OPTIMIST THE
MONDAY August 23, 2004
Department of Journalism and Mass Communication
Abilene Christian University
Vol. 93, No. 1 1 section, 12 pages www.acuoptimist.com
Serving the ACU community since 1912
Team nationally ranked:
Clinic, counseling center expanded:
Business boom:
The volleyball team is rated 28th nationally in a preseason coaches poll. Page 12
The counseling center moved to the lower level of McKinzie Hall, allowing the center and the medical clinic to double in size. Page 4
Five new businesses in Abilene have opened with more on the way. Page 3
‘She loved everyone’ Junior killed Aug. 14 while driving home to San Antonio By JONATHAN SMITH EDITOR IN CHIEF
Although memories will pour out from the friends of Cheryl Halbert, they all cycle back to one thing: Cheryl’s love. Her love for people. Her love for family. Her love for friends. Her love for kids.
“She loved everyone,” said Andrea Schweikhard, junior communication major from Tulsa, Okla., and one of Halbert’s roommates. “She would cry with you immediately if something was wrong, but then she would calm you down immediately. She would listen as long as she needed to, and then she would give the best advice.” Halbert, 20, was killed Aug. 14 driving to San Antonio on U.S. Highway 87 near Mason when she lost control of the
vehicle and struck a tree. Chris Meeks, junior accounting major from Rockwall, was injured in the accident and was airlifted to Shannon Medical Center in San Angelo where glass was removed from his eye. Funeral services were Wednesday at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio. Family and friends shared some of their favorite memories, and her brother Brett read excerpts from her diary from various points in her life—on Spring Break
Campaigns, at summer camp and studying abroad in Oxford. Women from Sigma Theta Chi, Halbert’s social club, brought yellow roses to the front during one song. Dr. Wayne Barnard, dean of Campus Life, said he would speak to Halbert’s brothers, Brett, who lives in Abilene, and Darren, an incoming freshman, as well as her friends about having a memorial service for her See Halbert Page 10
COURTESY PHOTO
Cheryl Halbert, right-center, poses in front of Stonehenge last semester with roommates Angela Meyer, Andrea Schweikhard and Julianne Batts. Halbert was killed Aug. 14 driving to San Antonio.
Net worth increases $21 million Operating deficit half of what once was anticipated last year By JONATHAN SMITH EDITOR IN CHIEF
EMILY CHASTAIN/Staff Photographer
Freshman and transfer students participate in Welcome Week’s annual Candlelight Devo on Tuesday in the Beauchamp Amphitheater. Mike Cope, Highland Church of Christ preacher, was the keynote speaker for the event that brought to a close the opening day of Welcome Week.
Students’ lights shine despite rain Record number of new students work around storms By JACI SCHNEIDER OPINION EDITOR
Rain, upperclassmen and fun welcomed a record number of new students to campus last week. Although frequent thunderstorms dampened campus throughout Welcome Week, they didn’t dampen spirits. “We’ve had rain and all kinds of stuff that hasn’t really gone our way,” said Amber Cardot, a Welcome Week student director and a senior psychology major from Abilene. “But everybody has been really understanding.” Welcome Week officially began at 2 p.m. last Tuesday at the opening ceremonies in Moody Coliseum. From that point until Saturday afternoon, activities kept
new students busy. From lunch and dinner to Giant Twister to service projects and intramurals, students had plenty of opportunities to get involved. Of the more than 1,100 students who registered for the week, 70 auditioned for the talent show, and 800 signed up for intramurals, Cardot said. Turnout for activities was high as well, Cardot said. As an incentive to encourage students to attend activities, directors constructed “Dorothy the Cowgirl” to make an appearance at certain events. To enter the drawings, students had to record where they saw the Cowgirl throughout the week. Biketown donated a bike, and Wal-Mart donated a flat-screen TV. Heavy rain forced the four student directors — Cardot, Jonathan Ross, Misty Willcox and Demetrius Collins — to be creative this week. A service project Friday of playing with kids in Abilene
turned into writing letters to those children. The outdoor concert Friday night had to be moved indoors to Bennett Gymnasium, and inflatable games was canceled. Many students were disappointed that intramural football had to be canceled because the field was too wet to play on, Cardot said. The week was also a time for new students to meet people in their mentor groups and adjust to life at ACU. “It’s been fun and exhilarating,” said Josh Smith, a freshman business management major from Austin. However, some students found Welcome Week a little overwhelming. “It’s been the longest week of my life, but it kind of threw me into college,” said Lindsey Sisk, undeclared major from Boerne. E-mail Schneider at: jrs02a@acu.edu
See FINANCE Page 10
New Chapel coordinator begins work Chapel may not meet in Moody Coliseum on Thursdays this year By LORI BREDEMEYER EYAKEM GULILAT/Staff Photographer
Gillian Newcum sings in the Welcome Week talent show Saturday night in Moody Coliseum.
Enrollment forecasts show increasing numbers Exact figures will not be known until third week of school By SARAH CARLSON COPY EDITOR
Enrollment is predicted to increase slightly this fall compared to last school year with the largest freshman class in ACU history, administration and admission officials said. Official 12th-day enrollment figures will not be released for a few weeks. “We expect to meet or exceed our forecast, which was
for around 4,700 students,” said Jack Rich, executive vice president and administrator over recruiting and admissions. Rich is forecasting an increase of 20 students this fall, and more than 1,000 freshmen are expected to be enrolled, a number larger than last year. Robert Heil, director of enrollment operations, said he anticipates the freshman class to have 50 more students than last year, and he said the administration is pleased with the academic quality and diversity of the entering class. “It's been exciting this week
to watch the new students arrive to begin their college careers at ACU,” Heil said. The number of students attending Passport and the number of freshmen preregistered for classes validates the expectations for a larger freshman class, Heil said. He said freshman dorms are also at full capacity. Heil said enrollment in the graduate school is expected to increase as well. “Enrollment is looking stronger than the last two years” because the entering class is larger, said Tim Johnston, chief
The university realized a $21 million increase in net worth for the 2003-04 school year—the largest increase in net worth since 2000—said Phil Schubert, vice president of finance. Strong, yearlong investment gains in a market that had suffered for all investors the previous two years allowed the endowment to grow to $168 million, the highest it has ever been. Schubert said only 5 percent of the endowment is available for operating costs—costs required for the everyday operation of the university, such as salaries and health care costs. Most of the earnings in net worth are tied into investments in the endowment and are inaccessible for use with the operating budget. Because of that and a culmination of rising operating costs during the past couple years, the university had a $1.5 million operating budget deficit for ‘03-04. “Our projections from where we would end the year from an operating standpoint this last year ended up better than where we expected,” Schubert said, because at one point during the year officials estimated that deficit could grow as high as $3 million. Realizing the budget deficits would only continue to grow and peak at about $5 million in two years if nothing was done, the university organized 13 strategic teams last year to analyze most all facets of the university to look for cost-
strategic enrollment officer. Overall enrollment will depend on how many people return, Johnston said. At least 520 students graduated in May, the largest graduating class in ACU history, and Rich said more students are graduating in four years than in the past. Johnston said the graduating class was factored into enrollment projections, and it looks like this year’s senior class will be slightly smaller. E-mail Carlson at: skc02a@acu.edu
Rich
Johnston
MANAGING EDITOR
The Chapel program is undergoing some tweaking this year, and a new coordinator recently has begun working. Shane Hughes, the new coordinator of Chapel programs who is taking Brad Carter’s place, started work two weeks ago. He said so far everything has gone smoothly. “I think that working with Chapel is like the soul of ACU, and it’s a place where we all get to come together,” he said. “It’s fun to be a part of that.” Hughes recently graduated from ACU with a Master of Divinity, and Dr. Wayne Barnard, dean of Campus Life, said the department was lucky to find him. “Shane surfaced as a person who brings great skill,” Barnard said. “He has been trained theologically … and he has a great relationship with our Bible faculty and with ministers in town. We’re very blessed.” Barnard said a team of people on campus work to organize and develop Chapel, but Hughes is the person to coordinate everything. See CHAPEL Page 10
CAMPUS
Trustee member Bob Onstead dies STAFF REPORT
Monday, August 23, 2004
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Calendar&Events Monday
First Day of Class. Social Club officers meeting, 5:156:30 p.m., Living Room.
