BY SARAH
Homecoming events promote community, connection
BY ASHLEY HENDERSON EDITOR IN CHIEF
Students and alumni will have the opportunity to connect at this year’s Homecoming, which is themed “The Sky’s the Limit.”
While students spent the week participating in activities like late-night breakfast, a scavenger hunt and Sherbet with
Schubert, the celebrations are only just getting started. Friday will begin with Praise Day Chapel at 11 a.m., followed by several events throughout the day such as the Homecoming Carnival, Candlelight devotional, the Freaky Friday musical and Midnight Worship. On Saturday, several student organizations will
walk in the Homecoming parade before the football tailgate and game, which will be followed by a drone show and another performance of the Freaky Friday musical. There will also be reunions and department events throughout the week.
April Young, assistant director of alumni and university relations, said Homecoming is one of
the most attended events of the semester and thousands of alumni return to campus for it.
“Our alumni love to be together,” Young said. “Homecoming is a time to remind them why ACU is such a special place, why these connections matter, why these relationships matter.”
Young said that students can benefit from
this week in two ways.
“One, it’s just fun,” she said. “And two, to continue to create great memories at ACU, to continue to create connections, and then being a part of things this weekend, the opportunity to connect with alumni, in my opinion, there’s no better time.”
Highlighting some of the bigger events, Young
Bean addresses 14 health code violations in city inspection
BY ASHLEY HENDERSON EDITOR IN CHIEF
The Bean is responding to a city health inspection in September in for which the campus cafeteria received 14 health violations, including issues related to proper holding temperatures and pests found within the dining space and storage room.
Dr. Ryan Richardson, vice president for student life, said when he saw the results of the inspection, it was his priority the health of students had not been negatively impacted.
“While I am always concerned about making sure that the Bean and ACU dining is always providing an absolutely stellar experience for our students,” Richardson said, “I was not concerned that that experience was being hurt by the things that were cited.”
Ken Weaver, senior director of dining services, said the inspection’s overall score of
85 was largely affected by “minor infractions,” which he finds to be “coachable” issues that can easily be addressed. For example, one of the violations referred to a cup that was left on the food preparation counter of the salad station.
“She just set her drink down and was getting ready for a shift, and the health inspector had happened to be there, and that was only one that was found in the whole facility,” Weaver said. “We just told her, ‘Hey, next time, just make sure, when you come to work, place your cup on a low shelf where it’s not on a food contact surface.’”
Weaver said if taken away this, along with other violations, including a wet rag left on a rolling cart and a cracked utensil, the Bean’s score would have been in the 90s.
“Sometimes the score does not really tell the true story,” he said.
However, news of the inspection and viral so -
cial media posts about the Bean sparked discussion on platforms like Facebook, Instagram and YikYak about the Bean’s sanitary and nutritional values.
“I was definitely scared to eat anything there, especially the meats, vegetables and fruit,” said Kamile Rodriguez, sophomore nursing major from Hewitt.
One of the posts that Rodriguez saw was a picture of a piece of broccoli with a bug in it, which led to increased complaints from students and par -
ents. Richardson said ACU takes these complaints seriously and launched an investigation to verify the post.
“That one happened to be a national concern that everyone was dealing with, and that specifically had to do with a broccoli product that we discontinued at that moment,” Richardson said.
Weaver said the Bean serves fresh vegetables, so the broccoli was a grower issue, but efforts were still made to eliminate the problem.
Despite these efforts,
Rodriguez said she still has yet to see progress in the daily meals.
“It’s been very, very mediocre, like there’s been good days and bad days,” Rodriguez said. “I kind of just go and eat the same things, but recently, I feel like not a lot has been changed.”
Both Richardson and Weaver encourage people to avoid taking their critiques to social media, but instead use the feedback machines in the dining hall, which send them a daily report. Students can also reach out to speak to someone directly and follow @acudining on Instagram for updates.
“It’s not that you shouldn’t tell other people your experiences, but if you tell ACU dining, I know them to be the most amenable humans to helping remedy any dissatisfaction,” Richardson said. “We’re gonna keep doing better, more, grow. I want this to be the place that people would prefer to come to eat.”
