The Optimist - 08.29.12

Leading Change New EVP brings range of experience vol. 101, no. 2

wednesday, august 29, 2012

Features Page 7

1 SECTION, 10 PAGES

INSIDE NEWS Chancellor Money named director of Institute for Church Ministry Page 5

NEWS Senior design major designs Pura Vida Salon before summer opening Page 3

NEWS Two infuential academic members died of cancer Page 4

OPINION Dead day revision proves admin will listen to organized student reaction

GRAND OPENING

page 6

OPINION Mark Smith remembers lessons learned from his summer internship page 6

SPORTS Information on each of ACU’s future Southland opponents Page 10

SPORTS Soccer team to begin sesaon Thursday at Dallas Baptist

Page 10

SPORTS Football team to take on McMurry for first time in 41 years

Mandy Lambright chief Photographer

Dr. Billy Curl, member of the Board of Trustees, and his wife, Mary, are recognized during the Opening Chapel of the 50th year since he was enrolled in Abilene Christian College. Curl and Larry Bonner, also recognized in the ceremony, were the first African-American students at the college.

First-day Chapel honors pioneers, focuses on future of athletics and academics josh garcia staff reporter Members of the ACU community from around the world gathered to inaugurate Abilene Christian’s 107th session in Monday’s Opening Chapel.

Throughout the ceremonies, the diversity and exceptionalism of all attending students, faculty, alum, family and guests were frequently referenced by the speakers. This semester’s new students were particularly emphasized.

“This morning, there are more than 1,250 new Wildcats among us, and more than 1,060 of them are new undergraduates,” said Dr. Phil Schubert, president of the university. “We are extraordinarily proud of this group of freshmen, who

“

We are extraordinarily proud of this group of freshmen.”

Dr. phil schubert president of the university

comprise one of the most academically prepared cohorts in ACU’s 107 year history, with a record number of students who graduated top 25 percent of their high school classes, and have an increased average overall GPA. The ethnic diversity of this class is more than 30 percent, an all-time high for ACU.” Also recognized were Dr. Billy Curl and Larry Bonner, who were the first full-time African-American students to enroll in Abilene Christian College.

Last year, ACU began to commemorate the historic event of their enrollment.

“Other opportunities for reflection and celebration are planned as we mark this 50th anniversary of their arrival on the campus,” said Vice President Dr. Gary McCaleb. “Today, we celebrate a 50th anniversary and we celebrate all the students that have followed.”

Schubert called their presence an honor, mentioning that the courage they had to blaze a path for racial equality at ACU made the current ethnic diversity possible.

Dan Branch, a Texas State Representative, spent some time reflecting on ACU’s athletic program.

“When I look around y see chapel page 8

mandy lambright CHIEF Photographer Nathan Amerman, sophomore art major from Spring Hill, Tenn., bears the Tennessee state flag during the Parade of Flags in Moody Coliseum. The parade is an annual tradition associated with Opening Chapel ceremonies.

administration

New provost makes quick impact Page 10

mark smith editor in chief

NEWS Increased enrollment prompts faculty pay raise Page 5

NEWS This year’s RecFest to celebrate rec center’s birthday Page 3

ONLINE VIDEO

ACU’s new provost has been in office for only a few months, but has revived dead day, facilitated searches for three permanent deans and created plans for supporting the campus after a round of budget cuts.

Dr. Robert Rhodes was named provost in early April

acuoptimist.com

ous format, which included dead day.

Rhodes said some more short-term goals involve finding support following the budget cuts and reevaluating ACU’s mission.

“Over the last few years ACU has gone through some budget reductions, and we’re taking a look at what areas faculty and staff do need support in. We need to find what resources

we have to support faculty’s scholarly activity, teaching and service,” Rhodes said.

“Another part of our goal is to spend time strategically planning, including revisiting ACU’s core vision and how to advance academically to support our core mission, whether that’s in academics, athletics or other areas in the university.”

Rhodes helped to coordinate the creation of three

search committees to find permanent deans in the College of Biblical Studies, the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Education and Human Services. Dr. Ken Cukrowski was the vice provost but is serving as interim dean of the CBS. Dr. Susan Lewis, associate professor of journalism and mass communisee provost page 8

administration

Committees begin search for deans marissa jones

See the press conference announcing ACU’s move to D-I

and began serving in the position July 1.

A f t e r reviewing student and faculty reto RHODES sponses the removal of dead day last semester, Rhodes decided to set the finals week schedule back to the previ-

managing editor The search for the new dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, dean of the College of Biblical Studies and dean of the College of Education and Human Studies is underway.

Beginning last month, the three positions have been advertised in the Christian Chronicle, and the chairs

heading the search committees have been named. Carley Dodd has been named chair for the College of Arts and Sciences, John Weaver for the College of Biblical Studies and Dr. Nancy Shankle for the College of Education and Human Studies.

The chairs are taking nominations from department heads to create committees for each search. Each

committee will contain six to eight members. Dodd said he is looking for some specific attributes to create a varied committee.

“We will look for three criteria - departmental diversity, demographic diversity and time to devote to the committee,” Dodd said.

“Once we get the nominations, sift through them and pick the committee members, that’s phase one, and

Abilene Christian University

we’re hoping to finish this within a week or two.”

The committee chairs will report to Dr. Robert Rhodes, provost of ACU. Rhodes said that the deadlines for the three dean positions will be in November in order to give enough time to review the applications, conduct phone and on-campus interviews and announce the positions.

“The goal is to be able to search and then request

on-campus interviews and host those in the spring,” Rhodes said. “I would like by mid-spring to be able to announce those positions so whomever it is, especially if they have to move, we can give them enough time to join us. We’re looking at a July first start date.”

During this time, interims will be holding the three posee deans page 8

Wednesday 08.29.12

29 Wednesday

30 11 a.m. Mark Lewis Chapel 101

Thursday

31

4:30 p.m. Students’ Association Congress Interest Meeting

Friday

2

1

Saturday

11 a.m. ACU Volleyball vs St. Edward’s U

1 p.m. ACU Volleyball VB vs. Colo. State Pueblo

4 p.m. RecFest 2012 6 p.m. ACU Soccer at Dallas Baptist U

5 p.m. ACU Volleyball vs SE Okla. State U

7 p.m. ACU volleyball vs SW Okla. State U

6 p.m. ACU Football vs McMurry U

7:30 p.m. The 39 Steps - ACU Theatre

7:30 p.m. The 39 Steps - ACU Theatre

Chapel checkup

3 93 @acuoptimist

Around Abilene Aug. 29

Aug. 30

Aug. 31

Sept. 1

6:30 p.m. The Key City Squares will host a square dancing workshop at the Wagon Wheel in Tye. All ages invited.

6:30 p.m. The Abilene Public Library will be hosting a notebook creating workshop in the auditorium of the Main Library. Participants will learn how to make and decorate personalized, recycled notebooks with recycles boxes.

Materials will be provided.

8 p.m. Billiard’s Backroom will be hosting Three Shades Blue with special guest The Transporters. Billiard’s Backroom is located at 5495 S. 7th St.

10 a.m. Attend Chili Super Bowl XXXI in Buffalo Gap to see and sample the world’s largest bowl of chili, enjoy live music, concessions, and evening dance. The cook-off benefits the Ben Richey Boys Ranch.

The Optimist optimist@acu.edu Police Log Announcements Students interested in joining The Wildcat Reign can sign up at thewildcatreign. com. The Wildcat Reign serves to provide students the ability to facilitate Wildcat pride on campus and serves as a linking point between students and Wildcat athletic events.

