Optimist Print Edition 12.07.18 (Volume CVIII, Issue XV)

OPTIMIST

@acuoptimist The Optimist @acuoptimist

DEAD DAY Students prepare for finals by participating in dead day events such as Backpacks & Flapjacks at Beltway North.

A student publication of Abilene Christian University since 1912

Friday December 07, 2018

Volume CVIII, Issue XV News

Sports

David Phelps partnered with Abilene Hope Haven for a Christmas benefit concert. The Abilene Philharmonic performs on Saturday downtown for their annual Christmas concert.....................................Page 2

Lexi Ducat and Jazz Taylor’ started their basketball careers together at Rice University, and are ending their careers together at ACU. The men’s basketball team defeated Campbell Tuesday evening.......Page 6

F S S M T W T Feature Eleven theatre students prepare to take their talents to New York City as part of the Tepper Program.

For eight years, the department has sent seniors to perfect their craft at Syracuse University........Page 4

Sophomore nursing major from Decatur, Cason Lowe sings during the a cappella concert in Chapel on the Hill, backed by the a cappella group, Hiltop.

CAMPUS NEWS

Doctoral graduates wear new purple regalia LAUREN FRANCO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The doctoral graduating class will represent ACU in a different, distinguished way, wearing new purple regalia at commencement.

Eric Gumm, registrar of the university, said ACU has been using traditional gowns similar to other schools longer than he has been in his position. Previously, regalia was the same for both graduates and undergraduates.

Currently, there are three doctoral programs offered – doctor of ministry, doctor of education, which has graduated three students since last December and the new doctorate of nursing practice, graduating their first cohort this December.

“When we look at other doctorate programs we want, one of the things we consider is how we create a distinctive

looking regalia,” Gumm said.

The robes and tams are recognizable during opening ceremonies and commencement. Different faculty have different robes, sometimes reflecting the university they graduated with their doctoral degree from.

“As we graduate doctorates, we want them to have the opportunity to have a robe that was distinctive and reflected ACU,” Gumm said.

In higher education scenarios, or in some cases, a K through 12 setting, Gumm said they want people to recognize that they graduated from ACU. In addition to distinction, Gumm said another goal is to exude high quality.

“When they look at the gowns and associate them with ACU, they associate it with a quality degree and quality robe,” Gumm said.

“That turned out to be a

more challenging process than we expected.”

Gumm said ACU’s purple is relatively uncommon amongst higher educations, taking a year to find regalia the university felt proud of.

The university partners with Jostens for undergraduate and masters regalia, but they were unable to produce a purple close to the darker ACU purple. The doctoral candidates will wear regalia made by Oak Hall, the leading company producing doctoral robes. Many Ivy League and large universities partner with the Virginia-based company, according to Gumm.

“They’ve been a really good partners with us so far,” Gumm said.

Gumm said the university signed a contract with Jostens to continue partnering for undergraduate and masters regalia, invitations and diploma frames.

Through Oak Hall, students can either purchase or rent their regalia. ACU is the first school in which students can rent their regalia.

The December graduating class will be the first to showcase the new gowns with a possibility of 20 graduates

tention or the glorification of OMA, it is purely for their personal relationships with Christ.

“Sometimes we fast and think about things in OMA specifically, sometimes it’s about ACU as a whole, and sometimes it’s just about yourself and each other,” Napier said. “Being able to reflect on your own life and on each other’s lives to help us all be more connected.”

Napier said they pick different things each

“

me as a person this semester, because now I know if I really want to do something not only do I need to be focused, but I also have to sacrifice to be able to see the benefit in that (spiritual growth),” said Shekinah Kahongo, OMA intern.

Kahongo described this process as helping him grow personally by showing him where to in his faith he needed to grow while giving him an environment and community

– one doctorate of ministry, eight doctorate of nursing practice and 11 doctorate of education grads, all of who are online.

“We started as a school that was bachelors and masters degree granting institution with one doctoral program, and

now we are broadening our graduate level,” Gumm said.

“It’s really showing opportunities for us to speak into those other areas. It gives us a voice into other places, where then the message of ACU can be heard for potential new candidates.”

The new regalia, ordered through Oak Hall, will be worn by doctoral graduates during commencement this semester.

OMA fosters spiritual intimacy by fasting monthly HOPE CORDES COPY EDITOR

OMA has chosen a different kind of fast each month to foster spiritual growth and intimacy within the organization.

April Napier, Director of OMA, said the purpose of the fast is to grow in faith together and create a community that uplifts and supports each other.

Napier also said the choice to fast is not for at-

We just want to show to ourselves how intentional we can be spiritually and how God can be even in the smallest things. We’re trying to model Christ like behaviors so that others can see the goodness in Christ.”

APRIL NAPIER DIRECTOR OF OMA

month to fast on in order to focus on different parts of spiritual practices.

“It has really challenged

acuoptimist.com

of support.

Another aspect of what Napier explains as mindful spiritual practices OMA does is Wednesday Walks.

The interns take scriptures and go out to talk to people. Napier said they want to talk to people and genuinely ask about how they are doing while sharing scriptures.

