The Dogwoods Juniors name folk band
vol. 101, no. 5
friday, setpember 7, 2012
Arts Page 5
1 SECTION, 8 PAGES
students INSIDE NEWS SHADES transitioning into new leadership after resignations Page 3
NEWS
Two sophomores hospitalized One in induced coma after passing out while running, one released after car crash
while running in Lifetime Wellness class and Petty was hospitalized for two days after being hit by a drunk Meghan Hancock, sopho- driver. Hancock is still in an more exercise science major induced coma in the hospifrom Fairview, and Callie tal, and Petty was released Petty, sophomore psychol- on Monday evening. ogy major from Abilene, Doctors placed Hancock were both hospitalized this in a coma and were forced week. Hancock collapsed to put her on a cooling sys-
marissa jones
ResLife denies fine hikes; approval required for higher fines to be set Page 3
NEWS Dyess Air Force Base preparing for local bike race
managing editor
the long-term effects it will have. “Right now, our biggest worry is if there is going to be brain damage,” Hancock said. “We don’t know how long she was without oxygen. We do know her heart Hancock petty stopped more than once, and they had to revive her.” tem to preserve her organs Doctors are slowly bringafter her heart and blood ing Hancock off the cooling pressure did not return to system. Once her body temnormal levels. Stacey Han- perature is normal, they will cock, Meghan’s mother, begin taking her out of the said she doesn’t understand coma and see how her body why it happened but that reacts. she is more worried about “I’ve heard great stories
from this treatment,” Hancock said. “People have said it’s exactly what we need. The response time was so good when she went down that the doctor said she has the best chance she could possibly have because of how people reacted.” Deonna Shake, instructor of Kinesiology and Nutrition and of Hancock’s Lifetime Wellness class, said she saw Hancock collapse on the indoor track in the Rec Center. Hancock was particisee injuries page 4
Page 4
NEWS Chapel focuses on awareness during Missions Week page 3
OPINION What is the best way for modern students to consume politics?
page 6
SPORTS Cross Country team gets head coach on Wednesday Page 8
SPORTS After last week’s 51-0 rout of McMurry, football team to take on Kingsville curtis christian stafF Photographer Workers at the West Texas Fair and Rodeo set up at the Abilene Expo Center Thursday. The fair opens Friday and will run until Sept. 15.
Administration Page 8
NEWS Omega Dance Co. to conduct audition workshop on Friday Page 4
ONLINE NEWS Campus, Bean coping with increase in student population acuoptimist.com
NEWS
Board approves Identity Document mark smith editor in chief The Board of Trustees has approved a new document that reevaluates the university’s mission and perspective. The 21-page document approved by the board before the beginning of classes and released to faculty and staff last week details several changes impacting the university, describes the university’s heritage in
the Churches of Christ and sets forth seven core values the university intends to maintain. The board appointed a document committee to write the Identity Document during last school year. The board reviewed the document and approved it during its meeting last month. Dr. Barry Packer, ACU Board of Trustees chair and document committee member, said the progressively changing identity of
society and its effect on the Church of Christ prompted the board to actively think about the impact this might have on ACU. “The board believed it was wise to proactively review our identity and mission in light of these changes and our past commitments,” Packer said. “This is a document that addresses our identity, the ‘why’ of our existence. It is only when we understand the ‘why’ that we are able to appropriately address
the many ‘how’s’ that need to be decided every day.” Packer said the document won’t affect ACU’s traditional religious affiliation. “There is no intent or desire to loosen ties to Churches of Christ,” Packer said. “This document does just the opposite by identifying core values and guiding principles rooted in our religious heritage.” Packer said nothing in
The Document Committee Dr. Doug Foster Dr. Royce Money Dr. Barry Packer Dr. Jack Reese Dr. Eddie Sharp Dr. Dwayne VanRheenen
see document page 4
scholarships
Campus Store creates rewards program
Presidential scholar numbers rise alikay wood copy editor
acuoptimist.com
VIDEO Football team energized by talented new teammates
acuoptimist.com
The Presidential Scholarship has been one of the most esteemed awards at ACU since 1993. As the program gets more competitive the requirements are also evolving. Chief enrollment officer Kevin Campbell said the main thing that was different this year from prior years was that applicants were not required to write an on campus essay. Instead ACT and SAT scores were used, saving both time and the stress placed on applicants. “They were just sitting in a room instead of ex-
periencing our campus,” Campbell said. “We know that the ACT/SAT writing score provides a comprehensive look.” The interview process was also tweaked this year. In the past students would have two separate interviews with different faculty. This year the students had one interview with two faculty members. Campbell said this process was smoother and less intimidating. Part of the reason for these changes was that the number of applicants for the Presidential Scholarship has continued to rise in recent years. Five years ago there were approximately 300 who applied
and this year there were almost 500. Because of these growing numbers the requirements for submitting an application may change in the future in order to limit the pool of applicants. Campbell said they are working on finding the right balance of maintaining the competitiveness of the competition without making it seem so strict that students don’t think they have a chance of receiving the scholarship. Freshman Lindsay Urban, psychology major from Austin, is one of 34 students who received a half-tuition scholarship and said the interview process was well organized.
Abilene Christian University
“We were allowed time to prepare ourselves and were introduced to the atmosphere of ACU prior to the interview being conducted,” Urban said. “I really liked that the interview consisted of a few complex questions rather than many superficial ones.” Urban also appreciated that she was awarded the scholarship based not only on her academic achievements but also her extracurricular activities. “I was academically successful in high school but definitely was not at the very top of my class. I focused more on being involved in clubs, sports, community work and be-
ing a leader at my church home,” Urban said. “ACU took my work in these other areas into account when a lot of other universities only care out your rank and test scores.” Of the 394 students who interviewed for a presidential scholarship this year, 60 were offered an award. Of these 60, 34 were offered half-tuition, 21 were offered 3/4, and five were offered full tuition. Of those offered a scholarship, 75 percent chose to attend ACU.
contact wood at akw10a@acu.edu
Friday 09.07.12
7 friday
8 4 p.m. ACU soccer vs U of Neb.-Kearney
Saturday
6 p.m. OME Block Party at Rec Center
9
sunday
4:30 p.m. Tailgate Rush 6 p.m. ACU Football vs. TAMU-Kingsville
2
10
12 p.m. ACU soccer vs. Missouri Southern
Monday
5 p.m. Sigma Theta Chi Rush 5 p.m. Trojans Rush
2 p.m. Women’s Teas
7 p.m. Gamma Sigma Phi Rush 7 p.m. Ko Jo Kai Rush 9 p.m. Frater Sodalis Rush
Chapel checkup
13 83 @acuoptimist The Optimist optimist@acu.edu
Announcements Students interested in joining The Wildcat Reign can sign up at thewildcatreign.com. The Wildcat Reign serves to provide students the ability to facilitate Wildcat pride on campus and serves as a linking point between students and Wildcat athletic events. The ACU Roller Hockey Club Team is accepting new members who are interested in playing roller hockey. For more information on the team, you can post on the ACU Wildcat Hockey Facebook page or email at acuhockey@gmail.com.
ACU Speech and Debate Team is seeking new members interested in speech and debate. For more information email Dena Counts at dena. counts@acu.edu or text/call 325-428-6699. Job and volunteering opportunities are open through this year’s Summit Sept. 16-19. Contact summit@acu.edu for more information. Dan Austin, co-founder of 88bikes.com will be coming for a Speaking Forum in Hunter Welcome Center on Sept. 12 at 11:45 a.m.
Students interested in running for Student Association Congress can pick up petitions in the SA Office. Virtuous Sisterhood is having a root beer float social on the patio outside the Bean on Sept. 10 at 6:30 p.m. ACU Career Center is conducting mock interviews Sept. 13, 18, 21, and 26. Sign up for an interview time by creating a CareerLink account on the ACU Career Center homepage. Dates and times can be found under the events tab on the CareerLink homepage.
