WEDNESDAY August 25, 2004
OPTIMIST THE
Department of Journalism and Mass Communication
Abilene Christian University
Vol. 93, No. 2 1 section, 10 pages www.acuoptimist.com
Serving the ACU community since 1912
Students, faculty return to Abilene:
Team plays scrimmage:
A packed house:
Find out what several students and administrators enjoy most about this time of the year when students returning to school. Page 8
The football team played its Purple and White scrimmage Saturday. Page 10
A large freshman class has caused some freshman women to be housed in Sikes Hall, pushing some sophomores into University Park Apartments. Page 3
Centennial Campaign raises one-third of goal With 28 months to go, $57 million of $150 million raised By SARAH CARLSON COPY EDITOR
With 12 months until the beginning of ACU’s Centennial Celebration and 28 months until the end of the Campaign, everything is on schedule and receiving great response, said
Phil Boone, director of the Campaign. The Campaign has raised more than $57 million out of the $150 million total to be raised by December 2006. The renovation of Burford Music Center is at $736,000 of the $2.5 million needed. Brent Magner, director of development, said a lot of work has to be done to raise funds for the Burford Center, and the goal has been to wrap up the fund
raising this fall. Promotional books went out this summer to alumni and friends of the university, along with a 22-minute film on ACU’s Centennial. The film shows alumni, faculty and students describing why they love ACU and think the Centennial is important, as well as showing footage of the history of ACU and events such as Sing
Centennial parts • Vision: A focus on the univ e r s i t y ’s heritage, as well as its future, 1906-2006 and
from beyond. • Campaign: A massive fund-raising effort that officials hope will bring in at least $150 million for the university by Dec. 31, 2006. • Celebration: A largescale, year-long party to celebrate the university’s 100th year that would include special events throughout the 2005-06 school year.
See CENTENNIAL Page 2
Organizers hope to establish festival as new tradition By LORI BREDEMEYER MANAGING EDITOR
See FILMFEST Page 7
Executive officers look for Centennial projects to undertake By JONATHAN SMITH EDITOR IN CHIEF
As the Students’ Association waits to fill out the 83rd Student Congress with freshman senators, residence hall and academic building representatives, communication is the focus for the executive officers. “We’re trying to flood the channels of communication,” said Layne Rouse, executive president. Elections will be Tuesday, as Congress will look to add five freshman senators, one sophomore senator and all the residence hall and academic building representatives. Petitions for those positions became available Monday and
Planners finalize FilmFest Doug Darby says ACU needs a new tradition to correspond with this new century. He’s counting on this semester’s FilmFest to fulfill that position. Darby, multimedia coordinator, is organizing an iMovie competition between students, faculty and staff that he said he hopes will continue into the future. “Here we are with this tradition at ACU of Sing Song and Freshman Follies, and really doing these grandiose things that are really well done,” he said. “Except here we are entering the new millennium and the next century of ACU, and we thought, what would be a new, cool tradition that will really epitomize the university’s mission of reaching out into all industries and also really appeal to students.” FilmFest will be a “visual media showcase” in which a team of one to five people film, direct, edit and produce a short film and will compete against other teams in three categories: entertainment, information and inspiration. The theme is “Let there be Light.” Apple Computer and the New Media Consortium chose ACU along with five other schools to put on this event, and Apple has donated workstations and cameras for the competition. Nil Santana, instructor of graphic design, designed the FilmFest logo and will help with advertising and designing the awards. He said his main focus in designing the logo was on film. “The design is mainly to reflect a film strip—evoking the idea of film,”he said. “The students will be working with digital, so it’s a contradiction to do
Congress hopes for increased communication can be picked up throughout this week in the SA office. Freshmen can vote early in their residence halls after curfew Monday. Once the seats are filled with representatives, Rouse said they will begin implementing ways of “empowering the future,” beginning with a weeklong training session specifically for new representatives. “We’re trying to create a template of what it means to be a rep and what it means to be a leader,” Rouse said. The week, which leads up to Congress’ Sept. 11 retreat, will include eight training sessions about parliamentary procedure and writing bills. Treasurer Tyler Cosgrove sent budget packets to all student groups this week, which will be due Aug. 31. See SA Page 7
Opening Chapel welcomes students Parade of flags, ceremony inaugurate school’s 99th year By JACI SCHNEIDER OPINION EDITOR
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
Randy Harris, instructor of Bible, missions and ministry, leads a reformatted nine o’clock devotional at University Church of Christ on Sunday. The devo now includes a stronger emphasis on prayer.
Leaders revamp devotional New devotional format includes stronger emphasis on prayer By CHRISTY GOWER FEATURES EDITOR
Randy Harris, instructor of Bible, missions and ministry, opened nine o’clock devotional at the University Church of Christ Sunday night by declaring the space and time as sanctuary.
“This is sanctuary, and you are free to be as God has called you to be,” he said during the devotional. “Here, you are free; you have freedom.” As part of the changes organizers have instituted this semester in response to decreased student interest, Harris is the speaker. One of the major changes is the added emphasis on prayer, said Dr. Eddie Sharp, minister of the University Church of Christ. “We think that with this
Rhode Island is no longer the lone missing state in ACU’s parade of flags in the traditional opening Chapel. New Hampshire and North Dakota have joined the notorious Rhode Island in its absence from campus. However, the holes that the three states left in the flag procession were filled with flags from new countries and nations that are now represented on campus. Dr. Royce Money, president of the university, welcomed students from Madagascar, Kazakhstan, the Virgin Islands and the American Samoa on Monday in the opening of the 99th session of ACU. The traditional Chapel session opened with the proces-
sion of professors, followed by the flags of all countries and states represented at the university. Students carrying flags from 66 countries and 49 states and U.S. territories marched on the floor of Moody in front of cheering students. Following school tradition, students sang “All Hail the Power of Jesus Name,” during the devotional time. A twist was added to the traditional scripture reading this year. Dino Russos read Paul’s sermon on Mars Hill from the book of Acts, in its original Greek form, with the English translation on the screens. Dr. Ginna Sadler welcomed all new and returning students and faculty to the university. Layne Rouse, Students’ Association president and senior communication major from Midland, introduced the Welcome Week directors and the executive officers of SA. He See CHAPEL Page 7
emphasis on prayer and with Randy committing himself to this, this will be something students will value as part of their spiritual life,” said Sharp, adjunct faculty in Bible, missions and ministry. Sharp said he hopes the emphasis on prayer will make the devo something students will benefit from but added that the devotional will continue to provide a place of worship. See DEVO Page 7
School ranked among top business colleges Each college rated based on emphasis on entrepreneurship By APRIL WARD PAGE 2 EDITOR
Entrepreneur Magazine ranked ACU in the 2004 list of its Top 100 Entrepreneurial Colleges, a ranking system honoring colleges with a focus on entrepreneurship. Monty Lynn, acting dean of the College of Business Administration, said the ranking is
determined by an extensive survey of the academic program and curriculum of each college. “They basically look at the amount of energy and resources a college is putting toward emphasizing entrepreneurship,” Lynn said. “They want to know if a college has a major in entrepreneurship, grad program, entrepreneurship competition, and investment funds to fund students with entrepreneurial ventures.” Lynn said the magazine surveyed around 800 colleges and universities across the nation.
