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A student publication of Abilene Christian University since 1912
Volume CVIII, Issue XXII
Friday April 26, 2019
News
Sports
Fifty-four students were recognized on Thursday afternoon as University Scholars for their academic achievements and demonstration of knowledge and skill in their appropriate field..................Page 2
Baseball was 3-1 last week at home with wins over Arlington Baptist, 11-1, and a 2-1 series win over Lamar. The Wildcats’ record improves to 21-18 overall and 8-10 in conference play.............................................Page 6
F S S M T
W
T
Opinion Though the university has made strides in their efforts toward racial inclusion and equality, the addition of an African American studies class would help to close the gap in education....................Page 5
Photo by LEXI WALTER | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
CAMPUS NEWS
Kelsey Buhlig, senior nursing major from the Woodlands, joins in one of her final evenings as a Wildcat during the Senior Candlelight service Thursday night at the Beauchamp Amphitheatre.
Two Fulbright Scholars prepare for year abroad EMMA CONATSER COPY EDITOR
Two students, Angela Jirik and Mackenzie Dalton, were named Fulbright Scholars and received awards in the form of travel grants to teach English abroad. The Fulbright Program, founded in 1946, seeks to “increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries,” according to their website. With its extensive application process and selective nature, awards from the program are something that required from these students years of work, dedication and mentoring to achieve.
For this program specifically, students are required to hold a Bachelor’s degree and be proficient in the language they plan to teach in their host country. The two students, after having gained their TESOL certification, gained an advantage as candidates for the award. Jirik, a senior Spanish education major from Keller, is teaching Jirik English in Columbia and said she is excited to see what Columbia has in store. “I’m going to be in Monteria as an English teaching assistant at a university there,” Jirik said.
“I don’t know their language level, I don’t know what it will look like, but I’ll be teaching them English and teaching them about American culture.” For Jirik, the application process was something of a culmination of her entire college career – not one essay or one project, but four years of work. “I knew I wanted to do it since freshman year, since my first semester here,” Jirik said. “I got my TESOL certification and then last summer, I did a volunteer opportunity with an international volunteer organization in Bogotá,” Jirik said. She said she hopes her experiences in Columbia will prepare her for a life-
time of work similar to next year. “I love seeing Latin American countries and I want to live there permanently one day,” Jirik said. “I’m wanting to get better at Spanish; you always can be more fluent. I’m looking forward to learning how to teach in different contexts with different learners.” Dalton, a senior accounting Dalton major from Little Rock, is teaching English to students in Malaysia, but will not know where in the country nor what age students she will teach until January. Both Dalton and Jirik
will receive English Teaching Assistantships for their time abroad. ETA’s are awarded to students who have committed to a variety of hours teaching in their host countries, and in some cases, students who have gained proficiency in the language of their host country. Dalton said she’s looking to use the opportunity to gain experience before advancing to law school. She was accepted into Baylor Law School and starts there in the Spring of 2021. As she looks forward to the opportunities working in Malaysia will afford, Dalton said experiences like this one are important. “I believe this opportunity to teach and live
abroad would be beneficial for any career, but I think it will be especially helpful as I prepare for a profession in law because of the international experience I will gain during my time in Malaysia.” Both Jirik and Dalton are honors students, something that comes with an advantage, as Dr. Jason Morris, dean of the Honors College, has received two Fulbright awards and stands as a mentor for students as they pursue the award. “I think it’s just getting an opportunity to engage a culture on a deep level, those deep bonds that you develop last a lifetime,” Morris said. “You create a more peaceful world.”
SPORTS
Phase two of golf facility constructing parking lot, clubhouse LAUREN FRANCO EDITOR IN CHIEF
After completing the fouracre short-game practice course, the second phase of construction began on the new golf facility. Drew Long, deputy director of athletics-internal operations, said athletics completed the course earlier in the academic year, and it recovered well from winter break. “The team has been really excited about that and so has the coach,” Long said. Phase two, the clubhouse, will include offices, locker rooms and a training
area for the team as well as hitting bays and swing training bays with virtual hitting, a team meeting space and patio that overlooks the short-game area. “Everything right now is tracking well, we’re going to start having our weekly update construction meetings on Monday,” Long said. Over the next six to eight months, in addition to building the facility, construction crews will work on moving the main entrance from Ambler to Judge Ely. As athletics started considering what they would need for the facility, they wanted to consider the
possibility of expanding to include a women’s golf program, Long said. Long also said the golf facility is similar in size and scope to the $1.6 million tennis facility that was completed for this season. Originally, the construction schedule started with the short-range course and then the driving range, finishing with the building, but the clubhouse construction was moved up in priority. As more of an official driving range with hitting bays facing the freeway and Ambler, phase three has not picked up a lot of steam. Long said including more
features in the facility would require more maintenance. “A lot that goes into maintaining a golf course, when you start to add features, it’s more equipment that you have to factor into projects. It comes down to available funds, donor and coach preference,” Long said. Jack Connor, redshirt junior, said practicing at the Jim has been great because it’s the best short-game facility in Abilene. “It’s located right here on our campus, it is always in exceptional condition and we have the ability to hit just about any shot imaginable from 110 yards
The Jim, across from campus on Judge Ely was completed in time for this year’s golf season. in,” Connor said. “The Jim along with our clubhouse will be huge for our program in the future. Recruits will be blown away when they come to Abilene for a visit and see that ACU Golf has facilities that very few
other schools have to offer. “The only potential downside I see to having the clubhouse is the fact that Coach Shaw may end up charging some of us rent for how much time we’ll be spending out there.”
