Out of Africa Conways leave life in Kenya for school
vol. 103, no. 29
wednesday, january 14, 2015
1 SECTION, 8 PAGES
Feature Page 5
what’s INSIDE NEWS Intoxication at UP and other crime updates from Christmas break Page 3
SPORTS ‘Cats dominate and improve to 2-0 in conference
Page 8
OPINION Tiffany & Co. makes a statement with their first engagement ad featuring a same sex couple Page 6
NEWS Student ambassador program continues to grow Page 3
emily guajardo staff Photographer
ACU Police and the Abilene Police Department practiced emergency responses inside Chambers Hall over Christmas break.
Cops storm Chambers in training brittany jackson managing editor
OPINION Gas prices are unbelievably low, but we believe it doesn’t have the best results
Page 6
Chambers Hall was full of action during winter break with forced entries, low-scale explosions and hostage situations. The ACU Police Department and the Abilene Police Department organized a full-scale training operation on Jan. 7-8 in the building slated for demolition, calling in specially trained groups like the SWAT team, cri-
copy editor
Track starts season this week with A&M invitational
Page 7
NEWS More nightlife business moves to downtown Abilene
Page 4
what’s online
Colby Elizabeth McDaniel, an ACU freshman and lifelong Fort Worth resident, died unexpectedly in her home the morning of Dec. 21, 2014. Colby had recently celebrated her 19th birthday on Oct. 12 and seemed to be in perfect health before she died, family members said. She was pronounced dead at 10:37 a.m. at a hospital after being found unresponsive in her home. Her cause of death is still undetermined. A 2014 graduate of
Check out this week’s JMC Newscast with Laura Benson
Read more at acuoptimist.com
might break.” ACUPD roped off the Chambers building to set up for the two training days filled with four hours of exercises, the first day dealing with active shooter simulations, generic SWAT training and breaching doors with pry tools, forcible entry and explosive entry. Almost every ACUPD officer was able to simulate the active shooter event, reviewing their training on building searches, active shooter
formations, hostage situations and containment. Ellison said involving the APD helped simulate as realistic of a situation as possible, and encouraged communication between his officers and the APD officers continuing the long-standing practice of joint training. The second day focused on APD’s bomb unit which used one of its high-tech robots to blast open doors with its highsee police page 7
Southwest Christian School, McDaniel came to ACU in the fall as a music major and performer in the University Chorale. Gifted with a beautiful voice and a talent for acting, she spent much of her life performing in musical theater and choirs. She was planning on performing in the freshman act at Sing Song this spring. Colby’s death occurred on the same day as the wedding of her cousin, Garrett Jones. Garrett’s sister, Haley Jones, was close to McDaniel and said the support of family, friends and community was the only thing that got her through the
day. That same community support has helped her and Colby’s sister, Taylor Jones, in returning to school and celebrating Colby’s life while mourning her loss. “The support that I got from people at the wedding was from a lot of our friends and family, people from the ACU community and people from home, just people from all over who had come to wedding, so that was really cool,” Jones said. “But also, later when I posted on the Siggie Facebook page what had happened, I immediately started see McDAniel page 7
photo courtesy of taylor McDaniel
Colby McDaniel was a freshman at ACU.
SBCs make comeback on smaller scale rachel fritz
VIDEO
in this simulation, the officers didn’t have to worry about harming the building. ACUPD Police Chief Jimmy Ellison, said Scot Colley, executive director of construction and risk management, made the building accessible to the officers. Planning immediately pursued. “It allowed us to, if we had to, do what we would in a real-life situation,” Motz said. “We were allowed to use tools without worrying what we
Students mourn loss of Colby McDaniel emily seidel
SPORTS
sis negotiation team and bomb squad. “These kinds of attacks have become more frequent in institutions in our country, which demands a quick response and people who are well trained,” said ACUPD Lt. Randy Motz said. “You only get one chance at it, and you better make it right.” The simulation is not uncommon for ACUPD or APD, with one or two similar simulations scheduled each year. However,
copy editor Spring Break Campaigns have returned, though they are structured differently and are on a much smaller scale. SBCs began in 1976 when a group of ACU students went to Guatemala in response to an earthquake. The program transformed over the years into a multi-city, multi-country mission effort. Last year, confusion struck as the SBC program was tossed around
between the Center for Christian Service and Leadership and the Halbert Institute for Missions. In lieu of the campaigns that involved hundreds of students, the CCSL facilitated a local alternative, Service in the City. Three years ago, Mary Beth Cuevas, associate director for ACU Leadership Camps, was appointed as adviser for SBCs but played a small role planning the trips. This year, she is one of four faculty and staff members who have teamed with students to travel to four
destinations with ACU. “As an adviser, I attended one of the Chapels just to have an adult there,” Cuevas said. Cuevas was then asked to take a larger role in the program, but the timing proved to complicate things. “They wanted me to do them after all of the hoopla (last year),” she said. “Then, nobody signed up. It was kind of struggling.” Now, Cuevas has teamed up with Laura Combs, junior early childhood education major from Cedar Park and
Abilene Christian University
president of Treadaway Kids, to plan a campaign to Houston. “We are working with alumni at each site,” Cuevas said. “I’m working with some alumni in Houston to kind of plan it. Basically, alumni are planning it but with my input.” Cuevas, also the adviser of Treadaway Kids, approached Combs about the opportunity to help plan the campaign to Houston. “I went to Laura when I found out we’d be working with kids because that’s one of her passions,
so I asked her if she would help me with it,” she said. Each of the four campaigns will focus on helping the communities that each group travels to. Jake Hall, senior second grade education major from Springtown, is in charge of the Denver campaign with Jan Meyer, dean for student development and executive director of the Center for Christian Service and Leadership. “We’re still nailing down specific plans, but we’re planning on going see SBC page 3
Wednesday 1.14.15
14
15
wednesday
16
thursday
17
friday
7 p.m. Women’s basketball game at McNeese State
2
saturday
11 a.m. Men’s basketball game versus Stephen F. Austin State University
Last day to register for class Women’s tennis tournament
2 p.m. Women’s basketball game versus Stephen F. Austin State University
Track meet at Texas A&M 11 p.m. BSA Skate Night at the Skatin Place
Chapel checkup To date:
Remaining:
3 70 @acuoptimist
Around Abilene Jan. 15
Jan. 15
Jan. 16
Jan. 16
10 a.m. Keith Carter: Ordinary Mysteries opens at the Grace Museum. Lauded as a transcendental realist, east Texas native,Carter is an internationally acclaimed photographer whose work has been exhibited in over one hundred solo exhibitions in thirteen countries.
8 p.m. American Aquarium concert at the Silo, located at 5477 S 7th. Cost is $8.
7:30 p.m. Hairspray, Jr.premiers at the Historic Paramount Theatre. The musical, based on the film and hit stage musical of the same name has been adapted for young performers as part of the MTI Broadway Junior Collection. It is a show that celebrates diversity and brings audiences to their feet with its positive message and uproarious sense of humor.
