The Optimist Print Edition: 10.20.10

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Optimist the

Number Four Wildcats, page 8

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Vol. 99, No. 17

1 sections, 8 pages

ACADEMICS

University to bring nursing program to campus New school will end 30-year deal with HSU, McMurry

Jeff Craig

Managing Editor

The university will create an on campus nursing program set to open in fall 2013. The new program will end the university’s affiliation with the Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing.

Dr. Jeanine Varner, provost, said the university has been satisfied with its more than 30-year relationship with nursing partnership with Hardin-Simmons University and McMurry Univer-

sity, but felt the need to start an on-campus program.

“For more than 30 years we’ve been a part of a consortium with the purpose of delivering nursing education,” Varner said. “It’s been very good for the most part; it has served us well.”

Dr. Nina Ouimette, dean of Shelton Nursing School was contacted and declined to comment.

Varner said the decision to leave Shelton Nursing School was

not because of problems with the nursing school, but in response to an expressed desire for an oncampus program.

“We’ve heard from prospective students and their families that they wanted a program that’s here on campus like all of our other programs,” Varner said.

“Nursing coursework occurs at the junior and senior level, and so by the time they reached that level they were a part of a program

only doctorate-level degree offered at ACU is a doctorate of ministry. that didn’t seem to be ACU’s.”

“We are interested in offering Varner said the new program will a DNP because it is a very impornot affect current ACU students, tant degree,” Varner said. “Nurse but will only affect freshmen who practitioners can do many things enroll in fall 2011 and begin their that bachelor’s-level nurses cannursing coursework in fall 2013. not do. They work side by side The university plans to offer a with the physician.” bachelor of science degree in nursVarner said 40 percent of stuing, but Varner said the university is dents at Shelton Nursing School also exploring the idea of offering are from ACU. She said the univera doctor of nursing practice in the sity has given the school two-years future, allowing students to pursue careers as nurse practitioners. The see NURSING page 4

STUDENT LIFE

Casting Ballots

Marathon runners prepare for race Kelsi Williamson Arts Editor

Registration for the second annual “Run the Dallas White Rock Marathon with ACU” is now open for ACU faculty, staff, alumni, students and other community members.

About 150 people participated in the event last year.

Organizers in the Students’ Association hope for more participants this year.

“We had a really good response to it the first time,” said SA President Samuel Palomares, senior communication major from Elsa.

The Dallas White Rock Marathon takes place in early December each year.

Participants can register to run a full or half marathon, a 5K, or a 5-person relay on race day.

SA sponsorship of the event provides participants with a $20 reduction in their overall registration cost, a free ACU running shirt and a free pre-race pasta dinner.

Last year, about 70 percent of ACU participants

STACY ACTON // Staff Photographer

Joel Swedlund, manager of the McGlothlin Campus Center, and Traci Crawford, sophomore art major from Abilene, use the portable voting booths in the campus center to participate in the Taylor County general election Monday. The early voting for November’s general election is open to any registered voter in Taylor County who has a form of state-issued identification or a voter registration card. The county has five permanent early-voting locations, including the United Supermarket on E.N. 10th Street, K-Mart, Hastings, The Mall of Abilene and the elections office at Taylor County Plaza.

A complete list of voting locations can be found at www.taylorcountytexas.org/election1.html.

see RUN page 4

SOCIAL CLUBS

CURRICULUM

Communications replaces course Pledging nears school year as COMS 240, as a part of the new core curriculum. Students unSpring, summer and fall der a pre-2010 degree plan 2011 may hold upperclass- who have put off filling men’s last chance to take their speech requirement Fundamentals of Com- and want to take COMS munication (COMS 111), 111 must do so by fall said Dr. Lynette Sharp- 2011, Sharp-Penya said.

Penya, associate professor “If they don’t sign up of communication. for COMS 111, they can COMS 111 is being re- still graduate,” Sharp-Peplaced by Foundations nya said. “These students for Speech and Rhetoric, can take COMS 211, which or COMS 211, listed this will be a great course.”

Christianna Lewis Senior Reporter

COMS 211 focuses more on public speaking and rhetoric than COMS 111, which provides a selective sampling of the field of communication. COMS 211 has been placed as a sophomore-level class with ENG 111 and ENG 112 as prerequisites.

“We’re going a lot further with this new course that will teach people see COMS page 4

website

inside news The Shore Gallery and the Cockrell Gallery will feature student artwork inspired by various students’ Study Abroad experiences. page 3

The speech requirement of ACU’s pre-2010 core curriculum can be fulfilled by either COMS 111 or COMS 211, but the new core can only be filled by COMS 211, said Dr. Joe Cardot, chair of the Department of Communication. COMS 211’s unique philosophy will make it a much harder course to be able to transfer in from another school, Cardot said.

features Recent ACU graduate Matthew Worthington encourages students to make a change by joining Teach for America. page 5

six-week mark Laura Gasvoda Staff Reporter

As social clubs’ pledges return from fall break, they face about two more weeks of pledging. The exact date that pledges across campus will become official members of their respective social clubs is not disclosed, but pledges can expect to

be admitted anytime before Friday, Oct. 29.

“We’re entering the final stretch for pledging,” said GATA president Bonnie Kellum. “We keep the date they get in a secret, so it will be surprise for the Flames, but the school regulates the length of the process. The last day the see CLUBS page 4

weather video Find video of these news stories and more on the weekly newscast available on our website, acuoptimist.com.

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Campus Wednesday, October 20, 2010

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about this page

Day

The Optimist maintains this calendar for the ACU community to keep track of local social, academic and service opportunities. Groups may send announcements directly to optimist@ jmcnetwork.com.

To ensure an item will appear on time, the announcement should be sent at least 10 days in advance. The Optimist may edit items for space and style.

Corrections and clarifications of published news articles will be printed on this page in a timely manner.

calendar & events

Wednesday

11 a.m. Chapel in Moody Coliseum

21

Thursday

11 a.m. Small group Chapels meet in various places around campus

22

Friday

11 a.m. Praise Day in Moody Coliseum

Chapel Checkup 42 37

23

4 p.m. Soccer game at Angelo State University

Saturday

11 a.m. FilmFest Screenwriting Workshop in Mabee Library Auditorium 2 p.m. Home volleyball game vs. Southeastern Oklahoma State

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3 p.m. Football game at Eastern New Mexico University

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volunteer opportunities

announcements Screenwriting Workshop. Students seeking to improve their writing abilities are invited to hear Chris Young, UCLA/ LAFSC professor and screenwriter will speak at a FilmFest screenwriting workshop from 1 -12 p.m. Oct. 23 in the Mabee Library Auditorium.

Free Prime Time Night Out, Students can pick up a ticket to enjoy a free hour of bowling and a free $5 arcade card to use any time between 7 and 11 p.m. on Oct. 21 at Prime Time. Tickets are limited and will be available for pick-up in the Campus Center.