The Office of Multicultural Enrichment is hosting a block party on the outdoor courts of The Bank Sept. 7 at 6 p.m. Free food, drinks, entertainment and culture will be provided. Students interested in finding a part-time job can attend the West Central Texas Career Consortium Job Fair at Hardin-Simmons University in the pond area Sept. 12 at 11 a.m. Tour and learn about the Old Testament Tabernacle on Sept. 8-18 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at ACS. Admission is $5 a person, and $20 a family.
Police Log Police Log 09/01/2012 12:53 p.m. ACUPD assisted APD on an aggravated assault call at the Greyhound Bus Station, 1665 Hwy 351. 09/01/2012 9:30 p.m. ACU students reported returning home to find their front door open at their residence in the 2300 blk of Cedar Crest. Officers checked the house and determined the door had been left open. 09/01/2012 11:43 p.m. ACUPD was called to The Grove Apt Complex regarding a loud party, noise violation. 09/02/2012 1:50 a.m. ACUPD received several calls about a large party at a student residence in the in the 500 block of EN 20th. 09/02/2012 5:29 p.m. APD dispatched ACUPD to assist officer at a disturbance and assault in the 1500 block of Ave D. Weekly Stats for Week of August 28-September 04, 2012 - Total Events: 252 911 CALL 1 ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIVITY 30 ALARM 2 ALCOHOL INCIDENT 1 ASSAULT 2 ASSIST 7 BACK UP OFFICER 1 BARRICADES 2 BUILDING LOCK/UNLOCK 14 CHECK BUILDING 75
CITATION ISSUANCE 2 CRIMINAL MISCHIEF 1 DIRECT TRAFFIC 3 DISTURBANCE 2 FOUND PROPERTY 6 INFORMATION REPORT 2 INVESTIGATION FOLLOW UP 7 LOST PROPERTY 1 MAINTENANCE: UNIVERSITY ASSETS 2
MEDICAL EMERGENCY 1 MONITOR FACILITY/LOT 3 MOTORIST ASSIST: JUMPSTART 11 MOTORIST ASSIST: UNLOCK 11 NOISE VIOLATION: 2 OTHER 13 PARKING VIOLATION 9 PATROL VEHICLE: MAINTENANCE 3 PATROL VEHICLE: REFUEL 9 PUBLIC SERVICE 1
RANDOM PATROL 4 REPORT WRITING 1 SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY 5 SUSPICIOUS PERSON 4 THEFT 1 TRAFFIC STOP 11 UNAUTHORIZED USE OF MOTOR VEHICLE 1 WELFARE CHECK 1
Police Tip of the Week: Avoid expensive parking citations – Obtain your $5 2012-13 Student Parking Permit and park in Student Parking or All Permit Parking Lots Only.
Volunteer Opp0rtunities The Abilene Zoo is looking for volunteers to help with general labor such as grounds cleanup and painting any weekday at any time between noon and 4 p.m. The Zoo is located at 2070 Zoo Ln. Contact Joy Harsh at 325-676-6487 for more information. Child Protective Services needs volunteers for clerical work as well as volunteers who can organize a playroom. Volunteers are needed any weekday anytime between 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Child Protective Services are located at 3610 Vine St. Background checks are required and are done at the center. Background checks usually are cleared in about two weeks. For more information call V. Danette Cummings at 325-691-8214. Medical Care Mission is looking for volunteers to assist medical or dental staff with patients any weekday from 8:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. For more information contact Dave Kraly at 325-676-3104 or email medicalmoose@sbcglobal.net. Abilene Hope Haven Inc. needs volunteers to provide childcare while parents are in class, any evening Monday-Thursday from 6:45 - 8:15 p.m. Abilene Hope Haven is located at 801 S. Treadaway Blvd. For more information contact Kathy Reppart at 325-677-4673 or visit www.abilenehopehaven.com/volunteer. Meals on Wheels Plus needs volunteer drivers to deliver afternoon meals to seniors and adults with disabilities Monday-Friday between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Drivers must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license. Training is provided. A Chapel exemption is available if delivery time conflicts with Chapel. Contact Jessica Stewart at 325-672-5050 or email volunteer@mealsonwheelsplus.com. The Big Brothers Big Sisters program is looking for volunteers to participate in Lunch Buddies. Bigs and Littles will enjoy lunch together at the child’s school once a week. Students can earn Chapel credit for each visit. Big Brothers Big Sisters is also looking for volunteers for its Community Based program. Bigs are matched with Littles in a one-on-one relationship and spend four to six hours per month together in the community. To sign up or learn more visit www.bbbstx.org or call 325-674-3113. New Life Alliance is looking for volunteers to help with their after school program on Monday-Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. You will help with snacks, homework, crafts, games and other activities in addition to mentoring and building relationships with youth. Contact Ashley Kee at 325-672-1636 or e-mail akee@newlifehousing.com. The House That Kerry Built is looking for volunteers to assist in the day care of medically fragile children any day Monday-Friday from 8:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Contact Dave Kraly at 325-676-3104 or e-mail medicalmoose@
sbcglobal.net for more information. Rescue The Animals is looking for volunteers anytime between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., Monday-Friday. They need help around the adoption center with general cleaning, socialization of the animals, helping potential adopters and other tasks. Contact Mindi Qualls at 325-698-7722 or email rescuetheanimalsvolunteers@yahoo.com. The center is located at 5933 S. 1st St. Young Life Ministries needs volunteers Mondays, Tuesdays and weekends from 6-9 p.m. Volunteers will hang out with kids, experience leadership roles, serve others and introduce students to Christ. Young Life is located at 1917 S. 6th St. For more information contact Chuck Rodgers at 325-676-1211 or email clrodg@wrproperties.com. Disability Resources, Inc. is looking for volunteers to assist developmentally disabled residence. Help is needed with activities, art projects, reading books, exercise activities, assisting with vocational training needs and other interactions Monday-Friday from 9 a.m-4 p.m. For more information contact Becky Moody at 325-677-6815 or e-mail bmoody@driabilene.org. Volunteers are needed to read to Taylor Elementary School students Monday-Thursday afternoons at UCC from 3:15-4:30 p.m. Enter through the south entrance. Contact C.G. Grey 325-668-2842. Da’ Cipher 360, a program for at risk children, is looking for volunteers on Monday evenings from 5-8 p.m. at the Rose Park Activity Center, 2625 S. 7th St. Volunteers can help in a variety of ways including helping with set up, learning activities for kindergarten-3rd graders, tutoring 4th-8th graders, and assisting with clean up. Contact Alvina Scott at 847-333-7026 or email ams07b@acu.edu. The Salvation Army is looking for volunteers for a variety of needs including sorting and pricing items in the thrift store, helping in the kitchen and/or doing yard work. Times are flexible. Volunteers are needed throughout the week Monday-Saturday. The Salvation Army is located at 1726 Butternut St. For more information contact J.D. Alonzo at 325-677-1408 or visit www.satruck.com. The Food Bank of West Central Texas needs volunteers to help sort and stock food and other items any weekday Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. The Food Bank is located at 5505 N. 1st St. For more information contact Janice Serrault at 325-695-6311 or abfoodbk@ camalott.com. Access Learning Center is looking for volunteers to help elementary school kids with homework, reading, computers and games. The center is located at 2102
Ambler Ave. For more information contact Bret Hines at 325-670-9727. Call ahead to schedule a time to volunteer. College Heights Friendship House needs child mentors Monday-Thursday from 3 - 5 p.m. Contact Dusty Garison at dusty@wecareabilene.org for more information. Center for Contemporary Arts needs a gallery assistant to greet patrons, answer phones, and answer basic questions about the Center and its programs. This oppotrunity is open Tuesday-Friday. The Center for Contemporary Arts is located at 220 Cypress Street. For more information contact Jessica Dulle at 325677-8389 or visit: http://www.center-arts.com/ The National Center For Children’s Illustrated Literature is looking for volunteers to greet patrons, assist with art activities, sell books and make visitors feel welcome. Help is also needed for special events like Artwalk and exhibit openings. The NCCIL is located at 102 Cedar St. For more information on times and dates contact Debby Lillick at 325-673-4586 or visit: http:// www.nccil.org/index.htm Breakfast on Beech Street is seeking volunteers to help set up, prepare and serve breakfast to homeless/lower income folks any Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 5:30 a.m. or Tuesday at 5 a.m. B.O.B.S is located at First Christian Church on 3rd St. and Beech St. Service times must be scheduled in advance. To serve on Mondays contact Jody Depriest at 325-669-3312 or jody.depriest@gmail.com. To serve on Tuesdays contact Allen Daugherty at 325-660-6949 or ale.al@ suddenlink.net. To serve on Wednesdays contact Jane Harvey at 325-695-0092 or jharvread@aol.com. To serve on Thursdays contact Margaret Beasley at 325692-4149 or mbeasley5@suddenlink.net. To serve on Fridays contact Rachel Brown at rdb08a@acu.edu. The Christian Ministries of Abilene: Food Pantry is searching for volunteers to greet and interview neighbors, do computer entries, shop with neighbors, take groceries to vehicles, bag, stock and pick up orders on Mondays and Fridays from 9:30 a.m.-11:45 a.m. and 1 p.m.-2:15 p.m. and on Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m.11:45 a.m. The Food Pantry is located at 701 Walnut St. For more information contact Camilla Becton at 325672-1890 or email bammy0811@yahoo.com. HomeFront Apartment Ministries is looking for volunteers to serve the families withing the apartments surrounding the Mission Abilene church. For more information call Heath at 325-665-2489. For additional volunteer opportunities visit: www.acu. edu/campusoffices/ccsl/ministry-service/volunteeropportunities/