11 a.m. “Studio 1 and Studio 2” exhibit opens at the Center for Contemporary Arts. Russell Ellison and Linda Murray have occupied the two largest artist studios at the Center for the past 11 years. Fulltime artists, working on their craft, giving each other feedback on works in progress, mentoring young artists and developing an enduring friendship. This retrospective celebrates their long-time collaboration.
The Optimist optimist@acu.edu Announcements The Shinnery Review is now accepting run Feb. 6-7, 13-14 and 20-21 in Fulks submissions of original works through Theatre at 7:30 p.m. There will be a talkMarch 1. Email all submissions to shin- back on Feb. 13. Tickets are $15. nery@acu.edu. Abstract submission is now open for the The ACU Theatre winter musical is The Undergraduate Research Festival on Marvelous Wonderettes, a show about March 31. Submissions are due by Jan. four girls in high school in 1958. It will 30.
BSA is hosting their biannual event, Skate Night. Come out to the Skatin Place from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. and enjoy and fun night of music, friends and skating! The theme is superheroes. Wear your best superhero attire and skate with us. The cost is $5.
Service Action Leadership Team is now accepting applications for Spring 2015. Members meet weekly to serve in the Abilene community. Visit facebook. com/serveACU or email mr.mortonsalt@ gmail.com to apply.
Volunteer Opportunities Big Brothers Big Sisters “Lunch Buddy” program is looking for volunteers. Each volunteer is matched with an elementary-age child. Volunteers spend just 30 minutes per week eating lunch with their “little brother” or “little sister” at local elementary schools, while mentoring through the simple act of friendship. Participants can enjoy playing card games, reading books and visiting during lunch. Each volunteer can choose their own “lunch buddy day” that fits best with their schedule. 138 children are on the waiting list. Contact Jamie Bearden at 325-6743113 or jbearden@bbbstx.org for more information.
Kingdom Kids (Beltway Park Baptist Church) is looking for assistance with Sunday morning activities for Kingdom Kids (physically and emotionally challenged children). 5-6 volunteers are needed. Contact: Sharla Sanders at beltwaykids@beltway.org for more information.
Communities in Schools needs 1020 reading and lunch buddies at Ortiz Elementary. Volunteers are needed anytime between 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. weekdays. Contact Sheila Ashford at 325-671-4945 ext.5351 or sheila.ashford@abileneisd.org for more information.
REACH @ Abilene North Apartments is seeking volunteers. Volunteers will be a part of building relationships with at-risk kids and their families through a unique and developing apartment ministry. The program takes place Mondays from 4:30 p.m.-6 p.m. Contact Caroline Thompson at 281-782-2956 or crt12a@acu.edu for more details.
Friends for Life needs volunteers to work with the elderly and people with disabilities, focusing on those that don’t have family or friends to care for them. Some live in nursing homes and some live independently. For nursing home clients, we have friendly visitation, reading to the blind, entertainment, playing games, help writing letters, special holiday recognition, adopt a grandparent and Gifts for Grannies and Grandpas at Christmas. For those living independently, we have minor household repairs, transportation to the grocery store or doctor appointments, running errands, reassurance calls, change light bulbs and mow lawns. Dates and times are flexible and able to work around students’ schedules. Contact Cecilia Barahona at 325-672-2635 or cecilia@friendsforlife.org for more information. Girl Scouts is seeking volunteers to help make a difference in the life of young girls. Girl Scouts offers several flexible ways to volunteer. You choose how: a one-day event, six-week series or year-round troop! Volunteer positions are ongoing and varied. Contact the Michelle Lawson in the Girl Scout Office for current opportunities at 325670-0432 and mlawson@gs-top.org. Keep Abilene Beautiful is looking for volunteers to help with litter cleanups. Small and large groups are both needed. Contact Nicole Eaves at 325734-3301 and nicole.eaves@abilenetx. com for more information.
Meals on Wheels Plus, Inc. is looking for volunteers to help deliver meals to the elderly and home-bound in Abilene, and to volunteer in their kitchen or pantry. Contact: Jessica Stewart at 325-672-5050 or volunteer@ mealsonwheelsplus.com for additional information.
Special Olympics is seeking volunteers for two upcoming events. The first is September 26-27. They will be hosting a Bocce Ball tournament at Centennial Park. 20 volunteers per day are needed to keep score, hand out medals, escort athletes and cheer! The second event is November 6-8. They are hosting a bowling tournament at the Abilene Bowling Lanes. 30-35 volunteers are needed per day to sit with the athletes at the lanes, make sure each athlete bowls on his/her turn and handle issues of stuck balls and lane malfunctions. Contact Luann Chastain at 325-677-3200 or lchastain@sotx.org to volunteer. The Alliance for Women and Children is seeking volunteers for after-school child care for Pre-K-5th grade children, 6th-8th grade children and A-Teens Middle School Girls Program. For more information about times and location, contact Toni Brown at 325-677-5321 or info@afwconline.org. The International Rescue Committee in Abilene needs your help in welcoming refugees to our community. We are seeking the following donations: hygiene and cleaning supplies, bed linen, towels and kitchen items (dishware, silverware, pots/pans etc). Donations are accepted Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 2-4 p.m. or by appointment. Their office is located at 3303 N. 3rd St. Suite D. For more information contact Marie-Pascale Manishimwe at 325-675-5643.
Love and Care Ministries is looking for volunteers to help with sorting clothing, stocking their food pantry, assisting in prayers in their prayer room and serving food to the homeless. For more information call 325-670-0246.
The Food Bank of West Central Texas needs volunteers to help sort and stock food and other items Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. The Food Bank is located at 5505 N. 1st St. For more information contact Janice Serrault at 325-695-6311 or abfoodbk@camalott.com.
Volunteers are needed to help with daily activities organized by the staff at Chisholm House. This could involve playing board games, helping with arts and crafts and helping with a walking club. For some of these tasks volunteers may be asked to lead a group or work alongside a staff coordinator. Volunteer opportunities are from 2-4 p.m. or 6-8 p.m. daily. Contact Larissa Blankenship at 817-578-9296.
The Christian Service Center is seeking volunteers to help with filing requests for items such as clothing and bedding from the donation center, sort and organize donations and occasionally pick up donated items. Volunteers are needed every weekday and the first Saturday of each month between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. and 1-4 p.m. For more information, contact Roberta Brown at 325-673-7561 orrobertabrown51@hotmail.com. For more information on the program visit http://www.uccabilene.org/ministries/csc. htm.
