The Class of 2021 by the numbers: New student enrollment down from previous years Page 3
SPORTS
A student publication of Abilene Christian University since 1912
Monday, August 28, 2017 Vol. 106, Issue 01
WILDCATS FINISH FALL CAMP Page 8
Wildcat Stadium nears completion BY LAUREN FRANCO CONTENT MANAGING EDITOR
HOLLY DORN STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Freshman participate in games at Wildcat Prowl, a pep rally to introduce new students to university traditions. Cheerleaders, athletes, Wildcat Week leaders and the Big Purple Band gathered at the Wildcat Stadium Friday night in anticipation of the opening game on Sept. 16.
CALENDAR 8/28 • •
Opening Chapel: Moody Coliseum Pledging registration opens
8/29 •
Student Life begins accepting proposals for Freshman Follies
8/30 •
Students’ Association Interest Meeting COBA 201
9/1 •
Students’ Association Interest meeting COBA 201
•
Last day to drop classes for block students
BOX OFFICE AUGUST 25-27 1. The Hitman’s Bodyguard $10,050,000 2. Annabelle: Creation $7,350,000 3. Leap! $5,015,500 4. Wind River $4,410,610 5. Logan Lucky $4,366,894
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WILDCAT STADIUM OPENS
OPINION
JAKE BULLER ON NEW PLEDGING RULES Page 6
LMF14A@ACU.EDU
Bookstore becomes Barnes & Noble BY HALEY REMENAR EDITOR IN CHIEF
Barnes & Noble has begun operating the Campus Store as part of a university agreement which will allow students more options and discounts. The university still owns the store, but the international company will run the store through a commission-based agreement that allows both parties to get some of the profits, said Katie Longley associate vice president of finance. Barnes & Noble will provide more services like student internships and price-matching. “In terms of gear and spirit wear, they’re going to offer the same, if
not better,” Longley said. “They have good, better, best pricing...you can get good quality, better quality and best quality. There’s much more of a range in terms of the availability at different price points.” Barnes & Noble also has resources for the store manager, Scott Harsh, such as connections to other managers across the country. Longley said the university requested that the company allow employees at the store to continue working in the same positions, although they did have to go through an application process with the company. As employees of Barnes & Noble, campus store workers will receive benefits through the com-
pany, rather than through the university. The university chose Barnes & Noble after receiving proposals from about four other companies. Longley said the university’s senior leadership team and a committee of faculty gave feedback. The finance team also compared campus stores at Southern Methodist University, which also uses Barnes & Noble, Dallas Baptist University, which uses Follett, and Texas Christian University, which had Barnes & Noble but recently switched to Follett. “We made sure to reach out to them [TCU] to kind of say, ‘Hey, what was the deal? What was the switch
for?” Longley said. “They had different reasons for doing that, but we wanted to make sure that we touched base on all of the sister schools to see what everybody was doing.” Barnes & Noble will fund a remodel in the next year or so, Longley said, and at that time the university will have the option to rebrand the store as Barnes & Noble or keep the “ACU” branding. Tim Head, associate professor of physics and chair of the faculty senate, helped provide feedback before the university made the decision. He said the old campus store system wasn’t always reliable for getting students the right books at
the right time. Professors had to fill out forms or use a software program to submit book orders for classes. Barnes & Noble will implement a new process for professors to request books. “I don’t think they had their process in place by the time we needed to choose books for the fall semester,” Head said. “Because of these meetings I’ve seen what the system should be and it looks really nice and probably easy to use.” The store will still have a trade system for students to sell back their textbooks. Applications for the store can be found online. HRR13B@ACU.EDU
Student and mother killed in car accident BY STAFF REPORTERS
A student and her mother were killed Friday afternoon in a four-vehicle accident on I-20 in Sweetwater. Celina Schuetz, junior
child and family services major from McKinney and a member of GATA social club, car reportedly hydroplaned before being struck by an 18-wheeler on her trip back to ACU. Schuetz
and her mother, Catherine, were pronounced dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported. “We are devastated by the passing of Celina,” said Jennifer Elli-
son, director of university events and a GATA sponsor. “We are praying for her family and friends during this very difficult time. This is a really hard thing for our students to come back to, but we
know the GATA sisterhood is strong and we’ll hold each other close during this tough time.” OPTIMIST@ACU.EDU
SCHUETZ
ACUPD redesigns parking permit system BY ASHLEY ALFRED COPY EDITOR
DAYS UNTIL
Upon arrival to Abilene, returning students were greeted by a near-complete Wildcat Stadium. Lee De Leon, director of athletics, said only two aspects of the stadium remain incomplete —the furniture and graphics package. The furniture is set to be moved in on Aug. 28. The graphics package, consisting of pole wraps, signage, flags and banners, will arrive on Sept. 1. Since May, padding has been added to the end zone to prevent player injuries, and the real grass on the berm under the video board has been replaced with artificial turf. Also, the height of the flag poles was raised to be taller than the video board. Outside of the stadium, Lee said an additional parking lot of 137 spots is being added. Overall, the stadium will seat 12,000 people. There are 9500 seats with 3000 on the east, student section side, 6000 on the west side and 500 in the press box and club seating. The berm will have 2500 overflow seats when necessary. Wildcat Stadium will host a private scrimmage on Saturday evening as a test-run for the sound, lights, and concession stands.