3
campus news
Friday 09.07.12
organizations
SHADES transitioning after resignations Staff report The SHADES step team is starting this semester with new plans and a new leadership team. “It’s a whole new game plan with fresh new leaders. Our spirit for dancing and stepping for the Lord is stronger than ever and you know it’s always going to be ‘hit hard or go home.’” said Angie Nsumbu, sophomore accounting major from Fort Worth. Last year’s leaders, senior advisor Demarco Howard, men’s captain Brandon Bolden and women’s captain Destiny Hagood, were unable to return this year so new leadership was elected. Victoria Jones, Eric Ambrose and Diamond Cobb were voted captains for this semester. However, Ambrose resigned from his position, according to Byron Martin, assistant director of student multicultural enrichment, but auditions will proceed as scheduled.
“
Our spirit for dancing and stepping for the Lord is stronger than ever.” Angie Nsumbu sophomore accounting major from ft. worth
During the first captain and officer meeting, members of SHADES revealed new plans that they have in store for the semester. There will be fundraisers selling SHADES t-shirts, sunglasses, tank tops and hats. For the first time, SHADES members will perform in a fall preview show in addition to the homecoming parade and the Ethnos culture show. Auditions for SHADES will be conducted on September 10-14. No experience is necessary. The first show of the semester is scheduled for the third week of November. SHADES also revealed that they plan on being involved with the 0ffice of multicultural enrichment (OME). Stephen Estrada, soph-
mandy lambright chief Photographer
SHADES performed at last year’s annual show. The step team is adding several new events to this year’s line-up. omore from San Antonio and student worker at OME said, “The Office of Multicultural Enrichment serves as an outlet and hub for groups on campus that consider themselves
multicultural or ethnic. It’s our job to make sure the students know these groups exists.” OME is putting on a block party from 6-8 p.m. at the basketball courts next to the
Rec Center on Friday, and with other multicultural SHADES will be performing. groups so that we can all Catrina Bailey, senior be stronger groups indielectronic media major and SHADES member contact the Optimist at said, “We are working realjmcnetwork@acu.edu ly hard with OME to work
organizations
ISA looking to draw in more Americans Samantha Sutherland Features editor The International Students Association has revamped its promotional plans this year to reach out to a new target audience: Americans. Adopting the slogan, “Experiencing Culture Without the Cost,” ISA hopes to encourage students to take advantage of being able to develop relationships with other students on campus and experience a variety of
cultures without having to travel overseas. “You can’t say you’re interested in culture and then completely ignore the fact that we have 250 international students here, many of whom are willing to experience American culture,” said Jeremy Fu, senior advertising and public relations major from Malaysia and president of ISA. Fu said the heart of ISA culture is to create a place where different cultures can come together and learn from each other. It’s
a place where an individual’s culture doesn’t come first; instead, students learn what it means to be an international ACU student. “I think American students can show them the best or worst of the American culture,” Fu said. “And we want them to be able to meet people who care, who love the Lord, and who are willing to engage them. In showing Jesus to them, it shows them the greater part of American culture.” Fu said students tend
to associate ISA primarily with its weekly small group Chapels. ISA officers hope to help students get a better idea of the other activities and opportunities that ISA offers through a new social media initiative that will be rolling out this semester. Clement Ho, senior computer science major from Beijing, handles public relations for ISA and said the group would be utilizing Facebook and Twitter to better communicate with students. “With the Facebook
page, we’re able to publicize unofficial events,” Ho said. “There are ISA events sanctioned by ACU and then there are international students who just want to hang out, so we can post those events and everyone can be invited instead of only inviting people who know each other.” Ho said this year ISA is focusing on building a new foundation for future officers to build upon so they can better engage international students and prevent them from feeling left out of the group while
also reaching out to noninternational students. “Most Americans use Twitter and Facebook, so we’re using Facebook to communicate better with our target audience of college students because most people don’t use their emails,” Ho said. For more information, email publicrelations@ isaculture.org or visit its Facebook page.
contact sutherland at sns08a@acu.edu
reslife
Higher violation fines announced without approval Elizabeth Weiss staff reporter Mixed messages floated through residence halls in the past week as some students learned of higher fines for violations of Residence Life and Education rules. Some residence directors informed students during residence hall meetings that fines for rule violations would significantly increase – including $150 for breaking visitation rules the first
time and $275 for leaving doors open. In addition, students learned the university’s dress code would more strictly be enforced. However, John Delony, assistant dean of ResLife, said he had not been aware that his staff had been handing out information about higher fines and said the changes are still under consideration. “I shared a Google document with my staff, and I had changed the fines on that document, but I had
yet to give the changes to Dr. Thompson to approve,” Delony said. “The information should not have been passed out until its final approval.” Delony said he does support raising certain fines. He agrees that individuals should be fined for going in and out of buildings when they are not supposed to be there. “This year I want to make sure that my fines and policies are backed up,” Delony said. “There will no longer be a fine list handed out to students.”
chapel
Theme encourages missional thinking jimmy isbel staff reporter This week in chapel, ACU students listened to several speakers discuss the idea of being a Mission Keeper. The goal of this week was to introduce and reinforce the idea of being a Mission Keeper to the ACU community. The idea for this theme came from ACU’s mission statement that most students have heard numerous times since coming to ACU. Jan Meyer, executive director for the Center for Christian Service and Leadership and Bob Strader, director for Ministry and Service, defined what it means to live out God’s calling as a “Mission Keeper.” “When you accept the mantel of an ACU Mission Keeper, you can expect to be transformed and live a Christ-centered life,” Meyer said. “Not just a life of service or leadership, but a life of Christ-centered service and leadership.” Strader and Meyer told many inspiring stories of current and past ACU students who have lived out God’s calling as a Mission Keeper. They said that simply saying “yes” to the
service and leadership opportunities that the world has to offer is just the start of what it means to be a Mission Keeper. On Tuesday, Larry James, director of City Square, spoke about how he lived out the calling of a Mission Keeper by seeing a need in Dallas to find homes for the homeless. The government did not give the homeless the opportunity they needed to succeed, so James founded CitySquare to fulfill this need. Kari McQueen, junior elementary education major from Georgetown enjoyed hearing the stories about current and past ACU students that have realized what it means to be a Mission Keeper. McQueen said, “I think it is really great to hear stories from the people that have made a difference, because it encourages me to make a difference as well.” On Wednesday and Thursday, a Service Expo was held in the Campus Center. Various nonprofit organizations from around Abilene set up tables to give students the opportunity to receive more information about the organizations and to
“
We’re asking God to grow them into amazing kingdom workers.
