And the Winner is... Fourteen acts participate in Sing Song 2012 vol. 100, no. 37
friday, february 17, 2012
2 SECTION, 18 PAGES
LET’S GET
LOUD
page 4A - 5A
Dance groups to perform in Sing Song Page 6B
Sing Song history, highlights Page 4B
Rehearsals double as theme parties Page 6B
Clubs, classes go for winning streaks Page 8B Read these stories and more in this issue of the Optimist
above photos by mandy lambright chief Photographer
Brittany williams Staff Photographer
‘Wild at Heart’ brings Sing Song faces back to Moody Coliseum for the 56th annual competition. Fourteen upstage acts and a variety of downstage acts will entertain thousands.
inside news
opinion
photos
news
Summit 2012 to bring big names to campus
The chaos of Sing Song makes participating a lifelong memory
See more of Sing Song 2012 online
Provost committee to begin first round of interviews
Page 3A
page 6A
Abilene Christian University
acuoptimist.com
page 3A
Friday 02.17.12
17 friday
18
3 p.m. ACU Softball @ MSU 4:05 p.m. ACU Baseball vs. Southern Arkansas @ ACU
saturday
19
11 a.m. ACU Softball vs. Fort Hayes @ ACU
sunday
2:05 p.m. ACU Baseball vs. Southern Arkansas @ ACU
2A
20
10 a.m. ACU Softball vs. Southern MO. @ Midwestern
monday
All Day - LSC Indoor Track Invitational 6 p.m. Hockey game @ Campus Center Living Room
2 p.m. ACU Women’s basketball vs. Kingsville @ ACU
8 p.m. Sing Song @ Moody Coliseum
Chapel checkup
Announcements ACU Theater presents their winter drama, Proof, in Fulks Theater. The play will be showing on Feb. 16-18 at 7:30 p.m. For tickets, call 325-674ARTS or purchase tickets online at acu.edu/theater.
The Agriculutre and Environmental Sciences department is hosting the Anabel Reid Run for Water. It will be a 24 hour fund raiser at the ACU track on March 23-24. For more information, contact the A&E department at The ACU Upward Bound Pro- 674-2401 or Many Scudder gram is now hiring for Sum- at scudderm@acu.edu mer 2012. Call 325-674-2713 or email lmo03a@acu.edu STOMP will be at the Abilene for more information. Submit Civic Center Auditorium on Feb. your application at the Brown 21. Student tickets will be on sale Library, first floor. Application an hour prior to the show. Tickdeadline is Mar. 16. ets will be sold at $21.90.
The Shinnery Review is now accepting submissions for this year’s magazine. Send in poetry, photography, artwork, fiction and creative nonfiction to shinnery@acu.edu by Feb. 22. For more information, visit blogs.acu.edu/shinnery.
A Jostens Rep will be at The Campus Store from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to take official ACU ring orders.
24 49
The 2012 Springboard Ideas Challenge is now open for registration. Students can submit a mini-business plan The Counseling Center is for a chance to win up to conducting “Life’s Obstacles”, $10,000. Early registration a free horse workshop to deadline is Mar. 1. Visit www. navigate life’s obstacles using acu.edu/academics/coba/ horses on Mar. 2 from 3 -4 griggscenter/springboard to p.m. Contact steve.eller@acu. learn more about the comedu for questions. petition.
@acuoptimist The Optimist optimist@acu.edu
Police policeLog log 02/07/12 10:36 p.m. SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY: ACUPD received a report of an unauthorized male in a dorm room. Case is open. 02/10/12 12:39 p.m. INTOXICATED PERSON: ACUPD received a report of an intoxicated student at Edwards Hall. Referred to Student Life for administrative follow-up. 02/10/12 11:34 a.m. THEFT: Athletics reported the theft of a flat screen plasma TV and a DVD player from Teague. Case is inactive. 02/11/12 2:15 p.m. INTOXICATED PERSON: ACUPD received a report of an intoxicated student at Gardner Hall. Referred to Student Life for administrative follow-up. 02/11/12 5:45 a.m. DISTURBANCE: ACUPD received a report of a noise violation, loud party in the 600 block of EN 21st.
Weekly Stats for Feb. 07 - feb. 12, 2012 Accident 1 Administrative Activity 17 Alcohol Incident 2 Animal Call 1 Attempt to Locate 1 Barricades 1 Building Lock/Unlock 6 Check Building 73 Citation Issuance 1 Direct Traffic 1 Disturbance 3 Escort 1 Found Property 4 Intoxicated Person 1 Investigation Follow Up 8 Medical Emergency 1
Monitor Facility/Lot 4 Motorist Assist: Jump Start 8 Motorist Assist: Unlock 8 Noise Violation 3 Other 8 Parking Lot Patrol 1 Patrol Vehicle: Maintenance 1 Patrol Vehicle: Refuel 3 Public Service 1 Report Writing 1 Suspicious Activity 2 Theft (non vehicle) 3 Traffic Hazard 1 Traffic Stop 10 Warrant Service 1 Welfare Check 4
Correction An unfinished version of the Opinion Page was printed in the Feb. 15 edition of the Optimist.
Volunteer Opp0rtunities Volunteers are needed to serve as judges for STAR Event competitions on Friday, Mar. 2, between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at ACU. You will sit and listen to student presentations and rank them using a rubric and score sheet. Contact Rebecca Self at 940-507-1695 or email rebecca.region2fccla@yahoo.com Disability Resources, Inc. is looking for volunteers to assist developmentally disabled residence. Help is needed with activities, art projects, reading books, exercise activities, assisting with
vocational training needs and other interactions Monday through Friday from 9 a.m-4 p.m. For more information contact Becky Moody at 325-6776815 or email bmoody@ driabilene.org. Volunteers are needed to read to Taylor Elementary School students Monday through Thursday afternoons at UCC from 3:15-4:30 p.m. Enter through the south entrance. Contact C.G. Grey 325-6682842. The Abilene Boys and Girls Club needs help any weekday between
3:30-6 p.m. helping children of all ages with games, art, gym time, reading and computer skills. Locations are 4610 N. 10th St. or 1902 Shelton St. Contact Mark Denman at 325672-1712 for more information. The Abilene Zoo needs volunteers to help with general labor any weekday between noon and 4 p.m. Contact Joy Harsh at 325-676-6487 for more information. For additional volunteer opportunities visit: www.acu.edu/campusoffices/slvr/vol_opps/
3A
campus news
friday 02.17.12
sing song
Sing Song attracts visitors, floods campus concert-like performances began during the middle managing editor of last semester and has run smoothly on-schedule Crowds will fill Moody Coli- through the past week leadseum for Sing Song 2012, ing up to the shows. Craig which will feature 14 social said it was tricky to keep all the different components of club and class acts. The 56th annual per- the shows on schedule. formance of the university tradition will attract large At the same time ... you’ve crowds from around the got people on the other state and throughout the country. Tom Craig, direcside working to turn Moody tor of student productions, into a concert venue.” said the event will again fill up Moody more than once. tom craig director of student “Most of our guests come productions in from out of town on Friday,” Craig said. “Over the “We had to coordinate course of three shows, we’ll have more than 8,000 peo- the upstage and downstage ple in the audience. Early in performances,” he said. “At the week we knew the Sat- the same time of all the difurday night show will be at ferent performances coming together, you’ve got people capacity.” Hunter Turner, sopho- on the other side working more information technolo- to turn Moody into a congy major from Trophy Club, cert venue. It takes about said his family had been 36 hours of work to estabplanning on coming for Sing lish concert lights, concert sound, concert setup, and it Song since last semester. “My sister told me she all comes together to make was going to come all the one creative event.” Kendyl Cooper, sophoway from Austin just for more convergence journalSing Song.” Turner said. Craig said he’s pleased ism major from Mineral to see how well the upstage Wells, said the practices have acts balance out the perfor- been tiring but it will all be mances downstage by the worth it this weekend. “I feel like all of our hosts and hostesses, jazz and percussion bands, and hard work has paid off and I have loved gaining four dance groups. “The jazz band will be friends thoughout it all,” playing in the pit in the Cooper said. “I’m excited middle of the downstage about being a part of my and the percussion band first Sing Song.” Craig remembered his will be on the floor,” Craig said. “In addition to that experience in Sing Song as a and the hosts and hostesses, student and from what he’s Shades, Santify, Omega and observed as director, it’s Swing Cats will also perform an experience that creates throughout the show.” see performance page 7A Preparation for the
mark smith
“
mandy lambright chief Photographer
The women of Sigma Theta Chi perform during Wednesday night’s full dress rehearsal.
