WEDNESDAY October 20, 2004
OPTIMIST THE
Department of Journalism and Mass Communication
Abilene Christian University
Vol. 93, No. 18 1 section, 8 pages www.acuoptimist.com
Serving the ACU community since 1912
Cats win close call:
Gutenberg Dinner initiates Homecoming:
Partisan politics:
The football team held off West Texas A&M’s late rally to win 27-24. Page 8
Three alumni of the Journalism and Mass Communication Department will be honored at Thursday’s Gutenberg Dinner. Page 3
The College Republicans and College Democrats prepare for election activities Page 5
Hall construction on schedule Workers prepare site by moving utility poles before building begins By JACI SCHNEIDER OPINION EDITOR
Plans are still up in the air about whether the new residence hall across from the Brown Library parking lot will be built this year. “We’re still working on the
budget, trying to see if we can get the cost in line,” said Jack Rich, executive vice president. “We’re working hard to see if we can get in within the budget.” Rich said that changes in the price of materials from when the project was estimated have thrown off the budget, which was originally set at $6 million. “I think it’s off by about half a million dollars,” he said. “You never know what the
price will be until you get a bit into it.” The contractor, Hill and Wilkinson General Contractors, will bid on sheet rock, wood and electric and mechanical supplies, Rich said. Currently the contractors are doing “value engineering,” evaluating individual pieces of the project to see where costs can be reduced. Rich said some work is already being done, and if con-
struction begins soon, the hall should still be finished by its original August finish date. “In essence, we’re doing a lot of work,” Rich said, “So we’re still on schedule.” Students may have noticed parts of the parking lot where the hall will be built were roped off last week. Kevin Watson, associate vice president for Administrative See HALL Page 4
TITTLE LUTHER PARTNERSHIP/Courtesy photo
A site plan (above) and front elevation (below) show the details for the proposed residence hall across Campus Court from Brown Library.
‘His indomitable spirit will prevail in our hearts’
Families contact those in military Students, faculty remember those fighting in war effort By JACI SCHNEIDER OPINION EDITOR
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
Carol Turner, daughter of Dr. Charles Trevathan, shares some of her memories of her father at his funeral Saturday in Moody Coliseum. Eight of his friends and family spoke about Trevathan, who died of an apparent heart attack Oct. 12 in the Office of Sociology and Social Work.
“Every time we associate these special places, foods, images, sounds and texts with Charles, his well-lived life will rush through our thoughts, our values, our habits, our aspirations ... and we will be the better for it.” Douglas Brown, longtime friend of the family
Funeral services for Dr. Charles Trevathan, 68, instructor of sociology and social work and associate general counsel for the university, were Saturday in Moody Coliseum. Eight of Trevathan’s friends and family told of their memories, and several of his favorite hymns were sung by a crowd that also included many stu-
dents and faculty members. Trevathan passed away Oct. 12 after suffering an apparent heart attack in the Office of Sociology and Social Work. He came to ACU in 1987 to serve as associate general counsel after practicing trial law for 26 years. He became vice president of Campus Life in
1991, holding that position until beginning to teach full time in 1997. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis; three daughters, Julie Bowie, Carol Turner and husband Russ, and Karen Trevathan Gunn and husband Tim; and four grandchildren, Aidan Bowie, Jackson Turner, Elora Kate and William Gunn.
“What the world would chew up and spit out, Charles would simply go over and pick up. He looked at them much as a potter would look at his clay. He saw that with a little work, time and guidance, they could be something beautiful.” Tanya Crockett, nurse in Indianapolis who once lived with the Trevathan family
Caedmon’s Call to play Thursday Tickets can be bought for $15 for concert at Beltway Park Baptist By APRIL WARD PAGE 2 EDITOR
Caedmon’s Call will perform at Beltway Park Baptist Church on Thursday with songs from its new CD, Share the Well. Hosted by Christian radio station KGNZ, the concert will begin at 7 p.m. and will feature a variety of contemporary Christian songs.
“The group has a really large college following,” KGNZ concert and promotions director Doug Harris said. “They have a contemporary folk sounding Christian music style, and it’s a new tour.” Tickets are being sold at various locations including the Bible Book Store, Family Christian Store and Beltway Park. General admission tickets cost $15, but specialty tickets are being sold as well. “Artist circle tickets are See CONCERT Page 4
Caedmon’s Call ticket locations Tickets for Thursday’s Caedmon’s Call concert at Beltway Park Baptist Church can be purchased for $15 at the following locations:
More than 70 selected to lead mission trips during spring break By MALLORY SHERWOOD STAFF WRITER
• Beltway Park Baptist Church Students may also pay $20 and receive a ticket for the show as well as a ticket to see Jeremy Camp in concert at Beltway next week. Tickets closer to the stage may also be purchased for $20
See WAR Page 4
Campaign leaders chosen
• The Bible Book Store • Family Christian Store
With American troops fighting in Iraq for more than 80 weeks, few people on campus are unaffected. Most people know someone overseas, or know someone who knows someone. Monica Smith, junior journalism major from Fort Worth, had the joy last week of spending time with her father, who is on leave for two weeks from just outside of Baghdad. “I’m going home as much as possible to see him,” she said. “I’m excited.” Her dad will return to Iraq Saturday, after spending Friday night in Abilene watching Monica Smith perform in JamFest. He is scheduled to remain in Iraq until April. Annalee Bivins, senior English major from Pearland, said it took a while for her to get used to her boyfriend being overseas. “The first couple of months were pretty bad because I was really uptight and scared,” she said. “He’s been gone for four months now, so it’s just kind of a part of life.” Her boyfriend, David Micheletti, is on board U.S.S. JFK in the Persian Gulf. The ship is patrolling the oil lines to make sure there aren’t any terrorist attacks, Bivins said. “He has e-mail, and I write him letters every day,” Bivins said. “But they only go into port once a month.” “He can’t even tell me when he’s coming into port,” she said. “He can’t really tell me a
Melanie Morrison remembers the first homeless person she met in Chicago while on a Spring Break Campaign. The experience changed her life in 2002, and she has been returning ever since as both a campaigner and a Spring Break Campaign leader. “I watched God working in the lives of not only the homeless and the people on the
campaign with me, but in my own life as well,” said Morrison, second-time SBC leader and senior elementary education major from Houston. Morrison is one of more than 70 Spring Break Campaign leaders traveling to 33 locations to lead over 500 people on short-term mission trips around the world during spring break. Jessica Masters, SBC advertising and public relations manager and junior English major from Tallahassee, Fla., said that anything is possible on a Spring Break Campaign. “It is really a short-term mission trip,” Masters said.
