The Optimist - 03.22.13

Arts Page 5

Film Festivities vol. 101, no. 45

friday, march 22, 2013

1 SECTION, 8 PAGES

Six entries to compete in annual moviemaking event

INSIDE OPINION Violent video games, in moderation, don’t cause violent crimes

Page 4

NEWS Family, faculty to start endowment in honor of late professor Page 3

NEWS Local priest reacts to election of pope Page 3

SPORTS

SINGLE FILE Adrian patenaude stafF Photographer Students file in to Cullen auditorium for the Global Poverty Project chapel forum.

Thrower’s long journey takes him from Oklahoma State to ACU Page 6

SPORTS Football team begins first spring training practice Page 6

SPORTS Women’s basketball team ends LSC career with conference title Page 6

ONLINE NEWS Comet ISON could be visible at end of the year acuoptimist.com

NEWS Social justice groups to create seventh annual Justice Week on campus acuoptimist.com

VIDEO Watch the JMC Network’s weekly newscast

acuoptimist.com

PHOTOS Check our Flickr for more shots from this week

campus

SAA to put on carnival, concert josh garcia managing editor

The Student Alumni Association will be reigning in spring today with a carnival We have some solid and concert. performers from previous Campus will play host to SpringFest, an event years as well as some similar to JamFest in the promising new groups.” fall. SpringFest is being financed by SAA along with zack morgan the Student’s Association. saa president Admission will be free. Zack Morgan, SAA president, said SpringFest is an enjoyable opportunity for stu- plenty to do in a fun envidents. ronment.”

“SpringFest is a fun, see concert page 3 laid-back time for people to

“

Res halls name student RAs, ADs jocelyn nederhoff student reporter This week, 75 students received news they will be part of next year’s Residence Life staff after a competitive application process involving 200 applicants.

A larger number of applicants applied this year than ever before.

“The growing interest is due to our students having really meaningful experiences with their RAs [resident assistants] and dorm communities,” said Shannon Kaczmarek, assistant

Marissa Jones, our Oxford correspondent, details her latest experiences abroad theoxfordcommablog. wordpress.com

director for Residence Life and area coordinator for McDonald and Nelson Halls. “Applicants desire to give that same experience to incoming students through a position in ResLife.”

Maria Morrell, RA in Nelson Hall and junior nursing major from Bryan, became a part of ResLife for this reason.

“I applied because of the great experience I had with my RA freshman year,” Morrell said. “She helped me while I adjusted to college life and living in a dorm. I wanted to be that kind of support for anoth-

er group of girls.”

Carly McClung, assistant director of Morris Hall and senior nutrition major from Grants Pass, Ore., applied in past years to impact incoming students.

“While the process is highly competitive, I applied the past three years because it is the most influential way I can impact younger ACU students,” McClung said.

Rebekah Perry, RA in Nelson Hall and junior youth and family and missions major from San Antonio, applied for the community ResLife offers.

“I applied and reapplied

because ResLife gives me the opportunity to foster community on the hall,” Perry said. “I also love working with an incredible staff of women who desire to make the dorms a safe and welcoming place.”

All applicants were informed via email on Wednesday of the final staffing decisions. New staff members will fill 60 RA positions and 15 assistant director positions.

Of those 75 open positions, returning staff members filled 40. This left the remaining 160 first-time applicants vying for 35 spots.

While not every applicant could be hired, ResLife aimed to be sensitive to all who are involved.

“We do our very best to be sensitive to those who don’t get positions and do our best to honor those who do,” Kaczmarek said.

“The leadership in our department truly seeks to find people jobs that fit their talents, and the staff members coming in are each incredible leaders.”

contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu

students’ association

SA to conduct elections for officers josh garcia

OXFORD

optimist file photo The Dogwoods perform in SpringFest last year. They will take the stage at 8:30 Saturday evening.

reslife

managing editor

flickr.com/acuoptimist

come and enjoy the changing weather, entertainment and Cajun Cones,” said Morgan, senior biology major from Keller. “There is

The Students’ Association is seeking a new executive president, vice president and treasurer for the next school year.

The term period for these positions will be complete at the end of the semester. They are currently respectively occupied by Rebecca Dial, Dylan Benac and Joseph Austin. Dial and Austin will graduate this May. Congress reviewed and passed the 2013 Election

“

Think about the people who will be effective and go after them. Persuade them about the value of leading the campus through roles of SA leadership.”

Dr. jeff arrington SA adviser

Rules and Procedures for Executive Officer Elections in its meeting on Wednesday, which outlined the standards candidates must adhere to. Austin and Nick Tatum, who is not an SA member, will be leading the Election Chair. Tatum,

senior family studies major from Plano, also served in the same role last year.

“He’s a really stand-up guy,” said Austin, senior accounting and pre-law major from Houston. “He’s really involved with Students’ Association and knows a lot

Abilene Christian University

about the services it provides.”

Dr. Jeff Arrington, SA adviser, asked Congress to encourage students to run.

“Think about the people who will be effective and go after them,” said Arrington, associate vice president for student life. “Persuade them about the value of leading the campus through roles of SA leadership.”

SA will conduct an interest meeting for these positions on Tuesday at 5 p.m. in the SA office. The term for each is per school year and has a salary of $4,320.

Candidates for treasurer

and vice president must be juniors next fall; candidates for president must be seniors next fall.

Congress also wrapped up this semester’s conference requests Wednesday by splitting the remaining $848 between four student groups. The conference request fund is a line item in the congressional budget for students taking trips this semester. Though the fund was $6,500, SA had over $48,000 in requests.

