Good Eats Fill your stomach with holiday cheer vol. 100, no. 29
Friday, december 9, 2011
Arts page 5
1 SECTION, 8 PAGES
adrian patenaude staff Photographer
Lawton Pybus, senior psychology major from Red Oak, performed his original composition at the Slithy Toves, a poetry and music event held by the Shinnery Review in the Shore Art Gallery. Students read poems by other authors as well as their own.
commencement
Winter graduation planned for 241 students hannah barnes editor-in-chief About 200 students will receive undergraduate degrees at a commencement ceremony at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16 in Moody Coliseum. The university will award 62 graduate degrees, with 36 of those students expected to cross the stage. Registrar Bart Herridge said the number of students graduating is only slightly smaller than last year’s group.
“These classes that were smaller entering classes are going to graduate a little bit smaller,” Herridge said. Nancy Shankle, interim director of the Adams Center and interim assistant provost for general education, will deliver the charge to the class. The speaker giving the charge to the class traditionally have been faculty members who are well known by many of the graduating class, Herridge said. The office of the provost is responsible for choosing
the speaker. Some students graduating in December are graduating early. Others are graduating to meet their hour requirements. “Generally speaking, the December folks ended up with more hours than what they could take in their fourth year,” Herridge said. Lauren Johnson, senior political science major from Newport Beach, Calif., is one of the 205 undergraduate students to participate in the ceremony.
“I’d save a semester’s worth of tuition,” Johnson said. “That was the main reason [for graduating early].” Johnson said she sees this time as “exciting” but “sad.” “I am leaving ACU and starting something new, so part of it is scary,” Johnson said. “I’m kind of nervous about it, but I’m confident I can do it.” contact barnes at hab07a@acu.edu
December 2011 Honor Awards Honor Man Bryan Elrod Honor Man Carlee Cagle Trustees Award Younghyup “Joe” Byun Stacie McConnell Laura Gasvoda Alyse (Creed) Ritchie
B. Sherrod Scholarship Younghyup “Joe” Byun William McElroy Kelsey Chrane Kristen McBride Dean Adams Achievement Brandon Fry Yi “Poplar” Yuan Tina Fleet
crime
Basketball player accused in theft Austin Gwin sports director Armani Williams, a junior journalism major from Chicago, Ill., and a guard on the men’s basketball team, was arrested and charged with robbery after an incident at Walmart on the morning of Nov. 30, according to police. Williams has been suspended indefinitely from all team activities, including games, practices and workouts. In addition, senior forward Eric Kibi, who was not arrested or charged with a crime, also has been suspended from the team, said men’s head coach Joe Golding.
According to an Abilene Police Department arrest report, Williams attempted to steal a Playstation 3 from the Walmart on East Overland Trail northeast of campus that morning. A manager chased Williams out of the store, and while in pursuit of Williams, injured his knee on an automatic door, according to the police report. Williams said he left Walmart that morning and went to a gas station, where he was picked up by Kibi, junior journalism major from Albuquerque, N.M., and later was arrested by Abilene police. “It was just stupid of me to even get myself in that situation,” Williams said. “Every
day I have to wake up and feel that.” For now, Williams faces significant punishment because he has been charged with robbery, which is a second-degree felony punishable by 2-20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Under Texas law, a person commits robbery if – during a theft – he “intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causes bodily injury to another.” However, Williams and director of athletics Jared Mosley hope the charges will be reduced to theft or even dropped. Theft of a item valued between $50-$500, which would include a Play-
“
This is somewhere where people are going to be pulling for us and are going to be behind us and want to help us. They understand we made a mistake, but they are here for us.” Eric kibi senior journalism major albuquerque, N.M.
station 3, is a Class B misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine of not more than $2000. “We are going to let the process take its course,” Mosley said. In an official statement, Golding said he and others in the Department of Athletics learned of the incident that afternoon. “What I want our players,
our students and our fans to know is that while we are certainly disappointed in the actions of these two players, we remain committed to educating and ensuring the best possible experience for the student athletes in our program,” Golding said in his statement. The incident comes as first-year coach Golding see Theft page 4
This is the final issue of the Optimist for the fall semester. Look for the Optimist in the spring, distributed after Chapel every Wednesday and Friday. The next issue will be Jan. 20, 2012. Until then, check out our website at acuoptimist.com.
inside sports
opinion
video
news
Christmas Slam highlights Saturday night basketball in Moody
Read about traditions that persist and the changes that occur as we grow up
Abilene community catches Christmas spirit at City Sidewalks
Students and faculty to perform in Christmas concert Saturday
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page 6
Abilene Christian University
acuoptimist.com
page 3
Friday 12.09.11
09 Friday
10
All Day - Season of Caring
Saturday
Last day to withdraw from the university
11
All Day - Season of Caring
Sunday
12
All Day - Season of Caring
5:30 p.m. Women’s basketball vs. Cameron in Moody Coliseum
7:30 p.m. Christmas Vespers concert at First Baptist Church
Chapel checkup
Announcements The ACU Men’s and Women’s basketball teams will play Cameron Saturday beginning at 5:30 p.m. in Moody Coliseum as part of the Christmas Slam. Other Christmas Slam events will include a Christmas party on the Moody Coliseum concourse, a halftime Teddy Bear Toss for Season of Caring and a post-game showing of Elf in Moody.
All Day - Season of Caring
6 p.m. Hockey game in the Campus Center Living Room
7 p.m. Men’s basketball vs. Cameron in Moody Coliseum
7:30 p.m. Trojans Christmas Formal
Monday
Dead Day - No classes
Last day of classes 11 a.m. Praise Day in Moody Coliseum
2
Midnight Breakfast will take place Tuesday from 10:30 p.m. - 12 a.m. in the World Famous Bean. There will be music, karaoke, a DJ, prizes and a $150 giveaway at midnight. Students can use their meal plan or pay $5 at the door.
Women of ACU will host a bake sale at the ACU Museum Tuesday and Wednesday from 12 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. The Christmas Vespers Con- The bake sale will include breads, pastries, cert will take place at First fudge, Baptist Church located at 1333 cookies, pies, muffins and N. 3rd Ave. Saturday from 7:30 more. Proceeds will fund the - 9 p.m. Admission will be free. special projects of selected
departments to enhance the education of ACU students. Contributed items are appreciated and can be dropped off Monday from 12 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. For more information call Lynette Walters at ext. 2197.
socialclubs. Students interested in pledging must register by midnight Jan. 20, 2012.
