WEDNESDAY September 8, 2004
OPTIMIST
Department of Journalism and Mass Communication
Tea time:
Social club pledging season began this week with rushes and women’s teas. Page 7
THE
Abilene Christian University
By LORI BREDEMEYER MANAGING EDITOR
“She lived, loved and laughed.” Friends continually used these three words to describe Cheryl Denise Halbert at a celebration of her life Monday in Moody Coliseum. Cheryl was killed Aug. 14 when her car hit a tree in Mason County while she was
driving to San Antonio. She was 20. At the beginning of the ceremony, members of Cheryl’s social club, Sigma Theta Chi, placed yellow roses symbolizing friendship, joy and happiness in a vase near the stage as the assembly sang “The Greatest Commands.” People close to her shared memories and scripture that personified her life. Chris Meeks, Cheryl’s boyfriend and junior accounting major from Rockwall, read from Philippians and Proverbs, and Dr. Wayne Barnard, dean of
Upperclassmen offer advice:
Cats take on California:
Many seniors have advice they want to pass down to incoming freshmen, some of whom would rather learn from their own experiences. Page 8
The volleyball team finished the San Bernardino tournament at 2-2. Page 10
Wal-Mart coming to north Abilene
Campus Life, spoke of how Cheryl influenced people across the world, including places like Haiti and Oxford, England. “It’s so obvious that Cheryl’s life has touched many, many people,” he said. “It’s clear Cheryl is a person who loves Jesus more than any other, who loves her family dearly and who loves children, and who loves to tell the story of Jesus to others.” Dr. Jeanene Reese, assistant professor of Bible, ministry and missions, who knew Cheryl growing up, said in
class she had “eyes sparking and smile bright,” and she was always “embracing life and loving big.” Reese said three things come to mind when thinking of Cheryl: her curiosity, adventurous spirit and humor. “That is how Cheryl Denise Halbert lived — curious, daring and hilarious. She lived and she loved.” Rosalyn Perry, president of Sigma Theta Chi and junior interdisciplinary studies major from Abilene, shared the See MEMORIAL Page 9
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
Dr. Jeanene Reese speaks at the memorial service for Cheryl Halbert during Chapel in Moody Coliseum on Monday.
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
Andrea Schweikhard, junior communication major from Tulsa, Okla., Angela Meyer, junior psychology and pre-med major from Arlington, Tenn., and Chris Meeks, junior accounting major from Rockwall, hold hands during Cheryl Halbert’s memorial service Monday during Chapel in Moody Coliseum.
Campus chapter of NAACP begins meeting Leaders say they hope to change perception of group’s purpose By APRIL WARD PAGE 2 EDITOR
Student interested in the newly formed ACU chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People met Tuesday. Sponsored by Debbie Williams, associate professor of English, and Dawn Alexander,
history department adviser, the group’s goal is to make students aware of their roles on campus and across the nation. “[Students] have opportunities to be of service to others, and they can help make sure people are treated equally,” Williams said. Although groundwork for the group was laid last year, officers will be elected Thursday. Williams said many people have misconceptions about what the group stands for.
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‘She lived, loved and laughed’ Students, family remember Halbert in memorial on Monday
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“Many people view the NAACP as a very partisan group with an agenda that is very militant,” she said. “It’s actually a bipartisan group, and the emphasis isn’t on supporting Republicans or Democrats. It’s being informed of issues in America and the degree to which those issues are helping or oppressing people.” Alexander said the NAACP was formed in 1909 by a coalition of whites and blacks to fight the problem of lynching, and the group was instrumental
in supporting civil rights movements throughout the century. The group is open to anyone of any ethnic or racial background interested in national policies influencing people’s freedoms, Alexander said. Williams said one of the group’s focuses will be encouraging students to vote. “We want to make sure people are aware of the issues impacting them and have a voice in those issues,” Williams said. “As Christians, we should look at this as an opportunity to
have a godly impact on human needs and social justice.” By taking an active role in different issues, Alexander said college students make a difference in the world. “I don’t think students know they have the ability to change the world,” Alexander said. “Their role doesn’t stop at education. Part of what they need to learn is that they have the ability to make a difference.” E-mail Ward at: alw02b@acu.edu
Supercenter will be built at intersection of I-20 and Hwy. 351 By SARAH CARLSON COPY EDITOR
A second Wal-Mart Supercenter is scheduled to open in September 2005 at the intersection of Interstate 20 and Highway 351. The Abilene City Council approved a request from WalMart on July 22 to rezone the acreage at the intersection for a development district. After the Supercenter opens, the WalMart on Judge Ely Boulevard will close. Elizabeth Grindstaff, Abilene’s interim director of community development services, said the Supercenter is part of a comprehensive development plan where the city is looking to stimulate commercial growth, and it will be “a real asset” to the areas around ACU. “I think that it will stimulate some development on the north side of town,” Grindstaff said. She said many conversations have taken place about encouraging more development in the central area of Abilene as well as the north side. It’s not a “north side – south side issue” as many make it out to be, Grindstaff said, as many on the north side of town complain about the lack of businesses compared to the south side. Students have mixed opinions about the opening of the Supercenter. Rheannon Reese, senior marketing major from Austin, said the new Wal-Mart will be convenient to go to and will provide another grocery store for the area. “I think it’s a great location, and we’ll be more likely to go over there,” Reese said. Brandon Kinder, senior youth and family ministry major from Memphis, Tenn., said he is excited about the Supercenter opening because it will be convenient for students who need a place to shop late at night. “I really can’t wait,” Kinder said, “because time and time again I have needed groceries after midnight, and I’m not driving out to the other side of town to get them.” Elizabeth Alvarez, senior political science major from See WAL-MART Page 9
Kitchen built in hall lobby Meals will be available in Smith, Adams halls three times daily By SARAH CARLSON COPY EDITOR
A kitchen was installed into the communal lobby area of Smith and Adams residence halls during the summer, and ARAMARK will provide meals three times a day for residents. Dr. Mimi Barnard, director of Residence Life Education and Housing, said the decision to install the kitchen came from requests from students and was made by herself, Kevin Watson, chief administrative services officer, and ARA-
MARK. “Students are excited about having this expanded lobby space and function,” Barnard said in an e-mail. Todd Ormsby, residence director for Smith and Adams halls, said the idea for the kitchen originally came from students complaining about having to go back to campus to eat. “Parents Barnard have already been real excited about it because being off campus, one of the biggest complaints is having to go all the way back
to the Bean at night to eat,” Ormsby said. “Even for ladies walking, it is a security issue having to walk, and now they can just come down here and eat dinner.” Residents will have access to a variety of foods and can use meal plans and Bean Bucks as they would on campus. Ormsby said they have not decided exactly what type of food will be served or what format it will be served in. He said they will experiment will a buffet style of serving and with items such as bacon and eggs in the morning. A possibility of polling students to see what they would See KITCHEN Page 9
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
Anna Radomsky, sophomore social work major from Fort Worth, and Malia Plumlee, sophomore exercise science major from Edmond, Okla., eat lunch in the new kitchen in Smith and Adams halls.
