Sports Page 6
On the court ACU basketball hosts A&M Corpus Cristi vol. 102, no. 35
friday, february 07, 2014
1 SECTION, 6 PAGES
INSIDE NEWS The senior art show “Shake the Dust” opens at 5:30 p.m.
Page 3
NEWS
Deanna Romero chief Photographer
Rick Lytle begins the “Entrust” intiative to encourage the next generation of business leaders
THE 2014
WINTER
Page 3
OPINION
GAMES
The Editorial Board discusses why it would have been a mistake for America to boycott the 2014 Olympics
Page 5
SPORTS The track and field team travels to New Mexico looking to break some records Page 6
NEWS A premarital Chapel is offered to couples considering marriage Page 3
SPORTS The softball team starts their season at home against Texas Lutheran this weekend weather permitting Page 6
Marissa Jones Editor in chief
Top: Despite the cold, Kayla Flatley, freshman psychology major from Colorado City, Kasidi Gorneau, freshman political science major from Meridian, and Bret Wheeless, freshman management major from Frisco, gather with fellow students on their day off for an epic snowball fight. Left: Garrett Lane, junior biblical text major from Fresno, and Ramsey Towell, junior computer science major from Abilene, sled down the hills behind Smith Adams. Right: Despite the cold, students gather together on their day off for an epic snowball fight in front of Nelson Hall.
Surprise snow freezes school Several students braved the single-digit windchill on Thursday and participated in snowball fights The forecast predicted half and sledding. an inch of snow, but stuThe hills behind Smith dents woke up and were Adams Hall were a popular surprised to find Abilene destination for sledders incovered in over two inches cluding Chris Cope, junior of snow – enough to cancel biblical text major from classes and shutdown the Abilene. university. “It was great to have an
Marissa Jones editor in chief
denzil lim Sundaes on Mondays hosted a Campus Conversation titled “Death to Ring by Spring” Page 4
NEWS ACU Clinic increases its hours because of students’ suggestions Page 4
ONLINE VIDEO Watch the JMC Network’s newscast on Saturday to see a recap of this week’s news
Read more at acuoptimist.com
unexpected snow day, and what better way to spend it then to sled in the snow?” Cope said. “It was exhilarating.” A snowball fight involving more than 70 ACU students was coordinated in front of Nelson Hall by Tim Savage, accounting graduate student from Abilene. “I always try to have a
good time when it snows in Abilene since those times are so rare. I thought that since classes were cancelled, I would just invite everyone I knew at ACU to take advantage of the potential of having an epic snowball fight,” Savage said. “I think the best part was seeing all the college students play around like
5-year-old children.” Students can thank a committee of administrators for the the decision to cancel school. The committee, officially known as the ACU Weather Delay/ Closure Committee, is coordinated by ACUPD Chief of Police, Jimmy Ellison see snow page 4
Couple receives Young Alumni of the Year student reporter
NEWS
Deanna Romero chief Photographer
This year’s Young Alumni of the Year award will be given to a husband and his wife. Two young alums will be honored for their dedication and sacrifice to a local neighborhood in Fort Worth. Dr. Randy Brown and Anda Brown are married and live in one of the worst places in Fort Worth. Randy Brown decided, after years of meditating with God and
sweethearts that met again on campus. Randy, who was a pre-med major, and Anda, an English education major, married one semester before Randy’s graduation in May and Anda’s in August in December, 1993. Randy brown anda brown Randy’s dream of being talking to his wife, to a life of a doctor always stuck with full-time ministry to teach him since the age of five, and minister to children, when his mother said the including seven of theirs, in family needed a doctor. the Como neighborhood. He always had a calling According to ACU Alum- towards ministry, Anda said. ni Association, Randy and “When he talked about Anda were high school missions, I thought he was
crazy,” she said. “I really wanted the typical doctor lifestyle. Thankfully, God had other plans.” While in school, Randy and Anda participated in many Spring Break Campaigns. One trip to Romania had the biggest impact on Randy. He said he felt a strong calling from God to quit medical school and focus on ministry. When Randy revealed his plans to Anda, she said, “We had been married six months, so that was unset-
tling.” On a month-long mission trip to Togo, West Africa in 2000, Randy felt the calling again to do missions fulltime. However, the couple was not in agreement. The family moved a lot because of Randy’s practice in residency, and they joined the Christ Fellowship Church in Grapevine. The Browns settled into a nice home with their three children. They had everysee alumni page 4
ACU student first to study in Japan linsey thut features writer A junior from Arlington was sent as the first student from ACU to study abroad at Kyushu Sangyo University in Fukuoka, Japan. School officials hope to send more students in the future. Rachel Katagiri, international studies major, said she will take classes such as Japanese language and culture, Chinese language and conversation and international business when school starts. KSU does not offer in-
ternational exchange classes to help students learn the language just yet, she said. Katagiri said she grew up in Japan so she knows enough Japanese to get by. “My hope is that KSU will be able to offer classes in English that will teach the Japanese language,” Katagiri said. “This would be something similar to ESL, but the opposite, JSL , or Japanese for Speakers of other Languages.” Katagiri is in Japan working at Starbucks to make money for school, but she said school won’t start until
April 1. Japanese universities break classes up into two semesters, so each class takes a year to complete. “Part one of most classes will be taken during April to August,” Katagiri said. “Part two will be taken from September to January.” Katagiri said she hopes students will be able to travel to KSU for the April to August semester in 2016 so they can still start their Fall semester at ACU as normal. “I would absolutely love to see other ACU students go to KSU and study in Japan as exchange students,”
Abilene Christian University
she said. “My dream is for ACU students to have the marvelous opportunity to study in Japan if they so desire.” Stephen Shewmaker, executive director of the Center for International Education, said an international agreement between ACU and KSU has been in place since the 1990s which allows students to spend a semester at each school. However, though many KSU students have taken advantage of the agreement each year, none of the ACU students have traveled to Japan.
Katagiri said when she found out about this agreement she wanted to be the first to try it out. “I wanted to be able to experience what it’s like to be a student in Japan,” she said. Shewmaker said students who travel to Japan in the future will stay for only a semester under the agreement, but that Katagiri decided to stay the second semester on her own. contact thut at lct10a@acu.edu
friday 02.07.14
07
08
friday
8 a.m. Mock Interviews
1 p.m. Women’s Basketball vs. Texas A&M Corpus Chirsti
7:30 p.m. Winter Comedy: Is He Dead? at Fulks Theatre
10
monday
Camp Olympia
1 p.m. Women’s Softball vs. Texas Lutheran
3 p.m. Men’s Basketball vs. Texas A&M Corpus Chirsti
Announcements
Chapel checkup To date:
09
sunday
saturday
2
Remaining:
27 73 @acuoptimist The Optimist
The ACU Ministry Events Office has opened the annual Student Art Contest for Summit. Students are encouraged to submit original artwork, photography, drawings or other artwork to communicate the Summit 2014 theme. The selected work will be rewarded a $100 prize and will advertise the 2014 Summit. All submissions should be emailed to summit@acu.edu by Feb. 21.
