The Optimist Print Edition 2.03.17

WHAT'S INSIDE

NEWS

Students are getting through the stresses of the semester with emotional support pets. Read more: Page 2

OPINION

After President Trump’s executive order banning refugees, where do you fall on the issue?

Page 4

FEATURE

He’s been auditing classes for seven years, and if you don’t know him, you’ll want to after hearing his story.

Page 5

Friday, February 3, 2017 Vol. 105, Issue 18

SPORTS

Former wildcat Taylor Gabriel garners media attention ahead of Super Bowl LI. Pages 6

A student publication of Abilene Christian University since 1912

PUPPY

LOVE

ERIKA BOLADO STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Aly Lamborn, sophomore interdisciplinary studies major from Ramona, CA takes her service dog with her around campus. Lamborn is one of several students with emotional support pets.

SA appoints new members, passes budget $33,800

$6,000 $4,000

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ASSOCIATION

$8,000

THE SHINNERY REVIEW

$10,000

AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE CLUB

$12,000

BY ALLISON BROWN EDITOR IN CHIEF

FILM FEST

The Student Congress approved the appointment of 13 new members and passed a spring budget of $103,900.

The Students’ Association executive cabinet appointed 13 new members to Congress so 92 percent of Congress seats are now full. After the appointed members introduced themselves, they left the room so Congress could debate and vote on the appointments.

Caitlyn Walker, junior class vice president, asked about the process for appointing members because Congress was not notified about the appointments before the meeting. She said most of the appointed members were involved in social clubs and she wanted to make sure the entire student body was being represented, not just students involved in social clubs.

“Only two of them weren’t in a social club, and social clubs represent only 27 percent of our students,” said Walker,

junior child and family services major from Justin. “Where is the other 3,000 plus students that are being represented properly?”

Walker previously had been a member of Tri Kappa Gamma but said she is not active in the club anymore. Walker voted against the appointments, and 34 Congress members voted to approve the appointments.

Abraham Enriquez, executive vice president, said some of the appointed members asked to be appointed, while others were chosen through connections to Enriquez and other cabinet members, including Abbey Moses, executive president, Matthew Archer, executive treasurer and Sydney Greer, executive administrator.

“As the executive vice president, it is my job to make sure we have as close to a full congress as we can,” Enriquez said in an email. “It is not my job to turn anyone away if they expressed interest. If they are on good standing academically and under-

COLLEGIATE ENTREPRENEURS’ ORGANIZATION

BY HALEY REMENAR ONLINE MANAGING EDITOR

$2,000 $0 REQUESTED

stand the requirements of Congress, then they are welcomed into student leadership.”

Moses said she was concerned about the appointments because only one person of color was appointed and she didn’t think the entire student body was well represented.

“It went differently then what I had imag-

Fall-to-spring retention sees slight decrease

GRANTED

ined, but at the same time, we did not have an overwhelming number of students respond,” Moses said. “Abe did what he was encouraged to do by Chris, to fill those seats. I would have done it differently. I just felt like it was unrepresentative of the entire student body.”

Congress passed the spring budget allocating $46,794.05 to 59 student

groups. The SA constitution allows no more than 45 percent of the total budget to be allocated to student groups, but Archer said the cabinet took some money from the appropriations fund and gave a little more than 45 percent to student groups.

The Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization SEE BUDGET PAGE 3

Freshman retention is down slightly from last year at 89.4% while overall enrollment remains higher than this time last year. Total enrollment is 4,657 students, up from 4,285 students. Last year, freshman fall-to-spring retention was 90.9%.

According to enrollment numbers released on the twelfth day of the semester, there are 696 freshmen, 860 sophomores, 777 juniors and 1041 seniors.

The university has made efforts recently to improve retention, specifically by implementing a centralized advising system. While the system is still settling in on campus, any significant increase in retention would most likely appear in freshmen-to-sophomore retention in the fall of 2017.

AKB12B@ACU.EDU

Investigations on SA executive officers conclude without action

BY HALEY REMENAR ONLINE MANAGING EDITOR

Investigations into the actions of the Students’ Association executive president and vice president have concluded without action.

Abraham Enriquez, executive vice president, said investigations about his performance

in the fall were closed without action and his work hours were confirmed by Chris Riley, vice president of Student Life. He said the job of the executive vice president is not specific in the SA constitution beyond the vice president’s duties to Congress.

“It’s a very, very independent

job,” Enriquez said, “and that was the most difficult thing for me to do.”

Last semester, Shelby Short, freshman class president, brought complaints against Enriquez to the executive cabinet in face-to-face meetings, but did not file to impeach Enriquez.

W W W. A C U O P T I M I S T. C O M

“There was never anything officially written up for that impeachment,” Short said. “That step was never taken. There was meetings that were had, there was things that were said, but there was never an official document saying we are starting the process of impeachment.”

During the winter break, Enriquez worked with Riley on a 30-day performance improvement plan to better track his performance.

A Student Life investigation into the actions of Abbey Moses, executive president, has also closed without action.

