The Optimist Print Edition: 01/29/10

Optimist the

Vol. 98, No. 33

Order In the Court

PAGE 8 1 section, 8 pages

Friday, January 29, 2010

acuoptimist.com

BREAKING NEWS, VIDEOS, PHOTOS, DISCUSSION AND EXCLUSIVE CONTENT

All full-time students will begin the fall semester with an iPhone or iPod touch in their hands, as the Mobile Learning Initiative approaches

CRITICAL

MASS Taylor Edwards

Contributing Reporter Last week, Executive Vice President Dr. Phil Schubert announced ACU’s Mobile Learning Initiative would expand to include all full-time students.

“We’re getting ready to fully saturate the mobile devices throughout the university. All full-time students will have them by fall 2010. We’ve been anxious for a long time to get devices in every student’s hands,” said Kay Reeves, director of technology support services.

The Mobile Learning Strategies Team, of which Schubert is a member, meets weekly and has been working toward providing all students with handheld devices. The decision was finalized within the last two weeks.

Faculty members working on the project said the goal has always been to equip students with access to information through mobile technology on campus. They believe that in order to most fectively use the technology already in place, all students must be a part of the program.

“One of the things we’ve wanted to do from the beginning is see how a truly mobile university works, especially as we increase access for all the students,” said Dr. William Rankin, director of educational innovation. “They say that knowledge is power. We know that knowledge is about access, and by increasing access we’re really hoping to empower students in a new way to participate in their classes and to bring in content of their own.”

ef-

The Optimist and JMC Network will release a unique news application this spring, designed with the ACU community in mind.

ACU is the first university to commit to developing for the iPad. Those involved in the collaborative effort will seek out opportunities to learn from professional newspapers and magazines.

see iPHONE page 4

ACADEMICS

ADMINISTRATION

Festival to highlight research

Dean finalists named

Christianna Lewis

Managing Editor

their experiments with the microwave chemical reacContributing Reporter tor, undergraduate chemiKayla Pyper knows explo- cal researchers learned to sions in the microwave monitor the reaction presare always messy. But sure with care, said Pyper, when the microwave is senior chemistry major splattered with chemical from Chesterfield, Mich.

“There’s always stuff that reactants heated to 375 F, can go wrong.” Pyper said. cleanup is even trickier.

Pyper is one of three After a couple of eruptions at the beginning of chemistry students work-

ing under Dr. Gregory Powell, professor of chemistry, to use microwave technology to increase the speed and productivity of chemical reactions.

Powell said he wants to encourage more students to get involved in undergraduate research through his involvement in planning ACU’s second

Sondra Rodriguez

annual Undergraduate Research Festival.

Students from every department will be able to present their work on a display board or in a 12-minute presentation, Powell said. The posters will be displayed and judged in the Learning Commons

Candidates were announced this week for the deans of the Honors College and the College of Arts and Sciences.

Search committees selected three candidates for each position and will introduce the candidates within two months.

Dr. Jeanine Varner, for-

see RESEARCH page 4

STATE

Contributing Reporter Dark horse gubernatorial candidate Debra Medina recently canceled her ACU speaking engagement to take a better offer – Medina was invited to participate in the Belo Debate, an hour-long debate between the three Republican candidates.

The debate, which includes Governor Rick Perry and Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison will broadcast on KTXS Friday.

Aaron Escobedo, president of

the Young Republicans said many groups will meet to watch the debate.

The debate was originally scheduled to include only Hutchison and Perry, but Medina was added because of her jump to 12 percent in the Rassmussen poll, according to a statement by WFAA general manager Mike Devlin.

Escobedo, junior history education major from Lamesa, said the Young Republicans still plan to have Medina speak here in the upcoming months.

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“If we can’t get her before the election, I still want her to come speak,” Escobedo said. “She has a lot to say about politics, and I think people would really benefit from hearing her.”

With the primaries approaching, the ACU Political Alliance is offering early voter registration for students. With the possibility of a new governor, Escobedo said he believes it is essential for students to participate in the election. see MEDINA page 4

Inside Sat

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acuoptimist.com mer dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, accepted the position of provost in May 2009. contact Rodriguez at

sar06g@acu.edu

Shower the People

Medina visit to ACU canceled Ben Warton

See the names of the finalists for dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and dean of the Honors college.

KELSI WILLIAMSON Chief Photographer

Kendyl McEachran, freshman psychology major from Albuquerque, N.M., and Melissa Anderson, freshman history education major from Sugarland, make their way to Chapel through Thursday’s downpour.

