The Optimist Print Edition: 04.29.11

acuoptimist.com

Optimist the

Sounds of Seryn, page 5

Friday, April 29, 2011

Vol. 99, No. 53

1 section, 8 pages

LOCAL

Texas Tech to build Abilene nursing school

‘‘ ’’

on Pine Street.

Dr. Pearl Merritt, ReI absolutely believe that Abilene Opinion Page Editor gional Dean of Texas Tech has the market to support all Texas Tech University plans School of Nursing, said these schools... to make a $15-million ex- with the new building, the DR. PEARL MERRITT // Regional pansion to its School of school could accommoDean of Texas Tech School of Nursing date more students.

Nursing in Abilene. through the jointly oper“Currently, we have about pacity of about 160.”

The $15 million will Abilene colleges al- ated Patty Hanks Shelton contribute to a new build- 59 students in our tempoing attached to Tech’s ex- rary building,” Merritt said. ready have offered nurs- School of Nursing. And, isting pharmacy building “We’re aiming to have a ca- ing programs to students ACU and Cisco College

Matthew Woodrow

support all these schools,” Merritt said. “Abilene has a reputation for being a place of learning, and we get students from all over.

All the universities will compliment each other and provide a wonderful mix between schools.”

have begun implementing plans to create their own nursing program outside of the Patty Hanks Shelton consortium.

Despite this competition, Merritt said she believes all the colleges in the area will have plenty of students.

“I absolutely believe that Abilene has the market to

see NURSING page 4

Lights, Camera, Harris

SOCIAL CLUBS

Clubs allowed minimal physical activity Linda Bailey Editor in Chief

After the office of Student Life issued changes to the pledging process, social clubs have started working to bring pledging proposals into compliance.

All clubs have met with Mark Jackson, assistant director of intramurals and next semester’s director of student organizations and programs; Tom Craig, director of student productions and Dr. Jean-Noel Thompson, vice president and dean for student life, to assess last year’s pledging proposals and determine appropriate pledging activities.

“We’re looking at each club and activities and determining what can still take place and what needs to make adjustments,” Jackson said.

The elimination of calisthenics represented the biggest change to the pledging process. Jackson said Student Life had conversations throughout the past year with Legal and Risk Management offices, club advisers, club presidents, President Schubert and the University Operating Cabinet

DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer

Randy Harris, instructor of Bible, missions and ministry, speaks to an audience at HIghland Church of Christ Wednesday evening. Harris also was being filmed for a special DVD series produced by ACU Press. He spoke in three, eight-minute segments, all referring to the Sermon on the Mount. The event allowed students the chance to hear a live filming, which will be available for viewing later this year.

STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION

Applications due for SA officer positions Jeff Craig

Managing Editor

Applications for SA’s other administrative office positions are due Friday by 5 p.m. Best said he hopes to have the positions of chief financial officer, chief development officer and chief financial officer, filled by late next week.

SA also will conduct a special election on Monday and Tuesday, regarding constitutional amendments. Best said the SA constitution dic-

that’s what these elections are for, to give students a voice,” Best said.

Find more information Best said both amendments up for vote on the amendments to the SA constitution on easily passed through Congress, and he exour website. pects both to pass the student vote.

One amendment would reduce the numacuoptimist.com ber of class senators from five to three, retates that the student body must approve all naming the positions class president, class amendments after they pass through Congress. vice president and class treasurer. It also “In our constitution, any amendment see BEST page 2 has to be approved by student body, and

see FALL page 4

CAMPUS

‘New York Times’ article reaches ACU students Christianna Lewis Senior Reporter

Taylor Schmitt, junior English major from San Antonio, recieved an email in early April, saying The New York Times was interviewing gay students on

Christian campuses.

Schmitt, who made public his homosexuality about a year ago, thought he could provide contacts. The reporter had other plans.

On April 18, the newspaper ran Schmitt’s picture on the front-page above the

Schmitt said. “It was mostly positive feedback.”

The article has sparked attention to students in Schmitt’s position, as well as how Christian universities handle them. ACU has responded by publicly affirming its statement of

website

inside news ACU will offer a new degree in digital entertainment technology, starting in Fall 2011. page 3

article: “Even on Religious Campuses, Students Fight for Gay Identity.” Schmitt was a spotlight example.

Feedback was immediate and opinionated.

“My Facebook wall and email were f looded with various messages,”

arts The Shinnery Review brought Seryn, Paste Magazine’s No. 1 band from the South By Southwest music festival, to Monks Coffee Shop Tuesday. page 5

faith, while student reactions have been mixed.

The Story The article told the stories of homosexual students who, for various reasons, attend colleges and universities with policies condemn-

ing homosexual practices.

Schmitt came to accept his sexual identity after coming to ACU, he said in the article, and continues to attend the school because of his scholarship. see UNIVERSITY page 4

weather sportscast Watch the weekly JMC Network Sportscast, complete with a recap of ACU sports news for the week and footage of weekend games.

Abilene Christian University

Fri.

Sat.

Sun.

91° 65°

96° 58°

65° 46°

2

Campus Friday, April 29, 2011

29

Day

calendar & events Friday

11 a.m. Praise Day in Moody Coliseum

30

Saturday

9 a.m. Celebration of Service around Abilene

2 p.m. Baseball at Southwestern Oklahoma University

12 p.m. Baseball at Southwestern Oklahoma

7 p.m. Softball vs. Tarleton State University

1 p.m. Softball vs. Tarleton State University

01

Sunday

2 p.m. Cami Yoder vocal recital

02

2 p.m. Art Festival at First Presbyterian Church

Monday

11 a.m. “Living Wisely” Proverbs series Chapel with Dr. Glenn Pemberton in Moody Coliseum NCAA Division II South Central/ Midwest Super Regional

3 p.m. Softball vs.

Tarleton State 4 p.m. Anne Marie Rauscher and Arielle Collier vocal recital 7:30 p.m. Dimensions in Blue jazz ensemble of the U.S. Air Force Band of the West in Cullen Auditorium

ACU Police Tip of the Week Avoid alcohol related citations and arrests: underage drinking, support of underage drinking and driving while under the influence.

Police Log Edited for space

Tuesday, April 19 1:45 p.m. Someone reported to the ACU Police Department that his tires had been slashed on the 600 block of College Drive. The case remains open.

A log of the ACU De- April 22 Friday, Wednesday, AprilPolice 20 partment’s activities willa.m. ACU police 9:25 a.m. daily Someone re- 3:15 be printed this page officers responded to a ported a on disturbance to of call reporting a party in the ACUPD involving the Optimist.

The firsta Police terminated employee of Log will appear Friday. the 400 block of College Aramark. The individual had become violent and threatened employees in The Bean. Officers located the individual and issued a criminal trespass warning, banning him from ACU property.

10:10 a.m. An ACU employee contacted the ACU police department to report a suspicious person at the Brown Library. The ACU employee said that the individual was confronting students and acting strange. Officers located the individual and issued a criminal trespass warning, banning him from ACU property.

SA: Best urges student votes Continued from page 1

‘‘ ’’

would increase the number of off-campus representatives from two to four.

The other amendment would increase the number of required office hours for all class officers from two to four.

“We just believe that if they have a leadership position, they should

We just believe that if they have a leadership position, they should have a little bit bigger role in SA. CONNOR BEST // Students’ Association president-elect

have a little bit bigger role in SA,” Best said.

