OPTIMIST THE
FRIDAY October 15, 2004
Department of Journalism and Mass Communication
Abilene Christian University
Vol. 93, No. 17 1 section, 8 pages www.acuoptimist.com
Serving the ACU community since 1912
Lighting up theatres:
Study Abroad deadline nears:
Lucky 13:
Arts editor Dee Travis reviews the film Friday Night Lights. Page 5
The deadline for students to submit applications to study abroad in Oxford, England, or Montevideo, Uruguay, is Thursday. Page 3
The volleyball team pushed its winning streak to 13 of 14 games. Page 8
Friends remember professor, mentor Funeral for Trevathan planned for Saturday in Moody Coliseum By LORI BREDEMEYER MANAGING EDITOR
Colleagues describe him as a friend, a mentor and a father figure. Students remember his wild stories in class and how he talked to and treated them like he had known them his whole life. Dr. Charles Trevathan, 68,
instructor of sociology and Fund has been set up for dona“Charles was one of the first social work and associate gen- tions in lieu of flowers. of the faculty to come in and eral counsel for the university, Bill Culp, chair of the say, ‘What do we need to be died Tuesday after suffering an department, has worked with doing?’” Culp said. “I learned a apparent heart great deal attack. about him; I Charles—to me—his life was to tell stories Visitation will learned to apbe from 6-8 p.m. preciate him to see if that could make all of us better. Friday in the right off the Family Room of bat, his canPhyllis Trevathan, Dr. Charles Trevathan’s widow Hillcrest Church do-will-do of Christ, and attitude, and the funeral will take place at 2 Trevathan since 1998, and he very quickly was impressed p.m. Saturday in Moody said he was influenced by with his love for students and Coliseum. The Charles Treva- Trevathan’s approach to teach- the ability to turn that love into than Endowed Scholarship ing and living. action.”
Culp said Trevathan always worried about students’ low grades and always blamed their failure on his inability to reach them. He even graded himself on each lecture; sometimes he was happy for doing well, other times disappointed for not getting his point across. “He would come in, and he would say, ‘Boss, I gave myself and A- because I could have done this or that better,’” Culp See TREVATHAN Page 4
Trevathan
Media group leader visits university President of New Media Consortium views technology on campus By CHRISTY GOWER FEATURES EDITOR
ACU had a visitor Tuesday: the president of the New Media Consortium, an international organization of about 150 colleges and universities, high-tech corporations and museums that work toward innovation and creativity within the learning environment. Dr. Larry Johnson made his first visit to ACU to discuss what is happening on campus to integrate technology with learning. “Our organization is focused on meeting the needs of our member universities, so whenever I have a chance to spend a day on campus, I always take it,” Johnson said. “You can read a Web page, you can read about an institution, but until you walk the campus, meet the students See MEDIA Page 4
Social clubs plan grubs Candidates debate as election nears BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
Rep. Randy Neugebauer, R.-Lubbock (left), and Rep. Charlie Stenholm, D.-Abilene, participated in a debate on Thursday night at McMurry University. Neugebauer, Stenholm and Dr. Richard Peterson, Libertarian, are all running for the 19th Congressional District seat.
Congressional contenders encourage young-voter turnout By SARAH CARLSON COPY EDITOR
Social Security, agriculture, Dyess Air Force Base and disaster relief were a few of the topics debated between Rep. Charlie Stenholm, D.Abilene, Rep. Randy Neugebauer, R.-Lubbock, and Dr. Richard Peterson, Libertarian, Thursday at the 19th Congressional District Issues Forum and Debate at McMurry University. “I believe you the voters are presented with a very clear choice in this election,” Neugebauer said at the beginning of the debate, adding that this election is not about the past but about the future. “If you believe that President Bush should continue to be our commander in chief and that we should not relegate our national security to NATO and that terror-
ism is a weapon of mass destruction, then vote for George Bush and Randy Neugebauer.” The 19th District is one of only two House races where incumbents are pitted against each other after Texas redistricting last year. Stenholm said in the debates that his 26-year experience in Congress and ranking-member status on the agriculture committee make him the best candidate for the district. “We’ve got a tremendous amount of challenges and responsibilities ahead of us, and redistricting didn’t help,” Stenholm said. Both candidates said afterward they feel it is important for students and those in the 18-to24-year-old demographic to vote in this election. “I think the way [young people] have a voice and input ... is by going out and voting, getting to know the issues and getting to know where the candidates stand on the issues— that’s very important,” Neugebauer said. He said he is the best candidate for students
to vote for because he is an effective problemsolver and knows how to create jobs for young people. Stenholm said he is the best candidate for students because of his stance on Social Security that reduces unfunded liability. “Well, as you’ve heard many times people saying this is one of the most important elections in the history of our country, I happen to agree with that,” Stenholm said. “We’re talking about the 18-to-24-year-olds that are going to have your future planned for you by the next three congresses, and you have an excellent chance to listen and to look and to see who you think will best represent your values and the direction you think this country should go. The best way to do that is to educate yourself on what the real differences are and then to make up your mind on which candidate you believe will do a better job.” E-mail Carlson at: skc02a@acu.edu
Club pledges responsible for organizing themed dinners By SARAH CARLSON COPY EDITOR
As the pledging season nears its end, grubs for social clubs took place last weekend and will continue Friday and Saturday. For most clubs, the grubs are put together by the pledges who come up with a theme, find a location, design T-shirts, arrange catering and provide entertainment. The women of Sigma Theta Chi, however, organized their grub for the pledges, or Squigs, and Squig president Lauren Usrey called it a blessing. “It is much appreciated with so many other things to stress out about during pledging,” said Usrey, sophomore nursing major from San Antonio. The theme for the Siggie grub Saturday was See CLUBS Page 4
Curator plans for Centennial Estrella hired to plan, document, display university artifacts By EMILY CHASTAIN STUDENT REPORTER
With the campus as her museum, one thing curator Becky Estrella won’t have to worry about is running out of space. Estrella, acquisitions coordinator for Brown Library, was hired in September to be the Centennial curator for the Centennial Collection. The Centennial Collection is a collection of artifacts including documents and three-dimensional objects relating to the
history of the university. “Curator is usually a term used [to mean] a person working in a museum, and this time the campus is the museum,” Estrella said. “It’s not just one building.” Estrella’s job as curator involves processing and cataloging the artifacts that come in, as well as designing exhibits and implementing them around campus. Exhibits are to open next August. Estrella, who has prior experience in designing museum exhibits, will work solely as the Centennial Collection curator beginning in January. Her position will last 21 months. “I was very pleased and a lit-
tle overwhelmed to have been chosen,” Estrella said, adding that she looks forward to the challenge. “My hope is that we will establish a permanent museum on campus.” Estrella is in charge of the 3D artifacts, which are currently being housed in the old child development center on Avenue E. Documents and other 2-D items will be archived by Dr. Carisse Berryhill, the university archivist and special services librarian. Responsible for hiring Estrella is the Centennial Collection task force, a group of people dedicated to the historical preservation of the univerSee CURATOR Page 4
EMILY CHASTAIN/Staff Photographer
Becky Estrella looks at an old Vitrola record she found in the Special Collections room at the library. The university hired Estrella in September to serve as the Centennial curator, and she will collect, document and display objects important to the university’s 100-year history.