Online

GUMMY VITAMINS may taste delicious, and they may be easy to consume, but should it take candyflavored vitamins for us to take care of ourselves?

Page 8

SWITCHFOOT WILL MAKE a stop in Abilene on the North American leg of its world tour. The alternative rock band will play in Abilene on Feb. 21.

Page 3

LOUDandCLEAR

PHOTO

Do you use artificial sweeteners? a. Yes, never leave home without ’em. b. No, I’d rather not have cancer. c. I’m sweet enough.

ACU Tennis

Visit acuoptimist.com to join the discussion.

2

Campus Day Friday, January 29, 2010

CALENDAR AND EVENTS

29

FRIDAY

11 a.m.

Praise Day with Kari Anderson 11:30 a.m.

The ACU Political Alliance will conduct new voter registration in the McGlothlin Campus Center

30

SATURDAY

6-8 p.m.

A Taste of Asia will take place in the McGlothlin Campus Center Living Room. The event costs $7.

8 p.m.

“The Masters” Abilene Philharmonic Classical Concert will take place at the Abilene Civic Center.

For more information, call 677-6710.

31

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy is now available to staff, faculty

and students through the Counseling Center.

For more information, call 674-2626.

9 p.m.

Nine O’clock, the weekly praise service, will take place at University Church of Christ at 9 p.m. Free drinks and snacks follow the service in the Family Room.

The Call, a student-led worship, will take place Wednesday nights in the McGlothlin Campus Center Living Room. All students are welcome to attend.

Students’ mobile application ideas can

be submitted at www. acu.edu/studentideas.

Students do not need to know how to create an app to submit an idea.

The 2010 Summit Student Art Contest is accepting submissions.

Interested students can submit original photography, artwork or drawings to summit@acu.edu

by Jan. 31.

The Optimist maintains this calendar for the ACU community to keep track of local social, academic and service opportunities. Groups may send announcements directly to optimist@jmcnetwork. com.

To ensure an item will appear on time, the announcement should be sent at least 10 days before. The Optimist may edit items for space and style.

Corrections and clarifications of published news articles will be printed in this space in a timely manner.

SUNDAY

Announcements The Abilene Christian University Jazz Concert will take place from 8-10 p.m on Feb. 2 in Cullen Auditorium. The free event will feature instrumentals by student jazz groups. For more information, go to www. abilenejazz.com or call 674-2044.

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Volunteer Opportunities Temperatures are expected to drop into the low 20s this weekend.

Students should be cautious of rain, snow and icy driving conditions.

The Abilene Kennel Club dog show will take place Saturday and Sunday at the Taylor County Expo Center. For more information, call 6774376.

The Abilene Empty Bowls Project, a community initiative to end local and global hunger, will take place 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Feb. 20 at Highland Church of Christ. For more information, call 673-5295.

The International Rescue Committee needs volunteers to set up apartments before refugees arrive. This includes shopping for household

supplies, assembling furniture and putting away kitchen and food items. All volunteers are required to attend an IRC volunteer orientation and must be available during weekday afternoons.

The Noah Project needs volunteers to cover the domestic violence crisis hotline between 6 and 10 p.m. Monday-Friday. For more information, call Yvonne Myers at 676-7107.

Campus News

January 29, 2010

ENTERTAINMENT

Switchfoot to perform at Abilene Civic Center

Photo courtesy of www.switchfoot.com The alternative Christian rock band, Switchfoot, will perform at the Abilene Civic Center on Feb. 21

Heather Leiphart Staff Photographer “Friends of the foot” can get their fix next month when Switchfoot performs at the Abilene Civic Center. Tickets are already on sale for the Feb. 21 concert, which will also feature Seabird.

The alternative rock band, composed of brothers Jon and Tim Foreman, Chad Butler, Jerome Fontamillas and Drew Shirley, formed more than a decade ago in San Diego. Switchfoot began in the Christian rock scene but broke into mainstream when four of their songs were included in the film A Walk to Remember in 2002.

Since then, the band has received worldwide recognition with top-10 Billboard hits, such as The Beautiful Letdown, Dare You To Move and Meant to Live. Switchfoot also has performed on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and The To-

night Show with Conan O’Brien with their single Mess of Me. Evan Umberger, junior management major from Garland, said the band is better in concert than they are on CD. “They are fantastic live.

