Features Page 5
Pond Hopping
vol. 101, no. 34
wednesday, february 6, 2013
1 SECTION, 8 PAGES
Morgans return to Abilene after 9 years in Oxford
accident INSIDE OPINION Super Bowl commercials proving not worth the money, anticipation
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Injured continue to improve mark smith editor in chief Another victim from the Jan. 25 accident has been released from the hospital, and the last one is expected to leave soon. Deanna Romero, freshman international studies major from Sioux Falls, S.D., was discharged from
romero
cherniss
Hendrick Medical Center on Friday. Rebekah Cherniss, freshman Ad/PR major from Katy, under-
went successful surgery on Friday morning and expects to be discharged this week. Both were involved in the head-on collision on TX-36 almost two weeks ago. Three other students were injured in the accident, and 20-yearold Lindsey Smith, junior Ad/PR major from New Braunfels, died in the crash. The other driver,
Jeffrey Davis, 27, also died on the scene. Kevin Cherniss, Rebekah’s father, said she walked outside her hospital room on Monday for the first time since the accident. “The surgery went well,” he said, “and now she’s been sitting up and did some walking all the way down the hall.” Kevin said Rebekah
baseball
NEWS
could be discharged as soon as Wednesday or Thursday. He said once she can, they will take her back to a rehabilitation hospital near her home in the Houston suburb. Kevin said the local support has helped the family during Rebekah’s recovery. “We really appreciate the see improvements page 4
campus
‘Piano Man’ cut, rehired after strong response
Interns needed for recording WWII history Page 4
NEWS Rezoning proposed for Abilene elementary schools Page 3
NEWS
josh garcia
Rec Center no longer offers free Performance Lab testing
managing editor
Page 3
SPORTS
Baseball team splits 2-2 in Astros in Action tourney over weekend
PLAYIN’ BALL
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Baseball players reach out to Houston youth with pickup wiffle ball games before weekend tournament
SPORTS Women’s basketball loses at ENMU for first time in 12 years
“Piano Man” Mike Schuler was let go because of budget restraints on Thursday, only to schuler be rehired within 24 hours. Schuler has been playing piano in the Bean for about 20 years. After a four-year hiatus, he returned to the Bean a little over a year ago. Last semester, Schuler performed four or five days a week, most commonly dur-
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I spent the weekend getting back on Facebook, Twitter and email thanking everybody.” mike schuler the piano man
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ONLINE PHOTOS For more from the pickup games in Houston, go to: flickr.com/acuoptimist
NEWS Highland to conduct instrumental worship on Sunday nights acuoptimist.com
VIDEO A video tribute, shown in Chapel, for Lindsey Smith
acuoptimist.com
VIDEO DET students take on 48-hour mobile game contest
ing lunchtime after Chapel. On Thursday, Schuler received a call from the office of Anthony Williams, chief business services offer, notifying him that his services had been cut. Schuler said he immediately turned to social media to rally students and alumni. mandy lambright chief photographer “I started telling the kids, Above: One of the young boys involved with Impact Church of Christ in Houston runs toward home plate during a wiffle ball game with the ACU I put something on Facebaseball team. Below: Grant Boone, Alumni Relations officer, leads a huddle prayer with the ACU team and kids from the church after the game. book about it. Immediately they got onto social media, edward isaacs Facebook, Twitter, emails, sports editor phone calls,” Schuler said. Schuler said Williams called him and offered him The baseball team took time out of work for three days a week, their weekend trip to Houston to volwhich he accepted appreunteer with Impact Church of Christ ciatively. located in downtown Houston. The “I spent the weekend team played wiffle ball Saturday getting back on Facebook, morning with a group of around 18Twitter and email thanking 20 middle school kids at a park not far everybody,” Schuler said. from the players hotel. “Thank you to the student Grant Boone, Alumni Relations body and everybody else officer, organized the event and has that made a difference.” worked with Impact before. Schuler attended Har“The baseball team jumped right din-Simmons University in,” Boone said. “We divided up into in the ‘80s before pursuteams with all the Texas players on one ing a career in instrumenside and the guys from outside Texas on tal performance, getting another. We divided the Impact kids up started at the now-defunct randomly. We had an absolute blast.” “All the players had a great attitude who are struggling with poverty. Senior infielder Chuck Duarte en- about it,” Boone said. “What the play“They feed people, clothe peo- Crystal’s Pizza. Though joyed playing with the kids. ers did could have a big impact on ple, and help those with short and self-taught on the piano, “Those kids definitely looked up to those kids.” long term poverty issues,” he said. Schuler took trumpet lesus,” Duarte said. “We thought we could Impact was founded by several “They’ve been a real force for good sons as a student and in the just give something back to them.” ACU alumni. It was established to and change in inner city Houston for Air Force band. “I love everything about The middle school kids also got to address the needs of the inner city in a quarter of a century.” music,” Schuler said. “It’s eat lunch with the Wildcats after the Houston. It is located just across the a really great way to have a wiffle ball game, and a group of them interstate by downtown Houston. contact isaacs at went to the ACU game that night in Boone said it is a church that minjei08a@acu.edu see rehired page 4 Minute Maid Park. isters to low income inner city people
sing song acuoptimist.com
Dance teams preparing for shows For the first time in several years, ACU is bringing back the Sing Song Dance Team. The team consists As Sing Song is fast ap- of students with all difproaching, everyone is danc- ferent types of dancing ing around campus getting styles. This year the dance organized, losing sleep and team will perform 18 trying to focus on preparing numbers throughout the for the performances. show consisting of classi-
christina williamson
OXFORD Marissa Jones, our Oxford correspondent, details her latest experiences abroad theoxfordcommablog. wordpress.com
student reporter
cal, contemporary, swing, step, modern, and country two-step. Many students participating in the dance team are members of SHADES, ACU Swing Cats, Omega Dance Co., and Sanctify. For tryouts this year, 55 students attempted to
Abilene Christian University
make the dance team. Only 30 students were chosen. Two dance professionals were brought in to evaluate the students and make suggestions for the dance team. Kirby Wilkerson, sophomore nutrition major from Abilene, describes the tryouts as “intense.”
“We did a lot of center floor; tends, piles and flexibility,” she said. “Then some across the floor work, kicks, more turns. All of which were so hard to do because there were so many people. We were squished.” see tryouts page 4
Wednesday 02.06.13
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Wednesday
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Thursday
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Friday All Day - DOCUmation interviewing in Career Center
10 a.m. Men’s Basketball at TAMU-Commerce 10 a.m. Women’s Basketball at TAMUCommerce
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Saturday 4 p.m. Baseball vs East Central
All Day - TRK - Don Kirby Open
4 p.m. Softball vs Eastern New Mexico
11 a.m. Softball vs Colorado State University Pueblo
7:30 p.m. Title of Show - ACU Theatre
2 p.m. Baseball vs East Central - DH 5 p.m. Softball vs Central Oklahoma 5:30 p.m. Cultural Crossover 5:30 p.m. Women’s Basketball vs Tarleton State 7:30 p.m. Title of Show - ACU Theatre 7:30 p.m. Men’s Basketball vs Tarleton State
Chapel checkup
26 73 @acuoptimist
Around Abilene Feb. 6
Feb. 7
Feb. 8
Feb. 9
11 a.m. A soup lunch will be served at Grace United Methodist Church, 1402 Grape St. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted.
6:30 p.m. The Wagon Wheel Squares will sponsor a square dancing workshop at the Wagon Wheel in Tye.
10 a.m. State Rep. Susan L. King and the Abilene Chamber of Commerce will conduct a public town hall meeting at The Grace Museum at 102 Cypress St. Open discussion will follow a short presentation. For more information call 325-6700384.
