A Walk on the Wild Side
vol. 100, no. 51
wednesday, april 18, 2012
1 SECTION, 8 PAGES
Features page 5
Abilenians support Autism Speaks
STEPPIN’
OUT
photos by mandy lambright chief photographer
SHADES Step-Squad performed at their show, titled “Shades Sircus,” Friday and Saturday night in Cullen Auditorium. Approximately 500 people attended the show, and ticket sale proceeds went toward the Alliance for Women and Children.
Student dance group shows off their skills in spring performance at the show in Cullen Auditorium Friday and Saturday. student reporter “For the SHADES Sircus, we wanted to give a feel for SHADES step squad incor- how outside of the box our porated some traditional step-squad really is,” said favorites from under the big SHADES head captain Brantop at their annual spring don Bolden, senior counselperformance last weekend. ing and psychology major The show was appropriately from St. Louis. “We wanted to show our diversity while titled: “SHADES Sircus.” Acrobats and giant jack- maintaining a circus theme in–the-box dancers were so we made sure our show among many performances had performances like ac-
“
Everybody can dance. Everybody has his or her own style.” Destiny Hagood Senior photojournalism major from compton, calif.
Sarah Fatheree
robats in full suits, guys on stilts who are controlling puppets and lion and lion tamer dancers.” Approximately 500 people attended the performance, with all proceeds from ticket sales benefiting Alliance for Women and Children, the organization that typically receives proceeds raised at SHADE’s performances.
Bolden said the stepsquad has done various projects with the organization but wanted to do more by giving them the proceeds to all performances. “We’ve partnered with Women’s for Alliance in the past – teaching children step performances, helping revitalize their playground, and also helping with a few other small projects. Through these different projects we have developed a good relationship with the organization,” he said. Bolden said SHADES shows are not performances by individuals, but rather performances from a unified group driven by a
common goal. “SHADES has a family feel to it. We have our trials and tribulations but at the same time, we stick together and fight for that common purpose in choosing to glorify God with our talents. That is one of the main reasons I have been a member for as long as I have,” said Bolden, who has been a member of SHADES for four years and has served as captain for two. As the group’s final show of the season, the performance also served as the last SHADES performance for the seniors in the group. “Everybody can dance. Everybody has his or her
own style. We have so many different races and personalities in SHADES that everybody shines in the performance. You get to see the individual as well as the group perform as one,” said SHADES women’s captain, Destiny Hagood, senior photojournalism major from Compton, Calif. “As of now, we’re wrapping it up and preparing for new captains to come in to place. This group has a lot of freshman so it will be a great mixture for next year.” contact fatheree at sfj09a@acu.edu
University
Student meets with registrar to revive dead day try and Cell Biology, and both of those are pretty arts editor rough classes,” Hill said. “I started making my finals Many students have dis- schedule a couple weeks played dismay at the re- ago and I found that I have moval of dead day from three finals on Monday.” On the first day of the this semester’s finals week and one student has ral- week, Hill will start with a lied others toward its rein- Speech final followed by cumulative finals in Organic statement. After realizing how Chemistry and Cell Biology. “I know I’m not going crammed his finals week would be, Alexander Hill, to be the only one because sophomore biology major I have a bunch of friends from Abilene, decided to who are going to be in a spearhead the creation of similar boat,” Hill said. “I petition to bring Dead Day did the petition to show that there are students who back. “Right now I am taking have particularly strong Honors Organic Chemis- views regarding this day.”
david singer
Hill has received a large amount of support from the student body. “Most students really value their study time and overall, students have been really responsive about keeping their study time or even just time to relax before finals. You really can’t take a final on four or five hours of sleep and expect to do well.” Eric Soulek, sophomore computer science major from San Antonio, understands how no dead day will effect him this semester. “I know it is only one day,” Soulek said, “but it is a little more stress added on
to my schedule. Dead day was a day where I could kind of unwind. It allowed me to sort out everything I had to study and be more prepared. I think it is something that students want back that will help us succeed.” Some students who do not want to see Dead Day return have also been vocal. One physics student protested Hill while he petitioned in the Campus Center. “I completely respect the differences of opinion,” Hill said, “and I know not everyone did use dead day. But I think it is a nice concession for the people who
did use it.” After meeting with Bart Herridge, the registrar, Hill turned in the petition with over 500 signatures from students and a small group of faculty members. He can’t say for sure that a change will be made but he is confident that the administration will hear the students’ voice. “The administration is going to do what they’re going to do,” Hill said, “but I got the sense that they are willing to listen to students and they are willing to take our views into account.” One solution that Hill offered was to drop Fri-
day classes during the last week of the semester to allow both a three day weekend for studying and five days for finals. Students will have an opportunity to voice their opinions and suggestions in a survey that will be sent out during finals week. After working and petitioning to bring back dead day, Hill can offers a piece of advice: “Answer that survey because that is how we are going to make our voices heard.” contact singer at dis08b@acu.edu
inside sports
opinion
photos
news
Baseball team fight through windy weather at Lone Star Conference
Familiarity of religion disguises qualities others may see as far-fetched
Go online to see more photos of the SHADES show “Shades Sircus”
Zeta Rho partners with Red Thread Movement for fundraising gala
Page 8
page 6
Abilene Christian University
acuoptimist.com
page 4
wednesday 04.18.12
18
wednesday
19
All day - ACU Class of 1963’s 50th Reunion
thursday
20
5 p.m. Frater Sodalis Rush
friday
21
4 p.m. ACU Softball @ Midwestern
5 p.m. Gamma Sigma Phi Rush
7 p.m. Alpha Kai Omega Rush
6 p.m. All School Rodeo and Concert
7 p.m. Sub T Rush
7:30 p.m. Jazz Ensemble Concert
7 p.m. Pi Kappa Formal
saturday
8 a.m. Kirk Goodwin Run 2 p.m. ACU Baseball vs. Tarleton State @ ACU 6 p.m. Sub T Formal
9 p.m. Pi Kappa Rush
7:30 p.m. Emma- ACU Theatre
9 p.m. Sigma Theta Chi/ Galaxy Rush
9 p.m. Zeta Rho Rush
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Chapel checkup
Around abilene April 18
April 19
April 20
April 21
12 p.m. The Center for Contemporary Arts is showing the documentary, Art in the Twenty-First Century. Admission is free.
7:30 p.m. The ACU Jazz Ensemble Concert will be held in Cullen Auditorium featuring the music of Radiohead, Pat Metheny, Gordon Goodwin and more. Admission is free.
7 a.m. Abilene’s Relay for Life will be held on the ACU campus. Admission price per team is $25. Visit relayforlife.org/abilenetx for more information.