I got to see them at the Nokia Theater in Grand Prairie a couple years ago, and the audience involvement is great,” he said.

“I love how their musical styles have progressed over their many albums.”

Live at the Park, a ministry of Beltway Park, was the driving force behind Switchfoot’s Abilene appearance.

“The goal and mission of Live at the Park is to affect the youth … and youthful at heart … of West Texas for the kingdom through the music of artists that are continuously striving to give him glory,” according to www. liveatthepark.org.

Keith Dodderer, promoter at Live at the Park,

created the ministry in 2003 to bring contemporary rock bands with a good message to Abilene.

Over the years, Live at the Park has brought several well-known artists to Abilene, including RED and Skillet on Dec. 21. The ministry also helps run events and performances.

Josh McQueen, an intern for Live at the Park, expects a good number of Abilene residents will be interested to hear Switchfoot perform.

“I think it’s comparable to Iron & Wine coming in; it’s just a big event with a band that’s on a national spotlight that Abilene doesn’t get to see as much,” he said.

McQueen created a fan page on Facebook for Live at the Park, which is constantly updated with upcoming concerts in Abilene.

contact Leiphart at

hal08a@acu.edu

Page 3

From Front

Page 4

January 29, 2010

MOBILE LEARNING

iPhone: Campus to reach full saturation by fall Continued from page 1 dents and professors have reported difficulties incorporating the devices into an academic setting – not because the technology is inadequate, but because not all students can participate.

“One of the biggest challenges in mobile learning has been in having classes where perhaps all but one student has an iPhone,” said Dr. Cheryl Bacon, chair of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication. “That really limited what we were able to do, and knowing

that we are going to have a saturation of the devices on the campus will make it possible for lots of other faculty to get involved in mobile learning.”

Students who did not receive an iPhone or iPod said it is difficult to be an active part of a mobile learning classroom without owning a mobile learning device.

“People ask students – especially in newer departments – to have an iPhone strategy in their curriculum when half of the students don’t have them. It doesn’t make any sense,” said Whitney Puckett, junior journalism and advertising/public re-

lations major from Palm Bay, Fla. “When a teacher tells me that the only way to participate in an activity is through a mobile device, it’s like, ‘Am I still a part of this class?’”

Puckett said though she has at times felt excluded from classroom activities, the inability to participate in class is the real problem.

“In some cases, [using my mobile device] is my extra credit for the class, and if I can’t use my laptop, then that creates a problem for me,” she said.

For upperclassmen who purchased devices for themselves, the differenc-

es in teaching and learning styles between classes with and without mobile learning are evident.

“I used my iPhone a lot in my lower-level classes, but now that I’m taking classes for my major, my professors can’t utilize them in classes because upperclassmen don’t have them,” said Bailey Brown, junior English major from Midland.

Next year, though, this lack of uniformity will not be a problem. Expanding the initiative will be yet another step forward in ACU’s vision of leading in academic mobile learning.

“This is something

ACADEMICS

that’s beginning to transform higher education, not just at ACU, but across academy,” said George Saltsman, executive director of the Adams Center for Teaching and Learning and director of educational technology.

Reeves said such a large expansion over a relatively short period of time will certainly present challenges, but the prospect of moving forward is more exciting than daunting.

“I can’t help but be thrilled. There’s a lot of work left to come, and if I had a few more answers, I’d be a little calmer,” he said. “But we did it once,

and we can do it again, and it’ll be worth it when every student has a learning device in his or her hands.”

Everyone involved in the project seems to share the same eagerness to turn the initiative, still in its pilot phase, into a fully implemented program.

“We’re on the very leading edge of this, and there’s a lot to be discovered and understood,” Saltsman said. “But things look very positive; we’re getting great results, Idon’t think that the future could look brighter.” contact Edwards at

optimist@jmcnetwork.com

STATE

Research: Faculty, students partner Medina: Campus visit put on hold Continued from page 1

April 7-9. Undergraduates will give their speeches April 12 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Hunter Welcome Center.

The first, second and third place winners of both categories will be awarded $150, $100 and $50 respectively at a banquet after the oral presentations. Dr. Kevin Gardner, a professor at the UT Southwestern Medical Center, will close the evening with a speech geared toward a general audience about advances in biophysics.

Presentation proposals must be submitted

by Feb. 15. While most of the projects have already

been completed, Dr. Powell said it isn’t too late for a student to approach a professor about conducting research. He hopes 100 students will present at the festival, in contrast to last year’s 65.

