WEDNESDAY November 3, 2004
OPTIMIST THE
Department of Journalism and Mass Communication
Abilene Christian University
Vol. 93, No. 21 1 section, 8 pages www.acuoptimist.com
Serving the ACU community since 1912
Cats clinch LSC title:
Local church begins $4 million renovation:
Wildcats win on road:
The volleyball team swept Angelo State to officially win the conference title. Page 8
Work began Oct. 24 on an addition to the University Church of Christ that will include a kitchen, athletic area and an all-purpose room. Page 4
The football team traveled to A&M-Kingsville this weekend and won 17-10. Page 8
Victory leans toward Bush Stenholm concedes defeat to Neugebauer in District 19
Bush leads Electoral votes, key battleground states By JONATHAN SMITH
By LORI BREDEMEYER
EDITOR IN CHIEF
MANAGING EDITOR
With several key battleground states still up for grabs, President George W. Bush led in projected Electoral College votes 249 to Sen. John Kerry’s, D-Mass., 242. Wisconsin, Ohio, Iowa, Nevada and New Mexico remained undetermined at 2 a.m. Wednesday. The election could come down to which way Ohio votes and which candidate receives its 20 electoral votes. To win the presidency, a candidate must garner at least 270 of the nation’s 538 electoral votes. Should Ohio’s votes go to Bush, as several networks predicted around midnight, he would guarantee at least a tie in the Electoral College. In case of an Electoral tie, the House of Representatives, the majority of which is Republican, would choose the president. Even if pollsters predict a winner in Ohio, it is possible lawyers from either campaign could become involved, delaying the final results from being known and creating a situation similar to the litigation and recounts in Florida during the 2000 election.
In a race that pitted two incumbents against each other in a newly redrawn congressional district, Rep. Randy Neugebauer, RLubbock, defeated Rep. Charlie Stenholm, DAbilene, by almost 20 percentage points on Tuesday. At press time, the results showed Neugebauer maintained the lead 58 percent to 40 percent over Stenholm. Libertarian candidate Richard Peterson had 2 percent of the votes. Stenholm led the race in five of the 27 counties in the district: Castro, Fisher, Kent, Nolan and Taylor. In Taylor County, he won by 3 percentage points and only 990 votes, and voter turnout was at an all-time high with 48,479 people voting, compared to the previous record of 45,880. Stenholm, who served District 17 for more than 25 years, gave a speech at 10 p.m. at the Elks Art Center in Abilene, thanking his family and supporters for their years of encouragement. “As we said, it’s been a great 26 years — no regrets,” Stenholm said. “My congratulations to my opponent, Randy, in this race; he ran a good, hard race, and we congratulate him on his win. See CONGRESS Page 5
See RESULTS Page 5
Students, faculty discuss issues
Saying goodbye with ‘no regrets’
Chapel forum, debate begin discussion about election, voting By SARAH CARLSON COPY EDITOR
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
Rep. Charlie Stenholm, D-Abilene, concedes defeat to Rep. Randy Neugebauer, R-Lubbock, in the 19th District for the U.S. House of Representatives. Neugebauer garnered 58 percent of the vote while Stenholm brought in 40 percent.
Thursday marks beginning of Sadies Women encouraged to ask men to activities planned for weekend By LAURA STORK STAFF WRITER
Sadies Week is Thursday through Tuesday and will include free entertainment from Mr. Gatti's, Shakes Frozen Custard, Starbucks and the Town and Country Drive-In. Couples can also enter the create-a-date contest to win prizes. Campus Activity Board intern Candace Williams, sophomore social work major from Garland, said that although everything is free, students must pick up tickets for each evening’s activity to enjoy the
free food or drink. Around 250 tickets will be given away every day after Chapel in the Campus Center except the day of the drive-in, which won't require a ticket for admission. Sadies week will begin Thursday with a free buffet at Mr. Gatti's from 5-9 p.m.; each student will also receive four free tokens. On Friday, Shakes will give out small ice creams or sundaes with one choice topping from noon-11 p.m. Couples can create a date and document it through pictures, video or a story Saturday. Documentation should be turned in by 5 p.m. on Nov. 11 in the CAB office, See WEEK Page 5
About two-thirds of the students at the Chapel forum Monday night in Cullen Auditorium raised their hands indicating they had already voted or were planning to vote in the presidential election. Later they heard different viewpoints on politics and why Christians should be involved, as well as philosophical stances on why Christians should abstain from the process. A panel of four professors and a representative of the Abilene community discussed issues relating to Christianity and the electoral process. Following the forum, members of the College Democrats and College Republicans debated partisan issues and the presidential candidates. Dr. Wendell Willis, associ-
ate professor of Bible, ministry and missions, outlined David Lipscomb’s philosophy of a Christian not taking part in the political process; Anthony Williams, Campus Store manager, explained his views on a Christian’s role in society and politics; Dr. Joseph Cardot, chair of the Department of Communication, explained his Republican philosophy as a Christian; Dr. David Dillman, professor of political science, explained his Democratic philosophy as a Christian; and Dr. Randy Harris, instructor of Bible, ministry and missions, talked about how to make ethical decisions in politics. Dr. Cheryl Bacon, chair of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, moderated the forum and relayed questions from the audience to the panel. Williams and Cardot advocated a Christian’s responsibility to participate in government. See POLITICS Page 5
Sadies schedule
Runners set for Saturday
Thursday, Mr. Gatti’s: Free buffet tickets and four tokens, 5-9 p.m. Pick up tickets in the Campus Center after Chapel.
Money raised from race will benefit family of Tiffany Hamilton
Friday, Shakes: Free small concrete or sundae, noon-11 p.m. Pick up tickets in the Campus Center after Chapel.
By CHRISTY GOWER
Saturday, Create a date: Document (pictures, video, story, etc.) a creative date and turn it in to the Campus Activities Board office by Nov. 11. Monday, Drive-In: Free showing of The Terminal, 8 p.m. Gate opens at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Starbucks: Free tall latte or frappuccino of any kind. Pick up tickets in the Campus Center after Chapel.