The Student Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics see SA page 3

2

friday 3.22.13

22

23

friday

24

saturday

25

sunday

monday

All Day - Eucharist and Ecclesiology

All Day - Track at Bobby Lane Invitational

9 a.m. Women’s and Men’s Tennis St. Mary’s

11:30 a.m. The “Hot Seat” 83rd Legislative Session

12 p.m. Eucharist and Ecclesiology

1 p.m. Baseball at Texas A&M Kingsville

9 a.m. Women’s Tennis vs UTEP

7 p.m. Baseball at Texas A&M Kingsville

1 p.m. Softball vs Tarleton

7:30 p.m. Keeli Swim/ Clint Perdue junior recital

59 40 @acuoptimist The Optimist

3 p.m. Men’s Tennis at San Antonio

1 p.m. Baseball at Texas A&M Kingsville

7 p.m. Young Professionals Empowerment Banquet

Chapel checkup

2 p.m. Women’s Tennis at San Antonio

10 a.m. Baseball at Texas A&M Kingsville

6 p.m. Softball vs Tarleton

All Day - Golf - UALR/ First Tee Classic

3 p.m. Men’s Tennis at Austin vs University of Texas

Announcements Abstract submission for the Undergraduate Research Festival is now open. The 5th annual ACU Undergraduate Research Festival will be Apr. 4-5. To submit your abstract or get abstract writing tips and information on the review of abstracts go to the Research Festival Blog at blogs.acu.edu/researchfest.

The ACU Career Center is now on Pinterest. Go to pinterest.com/acucareercenter to begin following the boards from the ACU Career Center Pinterest today.

A student body officer interest meeting will be held March 26 at 5 p.m. in the SA office. Students interested in running for student body president, vice-president or treasurer should attend.

The Greatest Idea Challenge.

Videos must be shorter than three minutes explaining why your idea is the best. The top video submission will advance on in the competition.

Cash prizes will be given out.

Women for ACU are offering a scholarship of $2,000 to men and women who have sophomore or higher status.

The application is due March 22. For more information visit acu.edu/WACUscholarship.

SA is accepting entries to

This semester’s graduation fair is March 25 from 12 p.m.6 p.m. and March 26 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. in the campus store. Caps and gowns, official graduation announcements and official ACU rings can all be ordered here.

Lost & Found, ACU’s annual film festival, is March 22. For more information or questions email filmfest@acu.edu.

The Hot Seat at ACU will be in the Hunter Welcome Center from 11:30 a.m. -1 p.m. for a conversation series about the 83rd legislative session.

A light lunch will be provided.

Reserve your seat at texastribune.org/events.

optimist@acu.edu Police Log Police log 3/12/2013 12:49 p.m.

Officers responded to a fire alarm on the 3rd floor of Brown Library. It was determined to be an accidental pull of the alarm.

3/13/2013 12:05 a.m.

ACUPD officers responded to a burglar alarm at UCC, assisted church personnel check the facility. It was determined to be an alarm set malfunction.

3/14/2013 12:25 a.m.

Officers spoke to a citizen about neighbors dogs barking. The matter was referred to City of Abilene Animal Control.

3/14/2013 10:27 a.m.

ACUPD responded to a report of a stalled vehicle. Officers found both occupants of the vehicle to be intoxicated, one to be in possession of marijuana. Both subjects were arrested and transported to Taylor County Jail.

Weekly Stats for week of March 10-March 20 3/18/2013 7:00 a.m.

WFF employees reported seeing a suspicious male walking around campus buildings acting suspicious. Officers were unable to locate the person, but all facilities were checked and found to be secure.

3/18/2013 ACUPD assisted APD with multiple reports of vehicles being burglarized overnight on off-campus side streets and residential driveways. A total of 7 reports were taken

by ACUPD and several taken by APD.

Police Tip of the Week: Multiple car burglaries occurred around campus this past weekend. Most vehicles targeted were unlocked.

Don’t be an easy target! Remember to always lock your car and remove or hide valuables.

911 call Accident Administrative activity Alarm Assist Attempt to locate

Building lock/unlock Check building Criminal mischief Disturbance Domestic disturbance Drug activity/offense Escort Event support Foot patrol Found property Hit and run Incident report Information report Investigation follow up Lost property Maintenance: University assets Medical Emergency

1 Monitor facility/lot 1 Motorist assist: 15

Inflate tire 5 Jumpstart 5 Other

1 Unlock 10 Noise violation 103 Other 1 Parking lot patrol 2 Patrol vehicle: 1

Maintenance 1

Refuel 8 Prowler 1 Random patrol 8 Reckless driving 2 Report writing 1 Sex offense 1 Special assignment 2 Suspicious activity 1 Suspicious person 1 Theft (non vehicle) 3 Traffic stop 1 Unauthorized motor vehicle use

9

3 7 1 9 5 6 6 6 7 1 8 1 7 1 1 2 2 2 1 1

Total Events: 241

Volunteer Opp0rtunities The Center for International Education is looking for conversation partners for international students to practice English, conversations and cultural learning.

Partners meet for one hour each week at a time and place determined by the partners. For more information contact Laura McGregor at 325-674-2821 or laura. mcgregor@acu.edu.

St. John’s Episcopal School is seeking volunteers to paint metal playground equipment anytime MondayFriday after 3 p.m. and Saturday anytime. For more information contact Rebecca McMillon at 325-695-8870 or flores@stjohnsabilene.org.

Center for Contemporary Arts needs a gallery assistant to greet patrons, answer phones and answer basic questions about the Center and its programs. This opportunity is open Tuesday-Friday. The Center for Contemporary Arts is located at 220 Cypress Street. For more informa tion contact Jessica Dulle at 325-6778389 or visit: http://www.center-arts.com/.