“A lot of people don’t just stop and ask how you’re doing,” Napier said.

“We want to be more in-

tentional, you never know who will stop by and ask you how your day is going.”

OMA also goes into buildings and prays over the building and all the people that pass through them.

“We just want to show to ourselves how intentional we can be spiritually and how God can be even in the smallest things,” Napier said. “We’re trying to model Christ like behaviors so that others can see the goodness in Christ.”

Page 2 | Campus News Events

Friday 12/07 1. Admitted Student Day 2. CABINET: Silent Disco 3. Last day of Class Saturday 12/08 1. Christmas Slam Sunday 12/09 1. Christmas Vespers Monday 12/10 1. Dead Day 2. Cassie Cox Senior Recital Tuesday 12/11 1. Final Exams Wednesday 12/12 1. Final Exams Thursday 12/13 1. Final Exams Friday 12/14 1. Final Exams 2. Commencement Rehearsal 3. Commencement

7

days until Winter break CAMPUS NEWS

Cabinet hosts free holiday movie night ZORAH GREEN STAFF REPORTER

The Cabinet hosted a free movie night at the at the Paramount on Nov. 30.

Scheduling events and activities for students, the Cabinet uses funds pulled from an activity fee that is part of students’ tuition.

In tribute to the Christmas season, the movie The Santa Clause was shown. The Christmas movie was first released in 1994 and is a childhood classic for many college students.

The event had a sizable turnout, with almost the entire bottom floor of the building packed with students. Before the movie, there was a table set up where attendees could choose a free pair of Christmas patterned socks.

Christian Brooke, sophomore communications major from Dallas, attended the movie with a few of his peers.

“Honestly, I’m really glad I went,” Brooke said. “I got the opportunity to spend time with friends and re-experience a fun childhood movie that I hadn’t seen in a long time.”

Free popcorn and water bottles were provided with the movie.

Madelyn Moore, sophomore youth and family ministries major from San Antonio, said she enjoyed the event and looks forward to more Paramount showings in the future.

Moore said the timing of the movie was important, not just for the holiday season, but for those looking for relief from the upcoming stress of finals.

“I love Christmas movies and I love the Paramount, so I was super excited,” Moore said.

Friday, December 07, 2018 ABILENE NEWS

Gospel Singer, Hope Haven host concert ASHLEY ALFRED SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

Gospel musician David Phelps will perform at Pioneer Drive Baptist Church on Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. for his It Must Be Christmas 20th Anniversary Tour.

Phelps is a Christian vocalist who has performed both independently and with the Gaither Vocal Band. During his time as a recording artist, he has been awarded Dove Awards, Grammy Awards and numerous platinum-selling recording projects.

John Cooper, former executive director at Abilene Hope Haven, first contacted Phelps to host the benefit concert last year. The concert was held at the Abilene Convention Center on Nov. 18.

This year, Katherine Bisson, executive director at Abilene Hope Haven, coordinated the event to build a tradition. Bisson assisted in planning the event last year but took over following Cooper’s departure.

Bisson said Cooper originally reached out to Phelps because he was a fan of his

Photo courtesy of BILLY GRAHAM EVANGELISTIC ASSOCIATION previous work.

“I attended the concert last year and was so impressed with his vocal performance and wanted him to come back,” Bisson said. “I loved how festive and family-friendly the performance was.”

All of the proceeds from the concert will go directly to Abilene Hope Haven as a result of local sponsorships including Senter Realtors, CBS Insurance, the Dodge Jones Foundation, the Diane Graves Owen Foundation and KTAB. “I hope that people get into

the Christmas spirit and are reminded of what the holiday is all about,” Bisson said. “The song selection and {Phelps’s} vocals are captivating.”

Phelps said Abilene Hope Haven is not the only organization he partnered with on the tour – he has two other shows in which local organizations from those cities will contribute.

“When we get an opportunity that works with our schedule and the organizations, we love to be a part of making a difference in tangible ways,” Phelps said.

“Abilene Hope Haven contacted us and it was something we believe in.”

During the intermission, Bisson will speak to those in attendance about Abilene Hope Haven. Then, a video will be projected featuring a local homeless individual who was once housed by Abilene Hope Haven.

“Getting to hear his personal testimony will be a delight,” Bisson said. “Hearing him share his story is truly touching and heart-warming.”

Rosten Callarman, housing navigator at Abilene

Hope Haven, said the concert will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

“Phelps is easily one of the best tenors in the world,” Callarman said. “His extraordinary talent combined with his contemporary gospel style is a perfect fit for Abilene.”

Callarman said he is excited for the concert, and the effect it could have on the community.

“I hope everyone who attends is uplifted by his performance and leaves with a greater understanding of our work and the lives of our neighbors experiencing homelessness,” Callarman said.

Phelps said he and his team are honored to be a part of Abilene Hope Haven’s mission.

“Since I began performing at the age of 18, I’ve always wanted to bring people hope,” said Phelps. “If by hearing a song people can be inspired to hope more in their lives, I feel I’ve fulfilled my purpose.”

