The Optimist Print Edition 01.31.2007

OPTIMIST

The Vol. 95, No. 32

IN THIS ISSUE CAMPUS New additions

Drama group Seekers of the Word added four new members last week, page 3

On the big screen

The 2007 President’s Circle Film will feature the story behind Jack Maxwell’s Jacob’s Dream sculpture found on campus, page 3

FEATURES

A touch of everything Tony Morrow, director of the Student Success Program, has spent time in the Ukraine and loves to be a mentor, page 5

SPORTS

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1 section, 8 pages

WEDNESDAY

January 31, 2007

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www.acuoptimist.com

Speaker offers ‘Wizard of Oz’ challenge n Brenda Bertrand, who serves in the U.S. Office of Personnel Management in Washington, D.C., spoke to student leaders Sunday evening at SA’s Invision 2007.

By KELSI PEACE Features Editor

Be like Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz. That was a challenge Brenda Bertrand presented to student leaders at the Student Association’s Invision 2007 on Sunday at the Williams Performing Arts Center.

Bertrand, who serves in the U.S. Office of Personnel management in Washington, D.C., and speaks at universities around the nation, told students that to be like Dorothy, a leader must find the courage in the Cowardly Lion, the brain in the Scarecrow and the heart in the Tin Man and invest the time and energy necessary to leave behind a legacy.

“I think she really spoke to everyone,” said Jordan Williams, junior accounting major from Longview and SA Executive Vice President.

Williams estimated that around 90 students attended the program.

In addition to emphasizing investing in future leaders, Bertrand told students that authenticity is important, comparing the images leaders often project to the distorted images people see in funhouse mirrors.

“Are you projecting something that you are not due to your leadership position?” Bertrand asked.

In an interactive session, Bertrand asked a representative from each classification to answer a question. She challenged leaders to consider how they honor, receive and welcome freshman, if they perpetuate bad impressions of ACU and Abilene, what “funhouse images” student leaders at ACU project and what legacy they want to leave behind.

“My thing is, you all have a lot [of] head knowledge,” Bertrand said. “I want to hit your heart.”

Above all, Bertrand said, the most important thing for leaders is to live authentic lives.

“If you [already] did that, you wouldn’t need me See

INVISION page 4

brian schmidt SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER

Brenda Bertrand speaks at the Students’ Association’s 2007 Invision workshop for student leaders on campus Sunday night in the Williams Performing Arts Center. Bertrand serves in the White House in Washington, D.C., and is an active nationwide speaker speaking to groups at university’s and government groups.

Moody Weekend New sites on service schedule spread weeklong n Sing Song organizers make changes to Moody Weekend to allow for classes and clubs to have more time to practice before the show opens.

By ASHLEY ROBINSON Student Reporter

New faces

New contributors to the Wildcat track and field teams are expected to make a big difference in the team’s season, page 8

An even match

The men’s basketball team will play Midwestern State on Thursday.

Midwestern is ranked first in the LSC South with a record of 3-1, page 7

New changes to Sing Song are helping to make rehearsals more efficient for social clubs and classes as they are “Shifting Into High Gear” for the upcoming production.

With Moody weekend, and now Moody nights, the student groups are getting more practice time on Moody stage, allowing them to test out their props, costumes, placements and make necessary adjustments.

Kendall Massey, director of Student Productions and Sing Song creative director,

is in charge of the entire Sing Song production.

“In years past everything has been crammed, but this year is different,” Massey said.

Tom Craig, Sing Song managing director, who is in charge of marketing and promotions, ticket sales and working with volunteers, came up with the change.

“Traditionally Moody weekend, which ran from Friday night to Saturday morning, was the only practice time that clubs and groups got on the stage,” Craig said.

“This year we are expanding it by offering Moody nights and Moody weekend.”

Caddie Coupe, senior human communications major from Thousand See

MOODY page 4

ONLINE

n Students who want to participate in the spring semester’s first Service Saturday can work at different locations than offered before.

By CAMILLE PAINTER Student Reporter

Service Saturday veterans and rookies can expect to experience something new this Saturday after signing their hours over to service on Wednesday through Friday at the ticket windows.

None of the sites visited last semester have been listed for this Saturday, providing

n Students and faculty discussed racial discrimination, and reconciliation on campus at ‘Sundaes on Mondays.’ Further dialogue should continue in Chapel.

Staff Writer

Sing Song will have a new voice introducing everything this year. See how the auditions went online at www.acuoptimist.com

EMILY SMITH CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Paul Shumate, senior environmental science major from Brevard, N.C.; Brandon Monroe, junior youth and family ministry major from Arlington; and Matt Gauntt, sophomore Biblical text major from Collyville, practice spy moves for Frater Sodalis’ 007 themed Sing Song act on Monday night in the Mabee Business Building.

Department of Journalism and Mass Communication

at nursing homes. Those are usually our most popular sites, but we do try to do a variety of sites for different kinds of service.”

Some of the sites planned this semester are the Abilene zoo, the Christian Services thrift shop, Abilene Public Library and the Abilene Convalescent Center.

“We had a lot of neighborhood requests last semester individuals who would call in for yard work and stuff,” said Baumgartner. “We didn’t get to go to as many agencies See

SERVICE page 4

Forum tackles racial reconciliation

By SHARON RAPELJE

Discovering the voice

every student with a chance to see new places and reach new people.

Although servers will not return to the same locations as last semester, the Service Action Leadership Team Service Saturday co-chairs chose sites with similar allures because of the popularity in the past, said Brittany Baumgartner, senior political science major from San Antonio and S.A.L.T. Service Saturday co-chair.

“We know the sites that are usually popular,” she said.

“People like to go to sites with kids. They like to work

Defining racial reconciliation was the topic of Tuesday night’s ice cream forum sponsored by the Multicultural Enrichment office at “Sundaes on Mondays.”

The discussion began with the question of whether anyone felt discriminated against on campus. The answer was a resounding yes.

Students expressed the fact that the issue of racial discrimination has not been dealt with appropriately or been given enough attention.

One suggestion was that this

topic be brought up in Chapel for discussion in a larger setting where more people will have access to speak and listen.

During the evening students came up with ideas about how races can reconcile on campus, such as people stepping out Robinson of their comfort zone to socialize with people outside of their race, enjoying each others differences and taking into account people’s reservations and fears about speaking up about race.

“We are afraid of that which we do not know. The key is knowledge; getting to

Abilene Christian University

know each other fosters trust and trust fosters love,” said Dr. Edward Robinson, assistant professor of Bible in the Bible, Missions and Ministry Department.

Kenneth Dinkins, freshman youth and family ministry major from Toledo, Ohio, said this discussion can continue besides at the forum if students take the initiative to change the problems they see.

The only thing that disappointed Dinkins about the forum was the small number of people. He said he would have liked to see more, but something was still accomplished.

“It is not just racial but how do we interact with each other as people in general. I See

SUNDAES page 4

Serving the ACU community since 1912

Chapel Checkup Credited Chapels to date:

Wednesday, March 29, 2006 Wednesday, January 31, 2007

31

Calendar & Events Wednesday

7 a.m.

Pine Cove will set up a booth all day in the Campus Center. Stop by and see what Pine Cove is all about.

