The Final Game ACU volleyball loses 3-1 in their last game
vol. 102, no. 21
wednesday, november 06, 2013
Sports Page 8
1 SECTION, 8 PAGES
ACU decides to continue SBCs
INSIDE
Marissa Jones
FEATURES
Editor in chief
A 36-year-old marine comes back to school and pledges
Page 5
The university will continue organizing Spring Break Campaigns next year and house them in the Office of Student Life, officials say. The decision came as a reversal of a Student Life plan earlier in the semester to cancel the long-standing tradition.
SBCs, which had been handed off to the Halbert Institute for Missions last spring, will be managed by the Center for Christian Service and Leadership, a Student Life division, and directed by CCSL administrative assistant Mollie Spaulding. Allison Garrett, executive vice president of the university, said she thinks Student Life is well fitted to handle SBCs.
“It’s a deeper organization than the Halbert Institute, although, like most areas on campus, there have been some personnel changes,” Garrett said. “For so many years, Spring Break Campaigns were in Student Life, so there’s still a lot of historical institutional knowledge about the best way to run them, so it was an easy transition back to Student Life.”
Locations and leaders of SBCs for next spring have not yet been determined. Garrett directed specific questions about campaigns to Student Life. Jan Meyer, interim vice president of Student Life and dean of students, deferred comments to Dr. Garrett. Spaulding said she could not yet comment on the campaigns because the office was still solidifying plans.
At this point last year, SBC locations had been announced and leaders chosen. However, Garrett said she wasn’t worried about the delay. “It might have cost us some time, but I think our connection with several of our traditional Spring Break Campaign locations go back so many see SBC page 4
Students create 5K for breast cancer
NEWS A student organizes a suicide awareness group, the James Project Page 3
Brittany sanchez student reporter
SPORTS The ACU soccer team finishes its season fourth in the Southland conference
Page 8
NEWS AES hosts their second annual Barn Dance and fundraiser Page 3
OPINION The editorial board exposes the importance of sleep
Page 6
NEWS Adrian Patenaude contributor
Several camps come to campus to recruit students for the summer Page
Seungeun Bae, sophomore youth and family ministry major from Korea, practices for the Taekwaondo act for Ethnos Culture Show. Ethnos will take place on Nov. 8 and 9.
Culture events to educate campus JC Peeples student reporter
OPINION Mandy Lambright discusses the reality of the dangers of Snapchat Page 6
ONLINE VIDEO Relive the fear of Frat’s Haunted Island fundraiser
acuoptimist.com
International Education Week will make its grand appearance next week. Lucy Dawson, immigration specialist for the Center for International Education, is helping organize events throughout the week. Dawson said there are around 170 international
students from 42 different countries who have not claimed permanent residence in the states. “There is quite a large international presence on this campus,” said Dawson. “The events throughout this week will leave our international students feeling more appreciated and valued which can provide a positive reaction on our campus.”
Dawson said the event is a way for the campus can show how much it desires to engage the rest of the world. Dawson said learning about other cultures allows students to gain a global perspective on life. “This is a resource for students to learn about life outside of the U.S.,” said Dawson. “Our international friends provide
a window to look and observe other cultures.” Byron Martin, director of Multicultural Enrichment, is helping support this week by having his office spread the word around campus. Martin said that OME is informing students about the events scheduled for this week through many forms of communisee IEW page 4
Three ACU students took on the challenge of organizing their own 5K fun run around the Lunsford Trail to raise awareness for breast cancer. All of the proceeds from the Pink Love Run will go to the Susan B. Koman foundation. Elizabeth Watters, sophomore family studies major from Houston, organized the event to show support for her friend Jaclyn’s mom, who was diagnosed with breast cancer over the summer. “I thought this would be a great way to show my support for her and her family,” said Watters. Jaclyn Hurt, sophomore music education major from Houston, said motivation to start fundraising came to her when she was feeling useless while watching her mom go through chemo-therapy and was unable to to help her. “So, if I can’t help my mom directly, I will help the entire cause instead. I feel really good about doing this,” said Hurt. Mark Jackson, director of student organizations and programs, said Watters has gone through several steps to ensure the event takes place. Watters planned the Pink Love Run with the help from Hurt and their friend Miranda Dickson, sophomore graphic design major from Austin. Watter said it took about three weeks to get it started Jackson said students who want to organize an event in support of a cause are more than welcome to do so. All events must follow the guidelines and requirements in order for the event to happen. The Pink Love Run for Cancer will take place Nov. 16 at 10 a.m. Watters said there will be a table set up in the Campus Center for people to sign up and fill out a waiver form, as well as selling bracelets and necklaces. The entry fee will be $7.
contact The optimist at optimist@acu.edu
Student religious diversity increases kirsten holman staff reporter The Church of Christ demographic within ACU students is in a slow decline. According to the Religion Headcount provided by Lisa McCarty, assistant director for the Office of Institutional Research and Assessment and the institutional researcher for the university, 54.6 percent of the student body claimed to be Church of Christ in 2009.
As of fall this year, only 41.9 percent of students have declared a Church of Christ background. Kevin Campbell, the chief enrollment officer, said religious diversity among the students is increasing. “We see a tremendous amount of interest from families who have not grown up historically in the Church of Christ, but families who have strong Christian roots and are in strong families of faith who want their children or even students who
want to be part of a community like this,” he said. “We are seeing a lot of interest from the broader Christian community in Texas.” The other religious group represented among students enrolled include Baptist (14.7 percent), Christian Church (8 percent), Catholic (4.2 percent), Methodist (4.2 percent), “Community” Church (12.7 percent) and other (14.3 percent). According to the Religion see Diversity page 4
Abilene Christian University
Religions of 2013 student body
Wednesday 11.06.13
06 Wednesday
07
10 a.m. Camp Eagle and Camp Olympia will have booths in the Campus Center
Thursday
08
10 a.m. Camp Eagle and Camp Olympia will have booths in the Campus Center
Friday
09
6 p.m. Distance for Diabetes Walk
Saturday
7 p.m. Ethnos Culture Show
To date:
2 p.m. ACU Football at University of Incarnate Word 7 p.m. ACU Barn Dance
3 p.m. Spring 2014 Registration: Honors College Freshmen and Sophomores and Study Abroad
Chapel checkup
2
7 p.m. Ethnos Culture Show
Around Abilene
Remaining:
75 25 @acuoptimist
Nov. 6
Nov. 7
Nov. 8
Nov. 9
The Center for Contemporary Arts is showing its annual exhibit featuring drawings from a Monday night art class called “Dirty Draw-ers.”
6 p.m. Hospice of the Big Country is conducting the Big Country’s Candelight Memorial Service at then Logsdon Chapel at Hardin-Simmons University. The public is invited to mourn loved ones who have passed. Refreshments will be provided.
7 p.m. Highland Church of Christ is hosting Eternal Threads Global Market. Handmade items will be on sale to benefit Eternal Threads. Entrance fee is $5. There will be live music, food and gift-wrapping.
10 a.m. Mezamiz is hosting a People Party Craft Fair in its courtyard. Vendors will be selling handmade items such as candles and knitted items. There will also be live performances from local artists.
The Optimist
5 p.m. First Church of the Nazarene will be conducting a Fall Festival with food, games and fellowship.
optimist@acu.edu Police Log Announcements T Bar M Camps is hosting informations ses- ACU will begin offering a Spanish for sions from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Nov. 11 - 12 Healthcare Professionals course in the in the Campus Center. spring 2014 semester. A Distance for Diabetes Walk will be conducted at 6 p.m. on Nov. 8 on the Lundsford Trail. Registration is in the Campus Center. For more information, contact aac10a@acu.edu or jrd10c@acu.edu. The James Project, a suicide outreach program, is holding an interest meeting at 1 p.m. on Nov. 9 at Jacob’s Dream. For more information, contact Mallory Snowden at mas13a@acu.edu.
