acuoptimist.com
Optimist the
The Week in Review, page 5
Friday, November 19, 2010
Vol. 99, No. 26
1 section, 8 pages
CAMPUS
Abilene Educational Supply to close this May Kelsi Williamson Arts Editor
Abilene Educational Supply and Christian Bookstores will close its doors this May after 66 years of business. The ACU-owned entity, located on Campus Court next to the ACU Police station, offers teaching sup-
plies for both secular and church classrooms and serves a variety of customers, including local churches, homeschooling families, public school teachers and education majors. Anthony Williams, chief auxiliary services officer at ACU, said the university decided to close the store
following a year of low sales citywide. “Over the last year within the city, there’s been a significant reduction in retail sales,” Williams said. “AES wasn’t insulated from those effects.” According to Williams and the store’s manager, Denise Emery, an increase
in competition has also lead to the store’s demise. Williams said online shopping and catalog ordering are two ways many customers are now buying their educational supplies. Emery said the opening of Mardel’s, a regional retail Christian education store, two years ago also played
a huge role in AES’ decrease in sales. “Since Mardel opened, we’ve had 50 percent losses,” Emery said. Williams said AES offers a very unique shopping experience and its closing saddens the ACU management as well as its customers. Customers like Bayley
Williams, senior elementary education major from Coppell, are disappointed to hear about the closing. Bayley Williams said she usually visits the store about twice a semester for class project supplies. “Everyone’s really upset that it’s closing,” Bayley see AES page 4
ATHLETICS
’Tis the Season of Caring
NCAA sanctions require awareness Brandon Tripp
Sports Media Director
Two years ago the NCAA hit ACU Athletics with a slew of violations the university was accused of committing in 2007. Many of the violations included what the NCAA deemed as “impermissible inducements.” Since that time, the Department of Athletics has taken steps to improve the information available to fans, boosters and anyone the NCAA deems as “those with athletic interests.” ACU Athletic Compliance Officer Barry Pupella suggests boosters and fans alike refer to the ACU Athletics website if and when they have questions about what is and is not allowed under NCAA bylaws. “There is not much that is permissible,” Pupella said. “The laws go so far as to say that if it is not accessible to all students, it certainly is not for student athletes.” One point of confusion is whom the NCAA considers an “athletic booster.” The answer is, quite simply, just about everyone. Fans are classified as boosters, and whether or not you attend ACU sporting events or consider
JOZIE SANDS // Online Editor
Brandon Monroe, graduate student from Arlington, sits in the back of the Season of Caring truck in the Williams Performing Arts Center parking lot on Thursday, the last day to donate items.
Month-long service opportunity encourages giving Story by Jeff Craig
ACU students have had the chance to give to find used goods and purchased new back to the Abilene community through goods from area retailers. Jordan Miller, freshman math eduACU’s first annual Season of Caring. The university concluded the col- cation major from Boerne, volunteered lection portion of Season of Caring on at the truck collecting people’s donaThursday. A truck collecting clothes, tions. She said she felt called to serve blankets, toys and non-perishable and help those in need during the holifoods was parked on the corner of day season. “I love helping people and getting Judge Ely Boulevard and E.N. 16th Street throughout the week. Students out there to work,” Miller said. “Love rummaged through their dorm rooms and Care Ministries is a really good
cause, and we should help those in our community as much as we can.” Oriana Gonzalez, senior marketing major from League City, is part of a group of marketing students helping with Season of Caring. She said giving students the opportunity to help those in need allows them to become more involved with the community. see TRUCK page 4
see RULES page 4
CRIME
STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION
Bike thefts increase, frustrate police Congress passes bill to fund race
Since Aug. 1, 36 bicycle thefts have been reported. Page 2 Editor Fourteen bikes were reported Walk by a bike rack on stolen in October alone, and campus during the day, between Nov. 1 and 12 there and it is almost certain to have been 11 reported thefts. “Bike theft on a colhave bikes crammed into lege campus is a relatively every available space. So it should come as no common problem, though surprise that bicycle thefts not to this extreme,” said are a common problem on ACU Chief of Police Jimmy campus. In recent months, Ellison. “We think we have STACY ACTON // Staff Photographer however, this problem has Students in front of the Campus Center attempt to secure grown considerably. see THEFTS page 4 their bicycles with locks because of recent thefts.
Alan Cherry
website
inside news Many students have been scheduling appointments at ACU’s Medical Clinic in recent months for allergy relief. page 3
opinion The Editorial Board discusses the great Thanksgiving debate: Turkey or Ham?
also passed a resolution to publicize the driving Editor In Chief policy and a resolution to In its last meeting of the support the Environmensemester on Wednesday, tal Society as it organizes Students’ Association Earth Week activities. SA also decided to Congress passed a bill to help fund student, faculty conduct its student surand alumni participation vey during the week after in the Dallas White Rock Marathon. SA Congress see RUN page 4
Linda Bailey
weather video Watch video featuring students, faculty and staff giving to the Season of Caring donation truck.
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Abilene Christian University
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Campus Friday, November 19, 2010
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calendar & events Friday
Purple Friday Sale in the Campus Store 11 a.m. Praise Day in Moody Coliseum
20
Saturday
7:30 p.m. Mother Teresa is Dead
21
Sunday
10 a.m. Camp Barkley Dog Park opens in Nelson Park
8 p.m. Amahl and the Night Visitors
22
Monday
11 a.m. Chapel in Moody Coliseum 6 p.m. Men’s basketball game at home against Dallas Christian College
7:30 p.m. Mother Teresa is Dead 8 p.m. Inception in Cullen Auditorium
follow us on Twitter: @acuoptimist // become a fan on Facebook: The Optimist
announcements Mother Teresa is Dead, the Department of Theatre’s Cornerstone production, shows at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 16-20 in Fulks Theatre. For ticketing information call (325) 647-2787, or visit www. acu.edu/theatre. Amahl and the Night Visitors The ACU Opera will perform Gian-Carlo Menotti’s opera at at 8 p.m. Nov. 20 in the Williams Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children and students. Christmas Vespers Concert The ACU Department of Music presents the Christmas Vespers Concert at 8 p.m. Dec. 5 at the First Baptist Church of Abilene. For more information call (325) 674-2199, or visit www.acu.edu/music. IEH Sing Song Students who wish to join the IEH Sing Song act may attend an informational meeting at 8 p.m. Nov. 18 in Bible Building Room 115. Students do not have to be a part of one of the
multicultral groups on campus; any student may join the act. Taste of China The Chinese Students and the Students Association have teamed up to give the ACU community a “Taste of China.” From 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Living Room of the Campus Center, students can taste and judge different Chinese dishes. Tickets are $5 at the door. Contact Kelly Zhou at kxz08a@acu.edu for more information. ACUltimate, the university’s ultimate frisbee club, meets at 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Interested students can contact Kyle Thaxton at krt06d@acu.edu. Purple Friday Sale On Nov. 19 the Campus Store is offering a 25% discount on Purple apparel (some exclusions apply). Doorbuster prizes will also be available from 7:30 to 10 a.m. Dallas White Rock Marathon Students wishing to run the Dallas
White Rock Marathon or Half-Marathon can sign up with ACU to receive a $20 rebate, a free ACU running shirt and a free pre-race party. Register to run the race at www. runtherock.com. To participate with ACU visit www.acu.edu/whiterock Turkey Throwdown The women of Delta Theta are sponsoring a doubleelimination flag-football tournament Nov. 18-21. Each team member will receive a T-shirt. All proceeds will be donated to Meals on Wheels to help feed hungry families during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. FCA, the ACU chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, meets at 9 p.m. every Thursday in the Living Room of the Campus Center. ACU Choirs The ACU choral department is looking for students to join the University Chorale for the spring semester. Men are especially encouraged to join. Interested students may register for the Univer-
sity Chorale (MPEV 202-01) with their advisers. The course meets from 1 to 1:50 p.m. MWF. Contact Dr. Sean Pullen at sean.pullen@acu. edu or call (325) 674-2108 for more information. Empowerment Encounter Jeanene Reese, Jerry Taylor, Janelle Sands and others will lead the discussion “Being On a Christian Campus Does not Make You A Christian” at 7 p.m. on Nov. 30 in Bible Building Room 117. Inception will show for free at 8 p.m. Nov. 19 in Cullen Auditorium. Doors open at 7:40 p.m. Big Purple Band Concert The Big Purple will perform in concert at 8 p.m. Dec. 2 in Cullen Auditorium. For more information call (325) 647-22199. Ghana Benefit Concert The College of Biblical Studies is presenting a benefit concert at 7 p.m. Dec. 6 to raise money to complete a schoolbuilding in Ghana. For more information, e-mail Dr. Jerry Taylor at taylor@bible.acu.
