The Optimist Print Edition 2.17.17

SING SONG SPECIAL EDITION WHAT'S INSIDE

NEWS

Three alumni will receive the university’s most distinguised honors on Sunday.

Page 2

OPINION

Hal Hoots has flown in again to offer his Sing Song predictions.

Does your act make the cut?

Page 6-7

Friday, February 17, 2017 Vol. 105, Issue 18

FEATURE

Dr. John Willis will retire after 46 years at ACU. Read about his impact on the College of Biblical Studies.

Page 9

SPORTS

The Wessel family will have the new stadium’s scoreboard named in their honor.

Pages 12

A student publication of Abilene Christian University since 1912

Text

Fire

&

Ice

LAUREN FRANCO STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Top left: The men of GSP as Cubs fans. Top right: the men of Galaxy as cavemen. Middle: Host Ross Spears, Hostess Teonna Murphy and host Christian Fugar. Bottom left: the Freshman Olympics act. Bottom Right: The women of Ko Jo Kai as peppers.

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

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NEW S

Home turned into plant and soil lab

BY COLE WIDDER STUDENT REPORTER

The McDaniel House, once an residential home, is know a fully operational plant and soil science laboratory. The house is just one of the labs the Department of Agriculture and Environment Science has around campus.

The lab is dedicated to finding alternative landscaping technique, different soils and per meable paving.

A l o n g with finding new forms of landscaping techniques, the lab is in the process COOKE of finding different forms of grass.

"Grasses do not need that much care, even through drought seasons," said Dr. Jim Cooke, professor of environmental science .

The AES department is providing a sustainable landscape workshop to raise awareness about what the department is doing

“

“It is a great opportunity to learn ways to reduce the way we landscape in the environment”

DR. JIM CARPENTER PROFESSOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

The workshop is designed to talk about topics that deal with sustainable landscaping. Some of the topics of choice are permeable walkways, composting, worm composting, xeric planting, green roof and "turfless" roof reliant landscaping.

One of the key speakers is Dr. Jim Carpenter, professor of environmental science.

He will be presenting one of his Water Resources class projects on green roofs, or "living roofs."

He said a green roof is a raised garden on a roof that can be used for anything that is worth planting. It is not only a good source of gardening, but it also provides an added layer of insulation for the roof of the building.

This is the first time that something like this is being done at ACU, but it has been going on all over the state.

"It is a great opportunity for ACU," said Cooke.

The workshop will take place from 9 a.m. through noon Feb. 25 . It is free to the community and is comeand -o.

"It is a great opportunity to learn ways to reduce the way we landscape in the environment" said Carpenter.

OPTIMIST@ACU.EDU

FRIDAY | FEBRUARY 17, 2017

Alumni awarded university's highest honors

BY ALLISON BROWN EDITOR IN CHIEF

Three alumni will be awarded ACU's highest alumni honor on Sunday.

Dr. David ('82) and Laurie ('81) Vanderpool will receive the distinction of Outstanding Alumni of the Year for their humanitarian work in Haiti. Chelsea Buchholtz ('01) will receive the Young Alumnus of the Year award for her work in the Texas Juvenile Justice Department. The Young Alumnus of the year award is an honor given to alumni below the age of 40.

The three will be awarded at a lunch on Sunday at Teague Special Events Center with an expected 352 guests. Each year, recipients of the two awards chosen in August by the Alumni Advisory Board, are announced at Homecoming and are honored at the end of Sing Song Weekend.

David Vanderpool graduated with a bachelor's degree in biology and went on to complete medical school at Texas Tech and residency at Baylor University Medical Center. Laurie graduated with a degree in accounting.

The two have dedicated their lives to bringing mobile disaster relief to people around the world. In 2005, they founded Mobile

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ACU ALUMNI OFFICE

Chelsea Buchholtz ('01) and Laurie ('81) and Dr. David ('82) Vanderpool will receive the university's highest alumni awards on Sunday.

Medical Disaster Relief (MMDR) after Hurricane Katrina. When the hurricane hit Haiti in 2010, David began making medical relief trips to the country and in 2013, the couple decided to sell their possessions, leave their Brentwood, Tenn. home and live in Thomazeau, Haiti fulltime.

MMDR was rebranded as LiveBeyond and in the years since moving to Haiti, the Vanderpools have established a base and medical clinic that cares for Haitians in the area. Laurie works with children in an educational program and runs a program called Johnny's Kids to care for disabled children from sur-

rounding villages. "[The Vanderpools] have done so much to give up their personal belongings and dedicate their lives to serving the people of Haiti," said Jama Cadle, assistant director of alumni relations. "It's just so noble and they've touched so many lives – not only for the people of Haiti but for all those that go and help with their ministry."

Buchholtz, a 2001 graduate, graduated with a degree in advertising and public relations and went on to get her Juris Doctor from Pepperdine Law School in 2005. She worked as an attorney in the Texas Court of Appeals, Fourth District in San Antonio

and then served as assistant general counsel under Governor Rick Perry. She then worked as a policy advisor for Perry for nearly two years.

"Chelsea is a 2001 graduate and has proved herself very quickly," said alumni relations officer Aubree Browning. "She's very well-known in the state government."

Buchholtz has worked in the Texas Juvenile Justice Department since 2012, serving now as chief of staff.

The alumni relations team has been working since October to plan ceremony honoring the Vanderpools and Buchholtz.

Craig Fisher, director of alumni relations, said at the

end of a busy weekend on campus, the event is one of the most important days for the university each year.

"We bring a full house coming together of alumni and friends because of the commonality of ACU, and we celebrate our highest award winners amongst the greatest alumni base in the world," Fisher said. "It's a capstone on a weekend full of board meetings, president's circle dinner, and Sing Song to celebrate the long running history of the great people that have come through this university."

AKB12B@ACU.EDU

Clinic at capacity as flu hits students hard

BY DAVIS DENTON STUDENT REPORTER

The Flu is one is the most potent sicknesses in the United States. Amid rumors that 17 percent of the campus's population was sick with the flu, Administrative Assistant Abby Pimental said the clinic has been at capacity the last two weeks, but "17% is entirely false." Capacity meaning every available appointment has been filled.

MACCC Office Man-

ager Cindy Gravitt, said 3830 total clinic visits were reported last year.

2003 unique patients, 1852 students, and 151 faculty/staff. " Anytime around Februrary-ish is considered Flu season."

Gravitt said Sophomore AG business major Carter Johnson described his experience " I woke up coughing all the time, i was sick for five days." Johnson said. Sophomore marketing major Drew Beakley also took a hit from the Flu. "well for

“

Our prep team pretty much doubles their work during [Sing Song] week."

MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ GEN. MANAGER OF WHOLLY COW

me, the flu wasn't that bad.

I started running a fever on Thursday afternoon around 2 o'clock and my fever broke about 8 o'clock that night. It was very short, it was pretty much over by friday afternoon."

Beakley said.

No school officials have come out and said the numbers are true or false other than Mrs. Pimental and Mrs. Gravitt that work at the Clinic, but you can get all your medical needs done on the patient portal.

Patient portal is provided by the MACCC and makes scheduling appointments, requesting refills, and even accessing records and statements easier to students. Get on MYACU, go to quick links, and pa-

tient portal will appear.

The CDC released information regarding Flu outbreak across North America, the most affected regions is the Southeastern United States. "every February is the highest number of cases reported a year, and this February is no different." Wayne Rose epidemiologist for the Taylor county public health district said.

OPTIMIST@ACU.EDU

Sing Song guests bring $400k in profit to city

BY MAX PRESTON STUDENT REPORTER

Visitors for Sing Song will likely have an economic impact of more than $400,000 on the city of Abilene, according the Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau.

About 1,000 people come to the city for the event, said Trish Dressen, communication director for the Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau. Last year, the economic impact on the city amounted to $440,000, which is based

on a state formula that includes money spent by visitors on restaurants, shopping, hotels and gas.

Dressen said Sing Song visitors don't use every hotel room in the city, but usually visitors for graduation fill every hotel. In the past, ACU's graduation weekend has coincided with Abilene's Western Heritage Classic and graduation at the other universities in town.

Guests started booking rooms 11 months in advance at the Residence Inn by Marriott, located

“

Our prep team pretty much doubles their work during [Sing Song] week."

MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ GEN. MANAGER OF WHOLLY COW

on East Overland Trail, said Denise Worley, general manager of the hotel. The hotel had all of its 117 rooms booked for Sing Song weekend since Thanksgiving. To compensate for extra guests, Worley said she makes sure

the hotel is fully staffed.

“We just put more people in place on the desk and at breakfast," Worley said.

The hotel makes about double the revenue during Sing Song weekend than average weekends, Worley said.

