OPTIMIST THE
FRIDAY September 10, 2004
Department of Journalism and Mass Communication
Abilene Christian University
Vol. 93, No. 7 1 section, 8 pages www.acuoptimist.com
Serving the ACU community since 1912
‘Vanity’ fares well:
Fair and rodeo begin Friday:
Tennis season opens:
The newest adaptation of the novel Vanity Fair recaptures the 19th century well. Page 4
Students and faculty can participate in activities for the West Texas Fair and Rodeo, which opens Friday and runs through Sept. 18. Page 8
The tennis team opens its season Saturday with the Wal-Mart Open in Abilene. Page 8
Enrollment hits record high total After decreasing for three years, numbers jump by 111 students By JONATHAN SMITH EDITOR IN CHIEF
Wondering about
West Texas EMILY CHASTAIN/Staff Photographer
By APRIL WARD PAGE 2 EDITOR
Scanning the menu at the average momand-pop diner, a golden, chicken-fried steak with gravy and steaming fried okra are as commonplace as the classic hamburger and fries. And unless you opt for the signature glass of iced sweet tea, you can escape the West Texas sun by ordering a Coke — so long as you realize that Sprite or Dr Pepper fit that description as well. In fact, the friendly “how are y’all” may not come just from the waitress but from the strangers seated at the tables nearby. West Texas has a culture all its own. While new students often spend their first weeks at ACU acclimating to the scorching August heat, it’s only a short while before students new to Texas discover things here aren’t exactly like they were back home. New vocabulary words
“When people started saying ‘all y’all,’ I didn’t know what to think.” Abigail Evans, junior elementary education major from Gresham, Ore.
can help ease the transition, beginning with the word “y’all” and the Texas super-plural “all y’all.” “People here seem to say y’all a lot, and I got used to that,” said Abigail Evans, junior elementary education major from Gresham, Ore. “When people started to say ‘all y’all,’ I didn’t know what to think.” And as for the Texas accent, many out-ofstate students said that most natives didn’t sound that different. “The accent really wasn’t that bad,” said
Jeremy Davis, freshman missions major from Chattanooga, Tenn. “In fact, the guys make fun of me here for my Tennessee accent.” For Donnie Tapie, freshman chemistry major from Orlando, Fla., a little Texas lingo would be an important addition to his college education. “I had never heard the word ‘hoss’ (a slang term describing someone as being tough or athletic) used before,” Tapie said. “The first time I heard it, I was like, ‘Are you talking about a horse, what?’ I guess the word must be pretty common out here.” The collective name for carbonated beverages varies from state to state. While they all lump together under the name Coke in Texas, pop and soda are a few of the more popular alternatives. Still, the appropriate name is an
University officials announced record enrollment figures for the fall of 4,786 students — a 111 student increase from last year and the first increase since 2000. Jack Rich, executive vice president, during a faculty luncheon Wednesday announced the enrollment totals gathered from the 12th-day enrollment figures — the figures considered the official enrollment numbers released the third week of each semester. The increase, said Dr. Royce Money, president of the university, is due in large part to an increased emphasis on improving enrollment by hiring more people in certain areas of recruiting. Phil Schubert, vice president of finance, said about $600,000 was added across the board in recruiting. “In every area where we added, we’ve increased [enrollment],” Money said, including freshman, graduate and bachelor of applied studies enrollment. Rich said during the past year, the university has invested in new recruiters, improved the way students are recruited and increased personalization of the recruitment process. He Rich also pointed to good retention of students and a large freshman class of more than 1,000 students as other reasons for the increase. Because of the investment to recruiting, the university enrolled 90 more students than the 4,696 projected for the budget, Schubert said. That Schubert increase could generate about $1 million to $1.5 million of added flexibility beyond what was projected, although enrollment plays only a part of the budget as a whole. However, Schubert said it appears the investment has paid off tremendously. The 12th day enrollment figures are one of the early indicators of how closely the university will be able to follow its projected budget. Schubert said he will be meeting with the finance committee in the next week and will have a good idea about the budget toward the end of the month. “It’s a little early to get our arms around all the financial benefits,” Schubert said. “It’s been a while since we’ve felt this positively financially across all spectrums.”
E-mail Smith at: jvs02a@acu.edu
See CULTURE Page 5
Florida hurricanes leave families waiting to rebuild With Ivan en route, families wait to clean from Charley, Frances By RUBEN GONZALEZ STUDENT REPORTER
Charley came. Frances just left. Now Floridians have Hurricane Ivan to worry about as it is expected to sweep through Florida this week. On Wednesday, Ivan ravaged across the Caribbean, damaging homes in Barbados, St. Lucia and St. Vincent, while leaving thousands without water, electricity and tele-
phone service. Ivan has since been upgraded to a Category 5 tropical storm and will be the third hurricane this year, proceeding hurricanes Frances and Charley, which occurred early in the season. Estimated losses for Hurricane Charley were $7.4 billion dollars, and Frances’ early estimates range from $2 billion to $10 billion. “It is a mess out there right now,” said Ryan Bowman, junior communication major from Polk City, Fla. “Normally the cleanup would begin, but right now we have to wait on Ivan and see what it does.”
“I was scared for my family, definitely. But living in Florida, you get used to it.” Tabatha Hart, senior business marketing major from Eustis, Fla.
Bowman, who has family in South Miami and Orlando, said some family members have lost everything, but a disaster like this only strengthens the family bonds. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency Web site, 472 shelters remain open in Florida, Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina, housing 92,715 evacuees.
One million gallons of water are in Florida now, and another 1.6 million gallons are in transit; 12.6 million pounds of ice are in the state, while another 8 million pounds are en route; 16,900 Meals Ready to Eat are on hand with another 1.1 million on the way; and enough baby formula and food to nourish 7,730 infants is en route.