Rescue the Animals is seeking volunteers to take pictures and videos in preparation for the launching of their new website as well as maintenance of the site after the launch. This opportunity is open Monday, Tuesday, Thurs-

day and Friday from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. For more information contact Kathy Walker at 325-677-7722 or rescuetheanimalsvolunteers@yahoo.com.

The National Center For Children’s Illustrated Literature is looking for volunteers to greet patrons, assist with art activities, sell books and make visitors feel welcome. Help is also needed for special events like Artwalk and exhibit openings. The NCCIL is located at 102 Cedar St. For more information on times and dates contact Debby Lillick at 325-673-4586 or visit: http://www.nccil.org/index.htm.

The Christian Ministries of Abilene: Food Pantry is searching for volunteers to greet and interview neighbors, do computer entries, shop with neighbors, take groceries to vehicles, bag, stock and pick up orders on Mondays and Fridays from 9:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. and 1 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. and on Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

The Food Pantry is located at 701 Walnut St. For more information contact Becky Almanza at 325-673-1234 or cmapantry@aol.com.

The Christian Service Center is seeking volunteers to help assist with filling requests for items such as clothing, bedding, kitchen utensils, etc. from the donation center, sort and organize donations and occasionally pick-up donated items. Volunteers are needed every weekday and the first Saturday of each month between 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. For more information contact Roberta Brown at 325-673-7561 or at robertabrown51@ hotmail.com. For more information on the program visit: http://www.uccabilene.org/ministries/csc.htm.

The Food Bank of West Central Texas needs volunteers to help sort and stock food and other items any weekday Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. The Food Bank is located at 5505 N. 1st St. For more information contact Janice Serrault at 325-695-6311 or abfoodbk@camalott. com.

Meals on Wheels Plus needs volunteer drivers to deliver afternoon meals to seniors and adults with disabilities Monday-Friday between 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Drivers must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license.

Training is provided. For more information contact Samantha Barker at 352-672-5050 or visit: http://mealsonwheelsplus.com.

The Salvation Army is looking for volunteers for a variety of needs including sorting and pricing items in the thrift store, helping in the kitchen and/or doing yard work. Times are flexible. Volunteers are needed throughout the week Monday-Saturday. The Salvation Army is located at 1726 Butternut St. For more information contact J.D. Alonzo at 325-677-1408 or visit: www.satruck.com.

The House That Kerry Built is looking for volunteers to assist in the day care of medically fragile children any day Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. or 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. Contact Keith Loftin at 325-672-6061.

The International Rescue Committee is seeking volunteers to work with refugees who recently moved to the U.S., teaching English, helping with homework and mentoring. Contact Susanna Lubango to make an appointment at 325-675-5643.

The Covenant Place of Abilene is seeking volunteers to lead singing and/or play piano for residents. For more information contact Ann Erwin at 325-793-1144.

University Place is seeking volunteers to help with the resident birthday party for residents the third Wednesday of each month at 2:30 p.m. For more information contact Linda Tijerina at 325-676-9946.

For additional volunteer opportunities visit: www.acu. edu/campusoffices/ccsl/ministry-service/volunteeropportunities/

3

news

Friday 03.22.13

students’ association

SA: Conference request fund dries continued from page 1

curtis Christian staff Photographer

Chase Inman, senior elementary education major from Georgetown, speaks with a representative at the Teacher’s Job Fair in the Abilene Civic Center.

was granted $400 of its requested $10,542 for its mission trip to La Esparanza, Honduras on May 20-26.

ACU College Republicans was granted $100 of its requested $212 for the State College Republican Executive Committee State Convention in Austin on April 20.

The National Student Speech-Language and Hearing Association was granted $348 of its requested reimbursement of $2,450 for the Texas Speech and Hearing Association Convention in Dallas on March 7-9.

Because it provided no

scholarships

Friends, faculty support Jinkerson endowment megan robinson student reporter The ACU College of Business faculty is working with the Jinkerson family to create the Darryl and Cindy Jinkerson Study Abroad Endowment.

Dr. Phil Vardiman, associate professor of management in the College of Business, approached the Jinkerson family with the idea to start a study abroad scholarship in Dr. Darryl Jinkerson’s honor.

Jinkerson died on October 12, 2012 of a heart attack.

Vardiman traveled with Jinkerson on COBA study abroad trips to England, Honduras, and China.

“We’ve been good friends for 10 years, so when he passed away, I just knew he had a passion for study abroad,” Vardiman said. “I thought, what a great way to recognize his contributions and help students.”

Vardiman has teamed up with COBA recruiter and marketing manager M.C. Jennings, professor of finance Dr. Terry Pope, assistant professor of marketing Jennifer Golden as well as the interim director of the Center for International Education Stephen Shewmaker. Vardiman has also teamed up with Jinkerson’s daughters Rachel Goodman (11) and Amanda Carpenter, a senior elementary education major from Abilene.

“My hope is that it will continue his legacy and help students do something they might not have experienced,” Vardiman said.

“He believed in doing things good. He wanted things to be done really well: he would call it ‘top shelf.’”

By Dec. 2013, the goal is to have $30,000 in the endowment fund. Right now, $15,000 has been raised. This year’s Sing Song winners do-

nated a portion of their winning money to the Jinkerson Study Abroad Endowment.

“We really want to turn around and help students in the future,” Goodman said.

“Our goal is to have enough money raised to give out a scholarship next year.”