Sanctify Hip Hop Company will be having auditions in Studio A of the Student Recreaction and Wellness Center. Auditions will be Feb. 6 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Feb. 8 from 8 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Shake the Dust: A Senior Art Show will open Feb. 7 in ACU’s on-campus Shore Art Gallery at 5:30 p.m.
University Park Apartments will be hosting its annual Sing Song Open House Feb. 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The College of Business Administration Crossings Cafe is taking orders for Valentine’s Day cookies until Feb. 11. Cookies are $5.50 each.
Women who would like to donate their old prom dresses, accessories and shoes can email aet12a@acu.edu for more information on how to donate to the charity Prom Queen. Donations will be accepted until Feb. 7.
The 10th Annual ACU Filmfest is hosting a Technical Workshop and Film Score Workshop on Feb. 8. The Technical Workshop will be from 2 - 4 p.m. in the Learning Studio. The Film Score Worshop will be at 1 p.m. in the Library Screening room.
Shades Step Squad will have auditions Feb. 5 at 8 p.m. in room 103 of the Onstead Packer Biblical Studies Building and Feb. 6 at 8 p.m. in Studio A of the Student Recreation and Wellness Center.
Project Merge will be hosting the Notes & Joes Coffee Shop as a fundraiser for Project Merge in the Shore Art Gallery on Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. Tickets will be on sale Feb. 12 - Feb. 21 in the Campus Center. Tickets cost $7.
optimist@acu.edu Police log
SELECTED ACUPD CALLS FOR THE WEEK 01/29/2014 3:45 p.m. ACUPD responded to a disturbance call in the alley of 2400 block of Campus Court. Two non-student suspects were arrested for public lewdness, transported to Taylor County Jail. 01/30/2014 2:00 p.m. ACUPD investigated the theft of a debit card from an ACU employee. 01/31/2014 4:45 p.m. A student reported the theft of clothing items from a Sikes Hall clothes washer. 02/02/2014 2:01 a.m. ACUPD backed up APD at a noise violation/ loud party call in the 700 block of EN 14th. The ACU student who was in charge of the party was issued a municipal citation for noise violation. 02/04/2014 4:18 a.m. ACUPD backed-up APD with at a disturbance call involving passengers from 3 buses at the Greyhound Bus Station. Weekly Stats For Week of Jan. 28 - Feb. 04, 2014 - Total Events: 403 911 CALL 1 ACCIDENT 1 ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIVITY 13 ALARM 3 ASSIST 8 BOOT/UNBOOT VEHICLE 2 BUILDING LOCK/UNLOCK 21 CHECK BUILDING 257 CITATION ISSUANCE 1 FINGERPRINTING SERVICE 1
FOOT PATROL 12 FOUND PROPERTY 2 INVESTIGATION FOLLOW UP 2 MAINTENANCE:UNIVERSITY ASSETS 3 MONITOR FACILITY/LOT 1 MONITOR FACILITY/LOT 1 MOTORIST ASSIST: INFLATE TIRE 2 MOTORIST ASSIST: JUMPSTART 6 MOTORIST ASSIST: OTHER 2 MOTORIST ASSIST: UNLOCK 9
NOISE VIOLATION 1 OTHER 2 PARKING LOT PATROL 14 PARKING VIOLATION 6 PATROL VEHICLE: MAINTENANCE 2 PATROL VEHICLE: REFUEL 8 RANDOM PATROL 11 REPORT WRITING 7 SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY 1
SUSPICIOUS PERSON 2 THEFT (NON VEHICLE) 2 ACUPD has seen an increase of loud party/noise complaints in the ACU neighborhoods. Be respectful of your neighbor, keep your number of guests at a reasonable level and within reasonable hours. Municipal Noise Violation Citations will be issued on repeat occurrences.
Volunteer Opp0rtunities New Life Alliance is searching for tutors, Khan Academy coaches, junior acheivement teachers and volunteers for their upcoming Easter program. For more information, contact Ashley Parker at 325-672-1636 or aparker@ newlife-alliance.org. The International Rescue Committee in Abilene needs your help in welcoming refugees to our community. We are seeking the following donations: hygiene and cleaning supplies, bed linen, towels and kitchen items (dishware, silverware, pots/pans etc). Donations are accepted Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 2-4pm or by appointment. Theirr office is located at 3303 North Third Street Suite D in Abilene, Texas. For more information contact MariePascale Manishimwe at 325-675-5643. Treadaway Kids is looking for more students and volunteers to join the group. For more information, contact Carly Henderson at cah10a@acu.edu. JUMP @ Abilene North Apartments is seeking students to asssist in teaching the Gospel to at-risk low-income children. Students must be avaliable to volunteer from 4 - 5:30 p.m. on Mondays. Service opportunity begins Jan. 27 and lasts until April. 28. For more information, contact Caroline Thompson at 281-782-2956 or crt12a@acu.edu. Friends for Life is seeking volunteers to help with both elderly residents and independent living elderly. Nursing home service opportunities include visiting, playing games, reading to the blind and assisting in arts and crafts. Independent living service opportunities include mowing lawns, grocery shopping and changing light bulbs. To volunteer contact Cecilia Barahona at 325-672-2635 or cecilia@ friendsforlife.org. Volunteers are needed to help with daily activities organized by the staff at Chisholm House. This could involve playing board games, helping with arts and crafts and helping with a walking club. For some of these tasks volunteers may be asked to lead a group or work along side a staff coordinator. Volunteer opportunities are from 2 - 4 p.m. or 6 - 8 p.m. daily. Contact Larissa Blankenship at 817-578-9296. Volunteers are needed at the BCFS Abilene Transition Center for event planning and setup, assisting in teaching life skills classes, accompanying transport, visiting homes and/or assisting in construction of facilities for assisting in the betterment of male and female youth ages 15 - 25. This opportunity is open each morning Mondays through Fridays. Students interested must contact Johnny Nguyen at 325-692-0033 or jnguyen@bcfs.net. The Noah Project is seeking volunteers to help with tasks such as answering phone calls, providing child care and doing maintenance and housekeeping. To volunteer call
325-676-7107. The Betty Hardwick Center is seeking volunteers for the Human Resources Center to help with filing and organizing. This job requires someone with attention to detail who wishes to learn more about Human Resources. The job is open Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. If you are interested please contact Martin Walker at 325-690-5235 or mwalker@ bhcmhmr.org. House of Faith is an organization that seeks to take Jesus to neighborhood children. Volunteers are needed to help with the various programs they do throughout the week. Backyard Bible studies are hosted Mondays and Wednesdays and a youth program takes place on Thursday evenings. The organization is seeking volunteers who can commit to a specific day a week. House of Faith lasts from 3 - 5:30 p.m. To volunteer or gain more information contact Amy Jeffers at abj09a@ acu.edu or call 832-331-5324. Breakfast on Beech Street is seeking volunteers to help set up, prepare and serve breakfast to homeless/lower income folks any Monday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday at 5:30 a.m. or Tuesdays 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 325-692-4149 or mbeasley5@suddenlink.net. To serve on Fridays contact Rachel Brown at rdb08a@acu.edu. 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. Love and Care Ministries is looking for volunteers to help with sorting clothing, stocking their food pantry, assisting in prayers in their prayer room and serving food to the homeless. For more information call 325670-0246. Univerity Place is seeking volunteers to help with resident birthday parties for residents on the third Wednesday of each month at 2:30 p.m. For more information, contact Linda Tijerina at 325-676-9946.
