated a reported suspicious person wearing a gray hoodie and standing on the sidewalk area. Officers identified the person and determined no offense was occurring, released the individual.. 01/07/2020 6:48 p.m.
•
ACUPD assisted Abilene PD with the investigation of two unlocked vehicles at Rainbow Bible School. Parents had left their vehicles unlocked and running while inside the school dropping off children. No suspect information. 01/08/2020 8:05 a.m.
•
A student reported their bicycle stolen from University Park Apartments. An unknown suspect(s) cut the lock and took the bicycle. 01/13/2020 1:50 p.m.
911 Call Administrative activity Advice Alarm Animal call Assault Assist Attempt to locate Barricades Building lock/unlock Burglary (vehicle) Burglary (residence) Cart patrol Check building Citation issuance Clery
3 19 0 2 1 0 1 1 0 14 1 1 4 323 0 4
Criminal trespass Disturbance Domestic disturbance Escort Event support Foot patrol Found child Found property Information report Investigation follow up Lost Property Maintenance: univ assets: cctv Maintenance: univ assets Medical emergency Missing person Monitor facility/lot
MESSAGE FROM POLICE CHIEF ELLISON:
0 0 0 2 0 0 1 4 3 11 2 8 0 0 0 7
Motorist assist: inflate tire. Motorist assist: jumpstart Motorist assist: other Motorist assist: unlock Other Parking lot patrol Parking violation Patrol vehicle: maintenance Patrol vehicle: refuel Prowler Public service Random patrol Refuel gasoline cans Report writing Report writing (follow up) Sex offense
0 3 2 3 3 39 3 7 10 2 0 18 0 9 0 0
Suspicious activity Suspicious person Suspicious vehicle Theft Training Traffic Hazard Trespasser Vehicle Collision Welfare check
1 3 0 1 1 0 0 1 2
Total 523 *List of selected statistics of this week’s ACUPD activity report.
“Welcome back Wildcats. Car burglaries have increased in the ACU area recently, so please lock your car and report suspicious activity To ACUPD immediately, whether on-campus or off-campus.”
FEATURES & NEWS | Friday, January 17, 2020 | 3
BY RILEY FISHER | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
Spring 2020 Adobe Faculty Fellows: (Left to right) Dr. Brent Reeves, associate professor of management science and computer science, Dena Counts, assistant professor of communication, Dr. Marcia Straughn, assistant professor and dean of school of nursing, Dr. Theresa Naldoza, assistant professor of nursing and department chair, Dr. Kenneth Pybus, associate professor and chair of department of journalism and mass communication, and Dr. Kendra Jernigan, assistant professor of environmental science.
IN PURSUIT OF CREATIVITY Six faculty awarded Adobe Faculty Fellows Grant
BY ALLISON HARRELL EDITOR IN CHIEF
Six faculty members received Adobe Faculty Fellows Grants for the Spring of 2020. Grants were funded by Adobe and the Office of the Provost to enable recipients to incorporate Adobe Creative Cloud applications into a new assignment in their course curriculum. Those awarded the grant are Dena Counts, assistant professor of communicat ion, Dr. Theresa Naldoza, assistant professor of nursing and department chair, Dr. Marcia Straughn, assistant professor and dean of school of nursing, Dr. Kendra Jernigan, assistant professor of environmental science, Dr. Brent Reeves, associate professor of management science and computer science, and Dr. Kenneth Pybus, associate professor and chair of department of journal ism and mass communicat ions. The Adobe Facul-
ty Fellows occupy five different departments across campus. Amos Gutierrez, Adobe ambassador at ACU, said the grant is for faculty to foster creativity and digital skills within their courses, regardless of their field of study. “Any department on campus can be a part of it, and we actually encourage that, part icularly outside of art and design and journal ism and mass communicat ions,” Gut ierrez said. “Those t wo f ields are typically seen as the creat ive f ields on campus, so a lot of people outside of those don’t see themselves as creat ive; but we are seeing that more and more employers are look ing for employees who have soft sk ills l ike creat ivity, creat ive problem solving and communicat ion. So along with the necessary informat ion and knowledge that they need in their f ield, a more attract ive candidate to employers has these other soft sk ills along with it.”
OPTIMIST FILE PHOTO
Nora Vellis awaits her cue in the audience during the 2019 24 Hour-Musical, Seussical.
