The Optimist Print Edition 02.02.2007

The Vol. 95, No. 33

IN THIS ISSUE CAMPUS Passing out pennies

The Students’ Association unanimously approved the 2007 budget, giving student organizations more than $60,000, page 3

Helping the children

The semester’s first Chapel forum will be held Monday night with Invisible Children speaker Brice Crozier, page 4

Wintry weather

Abilene experienced a sharp drop in temperatures Thursday afternoon when rain turned to a brief snow flurry. See a picture on page 3.

SPORTS

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OPTIMIST

1 section, 10 pages

FRIDAY

February 2, 2007

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www.acuoptimist.com

ManningMANIA Chicago Bears rookie safety Danieal Manning finishes his first year in pro football, after being drafted from ACU, as a Super Bowl starter this Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts.

By DANIEL JOHNSON Sports Editor

Just like any other fanatic of the Madden football video game, Danieal Manning used to create himself and play out a simulated career. As for the team he choose: the Chicago Bears.

“I was on the Chicago Bears just because of the defense,” Manning said.

And the Bears picked the former Wildcat 42nd in last year’s NFL draft because Manning fit in to the high powered, hardhitting and ultra-athletic defense they have become known for.

“That’s where it began,” ACU cornerback and Manning’s former roommate Corey Jordan said. “We used to create our players and he just told me that he was going to make it; that he was going to play in the NFL.” Manning did make it to the NFL, and like his self-creation, he is playing for the Chicago Bears and doesn’t have to create himself anymore.

“We laugh about that all the time,” said the rookie safety for the NFC Champion Bears. “Now I don’t have to worry about that anymore.”

After a rookie season that surprised everyone who didn’t already know Manning’s potential, he now finds himself on the biggest stage for a professional athlete: Super Bowl XLI. Although Manning remains humble, he said he is hopeful the Bears will beat the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday and he can end his rookie season with a ring on his finger.

“That would be the way to end the rookie year,” Manning said. “You couldn’t ask for anything else but that.”

Play ball!

The ACU baseball team begins its spring season Friday against Henderson State. Johnson previews how the season is expected to turn out, page 10.

Super Bowl Mania

Starting strong

Manning has spent the past week in Miami with little time to answer his phone.

Both the men’s and women’s tennis teams will begin their spring seasons nationally ranked, page 10

See

MANNING page 5

MORE SUPERBOWL FEATURES Flash back to ACU students who have gone to the Bowl n See other famous ACU

MANNING BY NUMBERS

Photo courtesy of the Chicago Bears

n Pos: Free safety n Height: 5’11’’ n Weight: 210 n 62 total tackles; 52 unassisted tackles; 16 assisted tackles; 43 solo tackles

n 4 forced fumbles; 1 fumble recovery

Embodying evil

‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ depicts what evil could exist in the underworld from the perspective of a child, page 7

ONLINE Hut, hut, hike

See how students are expecting to spend their Super Bowl Sunday in Abilene online at www. acuoptimist.com

Feature: Making a tough choice - friend or favorite?

Local hotspots to hit before the kick-off begins in Miami

Danieal Manning and the Colts, Jeff McDuff faces a tough decision on who to cheer for during the Super Bowl, page 8

on campus will welcome students who want to watch the Chicago Bears play the Indianapolis Colts, page 5

n As a fan of pro football player

n 2 interceptions

ARTS

students and alumni who have made it to the Super Bowl before in their professional careers; also see highlights of Manning’s rookie season with the Chicago Bears, page 10

n Various churches and ResLife

Endowment fund sets records in Texas, nation n The endowment fund reached its goal of $250 million by Dec. 31. In achieving its goal, the university became No. 4 in the nation for investment performance.

By MALLORY SCHLABACH Editor in Chief

The university’s endowment fund reached its goal of $250 million with three weeks to spare and achieved two records in the process.

Ten years ago, Dr. Money, president of the university, and the Board of Trustees met to set a Centennial Vision. The endowment fund was approximately $70 million, said Jack Rich, senior vice president chief investment officer. The board envisioned the endowment reaching $250 million by the end of 2006. In 2006 alone, the endowment fund grew $40 million.

Department of Journalism and Mass Communication

When the university reached its goal, it also achieved a record as the No. 4 university in the nation for investment returns on an endowment fund. Out of the 700 universities considered, the top three universities ranked by the National Association of Colleges and University Business Officers for their investment performances were prestigious Ivy League schools.

“No. 4 looks pretty good for the university,” Rich said. “Of the 700 schools considered, these are schools that have significant endowments in the country.”

No other university in Texas has an endowment fund of $250 million either, placing ACU first among Texas universities.

See

how endowments work

This graphic demonstrates how an endowment fund would work if it only had $1,000 in it to begin with. The blue graph in the second graphic represents the money ACU can use to keep the school operating. It was for this amount that ACU received its No. 4 ranking.

FUND page 5

Abilene Christian University

Serving the ACU community since 1912

Chapel Checkup Credited Chapels to date:

Wednesday, March 29, 2006 Friday, February 2, 2007

02

Calendar & Events

Praise Day in Chapel.

03

Weekend Campaign to Lubbock begins.

Weekend Campaign to Lubbock.

Friday

Saturday

First Service Saturday of the semester.

Announcements Today is the last day to sign up for the Oxford Summer Programs.

Come by the Study Abroad office in the Hardin Administration Building to pick up an application and plan time abroad. Maymester programs include “Modern American Expatriate Writers” with Cole Bennett and “Monarch, Mayhem, and Money” with Tracy Shilcutt. COBA will be hosting the Summer I program, and Communications is looking for applicants for Summer II. The Weekend Campaign to Lubbock is Friday through Sun-

day. Students will be working with the South Plains Food Bank and the local children`s hospital by making and delivering get-well cards. Students may sign up in the Campus Center ticket windows after Chapel Friday. 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 is Saturday. Friday is the last day to sign up for it in the Campus Center ticket windows.

05

Monday

The Invisible Children are on campus to promote its new Tri Campaign. 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.

06

Tuesday

7 p.m.

World-renowned sky diver Larry Henderson performs in a special program in the auditorium on the second floor of Christian Village, located at 633 EN 19th.

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.

Police Log Edited for space

Volunteer Opportunities The Beltway Park Baptist Church Preschool Department needs two volunteers 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.

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 Tuesday

Credited Chapels remaining:

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and Thursday 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.

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.

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.

Monday 01/22/2007 12:05 a.m. Report of criminal mischief to room at McKinzie Hall, hall director will handle 12:39 a.m. Criminal mischief report at McKinzie Hall 9 a.m. Subject arrested at 800 EN 16th for local warrants and taken to Taylor County Jail 3:30 p.m. Hit and run accident at Barret Lot 4:20 p.m. Report of student in boat on Lake, contacted subjects taking pictures, all OK Tuesday 01/23/2007 5 p.m. Theft at the Hardin Administration Building, contacted subject did not wish to make report at this time Wednesday 01/24/2007 1:13 a.m. Checked 1300 Westheimer for prowler, unable to locate anyone 5 p.m. Alarm at Library, false alarm, reset alarm 10:15 p.m. Attempt to locate of subjects yelling at females at Gardner lot Thursday 01/25/2007 11:20 a.m. Theft of bike from University Park 3:30 p.m. Assisted Taylor County Sheriffs Office with warrant on student at McKinzie Hall, student

arrested and taken to Taylor County Jail 8:35 p.m. Contacted suspicious subject at Nelson Hall Friday 01/26/2007 2:12 a.m. Report of loud party at 700 EN 14th, was quiet upon arrival 1:10 p.m. Contacted suspicious subject near Physical Resources, was homeless subject camping out, was leaving the area 5:40 p.m. Assisted Abilene Police with wanted subject at University Park Apartments, subject was arrested and taken to Taylor County Jail Saturday 01/27/2007 4 p.m. Report of harassment at Gardner Hall 10:51 p.m. Noise violation at 1000 Griffith, no violation observed Sunday 01/28/2007 1:19 a.m. Report of suspicious subjects driving blue Ford pickup at Gardner Lot, checked the area, unable to locate 1:50 a.m. Loud party at 500 EN 20th, party was broken up upon arrival 7:54 p.m. Report of suspicious subject inside vehicle at Mabee Lot, subject was observed by female and left the vehicle. Contacted owner of vehicle, checked, no report, nothing missing

CAMPUS NEWS

Friday, February 2, 2007

SA estimates $200,000 revenue for spring n Students’ Association has received about $102,500 student budget requests from student organizations, but Congress granted about $61,000.

