Features Page 5
Beards and Bibles vol. 102, no. 51
wednesday, april 16, 2014
Duck Dynasty members visit campus
1 SECTION, 8 PAGES
Heartbleed attempts attack on ACU server
INSIDE SPORTS ACU softball takes down the Cardinals in a walk-off winner
jimmy isbell student reporter
also by attending as many student shows and activities as possible to get to
A computer bug called “Heartbleed” has forced another change of ACU login passwords. This is the same bug that forced all students, staff and faculty on campus to change their ACU-login password for precautionary reasons last October. ACU’s technology department placed a warning on the myACU homepage to alert faculty and students and encourage them to take caution in case Heartbleed emails them for personal information. Heartbleed has not attacked the ACU server, but its attempts to acquire personal information, such as passwords, credit card information and emails is enough to require password changes. Kaileb Holland, junior information technology major from Houston, believes the bug could be harmful to openSSL library, which is responsible for about two-thirds of online servers, and is a cryptographic protocol that secures data exchanged between websites and servers. Many people may know the server name “https://” which is what openSSL runs out of. ACU, however, does not use the openSSL library. “It does not really pertain to ACU at all,” Holland said. “It only affects web servers that are openSSL. ACU’s tech department did a great job in preventing any harm to students, staff and faculty by taking the appropriate measures.” Some students complained recently about having to change their ACU login password. Now, students know the importance of ACU’s choice to require the password change. “I’ve heard about the Heartbleed threat a while
see election page 4
see Heartbleed page 4
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OPINION The Editorial Board champions the benefits of sidewalks and why Abilene needs them
Page 6
NEWS Chapel observes the days before Easter with Holy Week
Page 4
Wyatt morgan Staff photographer
Rodney Johnson, junior marketing pre-law major from Odessa, speaks at the SA debate for president. Andrew Tate, junior biology major from Abilene, explains his goals if elected for treasurer. Beau Carter, sophomore political science major from Farmers Branch, runs for vice president.
SPORTS ACU baseball loses two games to Sam Houston
SA officers prepare for fall
About 1300 votes are cast using new online system Meigan gardner student reporter Page 7
SPORTS Matthew Sloan explains why we should stop looking for the next Tiger Woods Page 7
NEWS The Abilene Zoo receives national accreditation Page 4
NEWS Beltway Baptist selects a leadership team for the new North Campus as construction continues Page 4
ONLINE VIDEO Watch the JMC Newscast for an update on the latest news on campus
Read more at acuoptimist.com
The three students elected to the Students’ Association executive cabinet already are making plans of how to serve the student body next year. Cabinet members were elected Thursday when 1304 students voted using an online voting system
for the first time. SA saw an increase in student participation with about 120 more votes than last year. Rodney Johnson, current SA vice president, was elected president with 682, or 53.9 percent, of the votes. “I have been preparing myself for this role throughout my college career,” Johnson, market-
SA ELECTION RESULTS President Rodney Johnson 682 David Sanderson 581 Abstain 41
Treasurer Andrew Tate Chantal Mwiza Abstain
831 439 34
Vice President Beau Carter Abstain
Overall
1304
989 315
ing pre-law major from Odessa, said. “I have assumed the highest form of Congress for my age throughout my years and
ACUPD closes ticket investigation Brittany jackson managing editor None of the students who received false tickets with degrading language on it will be filing charges against the HSU students responsible for the incident. Instead, students are continuing to advocate for better representation of minorities on campus. Chief of Police Jimmy Ellison said ACUPD’s further
investigation on the case has been terminated. “As of this week, all victims/recipients of the offensive citations have been contacted, interviewed and all have declined to file any charges related to the matter,” he said. However, months before any tickets were placed on students’ cars, one student began researching the more subtle forms of discrimination on campus. Kholo Theledi, senior so-
ciology and family studies major from Pretoria, South Africa presented information during the Undergraduate Research Festival regarding student group’s representation of minority groups. “Just being in meetings with different leaders of those groups, it had come about that they were feeling a sense of not being appreciated by the university,” Theledi said. “Even though they felt like their efforts were very important because they were
trying very hard to increase the awareness of diversity.” She interviewed student leaders of about nine multicultural enrichment groups on campus and recorded their perceptions of equal representation on campus. T’neise Ragland, president of Black Students’ Association and senior education major from Dallas, said the physical representation of discrimination helped to bring about awareness of the multicultural student groups
on campus. “Now that they’re acknowledging us, I hope they realize it’s important and it’s a necessity to have these groups on campus,” Ragland said. She said the ticket was just the beginning of a longstanding issue of discrimination against students in minority groups. “There’s a definition of institutional racism that says see tickets page 4
Jam session promotes ASA, entrepreneurs “I don’t think people know we have an ASA on campus,” Mwiza said. “We’re trying to reach other The African Students As- kids on campus by offersociation hosted a Jam Ses- ing them something that sion on Tuesday in Cullen everyone’s interested in Auditorium to raise aware- by using artists who are ness of their club, as well as known on campus.” support student entrepreMwiza said she wanted neurs at ACU. to use the Jam Session as Chantal Mwiza, sopho- a way to raise money for more accounting major next year’s ASA activities, from Kigali, Rwanda and instead of having to rely on treasurer of ASA, said she Students’ Association. hoped the Jam Session “We want to try and figcaught the attention of ure out ways to raise monmultiple students around ey for ourselves,” Mwiza campus. said.
linsey thut
features writer
The Jam Session had performances by Claire Heath, Wes Robbins Band and Anthony Hill, and it also featured on-sale items from student-run businesses. Tim Rappaport, freshman kinesiology major from Jackson, N.J., was one of the entrepreneurs featured at the Jam Session and also sponsored the event. He runs a company called “Fixit” that repairs iPhones. He said when Mwiza
Abilene Christian University
see jam page 4
paige otway Staff Photographer
Dancers perform at Jam Session in Cullen Auditorium. The event was hosted by the African Student Association.
Wednesday 04.16.14
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Wednesday 3 p.m. Fall 2014
17 Thursday
registration: freshmen 5 p.m. All club rush
To date:
11 a.m. Men’s tennis vs. St. Edwards University 6 p.m. Men’s baseball vs. Stephen F. Austin University
6 p.m. Women’s softball vs. University of Arlington
Chapel checkup
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Friday
2
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Saturday
Good Friday (no classes) 2 p.m. Men’s baseball vs. Stephen F. Austin University
1 p.m. Men’s baseball vs. Stephen F. Austin University 7:30 p.m. ACU Theatre: “The Glass Menagerie”
7:30 p.m. ACU Theatre: “The Glass Menagerie”
7:30 p.m. ACU Theatre: “The Glass Menagerie”
Around Abilene
Remaining:
85 15 @acuoptimist The Optimist
April 16
April 17
April 18
April 19
12 p.m. The Center for Contemporary Arts will show Art in the 21st Century - Systems as part of the mid-month movie matinee.
9 a.m. HSU’s 32nd annual Western Heritage Day. Admission is free with registration. To register, visit hsutx. edu.
6 p.m. The Abilene Civic Center will host the Wild Wild West Karate Meet. Cost is $15. For mor information, contact Larry Brown at 325-672-7022.
12 p.m. Helping Hands Minitries will serve a meal for Easter. Admission is free.
6:33 p.m. Beltway College Park at the Paramount Theatre.
7:30 p.m. The ACU University Chorale will perform in the Williams Performing Arts Center Recital Hall.
optimist@acu.edu Police Log Announcements Upward Bound Summer Academy is seeking students to work as student advisors this summer. For more information, contact D’Angelo Sands at 324-674-2514.
