Optimist Print Edition 11.22.19

ACUOPTIMIST.COM | Friday, November 22, 2019 | 1

Read about Morrison’s journey from resident dean to instructor in the College of Biblical Studies

A student publication of Abilene Christian University since 1912

PAGE 3

BY ADELIN BLACKMON | PHOTOGRAPHER

Students pose for a picture in front of the 35-foot Christmas tree that was lit at the campus-wide Litmas celebration on Tuesday.

Search continues for new OMA director

BY ALLISON HARRELL EDITOR IN CHIEF

A 12-person committee was selected to help determine the right candidate for the open position of Director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs.

The committee consists of Aleira Martin, Beatriz Walker, Briarston Ashford, Darius Davis, Gloria Atkinson, John Boyles, Scott McDowell, Shekinah Kahongo, Stephanie Hamm, Steven Moore,

Tryce Prince and Tsion Amare.

Dr. Scott McDowell, vice president of student life, said he worked with Stephanie Hamm, chief diversity officer and assistant professor of social work, and collaborated on the decision of who should be on the committee.

“In any situation, you want to find someone that’s competent in their field and that would also be a fit with the commu-

nity,” McDowell said. “So that’s why you put a committee like this together, that represents a broad cross section of the campus community and people that know this place well, and it’s a really tremendous group of people. You’ve got a lot of folks in the room helping make the decision who have a real sense of what ACU is and what ACU aspires to be.”

The job description for the hiring of a new Direc-

tor of OMA was completed and published online about six weeks ago and the hiring committee has already received about 30 applications. McDowell said there was significant and national interest in the position.

“We pulled [the hiring committee] together and they agreed to walk with me through the process,” McDowell said. “So we went through the list of candidates.”

After narrowing down

to about 20 candidates, in terms of application completion, the committee reviewed the applications. Tryce Prince, executive assistant for the Carl Spain Center, created a voting system for the committee to narrow down the candidates they believed should get an interview.

“That narrowed it down pretty clearly,” McDowell said. “There were four or five that everybody said should get an interview.”

Christmas a cappella concert to be in Cullen

BY ALYSSIA ANUAT GUEST WRITER

A cappella groups are having a Christmas concert at 7 p.m. on Friday in Cullen Auditorium.

Hilltop, Grace Note, and Foundation will be performing this week to celebrate the holidays.

Anyone is welcome to come and a chapel credit is being offered.

According to the Student Life website, a cappella dates back to the founding of the university in 1906. After a disappearance of a cappella on campus, the formation of Foundation in 2017 restarted it. Grace Note and Hilltop followed in 2018, making this concert the start of a new Christmas tradition.

“Groups have been preparing songs since the very beginning of this

The Student Government Association (SGA) is searching for students willing to serve on the recently created judicial board.

The judicial board will help streamline legislation that the SGA would like to pass. The judicial board is being established for two reasons. First, the legislative body of student government has never had an authority concerning legislation’s adherence to the constitution and bylaws.

SEE SEARCH ON PAGE 2

NEWS

“I think these groups help bring a variety of students from different backgrounds and majors together with one purpose, and that is to sing together and praise God with our voices.”

ALEX KITTEN JUNIOR MIDDLE SCHOOL EDUCATION MAJOR FROM LUBBOCK AND ALL A CAPPELLA INTERN AND STUDENT DIRECTOR

OPTIMIST FILE PHOTO

The women of Grace Note perform together in the a capella Christmas concert. semester,” said Marlow Davis, junior advertising and public relations major from Denver City and member of Grace Note.

“It’s been a lot of work but so much fun. We’ve seen great improvement throughout this semester.”

These a cappella groups perfor m at different on-campus events throughout the semester, adding to ACU’s reputation, “the singing college.”

“I think these groups help bring a variety of stu-

dents from different backgrounds and majors together with one purpose, and that is to sing together and praise God with our voices,” said Alex Kitten, junior middle school education major from Lubbock and all a cappella in-

tern and student director.

Hilltop consists of mixed vocals made up of upperclassmen. Grace Note is made up of upperclassmen women. Foundation is mixed vocals of freshmen.

“The audience can expect to see lots of new and old Christmas tunes and several beautiful worship songs,” Kitten said. “We are also adding a couple of spring concert preview songs.

Expect to see a fun show.”

SGA seeks students for new judicial board

BY ETHAN EPPINETTE GUEST WRITER

Last week, the candidates remaining were called for phone interviews. The next step in the hiring process is the on-campus interview.

The on-campus interview process will require student-conducted interviews, faculty-staff conducted interviews, a presentation of their vision for OMA and a meeting with the leadership team.

Aleira Martin, senior advertising and public re-

Secondly, there has been little oversight or checks and balances in the SGA senate and the Cabinet.

The board will now serve as a deliberative body whenever a case of alleged misconduct arises.

Daniel Sherman, junior business management major from Abilene and director of student engagement and recruitment for SGA, said the creation of the judicial board will only improve any creation of legislation in the future.

“It will further solidify the SGA’s commitment to serv-

ing students,” Sherman said.

In previous years, issues would be resolved by a debate over the bill followed by a vote. Now, the judicial board can be called upon by any member of the senate who wants a bill or resolution to be reviewed with concern to its constitutionality.

The judicial board will have the power to enforce appropriate measures if any misconduct can be proven true. The SGA constitution gives the board power to interpret authoritative documents, reject illegal legislation

“[The judicial board] will further solidify the SGA’s commitment to serving students.”

DANIEL SHERMAN JUNIOR BUSINESS MANAGEMENT MAJOR FROM ABILENE AND DIRECTOR OF STUDENT ENGAGEMENT AND RECRUITMENT

and prohibit executive action that it deems illegal.

Tsion Amare, senior social work major from Dallas and vice president of the SGA, said the students on the board will serve until graduation.

“We need students that are willing to serve during

their full time at ACU,” Amare said.

The job of being a judicial board member has several responsibilities.

For example, the board is to review legislation for compliance with authoritative documents and they will participate on the Behavioral Review Board of ACU. SGA is looking for three justices, one chief justice and two associate justices for the Board.

The members will be appointed by the president and confirmed by Senate majority.

