The Optimist - 09.04.13

Unbeatable Wildcat soccer remains undefeated Sports Page 7 vol. 102, no. 4

Wednesday, September 04, 2013

1 SECTION, 8 PAGES

INSIDE NEWS ACU’s $50 million scholarship campaign reaches its half-way mark Page 3

FEATURES Former RAs band together to live offcampus

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NEWS

WELCOME TO DIV. I

ResLife makes changes to its intentional communities Page 4

OPINON The Editorial Board examines Miley Cyrus’ destructive behavior

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SPORTS ACU volleyball competes in the University of Texas Hilton Invitational Page 8

NEWS

mandy lambright chief Photographer

Top: ACU students yell for free giveaways during the first home game of the season in Shotwell Stadium. Bottom left: After an ACU touchdown, cheerleaders perfom back flips in celebration. Bottom right: Jamie Walker, sophomore tight end from North Richland Hills, congratulates running back Jeremiah Williams, graduate student from Allen, after a touchdown against Concordia College.

Wildcat football defeats the Hornets 84-6 in the team’s first Div. 1 game of the season.

Despite barely playing into the third quarter, Sports director senior John David Baker shattered the single game The ACU football team ACU passing touchdowns took the field for the first record with seven. time as a Div. I football “It was fun. Honestly, team and did not disap- we were clicking offenpoint, beating the Concor- sively,” Baker said. “It was dia Hornets 84-6. just fun being out with the

Matt SLoan

Sixty-one freshman received Presidential Scholarships this school year Page 3

SPORTS Read coach Joe Golding’s column about the changes being made to ACU men’s basketball

NEWS Forbes ranks ACU at 100 among colleges in fiscal soundness Page 3

NEWS The Abilene Catholic Student Association now has a group on ACU campus Page 4

ONLINE

James Eldred

Seven theme speakers, three featured guests, and over one hundred session leaders are scheduled to lead ACU’s 107th annual Summit from September 15-18.

Theme speakers will include Jonathan Storment, preaching minister at Highland Church of Christ, and Larry James of CitySquare in Dallas.

“They’ll be talking about the theme “Margins”, which is taken from the Gospel of Luke - following Jesus at the edge,” said Dr. Brady Bryce, director of ministry events.

Brady was originally drawn to the “Margins”

“

John David Baker Senior quarterback

see Dominate page 8

he’s pushed to the edges,” Brady said. “He identifies with these marginalized people all along the way, and he identifies with them in an amazing way by his death.”

The three feature speakers will not be following the theme.

“Since they are not a part of the culture of the Church of Christ, they always bring an interesting perspective of faith and obedience to Summit,” said Anna Jane Perrey, contextual education and ministry events coordinator.

Stock photo Class sessions with varSummit’s theme, Margins, will follow Jesus at the edge of Luke’s gospel. ious track themes will be held in the Onstead-Packtheme because of the de“He has this time of then it culminates where er Biblical Studies Buildpiction of Jesus in the gos- esteem and fame, and pretty much everyone is see Summit page 4 pel of Luke. people really like him, but ready for him to die, so

Highland to add instruments to worship Madeline Orr Managing Editor

VIDEO The Ken Collums Show airs on Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. on KTXS- TV.

“Darian is one of my best friends,” Baker said.

“We came in together in 2009 so there has always been a connection there.

It was nice to get out there in a game situation and I wasn’t necessarily looking

Summit theme focuses on the ‘Margins’ Staff reporter

Page 7

guys running around making plays. That’s the best way I can describe it.”

Baker also threw for 322 yards and led ACU to 61 first half points. Meanwhile, senior wide receiver Darian Hogg grabbed 10 balls for 208 yards and a couple of touchdowns.

Honesly, we were clicking offensively. It was just fun being out with the guys running around making plays. That’s the best way I can describe it.”

Highland Church of Christ will implement a Sunday morning instrumental worship service in its main auditorium beginning next year.

Church leaders announced the decision Sun-

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“

It’s one small piece of a larger vision of trying to bring restoration for everyone who lives in Abilene.”

after a month-long study of the issue and conversations with church members.

Highland began offering an instrumental service last year at its Grace camBen siburt pus in downtown Abilene executive minister at HIghland on Sunday evenings. Now on Sunday mornings the main campus will offer one day during weekly services acappella and one instru-

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Abilene Christian University

mental service.

“After listening to all the feedback and much prayer and seeking God’s guidance, the Highland elders decided it is the right time to move toward the implementation of instrumental worship on Sunday mornings,” Highland elder David Green said in an announcement to the

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congregation on Sunday.

Green, who is serving as this year’s chair of the congregation’s eldership, said the leadership does not know all the details of implementation at this time, but that they wanted to make the announcement as soon see Highland page 4

OPTIMIST@ACU.EDU

Wednesday 09.04.13

04 Wednesday

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4-6 p.m. Third Culture Kid Meeting in the Campus Center Living Room

Thursday

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11 a.m. Mission Keepers’ Week with Brandon Scott Thomas

Friday

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Saturday

11 a.m. Praise Day 12 p.m. ACU Soccer at John Brown University

To date:

4:30 p.m. Tailgate Rush at Shotwell Stadium 6 p.m. ACU football vs.

McMurry University

6:30 p.m. Movies on the Hill is playing Remember the Titans on the OnsteadPacker Biblical Studies Building front lawn

Chapel checkup

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Around Abilene

Remaining:

9 91 @acuoptimist

Sept. 4

Sept. 5

Sept. 6

Sept. 7

6 p.m. Hillcrest Church of Christ hosts their monthly Loaves and Fishes Fellowship meal in the church’s multipurpose room.

Any donation amount will be accepted for food.

5-11 p.m. The West Texas Fair and Rodeo will conduct a “Sneak-A-Peek” at the Taylor County Expo Center.

Admission is free but a $20 wrist band is required for ride access. Exhibits will not yet be open.

5:30 p.m. Fusion Church retreat meets for departure in the Rec Center parking lot.

10:30 a.m. The West Texas Fair and Rodeo will conduct a parade in Downtown Abilene.

Rodeo is open 8 a.m.-11 p.m. College students get free admission with current student ID.

The Optimist optimist@acu.edu Police Log Announcements The deadline to register for pledging for girls is 12 a.m. Sept. 8, and guys’ is 12 a.m. Sept. 22.

Movies on the Hill will play Remember the Titans at 8:30 p.m. Sept. 6 on the lawn in front of the Onstead-Packer Biblical Studies Building. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Christian Service Center.

Students interested in pledging are invited to the Tailgate Rush at 4:30 p.m. Sept. 7 at Shotwell Stadium for free food and fellowship with social clubs.

Students interested in joining The Men’s The Sing Song 2014 Host and Hostess Lacrosse Team are invited to attend the audtions will be Oct. 7 and 8. interest meeting 6 p.m. Sept. 12 in the Rec Center.

