Optimist
acuoptimist.com
the
Love of the Game, page 5
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Vol. 99, No. 6
1 section, 8 pages
COMMUNITY
TECHNOLOGY
Service group changes name Bailey Neal
Page Designer
For almost two decades, Wildcat Kids has partnered with ACU as a popular non-profit organization among students. This year, ACU volunteers will no longer call themselves “Wildcat Kids,” but will instead be part of a changing organization, “ACU for Big Brothers Big Sisters.” Jamie Bearden, director of public relations for Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS), explains that a change of the name Wildcat Kids was necessary. “The name ‘Wildcat Kids’ was a great name, but it sometimes caused confusion for volunteers,” Bearden said. “If someone volunteered in Wildcat Kids, they were also a Big Brother or a Big Sister and they went though the BBBS enrollment process.” Bearden said volunteers were often confused about whether to refer to themselves as “Bigs” or “Wildcat Volunteers.” This often caused confusion among students and child participants, especially with some the Wildcat Kids events. “The ACU for Big Brothers Big Sisters Committee used to plan separate match activities for just ACU volunteers,” Bearden said. “They will now assist BBBS staff in planning community-wide activities and will provide funding for ACU students to participate in these match activities.” Tim Yandell, regional executive director of BBBS, said people will notice changes in several areas.
photos by DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer
Above: Lily Assaad, sophomore psychology major from Cairo, Egypt, and Brittany Partridge, junior political science major from Annandale, Minn., use the iPad they received on the second day of class. Below: Matt Sanderson, sophomore accounting major from Lubbock, smiles as he types to connect to the network in class.
Students test future of digital textbooks Jeff Craig
Managing Editor
Students in Dr. Ian Shepherd’s microeconomics class knew their class would be different when they were handed iPads during the first week of classes. “I think it has been very good so far,” said Kwame Twumasi, junior political science major from Accra, Ghana. “I really like the connectivity it gives us in class. You have instant updates, which makes class interactive.” Twumasi is among the 50 students in Shepherd’s class testing the mobile device’s viability as a textbook – and serving as guinea pigs for a potentially groundbreaking idea.
ACU students, along with students at Seton Hill University and the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa, are among the first in the nation to use a digital iPad textbook as a substitute for traditional paper books. Shepherd said using the iPad in class was hard at first, but has become easier with each passing class. However, he said the attention the class has received from the media, specifically from cameras, is proving to be a distraction. Shepherd said the cameras change the dynamic of the classroom. “When 50 people try something new, and it works, it looks good on
see BBBS page 4
see IPAD page 4
STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION
Financial handbook explains budget procedures Linda Bailey Editor in Chief
Students’ Association officers worked throughout the summer to create the “Financial Handbook for Student Groups” to help student organizations understand the budget process for the semester. Chris Shim, senior finance major from Atlanta, Ga., said they looked at old handbooks and realized they
were overly complicated. The new handbook doesn’t contain any new information, but Shim said it is easier to read and understand. SA also conducted two meetings to explain the budget process to organizations and distribute the handbook. When Shim asked the students attending the first meeting who had been through the budgeting process before,
he said only two people raised their hands. “Having this meeting and the financial handbook seemed to be a step in the right direction to inform and bring everyone to the same level,” Shim said. Josh Morrison, senior interdisciplinary major from Abilene, attended the second meeting to learn how to request funds for the ACU Model U.N. It was his first
time requesting funds, and he said the meeting was helpful. “I feel equipped,” Morrison said. Kyle Ferrell, senior agribusiness major from Weatherford, said he has requested funds in the past and was requesting funds this semester for the Block and Bridle Club as well as the Delta Tau Alpha National Agricultural Honor Society.
website
inside news The ACU Locavore Club is eating only locally-produced foods to support regional food economies and live healthy lifestyles page 2
sports The Wildcat Football team won its first game of the season on Saturday against Washburn. page 8
He also attended the meeting and said he has seen students struggle with the process in the past because they didn’t know how things worked. He said the meeting was helpful and the handbook was a good idea, but he said he thought the handbook could use a little more detail. Shim said the first step in order to request funds is to fill out a budget request form available in the SA of-
fice. Organizations should attach any other forms or documents to provide reasons for funding and turn everything in by Friday. Forms can be turned in directly to the SA office or emailed to Shim. After submitting the form, organizations should sign up for a time to meet with the executive treasurer to discuss the planned budget and talk see BUDGET page 4
weather video Senior linebacker Kevin Washington gives a behind the scenes look into ACU football.
Wed.
81° 71°
Thurs.
89° 73°
Fri.
