OPTIMIST_2005-04-20 by ACU Optimist

WEDNESDAY April 20, 2005

OPTIMIST THE

Department of Journalism and Mass Communication

Abilene Christian University

Vol. 93, No. 50 1 section, 8 pages www.acuoptimist.com

Serving the ACU community since 1912

Cats welcome Rams:

Students hope for feelings of reservation:

Sliding into second:

The baseball team took three of four games from Angelo State’s new program. Page 8

Nine students wait to hear who was selected after interviewing for an internship at the Crow Indian Reservation in Montana. Page 4

The softball team finished second in the division and earned a playoff berth. Page 8

Study focuses on staff morale Campus will close between Christmas, New Year’s this year By MALLORY SHERWOOD FEATURES EDITOR

Loud cheers and applause were heard when Dr. Royce Money, president of the university, announced the campus would be closed with pay during the break between

Christmas and New Year’s Day for university employees. “Christmas Closure,” as the administration will call it, is one of the many changes to take place during the next three years for faculty and staff because of a campuswide survey conducted last fall by the Quality of Life Task Force. Money addressed more than 300 faculty and staff Thursday afternoon in Hart Auditorium, discussing the recommenda-

tions of the task force he developed at the beginning of the academic school year. The 12-member team of faculty and staff members encompasses all areas of the university, said Mary Reyes-Stracener, administrative assistant to the vice president for finance and member of the task force. Money said he formed the team last fall because he and the university cabinet members felt it was hard to feel plugged

in with the other employees. The committees’ tasks were to assess the current state of employee morale and to provide ideas and suggestions to improve. Their recommendations were submitted to the president and announced at the meeting. Scott Perkins, assistant professor of psychology and task See TASK FORCE Page 5

Money

Police stop credit card soliciting Man offered coupons in return for personal, credit information By TIFFANY WILLIAMS

Perkins

COPY EDITOR

University police officers staved off the risk of identity theft last week when they removed a credit card solicitor from campus. The solicitor gave away free pizza coupons from Pizza Hut on Ambler Avenue for students who filled out a credit card application, which included personal and credit information, said Jimmy Ellison, chief of ACU Police. Ellison said the police received several phone calls from concerned faculty, staff and students about the solicitor, who could not be on campus without a permit from Campus Life. The police located the solicitor in the parking lot near the OnsteadSee SOLICITER Page 5

IJM Awareness Week Jam for Justice 7 p.m. Thursday Hilton Room Snacks and refreshments: 25 cents T-shirts: $5

Other events: Run for Justice 5k run 9 a.m. Saturday Nelson Park Registration: $10, includes a T-shirt.

Information displays in Hilton Room. Book sale in The Campus Store.

About 1,000 prepare for May classes Students participate in ACU for Abilene EMILY CHASTAIN/Staff Photographer

Petty Hunter, left, leads a group of students as they pick up trash on Walnut Street on Saturday morning during ACU for Abilene. About 350 students participated in the annual service day. This year, organizers wanted to focus much of the service on neighborhoods around the university.

Annual service day focuses efforts on areas around university By SARAH CARLSON

ships with the community immediately surrounding ACU, such as the Carver neighborhoods,” Reese said. Because students had visited the neighborhood previously and

in charge of publicity for ACU for Abilene and said the service event went well. She said she was pleased with the way the administration was involved in the event, with Dr. Royce Money praying in

ARTS EDITOR

About 350 students, faculty and administrators participated in the sixth annual ACU for Abilene on Saturday. The service project focused mainly on reaching out to neighborhoods surrounding campus, which students had previously worked on during the last Service Saturday, said Rheannon Reese, senior management marketing major from Austin and cochair of ACU for Abilene. “We’re trying to build relation-

“We’re trying to build relationships with the community immediately surrounding ACU.” Rheannon Reese, ACU for Abilene co-chair

returned as they had promised, they are building credibility up and making contacts for further involvement, she said. Jenna Grime, junior English major from Archbold, Ohio, was

the morning’s devotional, Dr. Dwayne VanRheenen, provost, and his wife, and Dr. Gailyn VanRheenen, professor of missions, walking neighborhoods. “The administration was awe-

some about being involved this year in comparison with other years, which we really appreciated,” Grime said. Aside from working in neighborhoods, other sites people worked at included the Boys and Girls Club of Abilene, the Day Nursery of Abilene, various nursing homes and Special Olympics practice, she said. “The major focus was getting involved in the neighborhoods and starting to meet people around ACU,” Grime said, “and that really opened the doors for everything that’s going to happen next year with Project Abilene.” Reese said the members of the See SERVICE Page 5

Summer registration numbers comparable to past at this point By LAURA STORK STAFF WRITER

Days devoted to studying, early morning classes, late nights and mind-numbing exams soon will be over for most, but not for everyone. Around 988 students are registered for Maymester classes, while 861 students are registered for Summer I and 474 for Summer II. “These are pretty comparable numbers for being this far along in registering,” said Lisa McCarty, assistant director for the Office of Institutional Research and Assessment. “Summer I is down a little, while Summer II is up a little.” See CLASS Page 5

Club plays game for sake of Humanity Gamma Sigma Phi completes 60-hour softball game Sunday By JACI SCHNEIDER OPINION EDITOR

The sun set on a 40-man softball game Thursday night, and when it rose, it shone down on the same men, half playing softball and half attempting sleep in scattered tents and old couches set up along the baseline. Two sunsets, two sunrises, 321 innings and 1,297 runs later, the 60hour game finally came to an end, and with it, the world record for the longest softball

game ever played. The men of Gamma Sigma Phi raised more than $20,000 for Habitat for Humanity by playing softball for 60 hours last weekend. Some might call the undertaking insane, which is why planners dubbed the fundraiser “Insanity for Humanity.” David Sessions, senior Christian ministry major from Issaquah, Wash., announced about 10 hours of the game and stayed at the field for about 58 of the 60 hours. “It’s kind of ridiculous to ask guys to play softball for 60 hours,” Sessions said. “But it’s really worth it and a really, really small price to pay.”

Knowing that the men’s efforts were going toward a house for a needy family made the insanity worth it, Sessions said. He also said that living outside for just three nights made the cause more meaningful and personal for many players. Patrick Vincent, junior finance major from Arlington, played for the winning team — Humanity — which scored 729 runs. “Being able to raise that much money for Habitat for Humanity was a lot of fun,” Vincent said. Vincent said he looks forward to building the home that their fundraiser paid for next fall.

