The Optimist Print Edition: 11.17.10

acuoptimist.com

Optimist the

Record Keepers, page 5

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Vol. 99, No. 25

1 section, 8 pages

CAMPUS

Sadie’s Week offers free food to female students complimentary offers redeemable from businessContributing Reporter es around town. However, Sadie’s Week began Tues- only women are allowed day with free tickets dis- to pick up tickets.

The event, partnered tributed in the Campus Center for Cold Stone with local hot spots such ice cream. The three-day as Starbucks and Sharky’s, freebie giveaway, spon- provides women with two sored by the Campus Ac- free offers each day, retivities Board, will provide deemable on that day only.

Marissa Ferguson

In past years, Sadie Hawkins Week encouraged women to court men.

“It’s a good way to ask out a guy and it not be weird,” Tara Shoemaker, senior family studies major from Houston, said. “You get a free meal out of it, and you get to hang out for free.”

However, bringing just

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The Campus Activities Board has organized a week of giveaways. Coupons can be picked up after Chapel.

• Wednesday, Sharky’s Burrito Company • Thursday, Starbucks • Friday, free movie, Inception, in Cullen Auditorium campus and also gives them something free to do.”

Providing students with the incentive of free food,

Poll of Sweetwater residents by ACU students in persuasion course reveals Tenaska remains big issue

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percent unsure if Sweetwater should build a power plant

Sadie’s Week also heightens economic awareness. see SADIE’S page 4

GERONTOLOGY

Photo contest features elderly Christina Burch

Contributing Reporter

percent think Sweetwater should not build a power plant

percent believe Sweetwater should sell Tenaska its waste water

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68 53 21

percent believe Tenaska will create more jobs

quick facts

Survey says...

percent believe Sweetwater should build a power plant

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friends, as opposed to a love interest, has become increasingly popular.

“We make it so girls have to pick up the tickets, but it’s not necessarily just for girls to ask out guys,” Shoemaker said. “Girls can just bring a girlfriend. It’s just been a great opportunity to get students involved on

percent believe the plant is necessary to meet future energy needs

T

percent think Tenaska would decrease electrical costs

he proposal to build a coal power plant about 40 miles west of Abilene remains controversial both in Abilene and in neighboring Sweetwater, according to a poll recently conducted by ACU students.

Students in a persuasion course polled residents of Sweetwater, the district in

28

percent were unsure if Tenaska should sell its waste water

percent believe Sweetwater should not sell Tenaska its waste water

which the plant would be built. A slight majority of 47 percent supported the construction of Tenaska’s Trailblazer Energy Center while the rest were opposed or unsure.

Tenaska: The Debate Tensions rose in Abilene and Sweetwater this summer as power producer, Tenaska Energy, moved forward in its plan to build a new coal power plant between the two cities. Sweetwater mayor, Greg Wortham, wel-

49

Story by Christianna Lewis comed the plant as an opportunity to boost the local economy, while Abilene refused to sell Tenaska its waste water to run the plant.

Dr. Eric Hardegree, professor of chemistry, said he was pleased Abilene did not sell its water, but still had concerns about the plant. He coauthored an article for the Abilene Reporter-News in July on the coal plant’s potential health hazards. see POWER page 4

Students can use the art of photography to capture the heart of the elderly generation for the first “Images of Aging” photo contest.

The Pruett Gerontology Center, along with the Department of Art and Design and the Digital Media Center, is conducting a photography contest, encouraging students to celebrate the elderly community by snapping shots of adults age 60 or older. The contest began Nov. 11, and all photos must be digitally submitted to contest’s blog

by Jan. 31, 2011.

A panel of professional judges will choose the winners in five different categories. Each winner will receive gift certificates, and their work will be displayed in various locations, including the Pruett Gerontology Center and online.

The five categories students may enter are Art Forms: black and white, Art Forms: color, Documentary: black and white, Documentary: color, and Mobile: captured from a mobile device – such as an iPhone.

Dr. Charlie Pruett, director of the Gerontology see PHOTO page 4

STUDENT GROUPS

Project Sustain to promote local food, healthy lifestyle ministry, will perform during the event. The perforContributing Reporter mance will be followed by ACU’s Locavore Club will the movie Fresh – a docuteam up with Seekers of mentary illustrating the the Word and Wishing Well dangers of eating industrito host Project Sustain, an alized foods and the benevent promoting locally efits of local foods.

Area farms, including grown food and a healthy lifestyle. The event will take Slow Poke Farm, will exhibplace in Cullen Auditorium it their locally-grown prodon Thursday from 6-10 p.m. ucts. Wishing Well will host Seekers of the Word, a fund-raising event for ACU’s on-campus drama charities overseas by sell-

Keyi Zhou

al benefits of locally-grown food. They also advocate sustainable, small-scale agricultural systems.

Matthew Hale, senior communication major from Uvalde, is the president of ACU Locavore Club. He said eating local food is beneficial to the local economy and allows people to have better see SUSTAIN page 4

website

inside news The CCSL sends out postcards that feature places around campus to spend quiet time with God and build community. page 3

ing baked goods, T-shirts, handmade necklaces and pieces of art.

The New Oxford American Dictionary announced “locavore” as its word of the year for 2007. The word is used to describe people who prefer to eat locallyproduced food.

The ACU Locavore Club organizes events to promote the economical, nutritional, social and spiritu-

opinion The Editorial Board discusses whether the NCAA should take intent into consideration when punishing athletic programs. page 6

Photo courtesy of Matthew Hale

Members of ACU’s Locavore Club plant garlic on Friday at Slowpoke Farm.

weather photo gallery Find more photos throughout ACU football’s perfect season on our website, acuoptimist.com.

Abilene Christian University

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Campus Wednesday, November 17, 2010

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Day

calendar & events

Wednesday

11 a.m. Chapel in Moody Coliseum

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Thursday

11 a.m. Small group Chapels meet around campus

7:30 p.m. Mother Teresa is Dead

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Friday

11 a.m. Praise Day in Moody Coliseum

6 p.m. Project Sustain

7:30 p.m. Mother Teresa is Dead

7:30 p.m. Mother Teresa is Dead

8 p.m. Inception in Cullen Auditorium

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Saturday

7:30 p.m. Mother Teresa is Dead 8 p.m. Amahl and the Night Visitors

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

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announcements Mother Teresa is Dead, the Department of Theatre’s Cornerstone production, will show at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 16-20 in Fulks Theatre. For ticketing information call (325) 647-2787 or visit www. acu.edu/theatre.

Amahl and the Night Visitors The ACU Opera will perform Gian-Carlo Menotti’s opera at at 8 p.m. Nov. 18 and Nov. 20 in the Williams Performing Arts Center. Tickets to these two shows are $10 for adults and $5 for children and students.