Wholly Cow, a burger restaurant on Judge Ely Boulevard, also gets more customers during the weekend. Michael Rodriguez, general manager of the restaurant, said store sales almost tripled during Sing Song weekend in past years.

"It's not the hardest thing in the world, but it can get hectic," Rodriguez said.

The most popular menu item includes the half-cow on a white bun, which they start prepping as early as Tuesday.

"We prep quite a bit of meat," Rodriguez said.

"Our prep team pretty much doubles their work during that week."

Wholly Cow also sees increased sales during Wildcat Week.

OPTIMIST@ACU.EDU

POLICE LOG SELECTED ACUPD CALLS FOR THE WEEK 02/11/2017 9:48 p.m.

ACUPD investigated several reports of gunshots being fired in the area of Lincoln Drive, Cedar Crest, and Will Hair Park. No suspects were located.

02/12/2017 1:46 p.m.

A student reported the theft of clothing and personal items from her Gardner Hall room.

02/13/2017 11:15 a.m.

ACUPD investigated an auto accident involving a vehicle’s being driven in the mall area; the vehicle struck a light pole.

911 CALL ACCIDENT ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIVITY ADVICE ALARM ASSIST BARRICADES BUILDING LOCK/UNLOCK BURGLARY (RESIDENCE) CART PATROL CHECK BUILDING CITATION ISSUANCE CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

1 4 17 1 1 1 3 18 1 1 347 2 2

DISCHARGE OF FIREARM DISTURBANCE ESCORT FOOT PATROL FOUND PROPERTY INFORMATION REPORT INVESTIGATION FOLLOW UP LOST PROPERTY MAINTENANCE UNIV ASSETS: CCTV MEDICAL EMERGENCY MONITOR FACILITY/LOT

1 3 1 16 4 3 7 1 1 1 3

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

3

SEX OFFENSE SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT 7 SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY SUSPICIOUS PERSON 1 SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE 2 THEFT 30 TRAFFIC STOP 3 WELFARE CHECK 1 10 TOTAL: 554 20 16

1 1 1 2 5 2 8 1

POLICE CHIEF TIP OF THE WEEK:

ACUPD reminds everyone to expect major parking and traffic congestion Thurs-FriSat evenings for Sing-Song and Presidents Circle Dinner.

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FRIDAY | FEBRUARY 17, 2017

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Sing Song competition heats up among clubs

BY HALEY REMENAR ONLINE MANAGING EDITOR

GATA and Galaxy will return to the Sing Song stage to defend their 2016 titles.

But the 2015 champions, Sigma Theta Chi and Gamma Sigma Phi, are looking to take back the trophy.

GATA will take the stage as S’mores directed

by Darby Stemen, junior English major from Fair Oaks Ranch. Stemen said coming back after winning best Women’s Club act has caused some pressure but her club is working hard to meet the challenge. “’I’m so proud of all the hard work our girls have put into this show and I really think the audience will love what we’ve put together,” Stemen said. “Regardless of how it works out, this is a show I believe all of GATA is proud to perform.”

Sigma Theta Chi won the women’s division in 2015, but placed third in 2016. This year the club is directed by Madison Losher, junior kinesiology major from Garland, who directed a second-place freshmen class act in 2015. She said directing a club act differs from a class act because she deals with only women. The club worked on diction and dynamics while they learned vocals, which took longer, Losher said, but prepared them well.

“Basically we are doing everything and anything we can to win,” Losher said.

“We really, really focused on our vocals. We’re 100 percent trying to sweep.”

Galaxy will perform as “Cavemen” again, just like they did in their first-place 1983 act. One week before the show, the club changed

LAUREN FRANCO STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Reigning champions of the women’s social club division, GATA, will defend their title this weekend dressed as sweet and sassy s’mores. directors from Carl Kimbrough, sophomore theatre major from San Antonio, to Trey Dennis, sophomore management major from Abilene. Dennis directed a freshman act last year and said that helped prepare him to take over his club’s act.

“Honestly the guys have rallied together so well,” Dennis said, “not only for our brother Carl but for the act in general. But we aren’t thinking about last year at all. We are just working on what we can do best as Cavemen.”

Although GSP placed second overall for the men’s division last year, the club is working to win this year, said the act director, Joel Ague, senior accounting and finance major from San Antonio. He said last year the club didn’t win because they weren’t entertaining

although they had a strong act.

“We had won the previous year so we weren’t as driven, I’d say,” Ague said.

“This year we’ve been a lot more focused. I saw things that we could work on and that’s what I’ve been attacking this year.”

Other clubs are also competing to place or to make their club better known on campus.

Ko Jo Kai placed second overall last year and this year the club director, Kayla Torp, junior music education major from Waco, said the club is hoping to win.

Torp said she’s studying to be a choir director so she’s learned conducting and other skills needed to direct her act. The last time Kojies won was in 2014 with the Bluebell act.

“There’s such a good vibe in all of our rehearsals,”

Torp said. “Everybody’s having such a good time that we’re just hoping that we win through that feeling.

We really want to win and that’s what’s gonna set us apart from years past.”

The men of Pi Kappa will be directed by Cole Spears, junior computer science major from Abilene, who said he’s a part of the Wind Ensemble and the Big Purple Marching Band which gives him a “marching band style” of directing.

In 2015, Spears participated as a freshman in Pi Kappa’s Elves act which won third place in every category and third place overall.

“We ended up getting a standing ovation from the entire crowd,” Spears said.

“It was amazing.”

Spears said he wants the act to be excellent in appearance, vocals and all parts of the act.

“We really want to honor our club, our alums, and ACU in general with our

act,” Spears said. “This year, the guys are doing great. They’re an inspiration to me. Regardless of what happens, I’m confident that we’re putting on an excellent act.”

The women of Tri Kappa Gamma will be performing for the second time since they rechartered in 2015.

Last year’s act had 64 participants and this year the act has 86 participants, including 15 freshmen said the act director, Annie Bailey. She said this year the club has been more organized and she received a lot of help from her leadership team and former directors.

“We have 86 participants which is the same as our establishing year,” Bailey said, “so it’s a sign.”

Although they perform as mermaids in their act, Bailey, a senior psychology major from Abilene, said they tried to stay away from The Little Mermaid story and decided to be “H2O mer-

maids” which can choose to be humans or mermaids if they are in water.

The women of Alpha Kai Omega placed in several categories last year, and this year will perform as Witches. The act director, Philomena Dehoyes, senior criminal justice major from Marion, said the club chose to perform as Witches to fit the “opposites” theme for the show. The act tells the story of the musical Wicked, which compares good witches and bad witches.

“We kind of had a bad spurt last year,” Dehoyes said. “It was really rocky for a really long time, but people are really excited this year.”

Zeta Rho returned to Sing Song after not performing last year and revamping the club in the fall semester. Directed by Sarah Arrasmith, senior graphic design major from Colorado Springs, Colorado, the act features 20 of the club’s 31 members. Eleven women are currently pledging the club.

“We are focused on making a presence, getting our name out there, and doing the best we can do,” Arrasmith said.

All 46 members of Frater Sodalis are performing in the club’s fireman act directed by Shelby Facundo-Moreno, senior psychology major from Palm Springs, California.

“It’s our duty because our alumni, Bob Hunter, is the one that founded it,” Facundo-Moreno said. “Last year there was 15 of us, we still gave a show.”

The club doubled in size with 25 pledges in the fall and 14 in the spring.

HRR13B@ACU.EDU

Sub T returns to the stage after suspension

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BY LAUREN FRANCO STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Sub T-16 is spending their second semester back on campus putting their new values into` The club, referred to as “Sub T,” was suspended from campus last spring for displaying offensive phrases on their homecoming float, known as the Gobmobile.

The suspension prohibited them from participating in Sing Song.

Sing Song Director, Lane Luttrell, a senior bible major from Irving, said despite their situation, they were able to shine a positive light on the future, especially in their Sing Song act.

“We had the year off, which was a waking up moment for us,” Luttrell said.

“While we were gone we spent a lot of time in deep meditation and we spent a lot of time getting to know ourselves and perfecting our Sing Song faces.”

Luttrell also said the probationary period gave them time to watch the movie, “O Brother, Where Art Thou?”, which inspired their Sing Song theme, “O

Subber, Where Art Thou?”.

“We haven’t won since 1984,” Luttrell said. “Since we’re coming back on campus, we’re reminding people that we actually did win at one point.”

In order to win the trophy again, the club is making practices more focused and serious than in previous years.

Zack Horton, Head of Sing Song Committee and senior business management major from Rockwall, said all 43 participating members are very excited for three-hour practices. After warming up, the group gets on topic. In addition to practicing their music and choreography, Horton said they’ve been doing a bit of extra work.