Tickets are available for purchase at www.abilenehopehaven.org/

City philharmonic decks Abilene’s concert hall DILLON DANIEL STAFF REPORTER

The Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra will perform a collection of Christmas classics, both revamped and original, with the Hardin Simmons University Choir on Saturday.

An organization established in 1950, the philharmonic has been putting on professional-grade shows since then, “presenting the highest quality artistry, inspiring repertoire, and innovative production,” as said on their website.

Like other professional orchestras, the philharmonic takes members who show talent and love for music from outside of Abilene.

“Members come from all over the state,” said Martin Lazo, bassist for the philharmonic. “It’s amazing to be a part of a large organization

“

It’s amazing to be a part of a large organization that allows many people to create music together.”

MARTIN LAZO BASSIST FOR THE PHILHARMONIC

that allows many people to create music together.”

Kicking off the holiday season, the Abilene Philharmonic will bring a performance of atmospheric Christmas songs titled “Coming Home for Christmas: An afternoon of Christmas favorites and carols.” The performance will feature conductor David Itkin and Kristi Tingle, Bruce Ewing and Lynette Chambers as guest vocalists.

Continuing into the afternoon is a “classic redoing” of the “12 Days of Christmas” with the orchestra performing musical sound effects for each different day.

Photo courtesy of ABILENE PHILHARMONIC Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra performing in 2017.

Tunes like “The Man with the Bag,” “This Christmas” and the “The Christmas Waltz” make up the first half of the performance.

Each song different from the last, the feelings of each piece shift from Sinatra-like to gospel to something reminiscent of “Mary Poppins.”

The latter half of the concert will bring a classic Victorian Christmas setting,

having the audience sing Christmas carols along with the choir, as well as playing pieces like “In the Bleak Midwinter.”

Closing the event is a medley of “The First Noel,” “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” “O Come All Ye Faithful” and “Angels We Have Heard on High.”

With dedication to performing concerts that show

thematic relation to upcoming holidays, the Abilene Philharmonic shows no signs of staying exclusively dedicated to only classical symphonies.

“There is a great sense of renewed energy and momentum surrounding the Philharmonic’s 201819 Concert Season,” said Kevin Smith, executive director.

COBA gives students job experience using Wildcat Software JAMON NELSON STAFF REPORTER

The College of Business Administration implemented Wildcat Software to give students further business experience.

Wildcat Software operates similar to a student-run company, complete with paid internships and its own chainof-command, from a student CEO to its project developers.

Wildcat Software has been operating for four years and

specializes in projects ranging from computer software to designing mobile phone applications and websites.

“Students are getting real-world, hands-on experience doing the job that they are trying to get after they graduate,” said Rich Tanner, professor of Digital Entertainment Technology and Computer Science.

Wildcat Software emphasizes education by experience and acts as a bridge from graduation to the work force.

Tanner said he simply

advises and acts as a mentor while the students run the show.

Wildcat Software is a branch of the Wildcat Ventures project. Tanner and other students in positions of leadership conduct interviews with students seeking to join.

“Wildcat Software is really cool because we give the software development students the opportunity to work on real work,” said David Vensel, senior marketing and management

major from Portland, Oregon and current Wildcat Software CEO. Vensel said Wildcat Software is extended to the local community, because they work on projects outside of the university.

“It looks really great on a resumé, and it is just great experience for them to develop themselves professionally,” Vensel said.

Vensel manages finances, budgeting and forecasting and advertises to potential clients.

“I’m just there to kind of get the group organized and get the group motivated,” Vensel said.

Wildcat Software places students in a professional environment with leaders and subordinates. Participating students work each day on tasks to benefit the university and outside consumers.

“Working with a diverse age group working in different fields is definitely a very valuable experience,” said Vensel.

POLICE LOG SELECTED ACUPD CALLS FOR THE WEEK 11/30/2018 1:35 p.m ACUPD Officers responded to a burglary in the 900 blk of Washington Blvd. The resident said that someone had entered the residence without permission and rummaged through items.

12/01/2018 9:50 p.m.

ACUPD received information of underage drinking in the 2500 blk Garfield. Officers checked the area and spoke with tenant everything checked OK, no underage drinking observed.

12/02/2018 1:04 a.m.

ACUPD Officers responded to the 2400 blk of Madison Ave. in reference noise violation. Officers located the loud noise and identified the tenants. ACUPD issued the resident a municipal citation for the Noise Violation.