The ACU Swing Cats invite you to swing dance lessons with them 9 p.m. every Students are invited to enter the first Tuesday night in Studio B of the Recreation Leadership Summit T-Shirt Design and Wellness Center. Lessons are free and Contest. The theme is “At the Top” an- no prior dance experience is necessary. dthe student with the winning t-shirt design will have their design on this year’s If you are interested in joining the Abilene Summit shirts and win a program fee Catholic Student Association, contact to Leadership Summitt. M.C. Jennings Christina Wise at caw11a@acu.edu, Jazmine is accepting entries Sept. 1-Oct. 18 at Moreno at jmm10d@acu.edu or Natalie marycolleen.jennings@acu.edu.

Hudson at nlh11a@acu.edu for more information.

Coming to ACU this fall is The Jeremiah Project, a student organization that will be working on Tuesday evenings with children struggling with grief at Hendricks Hospice. For more information, contact Kaitlin Pegoda at kep10d@acu.edu or call 936-577-9047.

The ACU Roller Hockey Team is looking for students who are interested in learning to play hockey to join their team. For more information about the team contact Ryan Podany at rap10c@acu.edu.

Volunteer Opp0rtunities Treadaway Kids is accepting applications for volunteers who love to spend time with children.

Volunteers will pick up participating children on Thursday nights throughout the school year and bring them to the designated program location near ACU. Once there, they get time to play together, as well as share in Bible study lessons and other activities for one and a half hours. Students must be able to make a oneyear commitment and attend the weekly Tuesday Treadaway Kids chapel. Applications will be accepted until Friday Sept. 6 and students may fill them out online at acutwk.wix.com/treadawaykids#! or in the CCSL. The Noah Project is seeking volunteers to help with tasks such as answering phone calls, providing child care and doing maintenance and housekeeping. To volunteer, call 325-676-7107.

Love and Care Ministries is looking for volunteers to help with sorting clothing, stocking their food pantry, assisting in prayers in their prayer room and serving food to the homeless. For more information, call 325-670-0246.

Volunteers are needed at the BCFS Abilene Transition Center for event planning and setup, assisting in teaching life-skills classes, accompanying transport,visiting homes, and/or assisting in construction of facilities for assisting in the betterment of male and female youth ages 15-25. This opportunity is open each morning Mondays through Fridays. Students interested must contact Johnny Nguyen at 325-692-0033 or jnguyen@bcfs.net.

The Betty Hardwick Center is seeking volunteers for the Human Resources Center to help with filing and organizing. This job requires someone with attention to detail who wishes to learn more about Human Resources. The job is open Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. If you are interested, please contact Martin Walker at 325-690-5235 or mwalker@ bhcmhmr.org by Aug. 31.

House of Faith is an organization that seeks to take Jesus to neighborhood children. Volunteers are needed to help with the various programs they do throughout the week. Backyard Bible studies are hosted Mondays and Wednesdays and a youth program takes place on Thursday evenings. The organization is seeking volunteers who can commit to a specific day a week.

House of Faith lasts from 3-5:30 p.m. To volunteer or gain more information, contact Amy Jeffers at abj09a@ acu.edu or call 832-331-5324.

Volunteers that have a friendly personality and an interest in helping older adults are needed at University Place Retirement. Volunteers are needed to assist the activities director with various tasks throughout the week, as well as some weekends. Contact Haley Rude at 325676-9946 for more information.

Rescue the Animals is seeking volunteers to work at the adoption center performing a variety of tasks, from playing with the animals to working in the office. For more information visit their website at http://www.rescuetheanimals.org/volunteer.

Breakfast on Beech Street is seeking volunteers to help set up, prepare and serve breakfast to homeless/lower income folks any Monday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday at 5:30 a.m. or Tuesdays 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 325-692-4149 or mbeasley5@suddenlink.net. To serve on Fridays contact Rachel Brown at rdb08a@acu.edu.

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

The Center for International Education is looking for English speaking students to be paired with international students for English practice, conversation and cultural learning. Partners meet for one hour each week at a time and place determined by their partners. To volunteer contact Laura McGregor at laura.mcgregor@acu.edu.

Volunteers are needed to help with daily activities organized by the staff at Chisholm House. This could involve playing board games, arts and crafts and helping with a walking club. For some of these tasks, volunteers may be asked to lead a group or work along side a staff coordinator. Volunteer opportunities are from 2-4 p.m. or 6-8 p.m. daily. Contact Larissa Blankenship at 817-5789296.

The International Rescue Committee is seeking volunteers to work with refugees who recently moved to the U.S., teaching English, helping with homework and mentoring.

Contact Susanna Lubango to make an appointment at 325675-5643.

The Christian Service Center is seeking volunteers to help with filling requests for items such as clothing and bedding from the donation center, sort and organize donations and occasionally pick-up donated items. Volunteers are needed every weekday and the first Saturday of each month between 9-12 p.m. and 1-4 p.m. For more information contact Roberta Brown at 325-673-7561 orrobertabrown51@hotmail.com. For more information on the program visit http://www.uccabilene.org/ministries/csc.htm.

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

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

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

The Salvation Army is looking for volunteers for a variety of needs such as sorting and pricing items in the thrift store, helping in the kitchen and/or doing yard work. Times are flexible, and volunteers are needed 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.

Eternal Threads is seeking volunteers to help with packing and organizing shipments, labeling products, running errands and cleaning any weekday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information contact Pam Early at 325-672-6000 or pam@eternalthreads.com.

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

Christian Homes & Family Services is seeking volunteers to do minor landscaping such as raking, trimming bushes, minor apartment repairs and general upkeep MondaySaturday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information contact Shaylee Honey at 325-677-2205 or Shoney@ ChristianHomes.com.

Big Brothers/Big Sisters offers two volunteer programs. Lunch Buddies pairs volunteers with a little brother or sister to have lunch with once a week for 30 minutes. Lunch Buddies has a preferred time of 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. The Community Based program pairs volunteers with a little brother or sister that they will hang out with two to four times a month. Both programs require committment to the program for 12-18 months. To sign up stop by the Big Brothers/Big Sisters office at 547 Chestnut St. or contact Randy Woods at 325-674-3102.

Pregnancy Resources of Abilene is looking for volunteers to perform tasks such as help at the front desk, answer phone calls, teach sexual integrity classes and silent witnessing for STDs and ultrasounds.

For more information contact Mary Bone at 325-6726415.

The Abilene Zoo is looking for volunteers to help with general labor such as grounds cleanup and painting any weekday at any time between 12-4 p.m. The Zoo is located at 2070 Zoo Ln. Contact Joy Harsh at 325-6766487 for more information.

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

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news

wednesday 09.04.13

Scholarship reaches $25 mil marissa jones editor in chief ACU’s largest fundraising drive for student scholarships has reached its halfway point.

The Partnering in the Journey campaign began in June 2010 as an effort to raise $50 million to create more scholarships for students.

