The Optimist - April 1, 2009

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Pg. 3 A ‘fool’ish tradition: April Fool’s issue reminds campus to laugh

Wednesday, April 1, 2009 :: Vol. 97, No. 46 :: 1 section, 10 pages :: www.acuoptimist.com

Inside This Issue:

Pg. 8

Pg. 8

HSU to sponsor concert, inspirational speaker

Pg. 10

IJM officer with ACU ties kidnapped in Africa

Swinging some more: Cats extend winning streak to 14 games

Students begin push for SA executive cabinet spots Pg. 7

By Michael Freeman

Read each candidate’s credentials and message to the student body.

Pg. 6

Our Picks: Read the Optimist editorial board’s choices for the SA elections.

Managing Editor

Six students are vying for the top positions in the 200910 Students’ Association Congress during the rest of this week and early next week. The Executive Officers Election will be Tuesday and Wednesday, and the candidates are

beginning to campaign for the student body’s votes.

Daniel Burgner, junior political science major from Yorba Linda, Calif.; Charles Gaines, junior criminal justice major from Cedar Hill; and Jordan Hancock, junior political science major from Abilene, are running for the position of SA president.

Scott Adrian, sophomore political science major from Glendale, Calif., and Tony Godfrey, junior English major from Burleson, are running for SA vice president, and Luke Cochran, junior finance major from Round Rock, is running unopposed for SA treasurer.

“I think the candidates are very promising,” said Sarah

A Fashionable Feast

Page 2 Editor

Never again will students have to drive across town to satisfy a Frosty craving. Abilene will receive its second Wendy’s franchise near the ACU campus within months.

The Ohio-based franchise dates back to 1969 and was under the legacy of Dave Thomas, who coined the term, “Quality is our logo.” Today, the franchise has more than 6,000 locations worldwide, each complete with items such as Old Fashioned hamburgers, salads, chili and the signature Frosty.

Abilene’s first Wendy’s is located on Southwest Drive, and the upcoming restaurant will be on Scottish Road, in front of Lowe’s Home Improvement and near Jack in the Box. The structure for the fast food restaurant is built, but Rick Trujillo, construction worker for SealTex Hardware, said much still needs to be done before it can open.

“We’ve got to do the porch, sidewalk and the entire interior,” Trujillo said. “It’ll take a few months.”

Student Reporter

The doors opened, and hundreds of people poured into the Hunter Welcome Center as the International Students’ Association conducted its annual Food Festival and Fashion Show on March 28.

Event organizers planned for 300 people to attend. They said they were overwhelmed when almost 400 people showed up. The event raised more than $1,500, which went to Eternal Threads, a local justice mission that provides jobs and opportunities for women in five countries.

“It went far better than I thought it would,” said Laza Razafimanjato (’08), who organized the event. “The food festival part was very organized, and we were able to serve more food than we ever thought we could.”

Twenty-five student groups prepared dishes from at least 19 different cultures.

Razafimanjato said he was reminded of the story in the Bible when Jesus fed 5,000 people with only five loaves of bread and two fish.

“We saw the size of the line, and we thought we wouldn’t have enough food,” he said. “However, in the end, we still had food left over.”

Students who attended the event said they were impressed with the food and the organization throughout the evening. Sarah Brooks, senior marketing major from Memphis, Tenn., said she had no idea the event would be so big and loved all of the food. Other students said they recognized the unique opportunity of sharing and learning about different cultures.

See

Wendy’s page 4

Clubs dress up spring formals

By Tanner Anderson Page Designer

Feast page 4 Zak Zeinert :: chief photographer Melissa Mason, freshman psychology major from New York City, looks out into the crowd from the catwalk in the Hunter Welcome Center at the International Students’ Association’s annual Food Festival on Saturday night.

See a video of the ISA Food Festival and Fashion Show

SA page 4

By Sondra Rodriguez

By Katie Gager

acuoptimist.com

See

North Abilene Wendy’s under construction

Hundreds eat, give to support global charity

See

Pulis, president of SA Congress. “They all bring different viewpoints and different leadership styles to the table, and I’m excited to see next year’s Cabinet. I think they’ll do great things.”

Students will have the chance to hear from all of

Dollars, dresses and the date season are here for the next few weeks with the arrival of an ACU tradition: social club formals.

This year half the social clubs are traveling to places outside of Abilene, while the others plan to stay in town.

The women’s social club Sigma Theta Chi was the first social club to enjoy its formal in Austin on March 21. The women and their dates listened to live music, watched their forSee

Formals page 4

Money chooses Varner as new Provost

By Michael Freeman Managing Editor

After more than three months of interviews and deliberations, Dr. Royce Money and the Provost Search Committee selected Dr. Jeanine Varner to be the eighth Chief Academic Officer in ACU history.

She is succeeding Dr. Dwayne VanRheenen, who announced last October he will retire and

move to the West Coast to be closer to his family.

“I have a great deal of confidence in Dr. Varner,” said Money, president of the university, during a Faculty Senate Meeting on Wednesday.

Varner, who served as the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, will be assuming the role of Provost, beginning June 1. She said she found out about her new job Monday.

“My reaction was real gratitude,” Varner said. “I was happy to hear about it and eager to share it with my family. I’m just really grateful for this opportunity that has come my way.”

The Provost Search Committee, chaired by Dr. MaLesa Breeding, dean of the College of Education and Human Services, narrowed the search to two finalists earlier this month:

Varner and Dr. Rob Stewart, interim senior vice provost for Texas Tech University. Money made the final decision on whom to hire based on whom he thought was most qualified and would best adjust to the new role of Provost.

“The whole process was impressive to me,” Money said. “I firmly believe that I See

Provost page 4

Zak Zeinert :: chief photographer Dr. Cheryl Bacon, chair of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, and Dr. Kristina Campos, assistant professor of communication, congratulate Dr. Jeanine Varner on being named the new school Provost after a faculty meeting in the Mabee Business Building on Tuesday.

ACU WEATHER 10%

Online Poll :

a. No. I don’t have time. b. Maybe. It depends on the issues. c. Yes. No more impeachments. d. It’s nothing but false promises.

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Campus Day Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Calendar and Events

1

Wednesday

April Fool’s Day 3 p.m.

Fall 2009 registration will begin for juniors.

9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

A Career Expo will take place in the Bob and Shirley Hunter Welcome Center. For more information, go to www.acu.edu/careerexpo.

2

Thursday

8-10 p.m.

AFTERdark will take place in the Behrens Auditorium at HardinSimmons University. The free event will feature musical band The Afters and NFL speaker Joe White. For more information, e-mail Alise Anderson at laa05a@acu.edu.

3

Friday

7 p.m.

The Moroccan Victory Chant will release a CD and perform at Monks Coffee Shop. The event costs $5.

8-9 p.m.

Free, a dance show written and directed by an ACU student, will take place in Fulks Theatre. For more information, e-mail Mallorie Frank at mbf04a@acu.edu.

4

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.

The West Texas Rehab Center needs volunteers for the Clay Shoot fundraiser Saturday 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.

The Texas Good Sam Club, an organization of Good Samaritan RVs, needs volunteers for its Samboree at the Taylor County Expo Center.

Volunteers are needed to reload trailers Sunday at 7 a.m. Volunteers will take a break for a devotional from 9-10 a.m. For more information, go to the Volunteer and Service Learning Center’s Web site at www.acu.edu/vslc.

Communities in Schools at Fannin Elementary School needs volunteers for one to two hours be-

ginning at 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Volunteers will give extra help to students in an after-school tutoring class. For more information, call Joe Cunningham at 675-7008.

The Center for Contemporary Arts needs volunteers to give free art lessons to kids, while providing the opportunity to learn about art through the ArtReach program. Volunteers do not have to be artists and are needed Monday through Friday from 1-5 p.m.

For more information, call Katherine Trotter at 677-8389 or e-mail katherine@center-arts.com.

HERO, Hendrick Equine Rehabilitation Opportunities, needs volunteers for its next program through April 30.