The 2017–18 school year will feature new parking stickers with specific labels relating to students’ on-campus residence, with separate labeling for those who live off campus being designated as “commuter.” Prior to the 2016–17 school year, the ACU Police Department parking stickers have had no specific data other than the labels of “student” or “faculty and staff.” In the fall of 2016, sophomore
women’s dorms Barret and Dillard were given specific tags to a designated parking area. This year the parking lot by these dorms will be available only to the women living in these halls. The new parking stickers will be used by ACUPD to gather information and make sure parking situations are resolved smoothly across campus. ACU Police Chief Jimmy Ellison said having that specific data will help the department better plan for future parking solutions. “We wanted to experi-
ment with a better breakdown of who was actually buying student permits between resident students and off-campus students and which parts of the overall ACU parking system tend to be used in patterns by different groups of students,” he said. The new parking labels are unrelated to the opening of Wildcat Stadium, he said. The Department of Athletics will control five parking lots on GameDays that will be used for VIP’s, certain ticket holders, and Wildcat Club members. These lots are Elmer Gray
W W W. A C U O P T I M I S T. C O M
lot, the new stadium lot north of Edwards, the library lot, ACU Drive North, and the Morris Hall parking lot. Residents of Morris Hall still will be able to access their regular parking on game days, however, game patrons with specific parking passes will be able to use the lot as well. “If you live close enough, walk to the stadium. If anyone parks along the many side-streets near campus, we want to stress that these are residential neighborhoods and we need to be accordingly re-
spectful of our neighbors and of city parking regulations,” Ellison said. ACU police officers will be controlling most major intersections and streets around campus to keep the traffic organized and flowing smoothly. “Hopefully after a game or two, people will settle into a routine, get used to the new normal of game day traffic and parking, and enjoy the exciting atmosphere it all creates,” Ellison said. AMA14B@ACU.EDU
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MONDAY, AUGUST 28, 2017
HOLLY DORN STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
CHRISTI LIM STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Freshman shows off a piroutte at the 90s dance.
Group 31 celebrates as the Mentor Group Olympic champions.
LAUREN FRANCO STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Jack Oduro, a senior accounting major from Garland, leads worship at Candlelight Devo.
CHRISTI LIM STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Freshmen play human foosball during the Mentor Group Olympics.
New Kids on the Block Freshmen participate in annual Wildcat Week traditions BY LAUREN FRANCO CONTENT MANAGING EDITOR
From move-in on Tuesday, to the Wade Bowen concert on Saturday, incoming students have experienced a variety of activities introducing them to their new home. “I’m proud of each event because they all serve a purpose and add to the excitement of Wildcat Week,” said Caddie Coupe, director of new student programs. Although each event is unique, Coupe said her favorite, the Block Party, has become a staple of
Wildcat Week. “I think Block Party went really well,” Coupe said. “This is our third year of doing it with Wildcat Week, and I think last night was our best one yet. We added a half block extra on 3rd St. We added games, music, a photo backdrop. Block party was one of the main things that I dreamt of when we moved from Welcome Week to Wildcat Week, and I feel like it was a great opportunity to showcase how cool downtown Abilene could be.” Coupe also mentioned that the Block Party invited more churches than
ever before to appeal to the diversity in church background throughout the student population. Students also participated in the Mentor Group Olympics on Thursday and ACU Fest, Wildcat Prowl, and the 90s dance on Friday. “Mentor Group time has been my favorite this part of Wildcat Week because it’s been a good way to get to know everyone early on,” said Madison Carter a freshman missions major from Coppers Cove said. HOLLY DORN STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
LMF14A@ACU.EDU
Freshmen cheer teammates on at the trivia game during the Mentor Group Olympics.
LAUREN FRANCO STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
LAUREN FRANCO STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Incoming freshmen jump for a photo in front of the Paramount Theatre.
The class of 2021 finishes move-in day by filling the amphitheater during the Candlelight Devo.
POLICE LOG SELECTED ACUPD CALLS FOR THE WEEK 8/18/2017 7:30 pm ACUPD units observed a suspicious person inside a dumpster at Gardner Hall. Upon investigation, it was determined that the person had warrants for his arrest. Subject was arrested and transported to jail. 08/21/2017 3:48 a.m. ACUPD investigated a hit and run accident at University Park Apartments. 08/21/2017 3:48 a.m. ACUPD responded to a loud noise violation at The Arch Apartments. Officers were unable to locate the loud music.
911 CALL 2 ACCIDENT 4 ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIVITY 19 ADVICE 1 ALARM 5 ARRESTED SUBJECT 1 ASSIST 5 ATTEMPT TO LOCATE 2 BARRICADES 17 BUILDING LOCK/UNLOCK 21 CART PATROL 4 CHECK BUILDING 326 CRIMINAL TRESPASS WARNING 1 DIRECT TRAFFIC 3 DISABLED VEHICLE 1
DISTURBANCE 2 DOMESTIC DISTURBANCE 1 DRUG ACTIVITY/OFFENSE 1 ESCORT 2 FINGERPRINTING SERVICE 1 FOOT PATROL 12 FOUND PROPERTY 3 HIT & RUN 1 INFORMATION REPORT 2 INVESTIGATION FOLLOW UP 6 MAINTENANCE UNIV ASSETS: CCTV 1 MEDICAL EMERGENCY 1 MONITOR FACILITY/LOT 1 MOTORIST ASSIST: JUMPSTART 6
MOTORIST ASSIST: UNLOCK 3 NOISE VIOLATION 2 OTHER 4 PARKING LOT PATROL 36 PARKING VIOLATION 4 PATROL VEHICLE: MAINTENANCE 7 PATROL VEHICLE: REFUEL 12 PUBLIC SERVICE 1 RANDOM PATROL 17 REPORT WRITING 16 SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY 1 SUSPICIOUS PERSON 3 SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE 2 THEFT 2 TRAFFIC HAZARD 1
TRAFFIC STOP TRAINING WELFARE CHECK TOTAL CALLS FOR WEEK
5 1 2 572
POLICE CHIEF TIP OF THE WEEK:
Welcome Back To Campus ! Remember to Do Your Part - Report All Suspicious Activity to ACUPD IMMEDIATELY 325-674-2911
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MONDAY | AUGUST 28, 2017
Top 5 Countries
Class of
2021 by the numbers
Top 5 States
965 United States
9
17 887
New Mexico
California
6
6
Honduras
3
Baptist 19%
Michael
Joshua
Allison
Non-Denominational
14%
Catholic
6%
14%
Emily Taylor
Other
Number of New Students
Most Popular Names
Noah
Christian
23%
Japan
Daniel
Church of Christ
24%
3
Jonathan
Oklahoma
Rwanda
Nepal
Andrew
6
Texas
Missouri
3
Gender
John
3
Abigail Hannah
Ashley
1000
Madison
1030
974
1033
1047
2015
2016
999
800 600 2013
2014
2017
INFOGRAPHIC BY CHRISTI LIM
SA cabinet hires new financial officer to replace Blanchet BY HALEY REMENAR EDITOR IN CHIEF
The Students’ Association executive cabinet hired Jace Pimentel as chief financial officer after the resignation of Alex Blanchet.
