Optimist Print Edition 10.16.20

ACUOPTIMIST.COM | Friday, October 16, 2020 | 1

A student publication of Abilene Christian University since 1912

BY DAVID MITCHELL | PHOTOGRAPHER

The men of Sub T-16 play games at the All Fraternity Rush.

Stay-at-Home Homecoming COVID-19 spike suspends events

BY OWEN SIMPSON EDITOR IN CHIEF

The university postponed rushing, pledging and group events on campus with 25 people or more until Oct. 23 following a 300% increase in COVID-19 cases since the beginning of October.

As of Friday, ACU has 103 active cases of COVID-19 and 201 members of the community are

in self-quarantine for possible exposure.

“By their very nature, intramural sports, rushing and pledging are social activities that encourage groups of students to gather, increasing the likelihood of infection and communal spread,” Dr. Tamara Long, vice president for enrollment, said.

“While we are all eager to return to normalcy, keeping everyone safe must re-

main our highest priority.”

The university also suspended all intramural sports taking place until Oct. 23.

Despite the surge in cases, Dr. Schubert, president of the university, said this was an expected outcome of returning to campus.

“We recognize it is difficult to follow these protocols in a community as

Events scheduled and cancellations WTAM vs. ACU football game (CANCELED) Football tailgating (CANCELED) Abilene Zoo tailgate (CANCELED) Naming of Homecoming Queen (POSTPONED) Free BBQ sandwhiches from The Shed Market Saturday @ noon Virtual Homecoming Chapel Friday

SEE PAGE 3

NEWS

Sing Song going virtual PAGE 2

ACU plans $28.7 million apartment complex

BY OWEN SIMPSON EDITOR IN CHIEF

The university has signed a pre-development agreement for the construction of an apartment complex north of ACU’s campus on North Judge Ely Boulevard.

The new apartment complex will hold 240 apartments and cost an estimated $28.7 million. Even though the project isn’t slated to finish until 2022, pre-leasing is expected to be available before the end of 2021.

“We would phase the construction in a way that would allow us to lease some of the building and units prior to 100% completion,” said Jess Green, senior vice president of Wilks Development.

“Therefore, it is possible that pre-leasing could begin in August 2021 and some tenants and residents could begin moving in early fourth quarter of 2021.”

Construction will begin in February 2021, and the project will conclude in

April 2022.

This agreement comes after a several number of campus projects have begun development. Allen Ridge will open restaurants in November, and a new health clinic and bank will open north of Wildcat Stadium.

The university has also been in discussions with a hotel, but COVID-19 has currently halted talks, said Kelly Young, vice president for Abilene Christian Investment Management Company.

“COVID has obviously put those talks on a longterm hold because nobody is traveling, but we think that will eventually come back,” Young said. “We’ll have a pretty nice hotel soon.”

The complex will feature a nature trail along with a pool and sand volleyball court. Majority of the units will be one and two bedrooms, but 12 units will be offering three bedrooms.

ACU will not run the apartments. it is working

with a separate developer, Wilks Development, that is in the process of obtaining a HUD loan to fulfill the primary source of funding for the project.

“We see this development as a way to improve the north side of Abilene, not just for the ACU campus but for Abilene,” Young said. “However, all of this is a very long process, and there are a lot of hoops to jump through before you’re up and running.”

FEATURE

Associate VP of Student Life hired PAGE 7

SPORTS

New restaurants scheduled for Allen Ridge project

BY OWEN SIMPSON EDITOR IN CHIEF

Fuzzy’s Taco’s and Phoenix Pho will open at Allen Ridge in early November as construction continues for future development.

“We see this development as a way to improve the north side of Abilene, not just for the ACU campus but for Abilene,” said Kelly Young, vice president of Abilene Christian Investment Management Company.

The restaurants were

originally slated to open in the spring, but COVID-19 created problems, Young said.

“When COVID hit, none of the restaurants were in a position to open,” Young said. “Even though we were ready to hand over some of the spaces in the spring, we had to figure out what would come.”

Abilene Nail Bar is expected to open in January.

Hotworx Yoga, Biscuit Bar and Blue Jean Cafe are looking to open lat-

er in the spring. Twisted Root Burgers and Bahama Bucks will begin construction this fall but have no timetable to opening.

Several murals are also being constructed at Allen Ridge. Calina Mishay is one of the artists for the murals.

“The feel is very relaxing and peaceful,” Mishay said. “We found this common thread in nature, a very organic design. The architectural elements of the buildings are very structured, so we wanted

to bring more f low and more soul to balance it all.”

Phase I construction of the Allen Ridge lifestyle village is nearly complete. Phase II, north of Wildcat Stadium, includes construction of Hendrick Urgent Care clinic, and a local bank is completing construction plans for a one-acre site next door.

ACU also has signed a pre-development agreement for a $28.7 million apartment complex north of the lake retail. The

complex is expected to open later in 2021.

“I am so proud that murals are being considered an important layer in the design and experience of this space,” Mishay said.

“It has been an honor to be chosen to work with artists and the development team to make that dream a reality. For ACU to be employing artists in this way gives opportunities for the creative community and shows the broader community the value of art.”

Quarterback suffered serious injuries PAGE 12

FOLLOW US @acuoptimist The Optimist @acuoptimist

2 | Friday, October 12, 2020 | NEWS

Sing Song 2021 begins shift to virtual format

BY SYDNEY VARNER ASSISTANT MANAGING EDITOR

As of now, Sing Song 2021 is going virtual for this year’s show.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Sing Song is having to reevaluate its layout moving forward into the spring semester. However, the plans to move Sing Song to video are still changing as the pandemic progresses.

“I think the first thing to emphasize is that there are really no officially set plans,” Sing Song director Nick

Tatum said. “We are in the midst of figuring it out and it’s changing everyday with the pandemic. I want to make sure that people understand that we are figuring this out and health and safety is our number one priority.”

As of right now, the plan is to have all acts recorded and put together for a showing that will be released sometime in the spring.

Host and hostesses’ acts will be pre-recorded in a music video style while club and class acts will look more

like a virtual choir format.

The club and class acts will have rehearsals most likely split into two parts. First the groups will learn and record their vocals and then move onto choreography.

“Personally I think it’d be weird to have 100 people spread out 6 feet apart doing the choreography; I feel like that would lose the impact,” Tatum said. “Instead our plan right now is to film each individual doing the choreography and then put them together in a single video like in a virtual choir

format so that the choreography looks more normal and we aren’t putting people at risk standing closely.

We’ll pair that pre-recorded audio with those videos and were hoping that’s the best way to maintain what Sing Song looks like and feels like but also make sure we are keeping people safe and distanced.”

In addition to changes to the format, this year they added one extra host for the show.

“Unlike normal years, we are usually only tied to six

people because of the confines of the stage and the dressing rooms but this year we can do whatever we want so we have seven,” Tatum said.

Rehearsals that have already started for the hosts and hostesses look different than normal, having moved online after the recent spike in cases.

“Not being able to all meet together, not to be able to hear everyone’s voices is really weird,” senior environmental science major from Schertz Michael Grif-

fith said.

Despite Sing Song being changed, enthusiasm is still high when it comes to the show.

“This is my first time being a Sing Song host but I have been a part of Sing Song since my freshman year,” Griffith said. “I love Sing Song a lot. It’s one of my favorite things about ACU so the fact that it’s going to be different is a little hard.”

Plans for Sing Song 2021 will develop as the semester progresses.

Homecoming musical pre-recorded due to COVID-19 restrictions

BY JARED WRIGHT STAFF WRITER

ACU has a long tradition of putting on Homecoming musicals, but this year it’s going to look different.

Since its founding in 1951, the Department of Theatre has released a production for Homecoming.