Jan Meyer executive director of the Center for Christian service and leadership
get involved . “When students exit Moody each day we like the idea that they might mull over to the tables to start their life as a Mission Keeper,” Meyer said. “We’re asking God to grow them into amazing kingdom workers.” Meyer and Strader are talking about becoming Mission Keepers’, but even more than that, they are talking about fulfilling the mission of God. When introducing what a Mission Keeper is on Monday, Strader challenged students to listen to God’s calling as a Mission Keeper. Strader said, “Let the love that God has for you compel you to serve and lead throughout the world starting right where you are today.”
contact isbell at jri10a@acu.edu
Delony said the effort to increase fines was not a result of major problems last year. He also said, contrary to popular belief by students, ResLife does not make a profit off of the fines given out. It charges whatever is necessary to fix damages to the dorms. Students’ reactions varied upon hearing the rumors about the raised fines. Whitney Pittard, sophomore graphic design and advertising major from Marble Falls, said she opposes
the proposed increases. “I don’t think it’s very fair of ACU to raise fines on college students who already have so many money stresses to deal with during these years of school,” she said. “I understand the school is attempting to eliminate incidents from occurring, however the students who break these rules are the students who will continue to break these rules no matter how high the fines become, so the increase in fines is essentially pointless.”
Travis Houy, sophomore music education major from Fredericksburg, disagreed. “I think raising the price for fines is an incentive to keep students in the dorms from breaking dorm rules and is perfectly acceptable,” Houy said. For now, students can breathe a sigh of relief until ResLife releases the approved fines list. contact weiss at emw09b@acu.edu
news
friday 09.07.12
4
organizations
Omega Dance to give audition workshop brandi Farmel contributing reporter The Omega Dance Company is having an audition workshop this weekend. It will be held on Friday, September 7th from 6:00 to 9:00 pm in the Rec Center, Studio B. It is mandatory in order to audition the following day. Kelcie Broom, senior art major in charge of the Omega Dance Company,
says the workshop is open to anybody interested in dancing and Christian development.She also adds that, at the workshop, one should expect to learn a jazz combination, contemporary combination, and basic technique that will be performed at Saturday’s auditions. The Omega Dance Company’s mission is “to glorify God by creating community, educating others, and praising
His name through dance,” says Broom. Not only does Omega take part in performances and a weekly Company master class, but they also seek to serve the community of West Texas. They partner with the West Texas Girls Conference each year to teach movement classes. Omega also places high value on being a close-knit community, provided by team dinners and small group chapels.
For those interested in joining the Company, you can look forward to performing in the homecoming parade, Sing Song, the Ethnos Culture Show, and the Company’s very own spring show. With all of these exciting happenings for Omega this year, Broom looks most forward to the new relationships that will be built within the team. The main focus of the group is to glorify God through
time spent in prayer and dancing combined. “Above all, we want God to be glorified for what we do and to praise Him for the blessings He’s given us,” says Broom. Melissa Meyer, a freshman business management major, will be attending the workshop and audition this weekend. “Dance has always been a passion of mine,” she says. Meyer has been dancing since she was two years
old; in more recent years, she has been involved in a very competitive group. “I’m excited. I love dancing.” she says, but jazz is her favorite. Besides the dancing, Meyers is most enthusiastic about all of the friendships that she will make by joining the Omega Dance Company. contact farmel at bmf11a@acu.edu
local
Dyess Air Force pedals toward unity Brittany WIlliams staff photographer Dyess Air Force Base will swing its gates open on Saturday for the third annual 26.2-mile Tour de Dyess bike ride. “I wanted to set up an event that was open to the whole base and to the entire Abilene community and to try to bring people together,” Senior Airman Michael Hernandez said. Hernandez is serving as the point of contact and has organized the event. According to a release from Dyess AFB, the purpose of Saturday’s ride is to “enhance the morale of our Dyess airmen and our Abilene community in remembrance of September 11, 2001.”
A winner will be determined in four categories: men (15-30 and over 30) and women (15-30 and over 30). Winners will be determined by the time in which they successfully complete the four laps on a course that winds throughout Dyess AFB housing. Zack Morgan, senior biology major from Keller, began cycling his freshman year and will participate in Saturday’s ride. This May, Morgan rode in the 100-mile “Great Austin to Shiner Pedal” bike race. “One hundred miles is kind of a symbolic milestone in cycling,” Morgan said. “The century ride is like the marathon for running. It was something that I wanted to do and I
had an opportunity to do it, so I did it.” Morgan enjoys cycling as a hobby as well as the physical aspect of the sport. “You get good cardio, you get a good aerobic workout, but it is also very low impact,” he said. “You see a lot of runners that are getting into their fifties and sixties and they’ve been running their whole lives and their knees and hips are falling apart. You don’t really see that with cyclists.” The ride starts at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday morning and participants need to arrive at least 30 minutes early. contact williams at bnw11a@acu.edu
Denying selfpreservation destiny hagood Staff Photographer
ACU alum, Wes Flach, spoke in Chapel on Thursday as part of the Mission Keepers’ week.
students
Injuries: Families thankful for ACU’s help Continued from page 1 ing in the 12-minute running assignment for the class. On her 8th lap, Hancock placed her hands on her knees and then collapsed. Carrie Casada, wife of psychology professor Dr. John Casada, was walking the track at the time and was the first on the scene. She alerted the Rec Center staff at the front desk, who called 911. Molly Bagley was the first student worker to arrive and had experience with rescues. Another student in the lifetime wellness class, James Granthum, was a professional lifeguard from Flor-
ida. Bagley and Granthum immediately began performing CPR. “These two kids literally were the first on the scene to help Meghan within a minute,” Shake said. “When I got there, you could tell Meghan was unconscious and unresponsive, her color wasn’t great at the time, and it looked like she was struggling to catch a breath. This started around 8:37, and she was out the door by 9, from start to finish, which really says a lot about everybody’s response time.” Stacey Hancock said she wasn’t surprised by the support the ACU community
had given them, but that she was very thankful for it. “I just think we’re so incredibly blessed and grateful to be at ACU. Of any place other than at home, this is the next best place for Meghan to be,” Hancock said. “And because the students care and love her, you know they don’t have to know her to love a Christian sister, that right there is a blessing because God’s hearing that. That’s encouraging to us, and I think others are encouraged by ACU’s actions.” Hancock is expected to remain hospitalized for at least a week and may not return to ACU this semester.
