The Optimist - Nov. 5, 2008

Optimist the

a product of the JMC

network

Pg. 8: Nine down, one to go: Cats positioned to win LSC title

Wednesday, November 5, 2008 :: Vol. 97, No. 19 :: 1 sections, 8 pages :: www.acuoptimist.com

Inside This Issue:

Pg 3

Pg 4

Part of the club: Social club pledging process comes to end

ACU for IRC sponsors weeklong donation drive to aid refugees

Pg 5

A fine tuned story: Abilene piano tuner devotes life to craft

Obama triumphs in historic race Taylor County backs McCain Staff Report JMC Network

Barack Hussein Obama did not win Texas or Taylor County, but the 47year-old Illinois senator collected the electoral votes necessary to secure his position as the nation’s 44th president and first black president.

Obama, 47, defeated Sen. John McCain after accumulating substantially more than the 270 electoral votes necessary to win the presidential office.

McCain won Texas’ 34 electoral votes 55 percent to Obama’s 44 percent, but after securing several swing states early in the night, it became evident that Obama would be the victor. The Illinois senator lagged far behind John McCain in Taylor County with McCain securing 72.36 percent of the vote compared to Obama’s 26.73 percent.

With an Obama figurine and mask on a shelf, a large white flag emblazoned with the Democratic donkey and a similarly styled cake waiting to be cut in the kitchen, a dozen or so people gathered around the TV, watching the election results on the screen between two life-sized posters, one of a smiling Obama and one of a saxophone-playing Bill Clinton. The atmosphere was marked by relaxed attentiveness; individuals carried on soft conversations with one another.

Several wore patriotic red, white and blue garb, others T-shirts colored with the smiling face of Obama. With each state called blue, the crowd burst into joyous shouts and hi-fived each other.

As CNN declared the new president See

Obama page 3

Zak Zeinert :: chief photographer Dakwaun Hampton, sophomore business major from Waco, cheers with other Barack Obama supporters at an election watching party in the Campus Center Living Room when the Democratic nominee was named president elect of the United States. Obama will be the first black president in the history of the United States.

acuoptimist.com: See a video profiling Election Day in Abilene.

Students react with excitement, shock

By Michael Freeman Managing Editor

When Charlie Gibson of ABC News announced Sen. Barack Obama (D – Ill.) would be the 44th president of the United States of America shortly after 10 p.m. Tuesday, nearly 20 ACU students erupted in

cheers, applause and exhilaration at the Rock the Vote Election Watch Party in the Campus Center Living Room.

“This is monumental, baby!” one student yelled.

“This is past historical!” another shouted.

The students, most of See

2008 Election Results U.S. Presidency

U.S. Senate

U.S. Representative

Winner: Barack Obama (D)

Winner: John Cornyn (R)

Winner: Randy Neugebauer (R)

Electoral College Obama (338 votes) McCain (156 votes)

Texas Cornyn (53%) Rick Noriega (44%)

U.S. District 19 Neugebauer (72%) Fullinghim (24%) Peterson (2%)

Popular Vote Obama (52%) McCain (47%) Texas McCain (53%) Obama (45%)

Obama

Taylor County Cornyn (73.28%), Noriega (24.43%)

Cornyn

Taylor County McCain (34,265), Obama (12,658)

Opinion Page Editor

In response to rumors that the Campus Center’s bowling alley will be converted into offices, bands The Rockin’ Extensions and Swing the Lead will perform a concert to promote the bowling alley

at 6:30 p.m. in the Campus Center Living Room.

A petition for students to sign may be circulated at the concert, said Tim Thyne, junior finance major from Chicago and bass player for The Rockin’ Extensions. At See

Winner: Susan King (R) Texas District 71 King (88 %) Walton (11 %)

Taylor County Sheriff

Winner: Les Bruce (R) Neugebauer

Bruce (32,573 votes) Casarez (13,508 votes)

*Results as of 12:30 a.m. Tuesday evening

Reaction page 7

Bands play to save ACU bowling alley

By Laura Acuff

Taylor County Neugebauer (71.43%) Fullinghim (25.77%) Peterson (2.8%)

State Representative

Bands page 7

ACU WEATHER

Panel debates, discusses ’08 presidential election

By Zak Zeinert Chief Photographer

Zak Zeinert :: chief photographer Kristina Campos, assistant professor of communication, gives her opinion, while panel members listen at Wednesday’s political forum and debate.

More from the

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

High: 79 Low: 52

High: 68 Low: 37

High: 68 Low: 38

More than 100 students gathered in Hart Auditorium Wednesday to watch as Republicans and Democrats debated amongst themselves over the political candidates.

The Students’ Association and the JMC Network spon-

sored the event, titled “We the People,” to help better inform students on where each candidate stands on key issues.

Panelists were asked questions from a moderator and also took questions from the audience.

Neal Coates, professor of political science and a panelist See

Online Poll : Log onto www.acuoptimist.com or www.youtube.com/acuvideo to see weekly News casts and Sports casts from the JMC Network News Team and videos profiling various events and stories around campus and Abilene.

Debate page 7

Do you think Barack Obama will be a successful president?

a. Yes, he is ready to lead. b. No, I’m waiting for 2012. c. He won’t make any difference. d. Only history will tell.

acuoptimist.com Department of Journalism and Mass Communication ::

Abilene Christian University

::

Serving the ACU community since 1912

2

About This Page

Campus Day Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Calendar and Events

5

Wednesday

11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Spring Break Campaign lottery tickets will be available in the Campus Center.

6

7

Thursday

11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Spring Break Campaign lottery tickets will be available in the Campus Center.

5:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Spring Break Campaign sign-ups will be in the Campus Center.

8

Friday

Wildcat Preview Day 10 a.m.

Christmas Carousel at the Abilene Civic Center. Shopping and activities for all ages.

acuoptimist.com

ACU’s 2008 Virtual Job Fair is Nov. 10-17. All students should login any time on those dates to view opportunities for internships and full-time jobs across the country.

Check out: http://www.acu.edu/ campusoffices/careercenter/index.html The Spring Break Campaigns Info Fair is this week in the Campus Center.

10 a.m.

Christmas Carousel at the Abilene Civic Center. Shopping and activities for all ages.

11 a.m.

ACU Volleyball versus East Central Oklahoma

Webcast

Watch videos on conservative, liberal and independent students’ views on the upcoming presidential election.

Log on to www.youtube.com/acuvideo for highlights from ACU’s Homecoming football game against Tarleton State at Shotwell Stadium.

Study Abroad this summer with one of ACU’s six programs.

Students can go to Maymester in Oxford with History or JMC, take International Business and Finance classes with COBA in Oxford during Summer I, travel to Germany with Psychology, participate in healthcare missions in Latin America or explore Faith and Film in Oxford. The application fee is $150 until Nov. 15 for Maymesters and Dec. 1 for other summer programs. Apply soon for the chance to study abroad.

The dates to register for classes in summer 2009 have been changed. Rather than registering with spring 2009, summer 2009 will have its

Please store and lock your bicycle on bike racks only. Do not secure bikes to trees, handrails and other objects.

Saturday

Online Newscast

Announcements The Medical Clinic is offering flu shots to students, faculty and staff Nov. 20 in the Campus Center Living Room from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Those who had the flu last year should not delay. Shots also are available in the clinic Tuesdays and Thursdays during regular clinic hours. Shots are $25 and can be paid by using cash, check or by charging to a Banner account.

ACU Police Tip of the Week

2 p.m.

ACU Football versus Midwestern State

7 p.m.

ACU Volleyball versus Southeastern Oklahoma

Chapel Checkup Credited Chapels to date:

51

own registration day, Feb. 25.

All classifications will begin registering for summer classes on the date at 3 p.m. The advising release codes will be the same ones used for spring registration.

If students are thinking of taking courses in summer 2009, they need to talk to their adviser.

For more information about registration, go to the Registrar’s Web pages: http://www.acu.

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.

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 mab07d@acu.edu.