American Sign Language class to sign anthem at Homecoming
BY BRYLIE LEACH NEWSLETTER EDITOR
The American Sign Language classes taught by Cassie “CK” Knutson, instructor of deaf education of almost 20 years, will be signing the national anthem at the Homecoming football game on Saturday. Knutson has taught Deaf education for 5th12th grade students in Texas, Arizona and
Washington state, and she has taught ASL at ACU for 6 years.
“ASL is a wonderfully full language that gives a minority population a voice,” Knutson said. “Teaching ASL gives me the unique opportunity to teach about this Deaf culture, and how hearing people have historically been very oppressive of them.”
Students who have signed the national anthem in the past have said it is very impactful. Emma Palafox, senior communication sciences and disorders major from Lubbock, said gaining the ability to communicate in a new language and learn about a culture different from the one she grew up with is a beautiful thing. She encour-
ages others to “pick up their hands” and learn to communicate with the Deaf community.
“I have absolutely loved learning ASL from CK,” Palafox said. “She encourages us to be better every class and supports us through all we do. I am so blessed that she is teaching me not only a beautiful language but a wonderful culture.”
encourages people to watch the drone show, which she believes is “one of the coolest things ACU has ever done.” She also teased a potential surprise during the parade to be on the lookout for.
“Homecoming is a time for our community to come together and have fun and celebrate what this place means to us,” she said.
A student publication of Abilene Christian University since 1912
EUNYOUNG THOMPSON | PHOTOGRAPHER
New students wave towels while PJ Martinez, Associate Dean of Student Engagement, sounds the siren.
BY ASHLEY HENDERSON | EDITOR IN CHIEF
ACU dining recommends using the “happy or not” machines to provide feedback on the quality of food and service at The Bean.
Photo courtesy of Emily Rose Emma Palafox and Sydney Powell perform national anthem.
Clery report notes change in alcohol violation reporting
BY MAKAYLA CLAYTON NEWS REPORTER
Annual crime and safety reporting data released by the university earlier this month reflects a change in how the ACU Police Department is handling alcohol violations and an off-campus assault incident from last year.
ACU Police released the 2024 Annual Security, Crime Statistics, and Fire Safety Report, which covers statistics from 2021-23. The report is available on the ACU Police Department webpage.
The Clery report includes an aggravated assault in 2023. Four men jumped another man at an off-campus house owned by the university, said ACU Police Chief Jason Ellis.
“So that’s why it looks like it’s ACU residence or our property, and for Clery purposes, we have to include residenc -
es that are owned by ACU,” he said. Ellis said the victim suffered minor head injuries, and described it as a minor case.
The report also shows an increase in referrals from liquor and drug violations compared to previous years. However, the arrests for liquor and drug violations have decreased, Ellis said.
“Clery also calls citations arrests,” Ellis said.
“If you see two years ago we had nine arrests for liquor, I don’t think any of those were actual arrests they were just citations.”
Instead of writing citations for liquor law violations, Ellis said the police department has started referring those cases to the Office of Student Life. Students disciplined by the university for alcohol violations take a course and face other potential punishments.
“We look at better
ways to educate them and inform students about the dangers of alcohol and drugs so they can make better decisions moving forward,” Ellis said.
The Clery Act, known as the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act, was passed in 1990. It was named after Jeanne Ann Clery, a Le -
high University freshman who was sexually assaulted and murdered in 1986. Her parents campaigned for the law after finding out students weren’t told about the crimes on campus.
The Clery Act is a federal law that requires colleges to report crime statistics, and it applies to all U.S. universities that receive Title IV funding. Institutions that violate
the Clery Act are fined by the U.S. Department of Education. To learn more about the Clery Act visit the Clery Center website.
“It’s kind of like a consumer protection law so that you as a parent or you as a student are educated about the school you go to, and if it’s safe or not,” Sgt. Chad LaPrelle said.
He also said every state has different definitions of what a crime is and how it is categorized. Clery has set a standard across the nation.
“What they’ve tried to do is make it more universal, easier to use language,” LaPrelle said.
The standard that Clery uses and the Texas Penal Code are different. The aggravated assault case in 2023 would have been considered a minor assault under the Penal Code, Ellis said.
ACUPD also releases its police log every week.