FEATURES EDITOR
Sign-ups for the Tiffany Hamilton Memorial Run continue through Friday in the Campus Center ticket windows from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the run Saturday at 9 a.m. at Elmer Gray Stadium. The run is sponsored by Students in Free Enterprise, a group of about 20 students. The organization began for the run last year to help Hamilton’s family pay medical bills after her death in September. The money will again go to her family for bills, said Jessica Sjolander, project co-leader and senior marketing major from Mt. Vernon, Wash. “From the size [of the bills]
from last year, that is kind of the assumption; it was a huge amount,” Sjolander said. The run is set up like a race, with a $12 sign-up fee and gift certificates to area stores and restaurants as prizes for the top three male and female runners. Sjolander said she hoped to have about the same number of participants as last year, which was 200. “If every [SIFE member] can get 10, at least, of their friends or just by word of mouth, I think it’s very doable,” she said. “And enough people knew Tiffany Hamilton from last year and want to support her and her family that I think it would not be too much to ask.” Each runner will receive a free T-shirt for participating. Last year, Sjolander said SIFE earned about $2,000 from the run to help Hamilton’s. “We want to make sure that we’re still supporting them,”
she said. “We probably won’t do this every year, but we wanted to make sure we did it at least one more year.” She said students should sign up to show support for a fellow student and her family. “You can come, you can run if you want, or you can just make a donation just to help out,” she said. “It’s a really great cause. It’ll just show the support to the family. All those people who knew her, I’m sure they’re still hoping to help out in some way, and this is a great way to do that.” Though Julio Alvarado, project co-leader and freshman marketing major from San Diego, never met Hamilton, he agreed that it is a good cause. “I would want somebody to help my family out,” he said. E-mail Gower at: cng02a@acu.edu
CAMPUS
DAY
Wednesday, November 3, 2004
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Calendar&Events Tiffany Hamilton Run sign-ups, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows.
Wednesday
Sadies Week ticket handouts, 11:30 a.m., Campus Center ticket windows.
Reservations Only, 6-7:30 p.m.
FilmFest tickets, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows. Spring Break Campaigns ticket pickups, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows. Hello Book sales, 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows. Spring Break Campaigns information fair, 11:45 a.m.-8 p.m., Hilton Room. Tiffany Hamilton Run sign-ups, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows.
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Hello Book sales, 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows.
Spring Break Campaigns ticket pickups, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows.
FilmFest tickets, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows.
Saturday
Sadies Week ticket handouts, 11:30 a.m., Campus Center ticket windows.
Common Ground Conference.
Hello Book sales, 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows.
International Rescue Committee, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Hilton Room.
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Friday
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.
Thursday
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Culture Show ticket sales, noon-4 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows.
Sadies Week ticket handouts, 11:30 a.m., Campus Center ticket windows.
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Leadership
Sunday
variety of shifts during the day and night to take donations in honor or memory of friends and family members. Contact the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center for more information. Four male volunteers are needed to help a woman load furniture into a truck as she prepares to move on Wednesday at 1 p.m. until the loading is done. Contact Dezarae Gaines at 660-6330 for more information. Hendrick Home for Children needs volunteers to set up tables,
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Tuesday
Halo Party, 1-7 a.m., Campus Center Recreation Area.
Spring Break Campaign leaders meeting, 7:30-8:30 p.m., Living Room.
Sadie’s Week ticket handouts, 11:30 a.m., Campus Center ticket windows.
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Culture Show ticket sales, noon-4 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows.
Monday
FilmFest tickets, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows.
Volunteer Opportunities Volunteers are needed Tuesday and Thursday each week to sell FilmFest tickets from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Campus Center ticket windows. Volunteers are needed at the show Nov. 12 to sell tickets before the show and to serve as ushers. Contact the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center for more information. Hendrick Hospice Care needs volunteers to help with Light Up a Life Christmas Tree at the Mall of Abilene from Nov. 22 through Dec. 23. Volunteers are needed for a
Percussion Ensemble Concert, 8 p.m., Cullen Auditorium.
serve lunch and clear tables after their fashion show Nov. 15 from 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Contact the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center for more information. The Junior League of Abilene needs volunteers to help with its Christmas Carousel luncheon and style show Friday from 10:30 a.m.1:30 p.m. and the Nutcracker Tea Sunday from 12:30 - 4:00 p.m. Female volunteers are preferred. Contact the Volunteer and ServiceLearning Center for more information.
Students’ Association Social, 6:30-8 p.m., Living Room.
Chapel Check-Up Credited Chapels to date: Credited Chapels remaining:
51 19 Announcements
Sign-ups are taking place for the 3-on-3 basketball weekend tournament on Friday and Saturday. The deadline will be Thursday, and the cost is $35 per team. Tickets for FilmFest are available for purchase from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Online ticket purchases will be available as well. Hello Books are available for purchase for $10 in the Campus Center ticket windows Wednesday through Friday. Students can charge them to their accounts or pay by check or cash. For more information, contact Lorri at Ext. 2296. One Nite 2 Unite, a gathering of college students from across Abilene for worship, prayer and unity will be Friday from 8-10 p.m. at The Crossover on South 1st Street. Fliers with maps to the location will be on display around campus. For more information, contact Rance Bland at rgb00a@acu.edu or Mark Lewis at Mark.Lewis@acu.edu. University Church of Christ is conducting a special 9 o’clock worship service Sunday called “Shake the Building.” Randy Harris will speak, and Steve Moore will lead worship. The Tiffany Hamilton Run will be conducted Saturday in
memory of Tiffany Hamilton, an ACU student who died in 2003. The proceeds will go to charity, and tickets are now on sale for the remainder of the week in the Campus Center ticket windows. Students wishing to serve as class Sing Song leaders are encouraged to contact their class senators. Call Ext. 2583 for more information. Walgreens will be conducting on-campus interviews for retail management trainee positions Wednesday. To submit a resume and request an interview, see instructions online at my.acu.edu. All majors are welcome to apply, but qualifications must be met. The Chapel prayer room is now available on Mondays and Tuesdays in the Gibson Health and P.E. Center Room 230. Students are welcome to use the opportunity for silent prayer or worship. J.R. Kessler and six students are traveling to New Mexico next week to experience field production and to film the Fort Craig 150th anniversary celebration and re-enactment. Civil War period costumes are needed to help the group blend in. Students who can loan costumes are encouraged to contact Kessler at jr.kessler@acuvideo.acu.edu.
Computer network system undergoes change of heart Servers shut down during computer hardware upgrade By BRIAN BAH STUDENT REPORTER
ACU replaced the heart of its network this weekend, shutting down the servers from Friday at 6 p.m. to 9 a.m. Saturday. This was the first major piece of a project to upgrade the school’s computer hardware that will span the next couple of months. Four ACU network administrators, along with an engineer and networkers from Alcatel, the company through which ACU is purchasing the hardware components, replaced the network core for a new one. Arthur Brant, network administrator, said the network core is the mixmaster, where roads converge, in the metaphor of the Internet as the information superhighway.
“We are basically taking out the interchange where all the roads come together, all the connections from various parts of the campus come together,” Brant said. “We are taking it out and replacing it with new hardware that has more connections and more bandwidth.” Kay Reeves, director of technology support, said the weekend changes were successful for an overhaul of this size with only small problems with some printers and some students being shut out of the network. As of Monday, these problems had not been fixed. The changes made are meant to update some of ACU’s dated networking hardware. “Part of the reason we are looking at changing out some core equipment is because the network components we have had on campus were first installed in 1996,” Brant said. “So we basically have an 8year-old network on our cam-
pus now.” The change included switching from a network that operated on 750 megabytes to gigabit technology, which operates at a faster speed. “The old network has been sufficient over the years to sustain a move to Banner; it’s been sufficient as we introduced network activities in the residence hall,” Brant said. “We did not want to get to a point, though, where the networking was breaking faster then we could fix it.” The last task this big that the computer and networking departments undertook was a switch in telephone services July 6-8, 2001, when administrators replaced 3,500 phone lines in the Administration Building and all residence halls.
