The Optimist - Feb. 22, 2009

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Pg. 6 - 7 A spread of our photo staff’s best Sing Song shots

Sunday, February 22, 2009 :: Vol. 97, No. 39 :: 1 section, 12 pages :: www.acuoptimist.com

Inside This Issue:

Pg.

Pg. 10

Last Song: senior students reflect on final Sing Song performance

Pg. 12

ACU for the IRC treats refugees to free Sing Song show

Weekend win locks spot for ACU in LSC Postseason Tourney

Administrators praise center at dedication

By Michael Freeman Managing Editor

Heather Leiphart :: staff photographer Dr. Bob Hunter, senior vice president emeritus, speaks to the audience at the dedication ceremony for the new Bob and Shirley Hunter Welcome Center.

As Dr. Bob Hunter took the stage at the dedication of the Bob and Shirley Hunter Welcome Center on Saturday afternoon, more than 700 attendees rose to their feet to give him a standing ovation — some of which were already standing.

Most of the chairs in the McCaleb Conference Center were

occupied as Dr. Royce Money, president of the university; C.E. “Doc” Cornutt, chairman of the Board of Trustees, and Hunter, senior vice president emeritus, praised the efforts of those who built the new 57,000-square-foot facility, thanked the more than 50 donors and honored the people whose names adorn the center and its indoor and outdoor features.

“We had expected maybe when we passed away that

we might be remembered for a few of the things we did for others during our lifetimes, but we never dreamed that our names would be on a building on the campus,” Hunter said.

Other features dedicated Saturday was the conference room named after Dr. Gary McCaleb, vice president of the university, and his wife Sylvia; the fountain lake in front of the welcome center named after Dr. A Overton Faubus, pro-

fessor emeritus of accounting, and the plaza and labyrinth named after Kenneth and Virginia Rich, the parents of Jack Rich, senior vice president and chief investment officer.

“The grand opening and dedication of this new facility is exciting in line of the history of ACU,” Money said. “This is a very special day, but not just because we celebrate the completion of a major capital See

Center page 5

Sing, Scream and Shout

Dick Schissler :: staff photographer Baron Smith, senior information systems major from Irving, throws his arms in the air Saturday after Gamma Sigma Phi is declared the winner of the men’s division.

And the winners are...

Zak Zeinert :: chief photographer Katie Barrow, senior integrated marketing communication major from Colleyville, hugs Brittney Fisher, senior youth and family ministries major from Plano, while Lindsay Ferguson, senior interdisciplinary major from Sunnydale, cheers in the stands of Moody Coliseum after the Ko Jo Kai win was announced.

Men’s division 1. Gamma Sigma Phi 2. Galaxy 3. Frater Sodalis

Women’s division 1. Ko Jo Kai 2. Sigma Theta Chi 3. Alpha Kai Omega

Mixed-voices division 1. Sophomore class 2. Freshman class 3. Senior class

Kojies win second-straight, GSP, Sophomores back on top Staff Report First it was the elated screams of a sea of skunk, then the roars of an army of Peter Pans and finally the screeching cheers from the sophomore class that filled Moody Coliseum on Saturday night, when the winners of the 53rd annual Sing Song: Believe were announced on the Moody stage.

Ko Jo Kai won its second-

straight Sing Song, and Gamma Sigma Phi returned to its winning ways Saturday night when the Sing Song co-chairs announced the winners of the traditional ACU singing competition. The sophomore class, which won for the first time since 2002, won the mixed voices division with their show, “Flight of the Sophomores.”

The women of Ko Jo Kai erupted in ecstasy after hear-

“

I’m so excited that we won a second time in a row; we’re starting a streak. :: Aubrey Bonneau, senior graphic design major from Dallas

ing the result that they had won the women’s division. The win marked the club’s 13th total

”

victory and second in a row.

“I’m so excited that we won a second time in a row; we’re

starting a streak.” said Kojie Aubrey Bonneau, senior graphic design major from Dallas.

The Kojies won first place in the audience favorite, entertainment and overall categories. They placed third in the vocals category.

“I was extremely happy with [the results]. I thought they were really realistic; they matched each category, especially with the vocals,” said

Kojie Lora Courtney, senior interior design major from Auburn, Calif. “We got third there, but everyone tried really hard to make an overall great show.”

Sigma Theta Chi won the vocals category, but placed second in the other three categories.

“We gave all that we had, and we felt awesome about See

Results page 5

Sour business sparks Bean Sprout relocation

By Tanner Anderson Page Designer

The Bean Sprout has a new home and a new name.

Instead of being in its former downstairs location in the Campus Center, its services recently have moved to the main eating area in the “World Famous Bean.”

After 7:30 p.m., the Bean begins its transformation, and students around campus can receive identical Bean Sprout meals with the

dining services’ latest creation: the Bean’s Late Night Venue, which is open from 9 p.m.–11 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

“The Bean Sprout didn’t really shut down; it’s just relocated,” said Anthony Williams, auxiliary officer.

Williams said the decision for the relocation was finalized after the campus saw a decline of student activity at the Bean Sprout, and the recent move has improved the Bean Sprout’s business. Now the main eating hall in the Bean will be open

ACU WEATHER Sunday

Monday

Sunday

High: 65 Low: 37

High: 73 Low: 47

High: 78 Low: 51

for students who are craving their favorite Bean Sprout meals.

Williams said the change has transformed the Bean into a late night dining option; the menu and food items that were popular downstairs still will be available to the students. Students can view the Bean Sprout’s options in the main dining hall.

“I would appraise our dining program as above average,” Williams said. “But that’s not our goal. Our objective is to create a

premiere dining program. We are putting initiatives in place so that objective is realized.”

As for the former Bean Sprout location, Williams said no concrete decision has been made thus far, but the university’s plans for the recent open space will be student-centered.

“The change in location honestly won’t affect me that much,” said Chris Derrick, junior criminal

Sing videos Podcasts @ Song slide shows Department of Journalism and Mass Communication ::

See

Heather Leiphart :: staff photographer A sign explaining the reason behind the closing of the Bean Sprout now sits where employees once took orders from students at the eatery.

Center page 5

Online Poll :

acuoptimist.com acuoptimist.com

a. Prepare for next year. b. Bask in my group’s victory. c. Catch up on my homework. d. Vow to never do Sing Song again.

acuoptimist.com Abilene Christian University

What will you do now that Sing Song is over?

acuoptimist.com ::

Serving the ACU community since 1912

2

Campus Day Sunday, February 22, 2009

Calendar and Events

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2-5 p.m.

The Abilene Reporter-News’ Bridal Extravaganza will take place at the Civic Center. Tickets cost $2. For more information, call Emily Harmon at 671-6756.

11-11:30 a.m.

A Dry Bones internship meeting will take place in the Mabee Library Auditorium. Attendees will receive a Chapel credit for attending the meeting.

Sunday

Monday

8 p.m.

Comedian George Lopez will perform at the Civic Center. Tickets start at $48. For more information, call 676-6211.

acuoptimist.com Volunteer Opportunities The Grace Museum is always in need of volunteers. Volunteers play a vital role in the daily operation of the museum. The minute visitors walk through the door, the experience in the museum relies on capable and trained volunteers. For more information about volunteer opportunities at The Grace Museum, call 673-4587.

some of the homebound members of the community. The commitment is once a week. Volunteers will pick up the meals from the Meals on Wheels building and deliver them to people around Abilene. It takes one hour each week. Call Mitzi McAndrew at 6725050 to volunteer. Remember that this project is approved as a Faith in Action Chapel exemption project.

