Optimist Print Edition 10.24.19

ACUOPTIMIST.COM | Thursday, October 24, 2019 | 1

View the highlight reel from Saturday’s Homecoming football game

A student publication of Abilene Christian University since 1912

PAGE 5

BY ADELIN BLACKMON | PHOTOGRAPHER

Gamma Sigma Phi pledges performing in Homecoming parade Saturday morning.

Missions Week encourages involvement

BY SYDNEY VARNER STAFF WRITER

Missions Week is beginning Monday Oct. 28 and going through Saturday Nov. 2 with numerous events and opportunities to learn more about missions at ACU and around the world.

Assistant Coordinator of Worldwide Witness Anne Hocking has planned the annual event and says that this year Missions Week is the biggest its been.

“This is officially the largest missions week we’ve ever had with the most events and most opportunities than we’ve ever provided before

which is super exciting,” Hocking said. “It’s a come and see kind of thing. Every night is completely different and even ends with a service project on Saturday.”

Alum Kolby Hart says that even know, missions week is a great opportunity for students currently at ACU to learn more about missions. “[The missions department] do a great job of offering opportunities for students to get plugged in.

Missions week is a chance for students to learn more because it puts it right in front of everyone,” Hart said.

According to the Director of the Halbert Center for

Missions and Global Service, Dodd Roberts, the annual event and increased exposure to missions has led to more awareness about missions on campus. As an ACU alum, Roberts was involved in missions during his time on campus states that the mission we are on for God is equally as important where we are everyday.

“We really emphasize that we need to be living mission-ally and realize that we are a part of God’s mission everyday where we are, every minute of every day,” Roberts said.

However, Roberts still identifies the many enriching benefits of traveling with missions.

“One benefit is that we get

to see first hand what God is doing in other places in the world. God is working everywhere in the world and we get to go have a front row seat to see what God is doing and how he’s working through people in different parts of the world,” Roberts said. “Another benefit of that is to give people a great cross-cultural experience and to have an appreciation for other cultures.

Most of the missions experiences specifically really let people dive into the culture.”

In addition, Hocking was involved in missions during her college years and has seen benefits in her own life as well as students who choose to go

on missions themselves.

“Missions literally changed my life and I encountered my first international experience in college. I think not only does it change your perspective on the world, different cultures, diversity and the benefit and the beauty behind but it also builds your relationship with God and shows how big and diverse and unique he is as a creative God who made the entire world and every single people group in it.”

Students who are interested in becoming a part of missions here at ACU are encouraged to fill out an application at www. acu.edu/missions and are encouraged to ask questions.

Whitt plans first ever International Alumni Weekend

BY ANDREW NORSWORTHY STAFF WRITER

For the first time, a weekend dedicated to international alumni will take place on Nov. 8-9.

The event will take place alongside “Ethnos” and “Recent Grad Weekend” as a way to draw international alumni back to the university and celebrate them. The events will begin with a Luncheon on Saturday, Nov. 9. with guest speaker Dr. Carolle Ranaivoarivelo.

Ranaivoarivelo is an alumni and a native of Madagascar with a bachelor’s in communication and a master’s in intercultural communication. She later received a doctorate of education in leadership

OPTIMIST FILE PHOTO

Weekend event scheduled to welcome back international alumni on Nov. 8-9. at Hardin-Simmons University and is the founder/ owner of Global Cultured.

This event is planned

by Veronica Whitt, international student services specialist.

“We’re so excited and

honored to have Carolle joining us as our guest speaker for the International Alumni Luncheon and we can’t wait to hear her share her story with us,” Whitt said.

In addition, there will be a friendly soccer match between current international students and alumni from 2-4 p.m. For those who do not wish to play, there will be a reception held alongside the game.

After this to end the day, the Ethnos show will take place at 7 p.m.

The next day, there will be an international worship service at Chapel on the Hill comprised of former and current students with another guest speaker in Dr. John Willis, Bible professor emeritus

with 46 years of teaching experience at ACU. The schedule of events will conclude with a luncheon at the Bean.

Whitt is moving towards making the event successful and is basing future repeats of this event upon how well this event is received. She is also offering volunteer opportunities and hours for any students who require them or wish to participate.

“Imagine the United Nations if it were garnered in fellowship, community, and unity, and that’s why you should be coming,” said Arnold Charles, a student intern in the office of multicultural affairs and former ISA officer.

College of Arts and Sciences introduces new artSCAPE

BY ANDREW TOOTHMAN STAFF WRITER

The artSCAPE events started on campus to represent arts and faith around the world and the nature of college students with concerts.

ArtSCAPE is a new p r o g r a m c r e a t e d by D r. G r e g S t r a u g h n , dean of the College of A r t s a n d S c i e n c e s. H i s g o a l wa s t o b r i n g t o gether the perfor ming a r t s, t h e a t e r, mu s i c, visual arts and design a n d l i t e r a t u r e.

“I wanted to show the g reat work that all these de par tments had to offer, so let’s create something that might

“I wanted to show the great work that all these departments had to offer, so let’s create something that might have a little life beyond any of our departments to explore the performing arts.”

DR. GREG STRAUGHN DEAN OF THE COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

have a little life beyond any of our de par tments to explore the perfor ming ar ts,” Straughn said. “T his is the landscape of the ar ts and this idea came from exchanging ideas and thoughts with faculty and de par tment chair-

men and we landed on a theme to bring the music g roups tog ether.”

The theme for this first ArtSCAPE is A r t s a n d Fa i t h a r o u n d the wo r l d , which m e a n s t h a t t h e y wo u l d like to bring faith and art together to influe n c e t h e wo r l d i n a for m of song, art and literature.

Ar tSCAPE already had a few events, one is with Riyaaz Qawwali, an ensemble music g roup that came to the Williams Perfor ming Ar ts Center on Se pt.

6. T he ensemble perfor med cultural music from the cultures of India, Pakistan and

Bangladesh. Ar tSCAPE also hosted a recital called “Jour ney with my Jewishness” on Se p.

