The Optimist Print Edition 04.25.2007

Page 1

The Vol. 95, No. 51

IN THIS ISSUE CAMPUS Converging media

The Journalism and Mass Communication Department will have a converged media newsroom built this summer, page 4

Running for a cause

The men of Galaxy raised nearly $800 this weekend during its Kirk Goodwin Run, page 3

FEATURE

OPTIMIST

1 section, 8 pages

WEDNESDAY

April 25, 2007

www.acuoptimist.com

Attendance soars for SHADES weekend shows n After opting to spend the fall semester performing service to the community, the members of SHADES performed three nights this past week for their annual step show. By KARIE SCHMIDT Student Reporter

SHADES performed in front of a few hundred people in Cullen Auditorium this past weekend after practicing all semester to put on its spring show: Convicted. Sara Eligado, junior nursing major from San Jose, Calif., and the SHADES women’s captain, said Saturday night had the best turn out and she enjoys “being on stage putting on a performance that everyone loves.” This year’s performance was not just steps, the SHADES team

incorporated some jazz and hiphop into its performance. “The show is based around the crowd; we feed off of the crowd,” said Jonathan Holloway, senior biology major from Abilene and the men’s captain of SHADES. Because Holloway is graduating he said he could not have gone out on a better note. Eligado and Holloway both agreed that the best part of the show was the finale. The closer was performed to the music of Justin Timberlake’s “Losing My Way.” Brian Escochea, sophomore electronic media major from San Antonio, and a member of the SHADES step team, said the finale to the show was “a hard dance to perform but a very emotional dance.” Eligado said putting the show together was tough and stressful,

but SHADES as a whole has never been closer. Jenny Tenbush, sophomore art major from Austin, attended the SHADES performance Thursday night and said, “I am all into the step routines, and I must say I would like to pick up a few moves; SHADES put on a wonderful performance.” For the fall semester SHADES plans to volunteer by helping with community service, Holloway said. But when the spring semester rolls around, SHADES will start preparing for its next show, “There will definitely be a show next year,” Eligado said. BRIAN SCHMIDT SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER E-mail Schmidt at: optimist@acu.edu

The men of SHADES perform during their weekend performance in Cullen Auditorium.

Finals week looms

Wrestling wranglers Saddle up

Students from the university participated in the ACU All-School Rodeo on Thursday, page 5

n A finals schedule is posted on ACU’s Web site that lists examination times; although it’s recommended to check with faculty to ensure the correct time.

SPORTS

By LAURA SMITH Student Reporter

Qualifying weekend

The ACU track team competed at the TCU Invitational this weekend and many athletes qualified for Nationals, page 8

A winning season

The men’s tennis team won the LSC Championship while the women’s team was upset by Northeastern State, page 8

brian schmidt SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER

Grant Starey, sophomore biology major from San Marcos, and Joel Wise, sophomore biology major from Montrose, Colo., try to tackle the bull onto its side during the double muggin’ event at the ACU All-School Rodeo on Thursday at the Taylor County Expo Center.

Prayer vigil honors Virginia Tech victims n The Spiritual Life Core planned a prayer vigil for students to remember the victims and their families Monday night. Because of tornado warnings in the area, the vigil was cut short.

brief

By TODD PIERSALL Arts Editor

Health update

Dr. John Stevens, former president of the university and chancellor emeritus, suffered a stroke Monday night. He is unable to speak and his heart is failing, according to a press release from the president’s office Tuesday. He was still in critical condition Tuesday evening and was expected to be entered into Hospice as soon as it was available. Dr. Royce Money, president of the university, said, “Dr. John is beloved by so many. He is greatly respected within the ACU community and across the city of Abilene. We continue to keep him in our prayers as he struggles with health issues.”

brian schmidt SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER

Tim Thyne, freshman business major from Chicago, looks at the candle for the Virginia Tech gunman Seung-Hui Cho during a vigil in Hart Auditorium on Monday. Thirty-three candles in memory of the victims were lit at the vigil, sponsored by the Spiritual Life Core.

Department of Journalism and Mass Communication

As the students of Virginia Tech return to their classes and attempt to regain normalcy, the ACU community continues to pray for the victims’ families. More than 80 students and faculty gathered in Hart Auditorium on Monday night for a Virginia Tech prayer vigil. Organized by the Spiritual Life Core, the prayer vigil was originally to be held in the amphitheater; however, because of weather concerns it was moved to Hart Auditorium. Lining the stage of Hart Auditorium were 33 unlit candles, each symbolizing the life of a victim. Dr. Jeff Arrington, associate professor of physics, associate dean of Campus Life and assistant provost for student learning, offered a prayer encouraging students to be “a community that prays for even the shooter’s family.” Following Arrington’s prayer was a short message focusing on confu-

sion and God by Matt Worthington, junior English major from San Antonio. Quoting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Worthington said, “Only when it is darkest you can see the stars.” Originally, short biographies were to be read about several of the victims; however, the possibility of a tornado in the area forced an early end to the vigil. Vigil attendees were asked to walk by each of the candles to pray and reflect before leaving. Mark Lewis, director of Student Life and Spiritual Life and Student Ministries in Campus Life, said he was disappointed with the unexpected weather conditions, but said unpredicted circumstances can occur alluding to the tragedy at Virginia Tech. Though an early finish of the vigil, Lewis said it was “neat to see people [who] are so willing to help out in some small way.” Lewis said after the incident at Virginia Tech the SLC has talked about ways to respond as a community. “Physically we feel so helpless, and yet, it is so easy to forget that there is something spiritually that we can do and that we are called See

VIGIL page 7

Abilene Christian University

The countdown to finals has begun. In 15 days all of this semester’s hard work will come to fruition. Here are some things to keep in mind when heading into finals week. Finals are May 8-11. The time of the final will depend on what time and day the class normally takes place. The usual day and time of the class may not necessarily be the day and time of that class’ final. “I suggest checking and double checking the schedule and verifying it with your teacher,” said Bart Herridge, associate registrar. “Every year we hear stories of kids who sleep through their final.” On the ACU Web site there is an exam schedule for Spring 2007 that lists all the times for finals. It is broken down in two sections: one for Monday, Wednesday and Friday classes, and one for Tuesday and Thursday classes. There is also a block examinations schedule on the same page for several lower level courses including Accounting 210/211, Chemistry 133/134, Communications 111/112, English 103, 106, 107, and 111/112, History 221/222, Mathematics 120/130 and Basic Mathematics 120/130. These classes have specific examination times listed that See

FINALS page 7

SCHEDULE Block examinations: n ACCT 210/211 - 8-9:45 a.m. Tuesday n CHEM 133/134 - 10-11:45 a.m., Thursday n COMS 111/112 - 10-11:45 a.m., Wednesday n ENGL 103, 106, 107, 111/112 - 8-9:45 a.m., Tuesday n HIST 221/222 - 4-5:45 p.m., Wednesday n MATH/MATHW 120/130 - 10-11:45 a.m., Thursday

Serving the ACU community since 1912


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.