Volunteers will assist the rider with tasks and are needed Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 1:30–5 p.m. All volunteers must attend a training session the week before the program begins.

Saturday

8-11 a.m.

The Kirk Goodwin 5K Run will begin and finish at the Hardin Administration Building. The run costs $10 for students and $15 for non-students.

7 p.m.

Freshman Formal will take place at the Windsor. The event costs $15, and an after party will take place at the Family Life Center.

Abilene Hope Haven needs volunteers to provide childcare, while parents are in a class. Volunteers are needed Monday through Thursday from 6:45-8:15 p.m. For more information, contact Christine Spillers at 437-0611.

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 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.

Announcements 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 Tuesday 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.

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

A peer health education interest meeting will take place Monday in the Campus Center after Chapel. For more information, contact Naomi Mandel at 674-2719, or e-mail her at nbt00a@acu.edu.

Shorts!, a series of 10-minute plays, will be presented by the Department of Theatre on April 1618 and April 23-25 at 7:30 p.m. in Culp Theatre. Tickets cost $10. For more information, call 674-2787.

A youth job fair will take place at the Civic Center on Thursday from 1-6 p.m. The free event will feature employers who are looking for additional employees during the summer months. For more

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.

ACU Police Tip of the Week

Volunteer Opportunities 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.

About This Page

information, call Robert Puls at 795-4302, or e-mail Cason Pyle at cason.pyle@workforcesystem.org.

Dr. Joe Shirley, president of the Navajo Nation and Distinguished Alumni Citation recipient, will speak in Chapel on Monday. A reception will take place in the Bob and Shirley Hunter Welcome Center at 7 p.m., and a Chapel forum will take place at 7:30 p.m. in the Gary and Sylvia McCaleb Conference Center in the Bob and Shirley Hunter Welcome Center.

Why Do Science?, an open forum sponsored by the Society of Physics Students, will take place Thursday from 7-9 p.m. in COBA, Room 201.

To prevent theft, never leave your backpack, iPhone or laptop unattended.

Police Log Edited for space

Monday, Mar. 23 8:11 a.m. The ACU Police assisted the Abilene Police with a death investigation on Cloverleaf Lane.

9:01 a.m. Someone reported a suspicious vehicle near campus, and the ACU Police stopped the vehicle, identified the subject and released him.

1:15 p.m. Someone reported a gunshot near the Mabee Hall parking lot, but the ACU Police was unable to locate any subjects.

3:45 p.m. The ACU Police helped a student jumpstart a vehicle in the Gardner Hall parking lot.

4:01 p.m. The ACU Police assisted the Abilene Police with a subject who was threatening suicide on College Drive.

Tuesday, Mar. 24 9 a.m. The ACU Police assisted Animal Control with a dead hog left in a yard on Cedar Crest Drive. The police identified the suspect and issued a citation for improper disposal of an animal carcass.

Wednesday, Mar. 25 1:50 p.m. The ACU Police assisted the Abilene Police with a burglar alarm on Independence Drive.

2:31 p.m. The ACU Police issued a citation on Avenue D because a subject did not have insurance.

9:49 p.m. Someone reported fireworks at Elmer Gray Stadium; the ACU Police contacted the suspect and issued a warning in reference to the city ordinance.

Thursday, Mar. 26

7:42 a.m. The ACU Police assisted the Abilene Police with an intoxicated subject on Judge Ely Boulevard.

10:29 a.m. Someone reported a suspicious vehicle on Garfield Avenue, but the ACU Police was unable to locate a subject.

Friday, Mar. 27 11 p.m. The ACU Police found marijuana in Mabee Hall.

Saturday, Mar. 28 3:49 p.m. The ACU Police responded to a 911 call from Elmer Gray Stadium but was unable to locate anyone.

6:10 p.m. Someone reported a fight at Elmer Gray Stadium, but all parties involved were gone when the ACU Police arrived.

11:45 p.m. The ACU Police issued a traffic stop on Campus Court because a driver was speeding.

11:57 p.m. The ACU Police issued a traffic stop on Campus Court because a driver disregarded a stop sign.

Sunday, Mar. 29 12:33 a.m. Someone reported a noise violation at The Grove, and the subject complied with the ACU Police’s orders.

1:18 a.m. The ACU Police assisted the Abilene Police with a fight at The Grove. One subject was injured from mutual combat but refused medical attention.

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

12:50 a.m. The ACU Police assisted the Abilene Police with a hit and run near campus.

Chapel Checkup Credited Chapels to date:

52

Credited Chapels remaining:

21

acuoptimist.com nNew Life Church of Christ closes its doors nNavajo nation president to speak at alma mater nTournament to benefit charity

FocusWednesday

April 1, 2009

Page 3

“When you laugh, it’s an involuntary explosion of the lungs. The lungs need to replenish themselves with oxygen. So you laugh, you breathe, the blood runs and everything is circulating.

If you don’t laugh, you’ll die.” - Mel Brooks

The Reason for the Teasin’ The satirical Pessimist re-emerges this year, reminding Optimist readers to smile on occasion and not to take themselves too seriously.

By Kelline Linton Chief Copy Editor

The Onion, “America’s finest news source,” is a fake news organization that reports on local, national and international news. It features satirical articles with headlines such as “East Timor’s first female dictator hailed as step forward for women,” “Nation’s blacks creeped out by all the people smiling at them” and “Experts agree giant, razor-clawed bioengineered crabs pose no threat.”

This outlandish newspaper’s print circulation? 690,000.

Satire is not dead in America. It thrives in the media through print, television and film. Satire lives when shows like The Colbert Report interview unknowing politicians, forcing them to answer absurd and offensive questions in front of thousands of viewers.

Satire lives when movies such as O Brother Where Art Thou?, Wag the Dog and Airplane use humor to poke fun at society’s institutional problems. And satire lives when the Optimist provides camaraderie to the student body with an April Fool’s device — the Pessimist.

The Pessimist, although long missing from the ACU newsstands, is back this year. This April Fool’s special edition of the Optimist features fake news stories that contain satire, buffoonery and silliness, all meant in fun. Its humor impacts students because we have a significant appreciation for the merriment of life.

“It is a time in your life when the funny factor is really important to you,” said Dr. Charlie Marler, professor emeritus and senior faculty of journalism and mass communication. “How many

students do you know are sad sacks?”

Satire is commonly found in a journalism setting. But successful satire is both funny and therapeutic; it needs an April Fool’s moment, when the joke is revealed and everyone is invited to laugh together. The Pessimist has used this satire for decades.

The first edition of the Pessimist printed March 31, 1932.

The Optimist began this new satirical tradition a few weeks after a faculty publications committee urged the cancellation of a popular column, titled Hoots of the Owl. The unsigned column, which began running in 1928, featured an owl that said he roamed the campus, spying on people. The committee said the column “had become too juvenile and undignified for a college newspaper,” according to the Sep. 26,

Picture Perfect

2008, edition of the Optimist.

Instead, the new fake newspaper ran stories about the Abilene police arresting the Dean of Women for an illegal storage of liquor and the President of the University buying a new tobacco shop that offers discounts to students.

Early editions of the Pessimist had columns printed sideways and upside-down and often ridiculed faculty members and administrative policies.

The Optimist staff produced the last edition of the Pessimist in 1981-82 after the potential for libel became an issue in the early 1980s, according to the Sep. 26, 2008, edition of the Optimist. Doug Mendenhall, instructor and journalist in residence, was the editor in chief of the Optimist in 1981-82.

“There is a fine line between good satire and garbage,” Mendenhall said.

While on the Optimist staff, Mendenhall regularly wrote a humorous column, also titled the Pessimist. And as a sophomore on staff, he created the entire 1979-80 edition of the Pessimist by himself. During

spring break, he found the photographs, wrote the content and designed the issue. This Pessimist featured the Students’ Association Congress President Ron Holifield dressed in drag. A source close to Mendenhall had supplied him the photograph.

Marler, who was the editor in chief of the Optimist from 1954-55, remembers when the Pessimist was sold for 10 cents a copy.