About 250 schools made the final cut for the list. “We were very pleased to be included in that list,” Lynn said. “What the honor acknowledges is that COBA attempts to nurture students to think in creative and entrepreneurial ways.” Business students are exposed to entrepreneurship opportunities beginning their freshman year in the Venture Out project—a learning experience where students create their own mini-businesses. “The students do everything an entrepreneur would do and
take to form a business,” Lynn said. “They form a team, do market research to find out what ACU students want to buy, order a product and then sell it. They have to get a loan from a board of outside bankers and do their accounting statements as well.” Students get to select where the profits from the project will be donated. Since the project began in 2001, Lynn said that more than $16,000 has been donated to local non-profit See RANKING Page 7
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
Students in the opening Chapel flag parade Monday line up with all the flags from states represented at the university.
CAMPUS
Chapel Check-Up Credited Chapels to date: Credited Chapels remaining:
Wednesday, August 25, 2004
Calendar&Events 25
Wednesday
Meet the Churches, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Campus Center. Freshman Follies sign-ups, 10 a.m.2 p.m., Campus Center ticket window. Intramural sign-ups, 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m., Campus Center ticket window.
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Friday
Freshman Follies sign-ups, 10 a.m.2 p.m., Campus Center ticket window. Intramural sign-ups, 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m., Campus Center ticket window. Graduate School of Theology Back to School Dinner, 4-9:30 p.m., Hilton Room.
Thursday
Shades interest meeting, 6-9 p.m., Living Room.
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Saturday
Freshman Follies sign-ups, 10 a.m.2 p.m., Campus Center ticket window.
Professional Development Day for student teachers, 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Hilton Room.
Intramural sign-ups, 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m., Campus Center ticket window.
CPR training for intramural sports, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Living Room.
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Sunday
MFI Research project, 5-8 p.m., Hilton Room.
Monday
Information night for prospective pledges, Hart Auditorium, men at 6 p.m., women at 7 p.m. Students’ Association election speeches, 7-9 p.m., Hilton Room.
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Tuesday
Students’ Association elections, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Campus Center. Campus Activities Board interest meeting, 5-6:30 p.m., Hilton Room. Study Abroad Welcome Back Dinner, 6-9 p.m., Living Room.
Volunteer Opportunities The ACU counseling center needs a volunteer to copy edit the Dear Grace column that appears in the Optimist and possibly other documents. It takes about 30 minutes to an hour a week and can probably be done by e-mail. For more information, contact Helen Marshall at Ext. 2119 or by e-mail at marshallh@acu.edu. 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.
Correction In Monday’s issue, Larry “Satch” Sanders was listed as a former sponsor for Frater Sodalis. Sanders is a current sponsor. The Optimist regrets the error. Corrections and clarifications of published news articles will be printed in this space in a timely manner.
Announcements Applications for Students Association freshman and sophomore class senators, senior activities reps, academic reps, dorm reps, and class chaplains are available in the S.A. office. Applications are due by 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 27. Weekend Campaigns will have chapel Thursday in the Living Room featuring acoustic praise and unconventional teaching. Students will learn about opportunities to serve Texas communities on the weekends. Seniors Official ACU ring orders will be taken in the Campus Store through Sept. 17 from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Weekend Campaigns is searching for service opportunities. Students with suggestions for a specific churches or organizations that could benefit from Weekend Campaigns help should contact Kristi Lippert at kll02a@acu.edu to fill out a form. Five current students and one former student from ACU will be among those singing with Hallal on Sunday during worship services at Southern Hills Church of Christ, 3666 Buffalo Gap Road, according to a press release. The services will be at 8:25 a.m., 9:45 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.
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Centennial: Video sent out to alumni Continued from Page 1 many memories for people,” Boone said, “and it obviously touched their emotions.” Boone said feedback for the books and video has been positive, and they are a way to prepare people for being contacted by gift officers and fundraising teams. Magner said that at this point the promotional items have not increased the number of donations received by the Campaign, but he didn’t expect an increase during the summer. More contact is made with alumni and friends of the university during the school year, and everyone who was sent a book will be contacted, Magner said. “The feedback has been very positive,” Magner said. “People are excited about the Centennial. They know it’s a once in a lifetime event.” Boone said activity for the Campaign remains high, and fund raising in the summer is important because it lays the groundwork for what will happen during the school year. “A lot of the seeds that we
plant in the summer create a momentum for the fall,” Boone said. A focus for this year is the faculty and staff campaign, with each department around campus raising money from their own people, Boone said. He said the campaign started in the spring, and faculty and staff members were asked to pray about it during the summer. Boone said communication will begin this year through ACU Today and other outlets about the Celebration and Campaign, letting people know specific events that will take place next school year. August 2005 is the official beginning of the 12-month of the Celebration. Dr. Royce Money, president of the university, is the most important fundraiser through building and improving relationships with the constituency of the university, Boone said. “Raising money and raising students are high on his priority list,” Boone said. E-mail Carlson at: skc02a@acu.edu
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
Wednesday, August 25, 2004
Volumes of knowledge
Rooms hard to come by Packed residence halls cause overflow into Sikes, University Park By CHRISTY GOWER FEATURES EDITOR
EMILY CHASTAIN/Staff Photographer
Pradeep Muthaiya, freshman clinical psychology major from India, searches the shelves in The Campus Center for the book he needs for class.
Page 3
This year marks several changes in Residence Life Education and Housing. Some freshman women are being housed in Sikes Hall, and 20 sophomore women are being housed at University Park Apartments because of lack of room. McDonald Hall, formerly a sophomore women’s hall, now houses freshman men who are part of a Bible or business living and learning community. Dr. Mimi Barnard, director of Residence Life Education and Housing, said space is limited this year for freshman women, and the university opted to place the overflow of women in Sikes Hall. Rebecca Cates, Sikes Hall residence director, said Sikes housed about 25 women last week; however, they are being moved over to Gardner and Nelson halls as space becomes available.