3 p.m. For the Love of Nature will sponsor a Love Nature Hike along the Cedar Creek Waterway Trail, starting on the 100 block of ES 11th Street. Admission is free. For more information call 325529-6599.
The Optimist optimist@acu.edu Police Log Announcements ACU Leadership Camps is looking for college students to serve on summer staff. Pick up an application in Room 10 in the lower level of the Campus Center.
The 6th annual Student Art Contest for Summit is open for submissions. The ACU Ministry Events Office calls any current ACU student to submit their original artwork, photography, drawing, painting ACU Theatre presents its winter musical or other creation to visually communicomedy, [title of show] in Fulks Theatre cate the 2013 Summit theme: Margins. Feb. 8-9, 15-16 and 22-23. For tickets, Submissions must be received digitally call 325-674-2787. to summit@acu.edu by Feb. 15. One select work will be awarded a cash prize Spots are still available on Spring Break of $100 and used to advertize the 2013 Campaigns going to various locations. Summit. For more information contact Liz Lurz at evl09a@acu.edu, Wilson White at ww- The Ad/PR club is selling Valentines for w09a@acu.edu or stop by the SBC office $1 each in the Campus Center Feb. 7-14 in Bible 322. from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Abstract submission for the Undergraduate Research Festival is now open. The 5th annual ACU Undergraduate Research Festival will be Apr. 4-5. To submit your abstract or get abstract writing tips and information on the review of abstracts go to the Research Festival Blog at blogs. acu.edu/researchfest.
The OME is having Cultural Crossover during the men and women’s basketball games Feb. 9. There will be food, decorations and music from different cultures. Sign up to host a table before Feb. 7 on the link found in the annoucements part of my.acu.edu.
University Park Apartments is offering A RED Fashion Show interest meeting weekend housing options for people viswill be held Feb. 8 at 3 p.m. and Feb. 10 iting for Sing Song. For more information at 8 p.m. in DMC 320. For more informa- call 325-738-4600. tion contact Sarah Kelly at sak08a@acu. edu.
Volunteer Opp0rtunities The Center for International Education is looking for conversation partners for international students to practice English, conversations and cultural learning. Partners meet for one hour each week at a time and place determined by the partners. For more information contact Laura McGregor at 325-674-2821 or laura.mcgregor@acu.edu. St. John’s Episcopal School is seeking volunteers to paint metal playground equipment anytime Monday-Friday after 3 p.m. and Saturday anytime. For more information contact Rebecca McMillon at 325-695-8870 or flores@ stjohnsabilene.org. Center for Contemporary Arts needs a gallery assistant to greet patrons, answer phones and answer basic questions about the Center and its programs. This opportunity is open Tuesday-Friday. The Center for Contemporary Arts is located at 220 Cypress Street. For more informa tion contact Jessica Dulle at 325-6778389 or visit: http://www.center-arts. com/. Rescue the Animals is seeking volunteers to take pictures and videos in preparation for the launching of their new website as well as maintenance of the site after the launch. This opportunity is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. For more information contact Kathy Walker at 325-677-7722 or rescuetheanimalsvolunteers@yahoo.com. The National Center For Children’s Illustrated Literature is looking for volunteers to greet patrons, assist with art activities, sell books and make visitors feel welcome. Help is also needed for special events like Artwalk and exhibit openings. The NCCIL is located at 102 Cedar St. For more information on times and dates contact Debby Lillick at 325-673-4586 or visit: http://www.nccil.org/index.htm. The Christian Ministries of Abilene: Food Pantry is searching for volunteers to greet
and interview neighbors, do computer entries, shop with neighbors, take groceries to vehicles, bag, stock and pick up orders on Mondays and Fridays from 9:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. and 1 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. and on Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. The Food Pantry is located at 701 Walnut St. For more information contact Becky Almanza at 325-673-1234 or cmapantry@aol.com.
1726 Butternut St. For more information contact J.D. Alonzo at 325-677-1408 or visit: www.satruck.com.
The Christian Service Center is seeking volunteers to help assist with filling requests for items such as clothing, bedding, kitchen utensils, etc. from the donation center, sort and organize donations and occasionally pick-up donated items. Volunteers are needed every weekday and the first Saturday of each month between 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. For more information contact Roberta Brown at 325-673-7561 or at robertabrown51@hotmail.com. For more information on the program visit: http:// www.uccabilene.org/ministries/csc.htm.
The International Rescue Committee is seeking volunteers to work with refugees who recently moved to the U.S., teaching English, helping with homework and mentoring. Contact Susanna Lubango to make an appointment at 325-675-5643.
The Food Bank of West Central Texas needs volunteers to help sort and stock food and other items any weekday Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. The Food Bank is located at 5505 N. 1st St. For more information contact Janice Serrault at 325-695-6311 or abfoodbk@camalott. com. Meals on Wheels Plus needs volunteer drivers to deliver afternoon meals to seniors and adults with disabilities MondayFriday between 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Drivers must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license. Training is provided. For more information contact Samantha Barker at 352-672-5050 or visit: http:// mealsonwheelsplus.com. The Salvation Army is looking for volunteers for a variety of needs including sorting and pricing items in the thrift store, helping in the kitchen and/or doing yard work. Times are flexible. Volunteers are needed throughout the week MondaySaturday. The Salvation Army is located at
The House That Kerry Built is looking for volunteers to assist in the day care of medically fragile children any day Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. or 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. Contact Keith Loftin at 325672-6061.
The Covenant Place of Abilene is seeking volunteers to lead singing and/or play piano for residents. For more information contact Ann Erwin at 325-793-1144. University Place is seeking volunteers to help with the resident birthday party for residents the third Wednesday of each month at 2:30 p.m. For more information contact Linda Tijerina at 325-676-9946. Breakfast on Beech Street is seeking volunteers to help set up, prepare and serve breakfast to homeless/lower income folks any Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 5:30 a.m. or Tuesday at 5 a.m. B.O.B.S is located at First Christian Church on 3rd St. and Beech St. Service times must be scheduled in advance. To serve on Mondays contact Jody Depriest at 325-669-3312 or jody.depriest@gmail. com. To serve on Tuesdays contact Allen Daugherty at 325-660-6949 or ale.al@ suddenlink.net. To serve on Wednesdays contact Jane Harvey at 325-695-0092 or jharvread@aol.com. To serve on Thursdays contact Margaret Beasley at 325692-4149 or mbeasley5@suddenlink.net. To serve on Fridays contact Rachel Brown at rdb08a@acu.edu. Christian Homes & Family Services is seeking volunteers to do minor landscaping such as raking, trimming bushes,
minor apartment repairs and general upkeep Monday-Saturday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. For more information contact Shaylee Honey at 325-677-2205 or Shoney@ ChristianHomes.com. The Abilene Public Zoo is seeking volunteers to help clean/feed animals, assist zookeepers and assist with educational classes any weekday any time between 12 p.m.-4 p.m. They are also seeking volunteers to help with general labor such as grounds cleanup and painting any weekday at any time between noon and 4 p.m. For more information contact Joy Harsh at 325-676-6487. Hill Resources is seeking volunteers to encourage and entertain mentally delayed individuals Monday through Friday any time between 10 a.m.-2 p.m. For more information contact Michelle Espinoza at 325-673-3346 or mespinoza@ hillresource.com. The Oaks at Radford Hills is seeking volunteers to participate in activities, go on outings and provide social stimulation for residents any day at any time. For more information contact Michelle White or Sonia Serrato at 325-672-3236. Rescue the Animals is seeking volunteers to work at the adoption center doing a variety of tasks including cleaning, socializing and grooming the animals Monday - Saturday from 1 p.m.-5 p.m. For more information contact Mindi Qualls at 325698-7722 or rescuetheanimalsvolunteers@yahoo.com. The CAC Department is seeking volunteers to participate in Special Olympics, by helping mentally/physically challenged people play games and sports Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. For more infomation contact Angel Seca at 325-690-5235. For additional volunteer opportunities visit: www.acu.edu/campusoffices/ccsl/ ministry-service/volunteer-opportunities/
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news
wednesday 02.06.13
health
Performance tests no longer free peyton mosley staff reporter
curtis christian Staff Photographer
ACU alumnus Hal Runkel speaks in Chapel as part of Sacred Relationships Week.
The Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition is looking to make some changes to the Human Performance Lab here on campus. The Performance Lab’s services have been free for students, faculty or staff in the past. However, the department is considering no longer providing their services free of charge. The Human Performance Lab is a little known amenity offered at ACU. Within the lab, a person can undergo a series of tests that check their weight, body composition, height and blood pressure within a matter of minutes. The tests a person can choose to take are at the discretion of each person, based on their physical wants and needs. Students new to campus are for the first time completely in charge of their health. The tests offered by the lab will help students
better understand their body, and what it may take to keep them healthy. “The tests will tell them what their current fitness level is,” says Dr. Libby McCurley. “It gives you really good base line material, and a student can continue to come back in to track their progress as well.” Many people on campus have taken advantage of this opportunity. Since its opening, full classrooms and professors have undergone some of the tests within the lab. The lab has accepted walk-ins as well. However, providing these services for free has taken a toll on the department. The problem is that while each test may call for equipment the school already has, the materials needed can not be reused. The re-supply of simple materials begins to add up, and the department has been forced to use money from their budget to cover these additional costs. “The fee schedule will be minimal,” states Dr. Matthew Gerver. “The tests of-
fered would still be about 60 to 70 percent cheaper than they would be at a physicians office.” The test offered will still be affordable to all students, even those on a budget. However, by implementing small fees, the department hopes to add credibility to the lab. The tests in the performance lab will continue to provide valuable information to the students or faculty that take advantage of them. Though the staff will not supply a diagnosis based on the results of a test, they will still provide the client with valuable information about their body. The results will also show the client if further medical action is needed. At this time, testing in the Human Performance Lab is still offered free of charge. Students or faculty members interested in setting up an appointment should contact Dr. Gerver or Dr. McCarthy by email. contact mosley at pmm10a@acu.edu
organizations
Students create film enthusiasts group joshua garcia managing editor Two JMC students recently kick-started a new film interest group, Scope, on campus. With the help of Kyle Dickson, associate professor of English, siblings Lucius Patenaude and Adrian Patenaude created Scope to provide an outlet for film enthusiasts on campus. Lucius and Adrian met with half a dozen other
students for Scope’s first meeting Friday in the Campus Center Living Room, where they watched Children of Men. Lucius, junior multimedia major from Phrae, Thailand, said Scope will focus more on intellectual, thought-provoking or lesser known films. “It’s something that we’ve been wanting to do for a while, just because we love watching film,” Lucius said. “We wanted to encourage more criti-
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We hope for Scope to be that way to connect people.” adrian patenaude junior ad/pr major from phrae, thailand
cal thinking and critical viewing of films, so when we had our first meeting Friday night, we watched it, and then afterwards, we tried to dissect the movie a little bit.”
Lucius invented the name “Scope” a couple months ago. He said it was partially inspired by the Old English word for poet, scop. “They are the historians, but they are also the storytellers, so I kind of like that ancient connection,” Lucius said. “But ‘scope’ I also kind of see as part of a ‘microscope’ or ‘telescope,’ being able to really examine storytelling and what the story is trying to communicate.”
Scope is not just about watching films, however. Adrian, junior Ad/PR major from Phrae, Thailand, said she and Lucius wanted to be able to provide FilmFest networking opportunities. “We need people from all different departments,” Adrian said. “But there’s no way for all these people, all these storytellers, to connect. We hope for Scope to be that way to connect people.” Adrian said Scope is not just for students.
“We hope to have professors there to offer their perspectives as well,” Adrian said. Scope will always meet on Friday at 9 p.m., but the meeting location and day will be irregular, announced by Lucius and Adrian on Facebook. Upcoming films include Sound of My Voice, Chinatown and The Apartment. contact garcia at jtg10b@acu.edu
local
Abilene’s elementary schools propose rezoning elementary schools: Bas- cial impact. This proposal, setti Elementary, Dyess Ashby said, will have no effeatures editor Elementary, Jackson El- fect on where students are ementary, Reagan Elemen- currently zoned to attend The overcrowded class- tary and Ward Elementary. middle or high school. rooms in Abilene’s el- From these schools, the As for the Abilene comementary schools have motion would potentially munity, the AISD board prompted an AISD bound- impact an estimated 500 hosted four public hearary rezoning proposal to students. ings over the month of better benefit and educate While this proposed January at the four camstudents. update shifts some stu- puses that would receive Several years of climb- dents from one campus students if the proposal ing student enrollment This boundary update proposal is designed to address numbers have called for a change in the classroom that issue at a few campuses--shifting students from setup to balance Abilene schools that are at capacity or near capacity.” elementary schools’ totals, said Phillip Ashby, AISD Director of Communications. Philip ashby “This boundary update AISD Director of communications proposal is designed to address that issue at a few campuses – shifting students from schools that are to another, none are be- were to be passed. These at capacity or near capacity ing moved farther from a meetings, Ashby said, were to schools with consisting school and, in most cases, designed to hear feedback facilities that are equipped the update will bring them on the proposed changes, to handle more students,” closer to a campus. Since answer questions, as well Ashby said. those changes will not im- as allow parents to tour the The update would affect pact bus transportation, schools and talk to faculty five of Abilene’s 15 district there is little overall finan- and staff.
gabi powell
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optimist@acu.edu
The Optimist
@acuoptimist
ACUOPTIMIST.com
“Several members of the board of trustees, who ultimately will make this decision, attended the sessions and heard first-hand some of the concerns expressed by parents who are affected by the boundary update.” An article by Big Country Homepage quotes Bowie Elementary principal, Keri Thornburg on the proposal focal point. “We’re trying to help the parents understand that smaller campuses and campuses that can hold students to optimum capacity is really a benefit for every student,” Thornburg said. The plan’s approval would see overcrowding at Jackson Elementary eased, increased enrollment at Dyess and Reagan and more available student space at Ward Elementary, where construction of a new apartment complex directly across the street
predicts an increase population in its attendance zone beginning next year, Ashby said. Feb. 11, the school board plans to meet at 5:30 p.m. in the One AISD Center for a final summary of the community feedback before the Board of Trustees considers the elementary update. If approved, the update will go into effect for the 2013-14 school year.