E-mail Bah at: optimist@acu.edu
About This Page The Optimist maintains this calendar for the ACU community to keep track of local social, academic and service opportunities. Groups may send announcements directly to optimist@jmc.acu.edu or to the Page 2 Editor, ACU Box 27892, Abilene, TX 79699.
To ensure that an item will appear on time, the announcement should be sent at least 10 days before. The Optimist may edit items for space and style. Corrections and clarifications of published news articles will be printed in this space in a timely manner.
Wednesday, November 3, 2004
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CAMPUS NEWS
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Wednesday, November 3, 2004
University Church begins substantial renovations Local Church of Christ initiates $4 million building expansion By MALLORY SHERWOOD STAFF
WRITER
Children with toy spades and shovels broke ground Oct. 24 at University Church of Christ to celebrate the beginning of a $4 million renovation and new activity center project expected to be completed by December 2005. The ceremony was simple and focused on the children because the project is intended for them, said Dr. Charles
Marler, head of the elders at University Church and professor of journalism and mass communication. He also said senior members of the church who had been members since the old church building was built 50 years ago were honored. Church secretary Gail Crane said the church, located on East North 16th Street, has 1,077 members. “It has definitely grown in the last five years,” said Crane. “We went from about 600 members in 1998 to where we are now in 2004.” This increase has led to a need for more space, said Ron Smith, deacon of the church and coordinator of
the project. “This congregation feels that it is our turn to do something for the future instead of being the future,” Smith said. The new building will be located across from the old church building on East North 15th Street and will include kitchen facilities, an athletic area equipped with showers and a locker room, a work-out room and a place to walk indoors. A large multipurpose room where weddings, receptions and churchwide functions can be conducted will also be added. In addition to the new building, the church will install an elevator in the old church building, add four
large adult classrooms, design a new entrance on the southwest side facing East North 15th Street, landscape the parking lots between buildings and add sidewalks, Marler said. “It is very expected today for congregations to have something for the young people and for churchwide meetings,” Marler said. “We just didn’t have that and felt it was time to help the next generation of the church.” The church was built in 1952 and has not been renovated since, he said. “The generation that built the church 50 years ago was the parents of our senior members now,” Marler said.
Registration for spring classes occurs with just a few minor problems By TIFFANY TAYLOR STAFF
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
Seekers of the Word, an ACU drama group, performs in Chapel on Tuesday. The group presented a series of short skits about what it means to be a Christian and where one’s priorities should be.
Jazz band swings into concert By LAURA STORK STAFF WRITER
The ACU jazz band will perform its fall concert at 8 p.m. Thursday night in Cullen Auditorium. The band, which consists of four trumpets, five trombones, five saxophones, a piano, a bass and the drums, will feature singer Lauren Bush, the dance group Swing Cats and will spotlight the dance moves of Dustin Carlin. “I like doing off-the-wall things,” said Greg Bush, director of jazz studies. “When I
went to Freshman Follies, I saw Dustin do his Michael Jackson routine and asked him if he would do his act with the band.” Bush, who wrote an arrangement of three Michael Jackson songs for Carlin to dance to, said he wants to encourage the talent of students at ACU, a reason he chose to incorporate Swing Cats into the show. “When I heard about them, I just had to get them involved,” Bush said. Cole Bennett, adviser of Swing Cats, said the Cats are a great fit to the big band days of the '30s and '40s and that their dancing will correspond well to the show. “Swing dance is incredibly
“The elders are extremely appreciative and in awe of the congregation and their response,” Marler said. “In addition to the $3.2 million raised this past year, the congregation has also given more than $1 million in regular contributions as well as $100,000 in special contributions. “It is testimony that the group is very sacrificial, concerned and committed to its ministries. The have been servants with the money God has put into their hand to manage.”
E-mail Sherwood at: mes02e@acu.edu
Students register easily online
Seek and ye shall find
Ensemble gears up for its swing-heavy fall performance
“Now their children had an obligation to leave something for the future of the church and its ministries like the 1952 congregation did.” Sunday marked the beginning of the project with the actual moving of dirt, starting the project in a big way, Smith said. “We were originally going to add on to our building 10 years ago,” Smith said. “It was similar in concept to what we are starting now, but much smaller. It wasn’t good timing because the economy was not great at the time.” The congregation has collected almost all of the money needed to complete the project.
exciting and fun,” Bennett said. “Our club seeks to preserve the big band ideals in the 21st century.” The love for jazz that Bennett and Bush share will hopefully be imparted on the audience, Bush said. Before moving to Texas two years ago, Bush lived in Canada, freelancing as a trumpet player and jazz musician, and he said he loves his current job at ACU. Bush, who said he likes to get his students out and performing as much as they can handle, said the next gig for the jazz band will be at the Windsor Hotel on Nov. 13. E-mail Stork at: las00f@acu.edu
WRITER
Registration for ACU’s spring 2005 semester is underway with almost no problems, said registrar Danelle Brand. Brand attributes the smooth registration process to students’ increased understanding of Internet registration. Honors office student worker Kaela Latimer, junior elementary education major from Amarillo, said, “Some classes filled up in a minute.” She said some favorite classes include Jeff Childers' Honors Acts-Revelations and a colloquium about Leonardo Da Vinci. “We’re working on getting more classes so we can work on meeting the needs of the increasing number of students we have,” Latimer said. She said she believes the main problem with Honors registration is limited room in classes. Although the Honors Program is expanding, the classes are still preferred small.
While the process in general has been relatively smooth, students have come upon some problems. “There were a few problems in some of the dorms,” Latimer said, referring to students whose computers would not allow them to register. Other students received incorrect advising release forms or found out too late about holds. “I think the best advice is to look on ahead of time and see if there are any holds,” Brand added. Holds keep students from registering for classes. Financial Services, Health Records or Admissions will often set holds on an individual until payments are made, correct paperwork is turned in or the final high school transcript is received. Sandra Larson, a freshman undeclared major from Tucson, Ariz., said she hopes to be better prepared next time she registers. “I’ll know what I’m doing a little bit more,” said Larson, who was kept from registering during Honors registration because of a late transcript. Larson said she believes the registration system is good but admits being frustrated at how quickly
classes fill up. “If one class is gone, you have to change your schedule,” she said. “It’s hard to prepare for that.” Latimer said students can aid those in charge of the registration process by being more prepared. “It would make it easier for us if they would not come in the day of registration wanting to create a schedule,” said Latimer. Last-minute planning leaves less time for students who have planned ahead of time who call with questions about the registration process. Brand said she tells students to keep pursuing courses or teachers they originally wanted in case a student drops the class, leaving an open spot. She also encourages students to return to their adviser if a scheduling mistake has been made. Latimer admits that special circumstances may cause the Honors Program to let someone like a senior who needs a colloquium class to enroll in graduate in an already full class. E-mail Taylor at: tat04a@acu.edu
Christmas shopping comes early Carousel at Civic Center presents early shopping opportunity By HAYLEY JONES STUDENT REPORTER
For students looking for a way to get their Christmas shopping done a little early, one of the first opportunities will be the 24th annual Christmas Carousel, which takes place Thursday through Sunday. More than 100 merchants from Abilene and across the state will set up shop in the Civic Center for four days and will offer a variety of products, said organizer Sheila Warren. “Everything that’s perfect for Christmas gifts — clothes to home décor, gourmet food to jewelers, specialty soaps to linens — you will be able to find at Christmas Carousel,” Warren said.