Farmers Insurance Group is seeking students graduating in May to apply for full-time jobs in Abilene or the Wichita Falls area. To apply, visit www.acu.edu/ campusoffices/careercenter/careerRegistration for the Kirk Goodwin Run is link/ and fill out an application by April open. Applicants can register for the Run 9. the West half marathon for $80 or the classic 5K for $20. The race will be on April 26. Hispanos Unidos will host a Latin dance To register, visit www.kirkgoodwinrun.com. workshop fundraiser from 1:30-4:30 p.m. on April 19 in the Student RecreACU Theatre will perform “The Glass Me- ation and Wellness Center. Competitive nagerie” at 7:30 p.m. April 24-26 in Fulks Latin dancers will teach Salsa and BaTheatre. Tickets cost $15. To purchase tick- chata. Lessons cost $5. ets, visit acu.edu/theatre or call 325-6742787.
Freshman Formal 2014 will be from 8-11 p.m. on April 25 in the hunter Welcom Center. Tickets will be on sale in the campus center until tomorrow.
ACU’s annual Pancakes for Parkinsons fundraiser will be at 9 p.m. on April 24 in Gardner West lobby. A $2 minimum is required to receive a plate of pancakes and T-shirts will be on sale for $1.
The 2nd Annaul Sanctify Spring Showcase will be at 7:30 p.m. on April 25 and 26 in the The ACU Opera will perform at 7:30 amphitheatre. Tickets are $5 pre-sale and p.m. on April 24 and 26 at the Abilene $7 at the door. Civic Center. The show is titled Susannah. For more information, visit faceRegistration for the intramural softball book.com/AbileneChristianOpera. tournament is open until April 23. Cost is $35 per team and the tournament will be Worship Extravaganza 3 will be at 6 p.m. On April 25-26 at Nelson Park. To sign up, on April 24 in the amphitheatre. There will visit www.imleagues.com. be contemporary and a capella worship, dance and spoken word.
Volunteer Opp0rtunities Beltway Park Baptist Church is seeking volunteers to help with special needs children in their program Kingdom Kids. Volunteers would be needed on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings. For more information, contact Sharla Sanders at 325-692-6540 or sharlasanders@beltway.org. Grace Point Church is looking for creative students with craftsmanship skills to volunteer for Vacation Bible School. Volunteers will be creating props, sets and decorations in preparation for the program. For more information, call Ruth Gregory at 325-675-5060. New Life Alliance is searching for tutors, Khan Academy coaches, junior acheivement teachers and volunteers for their upcoming Easter program. For more information, contact Ashley Parker at 325-672-1636 or aparker@ newlife-alliance.org. The International Rescue Committee in Abilene needs your help in welcoming refugees to our community. We are seeking the following donations: hygiene and cleaning supplies, bed linen, towels and kitchen items (dishware, silverware, pots/pans etc). Donations are accepted Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 2-4 p.m. or by appointment. Their office is located at 3303 North Third Street Suite D in Abilene, Texas. For more information contact MariePascale Manishimwe at 325-675-5643. Treadaway Kids is looking for more students and volunteers to join the group. For more information, contact Carly Henderson at cah10a@acu.edu. JUMP @ Abilene North Apartments is seeking students to asssist in teaching the Gospel to at-risk low-income children. Students must be avaliable to volunteer from 4-5:30 p.m. on Mondays. Service opportunites begin Jan. 27 and lasts until April 28. For more information, contact Caroline Thompson at 281-782-2956 or crt12a@acu.edu. Friends for Life is seeking volunteers to help with both elderly residents and independent living elderly. Nursing home service opportunities include visiting, playing games, reading to the blind and assisting in arts and crafts. Independent living service opportunities include mowing lawns, grocery shopping and changing light bulbs. To volunteer contact Cecilia Barahona at 325-672-2635 or cecilia@ friendsforlife.org. The Noah Project is seeking volunteers to help with tasks such as answering phone calls, providing child care and doing maintenance and housekeeping. To volunteer call 325-676-7107. Love and Care Ministries is looking for volunteers to help with sorting clothing, stocking their food pantry, assisting in prayers in their prayer room and serving food to the homeless. For more information call 325-670-0246. Volunteers are needed at the BCFS Abilene Transition Center for event planning and setup, assisting in teaching life skills classes, accompanying transport, visiting homes and/ or assisting in construction of facilities for the betterment of male and female youth ages 15-25. This opportunity is open each morning Mondays through Fridays. Students interested must contact Johnny Nguyen at 325-692-0033 or jnguyen@bcfs.net.
Meals on Wheels Plus needs volunteer drivers to deliver afternoon meals to seniors and adults with disabilities Monday-Friday between 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Drivers must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license. Training is provided. For more information contact Samantha Barker at 352-672-5050 or visit http://mealsonwheelsplus.com. University Place is seeking volunteers to help with resident birthday parties for residents on the third Wednesday of each month at 2:30 p.m. For more information contact Linda Tijerina at 325-676-9946. House of Faith is an organization that seeks to take Jesus to neighborhood children. Volunteers are needed to help with the various programs they do throughout the week. Backyard Bible studies are hosted Mondays and Wednesdays and a youth program takes place on Thursday evenings. The organization is seeking volunteers who can commit to a specific day a week. House of Faith lasts from 3-5:30 p.m. To volunteer or gain more information contact Amy Jeffers at abj09a@acu.edu or call 832-331-5324. Rescue the Animals is seeking volunteers to work at the adoption center performing a variety of tasks, from playing with the animals to working in the office. For more information visit their website at http://www.rescuetheanimals.org/volunteer. The Abilene Zoo is looking for volunteers to help with general labor such as grounds cleanup and painting any weekday at any time between 12-4 p.m. The Zoo is located at 2070 Zoo Ln. Contact Joy Harsh at 325676-6487 for more information. Breakfast on Beech Street is seeking volunteers to help set up, prepare and serve breakfast to homeless/lower income folks any Monday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday at 5:30 a.m. or Tuesdays at 5 a.m. B.O.B.S. is located at First Christian Church on 3rd St. and Beech St. Service times must be scheduled in advance. To serve on Mondays contact Jody Depriest at 325-669-3312 or jody.depriest@gmail.com. To serve on Tuesdays contact Allen Daugherty at 325-660-6949 or ale.al@suddenlink.net. To serve on Wednesdays contact Jane Harvey at 325-695-0092 or jharvread@aol.com. To serve on Thursdays contact Margaret Beasley at 325-692-4149 or mbeasley5@ suddenlink.net. To serve on Fridays contact Terry Stremmel at terry.stremmel@acu.edu. Big Brothers/Big Sisters offers two volunteer programs. Lunch Buddies pairs volunteers with a little brother or sister to have lunch with once a week for 30 minutes. Lunch Buddies has a preferred time of 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. The Community Based program pairs volunteers with a little brother or sister that they will hang out with two to four times a month. Both programs require committment to the program for 12-18 months. To sign up stop by the Big Brothers/Big Sisters office at 547 Chestnut St. or contact Randy Woods at 325-674-3102.
