Optimist Print Edition 04.12.19 (Volume CVIII, Issue XXVII)

OPTIMIST

@acuoptimist The Optimist @acuoptimist

A student publication of Abilene Christian University since 1912

Volume CVIIII, Issue XXVII

Friday April 12, 2019

ENDORSEMENT The Optimist Editorial board gave its reasoning behind its decision on who it is endorsing.

F S S M T

News

Sports

The theatre department closes its season with a feelgood Broadway bluegrass musical. The Student Recration and Wellness Center sponsored a new boot camp.......................................................................Page 2

The women’s tennis team remains undefeated after several sweeping victories. The baseball team celebrated its third straight win after defeating the University of Texas Permean Basin..........................................Page 6

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T

Special Edition Student Government Admisnistration is hosting its annual executive presidential and vice president elections for the coming new year. See what the candidates have to say to get your vote.....................................Page 4

Photo by RILEY FISHER | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Executive presidential candidates Arnold Charles and Lauren Wasson listen to current SGA president Ty Kelley speak to the student body.

Campus store cuts bean bucks LAUREN FRANCO EDITOR IN CHIEF

A new university agreement with Chartwells means Bean Bucks are no longer being accepted in the Campus Store.

Students can still use their student account for course-related materials, and Campus Cash can be used on anything in the store.

Previously, because the store is run by Barnes & Noble, they accepted various forms of payment and the university would pay Barnes & Noble for those expenses.

Scott Harsh, Campus Store manager, said the university was being invoiced by both the Campus Store and Chartwells for all of the Bean Bucks, so they were double paying.

“ACU is still paying for any Bean Bucks that were used in the store, and obviously they don’t have extra money to be doing that, so we said we’d stop ASAP,” Harsh said.

Since the transition, Harsh said there’s been some frustration, but most people have handled it well. Students continue to use the Campus Store for food because of convenience.

“I think it may be one of the easiest changes we do,” Harsh said. “I know in a lot of cases people come over here when there are long lines and things like that. It was nice to have that option, but people continue to shop in here.”

Harsh said Bean Bucks have only been used as a method of payment in the Campus Store for five or six years.

“The worst for us is when people put the food back and walk out without buying something,” Harsh said. “We always saw a sales uptick at the end of the semester when people are trying to use their Bean Bucks, so that may be something that they need to think about.”

Project Merge resumes activities after three years B.J. MAXWELL STAFF REPORTER

Project Merge will be partnering with the local non-profit organization Noah’s Project.

Project Merge is a non-profit, student-run organization that serves as a home renovation project for local non-profit organizations around the community of Abilene.

It paused its operations for the last three years, but it recently resumed and contacted different local operations that needed its services.

Project Merge will renovate a play therapy room and an office intake room for children that come to Noah’s Project.

Noah’s Project offers shelter and support services to children, women and men who are victims of family violence, domestic violence and more. It also offers different supplies and necessities for those who are in need and less fortunate.

The office will be used to fill out paperwork, while the play therapy room will be used to make children feel more comfortable and safe when being there.

Project Merge added new wall colors and ordered new furniture for the area and intend to make the room less crowded and more functional for them to work out of.

Project Merge was started by students in the Interior Design department a couple of years ago and continues to lend a helping hand to the Abilene community.

It allows Interior Design students that are involved the opportunity to give back to the local community.

They are also able to put their design skills to use while helping for a greater cause.

Marilyn Salazar, activity chair for the American Society of Interior Design and junior interior and design major from Abilene was recently introduced to Project Merge since resuming its operations this

school year.

“With weekly meetings, many phone calls and hard work, we were able to make Project Merge a success,” Salazar said. “So far it has been going great and the best reward is seeing the people of the community’s reaction after it is all finished.”

Salazar said that serving as an officer for AISD has allowed her to become involved.

Even though it is operated by Interior and Design students with the help of professors, Project Merge is always looking for a helping hand.

Whether that be by donating supplies, lending a hand with labor or just by

showing support for their movement.

For this recent project, they received labor, donations and supplies from places such as Grade A Electrical, Sherwin Williams and Alaniz Construction to name a few.

“In the future, we hope to get students and faculty involved towards the beginning and maybe do an even bigger project so more ACU students from campus can be involved,” Salazar said.

For more information on upcoming events Project merge will be a part of, please visit their social media Facebook and Instagram page @acu_aisd.

Sanctify Hip Hop Dance Company hosts annual spring show MCKENZIE BONAM STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Sanctify Hip Hop Dance Company hosted a spring show Tuesday and Wednesday in Cullen Auditorium.

Striving to demonstrate the image and love of Jesus through hip-hop, the dance group has made it a goal to integrate faith, family and a common interest in their annual show for nine consecutive years.

The on-campus team is lead by co-captains Maggie Moody and Ng Okorie.

Moody and Okorie are mentored by sponsors, April Napier and Teri Wilkerson. Wilkerson has been contributing as a key role to the organization since its founding in 2009. Additionally, Napier serves as the on-campus sponsor tending to the immediate needs of the group.

Prior to each semester, tryouts are hosted and participants are selected

Photo by MCKENZIE BONAM | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

“

When you join, you become family after it all. We even use the term ‘Sancti-fam’ to describe it.”

MAGGIE MOODY SANCTIFY CO-CAPTAIN

The women of Santify perforning in Cullen Auditorium. for the performance. The picked individuals practice and rehearse for the next show, which is held toward the later half of the fall or spring season. Both co-captains and a panel of judges, including Napier and Wilkerson, sit in on auditions.

Wednesday night’s per-

formance was comprised of different dance styles, divided into themed acts.

The acts varied from solos to duets to group acts.

Beginning with the concept of personal struggle and transitioning to the motif of finding strength, each dance number intended to demonstrate deep emotion.

acuoptimist.com

To facilitate this, Moody said the progress of practice and teamwork is centered around being vulnerable together, especially early in the process of learning.

“When you join, you become family after it all,” Moody said. “We even use the term ‘Sancti-fam’ to

describe it.”

Intentional facial expressions, dramatic stage presence and factors such as music volume and stage lighting told the story of each individual performer.

The motives to empower and advocate were clear in each segment of the show, along with what Okorie stated about their intentions as a unit of people.

“In the midst of struggle, I found a lot of strength in my team,” she said.