26 with perfor mance by Amit Peled.

Straughn said that attendance at these musical events has been g ood but would like to “This is the landscape of the arts and this idea came from exchanging ideas and thoughts with faculty and department chairmen and we landed on a theme to bring the music groups together.”

DR. GREG STRAUGHN DEAN OF THE COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

promote the next events

coming up. The first is an ar t showing beginning on Friday and r uns to Nov. 8 at the Shore Ar t Galler y where they will be displaying works from Leipzig Studio Residency.

T hen ar tSCAPE will be doing a cover to cover reading of Homer’s T he Odyssey on Oct. 31. Following that, they will be having an a cappella concer t featuring Adinu on Nov. 7, at St. Paul United Methodist Church. T he last event that they will have is the cor nerstone play called T he W hite Rose

by Lillian Groag on Nov. 18-23.

“I would absolutely tell any student who even has the smallest inkling that this is something they want to do to ask questions. If you’re not sure if looks the way you want it to look or if you’re not sure you want to do the traditional thing please challenge us to come create something or find something that actually matches you perfectly,” Hocking said. “We truly do believe every student was uniquely and beautifully created to do his kingdom work and that is to reach his people whether that’s Abilene, across the US or across the world we just want to help students find that place.”

FEATURES

Tony Maldonado responds to the call PAGE 3

SPORTS

Volleyball breaks losing streak with UNO PAGE 6

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2 | Thursday, October 24, 2019 | NEWS

Color Guard launches second annual Spin Clinic

BY SENIA OVERSTREET GUEST WRITER

ACU’s Color Guard will have their second annual Spin Clinic to raise funds for their upcoming Winter Guard season.

The Sping Clinic will take place at 2 p.m. on Nov. 2 at the Williams Performing Arts Center. The event is open to everyone in the community and ACU students get in with a student discount.

The Spin Clinic is a fundraising event which allows the team to raise funds for the upcoming spring season. The event will also provide knowledge to those who are in attendance and wish to learn more about the sport.

Co-captain Caitlin Wade, a senior education major from San Diego, California, says that the event is more than learning what Color Guard is, but a time for bonding with students and citizens in the community.

“We want people to come out and have a good time with us,” Wade said.

“It’s not about how good you are at spinning a huge metal pole, it’s about bonding and spending time with people who share the same interests as you.”

Visitors will have the option of joining a number of classes that cater to their experience by offering beginner and advanced classes. Guests will also be able to learn how to spin

BY ADELIN BLACKMON | PHOTOGRAPHER

Color Guard hopes to raise funds for upcoming Winter Guard season at Spin Clinic. different pieces of equipment such as wooden rifles, sabers, and flags.

The event will be led entirely by the members of the organization. Each

team member will be involved with helping teach classes by writing and leading choreography.

“Everyone in Winter Guard will be involved

in some way,” Wade said.

“We’re all working together to help people get out of their comfort zones and tap into their hidden potential.”

Captain Alan Torres, a junior psychology major from El Paso, Texas, said the team welcomes all in hopes of spreading the love and unity that flows within the program.

“This organization is a very close family that spreads the love for this program together. We love each other and help each other walk through the path that God has for us,” Torres said. “We are a close family and treat each other as though we’ve known each other our whole lives.”

For more information on ACUs Color Guard, follow acu_colorguard on Instagram and like the ACU Color Guard page on Facebook.

Third annual Cover2Cover event to take place on Halloween

BY PAIGE CUDINI GUEST WRITER

Faculty and students will take part in the 3rd annual Cover2Cover event featuring The Odyssey by Homer on Oct. 31.

Cover2Cover was started

by Todd Womble, Assistant professor of English in the Department of Language and Literature. The idea to do Cover2Cover came from one of Womble’s professors that taught him in graduate school.

“One of my old professors did it with Moby Dick in Arlington,” said Womble.

“And I just thought it would

be cool to do it on campus.”

Cover2Cover is a once-ayear annual event that has been around since October 2017. Each year since its beginning, it has taken part on Oct. 31. Cover2Cover is a free event to the public and takes place in the Reading Commons located on the 2nd floor of the Brown Library.

This year, students and faculty members will read The Odyssey. The Odysseywas written by the Greek poet Homer and was published around 675-725 BCE. This book consists of nine chapters and will take approximately 12 to 13 hours to

read from beginning to end.

In the past, students and faculty have read Frankensteinby Mary Shelley and the first book of the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stoneby J.K. Rowling. This year,The Odyssey will be the longest book to read to date in Cover2Cover history.

Due to The Odyssey’s length, there will be approximately 50 readers, one half students and the other half faculty and administrators. Each reader will read in 15 minute intervals starting from 10 a.m. and going until 10 p.m, or until

the book has been fi nished.

Attendance for the event f luctuates throughout the day depending on if a reader brings friends to support them or if it happens to be a busy hour. There is not one definitive reason for lack thereof or great quantities of audience members.

“Last year with Harry Potter, as you can imagine,’’ said Womble. “We had quite a few people that were there just because they loved Harry Potter.”

Any student is allowed to participate in or listen to Cover2Cover. Students and faculty can come and

“I would be open to going to it. I think it’d be interesting to see what other people have to say about it.”

JENNIFER WEGNER SOPHOMORE SPECIAL EDUCATION MAJOR FROM FORT WORTH

go as they please anytime during the day the reading is scheduled.

“I would be open to going to it,” said Jennifer Wegner, sophomore special education major from Fort Worth. “I think it’d be interesting to see what other people have to say about it.”

Parts of The Odysseywill

be read in Spanish by students and faculty and possibly Greek by one of the professors from the Bible Department.

“If students like literature,” said Womble. “And they want to support it, that’s a good reason to come.”

Students can sign up to become a reader until all the available spots have been fi lled.

To sign up to be a reader, email Professor Todd Womble at mtw04b@acu.edu.

“Reading things out loud is very uncommon in our world today,” said Womble.