The Christian Service Center is seeking volunteers to help with filing requests for items such as clothing and bedding 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 - 4 p.m. For more information contact Roberta Brown at 325-673-7561 orrobertabrown51@hotmail.com. For more information on the program visit http://www.uccabilene.org/ministries/ csc.htm. 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. Big Brothers/Big Sisters offers two volunteer programs. Lunch Buddies pairs volunteers with a little brother or little sister to have lunch with once a week for 30 minutes. Lunch Buddies has a preferred time of 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. The Community Based program pairs volunteers with a little brother or little sister that they will hang out with two to four times a month. Both programs require committment to the program for 12 - 18 months. To sign up, stop by the Big Brothers/Big Sisters office at 547 Chestnut St. or contact Randy Woods at 325-674-3102. The Salvation Army is looking for volunteers for a variety of needs such as sorting and pricing items in the thrift store, helping in the kitchen and/or doing yard work. Times are flexible and volunteers are needed Monday - Saturday. The Salvation Army is located at 1726 Butternut St. For more information contact J.D. Alonzo at 325-677-1408 or visit www.satruck.com. Meals on Wheels Plus needs volunteer drivers to deliver afternoon meals to seniors and adults with disabilities Monday - Friday 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. Christian Ministries Food Pantry needs volunteers to help with tasks such as cleaning up, stocking shelves and bagging flour. It is looking for students who can make a commitment of 1 - 3 hours a week. For more information contact Becky Almanza at 325-673-5295 or balmanza7@sbcglobal.net.
For additional volunteer opportunities visit: www. acu.edu/campusoffices/ccsl/ministry-service/volunteer-opportunities/
3
news
Friday 02.07.14
Seniors preview artwork as final project meigan gardner student reporter Four ACU students will demonstrate what they accomplished during their college career at a senior art show, opening in the Shore Art Gallery on Friday. Mandy Lambright, senior graphic design major from Carlsbad, N.M., Bethany Peterson, senior
“
We want people to come and enjoy the art instead of thinking about school.” Bethany Peterson senior Two-dimensional art major from abilene
two-dimensional art major from Abilene, Brandy Rains, senior art major from Fort Worth and Megan Teel, senior art major from Abilene, are the four women who will showcase their artwork in Friday’s senior art show. They have chosen the title “Shake the Dust.” “The show’s name ‘Shake the Dust’ is from a poem by Anis Mojgani,” Peterson said. “It’s really a cool poem about how when life gets you down, you just need to shake off the dust. Kind of like the rap song, ‘you need to get that dirt off your shoulder’.” These women have worked hard throughout college to be able to present their work in the show. “For all four of us, it’s been a really long process.
Megan and I are both fifthyear seniors, and so it has taken a while to get where we are now,” Lambright said. “We are really excited for our future, and for our friends and family to come and see where all of the money has gone that they have put toward our education, and to see that it is paying off and that we are doing something with it.” A senior art show is mandatory for all art majors to graduate. “Everyone has to do a senior show,” Peterson said. “Our teacher, Jack Maxwell, puts all the seniors into groups and assigns you when you go. Then it’s really a group thing where you all have to work together to make it happen.” The show will display various types of art from each of the women. “We all do different types of art,” Lambright said. “The show will show anything from print making to graphic design to poster design to charcoal drawings – whatever we think is our best work from the past four to five years.” The opening night is Feb. 7 at 5:30 p.m. It will be an open reception for anyone to enjoy. The show will continue to be open for the next two to three weeks. “We want people to come and enjoy the art instead of thinking about school. Shake off your troubles,” Peterson said. wyatt morgan Staff Photographer contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
Seniors Megan Teel, Bethany Peterson, Brandy Rains and Many Lambright showcase their beautiful work this Friday at the art show “Shake The Dust” at 5:30 p.m. in the ACU Shore Art Gallery.
Lytle begins “Entrust” initiative on campus The selection process these young business proconsists of highly selective fessionals commit to four and prestigious profession- group sessions, select assignals by Lytle’s partner CEO ments between group meetDr. Rick Lytle, dean of the Forum. CEO Forum is a ings and engage with their College of Business Admin- program that shares Lytle’s mentor monthly. This comistration, is launching a new vision to learn, exchange mitment intends to give opprogram called Entrust, which intends to “entrust” Our goal with this intitiative is to guide young business the next generation. Entrust will engage the next generaprofessionals in their own efforts of equipping a tion of business leaders for spiritual workplace.” Christ by using a team of Christian CEO’s to mentor Richard Lytle young, “30-something” busiDean of the College of Business Administration ness professionals. “Our goal with this initiative is to guide young busi- ideas, solve problems and portunities to the next genness professionals in their share personal perspectives eration of Christian business own efforts of equipping a of learning in community leaders to preserve a spiritual spiritual workplace,” Lytle with others. workplace. said. Over a span of two years, Dr. Tim Johnston, assis-
Jimmy Isbell
sports reporter
“
tant dean of the College of Business Administration, said Lytle has seen a need for ethics and the Lytle next generation of leaders. “We think, as Christians, that we now have an opportunity to bring spiritual wisdom to the next generation of young business professionals,” Johnston said, “and I believe Dr. Lytle’s Entrust initiative is a great idea for them.” Lytle is still working out the problems before introducing Entrust, but his
Premarital Counseling series returns to ACU Kara Stutesman student reporter ACU’s Counseling Center and Marriage and Family Institute are sponsoring the second Premarital Counseling Chapel Series on campus. The six-week series starts Thursday in the Campus Center Living Room. Dr. Jaime Goff, one of the founders of the Chapel series, said the series started when both the Counseling Center and department of Marriage and Family Studies were brainstorming ideas for Sacred Relationships Week. “We wanted to provide a meaningful service to our students, and a premarital Chapel seemed like a positive way to do that,” said Goff, chair of the Depart-
optimist@acu.edu
ment of Marriage and Family Studies. “Couples do not have to be engaged to participate, but they should at least be seriously dating and thinking about the possibility of marriage.” “Premarital Counseling can be misconstrued as trying to point out everything wrong with a couple and ultimately trying to break them up,” said Cindy Gravitt, office manager of the Medical and Counseling Care Center. “ACU is doing this so the couples can grow together and become stronger while preparing them for their life together.” In addition to the sixweek Chapel series, each couple signed up will receive a two-hour follow-up session with a counselor and a Twogether in Texas certifi-
The Optimist
cate. This course costs $35 per couple but that shouldn’t deter anyone from signing up. “The 35 dollars is paid directly to PREPARE/ENRICH and includes the PREPARE/ ENRICH Inventory and a workbook for each person,” said Tim Ehrhart, one of the counselors at the Counseling Center and a founder of the Chapel series. “Upon completion of the Chapel series and the follow-up sessions, couples will be eligible for a 60 dollar discount off their marriage license from Twogether in Texas.” The Chapel will discuss topics such as communication, conflict resolution, sexual expectations, gender roles, spirituality and family of origin issues. Dr. Goff said to determine the areas
@acuoptimist
ACUOPTIMIST.com
of strength and growth each couple will take the PREPARE premarital assessment. “I’m really excited about this premarital counseling Chapel series this year as a part of our Sacred Relationships Week,” Ehrhart said. “We have a strong group of therapists who will be facilitating the series, and I’m confident that the couples who attend will be blessed.” contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
developing brochure for Entrust states, “our target audience is a highly selected group of young professionals who profess Jesus Christ as Lord. These individuals seek a deeper and abiding relationship with Jesus Christ to equip themselves as spiritual leaders in the marketplace.” To make his initiative a living and breathing program for business professionals globally, Lytle partnered with the CEO Forum. Lytle took a seven-month sabbatical last year, and during his time off, he interviewed 57 Christian Chief Executive Officers (CEO) to be a part of his “Entrust” initiative.
