Perfect Record vol. 100, no. 25
Friday, November 18, 2011
1 SECTION, 8 PAGES
Sports page 8
Wildcats look to improve
university
Varner to depart leadership post early Hannah Barnes editor-in-chief
realignment. He said the mergers weren’t reflected in the cost savings. Faculty and staff had submitted more than 80 questions for the university president since the plan was announced and the meeting scheduled. Schubert answered a few of the most common ones near the end of the meeting, when he temporarily dispelled talks of athletics moving up to Division-1 until $1.5 million more in gifts is secured and said that none of the administrators are taking pay cuts in this plan. Schubert ended the meeting by saying that lower enrollment and the economy were to blame for the need for this realignment plan. “We can’t have any flexibility in the overall quality of students we allow into the university,” he said. “When the demand lowers, so must our enrollment, which is making these cuts necessary.”
Dr. Jeanine Varner will step down as provost before the end of December and join the Department of English full-time next semester. Dr. Phil Schubert, president of the university, told faculty and staff in email Thursday he had decided to speed up Varner’s transition out of the post. She had told faculty and staff two weeks ago her original plan was to leave the position at the end of the spring. “I have asked Dr. Jeanine Varner to complete her service as provost prior to the end of this calendar year rather than waiting until the end of the academic year as previously announced,” Schubert said in the email. He said the university will conduct a nationwide search to fill the position. In the meantime, Schubert will designate an interim provost within the next few weeks who will work with Varner during a transition. Schubert told faculty and staff in a universitywide meeting Thursday he valued Varner’s service. “I have the utmost respect and admiration for Dr. Varner,” Schubert told faculty and staff in the budget realignment meeting Thursday. Varner was granted tenure when she arrived at ACU in 2007 to serve as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Even in administration and moving to the provost job in 2009, Varner has continued teaching as much as possible. “The job will be quite different – but I’ve always been focused on effective teaching and student learning,” Varner said in an email. “While I would not have chosen the set of circumstances I’m experiencing now, I look forward to being with my students and my faculty colleagues.” Dr. Cole Bennett, interim chair of the Department of English, said the department is glad to have her. He said class schedules have not yet been finalized so it’s unclear what courses she will teach when she begins her role as full-time professor of English in January. “She is a tremendous scholar and has a successful record of classroom teaching,” Bennett said. “We are thrilled to have her expertise in our ranks.”
contact smith at mds10a@acu.edu
contact barnes at hab07a@acu.edu
THE PLAN AHEAD daniel gomez chief Photographer
Dr. Phil Schubert explained changed to the university’s budget to members of the faculty and staff who gathered in Hart Auditorium in two hour-long meetings on Thursday.
Restructuring to impact jobs, dormitory, iPhones and Study Abroad Mark Smith managing Editor Dr. Phil Schubert spelled out details of a $9.6 million university-wide budget realignment plan Thursday in a meeting with staff and faculty. Schubert, president of the university, showed the different areas of the university from which the money will be either cut or generated. Job eliminations and reductions will save the university $2.7 million, and universitywide reductions will lessen the budget by $1.5 million. About $1.2 million in specific program reductions and $1.1 in operating expense reductions also contribute to the $9.6 million overall plan. About $1.1 million is expected to be generated from online program revenue and increased gifts and auxiliary, and $2 million will be added by changing financial policy, including adjusting how the university builds its contingency fund and changing the university’s endowment spending policy.
The new plan calls for 35 university positions to be cut; 25 staff and 10 faculty members will be let go by summer 2012 under the plan. Schubert acknowledged the decision to eliminate jobs would have a significant and personal impact on the entire university. “We don’t ever want to be in a situation where we have to eliminate someone’s job,” he said. “But it’s impossible to avoid eliminating positions in a budget realignment plan on a $10 million scale.” While moving forward with these adjustments, Schubert said he and the senior leadership team decided to pull back on a plan that would require administrative coordinators to reduce hours and salaries by 20 percent beginning next year. “After considering the impact that would have had on everyone involved, we’re changing course,” he said. “We’re going to offer reduced workload and pay on a voluntary basis to all nonexempt staff.” In the university-wide sec-
tion of the plan, Schubert said iPhones won’t be offered to incoming freshmen in the 201314 school year as part of the Mobile Learning Initiative. “A significant number of students already bring in similar devices, so we’re pulling back on that,” he said. Schubert also said the team decided to slow capital growth spending by 10 percent, the university will charge a fee for students who pay tuition with credit cards, and there will be reduced fund allocation for cell phones for faculty and staff. Smith and Adams Halls will be shut down after the completion of the 2011-12 academic school year as part of the specific program cuts to be made. Schubert said the remaining sophomore residence halls have sufficient room for incoming sophomore classes. Schubert also said that Study Abroad and the Center for International Education will undergo a “radical shift” in its organization, management and funding. “We’re not reducing the
importance of these programs,” Schubert said. “There will still be the same amount of opportunity for students.” The specific program cuts also include reductions in faculty requirements for the Core curriculum, and campus custodial services won’t clean offices as often. In the operating expense reductions, information services will take an 11 percent cut and Student Life and finance and operations will lose 10 percent of funding. The executive division will be cut by eight percent and six percent of funds will be cut from both academics and marketing. Advancement faces a four percent decrease and athletics will lose two percent of funding. “We don’t know what the future is going to look like, but this is a good plan,” Schubert said. “It wasn’t an option for us to sit where we were and decide this process was too painful. Some action needed to be taken.” Schubert referenced the merging of several departments that will occur in the
accident
University makes adjustments for victims of bus crash tegrating into campus life. Several suffer severe infeatures editor juries that limit mobility and are learning to adjust The university is mak- accordingly. Merissa Ford, junior ing some adjustments on campus to help several agribusiness major from students involved in the Maple Valley, Wash., spent Nov. 4 shuttle bus accident nearly a week in Hendrick Medical Center after the complete their semester. Two of those injured in accident and said recovthe wreck remain in the ery will take some time. “You never think that hospital, but the rest have been released and are ei- something like a car accither at home or are rein- dent, or especially a roll-
samantha sutherland
over, will ever happen to you,” Ford said. “And now is the hard part – it’s when we’re healing and dealing with the frustrations.” Ford suffers from several broken and fractured bones after being ejected during the bus accident. She expects her injured vertebrae to take six to ten weeks to recover. Anna Watson, sophomore animal science major from Kerrville, incured
injuries that create limitations as well. She underwent two surgeries while in the hospital. Watson returned to her home in Kerrville last week after being released from the hospital Wednesday. She is unable to sit, walk and write well but is able to type and plans to do as much school work as possible that way. Members of the Student Life team, the pro-
“
You never think that something like a car accident, or especially a rollover, will ever happen to you.”
for all of the students involved in the accident. “We want to work very closely with them in their unique needs and get them through the semesmerissa ford ter as successfully as posjunior agribusiness major sible,” said Dr. Jean-Noel from maple valley, wash. Thompson, vice president for Student Life and dean vost office and Ed Brokaw, of students. For some students, chair of the Department of Agriculture and Envi- this may require moving ronmental Sciences, met classes from top stories to Tuesday to work out plans see bus page 4
inside arts
opinion
video
news
Senior art student brings home regional award with sculpture
Read why iPad textbooks can be a dangerous learning tool
Carmichael-Walling Lecture sheds light on Revelation
Student organization’s fashion show to support breast cancer awareness
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Abilene Christian University
acuoptimist.com
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Friday 11.18.11
18 Friday
19
Saturday
Last day to withdraw from a course 11 a.m. Praise Day in Moody Coliseum
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2 p.m. Private Eyes in Fulks Theatre
Sunday
2
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All Day - Season of Caring
7 p.m. Private Eyes in Fulks Theatre
Monday
6 p.m. Hockey Game in the Campus Center Living Room 7:30 p.m. Manhattan Piano Trio in the Williams Performing Arts Center Recital Hall
7 p.m. Private Eyes in Fulks Theatre 9:30 p.m. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 in Cullen Auditorium
Chapel checkup
Announcements The ACU Theatre Department will show Private Eyes today through Saturday in Fulks Theatre. Tickets cost $15 and can be purchased at the box office in the Williams Performing Arts Center, or online at www.acu.edu/theatre.
of Korean and Asian clothing styles. The clothes will be on sale after the fashion show.
