Bid Night Pledging starts with a long night of traditions
vol. 103, no. 10
MOnday september 22, 2014
Features Page 5
1 SECTION, 10 PAGES
Episcopal priest to be Summit’s first female preacher
what’s INSIDE NEWS The Siburt Institute selects new director, Dr. Carson Reed
linsey thut features editor
Page 3
SPORTS Senior runner, Daniel Block, sets sights on season
Page 9
NEWS Student bands and musical artists audition for the Homecoming JamFest Page 4
SPORTS Wildcats defeated Incarnate Word on Saturday, 21-0 Page 10
jarred schutetze Chief Photographer
Don McLaughlin, the pulpit minister at North Atlanta Church of Christ, spoke as the opening theme Summit speaker on Sunday night in Moody Coliseum.
student reporter
The Editorial Board takes a look at where SA has allocated student funds
Page 6
see brown page 5
Summit theme to focus on Genesis callie oliver
OPINION
This year’s Summit will feature the first woman preacher as a theme speaker. Barbara Brown Taylor is an Episcopal priest and the author of several awardwinning books, her most recent being “Learning to Walk in the Dark.” B r a d y Bryce, director of Summit, said Taylor is an brown outstanding preacher and various people had suggested her as a speaker. “Her name has come up every year, repeatedly, from a wide group of people that submit ideas to us about who to speak,” Bryce said. Bryce said they’ve been sending Taylor invitations to speak for the longest out of any of the speakers. “I’ve been here for eight years and we’ve been asking if she had the ability to come that entire time,” Bryce said. “This is the first time she’s been able to do it.” Bryce said he anticipates Taylor’s preaching to change people’s perspectives of woman preachers.
Many visitors and long-time friends of ACU gathered in Moody Sunday night as this year’s Summit began. With the theme of ‘‘Earthed,’’ Summit will go back to the beginning and focus on Genesis. “This year’s theme is ‘Earthed’, and it represents God’s creative work in humanity,” said Dr. Phil Schubert, president of the university. “This week, the speakers and experiences will
challenge you to walk closely with God and enrich the work being done in churches around the world.” Throughout the week, different sessions and speakers will focus on the idea of Genesis and our beginnings. Brady Bryce, director of ministry events and assistant professor of practical theology, said the speakers who will speak at the forums are wellknown authors and thinkers who will challenge and encourage listeners. Many students often attend Summit sessions to re-
ceive Chapel credit. This year, Summit will offer students the chance to earn up to 20 Chapel credits with 10 possible opportunities. There will be 10 forums, and each forum will be worth two Chapel credits. “This is going to allow students to go to Chapel and hear some amazing stories and testimonies,” said Mark Jackson, co-director of Chapel. The forums will take place Sunday through Wednesday. Monday through Wednesday will offer three different cred-
ited forums a day at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. in Moody Coliseum. Students often use Summit week as a way to get ahead with Chapel credits. The chance to earn 10 in one week doubles the amount students can earn in a normal week. Offering credits for these sessions increases the desire for students to attend Summit lectures. “It makes me want to go to them,” said Kala Arnold, sophomore accounting major from Austin. “More so
than the sessions or classes I don’t receive credit for. Last year, the forums were interesting.” The Bible, Missions and Ministry Department is required to cancel classes during Summit week, so many Bible professors take the opportunity to attend lectures and have their students do the same. While some teachers require students to attend a session, others strongly encourage it. see summit page 5
Pledging season begins with Bid Night
NEWS Students try out to be the next Sing Song hosts and hostesses Page 5
NEWS Jeff Berryman creates a one-act play, Leaving Ruin, for Summit Page 3
linsey thut features editor On Friday night, campus was filled with women skipping in single file lines wearing shirts with marker all over them and men carrying pictures of fruit and chanting about cows. No, the ACU campus did not go crazy; pledging kicked off with the time-honored tradition of Bid Night. Throughout the night, a total of 369 students were welcomed, and initiated,
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Gamma Sigma Phi will have 53 “Siblings” to prepare for Knighthood as Kinsmen. Drew Ritchie, senior biblical text major from Lake Jackson, is president of GSP and said he looks forward to the pledging process. “I am excited about the effort that the members of GSP have put into making this a memorable and valuable experience for the pledges,” he said.
PLEDGE CLASS SIZES Frater Sodalis:
14 Trojans:
18
Galaxy:
25 Alpha Kai Omega:47
Gamma Sigma Phi:
53
Pi Kappa:
4
Sub T-16:
20
GATA:
69
Ko Jo Kai:
67
Sigma Theta Chi: 66 Zeta Rho:
4
see bid day page 7
Brantly family deals with Ebola aftermath Latin american correspondent
what’s online
by the 10 social clubs. Pi Kappa is welcoming four “Carp” this year. Josh Day, president of Pi Kappa said he looks forward to seeing the club’s fellowship grow during pledging. “I am super excited to watch the Carp grow together and learn what it means to be in the brotherhood of Pi Kappa,” said Day, senior youth and family ministry major from Katy. Galaxy is initiating 25 “Novas” this year and Trojans have 18 new “Slavs”.
As Dr. Kent Brantly recuperated from his battle with the Ebola virus, his family members had the chance to catch their breath, too. Brantly was serving with Samaritan’s Purse, an international relief organization in Liberia, when the Ebola virus was spread in the area. He, his wife, Amber, and their children decided to stay and help those infected. About a
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month into his work, Br a n t l y tested positive for the virus. Brantly Houston, brantly senior advertising and public relations major from Abilene, was in Indianapolis with his grandparents when he learned his uncle contracted the virus. “It was really easy for me to figure out what was going on,” he said. “I kind of had a peace about it,
though; I wasn’t worried.” A large amount of his family was in Indianapolis with him when the news broke, he said, and were able to get in contact with Brantly. “There was a lot of crying, fear and uncertainty,” he said. “To me it kind of looked like helplessness. But I really just felt like it was going to be fine.” A few days later, Houston’s family left for a wedding in Texas, and the situation became more challenging for him. “I kind of felt a bit out of
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Abilene Christian University
the loop,” he said. “That’s when it started getting frustrating and when more intensity was going on.” Then the calls began to pour in; reporters from all over the country were trying to get the story. “Every few minutes the reporters were calling. It was crazy,” he said. “Being a mass communication major, I kind of understood. They were just doing their job. But it was kind of like, good grief, calm down.” The family was soon overwhelmed by the atten-
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tion. Dr. Gary Green, coordinator of World Wide Witness and longtime friend of Amber Brantly’s family, reached out to them after hearing the news. He said the timing was bittersweet for the family. Near the same time Brantly was diagnosed, they were celebrating the birth of their eldest son’s first child, another son getting married and another family member’s birthday. “Their emotions were all over the charts,” he
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see ebola page 8
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monday
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tuesday Summit 2014
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wednesday Summit 2014
thursday
7 p.m. Volleyball game versus University of Central Arkansas
Summit 2014 ends
8:30 p.m. Choir Summit Performance in Cullen Auditorium
Chapel checkup To date:
2
Around Abilene Remaining:
22 57
Sept. 22
noir Western. A rancher lives with his invalid sister who
@acuoptimist
is confined to a root cellar.
