The Optimist - 12.04.13

Meet Willie Hear from the man behind the mask of Willie the Wildcat Features Page 5 vol. 102, no. 27

wednesday, december 04, 2013

1 SECTION, 8 PAGES

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NEWS Students will participate in the return of the Quidditch tournament on Dead Day

WAY

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NEWS The Midnight Breakfast will provide breakfast, karaoke and door prizes on Dead Day Page 3

SPORTS Women’s basketball traveled to San Antonio and beat the UTSA Roadrunners

Deanna romero staff photographer

TOP: Country music singer Aaron Watson performs at the third annual Mingle and Jingle. LEFT: Santa Claus pays a visit to ACU during the third annual Mingle and Jingle. RIGHT: Damian Green plays the fiddle during the Aaron Watson concert.

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NEWS Young Life Abilene is hosting a talent show for special needs kids at ACU to raise funds for medical bills Page 4

OPINION The editorial board points out the differences between ACU and state schools

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NEWS An ACU graduate student is writing her thesis on Duck Dynasty Page 4

Christmas Slam offers prize for hashtags $1,000 to be given to group with biggest social presence, attendance Abigail runnels student reporter ACU’s third annual Christmas Slam drew large crowds and friendly competition between groups on campus on Dec. 3.

Christmas Slam is an ACU tradition that takes place in Moody and aims to create a family-friendly event centered around the men’s first home basketball game and the women’s last home basketball games of the semester. The women’s

ACU volleyball team finished their season with matches against Incarnate Word Page 7

SPORTS Price Bahcall discusses the historic Iron Bowl victory for Auburn Page 7

VIDEO Watch a recap of the Aaron Watson concert at Monday’s Mingle & Jingle

acuoptimist.com

“

“It was really just a chance for the donors to be able to see what a difference they’ve been able to make here in the heart of Dallas.”

in the real world to tackle complex problems and to form students missionally and vocationally,” JohnThe grand opening of son said.

ACU at CitySquare in DalAlthough ACU at Alan Songer las was hosted by ACU to CitySquare has techjunior criminal justice and spanish major from display the work they’ve nically been open for tomball done so far. several months, ACU CitySquare, located in hosted the grand openDallas is an organization Stephen Johnson, dean awareness. ing event to show donors that focuses on fighting of the Honors College, “ACU at CitySquare is and other members of the poverty and providing said ACU and CitySquare a partnership between community what ACU means of education to are working together to CitySquare and ACU to at CitySquare is about. those less fortunate. Dr. end poverty and spread locate student learning Johnson said Jennifer El-

caroline hardie

and free Christmas Slam Tshirts were provided for students who attended.

Mosely said John Houser, ACU’s assistant athletic director for operations, started the first Christmas Slam.

The event has continued to grow each year since the first Christmas Slam drew 1,500 people to Moody in 2011.

“It has really grown to be a great event that gives families a chance to come to campus and enjoy a great evening of fun, fellowship and Wildcat basketball,” Mosely said.

contact the optimist at optimist@acu.edu

lison, director of University Events, coordinated the event with representatives from University Marketing and Advancement.

“It was really just a chance for the donors to be able to see what a difference they’ve been able to make here in the heart of Dallas,” said Alan Songer, junior criminal see citysquare page 4

Maker Lab benefits campus in first semester rachel fritz staff reporter

ONLINE

fun enjoying college basketball,” Johnson said.

In an effort to increase attendance and participation, the group who had the most social media presence as well as had the most members attend both games won $1,000 for their club or organization.

In addition to social media, many forms of advertising were used to get the word out about the event.

“We have been airing commercials on local television as well as during our basketball broadcasts over the last couple of weeks,” Mosely said. “We have used social media, print media with the Abilene ReporterNews and other on-campus options to spread the word.”

Contest prizes, free pizza

Citysquare opening exhibits ACU program student reporter

SPORTS

basketball team took on Texas A&M University – Commerce, followed by the men’s game versus Hillsdale Baptist.

Rodney Johnson, Students’ Association executive vice president and junior finance major from Odessa, worked on advertising the event.

“The overarching idea behind ACU Christmas Slam is that as we transition into Div. I sports, the student population and involvement at sporting events must increase,” John-

son said. “The current state of our athletic culture is unacceptable and we envision Christmas Slam as being the catalyst that shows ACU students that ACU sporting events need our support.

“Each of the past two years we have asked social clubs and student organizations to set up booths to offer snacks, hot chocolate and other goodies for the kids and families who attend,” said Jared Mosely, ACU’s athletic director.

This year, however, social media is a much more prominent part of the festivities.

“This year #ACUCHRISTMASSLAM is viral all over social media. It’s interactive and it’s all about getting a ton of people in one place to have a ton of

The Maker Lab has captured the attention of many students in its first semester being open.

The Maker Lab houses a vinyl cutter, a 3D printer, a 3D scanner and other equipment that enables students and faculty to create with and learn from each other.

“The Maker Lab is quite remarkable,” William Kirklen, sophomore English major from Abilene, said. “It is a great place to think, to imagine, to summon the very ideas of

my mind into existence, which is pretty cool.”

The Maker Lab was built as a part of the Maker Movement, which is spreading among campus libraries.

“The reason I started living in the maker lab was first because I heard of the 3D printer. I was fascinated by the idea of the process and wanted to see it for myself,” Kirklen said. “Soon friends joined me and it quickly became a place of fascination and creation.”

The possibilities of creation are endless in the Maker Lab and have students enchanted.

“I’ve printed a few things on both of the 3D printers and I am amazed by the complexity and the possibilities that lie in wake for my fellow students to discover and create,” Kirklen said.

The Maker Lab has benefitted faculty as well and has provided a new way to educate students.

“The Maker Lab has brought both curricular and co-curricular benefits to students,” said James Langford, co-director of the Maker Lab and Director of Educational Technology. “Both art and

Abilene Christian University

see makers page 4

mandy lambright chief photographer

The Maker Lab opened its doors this semester, providing equipment and a space to create and share.

Wednesday 12.04.13

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Wednesday 8 p.m. Vocal Jazz

05 Thursday

Concert

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6 p.m. Waterball Playoffs

Friday

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Saturday

Last day of class

9 a.m. Craig Middle School Clinic

Last day to withdraw from the university 7:30 p.m. ACU Opera presents: Amahl and the Night Visitors

Chapel checkup To date:

Around Abilene

Remaining:

92 8 @acuoptimist

Dec. 4

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11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Big Country Electric is serving hot dogs at Goodfellows on the square in Stamford. Donations of money, toys, coats and blankets will be accepted.

8 a.m. - 5 p.m. The annual Christmas Store will be open at the Desdemona Activity Center.

7:30 p.m. ACU Opera will perform Amahl and the Night Visitors at the Historic Paramount Theatre. Tickets are $5 for children and $10 for adults.