He said the tradition of the Pessimist was always an April Fool’s joke, and the Chapel version of the Pessimist was an annual Faculty Impersonation Day. “Nationally, the humor at that time was different from the humor at this time,” he said.

And although 27 years has passed since the last Pessimist and the humor has changed, the satirical tradition upheld by the special newspaper remains the same — telling an April Fool’s joke the whole campus can enjoy.

E-mail Linton at: klr04b@acu.edu

FROM THE FRONT

Page 4

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Feast: Students eat food, flaunt clothes during ISA dinner Continued from page 1 “It’s a neat way to learn about all the different cultures we have on campus,” said attendee Sarah Whitworth, sophomore psychology major from Houston.

She said it was great they work with Eternal Threads; she loves purchasing things from them because she knows it is going to a good cause.

Sue Garcia, Eternal Threads’ office manager and director of operations, attended the event; set up a booth selling the organization’s products and provided those interested with more information about Eternal Threads. She said she en-

joyed seeing what ISA did to promote Eternal Threads.

A lot of fun has occurred while working together with the students, Garcia said.

“They have been very creative, and their enthusiasm is overwhelming,” she said.

“I hope that those who attended have become more aware of Eternal Threads and what our mission is about.”

Organizers said the fashion show, a new aspect of the Food Festival that was added this year, also was a success and created entertainment for the night. The show included 35 models who displayed products and accessories sponsored and sold by Eternal Threads.

“I was really excited about being able to help,” said show model Teal Patterson, senior communication major from Austin.

“I hope that those who attended learn that there are many, many different faces of beauty and it is not contained in one culture, one ethnicity or one skin tone.”

While the event at times was hard work, it proved to be a blessing, Razafimanjato said.

“I thank everyone that was a part of it,” he said. “It shows that if you work hard and people come together, anything is possible.”

E-mail Gager at: jmcnetwork@acu.edu

Zak Zeinert :: chief photographer

Students line up to sample international cuisine Saturday in the McCaleb Conference Room in the Hunter Welcome Center. This year, a fashion show was added to the dinner.

SA: Voting to begin Tuesday Formals: Clubs leave Abilene Continued from page 1 the candidates next week. On Tuesday at 7 p.m., the candidates will participate in a debate in Moody Coliseum, discussing their plans and vision for next year’s SA Congress.

Two Chapel credits will be given to attendees.

“The forum is a great opportunity for students to get acquainted with the candidates,” Pulis said. “It’s a more informal environment than a Chapel speech. I think it’s a really good chance to see their personalities come through.

It’s always a lot of fun.”

Until the forum, candidates are campaigning through myACU advertisements, advertisements on the Campus Center televisions, Facebook groups and YouTube videos. They are not allowed to post fliers around campus except on residence hall bulletin boards.

“We’re working hard to increase visibility while keeping with the administration’s new

policies,” said Blake Penfield, senior political science major from San Antonio and elections co-chair.

Each candidate also will get a chance to give a 3 1/2-minute speech during Wednesday’s Chapel, outlining their platforms.

No early voting opportunities are available this year. Voting will be from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Campus Center on Tuesday and Wednesday. Students will need to bring their student ID to vote.

If no presidential candidate wins 50 percent of the vote, a run-off will be scheduled Thursday. Vice presidential candidates only have to capture a simple majority.

“I encourage everyone to come to the debates and come to Chapel on Wednesday and listen to what the candidates have to say,” Pulis said. “They all have great visions for the future of SA.” E-mail Freeman at: mxf04b@acu.edu

Continued from page 1

Congress Candidates Six students are running for Students’ Association Executive Officer positions this year. Voting will be Tuesday and Wednesday: President n Daniel Burgner, junior political science major from Yorba Linda, Calif. n Charles Gaines, junior criminal justice major from Cedar Hill n Jordan Hancock, junior political science major from Abilene Vice President n Scott Adrian, sophomore political science major from Glendale, Calif. n Tony Godfrey, junior English major from Burleson Treasurer n Luke Cochran, junior finance major from Round Rock

formal video and inaugurated new club officers at the Oasis restaurant that overlooks Lake Travis in Austin.

“We usually like to go outside of Abilene, and most of the girls are able to attend,” said Sylvia Tucker, junior accounting and finance major from Bellaire. “The best part of formal to me is the video; I’ll always appreciate the inside jokes.”

Other clubs are going or went to areas in San Antonio, Fort Worth and Dallas. Some clubs venture out for this elegant occasion, while others stay in the confines of Abilene;

but regardless of the location, clubs usually partake in the same formal rituals. Many social clubs induct new officers, present a club video, hand out awards and commemorate the evening with a photograph.

Prices for the formals range from $40-65 a couple, not including gas and hotel expenses. But regardless of price and location, many social club members agree formal is a time to enjoy everyone’s company and reflect on the year’s events.

Men’s social club Sub T-16 will be dining on campus for its formal. After attempting to reserve the Hunter Wel-

come Center as well as the Teague Special Events Center, the men of Sub T-16 decided to keep it simple and stick with the Bean Sprout.

“We talked about going out of town; it was just too much trouble,” said Michael McCully, sophomore integrated marketing and communication major from North Richland Hills and Sub T-16 member. “It’s a good chance to come together as a community. I don’t know about other clubs, but you just can’t go wrong with the Bean Sprout; it just sounds tasty.”

E-mail Anderson at: tsa04a@acu.edu

Provost: Varner to start job June 1 Continued from page 1 could not have made a wrong choice. Dr. Varner is thoroughly familiar with our current economic challenges as well as academic challenges.

And I think it is important not to lose any time at this point, but to keep going in the direction our 21st Century Vision calls us to go. It would’ve been difficult for someone to come in to understand that at the level she does.”

Varner and Stewart met with numerous groups, including the entire faculty, during the past two weeks for them each to have two

“

...my task will be to facilitate a smooth transition as Dr. VanRheenen plans to move to the West Coast. :: Dr. Jeanine Varner, Provost

full days of intensive interviews. The decision to pick Varner came after the Provost Search Committee had looked at numerous candidates since November.

“Officially, my start date is June 1,” Varner said. “But even now, my task will be to facilitate a smooth transition as Dr. VanRheenen plans to

”

move to the West Coast. I’ve greatly admired his academic leadership.”

VanRheenen had served as the university’s Provost since 1996. The university will sponsor a ceremony honoring his service at ACU on May 4.

E-mail Freeman at: mxf04b@acu.edu

Wendy’s: Construction continues Continued from page 1 Nathan Smart and John Keel, stainless steel installers for SealTex Hardware, said the process is long, but they anticipate the opening.

“It’s looking good,” Smart said.

Clystiah Evans, junior social work major from Waco, said she thinks the restaurant will thrive.

“It will definitely succeed,” she said. “It’s new, it’s on this side of town, lots of people go to Wendy’s and even Jack in the Box succeeded over here.”

Trujillo could not give an exact date for building com-

Dick Schissler :: staff photographer

Construction is still ongoing on a Wendy’s restaurant off of Interstate-20 near a Jack in the Box restaurant and a Lowe’s Home Improvement store. pletion, but said more information will be released as construction continues and is optimistic about the community’s response.

“It’s Wendy’s,” he said. “It’s always good.”

E-mail Rodriguez at: sar06g@acu.edu

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

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April 1, 2009

Student body must choose admirable leaders W hen voting for the Executive Officers Election begins Tuesday, we, the students, will have more than the opportunity to cast a ballot for Students’ Association Congress officers.

We will have the opportunity to raise our voices and give a clear mandate to the future student leaders of ACU. Undeniably, the 2008-09 SA Congress has had a turbulent year. It severed its relationship with the student body and distanced itself from us through its lack of accomplishments, myriad of unfulfilled promises, tendency toward closed meetings and an impeachment debacle.

Because of what happened this year, it is more important than ever to make sure we choose student leaders who truly represent the ideals of this Christian university.