8 p.m. The Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra presents their concert “New World” at the Abilene Civic Center. Tickets are $11 to $33.
12 61 @acuoptimist The Optimist optimist@acu.edu
Police Log Announcements The ACU Student-Athelete Advisory Committee will be hosting the 2nd Annual Run for Wishes on May 5 from 8 - 9:30 a.m. Participants, area Make-AWish kids and families and volunteers will run together to help raise money for children with life-threatening conditions. Register at bit.ly/acurunforwishes. Registration costs $15.
All seniors are invited to the Senior Send-Off on April 26 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the covered porch behind the Hunter Welcome Center. RSVP at www. acu.edu/seniorsendoff and be eligible to win an iPad 2 and other door prizes.
Spots are still available for Nil Santana’s summer photography courses. Art 29101, Introduction to Black and White Beginning Fall 2012, the Department of Photography is being offered May 14Art and Design is now offering a Minor 31. Art 440-01, Digital Art Photography in Interior Design. For more informa- is being offered July 16-August 2. tion call 325-674-2085 ext. 2087. The 2012-2013 Executive Cabinet is The ACU Theatre presents its spring looking for the next Executive Adminromantic comedy, Emma. The play will istrator of the Student’s Association. be presented on April 19-21 in Fulks Visit acustudents.com/executiveadTheatre. Tickets are $15 and can be ministrator to download the applicapurchased online at acu.edu/theatre tion for information. Applications are or by calling 325-674-2787. due Friday at 5 p.m. in the SA office.
Dr. Neal Coates will be teaching a special topics class, Politics of Israel, for the Fall 2012 semester. This class will be offered Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3-4:20 p.m.
The AES Club and the Ag Department present the 57th Annual ACU All School Rodeo and Concert on Friday in the Horse Barn on the Taylor County Expo Grounds. The rodeo will begin at 6 p.m. with the concert following at 10 p.m. Admission is $10. Sign up at the Rodeo Booth in the Campus Center from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The HACU National Internship Program is offering internships for Fall 2012. 10 to 15 week paid internships are open to undergraduate and graduate major. The ACU Department of Music presents Apply online at www.hacu.net/himp. the ACU Bands Concert on April 26 at 7:30 p.m. in Cullen Auditorium. AdmisStudents are invited to a Racketcourt Devo sion is free and open to the public. held at the racket ball courts in the SRWC on Thursday at 8 p.m. E-mail kgt08a@acu. ACU’s PULSE A Cappella will present edu for more information. their first concert on April 25 at 7 p.m. in the WPAC Recital Hall. Wishing Well presents a performance by slam poet, David Bowden, on Thurs- Medical and Veterinary Entomology is day night at 7 p.m. at the Amphitheater. now being offered Fall 2012 taught by Dr. Admission is free. Qiang Xu.
Volunteer Opp0rtunities Choose Life Recycling is looking for volunteers to help with their fundraisers during the Relay for Life Fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. They will have four areas set up during the relay and need volunteers to work two hour shifts during the event. The relay will be on April 20 beginning at 7 p.m. and continue until 7 a.m., April 21 at the Elmer Gray Stadium on the ACU campus. Volunteers will need to be able to do some moderate to heavy lifting. Contact Eric mallet at 325261-0430 or e-mail chooseliferecycling@gmail.com. Wesley Court needs volunteers on Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. to help serve senior adults at a luncheon and to assist with clean up afterwards. The event will take place at Hillcrest Church of Christ. Contact Tonya Railsback at 325-660-8817 or e-mail trrailsback@searsmethodist.com. Abilene Youth Sports Authority needs help on April 21 - 22 for their Primetime Basketball Tournament event. Volunteers will work in three hour shifts between 7:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. each day and will be selling tickets and concessions. The tournament will be taking place at Wylie Jr. High and Craig Middle School. Contact Laurie Musgrave at 325-692-2972 or e-mail lmusgrave@abileneysa.org by Wednesday. Volunteers are needed to work at Faithworks of Abilene on April 22 at 2 p.m. as part of “We Are The Sermon Day.” Volunteers will help with cleaning, painting and putting down new flooring in an office. Faithworks is located at 1229 N. Mockingbird. Contact Darrell Jordan at 2229-395-0151 or e-mail dwj07a@acu.edu. ACU for the IRC is hosting an Easter egg hunt for refugee families on Saturday at noon here on the ACU campus. Help is needed with hiding eggs around campus, interacting with the families crafts and refreshments and clean up. Contact Jessica Backfisch at 267772-0508 or jcp07a@acu.edu. Meet in the Campus Center at noon or before. Abilene Hope Haven needs volunteers from May 4 through May 6 to help in a variety of ways with their annual youth soccer tournament. The event will be held at the Abilene National Soccer Complex at 3025 Maple. Contact Alan Jeter at 325-677-4673 or alana@ abilenehopehaven.com or Kathy Reppart at 325-6774673 or kathy@abilenehopehaven.com. Ben Richey Boys Ranch is looking for volunteers for their annual Ben Richey Boys Ranch Clay Break Classic on May 5 for shifts throughout the day from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Duties will include set up, helping on the claybreak range, clean up and variety of other tasks during
the event. Contact Patty Dunn at 325-668-0557 or Karen Martin at 325-668-9554 or e-mail klmrep02@ hotmail.com. Child Protective Services needs volunteers for clerical work as well as volunteers who can organize a playroom. Volunteers are needed any weekday anytime between 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Child Protective Services are located at 3610 Vine St. Background checks are required and are done at the center. Background checks usually are cleared in about two weeks. For more information call V. Danette Cummings at 325-691-8214. Medical Care Mission is looking for volunteers to assist medical or dental staff with patients any weekday from 8:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. For more information contact Dave Kraly at 325-676-3104 or email medicalmoose@ sbcglobal.net. Abilene Hope Haven Inc. needs volunteers to provide childcare while parents are in class, any evening Monday-Thursday from 6:45 - 8:15 p.m. Abilene Hope Haven is located at 801 S. Treadaway Blvd. For more information contact Kathy Reppart at 325-677-4673 or visit www.abilenehopehaven.com/volunteer. Volunteers are needed to enjoy a free lunch with students at Bonham Elementary School on a weekly basis. This would be sometime between 10:00 a.m. and 1:15 p.m., and would involve spending lunch time with students and having a positive impact on their lives. Contact Jason Shaw at 325-639-3745 or e-mail jason.shaw@abileneisd.org. Meals on Wheels Plus needs volunteer drivers to deliver afternoon meals to seniors and adults with disabilities Monday-Friday between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Drivers must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license. Training is provided. A Chapel exemption is available if delivery time conflicts with Chapel. Contact Jessica Stewart at 325-672-5050 or email volunteer@mealsonwheelsplus.com. The Big Brothers Big Sisters program is looking for volunteers to participate in Lunch Buddies. Bigs and Littles will enjoy lunch together at the child’s school once a week. Students can earn Chapel credit for each visit. Big Brothers Big Sisters is also looking for volunteers for its Community Based program. Bigs are matched with Littles in a one-on-one relationship and spend four to six hours per month together in the community. To sign up or learn more visit www. bbbstx.org or call 325-674-3113. New Life Alliance is looking for volunteers to help