administration
Provost search to begin initial interviews Interim Provost Straughn won’t apply for permanent position
“
son, dean of the Honors We’ve narrowed a pool of College, to chair this commanaging editor candidates for the initial mittee late last semester. Schubert asked the provost interviews, which will be the The deadline to apply for the at the time, Dr. Jeanine Varnext step in the process.” position of provost passed ner, to step down near the last week, and the provost end of last semester. Dr. dr. stephen johnson chair of the provost search committee will be- Greg Straughn, who began search committee gin the first interviews with as interim provost at the beginning of this semescandidates next week. “I’ve talked to Dr. SchuDr. Phil Schubert, presi- ter, said he decided to not dent of the university, ap- apply to be considered for bert and deans and several faculty members and told proached Dr. Stephen John- provost.
mark smith
them I’ve struggled with trying to decide whether to apply or not,” Straughn said. “But as I look at the needs of my family, this is not the right time for me to apply for the position of provost.” Johnson said the search reached one benchmark and is moving towards the next step in the course of finding the university’s chief
academic officer. “We reviewed the completed applications we received after the deadline and did an initial screening of those,” Johnson said. “We’ve narrowed a pool of candidates for the initial interviews, which will be the next step in the process. We’ll begin those next week, see Search page 7A
summit
Summit 2012 reveals theme based on story of Hosea marissa jones page 2 editor The Summit 2012 theme, “Intimacy: Return to God” will focus on the story of Hosea and how it is relevant to society. Elaine Heath, Walter Brueggemann, and Dallas Willard will participate as featured speakers. In the story, God tells Hosea, an Old Testament prophet, to marry a prostitute. Dr. Brady Bryce, director of ministry events, said it is not a typical ACU dat-
ing story. “We’re going to unpack the story of Hosea at great length this fall,” Bryce said. “It’s a story that has significant application for our contemporary world, and ACU Summit will be a place we can talk about some of these things and embrace them. It will stretch all of us.” Bryce anticipates riveting discussions to emerge during the 2012 Summit. “We’ve been having these conversations for 106 years, and the topics we’ve discussed and the
places we go don’t always feel safe,” Bryce said. “But at Summit, we have a safe place for conversation, not by dealing with safe issues, but creating a space where Christians can dialogue and embrace all kinds of views and perspectives.” Elaine Heath, McCreless associate professor of evangelism at Southern Methodist University, is an ordained minister in the United Methodist Church. She has been asked to speak about her book “The Gospel According to Twilight: Women, Sex and God.”
Walter Brueggemann, retired professor of Old Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary, focuses his study on Old Testament theology. He has more than 58 published books, most recently being “The Practice of the Prophetic Imagination,” released in January. Dallas Willard, professor in the School of Philosophy at the University of Southern California, is a renowned philosopher. Willard is a bestselling author, and his most recent book, “Knowing Christ
Today,” was published in May 2009. “I’m very excited about the speakers. It’s a really amazing group of folks,” Bryce said. “Dallas Willard has been especially formative in my own life, and I’m very excited about him being here.” Well-known Church of Christ ministers Mitch Wilburn, Colin Packer, Chris Goldman, Jeff Christian and Jerry Taylor have also been invited to speak and expand on the scripture of Hosea. Summit will also feature
the iron pour, a slam poetry concert, concerts featuring M.A. Double and The Light Parade, and a screening of FilmFest entries. “My hope is that when people leave Summit, they feel equipped to return to their field and minister,” Bryce said. “People will see how we all are unfaithful to God on some level, and we have a need to return to greater intimacy with God.” contact jones at mnj10a@acu.edu
opinion
FriDAY 02.17.12
6a
Editorial
Sing Song experience survives thru pain The first thing that comes to the mind when people involved in Sing Song think about the event is stress. More than 1,600 students across campus walk around like zombies for the week leading up to the big performances. They call in sick to work, hastily study for inconveniently scheduled exams, and clear the slate regarding anything else. When it seems that nothing else can keep their internal clocks ticking, they find a way to burst forth with enthusiasm on a stage set in the
same place they dozed off during Chapel just hours earlier. But when the source of their energy that keeps their clock hands turning – or pointing, fanning, jerking and other moves done in unison – is the same source of their weariness, there’s only one explanation. Sing Song may seem like pure madness but it provides the most prized memories. In the grand scheme of the production, one individual doesn’t make an enormous difference. The show will go on. But before the curtain lifts the
Sing Song faces come on. Really, no one can even really see the individual faces of members in the large acts, but everyone has been drilled by their directors to wear their Sing Song face. They’re drilled because as a whole, something as a little as smile makes a big difference. It makes the ACU difference. Students kid about the cheesy taglines of the university, but if there were anything that seperates ACU from other universities, or even other Christian universities, it’s Sing Song.
It’s an opportunity for students to be a part of something bigger than themselves. It’s the chance to take part in the history of what will some day be their alma mater. To be involved in Sing Song is to continue a legacy that began 55 years ago. Nearly 8,000 people will attend the three shows this weekend. More people come back for Sing Song than Homecoming so by putting on a show over and over again and spending hours of practice leading up to it, participants are the ones that
Oh Dear, Christian College
the issue Sing song is incredibly stressful for students, and it will wipe them out if they aren’t careful.
our take The memories, friendships and opportunities of Sing Song will last beyond the misery.
really get to say “welcome back” to the alumni. It is an experience that all ACU student have the opportunity to share. And Sing Song is the way that years down the road, we would like open arms extended to us. The massive production distinguishes the weak from the strong. It takes
Ben miller
a strong person to stand next to someone wearing a costume for hours with their arms swinging in the air. As we prepare for Sing Song we push our limits, and define new ones. contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu
column
Scheduling class is complicated business well, this is awkward
mark smith
Column
Life continues after Sing Song of the winners wears off, and while it is still considered a great accomplishment, it begins to fade. People all over campus enter a spring semester stupor that just does not seem to
once upon a hannah
hannah barnes
Sing Song weekend is here. Worn out, tired expressions are beginning to cover the faces of many. While the excitement of the performance is still in the air, underneath it all, our bodies and minds are exhausted. So what happens after the campus-stopping event is over? Classes will begin to meet regularly once again, and it’s time to play catch up. How long, though, will the Sing Song hangover last? Although it may seem that only those involved are worn out, they are not.
Professors are tired of students skipping classes to sleep in, tired of late work and students napping during class. Students are tired of hearing about Sing Song all over campus. The Optimist staff is tired of staying up all night to design Sing Song issues. Everyone is wiped out. My guess says this funk lasts the remainder of the semester. After putting four weeks worth of blood and sweat into the production, everyone, even those not involved in an act, are just plain tired. The excitement
“
After putting four weeks worth of blood and sweat into the production, everyone, even those not involved in an act, are just plain tired. “
contact barnes at hab07a@acu.edu
hashtagACU 1:18 p.m. Feb. 16
#oneofthosedays when i was awake for class and just said, nope. #SINGSONGWEEK
@CurtisChristian @claygreenwalt
Eight o’clocks are still never a good idea. Breaks between classes also offer homework time. But this strategy can backfire. Hope of a steady job with good hours and pay takes a big hit when
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Many students woke up for earlier than 7:15 or 7:30 to commute to high school on time every weekday, but college is completely different.”
you’re stuck on campus from 8-4 with two-hour breaks between classes. Why is waking up for eight o’clock classes so difficult? Many students woke up far earlier than 7:15 or 7:30 to commute to high school on time every weekday, but college is completely different. The bed becomes more than a bed; a safe haven. A cradle. A cloud in which to lie and sleep and dream. Then your roommate’s obnoxiously loud, jarring alarm wakes you 20 minutes before yours was set to sound. Scheduling classes for just the afternoon takes away time for homework and friends. However, eight o’clocks are never a good idea. contact smith at mds10a@acu.edu
10:28 a.m. Feb. 16
2:40 p.m. Feb. 15
It’s cute how sophomores crossing the street in front of Barrett want me to not hit them with my truck. Sorry you guys, it’s Sing Song week.
go away. So what do we do? Sober up, people. Only seniors have the right to senioritis. Remember, while Sing Song is great, it does not stop the world from going turning. Step up to the plate – play catch up and finish that homework that was due last month. Take a walk outside and refresh your mind. Refocus your life. Remind yourself what your goals are and take an aggressive step toward them. Read often, especially the Optimist. Don’t let yourself grow weary. The end of the year will come; but until then, admire the Sing Song winners and move forward very quickly.
A good class schedule requires the appropriate balance of time in classes and time to do homework. Because that is all that makes up the life of a college student. Is it a good idea to take mostly afternoon classes so you can sleep in, or is it better to get it all out of the way with eight o’clocks? Eight o’clocks are never, ever a good idea. But, it’s still good to try to get as many morning classes out of the way so afternoons are more free for things like homework. Trust me, having your first class on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1:30 isn’t as good as it sounds. Sleep doesn’t come early and though it stays late, it never satisfies. It’s incredibly hard to wake up early for Chapel when your first class start two and a half hours later. This schedule also disallows the opportunity to hang out with friends in the afternoon. While they’re at one of the many local exciting social attractions, you’re in your 3-4:20 class. Statistics from a recent study that I didn’t just make up show that this is the time frame most professors turn off lights to show boring videos. Further evidence proves this is also the block of time during which most students fall asleep in class. A report showing the chances of a direct relation between these two findings was inconclusive.