In June 2011, the campaign began contributing to ACU students’ scholarships.

“It’s by far the largest scholarship campaign that we’ve ever pursued, so it’s a bold goal,” President of the University Phil Schubert said. “But God continues to provide people who are passionate about what we do at ACU and desire to help in our journey.”

Donors contribute to the campaign by giving the university endowment gifts which are invested in earnings for a year. After one year the gifts are able to be used as scholarship money for students.

The funds are being used to build a wide variety of new scholarships– both needbased and merit-based, unrestricted and departmental. They are also used to increase the size of existing scholarships.

Since the beginning of the campaign, almost 400 individuals have made first-time

donations to endowment scholarships.

Rendi Hahn, campaign coordinator, said she was surprised by the number of first-time endowments.

“It’s just marvelous to see how people have banded together and stretched to make gifts that they’ve never made before,” Hahn said. “It’s sacrificial and exciting to see.”

The largest donation the campaign has received was made from the estate of a woman who never even attended ACU. After Virginia Heacock’s death in May, $4.5 million of her estate assets were contributed to the campaign.

These funds were used to grant more than 220 new scholarships.

Hahn said she hopes students will be thankful to the people who make their scholarships possible.

“I hope the students understand that there are people out there that care about them. They don’t know them but they care about them,” Hahn said. “Most of our students couldn’t be here without these scholarships.

I think it’s amazing we have people out there who have generous hearts and want to do something great that is long lasting for a student.” mandy lambright chief Photographer contact jones at mnj10a@acu.edu

Jesse McGaha, junior history major from Abilene, performs with the Big Purple Marching Band at ACU’s season opener in Shotwell Stadium.

Forbes names ACU in top 100 most fiscally sound Kirsten HOlman staff reporter ACU ranked 100 on Forbes’ list of financially sound, private and not-for-profit colleges in FORBES College Financial Grades. The new financial grades were determined by looking at the balance sheets and the operational strength of each university.

Forbes determined the financial GPA for ACU as 3.737, which put ACU in the “A” grading category.

“It’s a fantastic reflection of the university,” said President Phil Schubert.

“We’re very proud of that, especially considering that just a couple of Texas schools are ahead of us.”

ACU ranked above the following universities on the grading scale: Pepperdine (132), McMurry (162), Hardin-Simmons University (177), Harding University (355) and Baylor University (462).

Forbes referenced data from the Department of Education regarding the most recent fiscal years of 2010 and 2011 to reach their results. Forbes judged over 900 private schools under a nine-tiered grading system, which included the following categories: endowment assets per full time students (15 percent), primary reserve ratio (15 percent), viability ratio (ten percent), core operating margin (ten percent), tuition as a percentage of

“

In higher education, finance these days is a pretty turbulent journey.”

Dr. phil schubert president of the university

core revenues (15 percent), return on assets (10 percent), admission yield (10 percent), percent freshman getting institutional grants (7.5 percent) and instruction expenses per full time students (7.5 percent).

“In higher education, finance these days is a pretty turbulent journey,” said President Schubert. “It’s an industry that has a number of challenges and ACU is no different. We have certain

things that we continue to be challenged everyday by a financial stand point, but a ranking like this is a great reinforcement to suggest ACU has done very well relative to those around us.”

Steven Holley, new chief financial officer at ACU, also said financial stability in education is challenging.

“Colleges and universities are facing tougher times, like most industries

in the world,” said Holley.

“Higher education institutions, however, are mission bound to provide for the future of our world through the equipping of the next generation of leaders.”

Holley said he is confident that the fiscal position of ACU will help equip each student and provide them with the advantage they need in the work field.

“In a competitive marketplace, students need every advantage to find a job and thrive in that job,” said Holley. “ACU is poised fiscally and spiritually to provide students with that advantage. My team will execute the strategies necessary to keep ACU in a position to provide that advantage to our students.”

ACU has made great strides towards fiscal stability and will continue to try and maintain fiscal health in the future, said President Schubert.

President Schubert said, “We’ve worked hard to try to mature the financial strength of ACU and that’s extremely important as we strive to provide the funds to people and programs and our students in a way that delivers a world class academic experience in a Christ-centered environment.”

contact holman at keh09c@acu.edu

2013 Presidental Scholars prove worthy of award Rachel Fritz student reporter Sixty-one freshmen were granted President Scholars Awards this fall, four of them received full scholarships, 22 were given a 75 percent scholarship and 35 students were awarded a 50 percent scholarship.

The total is similar to the 59 scholarships awarded last year.

Every year, the Presidential Scholars Awards are given to incoming freshmen who exhibit exceptional academic and

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leadership skills, said Tamara Long, director of admissions. She said the requirements for the award have changed from year to year to match the rising competition.

“Scholars are selected based mostly on their interview process, but their application and their response to questions about their faith and service are scored as well,” Long said.

Long said students are invited to compete for the full or half-tuition award based on their high school academic performance (27 or higher ACT score and 3.5

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or better high school grade point average). While students are invited based on academics, they are selected based on the interview process.

Rachel Hurst, sophomore biology major from Midlothian and a recipient of the award, said the interview process was challenging but offered some benefits.

“The interview was highly nerve-wracking, but I was able to enjoy the experience,” Hurst said. “It gave me a chance to reflect on my high school experience and to define what I

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was looking to receive from my college education. But I also loved the insight it gave me into what ACU was all about.”

The interview process narrows down hundreds of students to help determine the prodigious students who will receive the award.

Recipient Jesse Leon, freshman biology major from Midlothian, said the obvious competition created some anxiety.

“I was very nervous because there were 75 other students and there were four sets of interviews over four days, so I felt really in-

“

The interview was nerveracking, but I was able to enjoy the experience.”

out that I had gotten the scholarship,” Leon said. “It was confirmation for me and my decision to come to ACU. What I felt was pure happiness.” rachel hurst “It was a strange mosophomore biology from Midlothian ment,” Hurst said. “I had no idea what was happening.

I didn’t even understand timidated,” Leon said. the letter as I was reading Once the selection pro- it, but once I got over the cess was done, both Hurst sleepiness and disorientaand Leon said that the tion, it was pretty exciting. waiting period was long My parents were absolutely and daunting. Once it was thrilled.” over, they were pleased to find out they had received contact Fritz at the award. ref11a@acu.edu “I was shocked to find

news

WEdnesday 09.04.13

4

Abilene Catholic Student Association comes to ACU Kirsten Holman staff reporter The Abilene Catholic Student Association created a new group on the ACU campus.

Christina Wise, junior speech pathology major from San Antonio, said she dreamt of establishing a Catholic group on the ACU campus ever since her freshman year.

“When I was a freshman here I didn’t know anyone who was Catholic,” said Wise. “Somehow during my welcome week I found all of these people who were Catholic and that’s how it all kind of came together.”

During her sophomore year, Wise decided to put her vision into action and met with Mark Jackson to create a five-year plan for the Catholic student group.