Best said high student

participation in the election is key to its legitimacy.

“These amendments

are going to have a big effect on the way SA works.

It would give the amendments more legitimacy if we can get similar voter turnout numbers to general election,” Best said.

“It changes the vision and future of SA, so it’s important.” contact Craig at

jrc07d@acu.edu

volunteer opportunities

Abilene Hope Haven is seeking volunteers for childcare any night, Monday-Thursday from 6:45-8:15 p.m. For more information, contact Kathy Reppart at 677-4673.

Madison Middle School is looking for male volunteers to participate in a weekly “Boys2Men” lunchtime program for eighth grade boys. Speakers will address different aspects of growing up. Contact Jeff Womack at 692-5661 or jeffrey.womack@abileneisd.org.

International Rescue Committee Students can work with refugees who moved to the United States, teaching English, helping with homework and mentoring.

Volunteer times are flexible.

Call Daina Juryka-Owen at 675-5643 ext. 16 to make an appointment. For more information on the International Rescue Committee, visit www.theirc.org.

The Salvation Army Volunteers are needed at the 1726 Butternut St. Salvation Army to sort and price items and help with kitchen or yard work. Volunteers are welcome any time Monday-Saturday. Contact J.D. Alonzo at 677-1408, or visit www.satruck. com for more information on the program.

GED Tutoring Just People, Inc., needs volunteers to tutor adult GED students. Volunteer times are flexible. Contact Justina or Alana at 672-2118 for more information, or email jthompson@ justpeopleinc.org.

Aimee’s Art Studio is seeking volunteers from 9-10 a.m. or 1:30-2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, to assist with homeschool fine arts classes.

No formal art skills or training is required. The studio is a five-minute walk from ACU’s campus. For more information, contact Aimee Williams at 672-9633.

Drive. Officers issued two citations for consumption of an alcoholic beverage by a minor.

Tuesday, April 26 12:45 a.m. Someone reported to the ACU police department that his vehicle had been burglarized in the 900 block of E.N. 16th Street. His wallet and iPhone were stolen.

Report all suspicious activity to the ACU Police Department at 674-2305.

Weekly Stats

follow us on Twitter: @acuoptimist // become a fan on Facebook: The Optimist STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION

Thursday, April 21 8 a.m. A student reported to the ACUPD that his vehicle had been burglarized while parked in the Smith and Adams Halls parking lot on Cedar Crest Drive.

April 19-26 2 Accidents 4 Alarms 1 Alcohol Incident 1 Animal Call 1 Attempt to Locate 4 Boot/Unboot Vehicle 5 Burglary (Motor Vehicle) 28 Check Buildings 1 Criminal Mischief

1 Domestic Disturbance 3 Found Property 3 Investigation Follow Ups 1 Medical Emergency 3 Motorist Assist: Jumpstarts 9 Motorist Assist: Unlocks

10 Parking Violations 4 Suspicious Activities 1 Thefts (Non Vehicle) 4 Traffic Stops 1 Warrant Service 1 Welfare Check 1 Wrecker Service 2 Disturbance

Chapel Checkup 68 05

Credited Chapels to date

Credited Chapels remaining

announcements Service Saturday Students can serve the Abilene community during Service Saturday on April 30. Contact Rita Harrell at 674-2932 for more information.

Study Abroad Fall 2011 Spaces still are available in the Oxford and Montevideo Study Abroad Programs for Fall 2011.

Students can enroll in CORE 120 and CORE 220 in Oxford, and $1,000 scholarships are available for the Montevideo Study Abroad Program.

For more information, visit the Study Abroad Office in Room 124 of the Hardin Administration Building.

Upward Bound Summer Advisers Students interested in helping disadvantaged high school students now can apply to become Upward Bound summer advisers from May 29-July 8. Advisers will receive free room and board, plus $925.

For more information, call 674-2529 or 674-2713.

Grief Group The University Counseling Center is sponsoring a grief group on Thursdays in April.

Each session takes place from 6:30-8 p.m. in the Hunter Welcome Center conference room. Contact steve.eller@acu.edu for more information.

Team Tatum Walk/Run for a Wish The ACU StudentAthlete Advisory Committee is raising funds to help fulfill the wish of Tatum Kate Flaming, a local girl who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 2009. Students can help support Flaming by participating in the Team Tatum Walk/Run for a Wish 5K on May 7. Pre-registration is $15, and walk-up registration costs $20. To learn more about Tatum’s story, visit www.caringbridge.org/visit/tatumkate.

All-school Chapel The Chapel Office encourages students to participate in “Bring Your Professor to Chapel Day” and invite their professors to Chapel as a part of the campuswide effort to attend Chapel every Monday.

Swing Cats The Swing Cats meet every week, 7-9 p.m. on Sundays in Cullen Auditorium. No partners or experience are required.

Relay 4 Life The Freshman Action Council is selling Relay For Life shirts in the Campus Center. Shirts cost $10 and are available in four colors: pink in support of breast cancer, blue for prostate cancer, gold for childhood cancer and purple for general awareness.

CAMPUS NEWS

April 29, 2011

Spring Rush

STUDENTS

Seniors nominated for honor Jeff Craig

Managing Editor

STACY ACTON // Staff Photographer

Potential pledgers enjoy crawfish, red potatoes and soda at the Gamma Sigma Phi crawfish rush on Tuesday.

Page 3

Five men and five women were nominated by their student peers for the honor to be named Mr. or Miss ACU. Students’ Association Executive President Samuel Palomares, senior communications major from Elsa, said approximately 85 students nominated one of their fellow students for the award.

Palomares said the top five male and female nominees were named as the finalists.

Voting concludes at noon Friday.

“If you win, it means you join a legacy of people who have put a mark on this campus,” Palomares said.

“It’s a distinct honor.”

Palomares said recipients of the award are graduating seniors who have maintained a high level of academic excellence and character in

their time at ACU. He said one former recipient of the award is Dr. Phil Schubert, president of the university.

“It’s a group of ACU superstars,” Palomares said.

Being named Mr. or Miss ACU is the highest honor one student can give another, he said.

The recipients will be awarded with a plaque at graduation.

“High-caliber people are the ones who win this award,” Palomares said.

Brent Bailey, senior biblical text major from Kingwood, is one of five candidates for Mr. ACU. Bailey said it was an honor to be chosen as a nominee to represent what ACU is all about.

“I think it’s really exciting. ACU is a place I really love and have been blessed by,” Bailey said.

“So it means a lot to be nominated as someone to represent it. I love to think that I’ve made

quick facts

Ten seniors were nominated by their peers to potentially be named Mr. or Miss ACU Mr. ACU Nominees n Brent Bailey, biblical text major from Kingwood n Justin Prince, missions major from San Antonio n Josh Morrison, interdisciplinary major from Abilene n Chris Shim, financial management major from Atlanta, Ga. n Wesley Flach, biblical text major from Dallas Miss ACU Nominees n Christina Johnson, English major from Dallas n Caroline Conwell, management major from Abilene n Bree Craig, marketing major from Arlington n Emily Loper, English major from Athens n Kate Huggins, biochemistry major from Abilene some kind of impact on this place.”

Bailey said he thinks the award recognizes someone who embodies the spirit of ACU. “In the past, I’ve seen it as someone who represents the spirit and energy of the university,” Bailey said. “This is a place where a lot of exciting things are going on.”