A student leader at ACU is different from a student leader at the average public high school or college. Our student leaders must be Christ-centered in their actions.

We need student leaders who create positive working environments and are humble and willing to consider others’ opinions and views. Although our SA officers, especially the president, must be able to occasionally fight for us in the face of possible administration

opposition, they still need to take advice from their advisers, officers and student peers.

They need to be the first to offer solutions, take steps for change and lead by example.

The Optimist holds SA leaders to a higher standard because of their influential positions, and students should do the same.

It is important to vote for our executive officers, but it is more important to pay attention to the actions of next year’s student leaders. We need to take note of what they are doing in their Congress meetings, and if they are not keeping their campaign promises, we, as a student body with one voice, need to hold them accountable.

Last year’s Executive Officers Election had only one contested race — the position of president. This year two students are running for vice president, and three students are running for president. Do not let this democratic opportunity go to waste. Only 874 students voted in last year’s elections, less than 20 percent of the student body.

Many students considered the gimmick-filled elections more a popularity contest than a thoughtful voting process.

Our votes are our voices. If you want to see change in SA Congress’ policies and actions next year, do not be silent.

Attend the executive officer debates Tuesday, listen to the

The issue:

Students’ Association Executive Officers should exhibit high ethical standards and behave appropriately in their positions of power.

Our view:

While our student leaders should be exemplary, the student body cannot expect such leaders without participating in elections.

The solution:

Students must actively participate in SA elections by voting for the most qualified candidates to represent the student body. candidates, challenge them with questions and give them a clear mandate when you go to the polling areas.

Let us not vote ignorantly but choose our next student leaders thoughtfully and wise-

ly. We need representatives who represent us, and not their own self-interests.

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

Burgner precipitates presidential passion The Students’ Association Congress endured wave after wave of controversy this year. The association survived, but not unscathed. The next elected SA president must have specific strategies for repairing SA Congress’ and Daniel Burgner image restoring the organization to a position of influence among its constituents.

The Optimist editorial board endorses Daniel Burgner for the office of Students’ Association president.

All three candidates stressed the importance of transparency in next year’s administration, an attribute our staff views as essential and to be expected by the student body. In the same way that omitting a crucial detail is still lying, transparency requires leaders to initiate communication with students when appropriate — not waiting until concerns have become too pervasive to ignore.

Burgner’s foresight and visible passion for service distinguished him from his opponents. He detailed specific ways he would keep students informed, such as weekly videos on YouTube or a table in the Campus Center where students can speak with senators or executive officers. He also has begun meeting with ACU staff and administrators to establish a Study Abroad scholarship to help compensate for its price tag. His self-admitted weakness, micromanagement, could hinder attempts at effective delegation; but we consider micromanaging low on the risk scale and a sign of acknowledged responsibility.

Charles Gaines left no room for interpretation of his mission as president: facilitate a Christ-centered environment for SA officers, congressmen

Committment qualifies Godfrey for vice presidency Following a year in which the Students’ Association Congress damaged its connection with the student body, it is more important than ever to find a qualified leader dedicated to serving the student body who will reach out Tony Godfrey with an attitude of openness.

Tony Godfrey and Scott Adrian have emerged as the candidates for SA vice president, each promoting a campaign of transparency and a goal of bridging the gap between SA Congress and student groups and organizations, as well as ACU’s student body by increasing and further developing relationships.

Despite the openness of both candidates and the similar ideals and opinions

each share, one candidate has risen above the other and will provide the student body with the effective leader we are looking for: Tony Godfrey.

Godfrey is a highly driven candidate who displays a passionate goal of furthering the relationships with SA Congress and the student body. Godfrey stands out because he already has begun to build personal relationships as he expressed in an interview with the Optimist editorial board.

Godfrey resigned from SA Congress before the impeachment of Daniel Paul Watkins, but this decision should not be viewed negatively. Godfrey made this decision after realizing he better served his constituents by stepping down and taking the opportunity to reconnect with the student body after studying abroad; his resignation was unre-

lated to the impeachment.

His willingness to sacrifice a position of power to better assess his position as a leader on campus is a commendable act.

Adrian comes into the election with an overhead goal of increasing studentfaculty relationships and realizes the impact the recent impeachment process had on ACU as a whole. Adrian was open in his interview and previously has displayed his willingness to let students know what is happening by his availability throughout the impeachment process.

One body working toward one goal is Adrian’s desire, seeking to restore relationships with administration and provide students open forums, so students can advocate for themselves.

But while each candidate displays a sense of urgency to improve relationships and work in the best inter-

est of the student body, Godfrey stands out with his genuine honesty and his commitment to working with the student body, as well as groups and organizations. Godfrey wants to organize forums and reach out to students in a more personable way and has a concrete plan for accomplishing his goals. He also presented several solutions for fixing the problems with SA Congress and the ACU community, understanding the importance of improving these relationships.

If the student body is looking for a candidate to serve in the best interest of the student body and help SA Congress win back the trust of the entire ACU community, Godfrey is a step in the right direction.

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

and the entire student body.

He described his dissatisfaction with the secondary role Christian values have played in recent administrations. Also, we believe his absence from SA Congress this year far removes him from any recent controversy. He plans to work as a residence hall assistant next year, and while it would be admirable to take on both responsibilities, we believe too many opportunities exist for scheduling conflicts. Although he clearly defined his attitude and values, we believe he lacked concrete ideas and specific strategies for fulfilling his objectives.

Jordan Hancock explained in detail his definition of a student leader, and as president, we believe Hancock would faithfully pursue only the interest of the students. His extensive SA Congress experience speaks to his understanding of congressional structure and protocol; his record of volunteering removes doubt that he is motivated by anything other than a desire to serve his peers. Although he expressed no hesitation to confront administrators, we believe his strong, quiet demeanor coupled with his meek attitude makes him ideal for leading behind the scenes. The SA president must be prepared to face constant criticism and scrutiny in full view of the community.

We believe Hancock has the respect of many and can serve the student body more effectively in a role other than president.

All three candidates bear strengths and weaknesses, and each of them will participate in SA Congress next year, regardless of the election’s outcome.

We believe Daniel Burgner would best represent the student body and would fulfill the duties of SA president to the highest degree.

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

Cochran’s accountability crucial to treasury decisions Luke Cochran, junior finance major from Round Rock, is running unopposed for the office of Students’ Association treasurer.

His current position as chief financial officer and his Luke Cochran work with this year’s

SA Treasurer Spencer Hemphill have provided him with the experience necessary to understand exactly what happens with the distribution of money through SA Congress.

Cochran has formed relationships with Accounts Payable, realizes students need openness in regards to finances and is focused on a team-oriented leadership style.

He stresses that students

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.

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

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need to know where their money is going, particularly in reference to a student activity fee. He said his intent is to proactively use the student activity fee to benefit all students – particularly those who are not involved in a social club or other large student organizations. Cochran’s financial intent is to help the individual student; he stresses the idea of open conversation and dialogue between students and Con-

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cision to put the interest of the student body first. Such a quality would ideally mirror his decisions regarding the SA budget.

The Optimist is under no obligation to endorse any candidate, and although Cochran is running unopposed, we still fully endorse him because he stands as a potential leader who is focused on placing the financial distribution of students’ money in the highest regard.

gress members to discover a positive way to distribute both a budget and student activity fees.

Cochran is the Executive Cabinet member who brought impeachment charges against former SA Congress President Daniel Paul Watkins. Regardless of whether students agree with his decision, Cochran realized something was not right and he did something about it. He stood by his de-

Students must evaluate their relationships with SA Congress and its current reputation on campus and realize that the only way to see a change in SA Congress is to become involved and participate in the voting process. In regards to the position of treasurer, Cochran stands as a worthy recipient of student votes.

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

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April 1, 2009

MeetTheCandidates

Page 7

Presidential Candidates Ask 10 students what the biggest issue we face as a student body is and you probably will get 10 different answers. I believe our biggest problem is lack of communication from the student government to the student body.

The Students’ Association Congress has sequestered itself, cutting off communication and acting for the students without first informing the students.