To meet this goal, the inaugural Jinkerson Scholarship Scramble, an 18-hole golf tournament will take place April 19 at the Abilene Country Club. Tee-off is at 8:30 a.m. Students and nonstudents can register online and pay the registration fee the morning of the tournament. This fee includes breakfast, lunch, the green fee, range balls, and a golf cart.

“Golf was dad’s favorite,” Carpenter said. “I think he would be excited about it.”

There are opportunities for students to volunteer by keeping score or handing out water at the tournament.

local

Priest reacts to pope gabi powell features editor After the historic resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, the inaugaration of Pope Francis paving the way for change in the Catholic church, around the world and in Abilene.

This past Tuesday, St. Peter’s Square in Rome was crowded with thousands of witnesses to the Catholic Church’s inaguration of its first Latin American pointiff, Pope Frances, previously known as Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio from Argentina.

“I think the change is all positive,” said Sacred Heart Catholic Church’s Father Bush. “He looks like he’s a good man.”

Father Bush said he did not know much about the newly elected pope aside from what has been published in the papers, but

Pope Francis’ younger age and South American nationality will set him apart from his Pope predecessor.

“He will be the first nonEuropean elected to the position for the past 1,300 years,” Bush said. “It will certainly bolster the perception of the church with regard to the fact he’s from South America rather than Europe.”

Though not even a week into his inaugural week, Francis has already made an impression as a pope concerned about the well-being of the poor. His chosen name of “Francis” without numerals following was Pope Francis’ intention of honoring St. Francis of Assisi, an advocate for those in poverty.The Pope’s principle was exhibited at his ordaining ceremony Tuesday, where instead of donning a solid gold symbolic Fisherman’s Ring like that of popes before, Francis had

his made of gold-plated silver, demonstrating a desire for simplicity.

The impact on the Abilene Catholic community of the newly appointed pope is hard to measure at this point, Father Bush said,

“

He will be the first nonEuropean elected to the position for the past 1,300 years.”

Father Bush sacred heart catholic church

though he brings a new perspective and opinion that is sure to make an impact on the 1.2 billion members of the worldwide Catholic church. contact powell at gmp10b@acu.edu

campus

Concert: New, veteran groups to perform The concert, to occur next to Faubus Fountain The carnival, to be located Lake, will begin at 6 p.m. and on the south-side lawn of continue until 10:30. The the Hunter Welcome Cen- concert will feature eleven ter, will begin this afternoon at 4 p.m. and conI’m very excited about the tinue until 7. Features will groups that we have for include a mechanical bull; a petting zoo; a faculty dunk the concert this year.” tank; Cajun Cones served in glow-in-the-dark cups; hamburgers, hot dogs and zack morgan senior biology major popcorn; and student-run from keller booths and games. continued from page 1

“

bands, all of which are composed of current of former or current ACU students.

“I’m very excited about the groups that we have for the concert this year,” Morgan said. “We have some solid performers from previous years as well as some promising new groups.” contact garcia at jtg10b@acu.edu

The following groups will be performing during the concert Micah Bynum 6 p.m.

Kaleigh and Matt 7:15 p.m.

Clayton Stewart 9 p.m.

Mighty Kong 6:15 p.m.

Parabe Records 7:37 p.m.

Sunset at Ivry 9:30 p.m.

No Face 6:32 p.m.

R.E.D. College 8:02 p.m.

Jane & The Gentlemen 10:10 p.m.

Super Silly Schubert Squad 6:50 p.m.

The Dogwoods 8:30 p.m.

“It’s supposed to be a fun day,” Goodman said. “We just want everyone to come out and hang out. You don’t have to play golf to come.”

Jinkerson made a lasting impression on the ACU community.

“I think what makes me really happy is when I see the response that people have to this,” Goodman said.

“We miss our dad every day, but when we see that other people miss him and want to honor his memory and loved him so much, that just brings me joy.”

For more information about the Jinkerson Scholarship Scramble or to donate money to the Cindy and Darryl Jinkerson Study Abroad Endowment, go to www.acu. edu/coba/scramble.

contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu

detailed budget and had no present members, an argumentative and divided Congress granted the Fellowship of Christian Athletes none of its requested $575 for the National Collegiate Camp in St. Joseph, Mo., on May 24-27.

Students’ Association meetings are conducted Wednesdays at 5:15 p.m. in the Onstead-Packer Biblical Studies Building Room 114. Meetings are open to the public and anyone interested is welcome to attend.

contact garcia at jtg10b@acu.edu

Several representatives were absent in the meeting on Wednesday Spenser Lynn senior class president Bo Braddock junior class treasurer Colton McCoy sophomore class vice president Kaitlyn Tuiasosopo Gardner Hall representative Emily O’Rear Sherrod representative Stevon Carr COBA representative

Opinion

Friday 03.22.13

4

Editorial

Video games not the root of violent crimes the issue Many point to violent video games as a root cause for violent crimes.

our take There is not necessarily a link between violence in video games and real life.

Many of the top selling video games in recent years share one prominent aspect in common: violence.

Multiple Assassin’s Creed, Halo and Call of Duty (among other) games flood the gaming stores and many young people’s consoles. These games primarily focus on killing characters, most of which portray

humans.

Many point to frequent use of the violent games as a possible main reason why some people commit realworld violence. Game advocates defend the games as outlets for aggression, among other things.

The Entertainment Software Association, an organization dedicated to the

public affairs and business of companies that produce computer and video games, has published some research that refutes the implication that violent video games directly cause users to commit violent crimes.

Numerous authorities, including the U.S. Supreme Court and the Federal Trade Commission, found no casual link between media content and real-life violence.

