The Vol. 95, No. 34
•
OPTIMIST
1 section, 8 pages
WEDNESDAY
February 7, 2007
•
www.acuoptimist.com
IN THIS ISSUE CAMPUS Lucky pennies
Two pennies, more than 50 years old, in mintcondition were found preserved behind ACU’s vault by a maintenance worker, page 3
Calling all Cats
The Flying Cats gymnastics team needs more students to join this semester, in order for the team to be able to perform, page 3
FEATURES
EMILY SMITH CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
The cast of the Black History Production stands in a circle and sings praise songs before beginning rehearsal Wednesday evening in Cullen Auditorium. The show premieres Friday.
Behind the scenes
Preparations began months ago for the 10th annual Black History Production. See what happens back stage as the cast prepares for opening night Friday, page 5
SPORTS
Black History Production turns 10 n Two productions of the Black History Production entitled ‘Logos: That Which You Say, So It Shall Be,’ will be performed Friday and Saturday night. By ASHLEY ROBINSON Student Reporter
In celebration of Black History Month, Essence of Ebony is hosting its annual Black History Production Friday and Saturday. The theme of this year’s show is
Pitching a sweep
ACU’s baseball team began its season undefeated for the fourth out of the past seven seasons with its win against Henderson State this weekend, page 8
n Seven locations received volunteers from ACU last Saturday during the semester’s first Service Saturday. The next one is scheduled for March 3. By YURI SUDO
Student Reporter
By CASSIE LEHMANN Student Reporter
Both the men’s and women’s tennis teams began their seasons with wins this weekend, page 8
ONLINE Coming together
See what it takes to put together a full-scale production all run by students online at: www.acuoptimist.com.
UPCOMING SCHEDULE: The Optimist video staff will be putting together sports packages and a behind-the-scenes look at Sing Song Friday and next week.
collaboration of both La Shae Grottis, adviser of Essence of Ebony, and Jackson. The writing and the visioning of the play also was developed by Jackson. “The point was to get back to sharing black history. Over the last few years we have created plays that show a little, but this year we wanted to get back to that and to educating the audience on black history,” Grottis said. “The idea of the
show is to be able to share different African Americans and show how they were by demonstrating their talents and how God gave them those gifts.” As director, Jackson is in charge of creating the story line, casting parts, schedules and auditions. Jackson also worked with the Black History Production when she was a student. “Of the 10 years that the BHP has existed I’ve been a
part of it for six,” Jackson said. “I feel like I was led back to ACU to work with this year’s production.” This year marks the 10 year anniversary of the production. To celebrate this milestone, the show is being dedicated to ACU’s African American Alumni. LaShae Grottis, who is also director of Student Services and Multicultural See
BHP page 4
‘Have a heART’ 65 students serve Abilene ArtWalk opens Thursday night n This month’s ArtWalk featured downtown will include art exhibits, music and food from museums and galleries to promote local artists.
Serving it up
“Logos: That Which You Say, So Shall it Be.” Courtney Jackson, class of 2002, is the director of this year’s production. “The show highlights many black history stories we know and some we don’t know and shows them from a different perspective,” Jackson said. “It captures the hidden quality of the voice and how it can be used as an instrument of change.” The show’s theme was a
ArtWalk is back Thursday from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in downtown Abilene. From North 2nd Street to North 13th Street, art, music, food, culture and activities will line up the streets in a celebration of Abilene’s untapped artistic atmosphere. February’s theme, “You Gotta Have HeART,” is just in time for Valentine’s Day. Marianne Wood, ArtWalk coordinator, said, “We made it a broad theme to solicit any activities that appeal to a broad section of the population. “ArtWalk is a free monthly celebration of the arts in downtown Abilene, involving the cultural and business community. It helps people get out and appreciate Abilene’s older buildings and fine art venues.” Bonnie Buchanan, class of 2006, said, “ArtWalk is a great community building event; it’s healthy for our town.” Dan McGregor, assistant
Department of Journalism and Mass Communication
professor of art and design, said, “It’s an expression of the community that the cultural life of a community is important. If you go to ArtWalk, you’ll encounter things you don’t see in your everyday entertainment life: works from famous sculptors and painters, local music and free food.” Attendees can expect a few new surprises this month. In addition to the free art activities and live music, Hardin-Simmons University will provide free carriage rides on the corner of Cypress Street at North 2nd Street. The Abilene Trolleys will run for free all night as well. The Memory Men Quartet will be outside the Center for Contemporary Arts to serenade the crowds. The Illusionist will be playing at the Paramount Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are priced at $4 for students. Seven galleries and museums will host artistic shows of new, local and cultural art throughout the evening. The Center for Contemporary Arts at 220 Cypress St. will have four galleries open to the public with See
ARTWALK page 4
Sixty-five ACU volunteer workers showed up to work at seven different sites around town on Saturday for Service Saturday, a twicea-semester event hosted by Service Action Leadership Team, where students answer neighborhood requests, reach new people and get new experience. “I love getting volunteer workers to do what is needed,” said Marie Noe, librarian head of children services in Abilene Public Library.
Five student volunteer workers in the library, which was chosen as a new site this past Saturday, arranged children’s books according to author’s names, picked up old magazines to recycle or sell them to used book stores. “Sometimes having volunteer workers are the best thing in the world,” Noe said. Noe said she hardly has time to do other work such as arranging books and cleaning out old magazines. Carolyn Reynolds, junior nursing major from Round Rock, who spent the day shelving books, said she learned a little of what it feels like to be a librarian. “There were tons of the same last names, which makes it hard to find the
courtnee hembree STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Judd Smith, from Abilene and Jarryd Thomas, also from Abilene, help move tables and other office furniture for the Alzheimer’s Association. See
SERVICE page 3
Womack named Almnus of Year n Dr. James Womack will be honored during Sing Song weekend. An honoree is chosen each year for their achievements since graduating from ACU. By ANDREA LUCADO Student Reporter
Since 1958, a select group of alumni has met once a year to decide who will receive the highest honor given by the Alumni Association: the Outstanding Alumnus of the Year. Last August, this tradition
was continued as almost all 36 of the alumni who make up the Alumni Advisory Board met to determine who would be this year’s recipient. The board chose Dr. James Womack, class of 1963 and current professor at Texas A&M’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Womack has received many awards in the area of science, including the Wolf Prize, which is the equivalent to the Nobel Peace Prize in Womack’s field of study, said Dr. Jeff Duncum, president of
Abilene Christian University
the Alumni Advisory Board. Womack received this prize in 2001 for his research in animal genomics and can now add one of ACU’s most respected awards to his credentials. “All of the candidates for alumnus of the year are incredible … we’re so blessed to have so many alumni who excel in the careers, the church and their communities,” Duncum said. “We go through pages of all these stellar people,” Alice See
ALUMNUS page 4
Serving the ACU community since 1912
Chapel Checkup Credited Chapels to date:
Wednesday, March 29, 2006 Wednesday, February 7, 2007
07
Calendar & Events Wednesday
10 a.m. The Meek Blood Center will be on campus until 6 p.m. 8 p.m. The Men of SHADES Step Squad are currently seeking new members. Come by the University Park Apartments Clubhouse for tryouts. For more information, contact Jonathan Holloway at (325) 370-7445 or Chris Daughtery at (325) 518-2805.
