Nail-biter in Commerce Football team comes from behind for win vol. 101, no. 19
wednesday, october 31, 2012
Sports Page 8
1 SECTION, 8 PAGES
social clubs
Meghan Hancock pledging from home
INSIDE NEWS Hispanos Unidos members volunteer in pumpkin patch Page 3
NEWS Facilities management looking to improve sustainability
audrey schaffner
Page 4
copy editor After a trip to the hospital earlier this semester, where she spent three days in a medically induced coma, Meghan Hancock is pledging Ko Jo Kai from her home in Fairview. Hancock, sophomore physical therapy major, was hospitalized Sept. 4 after collapsing during her Lifetime Wellness class. She was rushed to Hendrick Medical Center where doctors put her in a coma. Hancock is safely recovering at home and said she is feeling great. She is excited about the opportunity that has been given
OPINION Mark Smith, editor in chief, responds to endorsement reactions Page 6
OPINION Evan Marks offers some Halloween costume suggestions
page 6
SPORTS Volleyball team gets final Word to end losing streak Page 8
FEATURES On-campus political groups gearing up for election
Page 5
NEWS FilmFest rules change to extend production time period Page 4
ONLINE NEWS
deanna romero staff photographer The Rocketboys play during their free concert on the mall area lawn Tuesday night.
Rocketboys rock campus erika tanaka student reporter The Rocketboys returned to ACU on Tuesday to play a free on-campus concert for the first time since February of last year. Composed almost entirely of ACU alumni, the Rocketboys started their journey as a band in Abilene after meeting through mutual friends on campus. “I am most excited to be back on old stomping grounds,” said Brandon Kinder, lead singer and guitarist for the band. “ACU is really our first or second home.”
The Rocketboys have not returned to their alma mater in about a year and a half due to scheduling conflicts. Over the course of four months they lost three members, forcing them to spend most of the last year rebuilding. Through the hardships of the past year, the band has refocused on working on their music. Amidst line up changes and other complications, the band produced their second full-length album, Build Anyway. The album revolves around a tone of loss and regret, reflecting the band’s feelings about the loss of their original members. With lyrics
Frats social club scaring students, community in annual haunted house acuoptimist.com
NEWS Virtuous Sisterhood to volunteer in Abilene schools acuoptimist.com
VIDEO
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contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
use them because they don’t have ramps,” Crist said. The organization, based out of San Antonio, aims to bring assistance to low-income disabled residents in 19 counties around Abilene. Its mission statement “Building freedom for the homebound,”
sing song
Clubs, classes name 2013 act directors 2013 SING SONG DIRECTORS
jimmy isbell
Check out some of our footage from Homecoming events
After being given instructions and supplies, the men will be sent out to 12 different locations around the city to build these ramps from scratch. “It may take only three hours, it may take up to six.
full of nostalgia and heartache, they hope listeners can hear and identify with the pain the band went through over the past year. Hundreds of excited students flocked to Moody Coliseum the last time the Rocketboys came to ACU. “I’m really excited to see the Rocketboys again,” said Christen Cawley, junior marketing major from Conroe. “I saw them my freshman year and I can’t wait to hear stuff from the new album.”
Sub T-16 to labor for project ness management from North Richland Hills, is sports video director leading the members of his social club to raise a hamMembers of Sub T-16 are mer for those less fortunate. reaching out to the commu“I work at a hardware nity of Abilene through work store and one of my customand the Texas Ramp Project ers works with a non-profit on Saturday. organization for people who Cody Crist, junior busi- need wheelchairs but can’t
meghan hancock sophomore physical therapy major from Fairview
to her to pledge while off campus. Hancock said the clubs officers came to her hospital room and offered her a bid. “I was told that I wasn’t going to get to, and when they showed up, that was a very big surprise,” Hancock said. Leigh Foith, Ko Jo Kai historian, said the officer team and sponsors for Ko Jo Kai went to Mark Jackson, associate director of Student Organizations and Programs, to approve their idea of offering Hancock a bid for Kojies. A unanimous vote of club members ensured the bid, and the officer team, Jackson and Ko Jo Kai’s sponsors went to Hendrick Hospital to share the good news with Meghan. “We prayed with Meghan, gave her a binder and a pledge pin, and let her know of our continued support for her in her recovery,” said Foith, senior Ad/PR major from Plano. “She was so surprised and so thrilled.” Hancock said she has wanted to pledge since freshman year and was
social clubs
taylor langston
“
When they showed up, that was a very big surprise.”
student reporter Sing Song this spring will be busy with six fresh hosts and hostesses, a full show of 17 acts and many new directors. This year has the potential to set many records. Gamma Sigma Phi is looking for their fifth win in a row and Alpha Kai Omega looks for a second victory since its charter in 2000. The senior class is also preparing for a class sweep, a feat rarely accomplished. Carly Branscum, senior Ad/PR major from Fort Worth, is a downstage cochair for the second year. She understands the pressure on the senior class because the last time a class has swept all four years was the class of ’98. “There is a lot of tradition coming into this year,
Alpha Kai Omega: Kylie Hanna and Alyssa Stanley
Frats: Jack Sorrells
Freshmen: Ethan Alexander and Kirk Ferrell
GATA: Corinne Morris
Galaxy: Jonathan Bryant, Sam Greer and Seth Groveunder
Sophomores: Kealey Fabian
Ko Jo Kai: Keslie Bernard and Jamie Metscher
Gamma Sigma Phi: Hunter Clinton
Juniors: Caroline Nikolaus and Jake Hall
Sigma Theta Chi: Jessica Welshanns
Pi Kappa: Josh Smith and Colin Harvard
Seniors: Nick Tatum
Zeta Rho: Janessa Beach and Marissa Diaz
Sub T-16: Vance Cato Trojans: Matt Bowman
with GSP and our senior class this year, and Alpha Kai Omega won for the first time last year, can they do it again?” Branscum said. “I think it is going to be a great show. I mean, yeah it will be nuts and all, but
with the help of five cochairs instead of only three last year, it will be a good year for Sing Song.” Hunter Clinton, senior social work major from Keller, said he is honored to direct this year’s GSP act.
Abilene Christian University
Graduate School: Emily Bushnell and Ashley Wheeler International Students: Cheryl Bell and Kenyon Jackson
“I have been around the last few years and I GSP and Sing Song all my plan on this one topping life and worshiped the them all.” ground they sang on,” Clinton said. “Now I have the honor of leading them contact the optimist at to another victory. We have jmcnetwork@acu.edu had some really good acts
Wednesday 10.31.12
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1
Wednesday
Thursday All Day - Halloween All Day - Lone Star Conference Soccer Tournament All Day - Last day to register for Elevator Pitch
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Friday
All Day - Lone Star Conference Soccer Tournament
2
3
All Day - Lone Star Conference Soccer Tournament
All Day - Davis Kinard interviewing in Career Center
All Day - Paycom Interviewing in Career Center
11:00 a.m. WCTCC Graduate and Professional School Fair
7 p.m. ACU Volleyball at TAMU-Commerce
Saturday
All Day - Lone Star Conference Soccer Tournament 12 p.m. ACU Football vs West Alabama U 2 p.m. ACU Volleyball at Texas Woman’s U 8:30 p.m. Flat Tops and Scrunchies: A total 90s Party
7:30 p.m. Grad School Coffee House
Around Abilene
Chapel checkup
72 25 @acuoptimist
Oct. 31
Nov. 1
Nov. 2
Nov. 3
7 p.m. The De Leon VFD will sponsor its annual Spook House at the old Anthony Hotel in De Leon. Admission is $10. Proceeds will benefit the fire department.