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Tuesday
Students’ Association elections, 810 p.m, Living Room.
Wednesday
Meet the Churches, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Campus Center.
Study Abroad students depart. Prayer time and bon voyage, 10:15 a.m., Big Purple parking lot.
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Thursday
Shades interest meeting, 6-9 p.m., Living Room.
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Friday
Graduate School of Theology Back to School Dinner, 4-9:30 p.m., Hilton Room.
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Announcements
Saturday
Professional Development Day for student teachers, 7:30 a.m.3:30 p.m., Hilton Room. CPR training, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Living Room.
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Sunday
MFI Research project, 5-8 p.m., Hilton Room.
Applications for SALT, Service Action Leadership Team, are available to interested students in the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center in the Bean Sprout. SALT is a student organization that provides leadership opportunities for students in service and volunteer activities. For an application or more information, visit the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center. Applications will be due Sept. 3. Students using Windows XP who have already downloaded Service Pack 2 need to examine their pop-up blocking software to be able to fully use their Webmail. Go to my.acu.edu and click on the Technology link under Announcements for further instructions.
Robert Onstead, longtime Board of Trustees member, died Aug. 4 of a heart attack while traveling in Sicily with his wife, daughter and granddaughter, according to an ACU press release. He was 73. Onstead graduated from North Texas State University but “became interested in Christian education and has been a great supporter of ACU,” said Dr. Royce Money, president of the university. Onstead served on ACU’s Board of Trustees since 1978, and Money said he was most interested in the development of the Biblical Studies Building. “Bob was a visionary … (and he) had the rare combination of vision and meticulous attention to details,” Money said. “You can see that in the design of the building. But he didn’t care for any credit for that. He was not one who sought the limelight.” Onstead was a business leader in Houston; he started Randalls supermarket chain in 1966 that expanded into Austin
and Dallas, according to his Web site. He also served on numerous boards and committees. He and his wife, Kay, started a scholarship at ACU for the children of people in full-time ministry, Money said, and the students who receive the scholarship are called Onstead scholars. “Bob and Kay are very hospitable people, friendly and outgoing, warm, affectionate, very easy to get to know, very unassuming people,” Money said. “They’re great friends of ACU, and we appreciate and love them. “It was such a sudden loss that just shocked everyone,” Money said. “We all thought he was in very good health. It reminds us of the uncertainty of life. But ACU has lost a great friend in Bob Onstead.” Onstead is preceded in death by his parents, a daughter and two sisters-in-law. He is survived by his wife, four children, eight grandchildren, one great-grandchild and his brother.
Volunteer Opportunities Day Nursery is seeking volunteers to work shifts at its food booth Sept. 10-18. Workers will be serving food and drinks, but they will not be required to cook. Many different shifts are available during both day and evening hours. Visit the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center in the Bean Sprout for more information.
The Student Resources Office needs 20 volunteers to help with the faculty and staff event “Under the Big Top.” The event will take place in the Teague Center 58:30 p.m. Thursday. For more information, contact the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center in the Bean Sprout.
About This Page The Optimist maintains this calendar for the ACU community to keep track of local social, academic and service opportunities. Groups may send announcements directly to optimist@jmc.acu.edu or to the Page 2 Editor, ACU Box 27892, Abilene, TX 79699.
To ensure that an item will appear on time, the announcement should be sent at least 10 days before. The Optimist may edit items for space and style. Corrections and clarifications of published news articles will be printed in this space in a timely manner.
CAMPUS NEWS
Monday, August 23, 2004
Page 3
Amusing tactics attract customers to new shops Shops at Abilene boasts five businesses, more near completion By LORI BREDEMEYER
MANAGING EDITOR
Students will have more opportunities to shop since several new businesses were completed this summer. At the new Shops at Abilene at Catclaw and Southwest drives across from Wal-Mart Supercenter, five new stores are open, and several more are being built. Bed Bath & Beyond, Michaels craft store, Ross Dress for Less, Petsmart and Shoe Carnival have been in operation since early to midsummer. Michaels, which specializes in arts and crafts supplies, tries to keep a fun atmosphere in the store that students will enjoy, assistant manager Rick Stane said. “We try to make it fun,” he said. “We’ve got great employees here. They come to work
not only to do their job but to have a good time. … We want the customer to have the best shopping experience they can.” Shoe Carnival tries to maintain an entertaining environment, said Chuck Price, store manager. The store has an employee with a mic to announce sales and specials, give away prizes, have customers spin a wheel to receive discounts, and sometimes more unusual things, such as encouraging shoppers to hop around the store with shoes on their ears or do the YMCA. “We market ourselves as the world’s most unusual shoe store,” Price said. “The person on the mic is the key to our concept.” He said having a Shoe Carnival in Abilene allows students a chance to find good shoes locally. “Our store gives a great variety at a good price without having to drive to Dallas to find good shoes … and it’s just 15 minutes away from any-
where in Abilene,” Price said. Michaels has several opportunities for the customer to get involved. The store offers free art demonstrations every day and usually about four times a week has a class that teaches a variety of topics, such as creating scrapbooks, making soap and painting. “We like to see the youth come in here and especially be a part of some of our classes and get involved in some of that stuff. It’s good, clean fun,” Stane said. The stores’ openings created more jobs, and both managers said they employ several students. Stane said anyone interested can also sign up to teach an art class at the store. Other businesses that are planned or are being built at the Shops at Abilene include Dunlaps, Lane Bryant, Lifeway Christian Store, Old Navy, and a Rosa’s Café across Southwest Drive. E-mail Bredemeyer at:
lmb00g@acu.edu
EMILY CHASTAIN/Staff Photographer
The Shops at Abilene on Catclaw and Southwest drives opened this summer with five new stores: Bed Bath & Beyond, Michaels craft store, Ross Dress for Less, Petsmart and Shoe Carnival. Several other stores are being built and should be completed and open this year, including Dunlaps, Lane Bryant, Lifeway Christian Store, Old Navy and a Rosa’s Cafe across Southwest Drive.
