The Optimist Print Edition: 09.15.10 by ACU Optimist

acuoptimist.com

Optimist the

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Vol. 99, No. 8

CAMPUS

Wildcats win in Tahlequah, page 8

1 section, 8 pages

ENROLLMENT

One for One

Minority retention analyzed in report Christinanna Lewis Contributing Writer

DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer

Blake Mycoskie, founder and “chief shoe giver,” of TOMS shoes, speaks in chapel on Monday. Mycoskie is the No. 1 sought after speaker for college campuses and in his speech Monday challenged students to incorporate giving into their lives. TOMS shoes were originally named “Tomorrow” shoes based on the premise that you buy a pair today and give a pair tomorrow, said Mycoskie. When tomorrow wouldn’t fit on the tag, Mycoskie modified the name and TOMS was born. The simple, canvas shoes come in a variety of colors and patterns. Mycoskie said his favorite pair are red with white stripes. To order your own pair of TOMS, visit www.toms.com. Turn to Page 5 for details on Mycoskie’s visit and the campus-wide TOMS Style Your Sole party.

CAMPUS

Group raises funds to alleviate malaria Jozie Sands Online Editor

A sophomore nursing major has joined forces with a Missouri-based nonprofit organization to rid an African village of malaria. Laci Butler of Sunnyvale was particularly motivated by a Chapel speech last spring by Brad Gautney, president and medical director of Kansas City-based Global Health Innovations. In the speech, Gautney described how his group

was working in various parts of the world to alleviate disease. Butler e-mailed Gautney after Chapel offering any help possible – and Gautney was quick to accept. “I really have a heart for international missions,” Butler said. “I was trying to figure out a way I could help since I can’t pick up and travel across the globe while I’m in school. This is a way, as a college student, for me to make a difference.”

Students at ACU, Lipscomb University and Pepperdine University are involved in Global Health’s “Nothing But Nets” campaign, whose goal is to abolish malaria in the African nation of Malawi by distributing thousands of mosquito nets. Global Health plans to raise $8,000 from ACU students by RACHEL UTLEY // CONTRIBUTING Photographer Oct. 1 to purchase 1000 To raise awareness for the Nothing But Nets cause, stunets for residents of dents gather in Moody after Chapel every Wednesday to Tonge Village in Malawi. see how many people will fit under one mosquito net.

While ACU’s freshman class is 21 percent ethnically diverse, the university may have trouble keeping minority students until they graduate, according to a report by the Education Trust. ACU had the seventh largest six-year graduation gap between black and white students of 163 private nonprofit colleges across the country, according to the study. The report, titled “Big Gaps, Small Gaps: Some Colleges and Univeristies Do Better Than Others in Graduating African-American Students,” found that ACU had an average graduation rate of 60.1 percent of white students, compared to 33.8 percent of black students – a 26.3 percent gap – from 2006-2008. This compares to the national six-year graduation rate average of 60 percent of white students to 40 percent of black students – a 20 percent gap. The average for private colleges and universities was 73.4 percent of white students to 54.2 percent of black students – an 18.7 percent gap. The study’s limitations While ACU does face the national problem of graduating ethnic minority students, the Education Trust’s study was subject to several flaws and limitations, said George Pendergrass, director of student multicultural enrichment. “I don’t think it’s reflective of what’s actually see GAP page 4

see NETS page 4

LOCAL

Abilene Memory Walk aims to increase awareness Meagan Hernandez Contributing Writer

At the end of the month, students, faculty and staff can participate in the Abilene Memory Walk and help raise awareness for the Alzheimer’s Association “Alzheimer’s disease is the epidemic of the 21st century,” said Libby Connally, regional direc-

tor of the North-Central Texas chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. While there is no cost to walk in the Memory Walk on Saturday, Sept. 25, the participants find sponsors to contribute donations to the cause. Students have the choice of walking as an individual or on a team. ACU’s Gerontology honor society, Sigma

Swantek stressed the importance of bridging the gap between younger and older-aged people. “Besides forming a team for the Memory walk, we will be planning other events, like Wii night at Christian Village Retirement Home,” Swantek said. Registration at the Abilene Zoo will begin

website

inside news The ACU Table Tennis Club, encourages students to join and plans to play students from other schools. page 4

Phi Omega, is forming a team to walk in the Memory Walk. Spaces on the team are open to anyone interested. “We want anyone in the ACU community to join our team to walk together for this cause, not just members,” said Mary Swantek, senior exercise science major and president of Sigma Phi Omega from Clarkston, Mich.

opinion The editorial board weighs in on the recent threats from a Florida Reverend to burn copies of the Koran. page 6

at 8:30 a.m. followed by a tribute ceremony. The walk will begin at 9:00 a.m. “There will also be information booths, refreshments, entertainment, such as the Sweetwater Community Band and the Texas Tornadoes Line Dancers,” Connally said. “The walk will be one time around the zoo,

although people can walk as long as they would like. Following the walk, there will be door prizes.” The Abilene Memory Walk is part of the nation’s largest event to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Association. “The Association is a non-profit agency that see EVENT page 4

weather video Watch videos of the news stories above and more on the Optimist’s weekly newscast.

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Campus Wednesday, September 15, 2010

about this page

Day

The Optimist maintains this calendar for the ACU community to keep track of local social, academic and service opportunities. Groups may send announcements directly to optimist@ jmcnetwork.com. To ensure an item will appear on time, the announcement should be sent at least 10 days in advance. The Optimist may edit items for space and style. Corrections and clarifications of published news articles will be printed in this space in a timely manner.

calendar & events

Wednesday

8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Women’s Social Club Ranking in the McGlothlin Campus Center

Friday

Thursday

4 p.m. All-University Meeting in Cullen Auditorium

8 p.m. Freshman Follies in Cullen Auditorium 11:30 a.m. The Constitution of the United States will be read out loud near the GATA fountain.

11 a.m. Study Abroad fair in the McGlothlin Campus Center

Chapel Checkup 19 76

Saturday

1 p.m. Freshman Follies in Cullen Auditorium

Credited Chapels remaining

Credited Chapels to date

3:15 p.m. Freshman Follies in Cullen Auditorium 6 p.m. Home football game vs. East Central University 8 p.m. Freshman Follies in Cullen Auditorium

READ THE OPTIMIST ON YOUR iPad . iPhone . iPod

volunteer opportunities The Optimist Club is looking for volunteers for their annual Big Country Balloon Fest hot air balloon event. Sept. 24 - Sept. 26 at Redbud Park off Buffalo Gap Road (behind Southern Hills Church of Christ). Volunteers are needed for 4-hour shifts to help with many fun activities. Contact Patsy Williams at 325-695-5654 or e-mail bcballoonfest@afo.net Disability Resources, Inc. needs volunteers from 10 a.m. until dusk Monday - Saturday and 1p.m. until dusk Sundays Sept. 29 - October 31 to

help with their annual Pumpkin Patch. Volunteers will help sell pumpkins, read at story time in the kid’s area, assist with children’s games and other fun things. Contact Jo Ann Wilson at 325677-6825, ext. 2003 or e-mail joannwilson66@ sbcglobal.com Jane Long Elementary School wants volunteers for their Fall Festival 3:30 p.m. -6:30 p.m. on Oct. 14 to help with decorating, air castles, cake walk, food booths, etc. Contact Nina Leija at 325-6714920, ext. 8937 or e-mail nina.leija@abileneisd.org.