The Royce and Pam Money Student Recreation and Wellness Center will offer X-perience the day all day Dec. 12. Free group exercise Students interesting in sell- classes include Circumfering their textbooks can ence, Yoga, Zumba, Bootbring them to the Campus camp, Capoeira and more. Store Dec. 12 - Dec. 16 from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Students not cleared for commencement by Dec. 13 will not Students interested in pledg- be allowed to participate in the ing during the spring semester commencement ceremony. can register at www.acu.edu/
71 00 @acuoptimist The Optimist optimist@acu.edu
Police Log Police Log
Weekly Stats for Nov. 29 - Dec. 06, 2011
11/29/11 3:30 p.m. THEFT: ACUPD received a report of the theft of a Whitten Inn advertising sign from Moody Coliseum. 11/30/11 9:10 a.m. ASSIST: ACUPD arrested two shoplifting suspects fleeing from Wal-Mart Loss Prevention personnel on Overland Trail. 11/30/11 12:18 a.m. ALCOHOL INCIDENT: ACUPD investigated the report of two students in possession of alcohol at Edwards Hall. Minor-in-possession citations were issued and both students were also referred to Judicial Affairs for administrative follow up. 11/30/11 2:10 p.m. RECOVERY OF STOLEN PROPERTY: ACU officers recovered a laptop computer, which had been stolen earlier from Wal-Mart, at The Grove apartments. 12/4/11 7:20 p.m. ASSIST: ACUPD assisted APD in the investigation of the thefts of four purses from University Church of Christ.
Police Tip of the Week: Remember that weather related class delays and school closures are announced via ACU Alert, ACU email and local T.V. stations. Enroll in ACU Alert at www.acu.edu/acualert or by texting the one-word code “ACUALERT” to 79516, then follow the prompts.
911 Call - 2 Accident - 1 Administrative Activity - 9 Alarm - 1 Alcohol Incident - 2 Assist - 2 Attempt to Locate - 2 Bicycle Patrol - 2 Boot/Unboot Vehicle - 3 Building Lock/Unlock - 10 Check Building - 10 Citation Issuance - 1 Found Property - 4 Information Report - 3 Investigation Follow-Up - 9 Lost Property - 1
Motorist Assist: Unlock - 13 Noise Violation - 1 Other - 7 Parking Violation - 4 Patrol Vehicle: Maintenance - 2 Patrol Vehicle: Refuel - 4 Public Service - 1 Random Patrol - 1 Report Writing - 3 Soliciting - 1 Stand By - 1 Suspicious Activity - 1 Theft - 1 Traffic Stop - 3 Total Events: 117
Volunteer Opp0rtunities 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 are needed to help deliver toys Dec. 12 - 14. For more information or to sign up visit www.facebook.com/seasonofcaring. The International Rescue Committee is collecting coats, hats, jackets, gloves and blankets for refugees in Abilene who came to the U.S. with few possessions and who will need warm clothing. Donations can be dropped off daily from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at 3303 N. 3rd St., Suite D. For more information contact Aly Shanks at 325-675-5673 ext. 19 or email aly.shanks@rescue.org. Oakridge Church of Christ needs volunteers to help with a children’s Bible class. The class will take place every Wednesday night until Dec. 21 from 7 - 8 p.m. Volunteers will help with singing Bible songs, sanitizing toys and playing with kids. Free dinner is included with the service. For more information contact Emerald Lemmons at 325-3701327 or email emeraldlemmons@gmail.com. The Big Brothers Big Sisters program is looking for volunteers to participate in Lunch Buddies. Bigs and Littles will enjoy lunch together at the child’s school once a week. Students can earn Chapel credit for each visit. Big Brothers Big Sisters is also looking for volunteers for its Community Based program. Bigs are matched with Littles in a one-on-one relationship and spend four to six hours per month together in the community. To sign up or learn more visit www.bbbstx.org or call 325-674-3113. 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. The Abilene Zoo is looking for volunteers to help with general labor such as grounds cleanup and painting any weekday at any time between noon and 4 p.m. The Zoo is located at 2070 Zoo Ln. Contact Joy Harsh at 325-676-6487 for more information. Access Learning Center is looking for volunteers to help elementary school kids with homework, reading, computers and games. The center is located at 2102 Ambler Ave. For more information contact Bret Hines at 325670-9727. Call ahead to schedule a time to volunteer. 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. 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. Breakfast on Beech Street is looking for volunteers to help set up, prepare and serve breakfast to homeless or lower-income visitors any weekday. The event begins at 5:30 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday; 5 a.m. on Tuesday. Serving time is 6:30 - 7:15 a.m. B.O.B.S is located at First Christian Church on N. 3rd Street and Beech Street in Downtown Abilene. For more information visit the First Christian Church website. Habitat for Humanity needs volunteers to help with various construction tasks including carpentry, painting, cleaning up, installing cabinets and other tasks. Volunteers are needed any day Monday-Saturday anytime from 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Contact Steven Legget at 325-670-0489 or email sleggett@abilenehabitat.org. Young Life Ministries needs volunteers Mondays, Tuesdays and weekends from 6 - 9 p.m. Volunteers will hang out with kids, experience leadership roles, serve others and introduce kids to Christ. Young Life is located at 1917 S. 6th St. For more 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 MondaySaturday. The Salvation Army is located at 1726 Butternut St. For more information contact J.D. Alonzo at 325-677-1408 or visit www.satruck.com. Abilene Hope Haven Inc. needs volunteers to provide childcare while parents are in class, any evening Monday-Thursday from 6:45 - 8:15 p.m. Abilene Hope Haven is located at 801 S. Treadaway Blvd. For more information contact Kathy Reppart at 325-677-4673 or visit the Abilene Hope Haven website.
