Optimist Print Edition 10.04.19

ACUOPTIMIST.COM | Friday, October 4, 2019 | 1

A student publication of Abilene Christian University since 1912

BY RILEY FISHER | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Construction begins to build new Taylor Elementary School on East North 10th Street.

Ground breaks on new Taylor Elementary

BY ALLISON HARRELL EDITOR IN CHIEF

A groundbreaking ceremony celebrated the beginning of construction on new Taylor Elementary School.

Construction workers broke ground on new Taylor Elementary School on Sept.

6. The groundbreaking ceremony was held for the public at 9 a.m. on Wednesday.

Dr. David Young, Abilene ISD Superintendent, said they asked construction workers to do

some site preparation so they could have a good place to set up a tent for the ceremony.

“In fact, I saw the owner of the construction company last week and I said, ‘Hey, don’t get the foundation poured before we even have a groundbreaking ceremony,’” Young said.

The new property’s official address is 1719 E.N. 10th St., near the Department of Athletics’ cross country area. The property

for the new school was purchased from ACU in spring of 2019.

Kelly Young, vice president of Abilene Christian Investment Management Company, said ACU has always had a close relationship with Taylor Elementary, with many of the children of faculty and staff attending there and many of ACU’s education students doing student teaching there.

“So, having a new, state-of-the-art elementary school will be a great

benefit to our faculty, staff and students,” Kelly Young said. “In addition, it’s possible that ACU’s endowment will develop new single-family housing near the new elementary school. Being close to the new school would be a great benefit for families who might want to build or buy houses in the neighborhood.”

David Young said the current Taylor Elementary School is the oldest elementary campus of Abilene Independent School District,

“In addition, it’s possible that ACU’s endowment will develop new single-family housing near the new elementary school.”

KELLY YOUNG VICE PRESIDENT OF ABILENE CHRISTIAN INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY

at 62 years old. The school lacks necessary electrical infrastructure, there are more students than the building can support and there are safety and security concerns

Football fireworks set off fire across Ambler

BY ANDREW TOOTHMAN STAFF WRITER

A fire caused by fireworks during the football game threatened student and others’ homes, but firemen were on sight to put the fire out, on Sept. 21.

The university shot off fireworks during the national anthem for the game against McNeese State when the fire occurred. The field across from Wildcat Stadium on Ambler Avenue caught fire.

This field is where ACU throwers go to practice.

There are many homes of students on Ambler, and junior biochemistry major

Madi Dye’s house was close to the flames.

“When l got to the house, l saw the first moving closer to the end of the field closest to our house and then was there until after the fireman put it out,” Dye said. “It had to be right at the end of the tailgate that day because the fireworks ACU sets off at the kickoff of games is what caught it on fire, but I trusted the fire department to put it out.”

ACU Police Chief Jimmy Ellison said the fire began from a firework and that the 15-mph-wind pushed the fireworks from the top of the press box or visitor side.

According to ACU Police,

the stadium officials did not shoot touchdown fireworks the rest of the game.

“The fireworks are controlled by a control system in the press box by an outside vendor that has a professional pyrotechnician and they are not like regular fireworks you see at shows, they are supposed to burn up in the air before they reach the ground again,” Ellison said.

The Abilene Fire Department was called and arrived on the scene quickly. They were able to contain the fire in about five minutes. The university has yet to decide whether it will continue using touchdown fireworks.

since each classroom opens to the outside, he said.

“We decided to build it in a new spot rather than the existing spot, because we did have room to build a new Taylor next to the old school, but that would involve negatively impacting ACU,” David Young said.

“The land that the intramural fields are on and the parking lot that serves Gardner Residence Hall, that’s our property, but ACU has improved those properties.

SEE ELEMENTARY PAGE 2

NEWS

SGA created new position in Cabinet PAGE 2

SPORTS PHOTO COURTESY OF MADI DYE

Fireworks cause grass near football stadium to catch on fire.

1GEN program focuses on student success

BY SYDNEY VARNER STAFF WRITER

The office of Financial Counseling and Student Services is starting a new program promoting success for first-generation students on campus.

Jordan Jones, associate director of financial counseling and student services is leading this program after working with the first generation students on campus. After graduating from the University of North Texas and working in its financial offices, Jones moved to ACU and became apart of the Financial Counseling and Student Services office.

Having worked with the first -eneration students at UNT and ACU, Jones began to see the opportunity to develop a program on ACU’s campus.

“As I saw the transition from high school to college, whether it was at UNT or ACU, there is a learning curve that comes with it and there is always more universities can do to help out these students.”

JORDAN JONES ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL COUNSELING AND STUDENT SERVICES

“As I saw the transition from high school to college, whether it was at UNT or ACU, there is a learning curve that comes with it and there is always more universities can do to help out these students,” Jones said.

Beginning with workshops available to all students, Jones came up with a need based on conversations he has had with his first-generation student population and the

new program has since expanded. Jones proceeded to work with Tamara Long, vice president of enrollment management and student management, to further develop the program for this academic year.

“As we talked more and more about this program, we wanted to focus on professional development, financial literacy and mentorship because those are going to be the three biggest components these students need,” Jones said.

Mariesha Shaw, financial aid counselor and student services specialist, is a first-generation student and graduate who benefitted from mentorship during her college years.

“I was in my third week of classes when I got a mentor and she

walked me through everything. I don’t know how I would’ve made it without her,” Shaw said. “There should be a program on campus to help with those questions and help you get answers.”

With about 10 percent of students on campus being first-generation, this program will serve an important purpose and “I was in my third week of classes when I got a mentor and she walked me through everything.”

MARIESHA SHAW FINANCIAL AID COUNSELOR AND STUDENT SERVICES SPECIALIST

may possibly help bring in more students.

“Having this program in place and having people there to talk to parents before they get to

campus to let them know ‘this is how we’re going to help your students, this is how we’re going to prepare them and this is how they’re to excel in while they’re here’ is a huge recruiting tool we can use to draw in students who will be successful here,” Jones said.

Jones said the goal for this program as well as helping and reassuring students is for students to be involved in it and its organization as well.

“It’s going to be an ever changing program,” Jones said. “We want them to have their own say in what this program is about.”

The program will be having an interest meeting from 2-3 p.m. on Nov. 8 in a location to be determined. Students are encouraged to email Jones with any questions.

Wildcats push 2-0 in conference play

PAGE 6

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2 | Friday, October 4, 2019 | NEWS

‘Flex Your Defense’ Flu shot initiative arrives

BY ANREW NORSWORTHY STAFF WRITER

Flu vaccines were made available to students and faculty to combat the approaching fall Flu season beginning on Tuesday.