Page 2 | Campus News
Friday, April 26, 2019
TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL Fifty-four students recognized as University Scholars
School of Nursing Name
Department
Trace McKnight
School of Nursing
Sarah Sakakeeny
School of Nursing
Audrey Skogg
School of Nursing
College of Biblical Studies Name
Department
Zachary Fetter
Bible, Misson and Ministry
Riley Stirman
Bible, Misson and Ministry
College of Business Administration Name
MCKENZIE BONAM STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Of the graduating class of May and December 2019, 54 University Scholars were nominated to be presented medals on Thursday. As Teacher of the Year from 2018, Dr. Rodney Ashlock, chair of the Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry, brought a charge to the scholars at the ceremony about servant leadership and caring about kindness more than knowledge. To qualify as a University Scholar, students must maintain a 3.5 GPA or higher. They are reviewed for the demonstration of knowledge and skill in the research of their appropriate field, acquiring at least 90 hours of academia while enrolled in an undergraduate program. Provided the prerequisites, students are nominated by faculty across all
27 departments on campus then presented for selection to the Faculty Senate in the Provost’s Office for the final decision Scholars were escorted by the faculty member who nominated them and were presented with a certificate and a medallion to wear at the commencement ceremonies in May and December. Logan Church-Owens, senior double major in English and Biblical Text from Houston, said this ceremony was especially meaningful to him because he got to experience it with two English professors who’ve had strong impacts on him. “The English department has always had a special place in my heart, especially their faculty, who have consistently cared for, encouraged and supported me my entire college career,” Church-Owens said. Church-Owens said En-
glish professor Dr. Todd Womble, who placed the medal around his neck at the ceremony, was his inspiration to pursue his master’s in English. Dr. Mikee Delony, Church-Owens’ first English professor wrote the message said while he received the medal. Julia Teel, a senior painting major from Abilene said her undergraduate research titled “When, Where and Why: Experimental Elements in the Work of Pierre Bonnard, Edward Hopper and Contemporary Relational Aesthetics” qualified her for the nomination. “This opportunity has given me more experience doing art research, which will prepare me for, hopefully, a career in art museums,” Teel said. After graduation, Teel said she plans to spend a couple of years working, doing internships and getting
ready for graduate school in museum studies. Erika Teilmann, business management and marketing double major from Sugarland, said she qualified with her Griggs Center involvement. She also served as president of Enactus for the past two years and is currently working as a business analyst at Deloitte Consulting. “My involvement at ACU has given me hands-on experiences in my chosen field and cultivated skills in critical thinking, entrepreneurship, and communication,” Teilmann said. “All of which serve me well as a business consultant.” Church-Owens said the ceremony was a fantastic experience and a great finale to his four years as an English major. “It reminded me how grateful I am to be at ACU,” Church-Owens said.
Department
Erin Bryant
Accounting and Finance
Elisabeth Danelski
Accounting and Finance
Lincoln Jones
Accounting and Finance
Jackson Monroe
Accounting and Finance
Erika Teilman
Name
Department
Name
Department
Carter Johnson
Agricultural & Environmental Science
Lauren Franco
Journalism & Mass Communication
Rebekah Poe
Agricultural & Environmental Science
Claire Halpin
Journalism & Mass Communication
Adeline Lutz
Art & Design
Dylan Owens
Journalism & Mass Communication
Julia Teel
Art & Design
Hannah Bowling
Language & Literature
Meagan Benson
Biology
Jacob Buller
Language & Literature
Sophia Craft
Biology
Angela Jirik
Language & Literature
Rebecca Soo
Biology
Kylie Kincaid
Language & Literature
Hannah Head
Chemistry & Biochemistry
Logan Owens
Language & Literature
Emily Mikeska
Chemistry & Biochemistry
Magda Rodriguez
Language & Literature
Austin Parsons
Chemistry & Biochemistry
Marissa Lietz
Music
Henry Touchton
Chemistry & Biochemistry
Sarah Conley
Political Science & Criminal Justice
Diego Zometa
Chemistry & Biochemistry
Shelby Weddle
Political Science & Criminal Justice
Kayler Hatfield
Communication & Sociology
Adine DeLeon
Psychology
Jared Barker
Engineering & Physics
Melissa Gant
Psychology
Samuel Mulder
Engineering & Physics
Emily Studer
Psychology
Alexandria Buller
History & Global Studies
Andrew Boone
Theatre
Amber Chavez
Journalism & Mass Communication
Andrew Gilliland
Theatre
Management Sciences
Kevin Shurtz
School of Information Technology & Computing
Lauren Walker
School of Information Technology & Computing
College of Education and Human Services Name
College of Arts and Sciences
Department
Cassandra Poole
Communication Sciences & Disorders
Megan Widder
Communication Sciences & Disorders
Cayla Clark
Kinesiology & Nutrition
Laurah Lopez
Kinesiology & Nutrition
Marlena Pierce
Kinesiology & Nutrition
Mary Nettles
School of Social Work
Shannon Que
School of Social Work
Jordyn Arendse
Teacher Education
POLICE LOG SELECTED ACUPD CALLS FOR THE WEEK 04/19/2019 2:00 p.m. A student reported he left his vehicle unlocked and that when he returned, his backpack with his Apple Ipad and Apple laptop were missing. ACUPD has recovered some of the stolen property and the investigation continues. 04/21/2019 8:30 a.m. An ACU coach reported that his unlocked vehicle with keys in it had been stolen overnight from ACU Drive near UP Apts. 04/22/2019 7:12 p.m. ACUPD Officers spoke with a citizen who reported subject(s) were outside being loud and cursing. Officers spoke with the tenants and gave them a verbal warning. 04/23/2019 2:54 p.m. A citizen reported two subjects in the street arguing. ACUPD and APD Officers responded and spoke with the subject(s) involved. They were advised to split up for night. 911 CALL.............................................................1 ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIVITY........................................................30 ADVICE.............................................................0 ALCOHOL INCIDENT.............................1 ANIMAL CALL.............................................0 ASSIST................................................................3 ATTEMPT TO LOCATE..........................0 BARRICADES..............................................6 BOOT/UNBOOT VEHICLE...............2 BUILDING LOCK/UNLOCK.......................................16 BURGLARY(RESIDENCE).................2 CART PATROL.............................................3 CHECK BUILDING............................343
DIRECT TRAFFIC........................................1 DISTURBANCE...........................................0 DOMESTIC DISTURBANCE............0 ESCORT.............................................................2 FIRE.....................................................................0 FOOT PATROL............................................0 FOUND PROPERTY................................1 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...........................................................607
Chief Ellison’s Weekly Tip ACUPD reminds everyone: always lock your car, take your keys and never leave valuables inside your vehicle. If you see any suspicious activity please contact us.
