The Optimist Print Edition: 10.08.10

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Optimist the

Sink or Swim, page 6B-7B

Friday, October 8, 2010

Vol. 99, No. 15

2 sections, 20 pages

CRIME

Report shows campus crime remains low 2009 Annual Clery Crime Statistics and Policies RePage 2 Editor port last week as required by The ACU Police Depart- federal law.

ACU Chief of Police Jimment’s annual report of crime statistics showed no my Ellison said the Clery significant change in viola- Report summarizes university-related crime statistics tions over the past year.

ACU Police released the for the past three years. It

Alan Cherry

covers crimes that occurred on campus or at any noncampus, university-owned or controlled facility and offenses that occurred on public properties immediately adjacent to campus.

“The intent behind Clery is to give students and par-

ents a pretty accurate picture of what’s happening on the campus they choose to attend,” Ellison said.

According to the Clery Report, crime statistics for 2009 were either roughly the same or much lower than in the last two years. The number

of burglaries dropped from 16 in 2008 to six in 2009, and there were two fewer liquor law violations in 2009 than in 2008. The number of drug law violations and motor vehicle thefts remained the same from 2008 to 2009 with four and three, respectively.

“Overall I think our numbers are good, year to year, thankfully,” Ellison said.

“We have not had any of the headline-grabbing statistics, like murder or manslaughter.

No university is ever going to see STATS page 3A

HOMECOMING

Parade connects student groups

Chemical Reaction

Kelsi Williamson Arts Editor

STACY ACTON // Staff Photographer

Abby Brown, senior biochemistry major from Wichita Falls, demonstrates her flame tornado during the practice run for the Homecoming Chemistry Circus. The performers hope to show their audience how much fun chemistry can be through exciting and explosive experiments.

Chemistry Club demonstrates fun side of science

T

Story by Laura Gasvoda

he ACU Chemistry Club is anticipating several changes this year.

Soon to be renamed the American Chemical Society Student Chapter, the club expects to be certified as an ACS Student Chapter before the end of November.

Jade Jung, senior chemistry major from Busan, South Korea, is enthusiastic about the club’s growth and success.

“I thought it was time for the ACU Chemistry and Biochemistry Department to have our own ACS student chapter,” Jung said. “In this way, we can be sponsored by the national organization as well as nationally recognized. My friends and I decided to start this project because it is one of the little things we can do for ACU before we graduate.”

Jung said the club aims to increase interest and foster a greater sense of community among chemistry majors.

Activities in the past have included the Chemistry Circus for Homecoming, a spring field trip and departmental Chapels. Jung said the club is open to anyone interested – not just chemistry majors.

“Anyone who is willing to reach out to our community through various methods involving chemistry can join,” Jung said.

As part of this weekend’s Homecoming events, the club will feature a Chemistry see CIRCUS page 3A

Participants in this year’s Homecoming Parade will display their creative interpretations of cultural, generational and social connections in an attempt to bring home awards and prize money on Saturday.

Nineteen student clubs and other organizations will participate in this year’s parade competition, with each featuring its own interpretation of how we stay connected, said Samantha Adkins, senior Alumni Relations officer. The parade theme ties into the overarching 2010 Homecoming theme, “Connecting Across the Long Purple Line.”

“This year’s theme was harder to come up with, but I’m really excited to see how students use it,” Adkins said.

This year the parade contest will be slightly different from past years. Student organization entry fees are now $50, compared with last year’s $85. Social clubs are charged $1 per member and pledge competing in the parade. These changes should help keep prices from hindering participation, said Caroline Conwell, senior business management major from Atlanta and Homecoming steering committee member.

“We really want as many clubs and organizations to participate as possible,” Conwell said. “A set fee for see CLUB page 4A

ALUMNI

Gutenberg Dinner honors alumni Linda Bailey Editor In Chief

Three distinguished alumni of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication were honored at the annual Gutenberg Dinner Thursday.

Derek Sciba, marketing

manager for World Concern in Seattle, Dr. Teresa Lamsam, scholar in Native American studies and Native American journalism, and Pat Batts, CEO of Washington Farm Bureau, received a handmade, miniature version of the Gutenberg printing press

in different areas but fit into a single unintentional theme.

“We didn’t set out to have a theme of diverse influence this year, but that’s kind of what happened,” Bacon said. see DINNER page 3A

website

inside special section Find stories, photos, and a schedule of events for this year’s Homecoming weekend, “Connecting across the Long Purple Line.” page 1B-12B

for their work in the professional journalism field.

JMC faculty members chose this year’s award recipients. Dr. Cheryl Mann Bacon, professor of journalism and mass communication and chair of the department, said the three award winners work

arts The ACU Jazz Ensemble accompanied the Abilene Swing Dance Society at the Windsor Hotel last Friday. page 5A

DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer

Dr. Teresa Lamsam presents Dr. Charlie Marler with a symbolic blanket of appreciation at the JMC Gutenberg Dinner.

weather photo gallery Check out more photos from Homecoming events over the weekend and the football game on our website, acuoptimist.com.

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Campus Friday, October 08, 2010

08

ACU Police Tip of the Week

Day

calendar & events

09

Friday

8 p.m. Titanic shows at the Abilene Civic Center

Saturday

2 p.m. ACU football against Midwestern State University

10

Sunday

2 p.m. Titanic shows at the Abilene Civic Center

11

Monday

11 a.m. Chapel in Moody Coliseum

8 p.m. Titanic shows at the Abilene Civic Center

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

announcements Intramural Volleyball signups will be Oct. 13- 19. The entry fee is $75 per team.

Games will begin Oct. 25.

Titanic, the Department of Theatre’s fall Homecoming musical, will show at 8 p.m. on Oct. 8-9 and 2 p.m. on Oct. 10 at the Abilene Civic Center. For ticketing information, call (325) 647-2787 or visit www.acu.edu/theatre.

JamFest will take place from 6 - 9 p.m. Friday on the East Lawn in front of the Robert D. and Shirley Hunter Welcome Center.

Homecoming Choral Concert: The A Cappella Chorus and University Chorale perform at 11:45 a.m. Saturday, in the Williams Performing Arts Center Recital Hall.

Admission is free. For more information call (325) 674-2199.

Karen Witemeyer, author of Head in the Clouds, will have a book signing from 1 - 3 p.m. Saturday at the Texas Star Trading Company in downtown Abilene and from 4 - 6 p.m. Saturday at the Lifeway Christian Store.

Sing Song Host and Hostess Auditions: Those wishing to sign up for a host or hostess audition slot must do so in McKinzie Hall Room 122 no later than Wednesday.

ACU Computer Auction will start at 1 p.m. on Oct. 16 in the Teague Special Events Center. More than 200 computers of various makes and models will be available.

For more information visit www.acu.edu/auction or call (325) 674-2603.

Flu shots are now available in the ACU Medical Clinic in McKinzie Hall.

Call (325) 674-2151 for more information.

Help prevent financial fraud and identity theft. Shred credit-card receipts, bank statements and credit-card offers, and always keep an eye on your wallet or purse.

Police Log Edited for space

Tuesday, Sept. 28 3 a.m. ACU Police saw a man and a child sleeping in a car in an ACU parking lot. Subjects were identified, the welfare of the child was checked and both subjects were allowed to leave campus.

Wednesday, Sept. 29 6:35 p.m. ACU Police assisted Abilene Police on a call of shoplifting in progress at Wal-Mart.

Thursday, Sept. 30 8 p.m. Someone reported that his wallet was taken while he was playing basketball in the University Church of Christ Gym. 9:45 p.m. Someone from McDonald Hall reported that someone had been tampering with her dorm room refrigerator, resulting in damaged food items. The student also reported a hat was missing from her dorm room.

10:25 p.m. Abilene Police requested ACU Police to handle a harassment call in the 2500 block of Campus Court. A person was threatening to come over and shoot up the house.

Friday, Oct. 1 1:24 a.m. Someone contacted ACU Police to report she had seen someone outside her window in the 600 block of EN 16th street.

9 a.m. ACU Police checked

the area of 1200 Ruswood for parking violations. Abilene Police had reported multiple parking violators blocking the alley. The address was found to be having a garage sale.

11:55 p.m. Someone reported a loud party in the 2400 block of Garfield. Officers contacted the tenant and warned him about the violation. The tenant complied with the request.

Saturday, Oct. 2 1:56 p.m. ACU Police investigated two subjects causing a disturbance at the Dollar General on Judge Ely. Subjects were attempting to damage an ice machine outside the store.

Sunday, Oct. 3 9:49 p.m. Someone reported a man wearing all dark clothing had walked into her house through an open back door, then left when she and her roommates screamed. ACU Police checked the house and surrounding area but could not locate the man.

Monday, Oct. 4 9:40 p.m. Someone reported a noise violation in the 800 block of EN 19th. ACU Police located the noise and advised tenants to lower the music volume.

Report all suspicious activity to the ACU Police Department at (325) 674-2305.

Chapel Checkup 33 44

Credited Chapels to date

Credited Chapels remaining

FROM THE FRONT

October 8, 2010

Page 3A

ALUMNI

Dinner: Department honors year’s top alumni Continued from page 1

Sciba graduated ACU with a degree in broadcast journalism. He continued his broadcast career as a TV reporter and then began working for World Concern. He said a holistic approach to communication has become more

important than ever – especially in his career.

“I’m glad that I’m able to use my journalism to look out for the interest of those who Jesus would be looking out for,” Sciba said. “Now, in my role at World Concern, I can do that all the time.”

Sciba has traveled all over the world, us-

ing skills he developed at ACU and during his career in broadcasting to tell the stories of people living in Third World countries.

“I think what has been true with my career is that I’ve tried to listen to God’s direction in where I went with my profession, and when you do that you need to hang on because

sometimes you go to places and do things that are more challenging to your faith and possibly better than you could have ever imagined,” Sciba said.

Bacon said Lamsam’s work in the Native American community is unique and has had a major impact on journalism among Native American tribes.

Lamsam is also an associate professor in the school of communication at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and the university’s incoming director of the Native American Studies Program. This year she is a visiting associate professor of journalism and mass communication at the University of Kansas.

Bacon said Batts has had a broad range of influence in his work in the agricultural industry. He is an advocate for farm families and the agricultural industry through media and two legislative bodies. contact Bailey at

ljb07a@acu.edu

STUDENT GROUPS

Circus: Chemistry students combine science, fun Continued from page 1

Circus at Friday’s carnival and a float in Saturday’s Homecoming Parade. Acts in the Homecoming Chemistry Circus will include a flaming gummy bear, colored fire, non-burning money and a flame tornado.