“We had to make up for a year off, you know,” Horton said. “So maybe we get one or two extra practices in and meet up to work on our vocals.”

Both Horton and Luttrell said things are looking up this year. One of the most exciting changes is that their lyrics were deemed relatively appropriate at first submission, an unprec-

edented feat for the club.

“One of the things that Sing Song administration did this year is give Sub T more leeway,” Horton said.

“Its really important to them that we have the freedom to stretch our imagination. Deep down, they really just want us to win.”

Austin Fleet, a senior accounting major from Tyler said his favorite thing about Sing Song this year is how much time and effort they have spent perfecting their act to win it all.

“Scoreboard,” Fleet said.

Overall, Horton said this year will be a performance for the fans to make up for their missed year.

“We were really just sad for the fans,” Horton said.

“There were a lot of alumni that were upset that we weren’t in it. If you were there last year, you heard the crowds cheering for Sub T even though we weren’t in the performance. I can’t stomach the thought of our fans going without Sub T two years in a row. We’re just here to give the people what they want.”

LMF14A@ACU.EDU

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FRIDAY | FEBRUARY 17, 2017

Mayor candidate follows in mentor’s footsteps

BY HALEY REMENAR ONLINE MANAGING EDITOR

After his father was murdered in January of 1973, four-year-old Anthony Williams found joy in the “Joy Bus.” He remembers Highland Church of Christ bringing a big blue bus to his neighborhood to transport kids to Sunday services.

“They gave away orange juice and donuts,” Williams said, “and for a little fat kid like me, that was the hook.”

Ministers and elders at Highland helped his mother financially and spiritually, which influenced him to give back to the city when he got older.

Now Williams, chief business services officer, is campaigning for mayor of Abilene in the May elections. His mentor, Dr. Gary McCaleb, served as mayor of Abilene in the ‘90s. Like McCaleb, Williams said he plans to focus on serving the Abilene community and expanding economic development, especially in downtown Abilene.

McCaleb and Williams met in the early ‘90s when Williams was a senior at McMurry University.

McCaleb said he asked Williams to help direct a program for at-risk teenage boys called Midnight Basketball. Williams spent seven years directing the program, which allowed boys to play basketball and hear encouraging speakers from 10 p.m.-1 a.m.

“He’s had the advantage of seeing Abilene at different ages,” McCaleb said.

“He’s moved through all those different stages of life

in Abilene.”

Williams graduated from Abilene High School in 1987 and got a bachelor’s degree from McMurry University. He said he and his wife, Lynette, decided he would campaign as an “average Abilenian” with a mortgage, a full-time job, and four children: Anthony Jr., Alissa, John and Ahjae. He served on the city council since 2001 and said he wants to continue to serve the city by running for mayor.

Williams is running against Robert Briley, owner of the local Aaron’s furniture rental stores, and Richard Kennedy, director of the 180 House.

At the 180 House, Kennedy helps people recover from addictions. Although he’s not a politician, he said he’s running for mayor because he wants to see change in Abilene, starting with doubling voter turnout. Kennedy said only 9,000 people voted in the last mayoral election.

Through running a nonprofit, Kennedy said he’s learned how to do more with less money, which would help him make budget decisions that benefit the city.

“I’ve been in the business of restoring lives and restoring houses,” Kennedy said. “And this city needs restoration.”

He said the city shouldn’t try to be like a metropolitan area, but should focus on being the best mid-sized city in this part of Texas.

Robert Briley ran for mayor in 2014 and lost to Mayor Norm Archibald by 132 votes, he said. As a small business owner for

HALEY REMENAR ONLINE MANAGING EDITOR

Abilene mayoral candidate Anthony Williams, left, has sought the mentorship of former mayor Dr. Gary McCaleb, university vice president. McCaleb served as mayor of Abilene from 1990-99.

36 years, Briley said he knows how to work with diverse groups and adapt to changes in the economy.

“You have to have a lot of grit and judgement because 80 percent of small businesses fail in the first two years,” Briley said.

He said his business started with just $1,500 and grew to a $20 million company.

“I know what it takes to grow a business, and I can grow the city as well,” Briley said.

Elections will take place on May 6 and about 336 students are registered to vote in Taylor County, according to the Students’ Association office which did a voter registration drive in October.

Because he grew up without a father, Williams said he looked to older men like McCaleb to mentor him.

In the role of mayor, Williams would face similar issue to those faced by his mentor 20 years ago. One of the big issues for the city while McCaleb was mayor involved revitalizing downtown Abilene. McCaleb said the growth of the Mall of Abilene and other businesses on the south side of town drew a lot of the activity from downtown, causing downtown to grow stagnant.

“That was when an old hotel building that was empty became the Grace Museum,” McCaleb said, “gave it new life. You had to sort of reinvent downtown and bring it back with different purposes.”

Williams also wants to revitalize the city in a way that draws young professionals, like ACU graduates, to stay in the city.

“Young professionals

are demanding that there be amenities, more recreational opportunities,” Williams said. “The challenge to the Abilene community is responding. We have to be creative.”

McCaleb said the mayor serves as the chief representative of the people and is elected from the community to serve community interests. The mayor doesn’t work full-time and only earns $1 a year, while the city manager works full time to handle daily city needs.

If elected, Williams would be the first black mayor of Abilene, but he said his race shouldn’t be a factor in the election.

“I really want to be elected because I’m the better candidate,” Williams said.

“I want people to vote for me because they know they if vote for me, they’re vot-

ing for themselves. I don’t think there is an ‘If.’ I will be the next mayor of Abilene.”

His campaign signs don’t say “Anthony for Mayor,” but rather display “Anthony for the Arts” or “Anthony for Abilene” because he said wants to be a servant to the city.

McCaleb was the first person connected to ACU to run for mayor of Abilene and said most students weren’t involved in the Abilene community during his terms in the ‘90s.

“I think maybe now students are more involved than maybe they were then,” McCaleb said.

“They’re doing community service that makes them more aware of what’s going on in the city.”

Many faculty used to live in the “Hill” area right around campus, McCaleb said, but now faculty, including Williams, live all over Abilene and are more involved in the city. McCaleb said Williams can represent the ACU community because he works here, but can also represent underprivileged populations throughout the city because he didn’t grow up in a privileged home.

“He’s never forgotten what it’s like, as he looks around town and knows there are still people here growing up under difficult circumstances,” McCaleb said. “But that’s what a community is for. Everybody works together, that’s what the city government is for.”

HRR13B@ACU.EDU

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N E WS

FRIDAY | FEBRUARY 17, 2017

Weekend Campaigns to travel in state and Oklahoma

BY ERIKA BOLADO STUDENT REPORTER

Weekend Campaigns, a student organization, organizes weekend trips to serve people in communities.

The organization takes three or four weekend trips per semester around cities in Texas and Oklahoma.

This semester, the trips will take place at Texas Ramp Project, Medina Children’s Home, and Shiloh Ranch Ministries. The campaigns help children, families, and disabled adults.

Mary Beth Cuevas, previously known as their weekend campaign advisor but now an academic advisor, said, “The idea behind the Weekend Campaigns is for people to learn that they can put others before themselves and have a servant heart.”

Cuevas said as each generation of students become involved, the organization evolves and grows. She

said she loves seeing how students “own” the Weekend Campaigns and make it what it is.

Sharaie Andrusak, senior business management major from Kansas, who has been a member for four years, now plans the trips as a leader and helps take students on buses.

“Weekend Campaigns is an organization on campus where we really want to live out the motto of ACU,” said Andrusak. “We want to be able to serve people in the community, but we also want to be able to go out and be able to spread our name and be part of other places.”

The leaders of the Weekend Campaigns choose the locations for the year but Andrusak said sometimes they choose the same ones because those communities look forward to see them every year, such as Brookewood Community, Medina Children’s Home and Lu-

ERIKA BOLADO STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

ACU students serve at the Luther Community Service Center in Oklahoma as part of a Weekend Campaign.

ther Community Service Center in Oklahoma.

Andrusak said her favorite part of the Weekend Campaigns is when she gets recognized by the communities they visit and seeing students becoming friends, connecting with other people and enjoying the trips.

The organization also

likes to stay local by helping with Abilene’s Global Samaritan and Love and Care Ministries.

However, Andrusak said she wants the Weekend Campaigns to grow and become more known by doing better advertisements and raising more funds.

“It’s a really neat oppor-

tunity for people to get to know other places in Texas, to be able to serve other people and be served,” said Andrusak.

Chyenne Haden, senior social studies education major from Abilene, helps the Weekend Campaigns by organizing the trips, reading and sending emails.