10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Craftapalooza and the “Fabulous� Vintage Market will be open at the Abilene Civic Center. Admission is $3 for adults.

The Optimist optimist@acu.edu

7 p.m. The seventh annual Big Country Christmas Concert benefitting Disability Resources Inc. is at the Paramount Theatre. Christian artist Wayne Watson and the DRI Bell Peppers Handbell Choir will perform. Tickets are $10.

3 p.m. The Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra will perform its Holiday Pops concert at both 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Ticket prices range from $10 - $35.

Visit www.abilenephilharmonic.org.

Police Log Announcements University Park Apartments is offering Students who are interested in screenstudent housing over Christmas break. writing may pitch story ideas to the Call 325-738-4600. Space is limited.

2014 Film Fest teams for a chance to see their story on the big screen. To Students interested in Spring Break enter, students must send a 100 word service can learn more about volunteer synopsis to ajp09c@acu.edu before opportunities at acu.edu/ccsl/ministry- Feb. 1. service/spring-break/index.html.

The ACU Library now has a mobile inMidnight Breakfast is from 10:30 p.m. - terface to make connecting with the li12 a.m. on Dec. 9 in the World Famous brary easier. Visit go.acu.edu/fslgi on a Bean. There will be a DJ, prizes and mobile device to check it out. $150 given away at midnight. Students may use a meal plan or pay $5.

TXA is holding an interest meeting for freshmen men interested in joining the religious order. The meeting will be conducted at 9 p.m. on Dec. 5 in CBS Room 115.

The Big Purple Marching Band is collecting money for the Noah Project in order to help them purchase gifts for children in need. To donate, students can visit the WPAC or give money to the band students. They are accepting The A Capella Chorus, University Cho- donations until Dec. 7. rale and the ACU Orchestra will be performing the Christmas Vespers at Conversations, the ACU graduate student 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 8 at the First Baptist journal, is accepting submissions for the Church.

Winter edition. To volunteer or submit an article, go to http://ojs.acu.edu/ojs/index.

Students can donate a gift to a specific php/conversations. Sumbit articles by Dec. child by picking up a paper angel in the 10. For more information contact converCampus Center from Dec. 2 - 12. sations@acu.edu.

Volunteer Opp0rtunities Friends for Life is seeking volunteers to help with both elderly residents and independent living elderly. Nursing home service opportunities include visiting, playing games, reading to the blind and assisting in arts and crafts. Independent living service opportunities include mowing lawns, grocery shopping and changing light bulbs. To volunteer contact Cecilia Barahona at 325672-2635 or cecilia@friendsforlife.org.

The Betty Hardwick Center is seeking volunteers for the Human Resources Center to help with filing and organizing. This job requires someone with attention to detail who wishes to learn more about Human Resources. The job is open Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. If you are interested, please contact Martin Walker at 325-690-5235 or mwalker@bhcmhmr.or.

The Noah Project is seeking volunteers to help with tasks such as answering phone calls, providing child care and doing maintenance and housekeeping. To volunteer call 325-676-7107.

House of Faith is an organization that seeks to take Jesus to neighborhood children. Volunteers are needed to help with the various programs they do throughout the week. Backyard Bible studies are hosted Mondays and Wednesdays and a youth program takes place on Thursday evenings. The organization is seeking volunteers who can commit to a specific day a week.

House of Faith lasts from 3 - 5:30 p.m. To volunteer or gain more information contact Amy Jeffers at abj09a@ acu.edu or call 832-331-5324.

Love and Care Ministries is looking for volunteers to help with sorting clothing, stocking their food pantry, assisting in prayers in their prayer room and serving food to the homeless. For more information call 325670-0246.

Volunteers are needed at the BCFS Abilene Transition Center for event planning and setup, assisting in teaching life skills classes, accompanying transport, visiting homes and/or assisting in construction of facilities for assisting in the betterment of male and female youth ages 15 - 25. This opportunity is open each morning Mondays through Fridays. Students interested must contact Johnny Nguyen at 325-6920033 or jnguyen@bcfs.net.

Rescue the Animals is seeking volunteers to work at the adoption center performing a variety of tasks, from playing with the animals to working in the office. For more information visit their website at http://www.rescuetheanimals.org/volunteer.

The Abilene Zoo is looking for volunteers to help with general labor such as grounds cleanup and painting any weekday at any time between 12 - 4 p.m. The Zoo is located at 2070 Zoo Ln. Contact Joy Harsh at 325-676-6487 for more information.

Breakfast on Beech Street is seeking volunteers to help set up, prepare and serve breakfast to homeless/lower income folks any Monday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday at 5:30 a.m. or Tuesdays at 5 a.m. B.O.B.S. is located at First Christian Church on 3rd St. and Beech St. Service times must be scheduled in advance. To serve on Mondays contact Jody Depriest at 325-669-3312 or jody. depriest@gmail.com. To serve on Tuesdays contact Allen Daugherty at 325-660-6949 or ale.al@suddenlink.net. To serve on Wednesdays contact Jane Harvey at 325-695-0092 or jharvread@aol.com. To serve on Thursdays contact Margaret Beasley at 325692-4149 or mbeasley5@suddenlink.net. To serve on Fridays contact Rachel Brown at rdb08a@acu.edu.

The Christian Service Center is seeking volunteers to help with filling requests for items such as clothing and bedding from the donation center, sort and organize donations and occasionally pick up donated items. Volunteers are needed every weekday and the first Saturday of each month between 9 - 12 p.m. and 1 - 4 p.m. For more information contact Roberta Brown at 325-673-7561 orrobertabrown51@hotmail. com. Visit http://www.uccabilene.org/ministries/csc. htm.

For additional volunteer opportunities visit: www.acu. edu/campusoffices/ccsl/ministry-service/volunteeropportunities/.

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news

wednesday 12.04.13

Karaoke, cash prizes at Midnight Breakfast jesse harper student reporter The Parents’ Association passed the torch of ACU’s Midnight Breakfast to the Student’s Alumni Association, for the first time.

Each semester, students rally together on Dead Day to eat large amounts of breakfast food and mingle the day before finals week begins.

Madeline Orr, vice president of SAA and convergence journalism

“

I’ve never heard of an event like this so I’m really excited and anxious to see what the night will consist of.”

major from North Richland Hills, is head of the SAA committee organizing this traditional ACU event. She said she is not aware as to why the Parents’ Association has disbanded and is, therefore,

new group of students this semester.

“We are hoping to get more upperclassmen this year,” Madeline said. “It’s typically only freshmen Elyssa Lara and sophomores because Freshman nursing major they still have meal plans, from Houston but for the upperclassmen, $5 is a good deal for allno longer in charge of the you-can-eat breakfast.” construction of Midnight Orr said Midnight Breakfast.