By KELSI PEACE Features Editor

The Students’ Association unanimously approved the spring 2007 budget, accepted a resignation and appointed a new senior senator at Wednesday’s meeting.

The total revenue for the semester is estimated to be about $200,000, which includes about $78,000 rolled over from the fall semester. The $70 student activity fee paid each semester contributes to revenue.

Tyler Cosgrove, SA executive treasurer and senior financial management major from Amarillo, said $35,000 of the rollover will go into an SA endowment when it is established.

Last spring, the SA administration decided to establish an endowment and designated $15,000 to start it. SA has budgeted $20,000 for the endowment each semester this year. SA will use interest from the endowment to fund new initiatives for improving student life.

Legal documents and necessary procedures have delayed the endowment, Cosgrove said.

Six percent of revenue now is placed in a contingency account for future use, which is required for all departments on campus, and means about $16,000 will go into the account this semester.

Student organizations asked for about $102,500 with student budget requests. This semester Congress granted about $61,000; funds were distributed to organizations based on budgetary standards Cosgrove determined. (Refer to info box.)

SA will pay up to $150 for airfare, 41.5 cents per mile for gas, $65 per night for a hotel and 50 percent of all registration, conference and charter fees. Other limits can be found in the budget. Personal items, such as T-shirts, will not be funded by SA. Association for Computer Machinery, the Integrated Marketing Communication Organization, Spiritual Life Core, Spring Break Campaigns and Wildcat Kids received the full amount requested. The National Broadcasting Society received 20 percent of the nearly $21,500 it requested,

the largest request Cosgrove said he had ever seen.

Cosgrove said some organizations did not receive any funds because it did not meet the timeline, attend a meeting with either Cosgrove or Kevan Kirksey, SA chief financial officer and sophomore financial management major from Tyler, or attend Invision, a leadership seminar.

Thirty-two organizations received funds for the spring semester, and this year, SA has given the largest amount to student organizations and student development projects, designating about $61,000 each semester compared with about $40,000 last spring.

The spring 2007 budget also allots $2,500 for Bean Sprout improvements because SA has been asked to help improve the sound system or the lighting, Cosgrove said.

A discretionary fund of $3,250 was included, which Cosgrove said is higher than the fall semester, along with a $725 budget for office improvements. The new Cabinet may make office improvements Cosgrove said, and SA is considering repainting its office or reupholstering the couches.

By ATSUMI SHIBATA Page Designer

More than 70 prospective resident assistants gathered and enjoyed coffee, dessert and games at the annual recruiting event ResLife: Caffeinated on Tuesday in the Hilton Room.

Organized by directors of residence halls, the event is held every spring.

After playing games for

about 45 minutes, participants received brief information like what it is like to be a R.A., what to expect, benefits and instruction on how to apply.

“Residence Life is fun but also serious at the same time,” said Rebecca Cates, resident director of Sikes hall. “I wanted people to get a taste of what it is like.”

Cates said although she saw fewer participants this year, the event was successful.

Katherine Lewis, freshman social work major from Wichita, Kan., came to the event because she is interested in becoming a

R.A. next year.

Changing the world is a passion in her life, Lewis said, and she thinks the residence hall is a good place to start helping younger students.

Cates said being a R.A. is challenging in some ways, but she thinks it is an important position because they can support other students physically, mentally and spiritually.

Cates said resident directors consider and want someone who will work well with each other as a team.

To apply, students must fulfill several requirements. To

Snow catching

Congress had no qualms about the budget — all 39 members present passed it with no debate. Total expenses for spring 2007 will be about $132,000.

Students can view the budget in the SA office, and Cosgrove said it should be available online within the next few weeks.

Brent Fisher, University Park Apartments representative and junior history major from Grapevine, resigned from SA; Congress appointed Perry Harrison, junior English major from Gilmer, to replace Fisher, and Tiffany Gauntt, journalism major from Colleyville, as a senior senator.

Budgetary standards n The full amount was granted if the items were “within acceptable limits and did not violate budgetary principle.” n Cuts were made “due to budgetary principles.” n Cuts were made because of low priority, which the organization’s officer determined in a meeting with Cosgrove. n Limited funds and SA’s “commitment to fairness and equity,” which allowss all groups an opportunity to receive funds.

E-mail Peace at: knp04a@acu.edu

Annual R.A. interest meeting gathers 75 students n A recruiting event for ResLife: Caffeinated took place on Tuesday. Participants enjoyed refreshments, played games and learned how to become a R.A.

Page 3

work in freshman halls, R.A.s must be classified as a sophomore and a junior to work in sophomore halls. Applicants must have at least a grade point average of 2.5, and chapel attendance is also considered.

First-year transfer students can not apply even if they satisfy all the requirements. Applicants can request their hall preferences but are not guaranteed to be staffed there, Cates said.

The application deadline to become part of Residence Life for next year is Thursday.

E-mail Shibata at: axs03d@acu.edu

brian schmidt SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER

Phil Dosa, freshman communications major from Newark, Del., recalls childhood memories as he tries to catch snowflakes on his tongue in front of Sherrod Don Morris while waiting for his class to begin Thursday afternoon.

CAMPUS NEWS

Page 4

PovertyLink holds first meeting n Business and marketing majors concerned with local and international economic problems had their first PovertyLink meeting Wednesday.

By TODD PIERSALL Arts Editor

Several students have grown tired of talking about poverty — now they want to take action.

PovertyLink, a group composed mainly of business and marketing majors, is an action group dedicated to dealing with economic problems locally and internationally.

Cristina del Pinal, senior business management major from Ft. Worth, said she always knew God was calling her to do something about poverty but never actually realized he would call

her to do something while still in college.

It was at Leadership Summit where del Pinal said she felt God calling her to fight poverty.

Del Pinal, with the help of other students and faculty, will find practical solutions to ease poverty in Abilene and in other parts of the world.

In its first meeting on Wednesday, the group introduced the economical issues and then voted on its focus. Del Pinal said she is eager to begin a relationship with poverty stricken areas.

“I want to get rid of the doctor-client mentality that the United States has,” del Pinal said. “What we have to offer, the poor has to offer as well.”

The group’s mission statement, which is “mobilizing students to restore dignity to economically broken communities through sustainable local and international efforts,” will be taken in practical steps.

Ben Dubose, sophomore business management major from Ft. Worth, said he hopes the group will be a platform for anyone who has ideas or projects.

“We don’t want awareness. A lot of people are already aware,” Dubose said. “What we want PovertyLink to do is be a platform where people can bring projects that they have and take action.”

For Dubose, PovertyLink’s goals aren’t temporary — they are eternal. Several of its tentative projects

Friday, February 2, 2007

Waiting for a sign

include aiding other organizations that are spiritually investing in lives.

