acuoptimist.com
Optimist the
Baseball’s Back, page 8
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Vol. 99, No. 32
1 section, 8 pages
CRIME
Barret, Sikes Hall report missing patio furniture Christina Burch Page 2 Editor
The ACU Police Department received a call Jan. 18 regarding missing patio furniture from the courtyard of A.B. Barret Hall, with a subsequent investigation revealing a similar theft from Sikes Hall.
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The 10:15 a.m. report alerted With any property crime, we always the officers of the following stoencourage students, faculty and staff len items: four black, steel tato be alert for suspicious activity and bles as well as the 19 steel chairs to report it immediately. to match. ACU Chief of Police Jimmy ElJIMMY ELLISON // ACU Chief of Police lison said he has never heard of After further investigation stolen university furniture before. ulty and staff to be alert for suspi“With any property crime, we cious activity and to report it im- by university police, Residence Life staff members from Sikes always encourage students, fac- mediately,” Ellison said.
Snow-verloaded
Hall filed a second report, citing a similar furniture theft of one table and four chairs. Ellison said that although they cannot pinpoint the exact date of occurrence for either incident, the furniture pieces are suspected to have gone missing over winter see BARRET page 4
COBA
COBA students ‘Cruze’ through contest Jeff Craig
Managing Editor
Students in Dr. Rick Lytle’s senior-level marketing strategy class won first place in a marketing contest designed to promote the Chevrolet Cruze to college students through social media. The College of Business Administration received $2,500 to cover costs of the project and each participating student was awarded a $100 Walmart gift card. Lytle, dean of the College of Business Administration and professor of marketing, said the project gave his students an opportunity for realworld experience in social media marketing. “I like to do hands-on projects with my students and classes,” Lytle said. “This sounded like a neat thing to give them some experience.” Lytle said his students studied multiple forms of social media and determined YouTube was the best way to initiate a discussion about a product via social media.
DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer
Above: Walker Nikolaus, Evan Greathouse and Timothy Parker push Sara Beth Almquist down the hill outside of Smith and Adams Hall after heavy snow canceled class. Right: Kayla Lawrence and Kristin Holz throw snowballs on the lawn of the Williams Performing Arts Center.
Students brave freezing temperatures to frolic through snow-covered campus
W
Story by Jeff Craig & Matthew Woodrow
inter arrived in full force Monday night – dumping almost 4 inches of snow and sleet across the Big Country and canceling classes at all three Abilene universities. Joel Dunn, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in San Angelo, said 3.4 inches of snow was recorded in Abilene. However, he said some locations across town saw upwards of 6 inches. Dunn said
the snow event is likely over, but the snow that has fallen is likely to stick around. “You might see some flurries, but nothing accumulating, “ Dun said. “However, the snow that has fallen isn’t going anywhere because we are not going to get above freezing for a while.” Dunn said Wednesday’s high temperature would struggle to reach 20 degrees and lows Wednesday night will plummet to around 10 see WINTER page 4
STACY ACTON // Staff Photographer
see CRUZE page 4
SING SONG
Sing Song to boast big numbers Matthew Woodrow Opinion Editor
Sing Song is a major part of ACU’s spring semester, but this year’s production could be the biggest in its 55-year history. Sing Song 2011, “Faves!” will feature 17 competitive acts in addition to the downstage transitional acts performed by hosts and host-
esses and accompanied by the ACU Jazz Ensemble. Tom Craig, director of Sing Song, said because of the sheer amount of Sing Song acts this year the audience will definitely get their money’s worth. “This is by far the largest Sing Song production that we’ve ever put on,” Craig said. “New for the first time, there will be a Grad School
a small group. But we figured we would be because of grad school schedules,” Haugen said. “We try to work with everyone on a case-by-case basis by having make up practices for those who can’t make our Wednesday night practices. We wanted everyone to get to be in the act who see ACTS page 4
website
inside news Spring Break Campaigns will put on fundraisers at local restaurants until spring break in an attempt to raise money. page 3
mixed voice group and we’re welcoming back the men of Pi Kappa whom we haven’t seen in several years.” Andrea Haugen, graduate student from Spring, is a co-director of the Graduate School act and is excited for graduate students to be able to perform in Sing Song once again. “With only 30 or so participants, we’re definitely
features After fleeing to Texas from Nepal, refugees adjust to Abilene life, placing membership at Southern Hills Church of Christ. page 5
DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer
Nicholas Hill, junior accounting major from Abilene and co-leader of the IEH Sing Song act, conducts the singers in keeping with the timing and pitch.
weather photo gallery Find more photos and video of the snow-covered campus on our website, acuoptimist.com and our flickr account, flickr.com/ photos/acuoptimist.
Abilene Christian University
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Campus Wednesday, February 2, 2011
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calendar & events Wednesday
Groundhog Day
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Thursday
Chinese New Year
11 a.m. Come to the Quiet in Moody Coliseum
11 a.m. Small Group Chapel at various campus locations
6 p.m. Women’s basketball game at Angelo State University
7:30 p.m. Chapel forum with Jim Johnson on “Raising the Bar: Home by Another Way” at Chapel on the Hill
8 p.m. Men’s basketball game at ASU
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Friday
11 a.m. Praise Day in Moody Coliseum 4:05 p.m. Baseball vs. University of the Incarnate Word Men’s tennis ACU Indoor Invitational Last day to receive a 60% refund for a dropped course
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Saturday
All day Service Saturday Men’s tennis ACU Indoor Invitational 1:05 p.m. Baseball vs. Incarnate Word 2 p.m. Women’s basketball vs. ASU
follow us on Twitter: @acuoptimist // become a fan on Facebook: The Optimist
Married Students Retreat Registration for the Married Students Retreat is now open. The retreat is Feb. 11-12 and is $65 per couple. Register at www. acu.edu/retreat or contact Steve Eller at steve.eller@ acu.edu or the Counseling Center at 674-2626. 2nd Annual Careers In Non-Profits Students can talk to representatives from Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Boys and Girls Club, Disability Resources, Love & Care Ministries and Noah Project from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Feb. 8 in the Hunter Welcome Center. Light snacks will be served. Students can RSVP to www. acu.edu/careercenter. Summit Art Contest ACU students can submit original artwork in the form of photography, drawings, paintings or other creations to visually communicate the theme of next fall’s Summit. Entries must be submitted digitally to summit@acu.edu by Feb. 15. The winner will receive $100, and his or her artwork will be used during Summit. For more information, contact the Ministry Events Office at 674-3750. Table Tennis The ACU Table Tennis Club is hosting a free Table Tennis Tournament at 10 a.m. on Feb. 12 in the Campus Center Living Room. Students do not need to own their own paddle to participate. For more information, contact Benjamin Hayes at bph08a@acu.edu.