08
Thursday
8 p.m. Streetcar Named Desire opens at Culp Theatre. Tickets are $12. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.
09
Friday
7:30 p.m. Essence of Ebony performs its 10th Annual Black History Production, “Logos: That Which You Say, So Shall it Be,” in Cullen Auditorium. 8 p.m. ACU Theatre performs Streetcar Named Desire in Culp Theatre. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.
10
Saturday
6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Elmo Night at Moody Coliseum. Support Elmo Williams by wearing Elmo or Sesame Street attire. Bring a new, unused, gift-wrapped Elmo toy or doll to give to the Children’s Miracle Network and to be admitted to the games for free. 7:30 p.m. Essence of Ebony performs “Logos: That Which You Say, So Shall it Be” in Cullen Auditorium. 8 p.m. ACU Theatre performs Streetcar Named Desire in Culp Theatre. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.
Announcements University Park R.A. applications for the 2007-08 school year are due Monday. Applications are available in the University Park offices located on Judge Ely next to the baseball field. For more information, contact Chris Windsor at (325) 738-4304. Welcome Week Steering Committee applications are due Tuesday. Find an application and details about the various leadership positions at www.acu.edu/fyp_leaders. For more
information, e-mail fyp@acu.edu or call (325) 674-2212. The Alumni Day Luncheon honoring Dr. James Womack, class of 1963, upon his selection by the ACU Alumni Advisory Board as the 2006 Outstanding Alumnus of the Year is Feb. 18 at 12:15 p.m. at the Teague Special Events Center. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased through the ACU Alumni Relations office at 809 EN 16th St.
Volunteer Opportunities Hendrick Retirement Village needs volunteers to plan a Valentine’s Day party for residents, decorate and clean up. The party will be Tuesday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, contact Jennifer Green at (325) 690-1400. Big Brothers Big Sisters needs young women willing to volunteer their time Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. in a program called Yteens. Y-teens will allow young women from Abilene High School the opportunity to mentor girls from Franklin Middle School. Through activities and service projects, this program will empower young girls with knowledge about life skills and build self-confidence while creating an atmosphere for learning and emotional growth. For more information, contact Erin McMullen or MC Jennings at (325) 677-7839. Fannin Elementary needs volunteers until the end of February to tutor fourth grade students in read-
ing, writing and math in order to prepare the students for TAKS testing. Call to set up an appointment. For more information, contact Rosalinda Walker at (325) 677-8085. Abilene Zoo needs help with general labor such as grounds cleanup and painting any day during the week from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call Doug Hotle at (325) 676-6451. Wesley Court needs volunteers to work in the gift shop and to assist with inventory anytime Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Two- to four-hour shifts would be very helpful. For more information, contact Susan Conwell at (325) 437-1184. American Red Cross needs students to organize closets and the garage and to wash and wax Red Cross Vehicles. Volunteers are needed everyday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call (325) 677-2622.
Credited Chapels remaining:
16 56
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@acu.edu or to the Page 2 Editor at mxe06a@acu.edu.
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.
Police Log Edited for space
Monday 01/29/2007 1:05 p.m. Parking violations at McKinzie Lot 11:05 p.m. Parking violation at WFL Lot
residents, party was ending 10:41 a.m. Medical emergency at Don Morris Center, was not transported 3:30 p.m. Parking violations on main campus
Tuesday 01/30/2007 7:15 p.m. Released guns from safekeeping for student 10:25 p.m. Jumpstart vehicle at EN 16th & Ave F
Saturday 02/03/2007 12:13 a.m. Loud music at 400 College, resident turned the volume down 8:20 a.m. Escorted student to Zona Luce 10:10 a.m. Water leak at the Business Building, contacted Physical Resources 12:38 p.m. Fire alarm at Gardner Hall, false alarm, alarm reset 8:40 p.m. Report of disturbance at 600 EN 23rd, unable to locate anyone 10:45 p.m. Loud party at 600 EN 18th 11:06 p.m. 2nd call reference to loud party at 600 EN 18th, spoke with resident reference to loud noises, did keep it down
Wednesday 01/31/207 1:30 p.m. Criminal mischief at McKinzie Lot 5 p.m. Assisted Abilene PD with major accident at East Overland Trail near Wal-Mart Thursday 02/01/2007 10:27 a.m. Assisted Abilene PD locate student reference to vehicle accident 1:42 p.m. Medical emergency at Campus Center subject transported to Hendrick Medical Center Friday 02/ 02/2007 12:29 a.m. Loud party at University Park Apartments, contacted
Sunday 02/04/2007 4:16 p.m. Unlocked vehicle at Lincoln & EN 21st 9 p.m. Placed barricades at Teague Circle & Bible Lot
Correction Editor’s Note: Brenda Bertrand no longer serves in the U.S. Office of Personnel as stated in Kelsi Peace’s article, “Speaker offers ‘Wizard of Oz’ challenge” that was printed in the Jan. 31 issue. She actually resigned last April and now works with Franklin Covey and Growing Leaders. We are sorry for the misprint.
CAMPUS NEWS
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
Page 3
Flying Cats needs new members to perform this semester n Flying Cats needs at least 10 members to continue performing this semester. The group invites all students to join, even those without previous experience. By KRISTA MEYER Student Reporter
Flying Cats gymnastics program may not have enough members in order to perform this semester de-
pending on how many people attend practice this week. Ben Zickefoose, associate professor of exercise science and health and sponsor of Flying Cats, said 11 people attended the interest meeting Thursday, but a few of those who attended later mentioned they wouldn’t be able to make the required Tuesday-Thursday practices because of
Super Bowl cook out
schedule conflicts. While actual turn out for the interest meeting, lead by Flying Cats member, William Hoisington, senior applied studies major from Florence, was less than hoped for, Hoisington said he received e-mails from approximately six people expressing interest in the program who were unable to make the meeting.
“We need at least 10 people, so if enough people attend practice at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, another will be held on Thursday. Otherwise we aren’t sure if we’ll be able to perform,” Zickefoose said. “After this week, practice will then be postponed due to my teaching schedule but will resume again after spring break.”