90° 72°
2
Campus Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Day
calendar & events
08
Wednesday
8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Social Club women’s ranking in the Living Room of the McGlothlin Campus center
09
Thursday
5:30 p.m. VAHS interest meeting in Bible building room 250 6:30 p.m. Frater Sodalis rush
11:30 a.m. Gamma Sigma Phi rush
8 p.m. Sub T-16 rush
5 p.m. Galaxy rush
9:30 p.m. Pi Kappa rush
10
Friday
8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Social Club Men’s ranking in the the living room of the McGlothlin Campus center
11
Saturday
7 p.m. Football game at Notheastern State University
follow us on Twitter: @acuoptimist // become a fan on Facebook: The Optimist
volunteer opportunities Meals on Wheels needs volunteers to deliver noon meals to seniors and adults with disabilities. Routes are available 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Monday - Friday. Volunteers must be at least 18, with a valid drivers license, auto insurance and desire to serve. Training is provided. Students may be exempted from one Chapel per week if delivery time conflicts with Chapel. Contact Elizabeth Rodgers at erodgers@mealsonwheelsplus.com. Ortiz Elementary School Library would like volunteers to help with checking in and shelving books, and also help with some special
projects. This can be done Monday - Friday. Contact Nancy Hartline at 325671-4945 or e-mail nancy. hartline@abileneisd.org. Mesa Spring Healthcare Center needs volunteers 8am-5pm any day of the week to help with providing fun activities for the residents, from playing a musical instrument to calling bingo to sitting and talking with them. Any help is appreciated. Please contact Laura Reynolds at (325)6928080 or lgreynolds@searsmethodist.com Aimee’s Art Studio is seeking volunteers Tuesday from 9-10 a.m. or 1:30-
Chapel Checkup 13 81
Credited Chapels to date
2:30 p.m. to assist with home school fine arts classes. No formal art skills or training is required. They are a 5-minute walk from ACU’s campus. For more information, please contact Aimee Williams at (325)672-9633 or williamsbarryaimee@gmail.com. Day Nursery of Abilene needs volunteers to help with their annual Putt Fore Children Miniature Golf Tournament from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 2 at Prime Time Family Entertainment Center. Contact Sheila Cory at 325-673-1110 or e-mail scory@daynurseryabilene.org
Credited Chapels remaining
announcements 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.
6 p.m. -10 p.m. Jamfest Auditions in the living room of the McGlothlin Campus Center
9 p.m. Trojans rush
The United Way of Abilene needs volunteers on Wednesday, Sept. 8 for the Day of Sharing and Campaign Kickoff. A volunteer photographer is needed to take pictures of various projects during the day. They need a professional quality digital camera, and a computer capable of transferring images from the camera to thumb drive or cd. Other volunteers are needed throughout the day to assist community partners in a variety of ways. Students may sign up as individuals or teams. Contact lauren@unitedwayabilene.org, or office@ unitedwayabilene.org
READ THE OPTIMIST ON YOUR iPad . iPhone . iPod
Friday Sept. 10, is the last day to withdraw from class with a 60% refund. Students’ Association Congress applications are available for pick-up 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. New Collegiate Cards are now available in the Students’ Association office, located downstairs in the McGlothlin Campus Center. Study Abroad Fair will be held from 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Sept. 13 and Sept. 15 in the McGlothlin Campus Center. Sing Song Host and Hostess informational meeting will take place at 11:45 a.m. on Sept. 25 in Cullen Auditorium. Omega Dance Co. will hold a workshop at 6 p.m. on Sept. 9 in University Church of Christ and 6 p.m. Sept. 10 in the Williams Preforming Arts Center lobby prior to auditions at 10 a.m. on Sept. 11 at University Church of Christ. Social Club Men’s Coffee will be held at 2 p.m. Sept. 2 in various places around campus.
STUDENT LIFE
New student group promotes local food Kelsi Williamson Arts Editor
The word “locavore” may sound like a fossil description, but because of this new word, a new club will meet regularly on campus starting this week. “Locavore” is used to describe people who eat mostly locally produced foods in an effort to support regional food economies and live healthy lifestyles. According to their mission statement, the ACU Locavore Club wants “to promote the health, environmental, social and spiritual benefits of locally grown food, and to participate in sustainable, small-scale agricultural systems.” Matthew Hale, senior communication major from Uvalde, and Evelyn Henshaw, senior communication major from San Diego, Calif., are two of the students organizing and leading the new club. Both Hale and Henshaw became interested in local eating last spring after taking a health communication class taught by assistant professor of communication and Locavore Club sponsor, Dr. Jonathan Camp. During the past semester, the class focused specifically on communication around the slow food movement, said Camp. Now Hale and Henshaw want to educate other students on the in-
formation they learned about the food industries and the benefits of eating locally. Since the spring, Hale has started a small sustainable garden and tries to eat at least three completely locally-produced meals a week. “How I go about buying food and preparing food is completely different,” said Hale. Along with the information presented in Camp’s class, Hale and Henshaw participated in a few Weston A. Price Foundation meetings. “The foundation is dedicated to restoring nutrient-dense foods to the human diet through education, research and activism,” according to westonaprice.org. The Abilene chapter meets once a month and teaches concrete ways to practice local eating, such as making homemade sauerkraut. “I think that caught Matthew and I’s interest a lot,” said Henshaw. “Especially as college students, we want things fast. But you can actually get natural, local ingredients, and cook them slow and in a better way.” The ACU Locavore Club hopes to present practical ways to learn about local eating within club meetings as well as ways students can support the local food economy on their own. Hale said teaching methods will provide the infor-