“The ultimate purpose of the boundary update is to benefit students who will be served more efficiently if campus enrollments properly match facilities,” Ashby said. “Our district philosophy is to maintain a neighborhood concept at the elementary level.”
contact powell at gmp10b@acu.edu
news
wednesday 02.06.13
4
honors
Reading groups prepare for missional conversation the whole campus,” Flanders said. Heuertz will also speak in Chapel, at a Chapel foThe Honors College is con- rum and at a special sesducting a reading group sion held for only the readfor interested students. ing group participants. Honors College stu- Heuertz is executive direcdents gathered with Dr. tor of the non-profit Word Chris Flanders, assistant Made Flesh, whose misprofessor of missions in sion statement is to “serve the Department of Bible Missions and Ministry, on Honors is seeking to Monday for the first meeting of the Honors reading provide their students group. The meeting ocwith small classes, top curred at approximately faculty and connections 5 p.m. Over the next five with remarkable speakers weeks the students will be and authors.” reading the book Friendship at the Margins by dr. michael harbour executive administrative Christopher L. Heuertz director of the honors and Christine D. Pohl. college Students can participate in the reading group and will have the opportunity Jesus among the poorest of to converse about top- the poor.” ics related to the book by “What we’re anticipatHeuertz and Pohl. ing is that this group of The reading group for students will have special Honors students is one access to the author,” said of four different groups Dr. Michael Harbour, exstudying the same book ecutive administrative diacross the ACU campus. rector of the Honors ColOther groups include fac- lege. “Honors is seeking ulty members, graduate to provide their students students and international with small classes, top facstudies students. ulty, and connections with On Feb. 27 and 28, ACU remarkable speakers and will host the Broom Col- authors.” loquium, a missional conCurrently seven stuversation for the whole dents have signed up. school. Chris Heuertz, They will meet in the comone of the authors of the mons area of the Honors selected book, will be on College in Zellner Hall campus speaking at the where Flanders will facilicolloquium. Colloquium tate conversation and recredits are required for all flection as they discuss a Honors College students. chapter a week. “This is a time where we try to bring a missional contact orr at topic that is important and mco10b@acu.edu hopefully compelling to
Madeline orr copy editor
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curtis christian Staff Photographer
Frater Sodalis pledge Josh Walters, junior exercise science major from Allen, awaits the start of bid night on the steps of the Hardin Administration building.
campus
Theatre sets pose new challenges Brantly Houston student reporter ACU Theatre’s upcoming productions of [title of show] and Metamorphoses both feature unique sets that will challenge the casts and creative teams as well as enhance the shows for audience members. The musical [title of show] will have the audience seated on stage with the cast, while the play Metamorphoses will feature a pool as the centerpiece of the set. Michael Duran, technical director for the Department of Theatre, designed the set for [title of show] and will be directing Metamorphoses. “The play is about two guys writing a play. It goes all over the place so it couldn’t really be too definitive of a setting,” said Duran of [title of show]. “We’ve taken everybody in the audience and put them on the stage, put them in the theatre themselves, so the whole theme about being in the theatre becomes literal in the audience. It just gets a bit more personal.” To bring the audience into the action, seating platforms had to be built on the stage in Fulks Theatre. Gary Varner, professor of theatre, said the main challenge in this is ensuring the platforms are strong enough to support the audience. “You’re basically building a theatre,” Varner said. Because the seating platforms bring the audience so close to the performers, cast members had to make adjustments to their vocal performance. Matthew Silar, junior acting and direct-
ing major from Chicago, Ill., plays Hunter in [title of show]. “The hardest part for us has been projection and sound mixing,” Silar said. “Fulks Theatre is built for [outward] performance, and by bringing the audience up on the stage we have to perform in ways that aren’t customary to the space.” According to Silar, the fly loft above the stage absorbs much of the sound. “We have worked really hard on projecting and being able to sing out so everyone can hear us and [we] remain in good vocal health,” Silar said. The cast will also be using microphones to resolve this issue. Tommy Fogle, senior theatre tech major from Abilene, configured speakers on the stage. Metamorphoses, directed by Duran, is a Tony award-nominated play based on the myths of Ovid. The play will feature a pool as the focal point of the set. Duran said because a running theme of the play is the metamorphoses of water, the pool is essential. Varner collaborated with Duran on the design.
what the challenges will be until we actually have the set up and running,” Hazard said. Varner noted the technical problems the water poses. “The temperature of the room is around 70 degrees. The water needs to be about 85 degrees,” Varner said. Varner said the theatre department purchased an above ground heater, the most expensive element of the show, that will keep the water warm during the day and be turned off for performances. Not only is the temperature of the water a concern, but also the temperature of the theatre itself. “I’m wondering how cold Culp [Theatre] will be once we’re all soaked,” Hazard said. However, Hazard also said the pool will enhance the experience for patrons. “The water just adds that extra something that pulls the audience into the world and story we are trying to show. It will be a visually mesmerizing show,” he said. Both shows are sure to offer different experiences to audience members. However, theatregoers should act fast We don’t really know what the challenges chase their tickets.to purwill be until we actually have the “[Both shows] are selling out rapidly,” Varner set up and running.” said. [title of show] will show February 8-9, 15-16, and Tyler Hazard 22-23 in while Metamorsophomore acting major from Spring phoses will show February 28 and March 1-2. Tickets “He had some images he thought about come up be- can be purchased online really wanted to work on, so cause of the water.” at acu.edu/theatre or by I worked with those images Cast member Tyler Haz- calling the box office at and that’s what really set ard, sophomore acting ma- 674-2787. the show,” Varner said. jor from Spring, echoed Varner also noted the concerns about this chalcontact the optimiist at lighting design by Fogle lenge. jmcnetwork@acu.edu will contribute to the “We don’t really know
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show’s look. “These are ancient Greek stories. It has to feel very ethereal, very otherworldly, but at the same time very now and very here,” Fogle said. “Its going to be a very lighting-heavy show.” Fogle will be lighting the water of the pool directly. “It doesn’t need to be trashy at all. I’m looking to make it look clean,” Fogle said. The lighting will also contribute to special effects throughout the show, such as actors appearing out of thin air and emerging from the pool. “Hopefully the audience will jump a little bit if I do my job right. It’s very much a magic act.... It’s gonna be a challenge. This is by far the most intense lighting show I’ve ever done,” Fogle said. Duran, who has designed previous productions of the play, said the water presents the challenge of flexibility. “You almost block the show in your mind and hope it will work. Then when the water comes in you have to let things go,” Duran said. “And then really great things you never even
campus
Rehired: Piano Man brought back continued from page 1 really great way to have a positive influence on so many people.” Schuler is not confined to playing solely in the Bean. He also plays at Heff’s Burgers on Wednesday nights and Cypress Street Station Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Occasionally, he plays at Hardin-Simmons
or at more formal functions. Schuler said he enjoys playing for ACU students because of the response he gets. “I can tell I’m making a difference,” Schuler said. “I’m playing requests. Sometimes I’ll do everything from Sesame Street to Star Wars. It’s a variety, it keeps me on my toes. It’s a lot of fun to be playing for an audience.”
Doug Joyner, sophomore digital entertainment major from Houston, said Schuler complements the Bean. “He sets the mood for lunch,” Joyner said. “He keeps us relaxed and peaceful throughout our stressful day.” Becky Jeffery, sophomore English major from San Diego, said she was not surprised by social
media and technology’s roles in Schuler being rehired. “I think it makes sense, because that’s how people connect around the school. You don’t see people petitioning with papers anymore. It’s all online,” Jeffrey said. contact garcia at jtg10b@acu.edu
accident
Improvements: Romero hopes to return to dorm, class soon continued from page 1 school, from the classmates to the administration, and the city,” he said. Romero’s Cornerstone instructor last semester, Karen Cukrowski, offered her to come stay with her while she recovers. She’s been there since Friday with her mother, Marcia Holliway. Romero said she’s been improving slowly from a broken collarbone, fractured vertebrae and some cuts and bruises. She wears a back brace and uses a cane to get around. “I’m doing all right,” Romero said. “Taking little baby steps day by day. Lots of ups and downs.” Romero said she plans to stay in the Cukrowskis’ home for about another week, then hopefully move back into Nelson Hall. She wants to slowly work her
“
I’m doing all right. Taking little baby steps day by day.”
deanna Romero freshman international studies major from sioux falls, N.D.
way to returning to class before too much time passes. “I’ll be meeting with ACU soon about classes,” she said. “I hope to return to school soon and possibly drop a class or two.” Romero has been able to walk some, and gets a little more ability each day. She hopes, if everything goes well, to attend Chapel on Friday.