Sadie’s Week Beginning Nov. 16, the women of ACU can stop by the Campus Center after

Chapel to pick up tickets for various things.

Nov.16: free Coldstone tickets. Nov. 17: free Sharkys tickets. Nov. 18: free Starbucks tickets.

Inception will be shown for free at 8 p.m. Nov. 19 in Cullen Auditorium. Doors will open at 7:40 p.m.

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

Call (325) 674-2151 for more information.

Christmas Vespers Concert The ACU Department of Music presents the Christmas Vespers Concert on at 8 p.m.

Dec. 5 at the First Baptist Church of Abilene. For

more information call (325) 674-2199 or visit www.acu.edu/music.

Project Sustain ACU Locavores, Wishing Well and Seekers of the Word are sponsering an event showcasing some of the non-profit organizations around campus. The event is from 6 - 10 p.m.

Nov. 18 in Cullen Auditorium.

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 the race at www.runtherock. com and to participatewith ACU visit www.acu. edu/whiterock

ACUltimate, the university’s ultimate frisbee club, meets at 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Interested students can contact Kyle Thaxton at krt06d@acu.edu.

IEH Sing Song Students who wish to join the IEH Sing Song act may attend an informational meeting at 8 p.m. Nov. 18 in Bible Building room 115. Students do not have to be a part of one of the multicultral groups on campus; any student may join the act.

Dallas White Rock Marathon Students wishing to run the Dallas White Rock

Turkey Throwdown The women of Delta Theta are sponsoring a double-

elimination flag-football tournament Nov. 18-21.

Each team member will receive a T-shirt. All proceeds will be donated to Meals on Wheels to help feed hungry families during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.

FCA, the ACU chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, meets at 9 p.m. every Thursday in the Living Room of the Campus Center.

ACU Choirs The ACU choral department is looking for students to join the University Chorale for the spring semester. Men are especially encouraged to join. Interested students may register for the University Chorale

(MPEV 202-01) with their advisers. The course meets from 1-1:50 p.m. MWF. Contact Dr. Sean Pullen at sean. pullen@acu.edu or (325) 674-2108 for more information.

Empowerment Encounter Jeanene Reese, Jerry Taylor, Janelle Sands and others will lead the discussion “Being On a Christian Campus Does not Make You A Christian” at 7 p.m. on Nov. 30 in Bible Building Room 117.

ACU Bands Concert The ACU Bands will preform in concert at 8 p.m. Dec. 2 in Cullen Auditorium.

For more information call (325) 647-22199.

volunteer opportunities Windcrest Alzheimer’s Care Center needs volunteers Nov. 29 to Dec. 3 to help pull out Christmas decorations and decorate the facility for the upcoming holiday season. E-mail Chris Stephenson at CLStephenson@Sears-Methodist. com or call 325-692-1533 to arrange a day and time to volunteer.

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 Dyess Youth Center needs help with a Ping Pong Exhibition from 4 to 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. to 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.

Ortiz Elementary School Library would like volunteers MondayFriday to help check in and shelve books, and help with some special projects. Contact Nancy Hartline at 325-671-4945.

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

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administrative assistant.

The work can be done any time 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Tuesday - Friday. Call (325) 677-8389 or e-mail info@center-arts.com for more information.

The Dyess Youth Center needs volunteers from 4 to 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.

Aimee’s Art Studio is seeking volunteers from 9-10 a.m. or 1:30-2:30 p.m. Tuesday to assist with homeschool fine arts classes. No formal art skills or training is required. The studio is a five minute walk from ACU’s campus. For more information, contact Aimee Williams at (325)672-9633.

The Oakridge Church of Christ needs volunteers from 1 to 5 p.m. Nov. 20 to organize grocery goods into boxes and deliver them to families. Volunteers need a vehicle and driver’s license, or may come with someone who does. The event will take place at 3250 Beltway

South. E-mail Emerald Lemmons at emeraldlemmons@ gmail.com if you would like to help. Contact him ahead of time so they know how many people to expect.

Meals on Wheels needs volunteers to deliver noon meals to seniors and adults with disabilities. Routes are available 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Monday - Friday.

Volunteers must be at least 18, with a valid driver’s license, auto insurance and a desire to serve. Training is provided. Students may be exempted from one Chapel per week if delivery time conflicts with Chapel. Contact Elizabeth Rodgers at erodgers@ mealsonwheelsplus.com.

CAMPUS NEWS

November 17, 2010

Page 3

LOCAL

APD promotes first African American supervisor could have held such a position but decided for various Opinion Page Editor reasons not to accept a proIn a ceremony at the Law motion. Ford was different, Enforcement Center on Nov. however, and felt compelled 5, the Abilene Police Depart- to change that trend.

“Will stepped up and ment promoted two of its officers and handed out 19 said, ‘It’s something I want awards to other officers for to do. It’s what I’m being their work in the field, includ- led to do,’” Berry said. “And ing the Life Saving Bar and we’re very proud he did.”

Ford said he was honored the Police Medal of Valor.

The afternoon’s highlights by the promotion but does were the promotions of Ser- not think his race and progeant Keith Shackleford to motion mark any significant the rank of lieutenant and change in the department.

Detective Will Ford to the Instead, he said he hopes it can inspire younger officers rank of sergeant.

Ford’s promotion marks to realize they can advance the first time an African within the ranks.

“The people who already American has been promoted to a supervisory position. work here know what the Assistant Chief of Police opportunities are, black or Jim Berry said several African white,” Ford said. “But mayAmerican police in the past be some kid at school or in Matthew Woodrow

college may have doubts about what they can do, what they can accomplish.

Hopefully they can look at this situation and know that all things are possible.”

As a detective, Ford appeared at homicide scenes, interrogated suspects and even went to court as a witness.

Sergeant Ford will now be heading up patrols on the north side of Abilene, responding to distress calls and helping instruct other officers in the field.

Lieutenant Shackleford said he felt honored but humbled to be promoted and spoke glowingly of all the officers who came before him.

“I think of all the people that had this position be-

fore I came along – fantastic people,” Shackleford said. “They had so much knowledge and so much experience. They gave so much to me and to my career, and now I get to turn around and get to help other people that way. That is truly, truly awesome.”

Shackleford’s new responsibility will be to work with the newest officers in the department, instructing them and helping develop their skills.

“You shouldn’t ever stagnate – you should always keep going down the road,” Shackleford said. “That’s my job. Keep them going down the road.”

DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer contact Woodrow at

mrw08a@acu.edu

Sergeant Will Ford of Abilene Police Department speaks at a ceremony on Nov. 5. Ford is APD’s first African American supervisor.

CAMPUS

Center encourages community to find solitude Meagan Hernandez Contributing Reporter

The Center for Christian Service and Leadership is continuing a mission of ministry to the ACU community with its solitude and community postcard series.