Haden said anyone can sign up, it’s not exclusive, and there are no fees but there are limited spaces.

The previous weekend trip took place in Brookwood Community, a community for adults with disabilities. “They have these exercise routines that we do those with them,” said Haden. “They invite us to their homes to eat lunch; we just spend time getting to know them, and then at night they ask us to put on a show for them or they will put on a show for us.”

“Weekend campaigns is a time for students to think of someone other than themselves,” said Cuevas.

“I saw students grow so much!”

If you’re interested in the Weekend Campaigns, email weekendcampaigns@gmail.com.

EXB14A@ACU.EDU

Wind ensemble performs at state music convention

BY TREVOR WYATT STUDENT REPORTER

The Wind Ensemble performed at the 2017 TMEA Convention last weekend to close their tour across Texas.

The Texas Music Educator’s Association, or TMEA, hosts an annual convention featuring the biggest names in instrumental, choral and other musical styles, said Noah Hancock, junior music major from Abilene.

“It’s really a cool experience because there are

thousands of musicians there doing really awesome things with music,” Hancock said. “You can play basically any instrument you want and you can see some of the coolest new things in the music world.”

Noah’s brother Grayson Hancock, senior music major from Abilene, said that the experience of playing at TMEA was something that he never felt like he would experience.

“It’s really kind of surreal,” Grayson Hancock

said. “It’s been a long time since ACU has been at TMEA. We played at CBDNA, or the College Band Directors National Association, the Spring of 2014, but the last time ACU performed at TMEA was in like 2005.”

The Wind Ensemble played a number of pieces on its tour, culminating with a performance of David Maslanka’s Clarinet Concerto performed by Kristin Ward.

Ward is instructor of clarinet and saxophone

Chinese students to host New Year lantern festival

BY HALEY REMENAR ONLINE MANAGING EDITOR

The Chinese Student Scholars Association (CSSA) will host a Lantern Festival Thursday Feb. 23 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Hunter Welcome Center.

The annual event will take place on the last day of the traditional Chinese New Year festivities, said CSSA president Rui Bui. Tickets cost $3 for one person or $5 for two, and Bui said

games, Chinese traditions, and food will be included. The group will serve one traditional food students wouldn’t find at a restaurant: tangyuan, sweet rice balls.

“That food represents together, like family together,” said Bui, sophomore actuary science major from Jin Hua, China. “In the Lantern Festival, we always have a family dinner.”

Bui said the lanterns will have riddles inside them and

people can guess the riddles in a traditional Chinese game.

The group recieved $1,600 from the Students’ Association spring budget to use for the event and Bui said he expects about 200 guests. Funds raised at the event will go toward the CSSA’s Chinese culture classes which are free to all students and take place Thursdays.

HRR13B@ACU.EDU

FIRST SERVICE - 8am (a cappella) SECOND SERVICE - 9:30am (instrumental THIRD SERVICE - 11am (instrumental) 425 HIGHLAND AVENUE 325-673-5295 highlandchurch.org facebook.com/highlandabilene @highlandabilene

“

“Performing in that way is something that I’ve never dreamed of doing before,” GRAYSON HANCOCK SENIOR MUSIC MAJOR FROM ABILENE

and her husband is the conductor of both Wind Ensemble and ACU Orchestra.

“We were part of a consortium to commission the piece and

so we helped premier the piece last April, the whole 32 minute piece,” Ward said. “This time Maslanka was there so we got the feedback from him directly and we performed the second movement of the piece at TMEA. It was just an incredibly humbling, and kind of nerve-racking, experience playing not just in front of thousands of people, but thousands of musicians who know what they’re doing.”

Kristen then said the performance went well,

but Grayson Hancock says that was one of the biggest understatements he’s ever heard.

“Performing in that way is something that I’ve never dreamed of doing before,” Grayson Hancock said. “And Kristin was so amazing, if I had to perform just that piece with here over and over again for the rest of my musical career it would be the biggest honor I’d ever have.”

TMW13A@ACU.EDU

6

SIN G

FRIDAY | FEBRUARY 17, 2017

&

SON G

2017

P R E D ICTION S

Fire

FRIDAY | FEBRUARY 17, 2017

7

Ice

Competition is heating up among this year's Sing Song acts. So the Optimist yet again called in the infamous Hal Hoots for his long-awaited Sing Song predictions. Hal calls it like he sees it and has handed over his list of who he thinks will take home the gold in Men's, Women's and Mixed voices divisions.

Editor's note: Staff members participating in Sing Song did not partake in the prediction process.

MEN’S VOICES

WOMEN’S VOICES

1. GAMMA SIGMA PHI KO JO KAI Spice Up Your Life The women of Ko Jo Kai are turning up the heat with a tasty act that’s sure to leave audiences hungry for some Tex Mex. With poppin’ colors and fiesta flavor, this act is a spicy beginning to a mouthwatering show.

1. SIGMA THETA CHI

Although it’s a close call between GSP and the Galaxy cavemen, this act hit out of the ball park with the strongest vocals in the men’s division. Fans of Cubs and Sing Song alike will cheer for their precise diction, sentimental set and sharp choreography. The act starts off a little slow, but if they stay on top of their game, the Gamma Sigs will be sliding into home plate Saturday night, trophy in hand.

2. GATA

2. FRESHMAN OLYMPICS

3. PI KAPPA

3. TRI KAPPA GAMMA

3. JUNIOR CLASS

As returning champions, the men of Galaxy come out of their cave looking for a win, but their choreography hasn’t evolved enough to beat GSP. If they can sharpen their moves and nail every note, these neanderthals have a shot at beating the World Series champs. With strong vocals and prehistoric jokes, the Moonies put on a mammoth of a show. Can their humor carry them to a repeat victory?

Although they sparkled last year, GATA doesn’t have the vocals to repeat. Their nostalgic camp backdrop sets them up to place high in appearance and with original moments of choreography and costume changes, they’re s’more in line with the Fire and Ice theme. I ranked them second because vocally, the Siggies are toasting them, and these flamin' GATAs will be in a sticky situation if they don’t clean up their dynamics.

The women of Alpha Kai Omega are brewing up a good vs. evil act that’s sure to be “popular” with audiences. They may be “wicked” but they’ll cast a spell over you with this act.

Patriotism and sharp choreography can get this act on the podium, but they’ll need to workout their vocals to go for the gold and beat the seniors. It’s a close race but Sing Song is a marathon, and these rookies will need to step up their vocal game if they want the medal. Will they settle for silver?

In their second act since rechartering, TKG’s sparkly melodies make the club part of the Sing Song world. Their vocals are in tuna, their diction is strong and the costume changes are dazzling. They don’t have the strongest storyline to beat Siggies or GATA, but they found their sea legs and might knock Kojies from the top three.

Out with the Old, In with the Gold

Who says Sing Song isn’t an Olympic sport? From Athens to Rio, this Freshman act is sounding the international fanfare with lyrics that will leave you feeling red, white and blue.

SOPHOMORES

KO JO KAI

I was impressed by the stars of Zeta Rho, despite their small size and shaky vocals. They don’t have what it takes to place but they should be proud of their astronomical effort.

FRESHMAN OLYMPICS

With a half-baked set and a weak men’s section, these Christmas cookies weren’t sweet enough to win.

However, this smaller group held their dough together with a strong ending and songs sprinkled with holiday cheer. With recognizable tunes, this act is caroling its way ahead of the Dinos and Teacups. And how can you go wrong with Santa?

Honorable Mentions

ZETA RHO

ALPHA KAI OMEGA Witches and Cauldrons and Spells... Oh my!

I’m diagnosing a win for the seniors, who also won their freshman year. The seniors may have the flu, but their performance was far from measly. Despite sore throats, their voices blended well and their choreography hit every contagion to spread the disease. But if they take a sick day and don’t hit every move sharply, they could fall to the freshman Olympians.

2. GALAXY

GALAXY

Frozen in time, the prehistoric men of Galaxy are more than grunting in this evolutionary act. They may be scruffy but audiences will get hooked on the feeling as they search for their cave girl.

1. SENIOR CLASS

Siggies took the risk of not performing as inanimate objects like most winning women’s acts in recent years.

However, their vocals and choreography are flying them into first place. What makes this act soar above the rest is its overall cohesiveness from storyline to costumes.

Superior diction and dynamics made it entertaining from takeoff to landing. I don’t think they’ll hit any turbulence on the way to first place.

I’m forecasting a third-place finish for the weathermen of Pi Kappa. Although their size may seem like a disadvantage, their jabs at Abilene weather and overall good vocals put them ahead of Trojans and Frats. They don’t have the numbers or set to beat Galaxy and GSP, but if they weather the hurricane, they could edge into the top three.