CAMPUS Friday, October 15, 2004
15
DAY
Calendar&Events Friday
Visitation in memory of Dr. Charles Trevathan, 6-8 p.m., Hillcrest Church of Christ. FilmFest tickets, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows. Service Saturday sign-ups, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows. Spiderman 2, 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m., Cullen Auditorium.
16
Saturday
Dr. Charles Trevathan funeral service, 2 p.m., Moody Coliseum. Service Saturday, all day. Morris Hall tea, 2-4 p.m., Hilton Room. Guest Artist Recital: Steven Framil, 8 p.m., Recital Hall. Ko Jo Kai Grub.
Alpha Kai Omega Grub.
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Sunday
Delta Theta Grub.
Volunteer Opportunities Volunteers are needed to help with the Early Head Start Resource Fair on Wednesday from 1-4 p.m. and on Thursday from 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. Activities include making cotton candy and blowing up balloons. Contact the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center for information. Volunteers are needed for the I-CAN neighborhood Halloween Carnival on Oct. 30 from 610:30 p.m. Jobs include face painting, working at kid`s booths and giving out candy. Contact the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center for information.
Communities in Schools needs volunteers at Ortiz Elementary School to serve as mentors, tutors or lunch buddies. Help is needed Mondays through Fridays anytime from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. For information, contact the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center. Volunteers are needed to help with after-school activities for 6th-8th grade students. Activities include helping with after-school snacks and possibly homework Mondays through Thursdays from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Contact the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center for more information.
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Wednesday
Faculty women’s meeting, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Faculty-Staff Dining Room.
FilmFest Tickets, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows.
SA Live, 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Campus Center tables.
Bowl for Kids’ Sake Registration, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows.
FilmFest tickets, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows.
SA Live, 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Campus Center tables.
Social Club officers meeting, 5-6:30 p.m., Living Room.
International Students Association Culture Show Tickets, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows.
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Spring Break Campaign leader meeting, 7-9 p.m., Living Room.
Galaxy Grub.
Monday
Pi Kappa Grub.
Orchestra Concert, 8 p.m., HardinSimmons University. Tri Kappa Gamma Grub.
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Tuesday
College of Arts and Sciences meeting, 10:45 a.m.-noon, Hilton Room. Cook Studio Recital, 8 p.m., Recital Hall. Homecoming Steering Committee meeting, 9:30-10:45 p.m., Hilton Room.
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Thursday
Homecoming weekend begins. Town Hall meeting, 8-10 a.m., Living Room. Tiffany Hamilton Run sign-ups, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows.
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:
38 33
CAMPUS NEWS
Friday, October 15, 2004
Now, what do you think about this?
Page 3
Credit Union finds new location Administration Building to be new home of the union By APRIL WARD PAGE 2 EDITOR
The ACU Credit Union will be closed Friday while it finishes moving from the basement of McKinzie Hall to its new location in Administration Building Room 112. Lycia Hardin, manager of the Credit Union, said the move will be the first in many years. “The Credit Union has been in McKinzie for a very long time,” she said. “We’ve been down here about 30 years.” Hardin said the move was
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
April Cordero, sophomore electronic media major from Abilene, and John Bemrich, a student at Cisco Junior College, work on their movie for FilmFest Wednesday in the editing lab in the Industrial Technology building.
Study Abroad applications due Openings still available for Spring 2005 in England, Uruguay By LAUREN WARE STAFF WRITER
Students interested in studying abroad during the upcoming spring semester have until Thursday to turn in their completed application packet. Students with sophomore standing or higher can apply. “We still have spaces in all the programs; spring programs aren’t full yet,” Annie Nichols, Study Abroad coordinator, said. “Once the space is full, applications that come in after that are put on a wait list. The sooner you apply the better, of course.” To be eligible to study abroad, students must have a 2.5 GPA and fill out an application packet, which includes two teacher recommendations and a
campus life recommendation. “If students are ready to study, they’re ready to grow and they’re ready to travel, this is a very special program for them,” said Kevin Kehl, director of the Center for International and Intercultural Education. “It may be easier than they think.” Students can choose to go to Oxford, England, or Montevideo, Uruguay. Tuition and housing cost the same as on campus. “It’s really enriching to your time here at ACU,” Nichols said. “You can learn a lot about your culture when you’re out of it. Learning about your own culture can really impact your worldview and how you view yourself.” There is a $3,000 program fee for Montevideo and a $3,900 fee for Oxford. The additional fee covers round-trip airfare, some transportation costs, program excursions and
health insurance. Most scholarships students receive can be applied to Study Abroad, Kehl said. “It’s an opportunity to learn and experience something outside of the typical ACU experience within the context of a loving community where they can learn about another culture and learn about another worldview,” Kehl said. The Oxford program includes a maximum of 35 students, and the Montevideo program includes a maximum of 25 students. General education courses are offered, which consist of mainly second semester sophomore courses. “This provides some neat opportunities to take general education classes in a format that will make learning come alive,” Kehl said. E-mail Ware at: lew03d@acu.edu
made for a variety of reasons, one of which was to make the facility more accessible to the elderly. “We’d been wanting to move to a location that our older members could get to us,” Hardin said. “The McKinzie basement is not handicap accessible. On the first floor, they’ll be able to get to us easier.” Career counseling will be moving into the Credit Union’s old space, Hardin said, since they already have several offices in McKinzie. The Credit Union services ACU faculty members and the family of faculty. It is not open to students unless they are family members of faculty. “We offer savings and different types of loans to ACU
faculty,” she said. “We also have car loans, personal signature loans and special types.” After the first of the year, it will move again to an even bigger space, this time into Room 113 of the Administration Building, Hardin said. The Credit Union will reopen on Monday. Hardin said that the move will be a good change for the organization that has been a part of the ACU campus for many years. “We just celebrated our 50th anniversary in 2004,” she said. “We’ve been serving the ACU community for quite a few years, and this will be a good change.” E-mail Ward at: alw02b@acu.edu
FROM THE FRONT PAGE
Page 4
Friday, October 15, 2004
Trevathan: Funeral on Saturday with my classes, did you?’ That was vintage Charles.” Culp said the faculty and say, ‘I got a C- this time.’ He students are dealing with the would always have an idea of loss as best they can. how he could do it better.” “He was such an important Dr. Wayne Barnard, dean of part of us as a department,” Campus Life, said Trevathan he said. “There are many parts was great to talk to and to the same body, and one of always had a story for any sitour parts is missing right uation. now.” “I could always talk to him Trevathan about what graduated was happenfrom Liping on cam“It was like you were talking to a real friend who scomb Unipus, what was happen- understood ... it was always very meaningful to him.” versity in 1958 and ing with stuDr. Wayne Barnard, dean of Campus Life earned a law dents in a degree from particular the University disciplinary issue, talk over my own said when Trevathan suffered of Louisville School of Law in thoughts and feelings,” Barn- a heart attack last spring, he 1961. He worked for 26 years ard said, “… He was with me had his daughter bring his as a trial lawyer before like he was with everyone: exams to the hospital so he becoming a teacher. He started working at ACU very fatherly, very much a could try to finish grading mentor, always had stories them because he had prom- in 1987 as associate general that were very appropriate ised the students he would counsel and in 1991 became vice president for Campus and apropos to the topic we have them. Culp also said the first day Life. In 1997 he stepped down were talking about. “It was like you were talk- he was in the hospital, he had as vice president and joined ing to a real friend who un- a special message delivered to the faculty of the Department of Sociology and Social Work. derstood; it wasn’t someone Culp. Trevathan is preceded in “The evening that he went who was very removed and always academic about an to the hospital, I got a call death by a son-in-law, Bobby issue. It was always personal, from Dr. Money,” he said. Bowie. He is survived by his wife, and it was always very mean- “And the call paraphrased was this: Charles made Dr. Money Phyllis; three daughters, Julie ingful to him.” Phyllis Trevathan, Dr. promise that he would call me Bowie, Carol Turner and husTrevathan’s widow, who re- and tell me not to be messing band Russ, and Karen Trecently retired from the univer- with his classes, and not to let vathan Gunn and husband sity, said many people will anybody else mess with his Tim; and four grandchildren, Aidan Bowie, Jackson Turner remember him through his classes. “He got the president of and Elora Kate and William stories. “He loved to tell stories,” the university to be his mes- Gunn. she said. “I think that’s what senger, and then when he Jesus did. He told stories, and returned, the first thing he it’s just beautiful to read in said when we sat down E-mail Bredemeyer at: Matthew, Mark, Luke and together was, ‘You didn’t mess lmb00g@acu.edu Continued from Page 1
EMILY CHASTAIN/Staff Photographer
Becky Estrella, Centennial curator, and Dr. Carisse Berryhill, archivist, look at some of the 3-D models from part of the Lewis Fulks collection that was donated recently.
