Turn up the Heat
vol. 100, no. 39
friday, february 24, 2012
1 SECTION, 8 PAGES
‘Cats win second series this season
Sports page 8
university
Two deans to resign before 2012 school year Hannah barnes editor in chief
adrian patenaude staff Photographer
DANCE, DANCE
RESOLUTION Board approves changes to long-standing policy
“Many forms of dance and cultural expression are managing editor embraced by our society, some of which are consisDancing is now permitted tent with our Christian misin university-sponsored sion and values, while others events or other events spon- are more likely to distract us sored by official student or- from a Christ-centered life,” states the revised policy. ganizations. ACU’s Board of Trustees “Therefore, in keeping with affirmed a revised dance the Christian mission of policy statement created by the university, only certain the office of Student Life. In- dance forms and venues will stead of prohibiting all forms be considered for approval.” Dr. Jean-Noel Thompson, of dance at any university or organization event, the new vice president of student life statement says Student Life and dean of students, sent may consider certain dance students an email detailing forms for approval. Only of- the difference between the ficially recognized organiza- old and new policies to factions may submit requests ulty and staff Tuesday afterfor permission to incorpo- noon. It was sent to all university students soon after. rate dance into the event.
Two ACU deans are resigning from their positions at the end of the academic year. Dr. Charles Mattis, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, is leaving the u n iversit y to open a dental practice, and Dr. Jack Reese, dean of the College Mattis of Biblical studies, will fill a different role at the university. “I just wanted to do some Reese different things,” Mattis said. “I’ve invested a lot of my life here, but I’m ready to do something different.” Before taking the role of dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Mattis served as the dean for the First Year Program for seven years. He has been with the university 17 years. “I hadn’t dreamed that when I came here I’d be a dean someday,” Mattis said.
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mark smith
low organizations to request permission to have social dancing, beginning see dance page 4
see deans page 4
mandy lambright Chief Photographer
ganizations. “We’ve been meeting within Student Life and with the Students’ Association to create a plan that would al-
Dr. charles mattis dean of the college of arts and sciences
Mattis originally came to ACU to teach biology. He continued his dental practice while he was a faculty member. “The more and more I got into administration, the less I was able to practice,” Mattis said. Reese has been with the university since 1988 and completes his 15th year as dean of biblical studies in
Top: Lindsey Smith, sophomore business management major from New Braunfels and Michael Davis, sophomore accounting major from Malibu, Calif. dance at the Oplin Dance Hall. Below: Swing Cats performs on-stage at Sing Song 2012. Thompson said the decision was made to help students have a more positive experience at events sponsored by the university or official or-
The more and more I got into administration, the less I was able to practice.”
UNIVERSITY
Gardner intruder arrested, investigation continues in custody. After two managing editor residents con f i r med they had ACU Police arrested a man seen Jacques for trespassing in Gardner on the secHall Saturday night, 11 days ond floor of after Gardner residents re- Jacques the dormiported a nearly identical incident before the sus- tory, Valdez took him to pect got away. ACU Police the county jail. Jacques is are actively investigating a 5-feet 2-inch, 140-pound the arrest but haven’t con- Sweetwater native. Jacques committed no cluded the same man was involved in both incidents. crime other than Class-A According to a Taylor trespassing and no moCounty Sheriff’s office ar- tive is known, according rest report, Jeremy Dan to the police report. ACU Jacques, a 40-year-old His- Police issued him a formal panic male, was booked in Criminal Trespass Warnthe county jail at 8:47 p.m. ing, which makes it an ofSaturday after Thomas Val- fense for him to come back dez, ACUPD patrol officer to ACU properties. Jacques was arrested for and lead detective, saw him crawling out of a bathroom a similar incident last year window on the north side on Oct. 31 and accused of Gardner. Valdez tackled of peeping into women’s Jacques and placed him bathroom stalls various
mark smith
Abilene businesses, according to a KTXS report. Jacques has no affiliation with ACU. Jimmy Ellison, ACU Police Chief, said the department increased patrol time around residence halls immediately after the first incident, and that helped to ensure the suspect was caught. “We increased our patrol presence around all residence halls,” Ellison said. “We had every patrol officer check in twice per shift with desk workers at each residence hall.” The night Jacques was caught, Valdez had patrolled the Gardner perimeter, parked, checked in with the desk worker briefly and returned to his vehicle to back out when he saw a man climbing out of the shower facility window.
Ellison said the heightened patrol time helped to make the arrest possible. “In response to that first incident, we took some immediate, proactive steps that led to this arrest,” Ellison said. “It was good police work, and I truly believe the steps we took led to apprehending the intruder.” Madison Brown, freshman interior design major from Frisco, found a short Hispanic man in her friend Taylor Brown’s room in Gardner Feb. 7. Taylor said the news of the arrest eased their minds. “We’re glad they caught someone,” said Taylor, freshman advertising and public relations major from Southlake. “We hope it’s the same guy for the sake of safety of everyone in the ACU community.” ACUPD is working with
the Sweetwater Police Department because when Jacques was arrested, he had stolen property from Sweetwater in his possession. Ellison said having an unknown intruder in a res hall is a rare occasion and on-campus residents should feel safe. “We’re working with residence life and facilities management to make sure the facility is as safe as can be,” he said. “While it’s rare, we’re not immune to crime. This should remind everyone to not get caught up in the ‘ACU Bubble’ mentality.” Ellison cautioned firstfloor residents on and off campus to keep windows secure. “Keep your windows locked and keep your curtains closed at night,” Ellison said. “Don’t give Peeping Toms an easy target. Make
sure people can’t see inside.” Ellison said it’s necessary to alert the ACUPD as soon as students see suspicious activity. “In the first incident there was a rather lengthy delay between when the suspect was spotted and when we received a call,” he said. “Alerting us when you see suspicious activity should be the first course of action.” While Ellison couldn’t say for sure whether Jacques is the same man in the Feb. 7 incident, he said the two events were too similar to be a coincidence. “We think we arrested the right guy,” he said. “The circumstances in each incident were nearly identical.” contact smith at mds10a@acu.edu
inside news
opinion
video
news
Online zine launches discussion regarding campus LGBT community
Donors should invest in students rather than buildings
Watch this week’s JMC Network’s Newscast
Students and faculty react to scholarship campaign
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page 6
Abilene Christian University
acuoptimist.com
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Friday 02.24.12
24 Friday
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Saturday
All Day - ACU Women’s Tennis @ S. Indiana 2 p.m. Softball vs. Truman State @ TWU 7:30 Wind Ensemble Concert @ Cullen Auditorium
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5 p.m. ACU Women’s Tennis @ Eastern Kentucky
Sunday
5 p.m. Women’s Basketball @ Tarleton State
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9 a.m. Softball vs. Fort Hayes State @ TWU
The Counseling Center is conducting “Life’s Obstacles”, a free horse workshop to navigate life’s obstacles using horses on Mar. 2 from 3-4 p.m. Contact steve.eller@acu. edu for questions.