Student partners with Cafe 1040 to spread the gospel globally
BY BRYLIE MAHAR NEWSLETTER EDITOR
Daisy Rodriguez packed her bags and said goodbye to loved ones before embarking on a three-month mission trip in Central Asia. On this trip, she would have no contact with family and would only be able to communicate with those with her. Facing challenges and fear, she spread the gospel through the connections she made and brought the word of God to those unreached.
But Daisy is not her real name. It’s a pseudonym to protect her identity because of the nature of her trip, which was to spend weeks in a mission field where spreading the good news of Jesus is forbidden. Likewise, the country’s name, which bans proselytizing by Christians, remains secret.
“The country we went to had no access to the gospel,” Daisy said. “Our
biggest goal was to create friendships, and even though mission work is illegal there, we would evangelize to our friends.”
Daisy is a junior ACU student who participated in the organization Cafe 1040. The goal of Cafe 1040 is to spread the gospel to areas of the world where the gospel has never been heard before and is considered illegal and an active form of terrorism.
The organization derives its name from the 10/40 window with locations in North Africa, Central Asia and Diaspora Europe.
“If anyone were to find out that we were missionaries, we would definitely get marks on our passports,” Daisy said. “We wouldn’t be able to go to close countries anymore. It was very scary, because there were spies from the country, and there were always eyes on us.”
To prevent being caught, Daisy and her organiza-
tion had to speak in code words. Phone contacts did not contain full last names. Airplane mode was always on so as not to be tracked or listened to through the devices. Contact with family was not allowed. Few emails were sent, and then only for confirmation of safety and updates.
“We have a certain tech time, and then once the tech time is over, no more emails,” Daisy said. “That’s the reality in some places you’ll go. You can’t risk being caught if someone slips up and doesn’t use safe language or doesn’t use safe code language. Then it could risk the whole mission.”
Her days started with classes that taught her how to approach different friendships, the depletion of missionaries in the 10°40° window, how to spread the gospel to those who have never heard it and how to feed yourself spiritually. The goal of these courses are to prepare participants to do mission work throughout their lives. Outside of these courses, those involved in the organization participated in day-to-day life
that led to friendships they could pour into spiritually.
“They would give us a weekly per diem, and we would buy our own food from the giant market, cook for ourselves, buy our own clean water,” Daisy said. “The rest of our time was feeding into the locals, our friendships and trying to feed into each other to bring God’s kingdom into that country.”
A woman in Central Asia shares her nectarines. (Photo provided by student Cafe 1040 mission trip participant)
None of the locals knew the real reason this organization was in the community, and so that they will never find out, Daisy, by committing to the mission trip, had to commit to maintaining a level of secrecy for the rest of her life.
“Our cover was that we were tourists, and if they asked certain questions, we learned how to answer those questions,” Daisy said. “They taught us how to go about certain situations for the safety of the program and for the ministries over there.”
Many have said mission
work is often action-focused, such as building a house or providing food. However, this organization shows young missionaries that mission work can start by reaching out and forming a friendship. Whether this starts in the local community or globally, Daisy said this organization has provided her the opportunity to visualize how even in difficult and uncomfortable areas, a friendship is spreading the gospel.
“I think I saw the very ugly bad things but also the very beautiful things God is doing over the seas,” Daisy said. “Even though we can’t see it, God is working on those places, but that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t go.”
Dr. Zane McGee, director of the Halbert Center for Missions and Global service, worked with Daisy before her trip and speaks highly of what she has done.
“Her whole experience with missions has been incredible, and she is one of my favorite students,” McGee said. “Anything she has to say on missions would be amazing.”
During her time in Central Asia, feeding her-
THE OPTIMIST STAFF
self spiritually was challenging. There were few churches in the area she stayed, and her organization was able to attend these services only twice.
“Christianity was accepted there but frowned upon,” Daisy said. “There was maybe one church in a giant city. I think we may have gone a total of twice to two different churches over a span of three months and having to feed yourself spiritually while giving so much takes a really big toll on you.”
Glorifying God and spreading the gospel is the goal of a mission trip. Daisy said you shouldn’t go on a mission trip if you fill yourself with the desire for something in return, rather you should maintain a servant’s heart.
