The Optimist Print Edition 03.30.2007 by ACU Optimist

THE Vol. 95, No. 45

•

1 sections, 8 pages

Pick-a-date

Grove offers renters $1,000

Honoring our own

n Although the university would not accept scholarships from the Grove to give to students who choose to live there, two $1,000 sponsorships will be offered.

IN THIS ISSUE CAMPUS Sweet indulgence

The Mall of Abilene will sponsor a Chocolate Fest on Saturday, page 4

Batter up!

In Buffalo Gap, students can see how locals reenact baseball how it was once played, page 3

Students came up with creative dates for under $15 this week as part of Sacred Relationships Week, page 3

Kasey Pipes, class of 1995, will be honored as the Young Alumnus of the Year on Tuesday for his accomplishments, page 3

ARTS

Turtle power

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ latest movie shows good graphics but a weak storyline, page 4

SPORTS

Spring training

The ACU football team, which began its spring training in March, will end after two inter-team scrimmages, the ﬁrst of which is Saturday, page 8

OPTIMIST FRIDAY

March 30, 2007

n Beginning April 11, students, faculty and staff with ACU e-mail accounts will be able to switch to Gmail, the e-mailing system of Google. By ASHLEY ROBINSON STUDENT REPORTER

ACU is teaming up with Google, the world’s largest search engine, to offer Webmail users a new and improved e-mail experience.

Google is offering colleges and universities educationbundle, which include: email, chat, calendar and enhanced spam filtering. Kay Reeves, director of Technology Support, is responsible for the communication and technical support on campus. “I am thrilled with the move to Google,” Reeves said. As ACU’s electronic communication transitions to

GROVE page 5

the new Google system, Reeves will be overseeing the training and the technical support for users. The transition to the new system will take place April 11. When users log into myACU and go to the Webmail tab it will take you to the Gmail interface and not Webmail. Kevin Roberts, Chief Information Officer, is in charge of all technology and information services

on campus. “A combination of things led us up to this point,” Roberts said. “Webmail hasn’t been the greatest client.” Google will be hosting the new e-mail system, which will provide more functionality, with a better e-mail interface and a more efficient way to send e-mails. “Their ability to have a See

GOOGLE page 5

A two-step back in time

SPORTS EDITOR

See

www.acuoptimist.com

University, Google finalize e-mail deal

By DANIEL JOHNSON ACU students who live in the Grove student housing official name will be eligible to apply for two $1,000 sponsorships that will go toward tuition at ACU. The Grove is offering the resident-exclusive sponsorships after the President’s Cabinet turned down a proposed partnership that would provide three $1,000 scholarships to any eligible ACU student. The recipients would have been mainly based on financial need. Dr. Jeff Arrington, dean of Campus Life, said ACU chose to pass on the partnership with the Grove because the Cabinet did not know if the Grove’s goals were in line with the university’s mission. “I think that their purposes and our purposes are probably not the same,” Arrington said. “Their purposes are to advance the Grove, and our purpose is to educate students, so we did not feel like that is a partnership we would like to enter.” Mike Spell, general manager of the Grove, proposed the partnership to Arrington at the beginning of the spring semester, and said he wasn’t surprised by the university’s decision. “For us to come on campus really puts the university in an awkward position,” Spell said. “I know the rumors that this is going to be a ‘party place.’” But despite the rumors, Spell is adamant that the Grove is intent on creating a community that is in line with the university’s mission and creating a good relationship with the universities of its students. “We don’t want this to be a party place; that’s not what we’re about,” Spell said. The Grove already has established a partnership with Hardin-Simmons University to provide funds for three

•

Just a stone’s throw away, students who travel to Oplin experience the cowboy culture of the past RACHEL LAU PHOTO ILLUSTRATION

The Grand Ole Oplin has been serving the community of Oplin and surrounding areas as a Friday night dance hall for two-steppers since the 1980s.

By KELSI PEACE FEATURES EDITOR

“You know, the older people love the younger kids. Through the years, I’ve never seen so many kids from the universities.” Shirley Ashbrook, Austin resident who’s been dancing at Oplin on Friday nights for 24 years

Just when you begin to think you’re lost, you’ve probably almost arrived. Past a small cemetery, the occasional country home and countless miles of Texas prairie, you will discover Oplin’s dance hall, community center and former school — The Grand Ole Oplin, as the locals call it. Don’t allow the aging building to put you off; instead, notice the full parking lot and listen to a few notes from the live music that dances across the still, country air, much like the faithful two-steppers inside. Evelyn and Fanas Tacker, long-time Oplin residents, will probably take the $4 admission fee from you, just as they have been doing for years. The Tackers have been coming to Oplin’s Friday night dance hall since it opened in the 1980s. While The Grand Ole Oplin,

(named by a Nashville film producer who once filmed the dance hall) may be the town’s pride, it also draws university students from Abilene and some from further distances to step into a cowboy culture reminiscent of an earlier time. Shirley Ashbrook, from Austin, returns to Oplin occasionally to dance and sit with her parents, the Tackers, by the door. Shirley said she’s been dancing at Oplin for about 24 years, and as she expertly navigates the dance floor, always smiling, it’s obvious the practice has paid off. “You know, the older people love the younger kids,” Shirley says. “Through the years, I’ve never seen so many kids from the universities.” College students clump in corners with their friends, snapping pictures of each other in the dim lighting. A few dance with older men and

women, learning the art of two-steppin’ from the experts. Some dance with children, stooping down to reach them and grinning back at their nearby friends. Most dance with each other, following more experienced dancers to mimic their steps or twirling across the floor with the best of them. Rachel Ballotti, freshman biology major from Summerbridge, England, visited Oplin for the second time on Feb. 2. And while two-stepping is foreign to her, Rachel said the basics are easy to master and the atmosphere fun. “I was surprised by the amount of people — especially the older people in the cowboy hats and boots,” she said. On the other hand, Tymon Bloomer, sophomore environmental science major from See

STEP page 5

Facebook boosts SA candidates’ exposure Winning again

Both tennis teams won their matches on Wednesday. The women won 9-0 against Southeastern Oklahoma, and the men beat a Div. I team 4-3, page 8

ONLINE Flashback

See how the men’s and women’s tennis teams have fared so far this semester online at: www.acuoptimist.com

n Candidates running for an ofﬁce in the Students’ Association say they hope to use social networking Web site ‘Facebook. com’ as a means to reach voters. By JOHNNY BAUTISTA STAFF WRITER

The world of Facebook isn’t just for friends and pictures anymore. Students running for office are using Facebook to create groups and spread the word for their campaigns. Students’ Association Executive President Maher Saab said the Facebook group that was created for his campaign last year really helped with

Department of Journalism and Mass Communication

mass communication and exposure. “Facebook is a great way to communicate to other students because it makes it so easy to get your name out there,” Saab said. “The groups allow any member to invite other people that the candidate may not personally know, and it helps getting your name out there and letting people know that you’re running for an office.” Brandon Smith, junior senator and candidate for SA executive president, said the groups are almost equivalent

to making a Web site because it allows you to post your views and allows people to post their opinions. “In the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s, people used to use posters, fliers, TV and radio to advertise things, but what Facebook has done is made it easier for everyone to have equal access to,” Smith said. “Facebook is a huge form of mass communication; you can easily create a group and have 400 people join over night. [It’s] almost like a mailing list. On Facebook you can easily and See

CAMPAIGN page 5

Abilene Christian University

STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION MINUTES Students’ Association cabinet hopefuls may be approaching to ask you to sign a petition endorsing them to run as candidates for president, vice president or executive treasurer. The secretary is appointed. Debates between the candidates are scheduled for April 9, but the location has not been decided, said Maher Saab, SA executive president. Early voting will be conducted the evening of April 9, and general voting will be April 10 and 11. The candidates will address the student body with their speeches on April 11. While gearing up for elections, Congress continues to consider how to use the $3,250 Congressional Budget, which will soon be reduced by $400

after money is allocated for free bowling in the Bean Sprout, which Congress approved March 9, said Tyler Cosgrove, SA executive treasurer and senior ﬁnance major from Amarillo. Edwards representative Matt Lambro, sophomore youth and family ministry major from Grapevine, presented a bill requesting SA to appropriate $1,825 from the Congressional Budget for providing an air hockey table in Edwards. Lambro said Edwards is also ﬁrst on the list for an air hockey table from the Bean Sprout should the facility chose to donate one. Congress passed the bill 36-2 with absentee votes; two abstained. -by Kelsi Peace, Features Editor

Serving the ACU community since 1912

Chapel Checkup Credited Chapels to date: Credited Chapels remaining:

Wednesday, March 29, 2006 Friday, March 30, 2007

Calendar & Events Friday

Weekend Campaign to H-E-B Camp in Leakey. 3 p.m. Fall registration for graduate, honors and Study Abroad students.