ACU Police Tip of the Week With holiday breaks coming up, do a safety check of your vehicle (belts. hoses, fluids, tires) before starting your road trip home for the break.
Police Log Edited for space
Tuesday, Nov 9 10:50 a.m. Someone reported the theft of their bicycle. 12:20 p.m. Someone reported the theft of their iPod touch. 10:35 p.m. Someone reported a man wearing all black clothes asking for money and a ride in the Mabee/Edwards parking lot. ACU Police checked several parking lots but were not able to locate the subject. Wednesday, Nov. 10 12:15 a.m. ACU Police assisted Abilene Police with a subject who had outstanding warrants. The subject was arrested by Abilene Police and transported to Taylor County Jail. 8:20 a.m. Someone reported the theft of their bicycle. 9:20 a.m. Smeone reported a suspicious man wearing a maroon sweater and dark pants who was aggressively flagging down motorists for rides. Officers checked the area but were unable to locate the subject. Thursday, Nov. 11 9:30 a.m. Someone reported the theft of their bicycle. 10:30 a.m. An ACU Police Officer saw two men knocking on multiple doors at University Park apartments. The officer made contact with the two men who stated they were magazine sales consultants. The officer advised them that a permit is needed to sell inside the City of Abilene and to stop all contact until a permit is obtained. 12:45 p.m. Someone reported
the theft of their bicycle. 8:11 p.m. ACU Police assisted Abilene Police with a domestic disturbance in the 3300 block of West Lake Road. Friday, Nov. 12 5:52 p.m. Someone reported the burglary of his vehicle. 7:20 p.m. Someone reported that a person on the criminal trespass list was in Powell Fitness Center. The subject was transported to Taylor County Jail for violation of a criminal trespass warning. Saturday, Nov. 13 2 a.m. ACU Police received a call about a noise violation in the 2200 block of Campus Court. An officer contacted the tenant and requested they turn down the music. 8:45 p.m. An ACU Police officer stopped a driver whose left front headlight was out at the corner of EN 16th and Campus Court. The officer issued a verbal warning. Sunday, Nov. 13 2 a.m. Someone called ACU Police to report someone was in her house in the 600 block of EN 16th. ACU Police searched the outside and inside of the house but were unable to locate anyone. Monday, Nov. 14 1:57 p.m. Someone reported the theft of their bicycle.
Report all suspicious activity to the ACU Police Department at (325) 674-2305.
Chapel Checkup 80 11
Credited Chapels to date
Credited Chapels remaining
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volunteer opportunities Windcrest Alzheimer’s Care Center needs volunteers Nov. 29 to Dec. 3 to help pull out Christmas decorations and decorate the facility for the upcoming holiday season. E-mail Chris Stephenson at CLStephenson@
Sears-Methodist.com or call 325-692-1533 to arrange a day and time to volunteer.
and help with some special projects. Contact Nancy Hartline at 325-671-4945.
The Dyess Youth Center needs help with a Ping Pong Exhibition from 4 to 6 p.m. every Friday. Volunteers will preside over tournaments and help with an exhibition for the students. Transportation will not be provided, nor can volunteers have any sexual assault charges or charges pending. For more information, contact Sheri Frisby at (325) 696-4797 or e-mail sheri. frisby-@dyess.af.mil.
The Center for Contemporary Arts needs a gallery assistant to help with exhibit setup and preparation, as well as an administrative assistant. The work can be done any time 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Tuesday - Friday. Call (325) 677-8389 or e-mail info@center-arts.com for more information.
Mesa Spring Healthcare Center needs volunteers from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. any day of the week to help with fun activities for the residents, including playing instruments, calling bingo and sitting and talking with them. All help is appreciated. Contact Laura Reynolds at (325)692-8080 or lgreynolds@sears-methodist.com. Ortiz Elementary School Library would like volunteers Monday-Friday to help check in and shelve books,
The Dyess Youth Center needs volunteers from 4 to 6 p.m. every Monday - Friday to assist students with homework in the areas of math, science, English and history. Transportation will not be provided, nor can volunteers have any sexual assault charges or charges pending. For more information, contact Sheri Frisby at 696-4797 or e-mail Sheri. frisby-@dyess.af.mil. Aimee’s Art Studio is seeking volunteers from 9-10 a.m. or 1:30-2:30 p.m. Tuesday to assist with homeschool fine arts classes. No formal art skills or training is required. The studio is a
five minute walk from ACU’s campus. For more information, contact Aimee Williams at (325)672-9633. The Oakridge Church of Christ needs volunteers from 1 to 5 p.m. Nov. 20 to organize grocery goods into boxes and deliver them to families. Volunteers need a vehicle and driver’s license, or may come with someone who does. The event will take place at 3250 Beltway South. E-mail Emerald Lemmons at emeraldlemmons@ gmail.com if you would like to help. Contact him ahead of time so they know how many people to expect. Meals on Wheels needs volunteers to deliver noon meals to seniors and adults with disabilities. Routes are available 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Monday - Friday. Volunteers must be at least 18, with a valid driver’s license, auto insurance and a desire to serve. Training is provided. Students may be exempted from one Chapel per week if delivery time conflicts with Chapel. Contact Elizabeth Rodgers at erodgers@mealsonwheelsplus.com.
CAMPUS NEWS
November 19, 2010
O Tannenbaum
LOCAL
West Texans battle allergens Laura Gasvoda Staff Reporter
DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer
The university finished decoratiing its Christmas tree in the Robert D. and Shirley Hunter Welcome Center last week.