Feature | Page 3
Friday, April 26, 2019
ROAD TO RECOVERY
MACCC seeks to provide physical and emotional healing for students DILLION DANIEL MANAGING EDITOR
With finals around the corner and homework building for each student, counselors like Tyson Alexander see episodes of anxiety and depression increase in students. As the interim director, Alexander wants students to feel open to going to the Medical and Counseling Care Center to be healed of these issues, things are common but can be treated. The MACCC works to accomplish making appointments prioritizing the client above all else. Programs like 13 Reasons Why show characters getting frustrated with their parents or teachers who don’t allow them to explain themselves properly. While fictional, statements at the beginning of the show explain the intent is to bring legitimate issues and feelings people have to the surface, to make it easier for teens and young adults to be heard. With no limit to appointments and flexibility to the appointment cost, counseling sessions are more student and mental stability-focused. The intent of this is to establish personal counsel between the counselor and the client. This is something Alexander said he believes
Photo by RILEY FISHER | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER larger universities can’t accomplish as well. Counseling services at each university vary depending on its available staff as well as the student population. For example, when examining the services offered at Texas A&M Corpus Christi, they utilize the “brief therapy model.” Sessions are 15 to 20 minutes and are limited to “15 sessions per academic year.” “Since the Counseling Center utilizes a brief therapy model, students who need intensive weekly counseling or long-term treatment are not a good fit for our services,” said a statement from the TAMUCC Counseling Center.
Although the brief therapy model is a practical fit for the size of TAMUCC, Psychology Today describes person-centered therapy as a method that is more client-focused, meaning clients take more leadership in the discussion which allows them to discover their own solutions to their own struggle. “Students are allowed to come to the counseling center for anything whether it’s school anxiety, social anxiety or even as severe as clinical depression or depressive episodes,” Alexander said. “Counseling is for anyone that could have something going on internally that is affecting their external lives.” With a staff of four licensed and experienced counselors, the MACCC has rendered counseling services to 25 percent of the 4,544 students enrolled at ACU. Although the counseling center is being utilized, Alexander wants people to know that it is not like state university counseling; the MACCC wants to eliminate problems before they increase. He said he believes when not taken care of properly, students allow their anxieties to grow, making their cases more intense than they
need to be. “Anxiety and depression have been on the growth for ten years,” Alexander said. His statement mirrors modern statistics, showing a trend in the development of anxiety in teens an young adults. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America says 50 percent of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin developing by age 14, while “75 percent...begin developing by age 24.” This development of anxiety disorders comes from a combination of various things. Along with academic responsibilities, Learn Psychology says college students also have to deal with finances, living in a new/unfamiliar place and post-graduate plans. With a growing number of students vocalizing their struggles, it is clear that these issues do not fit into one specific group. Recent statistics indicate that “40 million U.S. adults suffer from an anxiety disorder and 75 percent of them experience their first episode of anxiety by the age of 22,” while “85 percent of college students reported they had felt overwhelmed
by everything they had to do at some point within the past year,” according to a report from the ADAA. Regarding these numbers, Alexander said, “While this is probably because students are vocalizing it more, which is unique to this generation, we want them to feel safe coming here so we can assist the issue.” “Students have come in here for a variety of different reasons whether it’s everyday anxiety because of school or more severe onset depression,” Alexander said. Students believe the toll this has taken on them is extraneous with “41.6 percent stating anxiety as the top concern” and “30 percent reported that stress had negatively affected their academic performance.” Each week, the staff comes together for a devotional or prayer time, praying over students that will be present for sessions that week. While Christianity is not brought up in every session, it influences the MACCC’s approach to therapy. By doing this, they believe they have a strong foundation to help students in their hurting. Alexander said he knows that faith is not
something every student wants in counseling, however, the intent of having counselors who are believers is not only to fit the principles ACU follows but to allow the clients to be helped in any way possible. Toward the end of the semester, the center conducts client feedback reports, and Alexander said responses are often positive. “We’re glad our feedback shows that students are left satisfied,” Alexander said. “Our questions are based on a fivepoint scale, with many responses receiving a four or five. Clients are happy that the counselors are listening to them and offering helpful feedback.” This feedback has also shown better retention rates of students who went through counseling. Although these stats fall under the confidentiality policy of the counseling center, Alexander said that many students feel better after coming back here after their experiences. If students are feeling better about coming back to ACU, he said this means the Center is doing its job and accomplishing the goals they set themselves out to do. Although it can be hard for students to cross the threshold into seeking help for their problems, the MACCC ensures that they are a viable source to assist issues from getting more severe. The second most common cause of death among teens and young adults is suicide, which is often seen as the only end to hurt for these victims. Taking this into account, Alexander believes the MACCC has the sources to prevent these drastic cases. “Something that we want students to know coming here is that we not only offer advice but that we ensure them that this is a place where they can experience ultimate healing.”