Saturday

Weekend Campaign to H-E-B Camp in Leakey. 6 p.m. ‘A Night of Elegance’ fundraising dinner will be held in the Williams Performing Arts Center. This dinner is hosted by graduate students in the Department of Marriage and Family Therapy, and all funds will go toward summer mission trips to Nigeria. Dinner includes a three-course meal, a silent auction, entertainment and more. Tickets are $40 per couple. Contact (325) 733-8318 or e-mail tjl98s@acu.edu to purchase tickets.

Announcements The Weekend Campaign to HE-B Camp in Leakey leaves Friday. Sign up in the Campus Center ticket windows, or contact Tim Pittman at tjp03d@acu.edu, Mike Miles at mem04d@acu.edu, or Amanda Taylor at ajt04a@acu.edu for more details. David Williams passed away Monday. Williams was an English professor at ACU from 1962 to 1999. The funeral service and burial will be at Memorial Park in Memphis, Tenn., Saturday at 10 a.m. A memorial service will also be held April 7 at the South Arlington Church of Christ at 2 p.m. in Arlington. Cards may be sent to the following address: 5811 West Highland, Midlothian, TX, 76065. Remember the Williams family in your prayers. DATE CHANGED! There will be a junior meeting Tuesday at 11 a.m. in Hart Auditorium for all juniors interested in graduating. Students will learn about how to get ready for graduation next year and how to know if their degree requirements have been met. Residence Life is looking for bands for the Backyard Bash on April 28. If interested, contact Jae Webb at jkw02a@acu.edu or at (325) 260-7347. Seniors, come to Joe Allen`s Lytle Bend Ranch on April 19 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m for free food and fun. Enter the drawings to win prizes including gift certiﬁcates and a digital camera. Wear a crazy hat and compete for a prize. RSVP to (325) 674-2737 or seniorexperience@acu. edu by April 13. For more informa-

tion, go to www.acu.edu/seniors. Women`s Economic Empowerment invites enterprising professional women to its monthly luncheon, “Discovering Your Leadership Style,” on Wednesday from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. at the Alliance for Women and Children, located on 1350 N. 10th. The guest speaker is Barbara Dahl of Hendrick Home for Children and Leadership Texas. Lunch is $5. RSVP to wee@afwconline.org. The April ArtWalk will be April 12 from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in downtown Abilene. Contact Marianne Wood at (325) 677-8389 for more information. The First Annual 5k Saving Babies Race will be April 28. This race will be held by March of Dimes in conjunction with Walk America. The race will start at 8:30 a.m.. Check in at 7:30 a.m. at Redbud Park. The Entry fee is $25. Awards will be given to the top overall runners and the top-three males and females in each age category. For more information, e-mail sks06k@acu.edu or call (325) 672-0566. Download an entry form at www.abilenerunners.com. Come intern with Dry Bones in Denver this summer. Dry Bones is a ministry that works with homeless youth living on the streets of downtown Denver. Four city interns and one mountain intern are needed to facilitate backpacking in the mountains and working in the city. Visit the Web site or email rebekah@drybonesdenver.org for more information.

Monday

5 p.m. Deadline for submission for the GSA Research/Writing Competition and Symposium. Three cash awards of $50, $75 and $100 will be awarded to the ﬁrst, second and third place competitors in each of three categories: quantitative, qualitative and creative.

Tuesday

7 p.m. GSA Spring forum, “pSin and pSychology,” will be held in Hart Auditorium until 9 p.m. Panelists Dr. Richard Beck, Dr. Dan Stiver, Steve Hare and Dr. Brent Reeves (moderator) will discuss and answer questions about the spiritual dimensions in a psychological universe.

ACU Police Tip of the Week Use common sense and appropriate caution when responding to sweepstakes letters and other correspondence promising ﬁnancial awards or assistance that appear too good to be true. Report suspicious letters and e-mails to ACUPD.

Police Log Edited for space

Monday 03/19/2007 9:20 a.m. Escorted visitor to Zellner Hall 9:49 a.m. Assisted student with ﬂat tire 2:50 p.m. Criminal mischief at Nelson Tuesday 03/20/2007 7 p.m. Stand by while ex-student moved from University Park Apartments 10:27 p.m. Jumpstart vehicle at Big Purple Lot 11:11 p.m. Suspicious item found at McKinze Hall Wednesday 03/21/2007 12:28 a.m. Parking violation at Gardner Lot 12:48 a.m. Parking violation at 1900 Campus Court 3:20 p.m. Parking violations on main campus 5:30 p.m. Theft at Powell Fitness Center 10:38 p.m. Vehicle accident at Mabee/Edwards Lot, no damage to vehicle, no report made Thursday 03/22/2007 12:20 a.m. Contacted subjects soliciting at the Library, were asked to leave campus 10:04 a.m. Medical emergency at Sherrod Don Morris 10:52 a.m. Vehicle hit and run accident on ACU Drive, log entry 5:57 p.m. Incomplete 911 at Zellner Hall, unable to contact anyone at the phone 10:53 p.m. Contacted suspicious

subjects inside the Library, were placed on Criminal Trespass Friday 03/23/2007 8:15 a.m. Assisted motorist at University Park Apartments Lot 10:10 a.m. Report of subjects soliciting near WPAC Lot, subjects were gone upon arrival 10:40 a.m. Escorted visitor from Business Building to the Library 1:20 p.m. Contacted subjects smoking on campus at Teague and advised of policy Saturday 03/24/2007 1:23 a.m. Report of subjects with alcohol at University Park Apartments, contacted residents all okay 10:55 a.m. Report of vehicle accident 1600 Campus Court, handled by Abilene PD 2 p.m. Report of skateboarders at the Education Building, contacted juveniles and they did leave campus 11:02 p.m. Report of subject throwing water balloons in the 500 block of EN 18th, checked area unable to locate anyone Sunday 03/25/207 12 p.m. Gave access to Gibson to retrieve lost item 12:25 p.m. Report of lost item at Wells Field, checked area unable to locate 10:37 p.m. Report of ﬁre in the street at 600 EN 18th, contacted student photographing the ﬁre, all okay

48 24

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.

ACU Career Corner Upcoming Career Events and Workshops NOW WHAT? Career Discovery Workshop (Just because you’re about to graduate doesn’t mean you know what you’ll do for the rest of your life!) Monday, April 2 at 5 p.m. McKinzie Hall, Lower Level WHO WILL NOTICE ME? Resume Enhancement Workshop (You’re sitting there working on your “perfect” resume and the screen is blank. You need HELP... those templates are looking pretty attractive.) Monday, April 2 at 6 p.m. McKinzie Hall, Lower Level Tuesday, April 3 at 5 p.m. McKinzie Hall, Lower Level BREAK OUT THE NUNCHUCKS AND LET THE JOB FINDING BEGIN! Job Search Workshop (How can you push harder, faster and smarter through networking, cunning job search and killer interviews.) Monday, April 2 at 12 p.m. Campus Center Living Room Tuesday, April 3 at 6 p.m. McKinzie Hall, Lower Level Provided by The Ofﬁce of Career and Academic Development

Upcoming On-Campus Interviews April 10: PFSweb, Inc. College Recruit Program Recruiting Communications and Business majors Sign-up deadline: April 1 April 10: Lithia Motors Interviews Sales Representatives and Interns Recruiting all majors Sign-up deadline: April 3 April 24: Association Member Benefits Advi sors (AMBA) District Manager Trainees and Interns Recruiting all majors Sign-up deadline: April 16 To schedule an on-campus interview, go to www.acu.edu/ careerlink or contact Bradon Tharp at (325) 674-2653. Did You Know? 2007 Career Headlines “Average Starting Salaries Continue to Climb for New College Graduates” “Employers Target New College Graduates to Lead Organizations, Inject Fresh Ideas” Source: National Association of College and Employers

Volunteer Opportunities The Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra will host its annual Chocolate Fest on Saturday. Volunteers are needed to help set up Friday night, help with the Fest and help clean up afterward. The Fest will be held at the Mall of Abilene, and set up will begin at 9 p.m. after the mall closes. All volunteers will receive a ticket to Chocolate Fest. To help with this event, contact the Volunteer ServiceLearning Center in the Bean Sprout. Students are needed Saturday from 9 a.m. until mid-afternoon to tear down part of a house and move the trash to an alley. This effort will beneﬁt an indigent family whose home is being repaired by the City of Abilene. Contact the Volunteer Service-Learning Center in the Bean Sprout for more information. ACU for Abilene is coming April 21. Students, staff and faculty will join together to serve the Abilene community in a variety of ways at a number of locations. Watch for more information and make plans now to join in this time of service. CAN, Interested Citizens of Abilene North, need help with its community clean up on April 14. Vol-

unteers will cut yards, trim hedges, plant gardens, pick up trash and help the elderly with tasks around their homes. Work will begin at 8:30 a.m. and continue until 2 p.m. Contact the Volunteer Service-Learning Center in the Bean Sprout for more information. Freedom Fellowship Church needs volunteers to assist with a variety of after-school activities for at-risk youth, such as tutoring, basketball and air hockey Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. and Fridays from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Contact the Volunteer Service-Learning Center in the Bean Sprout for more information. MOPS at Highland Church of Christ is having its annual Great Moms Walk and family day out April 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Nelson Park. For more information please contact Julia Stewart at (325) 690-9023. Volunteers are needed to be peer visitors or in a support group for amputees. Both men and women are requested to help. For more information, contact Wayne Briggs at (325) 6911672 or (325) 829-1961.