The Food Bank of West Central Texas needs volunteers to help sort and stock food and other items any weekday Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. The Food Bank is located at 5505 N. 1st St. For more information contact Janice Serrault at 325695-6311 or abfoodbk@camalott.com. The Abilene Boys and Girls Club needs help any weekday between 3:30 - 6 p.m. helping children of all ages with games, art, gym time, reading and computer skills. Locations are 4610 N. 10th St. or 1902 Shelton St. Contact Mark Denman at 325-6721712 for more information. Medical Care Mission is looking for volunteers to assist medical or dental staff with patients any weekday from 8:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. For more information contact Dave Kraly at 325-676-3104 or email medicalmoose@sbcglobal.net. Abilene Nursing and Rehabilitation Center has various opportunities for volunteers ranging from visiting with residents to helping with Bingo. Volunteers are needed Monday, Wednesday, or Thursday from 2 - 3 p.m. The Center is located at 2630 Old Anson Road. For more information contact Rita Raymond at 325-673-5101 or email cameron.grad@hotmail.com. College Heights Friendship House needs child mentors Monday - Thursday from 3 - 5 p.m. Contact Dusty Garison at dusty@wecareabilene.org for more information. Christian Homes and Family Services is looking for volunteers to do minor landscaping, raking, trimming bushes, minor apartment repairs and general upkeep Monday - Saturday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. For more information call Shaylee Honey at 325-6772205 or email Shoney@ChristianHomes.com. Care Inn of Abilene is offering various opportunities for working with the elderly and is looking for volunteers who can play a musical instrument and would be willing to perform in the evening. Care Inn is located on South 7th Street. For more information call Sally Diaz at 325-692-2172 or visit the Care Inn of Abilene website. Child Protective Services needs volunteers for clerical work as well as volunteers who can organize a playroom. Volunteers are needed any weekday anytime between 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Child Protective Services are located at 3610 Vine St. Background checks are required and are done at the center. Background checks usually are cleared in about two weeks. For more information call V. Danette Cummings at 325-691-8214.
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campus news
friday 12.09.11
local
Christmas Vespers to offer free admission samantha sutherland features editor The Christmas Vespers service will fill the sanctuary of the First Baptist Church of Abilene Saturday with Christmas music, prayer and poetry. The event, which involves over 150 ACU students, offers free admission and is open to the Abilene community. Dr. Steven Ward, director of bands and orchestra, said Christmas Vespers is an ACU tradition that is entering its 5th year. The theme
for this year is “Dona Nobis Pacem”, which is Latin for “God grant us peace.” The whole evening is going to incorporate that theme. Ward said the Department of Music will put on the event, which will involve all ACU choirs including A Cappella, University Chorale and the ACU singers. The ACU Orchestra and some chamber music ensembles will also take part in the service. “One of the things that is really unique about this performance is that all the groups prepare on their
own and then put it together in one rehearsal at First Baptist,” Ward said. Dr. West Gomer, organist at the Church of Heavenly Rest of Abilene, will also be taking part in the performance. Donna Hester, professor of theater; Dr. Paul Piersall, chair of the Department of Music; and Dr. Jack Reese, dean of the College of Biblical Studies, will all read scripture and poetry during the service. “Christmas Vespers is an evening of sacred Christmas music along with
scripture reading and poetry readings,” Ward said. “It brings an opportunity to celebrate the Christmas season together with sacred music and liturgical and a really wonderful atmosphere.” Rebecca Gulick, sophomore advertising and public relations major from Katy, is part of A Cappella this year and will perform at the service. “I was in it last year, and it’s really cool because pretty much the entire fine arts department comes together,” Gulick said. “They
televise it so they can include the entire community of Abilene.” Ward previously taught at Hope College in Michigan, where a similar Christmas Vespers concert was conducted yearly. He brought the idea to ACU and had the first service in 2007 in Cullen Auditorium. The service was then moved in 2008 to the First Baptist Church, where it has remained. This year he expects anywhere from 500 to 700 to attend. “This concert has become a highlight of the Christmas season, not only for ACU,
but for the entire Abilene community,” Ward said. Lindsey Adams, sophomore worship ministry from Mesquite, is new to Christmas Vespers and will be performing as a part of the University Chorale this year. “It’s just a great opportunity to see the community of ACU and Abilene come together and to experience worship one last time before we all go for the Christmas break,” Adams said. contact salley at fls08a@acu.edu
campus
Facilities to limit operating hours during break zane goggans student reporter
daniel gomez chief Photographer
Jimmy Isabel, sophomore journalism and mass communication major from Eules, bowls in the Campus Center Bowling Alley at the Sophomore Class Rock and Bowl.
Limited hours and closings for ACU facilities will begin at the start of Christmas break with most services closing just before the holiday. The entire campus will be closed on Christmas day. Some facilities and services will reopen right after Christmas Day, while others will remain closed until mid January. The most notable of the campus-wide closings is the inaccessibility of residence halls. All resident halls will be locked down during the entire Christmas break starting at noon on Dec. 17. Students are encouraged to leave the residence halls after their last final is completed. Residence halls will open up to approved students taking short courses beginning on Jan. 8. Everyone else may return to their halls on Jan. 14. “We don’t house anyone during the holidays,” said Administrative Coordina-
“
We have varying hours, but we mimic our hours based on others.” jenni williams student services manager
tor Tracy Wetsel. “Residence halls will have a check out for Christmas. No one is allowed to stay in dorms during the break.” International students who will not be returning home for the break will have to find other places to stay until residence halls reopen. The Residence Life offices will close Dec. 25 and reopen on Jan. 3 with normal operating hours. Anyone with questions concerning housing over Christmas break can contact the Residence Life offices at 325-674-6321. The Campus Center will have some operating hours during break. The Campus Center will close on Dec. 24 and reopen on Jan. 3, operating until 6 p.m. “We have varying hours,
but we mimic our hours based on others,” said student services manager, Jenni Williams. The library has more scattered hours. The library is closed the weekend after finals week, but will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. until it closes on Dec. 23. The library will remain open after Jan. 2 until school begins. However, between reopening and the beginning of school, the library will be closed on Jan. 7 through 8 and 14 through 16, according to the ACU website. The Royce and Pam Money Student Recreation Wellness Center will be closed for the entirety of Christmas break, beginning Saturday after finals and then reopening two weeks before the new semester. All ACU facilities and services’ operating hours and other information regarding Christmas break can be found on the ACU website. contact goggans at zdg08a@acu.edu
news
friday 12.09.11
4
university
Faculty applications accepted despite layoffs christianna lewis copy editor Despite its intent to lay off 10 faculty members by summer 2012, ACU is accepting applications for eight faculty positions, most of which will be filled by fall 2012. Dr. Greg Straughn, interim provost, said the new hires reflect both replacements of current faculty who are retiring at the end of the school year as well as investments in areas with historic and potential growth. “The university has looked at strategic areas of growth over the past five years,” Straughn said. “We’re going to make sure that the new priorities we put out there will be able to come online and flourish the way we’d expected, even if that means realigning other programs that we hadn’t expected.”