ter Sunset: A Vocal Revue,”
When a stranger arrives seek-
featuring the ACU Choirs
ing help, the three find them-
11 a.m. Last day to view
and ACU Opera. The perfor-
selves tangled up in a web of
“Sublime Gestures,” an exhibit
greed and secrets. The play
featuring the photography of
runs until Oct. 4. Admission is
Tom Turner. Turner’s works
7:30 p.m. McMurry University
$5. Visit mcm.edu/theatre for
explore the relationship be-
presents Dead Ringer, a film
more details.
tween man, the environment
mance will take place in Cul-
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Sept. 27
8:30 p.m. “Sondheim Af-
Sept. 25
len Auditorium. Visit acu.edu/ music for more information.
optimist@acu.edu Announcements If you are a fan of hockey or want to learn how to play, join the ACU Hockey Club! The team plays at the Div.II college level of Inline Roller Hockey. Email club president, Ryan Podany, at rap10c@acu.edu or team captain, Tim Holt, at tdh10b@acu.edu for more information.
sistance at the main floor research desk if cal’s three shows will run Oct. 10-11 at 8 you are not able to easily find what you are p.m. and Oct. 12 at 2 p.m. The show is suitlooking for. able for all ages. Tickets can be purchased online at acu.edu/theatre. Want to learn how to swing dance? Come to Swing Cats every Tuesday night for a Seekers of the Word Drama Ministry lesson and social dancing! We are located meets for Chapel on Thursdays in the Bibin the Recreation and Wellness Center up- lical Studies building room 104. The chapel Books in the library are being relocated stairs in Studio B. Bring a friend! Interme- is open to everyone. Come study the Bible, to movable compact shelving on the first diate lessons are at 8 p.m., and beginner pray, worship, talk and laugh, and get a floor of the library. The move will take lessons are at 9 p.m. Chapel credit in the process! place through September and October and will make it difficult to access some of This year’s homecoming musical is Big Come join the ACU Swing Cats and Jazz the books. The move will open up more of Fish, which centers on Edward Bloom, a Ensemble at this year’s Fall Stomp for a the library for study spaces on the first and traveling salesman who lives life to the full- swanky night of swing dancing and live third floors. We apologize for any inconve- est. ACU Theatre is one of the first in the music! It will be in the Elks Ballroom at nience and ask that you seek librarian as- nation to mount a production. The musi- 1174 N. 1st St., on Oct. 3. We will have a
lesson at 7 p.m., and dancing will be from 8-10 p.m. Dress up, or dress vintage! This is a free event, so bring all your friends because you won’t want to miss out on this year’s Fall Stomp! Come celebrate and experience Hispanic cultures at Entra a La Plaza from 6-9 p.m. Sept. 26 in the Hunter Welcome Center. Entrance is free, but donations are encouraged. It is open to all of Abilene, and there will be free food, performances, a DJ and more! There will be a graduate and professional school fair from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday Oct. 1 in the McGlothlin Campus Center.
Intramurals
No intramurals this week? Not a problem. THE VAGABONDAGE REC-COVERING SAMANTHA SUTHERLAND ADDICT
DANIEL BLOCK
As a collective group of diehard intramural fans, we are in the midst of the worst 10 days of the flag football season. From rainouts to Summit meetings to pledging activities, our beloved sport is being forced to play second fiddle to other university activities, meaning no games will be played until next week. The sports world hasn’t seen such a travesty since Allen Iverson had to come off the bench. For the next week, we won’t be talking about the games, we talkin’ about practice. Men’s Champ League It rained on Thursday. When it rains in Abilene, it floods. When it floods, flag football games get cancelled. When flag football games get canceled; well, let’s be honest, no one really cares except the athletes and their girlfriends. Squirtle Squad and MACC Attack will play their rescheduled game on Oct. 13, as will Thunder Ducks and Tri Bi Delt. This should leave plenty of time for the athletes of Tri Bi Delt to focus on adding another muscle to their team name. Gluteus Maximus has a nice ring to it. Not all was lost last week, though, as three games were played Tuesday night. Galaxy rocketed past Squirtle Squad, 26-14, to move into a tie for first place with Tri Bi Delt at two wins and zero losses. The Milky Way men are playing well,
and the sky seems to be the limit for this star-studded offense. Sub T-16 resurfaced after a tough loss to Tri Bi Delt on Monday to defeat Gamma Sigma Phi 20-12. The win moves Sub T to 2-1, while the loss drops GSP to 1-2, with work to do if the team would like to defend its title later this season. Trojans entered the win column for the first time this season, shutting out the Thunder Ducks 14-0. Cameron Craig, Trojans intramural director, was impressed with his team’s play as compared to the last game. “We felt much better being able to get some points on the board,” he said. Chipper Bridges, Trojans quarterback, is an integral part of the offense, and is playing for more than just an intramural championship, said Craig. “Chipper was able to pad his stats a little with a rushing TD and a passing TD,” Craig said. “It will be important for him to have a good season . . . so he can prepare more for the NFL combine and the upcoming draft.” When the season picks back up on Sept. 30, expect the games to be as intense as a camping trip. Many of the match-ups will involve club rivalries, and the crowds may get out of hand. “We are finally getting the chance to play fellow clubs,” Craig said. “This next week will probably be
alicia adams Staff Photographer
GATA fell to Ko Jo Kai 13-0 on Sept. 9 and is currently in last place in the women’s champ league at 0-3. spent in the film room daily At 0-3, GATA is fading faster studying our opponents.” than a Flame walking out of a building. Women’s Champ League Also on Tuesday, Sigma With no games on the Theta Chi improved its reschedule for this week, ev- cord to 1-1-1 with a domieryone should take advan- nant 26-7 victory over Alpha tage of the time off and re- Kai Omega. The members of learn how to properly spell the two teams will now take GATA. This task shouldn’t the week off to post unfathbe too difficult. omable amounts of pictures Speaking of GATA, an- of their littles, most likely in other loss last Tuesday to sorority pose. Eta Pi by a score of 20-0 Finally, Ko Jo Kai defeathas extinguished nearly all ed The Heat 19-6 to leapfrog hope of a successful season. over their opponent into
second place. The Kojies popped out to an early lead and never looked back. The Heat dropped to 1-1-1 and into a tie for third with the Siggies. Play will resume on Oct. 2, with all six teams in action. The Siggies will look to keep GATA winless, while the Squiqs will do their best Smokey the Bear impression and keep the Flames from getting out of hand if things go awry.
Alpha Kai and The Heat will battle for middle-ofthe-pack supremacy in the last game of the night. Between those two match-ups, though, we will witness a fight for first place between Ko Jo Kai and Eta Pi. In case anyone is wondering, the game will start at 9 p.m. on the Kojie clock. Cuckoo, cuckoo! contact block at djb13a@acu.edu
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Theater hosts one-man Summit production catherine blakemore arts editor Jeff Berryman performed the Summit production of Leaving Ruin Sunday night in the William Performing Arts Center. Each year staff like Brady Bryce, Summit director, join Adam Hester, chair of the Department of Theatre and the theatre department to bring something new to Summit from the arts.
