acuoptimist.com
Optimist the
The meaning of folk, page 5
Friday, October 29, 2010
Vol. 99, No. 20
1 section, 8 pages
CAMPUS
Students anticipate nursing school changes Jeff Craig
Managing Editor
The university’s decision to leave the Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing and create an on-campus nursing program has prompted mixed emotions from ACU nursing students. Freshmen entering in fall 2011 will be the first students in the new program, set to open in 2013. Under the current system, all nursing students leave campus for their junior and senior years. Rachel Phillips, senior nursing major from Abilene, said she benefited from taking classes at the Shelton School of Nursing but also believes an on-campus program will be advantageous for the university. “I’ve really enjoyed my time at Patty Hanks,” Phillips said. “The professors have been great. I really liked being off campus. It gave me a broader perspective, and it was neat getting to see different people. I think it will help the university and broaden their ability to reach people – it will definitely attract more students.” Phillips said she received a quality education from the nursing school but recognizes the opportunities an on-campus program will present. “I think the nursing school is excellent quality – I feel really prepared after going there,” Phillips said. “They have 100 percent passage on NCLEX, our board test we have to pass to get our RN. But
DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer
Garrett Beach, sophomore political science major from Van Alstyne, scares guests with a pipe in the middle of the Frater Sodalis haunted house at its opening night on Wednesday.
Abilene offers spooky scene Marissa Ferguson
H
ide your kids, check their candy and put your jack-olanterns inside – it’s Halloween weekend. The race is on to find the best Snooki or Antoine Dodson costume amidst the cluttered and disheveled aisles of costume shops, but community churches and organizations are offering alternative activities to the longstanding trick-or-treat-give-mesomething-good-to-eat tradition. A popular custom among churches is Trunk n’ Treat, where children can car-hop instead of going door-to-door, keeping children safe from strangers, tampered-with candy and other dangers of searching for sweets in the dark. Highland Church of Christ is holding its annual Trunk n’ Treat from 4-5 p.m. Sunday. Sarah Campbell, the church’s youth and family minister,
said the one-hour time slot will also allow families to participate in traditional trick-or-treating if they wish. “In the past, Trunk n’ Treat was meant to replace trick-or-treating, but this year it’s focused towards families that still want to go house-to-house,” Campbell said. Other churches, including Hillcrest Church of Christ, see their Halloween festivities as an opportunity to minister. “Part of the Trunk party is building a relationship,” said Alan Clute, Hillcrest’s involvement minister. “It’s hard to lay out the gospels to visitors in one hour, but we’re living it.” Hillcrest’s Trunk party is scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday and will also feature a carnival organized by the youth and university groups. The Abilene Police Department reminds those planning on going doorsee HALLOWEEN page 4
DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer
Ethan Shepard, sophomore information technology major from Abilene, swings a fake bloody head at the enterance to the Frater Sodalis haunted house.
see PROGRAM page 4
STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION
TECHNOLOGY
Congress supports student survey
Staff tweets daily Bible summaries
Linda Bailey Editor In Chief
Students’ Association Congress passed two resolutions at its Wednesday meeting. The resolutions were to support the Locavore club’s plan to build a garden on campus and SA’s plan to conduct a student-wide survey. Senior senator Scott Adrian, senior political science and communications major from Glen-
dale, Calif., presented the resolution to support Locavore’s request to build a community garden in front of the library. He said the garden will raise awareness about the club and the benefits of eating locally grown foods. Adrian said a bill should go before SA Congress in the next few weeks asking for funding to help Locavore with the project. Junior senator Julianne Hart, junior political sci-
mares said the survey will be sent to the student body in November, after SA finalizes the questions and budget for survey incentives. He said the survey will feature questions regarding the dance policy, recycling, the attendance policy, meal plan issues, the advertisement policy, service learning, intramurals and social clubs. contact Bailey at
ljb07a@acu.edu
website
inside news Thus Far changed its name to The Parade of Lights. The ACU student-formed band plans to tour the U.K. in the spring. page 3
ence major from Austin, presented a different resolution to support a new student survey. She said in the past SA has compiled a survey asking students questions about key issues on campus. Students were last surveyed three years ago, and this survey would be used to update last survey’s answers and gather information on how students feel about certain issues affecting them. SA president Sam Palo-
opinion The Editorial Board discusses the recent unjustified firing of Juan Williams, NPR news analyst. page 6
they call “140 Bible.” Jones and Rhodes read Online Editor online that someone had Three ACU staff members tried tweeting the Bible have tweeted their way but stopped after a couinto the book of Joshua ple months. “In passing I said, ‘We on a 1,189-day plan to should tweet the Bible,’” tweet the entire Bible. ACU technology sup- Jones said. “Chris really port specialists Nathanial got it started – he set up Jones, Kent West and Chris the Twitter account, got Rhodes started tweeting on Apr. 14 in a project see TWEET page 4
Jozie Sands
weather video An ESPN broadcaster advised ACU students interested in pursuing careers in sports media on Monday.
Abilene Christian University
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Campus Friday, October 29, 2010
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ACU Police Tip of the Week
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calendar & events
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Friday
11 a.m. Praise Day in Moody Coliseum 8 p.m. Free Movie in Cullen Auditorium 8 p.m. Frater Sodalis Haunted House in Play Faire Park
Saturday
2 p.m. Home football game against Angelo State University.
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Sunday
8 p.m. Frater Sodalis Haunted House in Play Faire Park
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Monday
11 a.m. Chapel in Moody Coliseum 3 p.m. Registration for seniors opens
8 p.m. Frater Sodalis Haunted House in Play Faire Park
follow us on Twitter: @acuoptimist // become a fan on Facebook: The Optimist
announcements Dallas White Rock Marathon Students wishing to run the Dallas White Rock Marathon or Half-Marathon can sign up with ACU to receive a $20 rebate, a free ACU running shirt and a free pre-race party. Register to run at www.acu.edu/whiterock Registration for spring classes opened at 3 p.m. Oct. 27 for Honors, Graduate School and study abroad students. It will open at 3 p.m. Nov. 1 for seniors, 3 p.m. Nov. 3 for juniors, 3 p.m. Nov. 8 for sophomores and 3 p.m. Nov. 10 for Freshmen.
Duo Piano Concert The ACU Department of Music presents the Duo Piano Concert, featuring Jim Rauscher and Richard Fountain, as a part of the 2010-2011 Guest Artist Series. The recital will be at 8 p.m. on Oct. 28 in the Williams Performing Arts Center Recital Hall. Admission is free. For more information, call (325) 674-2199. ACU Fall Jazz Concert The ACU Jazz band will perform a special concert at 8 p.m. Nov. 2 in Cullen Auditorium. Admission is free.
2010 World Series
Eighteen bicycles have been stolen on campus in the last six weeks. Please lock your bike securely and report any suspicious activity to ACU Police immediately.
Police Log Edited for space
Tuesday, Oct. 19 1:20 a.m. Someone reported their front door was open upon their arrival home. ACU Police checked the residence and found nothing disturbed. The front door had old damage on it, and it appeared the wind may have blown the door open. 4:46 a.m. Abilene Police requested ACU Police perform a welfare check on Pemelton drive. ACU Police arrived on the scene and contacted one of the homeowners. ACU Police were directed to the master bedroom where they found the woman’s husband was unresponsive. Metro Care transported the man to Hendrick Medical Center. Thursday, Oct. 21 2:47 p.m. ACU Police assisted Abilene Police with a disturbance on N. 13th Street where a man was beating on the front door of the house. The man left on his bicycle towards ACU. Police did not locate the man. 7 p.m. Someone reported the theft of their bicycle. Friday, Oct. 22 12:05 a.m. Someone re-
GAME 1 TEX at SF
SF 11-8 TEX; SF 1-0
GAME 2 TEX at SF
SF 9-0 TEX; SF 2-0
GAME 3 SF at TEX
5:57 p.m.
