The Optimist Print Edition: 10/30/2009

Optimist the

Vol. 98, No. 20

Two For One

PAGE 5 1 section, 8 pages

Friday, October 30, 2009

acuoptimist.com

BREAKING NEWS, VIDEOS, PHOTOS, DISCUSSION AND EXCLUSIVE CONTENT CAMPUS LIFE

Harassment policy revised, training mandated Sondra Rodriguez Managing Editor A revised anti-harassment policy, designed to protect the dignity of each member of the ACU community and offer guidelines surrounding

Allmon said the a harassment issue, be- faculty and staff who Suzanne Allmon, assoare supervisors of non- ciate vice president for broad-based training is came effective Oct. 5. an opportunity for facThe policy, available student employees, said Human Resources. in the student handbook, was revised and There’s a lot of lengthy material in it. We tried to make it a released in accordance little more concise, flow a little better and make more sense. with a campuswide anSUZANNE ALLMON ti-harassment training Associate Vice President for Human Resources program for full-time

INTERNATIONAL

ulty and staff to learn more about the topic.

It also created an ideal time to revise the policy, although it is reviewed for accuracy annually.

Prior to its revision by see POLICY page 4

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

Shock prompts review of rules Chelsea Hackney Copy Editor

Five years ago, Marie and her immediate family stepped onto American soil.

After four years, they chose to forsake their Rwandan citizenship and swear allegiance to the Stars and Stripes. The U.S. never has recognized dual citizenship.

The Manishimwes submitted their ap-

Nik Tritch is trying to get back into a normal routine after being hospitalized for more than two weeks.

Tritch, sophomore finance major from Clovis, Calif., suffered an electric shock durTritch ing Sub T-16 pledging activities.

Dr. Jeff Arrington, associate vice president for Student Life, has followed up closely with Tritch and confirmed he is doing well.

“Nik’s words are that he is ‘doing good’ and things are getting back to normal,” Arrington said. “He’s getting caught up in his classes and says he is a proud member of Sub T-16.”

However, the event was a serious one, and the university is addressing it as such. All physical pledging activities were suspended for the rest of the year, and a group of administrators and social club members will meet in the next few weeks to discuss revisions to the pledging policy.

see MARIE page 4

see PLEDGE page 4

HEATHER LEIPHART Staff Photographer

Marie-Pascale Manishimwe, senior political science major from Rwanda, accepts a gift from Dr. Mel Hailey, professor of political science and chair of the department, Thursday. Manishimwe’s American Political Thought class congratulated her on receiving U.S. citizenship.

Home Away From Home After years of anxious hopes, dreaded fears and multiple-choice tests, Marie-Pascale Manishimwe, Rwandan native, is now a citizen of the United States.

Heather Leiphart and Colter Hettich Staff Report The American Political Thought class taught by Dr. Mel Hailey, chair of the political science department, celebrated Thursday with a classmate who was offered U.S. citizenship this week.

In the mid-’90s, Marie-Pascale Manishimwe and her family fled their home in Rwanda. It was a matter of life and death, and the armed rebels who were terrorizing the country would have settled the matter quickly. After eight years in their new home of Cote d’ Ivoire, West Africa, political unrest forced them farther west – to a new continent.

STUDENT LIFE

ALUMNI

Students find creative pastimes Teague released Farron Salley

major from Manassas, Va. Glee is a new television KACU Correspondent series that airs on FOX at 8 Students are constantly p.m. Wednesday; the seabombarded with extracur- son premiere was Sept. 9.

“I haven’t missed a ricular activities. Clubs are popular, but joining a for- week,” Watkins said. “I’ve mal organization is not ev- watched every one.” Watery student’s niche. Instead, kins and three other usuals students find ways to form get together at a friend’s house every Wednesday to their own traditions.

“My plate is too full to watch the show.

For students not interpledge, but I schedule my HEATHER LEIPHART Staff Photographer Wednesdays around Glee,” ested in TV, there is always Austin Fontaine, sophomore social justice major from said Preston Watkins, Houston, spars with Chris Fields, sophomore English major see PASTIME page 4 sophomore advertising/PR from Flower Mound, Thursday.

Forecast Fri

61° 39°

Inside Sat

67° 44°

Sun

70° 45°

HALLOWEEN HORROR stories unfortunately can extend beyond the screen.

Follow our advice and you’ll be sure to have a safe, fun holiday.

Page 6

from Hendrick Sondra Rodriguez Managing Editor Dr. William J. ‘Bill’ Teague was admitted to Hendrick Medical Center for a hematoma in his leg early last week, according to an email received by the president’s office from University Church of Christ.

Teague, who served as chancellor of the

university for 16 years, president of the university for 10 years and executive assistant to the president for five years, was released this weekend after nearly a week in the hospital, said Tevyan Condra, executive secretary in the president’s office. see TEAGUE page 4

Online WILDCAT VOLLEYBALL, along with 800 other teams, sported pink socks and a variety of pink accessories to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer.

Page 8

VIDEO

LOUDandCLEAR

Will you wear a costume on Halloween? a. Yes, l’ve been planning fit or weeks. b. No, I’m a little old for that. c. I’ll be at home watching the Halloween marathon.

Chris Thomsen Show

Visit acuoptimist.com to join the discussion.

2

Campus Day Wednesday, October 28, 2009

CALENDAR AND EVENTS

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31

FRIDAY

Saturday

9 a.m.

Susan G. Komen On the Go

1 a.m.

Frater Sodalis Haunted House

5:30 p.m.

ACU Soccer vs.

Midwestern State

2 p.m.

ACU Football vs.

Texas A&M Kingsville

6 p.m.

Third World Craft Fair

ACU Volleyball vs. Southeastern Oklahoma

7 p.m.

The Gift of Water Benefit Concert Framing Hanley Concert at Midnight Rodeo Sadie’s Week: Hypnotist

32

1 a.m.

