So Close Football team loses late lead in Homecoming game vol. 101, no. 18
wednesday, october 24, 2012
Sports Page 8
1 SECTION, 8 PAGES
national
Religious schools fight Obamacare
INSIDE NEWS Abilene Ruff Riders change name to the Bombers Page 4
NEWS Students preparing for Weekend Campaign over Fall Break Page 3
marissa jones managing editor After Obamacare required employers to cover contraception and some abortifacients in their health plans, religiously affiliated universities cried foul against this
mandate and claimed the mandate violates religious freedom, said Dr. Allison Garrett, executive vice president of ACU. As part of Obamacare, the U.S Department of Health and Human Services identified that employers’ health insurance should be required to cover their
employees’ contraception drug costs. The only organizations exempt from this coverage are churches. Garrett was a witness in February at a congressional hearing that proposed the Obamacare mandate was crossing the line between Church and State. This was while Garrett was still Okla-
homa Christian University’s senior vice president for academic affairs. “The Catholics have taught for hundreds of years against contraception, so this is a religious liberty issue,” Garrett said. “You religiously don’t believe in contraception, but the government is requiring
homecoming
you to pay for it.” Garrett said covering contraception usually wouldn’t be a problem for evangelic or mainstream Protestant organizations. However, the mandate has included abortifacient drugs also known as see exception page 4
food services
Decision not final on demise of The Den
NEWS While diversity numbers grow, retention of that diversity still lags Page 3
OPINION The editorial board endorses President Obama for another term
gabi powell student reporter
students and Lynay. While Clay was honored to receive the title of queen, she was more excited to get to see her father, Randy Clay who is a missionary serving in Thailand. A group of ACU faculty, staff and members from the surrounding
After six years of serving to weary students, The Den coffee shop in Barret Hall was rumored to be closing its doors. But Anthony Williams, chief business services officer, said The Den will stay – for now. “No concrete decisions have been made,” he said. “We are constantly discussing our dining program and trying to evaluate how to best serve student demands.” For some regulars, like Mariah English, sophomore communications major from San Antonio, news of The Den’s possible closing was surprising. “I hadn’t even remotely heard about it,” she said. “I usually get coffee there every Monday, Wednesday and Friday when I have class in The Den classroom. I love The Den because I live in Barret Hall, and that is the common place for boys and girls to hang out, and it’s also a cozy little study a area.” The Den’s future is not
see queen page 5
see den page 4
page 6
SPORTS Soccer team moves from LSC basement to qualify for postseason Page 8
FEATURES University celebrates annual Homecoming event in style mandy lambright chief Photographer Becca Clay is crowned Homecoming Queen 2012 during halftime of the football game against Midwestern State University on Saturday.
Students crown Clay katie greene
Page 5
NEWS Dean of students addresses religious diversity of faculty Page 4
ONLINE NEWS Honors College to conduct 90s dance on Nov. 3 acuoptimist.com
page 2 editor Becca Clay, senior speech pathology major from Salt Lake City, was crowned Homecoming queen at halftime during the Homecoming game on Saturday.
state
One-time visitor burns at State Fair Organizers plan to rebuild Big Tex 57 years after brief stay on campus mark smith
NEWS
editor in chief
Students getting involved with Vision School mission work acuoptimist.com
PHOTOS Go to our Flickr page for more photos from Homecoming festivities
Clay was one of 10 women nominated to the Homecoming court this year by the ACU student body. Women are nominated based on their involvement on campus. Clay’s involvement on campus includes three years in ResLife, president of Zeta Rho, participating in a steering committee this year for international
The looming mascot of the State Fair of Texas caught ablaze on Friday in Dallas, destroying most of Big Tex, the fair’s icon. The incident occurred 57 years after he left the campus of Abilene Christian College. In the fall of 1955, Gene Coleman (‘58) and a few of his friends were looking to make their newly chartered social club, Galaxy, wellknown on campus. “We wanted to have a big, impressive display, and then someone said something about bringing Big Tex here,” Coleman said. “We looked at each other and said, ‘Let’s see what we can do.’”
Coleman and Glen Wiggins flew to Dallas in October to ask to bring Big Tex to ACC’s 50th anniversary Homecoming, which would begin on Nov. 4. They met with the mayor of Dallas, Robert L. Thornton, who “helped get the ball rolling,” Coleman said. Big Tex, having just completed his third year in welcoming visitors to the Texas State Fair, was disassembled and moved to Abilene. Train cars took his skeleton, while several tractor-trailers transported Big Tex’s head, 70-gallon cowboy hat, hands and size-70 boots to Abilene. Jack Bridges, the artist who designed the enormous icon into a cowboy, and a team came to reassee fire page 4
Photo courtesy of ACU creative services Big Tex stands in front of the Hardin Administration Building during Homecoming 1955.
local flickr.com/acuoptimist
VIDEO Watch this week’s Ken Collums Show
acuoptimist.com
Student recovering from West Nile toms of the virus as he was driving back from San Antonio on Sep. 23. “I felt my vision close in,” After about a month of re- said Webb, “and all of a sudcovery, Evan Webb, junior den I had no idea what was business management ma- happening. So I pulled over jor from Houston, is nearly and turned the car off.” back to normal despite havWebb immediately ing contracted West Nile passed out in his vehicle, Virus. but luckily his girlfriend Webb first saw symp- Courtney Martin, junior
david singer
opinion page editor
youth and family ministry major from San Antonio, had been driving back in the vehicle in front of him and was able to pull over and help. “She was definitely freaking out but she did a good job of keeping her composure for the most part,” said Webb. “I’m proud of her.” Martin proceeded to
Abilene Christian University
take Webb to the nearest hospital in Junction where he underwent tests. He was later transferred to San Angelo where doctors cycled through possible diagnosis such as a seizure, migraines, an aneurism or tumors. It wasn’t until a week later after undergoing an MRI and multiple brain scans that Webb was diagnosed
with West Nile Virus. It was the last thing he expected but he felt relieved. “It’s scary when you wait,” he said. “But it was actually kind of a blessing because it could have been much worse than it was.” The immunization perisee virus page 4
Wednesday 10.24.12
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Wednesday
Thursday
11:30 a.m. Armstrong Backus Information Session hosted
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Friday
7:00 p.m. ACU Men’s Basketball at Baylor University
7:30 p.m. Jazz Band/ Orchestra Concert at Cullen Auditorium
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All Day - Fall Break (Which means we won’t be publishing an issue of the Optimist)
Saturday
10:00 a.m. ACU Football at TAMU-Commerce 2 p.m. ACU Volleyball vs Incarnate Word
4:00 p.m ACU Soccer vs Midwestern State 7:00 p.m. ACU Volleyball vs Incarnate Word
Chapel checkup
66 31 @acuoptimist
Around Abilene Oct. 24
Oct. 25
Oct. 26
Oct. 27
10 a.m. The Disability Resources Inc. Pumpking Patch will be open at 3602 N. Clack St. For more information call 325-677-6815.
7:30 p.m. A production of “Red” will be in the Down Center Stage Theatre at Hardin-Simmons University. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for students.