Lytle thinks out of the 57 Christian CEO’s he interviewed during his sabbatical term, about 20 to 25 will seriously commit to Entrust and its goal for the next generation of business leaders. “Most of these successful Christian CEO’s, if they’ve got an eternal bent to them are saying, ‘I want to give back. Am I really just in this to get a new boat?’” Lytle said. “If I’m really sold out for the Lord then I will follow God’s calling of entrusting it to you, so that you would entrust it to the next generation.” contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
news
Friday 02.07.14
4
Students talk on “Death to Ring by Spring” tommy Evans student reporter Sundaes on Mondays met this week with a conversation titled, “Death to Ring by Spring”. However, the discussion was broader than that, tackling the topic of relationships in college. With Byron Martin, the director of Student Multicultural Enrichment, leading the discussion, students met in the living room of the Campus Center on Monday for ice cream, hot chocolate
and a in-depth discussion of relationships. The conversation began by talking about the strength of true friendship and how those dynamics are changing because of the changes in our social culture, gender differences and even technology interference. Then the discussion turned to real relationships and the different types of relationships people have with one another. The topic transitioned into dating, and posed challenges to the group
such as “why date?” Even though dating and its obstacles for college students were addressed, the topic of engagement and “ring by spring” was never covered. “I think the one thing to take away from this is the idea of being real,” Martin said. “In a relationship you have to be growing, and if your not growing, you’re dying.” Sundaes on Mondays has an informal structure that makes it different from a typical campus conversation or Chapel forum. It is led by faculty
“
I felt like it was healthy and I got to see a lot of opinions that were different than mine.”
J Sheppard senior information technology major from Oklahoma city, Okla.
who give insight and spur the conversation along, but the students are also heavily involved in the discussion and are encouraged to offer their opinions and discuss their differences in a respectful way. Martin, an ACU alum-
nus, remembers attending Sundaes on Mondays when he was a student, and sees how students can benefit from coming together and challenging each other to grow in relationships. “The idea to talk about real relationships was something I heard about from the students,” Martin said. “They wanted to have a conversation about what relationships are.” J Sheppard, senior information technology major from Oklahoma City said the discussion
brought to light other peoples’ definitions of relationships and was a chance to see how peoples’ opinions on relationships were different. “I felt like it was healthy and I got to see a lot of opinions that were different than mine,” Sheppard said. “There were a lot of things said that I really wasn’t expecting.”
contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
ACU Clinic increases hours of operation cal and Counseling Care Center, said nurses and medical attendants began to stagger their lunch The operation hours breaks to make sure for the ACU Clinic were students are tended to extended after they re- around the clock. ceived feedback from stu“By staggering lunchdents. es, this will enable at least The ACU clinic is now one nurse and one mediopen from 8 a.m. to 4:30 cal provider to be availp.m. and remains open able at all times,” Gravitt during Chapel, except on said. “This is a very small Mondays. sacrifice for us in order to Cindy Gravitt, office help students with whatmanager of the Medi- ever they may need.”
