Optimist
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Record Celebration, page 5
Friday, April 15, 2011
Vol. 99, No. 50
1 section, 8 pages
Friday Faceoff
LOCAL
Tea Party prepares annual rally Jeff Craig
Managing Editor
Local Tea Party advocates will gather in Downtown Abilene on Friday for the third-annual Taylor County Tea Party Rally. The event begins at 4 p.m. with booths set up in the lobby of the Windsor Hotel. The presenters will begin speaking at 5:30 p.m. Taylor County Tea Party co-founder Pat Hippely said she is expecting a big crowd for the rally. “Last year, the crowd estimates were around 500 people, but it was raining and cold,” Hippely said. “The first year, the estimates were around 1,000. We’ve been getting the word out, so I am anticipating a good crowd.” Hippely also is running for mayor of Abilene. She said the rally would convey a message in support of smaller government, starting small in cities like Abilene. “Our group wants less government and less taxes,” Hippely said. “Many tea parties and grass roots groups are finding out representatives even in the city are doing the same thing they are doing in Washington. They are implementing mandates that circumvent our constitution.” Hippely said Friday’s rally should garner particular interest among college students, since they are the future of America, she
photo illustration by JOZIE SANDS // Online Editor
Two of the four candidates for Students’ Association vice president, Julianne Hart, junior political science major from Austin, and Rebecca Dial, junior political science and history major from Lexington, S.C., will face each other in a runoff on Friday.
Vice president candidates enter runoff, Henley named Treasurer
S
Linda Bailey, Editor in Chief
tudents are not yet done voting for their new Students’ Association vice president. No vice-presidential candidate received 50 percent of the vote, so frontrunners Rebecca Dial and Julianne Hart will undergo a runoff election on Friday. Voting will take place in the McGlothlin Campus Center from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Other elections reached resolution Thursday. Connor Best will serve as SA president, and Carson Henley will serve as SA treasurer.
Both Dial, junior political science and history major from Lexington, S.C., and Hart, junior political science major from Austin, said they asked to have run off elections pushed to next week. “I think that’s not enough time to inform students and get everyone aware of the situation,” Dial said. “Plus, a lot of people are leaving tomorrow, and that hinders students from voting and being aware of what’s happening.” However, SA Vice President Jared Elk, senior political science major from Savoy,
quick facts Nearly 500 students voted in the 2011 Students’ Association election this year. President • Connor Best, 437 votes Vice President • Rebecca Dial, 148 votes • Julianne Hart, 139 votes • Katherine Handy, 115 votes • Natalie Fleet, 79 votes Treasurer • Carson Henley, 312 votes • Heath Bracken, 136 votes
see SA page 4
see TEA page 4
LOCAL
SOCIAL CLUBS
Ambler anticipates Blue Taco Clubs to offer spring rushes Marissa Ferguson Staff Reporter
Blue Taco, a restaurant known for its quirky taco and burrito combinations, will open a new location on Ambler Avenue. The grand opening is set for July 1. This second site will replace Java City, located next to Hardin Simmons University, which owns the establishment. Manager and Executive Chef Nathaniel Erwim said the push to add an additional location in the area attempts to reach out to the customers on the north side of the city. “A lot of our customers come from that side of town, so it’s a little more
convenient for them,” Erwim said. “Also, we can reach the hospital.” With plans for the new restaurant underway, Java City has moved into its new location in HSU’s Moody Center. Although the university owns the property, the restaurant will have no ties to the school, Erwim said. However, it still will offer student and military promotions, as does the Buffalo Gap location. Additionally, customers can earn free coupons and merchandise by text messaging ‘Blue Taco’ to 39649. For its grand opening, the Ambler location will unveil a breakfast menu, a new move for the chain.
news Recent cuts to the state education budget has some graduating education majors concerned. page 3
MEAGAN HERNANDEZ // Staff Photographer
Workers prepare burritos at Blue Taco’s south-side location. With the expanded menu and different location, Erwim said he expects business to be “insane.” “I hope that we’re busy from the minute we open the doors until we close,”
he said. “And it’s a good location, so I see business continuing pretty well.” Blue Taco fan Parker Gordon, freshman piano see TACOS page 4
website
inside arts As part of National Record Store Day, The Record Guys will offer live music and discounted records on Saturday. page 5
and transfers wanting to get a head start on this fall’s Page 2 Editor pledging process. “Students can find out if Students interested in pledging a social club this fall this is something they want will have the opportunity to to do,” Jackson said. “By preview each club as spring the first fall rush, there’s more seriousness. Spring rushing begins April 18. Students can meet and rushes are very relaxed mingle with ACU’s vari- and let students check out ous social clubs at an all- the clubs and see if they’re club rush from 5-6:30 p.m. interested or not.” All-club rush attendees in the campus mall area. Each club then will host will be able to visit various two rushes of its own, one tables representing each per week, from April 19-29. social club and meet club Mark Jackson, associate members. Information on director of student organi- eligibility and registering zations, said spring rush- for the fall pledge process ing is especially great for see CLUBS page 4 new students, freshmen
Christina Burch
weather photo gallery During the last Students’ Association Congressional meeting, Congress voted to restructure congress and show support of policy to bring back chalk advertisements.
Abilene Christian University
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Campus Friday, April 15, 2011
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calendar & events Friday
11 a.m. Praise Day in Moody Coliseum
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Sunday
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3 p.m. Pioneer Baptist Church Easter Pageant at the Abilene Civic Center. Free tickets available at the Pioneer Baptist Church main office.
11 a.m. Chapel in Moody Coliseum
Monday
11 a.m. Holy Week Chapel in Moody Coliseum
5 p.m. Softball vs. Texas A&M University-Kingsville
9 a.m.-3 p.m. Celebration of Service
5 p.m. Exercise Event at the intramural fields
10 a.m. Phi Alpha Theta Regional Meeting for History Honors
5 p.m. All-club rush in the campus mall area
1 p.m. Baseball at West Texas A&M University
7 p.m. Softball vs. St. Edward’s University
1 p.m. Softball vs. Texas A&M University-Kingsville
8 p.m. Percussion Ensemble Concert in Cullen Auditorium
6 p.m. Baseball at West Texas A&M University 7 p.m. Softball vs. Texas A&M University-Kingsville 7:30 p.m. The Pirates of Penzance in Fulks Theatre
5 p.m. Softball vs. St. Edward’s University
7:30 p.m. The Pirates of Penzance in Fulks Theatre
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volunteer opportunities Madison Middle School is looking for male volunteers to participate in a weekly “Boys2Men” lunchtime program for eighth grade boys. Speakers will address different aspects of growing up. Contact Jeff Womack at 692-5661 or jeffrey.womack@abileneisd.org.
International Rescue Committee Students can work with refugees who moved to the United States, teaching English, helping with homework and mentoring. Volunteer times are flexible. Call Daina Juryka-Owen at 675-5643 ext. 16 to make an appointment. For more information on the International Rescue Committee, visit www.theirc.org.
Abilene Youth Sports Authority needs volunteers April 16-17 for a basketball tournament they will conduct at Abilene High School and Cooper High School. Students can help sell tickets and assist from the concession stand 8 a.m.- 9 p.m. Contact Katie Miller at 692-2972 or email khowerton@abileneysa.org.