Wednesday, March 29, 2006 Wednesday, April 25 , 2007

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Calendar & Events Wednesday

11:30 a.m. Fast to Fight Hunger in the Bean at lunch. Students may give up their meal plans, Bean Bucks or cash to feed someone else. Money raised will go to Oxfam, an international aid organization working to advance fair trade and end poverty.

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Thursday

8 p.m. The ACU A Cappella Chorus, accompanied by the ACU Percussion Ensemble, will perform Carl Off’s “Carmina Burana” in Cullen Auditorium. Admission is free.

Chapel Checkup Credited Chapels to date: Credited Chapels remaining:

65 07

Friday

6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. Last free movie in Cullen. “We are Marshall” will be shown, and door prizes will be given away. 6:45 p.m. Dinner begins for Spring Dinner Theatre. Tickets for dinner and the ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ show are $25. 7 p.m. Freshman Formal at the Abilene Civic Center. 8 p.m. ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ is performed in Fulks Theatre. Tickets for the show alone are $15. 8 p.m. Rock Paper Scissors third annual Craft Fair in the Campus Center Living Room. Students’ arts and crafts will be on display and for sale. Live music will be provided by Ryan Lindsey, Birds in Space and Gazelles.

Announcements ID Photos will be used in the 2006-2007 Prickly Pear. Students may go by The Depot no later than Friday to retake these pictures. Students may also go by the JMC office and fill out an opt-out form to have their picture taken out of the Prickly Pear. Students may nominate their parents for ACU’s Wildcat Parents of the Year at www.acu.edu/wildcatparents. ACU’s Parents of the Year are recognized for the time and support they have given ACU, their own children and others. Parents will be honored during Parents Weekend 2007 on Sept. 21-23. Contact Samantha Adkins for more information

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at (325) 674-2622. The Office of Admissions is looking for enthusiastic, hard-working students with good communication skills to be student recruiters this summer. Training will be provided. Hours will be Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Email kas04c@acu.edu or call (325) 674-5161 or (805) 798-0457 for an application. The Naha Teen Bible Camp, is looking for volunteers to work at the camp in Alaska on June 4 through June 8. For more information, contact Mark Lewis at mark.lewis@acu.edu.

Volunteer Opportunities The March of Dimes needs volunteers for WalkAmerica at Redbud Park on Saturday. Help is needed between 6 a.m. and 1 p.m. in one- to two-hour shifts to help with set up, registration and other aspects of the walk. For more information, contact the Volunteer Service-Learning Center in the Bean Sprout. MOPS at Highland Church of Christ is having its annual Great Moms Walk and family day out on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Nelson Park. For more information, contact Julia Stewart at (325) 690-9023.

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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 Police Tip of the Week Familiarize yourself with building design and exit points. In the event of an emergency you will then be better prepared to react.

Police Log Edited for space

Saturday

8 a.m. Sprint for the Ranch, a sprint triathalon, will take place to benefit the Ben Richey Boys Ranch. Participants will begin with a 300-meter swim in the ACU pool, then bike 20k through the city and end with a 5k run around the ACU campus. 2 p.m. Backyard Bash behind Smith Adams will kick off with a 150-foot slip n’ slide and games. Live music and free food will begin at 5 p.m. 6:45 p.m. Dinner begins for Spring Dinner Theatre. Tickets for dinner and the ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ show are $25. 8 p.m. ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ is performed in Fulks Theatre. Tickets for the show alone are $15.

Monday 04/16/2007 12:08 a.m. Attempted to locate student not in by curfew at Nelson hall, student was located later, all OK 5:40 p.m. Vehicle accident in Bible Lot, no report 11:45 p.m. Report of suspicious subjects at Elmer Gray Stadium, contacted students, playing capture the flag Tuesday 04/17/2007 11:05 a.m. Hit and run accident at Smith Lot 1:27 p.m. Report of suspicious subject at Bible Lot, contacted subject and he was asked to leave campus, did comply Wednesday 04/18/2007 9:40 p.m. Attempted to locate student off campus to check welfare 4 p.m. Information on suspicious subject at Starbucks, subject had already left the scene

Thursday 04/19/2007 1:54 p.m. Unlocked vehicle at West Campus South Lot 8:44 p.m. Unlocked vehicle at McKinzie Lot Friday 04/20/2007 3:30 a.m. Contacted two females writing on vehicle in Barret Lot, no damage to vehicle, was friends car. 5:18 a.m. Assisted RD at Edwards Hall with two intoxicated students. Saturday 04/21/2007 2:20 p.m. Report of suspicious activity at Barret Lot, contacted students changing vehicle parts 3:20 p.m. Report of vehicle with broken windows at Crutcher Scott Field, were caused by baseballs not criminal mischief Sunday 04/22/2007 11:55 p.m. Incomplete 911 at Nelson Hall, misdial

ACU Career Information Upcoming Career Events and Workshops Resume Consulting: One-on-one advice Wednesday and Thursday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. ACU Learning Commons This week’s CareerLink statistics: Number of part-time jobs: 154 Number of internships: 271 Number of full-time jobs: 827 Number of employers in directory: 3,199

Career tip: Know your worth. Negotiate a higher salary by knowing average starting salaries in your field. For more information, contact the Office of Career and Academic Development. Did you know? 64% of graduating seniors say that internships are “must have” experiences for students to be better prepared for their career. Source: ACU 2007 May Graduate Survey