Intramural spikeball to host tournament PAGE 2

SPORTS

Volleyball wins final two games of the season PAGE 6

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2 | Friday, November 22, 2019 | NEWS

Spikeball to host double-elimination tournament

BY ANDREW TOOTHMAN STAFF WRITER

Intramural spikeball is back for the third year in a row, with a tournament style bracket beginning on Friday as teams of two are welcome to start signing up.

Spikeball is a type of game that relates the rules of volleyball, but you only play with one teammate and instead of hitting the ball over a net, the goal is to hit the ball on the small circle netting for the next team to coordinate a scheme together.

Each team has a maximum of three hits to get the ball on the net, and if you take more than that then it is the other teams point, as well as missing the net completely

gives the other team a point.

Intramurals will host a double-elimination tournament with a losers and winner bracket at hand, with participants from the Spikeball Club as well as regular students that are interested in playing. Luke Mowry, a junior family and children services major from Wylie, is the president of the Spikeball Club and is excited for this tournament because this ultimately sparked the Spikeball Club to begin with.

Mowry also said that he will be participating in the tournament, but he will also be watching other teams play, and use this tournament as a recruitment opportunity for the Spikeball Club.

OPTIMIST FILE PHOTO

Intramural spikeball team welcomes sign ups for tournament style bracket.

Mowry and his club will also be providing equipment for the tournament such as the pro-nets and balls to help out ACU. Mowry said last year 15 teams signed up for

the tournament and hopes to double that this year and said that the tournament this year will be more intense as they have learned the rules better than in the past.

“The ultimate goal of this opportunity is to bring forth the love of Spikeball, and we know it is a unique sport, and that is why we love it,” Mowry said. “I

want this tournament to be able to publicize the sport as well as our club to the people so that we can gain others in the Spikeball Club and welcome them into this great community.”

According to the Spikeball Club members, the club is now part of the Department of Athletics, rather than being funded

by SGA, which gives the club sport more funding as well as bigger opportunities to compete in national tournaments. The ACU Spikeball club’s next tournament is a free tournament, and is at Strake Jesuit on Dec 7, as this intramural tournament can hopefully influence others to join the club.

KACU to bring ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ to the Paramount

BY TYLER HENDERSON GUEST WRITER

89.5 KACU will present “It’s a Wonderful Life, a Live Radio Play” at the Paramount Theatre in early December.

For the first time in the station’s long history, 89.5 KACU is hosting a live radio play at the Paramount Theatre. “It’s a Wonderful Life, a Live Radio Play” will be performed by local actor and former KTXS anchor George

Levesque and junior theatre major and KACU on-air host Lauren McDonald.

Levesque, a 1996 McMurry University theatre graduate, has been a local television anchor, radio host, and actor around Abilene for many years. He spent 15 years with KTXS-TV as an anchor and has acted in several plays held at the Paramount such as “Osage: Orange County.” Levesque also starred in ACU’s perfor-

mance of “Bright Star” earlier this year. He is currently the executive director of the Paramount Theatre.

“He is an incredible performer,” McDonald said.

“I am looking forward to having that same chance to work with him.”

McDonald has been a staple in the Department of Theatre. The junior from Houston has performed in many of ACU’s biggest plays and starred as Belle

in ACU’s 2019 Homecoming Play, “Beauty and the Beast.” She has also performed in “Cinderella,” “Pinocchio,” and “Saturday Night Fever” with the Maine State Music Theatre in Brunswick, Maine.

McDonald said that this will be the first time that she has acted in a live radio performance like “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

“I think it’s so neat that two things I’m passionate

about, Theatre and Public Radio, are fusing together, and I get to be a part of that,” McDonald said.

This will be the first time the station has put on an event like this. The live radio play will be streamed on-air while live actors perform on the Paramount Theatre stage. The reading is all acoustic with microphones setup on the stage for the actors. Their live vocals will go on-air to the audience, as

well as the live performance in person. Past performances of “It’s a Wonderful Life: a Live Radio Play” have lasted from an hour and a half to two hours.

“This is going to be such a great evening that you won’t want to miss,” McDonald said. “I love KACU’s efforts to air well rounded and quality content for all ages to enjoy, and I’m happy to be a part of those efforts.”

Student Life reads to children in local laundromat

BY ALYSSIA ANUAT GUEST WRITER

The Office of Student Life partnered with Launry Luv to read to children at an Abilene laundromat.

It’s in hopes that soon student volunteers will be reading to kids at Laundry Luv on 3202 N. 1st Street.

Laundry Luv’s reading program is through a non-profit reading organization, “Too Small to Fail,” stationed in New York City.

According to its website, “Too Small to Fail is partnering with the Coin Laundry Association (CLA) to engage families through 5,000 laundromats across

the country to support children’s early brain and language development.”

Laundry Luv embraced this program and decided to make ACU a part of the mission.

Dr. Scott McDowell, vice president for student life, said, “We found out about it because of the

Laundry Luv owners saying they wanted to work with a local college to do this and they specifically mentioned ACU as someone for the non-profit to reach out to.”

The hope is this event will occur routinely. McDowell said, “The hope is to have a regular two to three hour block every Sat-

urday morning or Sunday afternoon,” because this is the busiest time for families at laundromats.

Since the partnership is still in its beginning phase, no student volunteers are lined up, but ACU students who are interested in volunteering can reach out to the president of the

Inter-Social Club Council, Mikaela Clinton, at mbc15a@acu.edu.

Jane Park Woo, Director of “Too Small to Fail,” says, “Our hope is that these storytimes can also become helpful ways for student volunteers to make meaningful connections with families.”

SEARCH: Committee continues OMA Director interview process CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

-lations major from Fort Worth, said she is looking forward to seeing the office grow.

“Some things that I’ve been looking for is someone who can relate to the students and understand people from different backgrounds in order to relate and empathize with

that,” Martin said. “And someone who is able to relate to administration as well. Because a lot of it has to do with helping students, but also getting administration to understand the students as well.”

“It’s a very serious vetting process,” McDowell said.

McDowell said he plans to bring candidates to campus after Christmas break, at the beginning of the spring semester.

“We don’t want to rush the process but we want to get the person here as quickly as we can,” McDowell said.

McDowell said the committee is looking to

hire someone that has a vibrant faith, connects well with students and has the knowledge and experience to be able to execute programming and manage budgets.