The International Students’ Association presents Ethnos 2013: Departures at 7 p.m. on Nov. 8 - 9 in Cullen Auditorium. Tickets may be purchased for $7 online World Wide Witness is hosting an informa- at ethnos2013.eventbrite.com or at the tion session from 1 - 2 p.m. on Nov. 6 in the door for $10. Campus Center Living Room. Weekend Campaigns are traveling to The Summit Student Committee is holding Oklahoma City the Nov. 22- 24 to disan interest meeting from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. tribute Thanksgiving goods. The trip is on Nov. 8 in room 250 of the Onstead- free. For more information, email weekPacker Biblical Studies Building. Chapel endcampaigns@gmail.com. credit will be offered and there will be refreshements.
Students may sign up for Pi Kappa’s Turkey Throwdown 2013 flag-football tournament from 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Nov. 4 - 11 in the Campus Center. Teams are required to have 8 - 16 players and the cost is $10 per person. Games will begin Nov. 21 and the final championship will be Nov. 24. All participating players will recieve a long sleeve Turkey Throwdown shirt. Male and female winning teams will recieve special Champion shirts.
Volunteer Opp0rtunities Friends for Life is seeking volunteers to help with both elderly residents and independent living elderly. Nursing home service opportunities include visiting, playing games, reading to the blind and assisting in arts and crafts. Independent living service opportunities include mowing lawns, grocery shopping and changing light bulbs. To volunteer, contact Cecilia Barahona at 325672-2635 or cecilia@friendsforlife.org. The Noah Project is seeking volunteers to help with tasks such as answering phone calls, providing child care and doing maintenance and housekeeping. To volunteer, call 325-676-7107. Love and Care Ministries is looking for volunteers to help with sorting clothing, stocking their food pantry, assisting in prayers in their prayer room and serving food to the homeless. For more information, call 325670-0246. Volunteers are needed at the BCFS Abilene Transition Center for event planning and setup, assisting in teaching life skills classes, accompanying transport,visiting homes and/or assisting in construction of facilities for assisting in the betterment of male and female youth ages 15 - 25. This opportunity is open each morning Mondays through Fridays. Students interested must contact Johnny Nguyen at 325-692-0033 or jnguyen@bcfs.net. The Betty Hardwick Center is seeking volunteers for the Human Resources Center to help with filing and organizing. This job requires someone with attention to detail who wishes to learn more about Human Resources. The job is open Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. If you are interested, please contact Martin Walker at 325-690-5235 or mwalker@bhcmhmr.org by Aug. 31. House of Faith is an organization that seeks to take Jesus to neighborhood children. Volunteers are needed to help with the various programs they do throughout the week. Backyard Bible studies are hosted Mondays and Wednesdays and a youth program takes place on Thursday evenings. The organization is seeking volunteers who can commit to a specific day a week. House of Faith lasts from 3 - 5:30 p.m. To volunteer or gain more information, contact Amy Jeffers at abj09a@ acu.edu or call 832-331-5324. Rescue the Animals is seeking volunteers to work at the adoption center performing a variety of tasks, from playing with the animals to working in the office. For more information visit their website at http://www.rescuetheanimals.org/volunteer. The Abilene Zoo is looking for volunteers to help with general labor such as grounds cleanup and painting any weekday at any time between 12 - 4 p.m. The Zoo is located at 2070 Zoo Ln. Contact Joy Harsh at 325-676-6487 for more information.
Breakfast on Beech Street is seeking volunteers to help set up, prepare and serve breakfast to homeless/lower income folks any Monday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday at 5:30 a.m. or Tuesdays at 5 a.m. B.O.B.S. is located at First Christian Church on 3rd St. and Beech St. Service times must be scheduled in advance. To serve on Mondays contact Jody Depriest at 325-669-3312 or jody.depriest@ gmail.com. To serve on Tuesdays contact Allen Daugherty at 325-660-6949 or ale.al@suddenlink. net. To serve on Wednesdays contact Jane Harvey at 325-695-0092 or jharvread@aol.com. To serve on Thursdays contact Margaret Beasley at 325-692-4149 or mbeasley5@suddenlink.net. To serve on Fridays contact Rachel Brown at rdb08a@acu.edu. The 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 Center for International Education is looking for English speaking students to be paired with international students for English practice, conversation and cultural learning. Partners meet for one hour each week at a time and place determined by their partners. To volunteer contact Laura McGregor at laura. mcgregor@acu.edu. Volunteers are needed to help with daily activities organized by the staff at Chisholm House. This could involve playing board games, helping with arts and crafts and helping with a walking club. For some of these tasks, volunteers may be asked to lead a group or work along side a staff coordinator. Volunteer opportunities are from 2 - 4 p.m. or 6 - 8 p.m. daily. Contact Larissa Blankenship at 817-578-9296. The International Rescue Committee is seeking volunteers to work with refugees who recently moved to the U.S., teaching English, helping with homework and mentoring. Contact Susanna Lubango to make an appointment at 325-675-5643. The Christian Service Center is seeking volunteers to help with filling requests for items such as clothing and bedding 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 - 12 p.m. and 1 - 4 p.m. For more information contact Roberta Brown at 325-673-7561 orrobertabrown51@hotmail. com. For more information on the program visit http://www.uccabilene.org/ministries/csc.htm.
The Food Bank of West Central Texas needs volunteers to help sort and stock food and other items any weekday Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. The Food Bank is located at 5505 N. 1st St. For more information contact Janice Serrault at 325-695-6311 or abfoodbk@camalott.com. Meals on Wheels Plus needs volunteer drivers to deliver afternoon meals to seniors and adults with disabilities Monday-Friday between 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Drivers must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license. Training is provided. For more information contact Samantha Barker at 352-672-5050 or visit http://mealsonwheelsplus.com. The Salvation Army is looking for volunteers for a variety of needs such as sorting and pricing items in the thrift store, helping in the kitchen and/or doing yard work. Times are flexible, and volunteers are needed Monday-Saturday. The Salvation Army is located at 1726 Butternut St. For more information contact J.D. Alonzo at 325-677-1408 or visit www. satruck.com. Big Brothers/Big Sisters offers two volunteer programs. Lunch Buddies pairs volunteers with a little brother or sister to have lunch with once a week for 30 minutes. Lunch Buddies has a preferred time of 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. The Community Based program pairs volunteers with a little brother or sister that they will hang out with two to four times a month. Both programs require committment to the program for 12 - 18 months. To sign up stop by the Big Brothers/Big Sisters office at 547 Chestnut St. or contact Randy Woods at 325-674-3102. Ogra Negra Chapter of American Business Women’s Association needs volunteers to work the concession stand at the Abilene Civic Center on Nov. 8 - 10. Each shift will be 3-4 hours. To volunteer, contact Debbie Hunt at debhunt1@suddenlink.net or 325701-4356. West Central Texas Aging and Disability Resource Center needs six volunteers to help with a symposium from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Nov. 14 at the Region 14 Service Center. Volunteer opportunities include set up, registration and handing out lunches. For more information, contact Kathleen Hewes at khewes@ wctcog.org or 325-796-8440. Christian Ministries Food Pantry needs volunteers to help with tasks such as cleaning up, stocking shelves and bagging flour. It is looking for students who can make a commitment of 1 - 3 hours a week. For more information, contact Becky Almanza at 325-6735295 or balmanza7@sbcglobal.net. For additional volunteer opportunities visit: www. acu.edu/campusoffices/ccsl/ministry-service/volunteer-opportunities/
3
news
wednesday 11.06.13
New group spreads suicide awareness marci hoxworth student reporter The James Project, a brand new suicide outreach program on campus, will host its first interest meeting 1 p.m. on Saturday at Jacobs’ Dream. Mallory Snowden, freshman environmental science, political science and public programs major from Midlothian, is founder and president of The James Project. She said she saw a need on campus and decided to
“
I had been helping people through a peer counseling center at my high school but this year I’m going to try to take it a step further.” mallory snowden freshman enviromental science and political science major midlothian
take action. “I had been helping people through a peer counseling center at my high school, but this year I’m going to try to take it a step further,” Snowden said. Snowden, who struggled with severe depres-
sion her sophomore year in high school, attributes her survival to people taking notice and guiding her through it. “As I got better, I saw how oblivious people are to other people around them,” Snowden said. The group’s mission is
to use the word of God to help those who are struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts and to educate people on the signs of suicide to help those struggling. The James Project is named after James 1:1-8, of which verses two and three say, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” According to the Suicide Prevention Resource
Center, 18 percent of undergraduate students have suicidal thoughts, which makes suicide prevention an important topic on campuses. Although the club is just getting started, Snowden hopes The James Project will be an official student organization by next semester. The club’s first goal is to grow in membership. “Anyone can be involved that’s an ACU student,” Snowden said. “We need 10 committed members and a faculty member
to even have our group be considered to be a student organization.” Students interested in The James Project should attend the first interest meeting or contact Mallory Snowden at mas13a@ acu.edu. “I hope to have meetings each month, plus meetings for elected outreach leaders,” Snowden said.
contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
Career center brings in camps tommy evans student reporter
paige otway Staff Photographer
The ACU Hockey team hosted the “fill the net” food drive in the campus center to collect can goods that will be donated to the food bank of West Central Texas.
Several summer camps will be visiting ACU to recruit students for employment next summer. The Career Center organized all visits and events. Summer camps such as Camp Olympia and Pine Cove will be set up in the Campus Center throughout the week. They will have information for students interested in working for them this coming summer. Jill Fortson, the career network specialist for the Career Center, said that working at a summer camp could be greatly beneficial to any student. “You gain experience that will help build your resumé and your network,” Fortson said. “Potential employers look for skills such as teamwork, supervisory and leadership experience.” Darci Halstead, senior family studies major from Odessa, worked with one of the camps during the summer. “Working at Camp Olympia this past summer was one
of the most challenging and rewarding things I have ever done,” Halstead said. For students looking for experiences other than being a counselor, some camps may have alternate positions. “Not all positions at summer camps are for general counselors,” Fortson said. “We have many opportunities coming up that are traditional summer camps and others that allow you to gain an international experience as well.” Price Bahcall, senior journalism major from Irving, worked as a videographer for Carolina Creek Christian Camp over the summer. “I initially didn’t see why I would want to work at a camp,” Bahcall said. “I didn’t know there were more options other than being a counselor.” For any students who miss the chance to talk to any camps, the Career Center hosts a Summer Camp Fair that takes place in January or contact careers@acu.edu. contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
AES club prepares for Friday’s barn dance brittany sanchez student reporter Agricultural and Environmental Science club officers look forward to hosting the Barn Dance after its success last fall. ACU students will, once again, have an opportunity to put their cowboy boots on and enjoy some two-stepping while supporting the AES club. “The barn dance is a fun social opportunity with a little country flare,”
said Kevin Coburn, officer of Block and Bridle. The student leaders in the department wanted to give ACU students the opportunity to see what exactly the department does and what it stands for. “The idea of the Barn Dance came from ag. students who love to dance and are willing to support AES and Block and Bridle,” said Riley Morrow, secretary and treasurer of Block and Bridle. The Barn Dance will be held at the ACU Rhoden
Farm, a few miles outside of Abilene. “This gives non-AES students an opportunity to see what kind of handson resources we have for our classes as well as recreation,” said Coburn. The dance has also created an opportunity to raise funds for the clubs. The funds raised by the barn dance will go directly to the Agricultural and Environmental Science club and the Block and Bridle club. “The money will solely
go to professional development opportunities during the spring semester,” said Coburn. Students will have the opportunity to network with some of the best students and professionals in the respective field during the national Block and Bridle Convention, held in Springfield, Mo., this year. Coburn said he would love to see the AES department get connected with other departments, since it is a smaller department. AES is looking to team
up with Delta Tau Alpha, the agriculture honors society, to bring in professionals to speak to students. Morrow hopes that people will be able to go and enjoy themselves, dancing in a welcoming community while supporting the Department of Agricultural and Environmental Science and its clubs, AES and Block and Bridle. Morrow’s favorite memory from last year’s dance was seeing the ag-
ricultural and environmental faculty and staff dancing on the floor with the other students. “Anytime we can share our passion is a win for us,” said Coburn. A booth will be set up and selling tickets in the campus center until Nov. 8. Tickets are $5 a piece, or $8 for two.
contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
Virtuous Sisterhood annual event speaks to women at ACU shera niemirowski student reporter Virtuous Sisterhood hosted their annual Beautiful. Professional. You. event this past Saturday to promote women in the workforce. Virtuous Sisterhood holds this event every year to allow young women to network and learn from other women in the ACU community. “It is a way for women at ACU to hear speakers give advice on different professional topics,” said Stacy
Campos, sophomore nursing major from Garland. The event hosted several speakers covering topics such as professionalism, networking, confidence and spirituality. “As officers, we saw how it was focused on one crowd or certain majors last year, so we thought it was important to show women how to network across all different professions,” said Priscilla Clayton, sophomore nutrition major from Arlington. “They showed us LinkedIn and showed us how we
could find alumni and jobs. Like, if you ask alumni for job hunting help in a professional way, most often they’d be happy to help,” said Campos. A portion of the event was how to maintain spirituality in the workforce, led by Jeanene Reese, associate professor of Bible and director of the Center for Women in Christian Service. “Jeanene Reese spoke about just spiritual life, and it was great because sometimes we forget about how important that is, even in
the professional world,” said Campos. There are several ways to network in today’s professional world, which speakers addressed during the event. “There was a lady from the Career Center in the library that spoke on elevator speeches, which got me thinking on what I would say in a 30-second window,” said Campos. “I’m really starting to get into LinkedIn and have realized how helpful its become for me,” said Clayton, “In two weeks I was able to get
my desk shift position because we were connected on LinkedIn.” The women were challenged to admit their weaknesses and addressed how they could turn those into strengths in an interview setting. “One of my weaknesses is working in teams or groups, but now I know I can turn that around and say things like I work hard, I do my best and I’ll always step up if something goes wrong,” said Campos. The event showcased
many aspects of professionalism, but the subjects of confidence and how to hold your own as a woman in the workforce stuck out to the young women. “There are times where I can be shy and she reminded us we have to be proud of ourselves and to walk into an interview with our head up and feel confident and know that you can handle things,” said Campos. contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
news
wednesday 11.06.13
4
ACU alumnus opens children’s home in Rwanda rachel fritz staff reporter
contributor
Serge Gasore, a recent ACU graduate, started a home for Rwandan children who orphaned, sick, abused and neglected.
Serge Gasore, a recent ACU graduate and survivor of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, has started a children’s home in Rwanda. Gasore graduate in 2013 with a master’s in global information and leadership and is working to earn his second master’s in global service. Gasore and his wife, Esperance Gasore have started a home for children who are orphaned, sick, abused and neglected. Recently, they have rescued four children: a 4-year-old girl named Niwemwungeri, a 4-year-old girl named Mukanunani Providence, a 6-year-old girl named Keza Emelyne and a 7-year-old boy named Tinyimana Fils. “I would like to rescue vulnerable children and place them in homes in order for children to grow as if they were raised by their biological parents,” Gasore said. “Our primary focus is to support children physiologically, emotionally, psychologically, physically and spiritually.” Serge and Esperance have big plans for their
children’s home, but that is only the first step in their expected journey. In the years to come, we want to be on the ground and work with people in that community,” Gasore said. “We are not going there to teach or deliver anything, instead we are going there to learn from each other and help each other. If God continues to open doors, this community one day will see many children’s homes, a church to promote disciple making, a friendship house, a Christian high school and a health post-center.” The children’s home is named Maman Karen and was opened this summer with a specific mission in mind. “We strongly believe that we can show Jesus to these kids through service,” Gasore said. “My wife and I had seen the hand of God through people and we are paying forward to those people by being a voice for those who cannot get their voice out.” The children’s home is named after Karen Vaughn, a leading supporter and contributor to the project, and literally means “Mama Karen” in French.