The program, if able to perform this semester, has an open invitation to perform for the Boys and Girls Club located on Treadaway Boulevard; they may also perform at some elementary schools around Abilene. “Flying Cats has been around since at least 1951 when I, along with Doug Franklin, initiated it,” Zickefoose said.
Flying Cats is an extracurricular gymnastics program that is open to all students at ACU with no previous gymnastics requirements necessary to join. “Flying Cats isn’t about experience,” Hoisington said. “It’s about trying something new and having fun.”
E-mail Meyer at: optimist@acu.edu
Rare ‘Wheat-Leaf’ pennies discovered n Dale Crawford, senior accountant and finance systems specialist, received two old wheat-leaf pennies that were found near his office during a vault renovation. By ERIN JORDAN Student Reporter
Usually pennies are no big deal, but that’s not the case when it comes to two 58- and 70-year-old mint-condition pennies, which have a design different from a modern penny, discovered in a vault in the Administration building. During the renovation of an ACU vault on Jan.15, lo-
cated in the financial operations office, a maintenance worker discovered two mintcondition, wheat-leaf pennies. They were found behind the cardboard backing of a table built into the vault’s wall. The pennies were given to Dale Crawford, senior accountant and finance systems specialist, whose office is near the vault where the renovation took place. “I guess I was the closest person near by,” Crawford said explaining why the pennies were given to him. Crawford was in his office
when a maintenance worker rushed in holding a 1949 wheat-leaf penny. Moments later, the same worker re-entered his office with a second wheat-leaf penny dated 1937. “This is just a nostalgic and emotional rare finding,” Crawford said. These old pennies are known by three distinct names: Wheat-Leaf Penny, The United States Lincoln Wheat Ears Cent or Lincoln Cent. They display President Lincoln’s face on the front and the words “One Cent” between two leaves of wheat
on the back. The pennies were in circulation from 1909 to 1958. Today these are very rare pennies and extremely hard to find in good condition, Crawford said. Soon after the discovery, Crawford had the pennies appraised at Pratt’s Coin Shop in Abilene. They were only valued for about two cents a penny. However, they are still a priceless piece of ACU history, Crawford said.
E-mail Jordan at: optimist@acu.edu
Service: Community benefits from students Continued from page 1
brian schmidt SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER
Kevin Claypool, Edwards residence director, makes funnel cakes at the Residence Life Super Bowl pre-game party outside the Campus Center on Sunday. Hot dogs, hamburgers, chili and drinks were also offered before going into the Hilton Room to watch the Super Bowl on a big screen.
“There were tons of the same last names, which makes it hard to find the right spot,” Reynolds said. Students also wipe the children’s books with wet wipes to clean them since children books become dirty easily. Everyone agreed they were happy to help the library. “I want to participate next time too,” said James Rhea, junior English major from St. Louis, Mo. Another group went to Global Samaritan, a
new site for Service Saturday, where students loaded 12,000 pounds of donated children’s
will be shipped to a Bible school in Ghana. Brittany Baumgartner, senior political science
“It was a great opportunity getting to know the people I worked with.” Brittany Baumgartner, senior political science major from San Antonio
books, Bibles and Bible class curriculum onto a truck. The boxes were transported to the Global Samaritan Resources warehouse. The supplies
major from San Antonio and S.A.L.T. Service Saturday co-chair, said, “The project took about three hours and was hard work. … It was a great opportu-
nity getting to know the people I worked with. I always love volunteering with Global Samaritan. GSR was appreciative of our help because we finished what could have easily been an all-day project in just three hours.” The next Service Saturday will be March 3. S.A.L.T. members expect to have new volunteers help with the projects they are planning.
E-mail Sudo at: optimist@acu.edu
FROM THE FRONT PAGE
Page 4
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
ArtWalk: Show free to all Alumnus: Luncheon Feb. 16 Continued from page 1
art from Linda Scarborough, Blake Fitch, Ash Almonte and Deborah Hammond. “The Center for Contemporary Arts has quality exhibits with really interesting artists,” Buchanan said. Cockerell Galleries and Studios at 1133 N 2nd St. will have a debut art exhibit for the work of Jessica Natalee, in addition
to an outdoor exhibit of photography by Henry Morgan. Later on in the evening, visitors can tour Studio Thirteen at 909 N. 13th St., open until 10:30 p.m., for snacks, conversation and to see the art co-op’s latest works. Frontier Texas! and The Grace Museum have plans and exhibits for the evening. Frontier Texas! has an Indian attack simulation, and The Grace’s main
gallery contains folk art from the African American Museum of Dallas. On the second floor they have a photograph exhibit of Gary Goldberg’s work, “Texas Singer Songwriters: An American Portrait,” with audio components. McGregor has one more piece of incentive for students to attend: “It’s a great date.”
E-mail Lehmann at: optimist@acu.edu
Continued from page 1
McDaniel, member of Alumni Advisory Board, referring to the day when the board gathers to decide who deserves to be the alumnus of the year. She said she remembers being impressed by the respect Womack has internationally. He has spoken in many countries like Australia, Kenya and Germany and has over 250 articles published in scientific journals. Any faculty, staff or alumni can nominate a candidate for this award online, and the Alumni
Association presents the information of each candidate for the Alumni Advisory Board to rake through. The board’s demographics are diverse with graduation dates ranging from 1949 to 2002 and hometowns spanning the country. “We are sort of ambassadors to all over the nation,” McDaniel said. Electing the Outstanding Alumnus of the Year is one of the board’s two main duties. The second will be fulfilled Feb. 17 and 18 as they select this year’s recipient of the V.W. Kelley scholar-
ship, which is awarded to a prospective graduate student. On Feb. 18 a luncheon, organized by the Alumni Association, will take place in honor of Womack. The luncheon will be in Teague Special Events Center at 12:15 p.m. and is open to anyone with a reservation. For reservations and more information contact the Alumni Association at 800-373-4220 or (325)-674-2622.