Page 3
Allergies are a concern for many ACU students each year, and this fall has been no different. The ACU Medical Clinic has treated several patients for symptoms including itchy eyes, itchy ears, runny noses, sinus drainage, congestion and coughs. Dr. Ellen Little of the Medical Clinic said the number of patient visits has been especially high in recent weeks. “We had the most students coming in around mid-October, although numbers have remained high through early November,” Little said. Abilene pollen levels are currently “low-medium” and have been at this level since Nov. 4, according to pollen.com. The levels the site uses to cat-
egorize allergens in the air are low, low-medium, medium, medium-high, and high. High pollen concentrations range from 9.7-12 parts per million and low levels from 0-2.4 ppm. Abilene pollen levels have reached levels of up to 8.0 ppm, or mediumhigh, in the last 30 days, causing many Abilene residents and ACU students to experience sinus troubles. The allergen levels were particularly high from Oct. 19-25, with levels peaking at 8.0 ppm on Oct. 25, according to the website. Dr. Little and Medical Clinic staff saw the effects as students came to the clinic for help with allergies and asthma. The Medical Clinic usually suggests overthe-counter medicines first, but if symptoms persist the Medical Clinic
can prescribe prescription drugs, and even special nose-sprays with steroids for serious cases. Inhalers and prescription drugs like Singulair are often prescribed to treat asthma. “The cases are very individualized,” Little said. “There are a variety of drugs that may be used to treat the patient.” The Medical Clinic will also administer allergy shots, although it does not conduct allergy shot testing. The Medical Clinic refers students interested in completing allergy testing to the Allergy & Asthma Clinic of Abilene. Some students prefer to return to their hometown to conduct tests, Little said. “Most people prefer the less expensive options, such as over the counter drugs,” Little said. “But if
a student has a prescription for allergy shots we can administer them.” Abilene residents have experienced some relief recently with a drop in allergen levels in November, Little said. Pollen levels were labeled at lowmedium on pollen.com. Alice Guerra, junior Ad/ PR major from San Antonio, receives weekly allergy shots at the Medical Clinic. “I am allergic to Texas,” Guerra said. “I am congested year round. After I first started getting the shots my roommate asked if I was sick because my voice sounded so different. I was like, ‘No, this is my real voice!’” The ACU Medical Clinic is also available for information and can be contacted at 674-2625. contact Gasvoda at
lag08a@acu.edu
CAMPUS
Students to start College Libertarians group next spring just to see and come and talk shop, a lot of economics jarPage Designer gon,” said Colin Barnard, seYoung Republicans and Col- nior political science major lege Democrats have been from Abilene. “And I went, active student groups at ACU then we met a few more times for years, but a new group of and a lot of kids came. The students thinks more than first meeting we had about 15 two political parties should or 20 students.” “It was cool to meet be represented on campus. The College Libertarians are some new people and to taking the first steps toward give people a place to go building a new on-campus to get a conversation goclub, and they want to know ing. I feel like the Optimist only discussed two candiwhat students are thinking. “It was just a group that dates running for governor decided to meet, kind of off- of Texas when really there the-record to begin with, but were more candidates anymore of an educational group, one could have voted for, so Bailey Neal
we talked a lot about that,” Barnard said. The group agrees that its intention is not to push the Libertarian party on anyone, but to be available as another option for political discussion. “Mostly we just want to be there if anyone’s ever interested in becoming a Libertarian, we just want to be available,” said Mackenzie North, junior history major from Bedford. “We just want to discuss our similar interests.” Barnard said the group does not necessarily want to be just another group
like College Democrats or College Republicans. “We don’t really want to endorse the Libertarian party necessarily,” Barnard said. “We just want to promote a place where people can come and have conversation and discuss the sides and issues. We feel that’s more important than having any yelling battle.” “We’re considered to be classical Liberals, so in that sense, I guess that would lean more to the right than the left – the group that believes in smaller government – but your personal life and beliefs
are totally your own, to us,” North said. Charles Brazell, senior history major from Tyler and the group’s president, said College Libertarians does not exist just to promote the Liberal party. “Our purpose is really to serve as a forum to discuss libertarian ideals and concepts, so we are kind of shying away from anything that denotes a certain political party or agenda or platform,” Brazell said. “We’re not promoting a political party so much as just educating the student
body on certain ideas. We are not on a team against the college Republicans or Democrats. We’re not any sort of activists or seeking anything.” Brazell said he can be contacted at cfb08a@acu.edu. The College Libertarians are anticipating official status as an on-campus club beginning next semester. More information on the group and meeting times can be found on the ACU Libertarians Facebook page. contact Neal at
bmn07a@acu.edu
FROM THE FRONT
Page 4
November 19, 2010
SERVICE
Truck: Students give back for holiday season Continued from page 1
“We’re pretty connected here in the ACU community,” Gonzalez said. “But as students we are a part of one of the biggest things in Abilene, so we need to focus on helping others.” Brittany Ellis, sophomore family studies major from Fort Worth, and Dakota Easdon, sophomore accounting major from Cleburne, donated old clothes, stuffed animals and shoes at the truck on Wednesday. Ellis said working with organizations like Love and Care Ministries is important, especially during the holidays. “Jesus gave to whoever he saw in need,” Ellis said. “God tells us to do
at Arrow Ford will go with the stuff we collect.” For students who missed the truck on campus, Love and Care Ministries will be collecting goods for Mission Thanksgiving at Arrow Ford all day Friday. Season of Caring runs through Dec. 15, and students, faculty and staff can volunteer or donate at any time. More information about Love and Care Ministries can be found at lcmin.com, or by calling 670-0246. More information about the university’s participation in a Season of Caring can be found on the event’s Facebook page.
what Jesus did, and this is just a small part.” Easdon said participating in Season of Caring is not only helpful to the community, but also to those who decide to give. “It leaves you with a good feeling inside,” Easdon said. “It’s nice to know that people in need can enjoy the things you don’t use.” Scott Stewart, publicity officer for ACU’s Service Action Leadership Team, said he hoped the charitable goods collected in at the Season of Caring truck would help Love and Care Ministries with its charitable efforts this holiday season. “Our truck is ACU’s version of Mission Thanksgiving,” Stewart said. “The stuff we collect
DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer contact Craig at
jrc07d@acu.edu
Jason Groves with university marketing and Parker Gordon, freshman music major from Weatherford, carry a donated television onto ACU’s Season of Caring truck Thursday.