6 p.m. First Christian Church will be hosting a fair trade sale in their Activity Center at 1420 North Third Street. This sale will feature items marketed by Ten Thousand Villages, Eternal Threads, A Greater Gift, A Bead for Life and more.
1 p.m. Abilene businesses and nonprofit organizations will provide treats at Boo at the Zoo at the Abilene Zoo. Tickets are $2.50 in advance and will be $3 at the door.
The Optimist optimist@acu.edu Police Log 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 Swing Cats is hosting lessons for beginner and intermediate levels of swing dancing Thursday nights in SWRC 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 Montevideo Study Abroad interest meeting will be Oct. 23 at 5:30 p.m. in FSB 157. Free pizza will be provided. RSVP at study_abroad@acu.edu.
Connections Café is now a student run organization. They are serving breakfast burritos from La Popular and coffee from Mission Lazarus.
Weekend Campaigns will be going to Dallas to work with CitySquare homeless Leadership Summit will be having an in- ministries. Interested students can email The ACU Roller Hockey Club Team is terest meeting Oct. 30 and Nov. 16 from weekendcampaigns@gmail.com. accepting new members who are inter- 11 a.m.-11:50 a.m. in COBA 201. Chapel ested in playing roller hockey. For more credit will be provided. Virtuous Sisterhood will be presenting information on the team, you can post on S.W.A.G. Nov. 8 at 7 p.m. in Hart Auditothe ACU Wildcat Hockey Facebook page Elevator Pitch registration is now open. rium. Advice will be given on financial aid, or email acuhockey@gmail.com. Early registration is until Oct. 31 and costs interviewing and college career advance$10. Late registration is until Nov 6 and ment. costs $20.
Darbie Angel, founder of CRU Dinnerware, will be speaking Nov. 13 at 11 a.m. in Hunter Welcome Center in the LYNAY room for the Entrepreneur Speaker Series. April Anthony, founder of Encompass Home Health, will be speaking Nov. 13 at 11:45 a.m. in the Hunter Welcome Center.
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 MondayFriday after 3 p.m. and Saturday anytime. For more information contact Rebecca McMillon at 325-6958870 or flores@stjohnsabilene.org.
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.
Center for Contemporary Arts needs a gallery assistant to greet patrons, answer phones and answer basic questions about the Center and its programs. This oppotrunity is open Tuesday-Friday. The Center for Contemporary Arts is located at 220 Cypress Street. For more information contact Jessica Dulle at 325-677-8389 or visit: http://www.center-arts.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.
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.
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church is seeking volunteers to help in their baby room by interfacing with clients, hanging clothing, cleaning, and packaging on Wednesdays from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. For more information contact Peggy Valentine at 325-829-3425.
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 325-6731234 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.
House of Faith is seeking volunteers to participate in the after school Backyard Bible Club on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and/or Thursdays for elementary children or with the Thursday Xodus program for middle school children. For different club locations, contact Denise Davidson at 325-370-3642. 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. University Place is seeking volunteers to help with the resident birthday party for residents the third Wednesday of each month at 2:30 p.m. For more information contact Linda Tijerina at 325-676-9946. Breakfast on Beech Street is seeking volunteers to help set up, prepare and serve breakfast to homeless/lower income folks any Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 5:30 a.m. or Tuesday at 5 a.m. B.O.B.S is located at First Christian Church on 3rd St. and Beech St. Service times must be scheduled in advance. To serve on Mondays contact Jody Depriest at 325-669-3312 or jody.depriest@gmail.com. To serve on Tuesdays contact Allen Daugherty at 325-660-6949 or ale.al@suddenlink.net. To serve on Wednesdays contact Jane Harvey at 325-695-0092 or jharvread@aol.com. To serve on Thursdays contact Margaret Beasley at 325-692-4149 or mbeasley5@suddenlink.net. To serve on Fridays contact Rachel Brown at rdb08a@acu.edu.
The Abilene Zoo is looking for volunteers to help with general labor such as grounds cleanup and painting any weekday at any time between noon and 4 p.m. The Zoo is located at 2070 Zoo Ln. Contact Joy Harsh at 325676-6487 for more information. Eternal Threads is seeking volunteers to help with packing and organizing shipments, labeling products, errands and cleaning any weekday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information contact Pam Early at 325-672-6000 or pam@eternalthreads.com. Christian Homes & Family Services is seeking volunteers to do minor landscaping such as raking, trimming bushes, minor apartment repairs and general upkeep Monday-Saturday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information contact Shaylee Honey at 325-677-2205 or Shoney@ChristianHomes.com. The Abilene Public Zoo is seeking volunteers to help clean/feed animals, assist zookeepers and assist with educational classes any weekday any time between 12 p.m.-4 p.m. For more information contact Joy Harsh at 325-676-6487. Hill Resources is seeking volunteers to encourage and entertain mentally delayed individuals Monday through Friday any time between 10 a.m.-2 p.m. For more information contact Michelle Espinoza at 325-673-3346 or mespinoza@hillresource.com. The Oaks at Radford Hills is seeking volunteers to participate in activities, go on outings and provide social stimulation for residents any day at any time. For more information contact Michelle White or Sonia Serrato at 325-672-3236. Rescue the Animals is seeking volunteers to work at the adoption center doing a variety of tasks including cleaning, socializing and grooming the animals Monday - Saturday from 1 p.m.-5 p.m. For more information contact Mindi Qualls at 325-698-7722 or rescuetheanimalsvolunteers@yahoo.com. The CAC Department is seeking volunteers to participate in Special Olympics, by helping mentally/physically challenged people play games and sports Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. For more infomation contact Angel Seca at 325-690-5235. For additional volunteer opportunities visit: www.acu. edu/campusoffices/ccsl/ministry-service/volunteeropportunities/
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campus news
wednesday 10.24.12
alumni
Scripps leader to make visit to JMC department Matt Sloan sports reporter A renowned news industry leader is visiting ACU to speak on servant journalism on Thursday. Mizell Stewart III’s resume stretches across 13 different markets, including coverage of the controversial 2000 presidential election. He was also on a Pulitzer Prize winning staff for reporting on Hurricane Katrina. Stewart is now the vice president of content Deanna romero Staff Photographer for the newspaper group The Fox and the Hounds, made up of Andrew Tate, sophomore biology major from Abilene, Logan Pringle and Jes- E.W. Scripps Company, salyn Massingil, perform a song at JamFest on Friday night. the company that owns and operates the Abilene Reporter-News. “Mizell is great to work with because he understands how to get the work done,” Reporter-News editor Doug Williamson said. “He has worked with istry, said she thinks maincollege students,” he said. ter’s incoming class. The a lot of markets larger Melany cox taining the retention rate is “So sometimes the process- freshman class this semes- than the Reporter-News, online managing editor a big part of the mission of es of college are sometimes ter is the most ethnically so his contacts in the inOME. a little difficult to navigate, diverse class in ACU history. dustry are great.” The Office of Multicultural “I think that office does and so we do a strong piece Martin said one of the Stewart will speak to Enrichment has been mak- a really good job of trying to in helping students navigate reasons OME felt the need classes in the Department ing efforts to increase diver- give students a place to go, those processes.” to increase diversity was be- of Journalism and Mass before sity around campus, while a place to be, organizations He said OME also helps cause they want ACU to re- Communication also pushing for a higher that it supports, that kind of out in the area of recruiting. flect what the church should speaking in an open conrate of retention among mi- thing,” Reese said. Using contacts around the be. He also said there was versation at 11 a.m. in the nority students. Five student groups are state and around the nation, a need to increase diver- JMC Network News Lab Byron Martin, director of under the direction of OME: Martin said more minority sity because students would multicultural enrichment Black Students Associa- students can be recruited to benefit from the educationand support, said OME tion, Hispanos Unidos and come to ACU. al value of interacting with pushes for a higher rate of Virtuous Sisterhood, along “Every now and then students from other cultures retention to increase the with performance groups we’ll help out by making a and points of view. feeling of having a diverse SHADES and Sanctify. Mar- recruiting trip somewhere He said when students culture on the ACU campus. tin said these groups add with an admissions recruit- have the opportunity to inHe said retention is not just to the feeling of culture and er, or helping make some of teract with students from based on financial reasons belonging. those connections, develop- other cultures it enriches and grades. It is also based He said another way OME ing some of those pipelines their perspective and their on students having a sense helps retention and diversity into more diverse commu- ability to “see the world and of belonging. is by helping students adapt nities that are already repre- change it.” Dr. Jeanene Reese, asso- to college processes. sented,” Martin said. ciate professor and associ“Not just here, but across Martin said diversity has contact cox at ate chair of the department the nation, a lot of students increased and the increase mkc09b@acu.edu of Bible, Missions and Min- of color are first generation is apparent in this semes-