The National Center For Children’s Illustrated Literature is looking for volunteers to greet patrons, assist with art activities, sell books and make visitors feel welcome. Help is also needed for special events like Artwalk and exhibit openings. The NCCIL is located at 102 Cedar St. For more information on times and dates contact Debby Lillick at 325-673-4586 or visit http://www.nccil.org/index.htm. The International Rescue Committee is asking for Digital TV Converter Boxes to accompany several older televisions for refugees within Abilene. Drop offs are requested at the office located on 3303 N. 3rd Street, Suite D from 2-4 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesday. This is a helpful way to make a difference in the lives of refugees who recently resettled into the local community. For more information, contact Marie-Pascale Manishimwe at 325-675-5643. The Food Bank of West Central Texas needs volunteers to help sort and stock food and other items any weekday Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. The Food Bank is located at 5505 N. 1st St. For more information contact Janice Serrault at 325-695-6311 or abfoodbk@camalott.com. The Salvation Army is looking for volunteers for a variety of needs such as sorting and pricing items in the thrift store, helping in the kitchen and/or doing yard work. Times are flexible and volunteers are needed Monday-Saturday. The Salvation Army is located at 1726 Butternut St. For more information contact J.D. Alonzo at 325-677-1408 or visit www. satruck.com. The Christian Service Center is seeking volunteers to help with filling requests for items such as clothing and bedding from the donation center, sort and organize donations and occasionally pick up donated items. Volunteers are needed every weekday and the first Saturday of each month between 9-12 p.m. and 1-4 p.m. For more information contact Roberta Brown at 325-673-7561 orrobertabrown51@hotmail. com. Visit http://www.uccabilene.org/ministries/csc. htm. Christian Ministries Food Pantry needs volunteers to help with tasks such as cleaning up, stocking shelves and bagging flour. It is looking for students who can make a commitment of 1-3 hours a week. For more information contact Becky Almanza at 325-673-5295 or balmanza7@sbcglobal.net. The Center for Contemporary Arts needs a gallery assistant to greet partons, answer phones and answer basic questions about the Center and its programs. Volunteer opportunities are 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Tuesdays-Fridays. For more information contact Jennifer Parks at 325-677-8389 or jennifer@center-arts.com.
For additional volunteer opportunities visit: www. acu.edu/campusoffices/ccsl/ministry-service/volunteer-opportunities/
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news
wednesday 04.16.14
Highland preacher throwing Easter party In years past, Highland has had a neighborhood picstudent reporter nic, but this will be the first year the picnic will fall on Jonathan Storment, preach- Easter Sunday. The idea for ing minister at Highland the Easter party came from Church of Christ, will begin Storment’s new series about his new series, “Jesus Throws the parties Jesus went to The Best Parties”, with a par- throughout the gospels. ty Sunday. “Somewhere along the Following the 11 a.m. way, churches stopped beservice, Highland families, ing known for celebrating friends and neighbors are the gift that is life,” Storment invited to celebrate Jesus and said. “But this really is the the gift of life with food, mu- essence of Jesus’s ministry – sic and community. everywhere he goes, a party
allison brown
breaks out.” Highland’s party will include bounce houses, Easter egg hunts, several different bands and free T-shirts in the celebration. Brandon Scott Thomas, Highland worship minister, hopes a lot of people will attend, but realizes the possibility that Easter Sunday could interfere with some families’ plans. “What if Highland families made different plans that day,” Thomas said. “Instead of traditional Easter lunch?
We all can get together to welcome people from the neighborhood.” Storment said the church has a good relationship with neighbors in the surrounding area and Easter is a great opportunity to reach out to the community. Flyers will be handed out door-to-door. “A lot of people don’t have kids or spouses or people to share Easter with,” Storment said. “And if the church is called to be anything, it’s a new family.”
In addition to welcoming the neighbors that live near the church, Highland wants to use the party as a way to reach out to university students who have plans to be in Abilene for the holiday. “There are a lot of college students who don’t go home for Easter,” Thomas said. “We’re hoping this would be fun way to feel plugged in at Highland but also doing something beyond eating. Students can really reach out into the community.”
Storment said the whole point of the party is that everyone is invited, no one is left off the list. “We believe Jesus said this world and this life matters,” Storment said. “We want to invite as many people as possible. We don’t know who’s going to show up. God mysteriously draws people and we just turn on the lights.” contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
Beltway chooses leaders for new campus james eldred staff writer Beltway Park Baptist Church is beginning the process of selecting leaders for it North Campus, which is under construction about four miles northeast of campus on Highway 351. Beltway pastor David McQueen and Keith Roberson, lead pastor for the North Campus, met last month with about 50 people to discuss plans for the new site and the outreach that will take place
there. “Our goal is not to build a new building,” McQueen said at the meeting March 26. “Our goal is to reach people for the sake of Jesus.” The meeting was designed to select the ministry leadership, or CORE Team, for the North Campus. Roberson said the North Campus project, called the Go Mission, is being designed to reach out to the community in the northern part of Abilene. “The CORE group is what the North Campus is about,” he said. “It’s about the people
willing to pour into God’s kingdom.” The church leadership decided to expand to the areas late last year, and after a unanimous vote in November, the project nearer to campus was finalized. The church in south Abilene already attracts a significant number of ACU students – at least 200 at its second service on Sunday mornings – and church leaders expect that to increase at the new building. McQueen said the church still will focus on its mission on the south side of Abilene
at its building 15 miles away from the campus. “Some of us have to stay here and hold down the south fort,” he said. “We still have a mission here, too.” While students are always welcome at the south location, Roberson expects many will benefit from the new campus’ proximity to the universities on the north side of town. “We’re thrilled to be more accessible to ACU,” Roberson said. “We have such a huge constituency already. To be more accessible to the com-
munity is a great thing – we’re deeply excited about it.” Roberson said the college ministry will remain a single entity despite the creation of a new campus. “We will have one college ministry that will serve both campuses,” he said. “Our Wednesday night college service, called 6:33, will likely find its home at the North Campus once it’s built.” McQueen anticipates that the North Campus will have two Sunday services but said those plans are tentative. Two more CORE Team in-
terest meetings are scheduled for May 4 and May 7. Information and updates on the North Campus are available at beltway.org/go. Roberson said the North Campus is scheduled to open early next year. “Weather can affect construction dates, so we’ll adapt for that,” Roberson said. “But our hope, and our target, is January 2015.”
contact eldred at jfe11a@acu.edu
ArtWalk takes New Orleans theme with ‘CajunFest’ catherine blakemore student reporter This past Thursday, members of the Abilene community gathered on Cypress Street in Downtown Abilene for ArtWalk’s CajunFest. Every second Thursday of the month, The Center for Contemporary Arts presents an art festival on Cypress St. The event brings the community of Abilene, the local artists and businesses owners together typically for a philanthropic cause. Businesses on Cypress St. participate in each ArtWalk
by either staying open or creating a sidewalk table to join the festivities. Business owner Jerry Hendrix, the entrepreneur behind Monk’s Coffee Shop participates each time ArtWalk happens. “It is important to bring the downtown community together and to encourage others to join us once a month at ArtWalk,” Hendrix said. “The ArtWalk themes are driven primarily by sponsors. [It] gives us the opportunity to be a part of something without having to create something our self. We are able to join in the festivities and create our own
fun in order to add to the events planned by the center.” On April 10, the theme for the night was CajunFest, ArtWalk hosted an authentic shrimp and crawfish boil from Two Daddy’s Crawfish from Bossier City, La. [Did the company supply the food, or actually come host the event? Unclear.] Tickets were $15 for adults and $8 for children. Mat Medders, freshman undeclared major from Benton, Ark., went to last week’s CajunFest and has previously attended ArtWalk. “College students should
participate in ArtWalk so that they can experience life in downtown Abilene while also getting to support local artists,” Medders said. “I think it is important for Abilene to include its college students in community events so that they might feel at home, away from home. Medders also said ArtWalk provides the opportunity to get to know some of the community’s older members and to be involved and aware of local organizations.” The proceeds of the event last week went to
help raise funds to provide scholarships to the seniors in Abilene who need money for secondary education. With funds raised by the Abilene Education Foundation reaching over $54,000 last year, with a large sum of that coming from CajunFest. Student involvement is low but the events offer a chance for ACU students to interact with the Abilene community and learn the art and culture that it has to offer. Tracy Richardson, junior marketing major from Katy, attended ArtWalk for the
first time last week. “I absolutely loved seeing the community coming together to learn about one another and support one another,” Richardson said. “After all, that’s what a community is all about. The downtown area is the heart of Abilene. There is no other location that would have been as inviting and special as that area for the ArtWalk. It’s part of what makes Abilene unique.”
contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
news
Wednesday 04.16.14
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Chapel celebrates Easter with Holy Week dinator. The goal of Holy Week is to help students realize the importance of Jesus, Baird said. “If he was who he said he was it changes everything,” Baird said. “So hopefully it helps students who are strong right now and students who are weak right now, alike.” “The purpose of Holy Week is to give us a fresh perspective on Jesus,” said Mark Lewis, assistant dean of Spiritual Life and Chapel Programs. Chapel during Holy Week will feature some slam poetry, a non-typical deanna romero chief Photographer format and well-respectMitchell East, junior biblical text major from Round Rock, performs a spoken word ed speakers including students and professors, during Holy Week, recognizing the days until Easter. Baird said. life of Jesus as told in the Office tries to make Cha“We’re trying to use Logan Sartain gospel of Matthew, lead- pel different during Holy people that students know student reporter ing up to the crucifixion Week, said Abbie Baird, at ACU,” Baird said. “A lot through a new and unique junior youth and family of students are going to be Chapel during Holy Week format. ministry major Leander involved and a couple of this year will follow the Each year, the Chapel and Chapel worship coor- professors.”
“
The purpose of Holy Week is to give us a fresh perspective on Jesus.” Mark lewis assistant dean of Spiritual Life and Chapel Programs
Chapel will take place in Moody Coliseum Monday through Thursday of Holy Week. The format of Chapel during Holy Week will not follow the typical three songs, announcements, scripture and speaker format, Baird said. “We make Holy Week something different from typical Chapel weeks just so people start to get a different feel for what it means leading up to Easter,” Baird said. The changes in format will hopefully get students to not only notice the effort that was put in, but
also focus in on what is being discussed, Baird said. The planning for Chapel during Holy Week began several weeks ago with a meeting between Abbie Baird, Mark Lewis, Tommy Johnson, campus minister at Southern Hills Church of Christ and Ben Fike, campus minister at University Church of Christ, Baird said. This team of four was instrumental in coming up with ideas and bringing people in for Holy Week, Baird said. “We’re trying to put a new spin on it so that people walk in and have a different attitude about what’s going to happen,” Baird said. “We’re hoping students will have an actual moment to encounter Jesus.” contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
Abilene receives new accreditation for zoo daniel zepeda sports editor The Abilene Zoo became one of 225 national zoos to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums earlier this month. The accreditation ranks the zoo, which is home to about 1,000 animals, in the top 10 percent of all zoos in the country. Every five years,
each zoo must resubmit for accreditation and be reviewed and considered for the recognition. “We are very, very happy about receiving the accreditation,” said Bill Gersonde, director of the Abilene Zoo. “It takes a lot of work from a lot of people to keep the zoo running to where we want it, but it is always worth it.” The decision on April 2 was made after the accredi-
tation process five years ago resulted in the Abilene zoo’s probationary period. The zoo was allowed a year to improve on a variety of matters, such as its veterinary and quarantine facilities, and to change its approach to maintenance. “The decision to table the zoo’s accreditation was made before I got here,” Gersonde said. “But it forced us to make changes that needed
to be changed that had been scheduled for a long time.” The zoo made the required improvements to maintenance, increased the number on staff and improved the overall atmosphere. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ accreditation release stated the inspecting team observes all aspects of the institution’s operation, including animal
care, keeper training, safety, educational programs, conservation efforts, veterinary programs, financial stability, risk management, visitor services and other areas. The zoo, which prides itself on its community appeal, provides educational programs, summer camps, weekend programs, tours, pre-school classes and special events year-round. It also has been a prime place
for students to volunteer. “The Abilene community has always supported us and what we do,” Gersonde said. “We’re the number one tourist attraction in Abilene, and we want to continue to be a place that not only attracts visitors, but also people who are part of the community.” contact Zepeda at dpz10a@acu.edu
Election: Officers prepare for next year’s SA from page 1 Johnson said he hopes to accomplish a lot this year, but he is especially passionate about bringing notable music artists to campus. “That is something that can happen and should be happening,” Johnson said. “Schools like Harding are doing that regularly. On average they bring artists like Paramour and Ben Rector in to perform at least twice a year. I just think it is inexcusable that we do not have entertainment for students on this campus.”
Beau Carter, sophomore class president, ran unopposed and received the vice president position with 989 votes. 315 students abstained from voting for vice president. Although Carter, current sophomore political science major from Farmers Branch, ran unopposed, he said did not take the race lightly. “It was really hard running unopposed because I was looking forward to the competition,” Carter said. “I also think that competition is really great for students because they then get to choose
whom they would like in office. With that in mind, I am very glad that I have the opportunity to serve as vice president.” Andrew Tate, current junior class vice president, was elected treasurer with 831, or 65.4 percent, of the votes. Tate, junior biology major from Abilene, stressed the importance of spending all the money allotted to SA, the sustainable benefits of fundraising and increasing student awareness of SA’s purpose. “I want to make sure students’ money gets spent
on events and groups that are helping to develop the Abilene community,” Tate said. The new officers are looking forward to working together this upcoming year. “I am really exited to work with this team of officers because we all were in Congress this last year together,” Carter said. “I think we will have a great team for this next year.” wyatt morgan Staff Photographer contact the optimist at optimist@acu.edu
Chantal Mwiza speaks at the SA debate as Beau Carter, Andrew Tate, David Sanderson and Rodney Johnson, wait to speak.
Jam: ASA event supports student businesses Rappaport said the music at Jam Session could approached him to help, he bring everyone together. was thrilled. “The bands are all stu“I’m trying to get my dents so I think their friends name out there so that kind and students would like to of drew me to help them,” come and enjoy their talRappaport said. ent,” Rappaport said. from page 1
Other student entrepreneurs included Erika Reagan, who crochets scarves and Emily Kruse, who makes headbands. Mwiza said it is a personal passion for her to see entrepreneurs get support.
“As a business major, I love to see students who are just doing their thing,” Mwiza said. A portion of the money raised by the student-businesses will go toward ASA. Mwiza said they decided
to host an event everyone “I want people to know could come enjoy together. that we exist,” Mwiza said. “We’ve had some African “We are here to serve everyactivities,” Mwiza said. “But one.” we’re trying to open ourselves to new ideas.” contact the optimist at Mwiza said this is part of optimist@acu.edu her goal for ASA.
Tickets: Students speak out against racism from page 1
subtle or they don’t know that what they’re saying is ofit does stem from the insti- fensive.” tution or organization itself, Theledi said the leaders and a lot of people don’t thought their group’s events know what’s going on,” she were not advertised enough said. “So often times it’s very on campus.
However, the leaders agreed that ACU’s effort to enrich the campus through the creation of the groups was a large step in the right direction. She said each leader realized the groups
main representative voices for students similar to them on campus, and just being available to the students for conversation could make a difference. J Sheppard, recipient of a ticket and senior information technology major from Oklahoma City, Okla., said BSA was instrumental in keeping him at ACU. “I’ve talked to other people and they feel the same way,” he said. “They’re always reaching out to people and making connections, trying to make people feel at home, because it doesn’t look like home.” In terms of progress, Ragland said the university is still far from socially equal.