“The support has been amazing to say the least,” said Angela Garcia, a volunteer with the ACSA and a former ACU student, “and with the number of Catholic students increasing at ACU, I feel Catholic students will feel more a part of the overall mission of ACU, ‘to educate the students in Christian service and leadership throughout the world.’”

Wise appointed two student officers who have helped her carry out her vision: the Vice President and Treasurer Jazmine Moreno, a junior political science major from Abilene, and the Secretary and Historian Natalie Hudson, a sophomore speech pathology major from Coppell.

Hudson said, ”I wanted to help start the ACU Chapter of the ACSA be-

cause last year our church group, even though it was small, was a great comfort to me because it could sometimes be overwhelming being a Catholic at a Church of Christ school.

I wanted to help provide other students with that same support that I was shown, as well as provide an active Catholic presence on campus for Catholics and non-Catholics to learn about us.”

The ACU chapter of the ACSA attends Mass together once a week at Sacred Heart Catholic Church and will meet outside of the church for weekly Bible studies starting Sept. 10. They will also participate in other fun social activities in order to get to know each other. There are about 20 students involved in the group already.

Starting Sept.5, the

“

It’s very humbling and rewarding to see a year and half’s worth of trying to get this all planned out, and trying to see if this is really the best thing for the ACU community.”

Christina Wise junior speech pathology from san antonio

ACU chapter of the ACSA will have chapel thefirst and third Thursday of each month in the Biblical Studies Building, room 113.

The first chapel will consist of introducing the officers and providing information about the Catholic student group.

The next few chapels will go in depth about Catholicism and the misconceptions between Catholics and the Church of Christ for those who are curious.

“It’s been cool to hear different people’s perspectives, how they view

religion and how they view what their beliefs are,” said Wise.

The group also plans to make community service one of its main focuses.

The group has decided to visit a local nursing home in the middle of September where they can get to know the residents, serve them and be the light of Christ. The group also plans to serve the community in other ways, such as helping at a food bank and being a part of Habitat for Humanity.

A booth will be set up in the Campus Center

Sept. 9-13 from 11:30 a.m.2 p.m. for students who are interested in learning more about the new ACSA chapter on campus.

“It’s very humbling and rewarding to see a year and a half’s worth of trying to get this all planned out, and trying to see if this is really the best thing for the ACU community,” Wise said, “then, just going from there, it’s really great to see the rewards and see the appreciation and support I have gotten so far from the faculty and staff and especially students.”

Wise is excited to see how the group will develop within the next year and in the future.

contact holman at keh09c@acu.edu

ResLife updates intentional community program Brittany jackson copy editor Sophomore Intentional Communities are changing their criteria. The program is on its second year and continues to improve.

The SICs were originally created by Jordan Bunch (’12) to get sophomores more involved in the ACU community. Erin Daugherty, area coordinator for Sikes and Morris Hall, has since taken over and revised the program.

Daugherty said she wanted to redesign the SICs to be more appealing to freshmen applicants.

“I want it to be something that is exciting for them to have the opportu-

“

The goal is for residents themselves to work toward making a sophomore residence hall a fun place to live and that can be more effective than RAs trying to do that.”

Erin daugherty area coordinator for sikes and morris hall

nity to be a part of, something that really helps them learn what it means to work with a group of people to be hospitable,” Daugherty said, “to get to know the people that you’re living around and to model Christ-like behavior as a member of a community, so that they’ll be able to take that out into real life after college when they’re living in a

neighborhood with other families.”

Last year, the involved communities of six to eight students were required to form and complete their own service project.

These projects included activities both in the residence halls and around the Abilene community.

The students were also responsible for creating rules for their project and

enforcing consequences when a requirement was not met.

This year, the participants must focus on facilitating a community specifically in their dorms.

Each group is expected to plan monthly activities for their hall and assign responsibilities to each community member. The planned activities, which are up to interpretation by each SIC, could range anywhere from thoughtful notes to movie nights. The main goal of each SIC and planned activity is to encourage and support fellow residents in each hall.

“The idea behind it was that it’s difficult to build community in sophomore halls,” Daughtery said.

“The goal is for the residents themselves to work toward making a sophomore residence hall a fun place to live and that can be more effective than RAs trying to do that.”

Residence directors in each dorm will serve as the SICs’ mentor leaders, helping to answer questions that the students may have and guiding them in the program.

They are required to meet once a month and present their hall activity ideas.

As a result of Barret Hall becoming a womenonly residence hall, the men’s intentional community was moved to Edwards Hall.

Zane Witcher, sophomore biblical text major

from Georgetown, and his SIC have to adjust from switching from Barret to Edwards. They also have the additional challenge of learning to work with the SIC already established for Edwards Hall.

“We’re going to take the best run at it that we can,” Witcher said. “I really do strongly believe in the ACU community, its why I’m here and it’s why I’m still here. Me and my guys are happy to try and make that even better.”

contactjackson at bkj12a@acu.edu

Summit: Margins theme draws from Luke continued from page 1 ing throughout the day.

“There are classes pertaining to women advancing ministry and identity, both in and out of the church,” said Perrey.

Dr. Bryce cautions students to check with their professors to whether classes scheduled in the building are truly cancelled, or whether they are moved.

As in previous years, students can receive Chapel credits for attending Summit events.

“There are 10 oppor-

tunities to get two credits each, but the maximum is 12,” Bryce said. “The Moody sessions are at 11 a.m., which is the Chapel time and then 3 p.m. in the afternoon, which is our featured slot and then 7 p.m.”

The 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. sessions will run about 45 minutes long to allow for classes, while the evening session will last about an hour and a quarter, ending at 8:15 p.m.

Summit will begin at 7 p.m. Sunday in Moody Coliseum. Jonathan Stor-

ment will begin the discussions themed on the Gospel of Luke.

“I’m trying to get us to focus on discipleship, about what it really means to follow Jesus,” Bryce said.

“If we say we’re a Christfollower, then we will go to the places he went and that means the kinds of people, the places, the circumstances and even a willingness to give our life for Him at the edge.” contact eldred at jfe11a@acu.edu

SUMMIT SPEAKERS Theme Speakers

Featured Guests Monday- Luke Timothy Johnson

Sunday- Jonathan Storment

Tuesday- Peter Williams

Monday- Aaron Metcalf and Eric Wilson

Wednesday- Scot McKnight

Tuesday- Sean Palmer and Gordon Dabbs Wednesday- Larry James and John Mark Hicks

Highland: After church conversations, decision is made to offer instruments continued from page 1 as a decision had been made.

“From a practical perspective, it would have been best for us to wait a few months for us to announce this, until we knew all the details and could answer every question,” he said.

Ben Siburt, executive minister at Highland, said through one-on-one conversations between elders and members, Bible classes, emails, letters, prayer and discernment, the elders decided it was the right time to add an instrumental service.