“Half the insanity is done,” he said. Throughout the event, players changed clothes several times, with costumes ranging from Scuba Steve outfits to bike-riding uniforms to sniper suits. The hours from midnight to 7 a.m. were the craziest, Vincent said, when player’s lack of sleep and exhaustion began to take over. Shane Spencer, junior financial management major from White Oak, also said a lot of funny things happened after 1 a.m. “Everything gets a lot funnier at that point,” he said. See GAME Page 5

BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer

The men of Gamma Sigma Phi cheer on other members of their club during the last inning of a 321-inning, 60-hour softball game Sunday. The world-record-breaking game raised funds for Habitat for Humanity.

CAMPUS

DAY

Chapel Check-Up Credited Chapels to date: Credited Chapels remaining:

64 07

Wednesday, April 20, 2005

Calendar&Events Wednesday

Thursday

Book sale, 7 a.m.-5 p.m., Campus Center.

Friendze’s sale, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Campus Center.

Freshman Formal sign-ups, 11 a.m.2 p.m., Campus Center.

Habitat for Humanity sign-ups, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Campus Center ticket windows.

Jam for Justice concert, 7 p.m., Hilton Room.

International Justice Mission, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Campus Center.

Fellowship of Christian Athletes, 910:45 p.m., Living Room.

Friday

International Justice Mission 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Campus Center. Campus Crew applications, 10 a.m., Campus Center ticket windows.

Saturday

International Justice Mission’s Run for Justice, 9 a.m., Nelson Park.

FilmFest information meeting, 610:45 p.m., Hilton Room.

Big Country Old Settlers Reunion, festivities at 10 a.m. and luncheon from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Buffalo Gap.

Pride’s Crossing dinner theatre, dinner at 6:45 p.m. and play at 8 p.m., Fulks Theatre.

Residence directors work to unite students Hall parties, workout nights, cookouts build on-campus community By MARY TAN STAFF WRITER

Students had the opportunity to eat a burger and watch a movie for a dollar Tuesday evening, in an event residence hall directors organized. Marie Thomas, residence director of Nelson Hall, first came up with the idea, known as Dollar Tuesday, as a hallwide activity for the women who lived in the hall last semester. She said she thought it would be fun for students in the other residence halls to come together for a night out. Nelson Hall has organized activities with other halls in the past, such as Slip-n-Slide with Gardner Hall, which was post-

poned because of bad weather. Thomas said the event probably will happen in the fall. Women from Nelson Hall also worked with men from McKinzie Hall last fall to organize Sing, Speak, Snack. More than 100 students attended the devotional. “It was an opportunity for the girls in Nelson to hang out with the McKinzie guys in the setting of worship,” said Taylor Price, resident assistant of Nelson Hall and sophomore children and family ministry major from Allen. “It’s a good way for them to get to know their brothers in Christ.” Other hallwide activities within Nelson Hall attracted fewer residents. Thomas said about 10-15 residents participated in Workout Wednesdays, where they did Taebo and salsa, and a Cultural Cookout, when students cooked dishes from

their culture. “There are certain activities that are difficult to get people involved,” Thomas said. “We just try our best.” Price said the dorm directors and resident advisers understand that residents “have their own life,” which affects participation in certain activities. “My aim was just to get to meet as many residents as possible and make life in the hall fun for them,” she said. “I think that’s been accomplished this year.” Price said activities gave residents the chance to “find out who they live with” in order to build a tight-knit community. Callie Peacher, residence director of University Park Apartments, echoed Price’s sentiments. “We plan activities in an effort to build community

among our residents,” she said. “We also plan them with the idea of how we can serve our residents and what we can do for them. For example, UP residents who renewed their lease during a lease signing party were given the chance to win an X-box, an MP3 player, a digital camera and several $100 Visa gift cards, Peacher said. On average, Peacher said activities attracted anywhere from 50-150 residents, but that the most popular activities involve free food. “We encourage all residents to give us input for programs,” Peacher said. “Sometimes, they will come to us with ideas, and we try to make them happen if it’s possible.” E-mail the Tan at: mtt04b@acu.edu

Police Log Monday 04/11/2005 2:10 p.m. Placed boot on vehicle on ACU Drive for numerous citations and unable to identify owner. 3 p.m. Checked unclaimed backpack in Zellner Hall; all okay. 3:40 p.m. Removed boot from vehicle on ACU Drive. 4:55 p.m. Theft report of cell phone at Teague Special Events Center. 6:10 p.m. Incomplete 911 at Zellner Hall room 209; all okay, misdial. 8:10 p.m. Incomplete 911 at Cullen Auditorium; all okay, misdial. 8:40 p.m. Incomplete 911 at Zellner Hall room 209; all okay misdial. 9:30 p.m. Traffic stop at East North 18th Street and Campus Court; driving without lights on. Tuesday 04/12/2005 10:45 a.m. Telephone harassment report at Nelson Hall. 1 p.m. Fingerprinted student in the station. 1:10 p.m. Fingerprinted student in the station. 3:58 p.m. Vehicle accident at Campus Court and East North 20th Street. 7:50 p.m. Report of suspicious subject at Bible lot; all okay. 10:40 p.m. Disturbance at 1800 Lincoln St., throwing water balloons Wednesday 04/13/2005 1:15 a.m. Noise violation at 500 E.N. 20th St. 1:30 p.m. Place boot on vehicle at Business lot for numerous citations and unable to identify owner.

Thursday 04/14/2005 1 a.m. Suspicious subject at Edwards lot; all okay. 2:15 a.m. Suspicious subject at Morris lot; all okay. 5 a.m. Report of suspicious noise at Brown Library; all okay. 8:50 a.m. Placed boot on vehicle in Library lot for numerous citations and unable to identify owner. 10 a.m. Assisted elderly female with vehicle trouble at East North 18th Street and Campus Court. 3:30 p.m. Theft of bicycle at Mabee Business Building. 4 p.m. Placed boot on vehicle at Business lot for numerous citations and unable to identify owner. 7:20 p.m. Parking violations. 9 p.m. Recovered stolen bicycle at Burford Building. Friday 04/15/2005 7:25 a.m. Medical emergency at Sikes Hall; female transported to Hendricks Medical Center. 9:08 a.m. Placed boot on vehicle at Mabee Lot for numerous citations and unable to identify owner. Saturday 04/16/2005 12:20 p.m. Incomplete 911 at Gardner Hall; all okay, misdial. 12:45 p.m. Report of loud party 300 College Drive; all okay. 3:40 p.m. Theft report at Intramural Field. Sunday 03/17/2005 7:10 a.m. Alarm at Maintenance, all okay, set off by cleaning crew.

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.