Tabatha Hart, senior business marketing major from Eustis, Fla., said her family easily spends $300 in preparation for hurricanes and her family is used to going through these motions. “I was scared for my family, definitely,” Hart said. “But living in Florida, you get used to it. It’s like living in Kansas and having tornados.” Hart said that despite her family having no electricity, she spoke to her father on Saturday by cell phone, and he said everything was relatively OK. Demetria Thompson, sen-
ior history major from Charleston, S.C., has seen her share of hurricanes. Thomson said she remembers when Hurricane Hugo devastated the East Coast and is worried by the way it has been compared with Ivan. “If Ivan is anything close to Hugo, I feel really bad for those people because many will be left with nothing,” Thompson said. “The worst part of it all is that there is nothing that can be done to steer it away from its path.” E-mail Gonzalez at: optimist@acu.edu
CAMPUS
DAY
Friday, September 10, 2004
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Calendar&Events 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. Hello Book information review, 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows. Missions information, 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Campus Center tables.
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Saturday
Krispy Kreme doughnut 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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Sunday
Monday
First invitation rushes. Purchase Culture Show tickets, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows.
U-100 multicultural workshops, 7 a.m.-10:45 p.m., Hilton Room. Social club officers meeting, 5-6:30 p.m., Living Room.
Volunteer Opportunities Volunteers are needed to help build the Abilene Community Playground from 8 a.m.-9 p.m., Sept. 22-26. For more information, please contact the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center. 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 677-7839. The Alzheimer’s Associa-
Students’ Association Live, 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Campus Center tables.
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tion is seeking 10-20 volunteers to help with the Alzheimer’s Association Golf Tournament at Maxwell Golf Course. The tournament will be from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. on Sept. 25. Lunch will be provided. For more information, contact the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center. 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.
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Wednesday
First invitation rushes. U-100 multicultural workshops, 7 a.m.-10:45 p.m., Hilton Room.
Tuesday
First invitation rushes.
Coburn Birthday Party, 3-5 p.m., Campus Center recreation area.
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McNair Scholars, all day, Campus Center ticket windows.
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. Faculty-Staff photos, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Campus Center Faculty/Staff Dining Room. West Texas Energy Club luncheon, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Living Room. Vector marketing, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows.
McNair Scholars, all day, Campus Center ticket windows. Students’ Association Live, 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Campus Center tables. Faculty-Senate meeting, 7-8:15 a.m., Campus Center Faculty/Staff dining room.
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Thursday
Second invitation Rushes Social Club invitations pick-up, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows. Students’ Association Live, 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Campus Center tables.
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.
Chapel Check-Up Credited Chapels to date: Credited Chapels remaining:
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CAMPUS NEWS
Friday, September 10, 2004
Page 3
Class to teach recording
Fore!
Kendall Massey to lead course on digital audio recording in the spring By EMILY CHASTAIN STUDENT REPORTER
EYAKEM GUILILAT/Staff Photographer
Chris Tester, a 10-year-old 5th grader at Johnston Elementary, practices his golf swing and takes advantage of the pleasant weather outside of Sherrod Hall apartments Thursday.
Food, fun and family at fair Students, faculty volunteer at booths, participate in contests By JACI SCHNEIDER OPINION EDITOR
Most students may know Liz Rotenberry as a great exercise science professor, but she has a secret. A secret recipe for chocolate chip cookies, that is. Next week, Rotenberry will enter her chocolate chip cookies into the West Texas Fair and Rodeo, which will begin Friday and run through Sept. 18. “It’s fun and interesting,” Rotenberry said. “It’s a learning experience.” Rotenberry has entered different competitions in the fair with her mother in past years, with items like cookies, hand-cranked ice cream and other baked goods. “My mother got me started,” she said. “She won with yeast bread when I was younger.” Last year Rotenberry’s
cookies took second place. “I won first place once, but I don’t remember when,” she said. Rotenberry said the fair is something she has enjoyed participating in every year, even when she was a young girl. “It’s definitely a country thing,” she said. “It’s like being a part of what Abilene really is.” She said her cookie recipe even goes back to her childhood days when it was given to her by Mrs. Paul Witt. She said she shared in cooking lessons with Witt’s daughter when she was in fourth grade, and though she may have tweaked the recipe a little bit since then, it’s the one she’s used since her school days. “One of the best things, I think, about these cookies is you use Crisco rather than margarine because it makes the cookies fluffier,” Rotenberry said. Cooking is not the only category that students can enter in the fair. Other cate-
gories include photography, sewing, gardening and painting. Rotenberry said students are bound to find something to enter in that interests them. Students can also participate in the fair and rodeo by volunteering to work in different booths, said Janice Armstrong, administrative coordinator of the Agriculture and Environment Department. Students from the department will help in booths run by the Texas Farm Bureau called “Planet Agriculture.” Their main job is just to be there and be knowledgeable about cotton, wheat and cattle, Armstrong said. Another group of students will help in Food and Fiber, an exhibit for elementary school kids, she said, and two students usually help with the rodeo as well.
E-mail Schneider at: jrs02a@acu.edu
A new digital audio class will be offered next semester to teach students the basics of recording. The class, titled Digital Audio MUSC 400, is a special topics class in the music department to be taught by Kendall Massey, director of student productions. Massey said the class is designed to give students basic operating knowledge of Pro Tools, a digital audio workstation recognized as the industry standard in digital audio recording. As well as learning the basics of Pro Tools, students will be taught how to use microphone techniques, digital music files and more. “It’s an overview of everything you need to know to do your own recording,” Massey said. Although the class is being
offered through the music department, music majors are not the only targets. With no prerequisites, the class is open to anyone who would like to know how to edit audio at a professional level, Massey said. “Even anyone who does music as a hobby or who has a passion for it, this class can and should reach,” he said. Glenda Weatherford, administrative coordinator in the Music Department, said the class would best serve students interested in recording and any type of technology that goes along with the music business. “When I’m advising and working with students, lots of them are interested in that end of the program—digital audio,” Weatherford said. “This class is a good move in the direction a lot of students want to go.” Massey himself came to college at ACU looking for a similar program. “I came here in ‘92 wanting to do digital audio, and in some ways, I was able to do it,” he said. “In most I wasn’t.”