We named the home after her because of her support, loving heart and passion she has for children, Gasore said. Vaughn graduated from the University of Dallas in 1996 and works as a physician in Sweetwater. “I contribute through prayer, financial means and encouragement of Serge and Esperance,” Vaughn said. “Serge’s story is compelling. When he talks about the children in Rwanda, you can hear the passion and concern in his voice.” Vaughn plans to join Gasore and his wife in Rwanda for Christmas to spend time with the children and help carry out the home’s purpose. “It is inspiring to see a young family like Serge’s devote themselves to the Lord in prayer and fasting and in obedience to what God is calling them to do,” Vaughn said. “It makes it easy to want to come along for the ride and humbling to see how faithful God is in honoring His promises.”
contact fritz at ref11a@acu.edu
SBC: Senior leadership decides fate of campains from page 1 years, I don’t think the later start will cost us that much time,” Garrett said. “I’m sure over the coming years, Student Life will explore some new locations for them.” The decision to retain SBCs came a week after the Optimist reported a Student Life decision to discontinue
them. At the time, Meyer said the decision to drop SBCs came as a part of the university’s increased emphasis on local ministry. Meyer was also interviewed by a local TV station where she reiterated Student Life’s emphasis on local mission trips. However, President Phil Schubert responded to both
“
We’re always looking media reports with a letter to the Optimist and the for ways to improve how Christian Chronicle assurwe support the student ing SBCs would continue. “ACU is not dropping body.” Spring Break Campaigns,” dr. phil schubert Schubert wrote in his letpresident of the university` ter, “and we will continue our commitment to provide year-round opportunities and service.” for students to engage in Schubert said he wasn’t Christ-centered leadership involved in early conversa-
tions about cancelling SBCs, which might have led to some of the confusion. “Spring Break Campaigns have been a wonderful part of our history and culture and a lot of students are interested in spending their spring break helping and serving,” Schubert said. “We want to continue to support our students so
those trips can take place. I feel good about where we are. I think we had a lot of good discussions about the campaigns and we’re always looking for ways to improve how we support the student body.” contact jones at mnj10a@acu.edu
Diversity: Denomination demographic sees shifts from page 1 Headcount, students who consider themselves a part of the Christian Church demographic have doubled from last fall, from 4.4 percent. “Church of Christ is still our primary denomination here on campus,” Campbell said. “We recruit Church of Christ students very heavily and we are still
very much involved where they are. We are still trying to maintain that very strong Church of Christ base. Church of Christ is very important to us; it is our heritage. But, at the same time, we are also excited that folks who have not grown up in the Church of Christ are very interested in ACU, and just the awareness and visibility of ACU is increasing and we think
IEW: Cultural conversations make for week-long theme from page 1
friend. Howard said the cation. events planned for Inter“Our office will be national Education week spreading word through will be beneficial for stuads on myACU, email, our dents who are from the weekly meetings, Face- United States. book and Twitter,” said “Understanding of Martin. other cultures is vitally “I encourage everyone important in this growto come out and join,” ing world,” said Howard. said Martin. “It is defi- “With businesses and nitely worth being a part other jobs expanding of.” globally, it is important Kyndall Howard, grad- our students have a taste uate student in the De- of different cultures.” partment of Communication from Early, plans contact holman at to attend the Ethnos Culkeh09c@acu.edu tural Show in support of a
that is a great thing.” ACU has seen a large decrease in students from the Church of Christ background in the 2013 freshman class. Only 28.8 percent of the incoming freshman class this year claims to be Church of Christ. Whereas 39.9 percent of the incoming freshman class of 2012 claimed to be Church of Christ, according to the Fall Fresh-
man Cohort Profile, also provided by McCarty. “Our institution is becoming more well-known and students are choosing ACU because of its product, because of the outcome, because of a particular academic discipline and because the way they feel when they visit campus, not just because it’s related with a particular denomination,” Campbell
said. He said ACU’s sister schools, such as Pepperdine, Harding, Oklahoma Christian, Faulkner and Lubbock Christian Universities, are also experiencing a slow decline in Church of Christ students. “We all desire to maintain a very healthy strong Church of Christ base in our institutions,” said Campbell.
Regardless of its Church of Christ affiliation, he said ACU welcomes students from every denomination. “What we want is for students to see that ACU is a faith-based institution, desire that for their college experience and are drawn to that,” said Campbell. contact holman at keh09c@acu.edu
INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION WEEK SCHEDULE Nov. 8-9
Nov. 12
Nov. 13
Nov. 15
Ethnos Culture Show:
International Student Ref lection 11:30-1:00 p.m. in the Adams Center. (For faculty and advisors).
Oxford Live Feed: A student studying abroad will read a bible scripture during Chapel.
Pronouncing Mandarin Chinese names
Languages Live 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the Library Core classroom. Engage in 30-minute interactive learning sessions of different languages.
Global Opportunities Fair 11:30-1:30 p.m. in the Campus Center and Living Room.
“Departures” 7 p.m. in Cullen Auditorium. Nov. 11 Captain Phillips and Kony 2012 Discussion: 5 p.m. in Campus Center.
12:00-1:00 p.m. in the Campus Center Living Room. Students and Faculty are encouraged to bring their lunch to this session.
Foreign Film “Welcome to Sarajevo” 7:00 p.m. in the Library Core Classroom.
read the Shinnery Review hosts writing workshop optimist caroline hardie
student reporter
iPad iphone online ipod
The Shinnery Review, a student run publication, hosted a writing and photography workshop on Saturday. The Shinnery Review is a literary and arts magazine that publishes every spring. Students submit their work to the magazine and the editors choose which pieces will make it to publication. Erik Ringle, senior English major from Springdale, Ark., is a co-editor of The Shinnery Review. “The Shinnery Review is a good way to both publicly exhibit a work of art, photograph, short story, poem, etc. and to get some publication experience to show to graduate schools,” Ringle said.
“Moreover, we want to exhibit the amazing artistic talent that is often overlooked on campus.” Ringle said the goal of the workshop, which was open to all students, was to equip students with skills to improve upon their art and also to spread word about The Shinnery Review. “Largely, we wanted to get our name out to the student body by providing them with some writing and photography tips to help with their submissions to the magazine this spring,” Ringle said. “I know that I have always benefited from what the speakers have had to say.” Among the speakers were the Writer in Residence of the English department, professor Albert Haley, assistant professor of English, Dr.
“
Dr. Moore had the students do writing exercises and some games. Then Al Haley spoke on how creativity in America is on the decline.”