Mesa Spring Healthcare Center needs volunteers from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. 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)692-8080 or lgreynolds@sears-methodist.com Ortiz Elementary School Library would like volunteers Monday - Friday to help check in and shelve books, and help with some special projects.

Contact Nancy Hartline at 325-671-4945 Aimee’s Art Studio is seeking volunteers Tuesday from 9-10 a.m. or 1:30-2:30 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 Oct. 2 at Prime Time Family Entertainment Center. Contact Sheila Cory at 325-6731110 or e-mail scory@ daynurseryabilene.org 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 a 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. HERO, Hendrick Equine Rehabilitation Opportunities, is looking for volunteers to assist kids with various physical challenges as they ride horses for therapy. Volunteers walk alongside the horses to provide safety for the client. No experience with horses is necessary, and you must attend one of two training sessions. Contact Beth Byerly at 325-660-3465 or e-mail herocoord@netzero.com.

announcements Sing Song host and hostess informational meeting will take place at 11:45 a.m. on Sept. 25 in Cullen Auditorium.

Featured Authors & Musicians

Mike Cox, Paulette Jiles, Scott Zesch, David Davis and Jan Peck, Steve Huddleston, Wanda Middleton, B.P. Gallaway, Karen Witemeyer, Bobby D. Weaver, Jane Roberts Wood, Carlton Stowers, Mike Cockran, Al Pickett, The Geezer Brothers, Pendergrass & Co., Tony Barker Band, Slim Chance & the Survivors, Catclaw Creek, Dan Mitchell, Greg Young, Sonny West, Cornerstone, Reggie Wrinkly, Barbara Perkins, St. Paul Chancel Ringers & Revolution

Calendar of Events

•Monday-Friday – Pickin’ in Minter Park – noon Free, featuring local musicians.

•Tuesday – Local Authors Reception – 6 p.m. Main Library Auditorium, 202 Cedar honoring Abilene authors published in the last 12 months. •Wednesday-Friday – Brown Bag series – noon Featuring local and regional authors. Bring your lunch, or sandwich plate is $5. Drinks are on us!

•Saturday – Abilene Civic Center

• Hall of Texas Authors, 9 a.m – 4 p.m. Authors, musicians, publishers and booksellers mixing, mingling, selling, signing and entertaining.

Author Programs on Easty Texas Gardens; Texas Oil Patch; Books for Kids; Three Texas Sports Legands; Three Texas Women Novelists & Three Texas Songwriters • Boots & Books Luncheon, 11:45 a.m. Presentation of the A.C. Green Award to Mike Cox. Music by Revolution and Sonny West. Remarks by Paulette Jiles, Scott Zesch and Mike Cox. BBQ by Harolds’ Barbeque. $30/person. Reservations – 691-1868 • Gospel Music Concert – 3 p.m. featuring Catclaw Creek and Cornerstone • Gospel Hymnfest – 4 p.m. featuring St. Paul Chancel Ringers •

For more information, visit the festival website at http://www.abilenetx.com/apl or call 325-676-6025

Meningitis shots are now available in the ACU clinic located in McKinzie Hall. Call (325) 674-2151 for more information. Study Abroad Fair will take place 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sept. 15 in the McGlothlin Campus Center. LSTU will have an interest meeting from 5 p.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 21 in the McGlothlin Campus Center.

Table Tennis Club is looking for new members who will enjoy casual and ranked matches. For more information, contact Benjamin Hayes at bph08a@acu.edu. Kerry Walters and Denise Parr-Scanlin will be giving a concert at 8 p.m. Sept. 16 in the Recitlal Hall of the Williams Preforming Arts Center as part of the 2010-2011 Guest Artist Series.

FCA meets at 9 p.m. every Thursday in the living room of the McGlothlin Campus Center.

All-University Meeting at 4 p.m. Sept 16 in Cullen Auditorium. Dr. Schubert will provide an update the Strategic Plan for the university followed by a question and answer session.

Summit, ACU’s fall lectureship conference, will be Sept. 19-22. Students may recieve up to 10 chapel credits for attending speaking events.

Freshman Follies: ACU Rocks! will take place at 8 p.m. Sept. 17 and 1 p.m., 3:15 p.m., and 8 p.m. Sept. 18 in Cullen Auditorium.

New Collegiate Cards are now avaliable in the Students’ Association office located downstairs in the McGlothlin Campus Center. The Young Republicans and College Democrats will have a reading of the Constitution of the United States of America from 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Sept. 17 by the GATA Fountain. Titanic, the fall homecomming musical, will show at 8 p.m. on Oct. 8-9 and 2 p.m. Oct. 10 in the Abilene Civic Center. For ticketing information call 325-647-2787 or visit acu.edu/theatre. ACUltimate, the university’s ultimate frisbee club is meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Interested students can contact Kyle Thaxton at krt06d@acu.edu.

CAMPUS NEWS

September 15, 2010

Page 3

FACULTY

Faculty and staff encouraged to give

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Donations can be designated for a university departSenior Reporter ment, student scholarships or Jim Trietsch, senior strategic the exceptional fund, which planner, has given to ACU allows the university to use from every paycheck he has the gift in any area, Boone received over the last 25 years. said. Donors can choose to He said he does not con- give a onetime gift or have tribute to the university so it their monthly donation aucan build buildings, but so tomatically transferred from that students can continue paychecks. The fundraiser aims for their preparation to change each department to reach the world. “In my mind, there’s no 100 percent staff and faculty other reason to give to the involvement in giving, Boone said. Suggested donations start university,” Trietsch said. The university will be as low as $1 per paycheck. “It’s about participation, encouraging all 800 faculty and staff to give back in its not about amount,” Boone annual fundraising cam- said. “We wouldn’t want anypaign, Sept. 14-Oct. 4, said one to give if it’s a burden.” The Department of AdPhil Boone, vice president vancement is working to for advancement. Christianna Lewis

case for,” Hahn said. “I hope Maria’s story will be We wouldn’t want anyone a way to do that.” to give if it’s a burden. ACU alumnus Maria (RoPHIL BOONE // vice president for advancement jas) Fernandez is the campaign’s featured student, Hahn said. A first-generation reach 100 percent participa- ment. Another factor was college student, Fernandez tion before the campaign be- the two-year pay freeze that earned series of scholarships – many funded by donations gins, and the Board of Trust- ended this June. Rendi Hahn, coordinator – that helped get her through ees has already achieved total participation in giving, of advancement campaigns, her Bachelor’s in business said she thought poor com- administration in 2007 and Boone said. Administration chose this munication and a lack of her master’s in higher edufocus to address the declining focus on students were the cation in 2009, according to participation over the past de- biggest causes for the drop www.acu.edu/maria. Hahn said Fernandez is cade. Last year staff and fac- in giving. She said donors ulty dipped to a low of 42 per- should be aware that their now preparing to attend law cent from a high of 81 percent gifts are not simply going to school because of the support of donors. Fernandez an institution. in the 2001-2002 school year. “It starts by making demonstrates how donaThe downturn of the economy was part of the sure the students are the tions from staff and faculty reason for such low involve- ones we’re making the directly benefit students. Ev-

CAMPUS

ACU to host guest musicians Contributing Reporter

CHRISTINA BURCH // Contributing Photographer

Dr. Charles H. Marler, editor of the AnswerBook, works in his office. He has edited all 16 editions.