CRIME
Thefts: Police report increase in stolen bikes Continued from page 1
a specific problem on top of just the generic college bike theft issue.” Ellison said about half of the thefts this semester have targeted bicycles that were not locked to racks or poles. “Sometimes a student will just find an unlocked bike and get on it and ride it from point A to point B, but that’s not what we’re deal-
‘‘ ’’
ing with here,” Ellison said. “What we’re dealing with is someone who is coming onto campus with the intent to steal bicycles.” Most of the thefts reported to the ACU Police have come from bicycles that were on campus, although several thefts have occurred at Smith-Adams Hall, Barrett Hall and other areas off-campus. Jill Dougher, junior AD/PR major from Irving,
STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION
What we’re dealing with is someone who is coming onto campus with the intent to steal bicycles. JIMMY ELLISON // Chief of the ACU Police Department
woke up three weeks ago to find her bike missing from its usual spot in her carport. She said while her other roommates had their unsecured bikes
right next to hers, her bike was the only one stolen that night. “My bike was the closest to the driveway,” Dougher said. “It was still under the
carport, but if a person were to have walked up they would have gotten to my bike first.” Dougher’s roommate had her bicycle stolen a few weeks later. “We should have learned to lock them up, but we didn’t.” Douger said. In light of the recent upswing in bike thefts, ACU Police has tried to increase its presence around the bike racks, although
the random times and locations of the thefts have made it difficult to establish a trend. “It has admittedly been frustrating for us not to be able to catch somebody and stop this rash of bike thefts,” Ellison said. “That’s why we depend on the public to see that suspicious activity and report it.” contact Cherry at
arc07a@acu.edu
Run: SA agrees to help fund marathon runners Continued from page 1
GRANT STEPHEN // Staff Photographer
COBA Representative Rachel Kinnaman, proposes a bill to help fund the Dallas White Rock Marathon for ACU personnel.
Thanksgiving break. SA Congress granted no more than $2,000 toward the Dallas White Rock Marathon. College of Business and Administration Representative Rachel Kinnaman, senior management major from Abilene, presented the bill. She said money would help fund ACU T-shirts, a pre-race pasta dinner and help subsidize part of the cost of
ATHLETICS
the race for the runners. SA is also raising funds and finding sponsors to help with some of the costs. It funded the same race last year. If SA covers some of the marathon costs, Kinnaman said more people are likely to participate. Chief Financial Officer Carson Henley, junior biochemistry major from Colleyville, said more participation will create community and fellowship at ACU. SA Congress also passed
a resolution to publicize the new driving policy. Senior Senator Scott Adrian said it was unfair to expect students to follow the driving policy if the changes are not publicized. Adrian, senior political science and communications major from Glendale, Calif., said he has scheduled meetings to talk with the administration about publicizing the policy and said he plans to present a bill next semester to change the driving policy.
SA also passed a resolution to support the Environmental Society with its Earth Week events. Zona Luce Representative Samantha Futrell presented the resolution. Futrell, sophomore environmental science major from San Angelo, said Earth Week will raise awareness for recycling on campus and have an impact on reducing waste on campus. contact Bailey at
ljb07a@acu.edu
CAMPUS
Rules: Players, coaches comply with guidelines Continued from page 1
‘‘
yourself a fan as a student, you are. “It’s very unusual,” Pupella said. “If you’re a student at ACU you’re considered a booster – any staff member, faculty and anyone who has provided any support to athletics whatsoever.” Even though the NCAA is incredibly restrictive on what boosters can and cannot provide, there are a few things that are allowed under bylaw 16, according to both Pupella and ACU athletic director Jared Mosely. “There are things you can do like occasional meals in the home,” Mosely said. “We just try to make sure that it is usually no more than a couple times a month.” The NCAA does not specifically outline what “occasional” means. It leaves that up to the individual institutions. Pu-
If you’re a student at ACU you’re considered a booster – any staff member, faculty and anyone who has provided any support to athletics whatsoever. BARRY PUPELLA // ACU athletic compliance officer
pella said the Department of Athletics does ask that any booster or fan notify the department so it can have proper documentation of the event. The department does direct mailing campaigns and frequent e-mails to educate fans and boosters about NCAA regulations, but Pupella said letting coaches, players and students know about the regulations is the first line of defense. He also said boosters, fans and anyone with athletic interests should call if any questions arise. “Call us,” Pupella said. “That is the biggest thing.
’’
The golden rule of compliance is: always ask before you act.” In addition to calling with any questions, more information about ACU’s compliance with NCAA standards and protocols can be found online at w w w. a c u s p o r t s . c o m / sports/2009/7/19/Compliance_Home.aspx. Information regarding NCAA policies for athletes, students and coaches can be found online at www.ncaa.org/ wps/wcm/connect/public/ ncaa/issues. contact Tripp at
bjt07a@acu.edu
DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer
Abilene Educational Supply held a book sale in the McGlothlin Campus Center last week, offering books at a discounted price. The bookstore will be shutting its doors in May.
AES: Abilene bookstore begins to liquidate goods Although the majority of AES merchandise will no longer be offered by Williams said. “It’s so con- any ACU entity, Anthony venient because it’s right Williams said the Camhere on campus. Every pus Store will likely pick time I’ve gone in there up some of the Christianthey’ve been really friendly themed products. AES has already begun and helpful.” Continued from page 1
to mark down many of its supplies and will continue similar sales to liquidate its remaining merchandise throughout the next semester, Anthony Williams said. contact Williamson at
kkw07a@acu.edu
Arts
November 19, 2010
Page 5
Abilene Events FRIDAY-SATURDAY Dearly Beloved 7:30 p.m. Abilene Community Theatre
FRIDAY-SATURDAY A Christmas Carol 7 p.m. Behrens Auditorium Hardin-Simmons University
FRIDAY-SATURDAY The Great Cross Country Race 7:30 p.m. Little Theatre McMurry University
FRIDAY-SATURDAY 4-H District Food Show All Day Taylor County Expo Center
FRIDAY-SUNDAY The Nutcracker Varying Times Paramount Theatre
photos by DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer
Above: Frances, played by Ashley Parizek, comforts and consoles Melanie Godsey’s character, Jane, in spite of her poor life decisions; Below: Parizek taunts Huynh for his behavior and confronts him about his relationship with Jane.
A good (not great) world Special Contributor
M
other Teresa is Dead. That’s one of those thoughts that doesn’t normally float through your mind. When it does, you’re reminded there is a little less good in the world than when she was alive. In ACU’s 2010 Cornerstone Production, Mother Teresa is Dead, we are offered a microcosm view of the fallen world we live in through the production’s four main characters: a crazy bleeding heart, a bigot, a womanizer, and a martyr. When Jane (Melanie Godsey, sophomore from San Antonio) decides she is not fulfilling her life’s purpose by raising her child and living the life of a consumer in England, she decides to run away to India where she can truly commune with people who have almost noth-
ing. Godsey’s voice belies a character absolutely overcome with emotion, pain and indecision – the constant upward lilt and barely pronounced consonants lend her voice an ethereal, confusedly angelic tone. Her movements punctuate her speaking with bursts of rapid gesticulations or a series of intensely penitent poses. Michael Siemek, junior from Colleyville, plays Jane’s husband, Mark, a racist, nationalistic man who seems to consider yelling a pastime. Siemek fully inhabits the role, always sitting on the edge of whatever seat he’s in, pacing across the stage, switching his anger on and off in the exact manner of a man exhausted from traveling from England to India in hopes of finding his missing wife. He truly shines in his heated exchanges with the manipulative Srinivas (Dom Huynh, junior from Beaverton, Ore.). Huynh begins as a near Dumble-
dore – wise and wiry – and cool under pressure, but he quickly devolves into more of a John Tucker (I’m sorry) as we see him playing off Jane’s feelings of guilt to seduce her. Also, I have to mention the fistfight between these two jagged egos. So cool. The only real voice of sanity in the play is provided by Frances (Ashley Parizek, junior from Dublin, Ohio), the matronly yet feisty proprietor of the house where the play takes place. She mediates as best she can between each incompatible personality and gives sagely advice when appropriate. However, this wisdom breaks down when she tries to apply it to her own life, and she proves to be self-destructive and nearly helpless. This is not a depressing play. Mother Teresa is Dead presents a world where great things are not possible, but good things are. At the end of the play, when all of the sex and
SUNDAY 3 p.m. Radford Memorial Auditorium McMurry University
ACU Events FRIDAY-SATURDAY Mother Teresa is Dead 7:30 p.m. Fulks Theatre Williams Performing Arts Center
SATURDAY Amahl and the Night Visitors 8 p.m. Recital Hall Williams Performing Arts Center
NOV. 19 Free Movie - Inception 8 p.m. Cullen Auditorium
aggression is spent, the four men and women sit and meditate together – a scene that is all the more powerful because of the anger and desperation that precedes it. Great acting, tastefully simple costuming, and the best ACU set I’ve seen in years
all bring to life this story of broken people striving to find their places in a moving world.