Christina Johnson, senior English major from Dallas, is one of the nominees for Miss ACU. Johnson

said the nomination was a complete surprise. She said she did not find out about the nomination until she saw it on Facebook.

“I didn’t even know nominating was going on. It’s awesome,” She said. “I love ACU, and I’ve been involved in as many organizations as I can because I love meeting people. I think it’s a win, just being nominated.” contact Craig at

jrc07d@acu.edu

ACADEMICS

University to offer digital entertainment major Christina Burch Page 2 Editor

Students interested in pursing a career in animation, computer-generated imagery, game design and development and mobile gaming now can receive a degree in digital entertainment technology.

The DET major will be available beginning Fall 2011 and will allow students to learn, explore and create the technological aspects of the entertainment industry.

Dr. Fortune Mhlanga, director of information technology and computing, said he believes the major is a significant contribution to the digital entertainment market.

“We’re going to produce Christian leaders and influence a positive direction in which the industry should take,” Mhlanga said. “We feel that the digital entertainment industry is really in need of that.”

Previously, students only could minor in digital entertainment. But a high demand for the major caused faculty to start formulating a degree plan, Mhlanga said.

“Students who were minoring in digital entertainment have really been pushing us,” Mhlanga said. “Some of them have actually left because they had not been able to further pursue what they were interested in.”

The major will be interdisciplinary, including classes from the departments of Art and Design, Journalism and Mass Communications, English and Business.

Mhlanga said the major will attract and accommodate a wide variety of incoming students interested in gaming, animation, film and entertainment.

“We can take a broad spectrum of students,” Mhlanga said. “When you talk to a high school student

‘‘ ’’

about digital entertainment, they jump to that,” Mhlanga said. “That’s what they want to hear.”

Dr. Brian Burton, assistant professor of digital entertainment and information technology, said the vision for the digital entertainment major was introduced in 2007. By Fall 2009, the university had launched the DET minor. However, as students continued to request the major regularly, he said the change became an obvious necessity.

“The major focus of the major is towards game development,” Burton said.

“Whether that’s for personal computers, Macs, the web, iPhones, iPads, Androids and, now, the Nook. That’s what we’re creating for.”

Burton said he is excited that students will create material to support so many platforms. In designing games, students will manipulate artwork,

the largest entertainment industries in the world,” We’re going to produce Burton said. “We’ve been Christian leaders and involved in the industry, but influence a positive now we want to make more direction in which the of an impact within it.” industry should take.

For more information DR. FORTUNE MHLANGA // director about the upcoming digital of information technology entertainment major and classes offered under the major, go online and visit www.acu.edu/academics/ level designing, program- dents’ degree plans.

Burton said he believes sitc/programs/undergraduming and music to create the full game environ- this major furthers ACU’s ate/det/index.html. commitment to training ment, he said.

The major includes the next generation of contact Burch at four digital entertainment Christian leaders. clb10b@acu.edu “Gaming is now one of technology courses, as well as a class in computer science and information technology.

“Students typically put in 30-40 hours a week of developing,” Burton said, “not because they need to, but because they want to.”

Students can dedicate their 12-hour concentration to digital design, mobile development or a combination of the two, which Burton said allows for flexibility with the stu-

STUDENTS

Theatre seniors to perform for agents Laura Gasvoda Staff Reporter

The Department of Theater will conduct Senior Showcase 2011 this Saturday to give New York agents Nancy Carson, owner of Carson-Adler Agency, Inc., and John Shea, director of the Frontier Booking International New York, an opportunity to view top-talent at ACU. This years’ show is the 5th annual showcase and will feature all eight graduating, performance track senior musical theater majors: Kat Bailey from Houston; Carlee Cagle from Arlington; Erick Carter from Abilene; Payton Jones from Abilene; Sebastian Karlsson from Linneryd, Sweden; Charlene Koepf from Concord, Calif.; Laura Wetsel from Fort Worth and Alek White from Mesquite.

The show will take place Saturday at 1 p.m. in Fulks Theater, followed by callbacks for a second audition and interview. Shea also will host a workshop on Saturday morning for all Department of Theater students. Theater students are encouraged to attend and benefit from the expertise

of the agents and the experience of being involved with the showcase.

Dawne Swearingen Churchville, assistant professor of acting, and Adam Hester, department chair and professor of directing and acting, began the showcase in 2006, using Churchville’s connections with agents Carson and Shea from her on-stage career in New York. Churchville is thankful for the opportunity the event gives seniors to audition and begin making invaluable connections for their career.

“It can be hard to get exposure out in West Texas,” Churchville said. “We are able to bring New York to them, essentially. It is a great introduction to the agents as well.”

Junior theater majors also are invited to participate in the event, helping with group dance numbers and background roles in the production. Performer Seth Bazacas (‘09) was first noticed by Shea as a junior in Showcase, and the meeting led to opportunities for additional auditions in New York, where he currently performs.

The theater department

accepts only 12 majors each year, which allows for a lot of one-on-one instruction of each student, Churchville said. Seniors Emily Rankin, theater major from Abilene, and Shelly Tartar, design/technical theater major from Shallowater, also are involved in the production, helping with costume design and directing.

“As a department, we work to create a holistic artist,” Churchville said.

“Directing and technical students are required to take acting classes, and performance track majors are required to take technical classes. There is a great respect for the people behind the scenes.”

Some of Saturday’s performers already have offers and plans for after graduation. Wetsel has been chosen to play Penny Pingleton in Hairspray at Fort Worth’s Casa Mañana, where she will perform until the end of August before moving to New York with fellow theater major Kat Bailey.

“I’m really looking forward to being able to perform with my class one last time,” Wetsel said. “This is a really special time for

all of us, and it’s great to be able to do that with my best friends. I’m also just excited about taking this first big step into my professional career and seeing where it leads me.” contact Gasvoda at

lag08a@acu.edu

Page 4

FROM THE FRONT

April 29, 2011

SOCIAL CLUBS

Fall: Clubs on board with pledging changes Continued from page 1

rately, working to draw the line between appropriate and the Student Develop- physical activity and calment Committee of the isthenics. They evaluated ACU Board of Trustees to multiple factors, including length of time of the activdevelop the new plan.

“As a result, we feel ity, temperature and locaconfident that the revised tion conditions, whether pledging philosophy and members participate with policy changes will bring us pledges and the amount of within greater compliance member encouragement with state law and accepted provided. They also exnorms across Texas institu- amine the values and purtions of higher education,” pose of the activities in the Jackson said in an email. same light, Jackson said.

“Change in anything “We also think the new guidelines will help pro- can be looked at – at first vide greater safety for our – as a difficult or chalstudents, serve to protect lenging,” Jackson said. all responsible parties with “When it first came out, respect to issues of liability, I think there were a lot of and allow some flexibility questions and concerns. to retain various traditions We want to protect every within our pledging activi- single student, pledge and member, and we want to ties at ACU.” During the meetings, protect ACU as well.”

With such radical Jackson said they examine each activity sepa- changes to the allowed

physical activity in pledging, clubs must transform activities to maintain original pledging goals.

The main emphasis of Sub T-16 pledging always has been creating unity and togetherness, said Jeremy Winkler, president of Sub T-16 and junior accounting major from North Richland Hills.

Unity will remain the emphasis, Winkler said, but creating that unity without the traditional level of physical activity will be a challenge.

Club members are developing ways to use traditions and other activities to replace some of the bonding that Winkler said physical activity accomplishes.