contact smith at mds10a@acu.edu
sing song
Tryouts: Students to remember Lindsey Smith in performances killed in a car accident on Jan. 25. The students were then Tom Craig, director of taught a routine of fast Student Activities and Sing combinations to a song Song director, said, “The in the show and then perThe students are planning formed it for the judges. Rehearsals for Sing Song some subtle nods to are numerous. Students on recognize Lindsey.” the dance team are rehearsing every night and even have weekend rehearsals in hopes of producing an tom craig director of student activites amazing show. Not only are students practicing on their own time but they are also work- students are planning some ing closely with their cho- subtle nods to recognize reographer, Teri Wilkerson, Lindsey. That recognition and the hosts and host- will be explained fully in the esses of the show. Rehears- Sing Song Program.” als started in early January Wilkerson said during but the students seem to be the auditions Lindsey had having more fun just being on the “greatest red cowboy able to dance. boots,” and because of that The dance team is also the students who are particplanning on honoring Lind- ipating in the two-stepping sey Smith. Smith was on the dance number will wear red Sing Song Dance Team and cowboy boots in her honor. Sing Song production team. Smith was also the dance contact the optimist at manager and a member jmcnetwork@acu.edu of the judge team. She was continued from page 1
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5
featureS
wednesday 02.06.13
Photo by Jodi Gaines
[
photo by jodi gaines
House #9 in Oxford, England; The home to the Morgans and Study Abroad students.
]
There and back again:
“L
The Morgan’s tale
ove, do you want some coffee?” “No love, thank you.” This is routine language between Ron and Janine Morgan. Each greeted the other with a kiss and unloaded their belongings around them in the Starbucks café of the library. Dr. Janine Morgan, an instructor in the Core department, is dressed in her usual, f lowy, Woodstock attire. Dr. Ron Morgan, professor in intercultural studies and international studies advisor, sported a Leipzig, Germany, Study Abroad T-shirt. She, the free spirit. He, the more structured of the pair. If ever there was an image of “opposites-attract” it is displayed between Ron and Janine Morgan. Married “30 blessedly, skirmish-y years,” she said, the two have lived an adventure as ACU’s Oxford resident directors for nine of those years. Their newest adventure comes from what Ron calls, an “accumulation of coinciding circumstances.” The Morgans had been strongly considering a move back to Abilene in order to be closer to family, but the university’s fiscal situation confirmed the decision, they said. Like many programs, Study Abroad fell victim to the university’s budget cuts, leaving the Morgans feeling they had little choice but to abandon the accents and return to the states. “We needed someone to push, or force our hand into the decision to come back,” he said. “Making it on our own would have been too difficult.” Their new Abilene house, three-bed, two-bath and about 1,400 sq ft., would be a tight squeeze by most anyone’s standard. In Oxford, their portion of the home apartment gave them a kitchen, living room, bedroom and bathroom to call their own. So for a couple whose quarters were limited to the shared space with each new semester’s student group, “It is big enough,” Ron said. When asked if they miss the closer-than-normal professor-student relationship, Janine nodded eagerly, Ron leaned back in his chair, shaking his head. She quickly responded to his denial in tattletale tone, “Ron was the one who brought up the idea of maybe living in the dorms, like the Phillips.” For now, they rent a humble house, miles from the university. “We wanted to see how life a ways from campus would be like,” Janine said. Because 2000 trans-Atlantic miles has them accustomed to personal space. First fears forecasted the whole Oxford program to be shut down, but with the Morgan’s return and budget rearranging, the Study Abroad location favorite will stay. The torch for the resident director position was passed to Jacqueline Morrison. Morrison had worked with the Oxford program alongside the Morgans since she graduated from ACU in 2003. But for the Morgans, the adventure does not stop in Abilene. The country-hopping couple simply refuses to be kept US bound for too long. They have already signed up with the Study Abroad Montevideo program for the Spring 2015 semester. “We are so excited to get back to South America. It’s something to look forward to,” Janine said. Before their Brit days, Ron and Janine joined a missionary team formed on the ACU campus along with Highland Church of Christ headed for Rio de Janeiro,
Story by: Gabi Powell Contact Powell at gmp10b@acu.edu
Nine years of reevaluating later, the two have not merely served as the Oxford resident directors. They have lived directly below their students, been kept young by their college student noise level and sleep hours, acted as the stand-in parents for 27 batches of student groups. On site, Ron was in charge of international studies classes, with Janine teaching upper-level Bible courses. The husband and wife even teamed up as co-professors for Core classes. When asked what they miss most, Ron was the first to speak up, as if he knew it would be easier for him to vocalize his wife’s feelings. “Well, I know for Janine, coming from a missionary family, she is used to being in the center of what’s happening, big-fish-in-a-small-pond sort of deal,” he said. “I think the hardest thing she is having to deal with has been missing that small community.” That same absence of intimacy Ron considers his favorite aspect of their Abilene homecoming. “I’ve missed being a part of the ACU community,” he said. “I find the atmosphere academically stimulating.” But Janine continues. “I miss walking in nature.” She said the past weekend they discovered Abilene State Park. She grins, as if her inner Brit has won a small battle over the differing Texas climate, “I found my Texas Port Meadow.” Since being back, the Morgans have become members of Highland Church of Christ. Ron has begun involvement in Hispanos Unidos and Janine plans to begin involvement with the International Rescue Committee (IRC). But most of all, Janine said she misses the people’s values and faith. “I really miss the Church of England,” she says. “Their culture is so globally aware. Their prayers, they’re so concerned and involved with the outside world. I miss that.” During their Oxford residency, the Morgans regularly made trips back to United States, for business or family. photo by mallory macdonald Because of these visits, they said adjusting back to AmerDr. Ron & Janine Morgan served as the resident directors in the Oxford, ican currency, groceries and the proper driving lane has England Study Abroad location for nine years. not been a struggle. But one thing they can agree on: Brazil in the 1980’s. “We miss BBC,” she said The Morgans came to call Brazil home and the birth“Oh, BBC,” Ron mourned, as he dropped his face into place for both their daughters, Lara and Daniella. Both his hands. daughters live in Texas now, another factor in the MorAs a group of students began to leave the café area, gan’s homecoming from Oxford. Janine spotted a familiar one and tugged on Ron for a Returning to the United States after six years, the Mor- name reminder. She had confused him with his older gans took a pit stop from globetrotting. brother, both of whom studied abroad with them. These “We hadn’t been in Texas for some 20 years when we sibling generations have been many, they both said. She applied for the position and moved to Oxford from Los flagged down the former student with a hearty greeting, Angeles,” Janine said. During this time, Ron was a pro- insisting a coffee catch-up session. These run-ins hapfessor in History, while Janine taught in intercultural pen a lot, they both said. education while working for her doctorate degree. The Morgan’s nine-year run with Study Abroad OxOriginally, the Morgan’s contract as the Oxford resi- ford permits them the forgetting of a few names for dent directors was set for two years. Ron held an ACU the several that came through their doors at House 9, faculty position, reserving him a job if he ever chose to Canterbury Road. return. However, teatime went longer than expected. “It’s sort of like,” Janine stops mid-sentence and looks “This happened every time our contract drew to a out towards the student packed library. “It’s sort of like close,” Janine said. “Every two or three years we re-eval- empty-nest syndrome,” she swallows. “You know, where uated where we were, what we wanted in life. Every year, do I go now?” we still loved Oxford.”
Opinion
Wednesday 02.06.13
6
Editorial
Ad prices increase while quality decreases the issue The cost of a 30-second Super Bowl commercial has hit a ridiculous high.
our take With a few exceptions, the ads did not live up to their nearly $4 million hype.