In order to effectively advocate for students, as SA president, I would remain in constant communication by writing editorials for the Optimist, posting video updates to YouTube and setting up tables in the Campus Center for question-and-answer sessions with SA cabinet members.

As a Study Abroad alumnus, I am dedicated to finding ways to make study abroad an affordable experience for all students through increased scholarship opportunities. I have met with employees of the Study Abroad office, and they are ready to begin seeking ways to make a semester abroad a viable possibility for all.

While on SA Congress this year, a pilot program was set up to encourage students to take care of the environment and recycle. Although some progress has been made in the recycling initiative, I still believe the program should grow to encompass the entire campus. It should be easy to recycle on campus. Not extra effort.

Meal Plans. On-Campus Cable. Library Hours. Advertising Options. The list continues. If I am elected SA President, I will be devoted to not only these issues, but also the many issues affecting the student body.

Daniel Burgner

Charles Gaines “My first thoughts are that I should not let people down, that I should support them and love them,” Princess Diana said.

My name is Charles Gaines, and I am running for Students’ Association President. My vision is simple: Develop a Christ-centered organization that leads by example.

As a student body we have the potential to do great things. I expect us to do great things.

I believe enough words, promises and guarantees already have been made. I believe it is time for students to see some action. Christ first.

Running for: President Classification: Junior Major: Criminal Justice Hometown: Cedar Hill Age: 20 Prior SA Congress experience: Freshman Senator and Edwards Hall Representative

Running for: President Classification: Junior Major: Political science Hometown: Yorba Linda, Calif.

Age: 20 Prior SA Congress experience: McKenzie Hall Representative and Junior Class Senator Involvement in other organizations & other leadership positions: President of ACU Habitat for Humanity, Wildcat Kids Leadership Committee, Peer Leader (Fall 2008), Sing Song participant, Spring Break Campaign Leader (2009), Study Abroad (Oxford, Fall 2007)

Tony Godfrey

Jordan Hancock

Running for: President Classification: Junior Major: Political science Hometown: Yorba Linda, Calif.

Age: 20 Prior SA Congress experience: McKenzie Hall Representative and Junior Class Senator Involvement in other organizations & other leadership positions: President of ACU Habitat for Humanity, Wildcat Kids Leadership Committee, Peer Leader (Fall 2008), Sing Song participant, Spring Break Campaign Leader (2009), Study Abroad (Oxford, Fall 2007)

Vice Presidential Candidates I am seeking the opportunity to serve you as Vice President of the Students’ Association. In seeking this position, I recognize from many conversations with students such as yourself that SA Congress has created a significant gap between itself and the students it serves. This gap must be bridged. As vice president, my No. 1 goal will be to create a long-lasting and close relationship built upon respect, care and community between the SA Congress, student groups and above all, students themselves.

The power of the SA Congress comes not from its members or its budget, but from the Running for: Vice President relationships it builds to work Classification: Sophomore in conjunction with all stuMajor: Political science dents and groups on campus to advocate for student inter- Hometown: Burleson ests. I believe this relationship Age: 20 is characterized by account- Prior SA Congress experience: ability, openness and care.

Foster Science Building The SA Vice President is Representative and Sophomore the Director of Internal Affairs. These internal issues Senator are not those of SA Congress, Involvement in other but SA as a whole: that means organizations & other the entire student body. This, I leadership positions: believe, I uniquely understand Member of the Freshman about this position. To be vice Action Council, worked on the president of SA is to grow in Advertising Committee; relationship with all students, clubs and organizations on qualified for nationals in campus to discover their indiDebate in three events vidual needs...and then meet freshman year and hired as those needs. a student Intern for the ACU I, as many are, am sick of General Legal Counsel empty promises. I make no pledge to extend Brown Library hours. I make no oath to build a recreation center by next year. I cannot promise now and without risk of failure to overhaul and reduce the price of meal plans.

I do pledge to create open dialogue between SA Congress, the students and the administration. I do pledge upon the discovery of needs on this campus to do all in my and Congress’ power to meet those needs. I pledge to listen, to care and to meet the needs I hear from you.

This past year much controversy has surrounded our Students’ Association Congress of which I am a member. The controversy comes from many things; be it student group funding, the lack of action on our part or the accusations that we cannot even follow our own constitution. So what do I as a candidate hope to change?

Well, first and foremost, it is time to sit down with the administration and talk about what concerns students have. I do not care if your worries are the fact tuition is going up at twice the rate of inflation, how much intramurals cost, the way meal plans are structured, how pledging is conducted, current Chapel policy or whatever else crosses your mind. If it happens to be something you worry about, then I personally will sit down with administration on your behalf and discuss and resolve the problem.

Secondly, I hope to be as transparent as possible. That means an open office for everyone any time I am working.

It also means a bi-weekly or monthly forum where my Cabinet and I will sit down and field questions you as students have. We will tell you what SA Congress has accomplished and what our goals are, along with opening up the floor for you to tell us what YOU want.

Thirdly, but not lastly, I hope to work with every group that has trouble finding funds. I will sit down and go through our budget with you and try to find every way possible we as SA Congress can help you get the funds for the activities you as students put together and run. I look forward to being your president and having your help in making next year great.

As every day is a progression in time, every decision is a chance to progress. Choosing to come to ACU, choosing which major is best suited for oneself and choosing the career that will follow our years here are all examples of the importance of a decision and how we hold the keys to our future.

Another decision presents itself now; the choice that is offered us in electing a new Vice President.

In deciding for whom you wish to elect for vice president of our Students’ Running for: Vice President Association Congress, I Classification: Sophomore trust that yet another great Major: Political science & choice will be made. Over Communication these upcoming days and Hometown: Los Angeles our next academic year, I hope to gain your trust Age: 20 Prior SA Congress experience: and relationship.

In the past, I have faithSophomore Senator fully served on SA Congress Involvement in other as a progressive member, organizations & other passing legislation and resolutions to pursue differleadership positions: ent student activities, interSergeant at Arms elect for ests and rights, such as a Trojans and on the ACU recycling program, student Debate team activities, the allocation of conference funds and oncampus advertising.

If I were to be elected as your vice president, I would serve you and promote your thoughts, ideas, wants and needs to the administration. In order to accomplish these tasks, please know I do have a plan of action as opposed to just dreams. A first step is engaging the administration in a working relationship where the students’ interests are taken seriously. The second step is to promote self advocacy. As vice president, I would be a prime advocate for the student population and would provide opportunities for the students to speak directly with administration.

We can all work together for the manifestation of our dreams and goals while here at ACU, and I hope you are able to see I am here for the students and am your choice for Students’ Association Vice President.

Treasurer Candidate Luke Cochran Running for: Treasurer Classification: Junior Major: Finance Hometown: Round Rock Age: 21 Prior SA Congress experience: Chief Financial Officer

Scott Adrian

As we transition into next year, I feel both humbled and blessed to be given the opportunity to serve as treasurer of the Students’ Association.

This year as the chief financial officer of the Students’ Association Congress, I have worked to reach out to students and explore their ideas on how the SA Congress can improve students’ experiences here at ACU. It is vital that in the upcoming year, as the university grows, students take a more active role in shaping the policies and resolutions that compose and create their college experience.

Next year marks a pivotal and exciting point in history not only for the Students’ Association but for the university as a whole as we strive to reach the 21st Century Vision that has been laid out for us. Sir Isaac Newton once said, “Men build too many walls and not enough bridges.” As ACU pushes forward to achieve its 21st Century Vision, it is my prayer that we come together as the ACU community and make this our 21st Century Vision. That we tear down the walls between students, faculty and administration; and in their place we create bridges between us. That as an ACU community, rather than three separate entities, we can work together in creating viable solutions to problems for everyone on campus and that the SA Congress can be the ground where these relationships are built and tough conversations are had.

Working together, our possibilities are endless, so I ask now that you join me as we begin to build these bridges.