The ACU Roller Hockey Club Team is accepting new members who are interested in playing roller hockey. For more information on the team, you can post on the ACU Wildcat Hockey Facebook page or email at acuhockey@gmail.com.

The Royce & Pam Money Student Recreation & Wellness Center will be celebrating its first birthday with RecFest 2012 Aug. 31 from 4 p.m. to midnight. Come play in the dodgeball tournament, and join the Zumba Party.

Dan Austin, co-founder of 88bikes.com will be coming for a Speaking Forum in Hunter Welcome Center on Sept. 12 at 11:45 a.m.

ACU Speech and Debate Team is seeking new members interested in speech Treadaway Kids will be having an inter- A general information meeting for Sing and debate. For more information email est meeting in the Campus Living Room Song host and hostess auditions will be Dena Counts at dena.counts@acu.edu or on Aug. 30 at 6 p.m. Applications can be held in Cullen Auditorium on Sept. 6 at text/call 325-428-6699. found at acutwk.wix.com.

11:30 a.m.

ACU Theater presents their fall comedy, The 39 Steps, in Fulks Theatre. The play will be showing on Aug. 31 and Sept. 1 at 7:30 p.m. For tickets, call 325-674-2787 or purchase tickets online at acu.edu/ Students’ Association Congress will be Seekers of the Word, a drama ministry theatre. hosting an interest meeting on Aug. 30 group, will be holding auditions Sept. 5 at from 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

8:30 p.m. in Bible 130.

Volunteer Opp0rtunities The Abilene Zoo is looking for volunteers to help with general labor such as grounds cleanup and painting any weekday at any time between noon and 4 p.m.

The Zoo is located at 2070 Zoo Ln. Contact Joy Harsh at 325-676-6487 for more information.

their after school program on Monday-Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. You will help with snacks, homework, crafts, games and other activities in addition to mentoring and building relationships with youth. Contact Ashley Kee at 325-672-1636 or e-mail akee@newlifehousing.com.

Child Protective Services needs volunteers for clerical work as well as volunteers who can organize a playroom. Volunteers are needed any weekday anytime between 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Child Protective Services are located at 3610 Vine St. Background checks are required and are done at the center. Background checks usually are cleared in about two weeks. For more information call V. Danette Cummings at 325-691-8214.

The House That Kerry Built is looking for volunteers to assist in the day care of medically fragile children any day Monday-Friday from 8:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Contact Dave Kraly at 325-676-3104 or e-mail medicalmoose@ sbcglobal.net for more information.

Medical Care Mission is looking for volunteers to assist medical or dental staff with patients any weekday from 8:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. For more information contact Dave Kraly at 325-676-3104 or email medicalmoose@sbcglobal.net.

Abilene Hope Haven Inc. needs volunteers to provide childcare while parents are in class, any evening Monday-Thursday from 6:45 - 8:15 p.m. Abilene Hope Haven is located at 801 S. Treadaway Blvd. For more information contact Kathy Reppart at 325-677-4673 or visit www.abilenehopehaven.com/volunteer.

The Abilene Boys and Girls Club needs help any weekday between 3:30 - 6 p.m. helping children of all ages with games, art, gym time, reading and computer skills. Locations are 4610 N. 10th St. or 1902 Shelton St. Contact Mark Denman at 325-672-1712 for more information.

Volunteers are needed to enjoy a free lunch with students at Bonham Elementary School on a weekly basis. This would be sometime between 10:00 a.m. and 1:15 p.m., and would involve spending lunch time with students and having a positive impact on their lives. Contact Jason Shaw at 325-639-3745 or e-mail jason.shaw@abileneisd.org.

Meals on Wheels Plus needs volunteer drivers to deliver afternoon meals to seniors and adults with disabilities Monday-Friday between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Drivers must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license. Training is provided. A Chapel exemption is available if delivery time conflicts with Chapel.

Contact Jessica Stewart at 325-672-5050 or email volunteer@mealsonwheelsplus.com.

The Big Brothers Big Sisters program is looking for volunteers to participate in Lunch Buddies. Bigs and Littles will enjoy lunch together at the child’s school once a week. Students can earn Chapel credit for each visit. Big Brothers Big Sisters is also looking for volunteers for its Community Based program. Bigs are matched with Littles in a one-on-one relationship and spend four to six hours per month together in the community. To sign up or learn more visit www.bbbstx.org or call 325-674-3113.

New Life Alliance is looking for volunteers to help with

Rescue The Animals is looking for volunteers anytime between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., Monday-Friday. They need help around the adoption center with general cleaning, socialization of the animals, helping potential adopters and other tasks. Contact Mindi Qualls at 325-698-7722 or email rescuetheanimalsvolunteers@yahoo.com. The center is located at 5933 S. 1st St. Young Life Ministries needs volunteers Mondays, Tuesdays and weekends from 6-9 p.m. Volunteers will hang out with kids, experience leadership roles, serve others and introduce students to Christ.

Young Life is located at 1917 S. 6th St. For more information contact Chuck Rodgers at 325-676-1211 or email clrodg@wrproperties.com.

Disability Resources, Inc. is looking for volunteers to assist developmentally disabled residence. Help is needed with activities, art projects, reading books, exercise activities, assisting with vocational training needs and other interactions Monday-Friday from 9 a.m-4 p.m. For more information contact Becky Moody at 325-677-6815 or e-mail bmoody@driabilene.org.

Volunteers are needed to read to Taylor Elementary School students Monday-Thursday afternoons at UCC from 3:15-4:30 p.m. Enter through the south entrance.

Contact C.G. Grey 325-668-2842.

Da’ Cipher 360, a program for at risk children, is looking for volunteers on Monday evenings from 5-8 p.m. at the Rose Park Activity Center, 2625 S. 7th St. Volunteers can help in a variety of ways including helping with set up, learning activities for kindergarten-3rd graders, tutoring 4th-8th graders, and assisting with clean up. Contact Alvina Scott at 847-333-7026 or email ams07b@acu.edu.

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 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.

Access Learning Center is looking for volunteers to help elementary school kids with homework, reading, computers and games. The center is located at 2102 Ambler Ave. For more information contact Bret Hines at 325-670-9727. Call ahead to schedule a time to volunteer.

College Heights Friendship House needs child mentors Monday-Thursday from 3 - 5 p.m. Contact Dusty Garison at dusty@wecareabilene.org for more information.

Center for Contemporary Arts needs a gallery assistant to greet patrons, answer phones, and answer basic questions about the Center and its programs.

This oppotrunity is open Tuesday-Friday. The Center for Contemporary Arts is located at 220 Cypress Street.

For more information contact Jessica Dulle at 325677-8389 or visit: http://www.center-arts.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 Breakfast on Beech Street is seeking volunteers to help set up, prepare and serve breakfast to homeless/lower income folks any Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 5:30 a.m. or Tuesday at 5 a.m. B.O.B.S is located at First Christian Church on 3rd St. and Beech St. Service times must be scheduled in advance. To serve on Mondays contact Jody Depriest at 325-669-3312 or jody.depriest@gmail.com. To serve on Tuesdays contact Allen Daugherty at 325-660-6949 or ale.al@ suddenlink.net. To serve on Wednesdays contact Jane Harvey at 325-695-0092 or jharvread@aol.com. To serve on Thursdays contact Margaret Beasley at 325692-4149 or mbeasley5@suddenlink.net. To serve on Fridays contact Rachel Brown at rdb08a@acu.edu.

