High Hopes: Volleyball Team plans to win conference
vol. 100, no. 1
monday, AUGUST 29, 2010
Sports page 10
1 SECTION, 10 PAGES
budget
Parade of Lights
Decreased enrollment forces cuts in budget
mark smith
managing editor
For freshman Annique Dentino, psychology major from Lubbock, the Candlelight Devo portion of this year’s Welcome Week was a spritual and surreal experience. “I believe singing praise music is a form of talking and praying to God,” she said. “It was like they were praying over us; I actually started choking up while walking to the amphitheater.” Dentino’s reaction to this year’s Candlelight Devo is not unlike many others. The Welcome Week tradition is in-
tended to be a spiritual, emotional event that brings out upperclassmen and members from the Abilene community to sing over the new students on campus. This year’s Welcome Week theme, “Who am I?” was based on the biblical passage in 1 Peter 1:13-16, emphasizing the importance of identity outside of actions, as in the scripture reference in verse 16, “Be holy, for I am holy.” Bob Strader, director of ACU leadership camps, built on the theme at the Candlelight Devo on Tuesday night. “I spoke about what shapes a person’s identity, especially the idea that we aren’t identified by mistakes
hannah barnes editor-in-chief
A shortfall in the number of freshmen and financial aid cuts by the state of Texas has led the university to cut several million dollars from its budget this year. Dr. Phil Schubert, president of the university, addressed the budget and enrollment issues at a meeting with faculty and staff on Wednesday. Schubert and other members of the university administration finalized decisions to reduce the university’s costs over the summer. They eliminated seven faculty and staff positions, closed one department and asked several departments see lights page 8 not to fill vacant positions. Many departments have been asked to cut 6 percent of their expenses during the coming year. Other steps taken to minimize spending included reductions in the Core Curriculum budget, a reduction in planned Advancement expense increases and a reduction in Information Services operating budgets. For the past two years, fall freshman enrollment has been about 980 – up from 870 in 2008. But last week, Schubert told faculty and staff members his best guess is that this year’s figure will be close to about 860. Official enrollment numbers will not be available until Sept. 13. “That’s a significant shortfall,” Schubert said. “It’s a tough situation we’re in.” Schubert attributed the decline in enrollment to three primary factors: • aggressive tuition increases by the university over the past two years, • steps taken by some of the university’s stiffest competition to soften the effects of their own tuition daniel gomez chief Photographer prices, and The incoming class of 2011 come together for a candlelight devotional at the Beauchamp amphitheater under the Tower of Light. • a failure on the part of the university to execute its own five-year plan for enrollment. “It’s hard to know how much of a factor each of these played, but we have to assume aggressive pricing increases are a significant player in that number,” Schubert said. project. Attendance at all are going to have in colsamantha sutherland The university increased of the week’s activities was lege,” Daugherty said. features editor tuition to $787 per semester high this year, said Erin “Just getting to see people hour for the current school Daugherty, senior English loving and enjoying and year, an increase of about 23 embracing things like major from Stephenville. The Welcome Week staff percent since two years ago. and a large team of up- She said the freshman candlelight devo and the Those price increases are perclassmen volunteers class as a whole showed service project and things part of a five-year plan bereturned to campus early they were ready to become that are really unique to gun in 2008 to better reflect last week to help integrate an active part of the ACU ACU’s culture is so rewardthe value of an ACU degree. ing for me.” hundreds of new students community. Schubert pointed out It took a lot of people “I just feel really pasinto the ACU community. that ACU remains priced The week’s activities sionate about the impor- to make Welcome Week at a midpoint between its included a giant game of tance of your first experi- happen, Daugherty said. daniel gomez chief Photographer chief competitors: Texas Twister, a candlelight de- ences at this university Daugherty was a student votional, mentor group because they largely shape director for Welcome Week Incoming ACU freshmen have a ball in Moody Coliseum Tech, Texas A&M and Hardcompeting against each other to keep a inflated ball in ing University on the low meetings and a service what kind of first year you alongside Meredith Morthe air as part of the 2011 Welcome Week events.
CHAPEL
ACU welcomes incoming freshmen
see freshman page 8
see Budget page 8
inside features
opinion
sports
news
ACU welcomed hundreds of fresh faces during Welcome Week.
Ben Miller reveals his first creation as an Optimist cartoonist.
Five ways to find success in your fantasy football league this season.
page 7
page 6
The Royce and Pam Money SRWC will open Sept. 2. page 3
Abilene Christian University
page 10
Monday 08.29.11
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30
Monday
31
tuesday
11 a.m. Opening Chapel in Moody Coliseum
01
Wednesday
Thursday 11 a.m. Dr. Stephen Moore and student Emily Hood - Chapel 101 in Moody Coliseum
11 a.m. President Phil Schubert - Welcome to ACU in Moody Coliseum
8 a.m. Fall Semester classes begin
2
11 a.m. Dr. Dwain Hart and Dr. Kerri Hart - A Lifestyle of Wellness in Moody Coliseum
7 p.m. Welcome to Abilene in the Teague Special Events Center
5 p.m. ACU Women’s Soccer vs. Dallas Baptist 7:30 p.m. Noises Off! in Fulks Theater
Around Abilene
chapel checkup
Aug. 29
Aug. 30
Aug. 31
Sept. 1
8 a.m. Fall Semester begins at ACU
10 a.m. Dancing by the Light of the Moon: the Art of Fred Marcellino will be on display at the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature. Admission is free.
10 a.m. Dancing by the Light of the Moon: the Art of Fred Marcellino will be on display at the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature. Admission is free.
10 a.m. Dancing by the Light of the Moon: the Art of Fred Marcellino will be on display at the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature. Admission is free.
5 p.m. The HSU Cowboys will play Southeast Prep at Hardin-Simmons University. Tickets cost $5 - $10 per person.
7:30 p.m. Catch a Rising Star will show at the Paramount Theatre, featuring the Houston Grand Opera Studio. Admission is free. Concert will benefit the Young Audiences of Abilene.
01 70 @acuoptimist
7:30 p.m. Noises Off! will perform in Fulks Theatre in the Williams Performing Arts Center on the ACU campus. Tickets cost $15 per person
The Optimist optimist@acu.edu
announcements walleyball, basketball, shuffleboard, table tennis, air hockey, foosball, Wii and board games), demo classes, a movie and a pizza party. Students also can sign up for team tournaments. For more information go to acu.edu/srwc. Students can also sign up in the CamWelcome to Abilene will take place in pus Center Aug. 30. The deadline to the Teague Special Events Center Aug. 30 sign up is Aug. 31. from 7 - 9 p.m. This event is for anyone who is new to Abilene. Prizes, coupons Mario Santoso will present a piano and free snacks will be given away. concert on Sept. 2 in the Williams Performing Arts Center Recital Hall at 7:30 The Grand Opening of the Money p.m. This performance is a part of the Student Recreation and Wellness Cen- ACU Guest Artist Series Concert. ter will take place Sept. 2. The Grand Opening will be in Moody Coliseum Noises Off! will perform in Fulks Theater in at 11 a.m. RecFest will take place that the Williams Performing Arts Center, Sept. night from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. RecFest in- 1-3, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 and can be cludes Open Recreation (leisure pool, purchased online at acu.edu/theatre. An informational meeting for anyone interested in joining the Speech and Debate Team will take place at 4:30 p.m. Aug. 29 in the Sherrod Building Room 216. For more information contact Dena Counts at dena.counts@acu.edu.