Curator: Exhibits to include tour Continued from Page 1 sity and chaired by Dr. Charlie Marler. “She’s a delightful person and really well prepared for a history kind of job,” Marler said. “Becky is a very key person in our being able to remember the history through our eyes and ears and sense of touch.” Marler said plans for the exhibits around campus include a walking tour of ACU’s history with guided and self-guided options.
“One-hundred years is a very traditional time to mark an achievement in an organization.” Dr. Charlie Marler, professor emeritus of Journalism and Mass Communication
“One-hundred years is a very traditional time to mark an achievement in an organization,” Marler said. “We all believe that if institutions don’t tell their story, their story is forgotten.” Marler said the exhibits are intended for the students, parents, alumni, staff and
faculty — not just a certain group. “A lot of people will look at it and get nostalgic value from it; other people will get pure historical value.” E-mail Chastain at: egc00a@acu.edu
John about stories that Jesus told about things that happened and things to do better, and Charles — to me — his life was to tell stories to see if that could make all of us better.” Trevathan’s friends and family said he exhibited his love for teaching and for the students in many ways. Culp
Clubs: Most pledges plan grubs Media: Johnson toured campus Continued from Page 1 “Siggie Glitz and Glamour through the Decades,” and Usrey said couples were dressed in a variety of costumes, such as John F. Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe, cavemen and women, 1920s flappers and even a Tiffany’s ring and ring box. “I had a lot of fun, which I have heard is usually unusual for a pledge,” Usrey said. “Overall, the night ran very smoothly, and everyone that I have talked to really enjoyed themselves.” Other grubs last weekend included Gamma Sigma Phi, Frater Sodalis, Sub T-16 and GATA. This weekend, Galaxy, Tri Kappa Gamma, Delta Theta, Alpha Kai Omega, Pi Kappa and Ko Jo Kai will have their grubs. Themes for the grubs vary, from GSP’s theme of “Instant REO-play”
“I had a lot of fun, which I have heard is usually unusual for a pledge.” Lauren Usrey, Squig president and sophomore nursing major from San Antonio
revolving around sports, to TKG’s Murder Mystery theme, where some attendees will act out a murder mystery for everyone to solve. Galaxy’s grub theme is “Nova Hall of Fame,” Novas being the club’s pledges. David Stoniecki, sophomore pre-engineering major from Atlanta, is Nova president and said the pledges left the theme broad so that members can be as creative as they want to be for their costumes. Stoniecki said the Novas have put in many hours preparing for the event, especially for the skits for the Moonies, and he said his fav-
orite part has been seeing the Novas come together creatively for the task. He said the skits will be anything that will entertain the members, especially satire on how they have acted during pledging as well as inside jokes from pledging experiences. He said he is excited about the week and that pledging is going great, even though it takes a lot of effort. “It can be a fun time, but it’s hard and time consuming,” Stoniecki said. E-mail Carlson at: skc02a@acu.edu
Continued from Page 1 and talk to the faculty, you really don’t have a sense of it at all.” Johnson toured the campus and visited the Biblical Studies Building, Mabee Business Building and the Don H. Morris Center as well as with students and faculty members of various departments, including the departments of Art and Design and Journalism and Mass Communication. “We’ve been looking at the future of technology, where it might go, what that means for students, what that means for learning, and what does it mean for ACU,” he said. The NMC is driven by a board of 14 people: four people represent the academic world, four are from the corporate world, four are noted professionals within the world of technology and two serve as designated visionaries who drive the direction of the NMC and watch trends in technology and higher education, said Doug Darby, multimedia coordinator for the Adams Center for Teaching Excellence. “It’s not just about having a nice Web site; it’s not about just having computers on campus,” Darby said. “It’s how you use technology on campus and some of your approaches to teaching and to the learning environment.”
“We’ve been looking at the future of technology ... and what does it mean for ACU.” Dr. Larry Johnson, president of the New Media Consortium
Darby said Johnson came at the university’s request to see what ACU is about and to spread recognition of the NMC. He said they would discuss FilmFest, as Johnson is a contest judge, as well as what ACU is doing to apply technology in the classroom and get new ideas. Darby says membership in the NMC is valuable for many reasons, one of which is the ability to exchange ideas between institutions. “It’s not just a matter of being a think tank as much as it is a practical place to be involved with those strategies, those tools, that are going to be used in the years to come,” he said. “And it is a showcase. We’re wanting to see what other schools are doing, but at the same time, we’re wanting to say, ‘Look at what we’re doing. This is why we’re in here. This is the cool stuff ACU is about.’ “A lot of that seems to be behind the scenes, and we’re really making some serious efforts to make it more in the forefront and more on the conscience level of the university.” As examples of how ACU currently integrates technology, Darby points to the use of PDAs and wireless technology on campus, to the plans within the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication to build a news room that houses all aspects of the media and to the
immersive literature initiative in the Department of English, which puts a two-dimensional story in an interactive story environment to better understand more than the basic story line. He said FilmFest was an idea that came from involvement in the NMC. “We are actively looking to try to find a project that ACU would fit well with within the actual NMC as a collaborative project,” Darby said. “We are not currently involved in one in particular, but that is one we are trying to get involved with.” He says the NMC also serves as a reminder that the university is part of a bigger community than just the ACU community and that Johnson’s visit helps maintain a relationship that keeps ACU at the forefront and in a leadership role. Johnson said he was impressed with much of what he saw during his visit. “The NMC is a group of institutions that value innovation, that value the exploration of new ideas, and ACU definitely deserves to be part of that group and epitomizes the spirit of the organization,” Johnson said. “That was clear from the visit.”