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 Camilla Becton at 325672-1890 or email bammy0811@yahoo.com.

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

3

campus news

wednesday 08.29.12

services

Senior designs Pura Vida for grand opening david singer opinion page editor An old space was renovated this summer to provide a new home to some of the city’s hair stylists and spa specialists.

Located on Campus Court in what was the Abilene Educational Supply, Pura Vida Salon and Spa opened its doors to existing clients on July 9.

A grand opening on July 17 celebrated the new business and opened reservations to residents as well as faculty, staff and students.

The salon houses eight stylists, many of which had been working previously in Abilene and surrounding areas, and intends to soon add a ninth. The full-service spa also offers pedicures, manicures, facials and massages.

Pura Vida aims to become more than a simple salon and spa though.

“We, as a team, got together and decided what was important to us,” said lead designer Cindy Seabourn.

What the team established was a mission statement that not only promotes a welcoming and exceptional environment, but also an experience that “enhances the spirit, body and soul.”

“Our goal is to provide a place where people really feel welcome,” Seabourn said. “And focus on not just outer, but inner body as well.”

Toby Vernay, Pura Vida’s director of education, has been charged with helping to keep the stylist’s up to date on trends and Seabourn says the staff has been “constantly learning new techniques.”

With school beginning, Seabourn says a few stu-

dents have already made their way in for an appointment but one student in particular has been involved with Pura Vida from the start.

Kelsie Pinckard, senior graphic design major from Lewisville, began working on Pura Vida’s interior design in January.

After planning for months, she was excited to see her design in action at the grand opening.

“It was exciting to see people enjoying the space after pouring my entire last semester into it,” she said.

Pinckard, who applied for the position through Business Services, began her career at ACU as an interior design major before switching to graphic design. Despite the switch, interior design has remained a passion and she helped to redesign both the Edwards Hall lobby and a study room in Nelson Hall.

After talking with Pura Vida, Pinckard began working on a sleek, welcoming and gender neutral plan for the space.

“We went for an upscale and chic look,” she said, “but also something really inviting.”

Pinckard is glad to see her design in use and Seabourn looks forward to how the salon grows as the school year begins.

Students can reserve an appointment with Pura Vida through their website or front desk and also the concierge desk. Many services are available at a 10 percent discount with the use of any college I.D.

contact singer at dis08b@acu.edu

mandy lambright chief Photographer

mandy lambright chief Photographer Students from ACU and members of the Abilene community take advantage of Pura Vida

mandy lambright chief Photographer Kelsie Pinckard, senior graphic design major from Lewisville, was involved in the design process for the interior of the Pura Vida Salon and Spa.

news

wednesday 08.29.12

4

obituary

Two academic influences die over summer mark smith editor in chief Two of the most influential and respected members of the ACU academic community died after battles with cancer during the summer. Dr. Dwain Hart died on July 5 and Dr. Charles Siburt died on July 11 after a nearly three-year battle with cancer.

Hart, 80, served in many academic and athletic roles throughout his ACU career. He was the head tennis coach from 195671, professor and chair of what is now known as the Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition for more than 20 years and director of women’s athletics. He served as dean of the College of Professional Studies, the Graduate School and the College of Arts and Sciences. Later in his career, he served as vice president for academic affairs in 1991 and was named provost in 1995. He retired two years later and worked part time as a university liaison until his full

retirement last August.

H a r t came to Abilene in April during a reunion of former tennis players.

Hart Hart was honored with the announcement of the Hart Tennis Endowment Fund, letters from players, siburt a tribute video and a celebration of his 80th birthday.

His daughter, Dr. Kerri Hart, is one of three program directors for the Student Recreation and Wellness Center. She said her father’s influence is apparent to her everywhere on campus.

“There’s not a single area on this campus that I don’t have memories of him,” Kerri said. “Every day someone comes up to me tells me about the im-

pact he had on their lives.

He will be remembered for his gentle spirit and the encourager he was to everybody.”

Kerri Hart said her father was more involved in different areas of ACU than she knew before he died.

“We didn’t know about all the roles and programs he had a place in until this summer,” Kerri said. “He was a major part in creating pass/fail classes, and he even helped bring the Special Olympics track and field competition to Texas.”

Siburt will be remembered for his ministry work with Churches of Christ and students at Abilene Christian University.

Siburt, 68, was diagnosed with IGM Multiple Myeloma, a cancer that destroys antibody-producing cells, in August 2009.

He underwent a bonemarrow transplant in March 2010 and went into remission before relapsing in January 2011.

Siburt became a fulltime member of ACU fac-

ulty in 1988. He has since served as associate dean for ministry programs and services, O.L. and Irene Frazer Professor of Church Enrichment, director of the Doctor of Ministry program and director of the Center for Church Enrichment. He also led ACU’s ElderLink Forum program since it began in 2000.

Dr. Tom Milholland, assistant provost and professor of marriage and family therapy at ACU, had known Siburt for about 35 years since they both served in ministry in the Lubbock area. Milholland most recently worked with Siburt at ACU and as elders at the University Church of Christ. He said Siburt served as an excellent role model for students.

“Charlie was very pastoral in his approach to communications and took his job very seriously,” Milholland said. “He was the kind of person aspiring pastors would like to model themselves after.

He was an all around good guy and very pleasant to be with.”

“

He fought a long, hard fight. We’re going to miss him, but we’re glad he’s in glory.”

Dr. Tom Milholland assistant provost and professor of marriage and family therapy

Milholland said Siburt’s cancer treatments at Parkland Hospital in Dallas severely limited his ability to teach this year. Siburt was able to return to teach a little in May, and participated in the spring graduation commencement. Milholland said the last class Siburt was able to teach was a one-week Doctor of Ministry course in June, which was very special to him.

Dr. Phil Schubert, president of ACU, sent an email to all university faculty and staff to let them know about Siburt’s death.

“We have lost a great friend, professor, alumnus and selfless servant leader.

Few people over the past 20 years have had more influence in Churches of

Christ around the world than he has,” Schubert said in the email. “Dr. Siburt’s mentoring and ministry to church leaders is legendary, and his voice in the life of Abilene Christian will be dearly missed.”

Milholland said Siburt will be remembered as a man who loved God, his family, teaching and preaching.

“He was a great husband, father and church leader, and all of his students loved him,” Milholand said. “He fought a long, hard fight. We’re going to miss him but we’re glad he’s in glory.”

contact smith at mds10a@acu.edu

student life

Welcome Week sees increase in numbers marissa jones Managing editor Welcome Week brought in over 960 new students, a number significantly higher than recent years.

Eric Gumm, director of the First Year Program, said several changes had to be made to accommodate this larger class.

Because Sikes is housing freshmen, the hall had to be added to activities involving residence halls. Two new sections of Cornerstone were added which required more group and peer leaders to be hired. Gumm said a few growing pains were felt as well.

“We definitely stretched our feeding capacities,” Gumm said. “And in terms of having enough rooms for people to meet in, we had to find more. But it’s nothing huge and nothing we can’t deal with. We love having new students, so

we’re happy to be flexible with that.”

Gumm said a large number of freshmen at Welcome Week is indicative of an even larger number once school begins. Dr. Phil Schubert, president of the university, reported over 1,060 freshmen currently enrolled on campus. Enrollment numbers will be finalized once twelfth day numbers are released.