The Medical and Counseling Care Center (MACC) conducted flu shot clinics at various locations throughout the ACU campus starting at the Halbert Walling Research Center Lobby on Tuesday. The next was Thursday at the Campus Center. These events will occur throughout the month with the last occurring on Oct. 22.

The flu virus, unlike other pathogens, does not stay

BY ANDREW NORSWORTHY | STAFF WRITER

Flu vaccines are available now for students and faculty. the same and mutates each year and requires a new vaccine in order to keep it in check.

The Center for Disease Control recommends that

one takes the flu vaccine

by Oct. 31 due to the fact that it will take a few weeks for the body to build immunity. Therefore, once the height of the flu season

arrives, students will be prepared.

These flu vaccines offered on campus will consist of regular shots for students and high dose shots

for older citizens.

“The No. 1 preventative measure you can take as recommended by the CDC is actually to get the flu shot,” said Cindy Gravitt, practice manager at the MACC. Even though it is still possible to get the flu, it is likely whatever is contracted will not last long and the effects will be far less severe. This is because the flu shots given will cover and immunize students from the more dangerous strains of the virus.

Additional methods in order to decrease the likelihood of contracting the virus is cleanliness such as thoroughly washing one’s hands with soap and avoid

sharing liquids, makeup and towels because the virus can spread easily through these means.

“I really push forward for getting vaccinations. It’s better safe than sorry,” said McLennan Taylor Jones, a sophomore ACU nursing student, CNA, sitter, and telesitter at Hendrick Health System.

It is recommended in order to schedule a flu shot, students log into ACU’s medical clinic patient portal and make an appointment. Office visits for undergraduate and graduate students will be $10 and the flu test in the campus clinic will cost $25. Students can still walk-in to receive the vaccine.

SGA created new position in executive cabinet

BY ERNIE GUAJARDO CARTOONIST

PHOTO COURTESY OF SGA

Daniel Sherman, junior business management major and director of student engagement and recruitment.

Student Government plans to add a director of student engagement and recruitment position to its executive cabinet in hopes to help bridge the gap between SGA and student organizations.

Past years have shown that although SGA has been a funding mechanism for student organizations, it had failed to partner with them outside of financing. The

new position will help establish a strong relationship with student organizations by providing professional guidance, opportunities, and workshops to better develop their effectiveness Daniel Sherman, a junior business management major, was appointed the position last spring by SGA president Lauren Wasson and vice president Tsion Amare.

“So logistically,” said Sherman, “Some need help budgeting and orga-

nizing, and we’d love to help through professional development workshops.

Others need help in raising awareness for their group or event, so we want to provide aid with marketing.

We’d also like to help by being a bridge to administration since SGA already shares close ties to the administration. In addition to that, we are aware of a lot of pre-existing resources that ACU possesses that many people are not aware of. We want to educate student or-

ganizations about those in the hope to save them time and money.”

Additionally, work with the vice president on senator recruitment and maintenance of high activity level on writing intentional legislation will be a main focus of the new position.

Future outlooks on the position are to help connect student organizations of similar goals in hopes to combine their skills to reach greater results.

Swing Cats to host Fall Stomp

BY PAIGE CUDINI GUEST WRITER

Swing Cats will host its 10th annual Fall Stomp event at the Elks Club Ballroom this Friday.

Fall Stomp will begin at 7 p.m. with an hourlong swing dance lesson from the members of Swing Cats. Following the dance lesson, at 8 p.m., the ACU Jazz Band will begin its first of two music sets of the night.

Fall Stomp will also feature the Hardin-Simmons Jazz Band, who will play a music set in between the ACU Jazz Band two sets.

The event is free and open to the public. Students will also have the opportunity to meet and mingle with current

Swing Cats members and Swing Cats alumni.

There is no set attire for Fall Stomp, but Swing Cats President and junior kinesiology major from Plainview Melody Brown suggests wearing either vintage or semi-fancy clothing with comfortable shoes to dance around in. Brown recommends not wearing tennis shoes or opentoed shoes.

“A bunch of people wear converse, but tennis shoes are hard to spin in,” Brown said.

Swing Cats was founded in 2002 and has been active on campus since. It is a student-run swing group that meets every Tuesday at 9 p.m. in the Student Recreation and Wellness Center for practice.

Swing Cats has two groups, one for beginners and one for intermediate dancers. Any student can join and there are no auditions to become a member of Swing Cats.

In addition to regular practices, Swing Cats also provide dance lessons for students.

Lessons are taught by Swing Cat members but occasionally the Swing Cats’ sponsor, Dr. Cole Bennett, professor of language and literature, will teach. Lessons are on Tuesday nights at 9 p.m. in Studio B of the Student Recreation and Wellness Center.

To learn more about Fall Stomp or the Swing Cats, go to acu.swingcats.wixsite.com.

BY RILEY FISHER | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Dirt turns at property that will locate the new Taylor Elementary School.

Elementary: Construction begins But they were willing for us to do that, but it didn’t make sense also, because our student population at Taylor is no longer really from that neighborhood right around Taylor.”

Most students who attend Taylor are now located across Judge Ely Boulevard or along Highway 351.

David Young said official plans for the old Taylor property have not yet been made.

“I suspect that they will want to go ahead and put it up for

bid,” David Young said. “ACU has expressed interest to us in that property, as have others.”

Once the property is placed for bid and made publicly available, the school district has the freedom to choose any bidder based on different factors, not necessarily the highest bidder.

“Lots of people think that we traded ACU the property for the new school with the old school and that is not the case,” David Young said. “Number one, they’re not equivalent val-

ues. But that’s not a real estate transaction. Schools can’t do business that way. They are separate transactions.”

Kelly Young said if Abilene ISD puts the old Taylor up for sale, it is likely that ACU will put in a bid on it.

“ACU has a lease on the Taylor property for intramural use and for Gardner Residence Hall parking that runs for another 30 years, so buying the property would likely make sense,” Kelly Young said.