“Historically, we have produced a homecoming musical and it has been part of the legacy and tradition of the university and our campus, just like the football game and parade,” said executive producer Dawne Swearingen-Meeks.

Rogers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella was chosen for this year’s Homecoming nearly a year ago.

COVID-19 has presented challenges for the musical’s production.

The production team frequently discussed questions about dance numbers and where to keep the orchestra. Ultimately, they came to the decision to record the musical without a live audience and debut the recording instead.

Coronavirus restrictions have affected every part of the production cycle. Auditions and callbacks were recorded and passed back and forth between the guest director, Jeff Smith, who was in New York City at the time, and the rest of the staff.

Lily Balogh, artist-in-residence, prepared all the dance numbers in her kitch-

PHOTO COURTESY OF CREATIVE SERVICES

The 2020 Homecoming musical films with COVID-19 protocols. en. The cast learned the dances over Zoom meetings, finding space wherever they could.

Coronavirus restrictions weren’t the only obstacle that Swearingen-Meeks and her team faced. Early in production, news broke that the musical would not be allowed to be recorded or streamed.

This would not stop Swearingen-Meeks

and the rest of the cast and crew. The crew quickly assessed their options and pivoted to writing their own version of the Cinderella story, one with a unique Abilene twist.

This is the first time the Homecoming production will not be a live stage production. Instead, ACU Theatre produced a short film. ACU Theatre worked with a

number of artists from Los Angeles, New York City and even some journalism and mass communication students.

This brought many new challenges to the table, but the team worked hard and pulled through. They wrapped filming on Oct. 4.

“I love that in the midst of all this, it’s a new training opportunity that, frankly, we probably wouldn’t have considered,” Swearingen-Meeks, associate professor and chair of the Department of Theatre, said. “I’m really proud of where we landed and I cannot wait to see what the future looks like.”

Nora Vellis, junior musical theatre major from Abilene who plays the Fairy Godmother, walked away with a similar feeling of growth.

“One theme that our director Jeff Smith mentioned was the idea that it’s still possible to create art during COVID, and I really resonated with that,” Vellis said.

“So many schools and theatre companies, including Broadway, are choosing to postpone or even completely cancel productions across the country, so the fact that we were able to do a short film at all was a blessing. It is possible to maintain a normal life in COVID, and that’s the biggest thing I’ll take from this process.”

Cinderella will premier for the community to watch online Friday.

POLICE LOG

SELECTED ACUPD CALLS FOR THE WEEK: •

ACUPD captured two pit bulls which were in the College Of Biblical Studies Building and turned them over to Animal Control. 9/29/2020 8:00 a.m.

•

Two ACU students reported their bicycles stolen from the the above location. Both bicycles were secured with a cable and lock. The unknown suspect(s) cut both cables and took the bicycles. 9/29/2020 9:00 a.m.

•

ACUPD officers assisted APD officers with a disturbance call involving a male subject who entered the residence without permission.

The male subject was arrested for Burglary With Intent To Commit Assault and transported to Taylor County Jail. 10/14/2020 12:34 a.m.

911 Call Administrative activity Advice Alcohol incident Animal call Assist Barricades Boot/Unboot vehicle Building lock/unlock Cart patrol Check building Citation issuance Clery Criminal mischief Criminal trespass warning Direct traffic

1 41 1 0 2 6 2 2 6 1 285 0 6 1 3 0

Disturbance Domestic disturbance Escort Foot patrol Found property Hit & run Information report Intoxicated person Investigation follow-up Lost Property Maintenance: univ assets: cctv Maintenance: univ assets Medical emergency Missing person Monitor facility/lot Motorist assist: inflate tire.

3 0 1 63 1 0 4 0 16 6 32 2 4 0 8 0

Motorist assist: jump start 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 Report writing Report writing (follow up) Sex offense Suicide (attempt and actual)

3 1 1 5 18 53 2 8 7 1 14 0 12 0 0 0

Stolen Vehicle 0 Suspicious person 7 Suspicious vehicle 4 Theft 3 Traffic hazard 2 Traffic stop 4 Training 0 Unauthorized use of motor vehicle 0 Vehicle collision 2 Welfare check 6 Total 660 *List of selected statistics of this week’s ACUPD activity report.

MESSAGE FROM POLICE CHIEF ELLISON:

“ACU being able to stay in session depends on YOU doing your part on-campus and especially off-campus. Being smart at ACU, but then hosting large gatherings off-campus with little-to-no COVID safety measures defeats everything.”

THE OPTIMIST STAFF OWEN SIMPSON

ALLIE JONES

DAVID MITCHELL

EDITOR IN CHIEF

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER, STAFF

PHOTOGRAPHER

DILLON DANIEL MANAGING EDITOR

SYDNEY VARNER ASSITANT MANAGING EDITOR

REPORTER, VIDEOGRAPHER

EMILY SHAFER VIDEOGRAPHER

TREY SCHATZMANN

arts@acuoptimist.com

RYLAND MALLETT

kacu@acuoptimist.com

PHOTOGRAPHER

KACU RADIO NEWS

MEGHAN LONG

news@optimist.com

PHOTOGRAPHER

NEWS DESK

VIEOGRAPHER

opinion@acuoptimist.com

SPORTS VIEOGRAPHER, SPORTS

JAMON NELSON

OPINION DESK

REPORTER

STAFF REPORTER

TAVIAN MILES

KENNETH PYBUS

RILEY FISHER

CARRIE JOHNSTON

FACULTY ADVISER

CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

ASSITANT SPORTS DIRECTOR

CADE WHITE

ALYSSA HIGH

AVERY JACKSON

OPINIONS EDITOR

SPORTS REPORTER

LEAH FIKES

JALEN GARRETT

COPY EDITOR

SPORTS REPORTER

EMILY PERRYMAN

MADI MILLER

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

SPORTS REPORTER

VISUALS ADVISER

CELESTE KINKADE ADVERTISING MANAGER

EDITORIAL & LETTER POLICY

DESIGN DESK

optimist@acuoptimist.com THE OPTIMIST

photo@acuotpimist.com PHOTO DESK

sports@acuoptimist.com

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 letter 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 let-

ters to the editor but reserves the right to limit frequent contributors or to refuse to print letters containing personal attacks, obscenity, defamation, erroneous information or invasive privacy. Please limit letters to 350 words or fewer. A name and phone number must be included for verificationpurposes. Phone numbers will not be published.

SPORTS DESK

TO SEND LETTER TO EDITOR

video@optimist.com VIDEO DESK

ACU BOX 27892 ABILENE, TX, 79609 ADDRESS

EDITOR@ACUOPTIMIST.COM EMAIL

NEWS | Friday, October 16, 2020 | 3 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

relational as ours, but it is absolutely essential,” Schubert said in an email.

“Our medical clinic and our Student Life teams, in particular, are working tirelessly to manage all of the necessary actions in

this environment, but they cannot do it alone.”

Bid night was originally scheduled for Oct. 23, but the suspension of campus events ultimately pushes pledging back further.

Pledging was scheduled to run two weeks from Oct. 24 until Nov. 8.

With the shift online following Thanksgiving Break, rushing and pledging details are unknown.

Before the spike in cases the university had kept coronavirus positive results down significantly compared to other universities across the nation.

Meanwhile, the university reported 114 qctive cases Tuesday.

Long said that ACU had worked tirelessly over the summer to allow student to return in the fall.

“I don’t get emotional very easy,” Dr. Tamara Long, vice president for

enrollment, said.

“But watching them move in and spending so much time getting ready over the summer brought tears to my eyes.”

The university did not comment on a possible shift to online instruction.

“We will continue to

carefully evaluate the landscape and take additional steps as necessary,” Schubert said.