You could drive a boat, ride horses, or counsel kids all for the sake of Jesus.

01

Thursday

6 p.m.

“An Unconventional War” will be shown in the Onstead-Packer Biblical Studies building, Room 219.

This film gives the spiritual context to the struggle in Uganda and Sudan that has caused the plight of the ‘Invisible Children.’

Praise Day in Chapel.

03

Weekend Campaign to Lubbock begins.

Weekend Campaign to Lubbock.

02

Friday

Saturday

First Service Saturday of the semester.

Weekend Campaign to Lubbock this Friday through Sunday. Students will be working with the South Plains Food Bank and the local children`s hospital (making and delivering getwell cards). Sign up in the Campus Center after Chapel each day this week. For more information, contact Amanda Taylor at ajt04a@acu.edu, Mike Miles at mem04d@acu.edu or Tim Pittman at tjp03d@acu.edu.

The first Service Saturday of the year will be this Saturday. Students may sign up until Friday in the Campus Center ticket windows.

Looking for an adventure this summer? Come intern with Dry Bones in Denver. Dry Bones is a ministry that works with homeless youth living on the streets of downtown Denver. The ministry needs four city interns and one mountain intern who will facilitate youth groups backpacking in the mountains and working in the city. Visit the Web site or contact Rebekah Duke at rebekah@drybonesdenver.org for more information.

WorldWide Witness is now ac-

cepting applications for more than 40 summer internships around the world.

Apply online at www.worldwidewitness.org. For additional information, contact Gary Green or Wimon Walker at witness@bible.acu.edu.

ATTENTION ALL MAJORS! Study while traveling this summer!

Programs offered in Australia, England, Scotland, Ireland, Jamaica and more! Scholarships are available.

The deadline to sign up is Feb. 28.

See Ed Timmerman for more info or e-mail him at timmermanj@acu.edu.

The Invisible Children are traveling across the U.S. once again to promote their new Tri Campaign.

They will be on the ACU campus Monday. They will speak in chapel and host three screenings of the Invisible Children documentary at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. in the Mabee Library Auditorium. There will also be an evening chapel forum at the University Church of Christ at 7 p.m. Students will receive two chapel credits for attending a screening or the Forum.

About This Page The Optimist maintains this calendar for the ACU community to keep track of local social, academic and service opportunities.

Groups may send announcements directly to optimist@acu.edu or to the Page 2 Editor at mxe06a@acu.edu.

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

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

ACU Police Tip of the Week

6 p.m. and 8 p.m.

“Elmo Night” in honor of Wildcat basketball student athlete Elmo Williams at the basketball games.

Wear Elmo or Sesame Street attire and bring your Elmo dolls.

Announcements

Credited Chapels remaining:

11 61

Protect yourself against identity theft. Never give out personal or identifying information to anyone soliciting on the phone or online.

Police Log Edited for space

Volunteer Opportunities The Betty Hardwick Center needs help in their office answering phones, filing, copying, running errands, etc. For more information, contact the Volunteer Service-Learning Center in the Bean Sprout.

Hendrick Retirement Village needs volunteers to plan a Valentine’s Day party for residents, decorate and clean up. The party will be Feb. 13 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, contact Jennifer Green at (325) 690-1400.

The Beltway Park Baptist Church Preschool Department needs two volunteers on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon to paint a wooden countertop and door. Paint and all supplies will be provided.

For more information, contact Sandi Muniz at (325) 692-6540, ext. 127.

Big Brothers Big Sisters needs young women willing to volunteer their time Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. in a program called Y-teens. Y-teens will allow young women from Abilene High School the opportunity to mentor girls from Franklin Middle School.

Through activities and service projects, this program will empower young girls with knowledge about life skills and build self-confidence while creating an atmosphere for learning and emotional growth. For more information, contact Erin McMullen or MC Jennings at (325) 677-7839.

The Christian Service Center needs volunteers to help maintain its furniture room. This might include picking up donated items or delivering furniture. It is helpful to have a pickup. For more information, contact the Volunteer Center in the Bean Sprout.

Noah Project, a center for victims of family violence, has a number of volunteer opportunities available. These include coverage of the crisis hotline and helping with dayto-day operations. Volunteer training classes will be held on Thursday, Tuesday, and Feb. 8 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. You need only attend one.

For more information, contact the Volunteer Service-Learning Center in the Bean Sprout.

Monday 01/15/2007 3:15 a.m. Burglar alarm at Physical Resources Complex, checked building, reset alarm 9:15 a.m. Assisted Abilene PD on vehicle accident at Hwy 351 and Stamford 1:39 p.m. Assisted Abilene PD with attempt to locate of subject involved in theft at Wal-Mart on Hwy 351, subject was located in restaurant across the street and arrested 3:54 p.m. Vehicle accident at Administration Building 5:13 p.m. Subjects contacted inside of Moody Coliseum. Advised to leave, facility closed.

Tuesday 01/16/2007 3:35 p.m. Vehicle accident, hit and run, Ambler and Judge Ely 5:35 p.m. Burglar alarm at Physical Resources, warehouse was left unsecured, secured.

Wednesday 01/17/2007 8:19 a.m. Vehicle accident at Hwy 351 and East Lake Road 1:25 p.m. Assisted Abilene PD with suspicious subjects at Alfredo’s on Judge Ely

Thursday 01/18/2007 9:45 a.m. Assisted Abilene PD with disturbance at 301 Ambler Friday 01/19/2007 1:45 a.m. Disturbance at 1109 Ave E, male subject knocking on the door and yelling, subject was gone upon arrival 11:02 p.m. Noise violation at 1400 Ave E Saturday 01/20/2007 8:15 a.m. Reported water damage at the Bible Building to maintenance 10:50 a.m. Possible gas leak at Central Plant, checked with Fire Department, all OK 10 p.m. Theft report at Moody Coliseum Sunday 01/21/2007 3:22 a.m. Disturbance in front of University Park Apartments, contacted male and female arguing, were instructed to leave premises.

3:20 p.m. Released gun to student from safekeeping 6 p.m. Checked gun into safekeeping at the Station

CAMPUS NEWS

Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Page 3

Jacob’s Dream documentary film to show inside story n The 30-minute documentary film on Jack Maxwell and his sculptural work, Jacob’s Dream, will be completed and shown at the annual President’s Circle Dinner on Feb. 17.

By KELSI PEACE Features Editor

The story behind Jacob’s Dream, a Centennial Celebration sculpture, is as rich as the sculpture itself, said Ron Hadfield, director of Creative Services.

“This is a story that people need to see and hear about because I think not

only is the piece of art inspiring, but I think the story behind it and how it came to be is potentially just as inspiring,” Hadfield said.

Which is why the 2007 President’s Circle Film, produced by Hadfield, will be a documentary featuring the sculpture’s artist, Jack Maxwell, chair of the art and design department, as he created the sculpture.

The documentary will be shown at the annual President’s Circle Dinner on Feb. 17. Hadfield said he has not decided if the film will be

shown elsewhere as well.

Philips Productions, a Dallas-based company, has worked with Creative Services to produce the 30-minute documentary for the past year. The company’s owner, Bob Philips, hosts Texas Country Reporter.