Friday, March 30, 2007

2007 Young alumnus of the Year award Kasey Pipes, class of 1995 Kasey Pipes, class of 1995, will be honored at a luncheon Tuesday as the 2007 Young Alumnus of the Year award in the Hilton Room. Pipes, who majored in communication and political science and was a president of men’s social club Galaxy while in college, was nominated by Dr. Neal Coates, assistant professor of political science. Pipes has served in various political arenas since his graduation from ACU. During his career he has worked on George W. Bush’s campaign staff, in the Bush Administration as associated director of the Office of Strategic Initiatives and as chief speech writer for California Governor Arnold Schwarzeneger’s re-election campaign. He resides in Fort Worth with his wife Lacie and operates a fullservice consulting and public relations firm, The Pipes Co. Pipes will return to his alma mater amidst a book tour for his recently release biography: “Ike’s Final Battle: The Road to Little Rock and the Challenge of Equality,” a book about President Dwight Eisenhower’s fight for civil rights while president. Jama Cadle, alumni events coordinator, said Pipes was selected from more than a dozen nominations by both the President’s cabinet and the alumni advisory board. During the luncheon Pipes will be presented with an award by Dr. Royce Money, president of the university, and then will speak about how ACU shaped his career, and what he has done both professionally and personally since he graduated. Cadle said the criteria for the Young Alumnus of the Year award must be under 40 years of age, and have made both personal and professional achievements since the time they graduated. The Young Alumnus of the Year award is one of six awards given yearly by the Alumni Association. “This is one of the highest honors an alumnus can receive from the university,” Cadle said. “It means a lot to be recognized by alumni, faculty and staff for the award.” The Alumni Association has been honoring young alumni since 1990.

Creative dates Entries The Peer Health Education Program sponsored the “Plan the Most Creative Date, and We’ll Pay” contest. Participants submitted a creative date plan that costs only $15 and a 100 word essay. Winning entry: n Matthew Dowell, freshman management major from Leon Valley First thing, we could walk or drive to Subway and eat dinner. I could bring a candle along and light it when we sit down to eat. Next we could head to the Foster Science Building and watch a movie together in Walling Lecture Hall on the big screen. For concessions, we would buy candy bars, but pilfer the professors’ sodas from the third floor walk-in-science-refrigerator. We’d watch the movie Contact (PG), and then go up onto the roof through the hole in the greenhouse (which is always unlocked), fly paper air planes and chat while gazing at stars.

Other entries: n Katrina Hillman, freshman management major from Fort Worth Wearing comfortable clothes. Sweet Tea from Chicken Express ($1.50). Go to a park with a truck, lap top and blankets. Watch movie under the stars in the bed of a truck. No truck, no problem: lay in the field (under $5 to rent movie). After the movie, have a silly string fight in the park ($3-$5). Go to McDonalds and get ice cream cones (about $2.20). Go the the lake and talk/skip rocks or go home. Night of fun without spending much money (priceless). n Ryan Forde, freshman nursing major from the Woodlands First, we would go to the batting cages by K-mart and spend $5 to buy four tokens. Each token is 20 balls in the cage. Then we would go to Sonic and get a slushy, costing $3.20, and then play volleyball for free with some friends. Then go to a park and lay out some blankets and talk and play card games by lantern light. Afterwards, go to Lake Fort Phantom and skip rocks, fish and get your feet wet. The whole date will cost about $10, maybe less, but it will be filled with adventure, intimacy and random fun on the town in good ole Abilene.

CAMPUS NEWS

Page 3

Dinner to benefit Nigeria mission trip n A Nigeria mission trip group will host a fundraising dinner for $40 per couple to benefit its next visit in the summer. The group is also looking for nurses to join the trip. By KACI FLORES Student Reporter

Entertainment, a silent auction, a three course meal and door prizes will comprise the Nigeria Mission Trip Fundraiser Dinner on “A Night of Elegance” taking place Saturday at 6 p.m. at the Williams Performing Arts Center. All proceeds of the event will benefit the summer mission trip to Nigeria. Cost is $40 per couple. The entertainment will include a singer along with a fashion show focusing on

Nigerian headdresses, which will also be used for photographs that evening. The photographs can then be ordered and made into postcards if wanted. The auction is also a main focus of the event. There will be at least 15 different packages to auction off. The packages range from Mary Kay beauty baskets to restaurant and hotel night stays. Tobi Kuyino, second year marriage and family therapy graduate student from Lagos, Nigeria, is one of the six people attending the mission trip. She was also involved in the fundraiser dinner last year that raised $3,600. “My dream this year would be to double that amount be-

cause the money would be a blessing for some needy situations in Nigeria,” Kuyino said. The event will also include a PowerPoint presentation and videos of what the mission group will be doing in Nigeria. This is the second year the fundraiser dinner will take place. Last year the mission trip was focused on marriages and families, so the theme “Sweetheart Dinner” was chosen. In fact, “Sweetheart Dinner” was initially chosen as theme again this year before changing it to “A Night of Elegance.” Janelle Liggins, second year marriage and family therapy graduate student from Augusta, Ga., is positive about the theme change this year. “The benefit of this is that

it is just not for couples, so maybe this theme is not as intimidating to those who are not married or not even dating,” Liggins said. The 10-day mission trip this year will be focusing on three things: working with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), abstinence education and premarital counseling. The mission group will consist of a teacher, a nurse, two students and two therapists. The group is still looking for more nurses to attend to make a group of at least 10. If interested in attending the Nigeria Mission Trip Fundraiser Dinner, e-mail tjl98s@ acu.edu or call (325) 733-8318. E-mail Flores at: optimist@acu.edu

Study Abroad contest selects 12 photos

n The third annual Study Abroad photo contest gathered more than 100 entries from students and faculty, and 12 winning photos were selected for four categories. By EMILY SMITH

Chief Photographer

A mix of 12 faculty members and students won awards for capturing culture in a photo from a Study Abroad trip for the third annual Study Abroad photo contest March 22. Every spring, Study Abroad students and faculty who were involved in the program have the chance to submit their

three favorite photos in a photo contest. There are four categories: cross-cultural, just for fun, on site and landscape. “The first year we had 27 entries,” said Lauren Graham, Study Abroad coordinator. The photo contest is now in its third year and over 100 entries were submitted in this year’s contest. “We give the photos to an outside photography expert, and we end up with 12 winning photos,” she said. Tabitha Vail, senior English major from San Antonio, won a third place prize for her photo

entitled, “Afternoon Tea.” “I’ve done photography for some friends of mine,” she said. “It’s one of those on-theside passions for me.” Vail’s winning photo was a picture of two children having tea in her dorm room. “I had a great time traveling and being able to capture some of the great things I saw,” she said. Kellie Ethington, sophomore speech pathology major from Kingswood, had two winning photos in the contest. “I took a ton of pictures and figured, why not,” she said.

She won a first place prize for her silhouette of three classmates climbing Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh, Scotland, and a third place prize for her photo of herself and three friends at the Eiffel Tower. First place winners received a $25 gift card to Best Buy, second place winners received a $10 gift card to Chili’s, and third places winners received a $5 gift card to Starbucks. “It’s more about the glory than the prize,” Graham said.