So Easy a Moonie Could Do It

MIXED VOICES

Though I think the mermaids were more entertaining than the Kojie peppers, this act has a delicious looking set and they perform well overall. However, appearance alone won’t help a slow-moving musical arrangement. The club will have to kick it up a notch to place in the top three.

Tea Time From England to Seattle to West Texas summer, the sophomores are sipping a world tour of the most popular brew. Put your kettle on the stove and pour a bit of Earl Grey as the sophomores blend an act that will make you want another cup.

PI KAPPA

TRI KAPPA GAMMA

ZETA RHO

SUB T-16

JUNIORS

Weather or Not, Here We Come!

The Mermaids of Moody ColiSEAum: Emotion of the Ocean The women of Tri Kappa Gamma are diving onto the stage with a show that’s sure to submerge audiences. With glittering scales and fintastic vocals, this mermaid tale will leave you shell-shocked.

Twinkle, Twinkle, Zeta Stars

Oh Subber, Where Art Thou?

There's No Business like Dough Business

Sunny today, snowy tomorrow, the men of Pi Kappa are weathering the storms of Sing Song with a smile. Small but mighty, this weather crew forecasts an entertaining show for all.

Lighting up the stage, the women of Zeta Rho return for a glowing performance.

Grab your telescope for a night of stargazing with this twinkling act.

The men of Sub T-16 have escaped their shackles with a prison-breaking act that’s guaranteed to make you laugh. From the cell to the stage, the club of constant sorrows returns to Sing Song in classic Subber style.

TROJANS

GATA

FRATER SODALIS

GAMMA SIGMA PHI

SIGMA THETA CHI

FRESHMAN DINORSAURS

All Aboard the Trojan Ark The rains came down and the floods came up but the Trojans are staying with afloat with an act that proves God keeps his promises. Two by two, their costume zoo will take audiences to the other side of the rainbow.

The S'More the Merrier

Where There's Fire, There's Frater

C-U-B-S, Wanna Be A Cubs Fan!

Welcome Aboard with Sigma Theta Fly

The Land Before Freshmen

The women of GATA gather round the campfire for a sugary sweet sing-along that’s sure to take you back to your summer camp days. The triple threat of chocolate, grahams and mallows will leave even the most experienced campers wanting s’more.

Who said yelling “Fire!” in a crowded theater was against the law? The men of Frater Sodalis are burning down the house with an act that dials in the good times.

The men of Gamma Sigma Phi will take us to Wrigley on a loyal journey with baseball’s most dedicated fans. Bring your peanuts and cracker jacks to ACU’s favorite pastime.

Don’t put in your headphones during these safety instructions, the flight attendants of Sigma Theta Chi are soaring onto the stage. No hidden fees for this in-flight entertainment, their vocals are sure to make you a frequent flyer.

Looks like the dinos escaped Jurassic Park and made it to Moody in a Freshman act that roars. Break out your inner paleontologist cause these creatures aren’t fossils anymore.

Run, run, run as fast as you can, the Gingerbread men of the junior class will take you to grandma’s house with delightful treat.

Gumdrop buttons and all, these Christmas cookies will gingersnap you back to the most wonderful time of the year.

SENIORS Get the Flu Shot, This Isn't Just Senioritis

Call your mom and call your doctor, the seniors are coming down with a contagiously funny show. They may be sick of school, but they’ve got the Sing Song fever.

8

Hot, Hot, Hot

FRIDAY | FEBRUARY 17, 2017

ARTS

Six talented performers take the stage as hosts and hostesses

LAUREN FRANCO STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER The 2017 hosts and hostesses, from left to right: Ross Spears, Shelby Werderich, Courtney Eubank, Teonna Murphy, David Martinez and Christian Fugar.

BY ABBEY BOWLING ARTS & FEATURES EDITOR

S

ing Song hosts and hostesses have been a part of ACU’s biggest tradition for decades now. The six performers sing and dance their way through transitions between the acts, providing entertainment for the audience. Though they don’t get the chance to win Sing Song bragging rights like those participating in the acts, they still get a unique opportunity to be a part of ACU history.

The 2017 hosts and hostesses are Courtney Eubank, Shelby Werderich, Teonna Murphy, Christian Fugar, Ross Spears and David Martinez. The six auditioned in early October and were chosen because of their vocal talent and cohesive synergy as an ensemble, say Sing Song organizers. They’ve already spent several months together, preparing to make sure their performances are as perfect as possible.

For Murphy, junior vocal performance major from Houston, performing in front of people is some-

thing she loves.

“This is my thing,” Murphy said. “I love this kind of stuff, so I feel like this was the perfect opportunity for me to do what I love.”

She said the audition process, which included three rounds of singing and dancing, was scary because there were so many talented people auditioning for the same spots. The group worked together last semester after being chosen and now they’ve spent almost every day together this semester, which is what has made this experience worthwhile: bonding with people who also share the same love of performing.

But with such a big production also comes big challenges. For Murphy, the biggest obstacle was believing that she was talented enough to be a hostess.

Eubank agreed, saying that finding confidence is the most challenging part of the process.

“The journey of being vulnerable with the six of us, letting them see when we don’t sing a song well, or we do, and the encouragement and support behind that,” Eubank said. “The

biggest challenge is letting yourself fail in order to be better so by the time you hit the stage, you have the confidence that it takes to really do that, because we’re all learning.”

Eubank, junior accounting and music major from Phoenix, said performing in a production like Sing Song has always been her dream even though she didn’t grow up around ACU. “I was that kid when I was little that always wanted to be a singer and there wasn’t very many outlets for it,” Eubank said. “I did church, but the music department is very focused toward opera, and I don’t necessarily sing opera, so when this came up, I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, I would love to do this. This stage is home for me.’”

Spears, junior psychology major from Abilene, said he’s enjoyed the process because with each phase he develops who he is , but he’s also had to overcome some insecurity, especially during the auditioning process.

“I would say the steps were difficult because it was nerve-wracking, for

sure,” he said. “Just seeing all the people that tried out and maybe being insecure about, ‘Am I good enough to be in this group?’”

Spears also said he’s ready to see people’s reactions, which will hopefully all be positive.

Fugar, senior kinesiology major from Cypress, wanted to be a host because he’d seen so many of his friends perform as hosts and hostesses. Like Murphy, he also reaffirmed the fact that getting to know the other performers is the most fun part of the whole experience.

“It’s cool getting to build that relationship and finally getting to show what we’ve worked on all this time,” Fugar said. “I’m really looking forward to just singing with them, because we’ve built such a good relationship, I want to see how it goes and how we can really come out and show what we’ve done.”

Martinez, senior kinesiology major from Clear Lake, experienced Sing Song for the first time his Freshman year and immediately knew he wanted to be a host.

“I had no idea ACU existed before I came here,

“

This stage is years ago when she saw home for me.” Sing Song in 8th grade.

COURTNEY EUBANK JUNIOR ACOCOUNTING AND MUSIC BA MAJOR FROM PHOENIX, AZ

almost,” Martinez said. “I had never heard of Sing Song. I was in the Freshman bunnies and I remember watching the hosts and hostesses on that Tuesday night and I was like, ‘That’s what I want to do.’ I was in choir growing up, and I’ve always loved to sing and perform so I saw them and felt like that was what I was meant to do.”

Martinez said the most eye-opening part of the experience has been seeing behind the scenes of the production that most people don’t get to see. He also said getting to grow alongside the other hosts and hostesses is the best part.

“We’re just so far out of our comfort zones in almost everything that we do every day,” Martinez said. “It’s been fun to experience that with the whole team.”

For Werderich, junior marketing major from Montgomery, the dream of being a hostess started

After a nerve-wracking first round audition that included a mishap with the piano music, she was chosen as a hostess. She said it gets hard to keep up the energy.

“We get so used to singing the same songs over and over again, you have to keep that same energy up every time you sing it like nobody’s ever heard it before,” Werderich said. “We think the songs are going to be hard to sing over and over again because we’ve heard them a million times but now it’s like, just let that be a motivator. Never stop trying to make it with as much energy as we can. Keeping focus is so hard because we just got our mics, and we’ve just been whispering little, stupid stuff to each other.”

Martinez agreed.

“It’s almost like having walkie talkies with your best friends,” he said. “Except, we’re all just a bunch of five-year-olds, telling jokes to each other through the mics.”

AKB12A@ACU.EDU

9

F E ATUR E S

FRIDAY | FEBRUARY 17, 2017

The End of an Era Beloved Bible professor John Willis to retire after 61 years of teaching

BY EMILY GUAJARDO VISUALS MANAGING EDITOR

A

LYDIA LAWSON STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Dr. John Willis poses in the Onstead-Packer Bible building.