Another student who is ready to fight against poverty is Zack Robinson, senior marketing and finance major from Poplarbluff, Mo. “In reading scripture something closest to the heart of God is justice and caring for the poor,” Robinson said. “The people we will be serving are victims of economic injustice. By pursuing that, we are pursing the heart of God.” Like Dubose and Del Pinal, Robinson said he is passionate about economic development and hopes the group will “bring renewal to all areas of life.” emily smith CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER E-mail Piersall at: tdp04a@acu.edu

Two welders wait for parts of the new scoreboard under construction at Crutcher Scott Field on Wednesday.

Students get ample opportunities to view ‘Invisible Children’ n Students can attend screenings of ‘Invisible Children’ at the Mabee Library Auditorium and hear Brice Crozier speak Monday at University Church of Christ.

By TAKISHA KNIGHT Student Reporter

The truth was so upsetting that many who saw the film took to the streets.

Last year, students, including those from surrounding universities, joined more than 80,000 students worldwide in a Global Night Commute — a march through their cities and a camp out on the streets.

The young protestors witnessed the piles of emaciated children sleeping on concrete floors in a “safe house” exhausted

from their flight from the Lord’s Resistance Army in Uganda. The LRA, who kill and enslave men, rape women and steal little boys to join its armies and little girls to become sex slaves, have stolen an estimated 6,000 children.

The children walk miles each night to avoid this fate. Invisible Children is their story.

Students can hear Brice Crozier, an Invisible Children representative, speak in a Chapel forum at 7 p.m. Monday at University Church of Christ about a new campaign the Invisible Children organization is promoting to help the children of Uganda rehabilitate. Alternative screenings will be at

2 p.m. and 5 p.m. in the Mabee Library Auditorium on Monday.

Since last year, lobbying efforts by Invisible Children advocates, including students who protested in the Global Night Commute, have been successful.

The Ugandan government is successfully negotiating with LRA leader Joseph Kony, and the number of child soldiers has decreased. Some children have been released and fewer children are commuting every night, said Dan McVey, missions coordinator for Africa.

McVey, who travels to Uganda and Sudan to research and build relationships and opportunities

for missions, can attest.

“I’ve seen it with my own eyes — the peace, the lowering of tension,” McVey said.

McVey said some of his Sudanese friends were present for negotiations with Kony. President George W. Bush, congressmen and other American officials responded to petitions, letters and protest by putting pressure on the Ugandan government to broker peace with the LRA. “The whole idea of raising awareness was … to broker a peace deal and to get people involved with helping the children directly,” McVey said.

He said that is more of the focus for Crozier’s upcoming visit.

“Like any international situation, being aware of it, simply to be aware is not enough,” McVey said.

Invisible Children advocates encourage people to have their own screenings of the film, like Abby Trejo did.

The sophomore biology major from Ulysses, Kan., is part of the volunteer committee that assisted Invisible Children representatives last year when they came to campus. She said the film inspired her to do more.

“It was shocking, kind of depressing, but it wasn’t immobilizing,” she said.

Trejo organized a screening at her hometown high school. One student at her screening bought a copy of the documentary, took it to

Washington, D.C., on a trip and gave it to a congressman.

Besides planning screenings of the film, Invisible Children advocates offer other ways students can creatively help support the rehabilitation of the recovered children on their Web site. Some students from the committee have gone as far as doing mission work in Africa to help.

Trejo hopes to do so too.

“It’s expensive; it’s dangerous but I’d love to go,” she said.

To learn more about Invisible Children and how to get involved visit www.invisiblechildren.org.

E-mail Knight at: optimist@acu.edu

FROM THE FRONT PAGE

Friday, February 2, 2007

Page 5

Manning: From Madden to Miami with the Bears Continued from page 1

“He told me that he probably wasn’t going to bring his phone or just have it off,” Jordan said.

Not even his agent Russell Hicks has been able to get in touch with him on a daily basis as Manning has had to split his time between practice, the media and appearances for the Bears.

And like most athletes being interviewed during the Super Bowl media blitz, the rookie was no stranger to the weird and awkward questions.

“They even asked about my private parts and if me and Peyton [Manning] were related.” Manning said.

But it wasn’t the craziness in Florida that first made him realize the importance of playing in the Super Bowl; it was the personal revelation after beating the New Orleans Saints in the NFC Championship game.

“After we beat the Saints, that right there was a ‘wow’ for me,” Manning said.

“That game had its highs and lows of course, but we persevered.”

Manning recorded one tackle and had a shot at an interception against the

Saints but intentionally dropped it to give the Bears good field position.

If he snags an interception Sunday against the Colts’ Peyton Manning, it won’t be the first time he’s picked off a future hall of famer. Manning intercepted Green Bay Packers’ quarterback Brett Favre in his first NFL game on Sept. 7, 2006.

“That would be great if I pick off one from him,” Manning said. “It would be even better if I pick it off from him while we’re winning the game.”

And that has been the main goal of Manning throughout the season: helping his team succeed rather than pursuing self-success.

“I don’t get too caught up in selfishness,” Manning said. “I want to win the game.”

Manning said he isn’t affected by the hype of the Super Bowl or the critics that say Indianapolis’ offense will try to expose the rookie.

He’s just ready to play.

“That’s the beauty of this game,” Manning said. “Anyone can say whatever they want, but we won’t know until Sunday gets here.”

Wildcat Pride

The last time a former Wildcat started in the Super Bowl Manning hadn’t been born yet.

The player: Wilbert Montgomery. The year: 1981.

Montgomery started at running back for the Philadelphia Eagles when the Eagles lost 27-10 to Oakland.

If Manning wins he will be the second former Wildcat to be on a Super Bowl winning team—the first was Wilbert’s brother Cle Montgomery in 1984—and the first former Wildcat starter to win a Super Bowl.

But despite the chance to slate another place for himself in the ACU sports history books, Manning has already been secured in the hearts and minds of most of the ACU community.

“I think everybody’s pulling for him,” said Dr. Gary McCaleb, vice president of the university. “I think there is a lot of excitement because there is a personal angle. It’s really something to think a year ago he was playing for ACU.” Manning is aware of the support he has at ACU and is thankful for it and the support from his family and his hometown of Corsicana.

“I do have a great sup-

photo courtesy of the chicago bears

Danieal Manning, right, sits on the sidelines with cornerback Ricky Manning Jr., left, during the Bears’ regular season game against the New York Jets on Nov. 19, 2006. The Bears won 10-0. port system and a great family,” Manning said.

“Everybody is supporting me well too, and that’s a big feeling.”

Manning’s success and recognition has also made it easier on the Wildcat football team.

“It’s not hard to recruit for ACU anymore,” Jordan said. “Everyone that comes to Abilene asks about Danieal.”

But for Jordan the biggest impact Manning made was the one in his life.

“He’s a best friend; if I

ever need anything I can call him,” Jordan said.

“He’s always been kind of a big brother mentor to me ever since I first got here.

When we were roommates we used to sit back and watch film, he schooled me on how to approach the game.”

Manning continues to inspire Division II athletes who have hopes of their own to make it to the NFL. “He always said those guys [in the NFL] are not different than us,” Jordan said. “It’s not really a big

difference, just the knowledge of the game.”

A little more than one year ago, Manning decided to enter the NFL draft.

Had he stayed for his senior year at ACU he may have never started in the Super Bowl. But regardless of the hypotheticals, Manning’s voice mail greeting says it best: “Hey this is Danieal. I made it; I’m at the Super Bowl.”

E-mail Johnson at: djj04a@acu.edu

Students can attend campus or local church Super Bowl parties n Residence Life and various local churches in Abilene will play host to students and faculty for the Super Bowl game Sunday night at 5:25 p.m.

By RACHEL DAVIS Student Reporter

Church services will be suspended, family dinners will be moved from the table to the couch and college students will gath-

er around the nearest big screen TV Sunday.

