The Optimist - March 27, 2009

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Pg. 8 ACU athletes host, beat Division I competition

Friday, March 27, 2009 :: Vol. 97, No. 45 :: 1 section, 8 pages :: www.acuoptimist.com

Inside This Issue:

Pg. 3

Pg. 6

Wireless Woes: UP residents without WiFi connection

ISA offers food, fashion to raise funds for non-profit

Pg. 8

Softball team nationally ranked after 10-straight wins

Ousted island president vows to return to power

By Daniel Johnson-Kim Editor in Chief

The ousted president of Madagascar declared the world condemned the coup d’état, that forced him to flee the island nation and he vowed to return to power, according to the Associated Press.

Former President Marc Ravalomanana, who has visited ACU’s campus twice, resigned from his office March 17 after the military pronounced Andry Rajoelina, who had led months of protests to overthrow Ravalomanana, the new leader of Madagascar.

Navajo leader to speak at alma mater

By Megan Haggerton Student Reporter

The president is coming to campus.

No, not President Barack Obama, but ACU alumnus Dr. Joe Shirley Jr., president of the Navajo Nation. Shirley will tour campus and speak at a Chapel forum Monday at 7:30 p.m. where he will talk about change.

ACU has 29 NativeAmerican students, but just four Indian students enrolled this year.

“I know more about those four Indian students than I do about Shirley the Native-American students we have,” said George Pendergrass, director of Multicultural Enrichment.

Pendergrass said he hopes Shirley can bring light to the fact that the Native-American culture has been dismantled and marginalized.

“It is important for both majority and minority populations to see the positive leaders in the Native-American community,” he said.

In addition to speaking at the Chapel forum, Shirley will have an early morning breakfast, campus tour and attend regular Chapel on Monday. The university will sponsor a luncheon for Shirley at 1p.m., and he will speak to the on-campus organization LYNAY in the afternoon.

Shirley also will attend a reception in his honor in the lobby of the Bob and Shirley Hunter Welcome Center.

After that busy day, he then speak at the Chapel forum.

Shirley is an ACU alumnus who graduated in 1973 with a bachelor’s degree in Business. He received the ACU Distinguished Alumni Citation award in 2007.

See

Navajo page 4

Rajoelina was sworn in Saturday as the new leader in the capital city, but several diplomats boycotted the event because they viewed Rajoelina’s rise to office as an illegal coup, according to the Christian Science Monitor.

Less than 10 students from Madagascar attend

ACU for various graduate and undergraduate studies.

Those students declined to comment for this story. Dr. Royce Money, president of the university, addressed the controversy in Madagascar during the conclusion of his State of the University address Tuesday.

“Last May, Marc Ravalomanana was on our campus, proud as he could be of the 24 graduates in his Madagascar Presidential Scholars Program,” Money said during his speech. “Today, he is in exile, forced to resign by political turmoil and an unconstitutional military coup that have

shaken his country to its core.

The same place where he and his family lived — where we met with him and where our graduates worked for him and his Cabinet — has been looted and heavily damaged by opposition forces in the past week.”

See

Madagascar page 4

Spring Sweets Snow cone stand offers frosty treats

By Ryan Elam Student Reporter

It is official — spring has arrived.

The flowers are blooming, the grass is a little bit greener and Cajun Cones has reopened for business.

For those who do not know, Cajun Cones is a locally owned and operated business specializing in New Orleans-style snow cones. The business has become a staple for refreshment in Abilene.

Bill Luttrell, co-owner of Cajun Cones, founded the business in 1988 with his son Dr. Lynn Luttrell, associate professor of exercise science and health. The idea came from a version of the snow cone called a snowball, a tasty treat Luttrell and his family used to eat when they lived in Southern Louisiana.

“When we decided to go into business, I checked with the companies in New Orleans, and we started ordering all our supplies from New Orleans and we still order the majority of our supplies from New Orleans,” Luttrell said. “That’s one of the reasons why they’re called Cajun Cones.”

Cajun Cones has 55 flavors, including Granny Smith Apple, Strawnilla, Cherry Coke and Coconut. Some of the names are strange, but untraditional flavors like Pickle Juice have become popular with customers, Luttrell said.

Another popular flavor titled “I don’t know but it’s good” was created by Luttrell’s daughter.

See

Cones page 4

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We started ordering all our supplies from New Orleans… that’s one of the reasons why they’re called Cajun Cones. :: Bill Luttrell, co-

owner of Cajun Cones

Photo Illustration

by Zak Zeinert chief photographer

” SA passes resolution opposing ad policy Zak Zeinert :: chief photographer

Brittney Newton, junior biochemistry major from Farmersville, stops at Cajun Cones on Thursday.

By Tanner Anderson Page Designer

Jozie Sands :: staff photographer Sophomore Sen. Danielle Urias, sophomore political science major from El Paso, votes during the Students’ Association Congress meeting Wednesday.

During Wednesday’s meeting, the Students’ Association Congress passed a resolution addressing the university’s advertisement policy and announced New York Times’ best selling author Donald Miller will be a keynote speaker at next year’s Summit.

SA Congress approved a resolution that states students should be allowed to advertise group events on campus. This

suggested plan combats difficulties with a recent university policy that prohibits the posting of announcements, advertisements and fliers on sidewalks, doors, walls or trash bins. The policy also prohibits chalk-written announcements on sidewalks.

After a vote of 27-0-1, the resolution passed, and members of Congress now will collaborate to develop an appropriate plan to present the suggestion to the administration.

“The whole reason for the current policy was to beautify the campus,” said Sophomore Sen. Scott Adrian.

The advertisement policy has created a dull campus that negatively affects student groups, Adrian said. He said student organizations and groups rely on campus advertising to gain attendance and participation, and hopefully the resolution will positively affect current campus conditions.

Besides the new resolution, SA Congress President Sarah

ACU WEATHER

Pulis announced that Donald Miller, author of the New York Times’ bestselling novel Blue Like Jazz, would be a keynote speaker for next year’s Summit in September.

“SA was given an opportunity to help out with next fall’s Summit, and we jumped at the chance to assist Summit with finances,” Pulis said.

Pulis said Congress invested $3,000 from the Executive Officer Discretionary Fund to See

Online Poll :

Saturday

Sunday

High: 50 Low: 33

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High: 75 Low: 50

Videos :: Podcasts :: Slideshows Department of Journalism and Mass Communication ::

Abilene Christian University

What is your favorite Cajun Cone flavor?

a. I’ve never had a Cajun Cone. b. One of the mixed flavors c. One of the regular flavors d. Too much sugar for me

20%

Friday

SA page 4

acuoptimist.com ::

Serving the ACU community since 1912

2

Campus Day Friday, March 27, 2009

Calendar and Events

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8-10 p.m.

Twilight will be shown for the free movie night in Cullen Auditorium.

Service Saturday For more information, visit the SALT table in the Campus Center.

8-10 p.m.