“Obviously, there was some initial backlash, but the guys realize that complaining isn’t going to get

us anywhere,” Winkler said. “Most of the guys have been extremely receptive and help out as they can. For the vast majority, people have been very helpful, and I’ve appreciated that quite a bit.”

For Alpha Kai Omega pledges, at least three main activities will undergo significant changes, said AKO President Kelsi Wicks, junior animal science major from Tyler. She said at meetings, Craig, Jackson and Thopmson said all calisthenic activities wouldn’t be allowed, and if they were to use physical activity,it needed to be “lower risk.” Also, activities needed a strong purpose behind them that supported club values beyond just “physical activity for activity’s

sake,” a difficult task, Wicks said.

“I think it definitely is a challenge to come up with something that still gets the message across, but doesn’t have that risk factor.”

However, with some brainstorming between the officer team and club members, Wicks said they were considering alternative activities.

“I’d say it’s been well received, because more members feel like they have a part in pledging,” Wicks said. “It is hard on outgoing seniors, seeing changes happening. It’s hard to see things that you went through that aren’t going to be happening anymore.”

Each club will take pledging activity suggestions, and the leadership committee will present

a new rough draft of the pledging proposal to Jackson, Craig and Thompson

by Tuesday. They will examine it, review it and send it to Legal. Legal will send it back for revisions, and the process will continue until the proposal meets standards.

“The goal for each club is to have pledging proposal set before they get back from summer,” Jackson said. “I think that can happen.”

Each club has said it is on board with getting proposals in line with the new policy, Jackson said.

“Clubs have been great,” Jackson said. “They’ve done a good job of seeing the bigger picture and wanting to get in step with the new policy.” contact Bailey at

ljb07a@acu.edu

CAMPUS

University: Campus reacts to ‘New York Times’ story Continued from page 1

However, this does not mean ACU is taking Jean-Noel Thompson, a withdrawn approach, vice president for stu- Thompson told the Redent life, also was quoted porter-News. The univerin the article. He said sity respects students’ in the Times and, later right to express their controverthat week, in The Abilene opinions, Reporter-News, that the sial or not. The student university wants to en- handbook only mentions gage discussion on same- homosexuality in the contexts of sexual imsex attractions.

But while ACU offers morality, which equally students help and guid- applies to heterosexual ance on the issue, it will acts, Thompson said in not advocate gay identi- the Reporter-News. ties. The Times reported that the university refused Schubert’s Response Dr. Phil Schubert, to allow formation of a president of the uniGay-Straight Alliance.

versity, also responded to media coverage. He wrote an op-ed piece that appeared in The Abilene Reporter-News and The Christian Chronicle and sent out an email to the university’s constituents about the Times article.

“This is a topic we have openly discussed for many years, and it’s an opportunity to share the love of Christ with those who may not agree with our stance,” Schubert said in the email.

Schubert said in the email that ACU affirms that the Bible reserves

student to be honest about the things going on in his life,” Griffin said.

Elizabeth Bernhardt, junior English major from Pearland, said she hoped the article would open real conversations.

Bernhardt said she was surprised by the scope of the article and was glad to hear the perspective of students struggling to reconcile Christianity with a homosexual identity.

ACU’s commitment to its policies may offend some who read the article, Bernhardt said, but not everyone understands the perspective of Christian universities.

“Christian universities see homosexuality and Christianity as being sepStudent Reaction Schmitt said he hadn’t arate,” Bernhardt said. “I experienced much reac- know that this is an istion from the student sue of controversy now body, but Thomas Griffin, in the Christian comjunior marketing major munity, but I hope when from Marble Falls, said people are searching for word of the article was answers, that ACU can getting around. He read stand by its beliefs but be the story after hearing open to discussion.”

Griffin hoped the arabout it from a friend.

“I was really impressed ticle would not drive a by the strength of that wedge between Chrissex for a married man and woman, and the university holds to that standard. He also stressed that the university has “a zero-tolerance policy with respect to bullying or offensive speech.”

While Schmitt doesn’t agree that homosexuality and Christian values are mutually exclusive, he said ACU’s stance against harassment was important to him.

“Even if I disagree with some of the policies surrounding homosexuality on the campus, I appreciate the respect that was given me by upholding policies that ensure my wellbeing,” Schmitt said.

tians and non-Christians or heterosexuals and homosexuals, but rather provide an avenue to get to know one another.

“It’s really our duty as Christians to meet people where they are and walk with them through whatever they are going through,” Griffin said. “My greatest hope for this is that it stirs people’s hearts and pulls them to reach out.”

Schmitt said he took a public stance on this issue to encourage comradery among students in his position, not to change any specific policy.

“Far too often, I hear from students that they have no voice, that the culture expects them to remain silent,” Schmitt said.

“Students need to be comfortable coming to grips with sexual identity.”

If his advocacy can help students be comfortable in their own skin, despite what others may think, then the media circus was well worth it, Schmitt said. contact Lewis at

cll09a@acu.edu

LOCAL

School: University nursing program continues progress Continued from page 1

Dr. Jeanine Varner, ACU provost, said she has known about Texas Tech’s plans since discussions began about ACU expanding its own nursing program but does not feel that the schools will be in competition with each other.

“The need for nursing graduates is strong. We believe we will still experience high demand, even with Tech’s new program,” Varner said. “Overall, it’s a good thing to have more and more nursing graduates.

Michelle Drew, family nurse practitioner for ACU Health Services, also said Texas Tech opening up a school in Abilene would not create a competitive market and draw away future ACU students.

“The majority of our students come from outside the Abilene area,” Drew said. “Texas Tech has always drawn from local crowds.”

But Drew said a problem may arrive in finding faculty to teach at the new schools.

“ACU may have to look beyond the convenience of the local area when looking for instructors,” Drew said. “This is a unique opportunity for ACU to recruit faculty from outside, who not only are qualified to teach, but that have the same faith and outlook that matches ACU’s mission.”

According to Drew, Deans have to have a doctorate, and professors must have at least a master’s degree, as well as classes that focus on educating nurses.

“Not only do instructors have to be able to say ‘I’m a great nurse,’ but also ‘I have the ability to teach others to be nurses,’” Drew said.

Another challenge facing the education of nurses in Abilene are the time slots available for nursing students to log clinical hours.

“With more students from all the schools, it will be harder to find times for hospitals like [Hendrick Medical Center] to have students from ACU, Tech, Patty Hanks, etc. to work

and share those hours,” Varner said. “Since the nursing programs require students to do multiple hours in a clinical setting, it will be important for other hospitals in the area to help out and offer hours to students.”

Despite those problems and the additional challenge of a downtrodden economy, Merritt said she believes graduates always can get a job in nursing.

“A recent study showed that Texas is still going to be short about 70,000 nurses by 2020, and many of the current nurses are in their 50s and will retire by then,” Merrit said.

“One of our upcoming graduates, this year, already has a job at Hendrick, and she’s starting out around $55,000.”

Construction on the new schools is set to begin in the upcoming months. The expansion is scheduled to open in time for students to attend fall 2012 classes. contact Woodrow at

mrw08a@acu.edu

Arts

April 29, 2011

Page 5

Sounds of Seryn

Abilene Events FRIDAY & SATURDAY La Divina 7:30 p.m.

McMurry University

SATURDAY Coppela 8 p.m.