ACUltimate The university’s ultimate frisbee club meets at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Interested students can contact Kyle Thaxton at krt06d@acu.edu. All-school Chapel The Chapel Office encourages students to participate in “Bring Your Professor to Chapel Day” and invite their professors to Chapel as a part of the campuswide effort to attend Chapel every Monday. The Shinnery Review Students interested in being published in 2011 issue of The Shinnery Review, the ACU studentrun art and literary magazine, should e-mail original poetry, photography, short stories and art to shinnery@acu.edu by Feb. 15 to be considered. Service Saturdays Students have the opportunity to serve the Abilene community on Service Saturdays, starting Feb.5. Students can sign up during lunch hours in the Campus Center. Online Summer Courses Registration opens Feb. 23 for online summer courses. Students can choose from 15 courses, and each course is three weeks long. For more information, visit www.acu. edu/summeronline. Equine-Assisted Learning The University Counseling Center will host a “Walls & Fences” workshop at 1:30 p.m. on Feb. 4. The free workshop will focus on learning to be
aware of boundaries and assertiveness in relationships. Students should register to reserve a spot at www.acu.edu/eac. For more information, contact Steve Eller at steve. eller@acu.edu. GRE Prep Course Students interested in registering for the GRE prep course need to sign up by Feb. 18. The course is designed to help students learn testtaking strategies for the computer adaptive GRE General Test. Students can become familiar with the exam and identify study needs through lab practice tests. Sessions are Mondays, 6:30-9 p.m. from Feb. 21-March 28. For more information, visit www. acu.edu/pce. Career Expo Current students and alumni have the opportunity to meet with employers from a variety of industries about potential, full-time positions and internship opportunities from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Feb. 24 at the Abilene Civic Center. The event offers résumé reviews and mock interviews. Professional attire is required. Civil Rights Tour Students can receive academic credit during Summer Session I by joining the ACU Freedom Ride May 15-21. The seven-day, 1,800-mile guided bus tour will visit significant sites of the American Civil Rights Movement. Registration is Feb. 23. For more information, contact Dr. Richard Beck at beckr@acu.edu.
The Optimist maintains this calendar for the ACU community to keep track of local social, academic and service opportunities. Groups may send announcements directly to optimist@ jmcnetwork.com. To ensure an item will appear on time, the announcement should be sent at least 10 days in advance. The Optimist may edit items for space and style. Corrections and clarifications of published news articles will be printed on this page in a timely manner.
Chapel Checkup 12 61
Credited Chapels remaining
Credited Chapels to date
3:35 p.m. Baseball vs. Incarnate Word 4 p.m. Men’s basketball vs. ASU
announcements
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volunteer opportunities Guys Read Week Thomas Elementary School is looking for male volunteers to read to children. Times are available throughout the day, and participants can sign up for more than one slot. Contact Peggy Langford at 671-4995 ext. 5783 or e-mail peggy.langford@ abileneisd.org The Dyess Youth Center needs help with a Ping Pong Exhibition from 4-6 p.m. every Friday. Volunteers will preside over tournaments and help with an exhibition for the students. Transportation will not be provided, and volunteers cannot have any sexual assault charges or charges pending. For more information, contact Sheri Frisby at 696-4797 or e-mail sheri. frisby-@dyess.af.mil. Meals on Wheels needs volunteers to deliver noon meals to seniors and adults with disabilities. Routes are available 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Monday-Friday. Volunteers must be at least 18, with a valid driver’s license, auto insurance and a desire to serve. Training is provided. Students may be exempted from one Chapel per week if delivery time conflicts with Chapel. Contact Samantha Barker at 672-5050 or sbarker@ mealsonwheelsplus.com. HERO Hendrick Equine Rehabilitation Opportunities needs volunteers from March 22-May 5 to help with its horse therapy program. Volunteers will walk or jog alongside horses and provide safety
for clients as they ride. No horse experience is necessary. Volunteers must attend one of two training sessions offered prior to the beginning of the program. Contact Beth Byerly at 660-3465 or e-mail herocoord@ netzero.com. Mesa Spring Healthcare Center needs volunteers from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. any day of the week to help with fun activities for the residents, including playing instruments, calling bingo and sitting and talking. All help is appreciated. Contact Laura Reynolds at 692-8080 or lgreynolds@ sears-methodist.com. National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature Students can greet patrons, assist with art activities, sell books and welcome visitors from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. or 1-3 p.m. on Tuesdays-Saturdays. For more information, contact Debby Lillick at 673-4586 or visit www.nccil.org. International Rescue Committee Students can work with refugees who recently moved to the United States, teaching English, helping with homework and mentoring. Volunteer times are flexible. Call Daina Juryka-Owen at 675-5643 ext. 16 to make an appointment. For more information on the International Rescue Committee, visit www.theirc.org. Abilene Youth Sports Authority needs volunteers Feb. 5 to help with the West Texas Sports and Fitness Expo at the Abilene Civic Center from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Volunteers can take tickets, run sports contests and help with cleanup. For more information, contact Katie Miller at 692-2972 or khowerton@abileneysa.org. Aimee’s Art Studio is seeking volunteers from 9-10 a.m. or 1:30-2:30 p.m. on Tuesday to assist with homeschool fine arts classes. No formal art skills or training is required. The studio is a five-minute walk from ACU’s campus. For more information, contact Aimee Williams at 672-9633.
Madison Middle School is looking for male volunteers to participate in a weekly “Boys2Men” lunchtime program for 8th grade boys. Speakers will be addressing different aspects of growing up. Contact Jeff Womack at 692-5661 or jeffrey.womack@abileneisd.org. Global Samaritan Resources Volunteers are needed to sort through clothing and repack boxes Monday-Thursday at any time. Volunteers should call ahead. Contact David Catalina at 676-9991 for more information. Breakfast on Beech Street Students can help set up, prepare and serve breakfast for the homeless at First Christian Church on 3rd Street and Beech Street. Serving time is 6:30-7:15 a.m. on Monday-Friday. Visit www.fccabilene.com for more information. The Salvation Army Volunteers are needed at the 1726 Butternut St. Salvation Army to sort and price items and help with kitchen or yard work. Volunteers are welcome any time Monday-Saturday. Contact J.D. Alonzo at 6771408 or visit www.satruck. com for more information on this program. The Center for Contemporary Arts needs a gallery assistant to help with exhibit setup and preparation, as well as an administrative assistant. The work can be done any time 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday-Friday. Call 677-8389 or e-mail info@center-arts.com. Betty Hardwick Center Volunteers are needed in several departments at the Betty Hardwick Center, specializing in mental health. Students can help mentally and physically challenged people play games, run track and go bowling. Students can volunteer between 8 a.m.-2 p.m. on Monday-Friday. Contact Angel Seca at 690-5235 for more information.
CAMPUS NEWS
February 2, 2011
Play it Loud
ACADEMICS
Civil Rights trip to visit historic Southern sites Matthew Woodrow Opinions Page Editor
TANNER FREEMAN // Staff Photographer
The Light Parade performs a concert at Monk’s Coffee Shop in Downtown Abilene.