The Super Bowl is arguably one of the most important nights in professional sports, and along with the rest of the nation, the Residence Life office will celebrate this annual game of epic proportions with a campus-wide party.

Plans for the party are still being finalized, said

Charla Farrell, Gardner Hall resident director.

“We are so glad this event has caught attention,” Farrell said.

The party will take place in Cullen Auditorium. Students can go online to myACU and fill out a threequestion survey to indicate their preferences for the party, which is open to all students, faculty and staff.

Fund: Board still to set new goal Continued from page 1

Rich said he first found record of the endowment fund dating back to 1950 when the fund was at $250,000.

The endowment fund works like a savings account interest. The only principle is that the university cannot spend any of the money donated; it can only use a portion of the money earned on the interest, which ends up being about 4 to 5 percent of the endowment value, Rich said. The other portion of the interest earned on the endowment is then reinvested.

Kelly Young’s role is to spend the interest, or the spending policy as it is officially called.

“The side we watch is how much is available to use for university opera-

tions,” said Young, associate chief financial officer.

He said the university uses the money to pay everything needed to keep it operating on a daily basis, which includes paying all employees, paying utilities and paying scholarships.

“The endowment fund provides a financial foundation for the university, so regardless of how enrollment is for the university, business can continue as usual.

The larger the endowment, the more ACU can do to enhance the learning on campus,” Young said.

In order for Young to be able to spend part of the interest, the endowment has to be successfully invested.

Enter Rich, who builds off of what generous donors give to the university.

“Our goal is to provide a

substantial, sustainable and stable flow of funds for the university to use in meeting its mission, which is to educate students,” Rich said.

“We do that by managing how we invest our funds.”

He said 45 percent of the earnings are used for student scholarships. The remaining 55 percent is used to enhance the quality of education and to keep the university operating.

“Without gifts, we wouldn’t have an endowment. Its because of the generous gifts of people who love the university that make everything possible,” Rich said. “We’ve been very, very blessed with substantial returns in the past four to five years.”

E-mail Schlabach at: mes02e@acu.edu

Kick-off time is scheduled for 5:25 p.m. and many on campus will watch the game between the Chicago Bears and Indianapolis Colts. This year’s show features the singer Prince, and performer Billy Joel will sing the national anthem before the game.

Danieal Manning, a former ACU student, will play in the Super Bowl

for the first time.

In his first season as a Chicago Bears safety, Manning had 70 tackles and two interceptions. He declared for the NFL draft last winter and was picked by the Bears in the second round.

Some area churches, including University Church of Christ and Minter Lane Church of Christ, will have

Super Bowl parties as well.

Minter Lane’s party is hosted at a member’s house.

For more information, contact Mark Foster at fostermark@acu.edu.

The University Church’s party will be in the Family Life Center. For more information, contact Derrick Bam at dbam@uccabilene.org.

E-mail Davis at: optimist@acu.edu

Page 6

The issue:

Many businesses in Abilene offer discounts to college students.

Our view:

Businesses and students benefit from reduced prices on certain products.

The solution:

Support local businesses that offer student discounts in hopes more establishments will do the same.

February 2, 2007

Businesses gain support from offering discounts For the large majority of ACU students trying to survive on low-paying jobs and spare change found under couch cushions and in pant pockets, discounts of any sort are appreciated and desired.

In response, a variety of Abilene businesses including, Rosa’s Tortilla Factory, Box Office Video and Cold Stone Creamery, cater to its collegiate demographic with a tactic that keeps customers continually coming back for more: student discounts.

Businesses in Abilene should provide student

discounts said. “If we Businesses benefit from offering discounts bebecause, for can help them cause by slightly reducing their prices they gain the most part, come in and support from the community. they do not eat good food lose a signifibefore they have cant amount of money for port from the community. to go home and study, then reduced prices on items.

Which ACU student hasn’t we will do it.”

“We don’t lose out on a been to Taco Tuesday or Students should take adlot of money because col- What-a-burger Wednesday? vantage of these opportulege students order lowerMost people enjoy a good nities. Support businesses cost food items,” said Jes- deal, and many faithfully that provide discounted sica Champion, manager at return to certain restau- items or flat-rate deals.

Rosa’s on Cat Claw Drive. rants to take part in their By faithfully buying their “They order things like weekly specials. products, students can chips and queso.”

“We understand stu- show the community that Also, businesses benefit dents’ financial situation we appreciate their servicfrom offering discounts be- and that they are living on es, and encourage all estabcause by slightly reducing their own for the first time lishments that they would its prices, they gain sup- in their lives,” Champion benefit from offering col-

Lebensgefahr

Alex York

Learning to live without a leader A phenomenon no ACU student can prepare for has the campus on its knees.

It is greater than Sing Song preparations, more important than class attendance and possibly more vital to our spiritual health than Fields of prayer.

Dreams The most Jared pressing isFields sue here has to do with who is in charge.

Right now, no one seems to be.

We have no dean of Campus Life. The former director of Judicial Affairs, Mike Spell, is gone and Dr. Wayne Barnard, dean of Spiritual Formation, Mr. Chapel and controller of the school, is time zones away in Oxford for the semester.

The most pressing issue here has to do with who is in charge. Right now, no one seems to be.

Without a director of Judicial Affairs the duties are being split between two people. A new one would be greatly appreciated by those picking up the slack.

Two people cannot fully handle the task of discipline issues that arise on campus.

The average student does not expect to face judicial affairs, but without one the threat of something small like Chapel probation seems much less intimidating.

Chapel is running smoothly so far this semester in the absence of Dean Barnard. His transition to the dean of Spiritual Formation has allowed him to remain in charge of Chapel.

However, Chapel is not the same with Dr. Barnard gone. He adds the constant presence in Chapel for

those who love and hate the daily routine.

For the lovers, or Wayniacs, he is the spiritual leader on stage who is an example for everyone. The dissenters view Dr. Barnard negatively as he embodies all they hate about Chapel.

Whether you love or hate him, he unifies the student body as something constant everyone can love or love to hate. But regardless of your personal view, he is gone right now and the lack of a Chapel presence furthers the feeling of no leadership.

While in the departments of these people effects are felt, most others don’t notice a change around campus life. The normal student doesn’t notice how we are without a dean of Campus

Life. I am not even sure what a dean of Campus Life will do once a new one is found. I am sure that somewhere the effects of being without one are being felt, but outside of that circumstance, little is known.

So how should ACU fix this problem in the lack of leadership as perceived by students? There doesn’t need to be anything else done.

Judicial Affairs will hire someone, the Waynester will return and Campus Life may or may not hire a new dean.

All this means for students is we need to be patient. Everything will work itself out and go back to the way it was. Or the way it is right now.

No one will know.

E-mail Fields at: jrf03b@acu.edu or optimist@acu.edu

In Your Words What are your plans for the Super Bowl?

I’m going over to someone’s house after church.

I’m going to my friend’s house, and we are going to have a cookout.

I don’t even know when that is.

Matt Mastalka

Jeremy Davis

Amanda Sampson

sophomore accounting major from Denver

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

junior English major from Chattanooga, Tenn.

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

freshman psychology major from Austin

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

Stop invasion on U.S. Youth Abortion rates are increasing; the Supreme Court has banned displays of the Ten Comm a n d ments in Kentucky and Alab a m a ; people are fighting to live in a naCome tion that Undone is not “unMichelle der God.” Jimenez America is rapidly declining when it comes to being a nation of Christianity.

Slowly, God is being placed on the back burner, while American citizens take it all in and enjoy a life filled with temporary pleasures.

This used to be a nation that was proud to have God as its founder, so what has happened?

Now our youth — the future leaders of this nation — are showing the affects.