E-mail Smith at: eds04c@acu.edu

Vintage ball club to host game at Buffalo Gap n The Buffalo Gap Vintage Base Ball Club will host the vintage style of baseball game, which was a gentleman’s game with different rules, Saturday. By CHRIS HANSEN Student Reporter

April 1 is the official start of the baseball season, and the day baseball fans have been waiting for all winter. There is a history behind America’s favorite pastime, which first began in the mid nineteenth century. Base Ball, as it was called until the 1880s, wasn’t played quite the same way we play it today. A ball could bounce once and still be an out, there were no balls and strikes unless someone swung the bat,

fielders didn’t wear gloves, and it was a gentleman’s game with numerous rules about player conduct. This vintage style of play can be seen in action Saturday, March 31 at the Buffalo Gap Historic Village. The Buffalo Gap Vintage Base Ball Club will get an early start on baseball season when it hosts the second annual Texas Forts Trail Vintage Base Ball Tournament starting at 10 a.m. The four clubs, or teams, will wear nineteenth century knickers, hats and jerseys and compete using vintage baseball rules. “We want to keep the spirit of the game going,” said Bob Wettemann, associate professor of history at McMurry University. “It’s not

cutthroat competition.” Wettemann who goes by the nicknames “Bone-Crusher” and “The Commissioner” said he’d like to expand the tournament from the current fourgame format to an eight-game structure in the future. Warren Simpson, professor of fitness and sports at Hardin-Simmons University, who also plays on the team, said vintage baseball is a social, educational, fun and competitive game. “When you hit a certain age you’re just not playing ball anymore consistently,” Simpson said. “They don’t have little league for adults.” Simpson, known to his teammates as “Spider” or “Coach,” said he doesn’t

play the way he was taught throughout his life. Instead he studies and uses battings stances from the time period. Vintage Base Ball isn’t just different uniforms and rules, the game is also played in lessthan-normal places such as fields with obstacles. The Buffalo Gap field has a shed in center field, two trees in right field, a cactus patch in left field and antique tractors in foul territory down the third-base line. Additionally, the fence isn’t far from home plate so outfielders can play behind the wall. “It’s a hoot,” Simpson said. “It makes for hysterical stuff.”

E-mail Hansen at: optimist@acu.edu

Page 4 Box office stats Newly released movies and gross rates for March 23-25. Total gross in parenthesis. n TMNT: $24,255,205 ($24,255,205) n 300: $19,862,491 ($161,706146) n Shooter: $14,523,571 ($14,523,571) n Wild Hogs: $13,850,542 ($123,303,817)

iN THE tHEATERS Movies opening Friday: n Blades of Glory, starring Will Ferrell, Jon Heder, Will Arnett, Amy Poehler and Jenna Fischer. In the world of competitive iceskating two stars rule the ice, rocker Chazz Michael Michaels and youth prodigy Jimmy MacElroy. After being banned from professional ice-skating the two must work together to make a comeback. (COMEDY) n Meet the Robinsons, starring Angela Bassett, Jordan Fry, Tom Kenny, Harland Williams and Adam West. Boy-genius and inventor, Lewis, meets mysterious Wilbur Robinson, a boy from the future. Wilbur takes Lewis to the future and shows him the secrets of the eccentric Robinson family. After Lewis’ newest invention is stolen, the two travel once again into the future to try and recover his lost invention. (ANIMATION/COMEDY) n Peaceful Warrior, starring Scott Mechlowicz, Ashton Holmes, BJ Britt, Amy Smart and Nick Nolte. Dan Millman, a college gymnast, has everything going for him and even has a shot at the Olympic qualifiers in men’s gymnastics. Still, he isn’t happy. After repeated terrifying nightmares, Dan meets an old man who calls himself Socrates. Listening to the advice of Socrates, Dan’s life gets turned upside down.

Friday, March 30, 2007

Chocolate to help make money n The Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra hosts ‘Chocolate Fest,’ a fundraiser which will have chocolate from 17 different chocolate venders. By TAKISHA KNIGHT Student Reporter

The Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra has found a new way to appeal to the tastes of wider audiences: chocolate. The Orchestra will host its 3rd annual Chocolate Fest from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Mall of Abilene. Tickets are available at the Abilene Philharmonic offices and at the Mall of Abilene customer service desk for $10. Tickets are $12.50 the day of. Tim Graham, marketing and development director, said the event is catching on around Abilene. “It’s a way to walk through the mall [and] get good exercise, while eating chocolate,” he said. Participants will receive a ticket and a map to find the vendors scattered throughout the mall. Once they sample from one vendor, the vendor will check their names from a list. Participants aren’t required to eat their chocolate at the event. Organizers will provide Styrofoam containers for the chocolate samples participants may want to eat later. “This event is a little different,” Graham said. “This year there will be 17 vendors. For a ticket, one person can sample from all of them.” While organizers are not sure how many chocolate lovers will participate, they are prepared for 1,000 people. “That’s enough chocolate to distribute from here to

the emergency room,” Graham said. “That’s like 17,000 samples,” Cecilia Danford, the Orchestra’s executive director, added. “You’re going to get more than $10 worth of chocolate.” Graham, said they hope to raise $8,000 for the Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra. “Like all fundraisers, it goes to our operating expenses, but the unique thing about it is that it’s universal,” Graham said. He said people who are not necessarily attracted to classical music will get to interact with the orchestra through something just about everyone loves. Graham said he noticed a little growth since last year’s chocolate fest. It’s only just now gaining popularity. While the Philharmonic Gold Medallion Ball is the major fundraising event for the orchestra, the Chocolate Fest offers a feast of the senses. There’s the chocolate smorgasbord for the taste, the sound of ACU Woodwind Quintet performance at noon, and the famous spectacle of the Puddin’ Eatin’ contest where 9year-olds race through their chocolate pudding. “It’s hilarious,” Danford said. “We have different styles of puddin’ eatin’: those who very carefully won’t get anything on their clothes and those who dive in. It’s the most fun we have, a great photographic event.” Volunteers are needed to help set up at 9 p.m. Friday night and the clean up afterward. All volunteers receive a ticket to Chocolate Fest. To help with this event, contact the Volunteer Service-Learning Center in the Bean Sprout. E-mail Knight at: optimist@acu.edu

courtesy of ROTTENTOMATOES.COM

Imago, the Hong Kong based animation company, provided the computer graphics for the Turtles new movie.

‘TMNT’: Fast action, slow story n TMNT brings refreshing visuals through stunning animation but lacks the wit and story that made the first two live-action films so popular. By TODD PIERSALL Arts Editor

After making boatloads of money and achieving some critical acclaim, Warner Brothers arguably refreshed two iconic comic book characters, Batman and Superman, through nitty-gritty visuals and realistic performances (Batman Begins/Superman Returns). It seems as though WB’s remaking/ refreshing escapade has no plans of stopping, for better or for worse. Enter the acrobatic, kungfu fighting, pizza eating turtles of TMNT. The ninja turtles have come a long way since its creation as a parody in 1984, building a huge franchise and two live action films. Now, through several years of silence the phenomenon is back. Yet sadly, the WB’s refreshing animated makeover is muddled by lack of a refreshing story. The movie takes place roughly a year after the Turtles victory over the spiked covered The Shredder (see live-action turtles movie number two). Following a long introductory narration (Laurence Fishburne) reminiscent of a Lord of the Rings movie, the audience

discovers that an evil from 3,000 years ago is about to rear its head in Manhattan. Where are the Turtles? They are in disarray, while swordswinging Leonardo is on a walk-about in South America. The other Turtles have taken up odd-jobs to fill the time: Bo-wielding Donatello is computer tech support, easy-going Michelangelo dresses up like a turtle for children’s parties, and hothead Raphael fights crime at night in disguise. With the turtles taking a fighting hiatus, Splinter, the Turtle’s sensei and adopted father, forces the Turtles to work as a team before allowing them back into the crime-fighting scene. As Leonardo and Raphael clash, the Turtles must once again learn to become a team before the ancient evil takes over New York City. Trying to focus on its comic book roots, director Kevin Munro enlisted the support of several notable voice actors including Patrick Stewart (Max Winters), Chris Evans (Casey Jones) and Sarah Michelle Gellar (April O’Neil). The dark and nitty-gritty animated visuals, refreshing though they were, were lost in the bland storyline. Whenever there is an ancient evil lurking, the writers need to spend a little more time in the brainstorming room. It’s been done. The power struggle between Leonardo and

Raphael did bring a lot of unexpected depth and emotion as well as an intense fight scene (the animated rain worked very well), but a good portion of the movie lulls. Climatically, the story’s ending felt rushed and predictable. Granted, the movie is aimed at a younger audience but even the classic Turtle wit and humor from a generation ago is off. Don’t get me wrong, a bad storyline doesn’t make for bad animation. Hong Kong based animation studio, Imagi, will be a likely Academy Award candidate for Best Animated Feature. The digital animation gives the movie a quick-paced feel, something the live Turtle movies lacked, and even adding a wider range of emotions. The action was captured through a camera that whisked to and fro, creating a video game effect. Plus, without the cumbersome suits used in the live versions, the turtles actually look and fight like superheroes. After ruling the box office the first week of its release, the Turtle’s franchise revival has begun and with it there is sure to be more Turtle paraphernalia. If it is anything similar to the first Turtle craze, I plan on eating ninja turtle ice cream on a ninja turtle dinner plate collection. E-mail Piersall at: tdp04a@acu.edu

Turtle Timeline 1984: Comic book debut 1987: Animated series begins 1990: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles films debut 1991: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze 1993: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III 1996: Animated Series ends 2003: Fox debuts the next generation of Ninja Turtles animated series 2007: TMNT debut Trivia: When the original animated series aired in England, censorship regulations forced the removal of the word “ninja” in the title. The series then assumed the title of “Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles.”