Marc Mace, senior mathematics major from Keller, said he was happy to see the diversity of experiments when he presented research at last year’s festival.

“The great thing about the festival is it doesn’t always deal with science, but also with psychology, sociology and other areas that you don’t necessarily associate with research,” Mace said.

The festival highlights the significant discoveries

made by undergraduates every year.

Powell’s team also opened new possibilities in the field of chemical and pharmaceutical production. The undergraduates have increased the yield of multiple reactions by as much as 70 percent over previous experiments. Their work has made feasible the production of a potential cancer therapy chemical.

After receiving first place at a statewide chemistry conference last fall for this research, Yoon Jung, junior biochemistry major from Busan, South Korea, said the research opportunities at ACU give it a competi-

tive edge against larger state schools.

“Undergraduate research really helps our school to be one of the best schools in Texas,” Jung said.

The prospect of undergraduate research was why Pyper decided to transfer to ACU. But, while she loves creating new chemicals and improving reaction techniques, she said the real benefit of popping osmium carbonyl into a microwave was a personal one.

“It was kind of a test for me to see if research was what I wanted to do with my life,” Pyper said. contact Lewis at

optimist@jmcnetwork.com

Continued from page 1 “With all that has been going on lately, this is a very important election,” Escobedo said. “We really need students to come out and let the youth’s voice be heard because we can have a strong impact on the outcome.”

Kendall McQueary, junior information technology major from Brownwood, agrees with Escobedo and wants to see more student involvement.

“A lot of college students don’t really pay much attention to the

elections,” McQueary said.

“The people we are voting for are dealing with issues that are very important to our lives, and if we vote we can decide who makes these decisions.”

Along with the Republican primary elections, the Democratic party will elect its candidate the same day. The list of Democratic candidates include Farouk Shami, Bill White, Felix Alvarado, Alma Aguado, Bill Dear, Clement E. Glenn and Star Locke.

contact Warton at

optimist@jmcnetwork.com

January 29, 2010

Arts

Page 5

Below: Sam Beam, otherwise known as indie/folk artist Iron & Wine, performed under the stars at the sold-out Paramount Theatre on Saturday.

Photo by KELSI WILLIAMSON, Chief Photographer Right: Many songs from the concert came from Beam’s popular album, The Shepherd’s Dog.

world famous beam abilene spends an evening with artist iron & wine

Lizzy Spano Arts Editor Hearing Sam Beam (Iron & Wine) sing feels a little like sitting on the back porch of a log cabin on a summer day as dusk falls, with a soft breeze blowing and a sweet thought dancing in and out of your head. And you’re probably in love. You also probably just finished a good book, and life feels satisfying and peaceful at that certain moment.

At least that’s what it felt like to me.

The simplicity of just a guitar and a man (with an incredible, unassuming voice) creates such a rich and pervasive sound it’s incomparable to any other musical performance. Combine that with the intimate atmosphere at the Paramount Theatre and the artist’s humble manner and easy humor, and you can believe you and Beam are good friends sitting on that porch together, watching the sun go down.

Beam opened with Sodom, South Georgia, an upbeat, yet simple tune from an older album, Our Endless Numbered Days. Despite the repeated and drawn-out phrase, “Papa died Sunday,” and lyrics that seem to reflect a somber theme, the song felt cheerful and homey. Even without the female background vocals that make the recorded version wonderful, leaving only Beam’s voice to carry the gentle cadence, this song became one of my new favorites – although I could say the same about almost every song he played in the short span of an hour.

Next was Woman King, a song that feels urgent and intense from the first note. With quick chords and an almost foreboding tone in the whispered lyrics, this song seemed to envelop the audience in its richness. Songs such as Upwards Over the Mountain reflected Beam’s recognizable guitar picking with high and low notes that ebbed and flowed, demonstrating the artist’s ability to weave sweet acoustic harmonies into hopeful ballads. The Sea and the Rhythm, another favorite for the imagery in its simple lyrics, deserves a mention as well.

Most of the audience was happy to hear Naked as We Came and Flightless Bird, American Mouth, two of Iron and Wine’s most well-known pieces.

In a sensual rendition of Boy with a Coin, Beam had the audience humming along, which created a cool sound unique from the clapping tempo of the fast-paced original. Beam also performed a “new” song, tentatively titled Mary Anne, which was happy, reminiscent and reflective.