For many, especially Moody, this opportunity is a creative outlet. “If you put me on a stage to dance, it all comes out,” Moody said.

Page 2 | Campus News Events

Friday 04/12 1. High School scholars day 2. Last day to withdraw from classes 3. Acuity at Spring Show in Moody Coliseum Saturday 04/13 1. Big Country Flute day 2. Cajun Festival @ Expo 3. KJK Formal 4. Bright Star - Fulks 5. Freshman Formal Monday 04/15 1. Percussion Ensemble concert Tuesday 04/16 1. Baseball vs Arlington Baptist 2. Jazz Concert Wednesday 04/17 1. College Republican Chapel with Rafael Cruz 2. All Club Rush

24

days until FINALS

Friday, April 12, 2019 CAMPUS NEWS

Delta Theta gives back to the community MCKENZIE BONAM STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

The Women’s club of Delta Theta gives back to Abilene and the greater community through service projects and a fundraiser.

Wednesday night, members of the social club met at the College of Business Administration in room 217 to witness the presentation of a check that will then be given to the Food Bank of West-Central Texas.

Newly elected president of Delta Theta, Kaitlin Pine, lead the meeting and explained the significance in this event.

In November, the club hosted ‘Turkey Throw-down,’ a flag football tournament from past traditions, sponsored by local businesses and in this past year, hosted over eight teams in fall 2019.

As a time to spend together and enjoy a common cause, this event deems to be signifi-

Delta Theta

cant to the club. “Delta Theta represents the act of giving because that is what we are all about. We love to help when we can and whoever we can,” junior parliamentarian, Xandrea Lara said.

“It would also be great to see our President Phil Schubert show up and get

physical for a good cause.”

Altogether, the club raised money and was able to collect canned goods to later give to the food bank.

“We are giving it to them because we are passionate about the community and giving back, and are so happy this event was so success-

ful as our first year bringing it back,” Pine said.

Provided such success, they do not plan to stop this event.

In hopes of continuing the tradition, Pine said Delta Theta plans to host the tournament again and will be coordinated by junior representative, Abby Elliott.

In addition to funds raised, Delta Theta also contributed to an Air Force united located in Southwest Asia earlier in the year.

To express thanks and gratitude for service, members mailed handwritten letters, snacks and knick-knacks to the men and women in Iraq. In return, the club was honored with the flag flown in their honor during combat missions. This original flag was also presented Wednesday evening.

“It was such an honor to send them such simple things and them be so thankful,” Pine said.

All in all, the Women of Delta Theta have demonstrated care and concern for the community not only in Abilene but also abroad to those representing the citizens of the United States overseas. Their service and contributions to the people occupying the greater community are recognized and appreciated.

Wildcat Ironman appears for its second annual challenge BRYCE LURKENS STAFF REPORTER

The Wildcat Ironman is taking place until April 27 for its second year since its creation in 2018.

The Ironman consists of students and faculty who wish to participate, and challenges their levels of fitness in a three week virtual race.

The goal of the race is to log as many hours as possible while swimming, biking and running over the course of the three week time period.

The more hours a contestant has, the higher their chance at placing in the race.

Kinesiology professor Deonna Shake said that the goal of Wildcat Ironman is to show students that managing this kind of workout schedule is not impossible.

“The goal of the Kinesiology Club and Student Recreation and Wellness Center is to offer a challenge for the month of April that is actually more manageable than one might think,” Shake said. “If you break down the

event into what would be required to finish in 22 days, one would need to swim 3.86 laps, 5.09 miles on a bike and 1.19 miles running or walking per day.”

Participants have the option of utilizing a team of three individuals to help in completing the Wildcat Ironman, or doing it alone.

Shake said that those who register will be given a commemorative t-shirt and a finishing medal upon completion of the virtual race.

Kinesiology Club presi-

dent Cayla Clark said that she is excited to see the results that the staff and students will bring upon finishing the race.

“The race just started this weekend, and we are excited to see the progress of our participants through the three weeks of the virtual race,” Clark said. “My hope is that the event will grow even more in the years to come, and that people will be talking about ACU’s Kinesiology Club Ironman.”

With the event having only two years under its belt, not many on campus are fully aware of the race’s existence yet. Shake said that she believes the low numbers may be a potential byproduct of the Blitz Triathlon, which only ended recently.

“Next year, our plan is to offer the Blitz in the fall and the Wildcat Ironman in the spring,” Shake said. “At any rate, this is an event that the club and rec center believe gives people a unique goal

and motivation to get out, move more and conquer something.”

Clark said that the Kinesiology department’s mission through events like these is to just give people incentive to live better and healthier lives through fitness.

“Total health and wellness is always our mission,” Clark said. “Through events like this one, we hope to spread a passion for health along to our campus and Abilene community in order to inspire people to live healthier lives.”

Theatre department prepares for production of ‘Bright Star’ musical B.J. MAXWELL STAFF REPORTER

Theatre students and faculty began rehearsals before spring break for their April performances of the Broadway musical Bright Star.

Bright Star will showcase at 7:30 p.m., April 11-13 and April 26-27 in Fulks Theatre, with a talkback on April 26 and a dinner on April 27.

The play, set in North Carolina during the 1920s through the 1940s, was written by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell. The production’s themes deal with love, loss and redemption Adam Hester, professor of theatre and director of the musical, said.

“Bright Star is such a wonderfully inspiring play that is different in many ways from what we have produced in the past,”

Hester said. “It uses a piece of Broadway-style bluegrass music in telling of the story that is such a departure from most musical theatre forms.”

The theatre department performed Steel Magnolias in February and sold out during its final weekend of the show.

“Our patrons are primarily from ACU faculty and staff,” Hester said.

“There is also a good deal

of people who support from the local community.

Student attendance usually varies depending on the show.”

Hester said he hopes that this upcoming play will take on a different genre. It will be more serious, in-depth and leave audiences engaged and fascinated, Hester said.

“The audience takeaway I’m hoping for is that people will leave with a sense

of hope and inspiration,” Hester said. “We are hoping that people will evaluate their relationships and are moved toward reconciliation and restoration.”

Kari Hatfield, Associate professor of theatre said she felt that Bright Star would leave an ever-lasting impression on the audience.

“Bright Star is a beautiful story about redemption and hope. The music is fantastic, even if you dis-

like Bluegrass you’re going to love it,” Hatfield said.