CAMPUS
DAY
Wednesday, September 8, 2004
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Calendar&Events Wednesday
Deadline to pledge; must register by 5 p.m. Service Expo, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Campus Center. Campus Activities Board Beach Bash sign-ups, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows. Beyond the Wall poster sale, 7 a.m.4 p.m., Campus Center.
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Thursday
First invitation rushes. Prospective pledges pick up invitations, 11:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. Free night out, 5-10 p.m., Play Faire Park.
Campus Activities Board Beach Bash sign-ups, 1:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows.
Service Expo, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Campus Center.
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Friday
Freshman Follies sign-ups, 10 a.m.2 p.m., Campus Center ticket window. First invitation rushes. Campus Activities Board Beach Bash sign-ups, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows. Purple Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Living Room.
McNair Scholars, all day, Campus Center ticket windows.
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Saturday
Krispy Kreme donut pick-up, 8 a.m.2 p.m., Campus Center tables. Classical Chorus of Abilene, 1:302:30 p.m., Campus Center recreation area.
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Tuesday
First invitation rushes.
Sunday
Coburn Birthday Party, 3-5 p.m., Campus Center recreation area.
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Students’ Association Live, 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Campus Center tables.
Monday
First invitation rushes.
U-100 multicultural workshops, 7 a.m.-10:45 p.m., Hilton Room. McNair Scholars, all day, Campus Center ticket windows. Students’ Association Live, 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Campus Center tables.
Hello Book information review, 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows.
U-100 multicultural workshops, 7 a.m.-10:45 p.m., Hilton Room.
Faculty-Staff photos, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Campus Center Faculty/Staff Dining Room.
Missions information, 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Campus Center tables.
Social Club officers meeting, 5-6:30 p.m., Living Room.
West Texas Energy Club luncheon, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Living Room.
Volunteer Opportunities Day Nursery is seeking volunteers to work shifts at its food booth Friday through Sept. 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. Big Brothers Big Sisters needs male volunteers to participate in “Brother to Brother” on Thursdays from 4-5 p.m. Volunteers will be matched with a
little brother for sports, art projects, games and other activities. For more information, call 6777839. Wildcat Kids is looking for volunteers. Applications can be picked up at the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center in the Bean Sprout. Completed applications are due Friday. A student needs someone to practice English on the intermediate level with once or twice a week in order to learn the language. For more information, contact Dennis Miller at dap04b@acu.edu.
Volunteers are needed to pass out fliers for the Cedar Creek Neighborhood Association in the East North 13th area. The fliers will make neighborhood residents aware of the trash pick-up in their area on Saturday. Contact the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center in the Bean Sprout for more information. The Alzheimer’s Association is seeking 10-20 volunteers to help with the Alzheimer’s Association Golf Tournament at Maxwell Golf Course. The tournament will be
Sept. 25 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Lunch will be provided. For more information, contact the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center. Treadaway Kids is looking for volunteers to help minister to the children of Abilene. This is an opportunity to teach children about the love of God and to serve together with other ACU students. Pick up applications in the Volunteer & Service-Learning Center. Returning volunteers need to fill out an application as well. Deadline for applications is Friday.
Chapel Check-Up Credited Chapels to date: Credited Chapels remaining:
11 60 Announcements
For anyone interested in performing in Ethnos, the culture show, sign-ups will be Friday at the Campus Center ticket windows. If you’re unable to sign-up, e-mail dxg00c@acu.edu. Students, faculty and staff can verify their contact information that will be included in the Hello Book at the ticket windows Wednesday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Purchase your 2004-05 Hello Book for $10 by e-mailing your name, address and Banner ID to Lori at lmb00g@acu.edu or by going to the Hello Book Web site www.acu.edu/academics/cas/jmc/store/hellobook.html. Students planning to pledge a social club must register by 5 p.m. Wednesday. For questions, call Ext. 6618 or e-mail socialclubs@acu.edu. Students who fail to register by the deadline will not be allowed to pledge.
ACU students, faculty, staff and alumni are invited to a Wildcat Pregame Party at Shotwell Stadium for the first home football game Saturday from 4-6 p.m. Come for free grilled chicken and hot dogs at the north end of the stadium before the 6 p.m. game. The party is sponsored by Mrs. Baird’s Bakeries and the ACU Alumni Association. Spiritual Life Core is holding an interest meeting Thursday at 10:00 p.m. in the Bean Sprout for students interested in planning campus spiritual life activities. For more information, contact Tim Inwood at tji00a@acu.edu or Mark Lewis at Mark.Lewis@acu.edu. Sign-ups are taking place for the World Mission Workshop hosted at York College. The registration fees are $55 until Sept. 15. After that date registration is $65. Sign up in the Bible building at David Wray`s office. Travel seating will be limited.
Corrections for Sept. 3 In the intramural sports story on page 9, the six new part-time employees were incorrectly identified as full-time. In the page 1 story about the Students’ Association budget, Elizabeth Alvarez, SA chief development officer, was incorrectly identified as the chief communication officer.
On page 8, the caption for the far right picture about snowcones was incorrect. The subject of the picture was Stephanie Rollins, senior biology major at Hardin-Simmons and employee at New Wave Shaved Ice. Michelle Bernhardt’s name was misspelled in the volleyball story on page 10.
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.
Wednesday, September 8, 2004
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CAMPUS NEWS
Page 4
Wednesday, September 8, 2004
CAB plans Beach Bash
Crazy for the Cats
All-day event to include intramural games, snowcones, ‘Toy Story’ By SARAH CARLSON COPY EDITOR
Leave the beach towel and snorkel at home; it’s time again for a beach party, West Texas style. Beach Bash is Saturday, and students can expect sports, Cajun Cones and a free movie. “We’re just hoping it will be a really fun and relaxed day,” said Amanda Spell, coordinator of student organizations and activities. Students can participate in a seven-on-seven flag-football tournament or an ultimate frisbee tournament with seven-
player teams. Flag football is $50 per team with a $225 prize for first place, and ultimate frisbee is $25 per team with a $100 prize. Sign-ups for the events are Tuesday through Thursday in the Campus Center ticket windows. From noon to 3 p.m., the intramural fields will be adorned with inflatable games and lines for Cajun Cones, with the first 200 students receiving their cones for free. Spell said the activities will hopefully be over in time for everyone to attend the ACU football game at 6 p.m. Toy Story will be shown at 9 p.m. in the Beauchamp Amphitheater to end the day’s activities. Kayla Anderson, sophomore English major from
Hewitt and student intern for the Campus Activities Board, which sponsors the event, said Beach Bash is a great way for students to meet new people and have fun after the first few weeks of school. “The point of it all is just to have fun and get everyone out there together,” Anderson said. Beach Bash began in 1986, and Spell said she is not sure where the name comes from. “It’s almost as a joke since we’re so far away from a beach, or any water for that matter,” Spell said. “I think it’s the whole concept of a beach party; just relax, have fun and take a break from classes.” E-mail Carlson at: skc02a@acu.edu
Building’s future uncertain Shopping center housed junior college, now awaits tenants By CHRISTY GOWER FEATURES EDITOR
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
Bryan Stanley (left), sophomore business management major from Carrollton, and Kyle Stallard, sophomore youth and family ministry major from Clear Lake, cheer for the volleyball team as they play Lubbock Christian University on Tuesday night. The Wildcats won 3-0 (30-23, 30-16, 30-24).
