Winter Wardrobe New look arrives with cooler weather vol. 100, no. 27
friday, december 2, 2011
1 SECTION, 8 PAGES
Arts page 5
photos by mandy lambright staff Photographer
Left: Lindsey Adams, sophomore worship ministry major from Mesquite, and David Gasvoda, sophomore English major from Houston, browse display tables full of local goods at a Locavore club event in Cullen auditorium on Thursday. The film Farmageddon was shown and Backwater Opera, a folk band, performed.
Honors
Honors college to study in New York City zane goggans contributing reporter The ACU Honors College is offering “A Cultural Pilgrimage” – a visual and performing arts Maymester course in New York City. The Study America oneweek course is an exploration of artistic and cultural highlights of downtown New York. Students will spend the majority of their time in Manhattan and some time in New
Jersey going to museums, painting, sculpting and possibly taking an acting class. Two professors will lead 12 to 15 students through their pilgrimage: Dan McGregor, assistant professor of art, and Dawne Swearingen, assistant professor of theatre. “This is the first time the Honors College has taken their spring trip to New York,”said Kelsey Evans, administrative and events coordinator for Honors College. “They’ve taken other trips
to places like Boston, North Carolina and Atlanta.” The course will count as one Honors colloquial credit. A certain number of colloquial credits for honors students are required in order to graduate with honors. Other colloquial credit courses this semester include global warming, film and modern culture. A vampires course will be offered next semester. Each credit is equal to about 15 total hours of class time, Evans said.
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I’m excited to grow with other honor students and get an in-depth feel of New York City.” Rachel Winkelman freshman graphic design major from Chandler, Ariz.
Rachel Winkelman, freshman graphic design major from Chandler, Ariz., is looking forward to getting to see New York City for her second time. “I want to go to muse-
ums, Broadway shows, the arts district and Times Square again,” Winkelman said. “I’m excited to grow with other honors students and get an in-depth feel of New York City.” Winkelman liked the idea of a one-week, credited trip. “I know that Art was going to Oxford in the summer, but I saw that one of the art teachers was going to New York, so that helped,” Winkelman said. “Only one week is good for me because I’d like to go home this summer.”
The price of the trip is about $500. Students deposit $100 with their application and $400 sometime in the spring. The Honors College will provide lodging in New York. The application deadline is Friday. Honors students may apply in Zellner Hall. “Anyone in Honors can go,” Evans said, “but we can only take 15.” contact goggans at zdg08b@acu.edu
organizations
Student organization coordinates Latin dance competition keyi zhou class reporter
daniel gomez chief Photographer
Students participate in a Zumba class in the Royce and Pam Money Student Recreational and Wellness Center. The class is available
Students will have the chance to learn Latin dance moves, burn some calories and support the Student Dietetic Association on Saturday at ACU’s first Zumbathon. Students can pay $10 for early registration or $15 at the door to participate in the dance-off that will place at the Royce and Pam Money Student Recreation and Wellness Center from 10 a.m. to noon. All money raised will fund members of the Student Dietetic Association to attend national and state nutrition and dietetic conferences. Seven instructors will lead Zumba individually, each using their unique dancing styles. Zumba is a
Latin-inspired dance and fitness program that blends red-hot international musical styles, according to the website of the Zumba Fitness company, which was founded by the dance’s creator, Beto Perez. The workout involves more than just dancing – true Zumba meetings provide healthy snacks and inform attendances about proper diet after their exercise. The idea for the Zumbathon came from Bethany Downing, senior nutrition major from Abilene, who is a certified Zumba coach and a member of the Student Dietetic Association. She has been teaching Zumba for almost two years and is now coaching at the Rec Center. She thought hosting Zumbathon would be a good way to raise funds
for the association. “I love Zumba,” Downing said. “It is such a good exercise. It’s a celebration of music and movement.The mission of the Zumbathon is to promote wellness through movement and nutritional awareness.” Downing said the opportunity attend conferences is important to nutrition majors. She hopes students will come out to support the Student Dietetic Association. “It means a lot for us,” Downing said. “Going to those conferences opens the door for more future career opportunities.” Downing expected over 100 to attend. She said she knows some people are afraid of dancing in public, but the purpose of the Zumbathon is to let people have
fun, burn the calories and get know other people who have the same interests. Greta Porisch, sophomore elementary education major from San Antonio, attends Zumba class at the Rec Center twice a week and said she really enjoyed it. She said she hopes to go to Sunday’s event. “It is a good work out and a lot of fun,” Porisch said. “I may ask a friend to go to the Zumbathon with me.” The Zumbathon is open to all Abilene community members. People interested can purchase tickets at the Campus Center. The first 25 registrant will get a free shirt and the next 50 will get a Zumba bracelet.
news
contact zhou at kxz08a@acu.edu
inside sports
opinion
video
Senior Jennie Hutt’s named volleyball All American Thursday
Read the editorial board’s tips for studying for final exams
Open Mic Night cultivates New research proves open expression “freshman 15” a myt4
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page 6
Abilene Christian University
acuoptimist.com
page 3
Friday 12.02.11
02 Friday
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All Day - Season of Caring
Saturday
11 a.m. Praise Day in Moody Colisium 7:30 p.m. Amahl and the Night Visitors in the Williams Performing Arts Center Recital Hall
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All Day - Season of Caring
Sunday
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All Day - Season of Caring
10 a.m. Zumbathon in the Student Recreation and Wellness Center
6 p.m. Amahl and the Night Visitors at University Church of Christ
2 p.m. Women’s basketball at Texas Women’s University
7:30 p.m. Galaxy Christmas Social
Monday
All Day - Season of Caring 7 p.m. Society of Physics Students at Monk’s Coffee Shop
6:30 p.m. Men’s basketball vs. Southwestern Adventist University
Chapel checkup
Announcements ACU Opera will present Amahl and the Night Visitors Thursday and Friday at 7:30 p.m. in the Williams Performing Arts Center Recital Hall and on Sunday at 6 p.m. at University Church of Christ. Tickets cost $5 for students and $10 for adults and will be available at the door. All proceeds from the Sunday performance will be donated to the Abilene Christian Service Center.