Though Gumm is excited for the large number of students, problems could arise in the future if enrollment and retention numbers continue to grow.

“When we bring in a big class, if they retain at the same rate we’ve seen historically or higher and then we bring in another big class, then we’re going to see a challenge there for housing, meal service and around the campus in general,” Gumm said. “This year we had some flexibil-

mandy lambright f Photographer

Freshmen participate in the annual giant Twister game at Welcome Week. Large numbers of students at Welcome Week required administrators to make changes to events. ity with housing because the sophomore class was a little bit smaller, but when these freshman become next year’s sophomores and they don’t become smaller, then we have some problems.”

Gumm said the increase in numbers might require changes to be made to class requirements or scheduling.

“We’ll have some challenges I imagine in some courses that are traditionally taken at the sophomore year,” Gumm said. “We’ve made changes with the Core class that creates some f lexibility already.”

Freshmen are noticing the effect of their large class first hand, especially during Welcome Week activities.

“It’s definitely been crazy, but I love having a large class because I’m meeting tons of people everyday.

Every day is an adventure and a fresh opportunity,” James Churchill, freshman English major from Abilene, said. “The events were very crowded, which forced me to break out of my comfort zone. There wasn’t enough space to ignore the people next to me, so I had to converse.

Welcome Week events pushed me to talk to new

“

I think there will be a lot more energy on campus this year. And when people are visiting on campus, that would create a buzz for next year’s group.”

people, and I’m glad for that.”

Gumm thinks that this year’s freshman class will effect the university in years to come. He said this class is energetic and will add something to the campus.

“I think there will be a

Eric Gumm director of the first year program

lot more energy on campus this year,” Gumm said. “And when people are visiting on campus, that could create a buzz for next year’s group.” contact jones at mnj10a@acu.edu

5

NEWs

wednesday 08.29.12

administration

Money chosen as first Director of Ministry melany cox online managing editor Dr. Royce Money, Chancellor and former president of ACU, has been named the first executive director of the Institute for Church Ministry. The decision was announced to the faculty and staff on Aug. 22.

The new Institute for Church Ministry took formation at the beginning of the year when Dr. Schubert, president of the university, asked Money to do an assessment of churches’ relation to ACU. Money met with several people to discuss the betterment of church relations. Money delivered the assessment was delivered to Schubert in early June. A few weeks later the president asked him if he would take over the project.

“I’m a churchman,” he said. “I was in full time ministry for 14 years before I came to Abilene Christian, so it seemed to be a natural thing to do. I’m also a faculty member in the College of Biblical Studies,

so I have a good network of people. It seemed to be something that was needed and I”m certainly willing to do it.”

He said the work he is doing is an extension of the work done by his personal friend, Dr. Charles Siburt, who served as the director for the Office of Church Relations. Siburt passed away in early July.

“In simple terms, the Institute for Church Ministry is the vehicle by which ACU carries on a meaningful relationship with churches. It’s the new version of the old Church Relations position.”

An example of the services offered by the institute include workshops for elders which will be held across the country.

The institute also will provide resources for ministers and church leaders.

Money said he plans to talk with ministers and church leaders to ask what they need.

Money described the new program as a “work in progress” because it is in the process of form-

curtis christian Staff Photographer

Royce Money was named the first executive director of the Institute for Church Ministry on Aug. 22. The focus of this position is to help ACU better serve the needs of churches. ing. He said the focus of the program was based on ACU’s desire to reach out to churches and serve their needs.

“I believed at the time

we needed to give new emphasis to providing services for local churches,” he said. “Our primary constituents are Churches of Christ, but our services

are available to any church Siburt’s place, he is simply who wants to use them.” “taking up the cause.”

He said the loss of his friend “Charlie” Siburt contact cox at was “inestimable.” He mkc09b@acu.edu said that instead of taking

Student life

Rec Center to celebrate success of inagural year

“

This event is the perfect opportunity to explore different classes and get plugged into the ACU community.”

“I think RecFest is a great opportunity to get involved at ACU,” Ray said.

“New students can come To start off the school year, check out the Rec Center the Royce and Pam Rec and try out some new exerCenter will be celebrating cise classes.”

Joel swedlund its one-year anniversary by Joel Swedlund, the executive director of the rec center hosting the second RecFest new excecutive director as a birthday party. of the Rec Center, is also RecFest will begin Friexcited about the upcomday at 4 p.m. and will last vided. Unlike last year, Courtney Ray, sopho- ing event. He is hoping to until midnight. Activities RecFest will only last un- more health promotions make this an annual event will include intramural til midnight instead of 6 major from Allen and a staff that brings all of the stuvolleyball, basketball and a.m. There will also be free member at the Rec Center, dents together. dodgeball tournaments birthday cake, popcorn said the event will give fresh“I’m really excited for and a Zumba party. Live and snowcones available men a thorough look at what all of the freshman and music will also be pro- for students. the Rec Center has to offer. new students to come check out the Rec,” Swedlund said. “This event is the perfect opportunity to explore different classes and get plugged into the ACU community. It is a new semester, and RecFest is the perfect way to start things off.”

Students who had a good time at last year’s grand opening celebration are looking forward to this year’s.

“Last years RecFest was great because we were able to see what the Wellness Center had to offer and enjoy spending time with friends,” said Morgan Watten, sophomore accounting and finance major from Coppell. “It was really nice to be able to try out new classes and explore all the new things we were going to get to use.”

RecFest will also advertise classes available.

This year, Yoga, Zumba, Circumference, Cardio Kickboxing, Boot Camp and Core Performance will be available along @acuoptimist The Optimist optimist@acu.edu ACUOPTIMIST.com with new classes such as R.I.P.P.E.D. Maria Morrell, staff member and junior

Staff report

mandy lambright chief Photographer

Students enjoyed grand opening of the Rec Center at last year’s RecFest. The center looks to recreate the success with this year’s event. nursing major from Bryan, said they hoped to target more male students by offering the new classes.

She said popular classes, such as Yoga, Zumba and Circumference, will be offered many times a week due to high demand.

Class schedules will be available online and at the front desk of the Rec Center.

The Rec Center also lowered the cost of class memberships in order to reach out to more students, said Morrell.

“Last year’s rate of $60 a semester was expensive for many students,” Morrell said. “After looking at how many were enrolled

as members of those classes and listening to many others asking the price to be lowered, our directors discussed the price change and concluded that a lower rate would be much more beneficial to the students.”

To celebrate the Rec Center’s anniversary, memberships will be discounted to $25 and classes will be available to preview for free this week only.

contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu

Opinion

WEDNESDAY 08.29.12

6

Editorial

Dead Day proves voices can inspire change Most college students don’t believe they can make a difference on their campus. After all, they are just students and they don’t have a say in anything. Right?

The students and faculty of Abilene Christian University proved that through our thoughts and words, we can make a difference in our community. When we, the people of Abilene Christian University come together and speak, we are heard.

After much talk, petitioning and surveys, dead day is back.

Dead day was the first Monday of finals week. It was an exclusive day that had been put in place for students to study, relax and sleep right before their lives were turned upside down by finals week. However, ACU broke this longstanding tradition during the spring semester of 2012 and decided to get rid of dead day.

As word spread around campus that dead day was gone, it quickly became apparent that the students were outraged about the elimination.

Everyone had thought about it, everyone talked about it and most had complained about it, but one student decided to do something about it.

Alexander Hill started a petition to bring dead day back. The support that he got was overwhelming. More than 500 students signed this petition and because of the petition and survey, dead day was brought back.