Breakfast will be as fun as She said ACU freshmen it has been in prior years and sophomores are the and expects students to classifications that most use this event anyway populate Midnight Break- they see fit. fast, but SAA is targeting a “Midnight breakfast is

a fun way to take a study break,” Orr said. “I can’t guarantee that it will help with your finals, but you can win cash prizes and eat a lot of pancakes.”

Elyssa Lara, freshman nursing major from Houston, said she is looking forward to Midnight Breakfast.

“I’ve never heard of an event like this so I’m really excited and anxious to see what the night will consist of,” Lara said.

Orr said the underclassmen that haven’t been to

Midnight Breakfast before are in for a unique and fun experience.

“A freshman can expect lots of rowdy students getting out all their energy that has been stored up while sitting in the library,” Orr said. “There will be karaoke, door prizes and a DJ.” Midnight Breakfast begins at 10:30 p.m.on Monday. contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu

ACU represented at Dallas marathon shera niemiroski student reporter

deanna romero Staff Photographer

Country music singer Aaron Watson performs Christmas songs with children from the Abilene community at the third annual Mingle and Jingle.

ACU’s Students’ Association and ACU alumni are gearing up for the Dallas Marathon taking place on Dec. 8th.

SA has been working hard to prepare for this year’s marathon, recruiting runners and creating a shirt for participants to wear at the race.

J.P. Ralston, SA treasurer and senior finance accounting major from Plano, regularly runs in the event.

“We have a tradition of creating free shirts for ACU participants in the Dallas marathon every year,” Ralston said.

Students and alumni alike have shown growing interest in the event.

Dylan Benac, SA President and senior political science major from Boerne, has also participated in the event.

“We have around 90 people signed up this year,” Benac said.

ACU’s new logo gave way to a new marathon shirt with the redesigned

Wildcat logo front and center to encourage runners to show up and run for ACU. “I’m sure with the new logo and everything, they will make sure to pick up the shirt before they run,” said Ralston.

SA has worked the past several years in tandem with the alumni office in the Dallas area to get involved in the marathon.

“It’s been going on for a couple of years and we work with the alumni office because, not only do we give the free shirt to ACU students who run, but we also ship at least 24 shirts to ACU alumni who are going to be running as well this year,” said Benac.

The shirts provide a piece of the ACU community among the 20,000 other runners in the Dallas Marathon.

“It’s not a requirement to run while wearing it, but it’s really cool to run and see people wearing these shirts, whether it’s a graduate student, alumni, someone you know and go to school

“

It’s really cool to run and see people wearing these shirts, whether it’s a graduate student, alumni or someone you know and go to school with. ” dylan ben SA President Borne

with, it’s one of the few purple shirts in the marathon,” said Benac.

He said the hope is for ACU community’s commitment of supporting and encouraging to carry over all the way to the Dallas Marathon.

“It really means a lot when you’re running and around mile 18 or 19 you get a couple people throwing the Wildcat at you, it helps; it’s really cool to see the ACU community coming outside and screaming for you,” said Ralston.

contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu

news

wednesday 12.04.13

4

Young Life hosts talent show fundraiser at ACU Dystanie Douglas student reporter Young Life Abilene is hosting a talent show to help send special needs students to camp.

Walker Johnson, senior health promotions major from Fort Worth, serves as a team leader and student staff member for the Abilene Young Life program.

Walker describes the program as a Christian ministry dedicated to being present in the lives of children.

“We go to schools, lunches, hang out with them at their practices and are all about showing the kids who Jesus is just by being present and being involved in their lives,” said Johnson.

Capernaum, another ministry within Young

Life, works solely with children who have special needs. This year, Capernaum is organizing and putting on a talent show that will be hosted here at ACU. “We are trying to raise money to have these kids be able to go to camp,” said Johnson. “A lot of these kids’ families can’t afford to send them to camp on their own because of medical bills and things so we

are doing this to help them out.”

The Young Life program urges everyone to come out and help support the ministry in any way they can.

“We will have T-shirts for sale and a donation jar for those who would like to give a little bit more than just the $5 admission ticket, but honestly, all we are asking for is prayer that the Lord will provide for this ministry,” said Lau-

ren Zanotto, junior social work major from Argyle and co-director for Young Life Abilene’s Capernaum ministry.

All the participants in the talent show will be will be students involved with Abilene’s Capernaum program.

“I think that the Young Life program is doing a good thing by promotion and putting on this talent show.” Said Kendrick Law-

rence, sophomore nursing major from Lubbock. “Everybody isn’t as fortunate as some of us are, so I think it is a good way to give back and I would be interested in going to help support.”

The show will be at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 8 in Cullen Auditorium. Tickets are $5.

contact optimist at optimist@acu.edu

ACU grad student writes thesis on Duck Dynasty about this project because I was fascinated with the show and the rate at which it was growing in popularA graduate student at ACU ity,” Beardsley said. chose to write her thesis Beardsley said that on Duck Dynasty, an in- Lauren Lemley, director creasingly popular show of graduate studies, told which stars millionaires her to pick a topic that she doing everyday activities would not mind being fuland staying true to their ly immersed in.

Christian values.

“I obviously did not Sarah Beardsley, com- mind having to watch it munications graduate countless times to disstudent, chose the show sect the series,” Beardsley because of her previous said. interest in it.

She looked at how the “I started thinking show counters this cen-

brittany sanchez student reporter

tury’s gender stereotypes as well as communicates contemporary Christian faith.

“My thesis was a rhetorical analysis over season one of the show,” said Beardsley.

Beardsley said she looked at how the family tries to escape stereotypes as well as creating their own. She also evaluated how the family is seen portraying Christianity.

“I found that the family spreads their faith through their ways of liv-

ing and the subtle touches of Christianity such as modest dress, simplicity, lack of vulgar language, lack of premarital sex, lack of drugs and drinking and lack of violence,” she said.

Although she knew most of her information from the show, she did learn more about the family from their books, which she said reveal the family is trying to have a good, wholesome show, Beardsley said.

“It’s funny because they don’t really under-

stand why people are fascinated by them or anything,” said Beardsley.

The show had two pilot episodes, said Beardsley, to see if it would be successful or not and it clearly has been.

Beardsley said she knows that producers will exaggerate or craft certain situations but her feelings for the show have grown stronger because they are real.

“I really appreciate how they are just having fun and having someone

record their lives,” said Beardsley.

Beardsley also said she appreciated that they live their lives in a Christian manner, not forced on them by family or producers.

“I like how they stick to what they believe and want to stay true to their roots,” said Beardsley.

contact optimist at optimist@acu.edu

Quidditch tournament makes Dead Day return James Eldred staff reporter A little taste of Hogwarts will return on a broomstick as four Cornerstone classes face off in ACU’s second Quidditch Tournament on Monday.