“Even in a situation like this, God had his hand in it,” Shake said. “And He’s not done here.” Petty was also hospitalized this week when she was hit by a drunk driver at 2 a.m. while going to visit her family’s ranch on Sunday. “I was going up the hill and saw headlights but couldn’t tell which side of the road they were on,” Petty said. “When I got to the top, that was the last thing I remembered. A response team was forced to cut Petty out of her car. When the accident was reported, it was called in as a fatal accident. “Pretty much all I kept
hearing was ‘It’s a miracle you’re even alive,’” Petty said. Petty suffered three broken ribs, a dislocated shoulder, a concussion, a fracture on her growth plate and various bruises and scrapes. She was hospitalized for a day and a half but returned to classes on Thursday. The other driver had a blood alcohol level of .24 percent, Petty said. The legal limit for operation of a motor vehicle is .08 percent. “Whenever it first happened, I was really angry that someone would get in a vehicle while that intoxicated,” Petty said. “I was bitter. I was even mad at God for
it, but then I realized I was lucky to not be in a wheelchair or something worse. It makes me thankful. I realized my life is a privilege that can be taken away. I kind of feel like I got a second chance.” Petty said she was very grateful for the ACU community. “I had people call me, and people I didn’t even know contact me on Facebook saying they were praying,” Petty said. “It’s an amazing feeling.”
contact jones at mnj10a@acu.edu
administration
Identity: Committee reviews ACU’s mission tered institution of higher education,” Packer said. ing in the document should “We desire to strengthen surprise those who already our commitment to the valhave understood the uni- ues at the heart of our heriversity’s mission. tage in Churches of Christ.” “It is my belief it will However, the docucomfort and reassure our ment doesn’t address anymany constituents that the thing relating to faculty board is wholeheartedly church membership recommitted to our remain- quirements. The univering a deeply Christ-cen- sity requires all faculty Continued from page 1
and board members to be members of a Church of Christ. Adjuncts and staff members must attend a Christian church. The document focuses on several changes that can affect ACU, describes the university’s heritage, outlines seven core values and it touches on what kind of institution the school should strive to be. The document describes how ACU relates to societal changes. It explores the way surrounding culture affects ACU, the university’s involvement with churches and the challenges all universities face now. The document says the university must change its perspective, because it is now trying to relate to society in
a time of many changes. It says churches and colleges are facing challenges as more people are straying from traditional approaches to religion and education. All universities, regardless of affiliation, are dealing with financial pressures and changes in the way students learn. The document discusses ACU’s heritage to understand its original goals and purpose. It says the university was shaped by many religious inf luences, including reformed Christian tradition, the Puritans, the Enlightenment, American political ideals and a desire for Christian unity in the wake of a history of division. The docu-
ment says these streams greatly affected the university’s identity, and it is important to understand the perspective it gives to how education and tradition inf luence the university. The document then lays out seven core values that guide the university’s actions. Among them are commitments to prepare students to live as authentic Christians, to a passionate search for truth, to unity and to academic quality and innovation. Other values listed include Christ at the center, the authority and inspiration of Scripture and a high view of the church. At the end of the document, it touches briefly on what kind of institution the university should be, highlighting the university’s need to affirm its mission and live faithfully into its purpose and God’s purpose. Rodney Ashlock, chair of the Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry and chair of the Faculty Senate, said he isn’t sure how the document will affect the university, its faculty or its students. “It’s very new, and we’ll take slow and deliberate steps to work through the document carefully,” Ashlock said. “There aren’t any big shifts in it.” Ashlock said it was important for students to care about the document
ACU’s seven core values Commitment to prepare students to live as authentic Christians Commitment to a passionate search for truth to unity Commitment to academic quality and innovation Commitment of unity Christ at the center The authority and inspiration of Scripture A high view of the church because it helps identify their school and future alma mater. “It describes the type of university they’ve chosen to attend,” Ashlock said. “It goes over the fabric of what ACU stands for, and understanding our mission is very important.”
contact smith at mds10a@acu.edu
5
arts
friday 09.07.12
Gone to the Dogwoods photos by Brittany Williams Staff Photographer
Jake Hall and Caroline Nikolaus, also known as The Dogwoods, perform on the basketball court at the Rec Center at RecFest 2012.
Student performers return with new name
Caroline Adele Nikolaus “My parents live in Illinois, but I grew up a military brat. I am a psychology major and music minor with the idea of moving towards music therapy, but I am also being pushed towards missions. Whichever way God takes me, He has confirmed this past summer that music is, and will be, a part of my life and is to be used for His glory. I’m anticipating what happens next.”
Caroline and Jake performed at SpringFest last semester. At the beginning of the new semester, juniors Caroline Nikolaus and Jake Hall performed last Friday as the Dogwoods at RecFest. Hall and Nikolaus met in marching band and quickly became friends. At a band retreat Nikolaus asked Hall to play a song she had written for the band talent show. This music group originally started off as a trio that was made up of Caroline Nikolaus, Jake Hall and Shay Tuttle. Tuttle left school to go back home. However, Hall and Nikolaus decided they still wanted to pursue musical together and became the duo, Caroline and Jake.
“
It was really awesome seeing their growth as musicians and their growth together and them performing together. It’s inspiring to see how they are able to perform together after such little time working together.” Patrick Cason senior Music major from dallas
Jake Hall “It’s really fun to get away from the usual music education stuff. I’ve taken a lot of music theory and done a lot of ensembles where you have to learn specific things, but whenever I can get up there with Caroline we can just let loose, have some fun, entertain some people and just have a good time.“
THIS WEEK
“I said that we sound good together, so we started playing at Monks and some Christmas shows,” Nikolaus said. Nikolaus studied abroad last fall in Oxford so their group was once again put on hold. When she returned they both decided they wanted to keep playing together. “Besides being insanely busy, we make time to play together because we love it,” Hall said. “It helps that we are great friends, too. We are just kind of becoming more well-known this year.” Hall and Nikolaus sing several covers as well as some of Nikolaus’s original pieces. “Caroline is incredibly talented, and I am very fortunate to work with her,” Hall said. Nikolaus described their band as simple, kind of folky and acoustic. “We have a lot of freedom, and we bounce off of each other,” she said. “Jake plays drums, banjo
and sings. I just play a little piano and sing.” Hall said he hasn’t gotten around to writing songs, but he thinks that he may write some songs in the future. He said he usually just learns Nikolaus’ songs and plays them. Patrick Cason, senior music education major from Dallas,
“
We have a lot of freedom, and we just bounce off of each other.”
Caroline Nikolaus Junior Psychology Major From Illinois
said he’s enjoyed the music of Caroline and Jake and was glad they named their group. “I’ve seen them start out as f ledging musicians,” Cason said. “It was really awesome seeing their growth as musicians and their growth together and them performing together. It’s just inspiring to see how they are able to perform together after such little time working together.” “Never before in the history of man have two voices come together and blended so perfectly,” said Jordan Sisson, junior social studies education major. Sisson has watched Hall and Nikolaus play since freshman year and continues to be impressed by their musical talents. “What started as ‘Hey, you can play, I can play, you can sing, I can sing,’ turned into much more; a deeper friendship. Their music draws you in.” This past Friday they performed at RecFest. “We had to throw a lot of songs together in not a lot of time, but it was fun,” Hall said. “She is a lot more organized than I am and keeps a list of songs that we can pretty much play at any time, and we just kind of threw them together in a couple days and play like a 16-song set. It was a great time.” The Dogwoods plan on playing shows at Monk’s Coffee Shop on Cypress Street. They are also looking into playing at Mezamiz and JamFest.
contact Palmer at LSp10b@acu.edu
Lecrae Gravity
CITY EVENTS
Lindsay Palmer Arts Editor
Lecrae, popular Christian rapper, released a new album on Tuesday. Gravity made it to #1 on the iTunes “Top Albums List”. Check it out.
Rear Window
9/7/2012 -9/8/2012 Paramount Theater 7:30pm James Stewart stars as the wheelchair bound photojournalist who is obsessed with the parade of life outside.
Mezamiz The local coffee shop off S. 7th plays live music Friday’s and Saturday’s. 9/7/2012- Happy Fat 9/8/2012- Stevie G.