Frater Sodalis Haunted House 6 p.m.

Speaking Louder Than Before tour at Abilene Civic Center

Chapel Checkup

Credited Chapels to date: Credited Chapels remaining:

49 22

High numbers of car burglaries continue to occur in neighborhhods around campus. Make sure that you lock your vehicle and place valuables out of sight.

Oct. 20 11 a.m. ACU employee contacted ACU Police Department to report he had received a suspicious email from the United Kingdom asking for money.

Announcements at 676-9620.

A free jazz concert featuring Dave Matthews Band saxophonist, Jeff Coffin, and the ACU Jazz Ensemble will take place at 8 p.m.

Nov. 3 in Cullen Auditorium.

A free Afterglow jam session at Monks will follow the concert.

Jeremy Camp, Natalie Grant, and Bebo Norman

will perform their Speaking Louder Than Before tour at 6 p.m. Nov. 1 at the Abilene Civic Center. Tickets are $20. Call 676-6211 for more information.

A free marriage education class will take place 9 a.m.5 p.m. Oct. 31 at Texas State Technical College. By attending the eight-hour class, participants can save

$60 on a marriage license.

A free meal will also be served. Call 670-0969 or 866-305-5524 to register.

Barters’ Market at Grandma’s Junction will take place 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Oct. 31 at 4325 N. 10th st. Barters’ Market at Grandma’s Junction is Abilene’s biggest garage sale and open every weekend.

Volunteer Opportunities

Disability Resources needs volunteers for its annual

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

Police Log

9 p.m.

Kale Stephens Band concert at Java City

G. V. Daniels Recreation Center needs volunteers for its Fall Festival from 5-9 p.m. Oct. 31. Contact Justin Whiteley at 6766443 for more information.

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

8 p.m.

Frater Sodalis Haunted House

Fright Night at Frontier Texas

The Paramount Theatre will show The Shining at 7:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. Oct. 31 as part of its monthly film series. Tickets are $6.

To order, call the box office

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.

Sunday

8 p.m.

Frater Sodalis Haunted House

The Frater Sodalis Haunted House will take place 8 p.m. Oct. 30 and 1 a.m. Oct. 31 at Play Faire Park. Tickets are $8, and concessions are available.

About This Page

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.

Contact Kathy Deatherage at 673-4820 for more information.

The Salvation Army needs volunteers to help shoppers select Angel Tree toys, keep Angel Tree records, label items, and receive gifts. Contact Cecilia Barahona at 677-1557 for more information.

The First Baptist Church needs volunteers to reorganize and rearrange supplies and educational materials in the children’s department. Volunteers

are needed 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Oct. 12-31 at the First Baptist Church on 1333 N. 3rd St. Contact Cassie Irwin at 675-8106 for more information.

The Salvation Army needs volunteers for the Christmas Angel Tree Project. Contact Cecilia Barahona at 677-1408 for more information

2:02 p.m. Subject reported her bike had been stolen from a bike rack.

Oct. 22 12 a.m. Complainant reported his iPhone stolen from his room.

4:20 p.m. Two males were reported to be arguing and possibly going to get into a fight. ACUPD searched for the subjects, but were unable to locate them.

Saturday 1:35 a.m. APD reported a female wearing a blue sweater panhandling in the neighborhood in the 600 block of EN 15 street. Officers were unable to locate subject.

3:40 a.m. A suspicious vehicle was reported as pulling onto campus with no ACU identifiers and circled through by McKenzie Hall. Vehicle was stopped and the subject was identified.

Sunday 9:30 a.m. Calling Party stated there was a male subject at the 600 block of East Ambler Ave. Subject was being very pushy, demanding and asking people for money.

9:10 p.m. ACUPD received a call that someone stole nine pumpkins from the front porch of a house in the 600 block of EN 23rd. Subjects threw the one of the pumpkins through the front door causing damage.

Monday 12:55 a.m. ACUPD received call about a male and female in a green vehicle in the 1800 block of campus court asking for money. Officer checked area and was unable to locate vehicle.

2:15 p.m. APD dispatched units to the 1100 block of Cedar Crest to a burglary in progress. Subject was located and identified.

Tuesday 12:35 a.m. Reporting party stated a vehicle had parked in the handicapped space in the 2700 block of N Judge Ely.

Campus News

October 30, 2009

Page 3

RESEARCH

Honors students get their hands on grants Laura Acuff Features Editor ACU now limits learning even less to the classroom with the Honors College’s student research-assisted grants, which offer students hands-on research experience.

“This is a way to encourage Honors students to stay here in Abilene and do research,” said Dr. Chris Willerton, dean of the Honors College and professor of English. “It is a way to reward the departments who will mentor the Honors students.”

Professors from any department may apply for a grant of up to $500 to conduct research with

the assistance of a student in the Honors College. The student will work for approximately 50 hours at $10 an hour, Willerton said.

Participating departments range from physics to psychology to exercise science or political science. Eight grants were awarded last spring and another 11 this semester. Willerton said the Honors College hopes to increase participation in the coming semesters; the diversity of current participants reflects the diversity of the Honors College.

“I’m really tickled that so many people from so many departments volunteered to do this,” Wil-

lerton said. “This is just delightful. We’ve spread the benefits to so many students, because it’s a chance to get to be in the press, and it’s so important to get someone to be your mentor.”

And the individual tasks of students involved in the research grants vary as much as the participating departments, with some students assisting professors in writing books, others in conducting research or surveys and still more writing up results, Willerton said.

“Some of these people are handling test tubes and instruments, and others are researching the Web or going through

scholarly journals,” Willerton said. “It’s a lot of fun to see what they do.”

Sarah Kratzer, senior psychology major from Los Alamos, signed on to participate in a psychology-based research project involving young girls’ media exposure and family lives and their subsequent perception of women.

