Making an Impact Student awarded with highly esteemed scholarship
vol. 100, no. 48
wednesday, april 4, 2012
1 SECTION, 8 PAGES
Features page 5
weather
Tornadoes touch down in DFW area staff report
PROJECT RUNWAY
Saturday’s In the Red Fashion Show raised funds for the Red Thread Movement through fashion photo by Chelsea patillo
Alfredo Desiati, sophomore management major from Boulder City, Nev. struts the runway in clothing from Dillards.
A series of tornadoes ripped through the Dallas/Fort Worth area Tuesday afternoon, leaving a wind damage and debris in their wake. The Storm Prediction Center received 12 reports of tornadoes in the Dallas/Fort Worth area Tuesday. CNN meteorologists predict two or three tornadoes touched down multiple times in the area and they were EF-1 or EF-2 at their strongest. The storms did heavy damage in Kennedale, Arlington and southern Dallas County. Lancaster has declared a State of Disaster. Farron Salley, senior journalism major from Lake Como, called to check on her mom, an elementary school principal in the east Fort Worth area, during the tornadoes Tuesday afternoon. “She told me they couldn’t even get the teachers aware of what was going on before the sirens started going off,” Salley said. Salley said it made her nervous when she went online and saw footage and pictures of the tornadoes and that doesn’t really ease any of the tension. “That made me more nervous for my mom and for her safety. I called my mom, and my roommate said that she called all her family in Dallas when the storms eased,” Salley said. “Now I know that everything is O.K. they got a lot of hail and wind.” The Dallas/Fort Worth area is expected to be clear with temperatures in the low 80s Wednesday. contact optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
accident
Student hurt in wreck facing brain surgery hannah barnes editor in chief Justin Gibson, sophomore social major from Gatesville, may be facing brain surgery after an accident Friday that left him with severe injuries. According to the Abilene Police Department accident report, Gibson’s Honda Metropolitian collided with a Dodge Neon driven by Amanda Clemson, senior marketing major from Goliad, at about 2:40 p.m. Friday at the intersection of E.N. 10th St. and Pine St. Clemson
turned left against an unprotected green light and hit Gibson, who had the right of way, according to the police report. Gibson was thrown from his scooter and landed in the intersection. Clemson said she did see Gibson in the intersection. “I didn’t see him at all,” Clemson said. “It came out of nowhere.” Gibson was immediately transported to Hendrick Medical Center, where doctors performed a CT scan and found bleeding in his brain. He was then airlifted to Parkland Health and
Hospital System in Dallas. Gibson remains in critical condition, and doctors may perform surgery Wednesday depending on whether his blood pressure and other vitals stabilize. Gibson’s girlfriend, Melissa Mason, junior psychology major from New York City, rushed from to Dallas Abilene to be with Gibson. “The doctors needed to do brain surgery right away because blood was clotting on the right side of his brain,” Mason said. “They removed half of his skull; there is bruising on his
brain that is now dead brain tissue. That’s not going to come back.” Gibson’s mother and stepfather are with him at the hospital. Mason said Gibson’s father who lives out of state was hospitalized because the stress of his son’s accident. Mason said the recovery will take a long time. “People think he’ll be OK, but no – he’s not really going to be.” Gibson’s doctors are concerned that he will lose his speech, including his ability to read and hear, she said. “Until the swelling goes
down, they’re not going to have any idea whether he will be able to speak or not,” Mason said. Every hour, Gibson’s doctors perform a response test, from which they’ve found his right side to be less responsive than his left. Now, Mason and Gibson’s family must wait for the swelling in his brain to decrease and pray for positive results. “We’re trying to keep faith and stay hopeful and be strong for him,” Mason said. “I’m just praying like he would be praying, with the faith he has.”
Dr. Jean-Noel Thompson, vice president and dean for student life, arrived at Hendrick before Gibson’s family. “We tried to understand it,” Thompson said. “We wanted to make sure someone was there to be with him, his friends and his family.” Clemson said it is difficult to think something like this could happen. “I pray for him everyday,” Clemson said. “I hope that he has a speedy recovery.” contact BARNES at HAB07A@acu.edu
research
Annual research festival names winners Monday fourth year, the number of presentations has increased online managing editor by nearly 50 percent compared to last year’s festival. Dr. Greg Powell, ACU The Fourth Annual Undergraduate Research Festival Director of Undergraduate took place Monday in the Research, predicts that a Hunter Welcome Center. two-day festival may be in The festival, supported by the works for next year to the McNair Scholars Pro- accommodate participants gram, had over 100 student and spectators. “We filled almost all of presenters this year, and for the first time had sev- the available time slots and eral presenters from other may have to move to a twoAbilene colleges. In only it’s day festival in 2013,” Powell
Leigh Foith
said. “ I was pleasantly surprised by the large audience for many of the poster and oral presentations; attendance was excellent.” Before presenting their topic in its entirety, students submitted abstracts of their presentations to the Undergraduate Research Festivals Proposal Committee, made up of seven faculty members. These faculty members selected students based on how well
the abstract described the purpose of their research and the manner in which the project was designed. After students were selected, they conducted their research with the assistance of a faculty mentor. Students had the option of submitting a paper or a poster presentation. Papers were given orally in various conference centers to faculty, staff and fellow students. Poster presentations were
given in a group setting, where teachers and friends could stop by the festival to observe and peruse the student’s research. Spencer Goudeau, senior English major from Colorado Springs, Colo., saw the festival as a unique opportunity to present his work and receive recognition in the industry. “To present anything at a research festival is impressive on resumes and in
job interviews, but it also prepares students for their chosen industry and for graduate school,” Goudeau said. “More students should take advantage of [this opportunity] to diversify their skill sets.” The list of winners can be found at www.acuoptimist.com. contact foith at lmf08a@acu.edu
inside sports
opinion
video
news
Sophomore pitcher completes weekend against West Texas A&M
CORE changes are headed in the right direction, but may not be enough
SpringFest provides students with music and entertainment
Interim dean, assistant provost positions to be filled by fall semester
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page 6
Abilene Christian University
acuoptimist.com
page 4
wednesday 04.04.12
04 Wednesday
05
Thursday
All day - Outdoor Track @ San Angelo 12 p.m. ACU Tennis vs. HSU and Midwestern @ ACU
06
2 p.m. ACU Softball @ Cameron
Friday
07
All day - Easter holiday 1 p.m. ACU Softball @ Cameron
7 p.m. ACU baseball vs. West Texas A&M @ ACU
2
2 p.m. ACU baseball vs. West Texas A&M @ ACU
Saturday
All day - Outdoor Track @ Sun Angel Classic 1:30 p.m. ACU baseball vs. West Texas A&M @ ACU
3 p.m. Fall 2012 registration for juniors
Chapel checkup
Around Abilene April 4
April 5
April 6
April 7
12:30 p.m. Free tax preparation will be available at the Main Branch of the Abilene Public Library.