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

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

tranquil silence dwells in the hallways and glass ceiling foyer of the Onstead-Packer Biblical Studies Building.

And ever so quietly, you hear small footsteps – muffled, shuffled and hushed to not disturb the presence of the godly scholars residing behind the closed office doors. With hunched shoulders, squinty eyes hidden behind bifocals and a pack of half-eaten Chips-Ahoy cookies, Dr. John Willis strolls through the dimly lighted hallways to his office centered in the middle of the corridor. Ever since 1951, John knew he wanted to live life to the fullest.

All he needed was the love from his students, his colleagues and his wife and to love the Lord – with all his mind, heart and strength.

After teaching for over 61 years and spending 46 years of those at ACU, Willis has decided it’s his time to wander into the unknown, the wilderness, the journey to the mountaintop: retirement.

Born on Nov. 21, 1933, Willis was one of four children born in during some of the darkest times in American history.

From his early beginnings, Willis lived a different life than most people.

His memories include World War II, the assassination of president John F. Kennedy and even the death of his 3-year- old brother. He recalls a small coffin, arms-width wide, lying in the middle of the living room for three days containing the weak, cold body of little Ernest Albert.

“We are put here on earth to live a full life,” expresses Willis. “After this one, well, we’ll just go to heaven, I guess. I hope.” said John, as his voice begins to soften and his eyes began to gleam.

And he’s right. Nothing is for granted. Graduating from Abilene Christian College in 1955 and receiving his masters in 1956 and ultimately his doctorate degree in 1966 from Vanderbilt University, Willis always knew he wanted to teach Bible.

“When I was at ACC, I got very interested in the Bible, and as an undergraduate I majored in Greek,” Willis pauses. “And then I became a Christian and went from Greek to Hebrew. After that, I got into Old Testament for my masters degree.”

His soft, crackling and almost muffled chuckle spreads an infection of smiles in any room he’s in.

Whether he is laughing with you, at you or at himself, Willis loves a good joke or two. His clever puns and witty biblical remarks can make even the sharpest of

scholars stumble.

“He never passes my office without stopping to ask a question or make a joke,” said Dr. Clifford Barbarick, assistant professor in the Biblical, missions and ministry. “His example continually challenges me to reorient my priorities and remember that my highest calling as a professor is to nurture the spiritual formation of my students and colleagues.” nown for being the cookie man with the hardest tests, Willis always felt that his students are the ones who inspire him to keep up with the times regardless of his age or preference.

Emily Adams, a junior speech pathology major from Frisco, said Willis was her Old Testament professor during her sophomore year, and she remembers how immediate the connection was.

“From the first day, we had an immediate friendship,” said Adams. “He gave me valuable advice for many of my life decisions, which have helped me greatly. He always reminds me that there is never an end to the learning that can be done in life.”

His quick thinking and alert demeanor never fails to prove that just because you’re older doesn’t mean you’re finished or forgotten.

“In my estimation, John is by far the most famous and friendly of all our professors,” said Dr. Royce Money, chancellor of the university. “I know John first of all as a man of God and second as a world-class Old Testament scholar.

You put all these impressions of John together and you get a real glimpse of a humble follower of Jesus who has impacted thousands of ACU students.”

Even his own colleagues remember their first interactions with him when they were students.

Dr. Kilnam Cha, assistant professor in the Biblical, missions and ministry, remembers how Willis was not only his teacher, but also his mentor. Cha recalls the summer of 1992 when John decided to jog on the third floor balcony because the streets of Jerusalem where not safe at the time.

Unaware of Cha’s presence, John jogged around and around the tiny balcony while Cha admired John’s persistence for his daily exercise.

Fast forward 20 years and look at Willis now.

Still teaching students, still cracking jokes, still smiling his cheeky grin and still inspiring teachers to be more intentional with their classrooms.

“Dr. Willis always had a knack for combining the personal touch with academic excellence,” said Dr. Rodney Ashlock, chair of

K

“

I know John first of all as a man of God, and second as a world-class Old Testament scholar. You put all these impressions of John together and you get a real glimpse of a humble follower of Jesus” ROYCE MONEY CHANCELLOR OF ACU

the Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry.

Indeed, Willis is a unique man who seems to believe that loving one another is the best thing one can do.

No matter what your title may be or whether you believe in God or not, John is willing to care for you (and maybe even offer to take you out to eat).

“Dr. Willis would stop in my office on many occasions to just make sure things were going well or even to give me a hug ‘hello’” said Tina Chisholm, who works in the College of Biblical Studies. “He and his wife, Evelyn, would often invite us to lunch or dinner to make us feel welcomed and loved. A friendship I will take with me for a lifetime.”

And now the mountaintop calls for its John.

“I’m 83 years old, so I just think it’s about time to, you know, retire.” said John.

Over the years, Willis has grown from being a student to being a scholar to being a valued member of the kingdom of God. His deeper understanding of God has allowed him to see see life for what it really ism – ultimately, terminal.

“I hope and pray that over the years I have changed my views about God,” said John. “I have always believed in God, but I think I have a much closer relationship with God than I had 40-50 years ago.” ith four children in various parts of the world, 14 grandchildren and six great grandchildren, Willis and his wife, Evelyn – or Eleven as he likes to call her because she is just in between ‘a ten and a twelve’ – he hopes to travel the world and see them more often.

“We’re gonna live for a short period of time on Earth and then we’re gonna die and to me it’s so obvious that there is so many things we cannot do if God doesn’t do it,” said Willis.

“The surprising thing is we have two legs, two eyes, two hands, we can breath, we can walk and all that is a gift from God.”

W

EAG13A@ACU.EDU

O P T I M IST

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10

SPORTS

FRIDAY | FEBRUARY 17, 2017

BASEBALL

Tough challenge awaits Wildcats on opening weekend

BY TREVOR WYATT SPORTS WRITER

ACU will open its 2017 season this weekend against Michigan State with a fourgame set over three days at Crutcher Scott Field.

The Wildcats struggled last year, placing 12th in the Southland conference going 8-21 in conference and 16-37 overall, but in the offseason, the Wildcats bolstered their team with 15 freshman and a couple of transfers, including graduate students. Greg Evans was also hired during the offseason after the depar-

ture of assistant coach Brandon Stover to pursue other opportunities.

On the other side, Michigan State had one of the best seasons in the school's history, winning 36 games, which was tied for the fourth most in the school's history. Its overall record finished at 36-20 after a loss in the semifinals of the Big Ten tournament to eventual Big Ten champions Ohio State.

The team also got some news as star infielder Russell Crippen was recognized as a second team

preseason all-Southland Conference player at first base, where he played 13 games last year. Crippen also played 13 games at second base, 10 at third base, eight in right field and four as designated hitter.

Crippen led the team in batting average last season, hitting .306 with three home runs and 19 RBIs. When asked about the plans for the season, Crippen said although last season did not go as well as they had planned, they hope to start off the season well with this series.

“

Last year was nothing close to successful and as a team we have set goals and are doing our best to change the culture of ACU baseball."

RUSSELL CRIPPEN SENIOR INFIELDER

"We are all really looking forward to our opening weekend against Michigan State," Crippen said. "We have been working hard all off season to get prepared for not just Michigan State, but this whole year. Last

year was nothing close to successful and as a team we have set goals and are doing our best to change the culture of ACU baseball."

Crippen also said even though Michigan State is a big name, they are doing their best to keep their heads on straight and look at the series just like any other.

"We are excited to host such a big team early in the year," said Crippen "However, we don’t want to let their name get the best of our emotions. We are trying to look at every game

the same, no matter if we are playing an SEC, Big Ten, Pac-12 or our Southland conference games.

We want to play our best baseball every game. We believe that as a team, if we play with the same energy and passion every game we will have a successful season."

The series will get started Friday at 4 p.m., followed by a 1 p.m. Saturday doubleheader and then an 11 a.m. single game Sunday.

TMW13A@ACU.EDU

VOLLEYBALL

Mooney determined top candidate in search CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12

De Leon said the four things which factored into the decision most were Mooney’s west Texas ties, strong Dallas recruiting ties, high level Div. 1 experience and a strong Christian Mooney faith.

“Angela is extremely positive, very encouraging and very optimistic,” De Leon said. “Yet at the same time she is very organized, very structured and very meticulous, and that’s something that is very important to me. She had the personality that fit what I was looking for, and then she also has the level of detail and organization in addition to the

AKB12A@ACU.EDU

positive and encouraging personality.”

Jacey Smith, sophomore outside hitter and a second team all-Conference recognition last season echoed De Leon and said Mooney will bring a positive energy to the team.