CAMPUS NEWS

Wednesday, April 20, 2005

Page 3

Faculty conduct elections

A Joyful Noise

Chair, Senate serve as liaisons with administration

“We have an unprecedented voice with the administration.” Dr. Greg Powell, professor of chemistry and Faculty Senate chair-elect

By JEREMY L. POND STUDENT REPORTER

BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer

Linnita Thomas, class of 2002, Marie Thomas, residence director for Nelson Hall, and other members of The Ministry sing the song ‘Safe’ at their Give My All Part II concert on Sunday in Chapel on the Hill.

New Presidential Scholars chosen Forty-five prospective students awarded top scholarship By SHELBI WATTEN STUDENT REPORTER

They are easily spotted among the rest of the students on campus because of their Sunday-best attire and purple ACU folders. Forty-five of the 200 prospective students seeking Presidential Scholar Awards were chosen after visiting campus on five different occasions this semester. Presidential scholarships provide money to assist selected students in their tuition and are awarded every year to about 40 incoming freshmen. Dana Jaworski, associate director of the Admissions and Recruiting Department, helped coordinate the selection process. She said recipients were notified at the end of last week with a mailed packet that included a scholarship certificate and a financial aid award letter. She also said the process of calling students to inform them if they

received a scholarship is still in progress. “We follow up with each candidate,” Jaworski said. “These calls are sometimes hard, especially if a student didn't receive the scholarship. For the most part, students are still excited about attending ACU whether they received the scholarship or not.” Two types of scholarships exist: full-tuition and halftuition. To receive either scholarship, prospective students must fulfill several requirements. For a full-tuition scholarship, the student must have a combined SAT score of 1360 or higher and an ACT score of 31 or higher, whereas a half-tuition scholarship requires a combined SAT score of 1260-1350 or an ACT composite score of 28-30. The Presidential Scholar Award is exclusively for students graduating from high school this year and entering ACU as a freshman with less than 14 credit hours. Once a student achieves eligibility, he or she must submit an application, proof of SAT or ACT scores, a high school transcript, an essay

and a résumé. Students are selected from their applications and notified with the date they are to visit the campus for an interview. The committee makes final selections based on interviews with the candidates. After students are awarded the scholarship, they must maintain their eligibility. Requirements include participating in the Honors Program by completing at least four honors courses within the recipients’ first two years of undergraduate education and completing 15 hours of service each semester through the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center. Melissa Landry, sophomore accounting and finance major from Plano, is a full-tuition Presidential Scholar but has not had trouble meeting eligibility requirements. “It’s overwhelming at first when they tell you what you have to do, but in reality, it’s not that bad,” Landry said. “It’s manageable.” E-mail Watten at: optimist@acu.edu

Elections for the Faculty Senate came to a close Friday night, and old and new members continue to focus on improving communication with the university’s administration. The Faculty Senate, which acts as a liaison between the faculty and the administration, is made up of representatives from each academic department who meet regularly to address the concerns of the faculty. Dr. Scott Perkins, assistant professor of psychology and chair of the Faculty Senate, said the problem of faculty salaries is the main concern to be addressed in the coming year. “We have been in discussion with the administration with regard to the salary goals stated in the Centennial Vision,” he said. “We are a year or two behind pro-

jected goals, and we are working with the administration to fix the problem.” Perkins said another area of focus for the Faculty Senate has been and will continue to be centennial preparation. “We are involved in a process in which we are offering ideas to the administration that we think should be university goals during the next century,” he said. “We are trying to set goals for the next 100 years while keeping a close eye on the next 10 to 15.” Dr. Mark Hamilton, assistant professor the Bible, Missions and Ministry Department and newly elected member of the Faculty Senate, said he also wants the faculty to focus on what will happen down the road. “I want us to commit ourselves to the future,” he said. Dr. Greg Powell, professor

of chemistry and the Faculty Senate’s next chair-elect, said the main thing he wants to see achieved during the next term is a better relationship between the faculty and the administration. “I would like to see continued open communication between us and the administration, as well as an increased level of trust there,” Powell said. “I feel that is quite attainable.” Powell added that the work the Faculty Senate has done in past years has opened a door to better communication. “This is a great time to serve in this capacity,” he said. “We have an unprecedented voice with the administration.”

E-mail Pond at: optimist@acu.edu

CAMPUS NEWS

Page 4

Summer futures based on decision Nine students await choice for internship at Crow Reservation By EMERALD MCGOWAN STUDENT REPORTER

Nine students wait for the final decision after interviewing for a summer internship at the Crow Indian Reservation in Montana. Interviews took place last Thursday and Friday and only four to six positions are open. Students were interviewed by Dr. David Gotcher, associate professor of sociology and social work and the university liaison for the reservation, and Angela Howe, administrative assistant for Extension Outreach Project and one of three coordinators for the summer internship. “All of our applicants seemed really interested and I can tell they’ve all got a lot to offer and a lot to learn,” Howe said. “I have appreciated the questions they’ve asked and am excited by the passion they have to experience, participate and visit with the Crow people.” During the interviews, Gotcher and Howe looked for qualities in the students such as an open mind, compassion, willingness to leave their comfort- zone, ability to deal with differences in culture and desire to share lessons learned during the internship. “We really hope, through the interns’ experience with the Crow people, they will bring knowledge and understanding back to the ACU campus,” Howe said. “We want to create a better atmosphere for Native American students and help put an end to stereotypes.” Howe returned to Montana

on Saturday and plans to meet with the other two coordinators to make the final decision sometime this week. While coordinators are making the decision, the prospective interns wait for the results. “I have wanted to do something like this since I was a child,” said Joy Chaney, junior psychology major from Colorado City. “I can remember wanting to experience something that will challenge me and force me out of my comfort zone.” Chaney said the aspect of living with the Crow people that most interests her is observing and being a part of their families. “I really admire how closeknit the Crow people are and how they honor their elders. I am excited to experience the Crow culture for myself,” she said. “I am also excited about getting to know Christians from different backgrounds.” Eric Tiner, graduate student in clinical psychology, first experienced Native American culture on a Spring Break Campaign. “During spring break of 1997, I went to the Navajo Reservation; it was a life changing experience to observe a lifestyle in this country unlike anything I had ever known,” Tiner said. “I think the Crow internship is a great opportunity to help in my own backyard. It’s simply helping where help is needed.” After graduation, Tiner plans on working in inner-cultural populations and said the experience of living with the Crow people would greatly help his future work.

E-mail McGowan at: optimist@acu.edu

Can you hear me now?

Wednesday, April 20, 2005

Seniors can give back to ACU after graduation Crazy hat cookout for seniors Thursday; catered by Joe Allen’s By NATHAN STRAUS STUDENT REPORTER

BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer

Carlos Macias, senior interdisciplinary major from Torreon, Mexico, sings “Return to Me” with the band Clad in Scarlett at the Shades Spring Show, Friday in Cullen Auditorium..