Christmas Carousel is the Junior League of Abilene’s sole fund-raiser for its 11 projects, including Fort Imagination, the new community playground built in September. Last year it raised $138,000, with 5,000 people in attendance, Warren said. This year the League set a goal to raise more than $150,000. In order to increase attendance, the League put up billboards, small promotional posters around town and distributed fliers at daycares. “I think college students would love Christmas Carousel; it is something not often seen in Abilene and will get students into the Christmas spirit,” Warren said. The Carousel begins Thursday night with the preview party and is open for shopping Friday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. In addition to shopping in
a market hall, shoppers can attend special events, including “Putting on the Ritz,” a style show and luncheon, taking place Friday; “Breakfast in Toyland,” a children's breakfast and entertainment with illustrator Paul Zelinsky on Saturday morning; “Tea with Eloise,” which will be Saturday afternoon with performances of scenes from the “Nutcracker;” and a “Black & White Ball Gala” with dinner, dancing and a silent auction Saturday evening. The entrance fee for shopping in the market hall is $5; additional event tickets can be purchased at the Carousel. With a theme of “Christmas at the Ritz,” Warren said shoppers will experience “a classic Christmas with a little kick.”
E-mail Jones at: optimist@acu.edu
Wednesday, November 3, 2004
FROM THE FRONT PAGE/CAMPUS NEWS
Page 5
Results: Students predict recount Continued from Page 1 Some students watching the election results throughout the evening predicted a recount was possible. “Kerry is probably going to win or something, and Bush is going to do a recount or vice versa,” said Rashad Williams, freshman business major from Irving. As expected, Texas overwhelmingly went for Bush, and Taylor County voted 77 percent for Bush. Students on campus gath-
ered in rooms and residence hall lobbies to watch election returns come in throughout the evening. Some made predictions, about how they believed it would end. Others were not as quick to make solid predictions remembering the 2000 election, which was drawn out for several weeks. “This year it’s not as intense, and I doubt it will be as drawn out as last time, but we won’t know tonight,” said Marie Thomas, residence director of Nelson Hall. For most students, this elec-
tion represented the first time they were able to vote for the president. Some simply became interested for the first time. “This is the first presidential election I’ve ever really been in to because Bush really affects my job personally because he supports abstinence programs in schools,” said Adam Paa, senior social work major from Houston. Jaci Schneider contributed to this report. E-mail Smith at: jvs02a@acu.edu
Congress: Stenholm concedes Continued from Page 1 “But the real winners are the people in this district,” he said. “We had a record turnout, and that’s what makes this night acceptable. Disappointing, but acceptable.” After his speech, Stenholm called Neugebauer in Lubbock to concede the race, and at about 10:15 p.m., Neugebauer, who has served District 19 since June 2003, addressed his supporters at Texas Tech University and thanked God for his victory. “One of the sweetest things
to our ears is that people would walk up to Dana [his wife] and I and say, ‘I’m voting for you, but I’m also praying for you,’” Neugebauer said. He added that he had just spoken to Stenholm and that District 17 and West Texas should be appreciative of Stenholm’s years in Congress. “Just before I came out here, I had a phone call from a great congressman, Charlie Stenholm,” Neugebauer said. “I want to thank him for his service … and he is to be commended for his service and his sacrifice.”
In 2003, Texas congressional district lines were redrawn, splitting District 17, which included Abilene and San Angelo, into three parts and placing Abilene in District 19 with Lubbock. The new District 19 includes 27 counties that stretch from Deaf Smith near Amarillo on the New Mexico border down to Eastland County in the Big Country and up to Archer County near the Oklahoma border. E-mail Bredemeyer at: lmb00g@acu.edu
EYAKEM GULILAT/Contributing Photographer
Rep. Charlie Stenholm, D-Abilene, does an interview on his cell phone after conceding the District 19 U.S. Congressional race to Rep. Randy Neugebauer, R-Lubbock. Stenholm was pitted against Neugebauer after redistricting in June 2003 redrew the district lines for West Texas.
Honor society inducts members Two Phi Eta Sigma members travel to national convention SUSAN SPIVEY STUDENT REPORTER
The Phi Eta Sigma freshman honor society sent two members to a national convention Oct. 15-17 and inducted 21 new members the following day. According to its Web site, Phi Eta Sigma is a national honor society dedicated to rewarding and encouraging academic excellence among college freshmen. “We do not have an active chapter here,” said . Some chapters raise money for scholarships or do tutoring or community service, but Dr. David Dillman, professor of political science, said ACU’s chapter has not done that because so many other groups on campus do those things. “The main thing is to recognize the work freshman stu-
dents have done,” Dillman said. Students can qualify by having a grade point average of 3.5 or higher in either the fall or spring semester of their freshman year, Dillman said, but do not have to maintain the GPA beyond their freshman year to keep their membership. “Once you’re in it, you’re a member for life,” Dillman said. The 21 new members inducted Oct. 18 are sophomores who either qualified last spring or did not join the society when they qualified in the fall of 2003, Dillman said. Dr. John Willis, professor of Biblical studies, spoke at the induction ceremony, which only 12 of the new members attended, Dillman said. The new members are Maximo Ballesteros, Tyler Barnett, Brandon Barr, Jared Brockinton, Meagan Brunts, Kayli Fredrick, Garima Gandhir, John Giles, Caroline Green, Jerrod Hayslip, Abbie Howell, Ashley Hutto, Takisha Knight, Bryan Machingura,
Grace Moore, Jason Murillo, Kami Porche, Jennifer Regas, Lauren Smith, Sally Stevens and Virginia Swangler. Another induction will take place in March for freshmen who qualify this semester, Dillman said. He said about 100 new members are inducted each year. ACU’s chapter also sent two upperclassman members, Nicole Weaver and Amber Witcher, to the Phi Eta Sigma National Convention in Savannah, Ga., Oct. 15-17. Witcher, junior elementary education major from Brownwood, said the convention enabled them to meet students from Phi Eta Sigma chapters at other schools. She said students from 41 schools across the United States attended the convention. “We learned a lot about what other chapters do,” Witcher said. “It was a very diverse group.” E-mail Spivey at: optimist@acu.edu
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
Randy Harris (right), instructor of Bible, ministry and missions, laughs while answering a student’s question while Dr. David Dillman, professor of political science, looks on during the Chapel forum about Christianity and politics on Monday night in Cullen Auditorium.