In Brown v. EMA/ESA, the Supreme Court struck down a California law created in 2005 that banned the sale of some video

games to children. The law, But the facts proved that introduced by California link wasn’t as concrete as state senator Leland Yee, the state had thought. In the majority opinion, jusMany point to frequent tice Antonin Scalia said, use of the violent games “Psychological studies purporting to show a connecas a possible main reason tion between exposure to why some people commit violent video games and harmful effects on children real world violence.” do not prove that such exposure causes minors to act aggressively.”

According to a Washington Post research story, a comparison between 10 countries, including the was intended to end a sup- U.S., suggests little to no posed connection between relationship between video violent games and aggres- games and gun murders. sive behavior in children. The U.S. has much higher

“

gun-related murders than the other nine countries, which included Canada, China, Germany and Australia, but the U.S.’s video game spending per capita was lower the most of the other countries.

Playing these games in moderation is not a main cause of aggression or violence in the real world.

When used too much, they can desensitize and negatively affect users, but they don’t create violent crimes in the real world. contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu

EVAN’s marks

guest column

evan marks

LA Spring Break Campaign joins the dream team

By Joseph Austin, Students’ Association treasurer This past spring break Mireya Reyes and I led a group of nine people to Los Angeles to work with the Dream Center. The Dream Center is a volunteer driven organization filling the needs of more than 50,000 people every month. The Dream Center does it all from mobile hunger relief, medical programs, residential rehabilitation programs to a shelter for victims of human trafficking. Our team was able to put on a kids’ camp in Compton and feed hundreds of homeless on Skid Row near downtown Los Angeles.

One of the great things

“

I saw the pain in their eyes and the hope for healing and reconciliation they were seeking.”

as well was their discipleship program, which is a yearlong program that gives men and women the opportunity to get help in a number of ways, many for drug addictions.

This program caught my attention for a number of reasons. One of which was the sheer number of people in the discipleship program. There were more than 200 men and women who were giving up their lives voluntarily to be a part of these programs. Another reason is that my dad got clean from drugs in a similar

program in Los Angeles nearly two years ago.

When I saw the disciples I saw my dad. I saw the pain in their eyes and the hope for healing and reconciliation they were seeking. I knew a lot of them didn’t have anywhere to go, because my dad didn’t.

One day, I was able to share my testimony to a small group of the disciples and what an amazing audience I had. When I told my story, I was able to tell what it was like having a father addicted to cocaine, breaking a family apart and what the consequences were of his actions, but a testimony never has an end.

It’s always going somewhere. God is always doing something. I was then able to tell them all about my dad getting clean in Los Angeles and putting drugs and addiction behind and letting grace and love drown his past.

I was able to share that hope and reconciliation is possible, and God has shown me that in more ways than one.

Today, my dad works at Impact Church of Christ and is a part of the recovery home where he mentors those going through situations that were all too common to him. My prayer for all of the people we met and the experiences we shared was not for them to remember the name Joseph or Genna or Gao, but the name Jesus.

contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu

hashtagACU 11:39 a.m. Mar. 21

High of 85 today. Come Lord Jesus.

@elihoover

10:57 a.m. Mar. 21

Note to self....chapel swiper doesn’t accept Bank of America

@connor_dale

column

Pope pledges papacy of poverty CROOK IN THE GUT JOSHUA GARCIA

The Roman Catholic Church has a new spiritual leader.

During spring break, Jorge Mario Bergoglio ascended to the papal throne after a vote from his peers.

As a member of the “conclave,” the session that led to the election of the new pope, Bergoglio was a cardinal (though he didn’t have to be, as I incorrectly reported in my previous column on this subject). The American media hyped the possibility of the next pope being from Ghana or even America, but Bergoglio is breaking all kinds of history on his own.

He is the first non-European pope since the Apostle Pe-

ter; he hails from Buenos Aires, Argentina. He is the first pope to be a Jesuit, an intellectual religious order within the Catholic Church.

Even his papal name is significant and symbolic—no other pope has chosen to name himself after St. Francis.

St. Francis of Assisi was an Italian friar who swore himself to poverty and ministry. In becoming Francis I, Bergolio demonstrated a new commitment to serve the poor. Greed has been a major criticism of the Catholic Church in recent times; it seems inappropriate for the Vatican City to be seem-

“

The election of Francis represents a shift in the concentration of Catholicism.”

ingly snuggled in luxury and wealth while a largely Catholic country like Haiti is drowning in poverty. Francis intends to change things; media outlets like National Catholic Reporter and The Guardian report that Francis has stated his interest in creating a church of and for the poor, for peace and protection.

But Pope Francis isn’t entirely progressive; he struggled relentlessly against gay marriage in his home country of Argentina. His opponents have even suggested the language he used in his arguments caused more

@DarciHalstead

I always look at who President Obama picks to win the Final Four, and then I don’t pick those teams #dontquityourdayjob #thanksalotobama

@chrisjohn210

1:49 p.m. Mar. 20

11:18 a.m. Mar. 21

there goes the music... oh, and her stand just blew over. #OutsideChapelProbs #AbileneWind

3:39 p.m. Mar. 20

To the girl taking pictures of yourself in rec..

STOP.

@sadiedrew

Tucked away in a corner of the library watching vamp diaries until my next class #Thisisthelife

@JorMoore13

@Quarters3

9:31 a.m. Mar. 21 2:23 p.m. Mar. 20

Lifetime wellness: pointless busy work that kills your GPA.