Credited Chapels remaining:

Police Log Edited for space

Tuesday, Oct. 28

locate a student with warrants.

7:27 p.m. ACU police assisted Abilene police with a disturbance at Will Hair Park.

8 p.m. Someone found keys in the Campus Center.

8:20 p.m. ACU police placed cones in the Biblical Studies Building parking lot.

8:32 a.m. Someone reported a student with weapons in his vehicle in the Brown Library parking lot. ACU police determined the student had been hunting and forgot to take his gun out of his vehicle prior to returning to campus. The student removed the weapons from the campus property.

7:48 p.m. ACU police assisted the Abilene police when someone reported a lost child on ACU Drive; the mother located the child.

Friday, Oct. 31 12:30 a.m. ACU police re-set the alarm in The Campus Store.

10:22 a.m. Someone reported a theft at the intramural field.

2:10 p.m. Someone made a report of cruelty to an animal.

8:30 p.m. ACU police responded to a medical emergency at Elmer Gray Stadium.

Wednesday, Oct. 29

20

edu/campusoffices/registrar/ schedulebulletin/index.html The Christmas Carousel is Thursday through Sunday at the Abilene Civic Center. It is an event featuring activities for all ages. Stores from all over Texas will set up booths to showcase fall fashions. Students and faculty can knock out their Christmas shopping in one stop.

11:51 a.m. Trouble began with an ex-employee at the Campus Center so ACU police contacted him and asked to him to leave the campus.

12:30 p.m. Someone reported criminal mischief; a vehicle was keyed and scratched.

2:13 p.m. ACU police made a traffic stop by Mabee parking lot; the scooter operator was advised to stop riding on campus sidewalks.

4:20 p.m. ACU police observed transients stopping a student by the University Church parking lot; they contacted the subjects and all was OK. 6:38 p.m. Someone reported a subject on the roof of Gardner Hall, but no one was located.

Saturday, Nov. 1 12:32 a.m. Someone reported a loud party at 700 E.N. 12th St.; ACU police issued a citation for a noise violation.

1 a.m. ACU police assisted Abilene police with a noise violation at 1800 Lincoln St.; they issued a citation.

1:50 a.m. ACU police escorted a girl from 800 E.N. 12th St. to State Street because she said a vehicle was following her.

2:34 a.m. A student was intoxicated and underage in Sikes Hall, and ACU police issued a citation for consumption of alcohol by a minor.

Thursday, Oct. 30

Always report suspicious activity to ACUPD at 6742305 or 674-2911.

2 p.m. ACU police assisted the Taylor County Sheriff’s Department, while they were trying to

Volunteer Opportunities The Junior League of Abilene needs volunteers for its annual Christmas Carousel, Style Show and Kids Event beginning Thursday through Sunday at the Abilene Civic Center. Help is needed different times each day for a variety of jobs.

Proceeds from this event benefit local charitable organizations.

Love & Care Ministries is sponsoring its annual Mission Thanksgiving donation project Nov. 21 at Arrow Ford, 4001 South 1st St. Volunteers are needed to assist with donations that will be brought throughout the day to help clothe and feed the homeless in Abilene.

The event runs from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m., and volunteers can come at anytime during the day. Help also is needed Nov. 22 at the Love & Care Ministries site, 233 Fannin St., to help transfer the donated items from the trucks to the building.

The ACU School of Social Work needs student volunteers to help

with a children’s diabetic group which will meet the 2nd and 4th Monday every month from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The group will offer fun and therapeutic play activities for children ages six to 16 at Hillcrest Church of Christ on 650 E. Ambler Ave. I-CAN is seeking volunteers to help with a house clean-up and possible renovation Nov. 12 and Nov. 15. The group will meet at 702 Mesquite and be directed to locations from there. Morning and afternoon shifts are avaliable.

Come by the Volunteer and Service Leaning Center (downstairs across from the Bean Sprout).

The Center for Contemporary Arts needs volunteers to greet patrons, answer phones and help with gallery shows. Three-hour shifts are offered every Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and/or 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The gallery is located in downtown Abilene. For more information, contact Saybra Giles at 677-8389.

ACU for the International Rescue Committee is accepting donations this week in the Campus Center. It is collecting supplies to make packages for refugee families that have been resettled in Abilene. Be a good neighbor and help make a family feel welcome in a new place.

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

FROM THE FRONT / CAMPUS NEWS

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Page 3

Residence Life staff uses exercise to build student unity

By Tanner Knauth Student Reporter

At the end of the day as darkness descends on campus, a group of men gather and give each other high fives as they try to catch their breath. Who knew running up a hill could create a sense of Christian brotherhood?

Kevin Claypool, Edwards Hall director, said he and his staff lead a basic training-style workout called “Fortitude” every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday night for residents of Edwards Hall.

The workouts use existing structures on campus around the Biblical Studies Building

and include activities such as running, push-ups and squats, Claypool said. However, he said workouts are about more than just exercise.

“Exercise is just a by-product; it’s about camaraderie and building unity,” Claypool said.

Claypool and his staff came up with the idea as a Residence Life initiative to build unity, camaraderie and promote a healthy lifestyle in the hall. So far the workouts have been successful with about 15 participants each night, including former Edwards residents now living off-campus.

Dr. Jean-Noel Thompson, vice president and dean of student life, even joined a work-

Obama: Democrats hopeful about future Continued from page 1 elect, the crowd’s fervor peaked as it celebrated the election of its candidate. After a night of disappointment for local Democrats, the national nominee, at least, triumphed.

“He inspires people and he’ll be able to bring people together; I think he’s going to have a real rough road, but hopefully he’ll be able to make some changes and make things better for our country,” said Sammye Stuart, a volunteer for the Taylor County Democratic Party chapter.

Although the Democratic Party excelled on the national stage, in local and state races the Republicans won the night. Incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. John Cornyn defeated Democrat Richard Noriega after securing 55 percent of the vote with more than half of the precincts reporting. In Taylor County Cornyn won 73.28 percent to Noriega’s 24.43 percent.

In the House of Representatives, Republican Randy Neugebauer once again claimed his seat as U.S. Representative of District 19 after winning 72 percent of the votes in his district. Democrat Dwight Fullingim won 24 percent of the votes, and Libertarian candidate Richard Peterson claimed 2 percent of the votes. In Taylor County Neugebauer won with 71.43 percent compared with Democrat Dwight Fullingim, who received 25.77 percent of the vote.

In the race for State Representative, District 71, incumbent Susan King won by an overwhelming majority with 88.55 percent of the vote, defeating Libertarian Michael Walton who garnered only 11.45 percent.

The new sheriff in Taylor County is Republican Les Bruce, who won after receiving 70.69 percent of the vote, giving him a win over Demo-

crat Art Casarez who gained 29.31 percent.

Curtis Tomme, chairman of the Taylor County Republican Party, said he believed the unpopularity of President Bush played a large role in Obama’s victory.

“People are frustrated with Bush and the current Republicans in office; that’s what turned the tide, the one thing that McCain couldn’t overcome,” Tomme said.

Tomme also had advice for future voters.

“Look at where you are and look at the current policies that brought the country there and the candidates’ principals and where they can possibly lead the country in the future,” he said.

Larry Fowell, a certified public accountant, voted for McCain and watched the election to the very end.

“I’m disappointed but I’m not discouraged. We need to hold our elected officials accountable and realize that we didn’t elect a king; we elected a president, and the Government is not our main leader, the Lord is,” Fowell said.

Chris Carey, chair of the Taylor County Democratic Party, was optimistic about the changes Obama could bring to the country.

“I think everyone is going to be better off,” Carey said.

“Middle class is going to be better off. Just in general, everyone is going to be better off. I think overall, having Obama as president is going to be good for the economy, just a lot of the social programs. It’s going to be a good thing.” n Laura Acuff, Tanner Anderson, Ryan Self and Daniel Johnson-Kim contributed to this story.

