Music for Zambia Local band uses rising fame to raise 50 grand for mission vol. 101, no. 13
friday, october 5, 2012
Arts Page 5
1 SECTION, 8 PAGES
homecoming
Seniors in the running for King
INSIDE NEWS Connections Cafe back up and running under student management Page 3
NEWS Survey finds nearly half of freshmen respondents were sexually active Page 4
taylor langston sports video director For years, the Homecoming Queen has been named stag, without the companionship of a knight so worthy of Homecoming recognition. Soon, that will change when many handsome hopefuls look to step out in elegance. Zach Morgan, senior biology major from Keller,
was inspired by the idea for a potential Homecoming King, and after meeting with the Students’ Association, the ‘King Of Campus Court’ was born. “It’s a cross between a traditional Homecoming King or Queen competition and a mock-pagenant,” Morgan said. After the potential candidates have applied and interviewed they will become one of five dukes – Duke of
Ambler, Duke of Campus Court, Duke of Judge Ely, Duke of College Drive and Duke of Teague. “This isn’t the traditional Homecoming King competition, so it doesn’t have all the stipulations that campaigning does for being a Homecoming Queen,” Morgan said. “We want them to be creative; the lighthearted aspect of the event will contribute to the creativity and ingenuity
of the campaign.” Each of the five dukes will emerge before the student body the week of Homecoming to pursue the prestigious title. Morgan, along with the help of Andrew Morrison, senior accounting major from Copper Canyon, and Aubree Selinger, junior family studies major from Grapevine, is looking for candidates who embody the life of an ACU student.
“We want them to be active,” Selinger said. “Someone involved on campus and generally an all around good student that is involved in the ACU community.” Candidates are welcome to nominate themselves on acustudents.com.
contact langston at ltl10a@acu.edu
NEWS Wellness Week events comes to an ’inspirational’ end Page 4
OPINION If the young voters vote, we can decide the election
page 6
SPORTS Assistant Sports Editor Natalie Goin explains the Rangers’ struggles Page 8
SPORTS Our sports staff predicts the football team to win on Saturday
deanna romero staff Photographer Jodi Gaines, junior marketing major from Dallas; Laine Foith, sophomore family studies major from Plano; and Morgan Watten, sophomore accounting major from Coppell, respect Kojie Park as a part of Ko Jo Kai pledging traditions.
Page 7
NEWS Midnight Worship giving night-owls more praise time
students’ association
Provost proposes iPad requirement josh garcia staff reporter
Page 4
ONLINE NEWS Mission Abilene volunteering time in apartment ministry acuoptimist.com
NEWS Learning Studio publishes first annual iBook acuoptimist.com
PHOTOS Go to our Flickr page for more photos from pledging
Dr. Robert Rhodes, provost, met with the Students’ Association on Wednesday to discuss the administration’s current proposal that would require either only incoming freshmen or all undergraduate students to own an iPad. For months, ACU faculty have discussed the possibility of transitioning from the “mobile learning initiative,” which attempted to integrate Apple iPhones, iPod Touches and iPads into campus life and education, to an exclusively iPad initiative. The mobile learning budget has enough money to allow this year’s freshmen and sophomores to receive new devices their junior years. Rhodes’ current proposal, based on input from faculty and students, would re-
quire all incoming freshmen to own iPads before coming to ACU. Whether the requirement would apply to all classes is still undecided. The university would not provide iPads for students, but there is the possibility they could be rented. The device would then be utilized extensively in general education classes. Rhodes and many SA congress members shared similar concerns about the iPad mandate. Many students said their teachers do not encourage the use of mobile devices or tablets in the classroom, or that the iPad was largely useless for their major. The iBookstore has a growing number of textbooks, but is still insufficient for the majority of students. “We’d be limiting ourselves to say this is a tool we’re not going to have anything to do with,” Rhodes said. “I don’t think we can
use it without limitation.” One prevalent issue in the discussion was the overall cost to students, who would be required to spend additional money for an iPad. Rhodes said that by ending the mobile learning initiative, tuition would not increase as much, but will likely still increase. SA President Rebecca Dial questioned the restriction to strictly an Apple tablet device. “The Microsoft Surface is coming out, and it’s got all the Microsoft products on there already,” said Dial, senior political science and finance major from Lexington, S.C. “That’s way better for me as a business student. My concern is that we’re pushing iPads and not looking at possibly even better alternatives.” Rhodes said there is nothing restricting a move to multiple platforms. “We are so far down the
Apple road that it’s less expensive and easier just to go that next step,” said Rhodes. “I think ultimately, though, we need a wider platform when students come in.” Most of the two-hourlong meeting, however, was spent discussing conference fund requests, which began this week. Four student organizations requested support from SA for trips this semester. After lengthy and heated debate, the Society of Physics Students was awarded $870 for the Sigma Pi Sigma Quadrennial Congress; the ACU Locavore Club was awarded $75 for the 2012 Biodynamic Conference; the Student Academy of Nutrition and Dietics was awarded $600 for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietics Food and Nutrition Conference and Exhibition; and the American Society of Interior Designers was awarded $300 for the ASID
Three SA officers were absent from the meeting Andrew Saucedo BSB representative Bryson Shake Junior Vice President Elizabeth Cansino SRWC representative Student Symposium. SA meetings are open to all students. Meetings are conducted on Wednesdays at 5:15 p.m. in the OnsteadPacker Biblical Studies Building room 114. Next week’s speakers will include Jared Mosely, director of athletics, and Dr. Brady Bryce, director of ministry events. contact garcia at jtg10b@acu.edu
university
New Task Force to create new Vision flickr.com/acuoptimist
melany cox online managing editor
VIDEO Watch this week’s JMC Network newscast
acuoptimist.com
The Planning Task Force met Sept. 26-27 at the Abilene Country Club at Fairway to begin the process of creating an updated version of ACU’s strategic plan. The PTF is made up of 32 faculty and staff members. The task force was commissioned by President Schubert and is lead by Adam Hester, chair of the Department of Theatre,
and Wendy Jones, director of Human Resources. “The Planning Task Force is a group commissioned by Dr. Schubert to create the next strategic vision,” Jones said. “The Planning Task Force is charged with creating a new strategic plan that will carry ACU forward through the year 2020 as we continue to fulfill the 21st Century Vision.” The 21st Century Vision is the goal that, by 2020, ACU will be the premier
university for the education of Christ-centered, global leaders. Jones said the meeting last month was facilitated by Dr. Pat Sanaghan, who has written extensively about the planning processes in higher education. Jones said the PTF spent time identifying key components of the plan that require attention. “From our time together we are now ready to spend the next few months gathering data,” Jones said. “This
Abilene Christian University
will be a season of intense listening. It will be a time to gather input from many different campus constituencies and to collect meaningful and pertinent data for context.” The PTF will continue to meet throughout the school year. Jones said these meetings will include members of the task force and different constituencies of the university. She said the effects of the strategic plan will impact faculty, staff and students.
