WEDNESDAY March 2, 2005
OPTIMIST THE
Department of Journalism and Mass Communication
Abilene Christian University
Vol. 93, No. 41 1 section, 8 pages www.acuoptimist.com
Serving the ACU community since 1912
Rough ride:
Love looks back on Lectureship:
Perfect weekend:
The men’s basketball team finished at 1-11 in Lone Star Conference South play. Page 8
Dr. Mark Love, director of Ministry Events, said attendance for the 87th Bible Lectureship was up this year with few speaker cancellations. Page 4
The softball team won all four of its games in this weekend’s tournament. Page 8
House considers cut to grant University receives more than $3 million of TEG funds annually By TIFFANY WILLIAMS COPY EDITOR
Maria Rojas isn’t sure if she would be able to attend ACU without the Tuition Equali-
zation Grant. She said she doesn’t want to have to find out. The Texas Legislature might decide later this month to cut TEG funding by 5 percent, which is why Rojas traveled to Austin nearly a month ago to thank state Sen. John Corona, R-Dallas, and state Rep. Rafael Anchia, DDallas for their support of the
grant. The TEG helps bridge the gap between the cost of public universities and more expensive, private universities. “The TEG is important for a lot of students. Sometimes it makes the difference between someone going to college or not,” said Rojas, sophomore business management major from Dallas.
Her Feb. 8 appointment was part of TEG Day, a time when students from independent universities all over the state of Texas lobby for funds. Rojas, who was chosen for the trip by Dr. Gary McCaleb, vice president of the university, was only able to speak to the See TEG Page 7
TEG facts The Texas Legislature has proposed that Tuition Equalization Grant funding be reduced in the state’s budget. ACU receives more than $3 million in TEG funds annually.
Leaders send students healthy reminder about choices
Campaigns make plans for spring break trips Students will travel to 35 different locations around country, world By RACHEL LAU PAGE EDITOR
dream about. With the help of ACU, he plans to achieve his goal this fall. Lee, associate professor of biology, is one of seven faculty members taking teacher renewal leave to pursue research interests for the semester and to take a break from teaching.
The 2005 Spring Break Campaigners are in their final days of preparation, and most are ready to take on the locations where they will spend the week serving various churches and organizations. About 515 students will travel to 35 locations, nine of which are international, said Rachel Klick, senior broadcast journalism major from Fort Worth and secretary of the Spring Break Campaign committee. Last year’s total number of participants was 500. Clay Rich, chair of the SBC committee, said a few issues still need to be resolved. “It’s looking good,” he said. “There are the small issues like campaigners not having enough money, but we see those every year.” However, the small issues have had a greater effect on individual campaigns as students struggle to raise money. Allen Min, sophomore molecular biochemistry major from Austin, is on the Dominican Republic campaign. He said many people on his team are short of the $1,200 needed for the trip. “Many of the international campaigns are expensive, and a lot of people are having problems getting the money,” he said. “Hopefully, I’ll get the rest of the money in the next four days.” Campaigns are also dealing with loss and replacement of leaders. Cortney Armstrong, junior integrated marketing communication major from Mesquite, was asked to co-lead the campaign to New Jersey for devotional purposes after the current leader stepped down. “I’ve only been with this team for about three-and-aRich half weeks,” Armstrong said. “We lost our focus because of all the leader confusion, but I think after the transition, we’re more focused.” The New Jersey campaigners will serve the community in soup kitchens and food banks, and they will live with the members of a local church. Klick said insufficient funds and loss of leaders is not unusual. “Every year, it’s just more relevant to the people it happens to,” she said. “Everything is going as planned.” Klick said leaders have been trained to deal with these losses and to recruit people for their campaigns. The SBC committee has been working to make things easier and more organized for future committees, she said. They have created a campaigner’s handbook on the Internet this year for future leaders and participants, outlining SBC expectations. They continue to use computer databases to link student information, especially financial information. Amy Watkins, senior elementary education major from Abilene and leader of the campaign to Salem, Ore., said the SBC committee has been helpful to all the teams and leaders. “They keep us on top of things, and they take care of all the finances,” she said. Watkins and her co-leader, Ben Lazcano, will lead 12 students to work with a newly
See FACULTY Page 7
See SBC Page 7
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
Members of the Abilene Fire Department's Truck 5 conduct a mock vehicular rescue in which they used the Jaws of Life to free a victim, firefighter Tye Brooks, from the passenger side of the car Monday. The demonstration was sponsored by the University Counseling Center as part of Making Healthy Choices Week.
Tenure given to six faculty members Tenure gives more job security, chance to apply for sabbatical By JACI SCHNEIDER OPINION EDITOR
Officials recently announced that six faculty members have been granted tenure. Those six and two others also received promotions. When faculty members have tenure, they have permanent appointments to the university. Thus, instead of signing a contract each year, they have more job security, said Dr. Tim Sensing, who was promoted to associate professor of the Graduate School of Theology and received tenure. He has taught at the university for six-and-a-half years. “The tenure-promotion process is a long process, and it’s a relief to be done,” Sensing said. “They can only fire me now because of certain causes.” Dr. Ken Cukrowski, associate professor of Bible, missions and ministry, has taught for six years and said another benefit of tenure is the opportunity to apply for a sabbatical, which he said was his main motivation in applying for it. Dr. Junhui Bian, who was promoted to associate professor of biology and granted tenure,
said he loves the mission of the university, and he’s glad to know his work here is appreciated by his colleagues and the administration. Many newly tenured faculty members expressed their gratitude at being appreciated. “This is a really good feeling,” said Dr. Jeanene Reese, who was promoted to associate professor of Bible, missions and ministry and granted tenure. This is Reese’s 13th year at the university, and she said she wants to be a role model as a female faculty member in the department. Dr. Jason Holland, who was promoted to associate professor of mathematics and computer science and received tenure, said he applied for tenure because he and his wife decided they wanted to raise their son in Abilene. “It feels good to be acknowledged by my peers,” Holland said. He has taught at the university for about four years, but not sequentially. Dr. Rusty Towell was promoted to associate professor of physics and granted tenure. Dr. Patricia Hernández was promoted to professor of biology, and Dr. Scott Perkins was promoted to professor of psychology. E-mail Schneider at: jrs02a@acu.edu
Teacher renewal leave Seven faculty members have been granted teacher renewal leave next semester, which allows them to take a break from teaching to pursue their research interests. • Dr. Tom Lee, associate professor of biology • Dr. Waymon Hinson, chair of the Department of Marriage and Family Therapy • Dr. Bob McKelvain,
chair of the Psychology Department • Dr. Cynthia Roper, associate professor of communication • Al Haley, assistant professor of English
• Dr. Debbie Williams, assistant professor of English • Dr. Dickie Hill, professor of exercise science and health
Seven to take faculty leave next semester Professors will pursue research opportunities By MALLORY SHERWOOD FEATURES EDITOR
Dr. Tom Lee needs only to travel to Europe to have been on all seven continents, something most people only
Social club plans record-breaking event 60-hour softball game will raise money for Habitat for Humanity By DANIELLE LINTHICUM STAFF WRITER
Within a few months, the Abilene chapter of Habitat for Humanity will have enough money to build one house and remodel two more, thanks
to — of all things — a softball game. Gamma Sigma Phi is organizing a 60-hour softball game that will break a world record for the longest softball game ever recorded and will raise more than $68,000 if all goes as planned. “We’re really excited about this,” said Patrick Vincent, junior finance and English major from Arlington and
member of GSP. “It’s an awesome opportunity to help out a great cause and have a lot of fun while doing it.” Vincent, who is the chief organizer of the event—which was recently christened Insanity for Humanity, said 40 members of GSP will play the game, with 20 of them on the field at all times. The game will stretch from 7 p.m. April 14 to 7 a.m. April 17.