“Students go to a bunch of different locations and do everything from hard labor, to holding vacation Bible schools, to knocking on doors and working at food banks.” On Nov. 4, students interested in participating in a campaign can choose where they want to go through a lottery to places such as Mexico City, Atlanta, El Salvador, Colorado, Maine, Chicago, California and Scotland. Next week, brochures with each campaign’s location, cost, which could range from $250$1,300, and what work will be done during the week will be See SBC Page 4
CAMPUS
DAY
Wednesday, October 20, 2004
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Calendar&Events Wednesday
FilmFest tickets, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows. Bowl for Kids’ Sake registration, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows. SA Live, 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Campus Center tables. International Students Association Culture Show tickets, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows. Friendze jewelry sale, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Campus Center tables.
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Thursday
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Friday
Fall Preview weekend, 7 a.m.-5 p.m., Hilton 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. Tiffany Hamilton Run sign-ups, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows. Gutenberg Dinner, 6:30 p.m., Teague Special Events Center.
Sunday
Homecoming. Spring Break Campaign leader meeting, 7-9 p.m., Living Room.
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Sing Song ticket sales, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Campus Center tables.
Friendze jewelry sale, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Campus Center tables.
International Students Association Culture Show tickets, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows.
Online course registration, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Campus Center tables.
Monday
SA Live, 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Campus Center tables.
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.
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FilmFest tickets, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows.
Saturday
Tiffany Hamilton Run sign-ups, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows.
Homecoming. Sing Song ticket sales, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Campus Center tables. A Capella Homecoming concert, 11:15 a.m., Williams Performing Arts Center Recital Hall.
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Tuesday
Online course registration, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Campus Center tables. SA Live, 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Campus Center tables.
Tiffany Hamilton Run sign-ups, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows.
Homecoming Weekend begins. Town Hall meeting, 8-10 a.m., Living Room.
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Social Club officers meeting, 5-6:30 p.m., Living Room. Sundaes on Mondays, 7-10 p.m., Living Room.
Campus Activity Board Free Night Out ticket hand-outs, 11:30 a.m., Campus Center ticket windows. FilmFest tickets, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows. Tiffany Hamilton Run sign-ups, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows. Free Night Out.
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Wednesday
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. Tiffany Hamilton Run sign-ups, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows. Counseling Center staff meeting, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Faculty-Staff Dining Room.
Doug Harris at KGNZ at 673-3045. Volunteers are needed to help with the Early Head Start Resource Fair Wednesday from 1-4 p.m. and 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 6-10:30 p.m. Jobs include face painting, working at kids’ 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 ServiceLearning Center for more information.
Credited Chapels to date:
42 28 Graduate student dies over weekend Credited Chapels remaining:
Rodriquez in first year of psychology graduate studies STAFF REPORT Joel Rodriquez, graduate student of psychology, died Friday at his home of unknown causes, according to an ACU press release. He was 22. University officials could not comment on details relating to his death. Students gathered Monday evening to share memories of Rodriquez, and a prayer service was conducted Tuesday at Elmwood Funeral Home. The funeral service was Wednesday at New Life Temple with the Reverend Ezequiel Pecina officiating and burial following at Elmwood Memorial Park. Dr. Wayne Barnard, dean of Campus Life, said he is working with the Psychology Department on plans for some kind of memorial service on campus. Rodriquez obtained his undergraduate degree in psychology in May and had begun his first year in the psychology graduate program. He was born in New York
on April 5, 1982, and graduated from Abilene High School in 2000. Rodriquez was involved in the community through various service organizations, including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Habitat for Humanity and YMCA camp, according to the press release. “Joel’s ambition was to work with people during the tough times of their life, said Dr. Robert McKelvain, chair of the Department of Psychology, in the press release. “He had already begun living that out through volunteer work in outreach activities for children and young people.” Survivors include his father, Jose Rodriquez of Florida, his mother and step-father, Victoria and Jerome Andino of Abilene; brother Antoine Rodriquez of Virginia; three step-sisters, Tiffany Matos of Connecticut, Michele Andino of Massachusetts and Crissy Andino of Massachusetts; four step-brothers, Michael Andino, Brian Andino, Tom Andino and Erick Andino, all of New York City; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Announcements
Volunteer Opportunities Volunteers are needed for the Caedmon’s Call concert. KGNZ radio needs male volunteers at 9 a.m. Thursday to help unload and set up for the Caedmon`s Call concert Thursday night. Two runners are also needed who can be available from 9 a.m. until after the show is over. They also must be able to serve as drivers for the band. Eight merchandise volunteers are needed with five being available at 3 p.m. and the remaining three at 5 p.m. Only unloading volunteers must be male. Volunteers will receive free tickets to the concert. Interested students can contact
Chapel Check-Up
There are a limited number of collegiate cards available in the Students’ Association office. Students who have not received one may pick one up while supplies are available. Alpha Phi Omega is a national, co-educational, service fraternity focusing on service to the campus, the community and the nation. It is open to all undergraduate students. Alpha Phi Omega is conducting an information meeting from 7-8 p.m. Monday in the Hilton Room. For more information regarding Alpha Phi Omega, contact Kelley at 8643267. Students who turn in an application to Study Abroad on Wednesday can receive a movie rental certificate and a chance to win dinner and a movie for two. Interested students can visit the Study Abroad tables in
the Campus Center for more information or call Ext. 2754. The application deadline for Spring 2005 is Thursday. A Catholic Bible study is being offered for all Catholic students or those wondering about what Catholics believe. It will be conducted Wednesday at 8 p.m. Tickets for FilmFest are available for purchase from 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Online ticket purchases will be available as well. The Shinnery Review, ACU’s student-produced literary magazine, is now accepting submissions for the 2005 edition. For more information, go to www.acu.edu/shinnery. Pepperdine School of Law will be interviewing prospective law school students on campus Nov. 2-3. Ken Starr, dean of Pepperdine School of Law, will be
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.
conducting interviews on campus for the Pepperdine program. Students interested in meeting with Starr can contact Mel Hailey at Ext. 2095 or by e-mail at hailey@pols.acu.edu to set up an appointment. Go Wild with the Cats! 2004 Homecoming shirts are available in the Alumni Relations office at 809 E.N. 16th St. Youth shirts will be $7 and adult will cost $10. Plus-sized T-shirts are available for $12. The Spiritual Life Core is providing the opportunity to be involved in a small-group study for one hour per week. The groups will be going through the book Not Even A Hint by Joshua Harris. Students wishing to participate in a small group with other students can e-mail cer00a@acu.edu.