Campaigns can sign up in the SBC office located in Room 31 in the lower level of the CamThe Royce and Pam Money Stu- pus Center. For more infordent Recreation and Wellness mation about campaigns that Center will offer free group still need members, or to sign exercise classes all day Dec. up, contact jls07e@acu.edu. 12. Classes include Circumference, Yoga, Zumba, Bootcamp, World Wide Witness is still Capoeira and more. receiving applications for The ACU Bands Winter Concert Summer 2011. For more inwill take place Thursday from Students not cleared for com- formation visit www.acu. 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. in Cullen Audi- mencement by Dec. 13 will not edu/worldwide-witness. torium. Admission will be free. be allowed to participate in the commencement ceremony. Students in need of tutoring A Zumbathon will take place Saturday from 10 a.m. - 12 The Christmas Vespers Concan visit www.acu.edu/tutorp.m. in the Royce and Pam cert will take place at First Students interested in par- ing to find tutoring informaMoney Student Recreation Baptist Church located at 1333 ticipating in Spring Break tion for their department. and Wellness Center. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Tickets can be purchased in the Campus Center. The Zumbathon will feature seven instructors from around Abilene. The Zumbathon is a fundraiser for the ACU Student Dietetic Association.
N. 3rd Ave. Dec. 10 from 7:30 9 p.m. Admission will be free.
66 05 @acuoptimist The Optimist optimist@acu.edu
Police Log Police Log
Weekly Stats for Nov. 22 - Nov. 30, 2011
11/23/11 2:20 a.m. ASSIST: ACUPD assisted APD with a loud noise disturbance call in the 400 block of Somerset Place. One person was arrested for minor in consumption of alcohol and disorderly conduct. 11/26/11 8:43 a.m. HARASSMENT: An ACU student reported receiving of an unsolicited, sexually explicit text message from an unknown person. 11/27/11 2:25 a.m. ACCIDENT: ACUPD assisted APD at the scene of a motor vehicle crash in the 1300 block of Ceder Crest Drive. 11/27/11 7:30 a.m. WELFARE CHECK: ACUPD and APD conducted a student welfare check in the 1500 block of Avenue D.
Police Tip of the Week: With winter weather approaching, have your vehicle checked for winter readiness. Check your antifreeze levels, belts, hoses and tires. Better to be safe than sorry.
Accident - 1 Administrative Activity - 9 Alarm - 1 Alcohol Incident - 1 Assist - 1 Barricades - 1 Bicycle Patrol - 4 Building Lock/Unlock - 6 Check Building - 28 Citation Issuance - 1 Criminal Mischief - 1 Disturbance - 1 Found Property - 1 Harassment - 1 Information Report - 3 Investigation Follow-Up - 7
Lost Property - 2 Medical Emergency - 1 Monitor Facility/Lot - 1 Motorist Assist: Other - 1 Motorist Assist: Unlock - 3 Other - 6 Parking Violation - 2 Patrol Vehicle: Maintenance - 5 Patrol Vehicle: Refuel - 3 Report Writing - 2 Suspicious Activity - 2 Theft - 1 Traffic Stop - 3 Welfare Check - 1 Total Events: 105
Volunteer Opp0rtunities Volunteers are needed Saturday from 1 - 5 p.m. to help low-income families receive free family portraits for the holidays. For more information visit www.facebook.com/seasonofcaring.
ing, computers and games. The center is located at 2102 Ambler Ave. For more information contact Bret Hines at 325-670-9727. Call ahead to schedule a time to volunteer.
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 through Friday, help wrap toys in the President’s Dining Room or help deliver toys during Christmas on the Streets Dec. 12 - 14. For more information or to sign up visit www.facebook.com/seasonofcaring.
After-School Reading Group needs volunteers to read to/with Taylor Elementary School Children Monday-Thursday from 3:15 - 4:30 p.m. at University Church of Christ. For more information call C.G. Grey at 325-668-2842. Volunteers can chose one or more days a week to come.
Windcrest Alzheimer’s Care Center needs volunteers to help decorate the center for Christmas through Friday, anytime between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. For more information contact Chris Stephenson at 325-692-1533 or email activities@windcresthc.com 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. The House That Kerry Built is looking for volunteers to assist in the day care of medically fragile children any day Monday-Friday from 8:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Contact Dave Kraly at 325-676-3104 or email medicalmoose@sbcglobal.net for more information. Access Learning Center is looking for volunteers to help elementary school kids with homework, read-
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.
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 information 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.
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.
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.
Meals on Wheels Plus needs volunteer drivers to deliver afternoon meals to seniors and adults with disabilities Monday-Friday between 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Drivers must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license. Training is provided. A Chapel exemption is available if delivery time conflicts with Chapel. Contact Jessica Stewart at 325-6725050 or email volunteer@mealsonwheelsplus.com.
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 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
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. College Heights Friendship House needs child mentors Monday - Thursday from 3 - 5 p.m. Contact Dusty Garison at dusty@wecareabilene.org for more information.
3
campus news
friday 12.02.11
Student’s Association
SA talks Chapel, basketball, office hours farron salley news anchor “Good morning and welcome to Chapel,” jokingly began the unlikely visitor and guest speaker during Wednesday’s Students’ Association meeting. Congress reconvened after the Thanksgiving holiday to meet with Mark Lewis, the assistant dean of spiritual life and chapel programs, and to discuss office hours, the Christmas Basketball Slam and the congress member of the month. Lewis said a strong pres-
ence of Christianity was on campus, although at some point, many other places had it too. “What we have found is over time, universities relegate Jesus to a seminary,” he said. “It’s kind of what happens in a university environment.” Lewis went on to explain that one distinction between culturally Christian schools and culturally secular schools is whether the school had a mandatory Chapel program. Congress members questioned Lewis about the 55-credit program, the selection of forum speakers and
the effectiveness of Tuesday and Thursday Chapels. “The policy used to be one absence allowed per week,” Lewis explained. In 2003, it was changed from an absence-based system to a credit-based system, which required fewer days of Chapel attendance per semester. He also explained that obtaining credit for Summit or a forum was a fairly new concept to achieve the required attendance. As congress moved to discuss other points of business, it was announced that the deadline for completing the two required hours
for representatives and four required hours for class officers would be extended through the end of the semester. The original deadline was that Wednesday. Executive vice president Julianne Hart, senior political science major from Austin, suggested members finish their hours by helping to promote the Christmas Basketball Slam. Hart said everyone was expected to participate in the half-time show. Members are also to get five people to agree to dance. For service hours, members could help pass out candy canes with the basketball
team in the Campus Center to promote the event. While congress works to build a new end-of-semester tradition, last minute plans are also being finalized to continue past favorites. Hart told congress she is working to provide students with free coffee and hot chocolate again this year during finals week. She said those plans still need to be confirmed with the head of Business Services, Anthony Williams. Although one freshman member of congress hastily moved for the meeting to adjourn, the motion was denied for one more an-
nouncement, the congress member of the month. Laurel Blackmon, junior communications major from Ft. Worth and class president, received the honor. Blackmon said she is in the midst of planning a Dead Day event to bring free food and fun to students during a stressful time of the year. Blackmon said her goal is to reach out to students. “And the most important thing is making sure they feel heard.” contact salley at fls08a@acu.edu
campus
Friends of ACU Library provides resources destiny hagood staff phoographer
daniel gomez chief Photographer
Troy Myatt, creative director at Southwest Airlines, shares design experiences and advice on personal branding with art and design students in the Shore Art Gallery.