Since then, he’s had plenty of experience. In addition to working in a recording studio for six years, Massey has had his own studio and recorded more than 60 albums. “Digital audio is an area growing very quickly,” Massey said, “and I want to do what I can to educate people.” If the class is a success and enough students show interest, the university will continue to offer it, Massey said. He also said in the future he’d like to see the course expanded to include three sections, with Pro Tools certification being offered in the next four or five years. Dr. Sally Reid, supervisor of the electronic music lab, said she’d like to see the university eventually actualize the studio space in the Williams Performing Arts Center and offer some practical application. “This is just the first step,” Reid said. E-mail Chastain at: egc00a@acu.edu
Programs promote community Residence halls sponsor activities to help students bond By JACI SCHNEIDER OPINION EDITOR
The Olympics may be finished in Athens, but in Abilene the games are just gearing up. A residence hall Olympic tournament is just one activity planned to give underclassmen an opportunity to build community within their residence halls. “Building community in the halls is the best place to start,” said Todd Ormsby, residence director of Adams and Smith halls. Each residence hall is required to provide monthly programs, and Ormsby said events can form friendships and create community, and students can get to know people they wouldn’t normally be drawn to. He said that happened earlier
this semester during a backyard slip-n-slide activity. “It breaks down barriers when everyone’s covered in mud,” Ormsby said. Residents of McKinzie Hall also slipped and slid to get to know one another. Spiritual life assistants in McKinzie lead a fellowship every week based on the book Wild at Heart for the spiritual life program, said Steve Sargent, residence director of McKinzie Hall, in an e-mail. “I want my R.A.s and S.L.A.s to touch the lives of the students around them with the fingerprints of Jesus,” Sargent said. “That can happen in several different ways, but programming is a way that many can be impacted at one time.” An array of activities is in the works for all residence halls this semester. Along with a crosshall Olympic tournament, directors have planned cookouts, video game tournaments and touch football games.
Women’s halls also plan to participate in the Olympic games and a volleyball tournament and birthday parties. Jacquetta Etheridge, residence director of Gardner Hall, said in an e-mail that residents recently participated in a spa night, and she hopes to do joint spa nights with other halls. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for others to get to know one another and for community,” Etheridge said. “We are fellowshipping in a way that is indescribable.” Required programs don’t only include activities, Ormsby said. Most nights in Adams and Smith halls, residents watch movies or play board games, he said, and programming also includes bulletin boards, calendars, prayer fliers and T-shirts. “We’ve got a lot of stuff going on,” Ormsby said. E-mail Schneider at: jrs02a@acu.edu
ARTSFRIDAY OPTIMIST
Page 4
The Box Office Figures are for the weekend of September 3-5 and are in millions. Total grosses in parentheses. 1 Hero—$11.5 ($35.2) 2 With a Paddle—$9.01 ($39.9) 3 Anacondas: The Hunt for the Blood Orchid—$8.01 ($23.9) 4 Paparazzi—$7.86 (new) 5 Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement—$7.54 ($85.5) 6 Wicker Park—$6.82 (new) 7 Collateral—$6.48 ($88.9) 8 Vanity Fair—$6.27 ($7.41) 9 The Cookout—$6.22 (new) 10 The Bourne Supremacy— $5.31 ($165)
New York Times Best-Selling Fiction Novels Numbers indicate: current position, last week’s position and total weeks on the list. 1/1/76 Dan Brown, The DaVinci Code 2/3/49 Mitch Albom, The Five People You Meet In Heaven 3/2/2 Sandra Brown, White Hot 4/4/7 Carl Hiaasen, Skinny Dip 5/5/16 Ian Caldwell and Dustin Thomason, The Rule of Four 6/6/35 Dan Brown, Angels and Demons 7/8/5 Clive Cussler with Paul Kemprecos, Lost City 8/-/1 Jack Higgins, Dark Justice 9/10/2 Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson, Dune: The Battle of Corrin 10/11/9 James Patterson, Sam’s Letters to Jennifer
September 10, 2004
‘Vanity Fair’ triumphs with authenticity By DEE TRAVIS ARTS EDITOR
Vanity Fair PPPP
Starring Reese Witherspoon, Bob Hoskins, Jim Broadbent; directed by Mira Nair Rated PG-13 (for some sensuality/partial nudity and a brief violent image) Many artists, both filmmakers and writers, are afraid of period pieces. Struggles over how past eras should be represented often lead to the wrong, phony solutions. Humans have always shared the same obsessions and felt the same emotions. They have always been driven by love and power, and citizens of Pre-Victorian England were no different. Vanity Fair achieves perfection in presenting believable characters delivering believable dialogue; I can’t remember the last time I saw a period picture executed so well. The story follows Becky Sharp (Reese Witherspoon), a girl whose parents die at the dawn of her adolescence, leaving her to be raised at a finishing school. Having grown into a lady and finding herself anxious to experience the realities of the
Today’s Movies Criminal—starring John C. Reiley, Diego Luna; directed by Gregory Jacobs Two con artists have twentyfour hours to swindle a collector into purchasing a 1878 Monroe Silver Certificate. Cellular—starring Kim Bassinger, Chris Evans, William H. Macy; directed by David Ellis While being held captive in her attic, Bassinger manages to contact a man on his cellular phone, making him her only hope to thwart the kidnapping of her son.