Every year we gather around our televisions to watch the NFL’s annual football championship. This year the Baltimore Ravens withstood a late run from the San Francisco 49ers to send Ray Lewis into retirement with a ring. While the game is important, the commercials have become a large part
of Super Bowl Sunday. To some, the halftime show and commercials have become more important than the game itself. This year’s game had the largest television audience ever. More than 111 million viewers tuned in to the Super Bowl game this year. The average for regular season NFL games is usually 11.5 million.
As the prices rise, so does the audience’s expectation. Commercial prices first hit $1 million in 1995. After that, commercial prices kept rising. In the 2011 Super Bowl, advertising for a 30-second commercial cost around $3 million. This year’s price was about $3.8 million. Companies spend a huge amount of money working on commercials that will leave a lasting impression on the public, while other companies spend millions on a commercial that wastes the public’s time. One of the commercials
receiving the most criti- bad enough; hearing it cism is the first GoDaddy made it a lot worse. ad. This was actually one Unfortunately, this year of the least sexually sug- had many commercials where the audience were To some, the halftime left thinking “did you really spend more than $3 show and commercials million on this?” Though most of the have become more commercials seemed like important than the a waste of time and mongame itself.” ey, there were some highlights. A couple of commercials were fun, witty and actually got the message across without confusing gestive commercials the us or wasting our time. domain site company has The Taco Bell commerproduced, but it was still cial was a crowd favorite. appalling for a different It provided laughs for the reason. Seeing the kiss was audience and still promot-
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ed the company without overdoing it. Doritos, which has established a legacy for funny Super Bowl commercials, made another classic with the “Goat 4 Sale” ad. It reminded us how funny goats are. Overall, the commercials this year did not live up to the money that was spent on them. Hopefully, next year the $4 million spent on commercials will be worth our time.
contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
EVAN’s marks
column
evan marks
Let’s talk about gun control BETWEEN THE BOXES LUCIUS PATENAUDE
We should fear guns. In a Biblical sense. Respect may be a better word choice. I have encountered two attitudes toward guns, neither is respectful. One is a disdain for firearms. Pistols, rifles and automatic weapons are barbaric tools that precipitate violence, death and have no place in the civilized world. The other attitude is one that views guns as toys. They are a source of entertainment. Guns are just fun devices that enable hunting and are the ultimate expression of manliness. Guns are certainly not toys. They are, however, tools that can be put to barbaric use. The December 2012 school shooting in Connecticut is a sobering example. What can we do to prevent any more tragedies like this? The idea behind gun control is to simply take away all the guns. We would essentially baby-proof society. It is a practical and simple plan. Unfortunately, I have some misgivings about this solution. The outlawing of guns would remove firearms from the public sector in a perfect world. But we do not live in a perfect world. Criminals will continue to have access to weapons through illegal channels. If the bad guys are going to have guns no matter what, should we seek to arm ourselves? Texas is considering a bill that will allow individuals to carry guns on college campuses provided they possess a concealed carry license. A similar bill was posed in 2011 but failed to
go anywhere. The proposal has been reintroduced in the wake of the Connecticut school shooting. Surprisingly, public schools in Texas already allow teachers to carry guns to school. The recent tragedy caused an increase of teachers attending gun training programs. I like the idea of teachers arming themselves out of a desire to protect their students. Law enforcement raises a valid concern though. Police worry about arriving on the scene and firing on the wrong gun wielding citizen. Arming the regular Joe could make it harder for the police to take control of a situation. Response time is a common rebuff to this argument. If a mad gunman is on the loose there may not be five minutes to spare to wait for the police to arrive. A gun in the right place can make all the difference though. Mere days after the shooting in Connecticut another fatal incident almost occurred at a movie theatre in San Antonio, Texas. Thankfully an off-duty cop was present and shot the gunman before he took anyone’s life. This is a complicated issue. I am not talking about the Second Amendment. I completely support that right. The issue is which will save more lives: arming civilians or waiting for law enforcement?
contact patenaude at lrp09b@acu.edu
hashtagACU 7:28 p.m. Feb. 15
Beyonce 2016. And let her sing her own inaugural Star Spangled Banner.
@hollyyholmes 4:15 p.m. Feb. 13
Obviously the girl asking about “ring by spring” is a freshman. You embarrass the rest of us. #bequiet #smh
@AimeePhill
7:20 p.m. Feb. 3
If I could only dance like Beyonce. #wishfulthinking
column
The ramblings of a mad senior year after I graduated from high school. Now, in 2013,
MARK MY WORDS
EVAN MARKS
So far, 2013 has been my most grown-up year of all time. I’ve gotten a new job, passed my previous year’s classes (an immense accomplishment, believeyou-me), did my taxes early, and planned out the beginnings of my new life after graduation. Now, at the ripe old age of 24, I finally feel like I’m growing up. And yet, at the same time, I feel incredibly like a little kid again. This being my last year of school, there is very little on cam-
So when people at ACU refer to “the Super Bowl” are they referring to the football game or ACU Sing Song?
@treytres3
2:58 p.m. Feb. 5
8:31 a.m. Feb. 4
@em_brynn
personal attacks, obscenity, defamation, erroneous information or invasion of privacy. Please limit letters to 350 words or fewer. A name and phone number must be included for verification purposes. Phone numbers will not be published.
Sometimes guys open doors for me by pressing the handicapped button. I have mixed feelings about this. #chivalry
@sholleyholley
published by the department of journalism and mass communication editorial and management board
newsroom (325) 674-2439
When the handicap doors in the campus center nearly hit you as they close...#ohtheirony
7:01 p.m. Feb. 3
Here comes Beyonce. #beyoncebowl
I would rather watch commercials and scratch my eyes out then watch girls basketball.
@TyeCampbell03
@lauren_zanotto
12:48 p.m. Feb. 4
Address letters to: ACU Box 27892 Abilene, TX 79609 E-mail letters to: optimist@acu.edu
7:53 p.m. Feb. 5 3:42 p.m. Feb. 5
@OneandOnlyBK
editorial and Letter Policy Unsigned editorials are the opinions of the Optimist and may not necessarily reflect the views of the university or its administration. Signed columns, cartoons and letters are the opinions of their creators and may not necessarily reflect the viewpoints of the Optimist or the university. The Optimist encourages reader response through letters to the editor but reserves the right to limit frequent contributors or to refuse to print letters containing
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4:38 p.m. Feb. 3
@salvatoreangela Dr. Ash just walked into HR wearing a sweater with a cocker spaniel on it and asked me to show him how to use the Internet.
pus that I care about, let alone my classes. It’s a constant struggle, greater than it has ever been, to get up every morning and just put clothes on. I would much rather sit around in my underwear and play video games or watch Netflix. Sometimes even that becomes too much of a chore, and I find myself just laying around. Senioritus is in full effect here folks. And honestly, I’m tired of it. I walked into my first college class in 2007, one
without the experiences I’ve had at ACU I wouldn’t be anywhere near the perBut while I sit around and son I am today, whether it’s in the classroom, or at wait for future to come any of the 6 different jobs take me, I can’t foget the I’ve had around campus, or just talking to any of people and places that the multitudes of amazing brought me where I am professors I’ve had these years. today.” pastSofew finally, for all those seniors like me who have way too much work and no desire to do it, take solace in knowing that you’re that day feels like a life- almost done, and that the time ago. time you spend here will But while I sit around shape you for a very, very and wait for future to come long time to come. Or at and take me, I can’t forget least that’s what they keep the people and places that telling me. brought me where I am today. Though I may lament the classes I need to gradcontact marks at uate, and the tests I need edm10a@acu.edu to take to pass said classes,
sports desk (325) 674-2684
1:47 p.m. Feb. 5
I need to get these two tests out of the way so I can focus on intramurals.