Organizers from the Senior Experience Program will host a free cookout for seniors on Thursday. The event will be from 5-6:30 p.m. at Lytle Bend Ranch. Joe Allen’s will cater the cookout, and participants can receive prizes donated by local businesses, said Emily Spurlock, a freshman undeclared major from Abilene. Seniors should reserve their spots by calling Ext. 2737. Mark Sanchez, senior accounting major from Abilene, said the cookout has happened each year since the program began honoring seniors to let them know they’re still part of the university even after they graduate. “Remember that ACU will always be a part of you; this is your last semester so make the most of it,” Sanchez said. He said about 200 students attend each year. Seniors can also wear a crazy hat and be entered into a contest

for a gift certificate. Area restaurants donated most of the prizes. The grand prize is an iPod, donated by Dr. Royce Money, president of the university. Thaxton said students can give back to ACU after graduation by buying a brick on the Alumni Walk for $100. The graduating senior will receive a brick with his or her name on it and date of graduation placed in the Alumni Walk near the Onstead-Packer Biblical Studies Building. “It’s not just about, ‘Let’s all get together and have a fun time.’ It’s about giving their gift back into the school,” said Kristi Thaxton, development programs manager of the Senior Experience Program. “We want the senior students to know that we appreciate their gift and that they are beginning a lifetime of philanthropy. “As seniors graduate from ACU, we want them to stay connected to ACU and by participating in their class gift, they can leave their legacy behind,” Thaxton said.

E-mail Straus at: optimist@acu.edu

ACU recognized worldwide for film Creative Services, Alumni Relations film wins second place

“To be recognized as one of the best among our peers worldwide is a great feeling.” Ron Hadfield, director of Creative Services and editor of ACU Today magazine

By LAURA STORK STAFF WRITER

University submissions won second place out of 31 entries in a worldwide collegiate competition on April 4 for the centennial film, The Mission. The award is one of nine the Office of Alumni Relations, Creative Services and Phillips Productions Inc. brought home from the 2005 Circle of Excellence Awards Program competition sponsored by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. Last year, 3,100 entries were submitted in 40 categories at the competition. Ron Hadfield, director of Creative Services and editor of ACU Today magazine, said

in an e-mail this is the university’s first international CASE award in juried competition in at least 25 years. “To be recognized as one of the best among our peers worldwide is a great feeling,” Hadfield said. “For ACU’s film to be included in the top four is a wonderful achievement.” CASE is the largest international association of educational institutions, representing more than 40,000 professionals in alumni relations, communication and marketing, advancement services and development at more than 3,200 schools. In the end, Hadfield said, the success of the Centennial Campaign is more important

than winning a prestigious CASE award. This year, the 22-minute film’s purpose is to inspire alumni and donors to raise money for the Centennial Campaign and to remind them what ACU’s mission means, how it changes lives and why it’s worthy of their support, Hadfield said. The Mission is also being shown to people around the nation. “We’ve been told this is helping generate a lot of good will and excitement among alumni and potential donors who see it,” Hadfield said. Martin Perry, associate producer from Phillips Productions Inc., said his company became involved

with the film because he is an alumnus, and he strongly believes in the mission of the university and wants to support that with the talents he’s been given. “It’s been enjoyable to work with the people at ACU,” said Perry, who studied mass communication with a radio and television emphasis. “I’m very passionate about film; I love doing it.” Both Hadfield and Perry said they are more humbled than proud of their recent CASE award. “I’m pleased that the film has been honored in such a way because it calls attention to the film,” Perry said. “Hopefully that will cause more people to see it.”

E-mail Stork at: las00f@acu.edu

FROM THE FRONT PAGE

Wednesday, April 20, 2005

Page 5

Task Force: Committee recommends changes to take effect June 1 Continued from Page 1 force co-chair, said strengths and weakness were seen from a survey more than 60 percent of the university employees participated in. He said 87 percent of participants said staff and faculty mentored and modeled Christian values before the students, the supervisors treat their employees with respect, and they were proud to work at ACU. The four main concerns the task force found among employees were comments about low salaries, trust between faculty and staff and their administra-

tors, an overwhelming workload, and lack of resources and personnel to do their job effectively. Money said morale on campus was lower after faculty and staff did not receive a pay raise at Christmas for the first time in 15 years, but the administration is working to recover the pay gap. “The decision for not giving employees of the university a raise at Christmas came because of financial pressures,” Money said. “Our first priority was to preserve the financial integrity of the university. Now we have got our feet back on the ground,

and we can reposition ourselves to come back and focus on taking care of our people.” Money announced that over a period of three years, $4.5 million will be invested in increasing the salaries of staff and faculty so that it is above the national average for universities the size of ACU. Right now, faculty and staff salaries are 5 percent to 10 percent below average. Other changes will also occur to take care of the employees. Dr. Nancy Shankle, chair of the English Department and task force co-chair, recommended that a shared sick and vaca-

tion leave bank be formed for faculty and staff to borrow if a catastrophic illness occurred in their family. She also proposed that faculty and staff not be charged to use the exercise facilities on campus or for interlibrary loans. Money announced that these policies will change June 1. Amber Peck, director of Alumni Relations and task force member, recommended that a further study on the workload of faculty and staff be completed and a place be made available for cross-department lunches. Peck also recommended faculty and staff meet

monthly for Chapel and that an "adopt-a-student" program begin for staff. “All faculty on campus get the opportunity to impact lives on a daily basis,” Peck said. “The staff here are all jealous of the relationships that you get to form with the students and how you can make a difference. We want to get more involved.” Money said he was surprised the task force decided on this change but was excited they wanted it. “This is why we’re all here: to interact with students,” Money said. “I love people who want more contact with students.”

Other proposed changes and recommendations can be found at www.acu.edu/qualityoflife. Money said he hopes these changes will help boost morale for employees on campus, and he wants to continue to have an open forum between faculty and staff and the Board of Trustees. “God is doing great things, and I am in a role to see from the front row what God is doing on this campus,” Money said. “Let me tell you, the view is incredible.” E-mail Sherwood at: mes02e@acu.edu

Class: Students enroll for summer Continued from Page 1 Cassie Bellomy, sophomore nutrition major from Arlington, is registered for the Christianity and Culture Maymester class; she said she took a Maymester class last year and liked it. Bellomy is one of many students to take a Maymester class to graduate on schedule. Allison Wright, senior McCarty marketing and management major from Spring Hill, Tenn., said she has never taken a Maymester class, but she is taking one now in order to graduate next December. “It’s only three weeks, and you are done,” said Wright, who will be taking the Leadership and

“I’m taking 16 hours next semester, and this will take some off of the load.” Allison Wright, senior marketing and management major from Spring Hill, Tenn.