CAMPUS
SALT offers chance to serve Elizabeth Weiss
Contributing Reporter
Students can serve the Abilene community on weekends throughout the semester by participating in ACU’s Service Saturdays, starting Saturday. The Service Action Leadership Team organizes Service Saturdays as well as other volunteer opportunities around Abilene, giving students the chance to work with local nonprofits. Kate Huggins, special events coordinator for SALT, said the events provide an opportunity for students to get involved. “The purpose of Service Saturdays is to provide
opportunities for the students and faculty of ACU to get involved and make a difference in the Abilene community,” Huggins said. “Everyone can join a Service Saturday team.” Huggins, senior biochemistry major from Abilene, said Saturday projects range from manual labor, including painting houses and mowing lawns, to events like visiting nursing home residents. “This Saturday, there will be many different options for students to volunteer,” Huggins said. Some of the service locations for this weekend include the Alzheimer’s Association, Coronado Nurs-
ing Center, Habitat for Humanity and the Food Bank of West Central Texas. Publicity officer for SALT Scott Stewart, senior physics major from San Antonio, said Service Saturdays are an opportunity students should not pass up. “I enjoy Service Saturdays because I get the chance to help people that otherwise would not be able to interact with students,” Stewart said. “It’s great to be able to help residents in the community with different projects that they wouldn’t otherwise be able to get done.” contact Weiss at
optimist@jmcnetwork.com
STUDENT GROUPS
Spring Break Campaigns use creative fundraisers Linda Bailey Editor in Chief
Off-campus eaters can support mission work while they dine. From now until spring break, students involved in Spring Break Campaigns are using local restaurants to help raise funds for the weeklong mission trips. Chair of Spring Break Campaigns, Meredith Platt, senior vocational missions major from Midland, said each SBC is in charge of advertising their own fundraisers, but most are using Facebook events to get the word out. Platt, co-leader of the Nicaragua SBC, said her campaign has fundraised at Chili’s, and will also fundraise at Rosa’s for what Platt calls “give back” nights. If a customer brings in a flyer, the restaurants will give 1015 percent of the customer’s bill to the SBC. Platt said her campaign has passed out flyers after Chapel and in the Campus Center.
Co-leader for the Costa Rica SBC Earl Popp, senior psychology major from Jackson, Miss., said his campaign is teaming up with Chick-filA on Feb. 9 to raise money. Popp said Chick-fil-A will give the campaign all the money it makes from 6-8 p.m. after the first $1,000 made. “It really relies on us to bring in customers,” Popp said. The group will participate in another fundraiser at Jason’s Deli on Feb. 24. Campaigners for all SBCs are also encouraged to send out letters to friends, family and churches requesting donations. “The cost of the campaigns aren’t cheap, so we’re trying to raise money however we can,” Popp said. “You can’t expect to get it all covered by donation letters, so we’ve taken it upon ourselves to do some additional fundraising.” Platt said several other campaigns will raise additional funds throughout
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the coming weeks at local restaurants, and said some groups may do special campaign fundraisers during the week of Valentine’s Day. Students interested in joining an SBC still have time to sign up. Secretary for SBC, Kelsi Wicks, junior animal science major from Tyler, said 23 campaigner spots remain open. Interested students can visit acu.edu/sbc to find a list of campaigns and leaders to get more information. Campaigns who are flying to their destination need to turn in their final campaigner lists soon, Platt said. But students interested in joining a driving campaign can sign up until spring break. To sign up, Platt said students can come by the SBC office located in the Center for Christian Service and Leadership located beneath the Campus Center. contact Bailey at
ljb07a@acu.edu
EXPIRES 2.31.11
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Students will have the opportunity to go on a Civil Rights Tour the week after finals, visiting many places that were pivotal during the Civil Rights Movement. Dr. Richard Beck, professor of psychology and chair of the Department of Psychology; Dr. David Dillman, professor of political science and Jennifer Dillman, associate professor of sociology and family studies, will offer the course and said all majors are welcome on the “ACU Freedom Ride” but can only receive credit for PSYC 440, POLS 440 or SOCI 440. “This is the kind of thing that every major would benefit from. Not only will it broaden your experience, but deepen your understanding of issues that affect us today,” David Dillman said. “These events aren’t that far back in our history, and it still affects us today in our relationships and how we interact with others around the world.” The tour will cost $595 in addition to the regular tuition cost of a three-hour class. Extra costs will cover the bus, hotels, admission to museums and historical sites as well as one meal per day. The bus booked for the tour seats up to 50, and Beck says they’ll try to take as many students as express interest. “We’re aiming at having 30 students, but we can
It’s kind of like holy ground. The place where he was sitting and decided to be the Martin Luther King we know today.
DR. RICHARD BECK // professor of psychology and chair of the Department of Psychology
take as few as 20 and still have the costs work out,” Beck said. “Some faculty have also expressed interest in coming along, and we may be able to take a few, but students are of higher priority.” David Dillman, Jennifer Dillman and Beck began planning the tour last June, and had been thinking about a tour for a while. “How often do we study abroad where events took place?” Beck asked. “Studying Shakespeare, you go to the Globe Theater; the Holocaust – you go to Germany; but here in our own country, things happened too. On this trip we’ll stand in places where historic events actually happened.” The tour will leave Abilene on May 15 and return May 21. Students will visit historic sites in cities such as Little Rock, Ark., Memphis, Tenn., Birmingham, Selma and Montgomery, Ala. and Jackson, Miss. as well as watching videos and talking to people who lived during the Civil Rights Movement. “We’ll talk to people in the region and also con-
tact scholars who were involved in these issues to give us more depth and perspective,” David Dillman said. “We’ll be able to identify with these people who actually put their lives on the line.” Beck is excited for the tour, but is especially looking forward to visiting the house of Martin Luther King Jr. “I’m anxious to stand in his kitchen; where King had an epiphany from God to stand up and be courageous,” Beck said. “It’s kind of like holy ground. The place where he was sitting and decided to become the Martin Luther King we know today.” Students will be able to register for the ACU Freedom Ride, starting Feb. 23 on Banner. However, payment methods have not been finalized. For more information, students can contact Beck at beckr@acu. edu, David Dillman at dillmand@acu.edu, Jennifer Dillman at jennifer. dillman@acu.edu or talk to any department’s academic adviser. contact Woodrow at
mrw08a@acu.edu
CAMPUS NEWS
Page 4
February 2, 2011
WEATHER
Winter: Students head outside to enjoy snow Continued from page 1
“With wind chills like that you need to make sure you degrees. However, winds don’t leave skin exposed,” out of the north will make Dunn said. “Bundle up, wear it feel even colder. He said gloves and hats and don’t get wind chills on Wednesday out if you don’t have too.” Dunn said roads would and Wednesday night may refreeze over night, meaning drop below 0 degrees.
