The Optimist Print Edition: 10/16/2009

Optimist

SPECIAL SECTION

the

Vol. 98, No. 17

Homecoming 2009

PAGES 5-12 2 sections, 16 pages

Friday, October 16, 2009

acuoptimist.com

BREAKING NEWS, VIDEOS, PHOTOS, DISCUSSION AND EXCLUSIVE CONTENT BUSINESS

Hotels benefit from Homecoming crowds Farron Salley KACU Correspondent

crease in occupants every year thanks to ACU Homecoming.

The Alumni Association link on the ACU Web site offers a Business is picking up in Abilene as the university pre- list of hotels within five to 10 pares for a weekend of Home- minutes of campus, but seven coming festivities. Hotels out of nine of the provided hoexperience a significant in- tels are at maximum capacity.

LaQuinta Inn has limited space left, but all 98 rooms at the Days Inn are booked.

“We’ve started a list, so if anyone cancels, we call them up,” said Ricky Ragsdale, manager of Residence Inn. “We’re overbooked by seven extra.”

Some hotels are taking advantage of this weekend to offer special rates for Homecoming guests.

“We do have a roughly 15 percent discount to ACU students and parents,” said Tony Silvestri, Holiday Inn Express

Sales representative.

Restaurants and retail stores also need to be ready when Millie Dillmount meets the Abilene Civic Center in “Thoroughly Modern Millie.” see HOTELS page 4A

SCIENCE

SHARING SCIENCE

Faculty and students shared the lighter side of of chemistry with anyone who wanted to join.

Jill Dougher Contributing Reporter The ACU Chemistry Club will burn Gummi Bears and freeze bananas at the 23rd annual Chemistry Circus on Friday in the Walling Lecture Hall at 6:30 p.m.

About a dozen demonstrations will be shown during the hour-long event.

Dr. Eric Hardegree, professor of chemistry, said students made ice cream out of liquid nitrogen for the audience to enjoy last year.

“It’s entertainment with an educational twist,” Hardegree said.

Candace Berrier, senior elementary education major from Fort Worth, attended the Chemistry Circus last year.

“It was really fun, and everyone should go if they have the opportunity,” Berrier said.

Students can expect an explosion of hydrogen balloons this year. Some are filled with colored gas, which creates a dramatic effect by glowing red, green or yellow

when the lights are dim.

In another experiment, students use liquid nitrogen to freeze a banana – not a typical college science experiment.

“Most of these demonstrations are activities that science majors don’t normally do in labs,” said Kelsey Young, senior biochemistry major from Pago Pago, American Samoa. “So, even if you think you’ve seen it all, you haven’t.”

Young said she likes to see people wowed by the demonstrations, especially children.

“It’s a fun opportunity to see chemistry in action,” she said.

“ACU has great resources, and the public would be able to see things they wouldn’t normally see.”

Hardegree said the demonstrations, especially the explosions, will be handled with care, and safety equipment will be used.

contact Dougher at

optimist@jmcnetwork.com

Most of these demonstrations are activities science majors don’t normally do in labs.

KELSI WILLIAMSON Staff Photographer

KELSEY YOUNG Senior biochemistry major from Pago Pago, American Samoa

Lauren Briscoe, senior biochemistry major from Durant, Okla., practices for the Chemistry Circus on Friday.

STUDENT LIFE

ALUMNI

Students scarf pizza Gutenberg honors alumni for marketing contest Brittany Brand and Chelsea Hackney Staff Report

Christianna Lewis Contributing Reporter Three student contenders will battle their way through pepperoni and tomato sauce as they compete in the Consumption Challenge: Pizza sponsored by the ACU chapter of the American Marketing Association on Tuesday.

AMA Vice President of Marketing Communications Johnathan King invites all students to watch

Wildcat left guard Royland Tubbs, “everyman” Dustin Rhodes and track runner Lindsey Putman stuff themselves with Little Caesar’s pepperoni pizza at 8 p.m. Tuesday in Room 115 of the Mabee Business Building.

The event is free, though “tickets” will be handed out as a promotional tool, said King, senior marketing and management major from Frisco. Free pizza will be provided to the audience.

Forecast Fri

70° 50°

“It’ll be the organization’s first self-promoted, big event,” King said. “I want to see a large number of new faces at the meeting and see those people get involved.”

The AMA may hold successive consumption challenges, said Austin January, AMA vice president of public relations and junior marketing major from Rockdale. For this chalsee PIZZA page 4A

Small wooden models of Johannes Gutenberg’s printing press sat in a prominent position on stage in the Hunter Welcome Center on Thursday night. The presses were actually Gutenberg awards, given each year to alumni of the Journalism and Mass Communication Department for distinguished professional achievements.

The three 2009 Gutensee AWARDS page 4A

Inside Sat

70° 51°

Sun

71° 53°

MODERN MILLIE The story of a small town girl trying to find herself in the big city will be performed at the Abilene Civic Center this weekend.

Page 5A

EMILY JORGENSON Contributing Photographer

Skip Dampier, vice president of planning for RAPP, Dallas, encouraged students during the Gutenberg dinner Thursday.

Online WILDCAT FOOTBALL We dedicate a full page to Saturday’s matchup, including information graphics, player-by-player breakdowns and predictions.

Page 3B

VIDEO

LOUDandCLEAR

PHOTOS

What is your favorite part of Homecoming?

Football: Player Profile

Visit acuoptimist.com to see what the ACU community is saying.

Homecoming 2009

2

Campus Day Friday, October 16, 2009

CALENDAR AND EVENTS

16

FRIDAY

4 p.m.

ACU Soccer vs. Texas Woman’s 5 p.m.

Homecoming Carnival 5:30 p.m.

Shore Art Gallery Opening 8 p.m.

Homecoming Musical

17

SATURDAY

9:30 a.m.

Homecoming Parade 10:45 a.m.

Homecoming Chapel 2 p.m.

ACU Football vs. West Texas A&M 2 p.m.

ACU Volleyball vs. Southern Oklahoma

18

SUNDAY

1 p.m.

ACU Soccer vs.

Commerce 2 p.m.

Homecoming Musical 2 p.m.

Distinguished Alumni Citation 2 p.m.

ACU Host Family Program Interest Meeting

Announcements Zops Bike Rally will take place Oct. 15-17 at the Taylor County Expo Center.

There will be games, live music, parades, rides, a tattoo contest and other events.

There will also be a parade downtown Oct. 17. Tickets are $20 per person Oct 15,

$25 Oct. 16 and $30 Oct. 17. Contact John Harvard at 677-2938 for more information.

The Homecoming Parade begins at 9:30 a.m.

Oct. 17 at the intersection of ACU Drive and EN 16th

Street. The parade route will be as follows: from ACU Drive, west along EN 16th Street to Campus Court, turning north on Campus Court to EN 21st Street, ending at Coliseum Way just north of Edwards Hall.

Contact Kathy Deatherage at 673-4820 for more information.

G. V. Daniels Recreation Center needs volunteers for the Fall Festival on Oct. 31 from 5-9 p.m. Volunteers

will work game stations, hand out candy and assist with other activities. Contact Justin Whiteley at 676-6443 for more information.

Frontier Texas is seeking help with Halloween activi-

Tip of the Week You can increase the chances of recovering stolen property if you know the model and serial numbers of the items you own. Keep a record of the model and serial numbers for valuables such as laptops, cameras and cell phones to provide to police if those items are stolen.

Oct. 7 8:34 a.m. Fire alarm activation at Gardner Hall.

Abilene Fire Department responded and alarm was reset.

Friday 12:20 p.m. ACUPD responded to a possible burglary in progress. Officers arrived at location and everything checked out. No burglary.

6:00 a.m. Received report of a male subject having a seizure. Metrocare responded, and male subject was transported to Hendricks Medical Center.

Saturday 5:15 a.m. ACUPD received a call of noise violation in the 2500 block of Judge Ely Blvd. Officers responded and advised tenants to lower noise level.