Behind the scenes at the Margaret and Herman Brown Library, a group of individuals is working to ensure the library’s longterm viability. Friends of ACU Library is continuing on strong with support from its members and donations to help improve the facility and its resources. Donald Philip Simpson, archival media conversion specialist and Friends of ACU Library staff liaison, was hired in 2009 to help with various tasks and events. He said Friends of ACU Library enables students, faculty and staff to do research, teach and sponsor hospitality in the library. The founder of this organization was Abraham J. Malherbe. He began the organization in 1966 because of the low budget for books and resources at the ACU library. Friends of ACU Library exists to promote
campus
Chalk It Up endorses new policy keyi zhou student reporter The Student Association brought color back to campus when it announced the new chalk policy at the Chalk It Up event on Nov.18. About two years ago, students were allowed to chalk on campus, but then the advertisement policy changed – chalking on campus was banned in order to make the environment more professional. Since then many students have expressed how they missed chalking on campus and wished the policy was modified, said Vice President of SA Julianne Hart, senior political science major from Austin. Chalk It Up was a series of events introducing the new chalk policy initiative. Hart made an announcement in chapel and
explained how SA had the new policy passed. “We want to make things easy for students,” Hart said. “We worked hard to be able to get this done, and I hope they will take advantage of it but not abuse it.” The school board redrew the policy after petitioning of SA. Students are now allowed to chalk under specific rules, including no chalking on brick areas, covered places where rain cannot wash away the chalk or vertical surfaces such as the sides of buildings or concrete walls. Students were given chalk after the announcement and encouraged to celebrate the change by drawing on school sidewalks. Many student organizations, including the International Student Association, are pleased with the decision, said ISA President Veronica Whitt, senior family studies
major from the Philippines. “I think it’s a very unique way for students to express themselves on campus,” Whitt said. “It definitely helps a lot with advertising for events.” Whitt said the Ethnos chalk advertisement caught people’s attention and was an effective way raise awareness on campus. She was thankful that SA responded to feedback from the student body. Whitt said she hoped students will not abuse the opportunities this policy grants them. November and December are being used as trial months for administration to observe how students handle the new policy. SA promised to help enforce the rules of the policy and be responsible for cleaning up inappropriate chalking. Hart said students
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I think it’s a very unique way for students to express themselves on campus.” veronica whitt senior family studies major from the philippines
should be responsible with their new freedom. “If everything goes well and people follow the rules then we can keep it,” Hart said. “But if we have a lot of problems with people chalking at places they are not supposed to or doing something inappropriate, there is a possibility of us losing it again. ” Students can check out chalk from the SA office or use their own chalk. contact zhou at kxz08a@acu.edu
learning by enhancing the ACU library through encouraging gifts of service, money and materials. Students and faculty are not automatic members of this organization, but anyone who wants to get involved can join. Annual membership allows donors to give book endowments, gifts or donations. Dr. Stephen Weathers, associate professor of English, was honored as the Friends of ACU Library 2011 Friend of the Year for his personal donation of more than 1600 books. Weathers said he did not think he did much to receive the award. “I donated my personal amassed library over the years to the ACU library,” Weathers said. This organization also offers members the opportunity to purchase books in honor of a faculty member, a mentor, a department, parents, a spouse or other friends. Weathers said his gift was partially inspired by someone very close to him.
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I donated my personal amassed library over the years to the ACU Library.” Dr. stephen weathers associate professor of english
“My wife works in the Library, she has for a number of years,” Weathers said. “Because of that connection, among others, I have wanted to help the library when I could.” Friends of ACU Library has explored multiple was of raising funds for the library, one of which is to join with the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication to create a contest for the best library staff T-shirt. More information about Friends of ACU Library and how to become a member or get involved can be found at www.acu.edu/academics/library/FACUL/ . contact hagood at dah09a@acu.edu
news
friday 12.02.11
4
health & Fitness
Researcher’s study debunks ‘freshman 15’ thor of the study soon to be published in Social Science contributing reporter Quarterly, found that the average student has more The myth of the “freshman important things to worry 15” is exactly that: a myth, about than gaining the “freshman 15.” There are according to a new study. The researchers found many factors contributing that women gain an aver- to weight gain because stuage of only 3.1 pounds their dents are away from home first year, and men gain 3.5 for the first time with loosepounds. Surprisingly, 25 ly monitored meal plans percent of freshmen actu- and a tight budget. However, the study ally lose weight. Jay Zagorsky, the au- showed that these factors
leigh foith
don’t influence weight gain very much. “It didn’t matter if kids lived in a dorm or not, went to a public or private school, or studied full-time or parttime,” Zagorsky said. Jordana Haught, a recent ACU graduate and ACU’s dining nutritionist, said she believes the freshman 15 is a possibility for some students. “The term should be changed and updated,” Haught said. “Whether stu-
dents gain a large or small amount of weight, lots of students’ bodies change in college.” Haught also said although this study proves the “freshman 15” is a myth, students should still be mindful of what they eat. She recommends planning time to eat within a busy schedule, being mindful of late night snacking and taking advantage of the new varieties of food on campus.