The Homecoming Chemistry Circus will be the first of a series of chemistry circuses

CRIME

‘‘ ’’

the club is planning this year for organizations like the Boys and Girls Club and local elementary schools. Jung encouraged other Abilene organizations interested in having a chemistry circus to contact the club.

Club members also are preparing for their upcoming field trip on Oct. 26.

“A group of students is going to UT Southwestern

We really want to positively impact campus with science.

RACHEL WHITTAKER // senior biochemistry major from Cartersville, Ga.

Graduate School in order to see what it is like to be pursuing a masters or Ph.D. in chemistry-related fields,” Jung said.

Stats: Campus crime remains low in 2009 Continued from page 1

have all zeros. That’s just not the reality we live in.”

While it can be a helpful tool, the Clery Report does not list all crime statistics on or around campus. Trafficrelated incidents and motor vehicle burglaries are noticeably absent because of the strict guidelines stipulated by the Clery law.

Ellison said the ACU Police rely heavily on the public to help prevent crimes.

“Every year we try to do an incredible amount of crime prevention awareness,” Ellison said. “We stress throughout the year to report all suspicious activity you see, because we can’t get an accurate picture of what’s happening on and around campus if things

aren’t being reported.”

Ellison said he was proud of the work his officers do daily during the year.

“I think at the end of the year, if you can see a legitimate reduction over a two or three year period, I think that tells you something’s working,” Ellison said. contact Cherry at

arc07a@acu.edu

Next semester, the club plans to host a science fair for elementary school students to encourage a greater interest in science.

“You have no idea how scared I was when I found out that I had to take general chemistry my freshman year,” Jung said. “However, at the end, I ended up enjoying that class a lot and changed my major to chemistry. I think that fear came from not being exposed to much chemistry when I was young.”

Rachel Whittaker, senior biochemistry major from

Cartersville, Ga., added her excitement about the direction the club is taking.

“The Chemistry Club is really excited to be getting off the ground this year and we can’t wait to get everything going,” Whittaker said. “We really want to positively impact campus with science.” contact Lewis at

cll09a@acu.edu

Page 4A

FROM THE FRONT

October 8, 2010

HOMECOMING

Clubs: Judges look for float creativity

EMILY JORGENSON // File Photo

Ko Jo Kai pledges march in last year’s Homecoming Parade.

Continued from page 1

the clubs wasn’t the best method since some are smaller.”

Other changes in judging procedures aim to make competition more equal and include family members. Instead of individual judges, five different families selected from alumni and staff members will judge the floats.

“Because the parade is such a family event, what better way than to allow the entire family to judge,” Adkins said.

While there is no longer a grand-prize winner category, awards will still be given for best use of theme, best men’s club float, best women’s club float and best other organization. A sportsmanship winner, awarded by the Homecoming steering committee, will complete the prize categories this year.

The steering committee hopes this year’s Homecoming promotions in the

Abilene community will encourage high attendance at Saturday’s parade.

“We’re hoping to have a lot of people turn out for different events,” Conwell said.

“Hopefully more people from the community will come.”

Concurrent with this year’s themes, the parade provides opportunities for students and alumni to stay connected.

“It promotes organizations on campus if you want to get involved in one,” Conwell said. “For alumni, it’s fun to come back and see clubs and organizations you participated in.”

This year’s parade will begin at 9:30 a.m., leaving from ACU drive onto EN 16th Street. The parade will conclude by turning off of Campus Court onto Coliseum Way. Homecoming Chapel will follow afterward at 10:45 a.m. in Moody Coliseum. contact Williamson at

kkw07a@acu.edu

October 8, 2010

Arts

Page 5A

g n i , w S

B aby !

Abilene Swing Dance Society and the ACU Jazz Ensemble paired up for a night of music and dance last Friday at the Windsor Ballroom. photos by Jozie Sands

Top photo: Derek Brown, instructor of music and conductor of the ACU Jazz Ensemble, emphasizes a trumpet entrance during the concert at the Windsor Hotel on Friday night. Above: Brandon Bowen, junior physics major from Grass Valley, Calif., dips Mandi Crowder, junior physics major from Cedar Park, at the end of a song. They are members of Swing Cats, an ACU student organization that educates students about swing dance culture. Members of Swing Cats were invited to the dance, conducted by the Abilene Swing Dance Society and the ACU Jazz Ensemble.

Above: The ACU Jazz Ensemble played a variety of songs ranging from ballads to swing standards.

They opened with “All of Me,” a standard written by Seymour Simmons and Gerald Marks. Billy Prude, junior music education major from Dallas, plays trumpet in the Jazz Ensemble. “We have a lot of fun with jazz,” Prude said. “It’s my favorite kind of music, and it’s nice to see other people enjoy it, too.”

Right: Allison Oden, junior English major from Bulverde , and Wyatt Oden, junior finance major from Bulverde, dance to a quick swing piece in the Windsor Ballroom. The Windsor Hotel was built in 1927.

Left: Dan McGregor, associate professor of art and design, guest directs the ACU Jazz Ensemble to give Derek Brown, director of the ACU Jazz Ensemble, a chance to dance.

Opinion

Page 6A

EDITORIAL

October 8, 2010

Women in church deserve discussion In I Corinthians 14:35, the apostle Paul writes, “Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says.” This passage has guided much of the church’s approach to the role of women, and the often limited discussion on the topic has left many women in the dark.

But as more women and men begin to question how they can best serve their churches, it appears there may be more that needs to be said.

One young woman describes her experience saying, “I went to everything that my church did growing up, and wanted to. And

then the more that I have come to terms with what I think are my gifts, the more tension I’ve felt because I feel like the church that raised me is now trying to shut me down.”

This young woman asks us to consider how we are to respond to women who feel they have been called to a life of ministry beyond simply being the wife of a church leader.

A woman may be able to earn a Master of Divinity at a Christian college, but can she really expect to find a ministry job in the Churches of Christ?

Should women be discouraged from leadership roles within the church?

These questions ap-

pear to be on the hearts and minds of a growing number of people. Just this semester a Summit class, a newly published book and a recent conference have addressed the issue in different ways.

Those who attended Dr. Stephen Johnson’s Summit class “Half the Church” and listened to the podcast that appears on his blog of the same name can sense that this issue has caused deep pain and confusion. Many of the women who share their stories find themselves trying to reconcile a desire to enter full-time ministry and a loyalty to a church family that often considers that desire to be at odds with what they believe.

Dr. Jeanene Reese’s recent book, Bound and Determined, details various ways in which the working relationships between men and women in academia and in the church have often been far from equal. As Reese says in her book, “Many of us have been formed by the presupposition, whether or not we state it, that to be male is to be superior [and] that to be female is to be inferior.”

These attitudes may be changing, however. According to a recent survey of Church of Christ leaders conducted by Dr. Johnson and Dr. Lynette Sharp Penya, many churches are becoming more and

the issue

Many Churches of Christs have traditionally not allowed women to hold leadership positions.

our take

The roles women play in churches need to be addressed and brought to the forefront of current discussions. more interested in greater involvement for women.

Fourteen churches surveyed said they believe women can preach.

It appears this topic is one that can no longer be ignored. These questions bear heavily on the hearts of too many Christian women to be left unanswered. When considering this topic, there very well may be an answer in the same book of the Bible that suggests wom-

contact The Optimist at

jmcnetwork@acu.edu

COLUMN

By Morgan Davis

The Funny Funnies

en should remain silent.

In I Corinthians 12:4-6, Paul tells the church that “there are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us.”

Alumni remind school of spirit Barbarossa

By Matthew Woodrow

Besides Homecoming weekend’s annual musical, parade, breakfasts and football game, ACU also hosts hundreds of alumni.

It’s one of the best weekends of the year: the singing Woodrow in Chapel is louder, teachers dismiss classes earlier, there’s purple everywhere and, best of all, the Bean food is better.

It’s at that moment, But what makes Homeholding up the coming so “WC” and swaying special is its back and forth reminder of what ACU is cheering for the and was to so Wildcats, that ACU many people. is truly your home A l u m n i bring with them countWe complain about less memories and stay up later than a pre-med how boring Abilene can be, major the night before but we have a place here midterms to relive and at ACU where we can be ourselves, a place that enretell stories from ACU. Personally, my fa- courages us to get out and vorite part is the foot- create memories that we’ll ball game: hundreds hold on to forever.

So I’m thankful for of face-painted fans in purple garb pretending events like Homecoming to know all the words and Sing Song. Without to the Alma Mater when them to remind us of the the only part that mat- great things we have here ters is yelling “Three at ACU, we would get cheers for the purple caught up in the monotony of the daily grind. I’m and white!”

It’s at that moment, going to go to many of the holding up the “WC” Homecoming festivities – and swaying back and and when this weekend is forth cheering for the over, I’ll keep on having a Wildcats, that ACU is fantastic time.

Memories are pretruly your home.

For this one weekend cious, but I don’t want to during the fall semes- wait until they’re memoter we bleed purple and ries to appreciate them. white, and then we repeat it all over again for contact Woodrow at mrw08a@acu.edu Sing Song in the spring.

COLUMN

Flights create tranquil respite Little Linda

By Linda Bailey I hate flying. The thought of being several thousand feet in the air sitting with a bunch of strangers in uncomfortable chairs for a couple of hours just doesn’t appeal to me.

Not to mention my Bailey constant paranoia that a catastrophic, one-in-amillion accident will plague the flight, bringing the plane down – and me with it.

I also worry about my checked luggage being thrown on a plane to New York when I’m jumping on a plane to California. I just don’t have enough money to replace all of the shoes I would lose because of my inability to pack light.

Airports are full of overpriced food, useless knickknacks and dirty bathrooms. And don’t even get me started on layovers.

I don’t understand people who fight the roar of the engines to strike up extended conversations about cell phones and the weather while they steal your armrest and cough in your personal space.

However, as much as I hate the overall experience of traveling by plane, I do love one thing about it: turning off my mobile phone.

I realized this during my most recent airplane adventure on a two-hour flight to Las Vegas.

As I boarded the plane I sent a quick work email, returned a few text messages and reluctantly proceeded to turn off my blackberry – or as my roommates call it, my ‘crack’berry. I quickly re-

editorial and letter policy Unsigned editorials are the opinions of the Optimist and may not necessarily reflect the views of the university or its administration.

Signed columns, cartoons and letters are the opinions of their creators and may not necessarily reflect the viewpoints of the Optimist or the university.

The Optimist encourages reader response through letters to the editor but reserves the right to limit frequent contributors or to refuse to print

letters containing personal attacks, obscenity, defamation, erroneous information or invasion of privacy.

Please limit letters to 350 words or fewer. A name and phone number must be included for verification purposes. Phone numbers will not be published.