The Noah Project is seeking volunteers to help with tasks such as answering phone calls, providing child care and doing maintenance and housekeeping. To volunteer call 325-676-7107. The Betty Hardwick Center is seeking volunteers for the Human Resources Center to help with filing and organizing. This job requires someone with attention to detail who wishes to learn more about Human Resources. The job is open Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. To volunteer, please contact Martin Walker at 325-690-5235 or mwalker@bhcmhmr.org. House of Faith is an organization that seeks to take Jesus to neighborhood children. Volunteers are needed to help with the various programs they do throughout the week. Backyard Bible studies are hosted Mondays and Wednesdays and a youth program takes place on Thursday evenings. The organization is seeking volunteers who can commit to a specific day a week. House of Faith lasts from 3-5:30 p.m. To volunteer or for more information contact Amy Jeffers at abj09a@acu.edu or call 832-331-5324. Breakfast on Beech Street is seeking volunteers to help set up, prepare and serve breakfast to homeless/lower income folks any Monday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday at 5:30 a.m. or Tuesdays at 5 a.m. B.O.B.S. is located at First Christian Church on 3rd Street and Beech Street Service times must be scheduled in advance. To serve on Mondays contact Jody Depriest at 325-669-3312 or jody.depriest@gmail. com. To serve on Tuesdays contact Allen Daugherty at 325-660-6949 or ale.al@ suddenlink.net. To serve on Wednesdays, contact Jane Harvey at 325-695-0092 or jharvread@aol.com. To serve on Thursdays, contact Margaret Beasley at 325-692-4149 or mbeasley5@suddenlink.net. To serve on Fridays contact Terry Stremmel at terry. stremmel@acu.edu.
The Salvation Army is looking for volunteers for a variety of needs such as sorting and pricing items in the thrift store, helping in the kitchen and/or doing yard work. Times are flexible and volunteers are needed Monday-Saturday. The Salvation Army is located at 1726 Butternut St. For more information, contact J.D. Alonzo at 325-677-1408 or visit www.satruck.com. Meals on Wheels Plus needs volunteer drivers to deliver afternoon meals to seniors and adults with disabilities MondayFriday between 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Drivers must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license. Training is provided. For more information contact Samantha Barker at 352-672-5050 or visit http://mealsonwheelsplus.com. Christian Ministries Food Pantry needs volunteers to help with tasks such as cleaning up, stocking shelves and bagging flour. They are seeking students who can make a commitment of 1 to 3 hours a week. For more information contact Becky Almanza at 325-673-5295 or balmanza7@sbcglobal.net. The Center for International Education is looking for one male and one female volunteer to serve as conversation partners with ACU scholars who are looking to improve their English language skills. Volunteers will be required to spend one hour a week practicing conversation. The day, time, and location are up to the students to decide. For more information or to volunteer, contact Leanne Moore at 325-674-2821 or lmm10b@ acu.edu. For additional volunteer opportunities visit: www.acu.edu/campusoffices/ccsl/ ministry-service/volunteer-opportunities/
3
news
Wednesday 1.14.15
ACUPD remains busy over break lived there and that they were out of town,” Ellison said. Upon arrival, the offiACU Police Department cer on duty found someresponded to a variety of one inside who was in calls on and around cam- possession of marijuana. pus over the break while The suspect was not most students were out of an ACU student but “had town. a connection to a current A 33 year old male was student who lived in the arrested for public intoxi- house,” Ellison said. cation at 12:13 a.m. on It was a relatively quiet Christmas Eve at the University Park apartments. break other than the few ACUPD responded to sevburglaries.” eral calls and found him walking around, disoriented and alone, though Jimmy Ellison it appeared he might have ACUPD Police Chief been in a fight, said ACU Chief of Police Jimmy Ellison. He was arrested on a charge of public intoxicaBecause of the amount tion at the scene. of the substance found, In addition to incidents the crime is considered a on campus, ACUPD has felony rather than a misresponded to several calls demeanor. The suspect in the area surrounding was arrested and the macampus, many of them terials seized. The investithe result of students be- gation is still ongoing. ing out of town and leavACUPD, along with the ing behind empty houses Abilene Police Departand apartments. ment, is currently investi“ACUPD received a call gating a series of burglarabout suspicious behav- ies that took place over ior, where someone was the break. Most of them inside a house that didn’t occurred over a few days belong there. The caller and within a small area. knew that ACU students ACUPD sent out an email
Abby runnels page 2 editor
“
advisory to students, urging them to check with their landlords to make sure nothing had been stolen while they were away. “Locking doors and quality security are important when renting a house,” Ellison said. Despite these few calls, the amount of crime over the break was not out of the ordinary. “It was a relatively quiet break other than the few burglaries,” Ellison said. Once students started arriving back for the spring semester, ACUPD began to respond to calls concerning students on campus. A student in Mabee Hall was arrested for possession of marijuana last Friday night, after officers received a call from the Mabee staff about an odor. A student was found in possession, arrested and booked into the Taylor County Jail. They are being referred to the school administration for action regarding conduct. Emily guajardo Staff Photographer contact runnels at anr11a@acu.edu
Students eat breakfast and play games at Midnight Breakfast in the World Famous Bean on Dead Day.
Dress code requirements affect local business catherine blakemore arts editor The Abilene Independent School District’s dress code requirements this year have negatively affected the business of local retailers in revenue and inventory. For the 2014 - 2015 school year, the AISD has implemented a standardized dress code for the middle schools in the district. With the dress code change, the Abilene retailers need the inventory for the standardized dress
requirements. Though it is expected that, due to the small range of students needing standardized dress, revenue and inventory may not be highly affected, stores have needed to adjust their display since mid-July without sufficient planning time. Local retailer Bealls suffered from the change due to the lack of communication from the AISD of what they needed. “It didn’t go that well because we didn’t have the sizes we needed for the middle
school,” said Stella Mena, manager at the Bealls on Grape Street (North Side). “They only sent us information for the elementary sizes. We got three to four cases we have been unable to sell.” The AISD suggested a few major retailers from the Abilene area that will provide the standardized dress needed for the new dress code. The various stores ranged from Bealls to Dillards to Walmart to Old Navy. The challenge for most retailers in the area is that
the school district contacted them after stock for the year had been ordered, making it difficult on most retailers to purchase more and put it in store. “We are doing our best to keep it in stock,” said Jesse Knowles, store manager of Old Navy. “It was really hard during back to school. When the school district went to uniforms, most retailers already had bought their stock.” Though Old Navy will carry the clothing throughout the year and are rec-
ognized as a standardized uniform retailer, had AISD prepared for the dress code earlier, stores would have had an easier time getting the inventory. Old Navy, among other retailers will have more standardized dress inventory for the New Year and holiday season to prepare for more sales. Despite the negative effect on those two local retailers, Walmart has been able to keep up with the uniform and has not seen as detrimental of an effect.