“It’s really good research experience just being involved in this kind of project and knowing all the things going into it and working with the professor,” Kratzer said. “I’m getting a lot of exposure to what research is like and actually going out and doing it.”

The availability of research experience in an undergraduate setting emphasizes the dedication of the ACU community to offer students a well-rounded educational experience and to prepare them for graduate school, Kratzer said.

“This is my third year at ACU, and I’ve had all this research experience, and it’s not like I’ve been really searching for it, it’s really just been coming to me,” Kratzer said.

“They’re really good at finding people and giving them opportunities for this kind of thing. I think it kind of shows the community of ACU. They seek out people who can benefit from each other.”

Kratzer said she appreciates the mutual benefits available to those participating in student research-assisted grants, which allow professors to share valuable experiences and input with students.

“It’s just good teamwork. We’re all working together for a common goal,” Kratzer said. “It’s just a great opportunity, and I’ve been really blessed to have it fall into my lap. It’s a good thing.”

contact Acuff at

lka06a@acu.edu

ATHLETICS

Triathletes to bike, swim, run during Holiday weekend Linda Bailey Opinion Page Editor Students and faculty will begin their Halloween celebration by swimming 300 yards, biking 10 miles and running nearly two and a half miles during ACU’s 2nd annual triathlon.

The race will start and finish in the parking lot between the Teague Special Events Center and Gibson Health and Physical Education Center.

Competitors will swim in the pool in Gibson first and then bike on streets around campus. The last event will be a run around

the Lunsford Walking Trail and the circle drive in front of the Biblical Studies Building.

Laura Dillman, instructor of exercise science and teacher of the triathlon class, said all 14 students enrolled in the triathlon class are required to participate Saturday. She said she hopes to have about 40 participants overall this year. She herself began competing in triathlons in her 20s.

Talk of a new student life center in the exercise science building sparked the idea for a triathlon class, Dillman said. She

knew if there was construction in the building, they would need some classes that didn’t require many facilities in Gibson.

Last fall was the first time the class was offered and also the first time a triathlon course was built on campus. A class was offered last spring also, but the class traveled to Dallas to compete in the required triathlon.

Earl Popp, junior psychology major from Jackson, Mo., will be competing in his first triathlon Saturday. Popp said students in the class are en-

couraged to start some basic training for the class during the summer.

For him, this meant more than for other students in the class. He said he began his summer workouts by spending a few weeks learning how to ride a bike.

The class meets Monday and Wednesday mornings for an hour and a half, but Popp said students are supposed to work out five to eight hours a week outside of class. His main reason for taking the class stemmed from his desire to exercise, often stifled by the burden of a hectic

college lifestyle.

“With a busy college schedule, I didn’t think I’d have time to work out and keep in good fitness outside of a classroom setting,” Popp said. “I needed that motivation that comes with the classroom.”

Popp said he has enjoyed the class and all it has to offer.

“I’ve made friends, and it’s always a good way to start the morning,” Popp said.

Popp said he is excited about Saturday and has focused on one goal throughout his training.

“The only concrete

goal I’ve had since the beginning of the semester is just to finish,” Popp said. “So I’m really excited. I know I can finish it just from the workouts we’ve had in class and everything we’ve gone through.”

contact Bailey at

ljb07a@acu.edu

From Front

Page 4

October 28, 2009

STUDENT LIFE

INTERNATIONAL

Pastime: Meals, disc golf popular Marie: Leaving the past behind Continued from page 1

Mitchell McLean, sophomore electronic media mahouse every Wednesday to jor from Abilene, referring to The Settlers of Catan watch the show.

Students not interested board game. “Usually four in TV might enjoy the classic of us get together from 10 p.m. to midnight. We have fun of board games.

“We’ve been doing it fun when we do it.”

Although a sophomore, since, like, the second or third week of school,” said McLean decided against

pledging this semester.

“It’s just so time-consuming. We just like hanging out without having the rules,” he said.

Freshman Prentice Ashford makes time for ping pong up to twice a day.

“I’m either in McKenzie or Nelson, and just who-

ever wants to play can play; whoever wants to lose can lose,” Ashford said.

Students can join in an Office party, head to Rosa’s for Taco Tuesday or get out and play disc golf. contact Salley at

fls08a@acu.edu

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

Pledge: Eye on physical activity Continued from page 1 Thompson was very clear, though; the accident was not an issue of poor student conduct nor was the decision to cease physical activity a punishment of social clubs.

“We’re doing kind of a broader look at overall risk of activities,” Thompson said. “I can guarantee you we’re taking a close look at being very clear in developing an inclement weather policy and protocol.”

Clubs will work closely with administration to help

shape the policy, Thompson said.

“I’ve been trying to understand how to do two things,” he said. “Preserving the unique traditions and heritage of each of those groups ... but trying to be as prudent as we can on student safety and legal obligations, as well.”

The decision to stop physical activity after the event, Thompson said, was made primarily out of respect for Tritch. Any clubs with questions about activities were invited to come speak with Thompson, be-

ALUMNI

cause, he said, there is not a “perfect black and white” when it comes to defining “physical activity.”

Most clubs will be affected very little, he said, because pledging activities are almost over. But, decisions will need to be made soon so clubs will know the rules for next year.

Thompson said he is expecting a decision on this particular issue to come down in the spring.

He said he is confident a good decision can and will be made, although he does not expect 100 per-

cent agreement. He reiterated the benefit of social clubs and the importance of safety.

“Our social club system and these groups bring incredible value to the university, and one of the ways we can enhance and support it most is to make sure that their activities are in line with the vision and values of the university, particularly from a safety and legal standpoint,” he said. contact Hackney at

ceh05c@acu.edu

Continued from page 1 plications in August, and after passing a written exam, they received word Monday they were citizens.

“We love the United States, and it’s [our] way of giving back,” Marie said. “It’s like our country now, so we want to be a part of it.”