Ratings Key
PPPP PPP PP P
Excellent Good Fair Poor
world, Becky flees the school with her only friend, Amelia (Romola Garai) and travels to London. After becoming a tutor to the children of the wealthy Sir Pitt Crawley (Bob Hoskins), Becky catches the eye of more than one man. She makes all the right friends and finds herself soaring up the social ladder, causing one character to remark, “I thought her a mere social climber; I see now she’s a mountaineer.” When Becky begins to “settle down” into a relationship, she slowly learns from experience what matters most in life. All of her acquaintances are trapped by the same rules of high society, and everyone struggles with questions of priority. A successful life comes at a terrible price, and what constitutes happiness is constantly under scrutiny. One older gentleman reveals to Becky, “The only thing that matters in life is to love and be loved.” The problem is that Becky’s not fit to love hardly anyone, nor is she capable of giving her love to those who would have it. While on her quest for success and/or happiness, Becky meets a charming cast of characters. Vanity Fair is based on a famous novel of the same title, and the structure of the story has the feel of a novel. The film isn’t afraid of presenting a plethora of characters, nor does it hesitate to take its time. Emotions lurk beneath the witty, razor-sharp dialogue that the novel surely delves deeper into, but enough characteriza-
Photo courtesy of WWW.IFILMS.COM
The seductive Becky (Reese Witherspoon) shares a dance with her best friend’s husband, George (Jonathan Rhys-Meyers), in this latest adaptation of William Makepeace Thackeray’s novel. tion is given so that the characters seem genuine. Believable emotions are presented, not just formulas. The set pieces and the costumes are visually lush, bursting at the seams with color and life. All of these elements help reinforce the setting, but the film’s true authenticity stems from London itself. Vanity Fair does a masterful job capturing the truths of everyday life in the 19th century. The camera shows wide, sweeping shots filled with grandiose architecture and elegant clothing, but then remembers to move in close and show the dirty filth of the streets. The
film scraps historical stereotypes and goes out of its way to present an authentic final product. Witherspoon absolutely shines in her performance as a powerful woman confused by a life out of balance. Her accent is so flawless that I never even considered it, and all the subtleties of her performance add up to a great sum. Performances are more than suitable all around, but this is Witherspoon’s show, and she delivers a jewel. We begin the film as mere spectators, but she pulls us closer in record time, inviting us to be involved in her character. The film is not a suspenseful
one, yet the next scene never comes soon enough. Vanity Fair left me with no complaints. It presents an engaging story, great characters, memorable dialogue and beautiful art direction. It doesn’t appeal to any specific audience and is therefore unlikely to be an impressive success financially. However, Vanity Fair is one of year’s best films just the same. It’s the kind of movie that stands out and makes us realize what so many others have been missing. E-mail Travis at: dxt02a@acu.edu
FROM THE FRONT PAGE
Friday, September 10, 2004
Page 5
Culture: West Texas offers new experiences in vocabulary, attitude Continued from Page 1 issue many feel strongly about. “We call it soda,” said Andrew Evans, sophomore missions major from Caldwell, Ida. “I don’t understand calling it Coke. If I order a Coke, I mean Coca-Cola, and I want it in the red can that says Coca-Cola. Most Texans usually want Dr Pepper anyway.” Tapie said one of the first things he noticed about Abilene was the different names for food. “I was getting dinner, and I really wanted to get some whole pork,” Tapie said, “but all they had was brisket. I’d never even heard of brisket. Back home, we call it beef.” West Texas is known for its friendly environment as well. Abigail Evans said the typical exchange of, “Hi, how are you?” between perfect strangers can take some getting used to. “You’ll catch an occasional smile at home, but they don’t say, ‘Hi, how are you doing?’” she said. “It was kind of weird the first time someone said that. I had no idea what I was supposed to say. It made things easier during Welcome Week, but I feel like you’re
always supposed to smile at people even if you don’t know them.” While Texas may have a few more cowboy hats sprinkled in every crowd than other states, Abigail Evans said the biggest difference in clothing is the way girls dress for class. “At colleges in my area, people wear sweatshirts and pajamas to class most of the time,” she said. “Here, girls put on make-up and do their hair and look great at 8 a.m. There’s even a girl in my class that wears heels every day.” While Southern hospitality extends beyond the borders of Abilene, even Texans from other areas of the state said West Texas takes it up a notch – particularly when it comes to dating. “The guys here are much nicer than Austin guys,” said Katie Hodge, senior nursing major from Austin. “They open the door for you all the time, even if you’re just friends.” Abigail Evans said the added hospitality can become commonplace even with people from out of state. “It was kind of weird when guys walking 20 feet in front of you would stop and hold the door until you get there,”
“If I order a Coke, I mean Coca-Cola, and I want it in the red can that says Coca-Cola. Most Texans usually want Dr Pepper anyway.” Andrew Evans, sophomore missions major from Caldwell, Ida.
she said. “When I got home, I found myself waiting for a guy to open the door for me. I never would have done that before.” A high level of both state and national pride is also characteristic of West Texas. Nate Lollar, junior English and biblical text major from Tucson, Ariz., said the extreme state pride can be quite obnoxious to students from other areas. “The ego of the typical Texan is at times unbearable,” he said. “I saw a bumper sticker that said, ‘I wasn’t born in Texas, but I got there as fast as I could.’ Texas as a whole is a pretty good place, but things like that make me gag.” While television networks take full advantage of Texas’ extra dose of state pride with advertisements like “Ford is the best in Texas,” some students say Texans are generally very respectful toward people from out of state.
“People here don’t talk down on you for where you’re from,” said Katie Farris, Spanish major from Gresham,
Ore. “If a Texan came to Oregon, most people would think they weren’t very smart just because of their accent. Here, people wouldn’t do that.” Despite the regional lingo and the extra smile from people around town, many students said a big difference between West Texas and other areas is the Christian influence on local culture.