The film was produced in high-definition and features interviews with family members, donors and students in addition to following Maxwell’s work from before the piece was cast at the foundry to its dedication. The documentary

follows the winter 2007 ACU Today article and photo essay on the sculpture.

Maxwell said the most difficult aspect of being filmed was not having the camera on him while he worked; rather, answering questions for the interview proved challenging.

One question asked in the interview was how Maxwell wanted people to feel when they looked at his piece.

“The things I want from this piece seem almost pretentious,” said Maxwell, who hopes to draw people closer

to God with his work.

Having a record of the Centennial piece will be valuable to the university when it celebrates its bi-centennial, Maxwell said, and taking the footage was important.

“If we don’t take it now, we never will,” he said.

Philips Productions will return to Abilene to conduct more interviews and film the sculpture this week.

“The weather has complicated our plans, but we intend to bring in some equipment that allows us to film from a bird’s

eye view,” Hadfield said.

Once complete, the film may be pitched to PBS, Maxwell said.

“Very few people really get to see the creativity and the hard work and the thought that goes behind something like this,” Hadfield said. “I think that once they have the opportunity to experience that, it will mean even more to them. It’s not just a piece of art — there’s a whole lot more to it than that.”

E-mail Peace at: knp04a@acu.edu

Four freshmen ‘Seekers’ chosen VAHS shares future goals at meeting n A drama ministry, Seekers of the Word, held a tryout last Wednesday after members left, and four freshmen were chosen as new members.

n A new student organization Virtuous African Heritage Sisterhood held an interest meeting to provide an opportunity to take part in the group.

By MALLORY EDENS

By ANDREA LUCADO

Seekers of the Word found four new members after holding a freshmen-only tryout last Wednesday.

The new members include Kristofer Heiderich, Emily Jorgenson, Ariel Hacker and Doug Timmons.

Abby Loe, senior psychology major from Canyon and Seekers of the Word president, said the members were chosen to ensure the group’s future.

“We had a couple members who had to leave,” Loe said.

“About two-thirds of our group was sophomores. We had freshmen-only tryouts so we could ensure that when their class graduates, Seekers could keep going.”

Seekers is a drama ministry who travels to perform what they call “lights out” skits for youth groups, churches and Middleton Prison. These skits are composed of multiple pieces that last about three to five minutes each and teach moral or Christian messages.

Thirty-six female students got more than free nachos at the Virtuous African Heritage Sisterhood interest meeting on Friday.

Thanks to the planning of seven students and six advisers, the women who gathered Friday received the opportunity to become part of a new organization directed by, but not limited to, female students with African heritage.

Co-presidents Shardé Henley and Anna Peters, took turns speaking and explaining the goals they have for the group at the 6:30 p.m. meeting in the Living Room.

Henley, junior business management major from Houston, said she has been thinking about forming a group for the women since last semester.

“Just like the title … our girls need to know the meaning of a virtuous

Student Reporter

Page 2 Editor

ADRIAN CRUZ CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Tommy Johnson, sophomore youth and family ministry major from Hewitt; and Abby Loe, senior psychology major from Canyon, perform a skit that teaches Christian messages.

In order for the new Seekers to gain experience they will be imitating existing members to learn various skits.

Emily Jorgenson, freshman electronic media major from Parker, Colo., said she is thrilled to have the opportunity of being a part of this group.

“It’s a lot of commitment, but a lot of people in it are really close to each other,” Jorgenson said. “I’m really excited because now I can be a part of that. It’s a different way of showing parts of the Bible and different perspectives. I’m also excited because we travel. We go to prisons; that’s cool.”

Ariel Hacker, freshman management major from Centenni-

al, Colo., said she is also looking forward to getting involved with this ministry.

“I have never done anything like this before,” Hacker said.

“It’s fun, and I like it. I feel really welcomed; they are really easy to get along with.”

Loe said the incoming freshmen have a lot of potential, and she is looking forward to working with them. “[Tryouts] have been great,” she said. “I think the new class adds a new face to the group.

I’m excited about what we are going to do this semester. I think they are going to do a great job.”

E-mail Edens at: mxe06a@acu.edu

woman,” Henley said.

Henley said she expected between 15 and 20 women to show up at Friday’s interest meeting and was excited when the number reached 36.

“Everybody we’ve talked to is so on fire; I think it’s going to be huge,” Henley said.

Peters, junior family and children ministry and elementary education major from Houston, said the organization is based on Proverbs 31, which describes a virtuous and teachable woman.

She said she hopes those involved with VAHS will become virtuous, knowledgeable, self-confident, giving, embodied in prayer and Christ-like.

Peters also said the meeting was productive. They set goals for the future, as far as community service projects, and there are plans to work with Community in Schools, Christian Homes and Family Services and the Noah Project.

The executive board, made up of seven students including Henley and Peters, has been planning community service projects and pos-

sibilities for the VAHS Monday night meetings, which will begin Feb. 5.

They also spoke to women on and off campus who would serve as advisers for VAHS. The three primary advisers are LaShae Grottis, director of Student Services and Student Multicultural Enrichment; Helen Marshall, counselor at the University Counseling Center; and Dr. Tanya Brice, associate professor of social work.

Peters said she has many ideas for these meetings that will involve in-depth Bible studies and guest speakers.

Peters said VAHS will not cap its members and encouraged everyone to bring friends to the next VAHS function, which will be a Mad Hatter-themed launch Friday at 7 p.m. in the Hilton Room.

The future of VAHS is in the hands of its new members and still malleable.

“We’re all about waiting on the Lord,” Henley said.

E-mail Lucado at: optimist@acu.edu

FROM THE FRONT/SPORTS JUMPS

Page 4

Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Service: Later time lets some sleep in

Tooting their horns

Continued from page 1

brian schmidt SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER

Members of the Jazz Band performed during Invision 2007 on Sunday night for student leaders on campus.

Moody: Acts get three more days Continued from page 1

Calif., is the up-stage cochair for Sing Song and is in charge of all the clubs, class acts and everything that goes on Moody stage.

“Tom came to me as a cochair and said ‘what do you think?’ and I said ‘oh my gosh, why didn’t we do this sooner?’” Coupe said.

A total of three additional nights are being added, giving each group two 50-minute practices. Moody nights will be Monday through Wednesday 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

These additional on-stage practices will give the acts the opportunity to perform on stage to ensure that their placement and choreography works.

“In a nut shell, they practice all over the place and

come up with great ideas and concepts in rooms on and off campus, but you don’t know what its going to translate to on stage,” Craig said. “It’s a time for clubs and class acts to rehearse on Sing Song stage and get a feel for their concept as it comes to life on stage.”

In addition to working on choreography and prop placement, the acts will be able to make sure their routines stay under the 3-minute limit.

“It gives them another set of ears and a different perspective,” Massey said. “It is also their first time to get feedback from us.”

Massey, along with the Sing Song staff and crew, will be at the additional practices, offering assis-

tance and perspective to the acts.

“I don’t do it because I want the show to be better; I do it because I want them [the performers] to have the best show possible,” Massey said.

Moody nights and Moody weekend practices will be closed to the public.

“We don’t want it to become [a] scouting session, and we don’t want to be unfair to any of the acts,” Massey said. “It’s not meant to be malicious, we just [want] to be fair to the groups that have worked so hard.”