FRI., OCT. 11

SAT., OCT. 12

WHAT’S HAPPENING? MON., OCT. 7

TUES., OCT. 8

WED., OCT. 9

11:30 a.m.- Montevideo Interest Meeting 11:30 a.m.- Abobe Workshop

4:30 p.m.- Career Exploration Workshop

THURS., OCT. 10 3 p.m.- Government, Non-profit, and Social Services Fair 5 p.m.- Bilingual Reading Night 7 p.m.- Charles Stenholm Lecture

7:30 p.m.- Paramount Film: The Magnificent Seven

police log SELECTED ACUPD CALLS FOR THE WEEK: •

ACUPD recieved multiple calls about a non-student male subject “mooning” a group of female students. Offices quickly located and detained the man, identified him, and issued him a Criminal Tresspass Warning for the campus. The male returned to campus 2 hours later and was immediately arrested by ACUPD for Criminal Tresspass. 09/25/2019 11:54 p.m.

•

A student reported that his vehicle was burglarized inthe 700 blk of EN 14th. Items stolen included golf clubs and a rodeo belt buckle, total loss estimated at $2250. 09/26/2019 9:00 p.m.

•

An ACU staf member reported the theft of a purple and white “Welcome Wildcats” banner that was attached to flagpoles on Teague Blvd. 09/26/2019 9:35 a.m.

911 Call Administrative activity Advice Alarm Animal call Assist Barricades Bicycles/skateboard call Building lock/unlock Burglary (vehicle) Burglary (residence) Cart patrol Check building Citation issuance Clery Criminal tresspass

2 40 2 2 2 4 3 2 13 1 1 7 269 1 11 3

Disorderly conduct Disturbance Domestic disturbance Escort Event support Foot patrol Found property Information report Investigation followup Lost Property Maintenance: univ assets: cctv Maintenance: univ assets Medical emergency Mental health concern Missing person Monitor facility/lot

MESSAGE FROM POLICE CHIEF ELLISON:

3 1 1 1 1 9 1 4 15 6 18 1 0 1 1 12

Motorist assist: inflate tire.

Motorist assist: jumpstart Motorist assist: other Motorist assist: unlock Noise violation Other Parking lot patrol Parking violation Patrol vehicle: maintenance Patrol vehicle: refuel Public service Random patrol Reckless driving Refuel gasoline cans Report writing Sex offense

1 6 2 6 1 1 27 10 7 10 0 10 2 1 16 0

Stolen Vehicle Suspicious activity Susicious person Suspicious vehicle Theft Theft of service Traffic stop Training Vehicle collision Wanted subject Welfare check Total

0 2 4 7 1 1 3 7 1 0 3 566

*List of selected statistics of this week’s ACUPD activity report.

“Please remember: ALWAYS lock your vehicles, and remove or hide your valuables. Most car burglaries involve UNLOCKED vehicles, on and off-campus.”

6 p.m.- Football vs. HBU

FEATURES & NEWS | Friday, October 4, 2019 | 3

JENN ROGERS ENCOURAGES ONLINE MOMS Professor uses Facebook group to assist the ‘World’s Okayest Moms’

BY DILLON DANIEL MANAGING EDITOR

Jenn Rogers, instructor of teacher education, created the Facebook group World’s Okayest Mom in 2015.

Rogers said she felt moved to create the group after her experience going into labor with her son, Hunter, in 2013.

While she was pregnant and visiting some family in Arlington, she said she had a severe hemorrhage, which forced her to immediately go to the hospital.

As the doctors prepped her for c-section so they could safely deliver Hunter, they noticed the hemorrhage was slowing down.

However, Rogers would remain in the hospital for 83 days.

During this time in the hospital, Rogers said she had an “incredible support system.”

“We had friends that brought us gift cards, so I didn’t have to eat hospital food all the time.

Another friend sent a huge tub of playdoh and coloring books for my kids to play with when they would come see me,” Rogers said. “We just continued to feel love and support, things being sent from people we knew or even care packages from strangers who had heard my story.”

It was through Facebook and social media that Rogers said she still felt connected to the world as she was forced to stay in the hospital until the doctors cleared her.

After her stay, she said she evaluated all that the people around her had done for her, but she did not know how to return the favor.

World’s Okayest Mom

PHOTO COURTESY OF JENN ROGERS

Jenn Rogers, instructor of teacher education, and family. was originally created as a Facebook group by Rogers and her peers as a “joke group.”

“We just said, ‘Let’s create a space where we share real life, where we share the imperfect pictures and not the 180th take where everyone is actually smiling,’” Rogers said.

She said the message she wanted to get out with creating the group was that women don’t need to be perfect to be a good mom.

However, Rogers said she did not realize that current members where allowed to invite other friends that weren’t connected to the original 10 members.

“It grew really, really quickly, so within a couple of weeks of the groups creation we had over 1,000 members,” Rogers said. “Now, four years later, we have 45,000 moms in the group from all over the world.”

W h i le Rogers wants t he g roup to be open

and accept ing, she sa id t hat t here are parameters t he members have to meet. W h i le civ ic debate is accepted, her and her team of adm ins t r y to el im inate any and a l l cases of “colorfu l lang uage.”

In 2016, a few months after the group’s creation, a friend of hers suggested selling t-shirts with the words “World’s Okayest Mom.” Although initially against the idea, Rogers said she changed her mind when her friend suggested taking all the profits and put them towards charitable causes.

“When she said that I thought, ‘Here’s my chance to pay forward what people did for me while I was in the hospital,” Rogers said. “I wanted to sell the t-shirts as long as every penny went towards helping moms who had similar situations to mine or were suffering loss.”

As sales grew for the t-shirts, her and her hus-

band, Mark, who serves as vice president, officially turned WOM into a full non-profit organization.

Sales of the t-shirts as well as Rogers’ experience in 2013 inf luenced WOM to created care packages for moms in similar situations that include books, lotions, and lip balms among other things.

“Ou r records show t hat we have sent out 1,015 ca re pack a ges si nce Ju ly of 2 016 ,” Ta la n Cobb, associate v ice president of WOM , sa id. “ I n add it ion to ca re pack a ges, we have prov ided f i na ncia l assist a nce to nu merous fa m i l ies t hat have been i n desperate need due to severe med ica l cond it ions, loss of a ch i ld or spouse, a nd homelessness.”

However, Rogers said she knows that WOM cannot cater to every request. She said that they have worked with other non-profits and directed people to the one most

specific to their need.

Non-profits they have worked with include Hope Mommies, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Hope Haven, Global Samaritan, Noah Project, Cancer Services Net“We just said, ‘Let’s create a space where we share real life, where we share the imperfect pictures and not the 180th take where everyone is actually smiling.’”

JENN ROGERS PROFESSOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TEACHER EDUCATION

work, International Rescue Committee, Texas CASA, Regional Crime Victim Crises Center, Children’s Miracle Network, Wonders and Worries, Preemptive Love Coalition, American Red Cross and Texas Diaper Bank.