Monday
6 p.m. Hockey Game
1 p.m. Softball vs. Emporia State @ TWU
7 p.m. The Help Movie Night @ Cullen Auditorium
Chapel checkup
Announcements The Agriculture and Environmental Sciences department is conducting the Anabel Reid Run for Water. It will be a 24 hour fund raiser at the ACU track on March 23-24. For more information, contact the A&E department at 674-2401 or Many Scudder at scudderm@acu.edu.
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Students interested in participating in a Spring Break Campaign can sign up in the SBC office in Room 31 in the lower level of the Campus Center. For more information on campaigns that still need members, or to sign up, contact jls07e@acu.edu. The ACU Upward Bound Program is now hiring for Summer 2012. Call 325-674-2713 or email lmo03a@acu.edu for more information. Submit your application at the Brown Library, first floor. Application deadline is Mar. 16.
The Images of Aging Photo Contest is accepting entries through Feb. 24. Students with questions or comments regarding the contest may email imagesofaging@ acu.edu. The 2012 Springboard Ideas Challenge is now open for registration. Students can submit a mini-business plan for a chance to win up to $10,000. Early registration deadline is Mar. 1. Visit www.acu.edu/ academics/coba/griggscenter/springboard to learn more about the competition.
Police PoliceLog Log
The Honors College presents Mug Shot: Murder Mystery Dinner Theater on Friday starting at 6:30 p.m in the North Lobby of the WPAC. Tickets are on sale at the Honors College for $9. ACU is in the process of creating a full-service salon and spa and needs students’ help in selecting a name. Check your e-mail and take the survey to give your feedback. A Jostens Rep will be at The Campus Store from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to take official ACU ring orders.
29 44 @acuoptimist The Optimist optimist@acu.edu
Weekly Stats for Feb. 14 - Feb. 21, 2012
02/17/12 3:40 p.m. THEFT: An ACU student reported the theft of her iPod touch from her bag during Sing Song practice. 02/18/12 3:43 a.m. NOISE VIOLATION: ACUPD received a call of a loud party in the 2400 block of Madison. Investigation revealed no party; house was darkened and apparently no one was home. No action was taken. 02/18/12 8:35 p.m. CRIMINAL TRESPASS: An ACUPD officer apprehended a non-student male exiting a Gardner Hall window. It was determined that he had been in Gardner Hall and may be linked to the 2/7/12 incident at Gardner Hall. 02/03/12 2:15 p.m. INVESTIGATION FOLLOW UP: ACUPD officers recovered a bike stolen from the ACU campus; the bike had been pawned at Wild Bill’s Pawn #1 1441 Butternut. Known suspects still being sought. Bike returned to victim. 02/19/12 1:10 a.m. NOISE VIOLATION: ACUPD and APD officers responded to a loud party noise violation call in the 400 block of college. Party was shut down. No enforcement action was taken. 02/19/12 1:50 a.m. NOISE VIOLATION: ACUPD officer on patrol observed a loud party in the front yard of a house in the 2400 block of Garfield. Party goers were advised to go inside, lower volume. They complied.
911 Call 3 Accident 5 Administrative Activity 8 Alarm 4 Barricades 2 Building Lock/Unlock 14 Check Building 79 Citation Issuance 1 Found Property 5 Hit and Run 1 Incident Report 2 Investigation Follow Up 14 Lost Property 1 Medical Emergency 1 Monitor Facility/Lot 1 Motorist Assist: Inflate Tire 1 Motorist Assist: Jump Start 6
Motorist Assist: Unlock 13 Noise Violation 3 Other 6 Parking Lot Patrol 2 Parking Violation 10 Patrol Vehicle: Refuel 8 Public Service 1 Random Patrol 1 Suspicious Activity 5 Theft 4 Traffic Stop 8 Welfare Check 20 Total Events: 232
Police Tip of the Week: Help prevent window peepers from having easy targetsAlways remember to lock doors/windows, close curtain or blinds after dark and report prowlers to ACUPD immediately.
Volunteer Opp0rtunities Physicians Aiding Physicians Abroad (PAPA) Missions need volunteers on Feb. 24 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. to help with packing mediacl supplies, food, clothing, shoes, etc. in containers. This will take place at Global Samaritan Resources, 2074 N. 1st St. Contact Bernita Sheets at 806-729-9061 or e-mail bernitasheets@gmail.com. Volunteers are needed to serve as judges for STAR Event competitions on Friday, Mar. 2, between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at ACU. You will sit and listen to student presentations and rank them using a rubric and score sheet. Contact Rebecca Self at 940-507-1695 or e-mail rebecca.region2fccla@yahoo.com The Veggie Tales-God Made You Special event needs volunteers on Sunday, Feb. 26 from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. at the Abilene Civic Center. Help is needed with unloading equipment, setting up the stage and merchandize tables, selling merchandise and taking down the set and loading trucks. Contact Brandy Bunch at 325-437-5840 or email bmburch@sears-methodist.com. ACU’s Agriculture and Environmental Sciences Department needs volunteers to help with the Anabel Reid Run for Water fundraiser on March 23 and 24. Many volunteers are needed a variety of ways during the event. Contact Mandy Scudder at 325-674-2401 or e-mail scudderm@acu.edu. Abilene Hope Haven Inc. needs volunteers to provide childcare while parents are in class, any evening Monday-Thursday from 6:45 - 8:15 p.m. Abilene Hope Haven is located at 801 S. Treadaway Blvd. For more information contact Kathy Reppart at 325-6774673 or visit www.abilenehopehaven.com/volunteer. Volunteers are needed to enjoy a free lunch with students at Bonham Elementary School on a weekly basis. This would be sometime between 10:00 a.m. and 1:15 p.m., and would involve spending lunch time with students and having a positive impact on their lives. Contact Jason Shaw at 325-639-3745 or e-mail jason.shaw@abileneisd.org. Meals on Wheels Plus needs volunteer drivers to deliver afternoon meals to seniors and adults with disabilities Monday-Friday between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Drivers must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license. Training is provided. A Chapel exemption is available if delivery time conflicts with Chapel. Contact Jessica Stewart at 325-672-5050 or email volunteer@mealsonwheelsplus.com.
The Big Brothers Big Sisters program is looking for volunteers to participate in Lunch Buddies. Bigs and Littles will enjoy lunch together at the child’s school once a week. Students can earn Chapel credit for each visit. Big Brothers Big Sisters is also looking for volunteers for its Community Based program. Bigs are matched with Littles in a one-on-one relationship and spend four to six hours per month together in the community. To sign up or learn more visit www. bbbstx.org or call 325-674-3113.
HERO, Hendrick Equine Rehabilitation Opportunities, is looking for volunteers to help with their spring program by assisting their clients as they ride horses for therapy. No experience with horses is necessary. Help is needed Tuesdays and Thursdays from Mar. 20 to May 3. Volunteers can help anywhere from one to six hours per week for the duration of the program. Volunteers must attend training on either Mar. 6 or 8. Contact Beth Byerly at 325-660-3465 or e-mail herocoord@netzero.com.
New Life Alliance is looking for volunteers to help with thier after school program on Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. You will help with snakcs, homework, crafts, games and other activities in addition to mentoring and building relationships with yout. Contact Ashley Kee at 325-672-1636 or e-mail akee@newlifehousing.com.