“The play is surprising, funny, moving and it is very human. I think everybody will find something that they love about it if they come to see the play.”

“We are hoping people just have a good time to a great story and toe-tapping music,” Hester said.

Tickets for this production can be purchased online at acu.edu/theatre.

Personal trainers Balogh, Kraus lead boot camp in Student Wellness and Recreation Center BRIAN SWEET STAFF REPORTER

The Student Wellness and Recreation Center is hosting Boot Camp classes for members through April 18.

Classes are Monday through Thursday from 6:15 a.m. to 7:15 a.m. in Studio A. Trainers leading the camp are Lily Balogh, instructor of barre, pilates and dance evolution, and Arron Krauss, junior nutrition major from

Elkton, Maryland.

Krauss is a personal trainer at the SWRC and recently completed his training certification from the National Academy of Sports Medicine.

Balogh is a former professional ballerina and is teaching dance in the ACU Theater Department. She will start teaching pilates and dance classes in the SWRC soon.

Krauss said that participants will be pushed to the limit during the boot camps.

“Boot camp is where students, faculty and alum get a very unique and challenging experience,” Krauss said. “We get the privilege of giving them this through challenging workouts design by experienced professionals.”

The exercises that they will do during the workout will target different muscles and bones of the body.

“It’s beautiful to see different people on different journeys, all working hard to achieve the

same goal,” Krauss said. “It’s a joy and honor. Each member is on a fitness journey and I love being a small flicker of encouragement in their journey.”

Balogh said she found her love for the gym through dance training.

“In order to be the strongest I could be in dance, I had to cross train with weights and other types of movement,” Balogh said. “I really loved the gym environment and I felt just at peace.”

Balogh said they also will teach the participants about proper nutrition and how to create workout goals on their own.

“I hope that they will have a solid idea of what to do on their own,” Balogh said.

“I hope they learn new exercises, new techniques and tools to help them achieve their goals.”

Kyle Pinson, director of facility operations, said the boot camp this semester is shorter

than past camps.

“We’ve had some that are four weeks and some that were six weeks,” Pinson said.

“The total number of classes is about the same, about 8 to 10 classes. This time we are just shortening it into two weeks.”

Boot camp costs $30 for all eight classes and only 30 spots available in the class. People that want to join can still go to the SWRC website and sign up for the classes under program and events registration.

POLICE LOG SELECTED ACUPD CALLS FOR THE WEEK 04/07/2019 1:00 a.m.

Midnight shift officers discovered a vehicle and 3 occupants in the close Sherrod Park area. Advised to leave the area.

04/08/2019 11:30 a.m.

A student reported her Specialized brand road bicycle stolen from the sidewalk in front of Barret Hall between 11:20 am – 11:30 am. Theft was captured on CCTV video. Case is open. Bicycle was recovered later.

04/09/2019 6:22 a.m.

An off-campus student reported their bicycle stolen. Case is open.

04/10/2019 11:00 a.m.

Officers responded to a disturbance with a fight in progress.

911 CALL............................................................0 ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIVITY..........................................................0 ADVICE.............................................................0 ANIMAL CALL.............................................0 ASSIST................................................................2 ATTEMPT TO LOCATE..........................0 BARRICADES..............................................6 BOOT/UNBOOT VEHICLE...............1 BUILDING LOCK/UNLOCK.......................................11 BURGLARY(RESIDENCE).................1 CART PATROL..........................................14 CHECK BUILDING............................415 CLERY.................................................................6

DIRECT TRAFFIC........................................1 DISTURBANCE...........................................0 DOMESTIC DISTURBANCE............0 ESCORT.............................................................5 FIRE.....................................................................0 FOOT PATROL............................................7 FOUND PROPERTY...............................2 HIT & RUN......................................................0 INFORMATION REPORT...................7 INVESTIGATION FOLLOW UP................................................4 LOST PROPERTY......................................0 MAINTENANCE: UNIV ASSETS............................................10 MENTAL HEALTH CONCERN.......0

MONITOR FACILITY/ LOT......................................................................7 MOTORIST ASSIST: INFLATE TIRE..............................................0 MOTORIST ASSIST: JUMPSTART..................................................2 MOTORIST ASSIST: UNLOCK...........................................................6 OTHER...............................................................5 PARKING LOT PATROL...................30 PARKING VIOLATION..........................1 PATROL VEHICLE: MAINTENANCE........................................11 PATROL VEHICLE: REFUEL.............................................................9

RANDOM PATROL...............................27 REPORT WRITING..................................6 REPORT WRITING FOLLOWUP..........................1 STAND BY.......................................................0 SUSPICIOUS PERSON.........................1 THEFT.................................................................0 TRAFFIC HAZARD....................................1 TRAFFIC STOP............................................6 TRAINING.........................................................1 WELFARE CHECK....................................1

TOTAL...........................................................607

Chief Ellison’s Weekly Tip Bike thefts have increased recently on and around campus. Remember to always lock your bike and keep a record of the serial number.

Friday, April 12, 2019

News | Page 3

CAMPUS NEWS

Student productions tune up for first annual ACA Fest EMMA CONATSER COPY EDITOR

For the first time in a collective spring concert, a capella groups Hilltop, Gracenote and Foundation will perform together.

Though the groups all took part in a small concert at the end of the fall semester, their upcoming ACA Fest will be an opportunity for them to showcase what they’ve worked on for the past year.

Foundation is a group for freshman students, while Hilltop is a mixed group. Gracenote is similar, but is a group made up entirely of female singers.

Nick Tatum, director of student productions, said he hopes crowds will enjoy the groups’ upcoming performance together.

Photo by EMMA CONATSER | COPY EDITOR “They’ve been working all year, and they’ve had other small performance opportunities, but this is the final time to showcase everything they’ve worked

The freshmen of Foundation sing “Because He Lives” during the first act of Sing Song on,” Tatum said. the singers to show what and on campus.

The concert is a mix they’ve accomplished, “We reach out to the of pop music and Chris- Tatum said that this will community, too, and try to tian contemporary songs, also be an outreach oppor- invite local high schools all sung a capella. While tunity for the groups, both and other singing groups the event is a chance for in the Abilene community to come and experience all

the hard work they’ve been putting in.”

Tatum said he also hopes the concert will reach out to students on campus who are interested in a capella singing.