Service Expo to exhibit agencies By KATHERINE FLANARY STUDENT REPORTER
The Service Action Leadership Team will conduct a Service Expo on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in the Campus Center from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. According to SALT’s Web site, the organization conducts the expo the third week of each semester and “brings local agencies and organiza-
tions to campus to share their volunteer opportunities.” The purpose of the Service Expo is “to showcase volunteer opportunities to our students and let them meet agency representatives,” said Nancy Coburn, director of the Volunteer and ServiceLearning Center. It also “encourages students to find a place to plug in and engage in service.”
Agencies will have tables to display their information and representatives from the agencies to talk to the students. Students who are interested in the agencies just need to go by on the days and times the agencies are here, said Coburn. E-mail Flanary at: optimist@acu.edu
The Radford Hills shopping center at East North 16th and Judge Ely Boulevard has been empty since Cisco Junior College moved out this summer, and plans are still in the making for a new business to take its place. The building is owned by Equity Development Corp., and H.R. Gibson, its president, said the company is still in the process of trying to find potential tenants.
“We’re waiting for someone to come along and use it,” he said. Kenneth Musgrave, who manages most of the business for the shopping center, said one option to consider is tearing down the center and rebuilding it. “It’s served it’s time well and needs to be torn down,” he said. If that does happen, Musgrave said everything except the Taco Bueno and American State Bank would be rebuilt. Gibson said he’s not sure if that will happen, but it is a consideration. “Whatever it takes, we’ll
do,” he said. The center is more than 30 years old and previously housed a Wal-Mart and later a Gibson Discount for about 12 years before Cisco Junior College moved in. Musgrave said the building was gutted and designed specifically for a college with classrooms and science labs. “It probably wouldn’t be feasible to gut it again,” Musgrave said. Musgrave said he could not release the names of any potential tenants because of a confidentiality agreement. E-mail Gower at: cng02a@acu.edu
CAMPUS NEWS
Wednesday, September 8, 2004
Page 5
‘Halo’ tournament postponed because of club conflicts Long-awaited video game match delayed until further notice By VALERIE HANNEKEN STUDENT REPORTER
What was going to be the first annual Halo tournament has now become the first delayed Halo tournament. Because of the Labor Day restaurant rush, many tourna-
ment participants were called in to work extra shifts, said Joel Swedlund, director of the Campus Center. Because only eight to nine teams signed up to play, those in charge of the tournament decided to postpone the games. Swedlund said he plans to move the tournament back a couple of weeks. “We may restructure a little bit and get the word out better,” Swedlund said.
During that time he said he wants to increase the advertising for the tournament as well as participation from anyone who has an ACU ID. The Halo tournament was to be held in the Campus Center recreation area in the Bean Sprout and would have started on Monday and lasted a week. The games were to be played with ACU recreation Xboxes, controllers and games. Although there are sev-
Out of Africa, into the classroom
eral Halo games, this particular tournament uses the Blood Gulch map and resembles the commonly known game Capture the Flag. Possible adjustments to the tournament may include lowering the cost of the entry fee and recruiting more teams to play. At this point teams are comprised of four members, with two teams that compete with controllers per game. “We would like to draw 32
By DANIELLE LINTHICUM STUDENT REPORTER
EYAKEM GULILAT/Staff Photographer
an assortment of people. As an incentive, a cash prize will be awarded to the first place team and gift certificates for the top three placing teams. Swedlund said he will put up the team registration sign in the next couple of weeks and anticipates a good turnout. E-mail Hanneken at: optimist@acu.edu
Students use weekends to serve Weekend campaigns offer special ways to serve others
Dr. Sonny Guild, director of the institute for missions and evangelism, brings his subject to life while wearing an authentic shirt from Africa.
teams, but we will play with fewer,” Swedlund said. He said he wants students to know the tournament is open to everyone and is meant to be a fun recreational activity. The tournament times were scheduled in the evenings so that most people’s class times would not conflict. The Halo “Capture the Flag in Blood Gulch” tournament was designed for students who want to get involved and meet
Students looking for something to do on weekends and ways to make a difference can get involved with Weekend Campaigns. Weekend Campaigns are serviceoriented, student-led trips to various places throughout Texas and Oklahoma. “Campaigns are a great way to meet people and make friends,” said Kristi Lippert, senior psychology major from Cincinnati, Ohio. “I
know that I made a lot of my great friends through WC.” Lippert has been involved in Weekend Campaigns since her freshman year and said she has loved every minute of it. She said one thing is for sure, you won’t get bored on a campaign. “Our main emphasis is on service, and the kinds of service we do vary based on where we are and what needs to be done,” Lippert said. “We have done manual labor (such as) tearing down walls, building walls, lots of different things, worked at homeless shelters, worked with inner-city churches and done street ministry.”
Weekend Campaigns The first of five weekend campaigns this semester will be in San Antonio and will be Sept. 17-19.
Five campaigns are being planned for this fall, with the first one going to San Antonio on Sept. 17-19. For more information about campaigns, contact the co-chairs for Weekend Campaigns, Kristi Lippert at kll02a@acu.edu and Chris Fall at caf01a@acu.edu. Other potential campaign sites are Houston, Oklahoma City, the Dallas area and Amarillo. E-mail Linthicum at: optimist@acu.edu
VIEWSWEDNESDAY OPTIMIST
Page 6 The issue: Many students, especially women, seem to have forgotten that ACU has a dress code.
Our view: The dress code is a good thing, but for it to work, it must be enforced.
The solution: Students should think twice when they get dressed in the morning, and the faculty needs to step up and tell students to change clothes if their clothing is inappropriate.