2010-11 AnswerBook available for purchase Contributing Reporter

This week marks the release of the ACU 2010-2011 AnswerBook, a journalistic reference tool not only for Optimist reporters and editors but the entire ACU community. Unique to the ACU campus, the AnswerBook was originally compiled for journalism students needing a guide to grammar and university facts. Over the years, however, the book has evolved to include history and trivia for both ACU and the city of Abilene. The 16th edition’s new features include the best restaurants of 2010 as well as the eight U.S. presidents who have visited Abilene. The man behind the book is Dr. Charlie Marler, senior faculty of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication. “It’s the single best source for Optimist staff on names, titles, facts and updates,” said Marler. “JMC students really appreciate it, but it’s also a

contact Lewis at

cll09a@acu.edu

ARTS

Alia Barnes

Christina Burch

ery dollar donated is a dollar students do not have to pay in tuition. “The 21st century vision is a very ambitious plan, and will require a lot of resources,” Hahn said. “We have to do a better job, or there’s going to be a gap.” But students’ benefits from staff and faculty donations are not only monetary, Hahn said. “It tells our students that giving is important, and we don’t work here for the paychecks,” Hahn said. “We choose to work here because we believe in what we do.”

great source of campus-wide myths and stories just waiting to be uncovered.” As AnswerBook editor, Marler clocked in about 10 weeks of research and revisions with his select team of proofreaders. The noted ACU faculty and friends to work on the AnswerBook includes Dr. Cheryl Bacon, journalism and mass communication department chair. “It’s a particularly great year to buy one because of new changes with Dr. Schubert’s administration,” said Bacon. Newly appointed faculty, student groups and award lists make up this year’s changes. Other new entries include the first 10 alumni to earn doctoral degrees as well as the ACU pioneer missionaries from 1924-60. Marler also accumulated a full collection of Wildcat statistics. Students can find ACU’s best basketball seasons on Page 39 or catch the Olympic medalists at Gray Stadium on Page 233. An entry of no-hitters pitched by Wildcat

baseball players also made its debut this year. Marler continues to craft the AnswerBook to be useful to students as well as a potential gift for any alumnus. New ACU community members can also make good use of the book. “New to Abilene and ACU, I found it informative, interesting and really quite fun,” said Barbara-Bush Lamming, journalism and mass communication department administrative coordinator. “It’s really great to get background on what’s happening here.” To learn more about KACU’s top bloopers or the 60-hour softball game that landed Gamma Sigma Phi a Guinness World Record, pick up the 20102011 AnswerBook today. Contact Barbara BushLamming in the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication at bsb10a@acu.edu to order a copy of the $15 book.

Two guest musicians are performing in the Williams Performing Arts Center on Thursday for “Ladies Night Out” with hopes to inspire ACU’s female performers. “Ladies Night Out” is one of five recitals in the music department’s Guest Artist Series. Thursday’s showcase features guest vocal soloist Kerry Walters, associate professor of music from Bradley University, and Dr. Denise ParrScanlin, assistant professor of music from West Texas A&M University, at the piano. The duo will perform a selection of pieces that represents female composers Clara Schumann and Cecile Chaminade. Each year the Department of Music sponsors a five-concert Guest Artist

Series that brings in soloists and ensembles from around the country. Recent guest artists include well-known saxophonist Jeff Coffin of Dave Matthews Band and Boston Brass. Respected musical artists from varied backgrounds are regularly invited to interact with students in classes and as guest conductors and lecturers. Arielle Collier, junior vocal performance major from Mesquite, will be working backstage with Kerry Walters and Denise Parr-Scanlin during the performance on Thursday as part of her job as stage manager. “It will give me experience working with others in the professional field,” Collier said, “It’s nice from a female vocalist’s perspective to be able to see women playing the music of female composers.” In previous years, students were given the op-

portunity to sing or play for a guest artist in a master class in exchange for a critique to apply to their craft. Walters and ParrScanlin will not be offering a master class. Cheryl Lemmons, piano accompanist in the department of music is responsible for bringing the women to campus. “They are both wonderful musicians,” Lemmons said. “There are many great American female composers the pair could’ve chosen from, but they chose a German composer and a French composer. They selected music that speaks to them.” “Ladies Night Out” is a free event and is taking place on Thursday in the Williams Performing Arts Center Recital Hall at 8 p.m. contact Barnes at

optimist@jmcnetwork.com

Renaissance Men

DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer contact Burch at

optimist@jmcnetwork.com

Austin Fontaine, junior criminal justice major from Houston, and Chris Fields, junior English major from Flower Mound, practice sword play for the Association for Renaissance Martial Arts.

STUDENT LIFE

Young Republicans promote College Dems work elections student political involvement Perkins is also the precinct chair of the DemoContributing Reporter cratic Party around ACU and works closely with the Taylor ACU College Democrats County Democrats. He said President Jared Perkins is ACU student-voter turnout, looking forward to an excit- especially at state and local ing year for the organization. level elections, is habituThe ACU College Democrats ally low. The club will work to have already planned sever- raise awareness and increase al events on and off campus, involvement. But the goal of the College including opportunities to network with both the Tex- Democrats reaches beyond as College Democrats and simply increasing Demothe West Texas Coalition of cratic party involvement to Democrats. They will also increasing student participaprovide volunteers for the tion in the community overTexas governor elections all; no matter a student’s poand partner with ACU’s litical allegiance. Promoting a specific Young Republicans. “The goal of the orga- party candidate is not alnization is to get students lowed on the ACU campus, to vote and increase politi- but members of the College cal awareness at all levels: Democrats will have the local, state, and national,” opportunity to volunteer Perkins, a junior political for candidate Bill White’s campaign for the office of science major, said. Laura Gasvoda

