the optimist - 11.07.12
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A product of the JMC Network of student media at Abilene Christian UniversityTRANSCRIPT
The Optimist Editorial Board’s endorsement of President Obama was mis-takenly seen as an endorse-ment by ACU by many readers. Some local resi-dents, after reading or hear-ing about the endorsement, refused to answer election poll questions from ACU students working on a class project.
Dr. Lynette Sharp Penya, associate professor of com-munication, is the instruc-tor for COMS 375, Persua-sion. The entire class was working on a project, a po-litical poll of Taylor County registered voters to predict the outcome of national and local elections.
Penya emailed the Opti-mist on Oct. 21 to offer the poll results for publication on Friday, a few days before Election Day.
But the students ran into an unforeseen roadblock. Many of the local residents who answered the phone calls had mistaken the Op-timist’s endorsement pub-lished on Oct. 23 as reflec-tive of ACU’s beliefs and refused to participate be-cause they disagreed with the endorsement.
“A lot of people were very angry and didn’t want to answer any questions about the election because they thought we were sup-porting Obama,” said Staci Stovall, junior communica-tion major from Abilene. “They were talking about the Optimist’s endorse-ment, which I didn’t know about until then.”
Stovall said of more than 90 people she called, only six took the survey.
At about 10:15 p.m. last night, most major news networks announced Barack Obama will take a second term as president of the United States. Obama collected 303 electoral votes and defeated Governor Mitt Romney by just a small margin in the
popular vote.While the election as a
whole was very competitive, there were very few changes from the way Americans vot-ed in 2008. Only two states, Indiana and North Carolina, displayed shifts with both state’s electoral votes going to Romney. Despite these changes, victories in nearly all the battleground states, including Ohio and Colo-
rado, helped Obama to win by nearly 100 electoral votes.
Nationwide, the largest margins came in Washing-ton D.C. where Obama took 91 percent of the vote and in Utah where 73 percent chose Romney.
With no surprise Texas went Republican, but metro-politan areas like Austin, Dal-las and San Antonio along with many border counties were won by Democrats. Romney won 76.1 percent of Taylor county’s vote and the local electorate selected Re-publican Randy Neugebauer
The Honors College hosted a Deep Dish Philosophy Night Tuesday, with the goal of sparking discussion regarding this year’s presi-dential election amongst students in the Smith-Ad-ams Hall common room.
Students expressed ex-citement about the re-elec-
tion of Democratic Presi-dent Barack Obama.
The Honors College provided pizza and drinks for the viewing party, which began at 6:30 p.m. As many as 50 students and faculty members fil-tered in throughout the night, many of whom were Obama supporters. How-ever, when the election
tightened and stalled at around 9:45 p.m., the num-ber of viewers dwindled to about 15.
One television in the Smith-Adams lobby was tuned in to MSNBC, while another was stationed to Fox News. At approximate-ly 10:15, MSNBC declared
Abilene Christian University
Dancin’ to the BeatEthnos to include
new dance groups,traditions and interests
ArtsPage 5vol. 101, no. 21 wednesday, November 7, 2012 1 SECTION, 8 PAGES
page 6
Pura Vida a financial asset for the university, not a liability
OPINION
NEWS
acuoptimist.com
Freshman Natalie Hudson’s talent for color guard exceeds limitations
VIDEO
INSIDE
acuoptimist.com
ACU students share insight on the presidential election
VIDEO
Page 4
Students perform in Wishing Well’s “Slam and Jam”
NEWS
Page 4
Hurricane Sandy hits east coast hard, affects students’ families
NEWS
Local voters remember past voting experiences
acuoptimist.com
Page 8
Soccer team’s high hopes for the season end in disappointment
SPORTS
Page 8
Football team upsets No. 21 UWA on Senior Day in Shotwell Stadium
SPORTS
acuoptimist.com
Local democrats and republicans come together to watch results
VIDEO
Page 3
English professor Al Haley to teach new course on short works
NEWS
ONLINE
acuoptimist.com
Frater Sodalis Haunted House scares thrill-seekers on Halloween
VIDEO
brittany williams staff photographer
Laura Kate Music, junior psychology major from Abilene, tears up a photo of Vice President Joe Biden at the College Republicans’ Presidential Election
Watch Party after hearing that President Barack Obama had been re-elected for a second term.
see results page 4
david singeropinion page editor
Obama chosen for 4 moreelection
staff report
Students’ reactions mixed
Romney wins Texas, Taylor County but loses key swing states in close election
The annual Ethnos cultural show will take place on Friday and Satur-day with the goal of celebrating the diverse range of cultures represent-ed by ACU’s student body.
People attending Ethnos will see many different acts representing a wide array of cultures and countries.
The acts will be performed by groups such as the Chinese Scholar Students Association, SHADES Step Squad, Swing Cats and the Omega Dance Company
“It’s a good time to bond, be-cause they work really hard on it,” said Adrian Patenaude, junior Ad/PR major from Thailand. “They spend a whole lot of time with each other and everybody’s interested in everybody else’s culture. We have
all sorts of different cultures in each act. It’s just a huge cultural ex-change and it’s really great.”
Jeremy Foo, senior Ad/PR and political science major from Ma-laysia and president of the Inter-national Student Association, said the tickets this year will be more ex-pensive than in previous years due to less funding.
Tickets will be $10 at the door or $7 for single admission and $5 for
group admission when purchased in advance on their website.
However, Foo said Ethnos has made efforts to balance the raised ticket prices with increased promo-tions for discounts.
Foo said there were two signifi-cant promotional strategies being used for Ethnos.
One promotion involves their
kyle knappstudent reporter
Student acts to entertain in Ethnosproductions
see ethnos page 5
staci stovalljunior communication
major from abilene
A lot of people were very angry and didn’t
want to answer any questions.”“
mark smitheditor in chief
Voters refuse pollbecauseof editorial
see poll page 4see reactions page 4
design by asia todd design editor
President Obama won well more than the 270 required electoral votes by
winning the states colored blue, while Mitt Romney won the red states.
david wallfreshman sociology and
history major from Bryan
If I was in a swing-state, I would have
voted Obama.”“
7 8 9 10Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
2 p.m. ACU men’s basketball at Dallas Baptist U.