“We’re obviously looking for someone that’s a mission fit,” McDowell said. “This is a Christ-centered university, and one

of the questions we asked every candidate is, ‘What part does your faith play in this process?’ and ‘How do you take Christian community seriously, and how would you help our students to also experience that?’”

In the meantime, Ryan Bowman, human resources and Title IX investiga-

tor, is serving as interim director of the Office of OMA. McDowell said he feels very good about the hiring process.

“One of the things that we’re committed to is trying to find somebody that can put down roots and be in this role for a long time,” McDowell said.

SAT., NOV. 30

WHAT’S HAPPENING? MON., NOV. 25

TUES., NOV. 26

7:30 p.m.- Jazz Ensemble Concert

WED., NOV. 27

THURS., NOV. 28

FRI., NOV. 29

Thanksgiving Holiday (Campus Closed)

Thanksgiving Holiday (Campus Closed)

Thanksgiving Holiday (Campus Closed)

police log SELECTED ACUPD CALLS FOR THE WEEK: • • • •

Officers observed a subject going through backpacks in the west tunnel near the Visitor’s Locker Room. Officers contacted the subject who then fled from them on foot out on the field area. The suspect was quickly apprehended and arrested. 11/16/2019 1:17 p.m.

Officers contacted a subject and escorted him of the property after receiving several complainants of him approaching females and getting to close to them and making them feel uncomfortable. 11/16/2019 2:40 p.m.

Officers responded to a 911 call reference a fire. Officers located a small camp fire in the back yard. Abilene Fire Department responded and put the fire out. 11/18/2019 6:04 a.m.

Officers assisted Abilene PD with a suspect intoxicated driver. Upon investigation the driver was found not to be intoxicated but sleepy.

11/18/2019 4:35 a.m.

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

1 33 1 1 1 0 1 2 4 0 9 0 0 0 312 0

Clery compliance admin.

Criminal trespass Disabled vehice Disorderly conduct Disturbance Domestic disturbance Escort Event support Foot patrol Found property Information report Intoxicated Driver Investigation follow up Lost Property Maintenance: univ assets: cctv Maintenance: univ assets

MESSAGE FROM POLICE CHIEF ELLISON:

0 0 1 0 0 1 4 2 6 6 0 1 9 5 6 0

Medical emergency Missing person Monitor facility/lot Motorist assist: inflate tire.

Motorist assist: jumpstart Motorist assist: other Motorist assist: unlock Other Parking lot patrol Parking violation Patrol vehicle: maintenance Patrol vehicle: refuel Prowler Public service Random patrol Refuel gasoline cans

1 1 17 0 9 1 6 5 25 0 10 9 1 1 21 1

Report writing Report writing (follow up) Sex offense Suspicious activity Suspicious person Suspicious vehicle Theft Traffic Hazard Traffic stop Vehicle Collision Welfare check Total

11 12 1 2 3 0 2 2 4 2 2 643

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

“Remember that ACUPD needs YOU to do your part in preventing crime. Always report crimes and suspicious activity to ACUPD at 325-674-2911. ”

12 p.m.- Jingle Fest

FEATURES & NEWS | Friday, November 22, 2019 | 3

BY RILEY FISHER | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

DiArron Morrison, instructor in the College of Biblical Studies, uses his experience as a resident dean to relate to college students.

CONNECTING WITH STUDENTS IN A GODLY WAY A faculty member’s mission he brought from the dorm hall to the classroom

BY DILLON DANIEL MANAGING EDITOR

DiArron Morrison, who worked as the resident dean at both of the freshman male residence halls, McKinzie and Mabee, is finishing his first semester as an instructor in the College of Biblical Studies.

Morrison is teaching Jesus: His Life and Teachings and Cornerstone this semester. Next semester he will teach Early Christians: Life, Literature and Community and the Message of the Old Testament.

Although he has only been an RD for two years, his extent into his collegiate and biblical careers has stretched further than that.

“I’ve worked with college students the better part of five years now, actually approaching six years in ministry,” Morrison said.

He said that a large part of continuing his career at ACU, from residence life to instructing, is due to his

passion for working with young adults.

“A big lens of people I like to work with is that 18 to 23-year-old age group,” Morrison said. “Teaching just allows me to have another vantage point of an area I’m passionate about.”

“I believe the Lord does things purposefully.”

DIARRON MORRISON INSTRUCTOR IN THE COLLEGE OF BIBLICAL STUDIES

Unlike many instructors and other members of faculty, Morrison recent experience of working in Res. Life has allowed him to learn to work with college students from a different angle.

Morrison said he believes that college students should be understood and worked with in mutual respect.

“At 18 to 23, people just go around handing out things to people of that age.

Everything with college students is earned,” Morri-

son said. “So, I try my best to meet everyone with a standpoint of mutuality and to treat everyone with the respect any adult should be treated with.”

His passion for the gospel has and continues to give him the ability to approach each situation in his work through a Christ-like lens.

“I like to create with my environments what Christ calls the ‘Kingdom of Heaven’ and I think the first step of that is that mutual respect.”

While he is passionate about his work, Morrison said he is just very passionate about getting involved and connected wherever he is at.

“When I came to ACU, I wanted to be at ACU because I wanted to be at college,” Morrison said. “I love this experience and I try to engage it in every way I can.”

Whether it was working with students in a dorm or working with students in the classroom, he said that

he strives to get connected and plugged in, something he said every student in college should do.

To many Bible majors, the professors and instructors in the department are highly regarded for their knowledge and interpretation of the text and their ability to convey scripture in a relevant and practical way.

To Morrison, he said he is in shock to join the company of a selection of esteemed biblical scholars.

“I believe the Lord does things purposefully,” Morrison said. “I’m looking at giants over in the Bible department and the idea of teaching alongside people like Randy Harris or even someone like Jerry Taylor, who’s been a mentor to me since I got to Abilene, the idea that we’re colleagues is wild.”

Even though this part of his career for Morrison is different than being an RD, he said he feels like this is another opportunity to con-

tinue his passion of working with young adults.

“It’s completely different to live within feet from them,” Morrison said. “I’m just really interested in seeing another way I can really connect with college students.”

Morrison’s tenure as an RD in both halls allowed him to connect and help students in a more personal form than an average instructor or professor could accomplish.