DumbleMoore’s Army will face off against VoldeMorris on Dead Day, led by Dr. Steven Moore and Dr. Jason Morris.

“What a way to truly celebrate Dead Day,” said Moore, assistant professor of language and literature, “it’s a great way to bring a little life to that day.”

“We thought it was a good way to release the tension and anxiety from studying,” he added. “It’s an opportunity to come out and take a break.”

Stacy Acton, senior elementary education major from Boulder, Colo., helped Dr. Jason Morris set up the first Quidditch tournament.

“Last year I was a mentor group leader for Welcome Week,” Acton said. “My group and I decided it would be really fun if we did some-

thing really ridiculous, so we started talking about intercollegiate Quidditch.”

“It’s funny - the rules are almost exactly the same as in the books, except you can’t fly” Acton said. “It’s like rugby, but with sticks.”

Each team consists of seven players - two beaters, three chasers, one keeper and one seeker. Beaters are responsible for lobbing the bludgers - in this case, two partially deflated dodgeballs - at their opponents. Keepers guard the goal hoops from the chasers, who attempt to put the quaffle through them.

The Golden Snitch isn’t a little ball at all, but an actual person, Acton explained.

The snitch runner tucks a tube sock containing a tennis ball into their belt, and the seekers try to catch it.

Though the playing field for the other players is small, the snitch can effectively roam over half the campus.

“The snitch runner can do anything,” Acton said.

“They can steal bicycles, climb buildings or hide. I’ve heard of people throwing

water balloons, as well.”

Moore said the professors were still debating whether they would join their students on the field.

“If Dr. Morris starts playing, maybe I’ll join the

game,” he said. “But it looks pretty rigorous, so I don’t mind playing the role of a spectator.”

Both Moore and Acton advocated Quidditch as an intramural sport, but Dr.

Moore had an even more in- gin at 10 a.m. Monday on the triguing idea. field outside of the Hardin “It’d be a great idea to Administration Building. have an all-faculty team versus a student team,” he said. contact fritz at “Wouldn’t that be great?” ref11a@acu.edu The tournament will be-

deanna romero Staff Photographer

The Honors program held a Quidditch tournament on last year’s Dead Day.

Makers: Lab finishes first semester from page 1

and materials we keep on hand.“ design and physics and Many projects have engineering conduct come out of the Maker regular classes and labs Lab and there are many in the space and so ben- more to come. efit from the various tools “Faculty from English, engineering and art and design collaborated on an electric guitar and amp combination, an art alum collaborated with Maker Lab personnel and faculty to create a three-dimensional version of one of his well-known paint-

ings, students have created various kinds of new packages for local products,” Langford said.

One of the projects that students and faculty are working on is creating stools and tables for the lab space.

“One of the things we realized once we started creating in the lab was that we didn’t have furniture,” said Lyndell Lee, educational technology specialist.

Students use the space to solve real world problems in and outside of ACU. “We wanted to practice what we preach, so we said ‘what can we do to solve this problem?’ and built some stools,” Lee said.

contact eldred at jfe11a@acu.edu

CitySquare: ACU guests attend downtown gala from page 1

from Dr. Schubert, Larry James, President and CEO justice and Spanish major of CitySquare, Dr. Johnfrom Tomball and student son as well as a screening at CitySquare. of the ACU at CitySquare About 130 people at- video.” tended the event and Dr. Johnson said the were able to listen to sev- event was hosted to shed eral speakers and see the light on all of the impormany different aspects of tant things that ACU at ACU at CitySquare.

CitySquare is trying to “Guests were given the do. opportunity to tour the “What is unique about facility and speak with the CEO Larry James, and ACU faculty, administra- the work that CitySquare tors and students about does, is that instead of ACU at CitySquare,” Jonh- looking to give a handout, son said. “A brief presen- they look to give a hand tation included remarks up, and actively involve

those neighbors struggling with poverty and homelessness in every aspect of what they’re doing,” Songer said.

“ACU wants to share the story of this important and innovative new partnership in Christian higher education with those who would like to partner financially with ACU in the launch of ACU at CitySquare,” Johnson said. contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu

55

featureS

Wednesday 12.04.13

WHERE’S

WILLIE?

With Willie to retire his role, the hunt for the next face behind the face of ACU begins.

DJ Acevedo, senior youth ministry major from Merkel has served as the school’s mascot for the past two and half years, but will retire the position when he graduates next week. | mandy lambright chief Photographer

features editor

H

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contact powell gmp10b@acu.edu

e’ll never win MVP or even play a single minute. But being a good sport, he’ll

still suit up for every game. Even with no sweat to show for, Willie the Wildcat is a real athlete.

“Anyone who has ever been a mascot can agree, you’re essentially in a giant parka for various reasons from August to May,” said DJ Acevedo. “It definitely takes a toll on the body.”

For the past two and a half years, Acevedo, senior youth ministry major from Merkel has been the face behind the Willie face, a role not for the faint of heart.

“I drank five bottles of water before the football season opener last August, and drank another two waters and a Gatorade during half time,” he said.

“With as much jumping around and dancing I do during the games, it can get pretty warm in there.”

Growing up as a coach’s kid, Acevedo said second to watching the game, the mascot was his favorite part of sports.

“I know it sounds weird, but I have always wanted to be a mascot,” he said. “I would definitely say that I am a bit of a prankster and someone who enjoys making people laugh. I always saw being mascot as the perfect opportunity to do that. After a couple days of emailing, I finally got to try out and was selected to be on the staff.”

According to “No Ordinary University: The Story of a City Set on a Hill”, Willie came about in 1919 when the intercollegiate sports of football, baseball and intramurals needed a playing field. A fundraising contest with the prize of naming a new proposed playing facility ended with Wildcat Park and the school’s new mascot, the Wildcat. Abilene Christian College Antelopes was the mascot runner-up.

Director of athletics, Jared Mosley, said most of ACU’s mascots have been in the role two to three years, with some who have helped all four years of their college career.

If masks and motivating are your specialty, ACU has a job for you. With Acevedo graduating next week, his days as Willie are coming to a close. Over Christmas break, ACU Athletics Department will

be on the search for someone new to don the furry apparel.

Mosley said they have had a handful of individuals express interest and are in the process of working to identify a couple of students who can serve.

“We will probably allow for some opportunities to try out in costume at a couple of games when we get back from the Christmas break,” he said.

Acevedo offered a few characteristics required to play the mascot part.

“You have to be a people-person for sure,” he said. “In a span of five minutes, I will have interacted with people from babies to elderly.”

Dealing with that many people demands finding a silver lining in any given situation, he said.