9:30 a.m. The West Texas Drought Outlook and Assessment Forum will be at the West Central Texas Council of Governments. Federal, state and local weather and climate specialists and water management experts will discuss current drought status, outlook and impacts.
8 a.m. The annual Square & Round Dance Association garage sale will be open at the Wagon Wheel in Tye.
9 a.m. The 30th annual Sagerton Hobby Bazaar will be at the Sagerton Community Center. Procees will go to community projects and a scholarship fund. Arts and crafts, baked goods, holiday items and a quilt raffle will be available.
8 p.m. A haunted house will be open at Frontier Texas! Admission will be $10. This event is not intended for young children.
The Optimist optimist@acu.edu Police Log Police Log
10/16/2012 3:10 p.m. An ACU student reported the theft of a Samsung Galaxy mobile phone from Moody Coliseum. 10/17/2012 9:40 a.m. An ACU student reported the theft of his wallet from The Bean. 10/19/2012 10:18 p.m. A student reported that someone was attempting to open the front door of her off campus residence. Officers checked the house and area, nothing unusual located. 10/20/2012 1:54 a.m. APD requested ACUPD’s assistance at a large/loud party house party. A large number of people were found inside and outside the house. The party was
shut down, one person was arrested for public intoxication. 10/21/2012 2:10 a.m. ACUPD and APD responded to a large/loud house party at the same house as the night before. The primary resident was issued a Municipal Court citation for Violation of Noise Ordinance. 10/21/2012 6:55 p.m. A student reported the overnight burglary of his vehicle while it was parked at Smith-Adams parking lot.
Weekly Stats for Week of October 16–23, 2012 (Total Events: 253) ABANDONED VEHICLE 1 ACCIDENT 1 ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIVITY 17 ALARM 3 ANIMAL CALL 1 ASSIST 3 BARRICADES 4 BUILDING LOCK/UNLOCK 10 BURGLARY (MOTOR VEHICLE) 3 CART PATROL 5
CHECK BUILDING 89 CITATION ISSUANCE 1 DIRECT TRAFFIC 1 DISTURBANCE 3 ESCORT 1 FOOT PATROL 1 FOUND PROPERTY 3 HIT-AND-RUN 1 INCIDENT REPORT 3 INFORMATION REPORT 3
INVESTIGATION FOLLOW UP 4 LOST PROPERTY 3 MEDICAL EMERGENCY 1 MONITOR FACILITY/LOT 1 MOTORIST ASSIST: INFLATE TIRE 1 MOTORIST ASSIST: JUMPSTART 12 MOTORIST ASSIST: UNLOCK 15 NOISE VIOLATION 1 OTHER 8 PARKING LOT PATROL 1
PARKING VIOLATION 1 PATROL VEHICLE MAINTENANCE 9 PATROL VEHICLE: REFUEL 7 RANDOM PATROL 15 REPORT WRITING 2 RUNAWAY 1 SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY 3 THEFT 3 TRAFFIC HAZARD 2 TRAFFIC STOP 8 WELFARE CHECK 1
Police Tip of the Week Reduce opportunities for thefts – Never leave your backpack, laptop or cell phones unattended. It only takes a few seconds for someone to walk off with your belongings.
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. The ACU Roller Hockey Club Team is accepting new members who are interested in playing roller hockey. For more information on the team, you can post on the ACU Wildcat Hockey Facebook page or email acuhockey@gmail.com.
Corrections ACU Swing Cats is hosting lessons for beginner and intermediate levels of swing dancing Thursday nights in SRWC Studio B. Intermediate lessons are at 8 p.m. and Beginners are at 9 p.m. Social dancing begins at 9:30 p.m.
Elevator Pitch registration is now open. Early registration is until Oct. 31 and costs $10. Late registration is until Nov. 6 and costs $20.
Graduate School Awareness Week continues Nov. 1 with a Graduate and Professional School Fair at 11 a.m. in the Hunter Welcome Center, McCaleb Conference Center, a December 2012 Graduates Communication Recruiting should attend the Graduation Dinner at 6 p.m. at the home Fair in the Living Room on Oct. of Paul and Raye Lakey and a Leadership Summit will be 30 from 9 a.m.-5p.m. for all Grad School Coffee House at having an interest meeting graduation needs. 7:30 p.m. in the Hunter WelOct. 30 and Nov. 16 from 11 come Center Lobby. a.m. - 11:50 a.m. in COBA 201. PULSE A Cappella is having a Chapel credit will be provided. logo contest. All entries should be submitted to wcr09a@acu. edu as a .jpg by Nov. 4. The winner will receive $75.
In the Oct. 24 edition of the Optimist we ran a story on the Students’ Association meeting without full edits. The story is correct online. In the same issue we ran a story headline “Religious schools fight Obamacare” that was not the final version. The story is correct online. In the same issue we ran a story on Becca Clay being crowned Homecoming Queen. We misidentified her father’s work. Randy Clay is a preacher in Utah at South Side Church of Christ.
Volunteer Opp0rtunities The Center for International Education is looking for conversation partners for international students to practice English, conversations and cultural learning. Partners meet for one hour each week at a time and place determined by the partners. For more information contact Laura McGregor at 325-674-2821 or laura.mcgregor@acu.edu. St. John’s Episcopal School is seeking volunteers to paint metal playground equipment anytime Monday-Friday after 3 p.m. and Saturday anytime. For more information contact Rebecca McMillon at 325-695-8870 or flores@ stjohnsabilene.org. Center for Contemporary Arts needs a gallery assistant to greet patrons, answer phones and answer basic questions about the Center and its programs. This oppotrunity is open Tuesday-Friday. The Center for Contemporary Arts is located at 220 Cypress Street. For more informa
tion contact Jessica Dulle at 325-6778389 or visit: http://www.center-arts. com/. Rescue the Animals is seeking volunteers to take pictures and videos in preparation for the launching of their new website as well as maintenance of the site after the launch. This opportunity is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. For more information contact Kathy Walker at 325-677-7722 or rescuetheanimalsvolunteers@yahoo.com. The National Center For Children’s Illustrated Literature is looking for volunteers to greet patrons, assist with art activities, sell books and make visitors feel welcome. Help is also needed for special events like Artwalk and exhibit openings. The NCCIL is located at 102 Cedar St. For more information on times and dates contact Debby Lillick at 325-673-4586 or visit: http://www.nccil.org/index.htm.
The Christian Ministries of Abilene: Food Pantry is searching for volunteers to greet and interview neighbors, do computer entries, shop with neighbors, take groceries to vehicles, bag, stock and pick up orders on Mondays and Fridays from 9:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. and 1 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. and on Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. The Food Pantry is located at 701 Walnut St. For more information contact Becky Almanza at 325-673-1234 or cmapantry@aol.com. The Christian Service Center is seeking volunteers to help assist with filling requests for items such as clothing, bedding, kitchen utensils, etc. from the donation center, sort and organize donations and occasionally pick-up donated items. Volunteers are needed every weekday and the first Saturday of each month between 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. For more information contact Roberta Brown at 325-673-7561 or at robertabrown51@hotmail.com. For more
information on the program visit http:// www.uccabilene.org/ministries/csc.htm. The Food Bank of West Central Texas needs volunteers to help sort and stock food and other items any weekday Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. The Food Bank is located at 5505 N. 1st St. For more information contact Janice Serrault at 325-695-6311 or abfoodbk@ camalott.com. Meals on Wheels Plus needs volunteer drivers to deliver afternoon meals to seniors and adults with disabilities MondayFriday 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. For additional volunteer opportunities visit: www.acu.edu/campusoffices/ccsl/ ministry-service/volunteer-opportunities/
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campus news
wednesday 10.31.12
academics
Grad School looks to increase awareness Kyle Knapp student reporter Graduate School Awareness Week will take place Monday-Thursday and will conduct events to provide information about ACU’s graduate programs as well as programs from colleges throughout the country. According to ACU’s website for the graduate school, the events include an opportunity to meet Tuesday with graduate admissions at the Learning Commons, where free burritos from La Popular will be available. The Graduate and Professional Fair will take place Thursday in the Hunter Welcome Center. “I think this is a good week for undergraduate students to find out about the graduate programs that we offer at ACU,” said Bree Craig, graduate conflict resolution major and marketing intern from Arlington. “I think that it’s something that maybe isn’t as widely known across campus; not just that we offer programs, but what they are.”
