Optimist the
Vol. 98, No. 38
A Passing Legend
1 section, 8 pages
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
BREAKING NEWS, VIDEOS, PHOTOS, DISCUSSION AND EXCLUSIVE CONTENT LOCAL
PAGE 8
acuoptimist.com
ADMINISTRATION
Hotels booked through Sunday Abby Anderson Contributing Reporter Hotels throughout the city of are posting “no vacancy” signs as hundreds of guests travel to Abilene for ACU’s 2010 Sing Song production. Other events, such as Homecoming and graduation, attract many out-oftowners, but according to hotel managers, Sing Song is one of the busiest and biggest weekends of the year. Parents, alumni and prospective students all come to see one of ACU’s oldest and most beloved traditions, and the hotels around campus fill up months in advance. Goldy Brar, manager at Comfort Suites University, said local hotels benefit from the extra traffic. “Our hotel is 100 percent sold out,” Brar said. This seems to be the trend across the whole city. Even hotels across town and near the mall expect maximum occupancy. This rush of guests means extra work for those employed by Abilene hotels. Dustin Brooks, assistant general manager at Hampton Inn Abilene I-20, said the hotel scheduled extra staff Friday afternoon to ensure quick and efficient guest check-in. Even newer hotels, like Sleep Inn Suites on Danville Drive, will be operating
KELSI WILLIAMSON Chief Photographer
Dr. Phil Schubert addresses a packed Moody Coliseum on Friday. Dr. Royce Money, president of the university, then prayed a blessing over Schubert.
A FAMILIAR FACE Faculty discuss the inherent tension of two internal candidates, and students share their expectations. Staff Report Seven months of searching and waiting came to an end Friday when Sharron Drury, member of the Board of Trustees and co-chair of the Presidential Search Transition Team, introduced the 11th president of Abilene Christian University, Dr. Phil Schubert. Schubert was one of two finalists; the other was Dr. Rick Lytle, dean of the College of Business Administration. Lytle issued a statement supporting the board’s decision but declined to comment further. Dr. Jean-Noel Thompson, dean of students and vice president of Student Life, looks forward to the continuation of his and Schubert’s successful work-
View video and photo of the press conference and Chapel announcement.
acuoptimist.com ing relationship. Thompson also said he hopes the community will not allow loyalties to divide them. “One of the things I’m very cognizant of is we’ve got two stellar internal guys that we love,” Thompson said. “There’s been a lot of prayer, and this is a time for our community to rally around our new leadership.” Dr. Jeff Arrington, associate dean of
KELSI WILLIAMSON Chief Photographer
Dr. Schubert and his wife, Jamie, stand together as Friday’s Chapel audience applauds.
see ANNOUNCEMENT page 4
see BOOKED page 4
SING SONG
CAMPUS
Judges selected, unnamed ACUPD, campus preps Jeff Craig
Our scoring method is a lot like the way they judge figure skating in the Olympics. We haven’t had any judging issues since I’ve been on board.
Sports Editor As tradition dictates, a panel of 30 judges from various fields will determine the winners of this year’s Sing Song competition. Tom Craig, director of student productions and Sing Song director, said the judges were drawn from faculty and staff, alumni and professionals from the music or event industry. However, Craig said the names of the judges are not released prior to the shows. “We try to get a good mix of judges each year,”
TOM CRAIG Director of Student Productions and Sing Song Director
Craig said. “We don’t release the names of the judges before each show so people can’t go out and try to persuade our judges.” Craig has said one of the Sing Song judges this year will be a well-known music video producer. He also said many of the other judges would be music
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educators or professionals in the music industry. Many of the alumni judges participated in Sing Song when they were students at ACU. The 30 judges will be divided into three groups, with 10 judges for each show. Three of the judges see JUDGES page 4
for influx of thousands Alan Cherry
tween Friday and Sunday, although not all for Sing Contributing Reporter Song. The Board of Trustwill With Sing Song weekend ees meet this looming, family, friends and alumni are making weekend, the annual trek to Abilene and strong financial – and not on foot. “This weekend is by far supportthe most traffic-intensive ers of the weekend of the year,” u n i v e r Ellison said ACU Police Chief sity will be honored at the President’s Jimmy Ellison. Between 8,000 and Circle Dinner. Similar to previous 9,000 additional people will arrive on campus be- years, campus parking
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lots will be open on a first-come, first-served basis, instead of being divided into student, faculty and staff and visitor lots. After a parking lot has reached capacity, it will be barricaded until the event is over. Exceptions are the lot in front of the Teague Special Events Center and the lot north of Edwards Hall, see WEEKEND page 4
Online
PROPS, COSTUMES and makeup make this year’s acts look good, but they require hours of work. Get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes.
THE OVERT SECRECY of the presidential announcement rubbed our editorial board the wrong way, but we think Dr. Schubert is the man for the job.