Straughn said most of the jobs ACU is offering are simply refilling positions of current faculty who are retiring by summer 2012. One such position is in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. The university will hire Dr. Bruce Hopkins to teach organic chemistry to fill the position currently occupied by Dr. Perry Reeves, professor of chemistry, when he retires in summer 2012, said Dr. Kim Pamplin, associate professor and chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Pamplin said he believed not refilling Reeve’s position would have lessened the quality of the education the department could offer. “Not having two organic chemists would mean that one person would have to do four labs and two lectures a week,” Pamplin said. “That’s not
“
Engineering is the most requested degree ... that we do not currently offer.” rusty towell chair of physics department
sustainable.” Replacing retired professors with new faculty still creates savings over time because, in most cases, new faculty members receive a lower salary than tenured professors, Straughn said. Other job openings are new positions the university has created to be able to offer students the most sought-after programs and training that the university has not been able to provide till this point. The university is looking to hire an experienced engineer to work with the Department of Engineering and Physics
in developing an engineering program by fall 2012, said Dr. Rusty Towell, professor and chair of the Department of Engineering and Physics. Towell said in an email that he believed the engineering program is a good investment for the university. “Engineering is the most requested degree by students considering coming to ACU that we do not currently offer,” Towell said in an email. The university decided to make the engineering program a priority because of both the student demand for the degree as well as the historical growth and quality of the physics department, Straughn said. “It’s not just growth or lack of growth,” Straughn said. “It’s the realization of the breadth of what a university should do.” He said it was important that the university’s
cutbacks not shortchange the new program because of the possibilities an engineering program opens. “The Department of Physics is premier on campus in both research and faculty presentations,” Straughn said. “We need to make sure that the engineering program will fit into that quickly and easily.” Another area with growing student demand is nursing, Straughn said. Dr. Susan Kehl, associate professor of nursing, is developing curriculum for the new program ACU will offer on its campus by fall 2013. She is asking the university to hire two full-time nursing professors to help teach the new classes. Although the nursing program’s budget was not cut during the university’s realignment, Kehl said the university’s financial situation has motivated her to create the most cost-
efficient plan possible. She intends to use adjunct professors to teach some classes and is designing labs and classrooms that are student friendly but also compact. Kehl said she believed the nursing program will help ACU move toward its enrollment goals as well as meet a need for students. However, she hopes that the money the program will both raise and save will allow other programs and departments on campus to expand as well. “I want to promote the nursing program with the utmost sensitivity to what’s going on through the whole ACU environment,” Khel said. “The expansion of some programs at the cost of others is very difficult and painful.” contact lewis at cll09a@acu.edu
theatre
Improv class to perform for final exam Thursday leigh foith contributing reporter The ACU Department of Theatre is hosting a live improv show Thursday in Folks Theatre. Students enrolled in the improv course taught by Gary Varner, professor of theatre, put the show on every other year. Improv creates a unique
performance where the audience is almost another character in the skit. It sets a rare exchange between actor and spectator. Reminiscent of comedic stand-ups like “Who’s Line Is It Anyway?” the students are able to use their skills a relaxed and spontaneous environment. Four groups of actors will compete, but only one will crowned victor of the
performance. Finals week is a stressful time for the campus, and the improv show allows for an escape from the chaos, Varner said. He said the opportunity to laugh in the midst of exams should attract the student body to the show. “I can almost guarantee that before you leave you will belly laugh, and you will be so relaxed,” Varner said.
“Laughter is contagious in a large crowd.” Varner often works with the technical aspects of the theatre department, and his passion for improv is evidenced in his 25-years track of teaching the art to college students. Varner sees the improv live show as a great learning experience. “Improv acting is an incredible chance to get on your
feet and fall on your face,” Varner said. “I honestly want them to fail several times before they leave the class.” Most students approach the class nervously, fearing that comedy is not one of their strong suits. Seth Womack, junior musical theatre major from Justin, wasn’t sure about the improv at first but was impressed by how much he
has improved as an actor through the class. “I had never had improv training before this course because the idea of it really intimidated me,” Womack said. “The course is hard and challenging, but I’ve learned a lot.” contact foith at lmf08a@acu.edu
Student’s Association
SA reappoints members, fails to spend budget farron salley news anchor The Students’ Association filled congressional seats within minutes of opening Wednesday, passed a resolution to support free hot chocolate during finals week and briefed an upcoming meeting about the future existence of dead day, before hosting an annual Christmas celebration to end the semester. Executive President Connor Best, senior political science major from Sacramento, Calif., said he will speak with the university registrar Bart Herridge to see if there will continue to
be a dead day on campus. “I’ll meet with him and see where he’s at on that decision,” Best said. The topic was not open for debate or discussion on the congress floor. Best continued with the meeting by explaining the by-laws of SA which state that in case of an open officer seat, the executive president has the responsibility to nominate a candidate to fulfill the duties. He said he and executive vice president Julianne Hart, senior political science major from Austin, conducted interviews to fill the spots of vacated sophomore positions.
Brady Kile, sophomore fiance major from Fort Worth, announced he would do a Study Abroad program next semester and was resigning as Sophomore class president. “It’s been a pleasure serving with all of you,” he said. Best nominated Aaron Brooks, marketing major from Burleson and current sophomore vice president to take the new seat. “I feel like I’ve seen how Brady has handled the situation. I can help the sophomore class get through the school year,” he said. Congress voted unanimously to elect him as the new class president.
Dylan Benac, sophomore poltical science major from Boerne and current Harding Administration building representative was nominated by Best to fill the seat Brooks left. Again congress voted unanimously to confirm the president’s appointment. The final congress meeting also marked two major upcoming deadlines – the budget and office hours. Friday is the deadline for all representatives to complete two hours and class officers to complete four hours. The deadlines were for the month of November and despite a two week extension twelve have not submitted any hours and 13 have started but have
not finished. Also, the $90,000 budget approved at the beginning of the semester will go partially unspent. More than $21,000 remained in the budget at close of business Thursday, although as much as $3,000 is still expected to be spent in the coming days. Executive treasurer Carson Henley, senior pre-dental major from Fort Worth, said all money not spent by SA or supported student organizations will return to a general budget in the Office of Student Life.