Oct. 30
GAME 4 SF at TEX
7:20 p.m.
Oct. 31
GAME 5 SF at TEX
6:57 p.m.
Nov. 1
GAME 6 TEX at SF
6:57 p.m.
Nov. 3
GAME 7 TEX at SF
6:57 p.m.
Nov. 4
All games Central Standard Time All games broadcast on KXVA-Fox Abilene
ported loud noise and people standing outside of a house on Madison Avenue. ACU Police arrived at the scene but found no violation. Officers notified the tenants of the complaint. 10 a.m. A student made an informational report of harassment by another student that took place in the Campus Store. The incident was referred to ACU Student Life administrators for further review. 11:24 p.m. ACU Police responded to a call of a burglary of a motor vehicle on Campus Court. The ACU Police did not locate the burglary. Saturday, Oct. 23 2 p.m. A student reported someone had stolen the front bumper from his Toyota Highlander while it was parked on ACU Drive near the Williams Performing Arts Center. Tuesday, Oct. 26 11:44 a.m. ACU Police responded to a two-vehicle accident at the intersection of ACU Drive and EN 16th street. There were no injuries. Report all suspicious activity to the ACU Police Department at (325) 674-2305.
Chapel Checkup 63 30
Credited Chapels to date
Credited Chapels remaining
volunteer opportunities The Christian Service Center needs volunteers interested in business or design to put together an informational brochure. The work could be done any weekday afternoon before the end of November. Contact Jim Clark at 6737531 or jclark@cscabilene. org for more information. The Oakridge Church of Christ will have a free Trunk or Treat for community children from 5 - 11 p.m. Oct. 30. Volunteers are needed to set up games, run activity booths and clean up. Dinner will be provided for volunteers, but advance notice is requested. Contact Emerald Lemmons at emeraldlemmons@gmail. com, or call 370-1327 for more information. Ortiz Elementary School Library would like volunteers Monday-Friday to help check in and shelve books, and help with some special projects. Contact Nancy Hartline at 325-671-4945. The Center for Contemporary Arts needs a gallery assistant to help with exhibit setup and preparation, as well as an administrative assistant. The work can be done any time 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Tuesday - Friday. Call (325) 677-8389 or e-mail info@center-arts.com for more information. Disability Resources, Inc. needs volunteers from 10 a.m. until dusk Monday - Saturday and 1 p.m. until dusk Sundays Sept. 29 - Oct. 31 to help with its annual Pumpkin Patch. Volunteers will help sell pumpkins,
read at story time in the children’s area and assist with children’s games. Contact Jo Ann Wilson at (325) 677-6815, ext. 2003 or e-mail joannwilson66@sbcglobal.com. The Dyess Youth Center needs help with a Ping Pong Exhibition from 4-6 p.m. every Friday. Volunteers will preside over tournaments and help with an exhibition for the students. Transportation will not be provided, nor can volunteers have any sexual assault charges or charges pending. For more information, contact Sheri Frisby at (325) 696-4797 or e-mail sheri. frisby-@dyess.af.mil. Mesa Spring Healthcare Center needs volunteers from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. any day of the week to help with fun activities for the residents, including playing instruments, calling bingo and sitting and talking with them. All help is appreciated. Contact Laura Reynolds at (325)692-8080 or lgreynolds@searsmethodist.com. The Dyess Youth Center needs volunteers from 4-6 p.m. every Monday - Friday to assist students with homework in the areas of math, science, English and history. Transportation will not be provided, nor can volunteers have any sexual assault charges or charges pending. For more information, contact Sheri Frisby at 696-4797 or e-mail Sheri.frisby-@ dyess.af.mil. Meals on Wheels needs volunteers to deliver noon
meals to seniors and adults with disabilities. Routes are available 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Monday Friday. Volunteers must be at least 18, with a valid driver’s license, auto insurance and a desire to serve. Training is provided. Students may be exempted from one Chapel per week if delivery time conflicts with Chapel. Contact Elizabeth Rodgers at erodgers@mealsonwheelsplus.com. Aimee’s Art Studio is seeking volunteers from 9-10 a.m. or 1:30-2:30 p.m. Tuesday to assist with homeschool fine arts classes. No formal art skills or training is required. The studio is a five minute walk from ACU’s campus. For more information, contact Aimee Williams at (325)672-9633 or williamsbarryaimee@gmail.com. The American Business Women’s Association is having a fundraiser for education Nov. 12-14.It needs volunteers to serve at the concession stand and prepare food from 5 - 9 p.m. Nov. 12, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Nov. 13, and 12 - 5 p.m. Nov. 14. For more information, contact Sydney Moore at (325) 692-2633 or (325) 428-1024 or e-mail her at moore-h@att.net The Oakridge Church of Christ needs volunteers from 1-5 p.m. Nov. 20 to organize grocery goods into boxes and deliver them to families. Volunteers need a vehicle and driver’s license, or may come with someone who does. The event will take place at 3250 Beltway South. E-mail Emerald Lemmons at emeraldlemmons@gmail.com if you would like to help. Please contact him ahead of time so they know how many people to expect.
CAMPUS NEWS
October 29, 2010
Page 3
FACULTY
HR offers tips for adjusting to new health rules Christianna Lewis Senior Reporter
Bart Herridge, registrar, said he understands why some ACU employees are skeptical about the health benefits changes in 2011. He represented staff as the university planned the changes. “There’s a degree of shock value to it just because it’s such a different paradigm from the way we’ve done health insurance,” Herridge said. But Herridge said he believes the new plan will cost less than or the same as the current plan for most employees, although there will be exceptions. The changes will allow employees to see the true costs of health care and make informed decisions, Herridge said. Employees can use the information and various tools available to them to optimize the new plan, Herridge said. He and Wendy Jones, director of human re-
sources, offered some prac- tion costs at the beginning tical ways staff and faculty of every year. “That way if there’s anycan make the new health benefits work best for them. thing leftover from the year, it’s going to be the Health 1. Get a flexible spending Care Account that rolls over rather than the flexaccount. ible spending account that Anyone who has ex- doesn’t,” Herridge said. pected annual health care expenses should consider 2. Use your doctor’s apgetting a flexible spending pointment wisely. account, Jones said. All employees will get “It’s a great way to save tax dollars and have that money a free annual doctor’s appointment. Jones said on January 1,” Jones said. Now is the time to get the they should use this opaccount, since the amount portunity to get all the treatments of money employees can preventive lay aside from their salaries they need, which are 100 to use for medical expenses percent covered by insurwill be limited by federal ance, and fill all the prelaw to $2,500 from the cur- scriptions they will need rent $8,000 cap starting in for the rest of the year. Prescriptions will be es2013, Jones said. Herridge said his family pecially important beginis going to use its flexible ning in 2011 because many spending account before over-the-counter drugs will drawing from the Health not be able to be purchased Care Account, the money with the flexible spending ACU provides employees account without a doctor’s for medical and prescrip- signature, Jones said.