CAMPUS NEWS
Wednesday, October 20, 2004
Art centers on Mayan way of life Artist who previously lived with Indians shows her photographs By ELIZABETH NEWMAN STUDENT REPORTER
A new art exhibit featuring photographs taken of the Lacandon Mayan Indians in southern Mexico opened Oct. 5 at the Center for Contemporary Arts. The exhibit, “Tender Hearts and Ancient Words,” will run through Nov. 26 with free admission for the public. The exhibit contains 28 black and white photographs taken by Carol Yarrow of Portland, Ore., who has visited and at times lived with the Lacandon Mayans to record their everyday life through photography. “A lot of these pictures are very different than what most people think of when they think of Mexico and its culture,” said Brady Nichols, gallery manager of the CCA. “They are passionate photographs of a world most people aren’t aware of.”
Yarrow, whose interest in photography began in 1969, first encountered the Lacandon Mayans 25 years ago while in the southern city of San Cristobal de las Casas and has focused her work on three brothers in their village. “The images bring back memories of smells such as the wet earth, copal incense and cooking over an open fire,” Yarrow said in her artist statement. “I can close my eyes and hear the Maya softly chanting the name of their ancestors in ceremonial incantations.” Along with her work in southern Mexico, Yarrow has worked with imprisoned and at-risk teenagers teaching them photography, and she exhibits her work at the Mark Woolley Gallery in Portland, Ore. While the majority of the works of art in the CCA are from regional artists, the CCA tries to also bring in artists from outside the Abilene area for the photography exhibits, Nichols said. The CCA was established in 1990 and currently has about 60 regional artist members. It
By EMILY CHASTAIN STAFF WRITER
Three alumni of the Journalism and Mass Communication Department will be honored at this year’s Gutenberg Dinner on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in Teague Special Events Center. The Gutenberg Dinner is an annual event to recognize distinguished professional alumni by presenting them with a Gutenberg Award—a miniature scale model of the printing press. The 2004 honorees are Loren Halifax (‘91), a morning anchor for WDAF-TV in Kansas City, Mo.; Craig Smith (‘84), presi-
dent of the World Bible Translation Center in Keller; and Lt. Col. Monty Brock (‘84), a member of the U.S. Air Force at Mountain Home AFB, Idaho. “They represent a great variety of people from the field,” said Dr. Cheryl Bacon, chair of the Journalism and Mass Communication Department. Bacon said the award is not only limited to those excelling in the area of journalism or mass communication, but it also recognizes achievement in nontraditional areas. Bacon noted that one of the honorees is being awarded for his service in the Air Force. “It’s not a lifetime achievement award,” Bacon said. “We really look for people who are hitting their stride in their career.” Bacon said more than 250 people are expected to attend the dinner. To be considered for
Real men wear kilts
The CCA The CCA is located at 220 Cypress St. and is open from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. features three exhibits at a time and is involved in programs such as ArtWalk and an education program called ArtReach. “The basic mission of the center is to educate the public about art,” said Kathy Morehead, grants and financial director of the CCA. “We do that by providing exhibits and educational programs.” Along with “Tender Hearts and Ancient Words,” the other two current exhibits include “Seven Trains of Thought,” featuring LaGina Fairbetter, a signature artist member, as well as six artists who have at one time been affiliated with Texas Tech University, and Multi-Layered, a group show by the center’s artist members. At least one of the exhibits changes every month. E-mail Newman at: optimist@acu.edu
Alumni honored with Gutenberg Three alumni to receive award for achievement in journalism
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the award, recipients must be nominated by faculty or alumni and must be alumni themselves for at least 10 years. Heather Lemmons, senior photojournalism major from Abilene, said she has never been to the Gutenberg Dinner, but hopes to hear from “people who have gone through the department and have actually been in the real world—to hear their success stories.” Gutenberg awards have been presented to honorees since 1993. Past honorees have included Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist David Leeson, CBS Sports Emmy-winning producer Lance Barrow and minister and author Max Lucado. “One thing the Bible says is to honor those to whom honor is due,” Bacon said. E-mail Chastain at: egc00a@acu.edu
EMILY CHASTAIN/Staff Photographer
Members of the Abilene Pipers play on the streets of downtown Abilene during ArtWalk last Thursday. The Pipers performed as part of the Erinshire Gardens Folk Festival where various musicians were located across downtown to serenade ArtWalkers.
CAMPUS NEWS/FROM THE FRONT PAGE
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Play on
Wednesday, October 20, 2004
Students present study Chemistry students deliver findings in chemical research
“Both Bethany and Connor ... are all the things that we could want out of our students.” Dr. Perry Reeves, professor of chemistry
By HAYLEY JONES STUDENT REPORTER
EMILY CHASTAIN/Staff Photographer
Hoi-Meng Lei, junior music major from Macau, China, plays the cello during the Abilene Collegiate Orchestra’s first concert of the year on Friday in Hardin-Simmons University’s Behrens Auditorium. The orchestra includes students from ACU, HSU and McMurry University.
Students serve through song Service Saturday volunteers helped homeless, elderly By LUKE HARRIS STUDENT REPORTER
Students traveled to locations throughout Abilene Saturday to serve the community by working on houses, feeding the homeless and singing to the elderly. Wade Holmes, senior marketing management major from Arlington, traveled with 14 other men to Windcrest Alzheimer’s Care Center to visit
and sing to the elderly. Holmes said in his three years of being involved with Service Saturday, the Alzheimer’s Center is his favorite place to go. Holmes said he is interested in history and that going and talking to the patients and hearing their stories is “really cool.” Holmes also added he thought it was very important to be involved with something like Service Saturday because it shows you are trying to help serve others instead of doing something for yourself. “People are already getting up for their early classes, so
they are already in that habit, so why not get up early on a Saturday and make somebody else feel good,” Holmes said. David Stoniecki, sophomore engineering major from Atlanta, said this Saturday was the first time he had gone on a Service Saturday, and he found it very rewarding. “People are always going to movies and doing generic stuff like that,” Stoniecki said, “but it was really neat to be hanging out with my friends and serving at the same time.” E-mail Harris at: optimist@acu.edu
Hall: Plans for building not final Continued from Page 1 Services, said in an e-mail workers are moving utility poles and getting the area prepared for construction. However, he said plans are not finalized. “We are still working on the numbers, and there is still a possibility that we will not
be able to build it this year,” Watson said. Watson said a tremendous amount of work must be done before workers can start building, but he will be excited once it all begins. Students should be ready in the next couple weeks to find a new parking space if they’re used to parking across
from the library, he said, because as soon as construction begins, the parking lot will be removed from use. Workers will continue to work on utilities, do soil checks and prepare for construction. E-mail Schneider at: jrs02a@acu.edu
Bethany Powell and Connor Parker were fully prepared to deliver their presentations about chemical research at a regional meeting in Fort Worth. What they didn’t know until arriving was that their presentations were going to be judged in a competition. Competing against 15 other undergraduate students at the southwest regional meeting of the American Reeves Chemical Society, Parker, senior chemistry major from Tyler, and Powell, senior chemistry major from Abilene, placed second and third, respectively. More than 1,000 people belonging to the American
Chemical Society, the professional organization of chemists in the United States, attended the meeting. Powell said their presentations were about a new area of research involving testing new compounds that make reactions go twice as fast and are environmentally friendly. “Very often in chemical industry we use liquids to dissolve compounds that are very often toxic and bad for the environment,” said Dr. Perry Reeves, professor of chemistry. “We are looking for a safer liquid, a new class of compounds called ionic liquids that don’t boil off, make chemical reactions faster and are safer for the environment.” This area of research has been around for five years, and the new compounds might be used in chemical plants in the future, Reeves said.
