The Optimist - 08.28.13

Page 1

DRESSED TO IMPRESS Wildcats receive new uniforms vol. 102, no. 2

wednesday, august 28, 2013

Sports Page 8

1 SECTION, 8 PAGES

INSIDE NEWS Bity’s Flowers Shop closes its doors

Page 4

NEWS Chapel makes changes to semester schedule Page 3

FEATURE The Maker’s Space arrives on-campus

GRADE-A SPEAKER

Page 5

OPINION The Editorial Board explains the traditions of ACU to freshmen

Mandy Lambright chief Photographer

Page 6

OPINION Melany Cox tells why TV shows shouldn’t be compared to real life Page 6

Rick Atchley, preaching minister at The Hills, speaks during Opening Chapel. Atchley emphasized the importance of focusing on relationships and making memories rather than grades.

The 108th Opening Chapel recognizes new achievements, directs students’ focus Maggie Marshall Copy Editor

SPORTS Wildcats outfitted in new uniforms Page 8

SPORTS ACU to begin football season on Saturday

Page 8

SPORTS Wildcats soccer wins first Division I games

Opening Chapel is the kick off for every fall semester, and this year’s assembly definitely did not disappoint. The Parade of Flags, just one of Opening Chapel’s traditions, recognizes every country represented in the ACU body. Many students look forward to watching the parade at the beginning of Chapel each year. Kaileb Holland, junior information technology major from Conroe, was one of those students. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Holland said. The parade and the processional started off the festivities, followed by an address by Phil Schubert,

Sports Golf begins its season in September Page 8

NEWS Rec Center offers new excercise classes Page 3

editor in chief The search continues for the new vice president of Student Life. After Dr. Jean-Noel Thompson left the university in March of last semester, Dr. Jan Meyer has been serving as the interim vice president for Student Life. A search committee

VIDEO See a recap of the incoming students’ Welcome Week experience

acuoptimist.com

see chapel page 4

mandy lambright CHIEF Photographer Tyler Davis, sophomore information technology major from Austin, proudly waves the Texas flag during the Parade of Flags, a tradition of Opening Chapel.

was formed by Dr. Allison Garrett, vice president of the university, in February. The committee consists of ten staff and faculty members from various areas of the university. The committee had their first meeting Feb. 25. The position has been advertised nationally. The search committee has received many applications which have gone through a

rigorous screening process, Garrett said. The committee does not have a conclusive date of when a candidate will be chosen. They hope that one will be chosen by next semester one but that is not their key goal, said Anthony Williams, chair of the search committee and chief business services officer. “We’re going as fast as we can without being in a

hurry,” Williams said. “We don’t have an exact date, and we don’t want to be governed by that.” Two applicants have been interviewed on campus and more are expected to be invited later this semester. Samantha Adkins, assistant director of Alumni Relations and member of the search committee, said the committee is looking for

someone with experience. “We’re looking for someone who can delegate, but who has a good heart,” Adkins said. “This position deals with a lot of emotion, sometimes crisis, so we’re looking for someone who has dealt with crisis before, and someone who can bring a team together.” see Search page 4

Bean Bucks to be used off-campus to use their ID cards to purchase food at restaurants Arts Editor off-campus and presented it in The Greatest Ideas One student’s idea will Challenge. Although his soon become a campus- idea didn’t win, ACU began wide program. partnering with McClain Nathan McClain, se- to begin a program almost nior kinesiology major, was identical to the one he desearching for ways to eat signed. off-campus without spend“It’s pretty much exactly ing a lot of his own money. what I envisioned it to be,” He heard about TCU’s Frog McClain said. “I’ve gotten to Bucks program and won- go to a couple of meetings dered why ACU didn’t have and offer input.” a similar system. Dylan Benac, presiMcClain designed a pro- dent of the Students’ Asgram that allows students sociation, said Bean Bucks

Alikay Woods

ONLINE

Delaney Noel, junior exercise science major from Littleton, Colo., tuned in to Atchley’s speech as well. “I think that Rick offered a really important perspective especially for those stressed out about going into the new year,” Noel said. “He offered a really good perspective that even though grades and academics matter, focusing on God and other people is what will end up being important.” Atchley, despite being valedictorian of his graduating class, encouraged students to place more emphasis on building relationships and making memories than spending time in the library. “You were made for a calling, not a career,” Atch-

Search ongoing for Student Life VP Marissa Jones

Page 7

president of ACU, and a guest speaker. Rick Atchley, minister at The Hills in North Richland Hills, was this year’s speaker. Atchley easily caught the attention of the student body. “Work hard in school, but play hard too,” Atchley said. “Grades don’t matter.” Phrases like these may make any faculty member choke but ensured students were listening. The words caught the attention of Caitlin McKnight, junior speech pathology major from Pittsburg, Kansas. “I thought it was a fantastic way to kick of the semester,” McKnight said. “I thought Rick Atchley gave some very insightful and encouraging advice for the student body.”

should hopefully be available off-campus halfway through the fall semester. Soon restaurants on the program will have specific card readers that will take ACU student ID cards and charge the bill to ACU. ACU will then pay back the restaurant. Details are still being worked out, but McClain is hoping for a dollar to dollar exchange. Some of the restaurants expected to participate are Sharky’s, Little Panda, Jason’s Deli and Rosa’s. “I think it’s a great op-

Abilene Christian University

“I think it’s a great opportunity forus to use our meal plan in a different way.”

Benac said he was surprised at how quickly this idea was being implemented. “It’s been worked on really hard,” Benac said. Nathan McClain “Most of the summer was senio spent making it happen, and they’re close. The students were able to put portunity for us to use our themselves forward, and we meal plan in a different actually produced results.” way,” McClain said. “It’s Anthony Williams, a way for students to use chief business services oftheir money more wisely by ficer, was unavailable for not having to pay for food comment. all the time straight from your own budget.” see BUCKS page4


Wednesday 08.28.13

28 Wednesday

29

11 a.m. Mark Lewis Chapel 101

Thursday

30

11 a.m. Departmental Chapel 7:30 p.m. SA Congress Interest Meeting in the Campus Center Living Room

Friday

2

31

Saturday

11 a.m. Praise Day 4 p.m. ACU Soccer vs UT-Brownsville

11 a.m. ACU Volleyball VB at Arlington vs Louisiana Tech 5 p.m. ACU Volleyball vs SE Okla. State U

6 p.m. RecFest 2013

7 p.m. ACU Football vs Concordia College

Chapel checkup To date:

Around Abilene

Remaining:

4 96 @acuoptimist

Aug. 28

Aug. 29

Aug. 30

Aug. 31

5:30-6:30 p.m. Southern Hills Church of Christ will host its weekly Pizza Feast. Join members for food and fellowship. Price is $1 per slice, and the event will take place at the Southern Hills campus.