“It’s one small piece of a larger vision of trying to bring restoration for everyone who lives in Abilene,” said Siburt. “If there is any

“

God has faithfully provided for and blesses Highland since 1929.”

David Green Chairman of the Highland Eldership

way we could remove a barrier that makes it easier for anyone to enter into life at Highland, we think this will do that.”

The church plans to remodel its auditorium in 2014 and likely will not implement instrumental services until after the remodel is complete and the stage has been outfitted for instrumental worship.

Highland is one of the largest Churches of Christ

in Abilene and is the first in town to offer instrumental worship. Church of Christ denominations have traditionally only worshiped in an acccapella style. Other Churches of Christ who offer instrumental worship include The Hills Church of Christ in North Richland Hills and First Colony Church of Christ in Houston.

“God has faithfully provided for and blessed Highland since 1929,” said Green. “We are excited for the ways he will continue to bless us during this time at Highland.”

contact Orr at mco10b@acu.edu

5

featureS

Wednesday 09.04.13

Four ResLife veterans trade their dorm duties for house keys and dishwashers.

The former RA’s are living outside of ACU dorm halls for the first time since being freshman residents. | deanna romero stafF Photographer

R

ESLIFE EHAB Gabi Powell Gabi PowellEditor Features Features Editor

|

contact powell gmp10b@acu.edu

F

Brown, Assaad, Perry and Morrell have covered being residents and RA’s in three dorms and on the staffs of five. | lily assaad Photo contributer

A

college career spent in the ResLife system can be summed up in one word.

“Community,” said Jake Hall, senior English education major from Springtown.

Hall, the assistant director of Smith-Adams Hall, is on his third ResLife round, a job he said goes beyond the title of midnight curfew checks to nurse or nurture the hall residents.

The lives of ACU’s resident assistants do not allow the luxury of leaving work at the office.

“We live at work,” Hall said.

“While most people go back to their homes at the end of the day to spend time with family, housemates, significant others, or simply just themselves, we live among residents that we have taken on certain obligations towards.”

Sharing showers and personal space, even an RA’s bedroom becomes a community gathering place.

With scrolls of commitments to the freshman or sophomore residents, “community” can also come to mean sacrifice for these college parents.

But this year, four ResLife vets made the trade, taking to new quarters outside dorm walls dubbed ResLife Rehab.

“I really got to know a lot of amazing RA’s my freshman year who helped encourage me and get me through that year,” said Bekah Perry, senior youth and family ministry major from San Antonio. “That’s what got me into the program. After the first year of being an RA, I loved being able to be a source of encouragement and help for the girls on my hall.”

The relationships made between fellow RA’s and residents persuaded Perry to stay on another year.

Along with Mariah Morrell, senior nursing major from San Antonio, Lily Assaad, senior psychology and marketing major from Cairo, Egypt and Lydia Brown, junior biology major from Tucson, Ariz., the four clocked in residency and RA-ing in three dorms and were on staff in the others.

Assaad was living in a house off Washington with other housemates last semester, but was looking for new roommates for the next year.

Lily Assaad, senior psychology and marketing major from Cairo, Egypt found housemates in three girls she served with in ResLife staff. | deanna romero stafF Photographer

When word got out she was housemate hunting, Morrell, Brown and Perry jumped on board, having already worked on ResLife staff together.

“Once we had established the details, our house quickly was given the name as the ‘ResLife Rehab house” by our ResLife staff and friends,” Brown said. “I found the name quite hilarious, even though it was a great description of our soon-to-be house dynamics.”

RA’s are the first line of defense for any dorm dilem as, Hall said.

“At any moment, there could be anything from a roommate conf lict to an overf lowing toilet and we are the first ones to hear about it and deal with it,” he said.

Due to those duties, the postRA adjustment will be a culture shock in living arrangements, they said.

“Being an RA is a not a job, it is a lifestyle,” Brown said.

A lifestyle the four are ready to trade in for one thing: sleep.

“I loved all my residents, but they had a special ability to come into my room right when I was trying to take a nap or go to bed,” Brown said.

With all having an RA record, they said their ResLife experience will play out in how they operate as roommates.

“We know the value of communication,” Assad said. “We know it from living with 25 girls and seeing the problems they went through due to their lack of communication and conf lict management skills.”

Within the first week as housemates, the four laid out the law of the land, assigned house chores and set rules of the buying of shared items, door locking, dish duty, guest rules, billing and rent schedules.

“Boy have we set rules,” Assad said, “I have never met a group of housemates who got right down to business with that before. It’s because we know the importance of being honest and open when it comes to living with people, from being RAs.” “The transition so far has been great,” Perry said. “We are good at communicating our needs or keeping each other accountable with house chores. I am glad to be able to have a haven off of campus.”

Though surrounded by smaller numbers this year, Perry said the new home will enrich her relationships.

“I’m looking forward to being able to start a community with a new group of people, especially my peers,” she said. “I will have the opportunity to have people over for dinner or just open the house to others who need a safe haven outside of the campus.”

Community: the hardest aspect of parting from their freshman hall homes.

“You are surrounded by a couple hundred girls,” Perry said. “All of them are unique and come from different backgrounds. We always had such a great time spending time with each other and doing everything together, such as movie nights, late night talks, group runs and homework study sessions.”

But they will not abandon all details of their former dorm lives. Though it is more elbow room than RA quarters, the new home has one bathroom to be shared by the four housemates.

“I am glad all my roommates have spent most of their college careers having to use a community bathroom,” Brown said. “It is going to be quite an adventure,” said Brown.

Between the four girls, they have covered being residents and RA’s in three dorms and on the staffs of five.

They’ll get by with a little help from their former RA roommates.

“It’s already made the transition from being RAs to normal students so much easier,” said Assad. “It is such a godsend.”

Opinion

6

Wednesday 09.04.13

editorial

Audiences should refocus their attention the issue Many popular figures in the media are receiving negative attention.

our take The attention given by the audiance matters and can contribute to the problem.

Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan and Amanda Bynes are well known for a number of catchy songs and classic movies. But more recently their fame, or infamy, has come from the tabloids reporting their all too familiar scandals.

A fairly new target of public ridicule and obsession is Miley Cyrus. After her performance at the VMAs, there’s no arguing she’s come a far way from Hannah Montana.

It’s easy to predict when an actress has made the switch from good girl

to bad by looking for the symptoms shown to us

by Britney, Lindsay and Amanda.

An early indicator is the hair. They always do something crazy to their hair.

Britney shaved her head. Amanda dyed her hair pink. Lindsay simply stopped brushing her hair.

Miley clearly fits into this category with her short blonde hair styled into giraffe horns.

Wearing clothes that fulfill their purpose no longer matters to them.

Too many headlines have

been written about these women’s wardrobe choices and malfunctions, and Miley is no exception.

Then someone usually makes a public cry for attention, and it works.

Britney danced with a snake. Lindsay went to rehab. Amanda told the world she was going to become a rapper.