911 CALL............................................................2 ABANDONED VEHICLE....................0 ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIVITY.........................................................41 ADVICE...............................................................1 ALARM...............................................................3 ANIMAL CALL.............................................0 ASSIST.................................................................1 ATTEMPT TO LOCATE..........................0 BARRICADES..............................................5 BOOT/UNBOOT VEHICLE...............0 BUILDING LOCK/UNLOCK.......................................10 BURGLARY(RESIDENCE).................2 CART PATROL.............................................6

CHECK BUILDING............................403 DIRECT TRAFFIC......................................3 DISTURBANCE............................................1 DOMESTIC DISTURBANCE..............1 ESCORT............................................................4 FOOT PATROL..............................................1 FOUND PROPERTY..............................12 HAZING.............................................................0 INFORMATION REPORT...................2 INVESTIGATION FOLLOW UP...............................................13 LOST PROPERTY......................................2 MAINTENANCE: UNIV ASSETS.................................................1 MEDICAL EMERGENCY.....................3

MONITOR FACILITY/ LOT......................................................................16 MOTORIST ASSIST: INFLATE TIRE................................................1 MOTORIST ASSIST: JUMPSTART..................................................7 MOTORIST ASSIST: UNLOCK...........................................................2 OTHER...............................................................2 PARKING LOT PATROL....................38 PARKING VIOLATION..........................11 PATROL VEHICLE: MAINTENANCE.........................................6 PATROL VEHICLE: REFUEL...........................................................10

PROWLER......................................................0 RANDOM PATROL.................................0 REPORT WRITING................................18 SEX OFFENCE..............................................1 STAND BY.......................................................0 SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY.........................2 THEFT.................................................................2 TRAFFIC HAZARD...................................0 TRAFFIC STOP............................................6 TRAINING........................................................4 VEHICLE COLLISION............................3 WELFARE CHECK...................................3

TOTAL...........................................................481

Chief Ellison’s Weekly Tip ACUPD encourages everyone to remove bikes from campus bike-racks during the Christmas Break. Lock your bike up in your dorm room or apartment.

Friday, December 07, 2018

News | Page 3

CAMPUS NEWS

Student Steering Committee to organize TEDxACU ALLISON HARRELL STAFF REPORTER

Six students were selected for the 2019 Steering Committee responsible for hosting this year’s TEDxACU conference.

The 5th annual TEDxACU will be March 1, and will cover the topic of future possibilities in a series called “IF.” Applications were submitted and received before Thanksgiving break through a link on the website, the following students were se-

lected for this year’s Steering Committee: • Mariana Cedillo, senior multimedia major from McAllen • Logan Chapman, junior management, finance and accounting major from San Antonio • Madeline Dayton, senior global studies and business management major from Sugar Land • Katie Himes, junior psychology major from El Paso • Shannon Que, senior social work major from

San Diego • Jenna Salzman, junior political science major from Fort Worth The students will be assigned specific duties to assist in the production of the TED talk event and help the program run smoothly.

“All of us work together to do different things,” Salzman said. “Some of us will host. There are people who will help make sure speakers get to where they need to be, people doing sounds, and slides. They are there to make sure ev-

erything happens and happens well.”

Que said she loved her experience on last year’s Steering Committee, and wanted to do it again.

“I really love that ACU has their own version and has a TEDx event annually,” Que said. “I think it’s unique to have opportunities that students can be involved in something like that. To be a part of something that actually puts it on, I don’t feel like those opportunities are super common, especially for undergrads. To be as involved as we are in the

planning and the execution of it all, that’s what drew me to it.”

The new committee will begin meeting next semester to plan details of the program – what the stage will look like and what props will be used. The team will organize and coordinate everything from picking up the speakers flying in from the airport to the order of speakers and discussions of topics onstage.

“I just love the collaboration of it and being able to be with the people who care about TEDx

and think it’s cool,” Que said. “And just being able to be a part of something that is world renown, hearing the speakers and getting to see all the behind the scenes stuff and watching them rehearse.

I don’t feel like there is a ton of opportunities on a lot of college campuses to do things as involved as this. Or it’s advertised one way and then you get into it and it’s not as hands on, but this is different. It’s very hands on and inclusive.”

International students find homes during Thanksgiving, Christmas breaks ALLAYNA FORD STAFF CONTRIBUTER

As students pack up their cars and head back home for the holidays, some students are left behind because they cannot go home.

International students who stay in Abilene for Christmas and summer break have to find housing, because the dorms completely shut down during breaks for safety reasons.

Barabra Talamas is from Mexico, and had to spend her Thanksgiving break in the dorms, but her friends, who offered her a place to say, also had a “friendsgiving” together.

“Being here as an international student has been challenging to cope with,” said Talamas, a sophomore biology major. “But living here and meeting new people is a good experience.”

Veronica Whitt, coordinator of international student services, works closely with students from abroad and helps them find places to stay, however, Whitt said students usually stay with friends they make around campus.

“Sometimes it’s just a matter of connecting them to other people who have approached me and have a spare bedroom,” Whitt said. “It really goes both ways – the students coming to me and people who come to me who can provide for the need.”

Daniel Garcia, director of multicultural enrollment and former international student from Mexico, said students who are not from America have a unique experience transitioning to college life.

“They are coming from a different country,” Garcia said. “They are having to learn a new culture and a new way of doing things.”

While students can stay at University Park with a shortterm lease if they do not want to stay at someone else’s house, Whitt said one of her long-term goals is to have designated houses or dorms specifically for students who cannot go home.

Whitt has been in her role for two years and said that so far, someone is always willing

rAtes As International students meet for a dinner with Ronnie Rama, professor of interior design.

to take in a student in need of a place to call home for the holidays. She also invites people to her house, not only during the breaks, but just for a meal.