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VIDEO
LOUDandCLEAR
Were you pleased with Friday’s Chapel? a. Yes, it was professional and well-organized. b. No, why did they announce it early? c. I saw it on Twitter at 9 a.m. ‘Close Your Eyes’ Video Shoot
Visit acuoptimist.com to join the discussion.
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Campus Day Wednesday, February 17, 2010
CALENDAR AND EVENTS
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WEDNESDAY
11 a.m. Sing Song preview in Moody Coliseum
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THURSDAY
7:30 p.m. The Rabbit Hole will be performed in The Culp Theatre in the Williams Performing Arts Center. A Talk Back session will follow at 10 p.m. 7 p.m. Dinner with Juan Williams, NPR analyst and Fox News commentator at the Abilene Civic Center sponsored by KACU and Abilene Christian Schools. For ticket and table information, call 672-9200 or visit www.kacu.org.
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The Abilene Cultural Affairs Council needs volunteers for Gator Country, an animal preserve and rescue operation from Beaumont, on Feb. 27 at the Abilene Civic Center. Volunteers will prepare breakfast, assist with two performances, serve as ushers and direct visitors through the Nature Trail. For more information, contact Angie Cook at 794-4426, or e-mail angie. cook@cjc.edu. Volunteers must sign up by Monday. The American Heart Association needs volunteers any time 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Volunteers will help with general office tasks and assist with mailings. For more information, contact Kay Alexander at 627-0070. The Christian Service Center needs volunteers to fill requests for clothing, bedding, kitchen utensils, etc., from the donation center. Volunteers may work from noon-4 p.m. Friday or Saturday. For more infor-
mation, call Jim Clark at 673-7531. The Abilene Empty Bowls Project will take place from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday at Highland Church of Christ. For more information, call 673-5295. Breakfast On Beech Street serves breakfast to Abilene’s homeless community and is in need of volunteers. Breakfast is served from 6:30-7:15 a.m. at the First Christian Church at 3rd and Beech Street. Volunteers must arrive at 5:30 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and 5 a.m. Tuesdays. For more information, visit the First Christian Church’s Web site at www.fccabilene.org/outreach.html. Love and Care Ministries needs help with its clothing ministry and street feeds at 9 a.m., 1 p.m. or 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. To schedule a time, call Terry Davis at 670-0246. Abilene Nursing and Rehabilitation Center needs volunteers at 2 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday to assist residents with Bingo and other activities. Volunteers will stay one to two hours. For more information, contact Rita
12 p.m. The 2010 Young Alumnus of the Year award will be in the lobby of the Williams Performing Arts Center Lobby. Randy Brewer (’93) will be honored. 7:30 p.m. The Rabbit Hole will be performed in The Culp Theatre in the Williams Performing Arts Center.
To ensure an item will appear on time, the announcement should be sent at least 10 days before. The Optimist may edit items for space and style. Corrections and clarifications of published news articles will be printed in this space in a timely manner.
Chapel Checkup
Credited Chapels to date:
Credited Chapels remaining:
27 46
8 p.m. Sing Song in Moody Coliseum
Raymond at 673-0568, or e-mail cameron.grad@ hotmail.com. The International Rescue Committee needs volunteers to set up apartments before refugees arrive. This includes shopping for household supplies, assembling furniture and putting away kitchen and food items. All volunteers are required to attend an IRC volunteer orientation and must be available during weekday afternoons. Meals on Wheels is looking for volunteers to deliver hot meals to seniors and adults with disabilities each week. Volunteers may work once a week between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. MondayFriday. For more information, contact Elisabeth Rodgers at 672-5050. Abilene Hope Haven needs volunteers anytime between 3 and 11 p.m. Monday through Friday. Volunteers will answer phones, enter data into a database and handle other receptionist duties. For more information, contact Colleen Rud at 677-4673. The City of Abilene’s Adaptive Recreation Services needs volunteers to help mentally
The Optimist maintains this calendar for the ACU community to keep track of local social, academic and service opportunities. Groups may send announcements directly to optimist@jmcnetwork. com.
FRIDAY
Volunteer Opportunities The Noah Project needs volunteers to cover the domestic violence crisis hotline between 6 and 10 p.m. Monday-Friday. For more information, call Yvonne Myers at 676-7107.
About This Page
Announcements and physically challenged adults with activities between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Activities can include arts and crafts, exercise, ceramics, bowling, field trips, etc. For more information, contact Barbara Liggett at 676-6575, or e-mail barbara.liggett@abilenetx. com. The Abilene Zoo is looking for volunteers to come Monday-Friday between 12 and 4 p.m. Volunteers will help clean and feed animals, assist the zookeeper and assist with educational classes. For more information contact Joy Harsh at 676-6487. St. Mark’s Episcopal Church needs volunteers to help with its baby room. Tasks include sorting, hanging clothing and cleaning. Volunteers are welcome from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays. For more information, contact Peggy Valentine at 8293425, or e-mail pegleeval123@yahoo.com. The Alzheimer’s Association needs volunteers any time 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. Volunteers must be present for at least one hour and will perform various office duties. For more information, contact Libby Connally at 672-2907.