7:01 p.m. Feb. 15
Nunca pensé que llevaría una toga ni una falda...Mirame ahrita. #singsong
@TrentPickrell
I think that @natashabdnfield knew that I’d be doing tai chi today in women’s aerobics and that’s why she wrote “Unwritten”. Thanks, girly!
1:16 p.m. Feb. 16 12:25 p.m. Feb. 16
I’m doing it. I’m getting a pinterest.
“Man, I’m soo bummed that I’m not doing sing song this year, you guys...”
@grantste @AttackOfTheArch
@mackenzienorth
8:17 p.m. Feb. 15
3:19 p.m. Feb. 16
I have a cold. #singsongsuicide
i hope this dude working sing song security is getting some form of compensation because he is taking his job very very very seriously.
@hrjones13 @definetta
11:43 a.m. Feb. 15
There’s a guy that works at Sharky’s who looks just like Kanye West. Trips me out every time.
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.
published by the department of journalism and mass communication editorial and management board
Address letters to: ACU Box 27892 Abilene, TX 79609 E-mail letters to: optimist@acu.edu
I hate explaining Sing Song to people who live in Abilene. Shouldn’t you just know? #sassytweet
2:03 p.m. Feb. 15
Sing Song...nuff said.
@holleycraft
@lauraquile @natalie_fleet
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
1:05 p.m. Feb. 16
newsroom (325) 674-2439
9:31 p.m. Feb. 16
Yeah I run to class so I won’t be late...I’m a fifth year, cool is no longer a consideration.
@BrianCJohnston_
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7A
campus news
FRIDAY 02.17.12
sing song
Performance: Sing Song attracts visitors club will receive $1,000 for the charity it chooses prior memories and forms rela- to the shows. “The clubs get to help tionships that will last. “It’s all about the pro- others with their efforts,” cess of developing rela- Craig said. “This is the third tionships through work- year we’ve had that studenting together, and that’s created element. It gives the what makes Sing Song show more depth of meansuch a great experience,” ing.” Three Sing Song perforCraig said. “The relationships you develop along mances are scheduled this the way are the tangible weekend in Moody. Tickets things you get to take for the Friday show, beginaway from it, regardless of ning at 8 p.m., cost $16. The Saturday afternoon who wins.” The winners of the show will begin at 2 p.m. men’s voice, women’s and tickets are $18, and voice and mixed voice cat- the Saturday night show egories will be announced and awards presentation at the end of the final show starts at 8 p.m. and tickets on Saturday. Each winning are $24. continued from page 3A
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The relationships you develop along the way are the tangible things you get to take away from it, regardless of who wins.” tom craig director of student productions
Students with a valid ACU ID were able to see a preview show Thursday night for $5. For more information on Sing Song, visit www.acu. edu/singsong. contact smith at mds10a@acu.edu
administration
Search: Interviews to be initiated continued from page 3A and they’ll last for a couple weeks.” Johnson said the interviews will focus on finding how well each candidate fits the position. “The questions we’ll ask are shaped around the input we received from around campus,” Johnson said. “We’ve taken that information and put it in a position profile.” Johnson said the candidates’ abilities, knowledge and experience are all key to fitting the position profile. “We want to know about the breadth of their academic ability,” he said. “We’ll ask about their own scholarship and their administrative and academic leadership. There’s also questions about collegiality and collaboration and processes of how a university works.” Johnson said he’s been impressed with the applications this far. “We have excellent candidates,” he said. “I’m con-
fident in the capabilities of the people who have applied. I think it’s an impressive group of candidates and the process will secure an excellent provost and academic officer for ACU.” Johnson said all or almost all of the members of the committee will be present at each interview. “Our goal is to have no more than one or two not present at each interview,” he said. Straughn was the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences before assuming the position of interim provost. He informed Schubert and the search committee of his decision. “I told the committee my intentions so they could openly acknowledge that when they were interviewing potential candidates,” he said. “It’s important for the search process to know whether or not the interim is going to apply, and I knew it was important for me to communicate my decision as early in the process as I could.”
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This is not the right time for me to apply for the position of provost.” Dr. greg straughn interim provost
Straughn said the next provost will have a full schedule and should expect a busy experience in the position. “Something comes up new to my experience or something I haven’t been a part of before constantly,” Straughn said. “It’s been challenging, invigorating and exhausting, and yet I feel like it’s a service to the university.” The provost search committee will continue to accept applications as the Feb. 6 deadline was for optimal consideration but not a hard deadline. Johnson said no applications have been turned in since the deadline. contact smith at mds10a@acu.edu
campus news
Friday 02.17.12
8A
sports
friDAY 02.17.12
football
1B
standings men’s basketball
FAITH & FOOTBALL Collums brings By: Austin Gwin
radical change to coaching post
Team
Div.
Ovrl.
MSU TSU WTAMU UIW Cameron TAMU-K ENMU ACU ASU Commerce
14-2 13-2 10-5 11-6 9-7 7-10 6-9 3-12 3-12 2-13
21-2 22-3 16-6 16-9 13-9 12-14 13-11 11-14 10-15 7-16
women’s basketball
Team
Div.
Ovrl.
TSU MSU WTAMU Cameron ASU TWU UIW TAMU-K ENMU ACU Commerce
16-1 14-3 13-4 11-7 9-8 7-10 7-11 7-11 6-11 5-12 0-17
19-6 18-5 15-8 15-8 11-12 12-11 12-12 8-16 8-15 10-13 1-22
Team
Div.
Ovrl.
WTAMU TAMU-K TSU ACU ASU ENMU Cameron UIW
0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
2-0 5-1 4-1 6-2 6-2 2-1 6-4 1-2
Baseball
briefings
taylor langston sports producer
New head football coach Ken Collums speaks with several of his players. Collums takes over for Chris Thomsen who will be the offensive line coach for Texas Tech University. Collums served as the offensive coordinator for the Wildcats for seven years. In those seven years, ACU averaged over 468.4 yards of offense and 39 points per game. Collums has never held a head coaching position. After a failed stint as an ACU coach, Ken Collums wasn’t about to go back. His best friend and fellow University of Central Arkansas coach Chris Thomsen had been offered the newly opened head coaching gig, and he wanted to bring Collums with him as his offensive coordinator. “(Thomsen) took this job, and I told him it was crazy,” Collums said. “I thought you couldn’t win here, that’s how sick I was.” For two years in the late 1990s Chris Thomsen and Ken Collums coached together at ACU, Thomsen as the offensive coordinator and Collums as the quarterbacks/wide receivers coach. After back to back 4-6 seasons, both were fired. “I said ‘There is a 95% chance I’m not going with
you to ACU, bro. If you want to go commit career suicide, then do it. I’m still going to love you, and I’ll help you when you’re done’,” Collums said. A week later, after prayer and thought, Collums decided to come back with Thomsen to coach the Wildcats. “Through the course of that week, God changed my heart and I started to see the possibilities instead of the challenges,” Collums said. “I knew it was the right thing to do because God put it in my heart.” What Collums didn’t know was what kind of success ACU would have. In fact, his goal coming into the 2005 season was just win enough games to not get fired again. In that 2005 season, Thomsen and Collums again tallied just four wins, but this time they
did it with a different approach to coaching. “We wanted to take coaching and do it in a radically different way from society and from normal coaching,” Collums said. “We had talked for years about running a program that will honor God. The number one thing that we wanted to do when we walk in is showing these guys what being a Christian man is all about.” Thomsen and Collums figured that if they made that the goal of the program, then God would surely bless them. The blessings started to show in the 2006 season. That year, ACU made the playoffs for the first time since going Division II, and although they lost in the first round, it was a start for the two coaches.
WOmen’s BAsketball
“In ‘06 our guys bought in to what we were doing,” Collums said. “In that entire year, we lost only one fumble. When you stop losing fumbles, you know your guys have bought in. We had to fight for those wins, but after that the thing just took off.” Since that season, ACU has yet to miss the playoffs, and has established itself as one of the premiere Div. II football schools in the nation. Both Thomsen and Collums set numerous offensive records while coaching future NFL stars in Bernard Scott, Johnny Knox, Edmond Gates, and Danieal Manning. The stats for Collums speak for themselves. In seven seasons as the offensive coodinator, he ran an offense that ranked in the top seven in the na-
tion five times. In 2010, he was the FootballScoop.com D2 Coordinator of the Year. Perhaps the most impressive stat took place in the 2007 season. That year the ACU Wildcats became the first team in NCAA history to boast a 3,500 yard passer (Billy Malone), a 2,000 yard rusher (Scott) and two 1,000 yard receivers (Knox, Jerale Baden). What doesn’t show up on the stat sheet though is what Collums and the rest of the staff are instilling in the players off the field. In Collums mind, both he and the players are fighting the same fight. “I’m going to demand the best out of them everyday. I don’t give a dang what it is, if its on the field
Soccer added two players to the 2012 roster. Lindsey Jones from McKinney Boyd (Texas) High School and Krystal Sommers from Clear Springs High School will become Wildcats next season. Jones was a member of the 2011 state championship team at McKinney. Sommers played four years of varsity soccer. The Second-Annual Volleyball Alumni Weekend has been scheduled for March 31. This year, the event will feature a match between alumni and current members of the volleyball team. It will begin shortly after the Wildcats’ spring volleyball tournament. Alumni who wish to attend must register by March 19.