Historic Paramount Theatre

ACU Events SATURDAY Dimensions in Blue jazz ensemble of the U.S. Air Force 7:30 p.m.

Cullen Auditorium

TUESDAY Orchestra Concert 8 p.m.

Cullen Auditorium

THURSDAY Choral Concert 8 p.m.

William Performing Arts Center

App of the Week Everyday Photography

HHHH

SANDRA AMSTUTZ // Arts Editor

Chelsea Bohrer plays drums for the band Seryn at Monks Coffee Shop. For more pictures of the show visit www.tinyurl.com/serynatmonks.

The Shinnery Review showcases rising band Sandra Amstutz Arts Editor

The Shinnery Review sponsored a free concert featuring Seryn, Paste Magazine’s No. 1 band from the South

By Southwest music festival at Monks Coffee Shop on Tuesday.

Tanner Hadfield, senior English major from Abilene; David McMichael, senior English major from Abilene and Bethany Bradshaw, senior English major from Henderson, co-chaired The Shinnery Review and decided to conduct the show with the organization’s leftover money.

“We had our visiting author cancel on the day she was supposed to be here,” Hadfield said. “We didn’t have enough time to find another author, so we decided to use the money to put on a free concert for the students.”

McMichael said he had attempted to bring Seryn to a Wishing Well event

earlier this semester, and the co-chairs were excited for the opportunity to bring the band to an Abilene audience.

“I knew that Seryn’s live show was awesome,” Hadfield said. “I thought that pretty much anybody could dig it, not just a few certain people.”

Annika Ringle, senior art major from Springdale, Ark., saw Seryn perform at South By Southwest and said she was excited to see them again.

“Their South By Southwest show was great, but I loved getting a chance to see them in a more intimate setting,” Ringle said.

The show also included performances by local talent such as Colton Owlsey, senior music major from Naples, Fla., and Blinded by Bears.

“The goal of The Shinnery is to showcase local talent through art and the written word,” McMichael said. “We like to do the

same by bringing in local musicians to these shows.”

In addition to this concert, The Shinnery also has sponsored multiple open mic nights, poetry readings, and artistic workshops this year.

“We really want to get people excited and passionate about the arts, in addition to providing students an outlet for creativity,” McMichael said. “Creativity is sometimes sparked by going to events and seeing what this work can be at its best.”

Hadfield urges students to get involved and support artistic groups and events like this one.

“I care about the local art scene a lot, and I think that ACU is a big part of that scene,” Hadfield said.

“There is a lot money out there to support stuff like this if you are willing to go find it. Free events like this can benefit everybody.” contact Amstutz at

sla07a@acu.edu

Everyday is an app for anyone who has ever wanted to take a picture of themselves everday and make a time lapse video of how their look changes. Everyday uses the frontfacing camera on the iPhone 4 to collect a photo of the user each day.

It sends daily notifications to remind the user to take their photographs and then uses a grid to make sure all of the pictures line up correctly. The app will generate the time lapse video when the user is ready. Everyday costs $1.99.

New Releases IN THEATERS Fast Five Apr. 29

(Universal Pictures)

Prom

Apr. 29

(Disney)

Hoodwinked Too! (Weinstein Company)

Apr. 29

13 Assasins (Magnet Releasing)

Apr. 29

Sympathy for Delicious (Maya Entertainment)

Exporting Raymond (Samuel Goldwyn Films)

Apr. 29 Apr. 29

DVD The Dilemma (Universal Pictures)

The Green Hornet (Sony)

Waiting for Forever (Freestyle Releasing) SANDRA AMSTUTZ // Arts Editor

Chris Semmelbeck plays accordian for Seryn.

May 3 May 3 May 3

From Prada to Nada (Lionsgate Films)

May 3

MUSIC

Students finish fashion show preparations Sandra Amstutz Arts Editor

DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer

Whitney Puckett, senior advertising/public relations major from Melbourne, Fla., tries on a red dress at Dillard’s to possibly feature in the In the RED fashion show.

With In the RED fashion show looming, event producer Whitney Puckett and her team of students have been working tirelessly to polish the final details for Saturday’s show.

“We had our casting call for models back in February, and we’ve been going non-stop ever since,” said Puckett, senior advertising and public relations major from Melbourne, Fla. “We have had photo shoots, meetings with business owners and media events leading up to this week.”

Recently, the team brought all 35 of their models to Dillard’s for a fitting.

“It went very well, even though it was very stressful,” Puckett said. “Our team pulled together. We’re just excited to see the looks on the runway.”

Preston Watkins, junior advertising and public rela-

tions major from Manassas, Va., serves as assitant producer of the show and said more than 100 different looks will walk the runway at the Windsor Hotel on Saturday. Featured brands include, BCBG, Ralph Lauren, Chelsea & Violet, Gianni Bini and William Rast, he said.

But attendees can anticipate more than just fashion, Puckett said.

“You can expect a really entertaining show. We have three dance groups performing and some amazing fashion going down the runway,” Puckett said. “I’m feeling great because I think that this will be our best show yet.”

The In the RED fashion show will take place at the Windsor Hotel at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets cost $10 and may be purchased at a table in the Campus Center or at the door on Saturday.

Silverstein Rescue

Apr. 26

Emile Simon The Big Machine

Apr. 26

Architecture in Helinksi Moment Bends

May 3

Beastie Boys Hot Sauce Committee Part 2

May 3

Cat’s Eyes Cat’s Eyes

Colbie Caillat All Of You

May 3 May 3

Dredg Chuckles And Mr. Squeezy May 3

Fleet Foxes Helplessness Blues

May 3

Giant Pianoramx Smooth Danger

May 3

Gruff Rhys Hotel Shampoo

May 3

Have Nots Proud

Musiq Soulchild MUSIQINTHEMAGIQ

May 3 May 3

Stevie Nicks In Your Dreams

May 3

Twin Atlantic contact Amstutz at

sla07a@acu.edu

Free

May 3

Opinion

Page 6

EDITORIAL

QR codes overtake ACU campus, paper Tech-sav v y faculty members recently started sneaking square barcodes onto cool signs, trendy brochures and snazzy coupons.

Although the intriguing codes may look innocent, they could potentially take over campus interactions and creativity as ACU knows it.

Soon, all signs for events will be allowed to contain only a few enticing words and a QR code that leads to additional information and the ability to put the event in a student’s iPhone calendar.

Because students can advertise events only online or as a printed f lyer in the all-but-popular ad kiosk, it makes sense to do away with creativity in advertising all together.

Authorities will allot a 10-word maximum and then slap a QR code on the poster, leading to more information. Thus, students will stop lobbying to bring chalk advertising back because even the best artist finds it nearly impossible to draw a readable QR code by hand.

Along the same lines, The Optimist no longer

April 29, 2011

By Morgan Davis

The Funny Funnies

the issue

ACU has given students a free QR code reader and an iDevice, with these tools changes can soon be expected.

our take

The influx of QR codes at ACU has vast implications for the way things are presented, taught, and advertise. will print actual stories in the newspaper. Instead, we’ll be encouraged to simply print large QR codes linking readers to our website.

This initiative will save the newspaper money and fall in line with ACU’s green initiative, because we’ll be using less paper.

Also, the QR code mania will hit the freshman class as soon as they get their hands on an ACUissued iPhone.

Instead of receiv ing an easily lost, fragile ID card, Welcome Week workers w ill stamp the new students’ hands w ith a permanent and persona lized QR code.