jesse harper
student reporter
Gravitt said she actually prefers the operating hours over the previous ones because the clinic has a steady f low of students to assist throughout the day. Now students do not have to wait or go elsewhere. “We want to be the students’ first thought when they may need medical assistance or counseling, and I think by adjusting our hours, students may realize that they can rely
on us,” Gravitt said. Near the conclusion of Fall semester, the ACU clinic sent a patient survey to students. The survey asked questions about what the clinic did well and how it could improve. When the clinic received the survey responses, it was evident that the students were not happy with the operating hours. Gravitt said that the clinic exists solely to
serve the students at ACU to the best of its capability, and it was apparent that the hours were keeping them from reaching that goal. “We put up advertising on the homepage of myACU and numerous slides at Chapel,” Gravitt said. “We wanted to let students know that we received their feedback and took immediate action.” Keairah Hanks, freshman nursing major from
Dallas, is pleased that the clinic listened to the students and immediately took action. “I think this was a very significant change and I know my friends and I are a lot more content that operating hours will not keep us from getting help when and if we need it,” she said. contact eldred at jfe11a@acu.edu
Alumni Luncheon moves to Teague Center Jesse Harper student reporter The Alumni Day Luncheon, where the university honors the Outstanding Alumnus of the Year and the Young Alumni of the Year, is moved to the Teague Special Events Center from the Hunter Welcome Center this year. Rick Atchley (’78) will receive the outstanding
alumnus award. Husband Randy (‘94) and his wife Anda Brown (’95) will receive the young alumni award at the luncheon at 12:30 p.m. on Feb. 16. For the past several years, the Alumni Day Luncheon was conducted in the Hunter Welcome Center, but a few changes in events and an increase in attendance led the Alumni Association to move to the Teague building, said Jama Cadle, as-
sistant director of alumni relations. She said Teague can seat more people. “We usually do two separate luncheons a year,” Cadle said. “One in Spring to honor the Young Alum of the Year and one in Fall to honor Outstanding Alum of the Year. So since we’re combining the two, we expect an audience of over 400 supporters.” Cadle said by using the Teague Special Events
Center they have managed to not only increase room for more attendees, but save money. Three events will take place at the Teague during the Feb. 14-16 weekend, including the Alumni Luncheon. Cadle said the Alumni Association decided to share the event costs with other events that will go on that weekend. “It’s actually a much better situation to have
the event in Teague,” Cadle said. “The clean up for all three events will be in the same area, and I know that will benefit some people.” Malcolm Ruben, junior information systems major from Baytown, said he will attend the alumni luncheon, and that he has experienced several events in the facility. “The Teague Special Events Center is extremely spacious and the
climate is always cool no matter how many people are in there,” Ruben said. “I’m excited to see the set up and how many more people will attend this luncheon than the previous years.” Tickets to attend the Alumni Day Luncheon cost $20 each or $180 for a table of 10. contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
Alumni: Couple honored at Alumni Awards from page 1 thing going for them, but Randy did not feel complete. On a weekend trip to Dallas Randy was reading a book and praying and came to a revelation. “I felt clearly the Lord said stay in Fort Worth for the next 15-20 years to build a ministry to the poor at Christ Fellowship,” he said. Randy was instructed to visit the Como area. There he spent a few days interacting with the people to find out what the community needed. He learned his ministry should begin with children. As such the B.U.R.N. (Building, Uniting, and Restoring Neighborhoods) ministry was created. Randy worked with the boys while Anda worked with the girls. Randy named the boys
“Dr. Brown’s mighty men” and promised them, “I’m going to stick with you guys until you graduate from high school and go to college.” The Browns opened their home to all of the children, and their colleagues dubbed their home the happiest house in the world. Randy said Anda kept him grounded and focused. The couple had a sense of rhythm that complimented each other. “It’s been very tough,” Randy said. “I really love these guys. They’re like sons to me. I still have faith that all of them are going to make it.” Craig Fisher, director of alumni relations and annual projects, has overseen the process of picking the awardees this year. The Browns, who will receive the Young Alumnus award, and Rick Atch-
“
I really love these guys. They’re like sons to me.”
Dr. randy brown awarded young alumni of the year
ley, Outstanding Alumnus of the Year, will be honored on the Sunday of Sing Song weekend, Feb. 16 at 12:30 p.m. Normally the event is hosted at the Hunter Welcome Center, but because of this year’s recipients, more people are expected to attend. The event will take place in the Teague Special Events Center. The alumni relations office is in charge of the honors awards that are handed out each year. Picking who would receive the awards is an ongoing process year-round. “Anyone can nominate potential award winners,
Snow: Students celebrate snow day from page 1 and is comprised of Dr. Allisoon Garrett, executive vice president; Dr. Robert Rhodes, provost; Suzanne Allmon, senior advisor to the president; Wendy Jones, chief human resources officer, and Dr. Jan Meyer, interim vice president of Student Life. Ellison said in an email he tries to stay informed of any severe or inclement weather that might affect ACU. “I will provide current and projected road conditions to the committee for group discussion and consideration of the impact the weather will have on the area,” Ellison said. “The absolute and number one priority overall is always safety of our students and employees.” Amy Grotjohn, sophomore biology major from Hawley, Minnesota, had a different perspective about ACU canceling school.“I
think it’s a little ridiculous fault,” Gaulden said. “As digiven my upbringing, but I rectors, we try our best to enjoyed it nonetheless.” keep our participants happy, and we know that the We’re just trying to keep Juniors aren’t thrilled about a positive attittude and the change. We’re just trying to keep a positive attitude remember that we can’t and remember that we can’t control the weather.” control the weather.” Some acts continued to Chloe Gaulden have practice despite the junior speech pathology major from Keller rough weather conditions. Erika Tanaka, senior Ad/ PR major from Conroe, had Not only classes were practice as planned for the cancelled because of the Sigma Theta Chi act. snow. Sing Song practices “I understand the urscheduled in Moody Coli- gency for rehearsal, espeseum on Thursday night cially with the performance were postponed due to the a week away,” Tanaka said. weather as well. “My only reservation is the The junior class was safety of getting to campus. originally scheduled for a I just wish that would’ve Moody night practice at been taken into consider11:30 p.m. on Thursday ation. I mean, if the roads but are now set to practice aren’t safe enough to go to at 1:30 a.m. on Saturday classes, why should they be morning, said Chloe Gaul- safe enough to practice?” den, junior Sing Song codirector and speech pathology major from Keller. contact jones at “It’s pretty inconvenient, mnj10a@acu.edu but it’s not like it’s anyone’s
“
“Fisher said. “There’s a link on the website. Anyone can go in and nominate.” Those who want to nominate an alumnus are not limited to a certain group of people. “Faculty, students, everyone is welcomed, “he said. After a set number of alumni are put together an internal vetting process begins. “We go through and vet candidates internally,” Fisher said. “Then other leaders on campus are invited to go through the process.” The list will be vetted and sent to the Alumni Advisory Board of 36 alumni from all over the United States. Their responsibility is to vote for the Outstanding and Young Alumnus Award. “The Browns are an amazing couple,” Fisher said. “Young alums that
have gone to Fort Worth and done something together.” He said the board decided that it is important that they honor Randy and Anda together. What the couple have decided to do in the structure of their family and their mission to live in the Como community has inspired many. “It takes both of them to do what they are doing,” Fisher said. “They’ve got seven children they are raising themselves, as well as opening their home to the community to come and to learn and to be a part of a faith journey there and opportunities. And Anda plays a big role in that as they tutor, teach, mentor and work with the youth in the area.” The event will have speakers to talk on the couple’s behalf. One of them is a young man who
has been part of Randy’s mighty men and others who have worked with the Browns. Fisher crossed paths with the Browns while studying at ACU. “It’s fun for me to be able to see people who I was in school with do amazing things in the world,” he said. “To see the growth in the Brown where they began in ACU and now where they are at is very inspiring.” Many friends and family are attending the event to honor the alumni for their achievements. President Phil Schubert will be presenting the awards. “Our office loves this event for the university because it allows us to give honor where honor is due,” Fisher said.
contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
5
OPINION
Friday 02.07.14
editorial
Going to Sochi sends a stronger message the issue Controversy surrounding Russia’s anti-gay laws and the threat of terrorist attacks have led many to believe the U.S. should not participate in the Winter Olympics.
our take Going to Sochi will show the world we stand against injustice.