“I think that if anyone’s interested in being a part of the groups, the concert’s a really great way to get to know what they’re like,” Tatum said. “Last year, we had a lot of people really interested in auditioning for this year, because they saw the concert and really enjoyed it.”

Auditions for a capella groups Hilltop and Gracenote are held on April 25.

Students interested can visit acustupro.com.

ACA Fest will take place at 7 p.m. on April 23 in Cullen Auditorium. Chapel credit will be provided.

A Capella groups to host auditions B. J. MAXWELL JR. STAFF REPORTER

Interested in placing an ad or classified?

Hilltop and Gracenote a capella groups are having auditions on April 24-25.

This academic year was the first that the groups have existed. As Hilltop is a mixed vocals group, there will be six female spots and six male spots avail-

able. Grace Note, however, is an all-female group, so they are looking to fill 12 female positions.

The requirements to be a part of the a capella groups: students must be sophomores or older for the upcoming fall semester, have a GPA of at least 2.5, be in good standing with the

university and be a full-time student for both the fall and spring semesters of the upcoming school year.

Erin May, Hilltop music director and sophomore bilingual elementary education major from Tulsa, joined the new a capella group this year after being a part of freshman a capella

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HOUSE FOR RENT

group Foundation last year.

“Hilltop and Grace Note a cappella are both singing groups of upperclassmen that perform a variety of worship and pop music, both on ACU’s campus and in the community,” May said. “A cappella groups frequently lead worship in Moody Chapel, and we perform at big on-campus events, such as Sing Song and TEDx, as well as our own a cappella concerts. In the future, we’re hoping to be able to go on a tour and record an album.”

Nick Tatum, director of student productions, will conduct the first round of auditions. Callbacks will be judged by a panel of musicians from the local community.

“The biggest thing we want people to know about a cappella groups is that these groups are for everyone,” May said. “Even if you’re not in a choir or have never been a part of a singing group before or haven’t performed before, still come out to audition.

We want to get to know you and invite you into our a ca-family.”

Sign-ups for auditions to join Hilltop and Gracenote a capella groups are now available at acustupro. com/audition.

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Honor your graduate with an ad in ACU’s newspaper The Optimist Special Commencement Edition

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Page 4 | Special Edition

Friday, April 12, 2019

MEET THE CANDIDATES

Three students are running for two positions on the SGA executive cabinet LAUREN FRANCO EDITOR IN CHIEF KALENA MODGLING GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Every year, Student Government Association prepares for its next year with executive president and vice president elections.

Though there were four candidates to begin with, two for each position, Nina Allahverdi chose to drop out of the vice presidential race Wednesday morning. Tsion Amare is now running uncontested.

Arnold Charles, sophomore political science major from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is running against Lauren Wasson, junior political science and business management double major from Denton for executive president.

Elections end at 5 p.m. on Friday and winners will be annouced shortly after. Below are Charles’ and Wasson’s major platforms.

TOPIC/QUESTION MAJOR HOMETOWN CLASSIFICATION

ARNOLD CHARLES “Creating a unified Student Body and Congress.”

Political Science Dubai, United Arab Emirates Sophomore

LAUREN WASSON “Going Farther, Growing Together, Getting Things Done.”

Political Science and Business Management Denton Junior

1. The inability and difficulty of students to convey their needs to Congress (and the lack of communication and representation thereof ).

2. The lack of support for and discussion about the mental and spiritual health of the student body.

3. The extreme difficulty students face graduating on time due to lack of support financially, academically, mentally, spiritually and culturally (45.1 percent four year graduation rate as of 2014 with statistics being much lower for minority, low income and first generation students).

Mental health awareness, campus functionality- this includes dorms which need updating, increased parking, and increasing sustainability on campus, these are deeply imbedded into our platform. Also, the need for class-based projects in SGA, every year of college provides new and different experiences and challenges, we understand the need for specialized project to address these needs. This is what our class projects are all about. For freshman, we are revitalizing dorms and continuing Join Week, a week dedicated to connecting freshman students to communities of interest on campus through student organizations. For sophomore, dorm renovation. For juniors, ACU internship housing, because many students opt to intern the summer of their junior year. For seniors, a graduation gear recycling program through SGA, which will offer graduation caps and gowns to seniors at a reduced cost or by donations to those with need to cut down on graduation costs.

How would you like to improve (or maintain) Spiritual Formation?

Meeting on a weekly basis with Cyrus Eaton, the campus chaplain.

Reforming the chapel system along side Cyrus so students regard it less of a burden and more of a resource.

Being able to provide financially to on-campus life groups as they are an essential part of the ACU spiritual experience.

Having student, SGA, and student organizations participate more in Moody Chapel as they have unique spiritual experience that relate directly to the student condition.

We want to create a chapel culture where every story is tangibly valued, by including more minorities in chapel events and in every part of Moody, from greeting, to closing, to presenting, and more. We also want to increase overall student participation in spiritual formation, once again, in greeting, in closing, in praying, and in speaking. Specifically, we would advocate for increased student testimonies in chapel. Also, in my role as SGA chief of staff, I have met with Cyrus Eaton weekly on Fridays at 8 a.m. In speaking with him, we have already started working together towards a spiritual formation culture by students for students, while continuing to include a role for administration and experts in different fields.

If the executive cabinet salaries are decreased, yet they’re still expected to work 20 hours a week, how can you expect students to participate in SGA who have to work to provide an income for themselves?

Those that are expected to serve a life of public service especially to the students and when they are expected to start now should be working in the best interest of the students. I do not think the people that deserve to be in these positions are the kinds of people who do it for just compensation. Yes the SGA works a great amount of hours but think of how much more that money could be spent on the student population. I want to create a fund so that students with need could request for items. This would work adjacent or directly with the Katie Kirby fund. This additional fund as a $2 reduction can result in $8800 can go directly into student association. I think if you want to be on the cabinet you should not be doing this for monetary gain and I think that the people who deserve to be on Congress are people that are interested in the students and not themselves.

If you are joining the executive cabinet you are committing probably a minimum of 20 hours, but in reality we’re working more hours than that every single week for president and vice president; and for other positions 10 hours. We’ve put most weeks when we have events those are extra hours we work that are not compensated for us and I think that sort of service act is a lot when asking a student to do this job. You’re gonna work hard, over time most days and as much as we care about you we really wanna equip you well. I think that we should keep that salary because in reality - that minimum of 20 hours - we work over that.