Each player is responsible for raising $650, and the rest of the club will solicit local businesses and alumni for support. Members also plan to offer advertising space and commercials during the game to raise additional funds, Vincent said. The club is hoping to attract people to come watch See GSP Page 7
CAMPUS
DAY
Chapel Check-Up Credited Chapels to date: Credited Chapels remaining:
33 38
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
02
Calendar&Events Wednesday
Making Healthy Choices Week banner signing, Campus Center. Shane & Shane ticket sales, 11:50 a.m.-1 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows. Students in Free Enterprise Etiquette Dinner tickets, 5-6 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows. Women’s social clubs meeting, 810:45 p.m., Living Room.
03
Students in Free Enterprise Etiquette Dinner tickets, 5-6 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows. Society of African-American Brotherhood meeting, 6-7 p.m., Living Room.
Fellowship of Christian Athletes after-game party, 9-10:45 p.m., Living Room.
04
Friday
Computer Auction, 7 a.m.-11 p.m., Hilton Room.
Thursday
Summer online courses information, 7 a.m.-11 p.m., Campus Center. Seek and Follow bake sale, 11 a.m.3 p.m., Campus Center.
Summer online courses information, 7 a.m.-11 p.m., Campus Center. Seek and Follow bake sale, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Campus Center.
Schedule builder’s meeting, 3:454:45 p.m., Living Room.
Shane & Shane ticket sales, 11:50 a.m.-1 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows.
Shane & Shane ticket sales, 11:50 a.m.-1 p.m., Campus Center ticket window.
Students in Free Enterprise Etiquette Dinner tickets, 5-6 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows.
About This Page The Optimist maintains this calendar for the ACU community to keep track of local, social, academic and service opportunities. Groups may send announcements directly to optimist@jmc.acu.edu or to the Page 2 Editor, ACU Box 27892, Abilene, TX 79699.
To ensure that an item will appear on time, the announcement should be sent at least 10 days before. The Optimist may edit items for space and style. Corrections and clarifications of published news articles will be printed in this space in a timely manner.
05
Saturday
Computer Auction, 7 a.m.-6 p.m., Hilton Room.
06
Sunday
No events scheduled.
Volunteer Opportunities Healing Hands International is in need of volunteers to help repair donated bicycles before they are shipped to Zambia. Tools and parts are furnished. For more information, contact the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center. The Toronto Spring Break Campaign needs workers. The group will be working in children`s
homes and soup kitchens. The cost is $525. For more information, contact Chelsea Heard at clh02h@acu.edu. The Scotland Spring Break Campaign needs five campaigners to work with homeless, teen at risk and refugee shelters. Cost is $1,200. Contact Travis McGuire at twm01a@acu.edu or (325) 864-3215.
Announcements Saturday the electrical connection to Zellner Hall will be upgraded and all power to Zellner will be off from 10 a.m. until possibly 5 p.m. Beginning at 8 a.m., all central computer services will be unavailable including Banner, my.ACU, e-mail, and the Internet. E-mail will be upgraded beginning Saturday evening through Sunday. Doors with card readers will lock when the power goes down. Campus Cash and Bean Buck purchases will not be available. Phone service may be lost if the power is off for more than four hours. For more information, call Kay Reeves at Ext. 2991. Beginning March 5, call Reeves at the Help Line 738-4357. In addition, students can press 0 for an emergency and if the ACU phone system is unavailable, call Reeves at 518-9613.
Faculty.acu.edu, student.acu.edu and files.acu.edu will be unavailable at approximately 6-7 a.m. Friday. A West Africa mission team in the southern Togo is looking for someone to spend six months to one year as a school teacher for the team`s children. You do not have to be an education major. For more information, visit w w w. w a t c h i h a r v e s t . c o m /video/2005MKSchoolVideoQuickTime.mov or contact Dan McVey at mcvey@bible.acu.edu. Students in Free Enterprise Etiquette Dinner will be March 18 at 7 p.m. in the Hilton Room. Seating is limited. The five course meal, lessons in etiquette, takehome brochure and entertainment will cost $8 or 2 meal plans. Dress will be semi-formal to formal.
Police Log
CAMPUS NEWS
Wednesday, March 2, 2005
Rain downfall of Cycling Club race this weekend Mountain bike race rescheduled for after spring break By BRANDON E. COOKS STUDENT REPORTER
The Cycling Club mountain bike race, an intramural event, was postponed because of rain last weekend. The weather provided a danger hazard for the racers, ruining Saturday’s event. “The ground wouldn't be too safe to race on while it was wet, and we didn't want to take the risk of anyone getting hurt,” said Danny Kittley, director of intramurals. Although the race was postponed, officials are working to organize another race. “Bicycle races have been done before, but this was the first time it was actually done with the Cycling Club,” Kittley said. “We will reschedule the race in two to three weeks with spring break and everything else in the way,” said Bobby Griffith, president of the Cycling Club. “There are two types of leagues for racers; one is the recreational, and the other — for the more aggressive type of racer — is the champ league,”
Griffith said. The recreational races will be close to two miles, and the champ league will be four or five miles. Anyone can attend, and participants must be ACU students, staff or faculty. Like any other intramural sport, the bike race is for participators’ enjoyment. Griffith began the Cycling Club two semesters ago. He said the purpose of the club is to promote the enjoyment of cycling. The club also provides competition for those who are interested. “If we wanted to, we could compete in the South Central Collegiate League,” he said. Schools that participate in South Central League are A&M University, Texas University of Texas at Arlington, Texas Tech University, Baylor University, Midwestern State University and others. A fee of $5 is required to enter the cycling race, and a Tshirt costs $15. “I hope the club will be informative to all who participate,” Griffith said.
E-mail Cooks at: optimist@acu.edu
Page 3
Alpha Chi society inducts 75 new members Students are recognized nationally, can apply for scholarships By LACI ARMSTRONG STUDENT REPORTER
Alpha Chi, a chapter of the National Honor Society, inducted new members Monday. Dr. Carley Dodd, Alpha Chi sponsor and professor of communication, said about 75 students are usually inducted. The chapter sent out about 275 invitations. “Alpha Chi is a prestigious, nationally recognized organization with hundreds
of chapters throughout the Midwest,” said Dodd, who was a member of Alpha Chi as a student. Alpha Chi is an organization for junior or senior students who have at least a 3.75 grade point average. To be inducted, students must pay a one-time fee of $45 and sign two forms at the ceremony Monday evening. “Students must meet these standards and be a recognizable leader in order to be invited,” Dodd said. Gaye May, administrator of the Department of Communication, said if the students with invitations were not able to attend the
ceremony they can sign the forms at the communication office. Joy Oelfke, senior international studies and communication major from Houston, was inducted Monday. “Alpha Chi is not an active club, and I feel that with a one-time small fee and a national recognition, it’s definitely worth it,” Oelfke said. “It’s my senior year, and my last chance to be inducted; it will be a valuable asset to my resume,” she said. Members of Alpha Chi can apply for scholarship money for further studies after graduation. “Applicants can be grant-
ed scholarships in the range of $250 to $500,” May said. This year Alpha Chi is offering its members a chance to go to a National Honors Society convention on April 5 and 6 in St. Louis. Grants are available to four students who attend the convention, so they must go through an application process to go on the trip. At the convention students have the opportunity to present projects they’ve done in order to earn scholarship money for graduate school.