The Chameleon Performing Arts Company will present its spring show, Left, at the Paramount Theatre. For more information, call 677-0022.

8-10 p.m.

The Chameleon Performing Arts Company will present its spring show, Left, at the Paramount Theatre.

For more information, call 677-0022.

Friday

Saturday

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Sunday

9-10 p.m.

Nine O’clock, the weekly praise service, will be at University Church of Christ. Free drinks and snacks follow the service in the Family Room.

The Day Nursery of Abilene needs volunteers during its annual Mexican Dinner fundraiser Saturday from 3-9 p.m. in the west cafeteria of Abilene High School. Volunteers will help with tasks in the kitchen. For more information, call Shelia Cory at 673-1110.

The Christian Service Center needs volunteers to file requests in the donation center, sort and organize donations and occasionally pick up donated items. Volunteers are needed Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.

to noon or from 2-4 p.m. For more information, call Roberta Brown at 673-7531, or go to www.uccabilene. org/ministries/csc.htm.

N4N needs a truck to take branches to the recycling center for Service Saturday. To volunteer, call Terence Lindeke at 738-3469.

The West Texas Rehab Center needs volunteers for the Clay Shoot fundraiser April 4 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Volunteers will operate simple, automatic outdoor clay machines for shooters and help set up decorations for the awards dinner after the Clay Shoot from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lunch will be provided, and volunteers may attend the awards dinner that evening along with a guest. For more information, call Marjorie Cloud at 660-8338.

Corrections/Clarifications n In the March 20 edition of the Optimist, an article was written about tuition increases, and the amount was reported as $630 per hour for the 2009-10 school year. The actual amount is $640 per hour.

Meals on Wheels is looking for volunteers to deliver meals to some of the homebound members of the community. The commitment is once a week. Volunteers will pick up the meals from the Meals on Wheel’s building and deliver them to people around Abilene. It takes one hour each week. Call Mitzi McAndrew at 672-5050 to volunteer.

Communities in Schools at Fannin Elementary School needs volunteers for one to two hours beginning at 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Volunteers will give extra help to students in an after-school tutoring class. For more informa-

30

Monday

7:30-9 p.m.

A Chapel symposium featuring Dr. Joe Shirley Jr., president of the Navajo Nation, will take place in the McCaleb Conference Room at the Bob and Shirley Hunter Welcome Center.

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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.

Remember that campus parking is only allowed in marked spaces.

Always report suspicious activity to ACUPD at 674-2305 or 674-2911.

Announcements The ISA Annual Food Festival will take place in the Bob and Shirley Hunter Welcome Center on Saturday at 6 p.m. The event costs $5 and benefits Eternal Threads.

tion, call Joe Cunningham at 675-7008.

Mesa Springs needs help planting flowers from 10 a.m. to noon as a part of Service Saturday. For more information, visit the SALT table in the Campus Center.

Find out volunteer opportunities by visiting the Volunteer and ServiceLearning 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 Service-Learning Center in the Bean Sprout.

The Honor’s College will sponsor a reprise of ACU’s first alternate reality game, oGame, throughout the next four weeks. For more information about how to join the Neo-Luds, join the Facebook group.

The ACU All School Rodeo will take place at the Taylor County Expo Center on April 7 at 7 p.m.

More information will be available in the Campus Center on Monday.

Upward Bound camp counselors are needed for this year’s summer camp. The camp will

take place June 7 through July 9, and counselors will receive free room and board, $900 and the opportunity to mentor high school students. For more information, contact Stephanie Lewis at 674-2713, or send an e-mail to stephanie.lewis@acu.edu by April 6.

Service Saturday will take place Saturday. The Service Action Leadership Team will send groups of volunteers to various sites around the city to help agencies and neighborhoods. For more information, visit the SALT table in the Campus Center this week.

Fall 2009 registration for seniors will begin March 30. Talk to your adviser to receive your advising code. Registration begins at 3 p.m

acuoptimist.com

Chapel Checkup Credited Chapels to date:

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.

ACU Police Tip of the Week

Volunteer Opportunities Walk Now for Autism, sponsored by Autism Speaks, needs volunteers at the Abilene Zoo on April 4 from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Volunteers will help with face painting, puppet shows, balloon twisting and maintaining air castles. For more information, call Patti Tessen at 675-7019.

About This Page

Credited Chapels remaining:

24

nGraduation fair assists seniors nTournament to benefit charity n‘Transforming Word’ available in The Campus Store nCareer Expo to offer networking nLawyer donates kidney

CAMPUS NEWS

Friday, March 27, 2009

Page 3

Lack of communication, funds leave UP with wireless woes

By Heather Leiphart Staff Photographer

Residents of University Park apartments might find the name “Belkin 54G” familiar — it is a common $30 router, purchasable at WalMart, and for more than 400 students living in UP, the only source of wireless Internet.

ACU’s three-step plan to bring wireless Internet access to every corner of campus does not include the on-campus, upperclassmen apartment complex; and residents are forced to compromise with their own routers.

“Our priorities are: one, residence halls, two, learning spaces and three, green spaces,” said Arthur Brant, director of Networking Services. “UP isn’t on our radar because it is different. Other conversations have to happen before it gets on our list.”

Learning spaces signify classrooms, and green spac-

es include all frequently populated outdoor areas.

After these three priorities, ACU will look to equip outlying offices with wireless Internet access, such as the Moore house across North 16th Street beside University Church, Brant said.

ACU upgraded the wireless connectivity in freshman residence halls last summer and this summer it will enhance sophomore and upper-level residence halls, where iPhone-bearing students will live next year, Brant said.

“When we started talking wireless, there was never a conversation that came up with regards to putting it in over at University Park because it is handled differently than the residence halls,” Brant said. “There’s a lack of coordination between Networking Services and the UP management company to find out how to include wire-

“

We have the technical skill sets to do it, but at the end of the day somebody needs to write the check for it, and whether that’s ACU or UP management needs to be taken care of. :: Arthur Brant, director of Networking Services

less in the buildings.”

ACU provides wired Internet, cable TV and telephone services to UP and is responsible for all technology problems, restrictions and upgrades, said Patricia Hail-Jackson, UP director.

Even UP staff must look to Team 55 for help with Internet problems, she said.

“With our partnership with the university, they provide the Internet, so we deal with what we get,” Hail-

”

Jackson said. “We can’t do anything with it unless our corporate office and ACU came to some agreement.”

UP looked into getting wireless Internet two years ago, but neither ACU nor the corporate office of UP wanted to take on the substantial expense, Hail-Jackson said. To compromise, UP set up a wireless Internet router in the clubhouse and laundry room.

“To house these kids and keep occupancy, we need to make sure that we’re giving them everything that they want,” she said. “It would be the university’s decision if [wireless] is what they

wanted to do. We’re not asking them to do that, but any upgrades that they want to make would be a plus to us.”