Other changes to Sing Song include allowing groups of 120 people on stage, 10 more than last year, and implementing a budget increase for acts making it

$300 total.

“Changes for Sing Song are a continual process,” Coupe said. “We are working to make Sing Song the best it can be.”

Coupe, who worked with props for the Siggies last year, said this is her first time working with the production staff.

“Everyone has worked really hard so it will be exciting to finally see what everything is going to be like,” Coupe said.

Sing Song will take place Feb. 16-17. It is an annual ACU tradition that unites the campus and brings alumni and parents back.

“I think its great opportunity to use individual gifts to glorify God,” Coupe said.

E-mail Robinson at: optimist@acu.edu

Sundaes: Racial issues main course Continued from page 1

think that broke down barriers,” he said.

In the middle of the discussion someone noted that few white students or faculty had spoken.

“This was an opportunity for black people to voice their opinions and their concerns. Honestly I didn’t have any concerns. That’s why I came tonight to listen to those opinions and concerns,” said Phil Dosa, freshman communication major from Newark, Del., said.

He said he could not speak up in the beginning because he felt awkward and afraid. He decided to

speak because he wanted people to know he does care and wants to speak against discrimination.

Dosa said later in the week he would be going to lunch with Dinkins to further discuss racial problems and solutions. He said he wants to lead his white friends who want to love and want restoration.

Dinkins and Dosa met for the first time at the forum. After Dosa’s comments Dinkins offered him an open seat next to him and asked him if he wanted a hug. The two embraced and afterwards set up the lunch plans.

“Students from different race and ethnicities shar-

ing their struggles, sharing their frustrations, sharing their questions, and that’s what I really enjoyed about tonight. It was incredible – a beautiful sight to just sit back and listen to what goes on in many people’s hearts,” said Dr. Steven Moore, assistant professor of English.

Moore said he hopes people will put their words into action. He said too often people get inspired and moved and then walk away and do nothing.

Moore said one of the problems people have is not knowing the history of racism. He said if we want to change things, we first have to understand our

past. To accomplish this, he suggested students start researching, reading books and spending time with people who have gone through those struggles.

One thing that Moore wants to see happen is a chapel dedicated to racial discrimination and reconciliation.

“Imagine what that would say to the students when a white professor stands up and talks about racism and talks about the painful realities of it. And then talks about how we need to do something about it, and what – from his perspective – we need to do,” he said.

E-mail Rapelje at: sjr05b@acu.edu

so this time we didn’t have any neighborhood requests. We’ve got a lot more agencies that we haven’t worked with before.”

Not only do the sites have some diversity but also the meeting times.

SALT supplied students with two Service Saturdays a semester in the past, but “Service Saturday” translated to “8 a.m. Saturday class” to some students because to meet the group a student would need to wake up at the same time as he would on a regular day of class.

This semester, some of the sites, but not all of them, cater to that problem.

“We have some that go later this time so people who don’t want to get up really early can sleep in a little,” said Michelle Tonkin, sophomore premed biochemistry major

from Victoria, British Columbia, Canada and SALT Service Saturday co-chair.

Tonkin described a number of ways students who serve this Saturday are served in return.

The Bible says we should serve others and SALT makes this duty easier to organize, Tonkin said.

“Lots of students say they wish they could serve if they had time; so Service Saturday sets a time and places that makes it easier for them to serve,” Tonkin said.

Also, Tonkin said, it helps you to gain experience that could help with jobs and relationships.

Another benefit is the weekend activity and transportation for those who would usually have it.”

E-mail Painter at: optimist@acu.edu

Invision: Students impressed with speaker Continued from page 1

to come,” she said.

Students agreed that grace is not always offered on campus, and that students sometimes project a “holier-than-thou” image to avoid accountability.

After hearing Bertrand speak, Weekend Campaigns representative Amanda Taylor, sophomore marketing major from Arlington, said the idea of legacy hit home.

“We need to not focus

on the activities we do but on the people who do them,” Taylor said.

Students who attended were impressed with Bertrand’s message; several remained after the conference to thank her for speaking and discuss prominent issues on campus. Now they just have to find the Cowardly Lion in their own lives and make it to Oz.

E-mail Peace at: knp04a@acu.edu

Water: Frats beat GSP Continued from page 8

from Austin, scored another goal to put the Frats ahead by two points with just three and half minutes left.

“We made it all the way to this game last year. Everybody on the team got hurt; we had dislocated knees and people going to the hospital, so we ended up losing the game,” Singleton said. “Nobody wanted to lose this time.”

Singleton said he was nervous all day, but he couldn’t do anything about it. When he got in there he knew this was his last waterball game because of graduation.

Singleton said he did what

he could; he finished the game with four goals.

Tyler Parrish, junior criminal justice major from Arlington, scored three goals for the Frats.

“Moving the playoffs to a spring semester didn’t make a lot difference in our team because the other teams faced the same problems,” said Parrish.

Daniel Jarrett, senior exercise science major from Detroit, Mich., and GSP player, said “We got outplayed tonight; they had better swimmers. We played good but they had better people than we had tonight.”

E-mail Matai at: optimist@acu.edu

Page 5

January 31, 2006

How to change a life Tony Morrow is a man of many roles: a Ukraine missionary, advocate for the Student Success Program and a NASCAR fan; he has touched the lives of many.

Story by Johnny Bautista Photographs by Rachel Lau

T

ony Morrow has helped so many people in so many ways that his love for helping students, whether it be with school or personal problems, has turned him into one of the most fun, loving, laid-back, Hawaiianshirt-wearing persons that you’ll ever meet.

Unlike many professors’ offices, Tony Morrow’s office is unique. When entering his office, students come face-to-face with a life-size cardboard cutout of NASCAR racer Jeff Gordon.

Tony’s office is filled with Jeff Gordon memorabilia as well as his books and letters posted on his wall that were written to him by students.

The youngest of two, Tony was born in Alhambra, Calif. Tony’s dad was in the military and then began driving diesel trucks for Mayflower when Tony was 5 years old. With Tony’s father being gone for most of his childhood, his mother primarily raised him. At the age of 7, Tony and his family moved to North Carolina.

Three years later, the Morrows found themselves moving again – this time, to Amarillo.

Growing up, Tony loved playing sports. In high school, he played almost every sport from football to track. Tony’s older brother Mark was more into cars than sports, and so they didn’t have a very close relationship during school.

Tony became a Christian during high school.

“Every now and then my family would just go to church, and sometimes we would go to a Baptist church or a Bible church,” Tony said.

“My family would just get this urge and we’d go somewhere for a while – never too long necessarily, but we’d just go sometimes.

“My first experience of going to church was while I lived in North Carolina, where I went to a strict southern Baptist church,” Tony said.

“When we moved to Amarillo, there was this youth minister at a Bible church who kind of took an interest in me and took me fishing and stuff like that. I think that was one of my first experiences of being with someone who was older than me who was a good example of Christ.”

While Tony played sports in high school, he also got involved with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and began going to gatherings with friends.

“I just started going to devotionals and stuff, and it really got me going on studying the Word.

The people who ran those devotionals kind of became my spiritual parents,” Tony said. “I could see a couple living in Christ.”

The relationship that Tony had with the couple is what brought him and his brother closer.