mation that is necessary for someone to choose to begin and maintain the locavore lifestyle “It’s like the more knowledge you have, the easier it is to make that choice between, ‘do I want to eat that snickers bar or a nice zucchini salad,’” he said. Another club goal is to eventually support a community garden on campus. Hale and other club leaders are meeting this week with administration to discuss this possibility. We have to work some of those details out,” said Camp. “What we know is that we want it to be a multi-purpose space.” Underlying all of the club’s goals is the belief that food is more than just food. “It’s mainly about food, but then the rest follows,” Henshaw said Hale believes that eating healthy from the local economy not only improves one’s health but strengthens community relationships between consumer and producer while fulfilling God’s call of stewardship. “It ties into what God says about being good stewards,” Hale said. “When you’re taking care of your temple, that glorifies God.” The club’s first meeting is at seven p.m. on Thursday in the Sherrod Building, room 216. contact Williamson at
kkw07a@acu.edu
September 8, 2010
CAMPUS NEWS
Page 3
FROM THE FRONT
Page 4
September 8, 2010
TECHNOLOGY
IPad: Class adjusts to device, attention well as textbooks. But he said the iPad is a more effective medium for student learning. television,” Shepherd said. “If He also said microeconomics things don’t go well, that cre- prove the iPad’s worth. “The story of microecoates a lot of pressure. When something goes wrong, it nomics is about two key looks like it was my fault, or I words: efficiency and productivity,” Shepherd said. was unprepared.” Shepherd said his classes “The iPad allows them to fohave always involved the use cus on the intellectual conof laptops, so technology has tent of the book.” He said developing course played a part in his lectures as Continued from page 1
interfaces compatible with the iPad, not just computers, has been the biggest struggle. “The hardest challenge has been developing the new platform,” Shepherd said. “ Transferring things I have and making sure they would work on the new platform was hard, especially early on.” Shepherd said the iPad will revolutionize the educational system, with students
STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION
Budget: SA clarifies policies Continued from page 1
about what items are most important. “I hope that student groups see the benefit of meeting,” Shim said. “Our office is here to help them out. We’re all on the same team.” The last step is to wait for the Executive Treasurer’s recommendation and SA Congress’ Budget approval during the meeting on Sept. 15. At this meeting, organizations will find out the amount of money they will receive. Shim said the total amount of money requested by student groups is always much bigger than what can be granted.
He said SA looks at several aspects of an organization when deciding how to distribute money. He said they look at the sustainability of the group, how long a group has been around, the size of the group and how much student body involvement the organization has. Shim also said they can only give funding to groups who have been approved through Mauri Westbrook’s office (Student Activities in McKinzie Hall). If an organization doesn’t receive all of the funds they requested, they have the option to request funds in front of the Appro-
priations Committee during their weekly meetings. To request funds in front of the Appropriations Committee, the organization must fill out a request form and set up a time with either the CFO or treasurer. After the Appropriations Committee discusses the request privately, the organization is informed of the results of their request. All budget information can be found in the Financial Handbook for Student Groups. Copies are located in the SA office. contact Bailey at
ljb07a@acu.edu
COMMUNITY
BBBS: Focus stays on kids I think it will help them to be able to reach out to more students.” The newly-named ACU for “Wildcat Kids played a crucial role at ACU for years and Big Brothers Big Sisters aims years, but I also think that the to change the attitude and main change will, in essence, group dynamic of its large focus in more on really what group of participants. “The committee will also it’s about,” Yandell said. “Because Big Brothers Big Sisters strive to establish a ‘commuhas one of the most recog- nity feel’ amongst ACU Bigs. nizable names in the nation. Their goal is help all of the Continued from page 1
ACU Bigs feel connected,” Bearden said. “The ‘Littles’ might notice a difference in the activities ACU for BBBS puts on. There will be a lot more college students, and those kids really like being around college students,” Yandell said. contact Neal at
bmn07a@acu.edu
eventually having all of their textbooks on one piece of equipment. He said the iPad serves as a valuable tool even outside of the classroom, creating continuous learners. “Our class is lucky. They were given the text and the device,” Shepherd said. “The ability to have one device that you can carry around campus with all of your textbooks on it is coming.”
is clearly not perfected.” Assaad said the main problems she has encountered involve text size and the highlighting function, but she said the iPad is still helping her in class. “I love it,” Assaad said. “I think it’s helping out in class a lot.”
Lily Assaad, sophomore business management major from Cairo, Egypt, said the iPad textbook has made the learning process more enjoyable, but the digital textbook still has some flaws. “It’s a lot easier to read on the iPad compared to old textbooks, which are pretty boring,” Assaad said. “It works well, but it
contact Craig at
jrc07d@acu.edu
CHAPEL
All-freshmen Chapel mirrors Cornerstone Matthew Woodrow Opinions Page Editor
On Sept. 14 Campus Conversations will be starting up around campus for Tuesday Chapel. This year the freshmen will be offered a special conversation in Moody Coliseum in junction with their new core curriculum. “This Campus Conversation was made to accommodate the new Cornerstone class,” Casey McCollum, director of Leadership Camps, said. “We strongly recommend that all freshmen participate in it as well as their Monday, Wednesday, Friday class. McCollum is spearheading the conversation alongside Director of Student Ministries Jen Rogers. There are seven conversations scheduled in the freshman series. They will run Sept. 14 and 28,
Oct. 5, 19, and 26 and Nov. 2 and 9. Freshmen will be looking over Christian author Henri Nouwen’s article, “Moving from Solitude to Community to Ministry.” Each of the three topics discussed in the article will be broken down and discussed individually as will their relationships to each other. This type of freshmenonly Chapel is one of the first of it’s kind being offered at ACU, and the leaders of Chapel and Cornerstone have high expectations for it. “Hopefully this Chapel will continue from year to year, and we’ll probably continue to use Nouwen as the curriculum.” McCollum said. Freshmen are not required to attend the conversation, but instructors strongly hope they do, as it directly pertains to the material discussed in their class.