The 2010 Young Alumnus of the Year awards will take place at noon Friday in the Williams Performing Arts Center lobby. Randy Brewer (’93), executive producer of Revolution Pictures, will be honored at the luncheon. Tickets cost $15 per person or $100 for a table of eight. Tickets can be purchased at www.acu.edu/alumni_ rsvp. For more information, e-mail Samantha Adkins at samantha. adkins@acu.edu. Equine Assisted Psychotherapy is now available to staff, faculty and students through the Counseling Center. For more information, call 674-2626. The Campus Activities Board is providing discount tickets for students to attend the Sing Song preview Thursday. Tickets cost $5 and must be purchased in advance in the McGlothlin Campus Center or in Room 121 in McKinzie West. The deadline for intramural soccer registration is Friday. Cost is $45 per team, and games begin March 1. For more information, contact Susan Hardcastle at 6752555, or e-mail susan. hardcastle@acu.edu. The Honors College will present a murder mystery dinner at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 26 in the atrium of the Williams Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $10 individually or $15 for a couple. Formal dress is suggested. ACU’s 54th annual Sing Song will take place at 8 p.m. Friday and at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday. For more information or to buy tickets, go to www. acu.edu/singsong.
The Upward Bound Program is in need of students to serve as summer advisers. The program is looking for encouraging, energetic and responsible students to assist in preparing high school students for college. For more information, call 674-2529 or 674-2514. Switchfoot presents the Hello Hurricane Tour at 6 p.m. Sunday at the Abilene Civic Center. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Tickets are available at Beltway Park Baptist Church, the Abilene Civic Center Box Office, Mardel and Lifeway stores in Abilene or online at www.iTickets. com. For more information, call 800-965-9324. An Invisible Children Chapel forum will take place at 9:15 p.m. Feb. 25 in Moody Coliseum. Attendees will receive three Chapel credits. Tim Wise, a nationally known anti-racism author and activist, will speak at 7 p.m. March 2 in Moody Coliseum. Wise will address racism and other topics, which students can find at unitedbyfaithabilene.com. The deadline for intramural volleyball registration is March 5. Cost is $75 per team, and games begin March 22. For more information, contact Susan Hardcastle at 675-2555, or e-mail susan.hardcastle@ acu.edu.
Campus News
February 17, 2010
Page 3
FACULTY AND STUDENTS RESPOND TO THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF DR. PHIL SCHUBERT AS PRESIDENT “I am really happy with the decision. I feel that he has a really good vision for the university and if we support him we will do well.”
“I thank God for the blessings He’s given us. I pray God’s blessings for Phil, and am optimistic about the future.”
“I think Phil has a great sense of our vision and a clear commitment to the faculty and the educational processes that are ACU’s core interests.”
Dr. Harland Rall, chair of the Department of Foreign Languages
Dr. Jeff Arrington, associate professor of physics and associate dean of Student Life
“Having worked with both Rick and Phil, I knew the university was in great shape either way.” Kevin Christian, director of strategic partnerships in operations
Emma Pierce, senior advertising/public relations major from Franklin, Tenn.
“It’s exciting, I guess. It’s new beginnings. I’m a senior so I don’t really know how it’s going to affect me.”
“We’re pleased to finally know and are confident to stand behind our new president.”
Mallory Espinoza, junior interdisciplinary major from Abilene
Dr. Brady Bryce, director of ministry events
CHAPEL
Campus Conversation invites controversy Alan Cherry Contributing Reporter Moody Coliseum may hold the answer for questioning students looking for a Chapel to attend on Tuesdays. 2010 is the recently launched Campus Conversation led by Dr. Steven Moore, assistant professor of English, and Kevin Claypool, residence director for Edwards Hall. “[2010] is meant to be about addressing controversial issues and topics that Christians stray away from,” Moore said.