The postcards feature places around campus to spend quiet time with the Lord and ways to connect more deeply with friends.

“So often in life we just start doing things, life and ministry, if that doesn’t work we get friends to help, then when that doesn’t work, then we pray,” said Jen Rogers, director of student ministries for the CCSL. “This is the opposite way that Jesus

‘‘ ’’

teaches us, first we must spend time alone with God; it is there that we hear we are the Beloved.”

Themes of solitude and community have been the current focus of the CCSL. The postcard series is based on Henri Nouwen’s article, “Moving From Solitude to Community to Ministry.” Rogers stressed the importance of the principles in the article.

Each solitude series postcards features a picture of a place around campus that can be used as a place to enjoy quiet time with the Lord. Each picture is accompanied by a reflection written by a member of the ACU community.

One location featured in the series is the Sewell

It can be daunting to spend time in solitude.

JEN ROGERS // director of student ministries for CCSL

Garden, located by the Lunsford Foundation Trail outside of the Hardin Administration Building. The reflection on the back of the card was written by Dr. Mikee Delony, assistant professor of English. The reflection gives her perspective on dealing with spiritual “storms” and getting the most out of solitary time with the Lord.

Delony attributes her inspiration for the reflection

from a sermon she heard one Sunday morning.

“We all start melting down, things get hard. I stood back and asked ‘how can I deal with things?’ We all go through storms,” Delony said.

Rogers said the best thing to do is to take this card and your Bible and go to these locations.

“Sometimes people don’t know where to start,” Rogers said. “It can be daunting

to spend time in solitude.

People always ask, ‘how can I do that?’”

The other component to the postcard series is community. Rogers stressed the importance of celebrating and embracing each other.

She believes these cards can help create times for friends to connect on a deeper level.

One of the community cards Rogers discussed depicted the discipleship meal. The card suggests getting a group of people together to share a meal.

The reflection poses three questions to promote discussion, encouragement and spiritual growth.

Nouwen’s article, “Moving From Solitude to Com-

munity to Ministry”, was also used this semester in a freshman small group Chapel and a freshman emerging leadership group.

Rogers said the CCSL is still looking for people who would like to get involved with this project. Those interested in suggesting a location for a postcard, or even writing a reflection for a card, can email Rogers at jen.rogers@acu.edu. Copies of solitude and community postcards and Nouwen’s article are available for free in the CCSL offices, located in the lower level of the McGlothin Campus Center. contact Hernandez at

optimist@jmcnetwork.com

FROM THE FRONT

Page 4

November 17, 2010

STUDENT GROUPS

Ad/PR students find success at state conference Meiqi Zhang

Contributing Reporter

Advertising/Public Relations majors received third place in the crisis news release category at the Texas Public Relations Association’s Fall Leadership Day Conference.

Last Friday, students in ACU’s Ad/PR club attended the TPRA conference in

Austin. Eight teams from six Texas universities competed in crisis planning and crisis news release categories, as the conference theme was crisis communication.

The team included Laura Gasvoda, junior from Houston, Amanda McVey junior from Austin, William Moore, senior from Arlington and Preston Watkins, junior from Manassas, VA.

In the crisis communication competition, the students were given a scenario, then asked to develop a crisis plan on how they would handle it and write a news release about it. All of the participants were given the same topic for the contest.

The Ad/PR students worked as a team in the competition. One student wrote the news release and

everyone helped with editing the release, said Watkins, copresident of the Ad/PR club.

To prepare for the competitions, Watkins said they had team meetings and looked at elements of a crisis communication plan before leaving.

“We did a lot of research online, and our professor, Dave Hogan, gave us tips and case studies of what has happened in the past

– how things were handled and not handled,” Watkins said. “So from that, we had a basic knowledge of crisis communication.”

Eyrah Quashie, junior Ad/PR major from The Colony, is also a co-president of the Ad/PR club. Quashie attended the conference but did not compete. She said the conference was a time to network and learn about

crisis communication from professionals across Texas.

“The conference gives students a platform to build their career on,” Quashie said. “It’s networking and basically getting out and interacting with professionals in our field.”

contact Zhang at

optimist@jmcnetwork.com

LOCAL

Power: Class polls residents about Tenaska plant Continued from page 1

“During the last couple of months, this has turned from mostly a water issue to a pollution issue,” Hardegree said. “Coal is inherently a dirty fuel. It contains sulfur, mercury, lead and arsenic.”

Tenaska’s proposal includes storing the coal’s waste ash on site. Hardegree said this ash, containing high concentrations of heavy metals, could blow straight into Abilene’s water shed. Lake Fort Phantom Hill, among other bodies of water, could be at risk, Hardegree said.

Additionally, the plant’s new clean energy technology uses amines to capture carbon, Hardegree said.

While Hardegree supports the development of the

technology, he said it has not been tested enough to insure dangerous amounts of amines will not be released into the air. The amines are mutagens and can cause birth defects, cancer and liver disease, Hardegree said.

“This would be one of the first uses of this carbon capture technology,” Hardegree said. “I just don’t want our environment, water source and citizens to be a huge experiment.”

The Sierra Club and the Multi-County Coalitions brought these and other environmental concerns to court this summer. State administrative law judges recommended Tenaska tighten its limits on pollutants. Tenaska’s proposal has not yet been granted an air quality permit by

Betheny Jones, senior communications major from Shadyside, Md. was one student who worked on the poll.

She said the class researched both sides of the debate before formulating the questions but were instructed to not take a stance on the issue before the poll was conducted.

The persuasion class polled 525 randomly-selected Sweetwater residents by telephone on Oct. 9-24, Jones said. Only individuals 18 or older who were aware of the proposed plant were asked to complete the survey.

The poll had a completion The Poll’s Methods The poll was crafted by rate of 47 percent and a mar22 students with the guid- gin of error of plus or minus ance of Sharp-Penya. Sharp- four percent.

Penya said she is a member of an anti-Tenaska group, The Results Although 47 percent of but she still wanted this poll Sweetwater residents supto be completely unbiased. the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

Wortham told the Abilene Reporter-News he spoke for the vast majority of Sweetwater residents in his support of Tenaska as a clean energy provider. Dr. Lynette Sharp-Penya, associate professor of communication, was approached by student who wanted to examine this debate through a project for the persuasion class.

“I thought it’d be a good opportunity for the class to do a real-world issue project,” Sharp-Penya said.

ported the construction of the power plant, an even higher number, 49 percent, opposed selling local water to Tenaska.

The reasons for the plant’s support in Sweetwater were illustrated in the poll. A majority of 68 percent of Sweetwater residents believed the construction of the plant would create jobs. Fifty-three percent believed the plant is necessary to meet future energy needs, although only 21 percent agreed that it would decrease electrical costs.