“Carrying the gospel should be everywhere you go, not just a certain country,” Daisy said. “I don’t have to travel across the seas but also, I think if God puts that boldness in you, you should go to glorify His name because that’s why we’re here on this earth so that ultimately He can be glorified.”
PHOTO
PHOTO
PHOTO BY MAKAYLA CLAYTON | NEWS REPORTER
Chief of Police Jason Ellis and Sergeant Chad LaPrelle look over report files.
Oxford students design accessibility solutions
BY LESLIE CARRIGAN MANAGING EDITOR
Oxford study abroad students have worked to better understand societal issues in Oxford through their Design Thinking and Innovation honors colloquium.
The course taught by Dr. Trey Shirley, associate dean of the Honors College, is an opportunity for students to practice design thinking by observing the environment around them and how they could work to resolve social justice or environmental issues in a global context.
“The heart of the class is really to help students move beyond the tourist experience, and to really get to know what it is to be part of the Oxford community,” Shirley said. “To get to know the people, to get to know the systems, and to get to know the challenges that people in Oxford face.”
Within the class, three groups of students have each decided to focus on a different aspect of Oxford. The groups are looking at elderly care, expanding community center demographics, and accessibility for students who may be wheelchair users.
The group focusing on accessi bility for wheelchair users has spe cifically focused on how the ACU house might become more accessible for future students, said Kate Born, sophomore finance major from Grapevine.
“I definitely didn’t realize how hard it was for people in wheelchairs to get around,” Born said. “I think we just kind of take it for granted. It’s sad that people may not get the opportunity to study abroad because of something like that, it’d be cool to at least make the house more ac cessible for ACU students in wheel chairs.”
Once the students are done re searching their topics they will make a presentation detailing possible solutions.
“Ultimately, the goal is that they would feel empowered at the end of this to use the methods that are taught to tackle whatever big or small problems they’re dealing with in their own lives,” Shirley said. “My hope is that in doing this, students will feel more capable or more like that they have the basic method or system to be able to tackle whatever those issues are using creativity.”
(PHOTO COURTESY OF MACKENZIE TINDALL)
Avery Michener, sophomore nursing major from Arlington, is among 23 students studying abroad in Oxford this semester.
Oh, How The Stages Have Turned
‘Freaky Friday’ hits homecoming, doubling the drama, doubling the fun
The Department of Theatre has spent the last six to seven months working on this year’s annual Homecoming musical, Disney’s Freaky Friday.
The show dates are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. and will take place in the Boone Family Theatre.
Throughout the long hours and many practices, the department has become a family-like community for students, say Freaky Friday cast members.
“It feels more like a family than it does our major sometimes, but especially for the show that’s really focused around family life and relationships,” said Ella Root, senior theatre major from Plainfield, Illinois.
“Being so close with one another really helps with that.” Root plays Katherine Blake, the mom of a teenage girl. This role is shared with Taylor Herndon, senior theatre major from Tulsa, Oklahoma. Together they have worked to create a well-rounded character who the audience can relate to.
“I have to have a stream of consciousness of where my character’s been, where she is, and where she’s going, and that really helps me create a cohesive three-dimensional character,” Herndon said.
Ellie
who swaps bodies with her
In the musical, Katherine and Ellie learn to appreciate each other’s struggles and have more empathy for one another.
“I think what drew me to this show is the relationship piece,” said director Dawne Swearingen-Meeks, chair of the Department of Theatre. “To me, it’s about having the opportunity for one day to step in someone else’s shoes and look through their lens.” Herndon said even though it is a Disney show, people
“Something
“It impacts our process a lot, we pray before every rehearsal, and we pray over the themes that we cover, which sometimes are heavy or hard to discuss.”
The cast and crew have been working since last semester to put together this production. Rehearsals are six times a week for five or six hours.
“I think I could speak for all of us when I say this is something we are really passionate about, so it’s not hard to put our energy into it,” Root said.
Hannah Galambos and Madison Sipe play the role of the teenage daughter,
Blake,
mom, Katherine.
BY DANIEL CURD | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER Katherine Blake, played by Ella Root, cheers on top of the kitchen table as she prepares for her wedding.
BY DANIEL CURD CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER Mike, played by Spencer Kasselman, reenacts his proposal to Katherine Blake, played by Ella Root.