By being a part of Res Life, he said he was able to meet and engage students where he knew he could do a lot of good.

“As an RD, [the staff and I] were there to ensure everyone there was known.

My primary responsibility was to prepare people for the next step,” Morrison said. “That requires me to meet people where they are and help them figure out what that next step is.”

Even as an RD, Morrison said he had moments where he felt a Christ-like environ-

ment was being created and nourished around him.

In a moment with his coworkers, he said, “We did a diversity training called ‘Love Your Neighbor’ which ties the gospel to issues within diversity and giving people the idea: ‘What might Jesus say about this conversation?’”

Morrison’s focus on God and passion to help others in every environment he is in has made an impression on everyone he has worked with.

Elias Culpepper, a senior math education major from Ennis and former RA in McKinzie Hall, said Morrison walks around like a light of God’s word and that it is very obvious when anyone gets to know him.

“He lives for God and he lives to serve others which is very apparent in the way he walks, talks and just goes through life,” Culpepper said. “He’s here to serve you and me and everyone around us.”

COBA makes plans to offer study abroad in Africa

BY SYDNEY VARNER STAFF WRITER

The College of Business Administration is offering a study abroad trip to Africa during the upcoming summer. The interest meeting will take place on Nov. 22 in COBA. The trip, though hosted by the College of Business, is also in partnership with the Griggs Center for Entrepreneurship and Philanthropy.

The trip and meetings

are open to all students who are interested; the meeting on Friday will go over things such as an overview of the program, the itinerary, travel dates, application details and pictures from the scouting trip that took place before the inclusion of the trip into COBA’s program.

Dr. Sa ra h Easter, a professor i n COBA , w i l l be lead i ng t he t r ip a nd teach i ng classes as wel l.

“This will be an exciting and full three weeks of learning, traveling and embarking on cross-cultural adventures in the southern part of Africa,” Easter said. “I will be teaching ‘MGMT 419: Global Entrepreneur’ on the campus of African Christian College (ACC) located in Eswatini, previously known as Swaziland. We will also be taking two excursion trips to Kruger National Park, a well-known safari, as well

as Cape Town, both in South Africa.”

The summer trip will last a total of two weeks in Eswatini and as mentioned above will take expeditions in addition to schooling at ACC order for students to cap off the overall culturally transformative experience.

“This experience will provide a rich, cross-cultural experience where students will be able to closely interact with ACC students from over

“This experience will provide a rich, cross-cultural experience where students will be able to closely interact with ACC students from over 10 different African nations, both inside and outside the classroom for a two week period.”

DR. SARAH EASTER PROFESSOR OF COBA

10 different African nations, both inside and

outside the classroom for a two week period,” Easter said. “Plus, they will have the chance to go on a highly regarded African safari and take in the stunning views of Eswatini and Cape Town, South Africa. It will be a fun and transformative summer experience.”

Students with any questions are encouraged to attend the interest meeting or contact the Griggs Center at griggscenter@ acu.edu.

ACU partners with non-profit organization Hope Speaks

BY KAYLA MONTANO GUEST WRITER

Faculty and students in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders have partnered with non-profit organization Hope Speaks to work with people with disabilities in Uganda.

The non-profit ministry, Hope Speaks is based in Kampala, Uganda. It work with Ugandans of all ages that have disabilities.

Speech, language, feeding, and augmentative commu-

nication therapy are some of the areas they focus on.

They work with Ugandan social workers in their facilities which include clinics in special needs schools and orphanages.

In addition to providing therapy, they minister to the families.

This past summer, eight communication science disorder majors were able to work with Hope Speaks in Uganda.

Meagan Songer, second year grad student from Tomball, spent

“There’s really plenty of work for everybody because the need is great and Hope Speaks is trying to branch out to pull in other specialists.”

DR. LYNETTE AUSTIN CHAIR OF THE COMMUNICATION SCIENCE DEPARTMENT

eight weeks in Uganda where she was an intern and worked under the speech pathologist providing services. There she worked in the schools and outreach clinics.

“It’s a difficult experi-

ence because you’re seeing a lot of stuff you would never see otherwise in treating a lot of clients with very severe disabilities,” Songer said. “That was defi nitely eye-opening in a lot of ways.”

Therapy sessions include reassuring the parents it is not their fault that their children have a disability and educating them on how they could work with their children at home; with some of them having feeding and swallowing problems that can turn into

nutrition issues.

Earlier in November, the founders of Hope Speaks came to speak at ACU. Their plan is to partner with ACU; sending a team of faculty to Uganda with undergrad students in 2021 and send two second year graduate students each year to do a graduate clinical.

The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders had a ‘prepare to share’ night where students adapted toys for the kids with disabilities in Uganda.

Dr. Lynette Austin, chair of the communication science department, and Lory Chrane, undergrad program director, said the department would like for their teams traveling to Uganda to be multidisciplinary and they have seen interest from social work and nutrition students.

“There’s really plenty of work for everybody because the need is great and Hope Speaks is trying to branch out to pull in other specialists,” Austin said.

4 | Friday, November 22, 2019 | OPINIONS

Be cautious of public figures like John Crist EDITORIAL BOARD

John Crist is a publicly known Christian stand up comedian who became very popular with his YouTube videos.

Some of his popular videos include funny point of views on stereotypical things that Christians say or do such as “Church Hunters” or Chick-fil-A pick up lines.”

Crist’s popularity grew more when he started to team up and make videos with Trey Kennedy, another comedian who has grown a following from his videos on YouTube.

Some of their most popular collaborations are “Soon to be engaged girls be like” and “Single girls on Valentine’s Day.”

Due to Crist’s great success, he started to travel the states doing a stand-up comedy routine. Crist even did a pop up in Abilene at Beltway South. His tour quickly ended, however, after sexual assault claims came to light.

Due to the allegations, Netflix dropped the special it filmed with Crist called “John Crist I Ain’t Praying For That” and Crist’s Instagram activity has been almost non-existent, with his last post being Nov. 2.

Crist issued a public apology via email to Charisma stating, “Over the past number of years, various women have accused me of behavior that has been hurtful to them.

While I am not guilty of

everything I’ve been accused of, I confess to being guilty of this—I have treated relationships with women far too casually, in some cases even recklessly.