IT’S NOT A JOB IF YOU LOVE IT: Recent jobs posted on ACU CareerLink (www.acu.edu/careerlink) Job ID #5546, 5547, 5548 Internships with Sony Online Entertainment Job ID #5512 Media relations internship with the National Mental Health Association Job ID #5481 Summer tour guide with the ACU Office of Admissions Job ID #5478 Assistant business manager with McMahon Law Firm Job ID #5421 Customer services operations coordinator with Cadbury Schweppes Job ID #5453 Field technology engineer with Halliburton (Houston) Job ID #5454 Advertising account manager with Centro, LLC (Dallas)


CAMPUS NEWS

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Social club uses 5K to aid needy n More than 50 people participated in the 23rd annual Kirk Goodwin Run raising over $700 for local families who need medical assistance. By KACI FLORES Student Reporter

Men’s social club, Galaxy, raised more than $700 at the 23rd annual 5K Kirk Goodwin Run held April 14. Around 50 people participated in the 5K run which began at 8:30 a.m. on the corner of Campus Court and College Drive. The 3.1-mile route is the same route Kirk Goodwin ran when he was alive. Jeffrey Edwards, junior biology major from Bedford and president of Galaxy, made note of the 40-degree weather that morning. “For as cold as it was, it was a good turnout,” Edwards said. Among the 50 people participating in the run, 15 were Galaxy members. Another 20 members helped assist the event by marking the course. Edwards said Mark Phillips, assistant professor of management sciences, even made a deal with the men of Galaxy: for every Galaxy member that ran he would donate $1, and for every member that beat him, he would donate $10. This year’s race raised between $600 and $800 among T-shirts and entry fees. The men of Galaxy have raised more than $4,000 in the past four

years from this event. Although the proceeds will go to the Kirk Goodwin Memorial Fund to help local families with medical assistance, they are unsure of how they will put this money to use. There are a few potential families and individuals, but the men of Galaxy have to run the options by the Goodwins. Will Morris, senior business management major from Houston, is already looking forward to next year’s run where the men of Galaxy hope to raise $20,000. “We want to have a 5K run and a 10K run starting on the ACU campus but moving it into a visualized place to increase publicity,” Morris said. The charity run is in memory of Kirk Goodwin, who was a junior Galaxy pledge in the fall of 1984 who died later that year in a car accident on his way home to Dallas. In honor of his life, his parents and the men of Galaxy established the Kirk Goodwin Run. Edwards was honored to meet the Goodwin family at the run. “Just talking to his dad I was able to sense how much it meant to him,” Edwards said. Students, faculty and staff interested in making a donation should contact Morris at whm02a@acu. edu.

E-mail Flores at: optimist@acu.edu

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‘Oscars’ to be presented at Freshman Formal n Trophies mimicking the Academy Awards will be given to over 20 freshmen in this year’s Freshman Formal, ‘A Night on the Red Carpet,’ on Friday. By SARA SNELSON Student Reporter

And the Oscar goes to… Freshmen will attend their annual formal Friday themed “A Night on the Red Carpet.” This year freshmen picked and voted which classmates should win “Oscars” at the formal. “We are giving away 20

awards, and we have spray painted objects gold to resemble and to act as an Oscar, or trophy, according to the award that is given,” said Katie Findley, freshman education major from Abilene and head of the formal. The Freshman Action Council co-chairs will be organizing and counting all of the votes, so there is no bias involved in the process. “I am most excited about the awards and to see who won what. It is more exciting to see the outcome since we all picked and

voted for our classmates,” said Sylvia Tucker, freshman accounting and finance major from Bellaire. Along with the awards, freshmen will enjoy dinner catered by Johnny Carino’s, pictures, a T-shirt, and afterwards they will all migrate over to Play Fair Park to play putt-putt golf. “This is going to be a fun night, great food, puttputt and one last hoorah before summer and before we are all sophomores,” said Findley. Upper classmen have vol-

unteered for this event to act as servers. “I went to the formal last year and had a blast, so my friends and I wanted to help out this year,” said Jennifer Rasco, sophomore education major from Abilene. The formal will be held at the Civic Center from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tickets are $35 a couple and $20 per single. Students can purchase tickets in the Campus Center ticket windows.

E-mail Snelson at: optimist@acu.edu

Earth Day: ACU strives for ‘greener’ campus n Raising student awareness for Earth Day is only the first step to making ACU more ‘green’ according to Dr. Jim Cooke, professor of agriculture. By CASSIE LEHMANN Student Reporter

Sunday was Earth Day, a time of global celebration and reassessment of the sustainability of Earth’s resources. ACU did its part with student awareness sessions in the Campus Center on April 18, but student awareness is not all that Abilene and ACU has in store for aiding the planet. Dr. Jim Cooke, professor of agriculture and environmental sciences, said a fledgling taskforce at the presidential level has been working on a plan with about 25 initiatives for sustainability on campus, which will be disclosed at a later date. “April 22, 1970, the first Earth Day, marked the modern environmental age,” Cooke said. “We’re working to make ACU more green.” “Green” is the popular term, which means environ-

mentally friendly or aiding in sustainability. The voluntary recycling for faculty and students is not all the campus is doing to help ACU become more green. ACU also uses recycled water for landscaping, which saves 85 million gallons of drinkable water each year. As for the new buildings to be built on campus, Cooke said they are trying to make them “greener buildings.” “Making buildings energy and resource efficient is not always cost efficient, but when weighed against our stewardship, it’s the right thing to do,” Cooke said. In February 2007 the IPCC, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, wrote a report that basically said the climate change is due to human activity. “There is no more controversy. We are affecting the climate,” Cooke said. “Nothing will be done until climate change is as popular as Friday night football.” Keeping the environment clean has become a

hot issue lately. “It’s getting out in to the popular press now, which is a good development,” Cooke said. Wal-Mart is also taking initiative to benefit the planet. In cooperation with General Electric and the Environmental Defense organization, Wal-Mart handed out brochures at their store locations Sunday explaining their efforts to make their stores green. First they are to be supplied by 100 percent

renewable energy. Second, they are working to have zero waste. And third, they are selling products to increase sustainability such as organic produce, power strips and energy efficient appliances. “We’re not satisfied with the sustainability so far,” Cooke said. “We are supposed to be Christian stewards of God’s gift of creation.”