“Any time I see the oppor-

tunity, that is something I like to do,” Whitt said. “I grew up in the Philippines, and that was definitely a big part of the Filipino culture. You always open your home to anybody who comes by.”

FOR RENT

TWO RENTALS AVAILABLE JANUARY 1ST! 1. Female roommate needed to share large 4 bdrm house, laundry, 1/2 block from ACU, $400/mo plus share utilities.

2. NEW 1 bedroom/efficiency apartment 1/2 block from ACU, laundry. $475, includes basic utilities.

6 month, renewable lease, thru May 31. No smoking.

No pets. Please call (325) 513-6572 for details.

ATTENTION ABILENE RESIDENTS: -ACU Faculty, Staff & AlumniTwo side-by-side cemetery plots for sale by owner in the Mausoleum Garden area of Elmwood Memorial Park, Abilene, TX. Each valued at $4295. Price negotiable.

Make an offer! Interested or just curious about the backstory? Call/Text: 512.663.5524

low As

$495 Fully Furnished All bills pAid pAy $0 down At signing BRING IN THIS COUPON FOR All Fees wAiVed Thearchabilene.com • 325.672.2960 2702 n Judge ely blVd, abilene, TX 79601

Page 4 | Feature

Friday, December 07, 2018

JUST THE BEGINNING

Eleven theatre students take their talents to the Big Apple.

LAUREN FRANCO EDITOR IN CHIEF

S

eemingly every day of the year, theatre students are preparing to play different characters in various shows both on and off campus. Next semester, 11 theatre students are testing their talents in New York City, NY. as part of the Tepper Program with Syracuse University.

ACU students have been participating in the Tepper Program for eight years.

This year’s participating seniors are: • Christian Winter, acting and theatre ministry major from Escobedo, California • Gabby Walker, musical theatre major from Chicago • Andrew Gililand, acting major from Middletown, Connecticut • Jill Jackson, acting major from Austin • Carl Kimbrough, senior musical theatre major from Marietta, Georgia • Madison Massey, musical theatre major from Fort Meyers, Florida • Andrew Boone, theatre major from Abilene • Payton Reeves, musical theatre track major from Dallas • Lance Bleakney, theatre major from Tulsa, Oklahoma • Sierra Cowell, theatre major from Shadow Hills, California • Ryan Derrick, theatre major from Keller Though moving to New York is a drastic change from living in Abilene, the group was ready for the upcoming challenge both in city life and academics.

“I’m most excited for the change of pace,” Walker said. “There’s definitely an energy in bigger cities and it’s not that Abilene is lacking in energy, it’s just so much faster in New York and I think that will be nice for all of us.”

Kimbrough, a New York native, said he wants to share the experience with his friends and help them figure out the city.

“It feels like home there and I’m ecstatic to see them learn the city and get used to riding the subway and everything the city has to offer,” Kimbrough said. “Most tourists spend most of their time in Midtown so I’m excited for them to experience the non-tourist things. Life in the city is really hard, but it is really rewarding if you can figure out

how to do it.”

With no hesitation, the group talked about the significance of taking on the experience together.

“These guys, we’ve gotten to watch each other grow up for four years, so I’m excited to go make our first steps in the real world together,” Jackson said.

“I am so ready to share this experience with all of my really close friends,” Reeves said. “I am so thankful that this opportunity allows me to experience what it would be like to live in New York as well.” s far as academics, the cohort will be taking classes at Syracuse University, including museum and field trip lab, advanced actors workshop, topics in theatrical and dramatic history and improvisation.

Winter said he’s most looking forward to the improv class because it hasn’t been something he’s been able to do much at ACU. “I’ve done a lot of improv before, and I didn’t get to do it much here, but I’m excited for that,” Winter said. “To be in someone else’s shoes make you think different things about yourself. Theatre is a great thing for anyone to be a part of, even if its a short time of their life, to see it reveal something about yourself.”

“I’m really interested in who we’re going to be working with, both the professors and also the other students, mostly Syracuse students, and getting to be around people who love to create,” Gililand said.

Boone said he’s most interested in the showcase class because it gives students an opportunity to audition while they’re in classes. Reeves agreed, and said being in the city will help jumpstart their careers.

“Being able to have the opportunity to perform for some casting agents is so exciting,” Reeves said.

“I think living in New York for a few months while auditioning whenever we can is super helpful too.”

For four years, each has performed in numerous shows, both musicals and plays.

Walker said her favorite part of learning how to perform the past four years is getting the opportunity to tell stories, and have others see their story in it.

“Theatre is such a personal, human connection,” Walker said. “Each performance is different and each audience experiences something different.

God is the ultimate creator, and us being able to create is like the acting image of God.” In agreement, Winter said as a theatre ministry

A

major, he enjoys seeing God in all they do.

“God is the source of all goodness, and anything good we see has a glimmer of God in it,” Winter said. “We are digging through the humanity to find the God that lives in us together.”

Jackson and Gililand said their favorite part of the past three-and-a-half years was putting part of them.