6:30 The Key City Squares are hosting a square dancing workshop at The Wagon Wheel.

9 p.m. Annual Chili Super Bowl XXXII at the Old Settlers Reunion Grounds benefiting the Ben Richey Boys Ranch. Tickets are $2 per person and include dancing, chili and live music.

7 p.m. GREASE Sing-A-Long at the Paramount Theatre. General admission is $15 and includes a goody bag, dancing and more.

The Optimist optimist@acu.edu Police Log Announcements The Student Association is hosting a Student Congress Interest Meeting at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 27 in the Campus Center Living room. All students who are interested in running for building rep, housing rep or class officer are invited to attend.

If you are interested in joining the Abilene Catholic Student Association, contact Christina Wise at caw11a@acu.edu, Jazmine Moreno at jmm10d@acu.edu or Natalie Hudson at nlh11a@acu.edu for more information.

Movies on the Hill will play Remember the Titans on Sept. 6 at 8:30 p.m. on the lawn in front of the Onstead-Packer Biblical Studies Building. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Christian Service Center.

Coming to ACU this fall is The Jeremiah Project, a student organization that will be working on Tuesday evenings with children struggling with grief at Hendricks Hospice. For more information, contact Kaitlin Pegoda at kep10d@acu.edu or call 936-577-9047.

The ACU Roller Hockey Team is looking for students who are interested in learning to play hockey to join their team. For more information about the team contact Ryan Podany at rap10c@acu.edu.

The Student Wellness and Recreation Center is hosting RecFest 2013 from 6 p.m - 1 a.m. on Aug. 30. Festivities include inflatables, Zumba, a dodgeball tournament and much more.

The ACU Call Center is looking to hire students who want to gain valuable business and listening skills. The job offers flexible hours and competitive pay. Apply online at acu.thecallingcenter.com.

Students are invited to enter the first Leadership Summitt T-Shirt Design Contest. The theme is “At the Top” and the student with the winning t-shirt design will have their design on this year’s Summitt shirts and will win a free program fee to Leadership Summitt. M.C. Jennings is accepting entries Sept. 1-Oct. 18 at marycolleen.jennings@acu.edu.

Volunteer Opp0rtunities The Abilene Zoo is looking for volunteers to help with general labor such as grounds cleanup and painting any weekday at any time between noon and 4 p.m. The Zoo is located at 2070 Zoo Ln. Contact Joy Harsh at 325-676-6487 for more information. 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. The Abilene Boys and Girls Club needs help any weekday between 3:30 - 6 p.m. helping children of all ages with games, art, gym time, reading and computer

skills. Locations are 4610 N. 10th St. or 1902 Shelton St. Contact Mark Denman at 325-672-1712 for more information. 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-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-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-Friday from 9 a.m-4 p.m. For more information contact Becky Moody at 325-6776815 or e-mail bmoody@driabilene.org. Volunteers are needed to read to Taylor Elementary School students Monday-Thursday afternoons at UCC from 3:15-4:30 p.m. Enter through the south entrance. Contact C.G. Grey 325-668-2842. Da’ Cipher 360, a program for at risk children, is looking for volunteers on Monday evenings from 5-8 p.m. at the Rose Park Activity Center, 2625 S. 7th St. Volunteers can help in a variety of ways including helping with set up, learning activities for kindergarten-3rd graders, tutoring 4th-8th graders, and assisting with clean up. Contact Alvina Scott at 847-333-7026 or e-mail ams07b@acu. edu. The Salvation Army is looking for volunteers for a variety of needs including sorting and pricing items in the thrift store, helping in the kitchen and/or doing yard work. Times are flexible. Volunteers are needed throughout the week Monday-Saturday. The Salvation Army is located at 1726 Butternut St. For more information contact J.D. Alonzo at 325-677-1408 or visit www.satruck.com. 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 Christian Ministries of Abilene: Food Pantry is searching for volunteers to greet and interview neighbors, do computer entries, shop with neighbors, take groceries to vehicles, bag, stock and pick up orders on Mondays and Fridays from 9:30 a.m.-11:45 a.m. and 1 p.m.-2:15 p.m. and on Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m.11:45 a.m. The Food Pantry is located at 701 Walnut St. For more information contact Camilla Becton at 325672-1890 or email bammy0811@yahoo.com. For additional volunteer opportunities visit: www.acu. edu/campusoffices/ccsl/ministry-service/volunteeropportunities/


3

news

monday 08.28.13

Bitsy’s Flowers closes doors after 38 years brittany jackson copy editor Bitsy’s Flowers is closing up shop after about 38 years of service. The next residents of the building off Campus Court are yet to be determined. Bitsy Gregory, owner of Bitsy’s Flowers, said that she has received offers from three different people to buy her building, but is waiting to see “who does the best job putting the money out”. Today, the f lower shop is a combination of four different properties, what used to be a beauty shop, tailor shop, and grocery store before Gregory added the buildings to her already existing f lower shop. She said that the large area of property could operate four to five small businesses or one mega-business within it. Gregory said ACU is among those who have made offers to buy the property. “They have offered, but

I didn’t like their offer. So I told them, ‘Go back t0 the drawing board and try again.’” The idea to open her own f lower shop evolved after Gregory began creating and selling wood fiber f lowers from her home and was notified by the city that her work counted as a business, so she had to operate out of a proper building like one. A few months and many how-to books on f lower arrangements later, Gregory found the perfect location and began her f lower shop. Established on Sept. 10 1975, the family-owned business has been a major contributor of f lower arrangements, snack baskets, candy baskets, mums, wedding arrangements, funeral arrangements, balloons and many other specially requested arrangements here in Abilene, as well as elsewhere outside Taylor County. Stephanie Woodlee, executive assistant of the