Barnard said 20 sophomore women are living in UP for the same reason. “The university’s goal is to place all students with their cohort groups as quickly as possible,” she said in an e-mail. “Time will tell.” Barnard said the directors at UP have been very supportive of this move, and the students will be under the same rules as other sophomores. She said students enrolled in business and Bible U100 courses were invited to participate in the McDonald Living and Learning Hall. This is the first year an entire residence hall has been set up for a living and learning community. “I’m very happy to offer this pilot program for this particular group of students,” Barnard said. “I’m interested in knowing what benefits develop, how they will grow academically, spiritually and socially.” Bob Booth, McDonald Hall residence director, said the men are already taking advantage of being in a location where they are surrounded by people with similar interests and goals. “As I’ve been walking the
halls, guys are already up and talking,” he said. “It looks like the community is already happening.” Barnard said she has no reservations about the program. “I have complete confidence in Bob Booth and his staff,” she said. “As the students have ‘self-selected’ to be in this facility, I know they are happy to be there.” Reagan Morgan, freshman marketing major from Arlington, said he is enjoying the setup. “It’s a good way to get to know people and grow closer to God at the same time,” he said. While living in McDonald, the men each have separate rooms, which many list as one of several benefits. Cason Dickson, freshman undeclared major from Midland, said he is happy living by himself. “It gives me a lot of freedom, and I get to meet a lot of great people,” said Dickson, a member of the Bible living and learning community. “I haven’t met a person I don’t like.” E-mail Gower at: cng02a@acu.edu
CAMPUS NEWS
Page 4
Just a click away
Five-star rating system revised Social club officers to have more influence in their club’s rating By SARAH CARLSON COPY EDITOR
EMILY CHASTAIN/Staff Photographer
Students once again frequent the Bean Sprout in the Campus Center not only for the food, but for the Internet ports as well. Another place on campus students can eat and surf is Connections Cafe, located in the Mabee Business Building.
Wednesday, August 25, 2004
The five-star rating system for social clubs has been updated so that club officers can assess their clubs’ involvement and activities. The rating system is now “not quite as arbitrary and more collaborative,” said Dr. Wayne Barnard, dean of Campus Life. Last year, only Campus Life officials made the rating decisions for the clubs, Barnard said. The self-assessments that comprise the rating system are in the areas of service and leadership, organizational goals, academic excellence, organizational management and campus involvement. Several items are included under each area, such as member service hours, involvement with other ACU organizations and overall club average of 3.0 or higher. Officers can rate their club in each area on a scale of 1 to 5,
opment among with 5 “I feel like God has led me into this. and within the being the social clubs. highest. I definitely see this job as a ministry position.” Spell is also Three the adviser for groups Mike Spell, adviser of social clubs and judicial affairs judicial affairs, will have putting him in input into “two different camps,” the rating of clubs, with Spell said. Mark Lewis, director of Barnard said. He said many in Campus Life officials making up 40 percent of the decision, Student Life, opened the Campus Life are doing varisocial club advisers 40 per- meeting with a scripture and ous jobs now that they were cent and officer self-assess- prayer, and he said both he not doing before because of ments 20 percent. Barnard and Spell will meet with the budget cuts and restructuring, said the five-star model will club presidents and other and the pressure is on Spell to then be based on those as- club representatives in order keep the two areas separate. If someone had told him a to get to know sessments. year and a half ago that he Mike Spell is the new ad- them. Lewis would be the social club adviser of social clubs and said said they want viser, Spell said he would having seen his wife, Amanda to begin the have thought they were crazy. Spell, in the role for three year commu“I’d have said you couldn’t years helped smooth the tran- nicating with pay me to do this job,” Spell the club offisition into his job. said. Now “I feel like God has and “I know I’ve got big shoes cers led me into this. I definitely “entering into to fill,” Spell said. Barnard see this job as a ministry positrusting He told club officers at a tion.” their meeting Monday night relationship.” However, the added tasks Another change in the the reason he took the position was for the chance to social club process is analyz- and pressures aren’t daunting. “I realize I’m still learning work and build relationships ing risk-assessment issues and with students and continue to conducting budgeting semi- about the social club culture,” make God a part of the social nars for clubs to prevent over- Spell said. But, “I’m planning spending or not collecting on being here for the long club and pledging process. haul.” “I hope you get to know club dues, Barnard said. This weekend, club officers my heart and that you know my heart is about individuals will attend a retreat called E-mail Carlson at: and is about how God impacts “Higher Ground,” which is skc02a@acu.edu you through social clubs,” intended for leadership devel-
Colleges adjust to deans’ absence Students ready for excursion Departments shift responsibilities while deans on sabbatical By LORI BREDEMEYER MANAGING EDITOR
The College of Biblical Studies is splitting the workload, but one man is doing the bulk of the job in the College of Business Administration while their deans are on sabbatical. This semester, the departments are shifting roles and responsibilities to cover their absences. In the Biblical Studies Building, Dr. Ken Cukrowski is filling in for Dr. Jack Reese, who will be spending time in Abilene completing writing projects and traveling during his sabbatical. Dr. Monty Lynn is acting dean for COBA while Dr. Rick Lytle is in Michigan writing and doing research. Both substitutes said they have no doubt their colleges will carry on through the semester like normal.
“I have full confidence in the dean’s office … we have very competent folks,” Cukrowski said. “We will certainly miss our dean, and we will welcome him back, but I have full confidence that everyone will do very well.” Lynn said although most of the responsibility falls on him, he has great trust in the staff and faculty to assist him in his duties. “The staff Cukrowski has worked with Rick, and they know how everything works, so I frequently go to them for insights on how to do things,” he Lynn said. “The expertise lies in them; that’s what’s going to keep us on a good trajectory, is the experience resides within
our continuing staff.” Both deans will spend this semester on sabbatical and will return for the spring semester. Until then, Cukrowski said the Bible Department is splitting the tasks. “There are a lot of folks that are taking over in individual responsibilities,” he said. “I’m mainly doing stuff that pertains to the dean’s office. We have a great team here, and I’m very confident that we will function very well because of the people we have in leadership positions.” Cukrowski started his job last Thursday, and Lynn has been working in his since June 1. He said he has already learned and realized things he hadn’t had the opportunity to before. “More than ever before, I’ve gotten a glimpse of the departments across campus and the other deans,” Lynn said, “and I’m tremendously encouraged about the future of ACU.” E-mail Bredemeyer at: lmb00g@acu.edu
Program sends 39 students abroad to England, Uruguay
“I want to see the world outside of an American perspective.” Jason Cunningham, sophomore international studies major from Fairfax, Va.