“I love getting to share peoples stories and getting to share my own story through a character, and getting to express the stuff that people might not be able to express themselves, but they wish was heard,” Jackson said.

“When an audience can look at a performance and say ‘me too’ or can see themselves on stage, to me, thats the mark of a really good performace, or if they can find some sort of comfort or solace in it,” Gililand said. or all of them, New York is a bridge between being a student and working in the real world. Half of the group is using their time as a scapegoat to determine whether or not they want to pursue a career in the big city.

“I’m very much a person of where the wind blows me, I’ll go because I’ve found that when I say I want to go somewhere, if it doesn’t happen, I get really sad,” Massey said. “The happiest I’ve been in life is when I don’t have a plan and then I end up there and actually love it. New York is a place for that.”

Winter also said New York will be a nice middle ground between college social life and working.

“I think it will be cool to get away,” Winter said.

College is a great time of being social and having fun times, but it will be good to make this middle transition where we’re still with our class, but more serious and getting into it as a craft, a business a job. It’s a nice middle bridge between actually doing that and college.”

Of the 13 seniors, two are staying in Abilene to continue their careers. The other 11 officially move in on Jan 11, and will return the last week of the semester to graduate.

“Every year when the seniors come back from Tepper, they always seem to have an elevated sense of permission about pursuing their craft,” Gililand said. “They feel more confident about going forward, and they feel like they can really do this, so I’m ready to embrace that.”

F

Top left: Lance Bleakney performs in Wonderful Town Top middle left: Ryan Derrick performs in Peter and the Starcatcher.

Top middle right: Andrew Boone plays Robert Baker in Wonderful Town Top right: Jill Jackson plays in Peter and the Starcatcher.

Middle: Christian Winter performs in Peter and the Starcatcher.

Bottom left: Gabby Walker performed in James and the Giant Peach.

Bottom middle: Madison Massey sings during Freshman Follies.

Bottom right: Payton Reeves performs in Wonderful Town as Ruth Sherwood.

Friday, December 07, 2018

Opinion | Page 5

EDITORIAL AND LETTER POLICY Unsigned editorials are the opinions of the Optimist and may not necessarily reflect the views of the university or its administration.

Signed columns, cartoons and letters are the opinions of their creators and may not necessarily reflect the viewpoints of the Optimist or the university.

The Optimist encourages reader response through letters to the editor but reserves the right to limit frequent contributors or to refuse to print letters containing

personal attacks, obscenity, defamation, erroneous information or invasion of privacy. Please limit letters to 350 words or fewer. A name and phone number must be included for verification purposes.

Phone numbers will not be published.

Address letters to: ACU Box 27892 Abilene, TX 79609 E-mail letters to: optimist@acu.edu

THE

O PTI M I ST

published by the department of journalism and mass communication staff and management board

Lauren Franco Editor in Chief Max Preston Sports Director Amber Chavez Video Director Nicholas Cromwell Chief Photographer Madeline Dayton Opinions Editor

newsroom (325) 674-2439

Ashley Alfred Social Media Manager Hannah Johnson Cartoonist Zac Tolleson Graphic Designer Kalena Modgling Graphic Designer Hope Cordes Copy Editor

sports desk (325) 674-2684

Emma Conaster Copy Editor Breven Campbell Staff Reporter Allison Harrell Staff Reporter Hannah V. Johnson Staff Reporter Rachel Poe Sports Reporter

photo department (325) 674-2499

Lexi Kirgan Sports Reporter B.J. Maxwell Sports Reporter Brian Sweet Sports Reporter Ethan Sabater Videographer Caleb Evans Videographer

advertising office (325) 674-2463

Abby Lee Videographer Avery Teichman Videographer Lexi Walter Staff Photographer Riley Fisher Staff Photographer Emily Tiras Staff Photographer

multimedia desk (325) 674-2463

Kenneth Pybus Faculty Adviser Cade White Visuals Adviser Celeste Kinkade Advertising Manager

subscriptions ($20/Year) (325) 674-2296

Page 6 | Sports FEATURE

Friday, December 07, 2018

TRANSFERRING SUCCESS

Ducat, Taylor bring experience from Rice as new Wildcat transfers OWEN SIMPSON SPORTS REPORTER

The women’s basketball team is off to one of its best starts in recent history, and can be largely attributed to two transfers – junior guard Jazz Taylor and junior forward Lexie Ducat.

Taylor grew up with basketball as a massive part of her childhood. Not only did she have a passion for the game, but her family did as well.

“It was huge,” Taylor said. “My brothers and my dad both played, and they naturally just taught me, so they kind of beat me up a little bit too.”

The junior guard committed to Rice University, where she would befriend Ducat that season.

Ducat, who grew up in a small town an hour east of Abilene, had a passion for the game from the very beginning, and said she became very self-motivated from the start.

“My dad played basketball in high school, but I was the first in the family to really take interest in basketball,” Ducat said. “My very first practice I fell in love with the game.”