“[The nursing program is] pretty intense all the time. So it’s all these heavy courses and now this introduces something different, just a creative outlet and a little less stress, but also while still learning about research.” DR. THERESA NALDOZA ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF NURSING AND DEPARTMENT CHAIR
In the Department of Information Technology and Computing, Reeves plans to introduce Adobe XD into SITC 325: Web Application Development, making room for the teaching of design process. In the Department of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Jernigan plans to introduce Adobe Rush for the creation of a video project for AENV 420: Environmental Thought. In the Department of Communication, Counts plans to introduce Adobe Illustrator and Adobe XD to create an app-like experience in COMM 430:
Conflict Management. In the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Pybus plans to introduce Adobe Illustrator and partner with the Maker Lab in order to create a poster project in JMC 342: Communication Design. In the School of Nursing, Naldoza and Straughn plan to partner in introducing Adobe Illustrator or InDesign to transform an annotated bibliography assignment into the creation a digital poster in NURS 380: Research. Straughn said through the assignment they hope their students would be able to take their posters and enter them into the Undergraduate Research Fair. “We saw this grant opportunity come up and we thought, ‘Let’s take this annotated bibliography project and take it to a next step that would be something presentable, like generating a digital poster from it,’” Straughn said. “So that was really the thought of taking an existing assignment and
OPTIMIST FILE PHOTO
The stage set for the beginning of the 2019 24 Hour Musical, Seussical.
thinking about ways to make it more applicable and expand it into a deeper experience.” “[The nursing program is] pretty intense all the time,” Naldoza said. “So it’s all these heavy courses and now this introduces something different, just a creative outlet and a little less stress, but also while still learning about research.” Faculty recipients and their students will be supported by the Innovation Foundry and the Learning Studio through the Spring semester. The Adobe Faculty Fellows will be men“What we hope is that we can foster and discover some best practices for teaching digital skills and creativity,” AMOS GUTIERREZ ADOBE AMBASSADOR AT ACU
tored by the Fall 2019 Adobe Faculty Fellows consisting of Dr. Jim Carpenter, associate professor, program coordinator and chair of the department of agriculture and
environmental sciences, Adam Hester, professor of the department of theatre, and Andres Saucedo, instructor of biology. “What we hope is that we can foster and discover some best practices for teaching digital skills and creativity,” Gutierrez said. “And that maybe even our faculty can help faculty at other universities with that as well.” At the conclusion of the semester, participating Adobe Faculty Fellows are required to create a video testimonial that discusses the projects successes and challenges, in order to share their ideas for future use. The Adams Center will host the Creative You event on April 15 and Adobe Faculty Fellows will have an opportunity to share their experiences with other faculty members. This is the second semester of the grant. Faculty looking to apply for the Fall of 2020 grant can follow the link to the application, https://blogs. ac u.edu/adobe/fac u lt y/ adobe-faculty-fellows/.
OPIMIST FILE PHOTO
Fulks Theatre is the location for the upcoming 2019 24-Hour Musical.
Theatre to put on 24 Hour Musical annual performance BY SYDNEY VARNER STAFF WRITER
Following previous performances of musicals, such as The Little Mermaid and Seussical: The Musical, the theatre club, Alpha Psi Omega, is putting on the annual performance of the 24 Hour Musical. The 24 Hour Musical is exactly as it sounds; cast members are unaware what they sign up to perform until 24 hours before the show takes place. Every year, theatre majors and non-theatre majors
alike audition in December to take place in the show that is put on in January. Unlike cast members, crew members know ahead of time what show is and are working on pre production behind the scenes. ‘We’ve already bought the rights, started blocking and planning out the set as well as costumes and everything,” co-director, junior theatre major Katie Macune said. Cast members, as seen in years past, oftentimes forget lines, dances as well as carry their scripts on stage lead-
ing to a performance unlike many audience members would typically expect from ACU Theatre. “You’re not allowed to go home at all, it’s like a giant sleepover,” co-director junior english education major Cheney-Lynne Emberg said, “I remember my freshman year during the Wizard of Oz, I was so exhausted I don’t even know if I was dancing. I just remember being on stage laughing to myself because I was so tired.” Tickets for the musical are a hot commodity every year
and all of the proceeds from the show are sent to non profit organization Living Water International. Living Water International, based out of Houston, brings water systems to developing countries where there normally isn’t clean water. “It’s not a lot for admission and they get to see a really fun show and know whatever they pay or deonate is going to a good cause,” Macune said. Since the show itself is put on by APO (Alpha Psi Omega) and not the actual theatre
“I remember my freshman year during the Wizard of Oz, I was so exhausted I don’t even know if I was dancing. I just remember being on stage and laughing to myself because I was so tired.” CHENEY-LYNNE EMBERG CO-DIRECTOR JUNIOR ENGLISH EDUCATION MAJOR
department, non theatre major students are allowed to audition and be a part of the show. “I love that a lot of non-ma-
jors are encouraged to come out,” sophomore theatre major Nora Vellis said. “I think that sometimes that the department spends so much time together that we get locked into our own little bubble. I feel like this is a way for other people to come see us and see what we’re all about but also an opportunity for us to branch out and meet new people.” The show itself will take place on Jan. 26 and is open to all who wish to pay a small price of admission to watch the hilarity ensue.