Sunday 1:30 a.m. Received a call and responded to the 2500 block of Judge Ely Blvd. Officers responded and advised tenant to turn down music.

11:30 p.m. Subject reported his bicycle stolen from the bicycle rack at Mabee Hall.

A women’s conference, Becoming the Woman God Wants Me to Be, will take place at 7 p.m. Oct. 16 at the Bethel Church of God. Call 672-9998 for more information.

Volunteer Opportunities Disability Resources needs volunteers for its annual Pumpkin Patch Oct. 1-31.

Slots are open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., and Sunday at 1 p.m. Volunteers will sell pumpkins, drive hayrides and take pictures.

Police Log

ties Oct. 20. Volunteers will help build sets and prepare for the event. Volunteers are also needed during the event Oct. 30-31 to staff a haunted house. Contact Jeff Salmon at 437-2800 for more information.

Monday 8:42 a.m. Fire alarm activation at Gardner Hall.

Officers responded and reset alarm.

Tuesday 8:11 p.m. ACUPD received a call and responded to subject with rapid heartbeat. Subject was transported to Hendricks Medical Center.

Chapel Checkup

Credited Chapels to date: Credited Chapels remaining:

40 31

October 16, 2009

Campus News

Page 3A

From Front

Page 4A

October 16, 2009

STUDENT LIFE

Pizza: Eating contest Continued from page 1

lenge, though, January said he is betting on Putman, the only female contender, to win the $25 cash prize. Despite football player Tubbs’ competitive size and appetite, January said Putman might have the willpower to win the competition. Either way, he said, it will be fun.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how much pizza sauce, cheese and grease covers these guys’ faces,” he said.

The pizza-eating contest, inspired by similar reality shows, is intended to raise awareness of AMA. The event marks

the organization’s attempt to increase the number of non-marketing majors in the group.

King, one of the event’s planners, said broadening AMA’s appeal would benefit the club by bringing in new perspectives.

The AMA is a nationwide networking community for college students and marketing professionals. ACU’s chapter works to give its members practical marketing experience before graduation. It also serves the campus and community by providing marketing services to student groups and local businesses, January said.

The association’s ACU chapter recently helped

BUSINESS

Hotels: Homecoming brings local business Continued from page 1

Tickets have been on sale since this summer, and seats have been filling up. Of the 2,057 seats up for grabs, 636 have sold for Friday night’s show, 1, 049 for Saturday night and 410 for Sunday’s matinee performance.

Tickets to the musical will be on sale through next week in the box office and at the door, but Nick Mills, sophomore theatre major from Mesquite, said he suggests buying them before the

LODGING AND DINING Hotels and restaurants within a 10-mile radius of ACU n Miss Nellie’s Bed and Breakfast, 1633 Cedar Crest Drive n Betty Rose’s Little Brisket, 1055 N. Judge Ely Blvd. n Comfort Suites University, 1902 Overland Trail n Lytle Land & Cattle Co., 1150 ES 11th St. n Days Inn, 1702 Overland Trail

date of the performance, because Friday and Saturday could sell out.

contact Salley at

fls08a@acu.edu

promote ACU women’s athletics and Entra la Plaza and will compete in an annual national marketing competition conducted by the AMA. All students can gain valuable experience from these promotional projects, said AMA President Zachary Cook, senior finance and marketing major from Dallas.

“Marketing is about filling a need with people, at its core,” Cook said. “People are always going to have a need around you. AMA can help anyone address the needs of others.”

HEATHER LEIPHART Staff Photographer

contact Lewis at

optimist@jmcnetwork.com

Darrien Grays, senior information technology major from Cedar Hill, twirls with Adebimpe Onabolu, accounting graduate student from Nigeria, in the McGlothlin Campus Center during Entra a la Plaza on Friday.

ALUMNI

Awards: Recipients honored Continued from page 1

berg recipients were Brittany Huckabee, Cynthia Patterson Nellis and Skip Dampier. All of them have found roles in the professional world, all very different.

Huckabee graduated from ACU in 1999 with a degree in electronic media, although she began her freshman year as a broadcast journalism major.

After her first video class, she discovered another aspect of film she enjoyed much more.

“She just fell in love with being behind the camera,” said Elaine Huckabee, ad-

ministrative coordinator in the Brown Library and Brittany Huckabee’s mother.

After graduation, Huckabee worked for New River Media, where she produced several documentary films that aired on PBS, the most recent of which was The Mosque in Morgantown.

Her next project is a documentary film about human trafficking in Nepal, Elaine Huckabee said.

Nellis is the fashion “guide” – editor and publisher – for About.com, a New York Times company.

She writes from her home in East Texas, but travels to major fashion events, such as Fashion Week in New York, said Dr. Cheryl

Bacon, professor of journalism and mass communication and chair of the JMC department.

Nellis graduated in 1986 and has worked for About. com for 10 years, since the beginning of the move to online media.

“She really got into online journalism before anyone was doing it,” Bacon said.

Dampier, who graduated in 1987, is the vice president of planning at Rapp Collins Agency, Dallas, a major advertising and marketing company.

As part of his responsibilities, he is the global planner for the Hewlett-Packard International account,

a $1 billion value – and it all began with an advertising position at the Yellow Pages, he said.

By tradition, faculty and alumni purchase tickets for JMC students so the students can attend for free, Bacon said. Although the purpose of the evening is to honor distinguished alumni, the Gutenberg recipients directed many of their comments to the students, offering encouragement and advice for college and the future.

contact Brand at

optimist@jmcnetwork.com

CONTENTS

2

Schedule

4

Meet the Queens

7

Parade

2

Reunion Dinner

5

Hall of Fame

7

Carnival

3

Sing Song tickets

6

Float On

8

Pregame Analysis

Find out exactly when and where to be this weekend so you don’t miss a thing.

Classmates from as far back as 1964 reunite to share memories, a meal and fellowship.

Visitors and campus regulars can pick up their tickets early for Sing Song 2010.

Put a name with a face as we introduce the nominees for the 2009 Homecoming Queen.

Meet the six former athletes who will join the ACU Sports Hall of Fame this weekend.

Our photographers give you a glimpse of what it took to construct this year’s Homecoming floats.

Optimist the

Discover the people and the time it takes to make the annual Homecoming Parade a reality.

All ages can join in the fun outside Moody Coliseum on Friday.

Study our full-page breakdown of Saturday’s game, including Optimist predictions.

Homecoming 2009

Page 2B

October 16, 2009

Homecoming Schedule of Events FRIDAY

SATURDAY

8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. WILDCAT PREMIER WEEKEND, Hunter Welcome Center 11 a.m. CHAPEL, Moody Coliseum Noon HOMECOMING GOLF CLASSIC, Abilene Country Club, 4039 S. Treadaway Blvd.

12:30–3:30 p.m. ALUMNI IN ACTION CONFERENCE, Foster Science Building, Walling Lecture Hall 3 p.m. QUEEN’S TEA, Williams Performing Arts Center, Lobby 3–4:30 p.m. PATTY HANKS SHELTON SCHOOL OF NURSING ALUMNI RECEPTION, 2149 Hickory St. 5–7 p.m. STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION OPEN HOUSE, McGlothlin Campus Center Basement, Students’ Association Office 5–8 p.m.

• CARNIVAL, Mall area near GATA Fountain • SING SONG TICKET SALES, Campus Center 6 p.m. JAMFEST AND FIREWORKS SHOW, Hunter Welcome Center, East Lawn 6:30 p.m.

• CHEMISTRY CIRCUS, Foster Science Building, Walling Lecture Hall • WILDCAT SPORTS HALL OF FAME CELEBRATION DINNER, Hunter Welcome Center, McCaleb Conference Center 8 p.m.

• WILDCAT SPORTS HALL OF FAME LETTERMEN’S REUNION, Hunter Welcome Center, Atrium • HOMECOMING MUSICAL: THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, Abilene Civic Center, 1100 N. 6th St.