“While we prefer not to cancel campus activities or change existing plans,” Schubert said.” the health and safety of our campus is our highest priority.”

NORTH ABILENE 849 E Hwy 80 (325) 672-3330 SOUTH ABILENE 2050 Antilley Rd (325) 704-4352

VOTED BEST BBQ IN ABILENE!

M.A. in Outdoor and Adventure Leadership

OPEN 11am - 9pm sharonsbarbeque.com FOLLOW US FOR WEEKLY SPECIALS!

Roommate Needed!

Looking for one more female to share a large, furnished rent house, 1/2 block from ACU. Call for details.

CALL 325.513.6572 Everything Tastes Better

Voted BEST Family Restaurant in Abilene!

The M.A. in Outdoor and Adventure Leadership combines professional and practical educational experiences to develop

Grilled over a

exceptional Christian leaders in churches, camps, and colleges.

Mesquite Fire!

experiential learning.

Join a global community with a passion for adventure and

wheaton.edu/MA-Adventure

1150 E. South 11th | (325) 677-1925 | lytlelandandcattle.com

Under Roof-ACU Wildcats Back Row: Caleb Robinson, Kyle McVey, Dayton Borger, Will Christoferson, Clay Trumble, Brad Magers, Bret Pinson Front Row: Amy Lane, Hannah Rimmer, Dillon Cobb, Sarah Bacon, Pam Brown Not Pictured: Shelley Allen, Brittany Balcomb, Ella Burgess, Brian Burton, Clint Davidson, John Ferguson, Abby Fortson, Geo Goodwin, Lauren Harp, Yancey House, Sheri Kendrick, Tim Laws, Jeff Leving, Austin Mayes, Tyler Mayes, Marcus Morris, Tim Pittman, Joe Rocco, Kirk Thaxton, Kyle Whisenhunt

YOU FIRST | FFIN.com

4 | Friday, October 16, 2020 | NEWS

Enrollment uncertain for 2021

BY ALYSSA HIGH OPINIONS EDITOR

Enrollment for the spring 2021 semester is uncertain, even with the increase in university enrollment for the fall 2020 semester.

While overall enrollment increased, the incoming freshman class is significantly smaller than in recent years, with total freshman enrollment at 839 students.

“There’s no doubt that the impact was COVID-19,” Long said.

“The number of students who deposited and then said they couldn’t come is significant.”

According to Kelley Wood, director of recruiting, expected enrollment numbers will be more accurate as the spring semesters get closer and more

deposits come in.

“With the ever changing landscape with COVID, I don’t know if we really have a real solid idea of what to expect the spring right now,” Wood said.

“It’s really hard to make any predictions about what’s going to happen, because we know that what things look like this week may look completely different next week.”

While it is uncertain how enrollment will look as the pandemic progresses on, current deposit numbers are similar to where they were at this time last year, according to Wood.

To encourage enrollment numbers for the spring and fall 2021 semesters, recruiting continues to have in-person interviews.

“Right now, we’re trying to recruit in a different

way, so we’re doing a lot of things virtually as well,” Wood said.

As the pandemic changes the way that the university is able to recruit and students are able to participate in campus life, recruiting and enrollment will continue to adapt in order to accommodate students and keep enrollment numbers up.

“With predictions that 15-20 percent of college-bound students might choose not to enroll due to the pandemic, it’s even more exciting to see our total enrollment continue to climb,” Phil Schubert, president of the university said. “This represents significant effort on the part of faculty and staff who continue to adjust to a rapidly changing environment. I’m thankful and proud.”

BY RILEY FISHER | PHOTOGRAPHER

The class of 2024 joins together in the singing of “The Lord Bless You and Keep You.”

Endowment continues to rise despite pandemic

BY ALYSSA HIGH OPINIONS EDITOR

Abilene Christian University on a morning sunrise.

Despite a 10% plunge in endowment in March, university endowment has increased from last year.

“An endowment is a fund intended to benefit the university every year in perpetuity. Unlike current-use gifts, which are spent completely for immediate needs, endowed funds are invested for long-term growth and a portion of the return on those investments is spent each year,” the ACU Alumni Association says.

Endowment funds are typically given by a donor and fall into one of four categories: unrestricted endowments which support the general purposes of the university, student scholarship endowments, endowed chairs, professorships and fellowships, and ACU’s departments, centers and programs. On average, 4.5-5% of endowment funds are dispersed for use in univer-

sity operations, and the rest are invested.

“We’ve tried to invest in a way in a diversified portfolio so that we can dampen some of the volatility and some of the up and downs in the markets by the way we invest so that we don’t have the extreme drops in value that you can see if we were just invested in the equity market,” Jack Rich, chief investment officer, said. “It’s hard to predict where things will be but we feel comfortable that we have the appropriate mix of assets in our endowment to try to provide the most protection that we can.”

Endowment experienced a 10% decline following the uncertainty around the COVID-19 pandemic in March.

“Since the decline in March we have not recovered 100 percent,” Rich said. “But we have recovered a good part of the decrease.”

Looking at reports from

September 30, 454 million but today our endowment value is around 460 million.

Last year’s report from September showed endowment at 454 million, but today our endowment is valued at around 460 million.

While endowment continues to increase despite the decline in March, the future is uncertain as the pandemic continues on.

“It’s hard to predict what the rest of the year may bring. There are so many factors in place right now that add to the uncertainty in the stock market just like it adds to uncertainty in the life of the university and the lives of its students. We have a significant election taking place and its unclear what happens with the virus moving forward,” Rich said.

“All these are factors that make it very difficult to predict what the markets might provide in return for the remainder of this year and into next year.”

NEWS | Friday, October 16, 2020 | 5

BY DAVID MITCHELL | PHOTOGRAPHER

Dr. Phil Schubert, president of the university, leads new students in a time of reflection.

Spring break, classes confirmed for coming semester

BY DILLON DANIEL MANAGING EDITOR

Phil Schubert, president of the university, confirmed details regarding next semester’s schedule including plans for spring break in an email sent to students and parents on Oct. 5.

Regarding the beginning of the semester, Schubert said that the semester will begin on time.

“We have decided to start the spring semester on time with classes beginning Jan. 11, as scheduled, and January intensive courses being

held Jan. 4-8,” Schubert said.

With this Schubert also confirmed spring break as well as an earlier end to the semester.

“We plan to have Spring Break from March 8-12, and finish classes on April 30,” Schubert said.

However, he also said that a certain percentage of classes will not be in person similar to the fall semester.

“Seventy-four percent of our class sections will have in-person instruction, with about 11 percent being online,” Schubert said. “An-

other 15 percent are independent or individual study and internships.”

Schubert ended his email by saying that there will now be 20 minutes in between each class to disinfect as well as a decision regarding study abroad trips will be made by Nov. 4.

“Class times will be the same as the class times this fall. We are allowing 20 minutes between classes instead of the usual 10 minutes to allow time to disinfect each meeting space,” Schubert said. “Decisions about Study Abroad pro-

grams to Oxford, Leipzig and Montevideo will be made by November 4.”

Aleksander Cook, senior biochemistry major from Flower Mound, said that this email did not change his feelings one way or the other regarding next semester.

“I feel indifferent about the spring schedule,” Cook said. “I am happy that we will be in person, but I worry about what will happen if there is COVID-19 spread.”

However, Cook said that although he’ll be happy to be back that this is not the best decision.

“I feel that it would be safer and better for us to not return to in person learning for the spring semester.”

Concerning spring break, Cook said he believes allowing time for students to leave during the semester will be dangerous for the university.

“I do not support the decision to keep spring break,” Cook said. “I feel like this will turn out to be a time where COVID-19 will spread massively and there will be repercussions because of it. Overall I feel like it is not wise to plan for

a time where students can leave during a pandemic.”