The code w ill contain necessar y persona l information: name, phone number, email, banner ID and photo. The stamps w ill eliminate the slow, outdated process of reciting name and phone number to someone’s face.

In fact, students also will have the option of getting an additional QR code hand stamp that links directly to the Facebook page of the QR code wearer, putting an end to the tedious process of remembering a new friend’s name and searching for them on Facebook later.

And finally, ACU can rid itself of the antiquated process of face-toface instruction. Professors won’t be required to physically be in class anymore as long as they post a large QR code on the blackboard that links to a podcast of the planned lecture.

Students, faculty and staff must grab their free iPhone, download the proper QR code app and start scanning, or else they might get left behind – or, worse: be forced to interact with people in person. contact the Optimist at

jmcnetwork@acu.edu

COLUMN

Informed traveling preempts mortifying moments Conscientious Conjecture

By Laura Acuff

The rotund Frenchman glowered up at me from below his balding, dark forehead, continuing to rattle off sharp reprimands in a language I couldn’t hope to understand.

Ro l l i n g Acuff my eyes toward Notre Dame’s glorious, bricked archways, I half-prayed for some divine resolution as five classmates huddled behind me. We watched the rest of our class continue, unperturbed, into the assembly to sit together for the cathedral’s Ascension Day mass, leaving us stranded at the back of the seating area.

The solemn service proceeded tranquilly, with spectators filling the rows of chairs in Paris’ most famous Cathedral, as the hawk-eyed man barred my way toward seats with the rest of my class. But his tirade lacked any gestures or attempts at English to clue me into my offense. And I couldn’t even recall the French phrase

for, “I’m sorry,” as I stared back, baffled.

Finally, as the furious Frenchman continued to prattle on, one classmate whispered from behind, “I think it’s your camera. Try putting it in your purse.”

Surely, I thought the problem couldn’t be my camera. Tour groups surrounded the assembly, flashes and shutters snapping. And if that were the problem, surely fixing it should be as simple as pointing to my camera, and then to my bag.

No, my offense must be much more egregious.

But just in case, I quickly switched the Canon SLR from the strap around my neck to my purse.

Instantly, the man disappeared.

The Latin and French recitations rolled over our heads as we found seats as close as possible to the rest of our class and hunkered down for the rest of the service, sighing with relief.

Examining the order of service, I noticed the disclaimer, “Communion is a Christian tradition, so we respectfully request that those not of the Christian faith do not participate.”

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

Now, I know that by “Christian,” the message meant Catholic. But being a logical Protestant, I thought, how will they know?

I remembered that several of my classmates – in Paris with me to study mass communications on an ACU study abroad Maymester – had said they intended to take communion. It was no big deal, they had insisted.

Glancing again at my awe-inspiring surroundings, I thought, why not?

Despite not understanding most of the service, I worked to make sure my heart was in the right place as communion approached, donning my most reverent attitude and demeanor.

After the blessing, I followed several of my classmates’ examples and lined up to receive the bread. Clergymen stood at the corners of every seating section with goblets of the divine stuffs.

Jumping in the shortest line, I waited my turn.

As the person in front of me returned to his seat, I locked eyes with the man holding a goblet of round, white wafers.

It was my little French friend, scowling at me again with dark, beady

This scene was all too familiar.

For the second time during Ascension Day mass in Paris’ Notre Dame, I was disrupting the service. eyes. In that instant, an understanding passed between us: This could not end well.

I had been told the process to receive communion went something like this: You walked up, you received the bread and you sat down.

But the man just continued to glare at me, making no move to hand me the bread.

Maybe I’m supposed to take it, I thought. But when he pulled back the goblet as I reached forward, I quickly realized that wasn’t going to work.

My panic rising, I thought, I have to say something. So I pretended to mutter a phrase in what I hoped sounded either Latin or French – whichever was correct – and tacked an “amen” onto the end.

“Amen,” I later learned, was the magic word. And he handed me a quarter-sized disc that looked as if it might be made of plastic.

Optimist the

Published by the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication

newsroom (325) 674-2439

sports desk (325) 674-2684

Staring at the wafer in my palm, I wondered if it could truly be edible. Contemplating the mound of bread still in the clergyman’s goblet, I wasn’t sure any previous receivers actually had eaten their wafers.

I puzzled: I don’t know how the Catholic Church works nowadays; maybe it’s all supposed to be symbolic.

Remembering that several classmates also had taken communion, I figured, I’ll head back to my seat and ask them; if they actually ate the wafer, I’ll follow suite.

Turning, I walked about halfway back to my chair before a ruckus behind me caught my attention.

The French clergyman had left his post, chasing me, yelling at me in French. Again.

This scene was all too familiar. For the second time during Ascension Day mass in Paris’ Notre Dame, I was disrupting the service.

Horrified, I quickly discarded my rising frustration and the impulse to stick the wafer on my tongue and yell, “Bite me,” at my verbal assailant. Instead, I silently handed back my wafer and slid into the nearest seat, hoping the Frenchman would again disappear.

It worked, and I was left to contemplate my mortification to the soundtrack of my snickering classmates a few rows away.

Upon returning to the States that summer, I told all my relatives about the time I almost took communion in Notre Dame.

In so many moments, the experience could have gone better: I could have kept my camera hidden; I could have just eaten the wafer; I could have spoken French.

But time after time, my ignorance of the Catholic Church, of Parisian culture and of the French language reached up to slap my English-speaking face.

Clearly, when it comes to travel, sometimes an ounce of culture is worth a pound of apologies. contact Acuff at

lka06a@acu.edu

editorial & management board Linda Bailey

Matthew Woodrow Christina Burch

Laura Acuff

Kenneth Pybus

Editor in Chief

Opinions Page Editor

Page 2 Editor

Copy Editor

Faculty Adviser

Jeff Craig

Brandon Tripp

Hannah Barnes

Bailey Griffith

Cade White

Managing Editor Sports Media Director

Features Editor

Copy Editor

Faculty Adviser

Jozie Sands Sandra Amstutz

Daniel Gomez

Morgan Davis

Cara Lee Cranford

Online Editor

Chief Photographer Cartoonist

Arts Editor

photo department (325) 674-2499

advertising office (325) 674-2463

multimedia desk (325) 674-2463

Advertising

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

FROM SPORTS

April 29, 2011

Page 7

NCAA

Regional redraw increases travel costs for ACU accommodate the new Division II conference, the Sports Director Great American Conference, The NCAA released redrawn which will begin Div. II play regional lines for both the next season. The conference 2011-2012 season and 2012- is comprised of both Arkansas and Oklahoma institu2013 season.

The Division II Manage- tions, including three curment Council approved the rent LSC schools that have changes that will directly already submitted intention affect both ACU and the to withdraw from the conLSC at its annual meetings ference to the league office before the beginning of the in Indianapolis.

“Things are going to current school year.

Beginning next year, the change for us,” said ACU Director of Athletics Jared GAC will be placed in the Mosley. “But I anticipate that South-Central Region, joining the LSC, MIAA and the we won’t skip a beat.”

The new alignment has Heartland Conferences. The been approved in order to GAC only is eligible for atBrandon Tripp

‘‘ ’’

large bids within the region per NCAA regulations.

While ACU will not be playing conference games against its former partners in the LSC, there remains the possibility of ACU seeing familiar schools in the playoffs in 2011-2012.