E-mail Armstrong at: optimist@acu.edu
CAMPUS NEWS
Page 4
Right foot, then left foot ...
Wednesday, March 2, 2005
Educational workshop available in March Nation wide seminar arrives in Abilene March 14-18
“The reason for the high cost of the workshop is because it is a really effective and highly respected program.”
By LACI ARMSTRONG
Eric Gumm, assistant director of the First- Year Program
STUDENT REPORTER
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
Chris Jackson, junior computer science major from College Station, attempts to dribble a basketball around an obstacle course in the Campus Center while wearing goggles that simulate being drunk, as a part of Making Healthy Choices Week on Tuesday.
The First-Year Program will host an event for educators at ACU. Attendees will complete a five-day course on developing a more effective lifestyle. T h e workshop is based on S t e v e n C o v e y ’s Gumm book Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. The First-Year Program designed the event around two separate courses. The total cost to attend both courses is $2,175.
“The reason for the high cost of the workshop is because it is a really effective and highly respected program,” said Eric Gumm, assistant director of the First- Year Program. University faculty and staff receive an educational discount. The cost to attend the first two days of the workshop, March 14 and 15, is $575. The first course is a presentation of the content from Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, and the purpose of the days is solely to learn the material. The final three days of the workshop, March 16 through 18, cost
$995. Participants will learn how to gain a certification to teach the presentation. The workshop is open to anyone interested. “I hope other area business and universities will be interested in attending,” Gumm said. The workshop will be conducted in the Don H. Morris Center rooms 129 and 130. Gumm will attend both courses. He is learning the material so he can teach the seminar to university students. “The difficulty is finding a time period for college students to attend because the
workshop would take up a whole weekend,” Gumm said. These workshops are hosted at different universities nation wide; ACU was not originally on the schedule, but when Texas A&M University turned down the opportunity to host the workshop, ACU was able to take its scheduled time slot. “The benefit of having the workshop at ACU is to allow people in this area to attend without the traveling and housing costs of attending it on another campus,” Gumm said. For details concerning prices contact Paul Poulson at Franklin Covey at (940) 535-1472.
E-mail Armstrong at: optimist@acu.edu
Lectureship finishes with increase in attendance More students, guests attend classes, lectures during the week By TIFFANY TAYLOR PAGE 2 EDITOR
The 87th annual ACU Bible Lectureship wrapped up February 23, finishing with an increase in class attendance, and only three speaker cancellations out of 120 speakers. Aside from the announcement of the decision to conduct Lectureship in September beginning in 2006, Mark Love, director of Ministry Events, said Prentice Meador’s lecture was one of the most memorable moments of Lectureship. “I think the highlight for everyone who was there was
the Tuesday morning lecture by Prentice Meador,” Love said. Meador, after learning his 15-year-old granddaughter was diagnosed with leukemia shortly before Lectureship, agreed to speak at Lectureship as planned. Experiences like the Tuesday lecture cannot be planned, Love said. “I don't think the people who were there will forget it,” he said. Other experiences were planned beforehand. Those who attended lectures in Moody Coliseum were seated in a different area of the coliseum to create a more intimate setting between guests and speakers. Speakers said they felt closer to the audience, and worship leaders also said they enjoyed the change, Love said.
“It’s always hard to know when something’s new, whether it’s going to be successful,” said Kate Henderson, coordinator of Ministry Events. “The stage was a huge success, so we’ll make sure that’ll happen again.” Classes in the Mabee Business Building were full, a change from the past year, and Love said he noticed more guests branched out from the Onstead-Packer Biblical Studies Building. Classes in the business building moved to bigger classrooms by the second day of Lectureship because they became too full. “I anticipate the class numbers are going to be higher than they were in previous years,” Love said. People had to be turned away from Eric Harrell’s dramatic presentation, An Inch of
Rope, in the Williams Performing Arts Center, Love said. Sunday and Tuesday performances were packed, and an additional performance was added for Wednesday. Love said he is satisfied with the outcome of Lectureship, including all the changes and surprises. Right now he doesn't know of any specific changes that will come from this year's run. “I have a picture in my head of things that need to happen over time,” Love said. Ideally, students will become more involved with Lectureship in the future, he said. However, he knows it will “take a while to change the cultural expectations with students in regard to Lectureship.” In recent years, most students attended Lectureship
because their teachers require a minimum number of hours spent attending lectures. Love said he requires his students to attend three hours of lectures, but he is waiting for the day when students attend lectures on their own. Melanie Schweder, freshman exercise science major from Denver, said she only attended Randy Harris’ Wednesday night lecture. Harris is one of her favorite speakers, but she said she might not have attended at all if she hadn’t been required. After attending one lecture this year, Schweder said she wants to attend more next year. “I regret not going to more this year,” she said. Many students realize how interesting lectures could be, Schweder said. The Lectureship committee’s next task is to plan for
the spring and fall Lectureship taking place in 2006. Love said he is looking forward to the challenge of linking two Lectureships and feels supported by Lectureship guests who only gave him positive reactions. “The feedback was overwhelmingly positive from Lectureship guests,” Love said. “I think the real challenge is going to be internally within the university.” Love said he is especially excited about the honor of hosting the Restoration and Unity Forum, a Church of Christ forum that is held different places every year and promotes unity among churches, during spring Lectureship 2006. E-mail Taylor at: tat04a@acu.edu
Students spend weekends serving in Belton, Lubbock Students interested in service can sign up in Bean Sprout By NATHAN STRAUS STUDENT REPORTER
Fifteen students participated in the Weekend Campaign to Belton during the weekend to entertain and minister to economically at-risk children. “One of the leaders was from this area, so last year we decided to come to Belton to work with the kids. It has become sort of a tradition since then,” said Cory Smith, junior interdisciplinary major from Temple and Weekend Campaign committee member. Weekend Campaign members drove to the Belle Oaks apartment complex in Belton and visited children for about five hours, Smith said. “Because the weather was bad, we didn’t get as many visiting kids as we usually get, but we were able to work closely with them inside the apartment complex,” Smith said. “Besides the weather, I couldn’t have asked for anything better.”