LOCAL
Abilene to host inaugural races to support charities Alan Cherry Page 2 Editor
Runners all over Abilene are lacing up their shoes for the inaugural Abilene Marathon and Half Marathon Saturday morning. The event offers three different race events: a marathon, a half marathon and a four-person relay. The events start at 7:30 a.m. and have already reached the maximum number of participants. The races will begin and end at the Taylor County Expo Center. “We actually had to shut off registration about three weeks early this year because we filled up so quickly,” said Bob Taillon, president of the
Abilene Runner’s Club. Taillon said the Runner’s Club will donate all the proceeds from the races to the Children’s Miracle Network and Hendrick Children’s Hospital. The last marathon in Abilene was eight years ago, and Taillon said he is glad his club is bringing the event back to Abilene. “There was a lot of interest in our club,” Taillon said. “It’s always nice to have a race locally because you don’t have to worry about finding a hotel, and you can get to know the course.” The Abilene Runner’s Club has formed a good relationship with the race sponsors and plans to hold the race for at least the next
Find out exactly what changes are coming to faculty health benefits by reading a previous story found on our website:
acuoptimist.com 3. Compare prescription prices. “Remember that prescription costs aren’t the same everywhere,” Jones said. “It can really pay to shop around.” While prices vary over time, Jones said Sam’s Club offered the lowest average costs for prescriptions when Human Resources did a price comparison of local pharmacies and grocery stores last month. He said employees can ask about the BlueCross BlueShield discount offered at most stores, since ACU will be covered by BlueCross starting January 2011. Generic versions of prescriptions can also cut expenses. Staff and faculty
can explore alternatives to popular prescriptions on the BlueCross website and ask their doctors about using them, Jones said. 4. Make use of BlueCross tools. Employees will have access to BlueCross’ Treatment Cost Advisor, a website that gives average costs of treatments in the user’s local area, Jones said. Another online tool BlueCross provides is the Care Comparison, which allows users to compare local health care facilities and providers in categories such as cost, customer satisfaction and safety history. 5. Choose a treatment provider. Jones said employees should put safety first when deciding which health care facility to visit when they need medical treatment,
but they should also recognize the differences in cost between providers. The doctor’s office is typically the least expensive, followed by the minor emergency clinic, and the emergency room is almost always the most expensive, Jones said. The new health benefits plan may feel more expensive, Herridge said, but he encouraged faculty and staff to examine their real out-of-pocket spending under the current plan. He said he believed the new plan will empower many families to reduce their annual medical expenses. Jones said any employee with questions can call the ACU Benefits Help Line at 1-866-994-7852. “We realize what a huge change this is in the university,” Jones said. “We’re going to be walking through it together.” contact Lewis at
cll09a@acu.edu
Sketch Artist
five years, thanks to the strong support is has from those sponsors. Colin Barnard, senior political science major from Abilene and a seasoned marathon runner, is looking forward to completing another race. Barnard said he is drawn to the marathon for its tradition and history, as well as its lengthy distance. “That distance is where, if your muscles are ready for it, they’re ready for it – but when you get to 20 miles, you know, it’s all head,” Barnard said. “My mind is ready for it. I just hope my body is.” contact Cherry at
arc07a@acu.edu
DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer
Philip Miranda, junior art major from Clarksville, Tenn., works on a portrait in Don Morris.
ACADEMICS
Interior design students win multiple awards in Dallas mercial, Hospitality and Collaborative Design categories. Contributing Reporter “I was shocked, surprised and excited,” Minter said. Interior design students won several awards this month at “That was pretty cool.” Jessica Lane, senior intethe American Society of Interior Designers Student Sym- rior design major from Albuquerque, N.M., and five posium in Dallas. English Minter, senior in- other team members repterior design major from Dal- resenting different schools las and president of the ASID won with a team project student chapter at ACU, won that designed how to confirst place in the 2010/2011 vert a shipping container ASID Texas Chapter Student into a comfortable and Scholarships and was award- beautiful residence for Haied a $2,000 scholarship. Six tian Earthquake Refugees. “I enjoyed doing this chalother ACU students won awards in the Pattern, Com- lenge because it allowed us to Keyi Zhou
interact with people from different programs,” Lane said. “I liked seeing how people from Texas State or the Art Institute process their ideas compared to those of us from the ACU program. Plus, winning was pretty fun.” ASID is a community of individuals driven by a common love for design who believe that interior design, as a service to people, is a powerful, multi-faceted profession that can positively change people’s lives, according to the society’s website. The ASID Student Sympo-
sium offered more than 100 students the opportunity to tour numerous showrooms and the Windspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center. Students from Baylor University, University of North Texas, Texas State University and the Art Institute of Dallas attended the symposium. The ASID Student Symposium takes place once a year during the fall semester, and ACU students have attended most of the last 10 events. Thirteen ACU students participated this year, touring the
Wyly Theatre and the Winspear Opera House in the Arts District in downtown Dallas. Dr. Kitty Wasemiller, professor of art and design, traveled with the students to the symposium and was pleased with the experiences available to the students. “They were able to hear many professionals explain how their careers have evolved,” Wasemiller said. “It gave them a much broader view about their career. There’s a lot to learn when you are in that environment. You were not just sitting there, but
Grand Opening
able to walk around to touch and feel. It expands students’ awareness of design.” The ASID Student Symposium is a two-day event. Students who attended were required to pay a $25 entry fee. “The ACU Student Association funded us,” Wasemiller said. “They paid for all the hotel rooms; it was very helpful to have that support.” Any interior design student can sign up for student membership in ASID online at www.ASID.org. contact Zhou at
optimist@jmcnetwork.com
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FROM THE FRONT
Page 4
October 29, 2010
ENTERTAINMENT
Name change turns Thus Far into Light Parade Bailey Neal
Page Designer
The student-formed band Thus Far headlined this year’s JamFest, playing for students and Homecoming attendees just before a fireworks show. With the band’s members graduating and moving forward, however, they felt a certain change was necessary. Alex Howard, ACU graduate from Longview, said after singing recently with a manager based out of London the band realized there were other groups with the same band name, Thus Far. “They weren’t really big; they hadn’t really done anything important,” Howard said. “But we still decided, together with our manager, that we could think of another, better name.” Howard, along with band member Kara DuBose, senior advertising and public relations major from Ft. Worth, decided on a new name: The Light Parade. “We’ve already changed our name and are performing as The Light Parade,” Howard said. “Our first show with our new
name was last week.” DuBose said she joined Howard in Thus Far about a year ago. Before she joined, Howard had already written most of the music Thus Far has since performed, and not necessarily with DuBose’s vocals in mind. She said the band’s new name symbolizes its development. “Really what I think the name change is going to accomplish is before, as Thus Far, it was Alex’s thing,” DuBose said. “With the new name, it’s both of us, and it’s equal. The old songs were Alex’s songs I was singing on. The Light Parade will be new art with both of our hearts written into it.” Howard and DuBose said the band’s sound will also change as they grow as artists. “What we’ve done before is fairly acoustic driven, very low key and folky-type stuff,” Howard said. “Kara and I are hoping to really expand and incorporate a full band sound. For us it’s kind of a fresh start.” Howard moved to Austin after graduation, a city known for a music scene that is very receptive to local acts like The Light Parade. “In the fall I did a lot
DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer
Thus Far, now called The Light Parade, performed at JamFest during Homecoming 2010 festivities and were accompanied by a fireworks show. of writing,” Howard said. “We’ve really just been getting ready for Kara to graduate to play around here and keep our Austin fan base.” With the help of its manager, The Light Parade plans to go abroad to test its new sound on a different audience. Howard said he hopes music fans in the U.K. will be receptive to the band’s new sound. “After that we’re going to Ireland for three months to be closer to our manager and get into that
scene in the U.K.,” Howard said. “We think our sound will really fit the vibe of things over there.” Fans of Thus Far have much to look forward to in The Light Parade, and Howard and DuBose will continue to play for their peers in Abilene and Austin. “It was cool to come back to ACU for me because we spent the whole summer playing here in Austin where we were pretty much unknown, so playing to ACU is always pretty special,” Howard said. “People
at school know our music a lot better, so it is really special to see those few people singing along and knowing the words to the songs. It was Homecoming weekend, but it really was like a homecoming for me.” DuBose said she often enjoys playing for strangers even more than for her friends. “My friends know my heart, and it’s kind of no big deal to play in front of them,” DuBose said. “I feel like it’s a bigger deal to play in front of strang-
ers, like I’m accomplishing my mission. I want to let people see the Holy Spirit inside of me when I sing.” Howard said he will always remember practicing in his dorm room and playing around Abilene when he thinks of Thus Far. “Writing a song and practicing and then playing it in my room for my friends – back then it was a pipe dream,” Howard said. “I’ll remember me and my friends playing at Tuscany’s, playing for even just five people. We were so amped. We didn’t really have any aspirations to make it a career.” When thinking about the future of the band, DuBose said she envisions Alex and herself on vocals – with other people on instruments like the bass, keyboard and drums. “But I also envision our career being where we can play shows in countless cities where people know our music who we’ve never met,” DuBose said. The Light Parade will perform Nov. 29 at Hardin-Simmons University for a campus-wide Christmas party. contact Neal at
bmn07a@acu.edu
LOCAL
Halloween: Police encourage safety on roads Continued from page 1
to-door for candy to use common sense before digging into their candy bags. “Do not eat the candy if it has been opened,” officer Joel Harris said. “Also, throw away homemade candy and anything that is not completely sealed, like Starbursts. People could tamper with them and seal them back up.” Harris also said to ap-
CAMPUS
‘‘ ’’ ‘‘ ’’
point designated drivers and travel in groups, especially to haunted houses and parties. No extra officers will be on duty Halloween night, he said. “Since it will be Sunday night, we don’t imagine the city to be too busy,” Harris said. “We will be cruising around neighborhoods making sure everyone is on their best behavior and that there is safety on the roads.”