6 p.m. ACU Volleyball at Midwestern State
7 p.m. Barn Dance hosted by the Ag Club
7 p.m. ACU football at Incarnate Word
7:30 p.m. Ethnos: ISA Culture Show, Culture Shock
7:30 p.m. ACU wom-en’s basketball vs Texas A&M Int’l
7 p.m. ACU volleyball at Cameron University
7:30 p.m. Ethnos: ISA Culture Show, Culture Shock
All Day - Sign-ups for Turkey Throwdown in the Campus Center
All Day - Tickets on sale in the Campus Center for Ag Club barn dance
All Day - MLW Finan-cial Interviewing on Campus
Police Log
77 28@acuoptimist
The Optimist
Wednesday 11.07.12 2
Announcements
Around Abilene
Nov. 7
6:30 p.m. The Wagon Wheel Squares are sponsoring a square dancing workshop at the Wagon Wheel in Tye.
Nov. 8
5 p.m. ArtWalk, a program of The Center for Contemporary Arts, will take place down-town. The theme is “Gypsies in the Palace.”
7 p.m. The Old Glory Country Dance will be at the Old Glory Community Center. A live band and refreshments will be available.
Nov. 9
7:30 p.m. A production of “Southern Hospitality” will be presented at Abilene Com-munity Theatre. For reserva-tions, call 325-673-6271
Nov. 10
5:30 p.m. The annual Desde-mona Thanksgiving supper will be served at the Desde-mona Community Center. Proceesds will go to the center.
Students interested in joining The Wild-cat Reign can sign up at thewildcatreign.com. The Wildcat Reign aims to provide students the ability to facilitate Wildcat pride on campus and serves as a linking point between students and Wildcat ath-letic events.
The ACU Roller Hockey Club Team is accepting new members who are inter-ested in playing roller hockey. For more information on the team, you can post on the ACU Wildcat Hockey Facebook page or email [email protected].
ACU Swing Cats is hosting lessons for be-ginner and intermediate levels of swing dancing Thursday nights in SRWC Studio B. Intermediate lessons are at 8 p.m. and Beginners are at 9 p.m. Social dancing be-gins at 9:30 p.m.
The Ag and Environmental Sciences De-partment is having a barn dance Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. at ACU Rhoden Farm. Tickets will be on sale Nov. 5-9 in the Campus Center.
The men of Pi Kappa are hosting the fourth annual Turkey Throwdown 2012 Nov. 15-18. Sign-ups begin Nov. 5 in the Campus Center. The cost is $8 per person, and each team is required to have a minimum of 8 players. For more information email [email protected].
Leadership Summit will be having an interest meeting Nov. 16 from 11 a.m. - 11:50 a.m. in COBA 201. Chapel credit will be provided.
Ethnos Cultural Show 2012, Culture Shock, will be Nov. 9 and 10 at 7:30 p.m. in Cullen Auditorium. Tickets are $10 at the door, $7 online for individuals and $5 online for groups with 10 or more peo-ple. Purchase tickets online at www.eth-nos2012.eventbrite.com.
The IRC in Abilene is collecting items such as towels and toiletries through Sigma Delta Pi on ACU campus in the Admin Building, Chambers Hall and the Campus Center throughout the month of November.
Volunteer Opp0rtunities
The Center for International Education is looking for conversation partners for international students to practice Eng-lish, conversations and cultural learning. Partners meet for one hour each week at a time and place determined by the partners. For more information contact Laura McGregor at 325-674-2821 or [email protected].
St. John’s Episcopal School is seeking volunteers to paint metal playground equipment anytime Monday-Friday after 3 p.m. and Saturday anytime. For more information contact Rebecca McMillon at 325-695-8870 or [email protected].
Center for Contemporary Arts needs a gallery assistant to greet patrons, an-swer phones and answer basic questions about the Center and its programs. This opportunity is open Tuesday-Friday. The Center for Contemporary Arts is located at 220 Cypress Street. For more information contact Jessica Dulle at 325-677-8389 or visit: http://www.center-arts.com/.
Rescue the Animals is seeking volunteers to take pictures and videos in preparation for the launching of their new website as well as maintenance of the site after the launch. This opportunity is open Mon-day, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. For more information contact Kathy Walker at 325-677-7722 or [email protected].
The National Center For Children’s Il-lustrated Literature is looking for vol-unteers to greet patrons, assist with art activities, sell books and make visitors feel welcome. Help is also needed for special events like Artwalk and exhibit openings. The NCCIL is located at 102 Cedar St. For more information on times and dates contact Debby Lillick at 325-673-4586 or visit: http://www.nccil.org/index.htm.
The Christian Ministries of Abilene: Food Pantry is searching for volunteers to greet and interview neighbors, do computer entries, shop with neighbors, take grocer-ies to vehicles, bag, stock and pick up orders on Mondays and Fridays from
9:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. and 1 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. and on Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. The Food Pantry is located at 701 Walnut St. For more information contact Becky Almanza at 325-673-1234 or [email protected].
The Christian Service Center is seek-ing volunteers to help assist with filling requests for items such as clothing, bed-ding, kitchen utensils, etc. from the dona-tion center, sort and organize donations and occasionally pick-up donated items. Volunteers are needed every weekday and the first Saturday of each month be-tween 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. For more information contact Roberta Brown at 325-673-7561 or at [email protected]. For more information on the program visit http://www.uccabilene.org/ministries/csc.htm.
The Food Bank of West Central Texas needs volunteers to help sort and stock food and other items any weekday Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. The Food Bank is located at 5505 N. 1st St. For more information contact Janice Serrault at 325-695-6311 or [email protected].
Meals on Wheels Plus needs volunteer drivers to deliver afternoon meals to se-niors and adults with disabilities Monday-Friday between 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Drivers must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license. Training is provided. For more information contact Samantha Barker at 352-672-5050 or visit http://mealsonwheelsplus.com.
The Salvation Army is looking for vol-unteers for a variety of needs including sorting and pricing items in the thrift store, helping in the kitchen and/or doing yard work. Times are flexible. Volunteers are needed throughout the week Monday-Saturday. The Salvation Army is located at 1726 Butternut St. For more information contact J.D. Alonzo at 325-677-1408 or visit www.satruck.com.
The House That Kerry Built is looking for volunteers to assist in the day care of medically fragile children any day Mon-day-Friday from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. or 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. Contact Keith Loftin at 325-672-6061.
The International Rescue Committee is seeking volunteers to work with refugees who recently moved to the U.S., teach-ing English, helping with homework and mentoring. Contact Susanna Lubango to make an appointment at 325-675-5643.