Citizenship is a means to a diplomatic end for Marie.

“I want to work for the country,” she said.

“I’m planning on working for the State Department.”

Hailey, professor of political science, presented Marie with a few American icons: a plush Uncle Sam, a stitched American flag and a leather-bound copy of the Constitution of the United States.

“But you’re also a Texan today,” Roten-

berry said, handing her a Texas-shaped basket full of sweets. “So, here’s a little sampler.”

Marie was the first of Hailey’s students to change her citizenship during the semester.

The hardship she has endured makes her decision all the sweeter for Hailey.

“I can think of nothing more demoralizing than going up to someone and saying, ‘I’m a brand new citizen’ and they say, ‘Oh, OK, have a seat and let’s start the lecture.’ No, that’s the time to party,” Hailey said. “She paid a high price for her citizenship; she has honored us by picking us.”

contact Hettich at

clh05dd@acu.edu

CAMPUS LIFE

Teague: On the Policy: Ensuring dignity, respect road to recovery Continued from page 1

hematoma, said Jan Hailey, Continued from page 1 staff member at the UniverAccording to WebMD, a sity Church of Christ.

“It’s one of the hardhematoma is a collection of blood outside the blood est things to control when vessels and may appear you’ve got someone who has already had a stroke,” similar to a bruise.

Teague, who retired in Hailey said. “But they got it 2007, suffered a stroke taken care of. several years ago. The fact he has suffered a stroke incontact Rodriguez at creased the severity of the sar06g@acu.edu

Human Resources and Legal Services, the policy outlined how students should address incidents of harassment using technical and potentially confusing language.

“We want to make it more user-friendly, clearer and less confusing, and it was a good time as we were launching this training,” Allmon said.

The information in the former version is still valid, but Allmon said the revised version is simpler for readers.

Allmon also said the new version describes how investigations are conducted, factors taken into consideration surrounding a harassment case and plans of action.

“We want to make sure that we have a working and learning environment in which the dignity of every

individual is respected, whatever role you play on campus,” Allmon said.

Allmon encouraged the ACU community to take time to read and become familiar with the policy.

According to the text, “this policy applies to all members of the ACU community, including trustees, faculty, staff, students and volunteers.”

Allmon said such effort is placed on revising the

policy to ensure a positive workspace for the ACU community.

“It’s really about trying to educate our students, faculty and staff so that we can be respectful of one another and have a good learning environment.”

Students can access the policy by following the link in the student handbook. contact Rodriguez at

sar06g@acu.edu

Arts

October 30, 2009

MUSIC

Page 5

Concert to spotlight jazz pioneer Lizzy Spano Arts Editor

Jeff Coffin, touring saxophonist for the Dave Matthews Band, will visit ACU to conduct a jazz clinic and perform with the student Jazz Ensemble in a free fall jazz concert in Cullen Auditorium on Monday and Tuesday.

Coffin is a three-time Grammy award winning musician and composer and has embarked on a variety of musical endeavors. Most recognized as a member of the popular group, The Dave Matthews Band, Coffin also tours internationally as the saxophonist for the Béla Fleck and the Flecktones, a bluegrass jazz group.

Coffin also performs with his own group, Mu’tet, and is known for his crossover appeal and range of musical skills and interests, said Derek Brown, director of jazz studies.

Coffin’s explorative approach to music is reflected on stage, where he is known to play with two saxes or incorporate guitar effects on his saxophone, according to his Web site.

Brown said he decided to invite Coffin to visit the university to give students the opportunity to learn from Coffin’s unique approach to music, as well as interact, rehearse and perform with him.

“He has just been one of my personal favorites,” Brown said. “I was always just attracted to his style of playing and just his

Photo courtesy of JEFFCOFFIN.COM

Jeff Coffin will perform Tuesday in the ACU fall jazz concert. He will play solo pieces as well as collaborative selections with the jazz ensemble and combo.

risk-taking in his playing. He is not afraid to try some unusual things, and in jazz, creativity is what it’s all about.”

On Monday, Coffin will meet and rehearse with the ACU Jazz Ensemble and the faculty combo.

An open clinic will be offered from 4:30-5 p.m. in the WPAC recital hall, and neighboring high schools, colleges and the community are invited to participate. The clinic will involve technique demonstrations, explanations of the

MUSIC

Performance to benefit villagers without water Lizzy Spano Arts Editor Wishing Well and Eternal Threads are raising money for water during a benefit concert featuring the Revolution orchestra and Nashville’s Randall Goodgame on Friday.

All proceeds from the event, which will take place in the Hunter Welcome Center ballroom, will be used to dig a well for nomadic Afghan women who are suffering from a lack of clean water.

Wishing Well, a student group that raises money to build wells in Africa, will direct its fundraising efforts to Afghanistan for the first time, because the need for clean water is so apparent in that area, said Ben Fulfer, senior sociology major from Memphis, Tenn.

Fulfer said Friday’s concert is intended to engage not only ACU students but the Abilene community as well, and the group chose bands that all ages would enjoy.

Revolution, an orchestra comprised of skilled string players from Abilene High and Cooper High schools, combine jazz and Celtic music

with a modern appeal, Fulfer said.

Randall Goodgame, a musician and songwriter for the Christian group, Caedmon’s Call, will also perform at the event.

Fulfer said Wishing Well decided to join efforts with Eternal Threads for this event after Afghan women contacted Eternal Threads and requested aid because of their lack of clean water.

“This is the first time we have stepped out of Africa, which is kind of cool, ’cause a lot of people are forgetting about women who are in this war-torn Afghanistan,” Fulfer said.

Eternal Threads is currently making efforts to aid women in Afghanistan by selling handcrafted items, such as rugs, made by village women, said Sue Garcia, director of Eternal Threads.

“These villagers have basically lost everything they have; they’re hanging on by a thread, literally,” Garcia said. She said the women are suffering from a loss of tents, herds, electricity and water, among other things.