Mesa Springs Healthcare Center needs volunteers 8 a.m.-5 p.m. any day of the week to help with fun activities for the residents, including playing instruments, calling bingo and sitting and talking. All help is appreciated. Contact Laura Reynolds at 692-8080 or lgreynolds@ sears-methodist.com.
Betty Hardwick Center Volunteers are needed in several departments at the Betty Hardwick Center, specializing in mental health. Students can help mentally and physically challenged people play games, run track and go bowling. Students can volunteer from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. on Monday-Friday. Contact Angel Seca at 690-5235 for more information.
Police Log Edited for space
Sunday, April 10 Wednesday, April 6 7:30 a.m. Aramark food 12:40 p.m. An ACU fleet services reported that truck assigned to the a golf cart was stolen Physical Resources defrom the Aramark load- partment was stolen from ing dock. ACU police the ACU Physical Relocated the missing cart sources complex on Amat A.B. Barret Hall and bler Avenue and driven through two fences. The returned it to Aramark. 10:18 p.m. ACU police vehicle was recovered by assisted Abilene Po- ACU A log of thetheACU Police De- police officers on East Overland Trail. lice Department with a partment’s daily activities will one-vehicle accident at be printed on this page of Report all suspicious acthe 500 block E.N. Police the Optimist. Theof first 10th Street. The vehicle tivity to the ACU Police Log will appear Friday. was driven off the street Department at 674-2305. in front of the Sherrod Apartments. MetroCare transported the driver to Hendrick Medical Center. Saturday, April 9 2:55 a.m. ACU police officers assisted the Abilene Police Department in deploying stop sticks on Highway 351 to stop a vehicle fleeing from Shackleford County.
Weekly Stats April 5-12
8 p.m. ACU Opera The Consul in Cullen Auditorium
Just People, Inc. needs volunteers from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. for the Abilene Kite Festival on April 16 at Red Bud Park. Volunteers can help facilitate safety measures and assist festival participants. For more information, contact Justina Thompson at 6722118 or email jthompson@ justpeopleinc.org.
ACU Police Tip of the Week Avoid being the victim of financial crimes and keep a list of all debit/credit cards for quick and easy cancellations if your wallet or purse is stolen.
Dyess Youth Center needs help with a Ping Pong Exhibition from 4-6 p.m. every Friday. Volunteers will preside over tournaments and help with an exhibition for the students. Transportation will not be provided, and volunteers cannot have any sexual assault charges or charges pending. For more information, contact Sheri Frisby at 696-4797, or email sheri. frisby@dyess.af.mil.
Ben Richey Boys Ranch is seeking volunteers for its upcoming Annual Clay Shoot on April 30. Volunteers will be pullers at stations, help with registration or coordinate raffle ticket sales. Training will be given for both shifts at 8:30 a.m.12:00 p.m. or 11:30 a.m.5:00 p.m. Free T-shirts and dinner are included for volunteers. Contact Patty Dunn at 665-4058 for more information.
GED Tutoring Just People, Inc. needs volunteers to tutor adult GED students. Volunteer times are flexible. Contact Justina or Alana at 672-2118 for more information, or email jthompson@ justpeopleinc.org.
The Salvation Army Volunteers are needed at the 1726 Butternut St. Salvation Army to sort and price items and help with kitchen or yard work. Volunteers are welcome any time Monday-Saturday. Contact J.D. Alonzo at 677-1408, or visit www.satruck. com for more information on the program.
Aimee’s Art Studio is seeking volunteers from 9-10 a.m. or 1:30-2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, to assist with homeschool fine arts classes. No formal art skills or training is required. The studio is a five-minute walk from ACU’s campus. For more information, contact Aimee Williams at 672-9633. National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature Students can assist with art activities, sell books and welcome visitors from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. or 1-3 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday. For more information, contact Debby Lillick at 673-4586, or visit www. nccil.org.
Meals on Wheels Volunteers are needed to deliver meals to seniors and adults with disabilities. Routes are available 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Monday-Friday. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, with a valid driver’s license, auto insurance and a desire to serve. Training is provided. Students may be exempted from one Chapel per week if delivery time conf licts with Chapel. Contact Samantha Barker at 672-5050 or sbarker@ mealsonwheelsplus.com.
3 Accident 6 Administrative Activity 1 Assault 5 Assist 2 Attempt to locate 1 Barricades 1 Bicycle/ skateboard call 15 Building lock/ unlock 1 Burglary (residence) 18 Check building 1 Citation issuance 1 Criminal mischief
1 2 1 1 2 4 1 1 1 7 7 1
Direct traffic Escort Fire Foot patrol Found property Investigation follow up Lost property Medical emergency Monitor traffic Motorist assist: jumpstart Other Motorist assist: other
14 Motorist assist: unlock 2 Noise violation 13 Parking violation 4 Patrol vehicle: maintenance 7 Patrol vehicle: refuel 1 Report writing 1 Stolen vehicle 5 Suspicious activity 3 Theft 10 Traffic stop 1 Training 1 Welfare check
Chapel Checkup 59 14
Credited Chapels to date
Credited Chapels remaining
announcements Equine-Assisted Learning Workshop The University Counseling Center is conducting a workshop on dating and marriage Friday from 2-4 p.m. Current students who are either engaged or in a serious relationship are invited to partake in ground activities with horses and learn about the roles, struggles and personalities of intimate relationships. To reserve a spot, contact Steve Eller at steve.eller@acu.edu. Study Abroad Fall 2011 Spaces still are available in the Oxford and Montevideo Study Abroad Programs for Fall 2011. Students can enroll in CORE 120 and CORE 220 in Oxford, and $1,000 scholarships are available for the Montevideo Study Abroad Program. For more information, visit the Study Abroad Office in Room 124 of the Hardin Administration Building. Team Tatum Walk/Run for a Wish The ACU StudentAthlete Advisory Committee is raising funds to help fulfill the wish of Tatum Kate Flaming, a local girl who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 2009. Students can help support Flaming by participating in the Team Tatum Walk/Run for a Wish 5K on May 7. Pre-registration is $15 and walk-up registration costs $20. To learn more about Flaming’s story, visit www.caringbridge.org/ visit/tatumkate.
Online Summer Courses Registration for online summer courses now is open. Students can choose from 15 courses, and each course is three weeks long. For more information, visit www.acu. edu/summeronline. Grief Group The University Counseling Center is sponsoring a grief group on Thursdays in April. Each session is from 6:30-8 p.m. in the Hunter Welcome Center conference room. Contact steve.eller@acu. edu for more information. Relay 4 Life The Freshman Action Council is selling Relay For Life shirts in the Campus Center. Shirts cost $10 and are available in four colors: pink in support of breast cancer, blue for prostate cancer, gold for childhood cancer and purple for general awareness. All-school Chapel The Chapel Office encourages students to participate in “Bring Your Professor to Chapel Day” and invite their professors to Chapel as a part of the campus-wide effort to attend Chapel every Monday. Upward Bound Summer Advisers Students interested in helping disadvantaged high school students can apply now to become an Upward Bound summer adviser from May 29-July 8. Advisers will receive free room and board plus $925. For more information, call 674-2529 or 674-2713.