6 a.m. CLUB BREAKFASTS DELTA THETA, Abilene Woman’s Club, 3426 S. 14th St. GAMMA SIGMA PHI, Hilton Garden Inn Conference Room, 4449 Ridgemont Drive 6:30 a.m. CLUB BREAKFASTS • FRATER SODALIS, Rosa’s Café, 1026 N. Judge Ely Blvd.

• GALAXY, Cypress Street Station, 158 Cypress St. • GATA, Hunter Welcome Center, McCaleb Conference Center, Zones A-B • KO JO KAI, Abilene Civic Center, 1100 N. 6th St. • SIGMA THETA CHI: 40th Anniversary Breakfast, Abilene Country Club, 4039 S. Treadaway Blvd.

• SUB T-16, Abilene Country Club, 4039 S. Treadaway Blvd.

• TROJANS, University Church of Christ, Gym 7 a.m. CLUB BREAKFASTS ALPHA KAI OMEGA, Elegante Suites, 4250 Ridgemont Drive 8 a.m. CLUB BREAKFASTS • KAPPA DELIAN SHRI, World Famous Bean, East Side • BAND AND ORCHESTRA ALUMNI RECEPTION, Williams Performing Arts Center, Fry Band Hall, Room 157 • DEPARTMENT OF BIBLICAL STUDIES AND UNDERGRADUATE BIBLE RECEPTION, Biblical Studies Building, Lower Rotunda 8 a.m.–Noon • KACU RADIO ALUMNI RECEPTION, Don H. Morris Center • WILDCAT PREMIER WEEKEND, Hunter Welcome Center 8:30 a.m. W CLUB COFFEE RECEPTION FOR CURRENT AND FORMER MEMBERS, Mabee Library Atrium 9:30 a.m. HOMECOMING PARADE, Begins on EN 16th Street

10:45 a.m. HOMECOMING CHAPEL, Moody Coliseum 11:45 a.m.

• A CAPELLA CHORUS CONCERT, Williams Performing Arts Center, Recital Hall • AGRICULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND

AES CLUB BARBECUE, Hillcrest Church of Christ, Multipurpose Room • COBA REUNION/NETWORKING RECEPTION, Mabee Business Building, Atrium • COMMUNICATION AND OHRD ALUMNI RECEPTION, Don H. Morris Center, Room 134 • DEPARTMENT OF EXERCISE SCIENCE AND HEALTH ALUMNI RECEPTION, Gibson Health and PE Center, Rooms 233 and 234 • DEPARTMENT OF MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY ALUMNI RECEPTION, Biblical Studies Building, Marriage and Family Therapy offices • JMC AND STUDENT MEDIA ALUMNI RECEPTION, Don H. Morris Center, JMC Network, Room 210 • SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY AND AUDIOLOGY MAJORS RECEPTION, Don H. Morris Center, Room 117 Noon • FOOTBALL GAME PRE-PARTY, Mall area on campus • SING SONG TICKET SALES, Campus Center 2 p.m. HOMECOMING FOOTBALL GAME: ACU VS. WEST TEXAS A&M, Shotwell Stadium 6 p.m. REUNION DINNERS • CLASS OF 1964, Hunter Welcome Center, McCaleb Conference Center, Zone C • CLASS OF 1969, Mabee Business Building, Atrium • CLASS OF 1974, Hunter Welcome Center, McCaleb Conference Center, Zone A

• CLASS OF 1979, Teague Center,

Zone 1 • CLASS OF 1984, Hunter Welcome Center Plaza, (in case of inclement weather, the dinner will move to the atrium of the Hunter Welcome Center) • CLASS OF 1989, World Famous Bean • CLASS OF 1994, Brown Library, Learning Commons and Atrium • CLASS OF 1999, Williams Performing Arts Center, Atrium • CLASS OF 2004, Hunter Welcome Center, McCaleb Conference Center, Zone B 7 p.m.

• FRATER SODALIS ALUMNI VS. 2009 BRAT CLASS FOOTBALL GAME, Larry C. “Satch” Sanders Field, EN 16th Street, across from Sikes Hall • ALUMNI THROWBACK FLAG FOOTBALL, Elmer Gray Stadium • KO JO KAI VS. SIGMA THETA CHI 8 p.m.

• GALAXY VS. KINSMEN • HOMECOMING MUSICAL: THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, Abilene Civic Center, 1100 N. 6th St.

SUNDAY 7 a.m. SUNRISE DEVOTIONAL, Jacob’s Dream 1 p.m. NCAA SOCCER: ACU VS. TEXAS A&M-COMMERCE, Wildcat Soccer Pitch, next to softball field on Campus Court 2 p.m.

• HOMECOMING MUSICAL: THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, Abilene Civic Center, 1100 N. 6th St. • DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI CITATION PRESENTATION: NORMAN BALES (’57), Hunter Welcome Center, McCaleb Conference Center

ALUMNI

Dinner unites former students Bailey Neal Contributing Reporter

Out of the many organized Homecoming activities taking place on campus this weekend, the ACU class reunion dinners will be one of the only chances for alumni to reconnect with others from their graduating class. A total of nine reunion dinners – for the classes of 1964, 1969, 1974, 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999 and 2004 – will be conducted this year.

Assistant Director of Alumni Relations Jama Cadle said these reunion dinners provide a time for people to catch up in a casual setting.

“In the past we’ve

had more formal programs, but people have voiced that they just want to spend more time talking and visiting with old friends,” Cadle said.

Cadle said former students look forward to alumni dinners as a welcome break from a somewhat frantic Homecoming schedule.

“There’s so many events during Homecoming, so it’s a busy weekend for everyone, and reunions are organized just so people can reconnect with their classmates,” Cadle says.

John Exum, Alumni Relations officer, explained the organization of the event in more detail.

“Basically, we have a short script and an emcee from each class to welcome the people in,” Exum said. “We show a recruiting video in the background and really just allow them to catch up with friends from the past. Then dinner is served, and we give an update and some highlights on different things from the university.”

Exum said the Alumni Relations Office is expecting anywhere from 500-600 alumni to attend the dinners Saturday night.

“It’s all about bringing back our alumni to campus and showcasing the campus, allowing them to reminisce

about old times and catch up on what they’ve missed,” Exum said.

Most dinners will take place in the Hunter Welcome Center, said Samantha Adkins, senior Alumni Relations officer.

Times, locations and menus for each of the reunion dinners can be found at www. acu.edu/Homecoming under Saturday Night events.

contact Neal at

optimist@jmcnetwork.com

HEATHER LEIPHART Staff Photographer Candy showers Jonathan Rengel, 7, after he cracks open a piñata during Entra a la Plaza in the mall area outside the McGlothlin Campus Center on Friday.

Homecoming 2009

October 16, 2009

Page 3B

TRADITION

Sing Song 2010 tickets on sale Adrianna Castaneda Contributing Reporter Wildcat fans can snag 2010 Sing Song tickets during Homecoming this weekend, an event that brings ACU supporters from around the country to Abilene.

Tickets will be available for only a short time, from 6-8 p.m. Oct. 16, and noon to 2 p.m. Oct. 17 in the McGlothlin Campus Center.

Visitors will flood Moody Coliseum during Sing Song – titled “Name Fame 2010” –Feb.19-20.

Tom Craig, director of Student Productions, said Homecoming weekend is a “perk” of sorts for alumni, family and Wildcat fans who want to secure their seats before ticket sales open to the public Nov. 2.

Tickets will be available online at www.acu.edu/ singsong and inside the Student Productions office in Room 121 in McKinzie Hall.

the Sing Song ticketing manager.

Shackelford Sing Song tickets will not be available to the public until said she sees the position Nov. 2, but Homecoming crowds will have a brief window this as a great opportunity. weekend to buy tickets early.