Anyone interested in pledging a social club can register online at acu.edu/socialclubs. Women must be registered by Sept. 4. Men must be registered by Sept. 18. A mandatory information meeting will take place in Hart Auditorium on Sept. 1 at 5 p.m.
A Part-Time Job Fair will take place at the Hardin-Simmons University Pond Area on Sept. 14 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. The Omega Dance Company will con- This casual fair will provide students duct auditions Sept. 10 at 10 a.m. in the with the opportunity to apply for jobs Rec Center. An informational meeting all over Abilene. For more information will take place Sept. 6 at 9 p.m. in Bible contact the Career Center at careers@ Building Room 103. A workshop will acu.edu. also take place Sept. 9th at 6 p.m. in the Rec Center. Anyone who has not completed a membership form for the Student Wellness An informational meeting for anyone and Recreation Center can apply oninterested in being a Sing Song Host or line. A membership is required in order Hostess will take place in Cullen Audi- to be able to use the new Rec Center. torium on Sept. 7 at 11:30.
mobile learning
Volunteer Opp0rtunities The ACU Department of Theatre needs people to help with the children’s ensemble for the Homecoming Musical. Students can be paid for 35 hours of work (about $250) and then count the remainder of hours as volunteer service. This will require evening hours beginning Aug. 29 for most evenings until the musical on Oct. 15 & 16. Participants must undergo a background check for working with the kids. Contact Kari Hatfield, Asst. Professor of Theater, at 325-232-1980 or email kari.hatfield@ acu.edu. Volunteers are needed for the annual Ben Richey Boys Ranch Chili Superbowl on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 3 & 4, between noon and 6 p.m. Help is needed in The Kid’s Place with games and activities for the children. Contact Dede Morris at 325-5189536 or email dedemorris@swbell.net The Service-Learning & Volunteer Resources office will host a Service Expo on Thursday & Friday, Sept. 8 & 9, from 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. on the main level of the Campus Center. Representatives from area agencies will be available at their displays to discuss with students ways that they can volunteer and serve in our Abilene community.
Shades will conduct auditions Sept. 1215 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. in room 115 in the Bible Building. No experience is necessary.
Abilene Youth Sports Authority needs volunteers for the Big Country Mudslinger Fun Run on Saturday, Sept. 10, in shifts between 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Volunteers would help with parking, water stations, helping runners with various obstacles, and clean up at the end of the day. The even will take place at Seabee Park, FM 600 or Westlake Rd. Contact Katie Miller at 325-692-2972. The Office of Ministry Events is looking for student workers to help during Summit. Volunteers are needed to help with childcare, technology support, registration, labor, and rePlay recording. Shuttle service drivers (must be 21 or older) and receptionists/ dispatchers are also needed. For more information or to sign up visit the ACU website. The Big Brothers Big Sisters program is looking for volunteers to participate in Lunch Buddies. Bigs and Littles wil enjoy lunch together at the child’s school once a week. Since visits are during chapel, students will receive 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. A background check is required. To sign up or learn more contact www.bbbstx.org or call 325-674-3113.
READ THE OPTIMIST ON YOUR iPad . iPhone . iPod
ACU sustains Mobile Learning Initative, offers iPad upgrade Melany Cox Page 2 editor
The university began distributing new iPhones and iPod touches to freshmen and transfer students last week in the Brown Library, with a new option that allows those students to pay extra for an Apple iPad. New students could pick up their new iPhone 4 or iPod touch Aug. 20-23. Team 55 and employees from AT&T were involved in the distribution of the devices. Kay Reeves, executive director of information technologies, said the help from AT&T employees improved the process. “Our distribution has been smoother this year than in several years,” Reeves said. This is the fourth year ACU has distributed mobile learning devices to new students, but the first that students could choose between an iPhone 4, a new iPod touch or a $300 voucher toward an iPad. Bill Rankin, director of educational innovation, said 40 percent of incoming freshmen last year already had an iPhone. Now new students who already have an iPhone or iPod touch have the option of an iPad. “We see the iPad as a premier platform,” said Rankin.
Along with adding the iPad voucher to the list of choices, the university is continuing to expand the integration of moblie technology into classrooms. In the past, students could keep devices given by the university for two years and then trade them in for brand new devices. This year, instead of simply replacing the devices, ACU is allowing students to keep their old devices when they receive their second device. Third-year students will receive their upgrades on Sept. 11. Many students are glad to receive an upgraded device. Sarah Groveunder, a Freshman Communication Sciences and Disorders major exchanged her iPhone 3G for an iPhone 4. “It’s a lot faster than my old phone,” she said. “I had no idea there would be so many new features.” The number of students armed with mobile learning devices is continuing to grow. Other schools have seen ACU’s success and are learning from the example. “If we wanted to experiment with [mobile learning devices] we needed to provide them,” Rankin said. “We are only beginning now to see new potential.”
contact cox at optimist@acu.edu
3
campus news
Monday 08.29.11
CHAPEL
Wellness and Recreation Center to open Friday mark smith managing editor The Royce and Pam Money Student Recreation & Wellness Center is the big news on campus to begin the 2011-12 school year. The 18-month project has nearly reached its completion and will open on Friday, Sept. 2. RecFest, the grand opening party, is a free overnight celebration for students beginning late Friday night and continuing into Saturday morning. “There’s no comparison between this and the old fitness center; the comparison is like night and day,” said Director Brian DeVost. “We will have so much available that we’ve never had on campus in the past; there’s so much to be excited about.” The $21 million rec center, sometimes referred to as “The Bank” (because it’s the Money Center; get it?), is a large addition to campus at 113,000 square-feet, including the refurbished Gibson Health Center. The Wellness Center features a bouldering wall, a lap pool, a leisure pool, a fitness center, and several basketball and racquetball courts, as well as a 1/8 mile running track, classrooms, studio exercise rooms, and the new smoothie bar, named “Oasis”. “The fitness center will
Daniel Gomez Chirf Photographer
Work was still being done on the Royce and Pam Money Student Recreation and Wellness Center throughout Welcome Week. It is to open for use Sept. 2. probably be the most-used area of the center,” DeVost said. “It’s the first thing people see when they walk in, and it kind of highlights the building.” On a sneak-preview tour of the almost-finished facility, DeVost explained what kind of impact the new campus addition will have on students and campus life. “Immediately, students and faculty and staff can and will be better educated about their health. We’ll give them their starting point, show them where they are physically so they can set goals to improve their health and diet,” he said. “In terms of longterm effects, this will give everyone a better toolbox of things to draw from to keep them healthy.” The new fitness center offers many options not
available last year to students on campus. “I’m excited about The Bank,” said sophomore Sam Groom, a student desk-worker at the new facility. “It’s going to be a new hangout spot for students on campus with plenty of new things to do.” Doors open on Friday at 11:30 a.m., and lunch will be served on the lawn outside Moody Coliseum. “There’s also an outdoor patio just outside the pool where we’ll have parties and barbecues,” added DeVost. “You can go for a swim, lay out on the patio, play on the outside basketball court that’s right there, and spend time with friends. It’s going to be great.”