What left me walking out of the theatre in a dreamlike state, however, was Beam’s encore song, The Trapeze Swinger. The guitar notes seemed to swell and echo after each other, and bold yet soft lyrics ensured we would all “remember” Iron & Wine, as he mentioned in this concluding song.

My only complaint is each song seemed noticeably shorter than the original. The effect was similar to the feeling of ordering an orange juice at Denny’s on a

morning you are particularly craving it and receiving a shot glass that barely quenches your thirst. Every song Beam perfomed was flawless, but we wished were allowed the pleasure of steeping ourselves in them for just a little while longer.

Despite this feeling, it was still one of the best concerts I have ever been to, and I’ve heard from many others who agreed. We all stumbled out of the Paramount with contented sighs on our lips, and Iron & Wine left Abilene a happier place. contact Spano at

eas07a@acu.edu

SNACKING WITH IRON & WINE Aside from the cake students baked for Sam Beam and presented to him at the Paramount, here’s a list of other snacks he requested during his stay in Abilene: n n n n n n n n n n n n n

KELSI WILLIAMSON Chief Photographer

Beam performed an entirely acoustic concert with a variety of songs from both his older and more recent albums.

2 Bottles of red wine – an Oregon pinot noir or a California cabernet 12 Bottles of local beer 6 Cans of Coca-Cola 12 Bottles of water 2 Bottles of Odwalla juice – orange and carrot 4 Bananas 1 Bag of tortilla chips Salsa Hummus 1 Veggie tray Pita bread 2 High-quality chocolate bars Hot water and mix of teas

Opinion

Page 6

EDITORIAL

January 29, 2010

IPad release offers new opportunities papers and magazines scrambling to maintain readership and meet their readers’ needs.

For these two reasons, the Optimist staff will design an iPad interface, in addition to its iPhone/iPod Touch interface and Web site.

We understand how efficient and convenient mobile devices can be, and we realize the profound impact they will continue to have on news delivery and consumption. Designing an iPad interface will ensure you, the student, can get the news you

ounce of his strength, but removing a screw without a screwdriver will be almost impossible.

The only thing we know about the iPad is that we don’t know its limits. We like that.

As technology challenges every aspect of traditional education, we believe the iPad could be one of the tools that allows ACU to lead the restructure and redefinition of technology’s role in education.

Mobile technology has rocked the journalism boat even more than education, leaving news-

Apple alone is not the answer.

Apple’s mobile tools can improve and expedite the exchange of information, but they can do nothing on their own.

Apple is a facilitator of creativity and collaboration, attributes the leaders of ACU’s Mobile Learning Initiative have clearly demonstrated.

Although the iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch are merely tools, a tool often determines whether our efforts end in success or failure. A carpenter may own the most expensive hammer and use every

want, the way you want it, whether it be on your computer, iPad, iPhone or iPod. It also will allow us to mirror the scenario every professional news agency is faced with: How can we use a new technology to enhance news coverage?

Soon, every student on campus will have an iPhone or iPod touch. More than 90 percent of incoming freshmen in the last two years brought a computer to campus.

Two years from now, every student will have a computer and a mobile device. Any organization

Mac-n- Tex

By Aaron Cavitt

THE ISSUE

On Wednesday, Apple introduced its newest mobile tool: the iPad.

OUR TAKE

The iPad will make an impact on news delivery and consumption, and the Optimist plans to design an interface specifically for the new technology. or medium that does not est news updates, phopublish online regularly tos and videos will be – and publish well – will waiting for you. struggle to survive.

When it comes to news that impacts your day-to-day life, don’t worry. When you pick up your iPad this year, Email the Optimist at: the Optimist and the latoptimist@jmcnetwork.com

COLUMN

Vitamins provide flavorful insight E–Span Lizzy Spano

COLUMN

Sister of the bride discovers true joy Little Linda Linda Bailey Anyone who has ever helped plan a wedding has most likely used the term “Bridezilla” to describe the demanding, emot i o n al and irrational attitude of the brideBailey to-be.

When my older sister accepted her boyfriend’s proposal this summer, I officially used the word for the first time. Don’t get me wrong. I love my sister and compared to other Bridezilla horror stories I’ve heard and seen on that reality TV show, I consider myself lucky. Still, my sister had some definite Bridezilla tendencies.

However, I noticed I made plenty of emotional mistakes myself.

Like most sisters of the bride, I experienced my fair share of bitterness and jealousy over

the six-month engagement. I always told people I was happy for them, which I was – I just left out the part about wishing I was the one getting all the attention.

