WHAT'S INSIDE
NEWS
In cased you missed the happenin' weekend in Abilene, check out our recap. Page 2
ARTS
OPINION
How to avoid burn out at the end of the semester: make one sandwich at a time. Page 4
ArtWalk hits the streets of downtown. New shows and music drop on Spotify and Netflix. Page 5
SPORTS
Football concludes spring practices and looks ahead to fresh start in upcoming season. Pages 6
v
Wednesday, April 12, 2017 Vol. 105, Issue 28
A student publication of Abilene Christian University since 1912
WE TALK TOO MUCH
LAUREN FRANCO STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Indie pop band COIN performed Friday, April 7 at a free concert on campus. The show was organized by The Cabinet (formerly the Campus Activities Board). COIN's No.1 song on Spotify is titled "Talk Too Much"
Meyer accepts job at summer camp BY ALLISON BROWN EDITOR IN CHIEF
Dr. Jan Meyer, former director of spiritual for m at ion and execuMEYER tive director of ACU Leadership Camps, has taken a new job as communications director for the Camp Eagle family of camps in Glorietta, New Mexico. "This group of Christian camps exists to effect life change through adventure," Meyer said. "I have begun to dig in and develop the first stages of a communication plan for the internal, external and media stakeholders that the Camp Eagle family of camps has." Meyer began working for the university right after she graduated in 1987. "So just one month short of thirty years!" Meyer said. Meyer worked in a variety of positions on campus, from residence life to spiritual formation. But for her, the most significant job was the eighteen years she spent directing Leadership SEE MEYER PAGE 3
SA task force advocates for LGBT policy change BY ALLISON BROWN EDITOR IN CHIEF
Students’ Association Congress will vote Wednesday on whether to urge the university to change its sexual stewardship policy to remove punishment for students showing expressions of same-sex attraction. The resolution being voted on provides student feedback to university administration and focuses particularly on LGBT student conduct with regard to current policy. If passed,
the resolution would submit documents to administration to be taken to the Board of Trustees. In addition to submitting survey results, SA will propose to remove the term “behavioral expressions” from the Sexual Stewardship policy and will recommend the board remove punishment or dismissal of students in same-sex relationships or marriages. SA’s resolution is based largely on results of a student survey regarding LGBT student conduct, as
well as small group discussions and town hall meetings related to the policy. SA sent out a survey in late March to gauge the student body’s thoughts on the issue and 1,015 students responded, roughly 25 percent of the student body. Overall, an average of 79.3 percent of the respondents indicated the university should not prohibit students in same-sex relationships from attending ACU or punish current students in same-sex relationships.
Evan Rodriguez, sophomore management major from Sugar Land and member of Students’ Association and the LGBTQ+ Student Feedback Task Force, said these conversations have been ongoing since the fall. Rodriguez worked alongside Julia Kennedy, sophomore english major from Lubbock, and Ty Kelley, junior information and technology major from San Antonio, to write the resolution. “We wanted to be very
specific in the response,” Rodriguez said. “In the survey, a lot of students had a lot of questions about what the changes would mean.” The first half of the resolution details the board’s guidance on the issue and indicates the majority of survey respondents were against the policy as it stands. The last point of the resolution offers three actions: (1) that the resolution and accompanying documents be submitted to SEE RESOLUTION PAGE 3
Fire claims part of St. Ann’s hospital BY HALEY REMENAR ONLINE MANAGING EDITOR
A fire destroyed part of the abandoned St. Ann's hospital, which had been purchased by CitySquare, Sunday afternoon. The fire started at about 2 p.m. Sunday on the southeast side of the building. A neighbor across the street from St. Ann's, Diana Longoria, said her husband saw the fire and told her to call the Abilene Fire Department. She said the fire started on the southeast side of the building, then spread north to the two-story stone
portion of the building. Winds were blowing from the south, pushing the flames north, but Longoria's house stood across the street on the east side. "I was worried about the people that live on the other street," Longoria said. Abilene Fire Department deputy chief Mike Burden said no one was in the building at the time of the fire. He said the crews contained the fire before the wind could blow it toward the houses to the north. Highland Church of Christ provided funds when CitySquare purchased the
former hospital in the fall with plans to turn the building into a homeless housing initiative. Ben Siburt, executive minister at Highland, said the fire did not damage the main part of the structure. The cause of the fire is unknown as there was no electricity in that part of the building, Siburt said. "It may adjust the nature of the project in positive or challenging ways," said Siburt. "I do not anticipate it hindering the restoration project in any significant way at this point." SEE FIRE PAGE 3
W W W. A C U O P T I M I S T. C O M
HALEY REMENAR ONLINE MANAGING EDITOR
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WEDNESDAY | APRIL 12, 2017
LYDIA LAWSON STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER The women of Omega Dance Company performed “Culture,” a Greek-themed original dance, at their spring performance Saturday. The piece was orginally performed during the Ethnos culture show in November.