most roads will be treacherous on Wednesday and Thursday mornings. He said temperatures would get above freezing by Friday The snowfall and subsequent day off from school gave students a chance to
DANIEL GOMEZ // Cheif Photographer
Austin Cole, freshman undeclared major from Abilene, snow boards on the hill behind Smith and Adams Halls on Tuesday. Some locations in Abilene received almost 6 inches of snow.
get outside and enjoy the winter weather. Austin Cole, freshman undeclared major from Abilene used to snow day as a chance to snowboard behind Smith and Adams Halls. “It’s awesome,” Cole said. “I’ve been snowboarding a couple of times this year, but this is great.” Steven Peterson, senior information technology major from Abilene, also took the chance to snowboard behind the dorm. “We’re making a snowboard ramp right now, we’re going to come down this hill and most likely crash ourselves into the snow,” Peterson said. “It may have had more snow last year, but its definitely more windy and colder than last year.” Sara Beth Almquist, junior interior design major from Spring, said she thought is was extremely cold outside, but she was enjoying the rare chance to play in the snow. Almquist and her friends rolled down the hill in barrels behind Smith and Adams. “It’s fun to get a day off to hang out with friends,” Almquist said. “The snow
DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer
Caley Johnson, freshman business major from La Vista, Neb., and Savannah Smith, freshman undeclared major from Dallas make snow angels on campus Tuesday. really brings out the best in everyone.” Others took the snow day as an opportunity to stay inside and enjoy the company of friends. Danielle Bryant, senior family studies major from Mart and resident assistant in Smith and Adams, and her fellow residence life staff served a pancake breakfast in the dorm. “We have pancake night every other Thursday and we thought it would be a splendid idea to have one this morning because everyone is cooped
up inside and hungry,” Bryant said. “We’ve already made 75 pancakes; we’ll probably end up making around 150.” Kelsey Roberts, freshman speech pathology major from Coppell, said the snow day was a good chance to hang out with friends. “Anything can happen on a snow day,” Roberts said. “We’ll probably make some snow angels, snow men and snowballs.” contact Optimist at
optimist@jmcnetwork.com
SING SONG
Acts: Sing Song 2011 to use theme ‘Faves!” Continued from page 1
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really wanted to be.” The theme for the Graduate School’s act will be Mario Brothers, and Haugen promises that the act will feature several guest appearances by a variety of Nintendo characters. “The name of the show is ‘Hide Your Coins, Hide Your Stars,” Haugen said. “The title gives you a little insight into what our act will be about. We’re going to have a great time.” The men’s social club Pi Kappa is making its sixth Sing Song appearance in the club’s history. Their last performance was nine years ago in 2002 – winning first place in the men’s division in 2001. Luke Burnam, junior music major from Mesquite, is directing the club act and said he hopes their presence at Sing Song will
Every couple of years we try to have a show where there isn’t specific parameters. So this year students will have a chance to plug in their favorites. TOM CRAIG // director of student productions
give their club some publicity on campus. “We want to get our name out there and generate interest in the club,” Burnam said. “I don’t know if we’ll continue to do more acts in the immediate future, but for this year it’s all about having fun.” All songs performed by Sing Song hosts and hostesses were chosen by the public as part of this year’s theme, “Faves!” Craig said he is excited that both the students and audience members had a chance to interact and
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shape Sing Song this year. “Every couple of years we try to have a show where there isn’t specific parameters. So this year students will have a chance to plug in their favorite ideas,” Craig said. “The theme ‘Faves!’ plays off the popular concept of your own personal playlist or collection of favorite songs.” A list of songs chosen as well as hosts, hostesses and co-chairs is available on at acu.edu/singsong.
DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer contact Craig at
jrc07d@acu.edu
Rebekah Hernandez, junior psychology /premed major from San Antonio, encourages the members of the international students Sing Song group to sing a little louder and project their voices.
CRIME
Barret: Police to check local scrap metal yards Continued from page 1
break or the Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend. Trista Luo, junior financial management major from Guangzhou, China, works late every Saturday night as one of the desk managers for Barret Hall. “I think there should be another camera,” Luo said. “There’s no monitor in the area of the outdoor furniture, so the desk managers can never be clear on what’s been hap-
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pening outside.” ACU Police officers conThe average student tinue to review digital viddoesn’t understand that eo from the adjacent cameven dorm mischief has a era systems of the targeted financial impact. Whether residence halls. Ellison said or not the act was a he is convinced the nature prank, the bottom line of the theft would require is those acts have cost either a truck or a trailer effects on the university. to remove the significant amount of furniture. JIMMY ELLISON // ACU Chief of Police “Right now we don’t have any suspects, but we are checking with the ports elsewhere in the around most dormitories. Ellison said the areas Abilene Police Depart- city,” Ellison said. The university features are not only for student ment to see if they’ve received similar theft re- various furniture settings enjoyment but open for
ACADEMICS
community use as well, leaving them susceptible to theft. ACU Police officers are also investigating the crime as a possible attempt to attain scrap metal for resale. They plan to check local scrap yards for any leads, as metal theft is a growing problem in Abilene. Ellison said he is also considering the missing furniture to be the result of a student prank. He said he would like to stress the seriousness of any theft and
he strongly encourages that the pieces be returned. “The average student doesn’t understand that even dorm mischief has a financial impact,” Ellison said. “Whether or not the act was a prank, the bottom line is that those acts have cost effects on the university.” Any tips should be referred to ACU Police.
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contact Burch at
clb10b@acu.edu
Cruze: Students win contest with Chevrolet Continued from page 1
“They decided, to drive the brand, they’d need a stimulating or hilarious video that would point viewers to a Facebook site or the website,” Lytle said. He said his students created the idea of staging food fights on college campuses across the nation, with the
Chevrolet Cruze playing a role in each video. Lytle said the winning project is good portfolio material for the students. “The idea with the food fights was to say this is us and this is how we live,” Lytle said. Jonathan Murata, senior marketing major from San Antonio, was
one of the students involved in the project. He We wanted to do said the project provided something big that would experience necessary for grab attention with things success after graduation. like viral marketing “We saw the opportunity JONATHAN MURATA // senior marketing to do something real-world, major from San Antonio working on a product that didn’t have success with a valuable. As business stu- was a result of a group discussion about what would group in that market,” Mu- dents, experience is key.” Murata said the decision be an effective way to reach rata said. “Working for a well-known company was to create a YouTube video college students.