Kelsi Williamson & Stacy Acton
COURTESY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC
The Wise Men – Dean Willis, Chris Rogers and Clinton Perdue – perform during ACU’s opera, Amahl and the Night Visitors. Amahl, played by Anne Marie Rauscher, junior music major from Amarillo, is known for his tendency to exaggerate and speak in tall tales. Rauscher uses her soprano voice to play the 10-yearold Amahl with a childlike sense of hope and innocence. These characteristics are further captured by Rauscher’s excellent comedic timing, which
helps to enhance Amahl’s struggle with truth. Julie Dieltz, senior vocal performance major from Sioux Falls, S.D., perfectly fulfills the role of Amahl’s mother with her soaring voice and sad expressions. Out of desperation and in fear of living the life of a beggar, Dieltz sings with forlorn strength. Her struggle between choosing to do what is right and pro-
tecting her family sets the scene for Amahl to act out in loving protection and further display the goodness of his character. The Wise Men, played by Dean Willis, sophomore vocal performance major from Abilene; Chris Rogers, freshman vocal performance major from San Antonio; and Clinton Perdue, vocal education major from Mesquite, add comedy to the
DEC. 2 Big Purple Band Concert 8 p.m. Cullen Auditorium
DEC. 6 Ghana Benefit Concert contact McMichael at
djm05c@acu.edu
ACU Opera performance breaks with tradition While the plot may follow a traditional holiday story, this year’s ACU opera, Amahl and the Night Visitors, is not your traditional opera. A combination of The Nativity Story and A Christmas Carol in lyrical form, Amahl was the first opera written for television in America. The one-act opera aired live on NBC in 1951 for an estimated five million viewers. Writer Gian-Carlo Menotti based the story line on the traditional story of Jesus’ birth, highlighting the travels of the three kings (or Wise Men) and their encounters with the young crippled Amahl and his mother. At the time of their introduction, the kings are on their way to visit the baby Jesus, and Amahl and his mother are barely scrimping by in life and on the verge of becoming beggars. The ACU Department of Music has already performed Amahl twice in the past week, and will have its final performance this Saturday night. Because the opera is double cast, the following review may not highlight some of the cast members in the final performance.
8 p.m. Abilene Civic Center
McMurry University Wind Ensemble
ACU Department of Theatre presents Mother Teresa is Dead David McMichael
SATURDAY Comedian Brian Regan ‘Live Nation’ Tour
opera that is both surprising and refreshing. They pace the hilarity within certain scenes, complementing and emphasizing Rauscher’s naïve humor throughout the production. The voices of the Wise Men blend in tight harmony and create a chant-like quality in many songs. With a minimal set and traditional first-century costumes, the opera’s settings resemble a church Christmas pageant in some ways. And while plot themes may turn a bit corny in places, perhaps this is the unexpected element necessary to transform an ordinary opera into a memorable and classic performance – simultaneously breaking from and highlighting tradition. The Department of Music will perform Amahl and the Night Visitors for the final time at 8 p.m. Saturday in the Williams Performing Arts Center. Amahl will be played by Bree Hembree, freshman vocal performance major from North Richland Hills, and Amahl’s mother will be played by Jillian Nelson, senior vocal education major from Keller. Tickets are $5 for children and students and $10 for adults. contact Williamson at
kkw07a@acu.edu
7 p.m. Chapel on the Hill Onstead-Packer Bilblical Studies Building
App of the Week We Doodle Games
HHHI If you’re creative and competitive, you’ll love We Doodle – the app that lets you draw and challenge your friends to guess at the identity of your masterpiece. We Doodle is pictionary/ paint for the mobile generation. The app provides word choices for users to draw and share with their We Doodle friends. These friends are then given a time limit to try and guess what word describes the drawing. Whether you play leisurely or with the intent to pictorially demolish your opponents, We Doodle offers countless hours of finger drawing entertainment. Available for the iPhone, iTouch and iPad for free on iTunes.
New Releases Harry Potter and the Dealhly Hallows, Part 1 (Warner Bros.)
Nov. 19
Made in Dagenham (Nigel Cole)
The Next Three Days (Lionsgate)
Nov. 19 Nov. 19
Tangled (Walt Disney Pictures)
Nov. 24
Opinion
Page 6
EDITORIAL
November 19, 2010
Turkey, ham face off at Thanksgiving The bird is the word at Thanksgiving
I
f someone were to say the word “Thanksgiving,” probably the image that pops into your head is a nice, plump turkey wearing some pilgrim clothes. That’s because the turkey is the iconic, multigenerational Thanksgiving symbol. Society has even gone so far as to nickname Thanksgiving “Turkey Day.” When Norman Rockwell was painting iconic American pictures for covers of the Saturday Evening Post, he painted a family gathering for Thanksgiving dinner. And what was the centerpiece of the table and the painting? You guessed it – a roasted turkey. The trophy handed out to the winner of the NFL’s annual Thanksgiving Classic is a bronze sculpture of a turkey. When most families sit down at the dinner table, or in front of the TV, or wherever they celebrate the holiday, the centerpiece and main feature is the turkey. Having a Thanksgiving with no turkey would be like having Christmas with no decorated tree, Halloween with no costumes or pumpkins, or the Fourth of July without fireworks. You could do it, but why would you? The turkey gives families the opportunity to spend a day together cooking and preparing a feast. Finally getting to eat all of your hard work is just gravy. Side dishes like cranberry dressing and stuffing are perfect complements to the main turkey meal. With turkey, you get the choice of white or dark meat – both of which fall apart in your mouth, provided the bird was
This Thanksgiving, countless families will sit down at the dinner table and either stuff themselves on turkey or ham. But which one of these main dishes is truly better? The Optimist Editorial Board sat down and discussed the pros and cons concerning these mainstays of Thanksgiving, but after much heated debate we came to an impasse. So now it is up to you to decide which is truly the best. By Morgan Davis
The Funny Funnies
cooked properly. There are numerous ways to cook a turkey, and when the main feast of the day is done, you can have leftovers for days. Of course, a full thanksgiving feast would not be complete without all the side dishes and desserts. Rolls, gravy, mashed potatoes and deviled eggs are necessary evils of the meal to round out the food pyramid and our bellies. Turkey is not only the iconic choice for Thanksgiving, it is also the healthy choice. Turkey is a lean meant, low in fat and high in protein. If you discard the skin, it is probably the healthiest thing on most family’s tables during the meal. But then there is the
ham. With ham, all you get is fatty, clogged arteries. Ham, especially the prepackaged ones many people buy, is high in sodium, fat and cholesterol – thanks to the sugary honey glazes most distributors baste them in. Admittedly, ham is delicious and succulent and probably the best sidekick a turkey dinner could ask for. After all, Thanksgiving is a time for family, and many families have children – children whose pallets haven’t matured enough for the taste of a delicious turkey. It is nice to pacify them with sugary sliced ham and cheesy macaroni while they sit at the kid’s table and play with their food, leaving turkey for the adults.
