Optimist
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Fashion Forward, page 5
Friday, September 3, 2010
Vol. 99, No. 5
1 section, 8 pages
COMMUNITY
TECHNOLOGY
Abilene charity finishes top-five
By the (Face)book Study shows freshmen active on Facebook are more likely to return for a second year. Christianna Lewis Senior Reporter
Kelsi Williamson
Jennifer Feise, sophomore nutrition major from San Antonio, said she spends about four or five hours on Facebook every week keeping up with her 494 friends. Feise said she’s not wasting time she could spend studying – she’s connecting with people around campus. Far from endangering her academic future, Feise’s activity on the social networking website may have contributed to her return for a second year of college, according to recent research. A study of 375 ACU freshmen published recently in the Journal of College Student Retention found students who are more active on Facebook are more likely to return to college after their freshmen year. A team of researchers – including Dr. Jason Morris, director of the master’s program in higher education at ACU – accessed public information from the Facebook pages of the randomly selected first-semester students enrolled in fall 2006. They analyzed the students’ activities, such as the number of Facebook friends, groups and wall posts throughout the year. The students who returned to ACU in fall 2007 had 27 more Facebook friends and 59 more wall posts on average than those who left the university. These results support the theory that socially-integrated college students are less likely to drop out than those disconnected from the campus community, Morris said. The study challenges the idea that social networking websites disengage their users from the people around them, said Dr. Richard Beck, professor of psychology and co-author of the research article. “This study seems to suggest that we’re using Facebook not to replace relationships, but as a reflection of them,” Beck said. illustration by Morgan Davis
Arts Editor
Connecting Caring Communities (CCC) did not win any prize money from the Pepsi Refresh Project for August, but it did gain some prize support from its involvement and finished at fifth place in the contest. “It’s broadened the horizon of who’s going to be able to help CCC out in the future,” said Corri Anne Wesley, junior advertising public relations major from Amarillo. Wesley helped spread the word about CCC’s involvement in the Pepsi Refresh project by passing out flyers after Chapel, sending Facebook messages and tweets, and connecting the nonprofit’s coordinators with people on ACU’s campus. Communication like Wesley’s was crucial to CCC’s top-five outcome in the August national competition. Every month, Pepsi accepts 1,000 ideas from people, businesses and nonprofits who have positive impacts on society. The general public then votes on these ideas either online or through texting. Pepsi names winners in three money categories at the end of each month.
see STUDY page 4
see PEPSI page 4
STUDENT LIFE
CHAPEL
Changes impact potential pledges
Smaller Chapels to meet Thursdays
Jeff Craig
Managing Editor
Students interested in pledging an ACU social club began rushing Monday, when they encountered a change in the rushing process. This year, there is no minimum number of rushes a potential pledge is required to attend. Gamma Sigma Phi president Bryan Elrod, senior marketing major from Missouri City, said most students already know which clubs they are interested in pledging, so the rule requiring them to attend a set number of
rushes was pointless. However, Elrod said students should attend several rushes anyway to ensure they make a good decision. “The biggest thing with rushing is even if you go into it with an idea about which club you want, rushing gives you a chance to see what thoughts you have about the club,“ Elrod said. “The most important part is getting a feel if that’s the group of guys who can be your really good friends in the long run.” Elrod said attending several rushes also allows students to get
Page 2 Editor
MEAGAN HERNANDEZ // Staff Photographer
Members of women’s social club Sigma Theta Chi conducted a cinema-themed rush Monday night in Hart Auditorium.
to know potential club members better. Another change to the 2010 rushing process applies only to women’s clubs. The first rush for women’s clubs is open to anyone, but the final three rushes will be invitation only, starting this year. Alpha Kai Omega president Michelle Nix,
senior family studies major from Austin, said the changes were made to give potential pledges more time to choose which club they want to join. “The women’s club presidents all sat down together in the spring see RUSH page 4
website
inside news Swing Cats, ACU’s swing dance club, will meet for the first time this semester on Sunday. page 4
Alan Cherry
sports ACU golf continues to gain notoriety. Alex Carpenter and Tyler Sheppard competed in a national tournament. page 8
ACU students can find a more intimate Chapel experience in Small Group Chapels, meeting Thursdays across campus. The first Small Group Chapels will begin Thursday, Sept. 16. The only major change to Small Group Chapels this semester is the movement of the relatively new instrumental-praise Chapel, “Immersed,” from Cullen Auditorium to Moody Coliseum, to take advantage of the better sound equipment available in Moody.
Mark Lewis, assistant dean of spiritual life, said Small Group Chapels are a good way for students to come together with a more concentrated group of their peers to focus on spiritual matters. Students can choose from over 60 different Chapels meeting in various locations around campus. They range from Chapels geared toward social clubs to social justice advocates. “Spiritual formation happens more naturally and effectively in small groups. It is a challenge see LEWIS page 4
weather story More than 700 passengers were stranded in the Abilene Regional Airport Wednesday after being redirected from DFW because of storms.
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82° 61°
Sat.
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Sun.
93° 69°
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Campus Friday, September 3, 2010
Day
calendar & events
03
Friday
11 a.m. Praise Day in Moody Coliseum 11:30 a.m. Pi Kappa rush 5:00 p.m. Deadline to register for pledging
04
Saturday
2 p.m. Women’s soccer game at Colorado State University 6 p.m. Football game at Washburn University
05
Sunday
Southern gospel tenor Brian Free and his group, Brian Free and Assurance will be giving a free concert at 6 p.m. at Abilene Baptist Church. Guests are encouraged to come early for good seats.