The Covenant Place of Abilene is seek-ing volunteers to lead singing and/or play piano for residents. For more information contact Ann Erwin at 325-793-1144.
University Place is seeking volunteers to help with the resident birthday party for residents the third Wednesday of each month at 2:30 p.m. For more information contact Linda Tijerina at 325-676-9946.
Breakfast on Beech Street is seeking volunteers to help set up, prepare and serve breakfast to homeless/lower income folks any Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 5:30 a.m. or Tuesday at 5 a.m. B.O.B.S is located at First Christian Church on 3rd St. and Beech St. Service times must be scheduled in advance. To serve on Mondays contact Jody Depriest at 325-669-3312 or [email protected]. To serve on Tuesdays contact Allen Daugherty at 325-660-6949 or [email protected]. To serve on Wednesdays contact Jane Harvey at 325-695-0092 or [email protected]. To serve on Thurs-days contact Margaret Beasley at 325-692-4149 or [email protected]. To serve on Fridays contact Rachel Brown at [email protected].
Eternal Threads is seeking volunteers to help with packing and organizing shipments, labeling products, errands and cleaning any weekday from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. For more information contact Pam Early at 325-672-6000 or [email protected].
Christian Homes & Family Services is seeking volunteers to do minor landscap-ing such as raking, trimming bushes, minor apartment repairs and general upkeep Monday-Saturday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. For more information contact Shay-lee Honey at 325-677-2205 or [email protected].
The Abilene Public Zoo is seeking volun-teers to help clean/feed animals, assist zookeepers and assist with educational classes any weekday any time between 12 p.m.-4 p.m. They are also seeking volunteers to help with general labor such as grounds cleanup and painting any weekday at any time between noon and 4 p.m. For more information contact Joy Harsh at 325-676-6487.
Hill Resources is seeking volunteers to encourage and entertain mentally de-layed individuals Monday through Friday any time between 10 a.m.-2 p.m. For more information contact Michelle Es-pinoza at 325-673-3346 or [email protected].
The Oaks at Radford Hills is seeking vol-unteers to participate in activities, go on outings and provide social stimulation for residents any day at any time. For more information contact Michelle White or Sonia Serrato at 325-672-3236.
Rescue the Animals is seeking volunteers to work at the adoption center doing a variety of tasks including cleaning, social-izing and grooming the animals Monday - Saturday from 1 p.m.-5 p.m. For more information contact Mindi Qualls at 325-698-7722 or [email protected].
The CAC Department is seeking volun-teers to participate in Special Olympics, by helping mentally/physically chal-lenged people play games and sports Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. For more infomation contact Angel Seca at 325-690-5235.
For additional volunteer opportunities visit: www.acu.edu/campusoffices/ccsl/ministry-service/volunteer-opportuni-ties/
Chapel checkup
ACU CitySquare is already making a difference in its inaugural year.According to CitySquare’s website, the CitySquare program in Dallas is a 25-year-old poverty-fighting enterprise. Its administrative headquar-ters occupies CityWalk, a 15-story building that since 2010 has provided a multi-faceted outreach program providing food to more than 35,000 neigh-bors each year, as well as health, social work and job training services.
ACU Citysquare provides a unique service opportuni-ty for many students.
Stephen Johnson, dean of the honors college, is one of three administrators working on the project.
“What we are piloting is an Honors interdisciplin-ary studies degree that al-lows students to combine different areas of study,” Johnson said.
CitySquare offers re-sources for students who are studying specific ar-eas, for example Politi-cal Science or Sociology, but this isn’t a limitation for those studying other fields.
“Anybody can get in-volved, and some of those involvements will be directly connected to courses they’re taking or to their degree programs. Some are co-curricular,”
Johnson said.One of the courses of-
fered in conjunction with CitySquare is Pols 420 which is is a Public Service class.
CitySquare also offers internships for students. Some of these internship possibilities include man-agement, information technology, spiritual life, community health ser-vice, work paths, nurture knowledge and nutrition,
law center, public policy, and community develop-ment.
Johnson also said that several interior design stu-dents are working on a de-sign for a student housing complex.
“We are designing a multipurpose learning center where students can collaborate on proj-ects, meet for classes, they can work individu-ally in groups all on the 2nd floor,” Johnson said. “This is currently being designed by a design team for the university and con-struction will be started by some point in the spring semester.”
Lily Assaad, junior psy-chology major from Cairo, Egypt, has participated in
the program.“Being in CitySquare
was such an eye opening experience, not because we were exposed to the level of poverty there, be-cause we see that every-where, but because we witnessed and engaged
with an organization that is powerfully and effec-tively working to reduce it,” Assaad said.
wednesday 11.07.123 campus news
mandy lambright Chief Photographer
Dr. Jean-Noel Thompson, dean of students and vice president of Student Life, spoke in Chapel on Friday to commmemorate the first anniversary of the accident involving members of the Agriculture and Environmental Science Department on Nov. 4, 2011.
ACU CitySquare joins majors with servicehonors
Destiny Hagoodstudent reporter
contact the optimist [email protected]
New English class to focus on short works
ACU Department of Lan-guage and Literature is add-ing a new course next semes-ter called World’s Greatest Micro Narratives that will be taught by English professor Al Haley.
Students will read a num-ber of books related to the theme and will also create their own works such as short poems, three-minute films and micro fictions.
Haley was asked to teach the class by Dr. Cole Bennett, department chair and as-sociate professor of English, earlier this year.
“When Dr. Bennett asked me to teach Special Topics in Creative Writing for Spring 2013, it gave me the op-portunity to dream up any
course I wanted as long as it related to writing and read-ing,” Haley said. “I’ve long admired the concept of ‘less is more’ in everything from architecture to the Lord’s Prayer. That led me to make a study of short narratives in several genres. It’s been my goal of trying to figure out how I can learn to write as concisely as possible and still move my readers’ emo-tions.”
Because the class privi-leges brevity, Haley expects students will be motivated to take it.
“Students can expect short readings and short homework assignments. Does it get any better than that?” Haley said.
Anthony Hill, sophomore music major from Godley, was a little skeptical after hearing about the class.
“Well, obviously that sounds great as far as from a student’s perspective,” Hill said. “Less homework equals more time spent on other things. It really depends on how the class is set up. I’d be scared that I wasn’t getting all I could out of the class.”
Haley has two things he hopes students will take away from the class.