The Manhattan Piano Trio will perform a concert Monday at 7:30 p.m. in the William Performing Arts Center Recital Hall. Admission will be free.
in advance, $15 at the door. Tickets can be purchased in the Campus Center. The Zumbathon will feature seven instructors from around Open Mic Night, hosted by University Park and BSA will Abilene. The Zumbathon is take place Friday in the Cam- Frontier Texas! will be accepting a fundraiser for the ACU Stupus Center Living Room from 8 applications for the Miss Fron- dent Dietetic Association. - 10 p.m. For more information, tier Texas Scholarship ComA fashion show benefiting or to sign up, email mls09c@ petition through Monday. For Flu shots will be available in The Hope Fund will take place acu.edu or bsa@acu.edu. more information visit www. the Medical & Counseling Friday at 7:30 p.m. in the missfrontiertexas.com. Care Center for $15. The MedTeague Special Events Cen- Harry Potter and the Deathly ical & Counseling Care Center ter. Tickets will be sold in the Hallows Part 2 will be shown A Zumbathon will take place is located at the northeast enCampus Center from 9 a.m. - in Cullen Auditorium Friday Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. trance of the Royce and Pam 6 p.m. through Thursday and at 9:30 p.m. Admission will be in the Royce and Pam Money Money Student Recreation are $5. The fashion show will free. The Campus Activities Student Recreation and Well- and Wellness Center. feature several different types Board will put on this event. ness Center. Tickets are $10
59 12 @acuoptimist The Optimist optimist@acu.edu
Police Police Log Log
Weekly Stats for Nov. 08 - Nov. 15, 2011
11/10/11 4:30 p.m. DISTURBANCE: An ACU student called ACUPD to report a male subject being threatening and aggressive in an alley in the 600 block of College Drive. Officers found the individual and determined that he was intoxicated via paint thinner. He was arrested for Public Intoxication and transported to the Taylor County Jail. 11/10/11 10:43 p.m. NOISE VIOLATION/ALCOHOL INCIDENT: ACUPD received a noise violation call in Building 4 at The Grove apartments. Five minors were cited for Minor in Possession of Alcoholic Beverage. 11/11/11 10 a.m. INFORMATION REPORT: ACUPD assisted APD in the investigation of a criminal mischief incident where ACU students discharged fire extinguishers inside a local hotel. The student was identified and restitution was made to the hotel. 11/11/11 12:35 p.m. DISTURBANCE: ACUPD investigated the report that an Aramark employee in the World Famous Bean had alledgedly been assaulted/slapped by a student who refused to pay for their meal. A report was made and the case is open. 11/13/11 8:15 a.m. ANIMAL CALL: ACUPD officers responded to a report of a dead feral hog in the driveway of a private residence.
911 Call - 1 Accident - 2 Administrative Activity - 11 Animal Call - 1 Assault - 2 Assist - 6 Attempt to Locate - 1 Barricades - 3 Building Lock/Unlock - 12 Check Building - 12 Criminal Mischief - 1 Disturbance - 4 Fingerprint Service - 1 Found Property - 3 Information Report - 3 Investigation Follow-Up - 9 Lost Property - 5
Motorist Assist: Inflate Tire - 1 Motorist Assist: Jump-start - 4 Motorist Assist: Other - 3 Motorist Assist: Unlock - 12 Noise Violation - 3 Other - 10 Parking Violation - 6 Patrol Vehicle: Maintenance - 4 Patrol Vehicle: Refuel - 5 Random Patrol - 2 Report Writing - 6 Suspicious Activity - 5 Traffic Stop - 6
Total Events: 135
Police Tip of the Week: Remember that most party related offenses and citations can be easily avoided by following simple rules: 10 Be respectful your neighbors, 2) Keep crowd size and music levels at a reasonable level, 3) If alcohol is present do not allow ANY underage guests in, 4) End the party at a reasonable hour.
Volunteer Opp0rtunities Season of Caring is working with with Taylor Elementary School to help feed 75 low-income families. Donations will be accepted through Saturday. Volunteers are also needed to put meal boxes together Sunday or deliver meals Monday. Money can be donated through Facebook or at the information desk in the Campus Center. For more information or to sign up visit www.facebook.com/seasonofcaring. Adopt-an-Angel will take place through Tuesday as a part of Season of Caring. Volunteers are needed to donate gifts to children by picking up a paper angel from the Campus Center. For more information visit www.facebook.com/seasonofcaring. Volunteers are needed for Christmas on the Streets, a part of Season of Caring. Christmas on the Streets partners with Love and Care ministries to bring toys to Abilene children. Volunteers will bring new toys to the Campus Center, help wrap toys in the President’s Dining Room or help deliver toys during Christmas on the Streets. For more information or to sign up visit www.facebook.com/seasonofcaring. The International Rescue Committee is collecting coats, hats, jackets, gloves and blankets for refugees in Abilene who came to the U.S. with few possessions and who will need warm clothing. Donations can be dropped off daily from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at 3303 N. 3rd St., Suite D. For more information contact Aly Shanks at 325-675-5673 ext. 19 or email aly.shanks@rescue.org. Oakridge Church of Christ needs volunteers to help with a children’s Bible class. The class will take place every Wednesday night until Dec. 21 from 7 - 8 p.m. Volunteers will help with singing Bible songs, sanitizing toys and playing with kids. Free dinner is included with the service. For more information contact Emerald Lemmons at 325-3701327 or email emeraldlemmons@gmail.com. The Big Brothers Big Sisters program is looking for volunteers to participate in Lunch Buddies. Bigs and Littles will enjoy lunch together at the child’s school once a week. Students can earn Chapel credit for each visit. Big Brothers Big Sisters is also looking for volunteers for its Community Based program. Bigs are matched with Littles in a one-on-one relationship and spend four to six hours per month together in the community. To sign up or learn more visit www.bbbstx.org or call 325-674-3113.
Rescue The Animals is looking for volunteers anytime between 1-5 p.m., Monday-Friday. They need help around the adoption center with general cleaning, socialization of the animals, helping potential adopters and other tasks. Contact Mindi Qualls at 325-698-7722 or email rescuetheanimalsvolunteers@ yahoo.com. The center is located at 5933 S. 1st St. ACU Treadaway Kids is looking for volunteers to work with underprivileged kids Thursday evenings from 6 7:30 p.m. at the University Church of Christ. For more information contact Samantha Manski at 325-674-2828. Meals on Wheels Plus needs volunteer drivers to deliver afternoon meals to seniors and adults with disabilities Monday-Fridays 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. A Chapel exemption is available if delivery time conflicts with Chapel. Contact Jessica Stewart at 325-6725050 or email volunteer@mealsonwheelsplus.com. The National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature is looking for volunteers to work Tuesday - Saturday from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. or 1 - 3 p.m. Volunteers will greet patrons, assist with art activities, sell books and make visitors feel welcome. Help is also needed for special events like exhibit openings. The Center is located at 102 Cedar St. For more information contact Debby Lillick at 325-673-4586 or visit the NCCIL website. Breakfast on Beech Street is looking for volunteers to help set up, prepare and serve breakfast to homeless or lower-income visitors any weekday. The event begins at 5:30 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday; 5 a.m. on Tuesday. Serving time is 6:30 - 7:15 a.m. B.O.B.S is located at First Christian Church on N. 3rd Street and Beech Street in Downtown Abilene. For more information visit the First Christian Church website. Habitat for Humanity needs volunteers to help with various construction tasks including carpentry, painting, cleaning up, installing cabinets and other tasks. Volunteers are needed any day Monday - Saturday anytime from 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Contact Steven Legget at 325-670-0489 or email sleggett@abilenehabitat.org. Young Life Ministries needs volunteers Mondays, Tuesdays and weekends from 6 - 9 p.m. Volunteers will hang out with kids, experience leadership roles, serve others and introduce kids to Christ. Young Life is located at 1917 S. 6th St. For more informa-
tion contact Chuck Rodgers at 325-676-1211 or email clrodg@wrproperties.com. The Salvation Army is looking for volunteers for a variety of needs including sorting items in the thrift store, helping in the kitchen and/or doing yard work. Times are flexible, and help is 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. Abilene Hope Haven Inc. needs volunteers to provide childcare while parents are in class, any evening Monday-Thursday from 6:45 - 8:15 p.m. Abilene Hope Haven is located at 801 S. Treadaway Blvd. For more information contact Kathy Reppart at 325-677-4673 or visit the Abilene Hope Haven website. 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 325695-6311 or abfoodbk@camalott.com. The Abilene Boys and Girls Club needs help any weekday between 3:30 - 6 p.m. helping children of all ages with games, art, gym time, reading and computer skills. Locations are 4610 N. 10th St. or 1902 Shelton St. Contact Mark Denman at 325-6721712 for more information. Medical Care Mission is looking for volunteers to assist medical or dental staff with patients any weekday from 8:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. For more information contact Dave Kraly at 325-676-3104 or email medicalmoose@sbcglobal.net. Abilene Nursing and Rehabilitation Center has various opportunities for volunteers ranging from visiting with residents to helping with Bingo. Volunteers are needed Monday, Wednesday or Thursday from 2 - 3 p.m. The Center is located at 2630 Old Anson Road. For more information contact Rita Raymond at 325-673-5101 or email cameron.grad@hotmail.com. The Day Nursery of Abilene needs volunteers to play with and read to children, assist teachers and help with other various tasks, any weekday between 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. The Day Nursery of Abilene has 4 different locations. For more information call Cynthia Pearson at 325-673-1110.