For most students, our voices can sometimes feel unheard. However, the resurrection of dead day is evidence that someone

listens. Students should be more involved with events that surround them in their every day lives. When students stand together to support or protest an issue, they are heard.

Students have a voice and often don’t realize it.

We need to recognize that we have a say in things like politics, campus issues and the Student Association elections. If we speak up about the problems that we see around us and get more involved, then we can help get them fixed.

EVAN’s marks

the issue Student’s often feel like their opinions go unnoticed and thus, leave them unsaid.

our take The reinstatement of dead day shows that the administration is will to listen and work for what we support.

These problems directly effect us and often we just complain instead of initiating some action.

The only obstacle standing in our way, is our voice.

Sometimes we don’t realize how valuable our voices are. If we can bring back dead day by forming a petition and replying to

evan marks

a survey, who knows what else we can do. Now what can we do about Core?

contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu

column

Internship, thy name is Slippery WELL, THIS IS AWKWARD MARK SMITH

MEET THE CARTOONIST Classification: Senior MAJOR: Graphic Design HOMETOWN: San Diego, CALIF. Evan once heard a loud crash outside his house when he was young. Outside he found a glowing stone from space that gave him magical powers. Evan’s entire life has been devoted to hiding those powers from others.

column

College life approaching grad wakeup WOAH! IS ME DAVID SINGER

My days are numbered.

College is almost over and the real world is getting closer and closer.

And it’s not the kind of Real World where you get to drink and be sexually promiscuous with eight random roommates. It’s the kind where a body running solely on Ramen drags itself from interview to interview before finding somewhere to spend the rest of your life.

One of college’s sole purposes is preparation for life after diploma.

Yet, somehow, there are some major differences between how I live my life now and I imagine my life will be come June.

America is in a recession and unemployment continues to rise, yet I currently have three jobs.

As unemployment lines grow longer, so do my responsibilities at work.

If only I could pawn the assignment of intramural referee off on one of those recent pink slip recipients.

Instead of turning

hashtagACU 11:56 a.m. Aug. 27

Dan Branch is probably the most coherent speaker this side of the Red River.

9:52 a.m. Aug. 28

The guy sitting next to me is barefoot. I am officially back at acu.

@realzekemorgan @_jujuv

down extra jobs so I can play intramural pickleball or get more than five hours of sleep each night, I picture myself frantically searching for something, anything to pay the bills.

Seriously, anyone hire me. I will do anything.

My sleep schedule is something that will take a huge hit come graduation. I currently do about 15-20 hours of work per week during normal business hours (assuming I don’t skip class). The rest of that time is a mixture of naps, food, general horseplay and a bit more napping.

The rest of my work is done sometime between sundown and most normal human beings’ deep sleep cycle. When I enter

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.

To the kid who held the Oklahoma flag in the opening ceremonies today, nice move w/ the Thunder shirt but this is #mavsnation

@paigeeileen41

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

contact singer at dis08b@acu.edu

On the day of my last final as I was moving out of my dorm room, I got the call from Greg. I was set up to work as a stringer for six weeks in Abilene later in the summer.

The internship went very well. I received assignments each day, went out and covered events and happenings around Abilene during one of the hottest summers I’ve

“

It was a great experience for me to learn not just about reporting and writing, but about the life of newspaper employees.

ever seen.

During one of my last weeks, I was to report on some features from the State 4-H Horse Show, because I obviously fit in very well with cowfolk.

Each day I was out at the Expo Center, searching for an interesting feature.

It was a great experience for me to learn not just about reporting and writing, but about the life of newspaper employees.

I got a glimpse of what a managing editor has to manage each day, how late the night editor has to work to make sure the paper looks good on people’s front porch and how far photographers have to travel to cover a story.

The newspaper is made up of committed people working for one goal, and I truly appreciate the opportunity I had this summer to intern at the Reporter-News.

And no, I still can’t spell Greg’s last name from memory.

contact SMITH at MDS10a@acu.edu

11:38 p.m. Aug. 27

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

the “real” world and get a “real” job that isn’t going to fly. I’ll have to somehow trick my body into waking and working with the rest of the world.

I do, however, look forward to actually having weekends. You know, days between the weeks where I don’t have to work and can spend time on more important things like taking my wife to dinner, picking out paint samples and complaining about my job.

I can’t say for sure now, but I expect life after college to be quite a wakeup, and my alarm couldn’t even do that this morning.

During my internship at the Abilene Reporter-News, the news assignments ranged from rodeo events to children reading to dogs.

These are my stories.

I applied for internship after internship after internship in December and January. It is unbelievable how early some deadlines are.

After countless hours spent searching online for good internship opportunities, I finally gave up and began packing for the spring semester.

Most of my applications were for paid internships, which I realized many others like me probably did also. I had realized too late I would be competing with a large number of people for those few intern openings at ESPN, ABC, CNN and The Cheesecake Factory. I kid you not, The Cheesecake Factory had a journalism internship, which would include working on their magazine publication. It sounded too good to be true: a paid internship in my field and cheesecake, too?

I’m glad I didn’t get that one. I wouldn’t have been able to kind of stay in shape.

There was one place I knew I wanted to intern at but wasn’t able to find an application for.

(That was a poorly constructed sentence for a journalism major.)

I had done some work for the Abilene Reporter-News in the past and wanted to have that opportunity to work in a city I knew somewhat well. I made several calls to the interim editor, hoping to see if they could have me on as an intern.

The spring semester wore on. I hadn’t heard much from them but I wasn’t going to give up.

I’m going to sell these cheesy movie rights.

I heard back from Greg Jaklewicz, the content editor, in April and scheduled an interview.

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5:35 p.m. Aug. 27

1:18 p.m. Aug. 27

nothing says senior year quite like getting a LinkedIn request from the Bean piano guy #what

@leigh_foith

12:58 p.m. Aug. 27

Walking around ACU with a backpack on acting like I go here. #ACUproblems

I am truly more excited about the side entrance to the library than the fact that ACU is going D1 #truthtweet

@mandamariee153 @misshollybear

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7

features

wednesday 08.29.12

TAKING ON NEW GROUND ACU’s new executive vice president well qualified to lead university alongside President Schubert

mandy lambright chief Photographer

samantha sutherland features editor

D

r. Allison Garrett held a very respected and influential position at Oklahoma Christian University. Last year as senior vice president for academic affairs, she oversaw three colleges and was one of the two finalists being considered for presidency at Oklahoma Christian. This year, Garrett has given all of that up for the opportunity to fill the position of executive vice president of ACU and to be a part the great things she anticipates in its future.

“It’s going to be fun to play in new sandboxes,” Garrett said.

The role of executive vice president was last filled by Dr. Phil Schubert, president of the university, and has remained unfilled for the past two years.

“She’s going to bring new ideas and thoughts to the table,” Schubert said.

“She’s an experienced leader, I feel like God brought us the right person for the job and that she’ll bring a positive change to ACU.” Schubert said Garrett will be taking on a significant portion of the internal operations of the university, allowing him to spend more time representing the university and working to secure the resources needed to fund ACU’s mission and vision.

“Her role is ensuring strong financial operations, building a strong image for ACU through marketing and helping achieve a quality campus environment for learning to occur,” Schubert said.

Wide Range of Experience Garrett has filled a variety of roles during her career – from lawyer to regulator, from professor to provost. After graduating law school, Garrett took a job at a law firm and was immersed in a case involving a huge security fraud scandal that victimized many Hollywood celebrities and was covered for months by the Wall Street Journal.