One-quarter of Sweetwater residents were unsure about the plant’s potential effects on Sweetwater’s water, air and residents’ health, Sharp-Penya said. Although a majority of 42 percent believed the coal plant would pollute the air, residents were split almost evenly over whether the plant would

pollute local water.

“It’s unusual that you would have that many people unsure about an issue,” Sharp-Penya said. “These are people who know about the plant, but they’re just really unsure about the effects.”

The mix of responses on whether the coal plant will harm people’s health was too close to show a clear majority because of the margin of error. Thirty-five percent of respondents said the plant would be harmful, while 41 percent said it would not and the rest are unsure.

Jones said the project is a motivation for her to inform others about the proposed plant and encourage them to research both sides of the debate. contact Lewis at

cll09a@acu.edu

GERONTOLOGY

Brass Harmony

Contest: Students urged to interact with elders Continued from page 1

Center, said he hopes the contest will encourage students to interact with older adults in a positive way.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for students who love photography or want to love photography,” Pruett said. “I see college students really enjoying interacting with older adults. It’s a source of relationship.”

Pruett said he believes the contest will create student awareness of America’s demographic shift toward the growing elderly population.

“I believe students spending time with the elderly will develop that intergenerational bond,” Pruett said. “We have older people and younger people, each interacting at different stages in life. We should all enjoy each other at whatever stage we are at.”

STACY ACTON // Staff Photographer

Chris Castellanos of Boston Brass plays the french horn during the quintet’s performance in the Williams Performing Arts Center on Nov. 11. Castellanos is a native of Las Vegas.

Sue Garcia, administrative coordinator of the Pruett Gerontology Center, said she also supports students in building these relationships.

“We want students to engage with the older adults,” Garcia said. “In return, the older adults will engage as well and have a good time doing it.”

The Pruett Gerontology Center also offers undergraduate students the opportunity to earn a Certificate of the Studies of Aging. This 15-hour program allows students to explore courses like Sociology of Aging and Ministry with Older Adults.

Garcia said she believes the nationally recognized gerontology program is a wise subject to invest in.

“It doesn’t matter what career path students are on,” Garcia said. “Chances are,

they will be working with older adults one way or another, and it’s nice to know how to do that.”

Sarah Beardsley, junior family studies major from Keller, works in the Gerontology Center and said she encourages students to participate.

“This contest not only gets students involved with the elderly community, but it also gives them a chance to broaden their photography skills, share their talents and allow them to get their name out there,” Beardsley said.

For more information and contest rules, visit blogs. acu.edu/imagesofaging or stop by the Pruett Gerontology Center’s facilities in the Hardin Administration Building, Room 118. contact Burch at

optimist@jmcnetwork.com

CAMPUS

STUDENT GROUPS

Sadie’s: Abilene businesses offer free giveaways

Sustain: Event to promote local food

Continued from page 1

“The event is great because we get to celebrate with ACU, but students get to come out and learn about our business,” Lynn Webb, general manager of Cold Stone Creamery, said.

“It continuously benefits our business by allowing those who come in to be aware of our product and aware of a great place that they can go with friends.

They can really see what’s available to them.”

About 200 tickets will be given out this week..

Shoemaker said every ticket redeemed at a business will be reimbursed.

Wednesday’s freebie will be redeemable at Sharky’s Burrito Company. Thursday, which is the last day for women to pick up tickets in the Campus Center, passes for a free item at Starbucks will be issued. The week will end Friday with a free screening of the movie Inception in Cullen Auditorium at 8p.m. contact Ferguson at

optimist@jmcnetwork.com

Continued from page 1

‘‘ ’’

knowedge of the food they eat and where it comes from.

Hale said eating natural and healthy local food is a something that also can connect you with God the creator.

“Nutritionally, the benefit is outrageous,” Hale said. “If you buy one tomato from the local farm, it has more nutritious value than five tomatoes at the grocery store.”

Hale explained that tomatoes at supermarkets were picked when they were green and then subjected to chemicals so they can be transported thousands of miles to a supermarket. Local farmers pick tomatoes when they are ripe, without adding artifi-

Anybody who wants to make a difference should come.

EVELYN HENSHAW // senior communication major from San Diego

cial chemicals.

However, Hale said local foods usually cost more than traditional grocery store foods and are harder to get.

“Local food costs more, but its worth more,” Hale said.

Evelyn Henshaw, senior communications major from San Diego and vice president of the Locavore Club, said the event is open to anyone.

“Anybody who wants to make a difference should come,” Henshaw said.

Wishing Well will be

raising money at the event for the construction of wells that provide clean water in developing nations. It partners with other organizations around the world to help provide clean water in Ghana, West Africa and Afghanistan and built a water purification system in Haiti. In 2008, it raised approximately $20,000.

Benjamin Fulfer, senior sociology major from Memphis and director of Wishing Well, said Project Sustain is a good opportunity to learn

more about Wishing Well and make a difference.

“There are two reasons why I want to do this,” Fulfer said. “One is that water is such a necessity in life, but a lot people don’t have clean water; and a lot of diseases come from not having clean water. This is a tangible and easy way to help. Another reason is that we are allowing college students to be able to use their talents, abilities and passions to do something good.”

To learn more about the Locavore Club visit the group’s Facebook page or e-mail aculocavore@gmail.com. contact Zhou at

optimist@jmcnetwork.com

Focus

November 17, 2010

Page 5

Above: The Record Guys display their rarer albums along the wall in the back of the store. Below: Customers can find a few eight-track tapes in the family-run record store.

A New Spin on things Local record store owners understand the joys of combining business and family In Burro Alley, behind El Fenix Café, an overgrown and almost forgotten courtyard is home to Abilene’s bestkept music secret – The Record Guys.

The small store, tucked away between two local shops on the corner of South 1st and Willis, isn’t visible from the street. Customers follow a red-brick sidewalk until they hear a Beatles’ tune playing through outdoor speakers.

A small sign above the speakers signals that the simple concrete structure is, in fact, a fruitful business.

Stepping into the store, customers are greeted with a hearty hello from Kevin Howell, partial owner of the business his sons began in middle school.

These days, his sons Justin, the businessman, and Jon, the salesman, live in the Dallas area, and Kevin runs the shop after he’s done teaching social studies at Abilene Cooper High School – creating somewhat unconventional hours for the local store – Tuesday through Thursday from 4-6 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 1-6 p.m.

The walls of the small, single-room store are lined with old records, tie-dyed T-shirts and a few 8-track tapes. The center of the room is a maze of 45s, neatly arranged in multicolored wire baskets, roughly sorted by genre and price.

At the back of the shop, customers can find refurbished record players and a collection of vintage cameras.

The friendly staff and relaxed, musical atmosphere makes the simple store as homey as the family who started it.

And Kevin says starting it was an accident.