Dallas White Rock Marathon. Students wishing to run the Dallas White Rock Marathon or Half-Marathon can sign up with ACU to receive a $20 rebate, a free ACU running shirt and a free pre-race party. Register to run at www.acu.edu/whiterock

A Crash Course in Photography, Poetry, and Fiction Writing. The Shinnery Review, ACU’s student art and literary magazine, is hosting a free, one-day crash course in photography, poetry, and fiction writing from 1-4 p.m. Oct. 23 in the Living Room of the Campus Center. Students are welcome and encouraged to refine their skills or learn something new.

The Abilene Christian University Music Department will present Dance, the Orchestra and Percussion Ensemble Concert at 8 p.m. on Oct. 21 in Cullen Auditorium. Admission is free.

For more information call 674-2199.

Casting Crowns will give a concert with special guest Lainey Wright at 7 p.m. on Oct. 28 at the Taylor County Coliseum.

Credited Chapels remaining

Credited Chapels to date

Advance tickets are $30 ($20 for groups of 15 or more) or $25 for general admission tickets ($20 for groups of 15 or more).

Call (325) 677-4376 or visit www.liveatthepark.com for more information.

Graduate and Professional School Fair will take place from 1:30 -3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 27 in the McCaleb Conference Center (Hunter Welcome Center). Recruiters from graduate and professional schools from across the country will answer questions concerning the programs their schools offer and the admission process.

Featured schools include: ACU, Dallas Baptist University, HardinSimmons University, McMurry University, Texas Tech, University of Texas and University of North Texas.

The Christian Service Center needs volunteers interested in business or design to put together an informational brochure.

The work could be done any weekday afternoon before the end of November. Contact Jim Clark at 673-7531 or jclark@cscabilene.org for more information.

The Oakridge Church of Christ will have a free Trunk or Treat for community children from 5 p.m. - 11 p.m. on Oct. 30.

Volunteers are needed to set up games, run activity booths, and clean up.

Dinner will be provided for volunteers but advance notice is requested. Contact Emerald Lemmons at emeraldlemmons@gmail. com or call 370-1327 for more information.

The Center for Contemporary Arts needs a gallery assistant to help with exhibit setup and preparation as well as an administrative

assistant. The work can be done any time 9 a.m.

- 5 p.m., Tuesday - Friday.

Please call (325) 677-8389 or email info@center-arts.com for more information.

Disability Resources, Inc. needs volunteers from 10 a.m. until dusk Monday - Saturday and 1 p.m. until dusk Sundays Sept.

29 - Oct. 31 to help with its annual Pumpkin Patch.

Volunteers will help sell pumpkins, read at story time in the children’s area and assist with children’s games. Contact Jo Ann Wilson at (325) 677-6825, ext.

2003 or e-mail joannwilson66@sbcglobal.com.

The Dyess Youth Center needs help with a Ping Pong Exhibition from 4 p.m.-6 p.m every Friday. Volunteers will preside over tournaments and help with an exhibition for the students.

Transportation will not be provided, nor can volunteers have any sexual assault

charges or charges pending. For more information, contact Sheri Frisby at (325) 696-4797 or e-mail sheri. frisby-@dyess.af.mil.

Mesa Spring Healthcare Center needs volunteers from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. any day of the week to help with fun activities for the residents, including playing instruments, calling bingo and sitting and talking with them.

All help is appreciated.

Contact Laura Reynolds at (325)692-8080 or lgreynolds@sears-methodist.com.

The Dyess Youth Center needs volunteers from 4 p.m. -6 p.m. every Monday - Friday to assist students with homework in the areas of math, science, English and history. Transportation will not be provided, nor can volunteers have any sexual assault charges or charges pending. For more information, contact Sheri Frisby at 696-4797 or e-mail Sheri. frisby-@dyess.af.mil.

CHAPEL

Writing Center offers workshop Keyi Zhou

Contributing Reporter

A five-week-long Community Writers’ Workshop hosted by the ACU Writing Center will start Nov. 6 to help participants improve their writing skills. The workshop will take place Nov. 6, 13, 20 and Dec. 4 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Dr. Shelly Sanders, assistant professor of English, will teach the class.

Several different methods of writing are covered in the workshop. In one exercise, Sanders will give five random words, and ask students to use these words to write a short piece. In another exercise, participants will write a story with the first line given to them. Sanders will help participants work on descriptive writing, learn literary techniques like plot, character and style, and try other exercises to focus on the craft of writing. She may invite a guest speaker to the class. Al Haley, writer-in-residence at ACU and associate professor of English, spoke at the 2008 workshop.

Participants will share their works with each other and give feedback on other writers’ stories. Participants are given the opportunity to invite friends and families to

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join a class and share their writing. Sanders said that she feels it is really important to show the ACU Writing Center is hospitable to the Abilene community. It not only promotes awareness of ACU, the Writing Center and the English department, but it’s also a fun way of meeting new people and hearing about their plans for their stories.

“People working in all professions came to the workshop [in 2008],” Sanders said. “It’s been a blessing to me on many different levels. I am not only able to tell people what I’m passionate about, but I get to meet all kinds of people I will never get to meet working on campus. It helps me to know that there are a lot of people working other jobs who are interested in writing. I hope I will help them to be able to tell their stories and be proud of it.”

The first writing workshop took place in 2008. This is the second time the ACU English Department, in partnership with the ACU Writing Center, is hosting the program.

“Everyone liked it. The response we had was encouraging, and students became more confident in writing,” Sanders said.

“They all learned some

It was so interesting to hear different perspectives about life.

BETHANY BRADSHAW // senior English major from Henderson

new writing techniques.”

Drew Winters is one community member who attended the workshop two years ago.

“I found the workshop surprisingly productive and enjoyable,” Winters said. “Dr. Sanders herself is a lovely woman, and she knows her craft. Sharing creations can be intimidating, but her disarming manner and confident leadership ought to relax even the most nervous students. I would recommend the workshop to anyone interested in creative writing.”

Bethany Bradshaw, senior English major from Henderson, helped Sanders as an assistant with the workshop in 2008.

“People really enjoyed the workshop,” Bradshaw said.

“They were so eager. I was amazed by their enthusiasm.

I remember a guy who came every week and had so many questions; he was really open to feedback. I also remember this old lady who wanted to

write about her family memories. It was so interesting to hear different perspectives about life.”

About 50 students participated in the 2008 workshops, but this year, enrollment for the single workshop is limited to just 15 participants.

Sanders said a smaller group is better for creating a workshop atmosphere and makes it easier for students to share their works.

The session is free. All people in the Abilene community over 18 years of age can apply for the fall workshop. If they are not accepted, they can apply again for a spring 2011 session. Those interested in the workshop must submit an application with a writing sample under five pages before Oct. 23.