Friday, March 30, 2007

Page 5

FROM THE FRONT

Step: Generations come together at Grand Ole Oplin Continued from page 1 Houston, appears to belong at the Grand Ole Oplin. Dressed in a cowboy hat and boots, he jokes that he comes to Oplin’s dance hall for the girls. “I’ve never picked up a girl here,” Tymon said, “but it’s just another chance.” Mykal Green, broadcast journalism major from Houston, isn’t at Oplin to get a date, but he does appreciate the clean atmosphere, he said. “It’s dancing that’s not everybody bumpin’ and grindin’,” Mykal said. He’s right. The only bumpin’ at Oplin occurs when an unsure dancer leads his partner into another couple. “These kids will dance to anything,” said Roland Smith, from Oplin, gesturing at the dance floor filled with students. Roland played in the dance hall’s first band, the Road Runners, for 35 years and saw Friday nights at Oplin switch from a musical event to a dance in order to raise extra money. Roland said the band still plays under the name Country Classics, but he no longer performs with the group. The former guitar player couldn’t pick a favorite song from his days as a band member. “Oh lord,” Roland said. “Too many [songs] to name. Anything rousing, a good dance tune.” Feb. 2 happened to be Roland’s birthday, which didn’t escape the notice of the dance hall’s community. Just before the band’s break, they broke into an upbeat “Happy Birthday,” and Roland was presented with his very own cake, topped by a candle shaped like a question mark. He laughs when he’s asked his age, but confesses he is 83 years old.

While the band takes its break, dancers spill into the kitchen to enjoy the treats they brought to share. Pat, who withheld her last name, glides into the room humming along with the radio music. Pat has been an Oplin regular for a few months and says she has danced with her share of students. She laughs about a memory, and then shares aloud that on New Year’s Eve, during the Grand March, she was partnered with a boy she estimated to be about 9 years old. “He turned to his friends and said, ‘Look what I got,’” Pat said, widening her eyes to mimic the boy’s excited expression. He was a little lost on the dance floor, Pat said, “But we did move around on the floor a little bit.” When the band starts up again, the room clears except for the week’s volunteer “snack ladies,” Pam Rumfield, the community’s secretary and treasurer and Paula Windham, an Oplin native. As she convinces a few university students to eat an extra piece of cake, Pam explains that Oplin’s weekly dance used to be for senior citizens only. Today, it has evolved into a family event, sometimes with about 300 people attending. In Oplin, the bottom line is community, Pam said. “Most of the folks who’ve lived here have lived out here forever and ever,” Pam said. And the town’s weekly two-stepping earns money that is donated to the fire department, local churches and the cemetery at the end of the year. Last year, the dance hall donated $1,000 to help with victims of the Cross Plains fire, Pam said. Paula, who is retired from Hardin-Simmons University,

photos by rachel lau STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Josiah Kennedy, sophomore financial management major from Denver, spins Mary Elizabeth Walker, a Hardin-Simmons University student.

UPPER RIGHT: Dancers partner off for a two-step at Oplin’s Friday night “Grand Ole Oplin.” Some have been going since it opened in the 1980s. BOTTOM RIGHT: During the Grand March, men line up on one side and women on the other. Dancers are partnered with person across from them.

agrees the culture is community centered, despite the population decline from her time growing up in Oplin. “It’s still a very close knit community; we all hang together,” Paula said. For Paula, Oplin’s dance hall holds a lot of memories — both as her school and her community center. She motions toward the pictures of the “Grand Ole Oplin” in its days as a school house and laughs about the day every-

ing out here.” Now in its last hour, the dance is going full swing. Dancers mingle during the Grand March, when men stand in one line and women in another, waiting to dance with the person across from them. Students flood the floor when the Chicken Dance begins, so they can participate in the elbowflapping, hip-twisting dance that leaves many giggling and breathless.

rachel lau STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

one played hooky, a day she snuck out the window and mounted a horse. She has seen the lunchroom disappear and the study hall room become a restroom. She has seen funeral lunches, wedding showers and anniversary parties in the dance hall. And she has seen plenty of inexperienced dancers. “Just relax, listen to the music, and you’ll get it,” she said. “We’re just delighted that you college kids are com-

After the last song, the dancers mill around for a while, the students make plans for the rest of the evening, and the Oplin regulars catch up with one another. On the way out the door, dancers grab a piece (or five) from the candy dish and step outside to the quiet air. The parking lot clears out, and the small town settles in quietly for the weekend. E-mail Peace at: knp04a@acu.edu

Google: Gmail should reduce system outages, repairs Continued from page 1 way to send e-mails. “Their ability to have a consistent uptime is substantially greater than Webmail,” Roberts said. Meaning users will be seeing less e-mail downtime and outage messages, while having more functionality. “This is one of the things that we are really excited about as well,” Roberts said. Google is offering these bundled applications to colleges at no charge.

“It’s hard to pass that up,” Roberts said. “Gmail offers a completely different approach in how they handle e-mail.” Instead of the traditional e-mail folders, Gmail sorts them by conversations and logs those messages. “It’s a more robust interface,” Roberts said. Reeves has already had an opportunity to use the e-mail and shared documents. “They are very user friendly, and I like being able to access them from anywhere,” Reeves said.

Roberts and the technology department are working to make sure there is as little impact as possible. “Although we are transitioning to the new e-mail system and new e-mails will be retrieved through Gmail, all old e-mails will remain in Gmail,” Roberts said. Users will be able to click back and forth between Webmail and Gmail. The IT department considered the issue of not losing old e-mails versus the inconvenience of having to link to the new and

old e-mail systems. “It is a greater risk to try to move those e-mails to the new system,” Roberts said. There is nothing students need to do, the changes will be directly applied to all accounts and user e-mail address will remain the same. “One day it will be there and the next it won’t be,” Roberts said. Roberts is hoping their efforts will make this a seamless transition, and the experience is superior for students. “We are doing everything

we can to make sure the changes take effect smoothly,” Roberts said. “We are checking to make sure user accounts are OK, and that everything is set up properly and working correctly.” They are also working to make sure passwords stay the same. There are only nine schools in the country using Google’s education package, and ACU is the first school in Texas to sign up. Arizona State University was the first school to sign up.

“Having all of this in one interface is very convenient, and I believe that they will constantly improve their product, offering us very upto-date and innovative solutions,” Roberts said. There will be more announcements over the next few weeks about information and how to log on. For more information and a preview of the new Gmail system, go to www.acu.edu/e-mail.

E-mail Robinson at: optimist@acu.edu

Grove: Funding available Campaign: Tactics turn to Web Continued from page 1 $1,000 scholarships for HSU students, and has sponsored campus activities at HSU. One such activity was a Valentine’s Day event organized by HSU and the Grove. Lindsay Snodgrass, coordinator of student activities at HSU, said the Grove was helpful and cooperative at the Valentine’s Day event and is confident the Grove’s presence in Abilene is a positive one. “I think that the Grove is great for Abilene as a whole,” Snodgrass said. “They’re just trying to have good ties with the university and be involved

in what we’re doing.” Spell said he has been trying to coordinate and sponsor events at ACU like he has been doing at HSU, but he has run into roadblocks. Spell has tried to network with the Campus Activities Board and Students’ Association to find ways the Grove can be actively involved in ACU activities. But so far he said he has not been successful. Spell, who was residence director of University Park from 2000-02, says ACU’s choice not to accept the scholarship program may be influenced by the university’s connection to UP. “I think a major part of [it]

is because of the school’s relationship with UP,” Spell said. However, Arrington said if UP or any other company or person wanted to donate money to the university, they would have to go through the selection process that the Grove did. “I would think that anytime someone approaches the university to enter into a relationship with us, that we would go with the same sense of examining whether our mission or their mission match,” Arrington said. “We just don’t know the Grove.”

E-mail Johnson at: djj04a@acu.edu

Continued from page 1 quickly send out messages to a large number of people.” Matt Worthington, executive secretary and candidate for SA executive president, said one of the benefits of creating a group is it makes it easier to let people know of upcoming events. “The groups help with spreading the word of different events that are going

on,” Worthington said. “Last week we had a campaign, and about 20 people showed up even though it was a last-minute thing. … The Facebook groups help get our names out to people on campus and allow other people to find out what you’re about.” SA vice president Jordan Williams said although groups are a good thing for campaigns, candidates should not get too excited about the number of

people in their group. “Facebook groups tend to be a really good aspect,” Williams said. “They show who’s running and who’s doing what, but I think lots of times, people’s groups might have 1,000 people, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re going to get all of those votes.”