06
Monday
5 p.m. Gamma Sigma Phi rush 6:30 p.m. Sub T-16 rush 7 p.m. SALT interest meeting 9:30 Galaxy rush
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announcements Social Club pledging registration is now open to sophomores and transfer students with 24 or more credit hours. Registration will close at 5 p.m. on Sept. 3. Interested students must register online at www. acu.edu/campusoffices/studentorgs/socialclubs/index. html. The Paramount Theatre will show the film Nine: The Musical at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 10. Tickets are $6 for adults and $5 for students, seniors, military and children. Students’ Association Congress applications will be available for pick-up at noon on Friday in the SA
office. They will be available until 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 9. Meningitis shots are now available in the ACU clinic located in McKinzie Hall. Call (325) 674-2151 for more information. Blake Mycoskie, founder of TOMS shoes will speak during Chapel on Sept. 13 in Moody Coliseum. SALT, ACU’s Student Action Leadership Team, is accepting applications until Sept. 10. Students can pick them up in the Center for Christian Service and Leadership in the lower level of the McGlothlin Campus Center.
Chapel Checkup 10 81
Credited Chapels to date
Credited Chapels remaining
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ACU Police Tip of the Week Help prevent car burglaries by always parking in lighted areas, locking your vehicle, and removing valuables from plain view.
Police Log Edited for space
Monday, August 23 10:01 p.m. ACU Police responded to a fire alarm at Teague Special Events Center. Upon arrival, neither ACU Police nor Abilene Fire Department could locate any sprinkler heads emitting water. The alarm was reset. Tuesday, August 24 10:23 a.m. Someone reported a stink bomb in Moody Coliseum. ACU Police determined the source of the foul smell was an electrical problem. 1:18 Someone reported a suspicious vehical parked on the north side of the Bob and Shirley D. Hunter Welcome Center parking lot. The vehicle had been parked there for two days, and it appears someone is living out of the vehicle. Officers determined the vehicle belongs to someone with legitimate business at ACU. 6:01 Someone reported seeing suspicious men at a condemed house on Lincoln Dr. Officers identified and released the men. Wednesday, August 25 5:54 a.m. ACU Police responded to a call about an assult on the Lunsford Trail. The suspect was detained. 11:25 a.m. Someone reported smelling smoke in Mabee Business Building. ACU Police smelled smoke, evacuated the east side of the building and called Abilene Fire Department to locate the source of the smell. AFD did not find anything burning. ACU Police allowed people to return to the building.
correction
Thursday, August 26 3:15 a.m. ACU Police officer on patrol noticed a person on foot near an open car door. The officer determined the person had legitimate reason to be there. Friday, August 27 6:53 p.m. ACU Police responded to a medical call at Edwards Hall. EMS and the Fire Department were dispatched. The subject was transported to Hendrick Medical Center. Saturday, August 28 2:15 p.m. Someone reported a missing iPhone 4. ACU Police recovered the cell phone from the McGlothlin Campus Center, and it was returned to the owner. Sunday, August 29 3:00 a.m. ACU Police assisted Abilene Police with a 9-11 hang-up call. ACU Police contacted the owner of the house and found everything to be OK. 10:30 p.m. Someone reported a suspicious man standing in their front yard. ACU Police searched the area and were unable to locate the man. Monday, August 30 8:48 a.m. Someone reported smoke coming out of a white vehicle in the University Church Parking Lot. When ACU Police reached the vehicle, they saw no smoke. Report all suspicious activity to the ACU Police Department at (325) 674-2305.
The Lunsford Trail was misidentified in the Wednesday, Sept. 1 edition of The Optimist. We regret the error.
September 3, 2010
CAMPUS NEWS
Page 3
FROM THE FRONT
Page 4
September 3, 2010
TECHNOLOGY
Study: Facebook users create community Continued from page 1
Facebook users may also form new communities and feel connected to individuals they have never met in person, according to a series of studies performed by Dr. Susan Lewis, associate professor of journalism and mass communication. She presented her findings at the Broadcast Educators Association in April.
STUDENT LIFE
‘‘ ’’
Lewis studied how grief is expressed on Facebook, examining those who publicly mourned such tragedies as the shootings at Virginia Tech and Northern Illinois University, as well as the passing of celebrities Heath Ledger and Michael Jackson. The mourners who did not know the deceased used more intense expressions of grief than would be normal for a
book communities can be just as important to We as humans feel their members as realdeeply connected to our world communities. communities online. “We as humans feel DR. SUSAN LEWIS // associate professor of deeply connected to our journalism and mass communication communities online,” Lewis said. “Whether they are an enhancement of face-toWhile Lewis’ study did face communities or a way face-to face setting, Lewis said. The mourners not indicate that Face- to meet new people with also formed communi- book activities mirror us- common interests, they are ties with people they had ers’ real lives, it did sup- real, and we feel them.” Feise said that while never met through their port the freshmen study’s conclusions that Face- Facebook can be used as a shared pain.