After high school, Tony and his brother moved out and decided to live together. While the two were living together, Mark became a Christian.

Several students who went to the same church as Tony in Amarillo were going to ACU, and that’s how Tony heard of the school.

Tony was told that if he wanted to preach, he should go to ACU.

Tony with the two themes in his office: NASCAR’s Jeff Gordon and countless letters of gratitude from students he has helped.

After two years of college in Amarillo, Tony decided to transfer to ACU and major in Biblical studies. In the spring of ’87, Tony began working in Morris Hall as an RA. As a fifth-year senior, Tony became assistant director of Morris.

In ‘89, Tony graduated and became residence hall director of Edwards.

In between school and work, Tony found love. Tony began dating a girl named Shana, and dated her for a year before getting married. They were married in Abilene at Hillcrest Church of Christ.

While working in Edwards Hall, Tony also began preaching at a small church 70 miles north of Rochester and also decided to pursue a master’s degree in human communications.

“The first year of my marriage, we were living in Edwards and driving up to Rochester two-to-three times a week to preach over there,” Tony said.

I

n 1993, Tony’s friend, Greg Perry, started doing mission work in the Ukraine. Perry started worldwide youth camps and invited Tony and Shana to go on a mission trip with him during the summer. While in the Ukraine, Tony and Shana began thinking about adopting some of the kids they had been working with, but they weren’t allowed to at the time because the children had to be a certain age.

A year later, Tony completed his master’s in human communications and quit his position as residence hall director and began working construction around Abilene, mainly working on houses.

In 1995, ACU considered putting together a student retention team, specifically looking for ways to improve the retention

Students, friends and family contribute to Tony’s collection of Jeff Gordon and NASCAR memorabilia. Tony has been a fan for 10 years.

rate of students and improve their chances of graduating. Tony became aware of the parttime position through a listing on the human resources site. After interviewing for the job with Dr. Kelly Hamby, former dean of College University Studies, Tony was given the position while still working construction.

The Student Success Program was offered to students who were suspended due to low GPAs and who were given the opportunity to come back to ACU. After the first semester under the new program, students who were enrolled in the class had much better GPAs. “God started blessing us with amazing results; GPAs were raising,” Tony said.

Tony submitted a proposal to make the class a three-hour class and to try to get more instructors, but the university was hesitant to keep the program because if it didn’t work, the university wouldn’t have the funds to keep it. Tony said the university’s approach to it was “if it’s going to work, you’re going to have to show us.”

That summer, Tony mailed letters to parents of incoming freshman in order to describe what the student success program is all about. In the first semester there were 24 students enrolled, and after sending out the letters to parents, the number of students rose to about 70.

“It just kind of exploded,” Tony said. “I think it is really good because we not only had freshman who signed up, we also got grad students involved.”

In 1998, the Morrows were finally able to adopt two girls from the Ukraine: Irina and Victoria. Irina is now a student at ACU and has two semesters left and will be graduating with a degree in social work. Victoria works at a sleeping disorder clinic here in Abilene.

T

ony didn’t always love watching NASCAR races and was never really into cars. He said his brother would always ask him to watch the race and Tony would just kind of put it off.

“Finally, in ’96 or ’97 I started watching it and that was back when Jeff Gordon had a 13-

Students write to thank Tony for his work as a University Seminar professor, spiritual mentor or the director of the Student Success Program.

win season and I thought, ‘Well, I’ll be a Gordon fan’ because if you’re a Gordon fan, you’re not an Earnhardt fan. I wanted to root for someone that my brother hated,” Tony said.

“I’ve bought very few of these things,” Tony said of his Jeff Gordon memorabilia. “Students, family or people who would see things in a garage sale would bring them to me and now they’ve all ended up in my office.”

In his spare time, Tony works on cars at a J & M Automotive, and he is currently working on a certificate in automotive repair. He has already finished 15 of 44 exams.

Fab Leon, junior elementary education major from McAllen, has worked for Tony for two years and said she loves working for him.

“A lot of the reasons why I’m still here is because of him; he has kept me here spiritually, emotionally and academically,” Leon said. “If there’s ever a student who needs some help with school, guidance or just someone to talk to, I would tell them to go to Tony because his words are amazing; everything that he has to say to you will hit home.

“Every time we go to his house to thank him for all that he has done, everyone starts crying because he has helped so many people,” Leon said.

Another one of Tony’s student workers, Laura Palmer, first-year graduate student in the clinical psychology program from Mesquite, said that Tony has been like a second father to her.

“He’s someone that you definitely need to know; he’s really smart and has so much wisdom,” Palmer said. “If you listen to what he says, he can help you a whole lot in life and in your spiritual life.”

Tony and Shana now have a 5-year-old daughter of their own named Elizabeth.

Tony also opened his home to another girl from the Ukraine named Anya who lived with the Morrows for a year because her funding had run out, and so she would have had a tough time finishing school. She graduated two years ago and is now back in the Ukraine.

As for the future of Tony and the Student Success Program, Tony hopes that God will continue to bless the program and continue to guide him as he guides his students.

“I have prayed for the university to keep the program because it’s the only program left that focuses on helping students who are struggling,” Tony said.

“I love what I do; I feel like this is where God wants me right now. I never thought I would be doing anything like this. I fully intended to start churches around communities, but as my faith grew, I realized that I was very passionate about helping other people achieve their goals.”

E-mail Bautista at: jjb02b@acu.edu

ViewsWednesday Optimist

Page 6

January 31, 2007

Resolve not to give up on setting goals this year

The issue:

Though 4045 percent of Americans make New Year’s resolutions, only 60 percent of the individuals follow through with their commitments.

Wednesday marks the end of the national Get Organized month and probably the end of many New Year’s resolutions made in the wee hours of Jan. 1. Recent studies show though, that perhaps sticking to that resolution to exercise more, eat healthier or read the Bible more frequently is not as simple as having strong willpower.

Forty to 45 percent of Americans make at least one resolution at the beginning of the year. By February, only 60 percent of those people are still following through.

Psychologists from Waterloo University have studied the way humans make decisions. They found that the ability to follow through with a decision or resolution has almost nothing to do with willpower or IQ, and everything to do with the way a person’s brain is wired.

Don’t be discouraged if

Our view:

It is important for college students to set goals because individuals who consistently set goals are 10 times more likely to achieve that goal than those who do not attempt at all.

The solution:

Read the top five goals for collegiants, and don’t be afraid to set your own.

you skip The point is that you actually make a resolution the habit of three days paying it off or goal. Goal setters are 10 times more likely to c o m p l e t e l y of exercising, lose each month. achieve that goal than those that don’t your home3) Attend set goals at all. work for class.