A ‘Great Good Fine OK’ Weekend Activities across campus showcase local, outside talent
BY HALEY REMENAR ONLINE MANAGING EDITOR
E
vents and performances lit the campus this week from the lawn outside Moody Coliseum to the stage in Cullen Auditorium. The Cabinet hosted a concert Friday night featuring New York City-based pop band, Great Good Fine OK and Nashville-based band, COIN. Food trucks included 1881, the Sweet Side and the Toasted Traveler. After the show, the bands gave autographs and took photos with students. The men of Galaxy hosted the Kirk Goodwin Run Sat-
10 YEARS & COUNTING Tuesday marked the tenth anniversary of the university’s contract with Google. Before the contract, the university used an internal email system.
urday morning. About 163 people participated in the run which raised funds for a local nurse diagnosed with kidney disease. Participants could run a 5k or a half-marathon. Caleb O’Neal, director of the KGR, estimated the run raised nearly $15,000. The women of Omega
Dance Company presented their spring performance Saturday, with original dances focusing on the theme, “Empowerment.” Guest performances included Sanctify, the Swing Cats and the Omega sponsors. The Department of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences hosted a petting zoo outside Moody Monday after Chapel. Students could pet or hold goats, chicks and a horse. The event promoted the department’s rodeo scheduled for Wednesday. HRR13B@ACU.EDU
MAGGIE FARIAS STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Students pet a horse at the Department of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences petting zoo Monday afternoon.
LAUREN FRANCO STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Crowds of students cheer for COIN, a Nashville-based pop band.
MAGGIE FARIAS STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Runners begin the 33rd annual Kirk Goodwin 5k and half-marathon hosted by the men of Galaxy.
POLICE LOG SELECTED ACUPD CALLS FOR THE WEEK 04/05/2017 1:35 p.m. ACUPD issued a Criminal Trespass Warning to a non-affiliated person after staff reported the person’s harassment of a student. 04/06/2017 2:25 p.m. Officers responded to Hunter Welcome Center regarding an unknown male inside the building. Officers determined that the person was simply in the building to cool off. 04/06/2017 3:23 p.m. An ACU student reported a past sexual assault committed at an off-campus residence by a non-ACU affiliated suspect. 911 CALL ACCIDENT ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIVITY ADVICE ALARM ALCOHOL INCIDENT ANIMAL CALL ASSIST BARRICADES BUILDING LOCK/UNLOCK CHECK BUILDING CRIMINAL-TRESPASS WARNING DISTURBANCE
2 2 11 1 3 1 1 2 4 11 280 1 2
ESCORT FOOT PATROL FOUND PROPERTY HIT & RUN INFORMATION REPORT INVESTIGATION FOLLOW UP LOST PROPERTY MAINTENANCE: UNIV ASSETS MEDICAL EMERGENCY MENTAL HEALTH CONCERN MOTORIST ASSIST IN-
3 26 6 2 7 15 3 4 1 1 1
FLATE TIRE MOTORIST ASSIST: JUMPSTART MOTORIST ASSIST: OTHER MOTORIST ASSIST: UNLOCK NOISE VIOLATION OTHER PARKING LOT PATROL PARKING VIOLATION PATROL VEHICLE: MAINTENANCE PATROL VEHICLE: REFUEL PUBLIC SERVICE
RANDOM PATROL REPORT WRITING SEX OFFENSE 2 SUICIDE (ATT & ACTUAL) 4 SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY SUSPICIOUS PERSON 2 SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE 4 TRAFFIC STOP 34 WELFARE CHECK 7 1 TOTAL: 514 12 1 4
23 13 1 1 4 3 1 4 3
POLICE CHIEF TIP OF THE WEEK:
Alcohol is the most common date-rape drug and is involved in 75 percent of all sexual assaults reported.
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FRIDAY | APRIL 12, 2017
Meyer: director looks to future CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Camps. “I loved all of my jobs at ACU. Each one helped develop and mature me into a strong professional and compassionate minister,” Meyer said. "My 18 years directing Leadership Camps were the most significant in my own spiritual development as well as skills development. I'm so thankful God used me in this way, and love the countless relationships I have with former campers, staff and volunteers all across the country.” As she transitions to new role, Meyer said she is excited about her new position in the mountains of New Mexico. “I began to pray a couple of years ago that God would refresh me in my job and perhaps allow me to live in the mountains,” Meyer said. “This sense of belonging in the mountains grew strong after many years of leading our Cross Training camp in NM. And this year, he said yes.” In her position as communications director, Meyer will help the Camp Eagle family of camps develop a communication strategy for its three locations in three different states. Dr. Chris Riley, vice president of student life, said his office will replace Meyer but are discussing possible revised structures and needs for the Office of Spiritual Formation before doing so. AKB12B@ACU.EDU
Fire: St. Ann’s hospital damaged
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Resolution: SA to mull LGBT policy proposal CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
SA; (2) that the term “behavioral expressions” be removed from the handbook; (3) that the Board should discuss removing punishment or dismissal of students in same-sex relationships, dating or married. “The first part of the bill serves as justification and explanation of what things mean, because there’s been a lot of misconceptions,” Rodriguez said. “Some people have thought it’d mean students can do whatever they want in the dorms now, or that we’re trying to get rid of all standards. That’s not the case. We are just clarifying an unclear area.”