E-mail Gower at: cng02a@acu.edu
ARTSFRIDAY OPTIMIST
October 15, 2004
The Box Office
‘Friday Night Lights’ gives truthful glare BY DEE TRAVIS
Figures are for the weekend of October 8-10 and are in millions. Total grosses in parentheses. 1 Shark Tale—$31.3 ($87.4) 2 Friday Night Lights— $20.3 (new) 3 Ladder 49—$13.1 ($41) 4 Taxi—$12 ($12.7) 5 The Forgotten—$7.61 ($48.7) 6 Raise Your Voice—$4.02 (new) 7 Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow—$2.34 ($33.9) 8 Shaun of the Dead—$1.71 ($9.46) 9 The Motorcycle Diaries— $1.51 ($3.29) 10 Resident Evil: Apocalypse—$1.25 ($49)
Top-Selling Albums Numbers indicate: current position, last week’s position and total weeks on the chart. 1/-/1 Rascal Flatts, Feels Like Today 2/-/1 Hilary Duff, Hilary Duff 3/-/1 Ciara, Goodies 4/1/2 Green Day, American Idiot 5/2/3 Nelly, Suit 6/-/1 The Used, In Love And Death 7/6/5 Ray Charles, Genius Loves Company 8/4/3 Nelly, Sweat 9/-/1 Marilyn Manson, Lest We Forget: The Best Of 10/5/6 Tim McGraw, Live Like You Were Dying
ARTS EDITOR
Friday Night Lights PPP
Starring Billy Bob Thornton, Lucas Black, Derek Luke, Tim McGraw: directed by Peter Berg Rated PG-13 (for thematic issues, sexual content, language, some teen drinking and rough sports action) We’ve all seen that mediocre sports film, haven’t we? It’s the one about the washedup team without a chance that ends up rallying around a coach, overcoming every obstacle to defy the odds, and failing to surprise anyone in the movie theatre by winning the big whatever. That film has over a hundred titles and the cast varies occasionally, but it’s essentially the same one every time. Thankfully, Friday Night Lights is not that movie. Based on a true story, Friday Night Lights has a different tale to tell — not a tale of disappointing football players, but of disappointing people. It doesn’t show a team in shambles, but rather an entire community ... an entire world. The high school football players in this story aren’t students who play football on the side. These are kids who don’t have anything else. They live and die on the field, and all that matters in life is scoring more points than the other team before the clock runs out. The trouble is that nothing lasts forever, and after 10 years of experiencing nothing but 100 yards of life, the world begins to look too big for comfort. The film is set in Odessa,
Ratings Key
PPPP PPP PP P
Excellent Good Fair Poor
1988, and the first image on screen is a seemingly endless West Texas sky. On the one hand, the possibilities are endless and the sky’s the limit. The film doesn’t waste any time getting down to the reality of that imagery, though: the sky is endlessly repressive; there’s no escaping it. The Permian Panthers are led by Gary Gaines (Billy Bob Thornton), a veteran coach who seems instantly down to earth. Thornton is the perfect choice as the simple man just trying to do his best. Everyone else expects infinitely more of him than his best, and this is where Friday Night Lights stands alone. The protagonist team is fully expected to win. The entire town has made up its mind before the season ever begins, and the biggest struggle for this team is living up to its own expectations. The story itself is obviously true; it’s not the kind of tale a screenwriter would craft. Everything about it seems real. There are no cheesy conversations between the coach and the struggling athlete or melodramatic pep talks at halftime. In fact, there’s not even much of a romance, something many sports movies attempt but don’t know how to handle. There are still scenes involving conversations and pep talks, they’re just not overdone. This serves as a
RALPH NELSON/2004 Universal Studios
Coach Gary Gaines (Billy Bob Thornton) tells his team, the Permian Panthers, what it takes to be a champion, both on and off the field in ‘Friday Night Lights.’ double-edged sword, though, because the movie isn’t very uplifting or inspiring. In fact, it’s almost depressing. In a small town where high school football is everything, there exists a vicious cycle of generations that grow up too fast. One of the most powerful moments comes when three students are sitting on the side of the road, talking. The conversation is pretty grave, centering on the remainder of their shaky season. One boy tries to call everything into perspective, reminding his friends, “We’re just 17 years old.” One of his comrades turns around immediately and asks rhetorically, “Do you
New York Times best-selling fiction novels Numbers indicate: current position, last week’s position and total weeks on the list. 1/1/2 Stephen King, The Dark Tower 2/-/1 Laurell K. Hamilton, Incubus Dreams 3/2/4 Patricia Cornwell,
Page 5
Trace 4/3/81 Dan Brown, The Da Vinci Code 5/5/5 Susan Clarke, Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell 6/13/2 Philip Roth, The Plot Against America 7/7/54 Mitch Albom, The Five People You Meet In
Heaven 8/6/3 Sidney Sheldon, Are You Afraid of the Dark? 9/-/1 Sophine Kinsella, Shopaholic & Sister 10/4/2 Maeve Binchy, Nights of Rain and Stars
feel like you’re 17?” Of course not. Their youth was the price of the life they were born into. Another jarringly raw moment is when an injured player breaks down in tears and realizes for the first time in his life that he might have to do something besides football. None of them are ready to leave the game, but high school is coming to an end, whether they win or not. Friday Night Lights looks better than most sports movies. The film itself is gritty and almost a sandy color, much like West Texas itself. The camera remains unusually active, refusing to hold still
for more than a few seconds, and occasional extreme closeups help keep it visually interesting. Performances are good all around, including a surprisingly powerful appearance by Tim McGraw as a drunken, verbally abusive father. Billy Bob Thornton remains well within his everyman element; his Gary Gaines is the only character that realizes what life is really about. Everyone else learns the hard way.
E-mail Travis at: dxt02a@acu.edu
Today’s Movies Team America: Wold Police— starring Trey Parker, Matt Stone; directed by Trey Parker From the creators of South Park comes this satire about an elite terrorism-fighting force. No strangers to animation, Parker and Stone created this film entirely with marionettes.
Shall We Dance? — starring Richard Gere, Jennifer Lopez, Susan Sarandon; directed by Peter Chelsom Gere plays a frustrated accountant who finds freedom and redemption on the dance floor under his beautiful instructor, Lopez.
The Final Cut—starring Robin Williams, Jim Caviezel, Mira Sorvino; directed by Omar Naim A new scientific breakthrough allows for a person’s memories of life to be downloaded to video. Williams plays a “cutter:” an editor who sorts through the memories of the deceased.
VIEWSFRIDAY OPTIMIST
Page 6 The issue: After the death of Dr. Charles Trevathan, the ACU campus has come together in support of his friends, family and students.
Our view: It is in times of difficulty and tragedy when the ACU difference truly shines through and makes it a unique university. The Optimist is proud to be part of such a campus.