While browsing a garage sale, Kevin discovered 12 crates full of records marked $.50 each. As he looked through the old records, the man running the garage sale bargained with Kevin, offering him better and better deals.

Kevin continued to peruse the crates until he heard himself asked the man, “What would you take for all of them?”

“A dollar a crate and you can keep the crates,” the man said quickly.

Twelve dollars later, Kevin had a horde of records and a frustrated wife. He set aside 20-30 records for himself and stacked the rest in the living room to collect dust for the next few months.

In an attempt to ditch the pile of records – and appease his wife – Kevin decided to haul the 45s and his two preteen sons to the Buffalo Gap flea market. Justin Howell, Kevin’s oldest son and self-proclaimed businessman of the record operation, said they brought a table, a tarp and the 12 cartons of records and set up a booth. The family team intended to rid itself of the record problem, but instead, they ended up buying more records from another vendor.

“It’s so funny how the business got started, because we went out to the flea market to sell them and get rid of them, and we ended up buying more. And eight

Their hard work paid off. Jon said he and his brother used proceeds from the business to buy their first car – an ’84 Mustang convertible.

For the most part, the family makes a good team. Jon is known for his ability to sell, always knowing what will sell and what won’t. Justin is better at buying the records and controlling the business side of things.

Jon said he remembers the first few times he and his brother sold in Buffalo Gap. Justin was a very aggressive salesman and Jon said he would suddenly shout at people in an attempt to persuade them to look through the records. Eventually, Justin got better at sales, but he really excelled in business – Jon’s weaker suit.

In fact, Justin remembers one afternoon in the original Abilene location when Jon was looking after the store by himself. Justin and Kevin walked in, and Jon said, “Oh, hey I bought some steak.”

Jon proceeded to tell his dad and brother that a man entered the store claiming to sell steak from his truck.

Jon gave the man $30 and expected him to come right back with the steak. He never came back, but Kevin and Justin had a good laugh.

After Justin and Jon graduated from Abilene High School in 2007 and 2008, the South 7th location closed, but they continued selling records from Fredericksburg, and for a brief time, San Angelo. At the beginning of this summer, Kevin found the location in Burro Alley and set up shop once again in Abilene.

The family keeps a couple thousand records in the store at a time, but they have more than 60,000 albums in a warehouse on N. 1st Street. Justin said in the beginning they bought 2,000-3,000 records at a time for typically $.05- $.10 a piece from ads placed in newspapers.

The Record Guys sell most of their records for $2. The years later, here we are,” Justin said.

The monthly flea market became a regular weekend Beatles, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Johnny Cash activity for the Howells. Kevin said he would drop off his and a few other hard-to-find records cost closer to $20 – 12 and 13-year-old sons at the flea market each week a great deal, according to Justin.

“We like to have low prices because we’re buying a with the table, tarp and records. They would sell records all day, then Kevin would pick them up. They made $300 record for 5-10 cents, so we don’t want to charge outrageous amounts of money just because a book says a on the first trip and a steady profit after that.

“It was interesting being young people being around record’s worth it,” Justin said. “To us, a record is worth adults on our weekend and doing adult things like busi- what someone is willing to pay for it.”

But, the family isn’t in the business for the money. ness and stuff while your friends are watching Saturday morning cartoons and going to the mall and hanging They keep the store alive out of their appreciation for music, the interests of customers and love of family. out with friends,” Justin said.

“Family is the most important thing in this venture,” After a few years, though, business became slower, Justin said. “Without family, there’s no way we could and the family decided it was time to relocate.

They opened a store in Abilene on South 7th Street and have done it – no way. It’s not possible.” tried out the flea market scene in Fredericksburg. They traveled to Fredericksburg on the third weekend of every month contact Bailey at ljb07a@acu.edu and ran the Abilene store after school and on Saturdays.

story by Linda Bailey | photos by Kelsi Williamson

Opinion

Page 6

EDITORIAL

November 17, 2010

NCAA punishment should fit the crime When it comes to rules and regulations, the NCAA is second to none in terms of magnitude. They have set out an extensive list of policies in an attempt to maintain a level playing field across intercollegiate athletics.

However, in the name of fairness, the NCAA has gone too far and imposed penalties on minor infractions that do not merit punishment.

The NCAA is conducting an ongoing investigation into allegations that Auburn University quarterback Cam Newton’s father may have attempted to receive a large payback from universities recruiting his son, according to ESPN. If these allegations are

proven true and any universities are found to be involved, the NCAA should step in and levy serious penalties.

The main purpose of the NCAA should be to ensure that everyone has an equal chance to win. So it makes since that they should step in if a program tries to achieve an advantage unfairly.

A 2009 investigation of the football and track and field programs at ACU found infractions by both teams. The university selfreported the track and field violations and the football infractions were discovered during the investigation.

The football team was forced to vacate 10 wins from

the 2007 season after reports surfaced that two assistant coaches helped two transfer players become academically eligible for the season. The coaches had let the players borrow their computers.

The track and field program was penalized after coaches gave prospective students running shoes and hosted a holiday party at which 15 international students were present. The report said head track and field coach, Don Hood helped, organized the party, and the international students received gifts from alumni and athletics representatives.

The track and field team had to pay a fine, re-

duce the number of international athletes it could recruit and the number of scholarships it could distribute. Both programs were placed on probation.

After the NCAA announced the penalties against ACU, Dr. Royce Money, former university president, said the university was not attempting to gain an unfair advantage and that the infractions were incidental.

“To be clear, we maintain that these infractions do not include intentional violations,” Money said in a press release. “While we had systems in place at the time of the infractions, this investigation has led us to strengthen

By Morgan Davis

The Funny Funnies

the issue

Policy within the NCAA does not differentiate between minor and major infractions.

our take

Policies should be customized to the scenarios, not all situations are equal. our compliance education.”

When the NCAA severely punishes programs like ACU for minor and incidental infractions, they are not fulfilling their purpose.

The NCAA should consider adopting separate policies for intentional and accidental violations. If a university is found to have negotiated with quarterback Cam Newton and his father, it should be severely punished. How-

ever, when universities violate one of the NCAA’s minor polices, intent should hold more weight in the sentencing.

Until then, ACU’s athletes should be careful of sharing the holiday spirit with any of the universities coaches.