“We can’t give any figures out but I don’t know that I’ve seen an effect,” said Les Lott, store manager. “We were worried about it earlier during the year. We sell [the uniforms] in girls wear and boys wear and the departments haven’t been effected, but categories within might be down but overall the departments haven’t seen a change.”
contact blakemoret at crb13a@acu.edu
news
Wednesday 1.14.14
4
Nightclubs bring life to downtown Abilene of consumers looking for something more. In a mile radius on any given night in downtown Abilene, one Saturday night in Abilene, can choose to try somethe doors to new and old thing new between The Mill businesses open up to wel- Winery, Abi Haus, the Neon come in the steady stream Parrot or go back to older
Catherine Blakemore arts editor
establishments like Barley Hoppers and Fat Boss’s Pub. The opening of a particular type of nightclub is occurring in Abilene, a type that embraces the higher end of entertainment and is a welcome change to the existing locations and concert venues. Moderately new places like The Mill Winery, Neon Parrot Lounge and the Winery at Willow Creek have embraced a different type of night entertainment. Many former favorites like Barley Hoppers, Fat Boss’s Pub and Chelsea Street Pub are now outranked by this newer entertainment. The trend toward the dress-up, chic atmosphere, not-your-normalnight out type of bar has begun to emerge in Abilene. Abilene Christian University alum and Texas A&M graduate, Andrea Schwikhard Robinson took
over a former event center, renamed it The Majestic and opened up “swanky” new concert venue, the Neon Parrot Lounge, this November. “What we have in terms of live music in Abilene is primarily a lot of Texas country and they play at grimy bars around town and some are even big name country musicians that come through and play,” said Robinson. “We try and raise the standard for what you can do and how you should dress. We have a lot of jazz and blues on the calendar right now.” These places are breaking ground on the type of nightlife that will succeed in Abilene to attract a niche market where the market seemingly didn’t exist. “Our original goal was to do the Neon Parrot and we were concerned after doing the market research,” said Robinson. “There was so little to compare it to and how the community would receive that and whether or not that could pay the bills and so we liked the idea of continuing as an event ven-
ue.” Though it seems like the clientele may not have existed in Abilene, the problem posed was that there was no location for the clientele to go. This is what Kimberly Scalf and her husband encountered as they were traveling a lot outside of Abilene to visit wineries in Texas. Now owners of The Winery at Willow Creek, the duo realized that a small winery with a small setup could be done in Abilene without their own vineyard or millions of dollars up front. “At first, we thought it would take two or three years to show a profit,” said Scalf. “We were very prepared to take a loss in the beginning, based on what we heard from other business owners. But we managed to show a profit for the second year we were open.” The target audience varies extensively for each location despite their seemingly similar nature. The Winery at Willow Creek sees almost entirely women as their primary demographic, with a winery not as appealing for the typical West Texas man.
Yet, most popular within the younger audience is The Mill Winery in downtown Abilene, a frequent spot for of-age college students and other residents of Abilene, especially young families. Just opened early last May, the family-owned and operated event center and bar has live music and catered food every night they’re open, appealing to any age and demographic, with limited restriction. “People have been dying to get out of their homes and to not be in places like Guitars and Cadillacs,” said manager Taylor Hayden. “It’s something that’s a little more at home and at the same once you step into our doors; it doesn’t feel like you’re in Abilene anymore.” The trend of trendy is making room for new businesses and nightlife in Abilene and created its own market by filling a hole that consumers didn’t know was there.
contact blakemore at crb13a@acu.edu
Ambassadors reach out to potential students james eldred student reporter
optimist@acu.edu
The Optimist
@acuoptimist
ACUOPTIMIST.com
The Student Ambassador program in the Office of Admission is upgrading for its second semester by doubling the number of volunteers to greet prospective students on preview days. Mac Mascorro, junior business management and marketing major from Abilene, founded the Student Ambassador program last fall. “After a semester of running Student Ambassadors, there’s a lot that I’ve learned and there’s ways it’s going to be changing,” he said. Leslie Hayes, associate director of campus visits, said the program went well last semester. “I think it went great,” she said. “The students were great representatives for ACU.” Mascorro said the program was the brainchild of the directors of Admissions and Campus Visits.
“They basically wanted a way to present a more unified, personal face to students visiting, primarily on large visit days,” he said. “We had a visit day with 400 students, not to include the 600 family members that came along with them. We had 1,000 people on campus, and we had eight to 10 tour guides working at a time - there’s no way to connect with everybody.” The program currently has 32 active members that have spent a total of 220 hours in the program, Mascorro said. After its initial success, some changes are being introduced for the spring semester. “We’re looking to double the size of the program in the next month,” Mascorro said. “We’d love to get up to about 65 or 70 students by Sing Song, so we can have a lot of people there representing us that weekend.” “This year we’re trying to add some freshman students as ambassadors,” Hayes add-
ed. “They’ll have one semester behind them, and have a fresh perspective and be able to add some different input.” Mascorro said the program could also include a shadowing program, where prospective students would follow a current student through a class, chapel and lunch. While the program has many recruits set to join this semester, Student Ambassador is still open to accepting applicants. “It’s not just anyone that wants to join the program,” Mascorro said. “It’s people we know have high character and will represent the school well.” Interested students should email Mascorro at mam11b@acu.edu. “It’s a really fun way to volunteer,” Mascorro said. “Everyone that’s been a part of it has loved it.” contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
SBC: Campaign options open to students from page 1
to local churches and tackling issues in the community like poverty and homelessness,” Hall said. The group will work with Lakewood Church of Christ minister Reg Cox as well as with the children of Foothills Elementary School. “We hope to give them a Summit experience, too,” Hall said. “We’re partnering with Reg Cox who will teach how to partner with the community and tackle com-
munity issues. It’s still in the works.” The idea to go to Denver was formed last year when Meyer proposed the idea. Hall was eager to join because he had been to Denver before and knew of Cox. “I went to Denver last year for a conference,” Hall said. “When Jan told me about the ideas she had, I jumped at the chance.” The other two groups will travel to The Bronx, New York, and Dallas CitySquare
to carry out similar campaigns. Students who travel to New York will work with The Beekman House serving children and their families, and students journeying to Dallas will link up with ACU Justice and Urban Studies Team to launch a food truck in the South Dallas food desert.
that drew Colby to ACU was also reflected in her personality and the way she treated others. “I think the first thing that comes to mind for me is that she’s always been so supportive of her friends and family,” Taylor said. “We didn’t get along all the time, which is just a sister thing, but she never held things against me and always forgave me and was always willing to put our relationship back together. And even with her friends, when they’re going through
hard times, she’ll be there for them, is always very supportive emotionally and always wanted the best for them... She was a really great person in general.” Colby’s funeral took place Dec. 27, 2014 at the McDaniels’ church, Altamesa Church of Christ. ACU also held a memorial service in a Come to the Quiet Chapel on Tuesday during which President Phil Schubert spoke in her memory and dozens of students took the opportunity to write letters of support to the McDaniel family. “We know that Colby is resting in God’s arms, just like we are,” Schubert said. “We may not be able to see her or meet her physically, but we know that day is coming when we will be reunited with her because that’s the promise of God’s forgiveness.” “I know Colby would want us to rejoice in the times we got to spend with her,” he said. “She would want us to not forget her, but instead to realize the special and unique and wonderful person that she was.”