Page 4
CAMPUS NEWS
Monday, August 23, 2004
Help centers change homes Medical, counseling centers acquire more room to serve campus By JACI SCHNEIDER
OPINION EDITOR
EMILY CHASTAIN/Staff Photographer
A chess set adorns the waiting area in the new counseling center as Valerie Compton, junior undeclared major from Huntsville, waits to get her schedule fixed. The counseling center has a much larger space now that the music department has found a new home.
After three years of planning and preparation, ACU has a new counseling center and an expanded medical center. Both the medical and counseling centers have doubled in size since last spring. The counseling center has moved into the lower level of McKinzie Hall, and the medical center has taken over the counseling center’s old space on the first floor. “It was a domino effect,” said Dr. Tony Rector, director of the medical center. First, the Music Department moved out of McKinzie Hall and into the new Williams Performing Arts Center about two years ago. After much planning and reconstruction, the counseling center moved downstairs. Now the medical center has been able to expand its space by adding four new exam rooms, an overflow room and an enlarged reception area.
“Now we have a place to put everybody,” Rector said. “Our hope and expectation is to increase capacity and to see more patients and students in a timely fashion.” The office also purchased new exam tables and hired two part-time nurse practitioners last semester. Now a total of four nurses and one doctor will be on hand to see students throughout the year. “Our goal is to see students in 48 hours or less for acute illnesses,” Rector said, adding that the wait for appointments will fluctuate throughout the different illness seasons. The improvements and additions to the medical center cost about $16,000, Rector said, and benefits will last for a while. “We still have room to grow in our services,” he said. The office will also provide surveys for patients as a regular assessment of care. The renovation of the counseling center is slightly more dramatic than that of the medical center. By moving down one level, the center doubled in size and now provides offices for its entire staff.
“We used to play musical offices,” said Steve Rowlands, director of the center. “Now everyone has their own office space.” In addition to offices, a resource room and group counseling room have expanded the space. “It’s a better atmosphere for a counseling center,” Rowlands said. “It’s a calm, restful, peaceful and tranquil place.” Rowlands said students will find the center more easily than before. The reception area was in the back of the medical center, sometimes behind a maze of people and commotion. The renovation and move cost about $150,000, Rowlands said. Money has been earmarked for the project for several years. The six permanent staff members at the counseling center serve 350 to 500 students a year. The roomier center will help them do their job, Rowlands said. “It gives us a lot more freedom,” he said. E-mail Schneider at:
jrs02a@acu.edu
Monday, August 23, 2004
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Page 5
VIEWSMONDAY OPTIMIST
Page 6 The issue: The Optimist’s opinion page is commonly misunderstood for its purpose and its content.
Our view: We believe this page is the one place in the newspaper for staff members and students to voice their opinions.
The solution: By better understanding this page’s purpose, readers can differentiate between Optimist news coverage and an opinion column or editorial.
August 23, 2004
Readers can expect viewpoints here The Optimist opinion page: probably one of the most widely read, controversial and misunderstood pages in the paper. No page inspires more letters to the editor from readers than this—many of which could be avoided if the paper could do a better job of explaining the purpose of each element on the opinion page. Here is the guide. This is what can be expected from this page throughout the year. First and foremost, at the top of every page will be an editorial—what you are reading now.
Editorials are Come by this page every issue. Read what others all other pages not signed and of the newsare the opinion have to say about what’s happening on campus. paper. News artof the Optimist icles should only present the staff as decided and written by the editorial ion of the board. The board will facts and not any preconceived board—the faces stretched then take that majority opinion biases of the writer. Columacross the bottom of this page. and write the editorial based on nists—although still accurately Commonly mistaken for the it. Editorials are expected to be portraying facts—are free to opinion of one person or a staff factual, but they will take a espouse their opinion on this member too afraid to put his stance on one side of an issue. page. The Optimist welcomes letters Columns are the opinion of name on the opinion, editorials are unsigned exactly because one staff member and will have to the editor from readers. This is they are not the opinion of one his or her face and name the readers’ chance to publicly attached to them. They may be give their opinions on Optimist person. The editorial board will look about a variety of issues—both stories or other issues happening at a variety of university, local, serious and humorous. on campus or around the world. Columns should not be misnational and international issues The Optimist will do its best every week and vote on the opin- taken for news articles found on to run all letters in a timely fash-
Students should take advantage of opportunities ACU’s parade of flags at each Opening Assembly never fails to move me. I know each flag represents students who chose to travel across Texas, across the nation or around the globe to attend this university. This ceremony Guest also reminds Column me of the amDr. Royce azing CreaMoney tor whose dicreaStudents verse tion is, in have four part, exempin our years here lified own commuto live, nity.The global learn and reach of AbiChrisgrow in a lene tian Univerplace of sity is beautidemonsupport, fully strated in our of flencour- parade ags. But our agement, connection places bechallenge toyond ACU’s and p h y s i c a l is opportu- location demonstratdaily— nity. ed not through physical representation, but through the opportunities for our students and the influence of our alumni. Our diversity continues to be one of our greatest strengths. Although we’re in a quiet, West Texas city, we enjoy a campus community that includes students from about 60 nations and nearly every state. Students from Zambia, Oklahoma, Mexico, Washington, California and Texas are side by side in class, at football games, in the residence halls and in Chapel. What an opportunity to learn and grow through
interaction with people we might never meet otherwise! Global understanding and worldwide connections have never been more important or more attainable. That’s why ACU provides opportunities outside of our own campus for students to study and live in places like Oxford, England, or Montevideo, Uruguay, in addition to other study abroad programs through the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. More than 200 students annually take advantage of these opportunities, and they return with a new perspective, a deeper understanding of our international community and strong friendships they’ll never forget. Of course, study abroad isn’t the only way to broaden horizons beyond Abilene. Spring Break Campaigns to more than 50 United States locations and several international locations, mission trips around the globe, and internships at a variety of locations are just a few of the ways ACU students expand their cultural experiences. After graduation, our alumni are prepared for Christian service and leadership throughout the world, and they take that charge literally. Our alumni span every state in the nation and 109 nations, and they provide a positive influence to places far and wide. Students have four years here to live, learn and grow in a place of support, encouragement, challenge and opportunity. If you haven’t already, take advantage of the connections ACU has to offer. The world awaits, and ACU is a great place to begin the journey. Welcome to Abilene Christian University’s 99th year! Dr. Royce Money is president of the university and may be reached by email at moneyr@acu.edu.