Before getting into higher education, Garrett spent more than 10 years working

as the general counsel for corporate legal services at Wal-Mart Stores Inc. where she worked on many of the deals that allowed Wal-Mart to expand into several different countries. She also served as the company’s vice president for benefits compliance and planning where she managed a budget of more than $550 million.

“I was intrigued after reading her resume and biography; the combination of her business experience in the legal world and at Wal-Mart combined with her five years as provost gave her a unique combination of strong academic understanding and business and legal background,” Schubert said. “She looked like a stellar candidate for a leadership role.”

Garrett also worked at the Securities and Exchange Commission in Washington D.C. before entering into leadership roles in higher education, serving as a provost, professor and filling other high administrative positions.

“I think the single most important thing in any job is to treat people with a lot of respect,” Garrett said.

As a professor for business law, Garrett said she really enjoyed getting to know the students.

“I tried to have a lot of fun and do some crazy things in class,” Garrett said. “Because business law can be a deadly boring subject if you’re not careful.”

Fighting for Rights When Garrett went into the practice of law in the mid-80s, she was one of two women at a firm of more than 30 lawyers.

In many of the positions she has held, she has been a pioneer in breaking through the barriers placed before women in the workplace. This carried on to her consideration for the presidency at Oklahoma Christian.

“I was excited to have the opportunity to, maybe not break the glass ceiling, but to crack it and I felt fairly confident that I would at least get a serious look,” Garrett said. “I don’t know if women have applied for positions of presidencies at Church of Christ schools in the past, but I thought it would be nice to cause people to start

thinking a little differently than maybe they have been thinking.”

Garrett said she is confident that, in the next few years, there will be a woman board chair for at least one of the universities affiliated with the Churches of Christ. She said a different world today is offering more opportunities for women in leadership.

“ACU is blessed to have several very talented female board members,” Garrett said. “In higher education, just as in other industries, women have made a lot of progress over the past couple of decades, but women often still face unique challenges in the workforce.”

“

“It’s going to be fun to play in new sandboxes.”

Earlier Dr. allison garrett this year, executive vice Garrett testipresident of the university fied before Congress against the requirement that employers provide birth control – including the abortion pill – regardless of their religious convictions.

“I’ve never really dabbled in politics or that particular issue but I felt strongly about the issue of religious liberty,” Garrett said. “There are other ways for the government to reach this same end without making people violate their First Amendment rights.”

Garret said she believes religious liberty is crucial to this country and to Americans as individuals.

“It’s one of the things that makes it so wonderful to live here and it’s important that those of us who are Christians be able to exercise our religion,” Garrett said.

Sharing Wisdom Garrett encouraged students to take advantage of the networking possibilities here at ACU and also advised that students follow their interests.

“Look for connections, if someone were to come to me with a strange assortment of skills and interests, I know that somewhere out there is the perfect job for that person,” Garrett said. “Really follow your interests and see what kinds of connections you can make.”

As a student, Garrett said she probably did not even know that the position she now fills existed. It was a process of seeking her passions that brought her to where she is now.

“Don’t let your job get in the way of you living your life as a Christian and don’t let it get in the way of your family or even at work, just being able to enjoy your colleagues,” Garrett said. “In a bigger company you occasionally get to see the bad side and it is so important not to sacrifice your principles.”

Garrett also said humor is a great tension dissipater for really awkward discussions and she believes in figuring out ethical alternatives for reaching the same means that others may try to solve unethically.

Looking at where Garrett has come from, she brings a rich and varied history of experience to her position serving ACU. “The exciting thing is that I really feel like I can make a difference,” Garrett said. “A lot of people talk about multiplying their impact, and when you work in a place with amazing young people who can go out into the world, what little you do can have this multiplier effect and it’s really exciting to influence people who are making decisions about where their life is going to take them.”

Schubert said Garrett has an incredible understanding of Christian higher education and of the needs of the students.

“She knows what we stand for,” Schubert said. “Her own personal values and integrity promote God and higher education. I’m excited and thankful for what she can do for ACU.”

contact sutherland at sns08a@acu.edu

NEWS

wednesday 08.29.12

8

administration

Deans: Search committees formed continued from page 1 sitions: Dr. Greg Straughn for the College of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Ken Cukrowski for the College of Biblical Studies and Dr. Donnie Snider for the College of Education and Human Studies.

Rhodes acknowledged that challenges sometimes accompany changes in administration, but he remains optimistic about how ACU is handling it.

“There are times where you have interims in place and they’re kind of just care-taking for the job, and there’s not a lot of forward movement,” Rhodes said.

“This is a different group.

“

This is a different group.

They’re very skilled.”

Dr. robert rhodes provost of the university

They’re very skilled. All of them really aren’t missing a beat. They’re moving the college forward and are very engaged and individually impressive people.”

Rhodes said his hope was for each interim to apply for the permanent position.

Straughn said he has enjoyed working with the departments in the Col-

lege of Arts and Sciences and is considering applying for the position as dean.

“I’ve not ruled it out.

I’ve not made a final decision at this point, either,” Straughn said. “I’m waiting for the committee to finalize the description and qualities of the position, and I know that will happen pretty soon. I’m happy to serve right now and have been blessed by different opportunities to serve in different roles over the last couple of years.” contact jones at mnj10a@acu.edu

mandy lambright CHIEF Photographer Dan Branch, a Texas State Representative, speaks during Opening Chapel.

Chapel: Speaker stresses future, education is the reason that Texas Monthly at the end of the this coliseum, and I look last millennium said that at all the banners that rep- the greatest sports dynasty resent the great heritage in Texas is ACU track.” that this school has, I’m Branch said he believed reminded of your excel- ACU will find success in lence in not only character Division I, congratulated education but in athletics the university at that acand academic education,” complishment, and also said Branch. “To me this mentioned the two new continued from page 1

Olympians on campus, Reyare Thomas of Trinidad and Tobago and Elea Mariama Diarra of France.

“See your future, and seize the day,” Branch said.

contact garcia at jtg10b@acu.edu

administration

Provost: Chief academic officer adjusting to position, campus continued from page 1 nication, is filling his old position on an interim basis.

Rhodes earned a Ph.D. in school psychology from the University of Northern Colorado and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Oklahoma Christian University. He was associate dean for students and programs at New Mexico State University before agreeing to come to ACU as the university’s chief academic officer.

Dr. Phil Schubert, president of the university, said Rhodes shares the university’s mission, an essential characteristic of the provost.

“The president and provost must have a common vision and mutual trust,” Schubert said. “I am very impressed with Dr. Rhodes.”

Rhodes said the change has taken some time to adjust to ACU’s differences from NMSU, but he’s pleased with the transition.

“Whenever you come to a new campus you’re never quite sure what to expect until you’re actually here,” he said. “Everyone I’ve worked with has been welcoming and engaging.

ACU has a more personal nature and I like that is designed with a kingdom approach and greater spirituality.”

contact smith at mds10a@acu.edu

9

sports

wednesday 08.29.12

baseball

Elliot Cribby hired as new pitching coach daniel zepeda sports reporter ACU head baseball coach Britt Bonneau announced earlier this month that Elliot Cribby will be the new pitching coach for the Wildcats this upcoming season.

“I feel that as we move forward into Division I, it is really important for the program that we have a strong pitching coach to help out our guys,” Bonneau said.