Politics: Debate followed forum Continued from Page 1
really my concern. I would say that I suspect that one of the reasons this is a hot-button “What if all Christians sudissue is it’s one of those places denly withdrew from the elecwhere a lot of Christians can toral process?” Williams asked. come off feeling like we’re pret“I can see it, and the picture ty clean and good, and we see isn’t pretty. We talk a lot about that as a way of beating up on changing the world, but we people we think are not as good can’t change a lot if we’re not as we are.” engaged.” At the debate between the Dillman left the option of College Republicans and not participating open, admitCollege Democrats, Lizz ting politics is not all-imporAlvarez, senior political science tant. major from McAllen, and Josh “There is very little pure that Massingill, sophomore political goes on in politics,” Dillman science masaid. jor from H o w e v e r, “We talk a lot about changing the world, but we Abilene, he did explain debated for ways a Christcan’t change a lot if we’re not engaged.” the Repubian should get licans while involved and Anthony Williams, Campus Store manager Te r e s a how their rePecinovsky, sponse to iss e n i o r sues such as poverty and civil rights should marriage. Dillman called for Christian ministry major from civil rights for all citizens, and Cresco, Iowa, and Michael be Christ-like. Willis explained Lipscomb’s Williams said he is offended by Johnson, freshman communibelief that because human gov- the comparison of gay rights to cation and education major ernments are sinful, Christians the Civil Rights Movement and from Cisco debated for the should not be engaged in them said Christians need to oppose Democrats. The teams debated abortion, and should simply pay taxes gay marriage at all costs. Willis and be good citizens. He said said homosexuals deserve the the war on Terror and in Iraq, carbon emissions, minimum he is disinterested in politics same rights as heterosexuals. “I think every citizen of this wage and gay rights. but votes out of respect for sacPecinovsky said the presirifices others have made, main- country should be treated ly his father-in-law’s involve- equally as citizens,” Willis said. dential election is important, “That is not the question of and she is glad students at ACU ment in World War II. Harris explained that he marriage; marriage as I under- can come together to debate does not vote because he finds stand it has to do with individ- pertinent issues. “We choose not to shy away the high power in the country uals and their relationship to God. Now there are people who from controversial issues even and that of God incompatible. He later explained the differ- don’t do marriage that way -- though we are a Christian unience between philosophical how they do it is their prefer- versity,” she said. and political ethics and ence. The church has a right if Christian ethics, where the for- they are going to bless somemer calls humans to be mini- thing to ask what it is they’re mally decent while the later blessing, but how Caesar E-mail Carlson at: prefers to run marriages is not calls humans to be good. skc02a@acu.edu “When you sign up to be a disciple of Jesus Christ you take on a whole different ethical sphere than you do just in the political or philosophical,” Harris said. “So now as a Christian it’s not enough for me to be a minimally decent Samaritan, I have to be a good Samaritan.” Students submitted questions ranging from why a Christian shouldn’t vote to abortion to education funding to immigration. A reactive topic was a Christian’s view on gay
Week: Free activities draw many Continued from Page 1 Room 20 in the Campus Center basement. The first place prize is dinner for two at Chili's and two movie tickets. Second place will win dinner for two at Chili's and third place will win two movie tickets. The drive-in will be showing The Terminal at 8 p.m. Monday, and the week will end on Tuesday at Starbucks, where students can get free tall latte's or tall frappuccinos of any flavor from noon to 11
p.m. "Sadie’s Week is one of my favorite weeks during the year," said Lauri Anne Hemphill, senior graphic design major from San Angelo. "It's fun because not only is everything free, but also because I get to ask out lots of boys." Hemphill said that in the past she has been known to make lists of guys to ask to every activity and has even asked dates to activities she added on her own such as church and lunch after church.
After hearing Hemphill's strategy, Travis Akins, senior youth and family major from Mansfield, said he hopes girls are making lists with his name on it. "I enjoy Sadie’s Week because it's nice to have the pressure taken off of me,” Akins said. “And because it's fun to see who will ask me out."
E-mail Stork at: las00f@acu.edu
VIEWSWEDNESDAY OPTIMIST
Page 6
November 3, 2004
Fall break falls too late
The issue: Fall break falls too late in the semester to relieve students of stress when they need it the most.
Our view: Fall break should be more than one day, and it should be earlier in October.
The solution: The break does not need to revolve around Homecoming. For the few involved in Homecoming activities a break before the events would lessen the stress of the week.
Fall break came this year at the end of October, the climax of the semester when students have endured midterms and gone through the school year without a break. The Editorial Board believes the original purpose of fall break was to actually create a break during the fall semester at a time when stress levels are at their peak and illness is frequent. The break should also be more than one day, preferably two, as students do not have any other days off during the fall semester aside from three at Thanksgiving.
Unfortunately, A break needs to be just that: A break from class, a point of breaking before they Homecoming break from school and even a break from Abilene have the oppordetermines fall tunity to rest. break and next The break year the break again will be after Homecoming, work on their club’s grubs, needs to come closer to the which is Oct. 15. Most students attending retreats and building beginning of October and before are not actively involved in their club’s Homecoming float. It Homecoming, basically cutting Homecoming and need an earlier would benefit their emotional the semester in half. Many stufall break because of schoolwork, and physical state as well as their dents take their fall breaks early, sickness and stress levels. Those schoolwork to have a break dur- leaving on Thursday and someinvolved in Homecoming, how- ing pledging. Several other times Wednesday to enjoy a ever, mainly those pledging groups and students on campus longer break. Many students do social clubs and involved in work especially hard for Home- not have Friday classes, or many activities such as the Home- coming weekend, whether it is at that, and therefore having a coming Musical, deserve a break performing a musical, decorating Friday off can equate to students before the event. Many pledges the campus and organizing deciding to sleep in or not do not get a weekend off during Homecoming events. They de- attend class. If the break was the pledging season, having to serve to not be worked to the more than one day, this problem
‘OC’ not just silly soap for teens “We’ve been on the run, through the season. We were driving in the sun, looking hooked. Who is this Oliver out for No. 1, California here guy, and why does Marissa we come, right back where we believe him? Can Ryan show started from.” more than one emotion? Will As I tried to people find out about Julie adjust my mind and Luke? I love The Nana. away from fall Soon, the group coming break and the together became larger by extra hour of word of mouth and the sleep back into increasing intrigue and unthe rush of predictability of the show. We a s s i g n m e n t s would be silent between comI am the and responsi- mercial breaks, holding our bilities, one breath and taking bets on Enemy thing got me what would happen next (but Sarah Carlson through the not real bets because that is harsh transition: remember- against the Student Guide). ing the season premiere of We would yell out at the The O.C. Thursday night. shocking moments like the Some of you may have previously mentioned Julie already lost interest in this Cooper and Luke Ward’s piece, thinking The O.C. escapade and tear up at the nothing but a touching ones, dumb teenage like the visit The group coming from Seth’s nana. soap opera on FOX, one of the And of course, together became worst network every time the channels creatlarger by word of opening credits ed. Well, you roll, all of our mouth and the are right. The heads start to show is outra- increasing intrigue nod to the beat geous and of Phantom m e l o d r a m a t i c and unpredictabili- Planet. at times, and We have ty of the show. I’ve come to been talking alearn most Calbout the preifornians from that area do mier for months now, agoniznot appreciate the stereotype. ing over the fact it has been But that is what makes it delayed this long. so good. Where did Seth sail off to I was once a scoffer myself, and is he coming back? Is refusing to view the show, Ryan really the father? Is Julie thinking it beneath my time going to find out about and intelligence. How foolish Caleb’s financial situation? Is I was. Any show that uses Marissa going to flip out Journey songs in their pro- again? mos is obviously going to be I can’t wait to find out. worthwhile. I love The Vegas. A group of my friends started taping the show and getting together Wednesday nights to watch it last year, E-mail Carlson at: optimist@acu.edu or skc02a@acu.edu starting about halfway
In Your Words Do you think the election will be decided by the time students read the ‘Optimist’ on Wednesday? “Yes. I don’t think it will go on like last time.”