October 15, 2004
ACU community evident in tough times A lot can be said about Abilene Christian University, good and bad. However, this semester the Optimist has been proud to be part of such a loving and compassionate community. Students may jest about the ‘ACU Bubble,’ but in the past two months that bubble has been a blessing to students, faculty and former students. In the face of tragedy several times this semester, the campus has come together in the name
Trevathan’s actions louder than words
Daniel Barcroft
In My Words
In the parking lot of the continued with obvious pain in Towne Crier, one of the universi- his voice, when administrators ty’s most compassionate, influen- walked through the aisles before tial and best-loved professors the ceremony and openly asked took a mo- the black attendees to move. Trevathan said he deeply rement to tell a senior ready to gretted the hurt he caused those begin the real black students and guests who world that he were so publicly humiliated. Nebelieved in ver mind that he was right when too many stubbornly held to an him. Vo l u m e s abominable belief system. Never could be said mind that he acted out of his Guest and written a- deep senses of justice and equalbout the effect ity. Column Instead, Trevathan could only Paul A. Anthony of the remarkable Charles feel the pain as those students Trevathan on the lives of his stu- walked off the chapel floor. It was that love and respect dents and coworkers and on the for his fellow man that I felt existence of this very university. I can only tell you about his when he stopped by after graduation to say congratulations and effect on one student. The last time I talked with Dr. take a picture. Charles Trevathan certainly Trevathan at length was over breakfast during finals week last had no reason to befriend an Optimist editor. As semester. We talked vice president of stuabout my upcomCharles dent services and ing wedding and asTrevathan cer- dean of Campus Life, yet-uncertain job he battled with severprospects. Although I had no tainly had no rea- al of my predecesidea where I would son to befriend an sors. But his respect for this publication be working or living with less than a Optimist editor. never waned, and he week before gradupublicly praised any ation, Trevathan had no doubt I of his students—from nerdy would end up in the right place. journalists to bulky athletes— His confidence and his love who put in extra hours of work. for his students were unshakable; And on that blustery, latehe fervently believed they would April day—his face a little paler succeed—often they succeeded as he recovered from a previous because of him. Trevathan’s love heart attack and his attitude melfor his students signified his lowed by his inability to eat the greater love for fellow man. That greasy food he really craved—he morning, he talked about his put a hand on my shoulder to time as a student at Lipscomb make sure I knew he cared. University in Nashville. But Dr. Charles Trevathan Lipscomb segregated its cha- didn’t need to say anything. pel audience at the time, and His actions had already spoTrevathan decided that for one ken. opening chapel, he would right this wrong. He was assigned to Paul A. Anthony was editor of seating the students and guests, the Optimist from 2002-04. He so he seated blacks and whites currently is a regional reporter for together instead of keeping black the San Angelo Standard-Times. attendees in the upper sections as planned. E-mail Anthony at: optimist@acu.edu His idea backfired, Trevathan
Chapel speech poorly timed for grieving Maybe it was the timing. Maybe it was because this particular incident hit so close to home. Maybe it was because the topic has been beaten to death and then some. But Dr. Charles Trevathan deserved better. First, I Kyle’s must say that Column I have the utKyle Robarts most respect for Dr. Wayne Barnard and the job he does; I would never wish his job upon anyone else. I admire him for his courage when he stands in front of the student body and challenges them to behave
dents on how to change the world. A current student, a former student and a professor have all passed away since August, and at the onset of each tragedy, the Optimist witnessed Christianity in action. After four years of living in a true community of believers and practicing Christianity within the bubble, students should take the community into the real world with them, teaching the world how to love and care for each other.
uation. ACU is of Christ to supIn the face of tragedy ... the campus has come unique in the port those suftogether in the name of Christ. sense that faculfering. In times ty and students of need, stuhonestly care dents know that Everyone on campus seems about each other and will do all fellow students, faculty and staff will drop everything to be with to respect the grief of those they can to help each other. This university’s mission them and surround them with mourning Trevathan’s death, even those who did not know statement challenges students love. The community of campus him. The attitude and sympathy to change the world. Changing was again displayed Tuesday and displayed on campus shows the the world is not a monumental Wednesday as the news of Dr. depth and maturity of students, task; it can be as simple as being with people in their times of Trevathan’s death spread. Stu- faculty and staff. The community experienced need. dents in Chapel Wednesday were This semester has been a perhaps the most respectful they at ACU is not something students will find easily after grad- learning experience for all stuhave been since school began.
The day after the death of a beloved teacher ... is not the time or place to call for better behavior. better as we worship daily. However, I felt that Dean Barnard used his allotted time to remember Dr. Trevathan for all the wrong reasons. And though I can’t say for sure that Barnard’s motives were to use Trevathan’s death as a plug to get students to behave better during Chapel, it seemed like it from my perspective. Unfortunately, there are a minority of students who don’t behave as they should in Chapel, but the day after the death of a beloved teacher, colleague, friend, father and husband is not the
time or place to call for better behavior among ACU students. It should have been a remembrance of what he meant to the students he taught and counseled, to the faculty he worked with and inspired, to the church where he served to further the Kingdom, and to the family he cared for and loved so much. Oftentimes I feel that the superiors of the campus have forgotten about the 75 percent of the Chapel audience that do what they are called to do during our time of daily worship.
Positive re-enforcement may be a relieving alternative to the strategies constantly used by faculty to handle students’ behavior. After all, one of the definitions of insanity is to continually act in a certain way and expect different results. My father, Dwight, will help deliver the eulogy for Dr. Trevathan on Saturday, and when that time comes, I’m confident that he’ll use the time to celebrate the life and inspiration of Charlie, rather than using his death as a way to promote ulterior motives.
E-mail Robarts at: optimist@acu.edu or kdr00c@acu.edu
Grieving for loved ones is OK
Dr. T expected big things from SA
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” This is a lesson Dr. Trevathan taught me my freshman year when I took his Intro to Sociology class. I was still dealing with my best friend’s death from two years earlier, and Trevathan talked I am the several times Enemy about losing a Sarah Carlson friend of his. I cried as he shared the struggle his friend went through before passing away from illness and his personal feelings on the loss, learning the emotions I was still feeling from my friend’s death were normal. I learned so much from his class about how I see the world and in how to cope with loss. As Christians, it is good to
“Now tell me Layne, what are the four big things you are going to do with SA? I think every president should have four things. I want to hear about your four big things.” That was something Dr. T always wanted to know about, my four big things. It did not necessarily matter what they were, as long as the four things existed and empowered students as leaders. Many students have known Dr. T as a professor, but few have been blessed by the mentoring friendship he and Phyllis offered to the SA executive officers. We have a different piece to offer to his story and impact on this campus. The desk I used to write this letter and the mattress I sleep on every night were gifts (Dr. T preferred to call it junk) from his garage. Their number is in my cell phone, and their kindness is treasured in my heart. I
I remember him walking into class, swinging his golf club and sipping his coffee. mourn. I know it is easy to simply say after loved ones die, “We shouldn’t be sad because they are in heaven now,” but trust me, if you try to only have a sunny outlook on loss, eventually the depth of it will hit you. After a while, people move on and stop asking you how you’re doing, and you realize the person you loved is not coming back. If you have not grieved for them yet, you will become even more upset and lose faith. It is OK to be silent, to cry, to question when tragedies happen. As Christians we have a faith that this life is not the end, but that doesn’t lessen the pain of losing someone we love. We shouldn’t ignore it, and through dealing with it, we will be able to move on. Not to forget, but to move on.