“I will be putting a lot of time and effort n Oct. 16, from 6-8 p.m. n Oct. 17, from noon-2 p.m. into making ticket sales run as smoothly as posHost and hostesses: sible,” Shackelford said. n Erick Carter, junior theatre major from Abilene n Kara DuBose, senior ad/PR major from Fort Worth “I’m an accounting man Erika Goldman, senior interdisciplinary major from Lakewood, Colo. jor, so this is going to n Alex Howard, senior youth and family ministry major from be a good experience Henderson for me to have.” n Wade Huggins, senior Bible, missions and ministry major from Abilene Shackelford said n Cassey Owens, senior finance major from Dallas tickets will be available in the Campus Center three weeks before the “When tickets go on show time, but seat se- show. The Moody box office will open one week sale, there will be a flur- lection is limited.

Paige Shackelford, ju- before opening night. ry of excitement, and the choice seats will sell nior accounting major from Dallas, will keep quickly,” Craig said. contact Castaneda at Craig advised eager tabs on ticket sales as optimist@jmcnetwork.com audiences to purchase tickets now to avoid disappointment in the spring. Good seats likely will be available until the first week of February, Craig said, but Saturday-night shows typically sell out by the end of January. Saturday matinee tickets are usually available until

QUICK FACTS

JOZIE SANDS Chief Photographer

Ellen Smith, freshman English major from College Station, makes cotton candy during Cirque d’ACU at the zoo Saturday night.

Page 4B

Homecoming 2009

Megan Holland

Middle school education major from Houston

October 16, 2009

Chelsea Brunts

Elementary education major from San Antonio

Sylvia Tucker

Accounting and finance major from Bellaire

Meet the Queens Carly Smith

Nursing major from Abilene

Rachel Smith

Elementary education major from Richardson

Kara McArthur

Math education major from Richardson

Katie Findley

Education major from Colleyville

Vanessa Hart

Elementary education major from Austin

Emma Pierce

Ad/PR major from Franklin, Tenn.

Jenny Dodd

Communication major from Abilene

Homecoming 2009

October 16, 2009

Page 5B

ALUMNI

Faculty inducted, honored Ben Warton Contributing Reporter The ACU Sports Hall of Fame will add six members to its ranks during the 25th Hall of Fame ceremony Friday at 6:30 p.m.

The ceremony will include a dinner honoring the six inductees and a reunion for lettermen in all ACU sports in the Hunter Welcome Center.

Ceremony and reunion attendees are also invited to stay for a fire-

works show at 10 p.m. on the east side of the Welcome Center, according to a press release by Lance Fleming.

New members are former football player Jim Reese, former golf coach Vince Jarrett, former athletics trainer Wes Speights and former track athletes Delloreen Ennis-London and Tracey Barnes. Dr. Jerry Strader will also be inducted and given the 17th Lifetime Achievement Award in

Hall of Fame history, Murphy said.

ACU will also celebrate the 10th anniversary of the 1999 men’s and women’s national championship track teams.

Former men’s basketball letterman Sam Maroney will also be featured at the ceremony as the recipient of the Womack Award, given to former athletes who have excelled in their sport and in the classroom. This is the third time the award has been given.

Former softball player Samantha Borgeson and former basketball player Alex Guiton are the two other athletes to win the

award, according to the press release.

The ceremony will take place in the Welcome Center and is open to anyone who wants to attend. Tickets cost $20 per person and can be purchased at the ACU athletics office. Seating is limited, and priority seats will be given to the inductees and their families, said Lisa Murphy, executive assistant to the director of athletics.

For more information visit the athletics Web Site at www.acusports.com.

contact Warton at

optimist@jmcnetwork.com

JOZIE SANDS Chief Photographer Havin Heflin, 2-year-old from Abilene, swings at a piñata during Entra a la Plaza.

Page 6B

Homecoming 2009

October 16, 2009

KELSI WILLIAMSON Staff Photographer

Cadence Smith, sophomore sociology major from San Diego, Calif., decorates the Alpha Kai float.

HEATHER LEIPHART Staff Photographer

Morgan Davis, junior information technology major from Frisco, works on a sign for the Trojans’ float Thursday.

Just go with the float Club members worked for a month to build and decorate their floats for Saturday’s Homecoming Parade.

HEATHER LEIPHART Staff Photographer

Carissa Brown, sophomore undeclared major from Garland, paints GATA’s Big Brothers Big Sisters banner for their Homecoming float.

HEATHER LEIPHART Staff Photographer

Justin Prince, junior Bible, missions and ministry major from Helotes, secures lengths of pipe for the Trojans’ float.

KELSI WILLIAMSON Staff Photographer

Eric Rama, junior animal science major from Abilene, builds the float for Alpha Epsilon Sigma.

Homecoming 2009

October 16, 2009

Page 7B

TRADITION

Students, alumni gather for ‘Wild’ parade Emily Loper Contributing Reporter The 2010 Homecoming Parade will take to the streets of the “Wild, Wild West” at 9:30 a.m. Saturday. The parade will feature exhibitions by clubs and social clubs and a performance by the Big Purple marching band.

Samantha Adkins, senior Alumni Relations officer, said the parade will depart from ACU Drive and onto East North 16th Street, before turning on Campus Court. It will end at Coliseum Way, where floats will park before Homecoming Chapel.

Adkins said the parade will last about 30 minutes, and more than 20 floats will compete for the best float award this year. Many student organizations sponsor floats, including social clubs, the

Freshman Action Council and Weekend Campaigns, among others.

Adkins said the theme of this year’s parade, “Wild, Wild West,” is a spinoff from the general Homecoming theme, “A Texas Homecoming with Willie and the Gang.”

Each float will be judged on its incorporation of the theme.

According to the official contest rules of the contest, float judging also depends on creativity, enthusiasm of the participants and overall appearance.

Adkins, six-time parade director, said this year’s six judges view the floats from various places on the parade route.

The judges are staff senators, members of the Abilene community elected by staff to serve as their representatives.

A new addition to this year’s parade, Adkins said, is the use of trucks – in keeping with the Texan theme – rather than convertibles for members of the Homecoming Court and the Coming Home Court, as well as other significant parade guests.

Mark-John Eberhardt, a member of the parade’s steering committee, said his job includes procuring the trucks for the parade. Hanner Chevrolet in Baird will provide more than 15 trucks scheduled to appear.

Eberhardt, junior business management major from Abilene, said preparation for the parade started as early as the second week of school, with Tuesday Chapel meetings for the entire Homecoming committee, weekly meetings every

ZAK ZEINERT File Photo

Members of Sub T-16 ride a minivan through the 2008 Homecoming Parade.

Tuesday afternoon and two Saturday workdays.

“The parade is a way to bring back past alumni and current students to get them excited for all of the Homecoming fes-

tivities,” Eberhardt said.

“It is a great tradition that a lot of people from the Abilene community can get involved in.”

Adkins said the winner of the float contest will

be announced during halftime at the football game, after the crowning of the Homecoming Queen. contact Loper at

optimist@jmcnetwork.com

TRADITION

Annual community carnival offers entertainment Ryan Cantrell Assistant Sports Editor The Abilene community can enjoy family-friendly entertainment at ACU’s Homecoming Carnival this weekend, an annual event that sprawls across the mall area outside Moody Coliseum. This year’s carnival will take place from 5-8 p.m. Friday.

The Alumni Relations Office invited local elementary schools to attend the carnival. A pet-

ting zoo, face painting and pony rides will be available for those students and other children.

ACU students may enjoy inflatable obstacle courses and carnival games.

Jama Cadle, assistant director of Alumni Relations, said hungry guests can enjoy traditional carnival foods while listening to live music.

ARAMARK will sell food like sausage on a stick, nachos, cotton candy and hot dogs. Students

We just want to show alumni and everyone on campus a positive and Christian attitude.

ALEXANDRA DODDS Junior Biochemistry major from Grand Rapids, Mich.

may use Bean Bucks to purchase items at the carnival; those using meal plans will be able to get fair food in the Bean.

The carnival has been an annual campus event since the early ’90s, and it has become one of many

Homecoming traditions, Cadle said.