contact fritz at ref11a@acu.edu
McDaniel: Campus mourns life of freshman from page 1 getting texts and calls and just a lot of people showing support. A ton of people from ACU came to the funeral just for support. I didn’t know everyone there, but having some of my closest friends come there to support me was amazing.” A good student and hard worker, Colby had always dreamed of going to ACU, which many of her family members also attended. Taylor and Jones said the strong faith and dedication to Christ
contact Seidel at eks13b@acu.edu
5
featureS
Wednesday 01.12.2015
FROM AFRICA
Jarred Schuetze staff Photographer
to Abilene
Tommy Evans student reporter
Micah Conway’s room is worlds apart from a typical college student. Pictures cover his wall containing memories of home; by his desk hang several traditional and ceremonial African weaponry draped against a red cloth. More pictures of African wildlife and scenery adorn the walls. No one would think while looking at Micah that he is originally from Nairobi, Kenya. He speaks with no accent, and his long blonde hair paired with fair skin gives no sign that he spent the majority of his life living in Africa. To any passerby, Micah would look like an everyday college student, but he initially felt out of place at ACU. “It’s hard to tell someone you’re American when you have never experienced the culture of your home country for an extended period of time,” Micah said. “I remember sitting in the dorms freshman year and not knowing anything about baseball or what an inning was.” Micah is a second-generation Wildcat. Both of his parents attended ACU before entering the mission field. “My mom actually came to America for college after living in Vienna and working in the mission field distribut-
ing and smuggling Bibles into the Soviet Union with my grandfather,” Micah said. “My mom didn’t plan on entering the mission field again when she met my dad, but he was passionate about it. After a few scouting trips, they found a group of former ACU and Harding students already established in Kenya and decided it was the place for them.” Micah’s journey to ACU has helped him learn about the American culture. While he had visited the U.S. as a child and young adult, he and his brother had never experienced life in the States for an extended period of time until coming to college. “The difference between here and Kenya was night and day, and while racially I may fit in here more than in Africa, I still felt isolated and out of place culturally,” Micah said. “It really took my finding a core group of friends to invest in who I am for me to feel that I fit in.” For Micah, the typical African stereotypes that followed him were fun at first. He would play along with some of the more extreme and ludicrous questions that curious people would ask him. “I had so many people ask me the classic: ‘If you’re from Africa, why are you white?’ and things like that. But other questions were fun to play with. I loved getting asked if I had lions in my backyard or if I rode an elephant to school. I’d play along and have fun with
it at first, but eventually I let them in that I was joking.” The stereotypes and cultural misinformation about Africa Micah found when living in the States have motivated him and his brother, Andrew, to educate people on the Africa they know. “What me and my brother are passionate about is showing people that there is more to Africa than starving kids and the things you see on CNN or Fox News. Those things are terrible tragedies, but there is so much more to Africa,” Micah said as he twisted the beaded bracelet on his wrist. The green, red and black beads form the three stripes of the Kenyan f lag; no doubt a reminder of home. “We want them to see the Africa we fell in love with, the beauty, the people, the culture and the land that we call home.” Micah and Andrew plan on starting their own safari-guide company focused on East Africa once Micah is done with school. Andrew returned to Kenya after gradating from ACU and was able to find work as a private safari guide after studying in South Africa and receiving his Safari Guide License. “In a nutshell, Micah and I want to have our own guiding service,” Andrew said. “We want to coordinate, plan and show people the wild places of Africa. We want to be the ones who meet you at the airport and are giving you an experience that is beyond something you
could have imagined.” Andrew had an experience similar to his younger brother’s when he came to ACU from Kenya. “I was also surprised at how little people knew of Africa and Kenya. Some people could not figure out why I was from Africa or how that could be if I was white. We had completely different lives growing up. Some people just wanted to get a five-minute National Geographic story from me then move on to chat with someone else.” The shared experience of simple misunderstanding and misinterpretation of Africa is what has driven the Conway brothers to their passion of showing the Africa they know. It’s more than home to the Conway brothers; it is a spiritual connection they want to share with others. To them, exploring the beauty and mysticism of Africa is a form of worship. “There is something about the African bush that awakens something inside me that I don’t feel anywhere else,” Andrew said. “There is no way to describe what it is like being in the presence of a huge male lion or watching a herd of elephants move across the plain. In the bush, we get to see creation as God intended it to be. Being in the bush is a spiritual experience for me. It forces you to take in God’s creation, to look, hear, see, smell the presence of God; something we forget to do in the city.”
“
all photos by alustin kilcullen, staff photographerl
Senior ACU student Micah Conway from Nairobi, Kenya, is a second generation wildcat. His room in Abilene is adorned with ceremonial African weaponry and other reminders of home.
There is something about the African bush that awakens something inside me that I don’t feel anywhere else.”
Opinion
Wednesday 1.14.15
6
editorial
Low gas prices also mean layoffs in oil field the issue Gas prices are outrageously low.
our take This is great for our wallets, not so great for the economy.
You’ve probably already seen it: people filling up their own barrels with gasoline, trying to take as much advantage of the lowered prices as possible. While the $1.88 may look good at the pump, the oil surplus will have a lasting negative impact on the economy over all. The New York Times recently said gas prices aren’t expected to rise
anytime soon, reducing gasoline costs for the average household by $550 for the year, bringing them down to $1,962. Everything from more domestic drilling, to less import, to the lack of global importing of oil in countries like China are taking blame for the latest surplus. Whatever the reason, industries around the U.S. are already suffering
in the aftermath. Oil field layoffs are a new epidemic in Texas, because when prices drop, the incentive to drill stops. And the oil industry isn’t the only one in danger. Today, the Wall Street Journal said, 756 workers at the US Steel Corp. will find out they are being let go. The company announced its idling of plants in Ohio and Texas, beginning the layoffs at the beginning of March because of the decreased demand of steel pipes and tubes for oil and gas exploration and drilling. According to Kera
News, Hercules Offshore of Houston said it is cutting 300 jobs, or 15 percent of its workforce, and the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics said Texas lost 2,300 oil and gas jobs in October and November alone. On the plus side, economic studies show that the more money there is to spend, the more we will spend it. In fact, a direct correlation exists between the increase in traveling and the drop in gas prices. But is this just a cover up? The surplus has some people looking warily at the past, specifically the
DAILY doodle dosage
“
A direct correlation exists between the increase in traveling and the drop in gas prices
1980s “oil glut,” when the price of a barrel went from $100 to $27, and the idling of drilling rigs led to oilfield workers being laid off, causing a scare with bankers and damage on state spending. In Texas, cities like Midland and Abilene suffered because of the “oil glut.”