4 | Friday, January 17, 2020 | OPINIONS
Is WWIII on the horizons of 2020? EDITORIAL BOARD
As tension increases between the U.S. and Iran and twitter uses this news to create funny memes and jokes about WWIII, we must not fail to regard the intensity of the situation at present. The killing of one of Iran’s most well known military leaders, Major General Qasem Soleimani by an American drone strike was just one of the main causes for the sudden spark of conflict between our two nations. Although, tensions have been on the rise for over a decade. A recent breakthrough under the Obama admin-
istration came when the U.S. and Iran negotiated the Iran nuclear deal, halting Iranian nuclear development in exchange for lifted sanctions on the Iranian economy. In May, the Trump administration made measures to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal and reintroduce sanctions. In June, Iran responded to the sanctions by announcing its plans to increase its uranium stockpile, breaking the agreement of limits under the nuclear deal. Most recently, after the killing of Iran’s top military leader, Iran has begun to retaliate. Iranian hackers gained access to the Federal Depository
Library Program’s website and posted a message of threats against President Trump and pro-Iranian sympathy. Iranian missiles were fired against Iraqi bases that housed U.S. troops. Iranian state media says the missile attacks are in response to the killing of Soleimani, according to “USA Today.” President Trump has chosen to respond to the missile attack diplomatically instead of militarily. There is a possibility that the tensions could de-escalate if the U.S. chooses to continue to not retaliate, but the balance could so easily be tipped.
BY ERNIE GUAJARDO | CARTOONIST
Possibilities of armed conflict with Iran The fact is Congress has not authorized war since WWII in 1941. However, Congress has since then approved “use of military force”. The question of war vs. armed conflict depends on many factors but mainly whether nations are pursuing fight against each other directly or against “nonstate actors,” like terrorist groups or other organizations separate. Both Iran and the U.S. have on both sides, already
overstepped boundaries of previous peaceful negotiations. Iran has a sophisticated military that threatens the U.S. in its capabilities more than other conflicts since WWII. So far, however, attacks have been small and aimed counterattacks. Continued Iranian missile strikes and cyber attacks may be expected. Currently, the surrounding nations do not seem eager to join in on war between Iran
and the U.S. Israel and Gulf States such as Saudi Arabia, U.S. allies in the area, seem unlikely to join unless aggravated by persistent Iranian attacks. Although WWIII is not impossible, it is a bit far fetched, as Twitter has insinuated. Countries like Russia and China may object to U.S. attacks in Iran, but are less likely to engage in conflict now than they were when the U.S. invaded Iraq in 2003 or Libya in 2011.
Possibilities of war with Iran In the midst of the recent conflict, the prospect of a potential war with Iran seems closer now more than ever. As multiple consultants from Trump’s security council and the pentagon have stated, the difference between a war and approved military action– or peace all together– could simply come down to the communications and interpretations of each side. In the com-
ing weeks, the importance of clear justification for actions taken, or the lack of them, could be the difference between a war or something much less detrimental. Now more than ever, with the ambiguity of means and actions and an ocean’s distance between leaders, there leaves incredible room for interpretation of war-ready intent on either side. This also
adds weight to the United States’s recent drone strike that killed Major General Qasem Soleimani. The hasty actions from both sides and the timing surrounding them has brought contention to the point where what comes next, be it from Iran or the U.S., could likely be seen as an act of war. This could regretfully bring forward the harsh reality of a war with Iran.