Disability Resources, Inc. is looking for volunteers to assist developmentally disabled residence. Help is needed with activities, art projects, reading books, exercise activities, assisting with vocational training needs and other interactions Monday through Friday from 9 a.m-4 p.m. For more information contact Becky Moody at 325-677-6815 or email bmoody@driabilene.org.
The House That Kerry Built is looking for volunteers to assist in the day care of medically fragile children any day Monday through Friday from 8:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Contact Dave Kraly at 325-676-3104 or email medicalmoose@sbcglobal.net for more information. Rescue The Animals is looking for volunteers anytime between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., Monday-Friday. They need help around the adoption center with general cleaning, socialization of the animals, helping potential adopters and other tasks. Contact Mindi Qualls at 325-698-7722 or email rescuetheanimalsvolunteers@ yahoo.com. The center is located at 5933 S. 1st St. Young Life Ministries needs volunteers Mondays, Tuesdays and weekends from 6-9 p.m. Volunteers will hang out with kids, experience leadership roles, serve others and introduce students to Christ. Young Life is located at 1917 S. 6th St. For more information contact Chuck Rodgers at 325-676-1211 or email clrodg@ wrproperties.com. Communities in Schools needs volunteers at Ortiz Elementary School on Feb. 17 from 1-3 p.m. to play board games with elementary school students who are celebrating their perfect attendance for the fourth six weeks of school. Volunteers will need to bring a photo I.D. Contact Sheila Ashford at 325-671-4945, ext. 5351 or email sheila.ashford@abileneisd.org. The Betty Hardwick Center needs volunteers to participate in Special Olympics by helping mentally/physically challenged people play games such as basketball, track, and/or bowling Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Center is located at 801 Cypress St. Contact Angel Seca at 325-690-5235 for more information.
The Minter Lane Church of Christ is looking for volunteers Wednesday nights from 6-8 p.m. Volunteers will eat with children from kindergarten to 12th grade and help during class time. Contact youth minister Joshua Alkire at 325-201-5342 or email jga05c@acu.edu. Volunteers are needed to read to Taylor Elementary School students Monday through Thursday afternoons at UCC from 3:15-4:30 p.m. Enter through the south entrance. Contact C.G. Grey 325-668-2842. Da’ Cipher 360, a program for at risk children, is looking for volunteers on Monday evenings from 5-8 p.m. at the Rose Park Activity Center, 2625 S. 7th St. Volunteers can help in a variety of ways including helping with set up, learning activities for kindergarten-3rd graders, tutoring 4th-8th graders, and assisting with clean up. Contact Alvina Scott at 847-3337026 or e-mail ams07b@acu.edu. The Salvation Army is looking for volunteers for a variety of needs including sorting and pricing items in the thrift store, helping in the kitchen and/or doing yard work. Times are flexible. Volunteers are needed throughout the week 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. The Abilene Zoo needs volunteers to help with general labor any weekday between noon and 4 p.m. Contact Joy Harsh at 325-676-6487 for more information. For additional volunteer opportunities visit: www.acu. edu/campusoffices/slvr/vol_opps/
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campus news
friday 02.24.12
campus
LGBT zine opens dialogue samantha sutherland features editor An online magazine called Voiceless, which discusses issues of same-sex attraction at ACU, went live early Wednesday morning. According to the publication, the 77-page magazine was created to express the views of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) students and alumni. The magazine’s tagline is, “End the silence. End the shouting. Listen to the voiceless, and let your voice be heard.” According to the magazine, all contributors of the first magazine are students or recent alumni of ACU, but it is not officially endorsed or sponsored by ACU in any way said the editor of Voiceless, who published zine under the pseudonym Stewart Headlam. The graduate student asked not to be identified. “Voiceless is more about dialoguing and listening to each other than it is about changing people’s minds,” the editor said. “We want it to be a safe place where anyone can express what they believe about homosexuality.” A handful of faculty linked to the publication on their Facebook pages. The editor said the content of the magazine is diverse. Some contributing writers believe God made them to be gay, some are questioning it and one felt led to marry his wife despite his attraction to other men. “I thought the best way to bring the topic of faith and sexuality to ACU was to get some students and alumni to share stories of their experiences at ACU, and that’s what the second half of the zine does,” the editor said. “The first half is written by me and it’s
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and gender identity. “This group is a good place where you can be in the middle, have good relationships and reconcile with each other by saying, ‘’Though I may not agree michael “fish” van huis senior Christian ministry major with your theology, I’m still from chattanooga, tenn. going to try and learn and walk life with you,” Van Tenn., organized a student- Huis said. Van Huis said the group led group not affiliated with the university called the focuses on the idea of reconBeyond Agreement to Love ciliation and works to open Movement (BALM), which up the opportunity for stuconducts meetings open to dents to tell their experiences, good and bad, regarding all students. “The biggest need I saw LGBTQ issues at ACU. “I hope there’s a greater was that churches weren’t talking about this topic awareness of how we speak openly,” Van Huis said. of our LGBTQ brothers and “But in our culture, media, sisters and that there’s a brittany williams Staff Photographer politics and even in “Glee,” better understanding of everyone’s talking about it. how we have conversations Pictured above is the cover of the zine published online Even at this school, we’re with people who are differ- at www.voicelesszine.com. talking about it in bits and ent than us,” Van Huis said. pieces in various class- “I hope that we can respect rooms, but there are still each other’s humanity people here who are not in- and above all else love our formed about the language neighbor as ourselves.” The full version of “Voicewe use and who have no less” is online at www. idea what they’re saying.” Van Huis said the group’s voicelesszine.com. For inforpurpose is to elevate the mation on BALM, email recconversation on all per- onciliation1421@me.com. spectives, whether conservative or liberal. The goal is contact sutherland at to mediate the conversation sns08a@acu.edu about sexual orientation
Even at this school, we’re talking about it in bits and pieces in various classrooms, but there are still people here who are not informed about the language we use and who have no idea what they’re saying.”
what I call the four prevailing voices on homosexuality in the church.” This edition focuses more on those who are actually experiencing the same-sex attraction, the editor said. The editor is considering publishing another edition next semester and is looking to have a bigger variety of voices entering the conversation. Among those, he would like to have the voices of parents of students and more straight voices. The site is attached to a blog that will be updated weekly with stories of more ACU students. The website also features a list of publications at other Christian colleges and universities with similar missions, the editor said. “Voiceless” is one among many online forums that facilitate discussion about homosexuality and similar subjects at college campuses. Students at Harding University published a website called the “HU Queer Press” last month. It ended up receiving a lot of attention on campus and was blocked by the university firewall within 24 hours of going live. “I saw the release at Harding, and it’s actually what inspired me to do this,” the editor said. “I had several friends who I knew were gay and I just realized I was in a unique position to do something like this for ACU.” Michael “Fish” Van Huis, senior Christian ministry major from Chattanooga,
news
friday 02.24.12
4
university
Campus hails new scholarship campaign hannah barnes editor-in-chief Students and faculty expect the new scholarship campaign to enhance students’ experience on campus. Dr. Phil Schubert announced ACU’s Partnering in the Journey Campaign, a $50 million effort to equip ACU students with a more affordable education, at the President’s Circle Dinner Saturday night. Lead donors had committed $15.5 million prior to
the launch of the campaign. University administration hopes to have the full $50 million in place within the next 18-24 months. Connor Best, senior political science major from Sacramento, Calif. and Students’ Association president, is a presidential scholar. “It’s a huge blessing for me to be able to take the classes I want with financial flexibility,” Best said. “I have gotten to experience more at ACU.” Best said the scholarships are important and was excited to hear about
the campaign. “Now is the time to make ACU more affordable,” Best said. “Cost is a deterrent for some students. I’m hoping that scholarships will help make cost not as big of an issue.” Best hopes to see future scholarship money go toward current students, as well as prospective students. Nil Santana, instructor of art and design, said the scholarship campaign will boost the morale of the university. “By investing in scholarships, we will be able to at-
tract quality students that may have been shy from coming to ACU,” Santana said. “They’ll feel like they can apply for scholarships.” Santana said the campaign may present faculty with the perspective that the university will be able to increase enrollment. “As we’ve been informed, one of the reasons enrollment has been going down is high tuition,” Santana said. “With the possibility of scholarship money, I think we are going to be able to attract more students.”