substitute for face-to-face friendships, she believes it can help people build relationships in the real world through its non-threatening format. “It can help you plan activities you are going to do throughout the day, for example, ‘where are we going to sit in Chapel?’” Feise said. contact Lewis at
cll09a@acu.edu
CHAPEL
Dance group teaches Lewis: Small groups begin students art of swing Continued from page 1
Jozie Sands Online Editor
Swing Cats, ACU’s swing dance club, will conduct its first meeting of the semester at 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 5, in Cullen Auditorium. Each meeting includes time for lessons and dance practice. Because of the construction of the Royce and Pam Money Student Recreation and Wellness Center, the meetings have been moved from the gym in the Gibson Health and P.E Center to the stage in Cullen. Membership has reached as many as 120 students in past years, but it suffered last spring when Gibson closed its doors. The Swing Cats secured Cullen for practice this year, and membership is expected to return to normal. Cole Bennett, associate professor of English, and about 25 students founded the Swing Cats in 2003.
“Typically we have 5060 members, and on a given night we have 20-30,” Bennett said.” Last year was not a good year.” Swing Cats closes membership after the first couple of meetings. To join, students must sign a membership form and pay a $20 fee, which is is used to send students to workshops in Dallas, Austin and occasionally Houston. Students who join also receive a Swing Cats T-shirt. “Around the region there are workshops,” Bennett said. “You go all day long and learn different moves and swing styles. At night there’s always dances, and many times live bands.” Along with opportunities for social connections and exercise, students are invited to learn about an important part of American culture. “They get to learn about an American dance tradition that started in 1920s Harlem, and they learn more about jazz
music,” Bennett said. Members learn various swing dance styles – including East Coast, Lindy Hop and the Charleston – throughout the semester. New members are not required to have any swing dance experience. Carole-Marie Wiser, vice president of Swing Cats and sophomore business management major from Richmond, joined the club her freshman year. “Meetings are split into two groups for lessons – beginners and advanced – and at the end everyone dances together,” Wiser said. Along with the weekly meetings, Swing Cats performs at Sing Song and Ethnos. Many members also get together to practice on their own. “It’s great to be involved in something that provides entertainment and a healthy environment,” Wiser said. “And I didn’t gain the freshman fifteen.” contact Sands at
jgs07a@acu.edu
for most students to focus in a large arena,” said Lewis. “Students can opt to go to these gatherings, many of which have a more specific purpose and are generally groups of people who already have something in common.” Wishing Well Chapel, a speaker-oriented group open to all students, is one such option. Ben Fulfer, senior sociology major from Memphis, Tenn., said he started this chapel with alumnus Steven Powell four years ago as a way for students to share their
ministry experiences and let other students know about social injustices. Dr. Adam Hester, professor of theatre and chair of the Department of Theatre, leads the department’s weekly Small Group Chapel, along with other faculty members in the department. Hester said the department’s Chapel tends to focus on a variety of subjects, such as the intersection of Christianity and the entertainment industry. “We’re not coming with answers here,” Hester said. “We’re trying to wrestle with the questions.” Lewis said he thinks
students will come together in these smaller communities and get a clearer sense of their calling through prayer, Bible study and discussion. “The number one thing I’m in prayer for is for people to be more deeply drawn to the Lord and get a more clear goal of who they can be in Christ,” Lewis said. Students can find a list of Small Group Chapels and locations at www.acu. edu/campusoffices/chapel/ sgc/index.html.
contact Cherry at
arc07a@acu.edu
STUDENT LIFE
Rush: Final three women’s events to be invitation only Continued from page 1
and talked about how the old system wasn’t working,” Nix said. “We all came to the conclusion to have a process that would allow the clubs and the people rushing to have more of a say in which club they choose.” Nix said the old system gave potential pledges just hours to decide which club they would pledge on bid night. She said the new system gives the pledges an idea of the chances they have to earn a bid to their preferred club. Ko Jo Kai president Kylah Riddle, senior business finance major from Dimmitt, said the changes
quick facts The rushing process for potential pledges began Aug. 30 with women’s social club teas. Rushing events run through Sept. 14. • Sept. 3: deadline to register for pledging at 5 p.m. • Sept. 9: club rushes end • Sept. 10: men’s social club rankings • Sept. 15: women’s social club rankings
to rushing should help not only pledges, but also smaller clubs. “This is really going to help the smaller clubs. The problem is when the rushes end a lot of girls don’t get their first bid, and they have two hours to decide what to do and they don’t pledge at all,” Riddle said. “This helps if you eliminate some early
and don’t waste time – they have time to check out other clubs.” Riddle said the goal is to have more girls pledge. Each of the six men’s clubs and five women’s clubs will conduct four rushes, with the last events scheduled for Sept. 14. contact Craig at
jrc07d@acu.edu
COMMUNITY
Pepsi: Abilene non-profit gains support of students Continued from page 1
“Dedicated to restoring the foundation of safe and caring communities,” according to their website, CCC began in Abilene in 2005. The nonprofit organization entered the Pepsi Refresh project ranked 456 in the $250,000 category, but quickly scaled the list of competitors with support from students at ACU and Hardin Simmons. Brad Carter, executive director of CCC, visited both university campuses to ask for support during the first few weeks of classes. “We haven’t spent money on the contest, but we have spent a lot of time,” Carter said. “We feel really good about what’s been accomplished in this.”