WOM has also been included in Facebook’s More Together campaign. This is a campaign that works to push and back-up groups who are

making a positive impact within their cultural network.

Around Spring of last year, Rogers said she had received a message from Facebook saying that they had noticed the activity that had been doing and that they wanted WOM to be a part of this campaign.

Initially, Rogers said she was skeptical, but she said she knew it was legit when they flew them out to Los Angeles, California, to meet other selected and learn their stories and their impact in their own respective communities.

Since then, WOM has continued to impact more moms seeking assistance or help. Although there is no plan to expand into something else, Cobb said that they want to continue to expand to ever more moms in search of help.

“Our greatest vision and goal when it comes to expansion is to help more people and to make even more of an impact in the lives of the individuals and families we are helping. Our dream is to be able to go to moms that have had to bury their children and cover the cost of the invoices for a funeral or to help a family that is drowning in hospital bills. We have big dreams for the future of WOM and with that comes an abundance of nitty-gritty details, hard work, and patience, but ultimately we know our purpose and focus is to provide love, support, and care, and be of service to moms that are facing the darkest and hardest of times.”

Those seeking assistance can request care at https://w w w.worlds o k a y e s t m o m . o r g /r e quest.

Bouldering class climbs to new heights

BY ETHAN EPPINETTE GUEST WRITER

BY RILEY FISHER | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Senior Kasey Birchfield animatedly recites her monologue from “Taming of the Shrew.”

Career Center partners with JC Penney for Suit-Up event

BY SENIA OVERSTREET GUEST WRITER

The Career Center partnered with JC Penney for ACU’s Suit Up event to provide students with access to professional clothing at a discounted price.

For the first time, the SuitUp event will be hosted at JC Penney in the Mall of Abilene on Sunday from 6-9 p.m. JC Penney plans to serve ACU students by lowering its prices and offering numerous discounts on items in hopes of giving students the confidence they need in the workforce.

Invitations are open to all ACU students and the promotions will include up to 60 percent off on men’s and women’s career dress apparel, accessories and shoes.

Jill Fortson, director of the Career Center, said the addition of the new partnership with JC Penney has been a game-changer for

the Career Center as well as ACU students.

“The store has been working hard to increase their inventory and mark down the prices to make purchasing interview apparel more affordable,” Fortson said.

ACU has a number of institutions that work closely with the Career Center in addition to JC Penney.

“We are members of the West Central Texas Career Consortium, which includes career services for ACU, HSU [Hardin-Simmons University], McMurry, Cisco, Howard Payne, and Angelo State,” Fortson said. “We have strong partnerships with over 8,000 employers who recruit our students.”

The Career Center helps students prepare for interviews and life beyond college. The center seeks to provide information to students about interview etiquette, professional wardrobe, ré-

sumé configuration.

“Our main purpose is to prepare students to thrive after graduation and help them make connections and build their network,” Fortson said. “We encourage them to take advantage of all that we offer here at the Career Center.”

The Career Center posts 23,000 jobs and internships for students each year. They also host over 200 recruiting events on campus for students. Students have access to these opportunities through their myACU accounts.

“In the end, we just want students to know that they are not alone in this process,” Fortson said. “We are here to partner with them and encourage them along the way.”

For more information about the Suit-Up event as well the benefits of the Career Center, visit the Center for Careers & Experiential Learning in the Brown Library.

New Bouldering instructors gave new life to climbing classes and helped to give students the opportunity to create community while participating in a difficult physical activity.

Bouldering, also known as rock climbing, is a very challenging and difficult activity. Recently the Rec hired a new Climbing Wall Instructor from Colorado, Michael Wray. Wray, being from Colorado, has grown up around climbing, and looks to use his experience to improve that of the class members.

The Rec has hosted bouldering classes in the past, however, Wray has brought a new level of expertise to the rock climbing community at ACU. Wray’s bouldering classes are open to anyone. He welcomes students, faculty, and alumni

of ACU. “I really want this to be a time to build community,” Wray said, ”I couldn’t be happier to see students, faculty, and alumni coming together to climb and to get to know new people.”

Kyle Pinson, director of facility operations, would like to see students come together during the bouldering class.

“I hope that having a new instructor will help to grow the amount of students attending the bouldering class.” Pinson said.

Wray is helping to grow the bouldering community on campus, where students can go to enjoy being challenged while making friends. Students have responded in a positive manner towards the class. Many of the people attending the class are exited about the new routes that are constantly being made. The

new routes allow for the class members to always have a challenge ahead of them.

The bouldering class started at the beginning of September, and is held at the Rec from 5:30-8:30 Monday nights. The class is open to any level of climber, whether you are a beginner or a experienced climber.

“I commit to being present so that I can coach climbers if they are interested,” Wray said, “Not to mention, I get the benefit of being able to climb with my fellow Wildcats, I can’t image a better “job”.

Along with bringing in a new instructor, the Rec has also brought in new equipment for the students.This includes new climbing shoes for all sizes. With good instruction, and new equipment, students are prepared for success and fun with new friends.

Honors to host lip-synch battle

BY ETHAN EPPINETTE GUEST WRITER

The Honors College will host a Twenty-One Pilots themed lip synch battle, for all Honors students.

T he w inners w i l l receive free t ickets to see Twent y-One Pi lots. T he compet it ion w i l l take place at Maslow Coffee Co. on Oct. 11 from 8 -10 p.m. A l l st udents are welcome to come watch.

Those who wish to compete in the lip synch battle can put together a

team of two-five students and compete as a group, said Maddie Cupit, an Honors student who is organizing the event. All the students have to do is find a Twenty-One Pilots song and perform the song however they like.

The competition was announced in the Honors College Chapel.

“The purpose of this contest is to bring honors students together in a fun and unique way,” Cupit said. “This is such a different type of event for the honors college,

and it’s super exciting for students to have the opportunity to get creative and to have fun with friends.”

Laura Young, Honors College coordinator, hopes for a large turnout of students for the event, whether they are involved with the honors college or not.

“Anyone is welcome to come to the event.”

Young said. “However if you wear your honors college shirt, you get a free drink during the event.”

4 | Friday, October 4, 2019 | OPINIONS

On-campus residence halls need renovation EDITORIAL BOARD

As a high school senior, you take several things into consideration when you are finalizing your decision about what university you want to attend. You go over the list of majors offered by the university, check out the cafeteria to make sure that it is up to par and probably the most important thing is to check out the dormitories. Incoming freshmen want to know what their living situation would look like for whatever university they choose to attend.