2

NEW S

Tim Tebow plans visit to Abilene

BY ASHLEY ALFRED STUDENT REPORTER

Tebow will be headed to Abilene on Feb. 12 for a fundraising event held by the Big Country Fellowship of Christian Athletes at ACU’s Teague Event Center to show his advocacy for the FCA program.

Tebow will be sharing his testimony and speaking on the role of Christ in athletics and everyday life.

Individual tickets are $100 and a reserved table for 10 is $1,000.

Tebow also will attend a free pep rally at Beltway South Sunday evening immediately after the fundraising dinner. This event is primarily for youth athletes from across Abilene.

Beltway will open it’s doors at 6:30 p.m. with the event starting at 7:30 p.m.

The Heisman Trophy winner was drafted in 2011 and made his NFL debut with the Denver Broncos shortly after. Between writing “John 3:16” in his eye-black and kneeling to pray during a game, it wasn’t long before Tebow would become the talk of the NFL. As Tim Tebow concludes his NFL career and begins settling into a potential baseball career he continues to be a positive influence on the Christian community. The Tim Tebow Foundation and Tebow himself hold many charity or fundraising events for people of all ages from all backgrounds.

One of Tebow’s most common support groups is the FCA. In a statement from the FCA website Tebow said, “FCA helps you minister to people. Sometimes if you are sharing with someone and you ask them to go to church with you, they might say no, but if you say you are going to FCA, that could be easier and less threatening for them.”

“FCA in the past few years has begun to try to reach into those teams, coaches, and leagues to support them with our ministry because we want to do our best to make sure every kid hears about Jesus.” Said Steve Keenum, director of the Big Country FCA. No matter the football, baseball or mission field Tim Tebow lives to share his faith and testimony with the world. FCA offers many opportunities to reach people of all ages who admire Tebow and other athletes to come together in faith.

To purchase tickets visit bigcountryfca.org OPTIMIST@ACU.EDU

FRIDAY | FEBRUARY 3, 2017

Dance, step teams scout for members

BY TORI ALDANA COPY EDITOR

Shades Step Team and Sanctify Hip Hop Dance Co. are two organizations on campus that will be holding auditions for students who want to move and dance.

Both Shades and Sanctify’s auditions are open to anyone who would like to try.

Sanctify’s auditions will be from 2-3:30 p.m. Sunday at Studio A in the SWRC. Shade’s auditions will be from 7-9 p.m. Feb. 8th, also in the rec center.

Shades is looking for people interested in stepping, said captain Precious Kwaramba, sophomore biology major from Fort Worth.

For those who may not know, “stepping is a rhythmic dance form,” Kwaramba said, “you make your own music with your hands and your feet, but it’s not sloppy. It’s very organized and very militant.” Essentially, they are military type moves paired with rhythm.

The mission of the team is to spread the knowledge of the art of stepping through Jesus while lifting him up, said Kwaramba. It’s not just about stepping, but about the impact made through it.

Shades is not so much entertainment based, even though stepping is entertaining, Kwaramba said, but it is about learning to love stepping through ministry and be a part of something big-

ERIKA BOLADO STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

The Shades Step Team and the Sanctify Hip Hop Dance Co. are hosting auditions this upcoming week to add to their fancy-footed flocks. ger than entertainment and rehearsals.

“If you're interested in stepping in general, you should come, but also if you're looking to be a part a family, and if you love the Lord, then come to try out,” Kwaramba said. “We lift each other up and we’re honest with each other, which I think is very, very important.”

The team is hands-on and come up with everything.

They collaborate on moves and everyone on the team has input, said Kwaramba.

Shades usually practices

twice a week. In the future, they will be performing during the black history play, basketball games, BSA chapel and in the Campus Center to raise awareness before shows. They will also come together with Sanctify and Omega Dance Company to perform.

Sanctify is “looking for anyone who loves to hip hop dance and loves Jesus,” said co-captain Natalie Ruiz, sophomore interdisciplinary major from Austin, via email. “We would love to get more boys on the team as well as girls.”

The members are very close to each other, like a family, and Ruiz says she has made some of her best friends through Sanctify.

“Even if you are unsure about auditions, just come and try your best and get a nice fun workout in before the Super Bowl,” said Ruiz.

“Being on the team means you get to wear some cool blue high-top converse, perform in multiple shows and do community service, all while praising our God.” Practice for Sanctify is typically once a week on Sunday nights, but when it

gets closer to a show practice can be between one to three times a week.

Sanctify will have their own show on Apr. 21st and 22nd.

To contact Sanctify for more information, email sanctifyhiphopco@gmail. com or Captains Natalie Ruiz (nar14b@acu.edu) and Erin Powers (eep14a@acu. edu).

Contact Shades at acushadesstepteam@gmail. com.

VJA14A@ACU.EDU

Service animal policy changing next semester

BY ADRIENNE BARRICK STUDENT REPORTER

Lucy’s job throughout a normal day involves spending time with her owner, going NGUYEN on runs with the roommates, and bringing comfort to those around her. Lucy is an Emotional Support Animal, also known as an ESA, for Dani Bates, a sophomore nursing major from Arlington.