Player Profile
Junior point guard see coach page 9B Marc Little has been on fire in the last week, scoring in double figures each of the last two games, including a team high fourteen points against the Incarnate Word Cardinals on Wednesday night. Little is a transfer student from New Mexico Junior College, where he shot forty percent from behind the arc during his time as a New Mexico JC Thunderbird.
‘Cats continue fight for playoffs natalie goin sports editor Playing with the hopes of post-season run, the Wildcats stomped out Incarnate Word on the road Wednesday night. Tied 34-34 at halftime, the ‘Cats came back with a chance to take it all. In what seemed to be a close game, ACU was finally able to pull away from the Cardinals late in the second half. In the final minutes of the game, the Wildcats quickly replaced their lead from single to double digits. In a 60-55 game, Cecilee Perez banked two free throws followed a Renata Marquez jump shot. Junior center Kelsey Smith continued the momentum with another shot upping the score 66-55. Sophomore Mack Lankford ensured the win with a layup, and in a matter of minutes, the ‘Cats were up by 17 points, and just over 1:00 on the clock. “Having confidence in each other and making the right passes helped us to score big in the end,” said freshman center Paige Parliament.
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Obviously this was a big win for us, and we just have to continue to take one game at a time.” shawna Lavender Head Coach ACU Women’s basketball
Lankford led the game in points scored, finishing with 25 points. Smith followed with 21 points, 19 rebounds, five assists, and three steals. Marquez also was a huge assest to the team’s success with 15 points, five rebounds, four steals, and one assist. “We put together another solid 40 minutes and came up with a huge road win,” head coach Shawna Lavender said. “We were very aggressive tonight and controlled the tempo of the game.” Parliament agreed that the defense played a huge role in their success. “Having a new zone defense really helped us get a new start,” Parliament said. The win over the Incarnate Word improves the ‘Cats record to 10-13 overall and 5-12 in the Lone Star Conference. The Cardinals fell 12-12 and 7-12 after the loss.
The top eight teams in the conference all eligible to compete in the LSC PostSeason tournament following the regular season at the end of the month. “We just have to keep playing like we have nothing to lose,” said Parliament. After Wednesday night’s win, ACU is 1.5 games behind the current eighth place team, Texas A&M Kingsville. The Wildcats return to their LSC tournament run Sunday, when they host Texas A&M Kingsville here in Abilene. “Obviously this was a big win for us, and we just have to continue to take one game at a time,” Lavender said. As both teams press forward in hopes of a position in the tournament, Sunday’s game would be a critical win on either side. “Sunday we are going to have to be just as physical with them as they are with us,” said Parliament. “We just need to keep our heads up and continue to press on.”
Upcoming The men’s basketball team will play Kingsville in Moody Coliseum on Sunday at 4 p.m. The women’s basketball team will face Kingsville in Moody Coliseum on Sunday at 2 p.m.
mandy lambright CHIEF Photographer contact goin at nsg10b@acu.edu
Sophomore forward Renata Marquez dribbles the ball down the court versus ENMU in Moody.
The baseball team will compete against Southern Arkansas at Crutcher Scott Field on Friday and Saturday beginning at 4:05 p.m.
sports
friDAY 02.17.12
2B
baseball
Wildcats face tough, ranked SAU squad edward isaacs sports editor The Wildcat baseball team will put its five-game winning streak on the line this weekend against No. 22 Southern Arkansas University. The three-game series begins on Friday at 4:05 p.m. Saturday, ACU will play a doubleheader starting at 1:05 p.m. The first game of the doubleheader is a seven inning match-up, while the second is nine innings. The ‘Cats are coming off their best performance of this young season. In four games against Colorado Christian University, ACU batted .338 and outscored the Cougars by 23 runs. Pitching also improved. The team only allowed CCU to score 13 runs. Southern Arkansas (42) contends in the Great American Conference and are the favorites to win the conference championship.
Head coach Britt Bonneau feels his team must limit its mistakes if they expect to win the series. “This is a team that really pitches well and has a lot of speed,” Bonneau said. “We have to be perfect in a lot of areas. If we aren’t, good teams will take advantage of that.” SAU had an overall record of 36-16 last season. The team won the Gulf South Conference championship and advanced to the NCAA Division II South Regional in Pensacola, Fla. Junior Travis Schuetze thinks highly of Southern Arkansas. “They are one of the better teams in Division II,” Schuetze said. “They always produce a good squad. Our goal is to minimize mistakes and not leave hitters on base.” The Muleriders returned their second leading batter from last year, shortstop Trey Buck, who
is hitting .409 with a .519 on-base percentage. Another notable returner is starting pitcher Doug Shields. He has yet to give up an earned run or an extra-base hit through 8.0 innings of work. Shields has struck out seven batters and only walked one. As a team this season, Southern Arkansas is batting .337. Opponents are hitting .268 versus SAU pitchers who have posted an ERA of 4.21. Bonneau wants the Wildcats to play at a high level. “Southern Arkansas is a team that is well respected around the country,” said Bonneau. “This will definitely be a good test for us,” Schuetze said. “Anytime you play a good team your strengths and weaknesses become more clear.” contact isaacs at jei08a@acu.edu
mandy lambright chief Photographer
Senior first baseman Mark Bailey gets the out for the Wildcats against Arkansas Tech.
tennis
Men, women fall in weekend tournament bryson shake sports reporter The Lamar Cardinals tennis teams were unkind visitors to Abilene, as their men’s and women’s tennis teams trumped the Abilene Christian teams Sunday at the Thompson Family Center. The ACU men fell 4-3, while the women lost 5-2 at the hands of the Division I Cardinals. The loss on the women’s side marks the team’s first loss of the season. “My main hope following the loss is that we learn some things from it,” head coach Hutton Jones said.
“Lamar is a great team, and those matches were a battle. We competed at a very high level, and I’m hoping we grow from the losses. In the grand scheme of things, these losses were not detrimental.” On the women’s side, No. 6 ACU (5-1) could not extend its five-match winning streak against the Cardinals (2-3). The team started the match losing the doubles point, before losing four of the six singles matches that followed. “Lamar just had our number,” Jones said. “I don’t think we were as focused or intense as we
had been leading up to this point in the season. We are better than those matches showed. As a team, we were very surprised to lose that match. Take nothing away from Lamar, but I felt we didn’t play our best tennis.” Sophomore Micah Hermsdorf over Lamar’s No. 2 player Natalia Mayagoitia 7-5, 6-3 to retain her unbeaten record of 6-0. “I was down 2-5 and the weather was pretty bad, but I kept telling myself to not give up and keep fighting,” Hermsdorf said. “My mentality was to take it one point at a time, and I ended up com-
ing back 7-5, and then I won the second set. It was an intense match, and a great reminder to myself to never give up.” Sophomore Felicity Delgado improved to 5-0 with her 6-2, 6-0 win over Helene Czudek. The doubles duo of Laura Mongin and Brittney Reed won ACU’s lone doubles match 8-1. ACU’s top doubles team of Julia Mongin and Hermsdorf lost a backand-forth 8-6 match. On the men’s side, the Cardinals (1-2) clinched the 5 singles match. Lamar’s Carlos Valdenebro held off a vicious come-
back by freshman Guilherme Gesser in the match. “The whole thing came down to the final match and everyone was watching,” Jones said. Guilherme lost 7-6 in the third, but boy, did he ever compete. He gave it everything he had, and that made me proud. For a freshman to be in a spot like that and almost pull it out is quite a feat.” Gesser lost the first set 6-1, but won the second set 7-6 before losing the least one. Sophomore Hans Hach and freshman Michael Morris each won their singles matches and as the No. 3 doubles team. Hach then improved
his singles record to 6-2 with a win in straight sets over Denis Ermilov following the doubles win. Morris followed by beating Mikko Rajamaki in the No. 6 spot for his second victory of the season. At the No. 4 singles spot, freshman Borja Cortes won 6-3, 7-5 to even his season record to 4-4. The men’s team will continue its season February 25 at home, while the women’s team will travel to Kentucky and Tennessee to play several opponents. contact shake at bxs09a@acu.edu
3B
campus news
friday 02.17.12
sing song
Sing Song-generated revenue covers costs hannah barnes editor-in-chief
mandy lambright chief Photographer
Paige Baumgartner, sophomore accounting major from Carollton, stays late in the Don Morris Center to work on her sculpture after Wednesday night’s Sing Song dress rehearsal.