“Our school is historically sexist and racist, just from the time it was built and where it came from,” she said. “So acknowledging that and working toward fixing that is a great first step.” She said that she, Sheppard, Byron Martin and other administrators recently drafted an action plan of interest that could help the university become more accepting and aware of other cultures. Actions included instilling a direct line of contact between students in multicultural groups and higher administration, allowing students to communicate their needs to people in positions to make larger, more effective changes.
They have since forwarded the plan to higher administration and are waiting for a response. Students can attend BSA and Hispanic Unidos Chapels, get to know students involved in those groups and hold student representatives, such as Students’ Association, accountable for standing up for students. “Instead of advocating for us, advocate with us,” Ragland said. “Someone needs to be held accountable for the things that are happening to the students, to your peers.”
contact jackson at bkj12a@acu.edu
Heartbleed: ACU continues fight against bug from page 1 ago and if it posed threats to such large companies, I’m happy to change my password,” Blake McAnally senior information technology major and Abilene native said. Heartbleed has since made national news according to a story from James Lyne, a contributor to Forbes’ magazine website. Lyne said the bug has
tricked the popular search engine, Yahoo!, which is no longer vulnerable to the attacks. The Heartbleed bug was originally found by Google’s Neel Mehta, a Google security researcher. He recently donated the $15,000 he was awarded for finding the bug to The Freedom of the Press Foundation (TFPF). TFPF attempts to support open-source encryption tools. They strive to
discover bugs within servers across the world to ensure an online user’s protection. “ACU has done an exceptional job in fighting bugs such as Heartbleed, and I’m sure they will continue their efforts in keeping our campus safe,” Holland said.
contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
5
featureS
Wednesday 04.16.14
A&E’s Uncle Si shares stories from the past to Duck Dynasty fans at Faith Calls.
Gabi Powell FEATURES EDITOR
|
grace coan student reporter
S
ome travel delays did not keep three Duck Dynasty cast members from visiting campus and sharing their story with ACU students and the Abilene community Sunday night. A student event was scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. but, because weather delayed their flight, it did not start until 5 p.m. But, once it began, Alan Robertson set the stage for his uncle, Si Robertson and Alan’s wife, Lisa Robertson. He began the event by addressing how Duck Dynasty became a TV show. Alan said his father, Phil Robertson, knew NFL star Terry Bradshaw when they played college football together at Louisiana Tech University. Not long ago, Bradshaw and Phil ran into each other in Los Angeles and initiated an idea for the popular series Duck Dynasty. “We can do something with what I have a passion for, which is the outdoors,” Alan said recalling what his father said. The family has used the television show as an outlet to depict what they are passionate about, and by doing so they are giving the glory to God, Alan said. “The Almighty must want us on television for some reason,” he said. Si entered the stage with his signature turquoise green cup that fans of the show would recognize and a jug of sweet tea. Alan asked Si to talk about the book that he wrote, “Si-Cology.” “That’s the story of my life,” Si said. ”Ninety-five percent of that is true.” Alan said so much filming can get tiring for the Robertsons. “Ultimately, what keeps us motivated is that we’re making a difference in our country,” Alan said. Si brought a short poem called “Heaven’s Grocery Store” that he read to the crowd. At the end of the poem, he closed with a final note of encouragement. “Jesus paid my bill a long time ago,” he said, “and I’m sure he paid your bill too.” The Robertsons left the stage with a loud standing ovation from audience members. “I really enjoyed it, I thought they did a great job,” said Blake Harpold, sophomore information systems major from Fredericksburg. “What I really liked was that the show has impacted a lot of families,” Harpold said. The Robertsons told students they are capable of doing all things. “I think that is the whole message of the deal is that Christ can change lives,” Harpold said, “Continue to seek him and you will be able to do things. Your life will be so much more fulfilling than you could ever imagine. It’s more than just them sitting and praying together at the end, God is working through the show to reach a lot of different people.” The Robertsons said faith has brought them this far. “I thought it was really cool how they are so open about their faith,” said Bryan Herz, freshman communication major from Perryton. “They brought someone in that was a significant figure in society but also they play a monumental role in the Christian community as well.”
DEANNA ROMERO
|
CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
Top photo: Phil Schubert, an ACU alum, Uncle Si, Alan and Lisa Robertson pray out the Faith Calls event. Right top: President Phil Schubert gives a camo shirt to ACU Alum and cameo from Duck Dynasty. Right bottom: Fans push through the crowd to purchase ACU and Duck Dynasty merchandise. Left top: A&E’s Uncle Si shares stories from the past to Duck Dynasty fans at Faith Calls. Left bottom: Global Samaritan Resources Executive Director Danny Sims introduced the Robertsons before they were brought onto the stage Sunday night.
Opinion
6
Wednesday 04.16.14
Editorial
Improving sidewalks would benefit city the issue On Thursday the Abilene City Council voted in favor of requiring the instillation of sidewalks at new developments.
our take Sidewalks should be added throughout the city and existing sidewalks should be updated to improve mobility and safety.
Abilene is a great city, with the exception of the lack of sidewalks. The city council should create stronger ordinances supporting the installation and reparation of sidewalks throughout the city. Abilene City Council passed an ordinance in 2006, the City of Abilene
Sidewalk Master Plan, requiring sidewalks to be installed on both sides of all new streets. Exceptions were limited to local streets in single-family residential areas, where lots are one acre or larger, and highways without frontal roads. On Thursday, the city council voted to require sidewalks
in new developments. However, the addition of sidewalks to newly established developments is not enough. The current sidewalks must be re-paved and more should be added throughout Abilene. First off, better sidewalks mean more pedestrian traffic. As seen with the Lunsford Trail, easily accessible walking areas allow people from all around an area to come together as a community. Despite its distance from their homes, families can still be seen piling out of vehicles to ride bikes along the trail, students
will exercise with their friends and dog lovers take their little pups for a stroll. Also, events like 5Ks, awareness walks, cycling competitions and more can be organized around these paved walkways. The passing of a bill to create more sidewalks in Abilene would increase the economic growth of the city. More mobility around the city would allow for customers to walk from one location to the next, ridding the necessity of vehicles or other transportation. Paved walkways connecting stores and neigh-
borhoods would promote the traveling to and from stores more often, allowing a more easily accessible and enjoyable route to complete chores. The existing sidewalks are uneven and often dangerous for a person to travel on. The decreased mobility has harmed not only the businesses of Abilene, but the people living within the city limits by restricting them to specific modes of transportation in order to reach a necessary destination. Children walking to school would be able to
stay off the roads, making their commute more safe than before. In creating paved walkways throughout the city, cyclists would be able to avoid dangerous situations on the road. Bike lanes could be added to the roads, or perhaps they would be allowed on the sidewalks themselves. While the monetary cost of paving sidewalks is a large sum, the community and economic benefit would outweigh the cost. contact The Optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
DAILY doodle dosage
Column
Ben Todd
‘Faith Calls’ to everyone DISTURBANCE IN THE FORCE
MELANY COX OPINION PAGE EDITOR
On Sunday, the university was graced with the presence of three cast members of A&E’s record-breaking reality show Duck Dynasty. Si, Alan and Lisa Robertson fought severe weather and a delayed flight to share tales and a few laughs with the Abilene community during an event named “Faith Calls.” The message they shared was simple, but powerful and incredibly encouraging. Three TV stars became one with their audience as they shared a message of faith. It was a message many people needed to hear. Some students claimed they were avoiding the event because they didn’t want to waste time or money listening to a bunch of “dumb rednecks.” The people sharing these thoughts shouldn’t be so quick to judge. Don’t be fooled by first impressions. True, the members of the Robertson family are rednecks and proud of it. But it’s not the only feature that makes them stand out from the other families portrayed on TV They take pleasure in laughter, spending time with each other and, most importantly, sharing their faith. Shouldn’t everyone be taking a page out of their book? One of the reasons the show is so popular is because it appeals to people from all walks of life. Everyone can relate to these outspoken and quirky characters. They don’t have to wear camo, like hunting or share a love of fried squirrel to enjoy Uncle Si’s tales, question Jase’s antics
“
Whether you’re making millions selling duck calls or you’re an ordinary college student... faith is a necessary part of every single person’s life.”