@nikkiwilsonn

11:10 a.m. Mar. 21

The bat is back. #chapelmemories

@Alainaw1992

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

contact garcia at jtg10b@acu.edu

2:19 p.m. Mar. 20

11:59 a.m. Jan. 17

You guys, I couldn’t hear the bass on the praise team in chapel today. #saidnoone #ionlyheardbass

support for gay rights. Likewise, there is little to indicate that Francis will spend time addressing the inequality of men and women in the Church.

The election of Francis represents a shift in the concentration of Catholicism.

As Europe secularizes, the Roman Catholic Church has largely moved to places like South America. Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation at age 85 was because of an unhealthy old age that caused a confessed inability to properly lead the Church. Laughably, his successor is 76. In spite of his age, electing Bergoglio was no mistake; the Church has acknowledged its need to address the issues of poverty and the future of its membership.

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.

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

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

newsroom (325) 674-2439

sports desk (325) 674-2684

5:05 p.m. Mar. 20

3:55 p.m. Mar. 20

Another day has passed and I still haven’t used Calculus.

I want a girl that will love me more than Obama loves the big 10

@jNAV12

@samanthafword

I’ve already seen 2 letterman jackets being worn today. THIS IS COLLEGE. AND LETTER JACKETS WERE NEVER COOL. GO AWAY.

@erportt

Mark Smith

taylor langston

Deanna Romero

Denzil Lim

cheryl bacon

editor in chief

sports video director

staff photographer

staff videographer

faculty adviser

josh garcia

john edward isaacs

curtis christian

Stephen Reyes

cade white

managing editor

sports editor

staff photographer

staff videographer

faculty adviser

Mark Smith

Matt sloan

Paige Otway

evan marks

cara lee cranford

opinion page editor

assistant sports editor

staff photographer

editorial cartoonist

melany cox

Madeline Orr

Adrian Patenaude

leanne kawahigashi

online managing editor

copy editor

staff photographer

page designer

asia todd

Cara Kramar

Lucius Patenaude

marissa jones

design editor

copy editor

chief videographer

oxford correspondent

lindsay palmer

katie greene

Brance armstrong

Wyatt morgan

arts editor

page 2 editor

staff videographer

arts writer

gabi powell

mandy lambright

JP Festa

anne-marie coffee

features editor

chief photogrpaher

staff videographer

page designer

photo department (325) 674-2499

advertising office (325) 674-2463

multimedia desk (325) 674-2463

advertising

subscriptions ($40/Year) (325) 674-2296

5

arts

friday 03.22.13

THE

FILM FEST

bios straight from the creators

GUIDE

a definitive guide

Hope on Fire Hope on Fire is a compilation of music by E5 Krew.

A few years ago, five ACU students found a common passion for Christ-centered music, forming E5 Krew: Brandon Bolden, Joshua Bonnett, Vincson Green, Brady Robinson and Demarco Howard. In this music video, they present the best of their work from various projects. These songs ultimately work together towards a common theme: Hope. We live in such a broken world where people are longing for significance and a purpose for living. With so many negative things going on, it can be hard to have any hope. This video communicates that there is hope through knowing who we are in Christ and being affirmed by His everlasting love. We don’t have to live empty and purposeless lives. We can live in the fullness of the abundance that God desires for us. The men of E5 Krew have experienced God in ways that have radically transformed their lives. Through this music video, they hope to express how God has given them hope.

-Adrian Patenaude

Hope on Fire Nerf Wars: A Mocumentary

“Nerf Wars: A Mocumentary is a comedy movie that uses the production staff for the film as the actors. This film within a film is an inside look at the process of making a big budget movie and all the antics that happen when the cameras aren’t rolling. From the nutty main star to the overly stressed producer, these are characters everyone can relate to and laugh at. Nerf Wars: A Mocumentary teaches a lesson in not taking yourself too seriously and knowing what things “can really just make you hate everyone around you”. -Stephen Estrada

Lost in the Music:The ballad of Chase and Bob

Lost in the Music:The ballad of Chase and Bob

“This film is a documentary about two best friends and one dream. One lonely night in Abilene, we decided to make a shuffling video filled with the best dancing and flipping ability anyone has ever seen. This dream soon became a reality opening up new doors to places we couldn’t even imagine. We set out to be YouTube legends but instead found a gateway to glory through a contest put on by a radio station. Now, we embark on a mission to find a once in lifetime chance to make our mark on history. Follow the journey of this most memorable tale about how one dance could change the world. Chase and Bob, with their adventurous spirits, talk about what lies ahead in the near and distant future. First came the “ricky bobby,” then the “soulja boy,” and now, “The Shuffle.” -Bobby Kyle Holden

Rubber Band Ball Red Rubber Ball deals with discovering one’s dreams and the inevitable trials that arise while in pursuit of them. Do we give up in the face of defeat or persevere? The books Rules of the Red Rubber Ball by Kevin Carroll and The War of Art by Steven Pressfield served as inspiration for this film. - Lucius Patenaude

The Mover “The Mover features a strong female character who runs a lucrative teleportation business for criminals. The unnamed woman is fascinated by the idea of luck and various events from the past. We tried to create a film that tells a story that continues beyond the first and final frames.

The score, composed by Abilene native Michael Perkins, could be described as Western electronic noir and helps inspire the seductive mood of the film.” -Caitlin Bradford

Rubber Band Ball The Umbrella Man Annie Cooper is an average college student starting a new semester. She is a creature of habit, whether she likes it or not. While going about her daily routine of early mornings and long days, she sees something odd--a young man with a red umbrella and a book in the middle of a field--every day on her walk to campus. Curbing her curiosity, she goes about her usual pattern day in and day out until it becomes too much to bear. She finally decides to break the monotony and find the answers to the questions she’s had for so long about “The Umbrella Man.” -Lauren Mesaros

R.I.P (Recovery is Possible) My entry for FilmFest13’ is a music video for the song R.I.P (Recovery is Possible), written by For Adam’s Sake (my composing name). The idea for the music video developed around of the idea of finding yourself and coming back to life when you hit a dead end. When I wrote a demo for the song the chorus was different but when time came around to re-track the whole song I was going through a part of my life in which I went to some dark places. Friends helped me wake up and realize that I could recover from that and anything that will test me later, I had to decide if I wanted to recover.