“It’s kind of a unique thing we don’t do very often.”

Office of Multicultural Affairs hosts weekly Sundaes on Mondays

BY ETHAN EPPINETTE GUEST WRITER

Su ndaes on Mondays is a place to d iscuss t he topics of today a nd how t hey affect socia l just ice a nd Ch r ist ia n it y wh i le get t i ng to enjoy ice crea m.

T he Off ice of Mu lt icu lt u ra l A ffa i rs welcomes st udents to joi n i n t he d iscussion at Su ndaes on Mondays.

T h is is a n ongoi ng pro g ra m t hat has a ny where from 10 to 50 people i n at tenda nce.

Su ndaes on Mondays t a kes place i n t he st u-

dent l ife den, on t he lower level of t he ca mpus center from 6 - 8 p.m. T he f i rst event brou ght i n 72 people such as A ler ia K ae M a rt i n, sen ior adver t isi ng/ publ ic relat ions major from For t Wor t h a nd i nter n for t he OM A . “ We l i k e t o k e e p a d iver sit y of topics at S u n d a e s o n M o n d a y s ,” Martin said. “ We wa nt to make su re to ta l k about what is i mpor ta nt to t he people a t t e n d i n g .”

Ca m i l le Wescot t is a sophomore g raph ic desig n/adver t isi ng major,

a nd a n i nter n for t he OM A , from Ca r rol lton.

“People think that we want to push an agenda,” Wescott said. “Our goal is to educate and get conversations started.”

T he OM A at tempts to g ive st udents t he oppor t u n it y to open ly d iscuss d iff icu lt subject mat ters. It helps to g ive a l l st udents a voice a nd t he abi l it y to be hea rd. “ Some of t he conversat ions t hat we have a re a l it t le u ncomfor t able,” Wescot t sa id. “ We need to d iscuss t hem t hou gh.”

T he OM A looks to

use events such as Su ndaes on Mondays as a safe space for st udents to g row i n com mu n it y t h rou gh conversat ions.

T he topics t hat a re d iscussed t r y to focus on how t hey w i l l affect t he st udents a nd t he commu n it y t hat su r rou nds ACU. “ T he Goa l t hat t he OM A has, is to advo cate for a nd teach t he ACU com mu n it y about d iversit y, a nd what it mea ns to be a d iverse com mu n it y,” Martin sa id. “ We a lways wa nt to ma ke ever yone feel welcome.”

OPTIMIST FILE PHOTO

OMA brings students together to discuss social justice and eat ice cream.

WHAT’S HAPPENING? MON., OCT. 28

TUES., OCT. 29

WED., OCT. 30

THURS., OCT. 31

FRI., NOV. 1

SAT., NOV. 2

4 p.m.- Career Coffee Chat 5 p.m.- ACU Missions Free Cookout 6 p.m.- Sundaes on Mondays 7:30 p.m.- Frater Sodalis Haunted Forest

5 p.m.- The Ultimate Fight Game Night Rivalry Competition Struggle War 6 p.m.- Accounting and Finance Meet the Firm Night

11:30 a.m.- COBA Distinguished Speaker Lunch

6:30 p.m.- Interactive Prayer Night

3 p.m.- More than Medicine 7 p.m.- Dia De Los Muertos

9 a.m.- Garden Service Day 6 p.m.- CHOMA

police log SELECTED ACUPD CALLS FOR THE WEEK: •

ACU student reported his men’s black/gray Trek mountain bike was stolen from where it was locked to a stair railing. 10/16/2019 12:45 p.m.

•

ACUPD assisted APD with arresting a subject who was causing a disturbance. APD transported the subject to Taylor County Jail.

10/18/2019 12:44 a.m.

•

ACUPD officers responded to a loud music call and contacted the tenants. They were advised to keep the music and noise down and they complied. 10/19/2019 1:07 a.m.

•

A student reported seeing a subject near the pavilion walking around the area looking at bikes. An officer checked the area and observed several bikes unsecured and a cable lock cut. The officer did not locate the subject. 10/22/2019 12:19 a.m.

911 Call Administrative activity Advice Arrested subject Assault Assist Attempt to locate Barricades Building lock/unlock Cart patrol Check building Citation issuance Clery Criminal mischief Criminal trespass warning Direct traffic

0 34 1 1 1 1 1 4 20 5 245 1 6 0 0 2

Disturbance Domestic disturbance Escort Fireworks violation Foot patrol Found property Harassment Hit & run Information report Intoxicated person Investigation follow-up Lost Property Maintenance: univ assets: cctv Maintenance: univ assets Medical emergency Missing person

MESSAGE FROM POLICE CHIEF ELLISON:

2 1 5 1 4 5 1 0 1 0 13 3 6 3 4 1

Monitor facility/lot 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 Refuel gasoline cans Report writing Report writing (follow up) Sex offense

13 3 0 9 6 6 32 5 8 8 1 11 1 11 0 1

Suicide (attempt and actual) 0 Suspicious activity 1 Suspicious item 1 Suspicious person 4 Suspicious vehicle 3 Theft 2 Traffic hazard 1 Traffic stop 4 Unauthorized use of motor vehicle 1 Vehicle collision 1 Total

505

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

“Enjoy Fall Break. Remember to lock up your bike or leave them indoors over the 3-day Weekend.”

FEATURES | Thursday, October 24, 2019 | 3

ANSWERING THE CALL OF DEPLOYMENT Student returns to college after a year serving in the National Guard

BY BRYCE LURKENS STAFF WRITER

Senior accounting major Tony Maldonado never thought he would have to leave his friends behind, but after just two and a half years he heeded the call to join his brothers in the military overseas for one of the most important journeys of his life.

After a year and a half away from the university, he has returned to continue his education at Abilene Christian University.

In the middle of his junior year, Maldonado received his orders to deploy overseas to the country of Djibouti, Africa. His life, friends and family all took a backseat to his devotion to his country as he left to train at Camp Bullis in San Antonio before he made the trek across thousands of miles of ocean. Maldonado’s only regret, he said, was that he had to spend so much time away from his family and friends.