or pity Willie’s attempts to grab his employees’ attention. And at the end of the day, everyone wishes they could sit down at the family dinner table to enjoy some good conversation and Miss Kay’s cooking. The Roberson family is not perfect and they don’t pretend to be. Their lives are exposed to the world, so they use their experiences, both good and bad, to teach others and help them grow. Si, Alan and Lisa kept it real during Sunday’s presentations. Through the fits of laughter came stories of dedication during difficult times and personal declarations of faith. Even though some people might not enjoy watching Duck Dynasty, the message the trio sent was one everyone should heed. Whether you’re making millions selling duck calls or you’re an ordinary college student trying to find your place in the world, faith is a necessary part of every single person’s life. Faith calls listeners to a life of service. Faith can lead to great things. contact Cox at MKC09B@acu.edu
Column
Examining introverts vs. extroverts ers. I’ve personally experienced the extrovert bias at churches here in Abilene. While I thrive spiritually in the company of a few close accountability partners, I often feel pressured to attend more and more church events in the name of building a community. It’s not a bad structure; it’s just imbalanced. With the rise of the Internet, introverts have finally discovered a public platform free of the intimidation of a (visible) audience. Now the world can hear their side of the story. Unfortunately, however, these discussions often devolve into praising the intellectual introvert and bashing the high-maintenance extrovert. (I’m looking at you, Tumblr.) In the end, introversion and extroversion are just la-
I THINK, THEREFORE I WRITE ADRIAN PATENAUDE GUEST COLUMNIST
We all know the stereotypes. Introverts are the hermits at home watching Netflix, wrapped in a fuzzy blanket. Extroverts are the party animals afraid of being alone for more that two seconds. Both stereotypes, but with a hint of truth. So what is the reality of introversion and extroversion? To find out, I’ve been reading an excellent book by Susan Cain called “Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking.” Full disclosure: I’m an introvert. Hence the fact that
I’m writing this all alone in an empty house. What I’ve learned is that American society is geared toward extroverts. Job applications list “outgoing” as a desirable quality and companies set up collaborative office spaces that actually reduce employees’ ability to focus. Brainstorming is still done in groups, despite research that shows the best ideas are incubated alone. Churches value outward signs of worship and admire people who have the boldness to share the gospel with total strang-
bels. They provide a vocabulary for understanding ourselves, but it’s all too easy to be constrained within those categories. The truth is, we need both kinds of people in our society. Can you imagine going to a party full of introverts? Painful, right? The point of all this is to become well-rounded people with the ability to thrive in all situations. We have so much to learn from each other: extroverts could benefit from a little introspection and introverts would be delighted to gain the skills for easy conversation. Let’s call a truce on this war of personalities and learn to grow into the well-adjusted people we were meant to be. contact Patenaude at ajp09c@acu.edu
hashtagACU April 10 3:34 p.m.
Went to park in a spot I had waited for at the Rec when this girl in a tiny red car looked at me, smiled, and whipped right in @acuoptimist
April 14 1:11 p.m. April 11 11:19 a.m.
April 14 10:24 a.m.
CHAPEL SPEAKER WROTE AND NARRATED FOR VEGGIE TALES OMG FANGIRLING SO MUCH
April 13 5:24 p.m.
Not gonna lie. I’m kinda starstruck #DuckDynasty
@amcollier58
@meghannsydney
April 14 12:35 p.m.
April 14 12:28 p.m.
Thanks Abilene weather; cold, hurricane force winds and debilitating allergies are exactly what I wished for today....
@CHughes_38
Today, I went to chapel for the first time in about 2 months. Have we always sang in there or is that a new thing?
@emilyalyssasays
@palo011
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@TFlo1213
Freshman Formal theme is the Titanic? ...do the freshmen know how that story ended?
@BrainOfJake
published by the department of journalism and mass communication editorial and management board
@Lincoln_Woods
April 14 10:59 p.m.
On behalf of mid-April, I apologize to all that had soccer games tonight.
@ACUintramurals
To whoever has been hiding Easter Eggs around the library, thank you. You made my day! @overheardACU
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sports
Wednesday 04.16.14
7
Track hosts Kittley Invitational in Abilene emily seidel sports reporter Track and field impressed again on Saturday at their first home meet of the season, the inaugural Wes Kittley Invitational at Elmer Gray Stadium. With almost a dozen schools invited to the meet, the Kittley Invitational was the first major regular-season meet the Wildcats have hosted in several years. ACU combined a sole victory by Baptiste Kerjean with several top-five finishes to make a statement on their home field. “Competing at ACU is always special,” Kerjean said. “We do our sports to represent the university around Texas and the United States, so it is very
important for us to show what we can do in front of ACU’s students and local supporters.” Kerjean certainly showed what he can do, bringing home the Wildcats’ only title of the meet with a dominant victory in the men’s hammer throw. He defeated second-place Southland Conference rival, Sam Houston State’s Brek Christensen, with a distance of more than five meters. Teammate Jelani Rainey finished sixth in the same event, earning a personal record of 51.98 meters. Johnathan Farquharson finished third in the men’s 100-meter dash with a wind-aided personal record of 10.34. Junior transfer Daniel Block set a personal record in the men’s 800-meter run with
a time of 1:51.27, finishing in fifth place. Block also helped the men’s 4x100 meter relay team to a fifthplace finish with a 40.35. Sophomore Jeremy Tatham finished fifth in the men’s 110-meter hurdles with a personal record of 14.55. Senior Aaron Bynum turned in another impressive performance for the Wildcats, finishing in second place in the men’s javelin with a personal record. His 59.45 meters were just shy of the winning distance of 60.40 meters by Angelo State’s Asael Arad. Teammate Luke Woods finished just behind Bynum, coming in fourth place with a personal record of 48.18 meters. Woods also finished seventh in the men’s 110-me-
“
Competing at ACU is always special. We do our sports to represent the university around Texas and the United States, so it’s very important for us to show what we can do in front of ACU’s students and local supporters.” baptiste kerjean senior hammer thrower acu track and field
ter hurdles, setting another personal record of 14.75. “I think that our team did very well at the invite,” Woods said. “Many of us recorded some personal bests, and our team as a whole is improving and becoming more prepared for the conference meet in a few weeks. I see everyone across the board becoming more mentally
focused.” The Wildcats also picked up a few top-five finishes in the women’s categories. Lexus Williams turned in the best performance for ACU, finishing second in the women’s 100-meter hurdles with a 13.83. Freshman Diana García Muñoz stood out in her first home meet, finishing fourth in women’s
1500-meter run with a 4:41.95 and ninth in the 800-meter dash with a 2:20.96. Senior Amelia Mitchell finished third in the javelin throw with 40.41 meters, and Shalaina Lakey finished third in the hammer throw with 53.00 meters. She barely edged out teammate Lauren Hartwick, who finished fourth in the hammer with 51.70 meters. The Wildcats have three meets left before the outdoor Southland Conference Championships on May 9, beginning with the Oklahoma Invitational on Saturday, where they will be competing with top teams across the country. contact Seidel at eks13b@acu.edu