The presidential office is not a God
BY DILLON DANIEL MANAGING EDITOR
As we come up on the election season’s heels, many people are scram-
bling to find a candidate to support before someone else drops out of the race. So far, there are 12 Democratic candidates and four Republican candidates left. Democratic party front runners include Joe Biden, Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Andrew Yang, Tulsi Gabbard and Michael Bloomberg. Republican candidates include Joe Walsh, Bill Weld, Roque De La Fuente and Donald Trump.
Although the go-to stereotype of Christian politics is the pro-life, conservative, red-whiteand-blue-blooded American, a recent post by news outlet Christianity Today caused a stir in Christian political circles. An editorial titled “Trump Should Be Removed from Office” was published by the outlet on Dec. 19 of last year. Many churches praised the piece while numerous scorned it, believing President Trump is the most
pro-Christian president to exist in modern history. As we get closer to election, what I want believers to think about and to understand is that no candidate on the ballot is God. Any fears that may exist about Trump should be extinguished. Although media portrays him as an American dictator, Christian voters against him should understand that we have not lost any basic rights under his presidency. And that one of
the current 12 democratic party candidates definitely does not have all the answers. Likewise, Christian voters for Trump should realize he is not the defender of the church who will keep us from persecution. On the contrary, I would argue his identity with the church does more to deter possible converts. Like an employee and an employer with a strong relationship with each other, the employee should be asked to peacefully resign
Tweets
Don’t give Sing Song power over your grades
BY TAVIAN MILES ASSISTANT SPORTS DIRECTOR
The spring semester is upon us, which means only one thing here on the campus of Abilene Christian University, Sing Song is right around the corner. Sing Song is a tradition
that has been on campus since 1957. Sing Song is a time when students come together dressed in costumes and bring props to compete in an a cappella competition. Judges then determine who has the best act between men, women and class. With that being said, we all know Sing Song is a lot of fun and lifelong friendships are made during this season, but you can’t let this get in the way of your grades. I mean learning is the reason why we’re in school right? Sing Song practices take place throughout the week and last about
two to four hours every night. This could take a toll on you if you still want to hangout with friends, go to church and overall study for class. Like how pledging can take a toll on grades and your GPA, the same consequences can happen when you’re practicing for Sing Song. Some of us might be fine and know that we can’t let our grades suffer because we need to keep that scholarship, or we need to make the dean’s list again or we need to make mom and dad proud. But in reality there are some of us that don’t know that and we need to
hear this reminder. If you’re scared about doing Sing Song and that your grades might slip and you’re thinking about quitting… don’t. Just do the simple things like go out and buy a planner if you don’t have one or even just make a Google Calendar on your computer and set out a schedule for the days leading up until Sing Song. Don’t be afraid to miss a few practices if it means studying for a test the night before. We’re here to get an education. Remember to go out and have fun, but to also make sure that you’re doing well grades-wise.
if their past actions are detrimental enough to the integrity of the company. Christian voters on both sides believe God fits better into their own political beliefs, but I wish for them to understand that God transcends this. No matter who gets voted in, we the people are protected by God in everything. Our own identity is not found in a figure in a suit and tie or in a political party, but the Word that God has given to us.
SJ @TheShelbyJayde Classes have officially started. There’s a couple making out in the campus center. Countless Louie bags. & a herd of freshman boy wearing shorts sprinting to class. Almost Christian University @ChristianAlmost It snowed and I feel bad for siggies cuz they can’t even drive on a regular day Almost Christian University @ChristianAlmost This semester we’re only going to praise Fridays. #StevenMoore2020 Emily @emschonerstedt I got my chapel probation email! Yay! Zach Good @NotToddZeile The people demand a 3-point contest between @paytonricks and @paulhiepler.