Those interested can pick up an application at the ACU Writing Center or contact Sanders at 325-674-4833 or shelly.sanders@acu.edu.

contact Zhou at

optimist@jmcnetwork.edu

CAMPUS NEWS

October 20, 2010

Page 3

CAMPUS

Counseling Center offers grief support group

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ticipants to share memories, stories and photos of those Contributing Reporter who have passed on.

A new grief counseling supSteve Rowlands, director port group is available to the of the University Counseling ACU community, inviting Center, believes this group is those who are grieving death an important opportunity for to take one step further in the students and faculty alike. healing process.

“You are surrounded by The sessions take place others who are dealing with a from 6:30 - 8 p.m. on Tues- similar situation,” Rowlands days in the Alumni Confer- said. “Their experience may ence Room on the second be different than yours, but floor of the Hunter Welcome what’s helpful to them can Center. The six-week group be helpful to you.” first met on Oct. 12 and will These free sessions are conclude on Nov. 30 with a offered to anyone grieving Service of Remembrance, a the death of someone they ceremony encouraging par- love, or knows someone who Christina Burch

healthy way for people to manage grief.

Losing a loved one is “Losing a loved one is one one of the most difficult of the most difficult things we things we have to bear. have to bear,” Flanagan said.

CHERISSE FLANAGAN// director of “Counselors and groups will the ACU Psychology Clinic not take away your grief, but allow you to experience it is grieving. During the ses- ing to the group’s website. more fully, with the support sions, participants will learn “If you’re struggling with of others who care.” to understand what grief grief but uncertain that the Steve Eller, university might look like, how differ- group is for you, it’s worth- counselor and facilitator of ent it is for each person, and while to attend one of the the group, also recognizes that there is no “right” or sessions to get a better idea,” the benefit of group support. “normal” way to grieve. The Rowlands said.

Eller emphasized the safe and group is a place where conCherisse Flanagan, direc- respectable environment he fusion, anger, chaos, tears, tor of the ACU Psychology hopes the group will embody. stories, pain and out-right Clinic and instructor of psy“It’s a place where you sorrow are welcome, accord- chology, also believes in this can go and devote time to

Big Country Campaign

Study Abroad fair displays traveling student creativity Contributing Reporter

DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer

CAMPUS

Workshops to offer writing tips chance to learn more about artistic endeavors.”

David McMichael, senior This Saturday the Shinnery English major from Abilene Review, ACU’s literary pub- and editor of The Shinnery lication, will bring students Review, said the event will from all departments togeth- also benefit the publication er for a free afternoon “Crash in the spring, when it releasCourse” in photography, po- es its annual issue of student etry and fiction writing. writings and photography.

The goal of the event is to “We’re trying to promote give students an opportunity the Shinnery Review and get to learn more about artis- more students interested tic and creative outlets that and involved,” McMichael might not be easily acces- said. “We’d like to see an sible in every discipline, said increase in the number of Bethany Bradshaw, senior Shinnery submissions so English major from Hen- that we have a broader pool derson and co-editor of the to choose from.”

Shinnery Review.

The Crash Course will give “It’s an open event to all students tips and tricks for students to encourage cre- photography, poetry and ficativity across campus,” Brad- tion writing and will be broshaw said. “We want to give ken into three 45-minute sesstudents in all disciplines a sions, each featuring an ACU Juliana Kocsis Copy Editor

faculty member, Bradshaw said. The faculty includes Nil Santana, instructor of art and design, Al Haley, associate professor of English and writer-in-residence, and Heidi Nobles, managing editor for ACU Press.

Guests are not expected to stay for all three sessions, Bradshaw said, but she encouraged students to try new creative genres.

“We’re trying to give students a place to explore their creative sides and try new things, but it’s very relaxed,” Bradshaw said. “There are no tests, no homework. And there’s homemade food — for free.”

McMichael said the Crash Course is designed to be a fun opportunity for students to develop

CAMPUS

Alumna to sing at concert Meiqi Zhang

Contributing Reporter

The ACU department of music will host a percussion concert on Thursday and a voice recital featuring ACU graduate Jordana Torrez on Friday at 8 p.m. in the Williams Performing Arts Center. The concerts are open to the entire community.

The ensemble will be a recital featuring two musicians, Cheryl Lemmons and Torrez. Lemmons has performed as an accompanist at ACU for more than 15 years and will play piano during the concert.

Torrez, an ACU graduate, will sing in the concert.

Together they will perform

musical pieces by Henry Purcell, Hector Berlioz, Joseph Marx, Samuel Barber and other composers.

“I hope people can come enjoy the variety of music,” Lemmons said.

“I think students should come to hear a professional live performance.”

Lemmons said she is looking forward to the performance, particularly because an ACU student will play a big part.

“I think the concert will be moved and inspired,” Lemmons said. “I’m really looking forward to having one of our graduates perform for our current students. It gives them a much better idea of what it

is they are preparing for.”

Students who are interested in music are excited about this concert and look forward to seeing it.

“I love music so much, and piano is one of my favor instruments, I’m taking piano class right now, and I’m going the orchestra and percussion ensemble concert this Thursday,” Jing Yuan Jiang, senior finance management major from Guangzhou, China, said.

“I think this is a great opportunity to hear a professional concert. I’m looking forward to coming.” contact Zhang at

optimist@jmcnetwork.com

and experiment with artistic skills.

While this is the first year for the event, the Shinnery Review hopes to make this an annual event, Bradshaw said. In the mean time, the publication’s staff is preparing other campus activities for the semester.

“We’ll have a reading at the end of the semester, ‘The Slithy Tove,’ which is our annual fall reading,” Bradshaw said. “There’s going to be more free food, too.”

The event will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Living Room of the McGlothlin Campus Center. All students are welcome, and no previous experience is required. contact Kocsis at

jck07a@acu.edu

contact Burch at

optimist@jmcnetwork.com

STUDENT LIFE

Meagan Hernandez

Governor Rick Perry speaks to a crowd at the Robert D. and Shirley Hunter Welcome Center on Tuesday. Perry was speaking at an event hosted by the Taylor County Republican Party and the Republican Women of West Central Texas.

that loved one instead of feeling isolated and alone,” Eller said. “We aim to plant seeds, thoughts and techniques to support people.

When they’re ready to work towards it, they’ll know which direction to go.”

For more information on the group or to schedule an individual appointment, contact Steve Rowlands or Steve Eller in the Counseling Center at 6742626, or visit the Counseling Center.

Glimpses into the ACU Study Abroad Program will soon come to life in The Shore Art Gallery in the Don H. Morris Center.

The new exhibit will open on Friday, entitled “Postcards”: from Abroad.