Address letters to: ACU Box 27892 Abilene, TX 79699 E-mail letters to: optimist@acu.edu

As much as I hate the overall experience of traveling by plane, I do love one thing about it: turning off my mobile phone. alized that what I always considered just another airplane annoyance had transformed into an airplane advantage. For at least two hours I knew I wouldn’t be responsible for returning an e-mail, replying to a text or answering any calls. I was unable to update my Twitter, change my Facebook status or check any recent news headlines. I suddenly felt free.

I pumped Coldplay through my headphones and opened a book. A real book. A book I was not required to read for a class.

A book I found in a bookstore that seemed interest-

ing, but one I hadn’t found time to read. And I read.

For two hours – only interrupted when the flight attendant offered me a free soda, which only enhanced the relaxation I had recently discovered.

Not only did this technique keep me occupied, it also lessened my airplane anxiety. For the first time in a long time, I didn’t miss my mobile phone or the Internet – I actually preferred it. And I realized that it’s OK, perhaps even essential, to disconnect every once in a while.

Optimist the

Published by the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication

newsroom (325) 674-2439

sports desk (325) 674-2684

How often do you see such a display of school spirit? The rest of the year we’re so caught up studying, working or playing the newest video game that we often don’t really appreciate what we have.

We spend so much time complaining about the little things in college that we fail to grasp how lucky we truly are.

Sure, Chapel can be a nuisance sometimes, but year after year alumni insist one of the things they miss most is daily, mandatory Chapel.

contact Bailey at

ljb07a@acu.edu

editorial & management board Linda Bailey

Matthew Woodrow Juliana Kocsis

Alan Cherry

Kenneth Pybus

Editor in Chief

Opinions Page Editor

Copy Editor

Page 2 Editor

Faculty Adviser

Jeff Craig

Brandon Tripp

Hannah Barnes

Morgan Davis

Cade White

Managing Editor Sports Media Director

Features Editor

Cartoonist

Faculty Adviser

Jozie Sands Kelsi Williamson

Carter DeJarnatt

Cara Lee Cranford

Online Editor

Copy Editor

Advertising

Arts Editor

photo department (325) 674-2499

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FROM SPORTS

October 8, 2010

FOOTBALL

Page 7A

VOLLEYBALL

Rivalry: Rubber game for ACU Sweep: Moody brings energy Continued from page 8A

brings to the game is physical offensive line play. Senior left guard Hank Gilley anchors a young but very productive offensive line for the Mustangs.

Gilley and the rest of the line have allowed just five sacks on the season and created holes for a running game that ranks sixth in Div. II with 248 yards per game.

The backfield for Midwestern is one of the best in the conference. Running back Marcus Mathis returns for his senior season averaging 83 yards per game on the ground. Zack Eskridge is

the LSC preseason Offensive Player of the Year selection, and has lived up to the billing. Eskridge ranks 18th in Div. II in passing efficiency and second in the LSC behind Mitchell Gale.

“This is going to be our defense’s biggest challenge,” Thomsen said. “And Eskridge will be the best quarterback we face this year.”

ACU will need the secondary to step up this week against the best passing offense they have seen since the season opener at Washburn University. ACU allowed just 279 passing yards against Kingsville University

last weekend, but Javelina quarterback Nate Poppell missed a number of wideopen receivers deep down the field. The secondary will have to shore up the deep middle if they hope to keep Eskridge in check.

For all Midwestern’s offensive weapons, it has an average defense this season compared to past years. The Mustangs’ defense has allowed nearly 300 yards per game on offense – the 23rd best in Div. II – but has faced teams that average to 84th in Div. II in total offense.

“Kingsville had a great defense, but we have to get

the running game back on track,” said fullback Emery Dudensing.

Mitchell Gale will need to be as sharp as he was last weekend against Kingsville to ensure an ACU victory. Although the Mustangs don’t have the numbers of a Javelina defense, they know how to make big plays when needed.

Saturday will be another test for the ’Cats as they face their third top-10 opponent this year. The Homecoming game kickoff is 2 p.m. Saturday at Shotwell Stadium. contact Tripp at

bjt07a@acu.edu

The team is currently 4-0 in LSC conference The Wildcats hope to con- play. Two more wins this tinue their undefeated weekend would put them home streak this weekend. at 6-0 and well on their They have won both home way to an LSC Postseason Tournament birth and a games so far, 3-0.

“The crowds at home possible LSC title.

The Wildcats will play games have been amazing,” freshman Whitney the University of Central Stevens said. “I love the Oklahoma Friday and energy it naturally brings. Southwestern Oklahoma The encouragement State University Saturday. makes a bigger difference than they [the crowds] contact Johnston at probably realize.” jdj10a@acu.edu Continued from page 8A

FOOTBALL

SOCCER

Poll: Texas talent vouches for itself

Tough test ahead for Wildcats

Continued from page 8A

consistent from year to year,” said Mosely.

While Midwestern is the only other undefeated team in the LSC, the other nationally-ranked teams have lost by only a touchdown or less. These four schools use their non-conference spots to their advantage, filling them with worthy opponents that will ensure a tough game.

The Wildcats’ nationallyranked defense will be playing against the Mustangs’ nationally-ranked offense.

This game will determine who is in the driver’s seat to win the LSC South Division and have an inside track at a regional tournament berth or ultimately a national championship.

“I would really like to see a Lone Star Conference member go win a national championship, and we want that to be us,” Thomsen said.

“This conference is getting ready for the playoffs, and a lot of these schools will be in the playoffs”, senior ACU fullback Emery Dudensing said. “There will be no doubt at the end of the year if we win it all that we really will have beaten the best of the best.”

With so many teams playing at such a high level in the LSC, the table is set for an LSC team to go all the way this season.

contact Jefferies at

blj10a@acu.edu

ence wins last weekend after dropping the conference Sports Multimedia Editor opener. The Wildcats enter The Wildcats will host the the weekend at 7-2 overall West Texas A&M Universi- and 2-1 in conference. ACU ty Buffaloes and the East- dropped the conference ern New Mexico Univer- opener against Midwestsity Zias this weekend in ern State University before two conference matches. knocking off East Central ACU will face the Buffa- University and Northeastloes at 4 p.m. Friday and ern State University on the finish the weekend’s dou- road last weekend.

The Wildcats will face bleheader at noon Sunday two tough opponents this against the Zias.

“The next two confer- weekend. West Texas A&M ence games are huge, just has only lost one game like the last two were,” all season and enters the coach Casey Wilson said. match at 6-1-3 overall and “We needed the past two 2-0-1 in conference. The games to get some mo- Buffaloes return a strong mentum for this weekend. program this year and Going against WT is always were picked to win the tough, but I think we will conference on LSC Media be ready physically and Day at the beginning of mentally to go after three the season.

The Lady Buffs fell in to four days of rest.”

ACU is looking to build the LSC championship on two Lone Star Confer- game last season to the

Ryan Cantrell

University of Central Oklahoma. However, they still went on a run in the national tournament, making it to the quarterfinals before being eliminated.

ACU and West Texas A&M drew to a scoreless 0-0 tie last season. ACU will be looking to get on the goal sheet against the Buffaloes with a stronger offense this season.

The Zias have struggled this season with a 3-7 overall start and 0-3 in conference. One of the Zias’ three conference losses came against the Buffaloes in Canyon, 2-0 ACU is off to the best start in its four-year history, led by a stronger offense this season. Freshman Andrea Carpenter and junior transfer Ashley Holton lead the new offense. Carpenter now has

nine goals in nine games and has registered a goal in all but one game this season. Holton has added eight goals this season, including a hat trick last weekend. Having two major scoring threats has helped the Wildcats, as opposing teams are unable to focus on just one player to shut down.

The Wildcats’ great defense has accompanied their solid goaltending.

Arielle Moncure and Elliott London have split time in goal and have registered four shutouts in nine games.

The Wildcats will start the Homecoming weekend at 4 p.m. Friday at the Wildcat Soccer Pitch against West Texas A&M. contact Cantrell at

jrc07f@acu.edu

Page 8A

Standings FOOTBALL Team Div. Ovrl.

ACU 2-0 MSU 1-0 WTAMU 1-0 TAMU-K 1-1 Tarleton St. 1-1 Angelo St. 0-2 UIW 0-2

5-0 5-0 4-1 4-1 1-4 2-2 1-4

VOLLEYBALL Team

Div.

Ovrl.

ACU 5-0 WTAMU 4-0 MSU 3-1 Angelo St. 3-1 TAMU-K 3-2 Tarleton St. 2-2

14-3 10-7 9-7 7-10 7-8 14-5

WOMEN’S SOCCER Team Div. Ovrl.

3-0-0 3-0-0 2-0-1 2-1-0 1-2-0 NE St. 0-2-1 E. Central 0-2-1 ENMU 0-3 MSU Angelo St. WTAMU ACU Cen Okla.

8-1-0 6-3-1 6-1-3 7-2-1 5-5-0 4-3-2 4-4-2 3-7-0

Briefs n Ashley

Holton was named the Lone Star Conference Offensive Player of the Week after recording the third hat trick in ACU's soccer history. She has scored eight goals on the season, the second most of any one on the team.

n The

volleyball team beat Central Oklahoma Thursday night 3-0.

The Wildcats held UCO to a .069 hitting percentage and junior libero Kelsie Edwards had 18 digs iin the win.

IJ Moronu posted her 11th double double of the season with 12 digs 38 assists. The win pushes ACU’s record to 15-3 and 5-0 in conference play.

Player Profile Julia Mogin became the first ever unranked player to win the ITA Regional Championships two weeks ago. A sophomore from Jaurnay, France, Mongin Mongin swept the competition, not losing a set on her way to the championship. She and playing partner Jaclyn Walker will compete at the ITA Small College Championships next week. n

TENNIS

Sports

Mongin brings team French connection Bryson Shake

Assistant Sports Editor

Julia Mongin knows a thing or two about competition. She knows how to handle herself in matches and ultimately come out on top when the final whistle sounds.

But you wouldn’t know that based on her constant and calm facial expressions.

The sophomore tennis player has a knack for remaining cool in her matches and not panicking – which usually results in a win.

Tennis head coach Hutton Jones credits this attribute to an inner drive and attitude

not found in all athletes.

“If you watch her play, she’s not loud on the court at all,” Jones said. “She just goes about her business and gets the job done. One of my jobs as a coach is to teach my players how to compete.

There’s more to tennis than just hitting the ball, and that’s what I try to instill in my guys.

Julia has definitely taken that to heart.”

Mongin has been on fire during her sophomore campaign this year, using her abilities to propel her to new heights this season.