“Random is a good thing, especially when it comes to Summit, because I wouldn’t want it to be uniform, and flat shouldn’t fit the theme,” Bryce said when asked about the spread of events and speakers at Summit. “There needs to be diversity and worn out of Genesis by the end of the week.” Unlike most productions with a cast, set and plot, Berryman performed Leaving Ruin alone and with a single stage. The
entire performance, which peeks into the life of a minister, lasted an hour. “(Leaving Ruin) gives you a window into what a minister goes through, and not all ministers are able to talk about that,” Bryce said. “We see our ministers up front and they have it all together and they speak great words that challenge us and encourage us, but rarely do you get to see into a minister’s heart. What it’s like behind closed doors, and
“
We are truly grateful to get to be reacquainted with Cyrus Manning, the character played by Jeff Berryman.”
and hopes students who are leaders of the church now and in the future will benefit from seeing what it’s like to be in that kind of role. Brady Bryce In 1999, Berryman Director of SUmmit work-shopped the theatre piece, wrote a novel with the same title and presentwhat they wrestle with. ed it to readers and book The pressures of ministry signings in 2002 at ACU are pretty intense.” Theatre, Hester said. Bryce stated he believes “We are truly grateful Leaving Ruin can give a to get to be reacquainted window into what church with Cyrus Manning, the politics can do to a person character played by Ber-
ryman, and introduce him to a new audience,” Hester said. “Of the novel, Annie Dillard said, ‘Jeff Berryman has taken an evangelical preacher and turned him into the most unexpected thing: a human being.’ I’m looking forward with eager anticipation to Jeff’s performance this Sunday evening.”
contact blakemore at crb13a@acu.edu
Students share class insights at Summit Elijah Evans staff reporter Summit recruited numerous students to speak at this year’s conference. Brady Bryce, director of ministry events and Summit, said Summit leadership listened to students, faculty and other individuals across campus to unearth student speakers. “We tried to be widely diverse in the disciplines that are represented and just find out who people want to hear from,” he said. Bryce said the student speakers are one of his favorite parts of Summit. “It’s exciting for the people who come to Summit to see what students are doing, and they are always quite impressed with students’ friendliness and their insights from classes,” he said. Mitchell East, biblical
“
It’s exciting for the people who come to Summit to see what students are doing, and they are always impressed with students’ friendliness and insight from classes.” Brady bryce director of summit
text major from Austin, is one of the student speakers. His session is titled “Let There Be Verse” and will allow the audience to explore the creation story through poetry. He said when you hear Genesis read out loud, you get the feeling that Genesis was meant to be heard as a poem. East recruited Dr. Steven Moore, associate professor of language and literature, Erin Daugherty, area coordinator of Sikes and A.B. Morris Hall, and Zach Carstens, junior Bible ministry major from College Station, to read the creation story and compose their own
poems to share with the class. The session will conclude with a Q&A panel to further enlighten the audience. On Tuesday morning, Amy McLaughlin-Sheasby, masters of divinity major from Atlanta, will lead a class called “The Colorful Portrait.” “The idea stems from a theological conviction of mine,” she said, “that when God created all of humanity in God’s image, that it implies I alone cannot ref lect the image of God, that I was intended to do that in the context of community.” McL aug h l i n-Shea sby said anyone interested
in race relations and reconciliation will enjoy her class. Students involved in the Justice and Urban Studies Team at CitySquare will be presenting their work in Dallas. Courtney Tee, sophomore communications major from Clear Lake, didn’t know until a few days ago she’d be presenting on Wednesday. Tee and several other JUST students will present their work with Design For Change, a program that operates within schools in the Dallas school district. Several JUST team members are taking a group of inner-city Dallas students on a trip to India, and Tee was asked to fill in last-minute as a presenter. “I think it will be almost cool that on Wednesday, we’ll get to say, ‘Hey, the original
Siburt Institute names new director jonathan ward staff reporter Dr. Carson Reed has been named director of the Siburt Institute for Church Ministry and vice president for church relations. Founded in 2012 in honor of the late Dr. Charles Siburt, the institute seeks to build and strengthen collaborative relationships between the university and churches. Reed, also the director of ministry programs, said he is looking forward to expanding the institute. “I feel very blessed to be invited into this role and see the growth and maturation of the Siburt Institute as a way for ACU to invest in and connect with congregations across the country,” Reed said. “I’m very excited to be in a po-
sition to see this growth take place.” Dr. Royce M o n e y , c h a nc el lor and former Reed p r e s i d e n t of the university, initially invited Reed to consider the position several months ago. Money has served as the interim director of the Siburt Institute since its inception. “(Dr. Reed) is absolutely the right man for the job,” Money said. “His extensive experience in church ministry and in higher education equips him well. The Siburt Institute is poised to do great things in the Kingdom under his leadership.” Reed said the institute is expanding its leadership programs as Elderlink, a
ministry that equips and the country,” he said. connects church leaders, launches new seminars contact ward at and forums in Lubbock, jtw12a@acu.edu Dallas, Washington, D.C., and Atlanta later in the academic year. These seminars will include special training for congregational leaders from churches across the country. Reed has more than 30 years of ministry experience and teaches as an assistant professor of practical theology. He believes he can blend his teaching and university experience with his ministry experience to better connect churches with the university. “What we want to do is continue to combine the resources of the university to help support, in a collaborative and encouraging way, the work and life of congregations across
Social media project could turn into business Hannah Null staff reporter Coffee Catz, an oncampus coffee delivery system, has been talked about on social media for the past week and has the potential to become a real, on-campus business. Coffee Catz was originally just an idea created by a group of students for their business class, Management Information Systems. The project was initially created to show the power social media can have for new and upcoming businesses. The group of creators consists of three students: Bailey Thomas, junior marketing and finance major from Lubbock, Cameron Bonifant, junior management major from Keller, and Hayden Free, junior marketing major from Midland. Free came up with the plan when the group was trying to brainstorm a good idea to turn in that would capture the attention of students. The name that stuck was Coffee Catz. After some collaboration, the group came up with a marketing plan and began advertising via
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We are going to work out all the small details and hopefully at the end of the class, Coffee Catz will be a real business available to students.” bailey thomas junior marketing major from lubbock
social media. They created a Facebook account as their home page and a Twitter and Instagram account to use as booster sites to direct people to their Facebook page for more information. The project’s goal of showing how fast social media can spread an idea was accomplished. Students quickly caught word of Coffee Catz with great interest. These social media sites drew many students to the business idea and reached many other business majors by word of mouth. However, it did not reach the rest of the ACU population. “Coffee Catz is just a class assignment,” Thomas said. “But if it gets enough publicity and a lot of students want it, we could actually get it running.” Due to its high expo-
sure, the project can be seen as an opportunity for the group to create an actual business. “There have been situations when our professor has done this project, at least one business gets started off of an idea,” Thomas said. “We are going to be working out all the small details and hopefully at the end of the class, Coffee Catz will be a real business available to students.” Some of these details include price, form of payment, location of delivery and a strong operating system. Thomas, Bonifant and Free are creating surveys that will be emailed to students. The surveys will collect data that will be used to address these small details and see if Coffee Catz is something that those on campus are interested in. “If they could find a way to use our Bean Bucks to pay for it, that would be really cool,” said Lakin Carpenter, sophomore kinesiology major from Austin. “I would definitely pay a little extra to have my coffee delivered.”