The following Congress members were absent Wednesday’s meeting.
Nolan Bryan Mabee Rep Christopher Sisk COBA Rep Brandon Wilson Off-Campus Rep
contact salley at fls08a@acu.edu
Crime
Theft: Student athlete appreciates support trying to rebuild a program or not,” Mosley said. “Regardworks to rebuild the basketball less of the outcome, hopeteam, which went 9-17 last fully this can be a teachable year. Both athletes are new moment not only for these to the program this year two athletes involved but for under Golding. At the time everyone on the team.” Golding echoed Mosley’s of their suspension, Williams led the team in three-point sentiments. “We are going to be OK,” field goals while Kibi led the Wildcats in rebounds. Neither Golding said. “Some guys are played Saturday against going to have to step up, but we are going to be fine.” Southwestern Adventist. Both players have ex“It’s an extremely difficult Williams situation whether you are pressed their deep regret continued from page 1
for the incident and are thankful for the support they have received. “I am glad we are at Abilene Christian,” Kibi said. “This is somewhere where people are going to be pulling for us and are going to be behind us and want to help us. They understand we made a mistake, but they are here for us. Dr. Jean-Noel Thompson, vice president and dean for student life, said he couldn’t
comment on either student’s standing with the university, but he did say that he has met with each student multiple times. “We are going to be consistent with similar situations in the way we handle this,” Thompson said. “We are taking this matter very seriously.” Under the 2011-12 Student Handbook, felonies are Category Three violations, and misdemeanors are Cat-
egory Two violations. Thompson praised the coaches and the athletic department for how the incident and suspensions have been handled. The men’s basketball team will play its second game without Williams and Kibi this Saturday against Cameron University. contact gwin at agg07a@acu.edu
5
arts
friday 12.09.11
OUT NOW
Rich and Creamy Eggnog
Music, movies, books
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Christmas Break Cooking Seasonal recipes for finals week snacking
Cooking by Emily Jones
El Camino The Black Keys The Ohio blues-rock group’s seventh studio album follows their Grammy Award winning album, Brothers.
Lioness: Hidden Treasures Amy Winehouse The posthumous compilation album includes unreleased singles and demos chosen by the producer of her 2006 album, Back to Black.
Double Chocolate Chunk Peppermint Brownies
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1
Heat ov en to 35 0°F (325 stick pa °F n s). Grea 13x9-in se botto for dark or no ch pan n m and with cooking sides of spray. In shortening o r spray butter o 4-quart wit ve s in granu r medium hea aucepan, melt h t; remo lated an ve from 1 cup d until we heat. M ll blend brown sugar, ix va ed salt unt il well b . Stir in flour, 3 nilla and eggs len /4 sweet a nd whit ded. Stir in 1 c cup cocoa an d e choco up each pan. late chu semin k s . S p Bake 30 read in to 35 m inutes o comple r tely, ab out 1 ho until set. Coo In large l ur. bowl, b eat pow cup coc d o e a r e , d 1/4 cup the milk butter a sugar, 1/4 w nd eno frosting ith electric m ugh ixe is brownie smooth and s r on low speed of preadab s. le. Spre until In micr ad over ow cup wh avable contain ite choc e covered olate ch r, microwave o 1/ unks an or twice n High 30 to 6 d the o 2 0 secon , until th il unds, stirr in enou small p in lastic fo gh to d rizzle. P g once od-stor corner age lace in of cut into bag. Drizzle ov bag; cut small hole in e 6 rows by 4 row r frosting. For Recipe brownie courtes s. s, y of Bet tyCrock er.com
2 3
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross From the duo responsible for The Social Network soundtrack comes the score to a film based off a Swedish novel.
4
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy R - 127 min. Colin Firth stars in the ritically acclaimed novel-based story of a compromised spy in Cold War Britain.
Oreo Balls 1 package regular size Oreo cookies, crushed 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened 1 package white almond bark 1 package chocolate almond bark
1 2 3 4 5 6
Using a blender or ha nd held mixer, mix Oreos and cream chee se together. Roll into walnut size ba lls. Chill for an hour. Melt approximately 3/4 package of white almond bark. Stick a toothpick in an Oreo ball and dip it in the melted white alm ond bark. Allow to harden on wa x paper.
7 8 9 10
Let sit for 15 minutes.
While waiting, melt ab out 1/4 package of chocolate almond ba rk. When Oreo balls are no longer sticky to the touch, decorate with drizzles of chocolate and white almond ba rk. I just use a sandwich bag with a tiny hole cut in one corner to drizzle the almond bark. Recipe courtesy of Fo od.com
11/22/63 Stephen King The award winner horror author returns with a tale of an English teacher sent back in time to stop the Kennedy assassination.
opinion
friday 12.09.11
6
Editorial
Age changes holiday expectations Remember when you were younger and you looked forward to Christmas with great anticipation and excitement? It was a magical time. There was certainly some point in many of our lives when we were “tiny tots with our eyes all aglow,” finding it hard to sleep Christmas Eve in anticipation for what Santa would bring. We were looking forward to getting the coolest new action figures, video games and toys we’d seen advertised on TV or in the Toys ‘R’ Us catalogs. These filled up
our holiday wish list and the boxes underneath the tree that magically appeared the morning after Santa’s f light. Then we began to get older – enter our teenage years. It is around this time that many of us learned about the truth behind much of the Christmas magic. We still enjoyed the holidays, but we weren’t as excited about it. Winter break probably wasn’t long either – just a couple of weeks and it was back to the books. That brings us to the present: college. Perhaps
you’re coming up to the end of your first semester, or maybe you’re staring down graduation and the final step into adulthood. Either way, you’ve probably found some new excitement for the season. For one thing, it’s a month off from classes, projects and finals. You get to go back home and spend time with your family, and at the very least enjoy this relaxing change of pace and scene. The gifts we’re asking for have changed as more practical things populate our wish lists. Perhaps you’ve asked for new
dorm furniture or things you’ll need in whatever professional field you’re about to go into. There is still much to look forward to this holiday season, but it comes in a different form. Time spent with friends and family from our hometowns fuel this excitement. We’re beginning to value this family togetherness that our parents said we’d value when we reached this age, but may not have believed at the time. So as you pack things up for a month away from campus life, remember
Oh Dear, Christian College
Ben miller
the issue Christmas has lost much of the magic that accompanied it during childhood.