2010, which has a high attendance compared to other Tuesday Chapels, is intended to provide a safe forum to openly discuss potentially sticky topics, such as homosexuality, political corruption, art and relationships. The Chapel will continue all semester, with different discussions each week. The student population generally seemed to be engaged in the entire conversation. “The Chapel was interesting,” said Ryan Cantrell, sophomore broadcast journalism major from Keller. “It seemed to be
a forced conversation between Dr. Moore and Kevin Claypool. However, the topics that were talked about were interesting, and it was good to hear other students’ opinions.” The sessions begin with Moore and Claypool on stage arguing the extreme sides of a controversial issue. However, through constructed dialogue, they tend to moderate the views they presented at the start, and after several minutes of debate, the floor is opened for students to participate and express their views to the group for the last
few minutes of Chapel. Tuesday’s discussion was about love and relationships as part of ACU’s Sacred Relationships Week. The Chapel opened with a clip about dating expectations versus dating realities from the movie 500 Days of Summer. The clip set the tone for the discussion, with Dr. Moore arguing dating and looking for love are a setup for disappointment, and Claypool arguing true love is possible. As the discussion progressed, the two perspectives merged into a somewhat more moderate opinion that
KELSI WILLIAMSON Chief Photographer
Kevin Claypool, residence director of Edwards Hall, speaks while Dr. Steven Moore, assistant professor of English, listens in the background during the Campus Conversation, 2010. incorporated ideas from the audience, as is usually the case. “Love is a choice, romantically and other-
wise,” Moore said. “Be patient with each other.” contact Cherry at
optimist@jmcnetwork.com
From Front
Page 4
SING SONG
February 17, 2010
REACTIONS
Judges: Thirty selected Announcement: New Continued from page 1 will judge solely on vocals, while the other seven will rank the acts based on originality, appearance and entertainment. The highest and lowest scores from those seven judges will be dropped. Craig believes this practice reduces the chance of bias. “Our scoring method is a lot like the way they judge figure skating in the Olympics,” Craig said. “We really haven’t had any judging issues
since I came on board.” The judges will award first and second place in all four voting categories. Additionally, the judges will pick the best overall act in the men’s, women’s and mixed-vocal groups. John Delony, director of Residence Life, judged Sing Song in 2009 and said he valued his chance to play a part in a great ACU tradition. “It was a cool experience,” Delony said. “I graduated from Lubbock Christian, so I was more familiar with their
Master Follies acts. So, it was great to see firsthand how ACU’s Sing Song works.” Audience members also have a chance to participate in the judging process. Spectators can go online and vote for their favorite act after each show. The votes will be tabulated, and an audience favorite award will be given. Online voting can be found at www.acu.edu/events/ singsong/index.html. contact Craig at
jrc07d@acu.edu
CAMPUS
Weekend: Preparing for a rush of guests, alumni Continued from page 1
which will be closed to all but those attending the President’s Circle Dinner. ACU Police Sergeant Bob Delony said the best way to ensure students get a good parking spot – or indeed any parking spot – is to plan ahead, be mindful of the time and get to school early. The ACU Police Department does not expect the influx of visitors to impact students going to classes Friday because the events do not begin until Friday
evening after classes have ended. “The impact on student parking is not as bad as other events,” Ellison said. ACUPD will be using all officers, personnel and student employees at its disposal to ensure event traffic does not turn into a debacle. The police ask students and visitors to follow their directions because they have a well-engineered plan, Ellison said. They also urge students to remember this is perhaps the premier weekend for ACU, and they need to be respectful of visi-
tors. Visitors are just as much a part of the university as the students. Despite the vast number of guests, ACUPD expects the weekend to go smoothly as long as everyone slows down, watches for pedestrians and adheres to the plan. “Comply with our instructions, and we will do our best to get you in and out quickly,” Ellison said.
contact Cherry at
optimist@jmcnetwork.com
president takes reins Continued from page 1 Student Life and associate professor of physics, acknowledged the likelihood of dissent, but expects the transition to go smoothly. “The overall reaction, like any time, is going to be mixed, and I think that’s natural,” Arrington said. “I think Phil is a candid person that communicates a lot, and that will help put those to rest.” Some students appreciated the board’s selection of the younger candidate. “It’s good that he’s young because he can relate to what students
are going through. It also means he should be around for a while,” said Jordan Smith, junior history major from Escondido, Calif. For students nearing graduation, the event was simply another big day in Chapel. “It’s exciting, I guess. It’s new beginnings,” said Mallory Espinoza, senior interior design major from Colorado City. “I’m a senior so I don’t really know if it’s going to affect me.” “I have one year left, so I’m going to be in the transitions stage. It’ll be interesting,” said Jessica Lane, junior interior design major
from Albuquerque, N.M. Kana Yama, chancellor of Ibaraki Christian University in Hitachi, Ibaraki, Japan, came to Abilene to express his admiration and appreciation for ICU’s relationship with ACU. Yama is the first ICU representative to visit campus and just happened to pick an important date. “We didn’t know that we were going to be here for this, but it’s wonderful,” said ICU Professor Jim Batten.
contact Staff at
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LOCAL
Booked: Zero vacancies Continued from page 1
at maximum occupancy this weekend. Nayna Patel, general manager for Sleep Inn, said the hotel had only four rooms remaining as of Monday and will be offering a wider dining menu and more food in order to accommodate Sing Song guests. Many hotels also have special rates for high-traffic days. Sleep Inn is offering special group rates for guests with multiple-room reservations. Hampton
QUICK FACTS Most hotels are sold out, but a few had rooms left for the weekend at the time of printing. You should call to confirm vacancies before booking. Country Hearth Inn, 695-7700 Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites, 675-9800 n Hilton Garden Inn Abilene, 690-6432 n Super 8 South Abilene, 701-4779 n Best Western Mall South, 695-1262 n La Quinta Inn Abilene, 676-1676 n n
Inn invokes a minimum two-night-stay policy during Sing Song weekend, which decreases the number of guests just stopping through Abilene for a night and leaves more rooms open for Sing Song weekend visitors.