CAMPUS NEWS

Page 8

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Hardin-Simmons University provides free guest speaker, concert

By Shelby Holt Student Reporter

Students can enjoy a free concert and speaker Thursday at Hardin-Simmons University when AFTERdark makes its stop in town.

AFTERdark is a free event targeted to students, said Adam Martin, event director of AFTERdark.

At the event, The Afters, who are signed by Columbia Records and most famous for its song Beautiful Love from the MTV show 8th and Ocean,

will perform, and Joe White, president of Kanakuk Camps, will give an inspirational speech that is actually more of a drama, Martin said.

The event will be Thursday from 8-10 p.m. in the Behrens Chapel at HSU. Students without a ride can catch a shuttle to HSU. “We don’t want people without a car to miss AFTERdark, so we are providing a shuttle from the Gibson parking lot to the event at Hardin-Simmons,” said Alise Anderson, junior mar-

“

If you’re a believer or a non-believer, you’ll experience a challenging talk that will affect your life. :: Adam Martin, event director of AFTERdark

keting major from Flower Mound and student quarterback for AFTERdark.

Although AFTERdark has been in existence for nine years, this is the first time it will hold an event for three major universities at one place, Martin said.

IJM officer from Africa kidnapped

By Chelsea Hackney Student Reporter

The International Justice Mission chapter at Mekerre University in Kampala, Uganda, is the first IJM chapter in Africa. College students from IJM chapters around the world, including ACU, were invited to celebrate its founding in late 2007. But the students’ battle against injustice met violent resistance March 20 with the kidnapping of the chapter’s vice president, Maureen Namusobya.

Namusobya was missing for four days. Ssebadduka Patrick, member of the Ugandan IJM chapter, e-mailed Lizz Alvarez (‘05), details of the event. Rescuers finally discovered Namusobya “thrown alongside a railroad” in critical condition, according to Patrick’s e-mail. She had been knocked out with chloroform, beaten severely and was unable to communicate

with her rescuers. Police used her cell phone, left in her possession, to notify her parents, who took her to Jinja Hospital in Kampala.

Brandon Smith (’08), former IJM campus chapter president, and Chanelle Wactor, co-president of IJM campus chapter this year, were in attendance at the Ugandan IJM chapter’s founding celebration in 2007.

After returning to school, Wactor set up a pen pal system between members of the ACU chapter and the Ugandan chapter. Alvarez was the first to be notified of the kidnapping by Patrick.

“We can represent a campus chapter without persecution,” said Donny Tapie, senior Biblical text major from Orlando, Fla., and co-president of IJM campus chapter. “I admire them for doing what they’re doing when people want to kill them.”

Tapie said he was hopeful for Namusobya’s recovery and continued leadership in the Ugandan chapter.

”

Kelli Knight, junior undeclared major from College Station, attended an AFTERdark event at Texas A&M University and contacted Martin, asking him to bring the event to Abilene.

“In the past year, I have been from California to North

Carolina, hosting these AFTERdark events, and every time it changes my life,” Martin said.

Because AFTERdark is a non-profit organization, it runs solely on donations and sponsors fundraisers in some cities, Martin said.

“I hope students leave the event excited about God,” Anderson said. “I hope people find a big excitement to share God with other people.”

This event is open to everyone, although the advertising is geared toward students.

“If you’re a believer or a non-believer, you’ll experience a challenging talk that will affect your life,” Martin said.

T-shirts for the event will be sold for $5 in the Campus Center on Wednesday and Thursday.

For more information about AFTERdark, visit its Web site, www.whatsafterdark.com.

E-mail Holt at: jmcnetwork@acu.edu

A Different Perspective

“She wouldn’t want IJM to be intimidated but continue to press on and seek justice,” he said. “An attack on the chapter is an attack on the future of IJM in that country.”

Tapie said the ACU chapter also is praying for the perpetrators, not only that they would be brought to justice, but that they would repent of their actions too.

“I think it really testifies to the good work that they’re doing that they threaten those who would do injustice,” said Abby Trejo, senior biology major from Ulysses, Kan., and secretary of IJM campus chapter.

Namusobya is recovering and plans on running for president of the Ugandan chapter at the end of this year, according to an e-mail from Smith.

E-mail Hackney at: jmcnetwork@acu.edu

Dick Schissler :: staff photographer Dan McVey, missions coordinator for Africa, informs his listeners at a Chapel forum, titled A Christian View on Islam, inside Cullen Auditorium on Thursday.

SPORTS JUMPS

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Page 9

Baseball: Wildcats begin Twitter: Fans use networking site to meet the pros San Angelo series Friday Continued from page 10

Heather Leiphart :: staff photographer

Pitcher Andrew Yacek winds up to throw in the Wildcats’ 11-8 win against Southeastern Oklahoma on March 22.

Continued from page 10 of three LSC teams ranked in the top 30 (Angelo State, Cameron).

“You look at all their wins, and that’s how they win — keep it close and win in the last inning,” head coach Britt Bonneau said. “We played into their hands and got frustrated and didn’t attack their hitters.”

In game one of Saturday’s doubleheader, ACU rallied for five runs in the fourth inning to take a 5-4 lead after center fielder Thomas Bumpass and second baseman Chris Hall recorded RBI base hits and catcher Jordan Schmitt had a two-run single. ACU extended its lead to 8-4 in the fifth after left fielder Anthony Walsh hit a two-run single and Bumpass recorded a sacrifice fly; however, the Greyhounds scored two runs in the fifth and three in the sixth to take a 9-8 lead and steal game one after ACU could not score in the top of the seventh.

Right fielder Travis Latz led ACU with three hits, while Schmitt, Walsh and Bumpass each recorded 2 RBI. Starting pitcher Cameron Aspaas went 4 1/3 innings, allowing five earned runs on nine hits, while relief pitcher Andrew Yacek got the loss after giving up three runs on five hits in one inning of work.

The Wildcats bounced back in the second game of the day, scoring 14 runs on 21 hits to split the doubleheader. After ENMU tied the game at two in the second inning, ACU responded with 12 runs over the final six innings to put the game away. Latz led ACU again, going 4-4 with 4 RBI, including a three-run home run in the third inning. Bumpass also added four hits, while Schmitt and left fielder Davis Page added three hits and third baseman Steve Camilluci had 3 RBI. Starting pitcher Matt Sullivan picked up his third win of the season to improve to 3-0 after pitching 6 1/3 innings, allowing three runs on five hits.

“That’s what we’ve expected when we signed [Latz], and it’s good to see that he’s coming around and being the ballplayer that we’ve expected,” Bonneau said.

In Sunday’s doubleheader, the Greyhounds used another late rally to win game one after scoring three runs in the final innings to win 11-10.

ACU scored five runs in the fifth inning to take a two-run lead, but a home run by first baseman Seth Clabaugh and an RBI single by designated hitter Jereme Johnson gave ENMU the walk-off win.

Bumpass, Page and shortstop Willie Uechi led ACU with 2 RBI, while Watten had a team-high three hits. Starting pitcher Preston Vancil allowed six runs on seven hits in 1 1/3 innings, and closer Brad Rutherford picked up the loss after allowing three runs in 1 1/3 innings of work.

In game four, ACU used its own rally to earn a sweep after scoring two runs in the eighth and ninth innings. After left fielder Alex Harrison reached after being hit by a pitch and Latz doubled to start the eighth inning, Camillucci had a RBI single and Bumpass recorded an RBI after a fielder’s choice to pull ACU within one. Latz began the ninth with a double, and Bret Bochsler scored Latz after an RBI single to tie the game at six. After Page reached on an infield error and Harrison walked, Camillucci hit a sacrifice fly to score Bochsler and give ACU a 7-6 win.

Starting pitcher Cooper Page earned a no-decision after allowing two run in 4 1/3 innings.

Rutherford earned his fifth win of the season, pitching the final two innings and allowing no runs. Latz, who hit .750 for the weekend with 6 RBI, led the team with three hits along with Camillucci, who had a teamhigh 2 RBI. “I don’t think we played as well as we can, and we had a few opportunities to put them away in both games, but we didn’t,” Hall said.