September 8, 2004
No room for short skirts on campus With the heat of summer still upon us, the editorial staff of the Optimist would like to remind students and faculty that ACU does in fact have a dress code. Throughout the last two weeks, each member has seen the code severely violated on numerous occasions. According to the ACU Dress Code, “all students, staff and faculty are expected to dress with Christian appropriateness.” It goes on to say that some extremes are not acceptable. These extremes include the halter-tops and strapless shirts
sayings and that some stuStudents should feel uncomfortable wearing puns that you dents may have certain clothes on a Christian campus. would not say in worn at home front of your during the sumg r a n d m o t h e r. mer. Although it may not seem like a big deal to abide by the standards set by this Please, save those shirts to use as wear these tops at home, they are university. If women must stay rags; we do not want to see them fully clothed throughout the day, worn, even if they were bought not appropriate on campus. Short skirts are in fashion so should men. Even when from an expensive, popular again. According to the dress working out in the heat, it is only store. Remember women, you are code, skirts and shorts are fair that men keep their shirts surrounded by young men, and allowed, but they “must conform on. Workout clothes should still men, you are surrounded by to the standard of mid-thigh or longer.” Especially in Abilene, follow ACU standards. Short young women. Please dress in a where powerful gusts of wind are shorts and sports bra tops remain fashion that will not cause the common, short skirts should not inappropriate, even while jog- opposite sex to stumble. Faculty and staff, please ging around campus. be worn on campus. Another issue not as blatantly enforce the dress code. If no one The dress code does not apply only to women. Men also must obvious is T-shirts with funny implements the rules, they
Daniel Barcroft
In My Words
Christians need to show more love I spent a month in no idea. Washington, D.C., this sumThe basic problem, as I see mer at a journalism program it, made clearer to me this through the Council for summer is that the world Christian Colleges and Uni- does not understand us beversities. A group of 15 stu- cause we don’t even underdents and two directors lived, stand ourselves. We can be so busy worryworked and w o r s h i p e d ing about whether we are the together, and right kind of Christian, or it was an the right kind of Church of amazing ex- Christ member or any other affiliation for that matter, perience. While in that we forget to be Washington, Christians. The reason a compassionmy group I am the and I met ate Christian, who stands by with many his or her beliefs while conEnemy C h r i s t i a n tinuing to support and love Sarah Carlson j o u r n a l i s t s others, was not depicted in from the area the movie Saved! is because because the entire point of many non-believers don’t our month in the capital was think that Christian exists. How many times has an to learn to be salt and light in the world of media. We met abortion clinic been bombed with a movie critic from USA or a gay person been beaten Today to watch and discuss all in the name of Christ? the movie Saved! How many of us only become I recommend that good friends with the people Christians see this movie. I’ll at our Christian school or at warn you ahead our church and of time that only reach out parts of it will to surrounding Compassionate make you communities uncomfortable Christians need to with service on or even offend Samake themselves designated you, and as our turdays? How group discov- visible. The state of many Chrisered, it opens up tians demand our society now certain Constimany areas of dialogue for makes that necessi- t u t i o n a l Christians. amendments That’s good. ty even more appar- that only segreParts of it also gate society ent. will make you and fuel the laugh. However, fire for many I think the overall idea of the left-wingers? movie completely misses the So many Christians conmark on what it means to be demn everyone, even other a Christian. Christians, for not believing The basic thesis of the exactly as they do. Churches movie is if God’s plan isn’t that preach about the evils of working out for you, get a ACU and how we are all new plan because everything going to Hell do exist my is a gray area now. The only friend, and they are not dying type of Christians portrayed out as you would hope. in the movie either condemn Jesus was the biggest sin altogether and send peo- human rights activist to ever ple away to reform houses, or live. One can learn how to they are completely tolerant live and treat others from the and think things like sexual Sermon on the Mount where immorality and homosexual- he calls us to love everyone, ity are acceptable with even our enemies. His Christians. It shows no in preaching is not the blurred theology of Saved! where between. The adults in the movie everything goes, but it’s also are also rather incompetent, not throwing the first stone. and they use the old “Why It’s just about love. would God give me these Compassionate Christians feelings if he didn’t want me need to make themselves visto act on them?” routine. ible.The state of our society “It's like those monster now makes that necessity vampire high school kind of even more apparent. movies, only here the monWe will always be differsters are Jesus-freak teen- ent and aliens in the world; agers,” said Michael Stipe of that’s a given. We see things R.E.M., the movie’s producer. too differently. But we can Now, this movie could still reach out to the world have been hilarious had it and bring them to Christ been made by Christians, or through example. at least by people who have a better concept of what life is like for evangelicals. But as is E-mail Carlson at: apparent from the quote optimist@acu.edu or skc02a@acu.edu above, the film’s makers have
Pledging helps in real, ‘Simple Life’ I do realize that I’m an alumnus now, and it’s kind of “uncool” to be writing to my old school paper, but I started thinking that it was almost pledging time soon and felt obligated to pass this on to any of y’all who are trying to decided whether or not to pledge … Do. I know some of you social club haters are spouting the usual “it’s like buying friends; it’s pointless and doesn’t prepare you for the real world” arguments, so I just want to offer myself as a practical example of good that can come from pledging: I am currently in London, working on production of my second reality show. Working in this industry is unlike any other job — it is INSANE, and I probably wouldn’t have lasted on my first show had it not been for the experience of pledging a social club. Seriously… Everyone starts off in this
business as a production assistant, better known as a PA. There is a saying that “being a PA is like pledging into the fraternity of the entertainment industry,” and this couldn’t be more true. During pledging, I spent six weeks learning how to be a member of a club. As a PA, I spent six weeks learning how to work on a production crew. During pledging, I was required to do random, pointless things if and when the members asked. As a PA, I did whatever random and pointless things anyone on crew asked of me. During pledging, I pushed aside other social obligations to work with and make friends within my club. As a PA, my only social outlets were the others I worked with on production. During pledging, I never got sleep. As a PA, I didn’t even know what the word meant.
During pledging, I always had to have a good attitude even though I never knew what was going on. As a PA, everything was always my fault even when it wasn’t, and I never knew what was going on. Yet, I had to maintain a good attitude — one of my fellow PA’s was even fired for having a bad one; it was almost as though she didn’t pass the infamous “second vote.” The list of similarities goes on and on … Pledging, nor PA’ing, may be the easiest thing in the world, but the benefits of both far outweigh the negatives. I am immensely proud to claim to be a part of both Simple Life 2 and GATA. I earned my involvement in these and feel such a sense of accomplishment knowing that I stuck with it. Again, speaking as one
YOUR VOICE Re: The beginning of the fall 2004 pledging process. A tradition debated by many students.
who at first thought social clubs were stupid and was not going to pledge, consider it! There are often more benefits to being part of one of these than you may at first realize. You learn things that could very well affect you in the “real world”. Trust me — I know!