“It was definitely a huge change of scenery for me,” said Maldonado. “If I could have had my way, I would have definitely rather served after I completed school. It just feels like I missed a lot, and then coming back into accounting is definitely not without a learning curve.”

Maldonado’s experience in the military was eye-opening. For him, this experience helped him realize the tight situations of other countries compared to America, but that the trip definitely was not all bad.

“While I may have missed my friends and family, I got to make new friends in my deployment. Ones I’ll never forget,” said Maldonado.

“Those guys are brothers to me; we experienced blood, sweat and tears together while we were in Djibouti.”

The branch of military Maldonado served in is called the National Guard.

According to its website, the National Guard is devoted to serving the country with its members inside of the United States, rather than overseas.

Maldonado’s parents,

Lydia and Angel Maldonado Jr., said they are more than proud of Tony’s accomplishments both in college and in the National Guard.

“We are proud of our son. He has done what he has had to in order to make ends meet in life,” said Angel Maldonado Jr. “No matter his decision in life, he will always have his parents behind him and supporting him.”

Maldonado’s parents, while sad he had to leave the country, said they would always support Tony no matter what.

“It was definitely a huge change of scenery for me. If I could have had my way, I would have definitely rather served after I completed school.

It just feels like I missed a lot and then coming back into accounting is definitely not without a learning curve.”

BY ALLISON HARRELL | EDITOR IN CHIEF

Tony Maldonado, senior accounting major, took time away from college to serve in the National Guard. ate dean of the College of Business Administration and Management Sciences and professor, has been a large influence on Maldonado since he started at ACU. “Tony is a talented young man with so much potential,” said Little. “It was a bummer to see Tony leave for awhile, but I think he ended up do-

ing what was best for him and his college career.”

Little said he was happy to see Maldonado return to campus in August.

Maldonado and Little have already gotten a chance to catch up over coffee after Tony’s first week of classes.

“Tony is a great re-addition to the class because

he has so much to offer the other students,” said Little.

“He is confident in what he says and leaves an excellent example for the rest of the class, especially in groupbased projects.”

Maldonado said he is extremely excited to be back in the mix of college. His first few weeks have been

challenging but fun.

“Finishing out my college education at ACU means even more to me now than it did before,” said Maldonado. “I really feel like this is going to be such a large part of my life, and my deployment with the National Guard has made me realize how great even the little things in life can be.”

Even though he lost time to the National Guard, Maldonado said, he will continue his college career the best he can. He is especially excited to spend time with his roommates and friends while they all still have time in Abilene together.

“While I was overseas, my friends were my rocks,” said Maldonado. “It’s pretty lonely over there at times, but they would make it better by taking time out of their day to call me and ask about deployment. I’ll never forget that.”

TONY MALDONADO SENIOR ACCOUNTING MAJOR

ACU Foundation President Brad Benham has known Tony for three years.

“Tony is an amazing man, and it is truly a bummer he had to leave,” said Benham. “His friends will all love him being back.”

Maldonado’s platoon, called the Defenders, were deployed to Djibouti, Africa, in May 2018. His platoon stayed out of country through April 2019. The platoon was stationed at Camp Lemonnier, which was Maldonado’s home for close to eight months.

While he was away from the states, Maldonado said he had a lot of time on his hands, which was the perfect opportunity to earn money and to take a couple of online classes so his workload would be less when he got back. He was paid by the National Guard during his deployment. Now that he has returned, Maldonado still serves one weekend each month at Camp Bullis in San Antonio to fulfill his requirements to the National Guard.

Dr. Andy Little, associ-

youth minister

teacher

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OPINIONS | Thursday, October 24, 2019 | 4

Fall break serves a better purpose EDITORIAL BOARD

Here at ACU every fall semester, when the month of October hits students start counting down the days until we get to fall break. Fall break symbolizes that we have successfully made it through the first half of the semester. At this point getting a three day weekend is very well needed.

However, some truly have a hard time understanding why our university gives us a three day weekend to have time off in October but we are not off for Labor Day. Which the frustration is very understanding if you grew up in an education system where one is used to having Labor Day off.

The ver y first Labor Day was celebrated on Sept. 5, 1882. Labor

Day is a public holiday that is celebrated on the first Monday in September. Labor Day honors the American labor movement and the actions of laborers who are essential to the working society.

Our countr y is known for being hard workers, from sur viving the Great De pression in the late 1920’s through the 1930’s. T hough times were tough and hard our ancestors still pushed through and worked. Some worked in some of the worst conditions.

So Labor Day is well deserved for everyone to have a day off to rest and celebrate. For most growing up, Labor Day was probably a day to spend time with loved ones and enjoy a good meal together.

W hen asking stu-

BY ERNIE GUAJARDO | CARTOONIST

dents in a poll what they prefer red, fall break or Labor Day, 85 percent of the poll voted for fall break while 15 percent voted for Labor Day. Abbie Brentham, junior education major who participated in the poll stated: “Since we start the academic

school year so late in the month of August, it doesn’t seem completely right to have a break immediately after the first week of school.

As a student we are just coming from a summer break so I don’t think we need another one right away.”

Having fall break

seems to be a bit more beneficial to students than having a day off for Labor Day. Yodeli Castillo, senior information technology major shared: “Fall break allows students to relax after the first surviving the first half of the semester. It comes at a great time to recharge our bat-

teries before diving back into the craziness of the semester and heading towards finals.”

Even when asking those who preferred Labor Day, they still admitted that fall break comes at a better time for students.

Fall break is a great time of rest for students. It allows them to take a day to rest and not worry about school for a bit. It allows a day of It is also a good time for a change of scenery. Whether students choose to go home to see family or on a trip to Colorado with friends, sometimes it helps to get out of Abilene for a bit.

It definitely seems when it comes to which is better Labor Day or fall break, students support fall break all the way.