“They give you a feeling when you’re making it, its very relaxing.” The shop was not scheduled to close until July 2013, but Bitsy’s Flowers ended up closing their doors May 22, 2013. As of now, Gregory is working on selling the rest of her shop’s merchandise, which includes everything from ribbons and stuffed animals to vases and furniture. If anyone is interested in looking at the inventory she said they can call her at 325-261-1968. Gregory said her dream retirement would be riding up the Mississippi on a paddleboat one last time and then experiencing the paddleboat from Washington mandy lambright Staff Photographer ride state to Idaho. Bitsy’s Flowers, a family owned business, closed its doors on May 22, 2013. “I’ve just had, really, a good time. It’s been fun office of the president, really enjoyed doing busi- ing it ever since. and I’ve enjoyed it, but said that she called Bitsy’s ness with her for the years “Flowers are, well, when you know it’s time for f lower decorations on that we were able to.” they’re God’s gift for to quit, you quit.” multiple occasions. Gregory said that she’s smiles. You really can’t “She was just very ac- been making f lower ar- give anyone a f lower that contact jackson at commodating to all of our rangements since she was they don’t smile when bkj12a@acu.edu needs,” Woodlee said. “I a child, and has loved do- they get it,” she said.

Fall Chapel theme spread out, moved to Cullen james eldred staff reporter Two changes are being made to the weekly Chapel schedule this year, said Mark Lewis. First, the dates for departmental Chapels have been altered. “Over the past several years, we have done three departmental Chapels every semester,” said Lewis, assistant dean for spiritual life and Chapel programs. For the 2013-2014 school year, only one departmental Chapel date will be set by the Chapel

offices. L e w i s said individual depa r t ment s are allowed to select two dates lewis for additional Chapels, making them more like sporadic small-group meetings. The Chapel theme, which has been the topic of Monday assemblies for almost a decade, is also being altered. “The Monday theme days could be restrictive if we had a guest speaker coming in,” Lewis said. “I would try to meld their

story with the semester theme whenever possible, but that can be a bit tenuous.” To prevent such issues, Mondays will no longer host the textual theme. Instead, the semester theme of Psalms will be an optional session in Cullen Auditorium, Lewis said. Certain events are here to stay, such as the Tuesday Chapel schedule. “Tuesday Campus Conversations are like the big version of a smallgroup,” said Dr. Jan Meyer, executive director of the Center for Christian Service and Leadership. As in previous years,

the first week of Chapel will focus on the upcoming year and proper procedures concerning Chapel, with Lewis’ “Chapel 101” on Wednesday and departmental Chapels on Thursday. The second week is the annual Mission Keepers’ week, focusing on ACU alumni who continue to live out the university’s mission in Abilene. Among the speakers are Anthony Williams, Brandon Scott Thomas and Danny Sims, the executive director of Global Samaritan Resources. Speakers from the “I Am Second” organiza-

tion will speak in Chapel during the third week of school, followed by the annual Summit Chapels over the fourth. Standard Chapel routines begin on the fifth week of school, with a small bonus included: a documentary film entitled “Hellbound” will be shown on the evening of Sept. 24. “We really are trying to be sensitive to what students are dealing with in their own spiritual formation,” Meyer said. “What we’re trying to clarify and explain to our campus community is why we do Chapel. we always have

to think about why we’re having Chapel.” Meyer said she firmly believes that communicating with students is important to keep Chapel relevant and meaningful. “Chapel is probably the greatest blessing that ACU offers to students, faculty and staff,” she said. “I hope everyone will go with a heart that’s open and ready.”

contact eldred at jfe11a@acu.edu


news

Monday 08.28.13

4

New recipe for Food Court check-out lines LInsay Thut page 2 Editor The Hilton Food Court got a face lift to reduce the amount of clutter in the Campus Center over the summer. “The question came up, ‘What can we do to renovate the food court so that we can accommodate more tables, more chairs and make it more of a full food court?’” said Tom Arellano, senior food service director. According to Anthony Williams, chief auxiliary services officer, the data gathered from 1,500 online student surveys and focus groups were used to answer this question. “We have very high expectations for our dining program,” Williams said, “because of that we pay close attention to how it’s being perceived by our students.” The order line at Einsteins Bros Bagels, a favorite among students since 2010, was rearranged to create a better flow. Last year, students waited in a long zigzagged line in front of the restaurant to grab juice from the “Grab and Go” refrigerator, order

their bagels, pay and then walk out behind the line to get their coffee. “It didn’t lend for a lot of efficiency for the staff, nor did it provide the best customer experience,” Williams said. Arellano said they rearranged the Einsteins setup to where the line now travels in a straight line to the left with the coffee machines added to the end. The Chick-fil-A also received an upgrade. “In our dining style scores, we always received the lowest scores at our Chick-fil-A that the staff was not friendly and it was because of the design,” Arellano said. The new design is open and allows for face-to-face interaction with the staff. Because Chick-fil-A is the busiest restaurant in the food court, a new cash register exclusively for Chick-fil-A’s customers was brought in. The tables and chairs have been moved to the center of the room to allow students to move faster and more efficiently through the food court. “The impact of this change is that it’s going to allow a lot more mingle

mandy lambright Chief Photographer

Todd Harris, senior family studies major from Plano, takes advantage of the newly renovated Chik-Fil-A in the Hilton Food Court. space, a lot more opportu- want to use our analysis Also in conversation is the Hilton Food Court is the nities for students to gath- from last year to lead to the addition of a real Star- desire to make life easier for er,” Arellano said. some of the things we’re bucks to the library as op- students. Williams said they are going to be doing this year posed to the “We Proudly “We want to be sure that still talking with Aramark with respect to those loca- Brew” station currently every concept we have has Dining Services on other tions.” there. The new Starbucks a student demand,” he said. ways to improve the food Williams said they may will provide a larger variety court. be replaced with other, of drinks and the ability to “We are constantly eval- more in-demand restau- accept Starbucks gift cards. contact thut at uating Quiznos and Pizza rants, such as an Asian cuisWilliams said at the cenlct10a@acu.edu Hut,” Williams said. “We inve restaurant. ter of every modification in