Marissa Ferguson

Contributing Reporter

ACU’s Young Republicans club kicked off the year with their first meeting Sept. 2. The group welcomed new members as they spoke about their mission, promoting student interest in government and politics. President Aaron Escobedo said the club is already planning a Constitution Day on campus Sept. 17. “We’re planning on hanging the Bill of Rights in the Campus Center,” Escobedo said, adding that there will also be a reading of the U.S. Constitution at the GATA Fountain. As of now, the club is looking at service project oppor-

tunities on campus but won’t finalize any decisions until they receive their budget. “One of the best ways students can get involved is coming to our meetings and reaching out to people,” Escobedo said. “The republicans aren’t just rich folks that go to country clubs, but there are a lot of current students that care about what is going on.” Stewart McGregor, freshman Christian ministry and political science major from Arlington, said he looks forward to sharing his conservative message on campus, especially with an election year upon voters. “I think Young Republicans will strengthen my beliefs by being in community with other conservatives

and sharing current events,” McGregor said. “I’m looking forward to bringing a conservative message to this campus. Hopefully, we’ll be able to show students how fiscally irresponsible the Democratcontrolled House and Senate is, and that with a conservative House and Senate we’ll be able to change D.C.” To get involved, students are encouraged to visit the club’s Facebook page, ACU Young Republicans, or by contacting Dr. Neal Coates in the political science office. Meetings are scheduled every Thursday night at 6 p.m. in the Administration Building. contact Ferguson at

optimist@jmcnetwork.com

Texas governor in the greater Abilene community. Activity volunteers may participate in include posting signs at voting precinct locations the night before elections and participating in local voter registration drives, said vice president Rebecca Dial. A new activity for the group this year will be partnering with Annie’s List, an organization working to increase female representation in government and help female candidates for both parties raise money for their campaigns. For more information and opportunities to get involved, join the “ACU College Democrats” Facebook group and watch for advertisements on myACU. contact Gasvoda at

optimist@jmcnetwork.com

FROM THE FRONT

Page 4

September 15, 2010

ENROLLMENT

Gap: ACU struggles to retain minorities Continued from page 1

going on,” Pendergrass said. ACU was one of only 163 private colleges and universities across the nation that met the minimum requirements for ethnic minority student enrollment to be considered in the study, Pendergrass said. However, the study did not consider the percentage of ethnic minority students enrolled – for which ACU is recognized every year for meeting and exceeding national standards – in colleges’ ranking once they met the requirement, said Hayley Webb, director of student retention and services.

The study did not reflect the changes ACU has made to improve the retention and graduation rates of all students over the past 10 years, Webb said. It examined the graduation rates of students who enrolled at ACU in 2000-2002. Over the past decade, ACU created an Office of Retention, an Office of Multicultural Enrichment, a multicultural leadership program called LYNAY, and made efforts to specifically recruit ethnic minority faculty in response to the graduation discrepancy, Webb said. He also said some schools on the list of 25 private universities with the largest black-white

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graduation rate gaps did not have much greater raWe cannot just look at cial graduation disparities the numbers and say, than other universities in Well, we’re not where we the study. One university should be. made the list with a gap GEORGE PENDERGRASS // director of student multicultural enrichment only 0.1 percent larger than the national average. “The difference of being hood, Scott saw ACU’s re- but she guesses the real on the list or off the list is tention gap played out in issue was the lack of multicultural faculty and menlikely a matter of only one her club’s membership. “More than half of the tors for minority students. student,” Webb said. “You can find the money girls of VAHS left between the fall and spring of last to come back to ACU, but ACU’s problem still real year,” Scott said. “They do you really feel connected to the school?” Scott said. Despite the study’s short- were just gone.” Seeking out ethnically diWhile ACU is strong in comings, ACU’s difficulty in keeping black students its number of multicultural verse faculty was one of the is a very real problem, clubs, the groups cannot highest priorities of the Ethsaid Alvina Scott, senior solve the problems mi- nic and Cultural Enrichment social work major from nority students face, Scott Committee, Pendergrass said. “The biggest one that I Arlington. As last year’s said. Finances were part of president of the Virtuous the reason some black stu- believe that we are going to African Heritage Sister- dents left ACU, Scott said, make a difference in over

time is bringing in more faculty and staff of color, but that’s really a tough nut to crack,” Pendergrass said. ACU’s isolated, small town setting makes recruiting new faculty difficult, Pendergrass said. While ACU will need time to overcome the hurdles to close the graduation and retention gap for minority students, Pendergrass believes the university will continue its ongoing progress toward multiculturalism. “We cannot just look at the numbers and say, ‘Well, we’re not where we should be,’” he said. “We’re not, but we’re miles from where we were.” contact Lewis at

cll09a@acu.edu

CAMPUS

Nets: Sophomore joins fight against malaria

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Continued from page 1

people could fit under it at one time. Initially, Gautney and By mid-November, Gautney plans to distribute the others were working in Malawi to design an HIV nets to the village. Butler and others are program for mothers and raising funds through a children. He soon discovwebsite, www.crowdrise. ered more people in the com/abilenechristian, and village die from malaria are raising awareness in than HIV and AIDS. “They are just so horother creative ways. After Chapel on Wednesday, ribly impacted by malaria, the group unfurled a large so we’ve been working tomosquito net in Moody gether to try to prevent Coliseum to see how many that by providing every-

LOCAL

laria. A mosquito net, especially one treated with The cool thing about insect repellent, provides a mosquito net is that people with the necesthe protection becomes sary amount of protection exponential. EMILY HOOD // seinor education while they are sleeping. major from Spearman “The cool thing about a mosquito net is that the body there with a mosqui- causes malaria. Dusk and protection becomes expoto net, and also ensuring early dawn are the pri- nential,” Gautney said. “If that they have adequate mary feeding times for you can kill the host and medication to treat ma- the mosquitoes, so sleep- prevent the person from ing without proper pro- getting infected, you can laria,” Gautney said. Female mosquitoes tection puts residents at really wipe out malaria in carry the parasite that risk of contracting ma- an entire region.”

Since people in the Tonge Village often sleep two or three in a bed, one mosquito net usually protects two adults or three children while they sleep. “The reason I wanted to take off with this is because it was so affordable,” Butler said. “Eight dollars is like a movie ticket or a meal.” contact Bailey at

ljb07a@acu.edu

CHAPEL

Event: ACU Gerontology Center Weekend missions co-hosts benefit at Abilene Zoo serve community Keyi Zhou

Continued from page 1

folks in 14counties north, east, and south of Taylor provides information and County.” The funds raised at this referral, 24-hour toll-free help line, education pro- event will be used to programs, support groups, vide these services to famand advocacy for Al- ilies in the 14 counties. There is also a need for zheimer families,” Connally said. “The Abilene volunteers on the day of regional office services the Memory Walk. Those

interested can call Connally at 672-2907. Visit www.alz.org/ northcentraltexas for more information, or stop by the Pruett Gerontology Center in the Hardin Administration Center to register. Participants can also register the day of

the Memory Walk. Members of the ACU community interested in joining the ACU Memory Walk team can contact Mary Swantek at mes06h@acu. edu. contact Bailey at

ljb07a@acu.edu

STUDENT LIFE

Table Tennis Club open to all players Meiqi Zhang

Contributing Reporter

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The student-organized Table Tennis Club is beginning its second year and welcomes students who enjoy meeting new friends and playing. The club is free to any student wishing to join. The club collects small entry fees for the tournaments. The club has a ladder system to classify levels of players, but students who simply enjoy playing can join the Table Tennis Club to further their skills and meet other players. The club meets from 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. most Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in the bowling alley in the lower level of the McGlothlin Campus Center. For people with schedule conflicts, the club has a contact list that allows people to get in touch with others and play whenever they are available. Since the club started last fall, the members have only competed with other ACU students, but they would like to play other schools in the future. Brady Campbell, junior psychology major from Abilene, started the club last year. Campbell said because there are a lot of other interesting activities on