Organization class. “I’m taking 16 hours next semester, and this will take some off of the load.” Other students are knocking more classes out by taking a Maymester and a summer class. Emily Culp, sophomore elementary education major from Austin, said she is taking a Maymester class so she can graduate and student teach in four years. Culp is also taking a summer course in Oxford, England. “I’m taking Summer II because I wanted to study abroad at Oxford,” said Culp, who will take Christian Spirituality and Faith at Oxford. “But I’m mainly going to travel and

experience the culture, which works nice because I will get six hours for my minor in Bible.” Amber Lee, senior graphic design major from Aurora, Colo., is registered for a summer class so she can graduate in December. “It’s especially great for art classes because you get to focus all of your attention on one subject,” Lee said. Students can sign up for a Maymester or summer class until the day before classes begin. E-mail Stork at: las00f@acu.edu

BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer

Brandon Manning (top), junior management major from Boerne, and Clint Askins, junior youth ministry major from College Station, try to take a nap during the Insanity for Humanity game on Friday afternoon.

Game: Funds to help build home Continued from Page 1

Solicitor: Students should be ‘wise’ Continued from Page 1

tive of credit card and identity issues. “I get paid to be cynical,” he Packer Biblical Studies Buildsaid. “But the average person ing, advised him of the policy, needs to be very objective took his picture, issued a tresabout who to give that inforpass warning and made him mation to.” leave campus, warning if he Ellison contacted the Pizza came back without a permit, Hut on Ambler Avenue to verhe would be arrested. ify the legitimacy of the cou“Solicitations like this are pons and sent a mass e-mail to not a good idea,” Ellison said. students, telling them that “It is not wise to hand over although the your personal information coupons to anyone uncould be re“The average person needs to be very objective less you know deemed for a about who to give that information to.” it is a general free pizza, credit organithey should Jimmy Ellison, chief of ACU Police zation. still be wary “In today’s of credit card society, credit solicitors. card fraud and identity theft on campus last week had illicDonna O’Connor, manager are running rampant across it motives, but with the epi- of the Pizza Hut, said students demic of identity theft, we could receive a free personal the nation.” In 2004, the Consumer don’t let credit card solicitors pan pizza in exchange for a Sentinel, which is maintained on campus without the proper coupon. “We did this back in by the Federal Trade Commis- permit. It was time for him to January, and we had no probsion, received more than go.” Ellison said he thinks stu- lem with it,” she said. “They 635,000 identity theft complaints, which resulted in dents are learning about the pay us for each coupon that is more than $547 million of re- potential for identity theft turned in, but I had nothing to ported losses, according to the because several students called do with what they were adverthe police department to warn tising on campus. FTC. “As far as I know, the comEllison said college cam- about the solicitors. “We are glad to know that pany is on the up and up. They puses are fertile ground for identity thieves to prey be- people are beginning to be go through Citibank, or cause students do not always leery,” he said. “I think this is a Citifinancial or something.” understand the risks of giving good testament to the fact that this type of information. this is a campus, and people E-mail Williams at: “A few months ago, we had have to become more protectnt00b@acu.edu another situation like this,” he said. “People were giving out free T-shirts. They got off campus before I could locate them. They collected names, dates of birth, social security numbers, mothers’ maiden names, all sorts of information a stranger handing out freebees has no business with. “This time, we don’t have any reason to believe the guy

Service: Day takes much planning Continued from Page 1 Service Action Leadership Team began preparing for ACU for Abilene at the beginning of the semester, splitting up into five committees and spending

countless hours planning what is basically a large-scale Service Saturday. She said SALT prepared for the event with a devotional Friday night and spending much time in prayer and focusing on what it means

to be a servant. “For the future,” Reese said, “our push is really going to be going out into the community.” E-mail Carlson at: skc02a@acu.edu

“The announcers at that time in the morning were on fire.” Spencer said he averaged about six hours of sleep each night, broken up into threehour shifts. Four hours was the longest length of time any player could sleep at a time because of the way the game progressed. The 40 players split into two teams—Insanity and Humanity—and each team had an “A” group and “B” group. The teams played in shifts of four hours, while the other team had time to sleep, eat donated food, shower and bathe with a hose and kiddy pool, and converse with the crowd of fans. On Saturday night, a band played, and Friday and Saturday fans enjoyed a small carnival consisting of a dunk tank, concession stand and silent auction. When the game finally end-

ed Sunday at 10 a.m., the 40 muscle-weary men rushed at each other and collapsed into a dogpile of dust, sunburned limbs and exhaustion. “The end of the game—it was unimaginable how exciting it was,” Spencer said. After the game, he said he went home and slept for about 19 hours straight. Although the club set its goal at $68,000, Sessions said he’s pleased with the amount of money the club raised. “We wanted to set a really lofty goal for everyone to reach for,” he said. “I think setting the goal so high made it so we were able to reach an amount that could be reached in past years.” Club members raised money by sending letters to different people and asking restaurants, stores, theatres and other businesses to sponsor them. They also raised money during with the silent auction.

Dr. David Dillman, professor of political science and a board member for Habitat for Humanity, said the men raised almost enough money for a new home, and he hopes GSP members and students can build a house next fall. “It’s a great gift—a great blessing for some future home owner,” Dillman said. While raising money for Habitat, GSP also broke the world record for the longest softball game ever played. The record will become official after the club sends the Guinness Book of World Records a log sheet signed by witnesses, medical staff and umpires and all media coverage of the game. “It seemed like the guys had a lot of fun.” Dillman said. “It was a tremendous event, and I hope they do get the official world record.” E-mail Schneider at: jrs02a@acu.edu

VIEWSWEDNESDAY OPTIMIST

Page 6

Freedom and justice for all

The issue: The campus chapter of the International Justice Mission is having its annual Awareness Week to inform students about injustice around the world.

Our view: Young adults often don’t realize the injustice that occurs outside the United States.

The solution: We should appreciate our freedom and fight for the freedom of others.

April 20, 2005

… with liberty and justice for all. The last line of our Pledge of Allegiance demonstrates two elements of freedom that Americans value and that this nation’s founding fathers, supporters of the antislavery and suffrage movements and many others have fought and died to obtain. Others are fighting and dying around the world, some in an attempt to fight oppression, and some in an attempt to just survive under oppressive conditions.