“There are a mass amount of churches and Christian colleges that have chosen to settle in this state,” Lollar said. “The Christian attitude really seems to play a intricate role in West Texas culture.” For native West Texans, it’s a culture many are proud to claim as their own. E-mail Ward at: alw02a@acu.edu
VIEWSFRIDAY OPTIMIST
Page 6 The issue: Chapel has gone well so far this semester, but it’s not perfect.
Our view: Students need to be more respectful in Chapel. Some tweaking in the service might make this happen more easily.
The solution: Although it’s not the only problem, diversity needs to be applied to all parts of Chapel, including having a variety of people make announcements and introductions.
September 10, 2004
Chapel could use a little ‘tweaking’ Chapel has gone well so far this semester, especially compared to the last few years when announcements were taken away and then added again, students were granted amnesty for their absences and the absences were changed to credits. But as with every new semester, a few issues need to be addressed. We came up with three for this semester. Dr. Wayne Barnard, dean of Campus Life, discussed the first issue this week. Students are sitting on the stairs, in the back of
Moody Col- The person presiding over the service has given us when the person next to iseum and in many of the little diversity ... variety helps prevents monotony. them is chatting with their walkways, and friends about the fire marshal has already told him to keep the improvement, but students last weekend’s activities or need to remember that by not yakking on a cell phone. It exits clear. On Tuesday, approximately sitting in a seat, they are imped- might be the only time you see your friends, but it’s also some 150 students were loitering in ing others’ safety. The second issues is appar- people’s only time with God. the escape routes throughout the building. It’s not because ent when students come to Come in, find a seat and be there’s a lack of open seats — Chapel. Many continue talking quiet when Chapel begins. You about 160 were empty in sec- and moving after the service has can talk to your friends aftertions H and J alone. But some started. Chapel is meant to be a wards. Lastly, the Chapel programstudents are so concerned with time of fellowship and brothergetting out of Chapel first that hood, but it’s also a time of wor- mers have been working to they don’t care to find a seat. ship and thanksgiving. Most diversify the gathering, but the Wednesday’s Chapel was an people can’t concentrate on God person presiding over the serv-
Daniel Barcroft
In My Words
Don’t forget: U.S. not invincible September 11, 2001. The ever lost. Most Americans didn’t phrase itself is no longer a date know what being under attack to us but a metaphor for the felt like, and now no American ugly ambitions will ever forget. At least I hope of a deranged not. If the constant rehashing of few. As we that fateful September morning approach the is what it takes for us never to t h r e e - y e a r forget, then so be it. If we must anniversary of wear patriotic ribbons and the tragedy, honor moments of silence for the images and the rest of our lives so that we memories will may remember, then that’s okay undoubtedly with me. Gray The live shot of the second be dredged up Matters once again. plane hitting the tower will Warren Gray Although the haunt many a nightmare for events of 9/11 decades. That image must stay portray the attitudes of terror- fresh in our minds so that we do ists, the attitudes of some Amer- not forget the thousands of felicans conveys the demeanor of low Americans who lost their lives, and so that thousands our country. I have heard that we relive more are not inexplicably lost. The deeds done on the events of that infamous day too often, and that Americans September 11 were tragedies pay homage to September 11 far beyond belief. But a far greater too frequently. This surely is not tragedy would be to forget they the first you have heard of the ever happened. How sad it three-year anniversary, and I would be if in a few years time, suspect you will hear even Americans have rebuilt that iron wall and reclaimed more. But as for the notion that we If we must wear the arrogant swagger that made us remember the crashes too much: patriotic ribbons famous. For a brief time I don’t think that’s and honor in American histopossible. Try telling the moments of silence ry gender, race, social standing and families of some 3,000 people who for the rest of our political preference lost their lives that lives ... that’s okay did not matter. The integrity, strength, we relive the ewith me. and rebuilding of vents too often. the USA did. Or tell one of the People joined together in firefighters who waded through the horror that we’ve heard ways one would have never about it enough. It is my guess thought possible on September that these people and many 10, 2001. The question then, more are reminded every day of and the question now, is how what happened — a mindset long will these feelings last? If that would well suit all of we once again find ourselves invincible, we will surely be America. The collapse of the twin tow- reminded that we are not. Yes, ers was much more than a ter- September 11 was a horrible roristic act. The fall of the World day, but far worse will be the day Trade Center represented the when it happens again. fall of an iron wall we Americans had wrapped around our great country. Our country was perceived as an immortal superpower. But in a span of fifE-mail Gray at: optimist@acu.edu or weg02a@acu.edu teen minutes, that view was for-
Shaky philosophy of Jell-O questioned Jell-O. An ingenious food. A great thing about Jell-O is its tendency to spark random conversations at lunch tables all over the world. Last year, my friends included me in one of their ongoing Jell-O queries. W h a t Much Ado would happen About if a person Something jumped into a Jaci Schneider pool of congealed Jell-O? Would the person bounce or sink into the colorful pool? If they sunk, would they be able to swim, or would they drown? At first it sounds like a silly question, but really think about it. Picture it in your head. After a few seconds, you will be fully intrigued. Well, after rehashing the
I plan to plead with David Letterman to attempt the experiment. same discussion over several Bean lunches last year, I decided to do some research. I began my quest by visiting www.jell-o.com, where, to my dismay, I did not find a link leading me to answers of random questions. I did, however, learn some very interesting history about Jell-O. If you happen to have some spare time, I would recommend the site—very entertaining. After my slight detour and history lesson, I found a path that let me ask questions of the Jell-O gods. Delighted, I sent my question into the vast abyss of cyberspace, hoping that it would reach the far-away gods. A couple of days passed, and
I slowly forgot about my mission. Then one afternoon, my phone rang. A woman on the other line identified herself as a Kraft Foods representative. Perplexed, it took me a few seconds to realize that I had in fact reached the gods. The woman on the other line seemed as perplexed as I had felt moments before. Apparently, she tends to answer questions about Jell-O molds and flavor combinations, not swimming pools. “Jell-O is a food product, so I can’t officially answer your question,” the woman told me, almost with a laugh. Dismayed, I fought back tears of defeat. But she wasn’t done yet.