ion, assuming the letters adhere to the policy laid out at the bottom left of every opinion page. Feel free to disagree with opinions in letters, but do not attack the writers personally and still expect to see the letter run. The opinion page is one of the most-read pages in the paper for a reason. Opinions matter to people—everyone has them. So come by this page every issue. Read what others think about what’s happening on campus and around the world. Write and send in some opinions of your own. Just come here expecting to see someone’s opinion.
Daniel Barcroft
In My Words
Optimist delivers something new A quick look through any old issue of the Optimist will quickly tell you you’re no longer dealing with the same paper as last year. You can see it in our nameplate. You can see it in the fonts. You can see it in the staff box and on down the list of nerdy journalAsk the ism terms. Question Why do I Jonathan think it should Smith matter? Why should it matter that new staff members you may or may not know have taken over for graduates you might have never heard of? Maybe a more experienced editor would fill the rest of this column with rhetoric about how readers will get the same product they have come to expect over the years. How all this change doesn’t in fact change a thing and shouldn’t matter. However, I would never espouse that. And here’s why I
The 2004-05 Optimist will not strive to be the best college newspaper of 2003-04.
The Optimist is only as good as its most recent issue. Being named the best university paper in Texas at a conference five months ago, although certainly something to be proud of, is no reason to gloat today. To our readers, the 2004-05 Optimist will not strive to be the best college newspaper of 200304. We’ll work to be this year’s best the only way we know how. And along the way, we’re bound to do some things like they’ve been done in the past because that has obviously worked. We’re bound to cover many of the same things, hold some of the same opinions and resurrect some old issues. That’s what we aim for: to offer something completely new and different just the way it’s always been.
hope it does matter to you. I hope readers judge this newspaper based on the merits of this staff—not some preconceived bias or notion caused by graduated Optimist ex-patriots who no longer attend this school. To sources: If you have been burned in the past, odds are it was by no one on this staff today. To readers: If you didn’t like the way something was covered, there are precious few staffers here who played a vital role in shaping past coverage. That doesn’t mean that won’t ever happen again. It’s a long year ahead of us, and I’ve got plenty of time to make a few friends and enemies along the way. Just don’t decide which you are based on issues with which this staff has had little control. But I hope all this change resonates with the staff as well. Here’s what I hope it means to the paper.
In Your Words What do you think about Welcome Week ? “I like it, but it’s really busy, and I also like sleeping. Giant Twister was good, and I like mentor groups.”
Jenni Nissen
freshman English education major from Macomb, Ill.
“It’s been fun. My favorite part was going to be intramural football, but it got canceled. I’m upset about that.”
Nathan Hamlin
freshman computer science major from Houston
“I like having a constant group you can hang out with. You don’t feel like you have to find someone all the time.”
Respond to Smith at:
optimist@acu.edu or jvs02a@acu.edu
2004 Optimist Editorial Board The people behind the opinions
Jonathan Smith • Junior journalism major from Tyler • Editor in Chief • Conservative views • Church of Christ
Sarah Carlson • Junior journalism major from San Antonio • Copy Editor • Moderate views • Church of Christ
Lori Bredemeyer • Senior journalism major from Winters • Managing Editor • Moderate to liberal views • Lutheran
Editorial and letter policy Unsigned editorials are the opinions of the Optimist Editorial Board 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, its Editorial Board 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 less. A name and phone number must be included for verification purposes. Phone numbers will not be published. Address letters to: ACU Box 27892 Abilene, TX 79699 E-mail letters to: optimist@jmc.acu.edu
Giles Pauli
freshman psychology major from Austin
Jaci Schneider • Junior journalism major from Central Point, Ore. • Opinion Editor • Moderate views • Nondenominational
O PTIMIST Published by the Department of THE
“My favorite part was getting to know people in my learning community. I’ll be working with them all year.”
Brian Schmidt • Sophomore journalism major from Austin • Chief Photographer • Moderate views • Baptist
Tabitha Ray
freshman theatre major from Plano
The Optimist Editorial Board
Journalism and Mass Communication, Abilene Christian University
Editor in Chief
Opinion Editor
Jonathan Smith
Jaci Schneider
Managing Editor
Copy Editor
Lori Bredemeyer
Sarah Carlson
Faculty Adviser Chief Photographer Brian Schmidt
Dr. Cheryl Bacon
Ad Manager Christi Stark
Optimist contact information Newsroom: (325) 674-2439
Sports desk: (325) 674-2684
Photo department: (325) 674-2499
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Online: www.acuoptimist.com
CAMPUS NEWS
Monday, August 23, 2004
Page 7
Network officials Campus Center undergoes summer reforms ready for students New spam filter helps diminish the amount of unwanted e-mails By DEE TRAVIS
ARTS EDITOR
As another school year begins, campus has once again been flooded with thousands of new and returning students ... and their computers. Network administrators have been working to prevent the same network failures the campus endured last year. “Last fall saw the biggest outbreak of viruses we’ve ever experienced,” said K.B. Massingill, chief information officer. “This year, we can offer students a much higher level of service.” One such change is Brightmail, a new spam filtering program. “We’ve radically reduced spam over the summer,” Massingill said. “I’d be surprised if any returning student or faculty member who suffered last year hasn’t already noticed a major change.” Before using the network, however, students must first register their computers through NetReg. Arthur Brandt, network administrator, said NetReg uses user IDs and passwords to search computers for virus protection software. If a computer is not up to date, the system reroutes it to a site where the proper software can be downloaded. “If there is an outbreak of a virus,” Brandt explained, “NetReg will help track down the infected computer quickly.” Virus containment is not the program’s only function, however. “NetReg will also aid in tracking computers being put to questionable use, such as illegally downloading music or sharing files,” Brandt said. When viruses attacked the
network in August last year, there was little way of knowing which computers were responsible, Massingill said. “A single infected computer could affect thousands,” Massingill said, “and we would have to go door to door looking for the infected machine.” With NetReg registration, a computer with a virus can be matched to its owner’s name immediately, and that computer will be unable to use the Internet until unlocked by NetReg. “In the past, we disabled ports being used by infected computers,” Massingill said, “but that didn’t stop the computer from entering the network from other ports or through wireless networks. We’ve now gone from spending 48 hours searching for infected computers to a matter of minutes.” As for guessing when a network problem might arrive, Massingill said it’s like running and shooting at a moving target. “But when problems arise,” he said, “we’re committed to make it work.” Kay Reeves, director of technology support services, said she remembers last year when the viral epidemics were at their peak. “We were burning CDs as fast as we could, desperately trying to get the right software to the students,” Reeves said. This year, every dorm room has a CD waiting for students when they arrive, along with a copy of the updated ResNet guide. Reeves said five or six Team 55 members helped in each residence hall during move-in. “This is the smoothest start we’ve had in a long time,” Reeves said. “There’s silence in the office, and it’s a little spooky.” E-mail Travis at:
dxt02a@acu.edu
Automatic bowling scoring, new carpet added to building By APRIL WARD
PAGE 2 EDITOR
The Campus Center underwent several changes during the summer in order to better accommodate the student body and various organizations, said Joel Swedlund, Campus Center director. Swedlund said new automatic scorekeeping devices were added to the bowling lanes in the recreation area, thanks to funds from the Students’ Association. “When you went bowling, you used to have to keep up
with your score on paper,” Swedlund said. “Now the machine does it for you. Everyone’s really enjoying it.” The children attending Leadership and sports camps on campus first tried the automatic scorekeeper. Because SA provided funding for the scorekeepers, Swedlund said students will have two weeks of free bowling as a thank you. Nonbowlers will also appreciate the improvements to the Campus Center, like the facility’s new carpet. “We put it in overnight before the traffic of the new school year hit,” Swedlund said. “A lot of people have said it looks great.”