E-mail Lucado at: optimist@acu.edu
BHP: Peek shown in Chapel Friday Continued from page 1
Enrichment said, “We have invited alumni back to campus, and we want to spend time honoring them because they paved the way for this to be the 10th production.” Grottis assists the production by helping students with planning, budgeting, securing the location for the show and moral support. “I have been so proud and impressed by the dedication of the students participating,” Grottis said. “I am proud of the dedication and cooperation and the fun they seem to be having. That is something that we hope for; that people walk away from the show having a good time.” The total cast and crew is made up of 75 students and members of Essence
of Ebony that have been practicing for the production since October. “The cast is great and they have had great attitudes and a great spirit,” Jackson said. “We are enjoying the opportunity we have to take on characters of the past and making them come alive and teaching the audience about the past.” Students will portray historical leaders like Malcom X, Martin Luther King Jr. and the Little Rock Nine. Erica Ray, senior social work major from Arlington, is playing the role of Henrietta, a lady that was on the bus when Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat. “I tell the story of Rosa Parks,” Ray said. This is Ray’s third year participating in the Black History Production. “It’s a really fun expe-
rience that gives me an opportunity to connect with other students, and it shows a different side of black history,” Ray said. “It is important for us to remember the important things that African Americans have done in our nation, world and at ACU.” There will be a sneak peek of the Black History Production during Chapel on Friday. The show is Feb. 9 and 10 at 7:30 p.m. in Cullen Auditorium. Tickets go on sale Wednesday in the Campus Center. Ticket prices are $5 for adults, $3 for students and $2 for groups of eight or more, but they have to contact LaShae Grottis in advance. Kids five and under are free. E-mail Robinson at: optimist@acu.edu
February 7, 2007
Page 5
Backstage pass: ‘Logos’
emily smith CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
Thurmond Metters, ACU alumnus, rehearses the opening scene as the voice of God narrates.
emily smith CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
Ryan Bowman, senior communication major from Orlando, Fla., practices a village scene with Daniel Brown, ACU alumnus.
After four months of practice, Essence of Ebony members will perform ‘Logos’ this weekend. But they have a lot to accomplish in the final week. Story
R
yan Bowman is the voice of God, or at least he is this weekend in the Black History Month Production. Providing God’s voice is just one of his many roles. Ryan, senior communication major from Orlando, Fla., said being the voice of God is his favorite role in the production. “It’s kind of a humbling experience,” Ryan said, adding he finds it intimidating to place himself in that role. The production is all about voice, however, as the theme is “Logos: That Which You Say, So Shall it Be,” and voices from the past will tell a story. While he waited to go on stage to practice another role — this time as a father in the village scene — Ryan explained he also liked voicing God and thinks it is important to remember we are all God’s premiere creation. “It’s not about race; it’s about grace,” he said. Ryan wanders on stage, past two women who are running lines. They are convincing in their argument, but soon break into laughter, giving away how much they’re enjoying themselves. Later, Ryan sings into the microphone, entertaining the cast as the sound crew works on adjusting the microphones.
T
he cast is inarguably close-knit. After four months of practices, it’s understandable. LaQuiera Gantt, ACU alumna (‘04) and one of the associate producers, said she has been at practice until 10:30 p.m. or 11 p.m. every night. Alumna Camile Jackson (‘06) has also returned to Essence of Ebony as an associate producer. With the production at the end of this week, LaQuiera said it’s down to the details. “The little things add up to a beautiful show,” she said. And this show adds up to unity. “It’s helping to build unity with Essence of Ebony and ACU,” LaQuiera said. Monday night’s focus was the first act, bringing together the tech and backstage crews with the cast for the first time. “This is going to be a night of extreme patience,” director Courtney Jackson warned the cast. Before the group tackled the details, they formed a circle to sing a praise song and share prayer requests. “We’ve got a very tall mountain to climb,” Courtney told the group. “But come Friday night, we’ll be at the top of that mountain.” Courtney is an Essence of Ebony alumna and 2002 ACU graduate, and she returns this year not only to direct the production but also as its writer. “The good thing about doing a show like this is that you’re basically just retelling stories,” Courtney said. “The stories are already
by
Kelsi Peace
out there about people who have influenced our past. It’s just taking those stories and reworking them to fit with the theme of the show. So really, I feel like even the end product isn’t my beginning it but other people beginning it.” Courtney wrote the 10-scene show, which tells stories of familiar historical figures such as Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., Malcom X and Jackie Robinson, along with lesser known people. “Even the familiar ones kind of have a different angle,” Courtney said. “It’s taking the familiar and kind of putting a twist on it as well.” For Courtney, the last week before the show is all about smoothing out the audio and other small details and spreading the word. Like any entertainer, Courtney said she hopes for a full house both nights.
A
nna Peters is anticipating flying in the production. Buried under mountains of Greek homework at Monday’s run through of the production’s first act, Anna, junior youth and family ministry major from Houston, explained she and the other women in the plantation act will be wearing skirts with “wings” attached to them and will fly away to represent their hope of escaping. “The music makes it powerful,” Anna said. Like many participants in the production, Anna has several roles. She will also sing a duet, “We Haven’t Finished Yet,” and play the role of a prostitute. Practicing her role has been fine, Anna said, but she is a little apprehensive about her costume as a prostitute. “What am I going to be wearing? Is it going to be cold?” she asked, laughing. Growing serious, Anna said the costume will probably help her feel more vulnerable, a feeling she said she has been considering a lot as she prepares to play the part of a prostitute and tries to image what that must be like. Ultimately, she said she doesn’t mind feeling a little uncomfortable. “It’s all about the play,” said Anna, who juggles rehearsals with her curfew as an R.A. in Nelson. Anna isn’t the only one multi-tasking. Tiffany Williams, sophomore social work major from Fort Worth, eats dinner while watching the rehearsal from backstage. For her first time with the production, she has taken on a large role. Tiffany, a student director, is preparing to style hair, apply makeup and organize costumes for this weekend. Each person should require about 10 minutes in wardrobe, Tiffany estimated. Her biggest challenge is going to be hair, she
said, because everyone’s hair type is different. The plan, Tiffany said, is to style the difficult hairstyles on Thursday and maintain them Friday and Saturday to save time. Stephanie Davis’ work is just beginning as well. As the assistant director of backstage, Stephanie, sophomore integrated marketing and communication major from Liberty, had to wait until the group moved on stage for rehearsal. This is also Stephanie’s first year with the show, and she said she is working to ensure everything runs smoothly the night of the production. With 10 sets — and some scenes that require complete changes — she ought to stay busy. Many singers are also extras in scenes, and Stephanie makes sure they appear on stage for each scene. Shardé Henley, junior management major from Cypress, helps Stephanie backstage. On Monday, she assembled a cage that will be used in the last scene. Shardé spent the last two Saturdays shopping for props. She said she rummaged through thrift stores, flea markets, Wal-Mart and storage from previous shows to gather the materials. Now, everything just has to come together.
R
emel Derrick, musical director, gets a break while Courtney works with the actors, blocking out a scene. Remel, senior music major from Cedar Hill, plays accompaniment on the piano during the songs, among them a Billie Holiday piece. He arranged two pieces for the production: the “Plantation Medley” and “Glory Hallelujah.” Monday, his focus is directing the singers on where to stand and when to sing. “The biggest challenge has probably been getting everybody together at the same time,” he said. Performers are perfecting their memorization and growing slightly nervous about the performance, Remel said. “I tell them, ‘hey, I have to do it,’” he said, laughing. “We don’t have anyone that’s completely nervous. I’m sure there will be little butterflies.” One piece in the show has been performed in the past, and Remel said alumni from the past five or six years will be invited to participate. “It’s going to be kind of nostalgic,” Remel said. For a production that’s focusing on the power of voice, it seems only right that voices
emily smith CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
Courtney Jackson, director and writer, addresses the cast during its first on-stage rehearsal.
emily smith CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
Daniel Brown does double duty, setting up a cage for the backstage crew between scenes.
emily smith CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER E-mail Peace at: knp04a@acu.edu
Remel Derrick, senior communication major from Orlando, Fla., accompanies three acts.