CAMPUS NEWS
April 15, 2011
Page 3
STUDENTS
Shaky job market concerns education students Matthew Woodrow Opinion Page editor
The recession and budget cuts affecting the country and state now are being felt within the College of Education and Human Services. Angela Stornello, senior education major from Arlington, said she worries about job availability. “It’s scary. I’m about to graduate, and their aren’t any jobs,” Stornello said. “I went to an ACU job fair specifically for education majors, and it was disheartening. They were saying they’d love to hire us, but they couldn’t.” Despite a challenging economic situation, Dr. Dana Kennamer Hood, chair of Department of Curriculum and Instruction and professor of curriculum and instruction, maintains a bright outlook for graduates and said her department prepares students to find jobs.
“Employers know we prepare excellent teachers, but students have to now be more active in their job search, especially in education,” Hood said. “The job market is not what you would call an open one, so we are being much more intentional and preparing our students for job interviews and having them become ESL-certified to make them more attractive candidates.” Hood compared the economy to a wave that will pass eventually and said more spots would become available. “I know of lots of teachers just in Abilene who have 25 years or more already,” Hood said. “In the next three to five years, we’ll see lots of those teachers retiring and opening up jobs for graduates.” Teachers from around the Abilene Independent School District are confident of a turnaround in prospects as well.
“The teachers I work with, as a student teacher, say it will probably bounce back in two years,” Stornello said. “Once officials see what is going on, they’ll realize their mistake and fix what they are doing now.” Will Foster, junior education major from Mesquite said he worries he might not be able to get a job later. “I’ve heard of a lot of first year teachers being laid off right now, and I’m thinking, ‘what’s the point of spending all this money and getting a degree if I’m not going to be able to get hired after graduation?’” Foster said. “The cuts are hurting a lot of people right now. I’m glad I have a couple of years left in school, because I’m hoping they’ll fix all their problems by the time I graduate.” But as intimidating as fluctuating job security might seem for current graduates, both Hood and Stornello said
Let’s Go Fly a Kite
DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer
Madalyn Baker, senior education major from Dumas, presents her senior showcase to faculty and peers in the Department of Education. they also are concerned about how cuts to education will affect American children. “There is no way our government can cut funding and continue talks about excellence for our children,” Hood said. “Something will have to change, and they will have to address this.”
CHAPEL
Chapel prepares Holy Week Matthew Woodrow Opinion Page Editor
In a series entitled “Holy Week,” Chapel will be taking lessons from the Gospel of John, picking up last semester’s theme. The Chapels leading up to the Easter break will lead up to focusing on the crucifixion of Jesus. Mark Lewis, assistant dean for Spiritual Life and Chapel programs, said he thinks this series will help the students focus on the gift that Jesus’ sacrifice was. “Remembering the death burial and resurrection of Jesus is core to our practice as a Christian community,” Lewis said. “We hope to encourage the ACU community to draw nearer to the Lord and celebrate all he has done for his children.”
Dr. Jack Reese will be leading Wednesday’s Chapel in a Taize-style of worship. This alternative style of worship seeks to clear the mind and focus it on God through prayer, repeated scripture and silent meditation. Jack Reese hopes that Wednesday’s Chapel will reflect the time Jesus spent in the Garden of Gethsemane. Last year, the Chapel team hosted “Holy Week” for the first time. It decided to conduct the series again this year, following the positive feedback received for the week of contemplation. Lewis said he hopes this year’s Holy Week will be not only successful but inspirational as well. “I want this to be a time for us to be renewed and recommissioned through the ‘Good News’ of Jesus’ resurrection,” Lewis said.
Following Easter weekend, Monday’s Chapel will be a Resurrection Celebration to commemorate Jesus’ victory over death and the emancipation of his followers’ sins. Graduate worship intern Luke Baty will be leading the celebration in a Chapel similar to Friday’s Praise Day. “We all have our own separate churches we go to, but the resurrection still holds power and meaning for all of us, and I believe it’s important to celebrate it together, Baty said. “I like to think of it like Christmas. Many of us celebrate Christmas with lots of different families during the holidays, and this is ACU family celebrating not his birth, but resurrection the Monday after.” contact Woodrow at
mrw08a@acu.edu
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contact Woodrow at
mrw08a@acu.edu
History students to present research at regional event Staff Reporter
DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer
children won’t get the attention they need. How are we supposed to prepare them for the future if we don’t have the resources to provide them with what they need now?”
STUDENTS
Laura Gasvoda
Dr. Stephen Moore, assistant professor of English, attempts to fly a kite with his class on Wednesday as part of a class activity after reading The Kite Runner.
Many of the cuts eliminate more case-tailored programs under the assumption that all children can succeed with uniform care. “It’s not fair to the kids,” Stornello said. “They are cutting extra programs like special-Ed and the gifted and talented programs, so many
Ten ACU undergraduate students will present original research Saturday at the Phi Alpha Theta Regional Conference, an honors history conference sponsored by the ACU Department of History. The conference will include 22 sessions with more than 50 presentations by undergraduate and graduate students from universities across the region. According to Dr. Tracy Shilcutt, associate professor of history, ACU students have worked with various professors on research topics ranging from biographical sketches of Gilded Age politicians to museum collections management strategies. ACU students will present alongside students from Angelo State University, Dallas Baptist University, Hardin-Simmons University, Midwestern State University, Texas Wesleyan University, Texas Woman’s University, the University of Texas at Dallas and the University of North Texas. The 22 sessions are scheduled throughout the day Saturday and include a variety of topics. In each session, at least two student panelists will present papers related to
a given topic to a session chair and audience. Sessions include but are not limited to: Military History, Women’s History, British India, Slavery and Human Sacrifice in the Ancient World, Early Nineteenth Century Texas and Ancient and Roman Biographies. Amanda Arzigian, junior history major from Edgewood, N.M., will be presenting a paper titled “Rocks, Papers, and Sometimes Scissors: The Challenges of Collections Management.” The paper discusses and compares challenges Arzigian noted firsthand during internships with Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument, a National Park Service museum located in New Mexico, and ACU Special Collections. “I am looking forward to hearing others present and getting feedback on my research,” Arzigian said. “It is interesting to use a paper to synthesize research and process what I have done, putting it in a larger historical context.” Trent Dietz, senior history major from Longmont, Colo., will present a paper based on his internship with the 306th Bomb Group Association, a group that preserves the history of the 306th during World War II. “I was able to use the
306th BGA’s historical collection, currently housed at ACU,” Dietz said. “I think that this event will help me step out of the classroom and into a more professional realm. This event isn’t about graded assignments, but about becoming a better historian.” The university has been encouraging undergraduate and graduate research among students and faculty alike as part of the Quality Enhancement Plan. Dr. Phyllis Bolin, chair of the QEP Development Team, commended the Department of History for furthering the goals of the university. “ACU’s Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) of Pursuit is working to expand opportunities for faculty-mentored research with students,” said Bolin, “The Department of History has a long history of faculty/ student collaboration on research and scholarly projects and is to be commended and encouraged as they fulfill goals of the QEP.” For more information about the event, visit their http://www.acu.edu/ academics/cas/history/ pat/index.html.
contact Gasvoda at
lag08a@acu.edu
FROM THE FRONT
Page 4
April 15, 2011
STUDENTS
Honors students present work at conference Christianna Lewis Senior Reporter
Five ACU honors students presented their research at the Great Plains Honors Council’s annual conference April 1-2 in Arlington. Honors students from more than twenty institutions in five states shared their work in fields ranging from biology to English. Meghan Clark, senio rpolitical science major from Olney, said the opportunity to hear the perspectives of students from John Brown University and junior colleges across the state broadened her own perspective on research and scholarship. It also allowed her to examine her research on the roles of Turkish women in politics and society in the light of different worldviews.