Three weeks ago at the Racquet Club Invitational in

Midland, Mongin trumped six NCAA Division I opponents, including players from Pepperdine University, University of Texas-Arlington, Texas A&M University, Rice University, Tulsa University and Pennsylvania State University, all on her way to winning the singles championship at the tournament.

Monkin was the first unseeded player in five years to bring home the trophy, playing six rounds instead of the five that seeded players participate in.

“Julia played some of the best tennis I’ve ever seen from her in Midland,” Jones said. “She was hitting

n Bernard

Scott and the 2-2 Cincinnati Bengals will play at home against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs are 3-1 and coming off of their bye week.

n Johnny

Knox and Danieal Manning will look to help their 3-1 Chicago Bears get back on track after an embarrassing loss to the New York Giants last week on national television. The Bears will travel to Charlotte, N.C. to play the 0-4 Carolina Panthers.

all her spots and things were just clicking.”

A native of Jaurnay, France, Mongin travels home over the summer to relax and take a break from college life and spend time with family. She also plays tennis. Last summer, she competed in four tournaments and made it to the finals in three of them.

Although she is a selfdescribed quiet person, it doesn’t take long to recognize her passion and love for tennis.

“Julia is passionate about the game of tennis,” Jones said. “That’s something I can’t coach. It’s something that the

players must develop individually. Her passion is unparalleled, and I know that has played a large part in her success. Her hard work has definitely paid off.”

Julia accredits her success to great coaching, challenging workouts and encouraging teammates.

“We have a great atmosphere here at ACU with coaches that teach us, players that challenge us and fans that support us,” Mongin said. “I love it here.”

contact Shake at

bxs09a@acu.edu

VOLLEYBALL

’Cats sweep away Angelo Jeff Johnston Sports Reporter

The Lady Wildcat volleyball team is off to a great start this season, with a 3-o win last Tuesday night against Angelo State University that puts them at 14-3 for the season.

The team’s goal now is to turn that record into 16-3 with two Lone Star Conference home games this weekend.

The Wildcats started the season at 1-2 but went to a 12-game winning streak before falling to 12th-ranked Truman State University last weekend in a tough game, 2-3. Their winning streak included wins in all four of the Wildcats’ games at the St. Edward’s Invitational and a huge win last weekend against 11th-ranked Emporia State University in the Washburn Regional Crossover that bumped the Wildcats into a 21st national ranking.

“This has been an amazing season,” coach Kellen Mock said. “Our girls have continued the past few years’ high standards on defense this season, which of course contributes to our success.

Offensively, however, we have really improved, and I think that has been the biggest difference in our performance.”

The Wildcats swept the LSC Players of the Week

FOOTBALL

Wildcats seeking 6-0 start

GENNA DUNCAN // Staff Photographer

The volleyball team celebrates after a point against Angelo State on Tuesday. The Wildcats swept the Rambelles 3-0 for their 14th win of the season. ACU will take on Southwestern Oklahoma State University at 7 p.m. Saturday in Moody Coliseum. awards this past week after some outstanding tournament play last weekend. Senior Ijeoma Moronu received her second LSC Setter of the Week award with 24 kills and 148 assists in four games. Ju-

nior libero Kelsie Edwards and freshman middle Neely Borger both received their first LSC awards. Edwards had 64 digs in the four games and Borger had a .387 hitting percentage.

For complete game breakdown, go to page 12B in the Homecoming pullout.

For the third year in a row the ACU Wildcats head into Homecoming Weekend undefeated and in the top of the Lone Star Conference. This weekend the Wildcats will be up against another undefeated LSC team, the Midwestern State University Mustangs.

The Mustangs come in ranked No. 8 in the country, one of the four LSC South teams ranked in the top-10.

Midwestern and ACU have split the last six meetings with three wins each, including a one and one split in two games last season.

“It’s a great rivalry with them,” said head coach Chris Thomsen. “They are just two hours down the road.”

One thing Midwestern DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer

Mitchell Gale and Ben Gibbs (86) celebrate after a touchdown.

a whole that we have had multiple players represented this year. That is a testament to how hard they push each other each and every day.” see SWEEP page 7A

FOOTBALL

LSC South boasts four top-10 teams Sports Reporter

Brandon Tripp

see RIVALRY page 7A

“It is so exciting to see the girls win LSC Player of the Week awards,” Mock said.

“From a coaching standpoint, I am very proud of each of the players, and I am so proud of the team as

Brenna Jefferies

Sports Editor

Ex-Factor

October 8, 2010

The Lone Star Conference has racked up many accomplishments in football over the years, but this season is shaping up to be really special. Comprised of 16 teams, this powerhouse Division II conference is as competitive as ever, with four teams ranked in the top 10 in the country. And the undefeated ACU Wildcats (5-0, 4-0) are at the top of the heap in terms of rankings this year.

There’s no debate that the LSC is a premier conference in the Div. II arena. Just last year the conference sent four schools to the playoffs. Over the past 14 years LSC football teams have won 12 national championships.

With three other LSC schools ranked in the top-10 nationally, the conference is making its mark this year.

Joining the ’Cats in the AFCA poll are the West Texas A&M

Buffaloes (#7), the Midwestern Mustangs (#8) and Texas A&M Kingsville (#10).

The Javelinas remained in the top-10 after losing to ACU this past weekend, which shows how much respect coaches have for the LSC. It is also noteworthy that all four LSC teams ranked in the top-10, are from the LSC South division.

With approximately 165 schools that play NCAA Div. II football, it is quite a feat for four members of the LSC to be ranked among the top-10 teams in the nation. ACU Athletic Director Jared Mosely said this accomplishment didn’t happen overnight.

“We’ve had some football programs that have really been establishing over the past five or six years, and programs that continue to build on previous years’ success that have been able to be see POLL page 7A

Homecoming 2010

Navigating the Long Purple Line A detailed guide to experiencing everything ACU Homecoming Weekend has to offer

contents 6-7

2

musical preview

The Department of Theatre will perform Titanic the musical on Friday and Saturday night.

Photos and a review of the Homecoming musical, Titanic, give a sneak preview of the show.

3

homecoming carnival

Students and families are invited to eat snacks and play games at the carnival on the Intramural Field.

9

homecoming chapel

Students, families and alumni are invited to Homecoming Chapel on Saturday in Moody Coliseum.

4

event schedule

9

sing song

A detailed schedule provides the time and location for all Homecoming events.

photo spread

Sing Song fans can purchase tickets to Sing Song FAVES this weekend in the Campus Center.

10

meet the queens

Photos and short biographies introduce each of the 10 Homecoming Queen nominees

11

jamfest

Find out which bands will perform on the front lawn of the Hunter Welcome Center Friday night.

12

pregame analysis

The sports staff offers individual predictions and a detailed look at facets of the Homecoming game.

Optimist the

Homecoming 2010

Page 2B

October 8, 2010

HOMECOMING

Musical shows serious side of theatre Taylor Edwards

Contributing Reporter

The ACU Department of Theatre is set to perform this year’s Homecoming musical Titanic this weekend, Oct. 8-10, at the Abilene Civic Center.

Directed by Dawne Swearingen Churchville, the musical stars Peter Hardgrave as Captain, Eric Carter as Mr. Andrews, Blake Rogers as Barret, Carlee Cagle as Alice Beane and Payton Jones as Kate McGowan.

“Titanic is unlike the last two Homecoming musicals that we’ve done,” said Brynn Smith, sophomore musical the-

atre major from Ft. Worth.

“They were both upbeat and happy-go-lucky, and Titanic shows a more serious side of the theatre department’s talent. I think it really showcases our variety.”

The musical tells the historical story of the Titanic, not the popular fictitious film version.

Many of the characters are based on real-life individuals, and actors were required to research the era and their roles to accurately portray various aspects of the show, including events, accents, props and costumes.

“It’s a very historically enlightening story,” said

rented from the 2001 national tour of Titanic and the Department of Theatre built the rest, creating a unique experience for this weekend’s audience.

“The set is really amazing,” Smith said. “On load-in day, the whole department spent the day unloading and assembling the set. It was fantastic teamwork. The costumes are also one of the best parts of the show. The year 1912 featured some eclecKELSI WILLIAMSON // Arts Editor tic and diverse fashions, The cast of the musical Titanic rehearses on Wednesday. and it was such a neat experience to be a part of Caroline Marols, sopho- our parts. We worked so making the costumes.”

Smith and Marols, who more musical theatre ma- incredibly hard on this jor from Prescott, Ariz. “A musical, and I think the play the respective parts of lot of research went into results of that can be seen stewardesses Hutchinson and Ida Strauss, worked in our performance.”

Rehearsals began the backstage on numerous first day of classes, and the productions last year.

“This is the first time cast has been rehearsing nonstop since then. The most students from our majority of the set was class have been cast in a

show, and I’m so excited to see how we come together with the more experienced members of the department to make this performance outstanding,” Marols said.

Smith said the musical is an excellent display of the ACU spirit.

“It is the summation of the efforts, hard work, dedication and passion of so many people coming together to result in what I think is going to be an incredible musical,” Smith said.

Tickets can be purchased by contacting the Theatre Box Office at (325)674-ARTS or by ordering through the Online Box Office at www.acu. edu/theatre. Tickets are still available for all three performances. contact Edwards at

optimist@jmcnetwork.com

Homecoming 2010

October 8, 2010

HOMECOMING

EMILY JORGENSON // File Photo

Children dig through a bucket of prizes after a game at last year’s Homecoming Carnival.

Carnival offers family fun Christianna Lewis Senior Reporter

Students, alumni and their families can eat cotton candy, get their faces painted and challenge their friends in laser tag at the ACU Homecoming Carnival Friday.

Jama Cadle, assistant director of Alumni Relations, said the carnival is a great way for people to connect for ACU’s Homecoming.

“It’s one of the first things people go to when they come from out of town,” Cadle said.

The carnival will take place from 5-9 p.m. Friday on the Intramural Fields.

Wrist bands cost $5 and provide access to the petting zoo, games and 11 inflatables.

Alexandra Dodds, senior biochemistry major from Grand Rapids, Mich., said the obstacle course, laser tag and rock-climbing are new attractions this year.

Dodds, a Homecoming Committee member, said these attractions will encourage older carnivalgoers, like college students, to come Friday evening.

Younger children will also have plenty to do, including a chance to pet miniature ponies, play in a bouncy pit and meet Willie the Wildcat.

“We’re defiantly encouraging people to come check out the carnival,” Dodds said. “And it’s just a walk over to JamFest afterward.”

This year’s carnival will also feature a new food platform since last year, Dodds said. Volunteers will carry purple cotton candy, turkey legs and other snacks on trays instead of selling them at stands. The Bean will be open to those looking for a full meal, Cadle said.