The funds necessary to cover the production of Sing Song are more than covered by the revenue from ticket sales, sponsorship from other organizations and auxiliary sales, said Tom Craig, director of student productions. “Sing Song is a self-funding event,” Craig said. “Everything we make pays for the show – the sound system, lights, the stage.” The Abilene Cultural Affairs Council sponsored a portion of Sing Song 2012. “They give us a grant that is designed for performing arts,” Craig said. “They like to help us because we enhance the arts in Abilene.” The ACU Alumni Associ-
fundraising
President’s Circle to feature student performance jozie sands opinion page editor The annual President’s Circle dinner will take place Saturday in the Teague Special Events Center. President’s Circle Level donors are invited to enjoy a meal and a series of musical and theatrical performances by students. “It’s an evening of celebration,” said Phil Boone, vice president of advancement. “Our hope is that by the time guests leave they feel even better about giving their resources to help our current and future students.” The President’s Circle consists of individuals who have donated more than $1,000 to the university in a calendar year. More than 700 donors give at this lev-
el, but only about 550 attend the dinner each year. The dinner began in 1969 under the last year of Don H. Morris’ presidency. Daniel Burgner, a ‘10 alum, attended once as a student and plans to make the trip from Boston to go to Sing Song and attend the dinner this year. Burgner said he gives to ACU because he received an outstanding education in an environment conclusive to growth in faith and academics, and he wants other students to receive the same opportunity. “I was a student on financial aid, and I know scholarships are made possible by our current donors, Burgner said. “It is important for alumni to give back to ACU because it allows the school to offer more financial aid to students who deserve to come to the Hill
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I was a student on financial aid and I know scholarships are made possible by our current donors.” daniel burgner ‘10 alum
but feel they can’t because of their family’s financial situation.” Students will provide entertainment during the dinner. In the past, the guests watched a 30-minute film showcasing some of the students who received scholarship money. Boone said this year’s event will include a few two-to-three-minute videos along with three stages with musical and theatrical performances. “There are very few students – if any – who will be participating who didn’t
benefit from scholarship money,” Boone said. “We want the donors to see and say, ‘Wow, look at the talent, look how those students are growing’.” Burgner said another reason for donating is that it increases the value of his education along with offering opportunities to other students. Many national university rankings systems take alumni support into consideration, and the higher ACU is ranked, the more his diploma is worth. “I donate at the President’s Circle Level for two reasons: because I love ACU, and to impress my girlfriend,” Burgner said. “I’m kidding. But seriously, she loves it.” contact sands at jgs07a@acu.edu
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Sing Song is a self-funding event. Everything we make pays for the show – the sound system, lights, the stage.”
ation also provides some of the funding for the show. Together, the three shows draw about 8,000 guests, many of which are alumni and parents of students, Craig said. “We make enough money to be able to offer upstage winners prize money,” Craig said. Winners from each of the three categories, women’s social clubs, men’s social clubs and mixed voices, will receive $1,000 in prize money to donate to the charity of their choice. Audience members can
tom craig director of student productions
also purchase Sing Song themed T-shirts and DVDs at www.acu.edu/singsong or in the Moody concourse. Mallorie Frank, campus activities coordinator and assistant director, said auxiliary sales also help revenue. “Parents can order flowers online, and pick them up here,” Frank said. Online ordering for flowers ended Thursday.
contact barnes at hab07a@acu.edu
SING SONG 2012
FRIDAY 02.17.12
SING SONG HISTORY
4B
5 6 YE A RS OF
1957 - The Song Begins The dream of Bob Hunter, current senior vice-president emeritus, Sing Song was billed as a chance to prove ACU’s reputation as “The Singing College.” Twenty-three clubs and organizations paid the $2 fee to enter the single category competition. Former university president, Dr. Bill Teague, served as master of ceremonies while Galaxy took home the title and a certificate for “recognition of choral achievement.”
1968 - Move to Moody Sing Song takes Moody stage for first time after stints at Abilene High School, Sewell Auditorium and others.
1973 - Sing Song “Out of Hand?” An Optimist columnist warns that “student rehearsals have reached the point where they interfere with other activities.”
1976 - Clean Sweep! The Class of ‘76 became the first to win the Mixed Vocals division all four years.
1975 - Boycott Ignored SA President Kelly Utsinger urged students to boycott Sing Song in reaction to administrative decisions. No one listened.
1983 - Stepping Stone
1973 - Dean of Song
Host Nelson Coates would later go on to win an Emmy for his production design.
Dr. Jack Reese, now Dean of the Graduate School of Theology, served as sing song host.
2001 - Host of Talent Now teaching Bible classes at ACU, David Kneip took stage as host in the new millennium.
1993 - Big Purple Participation
2000 - A Sing Song Proposal
Booed after their third straight win, the Big Purple Marching Band decides to withdraw from future Sing Songs.
During the Saturday night performance, host John Gilson popped the question to is girlfriend, hostess Tara Wilfong.
Record Holders Men’s Social Clubs Women’s Social Clubs
Gamma Sigma Phi (16) Frater Sodalis (6) Sub T-16 (2) Pi Kappa (1)
Sigma Theta Chi (17) Ko Jo Kai (16) Delta Theta (10) GATA (9) Zeta Rho (1)
Freshmen (20)
Mixed Voices
Sophomores (13) Seniors (10) Juniors (8) The Big Purple Marching Band (3)
Longest Streaks & Class Sweeps Galaxy
Four for Four Class of ‘76
Sigma Theta Chi
Class of ‘86
Class of ‘98
After judges publicly crowned Alpha Kai Omega winner, after an hour long recount the trophy to Sigma Theta Chi.
Past Winners
Which Clubs & Classes Can Boast the Most? Galaxy (25)
2006 - Did We Say That?
Men’s Social Clubs 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
Knights Knights Galaxy Knights Galaxy Phi Delta Phi Frater Sodalis Galaxy Galaxy Phi Delta Phi Phi Delta Phi & Sub T Frater Sodalis Galaxy Galaxy Frater Sodalis Kinsman Frater Sodalis Galaxy Kinsman Frater Sodalis Galaxy Galaxy Galaxy Galaxy Frater Sodalis Galaxy Sub T-16 Galaxy Galaxy Galaxy Galaxy Galaxy Galaxy Galaxy Gamma Sigma Phi Gamma Sigma Phi Galaxy Gamma Sigma Phi Gamma Sigma Phi Galaxy Galaxy Gamma Sigma Phi Galaxy Pi Kappa Gamma Sigma Phi Gamma Sigma Phi Gamma Sigma Phi Gamma Sigma Phi Gamma Sigma Phi Gamma Sigma Phi Galaxy Gamma Sigma Phi Gamma Sigma Phi Gamma Sigma Phi
Women’s Social Clubs Pandora GATA GATA Delta Theta Delta Theta Delta Theta Delta Theta Zeta Rho Ko Jo Kai Delta Theta Delta Theta Delta Theta GATA Delta Theta Ko Jo Kai Sigma Theta Chi Sigma Theta Chi Delta Theta GATA Delta Theta GATA & Siggies GATA GATA Sigma Theta Chi GATA Ko Jo Kai Sigma Theta Chi Sigma Theta Chi GATA & Ko Jo Kai Sigma Theta Chi Ko Jo Kai Ko Jo Kai Tri Kappa Gamma Ko Jo Kai Tri Kappa Gamma Ko Jo Kai Ko Jo Kai Ko Jo Kai Ko Jo Kai Sigma Theta Chi Sigma Theta Chi Ko Jo Kai Sigma Theta Chi Ko Jo Kai Sigma Theta Chi Sigma Theta Chi Sigma Theta Chi Sigma Theta Chi Sigma Theta Chi Sigma Theta Chi Ko Jo Kai Ko Jo Kai Sigma Theta Chi Ko Jo Kai
Mixed Voices --------------------Seniors Freshmen Freshmen Juniors Seniors Freshmen Freshmen Sophomores Freshmen Freshmen Freshmen Sophomores Freshmen Freshmen Freshmen Freshmen & Soph. Juniors Seniors Seniors Freshmen Seniors Freshmen Sophomores Sophomores Freshmen Sophomores Juniors Seniors Sophomores Sophomores Juniors Seniors The Big Purple The Big Purple The Big Purple Juniors Freshmen Sophomores Juniors Seniors Sophomores Juniors Freshmen Sophomores Freshmen Seniors Freshmen Freshmen Juniors Seniors Sophomores Freshmen Sophomores
5b
news
friday 02.17.12
sing song
Downstage acts polish show leigh foith online managing editor This year’s hosts and hostesses have been preparing for months hoping to impress the audience with unique acts. While upstage acts have been practicing since the beginning of the spring semester, the six hosts and hostesses have been hard at work for the past three months. Hosts and hostesses practice vocals every weekday with vocals coach Kristin Ward, as well as conducting several joint rehearsals with the jazz band throughout the week. Dance practices are scheduled at least three times a week with instructor Keri Wilkerson. Hostess Brynn Smith, junior musical theatre major from Fort Worth, knew
she wanted to be a hostess after attending Sing Song a couple times. “I had to petition the theatre department to be involved.” Smith said. “My major is very vocally demanding, but this is the first show that is not a musical theatre style show. It is very refreshing.” Tom Craig, director of student productions, sees this year’s performance more holistically, combining dance, song and instruments together for the downstage acts. “Every year song choices and selection are tailored to the strengths of that particular group. We’re integrating dance groups, host and hostesses and the percussion ensemble together to create a unique and entertaining show.” Craig, Kristin Ward, and
several other members of the Sing Song production staff chose the feature songs for each host and hostess. Vocal range and capability, whether the songs mesh well with the jazz band and integration of ACU culture are all major factors in song selection and arrangement. Host Isaac Wright, junior exercise science major from Abilene, said with the amount of energy and fun in the show, the songs chosen are perfectly tailored to theme, “Wild at Heart.” Wright said one of his favorite parts of the show is the combination of “Put a Little Love in Your Heart” and “Don’t Go Breaking my Heart.” “I love the energy and fun that goes into the mashup,” Wright said. Host Chris Randell, senior business marketing
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I love being able to reinforce the fact that everyone can sing.” chris randell senior business marketing major from Abilene
major from Abilene, loves the performance aspect of the show and is excited to share his excitement and energy with the audience. “I love being able to reinforce the fact that everyone can sing, and you don’t have to be perfect at it to enjoy doing it.” Randell said. “In fact, I’m definitely not perfect at it or the best, but I do it because I love it.” Mandy lambright chief Photographer contact foith at lmf08a@acu.edu
The Sing Song hosts and hostesses give ACU students a preview of the upcoming show in Chapel Wednesday.