@DarciHalstead
7:56 p.m. Feb. 5
I have got to stop answering texts in the five minutes after I wake up.
@bpbailey
To those of you that hate on my school, ACU IS DIVERSE, bathroom stall graffiti ranges from “God is love” to “*profanity* this place.”
@kelseylevster
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sports
wednesday 02.06.13
men’s basketball
‘Cats lose to Dogs on the road matthew sloan assistant sports editor The men’s basketball team travelled to Eastern New Mexico with hopes of stealing a win on the road, but they came up just one point short, falling 65-64. “We played really well on the road in Portales,” head coach Joe Golding said. “I was ver y proud of our guys. ENMU shot 37% from the f loor and we played really well on defense and we outrebounded them by 15. We just didn’t make our free throws and then we had some lapses and gave them some threes, which is where they won the game. They had nine threes in that game.” The Wildcats have played nearly ever y team close this entire season, but have been unable to squeak out close victories. The ENMU loss gives the ‘Cats four conference losses by two points or less. “It is encouraging that we are in games but me and my guys are not going to settle for coming up short like that,” shooting guard Elliott Lloyd said. “We have some players that want to get the job done and bring some rec-
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We have to come out and execute the gameplan that coach laid out for us in the locker room.” Elliott Lloyd Shooting Guard ACU men’s basketball
ognition and notoriety to this school.” ACU put together a solid game defensively, holding the Greyhounds to less than forty percent shooting. Meanwhile, the ‘Cats offense was playing efficient basketball, scoring on 45% of their attempts, but the Greyhounds nine makes from behind the arc were too much for ACU to overcome. Steven Werner lead all scorers with 18 points, five rebounds, and three blocked shots in one of his best games as a Wildcat. Point guard Eric Lawton had 14 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists in a losing effort, and Lloyd scored t 13 points. The backcourt play of Lloyd and Lawton has been a puzzle that not many teams have been able to solve this year, and Saturday was no different for Eastern New Mexico. “Our chemistry is one
wards a possible playoff birth. “We are sill right in the thick of things,” Golding said. “Kingsville has five wins, Tarleton State has five wins and Commerce has four wins.” “We play Commerce and Tarleton State this week, so it is a big week for us. Every week is meaningful,” he said. “We said we needed two wins against Angelo and we got them, which made last week even bigger. We didn’t get them last week, so we need to find a way to get them this week.” The Wildcats take on Texas A&M Commerce tonight in Commerce with a chance to claw their way back up the standings and stay alive in their quest for March Madness of their own. “We can’t lose our spirit,” Lloyd said. “We have to come out and execute the game plan that coach presented to us in the locker room, and come out and fight for it. We have to take every possesStephen Reyes Staff Photographer sion one at a time. We play Commerce next game, so Senior center Steven Werner posterizes a defender trying to block his shot in Moody. we have to go out and take of a kind,” Lloyd said. have his.” The ‘Cats are only one care of business. ” “We are friends on and Dosh Simms had 11 game out of sixth place off the court, and that rebounds, but saw his in the win column in the goes a long way. I know at streak of double doubles Lone Star Conference, so contact sloan at the end of the day he has come to an end with only each game is crucial to mes10b@acu.edu my back and I definitely seven points. ACU as they march to-
Tennis
Competition: Tennis teams open season from page 8 The men’s team was defeated by Oklahoma Christian University. They won only one of their singles match ups when Guilherme Gesser defeated Josip Smoljan.
Though the men did not win both contests, assistant coach John Walker is confident in the teams. “Our goal is to peak at the right time,” Walker said. “It’s a metal toughness we’re talking about.” The men’s team is facing
five matches in three days. playing the University of Southern Indian Thursday and Murray State. Friday, the Wildcats will continue to Tennessee where they will match up against Belmont University and Austin Peay State Uni-
Baseball
Split: Team starts year at .500 from page 8 ACU’s offense caught fire again on Sunday against University of the Incarnate Word. The team scored 12 runs on 14 hits as they routed the Cardinals 12-5. Guisti recorded two more RBI in the win and the top three batters in the ‘Cats’ lineup (Guisti, Spivey and Taylor) went a combined 5 for 13 with four runs scored and four RBI. “When they get on it gives more opportunities for Macy, Duarte and Eager to get their RBIs in,” Bonneau said. Senior catcher Rodge Macy had two RBI and a hit. Travis Schuetze (No. 9 hitter) provided production from the bottom of the order.
“
When they get on it gives more opportunities for Macy, Duarte and Eager to get their RBIs in.”
Britt bonneau head coach acu baseball
He went 2 for 3, scoring two runs and smacking two RBI. Senior transfer Carter Hahn pitched 4 2/3 innings and allowed five earned runs on seven hits. Senior Aaron Lambrix took over for Hahn and tossed the final 4 1/3 innings, limiting the Cardinals to three hits and no runs. The Wildcats closed out the D-II invitational with an 8-5 loss to Texas A&M University-Kingsville on Monday. The Javelinas scored
seven runs in the fifth inning to secure the win. Southpaw Austin Palmer (0-1) threw 4.1 innings and gave up five runs. The ‘Cats open up their first home stand against East Central University this weekend. The team plays at 4 p.m. on Friday, at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m. on Sunday. contact isaacs at jei08a@acu.edu
softball
Wildcats swing big sticks at St. Mary’s jimmy isbell sports reporter The ACU softball team was in full swing this past weekend at the St. Mary’s Spring Invitational in San Antonio. The team dominated in the season-opener, but ended up with a split record, 2-2 by the end of the weekend. The ‘Cats held a comfortable lead against Texas A&M International, with a final score, 10-0. The ‘Cats fell short to the NAIA driving force of Lubbock Christian University, with a final score 3-1. The team combined for 14 hits, adding 10 runs against Texas A&M International. The Wildcats’ offense was brought to a sudden halt against LCU pitcher Katera Eltsosie, who struck out 11 Wildcats in a prompt seven innings without permitting a walk the second game. The only run Eltsosie gave up came in the bot-
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We have a lot of key players coming back this season.” peyton mosley pitcher acu softball
tom of the fourth inning when Kayle Crozier was driven in by freshman Demi McNulty. Early Saturday morning, the ‘cats were shut out 8-0 against St. Edward’s in five short innings bringing their weekend record to 1-2. They quickly bounced back against TexasPermian Basin routing them 10-2 later that evening splitting their winloss column. The ‘cats have a trio of veteran pitchers in seniors Shelby Hall and Caitlyn Crain and junior Peyton Mosley. As just a sophomore last season Mosley recorded 63 strikeouts, 11 wins, a 2.59 ERA, includ-
ing three shutouts. “I’m really excited about this year’s team,” Mosley said. “We have a lot of key players coming back this season and some of the girls are looking to fill some big holes. We look really solid defensively and offensively, and I’m excited to see the places this team can take us.” The team has turned some heads already this season as they are projected to finish fourth in their last year competing in the Lone Star Conference, before moving up to the D-I Southland Conference. “I am most looking forward to conference,” Mosley said. “I think we have a real shot at winning conference this year and I think this is the team to get us there.” The team looks forward to this weekend as they host the Whitten Inn Classic at Wells Field on the ACU campus. contact isbell at jri10a@acu.edu
versity. They also challenge Lipscomb University. The women’s team will remain in Abilene to play two matches Friday. contact Johnson at baj12a@acu.edu
sports
wednesday 02.06.13
8
standings
baseball
men’s basketball
Team
Div.
Ovrl.
MSU Cameron UIW WTAMU ENMU TSU TAMU-K Commerce ACU ASU
10-2 8-4 8-4 6-6 6-6 5-5 5-7 4-6 4-8 2-10
14-5 12-6 12-8 14-6 9-11 12-6 9-10 11-9 10-10 5-15
women’s basketball
Team
Div.