All money earned from Friday’s concert will be used directly to fund a well that will provide water for this village, Garcia

said. The cost of building a well is about $4,000 and will be raised entirely by fundraising.

“We want as many people to come as possible and know they are not only going to have a fun night but make clean water available for people who don’t have any,” Garcia said.

Eternal Threads will be selling merchandise, and associate professor of art and design Dan McGregor’s illustration class designed a T-shirt that can be purchased at the event. Tickets are $10 or two for $16, and they will be available in the Campus Center from 11 a.m.-3p.m. until Friday.

Fulfer said he encourages the ACU and Abilene community to attend the concert to enjoy good music, as well as support a worthy cause.

“It’s really hard to convince college-age students to come out and spend $10 on something,” Fulfer said. “If there’s one thing I think it’s worth, it’s for this.”

contact Spano at

eas07a@acu.edu

“big five” fundamentals of musical growth, and a question-and-answer fo-

rum for students and interested participants.

The fall jazz concert will take place from 8-9 p.m. Tuesday in Cullen Auditorium, featuring the student jazz ensemble with Coffin on saxophone.

Many pieces included in the program are Coffin’s own compositions.

Brown said he is looking forward to a concert in which Coffin can share his eclectic musical style, having drawn from every genre from jazz-rock fusion to Latin and swing.

“I think it will be a great time for everybody who comes,” Brown said. “Seeing and meeting a person at that professional level, face-to-face, is so much different than listening to it on a CD.” Andrew Graham, senior music education major from San Angelo and member of the jazz band and jazz combo, will perform with Coffin at the concert.

Graham said he anticipates hearing the advice Coffin will offer during the clinic, as well as performing with him and the rest of the jazz combo.

“In music, it’s always great to have a professional to help in jazz, especially,” Graham said.

“You learn jazz through listening to great jazz professional players.”

Local Music Jeremy Camp will perform live

with Natalie Grant and Bebo Norman at the Civic Center Sunday as a part of his Speaking Louder Than Before tour. Tickets may be purchased in advance at Beltway Park Baptist Church or Lifeway and Mardel stores. Tickets cost $20 or $15 for groups of 10 or more, $25 at the door.

The Rock and Putt Concert Series willl take place today and tomorrow, featuring the Blues Slobs from Fort Worth and True Blend.

Now Playing Pandorum

Premiere Cinema 10 4310 Buffalo Gap Rd. Friday and Saturday 1:15 4:00 6:45 9:30 p.m.

Where the Wild Things Are Town & Country Twin Drive-In 2902 Vogel Ave. Friday and Saturday 8 p.m.

Michael Jackson’s This is It

Century Abilene 12 3818 John Knox Drive Friday and Saturday 8:10 p.m. 9:35 p.m. 10:45 p.m.

Box Office Stats (In millions) Paranormal Activity Weekend Gross: $21.1 Total Gross: $61.6

Saw VI

Weekend Gross: $14.1 Total Gross: $14.1

Where the Wild Things Are Weekend Gross: $14 Total Gross: $53.6

Opinion

Page 6

EDITORIAL

October 30, 2009

Precautions essential for holiday fun The first and most important rule: don’t take candy from strangers. We grew up knowing this rule, and it is just as applicable now as it was then. Then again, that would narrow down your trick-or-treating locations to neighbors and relatives only, thus limiting your candy revenue. So, scratch that rule.

Another good precaution: be careful where you put your Jack-olanterns. Those little tea lights can turn into a big fire before you can say “Double, double, toil and trouble,” putting a damper on the holiday fun. The same rule goes for séances.

we’re too sick to move – no, we’re still not too old for trick or treating.

It’s a holiday unlike any other; probably one of the most fun and festive days of the year if you allow yourself to embrace your inner child and appreciate all Halloween has to offer.

Amidst all the fun and games, however, it is easy for things to get a little out of control and for the holiday celebration to cross the line of safety. Fortunately, a few precautions will help you avoid any potentially dangerous situations and leave room for some healthy, wholesome Halloween fun.

Halloween – the only holiday that gives kids an excuse to go door to door with a sheet over their head and receive candy in return; a chance for girls to wear almost nothing and call it a costume; and an occasion for people to perform semi-illegal activities such as toilet papering, smashing pumpkins and trespassing and deem it a holiday festivity.

Halloween is also an opportunity to carve pumpkins, watch some creepy classics like The Nightmare Before Christmas and Hocus Pocus for the umpteenth time, get crafty with decorations and costumes and pig out on candy until

The third rule of safety: be cautious in your choice of costume props. Avoid swords, scythes, light sabers, electric saws and any other sharp, threatening tools that could cause harm to yourself or others.

This should just be common sense.

Of course, there are the obvious precautions, like walking around ladders, hanging up garlic to ward off Edward Cullen and all his friends, placing all mirrors in a safe spot where they can’t be broken and averting your eyes from any stray black cats.

On a more serious note, be careful when driving on Halloween. No mat-

Ataraxia

By Jordan Blakey

THE ISSUE

It is easy for Halloween fun to get out of control and jeopardize the safety of students.

OUR TAKE

Students should take necessary precautions to make the holiday as fun and safe as possible ter if you are in Abilene or Austin, there will be drunk drivers roaming the streets, just as on any other holiday. Opt to get together with friends and stay in one place rather than driving aimlessly and increasing your risk of being in an accident. If you are on the road, be aware of costumed children crossing the street or partygoers walking to their cars.

Finally, don’t do anything you will regret. Everything’s fun and exciting until someone has an MIP or noise violation ticket. Make wise choices, and girls, save the inappropriate, Mean Girls-worthy outfits for Lindsay Lohan. Most of all have a responsible, enjoyable Halloween weekend.