“A good team never gives up, and we let them hang around, and it cost us.”

The Wildcats next series will begin Friday at 7 p.m. when the Wildcats travel to play Angelo State.

E-mail Abston at: gda04b@acu.edu

Following the tweet, Villanueva scored 11 of his team-high 19 points in the fourth quarter to lead the Bucks past the defending champs 86-77. Villanueva’s coach Scott Skiles was not too thrilled about his player’s willingness to share the locker room with the world and banned twittering from the locker room.

Despite the ban, Villanueva constantly updates his Twitter, even replying directly to fans’ personal tweets. The incident caused a media firestorm, and Villanueva received national attention, so much so that

his followers on Twitter went from 1,600 to 14,781 as of March 31.

Other notable athletes on Twitter include basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal and cultural icon Lance Armstrong. O’Neal, using the username ‘THE_ REAL_SHAQ,’ frequently updates his whereabouts and even gives out free tickets to Phoenix Suns’ games to those who can find him around town and touch him.

On March 26, Shaq tweeted: “Anybody in portland touches me rt now will get two tickets I’m at redstar café.” Sure enough, seven minutes later, three of his

followers found him, and he tweeted: “And the winner is @cbakes and @dondondon and @mmirkil.”

Twitter allows fans to get to know their favorite athletes in a way unlike any other. When receiving a tweet from an athlete, it is almost as if they had the fan in mind when they sent it. In some cases, they tweet about their careers before even the press gets ahold of a story, such as Lance Armstrong, who tweeted about his recent injury after falling off his bike and even posted a picture, so his followers could get his account of the accident.

Even if sports is not your forte, Twitter is a powerful

tool with hundreds of uses, with new ones being discovered every day. Twitter is growing, and the usefulness for this type of social networking tool is apparent in its popularity.

While I am not Shaq or even in the NBA, I plan on making a splash of my own by tweeting during halftime of my next intramural game. Follow me at: ‘@ chandlerharris’ and maybe I can entertain you without getting in trouble with my coach. Just do not ask me for tickets.

E-mail Harris at: tch05f@acu.edu

Track: Jones qualifies in shot put and discus Continued from page 10 Ramon Sparks provisionally qualified in both the long jump and the triple jump with jumps of 24-3.0 and 48-7.25, respectively. The men’s 4-by400-meter relay team provisionally qualified as it won the race in 3:13.16. The team consisted of Desmond Jackson, Regi McCabe-Gossett, Jordan Johnson and Harold Jackson.

The women’s squad had its own share of success as Paige Newby automatically qualified in the women’s discus event.

Newby finished in second with

a throw of 164 feet.

Three women also provisionally qualified for the national meet, including Kim Prather in the 400-meter, Callie Young in the pole vault and Amanda Clemons in the triple jump.

Prather won the 400-meter with a time of 55.47 seconds; Young finished third in the pole vault with a jump of 12 feet, 1.50 inches and Clemons won the triple jump with a mark of 39 feet, 0.25 inches.

Hood also was impressed

by Allison Fowler, who improved her time in the wom-

en’s 3,000-meter by more than 30 seconds. Hood said Cleophas Tanui had a 12-second improvement in the 3,000-meter and was pleased to see him get back in shape.

“As a whole, it was really good,” Hood said. “Pretty much everybody who went to the indoor championship either hit a mark or is really close to it, so for the first opportunity of the year we feel that we started off on the right foot.”

The team will compete in the Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays in Austin beginning Wednesday with the decathlon

and concluding Saturday. The Wildcats who did not meet the requirements for the Texas Relays will have the chance to compete in McMurry Relays on Thursday in Abilene.

“We will run against some real good people there, [in Austin],” Hood said. “There will be 20,000 people in the stands, and hopefully our relays will hit some good marks.

It’s a good opportunity to showcase the program and show people the quality of athletes that we have.”

E-mail Harris at: tch05f@acu.edu

Softball: Gregoire named LSC Pitcher of the Week Continued from page 10 confidence,” Wilson said.

“They are feeding off our [defense] and maintaining a good mental focus at the plate.”

Friday, the Wildcats swept Texas Woman’s University with back-to-back victories, winning 2-0 and 11-3. Gregoire and Partin each recorded wins for the Wildcats after pitching complete games. In Gregoire’s win, catcher Jessica Shiery hit a solo home run and left it up to Gregoire to pitch the Wildcats to victory. Gregoire struck out

nine batters in a complete game shut out.

In the second game Friday, Partin and the Wildcats fell behind early 3-1 to the Pioneers before the ACU offense took over with a four-run second inning and a five-run third inning. Partin allowed just four hits the rest of the game, while first baseman Katie Cornelison and left fielder Jenny Kulp led ACU with two RBI. The game lasted five innings after ACU scored a run in the fifth to run-rule the Pioneers 11-3.

The Wildcats will continue LSC play Friday against

Angelo State at 7 p.m. before a doubleheader Saturday at noon and 2 p.m.

Although the Wildcats are in front of the Rambelles in the LSC standings, the Rambelles are ranked No. 1 in the nation, while ACU sits at No. 16.

“We just need to keep playing relaxed, but focused,” Wilson said.

Jozie Sands :: staff photographer E-mail Gwin at: jmcnetwork@acu.edu

Pitcher Kim White fields a ball against St. Mary’s on Feb. 12.

Basketball: GSP-Girod, Kojies win 3-on-3 Continued from page 10 when it counted,” Hart said.

“Everyone on our team can score, but we really played good defense, and that’s what led to a lot of points.”

Hart said Jordan Glaeser playing on G-1 this year helped, and Glaeser hit some big free throws down the stretch to help G-1 win the title.

Eric Emerson, junior accounting major from Sweetwater, played through an injury to help lead G-1 to the title. Emerson tore ligaments

in his ankle during G-1’s last regular season game. His doctor recommended he wear a boot on that foot for five weeks, but after just three weeks, Emerson returned to the court in time for the championship game.

“I couldn’t sit out the championship game,” Emerson said. “There was no way I was going to sit on the bench and watch my team play without me giving any help. This is the one championship I wanted to win ever since I was a freshman at ACU.”

Washed Up won the men’s rec league, while GSP-Girod won the men’s 3-on-3 league over GSP-Chenoweth. Cade Davis, sophomore management and marketing major from Fort Worth, played center for GSP-Girod.

“We had one tough loss against Galaxy during the season,” Davis said. “In the finals, it was a tough match.

We shut down Sam Jones pretty well and played good defense and set good screens.

We just found a way to put the ball in the bucket.”

Davis said he has a lot of pride in winning with club and looks forward to next year’s competition.

“We felt like our team was pretty solid ,and it was fun,” Davis said. “I’m looking forward to go at it again next year.”

The Black Mambas won the women’s champ league title, while the Kojies won both the women’s 3-on-3 championship and the co-ed championship.

E-mail Harris at: tch05f@acu.edu

SportsWednesday

Page 10

SCOREBOARD Standings Baseball Team

Div. 21-7 20-8 19-9 17-11 14-14 Central Okla. 14-14 Tarleton St. 13-13-1 SE Okla.

11-16 WTAMU 10-18 TAMU-K 10-18 East Central 10-18 NE State 7-20-1 ACU Cameron Angelo St. SW Okla.

ENMU

Overall 28-10 28-9 26-12 23-13 19-16 18-19 17-18-1 14-18 17-21 14-21 11-25 12-24-1

Softball Team

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

Overall 30-9 31-4 20-15 27-15 22-15 21-19 17-16

Four athletes qualify for national outdoor meet

By Chandler Harris Assistant Sports Editor

The track team hosted its first meet of the outdoor season Thursday at the ACU Triangular Track and Field Meet, and four Wildcats automatically qualified for the NCAA Division II outdoor championship meet.

“It went really well,” said Don Hood, head track and field coach. “We had a lot of good performances, and I was pleased that we had 17 athletes who had personal bests or hit qualifying marks.”