“The exhibit is a chance to experience the vistas of England and Italy through the eyes of a student, someone who is seeing these places for the first time,” said Robert Green, professor of art and design.

The purpose of the show is to feature students’ work as the they traveled from England to Italy. Every two years the ACU Art Department invites students to take part in the study abroad art show program. This past fall students experienced a unique “plein-air” painting class. Green described this painting technique as painting on location, outside in nature. Armed with acrylics and watercolors, the students were able to recreate the surrounding landscape on their international travels.

Not only were the students able to gain a deeper perspective on painting, but on society as well.

One student featured in the show is Morgan Hallmark, sophomore art major from Sasche. Hallmark said the experience was something she will never forget.

“The history, the people and the scenery is what inspired all of my work. I was trying to capture a small piece of the beauty I was seeing,” Hallmark said.

She was especially touched by the many people living in poverty.

“There were many, many beggars. I wanted to help them, but besides giving them a few euros, there was nothing I could do,” Hallmark said. “I tried to capture the sadness I felt when I saw them, the helplessness that overcame them in their everyday lives.

Maybe if I noticed them, others will too.”

Green believes the display will showcase the talent of ACU art students.

He also said the collection will be different from normal aesthetic art collections on campus.

“Their interest and hard work is evident in the quality of the show,” Green said, “The students worked really hard to create these works while we were overseas.”

On Nov. 11, another study abroad art show will open at the Cockrell Gallery located downtown.

Rachel Brown, Study Abroad coordinator, said this show will feature photography by the art students returning from the Study Abroad Program.

“In both shows there is something for everyone,” Green said.

“Postcards”: from Abroad will run Friday through Nov. 12 in the Shore Gallery. For more information contact the ACU Art and Design Department at 674-2085.

contact Hernandez at

optimist@jmcnetwork.com

FROM THE FRONT

Page 4

October 20, 2010

STUDENT LIFE

Run: Students to run in Dallas White Rock Marathon Continued from page 1

attended the pre-race pasta dinner, Palomares said.

The dinner will be held at the ACU campus in Irving again this year.

So far this fall, many of last year’s participants have registered or asked about the event. However,

Palomares said there are also people signed up from as far away as North Carolina and California.

Brent Bailey, senior Bible major from Kingwood, hopes to complete his third full Dallas White Rock Marathon this year.

Bailey said he decided to run the Dallas marathon

for the second time last year when he heard about the ACU sponsorship. He also said his favorite parts about the event were the pasta dinner and the ACU running shirt.

“The dinner allows you to see all the other people running with you,” Bailey said. “You kind feel like

you’re part of a big team.”

Both Palomares and Bailey said the White Rock event targets a small niche of people at ACU but has the potential to involve a larger community.

“It captures a unique ACU community,” Palomares said. “It’s also good for marketing ACU. It looks

really good to have 100 ACU people running around.”

Palomares plans to run the full marathon for the second year in a row. All members of the SA cabinet are also taking part in the event.

This year’s races are on Dec. 5 and will begin at 8:00 a.m. Anyone interest-

ed needs to register both at the official White Rock website, www.runtherock. com, as well as on the ACU sponsored website, www. acu.edu/whiterock.

contact Williamson at

kkw07a@acu.edu

SOCIAL CLUBS

Clubs: Pledges near completion of pledging process Continued from page 1

in GATA’s large numbers this year. Because of the pledges can be accepted invitational process, girls as official members is Fri- have more time to decide day, Oct. 29.” what club to pledge, rather New procedures have af- than being ambushed on fected the pledging process Bid Day,” Kellum said. “I this year for all the clubs. believe this new process “The new pledging pro- will continue to improve cess has been influential the numbers in social

clubs and allow for greater diversity within clubs.”

Pi Kappa member Paul Sims, senior elementary education major from Kodiak, Alaska, said the changes didn’t affect Pi Kappa as much as other clubs.

At this point in the semester between midterms and

ACADEMICS

pledging some students, such as Meghan Morgan, junior advertising/public relations major from Colleyville pledging Ko Jo Kai, have been busy.

“Pledging keeps you busy, but it’s a good busy, and you’re enjoying yourself.

Even though everything is hard and exhausting, I’m en-

joying time together with the girls even more now, because I’ve formed relationships with them at this point.”

However, Morgan said many clubs’ major activities, such as Homecoming and grubs, are over.

“Our biggest assignments are over (like Homecoming

and grub); now we just have lots of small tasks and more activities,” Morgan said.

However, Alpha Kai Omega, GATA and Pi Kappa pledges have yet to have their grubs. contact Gasvoda at

lag08a@acu.edu

CURRICULUM

Nursing: New school COMS: Course emphasizes speaking to arrive on campus Continued from page 1

Continued from page 1

a chance to recreate yourself?”

Fabrizio said the school will notice and will help the school in continue in its purpose to eduits time of transition. cate students in the field of nursDr. Paul Fabrizio, vice presi- ing for the next two years while dent for academic affairs at Mc- ACU is still a part of the school Murry University, said ACU’s deci- and after ACU leaves. sion to leave The Shelton School “I think ACU has studied this of Nursing will afford the school very seriously and made a decision an opportunity to review itself and as to what is best for ACU. We wish make positive changes. them the best,” Fabrizio said. “Our “I think it’s going to have a first move is to continue teaching positive effect, not because ACU is and engage in a thorough self-study leaving, but in terms of the oppor- and move forward.” tunities it provides. We have to really think what the school is about,” contact Craig at jrc07d@acu.edu Fabrizio said. “How often do you get

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more about persuasion and campaigns than just oral communication,” Cardot said. “Anyone that could take it would benefit from them, but it’s not required for anyone but freshmen.”

COMS 211 will require students to give five speeches on personal and community values and on issues at the community, national and international level, Cardot said.

“By the end of it they will have a better understanding of themselves and how they can function in their world,” Cardot said. “It’s going to be more of an integral part of the new core.”

Cardot said he hoped that moving the communication class

By the end of it they will have a better understanding of themselves and how they can function in their world.

DR. JOE CARDOT // chair of the Department of Communication

to the sophomore year would allow students to come in more prepared for the rigor of the course and more aware of the importance of communication in careers after college.

Sharp-Penya said she was ecstatic to teach a more in-depth course, but she also wished the new core had a communication class for freshmen, because studies show that the classes reduce communication apprehension.

“There’s a good reason to

keep that in the freshman level,” Sharp-Penya said. “Research shows that there’s an inverse relationship between communication apprehension and retention.”

COMS 211 will be finalized this semester, Cardot said. He also said while ACU will offer only a few COMS 111 sections next fall, the issue is still under discussion. contact Lewis at

cll09a@acu.edu

Focus

October 20, 2010

Page 5

Teach for America strives to create equal opportunity for all students Brian Johnston

Contributing Writer

There is a public education problem in the United States, a serious problem that has profound effects on the present and future generations.