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

out. Thompson said he wanted to get a sense of what was happening after hearing about the workouts. He said he was highly impressed with the workout and the “clear intention on building one another up.”

Thompson said despite his position, he was approached simply as a man of Christ, and the other students pushed him during the workout.

Thompson said he was amazed at the use of campus facilities and grounds to create an organized and challenging workout.

“It was spiritual, emotional and physical,” Thompson said.

Claypool said the program will continue throughout the

Working Out The workout group, “Fortitude”, meets three times per week: n Sunday n Tuesday n Thursday

year, and Thompson said he is encouraged by the workouts and would like to see similar activities for other halls.

“It’s no wonder how those guys are getting in shape,” Thompson said. “I’m beyond sore.”

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

Kevin Claypool, residence director of Edwards Hall, and Charles Gaines, junior sociology major from Cedar Hill, do push-ups with “Fortitude.”

Pledging ends, clubs welcome members

By Lezlee Gutierrez Student Reporter

The crowded hallways around campus glowed with brightly colored Tshirts, signifying the pride of ACU social clubs, and with the smiles of relieved students ready to enjoy their new status.

Last week marked the end of a long six-week period for those pledging social clubs this year. Each social club has its own secret pledging rituals each pledge had to endure to become a member.

Alpha Kai Omega is a women’s social club with 40 women pledging this year. Officers are responsible for keeping the women in the social club active and involved through

“

Pledging is difficult to understand from the outside looking in, but powerful and lasting relationships are made along the way. ::

Eric Gentry, senior Biblical text major from Desoto and Gamma

Sigma Phi president

events such as retreats and devotionals.

“We look at each other as sisters, and our goal is to make everyone feel included and special,” said Pam Medulla, Alpha Kai adviser.

After completion of the pledging process, new club members become involved with service projects, weekly meetings, grubs and other activities for the club.

Other women’s social clubs

”

include Delta Theta, GATA, Ko Jo Kai and Sigma Theta Chi. Men’s social clubs include Frater Sodalis, Pi Kappa, Galaxy, Gamma Sigma Phi, Sub T-16 and Trojans.

“After pledging ends, the guys get to finally enjoy the fruits of their labor as they become part of the community,” said Eric Gentry, senior Biblical text major from Desoto and Gamma Sigma Phi president.

GSP had 29 pledges this year. Pledges are responsible for contributing to the community, upholding values of the club and supporting their brothers along the way.

Becoming part of a social club can be a big responsibility students are warned about beforehand, but every social club benefits from the new group of men and women who work hard to become part of their club for their own personal reasons.

“Pledging is difficult to understand from the outside looking in, but powerful and lasting relationships are made along the way,” Gentry said.

E-mail Gutierrez at: jmcnetwork@acu.edu

Art major to paint live in Chapel

By Savannah Shelton Student Reporter

Students in Friday’s Chapel will have live entertainment as Cash Teague, an ACU student and artist, paints during worship time.

Teague, senior youth and family ministry major from Carrollton, will be painting on a 4-foot-by-6-foot canvas on the stage in Moody Coliseum as Sam Souder leads the singing.

Teague began painting during high school but did not paint in front of an audience until the summer between his senior year of high school and his freshman year of college when his brother-in-law, a youth minister, asked him to paint

for a youth group function.

Others saw his work and began asking him to paint for their churches.

“I feel like it was something God threw in my lap,” Teague said.

Teague has painted at several churches in Abilene and Sweetwater since his first live painting experience. For the past two summers, he painted at Oklahoma Christian’s leadership camps, Camp Cornerstone and Camp Zenith.

“I’ve been painting for other churches and camps and youth groups and I always wanted to do it for Chapel because I thought it would be cool. I asked Mark Lewis, and he put it on the schedule,” Teague said.

Sam Souder, junior worship ministry major from Arlington, said it would be a typical Friday Praise Day Chapel, except that Teague will be painting.

Teague’s Web site, www. cashteague.com, features three of his works. The paintings are usually done in red, blue, yellow and orange paint with a portrait of Jesus in black and white.

Teague plans to use his gift as an art teacher at a charter school in Waco after he graduates in December.

“I’ll probably keep paint-

ing on the weekends during my teaching career,” he said.

Praise Chapel is every Friday in Moody Coliseum. It closes out the week after the student body divides into small group Chapels around campus on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

This Friday’s Chapel will be the regular 30 minutes, beginning at 11 a.m.

For more information on the weekly Chapel schedule or Friday Praise Days, visit www. acu.edu/campusoffices/chapel.

E-mail Shelton at: jmcnetwork@acu.edu

FROM THE FRONT / CAMPUS NEWS

Page 4

Wednesday, October 5, 2008

Folk singer receives standing ovation at Paramount Theatre

By Kelsi Williamson Student Reporter

Folk singer and songwriter Jonathan Edwards performed in front of an intimate crowd at Abilene’s Paramount Theatre on Saturday night as part of the “Live at the Paramount” Abilene Arts Series.

“For a solid 95 minutes, he [Edwards] was a powerhouse of energy,” said Betty Hukill, Paramount Theatre executive director.

Edwards, perhaps best known for his 1971 gold recordwinning single Sunshine, performed barefooted and in blue jeans.

“That immediately put him in contact with the crowd and at ease,” said Rick Waldraff, Paramount board member. “Here is a guy that’s been doing this for 37 years and still loves what he’s doing.”

Two hundred and ten people gave Edwards’ performance a standing ovation; Edwards responded with an encore sung in a capella.

“It was just beautiful,” Hukill said.

“Live at the Paramount” is in its fourth season.

The theatre started it in order to provide the Abilene community with

“

For a solid 95 minutes, he was a powerhouse of energy. :: Betty Hukill, Paramount Theatre executive director

an alternative musical entertainment.

“It certainly brings talented artists that normally wouldn’t come to Abilene,” Waldraff said.

Edwards’ performance was the first of three such artists scheduled for the “Live at the Paramount” 2008-09 season.

The Grammy-winning Texas

swing band, Asleep at the Wheel, will appear at the Paramount on Jan. 24, 2009.

Texas swing is swing music made uniquely Texan, Hukill said. It is dance music that the Paramount hopes will produce a large turnout.

“Asleep at the Wheel has really perfected that style,” Hukill said.

Student Reporter

ACU for the International Rescue Committee is sponsoring a weeklong donation drive in the Campus Center.

ACU for the IRC works with refugees who have relocated to Abilene through the Abilene office of the International Rescue Committee. All donations received through the drive will be used to set up apartments for new arrivals to Abilene.

Madison Saniuk, president of ACU for the IRC and senior political science major from Arlington, said this is the student organization’s first attempt at sponsoring a donation drive.

Chelsea Hackney, communication director for ACU for the IRC and junior political science

major from Midlothian, said participating in the donation drive is vital to the survival of the IRC. “The IRC is almost completely out of supplies,” Hackney said. “We, as humans, have so much stuff and we’re constantly getting new things while hanging on to the old. I just feel like if people would think about how much they have…. they would be more willing to donate.”

Saniuk said ACU for the IRC mostly is looking for household items. She said they have a three-page list of accepted items, but surprisingly, clothes are not on the list.

“If you want to donate clothes for the refugees and for a lot of really good causes, send them to Christian Service Center,” Saniuk said.

Items that will be accepted at the drive include bath

towels, soap, sheets and gently used appliances.

Saniuk said ACU for IRC has no current expectations or anticipated goal for donations; members just want to see a lot of campus involvement and donations for the refugees.

They would love to see local churches as well as campus organizations get involved with the donation drive, Saniuk said.

A drop-off box for donations is located in the Campus Center after Chapel until 5 p.m., Nov. 3-7.

Boxes also are available in most residence halls and at University Park apartments.

ACU for IRC volunteers will be located in the Brown Library parking lot Saturday from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. to collect large donated items.