“When you want to take a break from homework, you can play with her instead of watching TV, which I think is better for you, you know?” said Bates.

Bates’ roommates are fond of Lucy too. Shelby Kennedy, a sophomore kinesiology and Pre-OT major from Queen City, said “She’s just like a fifth roommate.”

This is the first pet ever for Lauren Maloy, a sophomore nursing major from Prosper.

“I didn’t know what to do with dogs. I wasn’t scared, more just not used to animals being around.

She’s great though!” said Maloy.

Bates had to go through a series of steps to get Lucy approved. First, she had to get signed paperwork from her doctor, explaining that Lucy was there for medical reasons. She then talked to Residence Life, signed more paperwork, had her roommates sign approval forms, and finally was able to bring Lucy into the hall.

Dogs are not the only ESAs allowed at ACU, as there are also cats, fish, hamsters, etc. Guidelines as to specifically what animals will be allowed in the new policy will be released next semester.

Jessica Nguyen, Associate Director of Housing, said “ESA’s are something entirely different from Service Animals.

Part of a law that was given through Housing and Urban Development laws says a landlord cannot refuse you having a pet. If you have a viable, medical reason for an animal,

then you can either be approved or denied depending on your reason.”

University policy on pets in residence halls is being rewritten this semester in order to accommodate for ESAs and should be ready to be implemented Fall of 2017.

There are certain places in particular where ESAs are prohibited. Lucy is allowed to move from the apartment in the hall to exit the building, but she is not allowed to roam freely.

If ESAs cause disruptions, grievance forms are made available to students to report these incidents.

“They’re a really good aspect to have on campus," said Bates. "She’s everybody’s dog, I mean she was Flame Lucy while we were pledging. I would recommend for people to have an ESA, it helps make the stress go away.”

Residence Life stresses that ESAs are a serious thing. They say there are people that really and truly need them ERIKA BOLADO STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

OPTIMIST@ACU.EDU

Alyssa Lamborn, sophomore interdisciplinary major from Ramona, Cali., and her service dog can often be seen walking around campus.

POLICE LOG SELECTED ACUPD CALLS FOR THE WEEK 1/27/2017 1:35 p.m.

ACUPD responded to this and several other calls of a suspicious person going door-to-door knocking loudly on doors. Officers detained several door-to door sales people selling spray cleaner. The team had the required City of Abilene Permits allowing such sales. Salespeople were advised to be more polite and less aggressive.

1/28/2017 7:07 p.m.

APD requested ACUPD’s present at a residence in the 600 block of EN 16th where a victim reported that someone had punctured two of the tires on her automobile.

1/30/2017 8:50 a.m.

ACUPD collaborated with APD in assisting a parent in locating an adolescent child who had left home after refusing to go to school.

911 CALL ACCIDENT ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIVITY ADVICE BARRICADES BOOT/UNBOOT VEHICLE BUILDING LOCK/UNLOCK CHECK BUILDING CITATION ISSUANCE CRIMINAL MISCHIEF DIRECT TRAFFIC DISTURBANCE

4 2 14 2 5 2 11 358 1 2 1 1

FIRE FOOT PATROL FOUND PROPERTY HIT & RUN INFORMATION REPORT INVESTIGATION FOLLOW UP LOST PROPERTY MAINTENANCE UNIVERSITY ASSETS: CCTV MEDICAL EMERGENCY MONITOR FACILITY/LOT

1 16 2 2 6 8 2 10 4 6

MOTORIST ASSIST: JUMPSTART MOTORIST ASSIST: OTHER MOTORIST ASSIST: UNLOCK OTHER PARKING LOT PATROL PARKING VIOLATION PATROL VEHICLE: MAINTENANCE PATROL VEHICLE: REFUEL RANDOM PATROL

6

RECKLESS DRIVING REPORT WRITING 2 SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT 6 STAND BY SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY 3 SUSPICIOUS PERSON 32 THEFT 8 TRAFFIC STOP 1 VEHICLE COLLISION WELFARE CHECK 8 18

1 20 1 1 1 4 1 3 1 6

TOTAL: 583 POLICE CHIEF TIP OF THE WEEK:

Be wary of online scams during tax season. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! Every year, thousands of people lose money and their personal information to tax scams and fake IRS communication.

N E WS

FRIDAY | FEBRUARY 3, 2017

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University speculates spring short course to Sundance

BY MERCEDEZ HERNANDEZ PRINT MANAGING EDITOR

Several students have returned to campus after spending a week at the Sundance Film Festival to attend a Christians in film forum.

John Puckett, junior multimedia major from Amarillo, Forrest Lorenzen, junior multimedia major, Jessica Clark, junior multimedia major from Wylie and Allison Brown, senior journalism major from Midland, took a week off from classes to spend time in snowy Park City, Utah, watching films and listening in on discussions with everyone from indie directors to Quentin Tarantino.