Life should be lived in faith, not fear These instances of carelessness with human life have transformed the world into ... fear mongers. son on kinetic energy for the day when we heard the news. I thought, “someone blew up a large building ... where?” I had no clue where Oklahoma City was; youngsters growing up above the Mason-Dickson line often believe that the only parts of the country worth knowing about lie in the surrounding states that make up the New England area. In spite of my geographical ignorance, I was still dumbfounded that someone would destroy a building with people in it with the intention of taking lives. As the 10th anniversary for this day of domestic bombing approaches and passes, Americans will be mindful of the many like instances that have taken place over the years. The Oklahoma City Bombing, Sept. 11, 2001, the mailbombing of Ted Kaczynski (the “Unibomber”), the mul-

In Your Words What have you been doing to enjoy the nice weather we’ve been having lately?

tiple school shootings and the many foreign terrorist attacks that have taken place during the past 10 years have launched us into an age of relentless and guilt-free murder. We are living in an age of defensiveness, national security efforts and distrust of the common man (or woman). These instances of carelessness with human life have legitimately transformed the world into a pack of fear mongers and skeptics. I remember the America that my grandfather used to tell me about — the America in which flight passengers didn’t fear the Arab-looking man sitting next to them, the America in which guns were carried for hunting, not protection, and the America in which the average citizen would leave his or her front door unlocked when going to the store. That America is ancient

I walk outside between classes, and it sure is nice to get some sun.”

history; however, the aforementioned description of the mentality of Americans doesn’t have to apply to you. I’m not telling you to leave your doors unlocked or toss your guns in the dumpster (although, that is a whole different issue for another day), but as American Christians, we must be compassionate, not fearful. Is life so precious that you must defend it at all costs? You don’t need a handgun at the grocery store, and chances are, the Arab man sitting next to you isn’t going to shoot you with an AK-47 or blow you up with a selfmade shoe bomb; but, even if he or anyone else does, we will eventually be moving on to a better life. As this 10-year anniversary of the Oklahoma City Bombing is upon us, replace anger and fear with mourning and compassion. Try faithbased living rather than fearbased living. Respond to Holt at: mah02f@acu.edu or optimist@acu.edu

This just in: Fundraising, can’t doubleswipe their ID in all its forms and uses, cards for meal plans. Under forevermore will be only one the word “myth,” students word. could finally find answers to No more their questions about whether hyphens. No Bean food actually improves more splitting during Preview Weekend. Then, the AP Parkingbook it into two words. Just could hit the shelves. Page 162 would tell students where fundraising. This is ac- parking spots would be availcording to the able at 10:55 a.m. Tuesdays. 2005 edition You also could see statistics of the Associ- about how many freshmen Ask the ated Press from Mabee Hall drive to their Question Stylebook re- 8 a.m. business class. Jonathan And if those books weren’t leased just one Smith on the bookshelf of every stuweek ago. Journalists everywhere dent, the last installment wait for each year’s edition of would be an instant bestseller: the AP Stylebook to learn what the AP Chapelbook. Only under the most widely the section “fat accepted style chance” could for just about It could begin with students find anything writpercentage ten will be for the AP ARAMARK- the of students that year. who would atWant to book. In its pages tend Chapel know whether students would be daily if it to abbreviate reMaine? Consult able to find a coherent weren’t quired. Which the AP Styleanswer to why they s t u d e n t s book. wouldn’t own a Not sure can’t doubleswipe book that what to do with could tell them OK? Check their ID cards for how many peopage 184. meal plans. ple were ofDon’t know fended by or if you should agreed with Dause 7 or spell it mon Parker’s out? Look Chapel speech earlier this under numerals. If you want an answer semester? And by promising other about writing or style, this bestsellers such as Bookbook will have it. But the AP has really limit- storebook and hyping the ed its audience for the upcoming epic, SAbook, the Stylebook, much like I have AP could guarantee itself an for this column. I probably ACU market for years to lost half my readership by come. All these books would hit opening the column with grammar rules, and another almost every issue students half at the mere mention of actually care about on campus with any regularity. Now the the Associated Press. If the AP wouldn’t limit students just need someone to itself to producing only a champion their cause. I thought about producing Stylebook and would produce a more diversified product, the books myself, but I’m readers from all walks of life completely consumed now might become interested in with other more important endeavors. what the AP has to say. Like determining when I It could begin right here at ACU. All you need to do is should capitalize centennial. pick the biggest, most controversial issues on campus year in and year out. Consider the AP ARAMARKbook. In its pages, students would be able to find a Respond to Smith at: jvs02a@acu.edu or optimist@acu.edu coherent answer to why they

“I’ve been studying outside a lot more. It certainly has not been nice all the time lately, so I’ve been getting outside when I can.”

“Just being outside.”

“Playing baseball and basketball and getting snow cones.”

Michael Winters

Ariel Mars

Isaac Brown

Lindsay Smith

freshman political science major from Los Cruces, N.M.

freshman psychology major from Bronte

freshman undeclared major from San Antonio

sophomore biology major from Buffalo Gap

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

Handy books could help students cope

Daniel Barcroft

In My Words

Does the date June 11, 2001, stand out in your mind? It probably doesn’t. What about the name Timothy McVeigh? Now we’re talking, right? M c Ve i g h was executed on this date Don’t for the bombBelieve the ing of the Alfred Murrah Hype Federal BuildMitch Holt ing in Oklahoma City. His accomplice, Terry Nichols, is currently serving multiple life sentences for state and federal charges. Thousands of friends and family members of victims, those who so vividly remember the fateful day when a once-functional building in Oklahoma City became charred remnants, will gather on Tuesday to remember a decade-old day from hell. The rest of Mrs. Rule’s fourth grade class and I were quietly finishing up our les-

ery, families forced from their homes or murdered for their religion,and young girls coerced into prostitution. It has taken Americans years to realize the true meaning of our Pledge of Allegiance, but we still have some room to grow. We should appreciate our freedom and the laws we live under and continue to help those without the same privileges — so that some day we might all live with liberty and justice for all.

ACU’s chap- College students sometimes have a hard time under- Burundi in central Africa ter of the Inhave seen ternational standing the gravity of other people’s situations. their neighJustice Mission bors’ houses this week is raising awareness to bring light workers who work as mission- burned and had friends and to the work the national IJM aries, lawyers and in many family kidnapped by rival does and spread understanding other areas to support and as- tribes. Those from South Asia know of children who work in of injustices around the world. sist the oppressed. As young adults, college stu- brothels to pay off debts. The organization is sponsoring ACU had the first campus a Jam for Justice concert dents, especially those who Thursday night and a Run for have always lived in the United chapter of IJM in the nation, Justice 5k run Saturday morn- States, sometimes have a hard and these student members ing; all week information time understanding the gravity realize the oppressed need booths will be set up in the of other people’s situations help, and they should be comHilton Room, and The Campus throughout the world. But mended for wanting to spread Store is sponsoring a book sale. some of our fellow students knowledge about these atrociIJM was founded in 1997 to have seen and lived through ties that occur every day elsecreate a group of Christian these conditions. Students from where: children sold into slav-