Dr. Jeff Arrington, associate vice president for Student Life, is one of the 32 members of the PTF. He said members of the Office of Strategic Planning, and the president’s Senior Leadership Team also met with the PTF during last week’s retreat. Arrington said the consultant and PTF leadership is going through a “highlystructured process” to develop a strategic plan. see planning page 4
friday 10.05.12
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friday
6 5 p.m. ACU Volleyball vs Cameron University
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saturday
10 a.m. ACU Volleyball vs Cameron University
7 p.m. ACU Soccer at West TX A&M U
12:30 p.m. ACU Volleyball vs U of TX-PB
7 p.m. ACU Volleyball vs University of TX-PB
3 p.m. ACU Volleyball vs University of TX-PB
sunday
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1 p.m. ACU Soccer at Eastern NM U
monday
All Day - Classes for spring and summer available for viewing
6 p.m. ACU Football vs Eastern NM U
Chapel checkup
49 48 @acuoptimist The Optimist optimist@acu.edu
Announcements Students interested in joining The Wildcat Reign can sign up at thewildcatreign. com. The Wildcat Reign aims to provide students the ability to facilitate Wildcat pride on campus and serves as a linking point between students and Wildcat athletic events. ACU Theatre presents their 2012 homecoming musical 42nd Street Oct. 19-20 at 8 p.m. and Oct. 21 at 2 p.m at the Abilene Civic Center. For tickets call 321-674-2787 or purchase online at acu.edu/ theatre.
ACU Swing Cats are hosting lessons for beginner and intermediate levels of swing dancing Thursday nights in SRWC Studio B. Intermediate lessons are at 8 p.m. and Beginners are at 9 p.m. Social dancing begins at 9:30 p.m. The ACU Roller Hockey Club Team is accepting new members who are interested in playing roller hockey. For more information on the team, you can post on the ACU Wildcat Hockey Facebook page or email acuhockey@gmail.com.
Weekend Campaigns will be serving the Brookwood Community near Houston Oct. 12-14. Interested students should email weekendcampaigns@gmail.com.
Leadership Summit will be having an interest meeting Oct. 30 and Nov. 16 from 11 a.m. - 11:50 a.m. in COBA 201. Chapel credit will be provided.
ACU Speech and DebateTeam is seeking new members interested in speech and debate. For more information email Dena Counts at dena. counts@acu.edu or text/call 325-428-6699.
The Center for Speech and Language Disorders provides services for the Abilene and ACU communities. For more information or to schedule an appointment call 325674-6670
Police Log Police log 09/26/2012 8:25 p.m. An area tenant called ACUPD to report that someone was trying to enter her house. The area and house were checked. Nothing unusual was located. 09/30/2012 12:33 a.m. ACUPD received a report of a loud party in the 1500 block of Washington. Subjects were advised and complied. No enforcement action taken. Warning issued. 09/30/2012 1:00 a.m. ACUPD received a phone report of a loud party in the 2200 block of Campus Court. Property owner shut the party down, all guests left. No enforcement action taken. Warning issued. 09/30/2012 2:00 a.m. A caller who refused to identify himself reported a large party in the 900 block of EN 12th. Owner shut the party down, had all guests leave. No enforcement action taken. Warning issued. Weekly Stats For Week of Sept. 25-Oct. 2, 2012 - Total Events: 241 . ACCIDENT 3 ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIVITY 14 ALARM 5 ASSIST 8 ATTEMPT TO LOCATE 3 BUILDING LOCK/UNLOCK 9 CHECK BUILDING 93 CITATION ISSUANCE 1 CRIMINAL MISCHIEF 2
CRIMINAL TRESPASS WARNING 1 DIRECT TRAFFIC 1 DISABLED VEHICLE 1 DOMESTIC DISTURBANCE 1 FOUND PROPERTY 3 HIT AND RUN 1 INVESTIGATION FOLLOW UP 4 MAINTENANCE: UNIVERSITY ASSETS 2 MEDICAL EMERGENCY 2
MOTORIST ASSIST: JUMPSTART 6 MOTORIST ASSIST: OTHER 1 MOTORIST ASSIST: UNLOCK 14 NOISE VIOLATION 3 OTHER 4 PARKING LOT PATROL 6 PARKING VIOLATION 4 PATROL VEHICLE: MAINTENANCE 6 PATROL VEHICLE: REFUEL 6
RANDOM PATROL 10 RECKLESS DRIVING 1 REPORT WRITING 7 SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY 4 SUSPICIOUS PERSON 2 TRAFFIC HAZARD 1 TRAFFIC STOP 9 TRAINING 4
Police Tip of the Week: Free copies of the Annual Campus Crime Report for calendar year 2011 are available during regular business hours at ACUPD. The full report is also online at the ACUPD web page. Go to acu.edu/acupolice
Volunteer Opp0rtunities The Center for International Education is looking for conversation partners for international students to practice English, conversations and cultural learning. Partners meet for one hour each week at a time and place determined by the partners. For more information contact Laura McGregor at 325-674-2821 or laura.mcgregor@acu.edu. St. John’s Episcopal School is seeking volunteers to paint metal playground equipment anytime Monday-Friday after 3 p.m. and Saturday anytime. For more information contact Rebecca McMillon at 325-695-8870 or flores@ stjohnsabilene.org. Center for Contemporary Arts needs a gallery assistant to greet patrons, answer phones and answer basic questions about the Center and its programs. This opportunity is open Tuesday-Friday. The Center for Contemporary Arts is located at 220 Cypress Street. For more information contact Jessica Dulle at 325-677-8389 or visit: http://www. center-arts.com/
Rescue the Animals is seeking volunteers to take pictures and videos in preparation for the launching of their new website as well as maintenance of the site after the launch. This opportunity is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. For more information contact Kathy Walker at 325-677-7722 or rescuetheanimalsvolunteers@yahoo.com. The National Center For Children’s Illustrated Literature is looking for volunteers to greet patrons, assist with art activities, sell books and make visitors feel welcome. Help is also needed for special events like Artwalk and exhibit openings. The NCCIL is located at 102 Cedar St. For more information on times and dates contact Debby Lillick at 325-673-4586 or visit: http://www.nccil.org/index.htm The Christian Ministries of Abilene: Food Pantry is searching for volunteers to greet and interview neighbors, do computer entries, shop with neighbors, take groceries to vehicles, bag, stock and pick up orders on Mondays and Fridays from 9:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. and 1 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. and on Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. The Food Pantry is located at 701 Walnut St. For more information contact Becky Almanza at 325-673-1234 or cmapantry@aol.com. The Christian Service Center is seeking volunteers to help assist with filling requests for items such as clothing, bedding, kitchen