Miley’s performance at the VMAs seemed to be the only story worth reporting that entire week.

Miley seems to be spiraling out of control, but several things we’ve done as the audience make us guilty as well. What we give our attention to matters. Obviously by consuming the media uproar about this scandal, we’re giving Miley the attention she wants. We’re contributing to the problem, not solving it by condemning

her racy outfits and dance moves.

Even printing this editorial is an example of misplaced attention being given to Miley’s scandal.

How do we stop paying attention to train wrecks and sensational news?

dience, we don’t have to completely stop paying attention to train wrecks.

Part of the problem is what we’re not paying attention to. Deep down, there’s something that triggers this type of behavior.

While it’s too easy to point out women like Miley ...there are several who have fallen out of pubfavor and have become things we’ve done as an lic the victims of endless audiance that make us amounts of criticism and guilty as well.” judgement, it’s much harder to come up with men who have been ridiculed as loudly and as thoroughly.

First of all, there’s Chris Brown. He created a It’s almost impossible to pretty significant uproar tear our eyes aways from and was banished long the twerking and tongue enough from the pubf licking, no matter how lic arena to record a new disgusting it is, and we all award-winning album. want to give our opinion Tiger Woods is a good exon the matter. ample. But if he started winBut maybe to become ning tournaments again, a more responsible au- I’m sure people would start

“

to like him more.

And what about Robin Thicke, Miley’s partner in crime? He received some criticism, but the bulk of the condemnation was directed towards Miley.

He shouldn’t be excused by the world because he’s a guy, and that’s something that commonly happens.

Another part of the problem is the way we express our opinion about what we focus our attention on. When our responses to these scandals are hate filled and condemning, we’ve accomplished nothing except create more negativity in the world and more attention for Miley.

contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu

DAILY doodle dosage

column

Ben Todd

Observations from a MK DAILY DOODLE DOSAGE BEN TODD CARTOONIST

Being a missionary kid from Thailand, I’m the new kid on the ACU block, or maybe the U.S.A. block in general.

Watching college students walk about their daily lives is fascinating. I’ve been watching communities grow, students “work” and couples pair up faster than their walk to class.

Even with so much new culture for me to absorb, I can’t help but feel a tad bit disappointed at the social interactions I’ve had so far.

Ninety-nine percent of the talks I’ve had have been relatively small talk, and even though small talk is

“

...sometimes the only thing they ever learn about me is that I am a very good listener. ”

important in building relationships, it isn’t the only factor to friendship. I’m getting tired of telling people my major. Then again, it’s only been two weeks of school. Maybe Americans take a little longer to warm up to each other (or at least to a missionary kid).

I’ve also noticed that people love to talk about themselves a lot. Being the selfish humans we are, it shouldn’t be a surprise. Whenever I have conversations with people, sometimes the only thing they ever learn about me is that I am a very good

listener. That isn’t a bad thing unless it is the only thing they know about me apart from my name.

Lastly, there is the swearing. I’m having a tough time listening to sailor-blushing slang coming out in day-today conversation (or maybe it’s just in basketball). A needle pricks my brain every time the words are used, and my brain is starting to callous and thicken. I really hoped swearing was just in the movies, but I now know that was a fat chance.

If my ears had a mind of their own, they might have stayed in Thailand.

So there are my first thoughts of this wonderful place called America.

If you read to the bottom of this column, I’m giving you a high five right now (or you can ask for one in person later). If you want some homework, I encourage you to ask someone a different question or give them a different compliment. Saying something like, “What do you do in your spare time?” or, “That’s a cool shirt you’re wearing” are good places to start.

I don’t think anyone will take this advice, but we should search for more opportunities to make someone’s day. On the other hand, I would love to be proven wrong. contact Todd at BAT12A@acu.edu

column

Fool-proof tips for getting the girl MANDY LAMBRIGHT CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

It’s a new school year full of fresh faces. You know what that means: new relationships will be popping up like wildflowers. All of the single kids are on the prowl, looking to get some “ring by spring” action.

For those of us that didn’t find our soul mates during Welcome Week (I’m talking to you, a t t a c he d-a t-t he -h i p, head-over-heels-in-love freshman couples), the angst that always seems to accompany the everimportant search for the love of your life is almost certain to bring disaster.

Here are some to-dos (and not-to-dos) to try and avoid total dating destruction. Boys, listen up. This is your all-access pass to getting the girl.

First off, confidence

hashtagACU Sept. 2 10:09 a.m.

Sept. 1 1:24 p.m.

ACU puts the Labor on Labor Day. #thanksalotACU @overheardACU

@ChandlerMatlock

@Merissabass

Aug. 30 12:57 p.m.

Aug. 31 7:27 p.m.

Yoga pants: $15 Water: $1 ACU Rec access: $14k/yr Trying to pretend you’re not out of breath on the 3rd floor of the admin bldg: priceless

@eklh2010

Fairly certain that “3 cheers for the Purple and White” are the only words 90% of our students know to the alma mater. @overheardACU

@joshsmith_93

What are my awesome Labor day plans you might ask??? Class. I have class. #acudifference

@peymos21 Sept. 1 12:36 a.m.

I’ve made more friends in my first two weeks at ACU than a semester spent at Harding

@lauurenalyssa

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If you can make us laugh, you automatically gain points. A good sense of humor can easily turn a five into a seven. But there is a fine line between entertainingly witty and embarrassingly silly. Don’t be the guy who crosses that line.

Ever.

Stick to the basics.

Be charming and polite. Open doors for her.

Take her out. If you can’t afford a dinner-and-am o v i e - e v e r y-w e e k e n d lifestyle, get creative with your date ideas.

Some of the best dates are often free. Engage her in meaningful conversation. This means talk about something other than video games and the Top 10 Plays on ESPN. Make her laugh. Give her compliments.

Above all, be real with her.

Go get ‘em, Tiger. contact Lambright at ARL09A@acu.edu

Aug. 30 10:38 p.m.

“I’m so glad we have a 3 day weekend!” Said no ACU student on Labor Day weekend :/ #thanksACU #norestfortheweary @overheardACU

While every other college gets Labor Day off, ACU realizes there is no holidy in education. #ACUDifference #sarcastictweet

Sept. 2 7:53 a.m.

I had a terrible dream last night. ACU didn’t have Labor Day off. Oh wait...

@anthonyhi11

@AudreyLucille

@GlazeBrett1 Sept. 2 11:19 a.m.

Sept. 1 9:06 a.m.

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

is key. We love a guy who has enough confidence in himself to approach us. If you believe in you, chances are, we’ll believe in you. So buck up, watch a few Vince Lombardi videos, play your favorite pump-up song and get out there. Throw a prayer up to the big guy and get to chatting with that special someone.

The first step is always the hardest, so don’t walk timidly. Leap, stomp, skip - do whatever you have to do, but do it with pizzazz.