“The first goal is that students scrutinize all forms of short communi-cations they encounter in everyday life,” Haley said. “The second is for students to become more creative individuals. To make that happen they’re going to try creating all kinds of micro narratives of their own.”
academics
John Martinstudent reporter
Stephen Johnsonhonors college dean
What we are piloting is an Honors interdisciplinary
studies degree.”“
contact the optimist [email protected]
Interior design students take home awards
ACU interior design students received awards at the Amer-ican Society of Interior De-signers’ 2012 Texas chapter student symposium in Dal-las Oct. 5-6.
Students from interior design programs across the state showed up to compete for coveted prizes and schol-arships.
This event is monumen-tal for interior design stu-dents who are eager to make a name for themselves after graduation. Many profes-sional interior designers and architects attended the ASID conference.
Nicole Dorsey and Chad Moore were awarded first place for their collaborative design of N. Morganie, an upscale retail store. They each received a trophy and a $250 dollar cash prize to share between them.
“Being an interior de-signer out in the field, we will constantly need to be
working in teams with other designers, consultants, or clients.” said Dorsey, senior interior design major from Harker Heights. “Chad and I worked with two other stu-dents who graduated in May, so it was helpful to experi-ence working with a group where we all had different strengths and abilities.”
Dorsey also won second place for her design of In-trepid Travel Agency and said she was excited for her future career.
“I want to be an interior designer because I love being creative in a way that helps people improve their quality of life,” Dorsey said.
Gracie Ferreyro, junior interior design major from San Antonio won a scholar-ship for her portfolio. She was rewarded the $1,500 2012 Kathy Parr Hammond Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship was given in honor of an interior designer who was heavily involved in ASID. Ferreyro was one of a handful of students who were selected to receive the
scholarship.“It’s my first year to win
a scholarship that’s not an ACU scholarship,” said Fer-reyro. “It was a lot more rewarding just because you know it wasn’t an ACU competition. You’re actually competing with students all around Texas so it was really exciting.”
Ferreyro’s parents were both missionaries, and she was exposed to poverty growing up. She said she wants to be an interior de-signer, so that she can one day help those in need.
Other students who re-ceived awards were senior Jillian Dowdy, who received first place for her Luminesce Hotel design in the hospital-ity division and second place in the residential design divi-sion. Senior Morgan Hudson was also awarded second place for her Merse Boutique Hotel design.
Kirsten Holmanstudent reporter
contact the optimist [email protected]
academics
Wednesday 11.07.12 4News
Poll: Students given choice of projects after reactionsPenya said many of the students are instead do-ing an alternative as-signment she provided because many of the stu-dents weren’t or didn’t think they’d be able to complete the polling proj-ect.
“Due to the harsh re-actions, I have offered an alternative assignment that many students in the class decided to take,” Pe-nya said.
Penya said since sev-eral students opted for the alternative project and problems with data collection, the project wouldn’t be able to report
valid numbers.However, she said she
didn’t want local partici-pants to think their time was wasted.
“We appreciated the time that many people took to participate in the survey, both before and after the endorsement came out,” Penya said. “Those students who have completed the project will still have a valuable learning experience, it just won’t be what it could have been.”
election
contact Smith [email protected]
ACU students’ families impacted by Sandy
Hurricane Sandy, a Cat-egory 1 storm, hit the East Coast on Oct. 29 and af-fected at least 24 states, from Florida to Maine. New Jersey and New York were among the areas most affected.
While Sandy didn’t have a large affect on the weather in Texas, it did af-fect some of the students whose families were in Sandy’s path.
Some experts called
Sandy a “superstorm” and media outlets named it “Frankenstorm” because of the winter storm that merged with the hurricane on Oct. 28 just three days before Halloween. Sandy was over 1,100 miles in di-ameter with winds reach-ing up to 110 miles per hour. The estimated dam-age costs are more than $52 billion with 185 fatali-ties caused.
Genise Burnett’s par-ents live in Long Island, N.Y. and are without electricity and heat. Her uncle’s house in Baldwin
Harbor, N.Y. was flooded and lost electricity, gas and heat.
“Although my family was blessed, I have friends who have lost everything, especially the ones in Far Rockaway where Hurri-cane Sandy has engulfed their homes in water,” said Burnett, senior speech pa-thology major.
Other students’ families and friends have also seen the repercussions of the powerful storm.
“All of the friends and family I have in Manhat-tan were lucky enough to
only lose power from the storm,” said Sarah Father-ee, senior Ad/PR major from Wethersfield, Conn. “Some of them that live in neighborhoods near the Hudson were affected by water damages, but aside from that they all are do-ing just fine.”
Fatheree said she would like to see ACU partner with organizations like the American Red Cross or First Response Team and put on a benefit event or a battery and blanket drive.
“Over 30,000 people in New York City alone
are without shelter and a strong “Nor’easter” storm is forecast to bring rain and freezing temperatures by the middle of the week,” Fatheree said.
Meredith Thorton, ju-nior biology/pre-med ma-jor from Cedarhill, whose brother, Matt, was in Long Island said she was really worried when he didn’t contact her after Sandy hit.
“Turns out his phone had died and he texted me as soon as he could charge it,” Thorton said with a small laugh.
While there haven’t been any relief efforts set up on ACU’s campus, Thorton said she wouldn’t be surprised if something came about shortly.
“I feel like whenever disasters have happened in the past, someone al-ways decides we should do something to help,” Thor-ton said. “That’s just ACU’s standard reaction.”
national
Kara Stutesmanstudent reporter
contact the optimist [email protected]
Reactions: Students watch results together at on-campus partiesMSNBC declared that Obama had acquired over 270 electoral votes, enough to secure the pres-idency from Republican challenger Mitt Romney, former governor of Massa-chusetts.
Hao Zhe Kok, sopho-more computer science major from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, said the tight election ran smoothly.
“I was surprised for a race this close that there wasn’t any controversy, such as electronic errors and voting fraud,” Kok said.
Several students said the most important issue for them this election was civil rights. Krista Cuk-rowski, sophomore digital entertainment technology major from New Haven, Conn., voted for Obama, citing women’s health and women’s rights as influ-encing factors in her deci-sion. Cukrowski said she enjoyed the election view-ing party.
“I am really happy,” Cukrowski said. “I think it was a great idea. I hope they do this every election year.”
Since this election year is the first time many col-lege students can vote, students have been going to on-campus events since the presidential debates started.