BY DANIEL CURD CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
The Blake women hug their son and brother, Fletcher, after he returns home from running away.
BY DANIEL CURD CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER Fletcher, played by Henry Meeks, sits in the car with his mom, Katherine, played by Ella Root.
BY DANIEL CURD CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER Cast members gather together on stage for the final act.
BY DANIEL CURD CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER Mike, played by Spencer Kasselman, holds hands with Katherine Blake, played by Ella Root, while she recites her wedding vows.
BY DANIEL CURD CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER Ellie Blake, played by Madi Sipe, steals an hourglass from school rival Savannah, played by Haven Foster.
BY MAKAYLA CLAYTON NEWS WRITER
‘Special connection’ among sophomores builds unity
In a year with just two seniors on the volleyball team, the sophomores have stepped into a important leadership role. The five each played as freshmen, but their jobs have increased on and off the court.
Each athlete has a different leadership style, which is a factor in why they work so well together.
“I’m not the most vocal, so I think leading by example is really important,” said Abby Christian, defensive specialist from Kansas City, Missouri. “When I do speak up, they tend to listen more since I don’t do it often.”
The Wildcats have started the season 8-9, with a conference record of 3-3. All five sophomores played against the University of Texas at Arlington on Saturday and had big roles.
Hannah Gonzalez, middle blocker from Lucas, said it is important to her to intentionally reassure everyone how they can play and encourage them to play to the best of their ability.
“Meeting together in the middle during a game is a time to reset,” Gonzalez said. “I make sure to look each of my teammates in the eye and reassure everyone of the trust that we
have, reset, and get to the next ball.”
Alexis Strong, pin hitter from Louisville, Kentucky, said that part of the team’s cohesiveness comes from each sophomore playing a different position.
“All of the girls are great at what they do,” Strong said. “It is also fun because we all play different positions, which is just a really unique situation.”
Having a year of experience has made the transition to leaders easy for the sophomore class. Izabelle Larson, pin hitter from San Jose, California, said that having been in the freshmen’s shoes has made it easier to relate and encourage them where they’re at.
“If the freshmen aren’t having a good week or are frustrated with not playing, I can set an example for them,” Larson said. “Hard work does pay off, and I can give them hope when they’re down.”
Strong has also tried to make the freshmen feel more at home since she explained that the transition from high school is not easy.
“It’s definitely nervewracking to be a freshman, and you feel like everybody is older than they actually are,” Strong said. “I think trying to make them feel at
home is really important.”
Rachel Koss, setter from Appleton, Wisconsin, said she agrees that being a year older has helped her become more experienced in her role, especially as a setter.
“I have good relationships with my teammates and my coaches so they trust me, which helps me trust myself,” Koss said. “I feel like I’m more comfortable in this role, so I feel like I can lead in a better way.”
Christian said she values the way her teammates are not afraid to give criticism when necessary, and they do not sugarcoat it.
“We’re all really close, and
BY
we’re not afraid to tell it to each other straight sometimes, which is really helpful,” Christian said.
The other four sophomores agree with Christian that their chemistry
has helped them improve both in their ability and leadership.
“They always have my back, and I know that they do and it’s little things like whether it’s on the court
or off,” Gonzalez said. “They know exactly what to do to cheer me up or to encourage me.”
The five sophomores have a bond from entering college together and going through the same process at the same time. They have grown close and are using that to encourage the rest of the team and set the standard.
The Wildcats lost to the University of Texas at Arlington on Saturday, and the sophomores said they are excited for the rematch on November 4.
“I’m excited to play UTA again just because I feel like we did not play at the best of our abilities, and I truly think we could have won that game even if the score doesn’t reflect that,” Larson said. “They’re just a great team to play, and it’ll be great competition.”
TRI KAPPA GAMMA EST. 1986
DANIEL CURD | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
Izabelle Larson, sophomore pin hitter from San Jose, California, hits the ball from the right side.
Football hopes to ‘stay the course’
BY ROMAN RAFFAELI SPORTS REPORTER
Wildcat football is set to take on the University of Eastern Kentucky for the Homecoming game after a loss to North Alabama University last week.
With the loss, the team fell to 4-3 and second in the United Athletic Conference. Fortunately for the Wildcats, they will play the next two games at home before finishing the season on a threegame road trip.