T BO O
Friday, May 3, 2019 • 7:00 p.m. Friday,Paramount May3, 3, 2019 2019Theatre ••7:00 Friday, May 7:00p.m. p.m. Paramount Paramount Theatre Directed by Betty Ann BlackburnTheatre • Hosted by Dr. Larry McGraw
Underwritten First FinancialHosted Bank& &Midway Plumbing Directed by BettybybyAnn Blackburn byMidway Dr. Larry McGraw Underwritten First Financial•Bank Plumbing Directed by Betty Ann Blackburn • Hosted by Dr. Larry McGraw
Sponsored by Lynn Ingalsbe Attorney at Law & Abilene Teachers Federal Credit Union
Sponsored by Lynnby Ingalsbe at Law & Abilene Federal Credit Union Underwritten FirstAttorney Financial BankTeachers & Midway Plumbing This project is supported by a grant from the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council, HeARTS for the ARTS, Sponsored by Lynn Ingalsbe Attorney at Law & Abilene Teachers Federal Credit the Abilene Arts Alliance, the City of Abilene, and the Texas Commission on the Arts. on! siiosns!iUnion mdism d A A e This project is supported by a grant from the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council, HeARTS for the ARTS, e e r celebrationsingersabilene.com F Fre celebrationsingersabilene.com This project is supported by a grant from the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council, HeARTS for the ARTS, the Abilene Arts Alliance, the City of Abilene, and the Texas Commission on the Arts.
the Abilene Arts Alliance, the City of Abilene, and the Texas Commission on the Arts.
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Honor your graduate with an ad in ACU’s newspaper The Optimist Special Commencement Edition
Order your GRAD AD today! acuoptimist.com/gradads Deadline May 1st
Sign-up Now for Summer and Fall 2019 Housing! Call now to schedule a showing and to reserve your off-campus house. 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
Submit your photos and wording online. Small, Medium or Large ad sizes available. Color or Black & White options. Prices vary. For additional information, please contact Optimist Advertising: 325-674-2819 | optimist@acu.edu | acuoptimist.com/gradads
Call (325) 674-6817 Contact Terry Bowman Director of Off-Campus Housing bowmant@acu.edu
Page 4 | Gallery
Friday, April 26, 2019
GREEN WEEK
Despite rain, SGA and Wildcats for Sustainability celebrated Earth Day
Above: A student laughs with Chartwells employees Max Schiller and Lindsay Arthur. Below: Genevieve Martin, sophomore biochemistry major from Abilene, picks up plastics that fell out of the trash bag so they can continue to sort the items.
Destiny Brokaw, junior biology major from Montgomery sifts through recycled plastics. Brokaw is the president of Wildcats for Sustainability and said her goal is to “create awareness around campus on the importance of recycling.�
Students wait in line to choose a free plant to take home on Earth Day. Student Government Association handed them out for free in the Campus Center on Monday.
Left: Genevieve Martin, sophomore biochemistry major from Abilene, picks up plastics that fell out of the trash bag so they can continue to sort the items. Above:
Friday, April 26, 2019
Opinion| Page 5
STAFF COLUMNS
Theatre is about more than just putting on a show THE FISHER-MAN RILEY FISHER STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Freshman theatre major from Abilene
When I decided to come to ACU as a theater major, I was blessed with supportive friends and family. However, countless people have still asked me questions like “what are you going to do with that?” and “why theater?” Some people just give a surprised “oh” in response. This makes me won-
der why fewer and fewer people see the fine arts as a pursuable career path in today’s culture. It seems to be getting harder and harder to find people willing to support the arts. As a theater major, I get to see a different side of the university – the side that brings artistic dreams to life by telling stories.
Being in this department means more than that, though. It means that we as artists, but also as a community and a university, should use our opportunities to bring people together. I believe in theater, because it provides opportunities for incredibly important discussions about topics that people don’t always enjoy bringing up. Shows are usually not simply put on for fun. Quite often, they have deeper themes that the writer and director wish to convey. Bringing this concept
to life is one of the jobs of an actor, and it is no easy task. When an audience watches a show, it develops a special, intimate and emotional connection with the performers. People may come to the theater simply expecting to enjoy a show that takes them away from the routine uniformity of their day-to-day activities, but the connection they leave with is deeper than that. Shows like each year’s Cornerstone production have themes that are easily identifiable and pro-
mote discussion, but part of the fun of going to any show is dissecting it after it ends. My family always talks through our thoughts after each show we see together. Even shows like Seussical, this year’s 24 Hour Musical, have underlying metaphors that the directors work into their conceptual visions. Directors want something to stick with everyone who sees a show. Sure, I lean towards defending theater because of my personal bias. After all, I am pursuing an
arts degree because of it. However, I also try to acknowledge the important work that others do in their fields. Support can be circular. Showing someone that you care about what they do can encourage them to show the same support to you. Everyone deserves credit where it is due, so rather than tell people their jobs are “easy” or dismissing the work people put into doing what they love, we should respect that work, no matter what field it is in.