By DEE TRAVIS ARTS EDITOR
As students return to Abilene for another semester of school, some of them are preparing to study elsewhere. This semester, 24 students are studying in Oxford, England, and 15 are studying in Montevideo, Uruguay, which is common for the fall semester, said Annie Nichols, Study Abroad coordinator. Professors going abroad include Dr. Tony Ash in Oxford and Dr. Steve Weathers in Uruguay. Jason Cunningham, sophomore international studies major from Fairfax, Va., said he is looking forward to traveling around South America. “I want to see the world outside of an American perspective,” Cunningham said. He said he chose Uruguay because Latin America was better suited to his degree plan than Europe. “I’m minoring in Spanish, so that’s definitely a plus,” Cunningham said. “My Spanish should improve a lot while
I’m there.” Statistically, more students study abroad during the spring semester than in the fall, and Nichols said there are several reasons. “Since most students study abroad their sophomore year, I think they feel they have a little more time to plan,” Nichols said. “Another reason might be that the main pledging season is in the fall,” she said, “and many sophomores take advantage.” Some students said they have other reasons. “I’m studying abroad in the fall because my friends are,” said Lindsey Faragher, a sophomore Spanish major from Saugus, Calif. The program in Oxford has the most participation from year to year, and some students just seem more eager to explore Europe. “I’ve always been fascinated by Europe’s history,” said Jim Riley, sophomore political science major from Anthem, Ariz. “I also can’t wait to experience
British culture and society firsthand.” In keeping with ACU’s longstanding tradition of Christian education, some students said they are studying abroad in the hopes of growing spiritually. “I don’t know how God will show himself during the next semester,” said Matt Webster, sophomore undeclared major from Nashville, Tenn., “but I do know I’ll see God’s marvelous works.” Nichols said all students studying abroad will ride together in a van to DFW airport, and before they depart, the students receive a formal farewell. “On Wednesday morning, we have a special prayer for the students,” Nichols said. “Family members and friends are encouraged to come, also. It’s a nice send-off.” All 39 students will be leaving Abilene on Wednesday morning at 10:30 a.m. E-mail Travis at: dxt02a@acu.edu
CAMPUS NEWS
Wednesday, August 25, 2004
Page 5
Familiar Spell cast on campus
“O Dear Christian College”
Contrary to rumor, Amanda Spell returns as activities planner
“Some times are busier than others, but there’s nothing about it that I dread.” Amanda Spell, coordinator of campus activities and student organizations
By DEE TRAVIS ARTS EDITOR
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
Dr. Odies Wright, instructor of exercise science and health, leads ACU’s alma mater, “O Dear Christian College,” at Monday’s opening Chapel assembly, while Dr. Royce Money, president of the university, sings.
New reforms keep students safe Campus police bring changes to keep students safer By APRIL WARD PAGE 2 EDITOR
After completing numerous campus safety projects during the spring semester, the ACU Police Department is welcoming the upcoming school year with many new additions around campus. Jimmy Ellison, chief of police for the ACU Police Department, said many new crosswalks were installed to make crossing campus streets safer and easier. “We increased crosswalks in three additional locations, and the crosswalks on 16th street were restriped,” he said. Freshmen parking across the street from Gardner Hall can expect a brighter path to their vehicles this year since a
new streetlight was installed in the parking lot across from Gardner near Taylor Elementary. Ellison said this semester’s key project will be the resurfacing of Campus Court from East North 16th Street to Ambler Avenue. “Campus Court is due for a major resurfacing,” he said. “The city is working closely to keep us posted on the time line. We don’t have an exact start date yet, but it will be in the fall, and we’ll let the campus community know everything we can.” While he anticipates some inconvenience, Ellison said the benefits of resurfacing Campus Court will make it worth the effort. “It will cause some frustrations like any street project does,” he said. “Still, it will be a far safer street with new lane designation markings. We’re going to revamp some of the
parking on the street as well to make it a lot safer for everyone.” New safety features won’t be the only additions the police department makes this semester. It intends to create a new position for a lieutenant as well. With the arrival of the new freshman class and early year parking frustrations, Ellison said he doesn’t want students to view the ACU police department merely as an enforcement roll. “We look forward to new faces and new excitement with campus coming back to life,” he said. “We want to make sure everyone complies with parking regulations, but it takes everyone doing their part to make this parking system work.”
E-mail Ward at: alw02b@acu.edu
The only move Amanda Spell is making is into a new office across the Bean Sprout. Although many thought she was leaving ACU, Spell is remaining the coordinator of campus activities and student organizations. “What that means,” Spell said, “is that I oversee the Campus Activities Board and all student organizations except social clubs.” Spell said she seriously considered leaving the position behind once her husband, Michael Spell, graduated from the marriage and family therapy graduate program. “We weren’t real sure what we were going to do,” Spell said. “We didn’t know if we would stay here or not, but
Michael has gotten a job at ACU, so here we are.” Michael Spell is now the director of social clubs. Spell and her husband are expecting a baby in October, but she said even that won’t keep her away for too long. “I’ll probably be gone for the rest of the semester after that,” Spell said, “but I’ll be back in the spring,” She said a typical day around the office for her means a lot of phone calls and a lot of e-mails. “There are always performers and artists wanting to bring their acts to campus, and if anyone wants to start a new organization on campus, they’d have to come through my office.” Spell said her job involves a
lot of one-on-one contact with people, but she fortunately doesn’t have to carry the whole load herself. “I do have four student interns that work with CAB,” she said, “and they help with many of the day to day operations.” Although her job may seem hectic and at times overwhelming, Spell said she loves every minute of it. “Working with campus activities is a lot of fun,” Spell said. “I love the contact with students and planning events. Some times are busier than others, but there’s nothing about it that I dread. “I’m not going anywhere yet.” E-mail Travis at: dxt02a@acu.edu
VIEWSWEDNESDAY OPTIMIST
Page 6 The issue:
Students can help decide future of nation
Few U.S. citizens between the ages of 18 and 24 vote.
Our view: We believe the right to vote is something the younger generations should take advantage of because it will influence them now and in the future.
The solution: Students should register to vote and make an effort to understand the issues, so they can cast an educated vote in the November election.