Email the Optimist at:

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COLUMN

Traditions keep memories alive Little Linda Linda Bailey

COLUMN

Trying times reinforce God’s promise Conscientious Conjecture Laura Acuff As a rule, I prefer chick flicks to all other movies, with the exception of some historical films.

I want h a p p y endings.

I don’t want to pay $8 to watch reality.

Acuff All I have to do is look outside, go to class or turn on the news for that. Unsatisfying endings occur every day.

When I pay money for an escape, I want happily-ever-afters.

But some movies offer slices of life too true to ignore. They present reality in a light we aren’t accustomed to acknowledging.

One of the best instances of this is Good Will Hunting in a scene between Matt Damon and Robin Williams. Damon’s character has been visiting Williams’ on a court order to receive counseling from a psychologist.

Damon has resisted mul-

tiple previous attempts by other psychologists to delve into the depths of his psyche, but Williams finally breaks past Damon’s rough façade. While his background has hardened his exterior, Damon finds relief in Williams’ simple consolation: “It’s not your fault.”

Sometimes, it is our fault. Sometimes, we set ourselves up for failure.

Sometimes, we lazily resist efforts that could bring us success. Sometimes, we alienate the people we love out of fear, out of jealousy or even out of sheer apathy.

But sometimes, it’s just not our fault.

Who can we blame for terminal genetic conditions, for stillborn infants, for less than idyllic “home lives?” We struggle to point to something or someone. We search for a reason behind our suffering. Something we did or said. A reason we might have deserved it.

But sometimes, there is no human to blame.

There is nothing we did.

It’s simply not our fault.

Sometimes, when crisis occurs, when ev-

God doesn’t promise us easy moments. He promises us the strength we need to get through the tough ones. erything we thought we knew seems to be crashing down around us, all we can do is sit helplessly and watch life take its course, wondering at the cosmic reasoning behind our misfortune.

And it’s not our fault.

But sometimes, it’s not God’s fault either. A question asked repeatedly among non-Christians and Christians alike seems to be, “Why do bad things happen to good people?”

But the Bible tells us God sends the rain on the good and the evil.

And if anything, Christianity offers more earthly suffering, not less. I’ve found that the promise of Christianity lies not in immediate relief, not in the termination of suffering but in the promise of strength.

Natalie Grant’s song Held says it well.

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“This is what it means to be held, how it feels, when the sacred is torn from your life, and you survive. This is what it is to be loved and to know that the promise was when everything fell, we’d be held.”

God doesn’t promise us easy moments.

He promises us the strength we need to get through the tough ones. Even when it isn’t our fault.

contact Acuff at

lka06a@acu.edu

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Every September, when stores begin setting up Halloween aisles and seasonal costume shops start popping up all over town, I get excited.

Halloween is by far my favorite holBailey iday. Most people assume it’s because it is also my birthday, but there’s a lot more to it.

I think I love Halloween because of the memories and traditions I associate with it. It is a holiday focused on having fun.

I mean, what other time of year is it acceptable to spend an evening dressed as someone or something else and eat as much candy as you can without throwing up?

So, this year, as I get another year older, and I hope another year wiser, I am reflecting on all the Halloween traditions that make the season great.

As a child, I remembered the magical day at the beginning of October when I would come home from school to find my mom had climbed into the attic and retrieved the boxes of Halloween decorations. We would spend the rest of the afternoon hanging up pumpkin lights, filling up the ghost candy dish that plays scary music when you reach for a Snickers and the jack-olantern punch bowl and matching cups.

A week later, my mom would take our final costume requests and frantically begin sewing to meet the Oct. 31 deadline. I think my all-time favorite was the Rapunzel costume,

consisting of a shiny pink dress and braided floorlength wig of yellow yarn that my parents stayed up half the night finishing.

During the Halloween season, carving pumpkins was a family activity. It was during this time I realized my favorite part of the activity wasn’t actually carving but digging out the seeds from inside the pumpkin and slinging them into the trashcan.

After all this preparation, the day would finally arrive, and I would wake up to a Halloween-themed birthday cake and a table full of presents.

Often, people only focus on Christmas or Thanksgiving traditions, but when I think back on the holidays, my favorite memories are of traditions our family established for Halloween.

Saturday marks my third Halloween away from my family. Unlike Christmas and Thanksgiving, we don’t get a long break – or even the day off – to spend time with our families, so I decided I would have to start some Halloween traditions of my own.

I’ve spent the past two years collecting Halloween decorations and slinging pumpkin guts with friends. This year, I went to Target and bought the exact same pumpkin lights I remember from my childhood.

Traditions keep family memories alive and help families remember the fun times they have had. Halloween is a fun holiday that produces fun memories, which, hopefully, will be remembered for a lifetime.

contact Bailey at

ljb07a@acu.edu

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From Sports

October 28, 2009

Page 7

VOLLEYBALL

Pink: Wildcats play for more than a win Continued from page 8

Wildcats defeat Texas Permian Basin

11th victory in a row and 22nd in the last 24 matches.

The Wildcats’ triumph over UTPB improves their record on the season to 23-5 overall. UTPB does not play in the Lone Star Conference, so ACU’s conference record still stands at 8-1, enough for second place in the LSC. However, the victory over UTPB increases the momentum of Head Coach Kellen Mock and her team as conference play nears.

“We relied a lot on middle players tonight, and they stepped up,” Mock said. “Physically, we are in good shape; mentally, we just need to step up and take charge.”

ACU dominated the first set against the Lady Falcons with a commanding 2510 win. In the second set, UTPB roared back to tie the match up with a solid 25-21 win. The Wildcats responded with back-to-back set victories scoring 25-13 and 25-18, respectively. Sophomore Jennie Hutt helped lead the charge during the match, leading the Wildcats in total attempts, 36, and in kills, 14, in what she called an up and down match.

“Our intensity was not as high as it usually is,” Hutt said. “The good news is that we can really work on that in practice. We’re in way better shape physically. We just need to come together mentally before the playoffs.”