Alex Sanchez, junior speech pathology major from Conroe, said, “I’m glad there are so many on-campus events about the presidential election. It makes it easier to stay in-formed.”
Dr. Suzie Macaluso, director of the sociology program, and Dr. Lynette Sharp-Penya, associate professor of communica-tion, were chosen to lead the event.
Macaluso and Dr. Ly-nette Sharp Penya, associ-ate professor of commu-nication, led a discussion during the election ex-plaining the tally methods of news stations, political
bias in the media, and the electoral college system.
Some students ex-pressed favor with the electoral college, saying it keeps the popular major-ity vote from completely dominating a minority. Others, however, said the electoral college prevents minority opinions from being expressed at all in states with different or strong political tenden-cies.
David Wall, freshman sociology and history dou-ble-major from Bryan, did not vote this year. He said the format of the electoral college would have crowd-ed out his vote in Texas.
“If I was in a swing-state, I would have voted Obama,” Wall said.
Dr. Macaluso and Dr. Sharp-Penya mediated the event, controlling conversation and helping spark discussion among students. They facilitated conversation based on the events of election night and the information pro-vided from each of the opposing news channels. Since the night was fo-cused on promoting dis-cussion amongst students, they muted the televi-sions whenever a discus-sion topic appeared and allowed students to voice their opinions.
Deep Dish Philosophy nights are not limited to students enrolled in the Honors College, but are open to all students on campus.
Josh Garcia, Mark Smith and Erika Tanaka contrib-uted to this report.
election
contact the optimist [email protected]
Results: Texas remains in redto the 19th District House of Representatives seat by a staggering margin of 70 percent. Ted Cruz won the Texas Senate seat by 17 per-cent.
Democrats maintained the majority in the U.S. Senate, gaining three more seats, and Republicans maintained the majority in the House of Representa-tives.
Possibly overshadowed by the presidential election, many states had historical measures on their ballots.
Same-sex marriage was on the ballot in four states. More than 30 states have
previously included the is-sue on ballots with all los-ing. But last night, Maine, Maryland and Washington
legalized gay marriage and, at print time, the vote in Minnesota is too close to call. After winning a Wis-
consin seat, Tammy Bald-win also became the first openly gay U.S. Senator.
The legalization of recre-ational marijuana was also on the ballot in five states. While Arkansas and Oregon voted down the measure, it passed in Colorado, Mas-sachusetts and Washington with plans to tax and regu-late the drug, effectively treating it like alcohol.
With votes are still be-ing tallied in many Western states and Florida, Barack Obama will begin another four-year term in January.
election
contact singer [email protected]
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Students slam, jam for nonprofit
Wishing Well hosted Slam and Jam on Tuesday eve-ning in Edward’s Lobby. The event consisted of po-etry, live music and bev-erages.
Wishing Well is a stu-dent organization at ACU that raises money to help build wells in various lo-cations around the world.
Wishing Well Chaplain Mitchell East, sophomore Biblical text major from Austin, said he was excit-ed for the event.
“As chaplain of Wish-ing Well, my responsibil-
ity is mainly to organize our weekly Chapel which revolves around our up-coming events,” East said. “Wishing Well directors Brandy Rains and Dylan Brugman also delegate small requests to me in order to get our events go-ing. This will be our third event in Edward’s Lobby and the first time we are incorporating music, so I’m excited to see the dif-ference it will make.”
Slam and Jam will fea-ture some popular mu-sical artists from ACU. Caroline Nikolaus, junior psychology major from O’Fallon Ill., performed with Jake Hall, junior
music major from Spring-town in their band, The Dogwoods. Nikolaus said she was looking forward to promoting Slam and Jam.
“I have friends who are involved in Wishing Well, and they asked The Dogwoods to play for the event. I am completely supportive of the cause and am excited to help promote it by participat-ing,” Nikolaus said. “Jake Hall is also involved in Wishing Well, so we are more than happy to per-form for such a great cause.”
While the event may include entertainment,
East emphasized that Slam and Jam serves a deeper purpose.
“This is our way of us-ing student’s talents to bring about awareness of social injustice with the hope that people will respond in a way that would encourage them to be generous and help people all over the world whose basic needs aren’t being met,” East said. “We hope Slam and Jam will increase awareness and raise money for our cause.”
mandy lambright chief Photographer
Caren Monsees, sophomore excercise science major from Highlands Ranch, Colo., and Barrett Brown, sophomore nursing major from Odessa, perform at Wishing Well’s Slam and Jam on Tuesday night in Edward’s Lobby.
John martinstudent reporter
contact the optimist [email protected]
organization
Hao zhe koksophomore computer science major
from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
I was surprised for a race this close that
there wasn’t any controversy.”“
wednesday 11.07.125 arts
The International Student’s Association will bring a “Culture Shock” to campus with the Ethnos Culture Show this weekend.
Ethnos producer Adrian Patenaude, said the theme emphasizes an issue that is important to many inter-national students.
“Culture shock is what happens when people of distinct cultures come to-gether and are shocked by the differences they en-counter,” said Patenaude, junior Ad/PR major from Phrae, Thailand.
Patenaude said this year’s show reflects a va-riety of cultures, and the theme has prompted dis-cussions among students participating.
“It brings awareness
about some of the struggles international students ex-perience as they transition into a completely foreign culture,” Patenaude said.
Although the show lost one of its most well known acts – a mime performance that audiences have come to expect– organizers still believe Ethnos will be an exciting show featuring acts from various student groups around campus, including first-time Ethnos performers from Thailand. Attendees can also look forward to a surprise act, Patenaude said.
Omega Dance Compa-ny, which has performed in Ethnos for several years, will present a traditional Irish dance this year.
Omega president Kelcie Broom said Ethnos is one of the group’s favorite per-formances of the year.
“It gives us the oppor-
tunity to do something unique and out-of-the-box,” said Broom, senior art major from Richardson.
Many of the organiza-tions involved with Ethnos are taking their acts in new directions this year, Paten-aude said. Although short skits in between acts tie the show together, the or-ganizations have freedom to be creative with their performances, she said.
“When we encounter a person of a different cul-ture, our world expands,” she said. “And it doesn’t have to be an uncomfort-able experience. When our world expands, it also becomes more beautiful. It helps us realize that the opportunities are end-less.”
Ethnos brings ‘Culture Shock’ to campusFile photos by Adrian Patenaude
Ethnos, a cultural show produced by many of ACU’s international students, will take place Friday and Saturday in Cullen Auditorium.