Swedlund also said the benches in the Campus Center might be refurnished with new seat covers in the fall. Some organizations in the lower level of the Campus Center moved their offices during the summer. “Leadership Camps moved downstairs, and the Campus Activities Board moved into the Volunteer Learning Center since there are multiple offices in that center,” Swedlund said. Jan Meyer, director of Student Leadership and Devel-
opment, said having the Leadership Camps office in the Campus Center will be beneficial. “Being in the Campus Center is like being in a new arm of the Campus Life family,” she said. “The people in the offices here are the people we work with all summer for the camps. To work with them all year will be awesome.” E-mail Ward at:
alw02b@acu.edu
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FOCUSMONDAY OPTIMIST
August 23, 2004
W E L BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
Jeff McDuff, freshman computer science major from Indianapolis, Ind., puts his right ear to red Tuesday in what organizers call the World’s Largest Twister game during Welcome Week.
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ABOVE: Students and administrators welcomed incoming freshmen to ACU by singing to them and later joining with them during a time of praise and worship at the Candlelight Devo on Tuesday. Mike Cope, adjunct faculty in Bible, missions and ministry, offered advice to the new students during the devo. BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
RIGHT: Freshmen were invited to the Paramount to watch Miracle during Welcome Week. Organizers say the rainstorms did not hurt attendance at Welcome Week activities. EMILY CHASTAIN/Staff Photographer
ABOVE: Acapella performed in Moody Coliseum before the Candlelight Devo on Tuesday. Group members are (left to right) Sean Samuel, Nicolas Paul Dunbar, Gary Evans and John “Matt” Nunnally. BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
LEFT: Mentors Daniel Stinson, junior environmental science major from Arlington, and Phil Smith, senior biblical text major from Leander, cheer for Transfer Group 8 during Opening Ceremonies on Tuesday.
EYAKEM GULILAT/Staff Photographer
Brett Parker, freshman exercise science major from Bedford, takes his turn at a slip and slide outside McKinzie Hall Thursday. McKinzie’s resident assistants prepared the activity for their men.
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
For more Welcome Week photos, visit www.acuoptimist.com
GRADUATION
Monday, August 23, 2004
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More than 100 students cross stage at August commencement Ceremony focused on importance of graduating class By CHRISTY GOWER FEATURES EDITOR
The first names were called, but the mic didn’t work. As master of ceremonies, Dr. Royce Money, president of the university, momentarily stopped August commencement to
fix the problem. “He said these names are too important to not hear them,” said Kacey Higgins, assistant to the dean of the Graduate School. “The ceremony showed how student-focused our university is.” Almost 60 undergraduate students and more than 40 graduate students turned their tassels at the ceremony Aug. 6. Kathy Redman, degree audit specialist, said the number of
undergrads is down from previous years. “Summer graduation is getting smaller because I think they want to graduate in May,” Redman said. The number of graduate students, however, is up from last year, Higgins said. She said 41 students participated in August commencement, and 52 students earned a master’s degree, compared to last summer’s 37 students.
Dr. Gary Thornton, Board of Trustees member, issued a challenge to the graduates, asking them what they are going to do after all their efforts in school, Redman said. Glenda Knight, director of University Events, said the speech was humorous because Thornton used greeting cards as visuals while addressing students, faculty members and parents. “His speech is not easy to
describe, but it was very inspirational,” Knight said. “He’s a good speaker.” Though the number of participants at August graduation ceremonies is significantly less than those in May and December, Higgins said the university conducts them because the university is student-focused and because the Master of Marriage and Family Therapy program ends after summer courses. “We do it for the students
because we have students who wouldn’t come back in December,” Higgins said. “I think the August ceremony is appropriate for them.” Redman said a smaller ceremony is not necessarily bad. “Sometimes I feel like it’s a little more special because it’s smaller,” Redman said. “It’s more intimate.” E-mail Gower at: cng02a@acu.edu
August 2004 Graduates Master of Arts Aikawa, Tadayoshi (History and Theology) Thompson-Hunter, Connie Rae (Communication) Willerton, Evan (English)
Master of Arts in Christian Ministry Duncan, Amanda Ruth
Master of Arts in Missions Bell, Kelly Lynne Bodager, Erin Martha Doughty, Amy Lynn Mabery, Matthew James
Master of Arts in Religion Holmes, Arnold H. Taylor, Charles D.
Master of Divinity Benedick, Matthew Brent Darnell, Timothy Brent Evans, Donald Paul Hunt, Timothy W. Stogsdill, Scott W.