Stephen Moore and instructor of Art and Design, professor Nil Santana. “The speakers did a fantastic job explaining aspects of writing, being creative and taking a photograph,” Ringle said. Lexi French, assistant director of The Shinnery Review and junior English major from Palestine, said the information the speakers gave was very beneficial. “Dr. Moore had the students do writing exercises and some games,”
lexi french junior english major palestine
French said. “Then Al Haley spoke on creativity in general and how creativity in America is on the decline.” Ringle said he counted 53 students at the second session on Saturday, which he felt was a very good turnout for a weekend event. “The turnout was fantastic, even though it was a Saturday afternoon, and I heard a lot of positive feedback by some of the students who showed up,” Ringle said. Ringle said he felt
that the workshop really helped spread the word about the publication and help people become familiar with the Shinnery Review. “If you asked the average student on campus if they have heard of the Shinnery Review, I think you would find that most people have no idea what you are talking about,” Ringle said. “Events like the workshop help to remedy this.” You can view online additions of previous Shinnery publications at blogs.acu.edu/shinnery/. Students can also submit their entries by emailing them to shinnery@acu. edu.
contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
featureS
fF Photographer
W
FRATERS
paige otway staff Photographer
N
HOLLERS
a k ing for sunr ise act iv it ies, wea r ing unifor ms a nd comply ing w it h orders, pledg ing a n ACU socia l club has of ten been li kened to t he ex per ience of boot ca mp. However, un li ke his fel low pledges, Joshua Hol lers ca n empat hi ze w it h t he pa ra l lel. At 36 yea rs old, t he junior business ma nagement major t raded a life in Ma r ine blue for t hat of Frater Soda lis blue, liv ing proof t hat a n “old dog” ca n st i l l lea r n pledg ing t r icks. For t wo yea rs, Hol lers t raveled back a nd for t h f rom Cor pus Chr ist i to v isit his t wo chi ldren, Bra ndon a nd K r isten, who were liv ing w it h t heir mot her in Abi lene since 2010. “On one of t hose long 6-hour dr ives to see my k ids, I f irst hea rd, ‘Dr ive A l l Nig ht’ by NeedToBreat he,” he sa id. “I k new somet hing had to be done. It rea l ly inspired me to ma ke a dra mat ic shif t a nd, ‘cha nge my pat h, maybe I cou ld leave a ma rk.’” Hol lers sa id he had looked for work at Dyess A FB, but it offered most ly labor-intensive jobs, t hese t y pes of ca reers were what he was attempt ing to step away f rom. On ly a limited number of “white-col la r” jobs were ava i lable. However, t hese jobs had required a four-yea r deg ree a nd Hol lers had on ly a n associate’s deg ree. “So I wa l ked away f rom t he gover nment a nd beca me a f u l lt ime student, aga in,” he sa id. “I haven’t looked back since, a nd COBA is def initely prepa r ing me for a br ig hter f uture a head.” Hol lers went f rom boot ca mp to business, w it h hopes of f inding a niche of t he ma rket ing in t he f it ness a nd wel lness a rena. “I wou ld a lso love to br ing t he spir itua l side to f it ness,” he sa id. “A lso, Abi lene is in dire need of a n act ive music venue. I love NeedToBreat he a nd t heir inspirat iona l message, a nd I’d love to f ind a way to br ing t hem a nd ot her simi la r g roups to Abi lene.” In t he classroom, Joshua sa id he attempted to blend in a nd forget about his “non-t radit iona l student” status. Over t ime, t houg h, Hol lers sa id he ca me to accept his unique student stature. Because at 36 yea rs old, Hol lers sa id he st i l l sta nds out on a ca mpus of 20-somet hings. “W hen I was reg ister ing for books my f irst semester t he person at t he counter looked at me rea l ly closely a nd wasn’t sure if I was a student or professor,” he sa id. “That was when I t houg ht, ‘Yup. This is going to be interest ing ! ’” But Hol lers wa nted t he f u l l col lege ex per ience, a nd clubs on ca mpus were t he most obv ious choice, he sa id. “It’s had a ver y rewa rding socia l aspect,” he sa id, “to connect w it h a li ke-minded g roup of g uys t hat have a w ide net work of connect ions a nd socia l act iv it ies t hat keep me involved a nd g row ing.” Josh Wa lters, senior exercise science major f rom A l len a nd v ice-president of Fraters Soda lis f irst met Hol lers over FIFA. “We have a t radit ion on Fr idays, we get toget her to play FIFA soccer tour na ment,” he sa id. “Some members inv ited Hol lers out t hat nig ht a nd he broug ht his t wo k ids.” A f ter t hat evening, Wa lters sa id he a nd his ot her Frat Brot hers
made t he pet it ion to pledge Hol lers to t he socia l club. “A nd k now ing he was a Ma r ine, I k new t hat wou ld a lso br ing some unique ex per ience to club,” he sa id. Hol lers made t he decision to pledge Frater Soda lis because he found t he socia l club to be most simi la r to his past ex per ience in t he Ma r ine Cor ps. “Brot hers toget her,” he sa id. “That’s what Frats a re – brot hers t hroug h a nd t hroug h. It is t he most simi la r to t he Ma r ine Cor ps I have seen in a ny ot her club, in my opinion.” “Semper Fidelis”, which mea ns “A lways Fa it hf u l,” is bot h t he Ma r ine’s motto a nd Frater Soda lis’ foundat ion, he pointed out. “I was t hr i l led to hea r he was going to pledge Frater Soda lis,” sa id Frat president El liot K la r, senior env ironmenta l science major f rom Juda, Wis. “I just hoped he k new what he was gett ing himself into.” Hav ing persevered a mi lita r y reg imen, Hol lers felt adequately prepa red. “I t hin k maybe Ma r ine Cor ps boot ca mp taug ht me how to f ind when it’s best to see what’s best for t he g roup as a whole rat her t ha n my poor wounded pr ide. I’ve lea r ned t hat pr ide a nd ego is one’s worst enemy in life, a nd probably our most endur ing one.” But w it h t wo chi ldren, pledg ing had to g ive on occasion for Hol lers to be t he present fat her he or ig ina l ly moved to Abi lene for. “The members have been rea l ly understa nding,” he sa id. “There were t imes I had to ta ke my son or daug hter to t heir ga mes, a nd t hey were ver y g racious in g iv ing me a bit of room to do what I need to do w it h t hem.” However, no specia l t reat ment was g iven to Hol lers, who complied w it h a l l pledge protocols. “He fol lowed ever y t hing to t he letter, just li ke t he ot her pledges,” Wa lter sa id. “He respected t he t radit ions a nd t he process a nd was even a bit of a leader in t he Brat class. He wa nted to be a g uy t hat Brats a nd Brot hers a li ke cou ld come to a nd he wou ld impa r t w isdom to because t here a re some t hings he’s a lready been t hroug h. K la r sa id Hol lers was “natura l ly” voted Brat Class President, ma k ing him responsible for mot ivat ing his fel low Brats a nd infor ming t hem of t he ma ny whats, wheres a nd whens. “Homecoming weekend was interest ing to say t he least,” he sa id. “The pledges k now t hat I’m not being bossy, I just k now how to get t hings done. Just k idding, but ser iously…I do. Frats sa id Hol lers was able to of fer bot h inspirat ion a nd comedic relief dur ing t he t ir ing f ive-week pledge process. “He told me some of his ex per iences as a Ma r ine helped him to appreciate t he process a nd t he brot herhood t hat club is about,” Wa lters sa id. “Then he wou ld jok ing ly compla in about being t he old g uy when it ca me to some of t he int ra mura ls a nd t hings li ke t hat.” As t he “Elder Pledge” of Frats, Hol lers sa id he hopes his resta r t reminds ot hers t hat second cha nces a re never too fa r-gone. “I’m liv ing proof ! ” he sa id.
gabi Powell Features Editor
Left: As Brat Class President, Hollers helped design the Frater Sodalis Homecoming Float. Right: Hollers and Brats participate in Bid Night activities .| Mandy Lambright chief Photographer
|
[
[ 55
Wednesday 11.06.13
contact powell gmp10b@acu.edu
Opinion
6
Wednesday 11.06.13
editorial
Sleepless nights come with high risks the issue Many college students do not get an adequate amount of sleep each night.
our take Everyone should be made aware of the dangers of not sleeping and should make time to sleep sufficiently every night.
Don’t have time for sleep? College students who skip on sleep are taking huge risks with their health and grades. They think the “norm” is to pull allnighters most nights and only get three hours the other nights. This is far from the truth. Sleep provides physical and mental benefits you can’t get from anything else.
Sleeping is a natural process that provides a sort of cleansing for the brain — it’s like doing a hard reset on your iPhone. Researchers say instead of trying to fit a few hours of sleep into one’s schedule, getting a sufficient amount of sleep is crucial because that is when the brain does its most important work.