The regional alignment will again change next year, when the GAC moves to the Central Region. Joining the GAC will be the MIAA and the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. The Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference will move into the South Central Region to offset the two departing conferences.

Things are going to change for us. But I anticipate that we won’t skip a beat.

JARED MOSLEY // Director of Athletics for ACU

With the departure of the MIAA from the region, the LSC will be losing some of its best inter-conference rivalries from the past few seasons. In just this school year alone, the LSC and MIAA have played more than 100 games against each other in regional play. With the move of the MIAA, games still could be played against each other, but those games

BASEBALL

would not count as regional games, which affect standings within the region.

One of the big reasons for the realignment, other than the new conference, is to cut down on travel expenses for institutions in this tough economy.

“In these difficult economic times, we’re pleased that these new alignments will actually reduce travel in

our two regions in the Midwest,” said Bill Fusco, chair of the Championships Committee and athletics director at Sonoma State in an article released by the NCAA. Despite the overall reduction in travel costs, Mosley anticipates a slight increase for the ACU athletic programs.

“I think it definitely increases our travel costs,” Mosley said. “But when the championships committee looks at that, they have to consider the entire division.” contact Tripp at

bjt07a@acu.edu

SOFTBALL

Series: Advancing requires two wins Continued from page 8

DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer

Will Calhoun swings at a pitch earlier this season. The Wildcats need some wins and a little luck to play in the LSC tournament.

Weekend: Wildcats want sweep Continued from page 8

watching this weekend, as they need both ASU and WT to lose two of three, along with Kingsville, to only take two of three or worse.

If the Wildcats only take two of three against SWOSU this weekend, they will need both ASU and WT to be swept and Kingsville to lose two of three.

The Wildcats will host this year’s tournament in Abilene, trying to avoid being spectators at their home stadium. ACU has not missed the conference tournament since 1997. ACU has seen success in the tournament, as well, as they have played in the tournament’s final game every

‘‘ ’’

year since 1999 with the exception of 2004. The Wildcats were eliminated in the semifinals in 2004.

The Wildcats won conference tournament championships in 1993, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2009 and 2010 and have posted an all-time tournament record of 36-19.

SWOSU currently sits fifth in conference and already has clinched a spot in the tournament. It still, however, will look to improve its seed in the LSC tournament.

“We know exactly where we are. We have played 45 games this season, and if you can’t get up for this weekend, I do not know what will. We have to win in order to keep playing. It’s pretty simple,” Bonneau said.

The series between the Bulldogs and Wildcats will

It is the last series, and we have our backs against the wall. We have to go down swinging.

ABE WILLIAMS // senior catcher for the ACU Wildcats

start with a double header on Friday, beginning at 1 p.m.

“It is the last series, and we have our backs against the wall. We have to go down swinging,” senior catcher Abe Williams said.

“We have to win all three

games to have a chance to get into the LSC tournament, which is our goal.

We are focused and fired up to win this series.” contact Cantrell at

jrc07f@acu.edu

scenarios for the playoffs

The ACU baseball team makes it to the Lone Star Conference tournament if...

• ACU sweeps SW Oklahoma State • ASU loses two of three against Cameron • WTAMU is either swept or wins one game against TSU • TAMU-K loses at least one game against ECU

COLUMN

NFL: Sundays may lack games Continued from page 8

the players and the history. It’s just like football, except no one hits each other and you wear slippery shoes. And no one really cares who wins.

6. Watch poker. See No. 7. Replace “bowling” with “poker.”

5. Take up a new hobby.

Play Frisbee, fly a kite, build model cars, learn to cook, the list goes on and on.

4. Get a job. My parents

told me to write this one here.

3. Exercise. Getting in shape would be nice. I could live healthier, gain muscle, run faster, jump higher and eat better.

Sounds tiring.

2. Re-watch all seven seasons of The Office.

Steve Carell has left the show. What better way to reminisce than to rewatch every single Michael Scott moment?

Next season won’t be as good without him, so this

should fill both The Office and NFL voids. But it’s still not quite a perfect replacement.

Drumroll please.

1. Sleep. We have a winner.

I’d rather have the NFL, but if I can’t, you now know my weekend plans next semester.

With the lockout over, as of now, it looks like the players might get their wish, and football will be played next season.

It doesn’t hurt to have a back-up plan, though. contact Smith at

mds10a@acu.edu

Reeves said. “We can’t afford to get caught up in anything but what is happening at our field.”

The ’Cats currently are riding a losing skid, as they have lost their last three games, but those previous results are not what catcher Erin Gilliland said the team is focusing on.

“We have a clear mindset, going into this weekend. We are putting all of our efforts and time into preparing for Tarleton State and looking into anything else,” she said. “If we play our game and focus on the task at hand, we’ll be fine.”

Producing offensively is what Reeves said will be the key factor to winning this weekend.

“We’ve got to continue hitting the ball. That is our team’s strong point, and we’ll need it against Tarleton State,” he said.

Tarleton’s future remains at stake with this series, as it vies for a postseason spot as well, with an identical record to ACU. The TexAnns come into the matchup on a high note, having beaten No. 23 West Texas A&M in walkoff fashion last Saturday on Senior Day. Tarleton has yet to be swept on the season as well.

Game one will begin Friday at 7 p.m. with the series set to finish Saturday, with a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m.

contact Shake at

bxs09a@acu.edu

scenarios for the playoffs The ACU softball team makes it to the Lone Star Conference tournament if...

• ACU wins two of three against TSU and ASU sweeps TWU • ACU wins two of three against TSU, ASU sweeps TWU and ENMU sweeps WTAMU. • ACU sweeps TSU and ASU wins one game against TWU

GOLF

Region: ’Cats rise to fifth in rankings Continued from page 8

our favor. We have a lot of guys with really good mental games.”

The Wildcats will enter the tournament as the fifth best team in the nation, according to the Golf World/ Nike Golf Coaches’ poll released Wednesday. Lone Star Conference rival and last week’s conference tournament champion Central Oklahoma University is ranked first. The only other team ranked in top five in the South Central region is Central Missouri at No. 25.

“We are excited; we expect to win,” sophomore Kyle Dickerson said. “We have been preparing for this all year, and we are definitely looking forward to it.”

If the rankings are to be believed, then the Wildcats should have no problem making their goal a reality.

The regional tournament will be May 2-4 in Georgetown, Ky., at the Cherry Blossom Golf Club. contact Gwin at

agg07a@acu.edu

CLASSIFIED For Rent: 1 -1 bedroom/1bath unfurnished apts. $300/mo. (no pets & no smoking) utilities not included, located within walking distance to ACU, available June 1 1233 ½ Washington Call 325-677-1943 if interested.

Two nice 1 bedroom apartments on same property as our home.

Available June 1 Also, one large 4 bedroom/2 bath house.

All listings located 1/2 block from campus on College Drive No Smoking/No pets Call 672-9633 or 370-5122 if interested.

Will Pay Cash For Dorm Size Refrigerators Must Be Working/Have All Shelves $25-Square Box Model $30-Larger Models Call Bernie 325/370-3633 325/672-6385

Page 8

Standings BASEBALL Team

Div.

UIW 22-8 SE OK St. 22-8 Tarleton St. 21-9 Cameron 20-10 SW OK St. 21-12 ASU 18-15 WTAMU 16-14 ACU 15-15

Ovrl.