ViewsWednesday
Page 6
End the worship monotony in Chapel
The issue:
Students are forced to listen to the same group of people lead worship on Praise Friday, suffering from a lack of diversity.
Our view:
Chapel should be a platform for a spectrum of students to express their cultures in worship.
The solution:
Support the University when it allows new groups like Eric Mallet’s FAM to lead the school in praise.
February 7, 2007
ACU prides itself in being a university where multiple ethnicities are represented, but the one thing that ties faculty, staff and students together is the same thing that drives a wedge between students of varying ethnicities: Chapel. Chapel is a large component of student life. It is a platform where ideas are heard by thousands, and voices are raised both in dialogue and praise. Lately, students on campus have engaged each other in dialogue about racial tension, discrimination and ultimately how to reconcile the various groups on campus. Why not continue the talk of diversity
into Chapel Why not continue the talk of diversity into Chapel look forward to. during Praise For the first during Praise Friday? Friday? time this semesFor the past ter Chapel-goers several weeks, the one con- that is losing its flavor. will witness some diversity in stant element of Chapel has Diversity is needed. song and style when Eric Malbeen the group leading worThree years ago diversity let, junior Christian ministry ship on Praise Friday. Chapel was exemplified when praise major from St. Louis, Mo., and attendees have been part of a songs were sung in Spanish his group, the FAM, leads wor30-minute concert on repeat. for one special Chapel ses- ship Friday. It is the same people and the sion, and old hymns were Mallet said the reason there same songs, but with no vary- given a taste of “soul.” Not ev- hasn’t been much diversity in ing style. It has become pre- eryone may have appreciated Chapel is because no one is dictable, and the sense of di- singing songs in Spanish, but stepping up; no one is decidversity has been lost. it was the fact that someone ing to make a change. Albeit, those select students tried to make a difference Change is a most welcomed who lead on Fridays were and to integrate culture into thing. Change can add culture. blessed with the talent to sing Chapel that counted. Maybe Friday will mark a and entertain a crowd, it has It was at these times that change in the existing trend just become simply a ritual Praise Friday was something to that has caused some students
Let Loose
Cole Williams
Animals: more meaningful than we think There are gorillas who know sign language. Certain octopi have the intelligence of a 10- month -old human baby. Dolphins have been shown to be creative and playful, and when a wolf pup Cole dies, it is Williams buried and Mouth of the pack Madness mourns the loss. Animals are often smarter than we think. But what if they’re also more meaningful to God than we think? Certain species of animals have been shown to be sentient, sapient and selfaware. They feel emotion, display intelligence, and recognize themselves in a mirror. They are not so different from us, save in body and level of intelligence. So, if they are not so different from us in the ways of intelligence and emotion, the
This world is more wondrous than we usually give it credit for, and life often has more in store for us than we imagine. question rises how different, or how not different, are they from us in God’s eyes. In other words, do certain animals have souls? I think if an organism is aware it exists, then it has a soul; when God made us in His likeness, it was the likeness of a self-aware being. I also don’t think that a level of intelligence dictates whether someone has a soul. Does someone with a 140 IQ have more of a soul than someone with an 80 IQ? I also don’t think the difference in body from us and the animals is that important either; it’s not like someone who can use their legs has a soul while someone who can’t doesn’t. I think the only part of the body that matters is a brain that is aware it exists. So perhaps certain ani-
mals are different from us only in degrees of difference in body, from four legs to two legs, and intelligence. So what would that mean if some animals had souls? I think it would mean that we wouldn’t have to be looking into outer space to find other things made in God’s image. Perhaps there are other children of God evolving all around us, and as Christians, it’s our job to treat them well, and help them find the right ways to live. I don’t think that means they deserve equal treatment as us, at least not yet. But animals do not treat each other equally as we humans are, at least, supposed to do to one another, or they kill all the time. But maybe that’s something we, as Christians — as those who choose a higher path
over our baser instincts — should consider. Maybe we should treat the soulful animals as fellow children of God who we may, when they are intelligent enough, need to help lead in the right direction towards salvation. Of course, this also brings up the point that, as far as I know, there are no animals that can make moral judgments. So perhaps that is the test of whether something has a soul; if it can tell good from evil. This world is more wondrous than we usually give it credit for, and life often has more in store for us than we imagine. So the next time your cat rubs against you wanting attention, or your dog kicks his legs in his sleep, question whether there isn’t more to them that we don’t see but that God does.
E-mail Williams at: cww02b@acu.edu or optimist@acu.edu
to grumble. Like Alex Gee said in Chapel on Tuesday: We can tell how well the church is doing by looking at society. We are the church; we must be the change that we want to see. We must be the first ones to take a stand and make a difference, whether it means volunteering to lead worship in Chapel, creating a group on campus with the goal of reconciliation or even working together to change existing policies on campus. Be the one to change.
E-mail the Optimist at: optimist@acu.edu
Speaker clarifies racism dispute As you can guess, there’s Lastly, the article said been a significant amount I was straying away from of feedback that has ac- controversy, unlike many of crued from my speeches our Nation’s great speakers. during the Oddly enough, I spent the first week following week in dialogue of school with my peers and some i n c l u d i n g administration and faculty the opin- concerning these issues on ion article, campus. “Chapel Some nights, I have lost A p o l o g y sleep and one afternoon, I Not Nec- almost broke down crying Guest e s s a r y , ” in my office after several of Column which rein- these painful discussions. Matt forced one So if you call that straying Worthington of the larg- away from controversy, I est rumors don’t know what encounterof all — that I was forced ing controversy would look to apologize. like. Perhaps it looks more Initially the article stat- like being inconsiderate and ed that I was “seemingly stubborn to the point where forced,” but then the words you’ve desensitized yourself “forced” were used repeat- from listening to important edly. The truth is that no issues. one asked me to apologize. I have no doubt that this If anyone was listening to is a painful process because Dwayne VanRheenen intro- it calls for us to drop our duce my apoldefenses and ogy, then they listen to the Like stepping on would have other person. heard him say It’s like havsomeone’s toes, that I came to ing a DTR any offense that him. No one with your sigI caused was an came to me. nificant other. accident. Also, the arWe don’t like ticle made up them because a quote stating, they are often “separatism is real, and awkward and painful and these are two historical ex- very uncomfortable, but if amples that prove it,” I’m you aren’t willing to listen not sure why a quote was to someone then your relamade up because the origi- tionship will fall apart and nal texts are documented you will have an unsuccesson Facebook. ful relationship. If we, as I don’t believe that many ethnic groups, are unwillget what my intentions were ing to listen to the feelings in apologizing. Like step- of our other ethnic brothers ping on someone’s toes, any and sisters, we will destroy offense that I caused was an ourselves, and this is not accident, but you always the Body of Christ. This is address the accident and not 1 Corinthians 12. No, let the person know, “Hey, we need each other, and we I’m sorry that I stepped on need each other in a bad your toes. Trust me, I didn’t way or else we all surely fall mean to.” In fact, you would apart. Let us participate in be wrong not to apologize the Body of Christ. because, in my opinion, be ing rude is wrong. E-mail the Optimist at: optimist@acu.edu
President assures ACU that Campus Life under control Letter to the Editor Dr. Royce Money responds to Jared Field’s column headlined “Learning to live without a leader” in the Feb. 2 edition of the Optimist.