My behavior has been destructive and sinful.”

He continues in his apology by referring to himself as a sex addict and is seeking treatment for his condition. He ends his apology by saying “I’m committed to getting healing and freedom from my sin and have decided to cancel my remaining tour dates this year and to postpone all future commitments in order to devote all my time and energy on getting healthy spiritually, mentally and physically.”

Since the news of the allegations, there have been

some who have stood up for Crist amiss the allegations. Some have even gone to the lengths to make videos and uploaded them to YouTube stating that his struggles were sins that we can all fall victim too.

Crist’s popularity through his YouTube videos and Instagram posts has given people the ability to view Christian culture more light-heartedly.

However, this does not excuses the actions he has been accused of us.

Christians should continue to pray for Crist and especially the victims of his actions, yet this should cause believers to be more vigilant and cautious of the public figures of faith.

BY ERNIE GUAJARDO | CARTOONIST

Why it’s the most wonderful time of the year

BY ALLISON HARRELL EDITOR IN CHIEF

As November ends and December begins, we enter into the most wonderful time of the year, also known as the season of giving.

One of the reasons the Christmas season is so joyful is because of the joy that comes from giving. After turning around from the Thanksgiving holiday and giving thanks for all we have, it’s important to pour out that thankfulness and remember that we have been blessed to bless others.

If you need some ideas for where to give

this year, start locally.

Sometimes it can seem overwhelming to decide where to give your money or time when there are so many organizations in need of donations. Pick a cause or group that you are passionate about or can relate to and give as much as you can.

Locally, there are many organizations that welcome donations. In Abilene, you could consider charities such as: Global Samaritan Resources, which provides logistics expertise to organizations helping people who are faced with hardship, crisis or disaster; Salvation Army, which seeks to serve God while serving the needy; Friends For Life, which seeks to improve the quality of life for seniors and people with disabilities; March of Dimes, which seeks to care for the health of moms and babies; Mission Thanksgiving, which seeks to provide a Thanksgiving

meal for the homeless of Abilene; Dodge Jones Foundation, which supports education, the arts, health, community funds and youth programs in the community; Christian Service Center, which serves those in poverty in the community; Meals on Wheels, which seeks to enhance the quality of life for seniors and other adults by providing nutritionally balanced meals and supportive services; American Red Cross, which seeks to alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies; Operation Blue Santa, which seeks to provide Christmas to children in need or at risk during the holidays; and more.

Do some research and find out what each charity works towards, you can’t go wrong.

If you have a heart for orphans, consider donating to Abilene’s Hendrick Home for Children or New Horizons- Foster Care, Adoption and Counseling.

Remember that there are other ways to benefit the community around you and others in need than providing monetar y donations.

Donating your time to be the hands and feet of Jesus is life changing and selfless work.

Consider getting involved with organizations such as: Abilene Hope Haven, which seeks to provide hope to the homeless; Harmony Family Ser vices, Inc., which provides social ser vices in the Abilene area for at-risk children and families in crisis; Love and Care Ministries, which ministers to the homeless population of Abilene; City Light Community Ministries, which seeks to spread the love of Jesus by ser ving various g roups common to the downtown Abilene area; Noah Project, Inc., which empowers and provides ser vices to victims of family violence

and sexual assault; United Way- Abilene, which works with community par tners to focus on the education, income and health of those in need in the community; Disability In Action, which provides infor mation, advocacy, skills training and more for disabled community members; 180 House, which seeks to assist alcoholic and addicts to long-ter m recover y; and more.

Another good place to seek those in need, is to go to your home church leaders and ask where you can help out or what non-profit organizations they may be partnering with.

The good thing is that wherever you choose to put your time and money, you can’t go wrong.

When we are generous without judgment or question, we are following in Jesus’ example.

Matthew 25: 34- 40 (NIV): “Then the King will say to those on his right,

‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”

Christian convictions should overrule societal expectations

BY DILLON DANIEL MANAGING EDITOR

Chick-fil-A announced that it will stop funding two charities that have had a “history” of anti-LGBTQ+ values on Monday.

According to NBC, two charities they have eliminated funding to are the Salvation Army and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

CEO of Chick-fil-A Dan

Cathy has been ridiculed for comments opposing gay marriage as well as financial support for these charities.

I oppose this move by the Christian fast-food chain. Although I support the ability for same-sex and transgender couples to get married by the state, I don’t think anyone with religious convictions should compromise them for societal acceptance.

Whether or not modern times allow for a different lens to interpret scripture through, I believe society continues to pigeonhole Christianity as outdated, yet will defend members of other faiths that hold very similar religious standards, mainly Judaism and Islam.

Yes, many Christians have left a stain on the message of Christ through hateful or

derogatory actions towards members on this community.

For, that I apologize. However, I believe that the traditional belief of any long-standing religion should not be compromised as long as the text does not preach violence.

In my eyes, it seems that years of hypocritical criticism from LGBTQ+ members and allies has made Chickfil-A conform to societal expectations and religious convictions.

What many fail to understand is that religious convictions do not make the believer a bigot, it is hateful actions that do this. However, the growing progressive mindset has reached a point where acceptance is no longer the goal, rather to get back at the groups who may have negatively impacted the

in the past.

So, when I see this move by Chick-fil-A, it makes me sad.

No one should be subjected to forfeiting their own convictions because others disagree or because their beliefs are outside of the norm. Isn’t that what happened to the first believers under Roman rule?

VICE recently published an article claiming that Chickfil-A won’t rule out charities with “anti-LGBTQ+” beliefs. The article stated that Chick-fil-A president and COO Tim Tassopoulos said, “No organization will be excluded from future consideration–faith-based or nonfaith-based.”

While this helps us understand the goal Chick-fil-A is trying to accomplish, time will tell whether the company fully concedes.

Tweets Tavian Miles @tavianmiles Controversial tweet of the day: It’s not even a fountain it’s a splash pad.

Almost Christian University @ChristianAlmost Just got done talking to coach and we definitely let Pepperdine win. bre @breflores00 mom can you pick me up, the sorority girls are yelling at the fountain holding up their gang signs again Mya @dynasty75052 If PRAISE FRIDAY this week doesn’t sing “Highways and Byways” to send us off for break ima be like... *IGHT IMMA HEAD OUT* (Spongebob GIF) Jacob Swan @JacobSwan_ In the middle of November, it’s literally colder in some of the classrooms than it is outside. Starting to think ACU stands for Air Conditioning Unit.