utensils, etc. from the donation center, sort and organize donations and occasionally pick-up donated items. Volunteers are needed every weekday and the first Saturday of each month between 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. For more information contact Roberta Brown at 325-673-7561 or at robertabrown51@hotmail.com. For more information on the program visit http://www.uccabilene.org/ministries/csc.htm The Food Bank of West Central Texas needs volunteers to help sort and stock food and other items any weekday Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. The Food Bank is located at 5505 N. 1st St. For more information contact Janice Serrault at 325-695-6311 or abfoodbk@camalott.com. Meals on Wheels Plus needs volunteer drivers to deliver afternoon meals to seniors and adults with disabilities Monday-Friday between 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Drivers must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license. Training is provided. For more information contact Samantha Barker at 352-672-5050 or visit http://mealsonwheelsplus.com The Salvation Army is looking for volunteers for a variety of needs including sorting and pricing items in the thrift store, helping in the kitchen and/or doing yard work. Times are flexible. Volunteers are needed throughout the week Monday-Saturday. The Salvation Army is located at 1726 Butternut St. For more information contact J.D. Alonzo at 325-677-1408 or visit www.satruck.com. The House That Kerry Built is looking for volunteers to assist in the day care of medically fragile children any day Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. or 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. Contact Keith Loftin at 325672-6061. The International Rescue Committee is seeking volunteers to work with refugees who recently moved to the U.S., teaching English, helping with homework and mentoring. Contact Susanna Lubango to make an appointment at 325-675-5643. For additional volunteer opportunities visit: www. acu.edu/campusoffices/ ccsl/ministry-service/volunteer-opportunities/
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campus news
friday 10.05.12
campus
COBA students reopen café Jimmy Isbell student reporter
Melissa Long Staff Photographer
Kenyon Jackson, senior psychology major from Oxnard, Calif., registers to vote in the Campus Center.
The newly renovated Connections Café in the Mabee Business Building is drawing a rather large crowd. This year, the Griggs Center for Entrepreneurship and Philanthropy is giving business students the opportunity to learn firsthand how to plan and operate a business through a new program called Wildcat Inc. The Griggs Center leadership team decided running the Connections Café, located on the south end of the building, would be a great project to pilot the program and give students real world business experience. The cafe is run by three ACU COBA students, each in charge of various positions at the cafe: planning, management and
“
Between our opening day and today, we have had more customers. We are still expanding our food selection so that we can meet students’ needs which is our main goal. Keaton Tucker junior financial management major from denver, colo.
oversight. CEO of Wildcat Inc., Hannah Ostertag, senior management major from Clifton, Va., said their most popular item is the breakfast burritos. “The rumors are true. La Popular makes the burritos fresh daily and delivers them to us every morning,” said Ostertag. Throughout the semester, the cafe will experience many changes. The Wildcat Inc. management team is in the process of changing the cafe’s image to attract more students. ACU stu-
dents are given various ways of communicating their favorite menu items through student surveys, social networking sites and direct contact with the management team. The management team wants students to feel like their opinions matter. Keaton Tucker, a junior financial management major from Denver, Colo. plays a vital role for the Wildcats Inc. management team. He is encouraged daily by fellow ACU students on campus about the progress of the cafe.
“Between our opening day and today, we have had more customers,” Tucker said. “We are still expanding our food selection so that we can meet students’ needs, which is our main goal.” A problem that the cafe runs into regularly is the assumption that Bean Bucks are a payment option. “We understand that this is really inconvenient for students and we are looking for solutions,” Tucker said. “Unfortunately, it is beyond our control at this point, but we are striving to make it easier for students.” The Connections Café will be open throughout the school year.
contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
crime
ACU Police releases crime statistics report Elizabeth weiss student reporter The ACU Police Department sent out the 2011 Crime Statistics and Fire Safety Report last Thursday. The report is required by the U.S. Department of Education to be given to students and faculties at universities around the country to make them aware of the crimes that have happened on their campus. Police Chief Jimmy Ellison said the report is
helpful to creating a safer campus. “The law is intended to make the campus community more aware of what goes on,” Ellison said. Chief Ellison explained that over the years, most of the statistics for the university stay relatively consistent. They do not typically see significant variations in certain numbers and violations stay fairly consistent year to year. The ACU police have recently made updates to the campus to allow stu-
dents and faculty to feel safer. They joined with the Office of Residence Life Education and Housing by adding more cameras in and around the Residence Halls. The department also added better lighting and some additional cameras in areas near the baseball, softball and track stadiums because of the higher number of burglaries in that area. These are for the public who use the Lunsford trail at night, so that they feel safer walking back to their cars.
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got to get people past that point, and start thinking about taking proactive steps and preventative actions.” Chief Ellison wanted to explain how important it is Jimmy Ellison for students to help officers Chief of police and director of public safety to keep the campus safe. “We cannot keep this Chief Ellison also wants what I call the ‘ACU bub- campus safe by ourselves. to impress upon students ble-mentality’,” Ellison We have to have the stuhow important it is for stu- said. “There are still so dents being aware and redents to take the 10 min- many people that assume porting suspicious activity.” utes to read the report, as because this is ACU that being aware is a huge fac- bad things can’t happen tor in preventing crime. here. The fact of the matcontact the optimist at “In my opinion, we ter is, that they can and jmcnetwork@acu.edu struggle here at ACU with do happen here. So we’ve
There are still so many people that assume because this is ACU that bad things can’t happen here. The fact of the matter is, they can and do happen here.”
friday 10.05.12
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students
Survey assesses student sexuality, spirituality marissa jones managing EDItor
Deanna Romero Staff Photographer
Lisa Ross, a massage therapist for Pura Vida Salon and Spa, offers her services at the salon’s booth set up on the Lunsford Trail during the Wellness Week walk.