According to a medical study by Harvard University, sleep helps the brain consolidate factual information, as well as retain the information learned that day. A student pulling an all-nighter loses this opportunity and, therefore, will have more trouble recalling what he or she learned the day before. Going without sleep can also cause damaging side effects. Bettersleep. org says you’ll die from sleep deprivation before dying from starvation. Ten days without sleep is all it takes to kill you, which means those who stay up all finals week are taking a huge risk. Stu-
dents who skip sleep are in danger of weight gain, lower academic performance and a lowered im-
Students who feel like they don’t have time to get sleep each night will be surprised to find that some of the busiest peoStudents need to realize ple on the ACU campus that sleeping shouldn’t are still finding ways to sleep at least five to six be a last on their list of hours each night. Dylan Benac, the presipriorities.” dent of the Students’ Association as well as a pledge of Pi Kappa, said he gets six and a half hours of sleep per night. Rodney Johnson, vice president of SA and member of Gamma Sigma Phi, said he maintains five hours of mune system. In addition, sleep per night. Still not excessive sleepiness is convinced? Jace Reinhard, one of the biggest factors star of the Homecoming in automobile accidents. Musical Les Miserables,
“
said he makes sure to get seven hours of sleep per night. Heather Young, the newly crowned Homecoming Queen, said she gets five to seven hours of sleep each night. The list goes on and on. Students need to realize that sleeping shouldn’t be a last on their list of priorities. Time needs to be made for sleep because not only does it renew the brain and prevent illness, it will keep students alert enough to ace those tests and finish that homework.
contact The Optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
DAILY doodle dosage
Column
Ben Todd
Snapchat out of it OLD DOG, SAME TRICKS
MANDY LAMBRIGHT CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
Let’s all just take a moment to acknowledge a disease that is weaving its way into the very fabric of this ever-so-sacred community. At the turn of every corner on campus, one is likely to find students in a zombie-like state, unaware of their own surroundings, running into people, walls, trees and that one stray cobblestone jutting up out of the ground that’s seeking out an unsuspecting and unprotected toe. Injuries spanning from bruised egos to bruised foreheads have become prevalent on campus and human interaction has been reduced to quick passing glances, on the outside chance that students are able to break free from their trances. Students everywhere have lost the ability to communicate verbally and, instead, have developed a system of facial expressions in order to relate to others. Other symptoms of this strange illness include facial ticks, bulging eyes, mouth spasms, duck face and the development of multiple chins. But what is the cause to all of this insanity? No, it’s not a virus or some new strain of the f lu. It’s something far worse – Snapchat selfies. This infection, which has been sweeping the nation since its launch into the tech world in late 2011, has taken hold of count-
“
...It’s not a virus or some new strain of the flu. It’s something far worse Snapchat selfies.”
less victims, with the body count growing more and more by the hour. I am not immune to the Snapchat bug. All too many times I have been tempted to send a quick selfie to 100 of my closest friends with the caption, “So bored right noooowwww!” Oftentimes the temptation is too great to dismiss. I cave. But no more. It’s time to regain our lives, our sanity and our independence from a society of sorry, selfobsessed, self-promoting, selfie-taking Snapchatters. It’s time to become humans again, real people of flesh and bone. We must no longer be reduced to a five-second flash on someone’s phone screen. So, I implore you, fellow students, join me in putting down our phones and picking up the pieces of our long-forgotten integrity that now litters the dirty, dusty f loors. It’s time to send that dancing Casper back to the realm from whence he came. contact Lambright at arl09a@acu.edu
Column
Mastering the art of faking sick and I had essentially turned my mother into a slave of my deception. Another hardship was continuing my supposed sickness after school was out. I learned, again, from
THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID
MARISSA JONES EDITOR IN CHIEF
Mom, I have a confession: when I was younger, I used to fake sick. When I faked sick, I understood I had to be smart about what symptoms to have. Trial and error told me faking a fever didn’t work. Too easy to check, dang it, and I was sent off to school. I knew from “ET,” that apparently holding the thermometer up to the light bulb worked, but never had a light bulb at my disposal. No, it had to be something that couldn’t be checked. Headaches were good, so were sore throats. How was my mom going to disprove those? I also understood
“
there had to be a balancing act. If my sickness was too serious I might be sent to the doctor’s office. Too wimpy and I should be able to tough it out, go to school and call her if it got worse. This took a lot of thought and a lot of work. It really was an art form, but if my fake symptoms were accepted, then my reward was sitting on the couch all day watching “Lion King” and “Fifo Goes West,” being served snacks and lots of orange juice. That truly was the life. Sometimes I was plagued with guilt as I sat there on the couch. I was lying. The benefits I was reaping weren’t deserved
College, however, has sucked all of the joy out of faking sick or even being sick.”
trial and error that appearing considerably better after 3:25 p.m. was not a good idea. So, if a friend wanted to play, I shouldn’t beg my mom to let me. Ultimately, I found out it was more enjoyable if I actually was sick – no
careful fabrication of lies, no guilt. But sometimes faking it was just necessary for my mental health and had to be done. College, however, has sucked all of the joy out of faking sick or even being sick. Why? Because we actually pay for classes now. Because we might lose a letter grade if we’re absent. Because our moms aren’t here to give us chicken noodle soup or applesauce. Now we have to drag ourselves to class with our symptoms, whether real or fake, and our health, or mental health, is never taken care of. So thank you, Mom, for letting me stay home sick, even though there is no doubt you knew I was faking. contact Jones at MNJ10a@acu.edu
hashtagACU Oct. 31 12:51 a.m.
Nov. 1 8:09 a.m. Oct. 30 11:33 p.m. Oct. 31 12:35 a.m.
Sorry, Cards, but not really GO RANGERS
@allybonneau
red socks, white socks, blue socks who cares... because how about those mavs #1-obaby
@paigeeileen41
Oct. 31 6:13 p.m.
Pretty sure the Bean just recycles leftovers as pizza toppings the next day... #EggPizza #scary
@AustinCrisman
Nov. 4 9:40 a.m.
By refusing to change my myacu password until being forced, I’ve made it to November and didn’t have to change it. #exceptional #innovative
@ashleycrisp24
A rap battle between the try-hards in my Astronomy class almost just happened #stuffsgettingreal
@austinkilcullen
@AbigailKellogg
@addiefs
Nov. 4 10:00 a.m. Nov. 3 8:53 p.m.
So, I never changed my MyACU password... AND ITS STILL THE SAME! I WIN ACU! #winning #acuprobs
@LizCMcKay
Nov. 5 8:39 a.m.
Discussing the breeding of unicorns and dragons in #Chemistry #ACUdifference
@thetraviscook
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
Awktober Day 30: 1st time I ever get announced as “Siggie Addie” and I throw my binder EVERYWHERE. Most perfect entrance for me... ever.
If an ACU girl gets into a social club and doesn’t post on Instagram about it, did she still get into the club? #DidntThinkSo
Nov. 4 9:34 a.m.
personal attacks, obscenity, defamation, erroneous information or invasion of privacy. Please limit letters to 350 words or fewer. A name and phone number must be included for verification purposes. Phone numbers will not be published.
published by the department of journalism and mass communication editorial and management board
sports desk (325) 674-2684
ACU wifi #IsWorseThanCrocs
@TheBigAL77
Petition to get the red cups at the Starbucks in the library #acuprobs
@Macie_Liptoi
Marissa Jones
Brittany Jackson
Jaci Isham
Linsey Thut
Kenneth Pybus
editor in chief
Copy Editor
Staff Videographer
Page 2 Editor
faculty adviser
Madeline Orr
Maggie Marshall
Denzil Lim
James Eldred
cade white
managing editor
Copy editor
Staff Videographer
Staff Writer
Visuals adviser
Melany Cox
Matt Sloan
Rachel Smith
Rachel Fritz
cara lee cranford
opinion page editor online managing editor
Sports Director
Video Projects Editor
Staff Writer
mandy lambright
Daniel Zepeda
Paige Otway
Laura Benson
Sports Editor
Staff Photographer
Staff Writer
Kara Stutesman
Deanna Romero
Kirsten Holman
Sports Video Editor
Staff Photographer
Staff Writer
Shera Niemirowski
Garon GoodSpeed
Ben Todd
Sports Broadcaster
Staff Photographer
Cartoonist
JP Festa
Jarred Schuetze
Multimedia Managing Editor
Staff Photographer
chief photogrpaher
Alikay Wood arts editor features editor
newsroom (325) 674-2439
Nov. 3 5:14 p.m. Nov. 5 10:05 a.m.