Another factor adding to the expense of installing wireless Internet at UP is the rooms were not built to accommodate further modifications, Brant said. Most residence halls have dropceilings which easily allow later adaptations, but UP buildings do not. Brant said although the cost is not a detractor, it is something that has to be considered.

At the same time, although not explicitly stated in the student handbook, ACU frowns upon the use of personal routers. The problem is not the myth that routers create strain on the network; problems only occur when users do not correctly follow directions when setting up the router, Brant said. A router that is not set up correctly also transfers problems to other users accessing Internet through a wired connection plugged into a wall port. The only fix to this problem is for Team 55 to

try and scout out the ‘rogue router.’

However, these problems disappear once wireless is introduced.

“Once wireless was set up in the residence halls, rogue routers were no longer a problem because routers were no longer needed, but a router that is set up correctly will cause no problems,” Brant said.

Brant said he thinks it will be a matter of time before ACU addresses the issue to the UP management company. ACU needs to find out “who is going to do what and when,” he said.

“We have the technical skill sets to do it, but at the end of the day, somebody needs to write the check for it; and whether that’s ACU or UP management needs to be taken care of,” Brant said.

“Obviously we could have been more proactive; obviously the students want it.

There’s no question about that. My assumption is that in the end it’s going to be that UP will look to ACU to do it.”

E-mail Leiphart at: hal08a@acu.edu

FROM THE FRONT / CAMPUS NEWS

Page 4

Friday, March 27, 2009

Madagascar: Island country faces major changes, protests Continued from page 1 Money said he and his wife Pam invited several students to their home, where they listened to the students’ concerns for the safety of their friends and families at their home island. Money said they prayed with them for strength, and he reminded them that “God is at work” even in challenging times.

“I am deeply impressed by the courage and faith they are showing in the face of adversity, and sometimes, I wonder

who is teaching whom,” Money said in his speech.

Since Rajoelina took power, the U.S. government has suspended all non-humanitarian aid, the African Union suspended the island’s memberships and some African countries have imposed several sanctions on the Malagasy government, according to the AP. Rajoelina pledged to hold new elections in two years, once a new constitution and new electoral laws were installed and an independent

electoral commission was installed. A national conference will take place April 2-3 to discuss the electoral calendar and try to promote national reconciliation, according to the AP. “It is up to us, it is up to you, it is up to me…to save the nation, defend the union and our national unity,” Ravalomanana said in a prerecorded message to more than 10,000 supporters gathered in protest of the opposition group’s actions.

Several supporters of the former president also have protested in the streets.

Ravalomanana toured the campus in February 2005 and visited the 24 students he sent to ACU as part of the Madagascar Presidential Scholars Program, and again in May 2008 to witness the students’ graduation. Ravalomanana received an honorary doctorate of law degree from ACU and spoke at Commencement.

Dr. John Tyson, vice president for development; Dr.

Royce Money, president of the university, and several other members of the ACU administration, faculty and staff also traveled to Madagascar for the special Commencement in the students’ home country in July.

Ravalomanana’s relationship with ACU began in 2003 when he met Tyson, while the latter was visiting Madagascar as part of a delegation from World Christian Broadcasting, a organization that beams radio programming

with Christian messages into Russia, China and the Pacific Rim. Ravalomanana was impressed by Tyson’s description of the university and has said ACU was the perfect choice for the future leaders of Madagascar.

Some of the 24 students who graduated from ACU returned to Madagascar, while others went on to pursue graduate degrees at ACU and other universities.

E-mail Johnson-Kim at: djj04a@acu.edu

Cones: Flavors delight palates Graduation Fair assists seniors Continued from page 1 While Cajun Cones offers 55 core flavors, each flavor can be mixed in whatever way a customer chooses, making the possibilities abundant.

The prices of the snow cones range from $1.50 to $2.50, depending on size.

To complement the traditional snow cone flavors, Cajun Cones also carries 14 pre-mixed flavors of creambased snow cones called Sno-Creams. Flavors include Banana Cream, Fudgesicle, Root Beer Float and Old Fashioned Ice Cream.

Just like the snow cone flavors, Cajun Cones offers core Sno-Cream flavors; however, Sno-Creams can be made out of any flavor a customer desires.

Sno-Creams also range in price depending on size.

Smalls start at $2 and go up to $3 for a large.

Kimberly Tucker, junior elementary education major from Abilene, said she enjoys Cajun Cones’ low prices.

“Cajun Cones is a great place to go with your friends for a cheap treat,” Tucker said.

Students can stop by Cajun Cones at two locations on the north side of town.

The original Cajun Cones is located on North Judge Ely Boulevard, and the other is on North Mockingbird Street.

Luttrell said the business also has a portable trailer used for special events like Welcome Week.

“We’ll go up and serve whatever freshmen are there.

[We’ve served] like 400 in one night before,” Luttrell said.

Each location is open everyday from 2-10 p.m., de-

pending on the weather. The stands will not be open on cold or rainy days because neither climate is conducive for selling snow cones.

The reopening of Cajun Cones is an exciting time for many faithful customers.

Amanda Ray, senior biology major from Abilene, likes Cajun Cones because it reminds her that summer is coming.

“I change flavors every year, but Strawberry Daiquiri is my favorite,” Ray said.

Because Cajun Cones is a temporary business, the city allows six months of operation. The stands will remain open through the middle of September.

E-mail Elam at: jmcnetwork@acu.edu

Navajo: Shirley to speak on faith Continued from page 1 Some students are more interested in this Chapel forum than others because of Shirley’s high position of authority. Jeremy Winkler, freshman marketing major from North Richland Hills, said he is interested in

hearing what a minority leader has to say about how God has changed his life.

“I feel like listening to Dr. Shirley speak will give a good witness to other students on campus who are maybe struggling with their faith or are just looking for some reassurance

that God works daily in everyone’s life,” Winkler said. “Either way, receiving the two Chapel credits while listening to someone interesting always earns points in my book.”

E-mail Haggerton at: jmcnetwork@acu.edu

By Chelsea Hackney Student Reporter

The Living Room of the Campus Center buzzed as graduating seniors took part in the Graduation Fair on Monday and Tuesday.

They had the opportunity to try on class rings, pick up their caps and gowns and fill out paperwork in one place.

“The purpose of the fair is to get everything you need for graduation under one roof,” said Samantha Adkins, coordinator of Alumni Programs.

To make the process as convenient as possible, the fair lasted two days from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Because of its central location and long hours, turnout for the event is usually high, between 60 percent and 75 percent of the graduating class, Adkins said.

Caleb Archer, senior political science major from Southlake, visited the fair during his lunch break and finished everything with time left to eat. The event was “painless,” he said.

The fair is once a semester and is organized by the ACU Alumni Association, in partnership with The Cam-

“

There’s a whole process. You don’t just show up and say, ‘Oh, I think I’ll graduate.’ :: Bill Hughes, transfer student adviser and veteran coordinator

pus Store. This semester, students spoke with representatives from the following offices: Alumni Relations, Career Center, Alumni Records, Registrar, Student Financial Services, The Campus Store and Jostens.