“Presenting the paper challenged me to make sure that I could clearly explain my research to people who weren’t familiar with my topic,” said Clark. “It also gave me a chance to get feedback from people who don’t know me and can, therefore, be completely objective when evaluating my research.” The conference’s broad spectrum of research fields offered a fitting setting for Amanda Arzigian, junior history major from Edgewood, N.M., to share her research, she said. In her paper, titled “Rocks, Papers, and Sometimes Scissors: The Challenges of Collections Management,” Arzigian compared her challenges and priorities while working at ACU’s paper archives to interning under cultural resources at the
Salinas Pueblo Missions in New Mexico. “I didn’t do scientific research, but I used my experiences to talk about my topic,” Arzigian said. “They shed light on museum methodology.” Though the conference welcomed non-scientific research, it also accepted Amber Deschamps’ presentation on genetic diversity among populations of a species of shrimp that lives along the Texas coast. Deschamps, senior biology major from Liberty Hill, asserted in her presentation that the fishing industry would be hurt if the ghost shrimp, used as fish bate, formed two segregated genetic pools. Dr. Joe Stephenson, interim dean of the Honors College, and Dr. Chris Willerton, professor of English
LOCAL
and honors studies, accompanied the students to Arlington, Deschamps said. Each of the professors presided at over a paper presentation session. The conference participants heard Dr. Mary Vacarro, professor of art history at the University of Texas at Arlington, speak about a painting recently determined to be the earliest surviving work of Michelangelo, Arzigian said. Attendees then viewed painting at the Fort Worth museum district. Exploring the Kimbell Art Museum, the Modern Art Museum of Forth Worth, and the Amon Carter Museum of American Art served as the highlights of the trip for Arzigian. For Clark, the conference was an extension of her journey as an ACU honors student.
quick facts Five students gave their presentations at the Great Plains Honors Council’s conference in Arlington. • Amanda Arzigian, junior history major from Edgewood, N.M.: “Rocks, Papers, and Sometimes Scissors: The Challenges of Collections Management” • Meghan Clark, senior political science major from Olney: “The Role of Women in Turkish Politics and Development” • Amber Deschamps, senior biology major from Liberty Hill: “Population Genetic Study of the Ghost Shrimp Callichirus islagrande” • Amanda Goodall, junior communications major from North Richland Hills: “For the Love of Love: A Rhetorical Analysis of The Bachelor” • Greg Jeffers junior English major from Sugarland: “Oppression and Rebellion in American Novels: A Political/Philosophical Reading” Clark said she took the “The honors experience, as a whole, has been im- conference as an opportuportant in my decisions as nity to show that ACU stua students and a scholar,” dents can do good work. Clark said. “As an honors student, you tend to look at how you can best do somecontact Lewis at thing the easiest way out.” cll09a@acu.edu
LOCAL
Tacos: Restaurant hopes Tea: Party plans local rally to draw college students Continued from page 1
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performance major from Stephenville, said he will appreciate the shorter drive, especially considering rising gas prices. “I like Blue Taco because it offers good Mexican food at a good price. There is a lot of variety you can choose from, and it all goes into one taco shell,” Gordon said. “Right now, the closest place we can go for a burrito is Sharky’s, but sometimes we want something
There is a lot of variety you can choose from.
PARKER GORDON // freshman piano performance major from Stephenville
different. You couldn’t ask for a better location.” Unlike Sharky’s and Chipotle burrito-based restaurant chains, Blue Taco offers authentic bluecolored tacos. And Erwin said he hopes the new location will encourage patrons to try new flavors. He suggests the shredded beef or shredded chicken.
“I try to get people to think a little bit outside of their normal flour tortilla. For example to get pineapple on it, perhaps,” he said. “I want to get them away from their normal everyday going to the store to find a flour tortilla.” contact Ferguson at
mlf10a@acu.edu
Continued from page 1
said, and America’s college students would be among those forced to suffer consequences for the decisions made today. “We’re not doing this for us. We are doing this for my children, grandchildren and college students,” Hippely said. “We want them to have the same great nation we had that was built of Judeo-Christian and individual rights, not social justice issues.” Nine individuals will speak at the rally, including Hippely and Glenn Addison, an ACU alumnus running for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated
by Kay Bailey Hutchison in 2012. Addison graduated from ACU in 1983 with degrees in business and political science. Addison said his speech on Friday would focus on America’s need for a wake-up call from the way politics currently works. “I’m just fed up with politics as usual in this country, from both parties. I’m fed up with career folks promoting their own career,” Addison said. “I do not see politicians standing up with courage. I do not see them saying what we need to hear, which is that there are no easy solutions to our problems,
and we must take some bitter medicine.” Addison said he hoped to see many college students at the rally because modern issues should matter to college students. ACU students, especially, he said, might be intrigued by the rally’s message, as attendees of a historically conservative university. Addison said he is running his campaign on a platform of term limits and smaller government. He hopes to reach voters next year with his commonman approach to politics.