Why this NBA season has more in store than in recent years

BY OWEN SIMPSON SPORTS DIRECTOR

As a new season has off icia l ly beg u n, t here may be more reasons t han ever to watch t he NBA t h is year.

The structure of the NBA has changed drast ically since the Finals took place back in June, where the Raptors upset a crippled Warriors roster. One of the biggest moves that will affect this season is Kawhi Leonard to the Cl ippers.

After w inn ing h is second NBA t it le and

second Fina ls M V P, Leonard chose to leave Toronto for t he West Coast. He decided to join t he L os A ngeles Cl ippers a longside Pau l George. Head Coach Doc R ivers for t he Cl ippers sa id Leonard’s work et h ic is somet h ing t hat stands out to h im.

“It’s hard to explain,” Rivers said. “He’s maniacal and it’s long and it’s very serious. I think for the young guys, even for our young coaches, like the seriousness that he takes his workouts, I haven’t seen anything like that.”

Leonard is coming off his best season statistically with a career-high 26.6 PPG and 7.3 RPG on a 49.6% clip from the field.

L ook ing at t he r u nner-up, t he Warriors are in unfam i l iar territor y for t he f irst t ime in over f ive years. After being t he favorites to w in t he Fina ls for severa l years

in a row, Golden State is projected to f in ish sevent h in t he Western Conference.

A lot of t h at h a s to do w it h roster ch a n g es a nd i nju r ies. A f ter w i nn i n g t he Fi n a ls M V P for t wo ye a r s i n a row, Kev i n D u ra nt dec ided to joi n t he Brook ly n Net s w it h Ky r ie I r v i n g a nd De a nd re Jord a n .

Durant dea lt w it h severa l injuries during t he Warriors’ postseason r u n in 2019. However, none was g reater t han h is r upt ured ach i l les in Game 5 of t he NBA Fina ls. T he injur y u lt imately sea led t he fate for Golden State, who wou ld fa l l to t he Toronto R aptors in si x games.

Fol low ing t he injur y to Durant, teammate K lay T hompson voiced h is fr ust rat ions w it h t he u nfort u nate injur y.

“It sucks, I feel so bad for him,” Thomp-

son said. “He’s going to come back stronger though. That’s the kind of fighter he is, and I’m going to miss him, man.”

T hompson wou ld a lso be v ict im to injur y, tearing h is ACL in h is left k nee t he fol low ing game. Durant is expected to m iss t he ent ire 2020 season. T hompson is expected to m iss t he majorit y of it.

There is even more action on the West Coast with Anthony Davis and Lebron James looking to bring the Los Angeles Lakers its first Finals’ championship since 2010.

After h is tenure at t he Pel icans of New Orleans, Dav is vent ured to join James. Danny Green a lso decided to head west after w inn ing t he Fina ls a longside Leonard for t he R aptors. T he Lakers are expected to be contenders for t he f irst t ime in

Readjusting: Abroad to Abilene

BY ALLISON HARRELL EDITOR IN CHIEF

Studying abroad in Oxford, England were some of the best months of my life that I will treasure forever. This is my first semester transitioning back to ACU’s campus in Abilene, and it’s

not worse, but it’s definitely different.

We’ve all heard stories of post-travel depression and that is a very real thing for some. It is difficult to go from exploring different countries each weekend while abroad straight into a regular routine upon return to Abilene. I miss the spontaneity, the excitement, the newness, the mysteries of learning about a different culture.

But I also remember feeling sadness and wishfulness for the friends I missed and the familiar ways of Abilene while I was abroad. The best way to combat these emotions is to be pres-

ent. Wherever you are, whichever season of life you are in right now, in this moment, fight to be present. There are good things to be seen, felt and expected.

To those that may be considering studying abroad next semester or this summer, don’t worry too much about what you might miss out on in Abilene. All my friends were still here waiting for me when I got back and friendships resumed like no time had lapsed. I brought back new friends and memories, as well.

Don’t worry too much about the post-travel depression you hear about either. The truth is, there

are struggles you face in Abilene and struggles you face abroad, neither are worse, but different. Surround yourself with people who accept you for where you were, where you are and where you want to go.

Even though I am back in Abilene, I still have a desire for spontaneous adventures, exploring new coffee shops and meeting new people. Those desires haven’t stopped, my experiences abroad have only strengthened them.

Be present wherever you are. That’s where life happens. That’s life that you don’t want to miss.

nearly a decade.

L ook ing more loca l, t he Houston Rockets have a new weapon w it h Chris Pau l now gone.

Russel l Westbrook a longside James Harden is scar y to t h ink about.

W h i le t hese players were former teammates at Ok lahoma Cit y, much has changed w it h t heir roles on t he court.

Both Westbrook and Harden had become their team’s main offensive producer, but that will have to change at Houston. Sharing the ball and rebuilding that chemistry will be key on the Rockets’ success this season.

Meanwh i le in t he Eastern Conference, t he M i lwaukee Bucks are t he favorites to represent t heir conference in t he 2020 NBA Fina ls.

After going up 2- 0 to t he Toronto R aptors in t he Eastern Conference Fina ls in May, t he Bucks

wou ld lose four st ra ight to end its season. T h is year, t he R aptors are not t he same team, and t he on ly team t hat arg uably stands in t heir way are t he Ph i ladelph ia 76ers.

T he 76ers added A l Horford to be anot her body for Joel Embi id in t he pa int. Meanwh i le, t he Bucks kept t heir core intact w it h Giann is A ntetokou nmpo and K ris M idd leton in t he frontcourt. T h is shou ld be t he most l ikely conference f ina ls matchup barring any injuries.

T here are cou nt less new stories to chase as t he new NBA season has beg un, includ ing t he number one pick of t he 2019 NBA Draft, Zion Wi l l iamson. T h is season w i l l be u n l ike any ot her in recent memor y, and t he batt le for t he Larr y O’Brien Trophy has never been more up in t he a ir.