contact gasvoda at jrc07d@acu.edu
campus news
monday 08.29.11
4
housing
ResLife: Freshmen move-in successful JOZIE sands opinion editor
This year’s freshman move-in was the most trouble-free John Delony has seen during his time at ACU, said Delony, assistant dean for Residence Life Education and Housing. More than 800 students arrived on campus during the past week. “All the campus partners were truly incredible,” Delony said. “This is hands down the smoothest move-in I’ve ever been a part of. The students and their parents were great despite the heat.”
Students begin to move into their dorms during the summer and continue to trickle in until a few weeks into the school year. Tracy Wetsel, residential services coordinator, is responsible for placing each student in a bed, Delony said. She spent her summer contacting students and their parents to make arrangements for the upcoming year. Delony was impressed with her dedication to her task. “She can’t stop with 99 percent success, because that leaves 10 students without a place to live,” Delony said. “She’s really
hit it out of the park.” About half-a-dozen departments work together to get between 800 and 1,000 students and their parents to the proper place on move-in day. The First-Year Program coordinates volunteers, ResLife handles check-in, and both Physical Resources and WWF, the university’s custodial contractor, are on hand to make repairs and clean up trash and spills. ARAMARK pitches in by providing food for the ResLife staff. Delony said a large part of the move-in success was due to contributions of the returning resident
“
things that you can only learn from experience.” Chris Perkins, freshman political science major from Abilene, moved in John delony assistant dean for Aug. 21. Perkins said plenresidence life and housing ty of people were willing to help move his luggage assistants. More of the ResLife staff. Five of the into the dorm, but he still ResLife staff returned for a 10 resident assistants had some hurtles to jump second or third year than working in Gardner are before settling in. “The most hectic part returning juniors and seever before, he said. “It is great to have a niors. Amber Bower, se- was filling out the forms,” core group of student nior family studies major Perkins said. “My parents leadership who could from Fort Worth, is in her weren’t there, so I had to come in and already know second year as an R.A. and fill out the insurance pawhat was going on,” De- said each of the new R.A.s pers myself.” lony said. “That’s a great has been paired with an experienced R.A. foundation to build on.” “We do a lot of trainGardner Hall is one of contact sands at the halls that started a ing, and it helps a lot,” she jgs07a@acu.edu mentor program for its said. “But there are some
All the campus partners were truly incredible. This is hands down the smoothest move-in I’ve ever been a part of.”
Welcome week
Freshman talent on display at Paramount Theatre David Singer Arts Editor Students and parents filled the Paramount Theatre in downtown Abilene on Saturday night for the freshman talent show, the final event of this year’s Welcome Week. Over 700 were in attendance for the event’s second year at the Paramount Theatre. Among the 18 performances were acts that included impressions, original music, beat boxing and body contortion. Brantly Houston, a freshman advertising and public relations major from Abilene, was chosen as the host. “I auditioned one morning and just said some things and tried to act real spunky,” said Houston. “I’m not a [theatre] major, but I have done a lot of musical theatre, so I like being the center of attention.” Along with the host, 27 other freshmen students came together to create the show under the supervision of a student committee that has been organizing Welcome Week since the spring semester. “We have been working on getting everything prepared since the end of last semester,” said Amy Archer, senior Nursing major from Pflugerville. The talent show alone involved auditions, two practices and a dress rehearsal. “We had a pretty good turn out for auditions, and it’s the best performance each of them had, so it
Above: Shelby Warwar performs acoustic version of “Mighty to Save” at 2011 Freshman Talent Show. Below: Judith Duran removes her glasses in her own unique way.
worked out really well,” said Archer. Performances showed a variety of talents among the incoming class. One student performed his routine of impressions which included George W. Bush, Ray Romano, Peter Griffin and more. “My favorite act had to be the impressions,” said Caroline Nikolaus, sophomore Psychology major from O’Fallon, Ill. “He had
skill and variety and he kept the audience laughing with his script.” Most acts were musically based, and the show included an a cappella quintet as well as original songs and covers of popular and worship music. Brad Beard, freshman business management major from Houston, exhibited his ability to drink three 12 oz. water bottles in five seconds.
Daniel Gomez Chief Photographer
Daniel Gomez Chief Photographer Brad Beard downs three water bottles in a few short seconds
“I don’t really do it often, but when I want to get in good with people I just chug water,” says Beard. At the close of the show, all acts were brought on stage for applause. Organizers announced winners of the Welcome Week Olympics and Fun Run. contact Singerat dis08b@acu.edu
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Campus news
monday 08.29.11
Commencement
August commencement numbers grow Christianna Lewis Copy Editor
A small but exuberant group celebrated the completion of at least four – and often more – years of hard work at this year’s August Commencement. Ninetyfour students walked the stage to receive their undergraduate or graduate degrees on Aug. 12. The ceremony took place at Moody Coliseum with President Dr. Phil Schubert presiding and Dr. Joey Cope, assistant professor of conflict resolution, giving the final “charge to the class.” This August 173
students finished their degree plans, but not all of them participated in the Commencement. Two or three students finished their Master’s degrees online and visited the ACU campus for the first time at the Commencement, said Amelia Emery, degree tracking specialist. They received special recognition at the event. The August Commencement has long had a greater percentage of students receiving master’s degrees than the May or December commencements, and that percentage has been increasing over the past few years.
The 2010 August Commencement had 62 graduate participants and 37 undergraduate participants – which Registrar Bart Herridge said had been a higher ratio of graduate participants than normal. That ratio increased this August, when 70 graduate and 24 undergraduate students participated in the Commencement. Morgan Myrick from Odessa got her graduate degree in marriage and family therapy at the ceremony. She had already received her undergraduate degree in family studies in 2009 and said this Commencement was very
“
We’d worked with the same people for two years. It’s hard to let go of that.” morgan Myrick Marriage and family therapy Graduate from
different emotionally than the one she’d participated in two years ago. Many friends and family attended Myrick’s undergraduate Commencement. Her graduate Commencement had a much smaller attendance, she said, but the bonds with her fellow graduates were much stronger. That closeness made the ceremony painful as well as meaningful.