I completed my duties as maid of honor as best I could. I threw a shower, recorded gifts in her wedding book, reassured her about all the wedding decisions she was making, and smiled as I told her how much I adored the bridesmaids’ dresses. I was not always happy inside, but I did my very best to act happy on the outside.

My jealousy hit an all-time high last week – the week of her wedding. She was married in Abilene so she and my parents stayed in town at my grandparents’ house the entire week to take care of the final details. Unfortunately, last week just happened to be one of the worst weeks of my academic career. At that point, I was less jealous of her wedding and more jealous of her happiness. I

I was walking down the hall of the church building the morning of her wedding, and an overwhelming feeling of happiness suddenly came over me. was trying to balance 13 hours of class, three jobs and friendships, while she was having the best week of her life planning the last details of her wedding with my mom and grandmother.

So, I was selfishly unexcited for her wedding until something unexpected happened.

I was walking down the hall of the church building the morning of her wedding, and an overwhelming feeling of happiness suddenly came over me. The realization of what this day meant for my sister filled my soul with joy. I no longer thought about the reading I had to complete or the article I had not yet polished.

I thought about my sister. I really thought

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 79699 E-mail letters to: optimist@acu.edu

about her and her fiance and how happy they would both soon be.

I thought about them being together forever, and I thought about finally having a brother.

Standing on stage, watching her and my dad walk down the aisle we had walked down as kids, pretending it was our wedding while we waited for our parents to quit talking and take us home from church, was a surreal and joyful experience. She was no longer a Bridezilla, and I was no longer jealous.

Instead, we were both happy and hopeful.

contact Bailey at

ljb07a@acu.edu

Optimist the

Published by the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication Newsroom (325) 674-2439

Sports Desk (325) 674-2684

I have a new obsession involving Gummi bears and vitamins. How might these two substances mix, you ask?

In the form of Gummi bear vitamins, of course.

I know Spano y o u r mind is blown – mine was too.

It’s not that I haven’t had my fair share of Flintstones vitamins as a kid or any other flavored multivitamins marketed to the undeveloped taste of children.

It’s the fact as soon as I bought them on a whim one day at the grocery store, I was instantly able to consume 100 percent of my recommended daily value of vitamins A, C, D, B and H just by popping two sugared candies in my mouth.

Now, don’t get too excited. Generally, we consume these vitamins throughout the course of a normal day by simply eating a variety of foods – which is why most adults choose supplements concentrated with the specific vitamins their body is lacking. However, aside from the delicious flavor and the misguided perception I am doing my body good by eating them, my Gummi bear vitamins have had one positive and, I hope, lasting effect on me.

I realized it took the masked flavor and the convenience of having everything I supposedly need wrapped up into one effortless piece of candy for me to make any proactive daily decision in the favor of my health. I will eat healthily when I remember to and run a couple of miles if I have the motivation. Making a con-

scious effort to take care of my body is something I rarely consider, however, amidst the other responsibilities and commitments that come with being a busy student in college.

We feed unbearably loud music directly to our eardrums through headphones. We wear flat shoes that will eventually cause joint or spine trauma as we age. We forgo a night of sleep in favor of spending time with friends or finishing a project. Ramen noodles and endless cups of coffee and energy drinks often replace healthy, wellbalanced meals.

Making a conscious effort to take care of my body is something I rarely consider.

Sometimes these decisions cannot be avoided, and sometimes we should enjoy guilty pleasures or wear those fashionable shoes without support just because we want to enjoy the freedom and possibilities in life. However, when I’m 60 years old and unable to be so lax about my health, I would think I at least did more to honor God’s temple than simply popping a child’s Gummi bear vitamin every day. Our nation is slowly slumping into the effortlessness of fast-food and all-in-one workout routines. We need to make more of an effort if we respect our bodies and would like to enjoy them in the future.

contact Spano at

eas07a@acu.edu

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From Sports

January 29, 2010

TENNIS

Page 7

TENNIS

Jones: Coach gunning Hopes: ’Cats return for 19th regional title talented senior players Continued from page 8

NCAA Regional championships with the two teams.

“We have had a winning tradition here,” Jones said.

“I would hate to leave here without a national championship. We are in the national picture every year; last year we were close with the girls. I think we will eventually get there.”

Not only is Jones a winner, but he is also consistent. In his coaching career, he has an overall record of 582-197, a .747 winning percentage.