Craig said the fee for applying to graduate school is waived for any current ACU students who apply to the Graduate School during Graduate School Awareness Week. Craig emphasized the importance of looking into graduate school early. While Graduate School Awareness Week also provides a chance for students to learn more about graduate programs at other colleges. “It’s awareness about our programs, but then it’s also just graduate school in general,” said Stacy Shenefield, graduate admissions counselor. “If students are looking at going in to a program that we don’t offer, the staff is still more than happy to answer questions.” Shenefield said representatives from graduate programs all over the country will attend the Graduate and Professional Fair on Thursday. The Graduate Students’ Association Coffee House, a new event this year, will take place in the Hunter Welcome Center on Thursday evening to bring the
Brittany williams Staff Photographer
Rachel Patchen, Masters of Accountancy major from Arlington gets assistance from the Career Center at the Grad Fair on Tuesday in the Campus Center Living Room. week to a close. Corey Patterson, managing director of online programs, said this event serves a dual purpose. “Graduate students mainly look at the pro-
grams; they don’t really look at the school as a whole,” said Patterson. “However, when you get here, it’s easy to get lost, it’s easy to get to a point of feeling like, ‘You know I’m in this program,
I’m kind of by myself with from other programs and just the people who are in create a community in the my program.’ The event on Graduate School.” Thursday is designed not only to give awareness to contact the optimist at the undergraduate students, jmcnetwork@acu.edu but other graduate students
organizations
ACU group volunteers at pumpkin patch Kara Stutesman student reporter The Disability Resources Pumpkin Patch received extra helping hands this Halloween season from ACU’s chapter of Hispanos Unidos. This is the first time in recent years that Hispanos Unidos has volunteered in the Abilene community. “We wanted to start getting our name out in
the community and what better way than a community pumpkin patch?” said David Salinas, senior health promotion major from San Antonio. Disability Resources Inc. is an Abilene based, non-profit organization. DRI’s mission is to assist developmentally disabled individuals achieve their full potential in a Christian environment. Mat Molina, Hispanos Unidos’ treasurer, has volunteered at the pumpkin
patch in previous years for LYNAY and set up the opportunity for Hispanos Unidos to volunteer at the DRI pumpkin patch, said Ana Arango, sophomore biochemistry major and Hispanos Unidos secretary from Plano. “We volunteered because we are doing our best to let ACU as well as the Abilene community know that we are here to help those that need it,” said Salinas. “We want to show that the ACU commu-
education
Students earn state education honor Price Bahcall student reporter Two students from the Department of Teacher Education were selected as exemplary teacher candidates in the Quest for Quality program in early October. The Quest for Quality Teacher Preparation program recognizes state-wide commendable quality in teacher preperation in universities. Seniors Kaitlyn Howell, education major from Rockwall, and Melanie Catteau, elementary education major from Denison, were two of the 33 students from around the state selected for the award. “I am so excited and honored to receive this award,” Howell said. “I was not expecting to receive such an award and am truly excited. I simply put in all my effort
into being the best teacher I can be so that I can live out my calling to the best of my ability.” Both students feel teaching is their calling. Howell said she most looks forward to building relationships with her students. She also wants the students to know they are loved and to feel God’s love through her actions. Howell is anxious to have her own classroom and to challenge her students in ways they have never been challenged. Catteau said she has learned through the program that she is very interested in childhood development and creating an optimal learning environment for students. “My goals for myself as a teacher are to keep up to date on research concerning best teaching practices,” Catteau said. “The teacher
I’m placed with right now changes her practice based on her reflection, research and other teacher’s recommendations. My goal is to not become stagnant in my teaching but to continue to grow as a professional.” Both students raved about the professors in the education department and said they plan on implementing many of the teaching strategies they have learned at ACU. The education department is proud and excited that two of their own were selected as exemplary teacher candidates in the Quest for Quality program. Catteau and Howell are excited for the future and the journey that becoming a teacher will take them on.
contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
KACU
Long-time KACU secretary to retire Price Bahcall student reporter After 24 years of being the KACU secretary, Sandy Byers will retire from Abilene Christian University at the end of this fall semester. Byers started working at KACU in August of 1988 as the traffic manager and now at the age of 66, the 20122013 school year will be her last. “Every memory I have made at ACU is a memory worth keeping,” Byers said. “It has been a fantastic ride. I love the students, hearing them talk about their lives and openly talk about the Lord. The students have truly been inspirational to me and I would like to tell them that the Lord is watching over all of them.” She said she has loved coming to work the past 24 years because of the students and staff she has
worked with. She has never experienced a cloudy day because the students have been her true sunshine, Byers said. The students have lifted her spirits and it is this community that she will miss the most. “Sandy is always an encouragement,” said Marcus Bowen, who has worked with Byers for the past 2 years. “She always has a smile on her face and she holds everything together here at KACU. Sandy keeps everyone connected and she is more than just a coworker but also a friend. She cares deeply for the students and staff and is fully committed.” Byers will continue her life journey as she leaves ACU and plans to be with her family. She said she wants to be there for her family and watch them grow as she plans to pass on the student’s wisdom she has gained over her 24
years of work. Byers has two sons; the oldest lives in Austin and the younger in Georgetown. She also has a 15-year-old grandson and a 3-year-old granddaughter. KACU has been her family for 24 years but it is time for her to go back to her first family she loves so dearly, she said. “I want to thank them all. The students didn’t realize they have been my family, since my family is gone, so I have treated them as my family too,” said Byers. “The Lord was always in my life but I put Him aside, but the students have taught me to come back to Him. They brought me back to the Lord and I am forever thankful for that. I have been given the strength to retire and I am going to embrace it.” contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
nity loves to be a part of the community around us.” Hispanos Unidos is known around campus for their annual event, Entra la Plaza. Despite the popularity of Entra la Plaza, Hispanos Unidos has remained a small club for the past several years. “We are really trying to make Hispanos Unidos grow and gain some notoriety,” said Arango. “We are really working on finding ways to reach out past our comfort zone and
have a more noticeable effect on ACU and the Abilene community. This was the first of what will hopefully be several little events Hispanos Unidos will try to participate in as a group.” Several church groups and organizations joined Hispanos Unidos in unloading a large truck full of pumpkins in piles on the front lawn of DRI facilities. “It was a lot of fun because several groups and
churches came out to lend a hand and they even let some of the residents help out, which was something they did differently this year,” said Arango. “I’m excited to try some more projects and try this one out again next year and see if we can keep increasing the number of volunteers.”
contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
News
Wednesday 10.31.12
4
productions
FilmFest rules change to entice students David Singer opinion page editor The annual FilmFest will take place again this year. But not as usual. The production period students’ have to create their film as been extended from about one month to five. “Last year, the production schedule took place entirely in the spring semester,” said Tom Craig, director of student productions. “This year we are expanding that, and it is actually starting in the fall semester for a longer production period with more elements that will hopefully create more opportunity for students to get involved and also to produce better end products.” The script-writing-period has already begun, but students are welcome to join and participate at any time. The first phase of filming begins on Nov. 12 and drafts of the films will be turned in
before Christmas break for preliminary critiques from on campus judges. “I think this will allow higher quality, more impressive end products, because they will have the chance to get feedback and ideas and implement some of that along the way,” Craig said. Another major change to this year’s event is the elimination of fees. Through funding from Campus Activity Board and Students’ Association, last year’s $45 entry fee will be covered and the FilmFest gala event next spring will be free for all students. Cannon Spears, vocational missions major from Blue Ridge, a member of the student leadership teams, said that the team is doing everything they can to help student filmmakers through workshops and partnerships with different departments on campus. “We want to engage with the English department in a workshop that focuses on script writing,” said Spears.