ACU suffers sweep to Bearkats collin wieder assistant sports editor The Wildcat baseball team extended their losing streak to five as they dropped all three games this weekend against the Sam Houston State Bearkats. The weekend ended with the ‘Cats dropping to 12-20 overall and 2-6 in the Southland, while Sam Houston improved their record to 25-11 overall and 9-6 in conference. ACU started off the weekend with an 8-to3 loss in the first game. The bullpen allowed eight runs on 14 hits. Sam Houston’s offense had five players with multi-hit games, including Corey Toups who went 3-for-4 with two home runs. Junior first baseman Tyler Eager led the Wildcat offense with a 2-for-4 game. Saturday included a doubleheader for the Wildcats. The first game was an 11-inning pitching battle that ended with a 3-to-2 Bearkat win. Corey Toups brought the game to an end when he blasted a walk-off solo home run. Senior pitcher Brady Rodriguez pitched six innings for the Wildcats, only allowing two earned runs. The bullpen pitched the last 4.2 innings allowing only the walk-off homer to Toups, but it wasn’t enough because ACU’s offense could only muster five hits. Senior Seth Spivey said the team did what they needed to do to win,
they just didn’t execute when it mattered. “We wished we could’ve come away a victor y or two against a ranked team like Sam Houston,” Spivey said. “We pitched well to win all three games, we just couldn’t get timely hits or good at bats.” Saturday’s second game continued the offensive struggle for the Wildcats as they stranded 11 runners in their 7-to-0 loss. The offense got eight hits, but could do nothing with them as freshman pitcher Sam Odom picked up his seventh win of the season. Offensively, ACU hit only a .194 batting average all weekend, but they played an almost errorfree series as they only had one error all weekend. Head coach Britt Bonneau said the team did well against a talented Sam Houston team. “We did some really good things,” Bonneau said. “It all came back to when we were able to pitch well and match their pitchers is when we did some really good things. Watching the way their team hits I would love for our team to hit that way. We have a lot of learning to do as far as about the game with these young guys.” ACU returns to the diamond Wednesday in College Station to take on Texas A&M. First pitch will be at 6:35 p.m. contact wieder at cpw11a@acu.edu
jarredd schuetze Staff Photographer
Freshman Russell Crippen hits a line drive up the middle for the Wildcats in a game at Crutcher Scott field. Over the weekend, the Wildcats were victims of a two-game sweep at the hands of Sam Houston State, 8-3 and 3-2.
The Masters: What we learned SLOAN RANGER MATTHEW SLOAN SPORTS DIRECTOR
Bubba Watson claimed his second green jacket in three years last week and reminded us of a couple of things. First, golf is bigger than Tiger Woods. Second, the next Tiger Woods is nowhere to be found. The Masters was as captivating as ever. Magnolia Lane, azaleas and Amen Corner will never go out of style, and golf will forever take center stage each April in Georgia. Masters Sunday is one of the best days on the sports calendar every year without fail. Bubba Watson, the man with a pink driver and a grand total of zero golf lessons, took on Augusta National and left with $1.6 million and another green jacket. In a weekend with an injured Tiger Woods, an absent Phil Mickelson (literally, he got cut) and a stumbling Rory Mcllroy, Watson carried off his son from the 18th green a champion. The second nine was must-see television, even
though we all knew the way the tournament would end. Watson’s main competition was 20-year-old phenom Jordan Spieth. The former UT Longhorn showed the world he would be a force in golf for 20 years, while also reminding us how truly great Tiger Woods was.
“
When grown men saw Tiger Woods in red with a lead, they cowered in fear.”
After Mcllroy won his second major championship, the “next Tiger” label was thrust upon him before he turned 23. However, he hasn’t won a single tournament of any kind since 2012, leading fans to ask, what is wrong with Rory? The answer is simple.
Nothing is wrong with Rory. He is an extremely talented young golfer. He just isn’t Tiger Woods. Nobody is Tiger Woods. Tiger was the next Jack Nicklaus, who is more than 30 years older than Woods. The fact is that the “next Tiger” is wandering around in his diapers right now dragging a little plastic golf club. Young Mr. Spieth birdied the sixth and seventh holes Sunday at the Masters to take the lead, making everyone wonder if they were watching the next great golfer comingof-age story. Bogey on eight. Bogey on nine. Reality was setting in on the 20-year-old golfer from Dallas. In 20 minutes, Spieth’s two shot lead was gone and Watson was running away with the Masters. Spieth is going to have a wonderful career. He could go on to win several major championships, but he is not the next Tiger, because a 20-year-old Tiger has that tournament on ice by the end of Amen Corner. We need to stop looking for someone to go and win 12 majors in eight years. We need to stop looking for someone that can win
the Masters by 12 strokes and the U.S. Open by 15. When grown men saw Tiger Woods in red with a lead, they cowered in fear. Woods buried his competition like nobody in the history of golf. Injuries, personal problems and age have made Woods a shell of his former self. But in his prime, Woods left the best golfers in the world feeling helpless. Adam Scott, the man many feel is the best golfer in the world, will have won four out of 10 tournaments and enters Sunday with a lead. Tiger Woods is 11-for-11 in major championships with the 54hole lead. Woods is the greatest frontrunner in the history of sports. The 2014 Masters will always stick in my mind for two reasons. First, it was the weekend Bubba Watson picked up his son on the 18th green fighting back tears after victory. Second, it was the weekend I realized the next Tiger Woods is nowhere to be found, and we would all enjoy the game more if we quit looking. contact sloan at mes10b@acu.edu
sports
Wednesday 4.16.14
Tennis preps for top Southland team Daniel Zepeda sports editor The ACU women’s tennis team will take on one of the top tennis programs in the conference when it plays the Islanders of Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Wednesday at 10 a.m. in Austin. The Wildcats, who own a 15-4 overall record with a 7-2 conference record, currently sit fourth in a tightly wound Southland Conference, and are only one game out of first place. The Islanders are tied for first with an 8-1 record against conference teams and a 16-5 overall record. The Wildcats are currently riding a four-game match win streak, and have taken eight of 10 matches and put them into the win column. The Corpus Christi women’s team had an eightmatch winning streak intact last week until it lost 4-0 to 27th-ranked Houston, but quickly rebounded from that defeat with a 4-1 win at home over Oral Roberts. Last weekend, the team took
down Sam Houston with a handily win, 6-1, and defeated Lamar 4-3. Both teams sit at the lower end of the conference, but provided a test for the Wildcats who played the matches at home. In singles play, senior Micah Hermsdorf defeated Dariya Dashutina of Lamar in straight sets, 6-4, 1-6, 6-3. Freshman Erin Walker took down her opponent Carolina Masó easily in the first match, 6-2, and narrowly in the second match, 7-6. Sophomore Nada Marjanovic continued her strong season with a win over Hanna Elfving, 6-3 and 6-2, while senior Emily Conrad played exceptionally with a victory over Anna Spengler, 6-7, 6-2 and 6-2. The Wildcats did not play as well in doubles as they did in singles, loosing two of the three matches. Kaysie and Micah Hermsdorf were defeated 8-7 by Alicia Porte and Carolina Masó. Marjanovic and Conrad fell to the duo Katya Lapayeva and Anna Spengler. Walker and Brittney Reed
8
standings Baseball Standings
Team
Div.