Hannah Orozco
freshman biology major from Sweetwater
freshman speech pathology major from College Station
“The verdict will be delayed due to electyle disfunction.”
Election timeline befuddles cartoonist I was trying to think of a good cartoon idea for Wednesday’s paper this weekend when a horrible realization hit me. I couldn’t do an election cartoon because I turn cartoons in on Monday. So by the time anybody reads it We d n e s d a y, No Pun for the election would be oBarcroft ver, and we Daniel Barcroft would know who our president for the next term was. And since you’re reading this, I guess that “was” is an “is.” Did you follow that? ... Unless something happens like last time. Political commentators have been warning about the likelihood that a huge series of recounts and legal messes might surface, and it’d be weeks again this time
“No. Something controversial will happen, I think.”
Bryce Doty
Kade Simmons
senior English major from Midland
senior business management major from Kingwood
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
Daniel Barcroft
In My Words
“No. I think it’ll just continue to be a debate.”
Reid Bishop
might be avoided. A break needs to be just that: a break. A break from class, a break from school and even a break from Abilene. As of now, we have three weeks until Thanksgiving break and after that only one week before finals. Having fall break so late in the game seems almost pointless because it is so close to the end of the semester. Students’ health needs should be at the forefront of the decision of when fall break should be and for how long, not when the Homecoming football game is.
or to refuse to print letters containing personal attacks, obscenity, defamation, erroneous information or invasion of privacy. Please limit letters to 350 words or fewer. 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’m only 3 days in the past, and I’m wondering what kind of Orwellian future awaits me. before we knew whether or not we knew who our president will be. Are you getting this? I have no way of knowing now what the outcome will be by the time you read this, or whether there even is an outcome yet. So I come in the time machine of print journalism from the beginning of the week to ask you in the middle of the week what marvels await me in the coming days. Do we know who our president is? I hope so. I’m getting so tired of the rhetoric, scandals and sound bytes that have been thrown at all of us in the past months. Hopefully, by the time I’m sitting where you are on the time continuum, we’ll all have some peace and quiet. I hope
you’re enjoying a nice, quiet lunch over which you can discuss classes or the weather, instead of what the latest poll says about how long it’ll be before the latest poll can say who our president is. But maybe hanging chads were only the beginning of our problems. With the various voting methods being implemented nationwide, we could have problems with anything in any number of formats. And in such a close race, you can bet that a huge number of partisan lawyers on both sides will make sure they get the best chance, along with nonpartisan entities trying to make sure they get a fair one. And in West Texas, that’s
only one controversial race. With the fairly new district pitting incumbent against incumbent, will we see Neugebauer and Stenholm investigations and lawsuits surface? Will there be even more heavily accented campaigning to look forward to on prime time local TV? I’m only three days in the past, and I’m wondering what kind of Orwellian future awaits me. I’m a nervous wreck, and you’re sitting there either laughing at how antiquated and quaint these bygone days look, or you’re pining over the good ol’ days when the reason we didn’t know the outcome of the election was that it hadn’t happened yet. So, I don’t know. Maybe a Chapel cartoon. Or one about the weather. You’ll see. I mean, you’ll have seen. E-mail Barcroft at: optimist@acu.edu or dwb99a@acu.edu
Controversial quote misunderstood YOUR VOICE
I have to agree, from a Democratic perspective, that the quote by Amy Perez was out of line. Neither party is more or less Christian than the other. But the assertion that Christ didn’t say it was the government’s duty to take care of the needy is somewhat weighted. He didn't assign any responsibilities to the governments, including the enforcement of morality. So any legislation based on His teachings falls into the same category. I think that it is every individual’s responsibility to take care of the poor, as you said. The problem is that it's not
I’m writing to clarify the controversy that has arisen concerning my alleged remarks in the Oct. 20th Optimist issue regarding the political parties and Christianity. Specifically, I’m addressing Mr. Jeremy Pond and his admonishing editorial. I’ll say it as plainly as I can. I did not say that quote the way it was written. I spoke with Sarah Carlson, who wrote the article, after this controversy began, and she stands with me on this. I also spoke with the College Republicans this week, and they too understand. If anybody took offense, that was not intended. Several quotes were cut, and a misrepresentation is what remained.
Re: The Optimist, Oct. 27 Republican offended by quote letter from Jeremy Pond
happening. So the next step is to put the government in charge of it. And if I’m going to be paying taxes, I’d rather they benefit poor people.
OPTIMIST
Charles Jones senior youth and family ministry major from Lewisville
THE
I’d like to make clear that I do not blame Miss Carlson because, as a former newspaper reporter myself, I understand the difficulties that come with the job and the changes that are made for publishing purposes. So I hope that people will not judge me nor the College Democrats for this mistake. Mr. Pond, I regret that we could not clarify this matter before you spent some of your valuable time responding to this nonissue. Amy Perez president ACU College Democrats sophomore interdisciplinary major from Houston
The Optimist Editorial Board
Published by the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Abilene Christian University
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SPORTS JUMPS
Wednesday, November 3, 2004
Upset: ACU’s road victory unparalleled Continued from Page 8 the road. Baylor’s win was impressive, as was going for two in overtime. But the Aggies are the only team of substance they have beaten all season. The Wildcats have done it twice. The University of Southern California and Oklahoma University have been No. 1 and No. 2 all year in Division I, and both are perfect at 8-0. Mark up another accomplishment by the Wildcats that no D-I school has done all season — beat one of the top two teams.