In her sophomore year at Rice, Ducat played and started in a majority of

Photo by RILEY FISHER STAFF PHOTOGRAPH

Junior guard Jazz Taylor and junior forward Lexie Ducat bring success in their first year as Wildcats.

games for the Owls. During her sophomore year, she averaged six points per game, five rebounds and shot 54 percent from the court. After that season, Ducat transferred to ACU. “During my sophomore year, I felt like I did everything right,” she said. “I was enjoying my teammates and the school, but it just didn’t feel right. Coach (Julie) Goodenough for ACU had recruited me back in high school, and it was closer to home. It was a tough decision and Rice was great, but it wasn’t for me. When I came to ACU, I fell back in love with the game again. After my sophomore year, I was

looking at basketball from a school standpoint looking where I could finish my degree, but when I got here, school wasn’t the only thing that mattered anymore.”

With Ducat’s first season underway, she’s been successful thus far averaging 10 points per game, seven rebounds and shooting 51 percent from the court.

Taylor’s road to ACU, however, is different. During her freshman year at Rice, she tore her ACL and was redshirted for the season.

After that year, she decided to transfer to Collin County Community College. During her one season there, she averaged 10 points per game

and four rebounds leading her team to a NJTCAC Conference Championship.

“I just felt Rice wasn’t for me,” Taylor said. “I went back to Dallas because that’s where I’m originally from. It was awesome and I really loved it. I loved all my teammates and three of the coaches at the junior college were like dads to me. It was so different from Rice and I fell back in the love with the game.”

While Taylor was playing for Collin County, Ducat was attending her first year at ACU, where she did not play because of NCAA transfer rules, and was granted a redshirt season.

During that time, Ducat told the coaching staff about her former teammate, which started the recruiting process of Taylor to Abilene.

Now, with Ducat and Taylor at ACU, they’ll have only this season and next before graduating. They’re planning on treasuring the time they have left.

“I think the biggest thing is just enjoying it and making as many memories as I can with my teammates,” Taylor said. “I’m so close to Lexie, we’re best friends. So, having fun these last two years with her is going to be awesome.”

Ducat agreed on the two’s friendship and said she wants to make the most of her time with Taylor.

“I’ve been playing basketball since third grade so I just want to have fun, win some games and spend some quality time with Jazz.”

These two are certainly a major part behind a successful early season.

They’ve done so by not just showing their athletic ability on the court, but also by building long-lasting friendships that go beyond the game of basketball.

The Wildcats are sitting at a 7-1 record, and will face Arkansas at home this weekend, something both Ducat and Taylor said they are looking forward to.

STANDINGS Women’s Basketball Team

Ovrl.

ACU SFA UCA HBU SLU Lamar SHSU UNO Nicholls TAMU-CC NWSU McNeese UIW

Div. 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

7-1 5-2 4-2 4-2 4-2 5-3 4-3 3-3 4-5 3-4 3-4 0-6 0-8

Men’s Basketball Team

Ovrl.

ACU SFA Nicholls UNO TAMU-CC SLU UIW Lamar UCA HBU SHSU McNeese NWSU

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

Div. 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

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Basketball

M. BASKETBALL

Wildcats get over hump to defeat Clemons, Camels MAX PRESTON SPORTS DIRECTOR

After suffering their first loss to Pepperdine, the Wildcats bounced back with an 83-68 win over Campbell University in Moody Tuesday evening and improved to 8-1 on the season.

Despite redshirt junior guard B.J. Maxwell sitting out from an injury and Jaylen Franklin fouling out in the game, four different Wildcats reached double-digit scoring.

Senior forward Hayden Farquhar said his team has players always ready to step up and produce.

“When you have a bench

that’s as deep as ours, it’s really good because every night will be different,” Farquhar said. “One man will step up one night and the next night could be someone totally different. Our team is so good and so unselfish because everyone gets their turn each game.”

ACU welcomed the nation’s leading scorer in Campbell’s Chris Clemons with an average of 32.1 points per game. In 37 minutes of play, the Wildcats held Clemons under his average with 26 points.

Neither team’s lead broke three points for most of the first half until the Wildcats

went up 26-22 at the 5:53 mark. ACU extended its lead and went into halftime up 36-28.

The Wildcats came out of the gate hot in the second half with an 8-0 run in the first two minutes to go up by 16 points. They worked their lead up to 19 points at the 7:52 mark, but allowed a 9-0 run by Campbell, making the score 6555. The men didn’t let them back in the game, however, and stayed in a comfortable until the end.

Head coach Joe Golding said his team performed well after having little time to prepare.

“I’m proud of the guys,” Golding said. “It was a tough turnaround, we had only two days to prepare after getting in on Sunday evening. Our team got a tough win and I’m proud of them for getting it.”

Junior guard Trey Lenox replaced Maxwell as a starter for the night and scored all 11 of his points in the second half. Redshirt junior center Jalone Friday led the team in scoring with 19 points, while junior guard Payten Ricks followed behind with 18 and senior forward Jaren Lewis had 11.

ACU limited itself to 11 turnovers, while the Camels doubled their count to 22.