contact Craig at
jrc07d@acu.edu
STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION
SA: Best wins presidency Continued from page 1
said voters only would benefit from a delayed runoff if SA had planned another big event prior to casting votes, at which candidates could share their platforms. Because campaign events already have finished, Elk said the lapse in time would only diminish voter turnout. “We want to capitalize on the momentum we currently have from the elections,” Elk said. Hart, however agreed with Dial, saying conducting the election the next day could hurt voter turnout. “I’m a little worried with the quick turnaround that people won’t know what’s going on and vote a second time,” Hart said. Both Dial and Hart said they plan to visit dorms
and other large student gathering places to let students know what’s going on and encourage them to vote Friday. Both also said they would still be involved in SA Congress if they don’t win And Best said he was excited about the prospect of working with either vicepresidential candidate. “I think no matter who wins vice president race, we are going to have three very hard workers,” Best said. “The work ethic of the two vice-presidential candidates is very high. We all want to see SA accomplish its full potential and get back to what it can do.” He also said Henley’s commitment to SA would make the new treasurer an excellent leader. Henley said he was ready
for next year’s cabinet to begin collaborating. “Knowing the issues that SA has had the previous two years, that has taught us that we need to make SA work a lot better,” Henley said. “Connor and I are best friends on this campus, and whoever the VP is will fit into the puzzle.” Best said he’s been thinking about the presidency all week, but now that he is officially elected, he can develop plans for next year. “I’ve taken this week to think about and pursue visions for ACU,” Best said, “and now, knowing it’s official, I’m going to start talking to other officers and figure out a vision we can have for next year.” contact Bailey at
ljb07a@acu.edu
SOCIAL CLUBS
Clubs: Rushes start Monday Continued from page 1
also will be available. “You may have great understanding of each club and think you know which direction you’re going,” Jackson said. “But then you start to meet people and maybe start to rethink that.” Tom Craig, director of student productions, said he believes spring rushing is the perfect opportunity for students to get to know the personality of each club. “For students who want the complete ACU experi-
ence, they should pledge a social club,” Craig said. “When a student joins a club at ACU, they get to know people on a deeper level and have a greater variety of experiences than they would any other way on campus.” Craig said he encourages students to consider pledging, so they can form these special relationships found in clubs. “Those experiences and relationships will literally last a lifetime as they come back for club events as alumni at Homecoming, Sing Song and other ACU func-
tions,” Craig said. In order to pledge in the fall, students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher and must not be on academic probation. They must have completed high school in 2010 or earlier and completed two full semesters of college (at least 24 hours). Students also must be enrolled full time in classes. Students can view the rushing calendar and register for fall pledging at www.acu.edu/socialclubs. contact Burch at
clb10b@acu.edu
Arts
April 15, 2011
Page 5
OPERA & ARTWORK
‘The Consul’ uses professor’s designs Sandra Amstutz Arts Editor
W
hen Rick P i e r sall, assistant professor of music and opera conductor, decided that the music department would be performing Gian Carlo Menotti’s The Consul as its spring opera, he knew he wanted to put a special spin on it. Accompanying the opera will be artwork created by Dan McGregor, associate professor of art and design. “I’ve done this show twice professionally, and I always thought it would look great as a graphic novel,” Piersall said. “I talked to Dan, and he thought it was a great idea.” McGregor said he was excited about working on a project so new and different to him. “My job was to create images that would project behind the actors,” McGregor said. “I didn’t want to create anything that was literally happening on the stage, so I worked on making art that’s supplemental to the story.” This process included digitally drawing intriguing posters for advertising and more subtle background images to use during the show. Each drawing took hours to create, and McGregor drew approximately 20. “I took photographs of the cast members, posed them in dramatic lighting and then used them as reference materials to do my drawings,” McGregor said. “I’ve been working on them pretty nonstop for a month. McGregor explained that he was able to create these pieces because he resonated with the themes of oppression in the show.
“I just read a book about the history of Poland. I feel very emotional about the Polish people and their story,” McGregor said. “This opera doesn’t specifically identify itself with any country or year, but I continually kept the Polish people in mind as I was drawing.” Piersall said the message of the opera is one of the main reasons he selected it for this semester. “It’s a very powerful show,” Piersall said. “It’s very politically relevant, as so many countries are fighting for freedom right now.” Julie Dieltz, senior vocal performance major from Sioux Falls, S.D., portrays Magda Sorel, the protagonist of the opera. She agrees that the artwork enhances the message of the show. “Something that is big in opera is verisma, which is telling the truth with the opera. This show really tells the truth,” Dieltz said. “By having the pictures, it allows the audience to have multiple images in their mind and create their own images. It shows what really can happen and what really does happen.” Both McGregor and Piersall said that not only is this opera relevant, but because it is in English, it should be accessible to ACU students. “I hope that a lot of people come see it,” McGregor said. “If you haven’t seen an opera before, this is a good one to cut your teeth on.” The Consul opened on Tuesday and will perform its second and final show Saturday night in Cullen Auditorium at 8:00 p.m. Tickets will be sold at the door and cost $5 for students and $10 for adults. contact Amstutz at
sla07a@acu.edu
ACU Events FRIDAY & SATURDAY The Pirates of Penzance 7:30 p.m. Williams Performing Arts Center
FRIDAY A Fashion Show! 5:30 p.m. The ACU Campus Store
MONDAY Percussion Ensemble Concert 8 p.m. Cullen Auditorium
WEDNESDAY Jazz Ensemble Concert 8 p.m. Cullen Auditorium
WEDNESDAY Bag It: Movie screening and discussion 4 p.m. Bible room 129
App of the Week Postagram Photography
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New Releases IN THEATERS Scre4m Apr. 15
(Dimension Films)
Rio
Apr. 15
(Fox)
The Conspirator Footprints Apr. 15
(Paladin)
Atlas Shrugged Apr. 15
(Lionsgate)
The Double Hour
Apr. 15
(Samuel Goldwyn Films)
DVD Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I Apr. 15
(Warner Bros.)
Ip Man 2: Legend Of The Grandmaster Apr. 19
(Variance Films)
Rabbit Hole Apr. 19
(Lionsgate) Photos Courtesy of DAN MCGREGOR
Dan McGregor, associate professor of art and design, created art that represents themes of oppression.
Somewhere (Focus Features)
The King’s Speech (The Weinstein Company)
Shop recognizes National Record Day Sandra Amstutz Arts Editor
Independent record stores across the country will observe National Record Day on Saturday. Jon Howell, co-owner and operator of Abilene’s own record store, Record Guys, learned about the holiday this year and jumped at an opportunity celebrate his passion with the community. “It’s grown in the past 3 or 4 years, as big artists have begun to support independent record stores,” Howell said. “Some people, like Jack White’s record label, release albums specifically for this day.” Howell plans to distinguish the day at his store by selling a host of restored stereos and bringing out more than 2,000 new records for fans to peruse and purchase.
Apr. 15
(Roadside Attractions)
SANDRA AMSTUTZ // Arts Editor
Multiple genres of music are laid out and ready to purchase at Record Guys. “I’ve been working day and night at putting new stuff out on the floor,” Howell said. “There will be at least 30% new stock out here by Saturday.”
In addition to all of the new product, live acoustic music will be performed all day on stage in the store. Howell has invited the public to use his facili-
ty as a platform for music. “The floor is open to anyone who wants to come and play,” Howell said. Musicians Howell has already locked down in-
clude local favorites Hungry, Mother and Blinded by Bears. Blinded by Bears performer Michael Perkins says he is excited to celebrate such an important medium. “I like that this event could get more people in vinyl,” Perkins said. “Vinyl has a much warmer sound and you can get a lot more depth.” Howell also says that if someone has never tried listening to vinyl before, this event is the perfect opportunity to start. “Give it a chance. Stop by the store to give some music a listen,” Howell said. “At $2 a record, it’s a fun and cheap hobby to get into.” Record Guys is located at 729 Leggett Drive and will celebrate National Record Day from 10 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. contact Amstutz at
sla07a@acu.edu
Gulliver’s Travels (Fox)
The Way Back (Newmarket Films)
Apr. 19 Apr. 19 Apr. 19 Apr. 19
MUSIC Clare May Hush
Apr. 19
Dengue Fever Cannibal Courtship
Apr. 19
Kimberly Caldwell Without Regret
Apr. 19
French Horn Rebellion The Infinite Music of French Apr. 19 Horn Rebellion
I’m From Barcelona Forever Today
Jenniferever Silesia
Apr. 19 Apr. 19
Duff McKagan The Taking
Apr. 19
Nedry Condors
Apr. 19
The Unthanks Last
Apr. 19
Wolfram Wolfram
Apr. 19
Opinion
Page 6
April 15, 2011
EDITORIAL
Students should scrutinize SA’s spending Students had no say in who would represent them as Students’ Association president next year, but they do have a say in what that person will do. Don’t get us wrong, Connor Best has the talent, leadership and goals to make an outstanding president. But even the best leaders need accountability from their constituents. Students should stay informed on SA issues and activity to make sure representatives are earning their paychecks. SA president, vice presi-
dent, treasurer and secretary each make $1,080 per month, each bringing in more than $8,000 per academic year. Second-level SA employees, such as chief communications officer, chief development and chief financial officer, make $540 each per month, making more than $4,000 each per year. These salaries come from the student activities fund, and that money comes from the students, giving students an even greater incentive to keep accountable their representatives, senators and officers.