Page 7
Digging it out
Granted, the ACU football season had its ups and downs, but when they’ve gone up they’ve gone all the way. This weekend, there will undoubtedly be more upsets on college’s biggest stage, but unless Oregon State or Texas A&M beats USC or Oklahoma, still none of them will have pulled off a win like the Wildcats’ last one. And at least for one more week, that appears safe; after all, the Aggies couldn’t even beat Baylor. E-mail Gray at: weg02a@acu.edu
We are the champions!
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
Senior libero Kellen Morrow returns a dig on Tuesday in her last conference match at home in her four-year career with the Wildcats.
Cross country postseason awards announced Five men runners and three women given all-LSC honors FROM THE LSC WEB SITE Nearly 60 student-athletes and two coaches were recognized Wednesday as Lone Star Conference officials announced the league’s annual cross country postseason honors. Abilene Christian, which claimed its 14th straight men’s and fourth consecutive women’s LSC team championships last week, led all schools with five men and three women named to the list of All-LSC performers. All-conference performers are those runners who finish
among the top 10 individually at the conference meet. ACU’s Martin O’Kello claimed the individual championship in last week’s LSC race, and he was joined on the AllLSC list by teammates Nicodemus Naimadu, Laurent Ngirakamaro ,Lucky Hadebe and Vincent Morogah . The Wildcat women were represented on the All-LSC chart by individual champion Adeh Mwamba ,Olha Kryv’yak and Trina Cox . East Central also enjoyed solid representation on the AllLSC list, with three Tiger men and one woman getting the nod. Angelo State placed two men on the list, while Texas A&MCommerce had two women earn the honor.
Additionally, ACU head coach Jon Murray was recognized by his peers as LSC Coach of the Year for men, while Central Oklahoma’s J.D. Martin was hailed as LSC Coach of the Year for women. Wednesday’s announcement also included the LSC’s AllAcademic teams for cross country, which recognize a select group of men and women for both academic and athletic achievement. The All-Academic teams are voted upon by the league’s sports information directors. ASU’s Trent Joseph and ECU’s Steve Sawyer , who finished sixth and seventh, respectively, at last week’s conference championships, were the only men to earn both All-
Conference and All-Academic acclaim, while ECU’s Catherine Bishop was the only woman to accomplish that feat after finishing eighth at the league meet. ECU led all teams with four All-Academic selections, while Texas A&M-Kingsville had three and ASU two. In addition to the AllConference and All-Academic teams being announced, another 17 runners -- four men and 13 women -- were named to the Commissioner’s Honor Roll for their academic success. To be eligible for both the Honor Roll and the All-Academic team, student-athletes must maintain a 3.20 cumulative grade point average.
Football: Team closes out season at home Continued from Page 8 receiver and former UCLA track star Warren Rogers who caught the pass and outraced the defender to the end zone for a Malunowe 76-yard score. ACU’s twopoint conversion was successful and the Wildcats regained a 1710 lead. With less than three minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Kingsville had the Wildcats pinned on their own 9-yard
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
Junior outside hitter Michelle Bernhardt jumps for a kill in Tuesday’s match with Angelo State. Bernhardt finished the game with 12 kills.
line. On second-and-twelve Wiggins ran a play-action pass and completed a pass to a wideopen Clinton Farrell for a 30yard gain. ACU didn’t get a first down, but the play was significant because it allowed for better field position when Chase Fishback punted the ball 35 yards into the wind. With 1:23 remaining the Javelinas had a 75-yard field to drive and score a touchdown to avoid an upset. However, Kingsville made it only to the ACU 27-yard line before turning it over on downs, sealing the Wildcat win.
“It was a great win because everybody contributed,” Gaines said. “We haven’t played consistently in a long time that way. I think we played up to Farrell the level we thought we
could be at from the start of the season.” The Wildcats will finish out their season this Saturday at home with a game against Midwestern State. MSU will be looking for a win as they still have a chance at the post season. E-mail Robarts at: kdr00c@acu.edu
SPORTSWEDNESDAY OPTIMIST
Page 8
Wildcats win first LSC title
LSC South Standings Football Team Div. 1. A&M-Kingsville 4-1 1. Midwestern State 3-1 2. E. New Mexico 4-2 3. ACU 3-2 4. A&M-Commerce 1-4 4. Angelo State 1-4 4. W. Texas A&M 1-4
November 3, 2004
Tot. 7-1 7-2 5-5 5-4 3-6 2-8 3-6
Volleyball Team 1. ACU 2. Angelo State 3. E. New Mexico 4. A&M-Kingsville 5. West Texas A&M 6. Tarleton State
Div. 8-1 7-2 5-3 2-8 2-6 1-7
Tot. 23-7 20-7 21-7 8-20 18-14 16-16
Scores Saturday Football ACU 17, Texas A&M-Kingsville 10 Volleyball ACU 3, Tarleton State 0
Briefs Nelson named LSC South Special Teams Player of the Week Eben Nelson’s three first half field goals were enough to earn him the Lone Star Conference’s South Division Special Teams Player of the Week. Nelson’s kicks aided in the 17-10 upset of the Texas A&M-Kingsville Javelinas, who were ranked No. 2 in the nation at the time of the contest.
Upcoming events in Wildcat sports... (home events in italics) Friday, November 5 VB: Incarnate Word, 6 p.m. WBB: Dallas Diesel, 8 p.m. Saturday, November 6 MCC: at NCAA II regional, 10 a.m. WCC: at NCAA II Regional, 10 a.m. VB: St. Mary's, noon FB: Midwestern State, 1 p.m. Thursday, November 11 WBB: at SMU, 7 p.m. Friday, November 12 MBB: at Arkansas, 7 p.m.
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
Members of the Wildcat volleyball team celebrate after defeating Angelo State 3-0 Tuesday night in Moody Coliseum. The win clinches the Lone Star Conference South Division title, which is the first volleyball title in school history. The Wildcats have two more home matches against regional opponents before competing in the LSC tournament next weekend.