Opinion
FRIDAY 09.07.12
EVAN’s marks
Editorial
6
evan marks
Political news now gained in modern ways the issue In today’s world, very few students get their news from newspapers or even television. For some, it’s not at all.
our take While Facebook and Twitter can be the easiest, students have a responsibility for staying up to date through multiple, reliable sources.
During the fall, school begins, football season kicks off, temperatures drop (in some parts of the country), Starbucks releases it’s Pumpkin Spice Latte and a vicious battle ensues, polluting television with awful campaign ads. It’s a presidential election year. With such an important event underway, it is extremely important for everyone to stay informed. Not just voters. Everyone. There are many other things happening around Abilene, around Texas, around the U.S. and around the world. The news changes every day. That fact in itself should motivate everyone to stay up to date on current events. Where do students gather their news? What sources do they frequent the most? How reliable are these sources? In this digital age it’s very rare for a typical college student to pick up a newspaper and actually read the entire thing. Kudos to you if you do. But chances are, most of you simply don’t have the time. The internet has become the most popular source of information for busy students. Perhaps two of the most popular sources are Facebook and Twitter. They’re convenient, and it’s easy to skim through a one or two sentence post about the latest happenings. However, Facebook updates and tweets, while
fast and convenient, are not always reliable. It’s important to make note of the source and, if necessary, find out more information. Students often inherit biases or preferences from their parents. While it’s important to have opinions, it’s just as important for students to be able to develop their own opinions. Television is another common distributor of information. While students are unlikely to watch the entire broadcasts of the Republican or Democratic National Conventions, they might turn to sources like The Colbert Report or The Daily Show. They might even catch snippets of Today, Fox News or CNN while getting ready for class in the morning. While these sources are reliable, they have a tendency to be biased, especially when it comes to politics. Because of these biases, it’s helpful to have more than one source of news. When examining an issue it’s critical to have all the facts because there are multiple sides to every story. No matter how you get your news, staying up to date with current events is important. Even if you don’t realize it, the news has an impact on you.
contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
column
The waffle with waffle cones ing a waffle cone with strawberry cheesecake ice cream right now. My next point of con-
THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID
“
MARISSA JONES
Where are the waffle cones? I love ACU. I really do. But you can’t expect me not to get a little upset when they take away my waffle cones. It was one big tease. One. Big. Lie. I remember the first day waffle cones entered my life at ACU. It was one of those events that just made the whole day special. I felt especially proud to be a Wildcat. And then they took it away thinking no one would notice or care? Those sub-par substitute cones have the consis-
tency of cardboard and the taste of dirt to me now. Giving us the best and then taking it away was cruel. I believe the character Bane did something similar to Gotham in The Dark Knight Rises. And I quote, “I learned here that there can be no true despair without hope. So, as I terrorize Gotham, I will feed its people hope to poison their souls.” We are Gotham. ACU is Bane. They fed us hope and poisoned our souls. That might be a little dramatic, but I’m really crav-
We are Gotham. ACU is Bane. They fed us hope and poisoned our souls.
cern is the overcrowding in the Bean. It’s forcing me to eat healthily because the only food without a line the same size as the one for the Titan at Six Flags is the salad line. Plus, I’ve lost my appetite for ice cream. I remember the good ol‘ days when there were enough seats for my
friends to sit together and when you could actually hear the Piano Man over the chatter. It’s a stressful experience now. But hey, let’s focus on some good. You can now enter the library through a new, convenient entrance. That’s nice. Saves some time. The new milkshake machine that also includes smoothies and fun animations of a cow is a wonderful addition to the food court as well. But I’m trying to not get attached in case they decided to take that away from me too. ACU, why did you waffle with the waffle cones?
contact JONES at MNJ10a@acu.edu
column
A cartoonist’s attempt at column writing MARK MY WORDS
EVAN MARKS
Hello there, Optimist reader! The editors have decided that it wasn’t punishment enough to force you to read my comics. So now you must endure the horror that is my writing. Congratulations! I can’t promise that this will be painless, but I
can promise that it will be short, so try to take some solace in that. First off, my name is Evan Marks and I’m a senior graphic designer. I’m from San Diego (a magical place where we surf to school and put avocados on everything). And I own a pug. It’s bet-
ter than your dog. I’ve also been drawing and doodling my entire life, so I guess it’s only natural that I’m creating these comics. Any way, I’d like to tell you all a bit about the comic and why you should care about it at all. My comics are going to be silly and dumb. And that’s ok. If I’m really lucky, someone will turn to the Opinion page, see my comic, take a look around to make sure no one can see them and then chuckle softly to themselves. (That’s
hashtagACU 11:43 a.m. Sep. 5
Finding a typo in the first paragraph of the @acuoptimist... The #ACUdifference
@ChrisACU
10:44 p.m. Aug. 18
Tonight we learned that the #DallasCowboys 1st string can bet San Diego’s.
@ChrisACU
the dream, any way). Yet, even though my jokes may be lacking, and my humor may be a few grade levels too low, I still want to hold my comic up to a higher standard. As an artist and a designer, I want to deliver a quality product to you, the reader. Something that, even though it may only garner a quick glance, will provide you with some small amount of pride, because you know that your school comic is a quality comic! I’m also excited to see
11:23 a.m. Sep. 6 4:51 p.m. Sep. 6
All I want to do right now is eat Olive Garden salad and breadsticks until I pass out
@Lincoln_Woods
how else I can explore these biweekly drawings, whether through a new medium, a continuing story, or even, dare I say, funny jokes (gasp). Whatever the case, be prepared to read some truly spectacular comics! (Spectacular comics not guaranteed.) But what do I know about funny comics? I bet you all know way more than me, so you should send me your ideas and I’ll make a comic about them. Seriously, email me! I’m taking 21 credit hours,
and working 14 more so anything I don’t have to think about helps! Plus, you could get your idea in the Optimist, forever documented within it’s pages! What’s better than that? Thanks for your time, and feel free to send all complaints to Evan Marks.
contact MARKS at EDM10A@acu.edu
3:53 p.m. Sep. 6
I think that there should be a new CORE class called Bicycle Rack and Library Etiquette. How’s that for interdisciplinary?!
@ZackJMorgan
Today we had a guest speaker in class and I spent 20 minutes trying to remembeer the word for a female sex addict.
5:13 p.m. Sep. 5
I’m gonna be featured in the Optimist. #realtalk #thankful
@JaceAvery
@CalliePetty
2:41 p.m. Sep. 6
10:50 p.m. Sep. 5
2:43 p.m. Sep. 6 3:01 p.m. Sep. 6 3:02 p.m. Sep. 6
I often run out of social networks to browse to avoid eye contact with people.
@austin_fleet
11:23 a.m. Sep. 6
I am so glad hippie week in chapel is almost over.
@tomevans74
Girl in Spanish class just said “I thought Spanish lab would consist of making tacos.” I can’t decide how racist that is.
@KeithJer
@malloryming
editorial and Letter Policy Unsigned editorials are the opinions of the Optimist and may not necessarily reflect the views of the university or its administration. Signed columns, cartoons and letters are the opinions of their creators and may not necessarily reflect the viewpoints of the Optimist or the university. The Optimist encourages reader response through letters to the editor but reserves the right to limit frequent contributors or to refuse to print letters containing
personal attacks, obscenity, defamation, erroneous information or invasion of privacy. Please limit letters to 350 words or fewer. A name and phone number must be included for verification purposes. Phone numbers will not be published.
published by the department of journalism and mass communication editorial and management board
Address letters to: ACU Box 27892 Abilene, TX 79609 E-mail letters to: optimist@acu.edu
The fact that my English professor thinks Graphic Designers prefer Arial and Times New Roman... Makes me want to get up and leave.
newsroom (325) 674-2439
If you ever want to know how much your stomach growls.... take a really quiet/boring classs right around lunch time...