sing song
Judges prepare for performance weekend samantha sutherland features editor Sing Song judges are anticipating the opportunity to provide feedback for the student performances this weekend. Tom Craig, director of student productions, said 30 judges will participate, with 10 judges per show. Seven judges evaluate the category for each evening, and three judge vocals. Judges fill out a score sheet for the groups every night. Score sheets are collected and compiled using an Excel program developed by Jeff Arrington, associate vice president for student life, which extrapolates the information and processes the results. Category winners will
be announced at the end of every show, and vocals are judged with a cumulative score to be announced Saturday night, Craig said. Judges look at how original each concept is, how creatively the concept is executed, how cohesive the act is, how the parts of the act fit together, how good the vocals are and how entertaining and how engaging it is for the audience, Craig said. John Delony, assistant dean for residence life and education, will judge Saturday night’s show, and said he looks for acts that are fun for the audience to watch. “It’s essentially a competitive arm waving competition,” Delony said. “The best thing is that we’re all able to suspend reality for
a night and focus on the production.” Delony said he tries to stay out of the loop about Sing Song activity before he judges so he can allow the whole thing to unfold during the actual performance without ruining the surprise of the acts. Delony said he enjoys judging the shows because they are fun to watch. He said an important thing students can walk away from Sing Song with is the ability to create something from nothing. “They can take something that originated in a student’s head and turn it into a big majestic production that is performed in front of thousands of people,” Delony said. “The most amazing thing is that it’s so student driven and so unique to ACU.”
The overall winners are also announced Saturday night and receive a trophy that is passed down from year to year. Also, the three overall winners, one in each category of men, women and mixed voices, receive $1,000 to contribute to a charity of their choice. “That’s a neat thing,” Craig said. “While the students are working for bragging rights, they also have the opportunity to turn their efforts into something good for an organization that they think is good.” Judges are selected from three distinct areas. Individuals are selected who have musical knowledge outside of the ACU community, who don’t know the students but who know music well. Judges also come from the
faculty and staff who know the ACU culture and know what Sing Song is all about. Judges are drawn from the ACU alumni base. They are people who have actually been in Sing Song, typically in key leadership roles, that have been graduated for more than 10 years. These past participants know the inner workings of Sing Song and what it takes to put on an act. “Alumni are the people are the most excited about being a judge, because they know firsthand what the students pour into the show itself to make it happen onstage in Moody,” Craig said. “It’s exciting for them because they see some of the things they do as students still come to life onstage.” Craig said some current students already eager for
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The most amazing thing is that it’s so student driven and so unique to ACU.” dr. john delony assistant dean for residence life and education
the opportunity to become a judge themselves. “Because once they go through the process,” Craig said. “They develop an affinity for the people they work with but also for the university as a whole because we’ve created this experience where people get to work together and create something good in a very positive environment.” contact sutherland at sns08a@acu.edu
Campus news
friday 02.17.12
6B
sing song
Sing Song practices double as theme parties marissa jones page 2 editor
leslie lewis Staff Photographer
Stephen Estrada, freshman nutrition major from San Antonio, stops to enjoy a few cookies in his Robin Hood costume during a freshman Sing Song practice. The theme for the practice was, “Third Grade Career Day.”
To lessen the stress and chaos of preparing for Sing Song, some groups decided to turn practices into costume parties by encouraging students to dress up according to various themes. Andrew Tate, freshman pre-med biology major from Abilene and director of the freshman act, was inspired by the junior Sing Song act to host themed practices. “They have had themed nights since their freshman year. It seemed like a great way to get people excited to practice and have fun. Also, I wanted to help Zeke show off the depth of his closet.” Zeke Morgan, freshman psychology major from Keller and communications director for the freshman act, was the brains behind each theme. “I’ll admit, I was a little selfish when I was picking themes,” Morgan said. “I basically examined my wardrobe and picked themes that I could participate in and figured enough people could put
recruiting
Prospective students to visit campus during Sing Song jimmy isbell staff reporter More than 150 prospective students will visit campus during this whirlwind weekend. With Sing Song and the President’s Circle Dinner taking place this weekend, there will be plenty of activity on campus to keep visitors entertained. “Some are coming because this is the day that worked for them, and they aren’t necessarily aware
that it’s a big weekend on campus other than it’s just a big visit day, because it is one of only four preview days for this spring,” said Tamara Long, directory of enrollment services. Of the 177 prospective students and their families visiting campus this weekend, 50 are legacies, students who have a direct connection to ACU through a family member who is an alum. Martha Marquez, ‘11 alum, said she started de-
veloping Sing Song skills as a freshman, though she was unaware of it at the time. “I didn’t have a single idea of what Sing Song was about, until Freshman Follies when you start practicing and you learn from these moves and ask yourself, ‘Where did they come from?’ so slowly I guess freshman year you just learn from your peers, older students and your professors what Sing Song is all about,” Marquez said. About 1,500 students
organizations
Dance groups to perform in Sing Song nikki wilson staff reporter Sanctify and Shades, two campus dance teams, are performing in several dance routines between upstage acts at Sing Song 2012. They are among the many groups participating in the show. The groups practice schedules were somewhat intensified due to the number of routines they are performing. Jacob Kilpatrick, sophomore youth and family ministry major from Mesquite, is one of the captains of Sanctify. He said his group participating in Sing Song as a blessing. With practices happening multiple times a week, Kilpatrick said they will continue to work for a great performance they’ve been hoping for. “It’s been really fun, mainly because we all love the energy of Sing Song. We
treat every rehearsal the same. We never want to put something sloppy on stage, so this is still very fun,” Kilpatrick said. Several Sanctify members said they are new dancers, and freshman on the team as well, so the Sing Song experience is very exciting to be involved with for the first time. Along with Sanctify, is the energetic step team Shades. Members said that from the audition process to preparing for Sing Song, this group is excited and intense with preparation. The bond they share is what several members love the most about being a part of the Sing Song experience, said Lindsay Palmer, freshman psychology major from Houston. The reason she became a member was because of the atmosphere the group created. “We really are a family. We work hard, so it can be a little intense,” Palmer
said. “It is fun because the people in our group make it great. It’s completely worth it.” Several of the members of Shades are in several other routines, but over all they look forward to their big performance together. With the group supporting each other, rehearsals for Sing Song increased to prepare for a great show. “Last semester we practiced twice a week, but this semester is more intense because we have to get those steps perfect,” Palmer said. Knowing how important Sing Song is to ACU, both teams are excited to get the show started and put all their hard work to use. Both Kilpatrick and Palmer agree, “All the hard work is completely worth it, we love Sing Song.” contact wilson at naw10a@acu.edu
campus
Police prepare for piled parking jimmy isbell staff reporter Campus will be swamped with more than 3,000 extra vehicles during Sing Song weekend. Two shows and the President’s Circle Dinner on Saturday make for a busy day at for the ACU Police Department. ACU Chief of Police, Jimmy Ellison deals obstacles that arise throughout the weekend. Ellison said preparation is the best way to avoid frustration. “Arrive early, plan accordingly, expect congested parking and have a positive mind set,” Ellison said. The Teague Special Events Center lot and half of the Big Purple lot will be reserved Saturday af-
ternoon and evening for President’s Circle Dinner attendees. Uniformed ACU Police officers, as well as student workers will be present to direct traffic through campus lots. Orange cones will define restricted areas, and tickets will be issued to those who park in these zones. ACU’s Sgt. Rick Woodard, event coordinator, believes the parking lots surrounding ACU Drive are the most overlooked, and are the best option when the Teague lots are full or reserved. “Christian Valet, a local valet parking service will on hand to assist anyone attending The President’s Circle Dinner,” Woodard said. Students will have to
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Arrive early, plan accordingly, expect congested parking and have a positive mind set.” jimmy ellison ACU Police Chief
apply to the same rules for parking on campus during this weekend as well. This means that Friday afternoon students cannot park in a faculty lots before five. “We’re probably not going to be issuing many permit-related citations because we’re going to have so many visitors on campus,” Woodard said. contact isbell at jri10a@acu.edu
participate in the tradition that began in 1957. “It’s what we do. I mean, I know when people hear about ACU they think of Sing Song. It’s just really neat to see the student body coming together, and working together, and learning things together. It’s a neat experience.” Marquez said. contact isbell at jri10a@acu.edu
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We typically started practice with taking pictures with each other in our costumes.”