Team brings home first conference title in school’s history By BRIAN ROE SPORTS WRITER
While many people were watching the opening of the NBA basketball season or the closing of the presidential polls last night, the Wildcats quietly closed out their conference schedule with a victory over Angelo State. The 3-0 sweep secured the team’s first ever Lone Star Conference South Division title. The Wildcats dominated the visiting Rambelles in a 30-25, 30-22, 30-22 win in Moody Coliseum to improve their record to 24-7 overall and 9-1 in the LSC South Division. Angelo State cemented its spot in second place after losing both matches to the Wildcats this season. ACU remains undefeated on home court with a perfect 12-0 record. Junior outside hitter Michelle Bernhardt led the team
with 12 kills and eight digs. Freshman outside hitter Abbie Lowry also had 12 kills, junior setter Lindsey Martin distributed 41 assists with 10 digs and senior libero Kellen Morrow chipped in 13 digs. ”It was an emotional win for us,” said head coach Brek Horn. “I’ve worked five-and-a-half years to get this program going and these girls have worked so hard to get us to this point. Their work ethic is phenomenal, and they are just smart kids who play Lowry hard.” The team didn’t have to play the entire match to clinch the LSC South Division after beating ASU in the opening game. ACU’s three-game sweep on Oct. 14 over Angelo, meant the only chance for ASU to snatch the division away was to sweep the Wildcats at home. “We were not interested in winning one game, we wanted
to win the match and win the division the right way,” Horn said. Junior middle blocker Amanda Slate, who had seven kills and four digs in the match, said this is only the first step for the Wildcats. “It’s nice to be LSC South Champs, but we don’t want to stop there … we want to be overall conference champs,” Slate said. Bernhardt echoed her teammate’s sentiments. “It feels good to win the division, but there’s still a lot more to go,” she said. “We still haven’t really won anything.” Horn said the win over Angelo State and LSC South Division title should serve as a building block for the Wildcats. “Going to the conference tournament is a goal you need to have, but it’s just one step toward the goal of winning the conference tournament and moving on to the regional tournament,” said Horn. The Wildcats officially clinched their spot in the Lone Star Conference post-season
By KYLE ROBARTS SPORTS EDITOR
Texas A&M-Commerce ruined the Wildcats’ chances at the Lone Star Conference South Division title and a shot at the playoffs last Saturday in a 37-17 Homecoming loss. So the ACU football team took out all of their frustration on the No. 2-ranked Texas A&MKingsville on Saturday with a 17-10 victory. In a week filled with upsets at the NCAA Division I level (Baylor over A&M, North Carolina over Miami, MaryStutts land over Florida State), the Wildcats traveled to Kingsville to face the 7-0 Javelinas and created a stir of their own at the Division II level. This marks the second time this season that the team has knocked off a top-10 team after ACU beat Tarleton State on the road Oct. 9.
Football “We finally played to our potential,” junior running back Rashon Myles said. “I knew that once we put together all three phases of the game into one night that we could beat anybody.” Myles rushed for 148 yards on 32 carries, making it the third-straight contest that the University of Indiana transfer has reached the century mark and the fourth time this season. Myles also contributed a 35-yard reception to the passing game. An ailing Eben Nelson gave the Wildcats his best performance of the season. After missing from 52 yards on a bad hold, Nelson responded by hitting from 35, 44 and 32 yards away after straining his back in warmups. All three field goals came in the first half as ACU led 97 at the break. “The training staff did a good job in getting him ready to go,” head coach Gary Gaines said. “He [Nelson] showed toughness, and after the first kick, boy, he nailed them.” Cody Stutts led the ACU defense with nine tackles and
Martin added 38 assists and Bernhardt finished with 13 digs and eight kills. The Wildcats close out the 2004 regular season with a pair of home LSC crossover matches against Incarnate Word on Friday at 6 p.m. and against St. Mary’s Saturday at noon. “St. Mary’s beat us at their place, so there is a little revenge factor there,” Horn said. “But we don’t see them until Saturday, so we can’t jump over Incarnate Word.” The LSC post-season tournament begins Nov. 11 in the gym of the No. 1 seed from the LSC North Division. The LSC alternates tournament hosts between North and South each year. Currently, Cameron is the No. 1 seed in the North Division. ACU dominated Cameron on Sept. 25 in a threegame sweep at the LSC Crossover Tournament.
E-mail Roe at: bpr00a@acu.edu
Wildcat victory of national proportions
Cats spoil Kingsville’s undefeated season Offense, defense and special teams all play role in victory
tournament last week after a pair of home wins over Texas A&M-Kingsville and Tarleton State on Thursday and Saturday respectively. ACU knocked out Texas A&M-Kingsville in a 30-19, 3018, 30-21 three-game sweep on Thursday night in Moody Coliseum. Junior middle blocker Amanda Slate led the Wildcats with a game-high 11 kills, two service aces and a .364 hitting percentage. Junior setter Lindsey Martin added a gamehigh 38 assists, Bernhardt junior outside hitter Michelle Bernhardt finished with eight kills and 10 digs, and freshman outside hitter Abbie Lowry chipped in nine kills. On Saturday afternoon, the Wildcats beat the visiting Tarleton State TexAnns in another three-game sweep: 3022, 30-22, 30-24. Lowry led ACU with a game-high 14 kills,
BRIAN NELSON/Contributing Photographer
A handful of ACU students cheer on the football team in Kingsville Saturday as the team pulled off a 17-10 upset. a key interception in the first half that set up Nelson’s third field goal that put the Wildcats back on top. The defensive line played a key role in holding Kingsville to just 81 rushing yards; the Javelinas had been averaging 172 yards on the Nelson ground going into Saturday’s game. “I thought Clayton [Farrell], [Mark] Malunowe and Joe Edwards had great games for us,” Gaines said. “If you’re holding a team to 2.6 yards per rush, you’re doing something right.” Edwards had eight tackles, including two for a loss,
Malunowe had seven tackles and two sacks, and Farrell shared a sack with linebacker Brandon Henry and had five tackles on the night. For the first time this season, the Wildcats out-gained their opponent on offense. ACU had 333 yards of offense, while Kingsville had 287. Senior quarterback Greg Wiggins had perhaps the two biggest completions of his five-year career at ACU on Saturday. In the third quarter, Kingsville put together a 13play, 67-yard drive that ended in a field goal that put Kingsville on top 10-9. On the ensuing drive, however, Wiggins fired a pass down the sideline to junior receiver and former UCLA See FOOTBALL Page 7
As the college football season winds down, the final scores become more and more unpredictable. At this point, the only thing you can count on from week to week is a Baylor loss. On Saturday, even that didn’t hold up. On a day full of upsets, the Gray Bears got the best of then No. Matters Warren Gray 16 Texas A&M. “Beating A&M was very sweet,” Baylor linebacker Justin Crooks told the Associated Press. “I can’t describe how we feel. We can hardly believe it.” The rest of the country’s right there with you Crooks. Florida had its own turmoil on Saturday, and it had nothing to do with a presidential election. Miami, No. 3 at the time, took on unranked North Carolina and lost. The Tar Heels beating the ‘Canes in basketball: expected. The Heels sporting sharper jerseys than Miami: a given. UNC’s first ever win in football over a top five program: priceless.
“It’s mind boggling,” Miami coach Larry Coker told reporters after his team’s loss. Mind boggling is five Top 25 Division I teams losing to teams they should have manhandled, including Florida State being dropped from its No. 5 spot by unranked Maryland. No. 11 Michigan should have lost long before they pulled out a win in triple overtime. But none of those toppled teams were ranked higher than third. That makes ACU’s feat against Texas A&M Kingsville even more tremendous. Of all the great upsets in college football on Saturday, nobody beat a higher ranked team than the Wildcats. The Javelinas may not have the mystique of the Miami Hurricanes, but they were ranked higher in their respective level of competition. Kingsville was No. 2 in the nation. They hadn’t lost to the Wildcats in 20 years. The game marked the second time this season that the Wildcats have knocked off a top-10 team. Earlier in the year, ACU beat then No. 7 Tarleton State. What’s even more impressive is that both upsets came on See UPSET Page 7