Santana said he does not know the selection process behind the upcoming scholarship funding, but thinks the funds will be available to students in need of tuition money. “It will motivate students in the sense that they feel like there is an outlet for their financial needs,” Santana said. Taylor Youseffi, sophomore marketing major from Coppell, thinks the scholarship campaign is a good thing. “Most students are covered in debt from attending
ACU,” Youseffi said. “It is a costly school, so any extra scholarships would help.” Youseffi said without his current scholarships, ACU would not have been an option for him. “It would just be too pricey, and my parents would not be able to afford it,” Youseffi said. “More than likely, they would have asked me to go to a smaller school that is closer to home, like UTD or UTA.” contact barnes at hab07a@acu.edu
local
Frontier Texas! launches pioneer pageant ed by Frontier Texas! with the help of student-run Ad/PR online managing editor agency, Morris & Mitchell. The museum hopes to inThe Miss Frontier Texas! crease awareness of the Froncompetition began as con- tier Texas! brand and to serve testants complete their writ- the education needs of the ten tests and prepare for the community by providing a first round of eliminations local scholarship and teaching a group of students about this weekend. Contestants were tested frontier life and history. Katie BethWare, senior adover a packet of information this week on the state vertising and public relations of Texas, frontier living and major from Colleyville and prominent individuals in Morris & Mitchell promotions manager, has worked Texas history. The competition is host- closely with the Frontier
leigh foith
Texas! staff and the finalists throughout the competition. “The museum staff determined the historical and relevant information that the girls were tested on,” Ware said. “Pam Harman, a museum educator, had a leading role in writing and composing the packet the girls will use throughout the competition.” After the testing, candidates were given the opportunity to receive cooking lessons from Tom Perini, owner of Perini
Ranch Steakhouse in Buffalo Gap. Perini taught the contestants how to cook “chuck wagon style.” Robynne Harris, junior management and marketing major from Katy, felt honored that Perini took the time out of his busy schedule to teach them the basics of cooking on the frontier. “He taught us how to build a fire, how to use a skillet and how to make chicken fried steak and biscuits,” Harris said. “I love that he still uses the same
methods in his cooking that Texans used on the frontier. It makes his food so much more authentic.” At the next event scheduled for March 3, the women will turn in an essay given by the museum, as well as compete in a “saddle and shoot” competition. These semi-finalists will then, on Mar. 23-24, set up a campsite overnight and participate in a cooking challenge observed by a panel of celebrity judges. Brenna Jefferies, sopho-
more Ad/PR major from Argyle, values the friendships as well as frontier skills she has developed throughout the competition. “My favorite part about Miss Frontier Texas! is that I get to compete with a bunch of my friends,” Jefferies said. “And I’m meeting people from Hardin Simmons and McMurry, which makes it a fun experience.” contact foith at lmf08a@acu.edu
university
Deans: CAS, Bible to see changes in administration out saying, 15 years is a long time to have served May. The university com- as dean,” Reese said in an missioned Reese to write email addressing faculty. a book regarding the uni- “I have been given the versity’s identity and mis- privilege of serving this sion, and how to move university and especially forward with them in this college in important mind. He will begin that work, kingdom work.” Reese said ACU is well project when his role as positioned for this shift to dean ends. “Perhaps it goes with- take place. continued from page 1
“For many reasons, this is the right time for me to transition to other responsibilities,” Reese said. “I want more time to write, more time to compose music, more time to teach and to engage in ministry which, after all, is my primary identity commitment.” Dr. Greg Straughn, in-
terim provost, appreciates the roles Mattis and Reese have filled at the university. “I just appreciate the work that Dr. Mattis and Dr. Reese have done so much, especially in the last few years during the changes of the provost and president,” Straughn said. “ They’ve been terrific part-
ners and I look forward to seeing the great things that they’re going to continue to do.” Interim deans will fill the roles during the 201213 academic year. They plan to take a year to select replacements. “I value the search process a lot,” Straughn said. “I think it brings the best
out in candidates and it brings us candidates that we didn’t know existed.” Straughn believes ACU faculty as well as individuals from other universities will be interested in the position. contact barnes at hab07a@acu.edu
campus
Dance: Requests require Student Life OK policy could potentially receive further revisions. “This is the first time this semester,” Thompson said. “We assessed the cur- ACU is making any sort of rent policy from the stand- change to this policy,” he point of evaluating whether said. “There will probably or not we’re contributing to be some tweaking down the or detracting from our goal road after reviewing reacof equipping young adults tion from students. For now to make mature spiritual we feel very good about this revision but it could need decisions in their lives.” Dancing requests must some alterations.” Dr. Cole Bennett, direcbe submitted to Student Life for approval of the mu- tor of Swing Cats, said the sic and types of dancing current policy limited the and faculty, staff or advis- on campus swing dance ers must be present at the group. “Heretofore, we have events in order for requests been unable to host open to be approved. Thompson said his ex- lessons and dances on perience before he came to campus for everyone who ACU four and a half years is interested,” Bennett ago helped to make the re- said. “Rather, we’ve been a ‘performance club’ that vised policy clearer. “I’ve served as dean of was limited to teaching students at two other faith- and performing with duesbased colleges and univer- paying members only.” Bennett said he expectsities that allowed dancing,” he said. “I had some experi- ed a change to result in the ence questioning whether group’s membership rules. “In our original arrangeit distracted students from ment with Student Life and their faith or studies.” Thompson said the [former] President [Royce] continued from page 1
Money, we restricted inaugurating new members to the first few weeks of a given semester,” he said. “In a new, open paradigm with no restrictions on membership, the Swing Cats will need to prepare to welcome newbies each week, but we’re more than happy to accommodate this change.” Thompson said neither the current or revised policy applies to individual students’ dancing on or off campus. “If it’s not associated with an ACU organization or event that ACU is holding, we’re not going to restrict the dancing,” Thompson said. “We want to make sure there are boundaries and guidelines for students, but we also don’t want to over-manage them. Our students are young adults.” contact smith at mds10a@acu.edu
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arts
friday 02.24.12
STRINGS ATTACHED
courtesy of JOHN MADURA
Faculty, quartet member to perform free show this Weekend David singer arts editor The Permian Basin String Quartet will perform a free show on ACU’s campus for both students and community members this Saturday. The cultural experience of the performance is paired with an opportunity to see one of ACU’s faculty members on stage. John Madura, adjunct music professor and first violin for the quartet, is in
his fifth season as a member of the group. Madura also serves as Concertmaster of the MidlandOdessa Symphony and Chorale of which the quartet is a part of. Beginning in 1977 with the Thouvenel Quartet, the MOSC has always kept a resident string quartet, though under many different names. Madura is joined by Katy Gillan on second violin, Amy Huzjak on cello and Madura’s wife, Melissa, playing viola. John and Melissa
met while playing in the graduate string quartet at Texas Tech. They married and had their first daughter just before joining the PBSQ. Madura said that performing along side his wife has been a blessing. “When we rehearse we try to keep it purely business,” said Madura, who later joked that sometimes arguments can carry into practice. “But generally the reason we got married is because we love making music together.” Madura also teaches viola, violin an chamber
OUT SOON
music at ACU. After joining the PBSQ, Madura was approached by Dr. Steven Ward, Director of Bands and Orchestra, and offered the spot at ACU. “The difference between performing and teaching is that when you teach you can see this growth step by step,” said Madura. “At ACU in particular, the students are very rewarding and they come prepared and are eager to learn.” The hour and a half long show will consist of two parts separated by an intermission. “It is very beautiful and melodic but also more jagged that the romantic or classical pieces,” said Project X Madura. “It is a good piece In Theaters March 2 for people who are scared In case you haven’t of 20th century music.” Madura and the rest seen, this film is comof the Permian Basin ing out. But despite the
MUSIC BOOKS MOVIES
“
It is a great experience to see people who are very passionate about what they do perform beautifully.”