with their after school program on Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. You will help with snacks, homework, crafts, games and other activities in addition to mentoring and building relationships with youth. Contact Ashley Kee at 325-672-1636 or e-mail akee@newlifehousing.com. The House That Kerry Built is looking for volunteers to assist in the day care of medically fragile children any day Monday through Friday from 8:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Contact Dave Kraly at 325-676-3104 or e-mail medicalmoose@sbcglobal.net for more information. Rescue The Animals is looking for volunteers anytime between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., Monday-Friday. They need help around the adoption center with general cleaning, socialization of the animals, helping potential adopters and other tasks. Contact Mindi Qualls at 325-698-7722 or email rescuetheanimalsvolunteers@ yahoo.com. The center is located at 5933 S. 1st St. Young Life Ministries needs volunteers Mondays, Tuesdays and weekends from 6-9 p.m. Volunteers will hang out with kids, experience leadership roles, serve others and introduce students to Christ. Young Life is located at 1917 S. 6th St. For more information contact Chuck Rodgers at 325-676-1211 or email clrodg@wrproperties.com. Disability Resources, Inc. is looking for volunteers to assist developmentally disabled residence. Help is needed with activities, art projects, reading books, exercise activities, assisting with vocational training needs and other interactions Monday through Friday from 9 a.m-4 p.m. For more information contact Becky Moody at 325-677-6815 or e-mail bmoody@ driabilene.org. Volunteers are needed to read to Taylor Elementary School students Monday through Thursday afternoons at UCC from 3:15-4:30 p.m. Enter through the south entrance. Contact C.G. Grey 325-668-2842. Da’ Cipher 360, a program for at risk children, is looking for volunteers on Monday evenings from 5-8 p.m. at the Rose Park Activity Center, 2625 S. 7th St. Volunteers can help in a variety of ways including helping with set up, learning activities for kindergarten-3rd graders, tutoring 4th-8th graders, and assisting with clean up. Contact Alvina Scott at 847-3337026 or e-mail ams07b@acu.edu. For additional volunteer opportunities visit: www. acu.edu/campusoffices/slvr/vol_opps/
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campus news
wednesday 04.18.12
performing arts
Theatre to close season with romantic comedy brittany williams staff photographer
leslie lewis Staff Photographer
The freshman class took advantage of the new ACU dancing policy by making their formal theme “Dancing ‘til the cows come home.”
intramurals
Students, clubs sign up for rodeo carole-marie wiser student reporter Students will take part in rough-riding, roping, goats and cowbells at the 57th all-school rodeo scheduled for 6 p.m Friday at the Taylor County Expo Center. Registration for the event ends Wednesday. The rodeo will include events from the past such as “udder goat madness” a concert featuring Jamie Richards, a Texas country music performer who has had numerous singles hit the top 10 charts. Going hand-in-hand with the concert will be some Texas two-stepping. The Department of Agriculture and Environ-
mental Sciences will also take over the mall area on Thursday after Chapel for a rodeo demonstration. “We will have a rodeo exhibit,” said Grant Lawrence, junior wildlife management major from Bangs. “There will be goats, sheep, horses and roping dummies. We want it to be more visual.” Students competing in events at the rodeo will earn intramural points for their social clubs. However, not all clubs will be participating this year. “We haven’t really discussed it,” said Meredith Thornton, sophomore premed major from Cedar Hill and Alpha Kai intramural director. “I think the girls did it last year but most of
them didn’t really want to this year.” Some other clubs, including Frater Sodalis and GATA are also choosing not to enter the rodeo this year. But the women of Sigma Theta Chi will participate, said Libby Sinclair, sophomore marking major and intramural director from Abilene. “We are just signing up to have a good time and do the best we can,” Sinclair said. The men of Gamma Sigma Phi are anticipating a victory again this year after last year’s firstplace finish. “We are really excited about the rodeo,” said Michael Smith, sophomore
accounting and finance major and GSP intramural director from Denton. “We’ve been working around the clock getting ready for it. Our guys won it last year, and they want a repeat. It is such a great event and we are just excited to be a part of it.” Sign-ups for the rodeo are in the McGlothlin Campus Center. It is $20 per event and each event requires four memberteams. The general admission ticket is $10 and can be purchased at the door. It includes entrance to the rodeo and concert afterward. contact wiser at cxw08a@acu.edu
The Department of Theatre will close its curtains for the 2011-2012 school year with its performance of the romantic comedy Emma. “Emma is known for being a period piece and a quick witted comedy. I think the cast did a fantastic job telling the story,” said Noa Dowl, freshman theater major from Dallas. Emma was the fourth novel published by Jane Austen and the last before her death. “Emma is the story of a spoiled rich girl who likes to play matchmaker. The tale follows her as she learns the consequences of meddling in people’s lives as she matures quite a bit in a few short months,” said Allie Smith, freshman math education major from Crawford. Alex Bonneau, sophomore musical theater major from Dallas, plays Mrs. Elton, a character Bonneau describes as loud, obnoxious, and full of herself. “I love Mrs. Elton. That’s one of the most important essentials in acting, you’ve got to love your character, because they love themselves,” Bonneau said. “I have actually been able to bring my own dry sense of
humor to the role and it has worked pretty well.” After graduation, Bonneau plans on buying a oneway ticket to New York City. “I have a scrabble piece with the map of New York on it. It stays in my makeup bag,” Bonneau said. “My mom always tells me that ‘the standard is New York.’ It never fails to make me want to work that much harder.” Before coming to ACU, Bonneau was involved in church musicals, school productions, and community theater. “In addition to all of the hard work that the actors and our amazing director have done, Emma is visually stunning. I have to brag about our set and costumes because they are simply beautiful. It’s like walking into Jane Austen’s little world,” Bonneau said. The last three performances will be Thursday – Saturday, at 7:30 p.m. in the Williams Performing Arts Center. For tickets and more information about the show, visit their website at http:// www.acu.edu/academics / cas/theatre or visit the box office inside the Williams Performing Arts Center. contact williams at bnw11a@acu.edu
news
wednesday 04.18.12
4
social clubs