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campus news
friday 11.18.11
Student’s Association
SA reverses chalk ban, coordinates events farron salley news anchor The Students’ Association voted unanimously to reverse the two-year chalk ban and bring color back to the sidewalks of campus while also coordinating a host of festive events during Wednesday’s meeting. The resolution about the new ACU Chalking Policy stated that sidewalk chalking serves as a simple medium for students to advertise events and fosters a creative outlet to build community. SA executive president Connor Best said the now obsolete policy prohibited chalk writing on brick surfaces,
vertical surfaces and the Lunsford Foundation Trail circling campus. SA will sponsor a Chalk It Up event Friday and supply free chalk for students and organizations to use throughout the school year as needed. “There will be an announcement made during Friday Chapel, and immediately following that we’re going to have a couple of tables set up with candy, soda and a whole bunch of chalk,” said executive vice president Julianne Hart. Best also called attention to SA’s involvement with the Season of Caring. He said they are trying to raise $3,000 to aid families of Taylor Elementary students
over the Thanksgiving holiday, but have $300 so far. “Things have been kind of crazy at ACU,” Best said. “It’s hard to get the word out about this and budget cuts have kind of made the mood a little rough for giving but families still need a lot of help.” He advised representatives to work a table in the Campus Center to raise awareness, or set a goal for each class or building to raise. The holiday season was the focal point of most of the other business addressed during the meeting. Plans for Christmas lights around the Campus Center and in the mall area are stalled due to pending contracts, but are esti-
mated to be up for display when students arrive back from Thanksgiving Break, and the Christmas Slam is “moving along,” Hart said. Hart said she needs 100-150 students to dance during halftime of the basketball game because the office of student life is approving use of the song Wobble Baby. “Mark Lewis, who will be dressed as Santa Claus, will dance during halftime and take pictures before the game,” she said. Prentice Ashford proposed a bill to pay half the cost to show the movie Elf after the Christmas Slam that passed unanimously. Ashford said the movie would encourage students
to stay the entire duration of the game. Also, once the school had the rights to show it once, it could air the movie on campus for years to come. The bill allotted for no more than $315 to be used. SA began preliminary ideas for their return after the festivities concluding this semester. Plans to partner with the intramural sports office for an inter-class game of dodgeball are underway. A new committee may be formed specifically to organize the event. Also, one representative will study abroad leaving a seat open. contact salley at fls08a@acu.edu
The following Congress members were absent Wednesday’s meeting.
Brady Kile Sophomore President Nolan Bryan Mabee Rep Chad Kelley Junior Treasurer Christopher Sisk COBA Rep Brandon Wilson Off-Campus Rep Ethan Bracken Freshman Treasurer Katy Morrical Off-Campus Rep Tino Angadecheril Smith-Adams Rep
campus
Fashion show to benefit breast cancer awareness bailey neal staff reporter
Adrian Patenaude Staff Photographer
In preparation for a gingerbread house competition to be held in the Bean, employees set up a winter scene to be complete with a Christmas train set.
arts
WPAC to host classical music trio keyi zhou student reporter The Manhattan Piano Trio will bring a taste of classical music to Abilene when they perform on campus Monday. The MPT is a professional band with three members: Wayne Lee, the violinist; Dmitry Kouzov, the group’s cellist; and Milana Strezeva, the pianist. The group has been recognized for its electrifying performances in international competitions. Since 2004, the trio has captured grand prizes at the Plowman Competition and at the Yellow Springs Competition; runner-up at the Chesapeake Competition; and the Australian
Broadcasting Corporation Listeners’ Choice Award in Melbourne, according to the band’s website. “They are a great group,” said Lynette Walters, the Department of Music administrative assistant. “We invite guest musicians to ACU to encourage our students to stick to their goals and keep practicing their skills by enjoying the music performed by those who have achieved professional level.” The concert is open to the Abilene community as well as to students. Walters said the concert is a great opportunity for community members to enjoy quality live performances. The concert is family-friendly and will last about an hour.
Keely Swim, sophomore vocal performance major from Abilene, plans to go to the concert. “I haven’t grown up with piano, so it is going to be different for me,” said Swim. “But I am looking forward to the concert. I think it will be really good.” Stephanie Frakes, senior vocal music education major from McAllen, has been playing piano for 14 years and also plans to attend the performance. “I expect it to be really good,” Frakes said. “Piano trio is my favorite. Last year, we had a trio come in, and the performance was great. I expect a high-quality concert you don’t normally hear in Texas.” The Department of
local
Holiday season offers service opportunities bethany morgan student reporter From delivering food to providing clothing, students have multiple opportunities to support their community as they enter this holiday season. Lisha Cottrill, senior interior design major from Rockwall, said she believes the holidays are about giving back. “This is such a great time for us to get involved with giving,” Cottrill said. “I think it leaves an impact when we help others who don’t have much, so I think these ministries are important.” Students can serve breakfast to homeless or lowincome families in Abilene through Breakfast on Beech Street, hosted by First Christian Church on weekdays from 6:30-7:15 a.m. B.O.B.S. volunteers help set up, prepare and serve the breakfasts and leave no later than 7:30 a.m.
Members of ACU also have other chances to feed the hungry without getting up at the crack of dawn: The Food Pantry of the Christian Ministry of Abilene needs volunteers to help bag, stock and pick up orders and donated groceries. The Food Pantry fosters a grocery-store environment so low-income Abilenians can shop for their own choice of food. The Food Pantry, located at 701 Walnut St., is open on Monday and Friday from 9:30-11:45 a.m. and from 1-2:15 p.m. and Wednesdays from 9:3011:45 a.m. Students can also both serve others and earn Chapel credit through Meals On Wheels. This ministry allows volunteers to go door-to-door delivering hot meals to 12 to 16 to seniors and adults with disabilities. Volunteer hours are available on Monday through Saturday between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. The main facility is located at 717 N. 10th St.