contact null at hln12a@acu.edu
JUST team couldn’t be here because they are in India taking low-income Design For Change students on a trip for a project they won with in a national competition,’” she said. In addition to sharing about the work with Design For Change, Tee wants to tie in Summit’s overall theme of Genesis to the presentation. “We’ve just finished talking about Genesis in our Bible class, and we’ve talked a lot about bringing order out of chaos,” Tee said. “That is what
we’ve seen happen in design for change. Order out of chaos is the work of the JUST team and, I would argue, that is the work of God.” There are more than 15 other students speaking at Summit this year. Their names and classes can be found on page five of the Summit handbook and on the Summit 2015 app, which can be downloaded from the iTunes Store. contact evans at ece12a@acu.edu
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JamFest lines up old and new performers abbey bowling staff reporter JamFest will take place at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 10 on the lawn outside of the Hunter Welcome Center during Homecoming week. Colby Hatchett, junior accounting and finance major from Fort Worth, helped run the two rounds of performance auditions— the second of which wrapped up on Thursday night—leaving a total of about 8-10 performers in the lineup. “We’re looking for genres all across the board,”
Hatchett said. “So, it should be fun to come and get the full diversity this year.” The show will feature several new performers as well as some familiar faces from previous festivals, such as Jake Hall, senior English education major from Springtown, who is set to play his third JamFest. “I keep coming back because I love the idea of giving on-campus musicians a chance to play for their home crowd and grow as performers,” he said. “You’re among favorable company when you play for the ACU crowd.” The festival will take
place next to the Homecoming carnival, as it has in years past, and is expected to draw some of the crowd to the show, such as ACU alumni and families from the community. The venue is small enough to feel comfortable and big enough to make the performers come out of their comfort zone, but there’s always room for more people in the audience. “Jamfest is a concert that is run by students, performed by students and performed mainly for students as well,” Hatchett said. “Our hope is that they
TENTATIVE 2014 JAMFEST LINEUP Shannon and Jake
Anthony and Jamie
Josh and Caroline
Morgan Jennings
Faith in Fire
Gabe, Kaileb, Savannah, and Hailey
Jake Hall
can come and get excited about seeing their fellow classmates and friends up there on stage actually performing.”
Be sure to go out and support friends, and be on the lookout for JamFest shirts which are available in the Campus Center.
contact bowling at jrc07d@acu.edu
SAAC sells TOMS for non-profit Anna koistenen staff reporter The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee will sell TOMS shoes in the Campus Center Oct. 9. The sale will take place during Homecoming week on World Sight Day as an initiative of the Southland Conference. The committee is made up of at least two student-athletes from each of the 14 different sports on campus. The shoes will be sold for $34.99, which is cheaper than most TOMS shoes sold online. “What we are doing is not only providing a shoe to students at a price cheaper for what they can get it in stores, but when ACU students buy shoes, they receive a pair, a pair is sent overseas and also a pair stays here in Abilene,” said Kyle Karnei, sophomore business major from Dallas. “Over thirty kids will receive a
new pair of shoes as a result of this event.” Karnei said the committee’s goal will be to make this into a largerscaled event than last year. “The biggest reason the students should get excited is that we are helping to change the lives of the less fortunate kids, especially the ones at New Horizon,” said Sylvia Barnier, committee advisor. “For every pair of TOMS we sell, we will outfit a child from New Horizon with a new much-needed pair of shoes. This initiative is one that is supported by the conference and one that we wholeheartedly embrace. It teaches us volunteerism and helps us to give back to the community not just in words but with our actions.” paige otway staff Photographer contact koistenen at ank13a@acu.edu
The home crowd for the Wildcat football game on Saturday breaks out the umbrellas at Shotwell Stadium.
Student company looks to expand Allison Barksdale staff reporter Three sophomore students founded the small apparel company, Republic Society, on campus and hope to expand to surrounding schools and cities. The company, founded by Bret Wheeless, Kevin Carroll, and Cade Allen operates under the motto “Classy. Patriotic. Unique.” Republic Society was started at the beginning of the semester. Wheeless attributes the company’s success at ACU to his promoters spreading the word, or, as he likes to call them, his “representatives.” “Republic Society is about power to the people, and we want students to feel like they’re part of society when they buy a shirt,” said Wheeless, sophomore management major from Frisco. Carroll, sophomore
management major from Abilene, said the company recently broke even and now the money they make is just going toward profit, with a percentage being donated to the Wounded Warrior Project. Allen, sophomore engineering major from Abilene, adds, “It makes sense to give back to the people who make America what it is.” Wheeless also credits Republic Society’s success to Ten:Nine Designs, a locally owned company that has helped them out tremendously by making their shirts. It is through receiving a good “deal” that they are able to keep the cost of the shirts low, Wheeless said. The trio emphasizes the importance of the shirts being unique and humorous. Last year, inspiration to design a shirt featuring former president George W. Bush cam from Cha-
pel. A picture of President Bush was shown on the screens and students started applauding and cheering. Wheeless and partners had the idea to make a shirt with President Bush on it because many students love President Bush, Wheeless said. Humor isn’t the only type of shirt they make, though. They have also designed a simple shirt with the state of Texas on the back for people who want to celebrate the state. As the partners begin testing the market at ACU, they said they hope to expand their business to other universities, such as Texas Tech and Texas Christian University. The expansion will require 10 to 15 promoters on those campuses, and Republic Society seeks to make that goal a reality. contact barksdale at jrc07d@acu.edu
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Department renames family studies major Elijah Evans staff reporter The family studies major was renamed last spring, and it was officially cataloged as the child and family services degree this fall. The Department of Marriage and Family Studies renamed the program to better represent the spirit of the degree. Because family studies is a multi-disciplinary field, the department believes the name change will now clearly communicate
the department’s ethos. “In many ways, the change in name is more about communicating to prospective students and parents what you can do with the degree after graduation,” said Dr. Jamie Goff, chair of the Department of Marriage and Family Studies. Goff said the new name, child and family services, is commonly used in other family science programs; they discovered this after benchmarking other programs nationwide. Goff also
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What we found was that many people said ‘What is family studies?’ They didn’t really have any idea what that meant, which is a problem.” Dr. Jamie Goff Chair of the department of marriage and family studies
hopes it will help inform students across campus of the nature of the program. “What we found was that many people said, ‘What is family studies?,’” Goff said. “They didn’t really have any idea what that meant, which
is a problem.” In addition to semantic changes, the program has altered admission requirements. Dr. Kenneth Cukrowski, dean of the college of biblical studies, said Goff spearheaded the changes
which added criteria for admission to the program. “We did add some admissions criteria to the program with regard to GPA requirements,” Goff said. The new admissions requirements include: at least 45 hours completed with a cumulative GPA of 2.25, completion of FAM 251, 265 and 285 with a grade of C or better, and to maintain admission status, majors must receive a grade of C or higher in all majors courses and maintain a GPA of 2.25 or higher.
The curriculum, however, was not altered due to the name change. Goff said changes have occurred in the past few years, but curriculum changes were not the result of this year’s name change. Goff said she hoped the new name would help students discover and identify with the values of the department, and in turn, the major. contact evans at ece12a@acu.edu
New Student life program SOARS throughout campus dystanie douglas staff reporter
Jarred Schuetze Staff Photographer
John Hodges leads Summit guests in worship during the opening session Sunday night in Moody Coliseum.