7 p.m. A presentation of the drama “The Living Last Supper” will be at St. James. United Methodist Church. Admission is free. For more information call 325-6920263.
7:00 p.m. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will presents a musical Easter program at 3325 N. 12th. Admission is free.
10:30 a.m. High school piano students of Kathie Goodrich will present a formal recital at the Woodward Dellis Recital Hall at Hardin-Simmons University. A reception will follow.
21 52 @acuoptimist The Optimist optimist@acu.edu
Police Log Announcements The ACU Student-Athelete Advisory Committee will be hosting the 2nd Annual Run for Wishes on May 5 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Participants, area Make-A-Wish kids and families and volunteers will run together to help raise money for children with lifethreatening conditions. Register at bit.ly/ acurunforwishes. Registration costs $15. Beginning Fall 2012, the Department of Art and Design is now offering a Minor in Interior Design. For more information call 325-674-2085 ext. 2087. The Women for ACU is currently accepting scholarship applications for the 2012-2013 school year. Scholarships up to $2,000 per semester will be awarded. Deadline for applications and reference letters is Friday. Both men and women who are sophomore and junior standings and maintain a 3.0 GPA minimum are eligible. Visit www.acu.edu/wacu for more
information. Dr. Chris Willerton will be giving a talk exploring detective fiction and the Christian reader on April 10 from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Mabee Library Auditorium. Refreshments will be provided, and admission is free. This is the 4th annual Culp research presentation.
din Administration Building. The ACU Theatre presents its spring romantice comedy, Emma. The play will be presented on April 12-14 and 19-21 in Fulks Theatre. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online at acu.edu/theatre or by calling 325-674-2787.
Spots are still available for Nil Santana’s The Study Abroad Office is accepting summer photography courses. Introapplications for all study abroad pro- duction to Black and White Photogragrams. Several departments will be tak- phy is being offered May 14-31. Digital ing students to locations around the Art Photography is being offered July world this summer. English, Psychol- 16-August 2. ogy, Art and Design, COBA, Communication, Music, Bible and Pre-Health The Department of History’s Phi Alpha majors are encouraged to apply. Pro- Theta chapter will be showing the movie grams are also open to non-majors. Valkyrie on April 7 at 7 p.m. in Room 322 For more information, e-mail the Study of the Admin. building. Abroad Office at study_abroad@acu. edu, call 325-674-2754, visit www.acu. Dr. Neal Coates will be teaching a special edu/studyabroad or go to the Study topics class, Politics of Israel, for the Fall Abroad Office in Room 124 in the Har- 2012 semester. This class will be offered
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3-4:20 p.m. A free hearing screening will be provided by the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders on Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. next to the Wet Classroom. The Student Association officer debate forum will be held April 9 in Moody Coliseum from 8 to 9 p.m. Students running for executive SA positions will answer several questions in order to inform students of their platforms and qualifications. Students will receive two Chapel credits for attending. Freshman Formal will take place April 13 at the Lytle Bend Ranch beginning at 7 p.m. and will include a dinner and a dance. Tickets are on sale for $20 in the Campus Center. Stop by the Campus Store on Wednesday and Thursday, and ask for an Easter egg. Each egg contains a prize. No pur-
Volunteer Opp0rtunities Two certified lifeguards are needed for the Hillcrest Church of Christ retreat April 6-8. Lifeguards can attend the entire retreat, but are specifically needed for Saturday afternoon, April 7. The retreat will be held at the HEB camp in the Texas Hill country and transportation will be provided or volunteers can take their own cars. Food and expenses will be covered. You must provide a copy of your certification. Contact Cynthia Coates at 325-201-1124 or e-mail cynthia@ hillcrestonline.com. 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 325-677-4673 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. New Life Alliance is looking for volunteers to help with their after school program on Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. You will help with snacks, homework, crafts, games and other activities in addition to mentoring and building relationships with youth. Contact Ashley Kee at 325-672-1636 or e-mail akee@newlifehousing.com.
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 e-mail 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. 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. 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. 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 e-mail bmoody@driabilene.org. 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 847-333-7026 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 325677-1408 or visit www.satruck.com. Habitat for Humanity needs volunteers to help with various construction tasks including carpentry, painting, cleaning up, installing cabinets and other tasks. Volunteers are needed any day Monday-Saturday between 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Contact Steven Legget at 325-670-0489 or e-mail sleggett@abilenehabitat.org. The Food Bank of West Central Texas needs volunteers to help sort and stock food and other items any weekday Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. The Food Bank is located at 5505 N. 1st St. For more information contact Janice Serrault at 325695-6311 or abfoodbk@camalott.com. The Abilene Boys and Girls Club needs help any weekday between 3:30 - 6 p.m. helping children of all ages with games, art, gym time, reading and computer skills. Locations are 4610 N. 10th St. or 1902 Shelton St. Contact Mark Denman at 325672-1712 for more information. The Abilene Zoo is looking for volunteers to help with general labor such as grounds cleanup and painting any weekday at any time between noon and 4 p.m. The Zoo is located at 2070 Zoo Ln. Contact Joy Harsh at 325-676-6487 for more information. ACU Treadaway Kids is looking for volunteers to work with underprivileged kids Thursday evenings from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the University Church of Christ. For more information contact Samantha Manski at 325-674-2828. For additional volunteer opportunities visit: www. acu.edu/campusoffices/slvr/vol_opps/
3
campus news
wednesday 04.04.12
theology
Grad students receive iPads for class elizabeth weiss student reporter The Graduate School of Theology is handing out iPads to 10 different students in Dr. Tim Sensing’s “Contexts of Ministry” course for the duration of the spring semester. The purchase of the iPads was made possible by a $10,000 grant from the James A. “Buddy” Davidson Charitable Foundation of Midland. James Prather, president of ACU’s Graduate Student Association, decided to attempt to earn the grant with the help of ACU staff and faculty members after he realized ACU has not included the possibility of this research in the Mobile Learning Initiative. Prather said students would now be able to conduct ethnographic research related to history,
demographics, stories, traditions, people, and events associated with a particular ministry. Prather explained how the iPads would be used as research to see the difference in studying ethnography when using better technology. “There are some amazing tools on the iPad for biblical studies,” Prather said. “There are many applications students can purchase to read the Bible in the original language. It allows students to interact with it by touching certain words that give an option for an explanation of the word and facts about it.” Prather has selected the data that will be used by the students and will write up the research that will be presented at the biennial meeting of the Association for Theological Field Educators in Williamsburg, Va., in January 2013.