More students each semester are taking advantage of what the Graduation Fair has to offer, said Bill Hughes, transfer student adviser and veteran coordinator.

“A lot of people are becoming more and more responsible and thinking it’s not going to magically happen,” Hughes said. “There’s a whole process. You don’t just show up and say ‘Oh, I think I’ll graduate.’”

The fair is also a chance for students to let the university know about their post-graduation plans.

Alumni Records and the Career Center try to keep student information as upto-date as possible to keep students involved.

”

“They want to know what you’re doing so they can have eyes and ears out there to help students later in life,” Adkins said.

For students who still are making decisions about their future, the Career Center has many resources they can use.

The office has a large alumni network that they work with to connect students with the right career opportunities, said Daniel Orozco, associate director for the Career Center.

Students can contact the Registrar’s office or their academic adviser to find out if they have completed all graduation requirements.

Commencement is scheduled for May 9 in Moody Coliseum. Typically, about 500 students graduate during the spring Commencement.

E-mail Hackney at: jmcnetwork@acu.edu

SA: Congress helps fund two conferences Continued from page 1 bring Miller to campus.

“Our goal is for student advocacy,” Pulis said. “This is something we believe will benefit many students, and we hope that students participate in next fall’s Summit.”

Congress also dipped into its Student Request Fund, which benefits student orga-

nizations who plan to attend academic conferences. Two student groups, National Students Speech Language and Hearing Association (NSSLHA) and Broadcast Education Association (BEA), requested money in order to attend educational conferences in Austin and Las Vegas, respectively.

NSSLHA asked for about $5,600, averaging each of its

members $100-$120 in fees.

Congress granted each student $50, allocating the association $1,750 in funds.

BEA requested $2,656 for a conference in Las Vegas and received a total $200.

“It was a vote we all discussed and treated equally.

We gave both groups around $50 per person,” said SA Treasurer Spencer Hemphill.

Hemphill said a major factor in deciding how the SA Congress allocates funds to student groups and organizations is their presentation and the educational quality of the conferences.

E-mail Anderson at: tsa04a@acu.edu

ViewsFriday

March 27, 2009

Page 5

SA Congress should revise duties to better campus

F

orty-four students discussed, debated and voted during a Wednesday meeting last January, deciding how much money to give 30 designated student organizations for the semester. The funds these students disbursed did not come from grants, fundraisers or even their own pockets. The money came from us, the more than 4,400 undergraduate students who attend ACU. The Students’ Association Congress budget of $75,000 comes from a portion of the $70 student activity fee each student pays every semester.

Traditionally, the students on Congress are responsible for choosing how to divvy up other students’ funds, although this year the student body voted for less than half of these “representatives.”

Even if all 44 Congress members gained their seats through the democratic process of election, such a small number cannot fully consider everyone’s interests as they pick and choose projects to fund for numerous student organizations. Some Congress members do try to fairly represent their constituents, but human bias, subjectivity, limited viewpoints and a lack of time hinder them.

For such reasons, SA Congress should not be the final say on our money; it should not decide how half our student activity fee is spent. We,

“

SA Congress should not be the final say on our money; it should not decide how half our student activity fee is spent.

the students, should make that decision. We, as the student body, have a firmer grasp on how we want our money used versus a small group that thinks it knows how we want our money used.

To fully understand how current Congress members handle such an immense responsibility as deciding the funds for 30-40 student groups each semester, consider the budget process.

Congress members do not see the proposed budget until the designated Wednesday SA Congress meeting. Once the treasurer passes out several paper copies of the budget, members gather in groups to share and read the copies. They then have about 15-20 minutes to glance through the more than 40-page document. After their allotted time passes, members can make amendments to the budget or question the treasurer’s financial decisions.

In past years, the treasurer sometimes has made the proposed budget available to Congress members before the Wednesday meeting, but these occasions show most members do not take advantage of the extra time by fully

”

analyzing the budget.

The treasurer could distribute the proposed budget during one meeting and Congress members could vote on the budget at the next, but student organizations already find it troublesome to wait for the budget’s approval almost two weeks after the semester begins. Adding another week would cause more hassle for the groups that immediately need the funds.

Although the Wednesday budget meeting can run for almost three hours, most of the time is spent in debating concerns for only a few student groups.

The allotted funds for the majority of student organizations are never changed, questioned or mentioned. A noticeable parallel exists between the groups that do receive vocal attention and the Congress members who are involved in these same groups. Essentially, the whole process shows almost absolute trust in the treasurer’s original decisions, unless members have a stake in certain organizations.

For example, no Congress member is in Mu Phi Epsilon,

a group that received 12 percent of its requested funds, but a couple are in Student Training and Research, a group that received 100 percent of its requested funds.

The select students on SA Congress cannot satisfactorily disburse collected funds to student groups because they cannot fully know the value of each group, the reasoning behind each request and the will of the groups’ members. Unless each group talks with Congress members on a personal basis, members are not likely to fight for the needs of these groups, especially if they have no personal involvement. Instead, every student who pays the student activity fee should decide how to spend this money.

Finding how more than 4,000 people want to spend their money can be a daunting task, but it really is not a harebrained idea. One way to accomplish this is for students to fill out a survey at the beginning of each semester, listing groups they want their fees to financially help. Every student would have a voice in this decision. Student organizations with more members would receive more funds, reflecting the larger amount of student activity fees their members give. Every student would count as a percentage vote, so the funds from students who choose not to fill out the survey do not go to waste. Nonparticipating stu-

Lebensgefahr

The issue:

The Students’ Association Congress decides how to utilize a portion of the proceeds from the student activity fee all ACU students pay.

Our view:

With personal bias and limited time as some of the factors inhibiting SA Congress’ fair distribution of funds, a truly fair outcome cannot be expected.

The solution:

Students should decide which groups receive their money, while SA Congress offers grants to smaller or new organizations to prevent any crippling disadvantages.

dents are not considered in the overall percentage.

Although this survey method could hurt small or new organizations, an easy solution would fix this problem.

SA Congress may not be the best body to divvy a large portion of the student budget, but its Appropriations Committee usually does a wonderful job in its role: allotting small funds to individuals or groups. This committee is a select group of Congress members who listen to funding appeals on a more personal basis. These members meet with the students requesting money and ask them questions about their requests. They fully understand the needs and reasons behind the requests before deciding how much, if any, money to give. What better group to be steward to a portion of the student funds? If such a group could meet with every student organization that asks for money from the bud-

By Alex York

get, then a school-wide survey would not be needed. But such a move is unlikely because Congress members are students too and have busy class and work schedules. Instead, allow students to choose how to split the funds and give a small amount from the student activity fees to the Appropriations Committee, so new or small organizations that face financial difficulties can approach the committee for help.