On Wednesday an informational briefing of Abilene’s youth called “Abilene Invasion” took place at Beltway Park Baptist Church, and the statistics given concerning drugs, sex, suicide and religion among the youth were astounding America’s youth is being attacked.

Right now, today’s youth, the Millennial Generation, make up 34 percent of America’s population. They are promised to be the most influential generation ever seen.

Statistics show us that in five to seven years only 4 percent of those 34 percent will be Bible-believing Christians.—only 4 percent.

This nation is already seeing and feeling the minor affects of what is slowly becoming a Godless country. So what’s next? In seven years will Christians be forced to register; will churches be a rare site even in the Bible belt regions?

To compare how much this nation has deteriorated a survey

Mallory Schlabach

Published by the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication

lege-student discounts.

For those looking to enjoy discounts on food, movies and other products, students can pick up a Collegiate Card in the SA office.

The Collegiate Card is the only discount card program created specifically for college students across the nation, and with the card, students can take an additional 10 percent of purchases made at a list of businesses throughout town.

Lauren Sutton

Abilene Invasion Statistics n 53 percent of teenagers believe Jesus sinned. n 65 percent of teenagers say there is no way to tell which religion is true. n 83 percent of teenagers believe truth is relative n 340,000 abortions happen to teenagers each year. n 14,000 sexual references will be seen by the average teenager this year. n 1/5 of teenagers contemplate suicide. n 1/4 of teenagers have used illegal drugs. n 8,000 teenagers contract a STD everyday n 15,000 teenagers commit suicide each year.

was taken by public school teachers in the 1940s and again in the 1990s. The main question was what are the main problems concerning teens. The answer in the 1940s: talking out of turn, chewing gum and making noise. The answer in the 1990s: drug and alcohol abuse, rape, suicide, pregnancy and assault.

Today people have become tolerant of what would have been considered immoral 50 years ago.

America’s youth is being attacked, and it’s time to fight back.

This generation needs to be engaged by positive influences. Start contributing to the salvation of your peers.

Show Christ in all aspects of your life instead of compartmentalizing.

Instead of watching TV, playing video games or closing off the world while you listen to your iPod, spend some time in meaningful conversations with the future leaders of this nation.

E-mail Jimenez at: mmj04b@acu.edu or optimist@acu.edu

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February 2, 2007 Box Office Stats Newly released movies and gross rates for Jan. 26-28. Total gross in parenthesis. n Epic Movie: $18,612,544 ($18,612,544) n Smokin’ Aces: $14,638,755 ($14,638,755) n Night at the Museum: $9,557,664 ($216,845,623)

Coming Soon Movies opening Friday: n Because I Said So, starring Diane Keaton, Mandy Moore, Lauren Graham, Gabriel Macht, Tom Everett Scott. Daphne Wilder, a loving yet overprotective mother of three girls, desperately tries to make sure her youngest daughter, Milly, doesn’t make the same mistakes with men as she did. n The Messengers, starring Kristen Stewart, Dylan McDermott, Penelope, Anne Miller, John McDermott. A family leaves busy Chicago for a tranquil sunflower farm in North Dakota.

Tranquility is soon replaced by violence when apparitions appear who only can be seen by the two children, Jess and Ben. Jess finds herself alone and doubting her own sanity when her parents refuse to believe her ghostly story.

Page 7

‘Tripp’-ing through the Wii: the Wiimote n Tripp Page discusses what separates the Nintendo Wii from it’s contemporaries: The unique use of the remote control or Wiimote.

By TRIPP PAGE

Contributing Writer

The controller, or Wiimote, is the true heart of Nintendo’s new system.

The Wiimote is shaped much like your basic home TV controller.

It has one trigger button underneath, and on top it has a directional pad, home button (for returning you to the home screen of the Wii), A and B buttons and Plus and Minus buttons. The bottom of the Wiimote holds an expansion port for other accessories you can plug into the Wiimote.

The first of these is the Nunchuck attachment, which comes packaged in with the system. The Nunchuck has your basic analog stick very similar to the GameCubes and two trigger-like buttons; C and Z. The unique thing about the

Wiimote and its attachments are not simply its shape or layout, but the fact that you use motion to control your on-screen character.

Take the first party Nintendo launch title Excitetruck for example.

Excitetruck is a racing game where you actually turn the Wiimote sideways and use it to steer your car just as you would a real car.

Perhaps the game that shows off the Wiimote the best is WiiSports, the game that comes bundled in with the Wii. When you play Wii Tennis you are encouraged to stand up and do full motion swings as if you were actually swinging a real Tennis racket.

Even when you play Wii Bowling you can tell the intuitiveness of the controller as you slightly twist your wrist to put that important spin on the ball to pick up a spare.

The uses of the controller are only limited by the minds of the people making the games. There were outcries around gaming communities about the controller feeling gimmicky, I am

here to tell you this is not the case.

One last really cool thing about the controller: the Wiimote actually contains a small speaker in it, as well as a rumble feature, that when playing Legend of Zelda: The Twilight Princess adds greatly to the enjoyment of the game.

As you pull your right arm back to pull back the string of the bow, you actually hear this represented through the speaker in the Wiimote.

Nintendo also thought to sell the VC controller which is designed as more of a standard controller – no motion sensing though – for the small price of $19.99.

Sadly, the Wiimote clocks in more expensive than most would like. The Wiimote itself is $39.99 and the Nunchuck attachment, which most games require, is $19.99.

E-mail Tripp at: optimist@acu.edu

Todd Piersall ARTS EDITOR

Andrew Crist, junior biology major from St. Louis, Mo., is seeing how he measures up with other champion boxers in Nintendo’s Wii Boxing.

‘Pan’s Labyrinth’: Del Toro explores fantasy and reality n Nominated for six Academy Awards, Del Toro’s creates an eerie fantasy that dances through sequences of terror, imagination and sacrifice.

By KRISTIN WOOD Contributing Writer

Set in 1944 in the depths of a Spanish forest is Guillermo Del Toro’s latest film, Pan’s Labyrinth.

The story is told through the life and imaginings of Ofelia, a little girl who believes in the world of fairy talßes.

The film is a darker, modern take on Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. The whimsical experiences of Ofelia are not entirely innocent and strongly reflect the dark times she is surviving.

Ofelia’s life is thrown into chaos when she and her pregnant mother move in with her new stepfather, who is a captain in Franco’s postwar, fascist Spanish military. He also happens to be a raging psychopath who at a moment’s notice would have no problem smashing in your face with a bottle.

What unfolds from the film’s beginning is a tale of

mystery, magic and violence beyond comprehension.

Little Ofelia wanders into a labyrinth and finds herself under the guidance of Pan, a faun who tells her that she is truly meant to be a princess of the underworld. Of course, Pan seems rather nice at first, but throughout the movie you question if this Faun might very well be the devil in foliage.

Ofelia’s attempts to rediscover her place in another world are juxtaposed with the violent (violent really is an understatement in this case) practices of her stepfather, who is struggling to fight the rebel forces that surround his military outpost.

The plot thickens as Mercedes, the Captain’s most trusted servant and housemaid, is found to be a supporter of the rebels. Her brother is actively fighting against her master, and her loyalties are made obvious over the course of the film.

Blood truly is thicker than water for Mercedes, and she proves this to the viewer as the film progresses.

The dark ambience and wild flights of fancy take

this movie from a very ordinary beginning to an extraordinary ending. It leaves the viewer with a sense of the parallels between the brutality inherent in our world and the capacity for violence in the imagination of a child.

The film documents the initial domination but eventual failure of cruelty and evil. It also examines the precious quality of a young life, and emphasizes above all the gift of sacrifice.