“The tasks we do are usually children’s campaigns, where we work with and minister to children, but we also do some manual labor and food distribution with the Angel Food Network,” said Chris Fall, senior management major from San Antonio and co-director of the program. “Weekend Campaigns are short term mission trips, done within driving distance,” Fall said. He also said the committee tries to organize about five activities during the semester. “The mission trips that are done are usually free, because lunches are usually provided by churches or families who have Weekend Campaign members stay at their houses,” Smith said He said the next campaign mission is scheduled to be in Lubbock the week after spring break. Students can sign up after the Weekend Campaign Chapel on Thursday in the Bean Sprout. “We would love to have new people come and do this with us,” Smith said. E-mail Straus at: optimist@acu.edu
CAMPUS NEWS
Wednesday, March 2, 2005
Page 5
Two’s company
SA implements electronic voting Students can vote online for officer, senator elections By CIANA HARDWICK STUDENT REPORTER
Students might find voting easier and more convenient this year when it comes time to choose their representatives for the Students’ Association. An electronic voting system should be fully operating by the time of the elections for SA executive officers. Students can cast their votes electronically March 30 through April 1 through a link that will appear on the left hand side of my.ACU once they are logged in. A week after students vote for executive officers, they can vote for their class senators electronically. The new e-vote system will make it much more convenient for students to vote, said Lizz Alvarez, SA chief development officer. In the past, students had to show up at a table in the Campus Center, show their student ID, stand in line and possibly do it all over again if a second vote was needed, said Alvarez, senior international relations major from McAllen. “It’s really hard if you have an afternoon class or work,” she said, before adding now students can vote from their rooms at whatever time they want. Alvarez said she is excited about e-voting because it could mean a lot more students actu-
ally vote. Compared to other universities, ACU has a high voter turnout, but at the highest it’s only a little more than 20 percent, she said. SA hopes 40 percent of the student body will vote this year as a result of the convenience of e-vote. SA has looked into using an e-vote system for five or six years, said Layne Rouse, SA president. Last year, SA budgeted money to develop an online voting system. An ACU student group, the Association for Computing Machinery, was given money to buy a server and books to create an electronic voting system, but the group had difficulties and weren’t able to do it, said Rouse, senior communication major from Midland. Then Dr. James Langford, director of Web integration and programming, gave SA the good news that he had an evote system ready to go, Rouse said. Iowa State University gave ACU a program similar to what SA had in mind, and Langford worked to figure it out. Now, he is just “tweaking it to fit into the my.ACU system,” Rouse said. “With a good advertising campaign to go along with it, we could see the voter turnout skyrocket,” he said. For the program to be put on the ACU server, my.ACU is going to have to come down, which is why administrators are waiting until spring break to put the program on the server, said Keith Robinson, chief financial officer of SA and jun-
ior finance and management major from Indianapolis. After spring break, the first big test will be run on the program. Students will have a chance to electronically complete a survey about whether they want a digital photograph developing station in The Campus Store. The survey will be run through the same program that will be used for voting, so SA will have a chance to see how it works. If there are any complications, it still “gives us two weeks before elections to fix any major issues,” Robinson said. Surveys and voting opportunities will be advertised on the log in screen of my.ACU. One of the big e-voting issues affects students who classify themselves differently than their hours classify them, Robinson said. Right now, evote is set up so students are classified by their hours, and have to vote for representatives in that classification. This creates problems because people want to vote for their friends who they consider a part of their class, he said. Students in this category will probably be able to sign a waiver so accommodations can be made, Alvarez said. SA wants to make sure it provides the most representation possible to everyone. “We would rather students be over-represented than under-represented,” she said. E-mail Hardwick at: optimist@acu.edu
MyPEEPS applications due Mentoring program for freshmen open to all interested By MONICA SMITH STUDENT REPORTER
Applications for MyPEEPS, a program that fosters mentorship for freshmen, are due Friday. “We are looking for people who are able to encourage first year students mentally, spiritually and educationally,” said Kanako Ishimaru, senior business marketing major from Ibaraki, Japan. A student’s first year on campus can be the most difficult, particularly for students of color attending a predominantly white institution, said La Shae Sloan, director of Student Services and the Office of
Student Multicultural Enrichment. Factors like poor academic performance, lack of financial assistance or lack of social support are often reasons why students of color leave a university before graduation, she said. “Student often arrive on campus and are faced with the pressures of navigating in an environment where there are differences in culture, communication, dress and simply being a minority in number,” Sloan said. MyPEEPS matches incoming freshmen with upperclassmen, who share their experiences and knowledge of college life with the freshmen. “When I was a freshman, I had questions because I was an international student, and mentors know the answer to the questions,” Ishimaru said.
“Anyone can do it. You can go to lunch or dinner and introduce them to your friends. People learn a lot their first year, and without them noticing, you may show them they have become a leader.” The program needs 30 to 40 mentors. Applications can be picked up Sloan’s office in McKinzie Hall and e-mailed back or dropped off in the office. “Students come in, wishing that they had someone who was like a big brother or big sister who could show them the ropes and help them understand how things work here,” Sloan said. “We're asking students who wished they had that person to be that person for the incoming freshmen in the fall.” E-mail Smith at: optimist@acu.edu
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
Physical Resources student workers Erich Schmidt, junior biology major from Amarillo, and Nicholas Schmidt, junior biology major from Amarillo, replant shrubs in front of the Adams Center for Teaching Excellence on Monday. The landscaping was destroyed during the weekend and had to be replanted.
Intramural participation up More than half of student body participates in sports By SHELBI WATTEN STUDENT REPORTER
Intramurals have seen an increase in participation in the last decade and continue to maintain popularity this spring season. Today, almost 3,000 ACU students are active in intramurals, said Danny Kittley, current director of intramurals. Most students participate in flag football with 1,180 students on 55 teams. “No other schools even get in the ball park of that,” Kittley said, “I don’t care where you go. Nobody has that kind of participation.” He said that the National Intramural Recreational Sports Association was surprised at how many students participate in intramurals at ACU. ACU has had intramurals as far back as the ’50s at a minor
level. In 1988, Campus Life took over intramurals and hired Damon Edwards as the first full-time intramural director. When Kittley became director in 1997, only 780 students participated in intramurals. Kittley said that part of the reason so many students participate is because the sports offered are what the students want to play. The intramural directors of clubs and the captains of non-club teams meet with Kittley to decide on which sports the students are most interested in. Lance Agan, junior secondary education major from Belton, is the intramural director for Gamma Sigma Phi and participates in intramurals as a part of club. “Many people think that intramurals is just for the Tshirt, a pride thing. But I believe that intramurals is one more avenue for the men of GSP to participate in an activity that promotes unity and the
Christian brotherhood that we strive so much for,” Agan said, “Of course, the T-shirts are fun, too.” This season, an indoor soccer tournament is already underway, and softball began Monday. The soccer tournament began Friday and will pick up again March 18. Other intramurals coming up in the spring include outdoor soccer, 5-on-5 flag football, volleyball, ultimate Frisbee and team bowling. Each of these requires a participation fee with a specific deadline that varies according to the sport. The next deadline is outdoor soccer and will be Thursday with a fee of $175 per team. Anyone interested in participating in intramurals may either visit the intramural office located in Bennett Gymnasium Room 103 or www.acu.edu/campusoffices/intramurals. E-mail Watten at: optimist@acu.edu
VIEWSWEDNESDAY OPTIMIST
Page 6
Be smart and stay safe during spring break
The issue: Spring break is a time of excitement for students but a time of worry for many parents and teachers.
Our view: Students should strive for safety while away from ACU and try to prevent accidents and hazardous situations.
The solution: Students need to drive at safe speeds, wear seat belts, act with sense in all situations and maintain their ACU standards of behavior.
March 2, 2005
Schools have finally reached the week in the semester that students most look forward to and teachers and parents most worry about: spring break. Next week, many people will worry about and pray for those traveling as the ACU community will journey throughout the world on mission trips and vacations. These travelers can take many precautions to ensure a safe return to campus, and most involve being prepared. The main safety concern during spring break involves car wrecks.