Stuthe second dents today time this week or eat that The average college student find it difficult to regularly donut you promised your- gains between 5-25 pounds attend class each day, even self you were avoiding. Not during their first year away though they could attend everyone was made to keep at college. Take advantage of class full-time in high school resolutions every time. one of three exercise facili- and participate in extracurIt is the people who have ties located on campus for ricular activities. Getting a the cognitive skills to say an affordable price, or sign college degree can make the green when the word actu- up at one of Abilene’s gyms difference in being hired in ally says red but is the color for specialized classes like the future. Don’t cut yourgreen that are more likely cycling and kick boxing. self short by being lazy in to stick through with their 4) Cut up my credit card. college. resolutions without relapse In 2001, 83 percent of col2) Pay attention in class.

by February, a Newsweek ar- lege undergraduate stu- Although laptop computers ticle reported Tuesday. dents owned at least one may be a blessing for taking The point is that you ac- credit card and had at least notes, many students found tually make a resolution or $3,000 debt in credit cards that having their computer goal. Goal setters are 10 alone. Adults 18-25 typi- in class just helped them to times more likely to achieve cally don’t make good deci- tune out the professor to that goal than those that sions regarding money, and play games or surf the Indon’t set goals. having a credit card while in ternet. Not every class will Here are the top five goals college doesn’t help. Use a be invigorating. Realize that for college students in 2007: credit card for emergency you only have this chance 5) Lose my freshman 15. purposes only, or get into to learn once so take advan-

Cole Williams

Let Loose

tage of everything you can soak up.

1) Prepare for life after college. Senior students found when graduating that they didn’t feel prepared enough to enter the work force because of a lack of resume writing and interview skills. Meet with career specialists in the Office of Career and Academic Development to learn how to spruce up your resume and prepare for interviews.

If nothing else, know that everyone will slip up one or more of their resolutions during the year. Just don’t give up in January. Who knows, this may be the year to get in shape, get out of debt and make something of yourself.

E-mail the Optimist at: optimist@acu.edu

Don’t want to learn, don’t come to class Letter to the Editor

truancy stems from apathy towards learning. I understand that many parents send their children to college to be something in this world, but until we learn to appreciate education, we will never achieve anything.

Abilene Christian University’s purpose is to educate students for leadership and service. Some complain that ACU does not need strict regulations against skipping class. I agree. We need students to take seriously the opportunity to learn. Until students really desire to learn, attendance does not matter at all. Don’t come to class. Some of us want to learn.

Dosa writes a letter in response to the Optimist’s Jan. 24 editorial headlined “Professors violate ACU attendance Policy.”

College is ultimately students paying teachers for further education. The purpose of attending a university was to learn the necessary material required to be proficient in a specific profession.

That idea has seemingly been lost to promises of better job opportunities and higher pay. Today colleges involve lots of money, grades and degrees. Students once came to college because they wanted to learn things.

My complaint is not about attendance. The problem of

Phil Dosa freshman communication major from Newark, Del. psd05b@acu.edu

More insight on class attendance Student defends Black Panthers I would like to correct some erroneous statements in the Jan. 24, editorial, “Professors violate ACU attendance policy,” particularly the statement that “the attendance policy in the Student Guide states that students must attend 80 percent of their classes to pass.”

The only statement in the Student Guide regarding class attendance is found on page nine of that document and reads, “Students who are living in residence halls, University Park or other campus housing and have stopped attending classes will be asked to vacate their residence unless expressed permission is given by the dean of Campus Life for students to remain in campus housing.”

The University’s Faculty Handbook provides faculty members with the following guidelines regarding attendance policies (pages 5.2-3):

“The educational philosophy of Abilene Christian University assumes that the instruction that occurs in regularly scheduled classes is critical to the learning process. Therefore regular class attendance is essential.

Each faculty member must distribute a syllabus on the first day of class. A clearly stated attendance policy is a required element of the syllabus. The policy should state the expectations of all students for attendance at required course meetings.”

Finally, the University Catalog reads as follows: “ACU expects students to attend and participate in all class and laboratory meetings. Students must adhere to the policies published in each course syllabus. (p. 18)” It certainly is relevant and appropriate to engage the university community in a spirited discussion regarding the place of an

Letter to the Editor Winter writes a letter in response to the Optimist’s Jan. 24 editorial headlined “Professors violate ACU attendance Policy.

in loco parentis-driven attendance philosophy in a twenty-first century higher education institution. However, this discussion should be predicated on an accurate representation of the school’s attendance policy.

The inaccuracy in the editorial about institutional policies regarding student attendance is, in my view, a distraction to this important discussion.

Tom Winter Vice Provost wintert@acu.edu

One thing I have been disgusted with since I stepped foot on the ACU campus is the ignorance which is so prevalent here about the true struggle of black people.

This ignorance was exemplified in a small article I read last week entitled “Chapel Apology Not Necessary.” I fully agree with the title because Matt Worthington, whom I spoke to personally after his speech, did not need to apologize for what he said. I myself didn’t ask for it. I didn’t even think he would after I spoke to him, but I respected his opinion and we agreed to disagree, even though his comment was not the entirety of his speech.

However, The Black Panther Party was not a group based on hate and anger. They were a group who retaliated and responded to hate and anger.

There have been over 100 million black or African people murdered by white supremacist in the Western Hemi-

sphere alone, since we were forced here 400 plus years ago. Just a few months ago, in New York, policemen fired more than 50 shots at an unarmed black man named Sean Bell and eventually killed him.

What are we, as black people, supposed to do when violent hate groups in America attack us? Invite them in for tea?

Absolutely not. We should fight back, just as America did when Osama Bin Laden attacked you on September the 11th.

The BPP were not a group of “hate and anger” as you put it, and here is why: The BPP organized various different programs for poor children and people such as, free breakfast and lunch programs, free health clinics, free clothing drives, community campaigns to stop drugs, crime and they stopped a large percentage of police brutality against black people. They didn’t believe in violence, but if they were

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

Letter to the Editor Cook writes a letter in response to the Optimist’s Jan. 26 column headlined “Chapel apology not necessary.”

attacked they fought back.

Although it may be unknown to many, the BPP influenced many of the governmental programs that help millions of underprivileged black, brown, red, yellow and white people today.

Therefore, Panthers were not a hate group; they were a group who spoke, fought, and stood against the hate and murder of my people.

Brandon Cooks senior journalism major from Abilene bec03c@acu.edu

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Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Page 7

SPORTS JUMPS

Track: Stories of the track Wildcats face LSC leaders Continued from page 8 is glad to be here after being unsure of what his future held, much less if he would continue track and field.

The sophomore pole-vaulter is one of two men who have provisionally qualified this season. The other is senior jumper Vladyslav Gorbenko. Both are now looking to better there marks and solidify their qualifying chances.

Dennis, a Pauls Valley, Okla., native, won three junior college pole-vaulting championships in a row. He swept the indoor and outdoor titles in 2005, and won indoor in 2006 for Johnson County.

Dennis is accustomed to what is perceived as cold weather conditions, but said he’s enjoyed the change in attitude on the team from that at Johnson County.

“Everybody influences everybody here,” Dennis said.

And on a team with the number of pole-vaulters this one has, that positive competition can only help Dennis reach a goal of 18-feet – seven inches higher than his personal best.

The men will get a points boost from its strength, distance runners. Along with perennial workhorse Nicodemus Naimadu, Hood said he expects 30-40 points at the national meet from his distance runners.

Considering their team cross country championship last fall, that statement should hold up at the national meet.

Outside of the distance group, Hood said the men have quality at every event, but not much depth. Only one meet into the year, Hood still has some questions to be answered to see what the team can do.

“We got the kids we recruited,” Hood said. “We just got to hope we recruited right.”