“The carnival has been something that has gone along for a while now,” Cadle said. “It continues to grow every year.”

Wristbands allowing unlimited access to carni-

val attractions cost $5. Almost 600 wristbands were sold at the carnival last year, and Cadle said she hopes for a similar turnout this year.

Students are working behind the scenes so others can enjoy the festivities. Students will help operate all of the games and attractions.

Junior Alexandra Dodds, junior biochemistry major from Grand Rapids, Mich., has been coordinating the carni-

val for the past couple of months.

“I would just encourage all of the students to come out to the carnival,” Dodds said. “We just want to show alumni and everyone on campus a positive and Christian attitude.”

contact Cantrell at

jrc07f@acu.edu

Homecoming 2009

30 40 50 40 30

KEY PLAYER

22 FS

Curtis Jefferson Strong Safety #38

38 SS

20 MLB

43 WLB

8

21

3

OLB

OLB

98

97

CB

NT

DE

9

3

59 tackles 2 interceptions 5 tackles for loss

TE

78 LT

66 LG

61 C

70 RG

99 DE

4 CB

79

8

WR

RT

WR

15 QB

KEY MATCHUP If the Buffaloes want to be successful on defense, it starts with the ends, and West Texas’ defensive ends face their hardest test of the season. Sims (97) and Marshall (99) need to find a way around Turner (79) and Washington (78), in order to put pressure on Gale (15) and contain Richardson (22).

27 FB

KEY PLAYER

22 HB

Darryl Richardson Halfback #22 7 TDs 376 yds in 3 games 96 yards per game

30

October 16, 2009

30 40 50 40

Page 8B

Information graphic by COLTER HETTICH, EDITOR IN CHIEF

WEST TEXAS SHOWDOWN Team comparison and analysis by

Brandon Tripp, Sports Media Director

Offense

Quarterback It looks like the coaches have finally settled on a QB after a seesaw battle between Zach Stewart, Clark Harrell and Mitchell Gale. Gale has started the last two games for the Wildcats and has 518 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions.

The Optimist sports staff forecasts the results of Saturday’s game against rival West Texas A&M.

I’ll take the ACU defense any day. Wildcats win 34-20 in a surprisingly low-scoring game, considering the 93-68 barn-burner in the playoffs last season.

4 Quarterback Junior quarterback Taylor Harris is doing an admirable job attempting to fill the shoes of one of the best quarterbacks in LSC history Keith Null.

Harris has nine touchdowns on the season, but has also thrown seven interceptions.

Tripp

ACU runs the ball effectively, and the Wildcat defense is stingy. The game is close going into the fourth quarter, but then ACU runs away with it, 34-17.

The Verdict: West Texas has an experienced quarterback in Harris, who has seen playing time in the last two seasons including some spot starts two seasons ago when Null went down with an injury. ACU on the other hand, is starting a redshirt freshman who is still getting acclimated to the starting job.

4

Knauth

Running Back

Running Back

The Wildcats have a two-headed monster in the backfield. Both Darryl Richardson and Reggie Brown have demonstrated either one can play without a difference in production.

Star Keithon Flemming went down in the preseason, but returned last weekend. He will be a potent back whether he is at 100 percent or not, and he has a strong backup in Kelvin Thompson.

Wide Receiver ACU is relying on a lot of new faces at the receiver spots this season. Edmund Gates is the leader of the wide receivers and is one of the fastest players in the conference.

4 Offensive Line The Wildcats are returning three of five starters, including all-American Tony Washington and preseason all-American Trevis Turner. The line allowed only one sack against the Division II leader in sacks last week.

The Wildcats win 24-14, with RB Darryl Richardson scoring two touchdowns and QB Mitchell Gale throwing for another.

more experienced line and better overall talent, it is impossible to ignore the Wildcats’ advantage.

here. While Sims is a standout player for West Texas, the Wildcats have a standout pass rusher in Whiteside and a pair of great run-stoppers in Marvin and Mike Jones.

Linebacker

Linebacker

As deep as West Texas is at linebacker, the Wildcats’ depth is better. Six of the top 10 tacklers on the Wildcat defense are linebackers. Junior Fred Thompson leads the linebackers in sacks with 4.5.

One of the deepest positions on this Buffalo roster is led by outside linebacker Mark Ford, who came into the season as the leading returning tackler.

The Verdict: ACU has started six different linebackers without missing a beat. This is arguably the best position on the field for both teams Saturday.

The Wildcats have a ton of experience in the secondary, starting with senior Tony Harp. Drew Cuffee is best known for his 81yard touchdown interception return against Texas A&M-Commerce.

4

Secondary

The Buffaloes have two cornerstones in the secondary, in Tae Evans and Curtis Jefferson.

Jefferson leads the team in tackles and is tied with Evans for the team lead in interceptions.

The Verdict: While the Wildcats have some amazing players at the position, the West Texas secondary is the only unit that has managed to hold offensive juggernaut Eastern New Mexico to under 300 passing yards.

Gwin

4Special Teams

Offensive Line

The Verdict: The clear favorite here is ACU. With a much

Defensive Line The defensive line is one of the biggest strengths for this team. They are returning all-Conference end Eugene Sims, who leads the team with five sacks. Opposite Sims is Broderick Marshall, who is making the transition from nose tackle to end.

The Verdict: The Wildcats have the hands-down advantage

Secondary

West Texas has a group of mostly inexperienced and very young receivers. Junior A.J. Ruffins has the most experience at the position, having played the last two seasons.

The Buffaloes have allowed 14 sacks on the year, compared to just 19 for all of last season. The line lost all but one of five starters from last season.

Senior J’Marcus Webb is a preseason all-American at the position.

The Wildcats have bigtime players across the line. The biggest is sophomore Aston Whiteside, who has put up 5.5 sacks on the season.

Opposite Whiteside is fellow sophomore Nick Jones, who is in his first season as a starter.

Cantrell

4 Wide Receiver

The Verdict: West Texas’ traditionally pass-happy offensive style requires reliance on their receivers. ACU, on the other hand, is about controlling the clock, which limits the amount of passing the Wildcats do.

4Defensive Line

4 The Buffalo defense keeps West Texas in the game in the first half. In the second half, Gale finds his rhythm and leads the Wildcats to victory. 31-14, ACU.

The Verdict: Both teams can put in one of two backs and expect success. While Richardson and Brown may be better pure runners, Flemming and Thompson are major factors in the passing game.

Defense

Predictions

ACU easily handled No. 23 Angelo State last weekend.

There is no reason to expect a 2-5 West Texas to be a problem. Wildcats in a rout, 37-13.

Craig

ACU has two very dangerous return men. Kendrick Johnson and Justin Johnson both have special teams touchdowns.

All three of the Wildcat place-kickers have missed at least one extra point this season.

4 Special Teams West Texas has a solid kicker in James Chandler. Chandler is 8-12 on field goals, with two misses from beyond 50 yards. The Buffaloes do not have a special teams touchdown nor have they given up one.

The Verdict: While the ACU special teams do a great job in most respects, the inconsistency at kicker could prove to be an issue.

October 16, 2009

Arts

Page 5A

A ‘Thoroughly Modern’ Musical The ACU Theatre Department presents its Homecoming Musical comedy, Thoroughly Modern Millie, a story about a small town girl’s adventures in the city as she searches for a new “modern” identity.

Top: Carlee Cagle concludes a solo, titled Long as I Am Here With You, with a dramatic finish.

Left: Blake Rogers and Kat Bailey dance on the side of a skyscraper in a choreographed love scene.

Right: Young aspiring actresses revel in the sights and sounds as they explore the city.

By Lydia Melby

Contributing Reporter

T

here is a time and a place for everything – Prohibition, bobbing your hair, tapping your way up to the twelfth floor and the fantastically campy Homecoming musical, Thoroughly Modern Millie.