CCC uses three major strategies to bring community renewal to Abilene. Caring teams pull people together from businesses, neighborhoods, churches and other similar organizations. Haven house residents work to lead and unite neighbors in zip codes around the city, Carter said. Staff and families also live in CCC’s two Friendship Houses to build relationships between neighbors through community activities. CCC has over 100 volunteers who help at the Friendship Houses, Carter said. He also said over 3,000 Hardin Simmons students helped the organization in the 12-month period between July 2009 and July 2010. Patty Doyle, junior Biology major from Holland, Mich., volunteered with the organization’s office last spring.
“Even if it’s just data entry, I love it,” said Doyle. “Everyone there is really encouraging and friendly, and they love what they do.” The North Park development project is a fourth CCC endeavor that began this fall to bring about affordable and sustainable housing for low-to-moderate income families. The project includes plans for 10 homes, the first of which will be completed in October. The new houses will be sustainable energy efficient homes, a first in Abilene and the country, Carter said. “We believe they will set a new standard in construction,” he said in an e-mail. Carter said CCC has many different needs, including financial support as well as consistent and passionate volunteers. “When we look at volunteers, we like to say, ‘What are you good at?’” Carter said. “We want to find places where people can make a difference.” For more information about volunteer opportunities with CCC, visit the organization’s website: www. WeCareAbilene.org. contact Williamson at
kkw07a@acu.edu
Arts
September 3, 2010
Page 5
Express Yourself Continual change defines several areas of life. It creates expectations that temperatures will cool and warm, stock values will increase and decrease, and powerful leaders will rise and fall. Similarly, it is a well-known fact that clothing fashions come and go. “As you know in fashion, one day you’re in, and the next, you’re out,” says Heidi Klum, hostess of the Lifetime TV show, “Project Runway.” For those who follow style, the constant changes in popular fads can be frustrating and annoying as keeping up becomes more of a burden than the effort is worth. But according to Merriam-WebsterDictionary.com, “fashion is a distinctive or peculiar and often habitual manner or way.” This description makes no mention of the popular or the known, but describes fashion as a choice to behave on one’s own accord. Some people may define clothing fashion as following the latest trends, but when abid-
Abilene Events SATURDAY Chili Super Bowl 10:00 a.m., Old Settlers Reunion Grounds Buffalo Gap
THURSDAY
ing by a true definition of the term, fashion becomes a form of expression and an individual art form. Many ACU students are quite aware of the distinct opportunities for expression fashion provides. It wasn’t hard to track a few of them down, with their colorful prints, bright accessories and shiny shoes. These clothing connoisseurs stand as proof that fashion doesn’t necessarily have to follow a change in season. Here’s what they have to say about styling and their own forms of fashionable expression:
Art Walk 5:00 p.m., Historic Downtown 220 Cypress St., Abilene
Art Exhibits CREATIVE ALCHEMY David Leeson Tuesday, 6:30 p.m The Center for Contemporary Arts
FEARFULLY MADE Brianna Koegler
Story and Photographs by Kelsi Williamson
9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. Cockerell Galleries and Studios
1.
kkw07a@acu.edu
LINDA3 Linda Fawcett, Linda Murray, Linda Stricklin 11:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. The Center for Contemporary Arts
Reviews Interactive Listening: Arcade Fire David McMichael Contributing Writer
2.
3.
4.
1. Brittany Partridge
5. Freshman biology major from Japan
Sophomore political science and history major from Annandale, Minn.
How would you describe your style?
When did you start developing your own style?
What is your favorite piece of clothing?
How would you describe your style?
How does your personality affect your style?
Since I was a kid. My mom never dressed me.
A little bit European. I was in Amsterdam all summer. I’ll wear whatever.
Bright. If it’s shiny, I want it. Colored skinny jeans.
My clothes are loud. They match my personality.
How does your personality affect your style?
5. James Utley
2. Ken Lake
How would you describe your style?
I’m pretty creative, and I used to want to be a fashion designer.
Senior accounting major from Japan When did you start developing your own style?
In high school. Near Tokyo everyone cares about their fashion
Where do you like to shop?
Thrift stores and UNIQLO, a Japanese clothing company.
Junior graphic design major from Abilene Cheap and eclectic.
Where do you like to shop?
Goodwill and other thrift stores and Urban Outfitters.
How does your personality affect your style?
I’m a really minimal person. I don’t have a lot of unnecessary things.
What is your favorite/least favorite current trend?
I like secondhand clothing. It’s green.
3. Amanda Ouedrago
Junior advertising/public relations major from France How would you describe your style?
Fresh.
Where do you like to shop?
Paris, flea markets, Zara and asos.com
How does your personality affect your style?
When I’m happy, I love wearing color. When I’m sad, I wear workout clothes.
4. Zavier Sims
6.
6. Carrie Baker
Sophomore undeclared major from Plano Where do you like to shop?
J. Crew, Anthropologie and boutiques
What is your favorite/least favorite current trend High-waisted skirts and boots - just not together.
How does your personality affect your style?
I’m a pretty outgoing person. My confidence affects how I dress.