Frater Sodalis will also open its annual haunted We will be cruising around house, “Fright at the Muneighborhoods making seum,” at Play Faire Park. sure everyone is on their Fundraising officer Logan best behavior and that Sellers said tickets cost $8, there is safety on the roads. with a 25 percent discount JOEL HARRIS // Abilene police officer for college students on Friday and youth groups on Sunday. Students looking for a Edwards Hall, the haunted Fright at the Museum is open scare without having to house will be open Friday from 8-11 p.m. Friday, 8 p.m. leave campus are invited during open house hours - 1 a.m. Saturday and 8 p.m. to the Mabee and Ed- free of charge. ACU the- 12 a.m Halloween night. Abilene’s Recreation wards’ Insane Asylum. Lo- atre students will serve as Division will host activicated in the basement of the asylum’s actors.
ties for the entire family beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday night. Running simultaneously will be the Fall Festival at the G.V. Daniels Recreation Center and the Candy Carnival at Rose Park Recreation Center. For more information on the city’s Halloween events visit, www.abilenetx.com/index.html. contact Ferguson at
optimist@jmcnetwork.com
Program: Students anticipate on-campus nursing school Continued from page 1
with an on-campus program I do see potential for combining nursing with missions and other things like psychology.” Morgan Negaard, senior nursing major from Biloxi, Miss., said the education she received at Shelton School of Nursing provided a level of diversity an on-campus program will not be able to duplicate. “I feel like I’ve learned a whole lot,” Negaard said.
TECHNOLOGY
“It’s a diverse learning environment. There are adults with kids and people from other countries at Patty Hanks Shelton. It’s a better learning environment because you are learning to work together with people from different backgrounds. It’s more real-world.” Negaard said she is concerned the loss of the large number of students ACU sends to the Shelton School of Nursing will hurt the program.
ACU has done so many great things since I’ve been here. I’m really happy they are going to start their own on-campus program. ASHLEIGH BANDA // junior nursing major from Irving
“I’m nervous about how it will affect the consortium,” Negaard said. “ACU makes up such a large percentage of students, and I’m worried about how it will affect them. I’m sure
Twitter: Team summarizes chapter into 140 characters Continued from page 1
our Facebook started and made our logo.” Jones and Rhodes quickly realized they would need more manpower for the plan to work, so they enlisted the help of West. “Kent writes a lot of tweets, or at least the first draft of them,” Rhodes said. “We all write here and there, but Kent writes the majority of them.” The team reads each chapter and boils it down to the main points, which they squeeze into a 140-character message. Jones said it can be a challenge to fit all the main
points into a tweet and still make the message readable. “There’s no way we can get everything, but we try to hit all the main points,” Jones said. “We try not to be really obscure with a lot of abbreviations, but we have to abbreviate some things.” The first tweet from 140 Bible read, “Gen1-God created the earth & heavens in 6 days. Light. Waters. Land & plants. Birds & fish. Land dwellers. Adam & Eve. All very good.” The team isn’t trying to replace the Bible and simply hopes to encourage daily reading and conversation. Rhodes said his
goal is to make himself read the Bible more and encourage others to read it and think about what they read. “I hope people see the short snippet and see what’s happening real quick,” Rhodes said. “If something strikes their interest, they can pick up a real copy of the Bible and know what chapter to turn to.” 140 Bible can be found on Twitter at www.twitter. com/140bible, or on Facebook at www.facebook. com/140bible. contact Sands at
jgs07a@acu.edu
they’ll be fine. I’m really attached to the students and faculty there.” Ashleigh Banda, junior nursing major from Irving, recently switched her major to nursing. She
said she has some concerns about the Shelton School of Nursing and believes an on-campus program will be better for the university. “The downside to doing nursing at Patty Hanks is you don’t get to go to Chapel, which is a good place to congregate and worship,” Banda said. “You don’t get the same ACU feel. It seems like once you go to Patty Hanks you don’t go back to ACU.” Banda said she believes
the program will be good for ACU, attracting more students to the program and the university in general. “ACU has done so many great things since I’ve been here,” Banda said. “I’m really happy they are going to start their own on-campus program. When you apply to ACU, you don’t want to go somewhere else.”
contact Craig at
jrc07d@acu.edu
READ THE OPTIMIST WHEREVER YOU GO. For the iPhone and iPod, visit acuoptimist.com and add the Optimist to your home screen. Download the iPad app from Apple’s App Store.
2011 Class Act Directors n Freshman: Jonathan Bryant, freshman music education major from San Antonio. n Sophomores: Nick Tatum, sophomore vocal performance major from Plano. n Juniors: Julie Niell, junior advertising/public relations major from Irving.