“We wanted to do something big that would grab attention with things like viral marketing. We determined YouTube was the best way to do that,” Murata said. The video can be found at www.youtube.com/ watch?v=KlrM6Yae4Xg. contact Craig at
jrc07d@acu.edu
Focus
February 2, 2011
Page 5
NEPAL PAKISTAN
INDIA
BHUTAN
Journey home Bhutanese refugees flee persecution for the safety of Abilene
story by Linda Bailey
I
n a small classroom on the second floor of Southern Hills Church of Christ, 21 Bhutanese refugees sit in a hodgepodge circle of folding chairs. In the middle of the circle, two white folding tables hold royal blue Nepali Bibles. The refugees wear a mix of traditional Eastern clothes and more modern Western attire they’ve collected since coming to Abilene almost two years ago. Their golden-brown faces and dark eyes focus intently on Jody Lee, ’99 ACU graduate and teacher of the class. Lee helps everyone turn to Genesis 47:13-26. “Who remembers the name of Abraham’s son?” Lee asks the class in a slow, clear voice. “Isaac,” a man answers quickly with a strong, Eastern accent. Lee, armed with an arsenal of hand gestures, begins to describe the story most American children learn in Sunday School. Gauri Rasailey translates Lee’s English words into his native Nepali for his brothers and sisters who joined him in his trek halfway across the world from Nepal to Abilene in 2009. A people in limbo Many people of Nepali origin began settling in Bhutan, a small Asian country that sits between China and India, in the late 19th century. In the 1980s, the Bhutanese government began discriminating against the Nepali people. Some spoke out in protest, and in the early 1990s, the government responded with imprisonment and torture prompting many to flee to Nepal as refugees. However, life in Nepal wasn’t easy. The refugees lived in limbo between their homeland of Bhutan and their new home in Nepal, although “home” might be an overstatement. The refugees were forced to live in one of seven camps throughout southeastern Nepal where they made small huts out of bamboo and mud. Gauri remembers living in these camps before coming to Abilene, and said it was where he met and married his wife, Laxmi. Later, he and Laxmi had a son, Prajwel, and they all lived in the hut together. However, most of his camp memories are not so good. He said the army and other “bad people” would
enter the country and do whatever they wanted, making the camp an unsafe living environment for his family. That’s when they decided to relocate. Several countries learned about the situation in Nepal and began opening doors to the refugees. The U.S. was one of those countries, and Abilene is one community where they’re sent. Gauri came to Abilene with Laxmi and Prajwel, now 3 years old. Gauri’s parents, brother and sister also live in Abilene while Laxmi’s parents live in Boston. A new ministry Several other Bhutanese refugees also call Abilene home, and when a Southern Hills member began bringing some to church with her, a ministry was born. Now, around 20 native Bhutanese attend Southern Hills on a regular basis. Lee describes the Bhutanese members as gracious, humble people with a great appreciation for the little things in life and huge welcoming smiles. He said interacting with the new members has been an opportunity for him and the entire Southern Hills community to re-think their faith. “We’ve just been able to express our faith story not only in the word, but in the ways in which we are interacting with these people,” Lee said. “I think it’s a great encouragement to our faith.” He said not all the refugees are Christians, and he thinks some of them might never decide to follow Christ – but that is not the church’s main goal. “Our ultimate goal is we want them to be loved. We want them to know that we love them regardless of what they decide,” Lee said. “Obviously we want them to become part of God’s family and followers of Christ. But we want to love them and serve them and teach them what it means to interact with Christians and be a true family of God.” Most of the Bhutanese members were originally Hindu, including Gauri’s family. However, Gauri and his wife were baptized in 2009 after several Bible studies with members of Southern Hills and David Peterson, the minister of Clyde Church of Christ. Peterson came to the U.S. from India more than 20 years ago and speaks Hindi, a language close enough to Nepali that Gauri and his wife
graphic by Hannah Barnes
were able to hear about the gospel in what Lee calls Gauri’s “heart language.” “That’s something you can see God’s hand on,” Lee said. Gauri said since becoming a Christian, he no longer allows his parents to put a tilaka, a red dot on the forehead worn on a daily basis or for special religious occasions, on his forehead. Instead, he gives and asks for blessings during traditional Hindu holidays. His mother and brother are Hindu, but Gauri said they’ve all come to a mutual respect for their different beliefs. A new life Life in Abilene may be better than the outdoor camps of Nepal, but that doesn’t make it easy. Gauri said he was in the midst of completing a degree in higher education in Nepal at the time they left. He taught math and science to 17- and 18-year-old students for three years before he left – one of the few things he misses about Nepal. In Abilene he works a low-paying job until he can afford to complete his higher education at an American university. However, the family enjoys almost everything else about Abilene’s peaceful nature and Western culture. Laxmi wore the traditional Eastern sari around town when they first arrived, but now she dresses in pants and blouses that blend with Abilene fashion. Gauri jokes that he likes the Western dress because it is much quicker to put on than bunching and scrunching the flowing fabric of a sari. Gauri describes Nepal as a beautiful, mountainous country, home to Mount Everest. He is willing, though, to abandon that natural beauty for what he calls Abilene’s man-made beauty – at least for now. “Every person’s life is filled with sorrow and happiness. Life is a journey,” Gauri says as he watches his son run around the now empty classroom. “My life is a journey, and every journey has a destination, I’m just not sure what mine is, yet.” contact Bailey at
ljb07a@acu.edu
DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer
Left: Bhutanese refugees sit in the foyer of Southern Hills Church of Christ as their family and friends received a blessing from elders of the church. Right: Steve Ridgell, elder at Southern Hills, leads a prayer for the Bhutanese families that came to America during times of conflict in their country.
Opinion
Page 6
February 2, 2011
EDITORIAL
Photo ID law protects voting process A new Texas law requiring voters to present a photo ID along with a voter’s registration card has been criticized by some Texas lawmakers, but the simple act of bringing an ID will ultimately keep election results honest. The previous law required voters to present their registration card and another form of ID or to sign an affidavit at the polling place. Now, the additional form of identification is limited to a
passport, concealed handgun license, military ID or other state-issued photo identification cards. This new law was met with undeserved criticism from citizens and lawmakers. Some accuse the Republicans of proposing the bill to cut into the minority-voting base that the Democrats have tapped into, assuming that minorities are less likely to have a photo ID. However, photo IDs aren’t difficult to get. Those
who don’t have a driver’s license or other form of acceptable photo ID can get a state-issued identification card at the Department of Transportation. According to the law, anyone who cannot afford the ID will receive one for free. Whether the intentions behind the new law were pure, voter fraud is still a legitimate concern for the state. Seven states have adopted similar laws that require residents to present a photo ID along with
their voter registration card when they vote. In fact, the Texas law was modeled after Indiana’s voting laws, which took effect in 2007 and are the most stringent of the seven states. Although the new law may seem like an inconvenience to voters or a way to steal away another party’s votes, it actually serves to protect the integrity of the voting system. This law will keep the system fair, allowing representatives to hear their
the issue
Texas has passed a new law requiring voters to show photo identification at the ballot box.
our take
These stringent conditions will reduce voter fraud and guarantee an honest election process. constituents’ voices accurately. This legislation shows citizens that the government takes the right to vote seriously by making it harder to commit voter fraud and increasing consequences for voting illegally – carrying a sentence of mandatory jail time.
contact the Optimist at
jmcnetwork@acu.edu
COLUMN
By Morgan Davis
The Funny Funnies
The hassle of getting an acceptable ID is worth it when it comes to protecting the integrity of our right to vote, because the right to vote is worthless if unlawful voting compromises the election.