The Wildcats improved its shooting from the Pepperdine loss and hit 27 of 48 shots (56.3 percent) and seven of 14 three-pointers (50 percent).

After the game against Campbell, ACU has four remaining non-conference games against Schreiner, Texas Tech, Southeast Missouri State and McMurry before starting conference in January.

The men’s next matchup with Schreiner will be Saturday in Moody at 10:30 a.m., just before the women host the SEC’s Arkansas Razorbacks. Coverage of the game will air on 98.1 FM.

Friday Redshirt junior center Jalone Friday showed his presence in the paint Tuesday evening with a team leading 19 points in the win over Campbell. He contributed to the 56.3 percent shooting performance put on by his team when converting seven of his 11 shots and two three-pointers on three attempts. Friday also came up with three rebounds and a steal.

His team will remain in Moody this Saturday as it faces Schreiner.

Basketball

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL PREVIEW Ducat

2018 STATS

ABILENE CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY

78.5

POINTS PER GAME

74.7

18.5

ASSISTS PG

11.3

43.8

REBOUNDS PG

40.4

51.0 POINTS ALLOWED PG 64.9

(7–1)

MAX PRESTON SPORTS DIRECTOR

OWEN SIMPSON SPORTS REPORTER

It will be quite a vibe for the Wildcats Saturday afternoon as the students put on the annual Christmas Slam and get a rare opportunity to welcome an SEC team to Moody.

ACU is riding a 7-1 start with its only loss coming to Tulsa at the end of a four-game road trip. The team has a very impressive offense-defense margin (27.5) averaging 78.5 points per game and 51 allowed per game, which is also the top in the conference. The Wildcats, however, host a Razorback team that has seen its share of tough matchups. They loss to No. 22 Arizona State two weeks ago, but the team did earn a big win over Wisconsin a week ago and helped it reach six wins on the young season. Razorback guard Chelsea Dungee is an SEC top-five scorer averaging 18.8 points per game and will be the player to stop in Saturday’s game. This matchup will be a tough one for ACU regardless of playing at home. With the editions of Jazz Taylor and Lexie Ducat on the roster, the Wildcats have a chance to make this a closer game than last year’s result. Arkansas, however, comes out and minimizes mistakes to take this one by a few points.

Saturday, ACU will face its hardest test so far this season when they take on the Razorbacks of Arkansas who currently sit at 5-3 after coming off their loss to #23 Iowa State 91-82. Abilene Christian besides their loss at Tulsa has looked phenomenal this season. What is so impressive about this team is how well-rounded they are. Key factors for ACU’s success against Arkansas will be protecting the basketball avoiding turnovers at all costs. Secondly, their three point shooting has been off in recent games. In their last game against Schreiner, the Wildcats combined shot 6-39 from behind the arc. They cannot replicate that outing and expect to win.

My prediction has a much closer game than most people will anticipate. ACU has the lead at halftime, but Arkansas answers back to put the Razorbacks at 6-3 on the season.

FINAL SCORE: ACU 67 UA 75

FINAL SCORE: ACU 59 UA 72

RACHEL POE SPORTS REPORTER

ACU will have the biggest game of the season so far as they take on the Razorbacks of Arkansas. Besides the loss to Tulsa, Abilene Christian has had an outstanding season so far. They are 7-1 while, Arkansas is 5-3 after losing to Iowa State 91-82. I have a strong feeling that ACU will come out strong and ready to take down the Razorbacks.

They have home court advantage and have f ive players averaging 10 points, if not more, per game this season. It will be an exciting and intense game that you do not want to miss. However, I do not believe that home court advantage will be enough for the Wildcats to defeat the Razorbacks.

FINAL SCORE: ACU 53 UA 71

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS (6-3)

BRIAN SWEET SPORTS REPORTER

ACU will have one of its more challenging matchups in Moody Coliseum this Saturday as they take on the Arkansas Razorbacks.

While ACU has one of the most well rounded women’s teams in years, its inconsistency with shot selection and turning the ball over is going to cost them the game Saturday. They shot 6-39 behind the arc against a division 3 school in their last game and through 8 games they have a team combined 134 turnovers.

These are statistics you do not want to have going up against a well coached and disciplined Arkansas team. While I believe this ACU team is good and will have a good home crowd at Moody to support them, I have to give them tough love and have to pick the Razorbacks for this game just based on the last three performances for the Wildcats.

FINAL SCORE: ACU 55 UA 90

Redshirt junior forward Lexie Ducat turned in arguably her best game of the year with 25 points and eight rebounds against Schreiner. She had an accurate shooting performance hitting nine of her 13 shots and was also consistent f rom the f ree throw line converting on all six foul shots.

Ducat and the Wildcats return to action Saturday in Moody as they host the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Basketball

Lenox With the absence of redshirt junior guard B.J. Maxwell, junior guard Trey Lenox stepped up and started in his place against Campbell. He played 31 minutes in the game and scored 11 points. Lenox also grabbed four rebounds, passed for four assists and stole the ball two times. He made two of four f ield goals, including one three-pointer, and knocked down all six of his f ree throws.

For more visit acuoptimist.com