Pig: Thanksgiving’s next top hog
T
he time has come that we sat down and talked turkey about why turkey is clearly inferior to ham. For years, cooks across the country have slaved away working on the timely and often dangerous task of cooking turkey. Last year, Allstate reported 15 homes were burned to the ground by people trying – and failing – to deep-fry their turkeys. And who knows how many people have fallen asleep at the wheel after all that tryptophan? With ham, all you have to do is pick it up from the grocery store and stick in the oven. No messing around with the disgusting insides or the trouble of stuffing it.
Just think about what you are doing to that poor bird. Ripping its legs open, gutting it, then shoving all sorts of things about the bird’s bum before finally tying it up and burning it. And let’s be honest, how often do you get a nice juicy piece of turkey – isn’t 95 percent of that bird dry? Then you get to enjoy dry turkey sandwich after dry turkey sandwich for the next four weeks. Then you get to repeat the whole process at Christmas. Ham is so much simpler, and there’s no need to improve its already succulent flesh with stuffing. At most, all you have to do is add a little glaze. You could be spending time with your families
with all that time you save – and isn’t that what the holidays are all about? Besides, turkey is such a controversial food source. Who gets the legs? Who gets the dark meat? Who gets the breast? And that one item that causes fights across tables every year: who gets to break the wishbone? Ham’s taste is uniform. Every slice is just as good as the last. And think of your poor four-legged furry friend. Would he appreciate a nice big juicy hambone to gnaw on, or skinny little bird bones that break apart in his throat and kill him? Eating ham is necessary to keep pig populations in check! Turkey’s are such pea brained creatures, they drown themselves by looking at the sky while it rains. A sow can have up to 20 piglets in a year, and those reach maturity in less than five months. It’s our duty to keep their population down by eating them. And along with all that, traditional Thanksgiving is a misnomer anyway: the date has been changed so many times that the only semblance to the original is the fact that people enjoy stuffing their guts. So if turkey is hailed as the prime Thanksgiving food, why were the pilgrims so happy about King Massasoit and the native Americans bringing in five deer for them to eat? From the very beginning, turkey was shoved to the side to make way for better meat. If you’re tied down to a traditional Thanksgiving, then why is the football game on? What’s this cranberry sauce on your plate, and how much pie are you shoveling in your mouth, turkey eaters? Thanksgiving has changed so much over the years, and we shouldn’t still be stuck with such a fowl main dish. contact the Optimist at
jmcnetwork@acu.edu
COLUMN
More of the same political games on Capitol Hill Homeskool Validictorian
a tough time to be an incumbent. The Republicans saw a 61-seat inBy Jeff Craig crease to take the House, I guess Washington just and incumbent senators were dropping like flies. doesn’t get it. The American people Midterm elections should always be consid- made it clear: “Old Washington” needs to go. But ered a refboth parties are already erendum showing signs of ignoron the staing such a perfectly clear tus quo – a mandate. chance for You would think the the AmeriDemocrats would have can voting seen the writing on the populace Craig wall better than anyone. to issue a The Dems were victims of thumbs up or thumbs down on its rep- a bloodbath at the polls, and Speaker Nancy Peloresentatives. The 2010 election was si’s House was the prime-
editorial and letter policy Unsigned editorials are the opinions of the Optimist and may not necessarily reflect the views of the university or its administration. Signed columns, cartoons and letters are the opinions of their creators and may not necessarily reflect the viewpoints of the Optimist or the university. The Optimist encourages reader response through letters to the editor but reserves the right to limit frequent contributors or to refuse to print
letters containing personal attacks, obscenity, defamation, erroneous information or invasion of privacy. Please limit letters to 350 words or fewer. A name and phone number must be included for verification purposes. Phone numbers will not be published. Address letters to: ACU Box 27892 Abilene, TX 79699 E-mail letters to: optimist@acu.edu
target. However, on Tuesday, the Democrats chose to keep Pelosi in power by electing her incoming minority leader. The Republicans did the same thing, electing Rep. John Boehner of Ohio as the incoming Speaker of the House. Boehner earned the praise of his GOP colleagues with his passion and vigor in opposing President Obama and the Democrats’ health care bill. But Boehner, a House member for nearly two decades, is just more “Old Washington.” He has a history with lobbyists, even going so
We’ve been flip-flopping executive parties since Ronald Reagan left office, and the House and Senate are on the same roller coaster ride. far as passing out checks from lobbyists on the House floor in 1996. Our so-called “representatives” have shown us they have a chronic case of selective hearing. I really don’t think we should be surprised, though. Congress and the presidency are on one heck of a roller coaster ride. We’ve been flipflopping executive parties
Optimist the
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since Ronald Reagan left office, and the House and Senate are on the same roller coaster ride. We never see the real change we all want in Washington because we never look at tangible results. We base our election decisions on pretty words and promises. Politicians always break our hearts because we hold them to their campaign promises rather
than their track record. We elect a candidate because he or she promises bipartisanship, when most of the time their track record tells another story. The only way we can elect the politicians we want is to educate ourselves and look at the true story. Because the candidate who kisses the most babies and hugs the most senior citizens is not always the best candidate. And the candidate who promises change may just be another political heartbreaker. contact Craig at
jrc07d@acu.edu
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FROM SPORTS
November 19, 2010
Page 7
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
Turnover-prone Wildcats plummet to 0-3 start Ryan Cantrell
Sports Multimedia Editor
The Wildcats dropped their home opener 105–91 against Texas–Permian Basin, unable to overcome 35 turnovers. The loss drops the Wildcats to 0–3 on the season as the Falcons improved to 3–0. “When you look at the stat sheet, we are not going to win the game giving up 25 offensive rebounds and 35 turnovers,” head
‘‘ ’’
coach Shawna Lavender said. “We have a lot of players that are still trying to learn to play with each other.” ACU had two players score at least 25 points, but even that was not enough. Sophomore guard Kelsey Smith was 15–21 for the game, scoring 32 points. Freshman guard Mack Lankford added 25 points. The Wildcats were tied at halftime 47–47, despite outshooting the Falcons in the first half. The game
this level,” Lavender said. “The girls are learning, The girls are learning, and we have a lot of comand we have a lot of petitors on this team.” competitors on this team. The Wildcats have been SHAWNA LAVENDER // head coach plagued with turnovers this of the ACU women’s basketball team season, committing 25, 31 stayed close in the sec- 73. The Falcons answered and 35 turnovers in their ond half as the Wildcats by going on a 15–2 run first three games, respecled with 15 minutes left at over the next five minutes tively, leading to a 0–3 start. “Obviously we are 60–59. The Falcons then to put the game away. The went on a 13–4 run to re- Falcons cruised to an 106– disappointed on how we have started,” Smith said. gain the lead at 72–64 with 91 victory. “It is about becom- “We feel that most of the 13:04 left to play. ACU fought to get back ing more disciplined and mistakes we are making is in the game and cut the understanding what you because we are young, so Falcons lead to two at 75- have to do to compete at we are working on taking
care of the ball and maturing as a team.” Smith isn’t kidding about the Wildcats being young with three freshman and two sophomores starting against Permian Basin. The Wildcats are a young team that will grow this year. ACU will be back on the court next Tuesday in San Antonio when it takes on St. Mary’s University in a non-conference game. contact Cantrell at
jrc07f@acu.edu
CROSS COUNTRY
FOOTBALL
Region runners head up north
Mosley to present Div. I options
Bryson Shake
Assistant Sports Editor
After winning its unprecedented 20th-straight Lone Star Conference Championship two weeks ago, the ACU men’s cross country team will head north to the South Central Regional Meet Saturday in Warrensburg, Missouri on the campus of the University of Central Missouri. ACU has won nine of the last 11 regional championships and will be gunning for another Saturday. Head coach Chris Woods said there is no reason why his team can’t come out on top once again. “I am in a blessed position right now,” Woods said. “I’ve got a terrific team, and I see no reason why we shouldn’t win the meet Saturday. From top to bottom, I’ve got a strong core group of runners, and I’m anxious to show them off in Missouri.” Momentum is also in the ’Cats’ favor, as they are coming off two wins at the LSC Championship Meet and the Naimadu Pre-Conference Meet. “I feel like we’re running really well right now and not trying to go beyond what we’re capable of, but rather run our own race,” Woods said. “If we continue that Saturday, we’ll be in great shape.”