Peter Cariaga, graduate student from the Philippines, is one of the students selected to be a part of this research. While the other students will only be keeping their iPads until May 2012, Cariaga will continue to use his iPad for the next two years. Cariaga’s thesis deals with ethnography and will provide long-term data to this research. “My thesis is about looking at third-culture kids, such as missionary or military kids, and finding the biblical lament for their grief,” Cariaga said. “I want to use ethnography to map out what grief looks like for these people with biblical texts to help them with their grief that comes from multiple transitions.”
contact weiss at emw09b@acu.edu
brittany williams Staff Photographer Students skate in the rink at The Skatin Place at the Trojans Social Club Stoplight Mixer Friday night. It’s the club’s third straight year putting on the event and is looking to make it an annual event.
organizations
Virtuous Sisterhood to put on S.W.A.G demically, professionally, personally and spiritually student reporter (APPS). Keri Grey, president of Virtuous Sisterhood and Virtuous Sisterhood, said the Office of Multicultural this will be the second Enrichment are teaming time the group has hosted up to put on S.W.A.G., an the Scholarships With Apevent to educate students plication Grants event. about available scholar- She said the event attracted about 75 students last ships and grants. The event is scheduled September. “We want to put on for 7:00 p.m. on Thursday in the Onstead-Packer events that will reach the Biblical Studies Building community, so we look Room 114. All students are at what the needs and interests are of those in our invited to attend. Virtuous Sisterhood community and think of is a multicultural group ways we can be involved,” on campus that seeks to Grey said. “Events such as reach the community S.W.A.G. are what we’re all and inf luence others aca- about. People need finan-
sarah fatheree
cial support and to collect scholarship information, so we want to make it available to them.” The S.W.A.G. event will be split into two parts. The first will present general advice on how to be financially responsible and become someone who takes initiative to seek financial solutions. This portion will be led by the Director and Executive Director of the Office of Multicultural Enrichment, Russ Kirby and Byron Martin. The second half of the S.W.A.G. program will be lead by Keri Grey and other members of the Virtuous Sisterhood, and
will focus on making students aware of specific scholarships available. The scholarships consist of ACU affiliated and outside scholarships. “S.W.A.G is an awesome opportunity for anyone and everyone that wants more information on scholarships for school,” said Turquoise Hawkins, member of Virtuous Sisterhood. “You learn so much information that you probably would never get a hold of, due to the busy schedules a lot of students have.” The event will inform students about the procedures necessary to obtain
“
The main point of S.W.A.G. is to encourage students to take initiative to learn more about scholarships and opportunities awaiting them.”
scholarships and present details about who to network with to pursue other financial support. “We want to push students to seek their own solutions and not have to stress about finances. We want students to do the best they can while at school, get their diploma and not have to worry
keri grey president of virtuous sisterhood
about their bills,” Grey said. “The main point of S.W.A.G. is to encourage students to take initiative to learn more about scholarships and opportunities awaiting them.”
contact fatheree at snf09a@acu.edu
news
wednesday 04.04.12
4
crime
Vehicles burglarized during spring break david singer arts editor Four juveniles and an adult are suspects in a rash of vehicle burglaries over spring break. The ACU Police Department expects to arrest the adult and take the juveniles into custody later this week. At least 11 vehicles were burglarized on or near campus in one night during the week of spring break, say police. One vehicle parked near Christian Village and 10 others parked around campus were broken into, and items were stolen. At 5:05 a.m. March 15, ACU Police received a call
reporting suspicious activity. A WFF employee who called was working late when he noticed a vehicle driving around the parking lot with no headlights and also reported hearing the sound of glass breaking. ACU Police Officer Steve Rogers responded to the report and was able to locate and stop the vehicle on campus. The two juveniles in the vehicle were identified but evidence at the time was not enough to warrant arrest or detainment, said ACU Police Chief Jimmy Ellison. During the traffic stop, Rogers also identified another vehicle driving with no headlights but was unable to pursue.
“The officer did good work at locating them, detaining them and identifying them,” said Ellison. “He released them and then through the course of the next day we located the 11 burglaries.” The next day, Sergeant Thomas Valdez began the investigation. Initial interviews with the two juveniles revealed that three other individuals were involved. Many of the stolen items were also recovered. Only one of the five individuals is considered an adult by law at the age of seventeen and none of the suspects have any affiliation with ACU, Ellison said. “Based on the informa-
tion that he gathered from those interviews we believe that we will be moving forward this week with criminal cases against all five of those individuals,” said Ellison. “We were also able to connect all burglaries to those individuals.” Since the crimes were committed by a group of five individuals, the charges will be increased from a Class A misdemeanor to a felony for engaging in organized criminal activity, Ellison said. The 11 burglaries make up nearly half of all vehicle burglaries that have occurred on campus during this school year. Ellison said it is unusual to see an incident like this on cam-
pus but that it would not be uncommon throughout the city. “This is a city wide problem,” he said, “but college campuses can be pretty prone to it. We have a private university but a public campus. It is not a gated community. We often say in press releases that we are actually more vulnerable during our holiday breaks. We don’t have 5,000 sets of eyes to report things.” Ellison attributes the success of the case to the alert WFF employee who reported suspicious activity to the department. “Anytime someone sees something suspicious they should call it in
“
We are actually more vulnerable during our holiday breaks. We don’t have 5,000 sets of eyes to report things.” jimmy ellison ACU Police chief
and report it immediately and let us follow up on it,” Ellison said. With the upcoming Easter Break, Ellison urges students to park in lit, interior parking lots on campus and to remove valuables from their vehicles. contact singer at dis08a@acu.edu
faculty
Faculty to gather to pray through semester brookelee galle student reporter For a group of ACU professors, Friday Chapel has become an opportunity to gather in community of prayer. Throughout the year, surveys are given to students and faculty about their concerns and hopes
for ACU’s campus. A survey was administered among the faculty over Christmas break and addressed a need for time of prayer amongst professors was mentioned. Several professors showed interest and wanted to get a time set aside for prayer amongst teachers. So, Friday Chapel has become the time allotted for faculty prayer.