While the Sing Song schedule might be hectic for students, for Abilene hotels, the hype and the excitement mean good business. contact Anderson at
optimist@jmcnetwork.com
February 17, 2010
Focus
ZAK ZEINERT Contributing Photographer
Page 5
ZAK ZEINERT Contributing Photographer
Tyler Lewis, senior finance major from Spring, adjusts his costume during a Gamma Sigma Phi rehearsal.
Members of Ko Jo Kai work with freshmen prop girls.
Crunch Time
ZAK ZEINERT Contributing Photographer
Sam Souder, senior worship ministry major from Arlington, directs GSP’s Sing Song act.
Sing Song preparations come down to the wire as the big weekend approaches.
HEATHER LEIPHART Staff Photographer
Clayton Smith, junior exercise science major from Fort Worth, spray paints a prop for the Sub T-16 Sing Song Act.
ZAK ZEINERT Contributing Photographer
Jessica Welshans, freshman music major from Spring, demonstrates the “Sing Song face.”
Opinion
Page 6
EDITORIAL
February 17, 2010
Schubert demonstrates openness, humility admire. His detail-oriented nature has been apparent throughout the search process as he outlined his plans for the university, and his love for ACU is no less obvious. The affection shared among the Schubert family is evidence his persona is no façade. When his wife, Jamie, answered questions after the announcement Friday, she avoided using the word “I,” and it was clear from her responses she and her husband are a team. “We’re ecstatic about it,” she said. Attempting to predict the success of Schu-
fallen short of our goals,” he told the 20-year-old sitting in front of him. Administrators have offered Optimist staff members far less respect over far more trivial issues, yet Dr. Schubert’s integrity would not allow him to act conveniently. It is no surprise. His predecessor, Dr. Royce Money, vows each year to be just a phone call away from the editor in chief and supports the practical education provided by a student-run publication. Schubert’s respect for student media isn’t the only attribute we
Enrollment was down. Again. Total enrollment had been on the decline since 2006. He could have chosen to not answer the questions; in fact, he could have refused a face-to-face interview and demanded the questions via email, where responses can be methodically worded. Instead, on Feb. 4, 2008, Executive Vice President Dr. Phil Schubert invited an Optimist reporter into his office. He printed dozens of pages of statistics for the student newspaper and answered every question. “The numbers from the last two falls have
bert’s presidency is impractical, if not impossible. Often, however, a president’s character is more important than his policies, and if nothing else, the humility with which he accepted his new role Friday demonstrated his integrity. The only problem with Friday’s festivities is something Schubert could have done little about. The 60-second warning at Friday’s press conference left reporters wondering if the next ACU president or Barack Obama was on his way. Students and many faculty members also felt misled when they ar-
Mac-n- Tex
By Aaron Cavitt
THE ISSUE
Dr. Phil Schubert has been named the 11th president of ACU.
OUR TAKE
Although the announcement wasn’t exactly a surprise, Schubert’s humble character leave us hopeful for ACU’s future. rived at Moody for the big announcement, only to find it had been made an hour earlier in the Hunter Welcome Center. Administrators could have benefited from a dash of Sharron Drury’s candor. Abilene Christian University’s next president must be able to preserve tradition and progress.
Our experience leads us to one conclusion: Schubert has the drive and ability to humbly guide the university as president.
Email the Optimist at:
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COLUMN
True confessions of a moochaholic Irony and Whine Kelsi Williamson
COLUMN
Father introduces love of the game Little Linda Linda Bailey I fell in love with baseball at an early age. I blame it on my dad. He made me my first g l o v e when I was in kindergarten in preparation for T-ball. It was light Bailey pink, and I loved it. He started making gloves as a hobby about five years after he graduated from college. He played in a church softball league and started fixing teammates’ gloves. Eventually, he realized he could take a glove apart and put it back together. He created patterns, cut them out of leather and made his own glove. Soon teammates and friends began requesting the handmade gloves. This was the hobby I grew up with.