I would like to assure Jared Fields and all the ACU students that there is indeed “someone in charge” in the Campus Life area. Dr. Jeff Arrington is the associate dean of Campus Life and, as such, manages the day-to-day activities of
this area. The Campus Life division for this current year still reports through the Provost’soffice. Dr. Tom Winter, Associate Provost, spends extra time overseeing the Campus Life area until certain vacancies are filled. We
are in the process of making significant structural changes in the overall administrative area of the Student Life division. Currently we are recruiting for a vice president for Student Life position. Also Dr. Arrington is involv-
ing Campus Life leadership in active searches for the director of Judicial Affairs, director of Student Multicultural Enrichment, and director of Residence Life Education and Housing. The reorganization of the division is intended to better
Editorial and letter policy Unsigned editorials are the opinions of the Optimist 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 or the university. The Optimist encourages reader response through letters to the editor but reserves the right to limit frequent contributors or to refuse to print letters containing personal
attacks, obscenity, defamation, erroneous information or invasion of privacy. Please limit letters to 350 words or fewer. A name and phone number must be included for verification purposes. Phone numbers will not be published. Address letters to: ACU Box 27892 Abilene, TX 79699 E-mail letters to: optimist@acu.edu
serve the students of ACU. I commend the present Campus Life staff for filling in so effectively while we are in this transition. Dr. Royce Money President of the University moneyr@acu.edu
Editorial and Management Board Mallory Schlabach
Published by the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication Newsroom: (325) 674-2439
Sports desk: (325) 674-2684
Lauren Sutton
Daniel Johnson
Editor in Chief
Opinion Editor
Sports Editor
Jared Fields
Emily Smith
Todd Piersall
Christi Stark Advertising Manager
Managing Editor
Chief Photographer
Arts Editor
Kenneth Pybus
Michelle Jimenez
Kelsi Peace
Shelby Coates
Adviser
Copy Editor
Photo department: (325) 674-2499
Features Editor
Advertising office: (325) 674-2463
Video Editor
Subscriptions ($40/academic year): (325) 674-2296.
Online: www.acuoptimist.com
Wednesday February 7, 2007
Softball: Hitting lacking strength Continued from page 8 “This team has a great attitude and doesn’t give up,” Arreguin said. “I think everyone tried so hard that they put too much pressure on themselves.” All five games the Wildcats played were close, including its two losses. They lost to Southern Arkansas 1-2 and to St. Mary’s 0-2 in extra innings.
Wilson said the pitching and defense were very strong and the only thing lacking was hitting. But with the pitching and defense on, once the hitting comes around they’ll be a tough team to beat, Wilson said. “We’re smashing the ball in practice,” Arreguin said. “When we start to relax and have fun, the other team is going to be in trouble.” The ACU Wildcats are
currently ranked No. 19 in the nation in the National Fast pitch Coaches’ Association pre-season pole. Look for the lady Wildcats this weekend at home as they take on Southeastern Oklahoma State and St. Mary’s for a rematch on Friday and Ft. Lewis on Saturday.
E-mail Smith at: optimist@acu.edu
Tennis: Women to face No. 1 Continued from page 8 “We are a good singles team that is just as good in doubles.” The ACU men will have their turn to host the ACU Indoor Classic on Friday and Saturday when they
take on Lamar University, University of Texas PanAmerican and Oklahoma Christian University. The Wildcat women will look to continue their undefeated streak when they travel to Hawaii on Wednesday. In Hawaii, the Wildcats will take
on four teams over the span of four days, including the defending NCAA Division II national champion and current No. 1 team in the nation, Brigham Young University-Hawaii. E-mail Freeman at: mxf04b@acu.edu
Track: Several provisionally qualify Continued from page 8 team in second going into the final handoff to Nicodemus Naimadu. “Nicodemus had a whole mile to make up 10 yards. He ended up running a 4:06 mile to catch [Washington State],” Hood said. Naimadu won the relay by 20 yards. “To make up that much time and beat the guy by that much. It was just really neat to see him do that.” he said. Naimadu won the mile and provisionally qualified with a 4:07.81. Nyango also provisionally qualified in the mile, finishing sixth, with a time of 4:10.88. Johnny Jacob also automatically qualified in the 400-meters with a time of 47.57 in the finals to finish third. Jacob also anchored the men’s 4x400 relay team, with Hood clocking his split at 46.7. “He has a lot of character. He ran three 400s in a row and
Page 7
SPORTS JUMPS
came out [Monday] and had a great practice,” he said. Completing the men’s 4x400 relay were Marvin BienAime, Andrew McDowell and Mark Paige. The relay finished seventh but provisionally qualified with a time of 3:16.86. The women’s 4x400 also posted a provisional mark with a time of 3:45.95 and a fourth place finish. Hood said their time puts them third in Div. II. Wilkins, the starter in the 4x400 relay, provisionally qualified in the 400-meters with a time of 55.63. Wilkins’ time was good for fourth at the meet. Two other women provisionally qualified in the 400meters: Azraa Rounds (56.53) and Venessa Whittle (56.80). Kim Prather and ShawnaKaye Thompson, both members of the 4x400 relay, provisionally qualified in two other events. Prather provisionally qualified in the 60-meter sprint at 7.7 seconds and in the 200meters with a time of 24.67 in the preliminaries.