You are presented with an opportunity: outside the laws of time and the rules of physics and space, you can write one sentence and send it back to a younger version of yourself. In your current, unaltered life, are you happy? Are you bitter? ashamed? content? What is the one thing your younger self absolutely must know to send your present life spinning in a better or different direction? Arcade Fire’s new single, “We Used to Wait,” along with the innovative, interactive music video that you can (and really should) experience at www.thewildernessdowntown.com, explores this question. The video opens on a figure sprinting through a neighborhood, streetlights on either side illuminating his frame but leaving his face in shadow. The figure is you and me, pounding towards something vague and away from something misunderstood. The piano plays a constant, pounding Eb that follows us throughout the entirety of the song. “We used to wait,” mourns Butler, Arcade’s front man, as a potent and unfamiliar mixture of regret and hope drip from every word of this frantic journey. Two-thirds of the way through the song, you are prompted to write a postcard to your younger self. By this point, overwhelmed with the potential despair the song presents, you know that this has to be good. The words you write are planted under the feet of the running figure, who is now you as a child, and vibrancy and energy and growth and life explode from the ground as you sprint towards the wonder you hope you can see shimmering somewhere up ahead. And all the while, the Eb♭ hammers on, sometimes the focal point and sometimes simply flowing in the background. Is this unchanging element, whatever it may be, a blessing or an obstacle as you are moving forward? Depends on what you write. contact McMichael at
djm05c@acu.edu
Opinion
Page 6
EDITORIAL
September 3, 2010
Food court lines frustrate students Trying to grab a quick bite to eat after Chapel is an impossible task. With several thousand hungry students leaving Chapel and attempting to eat lunch at the same time, it’s no wonder the food services around campus become overwhelmed. Dining Services has taken steps to shorten lunch lines, but they should do more to help students get through the lunch rush faster. Hundreds of students visit the Hilton Food Court for lunch, and even more eat in the Bean or
pick something up at another spot on campus. This mass of hungry students creates food lines that ensure at least a 20-minute wait. Stopping at the McGlothlin Campus Center for lunch and getting to class on time is rare, if not impossible. Waiting in line is not the issue. But when your schedule only factors in 10 minutes – a reasonable amount of time to grab fast food – a 35-minute wait is a problem. Anthony Williams, chief auxiliary services
officer, said daily Chapel makes lunchtime at ACU unique. Dining Services is easily overwhelmed with the thousands of students leaving Chapel in search of food. Most classes after Chapel start at noon, leaving students, faculty and staff with a 30-minute window to fill. It appears many people use their half-hour break to grab lunch in the Campus Center. ACU also added one of its largest freshmen classes ever, meaning the problems are only getting worse.
Over the past few years, the Campus Center has undergone major revamping and redesigning to accommodate the growing student body. Williams said the Food Court has added three additional registers to help manage the rush. But simply creating more space and adding more registers hasn’t been enough to solve the problem of lengthy, lethargic lines. While lines do slow down around 12:15 p.m., students with noon classes are out of luck.
By Morgan Davis
The Funny Funnies
the issue
Lines in the Campus Center are creating massive backups and causing students to be late to class.
our take
Early preparation of food and more workers are needed to expedite lines and get students to classes on time. Williams said he is aware of the lunchtime frustrations. Dining Services also takes steps to try and fix the problem, with tools like the survey at the end of each semester that evaluates students’ opinions. Even so, the Campus Center needs to make more food prior
to the lunch rush, hire more employees for the lunchtime window and find ways to increase productivity. Taking more steps to solve this problem will demonstrate ACU’s commitment to excellence. contact the Optimist at
jmcnetwork@acu.edu
COLUMN
Edit-undo key fails to cure-all Little Linda
answer and replace it with the correct one. Unfortunately, life does not come with any sort of undo button – or at least I haven’t found it yet. When I forget an assignment, I can’t push a button to go back and get more time. When I make a mistake in judgment, I can’t rewind and change my decision. And when I say something hurtful, it’s never really erased. Instead of relying on a magical “edit-undo” combination in our everyday lives, we are
By Linda Bailey
COLUMN
Rally underscores false motives Self-Examination By Ryan Self
Glenn Beck is on a mission. This past Saturday, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., gave his famous “ I Have A Dream Speech,” Glenn Beck spoke to a Self crowd of over 100,000 people to promote his show on Fox News – I mean, to “restore honor” to America. Unlike the man who stood on those steps 47 years ago to promote civil rights, Beck’s actions seem to be more about showmanship than substance. When addressing the listeners of his wildly popular radio show, he proclaimed, “Your right to religion and freedom to exercise religion and read all of the passages of the Bible as you want to read them and as your church wants to preach
them . . . are going to come under the ropes in the next year.” Really? As if the Supreme Court and the American public would ever let that happen. But Beck didn’t stop there. Warning his followers about signs of the end times, he pleaded, “I beg you, look for the words ‘social justice’ or ‘economic justice’ on your church website. If you find it, run as fast as you can. Social justice and economic justice, they are code words. Now, am I advising people to leave their church? Yes!” I’ve heard the words “social justice” here at ACU on several occasions. Perhaps I need to start thinking about transferring to a place that hasn’t fallen into the sinister plot of the “progressives.” I had always figured “social justice” was a code word for “helping the poor and aiding the oppressed.” Beck does not hold any advanced degrees in theology, yet he speaks on matters of faith and spiritual-