August 25, 2004
Politics: a small word that carries great significance. Mention politics, and some people will begin a long discourse about their beliefs, what they think of the candidates and their opinion on all the major issues. Some people will want to run screaming in the other direction. Whatever the case, politics play an important role in this country, whether it involves the local school board election or the selection of the president. But historically, many young people don’t put much weight in
voting in these also find Historically, many young people don’t put much can elections. resources on weight in voting in these elections. According to your state’s Web the Census Bursite that will eau, in the 2002 help you figure election, 19 percent of 18- to 24- ing young people, including out how to register, where the year-old citizens voted. That’s rockthevote.com and declare- polls are located and how to only 4,697,000 people out of yourself.com. Fill out the form request a ballot. more than 27 million. The Census Bureau also by Oct. 2, and you will receive a If every U.S. citizen at this voter registration certificate in reported that of those who did university voted in the Nov. 2 the mail and be set to vote. not vote in the 2002 election, 27 election this year, that number If you registered in another percent, most of whom were 18 would grow, and our generation county or state and will be at to 24 years old, said it was would have a larger role in school on Election Day, you can because “they were too busy or deciding who will govern the request to vote by mail. Contact had conflicting work or school United States. your county clerk’s office to schedules,” and 12 percent said Voting is simple, but first you request a ballot, which can be “they weren’t interested or thomust register. The Internet has mailed from 60 to seven days ught their vote wouldn’t make a many sites dedicated to register- before the election in Texas. You difference.” We learned from the
Daniel Barcroft
In My Words
Opinion editor lacks opinions As the editor of the world and the people in it. It Opinion Page and member of seems to be never-ending — the Editorial Board, I have there’s always something new found myself to learn and experience. As in quite a soon as I figure something c o n u n - out, I discover a new dimend r u m — m y sion. In some ways I guess it’s job requires me to voice good — I don’t have to worry about being called narrowmy opinions. A n y o n e minded and biased. I’m not who knows saying that I’m all openMuch Ado me knows I minded and in love with relam strong-wi- ativism. But the more I expeabout lled and I like rience, the more I underSomething to argue. stand what all the relativists H o w e v e r, are raving about. Jaci Forming a firm opinion is I’m finding it Schneider harder and hard; it requires research, harder to find subjects to ar- understanding and stepping on people’s toes along the gue about. I used to have a lot of way. Having a strong opinion opinions in middle and high will offend people; they will school — I knew everything, call you names and misunand I was ready to let people derstand your point. One of the hardest parts of know what I thought. I still like to voice my having an opinion is hypopinions, and I will drag out ocrisy. Once you form an opa discussion until it turns inion, you know you’re into an argument, just for the right — no one is going to sake of arguing. But over the change your mind. My probyears, it’s become more and lem is that I know the people on the other side more difficult for me to argue serious I guess that’s of the issue feel the same. So subjects. People seem to part of growing what’s the point? the end, you make a lot more up—forming In have to listen to sense these days. I don’t know what it opinions, then the opposing argument. If not, is. Maybe people realizing you then your opinall of a sudden got smarter, or maybe I could be wrong. ion has no basis. That’s where I just started listenrun into trouble. ing. Whatever happened, it is incredibly frus- I don’t want to be hypocrititrating — both sides of many cal, so I listen to the opposiissues seem to be legitimate. tion. Then I suddenly realize How am I supposed to that it makes sense. I don’t argue against someone if know everything. And the issues are more complicated they make sense? I thought that once I got than I thought. Work must into college I would sudden- be done to reformulate my ly find all the answers on the opinion. All this work tires me out; world’s problems and know what is right and what is I’m not looking forward to wrong. Instead, the more I the coming election. It learn, the more confused I would be easy to vote the way my parents or my school get. I have experienced a lot tells me, but I don’t want to since I graduated high do that. I want to have an school. I now attend a col- opinion. I guess that’s part of lege 2,000 miles away from growing up — forming opinmy home, and it is affiliated ions, then realizing you with a church that I had could be wrong. It’s just something that never heard of. I studied abroad in Oxford, England, I’m going to have to deal for a semester and experi- with. enced more in four months than I thought I would in my lifetime. All of these events E-mail Schneider at: have taught me about the optimist@acu.edu or jrs02a@acu.edu
Radio personalities help voters decide Sometimes I am ashamed to be even replaced Gospel Their tactics are underhanded and deceptive, have a Christian. preaching with campaign ads I’m sorry; let me rephrase that: for George W. Bush. They however, mixing religion and politics. Sometimes I am ashamed to be won’t let you know it, though. associated with They’ll lay out all the issues on Christians. These negative George W. Bush in November. a neat, black-and-white Venn diagram, spr“There’s nothing wrong with that,” he inkle it with carefully selected scripture, feelings often surface on my morning drive to work said. “It’s just that Christians need to be throw in the “vote or you’re a bad person” or school or driving some- considering other issues beside abortion line, and let it simmer. The president himwhere in the afternoon, and homosexuality.” self even told ministers and church leaders Campolo isn’t right on every issue, but at this year’s Southern Baptist Association when I am listening to he’s got it mostly right. Christian radio. Meeting (at which he’s spoken the last two The other day, I heard Mr. Focus on the years) to tell their parishioners to vote for Don’t get me wrong; I love the music. But with Family, Dr. James Dobson, informing list- him in November. Column music, I must endure eners that before the year is out, America I don’t mind having a Christian presiLike I See the pleas from the “moral will decide whether it will go with God or dent. I appreciate the fact that he prays, at‘Em majority” to call my state whether it will go in another direction. tends church, and loves his family. What I Steve representative about the Following this statement, Dobson put hate is when polarizing forces like Dobson abortion issue, sign a peti- down the hammer, informing listeners that make one’s politics a spiritual issue. Holt tion regarding the marriage God expects them to vote come November. The Republican platform on values debate, and most of all, make sure God’s Now, Dobson and others aren’t telling issues is not what I’m criticizing. It’s the leader stays in the White House in Christians whom to vote for, but they toe underhanded tactics used by trusted clergy November. that line meticulously. And of course, we to get their guy elected. The other guy is a I am appalled when I hear such things. all know whom Dobson, Robertson, legitimate choice for president this NovDr. Tony Campolo, an evangelical min- Falwell and others want to see in the ember. The only wrong vote this coming ister, sociologist and speaker, wrote a book White House in January. election would be the one that isn’t from recently called “Speaking My Mind,” in Their tactics are underhanded and the heart. which he claims that evangelical Chris- deceptive, however, mixing religion and I almost spoke out to Dobson himself tianity has been “hijacked” with respect to politics into a thick soup of guilt, responsi- after hearing his radio charge for politics. bility and legalism. The guilt comes when Christians to show up in force at the polls “When did [evangelicalism] become Christian voters feel they cannot pick the in this election. I considered calling the anti-feminist? When did evangelical Chris- other guy with a clean conscience. They show and saying, “Thank you, Dr. Dobson, tianity become anti-gay? When did it are being led to believe it is their responsi- for convincing me of my responsibility to become supportive of capital punishment? bility to vote for the right guy in vote this election. It is an important elecPro-war? When did it become so negative November, and even being told that they’re tion year, and I will with great pride cast towards other religious groups?” Campolo sinning if they don’t show up at the polls. my vote for John F. Kerry.” asked in a recent interview with Finally, Christian voters are being told they But I thought, “Naw, I’ll just let my vote beliefnet.com. cannot simply sit out and watch while the do the talking.” Campolo has a response to the latest gays and baby-killers take the rest of statistics he had seen reported that 83 per- America to hell with them. E-mail Holt at: cent of evangelicals are going to vote for Many evangelical ministers in America optimist@acu.edu or smh00a@acu.edu “The people here are really caring and nice, and the teachers are really fun.”
In Your Words What is your favorite part about coming back to school in the fall?
“I like the classes; it’s a good break from work.”
“I like finally getting into a schedule and feeling like I’m progressing in life.”
“There’s lots of new people to meet.”
Lauren Stiger
Nancy Flores
Andy Larson
Jeremy Cox
senior fashion merchandising major from Fort Worth
sophomore political science major from Abilene
junior computer science major from Redding, Calif.
sophomore undeclared major from Columbia, South Carolina
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
2002 election that every vote does matter, or else we would have known in a timely fashion whether George W. Bush or Al Gore would be president. The apathy young people have about politics is discouraging. They are the ones whose futures will be affected by the decisions presidents are making right now about welfare, social security and constitutional amendments, among other things. Take a few minutes to register to vote now because it’s imperative that the younger population helps decide who will be making these important, lifealtering decisions.