Hood is taking 33 athletes to Nebraska for the Frank Sevigne Invitational and 30 to Texas Tech, splitting the men and women among both meets.

Hood no longer wants to just compete and stay healthy;

“The biggest question for both [men’s and women’s teams] is the potential of the new people.

Don Hood, head ACU men’s and women’s track and field coach

he is ready to qualify more for nationals.

Convention in Reno Elizabeth Buyse thought her April visit to ACU would help her decide between Wheaton University and the University of Minnesota. She had only heard of Abilene because of her mom’s questioning around at the national pole-vaulting convention in Reno, Nev. “But I ended up loving it,” Buyse said. “I’m so glad I came here.”

Buyse, from Anoka, Minn., where the Rum and Mississippi rivers connect, competed at the state meet in Minnesota her sophomore, junior and senior years. However, she was disqualified her senior year for a hair binder on her wrist.

Buyse recorded her best high school jump at 11-feet four inches and has increased that mark by two inches here.

She provisionally qualified for nationals last weekend in Lubbock clearing a height of 11-5.75.

Buyse said her goal is to be an all-American, which means she will have to place in the top eight of the nation.

However, on the women’s team, Buyse is far from the only pole-vaulter with hopes to become an all-American.

Angie Aguilar returns for the Wildcats with plenty of experience for a young women’s pole-vaulting squad.

There are so many new women pole-vaulters with talent; coach Hood said four or five might make the national meet. Scoring points at the national meet is even more difficult to predict.

Unlike the men, the women have quality depth at many events. The sprinters and hurdlers are the deepest, with the middle distance events close behind.

“There is at least one good person in the 5,000 [meter run] and down,” Hood said.

That depth was shown at last weekend’s season-opening meet in Lubbock. There the women provisionally qualified seven members. Other than the two pole-vaulters, the other qualifiers came from the group Hood said was deepest.

Exciting but scary Davy Manga forgot how to speak English after quitting the language in 2001. But after being in the states for about three weeks, it is coming back to him.

Manga, from Savigny Le Temple, France, broke the French junior record in the triple jump in 2000. In 2004, he missed qualifying for the French Olympic team by 25 centimeters.

With a personal best in the triple jump of 16.62 meters, 54.53 feet, his goal of 17 meters, about 55.75 feet, is a goal he expects to meet along with competing in the Olympic games and world championships.

Manga enters the ACU track and field program with a proven background but arguably with some of the most potential. He is now exposed to a program with a training program that includes proper weight lifting and conditioning, as well as coaches to monitor all of his progress.

For Manga and the coaches, the thought of his potential is difficult to see.

For coach Hood, the whole team is like that.

“The biggest question for both [men’s and women’s teams] is the potential of the new people,” Hood said.

“It’s exciting but scary. But I know down the road it will be good.”

E-mail Fields at: jrf03b@acu.edu

n After dropping its second divisional home game Saturday, the ACU men’s basketball team will take on Lone Star leaders Midwestern State on Thursday.

By DANIEL JOHNSON Sports Editor

Playing at home appears to offer the ACU men’s basketball team little advantage.

After losing two of its last three Lone Star Conference divisional match ups at home, the Wildcats’ face a Midwestern State team that knows how to win on the road.

“We just got to make sure we’re ready for them from the start,” said head coach Jason Copeland.

Midwestern has won every divisional road game it has played, including a 72-59 victory over Tarleton State on Monday. The win broke Tarleton’s 33-game home-court winning streak and put Midwestern on top of the LSC South with a re-

cord of 3-1. Midwestern is 5-2 on the road and has an overall record of 14-4.

Midwestern guard Chad Rickett, who was named LSC South Player of the Week, led the Mustangs in scoring with 23 points. Rickett averages 17.2 points-per-game and has a field goal percentage of .528.

Copeland said good transition defense on the Wildcats’ part will be essential to shutting Rickett down.

“We got to get back in transition and not let him get any easy baskets,” Copeland said.

Although Rickett is the Mustangs leading scorer, he is not the only offensive weapon Midwestern has on its roster.

Two Mustangs average more than 15 points-per-game: Center Eric Dawson (16.9) and guard Drew Coffman (15.8).

“They’re as talented as anyone we’ve played all year,” Copeland said.

ACU is 1-3 in conference and 10-8 overall after losing 85-74 to Texas A&M Kings-

ville on Saturday.

A lack of second chances and failure to protect the paint made the difference in the Wildcats’ loss.

Although Kingsville lost by more than 20 points to Angelo State — a team ACU beat by 16 points — Kingsville outshined the Wildcats leading throughout the game by as much as 21 points.

“I knew they were good,” Copeland said.

Kingsville was good in the paint, outscoring the Wildcats 54-14 and out-rebounding ACU 40-30.

The Wildcats turned the ball over 26 times in the loss, and Kingsville outscored the Wildcats in second-chance points 20-1.

“We just got outplayed plain and simple,” forward Cameron Holson said.

Holson led the Wildcats with six defensive boards and four steals.

E-mail Johnson at: djj04a@acu.edu

Women suffer first home loss n The ACU women’s basketball team dropped to 3-3 in conference after losing to Texas A&M Kingsville Saturday. ACU will face Midwestern State Thursday.

By MICHAEL FREEMAN Online Editor

The Wildcat women’s basketball team suffered its first home loss Saturday against Texas A&MKingsville, 77-54. ACU will have a chance to get back on the winning track on Thursday when Midwestern State comes to town.

After Saturday’s loss, the Wildcats have an overall record of 128 and a conference record of 3-3.

Despite the loss, the stakes look very good that ACU can recover in Thursday’s game.

Midwestern State is 9-9 over-

Women’s basketball all and 2-4 in the conference.

Midwestern State also ranks as the second worst team in the Lone Star Conference when it comes to field goal and free throw percentage.

The Mustangs of Midwestern Lavender State average 58 points per game, while the Wildcats average 68, but statistics are irrelevant after the disappointment against Texas A&MKingsville.

“We got outplayed,” head coach Shawna Lavender said of Saturday’s game. “Nothing went right for us.”

Texas A&M-Kingsville, who improved to 8-10 with the win, took an early 13-4 lead in the game and never looked back.

The closest ACU was able to come back was with seven minutes left in the second half.

“In our minds, we lost to a team that we shouldn’t have lost to,” Lavender said. “We were embarrassed. We played bad and we want to make sure it doesn’t happen again. It was really one of those games that can define the rest of your season of how you respond to it. Hopefully, we can respond the right way.”

ACU will have the opportunity to respond against Midwestern State in Moody Coliseum on Thursday at 6 p.m.

E-mail Freeman at: mxf04b@acu.edu

SportsWednesday

Page 8

Wednesday, January 31, 2007

ScoreBoard Standings MEN’S BASKETBALL

Team

Div. 3-1 3-2 3-2 2-2 1-2 1-2 1-3

MSU WTAM ENMU Angelo St. TAMK-U Tarleton ACU

Overall 14-4 11-8 9-10 7-11 14-4 12-6 10-8

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Team

Div. 6-0 3-2 3-2 3-3 3-3 TX Woman’s 3-3 MSU 2-4 ENMU 0-6 WTAM Tarleton TAMK-U Angelo St. ACU

Overall 17-3 10-5 8-10 11-7 12-8 9-10 9-9 9-9

Scores

Wilson’s expectations high for 2007 season n Head ACU softball coach Chantiel Wilson and her team have high expectations for the upcoming season that will begin Friday at the St. Mary’s Invitational.