E-mail Wolford at: jmcnetwork@acu.edu

$10 to $25, and tickets for the remaining two shows can be purchased anywhere from $14 to $40. More information about tickets and performers can be found by calling the Paramount Theatre at 676-9620, or by visiting its Web site, www. paramount-abilene.org

E-mail Williamson at: jmcnetwork@acu.edu

Open Arms for Obama

ACU and IRC collaborate for weeklong donation drive

By Kimberly Wolford

”

The final act in the series will be country singersongwriter Suzy Bogguss on March 7, 2009.

“The board of directors realized there was nothing like this in Abilene and they wanted to fill that niche,” Hukill said.

Hukill also said the Paramount’s intimate setting makes it easy for the audience to feel close to whoever is performing on stage, an aspect Edwards incorporated as he posed for pictures and signed autographs after the show.

Tickets for individual performances range from

Emily Jorgenson :: chief photographer With hands raised Dason Williams celebrates Barack Obama’s victory at a Democratic election party at his house in the 600 block of Bayhill Drive in Abilene Tuesday night.

Lecture focuses on sexism, faith

By Colter Hettich Features Editor

Dan Brown’s The DaVinci Code infuriated evangelical conservatives when a character suggested that Jesus married Mary Magdalene and subsequently intended for women to lead and continue his church, not men. Feminism continues to affect protocol for acceptable behavior and interaction between sexes. Regardless of society’s opinion on the matter, the Bible leaves no room for sexism, featuring many influential women and the stories of their faith.

Dr. Susan Ashbrook Harvey, professor of religious studies at Brown University, will discuss about some women of the Bible during the 22nd annual Carmichael-Walling lecture series.

Harvey hopes to remind her listeners of the roles women play in Biblical scripture.

“The reason that I want to look at the women of the Bible is because people don’t always remember they were important,” Harvey said.

Harvey will speak Nov. 6 in Room of the Biblical Studies Building. Her lectures at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. will examine how early Christians in the Middle East remembered Biblical stories of women through worship.

“I want to look at the way performance affects interpretation,” Harvey said.

“I’m also going to look particularly at the way poetry was used.”

Early Christians used a style of worship that has taken the form of liturgy in Catholic and Orthodox churches today, Harvey said. Thursday’s lectures aim to both educate listeners in early Christian history and demonstrate classic methods of learning and retaining the Scriptures.

“I hope that thinking about how Christians of other time periods learned their Bible might give people a way to think about how we use and learn our Bible,” Harvey said.

ACU’s Graduate School of Theology sponsors the Carmichael-Walling Lectures to present current scholarship in New Testament and early Christian studies. The lectures also provide an opportunity for scholarly conversation.

“The great thing about this series is that it gives us the chance to bring world-class scholars to campus,” said Dr. Jeff Childers, associate professor of Bible, ministry and missions, in a press release. “We get to hear about their work, and they get to see what we’re doing.”

E-mail Hettich at: clh05d@acu.edu

November 5, 2008

FocusWednesday

Staying in Tune

Page 5

Tuning pianos has taught Ken Claunch much more than technical skill — it has taught him humility and perspective.

By Colter Hettich Features Editor

Linda Claunch came home one day to find her beloved piano on its way out the front door. As she tells the story, her husband, Ken, grins like a boy guilty of a practical joke gone awry.

Evidently, a woman told Ken she was in the market for a certain piano that the Claunches just happened to own — Linda’s favorite piano. That detail unfortunately slipped Ken’s mind.

“I asked [the woman] how much she was willing to pay for [the piano], and she told me,” Ken said. “So I told her, ‘You just bought yourself a piano.’”

Without missing a beat, Linda interjects, “And when I found out, I told him, ‘You almost bought yourself a grave.’”

Ken’s down-to-earth lifestyle might cause him to appear average. Anyone else outfitted in a jumpsuit and trucker cap might enjoy an Elvis song or two.

Ken tuned pianos for two of Elvis’ concerts.

Any other piano tuner would recognize the name Van Cliburn, Jr., the first American to win the international Tchaikovsky competition in Moscow in 1958.

Three years after Van Cliburn’s victory, Ken tuned his piano before a performance in South Carolina.

Ken could name-drop his way through the alphabet, but humbleness holds his tongue — a humbleness he has not always possessed.

In 1961, he entered a music store in Greenville, S.C., for the first time and spotted a man, working on the floor. Mr. Ertessy, a German native who spent years at the Steinway factory in Hamburg, worked for Steinway in New York before moving to South Carolina. Ken slowly approached the unknown piano tuner from behind. He watched him in silence for more than 10 minutes before revealing his presence.

“I was 22 and I knew everything. So, I asked him, ‘How long does it take you to do that?’” Ken said. “He looked up at me and said, ‘Until I get done, stupid.

How long does it take you?’

That was the beginning of our relationship.”

The now meek Ken feels compelled to help others.

The afternoon sun heated the handle on his wife’s car door making it too hot to touch, so he nailed together a six-foot by 12-foot wall to shade it. He permanently fixed his air compressor and hose on the outside of his shop so the neighborhood kids could fill their bike tires for free. Internationally recognized piano tuner Ken Claunch has it all in perspective.

“Doing it is what I look forward to, not getting it done,” he said. “What’s the rush?”

Changing Gears Ken did not always live by his “what’s the rush?” creed. While in Hobbs, N.M., he began to feel his skills had reached a ceiling.

He was not improving and

he had no one to challenge or teach him. Suddenly, like an intolerable dripping faucet, a quiet fear began to gnaw him.

“It was the fact that I knew the level some were at in my industry; I knew I wasn’t there and I didn’t know how to get there,” Ken said. “It kept me disturbed.”

Ken began working longer and more strenuous hours, driven by perfection.

The mental and emotional stress began to take its toll.

In 1961, after almost two years of marriage, Linda drove Ken to the hospital.

He was ill — deathly ill.

“He was in the hospital for 17 days, and they told me I wouldn’t bring him home,” Linda said.

Ken and Linda left the hospital with no idea what illness had struck him. The doctors released him with a vague diagnosis and an imperative remedy: Ken’s workaholic lifestyle was putting his body under an avalanche of stress. He needed a complete change — scenery, location, habits and philosophy — or next time that avalanche might bury him for good.

“The doctors told him, ‘You need to get away from everything familiar and learn who you are,’” Linda said. “So we loaded up our ’57 Chevrolet and our 20month-old baby and we hit the road.”

The road led them to Greenville, S.C., where some friends lived and agreed to help Ken find work. No one could guarantee Ken a job, but the foliage-covered area perfectly contrasted Hobbs’ flat and dry scenery. Greenville turned out to be just the oasis Ken needed.

Less than a year later, after Ken found work at a local music store, the Claunches’ friends moved away. Not knowing a soul in the East Coast city of about 100,000, Ken and Linda relearned how to live.

“He loved his job, and I loved living there because it was so beautiful,” Linda said.

Stephen pursued piano tuning professionally and clearly Ken taught him well: he now works as lead tuner technician at the Steinway shop in Dallas.

Throughout his time in South Carolina, Ken earned his renown by catering to concert pianists. He tuned for competitions across the country and any pianist who came through Abilene but he eventually focused his career on institutions and teachers of the craft. He continues to tune and restore pianos for every university in Abilene.

At the moment, he is restoring a 1974 Steinway model D concert grand piano, owned

by ACU. The originally priced $125,000 piano will leave Ken’s shop re-dyed, refinished and renewed.

Although his place of residence and career focus changed many times throughout his life, a quick tour of his photo-ridden home proves one thing has not: his love for family.

In the Beginning

Photos by: Zak Zeinert, chief photographer Ken tunes a weathered piano in the shop next to his home. Although he knows scales, modes and arpeggios, Ken cannot read music and has never taken a formal piano lesson.

“And we learned a lot. It was the greatest experience Ken could have had.”

Foot in the Door Ken spent his six years in Greenville working with and unofficially apprenticing under Mr. Ertessy. He found the environment he so desperately needed to continue improving. Those six years proved invaluable to Ken’s career but also proved time’s deceptive speed. The

Claunches’ welcomed their son, Stephen, into the world and their once 20-month-old daughter, Cindy, celebrated her seventh birthday. Ken and Linda wanted nothing but the best for their child, including schooling.