The term “behavioral expressions”, what many in SA and on campus are calling the most problematic area of the Sexual Stewardship policy, refers to language in the Student Handbook, which states: “Abilene Christian University affirms the biblical model, in which sexual relations are experienced only within the marriage bond between a man and a woman. Relationships or their behavioral expressions outside of this example are not condoned by Abilene Christian University and are subject to disciplinary or other appropriate action.” This portion of the student handbook has been in discussion frequently among the Board and university administration in
“
We wanted to craft something that every student can get behind,” EVAN RODRIGUEZ MEMBER OF SA & LGBTQ+ STUDENT FEEDBACK TASK FORCE
recent years. In the fall, the university recognized LGBT support group Voice as an official student group based on the Board’s guiding principles for sexual stewardship. No changes, however, have made to university policy. The Board of Trustees established guidance in three parts as the university navigates the issue: affirmation of the dignity
and worth of all human beings regardless of sexual orientation, belief in the scriptural teaching that God intends sexual relations to be reserved for marriage between a man and a woman, and encouragement for all in the ACU community to engage the issue with civility and respect. If SA’s resolution passes Wednesday, it would be the first of many steps to see change enacted in policy. “This is a resolution, highlighting the problematic area,” Rodriguez said. “How that change will manifest itself is up to the Board.” With this proposal up for a vote, Rodriguez said he and the LGBTQ+ Student
Feedback Task Force are hoping to garner support from all students on campus. “When we crafted this resolution, we said we are going to appeal to 100 percent of students, not just the 80 percent who were in favor on the survey. We wanted to craft something that every student can get behind.” The vote will take place Wednesday at 5:15 SA Congress in COBA 201. “I feel like that there will be important questions raised,” Rodriguez said. “But I don’t doubt that it will pass.” AKB12B@ACU.EDU
JMC students win awards at state convention STAFF REPORT
The Department of Journalism and Mass Communication has a lot to brag about as 15 students brought home over 40 awards from statewide competitions. The student newspaper, The Optimist, won Best in Show against all weekly student print publications in the state at this year’s Texas Intercollegiate Press Association convention in Dallas. The competition took place over the weekend of March 30 - April 1 and included both pre-submitted and live contests. TIPA on-site contest winners: Jonathan Ward, senior
advertising and public relations major from Plano, snagged two first place awards for PR Release Writing and Crisis Management. Senior convergence journalism major Abbey Bowling, from Keller, won first place in Print Advertising. Convergence journalism junior from Bandera, Jonathan Raitz, came in first for TV News Writing. Allison Brown, senior convergence journalism major from Midland, rounded out the first place winners with an award for Magazine Design. Other awards include: second place in Print News Writing to Haley Remenar, junior convergence journalism major from Albuquer-
HOUSE FOR RENT
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE JMC DEPARTMENT
Over a dozen JMC students traveled to Dallas to compete against other colleges from across the state. que, New Mexico; third place in Radio Advertising to Mercedez Hernandez, senior convergence journalism major from Anson; one honorable mention for Live Video news by Amber Chavez, freshmen multimedia major from Austin and another for Radio An-
nouncing to Max Preston, convergence journalism major from Amarillo. 25 of students’ pre-submitted works from the last year also placed in various categories. The Society of Professional Journalists’ Region Eight conference recog-
nized seven students for eight awards of excellence. Five of The Optimist’s submitted works were winners in their category and three were finalists. VJA14A@ACU.EDU
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Before Highland and CitySquare purchased the building, several graduate students had considered purchasing it. Shannon Kaczmarek, director of Student Advocacy Programs, said the group, which included her husband at the time, wanted to move into a low-income neighborhood. "They decided to live more intentionally in community with one another, so they all lived in the same house together," Kaczmarek said. "There was a lot of interest about the possibility of purchasing it, but nobody in that group had funds." Kaczmarek said the group changed its goal and focused on living in that neighborhood rather than buying the building. She and her husband now live in the neighborhood near St. Ann's. AKB12B@ACU.EDU
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O PI N I ON
&
ED IT O R IA L
WEDNESDAY | APRIL 12, 2017
LGBT policies need to be up-front and practical
THE ISSUE
The university has been having conversations regarding LGBT policies in the student handbook. SA has written a resolution to urge the board to make changes to the policy for more inclusivity.