retention
OME pushing for diversity
missions
Weekend Campaigns plan three trips Brittany Williams Staff photographer Weekend Campaigns have scheduled three trips to help students connect with their community. The trips include a trip to work with CitySquare, a multi-faceted, non-profit organization in Dallas on Oct. 25-27. Another trip is planned for Nov. 16-18 for a drivein Thanksgiving dinner in Oklahoma City. The final Campaign of the semester is scheduled for Nov. 30–Dec. 2, which will be in Abilene. “I like that we can just take a weekend to go and serve others no matter where they are,” Elisa Wyrick, sophmore English major from The Woodlands said. “Whether they are here in Abilene or in Texas or Oklahoma. I just feel like I’m doing something good
with my weekend.” Wyrick recently went on a Weekend Campaign to Brookwood Community Home, a community home for disabled adults, in Katy. During the campaign to the home, the group put together a Disney-themed talent show for the adults. Wyrick said that the group that was involved in the campaign was a really close group of students and they formed great relationships. “If service is something hard for you to do because you don’t think it can be fun, try a weekend campaign,” Wyrick said. David Reynolds, one of the Weekend Campaign leaders, described the campaigns as “a really good community group that also does service, so you get the best of both worlds.” “There is no commitment, so you can come to the Chapels or not, you can
come to one campaign or three; you can decide how many,” Reynolds, a senior math major from Round Rock said. During a campaign, all students are responsible for is their own meals. Travel is provided. The group also holds a small group Chapel every Thursday in the Biblical Studies Building in room 249. The Chapel includes worship, a devotional, and information about any upcoming campaigns. Each of the four leaders plans one trip per semester, or about one trip a month. To get more information about upcoming trips, email weekendcampaigns@ gmail.com to receive updates or to sign up for any campaigns. contact Williams at bnw11a@acu.edu
student life
Ag department offers dance lessons Katie greene page 2 editor The Agricultural and Environmental Science club is teaching dance classes on Saturdays and Mondays at 7:30 p.m. The goal of the lessons is to generate interest in the barn dance put on by the Ag club in November. The entire ACU campus is invited to participate in this fundraiser for the Ag club. Kathleen Henderson, vice president of the Ag club is excited about bringing in new students. “In order to get more people to come we decided to do these dance lessons,”said Henderson, senior environmental science range and wildlife management major from Rockport. The lessons are focused on all forms of country western-style dancing.
“We want a place that is friendly and open for people who want to learn,” said Jamie Elswood, senior criminal justice major from San Antonio and member of the Ag club. If turnouts at the lessons get too large, there are plans to have a different group meet each day, or add another meeting to the normal meetings on Saturdays and Mondays. The Ag club has attempted to offer country western dance lessons in the past, but ran into obstacles with the old ACU dance policy. “We couldn’t ever get it going because the ACU policy was a no-dance, ‘make room for Jesus’ kind of thing,” said Ian Merriman, senior criminal justice major from Hickory Creek and member of the Ag club. Now that the dance policy has been changed, the Ag club is free to give these les-
sons on campus. The Ag club also meets most Friday nights at 7:30 p.m. at the Oplin Community Center. This allows members to practice their moves in another public, but friendly environment. “Oplin is a good place to learn anyway,” said Elswood. Every skill level is welcome to join in the lessons. “On average we have one or two people who have never danced at all at every lesson,” said Merriman. The Ag club is hoping to have fun while generating awareness for the barn dance coming in November. Interested students can attend either the Saturday lesson in Studio B of the rec center, or the Monday lesson in Studio A. contact Greene at keg09b@acu.edu
about servant journalism. All students in at tenda nce will receive c h a p e l credit. Stewart “Mizell definitely brings a believer’s perspective to the industry,” Dr. Cheryl Bacon, chair of the JMC department, said. “I think it is really good for students to see people who are doing excellent work and important work well, and at the same time personify the same type of ethical standards and values that we would want our students to live out in there professional lives.” Students from all across campus are welcome to attend the conversation, during which Stewart will discuss how being a journalist and a servant go hand in hand. “He is supportive and a good, honest person,” Williamson said. “I think the students will like him.” contact sloan at mes10b@acu.edu
News
Wednesday 10.24.12
4
students’ association
Dean of students discusses religious future Josh Garcia staff reporter Dr. Jean-Noel Thompson met with the Students’ Association on Wednesday to respond to the congress members’ questions about student life. Thompson, vice president for Student Life and dean of students, spoke about the religious and ethnic diversity of the campus, both of which increased this year. Thirty percent of the freshmen class is of an ethnic minority, the most diverse class in the university’s history. All faculty members are required to be members of the Church of Christ, but an increased variety of religious
affiliations has encouraged the administration to consider changing this policy. While the issue has been discussed several times before, nothing definitive has been decided. Thompson said the move to Division-I athletics will not affect ACU’s commitment to creating a Christian learning environment. Thompson challenged students to hold the administration accountable to Christian principles. “Whatever you do, your first job is to disciple,” said Thompson. “Your first job is to speak into the lives of these young men and women, student athletes and show Christ.” The university is expected to gradually increase in size, but Thompson said ACU’s
position as a smaller school is an important feature in its attractiveness to prospective students. To accommodate larger numbers, the administration has considered renovations and expansions to Gardner. Additionally, University Park’s rates will be reduced next year and will also incorporate utilities. Thompson also addressed the absence of Russ Kirby, the former director of student multicultural enrichment. Kirby resigned for personal reasons and is currently living in the Dallas area with his family. Byron Martin, interim director of student multicultural enrichment, addressed SA’s concerns about different student organizations’ fundraising activities. Black Stu-
dents Association, Hispanos Unidos, Virtuous Sisterhood, SHADES and Sanctify fall under the Office of Multicultural Enrichment. Earlier this semester, Hispanos Unidos was concerned about the lack of funding for their traditional culture event, Entra a la Plaza. Congress addressed the Hispanos Unidos’ lack of fundraisers, but the Office of Multicultural Enrichment provided enough funding to allow Entra a la Plaza to occur. OME has a specific budget to support their student organizations’ major events, such as the Black History Production. Martin said he did not want students to feel the need to fundraise in order to share their culture with
the Abilene community, but encouraged fundraising for smaller activities. “These are things that the entire community looks forward to seeing, so we don’t want to let those go by the wayside,” said Martin. “We don’t want to have a year where we don’t have those events.” Conference fund requests ended this week. Lambda Pi Eta was granted $200 for the National Communication Association Conference and Alpha Psi Omega was granted $1,000 for the Southeastern Theatre Conference. With leftover funds, congress awarded the Society of Physics Students an additional $165 for the Sigma Pi Sigma Quadrennial Congress, bringing their total to $1,035.