Congress members, if you desire to truly represent the student body and not your own interests, you should practice frugality and initiative. Let students decide how to divvy up their portion of the student activity fees, leave the budget process to us, and instead, use your time to improve this campus for the students you represent.

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

In Your Words What do you think about this year’s Students’ Association Congress?

“I haven’t seen a lot of action being taken with the students.”

“I wish SA would sponsor more activities with all of the classes together, like concerts.”

Sarah Boleslawski

Charena Camacho

Communication major from Houston

Biochemistry major from Waco

“I’m not really involved with SA’s activities, but from what I know, they seem to be doing a good job.”

acuoptimist.com View videos of student responses for the “In Your Words” questions online at www.acuoptimist.com.

Kenneth Dinkins

Youth and family ministry major from Toledo, Ohio

True Christianity requires action-oriented devotion During one of those deep conversations that inevitably come up during college while on a 20-hour road trip to California, a question was posed.

“What would you like to see happen in the next 10 years?” The answer, which seemed odd, Self especially Examination coming from friend

By Ryan Self my who is a Christian ministry major, took a while to sink in. “I would like to see Christianity become more marginalized.”

While the answer at first threw me off, after our discussion it made perfect

“

...the danger in all of this is Christianity slowly becomes a brand. The beliefs and teachings of Christ become catchy slogans rather than higher standards to live by.

sense. In America we enjoy tremendous religious freedom. Nearly 75 percent of people claim some form of Christianity as their religious belief. It is mainstream, and that is perhaps what has become the problem.

I cannot illustrate this any better than my experiences growing up in the Bible belt.

Nearly everyone I knew went to church. Nearly everyone I knew also partied and did the typi-

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.

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

”

cal high school stuff: drinking, smoking, drug use. Plenty of pictures on Facebook showed the good times with Jose Cuervo right after pictures of various mission trips and community outreach projects.

It is cool to be Christian.

A vast assortment of merchandise from T-shirts to bumper stickers to Christian music can display your love for Christ. What becomes the danger in all of this is Chris-

tianity slowly becomes a brand. The beliefs and teachings of Christ become catchy slogans rather than higher standards to live by.

What is equally frustrating is when the Bible and a belief in God are used to gather voters for a political campaign or a cause that has little depth other than the leader’s ability to quote Scripture. A belief in God is an attractive quality in a candidate, yet it should not be the defining factor. The ability to quote Scripture in a speech does not necessarily translate into wisdom and experience over issues and matters concerning national security, education and the economy.

Republican is not a synonym for Christian, and

Optimist the

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Democrat is not an antonym for morality. A case is often made that those who belong to a particular political party adhere to a higher moral standard. A politician, knowing his political base, may shroud himself in the word of God or portray himself as a devout believer, not because it is true, but because it gets him votes.

The danger in wrapping the values and ideals of a belief system around a person or political movement is that these things are human, and human beings fail.

A failed political idea or a wayward religious leader is not a reflection on the beliefs of Christianity. When these humans fail, it is only a reminder of who our trust should truly rely upon.

Christ did not spread his Gospel through a political movement. His message was not spread through bumper stickers or T-shirts with catchy slogans or celebrity endorsements or Christian publications and talk radio. The teachings of Christ spread like wildfire because the message was coupled with action. It was genuine and it was carried by people unconcerned whether Christianity put them in opposition to the mainstream ideas of the day. Let people know you are a Christian by your actions, not by the metal fish on the back of your car.

E-mail Self at: rcs06g@acu.edu

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ArtsFriday

Page 6

March 27, 2009

Abilene rock band finds new sound in second album

By Joel Dallas Student Writer

The Rockin’ Extensions’ new album The Other Side, which the band unveiled Thursday at a CD release show in the Campus Center, opens with a catchy tune, titled Dance Party.

The song fades in with a muted guitar chunking out a poppy rhythm overlaid by cascading harmonics. The drums roll in with solid fills, building up the energy with double bass kicks as the rhythm and lead guitars grind into the verse. The upbeat vocals come in last harmonized leading to a chorus of “I wanna take you to a dance party.” The song embodies an interesting style infused with the pace of punk rock paired with complex guitar harmonies. At its climax, the song abruptly breaks into a dueling guitar melody reminiscent of a swarm of screeching Valkyries with the drums kicking into half time to emphasize the moment.

The following track The Other Side represents another

sliver of the rock spectrum.

It is dominated by a snarling lead guitar that holds down a central riff and is reinforced with rhythm guitars, giving it a southern rock vibe. The vocals are a bit subdued or timid with harmonies that habitually blend notes from the bottom of the melody to the top without much exploration of lead singer Andrew Duge’s choral register. The bass constantly refreshes itself against the chord progression, which keeps the low end in a pleasant groove balanced with two shredding guitars in a fierce duel.

Track 5, One Step Ahead, is rooted in a noticeably different style from the first four tracks. It diverges from the first four songs’ heavy rock influence and is driven by a heavy blues’ influence which is showcased in a wonderfully unexpected acoustic breakdown. The acoustic break is kept together by the periodic call out and response between modern electric distorted instruments and acoustic in-

struments, which seems to be a symbolic throwback to the band’s major musical influences and current style.

State of Confusion is a continuation of the blues’ theme and obviously is stylized after the unmistakable blues’ tone of the late Stevie Ray Vaughn. The peculiar thing about this track is it is in the key of C#, making it stand out against most of the songs of the album, which consists of the keys A and E. This also is probably one of the less linear songs on the album with several complete time/mood changes. The highlight of this track is a seamless transition that takes the listener from way up in the clouds of overdrive to deep below the sea in a wash of reverb and “Wah.” The extended jam that ensues is TRX in its premier element. However, I still felt like the vocals were simple and elegiac, maybe even apathetic, without the energy and personality necessary to fully carry the song and genre.

Tracks 7 and 8, Lovely Lady and Ain’t Gonna Share

Photo courtesy of Stephen Slubar

The members of The Rockin’ Extensions pose for a publicity photo for their second album The Other Side (from left, back to front): bassist Tim Thyne, lead guitarist Mason Shirley, guitarist Micah McCoy, guitarist Morgan Shirley, lead singer/guitarist Andrew Duge and guitarist Michael McCully.

You, absolutely baffled me.

Stylistically they are way out in left field in comparison to the rest of the album’s composition. The Other Side is an album with an incred-

ibly broad spectrum of styles and tone, spanning multiple decades and eras of musical variation. While TRX has produced and composed an album representing its ver-

satility of style, it is yet to develop and claim its own unique sonic identity.

E-mail Dallas at: jmcnetwork@acu.edu

ISA serves up food, fashion to raise funds for charity

By Katie Gager Student Reporter

The International Students’ Association will sponsor the International Food Festival at 6 p.m. Saturday in the McCaleb Conference Room at the Bob and Shirley Hunter Welcome Center. Tickets can be bought at the door for $5, and all proceeds will go to Eternal Threads, a non-profit organization that provides jobs for women in

countries around the world.