“We’d worked with the same people for two years,” Myrick said. “It’s hard to let go of that.” This Commencement was also momentous for Herridge. He has helped coordinate many commencements over the years, but this August’s ceremony was very different than the rest. He was able to watch his wife, Laura Herridge from Abilene, receive her master’s degree in social work. “The ceremony was about her for me,” Herridge said. Laura Herridge has been a neighborhood coordinator for Connecting Car-
ing Communities, a local non-profit organization, for almost a year, and the Herridge family lives in a Friendship House north of Hardin-Simmons University, said Herridge. Laura Herridge’s new degree will allow her to supervise ACU interns, Herridge said. Herridge said sitting in the stands gave him a different perspective on the ceremony he’s helped direct for years. He may tweak a few aspects of the Commencement because of his new point of view.
contact lewis at Cll09a@acu.edu
events
Students to connect with local churches, businesses at annual event farron salley news producer
The Students Association will conduct its fifth annual Welcome to Abilene event from 7-9 p.m. Tuesday in the Teague Special Events Center, with more than 50 businesses and churches represented to help incoming freshmen and transfer students connect with the off-campus community. S.A. President Connor Best said 30 businesses and 25 churches reserved booth space at this year’s event to greet the new students and provide them
with information about Abilene. Best said the event will well serve students who want to find a local church home. “I think Welcome to Abilene is where they first meet the church they get connected to the rest of college,” Best said. Terrence Crisp, college minister at Minda Street Church of Christ, agreed that the first year of college is an important time to find a spiritual community and that Welcome to Abilene helps fill that need. “We just want to make sure the incoming students realize how impor-
tainment will replace the major giveaway. Last year, students flocked to Welcome to Abilene in hopes of winning an iPad. This time the main attraction will be live entertainment. The event will welcome back the sounds of The Hickory Street Cafe Cici’s Pizza Light Parade. Band memBig Brothers Big Sisters Schlotzsky’s bers and ACU alumni Kara Monk’s Coffee Shop Snappy Lube DuBose and Alex Howard X-Stream Auto Clean Jason’s Deli recently ended a summer Complete Nutrition While It’s Hot tour in Ireland and have Wholly Cow Burgers Chase Bank been performing at variAbilene Mountain Man Frontier Texas! ous venues in Austin since their return to the U.S. Last year’s event took place in the Hunter Weldents to connect with no- business is not the only come Center, but Best said table businesses and restau- major change from last the location was moved to rants near campus. Students year’s event: Live enter- the Teague as part of S.A.’s tant it is to identify with a local church that can serve them, and they can serve in as well,” Crisp said. This year’s Welcome to Abilene also will allow stu-
featured vendors
can expect to see representatives and even some product samples from places such as Jason’s Deli, Monk’s Coffee Shop and many more. Participation of local
effort to make Welcome to Abilene a “hang out” event. The S.A. is projecting a high attendance of 600 students and hopes the location change will cut down on lines inside the expo and the rush to leave. “The first section of Teague will be the hang out spot with tables so they don’t have to leave as soon as they’ve been through all the booths,” Best said. “That’s where The Light Parade is going to be playing.”
contact salley at fls08a@acu.edu
Opinion
Monday 8.29.11
6
Editorial
Editorials spur campus dialogue The Opinion page serves a different purpose than the rest of the Optimist. While the Optimist staff strives to present the reader with unbiased news, the editorial board attempts to offer the reader an opinion. Columns, editorials, letters to the editor and cartoons make up the major pieces of the Opinion page. Each element serves a different purpose. Columns, no matter how serious or light-hearted the topic, are meant cause readers to pause and consider the ideas placed before them. The writer decides what opin-
ions and topics will be presented in her column; this is why each column is signed by the author. We write these columns with the hope that readers will consider the ideas presented and make their own decision from there. In addition to columns, editorials are a staple of the Opinion page. Members of the editorial board come together weekly to discuss issues ranging from the local to the international. Topics are gleaned from news stories, conversations and from what we think affects the student body.
The topic of each editorial is decided by the editorial board, which is composed of students from varied majors and backgrounds. Each student is chosen for the unique views and set of beliefs she brings to the conversation. Editorials are discussed until the board comes to a consensus. Members may not agree on every aspect of the topic, just as readers may not. But, the board does share the opinion presented in the editorial. When a consensus is not reached, two editorials, each with an opposing
view, will be published. This allows us to accurately present the argument of each side. The editorial is published sans signature because it does not reflect the opinion of one individual. We do not claim to speak for the university or represent the thoughts of anyone other than ourselves. The cartoon, one of the most popular features of this page, will often relate to the topic of the editorial. It may address issues and changes on campus and around the world. By sharing our opinions, we aim to open a
Oh Dear, Christian College
Ben miller
the issue This is where the editorial board briefly describes what is being discussed in the editorial.
our take This is where we take a decisive stance on the above-mentioned issue.
forum in which students will shape and contribute their own views. The First Amendment recognizes our freedom of speech and of the press. Here we would like to exercise both rights. And by the end, we hope, each of us will be a better-informed citizen. Feedback is a vital part of any media outlet. At the Optimist we encourage
readers to express their views. Readers can voice opinions by posting comments on stories at www. acuoptimist.com or writing a letter to the editor. Comments and letters to the editor may be published in the Optimist. contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
column
World Famous Bean dresses to impress WHOA! IS ME
DAVID SINGER
2011-2012 Editorial Board The editorial board meets weekly to hash out editorial ideas for the next issues. The varied backgrounds and opinions of the members allow for a lively conversation. Editorial topics are gleaned from local and national news along with snippets of conversation we hear around campus.
once upon a hannah
hannah barnes
Major: graphic design and advertising Classification: Senior Hometown: El Paso Hannah wants readers to know that her name is pronounced like ‘Donna’ but with an ‘H.’ Get it right.
well, this is awkward
Minimally decent
mark smith
Jozie Sands
Major: Journalism Classification: Senior Hometown: Perry, Okla. Jozie enjoys staring at typefaces she can’t afford for hours on end; she also plays the fiddle like a beast.
whoa! is me
Major: Journalism Classification: Junior Hometown: Richmond, Va. Mark loves the Miami Dolphins. And sleep. And Relient K. And The Office. And Cherry Cokes from Sonic. And ...