E-mail Bautista at: optimist@acu.edu

Page 6

March 30, 2007

Value truth over sensationalized news

The issue:

The news coverage from Anna Nicole Smith’s death brings up questions on how the media should appropriately cover news.

The New York Times gained its reputation as a great newspaper partially for its refusal to succumb to the sensationalist journalism that was characteristic of many papers in the early days of journalism. And even today, papers like the Times and the Wall Street Journal tout the appearance of being publications that rise above sensationalist news. Yet search “Anna Nicole Smith” on the Times’ Web site, and you will find 16 links that pertain to her recent death. In a span of less than two months, the media managed to examine an intense custody battle over Smith’s five-month-

Our view:

The media should cover hot issues but should also avoid oversensationalizing topics just to sell a paper.

The solution:

As readers, the public should be aware of imbalance in the news.

old daughpublic awareThe media serves several roles, but is always ter, feuding ness of drug walking the fine line of reporting information over Smith’s abuse, and burial and the public needs to know without sensationaliz- h o p e f u l l y allegations overdoses ing or over-dramatizing the issue? that Smith are preventwas mured. Reports dered. And on crime and it all seems a little sensa- figures and public enemies the punishments dealt for tionalized, especially when to allow the people to use crimes serve first to remind a medical examiner deter- the truth to hold these peo- the people of society’s valmined on March 26 that ple accountable. As an add- ues and second Smith’s cause of death was ed bonus, these figures are Newspapers like the an accidental prescription well-aware the media is cov- Times also act as papersdrug overdose. ering their every move, and of-record, the publications The whole incident raises usually temper their actions. that document our history questions about the purpose The media also seeks to as a nation or community. the media serves, which is improve public health by The media serves several to act as society’s watch- way of education. For exam- roles, but is always walking dog. In other words, the me- ple, printing the news that the fine line of reporting india reports on the actions of Smith killed herself by way formation the public needs government officials, public of drug overdose increases to know without sensation-

Alex York

Lebensgefhar

Anticipating the greatest time of the year Put Christmas, Fourth of July and the last day of school together and I wouldn’t be as excited as I am for this weekend. The first weekend of April is the greatest time of the year. The classic ChristmasFields of time song, Dreams “It’s The Most WonJared derful Time Fields of the Year” comes to mind each year at this time. And if I need to explain, this is the most wonderful time of the year because of college basketball’s Final Four and for baseball’s Opening Day. Throw

The classic Christmas song, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” comes to mind each time this year. in April Fool’s and it’s the perfect time. As somewhat of a sports lover, I think nothing could be better. There is the men’s Final Four, which is enough to be my favorite time of the year on its own. No other sport brings out as much emotion in me as college basketball. At the beginning of March Madness, which coincidentally coincides with Lent, I make deals with myself and God so my favorite and most hated teams advance or lose the way I want. It never works. By now I should have learned better,

but I get desperate beginning on Selection Sunday. Then, as an extra little bonus from the heavens, this weekend is also MLB’s Opening Day. From now until July, I will follow the Texas Rangers and believe they have a shot at a playoff spot. In August, when I realize they’re horrible, football will be starting, so it’s OK. Life is good as long as I have baseball during the summer months to accompany me on many summer evenings and lazy, sleepy afternoons. Now, April Fool’s Day is a prankster’s favorite day, even if it is on a Sunday. If you have

forgotten about April Fool’s, then I’m glad to remind you. Make me proud with your tomfoolery and shenanigans. I will be too busy napping through baseball games to put much effort into pranking innocent people. I can’t think of a day or weekend any better. Saturday is the emotion of the Final Four. Sunday comes the hilarity of April Fool’s and the laziness of baseball. Then you top it off with the Final Four championship to help make a Monday into a good day. Add in the spring weather and how great the rain and green grass are, and no one can ever convince me of a better time. E-mail Fields at: jrf03b@acu.edu or optimist@acu.edu

alizing or overdramatizing an issue. Did the Smith case become more of an issue than it should have? Yes. The media needs to be wary of over-emphasizing an issue, or for that matter, of creating an issue out of something trivial. Smith is a public figure, and her death is newsworthy. But petty feuds along the way hardly count as news worthy of public knowledge. In the future, perhaps media will remember their role: to report on news, not drama, and to champion truth above all else. E-mail the Optimist at: optimist@acu.edu

More than just a friend on paper There is a child in Peru finances for her well-bewho calls me “madrina” ing and to further secure and shares her life with her future. me. Her birthday is JanuI see her face everyday ary 13. Her as I pass her tacked up picp a r e n t ’ s ture on my wall. I read her names are words to me in a letter that J a c i n t a begins with “hola madrina,” and Ale- meaning “hello godmother” j a n d r o . when translated to English, She has a and ends with a “despide dog named con un beso a la distancia,” Rayo. Her meaning she sends me a Come f a v o r i t e goodbye kiss from the disUndone color is tance. red, and Even though she and I Michelle her favorare literally worlds apart, Jimenez ite meal to we are both affected by eat is chauffe rice. She each other. She through my enjoys acting and attend- finances and I through her ing church. She also en- words. I don’t know how joys playing group games. much of a help I am, but I I know all these little facts pray she is being fed both about this child, but to physically and spiritually. her I might Sponsorjust be only ing her is the a name and only way I a number. can show her Every month since I am her Christ’s love January a portion of and help her sponsor my money has gone parent. to know she She and is important to Pamela, my sponI were inand worthy of sor child, and her troduced a better life. family to aid them in through I believe whichever way the orgaGod put us they need. nization together for called Coma reason, and passion, maybe one which, acday we will cording to meet and beits Web site, come more is a “Christian child advo- than just words on a sheet cacy ministry that releas- of paper. This friendship es children from spiritual, that has begun with knowphysical, economic and ing just a name and a numsocial poverty and enables ber will continue to thrive, them to become respon- for already Pamela has sible, fulfilled Christian taught me how to be a seradults.” vant and has reminded me Every month since of Jesus’ words: “whatever January a portion of my you did for one of the least money has gone to Pame- of these, you did for me.” la, my sponsor child, and her family to aid them in whichever way they need. E-mail Jimenez at: Every month I pray God mmj04b@acu.edu or optimist@acu.edu will use my barely there

In Your Words What issue has the media over-sensationalized?

The war in Iraq.

Anna Nicole Smith

The Rosie O’Donnell and Donald Trump issue.

I find a general theme of overgeneralization in the slips of the tongues from politicians.

Christian Francis

Delaina Parker

April Butler

Nolan Rampy

junior bio chemistry major from New York City

junior business management major from Phoenix

clinical psychology graduate student from Austin.

senior interdisciplinary major from Denton

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

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

Friday, March 30 , 2007

Page 7

SPORTS JUMPS

Tennis: Women to take on Oklahoma State Cowgirls Continued from page 8

of guys that will constantly be there competing with the right attitude and the right spirit every time we play,” Walker said. Next up for the women is a three-day stint in Oklahoma where the Wildcats will take on three Lone Star Conference rivals and one Division I school. On Friday, ACU will play Central Oklahoma in Edmond, Okla., at 9 a.m. After that match, the Wildcats will move on to Stillwater, Okla., to take on Oklahoma State, who is ranked No. 52 in Division I polls, at 2 p.m. Saturday, ACU will travel to Tulsa, Okla., to play Northeastern State, the No.

13 team in Division II tennis. Finally on Sunday, the women will end their road trip in Ada, Okla., to go up against the No. 25 team in Division II tennis, East Central. “I expect to win, and I expect our girls to expect to win,” said head coach HutJones ton Jones. “These will not be easy matches, but if we’re ready to play and we’re mentally wanting a tough match, I really, really like our chances.” The men will go to Dallas on Saturday to play two Division I teams, Prairie

View A&M and ArkansasLittle Rock. ACU will take on Prairie View A&M, a team the Wildcats defeated last year 6-1, at 9:00 a.m. Then at 6:30 p.m., the men will play Arkansas-Little Rock, who is currently tied for the No. 75 spot in the Division I rankings. “I look for it to be a close match,” Jones said about the Prairie View match. “And then I look for [ArkansasLittle Rock] to be the favorite, but with us to be within range of upsetting them.”

brian schmidt SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER E-mail Freeman at: mxf04b@acu.edu

Irene Squillaci returns a ball in the corner of the court during her singles match against Southeastern Oklahoma State’s Amber Thompson. Squillaci won the match 6-1, 6-2 as ACU went on to beat Southeastern 9-0.