In the past, ISA has given the proceeds of the event to local international justice organizations such as the International Rescue Committee. This year, event organizer Laza Razafimanjato (’08) decided to reach out beyond the local community and touch the world. Razafimanjato heard about Eternal Threads when Laura Egle, founder of the organization, visited Madagascar; he said he was amazed at the work she

was doing for women.

Eternal Threads began as a mission trip to help one group of women in India, according to its Web site. It now has grown to include women from four different countries, and its mission aims to bring hope and justice to poor women and children in developing countries.

This year’s event also will include a fashion show presenting many of the products from around the world that

Eternal Threads sponsors and sells. All of the items in the show will be for sale that night at the Food Festival.

“I don’t think a lot of people know how this lady has reached out to the world,” Razafimanjato said. “Each of the things that will be in the show are very interesting and have a story worth being heard.”

The festival provides international students on campus a chance to share their culture through food,

Razafimanjato said.

“The students who volunteer not only have a passion for cooking, but a passion to share the food from their culture with ACU and the Abilene community,” he said.

Food Festival organizer Ken Lake, junior accounting major from Japan and ISA treasurer, said 24 groups will cook 25 different dishes, and 12 nationalities will be represented.

“It’s a great opportunity to bring different groups togeth-

er and have the entire ACU community acknowledge that there is a very diverse group on campus,” Lake said.

Razafimanjato said he hopes students and faculty will come and enjoy the event.

“Food is something common that we all share,” Razafimanjato said. “Being able to be at a table and eat a meal with people you do not know creates a sense of fellowship and community.”

E-mail Gager at: jmcnetwork@acu.edu

SPORTS JUMPS

Friday, March 27, 2009

Page 7

Softball: Cats to play six games in three days Track: Prather places Continued from page 8 “Those were regional games, so it helps strengthen our regional standings, which are important, and we want to stay on a roll going into the Crossover,” head coach Chantiel Wilson said.

In game one Tuesday, St. Mary’s took a 1-0 lead in the second inning after a throwing error allowed first baseman Arlynda Flores, who reached on a leadoff single, to score.

However, right fielder Brooke Whittlesey singled home designated hitter Shelby McElvain in the bottom half of the innings to even the score at one. In the bottom of the fourth, ACU took the lead for good after short stop Melissa Rodriguez fouled out to left to score McElvain on the sacrifice fly, and Whittlesey

recorded her second RBI of the game, singling home center fielder Caitlin Nabors to give ACU a two-run lead.

ACU added three more runs in the fifth and one more in the sixth as Gregoire pitched a complete game, going seven innings and allowing one unearned run on six hits to move to 14-3 on the season. Whittlesey and third baseman Nancy Sawyers finished with a game-high three hits, while Sawyers had a gamehigh three RBI after hitting her fourth home run of the season, and Whittlesey finished with two RBI. First baseman Katie Cornelison finished 2-4 with one RBI, while Rodriguez had the other RBI for ACU. “Nancy Sawyers has really stepped up along with Katie Cornelison,” Wilson said. “I think that’s what’s been part

of our success is that our team doesn’t wait for one person to get it done; everyone is stepping up.”

ACU continued to dominate St. Mary’s in game two as Partin picked up where Gregoire left off, allowing no runs on eight hits in a complete-game win to improve to 6-1. ACU got on the board in the third inning to take a 1-0 lead and broke the game wide open after scoring six runs in the fifth inning, keyed by a two-run single by catcher Jessica Shiery and a two-run double by Cornelison. Shiery finished 2-3 with three RBI and a solo home run, her eighth of the year, to lead ACU, while Cornelison finished 1-2 with two RBI. Nabors and Rodriguez added the other RBIs for ACU. “[Kim] hasn’t tried to overpower hitters and has been a

perfect complement to Jackie (Gentile),” Wilson said.

ACU will begin play in the LSC Crossover Tournament with a doubleheader Friday against Southeastern Oklahoma at 10:30 a.m. and Cameron at 12:30 p.m. ACU also will play a doubleheader Saturday and Sunday to finish the six-game tournament against LSC North Division opponents.

“The north is always extremely tough, and we have struggled against Midwestern and Southeastern,” Wilson said.

“We want to even out the series with them and look to get other pitchers some work and get them back on a role and continue to hit behind whoever is pitching for us.”

E-mail Abston at: gda04b@acu.edu

Baseball: Uechi, Schmitt leading offense Continued from page 8 weekend 26-8 overall and 15-5 in the LSC. ACU has a twogame lead over Angelo State for first in conference, while Eastern New Mexico (17-14, 12-12) sits in fifth place. “[Eastern New Mexico] is one of scariest teams in the league in my opinion,” head coach Britt Bonneau said.

“They play every out like it’s the national championship game, and the only way I have success against [ENMU head coach] Phil Clabaugh is to approach these games like they are the most important of our life.”

The Greyhounds enter the series coming off a split with second-place Angelo State last weekend and defeating New Mexico Highlands 16-1 in a non-conference matchup Tuesday. Catcher Freddy Carmona leads the Greyhounds’ offense with a .422 batting average, while starting all 31 games this season;

Carmona also leads the team in hits (49), doubles (10), triples (3), home runs (4) and RBI (37). ENMU is averaging just over 6.5 runs this season and has a .313 team batting average.

On the mound, Matther Aragon (2-2, 5.28 ERA) and Ismael Solis (1-1, 5.56) lead all starting pitchers, while relief pitcher Evan Orsak, who leads the team with a 3.28 ERA, will be key to the Greyhounds’ success out of the bullpen. ENMU has given up 10 or more runs eight times this season and hopes the bullpen can contain an ACU offense that has scored 10 or more runs 14 times and is averaging more than eight runs a game.

“We know we have to do a lot of little things right and be patient at the plate and not get frustrated on mound,” Bonneau said. “It’s going to be a very tough weekend for us, and we have to control the game

and be real selective and hit our pitches.”

ACU enters the series with the top hitting team in the LSC, holding a .350 team batting average that leads the conference with 384 hits. Shortstop Willie Uechi, the LSC leader in hits with 60, also leads the LSC in hitting with a .455 batting average, while catcher Jordan Schmitt (.441) and Chris Hall (.414) all have averages above .400. After seven more RBI last weekend, Schmitt extended his LSC lead in RBIs to 60 and also leads the conference in slugging percentage (.819).

Center fielder Thomas Bumpass (.392) and designated hitter/pitcher Cameron Watten (.385) round out the top five in hitting.

“Schmitt is having a pretty ridiculous year and has put us on his back,” Uechi said.

“I don’t know how many big hits he has had for us, and he’s been our workhorse.”

Starting pitchers Cameron Aspaas (5-1, 2.68 ERA)

Tennis: Invitational begins Friday Continued from page 8 from Denver coming off a victory over Hasting. Later that afternoon at 2 p.m., the Wildcats will battle St. Mary’s. Then on Tuesday, the University of the Southwest comes to ACU for a 9 a.m. showdown.