When it comes to getting back in the win column, Head Coach Keith Patterson has a simple approach.
“We’re 3-1 in conference and we have a
chance to move to 4-1 this week,” Patterson said. “We have to get back to focusing on the process.”
The offense had a good day against North Alabama, putting up 37 points on 468 total yards. The team rushed for four touchdowns as Isaiah Johnson and Sam Hicks both found the endzone twice.
EKU will face the Wildcats with a 3-3 record after losing to Southern Utah University 42-21 last week. Quarterback Matt Morrissey is coming off one of his lowest passing performances after he threw for 207 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
Joshua Carter, the Colonels’ leading rusher, will enter the game with 494 yards and five touchdowns on the season. He will look to bounce back against the Wildcats after rushing for only 43 yards on 11 carries against SUU.
The Wildcats will look to utilize their weapons on offense against a defense that gives up 373 yards per game and allows 26 points per game.
“Starting from our left side to our right side, O-line, X all the way to Z we’re unbelievably talented,” said Maverick McIvor, a graduate student and quarterback from San Angelo. “It’s my job to
get them the ball.”
McIvor has been able to grow this season under first-year Offensive Coordinator Rick Bowie. Bowie’s implementation of an air raid offense emphasizes running the ball with Johnson and Hicks while
utilizing the team’s deep receiving core.
“It’s taking the next step,” McIvor said. “It’s really important to see that people can rally around you. When things get hard it’s important to never waver and to stay the course.”
Shaffer displays talent in first half of season
BY ROMAN RAFFAELI SPORTS REPORTER
After four years at Arizona State University and two trips through the transfer portal, redshirt senior Will Shaffer has found a home at ACU.
Shaffer was born and raised in Tempe, Arizona, where he went to Saguaro High School and compiled an impressive high school stat sheet that includes 139 tackles, 24.5 for a loss, 3.5 sacks and 2 interceptions while going 36-5 in three varsity seasons.
Shaffer was recruited by ASU as a unanimous threestar linebacker, according to the major three recruiting services. 247 Sports ranked him as the No. 15 overall prospect in Arizona and the No. 23 ranked inside linebacker in the country.
In his four seasons at ASU, Shaffer was able to showcase his abilities most often on special teams coverage. In his first season at ASU, Shaffer blocked a punt against Oregon State University and returned it for 22 yards. This play earned him PAC-12 Special Teams Player of the Week as a true freshman.
In three seasons with ASU Shaffer struggled to get consistent snaps as a linebacker but stood out as a special teams specialist. In his 2021 season, he played the seventh most special teams snaps out of any player in the Pac-12. He also finished as the seventh highest-graded special teams player in the conference. He followed up an impressive season when in 2022 he played 195 special teams snaps, finishing in the top 20 in the Pac-12.
Wildcat wide receiver Nehemiah Martinez I has become no stranger to attention-grabbing headlines around FCS football.
After an impressive game against the No. 5-ranked University of Central Arkansas, in which Martinez caught seven passes for 202 yards and three touchdowns, he catapulted into the top position in the FCS rankings in receiving yards.
Martinez’s efforts were crucial in ACU’s 41-34 victory. But to him, personal success pales in comparison to the success of his team overall.
“It’s great to be up there,” Martinez said, “but winning a conference championship and a national championship would mean a whole lot more to me than any accolade I can get.” Coming out of Lubbock Cooper High School, Martinez set a program record with 1,820 accumulated yards during his senior campaign. After that, he committed to play at the Air Force, a short stint
“Being at Arizona State, my hometown, for four years graduating there and not seeing the field as much as I wanted to made me realize I needed to make a change,” Shaffer said.
After the conclusion of the 2023 season, Shaffer entered the transfer portal, choosing to continue his athletic career at Utah State University.
Shaffer worked out with Utah State through the spring and after a late coaching change, was recommended to transfer out.
“They told me to leave. That was a really humbling situation,” Shaffer said. “Then Coach Dubin and [Head Coach Keith Patterson] hit me up and said, ‘We want you.’ It felt great being wanted again.”
Shaffer joined ACU’s team in the early summer of 2024 after his second trip through the transfer portal.