Zeta Rho teams with Red Thread for gala gabi powell student reporter The recently recharted Zeta Rho opted out of a formal this year and chose to have a Red Thread Gala this weekend as a fundraising opportunity. The charity event took place at the Abilene Country Club Friday evening and featured a catered dinner and silent auction. The night included a speech from Red Thread co-founder, Samantha Sutherland, who spoke to guests about the organization and Zeta Rho’s history and service. All proceeds from ticket sales and auction items went directly to the Red Thread Movement. Before the event, Zeta Rho President, Shannon Rose, a senior biology major from Abilene, said preparations for the Gala had already met Zeta Rho’s goal of furthering the Red Thread Movement cause. “The Gala has already accomplished much of what I had hoped for. We have been able to share the vision of the Red Thread Movement with local Abilene businesses and individuals in the community who did not
scale and open to all of the Abilene community. Throughout the year, Zeta Rho has been closely tied to Red Thread Movement, with ongoing volunteering and promotion of campus and community awareness. “During our pledging period, we had Service Saturdays. These Saturdays were set aside for service projects to assist Red Thread in whatever way we could. We wrote cards to Samantha Sutherland and Brittany Partridge [founders of the Red Thread movement] and helped package bracelets,” said Tara Lowe, sophomore elementary education major from Springtown. Lowe said since the Red Thread Gala project is finbrittany williams Staff Photographer ished Zeta Rho’s focus on Left: Samantha Sutherland, co-founder of the Red Thread Movement, speaks at the Red Thread Gala. Right: L.J. preparations for the fall Hood, sophomore psychology major from Franklin, Tenn., and Tara Lowe, sophomore elementary education major semester. “After the Gala is over, we from Springtown chat during dinner at the gala. are in full swing for spring know about it previously,” nity versus solely the ACU fore Zeta Rho became an cause that we could re- rushes. We are very excited ally stand behind- so our for the upcoming pledging official social club. Rose said. “The women community.” “While we were still in focus has been on the Red season,” Lowe said. “Our The Red Thread Gala of Zeta Rho have worked so hard in finding spon- illustrated Zeta Rho’s the planning process of Thread Movement,” Mc- new officers are already preparing themselves for sors and planning this stated mission of service, re-chartering Zeta Rho, Danel said. Because of venue con- next semester, and are busy event that it has brought the purpose behind their the idea of formal came them together in ways decision to host a formal up. We collectively opted straints, tickets to The Red praying for God’s direction only planning an event for charity. Vice President to have a fundraising ban- Thread Gala were only for the club.” like this can. Most of all, Shawna McDanel, senior quet for a worthy cause in available to Zeta Rho alumwe are wanting to raise graphic design major lieu of a formal. At the be- ni and members, but club contact powell at awareness of Red Thread from Early, said the event ginning of this semester, members hope to make this gmp10b@acu.edu in the Abilene Commu- was in the works even be- we decided to invest in a an annual event on a larger
organizations
Refugees invited to campus for egg hunt brookelee galle student reporter Refugees who have come from all over the world will gather April 21 for an Easter egg hunt sponsored by ACU for the International Rescue Committee. The student-led organization will provide transportation for the refugees. The event begins at 1 p.m. outside of the McGlothlin Campus Center, and it is open to everyone. “It is our hope that by
hosting our upcoming Easter egg hunt, we will provide the refugee families in the Abilene area with another opportunity for fellowship and to learn about American traditions,” said Jessica Backfisch, senior international studies major from Perkasie, Penn. The refugees in Abilene are from all over the globe including Afghanistan and Congo. Backfisch, ACU for the IRC fundraising and development officer, said they expect an attendance of approximately 50 refu-
gee children at the Easter egg hunt. They also hope to see more than a dozen ACU volunteers at the event. Volunteers should gather between 12:45 and 1 p.m. in the library in the atrium. An ACU for the IRC representative will be there to advise those willing to volunteer. The volunteers on campus will manage the arts and crafts and hospitality for people as they arrive and wait for the Easter egg hunt. ACU for the IRC was founded in 2008 and serves
“
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed serving as a faculty sponsor with ACU for the IRC this year.” heidi nobles instructor of english
resettled refugees in the Abilene area by working with the local IRC office to participate in service projects, mentoring, cultural events and English teaching. They strive to promote awareness of IRC on cam-
pus and encourage students to volunteer directly with the refugee families. “I love having the opportunity to share fun traditions from my childhood with the families that have only recently joined our Abilene community,” said Heidi Nobles, instructor of English. “It’s been a joy to volunteer with the IRC in Abilene, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed serving as a faculty sponsor with ACU for the IRC this year.” The organization conducts the annual Easter egg
hunts as well as Thanksgiving meals. They have also prepared donation drives each semester. Refugee guests attended an ACU baseball game and volunteers taught them pitching and batting basics beforehand. More information can be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ groups/acufortheirc.
contact galle at blg09c@acu.edu
english
Hamilton to speak at annual Folklore Lecture Building. “It’s called the George student reporter W. Ewing Folklore Lecture because Dr. Ewing Dr. Mark Hamilton, asso- taught Folklore at ACU ciate dean for the gradu- before he passed and this ate of theology, will be the is a way of honoring him,” first ACU alumni speaker said Dr. Steve Weathers, of the 3rd annual George professor of English and W. Ewing Folklore Lec- event coordinator. “He ture. The event will take was a great man and a place at 7.p.m. April 19 in very gentle person who Room 117 of the Onstead- served in W WII.” Last year’s event had a Packer Biblical Studies
armani williams
very successful outcome, said Mikee Delony, assistant professor of English and event coordinator. Dr. Phyllis Bridges a recipient of Texas Women’s University and folklorist specialist was the speaker at last year’s event. She conducted workshops in the afternoon for students to learn more about folklore diaries, the Oregon Trail, orphan trains, and mail-
“
Dr. Ewing taught Folklore at ACU before he passed and this is a way of honoring him.” dr. steve weathers professor of english
order brides. “It went really well last year. Dr. Bridges was really fascinating, and tied folk-
lore with mythology to get a better understand of the two,” Delony said. Another goal of the event is to show the importance of folklore studies. Hamilton will discuss passages in the Old Testament that are strange and hard to understand. He will provide a better understanding of the passages using folklore. “Folklore is a belief,
custom, or superstition by some people of a particular culture that has been passed down orally by one family member to another but has some type of fictional belief that teaches a lesson,” Delony said.