@mcbagg
gabi powell
Address letters to: ACU Box 27892 Abilene, TX 79609 E-mail letters to: optimist@acu.edu
So Taylor Swift comes on in the auditorium and of course every white girl in the place breaks out in song. ACU is FILLED with white girls.
photo department (325) 674-2499
advertising office (325) 674-2463
multimedia desk (325) 674-2463
advertising
subscriptions ($40/Year) (325) 674-2296
7
sports
wednesday 11.06.13
SHOOTING
FROM LONG
DISTANCE
s il e
M 6 85
il
M
es
1,
Men’s basketball travels 6,767 miles over three weeks
les i 1 M es 0 il 1,4 M 4 2 4
4 5 , 1
6
Basketball to start season with epic road trip daniel Zepeda sports editor The men’s basketball season begins Saturday against the Duquesne Dukes in Pittsburgh, Pa. The Wildcats own arguably one of the toughest schedules in the Southland Conference, and maybe even the toughest start to the year as they play nearly all of their first month of basketball on the road away from Moody Coliseum. “I am excited for the challenge and I look forward to seeing how our team will respond and grow together as we fight and compete on the road,” sophomore guard Parker Wentz said.
“I think the hardest part will be turning the page. Whether we play good in one game and win or poor in another and loose, we have to leave that behind us and focus on the next opponent.” ACU will play its first ten games of the season on the road. The team will travel to Olean, N.Y. to play St. Bonaventure University, after facing the Dukes. From then, the Wildcats will take on the University of Maryland on Nov. 13. The team temporarily ends its out of state travel after their game in Iowa City, Iowa against the University of Iowa. “The hardest part we’re going to have to
face is probably just handling the atmosphere at away games and just keeping our composure and maintaining focus throughout our games,” junior guard Julian Edmonson said. ”These are all going to be tough teams and having them be away games are going to get us ready for conference. We’re kind of being thrown into the fire a little bit to get us prepared for what we will be up against come January. I have confidence that we’ll be fine.” The Wildcats return back to Texas brief ly on Nov. 19 with a game in Fort Worth against the Texas Christian Horned Frogs. The team will then travel to San Angelo for
two games against Western New Mexico University and Northern New Mexico College. After that, the team is out of state again with a game against Xavier in Cincinnati, Ohio. ACU finally rounds out its road trip with two games in Maryland on Nov. 29 and 30. “Defense is going to be a huge part of our winning this year,” junior forward Aleksander Milosavljevic said. “We are going to have to go onto other teams’ courts, play great defense and hopefully we’ll be on the winning side. It’ll be really important, crucial to play our style of basketball, even when we’re on the road.”
X Country wraps up season emily seidel Sports reporter ACU Cross Country finished a challenging sixmeet fall season this past Friday with a strong performance at the Southland Conference Championships in Lake Charles, La. The first Div. I conference meet in ACU history, the Southland Championships proved that the Cats have tremendous potential. Senior Chloe Susset finished fifth out of 102 runners in the women’s 6K with a season-best time of 21:29.4, marking her fourth top-six appearance in a conference meet since 2009. She was followed by freshman standout Diana García Muñoz, who placed ninteenth overall with a time of 22:27.2. Freshmen Landa Dowdy, Michaela Hackett, and Kimberly Lamadrid also competed impressively, finishing in the Wildcats’ top five runners in their first college conference meet. In the men’s 8K, junior Daniel Block, a transfer from the University of Saskatchewan, was the first ACU team member to cross the finish line, with a season-best of 27:06.9. Block was followed closely by senior Erik Forrister, a regular-season leader on the men’s team who came in at 27:19.5. Sophomore Chad Caton, senior Gary Duncan and freshman Reid Rivers
also placed among ACU’s 8K runners. ACU finished seventh in the women’s 6K and tenth in the men’s 8K in the 14-team meet, with Lamar University taking first place in both categories. Led all season by Susset, the women’s cross country team has turned in some notable performances, including two second place finishes at the McMurry/Bill Libby Invitational on Sept. 7 and the Incarnate Word
“
second title in as many weeks, finishing in a close second place. A month later, she came in first at the UIW Invitational. Men’s team was more inconsistent than the women’s team, but was still able to prove it could hold its own in Div. I with fourth place finishes the McMurry/Libby Invitational and the UIW Invitational. The ‘Cats also had some great leadership in seniors Gary Dun-
This year, I looked forward to every meet and every practice because I couldn’t wait to get better and see the team get faster and improve together.”
erik forrister senior ACU cross country
Cardinal Invitational in San Antonio on Oct. 12. The Cats also took third place at the Texas Tech Red Raider Open in Lubbock on Sept. 13. Susset ended her college cross country career with a fantastic fall season, earning two Southland Conference Runner of the Week honors. She took the women’s 5K title at the McMurry/ Libby Invitational, then repeated her performance a week later at the Red Raider Open when she came within five seconds of earning her
can, a top performance throughout the season, and Erik Forrister, a former Lone Star Conference Men’s Academic Runner of the Year. “This year I looked forward to every meet and every practice because I couldn’t wait to get better and see the team get faster and improve together,” Forrister said. “We are competitive. We are striding towards becoming a dynasty in Div. I as we were in Div. II.” It’s been a building year to be sure, with
highs and lows, as expected of such a young team. Despite the obstacle of developing a close-knit, competitive team with 15 freshmen and an entirely new coaching staff in the highest division of college athletics, the Wildcats have shown that the ACU cross country dynasty is not over.
contact seidel at eks13b@acu.edu
After the ten game road trip, the Wildcats will have traveled 6,767 miles over the course of three weeks. The teams ACU will face on the trip have a .489 winning percentage based off of last year’s schedules. “Every one of these teams will come out and play hard and we’re going to have to make sure we do the same,” Parker said. “Being in Div. I, we don’t know these teams like the Lonestar, but even if we did, each team is a really good team and especially facing them on the road, they’ll be that much harder.” ACU returns home to Moody Coliseum on Dec.
3 to face Hillsdale Baptist. The Wildcats will play eight of their next ten games at home spanning from December through January. “It is vital for us to do good during our home games,” Edmonson said. “In Div. I basketball, it is hard to get a win away in any gym because you have all the disadvantages. But when we come back home we have to make sure nobody comes in our house and leave with a win.”
contact zepeda at djz11a@acu.edu
sports
wednesday 11.06.13
Wildcats can’t defeat Lumberjacks collin wieder sports reporter ACU dropped their final game at home against Stephen F. Austin 3-1. The Wildcats kept it close as they split the first two sets. ACU lost the first set 25-21, but could not keep up in the second set, 25-15. The lumberjacks would come back after the break and go on to win easily 25-13 and 2519. The loss dropped the ‘cats record to 6-15 overall and 2-11 in the conference. “A lot of it came down to unforced errors,” head coach Kellen Mock said. “We fought really hard but it just didn’t fall our way.” Freshman Lexi Mercier was a bright spot for the ‘cats as she recorded eight blocks. Mercier leads the Southland Conference in blocks per set at 1.52. She also leads
the team in points with 15.5. Mercier believes the team played well but had some holes in their performance. “I thought we played hard but I feel like we could have started stronger and finished all the way through,” Mercier said. “We have to learn how to close out games and not allow teams to come back.” Mock expected a lot of Mercier entering the season and felt that her performance this season has been great. “I have been incredibly impressed with her consistency,” Mock said. “It’s one thing to be a great player every once in a while and have a great game every now and then. But to be able to play at a high level for a long period of games or even over the course of an entire season is something else. It’s special and it’s what Paige otway Staff Photographer separates the good from Sophomore Sarah Siemens sets up a teammate at the great players.” Sophomore Jennifer Moody Coliseum.