Lyrically polished cars pose query I wondered what was up Man, how ‘bout that weather we had for Lectureship, the first couple days I saw huh? Not cold or dangerous. them. But as I got used to the idea, the novelty wore off but Nice. Nice weather lately. And that the amusement didn’t. The M i c h a e l pleasant silly little song was Jackson trial. stuck in my head as I drove to It’s still going and from KACU or the on, I guess. Optimist. I really grew to like Weird stuff. the cars, even though I have No doubt no earthly idea who owns about it, it’s them. that time of It’s so good, in fact, that I No Pun for the semester. might not mind if it became a It’s rut time. trend. Think about it: as an Barcroft But I have ACU student, it’s a spring Daniel seen at least break activity that can’t be Barcroft two cars that beaten! It doesn’t include sex, are out there making a differ- drugs, alcohol or tanning so ence. I am guessing there may you know whoever makes be more. These those cards for the table cars are shouting, “I’m not If it makes you feel this time of year gives it a afraid to be diflike a goody-twothumbs up. ferent from othBut if that er cars!” The shoes, keep in mind makes you other cars are telling them to that it has the coolness feel like a stop shouting. factor of vandalism goody-twoThese cars shoes, keep are adorned in in mind that if you target an yellow shoe it has the unwitting friend. polish or shoe coolness facpolish alternator of vandaltive (I don’t ism if you know what the stuff is but I target an unwitting friend. suddenly realized they proba- Now that it’s on the table I’m bly don’t make yellow shoe going to pretend I didn’t say polish) with a picture of a that. duck and the words “Rubber You can do any lyrics you Ducky” [sic]. Also, on the rear want. Lyrics like “I pronounce windshield and windows (this these words with unbearable is where the payoff is for the precision” or “Make you want Muppet freaks… that is to say, to holler hidey ho.” Whatever me), funny lyrics from the it is, it will be certain to start song “Rubber Duckie” as sung you humming as you start by Ernie on Sesame Street. your car, and others around It’s no good pretending for will have a nice smile at it. Or appearance’s sake that you wonder what illicit substance don’t remember the song. led there. “Rubber Duckie, joy of joys; When I squeeze you, you Respond to Barcroft at: make noise” dwb99a@acu.edu or optimist@acu.edu
In Your Words What are your plans for spring break? “Going on a Spring Break Campaign to Unity, Maine.”
“Just going home to visit my family and do lots of shopping.”
Jacci Degroot
Richard Keker
sophomore integrated marketing communication major from Houston
sophomore accounting major from Sugarland
“I’m just working and working on homework, as sad as that is.”
“I am going to Toronto, Canada, for a Spring Break Campaign. I can’t wait.”
Megan Karcher
Amy Whittenberg
graduate student in psychology from San Diego
freshman elementary education major from Albuquerque, N.M.
Daniel Barcroft
In My Words
Patient should be permitted to die The last time doctors say Terri Schiavo was conscious of her surroundings, George H.W. Bush was president, the Berlin Wall and the Soviet Union had just fallen, and The Simpsons had just premiered. She has missed out on 15 years of her Lori’s Story life, and her parents want to Lori prolong her disBredemeyer mal existence. Terri suffered severe brain damage in 1990 when a chemical imbalance caused her heart to stop beating, cutting off oxygen to her brain. She can breathe on her own now, but she is being kept alive with a feeding tube, and courtappointed doctors have said she is in a persistent vegetative state. Her husband, Michael, ag-
Terri has been in this state for 15 years. She isn’t the same person her family knew and loved. rees with the doctors and wants to disconnect her feeding tube, which will allow Terri to finally die. Her parents, Bob and Mary Schindler, disagree and have been locked in a bitter battle with Michael since the late ’90s over the issue. Terri’s feeding tube has been removed twice, once for two days in 2001 and once for six days in October 2003. The second time, Florida Gov. Jeb Bush rushed Congress to approve a new law that allowed him to require doctors to reinsert the tube. The Supreme Court later said the law was unconstitutional and refused to reinstate it last month. In the most recent development, Circuit Court Judge George Greer extended a twoday stay to March 18, giving the
Schindlers three more weeks to file appeals and order medical tests. The decision was made Feb. 25, the 15th anniversary of the day Terri collapsed. If everything continues to move forward, the tube will be removed March 18. Terri’s family has suffered emotionally, physically and financially through these years, and Terri herself also has endured enough. Michael says Terri never wanted to be kept alive artificially, and as her husband and legal guardian, he knows best what she would have wanted. He has the right to remove the feeding tube, and the courts, her parents and Bush should step out of the way and allow this to happen. Family members turn off the
machines that keep their loved ones alive every day when they believe recovery is unlikely. With our technology, many people could be kept alive for years without having any normal brain function. But to spare the person’s dignity and save the family’s emotions and finances, families often choose, sometimes very quickly, to turn off machines and end the suffering of everyone. Terri has been in this state for 15 years. She isn’t the same person that her family knew and loved, and she most likely never will be. Instead of drawing this drama out longer, on March 18, the courts, the Schindlers and the doctors should allow the feeding tube to be disconnected so that Terri can finally die in peace. Respond to Bredemeyer at: lmb00g@acu.edu or optimist@acu.edu
Calling Center important to students’ funds Before you trivialize the role of the ACU Calling center and its function in helping to ensure the school’s continuance, we’d like for you to consider a few things. Your cartoon in the Feb. 22 edition of the Optimist seems to misrepresent the Calling Center’s influence on the Annual Fund. First the Annual Fund provides many scholarships for deserving students. Less money less scholarships—it’s simple. Furthermore the Annual Fund covers what tuition can’t. In fact, the Annual Fund often matches what tuition covers, and there-
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
pack extra cash or traveler’s checks in case of emergency, and also carry prescription medication in case luggage is lost. Make sure to always lock hotel room doors and use a buddy system—don’t go anywhere alone. Students should also remember that being off campus doesn’t give them license to go crazy. The same rules, which are enforced for our safety, still apply regardless of the location. If members of the ACU community prepare for spring break and use precautions, there’s a better chance everyone will return safely, and serious injury or death will be avoided.
old age group, Before beginStudents should also remember that being off 35 percent of ning a road trip, campus doesn’t give them license to go crazy. males and 21 check the car’s percent of fefluids, belts and males involved tires to make sure all are in working condition Students often want to get to a in fatal wrecks were speeding, and fill up with gas to prevent a destination sooner rather than according to the NHTSA’s Web breakdown on the road. later and will sometimes push site. Other ways to stay safe on the In 2003, 42,643 died in motor themselves past exhaustion to do vehicle crashes, according to the it. A good night’s rest, or even just road are to always wear a seatbelt, National Center for Statistics and a nap, will help drivers stay atten- lock the doors, cut down on distractions within the car and carry Analysis of the National Highway tive and arrive safely. Traffic Safety Administration. Speed often factors into car a cell phone in case of emergency. Car wrecks aren’t the only Also, wrecks are the leading wrecks: In 2003, 39 percent of cause of death for 2- to 33-year- males involved in fatal wrecks concern for travelers during olds. who were 15 to 20 years old were spring break. For those flying or traveling To prepare for a trip, get speeding, and 25 percent of enough sleep beforehand to females in that age group were by other means, make sure all ensure alertness while driving. speeding. In the 21- to 24-year- luggage has identification on it,
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@acu.edu
assist students financially and has proven to be a vital source of income for a majority of students. Ask around, I’d bet you know at least three people who have or are currently working at the ACU Calling Center. Over the past two years we have learned all about the Annual Fund and have a unique insight into its key role in the life of ACU. So, sure replace us and our fellow dedicated co-workers with a 30-minute spot, but beware the consequences. Are you on scholarship, Mr. Bar-
YOUR VOICE fore, if taken lightly can create a large fluctuation in your tuition prices. “30 Minute Sales Pitch,” ha! We have raised more than $400,000. Now to our real intention for writing this letter, we have been loyal employees of the Calling Center for two years. As callers we come in after school and raise money for you and other students until 9 p.m. on a daily basis. The job we do has helped
OPTIMIST THE
Re: The Optimist, Feb. 22 “In My Words” car toon by Daniel Barcroft, cartoonist
croft, and how much money have your cartoons raised for the Annual Fund? —Anthony Spear senior social studies major from Plano —David Riggs senior psychology major from Houston
The Optimist Editorial Board
Published by the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Abilene Christian University
Editor in Chief
Opinion Editor
Arts Editor
Faculty Adviser
Jonathan Smith
Jaci Schneider
Sarah Carlson
Dr. Cheryl Bacon
Managing Editor
Copy Editor
Chief Photographer
Ad Manager
Lori Bredemeyer
Tiffany Williams
Brian Schmidt
Christi Stark
Optimist contact information Newsroom: (325) 674-2439
Sports desk: (325) 674-2684
Photo department: (325) 674-2499
Advertising office: (325) 674-2463
Subscriptions ($45/academic year): (325) 674-2296
Online: www.acuoptimist.com
JUMPS
Wednesday, March 2, 2005
GSP: Game to help service group Continued from Page 1 and hang out and have fun, Vincent said. Raffles, games, activities for kids and concessions will be offered throughout the game, he said. “We want this to be a family thing as well as fun for students,” Vincent said. “We really just want to raise awareness about this amazing organization.” According to the organization’s Web site, www.habitat.org,
Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit, nondenominational Christian housing organization. The organization is responsible for more then 175,000 new houses, providing shelter for nearly 900,000 people in 100 countries. In Abilene, Habitat for Humanity gives many service opportunities to students and housing for those in the community who need it. Anyone can help with the game by contacting Vincent at prv02a@acu.edu or visiting the
event Web site at www.insanityforhumanity.com. The members of GSP are thrilled to have this opportunity to make a difference with their time, money and talents, Vincent said. “There’s an old saying that you should shoot for the moon, and if you hit the stars, then that’s great, too,” Vincent said. “We want to make as big of an impact as we possibly can.”