OUR TAKE
The handbook's vague use of "behavioral expressions" allows for case-by-case evaluation of sexual conduct violations. If changes are made, to the policy, the Board should focus on practicality.
Between the senior leadership team, the Board of Trustees, the Students' Association, Voice, and the alumni base, there's plenty of opinions about LGBT policies floating around the university. All of the jargon can get a bit overwhelming to most students. Terms like "inclusivity" sound appealing, but what does that really mean in a practical sense? As the university moves forward in considering
LGBT policies, the focus needs to be on practical measures. It wasn't too long ago that the university allowed an on-campus dance, so the fact that we can talk about this already shows the university has come a long way. But we still have to balance a Christian identity, a new generation and a conservative alumni base. If the university wants to balance these, it should focus on practical measures that af-
hashtagACU @acuoptimist @LUCKASCHUMANN
"Oh heck yeah! Randy Harris is speaking at chapel twice this week for Holy Week!" said the ACU alum, 350 miles away from Abilene.
@93MADISONAVENUE
Managed to eat a bunch of potato chips without messing up my lipstick for senior pics so I'm considering today a win
One in four students responded to the sexual stewardship survey. fect students daily. Current policy in the student handbook is slightly vague. It prohibits "behavioral expressions" outside of the marriage of one man and one woman. But it doesn't define behavioral expressions. This policy could cause those in same-sex relationships or part of the LGBT community to feel afraid to express themselves for fear of expulsion. However, it works as a practical way for the university to handle issues on a case-by-case basis. It allows Mark Lewis, dean of students, and Chris
Riley, vice president of Student Life, to exercise wise judgement when handling any issues related to the policy. Making the policy more specific could make it harder for Student Life to use due diligence for each situation. However, making the policy more specific could help current and incoming students better understand what they are getting into when they sign the student handbook. The handbook gives the university the right to make moral decisions about your personal life, i.e. your sexual stewardship. But let's face it, most of our
I tried to look nice today & wore jeans..after my first class I went right back to my room and changed into leggings. I've hit a new low
@LAUREN_FRANCO1
rt if the coin concert changed ur life
@BRICLOSE
People freak out about other clubs stealing composites but honestly it would be one less thing I have deal with before graduation.
@EMJMUHL
no one understands that advertising is not the same as marketing. this is a battle i've had to fight for 4 years and counting.
FOLLOW US @ACUOPTIMIST WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ACUOPTIMIST WWW.ACUOPTIMIST.COM
Responses from SA's Sexual Stewardship Survey UNSURE 2.6%
YES 16.2%
Should ACU attempt to prohibit students in same-sex dating relationships from attending ACU?
NO 81.3%
YES 19.4%
UNSURE 2.2%
Should ACU discipline or suspend current students if they enter into a same-sex married relationship while attending ACU?
NO 78.4%
OPINION@JMCNETWORK.COM
COLUMN
Sophomore slump or senioritis? VICTORIA'S SECRETS
@CAITYACOSTA5
personal choices aren't really the school's business. What becomes the school's business are gender issues on campus. Gender affects a lot of different things on campus like women's and men's residence halls, women's and men's social clubs or taking a date to freshmen formal. Perhaps the policy could include specific rules about residence life, like questioning whether or not a person in a same-sex relationship should be a resident assistant in a dorm. Can a transgender student live in the dorm that conforms to their gender identity? Specific rules like this could help students understand what they are really signing onto when they enroll at this university. But if the policy were restrictive, it could make some people feel more excluded. If the policy were less restrictive, the university could have trouble adhering to the oneman-one-woman principle. Perhaps the school's current vague policy is the most inclusive choice after all.
TORI ALDANA COPY EDITOR Senior convergence journalism major Midland
How does graduating with your bachelor's degree at 19 sound? Terrifying? Yeah, that just about sums up how I'm feeling right now. As a second-year student and a senior, or seen-more, if you will, I've got my hands tied. On one, my senioritis has taken hold, and I'm ready to be done; but on the other I feel like there is still so much more to do. I also live in this awkward limbo of being a teenager while having the expectations of an adult on my shoulders. While my friends are researching UP apartments, I'm researching jobs. While my friends are going to club rushes, I'm rushing to my internship. While my friends are registering for their next semester, I'm
RSVPing to senior send off. This semester has been a whirlwind, I just want to pump the brakes so I can slow down and soak in all of the memories I'm making. But it's also a time to reflect on all the good times. I've only been in Abilene for three semesters, but in that short time, I've made friendships to last a lifetime. I've gotten to study abroad in Oxford and travel the world with my best friends. But what could I accomplish if I were to stay? Could I be an editor of the Optimist? Could I start my own social club? Would I have a ring before spring? Sometimes I feel like there are so many things I sacrificed by graduating two years early. While sometimes it feels like I'm doing so many
things for the last time, I need to remember the big picture. I am about to embark on the greatest journey of my life. A journey that crossing the pond doesn't even compare to. However, the scariest part of every journey is embarking. The fear of the unknown. But, I realized this semester is that not-knowing is OK, and
“
help me realize I can't do it all. When I'm stressed, help me realize there will be a tomorrow. When I'm overexerting myself, help me remember to sleep. Truth be told, there is no way I would be graduating this May without tons of help from my family, friends and ACU faculty and staff. So lastly,
The scariest part of every journey is embarking. The fear of the unknown. But, I realized this semester is that notknowing is okay, and maybe I'm not expected to have my entire life figured out at 19.