Clothing volunteer services are also available. Love and Care Ministries provide help for the homeless of Abilene and welcomes volunteers Monday through Thursday starting at 9 a.m. and for occasional evening events at 1 p.m. or 5 p.m. Michael Ortiz, junior information technology major from Monahans, has been volunteering for many years. “In high school our student council helped with Meals On Wheels. We got to see how thankful the families were,” Ortiz said. “These opportunities are good for students to see the other side of the story.” More information on these volunteer opportunities and others can be found in the Volunteer Opportunities Registry at www.acu.edu/campusoffices/slvr. contact morgan at bem09a@acu.edu
Music has been hosting concerts by inviting guest musicians to Abilene. After the performance of MPT, the Bands’ Winter Concert will take place on Dec. 8 in Cullen Auditorium and the Christmas Vespers at Abilene’s First Baptist Church on Dec. 10. All sorts of performances, like choirs, orchestra, percussion and jazz, will take place until May. The performance starts at 7:30 p.m. Monday at the Williams Performing Arts Center Recital Hall. Admission is free. People interested can go to acu.edu/music to get more information. contact zhou at kxz08a@acu.edu
The Chinese Student Scholars Association is hosting a fashion show in the Teague Special Events Center Friday. The show, titled Be Stylish, Be Casual, Be Smart, starts at 7:30 pm, and all proceeds will be donated entirely to the Hope Fund for breast cancer awareness. Cynthia Kuong, senior at Hardin-Simmons University from Macao, China, is serving as the show’s director and invited her friends from ACU to be a part of her project. “This semester I have an internship at Hendrick Hospital’s Vera West Women’s Center, so that made me notice more about how things for breast cancer operated,” Kuong said. “I wanted to raise money to support the Hope Fund. This show is raising funds to give free mammograms to women in the Big Country who could not afford them on their own.” Kuong became involved with CSSA at ACU this semester because ACU’s international population is much larger and more diverse than it is at her school. “I came to a lot of ACU events like Ethnos and other international events, and I just got to know a lot of people,” Kuong said. “I was thinking maybe I could raise some money to help these people and do something meaningful before I graduated,” she said. Kuong said the fashions featured in the show will fit into four different categories:
cute, sporty, office casual and elegant. Kuong spent around $200 on the clothes, all of which are from Korea. Kuong plans to sell the clothes after the fashion show Monday in the Campus Center Living Room, with all proceeds also going to the Hope Fund. Charena Camacho, senior advertisement and public relations major from McGregor, said she and Kuong chose female students from Hardin-Simmons and ACU to model in Friday’s show. “It’s mostly international girls – not that we chose that way specifically, but it just kind of happened,” Camacho said. “It’s going to be a really fun fashion show. It’s not going to be anything like a vogue runway, not straight-faced models looking mad. It’s going to be a very fun, interactive show.” “There’s models of all different cultures – Filipino, Thai, Asian, American,” Kuong said. “I wanted to show different people working together.” The show will last about two hours, Comacho said, and everyone in the Abilene community is invited to participate. “It’s going to be so much fun,” Camacho said. “You can help something bigger.” Tickets are $5 and are available at the door the day of the event or at the “Be” fashion show table set up in the campus center all week. contact neal at bmn07a@acu.edu
news
friday 11.18.11
4
optimist 100
Optimist alumni recall deadline horseplay zane goggans student reporter The itching to keep friendly rivalry alive was enough motivation for him. On a late Tuesday night in 1974, while working on deadline in the shared office space in the basement of the Campus Center, Alan Miller cunningly decided to “play a little joke” on the then Prickly Pear editor who had gone home for the night. The timing and the plan were perfect. “We really don’t know why we did it,” the 197475 Optimist editor said. “I’m sure there were some things that led up to it.” With the help of other Optimist staffers, Miller crept toward the door of Cheryl Bacon’s Prickly Pear office just a few steps away. Miller had to stand on a chair to reach the ceiling as he lifted the tiles to gain access to the locked yearbook office. The mission was simple: toss older, crumpled-up editions of the newspaper into Bacon’s office and fill the entire 10-by-10 foot room from bottom to top with individual wads of the on-campus newspaper – predictable, yet certainly unexpected. Mission accomplished. When Bacon returned to work the next day, hundreds of balled-up newspapers flooded the floor around Bacon’s feet. “She tried to figure out how we did it with the door locked,” Miller said. “She was a wee bit surprised.” Fun, pranks and games are one side of the Optimist students and faculty rarely get to see, but is one of the most common experiences among staffers, especially in late-night, deadline settings. Miller, now in assistant public affairs management for State Farm Insurance in Col-
orado, and other former editors and staff members have similar memories that reveal a behind-the-scenes look into the everyday publishing of the 100 year-old Optimist. Fun and games are as much a part of the Optimist as the journalism itself. Former Optimist managing editor Deana Nall, now a freelance writer near Little Rock, Ark., recalls an awkward moment during her time working for the paper. When she managed The Optimist in 1992-93, the office was in the Don Morris building on the third floor with big windows overlooking Mabee Hall. Many Optimist staffers frequently work late nights trying to make the paper a reality for the following morning. And late hours plus open windows can lead to some interesting stories. Nall said she and other late-night workers could see straight into the freshman men’s dorm – and not necessarily by choice. “The guys in Mabee didn’t think we could see into their dorms,” Nall said. “The Optimist windows just happened to face Mabee.” “One guy actually looked up and saw a group of people looking at him,” Nall said. “We weren’t trying to be perverted, it was just funny.” Awkward moments seemed to define Nall’s time at The Optimist. Nall and her friend Susie French wanted to kill some time and provide some entertainment for the rest of the staff who was attentively working on the paper. The duo made up a dance routine to the hit song, Hard Knock Life, a hit song from the Broadway musical, Annie, intending to
brian schmidt former staff Photographer
Arts editor Sarah Carlson battles with sports editor Jared Fields as opinion page editor Dani Linthicum joins in. execute their cover version flash mob-style. The performance was anticlimactic. As the friends waved their arms and kicked their feet with dynamic enthusiasm, no one acknowledged them. “We were supposed to be working on the paper, but we burst into song where everyone was working,” Nall said. “No one even turned to look. It’s like we didn’t even exist.” The fun does not stop at crumpled up newspapers, open blinds and flash mobs. One game that seems to have withstood the test of time is chair-racing. This game can be traced in Optimist history
to before the 1970s and into the 1980s and 1990s in the long halls of the Don Morris Building, though the sport has seemed to have taken a back seat to other recent activities such as ping pong and Xbox. Chair races took place at that certain time of the night when everyone was tired and jittery at the same time, say former staffers. “What it is, you get two people on rolling chairs and start at the door of the Optimist,” said former ’90-’91 sports editor Lance Fleming, describing the intensity of the spur-ofthe-moment game. “You’re facing backwards, and you go as fast as you could down the length of the hall and back again. I’ve busted my head on the floors and the walls.” Not everyone was cut out for such glory, said Fleming,
including Wendell Edwards, now an anchor and reporter for Eyewitness News 5 in Oklahoma City, Okla. “Wendell Edwards, he was a horrible chair racer,” Fleming said. “We beat him like a mule every time we went up and down the halls.” Competition, enjoyment, excitement and awkwardness are very much a part of Optimist history. Behind the journalism, designing and story assignments, through optimistic times, through pessimistic times, beyond the awards and recognitions, fun and games are and have been a huge part of alumni recollections. Alan Miller loves to look back at his time on staff. He finds the fun times and the serious times go hand-in-hand to create his good memories of his experience with the Optimist. “We had a good-natured
staff working together,” Miller said. “Everybody was there because they wanted to be. It was great training for all of us.” But Miller’s memories stem further than just great training and good-natured people. He was proud to be a part of something bigger than himself. “What I remember most are those Tuesday nights putting something together we could be proud of and share with the entire school,” he said. “The Optimist is just an amazing tradition; it’s just outstanding. It’s the kind of program the school needs, and it’s one that former students like me appreciate very well.” contact goggans at zdg08b@acu.edu
university
Bus: Victims continue recovery process continued from page 1 the bottom floor, utilizing golf carts to assist students to class and giving additional help to those now in wheelchairs, Thompson said. “The school is hiring people to push us handicapped people around,” Ford said. “They’re also letting us Skype in to classes we can’t get to and offering to let us have an extended semester where we can take some of our work home and finish it up.” Thompson said each student has been assigned a staff or faculty member that regularly checks in on their statuses. “I’m impressed with the level of coordination surrounding this; the care team is meeting a couple times a week to make sure there’s no holes in the system,” Thompson said. “We are doing all we can as a university to cater to their special needs.” Both Watson and Ford said they were ready to get back to class. Ford was one of the first to return to class, and Tuesday was her
“
I’m impressed with the level of coordination surrounding this; the care team is meeting a couple times a week to make sure there’s no holes in the system.” dr. Jean-NoelThompson vice president and dean for student life
first full day back. Watson will remain at home for the time being. Watson and Ford said healing has been difficult. They said it was an adjustment for them to learn to rely so heavily on others for help. “I’m a very independent person, and I’m frustrated with the limitations. If I drop something on the ground, then I can’t just reach down and pick it up without pain,” Ford said. Ford and some other students in the accident are now adjusting to daily life in a wheelchair. “I’m really learning what it means to be handicapped. I’ve noticed that, when you’re in a wheelchair, people don’t look at you. Someone could be talking to my mother right beside me and not even
talk to me at all,” Ford said. “But we’re people, too.” Watson said she has learned to better accept help from others. “I hate depending on others, but it’s good that the Lord is teaching me to depend on others and not to be so stubbornly independent,” Watson said. “We’re raised in a culture where you are what you produce and what you can do, and we’re raised to be so independent, but sometimes we need to realize that we need a helping hand.” During their time in the hospital, both Watson and Ford had the opportunity to witness to nurses and others around them. “Before, I didn’t know how to witness to people, and I didn’t think I had a testimony. I asked the Lord to mold me like clay and give me a testimony and bond me to my department,” Watson said. “So basically I gave Him free reign in my life.” Watson said she thinks she will be a lot stronger emotionally knowing she can stand something like an accident and knowing there are people there to help her. “I feel like this whole event is a box wrapped up in a lot of blessings,” Watson said. “It was meant for harm, but God used it for good.” contact sutherland at sns08a@acu.edu
5
arts
friday 11.18.11
Sculpting Success It is the third dimension - the form - that sets sculpture apart.”