“We want to connect people with a common interest.” Spears said they are also planning workshops that involve the theatre department for help with acting as well. In addition to workshops, filmmakers will get to participate in a judging symposium following the gala where they can receive detailed critiques of their films. “The judges will actually go through their films one by one and say this is is where it was good, this is what we liked and this is what can improve,” Craig said. “They’re getting industry feedback on their work and they gain industry relationships.” Students interested in participating this year can visit the Office of Student Productions for more information regarding the production schedule. Deanna Romero Staff Photographer contact singer at dis08b@acu.edu
Paul Mc’Aniff, a Canon representative, discusses camera equipment with Ashley Raybon, freshman speech pathology major from Irving at the Learning Studio. The Learning Studio is hosting several workshops helping students prepare for FilmFest.
students’ association
SA examines environmental sustainability Josh Garcia staff reporter The Finance and Operations Division is exploring ways to encourage environmental sustainability on campus. Corey Ruff and Mary Caton met with the Students’ Association on Wednesday evening to review Campus Sustainability Day that occured on Oct. 24. During the event, the Facilities and Campus Management Team, University Purchasing Department and SA promoted recycling, tree planting and a zero-waste lunch at the Bean. Caton, executive assistant of finance and operations, said many initiatives that make ACU more environmentally conscious have gone largely unno-
ticed in the past. “The vision that I really have for campus sustainability is a little bit bigger than recycling,” said Caton. “It has to do with a mindset, a culture change. It just becomes part of what we do and part of how we think.” ACU does not provide financial resources for sustainability projects. The necessary funding may come from selling recyclables like cardboard and aluminum, something Caton said she is sometimes cautious about. “If we’re going to collect cans, I want to know where they’re going to go,” said Caton. “If we’re going to give them to somebody, or sell them to somebody, and they’re going to go put them in a landfill, why bother?” ACU partners with RWL
Recycling and knows the products sold to them are indeed being recycled. However, Caton and Ruff both expressed interest in increasing ACU’s recycling output. Ruff, executive director of facilities and campus management, said he would like to make recycling more accessible to students by increasing the amount of bins on and around campus in the near future and promoting campus recycling awareness. Ruff also addressed students’ concerns about energy management and said the majority of the air conditioning control system is out-of-date. A group of boilers, which costs about $1,500 a day to operate, determine if the air will be heated. The boilers are typically not turned on until temperatures are
consistently cold. During transitional climate periods, the boilers struggle to provide the appropriate temperature in classrooms. Ruff said he would like to replace the current boilers with modular boilers, which would provide increased control and better temperature circulation. The major issue preventing energy updates is high expense, but Ruff would like to introduce a new department to Facilities and Campus Management that would oversee green-oriented operations, awareness and funding. “Heating and cooling is always a big issue on campus,” said Ruff. “If we can truly get our sustainability department funded, it should pay for itself.” Congress also approved a resolution to support
Several representatives did not attend the meeting on Wednesday Spenser Lynn Senior class president Gabe Elorreaga Senior class vice president Bo Braddock Junior class treasurer Rodney Johnson Sophomore class president Brad Hall Mabee Hall representative
Emily Posa Gardner Hall representative JP Festa Barret Hall representative Emily O’Rear Sherrod representative Colin McClintock Chambers representative Stevon Carr COBA representative
Christmas Slam 2012, an introduced the resolution. event aimed at promoting increased attendance at contact garcia at ACU basketball games. J.P. jtgb10@acu.edu Ralston and Dylan Benac
organizations
Athletes get involved with Triathlon Club Delaney Noel student reporter Athletes on campus are eagerly anticipating the opening of the ACU Triathlon Club. The club looks to bring students interested in preparing for triathlons together. Jonathan Martin, junior biology major and experienced triathlete from San Antonio, is the president of the Triathlon Club and has
a desire to establish community among fellow triathletes. “Our focus is to increase interest in the sport on campus and provide triathletes with community and support,” said Martin. However, the club will not only target triathletes. “We have people who have just done one, and then we have people who have never done one but are just interested,” said Martin. “You don’t have to be that good at all three dis-
ciplines. It’s not something you have to be good at to get started with.” Martin foresees a variety of experience levels participating in the club. Caitlin Hanisco, senior children and family ministry major from Memphis, Tenn., is also anticipating the club’s arrival on campus. Competing in close to a dozen triathlons along with a half-Ironman with Martin last April, Hanisco said she has been “bitten by the bug” of triathlon racing.
“I see the triathlon club benefiting new and seasoned athletes alike,” said Hanisco. “For those of us who have competed before, it will be a means by which we can share our passion for the multi-sport and train alongside a community of people who make training a lifestyle. For those desiring to get more involved in the sport, it will be a place to learn and grow in all of the different disciplines.” Martin and Hanisco expect the club to be success-
ful because of the growing popularity of the sport. Club meetings will focus on training, information, stories and opportunities to get involved. Members are hopeful that they will achieve their goals of re-establishing the ACU Triathlon and competing in USAT collegiate races in the near future. “My advice for those who might be interested in participating is to not be intimidated by the sport,” said Hanisco. “Anyone who is willing and able can get
out and train. Everyone has to start somewhere, and the only place to go is up. Start running, get in the pool, hop on a bike, and sign up to be a part of our team.” Contact Caitlin Hanisco, cmh08b@acu.edu, or Jonathan Martin, jfm10a@acu. edu, for more information on getting involved.
contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
social clubs
Hancock: Absent pledging shows club community Continued from page 1 happy she has been given the opportunity to do it, despite her circumstances at home. Hancock has been able to participate in certain activities, but cannot complete each pledging activity, as she is not on campus. She said she has
video-chatted with members during meetings and will be doing some “stuff for pledging” when she returns to campus in the spring. Though she has not been able to do every activity, Hancock said she was able to participate in Homecoming events and the members of Ko Jo Kai
and the NuNu’s were extremely welcoming. “When I got there on Friday to help with the float, the girls just took me in like I wasn’t even gone, they just acted like I was there the whole time,” Hancock said. “They are very supportive of everything. Foith said it was great to
see Meghan involved with her pledge class during Homecoming. “Meghan fit right in with the rest of the pledge class, and definitely brought a positive and refreshing light to a stressful weekend,” Foith said. Foith said Meghan’s pledging has provided a chance for social clubs to
bring people together in community. “Giving Meghan the opportunity to pledge is truly what social clubs on ACU’s campus are about,” Foith said. “We’ve been teaching our pledge class to lean on each other and carry each other’s burdens in the way that Christ carries ours. Meghan’s story
is a testament to the community and support involved in being a member of not only this Christ-like group of women but being a Christian as well.”