As a child I remember a dining room filled with leather and sewing machines – sometimes so much we had to eat dinner in the living room. I remember meeting Bob Phillips of Texas Country Reporter when my dad and his gloves were featured on Phillips’ show around the time I was starting third grade. I remember watching the Texas Rangers with my dad at night and idolizing players like Rusty Greer, Nolan Ryan and Pudge Rodriguez. And I remember losing my first tooth at an Abilene Prairie Dogs game. I dropped the tooth in the stands in the middle of popcorn I had spilled earlier, and unfortunately, teeth and popcorn look a lot alike under the glow of the stadium lights. My dad sifted through the popcorn and found it so I could put it under my pillow later that night. I can’t help but think of my dad when I see a
I can’t help but think of my dad when I see a glove, hear the cling of a bat hitting a ball or smell the freshly cut grass of the field. glove, hear the cling of a bat hitting a ball or smell the freshly cut grass of the field. This month marks the beginning of ACU baseball season. I’ve already gone to as many games as my busy schedule will allow, and I’ve once again realized just how wonderful the sport is. When I’m watching a baseball game, all of the stress in my life falls away. I no longer think of work, classes or assignments. I just focus on the game and who is batting and what the score is and if a home run ball is going to hit my truck. I think about my family and how much fun we’ve had together because of baseball. This good thought pushes out the
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 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. Address letters to: ACU Box 27892 Abilene, TX 79699 E-mail letters to: optimist@acu.edu
negative ones and clears my head. Everyone needs a stress reliever. Everyone needs something to remind them of good times with family. And everyone needs something to love. My love of the game keeps me from stressing out and hating life. My love of the game causes me to yell at the TV when I’m watching the Rangers. And my love of the game forces me out of my warm apartment and into the cold, misty Sunday afternoon because I know the Wildcats are playing, and I just need a break to maintain my sanity.
contact Bailey at
ljb07a@acu.edu
Optimist the
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Free. Sample. Put the words together and you have a worthwhile experience with no commitment nor payment required. Tiny hand lotions, Southwest Airl i n e s ’ peanuts, Williamson mini Bagel Bites – a day enhanced by a free sample is automatically a good day. Regardless of quality, or lack thereof, you should always take advantage of complimentary opportunities. While the intent of a free sample is obviously to attract consumers to a product (those tricky advertising people will hook you on some newfangled juice drink faster than you can read sugar content per serving size), every once in a while a product comes along in free sample form that is truly spectacular. Take for instance the mango salsa and pita chips provided by health store powerhouse Whole Foods. It’s hard to remember what life was like before I dipped that easily accessible chip into the sweet and spicy salsa accompanying it. If I hadn’t risked the germs in those exposed containers, I would have missed out on an instantaneous as well as a long-term palatesatisfying experience. Once you finally decide to purchase such samplings in bulk form, the true benefits reach fruition. Not only can you enjoy the tasting experience of mango salsa at home, but you can enjoy it whenever you like.
Purchases based on free samples also provide numerous chances to share your mooching expertise with friends and acquaintances. Comments such as, “I just tried these at Sam’s Club,” will simultaneously prove you an expert and daring shopper. Sampling with no strings attached can also make you feel deserving for no reason. That table with free Swiffer refills was set out just for you, and of course the store manager
Regardless of quality, or lack thereof, you should always take advantage of complimentary opportunities. knew you needed a tiny cup of coffee to pick you up during your afternoon grocery shopping. Free samples let us know someone cares in simple – and perhaps even inexplicable – ways. They are a moment of relief, of happiness, of revelation that asks for nothing in return Perhaps we should provide our own free samples. Perhaps we should take time to show we care in simple and inexplicable ways and ask nothing in return. Random acts of kindness: Just think of them as those delicious jalapeño poppers, and I bet it will be hard to remember what life was like before.
contact Williamson at
kkw07a@acu.edu
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From Sports
February 17, 2010
Page 7
OBITUARY
Tate: Friends, family remember longtime teacher Continued from page 8
in 24 states across the nation. He was also a popular comedian, portraying a fictional banjo-playing character named Willer Wood at area events. His final sermon was delivered June 28, 2009, to a packed auditorium at University Church of Christ. Current men’s basketball coach Jason Copeland remembers Tate not only as a legendary coach but also a great friend. He described Tate as a motivator who had the ability to get the best out of his players. “Coach and I were very close from the moment I got to ACU,” Copeland said. “He was
a man who went out of his way to build a relationship. We spent a lot of time together, whether it be basketball, spiritual talk or out on the golf course.” Tate’s time on the sidelines was a short seven years, but for more than 20 years, he changed lives as an educator. Dr. Joe Cardot, chair of the Department of Communication, remembers Tate as an exceptional educator and an exceptional man. “He was a phenomenal individual who connected with people at an emotional level,” Cardot said. “He was called Coach by so many, but in reality, his coaching career at ACU was short. What he knew about the school, who he knew at
the school, his networking, his relations – all that is lost.” Tate’s reach extended far beyond the borders of Abilene. Cardot said it is impossible to measure the impact Tate had on thousands around the country. His classes always filled up quickly, Cardot said, and his impact on students’ lives was felt long after graduation. Robin Ritchie Peace, class of 1990, is among the many alumni whose lives were touched. “I will never forget his Life Learning Skills class; one of the best classes I took at ACU,” Peace said. “His insight and inspiration to his students connected with us at the pivotal level in our lives where
we were open to his wisdom.” Tate’s grandson, Adam Tate, is a junior at ACU and remembers his grandfather as a man who had tremendous influence not only on his own life but also on the lives of many others. “Daddy Tate was not only an inspiration to me, but the greatest man I ever knew,” Adam said. “He was a man filled unconditionally with faith and love. Countless people were touched by Daddy Tate. Since this past Friday, I have been sent many stories about Daddy Tate from people all around the U.S. They stand testament to the depth and magnitude of his work and his care to spread our Lord’s word and love.”