I know that the university is very adamant in promoting the idea that our “middle name” is Christian. Gentlemen, this is not an invitation for you to use the classic youth camp pick up lines.

Please do not ask me to

Sept. 1 12:52 p.m.

Sept. 2 2:52 p.m.

Yesterday at church it was said so well, “What do ACU students call Labor Day? Monday...” #ClassOnLaborDay #ACUprobs

give your rib back, don’t use the Old Testament as an excuse to get my digits and definitely don’t try and march around me with sounding trumpets to get me to fall for you.

It may have worked on Brenda at the Bible Bowl, but we’re adults now.

Class it up.

For that matter, most, if not all, pick up lines have lost their merits at this point in our lives.

Rarely will you impress a girl with references to falling out of heaven, being an astronaut from “out of this world,” or the classic “on a scale of one to America, how free are you tonight?” Sure, these lines may make the ladies crack a smile and maybe even a slight chuckle, but it won’t win you the bacon. We’re looking for originality and charm. We want a man, not a class clown.

So lose the red nose and the big bowling shoes.

That being said, everyone loves a funny guy.

OLD DOG, SAME TRICKS

Dr. Money is at Starbucks. Somewhere in there is a pun between Money & bucks. #ACUcelebritySightings

Sept. 2 11:35 a.m.

Using two hands to swipe your card in chapel #youmightbeafreshman

@rebeccaagulick

@PascalLacoss

Hey freshman, here’s a tip-a-roo: Section K is for Kaios. You’ll really learn that when pledging comes around. #moveplease

@SamStien

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7

sports

wednesday 09.04.13

Wildcats play well in first Div. I tournament jimmy isbell sports reporter ACU’s soccer team remains undefeated at 2-0-1 after their first weekend competing against University of TexasBrownsville and University of Texas at El Paso.

Sunday’s matchup against the UTEP Miners was the Wildcats’ first NCAA Div. I opponent for the 2013-2014 season. The game was a defensive battle in two extended time periods tying, 1-1.

Andrea Carpenter, senior All-American, said she was pleased with the way the whole team overcame the adversity of a bigger, stronger and faster team in UTEP, especially on the defensive side.

“I thought we played really well both games, Sunday especially,” Carpenter said.

“Our team played with a lot of heart and passion, which I really liked to see; I don’t really care what the outcome of the game is, just as long as you’re leaving it all out on the field and playing your hardest is what matters to me.”

Carpenter hit her century mark in career points this weekend with a beautiful shot past the UTEP keeper, Keighton Allen, in the 58th minute to tie the game, 1-1.

The defense made the difference in the stalemate.

Seniors Whitley Lindholm and Brie Buschman held the defensive line, running down balls, making intelligent passes and clearing the ball when necessary.

“I tried to eliminate distractions during the day because UTEP has a notorious record at home,” head coach Casey Wilson said. “The defensive effort was evident, and our keepers made a few saves to help us keep it even late in the game.”

Every Sunday, whether a game is scheduled or not, the team is gathered by Coach Wilson in a devotional time.

This week’s devotional was on the topic of not making excuses both on and off the field. Wilson emphasized the importance of being aware

mandy lambright Chief Photographer

Senior Andrea Carpenter goes after a ball last season at the ACU soccer pitch. Carpenter had a good weekend, registering her 100th career point on an assist. Carpenter and the Wildcats are 2-0-1 this season after competing in a tournament in San Antonio over the weekend. of physical size, strength and prowess, but to not make any excuse to play just as big, just as fast and just as strong as the opposing team.

“In the first fifteen minutes of the game, I was just

above myself,” Carpenter said. “I have never played a team that physical before; but myself and the rest of the team made adjustments after being on our toes the first half and played an outstanding

defensive half.”

Junior Taylor Brown injured the same ankle she injured two seasons ago as a freshman in the first half of Sunday’s game, so the team took up mindset of playing

for Brown. She said she was happy to come out of the game and see they were still unbeaten.

The Wildcats leave this weekend for John Brown University, Drury University,

Midwestern State University (an old Lone Star Conference rival) and Wayland Baptist University. contact the optimist at jri10a@acu.edu

Coach’s Corner: Golding’s rebuilding efforts Coach’s column about the state of ACU hoops Change. Very few words in the English language can mean as much to a group of people, culture or program than that six-letter word.

Change is exactly what we are doing and have been doing, over the last several months in the ACU men’s basketball program.

We have moved from NCAA Div. II to NCAA Div. I, changed from the Lone Star Conference to the Southland Conference, changed uniform suppliers from Russell to Adidas, added 10 new scholarship players and three new members to the coaching staff.

Without question, each of these changes has made our team and program a better place for our student athletes.

We also hope these changes will bring out an increase in support from the student body.

One of our priorities is to represent our university, alumni and students with grace and class.

The most important part of the division change is the ability we now have to recruit a higher level of student athletes to join our basketball program.

ACU is one of the finest universities in the country. Our goal is to recruit student athletes who will thrive in the classroom and then on the court.

Currently, we have students on our roster enrolled in a wide range of academic programs, including biochemistry, business management, criminal justice,

change things.

They push the human race forward and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do,” Steve

mandy lambright Staff Photographer

Head basketball coach Joe Golding looks on while his team plays in Moody Coliseum last season. Golding is in his third season as ACU men’s basketball coach. family studies and secondary education.

Our proud academic tradition is one thing we do not need to change.

With the move to Div. I, the level of our oncourt competition has also increased.

As it reads in Proverbs 27:17, “Just as iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” In addition to a full slate of Southland Conference competition, we will play against teams this season from the Athletic Coast Conference, Big XII, Big Ten and Atlantic 10.

Playing this level of

competition will not only make our team better, it will also bring a new and higher level of exposure to our university.

We will have three games this season on the ESPN family of networks, as well as another on Fox Sports 1.

This type of change is not only exciting for our team, but for our student body, faculty and alumni base across the globe.

We are extremely excited about one of the ESPN games being a home contest at Moody Coliseum.

This will be the first time an ACU basketball

team has appeared on an ESPN network.

Through Welcome Week and the first week of class, it’s evident to me that the student body is ready to change right along with us.

In my opinion, there is not a better representation of the spirit of change than this: “Here’s to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes.

You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can’t do is ignore them because they

Jobs, founder of Apple.

After all, our goal here at ACU is to “Change the World.” Come change it with us! contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu

sports

Wednesday 09.04.13

Wildcats earn pair of weekend wins Collin Wieder Sports reporter ACU volleyball got off to a hot start this weekend as they participated in the University of Texas Hilton Invitational. The Wildcats nearly upset UT-Arlington in the first game, forcing it into five sets. Sophomore Jennifer Loerch led the way with 17 kills in the match.

ACU rebounded the following night with their first win as a Div. I school against Louisiana Tech. The win wasn’t as the Wildcats fought to the finish and earned a 3-2 win. ACU continued their historic weekend with a win of 3-0 over Grambling State.