Millie is a giddy piece of work that celebrates the modernism, the extravagance and the flappers of the roaring twenties, while poking fun at the sinister undertone that people rarely associate with the decade. The dance numbers are spirited, the music is catchy, and the costumes – oh, the costumes.

Satin and feathers and fringe, bowlers and tuxes, everything perfectly designed to create a spectacular effect, almost like watching a whirling silk circus.

The show starts off with a bang and plows straight through to the end. The dialogue serves as little more than a thread to stitch the musical numbers together, and many of the characters are really just glorified props, but the enthusiasm and evident hard work of the department make up for the show itself.

Kat Bailey, who plays Millie Dillmount, is bright and dogged in her portrayal of the Midwestern girl determined to modernize herself with things like alcohol and “marriage for money’s sake.” Bailey stays spunky throughout; her unflagging energy is laudable. Her voice is solid, her many dance and tap numbers are exuberant and effortless, and she plays the bouncy tunes, like Not For the Life of Me, and the slower pieces, like Gimme, Gimme, evenly.

Blake Rogers is delightful as Jimmy, the street-wise Casanova who tests Millie’s dedication to her new life as “a modern woman.”

He showcases his engaging voice in numbers, like What Do I Need With Love? and I Turned the Corner. His talent and boyish charm make up for the complete lack of chemistry between his character and Millie, and he is obviously comfortable on stage.

Peter Hargrave, who plays Millie’s boss – and her hoped-for husband – Mr. Trevor Graydon, gives his character just the right amount of over-the-top strait-laced sincerity.

Photos by KELSI WILLIAMSON, Staff Photographer

He is an appealing performer with a winning personality and handsome voice. A perfect example of his ability is his great number, The Speed Test, which he navigates with ease.

Jamie Patterson is solid in her role as Miss Dorothy Brown, the clueless actress who lives next door to Millie. Her voice has its lovely moments, and though she occasionally appears listless, prancing through her steps without much conviction, for the most part she conveys well the dreaminess of her character and provides a perfect foil to Millie’s vivaciousness.

Brittany Murphy does the best she can with the role of Mrs. Meers, the villainous hotel owner. Meers is an ill-conceived character whose political incorrectness rivals that of Dean from last year’s All Shook Up. However, Murphy’s fake Chinese accent is funny, and her numbers are more enjoyable than expected.

Jerry Mendl and Dom Huynh are also hilarious in their portrayal of Ching Ho and Bun Foo, two brothers blackmailed into a criminal partnership with Mrs. Meers. Mendl steals each of his scenes as the adorable cohort with a heart, and the Mammy number with the brothers, Mrs. Meers and their subtitles is easily the funniest piece of the show.

For a show about love, Mendle is the only one who convincingly demonstrates it, and he doesn’t even act in English.

Payton Jones, Jeremy Varner and Erick Carter all deserve recognition for their superb dancing and stunts, along with Mandee Rector for excelling in her steamy pearl-string dance.

Carlee Cagle, who won me over last year in Little Women, continues to impress as Muzzy

Van Hossmere, a carefree jazz singer who gives one of the most enjoyable performances of the show.

The true star of the show, however, would have to be the chorus. Numbers such as Thoroughly Modern Millie, its reprise, The Speed Test, and the best song of the show, Forget About the Boy, are flashy and engaging, thanks to the choreography and energy of the performers.

The set serves its purpose well enough, though parts of it try for a modern-art emerald-city feel, in stark contrast to other straight and realistic pieces.

For all its faults and fumbles, Thoroughly Modern Millie is an enjoyable show, especially if you have a soft spot for flapper dresses and speakeasies. While the quality of the show is questionable, the quality of ACU’s theatre department is almost above reproach.

Plus, students can buy tickets at the door and even charge them to their student accounts.

So, whether you know someone in the show, are looking for something more entertaining than blow-up decorations in the campus mall or just need a good ol’ pick-me up, that is reason enough to go to the show.

Thoroughly Modern Millie is definitely a serving of extravagant, frosted fun. It’s up to the audience to decide if it leaves them with a smile and a sugar high or a bit of a toothache.

contact Melby at

optimist@jmcnetwork.com

Opinion

Page 6A

EDITORIAL

October 16, 2009

Alumni offer valuable experience interact with a different generation.

Yes, campus is packed, parking is horrific, and it will probably take an extra hour to be seated at any restaurant. But look at the things we tolerate because “they’re worth it” – midnight movie showings the day before a midterm, camping out for concert tickets or sitting through soggy sporting events because we love our team.

Try looking at Homecoming the same way.

There’s an outdoor concert, a football game and the Homecoming Musical, which isn’t quite the

ing with people of all ages, including children, their parents and grandparents. Students who choose to participate in Homecoming activities will have the chance to hear some amazing stories from an entirely new group of people.

The student body is fortunate to attend a school with such a faithful, close-knit network of alumni, who are genuinley interested in the the development of the university and the students as individuals.

Students need to keep this in mind and take advantage of a chance to

Alumni this, alumni that.

Students glance over the calendar of Homecoming events and, almost subconsciously, ignore any paragraph containing the word alumni.

It’s not that former students annoy current ones.

They have the same right to be here that we do. But, children take their Wii to family reunions for a reason.

Youth has its advantages, and students should not waste opportunities unique to young adulthood; but, youth also can be wasted in immaturity.

For the next 72 hours, the campus will be crawl-

same as a blockbuster film, but it’s entertaining nonetheless.

Even if none of those events were offered, though, Homecoming would still be a valuable time for our school.

No university is perfect, and there will always be something to be dissatisfied with; but you might be surprised to hear someone thirty years your senior complain about the same things you do. Maybe someone from the class of ’68 can sympathize with your frustrations about meal plans or Chapel or renting a house.

Ataraxia

By Jordan Blakey

THE ISSUE

Many students avoid interacting with alumni on campus, particularly during Homecoming.

OUR TAKE

Alumni have a lot of wisdom to offer, and students should take advantage of the influx of alumni visitors that Homecoming attracts.

Then again, maybe after a few years in the “real world,” those things make more sense – or at least, they don’t seem so important.

And who knows? That woman sitting behind you could be the human resources director at your future workplace.

So, if you find your-

self in line at The Campus Store behind a guy wearing a T-shirt from the 1975 Galaxy Grub, strike up a conversation.

See where it takes you.

Email the Optimist at:

optimist@jmcnetwork.com

COLUMN

Game preserves music history Hacked Off Chelsea Hackney

COLUMN

Christianity provides sense of hope Conscientious Conjecture Laura Acuff When young children play, they seem lost in their own perfect worlds, w h e r e good always triumphs, the prince always s a v e s the prinAcuff cess and Matchbox cars resurface from pileups unscathed.

Nothing can disturb this utopia, except perhaps occasional potty breaks or Mom’s call for a snack. Kids don’t care which country may or may not develop nuclear capabilities. They don’t worry if Chicago gets overlooked in the bid for the Olympic Games.

And most of them probably didn’t celebrate Barack Obama’s Nobel Peace Prize.

The fact remains, children are most concerned with their immediate needs and pursuing the simple joys of life. Especially in affluent American

society, they blissfully accept the food and shelter their parents provide. The weight of worldwide worries fails to burden their tiny shoulders. They stick to worrying about issues encroaching upon their immediate spheres of existence.

I might be wrong, but I doubt many children approach their moms saying, “Mother, I noticed the paint on the back fence has begun to chip; shouldn’t we fix that?”

As we grow older, there comes a time when such concerns seem to become more important, and often, those concerns validly occupy our thoughts.

Christianity calls us to a certain awareness and empathy for global issues. We should be concerned about national and worldwide problems. We should work to do all we can to help others in need, whether or not they claim American citizenship. At that point, retreating into our own utopia becomes inappropriate; it is the joy

Jesus never promised his followers a painless experience, but he did promise to walk with us through it. we cultivated in that realm as children that we must carry with us into a scarred world.

When Jesus admonishes his followers not to worry in his everpreached Sermon on the Mount, he does not advocate apathy. Rather, he promotes the balance between burdens and goals all Christians must strive to reach.