“There are a lot of transitions and uncertainties permeating the ACU community right now, and we want to provide a way to share our concerns with each other and to take them to the Father together,” said Dr. Eric Hardegree, professor of chemistry and biochemistry. “We can lessen our cares by sharing them, and we can cast all our anxi-
eties on Him.” Dr. Neal Coates, chair of the Department of Political Science, Hardegree and Dr. Jerry Taylor, assistant professor of Bible, are alternating every Friday to lead the prayer time. This time allows the faculty to pray on their own or any of the three professors are willing to pray over them. Coates, Hardegree and Taylor plan
on setting up devotionals occasionally as well. The professors are gathering in the auditorium of the Margaret and Herman Brown Library on Fridays. “It is a very informal event, but we wanted to set up a room for people to come and pray,” Coates said. Last Friday was the first time the prayer event took
place. The announcement just went out in hopes that many faculty members will join together for a time of healing and praise every week. “It fulfilled the purpose for that group,” Coates said.
contact galle at blg09c@acu.edu
university
Shankle, Snider to fill open administration positions Services, and Dr. Nancy Shankle as asssitant promanaging editor vost for general education, Dr. Greg Straughn, The president and provost interim provost, told facappointed two faculty for ulty and staff in an email Tuesday.Snider served as administrative posts. Dr. Donnie Snider has chair of the Department was appointed as interim of Graduate Studies in dean of the College of Education for three years. Education and Human He’d also been associ-
mark smith
ate dean for the College of Education and Human Services. “His many years of experience as an administrator in PK-12 education and higher education make him an excellent choice as interim dean for the College of Education and Human Services,” Straughn
said in the email. Shankle currently serves as the interim assistant provost for general education and will fill the role on a permanent basis, beginning this summer. She has also served as chair of the English Department and associate dean for the College of
Arts and Sciences. “Dr. Shankle’s work with the General Education Review Steering Committee, as well as her continued involvement in curriculum decisions regarding general education, makes her an ideal person to provide leadership for the CORE,” Straughn said.
Straughn said a committee will convene next semester to search for a permanent dean of the College of Education and Human Services.
contact smith at mds10a@acu.edu
JMC
Students, faculty awarded at convention TIPA since I was a student, and several students and staff reporter former students worked together to nominate me,” Dr. Kenneth Pybus was Pybus said. Students from the Denamed Adviser of Year and The JMC Network staff partment of Journalism won several dozen awards and Mass Communication including TV sweepstakes competed against students at the Texas Intercollegiate from across the state in Press Association conven- onsite and presubmitted tion in Corpus Christi last competitions. The students brought week. Pybus, associate profes- back 46 awards, 12 of them sor of journalism and mass being first place certificates communication, won the in newspaper, radio, news award for his mentoring website, literary magazine during coverage of the Nov. and television categories. Mark Smith, sophomore 4 bus accident as well as seven years of advising the convergence journalism major from Powhatan, Optimist. “It’s an important honor, Va., was awarded the $400 and it means a lot to me be- Frank Buckley Scholarship cause I’ve been involved in at the convention.
jimmy isbell
“
It means a lot to me because I’ve been involved in TIPA since I was a student.” dr. kenneth pybus adviser to the optimist
“A few months ago Kenneth told me I should apply for the scholarship because he thought I had a good shot at it,” Smith said. “I’m honored they chose me.” Smith, next year’s editor in chief of the Optimist, also took home first place in live radio sports writing. “I started at the Optimist as a sports reporter but I haven’t written any sports since I began work as managing editor last August,” he said. “It was great to win that contest to know that I still got it.” The semi-weekly student newspaper placed third in the best-in-show contest. In television presubmitted competition, the JMC Network won the sweepstakes award for compiling the most and highest awards in that category. “This is the first time our program has won sweepstakes in the television category. We emphasize converged curriculum, which means we work to train students as journalists across media,” Pybus said. “It shows that emphasis is paying off.” Many of the awards in presubmitted competition were for student coverage of the Nov. 4 bus crash near Ballinger involving 12 students from the Department of Agriculture and Environmental Science, three of the department’s faculty members and one faculty spouse. On their way back to ACU, the JMC students stopped by the crash site to remember those affected by the accident, including Anabel Reid, who was killed in the crash. contact isbell at jri10a@acu.edu
5
featureS
wednesday 04.04.12
Watch the video featuring Partridge at: http://blogs.acu.edu/ acutoday/2012/04/02/ red-threads-partridgenamed-truman-scholar/ photo courtesy of abilene christian university
photo courtesy of abilene christian university
AIMING FOR
mandy lambright chief photographer
ABOLITION Partridge makes history as ACU’s Truman scholar
F
or the first time in university history, an ACU student has been named a Truman scholar. Brittany Partridge, junior political science major from Annandale, Minn., found out officially she’d been selected as a recipient of the federal scholarship on March 27 when Dr. Phil Schubert, president of the university, came into one of her classes to congratulate her. A video crew documented the announcement and showed the video in Chapel on Monday to publicly acknowledge Partridge’s accomplishment. “They just asked me if I’d be at Chapel on Monday because they’d be recognizing me,” Partridge said. “I didn’t even know I’d be on stage.” The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation offers $30,000 scholarships toward graduate education to U.S. college juniors for leadership potential and a passion to work in public service. Five hundred and eighty seven students from more than 272 colleges and unidr. phil schubert versities applied for the acu President scholarship by the Feb. 7 deadline. The Finalist Selection Committee reviewed the applications in midFebruary and selected 191 finalists from 123 colleges and universities as finalists. All the finalists interviewed in March during the foundation’s Regional Review Panels. 54 finalists were selected as Truman scholars. Partridge said her interest in public service, specifically human trafficking, began after she took a mission trip to Romania and grew stronger after she entered college. “I had a passion for helping with human trafficking in high school,” she said. “It’s shaped a lot of experiences in college, like the Red Thread Movement, which helped with the application.” Partridge co-founded the Red Thread Movement in her freshman year, a non-profit organization that works to generate awareness of human trafficking, forced labor and sexual slavery and to raise financial support to end those issues. “Red Thread has given me so many opportunities to do many things for the issues of human trafficking,” she said. “The Truman foundation is looking for not just what you’re saying to raise awareness but what are you doing about an issue.”