The Bean offers free nutrition counseling (encompassing meal planning, how to make smart food choices and more) to any student who needs it, as well as nutritional information available on TV screens throughout the Bean. The study also found the fear of the “freshman 15” encourages students to live a healthier lifestyle. After reading about the study, Cayla Chastain, un-
declared freshman from Coppell, said she’s relieved the myth isn’t true. “That is something that so many people coming to college stress over,” Chastain said. “This study and the fact that we have a new Rec Center to stay active shows we don’t have a reason to worry.” contact foith at lmf08a@acu.edu
health & fitness
Students, alumni prepare for White Rock katie jenkins contributing reporter More than 70 ACU students and alumni are grabbing their running shoes for the Dallas White Rock Marathon Sunday. As an added bonus, for the third consecutive year, all past and present ACU students competing in the race will receive a free shirt, compliments of the ACU Student Association and
the Alumni Association. “It was an initiative started by Charles Gaines and Luke Cochran,” said Carson Henley, senior pre-dental major from Colleyville and executive treasurer of the Student’s Association. “They started wanting to sponsor a marathon for ACU students and ACU alumni, so they decided that they were going to have T-shirts made.” The T-shirts proved to be a success, even providing encouragement to Henley
when he competed in the marathon during the past two years. “Whenever you’re running and you see someone with an ACU T-shirt, and they say, ‘Go Wildcats!’ or something like that, then I’m good,” Henley said. “I have adrenaline for the next two minutes.” J.P. Ralston, sophomore business finance major from Plano, is competing in the White Rock half-marathon for the first time this
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There is so much student interest in this event that we wanted to keep it going.” carson henley senior pre-dental major from colleyville
year. He competed in Marathoning for Miracles in Abilene last year and plans to compete in other marathons in the future. “I’m excited to run the
half-marathon this year to see all the ACU alumni and students and hopefully beat my last time,” Ralston said. This year, in addition to the T-shirts given to Abilene residents, ACU shirts have been shipped to 33 alumni competitors not residing in Abilene. “There is so much student interest in this event that we wanted to keep going,” said Henley. SA is still looking for more people from Abilene who
want shirts. To pick up a free shirt for the marathon, visit the SA office in the basement of the campus center. Benefits will go to support the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. Online registration is closed, but entries will be available for purchase at the Health & Fitness Expo on Friday and Saturday. contact jenkins at kej11b@acu.edu
national
Tenatative end to NBA lockout cheers fans ment that lets teams get back to work as early as student reporter Dec. 9, which sets opening day on Christmas Day. The NBA lockout ended It is expected to lead to a on Saturday, and fans new Collective Bargainacross the ACU campus ing Agreement that will arre relieved that there change the entire economwill be an NBA season this ic system for the NBA. The change will start year after many months of players receiving 51.15 peruncertainty. The NBA players’ union cent of Basketball Related and the NBA owners Income compared to the 57 reached a tentative agree- percent they were getting in
jake bell
the 2005 CBA. Players will also lose 20 percent of their 2011-2012 salaries due to the games missed during the lockout. “I think it’s great that they were able to work it out and salvage the season. As a big Mavericks fan, I’m really excited to see them out on the court playing again,” said Shayne Cox, senior business management major from Fort Worth.
Players warn, though, that this is just a tentative agreement and nothing is set in stone at this point. The players and the owners still have to ratify the new deal first. The lockout was damaging for the players, but Cox said she thought the fans were also short-changed by the NBA’s internal conflict. Season ticket holders lost on their investment while games were canceled so players and owners could haggle over money. “As a fan, it was frustrating to watch the owners
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It just wouldn’t be the same if there wasn’t any NBA basketball this year.”
NBA has some work to do reconnecting with many casual fans, but overall the basketball faithful are just happy there will be a season this year. ryan vick “It’s about time that the senior exercise science major from denton owners and players put aside their pride and made a deal,” said Ryan Vick, seand the players argue over nior exercise science mamillions of dollars while jor from Denton. “It just so many people don’t even wouldn’t be the same if have a job,” Cox said. “I there wasn’t any NBA basdon’t think they were re- ketball this year.” ally doing this new deal with the fan in mind, and contact bell at now they are going to have jjb08a@acu.edu to pay for it.”
environment
Zoo stresses education to save threatened, endangered species mark smith managing editor Individuals involved in environmental conservation are becoming more concerned with the impact of resource consumption on wildlife. Joy Harsh. education curator at the Abilene Zoo, said the number of animal populations endangered by human development has increased. “A large inhibiting factor facing most endangered species is habitat loss,” Harsh said. “There are more people in the world than ever before and they’re taking up lots of space, and animal habitats are being destroyed.” Dr. Jim Cooke, professor of agricultural and environmental sciences, said biodiversity is crucial to environmental health but is being threatened by habitat loss. “Diversity makes for a better planet,” Cooke said. “The more you look at environmental science the more you see everything’s connected and each species lost had a role to play.” Harsh said the use of nat-
ural resources for consumer products is another cause for concern and action. “We don’t realize that a lot of the products we use do have their source somewhere in the wild,” Harsh said. “When you’re looking at products, look at what they’re being made from and if those are sustainable sources.” Specifically, the need for and extraction of palm oil has devastated animal habitats in Borneo, especially that of orangutans. “If you look at a lot of your products now, a lot of them are switching to palm oil because it’s being made cheaper than your typical vegetable or canola oil,” Harsh said. “The orangutans are already endangered and the numbers are dropping because they are running out of natural habitat.” Cooke said the growing human population is to blame for the loss of species and it’s not something to be taken lightly. “Anthropocentric problems are to blame for unnatural species endangerment and extinction,” he said. “We are interrelated among all the other species
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How we dispose of waste, where we live and how we use resources has huge effects on the environment.” dr. jim cooke professor of agricultural and environmental science
in the ecosystem and our survival is dependent on them as well.” Harsh said there are many ways to help endangered species, but they take educated decisions and lifestyle choices. “Reduce what you use, reuse what you can and recycle what you can,” Harsh said. “Education is important for people to change lifestyle habits to help endangered species.” Cooke echoed Harsh’s emphasis on education. “People can be arrogant to think a loss of a species doesn’t really matter,” he said. “How we dispose of waste, where we live and how we use resources has huge effects on the environment.” contact smith at mds10a@acu.edu
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5
arts
friday 12.02.11
Make it Pop Use accessories to bring color into your dark, wintery attire.
Ring Around the Cozy They aren’t just for women anymore. Don’t be afraid to try one.
Rough Stuff Smooth is for summer. Instead, try some pants and shirts with texture.
Pile It Up Don’t be afraid to layer. The more the merrier. And warmer.
Sock it to ‘Em Wool socks will keep Abilene winds out and keep your legs and feet warm.
Bring out the Boots Get them out of the back of your closet to keep your feet dry.
WINTER WARDROBES Seasonal weather summons students’ warmer wear
Photo Illustrations by: David Singer Wardrobes provided by: Travis Lewis and Hannah Barnes
Wrap Up Choose a color that works with your skin tone and shows off your face.
Surprise Surprise If the lining of your jacket is fun, let is show. Roll up those sleeves!
Sugar Coated Pull those coats out of the attic and make sure to button up.
Clutch Move Give your outfit a unique touch by adding something vintage.
Get it Right, Get it Tight Go Bold Go high-contrast when you want to make a statement.