Executive President Danny Burke said five days after Blanchet resigned, the cabinet chose Pimentel, senior finance and political science major from Abilene, to replace him. Blanchet had called Executive Treasurer
Ruhika Roy a few weeks ago and said he intended to resign, said Burke, senior marketing major from Seymour, Indiana. Blanchet, a senior financial management major from McKinney, had served as the chief
financial officer last year and was rehired for the position again May. PIMENTEL in Burke said Blanchet resigned because he believed he wouldn’t be the best fit for the job. The cabinet then worked to fill the position and considered Pimentel because he had previously applied both for the positions of executive treasurer and chief financial officer last spring. His previous applications gave the cabinet the advantage of having already interviewed him twice. “Several things when we were looking for both treasurer and CFO — definitely somebody who could do the budget and the expense report,” Burke said, “but I definitely also wanted somebody with the ability to stand up in front of Con-
gress and effectively communicate and justify the decisions that were made. People freak out about money, and so being able to explicitly say what we need to say and make sense, was a big deal. I think Jace will do phenomenal at that.” Pimentel served as the Galaxy men’s social club treasurer last year and worked in facilities and campus management for three years. He said he wanted the SA position so he could do what he enjoys and work with close friends. He said he plans to pursue business or law school after graduation. “I’m very personable, and I’m able to connect with people, especially in professional ways, I feel,” Pimentel said. The chief financial officer helps the executive treasurer create the SA budget, allocate funds to student groups, and file expense re-
ports throughout the year. To make the process of allocating funds more efficient, executive treasurer Roy, a senior engineering and political science major from Toronto, Canada, created a computer program that will use data about each student organization and last year’s budget to allocate funds more efficiently. “Yeah, we’re making it efficient, and making it so there’s no more error and no more waste,” Roy said, “but we also need to make sure it doesn’t happen ever again. So creating a firm foundation for other offices of treasury to come in and make sure they know what they’re doing.” SA will allocate funds to student organizations for the fall semester in September. HRR13B@ACU.EDU
Obituary
Kirk was undaunted by disability
BY HALEY REMENAR EDITOR IN CHIEF
RATES AS LOW AS:
When Drew Kirk was five years old, he wished to go to Disney World. That was how he met Jenni Williams, a university staff member who was working for the Make-A-Wish Foundation at the time. “Drew’s smile immediately won me over,” Williams said in an email. Eighteen years later, they met again at a Wildcat Preview Day in 2016. Drew was visiting the campus and Williams was working as an enrollment and student development manager for the School of Information Technology and Computing. “When Drew joined our student body this past spring, he immediately jumped in to department activities,” Williams said. “He attended many of our events, often arriving early.” Drew died on Aug. 16 from complications after a surgery. He lived with osteogenesis imperfecta, also called brittle bone disease, but despite his disability, he
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$465
$465 Welcome Back Students! www.thearchabilene.com • 325-672-2960 2702 N Judge Ely Boulevard, Abilene TX 79601
got a driver’s license and graduated from Wylie High School in 2012. After getting an associates degree from Cisco College, he attended ACU in the spring of 2017 as a computer science major. “He had grown into a wonderful young man and we were proud to have him in our department,” Williams said. Drew was bound to a wheelchair and worked with Scott Self, director of university access programs and the ADA compliance officer, to get accommodations for his disabilities. However, Drew spent time with Self outside of required meetings, having coffee and talking about life. “The Starbucks folks loved him,” Self said. “He drank more coffee than anyone else on campus.” Toward the end of the spring semester, Drew talked with Self about potentially pursuing a career in law. He was interested in disability law or business law and by the beginning of the summer, he decided he wanted to go into a career
legal profession, Self said. “He was clever, he had a great KIRK sense of humor,” Self said, “and just was a friend to every person he met.” In lieu of flowers, his family asked for donations to the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital or the Make-A-Wish Foundation North Texas, according to the Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home website. Drew was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather Danny Kirk. He is survived by his parents Rusty and Sabrina Kirk; brother Cody Kirk and wife Paige and nephew Casten; paternal grandmother Tempie Kirk; maternal grandparents Bob and Shirley Anthony; paternal aunt Tammie Blankenship and husband Danny, and cousin Tana; paternal uncle Stacy Kirk and wife Maxi and cousins Kylee and Maci. HRR13B@ACU.EDU
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MONDAY | AUGUST 28, 2016
Ay, Ay, Ay-20: Construction causing highway headaches BY EVAN RODRIGUEZ COPY EDITOR
NOAH TAMBORELLA VIDEOGRAPHER
Vehicles get backed up at the intersection of I-20 and TX-351.
Construction on the bridge and underpass at the intersection of TX-351 and I-20 has ramped up – with several closure dates on the calendar. Construction has continued for the last year and has been a headache to many already. However, the traffic issues will only get worse, said state officials.