Noah Project, a center for victims of family violence, needs volunteers to answer its hotline from 6-10 p.m. Training will be provided, and after completing training, volunteers can sign up for time slots. Volunteers can sign up as often as needed.

Find more volunteer opportunities by visiting the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center’s Web site at www.acu.edu/vslc and clicking on Volunteer Opportunities. For more information or to sign up to help, contact the Volunteer and ServiceLearning Center in the Bean Sprout.

Meals on Wheels is looking for volunteers to deliver meals to

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Tuesday

7:30-9:30 p.m.

The Abilene Opera Association will perform Carmen at the Paramount Theatre.

7:30-10:30 p.m.

Wishing Well will sponsor a free concert in the UP clubhouse, with an art gallery, free food and numerous social justice groups.

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Wednesday

9 a.m.-4 p.m.

The Texas Farm, Ranch and Wildlife Expo will take place at the Taylor County Expo Center.

Admission is free. For more information, call 677-7241.

3 p.m.

Registration for Summer courses will open for all classifications.

Online News Cast

Webcast

Watch videos about the directors of winning clubs and go behind the scenes with light and sound directors.

Log on to www.youtube.com/ acuvideo to see videos of Sing Song.

About This Page The Optimist maintains this calendar for the ACU community to keep track of local social, academic and service opportunities.

Groups may send announcements directly to jmcnetwork@acu.edu or to the Page 2 Editor at sar06g@acu.edu.

To ensure that an item will appear on time, the announcement should be sent at least 10 days before. The Optimist may edit items for space and style.

Corrections and clarifications of published news articles will be printed in this space in a timely manner.

Chapel Checkup Credited Chapels to date:

30

Credited Chapels remaining:

43

Double Gym Download

Announcements Virtual Planes Users Group will have a meeting in the Campus Center Living Room on Monday at 5:30 p.m. The meeting will include officer nominations, FilmFest and free pizza.

The Hunter Welcome Center Open House will take place Tuesday from 2-4 p.m. All areas of the building, including the Rich Welcome Plaza and Labyrinth, will be open to tour.

Master’s in Global IT Leadership have an interest meeting in the Adams Center on Friday after Chapel. Free lunch will be provided.

The Honors College will sponsor a murder mystery dinner Friday from 4:30-6 p.m. Tickets cost $10. For more information or to

purchase tickets, call 674-2728 or go to Room 216 of the Hardin Administration Building.

The Department of Theatre will present Little Women in Fulks Theatre on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. To purchase tickets, call 674-2787 or go to www.acu. edu/theatre.

Service Saturday is this Saturday. The Service Action Leadership Team will send groups of volunteers to various sites around the city to help agencies and neighborhoods. Visit the S.A.L.T. table in the Campus Center to sign up to volunteer.

Dick Schissler :: staff photographer Brady McBroom, sophomore mass communication major from Keller, passes the time on his computer in the double gyms Wednesday.

Sunday, February 22, 2009

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CAMPUS NEWS

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Sunday, February 22, 2009

Seniors stick together for final, memorable curtain call

By Cara Leahy Student Reporter

This weekend, Angela Darden dressed as a mailman.

Darden, senior accounting major from Midland, was one of about 80 seniors who participated in this year’s senior act for the 2009 Sing Song: Believe.

They rehearsed since January, and Darden was part of the three-person team who worked to put their performance together.

The senior class “mailman” theme came in a moment of inspiration, Darden said.

“We were just sitting around watching TV one night, and it just kind of came to us,” she said. “It’s kind of a day in the life of a mailman.”

From dog attacks to their rivalry with UPS and Fe-

dEx, this year’s senior class act was “definitely funny,” Darden said.

The group performed eight songs, including Surfin’ USA by the Beach Boys and The River by Garth Brooks, as well as pieces by ’N Sync and John Mellencamp.

“We wanted to pick songs everyone would know,” Darden said, who was responsible for all the lyrics performed by the senior class act.

The performers had four rehearsals since the year began, and run-throughs started Tuesday, but Darden said things were laid-back for this year’s seniors.

“We’re just having a good time. A lot of people are in club acts, so they’re taking those pretty seriously,” she said.

One of those seniors is Sydney North, marketing major

Backstage Pass

from Bedford and co-chair for Sing Song.

North participated in Sing Song throughout college as an usher her freshman year, then as a performer in the Ko Jo Kai act her sophomore and junior years. Now as co-chair, she not only helped keep the senior act organized, but she also played a mailman-attacking dog in their performance.

North said about half of the students in the senior act participated in both club and senior acts, and although at times she personally found it difficult to do both, she said she was glad to be part of the last class act in her college career.

“It’s our one chance as club members to get to do a Sing Song act with our friends from other clubs,” North said in an e-mail.

North said she thought the

Managing Editor

Dick Schissler:: staff photographer

seniors had a good chance to win, but Darden said she heard the sophomore act would prove tough competition.

Audiences decided for themselves which act was the best, beginning Thursday at the nonjudged, general admission per-

formance, followed by shows Friday and Saturday.

E-mail Leahy at: jmcnetwork@acu.edu

Campus takes care of risky business

By Michael Freeman

IEH directors, Stephanie Saxon, freshman music major from Ballinger, and Stephanie Robles, senior psychology major from Mesquite, rehearse in the double gym with their group at Sing Song on Saturday night.

Jozie Sands :: staff photographer

Valerie Walker, management major from Sulphur Springs, practices with the rest of the senior class in the warmup room during Wednesday night’s rehearsal.

Several university departments and officials have shared risk management responsibilities over the years, until recently when the university hired Lawrence Rugar as director of risk management last November.

“I’m going to manage our risks,” Rugar said. “And risks can be defined as anything that would interfere with the flow of business, the financial stability of the university or the health and safety of the people who work and learn here.”

Before coming to ACU, Rugar served for three years as the corporate risk manager for the Sears Methodist Retirement System in Abilene.

While at the university, his

responsibilities will include ensuring the university is properly insured, preparing departments in the case of emergencies such as natural disasters and making sure the university follows fire safety codes and remains in compliance with federal and state regulations. He also will review student travel guidelines and social club policies. His responsibilities were a result of the university’s growing need for a more structured and intentional approach to risk management, according to a Feb. 3 email Dr. Royce Money, president of the university, sent to faculty and staff.

“It’s basically the next logical step toward being proactive in managing potential risk or vulnerabilities that might

come to the university or its students, faculty or staff,” Money said.

However, Rugar’s position is not a new position.

“This is not something new; it’s something we’ve been working toward,” Money said. “We’ve never had a fulltime risk manager that I can recall, but it came partly as a result of the reassignment of existing positions.”

The responsibilities Rugar has undertaken was shared by Slade Sullivan, general counsel of the university; Kevin Watson, former assistant vice president for administrative services and chief operations officer; the Office of Student Life and various committees.

Rugar, Sullivan and a risk management committee, which is still being assembled, will work

with the Board of Trustees to mitigate risks.

“Anything that has a risk or potential harm to our mission, to the business that we do and to the people that we serve is what I try to manage,” Rugar said. “And by managing risk, what I mean by that is understanding risk before it happens and interpreting it. On the flip side, when risk does occur — and it does just like gravity happens no matter what — we just want to minimize it, so it’s not as devastating as it might have been if we weren’t aware of the circumstances.”