The men’s team is led by two-time defending champion Amos Sang and seniors Cleophas Tanui and Romain Rybicki. “This is my last opportunity to compete in regionals, so, obviously, I want to do well,” Sang said. “Also, I feel like we have a very special group of runners this year, so the expectations are higher as a team. We’re going to do all we can to qualify for nationals.” For the five freshmen competing for the first time at a meet of this caliber, they are looking to soak in every minute of it and learn all they can, freshman Gary Duncan said. “I’m here to execute my role on this team so we have the best opportunity to win,” Duncan said. “I consider it a blessing to have someone like Amos on our team who we can look at as someone we should strive to be like.” The women’s team is led by junior Anais Belledant and sophomores Chloe Susset and Alyse Goldsmith. The top three men’s teams and top two women’s teams will automatically qualify for the NCAA Division II national meet. The top two men and women not on automatically qualifying teams will qualify to run at the national meet. contact Shake at
bxs09a@acu.edu
Austin Gwin Sports Editor
The possibility of ACU moving up a weight class into Division I sports has been lingering around for the last few years. Another step might be taken to make that possibility a reality. On Friday, ACU’s athletic director, Jared Mos-
ley, will present to faculty members about ACU’s current state of athletics in Div. II and the advantages and disadvantages of making a move elsewhere. After the presentation, which will last about 25 minutes, Mosley and President Phil Schubert will field any questions the faculty might have.
One option that could be in ACU’s future is the Div. I FCS Southland Conference. The University of Texas-San Antonio and Texas State University announced last week they officially would be leaving the Southland Conference for Div. I FBS Western Athletic Conference. That leaves two slots open in a
Div. I conference that includes schools geographically close to ACU. Regardless of what the athletic department decides to do, the process of ‘going Div. I’ is a long one, and wouldn’t officially happen for at least a few years. contact Gwin at
agg07a@acu.edu
FOOTBALL
Harlon: Gale’s stats boast talent
‘‘ ’’
Stephen Gachette of Southwest Baptist University; Gale said. “This is more and Taylor Harris of West Texas A&M University. about the team than me.” Joining the list of starThe voting process for the award is already well studded quarterbacks in under way with the regional Super Region Four is runvoting having already been ning back Josh Birmingcompleted. Just 24 players ham from Central Oklaremain in the competition, homa University. Gale is the only sophoand only eight will remain after Nov. 19 when two re- more represented in the gional finalists will be cho- region and one of three sen to move on to the na- sophomores nationally. Even so, many believe tional voting process. Gale is one of three Gale to be a front-runner to Lone Star Conference make it out of the regional players nominated as re- voting and to be one of the top three finalists. gional finalists. Gale is statistically one Other nominees in Super Region Four who are in of the top quarterbacks in competition with Gale are the country. He ranks third fellow quarterbacks Blake in the nation in passer efBolles of Northwest Mis- ficiency with a rating of souri State University; Eric 167.33. His two intercepCzerniewski of the Univer- tions on the season are sity of Central Missouri; the nation’s lowest for a Continued from page 8
It would be really great to get there ... I just hope I’m there with all my teammates. MITCHELL GALE // Harlon Hill finalist and ACU quarterback
quarterback, with at least 200 pass attempts. He also ranks in the top-10 in most other major statistical passing categories, giving him an edge over many of the other quarterbacks in the running. Of the 24 players selected as finalists, 15 are quarterbacks, seven are runningbacks, one is a wide receiver and one is a linebacker. Once the final eight finalists are chosen, a committee of 100 members will vote on the three national finalists.
Those three will receive an invitation to the Harlon Hill dinner on Dec. 15 on the North Alabama campus in Florence, Ala. – Harlon Hill’s alma mater. The winner will be announced at the dinner, and the other two candidates will not know what position they finished in. “It would be really great to get to be there,” Gale said. “I just hope I’m there with all my teammates.” contact Tripp at
bjt07a@acu.edu
TRACK AND FIELD
Young: Gold medal race influenced by whistle were there participating with me, a great number of the U.S. Olympic Trials in them had been at the prePalo Alto, Calif., and earn vious Olympics.” The race began, and the a spot on the United States United States team jumped Olympic team. Then he made his trip out to an early lead. Young took the baton from teamto Rome. “It was overwhelm- mate Jack Yerman and ing, and awesome,” Young began his leg of the race, said. “The athletes that maintaining the U.S. lead Continued from page 8
with the German runner closing the distance. “And I know this sounds crazy with a stadium of 100,000 people, but I heard Coach Jackson’s shrill whistle from the stands,” Young said. “And that was, ‘Get your backside in gear, Earl.’” Young held the U.S. lead, and Otis and Glenn
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Davis finished off the Germans as the U.S. team set a new record with a time of 3:02:37. Since then, Young has taken the things God has done in his life and put them to practice by telling his story on numerous occasions. In Chapel, Young spoke about the importance of
seeing God as an active part of your life and recognizing the plan he has for your life – no matter how much you stray. “You can see later on in life where he kept you out of trouble and had a positive effect on you,” Young said. After Young’s presentation, Dr. Phil Schubert pre-
sented him with an award commemorating his gold medal win 50 years ago. “It has been a great honor and a great treat for me to come back to this university,” Young said.
contact Tripp at
bjt07a@acu.edu
Sports
Page 8
Standings FOOTBALL SUPER REGION IV Team Div. Ovrl. ACU TAMU-K NWMSU Cen. Mo WTAMU Mo. W. St.