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

OPTIMIST THE

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

Wednesday, April 20, 2005

Page 7

SPORTS JUMPS

Track: Team prepares for Lone Star Conference

Baseball: Team’s goal to host regional tournament Continued from Page 8 ACU will travel to Kingsville this weekend for a crucial four-game set. “Going down to their park three games up is a good feeling,” Bonneau said. “But it’ll be one of the toughest weeks we’ve had all year.” As the season winds down the Wildcats are looking to position themselves

Continued from Page 8 Junior Cory Aguilar continued to improve his provisional mark in the pole vault, clearing 16-3 _ for second place in the event. In addition to winning the long jump Saturday, Ben Washington also improved his mark in the triple jump, placing first with a jump of 49-10. The Wildcat men have posted provisional or automatic qualifying marks in 19 events to date, while the women have qualified in 20 events. Murray said the teams are in a good position entering the post-season meets. “We are in a great position for the national meet as relates to qualifiers,” he said. “I anticipate even more this coming weekend at the conference championship. We are strong in the sprints and distance areas for both the men's and women's team and the jumps in the men's area. One area I would like for us to improve is the women's pole vault and I think with the opportunity this weekend we can do it.” The men and women will return to San Angelo Friday for the Lone Star Conference Championship Meet. E-mail Holt at: smh00a@acu.edu

Tennis: Men, women look Softball: Women prepare for regionals to regionals, nationals Continued from Page 8

regional championship that would send them both back to the national tournament. “I expect that we will be playing really well in the conference tournament and be hitting at the highest level,” Jones said. “We expect both teams to win.” This year’s regional tournament is May 5-6 and the national tournament is in Orlando, Fla. on May 11-14. E-mail Robarts at: kdr00c@acu.edu

E-mail Gray at: weg02a@acu.edu

BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer

Junior pitcher Jennifer Leal pitches in relief of starter Allison Crouse during the Wildcat’s 11-7 loss to the Angelo State Rambelles on Friday at Wells Field. Leal went three innings with one earned run and three strikeouts. The women will play in the Lone Star Conference Tournament, which begins on Thursday.

Continued from Page 8

for a spot in the regional tournament on May 19-21. “Our goal is to go to the regional and host the regional,” Bonneau said. “Up to this point we’ve put ourselves in a good position to do that, so we have to finish the season strong.”

Wilson thinks the series was an accomplishment. “The fact we were in a position to win the South Division right up to the final conference game of the season is a success,” Wilson said. In the final game, Daisy

Barcena hit a two-run home run in the second inning, but Angelo State had too much in the final game. The teammates are looking forward to the conference tournament this weekend. Wilson knows that her veterans and new players are both excited and confident.

“This is what the team set as a goal and worked throughout the year to achieve,” Wilson said.

E-mail Fields at: jrf03b@acu.edu

BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer

Junior starting pitcher Brandon Moore throws a strike to an Angelo State hitter during the Wildcat’s 14-2 victory over the Rams on Saturday at Crutcher Scott Field. Moore went seven innings, allowing two earned runs and striking out six for his seventh win this season. The men play A&M Kingsville this Friday.

SPORTSWEDNESDAY OPTIMIST

Page 8

April 20, 2005

Women place second in LSC South

LSC South Standings current through 04-18-05

Baseball Team ACU A&M-Kingsville Angelo State E. New Mexico Tarleton State West Texas A&M

Div. 10-2 7-5 6-6 6-6 5-7 2-10

Tot. 35-12 30-15 23-22 21-22 21-27 13-33

Softball Team Angelo State ACU Tarleton State A&M-Kingsville Texas Woman’s E. New Mexico

Div. 15-5 13-7 12-8 11-9 6-14 3-17

Tot. 42-12 30-18 24-19 30-26 21-23 18-29

Upcoming events in Wildcat sports... (home events in italics)

Softball team wins two against Rambelles to earn playoff berth By JARED FIELDS SPORTS WRITER

The softball team split its weekend series against defending national champion Angelo State to earn its first conference playoff berth since 2001. The Wildcats will play Southeastern Oklahoma, 7 p.m. on Thursday at at the Southwest Park Softball Complex in Irving. The winner will then play Central Oklahoma on Friday. After the series against Angelo State, head coach Chantiel Wilson said she feels confident heading into the

Lone Star Conference Tournament. “If we play how we are capable of playing, we can beat anyone on any given day,” Wilson said. In the first game of the series Friday, the Wildcats gave up a seven-run fourth inning and lost 11-7. Jennifer Malkinson Leal took the loss for the Wildcats, but four unearned runs made the difference in the game. In the nightcap, the women made up for the previous game and won 10-6. Valerie Malkinson and Jessica Johnson each had a three-run home run

to lead the Wildcat offense. In Saturday’s doubleheader, ACU won the first game 7-2 and lost the second 8-3. In the first game, Leal threw a complete game allowing six hits, two runs and one unearned run. Jade Wilson helped her team’s cause from the plate, belting a Johnson three-run home run in the fifth inning to break a 2-2 tie. The win put the Wildcats in a position to win the LSC South Division, if they won the last game. Despite the loss, See SOFTBALL Page 7

BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer

Junior right fielder Jade Wilson slides into third base, advancing on a sac-fly by junior catcher Ashley Whittenberg in the sixth inning of the 11-7 Wildcat loss to defending champions Angelo State on Saturday. The women won two of the four games against the Rambelles this weekend, placing second in the LSC South division.

Thursday, April 21 TN: LSC championship SB: LSC tournament, Southeastern Oklahoma State, 7 p.m.

Eight qualify for May nationals

Friday, April 22 TN: LSC championship BSB: Texas A&M Kingsville, 3 p.m. SB: April 22-23, LSC tournament, TBD TK: April 22-23, LSC Championship Saturday, April 23 BSB: Texas A&M Kingsville, noon SB: Texas Woman’s, 1 p.m. TK: Angelo State Relays Sunday, April 17 MTN: Lamar, noon Rice, 6 p.m.