Master of Education Alexander, Melinda Beth (School Principalship) Blount, Rebecca Eileen (Secondary Teaching) Oglesby, Nora (School
Principalship) Robinson, Brett Daniel (Elementary Teaching) Strickland, Jeffery L. (School Principalship)
Master of Marriage and Family Therapy Fleet, Tracy Lee Ford, Melody Ann Franks, Steven Marc Joiner, LynnAnne Michelle Lashower, Elizabeth Ling, Kathryn Renee Merchant, Lisa Vallie Northrup, Jason Conrad Northrup, Kristen Charlotte Pak, Sun-Ho Schlegel, Jamie Sommers Spell, Michael Chad Stewart, Kristi Williams, Andrew Nathan Wilson, Courtney Rochelle
Master of Science Aaland-Parrish, Billy (Clinical Psychology) Benedick, Ronald D. (Biblical and Related Studies) Brown, Brett D. (Organizational and Human Resource Development) Good, Tennie K. (Organizational and Human Resource Development) Hook, Robyn L. (Clinical Psychology) Meirose, Valerie Ann (Organizational and Human Resource Development) Mugweni, Blessing (Organizational and Human Resource Development) Price, Cooper Reid (Organi-
zational and Human Resource Development) Sells, Kemi (Organizational and Human Resource Development) Slankster, Donald Morgan (Organizational and Human Resource Development) Stevens, Daniel Keith (Biblical and Related Studies) Stoddard, Melissa A. (Counseling Psychology) Tumpakorn, Chatpraparn (Organizational and Human Resource Development)
Master of Science in Nursing Boyd, Jaclyn Christi (Family Nurse Practitioner) Hardin, S. Diane Leggett, Rebecca Ann (Family Nurse Practitioner)
University Studies Bachelor of Applied Studies Autrey, Melissa Irene Sullivan Fanous, Tracy Renee Poole Galinak, Katherine Glenn, Melanie Donise Henry Hipp, Erma Leta Kinsey Sandefur, Betty Margaret Fullerton Willmeth, Kevin Michael
College of Arts and Sciences
Bachelor of Arts Caussey, Christopher Aaron (History) Gaw, Lauren Elizabeth (Art) Gibbs, James Othniel (Political Science) Greene, Shmara Keneé (Political Science) Hutsell, April Jean (Political Science) Klinefelter, Peter Thomas (English) Merritt, Sean Michael (Political Science) Pelletier, Jody Arlene (French) Porche, Ryan Richard (Composite Interdisciplinary) Shinn, David Brett Jr. (Computer Science)
Bachelor of Science Blake, Brandon Matthew (Industrial Technology) Cadienhead, Maresa (Composite Interdisciplinary) Chamberlain, Adam Ryan (Integrated Marketing Communication) Cook, Anita Faye (Composite Interdisciplinary) Duty, Jill (Integrated Marketing Communication) Fleck, Angela Lynn (Social Work) Garcia, Wendy Rose (Biology) Goodson, Deanna (Interdisciplinary Studies, Elementary) Hill, Brad E. (Agribusiness) Littleton, Stuart Alan (Social Work)
Mathews, Jessica Dawn (Composite Interdisciplinary) McDaniels, LeAndra (Physical Education) Nahimana, Justine (Physical Education) Newman, Tasha Lasha (Chemistry) Perkins, Rachel Sue Byers (Interdisciplinary Studies, Elementary) Rampy, Nolan Marshall (Psychology) Rice, Rebecca Diane (Composite Interdisciplinary) Shockley, Troy Edward (Broadcast Journalism) Smith, Karen Michele Fletcher (Composite Interdisciplinary) Smith, Ricky Wayne Aldon (Biology) Smith, Tiffany Kelly (Communication Disorders) Steakley, Stacy Nicole (Interior Design) Steepleton, Daniel Bryan (Exercise Science) Sweet, Jonathan Craig (Composite Interdisciplinary) Williams, Emily Jane (Interdisciplinary Studies, Elementary)
College of Biblical Studies Bachelor of Arts Hargesheimer, Brandon Scott (Christian Ministry) McElwain, Gregory Scott
(Biblical Text) Smith, Robert Landon (Youth and Family Ministry) Williams, Kevin Don (Christian Ministry)
Bachelor of Science Kindberg, Joel Lee (Christian Ministry) Russell, Brent S. (Composite Interdisciplinary) Sickles, Jeffrey Scott (Christian Ministry)
College of Business Administration Bachelor of Business Administration Coleman, Ryan Christopher (Management) Davis, Jonathan Tyler (Management) Fagan, Tamerria Cristal (Marketing) Hutsell, Joel Wesley (Management) Jacobs, Lindsey Jeneé (Accounting) Kirk, Bradford Gibson (Marketing) Pattison, James Jordan (Marketing) Taweel, Sal (Finance) Waters, Brent Newton Rueben (Finance)
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JUMPS
Monday, August 23, 2004
Halbert: She was friendly, loyal Continued from Page 1 either in Chapel or one evening. “I think it would be nice for students to have a way of expressing themselves here,” Barnard said. Schweikhard and Halbert’s other roommates, Angela Meyer, junior psychology and pre-med major from Arlington, Tenn., and Sarah Woodroof, junior history major from
Brentwood, Tenn., remember her smile and life, as well as her ability to connect with anyone. “She was extremely Texan— friendly to everybody,” Meyer said. Road trips came to mind as well, whether they were to Austin, Fredericksburg, Tulsa, Okla., or Halbert’s personal favorite—her hometown of San Antonio. “She loved to take people home to San Antonio,”
Schweikhard said, where Halbert could introduce them to her family—one of her passions. For Halbert’s friends, the vivid memories could go on— memories of a loyal and loving friend. “She was very loyal,” Meyer said. “Loyal to friends, loyal to family, loyal in prayer.” E-mail Smith at: jvs02a@acu.edu
Finance: Colleges offset losses Continued from Page 1 cutting strategies. After implementing most of the teams’ suggestions, Schubert said the university now has a balanced budget. Among the strategies proposed by the strategic teams include several cuts in faculty and staff positions as well as an early retirement plan that enticed more than 40 faculty to retire—cuts now beginning to be felt by the colleges. “Just like everywhere else on campus, we feel the pinch in terms of our own faculty and staff,” said Monty Lynn, acting dean of the College of Business Administration.