6-0 5-1 9-0 8-1 2-4 5-3
11-0 10-1 9-1 9-2 3-8 8-3
MEN’S BASKETBALL Team Div. Ovrl. WTAMU 0-0 0-0 UIW Tarleton St. 0-0 0-0 ENMU Angelo St. 0-0 ACU 0-0 MSU 0-0 TAMU-K 0-0
2-0 2-0 1-0 1-0 1-0 1-1 1-1 0-2
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Team Div. Ovrl. WTAMU 0-0 Tarleton St. 0-0 UIW 0-0 Angelo St. 0-0 ENMU 0-0 MSU 0-0 TAMU-K 0-0 ACU 0-0
2-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-1 0-2 0-2 0-3
VOLLEYBALL
November 19, 2010
Wildcats stave off injury, rally to upset Austin Gwin Sports Editor
It got a little dicey for theWildcats in Thursday’s first round regional match against thirdseeded Truman State, but the Wildcats scored points when they mattered most and won a five-set thriller over the Bulldogs. ACU won the first two sets and looked well on its way to winning the third when the unthinkable happened. While ahead in game three, Setter of the Year Ijeo-
ma Moronu badly hurt her ankle, and head coach Kellen Mock was forced to pull her. Substitute Caley Johnson, a freshman, filled in. “Caley really stepped up and played well when she was in,” said student coach Daniel Graves. “Just not having I.J. on the floor really frazzled everyone.” The Wildcats went on to lose the third and fourth games. In the fifth, Moronu played the entire game after being on the court sparingly in game four. She proved her
grit and led the Wildcats to victory, 15-10. Despite the injury Moronu dominated the stat line with 39 assists, 14 kills and eight digs. “I’m getting treatment,” Moronu said of her injury. “I will be ready to go tomorrow for the Washburn game.” The Wildcats will play Washburn on Friday at Central Missouri. Game time is set for 5 p.m. contact Gwin at
agg07a@acu.edu
DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer
Shawna Hines reacts after scoring a point earlier this year.
TRACK & FIELD
Golden Anniversary 50 years later Earl Young remembers Olympic gold win Brandon Tripp Sports Director
Briefs n Freshman
soccer star Andrea Carpenter was named the Daktronics South Central Region Player of the Year on Wednesday. Carpenter scored 22 goals and 48 points, both LSC records. Junior Ashley Holton was also named to the team after a 14-goal season for the ’Cats.
n ACU football playoff tickets are now available for purchase for next weekend’s game. Tickets can be purchased via phone, at acusports.com or at Moody Coliseum’s north ticket gate. Tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for students with a valid ID.
Player Profile n Kelsie Edwards, a junior libero from from Highlands Ranch, Col., has had a solid season for the volleyball team this year. She has 428 digs and Edwards is averaging over four digs per set, both team highs. The junior has started in every game her last two seasons. She was named to the LSC Commissioner’s Honor Roll for her hard work as a student athlete last year.
Upcoming n Cross
Country will run in the South Central Regional Meet Saturday in Warrensburg, Mo.
men’s basketball team will host Dallas Baptist University at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 22.
DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer
Gold medal winner Earl Young speaks in Chapel. Wednesday marked the 50th anniversary of Young winning the gold medal at the 1960 Rome Olympic Games in the 4x400 relay.
see YOUNG page 7
FOOTBALL
Gale named a finalist for Harlon Hill Brandon Tripp Sports Director
ACU quarterback Mitchell Gale has been named a regional finalist for the 2010 Harlon Hill Award, given to the nation’s best Division II football player. The Harlon Hill Award was first given in 1986 to recognize the best player in Div. II that season. The award is named for former University of North Alabama star tightend Harlon Hill, who played from 1950-1953. He was drafted from then Florence State College to the Chicago Bears in the 15th round of the 1953 NFL Draft.
“Harlon Hill was kind of a no name from our community,” said committee chairman Jeff Hodges. “He was given a chance in the NFL and won rookie of the year awards, one of the first small college guys to make it big.” During the award’s 24year history, only one ACU Wildcat has done what it takes to win the nation’s most prestigious Div. II award – Bernard Scott. Scott played just two seasons with ACU after transferring from Blinn Junior College in Bryan. Scott was nominated for the award both seasons he played at ACU. His first year he took home second place, finish-
ing behind NFL running back Danny Woodhead. The following year Scott ran away with the competition, securing 66 of the 100 first place votes. Should Gale be nominated as a national finalist, it would be the fourth time in ACU history a player has made it to the national voting stage. Bernard Scott did it twice in 2007 and 2008, and former ACU quarterback Rex Lamberti did it in 1993. “It’s an honor, but I couldn’t have done anything without the other guys on the offense, special teams, and defense,” see HARLON page 7
All-LSC South Selections
n The
n The women’s basketball team will play St. Mary’s University at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 23.
Former Olympian and ACU alumnus Earl Young was back on campus 50 years after he became the youngest track athlete ever to win a medal at the Olympic Games. “It was a great honor to have him on campus,” athletic director Jared Mosely said. Young, who spoke in Chapel in Moody Coliseum on Wednesday, was part of the 4x400 American relay team that captured the gold at the 1960 Olympics in Rome, Italy. “It is hard to imagine it was really 50 years ago,” Young said. Young was recruited to ACU by former head coach Oliver Jackson in the late 1950s. Until Jackson showed up in California to meet with Young and his father, Young had never thought about attending ACU. But that all changed when Jackson flew out to California with former ACU Wildcat and three-time gold medal winner Bobby Morrow.
“They called my dad and we had lunch together,” Young said. “He had never seen me run. I am not sure what he saw, but I’m glad he saw it.” As it turns out, Young was getting some help without even knowing it. Three months after arriving on campus, he learned his grandmother had sent a letter to Jackson without his knowing about it. “She said she had a grandson who had been raised Church of Christ who was a pretty good track hand, and would he consider me for the track team,” Young said. His grandmother was right. Young grew nearly four inches after coming to ACU and started to develop the physic of a track star. Even as a freshman, though, there was no talk of Young even competing in the Olympic Trials. “As a freshman I would run about a 49.6 400,” Young said. “But my sophomore year I was running a 46.6 400.” Those three seconds he shaved during that year helped Jackson make the decision to get Young to
Second-team defense
First-team offense
First-team defense
• Mitchell Gale (Offensive Back of the Year) • Edmund Gates (Wide Receiver of the Year) • Royland Tubbs (co-Offensive lineman of the Year • Emery Dudensing • Ben Gibbs • Trevis Turner • Matt Webber
• Aston Whiteside (Defensive Lineman of the Year) • Marvin Jones • Kevin Washington • Courtney Lane • Fred Thompson
• Donald Moore • James Williams • Darien Williams • Mark Sprague
Second-team offense
• Chris Thompson
• Kendrick Johnson • Neal Tivis
Coach of the Year DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer
Wildcat quarterback Mitchell Gale is a finalist for the prestigious Harlon Hill award, given to the best Div. II player in the nation.