“I think she comes in with a lot of high level playing and coaching experience, which will definitely help us excel,” Smith said. “I know that she’ll bring a lot of energy and positivity to our team. We’re all ready to be pushed and challenged so we can improve and be the best.”

Next season will be the first the team is able to advance to postseason play and the program will add beach volleyball next spring.

LAUREN FRANCO STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER The team will return 13 players from last year's team which finished third in the Southland Conference with an 11-5 record.

Mooney said her hope in her first season is to improve on the foundation built over the last four of transition.

“I would really like to improve on the team’s RPI and to do that we need to compete better within our preseason

schedule,” Mooney said.

“I hope to finish at the top of the SLC, compete well in the conference tournament and ultimate-

ly win the SLC to clinch a NCAA bid and birth.”

Next year’s volleyball team will return all but two players, which should give Mooney experience and chemistry in her first year. Seven of the 13 returners from last years third-place team will be sophomores.

“The returnees are eager, this thrills me,” Mooney said. “It will be a process for sure, change brings challenge for all of us. But I truly believe the team is ready to embrace the work it will take to meet the goals large and small we will develop together as a team in the next few weeks and months.”

TMW13A@ACU.EDU

SP ORTS

FRIDAY | FEBRUARY 17, 2017 MEN’S BASKETBALL

11

GOLF

Back to the 60’s: Former players visit team and celebrate Godfrey

Team optimistic after start to spring

BY MAX PRESTON ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

After finishing the fall season in South Carolina with ten teams in Golfstats top100 rankings, the golf team began its spring action with a fifth-place finish at the James S. Litz Memorial Tournament in San Antonio.

The field was comprised of 13 teams, and included Southland Conference opponents Incarnate Word and New Orleans and the No. 1 NAIA team in the nation in Oklahoma City University.

The Wildcats ended the tournament 23 shots off UIW’s winning score of a 15-over-par 867, as ACU

Last Saturday former Wildcat players from the 1960’s returned to campus to join the men’s basketball team at its morning shoot around ahead of the team’s evening Southland Conference match up against Northwestern State.

Head coach Joe Golding stopped the shoot around for a moment and pulled his team and the alumni together in a circle on the court and they got to know each other as each of them gave their name and other general information about themselves.

Following the shoot around and meet and greet the alumni enjoyed a luncheon in a different looking Bean than what the alumni were used to as students.

The men were given special ACU merchandise gifts for attending the luncheon and several players got up to speak as well.

The rest of their day consisted of a tour around the campus and attending the men’s basketball game later that evening.

Golding spoke on what it meant to have an alumni group come visit campus.

“Anytime we get a group of former players coming back into Moody, it’s exciting,” Golding said. “It’s good when your current players can mingle with former players and get to know them. Last year we graduated four seniors and we want them to always feel welcome to come back.”

John Ray Godfrey, a well known player in the 60’s, who played from 1964-68, was in attendance on Saturday.

Godfrey is one of two All-Americas to play for ACU and was named to the Associated Press little All-America team in 1968.

His senior year he scored 571 total points,

averaging 27.5 per game, and was named the Southland Conference player of the year.

Godfrey became known for his 41-point outing in the opening of Moody Coliseum in a 96-93 win in overtime against Arkansas State that earned them the Southland Conference title.

With his 41 points, he set a record for single-game scoring in Moody that still stands today.

When talking to Godfrey however, he gives credit to teammate Henry Willis for making a free throw at the end of the game to make it a two possession game at 96-93, because at this time there were no three pointers.

Godfrey talked about getting the opportunity to see his teammates again and be reminded of his playing days.

“Well those were great days; we had a great group of guys,” Godfrey said. “It’s always great to see these guys and how they have turned out with their families, and we always stay in touch.”

The men were honored at halftime of the men’s game against Northwestern State, and Godfrey received special recognition for his excellence.

The day had a fitting ending for the alumni as they watched the Wildcats pick up a 76-72 win over Northwestern State, for the teams third win in four games.

ACU traveled to McNeese State still in search of its first home win on Thursday night.

The team will then return home next Wednesday to take on Texas A&M-Corpus Christi in the Wildcats’ second to last home game of the season. ACU needs four more wins to be eligible for any non-conference postseason tournaments.

BY JONATHAN RAITZ SPORTS EDITOR

carded a 38-over-par 890.

OCU finished second, just two shots off UIW’s pace with a total score of 869.

Senior Kyle Karnei led the Wildcats’ efforts, as individually he finished 9-over-par at 222 and posted a even par 71 in his first round to finish tied for 18th. Fellow senior Ryan Beatty finished just one shot behind Karnei, and was followed by sophomore Garrett Glanton with 226 junior G.K. Morrison and freshman Bryce Dooley with 227. Senior Robert Johnson competed as an individual and scored a 23-over-par 236, despite shooting just 1-over-par in Monday’s first round.

New Orleans came in three spots and 16 strokes behind ACU with a team score of 906. Karnei said with the first tournament behind them and the opportunity to see other Southland Conference teams in action he feels confident about the spring season “It’s really early and we saw a lot of good things, and some things we need to work on,” Karnei said.

“But we are in a really good position for conference.”

ACU will head to Mobile, Alabama next Monday and Tuesday to compete in the Mobile Sports Authority Intercollegiate hosted by South Alabama.

The tournament is set to be played at Magnolia Grove Crossings, a par 72, 7,212 yard course.

The Wildcats will have their work cut out for them, as they will most likely face off against some the best SEC and ACC golf teams in the nation in Auburn and Wake Forest. Auburn won the tournament for a fourth consecutive year last year, posting a tournament record 26-under par.

The tournament will be played over the course of two days, with 36 holes played on Monday and 18 on Tuesday.

MJP14B@ACU.EDU

SOFTBALL

Tournament play to continue in Arizona

BY DAVIS DENTON SPORTS WRITER

After a 3-3 start to the 2017 season , the softball team travels to Arizona to the Wildcat Invitational hosted by the University of Arizona. The Wildcats played Boston College at 9 a.m. Friday morning, who entered the match up with a 3-1 record that includes a 12-4 win vs Houston.

The Wildcats will then take on tournament host Arizona in the second game of the Friday double-header. Head coach Bobby Reeves said in a previous interview he believes the game against eighttime national champion Arizona will be beneficial for the team.

“It will be nice to go to

Arizona and see those eight national championship banners hanging down, that’s going to be motivating to us,” Reeves said.

Arizona is undefeated this season so far with a 5-0 record and ranked No. 10 in the nation. It ended its last two games by run-ruling Northwestern and Tulsa with scores of 11-3 and 10-2.

ACU continues Saturday against a struggling Ball State team, who despite winning its season opener has lost the last four and sits at a 1-4 record. The Wildcats will also take on North Dakota State Saturday, who also has a 1-4 record.

North Dakota State’s lone win came over Ole Miss, 1-0 at the Easton Invita-

“

It will be nice to go to Arizona and see those eight national championship banners hanging down, that’s going to be motivating to us.”

BOBBY REEVES HEAD SOFTBALL COACH

tional in Fullerton Calif.

NDSU is coming off and impressive 2016 campaign where it won 39 games and went undefeated in Summit League play.

Drake University of Des Moines, IA will be the final opponent of the tourney on Sunday at noon. Drake won its first four games of the season before falling to Wisconsin 4-1 in its latest action. Drake finished

last season 30-24 and went 17-8 in Mountain Valley Conference play.

Despite hitting five home runs and scoring 18 runs in last weekend’s tournament, the women will look to be more efficient from the plate this weekend, as they hit just .224 as a team.

Junior second baseman Holly Neese led the Wildcats hitting efforts with .412 average over the six games. She also added two RBI and a solo home run.

Redshirt junior Hannah Null and freshman Sidney Holman combined to post a 2.43 ERA and punched out 38 batters in the 3-3 effort.

DMD14A@ACU.EDU

MJP14B@ACU.EDU

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12

S P O RT S

VOLLEYBALL

ACU taps Mooney as new head coach

BY TREVOR WYATT SPORTS WRITER

Last week the department of athletics tapped West Texas native and Ole Miss assistant coach, Angela Mooney. Mooney became the ninth volleyball head coach in ACU’s history and fills the void left by the firing of Jason Bibler, Jan. 27.

Bibler helped lead the Wildcats to a third place finish this year, but was just 27-63 overall in his three seasons at ACU, however, he was critical in moving the program through the Div. 1 transition.

Director of athletics, Lee De Leon said despite how swift the process might have seemed, it was a very thorough process, as the department contacted numerous people throughout the country.

De Leon and his team After a former colleague of De Leon’s from New Mexico, who coach Mooney while she played at Texas Texas recommended her to De Leon, she was the top candidate from beginning to end.