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Brittany is an amazing young woman and she embodies, in so many respects, what this university stands for.
photo courtesy of abilene christian university
Top: Dr. Stephen Johnson, dean of the honors college, congratulates Brittany Partridge alongside Dr. Phil Schubert, president of the university, in her classroom on March 27. Middle: Brittany Partridge, junior political science major from Annandale, Minn. was named one of 54 Truman scholars in the nation. Bottom: Brittany Partridge smiles in surprise as a film crew interrupts her class the morning of March 27 to tell her she has been selected as a Truman scholar.
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chubert said he was proud of Partridge’s accomplishment and the way her example reflects on the university. “Brittany is an amazing young woman and she embodies, in so many respects, what this university stands for,” Schubert said. “We celebrate with her and we rejoice in the impact she’s having with people on the other side of the world who didn’t have anyone to champion on their behalf.” Brittany’s father, Rick Partidge, came from Annandale to Abilene Monday to surprise Brittany for the Chapel announcement. He said he was thrilled but not surprised she was selected as a scholarship recipient. “You can never count her out until it’s been given to someone else,” Rick said. “She received a national scholarship in high school from Coca-Cola that was really competitive, so I know she’s capable of anything. It was really rewarding and exciting that she did get this scholarship because I know how much work she put into it.” Dr. Neal Coates, chair of the Department of Political Science, said Brittany deserves the scholarship. Story by Mark Smith mds10a@acu.edu
“She’s a great student, very engaging in class and very involved in activities on campus, especially with Red Thread,” Coates said. “The Truman scholarship is for those out to change the world for the better and Brittany started an effort to fight trafficking and change lives.” Brittany said the scholarship application helped her plan her future. “In the application process for the Truman you kind of have to write out your life plan,” Partridge said. “You have to say where you want to apply for grad school and where you see yourself in five and 10 years. Nothing’s official yet, but ideally I want to apply to Georgetown’s law program and afterward work for the Department of Justice or Department of State on the issue of human trafficking.” Brittany will graduate in May 2013 with a degree in political science and minors in history and public service. Rick said Brittany and her family have been blessed since she began working toward her goals in public service. “It’s an answer to prayer and we give God the glory for giving her this opportunity and opening this door,” Rick said. “It’s mind-boggling how well she’s done.”
opinion
6
Wednesday 04.04.12
Editorial
CORE changes good, may not be enough The faculty voted to change the CORE curriculum last month after student reaction to the curriculum was more negative than hoped. The changes condense the required hours from 12 to nine and changed the required Bible courses slightly. Two CORE classes will now be one class, and another CORE course will be consolidated with a twohour Bible class. Now a Bible professor will be instructing in every CORE class and a cultural competency or foreign language course will also be required.
The changes mean CORE wasn’t perfect. Students found it confusing, time consuming and impractical. The greatest protest against CORE was the lack of a common experience. The same course is being taught by physics, Bible and English professors, which means not every class will teach students the same thing. Instructors were allowed too much variability in their syllabuses, giving students varied CORE. Class variation takes away the
common experience they are looking to create. The changes show the faculty understand the challenges CORE created. These changes are headed in the right direction but probably won’t be the last amendments made to the program. Combining the CORE 120 (Human Person and Identity) and CORE 220 (Community) courses reduces redundancy. The different classes that have been offered are closely related, sometimes overlapping. Each course builds on the next, and
each one is interconnected. Condensing CORE 320 with BIBL 440 was another practical change that will allow for better learning The cultural aspect will also be beneficial. Current CORE classes deal with the student’s immediate culture but don’t go far beyond that. The three credit hours in cultural competency or foreign language would increase the student’s options for learning more about other cultures or expanding classes taken in high school. We never know what we have until it starts. CORE
Oh Dear, Christian College
Ben miller
the issue The administration made changes affecting CORE next semester.
our take These changes are an improvement, but we need to see more.
was a good idea with flaws. The changes will help. However, the new provost, who is expected to be hired by the summer, will have the power to make any changes he finds necessary. The curriculum isn’t a popular idea among students and
isn’t common in other universities, so it’s possible the new provost will make even more changes sooner rather than later. contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
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Column
Best Texas beaches are in Florida hassee, near where the panhandle meets the peninsula. A common well, this is awkward shopping destination for mark smith country folk and an hour from the Gulf of Mexico, it isn’t the typical Florida city you Texans probably I’d never been to a Texas beaches, but I figured think of. But even the gulf surely a beach couldn’t beach before last week. Twelve staff members be too bad, could it? Well, beaches were way better and I went to the Texas it could, and don’t call me than Corpus Christi. That’s what surprised Intercollegiate Press As- Shirley. The thin stretch of dull, me when I saw the disapsociation conference in Corpus Christi for a few dense sand lying between pointingly dirty and very days. At the convention hotel and green seawater green water; it’s the same we participated in on-site was the lone divider sep- body of water I went to in competitions as well as arating our rented Subur- Florida, why was it not of listened to lectures (well, ban and minivan and the similar quality? Isn’t Galveston supsome of us did any way) rotting trash accumulatand accepted seemingly ing in different areas of posed to be even worse? Basically, I’m saying thousands of awards at the water and sand. Just the breakfast on Saturday some of the trash con- Florida’s better than Texas. I’m joking. I would nevsisted of a laundry determorning. But the beach offered a gent bottle, many indis- er disrespect the Texas distraction for many. Not tinguishable objects and f lag. Eh, I might. Texans are the proudest people several beer cans. me. You stay classy, Texas I’ve ever met when their My background is prestate is mentioned. dominantly Florida- beaches. Many times y’all have I miss Florida. based. That’s where the I didn’t live near Mi- told me, “We could secede real beaches are. I hadn’t heard great ami or even the Atlantic and be our own country things about Texas Ocean. I lived in Talla- if we wanted to.” Is that
@zachstew12
Had the urge to buy rollerblades so we went to academy, bought some and now we’re rollerblading the lunsford. #YOLO @MadiSandifer
@connarjoy
so? Go for it. See how that works out for you. This got off-track fast. 2:20 p.m. Apr. 03 That wasn’t my point. My Cap and gown has been point was Texas beaches bought and also a packet 2:57 p.m. Apr. 03 on how much I owe ACU Headline read, “Massive are worse than Florida’s. Twin Twisters Hit DFW.” Okay, maybe that was (my soul) . I swear I’m not old enough for this I read it as “Massive Twin my point. Sisters Hit DFW.” Also, TIPA was great, #ACUproblems thanks for asking. I won first place in radio sports writing for a story on a @MollyMac21 @realzekemorgan small-school softball game. As exciting as that sounds, I also got to sit on 12:54 p.m. Apr. 03 2:02 p.m. Apr. 03 bleachers for three hours In the battle of shower “We made up a math without shade in 90 de- vs. nap, nap will always thong.” #teacherslipups gree weather. Separate win. from the softball game, I won a scholarship for my work as a collegiate jour@HayleyRepz @stefaniemn27 nalist. So yes, despite the disappointment of the 12:38 p.m. Apr. 01 beach, Corpus was fun 10:13 p.m. Apr. 01 I keep seeing all these and a good learning exlittle kids holding palm “That movie should be perience. Did y’all know branches. Must be some rated R!!” -@em_brynn calamari is squid? sort of weird April Fool’s on the Disney classic thing. #palmsunday The Fox and the Hound. contact Smith MDS10a@acu.edu
@AttackOfTheArch @ohyeahitsmorgan
Letter
Camp: Clash of the Dodgeball Titans The Dodgeball Epic Poem By Jon “Pink Slime” Camp Fair Melpomene, Sing of our ferocious dodgeball madness, Recount our undergrad slaughter. Set to purpose my pen to greatness, As I make the millennials shudder.