Some will remember Tate as a coach; others will remember him as a teacher. Still others will remember him as an inspirational speaker. For more than three decades, he played an integral role in the development of many students at ACU. “I find it simultaneously amazing and fitting that the last words to come out of his mouth were ‘love you’ and ‘thank you,’” Adam said. “I feel, as did he, that these simple words can make this world a better place.” A memorial service is scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday at University Church of Christ in Abilene. Tate is survived by his wife Bobbie; his son,
Mark, and wife, Celia; his daughter, Elisabeth Pringle, and husband, Rod, all of Abilene. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Amber Tate of Fort Worth; Adam, Andrew and Aric Tate of Abilene; Joshua Pringle and wife, Kallie, of Abilene; and Logan Pringle of Abilene. He is survived by two brothers: Alvie Tate and his wife, Ivadell; and Odus Tate and his wife, Connie; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
contact Craig at
jrc07d@acu.edu
BASEBALL
Series: Wildcat bats erupt for 49 runs in series Continued from page 8
runs, and it took us about 35 minutes,” Lambrix said. “What’s crazy is that we did it with two outs. That’s by far the best two-out rally I’ve ever seen.” Unfortunately for Lambrix, he had to be removed from the game due to a lengthy delay as his teammates raked the UCO pitching staff. Lambrix said long delays are hard on pitchers who try desperately to keep their arms warm in between innings.
“I don’t like long delays; after not throwing for a while, your arm gets cold,” Lambrix said. “I’d rather us score runs like that than anything else though.” Among the Wildcats’ high-scoring games was an out-of-place 6-2 defeat. The Wildcats did, however, get a strong pitching performance out of starter Zach Sneed in the loss. Sneed pitched five innings, giving up five hits and just two runs. Unfortunately, the bullpen was unable to back
up the solid effort, and the offense never could get going. “We left a lot of guys on base early in that game,” Bonneau said. “We couldn’t come up with the hits when we needed them.” Next up for the ’Cats is a nine-game road trip. Bonneau said the trip will be an opportunity for his team to grow as they spend a lot of time together on the road.
contact Craig at
jrc07d@acu.edu
BASKETBALL
Hoops: Teams enter season’s final stretch Continued from page 8
play Angelo, we know it is going to be tough,” Lavender said. “Our girls did a great job in the last eight minutes of the game. We pushed the ball in transition, and our defense got good stops. The men played well in the first half and took a 12-point lead into halftime. However, the Rams were on fire in the first 10 minutes of the second half, outscoring the Wildcats 38-7. This gave
the Rams a commanding lead at 65-48. The Wildcats shot nearly 50 percent in the first half but went cold in the second, shooting 10 of 35. The Wildcats were led by Ben Warton, who recorded a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds. “It really was a game of two halves,” Warton said. “In the first half, we played great defense, which led to our offense like it has all season. In the second
half, we did not defend well and that hurt us offensively as well.” contact Cantrell at
jrc07f@acu.edu
Zak Zeinert Contributing Photographer
Pitcher Cameron Aspaas delivers a pitch during the Wildcats 6-2 loss to Central Oklahoma.
Page 8
Standings MEN'S BASKETBALL Ovrl. Div. Team MSU Tarleton St. Angelo St. WTAMU ENMU TAMU-K ACU
7-2 7-2 6-2 4-5 3-6 2-6 1-7
22-2 19-5 15-8 13-11 8-15 12-11 8-15
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Ovrl. Team Div. WTAMU Tarleton St. TAMU-K ACU Angelo St. ENMU MSU
Team
8-1 6-3 5-3 5-3 4-4 3-7 0-9
24-2 19-5 17-6 15-8 11-11 7-17 6-16
BASKETBALL
Sports
February 17, 2010
Men fall to Angelo State, women top Rambelles Ryan Cantrell Assistant Sports Editor The Wildcats earned a huge win against the Rambelles on Saturday, 77-59, while the men’s team dropped a tough game to the Rams, 85-70. The women's win was critical in order to
OBITUARY
stay in the running for the Lone Star Conference Championship in Bartlesville, Okla. The Wildcats improved to 5-3 in the South Division, and the loss drops Angelo State to 4-4. ACU remains tied for third in the South Division; the win gives them a game
lead over the Rambelles for the last spot in the LSC tournament. “We felt that this game was a must-win game for us,” said Head Coach Shawna Lavender. “The win gave us momentum and confidence for the rest of the season.”