Hallmark places first at Abilene area art competition jozie sands opinion page editor Morgan Hallmark, senior art major from Garland, worked mostly in 2D mediums until she signed up for her first sculpture class because her boyfriend was in the class. One year later, she has fallen in love with working with the third dimension and is winning regional awards for her work. The art department at the public high school Hallmark attended only offered courses in painting and drawing because there wasn’t funding for anything more. When she began to study sculpture she discovered a set of new opportunities in a medium she had never experienced. She found a long list of
materials and possibilities in the physical art. “It is the third dimension – the form – that sets sculpture apart,” Hallmark said. “I’ve always been interested in form. I had a portrait business in high school. But adding that other dimension is really a challenge and opens up so many options.” Hallmark wasn’t exposed to the artist life until the 5th grade when she attended a summer camp. With both of her parents working in the field of engineering, she said, she hadn’t been given the opportunity to make much art. “I ended up getting burned by hot glue while I was there – I still have a tear-drop-shaped scar on my hand,” Hallmark said. “But I was so happy
to be there that I just kept working on my project. I was like ‘I just love this so much I want to keep doing it.’ I’ve been doing it ever since then.” Hallmark entered a piece in the Big Country Art Association show Nov. 5, a region wide show, where she won first place in her category. “I also entered last year, and I think I got honorable mention, or something,” Hallmark said. “I decided that wasn’t good enough, so I did it again.” Hallmark entered her piece An Unusual Allegory for Christ (Fossil and Swallows) to compete against students and professors from ACU, HardinSimmons University and McMurry University. She wasn’t overly confident about her odds, but said she knew she had a chance at placing. “I was honestly just hoping to get third place so I could get a little money to pay for the bronze,”
Hallmark said. The piece Hallmark entered this year is titled An Unusual Allegory for Christ (Fossil and Swallows). She began work on it this summer as a personal project then continued working on it in her sculpture class this fall. This project came to fruition just in time for the show. It was cast on Thursday, finished on Friday and turned in on Saturday. “It takes a lot to finish a bronze piece even once it is cast. It took me six or seven hours to get all of the ceramic shell off, and another six or seven hours to grind down the gating,” Hallmark said. “Then it took another two or three hours to do the patina.” “I chose an extinct animal to represent past life,
and the swallows represent new life,” Hallmark said. The two-foot-tall bronze mastodon molar with two swallows sitting on it weighs almost 50 pounds. After many ruined shirts and scarred hands since she began her first sculpture project a year ago, Hallmark is hooked. She said the feel of the art and the interactivity of the medium guarantee her return. “I still have a love of painting, but for me it’s not the main course,” Hallmark said. “Getting messy and working with my hands everyday is more satisfying. Painting is just illusion on a flat surface. That’s just not as much fun.” contact sands at jgs07a@acu.edu
photos by adrian patenaude Staff Photographer
TOP: Hallmark, senior art major from Garland, works on a bronze piece on a classroom table in the Don Morris Art Building. Hallmark recently won first place in sculpture for a different artwork in the Big Country Art Association region-wide show. ABOVE RIGHT: A bronze sculpture Hallmark stands on a table in the Don Morris Art Building. LEFT: Hallmark’s prize winning sculpture, An Unusual Allegory for Christ (Fossil and Swallows), is a two foot tall bronze cast that weighs almost 50 pounds. RIGHT: Hallmark applies chemicals to color the bronze of this artwork green. photo courtesy of morgan hallmark
Private Eyes: addresses love, charms viewers david singer arts editor Before the play even started it was clear that Private Eyes would be very different from the outrageous action of Noises Off or the musicality of The King and I. The study guide promised themes of deception, infidelity and relationships while the advertisements warned that it “is intended for mature audiences over age 13.” I was joined by an energetic audience of mostly freshman who
took their seats in Fulks Theatre on Wednesday night for ACU Theatre’s Cornerstone Production. The modular city scape on stage and the jazzy soundtrack emanating from the speakers set the scene for the intriguing story of love and lies that was about to begin. It was mere minutes into the first act that the audience is posed with questions regarding love, truth, vanity and reality. “You don’t just come out and tell someone the truth,” exclaimed Adrian a director engaged in an extramarital affair with
his actress (played by Dom Huynh, senior theatre major major from Beaverton, Ore.). “Not when you’ve gotten away with it.” It’s mature and reflective themes were paired with very adult bits of sexuality that are quite unordinary for an ACU production. However, without it, the secret romance and workplace infidelity would not have felt nearly as real or believable. Aside from it many serious moments, Private Eyes also brought a helpful dose of humor. Quick witted verbal and situ-
ational humor dotted the two hour performance. The cast portrayed an interwinding, nonlinear tale of deceit with expertise. Nick Palmieri, senior theatre major from Amarillo, and Melanie Godsey, junior theatre major from Highland Village, were forced to play a variety of roles as their characters were also acting a play (in which Godsey’s character was also auditioning for a role). The audience was left not knowing what to believe as they were often told what they had just
seen was not reality, but instead part of a play or daydream. This was most noticeable when what the audience thought was a simple lunch turned into a daydream of revenge and dancing on tables. As much as I would like to see future department productions step away from the gimmicky play-within-a-play story line that was also so much a part of Noises Off, the cast and production crew managed to create a performance that was funny, thought-provoking and in all aspects very different from any-
thing previously seen on ACU’s stage. See the final performances this Friday at 7 p.m. as well as Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. After each performance there will be a talkback giving audience members a chance to discuss the play with its cast, crew and directors. Tickets can be purchased online, in person or by calling the ACU Theatre Box Office at 325-674-ARTS (2787). contact singer at dis08b@acu.edu
opinion
Friday 11.18.11
6
Editorial
Digital texts assist, hinder education Digital textbooks are no longer a futurist’s dream. Publishers are beginning to release books in a digital form. Students are more comfortable in a digital setting. And the devices are cost effective and user friendly. As with any new technology, some benefits are obvious. Digital textbooks open opportunities for collaboration, allow for constantly updated information and make education less of a top-down system. But the introduction of any new medium renders an element of an existing
medium obsolete. The old medium is not extinct, but its effect on society’s landscape is diminished and its contributions are muted. Radio’s glory days faded as television gained popularity in the 1940s. As we gained a visual medium we lost one well suited for disseminating abstract ideas. This cycle of gaining and losing is accelerating as technology evolves. We have little time to see the negative effects of a new technology before society accepts it as normal. It took decades for the majority of American
households to own a telephone, but less than one for iPods to saturate our culture. With technology moving at this rate, it will be only a few years before the book as we know it – and as Gutenberg knew it – finally will have to adapt to the 21st century. We have to consider the features that will be gained relative to those that will be lost as we move toward this new system of presenting information. We will miss the way a book feels and smells, but that is nothing compared to the possible detriment of
the new technology to student learning. Students will no longer have to comprehend the information they are given in order put it in their notes. They will be able to copy and paste with ease. Notes and sources for a paper can be compiled so easily that the student doesn’t analyze the text thoroughly. It is easy assume that possessing the information is the same as knowing it. That isn’t necessarily true. Readers will not need to have a clue about the context
Oh Dear, Christian College
Ben miller
the issue Digital textbooks will soon replace traditional learning materials in the classroom.