our take We are reaching the age when we finally start to appreciate the limited time we have with family and old friends.
to value this time off. Chances are you haven’t had this much time off for the holidays before and won’t ever again as you move into a professional career. And even if you’re not heading home over the break, perhaps you’ll find the greatest gift of all: the love of your family and
friends. From all of us on the Optimist Editorial Board, we wish you and yours a blessed holiday season.
contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
column
An open letter to my ostentatious neighbor WHOA! IS ME
DAVID SINGER
Column
Dear next door neighbor to the left (stage left, the one who seems to be very against “soliciting”), It has been a couple months since I moved in and, to be honest, you have been great. You’re quiet like a mouse. Or a family who’s children left them years ago for bigger and better things. You don’t complain about my roommate’s double parked truck or our 3 a.m. Arrested Development marathons. Most importantly, you serve as a buffer between our raging house parties and the ACU professor who lives two houses down. For those things, we love you. However, recently I What I’ve come to realize “You missed out on a real have had some bones to pick with your Christchildhood!” though, is Christmas Those same people find mas display. Don’t get me traditions are different my brother and my pres- wrong, I love Jesus like a ent-hunt to be upsetting as skinny kid loves looking for everyone. If you take well. at cake. I rejoice in the away the traditions “That takes all the fun chance to turn the filthy of it,” they say. “You’re haze of finals week into a though, the true meaning out supposed to be surprised.” sugar-filled season of tryremains.” What I’ve come to real- to-avoid-a-one-on-oneize, though, is that Christ- with-Uncle-Steve. And I mas traditions are differ- still can’t hear Rudolph ent for everyone. If you the Red-Nosed Reindeer take away the traditions, without getting the urge the true meaning remains. to yell “LIKE A LIGHTWhile I appreciate the BULB!” The problem is that traditions of Christmas, especially my family’s tra- your front yard exhibition It was a game my brother ditions, I am very thank- doesn’t exactly convey and I played every Christ- ful that my parents placed Christmas spirit. It does mas. My parents were not such an emphasis on what communicate your inherent tackiness and excesoblivious, though. They Christmas is truly about. Whether you’re writing sively high electricity bill. may have been slightly aware of our tricks, so they letters to Santa or digging It also says “I enjoy blindhid the best presents in through the trunk of your ing drivers and providing places they knew we would mom’s car to find gifts, a retina-burning beacon not think to look. It was Christmas is ultimately for the mailman.” But a fun game for all of us. It about celebrating the birth it definitely doesn’t say of our Savior and celebrat- Christmas spirit. was our tradition. Your overzealously Santa-believers are of- ing it with those we love. strewn lights suffocate fended by this. I’ve enthe 6-foot tall “Season’s countered several individGreetings” snow globe. uals who are appalled that I can only wish the meI did not believe in the redchanical reindeer would suited man. contact barnes at gallop back to Walmart’s “You didn’t believe in hab08a@acu.edu seasonal aisle. Your wacky Santa?!” they exclaim.
wavy inf latable arm elf would feel more in place at a North Pole car dealership. (BEST DEALS ON SLEIGHS! SUNDAY! SUNDAY! SUNDAY!) Basically, none of these things belong in your yard.
“
Christmas traditions define family
“
once upon a hannah
hannah barnes
Some would say that I did not have quite the same Christmas experience most children have had. While my parents were not at all anti-Santa, they wanted me to understand that Christmas was not to celebrate a man who brings gifts once a year. They wanted me to know who Christmas really was celebrating. So, as soon as I was old enough to know about Santa Claus, my parents broke the news to me. “Santa Claus is not real,” they explained kindly. “He was alive a long time ago, and he was a good man. But he is not what Christmas is all about.” Of course, it was hard to be the only one out of the 20 kids in my kindergarten class to know Santa Claus was made-up. Playing along was the hardest part. Everyone believed
Santa brought them their presents on Christmas Eve, but I knew their parents actually bought their presents and only claimed they were from Santa. When I got a little older, I became more observant. Because I knew my parents were providing my Christmas gifts, I figured they did not wait until the last minute to get them. “Where, oh where could my presents be?” I thought. I relayed these thoughts to my younger brother; and we conspired and planned when our parents weren’t paying attention. As soon as they’d leave the house, the hunt was on. Any UPS boxes were carefully untaped, searched and resealed. We raided closets and looked under beds. We even unwrapped gifts that had been placed under the tree and left no trace.
The problem is that your front yard exhibition doesn’t exactly convey Christmas spirit. It does communicate your inherent tackiness and excessively high electricity bill.”
May I suggest something more in the spirit of the season. Give me a classy nativity scene. Give me a touch of white, dangling lights. Heck, if you feel the need you can even let your wooden Santa watch our Lord’s birth from behind the wisemen. But only if he brought a gift. (And no socks. Jesus is a sandals man.) I would much rather you decorate with the indifference of an End-ofSemester Chapel Survey than vomit a 12,000 watt light show on to the front of your suburban dwelling. So your options? Simple as this: turn it down or class it up. I’ve enjoyed living next to you these past months. Lets not make December different.
contact Singer at dis08a@acu.edu
hashtagACU 7:59 p.m. Dec. 6
You know you go to #ACU when you can only remember the Sing Song lyrics to the song you’re listening to instead of the actual lyrics.
@corimenielle
11:38 a.m. Dec. 5
Eating Apple Fritters and playing Apples to Apples in CORE today = crucial to my education at ACU
@folgerpqwyp8
7:36 p.m. Dec. 6
Cold weather really brings out the high school letter jackets #college
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
Why does the library close on Friday nights??? Does #ACU not want me to get A’s on my finals???