maybe I'm not expected to have my entire life figured out at 19. One of my favorite professors, Dr. Jeanene Reese, told my mentor group that the secret to success is knowing when to ask for help. So this is my S.O.S. When I'm frustrated,
I want to say thank you. Thank you to everyone who has helped me reach this final semester. No, the first chapter to the rest of my life.
OPINION@JMCNETWORK.COM
COLUMN
How to avoid end-of-semester burn out “ RATED R
HALEY REMENAR ONLINE MANAGING EDITOR Junior convergence journalism major Albuquerque, New Mexico
All of the days are starting to run together and the homework keeps piling on faster, like the oven conveyor belt at a sandwich shop. I'm working on the side of the oven where the sandwiches come out, all melty-cheese and crispy bread. There's a long line to the cash register, the orders are adding up and there's a few customers peaking over
the wall to see if I'm making their sandwiches right. Suddenly the sandwiches seem to be getting bigger and bigger, pouring out of the oven into a giant pile. I'm drowning in sandwich. I had this nightmare so many times when I worked at a sandwich shop. Now I feel like I'm living that nightmare, except instead of sandwiches, homework
and social events are overwhelming me. I'm overrun by tests, papers, group projects, rushes, concerts, formals, etc. Can anyone relate? If you're feeling burned out, here's three ways to maintain motivation at the end of the semester. Reward yourself with things you can only get in Abilene. Most of us will be leaving Abilene for the summer, and some seniors will be leaving forever. The next few weeks may be your only chance to get a Monk's latte, a popsicle from Mary's Palateria, or a spicyranch-smothered Sharky's burrito. So when you finish a big project or even a few pages of a long paper, grab
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 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
a friend and go get some Abilene specialties. You can also hop outside for a classic Abilene sunset. Drive down 10th Street heading west at sunset. The skyline of downtown Abilene looks so beautiful surrounded by green trees. Stick to your schedule. When we get burned out, we tend to give up on some of our little daily responsibilities. Keep on showering, going to the gym and attending church and small groups. These things will help you stay focused even when homework and college life gets monotonous or overwhelming. Shake up your routine. On the other hand, you might try doing something
I'm drowning in sandwich.
that really shakes up your routine. You could dress nice for school every day. You could hang out with someone you don't normally hang out with. You could start a daily video diary as you countdown to graduation. These things make life interesting and help you remember why you're going to college in the first place.
Spend more time with professors. You might need their help for a project, so you should go to their office and talk with them instead of slacking off on the project. You can also get to know them better so you might still feel comfortable saying 'hello' even after you finish that class. You may never have so many knowledgable people at your fingertips again, so take advantage of their expertise even in a busy season. In the end, what you really have to do is just take it one sandwich at a time.
OPINION@JMCNETWORK.COM
O P T I M IST
published by the department of journalism and mass communication editorial and management board Allison Brown Editor in Chief Opinion Page Editor Haley Remenar Online Managing Editor Mercedez Hernandez Print Managing Editor Abbey Bowling Arts & Features Editor Emily Guajardo Visuals Managing Editor Jonathan Raitz Sports Editor
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ARTS
WEDNESDAY | APRIL 12, 2017
April Artwalk: Cosmic Carwalk
BY ABBEY BOWLING ARTS & FEATURES EDITOR
The Center for Contemporary Arts will host the Cosmic Carwalk from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday along Cypress Street. Artwalk is free and takes place the second Thursday of every month and features plenty of art and entertainment activities. This month, Artwalk will be a fundraising event for The Center for Contemporary Arts and will celebrate makes and models of all vehicles as
well as cosplay costumes. Artwalk will also include free admission to The Grace, the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature, The Cockerell Galleries, the Abilene Public Library and the Center for Contemporary Arts. Artwalk also features musical, theatre, and dance productions from local performers and booths for nonprofit organizations and businesses. The Historic Paramount Theatre is also just down the street from Artwalk
and will be featuring a Conversation with Nadia Murad, sponsored by Global Samaritan Resources, at 7 p.m. on Thursday. There are also plenty of restuarants downtown where you can grab a bite to eat before or after Artwalk – including Cypress Street Station, Abi-Haus, The Beehive, Fat Boss’s Pub, Public Haus, and Monk’s Coffee Shop in addition to food trucks. AKB12A@ACU.EDU
PHOTO BY ERIKA BOLADO STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Artwalk in September. Theme this month was “Home Sweet Home.”