One of the major problems is education inequity. Though many would argue that all have equal opportunities in America, it is simply not true, and if the playing field is uneven, the future is unequal as well.

A recent report released by the National Center for Education found only 12 percent of all African-American students exiting the eighth grade are proficient in math, and only 13 percent are proficient in reading. Only 17 percent of Hispanic students exiting the eighth grade are proficient in math and 15 percent in reading.

In comparison, white students score around 30 points higher in both math and reading. Many factors contribute to this disparity, but most alarming is the lack of appropriate educational resources such as schools and teachers for minority and low-income students.

“It doesn’t take much to see that minorities and low income students in this country are up a creek with a very broken boat,” said Matt Worthington, 2008 ACU graduate and current Teach for America Corps member in Washington, D.C. The inequalities can no longer be overlooked, Worthington said. Schools that cater to low-income students simply do not have the support and resources necessary to provide the kind of educational opportunities students need and deserve.

“We say that we’re desegregated, but I’m not sure that we are,” says Stephanie Talley, an instructor in the Teacher Education program at ACU. It is the problem of inequity in public education Teach for America is seeking to combat by recruiting promising leaders who are motivated and committed to making a difference, to be trained and placed in high-needs schools across the nation for two years, Worthington said. There is a high turnover of teachers in high-needs schools, and many of the teachers who do stay have very low proficiency ratings and do not offer a proficient education to their students, and Worthington said by seeking out and training talented individuals, Teach for America is working against this problem. The key to improving education is improving teachers, Worthington said. It is the hope of Teach for America that their corps members will stay dedicated to fighting educational problems after their two-year com-

photo courtesy to MATTHEW WORTHINGTON

students with learning disabilities. Last year, he worked with students who had emotional disturbances. He said these students have the highest drop-out rates of any other learning disability and are at the highest risk. He works with students who are often two to three levels behind and sometimes as much as six to seven grade levels behind, and said he views this as a very serious problem.

“We read to receive, we write to give,” Worthington said, “and if we can’t do that, what else are we going to do but wait around for someone to give us handouts until eventually the light fades out and the pain goes away?”

Worthington said he is not giving out handouts; he is giving students a much more important gift: the gift of education.

Many days, Worthington works from six in the morning to six or seven at night. It is not an easy job, but when asked why he is doing what he is doing, Worthington said, “Because I follow Jesus.”

Worthington also believes that ACU needs to talk about Teach for America.

“ACU students need to know about Teach for America because it is so close to where Jesus is leading us,” Worthington said. “I see Jesus caring about people who are overlooked.”

And that is exactly who the undeserved students in our public education system are.

“I can’t say that it’s the easiest thing to get up every morning and go to work, because it is hard working in the school system, but I know Jesus is calling me to it,” Worthington said. “I know he’s calling others to it, and I know he wants good things for his people, his children, all of his children.”

Still, he is adamant that there is a deep need for change in the United States, which can be made through education and organizations like Teach for America.

“A lot of people want to change the world, and so they get on a plane,” said Worthington. “If you want to make a great change in America, teach a kid.”

Those interested in being a part of this change may contact Teach for America recruiter Jessica Gasper at jessica.gasper@teachforamerica.org.

This organization is not exclusively for education majors, but for anyone who is dedicated to making a difference through education and organizations like Teach for America.

‘‘ ’’ Worthington poses with a couple of his students after a ceremony celebrating their transition to high school.

If you want to make a great change in America, teach a kid.

MATTHEW WORTHINGTON // 2008 ACU graduate

mitment is completed, and 66 percent of corps members stay in education after their commitment is completed, he said.

Worthington didn’t hear of the program until his senior year at ACU. He had been interested in education and applied for the program. The program is very competitive, and depending on the year, as many as 40,000 people apply; usually about 10 percent of these applicants are accepted. After a long process of interviews and essays, Worthington was accepted into the program and placed in Washington, D.C. After visiting D.C. and finding a place to keep his things, he was sent to L.A., where he would receive intensive educational training, “It was like an education boot camp,” Worthington said.

After this training he was ready to begin teaching. Teach for America is an alternative licensure program and some regions give their students probation certification while they work on Masters of Education through cooperating universities. Worthington said he is working on his Masters of Education through George Mason University. In D.C., Worthington now works with

contact the Optimist at

optimist@jmcnetwork.com

Opinion

Page 6

EDITORIAL

October 20, 2010

Smokers’ cigarettes still smolder We’ve seen them circling the Lunsford, lighting up parking lots or fogging up unpopulated pathways. Although in violation of ACU policy, cigarette usage is infiltrating campus.

But how should nonsmokers react? When student’s spot a smoker, should they go up to the guilty party and politely tell them to stop?

Should they list the number of health hazards in conjunction with cigarette smoking?

These attempts could be made, but chances are, if someone’s already chosen to 1) ruin their health and 2)

break campus rules, they’re not going to respond very well to any suggestions.

Perhaps honesty is the best policy, yet in the case of smoking we believe a sneakier, less evasive approach is more likely to ensure less air pollution. It’s not a real fire we’re dealing with here, so beating around the bush is a perfect tactic to quench the flames. Below are some excellent passive-aggressive ways of handling this nuisance to ensure ACU remains a smoke-free zone.

1) When a cloud of smoke permeates the air, take on a

letter to the editor

heavy cough immediately.

This will obviously make the smoker aware of the outside effects of his or her habit.

2) Carry a water mister in a back pocket, and while watering the landscaping on campus, “accidentally,” take aim toward the fire-paper sticking out of a friend’s (or stranger’s) mouth. Don’t doubt, just aim (unintentionally of course) and fire. On a warm day, a slight mist might even be a welcome relief.

3) Take a moment to memorize some common health risks of smoking. When passing by a smoker, it should

be easy to nonchalantly interject these into any conversation. For example, “I’m nervous about my upcoming speech in communications.

Good thing I don’t smoke and won’t have to worry about bad breath on top of everything else.” Bad hygiene and a guilty conscience: it’s a twoin-one combo.

4) Although a slightly more aggressive approach, if worse comes to worse, yelling, “Fire!” really loudly is always a great fallback. This works best in large groups of people.

Okay, okay, so we’re not really serious. While smok-

the issue

Smokers have been spotted on campus, throwing their butts on the ground and exhaling vapors.

our take

The campus has rules against smoking on campus, please abide by those guidelines. er’s may not follow the rules when they choose to light up on campus, that doesn’t mean we have the right to spray water in their face or yell fire in a crowded theatre – ever. There is even the chance they don’t know the rules and deserve a kind explanation of campus protocol before any water fiascos ensue. And plus,

passive-aggressiveness in any form is just too much work.