“Doing presentations in front of your peers is part of preparing for graduate school; getting up and talking about our research is great experience for us,” Powell said. The students put in a tremendous amount of practice for their presentations, Reeves said, which included a PowerPoint presentation highlighting the results of their research. Reeves said he and Dr. Greg Powell, professor of chemistry, made suggestions, but the students put in all the work. “Both Bethany and Connor have worked in our research labs for two years, both have a lot of personal initiative, both are dedicated to their work; they are all the things that we could want out of our students,” Reeves said. E-mail Jones at: optimist@acu.edu
SBC: Info fair planned for Nov. 2 Continued from Page 1 sent to all ACU mailboxes. SBC co-chair Clay Rich, senior financial accounting major from Abilene, and Masters said their goal for this year is for more than 500 students to participate. Masters said she wants to encourage students to go on a campaign to experience the impact God will have on their lives. “We want to impact lives for Christ-like service and leadership throughout the world,” Masters said, quoting the SBC mission statement, “as well as to impact the lives of the campaigners and the lives of the people they are touching.” Andy Williams, an SBC
“Go out, serve God and see what he is doing in places other than Abilene.” Melanie Morrison, senior elementary education major from Houston
leader to Unity, Maine, for the second year, said he had a great experience with his first campaign to Maine three years ago. “I decided to go to Maine because I had never thought of going there before,” said Williams, senior exercise and sport science major from Abilene. “It was an incredible year, and nine of us went back that summer to keep working with the church and to hang out together again.” Morrison, Williams and the other SBC leaders will be avail-
able to answer questions about their campaigns on Nov. 2 at the SBC info fair in the Hilton Room. Students can learn what they will be doing as well as meet with other people interested in going. “You only have four years to do something like this with this group of people,” Morrison said. “Go out, serve God and see what he is doing in places other than Abilene.” E-mail Sherwood at: mes02a@acu.edu
Concert: Students can volunteer Continued from Page 1 being sold for $20,” Harris said. “Those seats are closer to the front than the general admission tickets.” A combination ticket is being offered as well. “Jeremy Camp will be performing Christian music here one week later,” Harris said. “Students can purchase a $20 ticket so they can go to both shows.” Caedmon’s Call is not new to the Abilene area, having played at ACU as recently as 2003. So when the group called KGNZ about doing a show, Harris said
the radio station was happy to oblige since the band has done well here in the past. This time, Harris said, the group plans to perform in a church to reach out to a different audience. “This is the first time they’ve been here that they aren’t performing at a college campus,” he said. Harris said he hopes more college students will take the opportunity to see the group perform. “Ticket sales are going kind of slow right now,” he said. “It could be that college students tend to wait until the last
minute, and it could be that there are also a lot of different shows going on during October. They usually do well in Abilene though.” A service opportunity is also available in connection with the show. “I’ll need some males to help unloading the equipment the morning of the show,” Harris said. “It’s pretty heavy equipment.” Students interested in helping unload can contact Harris at 673-3045 for more information. E-mail Ward at: alw02b@acu.edu
War: Concerns for loved ones Continued from Page 1 whole lot of stuff that’s going on.” Although Bivins worries about Micheletti, she said he tells her he’s safe. “He says he’s really safe,” Bivins said. “I think to make me feel better.” However, Bivins added, working aboard an aircraft carrier is one of the safest places to work. A
submarine and battleships follow the carrier, and the sheer number of people aboard the carrier makes it an unlikely target. Bivins said Micheletti could be home in December or January, but she doesn’t know for sure. Jama Cadle, alumni events coordinator, said her husband, Mike Cadle, has been training at Fort Hood in the
Texas Army National Guard for several weeks. She gets to talk to him every day for a few minutes. “I know it’s his duty, and I’m very proud of him,” Cadle said. “I would much rather Mike (Cadle) be here though.” E-mail Schneider at: jrs02a@acu.edu
October 20, 2004
FOCUSWEDNESDAY OPTIMIST
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Campus political groups encourage involvement STORY BY SARAH CARLSON • ILLUSTRATIONS BY DANIEL BARCROFT Many Republicans and Democrats will be campaigning for their respective candidate Nov. 1, the night before the general election. Meanwhile, the College Republicans and College Democrats, led by two sophomores, will come together and debate at a political forum where they will discuss various issues at stake in the presidential and congressional elections. The groups watched the presidential debates together and put together a voting manual for students, detailing the candidates and where they stand on political issues. Both organizations are working with their respective Congressional candidate’s office, making phone calls and block walking to campaign. Casey Bingham, chair of College Republicans and sophomore political science major from Conroe, said for the most part the groups were civil toward each other while watching the debate. However, he said the Republicans didn’t feel entirely welcome because the Democrats had decorated the meeting place with Democratic paraphernalia. Despite feeling uncomfortable, Bingham said the groups joining together went well. Amy Perez, chair of the College Democrats and sophomore education major from Houston, said she had a difficult time communicating with the Republican group because of Bingham being elected the new chair. Missy Mae Walters, senior political science major from Bentonville, Ark., was the acting chair after Jason Knight, junior political science major from Abilene, stepped down at the beginning of the semester, and Bingham was elected several weeks ago as the new chair. Perez said when the College Republicans came to the University Park
Apartments Club House, where they watched about five to six members who will travel the debates, she told them they could deco- over fall break to New Mexico, a battleground rate with Republican items, but they chose state in the election, campaigning for Prenot to. sident Bush. The group may also go to anothFor the upcoming gathering, Perez said er state in a sweep that will return them to she would rather discuss items in the format campus Nov. 3, the day after the election. of a forum because a debate might turn stuBingham said he is proud members are dents off. willing to give up their fall break to campaign Even though the campus chapter of for the president. College Democrats is so young, Perez said she “They’re very active; they’re very motivatis pleased with it, with the organization hav- ed to do it,” Bingham said, “so they stepped ing about 25 to 30 members. up to the plate.” “What I’m not really pleased with is the While both presidential candidates have student response,” Perez said. “I’m disap- discussed Christianity and its relevance in pointed at the apathy on campus.” politics and their campaigns but not necesOne of Perez’s main goals is to educate stu- sarily agreed about it, both Bingham and dents about government and clear up mis- Perez think Christians should be involved conceptions about the Democratic Party. She and voice their opinions; they do not think, has worked this semester to try and educate however, Christians can only be involved in a the student body about the issues