WHAT’S NEW ON SPOTIFY? From R&B to classic rock, check out a few of our recent favorites. ED SHEERAN, ÷ (DIVIDE) Ed Sheeran has done it again. He’s managed to craft another album where each song is distinctly unique but still manage to flow as a cohesive discography. He also further cements his versatility as an artist by showcasing his wide range of talent – including the rap-like verses of “Eraser,” the slow, intimately soft “Supermarket Flowers” and the rocking vocals on “Dive.” Seriously, is there anything this guy can’t do? He even offers a tour of Europe – if you want a taste of Ireland, “Galway Girl” will transport you straight to a rowdy, good-natured Irish pub, complete with the scattered solos of a Celtic fiddle. If you want the upbeat side of Spain, “Barcelona” will have you soaking up the Spanish sun as you sing along. Or if you want something mellower, listen to Ed sing nostalgically about his English hometown in “Castle on the Hill.” His third studio album fits perfectly into his previous repertoire – it also sticks with the math theme – while still expanding to include a newer, more grown-up selection of songs.
HARRY STYLES, SIGN OF THE TIMES First of all, it’s important to note that Harry Styles released “Sign of the Times,” an almost six-minute song about mortality and loss, as the first single off his new album. That goes against every norm in the music industry, but somehow the single still managed to debut on iTunes at #1 in 19 minutes – beating Adele’s 50 minute record – and land radio play the day of its release, which is impressive in itself. The song is very reminiscent of classic rockers from the 70s and 80s –like David Bowie, or Queen, or even Fleetwood Mac…but it’s hard to nail his sound to one genre because this song is so simply, uniquely Harry. The soft piano refrain provides a haunting background to the well-written lyrics and wide range of talent – from falsetto to raw, powerful vocals in the bridge. If this single is any indication of what’s coming with the rest of his album, then I expect a timeless, high-quality masterpiece.
JAMES ARTHUR, BACK FROM THE EDGE He might be just another product from just another one of those vote-to-win reality music competitions, but James Arthur’s distinct style sets him apart from other forgettable X Factor winners by showcasing his talent with a diverse selection of songs on his second studio album. Coupling well-written lyrics with an array of rock, singer/songwriter, and acoustic songs, there’s something for everyone on “Back From The Edge.” His voice balances the perfect mixture of edgy and raw with smooth and suave on the title track, “Back From The Edge,” which I could have on loop for days. But he transitions to his softer side on the next track “Say You Won’t Let Go,” when he croons about falling in love. But what really sold me were his strong, chilling vocals on “The Truth,” when he belts out honest lyrics about making a breakthrough in the music industry. He’s still young and he’s got a lot of room to grow and time to prove himself as an artist, but he’s on the right track.
KHALID, LOCATION As soon as this song starts, you’ll realize that you’ve probably never heard anything like Khalid before – or at least, not anything recently popular, and even I’m struggling to find someone to compare him to. The smooth pop of John Legend? He’s got that. The swag of Bruno Mars? He’s got that. The easygoing soul of Leon Bridges? Well, he’s got that, too. Hailing from El Paso, Texas, his laid-back voice has a subtle sophisticated quality on “Location,” adding to the nonchalant, soulful feel of the R&B track. The song is effortlessly easygoing, making him the kind of guy you’d want to be friends with just because he seems so cool. In fact, his whole album is worth a listen, even though I’m only highlighting one song here – and the fact that he’s only 19 and he’s already innovatively cutting his way into the music scene speaks volumes about his potential. This guy is going places.
WHAT’S NEW ON NETFLIX? From drama to comedy, here’s what to watch instead of doing homework. AMADEUS, RATED R
Even though most people say classical music is for the more pompous type, that doesn’t mean it has gone out of style. This indie, alternative film takes you back to the early days of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart- classical composer genius. However, this narrative is told by his enemy, another classical composer who desperately tries to put Mozart down but never succeeds. Witnessing Mozart’s true personality, the viewer can see a new perspective on the child prodigy. His awkward laughs and narcissistic behavior grow on you making it harder to believe that the man in the pink hair created some of the world’s best pieces. Although this film is a bit longer than most movies, it keeps your attention by letting you experience true artistry. If you can spare a moment to watch an unexpected artist evolve, you won’t regret it.