“When he gets us on the court, he means business,” said player Natalie Friend, junior from Tulsa, Okla. “The cool thing about him is that he does the workouts with us.”

The newness of every season isn’t lost on the 14-year veteran.

“I get nervous before every season, even every practice,” he said.

“I’m intense about every single practice.”

Jones focuses on making his players better and bringing them closer to the Lord through tennis. He sees every tennis

match as a battle, and he likes to see his players rise above the adversity.

“He is not only a great coach,” Friend said. “He is inspirational. He lives by his faith in the Lord. He is a life example for all of us.

Although unconventional, Jones’ philosophy involved more than just tennis.

“Tennis is all about life lessons,” Jones said. “If we give honor to God in every match, winning and losing will take care of itself.” contact Gwin at

agg07a@acu.edu

Continued from page 8

Walker said. “I’ve been thrown in situations before, and I don’t really think about it. I just go out and play my best.”

The women’s team will have a lot to live up to next season, following its final four appearance in 2009; however, the men’s team will also be interesting to watch. The Wildcats lost several seniors last season,

I don’t like describing this as a rebuilding year.

HUTTON JONES Head Tennis Coach

but Head Coach Hutton Jones anticipates many young players will surprise fans.

“I don’t like describing this as a rebuilding year in the sense of only looking towards next season, but rebuilding where the seniors left and restoring the identity of the team,” Jones said.

Jones said he thinks once midseason hits and the team has a few matches under its belt, it will be a great season for the men’s team, as well.

contact Bartee at

skb09a@acu.edu

BASKETBALL

Tarleton: Stingy TSU defenses stifle Wildcats’ offense Continued from page 8

KELSI WILLIAMSON Chief Photographer

Guard Eddie Thompson fights for control of the ball in Wednesday’s loss to Tarleton State.

Thompson led all scorers in the game with 24 points.

had a couple of untimely turnovers, but for a freshman he’s playing well.”

The women’s team also faced a tough Tarleton defense. The Texanns outscored ACU 46-30 in the paint en route to a 7064 victory. The Wildcats and Texanns both shot more than 40 percent, but the Wildcats made only 46.2 percent of their free throws, while the Texanns were making 92.3 percent of their shots from the charity stripe. Overall, Head Coach Shawna

Lavender thought her team put in a good effort against a tough TSU team.

“I felt like we played fairly well the whole game; the thing that hurt us was giving up too many offensive rebounds,” Lavender said. “When it came down to the little hustle plays, Tarleton beat us to them.”

Kelsey Darby-Holson led all Wildcat scorers in the game with 17 points.

Jamie Meyer scored 16 points and collected nine rebounds. Jody Meyer also played well, scoring 8 points and collecting 10 boards.

Both squads will be back in action this Satur-

day at Moody Coliseum with games against Midwestern State. The women’s game will tip off at 2 p.m., and the men’s game will begin at 4 p.m. contact Craig at

jrc07d@acu.edu

Page 8

Standings MEN'S BASKETBALL Ovrl.

Div. Team Tarleton St. MSU Angelo St. ENMU WTAMU TAMU-K ACU

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

16-3 18-1 11-8 7-11 11-9 11-8 7-12

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Ovrl.

Team Div. WTAMU Tarleton St. TAMU-K ACU Angelo St. ENMU MSU

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

20-2 16-3 15-4 12-7 9-10 6-13 6-11

BASEBALL

Sports

January 29, 2010

Former Wildcat Vancil signs with Mariners Ryan Cantrell Assistant Sports Editor Former ACU pitcher Preston Vancil signed a minor league contract with the Seattle Mariners and has been invited to their minor league spring training camp.

Vancil posted a 3.54 ERA during his last season with the Wildcats and finished in the nation’s top 10 in strike-

outs with 108. He was only 5-6 on the season, but he still earned first team all-Region selection as voted by the American Baseball Coaches’ Association.

Vancil went on to play for the Florence Freedom in the West Division of the independent Frontier League. He was 6-4 in 11 starts and threw for a 3.26 ERA. He held opposing batters to

a .182 batting average.

He also threw the first no-hitter in franchise history when he shut out the Traverse City Beach Bums 5-0 on July 26.

Vancil graduated from ACU last spring with a degree in management. His family lives in Sacramento.