Track team continues to post qualifiers for NCAA II nationals

Scores

By STEVE HOLT SPORTS WRITER

Friday Baseball ACU 9, Angelo State 2 ACU 4, Angelo State 2 Softball Angelo State 11, ACU 7 ACU 10, Angelo State 6

Saturday Baseball ACU 14, Angelo State 2 Angelo State 5, ACU 4 Softball ACU 7, Angelo State 2 Angelo State 8, ACU 3

Briefs Softball player Allison Crouse honored as LSC Player of the Week last week. Pitcher Allison Crouse was 2-0 last week, recording completegame 8-0 and 8-1 wins over Texas Woman’s. She yielded just nine hits and one run in 12 innings, getting three strikeouts while not allowing a walk. ACU first baseman Katie Bryan, who had been honored two weeks in a row as LSC South Hitter of the Week, was issued 12 walks in 18 plate appearances last week, including 10 intentional passes in four games against Texas Woman’s... Bryan leads the LSC in home runs (15) and RBI (53) ACU catcher Ashley Whittenberg smashed a grand slam in Friday’s first game against TWU, marking the Wildcats’ fourth grand slam in the past nine games... ACU has 49 home runs this year, easily bettering its previous single-season school record of 25... — www.lonestarconference.org

BRIAN SCHMIDT/Chief Photographer

Senior designated hitter Dan Gubbels gets caught in a run-down between Ram catcher Joey Kolar and third baseman Barrett Pradon during the fifth inning of the Wildcat’s 14-2 victory over Angelo State University on Saturday at Crutcher Scott Field. The men won three of the four games against the newcomer Rams and remain first in the LSC South division.

Men narrowly miss four-game sweep Baseball team takes three of four games from newcomer Rams

“Our hitters have done a great job, once they’ve seen a guy, of making adjustments if they need to.” Britt Bonneau, head baseball coach

By WARREN GRAY SPORTS

WRITER

The ACU baseball team almost came away with another series sweep last weekend, but settled for three out of four against the upstart Angelo State Rams. The Wildcats won 9-2, 4-2 and 14-2 before dropping the final 5-4. “I was pleased,” coach Britt Bonneau said of his team’s performance. “Overall we got good pitching the first three games and didn’t have bad pitching in the last game. I still think our team can score six runs a game.” Not reaching the six-run plateau kept the Wildcats from a win in the final game,

but the team managed to win the second game of the series with just four runs behind a strong outing from Ben Brockman. Brockman improved to 10-0 after giving up two runs in just over six innings before giving way to Kade Simmons, who picked up the save. In the other two wins, the offense was more prevalent. The Wildcats broke open the first game with a five-run fifth inning. Second baseman C.J. Goularte stole home to kick off the scoring in the inning, and Ruben Rivera helped out with his second two-run double of the game. Since coming off the injured list, Rivera has been a

major contributor for the Wildcats. He is batting .435 in 108 at bats and has played stellar defense, even after a switch from third base to shortstop. “He’s able to go the other way, I think that’s the biggest thing,” Bonneau said of Rivera’s disciplined approach at the plate. “He’s a smart player in the field. He and Brenan (Herrera) have really worked well together on the left side.” Ben Maynard backed up the offense with his fourth complete game in his last five outings to pick up his eighth win of the year. The Wildcats continued their big inning theme with a

four-run fifth in their 14-2 win. ACU recorded 17 hits in the game, including three apiece from Herrera and Cody Cure. Bonneau said his players have done a good job all year of jumping on a pitcher after one time through the order. “Our hitters have done a great job, once they’ve seen a guy, of making adjustments if they need to,” Bonneau said. ACU is 35-12, 10-2 in the Lone Star Conference South Division. With eight regular season games remaining, the Wildcats sit in first place in the division, three games up on Texas A&M-Kingsville. See BASEBALL Page 7

Tennis team prepares for LSC conference tournament Men, women to host LSC regional tourney on Thursday, Friday By KYLE ROBARTS SPORTS WRITER

Doubles competition gave the men’s tennis team the edge Saturday in Beaumont as the Wildcats rolled a 4-3 win over NCAA Division I Lamar. ACU split with Lamar on the singles court with Artin Tafazoli, George Carstens and Evan Puglia picking up victories. The 3-3 tie forced the

Wildcats to take two out of three on the doubles court for the win and the team responded. Senior Jason Ray and junior Casper Steenkamp teamed up to edge Lamar’s Dean Clower and Ignacio Melus 98, and after Carstens and Puglia fell 8-1 it was up to underclassmen Kevin Beedy and Bryce Hicks to carry the team to a victory. Hicks and Beedy responded with a convincing 8-5 victory giving the squad its fifth win over Division I competition this season. Following the victory in

Beaumont, the Wildcats – the No. 13 team in the nation – went to Houston for their second match a g a i n s t Division I competition as they fell to No. 33 Rice University 40. “It was a tough little Steenkamp swing,” head coach Hutton Jones said. “But it was impressive to beat a good Lamar team. Their coach said it was probably the best team he’d had since he’d

been there so for us to step up and win was satisfying.” The two matches were the final stretch of competition before the team will host the Lone Star Conference Cham-pionships on Thursday and Friday at the Ray Eager Tennis Pavilion. The women’s team has not played since April 9 where they played host to LSC opponent Cameron and won 5-0.

Jones said that the team has stayed on top of their game through intersquad matches and last weekend alumni came and played doubles matches with the current team. “They’ve only had one weekend off and the girls are competitive enough to push each other in the challenge matches,” Jones said. The women will also host the LSC championships as well and both the men and women look to defend their titles and move on to host a See TENNIS Page 7

ACU posted eight new and two improved qualifying marks at the 34th annual Angelo State David Noble Relays in San Angelo,Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Four women and three men added their names to the provisional qualifying list for the national meet in eight events, as just four meets remain until the NCAA Division II Outdoor National Track and Field Championships, which will take place at Elmer Gray Stadium May 26-28. Head coach Jon Murray said he was pleased with the performances overall. “Our main objective at the ASU meet was to concentrate on an individual event and get ready for the Lone Star Conference meet the next weekend,” Murray said. “I was especially pleased with the men's and women's 200 meters and the women's 400 meters and 800 meters. We had some great performances in those races.” Only the athletes who had not yet qualified for the national meet in their events or who needed to improve on previous provisional marks participated in San Angelo. Leading the way for the women was Brooklyn Hunt, who qualified provisionally in both the 200- and 400-meter dashes, finishing in 24.38 and 56.10, respectively. Both times should be fast enough to get her into the sprint races at the national meet. Brooklyn’s twin, Jessica, also posted a provisional qualifying time of 24.42 in the 200-meter dash, finishing sixth in the race, immediately behind her sister. Keva Wilkins took first place in the women’s 400-meter dash with a fast provisional time of 55.49. Middle-distance star Addeh Mwamba finished second in the 800-meter run with a time of 2:09.13, one of the top times in the nation and a provisional mark. For the men, Marvin BienAime moved his name up the list of 200-meter dash qualifiers with his 21.07 performance, while teammate Ricardo Johnson ran a provisionally qualifying time of 21.29 in the preliminary race. Delt Cockrell also qualified provisionally in the preliminaries of the 200-meter dash, matching the provisional standard of 21.50. See TRACK Page 7