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
I don’t think we did Dr. Trevathan justice in Wednesday’s Chapel. The students did not know him as a Chapel nut, but as a professor, friend and mentor. We remember his almost eccentric behavior in class and the outlandish stories he told. His class was one of my favorites at ACU. I remember him walking into class, swinging his golf club and sipping his coffee. I never knew him personally, never really had a conversation with him. But I didn’t have to. His personality, faith and spirit shone through his teaching, as well as his love for his job and his students. I’m going to miss him. E-mail Carlson at: optimist@acu.edu or skc02a@acu.edu
OPTIMIST THE
YOUR VOICE
am humbled to receive the honor of being the last Students’ Association president to receive guidance and wisdom from Dr. Charles Trevathan. I loved listening to Dr. T. talk about the great things student leaders had done in the past. The way he painted their stories made me feel like I, now living among the legacies of the past student leaders, was walking among giants. Dr. T. always held a strong belief in the potential, maturity and leadership of this university’s students. This was evident by his involvement with them. Many have said he bled purple and white, and I think he did because his life bled a love for each of us. Our conversations and his stories often centered on greatness. I once asked him what
Re: The death of sociology and social work instructor Dr. Charles Trevathan, Tuesday, Oct 12, 2004.
made a great SA president. He replied, “Someone who can relate and connect to their peers as friends and as students.” What a fitting phrase coming from the man who embodied this model of greatness. Dr. T., you leave behind a legacy of greatness because of your humility and grace to connect to and love us as friends and students. We can do nothing less than say, “Thank You.” Layne Rouse SA president
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VIEWS/JUMPS
Friday, October 15, 2004
Page 7
Trevathan stood up for his beliefs It’s no secret at Abilene Christian University that Dr. Charles Trevathan was a great teacher. You don’t have to look much further than the fact that he was consistently nominated as a finalist for “Teacher of the Year” every year. He taught with passion, clairvoyance, a yearning to learn more himself and was genuinely thrilled every time he walked into class. I remember him joking about how teaching was his second career after practicing law, but that he didn’t know what his third career move would be. The truth is that he probably wasn’t joking, and had he lived longer, there is no doubt in my mind that he would have explored something else. Charles was my friend. I
loved him. It was always hard for me to remember that he was in his sixties, and it’s even harder to accept today that he is gone. For those of you that didn’t know him, and for those of you that would have liked to know him, I hope this helps you understand what kind of man he was. It’s hard to know where to begin. He was one of the few that stood against policies of discrimination, especially as a young man. In the 1950s, Charles attended David Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tenn., and was one of the ushers at the daily chapel services. Against strict instructions, he would purposefully escort black students into the “white only” section. Charles didn’t wait
for change; he just changed things. Dr. Trevathan worked for Eleanor Roosevelt after President Roosevelt died and did the majority of her advance work as a young man. He learned much from her and passed on Mrs. Roosevelt’s love for justice to everyone that he taught. Racial equality and social justice were the most important things to Charles, with the exception of the wife and family that he adored. I remember how Charles and Phyllis would talk to each other, and how much I wanted to emulate them in my own life someday. They loved each other but respected the other as an individual, always valuing the friendship
YOUR VOICE they shared. Charles loved Phyllis purely and unconditionally, and she no doubt returned that in full measure. My prayer today is that we all learn from this man who lived an extraordinary life, not because of who he knew or things he accomplished, but because he had the wisdom and foresight to love people. I gave Charles a clock a few years back that said, “a man always ahead of his time.” You were Dr. T. I hope that the rest of us can catch up with you someday. I miss you already. Jason D. Mida Class of 2002
Dr. Trevathan’s influence will continue Shock — disbelief. That’s how I describe my feelings upon hearing the news of Charles Trevathan’s passing. He spent his final moments on this earth in a place he loved and cherished—his sociology office surrounded by student papers to grade. I can still see him swiveling around in his office chair, baiting me with some outlandish political comment or Optimist quote. To so many of us, he was a teacher, friend and mentor. For those who don’t know, he courageously came to the aid of ACU during the latter part of the 1980s, facing the problems plaguing the college. More important, however, was his impact on the student body as vice president of what is now Campus Life and later as a teacher. I remember his stories, ranging from riotous partying on Abilene streets to social club hazing. ACU wasn’t just fac-
ing financial problems in the early 1990s, but from readings and stories of administrators and professors the students seemed to be having an identity crises, too. And that’s where “Chuck T,” as he’s affectionately known, stepped in. A wildly successful lawyer, voted most likely to succeed out of his law school class, he spent his time in small West Texas attending student functions, mentoring student leaders and listening to student concerns. His proactive approach and persuasive influence changed the student body for the better. His working with administrators like Jack Rich completely changed the way our student government functioned through mutual trust and respect, in sharp contrast to student governments at many of our sister schools. I think his influence on SA, for which he was chosen for
anumerous wards littered through his office and home, continues to be felt today. Those who knew him as a teacher found him to be challenging, interesting and encouraging. He loved sharing tales and stories in his classes and enjoyed reminiscing his days as a summer teacher in Oxford. He and Phyllis have taken in and fed more students than most can imagine (especially Phyllis’ delicious candy). He was a faithful husband, devoted father and delightful grandfather. He encouraged all of us so much and demanded our best. As far as I can tell, his love for students was more important to him than his time working with Eleanor Roosevelt or the other fabulous things he did. I truly believe he could have been a
YOUR VOICE
Volleyball: Road trip next week
E-mail Roe at: bpr00a@acu.edu
Jonathan P. Wilkerson Class of 2004
“If you don’t know me by now, [pause], you will never, never, never, know me …” these oh-so-familiar lyrics to the Lionel Richie song have always been my joke theme song that I tell people I will have played at my funeral. If you know me, you know I do my best to find humor in all situations, even death as you can see in that case, and while it might be considered my way to cope, it is apparent that I would be using humor in a time like this in just that manner, a way to “deal.” While Richie’s lyrics might ring out to me as an appropriate setting for my funeral, they would have no meaning in Charles Trevathan’s because like oh so many of the greats in our country’s history, Chuck’s legend will only continue to flourish after his passing. No, maybe you won’t be able to get that firm handshake or friendly hug when you would go to visit him in his office anymore. And no, you won’t get to hear that distinctive, deep, raspy voice bellowing throughout the corridors in the basement of the AD building, but you will still hear his stories, and through them, others will still get to “know” Charles! Chuck’s stories will always live on! If you’re still reading this message at this point, you are most likely one of two people: you either had the blessing of getting to be a part of one (or more) of Dr. Trevathan’s classes, and you find yourself truly missing him right now, or you are someone that knew of his recognition through other students, and you found yourself wishing you had registered for your classes earlier than you did that semester
YOUR VOICE Re: The death of sociology and social work instructor Dr. Charles Trevathan, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2004.
because you found yourself, like many other students, looking at an already full class roster next to any of Charles’ courses within hours of registration opening. If you are in the first group, you have heard the wisdom-filled stories Dr. Trevathan brought to his classes, and you know they will not end here. His stories will be told for generations to come. You realize that while here on earth, we might have lost one of the most humble and loving servants in this world, but you know that through the many individuals that he blessed with his presence, he will live on for many years to come. If you find yourself in the second group, I bid you my sorrows. If you were not able to get to know Charles Trevathan because you were unable to get into one of his classes, I will be honest and say you really did miss out on an opportunity of a lifetime, but as Charles would want you to know, there are so many other wonderful professors out there, especially at ACU, so take advantage of every opportunity you have to get to know your professors; they really do care! I was just so blessed that I took advantage of my time with “Chucky T!”