The students were accompanied by faculty members Kyle Dickson, professor of English, and Dr. Darryl Tippens, university distinguished scholar.

“

We actually ran into one of the directors on a bus ride...and he really encouraged us,”

JESSICA CLARK JUNIOR MULTIMEDIA MAJOR FROM WYLIE

The students went on the sponsored trip to take part in the Windrider Forum, which is a group of Christian colleges that meet during the festival to discuss the films and questions they raise for people of faith, Dickson said.

“Our students joined participants from Pepperdine, Lipscomb, Biola, and Fuller Theological Seminary to hear from filmmakers and critics each morning,” said Dickson.

Clark said the forum offered her the opportunity to get a first-hand look into the world of film production, particularly when she and her trip mates had a chance encounter with a filmmaker on a bus.

“Not only do you get insight from the directors [at the talkbacks], but we actually ran into one of the directors on a bus ride and just talked about what we do at ACU and how to grow our craft and he really encouraged us,” Clark said.

Dickson said the university is looking into developing a short course, similar to those offered at Pepperdine, Lipscomb and Biola, that would give students course credit for attending Sundance as part of a short course during the spring semester.

MMH13A@ACU.EDU

PHOTO COURTESY OF JESSICA CLARK

Jessica Clark, John Puckett and Forrest Lorenzen snap a pic with Frankie Fenton, the director of the documentary “It’s Not Yet Dark” who they met by chance on a bus ride at the film festival.

Budget: Student’s Association meets, designates funds CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

received the most funding, followed by Film Fest and the Agriculture and Environmental Science Club.

The Society of Professional Journalism received the smallest amount which totaled $55. CEO received $7,500 which totaled 22 percent of their requested $33,800. Taylor Spencer, president of CEO said the money will fund several networking dinners and a new event called Startup Madness, a national startup competition.

“One thing we kind of put to consideration whenever we are developing our budget is all the new initiatives we want to take,” said Spencer, senior management major from Joplin, Missouri. “The

money that we end up getting is the money that we use for our top priorities.”

Some student groups asked for funding for food items and the executive cabinet limited funding for food to 200 meals. Archer said the cabinet also did not provide funding for T-shirts.

“Those are fun and cool, but theres’ just a lot of better things that we think the money can be spent on,” Archer said.

Last semester, SA did not provide funding for travel expenses, but this semester the cabinet made exceptions for groups that travel as their main group event. Seekers of the Word and Weekend Campaigns both received funding for travel expenses.

Sharaie Heizelman, president of Weekend

Campaigns, said last semester the group didn’t receive funds for travel expenses including gas and van rentals. She said this semester the group asked for funds for meals while on the road and received all of their requested $100.

During the meeting, Colton Powell, professional development representative, asked the cabinet why some groups, including the Wildlife Society, only received six percent of their requested funds.

The Wildlife Society asked for $6,198 to fund conference fees, research fees, a group event and items in the ACU Nature Trail, which the club is constructing across Judge Ely Boulevard from campus.

“We weren’t expecting

all of it, but we were asking for just part of it,” said Catherine Longest, senior environmental science major from Shawnee, Oklahoma.

The group received only $405 for conference fees.

Archer said at the meeting that the Wildlife Society, Block and Bridle and the Agriculture and Environmental Science Club are similar groups with the same member, and the cabinet wanted to spread the money out among more groups. He also said SA funding might not be the best way to fund the trail.

“We’d be happy to help ya’ll be connected with the right people,” Archer said at the meeting to the representatives of the Wildlife Society.

Longest said the group

thinks they will get enough funding for the trail from donations made by local businesses.

“We are getting sponsors, but whatever they can give us would be appreciated,” Longest said.

After discussion about funding for the International Food Festival, a motion was made to pass the budget and it passed with two abstaining. Powell said he abstained from passing the budget because he still

had some questions about “holes in the budget.”

“The executive office knows what they’re doing so I trust them, but I’d like to just hear the reasoning behind it before I pass it,” Powell said.

Congress also passed a bill presented by Shelby Short, freshman class president, to fund a freshman Super Bowl party.

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O PI N I ON

&

ED IT O R IA L

FRIDAY | FEBRUARY 3, 2017

Daily Doodle Dosage

hashtagACU

STRANGERS REFUGEES IN OUR AT OUR HOME DOORSTEP

@acuoptimist @DOROTHYMSWANSON

Siggies, save our club’s reputation and quit wearing track suits. #they’renotcomingback

@ANNELISEGILMORE

More often than not part of that group of kids who wait outside on Sundays for the lib doors to open Why am i the way that I am

THE ISSUE

@LANELUTTRELL

After President Trump’s executive order banning refugees from entry into the United States, protests erupted across the country. But maybe the issue isn’t as black and white as it’s made out to be.

Just now finished Sub T’s choreography for Sing Song. We’re ahead of schedule.

OUR TAKE

@ZACHMOSES

We must take the time to consider the options of safety and hospitality. It seems to us that the two aren’t mutally exclusive.