While some of Del Toro’s creatures are enchanting, several of them such as the Pale Man are absolutely terrifying. In addition, the film is surprisingly violent for a foreign film, but that is to be expected from the director of movies such as Blade 2 and Hellboy.

Del Toro’s cinematographic mastery and original score have led to nominations for six different Academy Awards.

Pan’s Labyrinth also received a 20 minute standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival.

Overall, the film is not exactly family quality, but it is an excellent examination

courtesy of ROTTENTOMATOES.COM

Ofelia, Ivana Baquero, looks into the eyes of Pan, a faun. Del Toro’s six Academy Award nominations include: Best Original Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Original Score, Best Foreign Language Film, Best Makeup and Best Art Design. of the power of innocence over evil.

E-mail WOOD at: optimist@acu.edu

Page 8

Friday, February 2, 2007

FEATURE

Torn between two Mannings

n Dedicated Indianapolis Colts fan Jeff McDuff faces a tough choice this Sunday: support his home team or cheer on former ACU student Danieal Manning’s Chicago Bears.

By KELSI PEACE Features Editor

This Sunday afternoon, it’s safe to say that Jeff McDuff can be found in front of a TV, proudly wearing an Indianapolis Colts’ home jersey, hoping Peyton Manning keeps it together and cheering his team on to victory in Super Bowl XLI. But Jeff is conflicted.

Like many ACU students, he is also cheering for former ACU football player Danieal Manning of the Chicago Bears.

A True Blue Fan After his parents moved to Indianapolis, Jeff, junior accounting major from Indianapolis, said he became an avid Colts fan.

“My whole family’s adopted the Colts as their team,” Jeff said. “You can live in a state and like the team, but it’s different to live in the city that the team is from.”

And like the team he does.

Jeff owns home and away Colts jerseys, a blue Santa hat with the Colts’ horseshoe that was last year’s Christmas gift and other baseball caps. He supports his team on the streets with a “#1 Colts Fan” bumper sticker

Photos by emily smith CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Top: When the Colts are losing, Jeff switches hats during games for a little luck.

Above: Jeff has Indianapolis Colts home and away jerseys, which he wears according to what the team is wearing.

Right: Danieal Manning signed Jeff’s custom-made jersey at the ACU vs. WTAMU game in October. and the occasional antenna decoration on his truck.

Colts paraphernalia, such as jerseys, posters and a ticket stub, can be found on one wall of Jeff’s room. But there lies the conflict: the opposite wall displays a custom-made Danieal Manning jersey, a player who just happens to play for the Colts’ Super Bowl competition.

“So it’s a Manning room, if you want to think about it that

way,” Jeff joked.

Jeff’s mom had the jersey custom made for him because of Danieal Manning’s ACU connection, and Jeff asked him to sign it at the ACU vs. WTAMU game in October.

Despite his love for the Colts, Jeff said he admires Danieal Manning for his accomplishments and hopes the game will go well for him.

“This is hard to say for

me,” Jeff said, “But I want him to intercept Payton Manning at least two times.”

At the end of the day, Jeff is still a Colts fan.

“I want the Colts to win no matter what because they are the home team, and I’ve been cheering for them a long time,” Jeff said. “For nine months it’s what I follow. I want [Danieal] Manning to do well, but I want the Colts to win.”

Highs and Lows Even Jeff said he couldn’t predict Sunday’s outcome, but he did say the Bears’ offense against the Colts’ defense should prove interesting.

“I’m still getting used to the Colts being in the Super Bowl,” Jeff said. “I’ve been riding a high for a while.”

It was a high earned after some anxious watching.

“During the AFC Championship game, the first half I was having ulcers because they were doing so bad,” he said. “I was having huge problems.”

In the end, the Colts turned around — along with Jeff’s mood.

Austin Basye, junior physics major from Canyon and Jeff’s roommate, watched the game with Jeff and said the outcome made Jeff ecstatic.

“There was lots of jumping and screaming,” Austin said.

“He walked into Sing Song practice, and the whole room went nuts.”

Austin said he and Jeff’s other roommates debated which Super Bowl outcome

will make life with Jeff more unbearable.

“It’s just a toss up,” Austin said, joking. “I think we’d all rather he was unbearable with a smile on his face.”

Jeff is well aware that he is a dedicated fan.

“I’m originally from Texas so you have to love football,” Jeff said, laughing. “You know, you have God, then you have your family, then you have football.”

He doesn’t wind up screaming and yelling during every game, though.

“Sometimes I can just sit back and be like, ‘oh man, you guys,’ and stay calm,” he said. “Sometimes I can just get into it. That’s how I think the Super Bowl’s going to be for me because, you know, it is the Super Bowl. I wonder if anybody will be able to cope with that.”

He’ll find out who can cope on Sunday when he goes to watch the Super Bowl with fellow church members and his fiancée, Abby Moore, senior biochemistry major from Canton.

“I’ve got a lot of stuff to wear; I’ve got to get prepared,” Jeff joked.

He said in addition to the Colts’ home jersey and a hat, he plans to wear some of the Colts pins his mother, who is also a dedicated Colts fan, sent him from a promotion the Indianapolis Star released.

His mom faithfully collected vouchers from the newspaper, eventually presenting Jeff with a collection of about 25 pins.

“She went to CVS or Walgreen’s and bought one every single day,” Jeff said.

Jeff’s enthusiasm is catching. Abby, who used to cheer for the Denver Broncos, eventually became a Colts fan, and Jeff said usually his friends support the Colts.

But playing the Bears in the Super Bowl adds a different twist, and Jeff said most are behind the Bears this time.

Until the Colts moved to Indianapolis in the ’80s, the Bears were the city’s closest team, and many Indianapolis citizens are still fans, Jeff said.

“Before Indianapolis had the Colts, they had the Bears,” Jeff said. “And that’s the problem right now with everybody in Indianapolis; they’re being kind of confused.”

Jeff, however, is not confused. Despite the fact that he will cheer for the Bears under any other circumstance, he said he always picks the Colts first.

Colts Connections His parents’ house in Indianapolis is near some Colts players, and Jeff’s best friend lives in the same neighborhood as the Colts’ head coach Tony Dungy.

While he does not personally know Dungy, Jeff said he would like to attend the Bible studies Dungy holds in his own home, and Jeff added that he hopes to ask Dungy to speak in Chapel sometime.

“He knows that football comes after God, family, then his job,” Jeff said. “He has his priorities set.”

Tarik Glenn, Colts No. 78 offensive tackle, sent his kids to the Vacation Bible School Jeff worked at this summer, and Jeff said Glenn’s children were a good addition.

“That’s what I like about the Colts,” Jeff said.

“They’re easy to like, but they also have great character. You don’t hear them brag much.”

And if his team loses?

“I would say [I’d] wear my Danieal Manning jersey, but that thing doesn’t come off the wall,” Jeff said. “Now that it’s signed, it just stays there and you look at it with awe.”

So whether the Colts win or lose, Jeff will be watching on Sunday, probably getting another ulcer and cheering on both Mannings.

E-mail Peace at: knp04a@acu.edu

Friday February 2, 2007

Baseball: New recruits add depth Continued from page 10 “We’ve got a lot of guys who are fighting for starting pitching jobs,” Watten said.

Three of those fighting for a spot are returning starters Ben Maynard, Chris Wiman and Brian Kennedy. All three had winning records last season, and all three were are all-LSC pitchers.

“There’s three pitchers with at least 26 wins,” Bonneau said.

Maynard, who began his career at ACU as a walk-on on the junior varsity squad, is nine wins away from finishing his career as the alltime leader in wins and has a shot at finishing his career as the all-time leader in innings pitched. Maynard was also selected as the preseason player of the year.

But the returning starters aren’t where the bullpen ends for the Wildcats, as versatile player Watten — the team leader in hitting and innings pitched during the fall and starting shortstop — will also see time on the mound.