31-13 28-14 33-10 28-13 30-15 24-21 29-17 23-21

SOFTBALL Team

Div.

Ovrl.

ASU UIW WTAMU TWU ACU TSU TAMU-K ENMU

14-4 12-6 11-7 9-9 9-9 9-9 5-13 3-15

39-8 28-21 37-14 27-23 26-26 21-23 24-28 13-38

Briefs n The

2011 football recruiting class grew in number Monday, when ACU gained a commitment from wide receiver J.D. Smith. The former San Angelo Lakeview standout caught 60 passes for 723 yards and nine touchdown passes in his senior season. Smith played at Lakeview with ACU backup quarterback John David Baker.

The baseball team gained a commitment from Abilene High player Gibson Aguirre on Tuesday as he signed his letter of intent to play for the Wildcats. The catcher is a three-year letter winner and two-year starter at catcher. He currently bats .231 with two doubles, one triple and six RBIs for the Eagles.

n

NFL Draft Former ACU all-American wide receiver Edmond Gates is preparing for one of the most exciting moments of the NFL season on Friday when the Gates NFL Draft begins in New York City.

Gates’ stock rose exponentially when he ran a 4.37 40-yard dash time at the NFL Combine in February. In past weeks, Gates has visited 12 NFL teams. ESPN NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay predicts Gates to go to the Jaguars with the 49th pick in the draft.

GOLF

Sports

ACU hopes to regain form at regionals Austin Gwin Sports Editor

This time last year, the Wildcat golf team was riding high, coming off its biggest win in 15 years.

The team had just won the Lone Star Conference tournament, only the second time a Texas team had ever taken the win.

More was expected at regionals than a disappointing 7th place finish last spring. All it took was a fifth place to push the Wildcats into the national tournament, but the Wildcats couldn’t produce a rally in

‘‘ ’’

the final round, and their season came to an end.

With all the key pieces back this year, the team’s expectations focused on making it to the NCAA National Championship tournament. Although a third place in the conference tournament wasn’t the result they wanted last weekend, it was enough to take the next step into the regional tournament.

“All throughout the season, you play tournaments to prepare for three weeks – conference, regionals and nationals,” sophomore Alex Carpenter said.

All throughout the season, you play tournaments to prepare for three weeks...

ALEX CARPENTER // sophomore golfer for the ACU Wildcats

“All that does is boost your confidence for your play going into regionals, and we have got to get it together for a week at regionals, so we can make it to nationals.”

The NCAA Division II South Central/Midwest regional tournament features teams from both the South Central and Midwest regions. The top five

The softball team hosts Tarleton State University on Friday at 7 p.m. before playing a doubleheader on Saturday, starting at 1 p.m.

The track and field team will compete at the Penn Relays Friday and Saturday in Philadelphia.

n

see REGION page 7

Wins spell playoff hope Bryson Shake

Assistant Sports Editor

Two weeks ago, the ACU softball team was sitting pretty in the Lone Star Conference South Division standings with only four series remaining on its schedule before the LSC Post-Season Tournament.

But after going 4-4 over the course of those series, the Wildcats now must win at least two of the three games in their upcoming series with Tarleton State Univeristy on Friday and Saturday at Wells Field, and they need to receive some outside help in order to return to the LSC Post-Season Tournament.

ACU, Texas Women’s Univeristy and Tarleton State tie for fourth place in the LSC South Division standings, with each team carrying a 9-9 conference record into this weekend. Texas Woman’s will host first-place Angelo State University this weekend in a critical series for the Pioneers’ post-season aspirations.

Not only does ACU need to take the series from the TexAnns, but the Wildcats also need some help in order to prolong its 2011 campaign.

The top four teams from each division of the LSC will advance to the conference tournament.

DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer

Infielder Megan Brigance gives instructions to her teammates during a game. The Wildcats need two wins this weekend against Tarleton State University and a little luck in order to extend their season into the playoffs.

If Angelo State sweeps Texas Woman’s, ACU would need to win two of the three games against Tarleton in order to claim at least fourth place in the division.

If ACU sweeps the TexAnns, the Wildcats would need Angelo State to beat

TWU once in order to clinch a spot in the tournament field.

And lastly, if ACU wins twice, ASU sweeps TWU and last-place Eastern New Mexico University miraculously sweeps West Texas A&M University, then ACU and the Lady

Buffs would be tied in the LSC South standings. That scenario would give ACU the No. 3 seed because they took two of three from WTAMU in head-tohead competition.

But Head Coach Bobby Reeves says that all his team can worry about is

putting the best product on the field for themselves.

“We can’t worry about the Angelo State or West Texas A&M score, we have to focus on our game and not let outside distractions hinder our performance,” see SERIES page 7

COLUMN

BASEBALL

10 ways to replace NFL Sunday blues Rookie Rumblings Mark Smith

n

n

teams advance regardless of region. Also, the top two individual finishers not on one of the qualifying teams also will get a shot at nationals. Defending national champion Cyril Bouniol was one of those two individuals who made it to nationals and represented ACU well, bringing home an NCAA championship trophy.

Last season, the Wildcat’s came into the last day in 11th place, and needing to make up serious ground in order to make it to the national tournament. What didn’t help the Wildcats was how hard the course was. Head coach Mike Campbell said, after the final round, that the pin placements on the greens were the toughest he has ever seen.

“They set the course up pretty difficult for regionals,” Carpenter said.

“But I think that works in

SOFTBALL

Upcoming The baseball team will play Southwestern Oklahoma State University in a doubleheader Friday, starting at 1 p.m., and then will play again on Saturday at 4 p.m.

April 29, 2011

DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer

Bryce Gerhardt stands at the plate, awaiting a pitch earlier this season.

’Cats need rivals’ help Ryan Cantrell

Sports Multimedia Editor

The Wildcats will need wins and some help this weekend in order to keep alive its postseason hopes.

The Wildcats will travel to Weatherford Oklahoma to take on the Bulldogs of Southwestern Oklahoma State University.

Realistically, ACU needs to sweep and then get some help in order to claim the last spot in the LSC tournament. The top five spots already have been clinched, but ACU, West Texas A&M University, Angelo State University and Texas A&M University-Kingsville all still have a chance at that final spot.

“We have to win every game. Bottom line: got to win. Then, hope three other teams get beat a few times,” Head Coach Britt Bonneau said. “We got to take care of our business and hope for the best.”

The Wildcats will find themselves scoreboard see WEEKEND page 7

I need the NFL, and ever since the lockout began last month, I’ve been tryThe NFL currently is under ing to think of new ways to lockout. The NFL Player’s spend my time, new great Association and the team things to do instead of owners have to come to watch football.

Unfortunately, this list is all terms on a I was able to come up with. labor agree10. Homework. Who ment before wants to do homework on next season Sunday afternoons? Forget can hapthis one, just skip to No. 9. pen.

9. Get a girlfriend. Not getThe NFLting my hopes up on this one.

PAs conSmith 8. Go for a relaxing drive tend that the owners aren’t project- in the country. This sounds ing future revenue high like a nice option until I enough, thus cutting the think of what gas prices will players their due. How- be by next semester.

7.

Watch bowling. ever, if the owners overproject income over the Believe it or not, ESPN next four years, they lose broadcasts bowling during what must be the bowling the difference.

It’s a confusing matter, season. I could learn about and I barely understand the game, the strategies, what I’m saying. I love see NFL page 7 the NFL, I want the NFL,