We must not ignore needs around us, and we should proactively seek solutions to issues we can address. But eventually, we hit the limit of our human capabilities, leaving nothing left to do but pray. The sense of drive and responsibility, coupled with helplessness, resulting from this charge sometimes squashes the innocent joy of our childhood naivety.

We become worry-laden warriors, carrying crosses much heavier than we were meant to bear.

Life, on its own, isn’t

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

easy. Sometimes Christianity doesn’t seem to simplify matters.

Jesus never promised his followers a painless experience, but he did promise to walk with us through it. Even when the world crumbles around us, Christians reach for a joy from beyond this world. When life gets hard, we reach for the comfort of a risen savior.

In a sense, we never have to leave that childhood utopia where our adventures always ended neatly and just in time for dinner. Because no matter what concerns plague our day-to-day existence, we know a magnificent feast awaits with our Holy Father just beyond the horizon.

contact Acuff at

lka06a@acu.edu

Optimist the

Published by the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication Newsroom (325) 674-2439

Sports Desk (325) 674-2684

It’s 4 a.m., and somewhere, someone is rocking out to Metallica, Blink 182 or Queen.

Unless you’ve been living under a pile of typewriters and floppy Hackney discs for the past few years, you’ve at least heard about Guitar Hero by now. But how many of us have stopped to think how it’s changed the very fabric of our lives?

What’s that?

It hasn’t?

Au contraire, my friend.

Guitar Hero is arguably the greatest thing to happen to music since the Internet. I’m not talking about teaching people to play guitar – which it doesn’t do. I’m talking about the playlists. Look back at the original Guitar Hero game. There was some serious variation: everything from Boston to Ozzie to Hendrix populated the queues of countless consoles.

It was this “forced inclusion” that made the player respect the music for what it was – and introduced a lot of younger kids to old(er) music.

Since then, the franchise has grown to incredible proportions.

Guitar Hero graces the shelves of millions of game collections around the U.S. This widespread popularity, combined with extensive and ever-growing playlists compiled from the plethora of music available on the Inter-

net, has sparked a renewed interest in music across the decades. Ask an eighth grader who Journey or Santana is and chances are, they’ll know, because they’ve played their songs.

Guitar Hero is also helpful for people who jump on the musical bandwagon a bit late.

Now, it is relatively easy to reference a fair number of bands that might have slipped under the radar while your dad

Guitar Hero is arguably the greatest thing that’s happened to music since the Internet.

was filling your head with all the music he grew up with and caused you to completely miss the ’90s and ’00s. This new method of exposure have shaped and will continue to shape the way we consume music, old and new.

If nothing else, Guitar Hero is a great way to spend an hour or eight with your friends rocking out to music none of you would normally listen to. So bring it on.

I love rock ’n’ roll.

contact Hackney at

ceh05c@acu.edu

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From Sports

October 16, 2009

Page 7A

FOOTBALL

Gale: Red-shirt freshman leads the Wildcats Continued from page 16

it past the quarterfinals in the state tournament, he knows what it takes to win big games.

“It’s all about hard work,” Gale said. “I give it my all every single practice and game.”

Gale’s decision to come to ACU wasn’t a hard one.

An opposing coach from Canadian High School actually turned ACU on to Gale, after Gale played an excellent game against Canadian.

After one visit, Gale knew he was in the right place.

“I got here and I just fell in love with the place,” Gale said.

He was hoping the starting quarterback position, left open when Billy Malone graduated, would be the right place for him this season. But with last year’s backup, Zach Stewart, and Clark Harrell competing with Gale for the job, he knew it would be tough to win.

“Coach Thomsen said that whoever worked the hardest in spring practice and throughout the summer would have the job,” Gale said. “I made it my goal to work harder than anyone else.”

Unfortunately, it didn’t go quite as planned, and he started the season third on the depth chart.

“It was frustrating,” Gale said. “But, I knew the coaches had the best interest of the team in mind. I just told myself to keep working hard.”

Working hard for Gale means improving his speed, distance and accuracy. He said he models his play off his idol, Joe Montana. Gale already has a strong arm, and he is quick when he needs to be.

He also relies heavily on Malone, who he views as his mentor, he said.

“Billy has helped me a lot, whether he knows it or not,” Gale said. “Just getting to talk with him and learning from his experi-

FOOTBALL

ence of starting as a freshman has really been great.”

The ACU offense struggled through the first few games, while the coaches tried to make up their minds about which of the quarterbacks in the GaleStewart-Harrell triumvirate to choose. Gale was finally chosen two weeks ago, and the decision has paid big dividends.

So far, he is 2-0 as starter and has thrown four touchdowns. The Wildcats have walked away with easy victories in those two games; however, the next four will test Gale.

Two of the four games are against ranked teams, and the others are against

5-2 Midwestern State and the Wildcats’ biggest rival, West Texas A&M. “I’m not focused on who we are playing,” Gale said. “It’s about us doing what we do best. If we do that, we will win. Our defense is going to play lights-out football, and with our running game going the way it is, it makes my job so much easier.”

Gale will play the biggest game of his career, in front of more fans than ever before, against West Texas on Saturday.

“I’m not nervous,” Gale said. “I don’t get nervous.

I just get butterflies. Once I take that first snap,

though, I am in the zone.

I don’t feel anything.”

Gale should be ready when the Wildcats step onto the field for the Homecoming game as the No. 1 team in the nation.

“When I was in high school, I would daydream of stuff like this,” he said. “It is still so exciting to think about.”

contact Gwin at

agg07a@acu.edu

FOOTBALL

One: ACU ranked No. 1 in Rivals: Heated rivalry Division II for the first time boils over at Shotwell Continued from page 16

is quick to recognize the regional pollws ultimately determine who makes the NCAA Division II playoffs.

The Wildcats currently hold the No. 1 regional ranking, but still have four games to focus on.

“To us as a team, it doesn’t mean very much,” Thomsen said. “It has no effect on the rest of the season and effect on what we are trying to do. This ranking is mostly for the fans.”

The Wildcats’ goal is to win a championship this season, but a firstplace ranking could have positive ramifications for seasons to come, as well, Mosley said.

“From a recruiting standpoint, it certainly helps,” Mosley said. “People really get into the media and these rankings, but if you step back for this season, it doesn’t mean too much.

Mosley said the Wildcats’ top ranking could also benefit the LSC. “It puts the LSC into a different spotlight,” he said. “People are starting to realize that the level of competition in our conference is high. The top teams in our conference are now in the conversation for not just playoff spots, but national championships.”

But, as Thomsen said, the nation’s top ranking is most exciting for the fans, especially those in the student body. Sophomore Cody Bowden, information systems major from Crowley, is among the Wildcat faithful exhilarated by the squad’s top ranking.

“It really shows how great of a coach Coach Thomsen is,” Bowden said.

“In just a few years, he has turned a consistently losing team into the premier program in the country.”

Other students, including sophomore political

science major Dominick Pollastro, are energized by the national attention the team is receiving.

“I’m really excited that we’re doing so well,” Pollastro said. “It seems like ACU doesn’t get as much recognition as other Texas schools. Hopefully, we’ll be recognized more nationally, and the campus will get more involved.”

The one thing the Wildcats cannot do is become complacent in the No. 1 seat. Their first chance to defend the title will be ACU’s Homecoming game against West Texas A&M this weekend. Nationally ranked Tarleton State and Texas A&M-Kingsville also figure to be tough opponents for the Wildcats as the team guns for another perfect season.

contact Craig at

jrc07d@acu.edu

Continued from page 16

the Lone Star Conference South Division Player of the Week for his performance against Angelo State last week. Thompson had a forced fumble, a blocked field goal and two sacks for the game.

West Texas A&M should not be overlooked, despite its poor 2-5 record. The Buffalos are coming off their biggest win of the

season against Eastern New Mexico last week, when they defeated the Greyhounds 34-24.