E-mail Lehmann at: optimist@acu.edu


CAMPUS NEWS

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Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Student volunteers contribute to local community n ACU for Abilene gathered more than 200 student volunteers, including members of campus organizations and classes, to help clean the neighborhood. By MALLORY EDENS Page 2 Editor

brian schmidt SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER

Ben McLemore, freshman theatre major from Fort Worth, helps hold up a wall for a Habitat for Humanity house while participating in ACU for Abilene on Saturday.

More than 200 students participated in ACU for Abilene, an event that served 18 sites around Abilene in various ways, Saturday. Various organizations like social clubs and other campus groups joined to serve the community together. Men’s social club, Galaxy, mowed over 20 yards in the Stevenson neighborhood and did other miscellaneous chores such as picking up trash. Karissa McCoy, sophomore nutrition major from Austin, worked with Alpha Kai Omega to help clean up another local neighborhood. “I cleaned up a woman’s backyard and picked up trash,” McCoy said. “I have done Service Saturday before, and my club had a site so I did it. I would do it again because it is a great way to serve others and be

Jesus to people. My favorite part was the fellowship with the people as we served.” Many students participated in order to fulfill requirements for classes, and some classes decided to just get involved. One speech communication class helped with the Special Olympics.

project. It was a good learning experience and a great way to contribute to the community.” Other students joined in ACU for Abilene just because they wanted to help. Mark Foster, freshman information technology major from Abilene, was spurred to help by other service activities he

“It was a good learning experience and a great

so much fun, and it was cool to see them working for their church. I really like working with the children and seeing them interact.” The service done by ACU students, faculty and staff helped many areas in Abilene, and students are encouraged to get involved in future efforts.

E-mail Edens at: mxe06a@acu.edu

way to contribute to the community. Ashley Webb, freshman marketing major from Forney

Ashley Webb, freshman marketing major from Forney, helped with Keep Abilene Beautiful at the Abilene recycling center to get credit for her Acts-Revelation class. “My favorite part was being able to just help others in the community any way I could,” Webb said. “I most definitely want to make this a yearly thing while in Abilene. I will continue doing spring cleaning with the Keep Abilene Beautiful

has done in the past. “Earlier this semester, I was given the opportunity to go with the kids at Freedom Fellowship, a neighborhood church in south Abilene, to the Grace Museum,” Foster said. “It was so fun, so when I heard that there was a service project at Freedom Fellowship this weekend, I signed up. We went to work with the kids there to clean up a vacant lot and plant a garden at the church. The kids there are

ACU for abilene information Information below is according to Service Action Leadership Team Web site. n The goal of this day is to glorify God through service to our community while strengthening relationships within the ACU family. n ACU for Abilene began in the spring of 2000 when a group of students and faculty came together to give students, parents, faculty, staff and alumni the opportunity to serve Abilene together. The project has grown over the last few years, and ACU for Abilene 2003 served 36 sites around Abilene with over 350 volunteers.

Renovation to bring multimedia room Synchronized club to perform in May n A renovation of the Don H. Morris Center will bring a new multimedia newsroom for student publications. Faculty will be moved to interim offices in the fall. By JARED FIELDS Managing Editor

The second and third floors of the Don H. Morris Center will receive a complete makeover beginning in May to make room for a multimedia newsroom for student media publications like the Optimist and the Prickly Pear to use. Dr. Susan Lewis, assistant professor and chair of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication while Dr. Cheryl Bacon is on sabbatical, said the newsroom will be unlike any college’s newsroom. “The reason it’s cool is because it’s multimedia. All different types of media can come together and produce something that’s richer than any of the outlets can do on its own,” Lewis said. “We don’t know of any universities that are doing it exactly like this.” While students break-in the new newsroom, faculty in the department will be out of their offices in the

fall, using spare rooms as interim offices. “We acquired some space in Chambers thanks to the English Department,” Lewis said. “Others are sprinkled through the Don Morris Building. I think the inconvenience is going to be worth it.” The department will only offer Publication Design during Maymester while construction progresses over the summer. Art and interior design students and faculty will also be displaced, or enjoying new rooms, depending on how construction goes. The interior design program’s labs are also on the second floor and will receive the same treatment as their journalism neighbors. If construction is not finished by the first week of school, the interior design program will have to come up with a backup plan for the five classes that use specific computer programs. “We are looking for options because you never can plan for the best scenario; you can only plan for the worst scenarios,” said Kitty Wasemiller, professor of art and design. When the floor is complete, however, the rooms

can be used for galleries and critiques. “The new lecture room would allow us to move the furniture out with ease,” Wasemiller said. “It gives us the option in the future to turn it into a lighting lab.” Jack Harkin, partner in charge of the project for the Tittle Luther Partnership, which is the architecture firm working on the renovation, said working within the confines of the building has posed the biggest test. “Probably the biggest challenges were that we’re limited to the quantity of space that’s there,” Harkin said. “Obviously they’d like to have more space if they just had it.” The newsroom will cost about $1.1 million, of which a majority came from the Shelton Family Foundation. Aside from the newsroom, a balcony will be added on the second floor and a new stairwell to lead directly to the room. Besides computers, a small TV news set will also be in the newsroom. “It’s a cool space where students can work and learn across media outlets,” Lewis said. E-mail Fields at: jrf03b@acu.edu

n Synchronized Swimming Club, a group of all-female students, will show its accomplishments in the first show after having practiced since last semester. By KRISTA MEYER Student Reporter

ACU’s Synchronized Swimming Club will perform its first show this semester at 4:30 p.m. in the Gibson Pool on May 4. Coach Carissa Martus, senior music education major from Aloha, Ore., will lead the all-female Synchronized Swimming Club. The Club is a year-long club that focuses on basic moves in the first semester and then practices a routine the second semester. Martus said she writes the routines performed in each spring to fit the exact amount of women she’ll have performing. “In the fall semester I teach the girls basic but interesting moves, and the second semester is when we start choreographing the routine to practice for the water show,” Martus said. “Girls who return to the club for a second year learn more advanced stuff

in the fall while I work with the beginners on basics. That way it doesn’t get boring for those who return, but it also doesn’t help to practice basics; even I could improve on my moves if I worked at it.” Martus said she was interested in starting a synchronized swimming club her freshman year while she was taking the water aerobics exercise science activity course. “I took water aerobics the fall of my freshman year, and I was going crazy not having a synchro team, so I started asking around to see what it would take to start one and how to go about that,” Martus said. In January of 2004 the club was formed. Martus asked the Students’ Association for money for a sound system, and after receiving the money later that semester, she and the rest of the Synchronized Swimming Club were able to have a water show in the spring. Kadie Ausherman, sophomore psychology major from Haven, Kans., is a returning club member.