Facebook skews accurate picture Self-Examination By Ryan Self
COLUMN
Gym clothes should be rented Barbarossa
By Matthew Woodrow When I was buying my schoolbooks for the upcoming semester, a particular shelf caught my eye. Instead of being filled with textbooks, it had multiple clothing items. On closer examination I discovered Woodrow that this year we had to buy our exercise science clothes for the first time. Surprising yes, but no big deal. I approved of the change. In years past we only had to rent them for the semester. My immediate reaction was relief, finally I would be guaranteed a fresh pair of gym shorts. Who knows what kind of people had been wearing them for years past. And think of all the sweat that has accumulated in the underarms of those shirts over the past semester alone. Each year I found myself longing that I would be given a pair of garments
that were p reviously My shoulders, scrawny little chicken wings used by a before, now resemble Stallone on steroids. Lifetime WellThere is no way I will be able to fit my ness student who skipped massive biceps through those sleeves. the 10-minute run. I was now in control. workout clothes that I’d too big after dropping off I would be the one who never find the need to wear. a couple of pounds. And could pick up and exam- Sure, they work just as well my shoulders, scrawny litine each shirt to make sure as the ones I have, but I have tle chicken wings before, the one I wanted met the an image to keep. Honestly, now resemble Stallone cleanness specifications I how many people have on steroids. There is no required. I could even buy you seen walking around way on earth I will be able multiple shirts and shorts campus wearing Exercise to fit my massive biceps so I wouldn’t have to wash Science clothes when they through those sleeves. I realize that the chancthem every other day be- don’t have to. Seniors also won’t get es of four classes in four tween classes. But the more I thought their money’s worth out years working that kind of about it, the less excited I of the deal. This is prob- change in my physique are was at the prospect. Sure ably the last exercise class slim, but I can still hope. By making us buy gym it is a great idea at first but they’ll ever have to take, soon I was having an inner and come May, the outfit clothes, the school is tellwill just get thrown away ing us that we won’t make debate about it. any worthwhile changes For classes where teach- or donated to Goodwill. Freshmen might get in our lifestyle – that we’ll ers aren’t overly strict about the dress code, my pair of their money’s worth out stay the same shape forevexercise shorts would work of the deal getting to use er. Or along a less sinister just as well as the univer- the same pair for the rest viewpoint, that we can afsity-mandated ones, and of their college career, but ford to buy new shorts evquite honestly, any of the what if the classes actu- ery couple of years ... Either way, I think mak25 T-shirts in my closet are ally do what they are designed to? The clothes will ing us buy our own clothes fully functional. There is no way of know- be useless within a year. is an unnecessary change. ing if the class I registered Those shorts, which once for would be one of those. fit snug across my wide contact Woodrow at mrw08a@acu.edu I might be stuck with ACU belly, hopefully will be
editorial and letter policy Unsigned editorials are the opinions of the Optimist and may not necessarily reflect the views of the university or its administration. Signed columns, cartoons and letters are the opinions of their creators and may not necessarily reflect the viewpoints of the Optimist or the university. The Optimist encourages reader response through letters to the editor but reserves the right to limit frequent contributors or to refuse to print
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There are many reasons to avoid Mark Zuckerberg’s monster: the mounting invasion of privacy, the addictive nature that has likely consumed more than a healthy amount of Self your time or even a strong dislike for the creator himself. If a new study conducted by Stanford University rings true, however, there may be a whole new reason to avoid the social networking site altogether. Facebook makes you lonely. A paper recently published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that, “People underestimate negative emotions and overestimate positive emotions even for well-known peers.” In layman’s terms, everyone else is having more fun and other people rarely get sad. As a recent article in Slate explains, the study was inspired when a researcher observed that his friends “seemed to feel particularly crummy about themselves after logging onto the site [Facebook] and scrolling through others’ attractive photos, accomplished bios and chipper status updates. They were convinced that everyone else was leading a perfect life.” We all know that Facebook profiles display the most exciting, intriguing and pleasurable experiences of people’s lives. If you were to rely solely on Facebook to gauge how fulfilling and interesting your friends’ lives were, you would likely get an incredibly skewed picture. If you believe that everyone around you is having more fun, evidenced by their biased representations on
Facebook, while not realizing the real misery that also may be occurring, you’re likely to start feeling pretty gloomy. These findings can certainly be applied to areas beyond Facebook. Broadcasting only the best attributes of one’s life did not originate with the Internet or social media. People have always expended enormous amounts of energy to “keep appearances.” Facebook profiles are really just an extension of the human tendency to display only the positive aspects of their lives while others assume that they are seeing the entire picture. The study also reinforced previous findings that people can’t judge how sad others are. Subjects in the study “consistently underestimated how dejected others were – and likely wound up feeling more dejected as a result” according to the aforementioned Slate article. Things most of us have dealt with that the majority of people around us have never known about. Those outside our inner circle are likely oblivious of some real hurts that may have occurred or are still occurring. You never really know the whole story. Everyone is dealing with something, most just never show it. And what they do show on their Facebook profile and other social media sites, is hardly a representative sample of how their life is going. Appearances can be deceiving. Just ask Mark Zuckerberg, the man with 500 million friends, over a billion dollars in net worth and yet beneath the surface is likely one of the loneliest people in the world. contact Self at
rcs06g@acu.edu
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FROM SPORTS
February 2, 2011
Page 7
COLUMN
Being a true athlete takes more than just skills Shakin’ It Up Bryson Shake
gift to the sport to win the attention of the media and become a household It requires a special breed name around the sport of person to be an athlete. solely based upon figure That person must pos- or performance. But the true measure sess just the right com- of an athlete, the quality I b i n a t i o n and many sports fans adof physical mire most, is the way athtools, men- letes present themselves tal capac- off the playing field, out of ity and raw the limelight and in their Shake talent to be daily lives. Being able to compete able to compete at any level. Then there are those at a high level is a gift; elite athletes who play at being able to live life the a professional level who right way is a necessity. It are considered exemplary requires a special breed of physical specimen or God’s person to be an athlete.
Speed. Quickness. Awareness. Strength. Vertical jump. Bat speed. Sure, all are ultimately skills athletes need in order to excel on the playing field. But will any of these be of used outside of the athletic venue? Decision-making in today’s society has become a lost art among the elite in professional athletes, although a certain No. 4 has become a modernday Picasso in that regard. Too many have failed or made poor decisions that cost them their jobs and, more importantly, their
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
respect and dignity with fans around the world. Alex Rodriguez was the golden boy of baseball. He had the perfect smile, always said the right things, was a great role model and was the perfect 252-Million-Dollar Man. Then he made one wrong decision that cost him his reputation, identity and all respect he had earned. Tiger Woods had the most manicured, spotless persona and, in my opinion, was one of the best athletes in the world. He had an uncanny way of winning over the media.