welcome week
Week stresses healthy living Delaney Noel Contributing reporter After several days of speakers and special events, ACU’s annual Wellness Week came to a close. This year’s theme of “Every Body Matters” aimed to encourage wellness far beyond physical appearance. Wellness Week was kicked off on Monday with an introductory Chapel forum hosted by John Delony, assistant dean for Residence Life and Education and Housing; Samuel Cook, associate professor in the Department of Music and alumnus Marshal Thompson. Students earned two chapel credits while hearing about Cook’s major weight loss success and Thompson’s passion for eating naturally and nutritiously. Both of these men
spoke of the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and how connected physical health is with mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Directly after the forum, local vendors offered healthy food options and provided information on how eating locally is practical and easy. A Wellness Walk event during Chapel and a night forum on dating took place on Tuesday. During the Walk, the Lunsford Foundation Trail was lined with more than 20 booths educating students on topics ranging from exercise, nutrition, stress management, spiritual health and community outreach. Those involved included: Abilene’s Natural Grocers, the Outdoor Club, the Bike Club, ACU Intramural Sports, the AbileneRunners’ Club and ACU Judicial Affairs. Along with these
university
Planning: Team to strategize Continued from page 1
the task force worked as a full team. This plan focuses on “the “The way we worked broad ACU community, together as a full team preconnects with and honors pared me as a member of ACU’s heritage and values the task force to conduct and provides clear, concrete effective, productive, open steps to take us into the fu- and collaborative converture,” Arrington said. sations with groups across He said the team was campus to continue the able to accomplish three process of building a stragoals at the retreat. The dis- tegic plan,” Arrington said. cussions generated some work products, the style of discussion established contact Cox at a commitment to an open mkc09b@acu.edu collaborative process and
clubs, the Pura Vida Salon and Spa gave massages, the Rec Center gave yoga and Zumba classes and the ACU Medical Clinic administered flu vaccinations. On Tuesday night, resident director of Gardner Hall, Jenny Butler, hosted a forum presenting the realm of dating from various perspectives. Accompanying the Wellness theme, speakers shared their successes, failures and strategies of dating. Pierce Hardin, sophomore psychology major from Lubbock, gained some valuable insight from the forum. “For me, it was greatly appreciated,” Hardin said. “There has always been that gray area that can lead to impurity for my girlfriend and me, so by taking out the gray area we made things black and white. This way we can strengthen our boundaries and strength-
en our relationship with Christ.” Michelle Drew, health services family nurse practitioner, and Justina Thompson, ACU alumna and women’s health expert, held a Women’s Health Forum to discuss topics such as sexual health, women’s health, femininity, self-esteem and self-defense. “It has been so inspiring to see Wellness Week become an event that encompasses and involves the whole community,” said Jocelyn Nederhoff, senior ad/PR major from Albequerque, N.M.. “From the Lunsford Walk event to Sam Cook’s inspirational story to the farmers’ market, Wellness Week did a great job at including all students and the ACU community.” contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
A faculty-administered survey has found surprising results about the sexual activity of ACU freshmen. Dr. Jaime Goff, chair of the Department of the Marriage and Family Studies, began conducting an ongoing survey last year that observes how young adults relate sexuality to spirituality. The survey asked freshmen questions about their sexual attitudes, their dimensions of spirituality, their self-esteem, religious abstinence programs they had participated in and sexual behaviors they had engaged in. Goff found that 45 percent of freshmen who responded to the survey reported being sexually active. “That was surprising to me,” Goff said. “But I talked to some youth ministers, and they said that was in line with what they were hearing in their youth groups.” In the 2011 fall semester, freshmen were given a chance to complete a survey in their Bible classes concerning their views of sexuality and religion and how each are related. “As a freshman if you see sexuality completely separate from your spirituality, how might that have either negative or positive effects on your future marriage or relationships? I want to see how this develops over time for people.” Goff also discovered that there didn’t seem to be any difference in self-esteem between students who are sexually active and those who weren’t. “In some ways that’s good,” Goff said. “That means they werent feeling incredibly shameful because we use a lot of sham-
Jeff Arrington
Matt Garver
Ron Morgan
Rodney Ashlock Jamie Goff
Jared Mosley
Denise Barnett
Stephanie Hamm
Corey Patterson
Lesa Breeding
Jeff Haseltine
Greg Powell
Omeita Burton
Pat Hernandez
Kay Reeves
Kevin Campbell Bart Herridge
Corey Ruff
Laura Carroll
Susan Lewis
Greg Straughn
Jim Cooke
Stacy McGee
Stephanie Talley
Brad Crisp
Dan McGregor
John Weaver
Billie Currey
Bob McKelvain
Anthony Williams
Dr. Jaime Goff Chair of the department of marriage and Family Studies
ing techniques I think with Christian young adults and teenagers.” There was also a high negative correlation between high spirituality and negative attitudes about sex. After the survey, freshmen were given the choice to provide their email if they were willing to provide follow-up information in the future. “We’re asking for followup qualitative data,” Goff said. “Last year we gathered a lot of quantitative data which doesn’t tell us why they decided to do things or what their feelings were.” Goff hopes to conduct 20 to 30 face-to-face interviews. Her long-term plan is to keep up with the original freshman when they are seniors and even after they graduate. Goff plans to write a book after acquiring enough data and analyzing it. “I think the way we approach sexuality in our Christian communities, especially for young teenagers and single adults, may sometimes be more harmful than it is helpful,” Goff said. “I hope this research will help us figure out healthier ways to deal with that because I just don’t think we’ve been doing a very good job.”
contact Jones at mnj10a@acu.edu
local
Students sponsor Friday night-owl worship at UBC Gabi Powell
Planning Task Force members:
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I hope this research will help us figure out healthier ways to deal with that because I just don’t think we’ve been doing a very good job.
student reporter Whoever said “nothing good happens after midnight” never experienced Midnight Worship at University Baptist Church’s sanctuary on a Friday night. Each week, students who attend different schools and belong to different denominations come together for a a student-run midnight worship service. Midnight Worship began last semester when Roy Cervantes, senior health-promotions major from McAllen, wanted to provide new opportunities for students to worship. “It came about as an attempt to fill a need that I saw in Abilene to unite the body of Christ across the denominational gap,” Cervantes said. “After discussing with friends how to go about making change, Midnight Worship was born.” Students gather to participate in a service of “mixed worship.” Worshipping through art, preaching, communion, a capella and instrumental worship, Midnight Worship’s mission is to not be governed by a specific church tradition. The goal is for it to be a place for students to come together and worship God, Cervantes said. The after-hours event has a diverse crowd averaging around 70 students. “The community that students get at Midnight is unreal,” said Cervantes. “It crosses all social barriers and diffuses stereotypes.” Christian Martinez, junior worship ministry major from Abilene, also serves in organizing this weekly event. He sees Midnight Worship as a chance for students to worship
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It blows my mind that students continue to come out and worship with us at a ridiculous hour on their Friday night.” Roy Cervantes senior health-promotions major from McAllen
with a different crowd, powered by the Spirit and java shots. “The students are always exhausted, but that’s what I love about Midnight Worship,” he said. “Since the first night we’ve found that God was moving in a very powerful way and it’s based solely on the exhaustion of the people. When you’re exhausted, your defenses are down, your strength is drained and the only hope you have left to get you through the night is your worship to Jesus. God is strong when we are weak, and Midnight Worship is a testimony to that.” The service is providing students a refreshing and positive activity for an Abilene Friday night, said Cervantes. Midnight Worship meets on the third floor of University Baptist Church every Friday. They also have a Facebook page displaying updates on the night-owl service. “It blows my mind that students continue to come out and worship with us at a ridiculous hour on their Friday night,” said Cervantes. “I believe that Midnight Worship can act as a catalyst for college students on their faith journey for becoming fully devoted Christ-followers.”
contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
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arts
friday 10.05.2012
FOX AND THE HOUNDS Local band raises more than $50,000 for Zambia medical missions alikay woods copy editor A local band had the opportunity to open for David Ramirez at Monk’s September 21. David Ramirez has opened for The Civil Wars and was described as. “Soulful, stirring, and heartbreaking.” Ramirez asked the Fox and the Hounds to open for him. The band consists of Andrew Tate, sophomore biology major from Abilene, his cousin Logan Pringle and Jessalyn Massingil. They did not plan on forming a group, but once they started playing together, found they had a unique sound and meshed well together. The Fox and the Hounds performed at Jam Fest last year. Their YouTube channel, “aswehaveheard,” has more than 140,000 views, and their popularity in Abilene is continuing to grow. Pringle said their goal is to, “be an outlet for what God is doing and let people know what we’re doing because of what the Lord has done in our lives.” The band plays mostly covers, although they have recently started writing their own songs. “I like to find music that has the presence of our
beliefs in God outside of Christian writing,” Massingil said. They describe their sound as a mix between blue grass and folk and enjoy using instruments in creative ways to create an unexpected sound. As they turn their focus toward writing their own songs, Pringle said their music attempts are a “conscious expression of what God is doing and what he has done.” “I like playing music because it moves people emotionally,” Tate said. The band has several upcoming shows and is planning to release a demo in the next year. The Fox and The Hounds recently attened Zambia Medical Mission Joyful Noise benefit, held at The Paramount. The sole purpose was to inform the audience about what is going on in Zambia and also to raise money for the missions. The Fox and the Hounds provided entertainment that night as they played a couple of live songs at the benefit; including their new song “Can You Hear It?” The new song is written for the documentary that Massingil filmed this summer and was screened at the Zambia Medical Missions Joyful Noise benefit. The film that Massingil created focuses on the
Namwianga Zonal Health Clinic located in Kalomo, Zambia, a health care center that brings otherwise unattainable health care to the people of rural Zambia and saves lives. Massingil says her goal in this film and as a filmaker is to express, not explicitly the suffering that exists, but the hope that is already in place. She said she wants to steal your heart, not with statistics or images of suffering that guilt you into helping, but with artful images that draw you intimately close to the needs of the people as those needs are being met so that as they are being given cause to celebrate- you are also given cause to celebrate. Massangil’s goal is to make the joy personal. The Joyful Noise benefit was a success and the total amount of money raised to benefit Zambia was $51,000 dollars. Despite their success they remain humble and surprised by their growing popularity. “We never expected this, it’s really bizarre,” Massingil said. The Fox and the Hounds will be headlining at Jam Fest during Homecoming on October 19,2012. Deanna Romero Staff Photographer contact woods at AKW10A@acu.edu
Andrew Tate, Logan Pringle, and Jessalyn Massingil open for David Ramirez at Monks Coffee Shop.
Shore Gallery displays Study Abroad art Alikay woods copy editor
mandy lambright chief Photographer
Shore Gallery displays the various art taken by the students who studied abroad.
The Shore Gallery is displaying an exhibit consisting of work produced by study abroad students. Jack Maxwell, professor in the department of art & design, said, “A visitor to the gallery should expect to see inspiring colorful works that are not only technically well executed but also quite expressive and personal in their approach.” The art department plans a study abroad trip every other year specifically for their students, although students of all majors are welcome to attend. Kenny Jones, professor in the department of art & design, went with the students on the trip. He said although the students were represented in the show only the “best of the best” were selected for the exhibit. The title of this years show is “Postcards from Abroad.” Jones said the exhibit
is unique because it includes well-known scenes from postcards but allows the students to put their own personal spin on wellknown landmarks. “A visit also provides one with a bit of escapism as the romance of Europe is always captivating,” Maxwell said. The department hopes to encourage students to engage in travel experiences because of the exhibit as well as showcase the talents of the art students. “There’s nothing like travel to change one’s perception of the world and one’s place in it,” Maxwell said. The exhibit consists of approximately 30 paintings ranging in variety from watercolor to acrylic along with some street photography. The gallery is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m-5 p.m.
contact woods at AKW10A@acu.edu
Opinion
FRIDAY 10.05.12
6
Editorial
Student votes important locally, nationally the issue Voter turnout from college-age students has historically been low, something that was made very clear through Students Association elections last spring.
our take Our demographic makes up nearly a quarter of the voting population, should we choose to show up in numbers, we can be a driving factor in this election. With November 6th quickly approaching and the presidential candidates beginning their debates, politics are on the minds and television screens of many Americans. But for many collegeaged youth, this is not the case. We are traditionally a group with low voter turnout in elections and, often, this is due to the fallacy that our vote does not matter.
While it is true that one individual’s vote will not drastically change an election, Americans aged 18-24 make up 23 percent of the population. This group is large enough to easily swing an election. That is, if we show up to the polls. And if Student’s Association elections last spring were any indicator, we don’t. Nearly all students are involved in an orga-
nization or social club that is allotted part of SA’s $90,000 annual budget and still, less than 15 percent of us voted last spring. Over the past four years, voter turnout in on-campus elections has steadily decreased and it is clear that students want nothing to do with politics; Five officers have run un-opposed (including three presidents) in that time. On-campus, the power of a vote should be especially clear to students. Along with budgets, SA makes decisions that effect classes, activites and many other things that are part of our daily lives. There is one thing students (and many Ameri-
cans) do like to do in regards to politics: complain. The percentage of Americans willing to publicly voice their discontent with current politics often seems to eclipse those who actually take the time to visit their polling place.
“
two years into the term. Accept that sometimes you may have to choose between the lesser of two evils. You may have to make sacrifices in regards to certain issues in favor of those you find more important. But either way, if you don’t check one of those boxes come November, you have no right to whine about who wins. Historically, it hasn’t been pretty. But things are starting to look up. In 2008, it was clear that the youth were beginning to mobilize. According to the census, we were the only age demographic to have a significant turnout increase when compared with 2004.
With election day just a month and a day away, you need to start preparing now.”