Sanctify Dance Company performed in Ethnos last year.
Miyako Namekawa danced in the Japanese act in Cullen Auditorium.
Shades step squad performed in last year’s Ethnos Culture Show in Cullen Auditorium.
Ethnos: Culture show to create new traditions mime show, which Foo said has become the unofficial mascot for Ethnos. A mime will be walking around campus throughout the week. If any student sees a mime they can post a picture of the mime on the ISA Facebook page, facebook.com/isaculture. The student will receive a discount and be entered for a chance to win a free ticket to Ethnos.
There will also be an Ethnos scavenger hunt. Black and white safety plugs will be hidden around campus. Students who find a white safety plug will receive a discount on their ticket while students who find a black safety plug will win a free ticket.
Foo, Patenaude and Mai Anthes, junior psychology major from Japan, were unable to pick
a favorite act featured in Ethnos.“Because they’re presenting
a different culture, there’s something different you like about each one,” Anthes said. “Each one is distinct from one another. They each have their own f lavor.”
Foo emphasized that Ethnos isn’t just about sharing the cultures of international students only.
“A lot of Americans are a part of it, and it is a part of ACU tradition,” said Foo. “It’s something we want to continue and support because we think it’s important.”
Swing Cats practiced for Ethnos in Cullen Auditorium.
contact the optimist [email protected]
Alikay Woodcopy editor
contact the Wood [email protected]
THIS WEEKOn Campus
Ethnos: Culture Shock
Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. in Cullen
Around Town
Live Music at Mezamiz Coffee House 3909 S. 7th
Friday- Cody Crush Band
Saturday- Mitchel
Movies Premiere Cinema Abilene 10
(Friday)
Skyfall- 6:00 pm 9:00 pm 9:30 pm 12:07 am
Flight-5:00 pm 6:10 pm 8:30 pm 9:15 pm
Argo- 3:45 pm 6:30 pm 9:15 pm
Continued from page 1
When it was announced by the university a new salon would fill the space left by Abilene Educational Supply, ACU students were sent into a tizzy.
The announcement came only a few months af-ter the university revealed its plan to cut the budget and therefore reduce the
number of faculty and staff positions. Because the inten-tions to open a salon were announced after the budget cuts, students became con-fused about the priorities of the university.
However, four months after Pura Vida opened its doors, the salon has done nothing but benefit its cus-
tomers and the university.When the salon first
opened, what many people failed to remember was that the business would be able to generate revenue for the university. Pura Vida opened its doors in July and immedi-ately began making a signifi-cant profit from the first day.
Anthony Williams, chief business services officer, said Pura Vida will be able to pay back the investment that was made in the salon within the next 30 months. He said at the end of about 30 months, the amount of profit will exceed the capital investment of the salon.
Williams also said the university has already seen
benefits from the salon dur-ing this fiscal year. After the debt on the salon is paid off it will continue to be a money-producing entity for the uni-versity.
But what will happen to the money the university re-ceives from Pura Vida? Wil-liams said the money that goes back to the university will end up in a general fund to be used as administration sees fit.
Another thing to take into consideration is the qual-ity of the work done at Pura Vida. Williams said several of the employees gave up their own successful busi-nesses to come work for the university at Pura Vida. By
doing so they brought their own clientele to the new lo-cation. He said the hair styl-ists are 82 percent booked already.
Pura Vida has used sev-eral tactics to increase its success including special offers on products and stu-
dent discounts. During the month of October it donated a portion of its proceeds to breast cancer research.
Although the university could have planned the in-troduction of the salon a little better, the ingenuity behind the salon and good financial decisions will make it even more successful. Though many people wrote it off im-mediately, we now have faith that Pura Vida will stay suc-cessful, keep its customers happy and continue to make a legacy for itself.
It’s funny how we sometimes forget the happy memories but the memories that make us sad or the ones that bring us pain, we remember in viv-id detail. For me, Nov. 4, 2011 is a date that will always be branded in my mind.
I remember sitting at in the Bean eating and talking to friends. It seemed like a typical Friday. You’d think that when tragedy strikes something in the atmo-sphere would change. But this day was just like any other. It was a normal day. Then, I got 5 texts in the span of 5 minutes. Each text asked
the same thing, “Did you hear about the bus crash? Do you know who was hurt?”
Immediately I told the friends I was with and all we could do was sit in si-lence, overwhelmed by confusion and shock. After what seemed like forever we looked at each other. I remember asking them if we should send a quick prayer for those involved in the accident. We had no de-tails but prayed that those affected were safe. Unfor-tunately, that was not the case. We soon learned that people were severly hurt
and one was dead.Death is a strange
concept for our minds to grasp. Although I have ex-perienced people dying unexpectedly, every loss is still a shock to me.
I always think about the “why” of the situation, and the more I focus on it and try to make sense of it all, the more it doesn’t make any sense. In my opinion, I do not believe that we can make sense out of death.
We may never under-stand why things happen because we can’t see the big picture. We are only one piece in a giant puzzle. In-stead of trying to figure out the why, we should focus on finding our comfort in God.
We can take refuge in the promise found in Jeremiah 29:11.
“For I know the plans I
have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future.”
We may not always understand the plan, but God does.
With Nov. 4 approaching, there will be plenty of sad-ness in my heart for the ones who have been hurt and for the one who has been lost. But I know that in every-thing, God has a plan. Ana-bel’s body may no longer be with us, but I believe that her spirit lives on through her legacy and that she is still in-fluencing those around her with her story.
EVAN’s marks evan marks
6WEDNESDAY 11.07.12Opinion
Mark Smitheditor in chief
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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 let-ters to the editor but reserves the right to limit frequent contributors or to refuse to print letters containing
personal attacks, obscen-ity, 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 27892Abilene, TX 79609
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editorial and Letter Policy
When I was young, I was a bona fide tomboy. I made fun of girls who liked pink. I climbed trees like a ma-niac. My legs were perpetu-ally covered in bruises and cuts from my adventures.
But most of all, I loved Star Wars.
As an 8-year-old, I clear-ly remember sitting on the front row of the movie theater, neck craned back, mouth open wide, in awe of the enthralling world of Star Wars. It captured my imagination and held on tight.
My fate was deter-mined– I would be a nerd.
I went through the hon-eymoon stage of young Star Wars love.