Fine arts deserve recognition for hard work, long practices DILL PICKLE DILLON DANIEL MANAGING EDITOR
sophomore Bible major from Fort Worth Sporting events are some of the most attended and watched spectacles in the United States. According to Fortune. com, the amount of viewers for Super Bowl LIII reached 103.4 million, even if ratings decreased since the last year’s super bowl. The market for sports is one of the biggest industries around the world. Each year we get a new installment of Madden or NBA 2K video games, gear from the hottest teams and servers crash as millions of viewers try to bypass pay-per-view in order to watch the next “fight of the century.”
Likewise, students on campus rally around athletics. Football attendance is at a record high, and the men’s and women’s basketball teams were recognized nationally for their first appearances in March Madness. So, why don’t the fine arts receive the same level of praise as athletics? When I attend a football game, I’m excited just like everyone else. However, my emotions at the end are dependent on the team’s performance. Whether it’s a symphony, an ensemble, a soloist or a theatrical performance, I am
blown away by the performance that was laid out. Both athletics and fine arts require constant practice and improvement of the player or the performer. While athletes train and repeat plays, musicians and theatrical actors are doing the same thing. Nonetheless, athletics still manage to achieve hot topic status while the arts stick to the back and get attendance and recognition from mostly former performers or critics. Many times at school, it’s the parents who attend. Even though the work done by performers and musicians on campus is comparable to professional work, it’s almost forgotten about, overshadowed by a game that is scheduled for the same day. Everyone in both these
“
Attendance for orchestra concerts lacks behind the attendance for sporting events tremendously.”
ALANNA CURLEY, MUSIC EDUCATION MAJOR FROM FLOWER MOUND
departments have worked hard to get the university where it is today, said Kellum Harris, junior music education major from Stephenville, but not everyone sees that. “ACU’s athletic teams are now Div. I, which makes this a Div. I school. I feel that the skill set that the students have in fine arts are D1 as well, so I believe the recognition we get should match that of athletics,” Harris said.
It is also obvious where priorities on campus lie in regard to both departments. Wildcat Stadium is a nicer facility than Shotwell Stadium, and is more convenient, being on campus, for students to attend any home games. With a new field for a new team, this would usually be a motivating element for any sports organization. As a result, this was motivating enough for the football team to go 2-7 its inaugural year. Some fine arts students feel this shift in budget is not against the department, but feel that they were not prioritized because of how recognized they were. Alanna Curley, music education major from Flower Mound, said attendance for orchestra concerts is usually lacking relative to sporting
events. “While football games and basketball games get advertised all around campus, the only thing in fine arts that comes close is the homecoming musical.” Decreased advertising for performances or plays is recognized in the budget, which means even less advertisement; this is a never-ending cycle. It takes a tremendous amount of talent to be an all-star athlete or a musical prodigy. It is time to recognize that there is just as much talent being displayed on a stage as on a field, if not more. Tré Mcleod, junior musical theater and accounting major, and Kasey Birchfield, junior musical theater and business major, pose during “Jet Set.”
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
The university needs an African American history course SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR ALEXANDRIA BULLER
senior global studies major from Newton, Kansas
Minority histories are often-ignored pieces of the American story. I would like to address African American history in particular due to ACU’s history of systematic exclusion of this group, with the hope that this can be the beginning of honoring the histories of all minorities on campus. Since ACU began admitting African Amer-
ican students in 1962, the university has grown more diverse, and organizations on campus have demonstrated a commitment to facilitating further diversity. While this is certainly progress, one area presents a glaring disparity: academics. This year, ACU offered African American History for the first time ever. The class has been a success, with
a larger-than-normal class size for history and half non-major students. It is clearly something students want and it brings revenue to the university (with an average of $500 per credit hour, the tuition paid for this class is more than some professors make in a semester). Though a triumph in itself, the class is being taught by Jeremy Elliott, an English professor, who said, “This was one of my minor fields. I feel like the academic equivalent of a first responder. We need a proper doctor here.” This gap in education
is embarrassing; one of ACU’s five strategic goals is diversity, but there doesn’t seem to be any urgency for expanding classwork to reflect this goal. It is imperative that ACU teaches African American history, not just to expand our understanding of the subject, but also because this history is fundamentally American history. Many students have little to no knowledge of the history of race in America. We have failed to equip students to think about these things, and it is impossible to address contemporary racial issues
“
This gap in education is embarrassing; one of ACU’s five strategic goals is diversity, but there doesn’t seem to be any urgency for expanding classwork to reflect this goal.”