our take Along with benefits, digital textbooks offer weaknesses that may hurt a students’ education.
of the facts and terms they look to find in the digital text. The search feature will allow students to cherry pick excerpts off of their study guides. Each year more freshmen enter equipped with iPhones, making iPad textbooks the next step for our
wired campus. If we aren’t careful, we might get lost in the technology and inadvertently weaken students’ educational opportunities.
contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
column
Game quality trumps advertising campaign Ones and zeros
blane singletary
Letters
Two eagerly anticipated video games were released last week: Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3, and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. EA’s Battlefield 3 came out just weeks before. These games’ release dates have been etched into many gamers’ calendars, and their release has been watched by numerous media sources. They each sold millions of copies within days after being released. It’s no question that these games generated much hype. Many games before them have achieved this ominous status of becoming “game of the year” before they were ever released. These games seem to attract a huge following of wide-eyed gamers who camp outside a game words they were singing, in our culture have more store for a midnight release. of a disciplined and with hand over heart. But even if a game has a And in that moment, heartfelt response to the multimillion-dollar marit hit me. I have rarely familiar sports event, keting campaign, a trailer seen the crowd in Moody with its regular national directed by Michael Bay Coliseum so united, so anthem ceremony and ex- and special limited-edition respectful, so “into it” pectations, than the same exclusives for people who quiet during a Chapel crowd has for the God of pre-order, the quality of the moment. We often have the Universe who delights game determines whether or a great spirit and great in us as we meet Him for not people will keep playing participation in Chapel, daily Chapel. it after launch week. For regular Chapel-godon’t get me wrong. But For example, let’s take ers, then, I ask… When did a look at the previous inthis was different. This was the kind of America earn the right to stallment of the Call of disciplined yet heartfelt garner more respect than Duty franchise, “Black response that at first real- the God of the Universe? Ops.” This game had an ly confused me…How did How does your participation absolutely massive launch, this happen? What could in Chapel reflect the respect thanks mainly to the huge possibly have created that and gratitude that He is due? success of its predecessor, kind of desired response, It seems something may “Modern Warfare 2.” Game and how can we make have happened to us when companies hailed it as the that happen more often in we weren’t looking. 4,000-pound elephant in daily Chapel? the room and adjusted Sadly, I thought of one Jan Meyer their release dates accordanswer. I fear that many ACU staff member ingly so they wouldn’t have to compete with it. While its launch community was big, within months, some people began to trickle this new era of Wildcat Na- ate all of you and we need back to Modern Warfare 2. your support to take ACU It’s not that Black Ops was a tion Basketball. We hope to not only have Basketball to the top! flop by any means, but these We look forward to see- people viewed its predecesyour continued support and attendance at our games, ing you next Tuesday at 7 sor as the better game. but also hope to keep at- p.m. in Moody Coliseum In an example of true game tracting new people to join when we match up against community permanence, we us all in building ACU Bas- UT Permian Basin. see Valve’s Counter-Strike. ketball into a ChampionThis game franchise was reship Program. We appreci- ACU Men’s Basketball leased in 1999 and has only
Meyer: Offer daily Chapel respect It must have happened when I wasn’t looking. Surely I would have noticed…But I didn’t…until Friday. When did America earn the right to garner more respect than the God of the Universe? I was overcome with respect and gratitude this past Friday as together the ACU community and many visitors honored each branch of the military and the service personnel who are part of ACU. I was overwhelmed to listen and watch as the crowd responded to Rodney Johnson’s harmonica renditions of our Alma Mater and God Bless America. And I was proud, since both of my parents are Army veterans.
What surprised me was an unexpected observation. It came during the national anthem. From my vantage point on the floor of Moody Coliseum, I could see almost every part of the crowd, and this crowd was into the national anthem. Every person I could see was into the moment, standing out of respect (or habit, I’m aware) and singing. The in-between moments of song phrases that we all are so familiar with in Chapel… those ones where you often hear the sounds of people talking… were silent. There was a reverent spirit throughout the crowd. It was quite a moment. This crowd loved America and seemed committed to the
Team: Fan support spurs victory ACU Men’s Basketball wants to give a special thank you to the ACU students, staff and Wildcat basketball fans who came out to watch the Men’s basketball team last Friday and Saturday during our opening weekend. We were very fortunate to get out to a fantastic start of
the 2011 - 2012 season producing a 2 - 0 record largely because of your encouragement and support. We are dedicated and determined to continue to work everyday at providing a product that the ACU Basketball fans and supporters can be proud of. We are really excited about
received one sequel since then, which was really more of an update. But today, 12 years later, you can still find thousands of active servers filled with both veteran and new players. So what is Valve’s secret? Shortly after the game was released, they also released their very own development tools, free, so gamers could create new maps, characters and challenges. It’s this spring of user-created content that has kept the Counter-Strike community alive for this long.
“
Game companies hailed it as the 4,000-pound elephant in the room and adjusted their release dates accordingly so they wouldn’t have to compete with it.”
In contrast, Activision’s Call of Duty franchise is surviving on a new blockbuster release every year. It hasn’t released its development tools and in fact charge for downloadable map packs. If Activision were to announce it was completely pulling the plug on the franchise, how long would gamers continue playing it? There comes a time when hype means nothing and the quality of your product means everything. If a game company wants its game to be remembered in a good way it needs to focus on that quality, not the ad campaign, and then find ways to foster that connection with its audience for years to come.
contact singletary at sbs08a@acu.edu
Austin: Paterno’s inaction caused irreparable harm In response to the recent article in the Optimist about the firing of Joe Paterno I would like to present my reasoning for his firing being justified. I love JoePa as much as the next sports fanatic and I feel like he is my grandpa without ever meeting him. He’s built a great legacy on wins, morals and pride. Gwin in his article refers to Paterno as an “icon for the univer-
sity.” All of us who follow sports know that Paterno is bigger than just football. He is higher than the former athletic director, Curley and former president, Spanier. I agree with Gwin that Paterno is much bigger than football. But, that is just it, Paterno is bigger than football, he is more than just wins and losses. Gwin tells in the article it is not Paterno’s job to be in-
volved in the personal lives of students. This is where I kindly disagree. When JoePa recruits for his football team, he promises thousands of parents your boy is in my hands now! When the former graduate assistant came to Joe Paterno in the beginning with the allegations this is what the face of Penn State should have done when the graduate assistant ap-
editorial and Letter Policy Unsigned editorials are the opinions of the Optimist and may not necessarily reflect the views of the university or its administration. Signed columns, cartoons and letters are the opinions of their creators and may not necessarily reflect the viewpoints of the Optimist or the university. The Optimist encourages reader response through letters to the editor but reserves the right to limit frequent contributors or to refuse to print letters containing
personal attacks, obscenity, defamation, erroneous information or invasion of privacy. Please limit letters to 350 words or fewer. A name and phone number must be included for verification purposes. Phone numbers will not be published.
published by the department of journalism and mass communication editorial and management board
Address letters to: ACU Box 27892 Abilene, TX 79609 E-mail letters to: optimist@acu.edu
newsroom (325) 674-2439
proached Paterno with the allegations: Randy this is where you can put in your great phrase and I can quote you in the article “Our lives just got tougher, but we are in this together. I will protect you and I will put you under my wing and give you the best support I can to stop what you just saw.” But, that did not happen, Paterno just passed on the message knowing
that boys were being raped from eye witnesses. The face of Penn State could and should have done more to stop those horrific acts done by former assistant coach Jerry Sandusky. The nation of Penn State is in outrage and shock and rightly should be. The grandfather figure we all know and love so well who we have branded the face of Penn State did
nothing more to stop the injustice being done to children then pass a note on to a colleague. Joe Paterno cannot be the face of a university with the inaction he demonstrated in this ever developing case. Joseph Austin contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
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sports Jumps
FRIDAY 11.18.11
Washburn (9-2) vs. ACU (8-2) Game Preview
Offense
Defense
Intangibles
This game will feature two quarterbacks who are finalists for the Harlon Hill trophy, Division II’s Heisman, in Mitchell Gale and Dane Simoneau . Both have thrown for over 3,000 yards and complete about 60 percent of their passes.