Tweets Maddie @thealphamaddie Unpopular opinion: Midterms week is worse than finals week Almost Christian University @ChristianAlmost Listen, if it’s not on the study guide then it shouldn’t be on the test. You hate to see it. lyssa @alyssahigh13 today a girl in class said that the only thing men have that we don’t is the audacity and I’ve never related so much Glenn Losoya @glosoya10 Homecoming was crazy #GoWildcats alexis jewell @_alexisrobson you don’t have to have it all together to be valued. you are valued as you are. for whoever needs to hear it Adam Krause @adam_17_krause How is it that these girls clubs can do better choreography for an intramural halftime show than guys clubs can for sing song?

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

ADELIN BLACKMON

RILEY FISHER

ANDREW NORSWORTHY

DAVID MITCHELL

ALEX HILL

ANDREW TOOTHMAN

MEGAN HOLLEY

ERNIE GUAJARDO

BRYCE LURKENS

EMILY SHAFER

LEAH FIKES

SYDNEY VARNER

KAUY OSTLIEN

RACHEL CROSSNOE

AVERY JACKSON

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SPORTS | Thursday, October 24, 2019 | 5

WINNING IN OVERTIME

BY ADELIN BLACKMON | PHOTOGRAPHER

Luke Anthony, junior quarterback, runs the ball at Saturday’s Homecoming game against SFA.

BY ADELIN BLACKMON | PHOTOGRAPHER

The Wildcats line up on the line at Saturday’s Homecoming game against SFA.

BY ADELIN BLACKMON | PHOTOGRAPHER

Tyrese White, sophomore running back, runs the ball at Saturday’s Homecoming game against SFA.

BY ADELIN BLACKMON | PHOTOGRAPHER

Jack Gibbens, junior linebacker, makes a tackle at Saturday’s Homecoming game against SFA.

Nine alumni elected into ACU Sports Hall of Fame

BY TYLER HENDERSON SPORTS WRITER

Nine alumni were inducted into the school’s sports hall of fame Friday evening, with representatives from football, baseball, women’s tennis and track and field.

Lindsay (DeHoff) Brewer, 1998-2001, was selected three consecutive years as a first-team all-Lone Star Conference selection from 1999-2001.

During her freshman year, she was also selected as the 1998 LSC Freshman of the Year after a season in which she had 150 blocks, which ranks as the fifth best single-season total in ACU history. She ranks fourth all-time with 471 blocks and 11th best all-time with 1,207 kills.

Brewer died earlier this season after a battle with cancer and was honored on Thursday with a pregame ceremony against Southeastern Louisiana.

Brandon Stover, 19992002, was the lone representative from the baseball program in the 2019 induction. Stover was the fifth Wildcat in school history to be named an All-American after a historic senior season. The 2002 graduate hit .415 in his senior year, while hitting 10 home runs and driving in 55 RBIs. As a junior, Stover was named first team all-conference

and was a key component in the Wildcats’ three consecutive NCAA Div. II South Central Region tournament qualifiers. After his playing career, he joined the ACU coaching staff and served as the assistant coach and the associate head coach through the 2016 season.

“I was honored and humbled to receive that honor,” Stover said. “I am extremely thankful for the players and their families and I hope that I had a similar impact on them as they had on me.”

Meredith (Garner) Powell, 1992-2002, was an eight-time NCAA Div. II All-American for women’s track and field, including six in pole vaulting and twice in the 400m relay.

She was the first woman “I was honored and humbled to receive that honor. I am extremely thankful for the players and their families and I hope that I had a similar impact on them as they had on me.”

BRANDON STOVER BASEBALL ALUM INDUCTEE TO ACU’S SPORTS HALL OF FAME

ever at ACU to clear 13 feet in the pole vault, with a career-best mark of 13 feet, two inches. She was voted as an All-American from 2000-2002 by the U.S. Track and Field & Cross Country Coach-

PHOTO COURTESY OF ACU SPORTS

2019 Sports Hall of Fame inductees.

es Association and was a three-time Lone Star Conference Champion in her time at ACU. John Kemboi, 19992002, is considered one of the greatest individual champions in the history of ACU track and field, as well as cross country. He tied Bobby Morrow with 10 career individual NCAA Div. II national championships, as well as led the Wildcats to back-to-back NCAA Div. II South Central Region championships in 2000 and 2001. On the track and field side, Kemboi capped his senior season by winning the indoor and outdoor 800 meter

race, as well as the mile indoors and the 1500 meter outdoors. That would be his second consecutive season to win all four of those individual titles.

Jerale Badon, 20042007, was an honorable mention in the NCAA Div. II football All-American running in 2007. He still holds ACU’s all-time record in receptions with 235, receiving yards with 3,311 and ranks eighth all-time in career touchdowns with 19. Badon was a two-time captain from 2006-2007 and helped lead the Wildcats to their first two NCAA Div. II playoff appearances during those

years. He was a three-time first team all-Lone Star Conference selection from 2005-2007 and was later selected to the all-Decade Team of the 2000’s.

Sam Collins, 2005-2008, is the second representative from the football program. Collins holds the record for consecutive games started at ACU with 46, not missing a game during the entirety of his four year career. In 2008, he was awarded the Gene Upshaw Award for being the top lineman in all of NCAA Div. II college football, and was the winner of the Dave Rimington Award as the top center that same year. Collins was a three-time academic all-Lone Star Conference selection and was honored later with a selection to ACU’s all-Decade Team for the 2000’s.

Irene Squillaci, 20062009, was a three-time All American from 20072009 for the women’s tennis program. She was voted as the 2007 Lone Star Conference Player of the Year, as well as a threetime first team all-LSC selection in both singles and doubles matches. Squillaci took the LSC singles championship in consecutive seasons from 2006 to 2007 and was one-half of one of the top NCAA Div. II doubles team in tennis with partner Aina

Rafolo. The duo won the Lone Star Conference doubles titles from 20062008 and were nationally ranked during that time.

Al and Dottie Scott were awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for their longtime dedication to ACU Athletics, more specifically baseball. Al “Getting to see the Scott Family be recognized as well was very special.