Vagabondage
david singer
samantha sutherland
Freshmen, I would first like to extend a welcome. It’s always nice to return to find 400 taller and older-looking guys roaming campus who are allegedly younger than me (there is no way that one guy is 18). Now, today’s lunch is probably not your first in the World Famous Bean. You enjoyed its range of deliciously digestible dishes when you first visited campus and during Welcome Week. You’ve sampled foods from every counter unless, like me, you prefer to stick to Captain Crunch and the dessert line. And, if you are anything like I was coming into my first year (awkward), then you may have a lofty impression of our renowned cafeteria. But you are just a baby in the world of Wildcat cuisine, and I’ve always been skeptical of opinions formed by someone who can’t even talk yet. So there is something you need to learn: purple-shirted student tour guides, ACU logo-ed golf carts and a flock (or is it a herd?) of prospective students not only signals a Wildcat Preview Day but also signals the peak of the Bean’s culinary performance. Of course, I don’t want to criticize the Bean. If it weren’t for our beloved cafeteria, my freshman year diet would have con-
sisted of something like microwaveable gas station burritos and ketchup packets. You just can’t always be on top. Ask the U.S. economy, the Dallas Cowboys or my first year roommate who I forced to sleep in the bottom bunk (I sleep better at high altitudes, Brian). But that doesn’t stop all those things from being great. So when the Bean doesn’t serve you the filet mignon and shrimp you ate during your visit, don’t be mad. Instead, enjoy the convenience of paying with meal plans (it doesn’t even feel like your spending money). Be thankful that you can have scrambled eggs waiting for you five minutes before your 8 a.m. class. Relish in a selection that allows your taste buds to visit multiple continents. Get creative with your culinary combinations (ice cream cookie sandwich, you’ll thank me later). Finally, appreciate that you can have chocolate milk for every meal. And when golf carts full of high school seniors make you late to class, at least you can take pleasure in the fact that today, the World Famous Bean will be even better than usual. contact Singer at dis08b@acu.edu
hashtagACU @ANG_WiL
@emilyloper Major: graphic design Classification: junior Hometown: pflugerville David wishes this bio was based on humor to distract from his lack of interesting hobbies.
Farron height
Major: advertising and public relations Classification: junior Hometown: Brownwood Samantha enjoys writing, so it’s only logical that she would write an awesome column.
11:02 p.m. Aug. 23
Got caught stealing traffic cones from the ACU police. All in the name of Welcome Week. Thanks for the memories, @amyyeelizabeth!
blane singletary
Major: broadcast Journalism Classification: Senior Hometown: fort worth All you need to know about Farron is that you will see her on TV one day – and it won’t be a mug shot.
Major: electronic media Classification: Senior Hometown: Abilene Along with producing a weekly radio show for KACU, Eye on Entertainment, Blane composes killer mash-ups.
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“I’m standing next to a strange statue with a baby” – a freshman on the phone trying to find Moody 4:32 p.m. Aug. 23
7:15 p.m. Aug. 26
Ones and zeros
Farron Salley
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
I thought candlelight devo was on Thursday. . . but I’m old now, what do I know?
2:26 a.m. Aug. 24
Always hits me. The #ACU community is unparalleled for a university. #candlelightdevo
@carlybscum
@a_morrisonman
Send your tweets @acuoptimist, or #ACU, to get your tweets printed in the Optimist.
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featureS
monday 08.29.11
Daniel gomez chief Photographer
Adrianna Smith, freshman psychology major from Aurora, Colo., contorts her body while competing on a giant Twister mat as part of the 2011 Welcome Week events.
Glimpses of
Welcome
Week
Students strive to find freshmen identities Samantha sutherland features editor ACU welcomed hundreds of fresh faces to campus last week during Welcome Week. The week consisted of events such as a massive Twister game, a Candlelight Devotional, Welcome Week Olympics and a canned food drive. It gave fresh-
men a chance to share in rich ACU traditions while familiarizing themselves with campus and the other students. The move-in crew greeted the new students as they arrived on campus. “The move-in crew was just really excited and willing to help me move all my junk in,” said freshman Megan Hurley, nursing major from Denison. “So it set the
tone that everyone’s here to help each other and it’s a community.” Hurley said she came to ACU not knowing anyone but has immediately felt welcomed into the ACU community. “I feel like I have all these freedoms, but I’m not really sure what to do,” Hurley said. “Like the other night I didn’t have dinner because I’m used to my mom making dinner and it’s a
Daniel gomez chief Photographer
Freshmen Jacob Alexander and Ryce Garren perform a mash-up during the freshmen talent show. weird feeling having to take care of yourself after being home for 18 years.” Jameson Smith, freshman undeclared major from Leander, said being at ACU was already better than expected. He enjoyed being able to meet with his mentor group and was glad to have the extra time to get used to being on campus. Smith described leaving home as being sad and different but likes that ACU is small and offers a Christian atmosphere. “I’m still kind of feeling like I’m away for the weekend,” Smith said. Caroline Hardy, freshman marketing major from Arlington, said it was good to have a week that is just for meeting people to help her get used to college living.
She watched from the sidelines as hundreds of her classmates linked arms with a partner on the giant Twister mat in Moody Coliseum on Tuesday during a group game. “It’s not for me because I’m really clumsy and I don’t want to, like, knock everyone down,” Hardy said about the game. Hardy said the dorms have been an adjustment, but the community was welcoming. “Everyone’s doors are open, and we just go in and talk to random people,” Hardy said. “Last night we had ten girls in our room and we watched Mean Girls; it was fun.”
contact sutherland at sns08a@acu.edu
Daniel gomez chief Photographer
daniel gomez chief Photographer
Above: A group of freshmen reach for an inflated beach ball while participating in the Twister competition. Top Right: Freshmen link arms for a hymn following the freshmen talent show. Right: Incoming freshmen go bananas during the parade to kick off the Mentor Group Olympics. Mandy lambright Staff Photographer
Jumps
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8
CHAPEL
Opening ceremonies launch semester Marissa Ferguson Online editor The semester will officially begin today with opening ceremonies in Moody Coliseum. Students and faculty will gather to partake in this traditional welcoming of the new school year. Students who arrive on time and stay for the entirety of the program will receive two chapel credits, said Mark Lewis, assistant
dean for Spiritual Life and Chapel programs. University Events planned the opening ceremony to include time-honored campus favorites, such as the reading of Paul’s Sermon on Mars Hill and the Parade of Flags, which celebrates the diversity on campus. The ceremony will include an address from Provost Dr. Jeanine Varner and performances by the Big Purple Band as well as the Grand Chorus, said Event
Coordinator Jennifer Ellison. Dr. Phil Schubert, president of the university, will be the featured speaker for the second year. Last year’s opening chapel centered arround Schubert’s presidential inauguration and his goals for the university. This year Schubert will share the university’s vision for the 2011-2012 school year, Ellison said. “It’s just going to be kind of a charge to the students as well as faculty, staff and
alumni who are in attendance,” Ellison said. “It also focuses on our traditions and our promise.” ACU’s customs are the core of opening chapel and aid in identifying the makeup of past, present and future Wildcats, Ellison. “ACU is ultimately founded on tradition and a deep heritage,” Ellison said. “I think for us to continually start the year off that way is a reminder of those that came before us.”