“If you did try it, you would need a really cold day,” she said. “Or a really big refrigerator.” If not, I would just have a big pool of colored water. She wished me luck with my quest and hung up the phone. I have a feeling that our conversation became the water cooler topic of the day. Although, my question was not completely answered, I did not give up hope. I have a plea to all physics majors. You know about this stuff. Can we figure it out? Let me know. Finally, I plan to plead with David Letterman to attempt the experiment. He has money, and I’m sure he’s crazy enough. For my sake, and to satiate all our curiosity, write him a letter. He can’t ignore us forever. Respond to Schneider at: optimist@acu.edu or jrs02a@acu.edu
Fate of ‘Ghetto-Wal-Mart’ uncertain I’m a senior, graduating in May, and I will not be around to see the new Wal-Mart or the closing of what is affectionately known to myself and innumerable others as “Ghetto-WalMart,” but I would like to offer my two cents. I can understand the excitement, as in a town as small as Abilene typically the main things to do are play Hide-NSeek, Shop-Race, and countless other games at Super Wal-Mart. But I would like to take my stand against this new behemoth of a store. I live in Riatta Ranch apartments, where my bedroom window, as well as my porch, overlooks Ghetto-Wal-Mart. Rather than be excited about this new
SuperCenter, I’m concerned about what will happen to the Ghetto-Wal-Mart when the new one opens. Will they simply close the old one down, leaving the few shops attached to fend for themselves, and leave an eyesore to collect dust, as is common practice for Sam Walton? If I were staying in Abilene post-graduation, I would severely miss the sounds of the tire shop early Saturday morning, or the voices over the loudspeaker, calling for more cashiers. I am also a frequent shopper of this Wal-Mart, and enjoy the ability to be able to walk fifty feet and have a veritable plethora of lowprice choices. What will happen to the current employees of the
Ghetto-WalMart, some of whom I have grown to love? There is a man with a hook for a hand. For like, 6 months, that thing scared the junk out of me. But then a few times I went through his line, and I discovered that he is perhaps the nicest person in our town. I’ll miss that guy. How about the lady in the electronics who can never find your pictures? These people have been a treasured part of my experience this last year of college. In spite of the fact that I will not be here to see it, I would like to proudly stand against the
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
In Your Words
YOUR VOICE “Wal-Mart coming to north Abilene” by Sarah Carlson, copy editor
Cortney Armstrong sophomore journalism major from Mesquite “I think President Bush should have an address or something to the nation, just a small observance, nothing ostentatious.”
“It should be a national holiday, like Memorial Day.”
SuperCenter taking over my treasured Ghetto-Wal-Mart.
Ricky Cadden, senior business management and marketing major from North Richland Hills
OPTIMIST
“We should spend a silent moment in prayer for the world.”
How do you think the United States should remember the anniversary of September 11, 2001?
Re:
THE
ice has given us little diversity. Dean Barnard has made announcements and introduced the speaker every day this semester. He has his reasons — continuity, other factulty member’s lack of time, and convienence, but students might be more inclined to be quiet and listen if someone different started Chapel some days. Variety helps prevent monotony and keeps it interesting. Although Chapel has improved through the last few semesters, a little tweaking will make it a more enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Matt Koenig
Maridith Hollis
freshman business major from Plano
sophomore history major from Ruston, Louisiana
The Optimist Editorial Board
Published by the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Abilene Christian University
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SPORTS
Friday, September 10, 2004
Page 7
Tennis: Season begins with tournament Continued from Page 8 match play practice and gain confidence,” Carstens said. Only individual scores will be kept in the Wal-Mart Open; no team totals will be tabulated. Consequently, the tournament will only affect individual records but could have an impact on which players receive
All-American recognition. The early tournaments will also give Jones a feel for how to structure his teams. The majority of tennis matches are played in the spring, giving Jones some time to get to know his players. “These matches [in the fall] will help me figure out how to start the spring season,” Jones said.
In the spring, when team matches begin, Jones will only be able to use six players per tournament. However, there are no such limitations in tournaments like the Wal-Mart Open, meaning all 10 players on the crowded women’s roster can compete. With the tournament set up the way it is, Jones said he is
looking for individuals to have success and would like to see the semi-final and final matches feature ACU players on both sides of the net. The Wal-Mart Open was set to begin at 8 a.m. on Friday at the ACU tennis courts. E-mail Gray at: weg02a@acu.edu
Runners: First cross country meet Saturday Continued from Page 8 Naimadu and Ugandan Vincent Morogah both bring experience and success at the cross country distances. Naimadu has run around 14 minutes for 5,000 meters and 30 minutes for 10,000 meters—with bare feet on a dirt track in Kenya. “On paper, they look great,” Murray said. “We’ve done the first step — recruit good athletes.” On the women’s side, ACU is
not ranked nationally but will showcase one of the deepest teams in recent years. Leading the charge will be transfer Adeh Mwamba, who had a successful spring competing for ACU in track in field, placing second in the 1,500 meters and third in the 5,000 meters. Sophomore Olha Kryv’yak missed most of the 2003 cross country season after sustaining a heat stroke during an August practice, but she has made a full recovery and is expected to be
one of the team’s top runners. A new pair of legs that will help the women’s team is that of Trina Cox, who transferred from Santa Rosa Junior College in California. In 2001 Cox won the California Junior College Cross Country Championship, and in 2002 she was second. Junior Abbie Waters, sophomore Mollye Stanford and Jamaican transfers Denise Morgan and Nicola Smith will also contribute for the women’s team.