Democrats certain type of party. stand for, using flyers around campus and an Perez said some students views that information table in the Campus Center as Christians cannot be Democrats stems from a tools. She said her reasoning behind flyers lack of knowledge of what the party stands that said “Do you really think Jesus was a for, especially going beyond social issues. Republican?” was meant to get students to “I see the Democratic Party being more really think Christian than about the questhe Republican tion and create Party,” Perez said, interest, saying citing Jesus’ Students who live out of state can still request she didn’t mean teachings on an application for a ballot by mail by contacting to insult anybody helping the poor the elections office in their county. The applicaby it. and needy. tion must be submitted by 7 p.m. on the seventh The College Bingham said day before the election, Oct. 26, and the ballot Republicans, that Christians should be received in two to three business days. who also have are called to act Students can also call their elections office and about 25 memupon their conrequest a ballot by mail over the phone instead of mailing in a request. Ballots must be returned by bers, are forming victions, and he 7 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 2. a Texas Team does not stand by Strike Force of those of the far
Absentee Ballots
College Republicans Casey Bingham’s passion for politics didn’t spark until he came to college. He had decided in high school that he would major in political science at ACU, but it wasn’t until he came to school that he felt the need to get involved. As the new chair of the College Republicans, Bingham, sophomore political science major from Conroe, said his life is pretty stressful. He is a member of the ACU band, a sophomore class senator in the Students’ Association and is pledging the men’s social club Frater Sodalis. “I’m pretty well swamped,” Bingham said. He calls himself traditional and a little old fashioned, sighting his conservative and Christian upbringing as a backbone for his political beliefs. He said ACU has broadened his political beliefs in that several people from around campus who are Democrats have had a significant impact on his life. “I used to be kind of a hot-head Republican,” Bingham said. Getting to know several Democrats has helped Bingham to not over-generalize about the party and learn to respect its members, even if he doesn’t agree with them. He learned to see the differences in terms of strictly politics, such as the size of the government and the type of society the party would prefer, whether it is traditional or more secular, he said. Seeing a lack of political involvement on campus, he said, also helped him decide to get involved and try and a make a difference on campus. He said students should join a group like College Republicans or College Democrats, even when it’s not an election year, to become informed on issues and to be aware of opportunities to help out with different campaigns. Attending conferences and making connections within a political party, he said, are also benefits of being involved in a political campus chapter. “Students can get an idea about the party so they can have a voice about what they want America to be like by the time they are out in the work force,” he said.
religious right who claim a vote for Bush is the only one Christians can cast. The question should rather be, “Who do you think better represents your Christian values?” he said. Regardless of differences, both parties want to encourage students to get involved in either organization, or at least exercise their right and vote, especially in the Congressional race for the 19th District. Both agree that Texas will go to the Republican Party in the presidential election, so they are focusing on the battle between incumbents Charles Stenholm and Randy Neugebauer who were paired in a new district as a result of redistricting last summer. Bingham said that Neugebauer would better represent the 19th District’s conservative values because he is a Republican and that Stenholm receives pressure from his constituents on one side and his Democratic Party on the other, making it hard for him to represent West Texas. Perez said Neugebauer has absolutely no power in Congress because he is in his first term, and if Stenholm is not reelected, the 19th District will lose its seniority in the House Agriculture Committee, of which Stenholm is the ranking member in his 26th year in office. Perez said the presidential election is one of the most important in recent history because of the social issues and the war in Iraq, and she encourages students to vote, especially if they are from out of the state. “It is a civic duty to get involved in politics,” Bingham said. “College students for some reason have a knack for being apathetic.”
College Democrats Amy Perez’s days typically last from 6 a.m. to midnight at the earliest, and she said she longs for a Saturday when she will have free time. Perez, sophomore education major from Houston, is chair of the College Democrats and finds it hard to fit in all her presidential duties between the 17 hours of classes she is taking. She also works at Abilene Christian Church with children and is on the hospitality committee; she also helps campaign for Rep. Charles Stenholm for the 19th District as well as Art Casarez’s race for Taylor Country sheriff. “I always have something to do,” Perez said. “I love it though, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.” Perez transitioned into the role of chair for College Democrats from vice president last spring when the president stepped down. ACU’s chapter of College Democrats was formed last semester and has around 25 to 30 members. She said her role is to maintain contact with all members of the organization and to try her best to be there for them, to make sure they know what’s going on and see if they need anything. Perez also tries to build camaraderie between members. “I’m everywhere at once,” Perez said. She became involved in politics when she was in the fifth grade and wants to convey her passion for issues and government to the rest of the student body. She said she wants to educate students about issues Democrats stand for, especially those that aren’t social issues, and feels the direction the country is taking under President Bush is wrong. For instance, Perez said she is concerned with the way the Bush administration has been cutting financial aid programs. “I like to say when I graduate they’re going to hand me a bill instead of a diploma,” Perez said. She said it is hard to encourage students to become involved in politics and the political groups on campus when most of the students are not educated on the issues at stake. “Frankly, I can’t understand why they’re not passionate about it,” Perez said. “I believe it is our duty, not only as Americans but also as Christians to participate in the political process.”
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
Casey Bingham, chair of the College Republicans, talks to Stephanie Jarvis, freshman political science major from Stanford, at the College Republican meeting Monday at 9:30 p.m. in the Mabee Business Building, Room 316. During the meeting, Bingham encouraged members to help with the Randy Neugebauer campaign.
Brandon Cooks, sophomore broadcast journalism major from Marshall, Douglas Bongmbe, junior business major from Wichita Falls, and Zach Henderson, junior youth and family ministry major from Amarillo, watch ‘FahrenHYPE 9/11’ during the College Democrat meeting Tuesday at noon in the Living Room.
VIEWSWEDNESDAY OPTIMIST
Page 6 The issue: The loss of half the doses of the flu vaccine to contamination has required many to go without the shot.
Our view: The Department of Health and Human Services is on the right track to solve the problem.
The solution: Students need to take care not to get sick this season by taking precautions advised by the Centers for Disease Control.