E-mail Freeman at: mxf04b@acu.edu

FROM THE FRONT

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Page 5

Results: Clubs, classes feel rush of emotions after show Continued from page 1 it,” said Siggie Sarah Brooks, senior marketing major from Bartlett, Tenn. “As the curtain was going down, we were like, ‘this is what Sing Song is all about.’ But [the Kojies] had a great show.”

Alpha Kai Omega placed third in all categories, except for vocals, where it placed second.

“It’s not exactly what we expected, but it turned out really well,” said KaiO Marisa Munoz, senior elementary education major from Snyder.

“We are so proud of ourselves.

We don’t have any regrets.”

In the men’s category GSP’s show, “Second Star to the Right and Straight on to Moody,” claimed its first win since 2007. GSP has won 12 shows overall.

“I’m proud of these guys; they are the best crew, and we won because of the in-

dividuals that made up this team,” Reeves said.

Reeves said he was glad this year’s competition was more competitive and thought both Frater Sodalis and Galaxy had strong shows and the vocal competition was a toss up.

“Both the Moonies and Frats sang amazing,” he said.

Although Reeves was the person at the front of the stage directing the army of Peter Pans in GSP’s show, he said it was a combination of hard work from him, his co-director Tyler Lewis, junior finance major from Spring and the men of GSP that earned them the win. Reeves plans to graduate in May and said it felt great to finish his last Sing Song on top.

“It’s a good way to go out,” Reeves said.

Although Galaxy did not repeat its 2008 win, director of the club’s show, Wade Huggins, said he was proud of the men who learned his choreography

and sang the lyrics he wrote in the show, “Gondoliers: You Know, The Guys in Venice With The Boat and Pole and Hats.”

“It was definitely disappointing, but [we] worked long and hard for this show, and there were a great many hours and sleepless nights put into it,” Huggins said.

Galaxy won first in the appearance category, and Huggins said the Moonies would begin working hard to produce a show that will be a contender in 2009.

“We’re on the search for a director for next year, and you can believe we’re going to have a quality show,” Huggins said.

In the mixed-voiced division, the sophomore’s show beat out three classes and a group that was combined of members from the International Students’ Association, Essence of Ebony and Hispanos Unidos. The fresh-

man class placed second overall, and the senior class finished third.

Deanne Galloway, senior speech pathology major from Tehachapi, Cali., attributed the seniors’ third place finish to the number of postmen and postwomen who did not participate in the show because of other commitments to their social clubs. Victory was not in the cards for the seniors, but nothing could keep their spirits down.

“We just wanted to have fun, and we did,” Galloway said. “We won entertainment, so I thank that explains everything.”

Sophomore directors Jessica Williams, English major from Atlanta, and Lucas Wright, electronic media major from Abilene, could not have been more surprised by their win in the overall category.

“I was shocked,” Wright said. “I was just shocked.”

Williams had confidence in her group, hoping for the best but preparing for the worst.

“Our group is great, we just didn’t know what to expect,” Williams said. “It was elation.”

Rene Glena, sophomore communication disorder major from Athens, has traveled to Abilene for Sing Song since age 11. She knew the senior class’ legacy of winning Sing Song, but said the real satisfaction came from triumphing over a different class.

“I think it was beating the freshmen that was most exciting,” Glena said. “They were our big rivals.”

The roar of the crowd boomed and overflowed Moody Coliseum on Saturday night signaling the imminent conclusion of Sing Song; ecstatic participants were out receiving congratulatory hugs and praise from loved ones and friends.

A mixture of feelings of relief, accomplishment, joy and

uncertainty overcame one of the Sing Song co-chairs Preston Woolfolk, junior political science and international studies major from San Antonio.

“It went better than expected,” Woolfolk said. “The quality of the show was phenomenal.

I would say the overall talent and excitement the acts demonstrated were amazing; their effort really showed tonight.”

With a mass of feelings generating inside Moody, Tom Craig, director of Student Productions, explained what made Sing Song spectacular.

“The hours that the students invest in the creation process is what makes Sing Song special,” Craig said. “The time it takes to rehearse and put it all together creates student relationships that last a lifetime.”

The 54th annual Sing Song’s theme will be Name Fame.

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

Center: University officials pleased with building dedication Continued from page 1

Heather Leiphart :: staff photographer

Dr. Royce Money, president of the university, speaks during Saturday’s dedication for the Rich Welcome Plaza and Labyrinth and the Faubus Fountain and Lake in the Bob and Shirley Hunter Welcome Center atrium.

Sprout: Students reminisce Continued from page 1 justice major from Monohan. “It seems like a good usage of space. Instead of having two different cafeterias, students will be able to use the open area for other things. I honestly don’t see any negatives.”

Besides having fond memories of the former location, it appears the change in

scenery will not deter students from grabbing a late night Bean Sprout meal.

“I’ll miss going downstairs to eat,” said Colby Day, junior biology major from Maypearl. “It was a good hang out, but as long as they have the Sprout open on a consistent schedule, that’s all I care about.”

E-mail Anderson at: tsa04a@acu.edu

project, and not just because the campus can now enjoy the addition of a spectacular new building that greets visitors at our front door — a long dream come true, but rather what makes it special today is what this facility represents: the university’s enduring commitment to educate future Christian leaders and to do it in the very best way possible.”

Two other features still being constructed are Galaxy Park, which will be on the east side of the welcome center, and a 70foot timeline of ACU’s 103-year history, which will be placed inside the welcome center. Despite some of the welcome center’s features not being complete for the dedication, the atmosphere among the attendees was jovial. Attendees visited with one another, savored a light lunch buffet in the welcome center atrium and toured

all areas of the facility.

Money, Cornutt and Hunter said they were thankful for how many people attended the dedication and for all of the donations and support for the new building.

“The words ‘thank you’ seem most inadequate when I see the

new facility that you have provided to the university,” Cornutt said. “You have paved the way for ACU to build upon its Christian heritage and chart a course for the next generation of students.”

E-mail Freeman at: mxf04b@acu.edu

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Sunday, February 22, 2009

Dick Schissler :: staff photographer

Blake Rogers, freshman theater major from Athens, jokes with friends in the practice room.

acuoptimist.com See more photos and videos of the 53rd annual Sing Song: ‘Believe’

Zak Zeinert :: chief photographer

(Bottom row) Brad Majors, senior accounting major from Lubbock; Baron Smith, senior information systems major from Irving, and Caleb Archer, senior political science major from Southlake, sing with Gamma Sigma Phi.

Heather Leiphart :: staff photographer

The men of Sub T-16 show the lighter side of janatorial service during their show “Comin’ Clean.”

A Cast of Characters The clubs and classes of Sing Song 2009 took on the roles of everything from cavemen to gondaliers — all they asked was that their audience, ‘believe.’

Zak Zeinert :: chief photographer

The women of GATA get the lead out in their crossword-themed production, “Pencil Me In.”

Jozie Sands :: staff photographer

The men of Trojans made their comeback appearance by taking it to the streets during their newsie-themed performance of “EXTRA! EXTRA! Read All About It!.”

Jozie Sands :: staff photographer

Dick Schissler :: staff photographer

Abigail Hill, sophomore youth and family ministries major from Gunnison, Colo., and Aaron Shaver, sophomore missions major from Hawkins, relax in the double gym.