Lynn said COBA was down one faculty member and operating on half the staff in the dean’s office from last year. To offset the loss in faculty, Lynn said some class sizes have been slightly increased. Dr. Colleen Durrington, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, said it lost 11 of 165 full-time faculty members from last year. She said the college has offset this by hiring more part-time, adjunct professors and by offering some classes less or with fewer sections. None of the deans thinks students will see effects of the cuts in their quality of education or level of service. Looking back over the past
year, Schubert said the university is in much better shape now to have some flexibility to provide support to certain areas that might have been cut too thin originally. “We are in a much better position to deal with the financial realities of the market we’re in,” Schubert said. “We’ve made some difficult decisions and implemented some very tough plans relating to the pressure we felt was on the horizon. That pressure would still be there … had we not chosen to execute the plans that we have.” E-mail Smith at: jvs02a@acu.edu
Chapel: Focus still on diversity Continued from Page 1 Barnard said in addition to hiring Hughes, tentative plans have been made for new breakout groups in different venues and a variety of topics for evening forums. Barnard said he is in the final days of making a decision about what kind of Chapel to have on Thursdays, which might not include a gathering in Moody. “This may be the first year that we’ve actually had a day where there’s not been a Chapel in Moody Coliseum,” he said. “But I think what this represents, both last year and this
fall, is a willingness to try something new.” Instead of meeting in Moody, Barnard said breakout sessions could be conducted in Chapel on the Hill and Hart Auditorium, where the services would be more intimate than Moody but still preserve students’ anonymity. He said the team also will continue to focus on diversifying Chapel, as it did last year. “Chapel is a community experience,” Barnard said. “... Even within that (Church of Christ) tradition, there’s room for us to be diverse with respect to who we invite to speak and with respect to style of worship,
language and culture. We are an educational institution, and we are a very diverse institution.” Hughes said he hopes Chapel can have an effect on each student and that the main goal is that God be glorified. “I expect that we’re going to hear some really powerful and important things,” he said, “and that’s my hope and my prayer, that at the end of the day when it’s all said and done, that Chapel changes people and lets them see God better than maybe they saw him before.” E-mail Bredemeyer at: lmb00g@acu.edu
SPORTS
Monday, August 23, 2004
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Roe: Appreciate godly coaches Continued from Page 12
OPTIMIST/Staff Photographer
Charles Williams, senior running back, pulls a line of defenders in Saturday’s Purple and White Scrimmage
Football: Practices begin Continued from Page 12 men Sy Slover and Cody Stutts each have an opportunity to compete for time at linebacker. ACU's secondary is perhaps the deepest position on the team as it returns Danieal Manning, Jaime Bueno, Omar Tejada, Dawon Gentry and Adam Black. Greg Yeldell has also opened some eyes, and Gaines said the Indiana transfer has an opportunity to see some time on the field this year. On the offensive side, a trio of receivers is grabbing the attention of both coaches and players during training camp. Warren Rogers, a former UCLA track star and a transfer receiver from Santa Monica Junior College, should see plenty of action. Last year at Santa Monica, Rogers caught seven touchdown passes, equaling the number of touchdown catches the entire ACU team had in 2003. Freshman receiver Jerale Badon isn't a stranger to ACU or
Shotwell Stadium. A 2003 graduate of Abilene High School, Badon caught 17 touchdown passes in two years and was a first-team Class 5A all-state selection his senior year. However, Badon was academically ineligible after signing with ACU in February 2003 and spent last year at Cisco Junior College in preparation for a return to ACU. Despite his small frame (5-7, 170), Badon has impressed both coaches and players. Gaines said Badon's summer work would have him on the field in the fall, probably in a starting role. “It's like a family here," Badon said. "Coach Gaines is a lot like Steve Warren (AHS head coach), and my teammates are nice, but they get on to you if you aren't playing well.” Rounding out the new trio of receivers is freshman Tyjuan Manning. Tyjuan, the uncle of Danieal Manning, caught eight touchdown passes for Corsicana High School last season. At 6-3, 210 pounds, he should be the
largest target for new starting quarterback Greg Wiggins. Wiggins is also an intriguing addition to the Wildcat offense. Wiggins heads into the season as the starting quarterback after spending two years backing up Colby Freeman. The senior played in five games last season, completing 25 of 48 passes and tossing one touchdown. Leading the Wildcats to their first playoff berth since 1977 won't be an easy task as five of ACU's opponents were nationally ranked in Don Hansen's Football Gazette preseason, top-40 poll released Aug.18. Gaines admits this season's schedule could possibly be the most difficult since his arrival in 2000. However, based on its veteran leadership and new additions, Gaines said he thinks the Wildcats can make a run at the LSC South Division Title in 2004.
E-mail Robarts at: kdr00c@acu.edu
is to show students not only how to play tennis, but how to live a Christian life,” said tennis head coach Hutton Jones. Jones has a team prayer after every match of the season. The ACU community, fans, media and student-athletes should appreciate how fortunate we are to have coaches who not only care about winning, but care about making a difference in a person’s life. Although many college coaches in today’s perverse
sporting world are chasing wins, money or headlines, ACU coaches are praying with their teams before or after a game and teaching the value of sportsmanship, dedication and teamwork. Men’s head basketball coach Klint Pleasant said it best when he first joined the Wildcats two years ago: He was a Christian first and a coach second. "I don't want to be a basketball coach who happens to be a Christian; I want to be a Christian who happens to be a basketball coach,” Pleasant said. “This job is so much more
than basketball. One of the big reasons I was excited to be back at ACU was that this job can be a ministry.” So next time you see Pleasant, Lavender, Jones, head football coach Gary Gaines, volleyball coach Brek Horn, track coach Jon Murray or any of the other ACU coaches on the sidelines, respect them for being good coaches. And appreciate them for being Christian coaches. Respond to Roe at: optimist@acu.edu or bpr00a@acu.edu
SPORTSMONDAY OPTIMIST
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August 23, 2004
Wildcats line up new players, same purpose 125 players, including 44 freshmen, transfers, begin football practice By KYLE ROBARTS SPORTS WRITER
While most students were enjoying the last few days of summer vacation, the Wildcat football team was preparing for what coaches and players hope is a memorable 2004 season. Head coach Gary Gaines and his staff welcomed more than 125 players, including 44 freshman and transfers. The Wildcat team began practice on Aug. 9. ACU finished 6-4 in each of the past two seasons, and the preseason polls pick the Wildcats to finish third in this year's Lone Star Conference South Division race. haven't The Wildcats reached the national football
Football playoffs since winning the NAIA Division I national championship in 1977, but the team looks to reach the post-season this year after consecutive winning seasons during the last two years. The 2004 football team looks much different from the team that lined up in 2003. Though the team won't start from scratch, Gaines said approximately 50 percent of the team is comprised of transfers and incoming freshman. Gaines said the coaching staff is working to teach the offensive and defensive schemes to all the new players. He said the goal is to help them feel comfortable with the system by the time the season opener arrives. “We aren't in midseason form yet,” said Gaines, who is in
his fifth year as head coach. “But I don't think any team is. That Sept. 4 (season opener at Central Oklahoma) date is creeping up on us, and we have a long way to go.” Gaines said a handful of new Wildcats have a chance to make an instant impression in the upcoming season. Freshman Jacob Passmore and junior college transfers Daryl Freeman and Matt Raesner have a good chance of playing on the Wildcats defensive line. Tentatively, returning starters Matt Allen and Shawn Taylor as well as letterman Brandon Henry are the only players to secure a starting spot at linebacker. As a result, a starting spot is available as well as a window of opportunity for a player to step up. Gaines also said that freshSee FOOTBALL Page 11
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
Rashon Myles, red-shirt junior running back, runs the ball at the Purple and White scrimmage at Shotwell Stadium on Saturday. The scrimmage is an annual contest before the season begins.