iPad . iPhone . iPod
Arts
October 29, 2010
Page 5
Abilene FRIDAY Third World Craft Fair 6-8 p.m. First Christian Church
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SATURDAY Third World Craft Fair 6-8 p.m. First Christian Church
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SATURDAY Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra 8 p.m. Abilene Civic Center
SATURDAY Paranormal Activity 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. Paramount Theatre
ACU Events FRIDAY Frats Haunted House 8-11 p.m. Play Faire Park
FRIDAY Nelson Fall Festival 7-10 p.m. Nelson Hall
FRIDAY
Folk artists inspire universal connectivity through music
Free MovieToy Story 3 8 p.m. Cullen Auditorium
SATURDAY LIZZY SPANO, Contributing Writer It’s Celtic tales and Viking battle songs. It’s banjo strumming tunes and deep hums and hallelujahs, stories sung around a fire or on the side of a street. It’s a search to find meaning in life. It protests wars, it pleads for love. It’s a pub swelling with euphoric emotion and quick guitar picking to a feverish crowd. It’s all a bit difficult to wrap your mind around, really. Folk music has evolved over the years as culture, various revivals and current events shape musical trends, cultivating a sound and an image that keeps people listening. And they are listening to more than just music – listeners are interested in what musicians have to say. In response to the deep themes running through recent folk music, a discussion of religion and spirituality has folk artists asking, what are we really all about? From its origins in medieval Europe, folk music has trickled through lower class and African-American culture, the church and its gospel music and hymns, and protest eras and underground movements to end up where it is today. That journey has defined folk in many ways, as artists draw from these roots and the life around them and apply it to their music. As a result, folk is something familiar – a celebration of history and life in all its complexity. Today, a variety of artists are categorized in the folk music genre, many of them sharing that homespun, acoustic sound we usually associate with folk. The American folk scene has continued to enmesh itself
in Britain’s, influencing that sound and the folk scene in both cultures. We have nu-folk, indie-folk, folk-rock and a variety of other categories that allow the genre to encompass a host of musical sounds. And just as folk’s musical definition has become loosely defined, so has its message. Folk musicians of late have bared their soul, sharing personal beliefs and emotions through decidedly spiritual lyrics. Recently, however, musicians are careful to make a distinction between spirituality and religion. British-folk band Mumford & Sons, for example, claims its music is spiritual but wants listeners to recognize the difference between that and God or religion. Marcus Mumford, the band’s songwriter, touched on the subject in an interview with The Guardian, a U.K. publication. Mumford described the lyrics for the band’s debut album, Sigh No More, as “a deliberately spiritual thing but deliberately not a religious thing.” (Read the lyrics to the album single, “Sigh No More,” or “Awake My Soul,” and you’ll understand why it’s even a question.) It’s a discussion that keeps coming up as artists like Fleet Foxes and Laura Marling also make it clear they do not want their music to be associated with religion. The confusion lies in the meaning of the words. Some artists seem to think the two words are synonymous and want to steer entirely clear of both. Others want listeners to determine the lyrical meaning on their own, and still others say, “Yeah, we are normal human beings singing about the human condition and trying to find meaning in it, but don’t confuse that with God or anything of the sort.” So what is the difference? Spirituality to-
E
day can mean everything from intense positive emotion to a desire for inner peace. It can mean seeing beauty in everything or imply a search for a higher power. The word “religion” carries more baggage. It means rules, regulations, church and a higher authority – which could be a chief reason why many musicians don’t want to be associated with that label. Sweden-born musicians Johanna and Klara Söderberg of the woodsy band First Aid Kit address the subject in a song titled “Hard Believer,” which lashes out at Christianity and religion. “Well I see you’ve got your Bible your delusion imagery,” Söderberg sings to bold acoustic strumming. “Well I don’t need your eternity or your meaning to feel free/ I just live because I love to and that’s enough you see/ So don’t come preach about morality that’s just human sense to me.” That seems to be the consensus among folk artists today: they are just living – and making music – because they love it. Musicians want to connect with their listeners. They realize that many of us don’t know what we believe, and they want to make sure we know they’re in the same boat. Call it postmodernism, call it spirituality, call it whatever you want. It all goes back to what folk is all about. It’s existentialist theme makes it a genre that blankets a multitude of ideas, experiences and beliefs, reminding us humans are different, and yet very much the same.
contact Spano at
eas07a@acu.edu
E
Iron & Wine
Avett Brothers
José González
Described by iTunes as a “blend of whispered vocals and softly homespun indie folk,” Sam Beam defines the simplicity and quiet forms of folk.
Traditional singer/songwriter style folk at its best, the Avett Brothers create lyrics capable of soaring joy and heartbreaking sorrow all in one breath.
González can be compared to Iron & Wine in many ways due to his simple acoustic accompaniment and soft voice. His style is contemplative and intimate – soothing to the soul.
Frats Haunted House 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Play Faire Park
SUNDAY Frats Haunted House 8 p.m.-12 a.m. Play Faire Park
TUESDAY ACU Fall Jazz Ensemble Concert 8 p.m. Cullen Auditorium
App of the Week Grocery IQ Lifestyle
HHII Listmakers and grocery shoppers alike will find Grocery IQ a joy to use for all household supply shopping excursions. Complete with a barcode scanner, list and search capabilities, favorite markers and a store finder, this app helps you organize what you need at the store, which in turn allows you to check off your list quickly and efficiently. Organization fiends will revel in the detailed list subcategories, which further groups items by subject such as bread, breakfast, meat and dairy among others. Coupons turn your hard organization work into savings and can be added quickly onto your card directly from the app. Grocery IQ is also available on the iPad and the iPod touch. Download it from iTunes today for free.
New Releases Saw 3D
Oct. 29
(Lionsgate)
Mumford & Sons
Sufjan Stevens
Noah & the Whale
Welcome to the Rileys
Oct. 29
This British foursome showcases big sounds from big instrumental backgrounds paired with impressive spiritually-rooted lyrics.
Sufjan Stevens’ electronic instrumentation and soft melodies is folk music in the present – influenced by, but not confined to, tradition.
A mix of both indie pop and folk influence, Noah & the Whale is an upbeat alternative to folk’s somewhat downtrodden side.
Wild Target
Oct. 29
Monsters
Oct. 29
The Girl who Kicked the Hornets Nest
Oct. 29
Fleet Foxes
First Aid Kit
Laura Marling
Defined by ethereal ambience and harmony, Fleet Foxes is the epitome of American Nu Folk music. Listen for their unique integration between renaissance folk and traditional church hymns.
The Swedish Söderberg sisters entertain with pure, soaring tones and thoughtprovoking lyrics. Check out their cover of Fleet Foxes’ “Tiger Mountain Peasant Song” for a true taste of the band’s talent.
The young Marling uses her smoky voice and clever lyricism to create songs remnant of Joni Mitchell and late 60s/early 70s classic rock.
(Samuel Goldwyn)
(Freestyle Releasing)
(Magnolia Pictures)
(Music Box Films)
Opinion
Page 6
EDITORIAL
October 29, 2010
NPR unjustifiably fires news analyst NPR analyst Juan Williams’ contract was terminated two days after he made an inflammatory remark on Fox News’ The O’Reilly Factor. Controversy arose after Williams said, “If I see people who are in Muslim garb and I think, you know, they are identifying themselves first and foremost as Muslims, I get worried. I get nervous.” His statements inspired discussion and debate all over the country. Some say NPR was justified in its decision and had a responsibility to fire Williams because his comments were bigoted. Others are outraged at how NPR handled the situation and demand Williams job be returned. NPR said the decision to fire Williams was justified, providing valid points that support its stance.