editorial and letter policy Unsigned editorials are the opinions of the Optimist and may not necessarily reflect the views of the university or its administration. Signed columns, cartoons and letters are the opinions of their creators and may not necessarily reflect the viewpoints of the Optimist or the university. The Optimist encourages reader response through letters to the editor but reserves the right to limit frequent contributors or to refuse to print
letters containing personal attacks, obscenity, defamation, erroneous information or invasion of privacy. Please limit letters to 350 words or fewer. A name and phone number must be included for verification purposes. Phone numbers will not be published. Address letters to: ACU Box 27892 Abilene, TX 79699 E-mail letters to: optimist@acu.edu
ity as if he has authority. He holds no law degree nor does he have any experience in politics, yet
man who brands himself a populist “everyman” earned $32 million in the past year alone and currently plans
Beck does not hold any advanced degrees in theology, yet he speaks on matters of faith and spirituality as if he has authority. he speaks as if he has the remedy for all that ails the American political process. All Glenn Beck has is a high school diploma and a flair for the dramatic. In the minds of many (including Beck), that somehow makes him an expert on everything from economics to religion. The same man who told the crowd, “We must look to God and look to love. We must defend those we disagree with,” not too long ago called the president of the United States “a racist” and compared Al Gore’s efforts to stop global warming to what Hitler did when he had scientists justify the Holocaust using eugenics. The same
to sell his 8,000 square foot home for $4 million. Beck should not be regarded as a spiritual leader, and he is certainly not a political expert. Beck is not a modern day Martin Luther King, Jr., who endured nights in jail, death threats against his family and severe criticism from his fellow preachers – all to bring about what is right and good. Beck is an entertainer. He is in the business of fear-mongering and preying on people’s emotions to gain higher ratings and sell more books. And unfortunately for many of us, it appears business is good.
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contact Self at
rcs06g@acu.edu
My two favorite keys on my laptop are “command” and “z.” When pressed at the same t i m e , w h a t e ve r mistake I just made d i s a p pears. If I typed a bad senBailey tence, I can simply undo it. If I accidentally delete a picture in InDesign, I can immediately bring it back with those two preInstead of relying cious keys. on a magical “editThe ability to instantly undo” combination undo somein our everyday thing after it lives, we are forced goes awry is everywhere in to deal with the our world, and repercussions we take advanof our mistakes tage of these opportunities whether they are every day. big or small, serious When I’m or lighthearted. surfing the Internet and I accidentally navigate away from the forced to deal with the home page, a simple repercussions of our click of the “back” but- mistakes whether they ton brings me to the are big or small, serious previous page – exactly or lighthearted. An even better soluwhere I want to be, as if tion, however, is to play I never left. When I’m watching the offense, doublea movie (which, to be checking everything to honest, doesn’t happen make sure it’s done the often) and I miss an im- first time. This semester, portant scene because I’m trying harder to do I was distracted, I can things right the first time, rewind the DVD to hear and when that doesn’t the line I missed with a work out, then I’ll deal gentle push of the re- with things to the best of wind button on my re- my ability and move on. Everyone has regrets, mote control. When I’m filling in and everyone can get a scantron with my caught up in the past. sharpened number-two But everyone can also Ticonderoga Black dur- move forward. ing a test, and I bubble in “A” instead of “C,” I contact Bailey at ljb07a@acu.edu simply erase the wrong
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FROM SPORTS
September 3, 2010
Page 7
FOOTBALL
Washburn: ’Cats again face strong foe early Continued from page 8
should find an easier time containing Moore. “We know they have a good running game, their linemen are big, and we’re ready for that,” said senior linebacker Kevin Washington. It will be up to Aston Whiteside, Marvin and Mike Jones, and Fred Thompson to get a good initial push on Washburn’s offensive linemen. Thompson will be making his first start at the defensive end in two years after being moved back to the position from linebacker this past offseason. The secondary will also have its hands full with an efficient quarterback at the helm of the Ichabods’ offense. Simoneau completed 21 of 28 passes for 300 yards and two touchdowns. Simoneau threw two interceptions and coughed the ball up once, accounting for three of the five Ichabod turnovers. Mitchell Gale and the ACU offense will look to begin a new season with new results on the offensive side of the ball. With a year under his belt, head coach Chris Thomsen thinks Gale is ready to take the next step towards being a solid starter for the Wildcats. “He worked extremely hard in the offseason,” said Thomsen. “He’s shown the work ethic and the character and the commitment we thought he had.” Gale will face a defense that struggled to stop the
Colorado School of Mines in the passing game, allowing 314 yards through the air and four touchdowns. Darryl Richardson will have a tough time on the ground, if last week is any indication. Washburn allowed just nine yards on 20 carries during the game. ACU’s offensive line will need to gel quickly and open holes for Richardson and company to run through. The biggest disadvantage for ACU isn’t even on the field. The Wildcats left for Topeka on Thursday and will drive a total of eight-and-ahalf hours to get there. Washubrn will also bring over 5,000 fans to Yager stadium. The Ichabods averaged just over 5,500 fans at home games last season, good enough for 18th highest in Division II football, and a top ten opponent will only increase the Ichabod crowd. “It’s definitely going to be a tough one because it’s a road game against a tough opponent,” said Washington. “But I think we are going to be able to handle it fine – the road is nothing new for us. We have been able to go on the road before and win.”