Ronni Gregoire electronic media graduate Class of 2003
In Your Words What do you think about social clubs? “It seems like you’re paying for friends. I wish there were incentives like scholarships or something.”
“I guess they’re great for people who have time. I don’t have the time or money.”
“I really have no idea about what they are yet, but from what I see and what I’ve heard, they’re a good place to make lasting friendships.”
“I think they’re a good way for people to meet others with common interests.”
Giewe Hammond
Quaid Ledingham
Joshua Lai
Amanda Duda
junior mathematics major from Houston
sophomore engineering and Bible missions and ministry major from Monahans
freshman undeclared major from Penang, Malaysia
freshman interior design major from Keller
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
OPTIMIST THE
become pointless. You see students in class several days a week and have the authority to require students to change their clothes—please use it. Residence directors and assistants, you are with students where they live, if you notice a habit of inappropriate dress, please address the issue. Students should feel uncomfortable wearing certain clothes on a Christian campus; the fact that inappropriate clothing has become so common says something about our campus. Let’s try to become more modest and keep our minds on issues of greater significance.
The Optimist Editorial Board
Published by the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Abilene Christian University
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CAMPUS NEWS
Wednesday, September 8, 2004
Page 7
Teas offer first glimpse of clubs Social club members meet and greet prospective pledges By JENNA LUCADO STUDENT REPORTER
“Sunday Teas.” The title appears to reflect an afternoon of tranquility and quiet formality. But with approximately 230 female pledging prospects curiously flocking from one women’s social club to the other, campus was anything but quiet Sunday. The four-hour event typically consists of an introductory meeting where the women are divided into migratory groups to travel from one location to another. At each
location, a different women’s social club greets each potential pledge, gives an overview of the club’s values and traits and asks questions to build new relationships. After about 20 minutes, the groups rotate and start the process over again. “The purpose of Sunday Teas begins the process for prospective pledges to learn about the distinctives of each club,” said Mike Spell, adviser of social clubs. Club members also said they were nervous because it was their responsibility to present the initial memorable impression to 230 girls. “Sunday Teas are the first glimpse of what each club is about, ” said Moriah Steward, Sigma Theta Chi officer and
senior history major from Fort Worth. Spell said this is the first year “that the deadline for prospective pledges to register has moved back to give individuals the opportunity to attend teas and open rushes before registration is due.” The new policy gave club members the responsibility of promoting their clubs and also urging students to pledge. This week the process continues with social club rushes. The deadline to register to pledge is Wednesday at 5 p.m. EMILY CHASTAIN/Staff Photographer
E-mail Lucado at: optimist@acu.edu
Kim Molleurs, senior elementary education major from Austin and secretary of Ko Jo Kai, checks in several women at the beginning of Ko Jo Kai’s first rush, “Kojiestock.” Members dressed in 1970s style for the Woodstock-themed rush. Students must register by Wednesday to join a social club.
Faculty and staff reach for Abundant Life gold again this week Wellness program encourages all-around fitness for faculty By LUKE HARRIS STUDENT REPORTER
ACU faculty and staff will have the chance to participate in Abundant Life, a wellness program sponsored by Hendrick Corporate Wellness, which helps improve physical, mental and spiritual health. The program took place in
the Teague Special Events Center on Tuesday and Wednesday and will continue there Thursday. It will then move to Cullen Auditorium on Friday and Monday. Dr. Nicki Rippee, chair of the Department of Exercise Science and Health, is part of the Abundant Life team and said she is optimistic about the program. This annual program, which went by the name “Faculty and Staff Wellness Program” until last year, is a
chance for faculty and staff to improve all aspects of their lives, but the name didn’t fit, Rippee said. “Abundant Life was a great way to get across the opportunity for people to help themselves personally in different aspects to really give them an abundant life,” Rippee said. Mike Daggs, health and wellness coordinator at Hendrick Corporate Wellness, helped with this program for the past eight years.
“What we do is provide a wellness assessment and tell the staff where they are at in all the areas we focus on,” Daggs said. He said the faculty and staff are able to earn points by doing healthy things and participating in events sponsored by the university to promote health and safety. An example would be the Wildcat Walk on Oct. 8, which will give all faculty who participate 250 points. He said points earn prizes in three categories: gold, silver and
bronze. Each month participants will log onto a Hendrick Web site, add all of the points earned from the activities they had participated in that month, and see what kind of prizes may be awarded to them. Faculty will have many prizes to choose from on each level. At the bronze level, every person receives discounts to local merchants, a discount membership at a local gym and two other prizes of their choice. At the silver level, faculty can
receive two free chair massages or two free movie passes, with a grand prize of one day off of work. At the gold level, the possible prizes include one free session with a financial planner or a bed and breakfast weekend for two, with a grand prize of two days off of work or a free sixmonth membership to Hendrick Health Club. E-mail Harris at: optimist@acu.edu
HSA creates new place to stay
Students display their world art
Honors association has space where members can plan events
Summer Study Abroad students present their views of Europe
By KATHERINE FLANARY STUDENT REPORTER
The Honors Students Association has a new office that will provide members with a place to conduct meetings and work on plans. An office became available when departments in the Administration Building moved during the summer. This office is located across the hall from the main Honors Program Office in Room 217 of the Administration Building. HSA president Bethany Scroggins, junior psychology major from Hallsville, said the organization was pleased when
it was decided that this space would become theirs. “We had been hoping for a space of our own at some unknown point in the future,” Scroggins said. HSA is a fairly new program and was created to put together social events for students, to give Honors students opportunities for service and to provide spiritual development, Scroggins said, and it was created specifically with students in mind. “The reason we decided to create [HSA] was that we found that the Honors Program was having student events, but we were doing a lot of the planning, and we wanted the students to have more ownership of the student events for Honor Students,” said Dr. Jonathan Wade, adviser of HSA.
Wade said the Honors Students Association is a separate entity from the Honors Program, even though the two are affiliated. “We wanted an association of students that didn’t feel like we were running them or we were running the show,” Wade said. Kaela Latimer, junior elementary education major from Lubbock, said the goals of the two are different. “The Honors Program is more for the academic, whereas the HSA is not just for the social aspect, but to create a community of students,” Latimer said. “It makes it possible for Honors students to get to know each other.” E-mail Flanary at: optimist@acu.edu
By TODD MROZEK STUDENT REPORTER
Students who took part in the Study Abroad Program this summer in Oxford will be on hand Friday night for the opening of “48 Days,” an art exhibit featuring black-andwhite photographs and drawings created during their seven-week visit to various European countries. The show will begin at 7 p.m. at the Shore Art Gallery. There will be a slide show, and students are expected to talk about their experiences of studying over seas. Nil Santana, instructor of
graphic design and instructor in the summer Study Abroad Program, said the opening Friday will be a great chance for those who attend to hear from the artists themselves about the influence of the program. “Europe had a big affect on this group,” Santana said. “That will be evident in the stories and art they share on Friday.” Students who attended the program visited Italy, Spain, France and Oxford, England. Taylor Stewart, senior art major from Cleburn, said those who attend the opening will be encouraged to make the trip next summer. “The drawings and photos of the architecture over there will make people want to go to Oxford to experience
Europe,” Stewart said. “These are pictures you could only get over there.” Chelsea Blanton, senior interior design major from Nashville, Tenn., echoed that notion. “There’s architecture over there from the beginning of time — things you couldn’t see in Abilene, that we captured with photos and drawings,” Blanton said. Santana said there will be about 20 drawings and 20 photographs displayed at the exhibit, which will be on display until Oct. 1.