Kimberly R. Smith Class of 2004
Softball team raises funds Concert at Paramount Theatre aids team with scholarships
Continued from Page 8 Mexico on Oct. 2, winning in a five-game struggle. Two days after traveling to Portales, the Wildcats make their way to Canyon to play their rival West Texas A&M. ACU defeated the Lady Buffs for the first time since 1993 on Sept. 30. “We just have to remember that even though Snoddy we beat them last time doesn’t mean they are going to lay down and die,” Snoddy said. “We have to stay confident and know we can win if we keep our focus.”
famous political leader or an extraordinarily wealthy lawyer, so deep were his talents, experience and energy. Instead, he chose to work with “some of the brightest students anywhere,” he would frequently tell me. I think Gaston Welborn said it best when he stated that Charles “bled purple and white.” His departing has left a gaping hole in the fabric of ACU, and I think he would encourage us to start leading the way on the most pressing problems facing our society and churches. It’s a tremendous charge to students and alumni. We will miss you greatly, Dr. Trevathan.
‘Chucky T’ will be remembered by all
“When he heard about the budget cut, he was willing to help us out.” Casey Wilson, assistant softball coach
By SHAVONNE HERNDON STUDENT REPORTER
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
Sophomore setter Malia Plumlee makes a dig while senior libero Kellen Morrow looks on during Tuesday's 3-0 (30-28, 30-19, 30-20) victory over the Hilltoppers of St. Edward’s University. The Cats face a threegame road trip, returning home Oct. 28 to face Texas A&M-Kingsville.
After recent budget cuts throughout the university, the Wildcat softball team will have a fund-raiser to help cover the expenses that are left over. The fund-raiser will be a concert featuring Aaron Watson, an artist who performs country music with his band, and will be at the Paramount Theatre on Nov. 9. Casey Wilson, assistant softball coach and former ACU baseball player, teamed up with Watson during his baseball years at ACU. “Aaron and I played together,” Wilson said. “When he heard about the budget being cut, he was willing to help us out. We just have to pay the rental fee, and everything else is profit.” Head coach Chantiel
Wilson, Casey’s wife, said, “To keep up with the rest of the conference without the proper funds makes it hard to compete.” The 2004-2005 softball squad consists of 20 players thus far, none of whom are on full scholarship. About 60 percent of the players have at least some funds going to them. “After the season, we like to reward the girls with grants based on their performance on the field,” said Chantiel Wilson. “The NCAA allows athletes grants of $7,200, but after the budget cuts, ACU only could provide $6,300. ... We have to come up with the rest in order to reach that $7,200.” The funds raised will go to scholarships, equipment, field upkeep and more,
Chantiel Wilson said. “It may not seem like it’s unnecessary to have 20 people on a team, but when you look at injuries, then it becomes necessary,” Chantiel Wilson said. “With the lack of funds, it’s hard to recruit players that are needed; tuition makes it hard to recruit.” The Lady Wildcats will also have another fund-raiser in the future. Chantiel Wilson said each year people can donate to the team by purchasing signs on the outfield fence. “This concert is our main fund-raiser,” Chantiel Wilson said. “With our season being in the spring, it becomes hard to raise money during that time.” E-mail Herndon at: sch02a@acu.edu
SPORTSFRIDAY OPTIMIST
Page 8
Basketball practices begin
LSC South Standings
Teams can practice up to 20 hours per week, according to NCAA
Football Team Div. 1. A&M-Kingsville 2-0 2. Midwestern State 2-0 3. E. New Mexico 2-0 4. A&M-Commerce 0-1 5. ACU 0-2 6. W. Texas A&M 0-2 7. Angelo State 0-2
Tot. 4-0 4-1 3-3 2-3 2-3 1-4 0-6
By WARREN GRAY SPORTS WRITER
Volleyball Team 1. Angelo State 2. ACU 3. A&M-Kingsville 4. Tarleton State 5. E. New Mexico 6. West Texas A&M
Div. 2-0 2-0 1-0 0-1 0-2 0-2
October 15, 2004
Tot. 15-4 16-6 7-12 13-9 12-5 11-9
Briefs Manning honored by LSC, nation Danieal Manning has already been named the Lone Star Conference’s Player of the Week for special teams twice this season. After Saturday’s performance, he adds the LSC Defensive Player of the Week, and he was named the NCAA Division II Defensive Player of the Week by Don Hansen's Weekly Football Gazette If that wasn’t enough, the Dallas Morning News awarded Manning with the Regional Defensive MVP for the week. Manning had nine tackles and forced a fumble, which he recovered and returned for a 44-yard touchdown on Saturday. The return ensured a Wildcat win over Angelo State after ACU trailed the Rams by 10 with just over six minutes to play. He also had a 91-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, making him the nation’s leader among kick return specialists. - Kyle Robarts Sports Editor
This week in Wildcat sports... (home events in italics) Saturday, October 16 FB: at West Texas A&M, 6 p.m. Monday, October 18 G: at Rattler Invitational, 9 a.m. Tuesday, October 19 G: at Rattler Invitational, 9 a.m. Wednesday, October 20 WCC: at NCAA II nationals, 10 a.m. Thursday, October 21 VB: at Eastern New Mexico, 7 p.m. Saturday, October 23 MCC: at LSC Championships, 10 a.m.
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
Sophomore point guard Kristal Robeson runs sprints in Wednesday’s voluntary workout at Moody Coliseum.
The ACU basketball teams will hit the hardwood on Friday for the first official practice of the semester, and optimism is running high for both the men’s and women’s programs. Both teams will spend the first few practices attempting to replace key pieces from last year’s squads, but both coaches are confident they have the players to make it work. Among others, the women’s team lost Lynsie Blau and Melanie Carter, its two starting post players from last year, as well as point guard Jenny Jackson. However, Coach Shawna Lavender said the current group of players can fill in for those missing. “Our nucleus of core players is really strong,” Lavender said. “Our returning players have worked really hard and are ready to step up into those roles.” One of the players Lavender is expecting to step up this year is Jamie Boles, who had to play behind Blau and Carter last season. “She could have started on a lot of teams last year, but this is her time to shine,” Lavender said. “I’m looking for her to do great things.” Besides getting returning
players accustomed to new roles, Lavender will spend the early practice sessions trying to integrate her five new players into the team as well. Lavender said this is a critical time of the season for her team before they play their first exhibition game against Dallas Diesel on Nov. 5. “We have a lot of work to do in that little time,” Lavender said. “We’ve got to do a lot of learning and a lot of teaching. “The girls are really anxious to get started; they still have a bad taste in their mouths from the end of last year.” That “bad taste” stems from a one-point loss to Northeastern State in the Lone Star Conference PostSeason Tournament semifinals, ending the Wildcats’ season with a 19-10 record. Men’s coach Klint Pleasant said he is anxious to get started as well. He said the most important part of the first few practices is pulling the players together as a team. “The biggest thing is team chemistry,” Pleasant said. “That and going hard in practice.” Right now he’s focusing on getting the players to work on the two things they can control: attitude and effort. To prepare the team for game situations, Pleasant said he will look to create chaos in practice because games are chaotic.