See more photos and videos of the 53rd annual Sing Song: ‘Believe’

Heather Leiphart :: staff photographer

DeMarco Howard, junior art major from Missouri City, performs Take Me To The Water with SHADES step squad.

Jeremy Tatum, senior social work major from Garland, and Hannah Anderson, senior education major from Hewitt, goof off backstage.

acuoptimist.com

Zak Zeinert :: chief photographer

Chris Derrick, junior social justice major from Monahans, raps to the tune of Gangsta’s Paradise during Frater Sodalis’ prison-themed show, “Go Directly To Jail.”

Zak Zeinert :: chief photographer

The women of Alpha Kai Omega find their Disneyland home in “Move Over, Mickey.”

Heather Leiphart :: staff photographer

Jon Sharp, sophomore communication major from McKenney, flexes his muscles while pretending to be a woman in Galaxy’s act, “Gondaliers: You Know, The Guys in Venice With The Boat and Pole and Hats.”

Dick Schissler :: staff photographer

Kayla Pyper, junior chemistry major from Detroit, performs a solo during Delta Theta’s show, “Mime’s the Word.”

ViewsSunday

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February 22, 2009

Newspaper theft demonstrates rash disrespect, naivety

J

ournalists often overquote one Presidential aphorism more than any other: Thomas Jefferson’s declaration of the importance of newspapers in the United States of America.

“Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter,” Jefferson said.

Friday afternoon, unknown persons went against the wise words of Jefferson, by attempting to censor ACU’s awardwinning student newspaper, the Optimist, when they stole several hundred newspapers and destroyed them. These immature thieves emptied the newsstands surrounding Moody Coliseum and the Campus Center not because our Special Sing Song issue published incorrect or inaccurate information, but because they were offended by the words and opinion of one person.

“

Had the students simply written a letter to the editor or commented on our Web site, we gladly would have welcomed their opinions.

Every year it is a tradition for one student writer to pen his or her predictions of the outcome of the Sing Song competition. This year our Editor in Chief Daniel Johnson-Kim gave his thoughts on the top three acts for each division of the 2009 competition. This was not printed to belittle any of the students who have spent the past weeks perfecting their shows, but to launch a platform of discussion among the ACU community and its visitors this weekend and challenge them to choose their favorite acts. In fact, the newspaper spread included information about every act on stage and encouraged those

Letter to the Editor Judging Sing Song detracts from enjoyable experience I want to know why Sing Song has to be a contest.

I love Sing Song because it is a chance for people to put on a great show, dress in crazy costumes and sing funny songs.

It is a time for getting to know your fellow classmates and club members better. But the fact that it is a contest, that it pits class against class, club against club, is...stupid.

”

who disagreed with JohnsonKim to give their opinion at the Optimist Web site, www.acuoptimist.com.

But one group of students chose rashness over reason.

The juvenile Sing Songers were so appalled they did not earn the Optimist endorsement, they took it upon themselves to destroy not only the newspapers, but the ACU community’s opportunity to gather information about the weekend’s events and campus news. These fools let their emotions overtake them and robbed the university of a fine product more than 20 students sacrificed sleep, schoolwork and free time to produce. This staff worked

Being on Study Abroad this semester, I miss going to Sing Song, seeing the costumes and seeing all the class and club acts.

Other people here feel the same, but the thing they want to know when they ask about Sing Song to their friends is, “Who’s the favorite to win?” And after Sing Song: “Who won?” The actual show and having fun doesn’t seem to matter.

And honestly, it is awful and terrible to judge people

until 4 a.m., making sure our 20-page paper was the best it could be and guaranteeing it was a proud representation of this university and its strong journalism and mass communication program to guests who filled Moody Coliseum.

Had the students simply written a letter to the editor or commented on our Web site, we gladly would have welcomed their opinions. We do not censor students’ opinions; we provide a platform where the entire ACU community can read them.

How would they feel if the Optimist staff stole their props or sabotaged their show on stage? How would they feel if we spat in their faces while they sang their songs? Their thievery is the equivalent of these infantile actions.

Unfortunately this is not the first time naïve students emptied the Optimist newsstands in protest of Sing Song predictions. Future students should not follow in the footsteps of

A column by Dick Shelton, published in the March 10, 1955, edition of the Optimist

Spring has sprung, The sun has shined, So I went to Woosley’s To escape the grind.

Shortly after the weatherman decided it would be spring, temporarily at least, I was sitting at Woosley’s, looking out on the sunny campus when in walked Betty Whitener.

“You look just like the lark that I hope the world isn’t full of,” she said dryly.

“And what’s with you that all the world looks black?” I answered, somewhat chagrined.

“Aw, I ran over a skunk,” she said.

“OK. So you feel bad. But why for?” I asked, smelling a story.

The following is an account of what she told me.

I shall pass it on to you with as little personal comment as possible. It was a balmy spring evening. Betty, June Hobbs and Cecil Faye Carroll were returning from town in Betty’s faithful, if somewhat antiquated, green Nash. Just for kicks, the trio had decided to return to “the Hill” by way of the old dirt road on the south side.

It was getting late, and Betty was pushing the Nash to its limit when suddenly there was a loud bang, and the car veered crazily.

“Oh, oh!” Betty exclaimed.

“It must be backfiring — something wrong with the motor, I guess.”

She stopped the car and got out, while June and Cecil Faye huddled within.

“

By now, Betty was in a decidedly bad mood.

She had ruined her dress and smeared grease on her face, hands and hair.

First, Betty raised the hood and peered under it at the motor.

“Nothing wrong here,” she commented professionally in order to allay the fears of her two passengers. Then she lay down on the ground and crawled under the car in the manner she had seen so many mechanics do. Look as she might, she couldn’t find anything wrong there either.

Just as she was extricating herself, somewhat the worse for the excursion, June suggested weakly, “Do you think maybe it could be a flat tire?”

At this bright suggestion, all three of the girls began poking at the tires, which were hardly visible in the growing twilight.

Sure enough, lo and behold, wonder of wonders, and etc., etc., it was a flat tire.

Thereupon, the girls changed the

Looking Back

information or invasion of privacy.

Please limit letters to 350 words or fewer. A name and phone number must be included for verification purposes.

Phone numbers will not be published.

Address letters to: ACU Box 27892 Abilene, TX 79699 E-mail letters to: jmcnetwork@acu.edu

Published by the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication

Newsroom: (325) 674-2439

Sports desk: (325) 674-2499

The solution:

Readers should accept opinion for what it is — opinion — and simply form their own instead of acting out.

this senseless Sing Song tradition; instead they should show they value the freedom of the press at their university.

Oftentimes the only feedback we receive reeks of negativity, but this is commonplace in the journalism world. Newspapers and their staff are used to criticism and take it in good nature. The First Amendment protects all opinions.

Re-apply the author of the Declaration of Independence’s words to ACU, and we proudly would say were it left to de-

I missed the inauguration.

While Bill Clinton was promising to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, I was learning how Alexander the Great had conquered the world and spread Greek culture in the process.

While Bill was making his inaugural speech, I was taking care of some long overdue correspondence.

Part of me says I should have paid more attention.

After all, Clinton is the first member of my generation to lead the nation. But I don’t recall having ever seen an inauguration when it was taking place.

I remember JFK’s inaugural speech, but only because I have seen parts of it used in news features on the tube.

Lyndon Johnson’s inauguration, with Jackie in her blood-stained clothes looking on, is firmly imprinted on my mind, but only because I have seen photos of the event.