This Campus Conversation is open only to freshmen. Except for peer leaders in the Cornerstone classes, sophomores and upperclassman will have to attend another Chapel program on Tuesdays. A list of alternative Campus Conversations is available in the Chapel Office, but is not presently online. “The webpage is not up right now, but by the end of the week students will be able to log on to myACU, click on the spiritual tab and then follow the Campus Conversations link,” said Emily Hood, a student worker in the Chapel Office. “That will take you to the page on the ACU website.” Freshmen will be told more about the Campus Conversation in their Cornerstone classes. Upperclassmen should check their email for updates. contact Woodrow at
mrw08a@acu.edu
CHAPEL
Hailey honored with Pope Fellows endowment fund lic service and to recognize the professor whose service Arts Editor directed the program for The Mel Hailey Endow- twenty years. The Jack Pope Fellows ment Fund was established this year to benefit an ACU Program was established program promoting pub- in 1989 by former Texas Kelsi Williamson
Supreme Court Justice Jack Pope (’34) in order to offer scholarships to ACU students pursuing public service careers. Approximately 20 juniors and seniors participate in the program and must work to complete an interdisciplinary 24-hour minor in public service during their last two years of undergraduate study. Political science department chair Dr. Mel Hailey directed the Jack Pope Fellows program for 20 years from its inception. “The content of the program itself in terms of curriculum was shaped by Dr. Hailey,” said Dr. David Dillman, current Jack Pope Fellows Program director and professor of political science. Dillman also said Hailey played a large role in planning various activities for the Pope Fellows throughout the years. Hailey helped to bring
several outside speakers to the university specifically for the Pope Fellows Program and organized several service projects for program participants. “Judge Pope all along has wanted to do something for Dr. Hailey,” Dillman said. Judge Pope honored Hailey with the 50,000 dollar endowment fund this past summer at a dinner in Austin. “It was quite a surprise when Judge Pope established the fund,” Hailey said. “I was overwhelmed by his generosity.” Dillman hopes to use the fund mainly for the Program enhancement by either bringing in more outside speakers or funding Program presentations at outside conferences. STACY ACTON // Staff Photographer contact Williamson at
kkw07a@acu.edu
Dr. Mel Hailey, political science department chair, lectures in class Monday.
STUDENT LIFE
Drama group to conduct auditions Jeff Craig
Managing Editor
Seekers of the Word, ACU’s on-campus drama ministry, will hold open tryouts Wednesday. The auditions will be held in Room 130 of the OnsteadPacker Biblical Studies Building, starting at 8:30 p.m. Seekers director Jacob Luedecke, senior psychology major from San Antonio, said the auditions are open to all students. No prior registration is required. “They just need to show up. They don’t need to have anything prepared,” Luedecke said. “They should just come as they are and
be as open and honest with us as they can through the whole process.” He said details of the audition are kept secret, so no one has an unfair advantage, but he did say the auditions will regard some acting skill. “The thing we encourage them to do is come and be prepared for anything,” Luedecke said. “We don’t want one person to come in with a distinct advantage. We are a drama ministry, so they will have to do some form of acting.” Our group is devoted to promoting the teachings of Jesus in performance, Luedecke said. They usually perform two shows a month,
one in the Abilene area and one show out of town. “Seekers is a traveling drama ministry that hopes to bring the message of God and Jesus through the medium of skits. We are a relationally based group that is more of a family, because we do so many things together,” Luedecke said. Seekers had 16 members last year, with 11 returning for this year. Luedecke said the have not decided how many new members to add. Those selected will travel with the ministry and will be required to pay dues of $20 per semester. David Conley, senior youth and family ministry
major from Spring said he has made several lasting friendships through the club. “The community and the family that I have in Seekers is incredible,” Conley said. “I’m closest to them, and they’re my best friends. I sure do love them, and they love me.” Conley said new members should be aware of the commitment that comes with participating in the ministry as well as as the benefits.
contact Craig at
jrc07d@acu.edu
Focus
September 8, 2010
Page 5
ASHLEY STEENKAMP // Contributing Photographer
ACU graduate Stephen Powell poses with a young girl from South Africa.
ANDREW CONWAY // Contributing Photographer
Jason Boone, recent ACU graduate, spent time volunteering for an organization known as Sports for Christ Action South Africa. He interacted with many children throughout his stay in South Africa.
For the Love of the Game ACU graduates travel to South Africa during World Cup for ministry work Holton Mattis
Contributing Writer
Two pairs of American shoes shuffle through the dusty Cape Town streets. Jason Boone and Stephen Powell, armed with plastic bugle-like horns and eagerness, prepare the people for something that has never been seen by the African continent - a World Cup soccer match. During their time in South Africa, recent ACU graduates Boone and Powell, served on a ministry team for Sports of Christ Action South Africa. They worked in a slum called Kayamandi, near the Stellenbosch mountains. “Kids Games” was the name of the program. Serving over 700 children, the program served as a day camp or VBS. Volunteers taught memory verses, had drama presentations and played a good amount of soccer. Most importantly, Boone and Powell said they tried to teach the story of Christ. “Kids Games is basically a VBS, and our job was to play games with the kids and show Jesus to them in that way,” said Boone. The camp took place on all weekdays but Wednesdays. At the mid-week mark, volunteers had “Companion Day,” in which they served the surrounding communities. Volunteers also wanted the South African people to experience the World Cup in any way possible. While they were in South Africa, they were able to attend three games, including the Round of 16 match – Spain vs. Portugal. Though they attending several games, the opening game, Mexico vs. South Africa, was their definite favorite. They were not in the stadium for the match, however. During South Africa games, the crew set up a projector, allowing people that had no way to watch experience the games. “Being inside the tent with all of the South Africans and their horns was louder and more chaotic than any game we went to in person,” said Boone. “It was a cool way to let them experience it.” Powell saw the World Cup as a unifying cause, creating community between South Africans.