THE OPTIMIST STAFF ALLISON HARRELL

SARAH BLANKENSHIP

HENRY ERICKSON

KENNETH PYBUS

DILLON DANIEL

ASHLEY LANG

AVERY JACKSON

CADE WHITE

OWEN SIMPSON

DEVON HILLARY

JALEN GARRETT

CELESTE KINKADE

TAVIAN MILES

EMILY PERRYMAN

LEXI KIRGAN

ABBEY LEE

WILLIAM HEYEN

RACHEL POE

RILEY FISHER

ANDREW NORSWORTHY

TYLER HENDERSON

ALEX HILL

ANDREW TOOTHMAN

ADELIN BLACKMON

ERNIE GUAJARDO

BRYCE LURKENS

DAVID MITCHELL

LEAH FIKES

SYDNEY VARNER

EMILY SHAFER

RACHEL CROSSNOE

ALLIE JONES

KAUY OSTLIEN

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NEWS | Friday, November 22, 2019 | 5

Tatum hosts freshman Sing Song draft

BY PAIGE CUDINI GUEST WRITER

Freshmen interested in participating in Sing Song 2020 can sign up for the freshmen draft, until Nov. 25.

For the first time in Sing Song history, freshmen have to sign up for the freshman draft to be considered for a spot in one of the two acts.

Last year, freshmen interested in participating simply signed a Google Form and were then picked by freshman act directors. Unlike last

year, freshmen will now interview and audition in front of judges.

“Everyone who signs up will answer a few questions explaining why they should be chosen for Sing Song,” said Courtney McGaha, ACU student productions upstage coordinator and graphic designer. “Including questions like what musical or artistic experience they may have and why they’re excited about Sing Song.”

If students are unable to attend the freshman draft in

person, they may also submit a video of themselves singing.

There is no limit as to how many freshmen can register for the freshman draft, but only 200 students will be selected to participate. The application process will take place over Thanksgiving break which runs from Nov. 27- 29.

“The freshman act directors will look at the entire list of applicants over Thanksgiving and ‘draft’ their acts from that list the week after,” McGaha said. “The chosen participants

will then find out which act they’ve made.”

After Nov. 25, at 11:59 p.m., freshmen will no longer be able to sign up to take part in the freshman draft. The freshman draft signup sheet requires students to enter their first and last name, banner I.D. number and what voice part they sing.

After entering this, students are required to answer three of five questions regarding the students’ Sing Song spirit, dedication, creativity/artistry, rhythm/movement and musicality. Each question a student

chooses to answer requires a three to five sentence answer.

Additionally, students have the option of sending in a video of themselves singing 17 measures of “Amazing Grace” by John Newton.

Sing Song is a tradition that has taken place since 1957. It is an a cappella competition in which students compete for different awards such as choreography, set/props, vocals, entertainment and overall winner for their respective division.

There are three divisions for students to compete in: wom-

en’s, men’s and mixed vocals.

In addition to performing in an act, students also have the option of performing with the Sing Song Dance Team and/ or musical numbers in between the different acts.

“The time I put into Sing Song was well worth it,” said Makina Lawdermilk, sophomore livestock management major from Mertzon. “I can’t wait to be a part of it again this year.”

To sign up for the Freshman Draft, go to acustupro.com/ draft.

COSO partners with Meals On Wheels to support food drive

BY ANDREW TOOTHMAN STAFF WRITER

The Department of Communication and Sociology is hosting a food drive to raise money for Meals on Wheels, and it are taking any canned or dried goods that students or faculty is willing to donate until Friday.

COSO is partnering with the programs Meals on Wheels and Groceries on Wheels to help not only those in need of food, but also to those who cannot leave their homes to go grocery shopping or simply cannot afford them.

This is the fi rst time that COSO is doing the food drive. Lexi Ritchie, an intern in the Department of Communication and Sociology, is in charge of this

food drive.

“I am so excited that we can get together as a community here at ACU and work to help those in need,” Ritchie said.

Ritchie said that she loved the idea of Meals on Wheels and wanted to get the COSO students more involved. She said that starting last Monday, there will be bags sent to each department for the food drive to collect cans and dried goods. Students and faculty can look in their department offices for donation bags.

According to this program, they have over 700 volunteers in Abilene and are looking for more with new events following the food drives, with a Christmas event as an opportunity

to serve.

Ritchie stated that even though this is the first year that COSO is having a food drive, she plans to keep this tradition going as long as she is here at ACU. She also said that if students and faculty cannot donate directly to COSO or your department, you can go to mea lsonwheelsplus.com and click the donate button to help.

“There are so many people in the Abilene area that need our help, and I love that we have the ability to give people a better holiday season,” Ritchie said.

“As a Christian university, we need to be living out God’s work in the world, and we should be encouraging all students and staff to do so.”

United Way of Abilene searches for volunteers for Winter Lightfest

BY ALLIE JONES STAFF WRITER

ACU is partnering with United Way of Abilene to offer volunteers for the first Winter Lightfest.

Jordan Jones, associate director of f inancial aid and counsel ing, has been selected to be ACU’s loan execut ive for the 2019-20 school year. Jones, originally from Dallas, has been at ACU since last August.

One of Jones’s dut ies is to assist in fundraising efforts.

“My goal is to get ACU, along with other businesses in the community, and organize a fundraising campaign,’’ Jones said.

“United Way is essent ially an organizat ion that supports nonprof its here in Abilene.”

United Way looks into local Abilene nonprofits to ensure they are legitimate. United Way then takes the funds from the events like Winter Lightfest and allocates it to these nonprofits. After giving them money, United Way works with nonprofits to make a budget for the year.

The Winter Lightfest is a walking light show with local vendors to celebrate the holiday season. The Lightfest will last from Nov. 28 to Dec. 29, between Maple Street and Oldham Lane.

The ticket cost will be $10 for adults and $5 for high school students and under.

“United Way doesn’t have a big office,” Jones says. “So with events like

these they rely on volunteers. I think being a Christian you should have a heart to serve and this is a great way to give back to not only a great organization, but also to the community.”