In 2008 NPR changed Williams’ contract from news correspondent to news analyst. As an analyst, his role was to not only report facts, but also analyze the situation. However, he was to choose his words carefully. During his interview with Bill O’Reilly, NPR claimed Williams was not analyzing the situation but stating his personal feelings on the issue, undermining his credibility. NPR released a statement claiming Williams’ remarks “were inconsistent with our editorial standards and practices.” When asked for a more detailed explanation, Vivian Schiller, president of NPR, said, “We terminated Juan’s contract because there was a series of violations of our news ethics code. We had talked to him about it, noth-
ing changed, this was the latest in a series of incidents.” NPR’s arguments are valid, and it is well within its right to terminate Williams – but we believe it shouldn’t have. First of all, Williams’ statement was a small portion of a much longer conversation on The O’Reilly Factor. O’Reilly and Williams were discussing problems with Muslim assimilation around the globe, not just in America. In the segment, both men clarified that the overwhelmingly vast majority of Muslims in the world are not radical or extremist. Williams also claimed that a small portion of the Muslim population is giving Islam a bad name and fostering those feelings. He later explained that his statement was directed at exploring the root of why so many
people hold a similar view to the one he articulated. Williams did not say Islamic expansion is inherently bad, nor did he say all Muslims are radical. He was being candid about feelings he believes many people hold in an effort to encourage discussion about the issue and ideas about how to remedy the situation – the situation being worry and nervousness, not Islam itself. If that’s not enough, NPR requested Williams not identify himself with NPR when appearing on Fox. He complied, with statements that were personal and in no way connected to NPR except to say he was an employee. Furthermore, if national spokesmen have to walk on egg shells to avoid offending anyone, how can we begin to talk openly about issues fac-
By Morgan Davis
The Funny Funnies
the issue
NPR terminated Juan Williams for violating ethical standards and disregarding editorial policies.
our take
Williams’ candid comments, taken in context, did not call for immediate termination. ing our country? There comes a point when being politically correct all the time is detrimental to the country’s wellbeing. Sometimes we do need to be candid in our speech. Finally, NPR’s handling of the firing was simply distasteful. Williams reported speaking with Ellen Weiss, NPR Vice President for News, who dismissed him over the phone. But having worked with NPR since 2000, Williams should have been given the decency of a face-to-face termination. So no, Williams should not have been fired for his statement. If there were other con-
tributing factors, they should be publicized. If NPR had waited till the end of Williams’ contract and not extended it or fired him after a performance review, we doubt this would be such a major issue. As it is, though, NPR appears to have acted prematurely. On a side note: KACU is an NPR station, but it was not part of the decision to terminate Williams. So if you’re considering withdrawing your membership or not continuing your contributions to KACU, do keep that in mind. contact the Optimist at
jmcnetwork@acu.edu
COLUMN
Costume gives festivities spirit Little Linda
Naturally, we then move on to the Dorothy costume almost every girl has at one point in her Halloween history – but remember how mine was special because of the matching Toto costume she made for my favorite stuffed pig, Wilbur. We recount the time I was a pumpkin, a ballerina, Jasmine, a pirate and, most recently, a zombie cheerleader. Each costume inspires a unique memory from my favorite holiday, which just happens to be my birthday.
By Linda Bailey
When I was four years old, my mom dressed me as a spider for Halloween. She handmade the intricate, black costume and rigged the spider legs to move whenever I moved. Bailey I’m not sure how long it took, but I doubt it was easy. She dressed me in the costume and led me to a mirror where I could marShe led me to vel at the a mirror where I costume she had could marvel at the created. costume she had But when I created. But when I saw myself I started saw myself I started screaming. screaming. The The coscostume was scary, tume was scary, and and I refused to wear it. I refused to wear it. I don’t actually remember the By mentally flipping incident, but my mom through the catalogue and I laugh about it of costumes, we recount every year. Then we re- lost details of birthday member the year she parties, cakes and masand my dad stayed up sive amounts of candy. Halloween is fun. It half the night braiding a long yellow wig made is a time to dress up, of yarn to complete carve a pumpkin and my Rapunzel costume. eat truckloads of candy The braid was so long I without feeling guilty. It provides a chance dragged it all across the house, neighborhood to create an alter ego and gym at the church while making memories carnival we went to later with family and friends. that night. It wasn’t really yellow anymore when contact Bailey at ljb07a@acu.edu we got home.
COLUMN
Ranger fever strikes up interest Irony and Whine By Kelsi Williamson
Some people are born in towns and states without professional sports teams. Some people are born and go to high schools where the cross country team has 60 members and the football Williamson team has 20. Some people are born with the need to talk about their favorite president rather than their favorite basketball player. Some people are born without cable TV. I just might be one of those people. It’s not like I haven’t tried. I’ve watched my fair
share of super bowls and final fours. And while I Perhaps all sports fans are crazy, but enjoy the spinach when everyone becomes crazy, it’s dip and Tostitos kind of hard not to join in the fun. at these events, I have to admit I’ve never been a true both foreign and discon- to pay attention when they professional sports fan. I lack the tenacity, the certing. I felt like an out- play. I’m talking about the consistency and the dedi- cast, a reject, a socially in- real deal, the big leagues. cation this role requires. ept individual. Suddenly, First, the rules, then player Until recently, I have suc- my oblivion to sports teams names, then actual convercessfully faked my level of and scores came crashing sations with fellow Ranger sports knowledge. Then down as my preconceived believers. Give it till the last week I heard mention notion that all diehard end of this little series, and of the “World Series” and sports fans are literally in- I guarantee I will know not “Rangers” and became sane lost its foundation. only the name of the other thoroughly confused be- Perhaps they are crazy, but team, but also the score we, cause I could have sworn when everyone becomes the Rangers, won by. I want to be a Rangers it wasn’t baseball season crazy, it’s kind of hard not fan. There, I’ve said it. I – if you asked me where to join in the fun. So I’m using this column expect to be welcomed the Rangers were from, I would only be certain it to make a pledge to change with open arms. my ways. I’m not just talkwasn’t Abilene. The fervor so many of ing about buying a Rangcontact Williamson at my peers displayed was ers jersey and pretending kkw07a@acu.edu
editorial and letter policy Unsigned editorials are the opinions of the Optimist and may not necessarily reflect the views of the university or its administration. Signed columns, cartoons and letters are the opinions of their creators and may not necessarily reflect the viewpoints of the Optimist or the university. The Optimist encourages reader response through letters to the editor but reserves the right to limit frequent contributors or to refuse to print
letters containing personal attacks, obscenity, defamation, erroneous information or invasion of privacy. Please limit letters to 350 words or fewer. A name and phone number must be included for verification purposes. Phone numbers will not be published. Address letters to: ACU Box 27892 Abilene, TX 79699 E-mail letters to: optimist@acu.edu
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FROM SPORTS
October 29, 2010
Page 7
FOOTBALL
Rivalry: First year with State Farm sponsorship
vs.
Continued from page 8
Offense Both teams boast a pretty potent offense. Neiswander for Angelo and Gale for the Wildcats lead their teams well, but the Wildcats are the top-ranked scoring offense in the Lone Star Conference. With weapons like Gates and others, it will be hard for the Rams to keep pace.
Defense The ACU secondary stepped up big time last weekend, shutting down one of the most prolific offenses in the LSC South. The improved play of the secondary and the already stout front seven for the Wildcats should make for a frustrating day for the Rams offensive attack.
Special Teams The Wildcats are top in the conference in special teams touchdowns, but Angelo has the best kick and punt return averages in yardage. With Kendrick Johnson for the Wildcats and Garrett Tidwell for Angelo its a close call, but the Rams set up in great field position thanks to their special teams’ play.
Coaching Both schools have excellent coaches, but Coach Thomsen is 4-2 against Coach Dale Carr, when you include a 2007 vacated win for ACU, and has won the last four straight with a combined score of 176-56.
37
Optimist Pick
20
Angelo is one of the best 3-4 teams in the country, with close calls against Kingsville, West Texas A&M and Midwestern State. But the Wildcats have the better allaround talent. With three wins against the top-10 in Div. II, ACU is no stranger to the big game, rivalry or not.