SA meetings are open Several representatives didto all are notstudents. attend theMeetings meeting on conducted Wednesdayon Wednesdays at 5:15 p.m. in the OnsteadKaitlyn Warton McDonald Hall rep Kaitlyn Tuiasosopo Gardner Hall rep JP Festa Barret Hall rep Connor Vansteenburg Off-campus rep JP Ralston COBA rep Packer Biblical Studies Building room 114. contact garcia at jtg10b@acu.edu
local
Abilene Ruff Riders rebrand as Bombers John Martin student reporter The Abilene Ruff Riders held a contest to rebrand their organization over the summer. Now known as the Abilene Bombers, the organization hopes to get the Abilene community more involved with the team. The Abilene Ruff Rider homepage released a statement from spokesman Scott Anderson that entailed why
the switch was being made. The statement said, “The history of the Ruff Riders actually began in Katy, Texas in 2007 and later moved to Abilene in 2009. The team has continued to use the same name carried over from Katy for 4 years now, which was a name it came to town with, not a name Abilene and the community created. Our plan is for Abilene, our fans and the community to have the opportunity to be involved
in the name and look of the Franchise. Simply put, we want to give Abilene the opportunity to make this team its own.” The contest involved creating new ideas for team names, colors and mascots. The winner, Buddy Miller received four VIP season tickets, t-shirts and other accessories. The Bombers colors are now “shock wave green”, navy and white and the helmet has a logo of a plane lifting off a runway
in the shape of an A for Abilene. Carl Kieke, a reporter for the Abilene Reporter-News, wrote that head coach Joe Brannen said, “We want something Abilene can call their own, with the Dyess Air Force Base connection, we figured this would be a great name to relate this to the community.” Abilene community members seem to be taking the change well. David Pillen, recent ACU graduate
from Sugar Land, is in favor of rebranding the team. “The new brand can help them become more open to family and community members,” Pillen said. “Reaching out to the air force is a great way to get the community to their events.” Pillen had some ideas of his own to get the community even more involved. “I’ve only been to one game this past summer and it was a pretty cool experi-
ence,” Pillen said. “But I think if they were to renovate the Expo Center at all or even build a new arena they’d be more likely to get involvement from Abilene and be able to put on a better show.” More information about the Abilene Bombers can be found at their homepage: www.bombers.biz. contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
local
Virus: Junior likely contracted West Nile in Dallas ing a trip to Dallas to see the Wildcat football team play od for West Nile Virus is on Sep. 16. approximately one week West Nile Virus is deadly which means that Webb was in a very small number of most likely bitten by a mos- cases and most patients quito carrying the virus dur- who contract it don’t see Continued from page 1
any symptoms. Webb’s case was considered mild by doctors and his symptoms were mostly headaches and fatigue. “Staying hydrated and getting sleep is the best I can
do right now,” he said. While most patients can expect a recovery period of 2-3 months, Webb, who has kept up with classes and continued to play intramural sports, said he feels like
he is almost back to normal. lucky I had the sense to pull “I feel extremely better over because it happened and its visible to other peo- just like that.” ple how much better I feel,” he said. “I’m blessed that contact Smith at its not going to be as bad as dis08b@acu.edu I thought it would be. I’m
state
Fire: Big Tex destroyed by flames, will be rebuilt Continued from page 1 semble Big Tex. They set him up just in time for the Homecoming weekend. “It gave Galaxy and the school good publicity,” Coleman said. “It created a lot of attention for us and made the national news.” Michelle Coleman Hammond, Gene’s niece, said the
story of Big Tex’s trip to ACC has become “family lore”. The enormous statue stood 52 feet tall, higher than all of the nearby buildings, on the southwest corner of campus. Coleman said the Galaxy charter class was able to raise enough money for the gigantic statue’s transportation.
“We received donations in Dallas, and lots of discounts,” Coleman said. “The trucks charged us a minimum amount, and the trains didn’t charge us. They saw this was going to be a good thing that would take place.” It was Big Tex’s last trip outside of the State Fair. According to a State
Fair news release, smoke began billowing from Big Tex’s neck at about 10 a.m. on Friday, during the final weekend of this year’s State Fair. The fire consumed the entire statue and by the time firefighters put out the flames, only Big Tex’s skeleton and hands remained. Investigators believe an electrical
short in his right cowboy boot ignited the flame. However, the Dallas community is banding together to return Big Tex to his former glory. Michael Rawlings, mayor of Dallas, said in a tweet, “We will rebuild Big Tex bigger and better for the 21st Century.” Errol McKoy, the presi-
dent of the State Fair, said Big Tex will be ready for the fair next year. “It was very sad to see him go up in flames,” Coleman said. “But I’m glad he will be able to continue to live on.” contact smith at mds10a@acu.edu
national
Exception: Lawsuits pose religious liberty questions Continued from page 1 “morning-after” pills that sometimes work by preventing a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus. Some Protestants and religious organizations are concerned this is equal to abortion. “I have personal
qualms with contributing to something I view as tantamount to abortion, and I think a lot of people would agree,” Garrett said. “The religious argument here is if people should be allowed to follow their conscious, and they shouldn’t be required to offer a health plan that
covers things they have religious objections to.” According to the Huffington Post, 32 lawsuits are challenging this mandate from institutions such as Hobby Lobby Stores Inc., Wheaton College, Belmont Abbey College, Colorado Christian University, East Texas Baptist University and
Houston Baptist University. “There has not been a lot of discussion about whether we will join in a lawsuit at this time, but there should be more clarity once these other lawsuits resolve,” Garrett said. However, a revision was made that permits organizations to apply for a one
year exemption called a “safe harbor” where they do not have to comply with all contraceptive services, specifically abortifacients. Wendy Jones, director of human resources, said ACU was able to apply for the one-year Safe Harbor. Jones also said ACU is not currently preparing to en-
ter a lawsuit regarding the mandate though they have discussed it. “Right now we are curious to see how the election and pending lawsuits will play out,” Jones said. contact Jones at mnj10a@acu.edu
food services
Den: Rumors of coffee shop’s closing false campus dining services are most viable for stubeing singled out from dents, not just The Den,” other dining locations, he said. “But all these said Williams. things have only been “There have been con- brought up in conversaversations about which tion.” Continued from page 1
Like many students, Mariah English finds The Den a valuable asset to the dining areas offered to students. “The Den may not have a line out the door, but I see customers in there often and is a good little study place to have some coffee and a quiet atmosphere,” she said. “I personally think The Den is a fantastic addition to campus. “ With winter around the corner, campus coffee spots, like The Den, become a place for students’ social gatherings or studying sanctuaries. And for now, it looks like students can enjoy their pumpkin lattes a little longer.
contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
5
featureS
wednesday 10.24.12
Dr. Phil Schubert, president of the university, is joined by his family in the Homecoming parade.