Jones said the Winter Lightfest is a perfect way for both ACU staff and students to get involved and serve the community.

For more information on how to get involved

“My goal is to get ACU, along with other businesses in the community, and organize a fundraising campaign.”

JORDAN JONES ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL AID AND COUNSELING

Preleasing for 2020-2021 has begun!

Rates as low as

515

with the Winter Lightfest contact Jordan Jones at wj16a@acu.edu or United Way-Abilene at (325) 677-1841.

FOR RENT Cozy 1 bedroom garage apartment. near ACU on Cedar Crest Drive. $475 mo. Washer/dryer, fridge. No pets. No smoking. Available now.

Email triciajhester@gmail.com School

of Nursing

ANNUAL

WINTER COAT DRIVE hosted by Student Nurses Association and ACU School of Nursing

Give the GIFT OF WARMTH this holiday season to a local child in our area.

DONATE NOW THRU NOV. 25 Accepting New or Gently Used JACKETS, COATS, SOCKS, SCARVES Drop-Off Bins will be located at each entrance of the Zona Luce (Nursing) building at 1600 Campus Court.

All donations will go to local Abilene ISD students in need.

Bring in this coupon for

All Fees!

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

6 | Friday, November 22, 2019 | SPORTS

Volleyball wins final two games of season

BY LEXI KIRGAN SPORTS WRITER

After a long season, the Wildcats went out on top winning its last two games at home.

McNeese was the Wildcats first opponent, and they beat them in straight sets to start its winning weekend.

Sofia Resendiz, senior labero, said that the mentality going into this weekend was to win no matter what.

“We had a winning mentality for sure this weekend, we all committed to each other and the coaches to stay tough and win at all costs,” Resendiz said. “We knew to do that we had to control our side and stay consistent in the little things on blocking and defense.”

Staying consistent is just what they did. In the first set the Wildcats won 25-16, and won the second and third set, 25-22.

Junior middle blocker, Lorin McNeil lead the Wild-

BY DAVID MITCHELL | PHOTOGRAPHER

Seniors Marybeth Sandercox and Kennedy Shelstead attempt to block the ball. cats with 13 kills and four blocks, Madison Rohre, sophomore setter lead the team with 39 assists and senior outside hitter, Eighmy Dobbins lead the team with 15 digs.

The second and final game for the Wildcats this year was against Lamar.

Lamar came out hot and started off the game with a 21-17 win in the first set and a 25-23 win in the second set, but the Wildcats were not done. They responded to Lamar with a 25-23 win in the third set, a 25-10 win in the fourth set and to break the tie,

a 15-12 win in the fifth set.

Not only was that the last game of the year but it was the last game ever for the seven seniors, Makenzie Kesler, Marybeth Sandercox, Eighmy Dobbins, Courtney Miller, Kennedy Shelstead, Peyten Boutwell

and Sofia Resendiz.

Resendiz has been a Wildcat all four years and said that her favorite memory of the season was the grit and grind of this weekend.

“My favorite memory would have to be this Saturday against Lamar because it was senior day and my last day to play in moody ever,” Resendiz said. “To be able to go out on a win and in 5 sets was truly my favorite memory this season. I’m really going to miss the girls and the competitive work ethic we all have together because we truly never stopped working hard this season no matter the circumstance and that is something unique about this years team. I have learned a lot by being on this team and am so so thankful to have been apart such a unique program.”

The Wildcats are not eligible for the Southland Conference tournament, but finished the season in 10th place.

Wildcats head to Mississipi St. for 2019 season finale

BY RACHEL POE SPORTS WRITER

The Wildcats will head to Starkville, Mississippi to face its final competitor of the 2019 season, the Mississippi State Bulldogs.

The Wildcats played its final game of the 2019 season at Wildcat Stadium in Abilene last Saturday against Southeaster n Louisiana, honoring 21 seniors.

The Wildcats fell shor t to SLU, 14-35, and are now the 5-6 overall and 4-5 in the Southland Conference.

Mississippi State faced Alabama Crimson Tide last Saturday and lost 7-38.

The Bulldogs are now 4-6 overall and 2-5 in conference.

The Wildcats will fight hard to try to get one last win in to close the 2019 season, while Mississippi State will host its homecoming weekend this Saturday, with the stadium being packed and eager to win.

Mississippi State’s head coach, Joe Moorhead, hopes to get his offense back on track after last week’s game against Alabama. He

hopes that his quar terbacks will be able to make their needed connections to finish off strong on their last regular season game.

Mississippi State has faced some pretty challenging teams earlier in the season, including LSU, Tennessee, Auburn, Kansas State, Texas A&M, Kentucky and are coming off a blowout loss to Alabama.

While this is ACU’s final game of the 2019 season, and the Wildcats are coming off of a tough loss from last Saturday’s game against SLU. Despite

“This game we are going to be thinking about the seniors, playing hard for them.”

KOBE CLARK SOPHOMORE FOOTBALL PLAYER

falling behind big before halftime and giving away six turnovers, the Wildcats were able to fight back in the second half, closing the gap off of two touchdowns for redshirt sophomore quarterback Sema’J Davis.

Even though the Wildcats faced the hardship

of not making the playoffs this year, they are are excited to face a SEC school and eager to show their talents off.

“This game we are going to be thinking about the seniors, playing hard for them,” sophomore Kobe Clark says, “After all, this is a SEC school. A lot of us will be able to show our talents, cause we are a little smaller school, just show other people that we can compete with the bigger schools.”

Kickoff is at 6:30pm at Davis-Wade Stadium at Scott Field, concluding the 2019 season.

Women’s basketball stays undefeated on the year

BY JALEN GARRETT SPORTS WRITER

Coming off its third straight win, the Wildcats put up another clinic as they defeated the Howard Payne Yellow Jackets Tuesday, 96-38.

Starting the year at 4-0, ACU is the only remaining Southland Conference team undefeated.

ACU has scored 80 or more points in its first four games of the season. It was the defense that played a key factor throughout the game. The

Wildcats stole the ball 20 times and made Howard Payne turn the ball over 29 times.

“Everyone of our players showed out, and we truly came together as a team,” Coach Goodenough said. “Our bench players came ready to play and contribute to our win.