“I have people yank on my tail, stick their hands in the mouth or even try to take my head off,” Acevedo said. “And even though sometimes those things can be a little annoying, if it puts a smile on someone’s face, I roll with it and try to make it as funny as possible.”

Acevedo said Willie must be able to literally take the heat wherever the game is played.

“It has always been 10 to 15 degrees hotter because I am in a big fur coat,” he said. “Of course when it’s near freezing outside, I’m feeling pretty good.”

But being Willie involves far more than sidelining standing and crowd conversing, Acevedo said.

“You would be surprised how much is involved with being the mascot,” he said. “I have done everything from football games to junior high pep rallies and everything in between.”

Mosley said outside of ACU games, the Department of Athletics has a number of external requests for Willie the Wildcat.

“Schools, youth organizations and even local businesses request to have Willie make an appearance for special events and programs,” he said. “It is really important for us to find individuals who are very active and outgoing and who are good at interacting with fans and the crowd at games.”

But even the ACU icon is in need of a costume face-lift.

“The bulky, full-body costume can be extremely taxing during the hot summer and early fall months,” he said. “It can also be difficult to maneuver in large crowds and getting around arenas and

stadiums, so we’ve discussed a more natural look using team uniforms and perhaps only using the Wildcat head in the future.”

But the essence of Willie will stay, Mosley said.

“We feel that the current Willie the Wildcat is very kid-friendly and is a great representation of ACU,” he said.

With two years of playing the part, Acevedo has represented ACU in all sorts of ways.

“I have gotten to be a part of thousands of pictures, a Harlem Shake video, start a Twitter account, win and lose in hundreds of rock-paperscissor games, blow millions of kisses, aggravate people texting during games, give tons of hugs, have a taunt war and dance-off with other team’s mascots, give thousands of high-fives and put more smiles on people’s faces than McDonalds ever could,” he said.

And with that experience has a come a long list of thanks to those who make being Willie possible.

“The ACU student body, the cheerleading team, the folks in the athletic offices and the dry cleaners, trust me,” he said. “I have loved my time as the mascot and wish the best for whomever is lucky enough to be a part of it next to carry on the tradition.”

For the next Willie, Acevedo passed along the only two cardinal rules of the mascot profession.

First, he said, Willie must keep his identity a secret no matter what, and secondly, with the exceptions of cheerleaders, Willie must never say anything while wearing the suit.

“I must follow the example of George Washington and admit I cut down those cherry trees,” he said. “I mean, you’re the mascot of your school, why wouldn’t you tell at least some people?”

But Acevedo said he has followed the other mascot commandments.

“I have never broken the second rule. I guess with this article the cat is out of the bag on my identity though, huh?”

]

gabi Powell

]

For those interested in the mascot position, visit acusports.com to fill out an online application.

[ WILLIE IN ACTION ]

photos by

mandy lambright chief Photographer Deanna romero & paige Mosley staff Photographers

Opinion

6

Wednesday 12.04.13

editorial

10 differences between ACU and state schools the issue ACU offers a different college experiance from that offered by state schools.

our take Here are 10 main differences between ACU and state schools.

The “ACU difference” is a phrase that has become cliché because of its excessive use on campus, but is rarely delved into with any depth.

So, we present 10 things that separate ACU from state schools and vice versa: 1. State schools have coed dorms: Just the thought of co-ed dorms is enough to make ACU alumni squirm in their chairs. Of course, SmithAdams and Barrett Halls have had men and women in the same building. Also, University Park puts men and

women in close quarters. So, maybe ACU is closer to co-ed dorms that we think.

2. State schools tailgate with passion: On Saturday mornings, college students across the nation roll out of bed before noon and purchase raw meat, charcoal and cold beverages of all types and head to the football stadium. Even if their beloved football team does not play until 8 p.m., the student body is wrapped up in an all-day celebration of their school. ACU tailgates

pale in comparison to hundreds of grills and thousands of students spread across parking lots and parks.

3. ACU’s student/teacher ratio is outstanding: In many institutions, hundreds of students pile into a cavernous lecture hall as a professor with little interest in the students drones on for an hour, three times a week. The professor will never learn the names of any of his students. However, ACU allows students and faculty to build a relationship that helps each student learn while teachers take an interest in the students intellectually and personally.

4. ACU’s campus is pedestrian friendly: Students at ACU are able to walk all the way across campus in less than 10 minutes without encountering an inter-

section or bustling parking garage. Most ACU students take that for granted, but a relatively small campus that does not have a four-lane road running through it is a tremendous blessing.

5. State schools actually know their fight song: “Purple white purple white fight fight fight.” What comes next? Nobody has a clue. In fact, many ACU students know the Texas A&M or UT fight songs better than they know the song of their beloved school.

6. Many students at ACU actually know the president: Many, if not most of the ACU student body has or will have some type of interaction with President Schubert before they graduate. There is no way that the same can be said for larger state schools.

7. ACU campus expenses are low: The school itself is

far from inexpensive, but ACU’s events are downright cheap. Sporting events are free, many plays are less than $20, parking passes are only $10 and the general cost of living in Abilene is not high, either.

8. ACU’s religious affiliation: ACU’s student body is predominantly Christian, which means that a body of believers surrounds the students. The entire faculty is also Christian, which means that ACU students will have a better opportunity to grow spiritually between classes, Chapel and a unique support system.

9. Undergraduate involvement and experience opportunities: Because of the smaller enrollment at ACU, it is much easier for students to gain valuable experience working with faculty mem-

bers in their chosen field.

10. ACU students must live on campus two years: The requirement for ACU students to live on campus their first two years has both pros and cons. The meal plan and convenience of being on campus are certainly benefits, but the uneasy feeling that Big Brother is watching you is hard to shake.

The four years that students spend at ACU is different from the college experience at a state school. The real question is whether or you rather know the faculty and staff better and be able to walk to your class across campus, or know the fight song and be able to walk to a girl’s dorm across the hall? contact The Optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu

DAILY doodle dosage

Column

Ben Todd

Christmas books bind memories DISTURBANCE IN THE FORCE

MELANY COX OPINION PAGE EDITOR

December is finally upon us.

Now that it’s socially acceptable to listen to Christmas music and decorate an Evergreen tree, it’s time to remember why we celebrate this time of year. One of my favorite ways of doing this is to re-read Christmas stories my parents and grandparents read to me when I was a kid. We read numerous Christmas stories, but there are several books that have stuck with me over the years.

Reading these particular stories remind me of my favorite Christmas memories: sitting by a fire, wrapped in a blanket with a mug of hot chocolate, gazing at the lights on the tree as the story unfolded. More importantly, they remind me why Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year.

One of the oldest Christmas books still sitting on my bookshelf is “The Polar Express” by Chris Van Allsburg.

This book tells the story of a boy who boards a magical train and travels to the North Pole to meet Santa. The movie, released in 2004, is fantastic, but I prefer the book and its beautiful illustrations.