Yooooo how did Whitney get the first rose this week but she hasn’t had a line in like three episodes??????

@NNICHOLSON21

This dude just bought a ring at Walmart, went to self checkout and proposed to his girlfriend.

@TAENJOHNSON

why did they make us stack cups in elementary school

@HALEYYANN1124

Getting approved for Chapel Exemptions is an instant game changer

@CARTERJ36

The chicken breasts from the bean all look like different Floop’s Flooglies from Spy Kids

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Just when we thought all the politically divided protests were behind us, President Donald Trump issued an executive order to ban refugees and the Facebook/media battleground was stirred into turmoil again. Some say we need to protect our country, some say Obama did the same thing so we shouldn’t question Trump, while others say not accepting refugees into the country is a shame to the Statue of Liberty. But we can’t boil it down to just one issue.

Like many other controversial political topics, it’s complicated by different interests and values.

The problem with discussions about the refugee ban happens when we divide ourselves into the “good” side and everyone who disagrees into the “wrong” side.

The executive order does two main things: first, it temporarily bans immigrants from seven countries from seeking refuge in the United States for 120 days – except Syrian refugees, who are banned indefinitely. Second, it will only allow the entry of 50,000 total refugees in 2017 – in comparison, the

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 79609 E-mail letters to: optimist@acu.edu

U.S. accepted 85,000 in 2016.

On one side, supporters of the ban say the U.S. has every right to protect itself from potential terrorism and other threats linked to radical Islam. It’s like the U.S. is a house. You probably wouldn’t let a complete stranger stay in your house without first getting to know them. You want to know how long they’ll stay, where they came from, and if they have integrity.

If you have been subject to

“

tion is safe.

But those who oppose the ban are concerned with excluding the refugees whose lives are in danger. Immigrants who were already visa-approved and who were traveling as the order took effect were detained in airports around the country while immigration workers tried to figure out what to do, which sparked protests as people called for the release of the immigrants.

Others say the ban threatens the core of our country by imposing unconstitutional discriminations. Though the ban is based on specific countries, not religion, the countries listed on the ban are Muslim-majority countries, which makes it

The problem with discussions about the refugee ban happens when we divide ourselves into the “good” side and everyone who disagrees into the “wrong” side.

an assault or theft in the past, you may be less likely to invite a stranger in your house – it just depends on how safe you feel with that stranger.

Those who support the ban say the U.S. has suffered attacks from terrorists in the past, so it makes sense to close the door of the country until the na-

T H E

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

BEN TODD CARTOONIST

look like a strike against freedom of religion.

Christians say God wants us to take care of foreigners. In Leviticus 19:34, God speaks to the Israelites and reminds them of how they were bound to the land of Egypt – how they were once foreigners themselves. Although this commandment was

written for those following the Jewish faith, the question of whether it pertains to our current situation is one that rests heavy on our hearts. From church to church, Christians are battling with a policy that seems reputable and repulsive at the same time.

So which is better for our country? Safety or hospitality? The answer is neither. The safer we are, the more hospitable we can be. The more hospitable we are, the stronger our nation can be. But we don’t know the future. So how can we divide ourselves into camps – black and white, right and wrong – criticizing our family members and friends for choosing a side?

As Christians, we are called to love one another (cue the chapel choir) and fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. As Americans, we are called to fight for each other as well as the deliverance from oppressive authorities. As people, we are called to lift each other up and not ignore those who seek relief. We were given the privilege to live in a country where we are free to voice our concerns. Yet, we remain silent for those who do not look like us – the strangers with accented voices.

OPINION@JMCNETWORK.COM

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FRIDAY | FEBRUARY 3, 2017

5

Run, Jonathan, Run

From volunteering to working to taking classes, Ardoyno defies his limitations

JOHN GREER STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Jonathan Ardoyno keeps a license plate, referencing his favorite movie, on the back of his wheelchair.

“

BY HALEY REMENAR ONLINE MANAGING EDITOR

J

onathan Ardoyno was born with cerebral palsy and totally blind.

Doc tors told his mother he would always lie stiff in his bed. He would never walk or talk. But by age 2, his vision began to return, and by the time he was 3 years old, he started talking. Now he works, volunteers, audits college classes and goes to every women’s social club event he can.

“Jonathan’s never had a dull life,” said his mother, Janet Ardoyno.

With help from care providers Jonathan rolls across campus in a motorized wheelchair complete with a neck rest and adjustable seat. Although he can’t get a degree because he lacks math and reading skills, his mother, a 1974 graduate, said Jonathan has seen his siblings and peers go to college and wanted the same experience. veryday at 9 a.m., Jonathan takes the CityLink bus from his house to campus where one of his care providers, Tori Haas, junior pre-occupational therapy major, helps him get to classes. For seven years he said he has been auditing classes ranging from Child Development to Communication Design – any class in a wheelchair-accessible room.

Ask Jonathan what his major is and he’ll say, “Girls...and education.”

Quips like that endeared him to players on the men’s basketball team, including Jovan Crnic (Sirneech), senior communication major from Nis, Serbia.