This was great win for us.”

Senior foward Lexie Ducat shined brightest in the victory, scoring 20 points and nine rebounds and 10-for-11 from the field. She is averaging 11 points a game this season

while shooting over 72% from the field.

Her post presence allows the Wildcats’ offense to flow more efficiently, and Ducat believes everyone had a big part in the win.

“My teammates kept feeding me the ball and creating opportunities for me to score,” Ducat said.

“Everyone was on their A-game and we came just came together to get a great win.”

The Wildcats next matchup will be in Norman, Oklahoma as they

travel to face the University of Oklahoma next Tuesday. The Sooners will be the Wildcats’ only power five opponent of the season.

Goodenough said that despite the 4-0 start, there is still much to improve on.

“I think we need to improve on our perimeter defense throughout games,” Coach Goodenough said.

“When one person loses their assignment, then everyone can become discombobulated. Guarding the perimeter will slow our

opponents down and give us more possessions.

After receiving votes in the USA Today top 25 coaches poll, expectations are set high for the rest of the season. Ducat said that the leadership on the team has led to its success.

“I think our leadership is the thing that makes us so special,” Ducat said. “We also have each other’s back and we hold each other accountable. “We have a great bond with each other as women.”

FOOTBALL MATCHUP PREVIEW 2019 SEASON 29.9

POINTS PER GAME

26.5

181.8

RUSH YPG

214.1

242.7

PASSING YPG

179.9

POINTS ALLOWED PG

31.0

27.1

SPORTS DIRECTOR

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

Ovrl.

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

Conf.

6-2 6-2 6-2 5-3 4-4 4-4 4-5 3-5 2-5 2-6 2-6

Men’s Basketball Team SFA Lamar SHSU ACU Nicholls NWSU SELU McNeese UNO UIW TXAM-CC UCA HBU

Ovrl.

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

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 0-0

Women’s Basketball Team ACU SHSU UIW TXAM-CC HBU UNO NWSU SFA UCA Lamar McNeese Nicholls SELU

Ovrl.

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

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 0-0

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

Ovrl.

28-1 16-12 19-11 18-11 16-13 17-14 14-16 13-17 11-16 7-19 11-17 9-17 7-23

Conf.

16-0 12-4 11-5 11-5 10-6 9-7 8-8 6-10 5-11 5-11 4-12 4-12 3-13

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Football

RICKS The men’s basketball team hosted Pepperdine in Moody this past weekend. Senior guard Payton Ricks scored 18 points in the game.

Ricks played a total of 38 minutes during the game, and had four steals with three rebounds. The next match for team will be at San Marcos when the Texas State Bobcats host our Wildcats.

Volleyball MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY

ABILENE CHRISTIAN UNIVERSIT Y (5-6)

Owen Simpson

STANDINGS

(4-6)

Tavian Miles

ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

Lexi Kirgan

SPORTS REPORTER

With nothing on the line for ACU this week, I’ll be interested to see what the team puts on the field. Last week couldn’t have gone much worse offensively for the Wildcats, throwing six interceptions. The defensive did an admirable job in the circumstances, holding Southeastern Louisiana to just 35 points. However, this will be the program’s toughest and most talented opponent to date.

For the first time, ACU will be faced up against an SEC team. Junior running back Kylin Hill will be a key factor to watch out for, averaging over 100 rushing yards a game this season. Hill has also never fumbled in his collegiate career. This is a game where ACU is outmatched at every position. The Wildcats O-line also had a hard time protecting the pass and run game, but this week will be far more challenging. Junior linebacker Erroll Thompson is one of the best players at his position, and a future NFL roster spot is likely for him. This game will be ugly early, and it won’t get any better after that.

The Wildcats weren’t able to produce much offense as Sema’J Davis and Luke Anthony both combined for six INTs in the loss Saturday to a very talented Southeastern Louisiana football team. On the bright side, we saw glimpses of Davis looking like a complete quarterback as he passed for 195 yards and rushed for 53 yards and might see another start this weekend in Starkville against Mississippi State. Now it’s highly unlikely for the Wildcats to pull off the biggest upset in school history, but it is possible.

The front seven for ACU will need to apply pressure all night and Tracy James would need to get things going on the ground and have the biggest game of his career. I think Mississippi State is going to come out of the gates early and put up a lot of points in the first half and it will be just too much for the Wildcats to compete with. Mississippi State wins this one.

The Wildcats have ended its conference play, finishing the season in seventh place.

It is not something that they hoped for, but they had a great run. I think they can get this win if the Wildcats can go out there and play the best on both sides of the ball. Mississippi State has had subpar season. They are 2-5 in conference and 4-6 overall. Yeah this team is pretty big, and they are on paper better than ACU is, but I still believe that the Wildcats can win this weekend. Maybe the Wildcats are really upset about the loss last weekend on senior night and are ready to come out and put it on the Mississippi State Bulldogs. In short, this should be an exciting matchup for ACU on the biggest stage its football program has ever seen.

FINAL SCORE: ACU 6 MSU 57

FINAL SCORE: ACU 10 MSU 63

FINAL SCORE: ACU 31 MSU 30

Jalen Garrett SPORTS REPORTER

After a disappointing performance against Southeastern Louisiana, the Wildcats travel to Starkville, Mississippi to face the Mississippi State Bulldogs to wrap up the season. The Wildcat offense was completely non-existent, as they had six turnovers and only 283 yards of total offense, which was their second lowest of the season.

Quarterbacks Luke Anthony and Sema’J Davis threw three picks each and a combined total of only 248 yards. MSU will be the Wildcats biggest opponent on its schedule, and I honestly want to be proven wrong about my prediction. MSU is one of the weaker teams in the Southeastern Conference and have been for the past couple of seasons. However, junior running back Kylin Hill will be the player that the Wildcats’ defense will have to watch out for. He leads the SEC in rushing yards with 1,062 and averages 6.6 yards per carry against non-conference teams. I believe that ACU will be the first to score, but the Bulldogs will come out on top.

FINAL SCORE: ACU

MUELLER This past match against Lamar led junior Katelyn Muller to 15 kills and three errors in total. Muller had five service aces with only one service error. Muller successfully defended 12 attacks throughout the match.

This was the teams last match of the 2019 season ending at 7-19.

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