Like most music videos, I have a story and band performance blend. Good friends of mine were willing to stand in as my bandmates as I don’t have a performing band and we had a blast filming and making memories. Couldn’t have pull this project off without them. -Xavier Strong

The Mover The Umbrella Man

M.A.Double

sports

friday 03.22.13

6

standings

track and field

men’s tennis

Team

Div.

Ovrl.

ACU UIW Cameron MSU

11-9 8-3 11-1 7-4

2-0 1-1 0-0 0-1

Team

Div.

Ovrl.

ACU Cameron UIW MSU TSU TAMU-K

13-5 7-2 7-6 6-4 7-7 1-2

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

Team

Div.

Ovrl.

TSU TAMU-K ACU WTAMU Cameron UIW ASU ENMU

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

15-7-1 19-5 15-10 15-8 8-12 15-8 15-9 12-10

women’s tennis

baseball

photo provided by andrew hudson

Andrew Hudson being taken off the field at Boone Pickens Stadium.

mandy lambright chief Photographer

Andrew Hudson tosses a discus during an afternoon practice at ACU.

From a Cowboy to a ‘Cat edward isaacs sports editor

A

ndrew Hudson lay in the middle of the field at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla.

Trainers, doctors and coaches rushed to him, including Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy.

Hudson had been struck in the head by a Nebraska player during a kickoff. He does not remember the hit or the game.

Hudson was in his second year playing Division I college football.

OSU was playing the 16th ranked Cornhuskers. It was homecoming for the Cowboys who were also ranked (No. 14) and undefeated at the time (6-0).

“It was a big game for OSU,” Hudson said. “I don’t remember any of it.”

Hudson woke up in the training room with a concussion.

“I forgot so many different things that were going on with my family,” he said. “I was dating someone at the time and I forgot who she was.”

Hudson, who is now throwing the shot put and discus at ACU, had to drop out of OSU for about six weeks to recover.

During his recovery time, he received an article from his trainer. It was about Nathan Stiles, a Kansas high school football player who also experienced a concussion. Nathan returned to the football field a week after the injury and collapsed after scoring a touchdown. He was airlifted to a hospital where he died later that morning.

“His death was six days after my injury at Oklahoma State,” Hudson said. “I felt God was calling me to do something.”

Hudson contacted Nathan’s dad (Ron) on Facebook.

“I had no idea what I was going to tell this father who had just lost his son but I felt called and led to say something.”

Ron responded. He was more than happy to speak with Hudson.

The two talked on the phone then Hudson eventually drove up to Kansas to meet the Stiles family.

He met Nathan’s mom (Connie or as Hudson says “Momma Stiles”), dad and sister.

“We didn’t know what to expect at all,” Connie said with a laugh.

“We had several people call and say the same thing but they never followed through with it.”

“This big monster of a guy gets out and comes in the house and gives me a hug,” she said. “It was

like we’d known him forever.”

Hudson said the Lord healed both him and the Stiles through that event.

“The Stiles are my other family now,” he said. “I surprised Nathan’s little sister at her high school graduation last year and his mom went to several of my track meets at Oklahoma State.”

“I don’t believe in coincidence,” Connie said. “I think God puts people in your path for a reason.”

After returning to OSU, Hudson spent a year and a half in the training room preparing his body to return to the gridiron.

“It wasn’t the ideal college football experience at that point,” Hudson said. “I faced a lot of adversity.”

Because of the head injury and a ruptured disk in his back during his freshman year which required back surgery, Hudson was told he might not be able to play the sport again.

With that news, he went back to his small hometown of Bushland and had an opportunity to speak one on one with Major League Baseball player Josh Hamilton.

“I saw how he used the adversity in his life to glorify the Lord,” Hudson said. “So I thought, I can’t give up football.”

Hudson met with Coach Gundy to talk about his future and was

Div. Ovrl.

5-1 WTAMU 21-2 5-1 TWU 21-7 5-1 ASU 12-8 disappointed to hear him and 4-2 MSU 20-7 the doctors and trainers advise 3-3 UIW 17-10 against playing.

3-3 TSU 15-12 He decided to anyway. The next 2-4 18-14 day Hudson had a headache and ACU 2-4 9-15 felt dizzy. He ended up falling in Cameron 1-5 his room.

WNMU 8-24 “After that I did a little soul TAMU-K 0-6 10-19 searching,” he said. “I decided to let it go.”

Hudson’s days of putting on the shoulder pads and helmet may have been over but he refused to The ACU tennis team leave the athletic arena. He was is planning an alumni involved with track in high school weekend for April and he had offers after graduation 5-6. The weekend to do that as well.

He walked on to the Cowboys’ will consist of a track team and, at the same time, golf tournament at walked away from the scholarship Diamondback Golf he had with football.

Club and various “I did that for two seasons,” lunches for the alumni.

Hudson said. “Out of state tuition was a lot, so the Lord opened a door for me to come here to ACU.” Junior Hudson is now a freshman on third the Wildcat track team and is hapbasepy the Lord led him to Abilene. man Kyle “I changed my degree plan Guisti was (Pre-medical),” he said. “I love Abilene Christian. I’m so happy recently to be here.”