E-mail Mrozek at: optimist@acu.edu
Page 8
FOCUSWEDNESDAY Needed A dvic e OPTIMIST
September 8, 2004
Freshmen: The lifeblood of the university. Eager faces ready to meet higher education with drive and determination.
Seniors: The older, hopefully wiser, definitely more experienced students on campus, preparing to finish an education and begin a vocation.
Two groups at opposite spectrum ends. How can they work together for the future of ACU? Ask seniors and they will
tell you exactly how: Listen to seniors, of course. What professors to take, what
professors to stay far, far
away from, when to eat at the Bean and why to stay away from it on Saturday
night … Who else can you
trust to know these things
but the students who have learned them the hard way over the course of three years or so? And some
would say that freshmen
really need it. “They need all the help they can get,” said senior Katy Rowan, electronic media major from Arlington. She said when she was a freshman, she was woefully unaware of resources available to ACU newbies, with an example from the world of technology. “I didn’t know about Team 55,” Rowan said. “I didn’t find out about a lot of stuff ‘til I was a sophomore.” Seniors can also provide insight into small things freshmen can do to make college easier. “Nobody tells you to spread out your classes,” Rowan said. “That would’ve been good advice for me.” She said it’s important for students to keep a fairly even amount of class work,
rather than taking too many hours one semester and not enough another. Others agree that freshmen need some help. “I look at it like I’m a citizen of a really big city, and freshmen are the tourists, just walking around and looking around,” says Austin Crow, senior elementary interdisciplinary studies major from Ephrata, Pa. “Like, I remember when the Bean was such a big deal and getting everybody together was like the greatest thing ever.”
O n t h e o t her h a nd . ..
But there’s another school of thought that comes from some freshmen. And freshmen indeed have a different perspective. They are hit with a barrage of advice from before the minute they get here. Parental encouragements and last-minute tips are given as freshmen board a plane, or perhaps a longer stream is administered on the drive to Abilene and as the room is set up before Welcome Week. And during Welcome Week, they spend a large
amount of time with upperclassmen whose job it is to give advice to them for a week. In the weeks that follow, their University
Seminar teachers, as well as whatever upperclassman friends and relations they have, keep the platitudes rolling throughout the entire first year. But the stereotype many upperclassmen have of freshmen wandering aimlessly and cluelessly across campus in search of a class or office isn’t always accurate—at least not after the first couple of weeks. Welcome Week and Passport are like a much more cheerful boot camp for what to many of us is “just another” grueling school year. “At this point, if there’s anything else to learn, it’s not going to be from advice; it’s learning from experience and making your own mistakes,” said Chris Woodrow, freshman youth and family ministry and physics major from Arlington. Other freshmen agree that they have reason to be confident in their own ability to work their education out. “I feel like I’ve got a pretty good handle on things,” said Brandon Monroe, freshman youth and family ministry major from Arlington. “In my case, having older siblings [at ACU] helps.”
Story and Illustrations by Daniel Barcroft, cartoonist
Although freshman-senior relations remain awkward, and perhaps even strained, hope remains that they can indeed coexist and become prepared to lead the new batch of freshmen who will come in three years or so. Or at least complain about them.
And freshmen seem to know what to ask. They know how to get a phone number on campus and where to go for a parking
sticker. What they want to know is of a more urgent
nature: What is there to do
in Abilene on the weekends? Freshmen appreciate help they get from upperclassmen, cherishing advice like “Relax” and “Take two cups at the Bean, that way you don’t have to get up for a refill.” But it would appear that, by their own appraisal, upperclassmen can look to the future with hope that freshmen will figure everything out. And even some upperclassmen agree that freshmen aren’t totally helpless. Perhaps there’s a way to compromise. “I think it would be awesome if there were some way for freshmen to come to ACU already connected with an upperclassmen,” Crow said. “I mean, I know they have that at Welcome Week … maybe something more one-on-one and more optional [for the freshmen].” After all, there is such a thing as overdoing it. “I remember being annoyed [as a freshman] when people would try and baby me,” Crow said. “I remember U-100 just annoyed me.”
JUMPS
Wednesday, September 8, 2004
Page 9
Wal-Mart: Students split on store’s merit Continued from Page 1 McAllen, disagrees. Alvarez said she is concerned about the opening of another Wal-Mart in Abilene because the company offers low-paying jobs and crushes small businesses. “I think that Wal-Mart, despite the publicity that it’s able to buy itself, has a horrible track record for growing smaller communities,” Alvarez said. ACU students have benefited somewhat from the presence of Wal-Marts in Abilene, Alvarez said, but only if you look at it from a short-term per-
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
Chris Meeks, junior accounting major from Rockwall and Cheryl Halbert’s boyfriend, speaks at her memorial service during Chapel on Monday. Halbert was killed Aug. 14 when her car hit a tree.
Memorial: Halbert cared for everyone Continued from Page 1 from Abilene, shared the thoughts of some of the club members who knew Cheryl well. One Siggie said she always admired how much Cheryl loved everyone she came in contact with. “Anytime she went anywhere and met new people, she loved them. Even people she didn’t really like, she still loved them. … She would say things like, ‘Bless her heart, I knew she doesn’t mean to be like that.’ “I don’t understand how she did it, but she was real. You could not not love Cheryl. Cheryl loves and inspires love back.”
Cheryl’s roommates, juniors Angela Meyer and Andrea Schweikhard, spoke of living together and studying abroad together in Oxford, England, last spring. “I miss Cheryl so much,” Meyer said, “but I am so thankful for the things that left an impression on me and the things I loved about her.” Schweikhard said Cheryl really “understood what it meant to be a friend.” “You can only be as strong as your support,” she said, “and Cheryl was one of the legs I stood on.” E-mail Bredemeyer at: lmb00g@acu.edu
spective. She said she has not shopped at Wal-Mart in a year and a half and tries to buy her goods from places where she can verify where they were made, preferably in America. Wal-Mart is the world’s largest clothing retailer and one of the biggest U.S. food retailers, controlling 15 percent of the U.S. market. By its 20032004 fiscal year, Wal-Mart had revenues of 256.3 billion dollars at its nearly 3,600 stores worldwide and profits of 9 billion dollars. It is the world’s largest private employer with 1.4 million employees.