At the beginning of the fall semester, Crnic and a few of his teammates

He reminds me that even students who have challenges, with the motivation and the determination, can still learn.”

DR. HEIDI MORRIS DIRECTOR OF FAMILY FIRST

E

went to a party at Jonathan’s house and got to see Jonathan’s basketball signed by the San Antonio Spurs team. After the party, Jonathan wrote the team a thank-you note with a picture of him in a gym with a basketball. Crnic said he taped the note on a wall in the men’s basketball locker room and took Jonathan to the locker room once to show it to him.

“He makes me laugh just as much as I make him laugh,” Crnic said.

“We have regular conversations that I would have with anybody else.

That’s what I like about Jonathan - he’s aware of reality and at the same time perfectly capable of syncing in with everybody else.”

Although Jonathan’s voice sounds strained because of his condition, Janet said he talks well for someone with cerebral palsy. Jonathan said he wants to be treated as normal, but he knows he needs extra help.

“I’ve never heard him say ‘I wish I could walk,’ or ‘that’s not fair,’” his mother said. “He’s always asking me what else he could do.”

Jonathan volunteered for the Children’s Miracle Network, Love and Care Ministries’ Mission Thanksgiving and the Share Your Christmas food drive for the Food Bank of West Texas. Janet said he raised $25,000 for Bowl for Kids’ Sake. On Mondays and Wednesdays, he works at H.E.B. selling reusable bags. He also volunteers at Hendrick Health System as the “gatekeeper” in the children’s hospital, making sure children don’t get out of the area.

Navigating campus in a wheelchair can be dif-

ficult for Jonathan, who said he can’t take classes in the upper levels of the Hardin Administration Building because his wheelchair can’t fit correctly in the elevator.

His wheelchair also can’t get through the gate to the Larry Sanders Intramural Field to watch his friends play intramural sports.

“I just don’t want to get scratched up going down the center,” Jonathan said. “They’re going to fix it next year.”

Jonathan said sometimes teachers struggle to incorporate him in their classes because he’s not getting a grade for participating. One of his favorite teachers, Dr. Heidi Morris, director of Family First, said he participates by making comments and joining in class discussions.

“It just brings a different variable to the classroom,” Morris said. “He reminds me that even students who have challenges, with the motivation and the determination, can still learn.”

Even though Jonathan can’t write, Morris said he sent her handwritten thank-you notes with help from friends or care providers.

“He’s a giant,” Morris said. “He strives not to let his physical limitations restrain him.”

His physical limitations don’t restrain him from putting encouraging notes on people’s cars

with his care providers.

They also write “Good luck” notes with chalk to the volleyball and football teams before game days. But Jonathan said he does have a tough side too.

“Sometimes I appear to be rude when I’m trying to make a point,” Jonathan said. rowing up as the middle child of three siblings, Jonathan said he had to defend his older brother, who got into trouble a lot because of his ADD. He said he did the same for his sister, but not as much now that she has her own children. Seeing his siblings get married sparked his own desire to get married, his mother said, even though it could be difficult because of his disabilities.

Jonathan said he wants to get married by his 35th birthday, Nov. 18, 2017.

“That means I have to start dating now, so we can start making plans,” Jonathan said. “First of all, a girl has to take me out. They have to come to me.” lthough he has limited mobility in his hands, Jonathan said he texts, emails and uses Facebook through a Bluetooth device. His phone ringtone features a line from his favorite movie, Forrest Gump: “Life is like a box of chocolates.

You never know what you’re gonna get.”

Jonathan can be seen rolling around campus in a GATA hat or an Alpha Kai Omega sweatshirt. On the back of his wheelchair he sports a license plate with the words “Run, Forrest, Run.”

G

A

HRR13B@ACU.EDU

6

S P O RT S TRACK

Smith breaks school record in Oklahoma

BY TREVOR WYATT SPORTS WRITER

Three victories were achieved by the ACU Track and Field team last Saturday at the J.D. Martin Invitational while nine individuals medaled and 12 personal records were set.

Two members of the men’s team brought home gold medals as sophomore Kai Schmidt won the shot put with a distance of 16.47 meters, and freshman Avery Williams won the 400m dash with an indoor best of 49.67 seconds.

Senior Michaela Hackett also continued her impressive indoor campaign as she followed up a win in the women’s 3K in College Station with a second-place finish in women’s mile in Oklahoma.

But the biggest story from the weekend was junior Lonnie Smith breaking an 18-year school record in the weight throw category with a distance of 18.95 meters. The throw was 2.23 meters farther than her previous best achieved at last year’s Southland Conference Championship, and topped a record previously set in 1999 by Selena Bettis, by 1.56 meters.

Smith beat a field of 17 other women, besting the runner-up Sara Lenman from UTA by more than half a meter.

ACU throwing coach Jerrod Cook said that not only did this affect the school’s record, but also gave her national recognition.

“At that point, you’re starting to really make an impact on national rankings.” Cook said in an interview with Grant Boone.