Guisti named

Who’s Hot

contact isaacs at jei08a@acu.edu

Team leaves behind legacy in LSC daniel zepeda In their final year in the Lone Star Conference, the Wildcats posted one of ACU’s greatest seasons.

With a new head coach and new style of play, the Lady ‘Cats finished as LSC champions and proved that ACU basketball is a legitimate program.

“Having a new coach and having to adjust to a new system was our biggest challenge,” sophomore Sadie Dickinson. “But that set back forced us to take huge leaps to get to where we got.

Our focus and determination that came from the change was definitely a key in our successful season.”

The Wildcats, originally projected to finish seventh in the LSC preseason poll, were 7-3 in their first ten games and began to prove that they were a team not to be taken granted.

“No one thought such change could come in such a short amount of time,” Dickinson said. “We were the only ones who believed we could actually become conference champions and attend the NCAA regional tournament.

Because of this desire, we were able to make it happen.”

The Wildcats continued their exceptional play, and hit their stride in January. After the New Year, ACU went on an eight game winning streak, including a 90-43 win over Cameron University and a 108-21 win against South-

west Adventist University.

The Wildcats won thirteen of fifteen games throughout Jan. and Feb. and were tied for the best record in the LSC. Perhaps the greatest moment of the season for the Wildcats came on Feb. 9 as they faced off against Tarleton State who was ranked second in the conference.

The Lady ‘Cats dominated with an 86-70 win in Abilene.

ACU then took on number one ranked Midwestern State. Once again, the Wildcats rose to the challenge and left Wichita Falls with the win, 85-72, snapping Midwestern’s eleven game winning streak and tying the two teams for first place.

The Wildcats finished out the season strong as they went 4-1 in their last

five games. In the final game of the season, the Wildcats defeated Texas A&M Kingsville, 92-53, at home to secure ACU’s ninth Lone Star Conference Championship.

The Wildcats finished the season with a 21-5 record, 16-4 LSC record.

Despite a remarkable regular season, ACU was knocked out of the first round of the LSC post season tournament by No. 7 Texas A&M Commerce, 80-79.

On Sunday, Mar. 10, the Wildcats were informed that they were selected into the NCAA Division II South Central Region Tournament in Colorado. The Lady ‘Cats took on No.4 Texas-Permian Basin and lost in the closing seconds, 70-68, to close out their amazing season.

“We’ve been so blessed with our fans, coaches, players and everyone else this season and it’s truly shown in how we’ve played this year,” senior Kelsey Smith said. “I’m so proud of this team and everything we have accomplished.”

The Wildcats will look to continue their success in the Division I Southland Conference next year. The switch to Division I will prove to be a challenge, but that won’t stop the Wildcats.

“This season was unforgettable,” Smith said. “I can’t imagine ending my basketball career on a better note than I did this year.” contact zepeda at djz11a@acu.edu

football

Practices come as breath of fresh air matthew sloan assistant sports editor The ACU football team hit the field for the first time in 2013 Tuesday to start spring practice.

After months of offseason workouts, the boys of fall are finally getting a chance to buckle up their chinstraps and get back on the gridiron.

“It was nice to get out there because we have been away from it for so long,” fullback Spencer Hittle said. “We are moving a lot of guys around and we have some transfers in but we hit the ground running. Friday we are putting on the pads, so personally I am itching to get out there and hit somebody and get back in the flow of things.”

The ‘Cats will have 15 practices during their

spring practice.

The players are also getting a chance to build some comradery for the upcoming season before the bright lights come on again in August.

“It’s great to get back to it because that’ll always be the fun part,” quarterback Jacoby Clay said. “You can get back on the field and be around the people you call your brothers and family.”

Although the Wildcats will not have an official spring game this year, there is plenty of anticipation for the ACU players, as they get closer to facing their first Division I schedule.

“We are ready for next year to be here,” Hittle said. “We can’t wait to get it going and play in Division I.” With a talented group of seniors leaving the Big Coun-

try behind, ACU fans will see some familiar faces in different roles.

“The energy and excitement from everybody has been good,” Clay said. “A lot of teaching and getting back into the groove of things.”

Quarterback John David Baker headlines a group of quarterbacks itching for a full-time job under center, while several Wildcats are learning new positions as well.

Justin Stephens will be moving from cornerback to safety with the departure of L.B. Suggs, and Cy Wilson will move from a crowded group of linebackers to fullback.

ACU’s spring practice will wrap up Tuesday April 16. contact sloan at mes10b@acu.edu

Team

briefings

women’s basketball

sports reporter

softball

the Division II National Player of the week by the National Collegiate Baseball Writer’s Association. Guisti hit .550 during spring break, and helped lead the Widcats to a 4-2 victory over Delta State, the number one team in the country.

He drove in 7 runs and scored four more during the week to earn the award.

upcoming The softball team will host Tarleton State over the weekend.

The first game of the series is Friday at 6 p.m.

The team also plays a double-header starting at 1 p.m. Saturday The baseball team will travel to Texas A&M Kingsville this weekend for a four game set. The Wildcats play Friday night at 7 p.m. before they play a doubleheader Saturday and one game Sunday afternoon.

The women’s tennis team plays two matches Saturday at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. against the Univeristy of Texas at El Paso and UTPB. The men’s team plays at the University of Texas at 3 p.m.

The track and field teams will take part in the UTA Bobby Lane Invitational alll day Saturday in Arlington.

The football team will continue their spring practice Friday at 4 p.m. and Saturday at 10 a.m.

mandy lambright chief Photographer

Defensive coordinator Darian Dulin motivates his players.