If you have an opinion regarding politics, better to put that towards a vote rather than a tweet or post
With election day just a month and a day away, you need to start preparing now. If you aren’t registered, w w w.VoteTexas. gov can help get you started. After that, it’s up to you to watch debates, research platforms and issues and move toward making an informed and educated choice. As a whole, we have the power to decide this election and, hopefully, make our country a little better. If we just vote.
contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
column
Superhero movies: truth, justice and other stuff DISTURBANCE IN THE FORCE
MELANY COX
I only saw three movies in theaters this summer: The Avengers, The Dark Knight Rises and The Amazing Spider-Man. Yes, there were plenty of other movies I wanted to see, but I made it a priority to see those three movies. Why? Because I love superhero movies! I love everything about them: the action,
the special effects, the themes and the actors. Even the music is empowering. You might even say superhero movies are the main reason I love summer. I love spending a late summer night in a movie theater with my friends, getting lost in a world where good always triumphs over evil. Now let’s get one thing established. Am I a
nerd? Yeah, pretty much. Moving on. My favorite “supers” include: Superman, Captain America, Spiderman, Wolverine, Thor and, of course, Larry-Boy (yes, I grew up watching Veggie Tales). There’s so much more to superhero movies than sci-fi, pyrotechnics, fight scenes and incredibly good looking actors. These stories provide the motivation to go save the world in your own special way. The Avengers is currently my favorite superhero movie. I love how Marvel managed to combine so many of the
heroes in their franchise and bring their clashing personalities together for an epic showdown with an evil foe.
“
past their differences in order to save the world, and at the same time made it genuinely funny. The seriousness of the “good versus evil” plot was cleverly broken up by sarcastic, smart-aleck remarks from Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Samuel L. Jackson and Chris Hemsworth. In any movie, controversy always surrounds a superhero. The people they are trying so desperately to defend often doubt them, even reject them, because they are different. Sometimes, the hero even begins to doubt himself. But in the end they always triumph.
I love spending a late summer night lost in a world where good always triumphs over evil.”
One of the reasons I loved The Avengers was because of the way it combined action and humor. The movie took these amazing superheros who had to fight
We will always need someone to save us. It’s an old-fashioned idea that never really gets old. The purpose of a superhero is to give people a symbol to look to when all hope seems lost. They give us something to believe in. They make us believe we can be more than ourselves. They give us hope. We will always need them to save our lives via the silver screen.
contact COX at mkc09b@acu.edu
EVAN’s marks
column
evan marks
Please don’t be alarmed, they’re just pledges CALL ME, MAYBE
LINDSAY PALMER
I remember freshman year as if it were yesterday. Welcome Week was a blast and I had met so many new people. I was excited about my classes and the people I would meet. I had never visited ACU before and I hadn’t really heard of the school, so this all was a new experience for me. The first couple weeks
“
If you are a freshman, like I was, this week has probably been a bit confusing for you.”
were great, I loved seeing everyone and getting to know them. I thought Abilene Christian Uni-
versity was the coolest school ever. Then, something crazy happened. Pledging started. My day started off with Chapel because I didn’t have classes before then. As I walked by the little fountain (I didn’t know the name of it at the time) girls were yelling “G-A-T-A!! Wanna be a GATA!” I was extremely confused by the yelling and the outfits, but I didn’t let it stay in my mind for long. As I walked into Chapel, the doors were held open for me by girls in yellow skirts, and things seemed a little different. Some of the guys were dressed up in suits, girls were wearing different colors and carrying around binders. Cha-
hashtagACU 9:17 p.m. Oct.3
Mitt talking on the Constitution. Goosebumps.
@beaucarter
8:44 p.m. Oct.3
Sigh. Vote Ron Paul.
@rocksteplindy
pel was dismissed and I walked to the Bean and I could see girls swaying on a bench saying, “I will respect Kojie Park!” By this time my confusion was building, and I wondered what had happened to all the normal people I had met. But then I was finally en-
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.
This debate proves how out of touch the candidates are. Nary a reference to what’s on most Americans’ minds. #HoneyBooBoo #gangnamstyle
@grantboone
published by the department of journalism and mass communication editorial and management board
Address letters to: ACU Box 27892 Abilene, TX 79609 E-mail letters to: optimist@acu.edu
are nowhere to be found. This is the pledging process that happens here on campus. Every year sophmores and above are allowed to rush any social club they would like. So do not be worried when you see people walking around wear-
ing strange clothes, guys carrying rocks or girls yelling strange things. It’s not ACU changing, it’s just the pledging process.
contact Palmer at lsp10b@acu.edu
9:26 p.m. Oct. 3
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
lightened and was told that aliens had not taken over my friends bodies, they were just pledging. If you are a freshman like I was, this week has probably been a little confusing for you. Last week everyone was dressing in their own style and this week they
newsroom (325) 674-2439
11:00 p.m. Oct. 3
You watched the Presidential debate? I watched Mean Girls. What? At least the people in mine acted like mature human beings.
@bdill12
3:21 p.m. Oct. 4 3:45 p.m. Oct.4
I just got out of Sociology 40 minutes early. I owe you a movie date, Dr. Macaluso. #ACU
@truewire
Just heard the BCBG girl say she got a 34B and I thought she was talking about her MCAT. Nope...bra size. Duh.
@taylorredwards
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sports
friday 10.05.12
Eastern New Mexico (2-3) vs. ACU (3-2) Game Preview
Offense ACU PICK:
Defense
PICK:
ACU
Intangibles ACU PICK:
Good news football fans, Charkandrick West is back, and the Widlcat offense has missed him dearly. West found pay dirt two times in Mississippi last week, and he’ll most likely score a couple more this week. The balance West provides is
The ACU defense has stuffed the run all year long, so look for the front four of ACU to blow up some plays in the backfield and keep the Greyhounds behind the chains, and force some third and long situations. For the Greyhounds,
The Wildcats will be fresh, after having 11 days to prepare for an ENMU squad that has traditionally been as good as the Wildcats on either side of the ball. ENMU has a long trip to Abilene, and will be facing a team looking to
a huge part of the Wildcat’s pro style offense. Meanwhile Eastern New Mexico is taking the game back 50 years with the old fashioned triple option. Wesley Wood highlights the Greyhound offense as the dual threat quarterback who is their leading rusher. If ENMU wants to keep it close, Wood will have to go nuts this week.
freshman Willie Riley has come into New Mexico and stolen the show. Riley has picked off three passes this season, including a two-intercpetion performance against Tarleton State. ENMU has given up 37 points per game so far this year though, so the Greyhounds defense could be in for another long night on Saturday at Shotwell.
come storming back and make some noise in the Lone Star Conference despite a shaky start. ACU cannot afford any more slip ups this season, and they know it. ACU will be focused for a full 60 minutes tomorrow night, and will be ready to play in front of their home crowd for the first time in a month. ACU still has playoff aspirations, and will be looking to bury the Greyhounds in front of Wildcat Nation.