In order for us to stay in person, Cook said he believes that we will need to stick to the regulations as closely as possible.

“Students need to continue to follow the mandates,” Cook said. “As much as it sucks having to wear a mask and be distanced, it is going to be what keeps us in person. I think that people need to stop trying to force things to be normal because that is exactly what will cause it to be like this for longer.”

Chess club builds connections with students virtually

BY OWEN SIMPSON EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Chess Club has recently reorganized and is working on rebuilding its collegiate chess program.

The club has been around for about 20 years but after being inactive for a time, recently reformed three years ago and has been building up their program ever since.

“I had some students say they were wanting to restart a chess club, and I’ve been organizing scholastic chess in Abilene for a long time, and I love the game, so I said I was absolutely willing to be the faculty sponsor,” said Dr. Vic McCracken, associate professor in the College of Biblical Studies and chess club sponsor.

“I’ve been a faculty sponsor for the last three years, since it’s really been reorganized, and I’ve got some students that are really excited about playing chess more collegiately.”

Chess Club has been a part of the collegiate chess circuit in Texas and has connections with other universities, such as Texas Tech, that allow them to play competitively

BY RILEY FISHER | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Chess club members listen to instruction about different strategies. outside of ACU’s student body.

“Not only are we looking at organizing some regular opportunities to play among ACU students, we actually have a partnership with Texas Tech and our students

are welcome to play in their Monday online club meetings,” McCracken said.

“We have some of the tournaments that we have played in with clubs from UTA Dallas and Utah Rio Grande Valley which both have some

very active chess programs, but I would say our primary contact right now with other universities would be with Texas Tech.”

Chess Club is normally community-based, but COVID-19 has presented

its own challenges when it comes to actually playing chess as a group.

“Last semester, we would meet on Fridays during lunch in the Bean; You would eat lunch and you would play different games with different

people whoever showed up that week,” said club officer and sophomore music education major from Seymour Emma Habert.

“This year that’s going to look quite a bit different because we can’t play face to face so we have an online platform on chess.com that is completely free for anybody to sign up for and then we have an ACU League within Chess.com.”

Chess Club is open to anybody who wants to join and is looking for more people to join.

“We’re hoping to get a bigger club started. I know it’s going to be a lot harder to get more people involved being online this semester, but they’re more than welcome to email any of the officers or Dr. McCracken, and we can give them even more information about it,” Habert said.

“Just don’t be afraid to reach out. We’d love to invite you whether you’ve never looked at a chessboard in your entire life or you’re an international master. Everyone’s welcome.”

Honors Council begins planning events to create community

BY CARRIE JOHNSTON ASSISTANT SPORTS DIRECTOR

The ACU Honors Council is beginning its planning process for events on campus to help create community among Honors College students.

“They have done such a marvelous job of thinking through ways to help us make a community,” said Dr. Tracy Shilcutt, associate dean of the Honors College.

“They did a great last year and planned a lot of events.

Now the challenge is how to do community in a time that we are all wearing masks, but they will do a great job.”

The Honors Council reformed in 2019 with the help of Dr. Shilcutt, but only freshman served on the council, with the focus of creating events for the freshman of the Honors College. This year, the council is starting to expand to

include both freshmen and sophomores, and hope to add juniors and seniors in later years.

Though one of the main purposes of the Honors Council is to plan events for the Honors College, the members of the council have a bigger mission in mind when they meet and plan.

“The Honors Council advocates for the students of the Honors College,” said sophomore commu-

nications major Madeliene Ruth Norman, who is the Honors Council Committee Chair, “through creating a friendly and welcoming environment through our events and activities that promote community and establishes better relationships for those within the Honors College. Our role is to think about community engagement in the Honors College.”

Some activities that the

members of the Honors Council have planned in the past include a Halloween party with a costume competition, decorating the Zellner with thanksgiving decorations and finals week care packages.

Though there is a lot of plans that are uncertain due to the pandemic. the Honors Council is doing their best to adapt.

“Due to COVID-19, we are still trying to figure

out what we can do,” said sophomore nursing major Preston Moss, who serves as the Events Coordinator for the Honors Council. “We are thinking about doing a mask-painting event, or something like it, where we can go out, be in the environment and be safe.”

To stay up to date on different events created by the Honors Council, follow their Instagram account @ acuhonors.

NEWS | Friday, October 16, 2020 | 6

CONSTRUCTION ON CAMPUS

FEATURES | Friday, October 16, 2020 | 7

RICHARDSON BRINGS NEW SPARK TO STUDENT LIFE New associate VP takes on new role in the Student Life Office

BY OWEN SIMPSON EDITOR IN CHIEF

Student life added a new position to its staff with the hiring of Dr. Ryan Richardson, associate vice president for student life, Aug. 19.

Richardson previously worked at Baylor for over 20 years, serving as associate chaplain and director of worship and chapel.

While a difficult decision to leave Waco, the interview process sold him on the idea of moving.

“As I was interviewing with the people at ACU, I met so many amazing people,” Richardson said.

“There was not a person I met who I thought ‘I really wouldn’t like working with that person’.

Everyone seemed eager here in their own work, and that’s somewhat unusual.”

In Richardson’s time at Baylor, he served in several roles, but his passion at universities became more clear.

“Faith-based higher education is my calling,” Richardson said.

“I don’t know how to conceive outside the faithbased model. I learned student affairs at Baylor.

I’ve only worked inside the division of Student

PHOTO COURTESY OF VERNONICA WHITT

Dr. Ryan Richardson is serving as the new associate vice president for student life.

Life, so that’s been a gift.”

Tamara Long, vice president for enrollment and student life, will be serving in a dual role with Richardson.

“It allows for better consistency and storytelling,” Long said.

“On the recruiting side, my job is to tell this great story about the ACU experience.

So, I think that’s what excites me about the duality. I’m excited to have a

partner help us really push forward and do that.”

Long pushed for the AVP position following vast uncertainty during the pandemic. Ultimately, it was a role she stepped into, but that wasn’t the long-term goal.

“When the pandemic hit in March, I was not over Student Life at that time,” Long said. “I was making a plan with advisors and all the unknown.

So I just kind of stepped

in for the time and met with Dr. Schubert for the long-term goal.”

In the short time Richardson has already been at the university, Long said he’s making an impact.

“He’s a gifted communicator and has incredible higher-education student development experience,” Long said.

“I wanted to find someone who had training in that and had expertise and experience that

would make ACU better for students. Ryan has already exhibited that, and he’s not afraid to roll his sleeves up and do the work.”

Richardson wants to make an impact for current students, but he wants to see a constant improvement for the next generation of students as well.

“The students who are with us now matter so much,” Richardson said.

“Part of what matters to me is that I’m exploring [students’] world and experience at ACU so we can better [students’] experiences who come after current students.

Constant improvement is important.”

One of the most supportive cast members throughout this transition for Richardson has been his wife and three sons.

“My wife and I make every decision together,” Richardson said.

“We pray together; we pray with our kids and talk through these things together. They have been incredibly supportive.”

Richardson praised the connection with student life and its student body, but he emphasized creating an even stronger connection.

“Student life crafts the experience that students have,” Richardson said. “At some schools, it’s completely disjointed from the circular experience.

I think ACU has had some really important connections with the academic journey.

I just want to make those stronger and more cohesive so that you feel a sense of belonging right after the bat.”

SGA officers set goals for 2020-21 school year

BY SYDNEY VARNER ASSISTANT MANAGING EDITOR

While COVID-19 may have put a hitch in the election process, class officers have set goals for what they each want to accomplish this year.