The United States is a world power, there is no doubt about that. As the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia approach, many leaders, game supporters and even athletes are talking about boycotting the event. They claim the boycott would be purposed against Russia’s stance in
anti-gay laws and in their own protection from terrorists’ attempts. While Putin and the Russian legislation’s actions against the LGBT community are not what one would consider humane, they don’t merit the U.S. backing out of the Olympics. Instead, this call for boycotting could be a
ref lection of the past, a tactic to cripple Russia’s stance as a world power and its inf luence on the world. The last time the U.S. boycotted the games was in the 1980 Moscow Summer Olympics during the Cold War. President Jimmy Carter claimed to retract from the games because of Soviet Russia’s unjustified infiltration of Afghanistan, causing 65 other nations to boycott. And yet shortly thereafter, the U.S. also invaded Afghanistan, keeping military presence there long after Russia left. If the U.S. is boycot-
ting the games solely for people’s rights, the same action would have taken place during the 1936 Berlin Olympics
“
well as the 2008 Beijing Olympics, when China’s human rights were in question. Instead of boycotting the Sochi Olympics for Russia’s unethical treatment of the LGBT movement, the U.S. should use its stance as a world power to inf luence every nation’s outlook on the manner. As a general observation, presence in the face of injustice is more effective than absence. As for the terrorist threats, there will always be a threat of violence around the world. Just as America rose to the occasion after
As a general observation, presence in the face of injustice is more effective than absense.”
when the Nazi regime demonized their opponents, including Jewish persons and members of the LGBT community, as
the terrorist attack of 9/11, we must continue to stand strong against those who despise us. The U.S. should not let fear politics or violence rule its actions. The Olympic games were created as a peaceful source of competition, as a way for nations from all over the world to gather with one another. We should commit to competing, holding the Olympic motto of “Faster. Higher. Stronger.” in our hearts as we face the circumstances. contact The Optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
DAILY doodle dosage
Column
Ben Todd
LOTR over the Boy Who Lived KNOCK ON WOOD ALIKAY WOOD ARTS EDITOR
Lately, I have become embroiled in several discussions over whether Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings is better. I wasn’t aware this was even an issue up for debate so, in the interest of spreading the truth in love, here are the top 10 reasons Lord of the Rings is superior to Harry Potter. 1. Hobbits. They’re fun, they’re brave, they’re original and they have hairy feet. Need I say more? 2. No political agenda. Mad respect to my man J.R.R. Tolkien for not filling his book with political metaphors. Rowling we get it, house elves are the marginalized, now can we move on? 3. Some estimate that Tolkien wrote 14 languages while creating the world of Lord of the Rings. Fourteen. Rowling recycled some Latin and called it a day. 4. Tolkien didn’t just write one story in the world of Middle Earth, he dedicated his life to writing the history of the entire civilization. After finishing Harry Potter, Rowling went back to writing weird British books and donating to charity. 5. Fact: the cinematic adaptations of Lord of the Rings are superior in every way to those of Harry Potter. 6. Harry Potter is so perfect it’s annoying. He’s a sad orphan who bad things keep happening to and yet he still manages to “rise above” and “do the right thing.” Frodo, on the other hand, is weak, selfish and ultimately decides to trade the survival of a planet for his addiction to a piece of jewelry. Way more
interesting. 7. The ending of Lord of the Rings isn’t happy, it’s realistic. Harry Potter ends with a lot of married people with children. Boring. 8. Rowling clearly stole her idea for the villain Voldemort from Tolkien’s villain Sauron. Villain is presumed dead but preserves body inside of inanimate object until he regains the strength to take bodily form? Very subtle, Rowling. 9. While we’re comparing stories, let’s take a moment to appreciate how much more awesome Gandalf is than Dumbledore. He smokes pipes, makes fireworks, comes back to life and rides a horse while carrying a staff. Dumbledore sits behind a desk and talks to small children. Not cool. 10. Harry, Ron and Hermione are cute kids who grow up together and have each other’s backs. Legolas, Gimli and Aragorn literally run across countries, have competitions to see who can kill the most orcs and make witty jokes. Their hair is better, their body count is higher and they are clearly the superior trio. Also none of them are in love with each other. Bonus points. Meditation, common sense and research all state without a doubt that Harry Potter shall not pass Lord of the Rings in greatness. It’s not an opinion. It’s a fact. contact Wood at AKW10a@acu.edu
Column
If the Bible went to high school PASS THE PUNS, PLEASE
GABI POWELL FEATURES EDITOR
In the beginning, was the Word of God. And it was good. But not quite good enough, because ever since, we humans have been embellishing, rewriting and chopping up its contents. The result has given way to more than 50 different English versions. Each bears distinguishing hallmarks, each aiding a different sort of Holy reader, each resembling a familiar classmate from your high school alma mater. The Message- Gold card
member at Sharper Image, always the owner of the newest inventions you never knew you needed. She was too cool for prom and instead spent the evening at a poetry slam at a hole-in-thewall coffee bar. Avid Buzzfeed reader and talks in “wut r u up 2” shorthand. Graduates and goes off to school in New York, changing the spelling and sounding of her name to “Miss Aje.” King James- He was the guy referring to “coke” as “pop” and was the force be-
hind the petition to reinstate school uniforms. Devoted volunteer at the city nursing homes and well on his way to becoming the “crazy cat guy.” It goes without saying he does a signature chalk toss upon the completion of each midterm and final. NIV- Voted the yearbook “Best All-Around” four consecutive years. She had her hand in every club, sport, with “President” monogrammed on all sweaters. While liked by all, neither classmates nor teachers could tell you why, for she was quite plain and forgettable. Once graduation came, her name, emblazoned on trophies, certificates and newspapers became an eyesore. She goes off to the university an hour away,
landing an MRS degree and reliving her glory days through her daughter who will always come up short. NIrV- The guy who will graduate, but comes back for every homecoming and graduation. In the classroom, he received teachers’ equal wrath as pity, landing a solid C-grade throughout his high school career. He was the mastermind behind the food fight and hadn’t received the memo that rockthrowing does not translate as flirting with women past age five. He’ll wear his letter jacket the first day of college and still be throwing rocks at women outside their dorms.
Feb. 5 10:06 a.m.
Feb. 5 9:58 a.m.
contact POWELL at GMP10B@acu.edu
hashtagACU Feb. 5 8:58 a.m.
If you can’t stand the heat get out of the kitchen, and if you don’t like the wind don’t come to Abilene!
@austinkilcullen
Feb. 5 8:51 a.m.
Winter is coming. Again. And again.
Feb. 5 8:55 a.m.
Feb. 5 11:28 a.m.
That’s it! A snow flurry to the eye was the last straw.
@WutDuzTheFoxSay @phillydenae
Feb. 6 12:25 p.m.
Contrary to popular belief it is still a snow day if you don’t take a selfie...awk
@ACUWildcatReign @sara_calvin
@chrisjohn310
@HollyG_6
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.
@ACU_Wildcat
published by the department of journalism and mass communication editorial and management board
Feb. 6 3:33 a.m.