The Texas Department of Transportation recently announced that the entire intersection, including the turnaround, will close from Monday through Wednesday for the demolition of the I-20 bridge. The next closure, slated for Sept. 5-14, will occur with the turnaround left open. The two-lane highway overpass, which connects Abilene and the Metroplex, will be replaced with
a three-lane overpass that complies with the latest TX-DOT safety standards, officials said. The Abilene division of TX-DOT conducts periodical reviews and maintains all state transportation systems within their 13-county purview. Marry Belle Turner, a Public Information Liaison for TX-DOT, said the I-20 project is projected to cost $14.6 million, with work on the underpass to
be completed sometime in October and the bridge replacement to be concluded in spring 2018. TX-DOT Abilene boasts of a 62 percent rate of completing projects on schedule and doesn’t see any major delays forthcoming regarding this project, she said. While the construction may be necessary, it has had some adverse effects on local businesses. Golden Chick announced this
week it would close its location on the north side of Abilene because of a substantial drop in business. Even larger businesses, such as Wal-Mart are feeling the squeeze as consumers choose to buy their wares elsewhere rather than brave the long traffic lines.
EMR16C@ACU.EDU
Brown Library places Lucado papers, books on display BY MADISON FICHTNER STAFF REPORTER
Max Lucado, one of the world’s most renowned Christian authors and an ACU alumnus, donated his entire paper collection to the university last spring, and now the Brown Library has created a space to display his work. Mac Ice, special collection librarian and archivist, and Amanda Dietz, archivist and curator, came up with the design of the exhibit that sits in the heart of the Library Commons. From the boxes that Lucado donated to the exhibit, their goal was to show a glimpse into Lucado’s be-
ginnings leading up to his current works. The exhibit is entitled “From West Texas to the World.” The climate-controlled display cabinet holds the letters and papers that were kept in pristine condition, Ice and Dietz said. The case also features shelves on the side that include materials any library visitor can pick up and read. The writing on the front of the cabinet features titles of Lucado’s works and excerpts of his books in his own handwriting. Lucado, who graduated in 1977, served as a missionary in Brazil in the 1980s and as minister at the Oak Hills Church in San
Antonio for many years. He was named Alumnus of the Year in 2003. Ice said Lucado’s writings have a “wonderful personal connection to his reader.” The exhibit includes many of Lucado’s bestselling books, including You are Special, Just the Way You Are, He Chose the Nails and You Did This For Me? Every Lucado book is still in circulation and has been printed in over 40 languages. Lucado’s writing style aims to be easy enough for anyone to enjoy, no matter their age. One of the key benefits to having Lucado’s papers is the access that students will have to the collection,
Dietz said. “We encourage everyone, students and members of the community to come in and enjoy the collection,” she said. Visitors can access the works ranging from rough drafts to final copies of Lucado’s books and sermons from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. every Monday through Friday in the Special Archives on the the lower level of the library. Visits do not require an appointment, but one is recommended to get help looking through the collection. MRF12A@ACU.EDU
MADISON FICHTNER STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER A display in the library showcases Max Lucado’s writings.
Top 15 student discounts to take advantage of this fall BY EVAN RODRIGUEZ
College is a stressful time, money can be tight, and pressures abound. Thankfully, many companies go out of their way to try and attract the next generation of consumers. Below is a list of discounts we recommend you take advantage of.
September 17-20, 2017 • acu.edu/summit Please join us as theme speakers and class leaders focus on Deuteronomy and the ways this ancient text informs the future of the church and the choices we make as we strive to serve God.
Local Discounts Rosa’s: 10% off your order or a free bean and cheese burrito with a student ID. (I recommend the free bean and cheese burrito and two tortillas for $0.53). McAlister’s Deli: Free gallon of sweet tea every Tuesday, no purchase or ID required. Golden Chicken: The student special isn’t on the menu, but if you ask for it you will get four tenders, a
side, roll, and drink for only $6.50. Cinemark Abilene and XD: Discount night on Tuesday nights, only $5.50 a ticket. Nikki’s Frozen Yogurt: 10% off your purchase with student ID. Online Discounts Amazon: Free six months of Amazon Prime with an .edu email. After six months, Prime is only $49 a year (normally $99 a year). Spotify: Linking your account to an .edu email gets you a reduced rate of $4.99 a month. The Wall Street Journal: College students can receive digital access to the WSJ for only $1 a week. Adobe Creative Cloud: ACU students get free access to the Adobe Creative Cloud by visiting acu.edu/ adobe-CC.
Microsoft Office: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Powerpoint) is free with your .edu email. Apple: The Apple Store for Education offers discounts on all major products and can be taken advantage of online and in stores. Clothing (outside of Abilene) Banana Republic: 15% off your purchase with student ID, in stores only. J Crew: 15% off your purchase with student ID, in stores only. Madewell: 15% off your purchase with student ID, in stores only. Express: 15% off online and in stores for students.
EMR16C@ACU.EDU
Sweet Home, Abilene: New local offerings continue to spring up BY LAUREN FRANCO CONTENT MANAGING EDITOR
Cinemark XD Theatre | The “Next Gen” theatre offers lounge seats and a new food menu. It has 12 screens, one of which is wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling. It is located on E. Overland Trail. Nothing Bundt Cakes | Nothing Bundt Cakes opened on June 5 at 3810 Buffalo Gap Road. They serve daily samples, every size of bundt cake from mini to big, wedding cakes, deliveries and other events. The owner said business has been even better than expected. Pour Man’s | Pour Man’s is set to open this fall, but co-owners David Neill and Daniel Soto said spring 2018 is a possibility. At the moment, their location, previously home to Bitsy’s Floral Shop, is still in need of renovations, equipment and furniture. Their services are only available through catering. The co-owners said Pour Man’s will be “a full-ser-
vice coffee shop featuring specialty espresso-based drinks and other craft beverages.” Raising Cane’s | Raising Cane’s opened on May 16, right after college students left Abilene for the summer. They gave away free Cane’s to the first 20 paying customers, and free t-shirts to the first 100. Tea2Go | Due to personal circumstances, Tea2Go on North 10th Street does not have an estimated date of opening. Ultimate Air Trampoline Park | The Arkansas-based company has announced plans to open a new trampoline park in 2018. It will be located at 949 South Judge Ely Blvd. LMF14A@ACU.EDU
MONDAY | AUGUST 28 2017
F E ATUR E
5
PHOTOS BY EMILY GUAJARDO
Sergio Lainez
Illeana Mocciola
Teddy Lewis
Three freshman share their unique stories as part of the class of 2021 BY EMILY GUAJARDO ARTS AND FEATURES EDITOR
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midst the 999 new students timidly walking in and out of the Brown Library, a curious Salvadoran freshman Sergio Lainez, an engineering major from Santa Ana, El Salvador, wanders in freely with his purple Wildcat Week lanyard dangling from his neck while carrying two small Amazon boxes, containing his U.S.-based phone just underneath his arm. His stocky physique, jet-black hair and light completion featuring tiny freckles along the sides of his faces allows him to blend in with the crowd. His eyes. How wide and eager they beam when he enters Moody Coliseum carrying his GoPro camera in hopes of capturing every possible amount of footage — every bit counts. “When I first walked into Moody, and there were people yelling and screaming, I just thought, ‘Oh my gosh, I need my camera,” said Lainez with his thick and quick Spanish accent. “So, I quickly got out of line, ran to my dorm, got my GoPro and went back in to shoot everything.”