ACU will have to contend with Angelo quarterback Josh Neiswander if it wants to maintain its perfect record. Neiswander has all the physical tools and the mental ability to wreak havoc on opposing defenses. His 16 touchdowns to five interceptions represent one of the top interception ratios in the Lone Star Conference. The ACU secondary will have to contend with some explosive receivers at Neiswander’s disposal. V’Keon Lacey and Dakarai Pecikonis lead the receiving core with a combined 61 catches and 951 yards. Aston Whiteside and the rest of the front seven will have to get past a Rams’ offensive line that has allowed just four sacks all season. Left tackle Conner Cook and left guard Andrew Krutsinger anchor a mixed offensive line when it comes to experience. On the offensive side of the ball the Wildcats should be able to continue to put up points against an average Rams defense. Mitchell Gale has had five touchdowns in his last two games and 27 on
the season with just one interception. Gale’s decision making has propelled the Wildcats to the No. 10 passing offense in the country. Edmund Gates should be able to continue his streak of consecutive 100-yard games against a pass defense that has allowed 259 yards per game passing, the 114th worst in Division II. “Mitch has really come along, and I think we have a lot of threats at all offensive positions,” senior linebacker Casey Carr said.
leads the LSC in kickoff returns and punt returns, with a total of three touchdowns. The Wildcats’ remedy to that should be Spencer Covey, who leads the LSC in touchbacks this season. Questions remain as to who will kick this week on ACU’s special teams. Ryan Owens filled in for Morgan Lineberry, who missed last week with an injury. Owens nailed a 53-yard field goal with the wind at his back but missed an extra point in the game. If Lineberry can’t go this week, the
‘‘ ’’ I think we have a lot of threats at all offensive positions.
CASEY CARR // senior linebacker for the ACU Wildcats
ACU will need to rely on Kendrick Johnson, who has played a large role both in the passing game and the return game. Johnson’s 381 yards receiving this year are second on the team behind Gates’. The biggest factor in the game for both sides will be special teams. Although the Rams don’t have the touchdown numbers the Wildcats do on special teams, Angelo State
kicking game will be up to Owens once again. Angelo leads the alltime series against ACU with 28 wins, but the Wildcats have won three of the last five games in this bitter rivalry. Kickoff for the State Farm sponsored game is set for 2 p.m. at Shotwell Stadium. contact Tripp at
bjt07a@acu.edu
Quarterback Comparison Billy Malone - 2006 (first year as starter) Through eight games • 7-1 record • 2,249 passing yards • 20 TDs • Five interceptions
Mitchell Gale - 2010 (first year as starter) Through eight games • 8-0 record • 2,436 passing yards • 27 TDs • One interception
COLUMN
SOCCER
Host: Last two matches In BCS, no one is safe will separate top spots 5th Down Brenna Jefferies
Continued from page 8
Wilson said Commerce is a defense-oriented team that relies on pressure and physicality – something the Wildcat offense will have to take into consideration this weekend. “We’ve got to make good decisions against them and have our head on a swivel,” Wilson said. “Being patient will be key against an attacking defense like theirs. We need to just look for the different avenues to tell where we can score.” The Wildcats have done very well with scor-
ing this year, led by freshman Andrea Carpenter and junior Ashley Holton. Carpenter is leading the Lone Star Conference in points and goals scored, and Holton is a close second in both categories. “Whenever you play a more defensive-minded team, you have to be patient and take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way,” Carpenter said. Freshman defender Brie Buschman is part of a defense that has held opponents to less than one goal per game. She said defense will be key to the team’s
success this weekend. “This weekend we really need to stay composed on the ball and play our game,” Buschman said. “Commerce likes to play a lot of kickball over the top, and we just need to keep the ball and make sound passes. Staying composed and not freaking out on defense are two other things we need to focus on.” The team will travel to Denton to play Texas Woman’s University at 1 p.m. Sunday. contact Shake at
bxs09a@acu.edu
GOLF
quick facts
Effort: Bouniol places second
Cyril Bouniol • 8th, 3rd, 3rd and 2nd in four tournaments played this year • Defending Div. II National Champion • Cleveland Golf / Srixon all-America scholar
Continued from page 8
board,” Carpenter said. “Its gonna be a fight come LSC tournament time.” The ’Cats will travel to Florida next week for their last tournament of the year in the Queens Invitational hosted by Queens University. The tournament will be played at the historic TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Verde Beach, where the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) holds its annual major tournament “The Player’s Championship.” The collegiate golfers will be playing the
“Valley” course instead of the “Stadium” course where the pros play. “The Nationwide Tour just played a match there, so the course should be in great shape,” Carpenter said. “It’s really cool to get to travel around the nation and represent ACU well.” With the talent and depth of this Wildcat team, this could be the year the Wildcats add an NCAA National Championship trophy to ACU’s prestigious – and full – trophy case. contact Gwin at
agg07a@acu.edu
Alex Carpenter • 15th, 1st, 1st and 1st in four tournaments played this year • Phil Mickelson Award winner for top freshman • Defending Southern Amateur champion
In the rankings are weekly surprises and upsets. With last year being so predictThe past two years the Bowl able, college sports fans are Championship Series (BCS) waiting with bated breath to national championship bowl see what will happen. When a season is predicthas been pretty predictable, able, the sport loses its fans. with Texas, But when seasons like this Alabama and come along, the suspense Florida cirof who will end up on top cling like vuldraws spectators back. Right tures for the now, no team is safe. number one The 2008 season defispot. But this nitely sticks in my mind for year that spot Jefferies many reasons, but mostly has been tossed from team to team like because of the controversy a hot potato – no one seems surrounding who deserved to want to be in that position. to be number one. Texas lost It all started when first- to the Texas Tech Red Raidranked Alabama fell to No. 19 ers in Lubbock, 39-33, but South Carolina. Ohio State beat the Oklahoma Sooners was next in line when it sat on in the Cotton Bowl, 45-35. top for only one week before Then Oklahoma went on to being upset by Wisconsin, beat Tech. Who was ranked and in a Big 12 shootout the higher, Texas or Oklahoma? Missouri Tigers dethroned the Oklahoma Sooners by nine points. Now with Oregon ranked first in the AP Top 25 poll and Auburn No. 1 in the BCS poll, America wonders what will happen next week. It makes a team in the top 10 nervous when every team in first place loses. Boise State and TCU have been leapfrogged for the second week in a row, but neither is likely to complain since no one is safe this year in the race for the national championship.
The process of how teams are ranked is one-third computer input and two-thirds human input. The computer chose Oklahoma. With predictable seasons, computer input is unnecessary – everyone knows who will be headed to the Rose Bowl in January. But every few years a season of unpredictable upsets comes along, and then we look to the computer’s input. At the end of this season, the number one team will most likely have at least one loss, which makes the games much more exciting. No one knows who the national champion will be. And with Baylor ranked in the top 25 for the first time in 13 years, anything is possible. contact Jefferies at
blj10a@acu.edu
Sports
Page 8
Standings FOOTBALL Team Div. Ovrl. ACU 4-0 TAMU-K 4-1 WTAMU 3.-1 MSU 2-2 E. Central 3-1 ENMU 2-2 Tarleton St. 1-3 Angelo St. 1-4 UIW 0-4
8-0 7-1 6-2 6-2 3-5 3-5 2-6 3-4 2-6
VOLLEYBALL Team
Div.