In 1966, they researched public schools and found Abilene Independent School District ranked No. 1 in the southwest. It was settled. The Claunch family would make their new home in Abilene.

Upon arrival, Ken had no trouble convincing the Steinway shop in Abilene to hire him. The Steinway outlet closed in 1978, but his career merely relocated — to his front yard. In 1983, Ken and his son Stephen constructed a large workshop next to his home.

Both Cindy and Stephen apprenticed under their father while working their way through the Abilene public school system. Only

Above: Each piano necessitates a “storyboard.” Ken must map the location of each screw because screws fit uniquely into their holes.

Left: Ken creates furniture from out-of-commission pianos. Below: Ken adjusts the action on a 1974 Steinway Model D grand piano.

Growing up in Hobbs, Ken’s home and family was a musical one. Every member of his family played an instrument or sang. One day, Ken heard a man tuning the family’s piano. Ken immediately recognized his ability to distinguish minute variations in pitch.

“I got a very late in life start,” Ken said. “When I was 9 years old, I heard what [the tuner] was doing and I understood it.”

The music store in Hobbs quickly became Ken’s second home. He spent every spare moment watching and learning from the staff musicians. Before school, he would spend the 7-8 a.m. hour at the store, dusting, picking up trash and getting it ready to open. He would return from 4-6 p.m. after school to learn the handiwork of repairing and restoring pianos, only mildly annoying the staff technician.

The store paid him nothing, but he did not even notice.

“As far as I was concerned, I was employed,” Ken said. “Frankly, the tuner didn’t like me very much.

When I was 12 or 13, I told him, ‘I’m going to get your job.’ And I did.”

The storeowner would not allow Ken to tune pianos for money until he could reach an octave. The day his thumb and fifth finger spanned the width of eight white keys, his life’s work began. He tuned his first piano concert — a quartet — at 19 years old.

Ken claims only two factors prevented him from working at an early age.

“You have to be old enough to drive yourself to your job,” Ken said. “And you have to be able to shave, so people think someday you might be a man.”

That day came long ago for Ken Claunch, a man who has earned the respect of his peers, clients and the neighborhood children. If you ask him how long he will continue in his trade, do not be surprised if he grins and answers, “Until I’m done.”

E-mail Hettich at: clh05d@acu.edu

ViewsWednesday

Page 6

Election results call for cooperation

W

e just elected the 44th president of the United States of America.

During the past two years leading up to this historic election, we heard so much about change, so much about the need for bipartisanship. Change isn’t coming; it’s here. The past two years, the voices of Barack Obama and John McCain, Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, Mitt Romney, Mike Huckabee and, yes, even Ron Paul helped us to examine our country and what we hoped to achieve during the next presidential term.

The election may have ended, but now the real test has just begun. The election featured an unprecedented voter turnout. People are passionate. Many worked long hours and made sacrifices to see their candidate and their ideals elected. This passion

“

The election may have ended, but now the real test has just begun.

cannot die simply because the other candidate won. Now is the time when we must work together to ensure all the talk becomes action.

Both candidates in this election told us the importance of bipartisanship, the need to listen to different opinions other than our own, to work with, not against, those with whom we disagree for the good of our country. We have all seen firsthand the damage done by partisan bickering. It has halted progress in Congress over important issues. It has turned civil discourse and discussion on Capitol Hill into divisive name calling. It has allowed hurt feelings to trump putting

The issue:

Following a heated election, the votes are collected and a new president is selected.

Our view:

The new president faces unprecedented national and global issues.

The solution:

Whether or not your candidate won, we must all come together in support of the president to create truly effective change and progress.

”

our country first.

We have seen it in Congress, on cable news networks and, sadly, even here on campus. Anyone who attended last Wednesday’s political debate heard Dr. Kristina Campos tell of how people refused to accept candy from her 6-year-old daughter, who was booed by many in the ACU community, while she rode on the ACU Democrats’ float during the Homecoming Parade. As Americans, we should be above such childish behavior. As Christians, we should be appalled.

Americans. So much more unites us than divides us. We all want to see our children grow up in a country safe from terrorism, to see them receive the best education possible.

We all want our fellow Americans to receive medical care without incurring life-shattering debt. We all want our sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, neighbors and loved ones to return safely from the Middle East and win this war.

Letters to the Editor

We just have different opinions on how to achieve these goals. We can’t let these differences defeat us.

Our next president faces a mounting economic crisis, healthcare reform, a continued war in Iraq and a seemingly endless list of troubles he must face on day one. This is no time to abandon him or begin questioning his every move. The past 16 years have been marked by partisanship that has crippled our political system. The man sitting in the Oval Office may not be the one you chose, but he is the one whose decisions affect all our lives. He cannot overcome these obstacles with a nation and Congress distracted by party prejudices and grudges.

Now more than ever, we need leaders who will reach across the aisle, citizens who will remain involved. If we can learn to approach the national discussion with an open mind, to join together for the good of our beloved country, then that is what will pull us out of these dark times. That is putting country first. That is change we can believe.

Christian answers to social issues determine basis for voting The people of Iraq have been liberated from an evil dictator. Where are you getting your information about our troops killing women and children?

Your statement is offensive especially to the men and women of our military who risked and gave their lives to free the Iraqi people. War is a terrible thing.

To compare casualties from a war waged to bring and protect freedom from a dictator’s mass killing of his own people to the abortion debate is absurd.

Abortion is not a gray area; killing is not a gray area. The Bible says we must stand for righteousness not for convenience. Many in this country worship the god of “convenience” and “materialism.” Ask yourself, why do people abort a baby? Why do we not promote adoption more? Isn’t Satan’s desire to destroy God’s creation, especially His most precious humans?

As the church, we must stand for truth, which comes from the word of God. We also must reach out and love those who have had an abortion and those trapped in the homosexual lifestyle. The great news is that anyone who comes to Jesus and confesses Him as Lord, repents and is baptized can be clothed in robes of righteousness.

Sometimes the truth is not what we want to hear. However, the truth will set us free. If you form your worldview from media outlets, it will not line up with the Bible! Most of the media do not share a Biblical perspective and often present Christianity in a negative light.

Psalm 139:13-16: “13.

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

15. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, 16. your eyes saw my unformed body.

All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”

Look at the links below in the context of the Scripture above:

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

Anti-poster policy inhibits student communication Don’t mess with ACU. On Oct. 22, the university implemented a policy prohibiting the posting of advertisements, chalk-written announcements and fliers on sidewalks, doors, walls and trashcans around campus. But because of The Fro Knows this new antilitter policy,

By Michael the campus Freeman now looks and feels almost as desolate and drab as the Abilene landscape.

For years, students used brightly colored fliers and sidewalk chalk to promote events, products and ideas.

But several administrators, including Dr. Royce Money, president of the university, apparently found the students’ methods of communication to be cheap and unsightly.

“It does create a trashy look to parts of the cam-

“

Depriving students of publicly promoting their events and thoughts is an outrage...

pus after posters have been walked on,” Money was quoted as saying in an Optimist article last month. “Here is a campus that is on the cutting edge of technology in higher education, surely we can figure out better and more creative ways to communicate important information.”

Surely the university will figure out better ways, but until then students should be able to post fliers and mark on sidewalks.

The fliers, posters and chalk-written announcements give life to the campus. They provide a simple and effective means of distributing information in high traffic areas such as Moody Coliseum or the Campus Center. They liven up buildings and sidewalks with vibrant colors of green, orange and purple in a West Texas

Editorial and letter policy Unsigned editorials are the opinions of the Optimist and may not necessarily reflect the views of the university or its administration.

Signed columns, cartoons and letters are the opinions of their creators and may not necessarily reflect the viewpoints of the Optimist or the university.

The Optimist encourages reader response through letters to the editor but reserves the right to limit frequent contributors or to refuse to print letters containing personal attacks, obscenity, defamation, erroneous

information or invasion of privacy.