I use to peer out my window on Christmas Eve, waiting for the Polar Express to come for me. This story taught me the importance of belief. If something is worth holding on to, you must first believe in it.

Another of my favorite Christmas books is “The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey” by Susan

Wojciechowski. This book tells the story of a lonely woodcarver who lost his wife and child. One winter, a widow and her son request that he carve a nativity set for them. As he works, the kindness of the widow and her son and the power of the Christmas story begin to transform Jonathan Toomey into a man who learns to smile and love again.

This book is a tear-jerker, but it’s become a favorite in my family. It reminds me of the love shown in the Christmas story and of the powerful effect that love has on us.

My all-time favorite Christmas book actually isn’t set during Christmas. It’s called “All is Well: The Miracle of Christmas in July” by Frank Peretti. This book tells the story of a boy named Daniel. He and his mother run out of money and can’t pay their rent, so he goes door to door selling his possessions, including a box of Christmas ornaments. The box of ornaments contains a lesson that affects the entire neighborhood.

This book taught me the most important lesson of all: the miracle of Christmas isn’t confined to a small portion of the year. It’s not found in the tinsel or confined by the wrapping paper.

God’s love is the miracle of Christmas and it is everlasting. contact Cox at MKC09B@acu.edu

Column

Kiss or diss: The mistletoe woes PASS THE PUNS, PLEASE

GABI POWELL FEATURES EDITOR

Come December, couples will be found lingering under laden doorways.

Couples not yet coupled will avoid it like the plague, for under it demands the “Define The Relationship” discussion.

The culprit is in the mind of every preteen boy, or rather, over it. But whether you are the kisser or disser, harmony can be found in dealing with this holiday ritual.

Mistletoe Roots The mistletoe tradition has varied roots.

Despite its Anglo-Saxon etymology, ‘mistel’, meaning “dung,” and “tan,” meaning “twig,” its romantic association prevailed.

For centuries it was believed to increase life and fertility. As the Norse legend goes, Balder, son of the goddess Frigga, was killed by an evil spirit with an arrow made of mistle-

toe. Saddened by her son’s death, Frigga wept tears of white berries, which brought Balder back to life.

Frigga was so overjoyed that she blessed the plant and promised a kiss to all who passed beneath it.

The British custom was to pick a berry from the sprig of mistletoe before the person could be kissed. When all the berries had gone, there could be no more kissing.

For centuries, it has been the scapegoat for romantic advances, but not all welcome the excuse to smooch.

The Kissed If caught under its confines, you will be faced with the uncomfortable decision to make-out or move-out.

Repercussions are weighty, ability to escape its holiday party presence – unlikely.

The plant is a botanic bother as well. As mistletoe grows on a tree, it invades

Dec. 2 9:23 a.m.

Dec. 2 8:25 a.m.

a tree’s bark, allowing it to absorb the tree’s nutrients, sometimes causing deformities in its branches.

If your personal space has already been invaded, immediately “friendzone” by declaring said kiss was strictly out of holiday tradition.

To avoid an unwanted smooch altogether, carry packs of garlic gum to ward off any suitors. Above all, be vigilant of any hanging greenery for the next month.

The Kisser No Mistletoe Manifesto regulating proper conduct has been recorded, leaving individuals to their own devices.

Should you be the one making use of mistletoe’s services, do not loiter in its locale until desired target is directly under its boughs.

Mind your mistletoe manners, for an unexpected and incoming smooch can send an unwilling recipient to the slopes.

Should the person be of mutual romantic feelings, do not make mistletoe a holiday stop sign at every entryway as if it

were a duty to December.

To Kiss or Question?

But still, mistletoe begs many specifics to question.

Can we actually distinguish mistletoe from any other bouquet of leaves?

Does any assorted bushel of leaves hung during the month of December defend a kissing case? Must one locate and pluck from tree, or will Wal-Mart’s prepackaged plant suffice?

And what about the kissing itself? Must it be on cheek? Lips? Is there a seconds-ceiling for the snogging?

Is the act reserved for only those you know? You know by name? You know by name and not by blood?

Those not ready to “take it to the next level” with whomever stands under its limbs, will spend the holiday season avoiding doorways and Whovillecaliber decorated districts.

Should you decide to pucker up or pass, blame it on season’s tidings.

Dec. 2 3:54 p.m.

Dec. 1 10:15 p.m.

contact POWELL at GMP10B@acu.edu

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When you get the first “I love you baby” omelette of the day from Annie. #acu @ACUDining #dayismade @acuoptimist

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It sounds dangerous.

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Apparently I make faces when a classmate doesn’t listen to our professor (for the gazillionth time) and then then tries to answer... #oops

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Still a little bitter that #ACUCHRISTMASSLAM isn’t a slam dunk contest...

I’m staying off twitter for the next 24 hours. #ACUCHRISTMASno

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If students could have pets in the dorms...

Just think of how emotionally stable we would be. That’s be the real #acudifference

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sports

wednesday 12.04.13

ACU finishes its first season in Div. I collin wieder sports reporter The ACU volleyball season ended last week as the Wildcats failed to win either game against Grand Canyon or Incarnate Word.

The Wildcats had a great start against GCU winning the first set 2518. GCU would dominate the next three sets to beat the Wildcats 3-1.

The Achilles heel for the Wildcats has been bad finishes all seasons. That continued to plague the Wildcats as they couldn’t seem to close out a game after a great start.

Coach Kellen Mock said, “We played really well in certain aspects this weekend, but we struggled on the defensive end Grand Canyon was very smart in the choices they made.”

Jennifer Loerch continued the great season, recording 13 more kills.

Southland honorable mention Lexi Mercier also added to her great season with two more blocks against Grand Canyon.

Senior Madelyn Robinett said, “I think staying more mentally focused and picking up on the other team’s game plan would help us adjust better during the match.”

ACU played Incarnate Word for the third time this season in a nonSouthland game. They were defeated in both of

their earlier matches this year losing in straight sets. The third match was unfortunately no different as the Wildcats lost again in straight sets.

The Wildcats kept the match close tying Incarnate Word 25 times and holding them to a .175 hitting percentage. The Wildcats played a tough match as they forced Incarnate Word to win each set by scores of 27-25, 30-28, 25-23. They even held Southland honorable mention Angelique Vidaurri to -.100 hitting percentage.

“As much as we needed to win that match, it was a tremendous battle. It says a lot about Incarnate Word on how hard they have fought to win matches, they have done it all season long,” Mock said.

Lexi Mercier finished her off her freshman season with 128 total blocks and 1.44 blocks per set.

Seniors Caley Johnson and Madelyn Robinett played their final game of their careers against Incarnate Word. Johnson had 24 digs for the game, while Robinett dug out 16 attacks.