Nearly 500 people came to last year’s carnival, and a similar number is expected this year, Cadle said. Dodds, who helped

plan the Homecoming carnival this year and last, said the success of last year’s carnival motivated her to take on the challenge of planning it again.

“All the kids were running around and were really happy,” Dodds said. “It makes it worth the stress of the rest of the semester.”

Fifteen students have already volunteered to help at the carnival, but student volunteers are still needed to do face painting, hand out tickets and play with the children, Dodds said.

Students can receive service hours for volunteering and do not need to sign up in advance, Cadle said. Setup begins at 4 p.m.

“There’s always something for students to do, even if they just show up,” Cadle said. contact Lewis at

cll09a@acu.edu

Page 3B

Homecoming 2010

Page 4B

October 8, 2010

Homecoming Schedule of Events FRIDAY 8 a.m. - Noon WILDCAT PREMIERE WEEKEND, Robert D. and Shirly Hunter Welcome Center 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. GOLF CLASSIC, Diamondback Golf Club

RECEPTION, Hunter Welcome Center

Museum, 1602 Campus Ct.

SATURDAY

• DEPARTMENT OF BIBLICAL STUDIES AND UNDERGRADUATE BIBLE RECEPTION, Onstead-Packer Biblical Studies Building

Welcome Center East Lawn 6 a.m. GAMMA SIGMA PHI BREAKFAST, WPAC

8 a.m. - Noon WILDCAT PREMIERE WEEKEND, Hunter Welcome Center

6:15 a.m. DELTA THETA BREAKFAST, Women of Abilene Club

9 a.m. CROSS COUNTRY, ACU Naimadu Pre-Conference Meet, Sherrod Park

6:30 a.m. GALAXY BREAKFAST, Cypress Street

9:30 a.m. PARADE, beginning on E.N. 16 Street

• FRATER SODALIS BREAKFAST, Hunter Welcome Center

• COBA ALUMNI REUNION, before, during and after parade, Hardin Administration Building lawn

9 p.m. FIREWORKS. Hunter

11 a.m. CHAPEL, Moody Coliseum 3 p.m. QUEEN’S TEA, Williams Performing Arts Center 3:30 p.m. VARSITY VS. “YOUNG” TENNIS ALUMNI, ACU Tennis Courts 4 p.m. WOMEN’S SOCCER ACU VS. WEST TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY, Wildcat Soccer Pitch 5-8 p.m. SING SONG TICKET SALES, McGlothlin Campus Center 5 p.m. CARNIVAL, Larry “Satch” Sanders Intramural Field 5:30 p.m. CHEMISTRY, BIOLOGY, PHYSICS, MATH AND COMPUTER SCIENCE, Foster Science Building

• Pi KAPPA BREAKFAST, Westgate Church of Christ • SUB T-16 BREAKFAST, Abilene Country Club

10 a.m. - Noon ALUMNI TENNIS DOUBLES SCRAMBLE & LUNCH COURT SIDE, Eager Tennis Pavilion

• KO JO KAI BREAKFAST, Abilene Civic Center

10:45 a.m. HOMECOMING CHAPEL, Moody Coliseum

• SIGMA THETA CHI BREAKFAST, Abilene Country Club

• COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT ALUMNI RECEPTION, immediately following Homecoming Chapel, Sherrod Building Room 134

• GATA BREAKFAST, Hunter Welcome Center

6:30 p.m. CHEMISTRY CIRCUS, Walling Lecture Hall, Foster Science Building

7 a.m. TROJAN BREAKFAST, Ministry Activities Center, University Church of Christ

6-9 p.m. JAMFEST, Hunter Welcome Center East Lawn

• ALPHA KAI OMEGA BREAKFAST, Hilton Garden Inn

6:30 p.m. ACU SPORTS HALL OF FAME DINNER, Hunter Welcome Center

8 a.m. BAND AND ORCHESTRA ALUMNI RECEPTION, WPAC, Fry Band Hall Room 157

8 p.m. HOMECOMING MUSICAL: TITANIC, Abilene Civic Center

8 - 9:30 a.m. ALUMNI AND FRIENDS OF FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES REUNION COFFEE, WACU

8:15 p.m. TENNIS ALUMNI

11:45 a.m. A CAPPELLA CHORUS CONCERT, WPAC Recital Hall • AGRICULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND AES CLUB BARBEQUE, Hillcrest Church of Christ Multipurpose Room • JMC ALUMNI AND STUDENT MEDIA RECEPTION, Morris and Mitchell Student-run Ad/PR Agency, Don H. Morris Building Room 108

• A&E ANNUAL HOMECOMING AWARDS BANQUET, Hillcrest Church of Christ Multipurpose Room 11:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

DEPARTMENT OF MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY HOMECOMING RECEPTION 12:15 - 1:30 p.m. ALUMNI TENNIS LUNCHEON, Eager Tennis Pavilion Noon - 2 p.m. SING SONG TICKET SALES, McGlothlin Campus Center 2 p.m. HOMECOMING FOOTBALL GAME, ACU vs. Midwestern State University, Shotwell Stadium 6 p.m. REUNION CELEBRATION, Hunter Welcome Center 7 p.m. WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL, ACU VS. SOUTHWESTERN OKLAHOMA UNIVERSITY, Moody Coliseum

SUNDAY 8 p.m. HOMECOMING MUSICAL: TITANIC, Abilene Civic Center Noon OUTSTANDING ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR LUNCHEON, Hunter Welcome Center • WOMEN’S SOCCER, ACU VS. EASTERN NEW MEXICO, Wildcat Soccer Pitch 12:30 p.m. POPE FELLOWS REUNION, McGlothlin Campus Center Living Room 2 p.m. HOMECOMING MUSICAL: TITANIC, Abilene Civic Center

STUDENT CLUBS

Social club breakfasts unite members, alumni of the few times they can acknowledge their distinContributing Reporter guished alumni and sponSeven a.m.

Saturday sors. This Saturday, alumni morning may seem early, will have the opportunity but for social club mem- to meet new pledges and bers and pledges it is one catch up with old friends Whitney Puckett

‘‘ ’’

during the Homecoming club breakfasts.

For weeks, club members have prepared menus, presentations and social events for returning alumni. The clubs take this time to present merchandise and favors, recognize sponsors and provide entertainment for honorary guests. Shelby Holt, senior advertising/ public relations major from Fort Worth and Sigma Theta Chi secretary, is counting down to Saturday morning.

“Different things and other traditions change, but some have stayed since the very beginning,” Holt said. “It’s so fun to see how things have change and stayed the same since [the alumni] were in club and

from the club’s 70-plusyear tradition.

I think it’s amazing how “A lot of them didn’t we are able to relate even have cell phones to them through the or Internet when they pledging experience. pledged,” Prince said. “I think it’s amazing how JUSTIN PRINCE // senior biblical we are able to relate to studies major from San Antonio them through the pledging experience.”

Many clubs such as Trojans plan to mend how much they still love pledging,” Holt said.

The clubs will incorpo- broken memories by prebeing a part of club even though they’ve graduated.” rate cherished traditions senting new vision ideas Holt is passionate by listening to alumni for their clubs. This gives about the tradition and tell their stories and club them the opportunity to history of her club, and memories, giving mem- gain feedback from those she has had the opportu- bers and pledges a sense supporting them.

For more information nity to see how her club’s of pride in their club. Justraditions have impacted tin Prince, senior biblical about ACU social clubs, studies major from San visit www.acu.edu/camnumerous generations.

“The great thing about Antonio and president of pusoffices/studentorgs/soSigma Theta Chi is that it Trojans, looks forward to cialclubs/. has been around since the gaining a deeper perspecsixties, so a lot of people tive on the club’s history contact Puckett at have pledges who are by talking with alumni optimist@jmcnetwork.com

Homecoming 2010

October 8, 2010

Page 5B

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Area charity adds curriculum for older kids Treadaway Kids president Todd Selby said the Contributing Reporter group meets on Thursday After weeks of paper sorting nights at University Church and interviews, Treadaway of Christ, where the kids Kids is back in full swing this are split by grades and takyear as it begins its weekly en into classrooms where ministry to underprivileged ACU students teach them biblical principals. children in the area.

Children who are chosen With an 80 percent turnover rate from last to participate in Treadaway year’s membership, the Kids often live in low-inorganization is preparing come areas and are referred to pair with children from by their school counselor.

Ortiz Elementary and oth- There is no cap on the number of children selected, but er schools.

Marissa Ferguson

Optimist earns national award Managing Editor

The Optimist, ACU’s student-run newspaper, has been recognized as one of the three best non-daily student newspapers in the nation for 2009.

The newspaper earned a National Mark of Excellence Award as a National Finalist in the Best All-Around NonDaily Student Newspaper category at the 2010 Society of Professional Journalists national convention in Las Vegas on Monday.

To be considered for the award, the Optimist first had

est society of professional journalists in the country, confirm the newspaper is fulfilling its mission.

“The Optimist’s purpose is to inform our readers about what is going on in our community and to give our staff a chance to learn about media and what our futures as journalists will look like,” Bailey said. “I think we are doing a good job with both of these things.”

Dr. Kenneth Pybus, associate professor of journalism and mass communication and faculty adviser to the Optimist, said the goal of the newspaper is to inform and serve as an educational tool – not necessarily to win awards.

“We don’t go out seeking awards just to win awards,” Pybus said. “But we do enter competitions to show the good work we are already doing.”

Like Bailey, Pybus said the Optimist serves a vital role on campus and has a distinct purpose.

“We don’t produce things to win awards,” Pybus said.

“We do them to inform, educate and entertain students. The awards just show we are doing a good job.”

Dr. Cheryl Bacon, professor of journalism and mass communication and chair of the department, said national recognition proves the excellence of ACU’s journalism program and its ability to compete with other prominent programs.

“The award says that it stands up against anybody anywhere,” Bacon said. “When you win best all-around they are looking at many aspects of the newspaper and how it serves its community.”

‘‘ ’’ The award says that it stands up against anybody anywhere.

DR. CHERYL BACON // professor of journalism and mass communication

to win its regional competition. It was named best allaround around non-daily newspaper at SPJ’s Region Eight Convention in Austin last March. Region Eight includes Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana.

Linda Bailey, senior journalism major from Borger and Editor-in-Chief of the Optimist, said the award is a reflection of the newspaper staff’s hard work.

“I’m really proud of the staff last year and this year for the hard work they’ve put in,” Bailey said. “It proves we are doing our best to make the paper the best it can be.”

Bailey said the Optimist was created to serve its readers. She said the awards from SPJ, the larg-

children were only accepted through fifth grade. She said the program will also add a new class devoted specifically to girls in sixth through eighth grade and will meet at a regular Wednesday Chapel to encourage group bonding between members.