One tradition has been carried on since 1906. “Before we have the scripture reading of Paul’s Sermon on Mars Hill, we will sing ‘All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name,’” Ellison said. “That has actually been sung at every opening chapel since the beginning of ACU.” Tuesday’s chapel will incorporate this semester’s chapel theme, Spirit/Flesh with focus on passages from Romans, Galatians
and Colossians. Lewis said his goal for chapel is to prepare young Christians for the future. “Our aim this year is to have messages that speak into the lives of students, providing answers and direction for the present, and preparation for one day launching from ACU to be Christian servants and leaders,” Lewis said.
contact Ferguson at MLF10a@acu.edu
welcome week
Freshman: Welcome Week staff orients continued from page 1 gan, Amy Archer, Kimberly Harris and Brandon Kahla. The Welcome Week Steering Crew consisted of 20 students who were divided into five committees focusing on transfer students, international students, activities, spiritual life and mentor groups. “I really enjoy getting to witness the transitions you go through as a freshman when you first get here and
just seeing even the small development that happens from move-in to the end of Welcome Week,” Daugherty said. Randee Nelson, junior history major from Carlsbad, N.M., worked with international students during Welcome Week and said the committee designed things a little bit differently for them. Leaders picked the students up from the airport, helped
them move in, took them to Wal-Mart, took them out to eat and helped them get settled in. “One of the most important things is making them feel comfortable in their new world, being a friend and making them feel at home and accepted,” Nelson said. Nelson said the Steering Committee enjoyed watching friendships sprout throughout the week from
behind the scenes. She said many of the incoming freshmen already are eager to get involved on campus and want to join in the campus community. Nelson said, “I hope they walk away with confidence and excitement that their next four years – or however many years they’re here – will be good and will be fun and they’ll be involved and they’ll find their place here.”
Kelsi Wicks, senior animal science major from Tyler, helped organize the events for transfer students. She said they had different options available, such as taking a trip to Nikki’s Swirl Shoppe or playing volleyball at Sonic, so the week would not feel like a second freshman year to them. Wicks said her freshman year Welcome Week experience was essential
to introduce her to other students, including many upperclassmen, and familiarizing her with all of the ACU traditions. “The candlelight devo was that one defining moment when I realized I made the right decision,” Wicks said.
contact sutherland at sns08a@acu.edu
Finances
Budget: Cuts follow smaller enrollment Schubert also said in several key areas, the university end and Baylor University has not executed its 5-year and Pepperdine University on plan, specifically in the area the high end. However, some of recruitment. “This is not an easy marmore expensive competitors – such as Baylor and TCU – ket to work in,” Schubert said. have made moves that re- “Before the 1970s, we didn’t duced the gap between them even have a recruiting office. People just showed up. It’s not and ACU, Schubert said continued from page 1
that way any more.” Schubert said Kevin Campbell, who has served as interim director of enrollment marketing since the departure of Buck James last fall, has accepted the permanent position this summer and will be charged with tackling the challenges
of improving freshman enrollment. In addition to the gap in tuition income this fall, cutbacks in the state of Texas budget have led to the loss of $700,000 in Texas Equalization Grant funds for ACU students. Chief Financial Officer Kelly Young and
Schubert decided to replace the lost TEG money with additional endowment funds. Schubert and SLT requested to spend additional endowment dollars to cover the aid cut by the state. Despite the financial struggles, Schubert told faculty and staff the university is
moving the right direction. “I’m convinced our plan is the right plan moving forward,” he said. “It’s not time to bale out or to say we have the wrong plan.”
contact barnes at hab07a@acu.edu
welcome week
Devo: new students enjoy tradition continued from page 1 we make or embarrassing things we do,” Strader said. “In Luke chapter 3, Jesus is baptized before he’s done any miracles. He received affirmation from
God for who he is, not what he does, and that’s the message I wanted to get across to everyone at the devo.” The annual tradition has been a landmark event for students during wel-
“
I actually started choking up while walking to the amphitheater.” annique dentino freshman psychology major from lubbock
come week. Organizers seek to plan a memorable experience as the new students are handed a candle to walk from Moody Coliseum to the Beauchamp Amphitheater between a tunnel of upperclassmen and other members of the community, all singing worship songs. “I have felt so welcomed here, and the Candlelight Devo was a great experience,” said sophomore Kendyl Cooper, a transfer student from Mineral Wells. “At many other colleges, upperclassmen tend to look down on freshmen and transfers, but here they really seem to love us and build us up.” In the middle of a fastpaced week of change for new students, Candlelight Devo is intended to bring a more relaxed, spiritual moment in the middle of the first week at ACU for more than 800 freshmen and transfer students. “The way the upperclassmen went ahead and made a path for us, and to be sitting with the entire freshman class singing as one, was really an inspiring moment for me,” said Dentino. “It meant a lot that so many people from the Abilene community came out to spend their time with us; it was just an awesome experience.”
contact smith at mds10a@acu.edu
sports Jumps
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9
Fantasy: Tips Four: Group parts on top from a past champion track and field
from page 10
Nick Jones won the discus to start the decisive last day of the meet. That marked the third time in the last four years that Jones has won the discus. In the process, Jones broke Randy Heiser’s 28-year old meet record with his first throw before breaking his own record a mere ten minutes later with a heave of 199 feet, 3 inches. Midland native Desmond Jackson, sprinter, followed suit by winning the 200 meters, leading from wire-to-wire. He
also finished third in the 100 meter dash. Senior Ramon Sparks finished third in the triple jump while Sang wrapped up his ACU career with a win in the 10,000. The longdistance star clinched the trophy by gliding to fourth place in the 5,000 meter run. The 400-relay team for the Wildcats also had a strong showing with a second place finish. That team, consisting of Jackson, Paris Robertson, Lavance Williams and Jordan Geary, picked up the other eight points for the ‘Cats.
“
This group of people is something you can’t put a number on .”
way that brings light to the special bond they have formed as result of competing for four years together, but, he did so in amos sang a less-than-analytical way Long distance runner and and non-textbook way. member of ‘fab Four’ “This group of people is The group of four has something you can’t put a played the cornerstone role number on no matter how for the ACU men’s track and many meets or championfield team and were a part ships we’ve won together. of two national champion- These four guys have poured ships in their final season everything they have into this together as a quartet. The program for four years, and quartet has played a major as a result of that, the results role in the prominence of speak for themselves.” the program during their tenure as well. contact shake at Sang summed up their bxs09a@acu.edu accomplishments in a
Volleyball
Year: Youth excited to play from page 10
daniel gomez chief Photographer
Jordan Schilling jumps for a kill last year at Moody Coliseum.