Loerch continued her strong offensive play as she recorded ten more kills against SFA to bring her season total to 246. Loerch also led all players with a .438 hitting percentage. Madison Hoover also led the team with 18 digs. Stephen F. Austin played well offensively leading to four SFA players scoring at least ten points. Tori Bates led the way as she recorded 14 kills. The wildcats will return to action Friday against former Lone Star rival and fellow Southland newcomer Incarnate Word. The game will be in San Antonio the cardinals bring in an 1111 overall record with a 6-7 conference record.
contact wieder at cpw11a@acu.edu
‘Cats finish up magical Div. I season brittney johnson sports reporter The women’s soccer team gladly accepted what would be a tough road, with new challenges and competitors in Div. I. and made the word “efficiency”the season’s theme in the Southland Conference. Finishing overall 13-51 and fourth in the conference with 7-5-0 and 21 points, the team proved they could play with the best. The Wildcats started the season strong, winning all of their pre-conference matches, with the exception of their game against the University of Texas El-Paso which was played in early September and resulted in a tie. The most challenging team proved to be the Lions of Southeastern Louisiana University, La., whom they defeated 1-0. “The SELU game was tough because we didn’t have a lot of chances to score, as the Lions had a great defense with one of the best keepers in the conference,” Head Coach Casey Wilson said. “We beat a great team with a great goal.” As the season continued, the team began to see multiple injuries, which affected their game strategy and forced players into positions they normally wouldn’t play. Despite having to make many adjustments early in the season, the Wildcats won their last home games at the Wildcat Soccer Pitch, defeating Texas A&M Corpus Christi 2-1 and the University of the Incarnate Word 3-1. Unfortunately, the last games of the season resulted in losses. “I felt we could have ended the year stronger than we did,” Coach Wilson said. “Despite losing the last two games, we had chances to win
price bahcall
The Abilene Christian women’s tennis team finished their season in Memphis with a strong third and final day. The team went 5-0 on the day, finishing third place by sophomores Kaysie Hermsdorf and Nada Marjanovic. Three of their teammates finished seventh. Kaysie Hermsdorf defeated Jenny Borck of Lipscomb to post a 2-1 record for the weekend. Nada Marjanovic also beat Lipscomb in her draw. Hermsdorf had some long matches but stayed competitive throughout. “Overall, I competed very well, the competition was
standings Men’s basketball
Team
Div.
Ovrl
ACU SFA ORU SELU Nicholls St. SHSU Lamar NSU UCA HBU UIW MSU TAMU-CC NO
0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
woMen’s basketball
Team
Div.
Ovrl
ACU SFA ORU SELU Nicholls St. SHSU Lamar NSU UCA HBU UIW MSU TAMU-CC NO
0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
Team
Div.
Ovrl.
UCA SHSU NSU ORU TAMU-CC MSU Lamar UIW SFA HBU SELU ACU NSU NO
12-0 11-1 10-2 9-3 9-4 6-6 6-6 5-6 5-7 5-7 3-10 2-9 2-11 0-13
20-3 14-7 14-10 17-5 15-10 14-12 8-16 10-10 13-12 10-14 9-16 6-13 5-18 3-23
Team
Div.
Ovrl.
ACU SELU MSU SHSU UCA Nicholls St. SFA Lamar NSU
0-0 4-0 3-1 3-1 2-2 1-3 1-3 1-3 1-3
5-4 7-2 7-2 7-2 5-4 4-5 4-5 4-5 3-6
Volleyball
football
ex- factor Bernard Scott was signed by the Ravens. Scott will be coached by former ACU great Wilbert Montgomery.
briefings paige otway Staff Photographer
Senior Andrea Carpenter shoots in a game for the Wildats this season. Carpenter led ACU in goals scored (13), assists (6) and points scored (32). Carpenter was second in the Southland Conference in points scored and goals scored and was fourth in assists. both and that is all we can ask for in any game we play. The competition throughout the Southland Conference was pretty competitive.” Through the many challenges the ‘Cats faced, the team continued to shine as four players were named a Southland Conference Player of the Week. Freshmen goal keeper Sydney Newton and defender Kelsie Roberts,
along with seniors forward Andrea Carpenter and defender Brie Bushman, were among the players who received this honor. Adding to the list of high achievements, Bushman was named as one of 11 players from the Southland Conference to the Capital One Academic All-District 7 First Team on Oct. 31. This is the third time of her career that Bush-
man has been named as a Capital One Academic All-District team by the College Sports Information Directors of America. “I am very blessed and humbled by the opportunity to represent ACU as one of the first of many more athletes in the Div. I arena to be named to this high honor,” Bushman said. The Wildcats demonstrated this season that
they are ambitious both on and off the soccer field. “We have had some highly decorated players over the last years, award-wise,” Coach Wilson said. “They are just as competitive in the classroom as they are on the field, also receiving academic honors.” contact johnson at baj12a@acu.edu
Tennis team dominates in Memphis sports reporter
8
really good and I stayed with each person, even through the long matches,” said Hermsdorf. “The one match I lost could have gone either way but was a fun match to play.” Senior Emily Conrad came back from a set down to claim her victory over Claire Mulyadi of Tennessee-Chattanooga. Also finishing seventh, Micah Hermsdorf defeated Alyssa Hibberd from Memphis for her only win of the tournament, while freshman Erin Walker beat Lorena Djukovic from Lipscomb. “I thought I was playing very strong. I was very happy about how I was ending the fall season,” Conrad said. “This past tournament in Memphis was a tournament filled with tough teams, so I
difficult to see how the competition would be. It was definitely a lot harder but I love the competition. Each match I played, win or lose, I felt I could compete on their level,” says Hermsdorf. Now begins the offseason, preparing the players to focus on the areas that need improvement and to get in the right shape for the spring season. “I am looking forward to contributing photo working on improving my Several members of the ACU tennis team hold up a ban- game so I can be ready to go for the spring season,” said ner after their strong finish in Memphis, Tenn. Conrad. “I am also looking really felt like I was pushed competed against tougher forward to getting stronger mentally and physically.” competition and was happy and faster in offseason.” The first season in Div. I with the production on the The Wildcats will be back would be considered a suc- court. on the court in the spring. cess due to the competitive “When it came down to spirit of this tennis squad. it, I was happy with how I contact bahcall at Hermsdorf said she was played this fall. Being our pmb09a@acu.edu confident with the way she first semester in Div. I, it was
The ACU Student Athlete Advisory Committee is collecting soda tabs as part of a competition with their new Southland opponents. The proceeds from the “pop-tabs” will go to the P4X foundation in honor of Rex Fleming. You can help by putting tabs in the collection jars found in dorms and the campus center. Ann Varner, the assistant director of Athletics for Academic Services, is also taking up a collection of tabs in her Teague office. Get involved, drink soda, and go ’Cats.
Upcoming Volleyball travels to San Antonio to face the Universtiy of Incarnate Word on Friday at 7 p.m. Women’s basketball hosts Texas Lutheran University on Friday at 7 p.m. Football takes on Incarnate Word on the road on Saturday at 2 p.m. Men’s basketball tips off their season in Pittsburgh, PA. against Duquesne at 2 p.m.