something together for it to be fun.” Freshman wore pajama, country and movie character costumes and 80’s style clothing during the theme nights. Morgan enjoyed the enthusiastic way freshmen participated. “We thought it would be a simple and really fun way to add a little extra excitement to practices,” Morgan said. “It was really cool getting to see how everyone showed up. We typically started practice with taking pictures with each other in our costumes.” Sigma Theta Chi has a tradition of theme nights that was preserved by Meredith Morgan, senior music education major from Arlington and director of Sigma Theta Chi’s act. “We have done themed practices every year that I have been in club and I’m assuming for several years
zeke morgan freshman act communications director
before then,” Morgan said. “It’s a great way to shake up the normal pace of rehearsals and allow the girls to have fun and be creative during rehearsals.” The Siggies’ theme nights included a ”Wild at Heart” night and a Harry Potter night. “For Wild at Heart night, we asked the girls to be creative and dress like people they might meet at a firework stand, and for Harry Potter night they dressed as characters from the books,” Morgan said. “It may seem silly to have themed rehearsals, but it really helps to ensure that everyone is having a good time and gives girls an opportunity to be involved in rehearsals that may not have had another role.” contact jones at mnj10a@acu.edu
7B
news
FRIDAY 02.17.12
university
Committee to evaluate identity, mission mark smith managing editor The Board of Trustees will meet this weekend while a document that will reevaluate the university’s mission and identity is still under review. The board usually meets every Sing Song weekend to discuss the university’s budget and other key business. However, this meeting will be different as it will review the Document Committee’s articulation of the university’s heritage and fu-
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ture and whatever changes may be necessary. Dr. Barry Packer, ACU Board of Trustees chair, said in an email the changing culture and the Church of Christ prompted the board to actively see what kind of impact this will have on the university. “The board believed it was to wise to proactively review our identity and mission in light of these changes and our past commitments,” Packer said. “We have spent significant time studying and understanding ACU’s history as
We have overwhelming reaffirmed our commitment to the best values of our heritage in Churches of Christ.” dr. barry packer Board of trustees chair
it relates to our heritage in Churches of Christ.” Packer said throughout the year-long discussion over the document, the board remains committed to the university’s roots in the Church of Christ. “We have sought to understand the impact secularization has had historically among faith-based colleges and universities,” he said. “We have also sought to understand the current times in which we live and the current status of our religious heritage. In the conversations the board has had over the past year, we have overwhelmingly reaffirmed our commitment to the best values of our heritage in Churches of Christ.” Packer appointed the Document Committee during the summer to prepare this document that would
reflect the board’s view. He said the committee’s purpose is to create an accurate document that reflects the board’s perspective of ACU’s mission and identity. He said the document’s written purpose is: “To articulate what it means for ACU to be an institution of higher education in the Stone-Campbell heritage, particularly as expressed in Churches of Christ, and to provide from the finest values of that heritage the guiding principles, substantiated by the Gospel, that will shape ACU and its constituencies. Packer said Document Committee decisions won’t directly affect the university’s direction, but the board’s perspective. “The committee will have little impact on the university as its task is simply to reflect the perspec-
sing song
Rec Center gyms transform into Sing Song green room samantha sutherland features editor Three gyms in The Royce and Pam Money Student Recreation and Wellness Center will transform into a Sing Song set-up shop this weekend. Paper covers the floors in gyms A, B and C as well as a few classrooms on the side facing Moody so the spaces serve as a green room for Sing Song acts during the performances, said Brian Devost, executive director of the Rec Center. “We have all the confidence in the world that our venues will be kept clean and intact when the event is over because Tom Craig and his crew of student workers are very responsible and will make sure that everything is cleaned up and taken care of,” Devost said.
“We’re just glad we can help them create a more accessible and more convenient staging location.” The gyms will be closed Wednesday through Saturday, and will reopen for general use Sunday. Gym D and the outdoor basketball court, will be available for open recreational play, Devost said. Additionally, the conference room upstairs will be reserved for the judges to convene in, said Joel Swedlund, director of facility operations at the Rec Center. Swedlund said the Rec Center will have an open house Friday through Sunday. “We’re opening our doors to anyone associated with Sing Song and ACU, which means our facilities are available for parents and siblings to try out for free,” Devost said. Visitors will need to fill
out a waiver to receive a wristband – valid for multiple days – that will act as a pass for all the facilities. The wristband will include admission into the exercise classes that will be open to everyone. The open house also includes the pool, the track and racquetball rooms, among other things. “We don’t allow anyone on the bouldering wall or in the fitness center that are under 18,” Swedlund said. “But other than that it’s pretty much open to our Sing Song guests.” Intramural basketball has been postponed this week and will pick up again next week to accommodate Sing Song. Also, Devost expects the Rec Center to empty out somewhat during the Sing Song activities, since many students are involved in Sing Song as participants or
local
Local business cater to Sing Song crowds david singer arts editor With friends and families pouring into Abilene for Sing Song weekend, the campus will become much busier. But these extra guests also bring an increase in business for local restaurants and hotels. Along with most hotels in the area, the Whitten Inn is fully booked this weekend due to the increased number guests visiting ACU’s campus. After nine years, manager Stasia Donald has almost become used to the influx of guests. “Our hotel is always prepared because we are always busy,” said Donald. The Whitten Inn and Quality Inn have both offered discount prices for visiting families during the weekend. Many local
restaurants also offer discounts to attract business, but one of Abilene’s newest establishments may steal the show. Many local businesses use discounts to attract new customers during the weekend but one of Abilene’s newest businesses is attempting to out do them all. Nikki’s Swirl Shoppe will celebrate its one year anniversary with a Sing Song after party. Beginning after the performance on Saturday, the frozen yogurt shop will host a DJ and offer door prizes. While they are normally open until 9 p.m. on Saturdays, Nikki’s plans to remain open as late as guests would like to stay. “We just really want to have a place where people can come and hang out after Sing Song since most of Abilene will have closed
down by then,” said manager Chelsea Gaulden, senior family studies major from Keller. Nikki’s opened shop on Sing Song weekend last year and immediately realized the buzz that surrounds the event. “Last year was crazy,” said Gaulden, who has worked at Nikki’s since it opened. “But we will definitely be more prepared this year.” While Sing Song crowds can put stress on local businesses, many owners see the weekend as an positive opportunity to draw in more customers. “We really enjoy it,” said Donald. “We thoroughly enjoy having ACU so close and all of the guests and parents that visit us.” contact singer at dis08a@acu.edu
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We’re opening our doors to anyone associated with Sing Song and ACU.” brian devost executive director of the rec center
guests. The front desk will be manned until activities are over on all nights. “We’re trying to be userfriendly,” Devost said. “We want to collaborate and partner with anyone working to enhance the student life experience on campus. So, as you can see, we also have a role to play - we are trying to create memorable moments and to make it a positive experience for everybody.” contact sutherland at sns08a@acu
Document Committee • Dr. Jack Reese, dean of the college of biblical studies • Dr. Barry Packer, board of trustees chair • Dr. Eddie Sharp, board of trustees tives of the board in writing a document, not in shaping the future direction of the university,” Packer said. “The document is designed to give broad perspective and direction, not to prescribe details regarding operational decision of the university.” Packer said that once the first draft of the document is completely reviewed by the board and receives sufficient feedback, the board
• Dr. Royce Money, chancellor for the university • Dr. Doug Foster, professor of church history • Dr. Dwayne VanRheenen, provost emeritus will make the findings known to the university. “When the board feels satisfied that it reflects the collective perspective of the board as a body, it will be made public,” he said. “It’s premature to estimate when that will be, nor is there a set deadline by which it must be accomplished.” contact smith at mds10a@acu.edu
news
friday 02.17.12
8B
alumni
Two grads chosen for honor leigh foith online managing editor
mandy lambright chief Photographer
Jacob Kilpatrick, sophomore youth and family ministry major from Mesquite, and Kirby Wilkerson, sophomore psychology major from Abilene perform a ballet together during one the 2012 Sing Song downstage acts.