“In Chapel we work on building community and that strong bond between members so that we can have each other to lean on outside, as well as inside, of Treadaway Kids,” Manski said. “It really

shows when members work well together.”

The program is often confused with Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS), but Selby emphasized the two groups are quite unique.

“The main difference is that we have weekly set times and the program is more of a ministry base,” Selby said.

“With Treadaway Kids there is more of a learning environment and group association.”

Although the program offers two hours of service a

week, student directors encourage members to be truly invested in their “kiddos.”

“We see the greatest impact in our kids,” Selby said. “They are really rowdy when the kids first join, but then we put expectations on them and become their friend. They don’t want to disobey the rules because they want to be our friend.” contact Ferguson at

optimist@jmcnetwork.com

FACULTY

CAMPUS

Jeff Craig

the group aims to keep the number low to best fit the children’s needs.

“The mission is to show the children of Abilene the love and lessons of Jesus,” Samantha Manski, faculty advisor, said.

The organization is working to plan new additions to the curriculum implemented this year.

Manski said this year’s program includes children as old as eighth grade, as opposed to other years when

contact Craig at

jrc07d@acu.edu

Chair keeps focus after 30 years

DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer

Dr. Joe Cardot relaxes at his desk in the Sherrod Building. Cardot has taught in the Department of Communication for 30 years.

Jeff Craig

Managing Editor

For Dr. Joe Cardot, teaching has always been about the students.

“I love the classroom,” Cardot said. “I love being able to touch as many [student] lives as possible.”

Cardot has been teaching in the Department of Communication for 30 years and has served as chair of the department for 20 of those years. He has seen four ACU presidents and watched the university undergo what he calls a “major transformation.”

“In my time here I’ve seen the university grow and expand,” Cardot said.

“ACU has gone from having a regional focus to having a truly national reach.”

He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in social sciences from Harding University in 1976 and a master’s degree in communication theory from Western Kentucky University in 1980. In 1990 he earned a doctorate in instructional communication from Texas Tech University.

Even though he is not an ACU alumnus, Cardot said he felt right at home from

the moment he set foot on the Hill.

“Originally I was only supposed to be here one year,” Cardot said. “But when the opportunity to stay came up, my wife and I knew we were in the right place. We’ve never regretted it.

Cardot was hired in 1980 as a professor and as the university’s new speech and debate coach, a role he held until becoming chair of the department in 1990. During his years in the department, Cardot has also served as Director of Institutional Research and Director of Institutional Effectiveness.

Dr. Carley Dodd, professor of communication and dean of the graduate school, served as chair of the Department of Communication before Cardot from 1987-91. Dodd said Cardot has flourished in his role as chair of the department because of his ability to always be available to his students.

“His door is always open,” Dodd said. “He is one of the most accessible people in a leadership role I’ve ever seen. He is always friendly and always welcome. If you ever walk by there his door really is

always open figuratively and literally.”

Dodd said Cardot has also managed to find a way to connect with his faculty that makes them feel like they have the flexibility to teach the best they can.

“He’s always been very supportive of his faculty and really encourages them to find their place,” Dodd said. “He encourages them in their teaching, research and development.

He’s got a mix of not overcontrolling and not undercontrolling.”

Even with his success in academia, Dodd said Cardot’s character is evident outside the classroom.

Cardot has hosted the Texas Christian School’s Literary Meet on campus for 22 years, bringing hundreds of students to the university, Dodd said.

“He’s not paid for the literary meet, and it takes hundreds of hours of preparation – it’s an incredible service,” Dodd said. “He has done that every year without complaint.”

Cardot was also the chair of the benevolence committee at the South 11th and Willis Church of Christ for many years, Dodd said.

The role put Cardot in charge of the church’s ministry to the needy.

Dr. Paul Lakey, professor of communication since 1999, said Cardot has had a great effect on the department and the university as a whole.

“He has had a tremendous impact in terms of a servant heart, technological innovations and maximizing our department’s resources,” Lakey said.

“On the university level he has provided wisdom and stability as we have undergone major changes.”

Lakey said Cardot’s 30 years at ACU have been filled with strong academia and a firm commitment to people. He said the one word to best describe Cardot is “servant.”

“Joe is a friend of friends,” Lakey said. “He’s a giant encourager. When someone hurts, Joe is there.

When people need a partner, Joe is there. He would bend over backwards to help someone. Anybody that knows Joe knows he is a people-encourager.”

contact Craig at

jrc07d@acu.edu

October 8, 2010

Page 6B

Photos by Kelsi Williamson, Preview by David McMichael

Page 7B

SinkorSwim Jefferson Ferguson pridefully lifts his hands in awe of the Titanic as Erick Carter and Peter Hargrave, playing ship designer and captain, respectively, look on. These characters are quickly humbled, however, in the second act of the play when they receive devastating news of the Titanic’s futile fate.

Damico dancers Dom Huynh and Ashley Markgraf grace the stage during the opening scene in this year’s Homecoming musical.

Blake Rogers appears as Barrett the stoker and sings Barrett’s Song in the ships furnace room during the first act in the musical.

2010 Homecoming musical Titanic turns tragedy into song

S

POILER ALERT: The ship sinks. (Sorry).

The curtain comes up, and a single ballet dancer flits out onto the stage. The orchestra plays brightly. Birds sing, twigs pop, people go about picnics. Watching from your seat, you can’t help but contrast this against an end that – because you were once in elementary school and are somewhat aware of significant historical events – you know is coming.

The majority of the people on board the ship are going to drown and/or freeze to death, which means that the majority of the characters in this play are going to die.

ACU’s Homecoming musical, Titanic, does a lovely job of diverting your attention from this morbid, imminent end long enough to let you invest in the fiction of the play and its people.

The play never focuses on any single character and lacks a clear protagonist. Instead, director Dawne Swearingen Churchville has molded the individuals into a whole – giving the conglomeration of the ship’s passengers and crew a single, multi faceted personality.

This snapshot approach to individual char-

Top: Payton Jones plays Irish Kate McGowan, smitten with Josh Tumblin’s character, Jim Farrell. The two sing together in the number, “No Moon,” during the first act of Titanic; Above: Peter Hargrave, who plays Captain E.J. Smith, realizes the immense consequences his ship faces as he questions his leadership abilities and past decisions; Left: Carlee Cagle longs for status and material wealth as second class passenger Alice Beane.

Grant Scott, who plays husband, Edgar Beane, looks on in the background.

acters allows each actor to contribute vibrant life and individual personality traits.

Grant Scott and Carlee Cagle perform excellently as the couple struggling with class issues. Scott’s huffing and puffing produces the image of a man uncomfortable with the finer things in life, while Cagle blesses the audience with her powerhouse vocals in songs that explore a longing for status and subsequent frustrations when those wishes are not fulfilled.

Erick Carter plays the ship’s designer, Thomas Andrews. Over the course of the musical, he makes an emotional journey from pride in his personal Tower of Babel; to doubt as water floods the engines; to futile mania as he stands on the sinking ship, noticing mistakes in his blueprints and planning how to fix them; and finally to pure, aching regret and mourning as he slides off into the ocean.

Payton Jones and Josh Tumblin play the most compelling romantic couple in the musical as Kate McGowan and Jim Farrell.

Sporting dirty Irish brogues, they sweetly banter back and forth about marriage and other crucial life decisions. Jones is given a few moments where her signature vibrato shines, and she briefly steals the show.

Blake Rogers gives what might be the best performance of the show as Barrett the stoker. His solo in, “Barrett’s Song,” explores several of the themes left untouched by the rest of the people on the ship: the utter lack of meaning in material things when death is looming, the easy decadence of the upper class compared to the forced squalor of the lower class, and so on.

Rogers stars in the most visually arresting scene as well. Near the beginning of the musical, he sings his heart out in the boiler room while trying to urge more speed out of the already taxed ship. The boiler room consists of three enormous furnaces – giant metallic set pieces fixed with flickering orange lights at their centers. The whole scene is eerie and reminiscent of something like the workers’ city out of Fritz Lang’s Metropolis.

Other great individual performances include Peter Hargrave as the stoic and fatherly Captain E.J. Smith, Jefferson Ferguson as the terribly insistent J. Bruce Ismay, and Caleb Robinson and Caroline Marolf as the aging Straus couple. The cast also features the lonely telegrapher with the world

at his fingertips, the delightfully prim butler figure, the Irish groupies and other fantastic characters – and on and on.

And therein lies the minor fault of the play. In his or her own right, each character is well-played and well-sung, but the overall effect at times verges on the hectic.

Of course, during some scenes in which the passengers realize they are about to, you know, die, things are intentionally and understandably hectic. But at other times, the lack of focus on any particular character or group of characters makes it hard to fully engage.

Despite this minor issue, Titanic is a thoroughly enjoyable experience. From the brilliant costuming, to the evocative lighting, to the aural ambrosia of the orchestra, to the heartfelt performances and directing, the musical is definitely not to be missed.

The musical will show at 8 p.m. tonight and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at the Abilene Civic Center. Tickets range from $5-25 and are available for purchase online at www.acu. edu/theatre or by calling 325-674-2787. contact McMichael at

djm05c@acu.edu

Above: Caroline Marolf and Caleb Robinson share a moment as wife and husband, Ida and Isidor Straus, during dinner for first class passengers. Right: First class passengers aboard the Titanic take time to enjoy the finer things in life during the number, “What Remarkable Age This Is.”

Charlene Koepf ralllies Kat Bailey (left) and Payton Jones (right) as the three Kates sing, “I Must Get On That Ship,” along with the rest of the ensemble during the first act in the musical. All three characters are third class Titanic passengers immigrating from Ireland in hopes of fulfilling their dreams in America.

Homecoming 2010

Page 8B

October 8, 2010

ADMISSIONS

Campus to host first Wildcat Premiere Weekend Christianna Lewis Senior Reporter

This year Homecoming and Columbus Day, the events that attract the most prospective students to campus, have fallen only two days apart, said Ashley Pyle, director of campus visits and events.

“It’s our golden opportunity to showcase what an awesome place this is,” Pyle said.

ACU expects between 125-150 prospective students to attend Wildcat Premiere Weekend, said

Leah Kaszycki, campus visits manager. She said the weekend also draws more family members to campus than most Wildcat Preview Days, putting the total number of expected visitors around 300.

About eight administrative councilors, 14 student guides and a spectrum of faculty will offer guests a glimpse into a day in the life of an ACU student, Kaszycki said. Visitors can enjoy the Homecoming events – including the parade, football game and carnival – in addition to the preview’s scheduled events.

Prospective students will get a taste of the classroom setting with Dr. Steven Moore, assistant professor of English, and Dr. Stephen Johnson, assistant professor of theology, Kaszycki said.