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ot only is Lainez eager to be a wildcat, he also believes that studying in the United States is one of the best decisions an international student can make, if given the chance. Lainez said he was thrilled when his dad popped the one question he was not expecting to hear. “Really, one day my dad walked in, sat me down and said, ‘Sergio, would you like to study in the United States?’ and of course, I jumped up and said ‘Yes!’” Lainez said as he chuckles a bit and lifts his eyes slightly up. After months of waiting, Lainez received his financial settlement plan and the results were in; he reached his tuition goal.
“I was on the phone and they said ‘Congratulations, Sergio. You got more scholarship.’ and my parents and I were just so happy,” said Lainez. Lainez said he isn’t just excited to be a freshman at an American school (although, that is true). Rather, he’s more excited to merge the two cultures he loves together. “When I applied for the visa to come here, I just walked in and got it right away,” said Lainez, “And I was surprised to have it so quickly and I just literally walked in, gave the papers and immediately was given the visa. I just want to use the culture that I was established and mix it up with what I learn here. What really made me choose ACU was the quality, the personal treatment and American lifestyle that is so different from El Salvador.”
T
he clock was ticking. Ileana Mocciola, freshman marketing major from General Roca, Argentina, knew it was time to fill out the necessary forms to get her student visa. Paying the fees and countless pages of paperwork, Mocciola received her five-year visa and set herself up for the ultimate American experience. However, Mocciola knew the experience wouldn’t be the same nor would she ever be seen the same. Like most Latin American countries, an American degree is worth more in Argentina potentially leading to more income, better opportunities and higher standard of living — something Mocciola hopes to have once she finishes. Needing to escape the winter season, Mocciola decided to come to ACU as a way to get ahead of the game, so to speak. Already signed on to play doubles on the women’s tennis team, Mocciola said she enjoyed the close and personalized attention she received even before applying. “When I first heard of ACU, I had coaches calling and calling me saying ‘You should come to ACU’,” said Mocciola. “And I would always be surprised on how they didn’t push me, but welcoming me with open arms.”
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fter attending a secular prep school, Mocciola decided ACU was the choice for her. “Even though ACU is a religious school, I knew I would find people who were kind and care for each other,” said Mocciola. “And I think that’s exactly what I found.” Her light brown hair, dark eyebrows and wide eyes makes her exotic accent sound almost musical. The constant stretching of the words and quick pick-up phrases makes Mocciola stand out from the rest of the girls. Mocciola is ready to have the full experience and is willing to pay the price. As of now, Mocciola doesn’t intend to return back to Argentina. Like many international students, Mocciola has fallen for the American dream where anyone can say, do or act at any given moment. She cherishes the freedom that comes with a passport or visa stamped with the gold, embodied words “United States of America”. Until now, Mocciola is going to enjoy everything the U.S. has to offer because she knows nothing can be taken for granted when (and if) she returns to Argentina. “There is a lot of poverty and there’s a lack of professionalism in the workplace,” said Mocciola. “And here, things actually work and the people are really loving and care for one another. Lots of education opportunities and in Argentina, the lifestyle including education is something that isn’t as valued. So, overall, the lifestyle is so different and I like it.”
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ailing from the legendary Lewis family clan, Teddy Lewis, a freshman biology major from Houston, is the eleventh person in his family to attend ACU. The tall, curly-haired, blond boy walks around campus as if he has lived here his whole life. “I remember one time we came for the Homecoming Parade, and my whole family and I played a game of baseball in front of the Hardin Administration Building,” said Lewis revealing a small smile. “That is honestly one of my fondest moments here and I will always remember that.” Although Lewis may look like your average ACU student wearing a purple shirt with blind curlicues whisking along the sides of his hat, Lewis feels held to a higher standard. Since his childhood, Lewis was imbedded into the ACU tradition. Attending several homecomings, Sing Song’s and all the parades in between, Lewis said ACU has always been a part of his life. With his father, Guy Lewis, becoming a well-known resident of Mabee Hall (where Lewis is currently staying in), and having all four of his siblings attend ACU in the past, Lewis said he is kind of nervous of living up to those expectations. “You know, my parents didn’t like force me here and I know that’s what a lot of people think. But, I honestly had parents who said ‘We’ll support you wherever you go, but we’d really be happy if you went to ACU” said Lewis.
D
eciding to follow in the footsteps of his father, Lewis hopes to become a dentist. “For a long time, I didn’t know what I wanted to do,” said Lewis. “Until I was in high school and I thought ‘you know, I can do what my dad does’. I just want to help people and since I lived with him for so long, I think I just got used to a lot of dental things. So, I just went for it and got all my classes and I guess, we’ll just see.” Now, Lewis looks forward to the future in hopes of becoming better acquainted with his hall mates, make new friends and hopefully become a co-chair for Freshman Follies later this semester. All in all, Lewis just wants to be in the college game already. “You know, at the beginning of the summer I was getting a little anxious,” said Lewis. “But, I think if I just get involved and listen to my advisors, I should be good. And here, it seems like the culture here is that everyone wants to help you. I’m just really excited.”