whereas Hutt achieved 306 kills and 19 aces in 110 sets last season. The LSC conference isn’t going to be a walk in the park for ACU. West Texas A&M University has won the last five conference titles, while Angelo State finished 10-3 last season. ACU was picked to finish third in the conference. However, they are the only Lone Star Conference team in the preseason top 25. “I think the most challenging part of the schedule is the travel itself. Opponent wise, West Texas and Angelo State are going to be very good this year, but there’s not really a team
in our conference that isn’t good,” said Mock. “We have to play disciplined volleyball. We need to finish in the top three in the conference at the end of the season, and then we need to shoot to win the conference tournament.” Borger, though, isn’t fazed by the stiff competition. “I’m hoping we can be conference champions. That’s a big goal,” the Amarillo native said. The Wildcats open their season this weekend, Sept. 2-3 at the St. Mary’s Tournament. ACU’s first home match is Sept. 13, at 7 p.m. against Incarnate Word. contact isaacs at jei08a@acu.edu
football
Cuts: Haircuts have purpose from page 10 So the new players could warm up to the look before school, the haircuts were done weeks ago. As a whole, the players have adjusted well to what could be considered an embarrassing tradition. “There will never be only one player with a haircut, so it’s not bad at all. Community is what we’re shooting for with the haircuts. Everyone knows that you play football, so they understand why you have the haircut. Yes, it’s embarassing, but it’s all in good fun,” Spears said. Although it’s a lessthan-desirable look, Na-
than Butler seems to be enjoying the attention he has been receiving and is basking in the limelight. “Girls will usually come up and ask about it,” Butler said. “But it’s really not that bad, and I enjoy the attention just about all of the time.” Thanks mainly to Senior offensive lineman Neal Tivis, these creative and humorous new looks are for the ACU community to enjoy. Tivis has been giving new players a reason to be recognized for the past few years, and he gets more imaginative and innovative as the years go on. Although there are a
“
Everyone knows that you play football so they understand why you have the haircut.” blake spears junior offensive lineman from abilene
number of haircuts being recycled from years passed, there are also a few new looks that are being recognized as well. For instance, the infamous “Friar Tuck” look just might give the ACU favorite “bowl cut” a run for its money. This monk-inspired design was sported this year by Hunter McAnnally, another offensive lineman from Flower Mound. Other looks include
men’s basketball
Golding: Team is ready from page 10 Golding and his team won the Sun Belt Conference title and made an appearance in the NCAA Tournament during his tenure. “Even before we had the job open up, me and Joe talked about his desire to one day be back at ACU and to be a head coach, and that made working with him even more of a joy,” Mosley said. “He was in the process when we decided to go with Grant. He is just what the program needs, and will provide a ray of light to all he comes into contact with. We are beyond grateful for
“
It was a joy working with him. We are grateful for his (Golding’s) desire to be here at ACU.” Jared mosley director of athletics at ACU
his desire to be here.” As a player with the Wildcats from 1994-98, Golding played in all 108 games during his collegiate career, and, as a senior, won the Teague Point Guard Award for his performance on the court. He shot 46% from the field throughout his ACU career and has made an impact in more ways than one already.
Helping Golding will be assistant coach Brian Burton. Burton was originally a graduate assistant for McCasland’s staff after being hired away from the University of Utah where he was in charge of video scouting for the Utes. McCasland’s assistant coach Rob McIlhaney, whom he hired to go with him from Midwestern State to ACU, will go back north to Wichita Falls to coach the Mustangs. Stepping into Burton’s role of graduate assistant will be Jared Monroesenberg. contact gwin at agg07a@acu.edu
the popular Wildcat hand sign, the ACU logo, phrases, mottos and more. The possibilities are limitless. For quarterback Mitchell Gale, this humorous exercise serves more of a purpose than a good laugh or two. “Yeah, it’s fun to mess around with the incoming guys, but it serves more of a purpose than you’d think,” Gale said. “It’s our way of welcoming the guys to the team, and it signifies to them that they are part of our family.” For a good laugh, be on the lookout for students who could use another haircut, this time from a professional. contact langston at ltl10a@acu.edu
It doesn’t matter which one you get as long as you get one of these seven guys: Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Philip Rivers, Matt Schaub and Tony Romo. They can be drafted in the second or third round, but don’t wait too long, or you could end up with the wrong Manning and reeling your loss with your team’s record. Grab the Ocho. In Oakland, Randy Moss was a mid-level receiver on a terrible team. In his first year after being traded to the New England Patriots, Moss set the single season touchdown record for wide receivers with 23 and was a fantasy gem. This same story could happen to former Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chad Ochocinco. Although he is a character and a dominant personality in the NFL, Ocho is a quality receiver who was on a terrible team, much like Moss. Now that he is a Patriot with a future Hall of Fame quarterback in Tom Brady throwing to him, he is due for a breakout season and is sure to be a welcome addition to any fantasy football team. Know the rookies. Every year, first year players come into the NFL and will have breakout seasons. Some are highly praised coming in, and end up being fantasy busts. The lockout this year impacts
rookies more than anyone because they now have to get accustomed to the NFL faster than ever. A couple of rookies I see having an impact this year are receivers A.J. Green of the Bengals and Julio Jones of the Atlanta Falcons. Both were drafted high in the first round and have shown glimpses of their greatness in the preseason. Both should be available in rounds four to six. Steal a Wildcat. With even more ACU Wildcats in the NFL this year, there is a better chance one could help your fantasy team. Last year, I won a championship with Johnny Knox as my second receiver, and the same tune could be playing with Raymond Radway and Edmund Gates this season. If you are looking to add some purple and white to your team, Knox or Edmund Gates could be a late round steal that could make your draft expertise the talk of the fantasy league. I also wouldn’t overlook former ‘Cat running back Bernard Scott, who is one injury away from starting for the Bengals and could play an integral role in the Bengals’ rushing game. With these tips, you can be a champion. Good luck, and may all of your fantasies come true. contact gwin at agg07a@acu.edu
sports
monday 08.29.11
Men’s basketball
standings
McCasland out, Golding takes over to be an assistant coach at his alma mater, Baylor sports director Univeristy. “When you have been in athletics for as long as I Grant McCasland was hired to turn the men’s have, there is never really basketball program a great opportunity, or the around after two years of timing never seems to fall mediocrity. That job will like you would like it to for now fall to former Wildcat a move like this,” director player and former assis- of athletics Jared Mosley said. “I was really looking tant coach Joe Golding. In July, McCasland left forward to what Grant was his new coaching posi- bringing to the table.” According to Mosley, tion with the Wildcats and approached headed southeast to Waco McCasland
Austin gwin
him about the potential move when the opportunity to take the job at Baylor came up. “While I didn’t necessarily like it, it made a lot of sense for him,” Mosley said. “It is one of those opportunities that you can’t pass up: the ability to go to your alma mater. You can’t fault a guy for that.” McCasland came to ACU four months ago with high expectations after leading Midwestern
State to back-to-back Elite Eight NCAA Tournament appearances. He leaves without coaching a game for the Wildcats. Golding, who was a candidate for the head coaching position, was immediately hired to fill the vacancy left by McCasland. “I am extremely excited that we were able to get Golding to come in,” Mosley said. “I know he is going to step up and take over the great recruiting
job that Grant did, and hopefully he can turn this program around.” As a previous Wildcat assistant, Golding was a part of Jason Copeland’s staff that led the Wildcats to a 20 win season in 2007, the last time the team had a winning record. After that season Golding was hired to be a part of the staff at Division I school, University of Arkansas-Little Rock. see golding page 9
Football is my fantasy austin gwin
see Fantasy page 9
football
Team
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ACU MSU ENMU WTAMU Angelo St. TAMU-K Central Okla. SE Okla. Tarleton St.