Following the conclusion of the St. Mary’s match, ACU will take on Cameron at 2 p.m. in a Lone Star Conference showdown. Cameron currently has the No. 12 seed in the country with its 11-6 overall record this season. Jones said he thinks this weekend’s games will play an important role in determining his team’s positioning down the home stretch of the season.

“We are playing a couple of Division II opponents,

and these count more for us as far as rankings go. Our ultimate goal is to be No. 1 in our region and go to the national tournament.”

The women’s team’s weekend will begin Friday at 2:30 p.m. with a matchup against the Tarleton State TexAnns. The Wildcats, the nation’s seventh-ranked team, will be facing a TexAnn squad that finds itself ranked No. 13 in the country. Jones said he thinks both Tarleton’s and ACU’s high rankings indicate the potential for a great match.

The Wildcats have won six matchups in a row after a 7-0 loss to the Oklahoma State Cowgirls.

On Saturday, the Wildcat women’s tennis team will square off with Metropoli-

tan State at 9 a.m. and St. Mary’s at 2 p.m. Then on Tuesday, the team will take on the University of the Southwest at 9:30 a.m. and Cameron at 2:30 p.m.

Both teams are continuing to prepare for the Lone Star Conference Championships on April 24-25 in Wichita Falls.

Following the conclusion of this weekend’s Wildcat Invitational, the men’s team will have only three more events before the LSC tournament, while the women’s team will have six more events, including matchups against NCAA Division I opponents North Texas and UTEP.

E-mail Craig at: jmcnetwork@acu.edu

and Preston Vancil (2-3, 3.66 ERA) will lead the Wildcats’ pitching rotation, which has an LSC-leading 4.45 ERA. Watten (2-0), who leads the team with a 1.15 ERA, will be out again this weekend to rest his arm. Relief pitchers Kevin Justice and Andrew Yacek will be counted on again out of the bullpen, as well as closer Brad Rutherford, who picked up a win and a save last weekend.

The four-game series will begin Saturday with a doubleheader at 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. and will conclude Sunday with a doubleheader at 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

“We need to try and play consistent baseball and not let errors beat us,” Bonneau said. “We just hope we continue to approach the game like we have been, and I think we will be right where we need to be come tournament time.”

E-mail Abston at: gda04b@acu.edu

first in 400-meter race

Heather Leiphart :: staff photographer

James Hardin throws the discus during Thursday’s ACU Triangular.

Continued from page 8 The track events began later in the evening and Amos Sang finished second in the men’s 1,500-meter race, less than one second behind Oral Roberts’ Jonah Lagat who won the race. Camille Vandendriessche placed fourth in the men’s 110-meter hurdles with a time of 15.05 seconds; Michael Rasor finished sixth for ACU with a time of 15.22 seconds.

In the first women’s race of the evening, the Wildcats finished second in the 4-by100 meter relay behind Oral Roberts. The relay team, consisting of Joella Foster, Wanda Hutson, Kim Prather and Azraa Rounds, ran the race in 47.42 seconds.

Prather also won the 400-meters by more than a second with a time of 55.47 seconds.

“We just found out about this meet yesterday so we quickly had to get mentally prepared which was hard, but I pulled through,” Prather said. “I am always physically ready, but it is harder to get mentally prepared for this.”

Prather said the wind was tough on the backstretch, but besides that, it was perfect weather.

“In a way, I’m glad it got moved up,” Prather said. “It is

a greater risk for injury during cold weather, and our times would have been slower.”

In the women’s 1,500-meter race, Loice Cheboi finished fourth with a time of 5:04.62, while Hayley Garner finished fifth in 5:06.64. In the women’s 100-meter hurdles, Amanda Clemons placed fifth with a time of 15.38 seconds, Nadira Johnson placed sixth in 17.18 and Amber Brooks placed seventh in 18.03.

Results for all other events were unavailable by press time.

ACU Triangular top finishers* First PLace Finishers n Kim Prather (Women’s 400-meters) n Lindsey Winegart (Women's javelin) n Nick Jones (Men’s discus) n Tyler Fleet (Men’s hammer throw)

other top finishers n Amber Brooks (2nd, women's javelin) n Jessica Sloss (2nd, women’s hammer throw) n Emery Dundensing (2nd, men's hammer throw) n Amos Sang (2nd, men’s 1,500meter) * Results as of press time

E-mail Harris at: tch05f@acu.edu

SportsFriday

Page 8

SCOREBOARD Standings

Cats sweep St. Mary’s in doubleheader

By Grant Abston

Div. ACU 19-5 Angelo St. 17-7 Cameron 16-8 Tarleton St. 12-10-1 SW Okla.

13-11 ENMU 12-12 Central Okla. 12-12 SE Okla.

11-12 East Central 10-14 TAMU-K 8-16 WTAMU 7-17 NE State 5-18-1

Overall 26-8 23-10 24-9 16-15-1 19-13 17-14 16-17 14-14 11-21 12-19 14-20 10-22-1

Softball Team

Div. ACU 8-1 Angelo St. 6-2 Tarleton St. 5-4 WTAMU 6-5 TAMU-K 5-7 TX Woman’s 3-6 ENMU 2-10

Overall 26-9 29-4 20-15 26-11 21-12 20-16 17-16

Softball

Sports Editor

Baseball Team

March 27, 2009

Jozie Sands :: staff photographer Third baseman Nancy Sawyers fields a ground ball against St. Mary’s on Feb. 12. The Wildcats have won 10-straight and are ranked No. 16 in the nation.

Starting pitchers Jacque Gregoire and Kim Partin led ACU to a doubleheader sweep, winning 7-0 and 7-1 on Tuesday over nonconference opponent St. Mary’s University, allowing just one run in two games as ACU extended its winning streak to 10 games and improved to 26-9 overall.

The Wildcats remain in first place in the Lone Star Conference South Division and are ranked No. 3 in the region and No. 16 in the nation, according to the National Fastpitch Coaches’ Association top 25. ACU will look

acuoptimist.com Go online to see highlights from ACU’s wins over St. Mary’s on Tuesday to continue its win streak this weekend as it travels to Durant, Okla., for the LSC Crossover Tournament. The Wildcats will play six games in three days, beginning Friday, and will play six of the seven teams in the LSC North Division.

See

Softball page 7

A Triangular Test

Sunday Baseball ACU 11, Southeastern Oklahoma 8

Men’s Tennis Lamar 4, ACU 3

Monday Men’s Tennis Louisiana-Lafayette 6, ACU 1

Tuesday Softball ACU 7, St. Mary’s 1 ACU 7, St. Mary’s 0

Upcoming Friday Softball ACU vs. SE Oklahoma, 10:30 a.m.

ACU vs. Cameron, 12:30 p.m.