vs. Offense Defense Special Teams Intangibles Optimist Pick
contact Tripp at
bjt07a@acu.edu
CROSS COUNTRY
Coach: Program rebounding Continued from page 8
be a top three or at least top five team in the conferSusset, last season’s all-con- ence,” Woods said. “With the women that I have and ference honors winner. “Some might write them the caliber that they are, off for a conference cham- that will be a huge success pionship this season, but I for us this year. “ Woods hopes to provide see no reason why we can’t
a spark to this year’s team and push the athletes. “I am a guy that gets fired up. Hopefully I can bring that type of intensity to the guys and girls,” Woods said. “I want to be able to put a light switch in every one of
them, to where you can cut that switch on when its time to compete, and you get real nasty. Then cut the switch off when you are done.” contact Cantrell at
jrc07f@acu.edu
Head Coaches Hired at ACU New cross country coach Chirs Woods is only the most recent hire of the ACU Department of Athletics. Below are the hiring dates of past coaches and their performances during their first years on the job. • Chris Thomsen - Football - January 24, 2005. Coach Thomsen went 4-6 in his first year at the helm of the Wildcat football program. Compare that to the last four seasons when Thomsen led the ’Cats to the NCAA Division II Championship tournament.
• Kellen Mock - Volleyball - July 5, 2006. Two years removed from a standout libero, Coach Mock was given the reigns to an extremely successful volleyball program. In her first year she went 18-11 and advanced to the Southwest Regional quarterfinals.
• Jason Copeland - Men’s Basketball - May 4, 2005. Coach Campbell was hired from class 4A Andrews High School. In his first rodeo as a Wildcat he led ACU to a fifth place finish at the regional tournament.
• Casey Wilson - Soccer - June 1, 2006. Coach Wilson was an assistant softball coach when athletic director Jared Mosley announced that Wilson would be the first coach in women’s soccer history at ACU.
GOLF
Amateurs: Golfers feel thrill Continued from page 8
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to the round of 32. That was as far as he went, though, as a loss to Joseph Bramlett knocked him out of the tournament. Although neither won the tournament, it helped put Wildcat golf on the national scene and give the golfers another chance to perform in a big game environment. The Wildcats are looking forward to another successful season this time around. That means another LSC Championship tournament and most likely another NCAA Division II National
looking forward to this season knowing the experience We have all had a lot of we were going to have.” success lately, and it Both golfers will look seems like we are hot at back on their U.S. Amatuer the same time. Championship experience ALEX CARPENTER // sophomore with fond memories. golfer from Little Rock, Ark. “It was an honor to even participate in a USGA Championship tourna- rest of the team to improve event,” said Carpenter. “Aland get where we need to be though the course set up ment. was extremely difficult, it The high stakes experi- when ther season starts.” With most of the play- was definitely a fun experience Sheppard and Carpenter received last week ers returned from last year’s ence and one that I will rewill benefit their games, team, the golfers have a flect on in the future.” which are already showing reason to be pumped about the fall. improvement. “We have all had a lot of “My game has really turned around the last six individual success lately, months,” Sheppard said. and it seems like we are hot “This summer has been re- at the same time,” said Carcontact Gwin at agg07a@acu.edu ally great for me and the penter. “We have been really
Sports
Page 8
Standings FOOTBALL Team
Div.
Ovrl.
ACU Angelo St. MSU Tarleton TAMU-K WTAMU UIW ENMU E. Central
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 0-1 0-0 0-0
VOLLEYBALL Team
Div.
ACU 0-0 WTAMU 0-0 Tarleton St. 0-0 TAMU-K 0-0 Cameron 0-0 Angelo St. 0-0
Ovrl. 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
CROSS COUNTRY
Wildcats hire new cross country coach Ryan Cantrell
Assistant Sports Editor
The Wildcats recently hired Chris Woods from Georgia State University as the new head coach of ACU’s crosscountry team. Woods will take over the role Coach Sam Burroughs left vacant last offseason. Woods graduated from Mississippi State University in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in clinical exercise physiology. Woods was four-time NCAA Division I national qualifier,
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two-time all-American, four-time all-Southeastern Conference and four-time all-Mideast Region during his time at MSU. He competed in the 800-meter run and the 4x400-meter relay, earning all-American status in the latter. Woods returned to Benjamin E. Mays High School in Atlanta after graduation, where he coached the track and field teams’ middle distance and distance runners. Last season, Woods coached at Georgia State before leaving for ACU.
championship last season, with Amos Sang and CleopThat is why I came here jas Tanui – who finished - because I want to win first and second, respectivenational championships. ly – leading the Wildcats to CHRIS WOODS // Cross Country their 19th consecutive conhead coach ference title. Sang and Tanui will return as key leaders on “I enjoyed my time at onship. That is why I came the team. The women’s team Georgia State, but I am re- here – because I want to win ally excited about coming national championships. I struggled last season and to ACU. I am trying to really don’t want to just settle for finished in a disappointing focus on getting ACU where conference championships.” eighth place in the conferWoods will take over a ence championship. The they need to be,” Woods said. “Its exciting coming cross-country team look- Wildcats hope to rebound here because I know that ing to improve from last this season, led by Chloe any given year we can com- year. The men’s team won see COACH page 7 pete for a national champi- the Lone Star Conference
GOLF
WOMEN’S SOCCER Team Div. Ovrl. ACU Angelo St. MSU WTAMU Cen. Okla. E. Central ENMU NE St.