Natalie Goin
Edward Isaacs
Matthew Sloan
The ‘Cats pulled off a muchneeded win last week, overcoming Delta State on the road and bringing momentum back to Abilene. If our offense is able to overcome ENMU’s triple option attack, we should be successful in Shotwell this weekend.
The Wildcats came through in the clutch last week at Delta State. The team has to go up against the option for a second straight week. The ACU defense did a good job containing Delta State’s offensive attack and will have no problem with a less talented ENMU team.
The Wildats have stopped the run all year, which does not bode well for the Greyhounds triple option attack. On the other side, ACU’s offense should take advantage of a ENMU defense that gives up a ton of points. Wildcats win big tomorrow night.
Pick: ACU 35-14
Pick: ACU 42-21
Pick: ACU 45-24
Taylor Langston
mandy lambright chief Photographer
Junior running back Charkandrick West shakes off a defender and runs for a big gain at Shotwell Stadium. West had 64 rushing yards and a touchdown last week.
football
NFL players to speak Daniel Zepeda sports reporter ACU will have a special treat this weekend, as former NFL players Guy and John Earl are set to come speak at Shotwell Stadium this Saturday at 3:30 p.m. The Earl brothers are planning on speaking about what it means to play in the NFL, being a Christian and many other things. “Our main goal is to bring a strong message of encouragement and faith that will hopefully help someone who needs it,” Guy Earl said. “We plan on sharing encouraging stories, things we’ve learned through our experiences and life lessons that apply to most people.” Guy and John Earl, twin brothers, both spent time playing football professionally. They have a combined nine broken feet, seven NFL teams, four CFL teams and three championship rings. “We both played five years in the NFL which gave us a lot of real life experience as far as practicing and living out our faith,” Guy Earl said.
Both of the brothers are creators of Think Twice Ministries. Their goal is to bring a message of faith, hope, trust and an understanding of God’s will for your life and above all, to challenge their audience of all ages to “think twice” about the decisions they make. “No matter what age you are, everyone is going through something, especially college students,” Guy Earl said. “They’ve got tests, exams, classes, work and everything else going on and a lot of the times that stuff can start to get you down. And then, trying to get a job after college can be even tougher. We want to come to let these guys know that God never promised it would be easy, but he did promise to get you through it.” Guy and John have traveled all over visiting public schools, FCA organizations and summer camps. Over their past five years of ministry, they have spoken to nearly two million kids, teenagers and adults, promoting their message of faith and encouragement. “We love speaking and
promoting God’s love and power,” Guy Earl said. “I feel truly humbled that God has given me and my brother this opportunity and chance.” “We greatly enjoy telling kids about making smart choices and thinking twice. In public schools, where we can’t speak about God, we tell them the facts on teen drinking, sex and drugs and how messing around with those things is not going to help you get a better life or a life worth having.” The Earl brothers encourage friends and families of all ages and backgrounds to come this Saturday to hear the message they bring. “I’m very excited to speak at Shotwell,” Guy Earl said. “Above all, we want to bring honor to God and bring an uplifting message to our audience. No matter what you’re going through, God calls us to put our faith in him. When we do that, we will see his hand at work in our lives.”
contact zepeda at djz11a@acu.edu
column
Rangers: Texas dropped the ball from page 8 going several games in a row unable to even get on base and dropping easy outs in centerfield. Now the question is whether the Rangers will think it’s even worth resigning him or not. Nothing is more frustrating to the fans then watching a talented player like Hamilton completely crumble under pressure. His constant fight against addiction has made him a hero, but it has also had a much bigger impact on
him than his biggest advocates would like to admit. While he is an outstanding athlete, his days as a player are numbered. He has been playing like he has something better to do. It is like he doesn’t even want to be there. 5. Ian Kinsler Ian Kinsler is terrible on the road. Manager Ron Washington has even repeatedly stated he is aware of this in several interviews. But Kinsler’s numbers are shockingly bad for a leadoff hitter, falling to .220 for the year,
.238 for his career, and only .184 in the last 10 games of the season. Not exactly leadoff material. While this column may come across very harsh, I am still one of the biggest Rangers fans around. But I think I can speak for many other fans when I say there is nothing worse than dropped expectations.
contact goin at nsg10b@acu.edu
Daniel Zepeda
The Wildcats will have talent to spare in Shotwell this weekend, and have had 11 days to prepare for the ENMU triple option attack. The Wildcat D will shut down the Greyhounds, and secure a lopsided victory. ACU wins 28-7 at home.
The ‘Cats are back on track after thier win in Mississippi against a tough Delta State team. ENMU is no Delta State by far, and the Wildcats should have no problem with coming out with the win. Should turn into a blow out by the end.
Pick: ACU 28-7
Pick: ACU 48-13
Ken Collums show continues this Saturday The Ken Collums Show will air this Saturday on KTXS at 10:30 a.m.
sports
friday 10.05.12
standings
men’s basketball
Senior steps away from Wildcats matthew sloan sports reporter Head coach Joe Golding and the Wildcat basketball team is less than a month away from their first game, but they’ll be missing a familiar face. Senior Dosh Simms decided to step away from the hardwood and call it a career, despite having the opportunity to play significant minutes for the ‘Cats. Simms was ACU’s leading rebounder last season, and would have commanded attention in
the paint, where he shot 56 percent from the field. “We want guys that want to play, Dosh didn’t want to play basketball anymore,” Golding said. “He wants to focus on his academics, and we think that’s great. But we want guys that want to play basketball, so I don’t think it will effect us.” Senior guard Desmond Woodberry is one of the only players that has experience in Golding’s system, and will have to take on an even larger leadership role in the absence of Simms. However, with Simms
leaving Moody behind to concentrate on academics, the Wildcats will have an opportunity to showcase their stellar guard play. “Our guards are our strength this year,” Golding said. “We’ll get to play more guards now than if Dosh would have stayed. We have Conrelius Cammock and Stephen Werner who we are excited about down low so I think we are fine there.” Golding, just like any former point guard, has a team laced with talented ball-handlers, including freshman sensation
Parker Wentz, who has Wildcat nation buzzing before he even steps on the court. Wentz headlines a topnotch recruiting class that includes six freshmen and four transfer students. Golding has overhauled the roster in his first full year of recruiting, and he will finally have a chance to leave his own fingerprint on the program. “The coach Golding era has begun,” assistant coach Brian Burton said. “Just getting to know these kids, their
Division I
Academic Year
Reclassification Year
2012-13
Current Year
2013-14
Year One
2014-15
Year Two
Year Three
2016-17
Year Four
2017-18
Year Five
football
Team
Div.