The annual SGA class officer elections concluded Monday. Freshman and senior classes have a total of 13 officers each while sophomore and junior classes have a total of 11 officers each.

Freshman class president Alli Dimmit is a political science major from Sunny Naples, Florida who was involved with the student council throughout her years in high school.

“I think through doing student council in high school I was able to kind of really find and refine the talents that I feel like the Lord is giving me,” Dimmit said. “I love encouraging others leading others, and so I feel like SGA kind of fits the talents I feel like the Lord has blessed me with.”

After hearing about SGA during Wildcat Week, Dimmit got involved and ultimately was elected freshman class president despite campaigning being a challenge.

“I love being able to lead others to community whether that’s through me or through other people; so it was extremely difficult to have to let people know I want to be their advocate without having the underlying person-

al like connection with them,” Dimmit said.

“The way I did that was really through social media. I would just look in people’s bios and like you see the ACU ‘24 and I would follow them, and then I really tried to memorize faces and names.”

Overall, Dimmit is looking forward to working with her officer team and already has some goals in mind.

“We all lost a lot of really special opportunities and especially our senior class whether that be like things like senior prom or whether that be graduation, so I think as a freshman class something we’re hoping to do is recreate some of those events not in the same light, but in the light of being able to recreate the community we missed out on,” Dimmit said.

Sophomore class president Rinni Finley, marketing major from Allen, was involved in a run-off election with one candidate after the initial elections took place.

“I taped up new flyers that advertised the runoff and continued posting on social media along with the help of some of my dear friends who posted on their social media accounts as well,” Finley said.

“I was overcome with joy and excitement as this is something I wanted to do so badly.”

As far as campaigning goes, Finley was able to work with other now elected officers to connect

LEAH FIKES | COPY EDITOR

SGA Budget Meeting in January 2020. with the sophomore student body.

“My friend Tea Lewis helped me design flyers, which I placed under all the doors in Smith-Adams hall and social media posts that I posted all through campaigning and voting,” Finley said. “I also set up a booth in the Campus Center with my now vice president, Skye Gill and a sophomore senator Julia Perry, where we handed out candy and informed people about voting.”

Similarly to the freshmen, the sophomores have goals they want to complete this semester.

“We have already had a fantastic discussion regarding recycling and mental health on campus,

and we have lots of ideas on changing and improving ACU, specifically with those two things,” Finley said.

“I am working with a passionate group of people who all want to see ACU and its sophomore class strive and succeed.”

Senior class president Jenny Gower, ministry and vocation major from Katy, has been involved in SGA as a student senator for the last two years and found that already being aware of the election process was super useful this year.

“I relied on social media for campaigning because I knew I could reach more seniors through that platform since we all live

off-campus and some students aren’t on campus as much due to online classes,” Gower said.

“Thankfully getting electronic signatures didn’t make this process harder, it was a really good change that reduced the possible spread of COVID-19 since there was no exchanging of pens and paper.”

Gower is excited to be working as senior class president and has already worked with her team to identify some of their goals for the year.

“This year my team and I have a wide range of goals we want to accomplish that include improving handicap accessibility, reducing the use of plastic

bags on campus, working on the communication between organizations on campus and more,” Gower said.

“We also want to provide the senior class with COVID safe events for them to participate in.

Community is heavily stressed during your freshman year at ACU, but this is something we want to provide even for seniors.

We hope to provide them with things that they can enjoy during their last year here.”

SGA meetings have started their regular schedule for the year and continue to work with and represent ACU’s student body.

Former Dillard roommates all become Sing Song hostesses

BY OWEN SIMPSON EDITOR IN CHIEF

Dillard Hall room 370 has contributed to more Sing Song hostesses than its fair share. In fact, three future hostesses resided in that very room in the same academic year.

In 2018, Marlow Davis, Alex Kitten and Abby Ware were roommates at Dillard, and all have been chosen to fulfill the role in Sing Song.

Ware, a senior communications and science disorders major from Hurst,

was selected as a 2019 Sing Song hostess, kickstarting a pattern from Dillard 370.

Kitten, a senior middle school science education major from Lubbock, would later be selected the following year as a hostess.

“Watching Abby become a Sing Song hostess was so sweet because we got to see her do something that she loves so much,” Kitten said.

“Getting to see her go through that and her confidence grow was so, so special.”

Davis, a senior advertisement and public relations major from Denver city, witnessed her close friends be selected.

In 2019 she auditioned, but ultimately wasn’t chosen. It only motivated her to continue striving for that goal.

“Watching Abby be a hostess and how much fun she had, it was so fun for Alex and I to watch that happen,” Davis said.

“And last year when Alex got to be a hostess, it was that feeling all over again.

They really reaffirmed my

decision to audition.”

Davis decided to audition once more in September. This time, her perseverance paid off.

“When Marlow got it, we were literally screaming in our house,” Kitten said.

“It was so exciting, and I can’t wait to see it happen for her too like it did for us.”

While many students don’t know what Sing Song is stepping onto campus as a freshman, Davis already had her heart set on being a hostess before enrolling

at the university.

“My family went to ACU, so I knew when I was little that I wanted to be a hostess,” Davis said.

“I love performing; I love singing. So, here we are.”

Davis has several close friends that were selected as hosts and hostesses. She said it will make her experience that more exciting.

“I actually know the majority of them from a cappella groups,” Davis said.

“It’s so exciting not only to do it with my friends but also people who I just met this year.”

As Davis and the other students selected prepare for a pre-recorded Sing Song due to COVID-19, her former roommates believe this is an opportunity for her to showcase her talents.

“Let it be an affirmation of the gifts the Lord has given you,” Ware said.

“We knew she was talented whether or not she got selected. But the fact that she was chosen, she can let this experience affirm her talents the Lord has gifted her.”

8 | Friday, October 16, 2020 | OPINION

Tackling two sides of the SCOTUS nomination Congress shouldn’t move forward because of precedent

BY OPTIMIST EDITORIAL BOARD

In 2016, during President Barack Obama’s last year as president, Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia died, leaving a Supreme Court seat open.

Shortly after Scalia’s death, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell declared that any nomination that Obama gave would be null and void and that the Senate should wait until the new president would be elected later in that year to fill the seat. The Senate majority leaders refused to conduct the hearings to go forward with Obama’s nomination, and it expired after eight months as the new president came in. (source: NPR) Current President Donald Trump nominated Neil Gorsuch soon after he was inaugurated. The nomination passed through Congress that April.

If Obama’s nomination had gone through the Supreme Court, there would have been five Supreme Court justices nominated by Democratic

presidents and four nominated by Republican presidents.

Since his nomination was not confirmed and Trump was able to go through with his nomination within months of his induction, there were five justices nominated by Republican presidents and four nominated by Democratic presidents. (source: Senate.gov) Following the passing of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who is known for her twenty-seven years of service to the Supreme Court and remarkable strides as a woman in politics, America is asking the question, “Should the Senate confirm Trump’s nomination for her replacement, or should the Senate wait for the incoming president?”

If Congress goes through with Trump’s nomination to fill the empty seat, it will change to six justices nominated by Republican presidents and three nominated

by Democratic presidents, tipping the scales in favor of the Republican party. Having a stacked Supreme Court doesn’t reflect the opinions of

the people, only of the Republican party.

In addition, the nomination for Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s replacement could counteract everything RBG worked so hard to achieve while a justice.

Amy Coney Barrett, Trump’s nomination, is outwardly Catholic and has stated on record that she will not vote on anything if it does not go in line with her Catholic beliefs. Since the Catholic faith has been vocal about its disapproval of LGBTQ+ rights as well as women’s reproductive rights, we can assume that she will vote alongside these views, going directly against the policies that Ruth Bader Ginsburg was so vital in instating.