GRACE AND FRANKIE, RATED TV-MA
“Grace and Frankie,” already on its third season, is unlike any other show Netflix has produced. The main storyline follows the everyday life of Grace, an uptight Type-A woman, and Frankie, a hippie who reminisces on the good ol’ Woodstock days, whose husbands have suddenly become gay for each other. Crazy, right? Both women stuck in their 70’s and have absolutely no idea what to do now, the two begin to have an unlikely friendship, leading to disastrous and hilarious confrontations. Although the show stars two older women, the show is far from slow. Grace and Frankie have new adventures from how to date to how to look young again. The unorthodox duo reminds every one that one day we’ll all get old – we might as well start living the life we’ve always wanted now. Grab your mom, take a seat, brew up some sweet coffee and click play. You’ll thank me later.
TIMER, RATED R
What if you could find your soulmate by simply placing a timer on your arm? Counting down the days, hours, minutes and seconds to the moment you hear the beautiful beeping alerting you that you’ve found the one. Would you do it? Directed by Jac Schaeffer, Timer takes you through a whirlpool of emotions, humor and experimentations of young love. Through the eyes of Oona O’Leary, a single gal desperate to find love, O’Leary takes every guy she’s ever met to get a timer implanted just to see if maybe he could be the one. With no luck, O’Leary learns that maybe a timer isn’t what you need to find love- maybe you’re the only one standing in the way of it. Grab your man and sit down for a while. Maybe he’ll get the hint that it’s time to get serious because time is ticking.
THIRTEEN REASONS WHY, RATED TV-MA
Only three weeks after its release and “Thirteen Reasons Why” is already showing success. Following the life of Hannah, a teenage girl who commits suicide, the viewer follows the story through audio tapes Hannah left for specific people. Not only does this show reveal harsh realities of suicide, depression and bullying, but it also hits a touchy subject – a graphic rape scene where Hannah’s hands grip the ground in agony, leaving the audience shocked and disturbed. Compared to the novel written by Jay Asher, the show doesn’t necessarily take the calm, daunting tone Asher took when writing the memory of Hannah. Instead, it adds drama and teen-related issues which makes sense considering the audience Netflix is trying to catch. Overall, if you’re not a strict book worm and want to indulge in a guilty pleasure or just want to feel like a fourteen-year-old girl again, give the show a try. Who knows? You may even like it.
6
S P O RT S
Softball takes series finale, remains in second
Softball
BY DAVIS DENTON SPORTS WRITER
The Wildcats lost their first conference series of the season over the weekend when they played host to Nicholls State. The Colonels took twoof-three and improved their record to 26-13 and 12-3 in conference, while the Wildcats dropped to 23-16, but still remain tied for second at 12-3. The first game swung in favor of the Colonels as they won 3-2, as shortstop Amanda Gianelloni got the them on the board when she sliced a single to center field and gave Nicholls the 1-0 lead. In the second frame, center fielder Sydney Bourg grounded out, but a throwing error brought in another run putting the score at 2-0. Junior Peyton Hedrick doubled to score senior Taylor Brown in the third to cut the deficit to one. ACU struck again in the fourth when freshman Tori Poullard tripled down the line and brought home junior Brianna Barnhill to tie it at 2. But a critical throwing error trying to corral a bunt in the fifth cost the Wildcats
Team
14-1 12-3 12-3 10-5 8-7 7-8 5-7 6-9 6-9 3-12 3-12 1-11
Baseball Team
MAGGIE FARIAS STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Left: Senior Casey-May Huff guns down the runner at first. Right: Freshman Braegan Hamilton lines a single to advance the runner.
the win. Freshman Sidney Holman started and went the distance for ACU, but picked up her fourth loss in a nine-strikeout effort. She is 15-4 this season. The second game appeared more favorable as junior Holly Neese homered to right field and scored two runs in the first frame to give the Wildcats an early lead. However, as the game progressed, the Colonels took over after a throwing error brought
in a run and a base hit by Kendal Daniels scored a run bringing the game to 2 all. Veronica Villafranco hit a two-run double that ultimately sealed the 4-2 win for the Colonels. Jackie Johnson improved her record to 13-6 and junior Hannah Null fell to 7-12. The women would get final game of the series, but the Wildcats 10-inning, 5-4 win didn’t come easy. Neese squeezed a single down the left side and
brought home Hedrick to start off the game. In the second inning, Bourg singled and scored Gianelloni to knot the game up at 1. The Wildcats answered after Neese flied out and scored Brown, making it 2-1 but Villafranco singled to right field and brought another run in. Barnhill homored in the sixth and both teams scored in the seventh to force extras. The 4-4 deadlock was broken in
the tenth when freshman Braegan Hamilton singled to left and Brown scored an unearned run for the walk-off win. ACU travels to San Antonio next weekend for an conference battle with Incarnate Word. Last season the Wildcats swept the Cardinals in a three-game series at Poly Wells Field. DMD14A@ACU.EDU
LAUREN FRANCO STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Left: First-year head coach Adam Dorrel calls relays a play call during the Wildcats’ purple and white spring game this past Friday. Right: The ball is jarred loose after a big hit from cornerback Adonis Davis.