@MillietheMildcat @hillaryeich
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Sneezing in the bible dept and literally everyone in earshot pauses to say God Bless You #ACUdifference @ overheardACU
I’ve come to the realization that no matter how much I complain about finals, they are not going away. Pessimism < Optimism @overheardACU
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sports Jumps
FRIday 12.09.11
MEN’S BASKETBALL
Hopeful ‘Cats to begin conference play Matthew Sloan Sports Reporter The men’s basketball team will begin Lone Star Conference play this Saturday against the Cameron University Aggies in Moody Coliseum at 7:30 p.m. The Wildcats are looking to build on their 5-2 start and turn around a program that has struggled in recent years during conference play. “It’s big for us,” senior Ben Warton said. “For the seniors, this is our last go, and we defiantly want to go out on a high note. We want to finish strong and carry our winning into conference. It starts on Saturday
against Cameron.” With first year Head Coach and alumni Joe Golding at the helm, the players are buying into a new era of Abilene Christian basketball and are planning on making some noise in conference play. “Coach has brought a ton of energy,” Warton said. “He brings it everyday, and he is a great motivator for us. You know he was the point guard when ACU was in their heyday winning 20 games every year. He knows what it takes to win in the conference.” The Wildcats were picked to finish last in the conference this season. However, instead of becom-
ing frustrated, the team uses their critics as motivation to work hard and achieve their preseason goals. “We have a sign in our locker room that says picked last,” guard Zach Williams said. “It is a huge motivator for us and something Coach Golding talks about every day.” Cameron University is a talented team that finished above .500 in the conference last year. The Aggies are fundamentally sound and play a blue-collar style of basketball that will make for an intense matchup. “Cameron crashes the boards and like to try and get a lot of second chance opportunities,” Williams
Men’s basketball
said. “If we can limit them to one shot we’ll get a win.” The Christmas Slam has been advertised all around campus, and it will provide an opportunity for the Wildcats to play in front of a big crowd in Moody Coliseum. “We feed off the crowd,” Warton said. “We do it for the fans, and we want them to have something to look forward to on Tuesday and Saturday nights when we play. We want to come out and give them a good win and start off conference play the right way.” contact Sloan at Mes10b@acu.edu
DANIEL GOMEZ CHIEF Photographer Senior Forward Ben Warton jumps up for a layup in Moody Coliseum.
Basketball
Cousin: Durant unfazed Slam: Event encourages fans’ support from page 8 “We actually played on the same boys’ club team,” Durant said. “That’s how we first met each other. We were at the Cedar Heights rec center signing our names on a paper. He asked me my last name and when our family reunion was. Our parents had talked a little bit. It was crazy.” Durant said he visited his cousin when the OKC Thunder played the Houston Rockets two seasons ago. “He’s real cool, not cocky or anything. He’s just like you and me. He just plays basketball and you can catch him on TV; but he’s a real down to earth person. He’s willing to help whoever’s in need so I take my hat off to him.” Durant said he loves the
from page 8 crowd will be asked to start a congregational singing of the hymn Silent Night. Once the game is over, students will lead the crowd in singing The Lord Bless You and Keep You, an ACU tradition, inside Moody. The modern holiday movie “Elf” will be showed on the two pro-
DANIEL GOMEZ CHIEF Photographer
Junior Guard Kendall Durant drives to the basket against Southwestern Adventist University in Moody Coliseum. men’s team and feels like he people when you really need them,” Durant said. can trust them. “When you’re away from home, that’s one thing you really want: to contact Goodspeed at feel like you are able to klg08a@acu.edu trust people and fall on
“
This is a great way to encourage students to come out and support all of the happenings in ACU sports.” John Houser Assistant Athletic director ACU Sports
jectors after the game along with popcorn and drinks, all of which will be free of charge. “We would really like
this to become an annual event for the school,” Houser said. “This is a great way to encourage students to come out and support all of the happenings in ACU sports.”
contact Shake at Bxs09a@acu.edu
sports
FRIday 12.09.11
8
standings
Basketball
Christmas Slam to host festive atmosphere in Moody Bryson Shake Sports Reporter A change of pace from the monotonous schedule of studying that precedes finals week will be traded for an atmosphere Saturday night in Moody Coliseum as Abilene Christian University presents its first annual Christmas Slam – an evening filled with Wildcat basketball, singing, contests, free food and prizes. Festivities will begin before the women’s basketball game at 5:30 against Cameron University with campus clubs and organizations handing out free Christmas treats, snacks and drinks around the con-
course outside of Moody Coliseum. Santa Claus and his elves will be available for pictures before and during the women’s game at 5:30 p.m. in the concourse. The Student’s Association hired two photographers to take pictures of children with Santa. Clubs and organizations will have the opportunity to create a booth to be on display on the concourse, and the club whose booth has the best design will win $1oo from the ACU Athletics office. “I am really excited about the event,” said Cody Bowden, senior information systems major from Crowley. “ACU lacks
“
I’m excited to support the basketball teams and get in the holiday spirit. This is going to be a fun event.” Cody bowden senior is major from crowley, tx
in school spirit, and this will help jumpstart that. I’m excited to support our basketball teams and get in the holiday spirit. This is going to be a fun event.” Several gift cards will be handed out during the women’s game to those in attendance. Gift cards include $100 to United Supermarkets, $60 to Famous Dave’s Barbeque Restaurant and $40 to Buffalo Wild
Wings, among the $500 worth of total giveaways. Those prizes will also be distributed during the men’s game, which is scheduled for 7:30 p.m., and will be the latter part of the doubleheader. Free pizza from the Athletic Department will also be handed out to the first 200 students who attend. “This is a great opportunity for the student body to come out and celebrate Christmas and take a small break from their schedule,” said Assistant Athletic Director John Houser. “This is a great way to end the semester for students and hang out with all their friends one last time.” During the men’s game,
men’s baskeball