The team’s 3-1 victory over Texas-Permian Basin on Tuesday evening was its

jrc07d@acu.edu

from breast cancer while we were in high school, and I’ve had teammates’ moms affected as well. ” Among the special events Tuesday evening were pink T-shirt cannons, a halftime presentation and a funds drive, with a goal of collecting $500. Even the referees sported pink shirts. At halftime, breast cancer survivor and Abilene massage therapist Maria Whittemore delivered her inspirational story of discovery, treatment and ultimately, victory over breast cancer.

Dig Pink night has a special meaning for those in the ACU community who have felt the pain of breast cancer personally. Freshman Kaylynne Allen’s aunt is a survivor, and Heather Leyva’s great aunt struggled with breast cancer, as well.

One out of five women who get the disease will not survive, and sophomore Jennie Hutt knows this all too well. Hutt has had two aunts who have taken on breast cancer; one survived, the other lost her fight. Dig Pink’s main goal is to get people to take cancer seriously, with stories like Hutt’s serving as inspiration.

“Having been directly affected by breast cancer makes me much more cautious,” Hutt said. “In the future, I will check things, knowing that it’s in my family.”

contact Craig at

HEATHER LEIPHART Chief Photographer

Heather Leyva, freshman middle blocker from Austin, blocks a Texas-Permian Basin attacker.

FOOTBALL

OPINION

Past: McGwire deserves second chance Win: Wildcats Continued from page 8

in the steroid controversy that after his retirement, he completely disappeared from baseball.

This was the same guy who, with the help of Sammy Sosa, helped revitalize the sport and bring people back to the game.

It was during his chase for the homerun record fans began to flock back to stadiums across the U.S. I still remember the day he

hit his record homerun, how it barely cleared the wall and how McGwire in his exuberance nearly missed touching first as he rounded the bases.

Despite being a lifelong Houston Astros fan and the Cardinals – whom McGwire played for at the time – being a divisional rival, I couldn’t help but smile as the scene played out. Despite all the steroid controversy that followed, I still look back on that day and say it was a

great day for baseball.

I applaud Tony LaRussa for bringing back McGwire as the Cardinals hitting coach. McGwire has probably forgotten more about the art of hitting than Joe Schmoes like us will ever know. His knowledge of pitching tendencies and his professional approach to swinging the bat will be invaluable to the Cardinals’ organization.

Critics will point to McGwire’s past and his alleged steroid associa-

tion as a reason McGwire should simply stay away from America’s pastime.

There is history with McGwire, no doubt. However, for most of that history, he has shown class and professionalism. I won’t deny his alleged role in the steroid controversy has left many fans with a bad taste in their mouths, but it’s time to move on.

contact Knauth at

txk07a@acu.edu

try to rebound Continued from page 8

week and only managed six points. The Wildcats dynamic obviously is need to turn the field much better than not goals into touchdowns having this opportunity in order to play with the Javelinas on Saturday. at this point in year.”

The Wildcats’ defense The pressure of missing will be heavily tested this the postseason will be

If you win this game, you get to play on.

CHRIS THOMSEN Head Football Coach

OPINION

’Roids: McGwire should just stay away Continued from page 8 Jose Canseco, a former teammate, admitted to injecting McGwire personally with steroids in his book, Juiced: Wild Times, Rampant ’Roids, Smash Hits, and How Baseball Got Big. In the same book, Canseco says McGwire had used steroids since he entered the league in the ’80s.

My candidates for a better hitting coach include Michael Jordan – during his baseball sabbatical of

course – Willie the Wildcat or any of the kids on my little brother’s Little League team.

Having McGwire as your hitting coach is just as bad as having Tim Donaghy referee the next flag football game between Gamma Sigma Phi and Galaxy or having Bill Buckner teach you how to field a groundball.

If McGwire is allowed to come back and coach after doing something illegal, than why can’t Pete Rose or Shoeless Joe Jackson be in the Hall of

Fame? They both performed illegal acts and were or are banned from baseball.

What would happen if, say, Albert Pujols gets in a slump and can’t seem to break out of it? It is the hitting coach’s job to get his swing back on track or maybe change up his footwork at the plate – unless his hitting coach is the poster boy for steroids next to Barry Bonds and Rafael Palmeiro.

Picture this: Pujols comes to his new hitting coach asking for

help. McGwire says, “I just found these needles from my old stash. I broke the single-season home run record with this same stuff. If you take this, you will break out of your slump.”

The Cardinals and Major League Baseball just made a huge mistake.

contact Gwin at

agg07a@acu.edu

week against a powerful Javelina offense. The Javelinas are averaging 31.2 points per game, led by a balanced offensive attack that averages 191.7 yards rushing and 242.3 yards passing per game. ACU’s defense will need to play like it did last week if it is going to slow down the Javelinas on offense.

The ability to execute and put points up on the scoreboard will be key to the Wildcats success. The offense struggled last week in Stephenville, scoring only six points. ACU had the ball within the 10-yard line three times last

on Mitchell Gale and the offense as they face a tough Javelina defense.

The Wildcats and Javelinas will kick off at 2 p.m. at Shotwell Stadium. contact Cantrell at

jrc07f@acu.edu

Page 8

Standings

VOLLEYBALL

Sports

October 30, 2009

FOOTBALL Ovrl.

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

WTAMU TAMU-C Central Okla.

NE State ENMU SW Okla.

East Central

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

8-1 8-1 7-2 7-2 6-3 6-3 4-5 3-5 2-7 2-7 2-7 1-8 0-9

VOLLEYBALL Ovrl.

Div. Team 10-0 WTAMU 9-1 ACU 6-3 TAMU-C Angelo State 6-3 5-4 SE Okla.