But all eyes will be on the top two runners for the men this season, Manirakiza and O’Kello, as they each stand as the other’s top competition. While they’ll work together to put ACU on the medal stand for the fourth straight season, each wants to stand alone as the individual champion in the end. “It’s going to be a dog fight,” O’Kello said, laughing. E-mail Holt at: smh00a@acu.edu
SPORTSFRIDAY OPTIMIST
Page 8
Wildcats KO LCU in 3
LSC South Standings Football Team Div. 1. Midwestern State 0-0 1. A&M-Kingsville 0-0 2. ACU 0-0 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
Volleyball Team 1. Tarleton State 2. Angelo State 2. West Texas A&M 3. ACU 4. E. New Mexico 5. A&M-Kingsville
Div. 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
September 10, 2004
Tot. 6-1 6-2 6-2 6-4 3-2 3-5
Scores Tuesday Volleyball ACU 3, Lubbock Christian 0
Briefs Nelson moves to No. 2 on alltime scoring list Senior place-kicker Eben Nelson became ACU’s all-time leading kicker Saturday in the Wildcats’ 49-24 loss to Central Oklahoma. Nelson kicked a field goal in the first quarter to place ACU at an early 3-0 advantage, and added three extra points to give him 169 career points. Wilbert Montgomery, Former all-pro (Philadelphia Eagles) running back and current running backs coach for the St. Louis Rams, is the only Wildcat to have scored more points in his career with 458. Nelson already holds the lead for most career field goals with 31; He also shares the single-game record for field goals in a game. Barring injury, the senior from Stephenville is expected to pass Martin Perry for most PATs in a career; Nelson currently has 76 while Perry has the lead with 94.
Team prepares to take on Incarnate Word and St. Mary’s By BRIAN ROE SPORTS WRITER
ACU was clicking in Moody Coliseum on Tuesday when it faced West Texas foe Lubbock Christian. The Wildcats dominated the match and unloaded LCU in three straight games by scores of 30-23, 30-16 and 30-24. “There’s just something about playing at home that makes everything click,” said head coach Brek Horn. The Wildcats received a scare early in the match when star player Michelle Bernhardt popped her left shoulder out of socket. The junior outside hitter was removed from the first game but came back in the second game with a vengeance, finishing the match with a game-high 17 kills. Horn said Bernhardt did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday but is expected to play this weekend in San Antonio. “Michelle is sore but she will be fine,” Horn said. “She knows her job is to put the ball away and even with the soreness she still did that. She had 10 more kills than anybody else.” Bernhardt was the only player from either team to record double digits in kills.
Match Notes Team Statistics
Individual Leaders
ACU 39 / .175
K/PCT
LCU 28 / (-.031)
6
SA
5
11
SE
5
63
Digs
63
9
Blocks
5
Attendance: 325
Junior middle blocker Amanda Slate contributed seven kills and junior setter Lindsey Martin set-up 35 assists. Senior libero Kellen Morrow and sophomore setter Malia Plumlee each had 18 digs, and freshman outside hitter Liz Snoddy added 11 digs. “LCU is Martin u s u a l l y tough,” Horn said. “I expect a much different match when we go to Lubbock to play them in a few weeks. It’s always tougher to play at someone else’s home.” With the win over LCU, the Wildcats improve their record to 6-4 on the season. The Wildcats will spike their volleyballs in San Antonio this weekend competing in a pair of road
Kills: Michelle Bernhardt - 17 (.304 pct.) Amanda Slate - 7 (.130 pct.) Digs: Kellen Morrow - 18 Malia Plumlee - 18 Assists: Lindsey Martin - 35 Service Aces: Slate, Plumlee - 2 Time: 1:26
matches against regional rivals St. Mary’s and Incarnate Word. ACU battles St. Mary’s Friday at 7 p.m. and Incarnate Word Saturday at 2 p.m. The Wildcats continue their long stretch of road matches, having played eight of 10 matches away from Abilene this season. “We have to be better prepared anytime you go in someone else’s gym,” Horn said. “St. Mary’s always plays us tough and Incarnate Word is off to a slow start, but they haven’t played at home yet.” The Wildcats hit the road again Tuesday in Denton to face Texas Woman’s at 7 p.m. ACU returns home to play seven of eight matches in Moody Coliseum, including the Lone Star Conference Crossover tournament in Abilene on Sept. 24. E-mail Roe at: bpr00a@acu.edu
Tennis season opens Teams eager to get match play underway with Wal-Mart open By WARREN GRAY SPORTS WRITER
— Kyle Robarts, sports writer
This week in Wildcat sports... (home events in italics) Friday, Sept. 10 • Cross Country - ACU Classic, 6 p.m. • Volleyball at St. Mary’s, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 11 •Volleyball at Incarnate Word, 2 p.m. • Football Northeastern State, 6 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 13 • Golf - Fairway Oaks Intercollegiate, 9 a.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 14 • Golf - Fairway Oaks Intercollegiate, 9 a.m. • Volleyball at Texas Woman’s, 7 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 17 •Volleyball vs. Texas A&MCommerce, 7 p.m.
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
Senior middle blocker Sophia Kindred, right, taps the ball past Lubbock Christian defenders Karli Ban and Magan McCormick for a point. The Wildcats won 3-0 Tuesday in Moody Coliseum.