Mandy Lambright CHIEf Photographer
Fireworks light up the sky near University Park during JamFest.
Members of the Alpha Kai Omega pledge class perform during the Homecoming parade.
Mandy Lambright CHIEf Photographer
CURTIS CHRISTIAN STAFF Photographer
HITTING HOME
Alumni join with students to celebrate ACU traditions during Homecoming
Jonathan Bryant, junior management major from San Antonio, performs his own original song with Sunset at Ivry during JamFest.
Mandy Lambright CHIEf Photographer
Queen: Clay, father reunite continued from page 1
community worked together to buy Clay’s father a plane ticket to surprise Clay the Thursday before Homecoming. Gary McCaleb, vice president of the university, said, “Word spread around and people thought, ‘Woudn’t it be cool if Randy could come back?’” Clay’s parents used to live in the Abilene area, making this Homecoming event special for both Becca and her father. Clay took advantage of every second her father was in town, including while she was standing on the field with him waiting for the announcement of who won. “I wasn’t really listening to what they were saying because my dad
and I were talking,” Clay said. She said she did not even know that she won until her dad told her that her name had just been announced. “Seeing my dad was better than actually winning,” Clay said. “Seeing him so happy and proud of me was awesome.” Clay does not expect this title to change her influence on campus. “To have influence you just need to be a person of integrity and be who God’s called you to be,” Clay said. Clay is grateful of everyone who contributed to getting her dad here to Abilene. “I have a lot of ACU angels looking out for me and taking care of me,” Clay said.
Lauren Blanford, junior math major from Round Rock, performs with the Big Purple Band during the Homecoming halftime show.
Becca Clay, senior communication science and disorders major Mandy Lambright CHIEf Photographer from Salt Lake City, Utah, is crowned Homecoming Queen.
Mandy Lambright CHIEf Photographer
Opinion
WEDNESDAY 10.24.12
6
Editorial
Endorsement: Obama for a second term Politics and elections can be overwhelming for everyone, especially college students. For most of us, this is the first election in which we can vote, meaning we just started paying attention. With debates, political ads and countless issues, it is hard to know where to start. It is unrealistic to expect to agree with a candidate on every issue, so from a Christian college student’s perspective, we decided three issues were of particular significance for our demographic in this election: foreign policy, health care and the national debt. In regard to foreign policy, our belief is that the government’s job is to provide defense for Americans both at home and abroad, to work with allies to protect human rights around the world and to provide help for any countries who explicitly ask for it. We also believe our military should move away from its history of intervention. While gun control, gang violence and drug wars rage on our home soil, our focus often seems to be on other countries problems. Barack Obama has established a timeline that will remove troops from Afghanistan by 2014. (Although in the final presidential debate, we did see Romney realign himself with this same timeline.) During his years in office, Obama has also helped the Pentagon’s civilian intelligence staff to grow by 20 percent while cutting spending. Romney’s platform has clearly shown his intention to increase the military budget. In 2001, our military spent $711 billion, nearly
five times as much as China, which spent the second most, and equal to the next 14 countries combined. A military of this size and at this cost in the state of the economy is absurd. Before Sept. 11, which could not have been prevented by large numbers of guns and troops, the last time a military battle occurred on American soil was the Civil War. It’s clear that massive military spending is not the answer to our country’s foreign problems. Domestically, one of the biggest issues facing Americans in this election is health care. When it comes down to it, Romneycare and Obamacare, as the respective candidates’ plans have come to be known, have many similarities. Americans can expect a change in health care either way, but where the candidates differ the most regards who will make these changes. The work Romney has done in Massachusetts does not serve as a nationwide plan, like Obamacare, but instead as an example of what can happen when a state has the power to establish health care laws initially. We live in one of the largest countries in the world in terms of both area and population, and it is ignorant to believe there will not be differences in beliefs throughout regions of America. But when states are given the power to choose, there is a much better chance that a majority of constituents will be happy. In the past, we’ve seen issues like slavery, drinking age and many others decided on a stateto-state basis. In many
EVAN’s marks
evan marks
cases, these laws become nationwide over time. We would like to see the national government provide a basic requirement for health care that states can then tailor for their own population’s needs. Romney’s plan allows for states to decide the best way to provide healthcare for its people, something that Obamacare wants to make nationwide. We believe one of the biggest mistakes a voter can make is assuming a president’s policies will af-
fect an economy as vast as our own in only four years. Many economists have hypothesized that at any point in time, our economy is in fact the result of policies established multiple terms in the past. Four years after Obama’s election, it seems many of those same Americans are ready to assume he has had “enough time” to make a mark on the economy. Spending cuts alone will not make even a small dent on our $16 trillion debt. The government also needs
to increase its revenue by spreading the tax burden equally on all classes and closing loopholes for the upperclass. Through this, and a focus on job creation, we will hopefully begin to see the economy flourishing again. While we also agree with Gary Johnson, the libertarian candidate, on all three of these issues, he has plans to diminish government to an extreme extent. However, it is important to realize that a third party brings another platform to
voters and we wish we had an opportunity to hear him debate and present his perspective alongside the two dominant parties. After establishing our stances on each of these issues and comparing them to each candidate’s platforms, we believe Barack Obama is the candidate most deserving of our vote on Election Day.
contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
GUEST column
Romney/Ryan offer best vision for nation This guest column was submitted by Stewart McGregor, president of the College Republicans. Are you and your family better off than you were four years ago? If the answer is no, Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan have a great, commonsense plan to get America on the path to success and sustainability. Currently, your share of the national debts equals approximately $51,000. Politicians on both sides of the aisle have contributed to this travesty. However, Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan are serious about reigning in the debt problem in Washing-
ton, D.C., along with jumpstarting job creation to curb the stagnant 7.8 percent national unemployment rate and create 12 million jobs. Romney spent over twenty years in the private sector where he specialized in reviving corporations that were on the verge of financial ruin. In addition to experience in the private sector, Romney was the Governor of Massachusetts. During that time, Romney worked effectively with a state legislature that was 87 percent Democrat. As governor, he tackled the unemployment rate in Massachusetts and brought it down to just 4.7 percent. On a per-
sonal note, Governor Romney gave nearly 30 percent of his income to charitable organizations in 2011. Romney’s running mate, Congressman Paul Ryan, is a great complement to Romney’s impressive resume. As a seven-term congressman, Ryan fought for smarter, more efficient government. Currently, Ryan serves as the Chairman of the House Budget Committee – he’s a numbers guy who understands public budgeting. The two of them together create a powerhouse that is ready to tackle the nation’s largest public policy problems. Romney and Ryan have a 5-point plan they will imple-
ment on day one of taking office. The first step in their plan is to achieve energy independence by 2020 by opening up America’s market for all kinds of energy creation which will help drive down gasoline prices and create thousands of jobs. Second, they plan to expand trade to help businesses and workers and to regulate countries that do not play by fair trade rules. Third, they want to provide better higher education and public education along with skills training to make the American workforce more competitive with the rest of the world. Fourth, Romney and Ryan want to create a better
business climate by cutting the size of the government, decreasing the deficit and reducing the national debt. Finally, they plan to support small businesses by reforming the tax code and cutting red tape to create more jobs. When it comes to health care, Romney and Ryan believe in creating free market solutions that help Americans get access to the health care they deserve. On his first day in office, Romney plans to issue an executive order to repeal the expensive Obamacare mandate. He will work to replace it with a policy that is more cost-effective and efficient, yet provides affordable qual-
ity health care to Americans. He wants to strengthen our foreign policy and target terror cell groups. A Romney/ Ryan administration will also work to protect the lives of the unborn. Governor Romney and Congressman Ryan have a great vision for this nation. This vision is attainable, but can only be attained through people like you. I hope you will join me and millions of other Americans in voting for a Romney/Ryan administration, so that their vision can become reality. contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
GUEST column
Why I believe in the values of the Democratic Party This guest column was submitted by Elizabeth Koepke, president of the College Democrats. I believe an individual deserves the freedom to live by the convictions of his or her own conscience, and that his or her freedom only ends when he or she infringes on the rights of another person, causing harm or the restriction of life, liberty or the
pursuit of happiness. The U.S. government has a duty to protect these rights and prevent infringement, and should never impose a law that infringes on these conditions of freedom. This is one of the core values of the Democratic Party. I also believe in aiding my neighbor, by giving him food or medicine because Jesus taught me to do this. I do not consider whether or not my
hashtagACU 4:55 p.m. Oct. 22
Is there anyway to block all tweets regarding Taylor Swift or her new album?
@NovaMcVey
6:34 p.m. Oct. 22
Taylor swift sounds like she lives for drama. I think that’s the only reason girls like her
@Zak_Kaiser
neighbor “deserves” my aid; I simply seek to know if he or she needs it and how he or she can access it. I don’t mind paying a little more in taxes if it means my neighbor is taken care of. More than 46.2 million Americans are in poverty. This means children are hungry, adults cannot afford simple, but life-saving medicines, and people my age cannot afford higher education.
11:42 p.m. Oct. 21
If one of my friends buys the new Taylor Swift album tomorrow, it will be the last day of our friendship.
@KatKessler9
editorial and Letter Policy Unsigned editorials are the opinions of the Optimist and may not necessarily reflect the views of the university or its administration. Signed columns, cartoons and letters are the opinions of their creators and may not necessarily reflect the viewpoints of the Optimist or the university. The Optimist encourages reader response through letters to the editor but reserves the right to limit frequent contributors or to refuse to print letters containing
personal attacks, obscenity, defamation, erroneous information or invasion of privacy. Please limit letters to 350 words or fewer. A name and phone number must be included for verification purposes. Phone numbers will not be published.
published by the department of journalism and mass communication editorial and management board
Address letters to: ACU Box 27892 Abilene, TX 79609 E-mail letters to: optimist@acu.edu
newsroom (325) 674-2439
It is common sense that the hungry and sick make less productive students and workers. Have you ever not eaten for two days and been sick and tried to go to work or ace a test? It is next to impossible; the human body does have its limits. I would like to believe that the Church could take care of everyone, but that is not a reality in this country. Because of this, the Democratic Party
views it as the responsibility of the greater community to aid the hungry and sick, the poor and the uneducated. I believe in the power of diplomacy in international relations. Military force is a necessary evil that should only be used in the most extreme of circumstances, after all diplomatic measures have been exhausted and according to international law military force is the
8:06 p.m. Oct. 21
11:32 a.m. Oct. 23
Yo @taylorswift13. I’m really happy for you— Imma let you finish, but Speak Now was one of your best albums of all time. OF ALL TIME.
I really wish all the siblings would stop tweeting about Taylor Swift’s new album... I’m a girl, from Nashville, and I’m not THAT excited
@abbygracedodson @claygreenwalt
only plausible course of action. The Democratic Party believes in this approach as one of its core values. I believe in electing leaders who believe in these core values, like President Obama and Senator candidate Paul Sadler. I believe in the Democratic Party. contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
10:52 a.m. Oct. 23
Test postponed again. The teacher must know I need all the time I can get to listen to TSwift’s new album #Red
@Rybs3
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7
sports
wednesday 10.24.12
ACU (4-4) at A&M Commerce (1-6) Game Preview
Offense ACU
Defense
PICK:
Intangibles ACU
PICK:
PICK:
ACU
ACU’s offense exploded for 31 points in a close loss to MSU last week, and it looks like any offensive line problems are in the past for the Widlcats. Wide receiver Taylor Gabriel had two touchdowns, and quarterback Mitchell Gale had
The Wildcats safeties combined for 25 tackles last week, and the defense looked strong against a potent MSU squad. The Wildcat D could have a coming out party against the Lions this week, with enough talent to give the Lions fits.
The Wilcdats are sitting at 4-4, and would like nothing more than to get above .500 with a win over the weekend. The ‘Cats also have a chance to get back to .500 in conference. Commerce will want to play well in front of their
his best game of the year. For Commerce, the quarterback situtaion is not good, but they do have some talented players at skill positions. Wide out Tevin Godfrey has caught four touchdowns on the year, and the sophomore will be looking to find the end zone again at home on Saturday. But ACU’s offense will be the class of this game, and the ‘Cats should be scoring early and often, on the ground and through the air.
Senior Danny Mason is by far the best player for Commerce, accounting for 78 tackles, 9.5 of which are behind the line of scrimmage. Mason will be f lying to the football, and should be able to get double digit tackles again on Saturday, especially since the ‘Cats will probably be running the ball a lot with a lead. Also watch for ACU defensive end Rob Boyd, who has been active on the line the past few games.
home crowd and answer the bell on Saturday afternoon, but the Wildcats have way too much talent to run away with this game. Coach Collums always has his guys ready to play, and this Saturday should not be any different for the Wildcats. ACU should be able to beat the Lions by a sizable margin on Saturday.
Natalie Goin
Edward Isaacs
Taylor Langston
Matthew Sloan
Daniel Zepeda
After losing two games back-to-back against West Texas A&M and Midwestern State, the ‘Cats are desperate for a win and will show up on Saturday ready to play. Commerce has won only one game this season, and the odds are not in their favor against a more talented and hungry squad of Wildcats.