Volleyball ranked 28th nationally
Appreciate spiritual coaches ACU women’s basketball coach Shawna Lavender paced the sidelines of Moody Coliseum barking orders to her playoff-bound Wildcats. It was the final game of the regular season, and ACU was leading by double digits over Eastern New MexFront Roe ico, but Lavender still deSeats manded her Brian Roe team work Although hard. Oftentimes, many col- a demanding is not lege coach- coach popular among es are the players, but with Lavender, chasing it is the exact wins, opposite. "Playing money or basketball at is such a headlines, ACU blessing," forACU mer women’s basketball playcoaches er Melanie Carare pray- ter said. "I feel so blessed to ing with have coaches are godly their who people and teams. who have encouraged us in our spiritual lives off the court. The values I've learned here and the encouragement given to me has made a huge difference in my experience here at ACU." ACU is unique compared to other universities because the same coaches who are instructing players on an athletic level are also praying for that studentathlete on a personal level. “My goal as a coach at ACU See ROE Page 11
Team returns six starters from last year’s playoff squad By BRIAN ROE SPORTS WRITER
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
Sophomore Callie Delabano spikes the ball in practice Thursday against juniors Amanda Slate and Ashlee Motola. The team, which returned six starters from last year’s playoff squad, was ranked No. 28 in the nation in a preseason poll. Their first game will be Aug. 27 in Canyon against Western New Mexico.
The volleyball team heads into the 2004 season ranked No. 28 in the nation, according to the CSTV/AVCA Division II Coaches Top 25 Preseason Poll. ACU has never been ranked in the nation’s top 25, but it’s believed the No. 28 rank is the highest in school history. The Wildcats reap the preseason poll benefits because of a successful 2003 campaign when the team reached the postseason and posted a record of 25-11 during the regular season. Brek Horn, the reigning Lone Star Conference South Division Coach of the Year, enters her sixth season as head coach with an overall record of 114-57. Her .667 winning percentage is the best in school history. Horn, who has led the Wildcats to postseason play in four of the last five years, said she’s happy people are beginning to recognize the ACU volleyball program. “It’s a nice compliment, but it doesn’t mean anything until we prove we really are worth the national ranking by winning games and beating good teams,” Horn said. Junior outside hitter Michelle Bernhardt was chosen as the LSC South Division Preseason Player of the Year. Last year, Bernhardt recorded 623 kills and 402 digs to help ACU finish second with a 7-3 record in the LSC South Division. “I told Michelle about being named Preseason Player
Volleyball of the Year, and she said it doesn’t really mean anything,” Horn said. “Michelle isn’t worried about herself; she’s worried about the team and winning a conference championship.” ACU returns six starters, including Bernhardt, junior setter Lindsey Martin, junior middle blocker Amanda Slate and senior libero Kellen Morrow. Horn said the returning players’ development and maturation is critical to the team’s success. “It’s crucial that the returning players step up,” she said. “They have the experience, and if they are not maturing, then how can we expect the new kids to? They have to step up — there’s just no other option.” The Wildcats begin this season in Canyon Aug. 27-28 at the First General Service West Texas A&M Lady Buff Classic. ACU will compete against Western New Mexico, New Mexico Highlands, Adams State and Metro State in the tournament. “Western New Mexico is the only one that is not a regional match,” Horn said. “We wanted to play them first to try and get the first-match jitters out of the way. Metro State is a nationally ranked team, so that will be a big match. I’m curious to see how they will challenge us.” Horn said her goal this year is to win the LSC championship and advance to the regional tournament. “On paper we look good, but the games aren’t played on paper, they are played on the court,” Horn said. E-mail Roe at: bpr00a@acu.edu
Lighted intramural field by Gardner Hall nears completion More than $100,000 donation from Frats funds renovation By CHRISTY GOWER FEATURES EDITOR
The Larry “Satch” Sanders Field, across from Gardner Hall, is nearing completion. Frater Sodalis members raised more than $100,000 to add lights and a fence to the intramural field and dedicated it to their former sponsor of 26 years. Tim Yandell, Frater Sodalis sponsor, has been raising funds from club alumni for two years, and construction began on the field in May. David Connor, development program manager, said the field’s fencing should be finished by Sept. 1. He said the field is ready for use, though. “As big as intramural has gotten … this will give them a much nicer, well-lit area to play their games,” Connor said.
Yandell said the field’s lighting is twice that of the other intramural fields and is ideal for football and soccer. Connor and Yandell said the project has taken a lot of time. “It was a lot of work, but it was a real personal matter for me,” said Connor, a Frater Sodalis alumnus. “Larry did so much for me when I was in club, so it was kind of like a no-brainer.” Yandell said he was glad to work on a project that would honor Sanders and the club while benefiting the campus. “This is a gift to all the men’s clubs and all the women’s clubs,” Yandell said. The project was dedicated to Sanders last year in recognition of his 25 years as a sponsor and 30th year of playing intramural football for Frater Sodalis. Last year also marked the 60th year of Frat presence on campus. “Everything fell into place just right,” Yandell said. “The
timing, everything just came together … and this was just the right fit.” Yandell raised funds from club members, and the entrance to the field has bricks engraved with the names of those who donated money. “One of my favorite things is walking up there and seeing the names of all the people,” said Dustin Marshall, Frater Sodalis vice president. “All I can say is it’s awesome.” Will Smith, Frater Sodalis president, said the field is an appropriate tribute to Sanders because he will still be playing intramural football with the club members on the field. “The field is a testament to Frater Sodalis and to the closeness and unity we feel,” said Smith, senior youth and family ministry major from Marble Falls. “And everybody will get to benefit from it.” E-mail Gower at: cng02a@acu.edu
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
The Larry “Satch” Sanders Intramural Field across from Gardner Hall is awaiting fencing but is ready for use. The renovation, which also included lighting, was made possible by a more than $100,000 donation by the Frater Sodalis social club, which named it for its former sponsor.