“He is a high energy guy.

He’s young, he wants to be a coach, and above all he wants to win. And anyone who knows anything about baseball knows how important your pitching is to win.”

Many factors went into the decision, but the main reason for the new addition to the staff was the recent move to Division I. “He has had a lot of experience with Division I ball,” Bonneau said.

“He’s played in it, coached in it, and he has a lot of contacts that can help us as a team as far as recruiting. It will improve our own team networking. Plus, as a team moving forward, you want to have guys with you that have had experience with Division I and have been around that.”

Bonneau hopes to improve on the team’s lack of success from a pitching stand point.

“I think myself, Coach

“

ACU deserves a trip back to the College World Series and our goals fall nothing short of that. elliot cribby Pitching coach ACU baseball

Bonneau, and Coach Stover can all agree we really underachieved last season on the mound,” pitching Coach Elliot Cribby said.

“I’m excited because I feel like I have received the keys to a Ferrari. It’s a talented group of arms and we will bring an uptempo and aggressive approach to our game plan every day.”

Before coming to ACU, Coach Cribby experienced

success as both a player and a coach.

“I played at the University of Washington and established myself as a premier closer in the PAC-12 while I was there,” Cribby said.

“I actually closed games for Tim Lincecum.

Having experience in that conference and playing in the Cape Cod League in the summer really gave me a better understanding of what it takes to succeed at a higher level.”

After finishing out his career as a player, Cribby decided to become a coach instead.

“I chose to coach in high school versus the junior college route because I wanted to have experi-

ence running a program of my own rather than just being an assistant,” Cribby said.

“In the two years I was at Mount Si, we established ourselves as one of the premier high school programs in the country being ranked in the Top 25 multiple times.”

Cribby began to stand out from the other candidates towards the end of the process.

“At one point, we were looking at five guys including Elliot,” Bonneau said. “But after weeks of talking and really getting to know these guys and seeing what their true colors were, Elliot just stood out from among the rest.

His passion for the game,

his eagerness to win, his strong faith, and core values really made the decision easy for us.”

The Wildcat nation hopes that Cribby’s new energy will correlate into wins on the diamond and a rebirth of baseball here in Abilene.

“My goal is simple: win,” Cribby said. “We will prepare in the fall to do so and with the work ethic instilled, everything else will take care of itself. ACU deserves a trip back to the College World Series and our goals fall nothing short of that.”

contact zepeda at djz11a@acu.edu

volleyball

Youth: ‘Cats open season with tourney from page 10

mandy lambright chief Photographer

The volleyball team gets ready to play in Moody Coliseum.

specialist/libero Madison Hoover will be splitting time with Robinett on the defensive side of the ball. Both players are described as excellent at ball control.

The last new face is freshman Sarah Siemens.

She and Rhoads will both be starting at the setter position.

“Haley is very reliable and has a great mental game while Sarah is a little more athletic and has a better walk,” Mock said.

The Wildcats have the difficult job of replacing Kelsie Edwards, ACU’s career holder in digs, and All-American outside hitter Jennie Hutt. Both were seniors last year.

“It’s hard to replace girls like that but Jennie, Loerch and Madison Hoover are very similar players to Hutt and Ed-

“

We want a conference championship.”

Kalynne Allen senior right side hitter acu volleyball

wards in regards to what they bring us on the court and their mentality,” Mock said. “We have some great tools that can provide a similar outcome.”

The ‘Cats will be moving up to Division I next season so the team is looking to leave the conference on a good note.

“We want a conference championship,” Allen said. “A lot of us have friends on the other sports teams and they all have conference rings. We want to be apart of that.”

ACU is picked to finish third in the LSC behind West Texas A&M University and

soccer

Lady ‘Cats to kick off season at Dallas Baptist

mandy lambright chief Photographer

Senior midfielder Julie Coppedge drives the ball down the field last year against Dallas Baptist at Wildcat Soccer Pitch.

natalie goin assistant sports editor After finishing last season 20-2-1 at the NCAA Division II national championship quarterfinals, it’s safe to say that the ACU women’s soccer team is ready to pick up where they left off this year.

“We have quite a bit of returning starters and player from last year,” head coach Casey Wilson said. “The experience coming back after last season takes a lot of the apprehension out of what we can do as a team.”

The Wildcats are coming back with eight starters, all of which were key members of the 2011 Lone Star Conference and regional title winning team. Only three players are not from last year, keeping the bulk of the team in tact.

The roster will once again feature junior allAmerican forward Andrea Carpenter, recently recognized as the LSC preseason Offensive Player of the Year.

Carpenter claims a ca-

reer total of 38-goals in 44 starts, an ACU record.

Seniors Julie Coppedge, Arielle Moncure, Stephanie Heron, Lexi Stirling, and Krysta Grimm are also expected to lead their team once again.

“All five seniors are very talented players who have made quite an impact on this program,” Wilson said. “A lot of the seniors have played in many of the games here, so that’s exciting in itself.”

In addition to the returning players, Wilson is looking forward to several newcomers in the program.

“Lindsey Jones, Mandy Stratton, and Allie Vinson are three freshman that I feel could make an impact this year,” Wilson said.

“They have quite a bit of experience that can help us out.”

Jones and Stratton are expected to play on defense and in midfield throughout the season.

The Wildcats will begin their season at Dallas Baptist University on Thursday.

After winning two close

games against the Patriots the previous season, ACU is prepared for what could easily be an exciting game.

“We played them for the first game of the season and for the regional championship at the end of last year, winning both games in overtime,” Wilson said.

“They’re a good program and I think it will be an excellent test right off the bat.

We’re excited to go into our first game and have our first game be an important one is great to have our girls focused. They know what they’re getting into and who we’re gonna play so I think they are ready to go.”

Heavily favored to win this year’s Lone Star Conference title once again, the Wildcats are eager to jump into action this season with a great start.

“I feel like we can hit the ground running one more year with the amount of experience we have,” Wilson said. “And that’s exciting.” contact goin at nsg10b@acu.edu

Angelo State University.

Pueblo, Southeastern OklaThe Wildcats play in homa State University and the St. Edward’s/St. Mary’s host St. Edward’s University.

Tournament this weekend.

Their opponents will include Southwestern Oklacontact isaacs at homa State University, jei08a@acu.edu Colorado State University-

sports

wednesday 08.29.12

standings

volleyball

Young squad set for season opener Edward Isaacs sports editor Moody Coliseum has been buzzing with action this week as the volleyball team prepares for its season opening tournament this weekend.

The Wildcats are coming off a 2011 season in which they went 21-14 overall and 14-6 in the Lone Star Conference.

They qualified for the NCAA Division II tournament but lost a five-set heart breaker to the University of Central Missouri

in the South Central SubRegional.

This year the ‘Cats sport a young squad led by the lone senior on the team, right-side hitter Kalynne Allen. She will be joined by several key returners including sophomores Sara Oxford, Haley Rhoads and Rachel Riley and juniors Madelyn Robinett, Caley Johnson and Neely Borger.

Head coach Kellen Mock said the youth of the team can be both a positive and a negative thing.

“I think we are a resilient team, maybe even

“

I try to lead by example, however it’s a shared responsibility. I can’t do it all on my own.”

we’re also talented,” she said. “I think this group of girls has maybe more talent than any other ACU team I’ve been on. It’s exciting for me to have some Kalynne allen younger girls challenging Senior right-side hitter ACu volleyball for spots.”