Ovrl.
MSU TSU ACU UIW WTAMU Commerce ASU TWU Cameron ENMU TAMU-K
11-2 10-2 10-3 9-4 8-5 5-7 5-8 4-8 3-10 3-10 2-11
16-3 14-4 15-4 13-6 12-10 7-10 8-11 6-12 4-15 4-17 4-15
briefings Tickets for the men’s and women’s Lone Star Conference basketball championships in Allen are now on sale. It costs $32 to buy tickets to all seven sessions for students and $45 dollars for adults.
mandy lambright chiief Photographer
Sophomore outfielder Tyler Eager Slides into second base at Minute Maid Park in Houston. The Wildcats were taking on the Central Missouri Mules, who were ranked number eight in the nation going into the game. The Wildcats lost to Central Missouri on Saturday night 8-1.
ACU goes 2-2 in juice box edward isaacs sports editor The baseball team began its season last weekend in Houston at The Astros in Action D-II Invitational. The Wildcats left Minute Maid Park with a 2-2 record and memories that will last far beyond this season. “That was not something that everyone gets to do at any point in their life,” said junior relief pitcher Brady Rodriguez. “It was a lot of fun being in a big environment in a big stadium.” Head coach Britt Bon-
neau was just as astounded at the ballpark. “It’s so big so you don’t know if anyone is there,” he said. “That is an experience that those guys, myself and the coaches will remember for a long time.” The ‘Cats played their first game on Friday against the University of Arkansas at Monticello and clobbered the Boll Weevils 13-3. Starting pitcher Jordon Herrera got the nod for the team and went the distance throwing seven innings in the run-ruled contest. He allowed seven hits and struck out eight batters.
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That was not something that everyone gets to do at any point in their life. It was a lot of fun.”
“He was locating his fastball all game,” Bonneau said. “But when his breaking pitch is working, it makes his fastball that much harder to hit. We really like where he is mentally right now.” ACU and Arkansas Monticello were tied 3-3 after the top of the fifth inning, however
The team had a tough task in their second game. They faced No. 4 University of Central Missouri, who knocked them off 8-1 on Saturday night. The game was scoreless brady rodriguez relief pitcher until the fourth inning acu baseball when the Mules crossed the plate five times. the Wildcats scored two Starter Ty Taylor went runs in the bottom half to just 3 2/3 innings in his push their lead to 5-3. Wildcat debut and gave The squad would go up five runs on seven on to score eight runs in hits. Spivey scored the the final two innings and ‘Cats lone run in the leadoff hitter Seth Spivey sixth after infielder Kyle could be attributed to Giusti whacked a f ly ball much of that success. to deep right field for a Spivey reached base in sacrifice f ly. all five plate appearances see split page 7 and scored three runs.
ACU football player Darrell Cantu-Harkless was involved in a single car accident over the weekend. Harkless was treated for minor injuries at Hendrick before being released.
Who’s Hot Senior Travis Schuetze made himself at home schuetze when the ‘Cats travelled to Minute Maid Park. The utility-man hit .538 in four games, including two doubles and four runs batted in. He also was able to show off his wheels, stealing a base and scoring five runs. He walked once and was hit by a pitch twice as well.
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women’s basketball
‘Cats shocked with loss to ENMU daniel zepeda sports reporter The Wildcats let an easy win slip away last Saturday as The Eastern New Mexico Zias defeated ACU 81-73, in Portales, NM. “We didn’t play Wildcat basketball,” senior Kelsey Smith said. “We didn’t defend and we didn’t execute our offense like we should have.” The loss knocks ACU to third place in the Lone Star Conference, after being in a three way tie for first prior to the game against ENMU. The Wildcats are
The women’s basketball team plays on the road against Texas A&M Commerce Wednesday 15-4, 10-3 in the LSC, while points over the last 10:40 of their three point shooters.” Smith had 12 and junior at 6 p.m. the Zias are now 4-17, 3-10 in the LSC. “Our lack of intensity really should not have been a surprise though since we went into the game after two very subpar, lackluster days of practices,” Head Coach Julie Goodenough said. “Unfocused practices will not happen again and cannot if we are really serious about making a run for a LSC Championship.” ACU opened up the second half on a 24-9 run to take the lead, but it was short lived as the Zias fought back. ENMU outscored the Wildcats by 23
the game, as they finished with a game securing 37-14 run. The Zias have averaged around 50 points per contest this season, but scored 46 on the Wildcats in the second half alone. The 81 points is the most the Wildcats have given up all season so far. “We lost our composure in the second half by taking quick shots against their full court press, and then didn’t get back to defend in transition,” Goodenough said. “We also had too many defensive lapses where we had our hands down and didn’t pressure
The loss was the first for the Lady ‘Cats in nearly a month, as they had won their past eight games in a row. ACU faced off against ENMU earlier this year and defeated them 74-56. “I think we’ve finally hit that mid-season rut and that hurt our energy and our communication on defense,” Smith said. The Wildcats were led by junior Mack Lankford, who contributed 24 points on the night. Freshman Whitney West also had a big night as she added 17 points, 12 of those from beyond the arc.
Renata Marquez finished with 10. The Wildcats will face off against Texas A&M Commerce (7-10, 5-7 LSC) on the road today. They will then come back to Abilene, where they will take on Tarleton State (14-4, 10-2 LSC) on Saturday. “I confidently expect our team to respond to this adversity with integrity and get back to work to play like we know we are capable,” Goodenough said. contact zepeda at djz11a@acu.edu
tennis
Teams cause racket in first matches brittney johnson sports reporter Both the men’s and women’s tennis team had a successful start to their season last weekend. The women traveled to Sam Houston State, where they triumphed, 6-1. The men’s team was at home hosting the ACU Indoor Invitational. “It’s early and we’re trying to condition them to get ready for the season,” said head coach Hutton Jones. The women won all three of their doubles matches and five of six of their singles matches.
Julia Mongin was one of the top girls of the weekend, beating No. 1, Imke Jagau in a singles match. Partnered with Brittney Reed, the duo had a doubles victory of (8-3) against SHSU’s Nadia Dubyanskaya and Tanya Postikova. Junior Micah Hermsdorf and senior Hannah Kelley also had an eventful weekend, each winning their singles match as well as winning when partnered for a doubles match. Hermsdorf defeated Sheridan Currie in her singles match and Kelley went up against Kayla Stevenson and won. Micah faced Currie again in a doubles match
with Kelley as they defeated Currie and Natalie Petaia with a match score 8-3. The men’s team took on Trinity University and Oklahoma Christian at home. In the game against Trinity, the Wildcats were losing 2-1 after their doubles matches, but quickly gained momentum, winning five of six of their single match-ups to defeat the Tigers 6-3. Though the mood was high from a great win, the men’s team could not keep the same energy and was defeated by Oklahoma Christian University 2-7.
The men’s tennis team plays two matches Thursday against the University of Southern Indiana at 9:30 a.m. and Murray State at 2 p.m. Both matches will be at Murray State. The men’s tennis team plays at Belmont Univeristy at 10:30 a.m. on Friday and then plays at Lipscomb University at 6 p.m. The women’s tennis team plays Trinity and Central Oklahoma at home all day. The softball team plays a double-header at home on Friday starting at 4 p.m. against Eastern New Mexico and East Central University. The baseball team plays at home against East Central University on Friday at 4 p.m.
curtis christian Staff Photographer
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The men’s basketball team plays Texas A&M Commerce Wednesday at 8 p.m. on the road.
Freshman tennis player Jason Proctor returns a shot.