Even if Amy Coney Barrett was America’s favorite justice, the fact that the same Senate that refused to go forward with Obama’s nomination in 2016 on the basis that it was an election year is now moving forward with another nomination from Trump, this time also on an election year, is ludicrous.

Congress is well within its power to confirm nomination

BY OPTIMIST EDITORIAL BOARD

It is undoubtedly true that the latest developments to push a Supreme Court justice through has been met with hypocrisies of our current politicians in Washington.

What is also true is the Senate has a duty to fill a court vacancy.

In 2016, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said the Senate should not confirm a replacement for the Supreme Court until after the presidential election.

Fast-forward four years, and America finds itself in the same exact situation but with a Republican president in office. The major difference in this case is the president has a Republican majority in the Senate. Because our elected officials have no backbone, they decide to change their views on the nomination to best fit their own party’s interest.

The legality of nominating a Supreme Court justice is not the question. It is undeniably within reason to do so.

In fact, it’s happened several

times in the country’s history.

Twenty-nine times in American history there has been an open Supreme Court vacancy in a presidential election year, or in a lame-duck session before the next presidential inauguration. The president made a nomination in all twenty-nine cases.

Yes, that includes the former President Barack Obama.

There have been nine successful nominations of a new Supreme Court justice during an election year when the standing president had control of the Senate. Only one failed as a bipartisan filibuster in 1968.

With this track record it’s reasonable to say that Obama was not able to push through his nomination because he did not have Senate control. Obama tried to do what Trump is doing today.

The only crucial difference is Trump has the votes to do so.

Forget political affiliation, and recognize that both parties take advantage of the cards handed to them. This time, the Republicans have the advantage. The next time

the Democrats have the Senate and the presidency, they too will execute their duty to nominate a justice whenever the time will come.

Amy Coney Barrett will undoubtedly prove impactful on the Supreme Court for Republicans, as do justices nominated by Democrats.

The qualification of Barrett isn’t exactly the debate, nor does it need to be.

All Supreme Court justices let their political affiliation impact their verdicts to a degree. Nothing will change that and neither will the new nominee.

At the end of the day, each party will take full advantage to propel policies to their liking if they have the power.

While Obama was in office, he didn’t have the Senate.

The precedent should not be a strict comparison to today’s nomination.

The only issue it rises to the table is an obvious one; Republicans and Democrats only want a new justice during an election year when they control the Oval Office and the Senate.

Staying healthy and happy: Self-care important in a crazy year

BY SYDNEY VARNER ASSISTANT MANAGING EDITOR

As week eight of classes started Monday, the stress of the semester has started to completely set in. Tests are harder, homework is longer, Zoom classes are still frustrating and sleep is slowly becoming less and less consistent.

College is hard, there’s no doubt about that. The late night, cram packed study sessions in the library aren’t happening right now but that doesn’t mean we aren’t

still drinking too much coffee just to finish that assignment or study for that test.

Self care is an often overlooked aspect of the college students schedule but is more important now than it probably ever has been.

Both physical and mental health are important aspects to keeping ourselves safe and healthy not only from COVID-19 but also just from life in general. Alongside keeping grades up and

attending classes, keeping up with your physical health should be a part of the daily routine.

Having a consistent sleep schedule is one of the most beneficial things students can do; the importance of recharging your brain and your body goes a long way with helping you keep your physical health up to par. In addition making sure you’re eating more than an iced coffee for a meal is import-

Trump says ‘Don’t be afraid of COVID.’ Is he correct?

BY DILLON DANIEL MANAGING EDITOR

After an ironic twist of fate, President Donald J. Trump contacted COVID-19 or, as he pens it, “the Chinese hoax.” *Queue laugh track.* All jokes aside, many people seem to have their own opinions regarding the situation, more than they already do have with the man in general.

As of recently, many are not taking too kindly to his message to the American people after being released from the hospital.

In his video message, Trump said, “Don’t be afraid of COVID.” With a looming national

spike in anticipation and one currently being seen at ACU, this statement is troublesome especially to family members of those who died from the virus.

The first remark I want to make is one of apologies to those who have been affected by this virus. The seriousness of it continues to grow and threatens millions around the globe.

My next statement I want to make is to stay vigilant when necessary.

This goes beyond wearing a mask and washing hands, but rather knowing that if you serve as a threat to others by having been in contact with the virus then to stay home.

If you are worried about contracting it, this may mean making sacrifices where you can to stay away from compromising situations. If the worry is about spreading it, then adhere to what you’re saying as best as you possibly can.

My final statement leading to my next point is this: while his intentions and reasoning may be flawed, President Trump is right. “Don’t be

afraid of COVID.” Tensions seem to be at an all-time recent high especially in the United States and the coronavirus is the primary reason behind it, and it’s because we’ve let the fear of it control us.

To me, it seems like whenever there is something to be fought over in this country then Americans are diving head first into choosing sides.

The new thing we have chosen to argue over is the coronavirus.

So here are a few things I recommend: 1) If someone asks you to wear a mask or socially distance, do it; this isn’t an oppression of rights but an act of love towards someone who wants to be safe.

2) If you choose to go to any event and none of these restrictions are being met, leave; more than likely, you’ll be healthier not being there at all than if you were and the regulations were met.

3) Don’t let the coronavirus scare you to change how you live, let it guide and caution you.

To say shutting everything down until the virus goes away is an illogical statement, considering the amount of positives we have. To say we should just return to normal because it’s not dangerous is illogical, considering its disregard of the human condition.

So what’s the solution? Live life every day as a new and fresh day. Rants have not and will not do anything.

No one will change their mind because of your anti-mask or pro-mask Instagram profiles. Those are not advocacy groups, those are tribes.

My point in all of this is to say that human life is more than just being afraid of a virus and shutting down all activities we love and cherish down, yet it’s not indestructible.

I don’t claim to have many or any real answers, but I desire for all of us to remind ourselves that we have grown quickly to hate one another rather than love. For being a Christian campus, most of us forgot what acting like a Christian is like.

ant too. Taking care of your body and staying healthy is also important in keeping up your immune system.

Secondly mental health is a crucial part of keeping yourself going. It’s okay to take a mental health day every once in a while to recharge. College can be incredibly overwhelming on its own without adding on to it the state of the world right now causing even more stress than normal. Being able to

identify when you need a break and when you need to be productive to maintain a sense of balance is key to making it through the semester.

Long story short, times are tough and college is hard so don’t be afraid to reach out if you need it. Take time for yourself, make self care a priority and we’ll all get through the next few weeks, one iced coffee at a time.

Tweets Xel-ha Salinas @xelhasalinas If I was about to die, my last meal would probably be a DiGiorno pizza Tavian Miles @tavianmiles So my class is empty empty Claire Plemons @Claire_plemons I feel like there’s a 95% chance that I talk to my dog more than the average person Brooklyn Bailey @bfaith_22 I think I need a mental health day for the rest of the semester Rebecca Tindol @BabygotBecs S/O to the guy in United facetiming his gf to make sure he buys the right icecream Justin Ford @justinchevrolet Do you also go through the existential dread of “am I going into the right career field” everyday, or are you normal?

Caleb Jackson @calebj_51 VOTE Travis Ruiz @TravRuiz Wow. The line for early voting at the Abilene mall goes across the whole mall. #vote

NEWS | Friday, October 16, 2020 | 9

College is hard.

Snacks help.

Get FREE delivery.

Start your 6-month trial, no cost to you

amazon.com/AbileneChristian

SPORTS | FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2020 | 10

BY RILEY FISHER | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Senior center Kolton Kohl poses in Moody Coliseum.