Ovrl
NSU MSU Nicholls St. SHSU SELA TAMU-CC Lamar UCA ORU UIW HBU SFA ACU NO
10-5 10-5 10-5 9-6 9-6 9-6 8-7 7-8 7-8 4-5 6-9 6-9 2-7 2-13
21-14 20-14 19-19 25-11 23-13 19-19 21-15 18-15 19-16 11-22 16-16 15-20 12-20 10-23
Softball Standings
jarred schuetze Staff Photographer
Senior Micah Hermsdorf returns the serve for ACU at the Eager Tennis Pavilion. were the only Wildcat doubles team to win, defeating Dariya Dashutina and Hanna Elfving, 8-6. Against Sam Houston, the Wildcats won five of six singles matches and two of three doubles matches. The loss left the Bearkats at 4-10
and a dismal 2-7 in Southland Conference play. ACU is led by Marjanovic, who owns the best singles record on the team with 18 wins and three losses. Micah Hermsdorf is second on the team with a 15-6 record. Walker and Kaysie
Hermsdorf round out the team as the only other Wildcats to have double-digit win totals, 13-8, 11-10 respectively. contact zepeda at djz11a@acu.edu
Team
Div.
Ovrl
MSU Lamar SHSU ACU NSU SFA UCA HBU SELA Nicholls St. UIW TAMU-CC
13-4 12-5 11-6 6-5 8-8 8-8 8-9 8-10 7-11 6-10 4-8 5-12
30-11 19-16 22-18 17-22 19-18 17-21 18-27 14-22 15-21 16-28 16-24 10-30
Who’s Hot Senior catcher Lyndi Smith continued her dominance at the plate over the smith weekend against Lamar. Smith went 4-9 (.444) and drove in six runs over the series. She also added two home runs, a triple and scored four times. Smith is one of the conference leaders in home runs (9) and runs batted in (36).
briefings Track and Field held the inaugural Wes Kittley Invitational over the weekend. Senior Baptiste Kerjean won the hammer throw with a throw of 215 feet-1 inch. austin kilcullen Staff Photographer
Sophomore infielder Demi McNulty throws the runner out at first base in the Wildcats 3-2 win against Lamar. The Wildcats won on a walk-off bases loaded double to even the series with Lamar, 1-1. ACU is 17-22 overall and own a 6-5 Southland Conference record so far in the season.
Softball earns walk-off win Daniel zepeda sports editor The Wildcat softball ball team dropped two out of three games at home over the weekend to conference rival, Lamar. Pitching continued to be an issue for ACU as the team allowed 23 total runs to the Cardinals, who rank second in the conference in hitting (.302), behind the first place Wildcats (.309). The Wildcats now sit at 17-22 with a 6-5 Southland Conference record, while Lamar moves to 1916 and 12-5 in conference play, placing second in the Southland. ACU dropped the series opener, 6-11, after a big six-run fourth inning left the Cardinals in front, 8-4. Freshman Hannah Null and junior Emily Seidel
were rocked for a combined eight earned runs on 11 hits in 5.1 innings of work. Senior catcher Lyndi Smith drove in three runs with a two-run home run and a sac fly. “They are a very aggressive team on the bases and we had to learn to adjust to that,” Null said. “They were smart batters because they made us throw strikes but they were not overpowering.” Game two saw a shift in play and late inning fireworks as the Wildcats won on a walk-off double by sophomore pinch-hitter Cara Hoover. The Wildcats were able to load the basses for Hoover with one out in the bottom of the seventh and with ACU trailing 1-2. After fouling two pitches off, Hoover was able to record her only hit of the game, driving in sophomores
Anna Jones and pinchrunner Jacquelyn Perez, giving the home squad a 3-2 win. Null was able to find here dominance that has carried the Wildcats all year. Null went the distance for a complete game, allowing two runs on two hits and four strikeouts. With the win, Null moves to 11-7 on the year, good enough for second in conference wins. The Cardinal offense returned in the rubber match game, as Lamar took the game and the series in a 10-7 defeat of ACU. The weather caused some difficulty as wind gusts were recorded at 30-miles-per-hour, and the game had to be delayed because of lightning and hail. The game was resumed in the fifth inning, tied 4-4. Lamar broke the
game open with a fourrun inning to move ahead 8-4. The Wildcats added three in the bottom of the seventh, but still fell short. “Lamar kept us on our toes and I think the number one thing we can learn from this series is that routine plays are the most important plays to make and we need to be more aware of what is going on,” Smith said. “It is so important for us to make the routine outs when they give them to us. That’s how you win a game; taking advantage of the outs given to you.” Senior third baseman Courtney Flanary was one of two Wildcats to homer in the game, driving in three on her bomb in the third inning. Smith had the other home run in the seventh, driving in two, as she con-
tinues to be one of the top hitters in the conference. The Wildcats have three series left on the season. With all but one game against conference rivals, ACU will need to utilize home games to their full extent. ACU will prepare for Sam Houston State (22-18, 12-5) in Huntsville before returning home for their final six games at home. “We have already played SHSU three times so we know what to expect,” Null said. “They have strong, but smart hitters and are very powerful behind the plate. We have handled their pitching very well in the past and I think we will score a lot of runs again this weekend.” contact zepeda at djz11a@acu.edu
Wildcats set to travel to McKinney reese gwin sports reporter The ACU golf team is wrapping up its first season of Div. I. competition with the conference tournament next week. The Wildcats will look to continue their hot streak in McKinney against their Southland Conference opponents next Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. The team has spent the past month rebounding from a poor start to the spring season. Rough
outings in Cabo, Mexico and Little Rock, Ark., is not what head coach Mike Campbell anticipated for the spring season. Still, the ‘Cats remained resilient. Junior Corbin Renner really began to hit the ball well, grabbing two top 10 finishes. Senior Trey Sullivan continued his consistent play, finishing in the top half of ever y tournament. Freshman Robert Johnson has stepped up recently, leading the team to a seventh place
finish at Louisiana-Monroe. The top half of the Wildcat squad will have to shoot low to carr y the team. Campbell is still looking for consistency as the back half of his team. Sophomore Kaden Walters and freshman Kyle Karnei stepped up in the most recent tournament where ACU finished 10th. “Corbin and Trey have done a great job of leading our team all spring,” Karnei said. “The rest of us just want to step up
and follow their example.” Production from the three, four and five slots is essential for the Wildcats to be competitive at conference. Renner and Sullivan will shoot low, but how the rest of the team shoots will determine where ACU will finish. “Expectations are out the window,” Renner said. “We are just tr ying to go out there and put together three good rounds.” The Wildcats already have some experience
against a few of their Southland rivals this spring, but they are playing at a higher level now. The team has already started qualif ying for conference. Renner and Sullivan are exempt because of their consistency and production throughout the year. Meanwhile, Johnson, Karnei, Walters and Junior Luke Carpenter battle for the three remaining spots. contact gwin at erg12a@acu.edu
The Wildcats football season opener against Georgia State at the Georgia Dome will be aired on ESPNU. Seniors Madison Buckley, Emily Conrad, Ian Evans and junior Tyler Eager were selected as ACU’s student athletes of the month for March. Be sure to follow @OptimistSports on Twitter for more stories and the latest ACU sports news coverage.
Upcoming Women’s tennis takes on Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Wednesday at 10 a.m. in Austin. Men’s tennis will also take on TAM-CC Wednesday at 10 a.m. in Austin. The team will also take on nonconference opponent St. Edward’s later in the afternoon at 4 p.m. Baseball faces Texas A&M at 6:35 p.m. Wednesday in College Station. Softball plays games one and two of its series against Sam Houston State Friday at 1 and 3 p.m. in Huntsville. Track will compete against Oklahoma University Saturday in Norman, Okla.