The Wildcats are heavily favored on paper in Saturday’s matchup, but judging from history, when these two teams play against each other, rankings and statistics go out the window. The Buffalos will be looking for revenge for last season, when the Wildcats defeated them 52-35 in Canyon. The Wildcats

added to West Texas A&M’s frustration by knocking them out of the playoffs with a 93-68 victory. Tempers flared after the game, and a shoving match broke out. It will be up to the Wildcats to put the past aside and focus on the game – and the victory.

contact Cantrell at

jrc07f@acu.edu

VOLLEYBALL

Sweep: ACU wins two more Continued from page 16

history. Mock is 77-39 for her ACU career, a .663 at 376. The junior is 300 winning percentage. Brek blocks behind Linda Ev- Horn is the only coach ans, ACU’s all-time leader ahead of Mock, with a 173-69 record and .715 in total blocks.

The Wildcats overall winning percentage.

With eight games rerecord of 18-5 gives Mock the second-highest win- maining on their schedule ning percentage in ACU – all conference games –

the Wildcats will continue to push for the LSC Championships and a berth in the playoffs. The ’Cats will remain in Oklahoma to take on SW Oklahoma State on Saturday. contact Knauth at

txk07a@acu.edu

Page 8A

Standings FOOTBALL Ovrl.

Team Div. ACU TAMU-K Tarleton St. Angelo State MSU SE Okla.

WTAMU ENMU NE State TAMU-C Central Okla.

East Central SW Okla.

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

7-0 7-0 6-1 5-2 5-2 5-2 2-5 2-5 2-5 2-5 1-6 0-7 0-7

VOLLEYBALL Ovrl.

Team Div. 7-0 WTAMU 5-1 ACU 5-1 MSU East Central 4-2 4-3 TAMU-C 3-3 SE Okla.

Angelo State 3-3 TAMU-K 3-4 Tx Woman’s 3-4 Central Okla. 3-4 Tarleton St. 3-4 2-5 SW Okla.

1-5 Cameron ENMU 0-7

21-3 19-5 9-17 13-13 19-7 17-10 11-12 13-9 13-13 11-12 8-16 5-23 13-9 5-17

FOOTBALL

Sports

October 16, 2009

No love lost between conference rivals Ryan Cantrell

A lot of pressure will fall on red-shirt freshAssistant Sports Editor man quarterback Mitchell An epic rivalry continues Gale, in a week already to grow between ACU and full of distractions. Gale West Texas A&M, and the will be starting in his first Homecoming game Sat- game at Shotwell Stadium urday afternoon will not in front of a large Homedo anything to eliminate coming crowd Saturday. If that was not enough, the bad blood.

Wildcats are now ranked No. 1 in the NCAA Division II. This is the first time the Wildcats have been No. 1 since they entered Division II. Being the topranked team may give the Wildcats bragging rights, but it only paints a bigger target on their backs.

Gale will not be alone in his efforts; the overpowering Wildcat rushing attack will be there to back him up. Daryl Richardson has stepped up this season, rushing for 237 yards and scoring seven touchdowns in the last two games. The offense is

averaging 36.4 points per game as a whole.

The defense has continued to play well, allowing only 15 points per game. Junior linebacker Fred Thompson, for instance, was recognized as see RIVALS page 7A

FOOTBALL

NUMBER ONE

WOMEN’S SOCCER Ovrl.

Team Div. Central Okla.

ACU MSU WTAMU East Central TAMU-C TX Woman’s Angelo State ENMU NE State SW Okla.

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

10-5-1 8-4-1 9-1-2 9-2-1 5-3-2 7-5 4-7 8-5 7-7 4-6-1 4-9-1

Scores SUNDAY Soccer ACU 4, Central Oklahoma 2

TUESDAY Volleyball ACU 3, Dallas Baptist 0

Soccer ACU 4, Central Oklahoma 2 A

THURSDAY

HEATHER LEIPHART Staff Photographer

Defensive lineman Marvin Jones and linebacker Kevin Washington celebrate after ACU forces a turnover. The win over Angelo State vaulted ACU to No. 1.

Wildcats claim top spot in nation as Homecoming nears

Volleyball ACU 3, Central Oklahoma 2

Jeff Craig Sports Reporter

Upcoming FRIDAY Soccer ACU vs. Texas Woman’s, 4 p.m.

SATURDAY Football ACU vs. West Texas A&M, 2 p.m.

Volleyball ACU at SW Oklahoma State, 2 p.m.

SUNDAY Soccer ACU vs. TAMU-Commerce, 1 p.m.

The Wildcats have reached the summit. For the first time since joining NCAA Division II in 1983, ACU is the top-ranked team in the nation.

The Wildcats entered last weekend tied at second

Briefs n The NCAA Regional rankings for volleyball were released Thursday, and the Wildcats found themselves ranked seventh in the South Central Region. n Former Wildcats Danieal Manning and Johnny Knox continue to pull down impressive numbers for the resurgent Chicago Bears.

Manning leads Chicago in tackles with 30, while Knox is second on the team in total receptions, 14, and receiving yards, 190.

resent not only the team, but the university. This is a boost in the arm.”

The Wildcats held the nation’s No. 1 ranking three times when the team was in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. Two of those three seasons, 1973 and 1978, the Wildcats went on to win the National Championship.

ACU is also the first LSC team to hold the No. 1 spot in the AFCA poll,

VOLLEYBALL

Tanner Knauth

The Wildcats proved to be too much for Dallas Baptist on Tuesday night. ACU swept the Lady Patriots 2514, 25-21 and 27-25, bringing ACU’s record to 18-5 on the season.

Sophomore Jennie Hutt led the team with 13 kills. Fresh from consecutive LSC Co-Setter of the Week honors, junior Ijeoma Moronu added 33 assists to her teamleading total of 788.

The Wildcat volleyball team continued it’s streak of strong play with a 3-2 victory over Central Oklahoma Thursday night.

joining Central Oklahoma and Texas A&MKingsville as the only LSC teams to place first in the NCAA Division II. Head Football Coach Chris Thomsen took the reins at ACU in 2005 and has guided the team to a success not seen in Abilene since the 1970s.

Thomsen said he is excited about his team’s national ranking, but he see ONE page 7A

FOOTBALL

Wildcats boast record statistics Sports Editor

HOME GAMES LISTED IN ITALICS

place in the American Football Coaches Association poll, the highest ranking in ACU history. The Wildcat’s 38-14 victory over Angelo State, combined with a shocking 27-24 upset of then No. 1 Grand Valley State by the Hillsdale Chargers, propelled ACU to the top spot. Athletic Director

Jared Mosley has seen his football program go undefeated over the last two seasons in the Lone Star Conference and win its first NCAA playoff game.

The ascension of the program to the top is yet another indicator of success.

“I think that, first of all, this says a lot about all the time and work put in by our coaches and players,” Mosley said.

“I’m proud of the way our coaches and players rep-

Gale is ready for spotlight

The Wildcats won the first game 25-21 and the third game 25-14.

The Lady Tigers would win the second and fourth games to force a decisive fifth game. The Wildcats easily won the final game 15-10 Head Coach Kellen Mock and the ACU volleyball team have established themselves as one of the best teams in the LSC. The Wildcats are 4-1 in conference and trail only sixthranked West Texas A&M – who boasts a 6-0 conference record – in the LSC standings.

ACU has one of the best defenses in the

Austin Gwin Assistant Sports Editor Mitchell Gale is a man of many talents. He was a varsity athlete in baseball and basketball in high school, but his first love – and his future – was football.

“I can’t even remember when I started playing, it was so long ago,” the redshirt freshman Gale said.

“It’s all I have known.”

Gale lost only seven football games in three years as a starter for the Alva Goldbugs, a 2A Oklahoma high school team.

Although he never made HEATHER LEIPHART Staff Photographer

see SWEEP page 7A

Mitchell Gale worked his way to the top of the depth chart.

see GALE page 7A