Midland had one of the fastest-growing economies in 2014, according to USA Today in February of the same year, growing by 7.5 percent. As the prices drop, though, more and more workers are receiving pink slips on the oil fields, resembling the ‘80s. While we can do very little about the situation, it is important to keep an economical mindset as we smile at the dollars ticking by slower than usual while pumping gas. contact The Optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
Ben Todd
Column
New Year, same resolution ruin VAGABONDAGE THE ORRACLE
SAMANTHAMADELINE SUTHERLAND ORR
Column
One big social leap for all mankind VAGABONDAGE ON THE FRITZ
SAMANTHA RACHEL SUTHERLAND FRITZ
The world can be so full of hate sometimes, but on this particular day, it seems as if there’s a little less. Yesterday, while I was putting off my work, I saw on TV that Tiffany & Co. featured a same-sex couple in their new ad campaign entitled “Will You.” This is the first time the company has done such a thing, and it’s received a lot of attention. Tiffany is known for that little blue box wrapped in a big white bow that almost always means, “I want to spend the rest of my life with
you.” What makes this ad even more touching is the caption paired with it. It reads: “Will you promise to never stop completing my sentences or singing off-key, which I’m afraid you do often? And will you let today be the first sentence of one long story that never, ever ends?” It’s sickeningly sweet, but you just can’t help but swoon at the thought of someone saying that to you, right? Unfortunately, some people just find it sickening rather than sweet. For God knows how long, people have had a
hashtagACU Jan. 12 4:34 p.m.
Salt has been spread. Therefore, I’m taking the initiative and cancelling classes tomorrow.
Jan. 12 8:59 a.m.
Guy in my class just took an obvious selfie I’m concerned
@SoyTophu
@kennediross
Jan. 12 8:15 p.m.
Jan. 12 9:53 p.m.
First Sing Song practice and I’m already 100% overstimulated #loth #siggiesingsong
@alikaywould
1/4th of my professor’s syllabus is Bible verses #ACUDifference
problem with same-sex relationships, but I’m not here to talk about that. We’ve all got our own opinions, and who am I to say that someone is wrong for believing in what they think is right? I just want to focus on the fact that Tiffany, a classy, well-known company synonymous with love and marriage, has managed to take a step in the right direction. The direction that sees discrimination for what it is – wrong. Tiffany is not the first company to take on the challenge of presenting a same-sex couple in its advertisements. Cheerios, Banana Republic and J. Crew jumped the bandwagon and are helping pave the way for a less hateful and more accepting society. It’s a hard pill to swal-
@vinegar_lamyyy The last semester of my senior year is starting to feel like I’m in season five of a tv show that should have ended in season three.
I would say if there’s a single flavor that is the most common in Bean food, it’s the flavor of disappointment.
@jbc30
published by the department of journalism and mass communication editorial and management board
to circumnavigate the globe, but I will never remember to put my shoes back in my closet.
“
Thankfully, I’m not alone. According to a 2014 study done by the University of Scranton, only eight percent of people who make resolutions are actually successful in achieving them. While I’m a little envious of that eight percent, this gives me hope that maybe the other 92 percent have already given up by week two as well. Maybe the other 92 percent of us under-achievers will have better luck with our MLK Day resolutions.
contact orr at mco10b@acu.edu
As amazing as this college football playoff has been I have never been so excited to never hear that Fall Out Boy song again in my life
@TAltimont
construction
No no guys, chambers is THAT building.
“Hello, ACUPD” ‘Yes, I would like to report a robbery of $634.’ “Was this a home invasion?” ‘No, it happened in the campus bookstore.’
YikYak
YikYak
In 2013, I resolved to drink less coffee. Then my roommate got a Keurig.”
Jan. 12 11:41 p.m.
CAMPUS WARNING: Comic sans spotted on big screen in Moody. Proceed carefully and bundle up in respectable fonts. Thank you.
@kkevinb
Everyone is dressing up for the first day of school and I’m still dressing like it’s finals week.
YikYak
YikYak
Madeline Orr
catherine blakemore
jamie swallows
James Eldred
Kenneth Pybus
editor in chief opinion page editor
arts Editor
chief Videographer
Staff Writer
faculty adviser
paige otway
jonathan ward
cade white
Allison Brown
emily seidel Copy editor
Staff Photographer
Staff Writer
Visuals adviser
rachel fritz
jarred schuetze
dystanie douglas
cara lee cranford
copy editor
Staff Photographer
Staff Writer
Daniel Zepeda
abby runnels
Kirsten Holman
Sports director
Page 2 Editor
Staff Writer
collin wieder
Laura Benson
Ben Todd
Sports Editor
newscast producer
Cartoonist
managing editor
Elijah Evans online managing editor
jarred schuetze chief photogrpaher
linsey thut features editor
advertising
Shera Niemirowski Sports multimedia director
Address letters to: ACU Box 27892 Abilene, TX 79609 E-mail letters to: optimist@acu.edu
contact fritz at ref11a@acu.edu
Jan. 13 1:16 p.m.
Can’t believe I forgot to bring a pen on the first day of school...And the second day
@thechadfontenot
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.
low for some, I know, but let’s not focus on the right and wrong of the matter and turn our attention to the humanity aspect of it all. We’re all called to love our neighbors, right? Well, let’s start by accepting those that we’ve been taught to hate, one ad campaign at a time.
Jan. 12 11:21 a.m. Jan. 13 12:40 p.m.
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
“
Unfortunately, some people find it sickening rahter than sweet.”
We are fourteen days into 2015 and not only have I already failed to keep all of my New Year’s resolutions, but I’ve forgotten what they were to begin with. The idea of a clean slate is appealing and new beginnings sound refreshing. But neither of those are enough to change the ways of a creature of habit like myself. I enjoy making resolutions and undergoing the ritual of self-assessment that it demands. But my days quickly turn into weeks and my New Year quickly becomes a new start for old habits. For example, last year I resolved to read more. Then I went back to school. In 2013, I resolved to drink less coffee. Then my roommate got a Keurig. In 2012, my resolution was to use a whole tube of Chapstick before buying a new one. It dissolved in the washing machine on Jan. 3. I can set long term goals like an Olympian. I can make a four-year plan as good as any life coach. But when it comes to trying even the simplest new daily routine, I’m worthless. I’m told to make simpler resolutions, but I think those ones are actually the most difficult to achieve. I can execute a plan
hannah little sports broadcast producer newsroom (325) 674-2439
sports desk (325) 674-2684
photo department (325) 674-2499
advertising office (325) 674-2463
multimedia desk (325) 674-2463
subscriptions ($40/Year) (325) 674-2296
7
Sports/news
Wednesday 1.14.15
Police: Officers train in Chambers Hall from page 1 pressure water canon, breaching and navigating stairs. As for damages done, Ellison said about 24 doors were forcibly entered, and low-level explosives were detonated
throughout the building. Ellison said he appreciated the understanding of students and faculty as ACUPD sent out multiple texts and emails about the event. “We’re trying our best to keep the campus safe, and we hope everyone
understands that,” he said. “We have to be prepared for the worst, even though we hope it never comes.”
contact gasvoda at jrc07d@acu.edu
Emily guajardo Staff Photographer
ACUPD and APD storm Chambers Hall during training exercises.