“I heard about the club from the flyers posted in the girls dorms at the beginning of the fall and decided to try it because it wasn’t like anything I had ever done before,” Ausherman said. “It’s so much fun, and I’ve learned so many things that are completely different from normal swimming.” Women interested in being a part of the Synchronized Swimming Club must know how to swim at least 200 yards because “if not, it’s going to be more like a swimming lesson on top of all the other basic moves I teach,” Martus said. E-mail Meyer at: optimist@acu.edu

SYnchronized swimming club Information below is according to Student Organizations Web site. n The purpose of the Synchronized Swimming Club is “to train young women in the art of synchronized swimming for the purpose of fun, exercise, friendships and, most importantly, God’s glory.” This club is all female and non-competitive; however, they work toward a water exhibition of routines at the end of each semester.


April 25, 2007

Page 5

Ridin’, Ropin’ Rodeo

Travis Carpenter, Kevin Hatcher, Lane MIller and Brock Pierce work together to take their steer down the arena in the Steer Saddlin event. To finish the event, they must ride the steer back.

Social clubs and student teams competed in wild goat milking, wild cow milking, calf scramble, double mugging, goat dressing and steer saddling at the 51st Annual ACU All-School Intermural Rodeo. Members of men’s social club Sub T-16 work together to tackle a steer in the double muggin’ event at Thursday’s All-School Intramural Rodeo.

Photos by Brian Schmidt Design by Kelsi Peace The second Kojie team in the goat dressing competition hurries to dress their goat in the shortest time possible.

Shaylee Busch, senior interior design major from Cedar Park, represents women’s social club Sigma Theta Chi in the queen event.

Participants in the goat dressing competition rush toward the goats at the beginning of the competition. Participants start in a circle and race each other toward the goats.


ViewsWednesday Optimist

Page 6

April 25, 2007

Don’t be afraid to show kindness to others

The issue:

The shooting at Virginia Tech has caused people to re-evaluate how they interact with loners.

The second most popular question following the aftermath of the Virginia Tech shootings, besides the heated debate on gun control, is how people should reach out to loners. Thursday The New York Times ran an article titled, “Online, students say ‘reach out to loners,’” which discussed the phenomenon on Facebook where students create groups to reach out to loners, such as “After What Happened on 04/16/07, I’m Gonna Talk & Reach Out To Every Loner.” While the group is global, it only listed 55 members Monday — and most who were posting so-called ad-

Our view:

As students, faculty, staff and Christians, it is our responsibility to show appreciation and kindness to everyone we come into contact with.

The solution:

Simply making eye contact, saying hello and smiling at people you see by themselves could easily make them feel cared for.

This response vice merely As students, faculty and staff at a Christian unishould not made jokes versity, it is our responsibility not only as Chrisbe something about lontians, but as humans, to show a sense of decency borne out of ers instead the Virginia of seriously and appreciation for everyone God created. Tech tragedy discussing on April 16, the topic. A loner is typically a per- then the problem is not with but something we do because son who likes to be alone the loners but with the soci- it’s the right thing to do. Saying hi to someone you and especially avoids the ety. Now is not the time to company of others. While reach out to loners — it’s pass on your way to class, making eye contact with people debate how they can always been the time. stop other ‘loners’ from killAs students, faculty and people you don’t know or ing in shooting sprees, there staff at a Christian univer- genuinely asking someone is a larger debate to be had. sity, it is our responsibility, how their day is going probWhy should we single not only as Christians but as ably aren’t groundbreakout loners as the people to humans, to show a sense of ing actions that will save reach out to? If people are decency and appreciation for the world or campus from just now realizing after the everyone God created. But a gunman on a mission to tragic deaths of 33 people don’t just try to befriend the hurt himself and others. that someone should have people on the fringe — be- But if our point was to stop talked to Cho Seung-Hui, friend any and everyone. people from killing others,

Let Loose

Cole Williams

Provide a safe place for pregnant women The court addressed abortion April 18 ­— the partial-birth abortion act raises “ethical and moral concerns,” according to Justice Anthony Kennedy in the majority opinion. This is an opinion many Christians Thoughtful have held since the isRamblings sue first rose Kelsi in the Roe v. Peace Wade case, and I’m sure many count this decision as a victory for camp “pro-life.” But a law making abortion illegal is a victory for those in the political arena — not the Christians who oppose abortion. Many see this decision as simply the first step in re-opening the discussion, and I’m sure lobbying will begin anew on both sides for laws that will affect all manners of the issue. As a person who is passionately anti-abortion, I am excited at this step forward, as well as at the possibility of further chang-

Our churches should be the first place pregnant women and teenage girls turn to when they think abortion is their only option ­— and as Christians, we should be there to show them alternatives to abortion.

es being made. We can lobby all we want, write letters and spread the news that abortion is ethically and morally wrong. Some extremists even believe the answer is bombing abortion clinics — fighting the violence against unborn children with violence is equally horrifying. But where have we, as Christians, been when women make the decision not to get an abortion? We are so willing to help them every step of the way up until then, to offer counseling, show ultra sounds and champion adoption as the happy-ending solution. And then we return to our soapboxes to fight for another law, find another expectant mother and think we can solve the issue. Our churches should be the first place pregnant women and teenage girls turn to when

In Your Words What is the best way to reach out to someone you think may need help?

they think abortion is their only option — and as Christians, we should be there to show them alternatives to abortion. Why don’t these women feel they can approach a church, any church, and say, “I feel like abortion is my only option?” Because most likely, they can already predict the condemnation they will receive from some for being pregnant and un-married or even for contemplating the procedure. And even if a woman is lucky enough to stumble upon a church that embraces her, helps her through the pregnancy and offers her support, she will most likely be left to fend for herself after the birth as the church looks for the next unborn baby to save. Right now, the church is holding out their hands to these women who are teetering

on the edge of a cliff and promising they will catch her. And when she takes that first leap of faith and chooses to keep her baby, she does have a hand to hold. But once she’s reached the first plateau, the hand disappears — and she’s stuck, not yet safely on the ground, but no longer in the frightening position she first found herself in. Where is the church to help her cope with giving up her baby for adoption? Where is the church when, 15 years later, her child wants to meet her? And where is the church if no one is willing to adopt the baby? We need to stop stranding these women halfway to safety and instead see them safely to the ground. Pro-life Christians cannot claim victory until the solutions they champion are real — not partial — solutions. The court’s job is to make and uphold statements. But a Christian’s job is to serve, not talk about it.