contact williams at arw11a@acu.edu
local
Abilene Philharmonics to close classical season gabi powell student reporter The Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra will close its classical concert season with a production of Dvorak’s New World on April 21, led by Music Di-
rector and Conductor David Itkan. Abilene Philharmonic’s performance of New World will take place in the Abilene Civic Center. The program’s title comes from Dvorak’s Symphony No.9, popularly known as the New
World Symphony, composed in 1893. Heidi Kelley, Abilene Philharmonic Executive Director, encourages students attend the show to hear the world-renown musical piece. “If they only go to the concert, they will hear one of the most played and recognized symphonies on the planet – Dvorak’s No. 9. New World was inspired by Dvorak’s travels to America during the 19th Century and when he
heard African-American spirituals, he was motivated to write this magnificent piece that the world has embraced,” she said. The show will also feature Greg Hustis, the principle horn player for the Dallas Symphony. Kelley commented on the honor of having this musician’s appearance in Abilene’s orchestral performance and on the ACU campus. “We are very excited to have Hustis joining us on
“
If [students] only go to the concert, they will hear one of the most played and recognized symphonies on the planet – Dvorak’s No. 9.”
this concert. He will also be teaching an Artist Master Class at Abilene Christian University on Friday at 3 p.m. This master class is free and open to the public. I hope that everyone who is interested in music attends and is inspired by the majestic sound of the French horn.” For 61 years, Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra is, according to its website, “the only professional orchestra within 100 miles of Abilene, drawing audiences from more than 50 Texas cities.” Kelley said The Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra will have one more concert May 5, but they will be announcing its 2012-2013 season at the New World concert and make season subscription will be available at that time. When interviewed for a press release, conductor
heidi kelley abilene philharmonic executive director
and director, David Itkin, encouraged attendance to the show. “Dvorak’s popular New World symphony is a perfect way to cap off another great season at the Philharmonic. It’s themes of joy homeland and spiritual renewal are both a part of what great music and our city’s orchestra are all about,” he said. To purchase tickets, call the Philharmonic office at 325-677-6710, visit online at www. AbilenePhilharmonic.org, or purchase them from the Philharmonic office located at 402 Cypress Street. College students may purchase $5 Student Rush tickets one hour in advance with their student IDs. contact powell at gmp10b@acu.edu
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featureS
wednesday 04.18.12
A Walk in the
ZOO
Abilenians gather at zoo to support Autism Speaks samantha sutherland features editor
T
he Walk Now for Autism Speaks took place at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Abilene Zoo. The walk, which raised over $1 million for Autism Speaks, brought together thousands of people from the surrounding community who came to support families and individuals affected by autism. Autism is a brain development disorder resulting in difficulties with communication and social interaction according to the Autism Speaks website. It can be characterized by repetitive behavior. Some people with autism show great strengths in areas such as math, art, music as well as other visual skills.
Autism affects more than 2 million people in the United States alone. Autism Speaks said autism research focuses on discovering ways to diagnose autistic children earlier so therapy to adjust behaviors can begin sooner. Autism Speaks is the nation’s largest autism advocacy organization. Its purpose is to fund research, raise awareness and help meet needs of families affected by autism. Walk Now events are hosted all over the country. Abilene is the host of one of six walks currently scheduled in Texas. Walks will also take place in San Angelo on May 12 and in Odessa on April 28.
Abilenians gather at the zoo for the annual Walk Now to raise funds for Autism Speaks, an organization dedicated to raising awareness and finding a cure for autism.
contact sutherland at sns08a@acu.edu
Photos by Adrian Patenaude
opinion
Wednesday 04.18.12
6
INSANITY THE
OF RELIGION Stepping back for a look at the craziness of Christianity and religion in general
Oh Dear, Christian College
Ben miller
We value our religious heritage, traditions and the communities that come with it. But when we take a semi-objective look Christianity sounds insane. All religions do. The editorial board discussed this topic and came to three conclusions presented in unsigned editorials below.
EDITORIAL
EDITORIAL
Feeble minds need a higher power Humans need to believe in something bigger. We often feel and act like we are the only part of the world that matters, but we know we are a small piece of a bigger picture. And as we mature, we realize tiny our role actually is. And since we can’t control of this world, surely a greater force must be setting the laws of nature. Most people believe in some sort of higher power. And no matter the perceived legitimacy of a person’s form of worship, it is a way to help us cope with questions we cannot answer. Our tendency is to ask why things exist in the
manner they do. The human race progresses because we have these questions and we look for the answers. We question ourselves, our lives and our future, and we try to change them for the better. We want to know what makes us the way we are and what we can do to make the future different. Some of these questions have easy answers. And following a thread of logic can lead us to the answers of many questions we encounter. But once the logical end is reached, answering questions takes more than reason. That is where faith
comes in. Maybe we were raised in a church, or maybe something about a specific religion that catches our heart. And we decide something about this higher power makes it the correct answer to our questions. Ecclesiastes 3:11 acknowledges the inability we have when it comes to understanding the vastness of creation. “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity (ignorance) in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” One of the things we can
not know is the legitimacy of our God. Our Bible w We cannot pretend one faith is more right than the others. For all anyone knows we could all be wrong. We can believe it, and we can convince others of it. But we can’t do anything more. Hard evidence of heaven, hell or a creator doesn’t exist. This is the reason faith – once attained – forms such a strong bond.
The strangeness of faith should not be ignored If your beliefs don’t seem strange to you, you haven’t thought about them much. If you are a Christian, your religion should leave you at least a little confused. I don’t mean the cheap imitations of Christianity we see all over the place with their blasphemous perversions and simplifications like “Do good things so you can go to heaven” or “Follow some rules, then you can pray and get stuff.” No, those kinds of beliefs make a lot of sense to us – to much sense. Everything’s tidied up and in place. They let us come up with a quick answer for anything that happens. It’s comfy, and it fits the way our brains work. But that’s just because we made it up with our brains. It fits in our heads nicely because we built it out of ourselves. If you want a faith that’s transcendent, something that has a divine spark of revelation to it, it shouldn’t fit. Maybe you can wrap your mind around part of it, but not all of it simultaneously. Don’t shy away from ideas that go beyond what makes sense to us. Many of the truest things we know about seem absurd. Dig down even a little into our understanding of the universe, and things start to get funny. But it doesn’t mean they’re not true, it just means we’re not used to them. That New Testament we’re fond of reading around here
contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
EDITORAL
Religion is never normal, only familiar
An image has been f loating around the internet that describes Atheism as “the belief that there was nothing and nothing happened to nothing and then nothing magically exploded for no reason, creating everything.” So Atheism is an insane belief ? No. W hen any religion is generalized it will seem equally – if not more insane – than this ignorant description of Atheism. In fact, it is possible that many would prefer this ideology to that of a group who eats the body and blood of a man they believe was raised from the dead. No religion, ours or others, is simple enough
to be characterized in a single sentence or paragraph. All religion is network of many stories and beliefs intertwined. And with many religions, these stories and beliefs can often seem abnormal. But it is exactly complexity and insanity that makes religion great. To be other-worldly, religion must stray from our society’s definition of sane. W hether Christianity or any other belief, it is the stories that stray from sanity and seem impossible that separate religion from things of this world. One of the most important principles of Christianity, faith, is nothing
without insanity. There is no beauty in “complete trust or confidence” in something that is utterly believable. “Normal” religion defies the actual definition of religion: a belief in a superhuman power. The only reason religion seems customary and conventional in our minds is familiarity. Growing up in Christianity or any belief, we become accustom to stories of f loods, resurrections and virgin births that to a new audience would sound preposterous. Just like a habit becomes engrained in our mind to the point where it no longer stands out to us, as we repetitively
partake in the stories of Christianity, the peculiar aspects quickly become indistinguishable. W hen presented to anyone for the first time, Christianity will seem equally as insane as the generalized description of Atheism. Although we disagree with these views about our own religion, it is important to understand that in the same way we are unfamiliar and possibly confused with other religions, those of differing beliefs are in the same boat when examining Christianity. contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
talks about the “mystery of the gospel” a lot. A mystery isn’t something we’re supposed to be able to figure out and be okay with in a few minutes – or in a lifetime.