“I couldn’t exactly tell you now where she’s ranked overall, but it’s starting to get near the top 50, top to bottom across the nation.”

Smith herself said she knew she had broken the record on the second turn, when her coach cheered her on from the sidelines.

“I knew upon release I broke the school record because my coach yelled,” Smith said. “But while I was throwing I had no idea how far the weight was going to go.”

Smith started throwing in her junior year of high school, but started throwing weights her freshman year at ACU. After she broke the record, she couldn’t celebrate with her coachesw immediately because she still had to throw.

“After breaking the record I became nervous,” Smith said. “I still had three more throws in the competition and I did not want that one throw to be the only reflection of capability as an athlete.”

Smith ended up faulting her 5th and 6th throws, but her 4th throw went 18.25 meters- the second furthest throw in school history.

Smith says that although the record is a culmination of her time here at ACU, people can expect more from her in her, including breaking her own record.

“As for my future with weight, I see Saturday’s victory as uncovering the tip of an iceberg,” Smith said. “I still have two more years of eligibility so as long as God keeps blessing me, I will strive for greatness. Breaking my own record is definitely possible.”

Track and field heads to Frisco next to participate in the Dunamis Sports Group Indoor Classic.

TMW13A@ACU.EDU

STANDINGS

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Friday plays key role in overtime thriller

BY MAX PRESTON ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

The men’s basketball team returned to Moody Coliseum Wednesday after a three-game road trip and won 70-69 in overtime in what was a back-and-forth thriller against New Orleans.

ACU was able to put together a successful first half shooting 61 percent from the field along with a three point percentage of 56 percent.

The Wildcats kept a comfortable lead for most of the half and went into halftime with a nine-point 36-27 lead.

However, New Orleans started out the second half hot while the Wildcats were only able to muster one free throw until the 14:15 mark of the second half.

New Orleans was able tie the score at 37 with a 10-1 run until junior guard Isaiah Tripp stopped the run with a three pointer at 14:15.

The game went back-and-forth as nei-

ERIKA BOLADO STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER In each of the Wildcats last five games, the decision has come down to the final possession. ACU is 2-3 in those five games..

ther team could break past a three-point lead.

With the score tied 5858 towards the end of regulation, the Wildcats got the ball with a three second shot clock and game clock difference.

As the shot clock expired sophomore center Jalone Friday hit a three-pointer to put his team up 61-58.

Three seconds remained on the clock however, and after a timeout, New Orleans was able to

make two quick passes to its end of the court and senior guard Nate Frye drilled a three-pointer to send the game to OT. But the Wildcats regrouped and started on a 5-0 run in OT until New Orleans earned three points off of a jumper and a free throw in separate possessions.

With the game tied at 67, Friday was able to make another clutch three pointer with 37 seconds left

in the game which ended up being enough to give the Wildcats the victory.

Friday, who led the team in points with 15, talked about his clutch three-pointer moments.

“Coach told me to stick with the game plan and he said he was gonna keep coming to me, so that’s what I did and I just didn’t shy away from my game.” Friday said.

With this win the men are now 3-7 in conference and 9-12 overall while New Orleans fell to 7-3 in conference and 12-9 overall.

Tripp weighed in on what getting this win meant to him and the team.

“It feels great, we needed that one in a big way,” said Tripp. “To come back home and win a game like that in front of our fans is an awesome feeling and experience as well.”

The men will next take on first place Sam Houston State on Saturday.

MJP14B@ACU.EDU

FOOTBALL

Gabriel’s success testament to preparation

BY JONATHAN RAITZ SPORTS EDITOR

While many Wildcats are preparing chips and dip for their Super Bowl parties this weekend, former ACU football standout is counting down the hours till he takes the field in Super Bowl 51.

With over 2900 yards receiving and 27 touchdown catches in three years as a Wildcat, there was no question Taylor Gabriel would be remembered as one the most dominant receivers to play for ACU. “He’s in that upper tier of people I’ve coached,” said former head football coach Ken Collums, who served as offensive coordinator while Gabriel played for the Wildcats. “It’s one thing to run down the field and catch a deep ball, but being able to still track the ball and use that flexibility at the last second, Taylor could do that.”

But heading for the NFL draft after a season in which he finished with 1060 yards and 73 receptions, Gabriel’s size brought his potential into question, and he went undrafted in the 2014 selections.

John David Baker, former Wildcat quarterback and Gabriel’s teammate for four years, said he saw pro potential from Gabriel especially in bigger games against the likes of New Mexico State, when he recorded 188 yards and 15 catches.

“Those were the games that Taylor seemed to play the best,” Baker said. “And you could kind of tell he stood out from the rest. Even guys at the bigger level had trouble hanging with him.

CURTIS CHRISTIAN CONTRIBUTOR Gabriel has emerged as a fan favorite after the Falcons’ Super Bowl media day, where numerous mediums picked up his story.

There’s something special about him.”

Fortunately for Gabriel, he was signed by the Cleveland Browns and appeared in all 16 games that season, as he produced 621 receiving yards under offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan.