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
Team
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ACU MSU ENMU WTAMU Angelo St. TAMU-K Central Okla. SE Okla. TAMU-K
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
Team
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ACU MSU ENMU WTAMU Angelo St. TAMU-K Central Okla. SE Okla. TAMU-K
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
Women’s Soccer
The Sports Jedi
It’s that time of the year again, sports fans. Time to pull out the ole’ pigskin, don your favorite jersey, set your laptop in front of you and draft your fantasy football team. This offseason was a grueling six months of not knowing whether we, as fantasy athletes, would even get to play our beautiful game thanks to the lockout. However, the commissioner, the owners, the players all bro-hugged it out, and now, here we are, staring football in the face. I started playing the game six years ago, and since that first fantasy football draft, I have been hooked. In my five years of experience, I have won three championships. Does that make me an expert? Yes. I realize, though, that some of you might not be as experienced as me, so here are some tips to drafting a winning fantasy football team. Avoid one-year wonders. Arian Foster and Michael Vick were golden last year, but chances are slim that they will produce those kind of numbers in 2011. Go for more stable guys who have produced year after year like Adrian Peterson, Andre Johnson or Ray Rice. If you do decide to pick Vick, be aware. He is high risk, high reward and is always a threat to injury due to his run-first mentality. Get an elite quarterback. There are only seven elite fantasy quarterbacks in the NFL right now. They will all give you big time points, barring injury, and are head and shoulders better than the other 25 starting QB’s in the league.
10
briefings
daniel gomez chief Photographer
Madelyn Robinett and several ACU volleyball players celebrate after winning a point at Moody Coliseum last season.
VOLLEYBALL
No. 23 ’Cats ready for 2011 EDWARD ISAACS ASSIstant sports editor
Summer has come and gone, and that means it’s time for the Abilene Christian University women’s volleyball team to gear up for another successful season. The Wildcats ended 2010 with a 27-6 overall record and a 13-1 mark in the Lone Star Conference. The Wildcats’ 2010 campaign ended when the team was knocked out in the semifinal round of the Division II South Central Region Tournament by Washburn University last year. The No. 23 Wildcats have somewhat of a new look
TRACK AND FIELD
this year as several key players have departed, including All American Shawna Hines, two-time first team all-Lone Star Conference honoree Ijeoma Moronu and LSC second team member Jordan Schilling. Hines lead the team in kills and points in 2010 with 323 and 422 respectively. Schilling recorded 273 kills along with a team high 25 service aces, while Moronu had 1,169 assists and is now second all-time at ACU with 4,847. The 2011 roster is filled with new faces and young talent with an improved roster that includes seven freshman (two redshirted) and four sophomores. Despite the youth on
the current roster, ACU returns a number of experienced starters and players from last year. Libero Kelsie Edwards, rightside hitter Kalynne Allen, outside hitter Jennie Hutt, and LSC Freshman of the Year and middle blocker Neely Borger return to this year’s squad. All four saw significant playing time in their 2010 seasons. “We have five new players coming this fall. They are all playing really well, so you might see all five on the floor,” Head Coach Kellen Mock said. “The girls are very scrappy. They don’t let down or give up. They are a mentally tough team for their age.” “We do lack experi-
ence,” Borger said. “Losing those three seniors was huge. Fortunately, we have a strong group of freshman this year. We’re coming together as a team and have bonded really well.” When asked about the intensity of practice, Borger said, “I’ve picked up my intensity level from last year. I have more of a leadership role compared to last season.” Borger was named an honorable mention allconference selection as she appeared in 118 of 119 possible sets in 2010. In addition, she had 194 kills and 23 aces last year. Kalynne Allen clocked see year page 9
Both the men’s and women’s cross country teams were regionally ranked by the U.S. Track and Field Cross Country Coaches’ Association Poll, which was released Tuesday. The men’s team was ranked ninth and the women were ranked tenth in the South Central Regional Poll, respectively. The men’s team is coming off a season where they ranked 20th nationally. Ryan Spears, a 15-year coaching veteran, was named the assistant coach for the women’s soccer team August 18 by head coach Casey Wilson. Spears was the head coach for Arkansas’ Bryant Soccer Club and lead staff coach for the Arkansas State Soccer Association.
EX- FACTOR Danieal Manning saw a change of scenery as he was traded from the Chicago Bears to the Houston Texans recently after a five year stint in Chicago. He has two tackles in each of the first two preseason games so far.
Bears wide receiver Johnny Knox has started off his third season with the Bears on the right foot. He has three receptions so far and is coming off a near 1,000 yeard vision II outdoor national than second place Adam thing about those guys is receiving season.
‘Fab Four’ brings home another championship BRYSOn SHAKE sPORTS EDITOR
The quartet of track athletes known as the ‘Fab Four’ added another accomplishment to Abilene Christian’s storied track and field history by garnering another national championship May 28, this time at the NCAA Di-
meet in Turloch, California. The same group led the men’s track and field team to a national title at the NCAA Division II indoor national meet. The ‘Fab Four,’ composed of Desmond Jackson, Amos Sang, Ramon Sparks and Nick Jones, earned 60 of the Wildcat’s 68 total points at the meet, 13 more
State. The first place finish is ACU’s 19th outdoor national championship and the school’s 57th overall. “Like we’ve been saying around here for quite some time, those guys are the ‘Fab Four.’ We won’t be able to replace any of them. They’re such great competitors and have such tremendous heart. The
that 10-20 years from now we’ll still be talking about how special those guys were to this program,” ACU head track and field coach Roosevelt Lofton said. “I just hope the younger guys on our team have been watching those guys and will be ready to step into
Upcoming see FOUR page 9
FOOTBALL
Haircuts keep freshmen buzzing TAYLOR LANGSTON sPORTS reporter
DANIEL GOMEZ chief Photographer
Chris Thomsen talks to some players with crazy haircuts.
Freshmen are the easiest students on any college campus to identify, but at ACU it is even easier to spot the freshmen football players. A new tradition that was started by the upperclassmen continues
Rookie receiver Raymond Radway caught his first NFL touchdown pass in the Cowboys’ first preseason game against the Denver Broncos that resulted in a 24-23 win.
The women’s soccer team will host Dallas Baptist University Thursday at 5 p.m at the Wildcat Soccer Pitch.
Volleyball will play in the St. Mary’s Invitational to entertain students and initiation according to Tournament Friday and faculty alike by catching Junior offensive lineman Saturday in San Antonio. their eyes. Yes, those haircuts that have been seen by many on campus are the football team’s way of introducing new team members to the university and its prominent football program. However, some narrowly escape this team
Blake Spears. “It’s kind of based on which position you play. Almost every new offensive lineman will get one, and a few other positions but it really depends,” said Spears.
Football will travel to Stephenville Thursday to take on Tarleton State at 7 p.m. at Tarleton Memorial Stadium.
Cross Country will compete at the Baylor Twilight Invitational see Cuts page 9 Thursday in Waco.