Some people are very good, and some people are not very good, but the fact is everyone enjoys playing

BENJAMIN HAYES // junior business management major

campus, it took a lot of work to get the club organized. “Table tennis is one of my favorite games,” Campbell said. This year, Cambell said he did not have enough time to run the club, so he handed the presidency over to Benjamin Hayes, junior business major from Dallas. According to Hayes, the club started last Fall, and is sponsored by ACU. The club has a flyer posted on myACU, and they are looking for people who enjoy playing table tennis. Hayes says there are many benefits to joining the club. “There are a lot of people who can play table tennis. Some people are very good, and some people are not very good, but the fact is everyone enjoys playing. The club provides a contact sheet for people, and lets people know who else plays pingpong and who enjoys the same passion of it,” Hayes said. The ladder is the rank-

ing system the Table Tennis club uses. There are 36 people in the ladder, and overall club membership is about 50 people. “The ladder allows you to go where the spot is,” Hayes said. “That way, anybody in the club knows what level they are, whether they are very good or not, so they can play with the the same level people or challenge the higher level.” Hayes hopes that in the future there will be more

members in the club, and that they can hold more tournaments. “We did a league last spring. Maybe we will do it again,” Hayes said. “Like round-robin, everyone gets to play with everyone else over a series of a few months.” Kevin Gray, junior information technology major from Longview, is a member of the Table Tennis Club. He comes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday to play with his friends. “Benjamin started teaching me how to play at my freshman year,” Gray said. “Whenever they formed this club, I was just in it. It is good exercise.” contact Zhang at

optimist@jmcnetwork.com

Contributing Reporter

ACU Weekend Campaigns, an organization devoted to service in area communities, is planning its first trip of the semester. The group mainly travels to Texas communities. They will take five to six trips this semester, the first trip scheduled for Sept. 24 in Belton. Matthew Hale, senior communications major from Uvalde, has been involved in the group since his freshman year. “Weekend Campaigns offer students great opportunities to do local missions, by forming relationships with local churches in Texas and with ACU students on the mission trip, “ Hale said. David Reynolds, sophomore math major from Austin, is one of four group leaders going on the trip. “We will go on Friday night, make our plan, do things on Saturday and come back on Sunday,” Reynolds

said. “We are going to attend a ministry called Open Door Ministry. Students will be working with kids in lowincome apartments.” “Unlike Spring Break Campaigns, it’s close, usually to places which are only two hours away, “ said Melanie Bartholomew, junior interior design major from San Antonio. “Students do not need to raise money. It’s totally free. “ Weekend Campaigns hosts a Chapel every Thursday in the conference room of the Onstead-Packer Biblical Studies Building. Hale said going to the Chapel is a great way to be involved with Weekend Campaigns. “Chapel is a place where you get to know more about weekend campaigns, meet people, form relationships and be involved,” Hale said. Students looking to become involved can send an email to weekendcampaigns@ gmail.com. contact Bailey at

ljb07a@acu.edu

Focus

September 15, 2010

Page 5

Trendy Business Speaker Blake Mycoskie and TOMS shoes inspire students to do more for those in need.

Photos by HANNAH BARNES // Feature Editor

Students began lining up outside the Hunter Welcome Center to receive their pre-ordered shoes before beginning the design process. Some students designed their own shoes, while others paid art majors to design theirs for them. Over 700 pairs of TOMS were ordered for this event. Below: The Style your Sole party gave students a chance to show off their TOMS.

Kelsi Williamson Arts Editor

Blake Mycoskie knows how to create successful business. In the past four years, he has managed to launch a shoe company that now works with clients such as Nordstrom and with partners such as Ralph Lauren while simultaneously becoming the number one sought-after speaker on college campuses. But Mycoskie also knows how to give; by giving a pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair of shoes he sells. Mycoskie said in chapel on Monday his shoe company, TOMS, reached success. “Giving fills you up in a way that nothing else can. But giving doesn’t just feel good, it’s a better thing for business,” Mycoskie said. The unique business model developed by Mycoskie was enough to make ACU administration invite the TOMS founder to campus as well as plan the universitywide Style Your Soul party for the beginning of this week. “When you hear his story, you’re like ‘how is that not ACU?’” said Amanda Pittmore, marketing associate for the college of business administration. “That’s exactly what we are trying to do here.” In Chapel on Monday, Mycoskie told the story of his journey from owning and running an online driver’s education program to providing his one-millionth pair of shoes to a child in need this month. For many children around the world, owning shoes is more than a fashion statement. Without shoes on their feet, many children cannot attend school and, therefore,

cannot get an education. Spending some time in Argentina in 2006 put Mycoskie in direct contact with the problem and helped sparked his idea for TOMS. Mycoskie identified a dramatic change in his life in response to the simple Argentinian-style shoes now covering the feet of many Americans. But he also clearly stated this change was not brought on by what he had received but what he was able to give. “When I had the idea for TOMS it was just an idea. When I went on that first shoe drop, my life changed radically,” Mycoskie said. “If you build giving into your life, you will be blessed more than you could ever imagine.” Kris Evans, director of strategic marketing, related Mycoskie’s mission back to President Phil Schubert’s inauguration speech challenging students to “outlive their lives.” Evans said the Style your Soul event was an opportunity to hear a continuation of this idea. The party on Tuesday afternoon allowed participants to decorate their own pair of TOMS with a large assortment of paints, markers and other arts supplies. Just under 700 pairs were sold to ACU and Abilene community members prior to the party. But TOMS shoes was not the only charity-driven organization in attendance, with six non-profits showcasing both their purposes as well as items for sale in their own individual tents. Hill Country Hill Triber, a nonprofit providing supplemental income and marketable skills for refugees in Austin, sold colorful and intricate handwoven bags made by refugee women in the Austin area. Only a small portion of the proceeds from a Hill Triber purchase are

used to buy supplies, while the rest of the profit goes directly to the women weavers. Jessica Goudeau, educational development director, said college students understand the need and benefits of integrating giving into business. “This generation is really excited about social justice,” said Goudeau. “Giving out charity doesn’t help people feel self confidence.” Though helping out others may begin as a trend – in this case, a pair of cloth shoes – Ben Fulfer, senior sociology major from Memphis, said student’s motivations can quickly change to support the real purpose for giving. “The trendiness will allow people to get involved who never would be involved,” said Fulfer. “There are some people who came [to Style your Soul] because it’s popular, but then they get roped in.” Or perhaps trends are only the result of a product’s true purpose. “This generation is unique in the fact that they’re not just interested in what’s popular but in things that make a difference,” Evans said. “People are interested in TOMS, not because of fashion but because of underlying reasons.” However, students find themselves involved with and passionate about a cause. Mycoskie said it was important to start small. “At first, I just wanted to sell 250 shoes,” Mycoskie said. Good business mixed with giving, and he has now sold 1,000,000 pairs. contact Williamson at

kkw07a@acu.edu

Opinion

Page 6

EDITORIAL

September 15, 2010

Pastor ignites controversy on Sept. 11 This past Saturday marked the ninth anniversary of the Sept. 11 hijacking attacks – and the end of a week-long ordeal surrounding a Florida pastor’s proposed ‘Burn-aKoran Day.’ Rev. Terry Jones had been planning the event since July 30. As the day of the Koranburning approached, Jones, the leader of a 30-member congregation in Gainesville, Fla., attracted greater publicity and more desperate pleas from citizens and government officials – including Gen. David Petraeus and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton – to cancel the burning. Many feared that moving forward with the event would endanger U.S. soldiers in the