Basketball “Our guys understand that we play harder than the other team,” Pleasant said. “We play hard and have a good team attitude. Winning is a byproduct of that.” The Wildcats will be thrust into chaos right out of the gate, playing in front of an estimated 16,000 people in Fayetteville, Ark., against the University of Arkansas on Nov. 12. “That’s one of the toughest places to go into and play,” Pleasant said. Before then, Pleasant will also work on solidifying key positions vacated by last year’s seniors. Three starters from last year’s team — Rodney Lee, Tucker Pierson and Cliff Green — are gone, but leading scorer David Baxter is still around. “I can’t say enough good things about him as a person and as a player,” Pleasant said. Besides Baxter, the Wildcats return Matthias Krieg at the center position, but the other three starting positions have yet to be filled. “We’ve got seven or eight players competing for three spots,” Pleasant said. He said that competition is a testimony to the team’s depth and said the team could go 10 deep. Last year’s Wildcats finished with a 12-15 record. E-mail Gray at: weg02a@acu.edu
Team looks for consistency in season’s final four games Cats need to win out for opportunity at LSC South title By KYLE ROBARTS SPORTS EDITOR
With four games remaining in the roller coaster ride of the 2004 football season, the Wildcats’ need for consistency is at its height. At 3-3 overall and 1-1 in the Lone Star Conference South Division, the team has won its big games and lost some as well. The team is 2-1 at Shotwell Stadium while posting a 1-2 record in road games. West Texas A&M and Texas A&M-Commerce will serve as the next two opponents for ACU before they face the two toughest opponents remaining in the final two weeks of the regular season Texas A&MKingsville and Midwestern State. The Wildcats will split their remaining time on the road and at Shotwell beginning with this weekend’s
matchup with West Texas in Canyon. The Buffaloes have struggled this season with a 15 record overall and a 0-3 mark in the LSC South. However, as Wildcat playAbilene Christian (2-3, 0-1) vs. Angelo State (0-6, 0-2) ers have said all Date: Saturday Oct. 9, 2004 Time: 2 p.m. year: There isn’t Location: Abilene an easy oppoStadium: Shotwell Stadium (15,000, turf) nent in the LSC Audio: KULL 92.5 FM or streaming audio at www.tsrnsports.com this year. The Wildcats almost realized that the hard Colors: Purple and White way last week Coach: Gary Gaines (19-28, 5th season) when they trailed the 0-6 Angelo State Colors: Maroon and White Rams by 10 with Coach: Jerry Vandergriff (4-24, 3rd season) just over six minutes to play. Fortunately is always the most important.” for ACU, they were able to This week, though the make a comeback to save their standings show that ACU is a hopes for an LSC South title superior team, they will face a and a shot at the post season. team that will attempt to chal“This is still a game that lenge its No. 2 pass defense in has meaning,” head coach the conference. The Buffaloes Gary Gaines said. “Through- are ranked No. 1 in pass out the season, the next game offense, averaging 338.5 yards
Game Preview
Abilene Christian (3-3)
West Texas A&M (1-5)
Football per contest. ACU, however, has allowed just 164 yards per game. The Wildcat defense matches up well against the pass; however, the team has struggled with the rush defense this season as they are currently ranked 12th in the conference, allowing nearly 200 yards per game. Luckily for ACU, the Buffaloes only average 78.3 rushing yards per game. On offense, the Wildcats should have starting quarterback Greg Wiggins back, who sat out with a high-ankle sprain on Saturday. However, the running game hit a snag when starting running back Mark Gaines broke his fibula and dislocated his ankle in the same play. The injury will require surgery, and the sophomore will miss the remainder of the season. Rashon Myles will get the nod for this week’s matchup and has carried the ball well this season. He averages 4.6 yards per carry and has 284
yards on 62 carries with two touchdowns. Myles’ backup is Charles Williams, and the pair may be able to take advantage of the conference’s worst run defense as West Texas has allowed 225.7 yards per contest and 16 trips to the end zone. “They are a capable football team; they have had lots of junior college transfers that have upgraded their talent,” Gaines said. “It was a big win on Saturday,” place-kicker Eben Nelson said. “A win’s a win no matter how you get it, and it was a good way to start building momentum as we go to the final stretch of the season.” Texas A&M-Commerce comes to Abilene next Saturday for Homecoming before the Wildcats travel to Kingsville (four straight LSC South titles) the following week and then finish the season back at home against Midwestern State. E-mail Robarts at: kdr00c@acu.edu
Cats sweep St. Ed’s ACU wins 13 of last 14 matches; move to 19-6 on the year By BRIAN ROE SPORTS WRITER
The Wildcat volleyball team strung together another threegame sweep, this time against St. Edward’s on Tuesday night in front of 300 fans in Moody Coliseum. ACU finished off the Hilltoppers 30-28, 30-19, 3020. ACU ran its latest winning streak to three matches and improved its record to 19-6, while St. Edward’s fell to 13-12 this year. The Wildcats struggled in game one, allowing the Hilltoppers to take an early lead. ACU finished strong and won the opening game on a kill by junior outside hitter Michelle Bernhardt. The Wildcats dominated games two and three, finishing off St. Edward’s in 90 minutes. “We outblocked them, and against a really good hitting team, that made a huge difference,” said freshman outside hitter Liz Snoddy. Bernhardt led the Wildcats with a game-high 19 kills and 14 digs. Junior setter Lindsey Martin chipped in 48 assists
Volleyball and 14 digs, freshman outside hitter Abbie Lowry added 13 kills, and junior middle blocker Ashlee Motola finished with nine kills. Senior libero Kellen Morrow and sophomore setter Malia Plumlee each posted 11 digs. Junior middle blocker Amanda Slate compiled nine kills, eight digs, three assists and four assisted blocks in the match. Slate was also named Lone Star Conference South offensive player of the week for her performance last week. The Hallsville native hit .341 last week with 42 kills, two service aces, eight digs and nine total blocks. Eight of her nine blocks were against LSC South opponents. “Amanda is just an allaround great leader and player,” said Snoddy. “She’s just a person who encourages us all the time and pushes us to work harder every game.” ACU played against LSCSouth-opponent Angelo State Thursday night and do not play this weekend. The Wildcats return to action next Thursday, traveling to Portales, N.M., to play against Eastern New See VOLLEYBALL Page 7
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
Junior middle blocker Amanda Slate and junior setter Lindsey Martin react after scoring a point in Tuesday’s match with St. Edwards. The nonconference match ended well for the Wildcats as they swept the Lady Hilltoppers in three matches.