Our campus is architecturally beautiful and has been around for many years. Over the past four years, ACU has received some pretty incredible renovations such as the

Halbert Walling Center, Wildcat Stadium and the Nancy and Ray Hansen Reading Commons, just to name a few. Residence halls will hopefully be the next buildings on campus to receive some renovations.

Ryan Randolf, resident director of Barrett Hall, said the resident directors have big aspirations for what they plan to do with renovating residence halls. She said that one of the purposes of the student focus group for residence halls is to hear what students need for their living experience here on campus.

“We don’t necessarily want to build trends into our amenities, but we want to do our best in providing what students

need,” Randolf said.

There was also a focus group that was held among all of the resident directors, and they agreed upon a need for better intentional spaces. Residence Life has done a great job of working with what they have but Randolf said they shouldn’t have to.

“For what our students are paying to come here and live here, these spaces should be intentional and relevant to their living needs,” Randolf said.

Randolf also shared that the resident directors wanted to make sure that the lobby areas and kitchen makes sense for the building. A good example is Dillard Hall.

“Dillard Hall has an exquisite kitchen space, but it doesn’t make sense to have

BY ERNIE GUAJARDO | CARTOONIST

that big kitchen space that draws the focus of the lobby when everyone who lives in that building has a kitchen,” Randolf said.

The renovations would not just focus on the exterior of the buildings, but with the interior as well, especially with the furniture.

In most of the halls, there are two things that occur

with the furniture. Either the furniture looks really nice and modern but is not the most comfortable to sit in, or the furniture does not look presentable and rugged but is more comfortable. There is an emphasis to make sure that furniture selected for the furniture not only looks good, but also works well

and is comfortable.

When asked when renovations would progress, Randolf shared that the desire of Residence Life is to hopefully start breaking ground in the summer of 2020. She believes that renovations that happen on the dorms will definitely help with the recruitment of prospective students.

She said she is very excited about the brainstorming and research that has taken place with her and the fellow directors.

It will be interesting to see what innovating ideas will be brought into the residence halls for the coming years and to see how Randolf and the other directors follow through to make living spaces more relevant and intentional for future residents.

Here is a thought: Both political parties stink

BY DILLON DANIEL MANAGING EDITOR

American citizens (a significant portion of them

being college students) are becoming increasingly hypocritical when it comes to political standings.

Since Barack Obama’s second election to office, the rift between red and blue peaked once again. Conflict between Republicans and Democrats is not a new concept, but anger rose again by the 2012 election and skyrocketed in the 2016 election.

People want to point fingers at only one of the two parties, but I want to bring up and interesting proposi-

tion: both are wrong.

Conservative values are having a massive grassroots comeback and are often supported alongside Judeo-Christian beliefs. However, an issue arises when certain candidate’s beliefs become the “new gospel.”

Many conservative Christian hear sermons that preach acceptance yet slander members of the LGBT community and call for walls before considering the predicaments of asylum seekers, hiding under the

excuse of national security.

My wake-up call to the reds: your religious/moral beliefs should convict you more than a candidate’s speech.

Likewise, where many conservatives lack moral understandings, many liberals lack practical understanding of the function of this country.

A generation of Democrats have been bred to preach against capitalism and privatized structures of power as they walk around campus holding Starbucks

in their hands and carrying the latest Mac in their Patagonia backpacks.

They vote in support of acts like universal health care (estimated to cost $32 trillion) yet fail to recognize our current state ($22 trillion).

My wake-up call to the blues: your “progressive” beliefs tend to be more regressive when compared to previous power structures, i.e. the communist and socialist parties in countries around the globe.

I do not say there is no hope for reconciliation between the two parties, but rather I believe there needs to be open minds and a possible expansion out of the bipartisan system that plagues American politics.

As more controversial, personality-based candidates are allowed into the further rounds of debates, the aggression between the parties grows along with the ignorance supporters of the parties possess.

Time to reevaluate mandatory student attendance

BY ALLISON HARRELL EDITOR IN CHIEF

They don’t make college easy.

If you’re reading this, you probably already know that.

I believe I am doing well to keep on top of my school work and maintain a good GPA, but why do attendance requirements have an affect on how well I do in my classes?

On average, college students take 15 hours of class-

es and work at least one job.

If they aren’t working a job, they are either an athlete who is required to attend practices six days a week for an average of three hours, workout four days a week for an hour and a half, attend study hall hours after classes and perform well at games on the weekends. Or a theatre student who is required to attend six hour-long rehearsals each night leading up to the performance. Or a nursing student who is required to attend clinical from 6:30 a.m.5 p.m. once a week and lab from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Aside from these school-related obligations, many students work a part-time job, or sometimes multiple, to pay for their college classes, textbooks and other necessities.

I consider myself to be

an average college student. I am enrolled in 16 hours, am working two jobs and trying to keep my head above water.

On top of responsibilities related to school and work, we, as college students, have personal obligations to parents, siblings and grandparents back home. We are expected to call them regularly, keep them updated and visit them whenever we get a chance. Additionally, we have obligations to friends, roommates or housemates, to spend quality time with them and be there for them when they need us.

We also have an obligation to take care of our own bodies. We are told we must make sure we maintain a healthy diet, get at least eight hours of sleep each night and exercise regu-

larly.

Add a romantic relationship or religious responsibilities and the to-do list continues. Technology increasing around us adds significant stress to our everyday lives, as well. We feel as if there is always something else that needs to be done. No time to rest.

No time to be still. There is no wonder this pressure runs us down physically, mentally and spiritually.

According to the data collected from a survey by the American Psychological Association in 2017, there has been a 31 percent increase in students seeking appointments in counseling centers and 61 percent of college students seeking counseling report they are struggling with anxiety.

On top of all the things we have to worry about inside of our classes, at ACU specifically, we must worry about our attendance in these classes. Attendance is not required at most public universities.

In one class I was told if I missed two class periods I would fail the course. That leaves next to no room for getting the stomach bug or the contagious flu and being bed-ridden for a few days or take time away for a family emergency. What if I get a simple cough and cold and don’t feel like stepping out of the house? What if I just need to catch up on sleep before going to work for another six hours? Much less, if I ever wanted to skip class to attend something fun and nourishing to the

soul like a concert or other special event, I can forget about it.

I understand that the argument for mandatory attendance is to prepare us for the “real world,” but the difference is we get paid when we show up to work in the future. Right now, we are paying to attend these classes, so I believe we should have the freedom to choose when we need to attend. The fact is, many of us could pass our classes without attending every class, with the proper amount of studying.