Students must keep an eye on what SA is doing. They should attend meetings, talk to their representatives, file complaints, submit ideas, provide feedback and make requests. Some students might be under the impression that SA can’t really do anything. The truth is, it obviously doesn’t have the same power as administration, but at the end of the day, it can do something. Although SA can’t wield equivalent power to administrators, it does maintain increased ability to bend
administrative ears. Not to mention, SA officers dole out $180,000 per academic year. Out of that total, SA allocated more than $80,000 to student organizations this academic year and used more than $6,000 for student events. However, nearly $7,000 went unspent last semester, said SA Treasurer Chris Shim, senior finance major from Atlanta. Every dollar SA distributes represents pennies out of our pockets. SA is a heavily funded organization that students have the power to influence. And although
By Morgan Davis
The Funny Funnies
the issue
SA controls nearly $180,000 of student money, and the top three positions earn $1,080 a month.
our take
Students need to hold SA accountable and exercise influence over how student activities funds are spent. we continually complain about tuition increases, we don’t often question where a large chunk of the student activities fee goes. Unlike tuition, students can directly affect the distribution of the student activities fund. We can plan worthwhile events in our student organizations and request funds from SA that
we will actually spend. We can give representatives ideas on how to use money allocated to classes and general activity funds. And we can watch how SA spends its money, holding it accountable when funds are going unused. contact the Optimist at
jmcnetwork@acu.edu
COLUMN
Pampered kids become ‘brats’ Guest Column
By Meagan Hernandez
EDITORIAL
Changes cripple pledging process With the removal of the physical part of pledging next semester, social club bids will lose much of their significance, both for members and those pledging. Clubs recently were informed that the physical activities that typically play an integral role in pledging will be removed from the process, and pledges no longer will be allowed to perform physical activities, including calisthenics. “Calisthenics,” according to the revised ACU Anti-Hazing Policy and Philosophy, include any activity that involves “systematic rhythmic bodily exercises performed, usually without apparatus.” By removing the physical challenges from the pledging experience, administrators also are impeding the commitment of pledges to their clubs. Without the sense of accomplishment resulting from surmounting physical obstacles, pledges will not acquire the sought
level of dedication to their respective clubs. Pledging essentially will morph into a sign-up sheet, and pledges will develop little of the loyalty physical activity traditionally has fostered. Diminished commitment results in lessened enthusiasm for club activities like service projects, events or even Sing Song. Without deep commitment, organizations fail. Although filtering and evaluating pledging activities on an individual basis represents a responsible task for administration, completely cutting calisthenics castrates the camaraderie that can only result from collective exhaustion and a necessary reliance on fellow pledges to achieve both group and individual goals. Wildcats who have decided to partake in the pledging process during the last 50-plus years understood the ramifications of their decision. The physicality of pledg-
editorial and letter policy Unsigned editorials are the opinions of the Optimist and may not necessarily reflect the views of the university or its administration. Signed columns, cartoons and letters are the opinions of their creators and may not necessarily reflect the viewpoints of the Optimist or the university. The Optimist encourages reader response through letters to the editor but reserves the right to limit frequent contributors or to refuse to print
letters containing personal attacks, obscenity, defamation, erroneous information or invasion of privacy. Please limit letters to 350 words or fewer. A name and phone number must be included for verification purposes. Phone numbers will not be published. Address letters to: ACU Box 27892 Abilene, TX 79699 E-mail letters to: optimist@acu.edu
the issue
The new pledging policy prohibits clubs from requiring pledges to perform calisthenics.
our take
The lack of physicality will take away from the camaraderie of club and increase the potential of unauthorized activities. ing was an accepted and integral part of the process and remains a wellknown aspect of the experience among pledges accepting their bids. No pledge is blindsided by the news that they must perform physical activity. In addition to emasculating the pledging process and undermining its inherent goals, eliminating calisthenics exponentially increases the risk that clubs will go rogue with their pledging activities. Right or wrong, some clubs may resort to off-the-grid, offcampus activity to sustain their traditions. A quick look at pledging at other universities proves the existence and weight of this temptation. The law that sparked the restructuring of pledging at ACU actually is a state
law, making it one that other universities – public and private – must respect. Yet the traditional pledging tales still abound; pledges still are forced to participate in the same activities as always, just without the knowledge of those in charge. Physical challenge represents an integral and longstanding aspect of the pledging process. It propels pledges toward accomplishing more than they thought possible, both individually and as a group. Removing that challenge eliminates the value of pledging altogether and will transform social clubs into either dwindling cliques or under-the-radar liabilities. contact the Optimist at
jmcnetwork@acu.edu
Optimist the
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newsroom (325) 674-2439
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will want the whole Apple store. There are so many useful products in the Apple line. Why bother a child with a coloring book? Give them Photoshop. A recent study by the University of Pennsylvania discovered that children ask for at least 14 items per day. I can’t imagine how a child discovers 14 different things a day to ask for, but they do. Give in to those 14 things a day, and they will start asking 70 times more. A child’s want for something expensive really boils down to the parents’ first purchase
A toddler with an iPad. Despite the hilarity of the idea, I saw it with my own eyes. During a recent trip to an upscale mall, I observed a mother and a Hernandez little boy pass the Apple store. “Mommy! Look, they have iPads. You promised me a new toy!” he exclaimed. The mother replied with a laugh, and the duo entered the store. Now, I’m not sure if a purchase was Today a child wants an made, but the iPad; tomorrow they simple fact that the child will want the whole demanded Apple store. There what he wantare so many useful ed and the mother gave products in the Apple in without line. Why bother a child an objection with a coloring book? is appalling. Add the fact Give them Photoshop. that the child flippantly thought of an expensive of something expensive. electronic device as a An important step in toy, and the situation is raising a child: Buy your child’s love. If they want jaw-dropping. As I stood in shock, something, you must get wondering if it would it for them, even if you be obvious if I followed have to work three jobs the two into the store, and sell all your expenI thought: Are chil- sive jewelry. No amount dren these days being of love and discipline raised as a generation will gain their respect. Materialistic possesof “spoiled brats?” The problem already sions mean everything. prevails among young Just ask mother of the adults. A craving for year, Dina Lohan. If my sarcasm in the the latest fashions, the fastest electronics, the last paragraph was not shiniest cars and power clear to you, you might consumes most young be on the track toward adults’ life agendas. As becoming a contributhese young adults be- tor to the “generation of come spouses and par- spoiled brats.” ents, inevitably they pass this mindset to their children. contact Hernandez at Today a child wants mkh05a@acu.edu an iPad; tomorrow they
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FROM SPORTS
April 15, 2011
Page 7
SOFTBALL
Wildcats look to rebound against cellar dweller Bryson Shake
Assistant Sports Editor
The ACU softball team is hoping to have a short memory and renewed mindset as it rebounds from losing two out of three games to Texas Women’s University last weekend before taking on Texas A&M University -Kingsville Friday and Saturday at Wells Field. The Wildcats beat the Pioneers 8-6 on Friday before falling to them 8-0 and 9-4 in the latter games of the series. Errors and pitching problems plagued the
’Cats, as both were present in the two games they lost. Eight walks, coupled with two errors, hindered ACU in the second game of the series, while TWU’s Lizzy Kelly silenced the ACU bats in their 8-0 win in the nightcap of the series. “There are lots of things that we can work on and improve before the series with Texas A&M-Kingsville. I thought we were sub-par in all facets of the game in the two games we lost, so that gives us things to work on in preparation for this weekend,” Head Coach Bobby Reeves said.