“Angela was our top candidate from the beginning to the end, and we talked to a lot of other people throughout the process,” De Leon said.

“But ultimately we realized we weren’t going to find anyone better and we decided to move forward with an offer and not drag out the process.”

De Leon said Mooney’s official start date is Feb. 20, which will begin the team’s preparation for its first season as an official Div. 1 competitor.

Mooney said she is looking forward to the challenge postseason eligibility brings.

“To me, it is an advantage and a great challenge I am looking forward to facing with our team,” Mooney said. “The program has found success in the Southland Conference, but was not eligible for postseason play. I am anxious to see what all we can achieve with the championship status now a goal and factor.”

Mooney started her coach career after a successful playing career with Texas Tech from 20002003. She recorded 930 kills, 348 digs and 229 blocks in her career, and also earned academic allBig 12 honors in 2003.

Before working at Ole Miss, Mooney spent time at University of Texas-El Paso and South Dakota State as an assistant coach. Mooney helped lead Ole Miss to a 61-35 record over the last three seasons as the program posted three-straight winning seasons for the first time since the mid-1980s and the most wins in a three-year span since the 1984-1986 seasons.

It is many of the experiences Mooney believes has helped prepare her for the task ahead.

“I do know I have worked with and played for some great people in my past,” Mooney said.

“Mentors and real leaders who have pushed, challenged and helped guide me while I was shaping my own ideals and philosophies in anticipation of being a successful head coach.”

For Mooney, her familiarity with ACU from her time as a player and coach, along with the university’s of ideals which emphasize more than just success on the court, were influential in her taking the job.

SEE MOONEY PAGE 10

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Engineering Timely Success Shelstead says time management has been key to balancing school and sports

BY LAUREN FRANCO STAFF WRITER

In just her junior year, Sydney Shelstead a 6’1” forward from Mineral Wells ranked in the Southland Conference top 10 in five categories: rebounding, offensive and defensive rebounds, field-goal percentage and blocks. She also hit 1000 career points and over 400 in the season alone.

And with six games remaining in her playing career, Shelstead has scored nearly 1300 points and has solidified herself as one of the most prolific rebounders in the conference over the last two years. In fact, she is third in the conference this season at 9.2 rebounds per game, and just shy of averaging a double-double with her 12 points per game.

But as involved as Shelstead is on the boards, she’s just as involved off the court.

As an engineering major from Mineral Wells, Shelstead is the president of the Engineering Students Association, an inactive member of TKG, a teacher’s assistant, a grader for the Department of Engineering and Physics and was even a member of the track team for two years.

Shelstead said the hardest thing to learn is time management. Because basketball is so demanding, she had to figure out how to juggle her priorities to accomplish everything that she needed to do. But despite that chal-

lenge, she said it has become an easy component of her life to incorporate.

Women’s basketball head coach Julie Goodenough agreed and said Shelstead excels in every aspect of her life because of her self-motivation and desire to be better than average.

“She has learned how to be very organized,” Goodenough said. “She’s a great time-manager because of the great time demands she’s had on her as a basketball player. She has to manage what we ask of her and also be successful as a student.

She is a very hard worker and very committed to her goals.”

Not only has Shelstead grown in her academic skills, but has also led the people around her through her faith.

“Basketball has really incorporated doing everything you can for God and showing Jesus through yourself,” Shelstead said. “You aren’t necessarily having to profess the gospel and tell everyone you’re a Christian, its that you show them by example.”

Faith for Shelstead is the basis of leadership. Being able to serve people is a large component of being an effective leader. She said it requires listening, leading by example and being the best version of yourself you can be.

“Sydney has innate leadership characteristics and

STANDINGS M Basketball Team

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

Ovrl. Div. 15-9 10-3 18-8 9-4 13-11 8-4 15-9 8-5 15-10 7-5 11-12 7-6 8-18 7-6 13-13 6-7 11-13 5-8 10-15 5-9 11-14 4-8 7-17 4-9 9-14 3-9

W Basketball Team

LAUREN FRANCO STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

you can see her using that gift, not just on our team but around campus,” Goodenough said. “I think she was just born with innate leadership traits. She’s served in many leadership roles. She’s not just a basketball player.

I’d like for more of our players to see her as an example.

You can do more than just basketball and school.”

Both Goodnough and Shelstead said they are excited to see what comes next.

Although basketball won’t be playing a part in her career, Shelstead said she appreciates what she’s learned and how she’s grown through her college career.

“She is going into a very competitive field,” Goodenough said. “And I think just the fact that she’s had to face so much adversity through sports, that’s going to help her out in the workforce.

You know, not be deterred by challenges and competition.”

Shelstead and her teammates took on SFA Thursday and return to Moody next Wednesday against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi as the Wildcats are looking for their second consecutive conference championship.

LMF14A@ACU.EDU

FOOTBALL

LAUREN FRANCO STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

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

Ovrl. Div. 20-4 19-4 16-8 18-6 12-11 11-12 11-12 9-15 8-16 7-18 5-18 5-19 2-21

12-2 10-2 10-2 11-3 7-6 6-6 5-7 5-8 5-8 5-9 3-10 3-10 2-11

Softball Team

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

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

WHO’S HOT In her first collegiate action, freshman Sidney Holman Holman earned Southland Conference honorable mention for her pitching performance at the Century Link Classic. Holman struck out 18 over 19.1 innings pitched, posted an ERA of 1.86 and earned two complete-game victories. Holman and the Wildcats will have their hands full when they next travel to Arizona to participate in the Arizona Invitational.

MATCHUPS W Basketball

PHOTO COURTESY OF CREATIVE SERVICES The Wessel scoreboard will become the fourth largest among FCS on campus stadiums, just behind Stephen F. Austin, Northern Iowa and Sam Houston State.

New scoreboard named after Wessel family

BY JONATHAN RAITZ SPORTS EDITOR

Wildcat Stadium, which director of athletics Lee De Leon said is on time and nearing fifty percent completion, received $2.85 million more of funding with a donation from Rick and Debbie Wessel.

As a result of the donation, the new, state-of-theart Daktronics video board will bear the name of the Wessel family.

Daktronics representative for the project, Matt Braegelmann said in an interview with ACU Sports, Daktronics is excited to partner with ACU. “This new display will provide a great home field advantage while enhancing the fan experience at every game,” Braegelmann said.

“We’re looking forward to seeing everything come together and can’t wait

to watch the first game in 2017.”

The board will be the fourth largest on-campus video board in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) and was one of four additions to the original blueprints.

The first was the main concourse being made open rather than closed off, increasing visibility of the field from the concession stands. Also, eight outdoor, covered suites, known as loge boxes, will be installed on the club level. On a smaller scale, rather than having eight light poles, there will be six in addition to a row of lights on top of the press box. Lastly, was the video board being bigger than expected with measurement of 25 feet high, 64 feet wide and a total of 1,600 square feet,

which solidified the plan for it to be the fourth largest in the FCS. Stadium capacity will be 12,000, seating 6000 attendees on the west side, 3000 on the east side, 500 in the press box and suites, and 2500 overflow seats on the north side.

The stadium has five floors, making it the second-tallest building on campus, behind the Tower of Light. The locker rooms will be on the ground level, and above those will be the main concourse, which consists of concession stands, general admission and the public restrooms.

The third floor will consist of the club level for donors to enjoy pregame, halftime and post-game festivities.

The fourth floor will host the suites, each having a capacity of 20. Finally, the top level will house the press.

In addition to the new stadium, De Leon also said he is looking forward to the schedule for the upcoming season. Each year, the football team travels to play Football Bowl Series teams.

This season, the Wildcats will face two – New Mexico State and Colorado State.

The team will get to play in new stadiums back-to-back weeks, as ACU is the home opener in Colorado State’s new stadium.

“It’s a really exciting time to be a Wildcat and to be at ACU,” De Leon said.

ACU has not played an on campus game since 1958, a 59-year drought that will end when the Wildcats host Houston Baptist for their first home game at on Sept. 16 next season.

JMR13B@ACU.EDU

2/16 ACU

(16-8, 10-2)

SFA

(19-4,10-2)

2/22 ACU

(16-8, 10-2)

TAMU-CC

(9-15, 5-8)

M Basketball

2/16 ACU

(11-13, 5-8)

McNeese 2/4 ACU

(7-17, 4-9) (11-13, 5-8)

TAMU-CC

(15-9, 8-5)

Baseball

2/17-19 ACU

(0-0)

Michigan St.

(0-0)

2/17 ACU

Softball (3-3)

Boston College

(3-1)

2/17 ACU

(3-3)

Arizona

(5-0)

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