Sometimes, I believe that we need to be able to focus more on our well-being than sitting in class listening to a lecture.

I think it’s time we reevaluate the need for mandatory student attendance.

Letter: Building wall won’t solve immigration issue

BY SARA CHANEY

After reading last week’s Opinion article titled Borderless Borders: Why America Needs the Wall (Sept. 27), I was prompted to respond with a differing yet holistic point of view. As a senior social work student, I have spent the past few years learning about and engaging in public policy issues, all of which have increased my

knowledge of immigration policy.

In the published opinion piece, it was stated that “Democrats, in particular, believe that building a wall at the border creates division.” Although it is true that a wall is physically dividing, the physicality of the wall is no longer solely what this issue is about. The discussions centered around the wall and immigration

are deeply divisive in that they are stemming from oppressive rhetoric, harsh policies, and hostile misconceptions which are aimed at individuals that are would clearly do anything to achieve our socalled American dream.

The idea that “the wall is simply a tool to prevent illegal activity, such as illegal immigration,” which was expressed in the piece, would be true if it was ac-

tually a non-partisan, people-focused issue, free of divisive rhetoric and expressions of hate. Instead, an issue that is harming thousands of individuals daily has turned into a political nightmare, with less focus on people and their well-being and more focus on political agendas and economics.

While I cannot speak for a political party as a whole, nor a major, I speak with

great confidence when I say that myself and many other individuals do not believe that building a bigger wall is America’s best solution, nor is it “needed,” The wall itself will not “fix” immigration, nor will it ever completely stop the other illegal activity mentioned in the opinion piece.

Considering cost estimates, environmental effects, and various other

unintended consequences alone, it is absurd to think that this is the best option. Instead, both Republican and Democratic policy-makers must put effort into focusing on reforming immigration policies to fix a systemically broken process. The wall itself will not fix America, nor will divisive language or fear of “the other,” although both are continuing to exist.

THE OPTIMIST STAFF ALLISON HARRELL

SARAH BLANKENSHIP

JALEN GARRETT

KENNETH PYBUS

DILLON DANIEL

ASHLEY LANG

LEXI KIRGAN

CADE WHITE

OWEN SIMPSON

DEVON HILLARY

RACHEL POE

CELESTE KINKADE

TAVIAN MILES

EMILY PERRYMAN

TYLER HENDERSON

ABBEY LEE

WILLIAM HEYEN

CLAIRE SHIPLEY

RILEY FISHER

ANDREW NORSWORTHY

DAVID MITCHELL

ALEX HILL

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MEGAN HOLLEY

ERNIE GUAJARDO

BRYCE LURKENS

EMILY SHAFER

LEAH FIKES

SYDNEY VARNER

KAUY OSTLIEN

RACHEL CROSSNOE

AVERY JACKSON

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NEWS | Friday, October 4, 2019 | 5

Art gallery exhibition opens on campus

BY OWEN SIMPSON SPORTS DIRECTOR

A new ar t exhibition opened in the Clover Virginia Shore Galler y.

T he g aller y has been named Coincidence of Opposites.

Professor Rober t Green, director of the Fine Ar t Prog ram, is showing recent paintings and sharing the walls with the work of fellow ar tists and

friends Polly and Kenny Jones. “ We h ave d o n e e x h i bitions together about e ve r y f ive y e a r s o r s o,” Green said. “The last o n e wa s i n 2 0 1 3 , s o i t i s s o m e t h i n g t h a t i s i rr e g u l a r.”

T he g aller y is on display until Oct. 18 and admission is free.

Green also said that the stor y behind the g aller y’s name is something that was a com-

bined effor t and simply ref lected the different styles between ar tists.

“My colleagues came up with this.

We kind of str ug gled to find a title for the exhibition,” Green said. “Our work is all unique, and I encourag e ever yone to see the show. Poly is a colorful painter, Kenny Jones paints mostly abstract, my work is somewhere in-between.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF OMEGA DANCE COMPANY

Top row left to right: Epiphany Mitchell, Lauren Hames, Hannah Spaulding , Sophia Wharton. Second Row: Jennie Wegner, Josephine Lee, Paige Cudini, Cait lyn Harvey. Bottom Row : Taylor Tinsley, Alexis Thomas, Hannah Holst

Omega Dance Company seeks to change traditions

BY SENIA OVERSTREET GUEST WRITER

Members of Omega Dance Company challenged themselves, as well as their dancing skills, this weekend by changing their primary style of dance amid tryouts and a newfound sponsorship.

Captain Taylor Tinsley set a goal for the team to expand their skills and make Omega Dance Company a well-known name around campus. While the team is commonly known for being a jazz and contemporary style, the idea to expand emerged after voicing her opinions and desires to “dance more around campus.”

The group formed in 2011, the leaders were focused on building a team solely focused on one ele-

ment of dancing. With the eighth-year mark approaching the organization Tinsley and Co-Captain Hannah Holst, sought to push the organization to learn and perform a more diverse set of skills.

“We are finally getting the opportunity to showcase what we really are. We are getting a one-year trial to show ACU athletics that we are ready to have an actual dance team,” Holst said.

Hannah Spaulding said the team is like a home away from home as the organization poses as an advocate for all students who share the passion and love for dance. She has been a member of the team since April 2019.

“This team is like home a family because we share the same love for an activity

that draws us closer to each other,” Spaulding said.

Finding sponsors came as a challenge for growing the team. According to the leadership of the team, ACU was not always on board with the addition of dance and step teams on campus.

“It was hard. I had to email a lot of people and make a decision based on the needs of our team. But we did it,” Tinsley said.

The decision to change the elements of the team emerged after meeting with the new sponsors for the 2019-2020 school year, Rebecca Mathis and Elizabeth McAnally.

For more information about the organization and how to be involved, contact Taylor Tinsley at (804)-292-1942.

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The closing reception is slated for Oct. 1 8 f r o m 4 : 3 0 - 6 : 3 0 p. m .

G r e e n s a i d i t ’s t h e b e s t time to visit and see a l l t h e p a i n t e r s. “ R i g h t n ow t h e g a l lery is open for peop l e t o c o m e v i s i t ,” Green said. “but the Fr i d ay o f h o m e c o m i n g we e k , a r e c e p t i o n i s s ch e d u l e d . Pe o p l e a r e i nv i t e d t o c o m e o u t , and the artists will be t h e r e.”

“Our work is all unique, and I encourage everyone to see the show.”