Purple, white game concludes spring Dorrel invited by Dabo Swinney to speak at Clemson
It was a busy spring for the football team as the first practices of a new era concluded on Friday with the purple and white scrimmage. With first-year head coach Adam Dorrel getting his first crack at Div. 1 spring practices, Wildcat Stadium passing the halfway point of completion and a mostly new coaching staff, the team entered the spring practices with lots of questions and unknowns.
Ovrl. Div.
McNeese 28-13 Nicholls 26-13 23-16 ACU 20-20 Lamar 19-19 SELU 16-20 SHSU 13-25 SFA 16-24-1 NWSU 15-27 UCA 12-19 HBU 8-31 UIW TAMU-CC 6-26
FOOTBALL
BY JONATHAN RAITZ SPORTS EDITOR
STANDINGS
“
“Football is a unique game, you don’t have to put the eleven most athletic kids on the field. The other team across the way can be more athletic and can look prettier, but football is so much about discipline and is a team sport.” ADAM DORREL HEAD FOOTBALL COACH
Even though spring practice serves as just an initial look and the new recruiting class is yet to step on campus, Dorrel said he was impressed with the improvement from day
one to the scrimmage, especially on the defensive side of the ball. “From practice one to practice 14, I don’t know if I’ve ever been part of a spring ball where I’ve
LAUREN FRANCO STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Senior Cade Munden hands the ball off to his running back during the purple and white spring game on Friday night.
seen a unit improve that much,” Dorrel said “What we’re doing defensively right now, what our coaching staff is doing with those guys, I’m so excited about. I feel like there is a lot of buy in by our team, I feel like our defense is trying to be more physical.” On the offensive side of the ball, Dorrel has also been impressed with the ability athleticism of the receiving corp and is confident in what he has seen from the quarterback position. “We feel like between Dallas Sealey, Luke Anthony and Cade Munden, we feel like those are three kids that can win football games, we really believe that,” Dorrel said. “At wide receiver we feel like we are super talented. We feel like those kids are hyper-competitive, they’ve got great skill set, they play hard, they block, they run and we feel like they are being unselfish. I think it’s a super-talented, super-diverse group.” Dorrel said one of the big things he and his coaching staff have been trying to implement is a team and community-oriented mindset. “Football is a unique game, you don’t have to put the eleven most athletic kids on the field,” Dorrel said. “The other
team across the way can be more athletic and can look prettier, but football is so much about discipline and is a team sport. We’re starting to believe in that and our kids are starting to care about each other. I hope other people are seeing it, we’re trying to be visible in the community.” It was this similar message Dorrel shared when he was also invited by Clemson football coach, Dabo Swinney to speak at a high school coaches clinic. Dorrel said he and Swinney had met previously and the invitation was extended with the hope of having championship-winning coaches, which is a bill both coaches fit, speak to those in attendance. Dorrel said he saw lots of similarities in the mindset of the Clemson program to what he hopes to eventually bring here. He and his coaching staff will have that chance when the Wildcats report for training camp in a few months. The team will open its season at New Mexico on September 2 and will play its home opener in the new Wildcat Stadium against Houston Baptist on September 16. JMR13B@ACU.EDU
SHSU McNeese SFA SELU UNO HBU UCA Nicholls TAMU-CC Lamar UIW NWSU ACU
Ovrl. Div.
23-9 12-0 23-9 13-2 20-14 9-3 20-12 8-7 19-14 8-7 14-15 6-6 17-16 7-8 18-16 5-7 13-20 5-7 18-15 6-9 15-18 4-8 10-21 3-9 9-19 1-14
BREAKING Sophomore Carnley Graham and senior Reid Rivers each took home a bronze medal in the 1500m at the Baylor Invitational last weekend. Graham finished with a time of 4:47.37 to take third for the women and Rivers clocked in at 3:58.23 to finish third for the men. Track and Field will take this weekend off before heading back to Baylor in two weeks. Volleyball continued spring action with a trip to San Angelo to compete against nearby schools in Ranger College, Hill College, Rambelles and tournament host Angelo State. The team will also host its annual 4-v-4 grass tournament at the intramurals fields on April 22. This will be the fourth consecutive year the tournament has taken place.
MATCHUPS Baseball 4/11 ACU
(9-19, 1-14)
TAMU
(22-11, 5-7)
4/13-15 ACU
(9-19, 1-14)
HBU
(14-15, 6-6)
4/17 ACU
(9-19, 1-15)
UT-PB
(8-24, 1-7)
Softball 4/14-15 ACU UIW
(23-16, 12-3) (8-31, 3-12)
Tennis 4/12 Men’s ACU (14-9, 2-1) Midwestern (12-6, 0-0) 4/12 Women’s ACU (14-5, 6-2) Midwestern (17-3, 0-0)
Golf 4/10-11 Nashville, TN Finish: T-7th Team Score: 909, +57
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