“
A true faith is supposed to be revealed from a God who is beyond us.
Strange doesn’t mean wrong. It means strange. Different. Not of ourselves. And that’s great, because a true faith is supposed to be revealed from a God who is beyond us. The oddness of Christianity gives credence to it being of God. The bizarre elements of the incarnation give uscause to think it wasn’t just made up by some fishermen. If it was, they did a poor job of making something easily believable. Finding ways to make your faith easier to believe works against its purpose. Don’t be afraid to think about the weird things. Admit to yourself that you don’t understand everything about your religion, or about God’s plan, or about salvation, but take some solace in the fact that something from God should not be easy to understand. contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
hashtagACU 11:27 a.m. Apr. 16
There’s a lot of empty seats in the reserved faculty spots during chapel today. They must be done with chapel credits...
7:49 a.m. Apr. 17
only in Abilene do you get cut off twice on the way to class... by tractors... going 50+ mph.
@MeghanMMorgan
@JOhrEl2
10:11 a.m. Apr. 17
2:47 p.m. Apr. 12
There are so many wild cats on ACU’s campus...
My freshman year RA just came to talk to me in the Library. Needless to say I was flooded with memories. #Grace #GardnerDays
9:23 a.m. Apr. 17 11:06 a.m. Apr. 17
Well it’s only 9:22 and I’ve already managed to roll both both ankles this included falling down the stairs in public.
Just heard someone say “you better pray to every Jesus you know” #excusemewhat?
@arcarpenter1 @janners7
@Lene_Botha
@BethJohnston30
11:41 p.m. Apr. 16 9:27 p.m. Apr. 16
Started a sentence today with “an old buddy of mine from college...” I am getting pretty old. Who says buddy?
things that are sitting in my stomach and are probably best friends in there: pickles, sausage, turkey bacon. i fear NOTHING.
@kenlishea
9:25 a.m. Apr. 16
The only thing I hate about rushing season is the use of the phrase “sweet girl”. #stopsayingthat #annoying
@jillkd @KatKessler9
editorial and Letter Policy Unsigned editorials are the opinions of the Optimist and may not necessarily reflect the views of the university or its administration. Signed columns, cartoons and letters are the opinions of their creators and may not necessarily reflect the viewpoints of the Optimist or the university. The Optimist encourages reader response through letters to the editor but reserves the right to limit frequent contributors or to refuse to print letters containing
personal attacks, obscenity, defamation, erroneous information or invasion of privacy. Please limit letters to 350 words or fewer. A name and phone number must be included for verification purposes. Phone numbers will not be published.
published by the department of journalism and mass communication editorial and management board
Address letters to: ACU Box 27892 Abilene, TX 79609 E-mail letters to: optimist@acu.edu
newsroom (325) 674-2439
1:37 p.m. Apr. 17
11:37 a.m. Apr. 17
The girl next to me just asked me how to spell our teacher’s name. It’s Crisp. #goodluckonthetest
what I heard after talking about alcohol in chapel: “I need a drink after that. Who wants margaritas?” hahaha. #ACUproblems
@emilykatjones
@courtdwendell
9:37 a.m. Apr. 17
#ringbyspring is some serious stuff. Just saw a freshman get engaged... @overheardACU #ACU
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7
sports Jumps
wednesday 04.18.12
softball
Sound pitching, timely hitting aids ‘Cats bryson shake sports reporter
matt sewell staff Photographer
Senior infielder Megan Brigance prepares to throw a runner out against Eastern New Mexico University. She is batting .213 this season with four home runs and 21 RBI. Brigance and the Wildcats take on Midwestern State on Friday and Saturday.
The ACU Wildcat softball team used sound pitching and timely hitting to win two of three games last weekend from the Eastern New Mexico team, winning the series against the conference foe. This marks the third consecutive series the team has won, and it is providing momentum as the regular season comes to a close. The Wildcats (28-12, 148) won the opening game Friday 4-1 and the front end of the doubleheader 6-2 before falling 4-2 in the series’ rubber match. “This was a big series win for us,” head coach Bobby Reeves said. “Anytime you can take two of three from a conference opponent, we’ll take it,” he said. “Obviously, we were hoping for a sweep, but we shot ourselves in the foot in the third game, and the Eastern New Mexico pitcher was solid throughout the game.” In the opener Friday night, ACU starter Caitlyn Crain continued her dominance from the mound, throwing a complete game, four-hitter against the outmatched Zias. She had seven strikeouts and retired the first nine batters of the game. Not a single Zia reached base until the fourth inning, when Melanie Alderette hit a single. “Most of my pitches were working,” Crain said. “I was
“
I was able to keep them off balance and my defense played really well behind me.” Caitlyn crain starting pitcher acu softball
able to keep them off balance, and my defense played really well behind me. It was a total team effort.” Eastern New Mexico then scored in the seventh on a sacrifice fly. ACU’s run came by two, two-run homeruns by Erin Gilliland and Megan Brigance. Gilliland hit hers in the second, and Brigance followed in the fifth. On Saturday, ACU opened with a 6-2 win behind a dominant performance by sophomore pitcher Peyton Mosley (11-5). Mosley threw six solid innings against the Zias, and the shutout was taken away in the seventh on a solo homerun off of Shelby Hall. ACU scored all of its run in the third as it sent ten batters to the plate. Gilliland smoked a bases clearing double that scored three ACU runs. In the nightcap, Eastern New Mexico decided they were going to leave Abilene’s friendly confines on a good note, as they won 4-2. ACU led for most of the game after Keanna Winkfield scored runs in the first and third innings. But the Zias stood tall, as Josette Aguirre hit a solo
homerun in the fourth to make it a 2-1 game. Aguirre came through again in the sixth, scoring the tying run on a single. Starter and winning pitcher Katie Ramsay (212) scored on Aguirre’s hit, and after her teammates scored twice more on Kuuleiokealoha VonSchriltz’ double to leftcenter gap, she retired six of the final seven Wildcats she faced. “Going through innings like that is tough,” Reeves said. “But they’re going to happen. You just play for the next out and give it your best effort always.” ACU had several opportunities to score early on in the game, but did not come through. A double play ended a threat in the first, and a runner was stranded at third with one out in the second inning. “Seeing our offense not finish is something we’re not used to,” Reeves said. “They have been great all year, but we have to remember they are human and it’s part of the game. I have full confidence in them at all times.” Then in the fourth, the Wildcats drew back-toback leadoff walks only to see Ramsay rebound by the retiring the next three batters on two fly balls and a strikeout. ACU recorded just two more singles over the final three innings without advancing a runner past first. contact shake at bxs09a@acu.edu
column
Hockey fights add drama, diminish play the sports jedi AUSTIN GWIN
If you are a casual sports fan, you might not care about the National Hockey League, but the NHL playoffs are the most hard fought, closely contested sporting event you will see. There are occasionally upsets, but the reason it makes for great TV is the intensity with which the playoff games are played. Rivalries form immediately between previously unfamiliar teams and tempers flare repeatedly on the ice.