Watten is already being compared to ex-Wildcat Brad Massey — who played in the infield and pitched for the Wild-

cats from 2000 to 2003 — and will most likely start on the mound in ACU’s season opener against Henderson State on Friday.

Transfers Jameson Maj and Matt Davis also have a legitimate shot at making the startWatten ing four. Maj, a hard-throwing pitcher, and Davis, a left-hander who tries to control the plate, might see time Friday or Saturday.

Power at the end of the Tunnel Although the Wildcats no longer have the single-season home run record holder, Joel Wells, or the consistent bat of Johnny Zepeda, they are not powerless.

Two of Bonneau’s biggest weapons at the plate last year are still swinging for the purple and white: catcher Jordan Schmitt and third baseman Alec Sowards.

“They’re not gonna drop home runs like Joel Wells,” Watten said. “But I think they’ll be really consistent.”

Both were consistent last season, Sowards had a .396 batting average and earned his first LSC division honors while Schmitt hit a .307 as a freshman.

Three more starters: first baseman Danny Williams, designated hitter Matt McGuire and Watten may return to the lineup giving the Wildcats experience against LSC pitchers.

Athletes in the outfield One of the biggest assets on defense to the Wildcats this season is junior college transfer Matt Spotanski.

“He’s the true center fielder we haven’t had in a long time,” Bonneau said.

Spotanski, who transferred from Saddleback College, will take over for Chris Walsh in center field.

Spotanski’s former teammate at Saddleback transfer Mike Elkerson will also most likely start in left field for the Wildcats, but Watten said that nothing was guaranteed.

“There’s a battle for an outfield spot,” Watten said.

“There maybe six maybe seven guys battling for those three spots and only

one is locked up.”

Watten said sophomores Travis Catalani and Reid Bishop all have shots at a spot in the outfield while Alexander and junior college transfer, Corey O’Neill, are both vying for the right field position.

“They’re all playing well,” Watten said. “I’m glad I don’t have to make that decision.”

With all the new skills of this year’s team, Bonneau is confident in his team’s ability to compete. But just because speed and a deep bullpen are the highlights of this year’s team, Bonneau wouldn’t be surprised to find another power hitter like Wells on this year’s roster.

“We might have another Joel Wells, and we just don’t know it yet,” Bonneau said.

ACU will kick off its season against Henderson State Friday at Crutcher Scott Field at 4 p.m.

Coach Jones has high expectations for both teams and is glad the Wildcats have had the opportunity to practice in spite of the bad weather the state has been experiencing lately.

Jones attributes the Wildcats’ chance to practice in the “best collegiate indoor facility in Texas,” as he put it, to Dr. William Teague, chancellor of ACU. “We’re blessed with the Teague family,” Jones said. “It’s because of [Dr. Teague’s] love for ACU ten-

nis that we’re sitting in here getting to host these nice indoor tournaments.”

The ACU women will have the first opportunity to play indoors at home. The team is led by the No. 1 regionally ranked player, Irene Squillaci, and No. 3 player, Aina Rafolomanantsiatosika.

Experience on the team comes from a duo of seniors, Holly Lindloff and Lana Pavlin, who combined make the fourth-best doubles team in the Central region last season.

“We’ve got a pretty good balance of youth and experience,” Jones said of the

women’s team. “I think we have the potential to be better than ever.”

Coach Jones also stated he envisions a national championship title for the women this year if the team can muster up the hunger for improvement.

“I, as a coach, see plenty of room for improvement,” Jones said. “What makes it fun is to actually see people learn to compete better.”

The men have improved since fall semester with the help of the No. 4 player in the region, Juan Nunez. Along with senior George Carstens,

Battle on the hardwood

brian schmidt SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER

A group of ACU and Texas A&M-Kingsville players wrestle for the ball Saturday. ACU will take on Tarleton State on Saturday.

Bonneau: Facility helpful during winter Continued from page 10

E-mail Johnson at: djj04a@acu.edu

Tennis: Women hope for national title Continued from page 10

Page 9

SPORTS JUMPS

the ACU men look to compete well in the Kentucky tournament and set up a run for the top spot in the region.

Coach Jones said he believes the men’s field in the division is as deep and talented as he has ever seen it.

“The guys are going to have lots of dogfights,” Jones said. “I feel like we’re ready to be No. 1 in the region. I think we have a pretty tough team. This team brings some intangibles that, I think, will help us win some matches.”

E-mail the Freeman at: mxf04b@acu.edu

Family Indoor Batting Facility offers baseball and softball players the chance to practice sheltered from harsh weather conditions.

“Through all this cold weather we haven’t missed a day,” said head coach Britt Bonneau. “We have a place to practice no matter what the weather.”

Not missing crucial practice days during the winter months will help the baseball and softball team prepare for the upcoming season, and Bonneau said he hopes that it will help with recruiting in the future.

The $240,000 facility includes four indoor batting cages, two indoor pitching mounds and space for other types of practice.

“It’s really multi-purpose,” Bonneau said. “We have Astroturf in there so we can field ground balls.”

Fundraising began in 2004

for the facility, which Bonneau said was something he always wanted and needed.

“It was just amazing how many people wanted to get involved,” said Ed Bonneau, contributor to the facility and father of coach Britt Bonneau.

“Administration was really supportive of the process too.

They didn’t just want a facility; they wanted the best.”

Coach Bonneau said the team raised more money then it needed for the facility so some of the extra money went toward the new outfield fence at Crutcher Scott Field that was completed Wednesday.

The facility was named after the Bonneau family because of their contributions.

Three of nine contributors were members of the Bonneau family including Hunt Bonneau, former ACU baseball player.

The dedication is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday.

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

SportsFriday

Page 10

ScoreBoard Standings Standings as of Wednesday

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

Friday, February 2, 2007

Tennis teams begin spring nationally ranked n The ACU men’s and women’s tennis teams will begin their spring season nationally ranked.

The women’s first tournament will be in Abilene Friday and Saturday.

By MICHAEL FREEMAN Online editor

Team tennis for the spring semester is set to begin, and the ACU tennis teams are more than ready.

The Wildcat women are coming into the spring semes-

Tennis ter ranked No. 5 nationally and No. 1 in the Central division, according to the Division II Intercollegiate Rankings.

The ACU men are currently ranked No. 22 in the nation, and No. 4 in the Central division.

Play began Thursday when the men’s team hit the road for Kentucky to compete against two Division II teams before playing in the Eastern Kentucky In-

door Invitational on Friday.

The women will start their season Friday at home when they host three teams in the ACU Indoor Classic.

“I’m looking for us to be the strongest team,” ACU head coach Hutton Jones said.

“I’m looking for this weekend to start laying a foundation for improvement. That’s what this is about. You’ve got to get matches under your belt.”

The ACU women will play three matches in the ACU

Indoor Classic, which will be held in the Teague Special Events Center.

On Friday afternoon, the Wildcats will go up against the University of Texas-Pan American and the University of Texas A&M-Corpus Christi.

Then on Saturday, ACU will play the University of Prairie View A&M at noon.

While the ACU women are competing at home, the men will be playing in Kentucky.

On Thursday, the Wildcats

played Northern Kentucky University. On Friday, ACU will compete against Bellarmine University and Eastern Kentucky University. Finally, the men will play Wright State University and the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga on Saturday.

Both teams enter the spring semester as dangerous Division II competitors.

See

TENNIS page 9

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

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

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

TRACK & FIELD Frank Sevigne Invitational, Lincoln, Neb.

WOMEN’S TENNIS ACU Women’s Indoor: ACU vs. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, noon ACU vs. Texas-Pan American, 4 p.m.