Zumba Toning classes dance their way into SWRC ecutive Director of the Rec Center. Last semester the classes consisted of Zumba, Group exercise classes of- Circumference, Water fered at the Royce and Pam Aerobics, Yoga, Boot Camp Money Student Recreation and Core Performance. and Wellness Center will This semester Zumba be changing this semester Toning, Family Fitness to better benefit students and WholyFit Yoga will be and alumni. added to the schedule. No “We have added more classes have been deleted classes at the 5:30 p.m. from the schedule. time slot to respond to the “We’re excited about popularity of that time,” the new classes and hope said Joel Swedlund, Ex- the students will continue

Rachel Fritz

student reporter

to give us their feedback regarding our group exercise class offerings,” Swedlund said. “We want to be responsive to ideas and suggestions of all our members.” Zumba Toning incorporates light, hand-held weights in a typical Zumba workout, Family Fitness offers the opportunity for families, i.e. alumni families, to participate in various fitness activities together and WholyFit Yoga

combines physical fitness with spiritual reflection. “WholyFit is a Christian alternative to yoga,” said Tiffany Sheffield, junior communications major and group exercise instructor. “When I pursued a certification as a yoga instructor, I had to sign my name that I would practice yogic philosophies--including 25 hours of chanting.” In addition to new group fitness classes,

there will be different instructors for some of the returning classes. Sheffield will be instructing Core Performance. The addition of new classes will make it more convenient for students and alumni to participate in group exercise and offer a spiritual exercise similar to yoga. “WholyFit provided me a way to receive all of the same physical benefits from yoga and even

more spiritual benefits because there is a heavy emphasis on devotion and meditation of scripture as you practice specific postures,” Sheffield said. “I am very thankful that the Lord led me to WholyFit and I am glad that so many people here at ACU enjoy it as well.”

contact Fritz at ref11a@acu.edu

Chapel: Atchley urges students to create memories continued from page 1 ley said. Hanna Marshall, freshman art major from Plano, appreciated the targeted sense of humor. “I liked how he knew how to talk to the audience by making jokes and delivering his message in a way that was entertaining,” Marshall said. Atchley kept the audience laughing by referencing things such as the infa-

mous days when dancing was not allowed on campus. “Learn to two-step. You can do that now,” he said. He used brevity, humor and familiar topics to keep the attention of the students, which proved to be a successful tactic, Marshall said. “He spoke to us as young adults instead of talking over our heads or treating us like kindergartners,” Marshall said. “It made it seem like he really cared about who he

was talking to and what he was saying.” With a successful speaker, the traditional singing of “Doxology” and “The Lord Bless You and Keep You”, this school year is off to a good start. “Opening Chapel was a magnificent display of everything this university holds dear,” said Holland. contact the marshall at mxn10b@acu.edu

Search: Student group helps interview for candidates continued from page 1 sometimes crisis, so we’re looking for someone who has dealt with crisis before, and someone who can bring a team together.” When the two applicants for the position were invited to campus they were interviewed by a student group as well. Dylan Benac, the president of the Students’ Association, headed the student interview group. Benac hopes the input of

the students in the interview process helps determine the right candidate for the job. “The vice president is the advocate for students,” Benac said. “This is the position that might matter most to students, so it’s important that students are a part of that process in hiring who that person is.” Williams is confident the vice president position will be filled by someone who meets their ex-

pectations. Williams said, “The committee members, Dr. Garrett and the administration of the university are working very hard together to select a candidate that will not just maintain the level of Student Life but will elevate it in a way that is befitting ACU.”

contact jones at mnj10a@acu.edu


5

featureS

Wednesday 08.28.13

THE

MAKING OF THE

Library space is transformed into collaborative environment for makers, builders and creators.

PHOTOS BY Mandy Lambright CHIEf Photographer

A

CU’s Mobile Learning Initiative and the AT&T Learning Studio put the school on the map as a technology trailblazer in higher education. And with the university’s newest development, the “innovative and real” mantra never held more true. During this year’s homecoming events, the Brown library will open its Maker Lab, providing creative tools and a workspace that encourages “Maker” technology by helping bridge the digital and physical world. Towards the end of the Fall 2012 semester, the idea to create a campus makerspace came from Dr. John Weaver, Dean of Libraries and Educational Technology. But ACU’s Makerspace is part of bigger picture off-campus. The makerspace concept is a growing movement nationally, the idea of creating a space that a community can share resources and knowledge to build and make things. Crafting this novel concept of makerspace, the library’s new makerspace will put ACU ahead of the game, Weaver said. “Though the Maker Movement and makerspaces have been around for a few years, the ACU library will be among the first academic libraries to host a makerspace,” he said. Having visited a number of makerspaces in large urban areas, such as Chicago, New York City, Dallas and Austin, Weaver said no two spaces are alike, each mimicking the changing and evolving needs of the community, remaking themselves across time. Research and exploring the Maker Movement commenced the following spring, leading to the documentation of interviews in a film called “We Are Makers”. The film came from conversations about the potential impact the Maker Movement could have in the educational environment, reviving the human element and creating of technology. Produced by Kyle Dickson, AT&T Learning Studio director and English professor, Matthew Bardwell and Nathan Driskell, AT&T Learning Studio media production specialists and James Langford, director of educational technology, the video ignited with over 13,000 Vimeo views. “We set out to not just get a bunch of equipment, but to actually build the space following the principles of the movement,” Langford said. “We are starting by doing the minimum amount of construction, buying only the tools and materials as the need arises and being willing to try, fail, try again, change direction and try yet again.” 6,000 square feet of the west side of the Brown Library’s main f loor have been transformed into what is now desig-

nated as the ACU Maker Lab. This summer, the space was cleared, f loors were resurfaced and it was outfitted with innovative tools and furnishings. Equipment includes electron-

ics equipment, a vinyl cutter, a 3-D printer, a 3-D scanner and more. Another major round of construction is planned for next summer. The Maker Lab is funded

by a combination of the College of Arts and Sciences’ engineering program, the Office of the Provost and the library. All three have contributed to the construction and the buying of

6,000 square feet of the Brown Library has been designated for the new Makerspace.