ALEXANFRIA BULLER, SENIOR GLOBAL STUDIES MAJOR FROM NEWTON, KANSAS
without a deeper understanding of our past. I recently heard Reverend James Lawson, a leader during the Civil Rights Movement, speak. He stated, “Whether we like
it or not, we cannot fully recapture the past. But we must recapture enough so we can be better humans today and avoid the same mistakes.” ACU has not done enough to recapture our own racial history and the larger American narrative. The university gives lip-service to expanding diversity, but we can’t seem to find the money to hire a qualified professor to teach African American history. We need to hire diverse faculty to teach this class and others like it, lest we implicate ourselves in a toxic moderation that goes nowhere.
Buller’s letter to the editor represents desire for inclusion Signed by JONATHAN CAMP ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF COMMUNICATIONS CLIFF BARBARICK ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF NEW TESAMENT ORNEITA BURTON ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF MANAGEMENT SCIENCES KELLY ELLIOT ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF HISTORY RON MORGAN CHAIR OF THE HISTORY DEPARTMENT DOUG FOSTER PROFESSOR OF CHURCH HISTORY
SUZIE MACALUSO ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF SOCIOLOGY VICTOR MCCRACKEN ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF BIBLE DAN MORRISON ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF SOCIOLOGY JERRY TAYLOR ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF BIBILE
Carl Spain’s 1960 speech denouncing racist admission policies at Abilene Christian College is now widely celebrated in the ACU community. This seminal moment is en-
shrined on the photographic timeline in the lobby of Hunter Welcome Center, and it is featured in The ACU Century coffee table book. But Spain wasn’t the only voice calling the university to account. Months before, a group of his students requested a meeting with President Morris to question the racist admission policies and insist on integration of ACC. Alexandria Buller’s Letter to the Editor places her in good company. Throughout our history, many of our students have connected deeply with our mission
and insist we live up to the best of our Christian ideals. We need to listen to these students and develop a response that institutes meaningful and substantive change. We must welcome the moral clarity they offer because, just like Spain’s students in the 1950s, they are free from the power attachments and status quo pressures that often influence our own discernment. We applaud ACU’s stated commitment to racial inclusion and cultural competence, as reflected in the third goal of the Strategic Plan. Recent months have seen significant strides. The
THE
recently launched Carl Spain Center on Race Studies and Spiritual Action is taking bold steps to bridge racial divides. The university provided significant support with the new book, Slavery’s Long Shadow, which was written to supplement the undergraduate survey course in American History and religion. A group of faculty have been working on a Maymester course on Civil Rights that includes a tour through the Deep South. Starting this fall, the History and Global Studies department will offer a new interdisciplinary minor Gender and Multicultural Studies. These efforts are
important, but further action is needed. Alexandria’s letter represents many of our top students who are calling for Kingdom level strides toward inclusion, equity, and cultural competence. We agree with her call to strengthen curriculum with new courses, both in general education and within specific degree plans, which will strengthen the University’s goal for racial and ethnic inclusion and cultural competence for all students. We also call for strategic faculty hires and increased diversity in our administration to support this goal.
O PTI M I ST
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Page 6 | Sports
Friday, April 26, 2019
TENNIS
Wildcats await Southland tournament “ RACHEL POE SPORTS REPORTER
The men and women’s tennis teams have claimed the Southland Conference crown in the past week. The men took the conference crown for their program’s first Southland Conference regular-season title on April 12. The men also won their 20th straight match the following day, their first 20-win season since 2012. The Wildcats defeated the Cardinals 4-3 featuring junior Jonathan Sheehy. He won his three-set comeback over Evans, 5-7, 6-3, 6-3 and also had a 6-4 win over Boisseau and Valentinsson with his doubles partner Junior Nikolas Moceanu. Junior Jackson Fine and Senior Cole Lawson beat Evans and Mortier to also grab a victory 6-4. For singles, the Cardinals never took the lead on the Wildcats. The visitors tied the score at 1-1 when Dryer dispatched freshman Akinori Wada in straight sets, 6-2, 6-2. However the Wildcats immediately regained the lead, to 2-1, after senior Josh Sheehy took down Mortier, 6-3, 6-4. Mocaenu provided the Wildcats with a 3-1 lead after coming from a set down to beat Boisseau, 4-6, 6-2, 6-2 for the win. Freshman Riley Tran tied his match at one set apiece with a 6-2 second-set win, but then fell 6-1 in the third set to Valentinsson. Freshman DimBASEBALL
Moments like these are why I play tennis. The hard work and dedication our team has put in really paid off.” JONATHAN SHEEHY JUNIOR TENNIS PLAYER
Photo by MCKENZIE BONAM|PHOTOGRAPHER ACU men’s team playing against Lamar at home. The Wildcats won the match, 4-3, on April 12th