6
OP I N I ON
&
ED IT O R IA L
MONDAY | AUGUST 28 2017
Meet the 2017-2018 Editorial Board Introducing this year’s Optimist editorial board featuring our favorite dad jokes. RATED R
Letter from the Opinions Editor
Editorial page spurs exchange of ideas BY ADRIENNE BARRICK
Welcome back to campus. More importantly, welcome to Page 6, where all things are considered – whether they be controversial or flat-out funny. I have one thing to ask of my fellow students. Please make sure you remember the Optimist strives to find all sides of the story, whether they coincide with your opinions or not. To those of you wanting to get your voice out and be heard, do it. Send a letter to the email below with whatever is on your mind about school, or even if it’s just about life. This year, I’m striving to make the opinions column a common ground for people with different ideas and views to come together and read each other’s opinions in a manner that isn’t shoved in your face. There’s no yelling, no anger; just people expressing what is on their mind in a rational way. I’ve learned some of the most important things this
far in my life by considering what other people have to say, even if we have conflicting views. I would be lying if I said I haven’t changed any of my opinions based off of what other people have said to me. Contrasting views on life issues matter and we are made better people by realizing the differences in our society. Throughout this year I want you to know that it’s OK if you don’t agree with some things that we decide to publish – not everyone will. It is important for you to also express your opinion and tell the world that you’re not like everyone else, because honestly how boring would that be? Overall, my highest hope is that you’ll enjoy what the Optimist has to offer: unbiased news and differing opinions that make our school a better family, one that understands we’re not all alike and it is OK. Call us, tweet us, if you want to reach us.
AMB14E@ACU.EDU
QUITE FRANCO-LY LAUREN FRANCO CONTENT MANAGING EDITOR Junior psychology and convergence journalism major Fort Worth, Texas
HALEY REMENAR EDITOR IN CHIEF Senior convergence journalism major Albuquerque, New Mexico Wish I was a dolphin. Then I’d have a porpoise in life.
I used to have a job at a calendar factory, but I got fired because I took a couple days off.
EXAGER-RAITZ
I’M JESS SAYIN’
JONATHAN RAITZ SPORTS DIRECTOR Senior convergence journalism major Bandera, Texas
JESSICA CLARK VIDEO DIRECTOR Senior Multimedia Major Wylie, Texas
Dad, did you get a haircut? No, I got them all cut.
Want to hear a joke about construction? I’m still working on it.
ONE IN A EMILLION
HOT OFF THE PRESTON
EMILY GUAJARDO ARTS AND FEATURES EDITOR
MAX PRESTON ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR
Senior Convergence Journalism Major San Antonio, Texas
Junior Convergence JournalismMajor Amarillo, Texas I asked a Frenchman if he played video games. He said Wii.
I asked my dad for his best dad joke and he said ‘you’.
BAR-BARRICK
#ACU21
ADRIENNE BARRICK OPINIONS COLUMN EDITOR Junior Advertising/PR Major Flower Mound, Texas I tell dad jokes, but I have no kids. I’m a faux pa.
Letter to the Editor
Pledging procedures need changes The introduction of new regulations on Bid Night and pledging have come with no small controversy and while the new rules are minor, this issue begs closer examination. Why are these changes necessary? And why has the reaction been so strong? I think both of these questions can be answered at the same time. These changes are necessary, and the backlash is severe, because of the fundamental structure for social clubs on ACU’s campus, one that is often unhealthy (spiritually, physically, and mentally) and can inhibit real Christian community. Before I go on, please note that my statements should not be construed as being against social clubs. Although I have personal problems with the system, my fundamental desire in this letter is to promote a university environment in which authentic Christian fellowship is the superlative goal. I have many friends who have had positive, wholesome experiences in their social clubs and I am not discounting those experiences, but we must not let our positive experiences cause us to overlook the real and pressing need for change.
“
In our current social club model, seeking approval is often what defines your relationship with other men or women.”
JAKE BULLER JUNIOR ENGLISH/BIBLICAL TEXT MAJOR
In Christian community, confession and vulnerability are central to real relationship; in our current social club model, seeking approval is often what defines your relationship with other men or women. Through the process of rushing and pledging, potential members are encouraged to pursue the approval of others, conform to a standard and undergo physical and mental discomfort. You compete against others in order to portray yourself as the best possible candidate for a club, and then await the value judgment of another person to determine whether you are “worthy” of a bid. I have to wonder, if God is unscrupulous in his invitation to community, why do we discriminate? Why do we get to determine who is worthy to be part of a Christian brotherhood or sisterhood – if that is indeed what a social club is supposed to be? Yet social clubs stratify our campus.