Page 7
Record-setting softball game Who: Gamma Sigma Phi. When: 7 p.m. April 17 through 7 a.m. April 17 Goal: Raise $68,000 to benefit Habitat for Humanity. For more information: Visit www.insanityforhumanity.com.
E-mail Linthicum at: del01a@acu.edu
TEG: Students encouraged to contact officials Continued from Page 1 aides of Corona and Anchia, but she said she feels confident about the experience and encourages other students from Texas to contact their representatives about the benefits of the grant. “The grant isn’t just for lowincome families,” she said. “It covers the expenses of a private university education for highand middle-class families, too.” About 1,450 ACU students were helped by the TEG this year, said Wes Latham of student financial services in an email. Three-hundred eligible students were not able to receive funds from the TEG, although the state allocated $3,150,949 to ACU, Latham said.
“Every student who is applying for financial aid needs to be helped by the TEG,” said state Rep. Bob Hunter, R-Abilene. “Students who attend state schools are automatically granted $6,000. With the TEG, you could get up to half of that.” Hunter, senior vice president emeritus of the university, said the TEG is important because it allows students to attend the school of their choice. “We would have to build many more public universities to cover all of the students in Texas who want to go to college,” he said. Texas has 40 independent colleges and universities, and Texas was the sixth state in the nation to develop a TEG program. In 1969, Hunter traveled to
Austin to help establish the TEG program, which is why he is often called the father of the TEG, although now, he jokes, “I am the grandfather.” He urges students to contact state representatives about the TEG and said it would also help if they would ask parents and alumni to do the same. “Parents are very effective because many of them have very close contacts with senators and representatives,” he said. Some students are already doing what they can to save the TEG. On Feb. 24, Missy Mae Walters, senior political science major from Bentonville, Ark., and senior class senator, sent an e-mail to TEG recipients on behalf of the Students’ Associ-
ation, urging them to sign a letter about the TEG. The letters were sent to Austin on Monday and distributed to state representatives and senators. “The TEG is necessary, important and cost-effective,” the letter read. “As students attending a private university, as involved citizens and as registered voters, I encourage you to vote to continue allocation of the TEG in its current form to independent colleges and universities.” Students should contact their state representatives and senators about the TEG no later than the middle of March, Latham said. E-mail Williams at: tnt00b@acu.edu
Men: Seniors stood out as leaders on team Continued from Page 8 with 649 points on the year. Rasul’s 26.0 points per game is also a record, surpassing Jim Reynolds’ mark of 25.4 in the 1962-63 season. ACU said goodbye to three seniors in pregame on Saturday; Baxter, Matthias Baxter Kreig and Adrian Scott all played their final games for ACU at Moody Coliseum. Pleasant said the most exciting thing is that all three are set to graduate with their degree plans. Baxter and Scott are scheduled to walk in May, and Kreig will finish in December. In Scott’s two-year career with the Wildcats, he saw limited playing time until the final games of the season this year
when he emerged as a starter. He finished his final season averaging 4.2 points per game and 2.2 rebounds per contest. Kreig also played two years with ACU, starting at center 16 times in his final season. He averaged 7.6 points per game and 4.4 rebounds and was the team leader in field goal percentage at .567. Baxter also said his goodbyes on Saturday after a solid two-year effort. During his junior season, he averaged 15.1 points per game and hit 80 3pointers. In his final season, he increased his points-per-game total by five at 20.1 to go with his 94 3-point field goals and was second on the team in assists at 3.7 per game. His 44 points against Angelo State helped ACU to its only conference win and placed him second in the school’s history for most points in a game—a record held by Reynolds, who scored 45 against West Texas
State in 1963. “David was a special player, and I think his senior year he really wanted to be a part of bringing ACU back to the postseason. He’s struggled with the fact that it didn’t happen on his watch,” Pleasant said. “But I hope in a couple of years from now when the program is where it needs to be, he’ll look back and see that he played a part in that.” Players come and go, but it will be the intangible that will be hard to replace,” Pleasant said of Baxter. “Just the fact that he showed up to practices, worked hard, and the attitude he had when we were struggling is what stands out to me.” Pleasant said the current team is going to take a couple of weeks off before the players start off-season training, which will include a weight-training program with strength and conditioning coach David Hess, and Pleasant said that
much of next season’s performance will be earned in off-season training. “My favorite quote is, ‘There comes a time when winter asks what you’ve done all summer,’” he said. “The season is quick, so it’s hard to get the extra work in because we’re busy. We need players that are going to be selfmotivated, to be gym rats and stay in the weight rooms. And when they go home in the summer and work out — to ask themselves, ‘Am I doing everything I can to help this team become a championship program?’” Pleasant’s staff also will be working to fill the holes that the seniors left in recruiting high school players and transfers, and he said they will spend a lot of time on the phone and on the road trying to bring players in. E-mail Robarts at: kdr00c@acu.edu
Women: Cats finish Baseball: Team to play at No. 3 in division East Central on Friday Continued from Page 8 both players are big leaders for the team. “It’s funny because they’re two different types of leaders,” Lavender said. “You have Steph who’s quiet and reserved but is a great leader by example. Meredith is more of the vocal, outspoken, high-intensity leader. They’ve kind of been the glue that’s held this team together.”