all else beaten. Surrounded is he by warriors renown, Having come of age in antiquity, When skills in the arts of dodgeball were known, Before it was banned in P.E.
Here’s John “the Ballerina,” blood-drenched with delight, For on the barren plain of John Mark who frightens Gym A, the dark. We find our hero McDavid the Dark Knight Cracken. with fervor to light He is our Maximus, inUp your world by hitting deed, Doctore! his mark. For whom we will leave
And to you boys of Galaxy, Here’s Casey the Swift, a Who thought you had us beat: Giant named Houston, And Pedro the man with Your rosy-fingered attempts to fling quick feet. Here’s Matthew the Young Caused laughter among us so sweet! One and Kilnam the Spry One, “Pink Slime” with primor- So if you think you’ll win dodgeball dial screams. Against us, you’re sadly mistaken. The shock and awe as we For when you fall--and fall smote and dispatched you shall! Those GSP boys into oblivIt’s because we released ion! the McCracken! The rush, the pitch, the throw, the catch We delivered with subtle contacT Camp at precision. JWC03b@acu.edu
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Address letters to: ACU Box 27892 Abilene, TX 79609 E-mail letters to: optimist@acu.edu
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Currently driving through what looks to be the hidden valley ranch bottle. #hillcountry #texasforever
Mad Men, The Killing AND Game of Thrones? The stars have aligned this April Fool’s Day.
@mackenzienorth 12:55 p.m. Apr. 012
my cap and gown is in my hand. and I almost started bawling in the campus center when they handed it to me. #seniorsentiments
@shelbyann8
@jillkd 6:42 p.m. Apr. 02
Just got in a fender bender bc I got distracted by an extremely hot guy running on the Lunsford. #acuproblems
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sports Jumps
wednesday 04.04.12
tennis
Wildcats shake off Rattlers with sweep matthew sloan sports reporter
brittany Williams staff Photographer
Senior Nick Plum whacks a serve to his opponent.
The ACU women’s tennis team had several long bus rides over the weekend as they played everywhere from Abilene to New Mexico with hopes of staying perfect in the month of March. Meanwhile, the men’s tennis team took on a lighter load, only taking on the St. Mary’s University Rattlers before having the rest of the weekend off. On Thursday, both the men’s and women’s squad put on a show at Eager Tennis Pavilion, dismantling the St. Mary’s University Rattlers 9-0. In fact, nobody wearing ACU purple dropped a single set the entire afternoon, leaving the Rattlers coaching staff shaking their heads after
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Everyone stayed focused, and that’s why the outcome was the way it was.” nick plum senior ACU Tennis
the program got swept at the hands of the Wildcats. “Our coaching staff really stresses treating every match like the most important match,” Senior Nick Plum said. “Everyone stayed focused and that’s why the outcome was the way it was.” Highlights of the women’s match include second ranked Julia Mongin and Emily Conrad winning their singles matches 6-0, 6-0. On the men’s side, no one dropped more than four games in route to their 9-0 victory. After sweeping the
doubles matches, the ‘Cats had to feel good about their chances of taking out the Aggies on their home turf, but it was not in the cards. Because of a difference in scoring in division one tennis, three doubles victories only awarded the ‘Cats one point. In division two tennis, doubles matches and singles matches are equally weighted at a point per victory. Both Mongin and Micah Hermsdorf were able to secure singles victories, but the rest of the Wildcats came up empty against their D-1 foes and the ‘Cats suffered their first defeat in over a month. On Saturday the Lady ‘Cats got back on track against UT El Paso, taking down the D-1 Miners 6-1. The Wildcats played ex-
tremely well, and won five of their six singles matches without much resistance from UT El Paso. In addition, ACU won two of their three doubles matches, showing good teamwork and resiliency after their loss the day before. “We felt like we should have won that match, so it made us motivated to go out and have a good weekend,” Sophomore Emily Conrad said. The men’s and women’s tennis teams will be back in action Wednesday. The men take on Midwestern State and the women will play a double header against Hardin Simmons and Midwestern State University.
contact sloaN at mes10a@acu.edu
softball
Jump: ‘Cats move to fourth in conference from page 8 them the most trouble. My defense did a great job the whole game.” ACU scored single runs in the second and third innings before a two-run fifth that ultimately sealed the deal. Vaughn led off the fifth with a walk, and she later scored on a RBI single by
Megan Brigance that made it a 3-0 game. The Wildcats then caught a break when the Lady Buffs’ third baseman Renee Erwin threw a routine ground ball wide of the first base bag, allowing Brigance to scamper home from second. WT’s Kim LeComte hit a solo homerun in the sixth, but Mosley was lights out
after that, retiring the last six batters she faced to end the game. Flanary and Brignace finished the game 2-3 with two RBI’s, and Mosley’s stat line was again impressive: complete game, four hits, one run allowed and seven strikeouts. In the second game of the doubleheader, junior pitcher Caitlyn Crain fol-
lowed in Mosley’s footsteps, handling the WT offense with ease in a 4-2 win. Crain sat down 11 of the first 13 batters she faced before getting into a snag in the fifth. The Lady Buffs loaded the bases, but Crain escaped the jam by forcing a pop-up. Meghan Brown roped a double in the sixth that just missed the diving Wink-
field in centerfield that put her on second and set up a two-run homerun by Renee Erwin, making the score 3-2. ACU answered by scoring a run in the bottom of the inning, and Crain seamlessly threw a onetwo-three seventh inning to close the game out. Winkfield and Smith each had two hits in
the game. Smith hit her fourth homerun of the season in the fifth to deep centerfield. ACU will head to Lawton, Okla. for a three-game series against Cameron beginning Thursday.