0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
September 3, 2010
Golf grabs recognition
1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
Austin Gwin
Assistant Sports Editor
Briefs n The
ACU women’s soccer team scored three goals in the first 15 minutes to beat the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs 3-0. Ashley Holton scored two goals to lead the Wildcats. Andrea Carpenter added the other.
n Shawna
Hines was named LSC Defensive Player of the Year. Hines led the nation last year in blocks with 190 and in blocks per set with 1.58.
n Some ACU ex’s have found fantasy football fame this year. The average draft pick on www.espn.com for Chicago Bears receiver Johnny Knox is 89th, and Cincinnati Bengals running back Bernard Scott is 253rd.
Player Profile n Senior
setter Ijeoma Moronu will enter her 3rd season on the Wildcats volleyball team. A native of Fort Worth, Moronu had 1,000 assists for the second straight season Moronu last year and is now third on ACU's career set list. Last season she was named first team all-LSC, and she was named LSC Setter of the Week five times last season. In the offseason. Moronu received 32 of 33 possible votes for LSC Preseason Setter of the Year.
Intramurals n Flag
Football season starts Monday. Games will be played on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Larry “Satch“ Sanders Intramural Fields across the street from Gardner Hall.
DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer
Tyler Sheppard practices his drives yesterday at the Diamondback Golf Club driving range. Sheppard and teammate Alex Carpenter hope to hold on to the momentum of their summer.
COLUMN
The ACU golf team seems to be everywhere these days. First it was the Carpenter twins coming out of nowhere to win back-to-back tournaments in the fall. Then it was Cyril Bouniol emerging victorious at the Division II National Championships. Now two Wildcat golfers have played in the U.S. Amateur Championship. “It’s a really prestigious tournament,” said sophomore Alex Carpenter. “Fifty-thousand golfers tried to qualify, and only 300 are able to get in. They really roll out the red carpet for everyone that’s there.” Both Alex Carpenter and Tyler Sheppard earned spots at the tournament in Washington by placing high enough in the U.S. Amateur qualifiers. Alex shot a 62 in the first round of his quali-
fier and easily coasted to a spot, and Sheppard advanced after tying for 3rd in his qualifier. Carpenter may have more wins for the Wildcat golf team, but it was Sheppard who played better at the Amateurs. Sheppard advanced out of the qualifying stroke play after two rounds at three-over-par and went into match play in 33rd place. For Sheppard it was the biggest tournament he had ever played in, and he made the most of it. “I knew it was going to be hard,” said Sheppard. “I just played to the spots very well. I went out there with a game plan, and I stuck to it. I got more positives out of this tournament than I think I ever have out of a tournament before.” In the round of 64 Sheppard easily defeated Scott Harvey 4 and 2, and moved see AMATEURS page 4
FOOTBALL
Legend lives on Homeskool Valedictorian Jeff Craig Vince Lombardi had a way with words. The legendary former coach of the NFL’s Green Bay Packers, Lombardi’s legacy may very well be found in his skills as a motivator – and his having won three Craig NFL championships and the first two Super Bowls along the way. Lombardi died 30 years ago today at the young age of 57. An aggressive case of colon cancer robbed the world of one of its great coaches, and the source of many of its witty and intelligent maxims. Today, the Super Bowl trophy is named in his honor, and his words of wisdom echo in locker rooms around the nation. We pay tribute to a football legend with 10 of his most memorable quotations: No. 10: “Football is like life – it requires perseverance, self-denial, hard work, sacrifice, dedication and respect for authority.” No. 9: “It’s easy to have
faith in yourself and have discipline when you’re a winner, when you’re number one. What you got to have is faith and discipline when you’re not a winner.” No. 8: “Leaders aren’t born; they are made. And they are made just like anything else, through hard work. And that’s the price we’ll have to pay to achieve that goal, or any goal.” No. 7: “Once you learn to quit, it becomes a habit.” No. 6: “Practice does not make perfect. Only perfect practice makes perfect.” No. 5: “The achievements of an organization are the results of the combined effort of each individual.” No. 4: “The harder you work, the harder it is to surrender.” No. 3: “The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary.” No. 2: “The real glory is being knocked to your knees and then coming back. That’s real glory. That’s the essence of it.” No. 1: “Winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing.”
contact Craig at
jrc07d@acu.edu
HEATHER LEIPHART // File Photo
Darryl Richardson carries the ball against Fort Lewis College last season. The ’Cats won 58-10.
ACU ready to hit road ponent to start their season. The Ichabods ranked Sports Director as the number nine team in Division II after a 34The Wildcat football team 29 comeback win over the begins their season on Colorado School of Mines. Saturday against an MIAA Washburn overcame five team for the third straight turnovers and put up 27 year. ACU will travel to To- points in the second half peka, Kansas, to take on for the 11-point win. Runthe Washburn University ning back Vershon Moore rushed for 218 yards on just Ichabods. The Wildcats have once 24 carries, averaging just again chosen a top-10 op- over nine yards per carry.
Brandon Tripp
The defense should get an early season test against Washburn, who finished with 611 yards of total offense, including 300 from quarterback Dane Simoneau. In 2009 the Wildcats allowed just 291 yards of total offense per game and just 55 yards per game rushing. With all of the front seven returning to ACU, see WASHBURN page 4