“He is just the kind of guy that we felt really fits our program as well as the university,” Patterson said.
“He’s a tremendous kid.” Shaffer joined the team after winter and spring workouts had finished and begun, which can often be a hard time to transition into a program. Shaffer jumped right in and capitalized on the opportunity he was given by ACU.
“It impressed me how fast he became a part of this football team – how well-liked he is,” Patterson said. “It’s like he’s been here for two or three years. He just fits right in.”
Shaffer’s first season as a Wildcat has been one to remember. Through seven games Shaffer has recorded 61 total tackles, 27 of which unassisted, a fumble recovery and an interception to secure a win against the University of
Central Arkansas.
“He’s a college graduate from Arizona State University. He just brings maturity and a football acumen that is just off the chart,” Patterson said. “He’s very, very intelligent and has a high football IQ.”
Shaffer showcased his high football acumen and IQ against UCA when he sealed the victory with an interception on the final drive of the game. UCA had run several plays similar to the one Shaffer intercepted the pass on.
In his postgame press conference, Shaffer summarized how he had been beaten by their offense on the same play throughout the game. One big play Shaffer remembered caused a Wildcat defender to receive a targeting call late in the second quarter.
“I just kept saying, ‘Dang, I know they’re
that led him back to his hometown of Lubbock.
When offered a walkon receiver position at Texas Tech University, he jumped at the opportunity, understanding the stakes that came with it.
“Knowing as a walk-on, if I don’t perform, I could be off the team. Or if I do perform, I can keep moving up and up,” Martinez said.
At the end of the 2022 season, he gained a scholarship, but pre-season injuries kept him out for some
time, and upon his return, he was unable to work his way back into the solidified rotation.
This led him to join some familiar faces in Abilene like quarterback Maverick McIvor and Head Coach Keith Patterson who had spent time at Tech as well.
“Coming to Abilene was just a God thing,” Martinez said. “It’s like a home away from home.”
In this new home, Martinez finds himself settled in as he has blossomed into a star in Abilene. Af-
ter his game against Central Arkansas, Martinez found himself leading the FCS in total receiving yards with 611 yards so far in the season.
In this game, he didn’t just set a season-best 202 yards but also took 151 of those yards after the catch, proving his ability to turn short gains into explosive plays. His three touchdown catches of 75 and 70 yards proved pivotal in ACU’s 41-4 victory over UCA. With those stellar indi-
gonna come back to it,’” Shaffer said.
When the UCA quarterback rolled out on their final play, Shaffer made the read and recognized the play because of what he had seen from their offense throughout the game.
“The quarterback had been running the whole game so when he threw it I was just like, ‘Yeah, this is mine; I gotta have this one.’”
Shaffer added during his presser that he was thankful to be having fun playing football again and that the interception meant a lot to him because he was able to make the play in front of his father and younger brother who traveled to Abilene to watch the game.
After his two trips through the transfer portal, Shaffer will look to continue his impressive play as a Wildcat.
vidual numbers, however, Martinez gives much credit for his success to teammates who support him and coaches who guide him.
“Bowie puts us in a position to succeed,” Martinez said. “He keeps it simple and allows us to play fast. He’s always enthusiastic, encouraging, and he preaches confidence in his players. Any day could be any one of our days.”
Although he attributes to the people around him who help him succeed, it is clear that he is a special and important talent for this Wildcat team.
“He’s just a football player,” Patterson said. “He plays the way he’s supposed to play—one of the most competitive players I’ve been around.”
Martinez said he will play “in the here and now” but that his goals do not stop here as he reaches for the top 1.6% of athletes ever to play.
“My ultimate goal is to one day play in the NFL,” Martinez said. “But for now, it’s whatever the team needs me to do to help them win.”
PHOTO BY ASHLEY HENDERSON | EDITOR IN CHIEF
Will Shaffer, redshirt senior and linebacker from Tempe, Arizona, tackles the Vandals running back.
PHOTO BY HANNAH PARK | PHOTOGRAPHER
Jed Castles, junior wide receiver from Wichita Falls, celebrates a touchdown.
PHOTO BY DANIEL CURD | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
Nehemiah Martinez I, senior wide receiver from Lubbock, gets a hand up after scoring the team a touchdown.