Middle East, fuel anti-American sentiments and encourage recruitment in terrorist cells. Jones initially rejected the pleas, but finally cancelled the event under pressure from local, national and international communities. According to CNN, when asked about the purpose of the event, Jones called it “neither an act of love nor of hate” but rather a warning against what he perceives to be Islamic threats. The Associated Press reported Jones citing a “belief that the Koran is evil because it espouses something other than biblical truth and incites radical, violent behavior among Muslims.” While Jones was legally entitled to conduct

the event under his FirstAmendment rights to free speech, the event would likely have accomplished little, leaving a few books singed and a few million people outraged. More than that, it simply would have disrespected the millions of Muslims who practice Islam peacefully, many of whom live in the U.S. Jones’ plans targeted an Islam that is violent, radical and evil – an Islam practiced by only a small percentage of its followers. Ironically, Jones’ actions misrepresented Christianity in much the same way, misconstruing it as a religion of intolerance, retaliation and contempt. This, too, is a Christianity few would endorse.

But perhaps the main problem with responding to pressing issues and religious debates in Jones-esque fashion is that it simply does not accomplish anything worthwhile. It may attract publicity and get people talking, Jones certainly did, but it will ultimately polarize the issue and anger opposing sides. Whether Islam or Christianity is or isn’t the answer is not the issue in this case; that’s an important topic for extended discussion and theological debate. Whether books considered holy are burned or not also isn’t the issue – that’s just disrespectful and unnecessary on either side. As they reflect a populace that is wrestling with By Morgan Davis

The Funny Funnies

the issue

Florida preacher planned a ‘Burn-a-Koran Day’ on the anniversary of Sept. 11.

our take

Christianity as a whole is not represented by one group’s actions of intolerance and contempt.

the tensions between Islam and Christianity, last week’s events should raise more pertinent questions about the nature of inter-faith interactions, international relations and religious identities. With the anniversary of Sept. 11, and especially with the shifting, unsettled dynamics in the Middle East and around the world, these are crucial topics to consider. They also raise very difficult, complex questions

about how to best engage other groups of people who differ from us, be it ideologically, religiously or otherwise. Now is a crucial time to seek creative, constructive responses that will encourage dialogue, at the very least, if not peace and reconciliation as well. And as we learned last week, burning holy books just isn’t a good place to start. contact the Optimist at

jmcnetwork@acu.edu

COLUMN

Friend request left unanswered Little Linda

playing America’s favorite pastime. If we became friends on Facebook, perhaps we could engage in witty banter about ACU baseball games, food in the Bean or new merchandise in The Campus Store. I would love to comment on your family vacation pictures, funny status’ and all of the Youtube videos you post. I might even consider investing my time in starting a farm on Farmville so we could be neighbors, taking care of each others animals and crops. Whether you like it

By Linda Bailey

COLUMN

SAT fails to measure aptitude Self-Examination By Ryan Self

The SAT is useless. Chances are that if you are a student on this campus, you have taken the dreaded SAT. In fact, the initials themselves most likely conjure up memories Self of anxiety and dread that afflicted you during your final year of high school. The SAT strikes fear into the hearts of many because it has a profound impact on your plans for college. On closer examination, however, the importance of the SAT is completely unwarranted. In 2001, the University of California – one of the largest users of the SAT – proposed abandoning the SAT altogether. The uni-

versity conducted a study that gathered the transcripts of 78,000 college freshman over three years and looked at “predictive validity”, a measure of how well a student will do as a college freshmen based on his or her performance on a test. The results: the SAT is a pitiful indicator of success in college. According to Charles Murray, Harvard graduate and former proponent of the SAT, “the SAT’s independent role in predicting freshman grade point turned out to be so small that knowing the SAT score added next to nothing to an admissions officer’s ability to forecast how an applicant will do in college.” Why then is the SAT so highly esteemed? For decades it has long been believed that the SAT measures “innate ability,” which helps create a level playing field for students

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

who may not have attended quality high schools but were still academically gifted. That also appears to be a false belief. The UC study revealed that, “after controlling for parental income and education, the independent role of the SAT in predicting freshman grade point disappeared altogether,” according to “The American.” I remember the first time I took the SAT (I try to forget). I got a score within 10-20 points of a friend of mine. It was a decent score, but not anything that would get me a full ride. My friend took the test again a few months later after taking an SAT prep course, and boosted her score 150 points. Her “innate ability” must have increased significantly in those few months; either that or the only thing the SAT really tests is your ability to take tests.

Although college admission is usually based on many factors, not just SAT scores, the difference of a few hundred points could mean the difference in thousands of dollars in scholarships. The amount of financial aid received has a huge impact on one’s decision to attend a certain college. Your decision of which college to attend will significantly affect your life after college, and so on. So much is dependent upon those SAT scores. It hardly seems fair for so much to ride on a test that seems to measure nothing more than how well you can take the SAT. But I really don’t have time to complain. I’m too busy studying for another aptitude test – the dreaded GRE.

Optimist the

Published by the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication

newsroom (325) 674-2439

sports desk (325) 674-2684

Dear President Schubert, Please except my friendship on Facebook. It’s been about a month since I requested you, and quite frankly you have broken some serious Facebook rules of etiquette Bailey by waiting this long to confirm my request. I look longingly at my notification box at least six times a day hoping to see that magical red box appear notifying me, “Phil Schubert has accepted “Phil Schubert has your friend accepted your friend request.” request.” I know being the president of a premier university like ACU is or not, our culture has a full-time job, and I decided that Facebook understand your fam- friendship is the measure ily devotion, but as part of real relationships. How of the Mobile Learn- can you expect to contining Initiative, I think it ue our real-life friendship is only appropriate to if we can’t see what each use your mobile device other is doing every secto quickly confirm my ond of the day? At the risk of admitfriend request. Furthermore, I think ting I’ve done a bit of we would make excel- “Facebook stalking,” I lent Facebook friends. noticed you have 202 We both own TOMS, we friends – not an outraboth work at ACU and geous number. I also we are both dedicated noticed you’ve been acto being innovative, ex- cepting other requests ceptional and real. From on a somewhat regular what I understand from basis. I’m trying to keep reading “ACU Today” – my chin up, telling mynot your profile, because self that one day you we aren’t Facebook will confirm that we friends yet, and most of are, in fact, friends on it is blocked – you are Facebook and therefore quite the baseball fan. I, friends in real life. too, enjoy watching and

contact Self at

contact Bailey at

rsc06g@acu.edu

ljb07a@acu.edu

editorial & management board Linda Bailey

Matthew Woodrow Juliana Kocsis

Alan Cherry

Kenneth Pybus

Editor in Chief

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Page 2 Editor

Faculty Adviser

Jeff Craig

Brandon Tripp

Hannah Barnes

Morgan Davis

Cade White

Managing Editor Sports Media Director

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Jozie Sands Kelsi Williamson