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
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JUMPS
Wednesday, August 25, 2004
Page 7
Chapel: Ceremony opens 99th year Continued from Page 1 also spoke about the future of the university and the American church. “There’s great excitement going around,” Rouse said. “In the midst of all the noise, God calls out, ‘arise.’” Dr. Robert D. Hunter, ACU vice president emeritus and Texas state representative of District 71, gave the opening address. He said he looked forward to ACU’s centennial year and assured students they were in the right place. “You have made the right decision to become part of the ACU family,” he said. “My hope is that you will forever
be glad that you chose Abilene Christian University.” He added that he hopes students will learn the value of serving others while at the university and named several alumni whom he said truly changed the world. “Ordinary people have lived extraordinary lives here for the past 100 years,” he said. Although some students choose to skip the longerthan-normal chapel service, Moody Coliseum was filled with current students, alumni and community members. “It was very different,” said Alex Coronel, freshman art major from San Antonio. “I
like the way they gave students from different nations a chance to show their flags.” Although he said the speaking was a little long, he enjoyed the ceremony overall. Landon Sheets, freshman undeclared major from Muleshoe, said he would enjoy the tradition of attending opening Chapel every year. “The part with the flags and when they busted out with the national anthem and the giant flag was pretty cool,” Sheets said. “I think I’ll definitely come back.” BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
E-mail Schneider at: jrs02a@acu.edu
Dino Russos reads Paul’s Mars Hill sermon from the book of Acts, the traditional scripture reading of opening Chapel, in its original Greek language. English translations were put on the screens.
SA: New budget program created FilmFest: Entry forms due soon Continued from Page 1 The packet includes what he said will be a more detailed list of budget procedures, and this year it also includes a new computer program designed to help student groups through the process of developing a budget. Cosgrove said the program will require groups to fill in certain information describing proposed projects so they would have a better opportunity to receive requested money. Another goal, Rouse said, is to look for ways to get Congress
and the student body involved in projects for the university’s Centennial Campaign. Although he has explored several possibilities for this, Rouse said once a full Congress is in session and representatives can take on various parts of the process, SA should have a proposal to bring to the student body in the coming weeks. Another SA project already taken shape is the Wildcat Express, available to freshmen at both Passport sessions. What the executive officers call the “common language for student
involvement,” the Wildcat Express is a compilation of information from all the student groups on campus. Melanie Booker, executive vice president, said there has not been a central place students could turn to discover what groups are available. “When a freshman comes to us and says, ‘I want to get involved, how?’ we want everyone to have the same answer for them,” Booker said. E-mail Smith at: jvs02a@acu.edu
Devo: Emphasis on prayer added Continued from Page 1 “That will continue to be a strong emphasis,” he said. “That’s still a major piece, but the added emphasis on prayer will be a strong, additional leg to that. University’s new campus minister, Jared Cramer, arrived in Abilene on Wednesday from Grand Haven, Mich. A graduate from Rochester
College in Rochester, Mich., Cramer said although he was not active in planning the changes in nine o’clock, he will be active in the devotional. After the devotional Sunday, Harris said he is trying not to grade the effectiveness of the changes, rather leaving the control to God and the grading power to the students. “I want to give them the
freedom to do what they need to do with God,” Harris said. “I don’t want to pressure them to do something. “We all felt like if it had run its course and needed to die, we’d let it,” he said. “But if it’d still be useful, we wanted it to be.” E-mail Gower at: cng02a@acu.edu
Continued from Page 1 that, but we wanted to make you think of film.” Darby said students will be able to use “off-the shelf technology,” including iMovie, iPhoto and GarageBand. All the work will be done in a lab in the Industrial Technology Building, which will be manned by the ACU Mac User Group.
The groups will have a month to finish their films, then they will be sent to judges to be critiqued and ranked. An Oscar-style premier night at the Paramount Theatre will unveil the winners, who will receive prize packages. Darby said he hopes FilmFest will be successful enough to persevere as some of the other traditions have.
“I hope in 50 years, this year is seen as a milestone that turned into bigger and better things,” he said. “This is the best opportunity, and we have enough people with vision and dedication.” For more information, visit the Web site at acu.edu/filmfest. E-mail Bredemeyer at: lmb00g@acu.edu
Ranking: University rated highly Continued from Page 1 groups. Lynn said students are also introduced to the concept of social entrepreneurship by applying entrepreneurial principles and practices to enterprises with social and financial ends. Organizations like Students
in Free Enterprise and Phi Beta Lambda give students business opportunities throughout their college experience. Although this is the first year ACU has been ranked in Entrepreneur Magazine’s list, Lynn said ACU’s commitment to entrepreneurship is not new.
“This isn’t a new venture or emphasis,” he said. “It’s a continuation of a long tradition of creative, out-of-the-box, generous individuals who have been graduating from ACU for many years.” E-mail Ward at: alw02b@acu.edu
FOCUSWEDNESDAY OPTIMIST
Page 8
August 25, 2004
Return to Abilene STORY BY CHRISTY GOWER, FEATURES EDITOR
ILLUSTRATIONS BY DANIEL BARCROFT, CARTOONIST
August. Abilene. What makes this time of year special? “The return of the students,” answers Dr. Royce Money, president of the university. “It is invigorating, and the enthusiasm of freshmen at this time of the year.” More than 1,000 freshmen began their college careers Monday, bringing with them the energy of a freshman. They join about 3,700 returning students, who also exhibit excitement at seeing their friends. Dr. Dwayne VanRheenen, provost, compares the start of school to New Year’s Day. “Students come, and they make New Year’s resolutions,” he says. “It’s an exciting time when we’re beginning anew.” Administrators say the people of Abilene and the people on campus keep them in Abilene. “I like it because there’s a real spirit of service in Abilene, even outside the campus,” says Dr. Wayne Barnard, dean of Campus Life. “I appreciate that in this city there’s volunteerism … and an
amazing presence of churches that reach out.” Katie Noah, junior English major from Midland, said the best thing about returning to Abilene is “seeing all my friends. I missed them all summer.” Those who stayed in Abilene for the summer said they, too, missed friends, making this time of year exciting. “Everyone’s here,” says Amber Lee, senior art major from Aurora, Colo. “It got so dead here over the summer.” Some students say they missed parts of everyday life during the school year. “I like Chapel,” said Marín Alvarado, senior math and English major from Edinburg. “I just like the singing and when Randy (Harris) preaches.” A few students mentioned local restaurants they missed during the summer, such as Mezamiz. Some jokingly mentioned the scenery or The World Famous Bean. Everyone agreed, however, that the one thing pulling them back to Abilene is the group of people only found here.