Who knows? That next glass of eggnog may bring an NCAA sanction. contact the Optimist at

jmcnetwork@acu.edu

COLUMN

A lifelong mate, worth the wait Self-Examination

By Ryan Self

letter to the editor

Christians shouldn’t condone homosexuality People in general typically Addressing GLBTQ issues as a seek acceptance. But I can’t acloving Christian: Being a Christian is hard. And cept a sinful lifestyle for accepbecoming one guarantees a hard tance sake. I have friends and life filled with struggles and con- even relatives who have considviction, especially with the loaded ered themselves homosexual. topic of: Sex. Because, without God, Did I stop loving them? Did I reno moral rules would exist to limit fuse to hug them? Of course not! or condone any sexual activity. But did I support their decisions, I liked candlelight devo because it was cool to see Repeatedly, throughout the Bible, embrace their claimed identity, all of the lights andadultery listen toand the speaker. or encourage their sexual lifesexual immorality, TYLER PINKERT style? Absolutely not. homosexuality are deemed sinful, Freshman business management major from Red Oak In the former letter, it was and those actively participating in such “will not inherit the Kingdom mentioned that “queer” indiI liked the service project. I got to know a lot of of God” (1 Corinth. 6:9-10). Sex, or viduals feel their identities are people my group I had a blast. shameful, and that’s natural even lust,and whether gay orand straight, should not be embraced outside of because it is. The identity they a one man/one woman marriage are seeking acceptance for is relationship. When building an al- wrong. Sin, of all sorts, is supliance with “queer” organizations, posed to convict us, discourage as a university or individual, I be- recurrence, and expands our lieve we are sending a mixed mes- need and craving for Jesus. Our sage about what we believe to be true identities and confidence can then be founded in Christ. right or wrong, acceptable or not.

After much research, some involving genetics, I have come to the conclusion that homosexuals are not “born that way”.

Many, not all, don’t intentionally choose to be attracted to the same sex, but nonetheless are. The majority of un-biased research accredits homosexual tendencies to a developmental physiological disorder, which can be corrected. Redemption is available for those who genuinely seek it.

I may be bold to say this, but when asking “WWJD?” I find myself picturing Jesus loving and socializing with sinners of all kinds: prostitutes, liars, thieves and homosexuals. Followed up by saying, “Go and sin no more.” Not, “Go embrace your sinful identity and do what feels right.”

Rebekah Leitner, senior nutrition major from Cincinnati

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

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

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

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

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

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

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From the moment one arrives on ACU’s campus, there is a subtle countdown to graduation: you have four years to find someoneto marry, tick tock. As we all know, there are only 4,700 Self Christians out there who are marriage material, all of whom attend ACU. Even though most probably enrolled in ACU to get a Christian education, let’s admit that sometimes it feels secondary to finding a Christian mate.

I’m only half joking. To find yourself holding a diploma and not a marriage license appears to signal you are very far behind.

But it’s not just the culture of ACU that creates an expectation that upon reaching a certain age you should either be married or well on your way to it. According to a recent New York Times article, “sociologists traditionally define the ‘transition to adulthood’ as marked by five milestones: completing school, leaving home, becoming financially independent, marrying and having a child.” Evidently, a person doesn’t enter adulthood until he or she is married with children.

Is marriage really a rite of passage into adulthood? Several of the most beloved and respected professors here at ACU are single by choice. Have they not reached adulthood because they are missing two of the five “milestones toward adulthood?” There’s a certain stigma that those who are not in a relationship are either lacking in maturity or fulfillment. I don’t think I’m the only one

who would argue that this is an unhealthy mindset.

The prevailing attitude that marriage equals adulthood and fulfillment is not only harmful to those who find themselves single in their mid-twenties but also to those that may believe marriage will solve all of life’s problems. Life’s challenges still occur after people say “I do.” At the ripe age of 22, I have already seen several marriages involving people my age which have ended in divorce. Plenty of those couples met at Christian colleges.

The pressure to marry by a certain age applied, by the Christian community as well as society at large, may be leading some to enter marriage before they’re ready. According to a study in the Journal of Family Issues, “young people who marry in their teens and early twenties are far more likely to divorce than those who marry later.” There are obviously hundreds, if not thousands, of examples of successful marriages that grew out of a college relationship – my parents, who have been married for over 25 years, are among of them. But the high number of divorces among this age group should give some pause.

Every single (or notso-single) one of my older cousins is either married or engaged. The same is true of five of my six closest friends back home. Do I feel pressure? Sure. But I want to get married when I and the woman I’ve found are prepared to take on that significant commitment.

I’m just not there yet. And that’s okay. I would go on, but I’m about to attend the wedding of a childhood friend, and I don’t want to be late for his special day. contact Self at

rcs06g@acu.edu

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FROM SPORTS

November 17, 2010

Page 7

FOOTBALL

Perfect: 47-17 win notches undefeated season Continued from page 8

on their first five offensive possessions of the game for the first time this season.

After scoring three touchdowns in a more conventional style, Offensive Coordinator Ken Collums decided to dial up the trick play. Senior wide receiver Harold Jackson caught a screen pass, which he promptly threw down field to a wide-open Raymond Radway. The 61yard touchdown was indicative of just how one sided the contest was.

Despite missing two starters, the Wildcat defense stifled the Bulldogs attack throughout the first half. Senior linebacker Obinna Ononobi got the start in place of the injured Kevin Washington and finished the game with two tackles.

“It was sad that Kevin had to go down, but the next man has to step up and that’s what I did,” Ononobi said.

The Bulldogs managed just three points in the first half and only 132 yards.

“Our guys came out pretty focused,” said Thomsen. “Its hard to come out

focused after a game like last week.”

Southwestern Oklahoma did find the end zone on their first drive of the second half when quarterback Dustin Stenta found Ryan Corbin on a nine-yard strike.

The touchdown capped an eight-play 60-yard drive that chewed up the first four minutes of the third quarter.

But the game was well out of reach at that point, and Coach Thomsen turned to Clark Harrell to finish out the game for the Wildcats. Harrell, senior transfer from Tulsa University, has seen little time since being apart of a quarterback carousel in early 2009. He finished the game, one of his best as a Wildcat, seven for 10 for 56 yards. Harrell also tacked on a two-yard rush late in the second half.

ACU, by virtue of their win over the weekend, earned the No. 1 seed in the NCAA Super Region II bracket. With the first round bye, the Wildcats will have a great chance to rest several players who have been banged up through-

out the season.

Also earning a first round bye in Super Region II is Texas A&M-Kingsville. The Javelinas beat out Northwest Missouri for the second spot despite Kingsville’s lesser strength of schedule.

ACU’s familiar foe Northwest Missouri State claimed the No. 3 seed in the region and will not earn a bye this season. Their first round opponent will be fellow Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association team Missouri Western.

The winner of that matchup will face Kingsville in the second round.

The Wildcats potential second-round opponents are the No. 4 seed Central Missouri or the No. 5 seed West Texas A&M. The Buffs and Mules will square off this Saturday with the winner earning a right to play ACU in Abilene the following week.

“We’re not done,” Dudensing said. “We want to win four more games and win it all.”

DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer

Fullback Justin Andrews (27) dives across the plane of the goalline to extend the Wildcats lead over the Bulldogs on Saturday. The touchdown was a 16-yard pass from Mitchell Gale.

contact Tripp at

bjt07a@acu.edu

SOCCER

Shootout: ‘Core’ will return next year for ’Cats shootout, you never know what is going to happen.”