ACU lost a heartbreaker at Homecoming last week. The Wildcats should not have to worry about a letdown though. The team is playing a much less talented Commerce squad who has only managed one win this season. The ‘Cats are better at literally every position and this one should be over by halftime.
No team should ever be overlooked. With the exception of A&M Commerce. I expect to see lots of playing time from the two’s, three’s and why not some four’s? ACU needs a good win and it wouldn’t hurt for some battered players to catch a breath.
The Wildcats have a ton of talent, and the Lions could be the victim of poor timing. ACU will come out looking to prove a point on Saturday, and the game could get away from the Lions before halftime. The Wildcats are going to win big, and score a ton on the road this weekend.
The Wildcats are looking to rebound after a disapointing last second loss in front of the Homecoming cowd last week. Commerce will provide a well needed win for ACU. With only one win on the season, they should prove to be no test as the ‘Cats should have no problem putting up points. The ‘Cats will get back over .500 after Saturday’s win.
Pick: ACU 56-17
Pick: ACU 56-14
Pick: ACU 42-10
Pick: ACU 52-14
Pick: ACU 45-21
Ken Collums show continues this Saturday The Ken Collums Show will air at 10:30 a.m. this Saturday on KTXS. The show runs every Saturday during the football season at 10:30 a.m.
volleyball
Wildcats continue to struggle on the road
“
edward isaacs sports editor The Wildcats ended their four-match winning streak in the Lone Star Conference over the weekend. The team lost on the road to both Angelo State University and Tarleton State University. The ‘Cats were defeated on Friday by No. 9 ASU in three sets (25-18, 25-13, 25-21). Saturday, ACU was bested by the Tex Anns in four sets (25-13, 25-20, 2225, and 25-22). “The losses this weekend were completely different than the losses against Angelo and Tarleton a couple of weeks ago,” head coach Kellen Mock said. “We played good matches. The only mental slip was game two against Angelo.” “We fought really hard the whole way through both matches,” she said. The two losses dropped the Wildcats to 9-14 on the season and 5-8 against the LSC. The road has not been kind to the team as they are only 4-10 [away from Moody Coliseum.] The Rambelles (19-3) remained in first place in the conference after the win. Despite the losses, Mock still says there is a
Every match we play, I get more confident and comfortable with my hitters.”
score,” freshman Sarah Siemens said. “The offense was out of its comfort zone and we had more errors than in the previous matches.” Freshman Jennie Loerch led the team with 11 kills but also committed seven errors. Senior Kalynne Allen had a seasonbest five assists. Siemens had 23 assists out of the ‘Cats 28 kills. Libero Madison Hoover and setter Caley Johnson both led the team in digs with 10 apiece. The Wildcats hit .162 as a team versus Tarleton State. Loerch smacked 18 kills while sophomore Sara Oxford recorded 11. curtis christian Staff Photographer “Jennie has really hit Rachel Riley and Kalynne Allen jump up to block an opponent in Moody Coliseum. fire lately,” Mock said. “She is so consistent and good chance the squad ing, we’re facing the lower On the other side, Angelo the girls love playing will make it to the confer- end of the conference in State had eight blocks and with her because she’s so ence tournament at the our upcoming matches.” hit at a .211 clip. positive.” end of the season. ACU recorded nine “Angelo came out and Freshman Corrie Reed“We do have to win blocks in the ASU match. played great defense er and Allen each had quite a few more matches However, they could not against us,” Mock said. nine kills and also comto clinch a spot,” she said. do much with their at“We had to work re- bined for 3.5 of the team’s “But based on the stand- tack, hitting just .066. ally hard to find places to six blocks.
sarah siemens setter acu volleyball
TSU had a .263 hitting percentage due in part to four players who smashed 10 or more kills. Siemens was active on the court with 47 assists and 10 digs. Hoover had 19 digs while junior Madelyn Robinett served three aces. “Every match we play, I get more confident and comfortable with my hitters,” Siemens said. “I have more of a gut feeling on who to set. I’m starting to understand how everything works.” The ‘Cats are back on the court in Moody this week to start a threematch homestand. The team battles Texas A&M University-Kingsville Friday at 7 p.m. and University of the Incarnate Word Saturday at 2 p.m.
contact isaacs at jei08a@acu.edu
soccer
Clinch: Team earns playoff bid after win from page 8 turnover and booted another goal in from about 20 yards back, making the score 2-0. Coppedge leads the team with five goals this season followed by Carpenter with four. The Wildcats’ goals were unanswered until the second half, when Brionna Minde scored on a corner kick, making the score 2-1. The Lions had a few more opportunities to score, but senior goalkeeper Arielle Moncure had three more saves in the addition to her defense clearing a few shots. Rogers finished with seven. “It has come down to focusing on the little things and putting to action the repition of what we do in practice as far as finishing opportunities
in front of the goal and stretching the other teams out to work the ball up the field,” Wilson said. Commerce out-shot ACU 11-7 in the second half, 16-15 in the match. In order to secure a spot in the LSC postseason tournament, the ‘Cats needed another win against Texas Women’s who was tied with ACU in fifth place. On Sunday, the Wildcats not only crushed TWU 4-0, but won their third game in a row to clench the final tournament spot. “A lot of hard work over the past few weeks finally paid off, and we’re coming together as a strong team that truly believes in each other,” said sophomore midfielder Megan Turner. “A national championship is now in reach.” Junior midfielder Jacey
Ferrera scored both her first and second goals of the season Sunday at Wildcat Soccer pitch, first in the 16th and then later in the 89th minute. Senior forward Krysta Grimm scored her fourth goal of the season in the 34th minute, and Turner scored her second goal of the year in the 83rd minute. Turner’s goal came on a corner kick by senior defender Lexi Stirling, which Turner headed in the goal. “Lexi served up a perfect ball and I just jumped as high as I could to head the ball into the goal,” Turner said. “It just felt natural.” The Pioneers never challenged the ‘Cats, even though they outshot ACU 4-3 in the first half. Because of their poor shooting, Moncure finished the game with only one save.
It was Moncure’s fifth shutout of the season. “We knew going into this game that it was critical that we win in order to make the playoffs,” Turner said. “Our performance as a team was the best we’ve seen all season and it showed in the score. There was an overwhelming excitement amongst all of us when we reached our fourth point knowing we were about to secure a playoff position.” The Wildcats return to action on Friday, when they host Midwestern State at 4 p.m. in their final regular season game at Wildcat Soccer Pitch here in Abilene. “The ladies will be heading into their fifth consecutive post-season tournament, and in the past two years have been in the championship game,” Wil-
son said. “We need to continue to focus on the process of staying sharp and playing our game. It starts with Friday’s game against Midwestern to keep taking
the steps needed to playing even better soccer.” contact goin at nsg10b@acu.edu
sports
wednesday 10.24.12
8
standings
football
football
Team
Div.
Ovrl.
WTAMU MSU ASU TAMU-K TSU ACU ENMU UIW Commerce
6-0 5-1 3-2 3-3 3-3 2-4 1-4 1-4 1-4
7-1 6-1 4-4 4-4 3-4 4-4 2-5 2-6 1-6
Team
Div.