So simply stated, our only request is this: Smokers, stop blowing smoke in our faces and we’ll stop coughing in yours; a win, win for everyone. contact The Optimist at

jmcnetwork@acu.edu

By Morgan Davis

The Funny Funnies

ACU remains partisan This past Tuesday, Rick Perry spoke at an event hosted by the West Central Texas Republican Women’s Club.

This event was held during the day at the Robert D. and Shirley Hunter Welcome Center, and several students attended. This event was inherently political, as the purpose was to encourage those in attendance to vote for Rick Perry. While the university was not officially affiliated with the event, they allowed the group to use their facilities, and the podium from which Perry spoke featured the ACU logo.

This is the second time that the university has rented its facilities to a political group seeking to promote a political agenda. In June, former President George W. Bush’s Deputy Chief of Staff and political strategist Karl Rove came in a similar event hosted by the Taylor County Republican party. This event was also held in the Hunter Welcome Center.

ACU has a policy that states that when a political candidate is invited to speak on campus, an opposing candidate must also be given an opportunity to speak. Additionally, the university should not demonstrate support of one candidate over another; Rick Perry’s use of a podium featuring the ACU logo seems to be in direct conflict with this rule.

By allowing political groups to host events on campus, particularly during an election, the university muddles its message of non-partisanship and Christian unity. Therefore the policy that applies to ACU students, faculty and staff regarding campaigning and political events on campus should extend to events held by third party groups, regardless of political affiliation.

COLLEEN ASHLEY senior political science major from American Samoa JARED PERKINS junior environmental science and political science major from Saginaw

COLUMN

TOMS rip-off lacks charitable spirit of original Self Examination

By Ryan Self

There’s a new pair of socially responsible shoes in town.

Every time you buy a pair of these shoes with a one syllable name, a pair is donated to a child in an impoverished part of the world. The canvas slipSelf style shoes come in a variety of colors and patterns. Of course, I’m talking about BOBS. Sound familiar? Obviously BOBS, produced by the exceptionally creative people at Skechers, is a blatant rip-off of the wildly

successful TOMS shoes and their “One for One” business model. When TOMS was introduced to the world, the shoes and their noble business proposition helped usher in a new business model, one that married good deeds with good business sense. What BOBS threatens to usher in is a business era where corporations promote a desire to help others while, in reality, hoping to exploit people’s better natures in order to make a profit.

But is Skechers the only company that has ever added a good cause to their product for less-thanphilanthropic reasons? It would be naïve to think that over the last few years multiple companies suddenly decided to become

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.

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more socially responsible of their own accord. They were simply responding to a market of consumers who wanted a charitable cause with their purchase.

The “invisible hand” of the free market was pushing companies toward doing some good while keeping their stockholders happy.

Was it pure altruism that prompted Pepsi to forgo advertising in the Super Bowl this year and invest that money in charitable causes throughout the country instead? Unlikely.

The $20 million social media campaign garnered more votes than the last presidential election, according to Mashable.com.

That’s pretty good PR considering that money would have otherwise gone to-

ward advertising. In this case, Pepsi gains a reputation as a “do-gooder” while helping millions across the country do charitable work that might not otherwise be possible. Everybody wins. The wonderful thing about this new compassionate side of capitalism is both producer and consumer get what they want in addition to doing some good along the way.

Also encouraging about the free market as a force for good is the fact that the same free market principle which perhaps spurred Skechers to produce the ridiculous BOBS may also have contributed to its demise. As of Oct. 15 BOBS were no longer to be found on Skechers’ website. Perhaps after an understand-

Optimist the

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able backlash from the blogosphere and twitterverse, the marketing gurus at Skechers removed BOBS from their line of shoes altogether. Maybe they needed time to rename the shoes something catchier, like TODS or JONS. It appears as though the creative people at Skechers thought they knew what their consumers wanted, a socially responsible product, however blatantly ripped-off from the successful TOMS. What BOBS lacks, however, is something that all the angry bloggers and loyal fans of TOMS apparently want with their socially responsible products – authenticity.

Is Blake Mycoskie enjoying financial success

after he introduced the world to TOMS? Yes. Have the folks who came up with Pepsi’s Refresh Project likely earned themselves a rather handsome bonus? Sure. We realize this (or should). We also realize that at some level, these companies have a genuine desire to do good in the world, and that’s what makes their products so appealing. When corporate social responsibility is done correctly, doing good and making a profit don’t have to be mutually exclusive. When done poorly, well, ask the marketing genius behind BOBS, and the answer probably won’t be pretty. contact Self at

rcs06g@acu.edu

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FROM SPORTS

October 20, 2010

Page 7

Offensive Player of the Game

Defensive Player of the Game

Mitchell Gale

L.B. Suggs

• Gale completed 17 of 26 passes in the game against Incarnate Word. He threw for five touchdowns during the game, but did throw his first interception of the season. Gale recorded his second game this season with five touchdown passes.

• L.B. Suggs made a game changing play when he hit Cardinals receiver Andrew Mocio forcing him to fumble the ball, which was returned for a touchdown.

Suggs also led all Wildcats in tackles with nine in the game.

FOOTBALL

Streak: Suggs lays crushing hit

‘‘ ’’

Continued from page 8

DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer

Redshirt sophomore quarterback Mitchell Gale drops back to pass Saturday. Gale threw for 5 TDs and 379 yards in the win.

COLUMN

The Wildcats would rebound to score 30 more Massoni found Andrew Mo- points before the final buzzcio, who was then leveled er of the game.

ACU has won by an averby L.B. Suggs. Eric Edwards picked up the ball and rum- age of 44.7 points per game bled to the end zone for an against the teams they have played outside the top-10.

ACU defensive touchdown.

“I actually thought it was This shows one thing about incomplete when I hit him,” the Wildcats – they know how said safety L.B. Suggs. “Then to beat the opponents they I saw Eric Edwards pick it up are supposed to beat. Too often last season and with many and score.”

With the Wildcats already top tier teams in general, they leading 24-0, Mitchell Gale tended to play down to their and ACU stepped back out opponents. But the Wildcats on the field. But the drive did have done no such thing, not go as planned as Gale dominating every game they threw his first interception of were supposed to.

Unfortunately for Gale, the season, thanks to a tipped there is one thing he will take pass by Taylor Gabriel.

I actually thought it was incomplete when I hit him.

L.B. Suggs // sophomore safety for the ACU Wildcats

away from this game he won’t be happy with, an interception. But all a fan has to do is look at the numbers to understand that Gale, when all is said and done, could have one of the best single seasons in ACU history.

Gale is currently fourth in Division II in passing efficiency. This statistic measures a quarterback’s completion percentage, touchdowns and intercep-

tions. All three of the quarterbacks ahead of Gale have attempted fewer passes, thrown for fewer yards, and thrown fewer touchdowns.