Don’t let the cold keep you from wearing your skirts or dresses.
album reviews
Rad records from Real Estate, The Rapture
In the Grace of Your Love The Rapture Sept 2 via DFA Records
Mackenzie north special to the optimist What do you get when a post-punk revival band abandons their electronic roots and embraces a more soulful, introspective sound after a crazy half a decade? The Rapture’s latest album, In the Grace of Your Love. The Rapture is a Brooklyn-based band back after a five-year break between albums. In that time, a lot happened. Lead singer, Luke Jenner
quit the band after the suicide of his mother, then came back, and the band started working on a new album. Shortly after that, bassist Matt Safer quit the band, and The Rapture scrapped that whole album and started over. And then they created their best album to date. In the Grace of Your Love is an album of redemption, love and fortitude. It’s about taking the worst situations and creating something positive out of it. It’s life. Each band member’s evolution personally and musically is evident on the album. Jenner remarked recently in an interview with Pitchfork, “I think this record is good because it’s made by people that are deeper than being caught up in what magazines they’re in.” The Rapture has matured and it has definitely paid off. It’s a departure from their post-punk disco days, but a welcomed changed at that. There are also definite spiritual influences. It’s a recommend for anyone looking to listen to bands with spiritu-
ality (think Sufjan Stevens) but not necessarily worship music. There are a few standout songs on In the Grace. “How Deep Is Your Love?” is a tour de force with a hypnotizing piano hook. “Children” is reminiscent of their early work but showcases their growth. The best track, however, is “It Takes Time to Be a Man”. It’s a soulful, relaxed and reflective track about what it means to grow up and take responsibility. In the Grace of Your Love is good, but it’s not the best choice for the title track. If you enjoy such bands as TV on the Radio or My Morning Jacket then you’ll definitely enjoy The Rapture’s newest album. They serve as a better alternative to the band Clap Your Hands Say Yeah! and the album is perfect for studying or a late night drive. In the Grace of Your Love is a must-listen.
contact NORTH at mln08a@acu.edu
Days
Real Estate Oct 18 via Domino Recording Co.
Seth groveunder special to the optimist This New Jersey based band is at once a mix of beach pop dreamy and early 90’s college radio. Singer-guitarist, Martin Courtney, begins the first track of their sophomore album, Days, with the line, “Back when we had it so easy/I would surrender completely.” This opening song, straightforwardly titled “Easy,” sets up the album’s overall theme of enjoyable sim-
plicity fused with melancholic nostalgia. Real Estate’s use of this overarching idea reflects a stark movement away from their previous work. The band wrote and recorded their self-titled debut album at different times, often with different members. This led to a mix of songs that, while surprisingly uniform when combined, illustrated distinct sounds and subject matter among the individual songs. Days, however, is without a doubt an album written as an album. While the lyrics focus on the simple and unsophisticated, the band’s music is in no way simple as it mirror the ideas. Each song seems to be a perfect blend of the early 60’s Beach Boys albums like Surfin’ USA and All Summer Long, and the early 90’s lo-fi, alternative rock of bands like Pavement and Sonic Youth. These musical influences fit easily alongside the lyrical themes. The
use of vintage dream pop provides the feeling of amiable ease with a tinge of grunge and noise pop that echo bittersweet, wistful lyrics like, “Our careless lifestyle/It was not so unwise.” Upon first listen, this mix of influences evokes the music of The Shins and Modest Mouse, especially early albums like Oh, Inverted World and The Moon & Antarctica. However, the album also fits nicely alongside the works of other current bands like Deerhunter, Yo La Tengo and The Pains of Being Pure at Heart. Real Estate have crafted Days into a perfect album to play on the beach while reminiscing simpler times.
contact groveunder at swg07a@acu.edu
opinion
friday 12.02.11
6
Editorial
Pass your finals sans preparation We have one week of regular classes before finals. If you are surprised by that news, you are going to be in some pretty deep trouble in a few days. But, lucky for you, the Optimist Editorial Board is chock full of caring, thoughtful college kids who are here to help you. Ask for a Study Guide
enough to pass the test. They love it so much they stayed in school well into their 20’s to gather the knowledge and degrees necessary to teach on the university level so they can prepare students for the test – we mean life. Bonus tip: If you want to be a really good student don’t wait until the end of the semester, just ask your professor after every statement if that information will be on the final.
Professors love to hand out study guides. They really like spending time and energy writing curriculum and Use Humor preparing lectures so stuIt’s not hard to fake your dents can only care to learn
way through a multiple choice test, but essay questions are a different story. It takes a special person to successfully navigate through the answer without revealing that he don’t know the material or tripping the professor’s bull detector. This is why the rest of us have to use humor. Professors spend hours grading finals once we’ve gone home for the break. It is a dark time for them. As students, we should capitalize on – we mean help them through – their suffering by offering funny answers in exchange
for partial credit. Is a humorous, though incorrect, essay meant to bring a moment of joy not worth half credit?
Finals are coming up whether students are ready to be tested or not.
Answer your own question
our take
If your professor isn’t the type that will appreciate humor you’ll have to choose a different route. Answer the question you want to be asked. Ramble a little while about the topic they set then just slip into the answer you want to give. If you do it right she will be impressed by the answer you give and forget the question she asked.
Oh Dear, Christian College
Ben miller
the issue
Students don’t need to bother with learning the material presented in class to make the grade.
Watch any political debate and you will see this maneuver in action. Answer “Jesus”
These four tips should eliminate any need for studying and allow you to use dead day for more important things. Like sleeping.
It worked in Sunday school. Since this is a Christian university it should work here.
contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
column
Actions originate from genetics, environment Laura acuff
guest column
Editor’s Note: Laura Acuff, 2011 alumna, is a Fulbright Scholar teaching English in Bulgaria. She publishes a travel blog at lauracuff. tumblr.com. Before I left Texas for Bulgaria, a dear friend told me she hoped I’d be able to use my time abroad to “learn about myself.” The idea shocked me, at first. It sounds so self-serving, so egocentric. My goals for the year never will include any sort of whimsical quest to “find myself.” I’ve always believed that we are beings of action. We are what we do, so if you don’t like yourself, I reason, do something differently. And yet, the older I get, Christmas should remain rejuvenation during our break from classes and the more I realize that we limited. Singing Christmas songs work. It also has some spe- are products of our genetVagabondage samantha sutherland year-round almost kills the cial quality about it that ics and environments. And magic of the holiday season. makes us feel drawn to- we spend much of our lives finding that balance bePart of what makes holidays wards our families. There is some kind of tween the individuals we so great is that they are different than any other time. magic that changes and are naturally inclined to be, Signs of the Christmas reindeer mugs in July. In In order for Christmas to softens our mentality, the people we were raised season are popping up all my house, the Christmas remain special, it can’t seep some feeling of excitement to be and the beings we inaround. People are pulling tree goes up the week after into the rest of the “ordi- and relief that comes as a trinsically want to be. Changing ourselves reresult of the whole holiday out their Christmas music, Thanksgiving and comes nary” days of the year. If you have been listening atmosphere. That’s why mains as simple as changing digging holiday sweaters down on Dec. 26. To me, Christmas should to Christmas music all year, we get so excited when a our behavior, but changing out of their closets, putting up twinkle lights and deco- be celebrated and enjoyed when the actual season special gingerbread-f la- our behavior requires navirating gingerbread cookies. during the designated comes around, there won’t vored drink comes out at gating all those implicating, This time of year is filled Christmas season. A huge be anything particularly Sonic, even if we don’t like overlapping folds of attiwith many unique practic- part of this conviction is exciting about turning on gingerbread. It’s because tudes, baggage and biases. I believe I borrow this idea es that are enjoyed for only due to the way Thanksgiv- your radio and discovering we know that we’ve arrived in a special time and from C.S. Lewis, an infinitely a Christmas station. a brief period of time before ing is underplayed. Stores used to be helpful that it’s OK to take a break more enlightened individual Perhaps I’m biased bebeing stowed away for next cause Thanksgiving is in making Christmas items and eat a few more cook- than myself, and I probably year … or are they? What was once a very my favorite holiday, but available for a limited time, ies, because life still holds butcher the concept in my reseasonal holiday seems to over-celebrating Christ- but even those items are its reasons to celebrate telling, but I also think that, be appearing earlier and mas is an unfair practice. now being stocked on the and to be joyful about our as spiritual beings, we exist with one foot in the material earlier every year. Perhaps There is so much to enjoy shelves earlier, a commer- blessings. It is because of this that present and the other in the stress at work or school is about the fall-themed feel cial tactic used to expand causing people to desire of Thanksgiving. Fewer holiday sales revenue and the holidays are worth cel- spiritual realm. We long to an early start to the holi- people decorate with fall to milk the season for all ebrating and appreciating put down roots and establish a “home,” yet we continuto their full capacity. day season, but, as a result, leaves, pumpkins and it’s worth. Now that Thanksgiving ously seek something more, However, it’s important some Christmas decora- cornucopias because their tions are now starting to go houses are already over- that the holidays main- is over and December has whether in physical geograrun with candy canes and tain a special feeling. I begun, you are free to be phy, relationships or spiriup as early as October. tual assurance – we look for I, personally, am not a mini snowmen. Perhaps think it does something festive. a permanence, a fulfillment, “leave the Christmas lights decor isn’t the best argu- for each of us mentally we’re not quite able to grasp up year-round” kind of ment, but I believe that that is to our benefit. in this world. Giving ourselves that person. I don’t believe in to give Thanksgiving the contact samantha at Along the same vein, we singing about Santa Clause attention it deserves, the special holiday feeling ensns09a@acu.edu live in a world that labels in April or drinking out of premature celebration of ables us to find relief and
Column
‘Tisn’t the season til the bird is gone
us for its own functionality, and frequently we take up those yokes willingly. It’s easier to consider ourselves through the blinders of gender, profession or origin. And in many ways, it’s accurate insightful, even. But it leaves our self-knowledge woefully incomplete, neglects those overlapping folds of identity. Still, one must wade through the surface-level mire to reach the fertile soil below. All this to say, I’ve discovered that “learning about myself” is complicated and probably will continue beyond this year, beyond my time within the Bulgarian border. But it’s a task I’ve begun, one I intend to see through. And as the first public step of that task, I acknowledge my most basic identities. Without apology, without embarrassment, I realize and own that I am the stereotype: I am the football-loving, slow-talking, Tex-Mex eating, rodeo-going, politically conservative Texan. I am the relatively weather-conscious descendent of farmers, the verbose product of generations of teachers. I am the initially quiet introvert. I am the ethnocentric, English-speaking, constantly confused American - on a minimal level, at least. I am the fervent female. I am a stubborn, steadfast daughter of Scotland. I am the nerdy bookworm. I am the inquisitive, scandal-scenting journalist. I am the quietly observant historian. I am the proudly prudish, hopefully compassionate and generous - on my better days, at least - unabashedly trite Christian.
contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
hashtagACU 5:02 p.m. Nov. 27 12:36 p.m. Dec. 1
Enjoyed speaking to the #ACU design students this morning about personal branding and my #givingforward initiative.
@tmantxs
11:58 p.m. Nov. 30
#ACU is temporarily closing Smith-Adams? They should turn it into a hotel for parent visits. Budget crisis solved.
@bpbailey
12:00 p.m. Nov. 28
That time of year where the bean starts looking more like a mountain lodge than a cafeteria. #acu
@allybonneau @sgoudeaux
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
Hey #ACU, “Johnny Knox” is trending worldwide, right between “Tom Brady” and #chattyman. We’ve finally made it. Take that, Harding.
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This class will either inspire greater things in my career, or suicide. #butreally #ACUdifference #ACUproblems
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11:31 a.m. Nov. 30
Dr. Money sighting! I thought Freshmen had to bow ...
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sports Jumps
friday 12.02.11
volleyball
Senior Hutt named to All-America team edward isaacs assistant sports editor
DANIEL GOMEZ CHIEF Photographer
Jennie Hutt celebrates during a game at Moody Coliseum.
Thursday, Nov. 17 marked the end of a career for arguably one of the most talented Wildcat volleyball players ever to step foot onto the ACU campus. Senior outside hitter Jennie Hutt finished this year much as her previous three seasons playing in the Wildcat purple: she garnered numerous awards and led the ACU squad with unmatched intensity and will-power. “If you sum Jennie up in one word when it comes to volleyball, it’s intensity,” said head volleyball coach Kellen Mock. “She wants to win at all cost by sacrificing her body and putting in the extra time on the floor. She
does everything you can ask for out of a player.” “In previous years Jennie has been our kill leader for all four seasons, so she’s been that dynamic offensive player who we rely on,” said Mock. “When I talked to other coaches they would say to beat ACU you have to shut down Jennie. I think that’s a huge compliment to her that she’s gained that much respect.” Hutt was announced as a Honorable Mention AllAmerica by the American Volleyball Coaches Association on Monday. This is the fifth time an ACU player has received this honor. She was also named to the Daktronics All-Region and Lone Star Conference first teams. Hutt wasn’t expecting the All-American honor.