@NPEllwood
Do all the feral cats on campus pile into a warm huddle on snowy days? If so, can anyone tell me where I can find said pile of cuteness?
Let the Frozen related tweets begin. #doyouwanttobuildasnowman #noidonot #ACUdifference @overheardACU
@sydneycherie
@TheRealMShady
Feb. 6 3:25 p.m.
Mass snowball fight. #ACUdifference Just kidding. They do that at other places. But still, frivolity and joy.
@SirmanTyler
Marissa Jones
Kirsten Holman
JP Festa
editor in chief
Copy Editor
Multimedia Managing Editor Page 2 Editor
faculty adviser
Brittany Jackson
Maggie Marshall
Jaci Isham
James Eldred
cade white
managing editor
Copy editor
Staff Videographer
Staff Writer
Visuals adviser
Melany Cox
Matt Sloan
Laura Benson
JC Peeples
cara lee cranford
opinion page editor online managing editor
Sports Director
Staff Videographer
Staff Writer
Deanna Romero
Daniel Zepeda
Rachel Smith
Allison Brown
Sports Editor
Video Projects Editor
Staff Writer
Collin Wieder
Paige Otway
Linsey Thut
Assistant Sports Editor
Staff Photographer
Features Writer
Kara Stutesman
Jarred Schuetze
Ben Todd
Sports Video Editor
Staff Photographer
Cartoonist
chief photogrpaher
Alikay Wood arts editor
gabi powell
Address letters to: ACU Box 27892 Abilene, TX 79609 E-mail letters to: optimist@acu.edu
Just realized I succumbed to the fascists and tweeted about the weather, but really it is the biggest problem in my life right now.
Feb. 6 1:30 p.m.
It’s that time again!! #ACU bobsled team tryouts at the top of the drive-way! Best four will take on @lolojones and her crew. #Olympics2014
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
*looks at “feels like” temp* *cries*
Feb. 6 12:16 p.m.
Feb. 6 1:33 p.m.
It’s a White Out outside and it’s a White Out in Moody!! The weather coorerated with our plans!! #packoutmoody #allin #whiteout
The saddest part is that it’s colder in Texas than @Sochi2014 right now #blessed #WhenWillAbileneHostAnythingWorthwhile #Never
features editor
Rachel Fritz
Kenneth Pybus
advertising
Shera Niemirowski Sports Broadcaster
newsroom (325) 674-2439
sports desk (325) 674-2684
photo department (325) 674-2499
advertising office (325) 674-2463
multimedia desk (325) 674-2463
subscriptions ($40/Year) (325) 674-2296
sports
friday 02.07.14
Wildcats start season against TLU Collin Wieder ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR Head coach Bobby Reeves and the ACU softball team begin their journey to a fourth consecutive winning season this Sunday with a double-header against Texas Lutheran University. The ‘Cats hope to capitalize on their first two games against an unfamiliar opponent, Texas Lutheran.
“I really don’t know anything about Texas Lutheran,” coach Reeves said. “We are not Div. I or II. We are just getting games this year. I expect to win and if we don’t then we get better because of it.” Texas Lutheran comes in off a solid 2013 season in the Div. III Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference. The Bulldogs went 3310 with a 14-0 away record under head coach Wade Wilson. The Wildcats open up
a seven-game home stand to prepare for a difficult schedule in Div. I. Coach Reeves hopes these games will be a confidence-builder to start the season. “I think confidence plays into that,” Reeves said. “It’s about getting our feet on the ground. It’s another mentality from practicing to when you start playing.” An advantage the Wildcats carry into Sunday and
their first season in the Southland Conference will be five seniors. One of those seniors, outfielder Madison Buckley, brings her experience and multiple accolades into the season. She batted .289 with two home runs and 17 RBIs as a junior and was an NFCA All-America Scholar-Athlete as a sophomore. Buckley knows they need to take advantage of this seven-game home stand.
“I think it will remind us that even though we are new to the Southland we can still come out and make statement,” Buckley said. “We can hit the ground running at home but also away at other games.” Game one will start at 1 p.m. and game two at 3 p.m. at Wells Field.
contact WIEDER at CPW11A@ACU.EDU
Wildcats prepare for Islanders Daniel Zepeda Sports Editor The men’s basketball team will look to improve its 1-7 Southland Conference record at home this Saturday against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. Tipoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. in Moody Coliseum. ACU will face TAM-CC for the first time. The Wildcats, 7-15 and 1-7 in conference, just finished playing against Houston Baptist, while the Islanders, 10-13, 7-3, conclude their fourgame road trip in Abilene before heading back to the coast. The Wildcats enter the game averaging a little under 70 points per contest and are led by sophomore guard Parker Wentz (11.1 ppg) and sophomore forward Austin Cooke from Scottsdale, Ariz. (6.8 ppg. and 5.8 reb.). Turnovers have been a hindrance for ACU; the team has committed more than 120 turnovers and just 55 assists over the past six games. TAM-CC comes into the game as the second highest-rated defense in the Southland Conference, giving up just 69 points a game, and is also 4-2 for the past six games. The Islanders have held opponents to 44 percent shooting and 33 percent from beyond the threepoint arc. “Going up against one of the best defenses, we’re go-
Reese Gwin
The ACU women’s basketball team is home for another Southland Conference match-up, this time against Texas A&MCorpus Christi. The 11th place Wildcats will look to end their two-game slide over the 12th place Islanders. The ‘Cats have lost four of their last five, while Corpus Christi has dropped six of their last eight. Both teams need a win to remain competitive in the Southland. Head coach Goodenough and her team have lost games by slim margins. The parity between teams at the Div. I. level is thin, and ACU learned the hard way. “I think our team is really starting to embrace the fact that one or two possessions win or lose a ballgame,” Goodenough
emily seidel
The Wildcats travel to Albuquerque this weekend for the New Mexico Collegiate Classic, an indoor track meet with a stacked lineup of competition including five nationally ranked teams. ACU will be joined Friday and Saturday by the Arkansas Razorbacks, Texas Longhorns and Washington Huskies at the Albuquerque Convention Center, all teams whose men and women’s squads are both ranked in the top 20 track programs in the country. The UNM Lobos, who are hosting the meet, are fierce competition as well,
Men’s basketball
Team
Div.
Ovrl
SFA SHSU Nicholls St. TAMU-CC NO NSU MSU UIW ORU SELU UCA Lamar ACU HBU
9-0 8-2 7-2 7-3 5-4 5-4 5-4 4-4 4-5 4-5 2-7 2-8 1-7 1-9
20-2 16-6 10-8 10-13 8-9 9-11 7-14 16-5 10-12 9-11 5-15 3-19 7-15 4-18
woMen’s basketball
Team
Div.