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FROM SPORTS

September 15, 2010

Page 7

SOCCER

Zero: Stingy Wildcats keep scoreless streak Continued from page 8

was able to neutralize their offense.” In the second half, Roxy Marsh added a goal in the 67th minute, before Carpenter put the game away, scoring her second of the day in the 72nd minute. Carpenter’s goal would be the last one for the Wildcats as they won the match 5-0. Carpenter now leads the team with 4 of its 10 goals this season. “I think our offense has done really well so far this

season,” Carpenter said. “Ashley Holton has done a great job at distributing the ball from the middle, and we are meshing well as a unit. I think it is going to be a great year.” ACU defense and goalkeeping remained perfect as Elliott London stopped four shots in the first half, and Arielle Moncure stopped two more in the second. The combined effort earned the Wildcats a team shutout. It was the second combined shutout for the Wildcats this season.

The Wildcats will be back in action next Thursday, where they will once again be on the road. ACU will travel to Dallas to take on Dallas Baptist for another non-conference match. The Wildcats and the Patriots kick off at 6 p.m. at Patriots field. ACU will be play their home opener Saturday at 11 a.m. on the Wildcat Soccer Pitch for their first home game of the season. contact Cantrell at

jrc07f@acu.edu

HEATHER LEIPHART // File Photo

Alyse Ritchie goes for a ball during a game last season. Ritchie and the WIldcats are 3-0 after three straight shutout victories. The ’Cats will play at home on Saturday at 11 a.m.

FOOTBALL

Special: Blocked punts propel road victory Continued from page 8

‘‘ ’’

drive, the last one resulting in a 26-yard touchdown, closing the gap to 20-13. ACU committed their first turnover of the season later in the quarter, when Edmund Gates fumbled the ball at the Northeastern 30-yard line. With 3:48 left to play in the second quarter, the Wildcat defense forced another punt, and again blocked the attempt. Thor Woerner got his hands on the play, and Caleb Withrow returned it 25-yards for another ACU specialteams touchdown. The Riverhawks got the ball back, and drove down the field on the Wildcats. With two seconds left in

Coach said it best, it was just an overall team win. MiITCHELL GALE // redshirt sophomore quarterback

the half, Davis connected with Kendall McKellum with no time on the clock for the hail-mary touchdown. ACU led 26-13 heading into the half. Running back Daryl Richardson left the game towards the end of the second quarter and would not return. Richardson is believed to have injured his knee on a 12-yard run early in the second quarter. After trading punts to start the third quarter,

ACU special teams came up big, blocking another punt, their third of the game. It only took two plays for the Wildcats to score their first offensive touchdown of the game when Mitchell Gale completed a pass to Emery Dudensing for a threeyard touchdown. Gale finished the night completing 18-25 passes for 161 yards and one touchdown. “Coach said it best, it was just an overall team

win,” said quarterback Mitchell Gale. “Offensively we can still get better. I know I can get better with my post-snap decisions.” On ACU’s next possession, filling in for Daryl Richardson, Darrell Cantu-Harkless bounced a run outside and took it 83-yards to the house to put the game out of reach. ACU finished the night with 171 rushing yards and out-gained the Riverhawks on offense by over 100-yards, turning the tables from last week when they were out-gained by 100 yards. “Just a good overall team win, all three phases really contributed to the victory,” said Thomsen. “We are just happy to

CROSS COUNTRY

Run: Race poses no trouble for Wildcats Continued from page 8

coming to practice and we really are a close-knit group, which I think definitely helps us out,” Tanui said. “We love to have fun, and Coach Woods encourages it. We believe we have something special this year, and we’re going to ride that,” he added. When Coach Woods was first named the cross country coach at ACU two

weeks ago, he said that one of his goals was to bring a positive energy and contagious enthusiasm to the team, something he believes has been lacking in years past. According to many of the members on the team, he has done just that. “Coach Sang has really made it fun coming to practice, and that makes us strive to work harder in return. His attitude is

a large part of why we’ve been successful up to this point,“ Rybicki said. The Wildcats run again later this month at the Oklahoma State Cowboy Jamboree in Stillwater, Okla. The meet is scheduled for Saturday the 25th. Both the men’s and women’s teams will compete in the meet. contact Shake at

bxs09a@acu.edu

VOLLEYBALL

Tourney: ’Cats win four Continued from page 8

‘‘ ’’

wins against Northwest Missouri State and Dallas Baptist. In the game against NMSU, the Wildcats dominated the first and fourth set with over .400 hitting percentages that the Bearcats couldn’t match. After pulling out a 3-1 win in match one the ’Cats went back to work and quickly took care of Dallas Baptist 3-0. The last set saw the Wildcats trailing 20-19 but ACU took six of the last eight points to finish the shutout. Day two featured more of the same from the Wildcats. Two more wins at the hands of Missouri Southern State and host St. Edwards pushed ACU’s overall record to 6-2 on the season. “This weekend was a good foundation to start the season with,” Allen said. “It shows that we have ironed out a few flaws and have taken it to the next level.”

It’s cool cause everyone has bought into each other. KALYNNE ALLEN // sophomore volleyball player

Missouri Southern wasn’t a threat as the Wildcats dominated them on both the offensive and defensive sides of the net hitting .200 for the match while holding them to under .200 in all three sets. Host team St. Edwards only slightly delayed the Wildcats unbeaten weekend by winning the third game of the match, but a nine-point win in game four sealed the victory. “Our team performed at a very high level and we had several people, Kalynne, Shawna, Jordan, have big games,” said senior Jennie Hutt. “It’s great having a different kill leader every game because it shows how diverse our team is.” Although she didn’t earn all-tournament honors,

Shawna Hines was up to her usual standards posting a .429 hitting percentage her second day and hit .389 overall for the weekend to lead the Wildcats. Freshman Neely Borger joined the block party adding eight blocks in the final game of the tournament. “It’s cool cause everyone has bought into each other,” Allen said. “Girls just keep stepping in and stepping up. We have a really deep team with a great supporting cast.” The Wildcats will ride a five-game win streak into conference play Wednesday when they face Angelo State on the road. contact Gwin at

agg07a@acu.edu

come on the road against a really good team and get a win.” ACU will be back in action next weekend for their home opener against East Central, kickoff is at 6 p.m. at Shotwell Stadium.

The Wildcats have won five of eight all time from the Tigers, including the last two meetings. East Central is 0-2 on the year. contact Tripp at

bjt07a@acu.edu

Sports

Page 8

Standings FOOTBALL Team

Div.

Ovrl.