Bonneau: ACU starts LSC South play Naimadu: Wildcats Continued from page 8 North rivals and defending LSC champs Central Oklahoma; a series Bonneau feels his team is aptly prepared for the rigorous divisional play ahead. “This past weekend UCO prepared us for the type of intensity that’s going to be the next five weeks,” Bonneau said. For Bonneau, ACU success depends on the performance of the team’s four starting pitchers. “Our pitching really has to match theirs,” Bonneau said. “If that happens I think our bats can get us the wins we need.” ACU’s bullpen is the LSC’s best with conference-leading 4.76 ERA and an opposing batting average of .274. Tarleton’s bullpen’s boasts the Lone Star Conference Pitcher of the Week Josh Kelley. The 6-3 starter pitched a

complete seven-inning game against Southeastern Oklahoma and picked up the 1-0 win in the pitcher’s duel. Tarleton also has the LSC’s best pitcher in 2007 so far, Brian Babbitt. The right-handed junior holds a conference best 2.52 ERA and picked up a win against ACU in 2006. “He’s gonna come out and throw a good game against us,” Bonneau said. Starting right-hander Brian Kennedy, who has a 5.71 ERA and is tied for a team-best five wins, said he is ready to match off with the Tarleton pitchers and is looking forward to the advantage of a home crowd. “I love playing for the home crowd; the more the merrier,” Kennedy said. And ACU doesn’t lose often in front of its home crowd at Crutcher Scott Field — the Wildcats have a conferencebest 15-1 record at home. “We’re pretty much unbeat-

split between meets Continued from page 8

brian schmidt SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER

Head baseball coach Britt Bonneau discusses a pitch with starting pitcher Chris Wiman in the bullpen at Crutcher Scott Field. Wiman is 4-2 and has a 5.36 ERA and has struck out a team-leading 32 batters. able at home,” said catcher Jordan Schmitt. ACU and Tarleton will play their first game doubleheader at 4 p.m. Friday and the second at 1 p.m. Saturday. If the Friday games are cancelled be-

cause of weather conditions, the series will be rescheduled to start at 1 p.m. Sunday.

E-mail Johnson at: djj04a@acu.edu

Golf: Cats next tourney in Alabama Continued from page 8 ACU did not compete as a team in this tournament, however, the golfers placed individually. Wildcat golfer Hugues Joannes led the Cats in scoring a 74 the first day, which was four strokes away from the daily leader, and a 76 the second day. His overall score of 150 was the same as his teammate Stephen Knight, putting them both in a sevenway tie for 15th place. Patrick Hanauer was in a three-way tie for 24th, tying him with Peter Fallon of McLennan Community College and Travis Wolf of Texas Christian University. Behind Hanauer was Curtis Harris, who tied Alex Wasinger of Hutchinson Community College and Nick Nelson from Odessa Community College for 27th place. Wildcat Travis Watson shot a combined score of 157, which tied him with Joseph Totah and Michael Hillis, both from Odes-

sa Community College, for 38th place. Erik Manning and Michael Andrucheck brought up the rear of a very close scoring field with 49th. ACU golf coach Mike Campbell said he was glad the team played in the Invitational. “The course was tough; but it was good to play in an extra tournament, and I think it helped us out,” Campbell said. The Wildcats did not have a tournament last week, however, on Monday and Tuesday the team was in Edmond, Okla., and competed in the University of Central Oklahoma Kickingbird Classic. The Wildcats played a solid tournament, leading the first two rounds. While winning the tournament was in its grasp, Saint Edwards University, which had been close behind ACU for the majority of the tournament, pulled out in front of ACU and won the third round and the tournament overall. ACU ultimately placed

third overall with St. Edwards in first and Central Oklahoma placing second. The three teams were within three strokes of one another. Coach Campbell said he was pleased with the tournament even if they didn’t win it. “Its hard to be disappointed when we played that well,” Campbell said. “Curtis and Hugues had a really strong tournament.” Curtis Harris and Hugues Joannes had tied combined scores, placing them both fifth in the tournament. Patrick Hanauer shot a combined score of 213 at the Classic that put him in an eight-way tie for 16th. Kyle Byerly and Stephen Knight were tied with two other golfers for the 26th spot. Zach Starnes shot a combined score of 231, which put him at 73rd, and Erik Manning was five strokes behind Starnes placing Manning 79th overall in the tournament. With regular season play coming to a close within the

next month, Coach Campbell said he felt the team is playing well overall and is only going to get better. “After this tournament we feel a lot better about where we are,” Campbell said. “Our team wants to peak at the right time, and I feel like we will peak around conference play.” Next Monday and Tuesday, the Wildcats will head to the South and compete in the North Alabama Spring Classic in Florence, Ala. The classic is another step in helping the Wildcats peak when they need to in order to win the National Championship because it is where they will play its NCAA Division II South Central Regional Tournament on May 7. “This tournament will really benefit us because it will be three extra rounds we get to play where we will play in May,” Campbell said.

E-mail MacDonald at: optimist@acu.edu

Hood said Naimadu may run the 10,000k instead of the 5000k at nationals this year. Besides Naimadu, four men distance runner and only one woman runner, Ohla Kryv’yak, are going to Stanford. Laurant Ngirakamaro, Serge Gasore, Phillip Birgen and Julius Nyango are the other men going to Stanford to compete. The other 21 women and 17 men competing this weekend will go to the University of Texas at El Paso. Jessica Withrow will be at UTEP competing in the high jump and 100-meter hurdles. Withrow, who has provisionally qualified in the heptathlon, said she is doing the two events as practice for the heptathlon. “I want to jump five-feet and eight inches in the high jump and get in the 14s in the hurdles,” Withrow said. “I feel like I am doing better than where I was at this time last year.”

Withrow said she was disappointed when she missed making the trip to Boston for the indoor championships, but her total of 5,294 points leaves her about 40 points off the school record. Hood is running a lot of athletes at just less than full health, but said he is looking forward to seeing how they perform. “[Marvin] Bien-Aime’s going to run the relays this week. Keva [Wilkins], we’re going to test her in the 400 and see how she does,” Hood said. Hood said freshman hurdler and sprinter Andrew McDowell is back to running and has looked good in practice. “It’s going to be a good meet,” Hood said. “It’s not a really big meet but the quality of the competition is good.”

E-mail Fields at: jrf03c@acu.edu

Irving: Hard work necessary for wins Continued from page 8 fifth and sixth innings are its strongest offensive innings, they are also some of the team’s weakest defensive innings. Opponents have scored over 43 percent of their runs during those innings. The team has also been outbatted by its opponents — the team’s average is .262 — but opponents are batting .296 against the ACU pitchers. The Wildcats 6-10 conference record and fifthplace LSC South ranking does not put them out of the picture for making the postseason, but ACU will

have to pass 5-7 Eastern New Mexico in conference rankings if it wants to make its third straight LSC conference tournament appearance. “We’re just going to work hard on keeping focused,” Wilson said. “We’re still in the hunt for a conference tournament spot and regionals.”

E-mail Davis at: optimist@acu.edu

SPORTSFRIDAY

Page 8

SCOREBOARD Standings Scoreboard as of Thursday

BASEBALL

Team

Div. 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0

ACU Angelo TAMK-U Tarleton ENMU WTAM

Team

Overall 24-8 22-9 17-14 18-16 15-18 8-21

SOFTBALL

Div. 15-1 11-1 7-5 5-7 6-10 TX Woman’s 2-10 WTAM 2-14 Angelo St. TAMK-U Tarleton ENMU ACU

Overall 19-5 10-4 20-10 20-17 10-6 11-25 10-26

Scores Wednesday MEN’S TENNIS ACU 4, Illinois - Chicago 3

Spring brings chance to continue success n Coming off of one of ACU’s most successful football seasons in almost 30 years, the ACU football team is using spring training to build focus in preparation for 2007. By DANIEL JOHNSON SPORTS EDITOR

Spring workouts bring fall wins — at least that is what the ACU football team hopes will be the equation for 2007. ACU, which started its spring training on March 19, hopes its focus and a work-equals-wins mentality during the offseason will be the fuel behind the Wildcats second-straight winning season and another playoff appearance in 2007. “This is where all the work comes in, and in the fall we put it to use,” said returning all-conference linebacker Cody Stutts. Spring training will end on

Football Thursday after two inter-team scrimmages. ACU’s first scrimmage will be played at Shotwell Stadium at 10 a.m. Saturday, and another scrimmage is scheduled for Thursday at Shotwell at 7 p.m. ACU is on the heels of one of the best seasons in the program’s history — 2006 was the Wildcats’ first NCAA Division II playoff appearance, its first eight-win season since 1981, and ACU finished the season with a No. 20 national ranking — and the coaches and players understand the pressure on their shoulders to meet the expectations after a successful season. “How well we play later is a direct reflection of the work we put now,” said defensive coordinator Jason Johns.