Kohl brings resilience nearing senior season

BY MADI MILLER SPORTS WRITER

As an incoming freshman, Kolton Kohl was planning to make a difference immediately on his new team.

The 7-footer from San Angelo Central High school racked up some accolades, including a few First-Team All-District and Defensive MVP in 3-6A and was ready to start his journey at the next level.

However, these plans were put to a halt after Kohl tore his ACL shortly after arriving at ACU. He had to have surgery, which kept him off the court his entire freshman year and countless hours in the training room.

“It was definitely tough coming out of high school and getting to college and the first thing you do is tear your ACL,” Kolton said. “You kind of want to be the man but that didn’t always work out for me.”

Kohl would tell you that he hurt his knee by landing wrong in practice, but if you get into conversation with him he would add on a piece of the story that brings some humor looking back on the situation.

“Funny thing is I was actually sitting in a chair, waiting to play pickup,” Kohl said. “When I got up to play my knee kind of locked and popped and after that day it was pretty swollen.” “I just like to say I landed wrong in practice because it sounds more realistic than a chair attack.”

After undergoing surgery to get his knee fixed, Kohl was in the training room everyday participating in rehab to get on the road to recovery and get back on the court with his team. Along that journey, his knee got infected which set some things back with the recovery process.

Eventually he was able to rehab to 100% and start his college experience.

One of the only good

things about sitting out a year was being able to watch and study his team everyday and see the game from a different perspective. He was able to be a student of the game for a year which helped him understand what he was going to have to be able “It’s always been a ‘we not me’ attitude, and I’m fighting for those dudes in the lockers next to me.”

KOLTON KOHL SENIOR CENTER FOR THE MEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM

to do and how he would have to play when it was his time to suit out.

“I learned that the pace of the game was completely different from high school,” Kohl said. “Also it was a lot more physical, so just preparing to adapt to the speed of the game and the physicality of it was something I focused on.”

While being able to watch had some advan-

tages, not being able to compete was something that no athlete wants to go through. Over time though, Kohl found that the team success came before any individual success and that as long as they were winning, that was what was most important to him.

Kolton’s impact made a jump from sophomore to junior year. Sophomore year he averaged 1.9 ppg, 1.7 rpg and third on the team with 13 blocks. Junior year he started 20 games, averaging 9.6 ppg, 4.3 rpg and led the team with 24 blocks.

“Kolton has had a unique journey and battled a lot of adversity early in his career that delayed his development a few years,” said Joe Golding, head men’s basketball coach. “Those experiences have made him who he is today though and that is one of the best big men in the Southland Conference.”

As a sophomore the

ACU Wildcats won the Southland Tournament Championship and went on to play in the programs first NCAA Tournament.

“It was so surreal, it felt like I was at an NBA game with all the security and bright lights,” Kohl said.

“I’ve just never been on a stage that big and playing in front of that many people so it was scary but at the end of the day it’s just another day of what I’ve been doing my whole life.”

This past year the Wildcats were on a mission to repeat the NCAA tournament appearance when COVID-19 put a stop to all postseason tournaments. This abrupt end to their season was very disappointing to Kohl and his teammates.

“It reminds you to never take anything for granted,” Kohl said. “Last year was devastating for the seniors because they didn’t even know they had played their last game. Going on, I’m taking every day and

practice like it is my last one.”

With everything that Kohl has been through, from injury to unexpected pandemics, he is ready to step onto the court for his final year with a leadership mentality and a chip on his shoulder.

“It’s always been a ‘we not me’ attitude, and I’m fighting for those dudes in the lockers next to me,” Kolton said. “I want to win more than anything.”

Kohl and the Wildcats’ season will have a delayed start, per the NCAA. They will be able to compete starting Nov. 25. There are 11 returners from last season, five of them being seniors.

“Like I said before, I’m playing for those dudes in the locker room,” Kohl said. “We have given this basketball program a culture and when we leave we don’t want that to change.

I want nothing but success for my team and I want to help them any way I can.”

Dobbins’ talent, composure fuels Wildcat backfield

BY OWEN SIMPSON EDITOR IN CHIEF

New faces are expected to shine bright on the Wildcats football squad during the 2020 fall season. Running back Jermiah Dobbins is one of many incoming freshmen looking to make a positive impact.

A running back out of Estacado High School in Lubbock, Dobbins was recruited by Virginia, Lamar and other Div. I schools across America. However, his decision to join ACU was a foregone conclusion. “[ACU] offered me a scholarship early,” Dobbins said. “I liked the place, the coaches and the environment. Everybody is so close here and like family.”

Dobbins received the majority of carries his senior season, averaging over 200 rushing yards a game (2,678 rushing yards) and tallying 25 touchdowns.

His final two high school games were played at Wildcat Stadium, where he helped lead the Matadors to a 12-1 record and an appearance in the Class 4A Division II regional round.

“My coaches started me young,” Dobbins said. “I started as a sophomore and learned how to take hits younger [than most players] and just improve from there. I knew I wanted to play college, so I had to go harder.”

Dobbins explored other sports, including baseball

and soccer, but football became his passion growing up.

“The first time I played football I was about six years old,” Dobbins said. “At that time, I just thought it was fun to run away from people. As I got older, I started getting more physical and started to like tackle [football].”

Dobbins is expected to receive extended reps on the field in his first season.

Head coach Adam Dorrel has spoken highly of his work on the field so far and expects him to be a key piece in the backfield as a freshman. Ultimately, Dobbins scored the first touchdown of the season for the Wildcats Saturday at UTEP. Dobbins credits High school coaches and parents to his success on the field and his new coaches and teammates at ACU. “My running back coach has really helped me, believing in me and showing me all the plays,” Dobbins said. “The older players like Peyton [Mansell] and Kade [Parmelley] have taken me under.”

While running backs coach Bryce Baccarini has been impressed with Dobbins’ raw talent, and his dedication in the weight room, he was particularly surprised to see how he carries himself on and off the field.

“The first thing I noticed about him was his

humility,” Baccarini said.

“He’s a little soft-spoken, but you can see in his eyes and the way he walks that he has a little confidence too. Before I even saw him on the field, I knew that combination of humility and confidence is pretty rare for a kid his age.”

While Dobbins adjusted quickly to his new surroundings and culture at ACU, Baccarini has played a large role in his progression both on and off the field.

“When [Dobbins] first got here, it was a lot to handle,” Baccarini said.

“Getting to a new place and learning a collegiate Division I playbook is a lot on one’s plate. We would Zoom together over the summer and walk through the playbook and slow it down.”

Dobbins wasn’t expected to redshirt this season, but he’ll still have four years of eligibility following the 2020 fall season.

“This season is kind of a gift for him,” Baccarini said. “The NCAA passed a blanket redshirt deal, so this year I’m super excited and I think he is too.

He gets to have experience before even using a year of eligibility. [Dobbins] had a lot of success in his high school, and I’m sure he’s ready to prove that can translate over. Overall, I’m sure he has very high hopes for himself, as do I.”

BY RYLAND MALLETT | PHOTOGRAPHER

Freshman Jermiah Dobbins poses for a photo at Wildcat Stadium.

SPORTS | FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2020 | 11

Soccer falls to Louisiana Tech in overtime

BY JALEN GARRETT SPORTS WRITER

The Wildcats took its second loss of the season in overtime against the Louisiana Tech Lady Techsters, 2-1. Louisiana Tech edged out ACU after a game-winning goal early in overtime.

“I thought that we had the better run of play,” coach Casey Wilson said.

“In a game like soccer, when you have a breakdown it’s hard to bounce back. We made a couple of mistakes in 92 minutes.”

Junior defender Alyssa Anuat scored the Wildcats’ only goal in the second period. Anuat also leads the

team in points with three.