ACU Angelo St. MSU Tarleton TAMU-K WTAMU UIW ENMU E. Central

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

2-0 2-0 2-0 0-2 2-0 1-1 0-2 1-2 0-2

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. 6-2 4-4 8-0 1-6 4-4 3-5

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

3-0-0 2-1-1 3-1-0 2-1-0 2-2-0 4-0-0 1-3-0 3-0-1

Briefs nThe ACU volleyball team went 4-0 this weekend at the St. Edwards Invitational. Freshman Kalynne Allen won tournament MVP honors while senior Ijeoma Mornou made the all-tournament team. n The Wildcat golfers finished second at the Charles Coody West Texas Intercollegiate Golf Tournament. Central Oklahoma won the tournament by three strokes over ACU.

Player Profile n Senior

cross country runner Amos Sang is off to a fast start to the 2010-2011 season. An integral part of the Wildcats’ 19 straight LSC championships, Sang has won the individual crown at Sang the first two meets of this young season and has shown no signs of letting up. Sang, a senior from Eldoret, Kenya looks to improve upon a lengthy 2009 resume that includes all-American and all-Lone Star Conference honors.

CROSS COUNTRY

Sang victorious as ’Cats run wild Bryson Shake

Assistant Sports Editor

The ACU cross country team continued its sizzling start to the 2010-2011 season Friday night as the men’s team won the team title at the Central Missouri Mule Run in Warrensburg, Mo. The Wildcats, eager to build upon their secondplace finish last week at the Baylor Bear Invitational in Waco, continued their hot streak by way of moti-

vation and determination Saturday, said head coach Chris Woods. “Our guys were really excited to be in this position again, following our strong showing last week. Our goal for this week was to build on our success last week, and I believe we did just that in Missouri,” Woods said. Senior Amos Sang won the individual title with a time of 20:09.74 covering the 4-mile course. The Wildcats were in the driver’s seat throughout

the meet, scoring 28 points to win the team title, while runner-up Central Missouri scored 44 points. Sang’s teammate, Cleophas Tanui was runnerup at the meet, finishing the race in 20:35.88, while Romain Rybicki came in fourth with a time of 20:50.73. Additionally, Jake Schofield finished ninth and Will Pike came in 12th for the ‘Cats. One major obstacle for the team in Missouri was having to adjust to

Knox caught three passes for 52 yards in the Chicago Bears’ season opener. The Bears defeated the Detroit Lions 19-14. Danieal Manning returned three kicks for 70 yards for the Bears. He also recorded 4 tackles in the game.

from Amos to Will, Romain to Cleophas, and Jake to Gary Duncan. Our guys are great,” Woods said. Tanui, a senior on the squad, acknowledged that there is a new vibe of enthusiasm and optimism on the team this year that has been missing over his past three years. That vibe is what he believes has helped them up to this point. “Our team has really come together. We all enjoy see RUN page 7

Special teams highlight win Brandon Tripp

Sports Media Director

The Wildcats moved to 2-0 on the season with a 43-13 thumping of Northeastern State. Special teams carried ACU, scoring on a punt return for a touchdown and blocking two punts returned for touchdowns. ACU’s offense clicked from the start, taking just six plays to get inside the red zone. But the Wildcats stalled at the Northeastern 12-yard line and would settle for a 29-yard Morgan Lineberry field goal. Lineberry made three of five on the night and is now five for eight this season. Northeastern made just one play on offense before turning the ball over when Eric Edwards forced a Riverhawks fumble recovered by Marvin Jones. The Wildcats stalled again inside the red zone, forcing another Lineberry field goal, to make it 6-0 Abilene Christian. The Wildcats forced Northeastern to punt, and Kendrick Johnson, after dropping the punt, picked up the ball and ran 80-yards for the score, putting ACU up 13-0. The defense was stout again with Aston Whiteside recording his first sack of

DANIEL GOMEZ// Chief Photographer

Kendrick Johnson returns a punt 80 yards for the Wildcats first touchdown. The ’Cats scored three special teams touchdowns en route to a 43-13 victory over the Northeastern State Riverhawks. ACU is 2-0 on the season heading into their home opener. the season; he would end up with two on the night. After forcing another punt attempt Chris Jones busted through the Riverhawks defense and blocked the punt that was picked up by

Nate Bailey and returned for another special teams touchdown to push the lead to 20. “Chris Jones, Thor Woerner, Kendrick Johnson, with the big punt return.

VOLLEYBALL

Our guys are stepping up on special teams and they are taking a lot of pride in it,” said ACU Head Coach Chris Thomsen. After pinning the Wildcats deep in their own ter-

ritory, Northeastern forced a punt that put them in excellent field position. Quarterback Kenny Davis found Trey McVay on two separate occasions on the see SPECIAL page 7

SOCCER

Wildcats stay undefeated Ryan Cantrell

Assistant Sports Editor

n Bernard

n Johnny

the many hills present throughout the course. “The hills were a surprise to us in Missouri. We haven’t really done hilltraining in practice yet, so there was a little bit of a learning curve initially, “ Rybicki said. Woods said depth will be one of the keys to success for the team this season. “From top to bottom, our roster is as complete of one as I’ve ever been around. We have so many weapons and competitors

FOOTBALL

Ex-Factor Scott rushed for 35 yards on six attempts in the Cincinnati Bengals season opener against the New England Patriots. Scott also caught three passes for 15 yards in a 38–24 loss.

September 15, 2010

KELSI WILLIAMSON //File Photo

The Wildacts maintain momentum entering conference play with a five-game win streak.

ACU dominates tourney at the St. Edwards Invitational tournament. Allen finAssistant Sports Editor ished the tournament with 39 kills, 41 digs, 8 blocks and It is nice to have options, and a .304 hitting percentage on this year’s Wildcat volleyball her way grabbing all-Tournament MVP honors. team has that luxury. “It was a good tourney ACU went 4-0 last weekend in Austin behind the for us,” said Allen. “We really stellar play of Kalynne Allen clicked as a team.”

Austin Gwin

Ijeoma Moronu also made the all-Tournament team with 149 assists in 4 games and helped out the cause on defense with 51 digs. The Wildcats got their weekend off to the right start by posting a pair of see TOURNEY page 7

ACU improved on a good start to the season last Friday, defeating St. Mary’s University 5-0 in San Antonio. ACU improves to 3-0-0 for the season and has still not surrendered a goal. The Wildcats’ performance earned ACU its third victory and shutout of the season. ACU has now outscored its opponents 10-0 in three matches. The offensive outburst is impressive, considering they only scored 23 goals in 19 matches last season. ACU is well on its way to shattering that number this season. “We have been stressing passing this year. This has allowed us to create opportunities to score,” Coach Casey Wilson said.

“It comes down to the little things, such as passing. We can still improve, but we have done a pretty good job so far this season.” ACU controlled the match from the beginning, when Courtney Wilson started the game off, scoring in the seventh minute on a penalty kick. Andrea Carpenter added to the cause, scoring her first of two goals in the 35th minute. Jacey Ferrara scored her first goal of the season right before the half ended, giving the Wildcats a commanding lead at the half. “I felt like after we were able to get the momentum on the first goal, we took control of the game,” Wilson said. “I felt that we were faster than they were upfront, and our defense see ZERO page 7