Johns, who is in his second year as the Wildcats’ coordinator, said he anticipates his defense to be ready come August. ACU will open its season against the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond, Okla., a game that returning starting quarterback Billy Malone is already focused on. “I’m just thinking about UCO,” Malone said. UCO is one of 11 teams ACU will play in 2007 and the first in a list of preseason opponents scheduled to prepare the Wildcats for the always-competitive Lone Star Conference South divisional play. Probably one of the Wildcats’ toughest opponents scheduled is NCAA Division I-AA Texas State. Malone, a sophomore, is coming off of the best season of his career and will most likely be the Wildcats’ starting quar-

WOMEN’S TENNIS

E-mail Johnson at: djj04a@acu.edu

n The nationally ranked ACU men’s tennis team won its ﬁfth straight match after defeating Division I opponent Illinois-Chicago.

Upcoming

By MICHAEL FREEMAN ONLINE EDITOR

Friday TRACK & FIELD ACU at Stanford Invitational, Palo Alto, Calif.

WOMEN’S TENNIS ACU vs. Central Oklahoma, Edmond, Okla., 9 a.m. ACU vs. Oklahoma State, Stillwater, Okla., 2 p.m.

BASEBALL ACU vs. Tarleton State, 4 p.m. (DH)

SOFTBALL

ACU at East Central, Irving, 10 a.m. ACU at Northeastern State, 2 p.m.

On the Web

Saturday

www.acuoptimist.com

TRACK & FIELD

n See an online video proﬁling the nationally ranked ACU tennis teams and their success this season at:

ACU at UTEP Spring Invitational, El Paso

MEN’S TENNIS ACU vs. Prairie View A&M, Dallas, 9 a.m.

www.acuoptimist.com

ACU vs. Arkansas-Little Rock, Dallas, 6:30 p.m.

WOMEN’S TENNIS

terback for his third season in a row. But despite his experience, Malone admits he still has a lot to gain from spring training. “You can never learn enough,” Malone said. Jody Walker, sophomore outside linebacker, said his personal goals for spring training is to get stronger and focus on finishing when it counts the most. “It started after we lost [in the playoffs],” Walker said. “The main point is we need to finish everything,” Walker said the work put in is worth the fruits of success in the fall, but sometimes the early morning workouts get to him. “Those 6 a.m. workouts are tough at times,” Walker said.

Men down D-I opponent

ACU 9, Southeastern Oklahoma 0

ACU at Northeastern State, Tulsa Okla., 2 p.m.

BRIAN SCHMIDT SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER

Luke Hawk returns a shot in his match-winning game against Andy Lockhart. Hawk’s victory gave ACU a 4-3 win over the Division I Illinois-Chicago at Eager Tennis Pavillion on Wednesday. The win was the nationally ranked ACU men’s tennis team’s ﬁfth-straight.

The ACU tennis teams each racked up another win on Wednesday at the Eager Tennis Pavilion. The Wildcat women trounced Southeastern Oklahoma State 9-0, while the men slipped by Illinois-Chicago 4-3. The women now own an overall record of 16-2, and the men are 18-7. The ACU women, currently ranked No. 6 in Division II polls, swept through most of the matches against conference opponent, Southeastern Oklahoma State on Wednesday. After winning the three doubles in convincing fashion, Aina Rafolomanantsiatosika, Irene Squillaci, Meagan Brown and Sarah Drummond smashed their opponents in singles play. Dina Pavlin and Alexsandra Vucic each won their singles matches in third set tiebreakers. In the end, the women picked up their 13th straight victory. “The girls are just tough,” said assistant head coach John Walker. “They’re pretty much winning these matches just because they’re better than other teams.” Also on Wednesday, the Wildcat men, the No. 26 team in Division II tennis, played a highly contested match against the University of Illinois at Chicago. Both teams split wins in singles matches, half of which needed three sets to decide the winner. The determining factor came in doubles play where the ACU men dug down to take all three matches. “I just feel like we’ve got a good group See TENNIS page 7

SOFTBALL ACU at Southeastern Oklahoma, Irving, 10 a.m. ACU at Southwestern Oklahoma, Irving, noon

BASEBALL ACU vs. Tarleton State, 2 p.m.

Sunday

SOFTBALL

ACU at East Central, Ada, Okla., 1 p.m.

n Home games listed in italics

INTRAMURAL ROUND-UP Upcoming n The intramural schedule and points seen on the Optimist sports page are not ﬁnal and subject to change. Any lastminute changes can be viewed on the intramural bulletin board in Moody Coliseum.

March 30, 2007

Bonneau expects competitive series n ACU will open its LSC South division play against Tarleton State on Friday. ACU and Tarleton have split their four-game series the last two seasons the teams have met. By DANIEL JOHNSON SPORTS EDITOR

Head baseball coach Britt Bonneau doesn’t anticipate any high-scoring games in the Wildcats series against Tarleton State this weekend, and based on the program’s past battles his prediction is well founded. ACU and Tarleton have split the series the last two season’s and ACU slightly leads the se-

Baseball ries historically 62-50. “In the couple of years past, it hasn’t mattered what the teams’ records are, we’re two teams who are gonna fight,” Bonneau said. The nationally ranked ACU baseball team will open Lone Star Conference South division play at home with a four-game series against Tarleton State this weekend. ACU will play two nine-inning doubleheaders, one on Friday and another on Saturday. ACU leads the LSC with a 24-8 record for a .750 win-

ning percentage, and No. 17 ACU is also the lone LSC team nationally ranked. Tarleton holds the fifth best record in the LSC at 18-16 and finished last place in the LSC South in 2006. But regardless of his team’s past or current accomplishments, Bonneau is confident the series is up for grabs. “They took two away from us last year; it’s going to be a good series to watch,” Bonneau said. ACU is coming off of a hard-fought series with LSC See

BONNEAU page 7

BASEBALL BREAKDOWN The ACU baseball team is the only team in the Lone Star Conference that is nationally ranked and is in the top three in numerous categories in the LSC. n Runs scored — 291 (1st) n Hits — 361 (1st) n RBI — 254 (2nd) n Team batting avg. — .367 (2nd) n Triples — 20 (2nd) n Slugging pct. — .572 (3rd) n Doubles — 72 (3rd) n Homeruns — 27 (3rd)

BRIAN SCHMIDT SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER

Linebacker Nathan Scott makes a one-handed catch during spring practice on Wednesday.

ACU golf finishes third twice n The ACU golf team recorded two third place ﬁnishes over the past three weeks. ACU placed third at the Harbor Lake Invitational and at the Kickingbird Classic. By NATHAN MACDONALD SPORTS WRITER

The ACU golf team competed at the Harbor Lake Invitational in Granbury during spring break and placed third overall. The two-day tournament, hosted by Odessa Community College, was also won by Odessa, winning both days and taking the tournament by only two strokes. See

GOLF page 7

Naimadu attempts new race Friday n Three-time Division II cross country national champion Nicodemus Naimadu and ﬁve other ACU distance runners will compete in California on Friday. By JARED FIELDS MANAGING EDITOR

Long-distance standout Nicodemus Naimadu will do something he’s never done before this weekend — run 10,000-kilometers at Stanford. “It’s the best place in the world to run distance,” said head coach Don Hood. “It’s a great atmosphere and the premier distance meet in the nation.” See

NAIMADU page 7

Monday

Wildcats ‘Crossover’ with LSC North in Irving

VOLLEYBALL Final week of regular season for champ league begins, rec league tournament continues. See schedule on intramural bulletin board in Moody Coliseum.

n The 18-16 ACU softball team will play in the Lone Star Conference Crossover series against LSC North division teams in Irving this weekend.

OUTDOOR SOCCER Season begins, see intramural board for schedule and teams TEAM TENNIS Games begin, see intramural board for match times and locations.

By RACHEL DAVIS SPORTS WRITER

The Wildcat softball team will play four games in the Lone Star Conference Crossover Tournament this weekend in Irving.

Softball The tournament has a classic format, which means no winners will be determined. It gives a chance for LSC teams, which are split into North and South divisions, to play teams from the opposite division. ACU is going into the tournament with an overall record of 18-16 and a conference record of 6-10. The women are sched-

uled to play East Central and Northeastern State on Friday, and Southeastern Oklahoma State and Southwestern Oklahoma State on Saturday. “I think all the teams will be tough to play,” said head coach Chantiel Wilson. “We’re playing four teams from the North side of the conference, and that’s a very competitive conference.” The team has been working this week on increas-

ing batting consistency and other elements of the game. Four players, Tayler Wilson, Chessie Brehm, Kim Partin and Leisha Johnson, lead the team with batting averages over .300. “We’ve been working on our fundamentals and working on our assets that we bring to the game,” Wilson said. “We’re really trying to remain consistent at the plate.” Currently the team’s bat-

ting average is .262, which is the 12th highest average in the LSC. The team is 7th in pitching with an ERA of 3.48, and the team’s strongest innings are still the fifth and sixth innings. ACU has scored 42 percent of its runs during those two innings. So far this season, ACU has been outscored by its opponents 129-124, and while the See

IRVING page 7