contact schaffner at als09d@acu.edu
Social clubs
Service: Sub T serves community “When I heard the idea for the project, I knew that I But this is just our first time wanted to get club involved working with the project,” in it. It would be a great opCrist said. portunity for us to get to According to the Texas serve people in the comRamp Project website, vol- munity,” Crist said. unteers have built nearly If you know of anyone 3,000 ramps in the past six that needs the assistance of years. the Texas Ramps Projects, Although the organiza- you can visit the website at tion is on a serve-as-needed www.texasramps.org. basis, Crist said that he and the members won’t stop here, but will continue to contact Langston at work with the project in the ltl10a@acu.edu future. Continued from page 1
5
featureS
wednesday 10.31.12
Parker Gordon, sophomore music major from Lipan, Brittany Williams, senior convergence journalism major from Lavon, Ryan Galindo, junior biology major from San Antonio, and Jennifer Moser, sophomore from Brownsville, watch the presidential debate in the Learning Studio.
paige otway staff Photographer
POWER OF A
VOTE
To vote or not to vote? Students encourage participation in coming elections audrey Schaffner copy editor
S
urrounded by the clanking coffee-making equipment in the Brown Library Starbucks, voices in a nearby computer pod and the frantic typing for last-minute assignments, a simple question is finally considered by the pair: Why do you think it is important to vote? Laura Kate Music, recruiting director for College Republicans, and Dylan Brugman, vice president for the College Democrats, sit facing each other in black plastic chairs, ready to share their opinions on voting. Though the two have similar stories of becoming more involved in politics in high school, they also come from different backgrounds and adhere to different political beliefs, one Republican and one Democrat. However, these differences do not prevent them from sharing one opinion: everyone should vote. Music and Brugman both said they have been interested in government since childhood, and that this interest led them to become more involved in the political sphere. Music, junior psychology and prehealth major from Abilene, said her interest in politics took off in high school during the 2008 election and that hearing about the College Republicans on campus sparked her interest, so she decided to get involved. Brugman, junior political science and sociology major from Denver, Colo., said he felt he always had an interest in politics and that history classes in high school spurred his passion for learning about governments and their policies. Taking a stand Brugman said, when it comes to voting, he has a hard time taking people seriously who complain about Congress (and the policies the House and Senate enact) if they haven’t participated in the latest election and voted on referendums in local elections or their representative. “I think that your strongest political arm, the most say you have in a society is where you cast your ballot,” said Brugman. “It is important for people to realize that we don’t just have to talk about policy change. If you want policies to get changed then you can do things like go out and vote.” Music agrees. She says voting is taking an active step in what is happening in our country and that step is essential and important. “Voting is stepping up,” said Music. “You want to put your two cents in.” When people who are not involved at all claim to have absolutely no prefer-
ence in who is elected or what policies Brugman also said potential voters have they bring about, both Music and Brug- no reason to be oblivious or unknowing man hold fast to their belief that voting about the issues because of the mediais an important part of society. filled society that surrounds each person. “I think that it is silly to say that you don’t Forming an opinion have an opinion on politics, especially in the age of Google, when our Facebook Music said to think a person can be feeds are blasted with political articles,” completely void of opinion is is impracti- said Brugman. “You can hear a candidate cal, especially when he or she is present- say something on television and then you ed with the issues that will play a factor in can go look it up. You can actually educate this election. yourself on the issues.” “Given the correct information, reliAs they are speaking, one look able information, and having enough around the room they are meeting in knowledge, can get people interested,” shows multiple computer screens with said Music. “And that can make them Facebook or Twitter open, and smartwant to change things or keep them the phones on every tabletop; a plethora of same depending on how they feel.” information is available at the swipe of Brugman also said people should claim a finger. the opinions they have, even if those be“In the past, all of the candidates have liefs are not popular or mainstream. tried to appear overly professional, very “It is impossible for somebody to claim detached from people,” Brugman said. that they don’t have an opinion either “Now we can see through things like way. They are trying not to step on toes Twitter and Saturday Night Live, these and are trying to be civil, and being civil candidates come onto these programs is really important,” said Brugman, not- and use these examples of social media ing that being civil, or wanting to appear in order to appear more human to peoas fair and balanced to everyone, should ple that would otherwise be apolitical. not be an excuse for a person to neglect So, the 18-25-year-olds feel like they can his or her right to vote. relate to those candidates.”
taylor county polling places Precinct # 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 201 202 203 204 205 206 207 301 302 303 304 305 306 307 308 401 402 403 404 405 406 407 408 409
Johnston Elementary School – 3602 North 12th, Abilene Church of Christ – S. 11th & Willis – 3333 South 11th, Abilene Bonham Elementary School – 4250 Potomac Ave., Abilene Westminster Presbyterian Church – 4515 South 14th, Abilene Baker Heights Church of Christ – 5382 Texas Ave., Abilene Dyess Elementary School – 402 Delaware Rd., Abilene Tye Community Center – 103 Scott Street, Tye View Baptist Church – 250 Boynton Rd, Abilene Pioneer Memorial United Methodist Church – 7302 FM 126, Merkel Shep Community Center- FM 1086, Shep First Baptist Church – University Place – 302 Hickory, Abilene Cobb Park Recreation Center – 2302 State St, Abilene Sears Park Recreation Center – 2250 Ambler Ave, Abilene Abilene Primitive Baptist Church – 3565 Hickory St., Abilene Elmcrest Baptist Church – 517 N Pioneer Dr., Abilene Merkel Middle School Gym – S 3rd & Ash, Merkel First Financial Bank - 117 North Main, Trent Southwest Park Baptist Church – 2901 South 20th, Abilene Southern Hills Church of Christ – 3666 Buffalo Gap Rd., Abilene Tuscola City Hall – 418 Graham, Tuscola Allie Ward Elementary School – 3750 Paint Brush Dr., Abilene New Beginnings United Church – 5535 Buffalo Gap Rd., Abilene Zion Lutheran Church – 2801 Antilley Rd., Abilene Beltway Park Baptist Church – 4009 Beltway South, Abilene Buffalo Gap City Hall – 709 Litel St., Buffalo Gap New Life Temple Assembly of God – 2465 Old Anson Rd, Abilene Hillcrest Church of Christ – 650 E. Ambler Ave., Abilene University Church of Christ – 733 EN 16th St, Abilene Highland Church of Christ – 425 Highland Ave, Abilene Bowie Elementary School – 1733 S 20th, Abilene Thomas Elementary School – 1240 Lakeside Dr, Abilene Lytle South Baptist Church – 1125 East Industrial Blvd., Abilene Potosi Community Center – 3802 Potosi Rd., Abilene Lawn City Hall – 150 Main St., Lawn
Both believe social media is a becoming a way to bridge the gap between the older generations and the younger generation. But Music is more cautious. She sees the good and the bad in social media, yet still believes it can be used in a productive way to help spread information about the election. “Anybody can put anything on social media,” Music said, “but if it’s used in the right way by a reliable person I feel like it can get a message out there to people that don’t see other than on social media.” Both the College Republicans and the College Democrats are using some form of social media, including websites, Facebook and Twitter, to spread information about the election on campus. Will reaching out in this way, and through other mediums, be enough? Acting on opinions To spread the word about the upcoming election, both clubs have participated in various events geared toward encouraging the community to vote, and each is hoping to host election night parties. Music said the College Republicans, consisting of about 20 members, have had four debate watch parties, a tailgate and conducted a voter registration with the College Democrats. The local media has covered a few of their events, including most of their debate watches. “Our events have gone very well,” said Music. “We are always excited about our turnout, and to see how many ACU students are interested in becoming informed this election season. The College Republicans plan on having a party on election night to watch the results of the upcoming election. Brugman said the College Democrats, consisting of about 15 members, have also been busy, helping with political events around town and getting ready for the election. “We have worked with the Taylor County Democrats in hosting Paul Sadler, the Democratic candidate for Senate,” Brugman said. “We also worked the Taylor Democrat booth at the County Fair, and we held a voter registration drive with the College Republicans earlier this month.” The College Democrats are also thinking about hosting an election night event, though no plans are set in stone, said Brugman. Both clubs have been involved in getting students informed, registered and ready to vote. Now the only thing left to do is get out there and vote, said Music.