The Wildcats now are focused on the Lone Star Conference Post-Season Tournament, where they opened with an 8168 win against Tarleton State on Tuesday in Stephenville. The team finished the regular season with a 19-8 overall record and were 10-4 in South Division play, earning the third-place spot in the division. E-mail Gray at: weg02a@acu.edu
Continued from Page 8 Polk pitched four innings before giving way to Whitlock, who gave up one run in three innings on his way to his first win of the season. Bonneau said he’s pleased with Whitlock’s progress, although the pitcher is still not 100 percent after arm surgery. “Right now he’s not the power pitcher he was, but
he’s got some other pitches we’re working of off,” Bonneau said. The Wildcats, now 10-4 on the season, returned to action Tuesday with a doubleheader against Incarnate Word. Ben Maynard and Brandon Moore started the games on the mound for ACU. E-mail Gray at: weg02a@acu.edu
SBC: Groups to depart Continued from Page 1 planted church in Salem. Campaign leaders have been planning their campaigns since the fall, and many have made efforts to bring their teams closer together before leaving. Brent Hines, sophomore international relations major from Belton and leader of the El Salvador campaign, said his team went on a weekend retreat to San Antonio to work on team building and material for their campaign. As the campaigners get ready to leave this weekend, individuals have personal and group goals for their missions.
“I hope to be challenged and my faith to be challenged; I want do things that are kind of out of my comfort zone,” Watkins said. Rich, who is also leading a campaign to Anchorage, Alaska, said he wants people who have never gone on a campaign to know the effects of one. “Campaigns are a great way to get involved with ACU, meet new friends and experience new places,” he said. “I encourage everyone to go at least once in his or her ACU careers.”
E-mail Lau at: rhl02a@acu.edu
Leave: Faculty to write, research during absence Continued from Page 1 Each semester, the university supports faculty members by finding replacements so they can take a break from teaching to pursue other interests and accomplish dreams, which is precisely what many of the faculty want to do in the fall. Lee plans to write a book about the 360 species of mammals in Ecuador. “(The leave) would help make a dream come true,” Lee said. “I won’t be able to complete this project in one semester, but it will be a big kicker for this project.” Lee traveled to Ecuador during the summer of 2003 and plans to return again this summer to finish collecting samples for his research. He also wants to visit Chicago, New York and Toronto, and Paris, London and the Berlin Zoo if he has the money. Other faculty members are not traveling quite as far. Dr. Waymon Hinson, chair of the Department of Marriage and Family Therapy, plans to write about the social injustice of farmers. Several years ago, Hinson worked with black farmers in discrimination cases against the United States Department of Agriculture as a psychological assistant. Now he will return to these farmers and others across the Southern states of Georgia, Louisiana and Virginia to record their stories. “I think that the topic probably chose me,” Hinson said. After his involvement in the lives of the farmers for several years, he said it became one of those “life-changing kinds of things.” Hinson’s goal is to be able to co-author, and write articles to narrate his subjects’ stories. “Now I don’t have any illusions that this project will cause ripples around the world,” Hinson said. “But I do think that if somebody takes notice, they might say, ‘We do need to make the world a better place and make social justice not a skin-color problem.’” For Hinson, righting a wrong is a matter of the heart. For Dr. Bob McKelvain, chair of the Psychology Department, it is a matter of the head. For years, McKelvain has collected thoughts and theories
about negotiation tactics. He plans to write about his observations and present them before the Association for Conflict Resolution for critique. “Through years of research on this subject, I have decided that there are five or six elements that need to be present in a negotiation for it to be successful,” McKelvain said. “My project is to clarify what exactly happens and has to happen in a negotiation so that all of the people involved will be happy.” He considers this to be more of a creative project for him, rather than a research project. He is not taking a traditional renewal leave though, and will teach two classes relating to negotiation in Lee the fall. “It is useful and valuable for people to know about,” he said. “I want to be able explain this to people so folks can benefit Roper from it.” The difficult part of renewal leave is over now for Dr. Cindy Roper, associate professor of communication. She has already collected her data and is beginning to write two research papers. One paper will deal with communication apprehension and world views of culture shock, and the other will explore a media theory of the effects of televised presidential debates and how that affects perceptions of candidates. Roper said she hopes to present both papers at a national convention in 2006 and then publish them if they are accepted in communication journals. “I’ve wanted to write this for such a long time,” Roper said. “I just don’t have time, and the schedules that we have as professors are hard to do any writing. I need this time where I can devote myself to writing.”
E-mail Sherwood at: mes02e@acu.edu
SPORTSWEDNESDAY OPTIMIST
Page 8
Cats cap regular season with win
LSC South Standings current through 02-28-05
Men’s Basketball Team A&M-Commerce Midwestern State A&M-Kingsville West Texas A&M Angelo State E. New Mexico ACU
Div. 10-2 9-3 8-4 8-4 4-8 2-10 1-11
Tot. 23-4 17-10 17-10 14-13 11-16 9-18 8-19
ACU ends regular season at third place in LSC South Division
points as she led all players with 33 and 11 rebounds. Lavender said with the Lady Indians lone big player, Katherine Maples, limited to nine minutes because of foul trouble, By WARREN GRAY the Wildcats looked to get the SPORTS WRITER ball to Boles early and often. “Jamie did a great job of On the day the ACU women’s basketball team honored two working for position, and the seniors, it was a freshman who guards did a great job of finding played one of the biggest roles in her,” Lavender said. “Every time down the floor we wanted Jamie the game. The Wildcats struggled early to at least get a touch.” Although senior Stephanie against Midwestern State on Riles had a relaSaturday, but tively quiet game Ashlee Barr with eight points came off the on the day she bench and was honored, she helped ACU put up big numto an 86-79 At press time, the Wildbers in win in its cats had just defeated Thursday’s 79-70 final regular Tarleton State University 81win over Texas season game 68 in Stephenville. A&M-Comof the season. The team will now face Riles merce. “She did a Angelo State University in posted 27 points, good job givthe semifinals at 6 p.m. on 15 rebounds and ing us a spark Friday in Tahlequah, Okla. four steals in the off the game. For the bench,” head coach Shawna Lavender said. year, Riles led the Wildcats in “She came in and hit some big rebounding with 7.3 a game and was second in scoring with a threes for us.” The Wildcats, who lost to 14.3 per game average. The other senior, Meredith Midwestern State 84-76 on Jan. 26, trailed 18-10 early in the Doyle, continued to do little first half. But a 16-2 ACU run things on the court to help her gave them a 26-20 lead. Barr team win. In Saturday’s victory, scored nine points in the stretch she led the team with five assists and finished with a career-high and three steals while adding 21 points to go with seven re- four rebounds. Although Riles does the bulk bounds. Jamie Boles got the run start- of the scoring, Lavender said ed with a jump shot and also finished with a career-high in See WOMEN Page 7
Women’s Basketball Team Angelo State West Texas A&M ACU A&M-Commerce E. New Mexico Midwestern State Texas Woman’s A&M-Kingsville
Div. 12-2 11-3 10-4 7-7 7-7 4-9 3-10 2-11
Tot. 24-3 20-7 19-8 12-15 13-14 9-17 10-15 6-20
Tournament update
Baseball Team ACU Angelo State E. New Mexico Tarleton State A&M-Kingsville West Texas A&M
Div. 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
Tot. 10-4 5-4 6-6 6-6 6-6 4-8
Softball Team A&M-Kingsville Angelo State ACU Texas Woman’s E. New Mexico Tarleton State
Div. 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
Tot. 19-3 14-3 13-6 5-3 10-9 7-9
Scores Thursday Women’s basketball ACU 79, Texas A&M Commerce 70 Men’s basketball Texas A&M Commerce 85, ACU 84
Friday Baseball Central Oklahoma 7, ACU 6 ACU 5, Central Oklahoma 4 Softball ACU 3, Southwestern Oklahoma 0 ACU 13, Southeastern Oklahoma 4
Saturday Baseball Central Oklahoma 8, ACU 0 ACU 6, Central Oklahoma 4 Softball ACU 4, Cameron 3 (8 innings) ACU 3, Midwestern State 1 Women’s basketball ACU 86, Midwestern State 79 Men’s basketball Midwestern State 94, ACU 71
Upcoming events in Wildcat sports... (home events in italics) Friday, March 4 BSB: East Central, 4 p.m. SB: St. Edward’s Tournament, Austin, St. Mary’s, 6 p.m. WB: LSC Quarterfinal/finals, TBA MTN: W. New Mexico. 11:30 a.m. WTN: W. New Mexico, 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 5 BB: East Central, noon SB: Regis, noon Incarnate Word, 5 p.m. WB: LSC Quarterfinals/finals, TBA Sunday, March 6 SB: Southeastern Oklahoma, 8:30 a.m. W. New Mexico, 1:30 p.m.