E-mail Peace at: knp04a@acu.edu, optimist@acu.edu

Sitting with someone in the Bean when they don’t look like they have anyone to talk to.

Build a closer relationship with them.

Terence Lindeke

Carrole Ranaivoarivels

sophomore theatre major from Anchorage, Ala.

junior intercultural communications major from Madagascar

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

E-mail the Optimist at: optimist@acu.edu

Combat tough issues head on I almost forgot about pointment. them. What are Patrick Henry It has been a little more and the other hardhearted than a year since Soul- Christian institutions of force, the higher education afraid of? gay and les- And how are they helping bian group the hypocritical image that devoted to this country has towards fighting re- Christians? Patrick Henry’s mission ligious and p o l i t i c a l statement claims to “preoppression pare Christian men and t h r o u g h women” to lead the nation Stereotype n o n - v i o - and “shape our culture.” Free lence, came But its reaction to the to this Soulforce visit ruined an Daniel u n i v e r s i t y opportunity to bring that Johnson in March mission to fruition. If the students did dis2006, and it took a washingtonpost.com cuss homosexuality with video to bring them back the Soulforce riders it would have been a perfect into my life. The video was a profile opportunity to educate of Soulforce participants them and prepare them to face an issue recent stop that isn’t goon their 2007 Equality Ride If institutions claim ing to disapto Patrick Henpear no matto be Christians ry College in ter how hard they should not Purcellville, Va. Focus on the And the welFamily tries. cut themselves off And as come they refrom the rest of the much as I ceived wasn’t world because they hate writing warm but familiar. disagree with them. a “Go ACU!” column, our The group response was immedito the Soulately barred from the campus like they force visit is exactly how have been from the major- Christian universities ity of professed Christian should respond to groups institutions they visit — of opposition. Instead of running away only four Christian universities have allowed them from controversy, ACU on campus, including ACU took it head on and de— but that did not stop fended its policy against them from trying to get homosexuality and what it their message across. views as sexually immoral The activists staked acts and let the Soulforce out a piece of land steps representatives voice their away from the univer- opinions even though they sity’s property line and were in direct conflict with stood in silence with signs ACU’s stance on the issue. If institutions claim to be pleading for understanding and questioning the Christians they should not university’s policy on ho- cut themselves off from the mosexuality. They used rest of the world because their constitutional right they disagree with them. At this point, I have to peacefully protest and stood in silence because more respect for SoulPatrick Henry denied them force than I ever can for the one thing they desired: the close-minded Christian non-confrontational dia- institutions. An audacity to challenge and be heard logue with students. A few of the activists beats shriveling under the were arrested for passing fear of confrontation in my out fliers to students exit- book any day of the week. ing the campus, and a few of the activists showed expressions of disappointment from the calloused and closed response they received from Patrick Henry. And by the end of the E-mail Johnson at: video, I shared their disapdjj04a@acu.edu, optimist@acu.edu

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

it would be a futile point. Stop someone today and say hello, not because you’re afraid they’ll one day gun you down — but simply because you care. People across campus are lonely or depressed, while others are happy and blessed. This doesn’t mean they don’t have friends, and it doesn’t mean they couldn’t use another one either. Take the time to say hello or offer a smile. What’s the harm, aren’t smiles free?

Editorial and Management Board Mallory Schlabach

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Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Page 7

FROM THE FRONT/SPORTS JUMPS

Softball: Team fifth in LSC South Finals: Tests may

brian schmidt SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER

First baseman Jenna Daugherty hits a leadoff double in the bottom of the second inning Friday. Continued from page 8 with a two-run lead and only needed three outs to win the game. Both games on Saturday

ended because of the eightrun rule, and the second game on Saturday had five home runs for the team. Players Jenna Daugherty, Samantha Borgeson, Kim Par-

tin, Allison Crouse and Leisha Johnson all had a home run in the second game. Junior pitcher Kim McDonald pitched two complete games and got both wins for

Tennis: ACU likely to host Regionals Continued from page 8 rolled to a pair of 5-0 wins, first over Central Oklahoma and then over Tarleton State, during their route to the finals. But in the title match, the Wildcats went up against Northeastern State, the No. 2 seed, who downed ACU 5-3. “We went in there and fought hard,” said freshman Dina Pavlin. “Northeastern played really well, so they deserved the win, I think. But we’re going to prepare a lot this week, and I think we’ll be ready for Regionals.”

The ACU men, also a No. 1 seed, began their tournament run with a first-round bye followed by a 5-0 win over East Central. In the championship match, the Wildcats fought a back and forth battle with Midwestern State, the No. 3 seed. With the Wildcats down 3-4, freshman Luke Hawk won his match in straight sets to even the match, and senior George Carstens then secured the championship for ACU with a 7-5, 6-3 win in his match. The win marked the seventh time this year the men have taken a match by the score of either 5-4 or 4-3.

“The men’s team did awesome,” Pavlin said. “They were really pumped; they played really well; and they won. They deserved it.” With their strong performances Friday, both ACU teams have all but secured a hosting position for the NCAA Division II Central Region Tournament on May 3. If ACU is chosen to host the Regional Tournament, it will be played at the Eager Tennis Pavilion.