Originally, the meet, which also included athletes from Texas Tech and Oral Roberts Universities, was scheduled to

Track & Field take place Friday afternoon, but forecasts of high winds and cold temperatures forced the move to Thursday.

“The best thing is that it wasn’t cold because we got it done just in time,” Hood said.

“We saw that the cold front was coming, and we were able to call Tech and Oral Roberts, and they were willing to move it up just to get the meet in, and it turned out to be a good thing.”

On the men’s side, Nick Jones automatically qualified in both the shot put and the discus, winning each event.

Jones won the discus with a throw of 177 feet, 11 inches

and the shot put with a throw of 55 feet, 9.25 inches.

Desmond Jackson won men’s 100-meter with an automatic qualifying time of 10.43 seconds.

“I thought Desmond Jackson ran very well in the 100-meter, and he beat some very good sprinters,” Hood said.

Stephen Toler won the men’s pole vault with a vault of 17 feet, 75 inches, also good for an automatic qualifying berth. Cory Altenberg also automatically qualified in the pole vault with a clearance of 16 feet, 6.75 inches and a second-place finish.

See

Track page 9

Heather Leiphart :: staff photographer Richard Scales competes in the discus throw at the ACU Triangular on March 26. Scales placed sixth with a throw of 133 feet, 8 inches.

Cats Keep Rolling

Scores Friday Softball ACU 2, Texas Woman’s 0 ACU 11, Texas Woman’s 3

Saturday Baseball Eastern New Mexico 9, ACU 8 ACU 14, Eastern New Mexico 3

Sunday Baseball Eastern New Mexico 11, ACU 10 ACU 7, Eastern New Mexico 6

Softball ACU 4, Central Oklahoma 2 ACU 7, Midwestern State 1

Upcoming Wednesday Track & Field ACU at Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays, TBA

Thursday Track & Field ACU at McMurry Relays, TBA

Friday Men’s Tennis ACU at Blue-Gray Classic, TBA

Softball ACU at Angelo State, 7 p.m.

Baseball ACU at Angelo State, 7 p.m.

Saturday Softball ACU at Angelo State, noon ACU at Angelo State, 2 p.m.

Women’s Tennis ACU at Texas-El Paso, 3 p.m.

Baseball ACU at Angelo State, 4 p.m.

ACU at Angelo State, 6:30 p.m.

April 1, 2009

Jozie Sands :: staff photographer Catcher Jessica Shiery swings at a pitch in ACU’s 13-11 win over St. Mary’s on Feb. 12. The Wildcats are in first place in the LSC with an 8-1 record.

Softball team extends winning streak to 14 games

By Austin Gwin Sports Writer

The Wildcats continued doing the same thing they have been doing since March 7 — winning. After wins against Central Oklahoma and Midwestern State on Sunday, ACU extended its school record win streak to 14 games.

“It is always great when you are on a winning streak,” head coach Chantiel Wilson said. “Each win builds confidence and momentum. The pitching and defense have been the keys for us, and it has allowed our hitters to relax at the plate.”

Softball Starting pitchers Jacque Gregoire and Kim Partin both picked up wins Sunday, improving ACU’s overall record to 30-9 overall and increasing its Lone Star Conference lead to 1.5 games over Angelo State.

In the first game Sunday, ACU came from behind to beat the Central Oklahoma Bronchos 4-2. After falling behind 1-0 after a second-inning home run, ACU answered with a three-run third inning.

A double by second baseman Jackie Gentile proved to be the game-winning hit, scor-

ing right fielder Brooke Whittlesey and shortstop Melissa Rodriguez. Third baseman Nancy Sawyers recorded an RBI double in the fifth inning to put ACU ahead by three, and Gregoire kept the Bronchos scoreless until the final inning when the Bronchos scored just one run to come up short.

Gregoire recorded her 15th victory of the season, putting her in the top five among all LSC pitchers. It also was her 15th complete game of the season after allowing five hits and striking out two batters and recording no walks.

In game two, ACU dominated Midwestern State 7-1 for its first ever win against MSU at Mustang Park. Gentile, Whittlesey and Sawyers, who each totaled 2 RBI, led a Wildcat offense that scored two runs in the second, third and fourth inning to take a 6-0 lead. Starting pitcher Kim Partin picked up her eighth victory of the season after pitching a complete game, allowing one run on eight hits, while striking out one. “[Gregoire and Partin] have both stepped up their game and are pitching with a lot of See

Softball page 9

Twitter allows fans to follow athletes The day has come. The day that every coach feared and every fan longed for.

The day a Thoughts From when player could the Bleachers interact with

By Chandler fans on a personal level in Harris the middle of a sporting event. Thanks, Twitter.

Twitter, a social networking site, was founded in 2006 and uses short messages, similar to text messages, to update a user’s status and communicate information through text and pictures to a network of people, much like a Facebook status. It quickly has grown in popularity and boasts more than 6 million users.

The service is free, and many celebrities and athletes have used Twitter as a way to communicate with their fan bases. The ability for athletes to interact with their fans has dwindled in the past few years, especially as security concerns have grown since 9/11. Twitter, however, has provided a forum for fans to know exactly what athletes are doing or where they are at any given moment. It allows fans to learn more about the interests of athletes outside of their respective sports.

Twitter officially arrived on the sports scene March 15 at halftime of the CelticsBucks NBA game. Bucks forward Charlie Villaneuva decided to send the first ever, in-game tweet: “In da locker room, snuck to post my twitt. We’re playing the Celtics, tie ball game at da half.

Coach wants more toughness. I gotta step up.”

See

Twitter page 9

:: Home games listed in italics

Briefs

Wildcats split with ENMU

n Amos Sang was named the Lone Star Conference Men’s Track Athlete of the Week last week as he won both the 1,500-meter in 3:55.53 and the 3,000-meter in 8:30.45 at the Dr. Pepper Invitational in Waco.

By Grant Abston Sports Editor

n Linda Brivule was honored as the co-Lone Star Conference Women’s Field Athlete of the Week last week at the Dr. Pepper Invitational in Waco. Brivule’s javelin throw of 175 feet, 8 inches leads the NCAA Division II and is the second best throw in NCAA Division II history. n Jacque Gregoire was named the LSC South Pitcher of the Week after collecting three wins against St. Mary’s twice and Texas Woman’s, all complete games. Her ERA for the week was 0.67, while holding opponents to a .222 batting average.

Heather Leiphart :: staff photographer First baseman Bret Bochsler catches a throw in the Wildcats’ 11-8 win over Southeastern Oklahoma on March 22. The Wildcats are 21-7 in the LSC.

Despite a come-frombehind victory in game one for Eastern New Mexico, the Wildcat baseball team battled back to win two of three from the Greyhounds and earn a split to remain atop the Lone Star Conference standings.

ACU moved to 28-10 overall and 21-7 in the LSC, one game ahead of Cameron University for first place in the LSC, while Eastern New Mexico improved to 19-16 overall and 14-14 in the LSC. The Wildcats fell three spots in the latest Collegiate Baseball Magazine’s national poll to No. 10 and are one See

Baseball page 9

Galaxy, Black Mambas claim basketball titles

By Chandler Harris

Intramurals

Assistant Sports Editor

The intramural basketball season came to a close Sunday as Galaxy and the Black Mambas took home titles in the men and women’s champ league. This season featured more leagues than ever before, including a co-ed 3-on-3 league, with 69 total teams playing intramural basketball.

G-1 won the men’s champ league title over Animal Pak in the final moments, 56-55.

Kason Hart, junior electronic media major from Spring, plays small forward for G-1 and thought Galaxy peaked at the right time.

intramural standings Men n Gamma Sigma Phi- 680 n Galaxy- 510 n Frater Sodalis- 120 n Sub T-16- 90 Women n Ko Jo Kai- 575 n Delta Theta- 355 n Sigma Theta Chi- 315 n Alpha Kai Omega- 285

“We had some early struggles, but after a players’ only meeting after our first and only loss, we banded together and played the best basketball See

Basketball page 9