Allen also said she enjoys being one of the leadmore so than last year,” ers for the team. she said. “We aren’t emo“That’s something I tional. Our experience desire and strive for,” level could be a factor she said. “I try to lead by though. We will have a lot example, however it’s a of freshman and sopho- shared responsibility. I mores on the floor.” can’t do it all on my own.”

Allen isn’t phased by all One of the new faces the newcomers. this season is middle “We are young, but blocker Corrie Reeder

who is listed at 6-foot-1.

Mock said she will see significant playing time since Borger, who is expected to be out until mid-September, is still recovering from an off-season injury.

“Corrie is tall and dynamic,” Mock said. “You will be seeing her a lot.”

Rookie outside hitter Jennie Loerch emerged as one of the better hitters during two-a-days according to Mock and said she can play anywhere on the outside.

Freshman defensive see youth page 9

university

A look into the Southland ACU will join 13 teams when it moves to Div. I try, golf, football, track & field; women’s basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, track & field, volleyball Joined Southland - 1972

Central Arkansas Mascot - Bears/Sugar Bears Location - Conway, Ark. Enrollment - 11,444 Sports - men’s football, baseball, basketball, soccer, track & field, cross country, golf; women’s basketball, volleyball, track & field, cross country, tennis, golf, soccer, softball Joined Southland - 2006

Mascot - Golden Eagles Location - Tulsa, Okla.

Enrollment - 3,212 Sports - men’s baseball, cross country, golf, soccer, tennis, track & field; women’s basketball, golf, soccer, tennis, cross country, track & field, volleyball Joined Southland - 2012

Sam Houston State Mascot - Bearcats Location - Huntsville Enrollment - 17,612 Sports - men’s baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, track & field; women’s basketball, bowling, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, track & field, volleyball Joined Southland - 1987

Northwestern State Mascot - Demons Location - Natchitoches, La. Enrollment - 9,191 Sports - men’s basketball, football, baseball, track, cross country; women’s basketball, cross country, soccer, softball, tennis, track & field, volleyball Joined Southland - 1987

Texas A&M Corpus Christi Mascot - Islanders Location - Corpus Christi Enrollment - 10, 200 Sports - men’s baseball, basketball, cross country, tennis, track & field; women’s basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, track & field, volleyball Joined Southland- 2006

Southeastern Louisiana Mascot - Lions Location - Hammond, La. Enrollment - 15,351 Sports - men’s basketball, baseball, football, cross country, golf, track & field; women’s basketball, cross country, soccer, track & field, softball, tennis, volleyball Joined Southland - 1997

McNeese State Mascot - Cowboys Location - Lake Charles, La. Enrollment - 8,900 Sports - men’s baseball, basketball, cross country,

Stephen F. Austin Mascot - Lumberjacks/ Lady Jacks Location - Nacogdoches Enrollment - 12,845 Sports - men’s baseball, basketball, cross country, football, track & field, golf; women’s basketball, bowling, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, track & field, volleyball Joined Southland - 1987

Nicholls State Mascot - Colonels Location - Thibodaux, La. Enrollment - 6,404 Sports - men’s baseball, basketball, football, golf, tennis, cross country; women’s basketball, cross country, soccer, softball, tennis, track & field, volleyball Joined Southland - 1991

Lamar Mascot - Cardinals Location - Beaumont Enrollment - 14,522 Sports - men’s baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, tennis, track & field; women’s basketball, cross country, track & field, golf, soccer, tennis, volleyball Joined Southland - 1963

10

Oral Roberts

Incarnate Word Mascot - Cardinals Location - San Antonio Enrollment - 7, 100 Sports - men’s baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, swiming and diving, tennis, track & field; women’s basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, synchronized swimming, tennis, track & field, volleyball

Joined Southland - 2012

University of New Orleans Mascot - Privateers Location - New Orleans, La. Enrollment - 10, 903 Sports- men’s baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, tennis, track; women’s basketball, cross country, golf, tennis, track, volleyball Joined Southland - 2012

sports reporter

mandy lambright chief Photographer

Running back Reggie Brown breaks away for a big gain.

The first week of classes means one thing to serious football fans in the big country: It is football time.

First year head coach Ken Collums has inherited the tenth ranked football team in the nation, and the boys of fall are looking to put together a playoff run after last year’s early exit in the first round.

Offensively, ACU scored like a pinball machine last year, and not much will change, as the high-flying Wildcat attack looks as menacing as ever.

Darian Hogg, Taylor Gabriel and Darrel CantuHarkless will lead a star studded group of playmakers this year for the ACU offense that will give LSC coaches fits on the outside all year long.

Darian Dulin takes

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volleyball

soccer

The football team will began its season ranked No. 10 in the country by the American Football Coaches’ Association pre-season poll. The ‘Cats are picked to finish second in the Lone Star Conference.

Soccer begins its season ranked No. 7 in the pre-season poll released by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. ACU is the only LSC team to make the top-25 poll.

The volleyball team is third in the preseason conference ranking.

West Texas A&M University is first and Angelo State University is second.

Houston Baptist Mascot - Huskies Location - Houston Enrollment - 2,300 Sports - men’s baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, track; women’s basketball, cross country, golf, track, softball, soccer Joined Southland - won’t be a member until 2013 and will start football in 2014

ex- factor Texans defensive back Danieal Manning forced and recovered a fumble Saturday night against the Saints.

Daryl Richardson, running back for the Rams, led his team against the Cowboys Saturday with 10 carries for 51 yards and a reception for 9 yards.

Bears defensive end Aston Whiteside played in the first game of his NFL career Friday in a win over the Giants.

Upcoming

Wildcats to begin LSC farewell tour over as the defensive coordinator after the team fought through some rough patches on the defensive side of the ball last year, giving up over 400 yards a game.

“I think our defense is going to be very good” quarterback Mitchell Gale said. “We have had some good defenses the past few years, but we go against really good offenses a lot too.”

Dulin will be looking to revamp a defense that will not have a shortage of talent. Hard-hitting linebacker Thor Woerner and playmaker Darien Williams should have monster years this year, after the two players combined for 134 tackles in the 2011 campaign.

The Wildcats did not do themselves and favors with the schedule ACU will face off against four teams ranked

Team

briefings

football

matthew sloan

football

in the top 25, including rival West Texas A&M on the road and a showdown in Abilene against the fourth ranked Midwestern St. Mustangs.

“Our approach since the spring has been that it doesn’t matter who you play, we had better show up and be ready to go,” Collums said. “Every week we have to go in there and play a clean game.”

The Cats will also travel to perennial powerhouse Delta State and face off against West Alabama at Shotwell in early November.

The Wildcats first game of the 2012 season will be at Shotwell Stadium on Saturday at 6:00 p.m. against fellow Abilene school McMurry University.

contact sloan at mes10b@acu.edu

Football opens its season on Saturday, Sept. 1 against McMurry University at Shotwell Stadium.

Kickoff is at 6 p.m.

Soccer begins its season on Thursday, Aug. 30 at Dallas Baptist University. The match starts at 6 p.m.

The volleyball team travels to the St. Edward’s / St. Mary’s Tournament in Austin and San Antonio on Friday, Aug. 31 and Saturday, Sept. 1 to begin its season. The Wildcats open up the tournament on Friday in Austin when they play St. Edward’s at 11 a.m. and Southwestern Oklahoma State University at 7 p.m.

The men’s and women’s cross country teams travel to Waco to the Baylor Twilight Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 1 for their season opener.