The Wildcats look like a team on the rise in the Southland as they will enter the 2014 season with youth and experience. mandy lambright chief Photographer

contact wieder at cpw11a@acu.edu

Labero Madison Hoover prepares to dig a volley earlier this season in Moody Coliseum. Hoover and the Wildcats finished up their season last week when they played both Grand Canyon and Incarnate Word. ACU had a couple of weeks off before their last two matches because of a scheduling quirk.

Wildcats wrap up month-long road trip Daniel zepeda sports editor The Wildcats saw their season opening 10-game road trip reach its end w ith a 74-47 loss to Towson on Saturday in Ba ltimore, Md. as part of the Battle 4 Atlantis Mainland Tournament.

ACU fell behind early in the first ha lf and was never able to recover from a 46-25 ha lftime deficit. The Wildcats held the Tigers to just 28 second-ha lf points, but a physica lly ex hausted ACU team was unable to keep pace as it dropped it third in a row and fell to 2-8.

“The Towson trip was at the ver y end of a long month,” said Brette Tanner, assistant coach.

“Towson is a ver y good program and we just asked the guys to show that they could compete, which they did for the majorit y of the game.”

The Wildcats finished w ith 32 percent shooting from the field and were unable to capita lize on their three-point attempts, sink ing just

three of 19, a ll coming in the first ha lf.

“Towson is a great team, they’re tough and play hard,” junior guard Harrison Hawk ins said.

“There were a couple times that we made runs and tried to get back, but we just couldn’t get close enough.”

Junior for ward Jacob Lancaster led the way for ACU as he finished w ith his best game of the season. The Colorado native contributed 15 points on 7-16 shooting w ith eight rebounds and a blocked shot. Junior guard LaDarrien Williams finished w ith a well-rounded game of seven points, five assists and three stea ls.

Hawk ins added nine points w ith four free throw ma kes in as many attempts.

“Our starters have done a rea lly good job of holding their ow n w ith some of the best teams in the countr y, but they can’t sustain that for 40 minutes,” Tanner said.

“The guys that come off the bench have got to do a better job of coming in and ma k ing sure we

don’t lose ground.”

The team returned home for their first game in Moody Coliseum against Hillsda le Baptist on Tuesday. The game was the first of the Wildcats four game home stand and part of ACU’s third annua l Christmas Slam, which featured the women’s team ta king on Texas A&M Commerce before the men’s game.

“I think this team is going to do ver y well from this point forward,” Tanner said. “We are going to be playing games that are at our level w ith a lot of them being at home. We haven’t had that lu xur y of rest this season so it’ll be great to have that. As a coaching staff, we are an x ious to see how the guys handle things from this point for ward.”

The Wildcats w ill look towards their ca lling card of tough, defensive pressure in their next games at home. Including Hillsda le Baptist, ACU w ill play eight of their next 10 games at home in Moody.

“Our goa l is to rea lly

Iron Bowl for the ages THE PRICE IS RIGHT

PRICE BAHCALL SPORTS REPORTER

I am still in shock of what happened at Auburn Saturday night. My mind may never be able to wrap around the final play of that game or understand how it happened, but that may be a good thing. It was the greatest ending to a football game I have ever seen.

Most football games end with little to no drama or with one team in the victory formation, but sometimes, if we are lucky enough, we get to see a game end in a miracle, in such a fashion that we know we just witnessed history.

The way Auburn won on a 109 field goal return for a touchdown is right up there if not higher then the “Hail Flutie,” “The Play” and “The Miracle at Michigan.”

Alabama was undefeated, looking to claim their third straight National Championship, which had only been done once before. However, none of that matters when you have two teams of one of the most intense rivalry games in college football fighting for a spot in the National Championship.

Auburn went down 21-7 in the second quarter. They seemed dead but they kept breathing.

We have read this script before, teams come out to play against Alabama but it doesn’t last long because they physically wear their opponent down and go in for the kill.

While we all thought Auburn was dead, they were unwilling to ac-

cept that fate. They withstood 21 straight secondquarter points scored

by Alabama, a turnover that killed a drive and a 99-yard touchdown pass that seemed to be the dagger.

But with one second left, the ball found the hands of Chris Davis and he returned the field goal attempt 109 yards to win the game. Alabama kicked the game-winning touchdown.

Unbelievable.

Watching this happen, I questioned what my eyes were witnessing.

This couldn’t actually be happening, but it was.

I was shell-shocked watching the SEC’s worst team last year bring an end to the college footballs’ empire, making the ending that much sweeter. How did it happen?

I have no idea, but roll tears, roll.

contact bahcall at pmb09a@acu.edu

see where we truly are at, defensively,” Tanner said. “Can we hold a team in the low 60s? It has been hard to gauge

that w ith our schedule p.m. on Friday in Moody. but now we can truly see where we are.” contact zepeda at The Wildcats w ill face djz12a@acu.edu Open Bible College at 6

sports

WEDNESDAY 12.04.13

Baseball team welcomes new faces brittney johnson sports reporter The ACU baseba ll team signed 11 new players for the 2015 season before Thanksgiv ing brea k.

The additions included pitchers Aaron Mason and Drew Hanson, infielders Brayden Gomez, Cody Huson and Jeff Clarke, outfielders Taylor Fajardo and Garrett Ha le and catchers A lex Copeland, Kelly Dorsett, Joshua Thompsonand Samuel Etter.

Together, these 11 players have accumulated a number of awards and honors, such as 2013 NCA A A ll-A mericans, 2013 A ll-District 5-5A, CVC A ll-League, and a

2012 Class 4A Texas High School Championship.

The new recruits come from a ll over the countr y. Copeland and Mason are both from Ok la homa, Fajardo and Gomez grew up in Ca lifornia, Clarke and Huson w ill come to ACU from Colorado, and Etter is from Florida.

The rest of the signed players are from Texas: Hanson from Coppell, Ha le from Southla ke, Dorsett from Rock wa ll and Thompson from Burnet.

The team is happy to welcome a class of wellrounded and collectively highly decorated players to the team.

“We a lways tr y and find student-athletes that [believe] in ACU

“

members and a threetime academic award w inner.

“We signed young men that have high character and high work ethic to go a long w ith their abilit y” Stover said. “We rea lly feel like Brandon Stover we have players that can Assistant coach/recruiting coordinator ACU baseball jump right in and contribute to the program from their first day on a lways going to tr y to get campus.” the best ta lent.”

With a young team Not only do each of and a tough schedule them shine one the dia- this year, the team w ill mond, but a lso in the go into the season w ith classroom. This group high expectations and of bright young men w ill be sure to rise to the have academic honors to occasion. match their sk ills on the field.