I will not, I’m afraid, remember Clinton’s inaugural for a stirring speech such as Kennedy’s that exhorted Americans to ask what they could do for their country.

Nor will it create a vision like Johnson’s Great Society.

And I hope it won’t wind up a joke for the late-night comics like Bush’s thousand points of light.

No, Clinton’s inaugural will stick in my mind because of the Hollywood and rock laden style it bore. Don’t Stop Thinking About Tomorrow became a campaign feature and was the impetus for reuniting Fleetwood Mac, so they could sing it at the inaugural festivities. Aretha Franklin sang to the incoming president on the steps of the Lincoln Monument.

But if Clinton wants r-e-s-pe-c-t then his performance in the Oval Office had better be pretty impressive, or the nation will be singing Yesterday.

I read the other day that people my age didn’t vote

ruined her dress and smeared grease on her face, hands and hair. It was only natural, then that when she saw a small object dart across the road, she should say, “Ah ha! A rabbit! I think I’ll hit him.”

She swerved directly at the little creature, only to find out a split second before she hit it that this was no ordinary rabbit. In fact, this was a little black “rabbit” with a little white stripe down its back and a long bushy tail, which it waved determinedly.

Alas, it was too late. Betty hit the “rabbit” with a thud, while June and Cecil Faye screamed.

It was the last she was to hear from them, however, since they held their breath the rest of the way home.

It was a bedraggled trio that limped its way into the parlor of the dormitory that evening.

As they came in, everyone else left, not an unusual fact under the circumstances. Furthermore, it seems the parking lot was suddenly evacuated except for one lonely green Nash, which stood dejectedly by itself — at least the girls had each other.

And that is how I know that spring has sprung — I can smell it from a mile away.

Optimist

Such actions indicate immature disrespect for newspapers and the general sharing of opinion allowed by the First Amendment

A column by Michael O’Connor, published in the Jan. 22, 1993, edition of the Optimist

Mildred Gonzalez sophomore elementary education major

the

Our view:

Looking Back

A cartoon by Rolando Diaz, published in the Sept. 10, 1976, edition of the Optimist

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

”

tire. (Now, this is the only part of the story which it was difficult for me to believe, since Betty stated they “took all of the little, what-cha-macall-its off of the thing-ama-bob and put on the spare and then screwed the little deals back on then tightened them with the gismo.” I realized that this was not the accepted procedure but did not challenge her on this point.)

Then the girls started off again, hurrying to make up for lost time. By now, Betty was in a decidedly bad mood. She had

Following the Optimist’s Sing Song competition predictions and act descriptions, newspaper distribution bins in Moody Coliseum and the Campus Center were emptied.

cide whether we should have a Christian university without a newspaper, or a newspaper without a Christian university, we would not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.

After the Sing Song stage is tore down, this newspaper will remain. This staff will continue to do its job. And hopefully, this university will continue to be a place where the First Amendment is valued.

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

Clinton’s image inspires maturity apprehensions

in Sing Song. Every act has worked hard and has put on a great show; they don’t deserve to be judged.

Who are you to judge their dedication, creativity, hard work? I move that we abolish the contest part of Sing Song and instead...enjoy the show.

Reporter ‘smells’ two-toned tale Looking Back

The issue:

for Clinton the way the experts thought we would.

Instead, Bill drew his strength from older and younger voters.

Small wonder. The man is the same age as my sister, and I never knew anybody she hung around that I thought was leadership material.

It bothers me that our president comes from my generation. We are the product of the free-wheeling ‘60s, the megeneration, disco and polyester leisure suites. We tuned in, turned on and dropped out.

We thought we couldn’t trust anyone over 30. What kind of a worldview has been shaped by these attitudes? I also am disturbed by a president who plays the saxophone on “Arsenio” and says he smoked dope but didn’t inhale. Jimmy Carter was criticized because he wanted to reduce the formality of the government and admitted lusting in his heart.

Clinton is praised for his ingenuity in attracting people’s attention with the talk show stunt and excused for the smoking because everybody tried marijuana back then.

“

Clinton’s inaugural will stick in my mind because of the Hollywood and rock laden style it bore.

”

For the record, not everyone did. At least one didn’t, and he doesn’t make excuses for those who did. We are suspicious of Bill because he is too much like us. And many of my cronies are just now realizing it is time for us to grow up.

Put your sax back in its case, Mr. President, and only play it in the privacy of the presidential quarters. Don’t be too impressed with the glittering support of your Hollywood and rock star friends. Don’t be afraid to seek the advice of older, wiser advisers. Tap into your Southern Baptist roots and pray often. Good luck, Mr. President — no, make that may God be with you.

Editorial and Management Board Laura Acuff

Grant Abston

Editor in Chief

Opinion Page Editor

Sports Editor

Michael Freeman

Daniel Johnson-Kim

Cody Veteto

Kenneth Pybus

Chief Videographer

Adviser

DeLaina Parker

Cade White

Zak Zeinert

Lydia Melby

Managing Editor

Chief Photographer

Arts Editor

Broadcast Manager

Sommerly Simser

Colter Hettich Features Editor

Kelline Linton

Sondra Rodriguez

Mult. Managing Editor

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Christi Stark Advertising Manager

E-mail: jmcnetwork@acu.edu

Sunday, February 22, 2009

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Page 9

CAMPUS NEWS

Page 10

Four ACU students create new program for businesses

By Lydia Melby Arts Editor

With most of the business world in the midst of a mass transition to computers and the Internet, almost everyone is trying to harness the capabilities of cyberspace. Four students from ACU have done just that.

Seniors Ryan Stephen, finance major from Spring, and Garrett Winder, accounting major from Aledo, and ACU graduates Chad Hutchins and Jon Hinson, are the creators of Social Web Research, a client relationship management system that helps businesses find new ways to build relationships and network with their clients.

“It’s a tool for businesses and consultants to find out how to engage their customers on social networks…We know how to best focus our efforts using this,” Stephen said.

“Like when you go into J. Crew and they ask you for your email address or ZIP code, they are building some data on you as one of their customers...

All companies have one of these systems; ACU has one, even your church has one.”

Social Web Research is a Web site allowing businesses to pay to receive information on how many or what percentage of their clients are using which social networks. SWR currently charges $100 per every 1,000 contacts and requires businesses to upload a data file containing their clients’ contact information.

Stephen said the program has the capabilities to search any social networking site, according to the requests of the business, and SWR already has performed searches for the major social networks

of Facebook, Myspace, Hi5, Twitter, Linked In and Plaxo.

“We want to make it relevant to each customer, so it shifts depending on who you are and what you’re after,” Stephen said.

He also said privacy rights were “a definite concern” and the group was careful to be conscious of personal rights when creating the program.

“We do have a couple of competitors that are very invasive to privacy, but the only information we see is whatever is already public,” Stephen said.

The Web site, which can be accessed at www.socialwebresearch.com, already has received recognition in the business world. A speaker at the SugarCon 2009 conference in early February mentioned SWR in his presentation.

Stephen said the speaker pulled up their Web site and talked about how it is one of the only things of its kind currently, and how it is doing it in a better way than a lot of people are.

“It has definitely had some outside interest, and we’ve been talking to some Web consultants who are very interested in using it,” Stephen said.

Garrett Winder, one of the Web site’s co-creators, said he was pleased with the program’s success thus far.