How will you spread awareness of mental health and how will you improve the accessibilty to mental health care for students?

I earnestly believe that poor mental health is the largest issue that currently plagues ACU as of today. Poor mental health and mental health awareness can have devastating consequences for the student body.

No person should have to face their anxiety, depression, or any other facet of their mental health alone.

Improving mental health awareness on campus can have huge benefits that can ripple through campus for the year to come. I am advocating SGA involvement in spreading mental health awareness on campus through an awareness campaign conducted in association with other departments and organizations.

In considering mental health, we got advice of students, professors, and counselors at the MACC and decided to advocate for a multi-faceted approach to mental health at Abilene Christian. Advocating for increased resources at the MACC (Medical and Counseling Care Center), including an additional full-time counselor to help serve more students. ACU lacks peer support groups for mental health matters. We want to establish an Active Minds chapter at Abilene Christian. Active Minds serves as a peer-to-peer support group for those with mental illness or interested in supporting mental health awareness.

Minority representation Leaders, Advocates

I care about minorities and it’s a project I’ve worked on since I’ve gotten into Congress and have written multiple legislations to improve representation. I have advocated for the minority community. I work with minority leadership and have been endorsed by all five OMA organizations. I’m not only an advocate for racial minorites but sexual minorities as well. I want to have SGA help with awareness week, cultural and just have SGA reach out to minorities. I’m an internatonal student and would be the first international student to be president or even run for president, so I’m rather unique. No other candidate can provide that for this campaign because I am a minority.

From the first time I visited ACU I had a heart for campus. When I got here I knew nobody and felt disconnected. My vision for SGA and ACU is to make everyone feel connected because we need each other and the different perspectives. We want to connect with student organizations on a regular basis and collaborate. This way we can hit on pieces that appeal ot a lot of students like parking because that’s a big issue for everyone here and get internship housing for upperclassmen who can’t afford it, but get the chance to go on this amazing opportunity so we can represent our students well.

What would you say are the top three pressing issues on campus?

Friday, April 12, 2019

Opinion| Page 5

STAFF OPINIONS

Wasson best choice for SGA president THE ISSUE

OUR TAKE

After hearing vague and confusing platforms, ACU students may struggle to decide on a presidential and vice presidential candidate for the 2019-2020 SGA Executive Cabinet.

that shows users in real-time which parking spots in each lot are available. Though this shouldn’t be the face of a campaign, we believe Wasson addressed the topic with just enough weight to know she cares, but has other goals in mind to focus on first.

In addition to parking, the two want to highlight a peerto-peer mental health program for students to reach each other and start conversations on campus, and more Medical and Counseling Care Center availability. Mental health has become a pressing issue on campus, one that deserves to be the top priority for SGA and administration. Wasson sees this, and desires to imple-

ment it through Active Minds, an organization established on 500 college campuses to provide resources and training.

Both candidates addressed Chapel as an issue that needs to be worked on, but Wasson has already worked closely with Cyrus Eaton, chaplain, meeting with him every week.

Part of her platform is to include more students actively, advocating for peer stories to be tangible and accessible.

In regard to SGA and Optimist relations, Wasson advocated for weekly meetings with the editor and recognized the importance of collaboration on certain topics.

Charles seemed to copy and paste her response when he

answered the question in the Wednesday evening debate.

The Editorial Board calculated actual and proposed wages based on information on the SGA website.

Charles, who is running on a single ticket, used his time on both nights to talk about reducing each Executive Cabinet member’s wages by $2, but got his math terribly wrong, offering the student body $8,000 toward a fund for students in financial need. In reality, the reduction would only bring $3,520, though the wages are privately funded by a donor specifically for the purpose of paying the Cabinet.

As an intern for the Of-

fice of Multicultural Affairs, Charles strongly advocated for minority representation, as if it was his only platform, though he did not have any specific goals set nor implementation plans.

His lofty goals had no factual reliability, and his explanations were not as well thought out as Wasson’s “Big 6” plan.

Both candidates have prior SGA involvement – Charles as a McKinzie Dorm representative and international student liaison, Wasson as a representative for the College of Arts and Sciences, representative for Dillard Hall and now, executive chief of staff.

Overall, Wasson and Amare have the most tangible goals to reach a majority of students, not just one specific body. The two have built a campaign and platform together, and should be able to see the work they’ve already put in come to fruition next year.

Editors note: All seven members of the Editorial Board voted on the endorsement after watching either the live debate or in-person debate.

tell you about any kid, and you would not suspect they have autism. Alex can smile out the window of a car for two hours, walk in and out of a room 10 times before it feels right and if you ever want him to walk away from his iPad, the video playing must run its course first- even with 10 minutes left. With each of these quirks, people should know that Alex deserves to be emotionally invested in.

Behind the wall his cognitive functions and dysfunctions have built, Alex has a voice and an equal role in our society.

Taking these things into consideration, you should

know that 2.8 million people, over 1.7 percent of the United States population, share with Alex the struggles and quirks of autism.

This number can also be interpreted as 1 in every 59 people are born with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This growing statistic indicates the growing need for awareness.

If there isn’t an evident need for loving people with autism in those numbers, know this: autism is a disorder spectrum of function that affects social interaction, personal thought processes and behavior control.

In contrast to Alex:

Tristan, 14 years-old, makes short films with animated characters, participates in integrated classes at school, drinks Diet Coke, enjoys Six Flags Fiesta Texas and finds greatest pleasure in Spongebob and Thomas the Train.

Mateo, 11 years old, will ask anyone any question he has, wears sunglasses even in a dark room, expresses nearly every emotion he feels, shows affection in ways that cannot be earned but are merely given, and despite always being on the move, he can and will attend “big church” and learn.

What is most lovely

about each of these boys is the fact that they are special.

They epitomize the complexity of autism and its unpredictable nature. And, as much as this is true, it comes by not merely treating them like puppies in the park.

Becoming familiar with human nature is never an easy process, but it is essential in building relationships founded on love and compassion. Similarly, becoming familiar with the nature of autism is a process that all people should be knowledgeable in and comfortable with. All in all, we should love our neighbors, even the ones with autism.

Though Charles’ campaign looks good upon first glance, Wasson’s campaign presents a complete plan for improving student life in addition to improving minority representation.