Neither of these two defenses is top of the line, but the Ichabod D is better than ACU. Washburn ranks 56th in the nation while the Wildcats are 125th out of 150 teams. That stat can be deceiving, however.
The Wildcats got the best of the Ichabods in 2010 when the two teams met to kick off the season. ACU won 36-24 at Washburn, so the Wildcats should go into the game with confidence, knowing a win is possible.
Gale is third in the nation in total offense while Simoneau is right behind him in fourth. While passing might reign on Saturday, don’t overlook the run game. The Ichabods feature two running backs who have combined for more than 1800 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns this season. Of course the Wildcat rushing attack of Richardson, Brown and West has combined for 17 touchdowns as well.
Although ACU’s defense gives up a lot of yards, inside the 20-yard line, they are stout. They rank 13th nationally in red zone defense and have only given up 24 touchdowns in 42 opponent trips. Expect defensive end Aston Whiteside to cause fits for the Ichabod offensive line which has given up at least two sacks in six games.
ACU is also peaking at the right time. They have had arguably their best two games of the season the past two weeks putting up 40 and 61 points, respectively. This Saturday will be the fifth away playoff for Coach Chris Thomsen as the head coach of the Wildcats. The team is 1-3 in those four games with their only victory coming at Midwestern State in 2009.
Bryson Shake
Edward Isaacs For the sixth year in a row ACU is going back to the playoffs. Their first opponent is Washburn, whom they beat in 2010, 34-26. The Ichabods, like the Wildcats, are led by their quarterback Dane Simoneau who has over 10,000 yards
passing in his career. For the ‘Cats to win, the ACU defense must step up and make Simoneau’s job difficult. This is going to be a close ballgame but I see the Wildcats squeaking it out.
Pick: ACU 35-28
With the start of the playoffs comes a fresh mindset and clean, happy thoughts. And luckily for the Wildcats, they are playing their best football at the most opportune time. The Wildcats are riding the coattails of two big wins, and those should serve as a
Austin Gwin cataylst for the team. A balanced offensive attack and a few timely sacks will propel the team as Mitchell Gale and company embark on a journey that all hope lasts quite awhile.
Pick: ACU 31-17
Well the Wildcats accpomplished their goal: getting to the playoffs. Forget what happened in the previous 10 games. Every team gets a fresh start in the playoffs, and the Wildcats are peaking at the perfect time. Coming off two big
wins, the boys in purple and white should come out ready to play. ACU has been knocked out of the playoffs by an MIAA team the last three years. Don’t count on it happening in 2011.
Pick: ACU 27-21
Cross country
Susset receives region’s top award, will compete at nationals Saturday kristin goodspeed sports reporter Cross country runner Chloe Susset, junior business management major from France, was voted Women’s Athlete of the Year for the NCAA Division II’s South Central Region. The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association honored Susset with this award Tuesday, Nov. 8. Susset is the fourth Wildcat cross country member to receive the region’s top
tribute over the past three seasons, joining previous runners Anais Belledant (2010), two-time winner Amos Sang (2009, 2010) and Julius Nyango (2010). Susset and teammate Alyse Goldsmith, junior accounting major from Katy, will compete at the NCAA Div. II National Championships in Spokane, Wash., on Saturday. “I’m very excited for nationals,” Susset said. “I get to see some French people from the other teams that made it to the meet. I’ve never made
“
I’ve never made it to Nationals for cross country, and I’m just excited.” Chloe susset Junior ACU cross country
it to nationals for cross country, and I’m just excited.” Before the NCAA Div. II South Central Regional, Susset told herself that her reward for finishing in the top five would be buying warm clothes for the national tournament. She not only came in the
top five but won the meet with a time of 21:37.90. “The night after the meet, I treated myself to warm running outfits. I look forward to buying a dress for the national banquet. It’s going to be cold, and I have everything to be warm now.” Susset said she uses cross country as a way to train herself for the upcoming track season, which begins early in the spring semester. “I really don’t like cross country to tell you the truth, but I know this is
going to make me better for track,” she said. “I’m improving my time all the time and can see what’s going to happen for track.” Head coach Chris Woods said Susset has a tendency to fall to the ground when she finishes a race. “I’m done, so I have to lie down; it’s a habit I learned when I was young,” Susset said. Susset said she’s running at a faster speed this year. “I want to enjoy the trip, make my coach proud and bring my teammates to
the highest level. I want to place in the top 40 so I can be an All-American.” Woods said he doesn’t think Susset or Goldsmith have peaked yet, but with the way they’ve been running, the peak should be the next race. “I think they can be AllAmericans,” Woods said. “It won’t be an easy thing to do, but I definitely think it’s a possibility.”
contact GWIN at AGG07d@acu.edu
soccer
Series: Familiar foes to meet in California from page 8
DANIEL GOMEZ CHIEF Photographer
Sophomore forward Andrea Carpenter strikes the ball at the Wildcat Soccer Pitch. Carpenter has 33 points on season.
“We definitely have a lot of respect for Dallas Baptist,” Carpenter said. “They are a great team and have earned all they have received this year. Those are the type of teams that are fun to play.” The Patriots began the season going 5-4-1 over their first ten games, but quickly turned things around. Lea Sedwick and Danielle Presley, both of who are among the national leaders in points and goals per game, lead the Dallas Baptist offense, which averages 2.27 goals per game. For the Wildcats, Carpenter leads the offense with 15 goals and 33 points followed by junior forward Krysta Grimm, who has 10 goals and 26 points. “This is definitely exciting for our team to travel together and experience new things as a team,” Grimm said. Southern California could not serve as a more welcom-
ing host, as three players reside from the area. Senior midfielder Ashley Holton, transfer Stephanie Heron and freshman Olivia Englesman all hail from southern California. Wilson also grew up in the area, so he expects a solid Wildcat following this weekend. “I already feel like we have somewhat of a home-field advantage built in for our next match,” Wilson said. “I have a lot of friends and brothers who live out there that haven’t seen this team play yet, so it’s going to be exciting for them to get that chance.” Grimm echoed the unique opportunity that playing in California has for many fans. “It will be great for families to get to come out and watch when they’re not normally able to,” she said. “That will give us an extra boost and motivation to play well.” contact shake at bxs09a@acu.edu
men’s basketball
Record: Golding, team hoping to make statement from page 8 The Dust Devils have a talented team and will be looking to build off of last year’s success. This game will be an early measuring stick for the Wildcats after an impressive start to the season last weekend that undoubtedly
“
turned heads en route to We are looking to make a their 2-0 start on the young statement about where 2011-12 season. the program is.” “Coach always talks about how the good teams desmond woodberry are the ones that can win senior guard on the road, so we want to acu men’s basketball go down there and let our play speak for itself,” said put ourselves in the right guard Desmond Woodber- situation to be considered ry said. “We are aiming to a good team.”
Just three years ago, A&M International failed to win a single game all season. Now they form a talented basketball team that has rebuilt its program from the ground up. This matchup on Saturday could provide a sneak peek into the future of the ACU basketball program
that is looking to put aside past struggles and return to prominence in the Lone Star Conference. The Wildcats have dreams of winning the conference and being competitive throughout the year, so this game is an opportunity for the Wildcats to signal that they are
here to stay. “We are looking to make a statement about where the program is.” Woodberry said. “Every time we step on the court we plan to make a statement.
contact sloan at mes10b@acu.edu
sports
Friday 11.18.11
8
standings
soccer
Wildcats enter wild, wild West
football
Team
Div.