October 20, 2004
Don’t get sick over vaccination shortage The loss of almost 50 million doses of the influenza vaccine to contamination has forced many of the elderly to stand in long lines in attempt to get the shot, and required many others to forego their flu shot to battle the virus themselves. On Monday, Tommy Thompson, secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, said 24 million doses have not yet been shipped, so this is “not a health crisis,” and he is looking to distribute the remaining vaccine to places that
have already vention recomNow, HHS is looking for ways to make sure the shortages. He mends covering people who need it most receive the vaccination. said about 3 your mouth and million doses nose when you are shipped per cough or sneeze, week. was contaminated. The company washing your hands often and for “We are looking all over the would have provided about half at least 15 to 20 seconds, using regions to find out where there is of the United States’ vaccines. alcohol-based hand wipes and gel a shortage, and we will redeploy Now, HHS is looking for ways sanitizers when soap and water is the resources to make sure the to make sure the people who not available, avoiding close conseniors get the vaccine first,” he need it most receive the vaccina- tact with others and staying home said in the Washington Post. tion and trying to help those who when you’re sick. The Food and Drug AdminThompson is on track to make won’t be given the shot. the best of this situation. As Thompson said, this lack of istration last year approved an altThe shortage occurred when flu shots should not be cause for ernative to the shot, a nasal spray Chiron Corp., one of the United concern because many methods called FluMist, which is recomStates’ flu shot providers, a- of prevention exist. The Centers mended for healthy people ages 5 nnounced that some of its vaccine for Disease Control and Pre- to 49. Dr. Tony Rector, medical
Daniel Barcroft
In My Words
director for clinical services on campus, said he is looking into obtaining the FluMist vaccine. The latest reports from the CDC indicate that for the week ending Oct. 9, most states reported no flu activity, and only seven states showed sporadic activity, including Texas, California, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Utah. United States residents should not be concerned about a shortage of flu vaccine. With the proper precautions, an outbreak of flu can be prevented, and this flu season can remain a mild and manageable one.
Officer GPA should be higher than 2.5 I'm writing to express my agreement with Aaron Wilder's letter in which he suggested that SA executive officers have a minimum GPA of 3.0, instead of the present 2.5. I was unaware that the minimum GPA for these positions is 2.5. In Residence Life Education and Housing, we require RAs, SLAs, and ADs to have a minimum 2.7 GPA. While academic achievement is not the sole indicator of student success, it is certainly an important factor. We consider our student staff to be peer leaders of tremendous
YOUR VOICE
There’s a new ketchup on the shelf, and it’s 100 percent Republican. However, I recently discovered some interesting information that made me rethink my political allegiances. There’s a new ketchup on the shelf, and it’s 100 percent Republican. W Ketchup was invented, apparently so Republicans don’t have to feel bad about buying ketchup, and they even spell ketchup right. “You don’t support Democrats. Why should your ketchup?” the company’s Web site proudly asks. The site affirmed my previous feelings on the ketchup issue, stating that if I chose Heinz, I would be “supporting Teresa Heinz and her liberal causes, such as Kerry for President.” Needless to say, I was intrigued, and for the first time in this election the issues were getting too complicated. More research had to be conducted.
My Internet perusing led me to yet another Republican condiment site yielding another ketchup alternative — Bush Country Ketchup. “With a purchase of Bush Country Ketchup, you won't just be showing your support for the President. You'll also show your support for everything we believe in: capitalism, the competitive marketplace, small business and the entrepreneur,” states No. 4 on the Bush Country top 10. I think capitalism is an all right thing, and I sure don’t want to be dousing my fries in anti-entrepreneur ketchup. Confused as ever, I continued to search and came upon the Heinz Web site, where I found the following quote: “Heinz Ketchup is a nonpartisan condiment that simply stands for great taste. It's enjoyed by Republicans,
We appreciate Kyle Robarts' article “Chapel speech poorly timed for grieving.” His article, while respectful, points out a frustration that many of our peers hold. It takes courage to call administrators out on the carpet and to stand up for the majority of students who are attentive during Chapel and respectable citizens of Abilene. Open dialogue between the student body and the administration, one that includes both praise and criticism, will bring us out of a superficial relationship into a more meaningful one. Therefore we hope that Kyle will not be reprehended
Democrats and independents,” said Debbie Foster, vice president of corporate communications for H.J. Heinz Company. Shocking. At this point my political world had taken a complete loopty-loop. It turns out that my consumption of Heinz qualifies me as a member of one of three parties. No longer confined by the existence of a sole political ketchup, which turned out to be erroneously Democratic anyway, I didn’t know what to do. At my wit’s end, I decided to watch the presidential debate and get some closure on this whole condiment conundrum. Much to my amazement, the candidates spoke nothing of ketchup, for or against. It was at this point that I had a revelation: Elections should be decided on matters more substantial than tomato paste.
over, I hope my pastor and others use every grieving moment to alert my loved ones, and anyone else that will listen, to what really, eternally matters. I hope it results in salvation, rededication, renewed fervor, and also respect, attentiveness, participation and passion during worship opportunities. Sometimes we sing, “You are standing on holy ground,” and it is important to remember that we really are doing exactly that during corporate
worship. We are literally approaching God and seeking to stand before Him in praise and worship. Those present only to get their credit toward an ACU requirement (in denial of whose presence they are in) should at least be attentive and respectful to earn that credit honestly. I am grateful to every administrator and professor who is dedicated to ACU as a Christian Ministry, and I thank you all! Thank you Dr. Wayne
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
The Optimist, Oct. 15 “Chapel speech poorly timed for grieving” by Kyle Robarts, sports editor
for his words, but rather his atypical article will set a precedent not only for the Optimist, but campuswide as well. -Amanda Musick, senior English major from Abilene -Tracy Long, senior sociology major from Abilene
“No, actually I’m swamped with work so much that I’m not going to do anything. I’m going to hole myself up.”
“Solo excursion and hopefully not getting lost in the wilderness.”
Re:
Patrick Vincent
Brian Mandel
junior English and finance major from Arlington
junior psychology major from San Antonio
The Optimist, Oct. 15 “Chapel speech poorly timed for grieving” by Kyle Robarts, sports editor
“Maybe, I’ll probably just stay in town and hang out.”
Barnard for your dedication and vigilance!
OPTIMIST
Re:
Fall break is next week. Do you have any big plans?
Respond to Gray at: optimist@acu.edu or weg02a@acu.edu
“I’m going home to see my family.”