Thompson provisionally qualified in the 200-meters and the 60-meter hurdles. Thompson posted a 25.00 time in the 200 and a personal best time of 8.66 seconds in the hurdles. She missed the automatic qualifying time by one-hundredth of a second. “I ran my best, but I think I can do better,” Thompson said. Rounding out the qualifiers from this weekend’s meet were triple jumpers Vladyslav Gorbenko and Davy Manga. Gorbenko won the triple jump with a distance of 51-04.25, good for the second-best distance in Div. II. Manga is behind Gorbenko at third in the nation after placing fourth with a jump of 50-06.25. The Wildcats will split its teams into three groups this weekend when they travel to Arkansas, Iowa State or Texas Tech.
E-mail Fields at: jrf03b@acu.edu
Women face Midwestern n After finishing the first half of season 4-4 the ACU women’s basketball team will take on Midwestern State in Wichita Falls on Wednesday. By MICHAEL FREEMAN Online Editor
The Wildcat women’s basketball team split both of its conference matches last week. ACU defeated Midwestern State 73-56 in Moody Coliseum on Thursday and lost to Tarleton State 75-66 in Stephenville on Saturday, but ACU will get a second shot at both teams this week. Currently, the women’s basketball team has a record of 13-9 and a conference record of 4-4. On Wednesday, ACU will again face Midwestern, this time on the road in Wichita Falls. Midwestern owns an overall record of 10-10 with a conference record of 3-5. Midwestern ranks last in the Lone Star Conference in field goal percentage, and secondto-last in scoring offense and
Women’s basketball 3-point field goal percentage. But ACU’s next opponent has statistics that appear to be far more formidable. The Wildcats will have a rematch against Tarleton, who is 126 on the year, Saturday. Tarleton has the second-best defense in the LSC against 3-point field goal percentage, and Tarleton usually holds its opponents to only 56 points per game. “I think the second time around it’s just about making the small adjustments we need to,” ACU head coach Shawna Lavender said. “It really comes down to which team wants it a little bit more and which team executes it the best.” ACU executed well last Thursday against Midwestern. Led by center Audrey Maxwell, who finished with 18 points and 11 rebounds, the Wildcats won the game easily 73-56. Following Maxwell was guard Alex Guiton, who had
12 points, and guard Kristee Davidson, who had 11 points. “I was really pleased with the way we played against Midwestern,” Lavender said. “I thought, defensively, we did a great job. Offensively, we still kind of struggled a little bit, but I was very pleased with the game against Midwestern.” ACU’s offensive struggles came back to haunt them in the next game against Tarleton State on Saturday. Despite Maxwell scoring 24 points and grabbing 16 rebounds in the game, the Wildcats were unable to capitalize when they were down 66-62 with less than three minutes left. Tarleton hit key shots down the stretch, and held on for a 75-66 victory. “I thought we played well; we just gave up too many big shots at the end of the game,” Lavender said. “Really, it came down to they just shot the ball better than we did.”
E-mail Freeman at: mxf04b@acu.edu
SportsWednesday
Page 8
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
ScoreBoard Standings Scoreboard as of Tuesday
MEN’S BASKETBALL
Team
Div. 5-1 5-2 4-2 3-4 2-4 2-4 1-5
MSU WTAM Tarleton ENMU TAMK-U Angelo St. ACU
Overall 16-4 13-8 15-6 9-12 15-6 7-13 10-10
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
Team
WTAM Tarleton Angelo St. ACU TX Woman’s MSU TAMK-U ENMU
Div. 8-0 5-3 4-4 4-4 4-4 3-5 3-5 1-7
Overall 19-3 12-6 12-8 13-9 10-11 10-10 8-13 10-10
ACU’s playoff hopes still alive n After finishing last in the first half of conference play, the men’s basketball team must now face first place Midwestern State. By DANIEL JOHNSON Sports Editor
The ACU men’s basketball team still has a chance of making the Lone Star Conference postseason tournament, but it won’t be easy. After finishing the first half of conference play with a 87-67 loss to Tarleton State on Saturday, the Wildcats are last place in the LSC South and will play first place Midwestern State on Wednesday. “There’s still a lot of games to be played,” said head coach Jason Copeland. “A lot can happen.” Little did happen for the Wildcats its first half of conference, as they dropped to 1-5 in LSC South play and 10-10 overall after losing to Tarleton. In addition
Men’s basketball to being ACU’s third straight conference loss, it was also the Wildcats’ seventh loss in its last eight games. In comparison, Midwestern is 5-1 in the LSC South and won 13 of its last 14 games. Midwestern’s most recent win was a 107-96 shootout over Angelo State — the only LSC South team ACU has been able to beat. “Wednesday will be a tough game on the road,” Copeland said. The most recent star of the Midwestern Mustangs’ team is center Eric Dawson. The LSC South Player of the Week scored a career-high 30 points with 14 rebounds in the win over Angelo and led in scoring the first time Midwestern and ACU met this season. Dawson scored a game-high 24 points and 12 rebounds in the Mustangs’ 95-75 win over the Wildcats.
“We’ve got to get their big guys away from the basket,” Copeland said. But Dawson isn’t the only offensive threat the Mustangs possess. In fact Midwestern has three more starters that have been named LSC South Player of the Week this season: guard Drew Coffman, guard Chad Rickett and Chris Davis. Coffman, Rickett and Davis all average more than 25 points per game. And on top of all that Midwestern is 8-2 at home. But despite the chips stacked against the Wildcats, Copeland is confident that his team can win on the road. “In this league it doesn’t matter where you play teams,” Copeland said. “You just got to make sure you’re ready to go.”
E-mail Johnson at: djj04a@acu.edu
brian schmidt SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER
Guard Cortnie Ross goes for a reverse leap against Midwestern State center and LSC Player of the Week Eric Dawson on Thursday.
ACU track continues to qualify
BASEBALL
Team
Div. 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
ENMU ACU Tarleton TAMK-U WTAM Angelo St.
Overall 4-0 3-0 2-1 0-1 0-0 0-3
n The ACU men’s and women’s track and field teams automatically qualified and added more provisionals at the Frank Sevigne Husker Invitational in Nebraska.
SOFTBALL
Team
Angelo St. ENMU TAMK-U ACU TX Woman’s WTAM Tarleton
Div. 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
Overall 8-0 4-2 2-2 2-2 2-3 1-5 0-0
By JARED FIELDS Managing Editor
Upcoming Wednesday WOMEN’S BASKETBALL ACU at Midwestern State, Wichita Falls, 6 p.m.
MEN’S BASKETBALL ACU at Midwestern State, Wichita Falls, 8 p.m.
Friday BASEBALL ACU at Southern Arkansas, Magnolia, Ark., 4 p.m. (DH)
SOFTBALL CBS Insurance Classic
TRACK & FIELD Texas Tech Pentathlon, Lubbock Tyson Indoor Invitational, Fayetteville, Ark.