Men’s Tennis ACU vs. N.M. Military, (scrimmage)

Women’s Tennis Baseball ACU at Eastern New Mexico, 7 p.m.

Saturday Men’s Tennis ACU vs. Metro State, 9 a.m.

ACU vs. St. Mary’s, 2 p.m.

Women’s Tennis ACU vs. Metro State, 9 a.m.

ACU vs. St. Mary’s, 2 p.m.

Softball ACU vs. East Central, 10:30 a.m.

ACU vs. Central Okla., 2:30 p.m.

Baseball ACU at Eastern New Mexico, 3 p.m.

ACU at Eastern New Mexico, 5:30 p.m.

Sunday Softball ACU vs. NE Oklahoma, 12:30 p.m.

ACU vs. Midwestern St., 2:30 p.m.

Baseball ACU at Eastern New Mexico, 2 p.m.

ACU at Eastern New Mexico, 4:30 p.m. :: Home games listed in italics

Briefs n In the first NCAA Division II South Central Region rankings, the Wildcat softball team is Wilson ranked No. 3 behind No. 1 Southeastern Oklahoma State and No. 2 Angelo State. The top eight teams in the final regional poll of the season will be invited to the regional tournament. ACU also was ranked No. 16 in the nation by the National Fastpitch Coaches’ Association Poll after winning 10-straight games after sweeping St. Mary’s on Tuesday.

Heather Leiphart :: staff photographer

Above: Amanda Clemons sprints in the 4-by-100 relay Tuesday in ACU’s Triangular Meet. Below: Idiato Jeremiah competes in the long jump.

Track and field athletes face top Division I schools

By Chandler Harris Assistant Sports Editor

The track and field teams sponsored the ACU Triangular Meet on Thursday afternoon at Elmer Gray Stadium. The meet originally was scheduled for Friday afternoon, but forecasts of inclement weather forced the meet to be moved.

The Wildcats competed in multiple events against Texas Tech and Oral Roberts.

“Our competition is really high quality,” said head track and field coach Don Hood.

“Oral Roberts is generally really good at the conference level and in the top 30-35 programs nationally.”

The Texas Tech women finished ninth in the NCAA Division I Indoor Track and Field

Track & Field Championships, while the men finished 13th, proving its program’s strength.

The day began with field events, and the Wildcats swept the men’s hammer throw by taking first, second and third place. Tyler Fleet won the event with a throw of 176 feet, 5 inches, while Emery Dudensing finished second with a throw of 161 feet, 3 inches; Richard Scales rounded out the top three with a throw of 138 feet, 3 inches.

Nick Jones won the men’s discus with a throw of 177 feet, 11 inches, while Fleet finished third with a throw of 169 feet.

The women also had success in their field events with

Tennis teams return home for Wildcat Invitational

By Jeff Craig

Tennis

Sports Writer

The ACU men and women’s tennis teams will be in action with five games each, all of which will be played at ACU as a part of the 2009 Wildcat Invitational.

The men’s team is coming off a couple of losses at the hands of Lamar and Louisiana-Lafayette. The squad currently sits at 18-4 and held the No. 20 spot as of the latest NCAA Division II national ranking. Head coach Hutton Jones said he sees good progress and has his team positioned to head in the right direction.

“I expect us to get better and to try to dominate, continue to progress towards the end of the year,” Jones said The team will look to rebound from the tough losses against the Jaguars and Ragin Cajuns and build up some momentum with this weekend’s matchups. The Wildcats’ first test will come Friday afternoon against the New Mexico Military Institute in a scrimmage. Saturday morning, the team will take on the Roadrunners of Metropolitan State, who will come down See

Tennis page 7

Lindsey Winegart placing first in the women’s javelin throw with a throw of 93 feet, 1 inch, while Amber Brooks finished second with a throw of 84 feet, 1 inch. In the women’s hammer throw, Jessica Sloss took second with a throw of 163 feet, 5 inches, and Paige Newby finished third, throwing 153 feet, 10 inches. Deborah Munguia and Lindsey Winegart finished fourth and fifth with throws

By Chandler Harris Assistant Sports Editor

Scores

ACU vs. Tarleton State, 2:30 p.m.

Golf team prepares for Classic

of 119 feet, 3 inches and 105 feet, 8 inches, respectively.

Callie Young finished in a tie for third in the women’s pole vault with a vault of 12 feet, 1.5 inches. Elizabeth Buyse placed fifth with a vault of 11 feet, 7.75 inches. Amanda Clemons finished fourth in the long jump with a mark of 17 feet, 11.75 inches.

See

Track page 7

The ACU golf team travels to Dallas on Monday to compete in the Dallas Baptist Patriot Classic.

The tournament will be sponsored by Dallas Baptist University at the Golf Club of Dallas.

The WildCampbell cats are midway through their season and currently are ranked fourth in their region.

“Our season started off really good,” head coach Mike Campbell said. “We won in Laredo in our first tournament. In our second tournament, we didn’t play very well, and our third tournament out in California, we were a little disappointed.”

Campbell said it is a long season and he is hoping the team will peak at the right time.

“Peaking at the right time for us is conference, regionals and hopefully nationals,” Campbell said.

To make the super region tournament, the Wildcats must finish as one of the top 10 teams in their region. Next week’s tournament could prove to be a big one for the Wildcats as they face off against several of the teams in their region, Campbell said.

“In addition to regional teams, Sonoma State, a nationally ranked team, will be there,” Campbell said.

Sonoma State, located in Rohnert Park, Calif., is currently ranked No. 2 in the Golf World/NIKE Golf Division II Coaches’ Poll; ACU is ranked No. 19 in the poll.

“We are just going to go down there to play as hard as we can and hope to finish as best as we can,” Campbell said. “If we play to our ability, we have a chance to compete with everybody, but we need to play well.”

Campbell said so far the Wildcats’ best player has been Cyril Bouniol.

“In seven tournaments, Bouniol has finished in the top 10 six times and top five five times,” Campbell said. “So he has had a really good year so far.”

Campbell said the team will finish qualifying for the tournament Friday and he acknowledged the team has room for improvement.

“We are working on all different parts of our game; pretty much everything,” Campbell said.

E-mail Harris at: tch05f@acu.edu

Eastern New Mexico up next

By Grant Abston Sports Editor

After recording its biggest come-from-behind win of the season, the seventhranked Wildcats will look to carry that momentum into this weekend when they travel to play Eastern New Mexico in a four-game Lone Star Conference series.

After falling behind 8-3 going into the eighth inning in Sunday’s finale against Southeastern Oklahoma, the Wildcats rallied for eight runs to win 8-11 and take three of four from the Savage Storm.

The Wildcats enter this See

Baseball page 7

Heather Leiphart :: staff photographer Third baseman Davis Page swings at a pitch in ACU’s 11-8 win over Southeastern Oklahoma on March 22. ACU is 26-8 overall and 19-5 in the LSC.