“We just opened the program to the public probably a little less than two weeks ago, and our first sale was $500, and that was about one day later,” Winder said. “This week we have a sale going through that’s close to $1,700, and it’s starting to pick up a little bit.”

The team is going to a conference in Miami to learn more about improving its program.

Right now the program has a

guaranteed turnaround time of 48 hours, whether 1,000 or 50,000 customers are uploaded. Winder said they are trying to work that time down.

Stephen also said the group is working on Version 2 of the program, and it should be launched soon. One of the new features of the second version is that it will be able to return information broken down into more specific demographics, in addition to the general overview it provides now.

The idea for the program grew out of a similar program the group created as a part of last year’s Springboard competition, called SocialChurch.

“SocialChurch is a Facebook application we’re still working on right now, and we actually started it to figure out how many churches have people on Facebook,” Winder said. “Then we built this program to figure out where people are and give you some quick statistics and break down some graphs, and we thought, ‘hey, that’s actually a product in and of itself.’”

Stephen said the group has big goals for the two programs for the upcoming year, and they already have seen much in the way of progress.

“What we are really passionate about is that we think social networks are a great way to build relationships, and the best sales are made from relationships,” Stephen said. “A cold call to somebody to sell something, whether it be your Christianity or your product, is not going to work as well as building a meaningful relationship and offering your product where it is needed.”

E-mail Melby at: lgm05e@acu.edu

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Freshman Flintstones

Dick Schissler :: staff photographer

Freshman Sing Song directors Brittany Herrod, freshman art and photography major from Arlington, and Meredith Morgan, freshman music education major from Arlington, conduct their act before they go on stage.

Refugee kids see Sing Song

By Sondra Rodriguez Page 2 Editor

ACU for the International Rescue Committee treated local refugees to a free showing of Sing Song on Thursday night, exposing natives of Burundi, Cuba, Nepal and Bhutan to a snippet of Abilene life and an entertaining show.

The IRC is a non-government organization working to resettle refugees from across the globe, said Caron Gentry, professor of political science and ACU for IRC adviser.

The IRC came to Abilene from Dallas about five years ago and has been working with ACU’s Volunteer Service-Learning Center for about four and a half years.

“It’s an incredible opportunity for our students to be aware of the refugees here and what they face when they come to the U.S.,” Gentry said.

This is the second year ACU for IRC has taken a group to see Sing Song.

Madison Sanuik, senior political science major from Arlington and president of ACU for IRC, said along with the Sing Song directors who allow charitable groups to see the show for free, students play an important role to make this happen.

“They can serve as drivers, sit with them and explain what is going on or just interact with them,” she said. “It’s a lot of fun and puts a face to this global issue.”

Because many refugees do not speak English and live at or very close to the poverty line, they rarely leave the company of their families at home.

Chelsea Hackney, junior political science major from Midlothian and communication director for ACU for IRC, said it is a great experience.

“This is a chance for them to get out in the community and be with people other than just their families,” she said. “It breaks them out of that routine.”

Hackney said she is glad ACU has continued to create this opportunity.

“We have a lot of students who work with the IRC, but this is one event where the actual administration gets involved,” she said. “It’s giving them a chance to get out and share the experience.”

Sanuik agreed and said because of the solid partnerships with the Abilene IRC and Sing Song offices, the event should continue.

“It’s really beneficial to do something for the refugees,” she said. “They’re working to become selfsufficient very quickly, and it’s great to be able to do something for them when they’re working so hard.”

E-mail Rodriguez at: sar06g@acu.edu

SPORT JUMPS

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Page 11

Baseball: Bad weather moves double header to Sunday Continued from page 12 After third baseman Cameron Watten reached on a walk, first baseman Bret Bochsler doubled to score Walsh and Watten and pushed the lead to 8-2. Hall then followed with an RBI single before Bumpass drove in Hall for the final run of the inning.

Hall and Walsh led the Wildcats with three hits apiece while Bumpass, shortstop Willie Uechi, Watten and Bochsler each had two hits.

Bumpass and Walsh had a game-high three RBI. The Wildcats were scheduled to play a double-header, but the second game was cancelled due to bad weather.

“Nothing has changed as far as how we’re going to pitch [tomorrow], and we will stay in the same order,”

Bonneau said. “When you have 38 degree weather with 20-30 mph wind, it’s tough.

We decided to play just one game and play tomorrow with better weather and move it up to 11 a.m.”

On Friday, the Wildcats scored 11 runs in the third inning to take a 13-1 lead and held on late to preserve a 1412 win. Starting pitcher Matt Sullivan went 2 1/3 innings, allowing six runs on four hits, while relief pitcher Andrew Yacek went 4 2/3 innings, allowing four runs on four hits to earn the win. Closer Brad Rutherford closed the ninth inning to earn his second save of the season.

In the third inning, the Wildcats hit three home runs, capped off by a grand slam by Schmitt. Hall began the inning with a solo home run, fol-

Wildcats: Cats lose to MSU Continued from page 12 bench points three to one and shooting 51 percent from the floor. ACU was outscored in the paint 22-12 and on the fast-break 12-4. Midwestern also shot an astonishing 59 percent from the floor, giving them a 40-37 lead heading into the break.

The Wildcats were seemingly in good shape, but the secondhalf would be their undoing.

ACU had trouble picking up where it left off and shot just 21 percent from the floor and mustering just 29 points the entire second half. Midwestern State came out of the half hot, sprinting out to a 17-point lead just five minutes into the half, leading 58-41. The Mustangs continued their torrid shooting pace in the second-half, hitting 55 percent and taking it to the Wildcats with 20 fast-break points in the half.

“They really came out and pushed the ball in the second half, and it really wore us down,” Copeland said.

The Wildcats’ Dante Adams led the team in scoring with 22 points, shooting 40 percent percent from three-point land.

Adams was the only Wildcat to hit more than 50 percent of his shots in the game, going 6-13 from the field. LSC pre-season

favorite for South Player of the Year, Dejan Sencanski, struggled from the floor for the second-straight game, hitting just 4-14 of his shots and managing just nine points for the game, well below his season average of 18.6. Ean Wagner, who replaced the injured Riley Lambert, was the only other Wildcat in double figures, tacking on 12 points of his own.

Nolan Richardson blazed the way for the Mustangs rout of the Wildcats, hanging a gamehigh 26 points on ACU. Richardson has scored at least 20 points both times he has faced the Wildcats, posting 20 in their meeting on Jan. 31.

The Wildcats will be back in action when they travel to Portales, N.M., on Wednesday to take on the Greyhounds from Eastern New Mexico. ACU took the first meeting in a 68-58 win in Moody Coliseum.

The Greyhounds are coming into the game 4-22 on the season and winless in conference play at 0-11.

“I just want to see the guys get out, play hard, and we’ll try to come away with two wins to finish [the season] out,” Copeland said.

E-mail Cantrell at: jmcnetwork@acu.edu

Dick Schissler :: staff photographer

Guard Ean Wagner attempts to dribble past a ENMU defender Jan. 13.

lowed by a two-run single by designated hitter Travis Latz.

Watten then followed with a three-run home run to push the lead to 8-1. After Watten, three more Wildcats reached base before relief pitcher Nolan Maher came on in relief to face Schmitt. Schmitt jumped on Maher, hitting a grand slam to center field to make it 13-1.

“He has been hovering around the .300 mark and has not really been consistent, but it’s good to see him come out and hit the ball hard and do things with runners in scoring position,” Bonneau said.