Wildcats slow start extends losing streak to four Collin Thompson staff reporter The ACU women’s basketball team lost Monday against the Nicholls State University Colonels at Moody Coliseum, 63-39. The loss brings their record to 5-2 at home, 7-6 on the season and 0-3 in conference play. The Wildcats never even approached the lead, falling into an early 8-0 deficit just 3:38 into the first half. The team averaged 17.9 turnovers per game before turning the ball over to the Colonels 31 times, a season high for the ‘Cats. The Southland Conference’s highestscoring 74.2 points-pergame offense also set a new season low for points as the Wildcats put up just 39 on NSU, with 25 of those points coming in the last 20 minutes. “I really don’t have an answer for today,” said head coach Julie Goodenough. “It was just a disaster from the get-go. We felt very prepared coming into the game. I don’t Emily guajardo Staff Photographer know that Nicholls did The ACU women’s basketball team has struggled to score lately as they have shot only anything that we were 35 percent from the field over the previous four games. not expecting except play
twice as hard as we did. And what a great example today of, ‘Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.’” The team risks falling too far behind in Southland play if it doesn’t begin to fix its recent problems, and Coach Goodenough said the team must be ready to perform every game if it wants to continue to compete in the conference. “I think tonight our biggest problem was our mindset,” she said. “For whatever reason, we came into the game not really mentally tough and allowed Nicholls’ defense to force us into a lot of turnovers, and it was a sad display. We just didn’t come and play with any heart, didn’t play hard today.” The Wildcat offense, usually consistent on three-pointers, shot just 3-22 from behind the arc over the course of the game. In return, the Nicholls offense took advantage of its many opportunities, scoring 27 points off Wildcat turnovers and 16 points on second chance shots, another ACU women’s bas-
ketball priority. “I really don’t have an explanation for why we shot so poorly,” Goodenough said. “We shoot thousands of shots, and we just didn’t play very hard. Nicholls just played so much harder than we did, and I’ll take total responsibility for that. I can’t put product on the f loor like that. I’ve got to find a way to make sure that they’re more fired up before the game and that they will come out and play with a lot of heart and soul.” Though the Wildcats didn’t perform up to par, Goodenough still gave the Colonels credit for their performance. “I thought Nicholls really played well together as a team and we didn’t play with much heart and we didn’t play together as a team, and that’s something that I as the head coach have to figure out how to remedy,” Goodenough said. The ‘Cats will take on McNeese State at 7 p.m. Wednesday in Lake Charles, Louisiana. contact thompson at cnt13c@acu.edu
Veteran track team looks for first Southland title Hannah Null staff reporter A new semester marks the start of the track and field season. With a combination of 27 returning competitors and 18 newcomers, the team hopes to surpass previous accomplishments. Johnathan Farquharson, junior from Freeport, Bahamas, and Daniel Block, senior journalism major from Dalmeny, Saskatchewan, are returning runners that finished in the top three during nine meets last season. Luke Woods, junior from Houston, and Jeremy Tatham, junior from Pembroke Pines, Florida,
are both returners who led the team in hurdles. Woods was also a standout in high jump, pole vault and shot put. He led in the decathlon with a finish of more than 6,500 points in two meets. With the loss of Aaron Bynum, a top thrower in the Southland conference, the team will turn to newcomers Joshua Hunter, freshman from Abilene, Morgan Knight, freshman from Longview, and Kai Schmidt, freshman from Krefeld, Germany to fill in his shoes. On the women’s team is returner Diana GarciaMunoz, sophomore from Phoenix. Munoz had a successful cross country season in the fall and is
“
Freshmen throwers have big shoes to fill.
expected to continue that streak during the spring. Lexus Williams, senior from Mesquite, is returning this year and is expected to lead the team in hurdles. Williams has four Lonestar Conference titles and finished as the best hurdler in the league in 2013. After losing Shaunice Guyton, a runner who led the 100-meter and 200-meter races, the team will depend on a
new sprinter to take her University, TCU and Texspot. as Tech. Keith Barnier, head coach, believes this set of newcomers is wellprepared for the Southland Conference. Barnier said he thinks they can all contribute significantly to the program. Track and field will compete in six of the same tournaments as last year: Texas A&M, Texas Relays in Austin, Drake Relays in Iowa, Bobcat International at Texas State and several visits to different Texas Tech meets. ACU will host the second annual Wes Kittley Invitational on the new track and field complex, where they will face opponents New Mexico
contact Null at hln12a@acu.edu
sports
Wednesday 1.14.15
Wildcats prep for 2015 campaign Reese Gwin student reporter The ACU tennis teams are not waiting for the warm weather to begin their spring campaigns. Both teams took to the practice courts early this week to start the spring tennis season, and neither the men’s nor the women’s team will have much time to prepare for their first matches. “They better have their racquets ready and their bodies in shape,” said Juan Nunez, an assistant coach. “We are going to have the hit the ground running and prepare on the f ly.” The women’s team starts its first tournament Friday in Bloomington, Paige otway Staff Photographer Indiana, at the Indiana Freshman Carli Knezevich and the ACU tennis teams Invitational. The men start their spring season this week. will begin a week later
against Midwestern State University. Both teams are coming off a strong fall season. In their first season in Southland conference play, the men and women closed the season in the top five in the conference. “We had a good showing last semester, but I am super hyped to get back on the court and do even better this season,” said Jason Proctor, junior from Tulsa, Oklahoma. “This quick turnaround from the holidays is never easy, but if you stay in touch with your game, you can come around quickly.” After their final tournament in November, the Wildcats hit the weight room. They lifted and ran every day until exam week. During winter break, they were given a workout regime to fol-
low, but staying on top of their tennis game was up to them. “I was on the courts just about every day over break,” Proctor said. “For me there is no real offseason. Looking forward to this season, I think people will just see a lot of energy and passion from me.” When the matches begin, the teams will have little down time the rest of the semester. Both teams will have at least 25 days of competition during the next four months. “This season I am really looking for both teams to just improve in all areas,” Nunez said. “Each team and each individual will need to get better to build on last season.” contact gwin at erg12a@acu.edu
Men’s team jumps out to 2-0 start Daniel Zepeda
men’s basketball Standings
Team
Div.
SHSU 3-0 SFA 2-0 ACU 2-0 TAMU-CC 2-0 Lamar 2-1 NSU 2-1 NO 1-1 SELU 1-1 HBU 1-2 UIW 0-2 Nicholls St.0-2 MSU 0-3 UCA 0-3
Ovrl 11-4 12-3 8-7 7-7 8-7 7-7 5-6 4-11 6-7 8-4 3-9 6-8 0-14
women’s basketball Standings
Team
Div.