But then the world caught wind of his extramarital activity, and his image has become permanently tarnished. Is it a coincidence that the same skills that make him so good at golf: his mental fortitude, integrity, persistence and a low handicap were not evident when he made that reputation-destroying decision? The Derek Jeters, David Robinsons, Tim Tebows and Peyton Mannings of today have become a dying breed in professional sports. We see more thugs than good influences.
We haven’t heard about Peyton Manning using performance enhancing drugs or David Robinson cheating on his wife. Athletes are automatically placed on a higher pedestal because of their jobs and all the attention that goes along with them. And rightfully so. They should use their positions of power to be a light, to provide a positive example and inspire others to live in a way worthy of the attention they receive. contact Shake at
bxs09a@acu.edu
MEN’S BASKETBALL
Fast: Whitaker puts up 16 Loss: ‘Cats try to find Continued from page 8
Daniel Gomez // Chief Photographer
Senior Autumn Whitaker soars above an Eastern New Mexico defender Saturday at Moody Coliseum in the Cats’ victory.
Zias schemed accordingly, bringing all available players to the backcourt whenever possible. “They kept bringing everyone back to try and defend our fast break offense,” Lankford said. “Obviously, we were still able to play our game.” The movement slowed down but didn’t stop the quick transition points from the ’Cats ,who still managed 10 fast-break points. ACU will play the second half of a home-andhome series against Angelo State at home on Saturday in Moody at 2 p.m. If the Wildcats win against the Javelinas, it will put two games between the two teams in the conference standings. contact Gwin at
agg07a@acu.edu
win column at Angelo Woodberry would add 10 while the Zias rose to sixth place. Abilene Christian points and six steals. will finish the first half of ACU fell to 8-10 overPreston Davis said. “We played with a lot of heart all and 0-6 in South Di- Division play Wednesday to bring it within one. We vision play, while the against the Rams of Anjust didn’t have enough Greyhounds improved to gelo State University. The Wildcats and Rams energy left to take the 8-10 overall and 3-3 in South Division play. The will tip off in San Angelo lead,” he continued. Eastern New Mexico Wildcats currently are Wednesday at 8 p.m. would continue to make bringing up the rear in three-point shots and free the Lone Star Conference contact Cantrell at throws in the final two South Division standings, jrc07f@acu.edu minutes of the game and would escape with a 9886 victory. ACU forced 18 HOUSES For Sale and For Rent steals and 26 turnovers in Furnished and unfurnished houses for rent $350/person unfurnished;$370 & $380/person furnished. the loss. The Greyhounds Yard maintained and landlord makes repairs. would shoot 82 percent 3 and 4 bedrooms available 2 baths, kitchen, patio, living room, from the free-throw line, dining room,ample parking and some garages. Kitchen appliances and washer/dryer provided. while ACU shot just betAll houses are close to ACU. ter than 65 percent. 2518 CAMPUS COURT; 817 E.N. 10TH ST.(NEAR AVE. F); Davis would put up 11 2475 GARFIELD; 2467 MADISON AVE. 2 other houses might be available. points for the Wildcats Tenants pay utilities- Approx. $110 per person, per month. along with seven assists Houses available May 18, 2011-May 15, 2012 with 12 mo. lease. Call 325-280-9923 or e-mail estelle42@yahoo.com for information in the effort. Desmond Continued from page 8
classified
BASEBALL
Oliver: Core returns Continued from page 8
‘‘ ’’
in the LSC competing in baseball, ACU will play each team one time in a three-game series with two nine-inning games and one seven-inning game. The Wildcats will waste no time getting into the meat of their schedule, facing three of the nation’s top-40 teams in their first three series. Along with the game against No. 18 St. Mary’s Tuesday, the Wildcats will face No. 22 Incarnate Word this weekend and No. 32 Delta State early next week. “We play these tough games in February to get ready for April to gear up for the conference tournament in May,” Bonneau said.
It’s actually more exciting for us, I think. Now we get to have our first game at home. WILL CALHOUN // senior pitcher for the ACU Wildcats
Leading ACU this season will be a combination of players, including the LSC Pre-Season Player of the Year Aaron Oliver. Oliver was named LSC Tournament MVP in 2010 after completing one of the most impressive seasons in Wildcat history. Oliver hit .405 on the year with 14 home runs and 65 RBI to go along with a teamleading 27 stolen bases. Other big name returning players include RHP/OF
Calhoun, 3B Cameron Watten and LHP Chay Lytle. The Wildcats were scheduled to begin their season Tuesday, but the game has been rescheduled for March 1 because of inclement weather. Coach Bonneau is uncertain whether or not the games set for this weekend still will be played as currently scheduled. contact Tripp at
bjt07a@acu.edu
SOFTBALL
Preview: ’Cats picked sixth Continued from page 8
Fowlkes, a junior, led the team in home runs (8) last year and split time at first base with Miller. The two returning pitchers, Hall and Rexroat, both will be valuable tools as the ‘Cats look to improve from a defensive standpoint. “They both had a great fall. I’m looking for good things from the both of them,” Reeves said. The rest of the team are all new additions, including five freshmen – catcher Kara Stutesman, pitcher Peyton Mosley, pitcher/ outfielder Ashley Nolan, infielder Kaylee Crozier and outfielder/pitcher Lyndi Smith.
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The Wildcats also boast seven transfer athletes – shortstop Ashley Calles, catcher Erin Gilliland, infielders Megan Brigance, Valentina Nabayna and Bailey Watkins, outfielder Tiana Tuinei and second baseman Sarah Martinez. Martinez and Gilliland both are transfers from Odessa College, which played in the Junior College World Series last season. “We are so excited and ready for this season to begin and see what we’re working with. Our team is filled with talent, and I’m ready to see us in action. We’ve put in lots of hard work as a team and are ready to step out on the field this weekend,” Martinez said. The Wildcats are picked
to finish sixth in the Lone Star Conference South Division. They went 21-31 last season, their first losing season since 2004, but Reeves and his team are not too concerned about last year. “We don’t get too caught up in rankings or things like that. As long as we perform like we’re capable of, those will take care of themselves,” he said. The Wildcats will open their season Friday at 10 a.m. in San Antonio as they take on UT-Permian Basin at the St. Mary’s Invitational in the first of a four-game weekend for the Wildcats. contact Shake at
bxs09a@acu.edu
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Sports
Page 8
Standings MEN’S BASKETBALL Team Div. Ovrl. Tarleton St. 5-1 UIW 4-2 MSU 4-2 ASU 4-2 WTAMU 3-3 ENMU 3-3 TAMU-K 1-5 ACU 0-6
14-4 15-3 16-4 8-10 16-3 8-10 6-12 8-10
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Team Div. Ovrl. Tarleton St. 6-0 WTAMU 4-2 ACU 4-2 Angelo St. 3-3 UIW 2-4 MSU 2-4 ENMU 2-4 TAMU-K 1-5
16-2 11-8 7-11 10-8 6-12 6-12 4-14 3-15
BASEBALL
Wildcats tabbed to win Lone Star title Brandon Tripp Sports Director
The Wildcat baseball team will look to win its third consecutive Lone Star Conference crown this season. Head Coach Britt Bonneau and his players have been picked as the favorites to win the LSC for the 13th consecutive year. ACU finished last season at 50-15, setting a school record for most wins in a season. The landmark season included both the LSC
regular season and postseason titles and an invite to the NCAA South-Central Regional Tournament in Warrensburg, Mo. for the 10th time in 12 years. In 2011, ACU has been billed as one of the nation’s top teams in Division II, heading into its first game as the No. 6 team in the country. Along with the high national ranking comes the No. 1 billing in the conference. The Wildcats were an almost unanimous pick to win the LSC once again,
garnering 29 of 31 first place votes and 401 points over all. “It’s an honor to be picked at the top,” said senior pitcher Will Calhoun. “But with that comes more pressure when people pick you to win. I’m not worried about it though with this group of guys.” This year’s schedule within the LSC is different than years past with the addition of Incarnate Word. With 13 teams now DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer see OLIVER page 7
Mack Attack Lankford’s 31 points spur Wildcats to 4-2 conference record
n Mack
Lankford was named Lone Star Conference Player of the Week early Monday as chosen by the league office for her performances last week. Her 31 points on Saturday marked the third time this season she has scored more than 30 points in a game.