Contributing photographer RICHARD SCHISSLER

contact Cantrell at

Preston Vancil practices with the Wildcats'last spring

jrc07f@acu.edu

TENNIS

Jones leads youth movement Jones enters 14th season as Wildcat's longest tenured coach n

WEDNESDAY Women's Basketball ACU 64, Tarleton St. 70

Men's Basketball

Austin Gwin

ACU 63, Tarleton St. 83

Assistant Sports Editor HOME GAMES LISTED IN ITALICS

Upcoming FRIDAY Track and Field ACU at Lobo Challenge

SATURDAY Women's Basketball ACU vs. Midwestern St., 2 p.m.

Men's Basketball ACU vs. Midwestern St., 4 p.m.

MONDAY Women's Tennis ACU vs. Lee College., 9 a.m.

Women's Tennis ACU at Sam Houston St., 4 p.m.

HOME GAMES LISTED IN ITALICS

Briefs n The Wildcat softball team is predicted to finish second in the Lone Star Conference this season.

They are also ranked No. 17 in the nation, tops in the conference. n The Wildcat baseball team is projected to finish first in the LSC.

Player Profile JACQUE GREGOIRE Jacque G re g o i re leads one of the best softball pitching staffs in the Lone Gregoire Star Conference. As a sophomore she compiled a 22-6 record while striking out 130 batters. She was named all-State during her junior and senior years at New Braunfels High School.

She was also a Texas Girls Coaches Association allstar in high school. Her two older sisters are ACU alumni.

HEATHER LEIPHART Staff Photographer

In his 14th season as the men’s and women’s tennis head coach, Hutton Jones is the longest tenured head coach at ACU Jones’ career has been studded with Coach of the Year awards, Lone Star Conference championships and successful seasons. Before coaching, he played tennis at ACU from 1978-81, serving as the men’s team captain his senior season.

“I get up every day obsessed with getting better that day,” Jones said. “I’m always focused on working hard and doing the right things each and every week.”

His philosophy has worked. Jones has produced nine LSC championships with the women’s team and seven more with the men’s. Those 16 LSC championships are almost as big as his 18 see JONES page 7

Head tennis coach Hutton Jones trains his teams during practice Tuesday. Jones is ACU's longest serving coach.

Infusion of young talent is highlight of tennis team rosters Sam Bartee Sports Reporter The spring season of Wildcat tennis begins next week when the women’s team scrimmages Monday and Tuesday.

The women’s team will compete in separate events next week, including matches with Division I-AA opponents Stephen F. Aus-

tin and Sam Houston State. The Wildcats have a lot to live up to this season after a great season last year.

However, the Wildcats are undergoing a youth movement this season, with three freshmen on the team.

The top positions on the women’s team are likely to be filled by returning stars Jaclyn

Walker and Dina Pavlin. The duo finished third in the nation last season in women’s doubles, but they don’t expect increased pressure as a result of last season’s success.

“There’s no real pressure on me, and even if there was, I play well under pressure,” HEATHER LEIPHART Staff Photographer

see HOPES page 7

Eldad Campbell returns a serve during practice Tuesday.

BASKETBALL

Wildcats drop both games at Tarleton State Jeff Craig Sports Editor

KELSI WILLIAMSON Chief Photographer

Point guard Kat Kundmueller reaches for a loose ball in the Wildcats' 70-64 loss to Tarleton State on Wednesday.

The men’s and women’s basketball teams traveled to Stephenville hoping to make a statement against two powerful Tarleton State teams. Instead, the Wildcats headed back to Abilene with more questions than answers.

The first-place Texans outmatched the men’s team; the Wildcats shot just 38 percent in an 83-63 loss. The Wildcats dropped to 7-12 on the season and have yet to win a Lone Star Conference game this season.

The Texans, on the other hand, appear to be taking command in the LSC South. Tarleton’s record is 16-3, with a perfect 4-0 mark in conference play.

“Our struggles have a little bit to do with us having some guys out,” said Head Coach Jason Copeland. “Tarleton came out, played well; take nothing away from them, but a lot of it has a lot to do with our mistakes."

Tarleton State entered the game with the No. 3 defense in the nation, which proved not to be a fluke, as only two Wildcats scored in double fig-

ures. The ’Cats shot only 28 percent from the field in the first half, allowing Tarleton to take a commanding 43-21 lead at halftime.

The Wildcats’ leading scorer, Eddie Thompson, had a good night, scoring 24 points. Freshman Dosh Simms also had another solid game, scoring 7 points and grabbing eight rebounds.

“Eddie played a really good second half; we have to get that performance out of him early,” Copeland said. “Dosh Simms see TARLETON page 7