The 7-0 Wildcats will be back on the road again in Portales, N.M. this weekend for a showdown with the 3-4 Greyhounds from Eastern New Mexico. contact Tripp at

bjt07a@acu.edu

SOCCER

Shake receives Goals: Coppedge scores twice disc golf award Continued from page 8

Shaking It Up Bryson Shake It’s rare for a faculty member from a Division II school nestled in the “Bible Belt” of Texas to be recognized at a nationwide event in South Carolina. It’s even rarer for that person to be your mom.

Deonna Shake, an Shake instructor of exercise science and health, and a dang good mother, might I add, was the recipient of the Educational Disc Golf Experience National Educator of the Year Award Saturday, October 19th.

The award, given annually at the United States Disc Golf Championships in Rock Hill, S.C., goes to an educator who has perpetuated the sport of disc golf in his or her local community and shown exceptional teaching abilities in the sport.

The committee that selected the winner made a great decision, if I do say so myself.

“Each year, the E.D.G.E, staff selects an educator who is using disc golf in their program.We give the award to those that are making the most out of their job as educators,” Jon Lyksett, Executive Director of E.D.G.E. said.

My mom fits those parameters to a “t.”

Shake, attended a state convention in 2008 and saw a booth on disc golf. Intrigued, she began asking questions about the sport, and the more she learned of it, the more convinced she became that ACU needed to offer a course dedicated to the sport.

“I instantly fell in love with the sport because it was fun and beginner-friendly, while still offering a platform of competition,” Shake said.

After coming home from this convention, she was sold on the sport which was foreign to my family. She instantly wanted to take us all out to a local course and spend an afternoon together learning the ins and outs of disc golf. Most families spend time together at the dinner table, we spend time together in an active manner. You practice what you preach. That’s the true definition of a teacher.

Joe Bell, chair of the exercise science and health department, was also intrigued by the possibility of adding it as a class at ACU when Shake approached him after attending the conference.

“Deonna was so excited about this opportunity. I could tell from the passion and attitude that she exerted that this was something she really wanted to make happen,” said Bell.

In the fall semester of the 2009 school year, disc golf was offered for the first time as a class.

The new class filled up quicker than Usian Bolt’s 100-meter dash time and continues to be a huge success to this day.

Shake realized that in order for the sport to progress locally and on campus, a course would be beneficial, not only for her class, but for the Abilene community as well.

She spearheaded the process of organizing the installation of ACU’s own disc course and singlehandedly raised $18,000 for the course. The Wildcat Disc Golf Course officially opened on April 28, 2009.

Jay Reading, designer of the ACU course and a professional disc golf player, talked about the rarity of teachers like Shake.

“It’s the people who teach with passion and commitment and demonstrate a zest for life who are the ones that are easy to spot,” Reading said.

Those type of people are a rarity. But what’s even more rare is finding a better mom than mine. contact Shake at

bxs09a@acu.edu

‘‘ ’’

Carpenter scored in the 17th minute and again in the 19th minute.

This would be all the Wildcats needed as goalie Elliot London picked up another shutout victory, recording four saves. Ashley Holton added to her goalscoring totals as well with an insurance goal late in the game. Julie Coppedge recorded assists on all three goals.

In the second game of the weekend, it was more of the same as the Wildcats’ offense dominated.

Coppedge would score two goals against the Bulldogs in efforts of a 4–0 victory.

State and Incarnate Word on the road, both of whom Teams cannot just focus currently have a 6–1 record on one player, because in conference. then another one would “This past weekend beat you. was a big weekend for our Casey Wilson // head coach of Wildcat soccer team,” senior midfielder Kendall Cooper said. “The Coppedge scored her first weekend,” Wilson said. two wins we had were crugoal in the 31st minute and “They have played to- cial in taking another step added her second early in gether so teams cannot forward towards our team the second half. Carpen- just focus on one player, goal, winning conference.”

The Wildcats will travel ter would add a third goal because then another one to San Angelo Friday for a for the Wildcats and Ash- would beat you.”

With the pair of victo- match with the Rambelles ley Craig would score late to seal the Bulldogs’ fate. ries, ACU played its final at 4 p.m. ACU will complete London picked up her sec- matches at home this sea- the road trip Sunday, travelond shutout victory of the son. The Wildcats current- ing to San Antonio to take season. ACU’s defense only ly sit in second in the con- on Incarnate Word at noon.

The Wildcats currently gave up two shots on goal in ference with a 6–1 record.

However, ACU will be the match.

“Andrea, Ashley and heavily tested this weekcontact Cantrell at Julie all stepped up this end as they take on Angelo jrc07f@acu.edu

TENNIS

Doubles: ACU now on radar the California, Pa. pair, Bornefeld and Franziska.

Hach and Joiner, as well as They then lost to the team Walker and Mongin, went of Alida Muller-Wehlau into their doubles tourna- and Barbora Krtickova ments ready to show that in the semifinals but they could compete with the bounced back with a wellbest duos in the nation, and earned win against Barbi Pocza and Angie Werschel, did by finishing in third.

Hach and Joiner won 2-6, 6-3, 10-4, in the thirdtheir first match with ease, place match.

“It was an exciting week defeating Josh Raymond and Yeswanth Nadella 6-1, to be a part of, and now 6-1. They then had to play we’re looking to see what the number-one ranked the spring season has in team of Rafael Array and store for us,” said senior Mikk Irdoja and lost a tough Bryan Joiner. match 6-2, 7-5. Hach and KELSI WILLIAMSON // File Photo contact Johnston at Joiner did not let that loss Jaclyn Walker finished third in doubles with partner Julia Mongin. jdj10a@acu.edu bother them, however, and beat in the third-place match by defeating the Concordia team of Andrey Baldarev and Daniele Piludu, 7-5, 6-2.

Walker and Mongin had a similar journey in their doubles tournament, as they were also able to win their first match with relative ease, 6-2, 6-4, over Continued from page 8

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Page 8

Standings FOOTBALL Team Div. Ovrl.

ACU 4-0 TAMU-K 3-1 MSU 2-1 WTAMU 2-1 ENMU 2-2 E. Central 2-1 Tarleton St. 1-2 Angelo St. 0-4 UIW 0-3

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

VOLLEYBALL Team

Div.

ACU 8-0 WTAMU 8-0 Angelo St. 7-1 Tarleton St. 4-4 MSU 4-4 TAMU-K 4-4

Ovrl.

19-3 15-8 11-10 17-7 10-10 9-10

WOMEN’S SOCCER Team Div. Ovrl.

MSU ACU Cen. Okla.

WTAMU NE St. E. Central ENMU

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

12-1-0 11-2-0 7-7-1 6-5-3 4-5-5 5-7-2 3-11-0

VOLLEYBALL

Sports

October 20, 2010

Wildcats survive scare to remain in first Austin Gwin Sports Editor

Thursday was a wake-up call. That’s what Coach Mock is calling it, and that is what her team is calling it.