The two professors will discuss ACU’s teaching philosophy and core curriculum in Hart Auditorium.

George Pendergrass, director of student multicultural enrichment, will offer guests a look into ACU’s diversity in Cultural Experiences, the newest addition to the special interest sessions, Kaszycki said. Mul-

HOMECOMING

ACU choral groups prepare to entertain campus visitors Meagan Hernandez Contributing Reporter

The A Cappella Chorus and the University Chorale will perform at a Homecoming concert at 11:45 a.m. Saturday in the Williams Performing Arts Center Recital Hall.

Dr. Sean Pullen, assistant director of music and director of the choral division, said the concert list includes many formal songs, as well as folk songs and spiritual songs.

“The concert will challenge the listener to accept some different styles, and there will also be some things that are familiar,” Pullen said. “There will be anything and everything performed at the concert.”

Created in 1932, A Cappella is the oldest chorus in the Southwest. According to the ACU Department of Music’s website, the group,

created by the late Dr. Leonard Burford, performs and studies the finest choral literature from all musical eras. The members meet for practice four hours a week and give four major concerts a year. The group also gives one extended tour each year.

The University Chorale will also perform during the Homecoming concert. The University Chorale is a large choir that primarily consists of freshman and aims to give ACU students a chance to have a choral background without having to sacrifice too much of their time. All students can audition to participate. The group meets just three hours a week, but the department promises this weekend’s performance to be entertaining and enjoyable.

“The concert is a chance to hear what kind of ability is present in the

tiethnic students will also share their experiences at the university.

“There’s a lot more cultural diversity here than people think,” Kaszycki said.

The athletically inclined will have an opportunity to toss around a football with ACU head coach Chris Thomsen, Pyle said. Although Thomsen has been involved in preview days before, this will be his first year to welcome students at the Wildcat Premiere Weekend.

“It gives students the opportunity to see how very real and down-to-earth the

people are here and that they can develop real relationships with them,” Pyle said.

Kaszycki said Homecoming Chapel is one event visitors particularly enjoy.

“Chapel – you can’t beat going to that, especially Fridays,” Kaszycki said.

Perhaps the most exciting event of the weekend for many prospective students is ACU’s Homecoming game, Kaszycki said.

The pregame tailgate party is part of the visitors’ schedule, and Kaszycki predicted an opportunity to see a Wildcat victory

for those who stay for the football game.

“They’ve had a really good season,” Kaszycki said. “They’re unbeatable, and will continue to be unbeatable.”

Pyle said she hopes professors and students will keep an eye out for visitors on campus and do their best to welcome them.

“It’s a team effort,” Pyle said. “You’ll never know how you’ll impact a prospective student.” contact Lewis at

cll09a@acu.edu

Attention to Detail

department,” Pullen said.

Both choirs are under direction of Pullen.

Danielle Groce, junior nursing major from Newcastle, Ind., has a background in choral activities and plans to attend the Homecoming concert.

“I have been in many choirs before moving to Abilene,” Groce said. “I am looking forward to seeing the amazing talent we have here at ACU.” Pullen believes that each choir’s talent will shine at the concert.

“We have two really strong choirs,” Pullen said.

Admission to the concert is free to give the ACU community the opportunity to experience the choirs’ Homecoming performances.

JOZIE SANDS // Online Editor contact Hernandez at

optimist@jmcnetwork.com

Ben Miller, junior art major from the Woodlands, works to finish his three-dimensional art project before his class in the Don H. Morris Center on Thursday.

CRIME

Students feel safe on campus

‘‘ ’’

to respond to an active shooter on campus.

Page 2 Editor “All of our officers are certified peace officers,” The shooting last week on the University of Texas cam- Ellison said. “We, as an pus was a stark reminder of ACU police department, the unpredictable nature of have undergone training in active shooter reviolent crime.

“It causes me to stop and sponse. Additionally, our think about the reality that it agency and all local and can happen anywhere,” said regional law enforcement ACU Chief of Police Jimmy agencies train every year Ellison. “There are levels of in a campus-based scepreparedness and levels of nario of an active shooter training, but the truth is you that helps not only train cannot prepare and be ready ACU police department, to respond to anything and but also other police deeverything that’s out there, partments for a joint rebut I think we’re as prepared sponse.”

Last Tuesday’s events as we can be.”

Although crime is im- brought the reality of such possible to predict, El- an inexplicable situation to lison said the ACU Police the forefront of many stuare adequately prepared dents’ minds.

Alan Cherry

Ever since the shooting it feels like more of a reality.

CARLY BRANSCUM // sophomore Ad/PR major from Fort Worth

“It’s definitely scary,” said Carly Branscum, sophomore AD/PR major from Fort Worth. “Ever since the shooting it feels like more of a reality. I didn’t really think about it that much before, and so when things like that happen so close to home ... here on campus I feel safe.

Especially since its such a tight community.”

“I was sad for them but it didn’t really affect my security here, “ said Mi-

chelle Brabham, junior communications major from the Woodlands.

Students are encouraged to sign up for the ACU Alert text message system to receive immediate information about any threats to the ACU campus or student body.

Students can sign up at www.acu.edu/campusoffices/acu_police/acualert. contact Cherry at

arc07a@acu.edu

Homecoming 2010

October 8, 2010

Page 9B

SING SONG

Students prepare for Sing Song auditions Linda Bailey Editor in Chief

Students interested in auditioning for Sing Song host and hostess can sign up in the Student Life Office in McKinzie Hall until Wednesday.

Auditions will take place Monday, Oct. 18 and Tuesday, Oct. 19 in Cullen Auditorium. All full-time students with junior hours and a GPA of at least 2.5 who are in good standing with the university are eligible to audition.

Jamie Lyn Spires, graduate student from Arlington and assistant to the director for Sing Song, said three men and three women are generally chosen from the 80-100 people who audition. She said she expected more people to audition this year than in previous years.

“That’s exciting because when you have more to choose from, you can’t go wrong,” Spires said. “It’s a matter of who works well together and who sounds good together. It’s exciting to see

all the talent on campus, and just because you don’t get it doesn’t mean you can’t sing.”

However, hosts and hostesses aren’t the only ones who can get involved. All Sing Song fans can participate in the show by nominating their favorite songs at www.acu.edu/singsong.

Tom Craig, director of student productions, said this year’s theme, “Sing Song FAVES,” lets any Sing Song fan nominate a favorite song to be performed by the hosts and hostesses. Craig said each song

nominated will go into a pool that he and his team will use when choosing the hosts and hostess’ songs.

“Taking this theme, we have the opportunity for people to help create a playlist for Sing Song,” Craig said.

He said his team considers multiple factors when choosing the songs for hosts and hostesses. Songs must fit their vocal ranges and styles, translate into a suitable arrangement for the jazz ensemble to play and be appropriate for the ACU audience.

Schubert to deliver Homecoming speech Opinions Page Editor

ACU alumni and campus visitors will head to Moody Coliseum at 10:45 a.m. Saturday for this year’s Homecoming Chapel.

In charge of planning the event were Jama Cadle, assistant director of Alumni Relations and university events, Samantha Adkins, senior Alumni Relations officer, and Grant Boone, Alumni Relations officer. The Alumni Association and the Alumni Advisory Board helped plan the event also.

The Alumni Advisory Board is compiled of 30 members who meet biannually in February and August to plan and promote major ACU alumnifocused events, including reunion dinners, alumni award presentations and Homecoming.

This year the board selected Dr. Doug Peters (’80), president of this year’s reunion class and a member of the Alumni Advisory Board, to emcee Homecoming Chapel. ACU President Dr. Phil Schubert will be the keynote speaker.

Anyone on campus for Homecoming is invited to attend. Seating could be tight, however, between Moody’s maximum capacity of 4,250 and the large number expected to go straight from the Homecoming Parade, which ends at Coliseum Way in front of Moody, to Chapel.

“Usually a lot of families come to Homecoming Chapel,” Adkins said. “Especially parents whose children are doing stuff in the parade.”

The Homecoming Parade starts at 9:30 a.m. and is expected to last about an hour. Homecoming Chapel is scheduled to begin at 10:45 a.m. but will be pushed back

JOZIE SANDS // Online Editor

contact Woodrow at

Aubree Barnett, sophomore graphic design major from Plano, researches in the library.

mrw08a@acu.edu

Homecoming boosts economy Page Designer

ACU students, faculty and staff know Homecoming is an exciting, busy weekend full of activities and events – and local businesses share that excitement. Many prepare ahead of time for the traffic families and alumni bring to the community during the weekend.

Nancy Liles, executive director for the Abilene Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, said homecoming celebrations at any of the universities in Abilene are good for the city’s businesses, but that ACU’s Homecoming brings in particularly large numbers.

“For this weekend this year, we’ve figured at about 1,500 people the economic impact will be at about $375,000,” Liles said. “The travel dollar that we’ve put on an out of town visitor is $110 a day per visitor, multiplied then by the number of days that they stay. This includes any kind of attractions they see, meals, hotels, gas and anything else.”

“I think people will see visitors’ impact across the city, but yes, mostly restaurants,” Liles said. “For instance, if there’s a play or what have you, they will go to the restaurants earlier, and then you really see a peak at times at restaurants. But we realize there will be people in town, we know when homecomings will be, and businesses are prepared for that.”

Lytle Land and Cattle Company is among the prepared, with reservations already set for several large

groups on Saturday. “[Business] really does pick up,” said D’Nae Edwards, manager of Lytle Land and Cattle. “We have a lot of large parties, teams and social clubs come in and meet here.”

Edwards said ACU’s

people start to leave for the game, and it’ll pick up again around 5.”

Glenn said she recommends calling 30 minutes before eating out to see what the wait time for a table will be on any day this weekend.

lies from out of town explore Abilene attractions in addition to Homecoming activities.

“The must-do is Frontier Texas,” Liles said. “It’s one of the few museums in the country with life-size holograms. It’s so fun and very interactive.” “[Families] can obtain so much information now from our website,” Liles said. “There’s a great calendar that tells them what’s going on this weekend. The official visitor’s center is in Frontier Texas, and there are discounts for Abilene visitors.”

‘‘ ’’ Now that school’s started up again, I see a lot more ACU students anyway.

DANIEL ROCHA // general manager of Sharon’s Barbeque

Homecoming makes a slightly larger impact on the restaurant’s business than the homecoming weekends of other schools.

“It’s pretty balanced out,” Edwards said. “We do get a lot from each school, but we do definitely get a lot from [ACU]. It’s a bigger school and a big game.”

Just a few miles from campus, Chili’s Bar and Grill is also ready to serve ACU’s Homecoming crowd.