THE OPTIMIST STAFF ALLISON HARRELL
ASHLEY LANG
CARRIE JOHNSTON
KENNETH PYBUS
DILLON DANIEL
DEVON HILLARY
DAVID MITCHELL
CADE WHITE
OWEN SIMPSON
EMILY PERRYMAN
MEGHAN LONG
CELESTE KINKADE
TAVIAN MILES
WILLIAM HEYEN
EMILY SHAFER
ABBEY LEE
ANDREW NORSWORTHY
KAUY OSTLIEN
RILEY FISHER
ALYSSA HIGH
HENRY ERICKSON
SYDNEY VARNER
ERNIE GUAJARDO
AVERY JACKSON
LEAH FIKES
JALEN GARRETT
RACHEL CROSSNOE
TYLER HENDERSON
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SPORTS | Friday, January 17, 2020 | 5
Kohl brings spark to starting lineup BY OWEN SIMPSON SPORTS DIRECTOR
Junior center Kolton Kohl sticks out on campus and is a challenge to stop inside the paint. Standing a seven feet, Kohl has the height advantage in nearly every game he plays. Before coming to ACU, he played in his hometown at San Angelo Central High School, where he was awarded the district’s defensive player of the year his senior season. After redshirting his first year as a Wildcat, he started seeing increased minutes. Last season, he started four games and appeared in 30 as ACU reached the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history. Since losing to Kentucky in the first round of the NCAA tournament, Kohl said the team has had to make big adjustments about how it approach each game. “Last year, we had a few players we could go to, but this season we really emphasize team offense and team defense,” Kohl said. “We like to spread the ball and get everyone involved.” This season, five Wildcats average over eight points per game, including Kohl who’s averaging 10.4 points per game, 4.6 rebounds per game and is shooting the ball at 57.3
ahead and realize that it’s a marathon, not a sprint.” The Wildcats lost four starters last season on its run to the NCAA Tournament. Heading into this year, Kohl knew that he would have to assert himself into a serious role for the team. “We knew that we were going to have a target on our back this year. So I knew I had to state my dominance, I have to play to the best of my ability and my teammates need to be able to trust in me.” He also said this year is the best he’s felt health-wise, as Kohl came out of high school with knee injuries. “I feel good,” Kohl said. “My knees are feeling great this year, the best they’ve ever felt. I know that the recovery process was very long, but I know that God has a plan for everyone. His plan was that three years after surgery, that hard work was gonna pay off.” ACU currently sits 9-7 overall after competitive non-conference play. However, they are in second place in the conference with a 4-1 conference record. Kohl and the Wildcats will look to keep pace with the competition this Saturday when they face Southeastern Louisiana (5-12, 2-4 SLC) at 7 p.m.
“Obviously after Kentucky last season, a lot of people saw from ACU how I could play against bigger and better players.” KOLTON KOHL JUNIOR CENTER MEN’S BASKETBALL
percent. He contributes his improvement this season to his offseason work with coaches. Although behind the scenes, he believes it has shown on the court. “Obviously after Kentucky last season, a lot of people saw from ACU how I could play against bigger and better players,” Kohl said. “I think this summer, I really emphasized weight gain. I knew that during preseason, we would emphasize our skills and fundamentals, but I came up early here this summer, emphasizing the inside-out game.” Winning a conference championship is impressive enough, but the Wildcats are looking to repeat as Southland Champions. Kohl said they’re trying to stay focused on the task in front of them and not down the road. “We’re not really thinking way ahead of our schedule,” Kohl said “I know that we’re playing for each game at a time, but we try not to think
BY RILEY FISHER | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
Junior center Kolton Kohl.
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6 | Friday, January 17, 2020 | SPORTS
STANDINGS Men’s Basketball Team SFA ACU SHSU Nicholls NWSU UCA McNeese Lamar SELU UNO TXAM-CC UIW HBU
Ovrl. 14-3 9-7 12-6 11-7 7-9 5-13 8-9 9-9 5-12 6-11 6-12 4-12 1-13
Conf. 5-1 4-1 5-2 5-2 4-3 4-3 3-3 3-4 2-4 2-5 2-5 1-4 1-4
Women’s Basketball
BY RILEY FISHER | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
Sophomore guard Madi Miller takes the ball past her defender.