“The ladies ... very friendly ladies here. And football.” Robert Arellano freshman exercise science major from Houston “I’d miss the lack of humidity. I went to Florida, and when I came back, I was like, ‘This is nice. I’m not dripping with sweat.’” Laura Stith senior biochemistry education major from Boulder, Colo. “Just seeing my friends. It’s good to see ‘D.’ Money.” Austin Faulkner sophomore undeclared major from Nashville, Tenn.
“There’s explosion, brand new students and parents. I like the joy and excitement in their eyes. Also, the big, giant bugs around campus. They remind me of the plagues in the Bible.” Steven Moore assistant professor of English
“The Bean. I missed having eight meals left because I’d never eat there.” Elliott Wood sophomore undeclared major from Nashville, Tenn.
“It’s the people and the relationships that are built. That’s what causes people to grow to love this place. ... What keeps me living in and loving Abilene is we get to live in a community where people come from around the world. ... We cherish every drop of rain, and every tree is a shrine.” Mark Lewis director of Spiritual Life and Student Ministries
SPORTS
Wednesday, August 25, 2004
Page 9
Mosley: New athletic director looking forward to position Continued from Page 10 they leave ACU, and we want to stay connected with them,” he said. For now, Mosley will be connecting with the new responsibilities of an ACU athletic director including fund
raising, day-to-day operations and development. Despite all the work that needs to be done, Mosley said this job is good for both he and his family. “To have the opportunity to stay in Abilene and stay at ACU is a dream come true for me,” he said. “We are one of the top
Division II schools in the nation, we have great coaches and we have a great staff. I’ve always wanted to stay involved in athletics, and I’m grateful for this opportunity.” E-mail Roe at: bpr00a@acu.edu
Tennis: Most of team returns Continued from Page 10
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
Dillon Cobb, senior wide receiver, catches a pass as Doug Barnett, junior defensive back, tries to break up the play in Saturday’s annual Purple and White scrimmage. The team will play its first official game Sept. 4 against Central Oklahoma in Edmund, Okla. The first home game is Sept. 11 vs. Northeastern State.
“With Artin on the team now, if we all work hard, we should be even better than last year,” Steenkamp said. The men’s team has also added Bryce Hicks, a transfer who spent one year at HardinSimmons. Hicks is recovering
from elbow surgery, and Jones said that while Hicks is taking it slow right now, he will be a very nice addition to the team. Last season, the men’s and women’s teams both qualified for the national tournament. The men lost in the first round, while the women advanced to the quarterfinals for the eighth
straight year before losing to eventual champions BYU Hawaii. It was the sixth time in eight years the Wildcats have lost to the eventual champions. The teams are set to begin practice on Sept. 8.
for the Wildcats. Halbert was a two-time team captain at Round Rock High School. He was a threeyear letterman and a twotime all-district selection. Campbell said Halbert has a lot of potential and will add depth to the squad this year. The fall season is slated to begin Sep. 13 in Abilene at the Fairway Oaks Country Club.
“We plan to take it tournament by tournament, but our first goal is to reach the regional tournament, and our overall goal is to reach the national tournament,” Camp-bell said. “That’s what we play for, and our goal this year is to play in the national tournament.”
E-mail Gray at: weg02a@acu.edu
Football: Season begins Sept. 4 Golf: New recruits fill holes Continued from Page 10 miss any time. Coach Gaines said the highlight of the scrimmage took place as both teams worked on their goal line plays. With the first-team offenses and defenses in, the defense didn't allow offense to score in five straight plays. Sophomore Brandon Henry led the way as he was in on three of the five stops.
The special teams were active as well as junior punter Chase Fishback punted more than five times, including a 64-yarder that went into the endzone for a touchback. Fishback's most impressive punt came into the wind from the opponent's 41-yard line. Fishback was able to put the ball out of bounds inside the 7-yard line. With a strong wind at his back, place kicker Eben Nel-
son had an opportunity to show off his leg, but both opportunities were unsuccessful. A fumbled snap didn't give Nelson a chance to attempt a 63-yarder, and the gusty wind died as his 58yard attempt was no more than two yards shy of giving the offense its only other points of the day. E-mail Robarts at: kdr00c@acu.edu
Continued from Page 10 a great addition and should contribute to the team immediately. Samples comes to ACU from the New Mexico Military Institute. Samples, who went to Coppell High School in the Metroplex, was an all-district golfer before graduating in 2003. Campbell said Samples could contend as a top five player
E-mail Roe at: bpr00a@acu.edu
SPORTSWEDNESDAY OPTIMIST
Page 10
August 25, 2004
Mosley officially promoted to athletic director New AD looks to four years of experience at ACU as an advantage By BRIAN ROE SPORTS WRITER
The worst kept secret in the ACU athletics department is finally out as former ACU basketball standout Jared Mosley was promoted to director of athletics Aug. 4. Mosley, who
served as the associate director of athletics for the last two years, is the seventh director of athletics in ACU history. Mosley enters his fourth year as a member of the ACU athletics staff. He served one year as an assistant basketball coach before working the last two years as the associate director of athletics. Mosley said his experience with ACU and with the athletics department should be an
advantage during this transition. “This is a unique situation because working as the associate director provided some good experience,” Mosley said. Mosley is familiar with the last two athletic directors, which should help ease the transition. He was a studentathlete when Stan Lambert was the athletic director, and he also played and worked for the sixth athletic director at ACU,
Shannon Hays. Hays was the basketball coach from 19961999 and the director of athletics in 2002-2003. “Working with them allowed me to see what worked and what didn’t work,” Mosley said. “I was allowed a good amount of responsibility and got into a lot of different areas of focus.” Mosley’s duties as the new director of athletics will include responsibility for the ath-
letics budget, athletic events, facilities oversight, marketing, NCAA compliance, studentathlete development and other special projects. One of his first duties as athletic director was to hire a full-time NCAA compliance coordinator. Mosley chose Abilene’s own Robert Rubel to fill the role. Mosley was in charge of this department while serving as the associate director of athletics.
“Robert Rubel was coaching in Oklahoma but is from Abilene, and we are really excited to have him on our staff,” Mosley said. Mosley said one thing he wants to add to the athletic department is reconnection with former ACU student-athletes. “We want to be connected with the former lettermen after See MOSLEY Page 9
Tennis returns most players Coach expects women’s squad to be ‘best team’ ever By WARREN GRAY SPORTS WRITER
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
Senior quarterback Greg Wiggins scrambles out of the pocket in Saturday’s annual Purple and White scrimmage. Wiggins had to leave the scrimmage early with an injured knee, but is not expected to miss any playing time.