Auditions conducted for Sing Song hosts Elijah Evans staff reporter It may only be September, but auditions for Sing Song host and hostess begin this week, and 32 students have already signed up. The sign-up sheet is filling up, and Tom Craig, director of student activities and productions, estimates 50 students will sign up for auditions. Two rounds of auditions, which will take place on Sept. 29 and 30. “I love Sing Song, it’s a passion,” said Brantly Houston, senior advertising and public relations major from Abilene. “Being able to be a
part of it in that way, would be something I would love to do.” Houston has already signed up for auditions. Tom Craig said the auditions are a terrific experience for performanceoriented students. He encourages such students to audition their junior and senior years to become comfortable with a professional audition environment. “It’s a process used by a lot of professional agencies when they are casting shows,” said Craig of the audition process. Craig brings in outside judges who do not know the students, which enables
an unbiased judging process. This also ensures the students are judged solely on their performance and attributes displayed in the audition. “It rattles your nerves a little bit when you go through that process and you walk out on stage and you’re the only one, looking at a panel of judges that looks like America’s Got Talent,” Craig said. The auditioning students are not allowed to sing a cappella in the audition, but must choose some form of accompaniment. The most common forms of accompaniment are: a track, instrumental self-accom-
paniment, or instrumental accompaniment by a friend, said Craig. After the first round has concluded, Craig said there is usually a natural break in the scores. They give callbacks to the group above the natural break. The auditions are closed to the public to reduce stress and allow the participants to focus. The sign-up sheet is in Room 10 on the lower level of the Campus Center. Craig encourages any interested juniors and seniors to audition. contact evans at ece12a@acu.edu
Brown: best-selling author is Summit’s first woman preacher from page 1 “Other people may have been like me where they never thought of having a woman preacher but now they’ll see one with the kind of talent and years behind the pulpit that she’s had,” Bryce said. Bryce said while some people may have trouble adjusting to a woman preacher, he hopes they can find a way to look past that. “I hope that we as Christians have matured to the point where we realize that we see things differently and we practice things differently and that’s OK,” Bryce said. “Can we remain in dia-
“
Can we remain in dialogue and fellowship and together navigate a way forward together? Brady Bryce Director of SUmmit
logue and fellowship and together navigate a way forward together?” Jack Hodge, junior political science major from Dallas, said gender shouldn’t be a deciding factor in whether or not someone can speak at Summit. “If she knows what she’s talking about, it doesn’t matter to me if it is a boy or a girl speak-
ing,” he said. “It’s not a big deal.” Toni Allen, senior elementary education major from Waco, said she is excited there will be a female point of view among Summit speakers. “It’s moving ACU in a really good and positive direction that includes women in a nice, healthy way,” Allen said. Bryce said he can’t wait to see how Summit is enriched by Taylor’s preaching. “I’m hopeful that people will see how God has gifted all of his children and allow the body of Christ to let people use their gifts to build up and nurture the body of Christ
Summit: ‘Earthed’ theme focuses on Genesis from page 1 quire students to attend a session, others strongly encourage it. Noemí Palomares-Kern, instructor of Bible, offers her students the option to attend a session and bring a response to turn in. If they choose to do so, the grade for the response will replace a low quiz or homework grade. “I think that motivates them to choose one that they
want to go to and do it with more motivation than if it were another assignment,” she said. Dr. Phil Vardiman, professor of management sciences, said in the last few years he has started cancelling classes and requiring students to attend a lecture and turn in a summary of key items they learned that impacted them. He gives his students a list of forums, and they are to choose one to attend.
“They put a lot of work into Summit and bring in tremendous speakers,” Dr. Vardiman said. “I’m constantly looking for ways to integrate faith into my teaching and I believe this is a good way to do that while also supporting ACU Summit.”
contact olliver at cro12b@acu.edu
no matter what that ends up looking like,” he said.
contact thut at lct10a@acu.edu
The Office of Student Life has gone in a new direction in advising students with the name change of the previous SOS program to SOARS, Student Opportunities, Advocacy and Resources. The SOARS program matches students with available resources across campus and aims to focus on the many different programs on campus that are available to help students be successful. “So many students on our campus are unaware of the many programs that are offered on campus, and don’t ask,” said Bart Herridge, dean of student services and retention. “Our goal is to take students who are recommended to talk to someone in our program and talk about the things that could be helpful for them.” Herridge said Student Life is trying to shift the focus of the the program to a more positive message about empowering and partnering with students to be more successful. The office plans to take this new direction to show students they are in the journey with them together and they are walking alongside them every step of the way. “We are really intently trying to shift this program to help students get plugged in the right places,” Herridge said.
Most of the recommendations for the program came from faculty and staff members who felt like students needed more guidance. But parents, and students, can also refer students to get connected with the program. “Every semester we have a number of students who hear about the program from a friend or had a conversation with somebody from our program,” Herridge said. “It’s not really a program that you become a part of and then are a part of it permanently. It’s mostly just short conversations because we are trying to get you plugged into places that can better give you the help that you need.” Despite traffic brought in by word of mouth, many students are still unaware of the program and the services it offers. “I had no idea that service was available,” said Alcide Bennett, freshman informational technology major from Marshall. “Now that I do know about it, I’ll be sure to pass on the information.” No application is required to receive help through the program, and if you need assistance, or want to take advantage of what the program offers, contact the Student Life office.
contact douglas at dsd11b@acu.edu
Opinion
monday 09.22.14
6
WHERE IS YOUR MONEY GOING? See how SA allocates students’ money STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION FALL 2014 BUDGET Accounts Payable
Expenses
Appropriations Fund
3,000
Congressional Project Fund
5,000
Executive Cabinet Initiatve Fund
5,000
Marketing Fund
1,000
Class Allocations Freshman Sophomore Junior Senior
1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000
Accounts Payable Total 18,000
Student Organizations Budget Allocation
43,538
Executive Officer Salaries
17,200
Administrative Officer Salaries Operational Expenses Office Supplies Printing Expense Mailbox Line Items SA Retreat Student Discount Card
4,300 3,000 1,250 51.50 1,839.50 1,500
we ought to share exactly where all the money goes. The Editorial Board does not think students aren’t benefitting from the other $46,462 that wasn’t allocated to student organizations, but we do think we should all pay attention to how it is being spent. Last year, each class was allocated $500 for their class officers to spend on class events. There was also an additional $1,000 designated for class officer requests, meaning each class could obtain an extra $250, lev-
Org. Name
Requested
Granted
ACU Lacrosse
8,855
2,000
Block and Bridle
7,379
1,150
CEO Hispanos Unidos
17,575
6,000
5,023.50
4,046.50
6,333
3,700
11,800
1,000
4,464
2,450
ISA Society of Physics Students Wildcat Hockey
72,679
Total Expenses
editorial On Wednesday, the Students’ Association presented its proposal for the fall budget and passed it after making a few amendments. This year SA received $90,000 total from the university. Included in every student’s tuition is a fee that goes to SA. The idea is that, in turn, this money will be spent in ways that benefit students through SA. With this fall’s budget allocating less than half of its funds to student organizations, we think
Notable Student Organizations’ Requests and Grants
eling out at $750 per class. This year SA cut out the shared $1,000 pot and raised the class allocations by $500. Andrew Tate, SA treasurer, said they would like to put on better events out of SA. “Raising the class budget puts more pressure on officers to put on a good event,” Tate said. “Lack of resources is no longer an excuse.” While we hope that plan works and that we get $4,000 worth of good events, it hasn’t been the case in the past. What
“
With this fall’s budget allocating less than half of its funds to student organizations, we think we ought to share exactly where all the money goes.”