ACU 10-0 WTAMU 11-0 Angelo St. 9-1 Tarleton St. 6-4 MSU 6-4 TAMU-K 4-6
Ovrl. 22-3 19-8 13-10 20-7 12-12 10-12
WOMEN’S SOCCER Team Div. Ovrl. ACU MSU Cen. Okla. WTAMU NE St. E. Central ENMU
8-1-0 8-1-0 4-4-1 3-5-1 2-4-3 1-7-1 1-8-0
October 29, 2010
INTRAMURALS
Flag football ends with club rivalries
‘‘ ’’
Galaxy and Gamma Sigma Phi met again in the Sports Multimedia Editor men’s championship league Four champions were finals. The Moonies were crowned Tuesday at the out for revenge after a close Larry “Satch” Sanders Intra- lose earlier in the regular mural Field as intramural season. Galaxy controlled the game with a defense football came to a close. “The amount of teams was that refused to give up a equal to the amount from last point the whole game. The year, which is good because Gammas only scored in an students are still coming out, interception that was reand they are enjoying play- turned for a touchdown. On ing intramurals,” said Mark the other side, Steve RizzotJackson, assistant intramural to led Galaxy to a 26–6 win. Ko Jo Kai and Sigma Thedirector. “I think the championships games went well ta Chi played for the title in on our side as we allowed the the women’s championship teams to choose two refs to league. The Kojies edged out the Siggies in a close game, work their games.”
Ryan Cantrell
GOLF
“I think the games went very well. It was fun to have the clubs playing each other in the men’s and women’s MARK JACKSON // ACU assistant champ league,” said Kenli intramural director edwards, intramural direc29–26. Kojie quarterback go. GSP-2 trailed by five af- tor. “It was also cool that a Katie Cupit led the team to ter a failed two-point con- girl’s freshman team beat four scores, which was good version, but quarterback the champions from last enough for the champion- Hutton Harris quickly led year in the women’s recrehis team down the field for ation league. “The guys had ship victory. a great game as well with In the men’s recreation a GSP-2 win, 26–24. In the women’s recre- a freshman team in there league, GSP-2 defeated the Gnarlywahls in a game that ation division the Gardner with some older guys from came down to the wire, with Gnomes defeated the Ra- GSP, and it was a really good GSP-2 scoring a one-point mones, 12–7. After knocking game that came down to lead with two minutes left in off the top seed Blue Blaze in the wire.” the game. The Gnarlywahls the semifinals, the Gnomes came back by five, scoring took home the championcontact Cantrell at jrc07f@acu.edu with only 37 seconds left to ship against the Ramones.
Students are still coming out, and they are enjoying playing intramurals.
Clutch eagle bags victory
13-2-0 13-2-0 8-7-1 7-6-3 6-5-5 5-9-2 4-12-0
Briefs
Austin Gwin Sports Editor
n The
ACU women’s soccer team entered the latest Coaches’ Top 25 Poll for the first time in the program’s four-year history at No. 23. The poll is released every Tuesday, and ACU sits as the lone LSC team in the top 25. The Wildcats have also jumped into the No. 2 spot in the latest NCAA South Central Region Poll, which was released Wednesday.
n The No. 21 Wildcat volleyball team will continue its 2010 season at 2 p.m. Saturday with a game against Incarnate Word in San Antonio at prior to hosting its last two games of the season at home.
It’s called a sophomore slump. A player has a really good rookie year in the pros and gets everyone’s expectations up, then has a bad second year. It has happened to even the best rookies out there – except Alex Carpenter. With four wins, his freshman year was almost too good to believe. This fall he has three wins in the four matches he has played, including one against the premier players in the nation two weeks ago in the Division II National Preview Tournament. His third win came Tuesday in the Bruce Williams Memorial Invitational at Dominion Country Club in San Antonio, where he shot a 70 in the final round to finish at four under par
Photo Illustration by DANIEL GOMEZ
Alex Carpenter capped his third straight tournament win with an eagle on 18 to complete a come-frombehind victory.
Player Profile n Edmund Gates, a senior wide receiver from Vernon, has excelled in his role as ACU’s top receiver. Gates has picked up where he left off from last year’s stellar season with an equally impressive 2010 campaign. In 2009, Gates had 49 receptions for 702 yards and five touchdowns en route to earning All-LSC First Team honors. So far this year he has caught 48 passes for 811 yards and 11 touchdowns, trumping his totals from last year.
Ex-Factor n Johnny
Knox, Danieal Manning, and the rest of the Chicago Bears (4-3) have a bye this week and will resume play at noon Nov. 7 against the Buffalo Bills. Knox has 478 receiving yards and one touchdown so far this season.
n Bernard Scott and the Cincinnati Bengals (2-4) will take on the Miami Dolphin at noon Sunday, Oct. 31.
SOCCER
for the tournament. Carpenter hit an unbelievable second shot on the 18th hole, a par 5, and came within five feet of the flagstick. A tap-in for eagle put him in a tie with Colby Shrum from the University of Central Oklahoma for the win. “It is an awesome feeling to win,” Carpenter said. “There was a lot of good competition out there on the course, so it is an honor to come home in first.” One stroke behind Carpenter was defending Div. II National Champion Cyril Bouniol, who shot a 67 on his final round to vault him into third. “It was our first time playing on Bermuda grass, so I think that is why our scores improved through the rounds,” Bouniol said. “We are a talented group of friends that can accomplish great things this year.” The Wildcats as a team are second place behind Central Oklahoma, led by Shrum. The two teams have battled all fall and are likely to continue in the Lone Star Conference tournament in the spring. “Central Oklahoma is a great team with five good players down the see EFFORT page 7
FOOTBALL
Tourney host up for grabs Bryson Shake
Assistant Sports Editor
ACU soccer players set a goal at the beginning of the year to not look too far in advance this season and instead focus on the games directly in front of them. They have since accomplished that goal and excelled on the field so far this season. With only two conference games left on their plate, the No. 23 Wildcats (13-2, 8-1) have two pivotal matchups this week that will determine their conference tournament seeding, as well as where the tournament will be held. ACU is currently tied with Midwestern State atop the conference standings, both boasting records of 13-2, 8-1 on the year. The top team in the conference will host the tournament, scheduled for Nov. 4, 5 and 7. To host the tournament, ACU will need to win both matchups and see a Midwestern loss this weekend.
“We need to win both the games this weekend to make sure we’re sitting pretty when Sunday night rolls around,” said Bree Craig, senior midfielder and captain. “Plain and simple. That way we’ll put the pressure on Midwestern to do the same and put the bat in their hands.” The Wildcats will play at Texas A&M Commerce at 7 p.m. Friday in the first of two games this weekend. Head coach Casey Wilson said Commerce (7-5-3, 3-3-3) presents a tough matchup for the Wildcats. “Commerce is always a very physical team,” Wilson said. “They play on a small field, and they are up there in the national rankings in goals scored against. They have a tough defense and play with a lot of attitude. We always go into their place and know we’re up against a tough team that will fight us to the end.” see HOST page 7
STACY ACTON // Staff Photographer
Shane Baham hands the ball to an official after returning an interception for a score last week.
Angelo next in ‘Shootout’ Brandon Tripp Sports Director
The Wildcats are looking to move to 9-0 this weekend when they host longtime rival Angelo State in the first ever State Farm Big Country-Concho Valley Shootout. Despite its 3-4 record, Angelo State played well in its four losses. The Rams nearly saw a comeback
against West Texas in their third game of the season, falling 37-27. Angelo was even with the Texas A&MKingsville Javelinas deep into the fourth quarter, until a late touchdown pushed Kingsville to a 28-21 win. With that in mind, head coach Chris Thomsen and the rest of his team aren’t taking the Rams lightly. “They had a chance to beat West Texas, they had
Kingsville 21-21 in the fourth, they had Midwestern tough in the fourth quarter,” Thomsen said. “You can’t just look at their record – you have to look at how close they’re playing the top teams.” The Wildcats do have big game experience on their side after winning three top-10 games this season. see RIVALRY page 7