“I don’t like the way it treats its laborers,” Alvarez said. “The prices are lower at Wal-Mart because the workers who create those goods and sell them to us make less than they should.” Juliet Schor, professor of sociology at Boston College, said Wal-Mart has factories in China where workers are paid as little as 13 cents an hour. Kinder said he is aware of how Wal-Mart affects communities, but he can’t afford to be picky. “Wal-Mart is good for me because I can get cheap groceries and cheap supplies by only going to one place,”
Kinder said. “As far as the business community, it’s probably not good because it’s taking over small businesses, but it’s good for the general consumer.” Alvarez said one should think twice before buying items at Wal-Mart just because they are cheaper. “The more Wal-Marts that are here just means it will continue to be our first and last resort to buy things,” Alvarez said. E-mail Carlson at: skc02a@acu.edu
Kitchen: Facility more convenient
Football: Wildcats to play Northeastern
Continued from Page 1
Continued from Page 1
dents to see what they would like to eat is an option, Ormsby said, and students will be able to eat in the lobby, outside in front of the halls on the picnic tables or in the back, or even up in their rooms. Other students visiting their friends in Smith and Adams halls will also be welcome to utilize the kitchen. “I think it’s going to be an asset; also, it’s going to help build community for here so people can stay here and eat together,” Ormsby said. “Scripture even says people sit together and eat together build community together.” Josh Edwards, graduate student in Bible from Owasso, Okla., and spiritual life advisor for Adams Hall, said he thinks the kitchen was designed well and will be convenient for the residents. “I think Dr. Barnard was very wise in many of her
choices, especially the refrigerator and the stove,” Edwards said. “It’s going to be really good for the community of Smith-Adams, and people are going to be able to come down here and cook and hang out.” He said it is also helpful for students who do not have cars, like many international students, to not have to walk to campus every time they want a meal. “Overall, I think it’s very good, and I think that they’ll have good business here too,” Edwards said. Nick Meyer, sophomore chemistry major from Roundrock, said the new kitchen looks nice and he plans to take advantage of the proximity of it. “It’s a lot better to just to walk a few feet into the kitchen than have to go all the way to campus for meals,” Meyer said. E-mail Carlson at: skc02a@acu.edu
encouraged by the second half of play. “I think we settled down in the second half and played like I hoped that we would ... nobody quit, and they fought to the end, and I thought that was commendable,” Gaines said. The Wildcat defense has been getting a lot of attention lately with two preseason allAmerica selections and eight returning starters, but they showed signs of weakness as they allowed 481 yards of total offense. Like the offense, the defense
played better in the second half as ACU held them to 14 points. Clayton Farrell led all players with eight tackles, and freshman Cody Stutts recorded seven tackles. The Wildcats will look to put a first-game loss behind them once again as this was the sixth-straight season in which they dropped the season opener. Saturday will be the team’s home opener at Shotwell Stadium when they take on Northeastern State at 6 p.m. E-mail Robarts at: kdr00c@acu.edu
SPORTSWEDNESDAY OPTIMIST
Page 10
Team ends California tourney at 2-2
LSC South Standings Football Div. Team 1. Midwestern State 0-0 1. A&M-Kingsville 0-0 0-0 2. ACU 2. W. Texas A&M 0-0 3. Angelo State 0-0 3. E. New Mexico 0-0 3. A&M-Commerce 0-0
Tot. 1-0 1-0 0-1 0-1 0-2 0-2 0-2
After losing two Friday, Wildcats win both matches Saturday By BRIAN ROE SPORTS WRITER
The ACU volleyball team forged a split of the four-match tournament in San Bernardino, Calif., last weekend, pushing its record to 5-4 this season. The Wildcats dropped both matches on Friday to No. 7 Cal State-San Bernardino and No. 25 Fort Hayes State before regrouping to win both Saturday matches against Sonoma State and No. 19 Minnesota State-Mankato. Junior outside hitter Michelle Bernhardt finished with 66 kills in the four-match tournament and once again earned all-tournament honors. Bernhardt was also named all-tournament at the West Texas A&M Lady Buff Classic in Canyon on Aug. 27-28. Though Bernhardt performed well, Cal StateSan Bernardino was better on Friday, dismissing the Wildcats in three straight games. Bernhardt led the Wildcats with 14 kills, and junior setter Lindsey Martin led the team with 27 assists in game one of the tournament. “We played them in their home opener, and you never want that,” head coach Brek Horn said. In the second match, ACU lost again in three straight games to No. 25 Fort Hayes State. Bernhardt and sophomore outside hitter Callie Delabano each had 13 kills. On Saturday, the Wildcats played like a different team, holding off Sonoma State Saturday morning in a five-game match. Junior middle blocker Amanda Slate led ACU with 21 kills and a .329 hitting percentage. Bernhardt posted 17 kills, and Delabano added 12 kills. Martin produced a gamehigh 58 assists in the five-game match. Senior middle blocker Sophia Kindred said Martin always plays an important part of the team’s success. “She’s the quarterback of the team,” Kindred said. “She does a great job delivering the ball.” Carrying its momentum from the morning match, the Wildcats upset No. 19 Minnesota StateMankato in the final match of the tournament. Bernhardt saved her best game for last, finishing with a game-high 22 kills and 13 digs. Senior libero Kellen Morrow led ACU with 22 digs, Slate and Delabano each had 12 kills and Martin chipped in a game-high 50 assists. “I guess it was considered an upset since they are a nationally ranked team,” Kindred said. “It was a good win for us considering it’s only the second week of play. It says a lot about our team.”
Volleyball Team 1. West Texas A&M 2. Angelo State 3. E. New Mexico 4. Tarleton State 5. ACU 5. A&M-Kingsville
Div. 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
September 8, 2004
Tot. 4-0 4-0 0-0 2-1 5-4 2-3
Scores Friday Volleyball ACU 0, San Bernardino 3 ACU 0, Fort Hays State 3
Saturday Volleyball ACU 3, Sonoma State 2 ACU 3, Minn. State-Mankato 1 Football ACU 24, Central Oklahoma 49
This week in Wildcat sports... (home events in italics) Friday • Men’s and women’s cross country, ACU Classic, 6 p.m. • Volleyball @ St. Mary’s 7 p.m.
Saturday • Volleyball @ Incarnate Word, 2 p.m. • Football vs. Northeastern State, 6 p.m.
Monday • Golf at Fairway Oaks Intercollegiate, 9 a.m.
Saturday • Golf at Fairway Oaks Intercollegiate, 9 a.m. • Volleyball @ Texas Woman’s, 7 p.m.