we’ve seen happen before is class officers waiting until the end of the semester and realizing they have cash that needs to be spent. Then they put together a random endof-the-year party or Slip ‘N Slide event that few
DAILY doodle dosage
Ben Todd
people attend. Here’s to hoping class officers step up their event-planning game. If it falls through again, we will advocate that the spring budget dissolve class funds altogether and give it to student organizations who have been putting on some of the same successful events every year. Another addition to the budget this year is a designated marketing fund of $1,000. Tate said they are hoping to increase the brand image of SA and gave Rudy Garza, the chief communications officer, $1,000 to help do that. While we would prefer that SA was aspiring to be more transparent than more marketable, we are still looking forward to seeing what Garza produces with the money and hope that maybe he can achieve both. Compared to last semester’s budget, $2,000 more was added to the congressional project fund and $3,000 was added to the cabinet initiative fund, with both accounts now totaling $5,000 each. Not only does this mean $5,000 less is given to student organizations than last semester, but
it means $5,000 more is given to funds that aren’t as clear with how it’s spent. The student organizations are required to break down their budgets line by line accounting for every T-shirt, tablecloth and doughnut they plan to buy during the semester. We think that congress and the executive cabinet should be held to the same standard. If they are going to take money away from student organizations, we should be informed of the other ways students will benefit from it. About $17,000 is designated for the executive officer salaries. It’s divided between the president, vice president, treasurer and executive administrator. A little more than $4,000 is designated for the administrative officer salaries. It’s divided between the chief communications officer and the chief financial officer. These positions require many hours of hard and often thankless work, but we’re calling attention to it so that students are aware of who they are paying to represent them. The SA officers have lots of great plans for this semester and the budget reflects that. We are looking forward to seeing what benefits students are able to reap from it.
contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
hashtagACU Sept. 12 1:47 a.m.
Sept. 21 1:00 p.m. Sept. 21 2:26 p.m.
I just got lost in Gardner trying to go back to my room so
@mckayallysha
They’re bringing back Drenched chapel. PTL #CoCgirl #thataccapellaworshiptho
@C_Pecky
Sept. 21 5:46 p.m.
So last night I was reading in the book of Numbers, and then I realized, I don’t have yours. #ACUPickUpLines #canIhaveyonumber
@ACUPickUpLines
Sept. 20 5:09 a.m.
To round out a solid bid night, I tripped off a curb (in front of squigs) and sprained my ankle.
@rileythannum Sept. 16 4:36 p.m.
Sept. 16 7:45 a.m.
I need like a week to recover from bid night. #exhausted #soworthithough
@VicCaroline321
There’s a group swing dancing in front of the library because we beat the nazis and all of the GIs have come home
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.
published by the department of journalism and mass communication editorial and management board
Address letters to: ACU Box 27892 Abilene, TX 79609 E-mail letters to: optimist@acu.edu
thank you to the random guy who helped me get my foot unstuck from the seat during the prayer in chapel #blessed
@keighyscally Sept. 21 12:18 p.m.
Pretty sure I have gained the freshmen 15 from my parents just being here for three days #feedthepoorstudent #whoops
Prof: “Where do federal bureaucracies recive power from?” Student: “God” *class laughs* *thunder claps in distance* #ACU
Sept. 15 10:43 p.m.
*buys Freshman Follies shirt, wears “ironically”*
@BrainOfJake
@caleb116orr
Sept. 17 3:18 p.m.
People walking out of the lecture hall and saying “WHAT IS THIS?!?” when they see it’s raining
GATA got 69 pledges and Siggies can’t even
@Drew_Schackmann @amanda_pinkston @Hannasuzanna
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
Sept. 17 3:45 p.m.
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Features
monday 09.22.14
Above: Sub T-16 pledges march as members order them forward during Bid Night festivities.
Mariana Cedillo sTAFf Photographer
Bid on It
Continued from Page 1: Social clubs initiate new pledges on Bid Night Sub-T 16 has 20 new pledges and Frater Sodalis is herding in 14 new “Brats.” Sarah Hendrix, president of Sigma Theta Chi, said she can’t wait to usher her 66 “Squigs” through the new pledging process. “Given the shorter time, I’m excited to see how the pledge class creates new ways to form relationships and become unified,” said
Hendrix, senior psychology major from Abilene. Ko Jo Kai is inducting 67 new “Nu-nus” while GATA is giving a warm welcome to 69 “Flames,” the biggest pledge class of the year. Kai Cremer, senior psychology major from Albuquerque, New Mexico, is president of GATA and said she already loves how onfire for GATA the new
pledges are. “Just after a few days with them, the GATAs and I can see how amazing, fun and unique this group of flames are and how passionate they are about GATA,” she said. Zeta Rho has four new “Z-Rho’s” and Alpha Kai Omega is saying “Kudos” to their 47 new pledges. Meghann McLeskey, president of AKO, said
pledging is a blessing she’s excited to see others participate in. “I know pledging was something that immensely shaped my walk with Christ, and I’m excited to see how He blesses our pledges through this process,” said McLeskey, senior nursing major from Burnet.
Emily Guajardo sTAFf Photographer
Above: Gamma Sigma Phi pledges hold watermelon pictures.
contact thut at lct10a@acu.edu
Alicia Adams sTAFf Photographer
Above: Squigs kneel down during Sigma Theta Chi’s pledging activities.
Above: Alpha Kai Omega KUDOs play a game with the Frater Sodalis Brats.
Alicia Adams sTAFf Photographer
Mariana Cedillo sTAFf Photographer
Mariana Cedillo sTAFf Photographer
Top:Moonies and Novas play a game of football during Galaxy’s Bid Night. Bottom: NuNus get all dressed up for Ko Jo Kai Bid Night.
Paige Otway sTAFf Photographer
Jarred Schuetze Cheif Photographer
Top: Two Novas participate in Galaxy’s Bid Night festivities. Bottom: A Trojan labels the Slavs’ shirts with an “S”.
news
Monday 09.22.14
8
Computer auction expects large crowd tommy evans online managing editor ACU will auction off used and surplus computers and electronics to the public at 1 p.m. Sept. 27 in Cullen Auditorium. Items available will consist of used computers, laptops and desktops, printers, servers and other electronics. Eric Lemmons, Help Desk manager for ACU, has run the computer auction since fall of 2012.
“The entire purpose of this is every three to four years, every machine on campus is replaced,” Lemmons said. “Those old machines come to us. We put a new image on them with their license, and then sell them at the auction.” The auction will contain around 400 computers, desktops and laptops from Dell and Macintosh, networking equipment, servers, printers and monitors. Lemmons, who will also serve as the auctioneer, has set no minimum
“
Every year it’s been proven to be an event both beneficial to the community and the university”
bid on any of the devices, meaning bidders can potentially come away with an amazing deal. Lemmons’ auction team consists of 12 people including himself, one full-time employee and 10
workers for this year’s auction. “This is my fourth year working the auction, and every year it’s been proven to be an event both benefikaileb holland cial to the community and senior information technologies major the university,” Holland from conroe said. Lemmons noted the student workers who will auction draws in a diserve as cashiers and gen- verse group of people from eral help to the public with around the immediate the devices. area and even from other Kaileb Holland, senior parts of the state. information technology “The people we get here major from Conroe, is one are a pretty good mix,” of the returning student Lemmons said. “We see
everyone from students and families in town looking for a good price to resellers from out of town.” “The auction requires an incredible amount of time and commitment to set up every year,” Holland said. “It brings in people from all over Central and West Texas who are looking for deals you won’t find anywhere else on quality equipment.” contact evans at tbe09a@acu.edu
Ebola: Kent Brantly continues to recover from page 1 said. Green said some of the family’s friends were nervous to interact with them, operated off of fear and pulled back. With the added pressure of the press, Green said the family had difficulty processing it all. “I would say their faith was not lost,” Green said. “They were solid and consistent in the hope and faith of the Lord.” As alarming news about Brantly’s health kept coming, family members reached out for help and prayers. Randy Harris, instructor and director of the College of Biblical Studies, said Brantly’s brother got in touch with him before he was to preach at Southside Church of Christ in Fort Worth – Brantly’s home church. “I was just basically asking him what he wanted me to say to the church,” Harris said. Brantly requested prayers for his colleague, Nancy Writebol, the second American infected with Ebola.