By LAURA SMITH Student Reporter

Most softball coaches with 11 new players would be anticipating a rebuilding year.

But ACU Softball head coach Chantiel Wilson is only anticipating another year of success.

“I really think this is a special group. They work hard and don’t expect talent to get them by,” Wilson said.

The Wildcats are ranked No. 1 in pre-season rankings

Softball of the Lone Star Conference South Division and its first chance to uphold those expectations will be Friday when they take on Midwestern State at the St. Mary’s Invitational in San Antonio.

Despite Johnson the past two weeks of bad weather keeping the softball field wet and the women indoors, Wilson said it hasn’t held back practice. She said she is impressed with the men-

tal toughness and support the team has shown so far.

“I always tell my teams to play like guys. These women have taken that to heart,” Wilson said.

Every player handles constructive criticism positively and learns from each other’s mistakes, Wilson said.

Visualization has played a key role in practices so far as the team has been kept off the soaked field and forced to find ways to prepare for the fast approaching season, Wilson said. She said exercises for eye strength as well as how and where to hit the ball have been utilized.

Wilson said the team is

working hard to return to the Central Regional tournament in May and make up for two less-than-satisfactory showings in the years.

Heading into last year’s tournament with a program record 42-win season the Wildcats lost its first game of the tournament, then beat Regis only to lose in an elimination game against St. Mary’s.

Both regional tournaments were not what they had hoped for, and the team is looking to work together and be supportive as they strive to win and get further in post-season.

“Our conference is really tough. Every game is a rivalry,” Wilson said.

Wilson seems confident in the depth and work ethic of the 19 players. Some key players to keep an eye on are second team All-American designated hitter Jessica Johnson, short stop Courtney Clark and pitcher Ashley Bailey, who sat out a year due to health issues.

“Everyone has amazing respect for each other this year,” said Johnson, junior marketing major from Canyon Country, Calif. “We want to take a step further than last year.”

E-mail Smith at: optimist@acu.edu

Jumping towards a title

Tuesday MEN’S BASKETBALL Texas A&M Kingsville 85, ACU 74

Wednesday WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Texas A&M Kingsville 77 , ACU 54

Upcoming Thursday WOMEN’S BASKETBALL ACU vs. Midwestern State, 6 p.m.

MEN’S BASKETBALL ACU vs. Midwestern State, 8 p.m.

Friday BASEBALL ACU vs. Henderson State, 4 p.m.

SOFTBALL ACU at St. Mary’s Tournament, San Antonio

TRACK & FIELD

brian schmidt SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER

Top: Davy Manga and freshman hurdler Andrew McDowell go toe to toe during hurdle drills during practice Monday. Manga and McDowell are two new athletes on the ACU men’s track and field team. Bottom right: Jumper Vladyslav Gorbenko practices triple jump during practice Monday. Bottom left: Sprinter Jessica Hunt runs around the track during practice Monday.

New blood adds depth to dynasty

Frank Sevigne Invitational, Lincoln, Neb.

n Home games listed in italics

n The ACU men’s and women’s track and field teams are anticipating another successful season after numerous new athletes helped add depth to the teams.

Intramural Round-up

By JARED FIELDS Managing Editor

Upcoming

Early in July Andrew McDowell still had no plans of where he would attend college with it being just a few weeks away. He and high school friend Ramone Sparks planned on going to the same school but now had nowhere to go.

Sparks came on a visit to ACU after the Missouri state meet where he put in a good word for his friend with head coach Don Hood.

Sparks called McDowell

n The intramural schedule seen on the Optimist sports page is not final and is subject to change. Any last-minute changes can be viewed on the intramural bulletin board in Moody Coliseum.

Thursday MEN’S CHAMP BASKETBALL Fresh vs. The grove squad up, Bennett gym, 8 p.m.

You know who vs. Hanner Chevrolet, Bennett Gym, 9 p.m.

Flyboys vs. Yao’s Homeboys, Bennett gym, 10 p.m.

Track & field and asked him to tell the coaches about him; Sparks assured him he already had. An hour and a half later, coach Hood was calling McDowell.

McDowell sent some tapes to coach Hood, and the Missouri state hurdles’ champion arrived on campus for the first time during welcome week. McDowell posted personal bests in high school of 13.9 seconds in the 110-meter hurdles and 37.5 seconds in the 300-meter hurdles.

Last weekend at the Wes Kittley Invitational he ran a 8.28 and placed ninth in the 60-meter hurdles, impressing his coaches and showing potential of better times down the schedule.

See

TRACK page 7

brADY HILTON CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

brian schmidt

Frater water champs

WOMEN’S CHAMP BASKETBALL Misfits vs. Cheetah girls, Bennett gym, 7 p.m.

n Frater Sodalis’ Team One waterball team claimed the tournament championship after defeating GSP 14-11 Thursday.

MEN’S REC BASKETBALL Frat 3 vs. G-as Station, East double gym, 7 p.m.

By BLESSED MATAI

Duece Droppers vs. Duper Pump 250, West double gym, 7 p.m.

Student Reporter

Starlight bandits vs. Pizza, East double gym, 8 p.m.

Frat 2 vs. G’SPOT, West double gym, 9 p.m.

GSP-Brent Coachman vs. Class of 97, East double gym, 9 p.m.

WOMEN’S REC BASKETBALL ISA vs. Alpha Kai Orange, East, 6 p.m.

Nitty Squirrells vs. Siggies, East double gym, 7 p.m.

He and his friend wound up at the same school as planned but not at a Division I program as planned.

“It was heartbreaking,” McDowell said of not finding a Div. I school to attend. “Every kid dreams of going to a big D-I school.”

However, McDowell has no regrets of running at a smaller school after seeing the program ACU has built over the years.

And like many of the newcomers expected to produce points in the team standings, McDowell said he has no regrets about his choice to come here.

Like McDowell, Kyle Dennis is a newcomer at ACU who

LACI ADKINS STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

A slew of Frater Sodalis waterball players celebrate their waterball championship after defeating GSP in the final game of the tournament. Frats won the game 14-11.

The men’s social club, Frater Sodalis, defeated Gamma Sigma Phi 14 to 11 to take home the waterball intramural title.

The championship game between the Frats and GSP turned out to be a disappointment for the GSP team on Thursday night. The Frats went to half time with a 2-point lead over its opponent.

Frats was ahead the whole game, holding its opponent to only five points in the second half, which was one point less than what they had scored in the first half of the game.

Waterball playoffs and the championship game were originally

Waterball scheduled in the fall semester, but because of the burned pump at the pool, the intramural office had to move to the spring semester.

“We had a big loss for the graduation … we lost one of our key players,” said Russell Guild, senior psychology major from Desoto and GSP player. “We’re just not as strong at swimming as we should be. We have to be stronger on the defense – watching the switches … but if we play a better defense we’ll be able to make up the two points.”

With four minutes left to the end of the game, Frats was ahead by only one point, when Justin Singleton, senior environmental science major See

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