Within this group is a FSCC Honor Roll memcontact johnson at ber, Bella Vista Scholar, baj12a@acu.edu Nationa l Honor Societ y

We want the best players in the country and we are always going to try to get the best talent.”

and in our program.We want them coming here for a great education w ith the added bonus of play ing baseba ll,” assistant coach and recruiting coordinator Brandon Stover said. “Specifica lly, we look for guys that can play our st yle as well as being able to compete at the highest level. We want the best players in the countr y and we are

‘Cats take care of the Roadrunners reese gwin sports reporter The ACU women’s basketba ll team rebounded from losses against North Texas and Grand Canyon to grab a statement w in against Universit y of Texas at A rlington before enjoy ing their Thanksgiv ing brea k. The one-day turn around bet ween the UNT and GCU games did not play into the hands of the Wildcats, and it showed in the marquez first ha lf against Grand Canyon.

Head coach Goodenough said, “I feel like we rea lly came out w ith a lack of focus. Since we played the day before, we didn’t have a lot of time to game plan.”

Despite being outscored by 14 in the first ha lf, the ’Cats came out of the locker room and outscored GCU 32-31.

“I was rea lly proud of the way we responded in the second ha lf,” Goodenough said.

Nonetheless, ACU was beat on the boards and a lso in transition.

Senior Renata Marquez thinks the problem boils dow n to poor communication.

“The huge lesson learned is we a lways have to have communication on the court,” she said. Marquez and the other Wildcats put that lesson to the test against UTA. It must have worked because Marquez scored 26 points in a 79-72 ACU v ictor y.

“W hat helped me a lot

was definitely not overthink ing ever y thing. I just let the game come to me and respond to each play,” Marquez said.

Her scoring clinic was coupled w ith a 19-point game from W hitney West.

The ’Cats started quick ly and never looked back. A 9-0 run out of the gate forced UTA to burn a timeout before the first media brea k.

The historic w in was the team’s first defeat of a Div. I. opponent. The fact that came against Coach Goodenough’s a lma mater was just icing on the ca ke.

“It was a prett y exciting w in for me persona lly. To be able to go back to UTA and have our team perform as well it did, I was rea lly proud of that,” Goodenough said.

The road trip as a whole was positive. A young ACU team closed out a big w in, the upper classmen led as they have a ll season and the freshmen logged va luable minutes in competitive games.

“Our freshmen are gaining more game time experience than any group of freshmen in A merica,” Goodenough said.

That experience has paid off and w ill continue to do so as the Wildcats move into the heart of their schedule.

As the team finds their identit y, these freshmen are finding their confidence, which is prov ing to be letha l combination.

sports reporter ACU golf may have just finished its fa ll season, but is a lready look ing for ward to next year.

Clarke Hudgins, a standout senior from A marillo, recently signed his Nationa l Letter of Intent to join the Wildcats in the fa ll of 2014.

Hudgins, who has put up impressive statistics in his career at A marillo High School, has a long list of accomplishments preceding his commitment to ACU. As a sophomore, he won the 2012 UIL District 2-5A Championship and A marillo Relays.

He is ranked second in the state for Class 4A by High School Golf Scoreboard. In April of 2012, the A marillo Chamber of Commerce named him Player of the Month.

A fter an impres-

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Freshman volleyball middle blocker Lexi Mercier was selected to the Southland Conference’s Honorable Mention list. Mercier led the Southland Conference in blocks per set with 1.48.

Freshman guard Suzzy Dimba goes up for a layup against Northwood earlier this season in Moody Coliseum. Dimba and the Wildcats claimed their first win against a Div. I team when they beat UTSA last week on the road in San Antonio.

mike campell head coach acu golf

The Optimist

Team

Senior soccer defender Brie Buschman was one of 11 athletes selected nationally to recieve the Div. I Capital One First Team Academic All-American honor on Monday.

I know that Clarke will fit in great here at ACU and will be a solid Div. I player. His strengths are his ball striking and his consistency. He is also a tough competitor.

sive sophomore season, A marillo Globe News named him Athlete of the Week t w ice, as well as Boys’ Golf Athlete of the Year.

He a lso has an impressive record of A merican Junior Golf Association show ings, w ith three top-10 finishes in AJGA events. W hile at AHS, Hudgins helped his team w in three district championships, and last year was a key player last year when his team was only one stroke shy

Men’s basketball

briefings

Campell, golf team add to ‘14 roster emily seidel

standings

Volleyball

mandy lambright Staff Photographer

contact gwin at eeg12a@acu.edu

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of qua lif y ing for state in Class 4A. He has had an impressive senior season w ith an average of 71.2 strokes per game.

It is fortuitous the Wildcats recognized the ta lent of Hudgins, as he had actua lly been look ing at the universit y since his freshman year of high school.

W hile at an AJGA tournament in Abilene in 2011, he came to ACU for a quick v isit and loved the sma ll campus

w ith the big-communit y feel.

Hudgins brings a lot to the table, including a competitive athletic menta lit y on top of his golf sk ills. According to coach Mike Campbell, he is a good striker w ith a strong short game, which w ill be an advantage for ACU in the upcoming 2014 season.

“I k now that Clarke w ill fit in great here at ACU and w ill be a solid Div. 1 player,” said coach Campbell. “His strengths are his ba ll strik ing and his consistency. He is a lso a ver y tough competitor.”

Though only t wo seniors, Trey Sullivan and Ian Evans, are leaving the golf team next year, there w ill be a significant gap left by the t wo team leaders that Hudgins w ill be helping to fill.

“The freshman class next year w ill rea lly have

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to fill different roles, but the freshmen that we had this year have definitely stepped up, so I think we’ll be fine,” said junior Corbin Renner.

Hudgins w ill be study ing business management at ACU. As a 2013 Nationa l Honor Societ y member, AJGA HP Scholastic Honor Roll member and t wo-time UIL District 2-5A A ll-Academic team selection, he w ill brings strong academics to our universit y in addition to his athleticism.

His father, Kent, golfed at Southwestern Ok la homa State Universit y, and his grandfather, Don Williams, went to ACU from 1947-48.

contact gasvoda at eks13b@acu.edu

OPTIMIST@ACU.EDU

ACU men’s basketball signed three guards for the 2014-15 season.

Kaelon Wilson from Lancaster, Drake Green from Clear Lake and Kevin Maura from Jacksonville, Fla. ACU women’s basketball signed three players for the 2014-15 season.

Sierra Allen from Roscoe, Alana Aguirre from Frisco and Alyssa Echols from Pflugerville.

Be sure to follow @OptimistSports on Twitter for the latest ACU sports news.

Upcoming The Wildcat men’s basketball team will host Open Bible College at Moody Coliseum on Friday night at 6:00 p.m.

The Women’s Basketball team will travel this upcoming weekend to face University of Texas San Antonio Sunday at 4 p.m.