Roses The Cranberries February 28 via Downtown
After a six year hiatus, the Irish rock band is back with their sixth studio album and first in a decade. With time defying hits like “Linger” number of commercials, and “Zombie,” it is worth most have been cryptic. a listen to see if anything has changed in the last Whether good or bad, ten years. Hopefully they the film should, at the very least, provide some- haven’t one bit. thing unexpected.
John Medura First Violin, Permian Basin string quartet
courtesy of In the limelight
TOP: Violinist Katy Gillan (far left), violist Melissa Madura, violinist John Madura and cellist Amy Huzjak form the Permian Basin String Quartet, part of the Midland-Odessa Symphony and Chorale. ABOVE: John Madura also teaches viola, violin as an adjunct faculty member for ACU.
24 EVENTS FEBRUARY 24
String Quartet will perform in the Recital Hall of the Williams Performing Arts Center at 4 p.m. on Saturday. Admission is free. The quartet will also be performing at the Civic Center as part of the Abilene Philharmonic on Saturday at 8 p.m. This Is Not “It is a great experience to see people who A Film are very passionate about In Theaters February 29 what they do perform beautifully,” said Madura, This documentary from “and it would also make a an Iranian filmmaker on great date night.” house arrest was fea-
contact Singer at dis08b@acu.edu
Wind Ensemble Concert
Cullen Auditorium
Circus Gatti
Taylor County Expo Center
Port of Morrow The Shins March 20 via Columbia
With their first album since the chart topping Wincing the Night Away, The Shins have a lot to live up to. Most would recognize them from past hits such as “Sea Legs” tured in Cannes after be- and “New Slang” but new ing smuggled out of Iran. listeners can hear their Perfect for those looking single, “Simple Song,” online now. for something different.
24 25
HSU Theatre: “Birds on a Wire” Van Ellis Theatre
Family Fun Saturdays National Center for Children’s Illustrated Lit.
opinion
FriDAY 02.24.12
6
editorial
Scholarships are worth the investment ACU’s newest fundraising goal, Partnering in the Journey Campaign, plans to raise $50 million in financial aid to award to students. The campaign, which already had received $15.5 million from donors before it was unveiled, shows a transition from the past fundraising ventures for on-campus building projects to an investment in students on an individual basis. The initiation of this campaign raises the question of whether alumni are more or less likely to donate to something as intangible as financial
assistance for students. There may be more appeal in projects that involve a visible and lasting recognition of the donors, as is the case in building projects. There also may be a greater feeling of having contributed something substantial when the ribbon is cut on a new building that will be available to students for years to come. That same feeling is not exactly replicated on the giving end when the money is doled out to individuals. However, we believe students are a worthwhile
investment. Though it is not likely that students will agree to tattoo the donor’s name on their arm or wear a T-shirt with their picture on it every day, they will appreciate the donor behind their scholarships just as much, or more than, the donors who built the room where they’re learning. Scholarships are a legacy that have the potential to live far beyond the students they directly support. If donors take the opportunity to begin investing in students, it could set the example for gener-
ations to come. Students who receive the support and who see firsthand the difference that scholarships can make in other’s futures will be more eager and willing to invest their own money into more scholarships when they are alumni looking to give back to ACU. Given ACU’s current situation with budget cuts and low enrollment, scholarships could be crucial in helping students afford the raised tuition. Increasing the number of students financially able to attend will help cushion the financial strain
Oh Dear, Christian College
the issue Donors aren’t always eager to give scholarship funds because it is intangible.
our take We need to set expectations for alumni giving now so future generations will appreciate the help they received and fund students.
on the university and will benefit all students. The university administration set the goal for the Partnering in the Journey Campaign at $50 million because they thought it would be a reachable goal. The initial fundraising goal for the Rec Center
Ben miller
was about $20 million, thus making the new project seemingly ambitious. We hope alumni will step up and make this new campaign possible. contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
column
Cross cultural settings enhance understanding Farron height
Farron Salley
editorial
Facebook IPO leaves future uncertain News about Facebook’s IPO has been making a lot of headlines lately, and that is no surprise. Facebook has become one of the most recognizable Internet entities, and it has expanded beyond its digital confines. Think about how many brick and mortar businesses mention their Facebook page.
“
This puts the pressure on Mark Zuckerberg to keep finding new ways to get more money out of you, the social network consumer.”
There’s no question that it’s big, but is it profitable? Advertising alone on Facebook has become more than a over $3 billion dollar industry by itself. Many have forecasted that Facebook’s current private shareholders are about to be-
come overnight millionaires. There’s no question that Facebook will have a huge start when it arrives on Wall Street in a few months, but can it sustain itself for years to come? The simple fact is that Facebook’s new public investors are going to want to see the company’s profits keep going up, otherwise they’ll sell their stock and take their money elsewhere. This puts the pressure on Mark Zuckerberg to keep finding new ways to get more money out of you, the social network consumer. Facebook has always said that their service is “free, and always will be.” But with its entry into the public market, it’s only natural for one to worry how much it will take before they break that promise. Let’s assume for a moment that they will keep Facebook membership free, no matter what. How else can they get money? They could increase the number of ads seen on a page or charge their advertisers more. Perhaps
hashtagACU 12:48 p.m. Feb. 23
ACU is serving kool-aid in honor of Black History Month in the Bean today. #stereotypingisalive #kindaracist
2:24 p.m. Feb. 23
Future ACU slogan “We have The Bank, a salon, and brown skies.”