Art and design professor Nil Santana gives students a tour of some of the Lab’s new equipment.

equipment, Langford said. “We’ve rapidly prototyped a space so that students and faculty can get into it, start making things and help us design the space to maximize the impact it can have in our community,” Weaver said. “If you have a passion for a certain kind of making, you think others would share your interest and you’re willing to help others get started, let us know,” he said. Langford said the lab is inviting people from all departments to use the space. In addition to classes using the lab, they hope to have design challenges for students to participate in and eventually a small workshop that will host design or crafting sessions. “For this first semester, as we discover what is popular and what will be useful, will be mainly daytime hours for staffing purposes,” Langford said. “And then as we have special needs for special projects, we will staff accordingly.” For now, courses in the engineering, physics and art and design departments began holding classes in the Maker Lab this fall semester. While the space will undoubtedly equip students, the Maker Lab is a perk for professors, too. Nil Santana, instructor of art and design, has taught a packaging design class for many years, one of the course objectives to teach students how to create three-dimensional prototypes. As result of some modeling techniques, materials and costs, Santana said students ended up with a very narrow choice of paper construction and were limited to simply design graphics applied as labels to off-the-shelf containers. Then the Maker Lab happened. “This semester everything is changing due to our access to precision rapid prototyping and digital fabrication,” Santana said. “Students will now be able to actually develop containers and immediately test them, improving any closure and handling system.” Santana said thanks to the Maker Lab, students will receive instructions on the latest modeling techniques, allowing them to become very competitive in a fast moving market. Further, Santana said the space will allow students of a myriad majors to come together, combining talents for creativity’s sake. “I’d love to see my students engaged on projects teamed up with engineering and computer science majors,” Santana said. “The ACU Maker Lab will become a place where curious techies, designers, or anyone interested in making things, can congregate to share knowledge and resources.” “This is education at its best,” he said.

madeline orr | Gabi Powell Managing Editor | Features Editor The Maker Lab will have its grand opening this October during ACU Homecoming.


Opinion

wednesday 08.28.13

6

editorial

Keeping traditions: A letter to freshmen the issue ACU is built on traditions. They are an important part of every-day life on campus.

our take There are several important “traditions” that should be introduced to new students as soon as possible.

It’s the start of another new school year, which means there are plenty of brighteyed and eager new faces walking these hallowed halls. While the university tries to impart as much wisdom as it can on freshmen during Welcome Week, certain details always seem to fall through the cracks. ACU is all about traditions. You’ve already experienced the overly-Instagrammed Candlelight Devo,

heard the Abilene Christian rendition of “The Lord Bless You and Keep You” and, unless you were hiding under a rock all week, you know all about our beloved Sing Song (it’s kind of a big deal). What about the traditions they don’t tell you about? There are a few “unsung traditions” all real Wildcats should know. The first tradition is specific to Bible majors. The university has a dress code

policy in effect, but the beloved Bible department has taken it a step further: no shoes. It’s a well-known fact that shoelessness is close to godliness, so embrace the Flinstone inside of you and kick off your Chuck T’s. If your major contains the word “ministry,” prepare to toughen your soles. By now, you’ve passed the GATA fountain about a hundred times, but you haven’t seen her in her true form. Several times throughout the year you’ll have the privilege to see the lovely fountain dressed in white, massed in bubbly, soapy glory, courtesy of bored students with too much time and dish soap on their hands. Meal plans are the most

sacred requirement of every underclassman. As a freshman, you are blessed with the opportunity to enjoy all of your meals in the World Famous Bean. The Bean is home to one of the greatest figures to ever set foot on campus- Annie the Omelette Lady. If you haven’t had one of her delicious omelettes, made with love and followed with her signature catchphrase, “Thank you, baby,” you’re doing something wrong. So go get some loving from Annie. It will make your week. You’ll also soon realize ACU keeps a tight schedule. Timing is everything. There will be some days in Chapel when the speaker gets a little overzealous or the praise team decides to

DAILY doodle dosage

Column

add in a few extra verses of “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” and our allotted time goes over. Don’t panic. At promptly 11:30 a.m., not a moment after, follow the example of all of the upperclassmen and make your way out of Moody. Don’t worry that the speaker is still speaking, or the singers are still singing, just get up and go. And lastly, there are some things on campus you should keep your eyes peeled for; a campus scavenger hunt of sorts. As you stroll around the Lunsford with your new sweetheart, you may see the cult of Ultimate Frisbee players that frequent the Nelson lawn. On sunny days you may see an array of hammocks

Ben Todd

DISTURBANCE IN THE FORCE

MELANY COX OPINION PAGE EDITOR

TV is not real life

THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID

MARISSA JONES EDITOR IN CHIEF

a map of my land – all very official. And I’m pretty sure I have mining rights. I feel good about this investment. My class was the champion of the 5th grade kick-

ball tournament. As I recall, I played a hand in the team’s success. I like to think I scored the winning run. That builds my confidence.

hashtagACU @JennyDennis1

Aug. 26 9:51 a.m.

Awwww the coffee breath smell of COBA is back & stronger than ever

Everyone has a television series they keep up with on a regular basis. Some people even have multiple shows they eagerly tune in to weekly. The genres of these shows vary. Some people are addicted to actionpacked crime dramas. Others prefer comedies or sitcoms. Reality TV is always popular. Science fiction programs are entertaining for those who appreciate them. For some unexplainable reason, people even enjoy soap operas. With sources like Hulu and Netflix it’s easier than ever for anyone to escape into a make-believe world for hours upon hours. People look to their favorite television series to provide an escape from the real world. When real life seems too dull or too stressful, there’s another world waiting to accept anyone willing to get lost in its plot twists. As fascinating as TV shows are, they cannot be compared to real life. In real life, people are don’t have perfect hair and wear designer shoes. In order to keep that fancy apartment, one must have a job and actually go to work once in a while. Eating out for every meal costs a lot of money (and calories). Real people have to leave the apartment, the coffee shop, MacLaren’s, the office, the squad room, the stage or the Island at some point. There’s too much to see and do in the real world to

But, looking back at my list, I’m starting to realize maybe these shouldn’t give me a confidence boost at all. Maybe I need to find a more recent, more respectable point of pride. Anyone interested in forming a kickball team? contact Jones at Mnj10a@acu.edu

Aug. 26 4:31 p.m.

“AAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!” --me, mentally, during my Greek class today. #fb

@SARyForTweeting @eric_schumann

be stuck in one place for too long. Life can’t be like a crime drama because the evidence is rarely that easy to interpret. Alright, sometimes life can be like a comedy, but usually there’s not an audience laughing offscreen at the appropriate moment. Hopefully everyone understands why life can’t be like a science fiction series. And if life is like a soap opera, clean it up. Even reality shows are not accurate depictions of life. Reality shows usually aren’t even an accurate depiction of reality. Now, there are some areas where TV gets it right. The good guys always win eventually. Sometimes it takes a few episodes, or even an entire season, but in the end good triumphs. True friends stick together through thick and thin. Sometimes lessons have to be learned the hard way, but they lead to character growth. And when playing “Rock, Paper, Scissors,” always pick “Spock.” There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a hit series, but remember that a madeup world can never replace what already exists.

contact Cox at MKC09B@acu.edu

Aug. 26 1:02 p.m.

Aug. 26 10:45 a.m.

Aug. 24 10:21 p.m.

“If ACU were Hogwarts, what would Bible class be?” “Defense of the dark arts.” #imissedmyfriends

contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu

column

My elbow, the moon and kickball Beginning a new school year and learning the ropes as the new editor of the Optimist has been a very humbling experience for me. In times like these, you find out exactly how much you don’t know. You get lost and show up to the wrong classroom. You forget to respond to your name when attendance is called. You can’t find a seat in Chapel. It’s times like these when I have to come up with ways to bolster my confidence. So I have a a few things I like to remind myself to increase my feeling of selfworth. I like to remind myself I can lick my elbow. Rumor has it only one percent of the human population can lick their elbow. I don’t know if that’s true, but if it is, that’s a pretty small number. I like that. That makes me feel special. One day in high school, I woke up with the ability to lick my elbow. I’m not really sure what changed. Maybe my forearm shrank over night. Maybe my tongue grew. Who knows? But to Trisha Hill, the lady who told me when I was eight-years-old she would give me $25 for licking my elbow, I’m expecting a check in the mail. I remind myself that, at a young age, I became a landowner. A couple of years ago, I purchased an acre of land on the moon from a website. For the low price of $18.95, I became the owner of land in the Sea of Vapors, a crater on the moon. They sent me a certificate of ownership, a lunar citizenship card and

suspended in trees about campus, typically filled with book-reading, noshoe-wearing Bible majors. And, if you haven’t already witnessed the clowder of feral cats that have taken over the university, you might want to schedule an eye appointment…right now. The fact is, new places can be scary. Trying to learn the lay of the land all on your own can be incredibly daunting. So here’s your leg up, your insider information to all things ACU. Take it to heart. Keep the traditions alive.

I have a great idea. Let’s put a fence around the art building and laugh as all the art majors try to find a way in. And also, a moat.

Aug. 26 11:57 a.m.

At the end of every long chapel line is a freshmen who keeps swiping his card backwards. @overheardACU

“If you’re gonna get a dog or cat, do what Jesus would do. Get a dog.” @Rick Atchley @overheardACU

@justjenae

@williamfrogers

@Quarters3

Aug. 25 8:34 p.m.

The freshman and sophomore classes at ACU can be thankful for the dorm life saving them from seeing that performance #nomtv #youwon

@destineerae

Aug. 26 2:48 p.m.

Loved speaking at ACU chapel. So blessed by the kindness of the students. They must think I know their grandparents.

@RickAtchley

I like seeing all the professors in robes, makes me feel like I go to Hogwarts. #openingchapel

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

A former valedictorian of ACU just told us to work hard but play harder. Said grades are overrated. #ACU difference #ilikethisguy

Aug. 26 11:53 a.m.

Lol started a clap #lifesuccess

@BrainOfJake

@k_winz

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

Aug. 26 11:50 a.m.

Aug. 26 11:06 a.m.

sports desk (325) 674-2684

@Pocolocelijah

Aug. 27 11:28 a.m.

Everyone should yell, “Schuuuub!” when Dr. Schubert gets up, just like the Cruz Rangers yell

@TCaro_92

Marissa Jones

Brittany Jackson

Jaci Isham

James Eldred

Kenneth Pybus

editor in chief

Copy Editor

Staff Videographer

Staff Writer

faculty adviser

Madeline Orr

Maggie Marshall

Denzil Lim

Rachel Fritz

cade white

managing editor

Copy editor

Staff Videographer

Staff Writer

Visuals adviser

Melany Cox

Matt Sloan

Rachel Smith

Laura Benson

cara lee cranford

opinion page editor

Sports Director

Video Projects Editor

Staff Writer

melany cox

Daniel Zepeda

Paige Otway

Kirsten Holman

online managing editor

Sports Editor

Staff Photographer

Staff Writer

mandy lambright

Kara Stutesman

Deanna Romero

Ben Todd

chief photogrpaher

Sports Video Editor

Staff Photographer

Cartoonist

Alikay Wood

Shera Niemirowski

Leslie Lewis

arts editor

Sports Broadcaster

Staff Photographer

gabi powell

JP Festa

Linsey Thut

features editor

Multimedia Managing Editor

Page 2 Editor

photo department (325) 674-2499

advertising office (325) 674-2463

multimedia desk (325) 674-2463

advertising

subscriptions ($40/Year) (325) 674-2296


7

sports

wednesday 08.28.13

Richardson runs towards NFL stardom THE SLOAN RANGER

MATT SLOAN SPORTS DIRECTOR

The ACU football team has had a steady stream of talented football players making their way to the NFL for nearly a decade, but none of them matched Daryl Richardson. Richardson is a second year pro that has been named the starting running back for St. Louis, an impressive feat for a number of reasons. First, the Rams had a Hall of Fame caliber running back carrying the load when Richardson got there. Stephen Jackson was an elite running back in the NFL, but because of the former ACU football player, the Rams decided to let Jackson move on. Not to mention the Rams never intended Richardson to carry the bulk of the load for them. Richardson was drafted in the seventh round. Typically, players taken in the last round are developmental projects, not potential starters in their second year. If that is not enough, the Rams drafted another running back in the same draft, five rounds earlier. Isaiah Pead was supposed to be the running back of the future in St. Louis. To think that a player from a Div. II school would overtake such a popular prospective player would be a rare assumption at best. Yet, Richardson’s explosiveness and overall ability made it impossible for Jeff Fisher and the rest of the Rams’ coaching staff to keep him off the field. Of course, Richardson dominated the sport at ACU.