In the beginning, I was more impressed with epi-sodes I, II and III. Jar Jar Binks was a valuable, funny character. Anakin Sky-walker was a competent actor. The more special ef-fects, the better.
Soon I matured and re-alized the error of my ways. Jar Jar Binks was the worst thing to happen to Star Wars. Anakin Skywalker, both the kid and the grown-up, could use some acting lessons. I realized the true merit of episodes IV, V and VI.
I looked back at my
young, naive self with dis-dain.
I went through a mid-fan crisis, in which I real-ized the acting, screenplay and special effects of the series haven’t always been exactly what you would call exemplary. They’re some-times even painful. This realization made me doubt the greatness of the saga.
But I realized something important.
Star Wars is not re-nowned for its awe-inspir-ing acting or realistic alien characters.
Star Wars enthralled the world because it captured our imagination by creat-ing another universe.
But then that universe was sold for $4.05 billion. To Disney. Who is making three more episodes.
This conjured up some very complex emotions in me.
It felt like my mom told me she was having another child. I was now going to have a sibling after being an only child for twenty years.
I know I should be hap-py about it, but it just feels completely wrong.
I seethed with skepti-cism. How could this pos-sibly be a good thing?
While that skepticism is still my predominant emo-tion, I’m cautiously receiv-ing a new hope.
Maybe it’s possible this could be a good thing.
Regardless, you can be sure I’ll be standing in line for that midnight premier.
contact the optimist [email protected]
contact JONES [email protected]
contact PALMER [email protected]
EDITORIAL
Column
Pura Vida proves to be smart investment
You don’t know what you’ve got ‘till it’s gone
the issueWhen Pura Vida was first announced to students, outrage and anger about the use of universtity money was prevalent. This was most due to a recent spike in tuition, something many connected.
our takeMost of this outrage could have been avoided through better communication, but as a whole, Pura Vida has already become an economic benefit for the university.
COLUMN
A saga’s search for a new hope
hashtagACU
@AmyPyer@hazeleyesgrl@_lindsaylowe@GavinMLane@archerwithnobow@JordanBelafonte
@Jwayne_22@bavedikian@_claytonSMITH_@megkeav@chosherwood@EmileeShamblin
10:19 p.m. Nov. 610:36 p.m. Nov. 6
10:37 p.m. Nov. 6
8:38 p.m. Nov. 6
11:00 p.m. Nov. 610:47 p.m. Nov. 6
10:48 p.m. Nov. 6
10:21 p.m. Nov. 6
10:16 p.m. Nov. 610:27 p.m. Nov. 6
10:53 p.m. Nov. 610:48 p.m. Nov. 6
Ok, let’s finish this elec-tion already, I have work to do and it ain’t getting done until America’s future has been decided #freakingout
I pretty much kept my opinion to myself and kept my head down during this election,but now I can walk around proud cause #Obama won
Wildcats for Texas Se-cession Club will look good on my resume probably.
Washington DC results - Obama 95%, Romney 5%. Do we really want who the career politi-cians want as Pres? They know Mitt keeps them honest
Man, Romney support-ers literally make me sick to my stomach. I’m not for either one, but seriously...
Glad we are headed towards progress and equality for all with a good, smart, Christian man in charge.
People who voted for Obama. I expect your apologizes in 4 years. #uneducated
There we have it. America has chosen its continued path towards socialism and decay. Not surprising but certainly disappointing #secede
Obama wins a second term. Prayers for him and our Nation either way. God BlessAmerica.
Well, not the outcome I was hoping for, BUT he’s our president and he deserves our support and respect. #Mercia
Four more years in the struggle. All day, err day #middleclasswhitemale
Anyone with a yay Obama status on Face-book is immediately unfriended tonight.
I know I should behappy about it, but itjust feels completely
wrong.”“
Williams also said the university has already seen benefits from the
salon during thisfiscal year.”“
THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID
MARISSA JONES
CALL ME, MAYBELINDSAY PALMER
wednesday 11.07.127 sports
Spot: Wildcats retain seed after weekend losses
volleyball
contact isaacs [email protected]
from page 8
mandy lambright chief Photographer
Junior Hillari Adam rises for a lay-up. The Wildcats will begin their first season with Coach Julie Goodenough. The team was 12-14 overall last year and 7-13 in the Lone Star Conference.
Team enters season with new feelThe women’s basketball season tips off at Moody Coliseum on Friday, Nov. 10 against Texas A&M Interna-tional. For new Coach Julie Goodenough, it will be a good test for her and a com-petitive Wildcat roster.
“As a team, we have spent countless hours condition-ing, shooting, and team bonding and I feel more than prepared going into the sea-son with all we have accom-plished and overcome since day one,” freshman Kynzie Newman said.
Coach Goodenough was brought in last spring when then Coach Shawna Laven-der stepped down. She has coached for rival Hardin-Simmons, Oklahoma State and Charleston Southern, on top of playing for ACU when she attended.
With her return, she has brought a new atmosphere of intensity that has pre-pared the girls to play at their highest level.
“We’ve put in a whole new offensive system and had to basically relearn ev-erything,” senior Kelsey Smith said. “But team prac-tices, individual skills work and extra shooting work-outs have really gotten us ready for the season.”
Physical strength and endurance has been a fo-cal point in Coach Goode-nough’s workouts. She has emphasized the need to be physically excellent in or-der to compete.
“This preseason has been completely different than our previous ones,” junior Mackenzie Lankford said. “We’ve been doing track workouts, lifting weights, swimming, and basket-ball workouts. Our coaches pushed us to our limits and it’s made us a lot stronger
mentally and physically.”Because of her desire to
win, the team has devoted themselves to her and has welcomed her with open arms into the program.
“Coach Goodenough has already had a huge impact on the team,” Lankford said. “We are already better fun-damentally, physically, and mentally. We are a whole new team and we can’t wait to test ourselves on some-one other than ourselves.”
Fans can also expect a high-powered offense from the Wildcats this season. In their preseason game against Cisco, the team scored seventy three points in only twenty min-utes of play.
“Our biggest strength is that the majority of the team can shoot the three,” Smith said. “Fast paced and high scoring games can be expected.”
“This season we are go-ing to play a style of bas-ketball that ACU has never played. I have a feeling there are going to be a lot of eighty plus point games this season.”
Above all though, the end of season results are what matter to these ladies and their coach. With a 12-14 record last year, the goal is to not only finish with a winning record, but to be-come legitimate contend-ers for the LSC title.