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
Artin Tafazoli, senior transfer from UNLV, takes a swing during practice on Wednesday
The ACU tennis team officially began its fall season this week with both the men’s and women’s teams hitting the court for their first organized practice Wednesday, gearing up for Saturday’s opening tournament in Abilene. Head coach Hutton Jones said the first day of practice went well and that he liked the way the players looked. “We’re definitely in good condition,” Jones said. “I tell my teams we will always be fitter than anyone we play.” Jones did admit that the team
is not quite to that point yet. “What we need is matches,” Jones said. George Carstens, sophomore undeclared major from Stellenbosch, South Africa, echoed Jones’ remarks, saying he is in good condition, just not good enough. “I’m probably at about 90 or 85 percent,” Carstens said. The need for game-speed action is what this weekend’s ACU Wal-Mart Open is for. Jones said matches like the one this weekend will help them prepare for the ITA Central Region Championships on Sept. 24-26. Carstens is just looking forward to getting back on the court and said he is hoping to hone parts of his game. “I’m looking to get some See TENNIS Page 7
Cross Country relies on 1-2 punch of veteran runners Men’s, women’s teams open season with ACU Classic on Saturday By STEVE HOLT SPORTS WRITER
ACU senior Bernard Manirakiza wants to be the Division II national champion in cross country. So does junior Martin O’Kello. But don’t assume any malev-
olent competition between the two African-born Wildcat runners. In fact, they are pushing and training each other for a shared goal: to finish 1-2 at this year’s NCAA Division II Cross Country National Championships in Evansville, Ind. “It’s motivating,” Manirakiza said. “It makes the running more easy. You help one another.” Both ACU runners bring loaded resumes to the 2004 season. Manirakiza, a seven-time national champion on the track,
finished fifth at the 2003 cross country nationals, while O’Kello placed sixth. Manirakiza won both the Lone Star Conference and South Central Region championships in 2003, while O’Kello O’Kello was third and second, respectively. Head coach Jon Murray said the men’s squad is as good or
better than last year’s team, which placed second at national championships, largely from the return of his top two runners. “If you were going to have two return, those would be the two that Manirakiza you’d want,” Murray said. The men’s team, ranked No. 5 in a national pre-season poll,
and the women’s team will see its first action Friday as they play host to the ACU Classic at Sherrod Park. The women’s three-mile race will begin at 6 p.m., followed by the four-mile men’s race at 6:30 p.m. Manirakiza has won the meet the last three years. Two recent international recruits also have the potential to lower the Wildcat points total at nationals. Kenyan Nicodemus See RUNNERS Page 7
Cats hope to rebound after poor start in Edmond, Okla. ACU looks to learn from the past and not dwell on it in week 2 By KYLE ROBARTS SPORTS WRITER
If the ACU football team can play like they did in the second half against Central Oklahoma Saturday, good things could come with its home opener against Northeastern State. The Wildcats will appear in front of their home crowd for the first time this season after a disappointing start in Edmond, Okla., Saturday. The 49-24 Bronchos wasn’t all bad as the Wildcats put together an improved second half of play outscoring the opponent 21-14. “Most of the mistakes we made [Saturday] were mental rather than physical, and I think they are correctable,” said head coach Gary Gaines. “We let the game get out of hand early.
Hopefully we got the first-game jitters out of our system ... and we can regroup and play better.” Gaines said that Central Oklahoma’s early jump caused the team to get into a “throwing mode” that didn’t allow for the balance the game plan called for. Quarterback Greg Wiggins threw 42 passes Saturday while a combination of four backs had 34 carries on the ground. ACU would do well to go to the ground against Northeastern State as they have allowed 366 yards rushing and four touchdowns in just two games. The Redmen played Texas A&M-Kingsville, currently ranked No. 5 in the nation among Division II schools, Saturday and lost just 10-6. The Redmen have had a few playmakers thus far in the 2004 season. Strong Safety Terry Grayson already has 20 tackles (1.5 TFL), two interceptions and a forced fumble while defensive back Josh Hughes also
has 20 tackles and has broken up two passes in the secondary. ACU will face a tough running back for the second week in a row. After Jarrod Manoy and Kevin McKenzie combined for 197 yards on just 21 carries for the Bronchos, the Wildcats will have to deal with junior running back Brandon Ishem. Ishem is a smaller back than Manoy (6-0, 240) at 5-7, 165, but averages 10.1 yards per carry and has 191 yards with two touchdowns in two games. Sophomore strong safety Danieal Manning is ready for the Wildcats to move on, putting the first week behind them. “We need to get a win and be able to feel comfortable as a team and with the schemes we’re trying to run,” Manning said. “They [Central Oklahoma] had already played a game, and now that we have one under our belt, we’ve seen what to iron out and get adjusted to be ready for Saturday.”
Game Preview Abilene Christian (0-1, 0-0) vs. Northeastern State (0-2, 0-0) Date: Saturday Sept. 11, 2004 Time: 6 p.m. Location: Abilene Stadium: Shotwell Stadium (15,000, turf) Audio: KULL 92.5 FM or streaming audio at www.tsrnsports.com
Northeastern State
Abilene Christian Colors: Purple and White Coach: Gary Gaines (16-26, 5th season) Series Record: 1-1 Players to Watch: DB Danieal Manning (6 tackles, 1 blocked FG in ‘04), DE Clayton Farrell (8 tackles, 1 TFL in ’04), WR Jerale Badon (5 receptions 98 yards, 1 TD in ‘04)
Colors: Green and White Coach: John Horner (3-9, 2nd season) 2003 Record: 3-7 (2-3 LSC North) Players to Watch: RB Brandon Ishem (191 rush yards, 2 TDs in ‘04), DB Terry Grayson (20 tackles, 2 INTs in ’04)
Last Meeting: Sept. 15, 2001 ABILENE CHRISTIAN 31, NORTHEASTERN STATE 21 Game Notes: RB Eric Polk rushed for 175 yards and 1 TD; QB Colby Freeman passed for 303 yards and 2 TD
** look for player bios on ACU’s athletic web site: http://ww.acu.edu/sports ACU will take the field at 6 p.m. at Shotwell Stadium tomorrow before heading on the road two-straight weekends. The Wildcats will play another
crossover game in Stephenville against Tarleton State on Sept. 18, and then will head to Portales, N.M. to take on Eastern New Mexico for their
first LSC matchup.
South
E-mail Robarts at: kdr00c@acu.edu
Division