I got to share in those times (of personal success) when Al and Dottie Scott were such a big part of the program.”

BRANDON STOVER BASEBALL ALUM INDUCTEE TO ACU’S SPORTS HALL OF FAME

Scott, who died in October of 2013, pitched for Abilene High as well as the Wildcats. His love for baseball influenced his tireless work to help restart the intercollegiate program at ACU in 1991 with the construction of Crutcher Scott Field. Dottie, who died in January of 2005, was an active member of the League of Women Voters and the Republican Party, as well as a devoted fan of Wildcat baseball.

“Getting to see the Scott Family be recognized as well was very special,” Stover said. “I got to share in those times (of personal success) when Al and Dottie Scott were such a big part of the program.”

6 | Thursday, October 24, 2019 | SPORTS

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

Ovrl.

5-2 5-3 5-2 4-3 4-4 3-3 4-4 4-4 4-4 1-6 0-7

Conf.

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

Soccer

BY MEGAN HOLLEY | PHOTOGRAPHER

Senior middle blocker Kennedy Shelstead tips the ball over the opponent’s block.

Shelstead, ACU break losing streak over UNO

BY LEXI KIRGAN SPORTS WRITER

The Wildcats broke their losing streak in volleyball against New Orleans in straight sets.

New Orleans is currently in seventh place in the Southland Conference standings, so this was a needed win for the Wildcats.

The Wildcats came out to play winning the first set 2515. They won the second set

26-23 and the third set 25-10.

Kennedy Shelstead, senior middle blocker, said that they were ready for the game from the beginning.

“I think our mentality going to the game was the fact that we just need to take care of business tonight in our home where we for most comfortable,” Shelstead said. “We prepared well for this game and I think we were all just ready to take it. Something

that really helped tonight was from the beginning we came out ready to win and I think that our energy contributes to that I think our level of executing tonight in the first game was on point. We had a very low amount of unforced errors which is huge for us.”

Shelstead, lead the Wildcats with 11 kills, Lorin McNeil, junior middle blocker, lead the team with two aces and three blocks, Madison Rohre, soph-

omore setter, lead the team with 28 assists and Sofia Resendiz, senior labero, lead the team with 17 digs.

The Wildcats have eight more conference games in the season and Shelstead said this win has built a lot of confidence for her and her team to finish the season out.

“I think that we are going to take our confidence from this game and roll into the next one,” Shelstead said. “I

think winning tonight was a great boost in our confidence and just the fact that like we’re a great team and we can beat the teams in our conference and we can perform do a high-level. I think we are just mentally prepared for the remainder of the week so that we can get a couple more wins.”

The Wildcats will play at Northwestern State University on Oct. 24 at 6:30 p.m..

Soccer bounces back after loss to Lamar University

BY RACHEL POE SPORTS WRITER

The Wildcats traveled to Beaumont to face Lamar Cardinals on Friday night and met the McNeese Cowboys in Lake Charles, Louisiana, on Sunday afternoon.

ACU fell short, 4-6, to Lamar University on Friday night.

The Wildcats were able to score four goals on Friday night, but four second-half goals that the Cardinals were able to slip in, cost the Wildcats the game. A 2-1 halftime lead was not enough to stop one of the top-scoring offenses in the country. Lamar is ranked eighth nationally, with 44 goals.

The first goal of the night came from Lamar’s Madison Ledet in the 12th minute. The second goal came from senior Samantha Vestal, her fourth of the season, to tie the game.

In the 37th minute, freshman Natalie Jones scored her sixth goal of the season, after receiving an assist from senior Shay Johnson, giving ACU a 2-1 lead over Lamar.

The game was tied again in the 61st minute when Lamar’s Anna Loftus tied the game.

The second goal in the second half came in the 62nd minute when junior captain Christina Arteaga scored her ninth goal of the season off of a double assist from vestal and Jones.

Lamar’s Lucy Ashworth tied the game again by scoring in the 69th minute.

In the 70th minute, the Cardinals were able to get another goal in by Anna Loftus, leading 4-3 over the Wildcats. Freshman Caylen Wright scored her fifth goal of the season and tied the game once more, 4-4 in the 81st minute.

During the 88th minute, Lucy Ashworth gave Lamar

a 5-4 lead and seconds later, Lamar’s Esther Okorokwo secured the Cardinals a 6-4 lead over the Wildcats.

The Wildcats outshot Lamar University 22-21, but Lamar outshot ACU 10-9 with goals on frame.

Goalkeeper redshirt senior Rachel Johnson had a total of four saves. Both teams recorded seven corner kicks.

Arteaga and redshirt senior Sophie Standifer led the way with six shot attempts each. Wright had three shot attempts and Jones and Vestal each had two. The Wildcats still lead the overall series against the Cardinals, 4-3.

On Sunday afternoon, the Wildcats got back on track and beat one of the top teams in the Southland Conference, the McNeese Cowgirls, 3-0.

ACU scored once in the first half and twice more in the final 45 minutes of the game. The defense

had its fourth shutout of the season.

The first goal of the game came from Arteaga in the 44th minute, for her 10th goal of the season, off of a penalty kick in the last 12 seconds of the first half. Arteaga took the advantage after a foul was made in the box, to get ACU on the scoreboard.

In the 51st minute, Wright scored her sixth goal of the season, after receiving assists from freshman Jordan Michie and Jones.

The Wildcats secured the victory over the Cowgirls in the 77th minute, when Jones received a pass from sophomore Alyssa Anuat.

Arteaga has scored a goal in five straight games, the longest streak of her career. Her previous streak was three games last season. Jones has had goals in three of the last five games and Wright has scored a goal in three of

the last four games.

ACU outshout McNeese 11-8, including 6-4 of the shots made on frame.

Johnson had her 13th career shutout on Sunday, with four saves in the game. She has had a total of 38 saves this season.