“It was definitely a surprise” Hut said. “I couldn’t have done it without all my teammates.” Inspite of the prestige of the All-American award, Mock said she was more proud that Jennie received the Student Athlete of the Year for volleyball and the LSC. “It says a lot about who she is,” said Mock. “She has over a 3.9 GPA in the classroom, she’s getting married this spring, she’s just a complete person. It will be hard to move on as a program without her.” Hutt said being a leader for the team wasn’t always easy this season. “It was a struggle at times,” she said. “There was a big gap between the seniors and the underclassman. As a result, it was hard to relate to them sometimes, but we grew to-
gether. It was a great learning experience. I am glad I could give my knowledge to the younger girls.” Hutt still hasn’t come to terms with the fact that her athletic career is over. “It’s very surreal,” she said. “It almost feels like I’m not done. It’s weird to know I’m not a collegiate athlete anymore.” Hutt said she learned many life lessons from being a part of the volleyball team. “It was one of the best experiences I’ve had in my life,” Hutt said. “I learned how to work with people who are different than you. I feel blessed to have been a college athlete, not everyone gets that chance.” contact isaacs at jei08a@acu.edu
cross country
Season ends at nationals in Washington kristin goodspeed sports reporter Cross country ended its season Saturday at the Division II NCAA National Championships in Spokane, Wash. Juniors Chloe Susset and Alyse Goldsmith were the only two Wildcats to qualify for the meet. Susset finished the 6k course in 59th place, running a time of 22:55.0, followed by Goldsmith in 107th, with a time of 23:49.8. Head coach Chris Woods said the race didn’t go exactly as planned. “We all wanted them to be All-American, which is finishing in the top 40,” Woods said. Five to six inches of snow covered the ground at the beginning of the meet, and the weather continued to get worse throughout the competition. Woods said it was
difficult for the two women, who usually train in Abilene’s atmosphere and climate, to compete in 20-degree weather the day of the race. “Like I told the girls, that one race doesn’t define the awesome season they put together, and I’m extremely proud of them. All in all, the season went well. They put together two very consistent seasons. As a coach, that’s all you can ask for. I don’t want a kid who’s going to run fast and then disappear.” Goldsmith and Susset were okay with the race’s results, Woods said. As athletes and competitors, they were a little disappointed they didn’t achieve their goal, but they didn’t make excuses. They understand sometimes a runner simply doesn’t have their best day. “Neither one of them has ever been to a cross country championship, so getting
there and getting that experience has made them hungry,” Woods said. “Now they know they physically have the capabilities and are going to work hard to get AllAmerican next year.” Woods said the year was tough for the men’s team with its newcomers and with the absence of its top three runners from last year. The men basically started from scratch with a young team. “If you take everything into consideration, we aren’t losing any guys this year. Hopefully, we’ll get everyone back and healthy and be able to get back to where we need to be. Bringing in a couple more guys will help us, too.” As for the women’s team, Woods thought this year’s team was much better than the last because it had more depth. “We had two girls qualify for nationals, which we
men’s basketball
Loss: Team still undefeated at home has been.” Warton said. “When the fans are going ACU is undefeated at crazy, it gets us fired up home under first-year and can change the outcoach Joe Golding, and come of the game. We love they are looking to keep the enthusiasm and the it that way when going home court advantage.” Winning home games is against the Knights on a must for ACU if they are Wildcat turf. “I’ve been really im- going to make some noise pressed with the support in the LSC this year, which and how rowdy everyone has been their goal from continued from page 8
the beginning of the year. “Our goal this year is to win the conference.” Williams said. “In the postseason we want to win the conference tournament as well.”
contact sloan at mes10b@acu.edu
column
Duo: Faith and Sports can coincide continued from page 8 forth in front of us. The same is true with faith. Most attend at least one church activity a week in an effort to grow in our relationship with God, be immersed in the words of the Bible and become the best Christians we can possibly be. Time must also be a factor when doing this. In order to grow in any sort of relationship, time is necessary. With all the similarities aforementioned, I find it striking that the two, when incorporated together, do not seem to mesh well. There seems to be something within us that negates the other, as if tossing it to the curb for the duration of competition and picking it back up following the final whistle.
Think about it: all the tactics that our spiritual foe uses to hinder our faith can be found in the athletic arena. Thoughts of doubt and hate tend to fill our brains in competition and can be materialized through our actions during competition in ways we don’t even realize. That is why when I witness something apart from the norm I truly appreciate it. I witnessed that something last weekend at a high school football playoff game. Abilene Cooper had just scored and was up 25-22 with 2:21 left in the game. But Mansfield Timberview came roaring back and scored a touchdown with 16 seconds left to cap a game-winning drive. Immediately after the game while the Timberview band was playing the fight
song for the victoriousWolves, every single one of the defeated Cooper players lined up along the 50-yard line facing the crowd and Timberview team, respecting the victor. Simply respecting the team that beat them by standing, the Cougars displayed integrity and champion-esque qualities despite the score. Respecting others and showing integrity are keys to our Christian walk as well. The Cougars achieved a rare combination that warmed my heart. They integrated a combination of faith and sports that needs to be done more today. And it doesn’t require radical acts. Simply respecting and congratulating people can go a long way. contact shake at bxs09a@acu.edu
haven’t had in a few years,” Woods said. “We had a regional champion, two girls in the top five at conference and two girls in the top five at regionals. Everyone from the women’s team is coming back, too.” Woods said the men and women’s team goals are always eager to win a conference championship, qualify a team for nationals and score in the top 10 at nationals. “When I sit back and look at the men and women’s seasons, they weren’t as successful from a team
standpoint, but we did have only for the athletes but for some very successful indi- me as a coach, too.” viduals. It was a difficult seacontact goodspeed at son but not a failing season. klg08a@acu.edu It was a learning season, not
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sports
Friday 12.02.11
8
standings
WOmen’s BAsketball
’Cats victorious in home opener Lankford’s 17 lifts ’Cats over Rattlers natalie goin sports reporter
men’s basketball
Team
Div.
Ovrl.