At the end of September, Brantly and Writebol’s health declined and an experimental serum was flown to them to ease the virus’s symptoms. Brantly requested the serum first go to Writebol, but as his health took a turn for the worse, he received the first injection. Days later, on Aug. 2, Brantly and Writebol found themselves on an aircraft from Liberia to the Emory University Hospital in Atlanta. Once in the isolation center of the hospital, Brantly and Writebol were able to see family and recover. As they talked in isolation and exchanged texts, Harris said Brantly related his situation to Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and said he wouldn’t stop praising God because of his circumstances. However, Brantly wasn’t ready to allow the United States to forget about the Ebola epidemic. Jumping back into the spotlight on the people’s behalf, Brantly continues to advocate for U.S. action against Ebola. On Sept. 17, he visited and
Photo courtesy of the white house
Dr. Kent Brantly and his wife Amber visited the White House to meet with President Obama about the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. talked with Congress and President Barack Obama about his first hand experience with the virus and the need for U.S. action. Brantly’s story is shared with hundreds of people each day as he and his family talk with reporters
from ABC, The Los Angeles Times, TIME Magazine, NPR and other publications. Houston said he was proud of his uncle and the mindset he maintained through the whole ordeal. “In a super high inten-
sity situation like that, it’s hard to keep throwing it back to faith,” he said. Harris said the media’s involvement was the same problem as Brantly’s dedication to God being challenged, but in a different context.
“It’s Kent story to tell, but I think he would say, ‘I’m just a big disciple of Jesus,’” Harris said.
contact JACKSON at BKJ12A@acu.edu
sports
monday 09.22.14
9
Volleyball goes 1-2 in Lone Star Showdown Daniel Zepeda sports Director The women’s volleyball team captured its second win of the season against Weber State in the Lone Star Showdown last weekend. After being swept in consecutive matches against Texas Tech and Air Force, the Wildcats were able to bounce back and sweep Weber State (25-22, 29-27 and 27-25). The match was relatively entertaining, as it featured 15 lead changes and 34 tie scores. ACU hit .192 for the game, dug 47 of the Weber State Wildcats’ 114 attacks and blocked 12.5 shots. Jennie Loerch, junior outside hitter from Georgetown, led all playjarred schuetze chief Photographer ers with a season high of 16 kills. Loerch was the ACU volleyball won its last game before conference play in straight sets. Volleyball is lone Wildcat selected 2-11 on the season.
to the All-Tournament team. Neely Borger, senior Amarillo, had a strong, well-rounded game with four kills on seven attempts and six blocks, one of which was a solo effort. Stephanie Schoelman, freshman outside hitter form Georgetown, had nine kills on the afternoon and added a game high of 12 digs. Lexi Mercier, sophomore middle blocker from Centennial, Colorado, added seven kills of her own, and Madison Hoover, junior libero from Flower Mound, had 11 digs in a winning effort. Weber State nearly forced a game four after scoring four consecutive points in game three to take a 24-23 lead, but Rachel Riley, senior right side hitter from Flower Mound, tied the score on match
point with the assist coming from Sarah Siemens, junior setter from Bakersfield, California. In the battle of the Wildcats, game two provided 16 tied scores as neither team was able to pull away for very long. ACU reached 25 points, coming off one of 10 Weber State serving errors in the game. The win puts ACU at 2-11 for the season, after going 1-2 during the Lone Star Showdown in Lubbock. The Wildcats now prepare for conference play, with the University of Central Arkansas next on the slate. The game will be at 7 p.m. Thursday in Moody Coliseum. It will be the volleyball team’s last home game until Oct. 16. contact zepeda at djz11a@acu.edu
Jarred schuetze head Photographer
Daniel Block, senior cross country runner from Dalmeny, Saskatchewan, Canada, understands he represents more than just the ACU on his singlet. He also runs for his country. The senior helped the Wildcats start the season off well, placing second in their first meet.
WRITER’S BLOCK
Senior runner sets sights on strong season Collin Thompson sports reporter Originally from Dalmeny, Saskatchewan, Canada, Daniel Block is a senior journalism major who writes for the Optimist and runs cross country and track. After transferring from the University of
Saskatchewan before the 2013-2014 school year, Block has been one of ACU’s best runners and looks to improve his skills as the cross country season progresses and track and field season begins in the spring. “Last year, I still ran well, but I didn’t run as well as I would have liked and as well as I think I could have,” Block said. “But, coming into this year, I’m already feeling faster and not only looking forward to the rest of cross country season but track season especially, which is what I specialize in, and really seeing what I can do this year.” Since he only started adjusting to an NCA A atmosphere a year ago, Block said he does his best to help lead the younger runners in the right direction. “I think the biggest thing I can do is lead by example,” Block said. “I’ve noticed a lot of guys coming in are so wrapped up in the college athletics aspect of it and they have everything down to a science. I’ve found over the years that, the more I let things happen around me and just take care of what I can take care of, I’m going to have more success than if I’m stressing over every little thing, so hopefully guys will be able to see that you can’t control everything and the only thing you can
“
I’ve found over the years that, the more I let things happen around me and just take care of what I can take care of, I’m going to have more success than if I’m stressing over every little thing, so hopefully guys will be able to see that you can’t control everything and the only thing you can control is what you do and the rest of it, just relax and let it happen. Daniel Block Senior cross country runner from Dalmeny, Saskatchewan, Canada
control is what you do and the rest of it, just relax and let it happen.” Coming from the Great White North, Block was involved with hockey, one of Canada’s two national sports, for 18 years, but after playing both hockey and running track his first year of university, he decided to devote all his attention to running. “If I was as good at hockey as I was at track, I’d be doing that, but I’ve come to really love track and just the fact that you control your own destiny in track and field,” Block said. “As hard as you work, you’re gonna get the results and you’re pushing your body to the limit and seeing what your body is capable of, which is something I find interesting and you find a real sense of achievement once you’re done.” Regardless of how his
collegiate career turns out, Block wants to use his running skills to bring honor to his home country. Helping the Wildcats’ men’s team take second place on Sept. 6 with 49 points in the West Texas College Open, Block came in fourth in the 8K with a time of 28:47, finishing first out of ACU runners. “Really my goal has always been to represent Canada at some international competition,” Block said. “Whether it’s Olympics, World Championships, World University Games, something like that. And there’s three national teams this summer, so my goal is to make it on to one of them and then hopefully build up for the Olympics and contact thompson at cnt13c@acu.edu