NSU 4-0 SFA 2-1 UCA 2-1 MSU 2-1 TAMU-CC 2-1 Nicholls St.2-1 SELU 2-1 Lamar 2-1 SHSU 2-2 UIW 1-2 ACU 0-3 NO 0-3 HBU 0-4
Ovrl 9-6 9-5 9-6 8-6 6-8 6-8 6-8 5-9 3-11 4-10 7-6 2-10 6-9
Senior guard Harrison Hawkins put together an efficient offensive Hawkins stretch over the last three games. Hawkins has averaged 22.6 points per game while shooting 56 percent from the field and 48 percent from behind the arc.
briefings The men’s tennis team picked up two key recruits over Christmas break. High school seniors Cole Lawson and Joshua Sheehy signed to play with the Wildcats in the fall of 2015. Lawson and Sheehy are both four-star recruits and are rated in the top 100 in the country. Football looks to sign a recruiting class of about 15 this season and will host a signing day party on Feb. 4. The program also hopes to win an appeal to give offensive lineman Codey Funk an extra year of eligibility after he lost one during his transfer from Heartland Community College. Men’s basketball collected some hardware over the break. The Wildcats paige otway Staff Photographer won the upper division Senior guard LaDarrien Williams and the Wildcats have picked up two conference wins to start off the season. The championship of the Wildcats handily defeated their two opponents with a 17 point margin of victory. Continental Las Vegas Classic by beating two in 20 points on 7-14 shoot- for ACU, putting up 10 points sic over the holiday break. total of 11-17 from the field Div. I schools in South ing. Over his last three games, and grabbing a career high The men knocked off South and 5-9 from three point Carolina State and Hawkins has gone on an of- 12 rebounds. Junior big-man Carolina State, 65-59, behind range. Arkansas Pine Bluff. fensive tear, scoring 26 points against Grand Canyon, 22 points against Central Arkansas and then 20 points against Nicholls State. Junior guard Parker Wentz chipped in 16 points and went a perfect five-for-five from the charity strike. Williams recorded his first career double-double
Duran Porter had his best game as a Wildcat so far, as he finished with 10 points on 4-6 shooting, eight rebounds and two blocks in 21 minutes of action. The Wildcats finished first place in the Upper Division championship of the Continental Las Vegas Clas-
16 points from Williams and double- digit scoring from Hawkins (15), Cooke (14) and Wentz (12). The team then faced Arkansas Pine Bluff in the championship game and won 69-61 to capture first place in the tournament. Wentz (16) and Williams (15) combined for 31 points on a
The men continued their conference schedule Tuesday in Natchitoches, Louisiana against Northwestern State. Go online to acuoptimist.com for the recap. contact zepeda at djz11a@acu.edu
College stars running for their NFL lives
Dual-threat quarterbacks are everywhere in the NCAA. The trend has spilled over into the NFL, causing mass chaos on how to prepare spread, no-huddle quarterbacks for the pro-style game. Robert Griffin III, Colin Kaepernick and Johnny Manziel are learning the hard way that their throwing-outside-of-thepocket days are numbered. Offensive coordinators are trying to fit a square peg into a round hole by
standings
Who’s Hot
sports Director The ACU men’s basketball team improved to 2-0 following the team’s conference opening wins against Central Arkansas and Nicholls State over the past two weekends. The Wildcats began Southland Conference competition on Jan. 4 against the UCA Bears, in which the team won 87-70. This past weekend, ACU defended home court once again by besting the Nicholls State Colonels, 71-54. “We’ve been improving in a lot of areas and it has shown early in the conference schedule,” head coach Joe Golding said. “Guys are making plays and more importantly we’re playing our style with confidence.” The Wildcats currently own a 8-7 overall record as part of their 2-0 conference record that ranks third in the conference. In ACU’s first game of the new year, it shot over 53 percent from the field and 61 percent (11-18) from beyond the three point arc. Senior Harrison Hawkins and junior Austin Cooke led the winning squad with 22 points apiece, a season high for Cooke. Senior LaDarrien Williams added 16 points, seven rebounds and two steals off the bench. UCA posted a 47 percent shooting mark for the game as a team, but struggled from downtown, making just six of 16 attempts. “It was nice to not have to rely on Parker’s (Wentz) game-winning goaltending call like last time we played these guys,” Golding said. “Getting our first conference win in our first attempt is big for this program and a huge step in what we’re trying to do here.” The next weekend, the men’s team took on the Colonels in Abilene and excelled on the defensive end. The Wildcats forced NSU into making just 35 percent of all its shots from the field, a dismal 3-18 from three and allowed only two Colonels to finish in double digits. The 54 points is the second-lowest point total the Wildcats have allowed all season. Five Wildcats finished in double digits, as Hawkins put
8
forcing them to stay in the pocket. In reality, they should embrace the differences of these players and change their system to fit the quarterback. Griffin’s arm talent and playmaking ability had fans glued to their TVs during his first year in the NFL, but an injury and a change in head coach caused him to fall apart just two years later. Redskins head coach Jay Gruden has forced Griffin to play from the pocket, hampering his most
deadly asset on the field – his legs. Kaepernick seems to be headed for the same doom after an inconsistent season, and Manziel had a disappointing, incomplete rookie season. The key to these young quarterbacks’ futures is a change of offense. Chip Kelly, Philadelphia Eagles head coach, has already shown that the no-huddle, hurry-up offense can work in the NFL. Kelly has put up huge numbers the past two seasons with medio c r e -t o -a b o v e -a v e r a g e play at the quarterback position. It just takes a commitment to tailoring the offense to the quarterback with a running game and
playmakers on the outside. The offense would allow quarterbacks like Griffin, Kaepernick and Manziel to throw outside of the pocket and throw short, high-percentage throws to the offenses’ key players. Similar offenses like Seattle and Carolina have proven the zone-read concept of college offenses works as well. Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson led all quarterbacks this season with 849 rushing yards and six touchdowns. Wilson has also added an impressive 20 touchdowns to only seven interceptions with a so-called college offense. Carolina quarterback Cam Newton has rushed
for 33 touchdowns in his four-year career with a zone-read, quarterback friendly offense. Critics continue to try and find holes in these players’ ability when really it’s the coaches that need to fix their one-track mind ways. The NFL continues to try to eliminate the progressive movement of dual-threat quarterbacks in the NFL when they should be embracing it. Colleges are not going to change their offensive game, so why not accept it and move on to a new offensive style in the pro game?
contact Wieder at cpw11a@acu.edu
Upcoming Women’s basketball travels to Lake Charles to take on McNeese State Wednesday. Tip-off is at 7 p.m. Track begins its season by heading to College Station Friday for the Texas A&M Invitational. Women’s tennis heads to Bloomington Friday to play in the Indiana Invitational this weekend. Men’s and women’s basketball return home Saturday to play Stephen F. Austin. The men play at 11 a.m. and the women play at 2 p.m. The men’s game will be broadcasted nationally through CBS.