In the second half, both goal gave the Wildcats some momentum late in the half, teams had their chances as they would play most of but neither could score. The the remainder in the Hill- game play became more balanced as the game evened toppers’ end.

“The first half we strug- up. After 90 minutes of play, gled. They played well and the game was tied, 1–1.

Two extra time periods controlled the majority of the half. Fortunately, Andrea still could not decide the scored to give us a clean game, as both teams defense slate,” coach Casey Wilson would not budge. After 110 said. “In the second half, we minutes of play, the game seemed to have more chanc- would go to penalty kicks.

The Hilltoppers would go es and were able to control the pace of the game, but up in the shootout 2–1 after when it comes down to a three rounds, as both CarContinued from page 8

‘‘ ’’

penter and Coppedge were unable to convert on their kicks. Both teams would convert in the fourth round, making the score 3 –2. In the fifth round, St. Edwards could win the game with a goal and Elliott London made a diving save to keep the Wildcats alive. Ashley Simon would convert on her kick to make the score 3–3 going into sudden death penalty kicks. St. Edwards would make its kick in the sixth round, and Holton just missed her kick off the post, ending a great match.

also saw some new records being set, as Carpenter It was a hard way to end broke the single season and the season, but we left it career goal records for the all on the field...

Wildcats with 22 this year.

LEXI STIRLING // sophomore ACU will graduate five sedefender for the Wildcats niors but should come back “Everyone on the team and come out even stronger with a strong core of players next season. contributed this season, and next year.”

“The experience we got ACU ended what was a I am so proud of our team for going as far as we did,” season of firsts for the soc- this year was very valuable,” defender Lexi Stirling said. cer program. The Wildcats Wilson said. “The future is “It was a hard way to end the won their first conference bright, and we are looking season, but we left it all on title and made their first to make another good run the field this season, so there NCAA Tournament appear- next season.” is nothing to hang our heads ance this season. ACU set a about. We are going to take record for most wins in procontact Cantrell at jrc07f@acu.edu this season and build on it gram history at 17–4. ACU

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Missed free throws doom ACU in close game Bryson Shake

Assistant Sports Editor

The ACU women’s basketball team opened its 2010-11 campaign Friday in Austin and came away with unfavorable results, having lost both games slated on their schedule.

Friday the Wildcats played Hillsdale on the campus of St. Edwards University in Austin at the St. Edwards Shootout and caught the short end of the stick, losing 77-66 to the Chargers.

Hillsdale had a lead of 25 points in the second

half, but the Wildcats rebounded and cut the lead to a mere eight with 25 seconds left in the game, displaying a sense of persistence and tenacity that head coach Shawna Lavender was glad to see.

“I was so impressed with our tenacity and drive in the Hillsdale game. We were down 18 at half, and things just weren’t looking good for us. It would have been so easy for us to put our tail between our legs and give up, but there was never a thought of doubt from the girls. They played with great

intensity and purpose until the final buzzer sounded,” Lavender said.

Hillsdale’s Laura Barczak made a pair of free throws to make it 55-30 with 14:06 to play, but the Wildcats were still hard at it, cutting the score to 72-64, capped with layups by freshman Hillari Adam and sophomore Cecilee Perez. The lone senior on the team, Autumn Whitaker, had a game-high 17 points while Perez and Kelsey Smith followed suit with 11 and 10, respectively.

For nine of the players, this was their first time to

step on a collegiate court and compete, and Lavender acknowledged their efforts.

“It was definitely a positive thing to see the fight and character that everyone showed in the second half,” said Lavender.

The ‘Cats then took on the St. Edwards Lady Hilltoppers on Saturday in Austin and fell short, losing 64-59.

St. Edwards outscored ACU 7-0 in the final 23 seconds of the game.

ACU led 59-57 with 26 seconds left after Renata Marquez hit a pair of free

VOLLEYBALL

Fate: Finally an at-large bid Continued from page 8

There were 16 attack errors, five service errors and three reception errors.

Watching the game, it was easy to see who the better team was that day. ACU even led most of the third set, but the Rambelles got points when it mattered most and closed the deal with a 28-26 third-set win.

Where was the team that had two winning streaks this season of more than ten matches? What happened to not leaving it in the hands of someone else?

So Sunday night, the Wildcats waited like they had done the past two seasons, wondering if they

would get to play another match in their 2010 campaign. Sure, this year there were more in-region wins and only one conference regular-season loss, but would it be enough?

After 20 minutes of watching the NCAA Selection Show, the Wildcats saw what they had waited three years to see: ‘Abilene Christian’ on a line of the NCAA National Championship bracket.

Gone are the worries of having to spend another off-season thinking about what could have been. But this still begs the question: what Wildcat team will we see? Will it be the one who couldn’t be stopped

throughout the regular day at noon against thirdseason? Or will it be the seeded Truman State. one who laid a goose egg against Angelo? contact Gwin at We find out on Thursagg07a@acu.edu

throws to break a 57-all tie. But just three seconds later, Haley Tidwell nailed a three-pointer to give the Hilltoppers a 60-59 lead that would ultimately prove to be concrete.

After a Cecilee Perez turnover and a Marquez foul with 16 seconds left, Brittany Ward hit a pair of free throws to make it a 62-59 game. ACU called timeout with seven seconds left, but Perez missed a game-tying three-pointer with four seconds left.

The Wildcats (0-2) shot a meager 36 percent from the field, and struggled at the

free throw line, hitting only 18 of 30 charity shots. Both are things that sophomore Shelby Shipley says need to improve, as they are essential for winning at the collegiate level.

“We definitely need to work on our shot selection and taking advantage of the opportunities presented to us on the offensive end of the floor. We need to be more patient and wait for those opportunities to develop, and we’ll be fine,” Shipley said. contact Shake at

bxs09a@acu.edu

Sports

Page 8

Standings FOOTBALL Team Div. Ovrl.

ACU TAMU-K WTAMU MSU Tarleton St Angelo St. UIW

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

11-0 10-1 8-3 8-3 3-8 5-5 3-8

MEN’S BASKETBALL Team Div. Ovrl.

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

2-0 1-0 1-0 1-0 1-1 1-1 0-0 0-1

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Team Div. Ovrl.

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

November 17, 2010

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Last-second turnover propels Wildcats Jeff Johnston Sports Reporter

The ACU men’s basketball team began their regular season in exciting fashion last Friday night. The Wildcats played the University of Texas-Permian Basin at Moody Coliseum, pulling off a onepoint 80-79 win, and giving the home crowd a game they will not soon forget.