“The whole scale of the World Cup, the countries involved, all the cultural aspects are what makes the World Cup what it is – that it truly is the whole world’s game,” Powell said. “Every four years, this tournament makes the world stop and pay attention.” Even though soccer played a large part in the unification of a people, Powell believes they had a greater purpose. “Our bigger purpose was to love and spread the love of Jesus amongst different countries and languages,” Powell said. With this experience under their belt, it seems Boone and Powell are ready and willing to continue spreading the love of God throughout the world. contact the Optimist at
optimist@acu.edu
Photos by CULLEN DEES // Contributing Photographer
Above: Powell and Boone played with children during Kids Games, a vacation bible school type of program. Left: Community soccer field in the Stellenbosch mountains of South Africa. Scrimmages between the ministry crew and local teams took place here.
Opinion
Page 6
EDITORIAL
September 8, 2010
IPad fills niche in technological world Across campus, more and more classes are trying out the iPad as a learning tool and textbook alternative. While only a small portion of the student body currently has the new Apple product, we suppose this will soon change. Students struggling to pay for tuition are unlikely to be keen on shelling out an extra $499 for the cheapest iPad. But compared to the price of textbooks, the cost doesn’t seem too exuberant. Some students have to pay upwards of $1000 for their books.
Publishers are releasing newer versions of textbooks every two or three years and charging the full price of a new book for only a few modified pages and a new chapter. While this brings in more money for the publishing company, the main concern should be for the student. Cheap updates of additional materials can be offered for a fraction of the price and also save on new formatting and printing costs. Instead of purchasing new books each semester, the iPad is a one-time
purchase (until a newer version comes out). More than just a textbook, the iPad is also a great note-taking tool. More similar to an iPhone than a laptop computer, the iPad isn’t ideal, but its keyboard is faster than pen and paper. Plus, with it’s touch screen, more models and graphics can be used instead a mouse. One of the biggest failings in completely replacing textbooks with the iPad is the lack of textbook variety. Currently, there are more
hard-copy textbooks than electronic ones, but we believe as more and more students purchase iPads, and more and more professors assign electronic textbooks, its market will increase. As the world continues to go paperless, the electronic textbooks, readers and interactive devices will be utilized more and more. Abilene Christian University prides itself on its mobile-learning initiative and is constantly striving to be at the forefront of technological learning.
By Morgan Davis
The Funny Funnies
the issue
The iPad’s presence on campus effects the learning environment of the university
our take
Electronic reader will one day replace the textbook and further a paperless world. The iPad is presently the best and most diverse electronic textbook device available. The iPad was released less than a year ago, and already there are two classes using iPads fulltime and others on rotation. This occurs on the campus of ACU alone. So it may not be this
year, or in five years, but textbooks are becoming outdated. In the workplace, employees need to function quickly and efficiently in a technological world, and the iPad is a medium that is here to stay. contact the Optimist at
jmcnetwork@acu.edu
COLUMN
Job well done is job never done Middle Class Hero By Alan Cherry
COLUMN
Laziness hampers quality of life Altidude Sickness By Juliana Kocsis
I knew something was wrong this summer when my mother informed me that I had a dentist appointment the next day at 11 a.m., and I called to change it because I didn’t want to wake up Kocsis that early. It was only when every ounce of my effort could scarcely get me into the car for my 3 p.m. appointment that I realized the severity of my condition. I’m almost embarrassed to admit it, but I was being lazy. I had given up on employment (and activities in general) after my bestlaid plans of finding a summer job, with over 25 meticulously-completed applications replete with glowing references, never
even received a call back. Trying to settle back into starts. Yet in doing so, I So besides mowing a a schedule and get my neglect the present and few lawns, watching the work done has proved take the moment entirely for granted. neighbors’ kids, and tak- rather frustrating. ing two online classes, I spent long I tell myself that I need to rest, that I’ll afternoons in my hamaccomplish something tomorrow, or mock; I next month, or when school starts. Yet hiked an arin doing so, I neglect the present and ray of mountain trails, take the moment entirely for granted. finished several books and three Instead, I have to conThat, I’ve decided, is seasons of The Office, and enjoyed quality time with the strange paradox of va- stantly remind myself of cations, the price we pay the pressing responsibilfriends and family. For most of the 97 days for relaxation. We need ity to use whatever time of summer vacation, my our rest, and we should I’m given very wisely — life was that of a stereotyp- spend time doing what be it at a desk or in my ically-lazy college student. we enjoy, investing in hammock. Because laziness, as And I thoroughly enjoyed the people we care about on the rare occasions we I found, produces inevery minute of it. difference, indifference But even now, in the have the opportunity. However, this kind produces lost ambition, first few days of September, I’m still recover- of thinking can become lost ambition produces ing from this summer’s problematic. When I have unproductivity — and strand of unproductiv- a free day, I tell myself unproductivity certainly itis that made it difficult that I need to rest, that does disappoint us. to drag myself out of I’ll accomplish somethe house for all but the thing tomorrow, or next contact Kocsis at most pressing reasons. month, or when school jck07a@acu.edu