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

Phone numbers will not be published.

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

”

environment dominated by dull grays and browns. And they reflect the hard work, interests and hobbies students engage in on this campus. Not to mention they offer opportunities for students to artistically and affectionately express love and friendship. We all may not know who “Jennifer” is, but it is heart-warming to look down and see her friends took the time to etch out a “Happy Birthday” message for her on the sidewalk.

Depriving students of publicly promoting their events and thoughts is an outrage, especially during this week of an important national election. That is why students need to stand up and rebel against this new policy. Students should post fliers on all six columns of the Administration Build-

ing. Social clubs should have a contest to see who can sketch its club seal the highest on the Tower of Light.

And someone should drop a giant advertisement poster from the rafters of Moody Coliseum during Chapel just like the university does with the American flag at the beginning of each school year.

On second thought, my endorsement of such rampant and unruly littering will probably get me expelled.

Perhaps I shouldn’t have written this column on the heels of watching Fight Club and V for Vendetta.

Nevertheless, the university should recognize and accommodate students’ needs to have a way to commune with the ACU community, whether it is through fliers, chalk-written announcements or some other means of communication.

Published by the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication

Newsroom: (325) 674-2439

Sports desk: (325) 674-2499

-http://www.nrlc.org/ abortion/pba/DEabortiongraphic.html -http://www.nrlc.org/ abortion/pba/PBA_Images/PBA_Images_ Heathers_Place.htm Why will the media not allow pro-life organizations to run a simple 30-second ad showing a diagram of the abortion procedure and 5-second sonogram of an unborn child?

The media always refer to pro life organizations as anti-abortion. Why? The choice we should be focusing on is made just prior to conception.

God designed sex within the confines of marriage, therefore, providing a foundation for a family unit to raise a child, which Scripture refers to as a gift from God. Obama stated, “I don’t want my daughters punished with a baby.”

Apparently, this is how Obama views God’s precious gift! In situations where God’s design is not followed, adoption is a beautiful redeeming option. We as the church also need to focus more on helping single moms and single dads.

God’s family design does not allow for homosexuality and warns against the distortion of His plan for the family.

1 Cor. 6:9: “Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders.”

We often worship self, and unfortunately that leads us to the god of convenience, so we chose death over life.

You are right; there is no one perfect candidate.

However, there is one who stands for righteousness and stands for life.

Our vote must be based on platforms that most closely adhere to our Biblical values. I am voting for John McCain. Parting thought: “Separation of Church and State,” is not in the Constitution. Read it for yourself.

Larry Hill In response to another online comment

Alumnus expresses pride, support for presidential endorsement Of all the things I never thought I would see, and all the things I never thought I would do.

The Optimist endorse a Democrat, to read about it in the national media and to send you a letter to the Editor! It is a whole new world!

All that to say, I am exceedingly proud of you all! I know a lot of your mail is pretty ugly these days and I wanted

to let you know there are many alum out here that not only agree but would stand up any time you needed us for your right to publish such an endorsement.

It also got me looking at the paper online. You are doing a great job!

Edette Nichols ACU Alumnus

E-mail Freeman at: mxf04b@acu.edu

Optimist the

November 5, 2008

Editorial and Management Board Laura Acuff

Grant Abston

Editor in Chief

Opinion Page Editor

Sports Editor

Michael Freeman

Daniel Johnson-Kim

Cody Veteto

Kenneth Pybus

Chief Videographer

Adviser

DeLaina Parker

Cade White

Zak Zeinert

Lydia Melby

Managing Editor

Chief Photographer

Arts Editor

Broadcast Manager

Sommerly Simser

Colter Hettich Features Editor

Kelline Linton

Molly Byrd

Mult. Managing Editor

Photo department: (325) 674-2499

Advertising office: (325) 674-2463

Chief Copy Editor

Multimedia desk: (325) 674-2463

Page 2 Editor

Subscriptions ($40/academic year): (325) 674-2296

Adviser

Christi Stark Advertising Manager

E-mail: jmcnetwork@acu.edu

FROM THE FRONT / SPORTS JUMPS

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Page 7

Football: Perfect season within reach for Wildcats Continued from page 8 put ACU ahead 28-10. Knox caught his second touchdown of the game six minutes later after Stewart found him for a 10-yard touchdown, and Scott finished the scoring with seven minutes remaining in the fourth quarter on a 1-yard touchdown run, his third score of the game.

The Javelinas scored with one second remaining in the third quarter to pull within 18, but the Wildcat defense finished strong, stopping A&M-Kingsville on three fourth-down plays and limiting the Javelinas to just seven second-half points.

Knox led all receivers with six catches for 101 yards and two touchdowns, and tight end Kendrick Hollo-

way finished with 72 yards.

Wide receiver Chris Morris finished with 39 yards and a touchdown, while wide receiver Jonathan Ferguson had 51 yards as ACU finished with 522 total yards.

“Johnny Knox stepped up and had a big game, and Morris and Ferguson both had big catches for us and did a real nice job,” Thomsen said.

Scott finished with his ninth 100-yard game after rushing for 116 yards and three touchdowns on 24 carries, while catching four passes for 52 yards.

Defensively, Fred Thompson led all players with 11 tackles and one sack, while Bryson Lewis added eight tackles, and safety Richard Havins added six. Defensive back Craig Harris had four tackles and one

interception, and safety Nick Fellows added four tackles and a forced fumble.

“I thought it was a good road win and I am proud of our guys just for the focus and effort to go and get a win in a tough place,” Thomsen said. “Kingsville is always a difficult place to play, and I thought they did a nice job of taking care of business and doing what we’re supposed to

do. We still have a lot of room to improve fundamentally, but it was a good win overall.”

The Wildcats will play Midwestern State Saturday at 2 p.m. in their last regular season game before the playoffs begin. With a win, the Wildcats will earn a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

E-mail Abston at: gda04b@acu.edu

Debate: Panelists talk politics Volleyball: Soccer: ACU enters Cats play conference playoffs Continued from page 1

on the Republican side, said he thought the debate was a great success.

“The whole experience was very pleasant. Daniel [Johnson-Kim] did a great job moderating, and the panelists were very civil towards each other,” Coates said.

Six panelists participated, three for each political party.

Dr. Kevin Christian, director of Strategic Partnerships; Jordan Hancock, junior political science major from Abilene; and Dr. Neal Coates, professor of political science, represented the Republicans. Dr. Kristina Campos, professor of communication; Daniel Paul Watkins, senior political

science major from Fredericksburg, Va., and Students’ Association president and Dr. Steven Moore, professor of English, represented the Democrats’ side.

Daniel Johnson-Kim, senior journalism major from Abilene, moderated the event.

Topics ranged from key issues such as abortion, the economy and foreign policy to Sarah Palin’s appearance on Saturday Night Live.

Spencer Hemphill, senior accounting major from Longview and Students’ Association treasurer, said he felt it was important to sponsor events like this.

“It’s a good way to help stimulate students’ brains by having them raise questions

and to also help recap the key issues,” Hemphill said.

“It was also nice to hear both sides together so that you get a really fair presentation of the issues.”

Hemphill said he helped select panelists for the event.

The event lasted a little more than an hour — and with the exception of a slight microphone malfunction near the end — went without any problems.

“It was a lot of fun. I’m glad I got asked,” Coates said. “I look forward to seeing whoever is elected working hard for our country.

E-mail Zeinert at: zaz05a@acu.edu

Saturday Continued from page 8

press time. The team will close the regular season with two home games. The team will face Southeastern Oklahoma at 7 p.m and play East Central Saturday at 11 a.m. in Moody Coliseum.

“Southeastern Oklahoma has upset several teams this year,” Mock said. “They have a very young team and will give us a run for our money.”

E-mail Harris at: tch05f@acu.edu

Reaction: Students exuberant over results Continued from page 1 whom were Obama supporters, hugged each other, gave each other high fives and immediately called their friends and family to tell them the news.