He was a true game breaker in every since of the word. Every time number one got the ball, he had a chance to go for six points. To be able to have similar talent in the NFL is a completely different thing and it caught even NFL scouts by surprise. Of course, the Wildcats have put several players into the NFL over the years. Danieal Manning is entering his eighth season in the National Football League and has earned a Pro Bowl bid and played in the Super Bowl. Clyde Gates is also in the NFL. Although Gates has shown flashes of brilliance, the lack of quarterbacking talent for the Jets will undoubtedly slow him down for the time being. Bernard Scott has also been a productive running back in the League for a few years, but has never had the opportunity to be the featured running back in Cincinnati. Johnny Knox may have been the first explosive offensive playmaker to come out of ACU in this century. Knox even had some returning duty despite playing with Devin Hester, which reveals the talent that Knox possessed. His explosiveness and touchdown scoring ability makes him the most like Richardson in that respect. However, Knox was never the number one option for his team the way that Richardson will be for the Rams in 2013. ACU has had more than their fair share of Pro Bowlers considering they were a Div. II school, but

Mandy Lambright Chief Photographer

Former ACU running back Daryl Richardson scores one of many touchdowns in Shotwell Stadium two years ago. Richardson is completely different. It will be the first time that an ACU football player will be a viable fantasy football option. This is also the first time that ACU will have a player that could lead their team in total yards and touchdowns. The Wildcats have several players that are currently in the NFL and they are all excellent players that will help their teams win games. But as the 2013 football season starts and former members of the ACU football team are making plays every Sunday, it will

ACU scores three goals on falling Stars jimmy isbell sports reporter

sity 4-0) and outshot the Stars, 13-7, five of which were on goal. Not a minute later, OCU’s Meghan McMahon came looking for revenge after the ‘Cats improved their stretch to 3-1, scoring her second goal of the game, creating the chance for a tie. Head coach Casey Wilson was pleased with his freshmen goalkeepers, Kelsey Dombrowski and Sydney Newton.

Each of them played a half, while Dombrowski made one crucial save and Newton stopped two shots from sailing past her. The ‘Cats warm up on their own field for the 2013 home opener against Texas-Brownsville this Friday at 4 p.m.

The Stars of Oklahoma City University, known for their incredible success at the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics level were stunned by our ver y own Wildcats. The ‘Cats played and won their first game as a contact Isbell at Div. I program, 3-2, this jri10a@acu.edu past Sunday. The first two goals came from two senior veterans, Jacey Ferrara and Andrea Carpenter, while the winning goal in the 83rd minute hailed from none other than the junior transfer from San Diego Mesa, Tiffany Ysassi. The ‘Cats started off 1-0 with a strike from Carpenter in the sixth minute, adding to the already exceptional career of 44 goals scored. Ysassi extended the ‘Cats lead to 3-1 when junior Katie Stivers bended a cross over two defenders right to the thigh of Ysassi. The newcomer then bumped it in the back of the net with her inner thigh. Not exactly the most common goal you see in Div. I soccer. “It was the most awkward goal of my life,” Ysassi said. “That definitely did not just happen; we should redo that because it was so ugly.” Even though the game-winning goal was a little different than most, Carpenter said it didn’t matter. “Any game-winning goal no matter how, ‘ugly’ it may be, it still went into the back of the net.” The offense seemed to bode well against the Stars. The ‘Cats have struggled in the past few seasons on offense, but this mandy lambright chief Photographer team scored three goals, Sarah Schoch prepares to make a pass last season at the (the most since defeating Texas Woman’s Univer- ACU Soccer Pitch against West Texas A&M.

This is also the first time that ACU will have a player that could lead their team in total yards and touchdowns.”

be Richardson that is having his way with opposing defenses and changing games the most.

contact sloan at mes10b@acu.edu


sports

Wednesday 08.28.13

Wildcats look to sting the Hornets Matthew sloan sports director

After a summer of waiting, college football is finally here. ACU will take on Concordia College Saturday in Shotwell Stadium at 7 p.m. “I expect them to come in and play hard,” head coach Ken Collums said. “They are coming a long way, so I am sure they are coming to compete. Our guys will be ready and I am sure [Concordia] will be ready to play as well.” The Wildcats are moving to Div. I this season after a run of successful years at the Div. II level. Saturday night will be a historic time for the ACU football program. The Wildcats’ offense has a quarterback in senior John David Baker. Baker is a senior who has mobility that ACU has not seen in at least a decade from their signal caller. “The fact is that John David can make throws,” Collums said. “He has enough pop in his arm and he can run the ball also. I look forward to watching him progress.”

To go along with Baker, ACU has plenty of talented players at the skill positions to make Baker’s life easier. Wide receivers Darian Hogg, Taylor Gabriel and Darrell Cantu-Harkless headline a strong group of players that have the potential to take over a game at their position. “These receivers are the main thing we have going,” Collums said. “We are very pleased with them. They know exactly where they are going and they know the offense, so they are going to make it easy for John David.” It is hard to know exactly how the defense of the Hornets will line up to stop the Wildcats Saturday night. ACU must be prepared for anything. “The first game of any season, it is kind of like ‘let’s go tackle this guy or he is going to score’,” Collums said. “Defensively, mandy lambright chief Photographer they can do anything they Wide Receiver Taylor Gabriel balances on sideline last want. They have 11 people that they can put anywhere. You withstand the Defensively, the Wild- that should cause probfirst flurry of anything and cats will have a talented lems for opposing offensstart playing real football.” group on the front four es.