The ACU Alumni Advisory Board will honor two alumni for their personal and professional achievements this weekend at the Outstanding Alumnus of the Year luncheon. Each year, the Alumni Association receives nominations from ACU alumni, parents, faculty, staff and supporters. Jama Cadle, assistant director for alumni relations, details the selection process and the criteria necessary to receive the distinguished award. “The criteria for Outstanding Alumnus of the Year are a timely recogni-
university
Clubs and classes go for winning streaks ben miller cartoonist Few clubs and classes can take home the title of Overall Winner multiple years in a row, but this year two groups look to continue their streaks. The junior class and men’s social club, Gamma Sigma Phi, seek to extend their winning records. “There have only been three class sweeps,” said Courtney McGaha, junior graphic design major. McGaha grew up in Abilene and is something of a Sing Song historian. Her iPod library contains the audio from most of ACU’s Sing Song shows. It is rare that a class wins the contest each of its four years. “There was a sweep in the 70’s, one the 80’s and one in the 90’s,” said McGaha who is a participating in this year’s junior act.
The class of 2013 won as freshmen and sophomores and believe they have a good chance to be the fourth class in ACU history to make a clean sweep. “We’re hoping we can win a streak for the 2010 decade,” McGaha said. Nick Tatum, junior family studies major from Plano, has directed his class in their two winning acts. Tatum said they’d love a third victory this year, but are satisfied that they’ve grown together as a class regardless of the judges’ decision. “Our main goal is to have fun” Tatum said. Along with the junior class, the men of of Gamma Sigma Phi are attempting a to continue their dominance on the Sing Song stage, said Spencer Goudeau, senior English major from Colorado Springs, Colo and GSP Sing Song act director. “We’ve won three in a
row and 9 out of the last 10,” Goudeau said. He said there’s good competition this year, but he has high hopes for continuing GSP’s pattern of victory through great sounds and funny shows. “It’s just the guys committing to the show,” Goudeau said. The dress rehearsals are tiring for everyone, but the prospect of a receptive live audience keeps singers’ outlook bright, Goudeau said. He is looking forward to the magic of a packed-full coliseum when the show finally gets underway. “An audience makes all the difference,” Goudeau said. GSP has won the men’s voices trophy 16 times in Sing Song history. Only Galaxy has more wins with a total of 25. contact miller at bwm@acu.edu
tion of lifetime achievement.” Cadle said. “The recipient must bring honor to the university through professional and personal excellence and service to the university, church or community.” Mike Calvert ‘67, President of Mike Calvert Toyota in Houston, is 2012 Outstanding Alumnus of the Year for the second year in a row. Calvert established his dealership in a small store 15 years ago, and it is now one of the largest dealerships in the southern United States. Calvert is in involved in several global outreach projects outside of his professional status. He takes four to five mission trips to Haiti with Hope for Haiti’s
Children each year and is co-founder of Health Empowering Humanity, a company that focuses on improving the quality of health in developing nations. Young Alumnus of the Year is selected based on recognition of professional achievement and/or distinguished service to ACU. The alumni must not be over the age of 40 at the time of selection. Sean Adams ’93 is the 2012 Young Alumnus of the Year. The former NCAA All-America athlete is now an author, top-rated radio host and in-demand motivational speaker. Adams’ commitment and passion for sports have led him to be a part of television shows and specials
for FOX, ABC, the NFL Network and CBS. According to Adams’ personal blog he “travels around the nation speaking to athletes, parents, sales teams and corporate clients about the fundamental principles of sports and teamwork and has become an authority in understanding and stimulating potential in athletics and life.” The luncheon will take place Sunday Feb. 19 from 12:30-2 p.m. in the McCaleb Conference Center, located in the Hunter Welcome Center. Tickets are available and may be purchased at www.acu.edu/alumni. contact foith at lmf08a@acu.edu
sports jumps
friday 02.17.12
9B
men’s basketball
‘Cats unable to shrug off upset by Cards matthew sloan sports reporter
mandy lambright CHIEF Photographer
Senior guard Zach Williams runs past an ENMU defender.
On Wednesday night, the men’s basketball team suffered a heart wrenching defeat at the hands of the Incarnate Word Cardinals 79-73. The Wildcats had difficulty going up against Incarnate Word in the first half and found themselves trailing by double digits at halftime. “The problem was we just did not defend in the first half,” Head Coach Joe Golding said, “We held them to 29 percent shooting in the second half, so we really lost the game in the first half because we didn’t guard well.” However, this contest was a tale of two halves,
column
Yes, superstar Hamilton is human easy goin’
natalie goin
Josh Hamilton is a name that is continually praised and upheld here in Texas, not only for his success as an outstanding baseball player, but also for his Christian ethics. It is no secret that Hamilton has a history of substance abuse, and is known for creating awareness of addiction involving alcohol and drugs. But for the past few weeks, the media has tried to exploit Hamilton as a fraud in light of his public slip with alcohol. On Jan. 30, Hamilton experienced his second relapse since 2009, ordering
drinks in a Dallas-area bar. To Hamilton, there is no excuse for behaving this way, and despite the early news blasts that ripped Hamilton’s behavior, he has remained focused on what really matters: his recovery and his family. He has made very clear that his biggest regret is hurting his wife Katie Hamilton, and he is doing whatever it takes to protect their children in any colateral damage since the media outbreak. But after the press conference that took place on Feb. 3, it has been very difficult to criticize
a man with the character and integrity of Josh Hamilton. Not only was he brutally honest about what happened, but he took the responsibility for his actions. In a world where so many celebrities promote the use of alcohol, why is everyone so focused on reprimanding Hamilton? Everyone makes mistakes, the difference relies in self-evaluation, and how we handle the consequences. When watching him speak, his class was obvious. There is no doubt in my mind that Hamilton is a man who is true to his word, and that he will put full effort in preventing any potential incidences in the future. contact goin at nsg10b@acu.edu
football
Coach: Football isn’t first priority at ACU from page 1b what Collums and the rest of the staff are working to instill in the players off the field. In Collums’ mind, he and the players are fighting the same battle. “I’m going to demand the best out of them everyday. I don’t give a dang what it is, if its on the field of off the field. As a man, it’s my job to get the best out of them as men,” Collums said. “These guys are going to see that I am a guy doing life with them; I just happen to be their head coach.” Seven years ago, Collums was just trying to win enough not to get fired. Now his goal is to cement ACU’s place among college football’s elite with a national
championship, a game ACU hasn’t won since the 1977 season. Even if it doesn’t happen though, Collums knows that something bigger is happening at ACU. “If we don’t win, it’ll be disappointing, but there is a lot more to this thing than football,” Collums said. “There is way more that goes on in these halls. That’s one of the exciting things that keeps you coming to work is the impact that you have on these guys.” Mixing faith and football is an something ACU offers that most other college football programs don’t, and Collums knows that is to his advantage. It was part of his new vision for the Wildcats when he took over as offensive co-
ordinator in 2005, and it has carried over to his new role as head coach. “We feel like this is the most unique college football experience in the country,” Collums said. “You can come here and win and play legit football, and then grow as a man and understand and learn about how to have a relationship and have a family later in life. You can’t get that anywhere else.” “It’s those two ingredients, winning and growing, that make this a dynamic and unique situation. I’m just fortunate to be the head coach here.” contact gwin at agg07a@acu.edu
with the ‘Cats storming all the way back to tie the game at 72-72 with just over two minutes to go in the game. Unfortunately, the Wildcats were unable to seal the deal in crunch time, and the Cardinals went on a 7-1 run to close the game out, and extinguish any hopes ACU had of stealing a win on the road. With this win for the Cardinals, Incarnate Word sweeps the season series against the Wildcats barring a postseason matchup. Although ACU is 0-2 against the Cardinals this year, they have only lost by a combined 11 points. In fact, the Wildcats have only lost two games all year by double digits, which has the Wildcats
believing that they can play with anyone in the LoneStar Conference “I told them after the game I love them,” Golding said. “They are great because they don’t have any quit. We are going to fight the whole time no matter what. No question we can play with anyone.” In a two-horse race to Alvin, ACU and Angelo State have only three games left to determine which team will continue to play and which team will be following the LSC tournament via twitter. The Wildcats finished with five players in double figures. Marc Little lead the way with 14 points, followed by Antonio Bell with 12, Zach Williams with 11, and Kendall Du-
rant and Eric Kibi with 10 points apiece. The Wildcats will kick off a two game home stand when they face off against the Texas A&M-Kingsville Javelinas Sunday afternoon in Moody Coliseum. The next couple of week will prove to be crucial for the Wildcats. “These are the two most important games in our program’s recent history,” senior Ben Warton said. “I am glad we are at home so we can share them with our fans. If we can win these games it will put us in a really good spot to go to Allen in the conference tournament.”
contact sloan at mes10a@acu.edu
friday 02.17.12
10B