The game remained close throughout as teams exchanged runs. The Rambelles trailed 35-26 at halftime but started the second half on a 9-2 run to cut the deficit to 37-35. ACU answered with a 7-0 run to push the lead back to 44-35. Angelo State fol-
lowed with an 11-4 run to bring the game back to 48-46 with 10:32 left. The Wildcats went on one final run, outscoring the Rams 14-5 to give them a double-digit lead, 62-51, on their way to victory. “Anytime we see HOOPS page 7
Willard Tate: 1935-2010
SOFTBALL Ovrl. Div.
Angelo St. TWU WTAMU ACU Tarleton St. TAMU-K ENMU
0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
10-0 5-0 6-4 3-2 4-3 3-4 3-8
BASEBALL Team Div. Ovrl. East Central 2-0 ACU 3-1 Cameron 3-1 ENMU 3-1 Northeastern 3-1 TAMU-K 2-2 SW Okla. St. 2-2 SE Okla. St. 1-3 Angelo State 1-3 Tarleton State 1-3 Central Okla. 1-3 0-2 WTAMU
2-0 7-1 3-1 3-3 4-4 5-2 3-4 4-3 5-5 4-4 1-3 1-2
Scores
PHOTO COURTESY OF Creative Services
Former ACU basketball coach Willard Tate stands in Moody Coliseum where he coached the men's basketball team for seven seasons.
TUESDAY Women's Basketball
Coach, teacher was beloved by ACU community
ACU 64, Tarleton St. 66
Jeff Craig
Men's Basketball
Sports Editor
ACU 60, Tarleton St. 70
MONDAY Baseball ACU 2, Central Okla. 6 ACU 20, Central Okla. 6
SUNDAY Baseball ACU 12, Central Okla. 1
Men's Tennis ACU 0, New Mexico 7 HOME GAMES LISTED IN ITALICS
Upcoming FRIDAY Softball
Willard Tate, legendary basketball coach, preacher, communication professor and inspirational speaker, died Friday in Abilene after a long illness. He was 74. Tate served ACU for more than 30 years in many different roles. He coached the ACU men’s basketball team for seven seasons, from 197380, before leaving the hardwood for the classroom. After his time as coach, he spent 24 years as a professor in the Department of Communication, retiring in 2004. Tate was born Dec. 23, 1935, in Jefferson
County, Ala., near Birmingham. The youngest of four boys, he graduated from Corner High School in 1954 and married his high school sweetheart, Bobbie Nell Campbell, on June 2 of the same year. Tate graduated from Alabama Christian College in 1961 with a bachelor’s degree in Bible and earned his master’s in secondary education from Troy University in 1965. He later returned to Alabama Christian and served as head basketball coach for seven years and as athletic director for 13. In 1973, he took over as head coach of the ACU men’s basket-
BASEBALL
ball team. Tate coached the team for seven seasons, compiling a 11979 record. His 1979-80 squad set the team record for wins in a season, with 27 en route to the NAIA District IV Championship. He was named Lone Star Conference Coach of the Year the same season and in 1996 was inducted into the ACU Sports Hall of Fame. But Tate will be remembered as far more than a coach. He preached at Hamby Church of Christ for 28 years and also served as an elder. He also worked as a motivational speaker, delivering seminars to families see TATE page 7
COURTESY OF Creative Services
Tate coaches during a game in the 1980s. He compiled a 119-79 record during his time as ACU head coach.
’Cats win series with UCO
ACU vs. Northeastern, 12 p.m. ACU vs. Northeastern, 4 p.m.
Baseball
Jeff Craig
ACU at TAMU-K, 3 p.m. ACU at TAMU-K, 7 p.m.
Sports Editor
HOME GAMES LISTED IN ITALICS
BRIEFS n The Wildcats' games against Tarleton State on Tuesday were played at McMurry's Kimbrell arena due to Sing Song preparations in Moody Coliseum. ZAK ZEINERT Contributing Photographer
Second baseman Chris Hall throws out a runner during the Wildcats 12-1 win over UCO on Sunday.
The Wildcats’ bats exploded during their fourgame weekend series with Central Oklahoma. The ’Cats scored 49 runs and took three of four games from the Bronchos, improving to 7-1 on the season. The Wildcats started the weekend series by cranking UCO 15-6 on Saturday afternoon, followed by a 12-1 run-rule victory Sunday. Monday’s doubleheader was a tale of two teams; the
Wildcats lost the first game 6-2 but dominated the second game, winning 20-6. “In Game One today, we just couldn't get our bats going,” said junior relief pitcher Chay Lytle. “In the second game, we straight dominated. We ended 3-1, which is what you want to do every weekend – especially at home.” A record-setting inning played a huge part in the Wildcats' offensive outburst. In the bottom of the third inning of the fourth game, the Wild-
cats set a school record of 13 runs; second baseman Chris Hall broke the game wide open with a grand slam. “The way the wind was blowing, we expected some high-scoring games,” said Head Coach Britt Bonneau. “We just didn’t know if it would be tilted in our favor.” Sophomore Aaron Lambrix started the Wildcats’ fourth game and was pitching effectively when the Wildcat bats went wild. “We put up 13 see SERIES page 7