Ovrl.
3-0 2-0 3-1 2-2 1-1 1-2 1-2 1-3 0-3
4-1 3-2 3-1 2-2 1-3 3-2 2-3 2-3 1-4
Div.
Ovrl.
7-1 7-1 5-1 6-2 4-3 3-4 2-5 2-6 2-6 1-5 1-6
14-3 13-3 14-2 11-5 12-4 6-9 8-7 6-12 4-12 5-10 4-11
Team
Div.
Ovrl.
WTAMU TWU ASU ENMU MSU UIW Commerce ACU
5-2 4-1-1 3-2-1 3-4 2-2-3 3-3 2-4 1-5-1
6-4-1 5-3-2 5-4-1 4-7 2-6-3 3-5 3-6 3-7-1
WTAMU core values are in line ASU with coach’s and my- MSU self. Coach Golding talks TSU about having your pri- Commerce orities as God, academics ACU and basketball. We know ENMU it’s about something bigger than us, and we are TAMU-K excited about the mind- UIW set of this new group.” The Wildcats get their volleyball season started with a scrimmage at Baylor Uni- Team ASU versity on October 25 TWU WTAMU TSU Commerce UIW contact sloan at mes11a@acu.edu TAMU-K Cameron MSU ENMU ACU
Timeline for Div. I move
2015-16
8
NCAA Status • Eligible for Lone Star Conference post-season competition in every sport • Eligible for NCAA Division II post-season competition in every sport • Submit NCAA application and fee prior to June 1, 2013 • Withdraw from Lone Star Conference by June 30, 2013 • Not eligible for Southland Conference post-season competition in any sport in which the winner is the league’s automatic qualifier for an NCAA championship • Not eligible for NCAA Division I post-season competition in any sport • Not eligible for NCAA Division II post-season competition in any sport • Division I “counter” for scheduling purposes • Division I RPI institution as of 2014-15 (and thereafter) • Division I minimum scheduling requirements must be met as of 2014-15 (and thereafter) • Not eligible for Southland post-season competition in any sport in which the winner is the league’s automatic qualifier for an NCAA championship • Not eligible for NCAA Division I post-season competition in any sport • Not eligible for Southland post-season competition in any sport in which the winner is the league’s automatic qualifier for an NCAA championship • Not eligible for NCAA Division I post-season competition in any sport. • Not eligible for Southland post-season competition in any sport in which the winner is the league’s automatic qualifier for an NCAA championship • Not eligible for NCAA Division I post-season competition in any sport • NCAA Division I member • Eligible for Southland Conference post-season competition in every sport • Eligible for NCAA Division I post-season competition in every sport
soccer
briefings The ACU golf team moved up 10 spots in the Golf World/Nike Golf Coaches’ Poll released on Wednesday morning. The ‘Cats went into the season ranked No. 13, and have now advanced to No. 3 after dominating in their first two tournaments. The student-athletes of the month were announced last week by the athletic department. Senior Adam Carpenter, (golf) junior Micah Hermsdorf, (tennis) junior Garrett Langthorp, (football) and senior Arielle Moncure (soccer) were all honored for the month of October.
ex- factor Running back Daryl Richardson had six carries for a total of 16 yards for the St. Louis Rams on Sunday. The Rams beat the Seattle Seahawks 19-13. Free safety Danieal Manning had five total tackles, and an interception for a touchdown on Sunday in the Texans’ win against the Tennessee Titans. The Texans beat the Titans 38-14.
Upcoming Football returns home to take on Eastern New Mexico this Saturday in Shotwell Stadium. Kickoff is at 6:00 p.m.
mandy lambright chief Photographer
Left: Quarterback Mitchell Gale keeps the ball and runs out of the pocket. Right: Defensive back Justin Stewart wraps up an offensive player.
column
Five reasons for Rangers collapse goin, goin, gone natalie goin
After holding first place for 176 consecutive days, nobody expected the Rangers’ post-season destiny to come down to one game. But on Wednesday afternoon, Rangers fans gathered around their TVs, praying for a miracle. (Or were forced to refresh their ESPN ScoreCenter app over and over in class like I was.) But that miracle never came, and after five months
of being unquestioned at the top of the AL-West, the Rangers fell to the Oakland Athletics. The devastating 12-5 loss cost Texas the division title for the first time in two years, and forced the team to rely on the wild card game for a chance in the playoffs. Along with fellow Rangers fans, I have had a hard time watching Texas’ roller coaster season and anticipating their inevitable fallout. But in the midst of my sports-depression, I have come up with five main reasons that I feel has caused the team with so many expectations to crumble right before our eyes. 1. Lack of timely hitting
In the past two years, the Rangers have always made big hits happen when they needed them. This year, they have struggled to drive necessary runs in, leaving countless players on base. They have several big-name sluggers, but not enough situational hitters when they need to finish the game or get a clutch hit. 2. Players battling nagging injuries Josh Hamilton, Adrian Beltre and Mike Napoli have all spent time nursing injuries since the All Star break. Beltre is back in form, regardless of his injury, and has been the most consistent player on the
team. Beltre has hit .321 with 36 homeruns and 102 RBI’s, but Napoli and Hamilton were slowed down significantly by their injuries. 3) Yu Darvish is the only feared pitcher The Rangers pitchers have been extremely inconsistent all season, with the exception of Darvish. The rest of the starting rotation are pitchers that may not even make the playoff rosters of the other remaining teams. Colby Lewis suffered season-ending injuries along with Neftali Feliz when he had Tommy John surgery. Without the consistent support from the bullpen, the Rangers didn’t stand
a chance definsively. And it certainly doesn’t help that Josh Hamilton drops easy pop-ups. 4) Josh Hamilton Hamilton blew us all away the the beginning of the year, crushing homeruns out of the park left and right. He’s up to 43 total, following Miguel Cabrera of the Detroit Tigers with 44 for the season. There was a time where the conversation consisted of whether the Rangers could even afford to have him once his contract was up following the season. But we have also seen him at his lowest, see rangers page 7
Soccer travels to Canyon Friday night to play at West Texas A&M at 7 p.m. They will then head to Portalis, New Mex. on Sunday to play Eastern New Mexico at 1 p.m. The volleyball team will host the Whitten Inn Classic this weekend in Moody Coliseum. On Friday at 7 p.m., they will play Midwestern State and on Saturday, they will play Cameron at 10 a.m., and the University of Texas of the Permian Basin at 3 p.m. Men’s tennis will play at the Boise State Invitational this weekend in Boise, Idaho, and the women will play at the Rice Invitational in Houston.