“Words cannot explain right now… it’s amazing,” said Anna Peters, senior Bible and education major from Houston.

Students said they were excited about the results.

“The polls were saying that Barack Obama was going to win, but I wasn’t really positive

he was going to. And then when they announced it, it was pure shock,” said Daniel Burgner, junior political science major from Yorba Linda, Calif. “The United States has elected its first African-American president. It’s history. And to be a part of the election and to have voted in it, it really is incredible.

I’m excited.”

The watch party began at 8 p.m. About a dozen students, some Obama and some Sen. John McCain (R – Ari.) supporters, sat down to watch the

election coverage, eat snacks and chat. Students would come and go as the watch party progressed, but most of the McCain supporters left shortly after ABC News announced Obama would win the state of Pennsylvania.

“At first it was very slow; people were trickling in and out,” Peters said. “But the closer it got, the more intense it would be. And when Charlie [Gibson] labeled it, everyone just went insane.”

Shortly after it was an-

nounced Obama had won the required 270 electoral votes, students from another election watch party in the back room of the “World Famous Bean” came to share in the celebration.

While chanting Obama’s name, most of the students rushed to Nelson Hall to share their exuberance with the students watching the election there.

“It was refreshing just to see people energized about the election,” Burgner said.

E-mail Freeman at: mxf04b@acu.edu

Bands: Concert to drum up support Continued from page 1 the very least, Thyne said, an announcement at the concert would promote a day during which students would be encouraged to utilize bowling facilities to show support.

“If we don’t need [a petition], then we won’t have it, but either way we’re having a concert,” Thyne said.

Currently, rumors that the bowling alley will be converted into a non-recreational space are just that, said Joel Swedlund, manager of the Campus Center, who said he knows of no final decision on the matter.

Thyne said rumors that the bowling alley would close seem to circulate every year.

This year, when the band mem-

bers of The Rockin’ Extensions heard the familiar rumor was again on the move, they decided to incorporate bowling alley support into the function.

“Our passion for the bowling alley wasn’t the reason for the concert,” Thyne said. “We were going to have it anyway but we thought it would be a good idea to get a petition.”

Swedlund said he discussed bowling alley benefit possibilities with the band members upon scheduling the concert and informed them a final decision had not been made, but the band decided to proceed regardless.

“It might be premature to have that, but they said, ‘Well, we want to do it anyway because we’ve heard the rumors,’”

Swedlund said. “It doesn’t matter to me what their theme is, but we’re glad they’re going to be performing down there.”

Thyne said the band hopes to determine whether a petition is actually necessary. If the band receives word that the rumors are unsubstantiated and do not require a petition, then the petition idea will be dropped.

As for reasons why the bowling alley might be altered, Swedlund said the facility has earned a profit for the last four or five years and supplies student worker jobs. Reasons for changing the facilities could not include monetary loss.

“We haven’t lost money down there,” Swedlund said. “[Changes] probably would be

more from an idea of how better to use the space in the opinions of some administrators.”

Overall, while Swedlund said he appreciates the benefits of an on-campus bowling alley, he understands the obligations of administration.

“Most areas don’t provide service to 100 percent of students, but I think it has a niche that it fills so I think having a bowling alley is a good thing,” Swedlund said.

“But I understand that sometimes you have to weigh all the possibilities and come to the decision that you think is best for the university as a whole.”

E-mail Acuff at: lka06a@acu.edu

Continued from page 8 a decent Eastern New Mexico team, the Wildcats were able to squeak out a 1-0 victory, and with an Angelo State loss, made the playoffs in only the program’s second season.

After a scoreless first half, the Wildcats came out strong, taking four shots in the first ten minutes. Then after another three shots

by Bree Craig failed to go in the net, Katie Miller netted a shot from 30 yards away to give ACU the win.

The Wildcats’ victory on the Zias was their seventh shutout of the season.

The LSC tournament will be in Canyon, home of the top-seed West Texas A&M.

ACU, the No. 5 seed, will play Central Oklahoma Thursday afternoon. This season ACU defeated UCO 1-0 and will look to duplicate that result.

“We can use game film from the game earlier this season,” Wilson said. “We know their tendencies. We will be playing on a smaller field so we really need to focus our game.”

With a win, ACU would have a rematch against West Texas A&M on Friday. The tournament is single elimination, and the championship will be played on Sunday.

The match against Central Oklahoma will be at 2:30 p.m. Thursday.

E-mail Gwin at: jmcnetwork@acu.edu

Intramurals: Teams persevere to titles Continued from page 8 and Carly Turner’s catch for the two-point conversion to take a 30-22 lead.

The “Justice League” answered on a touchdown pass by Jessica Lana, but the Kojie defense finished strong, forcing an incompletion on the potential game-tying two-point conversion, clinching the title for the Kojies.

“We persevered and are the improbable victors,” Hill said. “All season long we have been a second-half team and we have caught touchdowns when they matter most. This team has no single star; everyone contributed.”

Kojie head coach Trey Allen said his team won because the players started catching the ball in the second half as opposed to the beginning of the game.

“This team is tougher than a $2 steak if they can catch the ball,” Allen said.

The men’s champ league championship also came down to the final seconds before a victor was decided. “iKool” defeated Galaxy 28-20. Galaxy had

the early lead, scoring on its first possession with a touchdown by Grant Abston, but the two-point conversion failed. “iKool” answered moments later with a touchdown pass from Minor Alexander to Ben Gibbs. “iKool” converted the two-point conversion to take the lead 8-6 and the team never looked back.

After another Alexander to Gibbs’ touchdown to start the second half, “iKool” led 22-6. Galaxy did not give up, cutting the lead to 22-20 after Jordan Glaeser returned an interception for a touchdown with a minute remaining in regulation. However, Alexander found Jason Boone on a long touchdown with just 40 seconds remaining to give “iKool” the 28-20 victory.

This was Gibbs’ third champ league championship game in three years, but his first victory.

“It’s a new feeling and it’s awesome,” Gibbs said.

“We played well all year and got it done.”

E-mail Harris at: tch05f@acu.edu

SportsWednesday

Page 8

November 5, 2008

SCOREBOARD

Soccer team makes first LSC postseason tournament

Standings

By Austin Gwin

Football Team

Div. 5-0 4-1 3-2 3-2 2-3 1-4 0-6

ACU WTAMU Tarleton St. MSU TAMU-K Angelo St. ENMU

Overall 9-0 9-1 8-2 6-3 6-4 3-7 1-9

Volleyball Team

Div. 11-0 9-2 7-4 7-4 7-4 TX Woman’s 7-4 WTAMU Tarleton St. MSU ACU TAMU-C

Overall 27-4 20-8 23-8 21-8 15-9 18-11

*6 out of 14 teams

Despite a loss Friday, the Wildcats recovered with a victory Sunday to clinch their first postseason spot in school history.

On Friday, ACU took on West Texas A&M, the No. 1 team in the Lone Star Conference. The Wildcats outscored the Buffs throughout the match. The only problem: two of the goals were for West Texas in a 2-1 loss.

After a save by Crissy Lawson, a scramble for the rebound resulted in the ball hitting off a Wildcat player, giving the Buffs a 1-0 advantage. However, ACU returned fire when Alyson

Div. 8-2 7-1-2 7-3 6-3-1 5-4-1 NESU 4-3-3 Angelo St. 4-4-2 TX Woman’s 4-4-2 ENMU 3-7 East Central 1-8-1 SW Okla.

0-10 WTAMU TAMU-C MSU Central Okla.

ACU

Thomas hit a high shot over Buff goalie Lisha Jungmann to even the score.

The second goal for West Texas came in the second half when, like the first goal, the ball ricocheted off an ACU player as the Buffs attempted to score. After the second own goal by ACU, the Wildcats were only able to manage two more shots; one at the end of the game narrowly missed high after a free kick

by Alyson Thomas.