“The team realized that if we can take care of the ball we can compete

file photo The Wildcats celebrate after scoring a point in Moody Coliseum last season.

against anybody,” head coach Kellen Mock said.

The team became an offensive juggernaut throughout the tournament, which culminated in the dominance of Grambling State.

“We relied heavily on Jenny Loerch early in the weekend but we needed other people to score and that’s what happened against Grambling,” Mock said.

Sophomore Sarah Siemens also contributed the to team’s success. She didn’t just lead the team in assists but was also second in digs with 33.

Siemens continues the trend of young players getting significant playing time.

“I am happy with the team’s performance and it was a good opening tournament for us,” Sie-

8

standings Soccer

mens said.

A solid tournament Team like this was a sign of ORU things to come from this UIW talented group. The posi- Nicholls St. tives of playing three ACU Div. I games after play- MSU ing Lone Star competi- SELU tion last year gives ACU UCA an edge. The Wildcats SFA should be feeling a lot of confidence as they play Lamar Texas Tech for their next SHSU HBU two games.

“I have a lot of confi- TAMU-CC dence in this and what we NSU can accomplish,” Mock said. “We have a lot of Volleyball young talent and we are going to rely on that a lot Team SFA and prove ourselves.”

ORU ACU UCA HBU MSU NSU contact Wieder at CPW11a@acu.edu SELU Lamar UIW TAMU-CC New Orleans SHSU

Dominate: ACU crushes Concordia

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from page 1 football

his way but it turned out that way” In the first quarter, 88 of ACU’s 612 total yards came on a deep ball from Baker to Hogg complete with Hogg stiff-arming a receiver on his way to the end zone.

On the ground, senior Charcandrick West led the way with 125 yards on only 12 carries. West had 40 yards on the opening drive alone, and did not play at all in the second half.

“Our game plan was to make it simple at first because we didn’t know what they were going to show us,” Baker said. “Charcandrick got off to a good start. He was running the ball very well and that opened up some things in the passing game.”

Darrell Cantu-Harkless finished with 129 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns. Jeremiah Williams also ran for a touchdown, and West had a score on the ground as well.

This was the first game offensive coordinator Nathan Young called the plays on offense for the Wildcats after being promoted in spring ball.

Defensively, the Wildcats dominated for the entire game, forcing five interceptions and registering three sacks.

“It was funny because coming into the game we didn’t really know what to expect,” defensive end Kolby Rowe said. “We were able to put some pressure on them and force some bad throws. Really what helped us out was the turnovers we were able to force.”

The biggest defensive play of the game came when Tyler Chapa intercepted a ball and ran 30 yards into the end zone for a defensive score.

Despite their best efforts, the Hornets were not able to run the ball effectively either. The ACU front seven flew to the football and delivered plenty of hard hits to the opposition.

“It was great to be able to release and not worry about hitting the quarterback,” Rowe said. “Coach even said the quarterback is live today.”

sports Editor The men’s basketball team has undergone major changes in the offseason.

The team has brought in almost an entirely new roster full of transfers and freshmen, along with two new assistant coaches that will make up the new look 20132014 ACU basketball team.

“It’s definitely a concern bringing in this many new guys,” head coach Joe Golding said. “We’ve been doing a lot of team bonding and chemistry activities and I’m confident that they’re going to mesh well with each other.”

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ex- factor Clyde Gates and the Jets take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday at noon.

Daryl Richardson and the Rams play against the Cardinals at 3:25 p.m. Sunday Danieal Manning and the Texans play on Monday Night Football against the Chargers at 9:30 p.m.

Bernard Scott and the Bengals play against the Bears at noon Sunday afternoon. Scott is expected to play in his first game since returning from an ACL injury last season.

briefings Tonight, four players from both ACU and McMurry will take part in the Wholly Cow challenge. They will have to eat a “Whole Cow” burger (1/2 pound), a loaded hot dog, a medium order of fries (usually feeds two) and a large shake. mandy lambright chiief Photographer

Top: Darian Hogg catches a pass from John David Baker and runs for a big gain. Hogg had 208 yards receiving.

Bottom: John David Baker takes a snap Saturday against Concordia College. Baker threw for seven touchdowns.

Angel Lopez led the team in tackles with six.

Thor Woerner, Dezmond Powers, Vincent CantuHarkless and Blake Rudd

also intercepted a pass.

The Wildcats will look to remain unbeaten when they play McMurry University next Saturday at 6 p.m.

in Shotwell Stadium. sacks.

ACU beat McMurry by more than fifty last season and defensive end Nick Richardson registered six

Some of the most notable acquisitions for the team are juniors Rafael Farley, LD Williams and Julian Edmonson.

Farley, a 6-4 guard from Houston, TX, averaged 17 points per game and five rebounds for Ranger Junior College. Williams is from Austin, TX and at 5-11, the guard averaged 14 points, six rebounds and three assists during his two years at Coastal Bend Junior College.

Edmonson, son of former professional basketball player Keith Edmonson, is another guard at 6-2 and averaged 9.4 points off the bench for Independence Commu-

nity College in Kansas.

“There are a lot of new faces and so far all the guys have been great,” sophomore Parker Wentz said.

“I’m really excited to get started to play ACU basketball.”

Golding also brought in two new assistant coaches, Brett Tanner and Patrice Days.

Tanner spent the last seven seasons as head coach at Stephen F. Austin where he led his team to a 153-65 record.

He will take over duties on the defensive side of the ball. Days comes to ACU from Jacksonville, FL and helped the Arlington Country Day School earn

a 30-4 record.

“I really like both of these guys,” Golding said. “Brett has a lot of experience and really did well at SFA and plus he knows the Southland Conference which will really help us.

Days has a lot of recruiting ties all around the country so he’ll be great when it comes to recruiting, especially outside of Texas.”

As the only returning player from last year, sophomore Parker Wentz will be looked to for leadership and guidance as everyone aims to play on the same page and fit cohesively into coach Golding’s system.

“He’s going to be really big as far as helping these

Sophomore Madison Hoover and Freshman Lexi Mercier were listed for honorable mentions for the offensive and defensive volleyball players of the week.

contact sloan at mes10b@acu.edu

Upcoming

Fresh faces found on floor for ACU Daniel Zepeda

Team

guys feel comfortable here,” Golding said. “He’ll be a leader on the court but also help these guys on campus. Whether it’s sliding in and out of chapel, or showing them the way around campus, he’s going to be big for this team.”

The changes may be many, but the end result goal for the Wildcats is one of the things that has not changed.

“I want to give my best effort every game to represent God, ACU and our team every time I step on the court,” Wentz said. contact zepeda at djz11a@acu.edu

The soccer team travels to Arkansas to face John Brown University on Friday at 12 p.m.

The football team will host McMurry at 6 p.m. at Shotwell stadium on Saturday.

The Cross Country team will compete in the Bill Libby Invitational at McMurry on Saturday at 8 a.m.