The game was close from the beginning, and the Wildcats trailed by ten, at most, leading by no more than six

FOOTBALL

2-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-1 0-2 0-2 0-2

the entire game. Their sixpoint lead came with 3:51 left in the game when redshirt freshman, Ben Warton, slipped in an easy lay up, making the score 73-67.

ACU was up 80-79 and had the ball with 12 seconds left in the game, but a quick turnover gave Texas-Permian Basin the ball with eight seconds still on the clock.

Warton and Zach Williams did not let the unfortunate turnover faze them and caused Texas-Permian Basin to have a turnover of their

own as time expired, allowing ACU to hold on to their one-point lead, 80-79.

Williams led all scorers in the game with 21 points. It was his first regular season game to play with the Wildcats as he transferred from Stephen F. Austin last year.

When asked about Williams’ performance, Coach Copeland said, “Zach played great tonight. He set the tone for us with easy baskets at the beginning of the game and continued to play well throughout the night.”

The Wildcats’ bench players contributed heavily to the Friday night win. Ben Warton especially stood out, as he was one rebound shy of a double-double with 13 points and nine rebounds.

Junior transfer Alex Richman also had a major contribution off the bench with a huge three-pointer in the final minutes of the game.

“We played our best when our backs were up against the wall,” Coach Copeland explained. “I didn’t feel like we played as well as we are

capable of playing, but our bench came through when we needed them; and we came out with a win in a tough game, which seems like it has boosted everyone’s confidence.”

“The win on Friday has gotten everyone fired up. The work rate of the team this week at practice has been incredible. Everyone wants to keep the wins coming,” freshman Marcus Norman said. contact Johnston at

jdj10a@acu.edu

Picture Perfect

Briefs n Quarterback

Mitchell Gale was announced as one of the 24 regional finalists for the Harlon Hill trophy, the Division II equivalent of the Heisman Trophy. Gale has thrown for 3109 yards and 32 touchdowns and is second in the nation in passer efficiency and fourth in touchdown passes.

n The men’s basketball team fell to Dallas Baptist on Monday 90-86. Zach Williams led all scorers with 29 points while Giordan Cole dropped in 14.

Ben Warton and Dez Woodberry led the Wildcats in rebounds with six.

Player Profile n Fred Thompson, senior defensive end from Houston, had a breakout game Saturday, sacking the quarterback three times while Thompson adding five total tackles in the ’Cats’ 47-17 win over Southwestern Oklahoma. He now has five sacks on the year. Thompson’s pressure caused SWOSU to have 284 total yards of offense.

ex-factor n Johnny

Knox had five receptions for 90 yards in the Bears' 27-13 win over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. Knox now has 617 receiving yards on the year. Danieal Manning had three tackles in the effort.

n Bernard Scott had 132 total yards in the Bengals’ 23-17 loss to the Colts. Scott rushed for eight yards and had 124 yards on kick returns.

DANIEL GOMEZ// Chief Photographer

Chris Young, center, celebrates the Wildcats’ second LSC championship in three years. ACU beat Southwestern Oklahoma State 47-17 to cap off their perfect season. It is the first time in ACU’s history that a team has finished the season 11-0 and only the third time an ACU football team has had a perfect regular season.

Brandon Tripp Sports Director

The ACU Wildcats finished their bid for an outright Lone Star Conference Championship and a perfect 11-0 season with a 4717 victory over the Southwestern Oklahoma State

Bulldogs on the Wildcats’ senior day.

“It means a lot,” senior fullback Emery Dudensing said. “I really enjoy that we won it here in front of the home crowd.”

The Wildcats out-gained the Bulldogs nearly two to one in yardage, in a game

VOLLEYBALL

Regions await despite defeat Austin Gwin Sports Editor

The Wildcat volleyball team found itself in a familiar position on Sunday – waiting for someone else to decide its fate.

It is the exact position head coach Kellen Mock and her team said they did not want to be in earlier this season. The last two seasons, the same situation occurred. Each time, the Wildcats were left without a playoff bid and wondering ‘what if?’

Throughout the year, the Wildcats showed they would be the ones controlling their own fate. First came a big win against Mesa St. in the opening tournament of the season. Then there were wins against Nebraska at Omaha and, at the time, No. 11 Emporia State. To close it off was an undefeated run through the Lone Star Conference

until the final weekend.

The only real blemish to the Wildcats’ season was a loss at home to West Texas A&M which cost the ’Cats a chance at hosting the LSC tournament. The loss didn’t seem a big deal at the time, as most players and fans thought another conference championship rematch between WT and ACU was on the horizon.

In the first round, the Wildcats rolled past Texas Woman’s without a hitch.

They won in straight sets, and only Angelo State stood in their way of another title appearance.

The Rambelles hadn’t even managed to win a set in six tries against the Wildcats this year. Then came three sets the Wildcats will want to forget. A dominant season for the ’Cats went up in smoke in a matter of 72 minutes. see FATE page 7

that featured back-ups for the vast majority of the second half.

Mitchell Gale played only the first half, completing nine of 15 pass attempts for 128 yards and a score. Gale, a regional finalist for the Harlon Hill Award, completed an outstanding regular

season with 33 touchdowns and just two interceptions, the best touchdown to interception ratio in the nation.

The Wildcats shredded Southwestern Oklahoma on the ground, ripping off 257 yards on just 36 attempts, an average of 6.9 per carry.

Charcandrick West led

the ground attack as the only rusher who went for over 100 yards. West finished the game with 114 yards and two scores, including a 66yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.

ACU scored touchdowns see PERFECT page 7

SOCCER

MEAGAN HERNANDEZ // Staff Photographer

Midfielder Kristen Cavallo, fights for the ball against West Texas A&M earlier this year.

Year ends in heartbreak Ryan Cantrell

Sports Multimedia Editor

The Wildcats’ season came to a heartbreaking end Sunday as the Hilltoppers of St. Edward’s defeated the Wildcats in penalty kicks 4–3.

ACU and St. Edwards drew to a 1–1 tie through regulation and two extra time periods before the game was decided in the shootout.

After earning the fourth seed in the NCAA Division II tournament, the Wildcats

defeated Angelo State 5 –0 Friday for the third time this season. Andrea Carpenter scored twice against the Rambelles, and Ashley Holton, Julie Coppedge and Krysta Grimm all tallied one goal in the match.

The Wildcats advanced with the win over ASU to play the top seed in the region, St. Edward’s, on Sunday. The Hilltoppers came out in the first half and attacked the Wildcats. ACU spent most of the first half

defending in its own zone.

St. Edwards would strike first with a goal by Kelly Servage in the 21st minute. Servage collected a loose ball in the box and blew it past goalkeeper Elliott London to make the score 1–0.

The Wildcats would answer with a late goal in the half to tie the match. Andrea Carpenter made a great individual effort to score her 22nd goal of the season. The see SHOOTOUT page 7