With two big rivalries in the first round, the 2012 Stanley Cup playoffs were primed to be dramafilled. One of those rivalries, the Nashville Predators vs. the Detroit Red Wings, didn’t disappoint in their first game. While the game itself was close, a Predators 3-2 win, the main story line came after the final whistle. The Preds defender and All-Star Shea Weber gave
“
Many casual fans love a good fight or two in a game, but when there is a fight every stoppage of play, it isn’t hockey, it’s mayhem.”
Red Wings forward Henrik Zetterberg a cheap shot that glanced off his face, before taking Zetterberg’s head and slamming it into the boards. Despite it being more like a wrestling move, Weber was only fined $2,500 and more importantly was not given a suspension. While I am a resident of Nashville and a hardcore Preds fan, even I think that
The other big rivalry, the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Philadelphia Flyers, ended up being more of an street brawl on ice rather than a hockey game. There were a combined 158 penalty minutes handed out and three players were ejected. The Weber’s play was deplor- final result was an 8-4 able and deserved at least Flyers wins, but the goals a one-game suspension. weren’t as important as The punishment hand- the fighting. Many casual ed down by NHL discipli- fans love a good fight or narian Brendan Shanahan two in a game, but when sent the wrong message to there is a fight every stopthe NHL. page of play, it isn’t hockThe lack of a suspension ey, it’s mayhem. gave the impression that Brawls have also broken now dirty play would fly in out in the St. Louis Blues the playoffs. With that mes- and San Jose Sharks series. sage sent, bad judgement Referees and playhas pervaded the playoffs. ers need to get the fight-
Tough: Wildcats earn split despite rough weather Cameron made a ferocious comeback in the bottom of the fifth putting eight runs on the board to tie the game at 9-9. “We had trouble throwing strikes,” Bonneau said. “The conditions weren’t ideal but it all goes back to staying focused.” The team, led by Duarte, responded with five runs in the top of the sixth and three in the seventh to claim the 17-13 victory. Duarte was 3 for 5 and scored three runs. He hit a solo home run to left-center field in the seventh. “Getting hot this late in the season has really helped the team,” Duarte said. “I’m happy I’m playing and hitting well.” In the first game of Saturday’s scheduled doubleheader, the Wildcats scored two runs in the top of the third inning, but the Aggies rallied with a single run in the third inning, two in the fourth inning, one in the fifth inning and three in the sixth inning to steal a 7-2 win. The only players to cross the plate for ACU were Ryan Luckie on an RBI fielder’s choice and Michael Cristiani after he stole home. The ‘Cats rallied late in the finale to earn a split of
contact GWIN at AGG07d@acu.edu
Classified
baseball
from page 8
ing under control. Playoff hockey is exciting for its intensity, but also for the good hockey that is played. There has been a lack of that with players only looking for vengeance rather than goals. If you want to watch a fight, I hear the Hunger Games movie is pretty good. If you, like me, enjoy hockey the way it is supposed to be played, let’s hope the playoffs can provide some of that in the weeks to come.
the series. Down 10-6 in the eighth inning, the team managed to cross home plate four times and then score three runs in the ninth inning to break a 10-10 tie. “That last game was huge,” Duarte said. “If we had lost it would have made it much harder to reach the tournament.” “That’s the difference in us being in last place right now,” Bonneau said. Mike Keegan, Emmett Niland, Kyle Conwell, Duncan Blades and Duarte all contributed to the comeback. Freshman Tyler Eager had the game tying double
to make it 10-10 and Blades few weeks between all the knocked in the go-ahead teams in conference.” run in the ninth inning. Pitcher Brady Rodricontact isaacs at guez tossed 4.1 scoreless jei08a@acu.edu innings of four-hit baseball to finish the game. “Rodriguez was the key to that game,” Bonneau said. “He came in and threw four shut-out innings.” Depending on how ACU fares in the next two series, the team could jump several spots in the division standings. “The LSC is such a tight race,” Bonneau said. “There could be a lot of movement in these last
RENTAL HOUSING NEAR ACU Available June 1, 2012 •649 EN 15th: 3 bedroom/1 bath, includes washer and dryer, $700 •649 EN 16th: 1 bedroom/1 bath, $400 No pets, no smoking. Deposit required
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sports
wednesday 04.18.12
8
standings
golf
Team sweeps post-season awards natalie goin sports editor The ACU golf team dominated the Lone Star Conference post-season awards Sunday, following the end of the regular season. For the third consecutive year, junior All-American Alex Carpenter was named LSC Men’s Golfer Player of the Year. Carpen-
ter finished the season ranked No. 10 in NCAA Divison II with three wins and eight top-10 finishes. In addition to Carpernter’s award, the Wildcats claimed two more titles for the third straight season. Head coach Mike Campbell received the LSC Men’s coach of the Year award, and Corbin Renner was voted LSC Freshman of the year. Carpenter earned the title in
2010, and sophomore Trey Sullivan in 2011. Carpenter, Renner, and Sullivan were all named to the LSC first team. Freshman Luke Carpenter, Alex’s younger brother, also received honorable mention. The ‘Cats have been recognized all season for their success. Two weeks ago, Alex Carpenter received the LSC golfer of the week after helping the ‘Cats finish
fourth at the Grand Canyon Thunderbird Invitational in Phoenix, Ariz. Carpenter tied for seventh with a score of five-underpar 216 against competition from six of the country’s top-20 ranked teams in Division II according to Golf World/Nike Golf Coaches’ Poll. Sullivan won the same title back in March, after tying for third place at the UST Mamiya Texas Inter-
baseball
edward isaacs
Div.