ROBERT GREEN PROFESSOR AND DIRECTOR OF FINE ART PROGRAM AT ACU

Green says there tends to be around 200 people present at the reception and members of faculty and staff are often

present. “ I f yo u we n t i n r i g h t n ow, yo u m i g h t b e t h e only person in that s p a c e,” G r e e n s a i d .

The AC U C l ove r Virginia Shore Gallery is located at the Don Morris building on AC U ’s c a m p u s.

T h e b u i l d i n g i s a l way s o p e n we e k d ay s f r o m 8 a . m . t o 5 p. m . w h e r e yo u c a n a d m i r e t h e a r t wo r k f o r a s l o n g a s yo u m ay w i s h .

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6 | Friday, October 4, 2019 | SPORTS

Toney, Wildcats push to 2-0 in conference play

BY LEXI KIRGAN SPORTS WRITER

The Wildcats opened up conference play Thursday and Saturday with two impressive wins against UIW and Texas A&M Corpus Christi.

Lindsey Toney, sophomore outside hitter and right side for the Wildcats feels that playing those tough pre-season games has helped her team as a whole.

“Being 2-0 in conference so far is a huge confidence booster after our preseason,” Toney said.

“We played some pretty tough teams in preseason but knowing how we flow as a team under pressure now has been very helpful to stay grounded against harder offenses and defenses.”

On Friday, the Wildcats hosted the UIW Cardinals and beat them in straight sets.

The first set was close as the Wildcats won 26-24, the second set was a little more comfortable winning 25-13. The last set was back and forth for a long time, but they clinched it winning, 27-25.

Kennedy Shelstead, senior middle blocker for the Wildcats had nine kills and four blocks.

The ACU soccer team traveled to Louisiana to face Nicholls Colonels on Friday. The Wildcats were able to win 8-0 over the Colonels.

ACU was able to score four times in each half and shut out the Nicholls.

The first goal was scored in the 20th minute when redshirt sophomore Emily Heidman received an assist from junior Christina Arteaga for her first goal of the

Abilene Christian (2-3/ 1-2 SLC) is looking for a bounce back victory after a tough road loss this weekend, as the Wildcats will head to Beaumont to take on the Lamar Cardinals (2-3/0-2 SLC).

Luke Anthony and the Wildcat offense look to get back on track this week, facing a Lamar team who snapped a 5-game home winning streak this past weekend against Stephen F. Austin. For the Wildcats’ offense, look for Anthony to target Senior Josh Fink. Fink is slowly climbing the ACU AllTime leaderboard in catches,

Ovrl.

3-1 3-2 4-1 3-1 2-2 2-2 1-4 2-3 2-3 2-3 0-5

Conf.

2-0 2-0 1-0 1-0 1-0 1-1 1-1 1-2 0-2 0-2 0-2

Soccer

BY DAVID MITCHELL | PHOTOGRAPHER

Junior middle blocker Lorin McNeil spikes the ball over the net.

“This is amazing. Just for the fact that it’s our first home game and it’s our first win in three.” Shelstead said. “This is the first time we have ever swept them and that’s amazing feeling going into Corpus just to have that momentum and to have that energy it’s amazing for us.

We thrive off energy and we do great when we have all of that.”

The second game of conference play was against Texas A&M Corpus Christi.

The Wildcats beat the Islanders 3-1. In the first set, the Wildcats took the lead winning 26-24 but lost momentum in the

second set losing 19-25. They brought the energy back in the third set and won the third and fourth set 25-23 and 25-22.

Toney got her second double double on the season in the win Saturday.

“Having my second double-double this season is super

exciting for me knowing I can help the team to get wins, and I think for me it really helps seeing everyone else working hard and it motivates me to work harder too,” Toney said.

The Wildcats head to McNeese to take on the Cowgirls Thursday at 6:30 p.m.

season.

Three minutes later Heidman nailed one in the back of the net to make it 2-0 at ACU. Arteaga was able to score her fourth goal of the season with a perfect ball in the 26th minute to bring up the Wildcats 3-0.

The last goal of the first half came from senior Samantha Vestal, who took a pass from Arteaga.

The first goal in the second half came from freshman Caylen Wright in the 54th minute when she nailed it the back of the net, making it 5-0.

It was in the 72nd minute when Heidman earned her hat trick a 6-0 lead for ACU. Three minutes later, Arteaga took a pass from freshman Natalie Jones, for her fifth goal of the season.

The last goal of the night came for Cestal in the 79th minute off of an offensive explosion.

The Wildcats had an outstanding offensive game.

It was Arteaga’s fourth twoscore game and second of the season. Vestal was able to get her first multi-score game of her

career, and now has three goals this season, her career best. This was ACU’s most goals scored in a game in Div. I program history.

The Wildcats had 36 shots from Friday’s game against the Colonels.

Arteaga now has 11 assists of her career, two coming from this game. She also led with shot attempts, with having 10. Heidman was able to have six. Vestal and Jones each had four. Wright and senior Shay Johnson each had three.

This was more of a relaxing

night for redshirt senior goalkeeper in the net, having four shots face and two saves.

ACU now has a 5-2 record over Nicholls, with the most recent win coming off of last season.

Head Coach Casey Wilson was very pleased with the 8-0 outcome.

“It was good to work on something offensively and to get ourselves back on track and scoring much more,” Wilson said. “We are trying to create confidence and build momentum going into each and every game.”

Wildcats look to rebound against Lamar after tough road loss

BY TYLER HENDERSON SPORTS WRITER

Football Team SELU SHSU HBU UCA Nicholls UIW SFA ACU Lamar McNeese NWSU

Wildcats break records in blowout over Nicholls

BY RACHEL POE SPORTS WRITER

STANDINGS

yards and touchdowns, needing 111 yards to move into a tie for 10th all-time with Darrel Cantu-Harkless. Fink is not the only Wildcat climbing the All-Time ACU ranks, as Luke Anthony and Tracy James are climbing at their respective positions. Anthony needs 86 more yards to tie Parker McKenzie at 10th all-time. James needs 74 yards to break the top 10, and he moved into ninth all-time in career rushing attempts. Look for these three driving forces in the Wildcats’ steady offensive attack against the Cardinal defense on Saturday.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Wildcats continue to

collapse backfields and pressure opposing quarterbacks with a heavy pass rush. With four sacks against UIW, resulting in a loss of 28 yards, the Wildcats now rank second in the Southland Conference and fourth in the FCS in sacks per game. The ACU defense continues to force turnovers, as Senior Jeremiah Chambers recovered his second fumble, which leads all of the Southland. Junior Kameron Hill lead the pass rush recording his single season high seventh sack, bringing his career total to 13.