Ovrl
Who’s Hot
briefings
said after a close loss last week. Freshman Jessica Elkins said, “Every possession matters, especially when you get to the end of a close game.” Regardless, this team is still young and talented. “As we continue to experience wins and losses together as a team, I think it just helps us mature and grow our chemistry,” Goodenough said. “I like where we are right now.” The ’Cats have done a good job all year of following up an emotional loss with an equally emotional win. Two weeks ago, ACU lost to Lamar by a single bucket, but rebounded with a statement win on national television over Sam Houston State two nights later. The ‘Cats will need to channel their disappointment from last week into the game against Corpus Christi.
The Islanders are led by senior Jasmine Shaw and freshman Brittnay Mbamalu. While their team is 10 players deep, these are the only two who average in the double figures for scoring. Shaw is their primary scorer and should be a good match-up for Wildcat Suzzy Dimba. Mbamalu likes to work down low, but she will have her hands full with Suzzy’s twin, Lizzy Dimba. With the twins shutting down the Islander scoring attack, look for Senior Renata Marquez to have a break-out game following recent foul troubles. Her 13.3 points per game has led the Wildcats in scoring this season. A loud Moody Coliseum and a pinked-out crowd will only add to the Wildcat advantage. contact Gwin at erg12a@acu.edu
having beaten UCLA, Arizona State and the Air Force in their only scored meet of the regular season so far. In its last three weeks of competition, ACU’s team proved that it belongs in Div. I. The Wildcats have turned in more than 20 personal records and at least a dozen top 10 placements combined in their last two meets. Junior Daniel Block finished runner-up in the men’s 800-meters at the Texas A&M 10-Team Invitational and the Texas Tech Masked Rider Open. Senior Luke Woods obliterated his record last weekend at the Masked Rider Open, completing the heptathlon with a total of
4,880 points and coming in first place. Weight throwers Baptiste Kerjean and Jelani Rainey have consistently placed in the top five in their events. Freshman pole vaulter Kenzie Walker finished third in the Texas A&M Invitational, and last Saturday recorded the ninth best women’s pole vaulting height in ACU history at the Masked Rider Open. The consistency of their high-level performances has the Wildcats optimistic about the upcoming meet. Assistant coach Cory Aguilar said despite a lack of depth and experience on the team, the chances of a successful meet are good. “We’re only taking about 20 athletes with us, top ath-
basketball team on Thursday, Jan. 30.
The ACU basketball team is having a “pink out” Saturday in support of breast cancer awareness. Follow @OptimistSports on Twitter for the latest ACU sports news.
Upcoming Men’s basketball takes on conference opponent Texas A&M-Corpus Christi at 3 p.m. at Moody Coliseum on Saturday. Women’s basketball plays Texas A&MCorpus Christi at 1 p.m. at Moody Colisuem on Saturday. Paige otway Staff Photographer
Freshman Sydney Shelstead shoots a layup in Moody.
Track and Field head to New Mexico sports reporter
standings
UCA 7-2 13-7 Lamar 7-3 12-9 we’re going to throw at SFA 6-3 12-9 him,” Tanner said. “If we Nicholls St. 6-3 11-9 defend well as a team, then SELU 5-3 6-14 it doesn’t matter if he goes MSU 5-4 12-8 off for a career night.” NSU 5-4 12-9 With the absence of SHSU 5-5 10-11 junior guards Harrison HBU 5-5 9-12 Hawkins and LaDarrien 4-5 5-14 Williams, ACU has strug- ORU ACU 3-4 12-10 gled to find a way to make 3-7 10-11 up for its offensive produc- TAMU-CC tivity and efficiency. UIW 2-6 8-12 Junior guards Julian Ed- NO 0-9 0-20 monson and Rafael Farley have played well in their absence. Edmonson has averaged 13.5 points per contest since the loss of Hawkins and Williams, while Farley Junior tennis athlete has stepped up late with Borja Cortes played well solid games, including a this past weekend. He season-high of 18 points defeated his first singles against Northwestern State oponent in straight sets last weekend. (6-0, 6-0) and later The Wildcats will head won in doubles with to San Antonio to take on sophomore Nicklas the University of Incarnate Wingord (6-0). He also Word on Thursday. After that, they will re- defeated his second turn home for a three-game singles opponent (6-3, home stand. The game 5-6, 6-3) and won in against TAM-CC will be lo- doubles again with cally broadcasted on 98.1 junior Guilherme Gesser FM the Ticket. (6-3). “It’s important that we be sure to compete in every game we play this year, especially home games,” Tanner said. “We need to give Football head coach Ken Collums announced paige otway Staff Photographer ourselves the ability to win Wednesday the addition games and give our fans Junior Julian Edmonson rises above a defender to shoot a floater in Moody Coliseum something to cheer about.” of 29 new players on earlier this season. Edmonson is averaging 7.8 points per game this season. The first 250 fans to ar- National Signing Day for rive at the game will receive the 2014 season. ing to have to change things few sets and give them mul- leads the team in scoring a “pink out” T-shirt to help up and be creative,” assis- tiple looks at us.” with 15.3 points per game, raise awareness for breast Sophomore guard tant coach Brette Tanner As a team, though, they ninth in the Southland, and cancer. Parker Wentz was said. “Offense is something score 68.8 points a game, 4.8 assists a game, second named to the Capital we’ve talked a lot about so giving them a scoring mar- in the conference. Contact Zepeda at One Academic Allfar anyway, so we’re just go- gin of a microscopic -0.2. “We’ve got a few things Djz11a@acu.edu District 7 men’s ing to have to maybe add a Junior guard John Jordan in our back pocket that
Women look to protect home court student reporter
6
letes who I expect will compete really well,” Aguilar said. “I think that in some areas we’re going to get top marks.” With roughly three weeks until the indoor season Southland Conference Championships, the Cats are working on rounding out the team as a whole, reaching for more depth from the underclassmen who make up most of the roster. Despite the talent of the athletes, having a new coaching staff and a young squad could be an obstacle in the way of a team conference championship. Jumping coach Vladyslav Gorbenko said with the graduating seniors departing soon, welcoming and developing the younger
players has been a focus point during the season. “I see a lot of talent and potential in all my athletes,” Gorbenko said. “Every single one of them has a chance to become an outstanding athlete and time will show which one of them will truly stand out.” The New Mexico Collegiate Classic starts Friday at 4 p.m. Because of weather conditions, there is a possibility that ACU may not be able to travel. A last-minute decision will be made based on the weather Thursday afternoon, when the Wildcats are scheduled to leave campus. contact seidel at eks13b@acu.edu
Track travels to Albuquerque, N.M. to compete against the University of New Mexico on Friday and Saturday. Women’s tennis will stay in Abilene to take on Texas-Permian Basin at 8 a.m. Saturday and then will play Trinity University at noon. Men’s tennis will travel to Dallas this Saturday to take on Southern Methodist Universtiy at 11 a.m. and then will play a TBA team later on at 4 p.m.