itris Azoides won his first set vs. Bendana, 7-5, but dropped his second set as Jonathan Sheehy was beginning his third versus Evans. Jonathan Sheehy said the clinching match was one of the greatest moments of his college career. “Moments like these are why I play tennis,” Sheehy said, “The hard work and dedication our team has put in really paid off this weekend, but we aren’t done yet.” The next day, the men won their 20th match of the season with a 4-3 victory over UTSA. Freshman Azoides scored the match-winning point at singles coming back from a set down to defeat Reckow, 5-7,7-5, 6-4. The last time the Wildcats earned a 20-win campaign was in 2012, when they posted 21-9 en route to reaching the NCAA DII quarterfinals. Meanwhile, the women’s tennis team captured the
Southland Conference regular-season title after winning 4-3 over the league’s defending regular-season and tournament champions, McNeese on Saturday. The match-clinching point was recorded by freshman Allison Stewart, whose 15-9 regular-season single record includes a perfect 11-0 showing against Southland competition It was followed by Mastilovic and Erlandsson beating sophomore Nini Memishishi and junior Sarah Adams, 6-4. Bellow and Mocciola now lead the Wildcats with 15 doubles wins together, while Stewart and Henry are 6-4. Bellow went on to give ACU a 2-0 lead with her 12th win of the spring, beating Mastilovic, 6-2, 6-2. But the Cowgirls rallied twice to tie the score at 2-2 and 3-3. McNeese recorded consecutive straight-set wins and then tied the score a second time
following Fioretti’s 6-4, 6-4 match over Adams. Stewart then held off Moreno for the deciding point, 6-2, 7-5, by becoming the first Wildcat to register a perfect Southland Conference regular-season since Pothier and Williams, the current graduate assistant coach. The Wildcats finished their last regular season match with a 4-3 win against Midwestern State on Tuesday. MSU’s team of Norrie and Palacios topped ACU’s Moceanu and Tran, and Pineda and McCaig edged Fine and Lawson 7-6 (5). It was their first loss in five matches. At the top line, the Sheehy brothers played to a 5-5 unfinished draw against DII’s 21st- ranked duo of Westwick and Diaz. The brothers bounced back in their singles to give ACU a 2-1 lead. Josh, who is ranked 112th in today’s
ITA rankings, defeated Palacios, 6-2, 6-2, while his younger brother Jonathan downed Pineda, 6-2, 6-3. Josh has won his last seven matches, improving to 18-4 on the spring, while Jon’s record stands at 14-8 thanks to his current fourmatch winning streak. With Tuesday’s results, the Wildcats finished their regular season with 96 singles victories through 25 matches and won 60 percent of their doubles contests (37-24). “It was exhilarating going undefeated in conference,” Josh Sheehy said, “I couldn’t think of a better way to close out my senior year. Now we just need to keep pushing hard and go win the conference tournament this weekend.” ACU’s next match is against four-seed Nicholls at the Southland Conference Championship 2 p.m. Friday. The winner will face the victor of Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and Incarnate Word for the conference championship. Meanwhile, the women continue their tournament run looking to advance to the Southland Conference championship 2 p.m. on Friday.
Wildcats grab series victory, move up in Southland standings BREVEN CAMPBELL SPORTS REPORTER
ACU baseball was 3-1 last week at home with wins over Arlington Baptist and a series win over Lamar. The Wildcats won the series 2-1. It began the week with a 11-0 win over the Patriots, April 16. Senior catcher Luis Trevino started the game with a two-run home run giving the Wildcats a 2-0 lead. This was Trevino’s 11th home run of the season. Sophomore outfielder Colton Eager hit a RBI single in the third inning to add another run. An
error scored another run, as well. The fifth inning is when ACU ran away with the game, scoring five more runs. Sophomore infielder Seth Watts started the scoring with an RBI double. Later, junior catcher Lane Bourland brought in three more runs with a home run over the leftfield wall. Trevino drove in the final run with an RBI single and finished the game with five RBI’s. ACU went into the series against Lamar 1-0 on the week. Game one, junior right-handed pitcher Spen-
cer Chirpich grabbed his 10th start of the season last Thursday. Chirpich and the Wildcats started the game with a three-up three-down inning. Lamar took a 1-0 lead in the second inning on an RBI single, but Chirpich responded with a 1-2-3 inning in the third. In the bottom of the third, senior outfielder Derek Scott drove in his 19th RBI of the season with a double. A sacrifice fly from Trevino brought in the second run of the inning and gave the Wildcats the lead. In the fourth inning, junior infielder Ryne Randle
hit his second home run of the season, bringing in two more runs for ACU. Junior infielder Dalton Dunn added the final run of the inning with a RBI infield-single. ACU led 5-1 after four innings, but Lamar answered with two runs in the fifth inning. Trevino, however, answered back with an RBI triple in the fifth inning. Lamar scored one more run, but was not enough to amount to anything as ACU opened the series with a 6-4 win. In game 2, Lamar got off to a big lead early and refused to let ACU answer as the
Cardinals took game 2, 13-1. Wrapping up the series, ACU earned an early lead with an RBI ground-out by Trevino bringing in Dunn. Lamar tied the game, 1-1, with a solo home run in the third, but in the fourth inning, ACU scored two unearned runs on errors. After a back and forth battle offensively, the Wildcats finished on top, 6-5, to win the series. Up next, ACU will continue its home stand as they face McNeese State this weekend in a three game series. The first pitch of the series is set to take place at 6:30 on Friday.
STANDINGS Softball Team
Ovrl.
Nicholls SHSU McNeese SFA SLU NSU Lamar UCA HBU ACU TXAM-CC UIW
28-18 26-19 24-25 29-17 29-18 23-21 22-28 22-25 20-20 10-28 8-38 4-37
SLC 17-4 17-4 15-6 14-7 14-7 13-8 11-7 8-13 7-14 3-18 3-18 2-19
Baseball Team
Ovrl.