Optimist Editorial Board | editor@jmcnetwork.com Despite vague, unclear platforms and dodging questions in every debate, both Student Government Association executive president candidates focused their priorities on minority representation and mental health.

Lauren Wasson and Arnold Charles struggled to answer debate questions specifically, Wasson answering a question about minority representation by talking about parking, and Charles answering every question with something about minorities on campus, even when it wasn’t relevant.

Unfortunately, the campus needs an executive office with specific goals in mind, not just a generic platform.

Though on paper, Charles might seem like a solid endorsement choice – seven pieces of legisla-

tion (one passed) and heavy OMA involvement, the Optimist Editorial Board unanimously believes Wasson is the best candidate for the presidential job.

Wasson, who is running on the same ticket as Tsion Amare for vice president, has six main topics in mind • Student wellness program • Parking • Mental health awareness • School spirit and athletic involvement • Internship housing • Class projects (specific projects that impact and benefit a students’ respective classification) The duo spent a lot of time on Monday night’s live debates focusing on parking, explaining that they’re already working with a company called FoPark, an app

People with Autism are not puppies in a park M.C. KENZIE MCKENZIE BONAM SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

Senior convergence journalism major from Mansfield

A person with autism should not be treated like a little puppy that you see at the park, pet and love on for two minutes, then walk away from, not thinking about again.

Unlike a dog, people with autism know what’s going on- they have minds and feelings.

As for the everyday reality of autism, it is something that cannot be de-

fined by a brief statement of words. Those unfamiliar with it might find compassion difficult to fathom.

To bring some light to the subject, consider this: Alex, 11 years old, loves to watch slime videos and Veggie Tales, avidly drinks chocolate milk, eats Popeye’s biscuits and will take a butterfly kiss when you give him one.

These are things I could

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Wasson, Amare lay out Executive Cabinet plan for next year: The Big Six SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR LAUREN WASSON

Junior political science and business management major from Denton I would be remiss if I did not begin by thanking the Optimist for its endorsement of our campaign.

Tsion and I truly and deeply appreciate this honor. In these next few sentences, I would like to clarify part

of our heart and plans for SGA, if elected.

Above all else, Tsion and I desire for campus to be a thriving center for community and change, driven by students and their ideas.

Truly, students are the har-

bingers of change with powerful insight and plans for the future.

As a result, we sought their advice before running or planning a platform. Tsion and I cannot count the amount of conversations between students, where we asked, “What do you want from ACU?” After hearing their replies, we formulated the Big Six, our platform. This platform served to address the prevalent issues discussed with stu-

dents. In other words, Tsion and I have been listening to students this past year, in preparation for working to build a plan of action with them, to make their dreams, goals, and vision for campus a reality.

No one or two people can know or understand the needs of an entire campus. As a result, we sought out students in the early planning stages, because we needed and wanted

their input. We understood that our destination was a connected, thriving community of students on campus, who felt heard and represented by SGA. If you desire to reach a destination, but don’t know the way to reach the end, without a map or plan of action, you won’t reach the end you were desiring. Our purpose with specificity in the platform is to reach the destination and vision stu-

dents showed us, by building a map with their suggestions, which we like to call “The Big Six.” Once again, thank you to the Optimist. Also, thank you to all the students who have supported us and continue to support us in our campaign for SGA. Thank you for being open with us, sharing your experiences, knowledge, and heart, and ultimately, making us a better and stronger community.

I only advocate for minorities; however, my intentional advocacy stretches to minorities and the entire student body, including the Optimist Editorial Board, as I value all perspectives. I cannot, however, apologize for advocating for minority issues as it’s very clear that minorities are the community that requires great amounts of advocacy, as they are the least likely to graduate and retain at ACU. When I speak about the minority condition I’m referring to ethnic, gender, socio-

economic, sexual, disabled, and religious minorities.

I apologize for the misinterpretation. The $8,800 figure was an annual estimate for a $2.50 reduction, not a $2 reduction per semester. I hope this is communicated more clearly in my published manifesto with accurate calculations. Furthermore, I am willing to lower the executive wage to as low as $9.00/hr but it truly depends on the willingness of my supporting cabinet. Conclusively, I see $3,520/sem ($7,040/yr)

as a significant amount for our student needs.

I apologize that my policies seem vague and not as practical as Lauren’s thorough Six-Point Plan. I see the importance of the innate disconnection between our divided community and SGA. I encourage students to read my manifesto, as policies are more clear and comprehensive on there. The changes I advocate for may not be as enticing or tangible but result in a direct student cohesiveness within the community.

Finally, I apologize for the interpretation of mimicking Lauren’s answer in planning to work more with the Optimist.

Our methods in this regard are rather similar. I am glad the Optimist asked for a more detailed response from me via google sheet, in which I am more clear about my intended methods, including working with The Optimist to address issues of disconnection between SGA and the student body through my policies as I think the Optimist is essential to the student experience.

Arnold Creates Unity for ACU students with plans to represent all SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR ARNOLD CHARLES

Sophomore political science major from Dubai

I was saddened that the Optimist was not able to endorse me this year, but I am comforted that I chose to rely on different measures that determine the impact of my campaign. As said in my speech today, the inherent needs of the student

body are not so much tangible as they are systematic. As such, I advocate for reforms in Congress and in the constitution rather than a well laid out and specific SixPoint Plan (to Lauren’s and Tsion’s credit).

I apologize, that it seems

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Page 6 | Sports

Friday, April 12, 2019

TENNIS

Tennis sweeps weekend, remains undefeated in Southland RACHEL POE SPORTS REPORTER

Photo by MCKENZIE BONAM|PHOTOGRAPHER

The Wildcats’ Women’s tennis team had an impressive weekend at home. It won 6-1 over Lamar on Friday and won 5-2 over Texas A&M Corpus-Christi, remaining undefeated against the Southland Conference at 8-0.

The Wildcats are 12-8 overall and will finish the remainder of their spring season on the road over the next two weekends, against first-place Northwestern State, thirdplace Central Arkansas and sixth-place McNeese.

ACU started on Friday by winning their sixth doubles point in seven tries. The No. 1 ACU duo of sophomore Nini Mishishi and junior Sarah Adams made quick work of Lamar’s Butcha and Vossgaetter. Meanwhile the No. 2 duo of sophomore Ileana Mocciola and senior Autumn Bellow followed with a 6-2 win over Vitale and Molina.