Ovrl.
13-7 13-7 12-8 11-8 10-10 9-11 9-11 2-17
29-13 26-12 24-11 16-15 22-19 20-21 17-18 12-25
Div.
Ovrl.
19-4 15-7 14-8 14-9 14-9 13-10 9-14 6-17 5-18 5-18
38-8 33-13 28-12 32-15 29-17 23-20 22-20 15-29 17-28 13-32
briefings The Wildcat softball team is ranked No. 4 in the first NCAA Division II South Central Region softball rankings. The top eight teams in the poll at the end of the regular season will be invited to the regional tournament.
sports editor
see tough page 7
Team
ASU WTAMU collegiate in Fort Worth. TAMU-K The first Wildcat to be UIW recognized, Sullivan fired ACU a 4-under-par 140, match- Cameron ing his best score all year. TSU The No. 8 Abilene Christian golf team is fa- ENMU vored to win the Lone Star Championship this week softball at the Trophy Club Golf Team Club in Roanoke. ASU TWU contact GoIN at ACU nsg10b@acu.edu WTAMU TSU MSU UIW Cameron TAMU-K ENMU
‘Cats fighting for LSC spot The baseball team continued its fight for a spot in the Lone Star Conference tournament in Lawton, Okla., this past weekend, despite rough weather conditions. The ‘Cats took on Cameron University in a four-game set and unfortunately, could not turn their fortune around against conference opponents this season. The team split with the Aggies by losing the first game 3-0 and the third game 7-2. They won the second and fourth games 17-13 and 13-10 respectively. “It was a tough weekend,” said Head Coach Britt Bonneau. “There were high winds, tornado warnings and a suspended game. It was hard to maintain momentum.” Second baseman Chuck Duarte also said the weather was difficult to play in. ACU is now 22-19 overall and 10-10 in the LSC. The team has split all five four-game conference series this season and sits in fifth place in the league standings, one-half game ahead of Tarleton State University. The Texans travel to Abilene this weekend to take on the Wildcats. The ‘Cats then finish up the regular season next weekend at Angelo State University, who is in a three-way tie for first place with Texas A&M-Kingsville University and West Texas A&M University. The ‘Cats were victims of a one-hit shutout in the first game against Cameron. Aggie pitcher Clay Vanderlaan froze the ACU offense in 7.0 innings of work. He struck out nine and allowed the only hit to Duarte. Starter Josh Stone pitched 4.2 innings, allowed two earned runs and struck out four but received no offensive support. The second game of the series was suspended after the fifth inning due to inclement weather.However, it picked back up on Saturday with ACU leading 9-4.
Baseball
Senior Nick Jones moved into third place on the all-time NCAA Division II performance list in the discus. He launched a throw of 203 feet, three inches at Kidd Field at the UTEP Invitational. Second baseman Chuck Duarte and southpaw Brady Rodriguez were named the LSC’s Co-Player and Pitcher of the Week on Tuesday. Duarte batted .571 over the weekend against Cameron University. He scored five runs, had five extra-base hits and seven RBI. Rodriguez was 1-0 in 8.1 innings of work and he struck out four hitters.
Player Profile Outfielder/first baseman Tyler Eager has been a force to be reckoned with all season at the plate. Despite being only a freshman, he is hitting .321 in 41 games and is leading the team with 43 runs scored. Eager is also the team leader in hits (52) and triples (5). Against Cameron this weekend, he went 5 for 14 and drove in six runs. mandy lambright CHIEF Photographer
Junior shortstop Luke Mejia plants and throws to first base at Crutcher Scott Field. Mejia is hitting .228 on the season in 31 games played. He has scored 18 runs and knocked in 14 RBIs.
tennis
Wildcats end season on high note matthew sloan sports reporter
matt sewell staff Photographer
Senior Nick Plum tosses the ball up during his serve.
The men’s and women’s tennis teams finished up their regular season campaigns this weekend with a west coast swing to California. The men finished the weekend 1-1 while the women went undefeated. The sixth ranked women’s tennis team dominated both of the teams they faced this weekend with a pair of 8-1 victories. The women started the weekend by taking care of California State University at Los Angeles. Although the Golden Eagles are ranked 17th in the nation, they did not provide much resistance for the ‘Cats. Led by LSC female player of the week Micah Hermsdorf, ACU swept the singles matches and only dropped one doubles match.
The next day the Lady ‘Cats made quick work of the University of California at San Diego in another 8-1 victory. Once again, ACU won each of their six singles matches, including Hannah Kelley blanking her opposition 6-0, 6-0. The rest of the ‘Cats followed suit, as nobody dropped a single set against the Tritons. The men’s tennis team spent their weekend in Malibu, where they took on both Pepperdine and the University of California at San Diego. To start the weekend, the Wildcats suffered their worst loss of the season against the Pepperdine Waves 7-0. The nationally ranked D1 Waves simply overpowered the ‘Cats. However, the doubles team of Hans Hach and LSC player of the week Nick Plum were able to grab a victory 8-5, so ACU was not shut out.
“It was cool to earn the LSC player of the week,” Plum said. “I have never had it before, so it was nice to see all that hard work we have done this year paying off.” The next day, the ‘Cats finished up their week by dismantling the Tritons of UC at San Diego 6-3. Junior Alfredo Desiati won his match 6-3. 6-0. ACU was able to finish their schedule with a win to gain momentum leading into the LSC tournament. “We play all these matches to prepare for conference, regionals, and nationals, ” said Hach. Both ACU teams are currently undefeated in conference play and will compete in the LSC tournament Friday in Southland. contact sloan at mes10a@acu.edu
Upcoming Softball plays a threegame series against LSC foe Midwestern State in Wichita Falls Friday at 4 p.m. The baseball team will face LSC opponent Tarleton State at Crutcher Scott Field beginning on Friday. The four game series starts at 7:05 p.m. Men’s tennis competes in the Lone Star Conference Tournament Championship in Southland beginning on Friday at 1:30 p.m. The team’s first opponent is Cameron. Women’s tennis travels to Southland for the LSC Championship Tournament. Matches begin Friday at 6:30 p.m.