SHSU SLU UIW UCA SFA NSU TXAM-CC Nicholls ACU McNeese HBU Lamar UNO
22-16 22-19 26-14 21-20 18-23 23-16 25-18 19-21 21-18 20-21 13-27 14-27 19-21
SLC 14-7 12-6 13-8 11-7 11-7 12-9 11-10 10-11 8-10 7-11 6-12 6-15 5-13
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Baseball
Trevino For the third week in a row, redshirt senior catcher Luis Trevino has found himself competing at peak performance. Trevino is leading the Southland Conference in batting average, (.407) home runs (11) and RBI’s (51). Trevino had five hits, eight RBI’s and a home run over the 3-1 week. He’s boasted over a .400 average for the past four consecutive weeks. His average ranks 14th in the nation and 59 hits which is tied for 29th. Up next, the Wildcats will take on McNeese State in a three-game series here at Crutcher Scott field. The first pitch is set for 6:30 p.m. Friday.
Golf
BASEBALL PREVIEW 2019 SEASON STATS
ABILENE CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
Allison
6.5
RUNS PER GAME
5.7
6.4
RUNS ALLOWED PG
5.3
W1
CURRENT STREAK
L3
9TH
CONFERENCE RANK
10TH
(20-21)
(21-18)
OWEN SIMPSON SPORTS DIRECTOR
MCNEESE STATE UNIVERSITY
MAX PRESTON SPORTS EDITOR
SAIGE PETERSON SPORTS REPORTER
RACHEL POE
SPORTS REPORTER
After coming off a 2-1 Easter weekend series against Lamar, the Wildcats still have a lot of work left if they want to make the Southland Conference tournament. ACU sits at just slightly under two games back from the final spot in the tournament with 12 games left in conference play. Senior Luis Trevino was named honorable mention in the Southland this past week after eight RBI’s and a home run. He’s now batting .407 on the season, which places him 14th in the NCAA. The Wildcats, however, have struggled defensively in the Southland. ACU has failed to keep its opponents under four runs in a game in the past 13 of 14 conference games. While four runs isn’t necessarily a bad number to allow on a daily basis, the Wildcats have struggled to consistently shut down batters throughout the past couple of months. McNeese State comes into this series only sitting a game behind ACU in the standings. I was less than impressed by the Wildcats’ performance last weekend, and if ACU keeps up its play from the last series, it’ll lose in this crucial conference meeting.
The Wildcats have a chance to double their conference wins f rom last year this weekend by coming away with two victories this weekend against McNeese. ACU, which has won seven of its last 10 games, is on a bit of a roll at this point in the season and could have a shot at sneaking into the conference tournament. The Cowboys sit close to the Wildcats in the standings, one game behind with a 7-11 Southland record. A sweep in the series could go a long way for each team and make its position in the standings a lot more comfortable. Being able to maintain a working pitching rotation will be the key to a successful series for the Wildcats. Luis Trevino has been a leader for the team all year as he’s in line for a Southland triple crown leading the conference in average (.407), home runs (11) and RBIs (51). ACU should be able to rally around Trevino this weekend at home as long as its defense holds up the McNeese offense. The Wildcats sweep McNeese at Crutcher Scott and make a move in the standings.
With 12 total conference games left in the season, ACU will have a crucial series this weekend. ACU has not lost a series in conference play while at home, and their overall home record is 18-8. The Wildcats have swept only one series earlier in the season, but they haven’t managed to do that in conference play. The team is lead by senior Luis Trevino, who has a .407 batting average. Trevino also has three teammates who average above .300 at the plate. McNeese only has two players averaging above .300. McNeese also failed to win the series against Northwestern State which ACU beat at home earlier in the season. However, McNeese State has two pitchers with ERAs under 3.00, which could prove to be a challenge for the Wildcats. With the leadership of Trevino and the offensive power that ACU can produce, it will be more than enough to win the series against McNeese.
After the Wildcats came off a 2-1 series victory over Lamar, they have a lot left that needs to be done for them to make it to the Southland Conference tournament. The Wildcats are 22-18, overall, and 8-10 in conference. However, the Wildcats are going to be a much tougher opponent than Lamar. Unlike ACU, the Cowboys can beat home teams, as they have done before. Their home and away record is 1010, while ACU’s is 18-8 home and 3-10 away. With the help of senior lead Luis Trevino, who was recently named honorable mention in the Southland this past week, the Wildcats should improve their overall play this series compared to last week. ACU will claim another series win against the Cowboys. Their home f ield advantage is key as ACU will climb up the conference standings with the season nearing its end.
MCNEESE WIN SERIES 2-1
WILDCATS SWEEP 3-0
WILDCATS WIN SERIES 2-1
WILDCATS WIN SERIES 2-1
Sophomore golfer Chase Allison capped off the Southland Conference Championship finishing T-8th in the player standings. Allison finished 8+ after three rounds of play. The tournamnet was cut short to just three rounds after poor weather was in the forecast. The Wildcats finished fifth in the conference tournamnet, shooting +49 as a team. Sam Houston State took home the trophy going 25+ in the three rounds of play. ACU finished the season without an invitational win, Its closest back in March in the Big Texan Invitational where they placed third.
Softball
Clayton Although the Wildcats lost the series to Stephen F. Austin this past weekend, ACU grabbed the last win of the series in a memorable ending. Junior catcher Blair Clayton finished the game 3-5 including a walk-off RBI single in the 9th inning to give ACU the 6-5 win. Clayton ended the Wildcats’ 10-game losing streak Saturday as their season nears its end. Up next, the Wildcats play their final home games of the year with a threegame series against TXAM-CC this weekend. The first pitch is set at 5 p.m. Friday.