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
Optimist the
Published by the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication
newsroom (325) 674-2439
sports desk (325) 674-2684
from the starting point to the state to which I had brought it was virtually night and day. I patted myself on the back for a job well done. My boss took one look at it and told me I had made a really solid start, then asked when I would be done, because they had other work I could be doing. I was crestfallen. It wasn’t that my hard work didn’t matter, its just that sometimes ‘just good enough’ isn’t good enough. So I went over it a second time, then a third and fourth, until
I had a job once, working in heating and air conditioning. They hired me mostly to clean the floor. I ’ m not talking about hardwood floors, or bathroom tile or someCherry thing else simple and domestic. The floor I had to clean was the floor of a boiler room. There was dirt so thick ,that when you walked on it, you left I was crestfallen. footprints – It wasn’t that my like you were walking on hard work didn’t the moon. matter, its just that You know, sometimes ‘just supposing the moon was good enough’ isn’t brown and good enough. disgusting instead of the nice, clean, silver color it is. I just it squeaked when I ran had to assume there was the squeegee over it. I concrete under the lay- still wouldn’t have eaten something like a salad ers of grime. I started with a mop off it, but supposing I dropped a sandwich, I and a bucket. A few minutes later wouldn’t hesitate to apI had a very dirty mop, ply the five-second rule. The floor was clean. several gallons of brown My job done, I startwater and a muddy floor. Then I started hunt- ed replacing air filters, ing around for a shovel, which had gotten filthy pickax or any sort of while I was working on bulldozing equipment I the floor. Of course, by the time all the filters could find. Eventually I settled had been replaced, the on a hose, which worked floor was dirty again. But that’s life. Evthe best. I could only do little bits at a time be- erything is entropic. requires cause the drains clogged Everything so frequently, but after a maintenance. Keeping few weeks, the concrete everything clean requires dedication, the was finally visible. Sure, it wasn’t some- right tools and lots of thing I would volun- patience. teer to eat off, but it no longer resembled a dirt contact Cherry at arc07a@acu.edu floor. The difference
editorial & management board Linda Bailey
Matthew Woodrow Juliana Kocsis
Alan Cherry
Kenneth Pybus
Editor in Chief
Opinions Page Editor
Copy Editor
Page 2 Editor
Faculty Adviser
Jeff Craig
Brandon Tripp
Hannah Barnes
Morgan Davis
Cade White
Managing Editor Sports Media Director
Features Editor
Cartoonist
Faculty Adviser
Jozie Sands Kelsi Williamson
Carter DeJarnatt
Cara Lee Cranford
Online Editor
Copy Editor
Advertising
Arts Editor
photo department (325) 674-2499
advertising office (325) 674-2463
multimedia desk (325) 674-2463
subscriptions ($40/year) (325) 674-2296
FROM SPORTS
September 8, 2010
Page 7
FOOTBALL
Opener: Passing game paves way for success Continued from page 8
Gale came up nearly everyday during the off-season to lift weights and to get some throwing time in with his receivers. “I definitely worked hard this summer just to make sure that I was going to be effective and efficient leading our offense. I think that is something that I
struggled with last season a lot,” said Gale. Simoneau made up for his fumble on the next Washburn drive, leading the Ichabods on a drive that took just over one minute, capping it with a 6-yard touchdown pass to Joe Hastings. Simoneau’s pass on the two-point conversion was incomplete, sending the game to halftime with the Wildcats up
17-12. Simoneau would finish the game with 319 passing yards, two touchdowns and one interception. ACU’s opening drive of the second half was led by Gale, who was eight for eight on the drive, finishing it off with a four-yard dump pass to Emery Dudensing, who took it in for the score. “Overall i think I did well, but after watching the film it
TENNIS
quarter, Washburn put together a drive that took them down to the ACU 16-yard line, where kicker Steve Ivanisevic had his field-goal attempt partially blocked by the Wildcats’ defense. On the next ACU drive, Gale threw a 41-yard bomb to a wide-open Gates. The score proved to be the nail in the coffin, as the Wild-
could have been a lot more sound technically. But we could have put them away a lot sooner,” said quarterback Mitchell Gale. After answering with a touchdown of their own, Washburn closed the gap to just six points and at the end of three quarters it was ACU 27 and Washburn 19. After trading punts at the beginning of the fourth
cats held on for a 34-26 victory. “It’s an exciting win for us,” Thomsen said. “We just feel fortunate to come up and be able to get a win. It means a lot for our team to start the season like that.”
contact Tripp at
bjt07a@acu.edu
SOCCER
Wal-Mart: Sophomores Goals: Offense improves make early statement Continued from page 8
Continued from page 8
sets with help from her teammate, junior Cassie Carver, 6-2, 6-4. “It was great getting a lot of matches to start the year, especially getting to play both doubles and singles,” Mongin said after the tournament. Many other players had very successful tournaments as well, including
junior communications major and Dallas native, Nick Plum. Plum was able to make it to the final in his doubles flight. After the final, Plum said he has high expectations for the future. “We obviously want a national championship,” Plum said. “We expect to win regionals and hope to do at least as well as we did last year in the national tournament [quarter finals].”