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
Ashlee Motola, junior right-side hitter, and Sophia Kindred, senior middle blocker, block a spike from Meagan Camplain, junior outside hitter, in Tuesday’s 3-0 (30-23, 30-16 and 30-24) win over the Lubbock Christian Chaps.
E-mail Roe at: bpr00a@acu.edu
Wildcats fall to Central Oklahoma in season opener First home game will be Saturday against Northeastern State By KYLE ROBARTS SPORTS WRITER
A solid offensive outing in the second half was overshadowed by a powerful Central Oklahoma attack in the first half as the Wildcats fell in the 2004 season opener 49-24. ACU had an early but shortlived momentum builder as sophomore defensive back Brandon Henry picked off the first pass of the game; that set up a 31-yard field goal for Eben Nelson for an early 3-0 lead. Central Oklahoma countered with five unanswered touchdowns to go up 35-3 at the half. Last year’s contest showed how the offensive end of special teams can cause problems for a team. ACU saw a missed field goal, had one blocked and committed a bad snap on another field goal attempt, which all paved the way for a 17-14 victory for the Bronchos
in 2003. This year however, the Wildcats learned how the defensive end of special teams could change the course of game. On the Bronchos’ third drive, they converted a fake punt that turned into a 63-yard touchdown run for punter Ryan Lopez. After a 13-yard touchdown pass from Justin Allgood to Jared Meers, the Bronchos caught ACU off guard with a surprise onside kick that they recovered. Central Oklahoma drove the ball down to the ACU 21, and preseason Wiggins all-America selection Danieal Manning blocked the field goal for the Wildcats in an effort to try and spark ACU to fire. Manning’s efforts weren’t enough to change the momentum as the Bronchos scored two more touchdowns through the air, and senior quarterback Greg Wiggins threw an inter-
ception that UCO’s Bernard Moore returned 26 yards for a touchdown. The Wildcat offense didn’t get rolling until near the end of the first half, when they put together a 48-yard drive and held the ball for 7:02. However, they failed to score when they attempted a 4th down conversion and Greg Wiggins’ pass fell incomplete to Jerale Badon. The Wildcats could have attempted a field goal from 45 yards out to make the score 286 but decided they needed to build on the energy of their only successful drive of the half. “At that point, we were playing catch up ... we decided to take a shot at the end zone,” head coach Gary Gaines said. The ship came in for the ACU offense in the second half as Wiggins put a 5 of 18 firsthalf performance behind him and completed 14 of 24 passes for 224 yards and a career-high three touchdown passes to Dillon Cobb, Badon and John Brock. Wiggins finished by completing 19 of 42 passes for 260 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions.
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
Head football coach Gary Gaines addresses the team at the beginning of Tuesday’s practice about coming back strong this week after a loss. The team lost its season opener Saturday to Central Oklahoma 4924. The Wildcats play Northeastern State at Shotwell Stadium at 6 p.m. Saturday. The Wildcats couldn’t get anything going in the first half on the ground as they averaged under 2.3 yards per carry, but the second-half effort was bet-
Volleyball news and notes Lubbock Christian game last night The Wildcats played host to Lubbock Christian University last night at 7 p.m. in Moody Coliseum. It’s the first of two meetings between ACU and LCU. The Wildcats will play in Lubbock on Oct. 5. Last year, the Wildcats defeated LCU in three straight games in their only meeting of 2003.
Hit the road, Cats ACU travels to San Antonio this weekend to play in a pair of matches. The Wildcats will meet St. Mary’s on Friday at 7 p.m. and play against Incarnate Word on Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. Both St. Mary’s and Incarnate Word come to Abilene to play the Wildcats on Nov. 5-6. The Wildcats will again play on the road against Texas Woman’s in Denton next Tuesday at 7 p.m.
All-tournament, all the time For the second consecutive week, junior outside hitter Michelle Bernhardt received all-tournament honors. Bernhardt was named to the all-tournament team in San Bernardino one week after being named to the all-tournament team at the West Texas A&M Lady Buff Classic. Bernhardt recorded 66 kills in
ter as Charles Williams led the way with 40 second-half yards on just seven carries. The team finished with 99 yards on 34 carries.
Injury update Freshman outside hitter Terrah Brown made her Wildcat debut last weekend, playing in one game in the loss against Fort Hayes State. Brown underwent surgery on her knee in August. The freshman was the only player to have an injury so far this season.
Statistics: individual leaders (as of Sept. 5) Kills: Michelle Bernhardt, 145 Amanda Slate, 103 Ashlee Motola, 57
Assists: Lindsey Martin, 381 Michelle Bernhardt, 8 Ashlee Motola, 8
Digs: Kellen Morrow, 113 Michelle Bernhardt, 97 Malia Plumlee, 72
Blocks: Amanda Slate, 23 Sophia Kindred, 23 Ashlee Motola, 10
See FOOTBALL Page 9
ACU vs. Central Oklahoma ACU Central Oklahoma
the San Bernardino tournament.
Though it seemed that the team wasn’t prepared to play in the first half, Gaines was
1st 3 14
2nd 0 21
3rd 0 7
4th 21 7
Final 24 49
First Quarter ACU – Eben Nelson 31-yard field goal UCO – Ryan Lopez 63-yard run (A.J. Haglund kick) UCO – Jared Meers 13 yard pass from Justin Allgood (Haglund kick) Second Quarter UCO – Zach Edwards 49 yard pass from Allgood (Haglund kick) UCO - Bernard Moore 26 interception return (Haglund kick) UCO - Brandon Verrett 20 pass from Allgood (Haglund kick) Third Quarter UCO - Jarrod Manoy 3 run (Haglund kick) Fourth Quarter ACU - Dillon Cobb 23 pass from Greg Wiggins (Nelson kick) UCO - Kevin McKenzie 8 run (Haglund kick) ACU - Jerale Badon 52 pass from Greg Wiggins (Nelson kick) ACU - John Brock 7 pass from Wiggins (Nelson kick) INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
—Brian Roe, sports writer
RUSHING - ACU: Mark Gaines 17-42; Charles Williams 7-40; Rashon Myles 6-16; Greg Wiggins 4-1; UCO: Jarrod Manoy 12-101; Kevin McKenzie 9-95; Ryan Lopez 1-63; Darnell Sims 7-8. PASSING - ACU: Greg Wiggins 19-42-2 260 yards 3 TD. UCO: Justin Allgood 12-18-0 192 yards 3 TD; James Smith 2-4-1 19 yards. RECEIVING - ACU: Jerale Badon 5-98; Dillon Cobb 5-51; Cade Ogilvie 3-62; John Brock 2-32; UCO: Zach Edwards 5-98; Cedric Jones 5-50; Brandon Verrett 2-36; Jared Meers 2-27.