@kristacukrowski @RichardL07
the issue If Facebook goes public they will fuel pressure to make money
our take Facebook needs to realize that their users don’t want to pay for the service they provide.
they’ll start charging that brick and mortar business money to keep their page hosted on their site. Other ways include charging more for Facebook credits, making it cost just a little bit more to keep your cows fed in FarmVille. Speaking of FarmVille, game developer Zynga recently went public. They’ve made billions of dollars from their various Ville games as well as their several Mafia Warsstyle games. But when they went onto the stock market, their price plummeted almost immediately. They’ve made modest gains since then, but nothing too spectacular. In order for an investor to pick Facebook’s stocks, they need to be convinced that as a company, Facebook can deliver profit, and continue
to do so. They may have the tools necessary to do this now, but we are worried that down the road, some serious changes may occur to degrade the proud and popular social network. It seems nearly impossible to keep their millions of users as well as their profits One also has to wonder why they’re going public in the first place. They’ve done nothing but profited so far in their private status. It’s as the old adage says, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!”
1:37 p.m. Feb. 23
1:51 p.m. Feb. 21
Math has been interesting today. First circumcising circles and now our teacher says, “Today, I’m going to flash you!” #outofcontext
@stefanienm27
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.
published by the department of journalism and mass communication editorial and management board
Address letters to: ACU Box 27892 Abilene, TX 79609 E-mail letters to: optimist@acu.edu
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contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
Why is it “bad” to be a minority? I suppose that in today’s politically correct conversations no one will exactly say that is bad to be a minority – but those who are categorized as minorities talk about overcoming it and those who are not minorities argue that they don’t discriminate against them. All of these attitudes have lead to the negative connotation that comes along with being a minority. The core of being a minority shouldn’t be a “hush hush” topic. I believe truth is something that appears to some, but must revealed to others. Similarly, the reality of being a minority is something to be embraced by those who fall into the category, and something that should desperately be sought by those not naturally placed into such a position. And honestly, White people are missing out. Race isn’t the only way to define a minority but it’s the one I know best. The only years I went to my home school –with a majority of minorities– were Pre-K through first grade. From second grade through my high school graduation and now at a private Christian University, I have attended a school where few people look like me. Does that bother me? Yes sometimes. If we’re being realistic here, how many white people go to places where they know in advance they will be the only person like them in the room? Am I calling white people who only hang with White people racist? Certainly not! It’s one thing to flaunt during Black History Month that you have black friends, it’s another thing to hang out with all of them as opposed to letting one or two of them hang out with all of you.
Don’t only get to know people of different heritages within the confinement of your own culture. Whether I did it knowingly surrounding myself with white people has helped me understand parts of their culture. This clueless state of being is not something that I think white people can help unless a conscious effort is made. Realistically, it’s much easier for a White person to live a happy and prosperous life without blending much into the Black community, but the reverse is not true. I’m not mad, but saddened for my white coun-
“
Similarly, the reality of being a minority is something that must be embraced by those who fall into that category.”
terparts. There’s just some unexplainable things you learn about life in general when you’re the minority. I could tell you all the reasons I embrace my position, but you won’t really understand it until you experience it. I would like to say that one day we will live in a world where no one is a minority because the content of their character is all that we judge. But whether race, religioius affiliation or today’s heated stigmatism toward people of different sexual orientations, there will always be a minority. Try it out, be a minority or hang with a minortiy of some kind and have fun. contacT SALLEY at FLS08a@acu.edu
5:02 p.m. Feb. 22
ACU is now allowed to dance. So is this the part of Footloose where everyone gets loose and breaks out their dancing shoes? #pleasesayyes
8:29 a.m. Feb. 21
Check out “Voiceless,” an online magazine chronicling the experiences of LGBT students at #ACU!
@bpbailey
@KatKessler9
RT It’s official! ACU’s first dance party is March 20th at the Hunter Welcome Center! The theme is “A Thriller Night”! #getexcited #ACU
@carlybscum
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7
sports Jumps
Friday 02.24.12
baseball
‘Cats take series away from No. 21 SAU edward isaacs sports editor The baseball team remained hot this past weekend, splitting the final two games of a three-game series against No. 21 Southern Arkansas University. The Wildcats took two out of three from the Muleriders and achieved its second series win of the season. The two teams were scheduled to play a double-header on Saturday however, mother nature intervened and the games were rained out. The series resumed on Sunday and the ‘Cats took the first game 11-9, and SAU took the final game 6-5.
Second baseman Chuck Duarte said the weather had no affect on the series. “When it comes to baseball, the weather is unpredictable,” Duarte said. “I don’t think it factored into our performance.” ACU (8-3) has won seven of its last eight games. The SAU falls 5-4 on the year after the weekend. Head coach Britt Bonneau said this weekend was a great series for the team. “To come out with two out of three, shows you this team keeps improving every weekend,” Bonneau said. “It was a good measuring block for us to see where we are...Southern Arkansas found a lot of our weaknesses.”
“We were disappointed we didn’t take three out of three but, as a whole, we were happy to take two games from a ranked team,” Duarte said. The Wildcats were down two different times in the first game on Sunday. Behind 3-2 in the third, ACU responded with three runs in each of the third, fourth and fifth innings. Senior infielder Duncan Blades had a clutch double in the fourth that pushed the ‘Cats to an 8-7 lead. The bases-clearing hit scored outfielder Tyler Eager, Kyle Conwell and catcher/infielder Rodge Macy. In the fifth, Macy smacked a two-run single to right. Macy and Con-
well combined for six runs and four RBI. Junior closer Josh Stone retired the side in order in the seventh to insure his second save of the season. Middle reliever Jordan Herrera (2-1) got the win. He pitched 1.2 innings and struck out four. Southern Arkansas overcame an early Wildcat lead in the second game of the double-header. ACU was ahead 5-1 through the first three innings, but SAU mounted a comeback, scoring one run in all but four innings. Ryan Dardenne was a tough out for ACU. He went 4 for 5 and scored the gametying and go-ahead runs in the eighth and 10th.