Coach Casey Wilson said, “They put some pressure on us, and it resulted in some bad luck. We had those two unlucky deflections. We just need to play smarter and panic less

when pressure is applied.”

With the loss against West Texas, ACU needed at least a tie and some help to ensure a spot in postseason play.

The Wildcats could potentially play West Texas again in the playoffs.

“If we have the opportunity to play them again, we need to be tougher,” Wilson said. “Offensively, we need to make chances count and directly attack the goal. We need to play tighter defense. We matched up well with them; we just need to put it in the net when we get the chance.”

Sunday afternoon proved to be the deciding game of the Wildcats’ season. Against See

Soccer page 7

Jozie Sands :: staff photographer Midfielder Jordan Reese dribbles the ball against Central Oklahoma. The Wildcats are 5-4-1 in the LSC and will make their first postseason appearance.

One Step Away

Women’s Soccer Team

Soccer

Sports Writer

Overall 14-3-1 13-2-3 13-6 12-5-3 9-7-2 7-7-4 10-7-3 9-8-2 9-10 5-11-2 2-17

Win streak jumps Cats to fourth

By Chandler Harris Assistant Sports Editor

Scores Thursday Volleyball ACU 3, Cameron 0

Friday Soccer ACU 1, West Texas A&M 2

Saturday Football ACU 42, Texas A&M-Kingsville 17

Sunday Soccer ACU 1, Eastern New Mexico 0

Upcoming Thursday Soccer ACU vs. Central Oklahoma, 2:30 p.m., LSC Championship

Volleyball ACU vs. SE Oklahoma State, 7 p.m.

Friday Soccer ACU/Central Oklahoma vs. West Texas A&M, 2:30 p.m.

Saturday Cross Country South Central Regional, 9:30 a.m.

Volleyball ACU vs. East Central, 11 a.m.

Football ACU vs. Midwestern State, 2 p.m. :: Home games listed in italics

NOTES n Backup quarterback Zach Stewart made his second consecutive start for the injured Billy Stewart Malone, throwing for 350 yards and three touchdowns to earn LSC co-South Offensive Player of the Week honors. Stewart led ACU to a 42-17 win over Texas A&M-Kingsville, giving ACU at least a share of its first LSC title since 1977. n The ACU soccer team defeated Eastern New Mexico 1-0 Sunday to give the Wildcats their first ever postseason berth. The Wildcats will be heading to their first LSC postseason tournament in just the program’s second year in existence.

Zak Zeinert :: chief photographer Above: Shown here against Tarleton State, backup quarterback Zach Stewart got his second-straight start, leading the Wildcats to a 42-17 win over Texas A&M-Kingsville. Below: Running back Bernard Scott rushed for 116 yards and three touchdowns while catching four passes for 52 yards.

Wildcats need one win for outright LSC title

By Grant Abston Sports Editor

After defeating Texas A&MKingsville Saturday night 4217 in a Lone Star Conference South Division matchup, the Wildcats accomplished something they have not done since 1977: claim at least a share of the LSC championship.

The Wildcats improved to 9-0 for the first time since 1950, moved to 8-0 in the LSC and remain No. 2 in the nation and No.1 in the regional poll. With a win Saturday, the Wildcats can claim their first outright LSC championship since 1973.

“It was a really big win, and we’re really, really excited about what we’ve been able to accomplish with clinching at least just a share of the [LSC championship],” said head coach Chris Thomsen. “But

Football ACU 42, a&m-kingsville 17 we’re really hungry to clinch it outright, but it’s really a big accomplishment, and I’m proud of our guys with what they have been able to do.”

With Billy Malone still sidelined with an injury, backup quarterback Zach Stewart earned his second straight collegiate start in impressive fashion. Stewart completed 24-34 passes for 350 yards and three touchdowns, earning LSC co-South Offensive Player of the Week honors for his performance.

The Wildcats got on the board in the first quarter after running back Bernard Scott scored on a 6-yard run with 8:19 remaining. However, the Javelinas scored the next 10 points to go up 10-0. Quarterback Billy Garza found wide

receiver Jareko Taylor for an 85-yard touchdown pass before kicker Christian Brom hit a 20-yard field goal early in the second quarter. The 10-7 deficit was the Wildcats’ first time to trail in a game since their season opener against Northwest Missouri State.

However, Stewart led ACU on two touchdown drives before halftime to put the Wildcats ahead 21-10. Stewart found wide receiver Chris Morris for a 9-yard touchdown with six minutes remaining before hitting wide receiver Johnny Knox for a 31-yard touchdown with 51 seconds remaining in the half. “[Stewart] was a little bit more aggressive, and I thought he responded well and had a solid game and I am really proud of his effort,” Thomsen said.

After forcing the Javelinas to punt on their opening possession of the second half, linebacker Eliot Allen blocked the punt to give the Wildcats the ball on the 17-yard line. Scott scored his second touchdown of the game four plays later to See

Football page 7

Ko Jo Kai, iKool win intramural football

By Chandler Harris

Intramurals

Assistant Sports Editor

Zak Zeinert :: chief photographer Robby Brown, senior marketing major from Frisco, looks to run after a catch for Galaxy. iKool defeated Galaxy 28-20 in the championship game.

The intramural football season concluded last week with five champions crowned.

In the Rec leagues, “The Ramones” defeated “Team Pink” in the women’s division; “That Team” defeated “Gamma Sigma Phi-Jody Garner” in the men’s division and “Pineapple Express” defeated “Mis-Fits” in the co-ed championship game.

Ko Jo Kai won the women’s Champ league in dramatic fashion. Ko Jo Kai trailed the “Justice League” 22-14 with just 13 seconds remaining.

Meggan Hill, sophomore integrated marketing commu-

nication major from Sugar Land, found Casey Cope (’08) in the back of the end zone to pull within two. The Kojies proceeded to tack on the twopoint conversion to tie the game at 22-22, sending it into overtime. This is the second time the Kojies played in a championship game that went to overtime in as many years.

Last season, the Kojies lost to Sigma Theta Chi in triple overtime on a controversial touchdown call. In overtime, the Kojies scored first on another of Casey Cope’s touchdowns, her third of the game, See

Intramurals page 7

The volleyball team won its seventh consecutive match on Saturday, defeating Midwestern State 3-0 (32-30, 2518, 25-12).

This also is the team’s fifth straight victory over a Lone Star Conference opponent.

Just three Mock weeks ago, the Wildcats found themselves a game below .500 in league play; they now sit in a four-way tie for third place in the LSC at 7-4. Saturday’s win improved the team’s record to 21-8 overall. Midwestern State, which began the season 18-0 and nationally ranked, fell to 23-8 overall and 7-4 in the LSC. The other two teams tied for third place are Texas A&M-Commerce and Texas Woman’s.

“The girls played so well and were very prepared for that game,” said head coach Kellen Mock. “They took what we had them working on all week, took full advantage of it. I’m proud of them, and it was a very good day for our program.”

In the match against Midwestern State, junior outside hitter Erin Curry led the Wildcats with 13 kills and a season-high .448 hitting percentage. Curry committed no attack error in 29 attempts and added nine digs.

“That was the best match Erin has ever played,” Mock said. “Her defense and passing are always good, but she took her offensive game to a whole new level. By far, she had the outstanding performance of the game, but everyone played extremely well.

Freshman outside hitter Jennie Hutt and sophomore middle blocker Jordan Schilling each added 10 kills in the victory. Junior outside hitter Michelle Bacon had seven kills, and sophomore middle blocker Shawna Hines had six. Hines earned LSC Defensive Player of the Week honors after recording 17 blocks, five solo and 12 assisted while recording 27 kills last week.

The Wildcat defense also played outstandingly well, led by senior captain and libero Amy Wilson with 15 digs. Sophomore setter Ijeoma Moronu added seven digs and 36 assists. The team hit .298 overall and out blocked Midwestern State 8-2, with Hines and Schilling each blocking four.

The Wildcats played St. Edward’s University on Tuesday night, but results were unavailable by See

Volleyball page 7