“Mainly on Friday night, we played a very good offensive team. We made mistakes that hurt us,” Head Coach Casey Wilson said. “We were not discouraged and didn’t let it affect us because we had another game coming up. We bounced back and remained positive and it showed today.”

The Wildcats return back to Abilene for their final two home games at Elmer Gray Stadium this season. ACU will host the Ladyjacks of Steven F. Austin on Oct. 25 for its annual “Pink Match” at 7 p.m and the Sam Houston Bearkats at 1 p.m. on Oct. 27th.

FOOTBALL MATCHUP PREVIEW 2019 SEASON 33.5

POINTS PER GAME

26.6

196.0

RUSHING YPG

185.7

259.4

PASSING YPG

200.3

26.0

POINTS ALLOWED PG

SPORTS DIRECTOR

Ovrl.

10-6 7-8 9-4-2 8-6-1 8-7-1 7-7-1 9-6 6-9 3-11-1 3-11-1 2-13 3-11-1

Conf.

7-1 6-2 5-2-1 5-2-1 5-2-1 5-2-1 5-3 3-5 2-6 2-6 1-7 0-8

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

Ovrl.

20-1 15-7 11-9 12-9 10-9 12-11 11-11 9-11 9-12 5-13 8-11 8-13 4-18

Conf.

8-0 7-1 7-1 5-3 4-4 4-4 4-4 3-3 3-5 3-5 3-6 1-8 0-8

HEADLINES - Sophomore Kevin Kiposgei was names Southland Conferecne cross country athlete of the week Tuesday. Kiposgei finished in 18th-place at the Arturo Barrios Invitational last weekend.

-The ACU soccer team clinched a spot in the Southland Conference Tournament Sunday with a 3-0 win over McNeese.

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Football

JAMES Senior running back Tracy James delivered in a double-overtime thriller against Stephen F. Austin, grabbing 25 carries and rushing for 105 yards and two touchdowns. He led the entire game in rushing yards and yards per carry.

James is currently first in total rushing yards, scoring and total touchdowns in the Southland Conference.

Football

29.1 NICHOLLS STATE UNIVERSITY

ABILENE CHRISTIAN UNIVERSIT Y (4–4)

Owen Simpson

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

(4-3)

Tavian Miles

ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

Lexi Kirgan

SPORTS REPORTER

The Wildcats face their biggest opponent of the year this weekend, playing on the road. ACU is currently 0-4 away in 2019, compared to 4-0 at home. They have had plenty of opportunities to come out on top outside of Wildcat Stadium. The last three road games, ACU has lost by an average of under four points. On two occasions, the Wildcats led entering the fourth quarter on the road. Along with its road struggles, Nicholls currently sits tied for first in the Southland Conference. The Colonels are coming off its first loss in conference play at Sam Houston State, 17-0. Before that loss, Nicholls was ranked ninth in the FCS rankings. I have no doubt in my mind that this will be a close game. Some of the deciding factors will be how successful the offense will be on both the ground and in the air, especially in the first quarter. Another factor will be Nicholls’ ability to protect the ball after committing three last week. It should be a nailbiter most of the way, but I’m expecting Nicholls to bounce back after a tough loss a week ago.

Another huge Wildcat win at home as the Wildcats took down the Lumberjacks of SFA in a wild double overtime matchup. ACU took the win 31-24 and look to continue their momentum as they look for a FCS playoff spot. The Wildcats looked great all around, especially senior wideout Josh Fink who hauled in 12 receptions for 110 yards. Senior running back Tracy James also played his part by rushing for over 100 yards and running in a touchdown. The defense looked a little shaky late in the fourth, but overall had a good game. Now looking at this weeks opponent, the Wildcats take on the Colonels on Nicholls, who are 3-1 in conference, but are coming off a shutout loss to Sam Houston State. The Wildcats are going to need to carry this momentum from the past two home games in order to come out with another win. Wildcats lose on the road in a nail-biter.

The Wildcats take on Nicholls this weekend at Nicholls. The Colonels are currently 3-1 in conference and have beat some pretty good teams. Most people would probably say that Nicholls would have this one, but I think the way that the Wildcats have been playing, we have a shot at getting this win. We beat SFA last week for the first time in a long time, so I feel like with the momentum the Wildcats have going into the game, they have a shot at getting the win. I feel like it is going to be a pretty close game and will be a fight all the way to the end of the game, but I feel like we have a shot. Some players have really been stepping up for the Wildcats, so if they can keep producing and keep playing like they have been playing it will be another conference win. We have a two game winning streak and Nicholls lost its last game against Sam Houston, 0-17. So to say the least, the Wildcats have the momentum going into this game. If we can continue to play like we have been playing, I have no doubt that we will get this win.

FINAL SCORE: ACU 21 Nicholls 27

FINAL SCORE: ACU 21 Nicholls 28

FINAL SCORE: ACU 27 Nicholls 24

Jalen Garrett SPORTS REPORTER

After a nail biting win in double-overtime against Stephen F. Austin last weekend, the Wildcats will go back on the road to face the Colonels of Nicholls State. ACU and SFA went back and forth throughout the whole game, having very similar numbers in total yards, time of possession, and first downs. The Wildcats are now 4-0 at home, but they’ve yet to win a road game. There have been many cases where ACU has led late in away games and slipped with little time left in those matchups. The Colonels are currently third in the Southland Conference and rank in the top spots in rushing offense, pass defense and scoring defense.

The key factor in this matchup will be Tracy James. He has been the offensive conductor of ACU’s offense, and I believe he will be fed the ball many times throughout the game. The Wildcats will capture their first road win of the season.

FINAL SCORE: ACU 28 Nicholls 14

FINK Senior wide receiver Josh Fink was all over the field against Stephen F. Austin tying his career-high 12 receptions and 110 recieving yards. Averaging 9.2 yards per catch, Fink ranks sixith in receptions and eighth in receiving yards in the Southland Conference. The Wildcats head out to play Nicholls Saturday at 3 p.m.

The game will be available to watch on ESPN+.

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