men’s Basketball
ACU unable to tame Lions matthew sloan sports reporter The men’s basketball team took on the Texas A&M Commerce Lions Wednesday in hopes of separating themselves from the other LSC teams in search of a playoff birth. However, the Wildcats were unable to attain a win on senior night, and ended up losing 75-72. Despite playing well on the offensive end the entire night, the Wildcats were unable to overcome an onslaught of Lion free throws. Texas A&M Commerce shot thirty-nine times from the charity stripe, which gave them the ability to fight off several ACU runs late in the game. “Free throws were really a big key,” senior Ben War-
“
We definitely gave it our all and played well tonight.” Ben Wharton senior forward ACU men’s basketball
ton said. “Anytime a team shoots twenty more free throws than you do, it’s hard to overcome.” The Wildcats seemed to outplay Texas A&M Commerce the entire game. ACU shot over 40 percent from behind the arc, and nearly 45 percent from the field to go along with their outstanding defensive effort that kept them in the game. “We all left it on the court tonight,” Warton said. “We forced them into a lot of bad turn-
overs, we forced 25 turnovers out there. We definitely gave it our all and played well tonight.” Junior Antonio Bell kept the ‘Cats in the game in the second half, hitting five three-pointers on his way to a game high 23 points. Kendall Durant also finished in double figures with 12 points. “I just came out in the second half aggressive looking for my shot,” Bell said. “I hit one three early in the first half and I knew I was going to have it going, and it felt good every time I let it go.” The Wildcats were coming off of a 80-70 win against Texas Kingsville that kept them in a tie for the last spot in the LSC tournament. The Wildcats were able to stay in the hunt for the last LSC
WOmen’s BAsketball
Victory: Wildcats destroy Commerce from page 8 In order to have a shot in the tournament, Saturday’s game against the TexAnns is critical for the ‘Cats to win. If ACU beats Tarleton this weekend and Eastern New Mexico loses at Midwestern State, they will be in a threeway tie with ENMU and TAMU-K for the final spot in the tournament. In a tie-breaking situation, the Wildcats will advance to the eighth place spot because of their
overall record against the other two teams that they are tied with. Saturday’s contest will be difficult for the ‘Cats, having lost the last six meetings with Tarleton State. The last time ACU was able to win in Stephenville was in 2009. But as a final effort, the women’s basketball teams hopes to come off strong. Their three game win streak has brought a new momentum to the team. But as a final effort, the women’s basketball teams
hopes to come off strong. Their three game win streak has brought a new momentum to the team. “We know we are in a must win situation on Saturday and we need a little help from some other teams,” Lavender said. “All we can do is take care of our end and see what happens from there. We will be ready to go on Saturday.” contact GoIN at nsg10b@acu.edu
softball
Fight: Streak continues from page 8 “Fort Hays is an aggressive swing team,” Reeves said. “They’ll swing at anything. We brought Peyton in there, and she has a changeup that threw their timing off.” This is Mosley’s second time over the weekend where she came into a big spot in the game and excelled. Against Midwestern State on Friday, she got the start and began the game by giving up two runs in the first inning. But, the sophomore settled down and only allowed two hits the rest of the game. “Peyton is a competitor down to the core,” Reeves said. “She is a tremendous, strong-minded athlete. She’s very focused and always comes to play.” Mosley came back in the sixth and retired the side in order, and did the same in the seventh. The ACU offense was silent until the seventh, generating only two hits up to that point. But that changed in the seventh. Courtney Flanary started the inning with a walk, followed by an RBI triple by Madison Buckley. Keanna Winkfield then singled, and was drove home by a double by Sara Vaughn.
Kimberly Briggs closed the gap to one with an RBI groundout, and then Megan Brigance was awarded her third walk of the game. Smith then tied the game on a fielder’s choice for the first out of the inning. Sarah Martinez accounted for the second out on a groundout, which brought Gilliland to the plate, who was 0-2 so far. Gilliland smoked the ball out of the park, sending the Wildcats to victory with a 7-4 win in walk-off fashion. ACU returns to Friday in Denton for the 2012 Best Western Premier Spring Fling tournament at Texas Woman’s University, where the team will take on Central Missouri and UTPB Friday. The Jennies (5-0) enter on a five-game winning streak after a perfect weekend in Durant, Okla. The team defeated No. 12 Arkansas-Monticello 1-0 and combined to win all five games by a score of 23-8. The 5-0 start marks the team’s best since 2006. “Central Missouri is an incredible team and will be some of the stiffest competition we’ll face,” Reeves said. “ We need to come prepared for that one.” In the nightcap, the
Falcons bring in a (2-12) record and a 4-game losing streak. Cernoch and Hollingsworth, who has a team0high .361 batting average, lead UTPB offensively. Saturday, ACU will take on Texas A&M-International and St. Edwards. The Dustdevils (4-11) play Cameron and Midwestern Thursday before playing Pittsburgh State in the TWU tournament opener. On Feb. 17, TAMI snapped a 9-game losing streak with a 13-2 win over Missouri Southern. Emily Smith leads their offense with a .375 batting average. St. Edwards enters with a (4-6) record and will play two games in the tournament before playing ACU. Pittsburgh State comes in with a 2-4 record. The Gorillas are led by Amanda DeCastro who leads the team with two homeruns and six RBI’s. Reliever Jessica Barnes has been lights out on the mound, with a 1.27 ERA in four appearances.
contact shake at bxs09a@acu.edu
playoff birth by protecting their home court. Their win against Kingsville coupled with their loss against the Lions put them in a win-and-in situation on Saturday night against LoneStar Conference juggernaut Tarleton State. “Coach Golding told us the first meeting we had at the beginning of the year, something is going to be on the line Feb. 28 when we play Tarleton,” Warton said. “That’s how we wanted it. We didn’t want to have to count on someone else losing to get us in. We have a chance to play our way in, and what better way is there to [make the tournament] than beating Tarleton on the road.” contact sloaN at mes10ad@acu.edu
Dardenne whacked a double to left-center off of Stone in the 10th. He advanced to third on a bunt, then came home on a sacrifice fly to center. Eager’s attempt to throw out Dardenne fell short as catcher Emmett Niland couldn’t apply the tag in time. In the ‘Cats half of the 10th, the team put two runners on with two outs against closer Justin Thomas, however Eager was thrown out trying to advance to third on a wild pitch. James Baune (1-0) was credited with the win. His only earned runs came in the first when the Wildcats scored two runs on two hits. The other scores were caused by errors.
Baune finished with 9.0 innings pitched and 122 pitches. “He (Baune) came in and threw strikes,” Bonneau said. “We got to him early because they made some errors and we countered with some hits.” ACU returns to Crutcher Scott Field on Friday for a four-game series versus East Central University Tigers (8-5). The opening game begins at 6:05 p.m. A double-header will be played on Saturday starting at 2:05 p.m. The final game is set for Sunday at 1:35 p.m.
contact isaacs at jei08a@acu.edu
sports
Friday 02.24.12
8
standings
Football
Former Wildcat dies in plane crash found the w re c k a g e,” sports director Roberts said. “He was a good physiFormer ACU football playcal therapist er and record holder, Dale in Abilene. “Scooter” Phillips was killed It’s unbein a plane crash Monday Phillips lievable.” night. He was 47 years old. Phillips was the pilot Garner Roberts, a friends of Phillips’ and of a plane that took off ACU’s former Sports Infor- from Abilene Regional mation Director, found out Airport on Monday night. on Tuesday, and he was According to the Abilene shocked to hear the news. Reporter News, the the “I found out early Tues- Federal Aviation Adminday morning that he was istration-Abilene Tower missing, before they even lost contact with Phillips
Austin Gwin
about 5 miles northeast of Albany. The Shackleford County Sheriff’s Department received a call at 7:44 p.m. from the FAA - Abilene Tower that contact had been lost. Civil Air Patrol, Department of Public Safety and firefighters in the county immediately began a search, but due to darkness had to suspend the search at 4 a.m. Tuesday morning. The search resumed at 7 a.m. and at 9 a.m. they found part of a wing of Phillips’ Piper Comanche aircraft. Later the fuselage and remains of Phil-
lips and his passenger Amy Clay were found. The cause of the crash is unknown, but officials do know that Phillips and Clay were headed to a business meeting in Oklahoma. Phillips played for the Wildcats in both the 1984 and ‘85 seasons. His record setting performance came in 1985 against Northern Colorado. In that game Phillips caught four touchdown passes from quarterback Rex Lamberti, leading the Wildcats to a 45-23 win. “He was a likeable young
man while he was here.” Roberts said. “We always used to say that he made Rex Lamberti look like a really good quarterback, even though he already was, because he has such a good receiver to throw to.” After his 1985 campaign, Phillips was placed on the honorable mention all-Lone Star Conference team.
contact gwin at agg07a@acu.edu
WOmen’s BAsketball
‘Cats grab 93-55 victory natalie goin
men’s basketball
Team
Div.