Miller goes down in first conference loss BY OWEN SIMPSON SPORTS DIRECTOR
The loss Saturday against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi stung more than usual for the Wildcats, as sophomore guard Madi Miller went down with a wrist injury. In the 70-58 loss, Miller collided with an Islander in the third quarter, fracturing her left wrist. She met with a specialist Monday and will not require surgery, but her return time to the court
is unknown. Miller has played in all 14 games averaging 20 minutes a game. She’s also averaging 8.6 PPG and shooting the ball at a 41% clip. The Wildcats (12-2, 4-1 SLC) were undefeated in conference play and riding an eight-game winning streak but struggled early against the Islanders (10-6, 4-2 SLC). TXAM-CC outscored ACU 22-12 in the first quarter. The Wildcats commit eight turnovers in the
first 10 minutes of play as the Islanders shot 8-15 (53.3%) in that segment. Senior forward Alexis Bryant carried the way for TXAM-CC leading all players with 20 points and eight rebounds on 10-16 shooting. She also added a pair of blocks in the winning performance. The Wildcats responded in the second quarter, trimming the Islander lead to four at the midway point, but the Islanders sealed the
game in the second half. The Islanders shot 6-10 (60%) in the fourth quarter and took advantage of the free throw opportunities throughout the game. They finished the day 22-27 (81.5%) from the charity stripe. Senior guard Dominique Golightly led ACU with 20 points, seven rebounds and three steals in the loss. She shot a dismal 6-15 but drilled three three-pointers. With the loss of Mill-
er for an unknown time, another bench player will have to fill her role as the Wildcats continue conference play. Up next ACU is back home for the second consecutive game to take on Southeastern Louisiana (5-10, 2-4 SLC) Saturday at 4:40 p.m. The game will be aired on ESPN+. Meanwhile, the Islanders will be back home Saturday hosting the Lamar Cardinals (8-7, 4-2 SLC) at 1 p.m.
Wildcats’ defense secures conference win over Islanders BY OWEN SIMPSON SPORTS DIRECTOR
The ACU men’s basketball team bounced back from its first conference loss of the season Saturday with a convincing 68-56 victory over Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. The Wildcats (9-7, 4-1 SLC) forced 25 turnovers, holding the Islanders (611, 2-4 SLC) to its fewest points in game in 2020. Senior guard Payton Ricks led the way in points for ACU with three three-pointers, three steals and 13 points. Despite the win, shooting for the Wildcats was dismal, finishing 18-52 (34.6%). It marks the lowest shooting percentage for ACU since Nov. 29
BY RILEY FISHER | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
Senior guard Payten Ricks takes the ball down the court. against SMU. Senior forward Tony Lewis shined bright for TXAM-CC. Lewis finished the evening with a double-double of 12 points
and 10 rebounds. He fouled out of the game with just under two minutes of play. The Wildcats jumped out to an 18-3 lead early, but the Islanders marched
its way back in the second half. Lewis drilled a three-pointer with 5:16 remaining to trim the deficit to just two. However ACU respond-
ed, finishing the game on a 14-4 run to seal the victory in Moody Coliseum. With the win, the Wildcats bounce back from its first conference loss of the season against McNeese, 88-84. They currently sit tied for second in the Southland with Stephen F. Austin (13-3, 4-1 SLC) and one game behind Nicholls (11-6, 5-1 SLC). Up next, ACU they wrapup its three-game home series Saturday against Southeastern Louisiana (412, 1-4 SLC) at 7 p.m. The game can be streamed live on ESPN+. Meanwhile, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi will travel to Hammond, Louisiana, to battle with Southeastern Louisiana Wednesday at 7 p.m.
BASKETBALL MATCHUP PREVIEW 2020 SEASON 76.6
POINTS PER GAME
67.1
63.4
POINTS AGAINST
75.7
44.2
FIELD GOAL %
41.3
34.5
REB/GAME
32.7
ABILENE CHRISTIAN UNIVERSIT Y (9-7)
Owen Simpson SPORTS DIRECTOR
Southeastern Louisiana has had a rough start to conference play thus far. While the Lions have been in several contested games, they sit at 5-12 on the season. Despite the poor record, more than half of its games have been decided by 10 points or less. Sophomore forward Ty Brewer has been the key factor for the Lions this year. He’s averaging a team-high 18.1 points per game and 8.1 rebounds per game, shooting the ball at a 54% clip. A key factor in this game will be how well SELU protects the basketball. They average over 16 turnovers a game while the Wildcats’ defense has been a daunting task for opponents to overcome. ACU is forcing 21 turnovers a game. They also are 11th in the NCAA in steals a game. Senior guard Payton Ricks will need to get back into his shooting form from a year ago, if ACU wants to be the team they can. Ricks is shooting 38% on the season,. Wildcats win this one, but they’ll need to keep improving its perimeter shooting. FINAL SCORE: ACU 76 SELU 69
Team SHSU SFA ACU TXAM-CC UNO UIW Lamar UCA SELU NWSU McNeese Nicholls HBU
Ovrl. 12-4 12-3 12-2 10-6 8-7 7-7 8-8 7-9 5-10 5-11 4-11 4-12 4-10
Conf. 7-0 5-1 4-1 4-2 4-2 3-2 4-3 3-4 2-4 2-5 1-5 1-6 0-5
SPORTS BRIEFS •Linebackers Coach Arteaga Jordan Junior Forward Christina J.B Brown be played a total will of 55not minutes returning to the football resulting in two shotsACU on goal and coachingtostaff contributed one next of theseason. three Instead, goals scoredhebyhas ACU.accepted In the season a job Arteaga as the Defensive opener, scored in the 27th Coordinator at Blackdefeated Hills minute as The Wildcats a statement via theState. AggiesIn3-1.