5-4 TAMU-K East Central 5-4 5-4 MSU TX Woman’s 4-5 Central Okla. 4-6 Tarleton St. 3-6 Cameron 2-7 2-8 SW Okla.

ENMU 0-10

26-3 24-5 21-7 14-13 21-11 16-9 14-17 9-21 14-14 13-15 8-18 14-11 5-26 5-20

WOMEN’S SOCCER Div. Ovrl.

Team Central Okla.

ACU WTAMU MSU TAMU-C TX Woman’s ENMU SW Okla.

Angelo State East Central NE State

6-2 5-2-2 5-2-1 5-3 5-3 5-3 3-5 3-5 3-6 2-6 1-6-1

12-5-1 10-5-2 11-2-2 11-3-2 10-6 7-8 8-9 6-10-1 9-9 5-7-2 5-9-1

WILDCATS THINK PINK HEATHER LEIPHART Staff Photographer

Jordan Schilling digs the ball against Texas-Permian Basin in Moody Coliseum on Tuesday.

Wildcats support breast cancer awareness at ‘Dig Pink’ game Jeff Craig Sports Reporter It’s every woman’s worst nightmare.

More than 200,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States every year; 40,000 of them will

Scores SUNDAY Soccer ACU 0, West Texas A&M 0

TUESDAY HEATHER LEIPHART Staff Photographer

Volleyball ACU 2, Texas-Permian Basin 1

THURSDAY Volleyball ACU 3, East Central 0

Upcoming FRIDAY Soccer ACU at Midwestern State, 5:30 p.m.

Women’s Basketball ACU vs. Lubbock Christian, 7 p.m.

SATURDAY Football

lose the fight. This season, the ACU women’s volleyball team did its part to help by raising awareness and funds to fight the powerful killer.

The Wildcats joined scores of high school and collegiate volleyball teams across the nation Tuesday as they participated in Dig Pink 2009. Begun in 2004, Dig Pink’s main goal is to combine a passion for volleyball with a determination to cure breast cancer. Tuesday night’s game against Texas-Permian Basin served as Dig Pink night for the Wildcats. ACU Head Coach Kellen Mock’s team wore pink socks in front of a crowd adorned in pink, all in an attempt to raise awareness on the ACU campus.

“The main purpose was to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer,” Mock said. “We also attempted to raise funds for Dig Pink. My best friend from high school’s mom died

Maria Whittemore speaks about being a breast cancer survivor.

see PINK page 7

FOOTBALL

Must-win game for ’Cats Austin Gwin

The Wildcats fell to seventh in the region Assistant Sports Editor last week after a loss The Wildcats will look to Tarleton State, while to keep their playoff the Javelinas held off hopes alive against the Eastern New Mexico last Texas A&M-Kingsville week 38-31. The win alJavelinas on Saturday lowed them to jump night.

The Wildcats the Wildcats in the need to win their final regional rankings, as two games to lock up a they moved up to fifth in the region. The top postseason berth.

six teams in the region make playoffs, making this week’s matchup an important game.

“It adds excitement and motivation for both teams,” said Head Coach Chris Thomsen.

“If you win this game, you get to play on. That see WIN page 7

ACU vs. TAMU-Kingsville, 2 p.m.

Volleyball ACU at SE Oklahoma St., 7 p.m.

HOME GAMES LISTED IN ITALICS

Briefs n The ACU women’s volleyball team remained seventh in the latest NCAA regional poll, despite winning its last 12 matches.

KEY PLAYER: QB Mitchell Gale and the Wildcat offense struggled against Tarleton State last week. Gale will be looking to rebound from his two-interception game against a Javelina defense that gives up 214 yards per game through the air and has intercepted opposing quarterbacks eight times this season.

A strong game from Gale would put the Wildcats in a good position for a victory.

KEY PLAYER: Junior RB Fred Winborn is coming off a monster game in which he carried the ball 37 times for a schoolrecord of 263 yards. Winborn will face a tougher challenge this week as ACU boasts the top-ranked rushing defense in Division II, giving up only 34 yards per game. But if Winborn can find a way to get going on the ground Saturday, the Wildcats could be in trouble.

KEY MATCHUP: Texas A&M-Kingsville has given up only 12 sacks this season, good for second in the Lone Star Conference. Meanwhile, ACU has gotten to the quarterback 26 times, also good for second in the LSC. ACU’s ability to rush the passer could help to ground a Javelina air attack, forcing them to run the ball against the top-ranked ACU defense.

KEY MATCHUP: The Texas A&MKingsville defense is giving up 109 yards per game rushing on the season.

The Javelinas may put eight in the box to try and stop ACU’s rushing attack and force young quarterback Mitchell Gale – who has thrown four interceptions in the last two games – to try and beat them through the air.

HEATHER LEIPHART Staff Photographer

The women’s volleyball team wore pink socks at their game Tuesday in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

OPINION

Agree to Disagree

Former Oakland Athletics and St. Louis Cardinals slugger Mark McGwire was seen as a hero when he was chasing the single-season home run record. However, allegations of steroid use caused a fall from grace. Now, the Cardinals have hired McGwire as a hitting coach, igniting controversy across the sports nation.

Leaving Bad call the past to hire behind McGwire Tanner Knauth

Austin Gwin

Sports Editor

Assistant Sports Editor

It’s time to move on. For the last several years, baseball has been associated with steroids, a n d M a r k M c G wire was smack in the middle of the controKnauth versy. I remember McGwire sitting in front of Congress not wanting to talk about the past. I know how that reflected poorly on baseball. I also know McGwire was so ostracized for his role

Mark McGwire does not deserve the position of hitting coach for the St. Louis Cardinals organization.

In fact, M c G w i r e d o e s not deserve a poGwin sition in any baseball organization.

It has been all but confirmed McGwire took steroids. Every time he is asked, he declines to comment or says, “I am not here to talk about the past.”

see PAST page 7

see ’ROIDS page 7