Saturday

Cats dive into season Friday Who’s StartiNG? Possible starters for the 2007 ACU baseball team n Catcher: Jordan Schmitt Doug Banks n 1B: Danny Williams Allen Smith n SS: Trey Watten William Uechi n 2B: J. J. Pacheco n 3B: Alec Sowards n LF: Mike Elkerson n CF: Matt Spotanski n RF: Minor Alexander Corey O’Neill n Starting Pitchers: Jameson Maj Ben Maynard Brian Kennedy Matt Davis Trey Watten n Relief Pitchers: Chris Wiman Matt Sullivan Ryan Quidley Stephen Miller

BASEBALL ACU vs. Henderson State, 1 p.m.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL ACU at Tarleton, Stephenville, 6 p.m

MEN’S BASKETBALL ACU at Tarleton, Stephenville, 8 p.m.

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

TRACK & FIELD Frank Sevigne Invitational, Lincoln, Neb.

WOMEN’S TENNIS ACU Women’s Indoor, ACU vs.

Prairie View A&M, Noon

n Home games listed in italics

Intramural Round-up Upcoming 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.

Monday MEN’S CHAMP BASKETBALL Abilene’s Finest vs. The Grove Squad Up, Bennett gym, 9 p.m.

WOMEN’S CHAMP BASKETBALL Kojies vs. Delta Theta, Bennett gym, 7 p.m.

Rockout vs. Alpha Kai-Blue, Bennett gym, 8 p.m.

MEN’S REC BASKETBALL GSP/Drew Whitmire vs. G-2, Gibson East gym, 8 p.m.

n Unlike the power-hitting style of the 2006 Wildcats, the 2007 baseball team will rely on speed and depth to win.

By DANIEL JOHNSON Sports Editor

After a 2006 season defined by broken home run records and victories led by power hitting, ACU baseball fans may be expecting the same old team trying to overpower its opponents in 2007. But expectations can be misleading.

Head coach Britt Bonneau said although this year’s team will still hit consistently, it will be the added speed and depth of pitching that will make the difference in the long run.

“We won’t live and die by the three-run homer,” said Bonneau.

“We’re going to be more of a regional type of team. We’re gonna put pressure on the defense in regional play.”

It is the pressuring regional type team that the Wildcats needed at last year’s South Central Regional Tournament where ACU went 1-2 before being eliminated when its pitching and powerful hitting ran out.

Bonneaus honored Saturday n The new ACU baseball team’s batting facility will be dedicated to the Bonneau family Saturday. The Bonneaus donated a majority of the money used to build the facility.

By CHRIS HANSEN Student Reporter

GSP/Clint Askins vs. Team James Thompson, Gibson East gym, 9 p.m.

WOMEN’S REC BASKETBALL Kojies vs. Delta Theta, Gibson East gym, 6 p.m.

Springting Turtles vs. Alpha KaiOrange, Gibson East gym, 7 p.m.

For complete intramural scores and schedules visit: w w w. a c u o p t i m i s t . c o m

brian schmidt FILE PHOTO

Shortstop and pitcher Trey Watten slides toward third base during the Wildcats win over UT-Permian Basin in 2006 . Watten is one of six sophomores that saw playing time in their freshman season and will most likely be the starting pitcher in the Wildcats’ first game Saturday.

Like the Chicago Bears, the ACU baseball team didn’t practice in the cold this week because of a newly built facility at Crutcher Scott Field.

The facility that is scheduled to be dedicated Saturday was completed Nov. 19.

In a place where weather can change drastically in a matter of hours, the Bonneau See

BONNEAU page 9

Baseball This year though, Bonneau and his players are confident the team they have has the potential of the program’s first Division II College World Series appearance since 2003.

“We have enough depth that we could go to the College World Series,” said shortstop and pitcher Trey Watten.

Pacheco

High Expectations ACU is used to early expectations of success. And this year is no different.

The Collegiate Baseball Magazine pre-season poll ranked the Wildcats at No. 17 in the nation and they are slated to win the Lone Star Conference South Division.

But Bonneau has his heart set on the rankings that will determine the postseason.

“What we need to watch is the regional ranking,” Bonneau said.

ACU was picked to win the LSC

South despite being runner-up last year to Angelo State. Angelo, who is ranked No. 33 in the nation, received the second most votes for first in the LSC South and is the only other LSC South team ranked.

In the North, defending LSC champ University of Central Oklahoma was picked to finish first.

UCO, who defeated ACU in the LSC tournament championship, holds the LSC’s highest national ranking at No. 15, two spots above the Wildcats.

Despite high expectations that winning may bring, Bonneau hopes they will only inspire his team to bring them to fruition.

“Hopefully we’re accustomed to those types of targets on our backs,” Bonneau said. “We just got to go out there and be able to take control.”

Speed’s the word The biggest asset signings in the off-season that gave the Wildcats more than anything else was speed.

“If I’m a fan sitting and looking at a team playing and using their strengths helps them win; ours

would be our speed.” Bonneau said.

The biggest addition to the Wildcats speed on the diamond is junior college transfer and starting second baseman J.J. Pacheco. The first team all-American had more than 40 stolen bases last season and will leadoff for the Wildcats.

Pacheco will contribute his stealing skills to a Wildcat squad that is no stranger to stolen bases. ACU finished second in the LSC behind Angelo State with 117 stolen bases.

“The one thing about speed is it doesn’t slump,” said Watten.

Pacheco’s speed will add onto the already present speed of players like sophomore outfielder Minor Alexander, who led the Wildcats with 16 stolen bases last season.

Pitching with depth On the mound this season the problem isn’t finding good pitchers but finding which pitchers from the Wildcats deep bullpen will start.

See

BASEBALL page 10

MAnning Tracker Highlights of Manning’s Rookie Season n April 29, 2006—Manning entered the NFL after being drafted by the Chicago Bears in the second round. Manning was the Bears’ first pick in the draft and the 42nd pick overall. He is the second-highest drafted player in ACU’s history. n Sept. 7, 2006—Manning intercepts future hall of famer Brett Favre in the Bears’ opening game. He became the first rookie on the Bears to intercept a pass in his professional debut since debut since Dwayne Joseph in 1995. The interception was the first of two Manning had in his Rookie season. n Sept. 24, 2006—Manning made his first NFL start as early as the Bears’ third game of the season.

After an opportunity to fill in for defensive back Chris Harris, Manning proved he belonged after making four solo tackles in the Bears’ 19-16 win over the Minnesota Vikings. Manning started the remainder of the season. n Nov. 5, 2006—Manning recorded a season best 10 tackles (8 unassisted and 2 assisted) in the Bears’ 31-13 loss to the Miami Dolphins. Manning averaged 3.6 tackles per game. n Jan. 14, 2007—Manning made his playoff debut against the Seattle Seahawks. The Bears won 27-24 after place kicker Robbie Gould made the game-winning field goal with less than five minutes in overtime. n Jan. 21, 2007—Manning and the Bears win the NFC championship game and move on to the Super Bowl after defeating the New Orleans Saints.

Former Wildcats in the Superbowl n QB Clint Longley, Dallas Cowboys (Pittsburg vs. Dallas 21-17; Super Bowl X; Jan. 18, 1976) n RB Wilbert Montgomery, Philadelphia Eagles (Philadelphia vs. Oakland, Super Bowl XV; Jan. 25, 1981) n WR Cle Montgomery, LA Raiders (Los Angeles vs. Washington; Super Bowl XVIII; Jan.22, 1984) n OT Dan Remsberg, Denver Broncos (Denver vs. New York Giants; Super Bowl XXI; Jan. 25, 1987) (Denver vs. Washington; Super Bowl XXII; Jan. 31, 1988)

COURTESY OF CHICAGO BEARS