sports
sunday 09.22.14
Soccer goes 1-1 in Southland games daniel zepeda sports director The soccer team opened up conference play this weekend with exciting games against Sam Houston State and Houston Baptist. The Wildcats took the first game against the Bearkats in Huntsville after scoring two secondhalf goals for the 3-2 win. Then, a scoreless game against the Huskies that went into overtime did not favor the Wildcats, as HBU was able to find the back of the net in extra time to take a 1-0 victory over ACU. The Wildcats started off Southland Conference play against Sam Houston State Friday night. The teams headed into halftime tied at one goal each. Tiffany Ysassi, senior defender from Las Vegas, tied the game for the Wildcats after an assist by Chantal Kinsey, freshman defender from Allen, putting ACU on the
minute and again the 75th minute, putting them up by two. Chloe Fifer, freshman midfielder from McKinney, scored off a cross-field pass from Natalie Throneberry, sophomore forward from McKinney. Baylee Mitchell, freshman forward from Flower Mound, scored her fifth goal of the season later in the half, giving the Wildcats a secure lead. “I think the biggest factor that led to our win was the hard work and effort we gave on the field,” Mitchell said. “Everyone was working for each other the whole game, and we also finished the chances we had in front of the goal.” Sam Houston would paige otway Staff Photographer make things interesting down the stretch, howevJunior Lindsey Jones fights for possession for ACU. er, finding the back of the net in the 82nd minute on board. mentally and physically, a brilliant solo effort by “Our team is learning so determination and Shelby McDaniel, cutting to finally come together hard work definitely led the lead to one. and play for each other,” to the win.” SHSU would receive a Ysassi said. “We are turnIn the second half, number of chances late ing to each other both ACU scored in the 48th in the game to tie, but
the Wildcats’ defense held strong to secure the team’s first conference win of the year. Sunday afternoon, the Wildcats traveled to Houston to face HBU. The game would head into overtime as neither team was able to crack the scoreboard. In the 95th minute, the Huskies broke the lead on a penalty kick goal to go ahead and held the ‘Cats for the win. Kelsey Dombrowski, sophomore goal keeper from Fort Worth, followed up her seven-save effort against Sam Houston with a career-high 10 saves against HBU. She faced 10 shots on goal and 20 shots overall as her effort was crucial in keeping ACU in the game. ACU sits at 4-6 on the year with a 1-1 conference record. The Wildcats will play Nicholls State at noon Friday at Shotwell Stadium. contact zepeda at djz11a@acu.edu
10
standings football Standings
Team
Div.
ACU Lamar SFA MSU NSU
1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-1
SELA HBU UCA SHSU Nicholls St. UIW
Ovrl 2-2 3-1 3-1 1-1 2-2 2-2 1-2 1-3 0-2 0-4 0-4
soccer Standings
Team
Div.
SELU 2-0-0 SFA 1-0-0 ACU 1-0-0 Lamar 1-0-0 Nicholls St. 1-0-1 MSU 1-0-1 SHSU 1-0-1 UCA 0-0-0 HBU 0-0-0 UIW 0-0-1 NSU 0-0-2 TAMU-CC 0-0-2
Ovrl 9-0-1 5-0-2 4-0-5 3-0-5 5-0-4 3-5-1 2-7-0 4-2-1 1-5-1 0-0-8 3-0-7 1-4-2
volleyball Standings
Team
Div.
UCA MSU SHSU SFA TAMU-CC HBU Nicholls St. UIW NSU SELA ACU Lamar NO
1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-1
Ovrl 5-7 9-5 7-6 7-7 8-8 5-9 4-9 4-9 3-10 2-9 2-11 0-12 5-8
Who’s Hot Freshman linebacker Sam Denmark recorded his first two career interceptions Sam Denmark Saturday in the Wildcats’ 21-0 win over conference rival Incarnate Word. The freshman also added six total tackles.
briefings The ACU football team won its first Southland game since returning to FCS level play. ACU soccer also won its first game of the Southland season pushing them to 4-5 on the season. Running backs Herschel Sims and De’Andre Brown should return from injury this week. Sims suffered a concussion and Brown sprained a ligament in his knee during the game against Troy. Be sure to follow @OptimistSports on Twitter for more stories and the latest ACU sports news coverage.
Upcoming paige otway Staff Photographer
Top: Rain did not stop Wildcat Reign from cheering on ACU on Saturday. Bottom left: Sophomore running back Adrian Duncan had 54 rushing yards in ACU’s win over UIW, 21-0. Bottom right: Senior wide receiver Demarcus Thompson moves the ball down the field after a reception.
Wildcats clobber Cardinals collin wieder sports editor The ACU football team shut out its first opponent in two years Saturday afternoon in a rainy, humid Shotwell Stadium, 21-0, against rival Incarnate Word. The win was the Wildcats’ first against a Southland Conference team since their return to the FCS. The Wildcats improved to 2-2 overall and 1-0 in conference while the Cardinals dropped to 0-4 overall and 0-1 in conference on the 2014 season. ACU’s offense went
for over 400 yards for the third game this season, including another multitouchdown-pass game for sophomore quarterback Parker McKenzie. McKenzie went 21-for33 for 329 yards and two touchdowns. The receiving corps had three receivers with four or more catches. Junior Jace Hudson led the way with six catches for 120 yards and a touchdown. Junior wide receiver Cedric Gilbert continued his great connection with McKenzie as they connected for their fourth touchdown this season. He had five catches for 92 yards and a touchdown
on the day. Gilbert is the only ACU receiver to have a touchdown in every game. “I thought he did really well,” head coach Ken Collums said. “But he missed throws today that he didn’t miss in other games.” The running game struggled without starter Herschel Sims and running back De’Andre Brown. The Wildcats relied on sophomore Adrian Duncan, who carried 20 times for 54 yards. Redshirt freshman running back Randy Gober also added 11 carries for 26 yards and a touchdown on the ground. The Wildcats even had to rely
on tight end Jonathan Parker to carry the ball two times for 10 yards. Special teams struggled on the rainy field with sophomore kicker Nik Grau missing three field goals on the day. Grau had not missed a field goal all year and had missed only one over his entire career entering play Saturday against the Cardinals. The kickoff team also allowed a 48-yard return in the game as well. On the defensive side of the ball, the Wildcats allowed only 133 yards of offense and forced two turnovers from Incarnate Word. Freshman linebacker Sam Denmark
was responsible for forcing both turnovers as he recorded the first two interceptions of his career. “It’s incredible. I mean, you don’t get interceptions like that,” Denmark said. “And I only experienced that one time in high school.” The team also had six tackles for losses including two sacks. Senior linebacker Lynn Grady led the team with nine tackles on the day. Incarnate Word was forced to punt eight times as the Wildcat defense gave up only 2.5 yards per play. contact wieder at cpw11a@acu.edu
Women’s Volleyball plays its first Southland Conference game of the season against the University of Central Arkansas. The match will start at 7 p.m. on Thursday in Moody Coliseum. Women’s soccer plays at home against conference opponent Nicholls State University at 12 p.m. on Friday. The cross country team heads to Stillwater, Oklahoma for the Cowboy Jamboree. The meet starts at 8 a.m. Saturday. The football team travels to Houston to take on Houston Baptist this Saturday at 7 p.m.