‘‘ ’’
The Javelinas, riding a current six-game losing streak, enter the matchup averaging slightly better than 4 runs per game, junior outfielder Kaycee Bryan leading the offense. Bryan leads the team in batting average (.359), runs (28), hits (52) and triples (5). “These guys should not be taken lightly. They have beaten St. Mary’s three times this year, and that’s more than we can say. They are a very scrappy team and can hurt you if you allow them to,” Reeves said. The Javelinas (3-9, 2222) enter the series in sev-
ter than 5.5 runs per game this year. Each series from here on Several different players out is critical for us, and rank tops on the team in we have been preparing all certain categories. Valentiweek for them... na Nabayan leads the team ERIN GILLILAND // junior catcher for in homeruns (9), RBIs (30), the ACU Wildcats and on-base percentage enth place in the Lone Star Gilliland said. “Each series (.469). Melissa Mendoza Conference South Division, from here on out is critical leads the team in hits (69), but catcher Erin Gilliland for us, and we have been runs (40), doubles (14) and said that their record has preparing all week for them batting average (.423). ACU (22-22, 7-5) will no indication of who they and are excited to play host TAMU-K in a doublethem this weekend.” are as a team. The Wildcats, on the header Friday, starting at “At this time of the year, we can’t take any team other hand, are sitting in 5 p.m. before playing at 1 lightly. We’re looking at a tie for third in the LSC p.m. on Saturday. this series with the same South. Their offense remindset as we did when mains a strong point, as contact Shake at bxs09a@acu.edu we played Angelo State.” they continue to score bet-
TENNIS
COLUMN
Wins: Women remain perfect Coach: Crawford deserved chance
Continued from page 8
match at 7-6, 7-6, but he had great serves all match.” On the women’s side, the No. 6 Wildcats swept every point against Cameron, 9-0, showing ACU’s team strengths, said freshman Emily Conrad. “Cameron is ranked second in the conference, and this dominant win shows all the other teams in the conference just how good we are,” Conrad said. “It really gives us a lot of confidence going into the post-season.” The women already had clinched home-court advantage for regionals and will head into the Lone Star Conference Championships with a perfect 7-0 conference record. Freshman Micah Hermsdorf said today’s matches bring the regular season to an end on a high note for both teams. “We did this as a team,” Hermsdorf said. “Every match counted, and we all played a part in this win.
Continued from page 8
DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer
Eldad Campbell goes after a ball against Cameron. Campbell won his singles match 7-6, 7-6. We stayed tough and loose, and we played well.” The Conference Championships will be played in Oklahoma City next
Both squads went to naweekend, April 22-23. Regionals will take place the tionals last year. next weekend, and the National Championships contact Smith at mds10a@acu.edu take place mid-May.
contact Tripp at
bjt07a@acu.edu
CLASSIFIED
BASEBALL
Loss: St. Mary’s ‘earns’ victory Continued from page 8
In the seventh, the Rattlers would add two more runs. ACU was unable to score the rest of the game, as the Rattlers went on to win 6-2. “For the most part, we played all right today. We pitched well and played good defense, we just didn’t have timely hits and didn’t get enough people on in the right situations,” senior Cameron Watten said. “We didn’t give it to them, but they earned it today and beat us.”
The Wildcats will not have time to dwell on this loss, since they have an upcoming important weekend series against West Texas A&M University. The Wildcats currently are tied with West Texas A&M for the sixth and final playoff spot in the conference tournament. ACU will travel to Canyon this weekend for three big games against the Buffaloes. ACU will need to play well against WT this weekend and down the stretch
in order to make the LSC tournament. “WT is always tough, they have a new field, so it should be fun to play at and should be exciting for us to get up and go out there and compete,” Watten said. “We have played well on the road this year, but our backs are against the wall the past three weeks, so it is important that we come out with a sense of urgency and play well.” It will not be an easy road for the Wildcats, as ACU only
has three remaining series left in conference play. After playing WT this weekend, ACU has a three-game series against Cameron University, which currently ranks fourth in the conference. ACU will conclude its season with a three-game series against Southwestern Oklahoma. Regardless of where they finish, the ‘Cats will host the LSC tournament on May 7-10, 2011.
GOLF
LSC: ’Cats will compete for back-to-back titles Continued from page 8
was in just his second season as head coach and had a winning record in those two seasons at 79-60-25. Granted, the Stars’ fall from first place to out of the playoff picture was hard to deal with for Stars fans, but observers should consider the fact that Dallas was not projected to make the playoffs. The frustration climaxed when the Stars dropped their final regular season game to the Minnesota Wild in a game that was do or die for the eighth and final playoff spot. All the Stars had to do was win a game, and Crawford still would have a job today. Instead, they completed the choke of the year in the NHL by missing out on the playoffs after being atop the conference. To make the firing more of a puzzle, the Stars – even with their absence from the
playoffs – set a record, becoming the first team with 95 points to not make the playoffs. Crawford should not have been fired based, essentially, on the fact that the Western Conference was just better than it has been in recent years. Although the Stars were minus six in goal differential on the year, coaches have kept their jobs with less impressive numbers. Marvin Lewis was signed to a contract extension this off-season, despite going just 4-12 and finishing dead last in the NFL North, one of the toughest divisions in football. So when you look at things like that, Crawford seems to have been unfairly fired. Crawford had the pedigree and previous accomplishments to back the fact that he deserved another year to get this team into the post-season.
‘‘ ’’
drought, however, the Wildcats dominated the LSC postseason tournament, winning 7 of 10 titles from 1985 to 1995. Other notable teams with a chance of winning the tournament include the University of Central Oklahoma, Cameron University and Midwestern State University. Those three teams, along with the Wildcats, finished in the top four of the UCO/ Kickingbird Classic two weeks ago.
UCO is ranked ahead of us and won the last tournament. That puts them as the favorite...