Ovrl.
MSU TSU WTAMU UIW Cameron ENMU TAMU-K ACU ASU Commerce
14-3 14-3 12-5 11-7 9-8 7-10 7-11 4-13 4-13 4-13
22-2 22-4 17-6 16-10 13-9 12-15 13-12 12-14 11-15 8-16
women’s basketball
Team
Div.
Ovrl.
TSU WTAMU MSU Cameron ASU UIW TWU ENMU TAMU-K ACU Commerce
16-3 15-4 14-5 11-8 10-9 8-11 8-11 8-11 8-12 7-12 0-19
19-8 17-8 18-7 15-9 12-13 13-12 13-12 10-15 9-17 12-13 1-24
Div.
Ovrl.
Baseball
Team
WTAMU 0-0 6-1 sports editor ASU 0-0 9-2 ACU 0-0 8-3 The Wildcats lit up Moody ENMU 0-0 5-2 Coliseum Wednesday night, TAMU-K 0-0 5-2 stomping Texas A&M-Com- TSU 0-0 4-2 merce and keeping their postCameron 0-0 7-4 season hopes alive. UIW 0-0 1-3 The ‘Cats came ready to play, never once trailing behind the Lions. An early 16-5 run set the tone for the game, and Commerce didn’t challenge it. “I felt like we came out ready to play last night,” said Junior Parker Petty head coach Shawna Laven- qualified for the NCAA der. “We talked about taking Championships in the them out of the game early heptathlon. He won and not letting up. It was a the heptathlon title at great tean effort and hopefully the LSC Invitational we can carry this momentum over the weekend with into Saturday’s game.” a personal record of Sophomore guard Mack Lankford finished the game 5,174 points. with 23 points, followed closely behind by Renata Marquez Mack Lankford was with 21. Marquez played one named the Lone Star of her best games this year, Conference Offensive contributing six rebounds, Player of the Week on one assist, and three steals. Monday. She scored a The 93-55 win over the career-high 38 points on Lions was a poor reflection Sunday against Kingsville. of the ‘Cats overall season, as the women’s basketball team barely managed to win Nick Jones and Ramon seven out of 12 conference Sparks will compete at the USA Indoor Track games this year. After defeating Texas and Field Championships A&M Commerce, ACU’s in Albuquerque, NM. The entire season comes down event will be televised on to one game. ESPN on Sunday at 6:30. They have a chance to redeem themselves this Saturday and to clinch the eighth spot in the Lone Star Conference Post-Season tournaSenior ment as they take Tarleton infielder State on the road. Duncan The Wildcats are ranked at 10 out of the 11 conferBlades has ence teams, just behind started off Eastern New Mexico Univerhis final sity and Texas A&M Kingsseason ville. ENMU pulled out a with the Wildcats on a 72-64 victory over Cameron tear. Blades is hitting Wednesday night in overtime, and TAMU-K managed .467 and has a .633 to come out with a 63-58 win slugging percentage. He is five for five in over Texas Woman’s. Wednesday’s games leave stolen base attempts Incarnate Word and ENMU and has the second tied in seventh place, fol- most extra-base hits lowed by Kingsville, and fi- on the team. He has nally ACU. struck out only three
briefings
Player Profile
mandy lambright CHIEF Photographer
Sophomore forward Renata Marquez takes a shot in Moody Coliseum Wednesday night against Commerce. Marquez had her biggest game of the season. She scored 21 points, had six rebounds, one assist and three steals in the ‘Cats victory against Commerce.
see victory page 7
softball
Gilliand wins with walk-off homer bryson shake sports reporter
matt sewell staff Photographer
Senior catcher Erin Gilliland whacks the ball versus UCO.
Trailing 4-0 to Fort Hays State and down to its final at-bat, the Abilene Christian softball team pulled off an improbable comeback, scoring seven runs, capped by Erin Gilliland’s walk-off three-run homerun in the seventh to close out the 7-4 win. “That win was such a team effort,” Gilliland said. “It just shows our team’s determination and willingness to keep fighting. Our team has lots of heart.” “That game was the high point so far for our team emotionally,” head coach Bobby Reeves said. “The strong point of our team is that the players just don’t give up. They compete until the end of the game an are the most determined group I’ve ever coached.” The game-winning homerun marked Gilliland’s
first of the year and extended the Wildcats’ winning streak to eight games. “This is a fun time to be a part of this program,” Reeves said. “The girls are loving it and playing with a confidence that is uncoachable. They want to go out there and play all the time, even on their off days.” The Tigers fell to 4-1, but pitcher Maddie Holub did all she could to help her team on offense and defense, striking out nine Wildcat batters, and hitting two runs. Hitting third in the lineup, Holub smoked a Caitlyn Crain pitch over the fence in the first inning and added a two-run homerun in the third that stretched the Lions lead to 4-0. “We were just struggling at the time,” Reeves said. “Our bats weren’t going and Holub was smoking anything we threw her way.” Shelby Hall relieved Crain from the mound fol-
lowing Holub’s second homerun. Hall survived two scoreless innings despite giving up seven hits. The Lions left the bases loaded in the third and fourth. In the fourth, right fielder Lyndi Smith got an outfield assist after gunning down Holub at home plate following a single, which kept the deficit at four. “Lyndi’s throw was a huge point in the game for us,” Gilliland, who was on the receiving end of the throw, said. “It was right on line and a perfect throw. That throw was a game changer.” Fort Hays had another scoring opportunity in the fifth with runners at second and third and no outs, already up 4-0, but Peyton Mosley came up big again on the mound, leaving them stranded with backto-back strikeouts followed by an infield pop-up. “Fort Hays is an aggressee Fight page 7
times in 30 at-bats. In the Wildcats most recent series versus Southern Arkansas, Blades batted .475 and drove in five runs. He also walked four times. Blades is from Victoria, British Columbia. He played two seasons at Salt Lake Community College before trasferring to ACU.
Upcoming The men’s basketball team will play Tarleton State in Stephenville on Saturday at 7 p.m. The women’s basketball team takes on Tarleton State in Stephenville, Saturday at 5 p.m. The baseball team will compete against East Central University at Crutcher Scott Field beginning Friday at 6:05 p.m.