He ranks third in all of FCS and second in the Southland with 1.4 sacks per game.

After a game where the Car-

dinals’ “self- destructed,” said Lamar head coach Mike Schultz, they will look to turn around their bad fortunes against ACU at home. A Lamar offense that totaled 358 offensive yards last week against SFA, including 236 in the second half, struggled against a Lumberjack team who picked up their first conference win. Penalties were the downfall of the Cardinals in critical game situations. Lamar was penalized six times for 55 yards, but in crucial spots that nullified big plays.

One erased a punt return for a touchdown, with another resulting in the loss of a big reception in the red zone.

The Cardinals struggled, but

remain an offensive threat. Senior quarterback Jordan Hoy led the Lamar offense with 19 passes for 2o3 yards and one touchdown. He also carried the ball 24 times for 54 yards. The lone touchdown was caught by junior receiver Mason Sikes. Junior Andre Mulinax led the defense with eight tackles, and fellow classmate Kyron Norwood had six tackles and one interception for a 15 yard return for a touchdown.

The Wildcats will look to even out their record at 2-2 on the road on Saturday beginning at 6 p.m. fromProvost Umphrey Stadium. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.

FOOTBALL MATCHUP PREVIEW 2019 SEASON 33.6

POINTS PER GAME

28.4

189.8

RUSH YPG

191.6

280.0

PASSING YPG

225.6

27.4

POINTS ALLOWED PG

SPORTS DIRECTOR

Ovrl.

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

Conf.

3-0 3-0 3-0 2-0-1 2-1 2-1 1-1-1 1-2 0-3 0-3 0-3 0-3

Volleyball Team SFA UNO SHSU ACU SELU NWSU HBU Nicholls TXAM-CC McNeese Lamar UCA UIW

Ovrl.

14-1 9-7 6-8 4-8 8-9 9-7 9-8 7-7 8-8 7-7 5-7 6-9 4-12

Conf.

2-0 2-0 2-0 2-0 3-1 1-1 1-1 1-2 1-2 0-2 0-2 0-2 0-2

SCHEDULE Football Week 6 ACU UCA SHSU SELU UIW

v v v v v

Lamar Nicholls SFA McNeese HBU

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Volleyball

SANDERCOX Senior Marybeth Sandercox was the key par t in the win against Texas A&M Corpus Christi tallying four blocks and hitting 47.6% of her hits.

She also racked up 12 kills. The Wildcats will aim to stay undefeated in conference play with two games this week on the road.

Football

33.4 LAMAR UNIVERSITY

ABILENE CHRISTIAN UNIVERSIT Y (2–3)

Owen Simpson

Team ACU McNeese UIW SHSU Lamar NWSU TXAM-CC SFA Nicholls UCA SELU HBU

(2-3)

Tavian Miles

ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

Coming off a loss where you should finish out with a win and fail to do so is always a challenge. However, the Wildcats are 2-0 this season coming off of a loss. Meanwhile, Lamar is still looking for its first conference win of the season, sitting at 2-3 on the year. The key factor in this matchup is what kind of Wildcat offense shows up to play. After boasting one of the top offenses in the FCS earlier in the season, ACU has been held to just around 20 points per game in the past two weeks and particularly have struggled to get started earlier in games. Looking on the other side, Lamar has a dual threat of pass and run averaging around 200 yards a game each on the ground and in the air. They have three running backs over 200 rushing yards this season while the Wildcats have essentially put their money on senior running back Tracy James for the majority of carries. With a banged up ACU offense and a Lamar team looking to capitalize on home-field advantage, The Cardinals come out on top.

After suffering a brutal loss this last weekend to UIW 3124, the Wildcats are looking to rebound against Lamar who has one of the best rushing offenses in the conference. Both ACU and Lamar sit at 2-3 overall and have something to prove going into this game.

This week, ACU’s offense should look more like a rebuilding week since the Wildcats threw three interceptions in Saturday’s loss. We know both teams can score since Lamar is averaging 28.4 points per game compared to the Wildcats 33.6 points per game. However, ACU gives up 27.2 points per game while Lamar gives up 33.6 points per contest. So far the Wildcats have struggled on the road, and I would expect that to continue with a banged up offense. The Wildcats fall to 2-4 on the year with five more conference games remaining to decide their postseason fate.

FINAL SCORE: ACU 23 LAMAR 27

FINAL SCORE: ACU 9 LAMAR 24

Lexi Kirgan

SPORTS REPORTER

Last week was a surprising loss for the Wildcats so I am hoping they will come back mad this week and put it on Lamar. ACU and Lamar are both 2-3 overall, but the Wildcats are 1-2 in conference and Lamar is 0-2. Lamar was picked to finish 6th in conference while ACU was picked to finish 7th in the Southland Conference preseason poll. Last week Luke Anthony threw three picks in the game against UIW, so if he can bounce back and make the needed corrections, I feel like they will have a better shot.

Some players that shined last weekend were Jeremiah Chambers with 13 tackles and Jack Gibbens with 13 tackles. Tracy James ran 97 yards which put him past the 2,000 yard mark.

I am predicting that it is going to be a pretty close game but I have a feeling that after the loss they took last week, and if those guys can come together along with the offense and the rest of the defense, I have no doubt that the Wildcats will come out with the win.

FINAL SCORE: ACU 31 LAMAR 27

Jalen Garrett SPORTS REPORTER

ACU’s offense was not flowing throughout the game, turning the ball over four times and produced only 330 yards of total offense. Junior quarterback Luke Anthony played his worst game of the season so far by only throwing 197 yards and three interceptions. The Cardinals are coming off their third straight loss to Stepehen F. Austin, 24-17. They are currently ninth in the Southland Conference with ACU being one spot ahead of them in eighth. Senior Tracy James led the team against UIW as he ran for 97 yards and a touchdown.

James ranks number one in categories including total touchdowns and scoring. .

The Wildcats’ running game will be the key factor against the Cardinals, and I believe that running back James will get a great amount of touches in this matchup. The Wildcats will bounce back offensively and grab their first road win of the season.

FINAL SCORE: ACU 24 LAMAR 10

JAMES In a losing effort against Incarnate Word, senior running back Tracy James rushed for 97 yards and scored a touchdown. James ranks among the top spots in categories such as rushing yards, total scoring, and total touchdowns. The Wildcats head back on the road Saturday to face Lamar University. The game will air on ESPN3.

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