CYRIL BOUNIOL // senior golfer for the ACU Wildcats
“UCO is ranked ahead of us and won the last tournament,” Bouniol said. “That puts them as the favorite and all the pressure on their shoulders.” The LSC tournament will take place MondayWednesday in San Antonio. The Wildcats will arrive on Saturday and play a prac-
tice round on Sunday to get a feel for the course. On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, each competitor will play one round each to decide the overall and individual champions.
contact Gwin at
agg07a@acu.edu
contact Cantrell at
jrc07f@acu.edu
For Rent: 3 -1 bedroom/1bath unfurnished apts. $300/mo. (no pets & no smoking) utilities not included, located within walking distance to ACU, available June 1 649 ½ E.N. 15th 649 ½ E.N. 16th 1233 ½ Washington Call 325-677-1943 if interested. For Rent: Two nice 1 bedroom apartments on same property as our home. Available June 1 Also, one large 4 bedroom/2 bath house. All listings located 1/2 block from campus on College Drive No Smoking/No pets Call 672-9633 or 370-5122 if interested.
Page 8
Standings BASEBALL Team
Div.
Tarleton St. 18-6 SE OK St. 17-7 SW OK St. 18-9 Cameron 16-8 UIW 16-8 WTAMU 14-10 ACU 14-10 TAMU-K 15-12
Ovrl. 29-7 21-13 27-12 23-11 24-12 27-13 21-16 19-16
SOFTBALL Team
Div.
10-2 ASU 8-4 UIW WTAMU 7-5 7-5 ACU 6-6 TWU Tarleton St. 5-7 TAMU-K 3-9 ENMU 2-10
Ovrl. 34-6 24-19 30-11 22-22 24-19 17-21 22-22 11-32
Briefs
GOLF
Sports
April 15, 2011
Carpenter, Bouniol will tango for title Austin Gwin Sports Editor
It isn’t a question of if, it is a question of whom. Both Cyril Bouniol and Alex Carpenter tied at the top of last year’s Lone Star Conference tournament, splitting the title. There is a good chance a Wildcat will bring home this year’s title, but who will it be? Cyril Bouniol comes into next week’s LSC tournament in San Antonio
as the defending national champion. Bouniol didn’t win a tournament at ACU until winning the conference tournament. He used the momentum from last year’s win, taking the South Central Region title and later the national championship. Those three wins were good enough to make Bouniol the LSC’s Male Athlete of the Year. “The ultimate goal remains to make it to nationals,” Bouniol said.
‘‘ ’’
“Patience, determination and acceptance will be the keys to success.” Alex Carpenter shared the title with Bouniol last year and since has been one of the nation’s top golfers. Carpenter has won 11 collegiate tournaments, including seven this year. He is ranked by golfstat.com as the fifth best collegiate golfer in the nation, and he is the only golfer, nationally, to boast an average round this season of under 70.
TENNIS
Patience, determination, and acceptance will be the keys to success. CYRIL BOUNIOL // senior golfer for the ACU Wildcats
“I’m pretty excited for this week’s conference tournament,” Carpenter said. “Everyone on the team is hitting it well, and all of our preseason events have helped build everyone’s confidence.” Although the two will
be looking to secure individual titles, their main goal is to lead the Wildcats to an LSC title. Last year, ACU took the team title for the first time since 1995. Before the 15-year see LSC page 7
Home court advantage
The men’s track and field team retained its No. 1 national ranking for the second straight week in a poll released Tuesday by the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches’ Association. The women’s team ranks No. 6 in its respective poll.
n
n The
intramural office is organizing a golf scramble. The scramble will be a four-person, nine-hole format during the week of April 25-29 at Maxwell Golf Course. Call the golf course at 692-2737 to sign up. To schedule a tee time after 3 p.m., cost will be $18 per person with a cart and $10 without a cart. For a tee time after 5 p.m., the cost is $9 per person with a cart and $5 without a cart. All payments should be made directly to the golf course.
DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer
ABOVE: Hans Hach battles in his singles match on Wednesday during a 5-4 victory over Cameron. The Wildcats got down early after the doubles matches, but some dramatic late day heroics by Bryan Joiner propelled the men to victory. BELOW: Julia Mongin returns a volley during her singles win. The women swept Cam-
Joiner’s final point seals dramatic rally against Cameron Mark Smith
Sports Reporter
The ACU men’s and women’s tennis teams both defeated Cameron University in different fashions on Wednesday in the first home matches for ACU in more than a month. The men overcame shaky doubles play to defeat the Aggies 5-4, the final and deciding point won by junior Jake Hendrie. “It’s always exciting
Player Profile Senior Bryan Joiner from Lubbock clinched the men’s tennis team a much needed victory on Wednesday. Joiner has been a four-year starter for the Wildcats. Last fall, Joiner won the regional title in doubles with his playing partner Hans Hach. In each of the past two seasons, Joiner has garnered academic all-LSC honors to go along with his stellar collegiate career.
Upcoming n The
baseball team plays West Texas A&M University on Friday at 6 p.m. and a doubleheader Saturday, starting at 1 p.m.
n Softball
will host Texas A&M University-Kingsville in a doubleheader Friday at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. and will play Saturday, starting at 1 p.m.
n Track
and Field will compete at the Mt. San Antonio College Relays Friday and Saturday in California.
when the overall team win comes down to one point,” said sophomore Hans Hach. “We needed that point, and Jake really pulled it out.” The men’s No. 1 and No. 3 doubles teams lost their matches, placing the Wildcats in a slight 1-2 hole before singles play began. Hach, sophomore Alfredo Desiati, and senior John Strahl each won their singles contests before Hendrie’s three-set match came to an exciting close. The final match carried extra weight for the Wildcats because the overall team victory means ACU
BASEBALL
will host NCAA regional competition at the end of the month. “It’s great that we will host regionals because we don’t get to play at home much,” said junior Eldad Campbell. “All the guys on the team are really playing well, and it’ll be good for people to come out and see us then.” Of his own match on Wednesday, Campbell said his adversary put up an admirable effort. “My opponent played really well,” he said. “I can do better, and it was a close see WINS page 7
COLUMN
Rattlers shake Wildcats for win Coach
should keep job
Ryan Cantrell
Sports Multimedia Editor
The Wildcats lost a 6-2 battle to St. Mary’s University Wednesday afternoon. The Rattlers got to the Wildcats’ bullpen, putting up three runs in the sixth and two more runs in the seventh. “Ultimately, their pitcher held us in check, and we just couldn’t get guys into scoring opportunities,” Head Coach Britt Bonneau said. “We had five opportunities to get bunts down, and we only got one successfully down. We just weren’t into it today, and our hitters didn’t come through late in the game.” St. Mary’s started the game off with a run in the top of first to take the early lead. ACU answered, add-
Rounding the Bases Brandon Tripp
Watten then grounded into a fielder’s choice as the Rattlers got out the runner at third. ACU would pick up a run, but St. Mary’s managed to limit the damage.
Ninth place in the NHL Western Conference sounds bad, but it sounds a bit better when you consider the fact that your team was thirteenth the Tripp season before and a non-factor in playoff conversation. That’s why the decision by Joe Nieuwendyk to fire Coach Marc Crawford seems a bit hasty. Crawford
see LOSS page 7
see COACH page 7
DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer
Freshman pitcher Brady Rodriguez throws against Eastern New Mexico University last weekend. ing a run to tie the game in the bottom of the third. The game remained tied until the sixth inning, when the Rattlers were able to string some walks and hits together to put up three runs to make the score 4-1.
ACU would get one run back in the next inning. Duncan Blades and Bryce Gerhardt both drew walks to start the inning. Marcus Uechi would lay down a sacrifice bunt to move both runners over. Cameron