ACU reached a 3-0 advantage as both is No. 1 and 2 line players Memishishi and Adams each won in straight sets.

However the clinching point was when senior Jordan Henry, at the No. 4 position, battled and defeated Vossgaetter, 6-1, 5-7, 6-1 for her team-leading 12th win of the spring. Mocciola then scored the Wildcats’ fifth point beating Sola Grau and freshman Allison Stewart capped ACU’s score with a 5-7, 6-2, 7-6 (9-7).

Henry said it’s always great to get a win for the team, especially against such a tough team.

Junior Nikolas Moceanu rips a serve to his opponent on the ACU courts.

“The great thing about this sport,” Henry said, “is that an individual victory also a team victory.”

The women won the doubles point on Sunday followed by four single victories with the match-clinching point earned by freshman Allison Stewart at the No. 5 spot over Kageyama. Stewart won all four of her matches during this homestand and remains 8-0 against Southland opposition. She also helped the Wildcats score the doubles point as she and Henry held off Townsend and Reinicke, 6-4.

The first doubles victory

was won by Memishishi and Adams, who toppled Bulatovic and Shumeika, 6-2, for their 13th win together, this spring. Memishishi posted a comeback at No. 1 singles spot, battling back from a firstset shutout (0-6) to beat Bulatovic over the next two sets, 6-4 and 7-5. The win evened her 11-11 spring record.

The two remaining singles wins came from Bellow and Mocciola. Bellow defeated Kato, 6-2, 6-3, for No. 10 on the year, while Mocciola earned her seventh conference victory over Maldonado, 6-2, 6-4.

ACU is scheduled to play 11 a.m. Friday and Sunday at Northwestern State and Central Arkansas, and on April 20 vs. McNeese.

Meanwhile, the men’s tennis team had a successful victory at home this weekend. The men won 5-2 over Lamar on Thursday and then again on Saturday against Texas A&M Corpus Christi.

ACU’s edge in doubles was thin with the No. 1 and 3 team winning, 7-6 (4) and 7-5. The No. 2 doubles match featured junior Jackson Fine and senior Cole Lawson was left at 6-6.

Junior Nikolas Moceanu and freshman Riley Tran were first off the court, with their fourth-straight win, against Taylor and Lauer. At No. 1, the Sheehy brothers, Jonathan and Josh, triumphed in a tie breaker. This was the first doubles match to feature siblings since their March 13 win at Florida A&M. Moceanu says Tran and he have always made a good team.

“We can feed off of each other’s energy and I feel like that really helps us in big moments,” Monceanu said. “I was really happy with our performance.”

The Wildcats went 2-0 when sophomore Akinori Wada’s six-line win over Lauer and 3-1 lead after Josh Sheehy held off Antuna at the top position.

The final three matches were all decided in the third set. Tran scored the match-clinching point, for his 12th win of the season, battling No.5 to beat Taylor, 6-1,

3-6, 6-3. Freshman Dimitirs Azoides lost to Serafim, but Moceanu rallied from a set down to top Canal.

ACU men’s tennis won its 18th match of the spring season and fourth-straight against Southland Conference after Saturday’s win against the Islanders.

The Wildcats now need to win their last league match at home, this upcoming Friday, April 12th against last year’s defending champions, Incarnate Word, in order to take their second league regular-season title.

The Wildcats had to battle for the doubles point on Saturday. The sibling battle occured between the Sheehy brother upside the Kellermans, 7-5, and at No. 3 Moceanu and Tran pulled off a comeback to defeat Pedrosa and Frumholz, 7-5.

Josh and Jon Sheehy have won their last four doubles matches together improving their 6-4 record, while Moceanu and Tran own the team’s best of 7-1.

Going into singles, the Sheehys quickly won, giving a 3-0 lead, with back-to-back straight-set decisions at the top-two positions. Jon defeated Rodriques, 6-4, 6-1, while Josh beat Mottett, 6-4, 7-5 .

The Wildcats then dropped their next two points at No. 3 and 4, with Wada and Tran each bouncing back in their third set.

Wada held off Frumholz, 6-4, 3-6, 7-5, while Tran followed with a 6-1, 5-7, 6-2 win over Kellerman.

BASEBALL

Wildcats cruise past Falcons, 13-6 for third straight win BREVEN CAMPBELL SPORTS REPORTER

ACU baseball took on the University of Texas Permian Basin on Tuesday and earned another win at home, scoring 13 runs on five hits.

Each club on campus was able to set up under the bleachers of Crutcher Scott Field and get to know some of the freshmen who will be pledging in the fall. Freshmen were able to get a feel for the clubs on campus, and the tailgate was a way for students to get to stay for the game.

ACU got off to a rough start in the first inning.

Drew Hanson got the start, but Bryant Jordan came into the game to replace Hansen after giving up a three-run home run over the left field wall in the first inning.

ACU came back in the second inning, scoring most of its runs in this inning. ACU scored nine of its 13 runs in the second, and it was the Wildcats game from there.

After the impressive offensive performance in the second, ACU came onto the field and got out

“

“The win Tuesday was a good one because that means we are 1-0 on the week and our goal as a team is to finish the week 4-0.”

LUIS TREVINO REDSHIRT SENIOR CATCHER

of the inning 1-2-3 to get back into the batter’s box.

Dalton Dunn added to the Wildcats lead in the fourth inning with a tworun single to extend ACU’s lead, 11-3.

Cole McKay replaced Bryant in the fifth. Bryant had a scoreless three innings and had three strikeouts.

McKay came into the game and struck out the side.

After an efficient inning from McKay, Zach Smith came into the game in the sixth inning. Smith allowed three runs, but ACU got two runs back in the bottom half of the inning. The score after six innings is 13-5. UTPB earned one more run that made the final score 13-6.

“The win Tuesday was a good one because that means we are 1-0 on the week and our goal as a team is to finish the week 4-0,” Luis Trevino said. “The team is excited we have a chance in this week-

ends series against HBU to be 4-0 on the week, so that is exciting.”

Up next, the Wildcats will head south this weekend with a three-game series against Houston Baptist. That series will get started at 2 p.m as the Wildcats continue to battle it out for eighth spot in the conference, the last spot in the conference tournament.