contact Schaffner at als09d@acu.edu
Opinion
WEDNESDAY 10.31.12
6
COLUMN
Obama pick: addressing the criticism FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK MARK SMITH
We knew many people would not agree with our endorsement of President Obama. What we didn’t expect is that instead of complaining to us, the sevenstudent editorial board that wrote the editorial, most of the strong negative reactions would be taken out on ACU. I am sad to see the university receive these responses when it had had no participation in our endorsement. ACU does not endorse political candidates or parties. As the disclaimer at the top of the endorsement (and at the bottom of all Opinion pages) reads, the Optimist’s endorsement only represents the views of the seven members of the editorial board, not ACU’s administration, Board of Trustees, faculty, staff or student body. Many readers have found it difficult to distinguish why the board’s endorsement is not a ref lection of ACU’s politi-
cal stance. President Phil Schubert is the Optimist’s publisher, but our endorsement does not represent him or ACU. Allow me to illustrate with an example. If the Abilene Reporter-News were to write an endorsement of either candidate, like many newspapers do, it would not be ref lective of the beliefs its owner and publisher, Scripps Interactive Newspaper Group. It works the same way with us and ACU. Specific responses While we always respect and welcome constructive criticism, comments that insult our parents, education, common sense and religious beliefs help no one. Of the constructive feedback we received, predominant themes have been, to paraphrase: How can a group of Christian students endorse everything the Democratic Party stands
for, and why is a student news source trying to affect the election? We do not believe in all of the standard ideals of the Democratic Party or President Obama. Most of the members of the editorial board would not identify themselves as a Democrat and do not agree with all of the ideals of the party. None of us think it reasonable to agree 100 percent with either party. Many newspapers write editorial endorsements of political candidates each election. The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Dallas Morning-News and Houston Chronicle are just a few examples of publications that have made endorsements this year. This is a customary journalistic practice, and it is our chance for a learning experience, especially for those of us who will go on to work for newspapers in the future. The Optimist is a living laboratory, a training exercise for journalism students to gain valuable experience in many different aspects of media. The purpose of the endorsement isn’t to affect the election results, but to encourage discussion. If I’ve learned any-
thing about politics, it’s that there is no right answer. Two or more schools of thought dispute most issues, each person believing he or she is right on the issue while every different view is wrong. In some cases, everyone might agree on a goal or truth, but not everyone will agree on the best way to achieve that goal. The issues of same-sex marriage and abortion
“
When Republicans and Democrats collide on an issue, both sides often present their beliefs as facts. Both sides argue they are right when too often, neither are.”
are mentioned in many of the reactions we’ve seen in online comments, emails, phone calls and other forms of responses. Most asked how we can endorse a candidate who supports gay marriage and is pro-choice. Do we agree with Obama’s stance on abortion? No. And while none of the
board members personally support gay marriage, the majority agrees the government has no place restricting select citizens’ rights, in line with every American’s constitutional right to happiness. We didn’t address abortion specifically in our endorsement because it falls under the issue of health care, under which we agreed Romney has the better plan. And does our opinion on same-sex marriage trump more pressing problems like national debt, foreign policy and health care? Multi-partisanship Confusion and murkiness abound when political views are presented as truths rather than ideas. When Republicans and Democrats collide on an issue, both sides often present their beliefs as facts. Both sides argue they are right when too often, neither are. We don’t have all the answers. We don’t think Obama is the perfect choice, and we don’t think Governor Romney will be unsuccessful if elected. We could have used several different processes to go about selecting the can-
didate we would endorse. We chose to look at three important issues, decide our stances on them blind of the parties associated with our beliefs and then find which candidate better matched our stances. We found President Obama better fit our views on foreign policy and the economy, while we agreed with Romney on health care. This is why we stress the importance of a multipartisan government. We actually agreed with Gary Johnson, the libertarian candidate, on all three issues and side with him on many others as well (but not some of his more extreme ideas). But the way the current political system is organized leaves us with only two realistic options, and we don’t wholly agree with either. Our endorsement is not pro-liberalism or anti-conservatism. It is not pro-choice or pro-gay marriage. It’s absolutely not anti-Christian. It is an endorsement for the candidate we believe has the best plan for the most important issues facing our nation today. contact smith at mds10a@acu.edu
EVAN’s marks
LETTER
evan marks
Martin: Mistakes in board’s endorsement of Obama Response to Oct. 24 endorsement by Jonathan Martin, junior biology/pre-med major from San Antonio. My initial response to Endorsement: Obama for a Second Term posted online and in last Wednesday’s paper was annoyance at several mistakes in the article but also respect to the editorial board for writing an article that is obviously not going to be very popular in West Texas. Much less Abilene. Much less ACU. I believe this discussion is necessary at ACU to help get students involved in the debate and not just voting for who their parents are voting for. I appreciate the editors’ online apology and correction of three of the mistakes, which can be found in the comments section below the endorsement. The original claim that, “Before Sept. 11… the last time a military battle occurred on American soil was the Civil War,” was criticized (i.e. Pearl Harbor) and has since been revised to say, “...most Americans have never experienced war as a domestic issue.” This revision is still not acceptable because it does not exclude the 9/11 attacks. In fact, most Americans have experienced war as a domestic issue. In addition, to imply that military spending is not as necessary if there are not battles on home soil doesn’t cover the issue. Are we to wait to be attacked before ever going to war? In my opinion, a strong military will ward off attacks while a weakened military will encourage them. America needs to be ready. We have real enemies. We have learned that the hard way too many times. I realize that Governor Romney does not have the foreign policy experience that President Obama has. Romney has criticized Obama multiple times, though, for not being tough
enough on threats like Iran and the Al-Quaeda groups in Libya. I was surprised to find no mention of this latest terrorist attack on our U.S. Embassy in Benghazi, in which four Americans were killed, including Ambassador Chris Stevens. How are we discussing foreign policy and not even bringing this up? Furthermore, to state that “massive military spending is not the answer to our country’s foreign problems” right after trying to make the point that America doesn’t have problems with “war as a domestic issue” seems counterproductive. Doesn’t that imply that because of our strong military, we have been successful in warding off attacks? This seems unclear to me. I believe these corrections give Governor Romney the foreign policy point. President Obama has not been hard enough on real threats to our homeland. Cutting the military budget and weakening our military is not the answer. Lastly, I would’ve liked to see this article focus on points more relevant to a Christian college student’s perspective, as it claimed from the beginning. The Christian college student should be concerned with the candidates stances on issues regarding Christian values like welfare, gay marriage and abortion. College students in general want to know where candidates stand on issues like making college more affordable and getting a job right out of college in a struggling economy. I know that when I graduate, before I focus on who we’re at war with or getting health insurance, I’m going to want to pay off my student loans and get a job.
contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
hashtagACU 3:49 p.m. Oct. 28
I hate being a cowboys fan... But it’s still early in the game!