Ovrl.
ASU TSU WTAMU TWU Commerce TAMU-K ACU UIW Cameron MSU ENMU
12-1 11-2 10-2 10-4 7-6 5-8 5-8 5-8 3-10 2-11 1-11
19-3 18-5 19-3 16-6 16-7 12-10 9-14 8-14 8-16 6-16 6-16
Team
Div.
Ovrl.
WTAMU UIW ASU MSU ACU TWU ENMU Commerce
9-4 9-4 7-5-1 6-4-3 5-7-1 5-7-1 4-9 4-9
10-6-1 9-6 9-7-1 6-8-3 7-9-1 6-9-2 5-12 5-11
volleyball
soccer
briefings
mandy lambright chief Photographer
Junior wide receiver Taylor Gabriel makes a leaping grab against Midwestern State University on Homecoming. The Wildcats lost to the Mustangs 35-31. Gabriel had 116 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
MSU sneaks past ‘Cats matthew sloan sports reporter The Wildcats and Mustangs provided the fireworks for ACU’s Homecoming this weekend. But, the ‘Cats came up just short, losing 35-31. The Wildcat offensive line set the tone early, pushing Midwestern State all the way down the field, resulting in a touchdown catch by receiver Taylor Gabriel and an early 7-0 lead. “I just wanted to fight for my team and my coach,” Gabriel said. “I know we needed a big win, we are such a good team, so it just hurts to
see us go through this right now, I did not want to have any ifs, ands or Ishould-haves.” From there, ACU and MSU got into another classic shootout, with more than 900 yards and 66 points. Gabriel finished the game with 116 yards and two touchdowns, while quarterback Mitchell Gale threw for 335 yards and three touchdowns. Gale was only sacked twice, and had a clean pocket for most of the game. The Midwestern State offense ran well throughout the game, with running back Keidrick Jackson rushing for 197 yards
“
I just wanted to fight for my team and my coach.”
line of scrimmage. “The quarterback couldn’t really throw the ball as much, they just ran on us,” Lopez said. “We played phenomenal, taylor gabriel it just seemed like we took Wide receiver a step back in the second acu football half. There were a couple of third downs we should and quarterback Brandon have stopped them from Kelsey passing for 141 converting, but we just yards to go along with his have to take another step four touchdowns. next week.” Despite the big rushThe Wildcats were ing statistics, the ACU de- coming off of their first fense had several stand- shutout in a decade, outs with double-digit but the offense hung 31 tackles. Safeties L.B. Sug- points on a talented degs and Angel Lopez com- fense that had been givbined for 25 tackles and ing up twenty points per each player also account- game this season. ed for a tackle behind the “We are hungry and
we are still fighters,” Gabriel said. “We changed it up a little bit on the line, so they helped us out. We were able to run, and that opened up the pass.” Charcandrick West ran for 66 yards and a touchdown, but did not appear in the game the entire second half because of an unspecified injury. The Wildcats will look to get back to their winning ways next week, when they hit the road to take on Texas A&M Commerce.
contact sloan at mes11a@acu.edu
golf
The ACU baseball team will begin the annual fall intrasquad Purple/Black World Series on Thursday at 4:05 p.m. at Crutcher Scott Field. The series consists of five games over the next week, and ends on Nov. 1. Freshman cross country runner Xavier King made the all-conference team this weekend at the Lone Star Conference Championships. King finished in 12th place overall in the 8-kilometer race in 25 minutes and 59 seconds, his best time since the season opener at McMurry. (25:52:39) The ACU men’s team finished seventh out of nine.
ex- factor
Five former ACU athletes were inducted into the ACU Sports Hall of Fame on Friday: Jackie (Bucher) Washington (women’s basketball), Paul Goad (football, baseball, track & field), Bill Steen (men’s golf), Greg Stirman (football), and Dub Winkles. Winkles was a long-time supporter of ACU athletics and worked on camthe pus for 20 years.
Renner wins first collegiate tourney daniel zepeda sports reporter The third-ranked ACU golf team dominated in its first and second day of competition at the Bruce Williams Memorial tournament in San Antonio. The Wildcats started off on fire, shooting 7-underpar as a team (569) and finished with an absurd 33-stroke (13-under-par 581) victory.
Sophomore Corbin Renner and senior Alex Carpenter led the way for Abilene. Renner shot 12-underpar (204), good enough to earn him first place. It was his first tournament win as a collegiate golfer. Carpenter also had a strong outing, posting a 4-under-par (212) for second place. Junior Trey Sullivan also shot well with a 3-under-par (213) score. Carpenter began the
second day four shots behind Renner at 4-under-140, but he could not make up any ground. The win was the Wildcats second of this season and first since the season-opening game win at Abilene’s Charles Coody West Texas Intercollegiate. The defending Lone Star Conference champion Cameron University Aggies and University of the Incarnate Word tied
for second place. Tournament host St. Mary’s University placed third. In a tournament of twelve teams and sixtyeight players, four of the five Wildcats placed in the top 35 spots. Senior Ian Evans shot 13-over-par (229) to earn a tie for 35th place, while senior Morgan Johnson finished in a tie for eighteenth with a score of 8-over-par (224). The Bruce Williams
Memorial marked end of the fall season for the ‘Cats. The squad finished in the top six of all their tournaments. The team will return to the courses in late February to start its 2013 spring season where they open up at the Quintero Invitational in Peoria, Ariz. contact zepeda at djz11a@acu.edu
soccer
ACU clinches final post-season spot natalie goin assistant sports editor The women’s soccer team clinched the 6th and final spot in the Lone Star Conference post-season tournament this weekend with a 2-1 victory over Texas A&M-Commerce, and a 4-0 win over Texas Women’s at the Wildcat Soccer Pitch. “We are proud of the ladies for fighting back and earning a spot in the tournament,” head coach Casey Wilson said. “When things do not work out the first time you get a chance to start over at the LSC tournament.” Junior forward Andrea
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We are proud of the ladies for fighting back and earning a spot in the tournament.” casey wilson head coach acu soccer
Upcoming Football will travel to Commerce on Saturday to take on Texas A&M-Commerce at 2:00 p.m. Soccer hosts Midwestern State on Friday in their final regular season game at 4 p.m. at Wildcat Soccer Pitch. The volleyball team will finish the last of their home games of the season this weekend. They play Texas A&M-Kingsville on Friday at 7:00 p.m., and Incarnate Word on Saturday at 2 p.m. in Moody Coliseum. The men’s basketball team will travel to Waco on Thursday to play Baylor University in an exhibition game. Tipoff is at 7:00 p.m.
Carpenter struck early in Friday’s game against Commerce, scoring her fourth goal of the season just within the third minute of the match when Lions goalkeeper Tracey Rogers couldn’t get a hand on the ball. Within only a few minutes, senior midfielder Julie Coppedge forced a paige otway Staff Photographer
see clinch page 7 Junior midfielder Ashley Craig takes the ball down the field at the Wildcat Soccer Pitch.
The baseball team will begin their best-offive intrasquad Purple/ Black World Series on Thursday at 4:05 at Crutcher Scott Field.