“We realized every team is gunning for us,” said senior setter Ijeoma Moronu. “It was a reminder that every game we play has to be the only thing that’s on our mind.

The Wildcats almost suffered their first conference loss of the season Thursday, but the women pulled out a five-set win against upstart Midwest-

ern State. That wake-up call was enough for ACU as they went out and swept Cameron in their next match Saturday.

It looked like the ’Cats were going to lose their shot at getting home-court advantage for the Lone Star Conference post-season tournament after falling behind to Midwestern 2-0. The Wildcats turned things around, however, and rallied for an epic fiveset victory.

“We weren’t quite as mentally and physically prepared for Midwestern as Midwestern was for us,” Mock said.

Ijeoma Moronu may have played the best game of her career, scoring her first triple double. She recorded 51 assists, 24 digs and 10 block assists. Junior Jennie Hutt and senior Jordan Schilling both put up double doubles to aid in the victory.

But the comeback wasn’t without its tense moments.

The ‘Cats survived a match point in the third set before winning the game 28-26.

In the fifth set, the Wildcats didn’t even have a lead until the 13-12 mark. A kill by freshman Madelyn Robinett finally ended the match to give ACU its fifth victory in a row.

“We didn’t play particularly well,” Mock said. “They put us to the test, but I was really proud of how the girls bonded together for the win.”

Win number 19 came much easier than 18 did.

The Wildcats dominated the entire match against a 7-14 Cameron squad en route to a 3-0 victory. The second set told the story. The Wildcats had an attack percentage of .700 while holding the Aggies to -.029.

Senior Shawna Hines led the way in kills with 14 in the match. She also led ACU in points with 16.5 while contributing on the defensive

end with five blocks.

The Wildcats will return to action Thursday at home against East Central in a crucial conference match.

The rest of the Wildcats matches will be in the conference, so every win from now on is critical for the ACU’s overall standing.

This week the ’Cats moved up to 20th overall in the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) national poll. It is the highest ranking for the Wildcats in the last two seasons. contact Gwin at

agg07a@acu.edu

FOOTBALL

Defense throttles Cards

Briefs n Ijeoma

Moronu was named Setter of the Week by the LSC league office. It is her third Setter of the Week honor this year.

n Edmund Gates was named an LSC Top Performer of the Week for his efforts in the Wildcats' win over Incarnate Word on Saturday. Gates had his fourth 100-yard receiving game of the season. and caught two touchdowns in the win. n Alex Carpenter won the Division II National Preview Tournament in Mobile, Ala. Carpenter shot a 3-under 69 in the second and final round Tuesday to win.

DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer

The ACU defense bottles up an Incarnate Word run Saturday. The defense was stout, allowing only 265 yards of offense and 14 points. The Wildcat defense also forced a fumble which Eric Edwards returned for a score. It was the fourth touchdown for the ACU defense this season.

Player Profile n Julie Coppedge, sophomore soccer player from Amarillo, scored two goals in the Wildcats’ 4-0 win Sunday against Southwestern Oklahoma. Coppedge now has four goals on the year to go along with eight assists and has been an integral part in the success of the ACU soccer program this year. She started all 19 games last year and scored four goals in her freshman campaign en route to earning second team All-Lone Star Conference and second team All-Region honors as a true freshman.

continues to dominate opponents. Gale went 17-26 Sports Director for 379 yards and five touchThe ACU Wildcats have downs. He also threw his moved to 7-0 with a 54-14 first interception of the seabeat down of the Univer- son when a pass intended sity of Incarnate Word in for Taylor Gabriel bounced ACU’s first ever match-up off Gabriel’s hands and was picked off by the Cardinals. with the Cardinals.

“I thought Mitchell did Mitchell Gale had another monster night as he another nice job tonight,”

Brandon Tripp

said ACU Head Coach Chris Thomsen.

Edmund Gates had another 100 yards in receiving, making this his third straight 100-yard effort.

Gates needed just three catches to pull in 121 yards and two scores. Two of those receptions went for 40-plus yards.

SOCCER

Knox had five receptions for 120 yards in the Bears’ 23-20 loss to the Seahawks Sunday. Danieal Manning had four tackles in the effort.

Jeff Johnston Sports Reporter

STACY ACTON // Staff Photographer

Anastasia Nelson tries to dribble the ball past two Central Oklahoma defenders on Friday.

Scoring surge nets win homa 3–0 on Friday before defeating Southwestern Sports Multimedia Editor Oklahoma State 4–0.

“The games went great The Wildcats shut out two conference opponents last this weekend. We played weekend to improve to well,” Coach Casey Wilson 11–2 overall and 6–1 in con- said. “We played good on ference. ACU downed the Friday against Central OklaBronchos of Central Okla- homa, and then took care of

Ryan Cantrell

see STREAK page 7

Duos place third in national event

n Bernard

n Johnny

set the Wildcats up at the Cardinals’ one-yard line.

Daryl Richardson would punch it in from there, and the Wildcats were up 7-0.

Toward the end of the first quarter, Incarnate Word was trying to put something together. Eric

TENNIS

Ex-Factor Scott and the Bengals had a bye week last week and will resume play Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons. Scott has run for 78 yards on 17 carries this year.

“I thought we did pretty well in all three phases tonight,” said Thomsen.

After forcing a three and out by the Cardinals, the Wildcats were determined to get points on the board.

It took just two plays to put them in great field position as Gale found Gates for a 47-yard reception to

Southwestern on Sunday.”

Andrea Carpenter continued to be an offensive standout as she scored two first-half goals against the Bronchos, and the Wildcats never looked back. see GOALS page 7

The Wildcat Tennis team sent four players to the ITA Small College National Championships this past weekend.

Sophomores Hans Hach and Julia Mongin competed in the men and women’s singles tournaments and teamed up with Bryan Joiner and Jaclyn Walker, respectively, for the doubles tournaments.

Hach placed fifth in his singles tournament while Mongin placed third in hers. Hach lost his firstround match, but was able to bounce back by winning his next matches with ease. Mongin made it to the semifinal match before getting beat by the numberone ranked player, Yuan Jia of BYU-Hawaii.

Both Hach and Mongin were able to win their last matches, ending the tournament on a good note. Hach beat Andy Blair from Drury University on Saturday 6-1, 6-2, sealing his fifth-place finish. Later that day, Mongin beat Jutta Bornefeld of California, Pa. for third place 6-2, 7-5.

“I thought Hans [Hach] and Julia [Mongin] both played very well in their singles tournaments,” said Coach Hutton Jones. “Hans had a tough match to start his tournament but was able to play very well after that first loss. And Julia beat two very talented players and lost to the best player in the nation, so I was very proud of both her and Hans’ performances.” see DOUBLES page 7