Ovrl.
MSU ACU WTAMU TSU TAMU-K ASU UIW ENMU Commerce
8-0 7-1 6-2 5-3 4-4 2-6 2-6 1-7 1-7
10-0 8-2 7-3 6-5 6-5 5-6 2-8 2-9 1-9
Team
Div.
Ovrl.
WTAMU ASU ACU TSU TWU Cameron TAMU-K MSU UIW
19-1 17-3 14-6 13-7 11-9 9-11 7-13 7-13 6-14
33-2 30-5 21-13 20-14 13-17 15-15 15-15 15-16 12-18
Team
Div.
Ovrl.
ACU MSU ENMU Commerce ASU WTAMU UIW TWU
13-0 9-4 6-5 6-6 5-6 5-8 3-7 1-12
19-1 14-6 8-8 8-9 6-9 9-10 5-7 1-14
volleyball
Women’s Soccer
briefings
DANIEL GOMEZ CHIEF Photographer
Junior midfielder Stephanie Heron prepares to kick a ball at the Wildcat Soccer Pitch Sunday against Midwestern State in the South Central regional title match. Heron is one of four current Wildcat soccer players that are from southern California, where the team is playing this weekend. way is Dallas Baptist (165-1), one of the hottest sports editor teams in the nation right now, whom the team will The No. 17 ACU women’s play Friday in Los Angeles soccer team is in unchar- at 4:30 p.m. Central Time. The Patriots enter the tered waters. For the first time in the program’s match after a 1-0 win over short five-year program Central Oklahoma and a 3-1 history, the team has win over Central Missouri. “Dallas Baptist is one of made it to the third round of the NCAA playoffs and the most talented teams in is a mere two wins away the country, hands down,” from heading to Pensa- said head coach Casey cola, Fla. for the national Wilson. “They are loaded with talent and present semifinals. Standing in the team’s challenges to every team
bryson shake
they face. We will have our work cut out for us.” At one point in the season, the Patriots sported a nine-game winning streak in which they outscored opponents 26-1 during the latter half of their conference schedule. “They have the ability to dominate and take over games, and quickly, so it will be key to establish the tempo of the game quickly so we’re not playing the game how they want to,” Wilson said. “They play at
a very high intensity and use lots of pressure in their defensive gameplan.” ACU defeated DBU 2-1 in overtime during their season opener on Sept. 1, and if the top-seeded Wildcats (19-1-1) can get past the Patriots again, they’ll face the winner of the match between Chico State and Cal State Los Angeles on Sunday. In the first game, Lone Star Conference Offensive Player of the Year Andrea Carpenter scored
volleyball
the game-winning goal in the 94th minute of play to propel the ’Cats to a 2-1 win to start the season. “We’ve definitely been watching film from our first meeting against DBU,” Wilson said. “More so as a reference because we’re both different teams than how we started the year, but it still helps.” The two teams are familiar with one other, as ACU leads the all-time series 4-1.
assistant sports editor It was a tale of two different half’s for the Wildcat volleyball team and the No. 1 seed University of Central Missouri on Thursday night, Nov. 17 at the NCAA Division II South Central Region Tournament in Missouri. The Wildcats won the first two games 25-22 and 25-21, respectively, but lost control of the match in the next three sets, which weren’t even close (8-25, 14-25, and 7-15).
The Wildcats came out of the locker room ready to upset UCM, and it showed from the beginning of the match. The first game ACU maintained a slim lead and had several short runs where they scored three straight points. Two kills by freshman Sara Oxford and an attack error by UCM’s Paula Harris made the score 10-7, ‘Cats. The Jennies would cut the deficit back to one at 11-10 when Jennie Hutt was charged with an attack error. ACU built its largest lead of the set on four straight points (16-11).
That was enough for the Wildcats to close the door on game one. Despite UCM recording six of the final 10 points, Kalynne Allen smacked a timely kill finishing the game, 25-22. Central Missouri jumped out to a hefty margin in the second game. The ‘Cats didn’t score a single point until UCM had already built an 8-0 advantage. The Wildcats showed resilience, however and showcased their most important comeback of the entire season. Down 9-1, the ACU squad
clawed its way back into the set at 15-15, using a 7-0 run to accomplish this feat. The Wildcats continued this momentum and ended the game on a service error by UCM’s Julia Bates. The last three sets were a heart breaker for the ‘Cats. The girls scored a combined 29 points in all three games which included only eight in set three. The Jennies, on the other hand, turned a complete 360 during this period. They went from not being able to hit the volleyball straight in game two to using perfect ball place-
ment and defense. The Wildcats hit .325 in games one and two compared to .023 in three, four, and five and had only five attack errors. UCM hit an impressive .374 in the final three sets. Sara Oxford led the ‘Cats with 13 kills. Jennie Hutt, in her last match as a Wildcat, had 10 kills and 12 digs. Senior Kelsie Edwards finished the night with 29 digs and was a key contributor to the ACU defense. contact isaacs at jei08a@acu.edu
men’s basketball
’Cats head to Odessa for tourney matthew sloan sports reporter
DANIEL GOMEZ CHIEF Photographer
Junior Antonio Bell drives to the basket at Moody Coliseum against East Central on Nov. 12.
The ACU men’s basketball team will head to Odessa this weekend to take on UT Permian Basin and A&M International in the UTPB Classic. The Wildcats are looking to build on their impressive 2-0 start when they play their first two road games of the year beginning Friday. ACU takes take on the UTPB Falcons Friday night in the first of two November matchups between the teams. ACU is preparing to show the world that their program has taken the next step, and they are ready to win a true road game. “Every time we step on the court we are looking to prove people wrong.” Senior Ben Warton said.
Jennie Hutt was voted to the Daktronics Volleyball All-South Central Region first team on Wednesday, Nov. 16. Hutt is one of seven players honored. It’s the first time she has received this award.
Vince Jarrett, former ACU golf coach and current ACU associate director of athletics, was selected for induction into the Golf Coaches’ Association of see series page 7 America Hall of Fame on Monday, Dec. 5.
ACU loses heartbreaker in five, end season in Missouri edward isaacs
Andrea Carpenter, Julie Coppedge, Ashley Holton, Elliott London, Lexi Stirling, and Lyndsey Womack were all named to the Soccer All-South Central Region first team on Tuesday, Nov. 15.
“We are all aware we got picked to finish last in the conference, so that is motivation. Coach has been talking about going on the road and winning, so it is a good opportunity for us to win and take another step.” The second game of the UTPB classic will take place Saturday afternoon against the A&M International Dust Devils. Coming off a 20-win season, A&M International will be the stiffest competition the Cats will see until conference play begins. “This game will help prepare us for the grind of the tough teams we will be playing in the Lone Star Conference.” Warton said. “We are motivated every night to go out and beat anyone regardless of their record.”
EX- FACTOR Chicago Bears wide receiver Johnny Knox recorded one reception for 18 yards and no touchdowns versus the Lions on Sunday, Nov. 13. The Bears won 37-13. Cincinnati Bengals running back Bernard Scott had 7 rushes for 38 yards and no touchdowns Sunday, Nov. 13 against the Steelers. The Bengals lost 24-17. On the year, Scott has 65 carries for 223 yards and a lone touchdown. Danieal Manning, Texans safety, fractured his tibia on Sunday, Oct. 23 against the Titans. He had surgery to repair the fracture on Monday, Oct. 24. Manning is expected to be out for four weeks.
Upcoming Men’s basketball plays in the UTPB Classic in Odessa Nov. 18 and 19. The first game for the ‘Cats starts at 7:30 p.m. The women’s soccer team will face Dallas Baptist on Friday, Nov. 18 in the N`CAA Third Round Post-Season Tournament. The game is in Los Angeles, CA at 4:30 p.m. (CT).
Football goes up against Washburn at 1 p.m. in Topeka, KS on Saturday, Nov. 19 for the first round see record page 7 of the NCAA playoffs.