@McGowMatt
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.
6:34 p.m. Oct. 28
should I be embarrassed to be a cowboys fan?
@R_ricker
Being a Cowboys fan is like constantly being a Rangers fan in October. #UpsBUTtheDOWNS
I’d fire Jason Garret for his last 3 play calls.... why
@jcraigacu
@JwalkinJohnson
6:47 p.m. Oct. 28
4:27 p.m. Oct. 28
i swear the cowboys stress me out more than my college workload does
@adriana_renee11
Great comeback boys but you shouldn’t have had to do it in the first place #lovemyteam #cowboysfanforlife
@Bigeezy60
well someone’s gonna be in a terrible mood later...thanks cowboys #smh
@haley_kaczyk
As soon as I get back to Abilene and turn on the tv we score. Since then we have been scoring. LETS GO COWBOYS!!!!!!
@jNAV12
11:15 p.m. Oct. 29 11:07 p.m. Oct. 29
Fire drills at 11pm when I am in bed, and don’t have a bra on are not fun.
@ninjagirl52
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
6:35 p.m. Oct. 28
5:36 p.m. Oct. 28
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
6:58 p.m. Oct. 28
6:45 p.m. Oct. 28
newsroom (325) 674-2439
Watching Facebook and Twitter get bombed with complaints about a late-night fire drill makes social networking worth it.
11:43 p.m. Oct. 29
I think I have partial hearing loss after that fire drill. Ouch. #warnabrother
@AudreyLucille
11:30 p.m. Oct. 29
Another tweet about fire drills because I’m sure you haven’t seen enough
@CaraBwaynez
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7
sports
wednesday 10.31.12
VOLLEYBALL
curtis christian Staff Photographer
The Wildcats celebrate after winning a point in Moody Coliseum. The team went 1-2 last week against three Lone Star Conference opponents. They defeated University of the Incarnate Saturday, 3-0, snapping a four-match losing streak.
Wildcats back to winning ways Edward isaacs sports editor The Wildcats broke their second-longest losing streak of the season Saturday when they defeated University of the Incarnate Word in Moody Coliseum. Head coach Kellen Mock emphasized the importance of that win. “It was a good thing to leave Moody Coliseum with a win in the 2012 season,” she said. “It was a big boost going into a couple of weekends on the road where we’ve got to win to go to the conference tournament.” “For placement in the conference tournament,
we had to win that match,” said junior outside hitter Madelyn Robinett. “Hopefully we can take that performance and run with it.” The victory ended a stretch where the ‘Cats had won only one set out of their past 13. For the week, ACU had a record of 1-2. They lost to both Texas A&M University-Commerce (2523, 25-23, 30-28) and Texas A&M University-Kingsville (25-21, 25-19, 31-29). The Wildcats are currently sitting at 10-16 overall and 6-10 in the Lone Star Conference. They are seventh in the conference standings out of 11 teams. Robinett had a breakout game against Incarnate
Word. She doubled her season kill total with 10 (.286) for the match. Robinett also had 18 digs, smacked an ace and recorded a block assist. She finished the match with 11.5 points. The 10 kills were only one shy of her career high 11 against UIW last season. “I haven’t played on the front row all season but everyone stepped up and made my job easier,” Robinett said. “They really took all the pressure off me.” “Maddy is one of our captains and is a natural leader,” Mock said. “We feed off her energy and positivity. She was a big reason we won the game on Saturday.”
Senior Kalynne Allen recorded 10 kills in her last game at Moody. Freshman Corrie Reeder had 13.5 points to go along with 12 kills and two blocks. The squad dug out 79 balls, which is the most this year for a three-set match. Freshman Jennie Loerch had a season-best 15 digs. Setter Sarah Siemens made her presence known on the court with all but one of the team’s 44 assists. The ‘Cats won Saturday’s match by scores of 25-23, 26-24 and 25-22 and got even with the Cardinals after being swept by them earlier this season. ACU lost a close game to Commerce. They let a late
four-point lead go down the drain in game one and could not muster a large enough rally in game two. The Wildcats were one point away from extending the match to a fourth set at 24-22 but, after an Allen kill, the team allowed the Lions to score three-straight points - two on attack errors. The ‘Cats would grab the lead two more times at 27-26 and 28-27 however, Commerce played with a stubborn attitude and closed the gap each time. “That match was rough,” Mock said. “We lost the lead at every point we had a chance to win it. We let their one best player beat us.” “It’s exhausting when
the match is so close and you see it fall the other direction,” Robinett said. The team begins its final stretch of the regular season on the road this weekend. Friday, the squad gets a rematch with Commerce at 7 p.m., and Saturday they face Texas Woman’s University at 2 p.m. “We’re at a turning point where we either push ourselves further up in the conference standings or we don’t go at all,” Mock said. “We have to focus on winning every game that we can.”
contact isaacs at jei08a@acu.edu
football
Escape: Team narrowly beats Commerce from page 8
mandy lambright chief Photographer
Wide receiver Darrell Cantu-Harkless sprints downfield.
the red zone to kill a Commerce drive with five minutes left in the game. The pick kept the game tied. But the defensive hero of the game was cornerback Justin Stewart who intercepted a pass deep in his own territory and ran out the clock, ending Commerce’s hopes of a home victory and sealing a Wildcat win in one fell swoop. “It felt really good to help my team out. Coach called the play and we ran it,” Stewart said. “When the quarterback
soccer
Seed: Playoffs begin with MSU rematch from page 8 a second goal to have a little cushion really makes the other team press.” The Mustangs barely challenged the ‘Cats, only placing one shot on goal. But Wildcats senior goalkeeper Arielle Moncure dove for the save, ensuring her sixth shutout of the year. “All throughout the season we were struggling, both the players and the coaches knew that all we needed was a spark to get us going,” Wilson said. “It wasn’t that we were playing bad, but it was more that the breaks were not there. When we started to get more confidence, the chances started coming more frequently. The more chances you have the more
“
If we continue to play our game, you never know what we may be capable of doing this weekend.”
likely you are to score.” The Wildcats will return to action this weekend at the start of the LSC post-season. Their first match will again be against Midwestern State. ACU has played the Mustangs 12 times, more than any other team in the conference and has won five out of the seven meetings. Four of these matches have taken place in the post-season tournament, including meeting twice in the championship game. The ‘Cats first game in
casey wilson head coach Acu soccer
the tournament is at 2:30 p.m. in Canyon. “A good amount of the team has experience in post-season play and the goal is to take one game at a time,” Wilson said. “We know MSU is going to be up for the game Thursday, and if we continue to play our game, you never know what we may be capable of doing this weekend.”