March 2, 2005
EMILY CHASTAIN/Staff Photographer
Junior forward Hakim Rasul rises above Indian defenders for a layup during the 94-71 loss to Midwestern State on Saturday in Moody Coliseum. Rasul finished with 25 points, pushing his season point total to 649 and breaking Andrew Prince's school record of 642 from the 1973-74 season. Rasul also finished the season at No. 1 in the LSC in scoring with 26.0 points per game and fourth in rebounds with 9.5 rebounds per game.
Wildcats lose final game Three seniors face disappointment as men end season at 1-11 By KYLE ROBARTS SPORTS WRITER
The bleeding has stopped, but the wounds are still sore. A disappointing season came to a disappointing end Saturday when the Wildcat basketball team dropped its ninthstraight contest and finished last in the Lone Star Conference South Division with a 1-11 record. Midwestern State rolled over ACU on Saturday with a 94-71 win at Moody Coliseum, but the biggest heartbreaker for head coach Klint Pleasant’s Wildcats came Thursday with an 85-84 loss to No. 9 Texas A&M-Commerce. “I was proud of the way we played,” Pleasant said. “I think that game showed what our
team had the potential to be and what could have been. It kind of summed up the story of our season; you know the balls just didn’t bounce our way.” Commerce’s Matthew Rager dominated ACU with 35 points, and with ACU ahead 84-82 with 24 seconds left, the Lions looked to Rager to deliver a final shot. However, ACU’s Hakim Rasul skied to the air with an outstretched arm forcing Rager to lose the ball, but Commerce recovered, kicked it out to Jermart Miller who drained the winning 3-point basket with 14 seconds left to play. David Baxter brought the ball down the floor for ACU but was forced to pick up his dribble when the double-team came and kicked it to teammate Joe Carr. Carr drove to the left side of the basket and attempted a fall-away jumper that hit the top of the backboard and went out of bounds as time expired.
Rasul finished the game with 29 points and 12 rebounds, Baxter added 25 points and four assists, and Joe Carr finished with 11 points and seven assists. Baxter hit five 3point field goals on his way to surpassing Rodney Lee’s singleseason record of 87. After Saturday’s loss to Midwestern, Baxter finished with 94 on the season, averaging nearly 3.5 per game. Pleasant said the emotional let down of the loss Thursday caused the team to come out sluggish in the loss to Midwestern State. In the first half, the Wildcats kept it close until a 14-5 run by the Indians that kept ACU at bay the rest of the game. Rasul finished with 25 points and eight rebounds and became ACU’s single-season scoring record holder as he past Andrew Prince and finished See MEN Page 7
Men steal two wins against Bronchos Pitchers stand out in four-game series at Central Oklahoma By WARREN GRAY SPORTS WRITER
Justin Whitlock saw a little of everything on the mound for ACU in a four-game set with Central Oklahoma during the weekend. Whitlock picked up a win, loss and save as the Wildcats split two doubleheaders with the Bronchos in Edmond, Okla. “He contributed in about every way possible,” head coach Britt Bonneau said. “It was good to see him out there. He was able to get in there and get some ground balls; it’s just unfortunate he got the loss in the first game.” The loss for Whitlock came in a 7-6 Wildcat setback. ACU tied the game at six with three runs in the top of the seventh inning, but the Bronchos won the game in the bottom half of the frame on an ACU error. In Friday’s second game, the Wildcats escaped with a onerun win in a 5-4 decision. Ben Brockman (4-0) continued his stellar start to the season and picked up the win, pitching 5 2/3 innings of two-run ball.
Whitlock faced just one batter to pick up his first save of the season. Central Oklahoma broke the string of close games in Saturday’s first game with an 8-0 win. The Wildcats had just four hits in the game. “Central did a great job of pitching against us and holding us in check,” Bonneau said. “I thought we did a job of stealing two games from them.” The Wildcats were again hurt by a key error in the game as ACU starter Adam Jones gave up six unearned runs in the second inning to break the game open. Jones took the loss in the game, but Bonneau was pleased with his performance. “Jones threw a great game,” Bonneau said. “If we make the defensive play behind him in the second, there’s no hits, no runs in the inning.” But the Wildcats responded to the Bronchos efforts in the fourth game of the series. After four hits and two errors in the third game, the Wildcats had 10 hits and no errors in Saturday’s nightcap. Brenan Herrera had three hits—two of them doubles— and three RBI in the game as he continues to find his stroke. Coy See BASEBALL page 7
Women win all four in crossover Softball players stand at 13-6, third place in LSC South Division By JARED FIELDS SPORTS WRITER
The Wildcat softball team won all four games this weekend in the Lone Star Conference First Pitch Tournament. The team defeated Cameron and Midwestern State and beat Southwestern Oklahoma twice, and the wins moved the Wildcats to 13-6 on the season. “Overall, we played very solid this past weekend, both offensively and defensively,” head coach Chantiel Wilson said. In the first game against Southwestern Oklahoma, the team put up three runs to support Allison Crouse’s shut-out
performance and gain the victory. Valerie Malkinson provided much of the offense for the Wildcats with a solo homerun and two RBI in the game. The rematch featured more offense from the Wildcats. After an early 4-0 deficit in the first inning, the Wildcats responded with 13 unanswered points in the game to end with the score of 13-4. Jade Wilson and Ashley Whittenburg each had two-run homeruns in the second to start the offensive explosion. After the early runs by Southwestern Oklahoma, Jennifer Leal shut down the opponent’s batters for the rest of the game. Wilson said she was impressed with her team’s play. “We got the hits when we needed them and were able to score 13 runs with 18 hits on a team with good pitching,” Wilson said.
In the third game, ACU defeated Cameron in the eighth inning off an infield single by Heather Krumpols. Crouse started the game and went five innings, giving up three runs before Jennifer Leal finished the game and picked up the win for the team. Krumpols’ hit in the eighth scored Amber Garcia and ended the game 4-3. In the tournament finale, ACU played MSU. Jennifer Leal led the Wildcats on their way to the 3-1 win, pitching seven innings, allowing eight hits with no earned runs and striking out seven batters. The win was Leal’s 10th win of the season. The Wildcats travel to Wichita Falls on Wednesday to face Midwestern State for a double-header that begins at 4 p.m.
BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer
E-mail Fields at: jrf03b@acu.edu
Sophomore left-fielder Danielle Faulk slides into second base, beating the toss from Hilltopper Karen Varteressian to shortstop Mandy Phillips during the 4-0 loss to St. Edward's University on Feb. 22.