E-mail Freeman at: mxf04b@acu.edu

Baseball: Wildcats Vigil: ACU first in conference students Continued from page 8 but we still need to take care of business,” Kennedy said. Kennedy took care of business posting one of his best outings this season in game three of the series. The Saturday starter pitched the entire nine-innings of game three, only allowing one run and four hits while striking out four Greyhound batters. Kennedy is now 8-2 with a 4.80 ERA in 12 appearances. Kennedy said he was excited about getting his eighth win of the season, which is one more than the 7-3 record he finished the 2006 season with. Also picking up his eighth win was Watten. Watten extended his undefeated record to 8-0 after a six-inning outing Friday in game two. Watten only allowed two runs and four hits while striking out four ENMU batters. The ultimate utility player — Watten pitches, starts at first and bats a solid .371 — also picked up three RBI on five

hits over the weekend. And closer Jameson Maj added two more saves to extend his LSC and ACU records to 14. Head coach Britt Bonneau said he was most pleased with two strong starts from his second-day starters Kennedy and Davis. “Our Saturday pitchers really stepped up,” Bonneau said. “They both threw great games for us, and it was a tough weekend for our hitters.” Second baseman Thomas Bumpass led the Wildcat lineup against ENMU’s pitching staff, hitting a .342 batting average (8 for 15) with three runs scored, one double, one home run and seven RBI. ACU played a non-conference double header against South Central Regional opponent Texas-Permian Basin on Tuesday but results were not available by press time.

E-mail Johnson at: djj04a@acu.edu

pray for support of VT victims Continued from page 1

to do,” Lewis said. “The vigil was held to be a bit more formalized opportunity to pray more intently and intentionally, specifically for individuals and family.” Aside from the prayer vigil, the SLC also sponsored the posters filled with student signatures showing support. E-mail Piersal at: tdp04a@acu.edu

ACU. McDonald pitched 11 innings, only gave up eight hits, struck out seven players and only gave up two earned runs. “We just need to be more consistent and learn to stay focused,” Wilson said. ACU is now 24-21 overall and 10-14 in LSC South play, and is still ranked fifth in the conference, just below the coveted fourth spot needed to make it to the postseason conference tournament. Next season, the team will have approximately 10 players returning, Wilson said. She added that it was too early to tell how many recruits she’ll have next year. The team’s next games are against Cameron at home Tuesday and Saturday.

E-mail Davis at: optimist@acu.edu

not be taken early Continued from page 1 are not adherent to the day of they class. Evening classes are an exception of all these circumstances. All 6 p.m. or later classes will have exams during regularly scheduled periods. Students with more than three examinations a day can petition their college dean to take a final after the scheduled time, but finals are never given in advance. Information on the class schedule can be found on ACU Registrar’s Office Web site.

Finals Schedule Finals begin Monday, May 7 MWF Classes n 8 a.m. at 10 a.m., May 11 n 9 a.m. at 2 p.m., May 10 n 10 a.m.­ at 10 a.m., May 8 n Noon at Noon, May 9 n 1 p.m. at 8 a.m., May 10 n 2 p.m. at Noon, May 11 n 3 p.m. at 2 p.m., May 8 n 4 p.m. at 4 p.m., May 10 Monday night classes n 6 p.m. at 6:30 p.m., May 7 n 6:30 p.m. at 6:30 p.m., May 7 TR Classes n 8 a.m. at 8 a.m., May 9 n 9:30 a.m. at 8 a.m., May 11 n Noon at Noon, May 10 n 1:30 p.m. at Noon May 8 n 3 p.m. at 2 p.m., May 9 n 4:30 p.m. at 4 p.m., May 8 Tuesday night classes n 6 p.m. at 6:30 p.m., May 8 n 6:30 p.m. at 6:30 p.m., May 8

E-mail Smith at: optimist@acu.edu

Thursday night classes n 6 p.m. at 6:30 p.m., May 10 n 6:30 p.m. at 6:30 p.m., May 10


SportsWednesday

Page 8

ScoreBoard Standings Scoreboard as of Tuesday

Team

BASEBALL Div. 13-3 12-4 7-9 7-9 4-10 3-11

ACU Angelo St. Tarleton TAMK-U ENMU WTAM

Team

Overall 38-11 36-15 25-26 24-26 19-30 12-33

SOFTBALL

Div. Overall Angelo St. 19-1 42-6 TAMK-U 13-7 30-16 Tarleton 11-9 31-14 ENMU 9-11 26-24 ACU 10-14 24-21 TX Woman’s 7-13 21-32 WTAM 3-17 15-34

April 25, 2007

Solid pitching pushes Cats into postseason n The ACU baseball team secured a spot in the Lone Star Conference postseason tournament after sweeping LSC South opponent Eastern New Mexico this weekend. By DANIEL JOHNSON Sports Editor

Four outstanding performances by ACU’s four starting pitchers made the postseason a sure thing for the nation’s No. 13 team this weekend. Pitchers Chris Wiman, Trey Watten, Brian Kennedy and Matt Davis all won their

Baseball games against Eastern New Mexico this weekend to help the Wildcats reclaim first place in the Lone Star Conference South Division and secure ACU’s spot in the LSC postseason tournament. “We got the four wins like we needed to,” Kennedy said. ACU’s starting four dominated the LSC’s third-best scoring lineup, limiting the Greyhounds to a combined .222 batting average, nine runs and only 24 hits, while

combining for a staggering 1.41 ERA. “We just figured them out,” Kennedy said. “As a staff we threw strikes and made them put the ball into play, and we just let our defense go to work.” First-place ACU beat ENMU 6-3, 4-2, 6-1 and 9-3 to move to 13-3 in LSC South play and 38-11 overall, which is one game in front of second place Angelo State, who is 12-4. “We’re in a good position, See

BASEBALL page 7

brian schmidt SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER

ACU third baseman Alec Sowards tags out Eastern New Mexico’s Jonathon Marbury at third base in the top of the second inning of game one Friday.