contact shake at bxs09a@acu.edu
column
Kentucky overpowered teams with balance The sports apprentice
Matthew Sloan
The worst week in sports has begun. Major League training camps are winding down, but baseball is not yet under way, and March Madness is officially over. At least we all witnessed one of the best college basketball teams ever closing out their nearly perfect season by dismantling everyone in their sight on their way to Coach Calipari’s first title. Monday’s national championship game was almost a formality for
Kentucky. All they had to do was show up, and play a mediocre game, and cut down the nets in New Orleans. No disrespect to the Jayhawks, but the deck was heavily stacked against them. Coach Cal clearly had the best team in the nation. He has at least three lottery picks on his roster, six guys that will be taken in the first round, and the first two picks in in June’s draft will have played their college ball in Rupp Arena. Anthony Davis and his
uni-brow will be sending shots into the fifth row for the next fifteen years in the Association. Couple him with the unbelievable athleticism of Michael KiddGilchrist and you have a pretty good NBA team. If you send the atrocious Charlotte Bobcats to Lexington, I would be willing to bet they leave with a loss. Poor Kansas did not have a chance in this game, and it is not their fault. KU does have talent, and even depth. The problem is, they aren’t running kids through their university as a six-month pit stop before they head off to make millions at the next level. Hats off to the Jayhawks for not laying down, and fighting until the final whistle blew. But
they played the best game they could have hoped to play. But the Wildcats have too much talent, too much balance, and too much discipline. That’s where coach Calipari comes in. He has convinced six future millionaires to not hoist up shots, and focus on the team. Sure he doesn’t care about their education, but he teaches them to play good basketball. Nobody on that roster takes bad shots, and some of today’s NBA superstars could learn from their unselfishness. Of course, Kansas only lost by eight points, but they were never really close. Kentucky closed out the game with the poise of champions. Another year of college
baseball
Offense: ACU pitchers can’t take care of ‘Hounds’ from page 8 sixth to grab a 9-2 lead. Eager went 3 for 5 at bat, and scored three runs. Rodge Macy had two hits in three at bats and knocked in two runs. Brady Rodriguez and Cooper relieved starter Josh Stone and combined to throw 2.2 innings while giving up one earned run. Stone (4-2) pitched six innings and struck out seven in the win. Pitching was not on ACU’s side for the doubleheader. The Greyhounds smacked the ‘Cats around for 30 runs and 32 hits as they rallied from two big deficits. ENMU came back from a 11-2 deficit late in game one. They then overcame a 5-0 hole in the nightcap. A six-run fourth and a fourrun fifth helped ACU build its lead in the first game. However, the bullpen consisting of Michael Curtis, Rodriguez, Travis Schuetze and Cooper could not maintain the advantage. The quartet threw two innings and allowed eight runs on nine hits. In the second game, starting pitcher Austin Palmer had to exit after
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Texas A&M University Buffaloes. The series begins on Thursday at 7:05 p.m. and continues Friday and Saturday at 2:05 p.m. WTAMU is ranked No. 22 in Division II and is 9-3 clint cooper junior pitcher in the LSC. acu baseball “We’re going to have to play our best in order 2.1 innings of work be- to beat them,” Bonneau cause of a stiff back. He said. “But I’m glad it’s at gave up seven earned our park.” runs on five hits. Five of those runs occurred in the second. “Palmer had to come out early which put stress on our already shredded bullpen,” Bonneau said. The Wildcats jumped all over starting pitcher Gabriel Hemmer in the finale Sunday. Hemmer stumbled through 1.2 innings while giving up nine runs and six hits. Catcher Emmett Niland delivered the big blow in the game. With the bases loaded in the first, he doubled down the left field line which scored three runs to put ACU ahead 6-0. Aaron Lambrix (2-3) claimed the victory on the mound. He threw 6.2 innings while giving up nine earned runs. The team returns home this weekend to face the conference leading West
We need to sweep or take 3 out of 4 to have a good seed in the conference tournament.”
“They have some of the top hitters and pitchers,” Cooper said. “We need to sweep or take 3 out of 4 to have a good seed in the conference tournament. This series has big implications for the rest of the season.”
contact isaacs at jei08a@acu.edu
basketball is in the books, and America’s greatest playoff system has come to an end. But what is great about March Madness is that we always see something special. Normally we fall in love with Cinderella and go into a mini depression
when they finally go down. But this year we got to see the ultimate Goliath, and a team like that will leave lasting memories too.