@Sh4zam
Past me had plans for a “late evening jog” but future me apparently had already decided to eat nuttella out of the jar and watch mad men
@BenCravery
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7
sports
friday 09.07.12
#24 A&M Kingsville (1-0) vs. #9 ACU (1-0) Game Preview
Offense
Defense
PICK:
ACU
PICK:
ACU
Intangibles A&M-K PICK:
Satuday will be a battle of contrasting styles on the offensive end. The Wildcats can spread opponents out with four wide reciever sets, while the Javelinas will ground and pound with stud back Jonathan Woodson.
Defensive end Nick Richardson looked at home in the 4-3 defense last week, getting to the quarterback six times and tying an ACU record. Meanwhile, the Kingsville defense was nothing special last year.
Last year, ACU stormed into A&M Kingsville and ruined the Javelinas senior night. The Wildcats will be ready to defend their home turf, but the Javelinas will be seeing red and seeking revenge.
Woodson went for over 200 yards against the Wildcats last season, and could have another big game this weekend. But the ‘Cats can give any defense fits with their ability to throw the ball for 400 yards, or bring in a tight end and take the air out of the football. Mitchell Gale threw all over the Kingsville secondary last season, and put the Javs playoff chances to bed for good. Look for a shootout in Shotwell Saturday night.
ACU hung over forty points on the Javelinas last season. The ‘Cats are coming off their first shutout since 2006, so they should be able to ride the momentum into the Lone Star Conference opener this weekend. The ACU defense is a work in progress, but they should be able to outplay a Kingsville defense that gave up nearly thirty points per game in 2011.
This may be the last chance for A&M Kingsville to stick it to an ACU football team that has beaten them each of the last eight seasons. The Wildcats are favored in the game, and the Javelinas will have nothing to lose, so look for them to be flying to the football. TAMU-K will make sure they give their best showing the last time they ever play ACU as an LSC foe.
Natalie Goin
mandy lambright cheif Photographer
Sophomore defensive end Rob Boyd smashes a War Hawk player last Saturday at Shotwell Stadium.
Edward Isaacs
Following an outstanding season-opening shutout last week, there’s no doubt the Wildcats are fired up about Saturday’s game. The Javelinas will challenge our defense, bringing a strong running game. After last year’s close battle in Kingsville, it’s safe to say that the ‘Cats will have to fight until the end to come away with a “W.”
Last year the Wildcats traveled to Kingsville and were nearly upended by a highly talented Javelina offense. TAMU-K returns many of those stars this season and will be looking forward to their last meeting with ACU as conference foes. This game will feature plenty of touchdowns from both teams but, the ‘Cats will pull away late and get the victory.
Pick: ACU 42-35
Pick: ACU 35-28
football
Test: ‘Cats begin LSC play from page 8 in order to keep the ball away from ACU’s lethal offense. “They have some fast guys at receiver and running back,” defensive back L.B. Suggs said. “We’ll have to really get back in coverage, and be able to tackle their running back. We have to tackle, they do a lot of options and zone read, so we have to get our head across and wrap him up.” On the defensive side of the ball, the Javelina’s
“
They have some fast guys at receiver and running back.”
fense that gave up nearly 30 points per game last season. The Wildcat’s offense may not score 51 points again, but the purple and white will spend their fair L.B. Suggs share of time in the end Defensive back zone tomorrow. acu football Darian Dulin’s new look defense will make their will attempt to get their LSC debut tomorrow night tackling machine Jeremy after shutting out the War Agular into the flow of the Hawks last week. game early. Agular made Sophomore Nick Richover 90 tackles last season. ardson is coming off an Offensively the ‘Cats ACU record six sack pershould have no problems formance, and could very moving the ball on a de- well cause havoc in the op-
ponent backfield for a second straight week. “I was very pleased with our pressure,” Collums said. “I think that’ll be a theme for us for anybody that tries to drop back on us all season, us getting pressure on them without the blitz.” The first conference game of Collum’s ACU career will be tomorrow night at 6:00 p.m. in the friendly confines of Shotwell Stadium.
Taylor Langston Last year’s 42-34 victory over Kingsville was a bit too close for comfort. But with running back Jonathan Woodson returning for his senior year it would be foolish to underestimate his talent. If the defensive performance against McMurry is any indication of how the ‘Cats will play Saturday, the Javelinas will be defeated pretty handily.
The Wildcats defense looked outstanding last week, which may be what puts the ‘Cats over the top. ACU’s offense is going to put up a bunch of points, so the key to the game will be stopping a potent Kingsville rushing attack. It may be close, but the Wildcats will outscore the Javs and improve to 2-0 under coach Collums.
Pick: ACU 48-28
Pick: ACU 42-32
contact sloan at mes11a@acu.edu
cross country
Hired: Ward ready for season from page 8 “This weekend McMurry University is hosting a meet,” he said. “Next week we’re going to Texas Tech University.” Coach Ward has several student-athletes returning to this year’s team. On the girls’ side, NCA A qualifier Alyse Goldsmith will be attempting to better her third place finish at the 2011 Lone Star Conference championship. Goldsmith, a senior,
“
I’m passionate about this sport. It’s good to be back coaching again.”
went on to place fourth at regionals. On the men’s team, veterans Erik Forrister and Gar y Duncan will tr y to bolster the squad. Forrister was selected as the LSC Men’s Aca-
chris ward head coach acu cross counry
demic Runner of the Year last season. He missed earning all-conference honors by one spot after placing 16th at the divisional meet with a season-best 8K time of 26:25.
column
Lance Armstrong gives up fight goin, goin, gone natalie goin
The man who beat cancer. That’s what comes to my mind when I think of Lance Armstrong. Armstrong has become an American hero not only because of his status as a decorated cyclist, but also because of his perseverence in overcoming one of the most life-threatening illnesses of our time. At age 25, after his second Tour de France win, Armstrong was diagnosed with stage three testicular cancer. Following surgery, he was given less than a 40 percent chance of survival. So what did Armstrong have to say about that? He came right back three years
later, not only defeating cancer, but adding five more Tour de France titles to his collection. He encouraged others to fight just as he had, creating the popular “Livestrong” bracelets, and spreading hope for others to overcome cancer just as he had. But this past June, when the United States AntiDoping Agency charged Armstrong with doping and drug trafficking, it seemed that he didn’t have any fight left in him. After denying any association with doping or drugs for years, Armstrong continued to claim his innocence. He immediately filed a lawsuit against the USADA, but it was rejected by the judge. Because he was unwilling to take any further tests, the USADA planned to strip him of all of his titles post 1998, including his Tour de France
victories, and forever ban him from the sport of cycling. After filing a second lawsuit, Armstrong later decided to drop all challenges against the USADA. Armstrong continues to publically declare his innocence, and claims he dropped the case to protect his family’s privacy. But for someone who has built their entire reputation on determination and persistence, it just doesn’t add up. If Armstrong wasn’t guilty, I just don’t see him giving up everything he has worked for without a fight. Armstrong has always been the first to say that everything he has achieved, he has done himself. But maybe now, that has an entirely new meaning. contact goin at nsg10b@acu.edu
Duncan participated in all five regular-season meets in 2011. He recorded his best 8K time at the Cowboy Jamboree (27:28.11). “I’m passionate about this sport,” Ward said. “It’s good to be back coaching again.”
contact isaacs at jei08a@acu.edu
Matthew Sloan
Daniel Zepeda The Wildcats opened up the season with a convincing win over McMurry in which domination was the key
word. Kingsville’s offense should give the ‘Cats more trouble this week, but our offense should make up for that. This game should turn out to be much closer down the stretch. In what will hopefully be a closer game, ACU should move to 2-0 on the season.