MEN’S TENNIS ACU vs. Lamar, noon ACU vs. Texas-Pan American, 4 p.m.
n Home games listed in italics
Intramural Round-up Upcoming n The intramural schedule seen on the Optimist sports page is not final and is subject to change. Any last-minute changes can be viewed on the intramural bulletin board in Moody Coliseum.
Thursday INTRAMURAL BASKETBALL No games on Thursday.
February intramurals GOLF SHOOTOUT Sign up deadline: Feb. 14 Cost: $15 per person Shootout date: Feb. 17
3 vs. 3 BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT Sign up deadline: Feb. 22 Cost: $35 per team Tournament date: Feb. 23-24
For complete intramural scores and schedules visit: w w w. a c u o p t i m i s t . c o m
brian schmidt SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER
Designated hitter Matt McGuire slides into third base to complete his 2 RBI triple in the Wildcats’ third game against Henderson State on Thursday.
Sweep starts ‘07 season n The nationally ranked baseball team began its 2007 season with a sweep of Henderson State on Saturday and Sunday. The wins upped ACU’s ranking to No. 16. By DANIEL JOHNSON Sports Editor
The ACU baseball team is used to starting a season undefeated, and this year is no different. The nationally ranked Wildcats, who has started undefeated in four of its last seven seasons, swept Henderson State in its first three games of 2007. ACU won both games on Saturday 105, 3-2 and the final game on Sunday 14-3. “I didn’t know what kind of team we really had this
Baseball season,” said designated hitter Matt McGuire. “For us to come out and get the sweep is huge.” The Wildcats 3-0 start lifted ACU up one spot to No. 16 in the Division II Collegiate baseball newspaper national ranking. McGuire’s bat was huge for the Wildcats against Henderson, as he went 5-5 at the plate for six RBI. “We’re hoping he’ll continue to have a big year,” said head coach Britt Bonneau. “He’s a great hitter and we’re excited to have him.” McGuire, who is filling the shoes of former ACU designated hitter and homerun record holder Joel Wells, at-
tributed his success at the plate to the fast base runners the Wildcats have. “With those guys on the base path you’re gonna have a lot of RBI’s show up,” McGuire said. “You just need to put the ball in play and let them run around the bases.” One such base runner was starting second basemen and lead-off hitter J.J. Pacheco. Pacheco scored five times, recorded four doubles, hit a .429 in the series and stole one base. The biggest performance on the mound for ACU was pitcher Trey Watten. Despite it being his first official start as an ACU pitcher, Watten led the Wildcat bullpen with six strikeouts in five innings pitched.
“I think it was the first real game I’ve ever pitched in,” Watten said. Watten, who also started as shortstop in Saturday’s games, also was successful on the other side of the plate, hitting a home run in game two of the series and posting a .750 slugging percentage over the weekend. Other solid bats for the Wildcats were catcher Jordan Schmitt and third baseman Alec Sowards who each had a home run in the first game. Schmitt batted a .500 over the weekend and Sowards hit a .364. “It was a productive first weekend,” head coach Britt Bonneau said. E-mail Johnson at: djj04a@acu.edu
Men and women swing early wins n The men’s and women’s tennis teams both began their spring seasons with winning records over the weekend. The men are 4-1 and the women are 3-0. By MICHAEL FREEMAN Online Editor
The ACU tennis teams kicked off their seasons with encouraging wins this past weekend. The Wildcat women went 3-0 in the ACU Indoor Classic, and the ACU men went 4-1 during a road trip in Kentucky. “It’s a great start,” head coach Hutton Jones said. The women, who are ranked No. 5 in the nation, hosted three Division I teams in the annual ACU Indoor Classic in the Teague Special Events Center last Friday and Saturday. On Friday, ACU defeated the University of Texas A&MCorpus Christi 5-2 and the University of Texas-Pan American 6-1. The Wildcats
Tennis completed the sweep of the competition on Saturday with a 6-1 victory over Prairie View A&M University. “We were challenged quite a bit,” Jones said. “We were pushed but came through. It was a nice start.” The Wildcat men also got off to a nice start. The ACU men, who are currently ranked No. 22 nationally, traveled to Kentucky to take on two Division II teams before playing in the Eastern Kentucky Indoor Invitational. On Thursday, ACU rolled over Northern Kentucky University 9-0. Then on Friday, the Wildcats beat Bellarmine University 9-0. In the Eastern Kentucky tournament, ACU won a thriller against the hosting team of Eastern Kentucky University, who finished No. 4 last year in the Ohio Valley Conference.
The Wildcats captured the match 4-3, thanks to freshman Luke Hawk’s 6-2, 6-7, 6-3 close win. “It was great to be able to clinch the final match to win it for us,” Hawk said. ACU finished up the weekend with a 5-2 victory over Wright State University and a 5-2 loss to the University of TennesseeChattanooga. “One of the big positives of the weekend, not only going 4-1, was we won all the doubles against the [Division II opponents], and in the three [Division I matchups],” Jones said. “We won two out of three. Even in the match we lost, we were the dominant doubles team.” Both the ACU men and women controlled their singles and doubles matches. “Sometimes teams that are good in singles aren’t good in doubles,” Jones said. See
TENNIS page 7
After what head coach Don Hood said was not a great Friday, the men’s and women’s teams came back Saturday to put a positive finish on the weekend. “It didn’t start off with a bang but it sure ended with one,” Hood said. “I think everyone came back and realized we’re going to be really good.” The Wildcats automatically qualified for two events at the national meet at the Frank Sevigne Husker Invitational in Lincoln, Neb. last weekend. The women’s distance medley relay team finished behind Washington State by less than half a second to take second with a time of 11:49.14, a time Hood said was the best in Div. II. The men’s distance medley won with a provisional qualifying time of 9:57.38. Hood said a bad handoff between Matt Pugh and Julius Nyango set the team back, but Nyango closed the gap and kept the See
TRACK page 7
Wildcat softball begins 3-2 n The ACU softball team kicked off its season going 3-2 at the St. Mary’s tournament this weekend. The Wildcats went 3-0 Friday and lost both games Saturday. By LAURA SMITH Student Reporter
brian schmidt SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER
Alexsandra Vucic returns a ball against Texas A&M Corpus Christi on Friday.
One weekend into the season, the women’s softball team is 3-2 and feeling good, said head coach Chantiel Wilson. The Wildcats were in San Antonio over the weekend at the St. Mary’s Invitational. On Friday they won three games before losing two on Saturday. One of those losses was to St. Mary’s University, who sent the Wildcats home during the regional tournament last spring. Despite the loss, the team members and coaches seem to be enthusiastic. “With 60 games in a season, you can’t get upset about every one you lose,” Wilson said. Senior catcher Lorena Arreguin from Pacoima, Calif., looked past the two losses and was happy that the season started with three wins. See
SOFTBALL page 7