The Bronchos scored five runs in the bottom of the third, three in the fourth and three in the eighth to pull within two runs, but Rutherford put the game away in the ninth, retiring three-

straight batters to end the game after allowing the first two to reach base.

Schmitt finished the game 4-4 with six RBI to lead the Wildcats, followed by Hall (35, 2 RBI), Watten (2-6, 3 RBI) and Latz (1-4, 2 RBI).

The Wildcats close out the series tomorrow with game one, starting at 11 a.m. Game two will be immediately after, as the Wildcats look to remain undefeated in conference play.

“We have to pitch well tomorrow,” Bonneau said.

“We’ve got to be able to go in there and contain their hitters. They still have one of the top pitchers in the league throwing tomorrow, and it’s a good test for us to get ready for whatever comes in the future.”

E-mail Abston at: gda04b@acu.edu

Dick Schissler :: staff photographer

The baseball team won the first two games of the four-game series against Central Oklahoma. The WIldcats will finish the series Sunday.

Softball: Pitcher Gregoire moves to 6-1 Continued from page 12 came when they defeated No. 19 Central Missouri 10-0 on Friday. In the game against Nebraska-Omaha, pitcher Jacque Gregoire pitched all five innings, allowing no earned runs. The team scored three runs in the first inning and led 3-2 in the fifth, when they scored five runs to end the game due to the eightrun rule.

“Jacque pitched a great game with five strikeouts and she got key outs to end innings,” head coach Chantiel Wilson said.

First baseman Katie Corneilson had a big hit to start the seven-run fifth inning ,and outfielder Shelby McElvain went 3-for-4.

On Friday, in the Wildcats’ win over Washburn, pitcher Britney Benedict picked up her first win of the season, throwing a complete game.

Benedict allowed just one earned run and struck out six Lady Blues in the victory.

Benedict also allowed only one extra base hit, which prevented Washburn from putting a late rally together.

The Wildcat offense came through in a big way with solo home runs from second baseman Jackie Gentile and McElvain. Corneilson continued her hitting spree of late, as she went 1-for-3 with an RBI. The Wildcats’ pitching maintained its high level of performance Friday afternoon, as Gregoire threw a complete game shutout. It was

Gregoire’s first shutout of the season, as she faced just four batters above the minimum, while striking out seven and allowing no walks.

Corneilson drove in another four runs, while infielder Melissa Rodriguez had two doubles. Infielder Jenny Kulp drove in three runs to go with her three hits. This is the Wildcats’ first win over a nationally ranked opponent this season.

“The Central Missouri game was a great game,” Wilson said. “We knew of their national ranking going in, but we don’t let that preseason poll get into our heads. We scored one run in the first and kept going from there and had another great game at the plate from our hitters.

ACU has scored 30 runs on 30 hits in the the four games so far in the South Central Shootout including three straight wins decided by the run rule.

The Wildcats will wrap up play at the South Central Shootout with two games Sunday. The team will play Pittsburg State at 10 a.m. and Newman at 4 p.m.

“Pitt State and Newman both have competed well against our stronger LSC opponents,” Wilson said. “We are going to have to come out and hit like we have the past three games.”

E-mail Harris at: tch05f@acu.edu

Soccer: Team adds offense for 2009 Continued from page 12 Coast Conference Player of the Year, scored 40 goals and recorded 30 assists in two seasons and also was named to the 2008 NSCAA/ Adidas Junior College Division III Women All-West Region Team.

“I know that Ashley went to a Christian high school in southern California, and ACU and seemed like a good fit for her,” Wilson said. “She’s proven herself over the last two years at the college level and can get the job done.”

Highlighting the list of high school players will be Julie Coppedge from Amarillo. Coppedge, the District 2-5A MVP her junior year, has the ability to play different positions and will have the opportunity to come in and compete right away. Joining Coppedge will be Arielle Moncure from Leawood, Kan., Katherine

Garner from Arlington, Lexi Stirling from Littleton, Colo., Jennifer Hill from Amarillo and Krysta Grimm from Colorado Springs, Colo.

Moncure and Hill will provide depth to the Wildcat defense, as Moncure likely will likely be backup to goalkeeper to Lawson, and Hill will join the defense after playing for Canyon Randall High School. Midfielder Garner, midfielder Stirling and midfielder Grimm will look to give the offense a boost next season. Grimm recorded 50 goals and 11 assists during her sophomore and junior seasons at Pikes Peak High School, and Stirling helped lead Heritage High School to a 33-5-1 record in her two seasons on varsity.

“I think the last two seasons we’ve progressed, and we are feeling pretty optimistic about our chances next year,” Wilson said.

The Wildcats lost just two seniors from last sea-

Jozie Sands :: staff photographer

Midfielder Jordan Reese dribbles againt Central Oklahoma on Oct. 17. son’s team and will look to continue their improvement in the Lone Star Conference, aiming for a conference championship.

“I think we have the personnel and talent to compete for a conference championship, and hopefully the girls on team will real-

ize that’s possible and can make that happen,” Wilson said. “Without a doubt, we should have just as much talent as anyone else in our conference and region.”

E-mail Abston at: gda04b@acu.edu

SportsSunday

Page 12

SCOREBOARD Standings Men’s Basketball Team Angelo St. MSU TAMU-K WTAMU Tarleton St. ACU ENMU

Div. 8-2 8-2 7-3 6-5 5-5 2-8 0-11

Overall 20-5 19-6 17-8 16-10 17-8 8-16 4-22

Women’s Basketball Team WTAMU ACU Angelo St. TAMU-K Tarleton St. MSU ENMU

Div. 10-1 7-3 6-4 5-5 5-5 3-7 0-11

Overall 22-4 16-9 15-10 15-10 14-11 8-16 9-20

Baseball team remains undefeated in LSC play

By Grant Abston

Div. 6-0 5-3 5-3 5-3 4-4 SW Okla.

4-4 Tarleton St. 3-4-1 ENMU 3-5 East Central 3-5 TAMU-K 3-5 Central Okla. 2-4 NE State 2-5-1 ACU Cameron SE Okla.

Angelo St. WTAMU

Baseball

Sports Editor

The No. 15 Wildcat baseball team continued its winning streak, winning its eighth-straight game Saturday afternoon against Central Oklahoma, improving to 9-2 overall and 6-0 in the Lone Star Conference after defeating the Bronchos on Friday, 14-12.

ACU scored eight runs in the seventh inning Saturday to break a 2-2 tie, scoring 14 runs on 15 hits for the game to defeat Central Oklahoma, 14-2. Starting pitcher Cameron Aspaas pitched 6.0 in-

nings, allowing just two runs on three hits, while relief pitcher Kevin Justice pitched two scoreless innings to close out the game and earn the win.

“We did a good job today,” head coach Britt Bonneau said. “Their pitcher did a good job with us, and we finally got some key hits and had a good eight-run seventh inning that kind of separated us, and we matched their pitching. Aspaas pitched a good game for us.”

The Wildcats scored one run in the first inning and one

in the fifth inning, but Central Oklahoma scored two runs in the bottom of the fifth inning to tie the game at two. However, ACU scored eight runs in the seventh inning to break the game open. Second baseman Chris Hall opened the seventh inning with a base hit before center fielder Thomas Bumpass singled him home to put the Wildcats up 3-2. Catcher Jordan Schmitt then singled Bumpass home before designated hitter Anthony Walsh doubled to score Schmitt and right fielder Alex Harrison, who reached on a walk.