After Gabriel was cut by the Browns after a less productive 2015, he and Shanahan reunited in Atlanta this season, which has led to Gabriel’s emergence as a lethal slot receiver and Shanahan as the play-caller for the league’s most explosive offense.

Baker has not been surprised by the way Gabriel and the Falcons’ offense have gelled this season.

“One thing that never happened to him, there was never a time when somebody squared him up and tackled him in the open field,” Baker said. “Atlanta runs a West Coast-style offense with lots of verbage. It’s very similar

to what he did at ACU. He understands it and what they are trying to do.”

Aside from Gabriel’s raw speed and talent, Collums said he believes it has been his work ethic that has allowed to find success this season.

“I think the No. 1 thing that he learned and I think its the biggest struggle for most guys to learn, it’s about your preparation throughout the year throughout the week and through the offseason,” Collums said. “Talent is only going to get you so far.

With a guy with that talent, if they buy in and prepare like crazy then their going to keep developing.”

Regardless of whether Gabriel is able to earn his first Super Bowl ring on Sunday, Baker and Collums are each confident in his NFL future.

“I think this year is just kind of the beginning,” Baker said. “I think people are really starting to realize

how special of a talent he is. I think the more opportunities he gets, the more comfortable he’s going to get.”

Collums said during his time around Gabriel, he was always striving to be a better man and that mentality should keep him focused in all aspects of the game.

“I just get a sense from him that he is very grateful for an opportunity to be with the Falcons and have a shot at the NFL,” Collums said.

“And because of that sense of gratefulness he’s going to enjoy it as much as he can.

Anytime you are grateful it is going to keep you hungry.”

Gabriel will be the first Wildcat to play in a Super Bowl since Danieal Manning led the Chicago Bears’ defense against Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl 41.

JMR13B@ACU.EDU

2017 Football Recruiting Class

Name Bryce Baccarini Peyton Bird Jack Gibbens Everett Gunnoe Kage Hendrix Kameron Hill Cordell Ijoma Remington Lutz Jackson Pace Clay Padgett Kade Parmelly Koy Richardson Obinna Udoye C.J. Wall Qua’Shawn Washington Dante Williams

Pos. QB OL DE OL OL DE DE TE TE OL OL CB CB CB WR CB

Ht. 6-2 6-6 6-3 6-4 6-4 6-2 6-1 6-6 6-4 6-4 6-3 5-10 6-1 5-11 6-0 6-1

Wt. 215 290 225 290 310 230 235 215 220 275 295 170 180 175 205 190

Hometown (School) Keller, Texas (Trinity Valley C.C.) Eastland, Texas (Eastland HS) Spring Branch, Texas (Smithson Valley HS) Krum, Texas (Krum HS) Ennis, Texas (Ennis HS) Stafford, Texas (Stafford HS) Houston, Texas (Cypress Falls HS) Temple, Texas (Belton HS) Texarkana, Texas (Pleasant Grove HS) Edmond, Okla. (Edmond North HS) Abilene, Texas (Abilene Wylie HS) Angleton, Texas (Angleton HS) Cedar Park, Texas (Cedar Park HS) Plano, Texas (Plano Senior HS) Abilene, Texas (Abilene HS) Frisco, Texas (Lone Star HS)

M Basketball Team

SHSU UNO SFA SELU Lamar UIW TAMU-CC Nicholls HBU NWSU McNeese UCA ACU

Ovrl. Div. 16-6 7-2 12-9 7-3 11-10 6-3 13-10 6-4 13-9 5-4 10-10 5-4 12-9 5-5 11-12 4-6 8-12 4-6 9-10 3-5 6-14 3-6 4-18 3-6 9-12 3-7

W Basketball Team

ACU SFA UCA Lamar UNO McNeese Nicholls TAMU-CC NWSU UIW HBU SELU SHSU

Ovrl. Div. 14-7 16-3 16-4 14-5 10-9 10-11 8-13 8-13 9-11 5-16 4-14 4-17 1-17

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

WHO’S HOT Sophomore Josh Sheehy followed up Hunter Holman’s Sheehy player of the week award earning the honor himself after posting a perfect 4-0 weekend. Sheehy manned the No. 1 single’s spot and has played a significant role in helping the men win seven of their last eight games. Sheehy and the rest of the men’s team will host Trinity University and Tyler Junior College at home this weekend at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

BRIEFINGS With seven returning starters and fresh off a third place conference finish, softball is picked to place second in the preseason coaches’ poll.

Men’s tennis posted and 3-1 weekend as it traveled to through the Midwest, while the women’s team finished the weekend 1-2 without one of its top competitors in Lucile Pothier.

MATCHUPS W Basketball 2/1/17 ACU

72

TAMU-CC

59

2/4/17 ACU

(14-7, 8-1)

SHSU

(1-17, 1-7)

M Basketball 2/1/17 ACU

70

UNO

69

2/4/17 ACU

(9-12, 3-7)

SHSU

(16-6, 7-2)

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