Durant, but he has handled it well and listened. His biggest challenge has been learning new habits, but he is striving to use his talents to be who God created him to be. “He’s a really talented player and has started for us every game,” Burton said. “I followed him for a long time. As the season progresses, he’s going to be better with every game because he’s still learning.” Kevin Durant didn’t want his cousin to transfer. “Last time I saw Kevin was in June,” Durant said. “He was asking me what school I was going to go to. He wanted me to stay at Alabama, but I just had to get up out of there.” Durant hasn’t talked to Kevin since he left home. Durant said Kevin and he change numbers many times and lose contact two or three times a year. They touch base in the summer, though. Kevin Durant, who played basketball at the University of Texas and now competes for the Oklahoma City Thunder, was the consensus 2007 National College Player of the Year, the 2006-2007 Big 12 Player of the Year, the 2008 NBA Rookie of the Year, the 2010-2011 NBA scoring Champion and was a NBA All-Star in 2010-2011. Kendall and Kevin first met at a recreational center when they were little. see cousin page 7
‘Cats hold off late run by Hilltoppers The women’s basketball team held off a late run by St. Edward’s Tuesday night, lighting up the fans in Moody Coliseum, and adding a win to its 3-2 record. ACU maintained control of the game the entire first half, consistently being up by a range of 10-12 points. Making nearly half of the shots taken, the ‘Cats left the court at the half with 4230 on the scoreboard. The Wildcats returned just as strong, leading St. Edwards by as much as 16 points. But halfway through the second half, the Hilltoppers found their stride, hoping to minimize the deficit. A series of 3-pointers by Kelsey Barr and a pair of free throws from Kendra Field brought them right back into the game lacking 5 points with just over 9:00 to go. Just as the Wildcats began to lose the lead in the second half, Tamenia Jourdan found Shelby Shipley for a 3-point shot that immediately changed to momentum of the game. The junior guard began an electric run that ultimately led to ACU’s 78-66 win. Mack Lankford quickly joined Shipley and began adding unanswered baskets
7-1 6-0 6-1 5-3 6-4 4-3 7-3 2-4 6-2 5-2
Ovrl. 3-3 4-5 4-2 6-1 6-1 4-2 3-5 2-6 3-2 1-6 1-7
ACU head soccer coach Casey Wilson was named the NSCAA/Mondo South Central Region Coach of the Year in honor of his highly sucessful 2011 season. Wilson coached the Wildcats to an Elite Eight appearance at the NCAA Championship. Saturday night, Dec. 10, ACU will host the Christmas Slam in Moody Coliseum. The event will start at 5:30 p.m., before the women’s basketball game. The Christmas Slam will include a basketball doubleheader, singing, dancing, free food, and prizes. The movie Elf will be shown after the guy’s and girl’s games served with free popcorn and soda. ACU’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee is accepting donations of clothing and unwrapped toys for Arms of Hope until Friday, Dec. 9.
EX- FACTOR Chicago Bears wide receiver Johnny Knox had five receptions for 53 yards and no touchdowns on Sunday, Dec. 4, against the Chiefs. The Bears lost 10-3. For the season Knox has 33 receptions for 675 yards and two touchdowns. Cincinnati Bengals running back Bernard Scott had five rushes for 30 yards and no touchdowns Sunday, Dec. 4 against the Steelers. The Bengals lost 35-7.
to the score. After Lankford scored a pair of buckets, freshman Paige Parliament followed with five quick points in less than a minute. “Paige has done a very good job of fitting in and becoming a part of what we’re doing,” said Head Coach Shawna Lavender. “She’ll continue to be a big player for us all year.” After a layup and two additional free throws from Lankford, Emily Miller’s two shots from behind the freethrow line gave the ‘Cats a 19 point lead, the highest of the game. Lankford left the court with 24 points, followed by 15 from Paige Parliament, and 10 from Marquez. “We’re ready to continue going out there and getting big wins,” said junior forward Kelsey Smith. “We need to maintain this consistency.” The women’s basketball team will return to action Saturday against Cameron University. The Aggies are going into this game 2-1 in conference, and 4-1 overall. They are strong defensively, giving up an average of 50 points per game. ACU goes into this game with an 0-1 LSC record, but this game will be nearly evenly matched.
Danieal Manning, Texans safety, recorded three solo tackles and one pass defended versus the Falcons on Sunday, Dec. 4. The Texans defeated the Falcons 17-10.
Upcoming The men’s basketball team will play Cameron University in Moody Coliseum on Saturday, Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m. The team will also face West Texas in Moody Coliseum on Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m.
DANIEL GOMEZ CHIEF Photographer contact Goin at nsg10b@acu.edu
Ovrl.
Sophomore defender Brie Buschman was awarded with the Capital One Academic All-America third team honor for soccer.
WOmen’s BAsketball
sports editor
Div.
briefings
How Kendall Durant is shrugging in his cousin’s shadow
Natalie goin
Team
WTAMU 2-0 there are a few instruc- MSU 1-0 tions the athletic depart- TSU 1-0 ment has for those in at- UIW 1-1 tendance. First, everyone TAMU-K 1-1 is encouraged to remain Cameron 1-1 silent until the Wildcats ENMU 0-2 score their tenth point, af0-2 ter which they are encour- Commerce 0-0 aged to cheer loudly for ASU ACU 0-0 the duration of the game. At halftime, ACU President Phil Schubert will women’s basketball give a Christmas blessing Div. to those attending. A ted- Team 2-0 dy bear toss for Season of WTAMU Caring will also take place TSU 2-0 during halftime in addition MSU 1-0 to students participating UIW 2-1 in the Wobble line-dance. TWU 2-1 After the media timeout Cameron 2-1 is called with eight minutes 1-1 to go in the second half, the ASU ENMU 1-2 ACU 0-1 see Slam page 7 Commerce 0-3 TAMU-K 0-3
A different Durant Kendall Durant doesn’t mind when people mistake him for National Basketball Association member Kevin Durant, especially since they’re cousins. “I don’t take it personal,” Durant said. “I just correct them. A lot of people do ask though. Sometimes it gets on my nerves, but I can’t get mad at them when he’s doing something good.” Kendall Durant, junior guard from Washington, D.C., transferred to Abilene Christian University this year to play basketball. Durant played for the basketball team at Weatherford Community College his freshman and sophomore years before heading to the University of Alabama. Unfortunately, he only competed in eight games for the Crimson Tide before fracturing his foot, ending his season early. “I got down on myself and wanted to leave before it was even over,” Durant said. “Then my coach from Weatherford talked to coach Burton, ACU’s assistant coach. I don’t really like big schools. It’s a small area here with nice people. It’s different from home but it’s nice though.” Burton said having a winning coach has been an adjustment for
men’s basketball
Junior Center Kelsey Smith sets up for a shot against a St. Edward’s defender Tuesday night in Moody Coliseum. The Wildcats beat the Hilltoppers 78-66.
The women’s basketball team will host St. Edward’s University on Saturday, Dec. 10 in Moody Coliseum at 5:30 p.m.