Nine starters return to anchor defense Manning, Farrell named preseason all-Americans By KYLE ROBARTS SPORTS WRITER
If the cliché that "defense wins championships" holds true, the Wildcat football team could be well on its way to a Lone Star Conference South Division title in 2004. With two preseason allAmericans in defensive back Danieal Manning and defensive end Clayton Farrell (DT) and nine returning starters, the defense should be the strong point in the Wildcats' attempt at their first playoff berth since 1977. On the first day of full-pad practice last week, the defense stuffed a Mark Gaines run behind the line of scrimmage, and senior defensive back Dawon Gentry screamed, "Ain't nothin' changed about this defense baby!" Gentry and company helped prove his point as the team wrapped up two-a-day practices with a 90-play scrimmage at Shotwell Stadium on Saturday.
Football "I'd say that the defense got the best of the offense . . . but I saw positives on both sides of the ball," said head coach Gary Gaines. The defense allowed just one touchdown drive as it dominated, forcing punt after punt and three turnovers. Gentry, Jaime Bueno and Kevin Wesley all had interceptions for the Wildcats, Manning and Manning had an interception called back after a questionable offsides penalty called on Corey Jordan. "We knew the defense Farrell would come out strong," Manning said. "It always takes a little longer for the offense to come around. They have so many packages that they are dealing with and learning, so we were able to take advantage."
On the fifth drive of the day with freshman quarterback Nick Bird under center, Gentry was in on three straight stops, as Mark Gaines and the offense could not seem to move the ball. With Gentry in his final season as a Wildcat, Manning isn't taking him for granted. "I love playing with Dawon; he's taught me a lot since I've been here—the little things that'll help me go far," Manning said. Overall, coach Gaines was pleased with the offensive effort. He admits there were some mistakes that need ironing out but was pleased with the way all the running backs carried the ball and the performance of the receivers. Backup quarterback Brock Pierce and freshman receiver Jerale Badon led the lone touchdown drive as the offense drove 70 yards for a touchdown in just nine plays. Badon dropped the first pass on the drive but redeemed himself with an 18yard catch and the drive-capping touchdown from 21 yards out. Rashon Myles also gained 20 yards on four carries, including a key first-down run on third-and-inches to set up the
Football Schedule Sept. 4: at Central Oklahoma, Edmond, Okla. Sept. 11: vs. Northeastern State Sept. 18: at Tarleton State, Stephenville Sept. 25: at Eastern New Mexico, Portales, N.M. Oct. 2: vs. Southeast Oklahoma State Oct. 9: vs. San Angelo State Oct. 16: at West Texas A&M, Canyon Oct. 23: vs. A&M Commerce Oct. 30: at A&M Kingsville, Kingsville Nov. 6: vs. Midwestern State • Home games in bold
scoring play. Starting quarterback Greg Wiggins received a scare as he bumped knees with Myles late into the scrimmage. Wiggins walked off the field on his own power, and isn't expected to See FOOTBALL Page 9
Both the men’s and women’s tennis teams are coming off successful seasons, and each is primed for even more success this year. The women’s team returns in full force from last year, losing no players from the squad. Head coach Hutton Jones said the roster will feature 10 players this year. With only six allowed to play in each tournament, Jones cautions that some will not get to play as much as they might like. “I’m hoping they buy into the team concept,” Jones said. “That’s what we’re here for.” The women’s team is anchored by four seniors who have all seen plenty of action since they arrived at ACU. On the other end of the experience spectrum is incoming freshman Meagan Brown from Springfield, MO.
Tennis “When everything’s said and done, she’s going to have a great ACU career,” Jones said of Brown. The team also features junior Colleen Reynolds, who was an all-American as a sophomore. All in all, Jones said this could be a great group. “This should be the best team ACU has ever put on the court,” Jones said. “It really should be.” Although the men’s team did lose a couple of players, most are returning, including the team’s top player, Casper Steenkamp. “We’ve got the nucleus back, plus we added Artin Tafazoli,” Jones said. Tafazoli is a senior transfer from UNLV who came out of high school as the sixthranked tennis player in the nation. Jones expects Tafazoli to rival Steenkamp for the No. 1 spot on the team, and Steenkamp said he is excited about his new teammate. See TENNIS Page 9
Freshman, transfer golfers recruited Golf team looking to replace graduated seniors with recruits By BRIAN ROE SPORTS WRITER
ACU golf coach Mike Campbell supplemented the loss of seniors Pierre Goethals and Jeremy Reedy by adding two transfers and one high school prep player to the 2004-2005 golf team. Kyle Byerly of Adams State (Colo.), Matthew Samples of New Mexico Military Institute and Jared Halbert of Round Rock High School announced in June their intentions of transferring to ACU. High school prep player John Forbes of the United Kingdom and transfer Gareth Jones from New Mexico
Golf Junior College also committed to ACU, but Campbell said both decided not to come. “We are excited about the new players and what they will add to our team,” Campbell said. “I expect the new guys to come in and compete and help us reach our goal of winning tournaments and reaching the regional tournament.” Byerly, a product of the Metroplex, was a two-time alldistrict performer at Keller High School before moving to Colorado to play at Adams State. He was also the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year in 2003. Campbell said Byerly is See GOLF Page 9
Wildcats focus on chemistry Morrow, Slate emerge as leaders; named team captains By BRIAN ROE SPORTS WRITER
To some it is a college major, to others it is simply a class, but to the ACU volleyball team, chemistry is one of the most important factors in their quest for the Lone Star Conference championship. Chemistry is one of the invisible facets of team sports that plays a major role on the amount of success a team achieves. Team chemistry is especially important on a college team. “I think women’s sports rely more on team chemistry than men’s,” said head coach Brek Horn. “If team chemistry is right, then it’s a lot easier to
Volleyball develop into a better team.” Horn said she considers her team’s chemistry when she recruits prospective players. She goes as far as bringing in the recruit and has her practice with the team just to get a feel for the player’s personality. Horn said most NCAA coaches search only for talent and look for that one-part player. Horn, however, looks for a three-part player. “When I recruit, I’m looking for a girl who not only cares about volleyball but cares about being a Christian and about being a strong student academically,” Horn said. “In that way I am looking for three-part players.” For team chemistry to be fully realized, leaders must emerge from the team. Last year’s leader on and off the court was
outside hitter Haylee Hartline. Hartline completed her fourth and final season with the Wildcats last fall. The team is looking for new leaders to emerge and fill that role. Horn began the process last week when she named senior libero Kellen Morrow and junior middle blocker Amanda Slate team captains. Morrow and middle blocker Sophia Kindred are the only two seniors on this year’s team. “Kellen is a senior now, and she wants her senior year to be the best,” Horn said. “She is more of a vocal leader. She talks a lot on the court and is always pushing everyone to work hard. Amanda leads by example. She is a workhorse and always tries to push her teammates to the limit.” BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
E-mail Roe at: bpr00a@acu.edu
Freshman Liz Snoddy dives for the ball during practice Tuesday. The team begins its season in the Lady Buff Classic tournament in Canyon on Friday and Saturday.