The season has now officially begun, and many others like Plum have high expectations for the team, including Coach Jones. “There are good things ahead,” Jones said, “good things for both the men’s and women’s Wildcat teams.”
contact Johnston at
jdj09a@acu.edu
‘‘ ’’
lot of one-on-one shots.” Freshman Andrea Carpenter had another big game, scoring her second goal of the season in the 17th minute to put ACU up early. The Wildcats were able to add another goal in the second half when Julie Coppedge scored an unassisted goal in the 63rd minute. “I think it all came together for us this weekend,” Coopedge said. “We knew how much talent we had, but it was fun getting
VOLLEYBALL
We knew how much talent we had, but it was fun getting to see it come together this weekend. JULIE COPPEDGE// sophomore soccer player
to see it come together this weekend.” ACU originally had a game against Hardin Simmons University scheduled for Tuesday, but because of rain the game was cancelled and will be made up at a later date. The Wildcats and Cow-
girls are looking for a time early next week when the game can be made up. The Wildcats will travel down to San Antonio on Friday to take on St. Mary’s University at 4 p.m. contact Cantrell at
jrc07f@acu.edu
Split: Resilience shows in big second day win Continued from page 8
posted her first doubledouble with 35 assists and 11 digs. Freshmen Neely Borger and Madelyn Robinett stepped up in their first collegiate tournament, each posting two blocks and two kills. “Neely is such a phenom-
enal athlete,” Mock said. “She has consistently improved and did not play like a freshman this weekend.” In the second day of action, the Wildcats again got off to a rough start, getting shut out by Regis College 3-0. It was the first time ACU had been shut out since Sept. 17 of last
year when they lost 3-0 to West Texas A&M. ACU showed their fortitude in the second game of the evening as they fought back for an exciting 3-2 win against Mesa St. College. Moronu had a stellar game with 12 blocks and 48 assists. Shawna Hines also came up big for the
’Cats, adding eight blocks and 19 kills. “That win should light a fire under us,” said Robinett. “The seniors keep preaching that we should win conference, so this is just the first step.” Even though the Wildcats are now 2-2, Mock is choosing to see this weekend as a
learning experience. “It was frustrating to come out with two losses,” Mock said. “Even though we have a lot of familiar faces on the court, there is a lot of newness and freshness to this team, which I really like to see.” The Wildcats are in action again next weekend
down in Austin for the Hilltopper Invitational hosted by St. Edwards. They will play four games, two on Saturday and two on Sunday.
contact Gwin at
agg07a@acu.edu
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
1-0 1-0 1-0 0-1 1-0 0-1 0-1 1-1 0-1
VOLLEYBALL Team
Div.
ACU 0-0 WTAMU 0-0 Tarleton St. 0-0 TAMU-K 0-0 MSU 0-0 Angelo St. 0-0
Ovrl. 2-2 3-1 4-0 1-3 1-3 2-2
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
2-0-0 1-0-1 2-0-0 2-0-0 1-1-0 2-0-0 0-1-0 1-0-1
Briefs n The
ACU women’s soccer game against Hardin Simmons was rained out Tuesday. The game will be resceduled as early as next week.
n Quaterback Mitchell Gale was named the Lonestar Conference offensive player of the week for the south division. Gale went 24-30 passing for 247 yards with three touchdowns. n ACU
cross counry runner Amos Sang won the Baylor Bear Twilight Invitational while Cleophas Tanui finished in third. the Wildcat men finished second overall to Baylor. On the women’s side, Anais Belledant finished 20th and Chloe Susset was 24th. The women finished 5th overall.
Player Profile Freshman Darrell Cantu – Harkless will enter this season as the Wildcats return man on special teams. Cantu– Harkless had 163 tital return yards in Saturday’s Cantu-Harkless 34-26 win against Washburn. Cantu-Harkless had returns of 93 and 42 yards. His 93 yard return is the longest nonscoring return in ACU history. Cantu-Harkless resides in Austin where he went to Crockett High School.
TENNIS
Sports
Tennis shows strength in tournament Jeff Johnston Sports Reporter
The men’s and women’s tennis teams began their seasons Sept. 3 and 4 with the annual ACU Wal-Mart Open Tennis Tournament. The tournament started in 1985 and has become a great tradition as the first tournament of the year for many local universities. Each Wildcat player had four singles and three dou-
bles matches to play over the weekend. This didn’t wear down the Wildcats however, as eight Wildcats made it to the finals in their singles flights (brackets), and five pairs made it to the finals in their doubles flights. Coach Hutton Jones said, “It’s definitely a physical test but a great way to get a lot of match play quickly.” Sophomore Hans Hach won both his singles and
doubles flights, which was very encouraging for coach Jones, as Hach’s debut has been anxiously awaited. He defeated his Wildcat teammate and fellow sophomore, Alfredo Desiati, in his singles flight final in three sets, 2-6, 7-6, 10-7. With the help of junior Jake Hendrie, a new teammate from St. Louis University, Hach was able to win his doubles flight final in two sets, 6-3, 7-6.