ACU grabs more qualifiers at TCU

Scores Thursday WOMEN’S TENNIS ACU 5, Central Oklahoma 0 ACU 5, Tarleton State 0

MEN’S TENNIS ACU 5, East Central 0

Friday WOMEN’S TENNIS Northeastern State 5, ACU 3

MEN’S TENNIS ACU 5, Midwestern State 4

BASEBALL ACU 6, Eastern New Mexico 3 ACU 4, Eastern New Mexico 2

SOFTBALL ACU 7, West Texas A&M 3 West Texas A&M 6, ACU 5

Saturday BASEBALL ACU 6, Eastern New Mexico 1 ACU 9, Eastern New Mexico 3

SOFTBALL ACU 9, West Texas A&M 1 ACU 10, West Texas A&M 1

brian schmidt SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER

Johnny Jacob hands off the baton to Jordan Traub during the 4x400-meter relay at the TCU Invitational on Saturday. ACU finished fourth overall with a provisionally qualifying time of 3:13.84

Upcoming Thursday TRACK & FIELD ACU at Drake Relays, Des Moines, Iowa, all day ACU at Penn Relays, Philadephia, all day

Briefs

Kennedy

Kennedy still Pitcher of the Week n Starting pitcher Brian Kennedy was named Lone Star Conference South Division Pitcher of the Week for the second week in a row after throwing a complete nine-inning game against Eastern New Mexico on Saturday. Kennedy only allowed one unearned run and struck out four batters to pick up his eighth win.

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.

Thursday OUTDOOR SOCCER All Tuesday games rescheduled for Thursday. SOFTBALL See softball schedule on Intramural board.

n Nicodemus Naimadu set a meet record, and the ACU track and field team garnered more provisional qualifiers at the TCU Invitational in Fort Worth on Saturday. By JARED FIELDS Managing Editor

Despite a gusty Saturday at TCU, Nicodemus Naimadu set another record, and the men’s and women’s track and field teams managed to come away with new provisional qualifiers. Naimadu set the meet record in the 5,000 meters with a time of 14:13.54, beating the old record by just under 20 seconds. Davy Manga, who already automatically qualified in the triple jump and provisionally in the long jump, threw the jav-

Playoff hopes weaken despite victories n The ACU softball team won its series against West Texas A&M but failed to get a sweep that would have made their postseason quest easier. By RACHEL DAVIS Sports Writer

Playoff hopes for the Wildcats were further diminished this weekend when ACU was not able to sweep the series against West Texas A&M in

Track & Field elin 196-9.00 feet for a fourth place finish and provisional mark. Manga’s throw currently ranks him 21st in the nation. “Sure enough, on his last one, he popped off a really good one,” said head coach Don Hood. “I think that’s going to get him really close.” Hood said Manga is capable of throwing farther, but it may not enter him in the event until possibly the ACU Open on May 10. “It depends on how his shoulder’s feeling. We just kinda have to wait and see,” Hood said. Manga feels he can improve his mark. “Coach Cook helped me a lot,” Manga said. “If I’m still learning then maybe I can

throw farther.” Manga said the javelin is his favorite event and has a competition going with teammate and fellow Frenchman Camille Vandendriescche. “Camille challenged me in the javelin; he said he’d qualify if I did,” Manga said. “I’m on the list; I’m waiting for [him].” This weekend Manga will compete in the 110-meter hurdles and the shuttle hurdles at the Penn Relays in Philadelphia. Manga ran a 14.88 at TCU but needs to drop a few tenths still to earn a qualifying mark. Manga said he trained hard at the hurdles a few years ago, but before coming to ACU he had not worked at them often. “When I came here it was like I started again,” Manga said. In the men’s 200 meters,

Marvin Bien-Aime posted a provisional time of 21.23 with Mark Paige just behind, bettering his provisional time in eighth place at 21.24. The times place the two at seventh and eighth in the nation, respectively. The men’s 4x400-meter relay finished fourth behind host school TCU with a provisional time of 3:13.84, good for ninth in the nation. On the women’s team, Venessa Whittle placed fourth in the 800 meters with a provisional time of 2:12.79. Whittle was the only women’s athlete to add a new qualifying mark. One of the athletes who bettered her time was Ohla Kryv’yak in the 1,500 meters. She won the event in 4:31.40 minutes, ranking her sixth in the nation.

“She ran a great time even with all that wind,” Hood said. The women’s 4x400 relay finished second, bettering its automatic time with a time of 3:41.28 and is ranked first in the nation. In the 400 meters, Keva Wilkins finished third to better her provisional mark with a time of 54.90. Aside from the accomplishments on the track, Hood said he thinks the best part of the meet came afterwards when everyone returned home healthy. “That was probably the highlight of it, and we had a great workout [Monday],” Hood said. “Everyone was in really good spirits today; I’m pretty encouraged by it.” E-mail Fields at: jrf03c@acu.edu

Men win LSC title, women lose in finals n The men’s tennis team won the Lone Star Conference Championship after beating Midwestern State, while the women were upset by LSC North opponent Northeastern State. By MICHAEL FREEMAN brian schmidt SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER

A group of ACU softball players cheer on Allison Crouse at home plate after Crouse’s two-run homerun against West Texas A&M on Friday.

Softball its last LSC South match-up. ACU won three out of the four games, but that one loss may be enough to keep the Wildcats out of the postseason Lone Star Conference tournament. Head coach Chantiel Wilson said the only way for the Wildcats to make it into the playoffs now is for Texas A&M-Kingsville to sweep

its series against Eastern New Mexico. “They will have to lose four of four games,” Wilson said. The team won three of its games solidly, but the one loss stands out as a disappointment. The team went into the second game Friday after winning the first game and lost even though they went into the seventh inning See

SOFTBALL page 7

Online Editor

This year’s Lone Star Conference tennis championships hinted of déjà vu: the opponents, the score, everything except the winners. The ACU men’s team captured the title with a slim 5-4 victory over Midwestern State on Friday at the Oklahoma City Tennis Center, while the ACU women fell in the finals to Northeastern State 5-3. Which was the opposite of last year’s results where the women beat Northeastern State 5-4 for the crown, and the men lost

Tennis to Midwestern State 5-3 in the championship match. The victory marked the ninth LSC team championship for the ACU men. “It was a solid effort for sure,” said head coach Hutton Jones. “I was really happy for them.” The Wildcat women missed out on taking home their 20th overall Lone Star Conference title. The loss gave the Lady Reds of Northeastern State their third title since 2001. “I do think we’re better and we should’ve won,” Jones said. “But they played tougher than us that day.” The ACU women, seeded No. 1 in the tournament, See

TENNIS page 7


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