Meanwhile, the Falcons head back home to Odessa for a threegame series against Texas A&M-Kingsville starting Friday at 2 p.m.

STANDINGS Softball Team

Ovrl.

Nicholls SHSU McNeese SLU Lamar SFA NSU UCA HBU TXAM-CC ACU UIW

23-16 20-19 20-22 22-16 19-22 24-16 19-19 21-20 15-17 7-32 9-23 4-30

Div. 12-3 11-4 11-4 10-5 10-5 9-6 9-6 7-8 4-11 3-12 2-13 2-13

Baseball Team

Ovrl.

SHSU TXAM-CC SLU SFA UIW NSU Nicholls UCA ACU McNeese UNO HBU Lamar

20-10 24-12 16-17 15-19 21-12 19-12 17-16 15-18 17-15 17-16 16-17 10-22 10-23

Div. 12-3 10-5 8-4 8-4 9-6 9-6 8-7 8-7 5-7 4-8 4-11 3-9 2-13

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Baseball

Trevino Redshirt senior catcher Luis Trevino has just come off another solid week in an impressive 2019 thus far. Last week, he was crowned Southland conference player of the week averaging .400 on the week with three home runs and eight RBI’s. This season, he has a .427 batting average which ranks eighth in the NCAA and 50 hits which is 17th in the nation.

Most recently Tuesday night, Trevino scored one run and finished with two RBI’s agaisnt Texas Permian-Basin. Now it’s off to Houston for Trevino and the Wildcats.

Baseball

ACU BASEBALL PREVIEW 2019 SEASON STATS

ABILENE CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY

6.2

RUNS PER GAME

6.5

RUNS ALLOWED PG

W3

CURRENT STREAK

9TH

CONFERENCE RANK

Chaney

4.9 6 W2 12TH

(17-15)

OWEN SIMPSON SPORTS DIRECTOR

MAX PRESTON SPORTS EDITOR

BREVEN CAMPBELL SPORTS REPORTER

HOUSTON BAPTIST UNIVERSITY (10-22)

RACHEL POE

SPORTS REPORTER

For most of the season, the Wildcats have been sitting around .500 on the season.

However, Luis Trevino is playing at a very high level this year batting .427 coming into the week which ranks 8th in the NCAA. Trevino also just won Southland Conference player of the week where he totalled three home runs and eight RBI’s. Looking over at Houston Baptist, the Huskies currently sit at 9-22 on the season and second to last in conference play.

They’ve also lost four out of their last f ive games coming into this series. ACU still sits just one spot out of the Southland Conference Tournament picture. With that being said, the Wildcats can’t afford to lose a series to a team like HBU. While they haven’t swept a conference foe yet this year, I feel like this is where they do so to get back into the tournament talk. Coming off a solid 13-6 win over UTPB and a nine-run second inning, the Wildcats are riding high coming into this series.

To this point in the season, ACU has earned as many conference victories as they ended with last year.

The Wildcats are beginning to improve under their new head coach Rick McCarty and will most likely start to compete as Div. I program. The team hit a bump last weekend against Incarnate Word, however, as they lost f irst baseman Koby Claborn to a knee injury. With Claborn out of the lineup, they surrender a hitter with the fourth most RBIs in the conference (31) and the 15th best average (.327).

They still have arguably the best hitter in the conference in Luis Trevino, though. His leadership will be enough to push the team past Houston Baptist this weekend. HBU has struggled to f ind success so far this season as they sit second to last in Southland.

The Huskies have won one conference series to Northwestern State this year and have a 3-9 league record. I don’t think the Wildcats have the pitching staff necessary to sweep, but ACU will look past being on the road this weekend and takes a series victory against HBU.

Just twelve games into conference play, ACU matched its win total f rom last year when it f inished 5-25. Going into the weekend, the team is 5-7 in conference and looking to improve above .500. Houston Baptist is just 3-9 in conference play, so ACU needs to take advantage of this weekend. Luis Trevino has been lighting the Southland on f ire with his bat. Trevino is hitting .427 batting average, has 50 hits and 10 homeruns on the year.

Those numbers are in the top 20 of the nation in each of those categories. He also has the 24th most RBI with 38. Trevino has not had a bad start to his f inal season as a Wildcat. Hopefully, Trevino can continue these numbers for the rest of the year. Other players are going to need to step up now with Koby Claborn missing some time due to a knee injury suffered last weekend against Incarnate Word.

ACU will take all three games in this series at Houston Baptist and come back with an 8-7 conference record.

Baseball has a busy schedule this weekend as they’re on the diamond four times. The baseball team will be tested as it faces Houston Baptist, their next conference competition.

The Wildcats have a record of 1615, 5-7 (Southland), ACU has a 5-10 lifetime record vs. the Huskies. The Wildcats had their last series win against HBU in 2015, at Houston.

HBU this conference season has swept Stephen F. Austin, took two of the three f rom Northwestern State, and lost the f irst two games at Corpus Christi, before they won the f inale 14-0. However with inf ielder Collin Chaney’s great game last week and with Luis Trevino, being ranked No. 8 in the NCAA, batting at a very high level this year and being named Southland Conference player of the week I believe that the Wildcats will be able to hit a victory against the Huskies this upcoming weekend in Houston.

WILDCATS WIN SERIES 3-0

WILDCATS WIN SERIES 2-1

WILDCATS WIN SERIES 3-0

WILDCATS WIN SERIES 3-0

Senior infielder Collin Chaney has been having some of his best games in his colegiate career recently. The senior only played in 16 games last season, but has found his place in the starting lineup earlier this week. Sunday against the Cardinals of Lamar, Chaney went 3-4 with a run and RBI. Then on Tuesday night, he batted in two runners and scored three times.

In his limited time at home plate this season, he’s averaging .455 on the season. If he keeps playing the way he is right now, expect him to stay in the starting lineup for the foreseeable future.

Softball

Burris Despite a tough past weekend for the Wildcats, freshaman pitcher Callie Burris pitched two solid games at the circle for ACU. Friday afternoon, Burris got the start against McNeese pitching six innings allowing only five hits and one earned run. Later on Saturday, she wrapped up the series for ACU pitching the entire game with three strikeouts and three runs allowed.

Up next, Burris and the Wildcats will hope to answer back when they take on Sam Houston State this weekend.