Football started this week. Follow ACU Intramurals on Facebook for scheduling and other news. Games will be played on Larry “Satch” Sanders Intramural field.
Julia Mongin, a sophomore business management major from France, made the same statement on the women’s side, winning her singles and doubles flights as well. She beat her senior teammate, Jaclyn Walker, in a tough singles flight final match in three sets, 6-3, 1-6, 10-7. Mongin then won her doubles flight final in just two see WAL-MART page 7
Wildcats ride Gale to victory Brandon Tripp Sports Director
For the third consecutive season, the ACU Wildcats won their season opener against a top-10 opponent. The No. 6 Wildcats battled for a 3426 victory in Topeka, Kans., against the No. 8 Washburn Ichabods on Saturday. Sophomore quarterback Mitchell Gale completed 24 of 30 passes for 247 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Wildcats to victory. Wildcats’ running back Daryl Richardson rushed for 74 yards and one touchdown in his first game as the featured back. Edmund Gates also came up big for ACU with 138 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Washburn struck first with a Vershon Moore touchdown from the oneyard line. Moore would finish the game with 66 of the Ichabod’s 126 rushing yards. The Ichabods missed the extra-point attempt after the ball hit holder Austin Hills’ helmet. The Wildcats answered quickly as Darrell CantuHarkless returned the ensuing kick-off 93 yards to the Washburn six-yard line. Four plays later, kicker Morgan Lineberry kicked a 21yard field goal, after miss-
DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer
Mitchell Gale scrambles during the Wildcats 34-26 victory at Washburn. Gale’s scrambling ability plus the offensive line’s blocking limited the Ichabods to only two sacks of Gale throughout the game. Gale threw for 247 yards and three touchdowns. ing his first attempt earlier in the game. “Darrell has great speed and open field ability and he really showed that tonight,” said head coach Chris Thomsen. The Wildcats did not score again until late in the second quarter when
Richardson scampered into the end zone with a 27-yard rushing touchdown. Lineberry added the extra point to put ACU up 10-6 with five minutes left in the half. On the ensuing drive for Washburn, Dane Simoneau led the Ichabods down the
field to the ACU 43 yard-line before fumbling on a strip sack by Kevin Washington. Mike Jones recovered for the Wildcats, and on the very next play Gale found Gates for a 51-yard touchdown down the sideline. Gale threw three touchdown passes, tying a career high.
“We really thought that over the summer he matured, and we were really hopeful tonight that he would put together that kind of performance,” said Thomsen. “We are super proud of him.” see OPENER page 7
SOCCER
VOLLEYBALL
Defense stifles in two shutouts Ryan Cantrell
Assistant Sports Editor
DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer
Shawna Hines goes up for a spike in practice Tuesday. ACU is 2-2 after last weekends tournament.
ACU splits first series “We figured out who we are this weekend,” Mock Assistant Sports Editor said. “It was important to After a trip to Colorado finish with a win, and Mesa over the weekend, the St., I think, was the best team Wildcat volleyball team we played all weekend.” The tournament didn’t has discovered its identity. The Wildcats went 2-2 start out in the Wildcats’ over the weekend, but their favor. A gut-wrenching last game, a 3-2 comeback 3-2 loss to Fort Lewis Colwin over Mesa St., gave lege put the Wildcats in the head coach Kellen Mock a loss column early. All five reason to look forward to games were decided by five points or less with Jenthe rest of the season.
Austin Gwin
n Flag
Hach was a very competitive junior tennis player in high school, as he beat multiple players ranked in the top 100. He came to ACU last year but was unable to begin competing for the Wildcats until this season. “It was his first tournament, and he won it,” said Jones. “Hans made a statement right off the bat. He is special.”
FOOTBALL
n Redshirt
Intramurals
September 8, 2010
nie Hutt and Jordan Schilling each posting doubledoubles their first game of the season. “Jennie is one of our most consistent players,” Mock said. “She brings it every game, and she really helped us this weekend.” In the nightcap, ACU pounded Slippery Rock (Pa.) 3-0. Ijeoma Moronu see SPLIT page 7
The Wildcats opened the season with a pair of wins in Colorado last weekend. ACU shut out both of its opponents, starting the season off 2-0. “We felt that it was a good start to the season,” Coach Casey Wilson said. “We learned a lot about our team, and we saw what we need to work on going into a pair of games this week.” Last Thursday the Wildcats defeated the Mountain Lions of the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs 3-0. ACU came out strong, scoring all three goals in the first half. Junior transfer Ashley Holton led the Wildcats by scoring two goals, while freshman Andrea Carpenter also added her first goal as a Wildcat. “We scored three in the first half and really caught them off guard. We really had the opportunity to score six or seven in the
first,” Coach Wilson said. “Second half, our offensive attack was not as good, but it was our first game; and we were dealing with the altitude up there.” The Wildcats played solid defense, only giving up five shots. Elliott London played most of the game in goal and earned a combined shutout with Arielle Moncure who played the final 18 minutes of the match. ACU continued to play well Saturday, defeating Colorado State Pueblo 2-0. Elliott London picked up her first individual shutout as the Wildcats picked up its second win. London had eight saves in a solid performance at the net. “We played well defensively. Elliott London really stepped it up and had a lot of great saves, especially in the Pueblo game,” Coach Wilson said. “She made some plays in the game and stopped a see GOALS page 7