contact goin at nsg10b@acu.edu
threw the ball up, I just went and got it.” The Wildcat defense was physical all game long, delivering several violent hits to the Lions, including Stewart and safety Angel Lopez. They registered double digit tackles for the third straight week. “It felt good to deliver a big hit,” Stewart said. “I know the team wanted to run out on the field, but we couldn’t because we would get penalized.” The Wildcats will look to start a winning streak this Saturday when they play a non-conference game against the Univer-
sity of West Alabama at Shotwell Stadium. “It’s huge for us to finish strong,” Hogg said. “The seniors have two games left, and we are try-
ing to send them out on a high note.” contact sloan at mes11a@acu.edu
sports
wednesday 10.31.12
standings
men’s basketball
D-I powerhouse blows out team daniel zepeda sports reporter The Wildcats were unable to keep up with the No. 18 Baylor Bears, as they were blown out 103-75 in an exhibition loss Thursday in Waco. “We showed a lot of fight in that game, and most importantly, we stayed together as a team,” said junior L.C. Alexander. The Wildcats were led by senior center Steven Werner, who had 15 points on 3-of-5 shooting from the field and 9-of-11 from the free-throw line. ACU also received significant contri-
8
butions from senior guards Elliott Lloyd and Eric Lawton, who each finished with 12 points. Freshman guard Parker Wentz finished with 11 points on 4 of 6 shooting including 2 of 4 from 3-point range. “We proved that we can score, but we have to defend and rebound a lot better,” said senior Desmond Woodberry. The team is in its final weeks of preparation, after coach Joe Golding took on the challenge of bringing in eleven new players to the team this season with only one returning player from last year’s squad. “At first it was pretty
hard; I mean it’s going to be a struggle whenever you have, literally, a completely new team,” said senior Trevor Wait. “Now, I can say that our team chemistry is excellent.” After a sub-.500 season last year, Coach Golding hopes to put more games in the win column and make ACU a competitive team in his second year as head coach. “Coach Golding is a go-getter and his attitude is contagious,” Alexander said. “When he talks to us, we get fired up just listening to him and he brings out the fight in us every day.” Senior guard Woodberry
is the only letterman returning to the team in 201213, so his leadership and experience will be needed desperately this year. “This team is going to change the face of ACU basketball and how it is viewed,” Wait said. “We have excellent senior leadership along with talented and coachable freshman.” With a new and revamped roster, the Wildcats will also be changing their playing style from last year. “We’ll be an inside out team,” Wait said. “We’re going to be very systematic, disciplined and unselfish. We’re going to do
what we do and do it well. We’ll manage the flow of the game.” The Wildcats expect big things and have said that even with a new team, they still expect to be competitive and win games. “A successful ACU basketball season is going to be contending for the LSC Championship,” Wait said. The Wildcats will open the regular season Nov. 10, in Dallas when they take on Dallas Baptist University. contact zepeda at djz11a@acu.edu
football
football
Team
Div.
Ovrl.
WTAMU MSU TAMU-K TSU ASU ACU ENMU UIW Commerce
6-0 6-1 4-3 4-3 3-3 3-4 1-5 1-5 1-5
8-1 7-1 5-4 4-4 4-5 5-4 2-6 2-7 1-7
Team
Div.
Ovrl.
ASU TSU WTAMU TWU Commerce TAMU-K ACU UIW Cameron MSU ENMU
15-1 13-3 12-3 12-4 10-6 6-9 6-10 5-10 3-13 3-13 1-14
22-3 20-6 21-4 18-6 19-7 13-11 10-16 8-16 8-19 5-21 6-19
Team
Div.
Ovrl.
WTAMU UIW ASU MSU ACU TWU ENMU Commerce
10-4 9-5 8-5-1 6-5-3 6-7-1 6-7-1 4-10 4-10
11-6-1 9-7 10-7-1 6-9-3 8-9-1 7-9-2 5-13 5-12
volleyball
soccer
briefings Dub Winkles, who was inducted into the ACU Sports Hall of Fame on Oct. 19th, passed away on Saturday in Abilene. Winkles was a long-time supporter of ACU athletics, and worked on campus for 20 years. He was the 20th recipient of the ACU Sports Lifetime Achievement award. The men’s basketball team visited Hendrick Children’s Hospital last week. They were introduced to several children who are battling various illinesses. The team offered words of encouragement and support to the kids.
‘CATS ESCAPE THE LION’S DEN
ex- factor New York Jets wide reciever Clyde Gates played the best game of his NFL career on Sunday, recording seven receptions for 82 yards in a 30-9 loss to the Miami Dolphins. mandy lambright chief Photographer
A group of Wildcats walk out to the football field before an away game. The ‘Cats squeaked past Commerce on Saturday, 24-17. The team was down 17-3 late in the third quarter but rallied behind an 85 yard touchdown catch by Darian Hogg.
matthew sloan sports reporter The Wildcats traveled to Commerce looking to stop a two-game skid, and succeded when they overcame a slow start and ruined the Lions Homecoming with a 24-17 win. ACU looked flat in the first half, when it finished the second quarter trailing a one-win Commerce team by double digits. To make
matters worse, the Lions got the ball and scored again in the third quarter. Down 17-3, the Wildcat offense exploded behind wide receiver Darian Hogg, who caught two touchdowns in the second half, including an 85 yard bomb from quarterback Mitchell Gale to give the ‘Cats a lead they would not relinquish. “I told coach the drive before the safeties weren’t getting off the hashes and they were in cover two,”
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If we ran the play we ran, we could have some success with it. The O-Line held up, Mitchell threw it, and I ran it in.”
Hogg said. “If we ran the play we ran, we could have some success with it. The O-Line held up, Mitchell threw it, and I ran it in.” Gale finished the game
cause running back Charcandrick West rushed for nearly six yards per carry. Defensively, the ‘Cats took the Lion’s best shot in the first half, and weathered the emotional storm. darian hogg wide receiver They held Commerce acu football to only three points in the second half and forced a with a modest 236 yards couple of key turnovers through the air, with both along the way. of his touchdown passes Linebacker Justin Stegoing to Hogg. However, phens intercepted a ball in Gale threw the ball less see escape page 7 than 30 times, in part, be-
SOCCER
Wildcats secure seed in LSC tourney NATALIE GOIN ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR The women’s soccer team secured its fifth place seed in the Lone Star Conference post-season tournament in a 2-0 victory over Midwestern State Friday afternoon. It was the second time that the ‘Cats have met the Mustangs this season, finishing in a 1-1 tie in double-overtime in Witchita Falls back in September. But the Wildcats were searching for a victory this weekend, and came out with a much-needed win. “We have been cutting down on our unforced errors which were hurting us throughout the season,” head coach Casey Wilson said.
Junior forward Andrea Carpenter scored the first goal for the ‘Cats in the 31st minute off of an assist from senior midfielder Julie Coppedge. It was Carpetner’s fifth goal of the season. The Wildcats’ second goal came in the 56th minute following a blocked shot by Mustang goalkeeper Mallory Whitworth. Senior defender Stephanie Heron intercepted the deflected shot by Carpenter, and fired it back in the goal to secure ACU’s victory. It was Heron’s first goal of the season. “Stephanie did a great job of being in a position to finish that ball,” Wilson said. “Anytime you can get
Former ACU wide reciever Raymond Radway is heading to Chicago, joining an injured Johnny Knox. Radway will become a member of the Bears’ practice squad.
Upcoming Football will face the University of West Alabama in their last home game of the year at Shotwell Stadium. Kickoff is on Saturday at noon. The soccer team will play its first game of the Lone Star Conference postseason tournament on Thursday against Midwestern State at 2:30 p.m. in Canyon. The volleyball team will be on the road this weekend as it travels to Commerce to play Texas A&M-Commerce at 7 p.m. on Friday, and then to Denton to face Texas Woman’s Univeristy at 2 p.m.
mandy lambright chief Photographer
see seed page 7 Forward Andrea Carpenter moves the ball upfield at the Wildcat Soccer Pitch.
The baseball team is in the middle of its best-of-five intrasquad Purple/Black World Series taking place at Crutcher Scott Field. Game four is on Wednesday at 4:05 p.m., and game five is on Thursday at 6:05 p.m.