“The way that we always look at it is we look at last year’s sales from that Homecoming, so we already have a good idea of the kind of business we’re going to do this year,” said Brandye Glenn, service manager at Chili’s.

“We have a pretty good feel of how busy we will be,” Glenn said. “We will actually begin to get crowded starting Thursday evening, and it will stay that way until Sunday evening. It’ll be packed pretty much all day long Saturday; we will probably slow down around one when

contact Bailey at

ljb07a@acu.edu

if the parade takes longer than expected. Cadle said Chapel itself will last about 45 minutes and is not expected to run as long as in past years.

“This Chapel is very flexible, but we don’t think we’ll have to delay very long,” Cadle said. “The parade itself has always been very short, usually only about an hour.”

Cadle said Chapel attendance is expected to include a large number of alumni from the reunion year, as well as ACU students and prospective students visiting for Homecoming.

However, students who come to Homecoming Chapel will not receive credit for attending, said Kathy Hogan, administrative coordinator for Spiritual Life and Chapel Programs

HOMECOMING

Bailey Neal

“Anything that can be translated into a favorite – so there’s a lot of freedom in this show,” Craig said. “It should be a lot of fun just seeing what creative ideas people come up with.”

Sing Song will take place Feb. 18-19. Tickets will be on sale from 2-5 p.m. Friday and 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

Saturday in the McGlothlin Campus Center. Tickets will be available online starting Nov. 1.

Finding Inspiration

HOMECOMING

Matthew Woodrow

This year’s theme also allows for more creativity among club and class acts, said Rebecca Hopkins, senior speech pathology major from Edmond, Okla., and Sing Song co-chair.

“It’s easier for onstage acts because it is a broad theme, and they can really do anything with it,” Hopkins said.

Craig said every few years the team of students, staff and alumni who plan Sing Song tries to incorporate a theme that is broad enough to let students pull ideas from several directions.

Daniel Rocha, general manager of Sharon’s Barbeque, said the restaurant loves the extra business homecoming weekends provide.

“I would say ACU’s Homecoming is the busiest one for us,” Rocha said. “Now that school’s started up again, I see a lot more ACU students in here anyway.”

Hotels in Abilene also profit from the business of those visiting from out of town. Many local hotels book rooms months in advance.

“So far we are doing okay, but business is already picking up compared to last year,” said Paul Pawar, general manager of the Holiday Inn Express on Overland Trail.

Pawar explained that Holiday Inn Express has a special ACU nightly rate, since most of its customers choose the hotel for its close proximity to ACU’s campus. Pawar said it is almost fully booked.

Between eating out and relaxing in a hotel, Liles recommends that fami-

contact Neal at

bmn07a@acu.edu

Homecoming 2010

Page 10B

October 8, 2010

2010

Homecoming Queen Candidates

Jordana Chisholm Senior Nutrition Major San Antonio

Caroline Conwell

Jessica Ellison

Senior Management Major Abilene

Senior Accounting Major Van

Rebecca Hopkins

Julie Kelley

Senior Speech Pathology Major Edmond, Okla.

Heather Lowery Senior Nutrition Major Midland

Senior Exercise Science Major Amarillo

Kylah Riddle

Senior Finance Major Dimmitt

Sarah Greer

Senior English Major Spring

Kinsey Logan

Senior Communication Disorders Major Huntsville

Rachel Webb

Senior Marketing Major Beaumont

Homecoming 2010

October 8, 2010

HOMECOMING

KELSI WILLIAMSON // Arts Editor

A band performs at last year’s JamFest during ACU’s Homecoming weekend.

Campus bands prepare JamFest performances Hannah Barnes Features Editor

JamFest, a concert featuring several ACU student bands, will rock the lawn outside the Robert D. and Shirley Hunter Welcome Center from 6-9 p.m. on Friday. The concert will be followed by a fireworks show.

Riley Orr, junior biology major from Coppell and Homecoming co-director, and Carter DeJarnett, senior English major from Jackson, Tenn., and JamFest coordinator, held auditions for the concert and organized the list of performances.

“Last year was a big hit, so we’re really looking to build on that,” Orr said.

The concert will feature three stages and 10 musical acts.

quick facts A collection of 10 bands will perform at JamFest 2010. n Jacob Knettle 5:50-6:00 p.m. n Dan & the Stage Bang 6:00-6:15 p.m. n The Jordan Bell Band 6:15-6:30 p.m. n Cade Davis, Tyler Johnson & Si “Chops” Ratliff 6:30-6:40 p.m. n Clayton Stewart 6:40-6:55 p.m. n Pawns & Kings 6:55-7:10 p.m. n Gypsy Fox 7:10-7:30 p.m. n Dan & the Stage Bang 7:30-8:00 p.m. n Colton Owsley 8:00-8:15 p.m. n Thus Far 8:15-9:00 p.m.

“We’ll have a singleperson acoustic, a country trio, alternative rock bands and a few cover bands,” Orr said.

Spencer Goudeau, junior English major from Colorado Springs, Colo., will be playing with his band Gypsy Fox. This will be the folk acoustic band’s debut performance.

“We’re extremely excited for everyone to hear

us,” Goudeau said. “I know we’re good.”

Thus Far and Dan & the Stage Band are also included in the concert’s lineup.

“It will be a relaxed environment, but there will be some bands that are more high-energy than others,” Orr said. contact Barnes at

hab07a@acu.edu

Page 11B

HOMECOMING 2010

Page 12B

October 8, 2010

Lone Star Unbeatens ACU hosts MSU on Saturday at Shotwell Stadium for the annual Homecoming game.

Both ACU and MSU are ranked in the top 10 in the nation and are enter the game 5-0.

Graphic by Morgan Davis

Offense Backfield

Receivers

O-Line

Zack Eskridge is a Harlon Hill candidate and has done nothing but prove that point so far this season. Midwestern comes into the game averaging nearly 250 yards on the ground. Running back Marcus Mathis leads the ground attack, averaging 83 yards per game. On the ACU side of the ball Mitchell Gale has proven he is the unquestioned leader of the offense. Gale also leads the LSC in passing efficiency. Running backs Darrell Cantu-Harkless and Darryl Richardson lead an ACU ground attack that averages better than 140 yards per game rushing.

With starters like Edmund Gates and Raymond Radway the Wildcats are a threat to go deep and score every play.

Midwestern does boast receiver David Little, who is clearly the go-to guy for Eskridge. Little has 32 catches for 362 yards and four touchdowns this season.

At tight end ACU has a big advantage.

The numbers put up by Ben Gibbs dwarf all three tight ends for Midwestern. Gibbs has 11 catches for 116 yards and three touchdowns. Midwestern combined has just eight catches for 34 yards.

Wildcats are a more experienced unit with four upperclassmen and three returning starters. Although the Mustangs have put up huge numbers in the run game and have allowed just five sacks this season, they have yet to face a defense near the caliber of the Wildcats. On the other hand the Wildcats have faced two top-10 teams, including the number one defense in the country, and have come through OK on the other side. With such a big game on the line it will be up to the offensive lines to keep both quarterbacks upright and runningbacks moving forward.

Player to Watch: Zack Eskridge, QB MSU

Player to Watch: Edmund Gates, WR

Player to Watch: Neal Tivis, LT

Defense Secondary

Linebackers

D-Line

Midwestern State has intercepted opposing quarterbacks seven times and has 26 passes defended. ACU, on the other hand, is still trying to figure out its secondary. With a number of explosive plays allowed in the secondary this season, the Wildcats are still trying to break in a new secondary unit. Senior Drew Cuffee is the only returning starter for the Wildcats, and offenses have generally avoided throwing to his side. Senior Ryan Craven leads the secondary unit for the Mustangs. Craven has 29 tackles and five passes either defended or broken up.

The Wildcats are one of the most experienced and talented linebacking corps in the Lone Star Conference.

Kevin Washington and Courtney Lane are the anchors for a group that has seven sacks on the season, as well as 18 tackles for loss. Washington has been all over the field for ACU this season, accounting for eight tackles for loss by himself. MSU also brings a talented group to the field, with Matt Ellerbrock leading all linebackers with 28 tackles.

The Wildcats are very deep with six linebackers making regular contributions.

One name gives ACU the check mark here: Aston Whiteside. The Wildcats’ preseason LSC Defensive Player of the Year selection is living up to the billing with three sacks this season. He also has a 58-yard interception returned for a touchdown against Tarleton State University. Other than Whiteside the Wildcats have transfer Donald Moore, who has been wearing out opposing offenses. As a unit the ACU defensive line has helped hold opposing teams to just 75 rushing yards per game.

MSU, on the other hand, has allowed nearly 100 yards per game on the ground.

Player to Watch: Ryan Craven, S MSU

Player to Watch: Kevin Washington, LB

Player to Watch: Aston Whiteside, DE

Projections Brandon Tripp

Austin Gwin

Ryan Cantrell

Bryson Shake

Jeff Johnston

Brenna Jefferies

Sports Director

Sports Editor

Sports Multimedia Editor

Assistant Sports Editor

Sports Reporter

Sports Reporter

The Wildcats are a well-tested team, with two top-10 wins in the first five weeks of the season. MSU, on the other hand, comes in mostly untested in the early goings of the season. Mitchell Gale will lead a balanced attack for the Wildcats who will wear down the MSU defense with superior depth.

Mitchell Gale cannot be stopped.

Any doubts about Gale went out the door with the 400 plus yards he put up against Kingsville’s No. 1 defense in the nation.

Midwestern’s defense isn’t that good, and Gale will prove it throwing for a couple of scores en route to another victory.

In ACU’s closest game of the season the Wildcats will need a fourth quarter rally to edge the Mustangs. Gale will lead the the Wildcats to another victory over a top-10 opponent.

The defense will be tested but will hold strong with the game on the line: ACU by three in this one.

The ACU offense continues its highpowered attack behind the arm of Mitchell Gale, the legs of Darryl CantuHarless and the hands of wide receiver Edmund Gates. Kevin Washington and Aston Whiteside will lead the Wildcat defense over the Mustangs.

ACU has been highly superior to every team it’s played so far.

Midwestern State will be the first real test, but once the game gets going, ACU will step up and show that it is the better team on the field.

The hype that comes with Homecoming will push the ’Cats to a victory on Saturday.

The Homecoming game will be close for the first half. The past years the score has been a tug-of-war with both teams rallying from behind. The Wildcats will gain a lead in the second half.

Midwestern will try to make a comeback, but in the end ACU will take the victory by 10 points.

Pick: ACU 30-21

Pick: ACU 35-17

Pick: ACU 31-28

Pick: ACU 35-21

Pick: ACU 41-34

Pick: ACU 35-25