See

Baseball page 11

Dick Schissler :: staff photographer Infielder Steve Camillucci prepares to throw in practice. The Wildcats defeated Central Oklahoma 14-2 on Saturday to improve to 9-2 overall.

Cats Clinch Spot

Baseball Team

Overall 9-2 11-4 8-3 9-6 8-5 8-6 6-8-1 7-7 4-7 4-7 4-6 6-8-1

Div. 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 ENMU 0-0 TX Woman’s 0-0 Angelo St. WTAMU TAMU-K ACU Tarleton St.

Sports Editor

Overall 14-1 10-2 10-2 8-3 9-5 7-4 10-7

Scores Friday Softball ACU 4, Washburn 2 ACU 10, Central Missouri 0

Baseball ACU 14, Central Oklahoma 12

Saturday Softball ACU 10, Nebraska-Omaha 2 ACU 10, Fort Hays State 2

Baseball ACU 14, Central Oklahoma 2

Women’s Basketball ACU 61, Midwestern State 46

Men’s Basketball Midwestern State 88, ACU 66

Upcoming Sunday Softball ACU vs. Pittsburg State, 10 a.m.

ACU vs. Newman, 4 p.m.

Baseball ACU at Central Oklahoma, 11 a.m.

ACU at Central Oklahoma, 2:30 p.m.

Monday Golf

Jozie Sands :: staff photographer Jody Meyer defends Til-Lois Fifer in ACU’s 73-65 win over ENMU on Jan. 13. The Wildcats’ victory Saturday clinched a spot in the LSC tournament.

Win over MSU secures ACU’s postseason place

By Ryan Cantrell Sports Writer

The Wildcats clinched a Lone Star Conference Postseason Tournament playoff spot with a 61-46 victory over Midwestern State on Saturday. ACU bounced back from a two-game losing streak to lock a playoff spot and remain second in the LSC South Division.

ACU improved to 16-9 overall and 7-3 in the LSC and remains in second place in the LSC South Division behind West Texas A&M. “We wanted to come out with a quick start and take them out of the game early,” said head coach Shawna Lavender. “We also wanted to get our confidence back after losing two games.”

The Wildcats jumped to a 20-9 lead with five minutes left in the first half, and

Basketball went into halftime with a 29-15 lead. The Wildcat defense led the way in the first half, limiting the Mustangs to 18 percent shooting in the first half.

In the second half, the Wildcats extended their lead to 17 in the first five minutes of the half. The Mustangs went on a run, cutting into the Wildcats’ lead. After getting as close as 37-26, the Wildcats went on a 13-0 run lead by Autumn Whitaker, who scored sevenstraight points. The run put the game away, as the Cats went on to win 61-46.

Forward Jody Meyer scored a game-high 12 points to lead the way for the Wildcats, while forward Jamie Meyer and guard Autumn Whitaker scored 11 points. The win improves

their record to 16-9 and 7-3 in conference. The loss dropped the Mustang’s record to 8-16 overall and 3-7 in conference play. The Mustangs also were eliminated from postseason play after the loss.

The Wildcats will play the first of its final two regular season games against Eastern New Mexico Wednesday.

ACU holds a one-game lead over Angelo State for second place in the LSC. “Eastern New Mexico is 0-11 in conference, but they have played a lot of close games, especially at home,” Lavender said. “We need to go in there and stay focused, so we can continue to build momentum for the conference tournament and hold on for the No. two seed.”

E-mail Cantrell at: jmcnetwork@acu.edu

Winning in the South ACU is in second place in the Lone Star Conference South Division with a 7-3 conference record after several wins over LSC foes during the months of January and February: n 73-65 win against Eastern New Mexico University on Jan. 13 n 71-62 win against Texas A&M-Kingsville on Jan. 21 n 79-49 win against Angelo State on Jan. 24 n 77-71 win against Tarleton State on Jan. 28 n 73-57 win against Midwestern State on Jan. 31 n 78-70 win against TAMU-K on Feb. 10 n 61-46 win against MSU on Saturday.

Last fall, the Wildcat soccer team finished 9-8-2 and earned its first trip to the Lone Star Conference postseason tournament.

Expectations may be even higher next season, as the Wildcats signed seven playWilson ers, six high school students and one junior college transfer, to help improve the second-year program.

The Wildcats finished 8-11-1 in their first season in 2007 and posted their first winning season in 2008. The Wildcats will return four all-Conference players: goalkeeper Crissy Lawson (LSC Goalkeeper of the Year and first-team selection), midfielder Jordan Reese, midfielder Courtney Wilson and defender Anastasia Nelson (all honorable mention selections). Along with these players, ACU will return some key position players, and Wilson said he thinks the new additions will add an offensive threat to an already strong defensive team.

“One thing we’re looking to bring in with this class is more offensive threat, and I feel like the new class has it,” Wilson said. “We have an established defense with the returners, and we’re excited with the freshmen; they all have soccer experience, and I expect them to get right into the mix.”

Junior college transfer Ashley Holton will join the team from Cuyamaca College in Santee, Calif.

Holton, a two-time Pacific See

Soccer page 11

Cats swing four wins in Okla. Mustangs hand ACU

ACU at St. Edward’s Invitational

By Chandler Harris Assistant Sports Editor

Tuesday

The ACU softball team won four games at the South Central Shootout in Durant, Okla., on Friday and Saturday.

The Wildcats defeated Nebraska-Omaha 10-2 in five innings. Nebraska-Omaha was selected to win the Mid-American Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA), according to the MIAA Preseason Poll.

Then, the Wildcats defeated Fort Hayes State, also by the score 10-2 in five innings, to wrap up the day.

The team won a rematch against Washburn 4-2 to begin the tournament Friday.

The Wildcats’ most impressive victory of the weekend

Softball ACU at St. Mary’s, 5 p.m.

ACU at St. Mary’s, 7 p.m.

Baseball ACU vs. St. Mary’s, 4 p.m. :: Home games listed in italics

Briefs n Catcher Jessica Shiery earned her second-straight all-tournament team selection after hitting .667 over four games with five RBI to help ACU go 2-2 in the CBS Insurance Classic (Feb. 12-14).

Shiery also was named to the St. Mary’s Classic alltournament team in the first tournament of the season.

Wildcats add seven players for 2009

By Grant Abston

Softball Team

February 22, 2009

Jozie Sands :: staff photographer Outfielder Caitlin Nabors makes a catch vs. St. Mary’s University on Feb. 12.

See

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sixth-straight defeat Basketball

By Brandon Tripp Broadcast Assistant

Three days after being eliminated from postseason play by Tarleton State, the displaced Wildcats took another loss, its sixth in a row, at the hands of the visiting Mustangs from Midwestern State, 88-66.

The game was technically a home game, but was played at McMurry University because of the Sing Song performances Saturday.

“I thought we played really well in the first half,” said head coach Jason Copeland said. “ But we have guys out with inju-

ries, and that really hurt our depth, and it showed when we started fading in the second-half.”

The loss to Midwestern puts the Wildcats at 8-16 overall and 2-8 in conference play. The Mustangs, who entered the game in a three-way tie for first place in the LSC South, move to 19-6 overall and 8-2 in conference, keeping them in a tie with Texas A&M-Kingsville.

The Wildcats played a competitive first half, out scoring the Mustangs in See

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