Twitter he said, ”I truly appreciate every one at ACU I had the pleasure of working with during my time there. I especially am thankful to Coach Dorrel, the rest of the staff, and all the players I was fortunate enough to coach.” •Donte Ellington was named the new Wide Recievers coach for the ACU football team Jan. 11. •Construction for a new beach volleyball court is underway on ACU’s campus. The season is set to begin in March.
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Women’s Basketball
MABRY Junior forward Makayla Mabry had an outstanding game against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi with ACU falling, 70-58. Mabry had 11 points while playing 32 minutes. This was the first conference loss for the Wildcats and the second loss overall this season. The women will be hosting Southeastern Louisiana Saturday.
Men’s Basketball SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA (5-12)
Tavian Miles
ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR
Tyler Henderson SPORTS REPORTER
The ACU men’s basketball team is off to a solid start in conference play with a record of 4-1. This Saturday, the Wildcats take on a struggling Southeastern Louisiana who are 5-12 overall and 2-4 in conference play. However, Ty Brewer is currently averaging 18.1 points per game. The Wildcats are going to have to key in on Brewer and make sure he doesn’t get hot or even get to his average. Payton Ricks and Joe Pleasant currently lead the Wildcats averaging 13.7 and 11.1 points per game respectively. So far the Wildcats’ defense is what keeps them in games as its opponents average 21.1 turnovers a game. With that being said, how well will SELU handle the pressure when they average 16 turnovers a game and give up 67.5 points a contest. For the Wildcats to win, they’re going to need to play its game, and make sure that they’re able to score points off of turnovers. I predict it’ll be a close one, but Wildcats pull away in the final minutes of the game.
Southeastern Louisiana comes to town sporting a 5-12 record on the season, set to square up against a 9-7 ACU team at Moody. ACU is coming off of a bounce-back win against A&M Corpus Christi, a game in which we saw three Wildcats get to double digits in scoring. Senior guard Payten Ricks led the charge against Corpus with a 13-point effort, followed by a 10-point showing of center Kolton Kohl. For the Wildcats, that duo will be the driving force in a win against SELU. For the Lions, look to 6’9” junior forward Pape Diop who has put up double digit showings in each of his last three games, including a 23-point showing against A&M Corpus Christi. The duo of Diop and sophomore forward Ty Brewer will present a challenge to the Wildcats’ defense. Brewer has posted video game numbers over his last five games, including a 30-point and six rebound showing against Ole Miss. The Wildcats will take another home victory, but it will be a nail biter.
FINAL SCORE: ACU 79 SELU 65
FINAL SCORE: ACU 83 SELU 79
Jalen Garrett SPORTS REPORTER
Coming off a fourth conference win this season against A&M Corpus Christi, the Wildcats host the Southeastern Louisiana Lions. Against A&M Corpus Christi, three Wildcats scored in double digits while also having a dominating defensive game. The Wildcats had its seventh game this season with more than 10 steals and are 11th in the NCAA in steals per game. They’re also number one in the Southland Conference in scoring defense. Sophomore forward Tyron Brewer and junior forward Pape Diop both are averaging over 10 points per game while shooting over 53% from the field. The Wildcats will have to keep an eye on that dynamic duo, and this game will be interesting on what the Wildcats will do defensively. This game will be an exciting one with many highs and lows. Wildcats are winning this one at home. FINAL SCORE: ACU 80 SELU 70
KOHL Junior center Kolton Kohl dominated against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, extending the Wildcats record to 9-7. Kohl scored 12 points while only playing 20 minutes the entire game. He also had six rebounds. ACU ended up winning the game, 80-56, and ACU will be hosting the Lions of Southeastern Louisiana Saturday.
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