Pick: ACU 38-32
sports
friday 09.07.12
8
standings
golf
Wildcats tee off season in Abilene daniel zepeda sports reporter The ACU men’s golf team is ready to tee off the season this Monday with a tournament here in Abilene. “We have plenty of talent in every member of the team this year,” senior Alex Carpenter said. “We have three qualifiers for our first tournament so I feel confident in our team’s chances.” The team did very well last year. They stayed competitive and even reached the Super-Regional tournament. “Last year we did well,” head golf coach Mike Campbell said. “We spent
three weeks as number one in the country and besides that we were always within one of the top spots in the rankings.” Once they reached the tournament however, things started to fall apart. “Super-Regionals left a bad taste in our mouths considering we didn’t play as good as we know we can,” Campbell said. A reason for the early exit was team injuries. “Injuries really hurt us last year, so if we can avoid them, we’ll be on the right track,” said Carpenter. The golf team has very high expectations this year as they have an experienced team and a group of guys
that are hungry to win. “Our entire team is returning so we feel very confident that we have a chance to really accomplish something exciting for this year,” Carpenter said. “As a team, we have eight players who at one point or another were on the top-five team for ACU. It’s very rare to have that kind of experience and talent on a team and still have great team chemistry.” For the wildcats, winning is not going to be enough. The team has their eyes set on something special and are determined to get there. “We don’t want to get ahead of ourselves, but we
feel we can play with anyone,” Carpenter said. “Every year we play to win it all, this one especially. We want to bring a national championship here to Abilene. Our guys deserve it and ACU deserves it.” Since day one, the Wildcats have made it their responsibility to play at the highest level possible. “Before school even started, we all got together as a team and practiced,” Carpenter said. “We wanted to start this year off right, and so far it has. Already, we’ve got over half our team staying under par and really shooting well on the green.” As they prepare to compete in their first tourna-
ment Monday, the ‘Cats are confident and ready to give it all they have. “I feel that we are more than ready for Monday,” Campbell said. “We’ve got guys that are shooting great ball right now and we’re excited to see what happens this year.” “I feel we are very ready for this year,” Carpenter said. “Everyone is shooting well and confidently, so the sky’s the limit for us.”
contact zepeda at djz11a@acu.edu
football
football
Team
Div.
Ovrl.
ACU ASU UIW TAMU-K ENMU MSU TSU Commerce WTAMU
0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
1-0 1-0 1-0 1-0 0-1 0-0 0-0 0-1 0-1
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ASU Commerce Kingsville TWU ENMU WTAMU ACU Cameron TSU MSU UIW
0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
4-0 4-0 4-0 4-0 3-1 3-1 2-2 2-2 2-2 1-3 0-4
Team
Div.
Ovrl.
ASU ACU Commerce WTAMU UIW ENMU MSU TWU
0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
2-0 1-1 1-1 0-1-1 0-0 0-2 0-2 0-2
volleyball
soccer
briefings Ticket sales for the Lone Star Conference Football Festival close on Friday at 4:30 p.m. Prices are $25 for adults and $10 for students. Fans will not be able to purchase tickets through the ACU ticket office after Friday, however they can still get them through Ticketmaster.com or at Cowboys stadium on game day.
Collums to face first LSC test mandy lambright cheif Photographer
Head coach Collums instructs linebacker David Guinn on the sidelines during last week’s game versus McMurry. The Wildcats play their first Lone Star Conference game this Saturday against Texas A&M University-Kingsville.
Saturday’s game against Texas A&M UniversityKingsville will be a Make-A-Wish Game and fans are encouraged to wear white and bring donations. The donations will benefit the premier wishgranting organization for children.
ex- factor Running back Daryl Richardson had nine carries for 36 yards for the St. Louis Rams in their game against the Ravens. Wide receiver Edmond Gates was signed by the New York Jets less than 24 hours after being released by the Miami Dolphins.
Javelina running game to challenge Wildcats defense matthew sloan sports reporter The ninth ranked ACU football team will put their 1-0 record to the test tomorrow night when they open up conference play against the twentyfourth ranked Texas A&M Kingsville Javelinas. The Wildcats got the better of their LSC foe last
season in a 42-34 shootout on the road. This season, the ‘Cats are looking to take down the Javelinas for the ninth straight year. Last year, the Wildcats entered the fourth quarter down by six, but finished the game with fourteen unanswered points and ruined Kingsville’s senior night. Both Darien Hogg and Taylor Gabriel went over
“
Our front four, it all starts with those guys.”
Defensive end Aston Whiteside was signed This season, the ‘Cats run game and try to get to the Chicago Bears defense will have to be Woodson to bounce. If you practice squad. He was on the lookout for senior give Jonathan Woodson a an undrafted free agent.
running back Jonathan Woodson, who hammered the ACU front sevKen collums en last year for a staggerHead coach ing 243 yards and three Acu football touchdowns. “Our front four, it all the hundred yard mark starts with those guys,” receiving, and Gale fin- head coach Ken Collums ished the game with over said. “They are going to 400 yards through the air. compress the holes in the
downhill path, he’s so fast he is a game breaker.” Woodson ran for over 1,000 yards during his junior season, and will undoubtedly be the focal point of an explosive Javelinas offense that needs to run the ball effectively
Football plays its first conference game of the season on Saturday, Sept. 8 against Texas A&M University-Kingsville at Shotwell Stadium. Kickoff see test page 7 is at 6 p.m.
cross country
Ward hired as cross country coach do that.” Before coming to Abilene, The Athletics DepartWard spent ment announced on three years Wednesday the hiras an assising of Chris Ward as the Ward tant coach new head cross country and recruitcoach. Ward will also be ing coordinator for Oklaan assistant coach for homa City University. distance for the Wildcats’ Ward helped qualify 46 track and field team. student-athletes for the “I was excited to hear National Association of that news,” Ward said. Intercollegiate Athletics “I’m happy about the op- (NAIA) Championships portunity to come to this during his stay at OCU. great university along He also had two 4x400 with the tradition it has.” relay teams capture na“It’s going to be a tional titles. The Stars challenge for me to keep earned 25-All Americans, that tradition going,” he claimed three Sooner said. “I’m going to take Athletic Conference tiit upon myself to tr y and tles and had three cross
edward isaacs sports editor
“
It’s going to be a challenge for me to keep that tradition going.”
country teams receive all-academic honors during his three years. Ward previously served as the head coach at Fort Scott, Kan. Community College for two years and was a volunteer coach at Xavier University of New Orleans and Charleston Southern University. The Oklahoma City native graduated from
chris ward Head coach Acu cross country
Charleston Southern in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education. He earned an Associate of Science degree in business management from Independence Community College in 2001. Ward was a runner himself at Fort Scott High School in Kansas. He competed in sprints, relays, high jump and
Upcoming
triple jump. Because Ward was just hired as the new cross countr y coach, the Wildcats are getting a somewhat late start to their season. “We didn’t run last weekend, so this weekend is like their first meet,” he said. “I’ve been running around tr ying to get organized for that along with getting acclimated to the university and learning what’s required of me.” Ward has already scheduled several cross countr y meets for the next couple of weeks. “This weekend Mcsee hired page 7
Soccer travels to Joplin, Mo. to face the University of Nebraska at Kearney on Friday at 4 p.m. They also play Missouri Southern University on Sunday at 12 p.m. The volleyball team travels to the Colorado Premier Challenge in Denver, Colo. Friday, Sept. 7 and Saturday, Sept. 8. The Wildcats open up the tournament on Friday when they play The University of Tampa at noon. (MT) and Colorado School of Mines at 3:30 p.m. (MT). Golf opens its season next Monday and Tuesday in Abilene at the Charles Coody West Texas Intercollegiate.