MSU ENMU TSU WTAMU ACU ASU UIW TAMU-K Cameron Commerce
0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
5-0 7-1 5-1 4-1 4-2 4-2 4-2 5-3 3-2 2-2
women’s basketball
The women’s basketball team tipped off at Moody Coliseum Thursday night against St. Mary’s for the season home opener. ACU went into to the game 1-1, with hoping to use this game to achieve a winning record, and fought to secure it all the way to the final buzzer. Mack Lankford, sophomore guard, once again led her team almost immediately after stepping on the court. “Mack is always a fighter out there,” said head Coach Shawna Lavender. “She knows how to get the team engaged immediately.” Her few sets of early free throws and a pair of jumpers set the tone at the very beginning of the game. The first half was fairly undecided, the point range going back and forth with no obviously team in the lead. It wasn’t until Cecilee Perez shot a three-pointer upping the ‘Cats score to 20-17. Following Perez’s initiative, the Wildcat’s remained on top for the rest of the game. Hillari Adam fired another from the paint, making the score 22-17, followed by a three-point shot that secured the Wildcats’ lead. Right before halftime, Darrein Williams shot another three-pointer, leading the ‘Cats into the locker room with a 33-24 lead. In the second half, the Cat’s were immediately able to establish a consistent 10 point lead throughout the rest of the game and remained accurate in not only shots in the paint, but also scoring a good amount of points from behind the freethrow line. Kelsey Smith as well as Adam and Lankford led with free-point shots. While the St. Mary’s fought to minimize the margin to four, Lankford
column
Ovrl.
0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
4-0 4-0 2-1 3-2 1-1 2-5 1-3 1-3 1-3 1-4 1-4
Andrea Carpenter and Lyndsey Womack were both awarded as Daktronics Division II All-Americans in soccer on Wednesday, Nov. 30. Jennie Hutt was announced as a Honorable Mention All-America by the American Volleyball Coaches’ Association on Monday, Nov. 28.
DANIEL GOMEZ CHIEF Photographer
Sophomore guard Mack Lankford takes the ball down the court against a St. Mary’s defender Thursday night in moody coliseum. Lankford contributed 17 points in the ‘Cats 64-58 victory. brought the team back with ease. The Rattlers shot 40 percent on their free throws, and was not nearly enough to overcome the Wildcats’ consistency. ACU is the No. 1 ranked team in the conference for free-throw shoot-
ing, making nearly 78.6 of all free-throw attempts. “I can’t stress consistency enough,” Lankford said. “The more consistent we play, the better off the results will continue to be.” ACU is now the LSC’s third
highest scoring offense with 81.5 points per game behind Midwestern State with a record of 84.2 and Texas Women’s University at 83.8. The Wildcats left the court winning 64-58, and adding another win to their
record. The women’s basketball team with resume play Saturday, at 2 p.m. against Texas Women’s University. contact Goin at nsg10b@acu.edu
Saturday night, Dec. 10 ACU will host a Christmas Slam in Moody Coliseum. The event will start before the woman’s basketball game at 5:30 p.m. The Christmas Slam will include a basketball doubleheader, singing, dancing, free food, and prizes. The movie Elf will be shown after the games served with free popcorn and soda. Defensive end Aston Whiteside was named to the Daktronics All-Super Region Four Team released Wednesday morning. Whiteside is the Super Region Four Defensive Player of the Year.
EX- FACTOR
An essential combination
Chicago Bears wide receiver Johnny Knox had a huge game against the Raiders on Sunday, Nov. 27. Knox had four receptions for 145 yards and one touchdown. The Bears lost 20-25 to the Raiders.
Shakin’ it Up Bryson Shake
see duo page 7
Div.
UIW TWU Cameron MSU ACU TSU Commerce TAMU-K WTAMU ASU ENMU
briefings
men’s basketball
Two of the things that serve big roles in my life are faith and sports. Each defines me, albeit in different amounts, to a certain extent. I grew up deeply immersed with each. I have attended church since birth and been involved with sports since my toddler years. I have devoted hundreds, maybe even thousands, of hours of my time to events pertaining to each. We have teams in both: people pulling for us, who are willing and able to offer encouragement, accountability and maybe even some advice. And we also have someone competing against us, someone waiting to capitalize on our every single mis. We have someone at all times whispering thoughts of doubt, neglect and discouragement for the sake of hindering our actions. There might even be that one heckler in the stands taunting us in an attempt to attract a reaction we wouldn’t normally act upon. Whether we like it or not, in life or in an athletic venue, someone is going up against us in hopes of us being defeated. It seems that our culture prides itself on its ability to breed the best athletes, and prepare the finest physical specimens. To do so, countless amounts of time must be exerted to attain the aspirations set
Team
Cincinnati Bengals running back Bernard Scott had four rushes for one yard and no touchdowns Sunday, Nov. 27 against the Browns. The Bengals won 23-20. On the year, Scott has 78 carries for 264 yards and a lone touchdown. Dan Wolken wrote an article in The Daily newspaper about the ACU football program. The story talked about the five players it has produced who have gone on to play in the NFL. DANIEL GOMEZ CHIEF Photographer
Senior guard Desmond Woodberry defends a UT-Permian Basin player in Moody Coliseum. The Wildcats beat the Falcons 65-60. ACU is currently undeafeted at home with a record of 3-0.
Wildcats suffer second loss matthew sloan sports reporter The men’s basketball team traveled to Dallas Tuesday night to take on the DBU Patriots in non-conference match-up. Unfortunately, ACU suffered their second loss of the season 80-72. For the first time this year, the Wildcats found themselves trailing at halftime, and they were unable to dig themselves out
of the first half hole that felt foreign to them. “We were not as aggressive as we needed to be.” Senior Ben Warton said. “We just did not come out in the second half with the energy and pop, so they had a lead that was too big for us to overcome.” The defense looked shaky at times against Dallas Baptist, and the Wildcats had trouble fighting off the Patriot’ onslaught around the
rim. Patriot was able to shoot 24 free throws and put the game on ice from the charity stripe. The Patriots torched the nets, shooting 50 percent from the floor and over 45 percent from behind the arc. The Wildcats were able to continue their trend of balanced scoring, as the ACU offense once again put four men in double figures with Armani Zach Williams, Eric Kibi and Marc Williams having a big
night from the floor. “We put the defense in a position where nobody can be double teamed and everyone will get to see a oneon-one match-up,” Zach Williams said. “It puts pressure on the other teams.” The Wildcats will look to rebound from their tough game against DBU on Saturday with a home game against the Southwestern Adventist University Knights. see loss page 7
Upcoming The men’s basketball team will play Southwestern Adventist University in Moody Coliseum on Saturday, Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. The women’s basketball team will host St. Mary’s University on Thursday, Dec. 1 in Moody Coliseum at 5:30 p.m. The team will also play Texas Woman’s University on Saturday, Dec. 3 at 2 p.m.