What’s worse, pledges too often endure emotional and physical abuse – hazing or not - in order to be part of a “family,” a fundamentally flawed beginning to what is supposed to be a meaningful community. Real community should start with real issues, not manufactured ones. You may get to know another person well through artificial shared suffering (as problematic as that tactic is), but it’s a far cry from Christian fellowship. The starting point for pledges ought to be a vulnerable, substantive relationship, where we lay down our burdens for one another and take refuge in the promise that Christ has overcome the world. As cited by a recent petition, Jesus said that we will have trouble in this world – and what better way to trust in his promise than to address real troubles that we already struggle with? Authentic Christian community promises something more, some-
invasion of privacy. Please limit letters to 350 words or fewer. A name and phone number must be included for verification purposes. Phone numbers will not be published. Address letters to: ACU Box 27892 Abilene, TX 79609 E-mail letters to: optimist@acu.edu
AMB14E@ACU.EDU
T H E
EDITORIAL AND LETTER POLICY Unsigned editorials are the opinions of the Optimist and may not necessarily reflect the views of the university or its administration. Signed columns, cartoons and letters are the opinions of their creators and may not necessarily reflect the viewpoints of the Optimist or the university. The Optimist encourages reader response through letters to the editor but reserves the right to limit frequent contributors or to refuse to print letters containing personal attacks, obscenity, defamation, erroneous information or
thing substantial, and the capability for this kind of community is limited under our current club model. Our social club system is too often founded upon chasing the approval of others. It tells us to put away authenticity in favor of conformity. It is characterized by the belief that, by artificially creating trials, you can artificially create fellowship. In sum, thanks to our fundamental approach to induction and initiation, social clubs at ACU often fall short of what Christian community should really look like. If social clubs are going to continue to operate at ACU, they should scrutinize themselves and fix what’s wrong. The change has to start small, and adjusting Bid Night and pledging practices is an appropriate step forward. But as it stands, the social club culture at ACU is responsible for the emotional turbulence and physical strain it has inflicted upon some new members, and too frequently it runs contrary to many of the ideals that we strive for as believers in Christ. These new rules are just an outward sign – it’s long past time for change.
@HOW_TO_ACU 8/18/17 9:45 P.M. This isn’t high school. You will not ace everything. Bad grades happen to everyone at some point in college. It is okay. #ACU21 @ZOMBIFOCATION I had tooooo much fun today. #ACU21 #ACUWildcatWeek @AASHLXY 8/22/17 9:02 P.M. WELCOME HOME #ACU21 !!!!! @DWADEWITZ 8/22/17 2:55 P.M. My legs feel like noodles and I’’m pretty sure my feet hate me, but all the smiles of the freshman were totally worth it. #ACU21
#pledgingchanges @IR_TROYSHOCKLEY 8/8/17 12:12 A.M. In two years, freshmen may be able to just check a box on application to determine which club they’re a part of. @SCOTTSHERRELL 8/8/17 9:52 A.M. Memorizing poems until 5:00 am was actually one of my favorite pleding memories @LANDONW_96 8/8/17 1:11 P.M.
@SCOTTYDYE8 8/8/17 5:06 P.M. ACU social clubs should boycott Sing Song to send their message. If ACU wants to destroy our traditions, we can destroy them.
O P T IM IST
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SP ORTS
MONDAY, AUGUST 28, 2016
7
Volleyball taking new season ‘one day at a time’ BY JONATHAN RAITZ SPORTS DIRECTOR
The Wildcats finished the 2016 campaign with plenty of momentum at 11-5 in the Southland Conference. This season all but one of the Wildcats starters are back for first-year head coach Angela Mooney. Mooney said this is the biggest team she has ever coached at a roster size of 18, but it will keep the position battles competitive and bodies fresh. The 2017 season will also be the first time volleyball will be eligible for the Southland Conference Tournament which it would have qualified for last season. “Well, ultimately we want to take it one day at a time, we want to get better each day, each match is that one thing that we’re focusing on,” Mooney said. “And that’s kind of how we’re going to take it for the entire year, and we feel like if we take care of each day and each match, then we’re going to have the end result that we want.” Similar to the last several sea-
sons, the team will not play at home until its Southland opener against Sam Houston State, Sept. 23. But the Wildcats are through just one tournament this season and have already taken down a formidable Wyoming team on its home court. ACU came away with 3-1 victory over the Cowgirls in just its second game of the season. Senior middle blocker Corinne Grandcolas said the team has been putting in all summer. “We’ve had a really good summer. We’ve gotten in really early this year, so we’ve spent a lot of time together just bonding as a team. We’ve focused a lot on mental toughness and just getting in the gym and working as hard as we can. So right now we’re looking really solid.” Grandcolas said. When the Wildcats return to Moody Coliseum Sept. 23 ,they will be welcomed by two high-definition video screens purchased from Northwestern University. The team was tabbed to finish sixth in the Southland preseason poll, and junior outside hitter Jacey Smith was selected
LAUREN FRANCO CONTENT MANAGING EDITOR Two Wildcats rise up to defend an attack in front of the home fans in Moody Coliseum. ACU will not play home until September 23 against Sam Houston State, when it opens Southland Conference play.
to the All-Southland Conference preseason team. Smith led the team last year with 324 kills and finished seventh in the conference with 2.89 kills per set. “It’s definitely a different feel
this year, just from everything. I mean ever since we came in we’ve been looking forward to this year and thinking ‘2017, 2017’,” Smith said. “And so this is kind of it.”
Volleyball began its first season as a fully eligible Div. 1 member in Wyoming this weekend. Mooney earned her first victory as a Wildcat in a four-set win over tourna-
ment-host Wyoming. With the win ACU has matched its preseason victories from 2016.
defensive midfielder Shay Johnson was named to the All-Southland Conference preseason teams. “At first I was pretty nervous because we have so many new girls coming in so I wasn’t sure about the flow of the team and the chemistry. But so far it’s been going pretty well. I’m excited about the chemistry I’ve seen from the new girls and their potential, and I’m excited as a team moving forward,” Fifer said. “Our season is going to be longer hopefully, since we can go to the tournament. And it’s already
an exciting thing to think about right now. I’ve already been thinking about it and planning for it. So we’re definitely looking to be there and make ourselves known there.” After opening the home portion of its schedule against UNT with 2-0 loss on Friday, the team traveled to take on another tough preseason opponent in SEC competitor Arkansas, Sunday. This is the beginning of a five-game road trip for ACU.