Scott Hughes
Lauryn Lewis
senior business management major from Abilene
freshman English and photojournalism major from Houston
-Barry D. Williams
THE
influence to other students. I believe the same of our executive officers. -Dr. Mimi Barnard Director of Residence Life Education and Housing, assistant professor of English
In Your Words
Barnard should be praised for dedication As a parent of two ACU students, and hopefully, prayerfully a third, I want to publicly praise and thank Dr. Wayne Barnard for using every opportunity, including the passing of a dear colleague, to wake up and raise the consciousness of students to what is holy, deserving respect and participation, and of eternal importance. I am 56 and more than two-thirds (perhaps a lot more), of my life is possibly behind me. When my life is
The Optimist, Oct. 13 “Officers’ GPA should set example to students” letter from Aaron Wilder
Column reflected thoughts of many
Playing ketchup with politics, condiments I’m Warren Gray, and I approve this message. I had decided near the beginning of this presidential campaign that I was going to be a Democrat this time around. My reason: I just couldn’t give up ketchup. Surely you Gray know of John Kerry’s wife Matters Teresa Heinz Warren Gray Kerry’s affiliation with Heinz ketchup. As the campaign got underway, it was brought to my attention that if you bought Heinz ketchup, you were indirectly supporting John Kerry. For me, there has always been just one kind of ketchup, and that’s Heinz. I don’t need any of those off brands, especially the ones that spell it catsup as if it comes from a household pet. The decision was clear; I had no choice but to support John Kerry.
Re:
The Optimist Editorial Board
Published by the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Abilene Christian University
Editor in Chief
Opinion Editor
Jonathan Smith
Jaci Schneider
Managing Editor
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Lori Bredemeyer
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Online: www.acuoptimist.com
SPORTS JUMPS
Wednesday, October 20, 2004
Page 7
Football: TAMU-C up next Continued from Page 8 and he sat out the entire Angelo State game last week at Shotwell. Wiggins took some hits on Saturday, however, as he was sacked a season-high four times. Senior place-kicker Eben Nelson kicked two field goals and sophomore Brandon Henry returned a blocked punt for a 18-yard touchdown; the Wildcats’ defense and special teams once again played a key part in the victory. Once again the Wildcats were out-gained in total offense, a feat they haven’t been able to overcome in each of the team’s seven games this season. Derek Maupin, the Buffaloes quarterback, picked apart the ACU secondary for 430 yards and a touchdown while completing 41 of 59 passes. However, West Texas proved to be one dimensional as the team
KYLE ROBARTS/Contributing Photographer
ACU’s offensive line sets up for a play on Saturday against West Texas. ACU gained 197 rushing yards with the help of the line’s performance.
JV: HSU, Cisco next Continued from Page 8 Abilene. “I’ve gotten experience this year that will make me a better varsity player in the future.” The team hopes to win its final two games of the season
to finish with a winning record of 3-2-1. The team plays away games against HSU on Monday and Cisco on Nov. 4. E-mail Jeffrey at: acj00a@acu.edu
only gained 72 yards on the ground. Dawon Gentry (2 FF), Greg Yeldell and Corey Jordan all forced West Texas fumbles for the Wildcats, while Adam Black, Danieal Manning, Jordan, Jaime Bueno, Joe Edwards, Kevin Walker and Omar Tejada all recovered the Buffalo miscues. Henry led the squad with 12 tackles including one for a loss, while Black and Gentry contributed 10 and nine tackles respectively. Texas A&M-Commerce comes to town as the Homecoming opponent, and coach Gaines says that the players are excited to play in front of the large number of fans that will most likely be in attendance. Commerce is 2-5 this season and 0-3 in the South Division. E-mail Robarts at: kdr00c@acu.edu
SPORTSWEDNESDAY OPTIMIST
Page 8
Volleyball team blanks Angelo State 3-0
LSC South Standings Football Team Div. 1. E. New Mexico 4-0 2. A&M-Kingsville 3-0 3. Midwestern State 3-1 4. ACU 2-1 5. A&M-Commerce 0-3 5. Angelo State 0-3 7. W. Texas A&M 0-4
Tot. 5-3 6-0 5-2 4-3 2-5 1-7 1-6
Volleyball Team 1. ACU 2. Angelo State 3. E. New Mexico 4. A&M-Kingsville 5. West Texas A&M 6. Tarleton State
Div. 5-0 4-1 3-2 2-3 1-4 0-5
October 20, 2004
Tot. 20-6 17-6 18-5 8-16 16-11 13-13
Scores
Cats all alone in first place of the LSC South Division By BRIAN ROE SPORTS WRITER
The ACU volleyball team marched into the Junell Center in San Angelo Thursday night and pounded a helpless Angelo State team to take sole possession of first place in the Lone Star Conference South Division. The Wildcats dominated one of the biggest matches of the season for their fourth straight victory. The win leaves ACU 20-6 overall and a perfect
Volleyball 5-0 in the division. The Rambelles, who were tied with the Wildcats for first place atop the LSC South Division, were plummeted by ACU in a 3027, 30-24, 30Plumlee 27 sweep. Junior middle blocker Amanda Slate led the Wildcats, finishing with a game-high 16 kills, three service aces, four digs and a
.480 hitting percentage. Junior setter Lindsey Martin recorded 45 assists and three digs, junior outside hitter Michelle Bernhardt added eight kills and 13 digs and freshman outside hitter Abbie Lowry and junior middle blocker Ashlee Motola each finished with nine kills. “We wanted to put this match away in three games,” Slate said. “Our outside hitters played great and we really focused on defense and blocking.” Head coach Brek Horn—a 1996 graduate of Angelo State and a former volleyball standout for the Rambelles—said the
Volleyball ACU 3, Angelo State 0
Saturday Football ACU 27, West Texas A&M 24
Briefs Cross Country pulls out of the Chile Pepper Festival
—Steve Holt, Sports Writer
Tickets sold for softball benefit dinner continues The Wildcat softball team’s benefit dinner, “An intimate evening with Aaron Watson,” will take place on Nov. 9 at the Paramount Theatre at 352 Cypress St. Tickets can be purchased from any member of the softball team or at the Campus Store. The admission will cost $10, and the concert begins at 7 p.m.
KYLE ROBARTS/Contributing Photographer
Junior offensive lineman Josh Lively (No. 66) and junior tight end Clinton Farrell (No. 85) double up for a block on West Texas A&M’s defensive lineman Leon Walker (No. 95). The Wildcats won the game 27-24.
Wildcats win close one 27-24 Team holds off late rally to secure victory in Canyon By KYLE ROBARTS SPORTS EDITOR
One would think that if a team forced seven turnovers in a football game, it would be a blowout: It wasn’t for the Wildcats Saturday. ACU narrowly defeated the West Texas A&M Buffaloes 2724, holding off a late rally attempt after leading 27-10. Rashon Myles picked up the slack one week after starting running back Mark Gaines went down with a season-ending injury. He carried 32 times for 208 yards and one touchdown.