Concordia College runs a full air raid attack, which allows them to throw the ball into their playmakers hands as much as possible. The Hornets also like to run a hurry-up style attack. The quick nature of the offense will immediately test the conditioning of the ACU defenders. Concordia posted a 6-3 record last year after their current head coach Don Lee took over. Lee will be in his first full season as head coach this year. Lee is also the athletic director. No matter whom they are playing, the campus is buzzing about a new season. “I am really excited for the season to start,” ACU football fan Jordan Navarro said. “I think the whole campus is amped up to see some new opponents and play some Div. I teams.”

contact sloan at mes10b@acu.edu

SATURDAY BEST Wildcats dress up for Div. I and unveil their new uniforms

The new football uniforms are part of the new agreement between ACU and Adidas.

Price Bacall

Sleeves Undershirts with exposed logos.

sports editor

The Wildcats’ golf team will look for a winning combination of both youth and experience towards the upcoming season. With the signing of four freshmen and returning veterans such as seniors Ian Evans and Trey Sullivan along with juniors Luke Carpenter and Corbin Renner, the team expects to be well balanced. “I have no doubt in my mind that we will be able to hold our own,” Renner said. “It’ll be really fun to see how everyone plays and where we’ll end up.” The four freshmen: Robert Johnson, Kyle Karnei, Kyle Kennedy and Hunter Rawls are all well

Soccer

Team

Div.

Ovrl.

UCA Lamar Nicholls St. ORU SELU SFA SHSU UIW HBU ACU MSU NSU TAMU-CC

0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0

1-0 1-0 1-0 1-0 1-0 1-0 0-0 0-1 0-0 0-1 0-1 0-1 0-1

Team

Div.

Ovrl.

UCA ACU HBU Lamar MSU New Orleans NSU NSU ORU SHSU SELU SFA TAMU-CC

0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0

0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0

Volleyball

ex- factor Rams’ running back and former Wildcat Daryl Richardson has been named the starter in for the St. Louis Rams. Richardson was drafted by the Rams in 2012. He takes over for Stephen Jackson, who has moved on to Atlanta.

Bengals’ running back Brenard Scott is recovering from a torn ACL, but could be back on the field soon. Jets’ wide receiver Clyde Gates should be able to get on the field this season in New York. The question will be who is throwing him the ball. Gates also played special teams for the Jets in 2012.

Pants Adidas and ACU logo on both hips.

briefings Shoes and Socks New Adidas cleats and high socks.

Head football coach Ken Collums has handed over play calling duties to Nathan Young. Young was named offensive coordinator after spring practice. Photo Contributed by ACU Creative Services

This is going to be an exciting year for ACU athletics as they transition into the Div. 1 playing field. The transition will allow the students to get excited and involved in the ACU athletic program. “While there will no doubt be some challenges along the

way, the opportunities for us to better align athletics at ACU with the broader institutional mission and the heightened visibility that comes with having a Div. I program provide a great platform to deliver one of the most unique studentathlete experience in all of intercollegiate athletics,” Mosley

said. ACU will debut their new uniforms Saturday night starting at 7 p.m. against Concordia College at Shotwell Stadium.

contact Bacall at pmb09a@acu.edu

Golf team set to take on Division I Daniel Zepeda

standings

Texans’ safety Danieal Manning will start for the Texans in 2013. Manning is a former Pro Bowl player and should be an important part of the Texans secondary in 2013.

Helmet Complete with slits to increase air flow.

sports reporter For the first time in sixteen years the ACU football team will be in new uniforms. As they enter their first year as a Div. 1 program, the Wildcats have a brand new look sponsored by Adidas. The new Wildcat logo, which was introduced last semester, is more modern and aggressive and similar to other collegiate logos across the United States. “One of my favorite changes to uniforms is the new look of the football helmet,” director of athletics Jared Mosley said. “It really captures our new logo and will definitely be recognizable as more teams are going to over-sized logos and decor on the their helmets.” The uniforms will not only be black and purple this year. The addition of gray has been made to the uniforms as well. “I love the color scheme and integration of gray into the logo,” Mosley said. “It really fits well with purple and white and I think our fans, students and alumni will enjoy the look.” The new uniforms are something the players are excited for as well. Fullback Cy Wilson from Aledo is excited about the new Adidas look. “I really like the new black uniforms we are getting,” Wilson said. “That combined with the tight and sleek style of the Adidas jerseys is going to look pretty sharp. These are definitely the coolest uniforms I have ever worn.”

8

decorated and will look to have big impacts this year. Johnson has received fifteen tournament wins over his high school career and is the youngest player to ever win the men’s and junior’s club championship at the Helensburgh golf club. Karnei qualified for numerous tournaments, including the 5A State Golf Championship in which he was a co-captain. Kennedy is an eighttime high school tournament winner and fouryear all-district selection. Rawls is a four-time North Texas Junior PGA winner and has numerous first place finishes in high school tournaments. “I’m very excited to get the season started and see what new challenges collegiate golf has to of-

really excited to see how they’ll play, as well as how I play this upcoming year.” The team knows that hard work and determination will bring the best results. “I do know everyone on the team will work hard and give every day of pracCorbin renner tice and every tournament junior all they can and knowing ]acu golf that, I can only assume that our team will have the ability to compete in every tournament we play previous spring. in,” Kennedy said. The Carpenter brothers The first tournament of were huge anchors for the the year will be on Sep. 9 team with both their tal- in Abilene for the Charles ent and experience. Coody West Texas Inter“It’s tough losing that collegiate. many good players,” Renner said. “But every school goes through that. contact Zepeda at We have a great group of djz11a@acu.edu guys coming up and I’m

I have no doubt in mu mind that we will be able to hold our own. It’ll be really fun to see how everyone plays and where we end up.”

fer me,” Johnson said. “I know these challenges will develop me further as a player, but above all, I want to help bring a NCAA national championship to ACU.” The team will have some big shoes to fill with both Alex and Adam Carpenter graduating in the

“Voice of the Wildcats” Grant Boone was awarded the 2013 Lone Star Conference Broadcaster of the Year award. In 2014, the ACU football team will play two Football Bowl Subdivision schools. They will open with Air Force and also play at Troy a couple of weeks later. The Wildcat Caravan will come to Abilene August 29th.

Upcoming The soccer team hosts the University of Texas at Brownsville on Friday at 4 p.m. The volleyball team will travel to take on the University of Texas at Arlington Friday. The match starts at 7 p.m.


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.