As a team, the Wildcats had a shooting percentage of 45%, which is their second highest of the season this far.

“We had a lot of shots on goal,” sophomore forward Caylen Wright said.

“Overall I think we had a good game. Now we have something to work on in getting shots in the net.”

ACU had seven shots on goal against Louisiana Tech Saturday, its third highest of the season. ACU also had a 31.8% shot on goal percentage.

“We are proud of the effort of our team,” coach Wilson said. “We just have to do a better job of getting our

shots on frame and making the goal keeper work a little more. We’re not disappointed with how we played, it’s just a matter of not getting the result we wanted.”

The Wildcats originally had two games scheduled against Dallas Baptist University Tuesday and West Texas A&M Friday, but COVID-19 positives from the Wildcats have canceled those matchups. It is still unknown if these games will be rescheduled.

“We are very blessed that we getting the opportunity to play,” Wright said. “We hope to come out with two wins this week. We just have to work hard and stay focused.”

BY DAVID MITCHELL | PHOTOGRAPHER

Senior forward Christina Arteaga competes with freshman defender Leonie Machauer.

WALKINS $15/PERSON/HR

EXPERIENCE ABILENE’S PREMIER AXE THROWING VENUE 150 LOCUST ST ABILENE, TX 79602

CONTACT US FOR SPECIAL GROUP RATES ABILENEAXECO.COM

@ABILENEAXECO

325.268.4106

Book your next date night, team building event or corporate party with us.

P r e l e a s i n g for 2021-2022 has begun!

Rates as low as

505

All Fees Waived!

Bring in this coupon for

TheArchAbilene.com | 325.672.2960 | 2702 N Judge Ely Blvd Abilene, TX 79601

12 | Friday, October 16, 2020 | SPORTS

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

Ovrl.

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

Conf.

0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0

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

BY DAVID MITCHELL | PHOTOGRAPHER

The Wildcats take the field as they prepare for their next home game.

COVID-19 strikes down Homecoming game

BY OWEN SIMPSON EDITOR IN CHIEF

ACU football’s originally scheduled matchup against West Texas A&M Oct. 17 was canceled following several players testing positive for COVID-19.

The Wildcats (0-2) have yet to play a home game in the 2020 season. It is currently unknown how many

positive results the team has, but an original outbreak of cases on the team were from one position.

“We regret for our fans that we have to reschedule the game, but this was not unexpected,” Dr. Schubert, president of the university, said. “We knew we might have a few challenges when we decided to play this fall. With

some of our student-athletes testing positive for COVID-19, we know it’s in everyone’s best interest. This shows our testing protocols are working as they should.”

If the game cannot be rescheduled, ACU will look for another opponent to fill a later date.

The announcement comes after a large spike

in cases in October. Over 100 cases of COVID-19 are active within the ACU community. There were only 22 cases Oct. 2.

Wildcat Stadium is also holding 50% capacity for home games this season. It was anticipated that nearly 6,000 fans would be in attendance.

West Texas A&M (1-2) is a member of the Lone Star

conference where ACU formerly played before transitioning to Div. I. The Buffalo’s played Stephen F. Austin (1-3) from the Southland conference in its most recent game, falling 34-6 in that matchup Oct. 3.

The Wildcats are slated to return against Stephen F. Austin at Globe Life Park in Arlington for neutral matchup Oct. 24

Wildcat quarterback suffers ‘serious injuries’ in car accident

BY OWEN SIMPSON EDITOR IN CHIEF

Junior quarterback Sema’J Davis suffered ‘serious injuries’ Thursday night after a blue Dodge Charger ran a red light at over 100 mph striking Davis’ and a separate vehicle.

Davis was the sole occupant of his white Cadillac and was airlifted to John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth. The accident occurred just after 11 p.m.

Thursday night eastbound on Ambler Ave. “My prayers, and prayers of the ACU community, are with Sema’J and his family,” Allen Ward, director of athletics, said on Twitter. “He’s an incredible young man and loved by all.”

After the Charger disobeyed the red light, it struck a PT Cruiser and the Cadil-

lac. The driver was ejected from the charger after the vehicle flipped upside-down.

It is believed that there might have been three passengers “My prayers, and prayers of the ACU community, are with Sema’J and his family. He’s an incredible young man and loved by all.”

Ovrl.

1-0 5-5-1 2-1-2 0-0-1 2-2-1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0

Conf.

0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Football

Mansell Junior quarterback Peyton Mansell’s career as a Wildcat has started strong. Though the Wildcats have lost their first two games this fall, Mansell has had strong offensive performances throughout this unprecedented season.

Mansell leads the offense with a 63.2% completion rate, throwing for 476 yards and three touchdowns. He also has led the team on and off the field, becoming one of the team captains this season. You should expect him to grow in many more facets this season.

Football

ALLEN WARD ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

in the Charger, one fleeing the scene. The driver was not wearing a seatbelt.

All four involved at the scene were transported to the hospital with serious injuries.

Davis and Simon Secundino, the driver of the Charger, were both care-flighted.

No other ACU students were involved in the crash, and no citations or arrests have been issued.

McConnell

BY DAVID MITCHELL | PHOTOGRAPHER

Junior quarterback Sema’J Davis runs through an opening in the defense.

ACU volleyball back in action starting in February

BY CARRIE JOHNSTON ASSISTANT SPORTS DIRECTOR

BY MEGAN HOLLEY | PHOTOGRAPHER

The team celebrates after winning the point during a long rally.

After the fall season’s postponement due to COVID-19, ACU’s volleyball team will return to the court competitively starting in February.

“We are excited to work towards our spring competition season and are thankful to be on campus here in Abilene,” said head coach Angela Mooney. “To attend classes, train and all work together, especially since not every university or volleyball program across the country has those same opportunities, it is a blessing.”

The Southland conference announced its plans to start conference play in the spring, along with the statement that the conference season will be shorter. Instead of the normal 16-game conference game schedule, in which the Wildcats finished with a 7-19 overall record and a 5-11 conference record, teams will only play a 12game schedule, while only playing each other once.

Despite the shortened schedule, the players are excited to be back and to be able to play again.

“Our whole team was super excited when we heard the news,” said senior outside hitter Katelyn Mueller. “We were holding out for that spring season because we have been working really hard this whole semester. We are eager to play and ready to play.”

While waiting for February to come, the Wildcats have already spent plenty of time preparing for the season to return, which comes at perfect timing, since most of the team comprises underclassmen.

Despite their lack of experience, Mooney has high praise for her young team.

“They are proving themselves to be resilient and tough, and we are really proud of them,” said Mooney. “We are also taking advantage of the extra training we are getting in the gym, and we have seen huge strides in the right direction. Though the season postponement was not ideal, it has been a time we are taking advantage of.”

The Wildcats’ first conference game will take place Feb. 4 at the University of Incarnate Word in San Antonio, and the first home game will take place Feb. 11 against McNeese.

Despite some mishaps in ACU’s matchup against Army, junior wide receiver Lionell McConnell has invigorated the Wildcats’ offense. Though not scoring any touchdowns for the Wildcats so far, McConnell leads the entire roster in receiving yards with 145 yards and is tied for rushing with 59 yards. During the first two games, McConnell has served as an integral part of the offense and should continue to do that and grow throughout the remainder of this season.

Soccer

Anuat Junior defender Alyssa Anuat has done many things for the Wildcats so far this season.

In ACU’s first five games this season, Anuat has scored one goal and assisted on one goal, which has earned her a shooting percentage of 12.5% over the first five games. Anuat has also totaled a significant number of minutes on the field, with a total of 375 minutes in her first five games. As the Wildcats’ soccer continues forward, expect Anuat to play a significant role.

For more visit us at

acuoptimist.com