“Rashon might’ve had 300 had it not been for our penalties,” head coach Gary Gaines said. The Wildcats accumulated 135 penalty yards in Saturday’s contest on 12 infractions. “ T h e y found a way to win,” Gaines said. “And I think that’s commendable; they didn’t get frustrated, they just kept Henry playing hard.” The passing game under senior quarterback Greg Wiggins struggled, as he was eight of 23 for 120 yards, one touchdown and an interception. His touchdown pass came to Jerale Badon in the
Posting Up
Football third quarter, giving the freshman receiver four for the season and two in as many games. “I didn’t think that our passing game was as efficient as it could have been,” Gaines said. “But it was effective at times because we had some big Myles plays.” Wiggins returned this week after suffering a high-ankle sprain in ACU’s Oct. 2 matchup with Southeastern Oklahoma State, See FOOTBALL Page 7
E-mail Roe at: bpr00a@acu.edu
By ANDY JEFFREY
This week in Wildcat sports...
STUDENT REPORTER
(home events in italics)
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
Senior center Matthias Kreig works in the post against red-shirt freshman Chris Farr in the team’s first official practice Friday.
As Homecoming approaches, inquisitive high school students can be found in increasing number around campus. ACU students and faculty members answer their questions on a variety of topics, but one recurring question is inevitably repeated: What is Gray there to do in Matters Abilene? Warren Gray It’s a question we’ve all asked at one time or another. When I visited on one of the preview weekends it was asked at least five times, and of course the “it’s not what you do, it’s who you do it with” answer was repeated in at least five variances, as if to say: “There’s nothing to do, but aren’t these people great!” As I sat at the Angelo State versus ACU football game a couple of weeks ago, I couldn’t help but think of those questions as my friends and I sat on an otherwise empty bleacher. While admittedly devoid of offensive prowess, the game was very exciting and entertaining. About 3,500 people attended the game. While that may not sound too bad, over 6,000 attended ACU’s win over Tarleton in Stephenville earlier this season. When Danieal Manning recovered a fumble and ran it in for the winning touchdown against Angelo State, the ACU fans roared. That moment would have been twice as exhilarating had there been 6,000 fans on their feet. ACU’s volleyball team is in first place in the Lone Star Conference South. Some volleyball games have been relatively well attended, but when the Wild-
cats won a big five-game match over Eastern New Mexico about 200 people took in the action. On the other hand, when ACU traveled to San Angelo 934 fans attended, a much higher number than recorded at any Wildcat home match. There are things to do in Abilene, and for that matter at ACU. ACU sporting events are a great source of entertainment and could only be made more exciting by higher numbers of fans. Area high school fans have come to realize this about their respective schools. Two high schools play their home games at the same venue as ACU, Shotwell Stadium. Both Abilene High and Cooper attract thousands more to the games than ACU, and neither has as many students as ACU. One distinct advantage of attending an ACU game over a high school one: as an ACU student you don’t even have to pay, just flash your student ID, and you’re set. When one peer leader who gave my preview group a tour of campus was asked what there was to do in Abilene, he replied that sometimes he and his friends would just spend an evening at Wal-Mart. As long as they were together, they were having fun. I’ll take a football game over a “just hanging-out” trip to Wal-Mart any day. Saturday is ACU’s Homecoming football game. As the crowds are usually bolstered for this occasion, I encourage you to go to the game so we all can experience college football the way it was meant to be experienced—in front of a full house. On Saturday, support our school and our classmates and fill Shotwell. E-mail Gray at: weg02a@acu.edu
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
Wildcat fans cheer the football team against Southeastern Oct. 2
Players prepare for next level JV players look for experience to propel them to varsity level
- Kyle Robarts Sports Editor
Thursday, October 21 VB: at Eastern New Mexico, 7 p.m. Saturday, October 23 MCC: at LSC Championships, 10 a.m. WCC: at LSC championships, 10 a.m. VB: at West Texas A&M, 2 p.m. FB: TX A&M-Commerce, 2 p.m.
five-game thriller. ACU goes from Portales to Canyon to face their rival West Texas A&M Saturday at 2 p.m. The Wildcats swept the Lady Buffs at home Sept. 30. Sophomore setter Malia Plumlee said the Wildcats’ approach toward ENMU and West Texas A&M will be no different that any other team this season. “We will just take it one game at a time and play the way we are capable of,” she said.
ACU Sports can provide source of entertainment
Thursday
The ACU cross country teams did not compete as scheduled Saturday at the Chile Pepper Festival in Fayetteville, Ark., because of an injury the men’s No. 1 runner sustained Wednesday. Bernard Manirakiza said he felt pain in his left knee during a strenuous workout Wednesday, Oct. 13, after which he visited a local doctor. The latest diagnosis is that Manirakiza is day-today with an injury to his illiotibial band, a tendon that stretches between the knee and the ankle and is frequently stressed in runners. The teams trained this weekend in preparation Lone Star Conference Championships in Durant, Okla., on Oct. 23. The men’s team is favored to win its 14th-straight conference title, while the women will be in the running for their fourth straight.
turning point of the match was winning game one. “Winning the opening game was crucial for us,” Horn said. “If we don’t win that first game, their fans probably would have been a bigger part of the match. That was an important game.” Slate ACU will return to action Thursday at 7 p.m. traveling to Portales, N.M., to face Eastern New Mexico. The Wildcats edged out EMU at home Oct. 2 in a
Players on the ACU junior varsity football team have bigger goals this year than just winning games. The team, which is in its second year of existence, is seeking not only a winning record, but its players are looking for experience and practice that can take their game to the varsity level. One of the goals of the JV program is to give young players who may not be ready for varsity college football the opportunity to play in games while practicing with the ACU varsity team, JV coach Colby Carthel said. “Having JV games gives the guys something to look
JV Football forward to, other than just having practice all the time,” Carthel said. The team is not a part of an official league; instead the team plays other area schools including McMurry and Hardin–Simmons universities and Cisco Junior College. Even though the JV team has a record of 1-2-1 with a tie against Cisco, coaches see an improvement with the team this year. “We got beat really bad by HSU last year, and this year it was a really close game,” Carthel said. The JV program provides players who might not get much playing time at the varsity level the chance to showcase their skills, he said. “The games give players
the opportunity to prove themselves to the coaches,” Carthel said. NCAA rules allow football players only four years of college eligibility, meaning a player can only play in games for four years of his collegiate career. Many players are red shirted to save their four years of eligibility until they are ready to play at the varsity level. However, if a player is a part of the JV team, it counts against that player’s four years. Many players on the JV team can also suit up with the varsity team for games played at Shotwell Stadium, but they do not travel with the team to away games. “I think it has been a good opportunity to play football on the JV level,” said Mark Trevino, sophomore financial management major from See JV Page 7