Austin Gwin Sports Editor
n The
ACU baseball team was chosen as the favorite to win the Lone Star Conference baseball title for the 13th consecutive season.
n The ACU softball team was projected to finish sixth in the LSC standings by conference officials recently.
Player Profile
Upcoming n The
baseball team will open its season against Incarnate Word at 4:05 p.m. Friday at Crutcher Scott Field.
n The softball team will kick off its season at 10 a.m. Friday in San Antonio. against UTPB.
The women’s and men’s basketball teams will travel to play Angelo State today. Games start at 5:30 p.m. n
Ex-Factor n Former
offensive tackle Trevis Turner will compete in the NFLPA All-Star game Saturday in San Antonio. This will be Turner’s second all-star game this year.
Aaron Oliver celebrates after scoring a run for ACU last season.
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
Briefs
n Zach Williams, junior guard from Dallas, scored 25 points and recorded 6 rebounds in the Wildcats’ 98-82 loss to Williams Eastern New Mexico Saturday. The 25-point effort is his second highest point total of the year, trailing his 29-point game against Dallas Baptist in December. Williams has averaged just over 11 points in his junior campaign.
February 2, 2011
DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer
Freshman Mack Lankford shoots over an Eastern New Mexico University defender Saturday at Moody Coliseum. Her 31 points propelled the Wildcats to a 89-76 win at Moody Coliseum.
SOFTBALL
It has been a tale of two seasons for the Wildcat women’s basketball team this year. The first was the non-conference schedule in which ACU went 3-9. Heading into Lone Star Conference play, it looked like the Wildcats were going to have a tough rebuilding season with only two upperclassmen on the roster. Six games later, the ’Cats are 4-2 in the conference and are clicking on all cylinders. Saturday in Moody was further proof that the Wildcats are hitting their stride. Led by freshmen Mack Lankford’s 31 points, ACU never trailed against the Eastern New Mexico Zias in a 71-59 victory. “We broke their 1-3-1 zone,” Lankford said. “We drew up a play that worked really well for us.” The Wildcats started off hot, hitting their first four shots from the field to take an early 10-3 lead that forced Zia coach Lin-
den Weese to take an early timeout. Throughout most of the game, Weese complained to the officials about not getting any calls and got called for a technical foul in the second half. “It was nice to come out shooting that well,” Lankford said, “especially, because I haven’t been shooting well lately.” Lankford wasn’t the only offensive performer on the court for ACU. Senior Autumn Whitaker dropped in 16 points, and sophomore Cecilee Perez added 10. Sophomore center Kelsey Smith, who is a big part of the Wildcat offense and defense, was plagued by foul trouble all game and only played 15 minutes. In her limited time, Smith made her presence known with eight points and 10 rebounds. The Wildcats didn’t skip a beat with Smith out of the game. Relying on other centers, the combination of Sarah Reno and Emily Miller gave ACU eight important rebounds. The fast break has been where the Wildcats have had the most success this season, and the see FAST page 7
MEN’S BASKETBALL
New look ’Cats ready to impress Bryson Shake
Assistant Sports Editor
Bobby Reeves isn’t a fan of the word “rebuilding” because of the negative connotation associated with the term. Instead, words like “clean slate” and “fresh start” are what he uses when talking about the upcoming season. “I’m all about positive reinforcement. Who cares what happened last year? It doesn’t matter a bit. We don’t like to talk about the past at all here. What matters is the task that is at hand – and that is this season. We’re putting all our focus on the present and working hard to improve on a daily basis,” he said. “You can’t go back and change anything that’s happened up to this point. All you have control of is what’s ahead of you, and that’s a good thing.” Reeves was an assistant baseball coach at Harding University before taking over the reins of the ACU softball program in July. He
replaces Chantiel Wilson, who compiled a 216-153 record over seven seasons, and Reeves considers himself blessed to be in the position he is now. “It has been a blessing to have the opportunity to come to Abilene and coach softball here. It’s been a very easy transition because of how good the school has been to my family and me. I couldn’t ask to be in a better situation,” Reeves said. The Wildcats will return six players from last year’s team, including three starting position players in Melissa Mendoza, Brianna Fowlkes, and Candice Miller. Brittany Rexroat and Shelby Hall, starting pitchers, also are returning, along with reserve third baseman Tori Hoffman. Mendoza, a senior outfielder from California, is the team’s top returning offensive player, as she hit .380, had 32 RBI’s and scored 23 runs last season. see PREVIEW page 7
DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer
Head coach Jason Copeland talks to his team during a timeout at Moody Coliseum.
Loss streak slides to six Ryan Cantrell
Sports Multimedia Editor
Despite a dramatic second half comeback, ACU dropped its sixth in a row Saturday, to Eastern New Mexico University 98-86. The Wildcats used a 19-1 run in the second half to get within one point of the Greyhounds 69-68, but ENMU was too much beyond the arc for the Wildcats. The Greyhounds shot over 65 percent from the three-point line, going 17-26.
“I think we dug ourselves in the hole in the first half. We didn’t find their shooters and they shot well,” Coach Jason Copeland said. “We didn’t quit in the game. We just need to put some more minutes together.” ACU played well in the first half, but the difference came from the long ball. ENMU shot 11-16 from beyond the arc in the first half and entered halftime with a 44-33 lead. In the second half, the Greyhounds would get up
by 19 before the Wildcats began a press with about 12 minutes left in the game. ACU would force 8 turnovers in an incredible 19-1 run that would make the score 69-68 in favor of ENMU. After coming within one, ENMU would answer with threes and eventually push the lead back up to 13 with two minutes to play. “The deficit we got ourselves into makes for a hard comeback,” guard see LOSS page 7