contact sloan at mes10a@acu.edu
Classified RENTAL HOUSING NEAR ACU Available June 1, 2012 •649 EN 15th: 3 bedroom/1 bath, includes washer and dryer, $700 •649 EN 16th: 1 bedroom/1 bath, $400 No pets, no smoking. Deposit required
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sports
wednesday 04.04.12
standings
track and field
Jones takes fourth in Texas Relays natalie goin sports editor Senior Nick Jones took fourth place in the university-college section A discuss throw this weekend at the Texas Relays in Austin, placing Jones at the top of the Division II discuss rankings in this season’s first outdoor contest. Jones threw for 195 feet, two inches in the fourth round. He finished behind Luke Bryant of Oklahoma, (197-9) Ryan Crouser of Texas, (197-6) and Jason Morgan, an athlete from
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Jamaica representing Louisiana Tech. (197-4) Jones was third place going into the finals, after throwing 183-1, 193-2, and 191-9 in the preliminary rounds. In the finals, he threw a 195-5 and 191-2 and following with a foul. “He’s doing great right now,” head coach Roosevelt Lofton said. “He’s gotten a lot better in shot put since last year.” The senior from Amarillo also competed in the shot put, finishing in eighth place after throwing five fouls in the preliminary and final rounds. His best throw of the day was
Baseball
Team
WTAMU Kingsville “Nick has a good chance ASU He has owned the discuss outstanding throw of 60 of being the first Division ACU feet, 7.25 inches. competition for the “Nick is doing extreme- II athlete to win the out- UIW last three years, and is ly well, and I think his goal door national champion- Cameron would be to win both shot ship in discuss four years TSU expected to win again.” put and discuss in the in a row,” said Lofton. ENMU In addition to his colNCAA nationals this year,” roosevelt lofton head coach Lofton said. “It’s not go- legiate career, Jones preacu track and field ing to be easy, especially pares for a chance to softball in shot put. There are oth- compete on a higher level Team 58-8 in the third round. Ja- ers who are throwing just this summer. “He is also working to- TSU cob Thormehlen, a senior as well or even better than from Texas won the event him. But he has owned the wards making the olym- ASU discuss competition for pic trial in discuss. He is TWU with a 64-1 throw. After the season-open- the last three years, and is doing really well and is ACU very focused.” ing Bobbly Lane Invita- expected to win again” WTAMU Jones now claims four tional at the University UIW of Texas at Arlington last NCAA Division II champiMSU weekend, Jones holds the onship titles: three in discontact goin at Cameron top Division II spot in the cuss, and a shot put title nsg10b@acu.edu TAMU-K shot put as well, with an from the 2012 indoor meet. ENMU
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baseball
Team splits with ENMU edward isaacs sports editor The Wildcats could not improve their Lone Star Conference record against last place Eastern New Mexico University this past weekend – the ‘Cats split a fourgame series with ENMU at Greyhound Field. Behind a solid performance by freshman Tyler Eager, ACU won the opening game 11-8. In a doubleheader on Saturday, the team was swept 13-12 and 17-9. The Wildcats salvaged a split on Sunday with a 13-9 victory. Head coach Britt Bonneau said the team struggled in the series. “We had a tough series,” he said. “We started to hit the ball really well though. Some guys on the team came out of their slumps.” “We had plenty of opportunities to get three wins but we didn’t,” Bonneau said. “The playing surface wasn’t great which might have cost us some runs,” said starting pitcher Clint Cooper. The team is now 18-15 overall and 6-6 in the LSC, while the Greyhounds are 11-18 and 2-10. The ‘Cats were out-hit 17-13 in the first game, but clutch pitching with runners on base kept Eastern New Mexico from pushing across more runs. ENMU left 11 runners on base in the game including two in the fifth and the bases loaded in both the sixth and seventh innings. Four ACU pitchers combined to strikeout 12 Greyhounds and walk only one batter. The Wildcats had a 3-0 lead through three innings mandy lambright CHIEF Photographer before scoring four runs Freshman first baseman Tyler Eager catches a pickoff attempt from the pitcher against Kingsville at Crutcher in the fifth and two in the Scott Field. Eager has the third highest batting average on the team (.341). He has scored 39 runs, recorded see offense page 7 20 RBI and 45 hits, and is 6 for 7 in stolen base attempts.
Div.
Ovrl.
9-3 8-4 7-5 6-6 6-6 5-7 5-7 2-10
22-8 19-7 23-9 18-15 11-12 16-17 12-14 11-18
Div. Ovrl. 13-2 12-3 11-3 9-5 7-8 7-8 5-10 5-10 4-11 1-14
28-10 29-7 29-9 23-9 23-14 20-14 15-20 14-22 15-20 7-28
briefings Senior Levance Williams and Junior Amanda Ouedraogo both performed well in the second day of the Texas Relays. Williams won the universitycollege men’s section B long jump. Ouedraogo placed fifth in the women’s universitycollege triple jump. Sophomore pitcher Peyton Mosley was named the Lone Star Conference’s Pitcher of the Week on Tuesday for the second time this season. Mosley went 2-0 against West Texas last weekend allowing one run on seven hits. Amanda Ouedraogo and senior Nick Jones were announced as the Lone Star Conference’s Field Athletes of the Week on Thursday. They each recorded a NCAA Championship automatic qualifing mark at the Bobby Lane Invitational.
Player Profile After a successful junior year, Nick Jones is still putting his mark on the track and field program. Jones (a four-time NCAA Division II Champion) is currently ranked as the top shot put and discus thrower in all of DII. He placed fourth in the Texas Relays on Saturday with a discus throw of 195 feet, 2 inches. Jones is from Amarillo.
softball
Mosley, ‘Cats sweep No. 19 Buffs Bryson shake sports reporter
matt sewell staff Photographer
Senior infielder Megan Brigance rounds second base versus Texas Women’s University.
Abilene Christian sophomore pitcher Peyton Mosley completed a dominating weekend against No. 19 West Texas A&M Lady Buffs as she blanked WT 2-0 Saturday afternoon to complete ACU’s three-game sweep in Lone Star Conference play. The win improved the Wildcats’ record to (23-9, 9-5) and dropped West Texas A&M’s to (23-14, 7-8). The Wildcats produced the only run they would need Saturday in the bottom of the sixth inning off textbook offensive progression from the ACU lineup. Junior outfielder Keanna Winkfield led off the inning with a double to left-centerfield, and then was moved to third base thanks to a sacrifice bunt by sophomore outfielder Madison Buckley. Winkfield then scored to break
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I definitely think it was my screw ball that gave them the most trouble.” peyton mosley sophomore pitcher acu softball
the score when sophomore Sara Vaughn hit a double into left field, making the score 1-0. “We played really sound softball this weekend against a very good team,” head coach Bobby Reeves said. “We were clicking on all cylinders. There are three forms of the game: offense, defense and pitching. In order to win, you’ve got to have two of the three going. We were lucky enough to have all three going this weekend.” Mosley breezed through the ever-dangerous West Texas A&M lineup unscathed, throwing a complete-game, threehitter. She also had seven strikeouts in the outing
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Softball plays a threegame series against LSC foe Cameron in Lawton, and improved her record Okla. beginning to (9-5). Thursday at 2 p.m. “Peyton’s not going to overpower anybody,” Reeves said. “But she keeps hitters off balance as well as any softball pitcher I’ve seen. When her changeup is working and she’s hitting her spots, she is tough to beat.” In the bottom of the sixth, sophomore Lyndi Smith added an insurance run with an RBI single. In game one of the doubleheader Friday, Mosley again cooled off the Lady Buffs’ bats, surrendering only four hits en route to a 6-1 victory. West Texas A&M entered the series with a combined .321 batting average and 239 runs scored, but once again, Mosley tamed their lineup. “I was able to keep them off balance with my change up, but I definitely think it was my screw ball that gave see jump page 7
The baseball team will face LSC opponent West Texas at Crutcher Scott Field beginning on Thursday. The four game series starts at 7:05 p.m. Golf will travel to The Golf Club of Dallas for the Dallas Baptist Golf Classic on Monday and Tuesday. Men’s tennis stays in Abilene Wednesday to play Midwestern State. The matches begin at 5 p.m. Women’s tennis plays Hardin-Simmons and Midwestern State at the Eager Tennis Pavilion on Wednesday starting at 12 p.m.