JMR13B@ACU.EDU
Strong recruiting class paying off for Wildcat soccer BY JONATHAN RAITZ SPORTS DIRECTOR
Soccer are coming off yet another season where it contended for a regular season conference championship and come up just short. But ripe with new talent and returning experience at defense and in the midfield, the team could be primed for a breakout season in just its first year of postseason eligibility. ACU has already taken on Big-12 and Conference USA competition in Baylor, UTSA and North Texas. Despite only coming away with a victory over
UTSA, 2-1 senior midfielders, Megan Baer and Chloe Fifer are impressed with the team’s potential and looking forward to the tough preseason. “As a team, preseason is a pretty important time to grow. Because at the end of it we just want to grow and learn a lot in the time we get to play them,” Baer said. “It’s already been so exciting to see [freshmen] already in the rotation. They bring such a new energy and just watching them play Saturday, they’re so lively. And they’re ready to go. And I don’t doubt
LAUREN FRANCO CONTENT MANAGING EDITOR The team celebrates after scoring the go-ahead goal, in closeley contested match.
that you’ll see a lot of them in our rotation. They play the same way and they can keep up, and
I’m excited for them to get a lot of time.” Fifer along with sophomore
JMR13B@ACU.EDU
8
SPORTS
MONDAY, AUGUST 28, 2016
BACK IN ACTION Wildcats finish fall camp with game-speed scrimmage
STANDINGS Volleyball Team
Ovrl. Div.
McNeese 36-16 21-3 Nicholls 33-17 17-7 ACU 29-20 17-7 Lamar 26-24 16-8 SELU 26-26 12-12 UCA 21-31 12-12 SHSU 20-25 11-13 NWSU 21-29-1 11-13 SFA 17-30 9-12 HBU 17-23 8-16 UIW 11-39 4-20 TAMU-CC 9-34 3-18
Soccer Team
Ovrl. Div.
McNeese 30-13 SHSU 30-15 HBU 22-18 SELU 29-15 SFA 25-21 UCA 24-20 Lamar 26-20 UNO 22-22-1 Nicholls 23-23 TAMU-CC 15-30 UIW 18-26 NWSU 16-27 ACU 12-30
19-5 15-6 14-7 15-9 13-8 12-9 12-12 10-11 10-11 7-14 6-15 6-15 1-11
SCHEDULE Football
ACU McNeese NSU Lamar SELU SFA HBU UCA UIW
v New Mexcio v Nicholls v La Tech v UNT v UL Lafayette v SMU v Texas State v K-State v Fresno State
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Soccer
As a junior Chloe Fifer was recognized as a a Second Team All-ConferFifer ence selection, after a season where she started all but one match. Fifer also led the team with 14 points on three goals and eight assists. Heading into this season Fifer was named to the preseason All-Southland Conference team.
Football
LAUREN FRANCO CONTENT MANAGING EDITOR With its scrimmage on Saturday night, the football team capped its fall camp that started back on Aug. 3. The Wildcats had three scrimmages and several themed practice days, including Friday Night Lights, where players could wear whatever jerseys they wanted. The first test of the season will be against the University of New Mexico this weekend.
Football ready for 2017 season debut BY JONATHAN RAITZ SPORTS DIRECTOR
After just over three weeks of practices and workouts, the football team’s 2017 fall camp has come to a close. The camp concluded Saturday night with a purple and white scrimmage, where the purple team came out on top 47-7. First-year head coach Adam Dorrel said the purple team comprised of mostly veterans got off to a slow start, scoring just once in the first quarter, but picked it up through the final three quarters. “I saw a lot of good things. A lot of teachable things that we’ll go through when we evaluate the film,” Dorrel said. Senior running back De’Andre Brown and senior
wide receiver Troy Grant were two of the veterans on the purple team who helped get the team going after a slow start. Both players scored twice, as Brown found the end zone on a 14-yard run and 45-yard screen pass. Grant hauled in just two catches, but both were for touchdowns and totaled 81 yards. Junior quarterback Dallas Sealey also found a groove as the game progressed. He finished 8-for-10 for 201 yards and three touchdowns. The white team didn’t get on the board until the fourth quarter, but redshirt freshman quarterback Luke Anthony found junior Kalin Sadler from seven yards out to avoid the shutout. While the scrimmage was
the final tune-up for the Wildcats, fans on sight for the event were able to see all the amenities the stadium would be able to offer this upcoming season, including the high-definition Wessel scoreboard. Hutton Harris, the recently hired JMC video production manager, and his team were also using the game-speed scrimmage as a final tuneup. The crew was in midseason form running replays and anything else it will be doing during the Wildcats’ home games. Harris said he was pleased with what he and his ACUTV were able to add to the scrimmage with the video board. “Saturday was our first run through with our students and we were very pleased
their contributions to our first game production. We had 35 students from five different majors work on this game which makes us really excited about the future of ACUTV,” Harris said. With the excitement of the Wildcat Stadium, the video board and other amenities are sure to add to the game atmosphere come Sept. 16. “The excitement of being able to produce content for the video board and streaming to Wildcat fans online is something that we all are looking forward to. The board we’re working with really shows off every detail of the content that we produce from on the field and in the stands and we hope that the crowd experience is an enhanced through
the quality of the images that we can create,” Harris said. The football team will travel to New Mexico this weekend for the season opener. The Lobos won nine games last season and defeated UTSA in the Gildan New Mexico Bowl. The following week the Wildcats take on Colorado State in the Rams brandnew stadium, before welcoming Houston Baptist for the grand-opening of Wildcat Stadium on Sept. 16. That game will be aired on ESPN3, and the hope is that all of the Wildcats games will eventually have that ability.
JMR13B@ACU.EDU
Despite just two team wins last season, Dallas Sealey posted Sealey big numbers, finishing among the nation’s FCS leaders in total offense. Sealey posted 2773 total yards of offense last season, which was the second most in the Southland Conference. Sealey will be without his favorite target from last season in D.J. Fuller, who is ineligible, but the offense should have plenty of firepower to it with returning experience and added recruits.
Volleyball
In her sophomore season Jacey Smith led the Wildcats Smith offensive attack with 324 kills, and starting all but one set last season. For her consistent offensive output, Smith was named to the All-Southland Conference Second Team, and the is a 2017 preseason all-Conference selection. Smith also ranked seventh in the conference in 2016 with 2.89 kills per set. For more visit us at ACUOptimist.com