“We fully expect to be a contender to win con-ference this year,” Lank-ford said.
“We also believe we can go all the way and win the conference tournament. It’s going to take a lot of work; we have some really great com-petition in our conference, but we all feel that we’re up for the task.”
women’s basketball
daniel zepedasports reporter
contact zepeda [email protected]
Finish: ‘Cats end D-II era with 8-10-1 recordgoalkeeper Arielle Moncure, and defensive backs Stepha-nie Heron and Lexi Stirling have all played their final match as Wildcats.
Coppedge was instru-mental in the teams success as a player for ACU. She has scored 43 points for the ‘Cats on 15 goals and 17 as-sists. Coppedge has played in every game since she first stepped foot in Abilene as a freshman in 2009 and has been a consistent playmak-er on the team.
Last week, Coppedge became a fourth-time all-conference team member, as well as third-time all-aca-demic team.
Although it was Mon-cure’s first season as a start-ing goalkeeper for the Wild-cats, she finished with six shutouts, 78 saves, and a 1.09 goals-against average.
As a defender, Stirling has
been named to three all-con-ference teams and the 2011 NSCAA all-region squad.
Grimm has scored 47 points for ACU, with 18 goals and 11 assists.
“The seniors we had this year were big contributors to this program over the past four years, and they will be missed,” Wilson said. “But as coaches, we have prepared to move forward.”
The end of the season also concludes the end of the program’s Division II era as a member of the Lone Star Conference, in which it was very competi-tive. This season has been
the only losing season oth-er than it’s first season back in 2007. (8-11-1)
Although this season was a disappointing one, the Wildcats have had an impressive overall record since their debut season.
In the last six years, the ‘Cats have won the regular conference season, (2011) the LSC tournament cham-pionship, (2010) and the 2011 NCAA D-II South Cen-tral Regional title.
Their overall Division II re-cord stands at 72-41-8. (.628)
“Next year will be a learn-ing experience as well as we start something different,” Wilson said. “I expect that we bounce back and be very competitive. The players here expect to do well re-gardless of the situation.”
soccer
contact goin [email protected]
from page 8
University and Tarleton State University for sec-ond place in the Lone Star Conference.
Loerch and sopho-more Sara Oxford com-bined for almost half of the team’s 45 points against Texas Woman’s (21.5). Loerch had nine kills and two blocks. Ox-ford recorded an impres-sive .583 hitting percent-age with four blocks.
“Jennie was really on for us at Texas Wom-an’s,” Mock said. “We re-lied on her pretty heav-ily during that game. Oxford did really well in the middle and gave us
some extra energy.”The ‘Cats would not
go down easily. They battled the Pioneers through 11 ties and four lead changes in the third set. The team used a 7-2 run to nab its first lead at 14-13.
ACU led 23-22 but TWU ended the match on a 3-1 run.
The final weekend of
the regular season be-gins Friday when the Wildcats take on Camer-on University at 7 p.m. in Lawton, Okla. Saturday, they face Midwestern State University in Wich-ita Falls at 6 p.m.
kellen mockhead coach
acu volleyball
Jennie was really on for us at Texas Woman’s. We relied on her pretty heavily during that game.”“
casey wilsonhead coachacu soccer
The seniors we had this year were big contribu-
tors to this program over the past four years.”“
Football will travel to San Antonio to face the University of Incarnate Word in their last game of the year. Kickoff is on Saturday at 7 p.m.
The volleyball team will be on the road this weekend as it travels to Lawton, Okla. to play Cameron at 7 p.m. on Friday, and then to Witchita Falls to face Midwestern State University at 6 p.m.
The men’s basketball team will head to Dallas to play Dallas Baptist University on Saturday at 6 p.m.
The women’s basketball team plays Texas A&M International in their season opener at Moody Coliseum on Saturday at 7 p.m.
volleyball
standings
briefings
ex- factor
Upcoming
Senior soccer players Julie Coppedge and Arielle Moncure were named to the Capital One Academic All-District 6 First Team selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America. It includes all student-athletes within the Great American, Heartland, Lone Star, and Mid-America conference.
The men’s basketball team visited Hendrick Children’s Hospital last week. They were introduced to several children who are battling various illinesses. The team offered words of encouragement and support to the kids.
football
TeamMSUWTAMUTSUASUTAMU-KACUENMUUIWCommerce
Div.7-16-14-34-34-33-42-51-61-6
Ovrl.8-18-25-45-55-56-43-62-81-8
Houston Texans de-fensive back Danieal Manning had four tackles on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills. The Texans won 21-9.
Former ACU wide reciever Raymond Radway is heading to Chicago, joining an injured Johnny Knox. Radway will become a member of the Bears’ practice squad.
TeamASUWTAMUTWUTSUCommerceTAMU-KUIWACUCameronMSUENMU
Div.17-114-314-413-511-77-106-116-124-144-141-16
Ovrl.24-324-421-620-820-815-129-1810-1810-206-226-21
soccer
TeamWTAMUUIWASUMSUACUTWUENMUCommerce
Div.10-49-58-5-16-5-36-7-16-7-14-104-10
Ovrl.13-6-19-8-111-7-27-10-28-10-17-10-25-135-12
wednesday 11.o7.12 8sports
Team holds on to LSC tourney spot
The Wildcats lost to two of the top five teams in the Lone Star Confer-ence over the weekend. Despite the defeats, the team still has a chance at post season play.
The ‘Cats are currently sitting in eighth place in the LSC. The top eight teams move on to the
conference tournament at the end of the season.
“If we win both match-es we control our destiny and we’ll go to the con-ference tournament,” said head coach Kellen Mock. “I can’t come up with a scenario where that wouldn’t be the case. The only way we can guarantee ourselves in is if we win both matches.”
Friday, ACU lost at Texas A&M University-
Commerce, 3-1 (25-12, 23-25, 27-25, 25-10). Saturday, the team was swept at Texas Woman’s University, 3-0 (25-17, 25-20, 26-24). The Pio-neers are in third place in the division at 21-6 overall (14-4).
The Wildcats are now 10-18 overall and 6-12 in the LSC.
Commerce blew out the ‘Cats in sets one and four, but the team came
back from a 10-2 deficit in game two to edge out the Lions. Game three was also more competitive.
ACU committed 30 errors on the night com-pared to just 38 kills. Commerce out-blocked the squad, 15-6.
“We kept the ball in play pretty well offen-sively,” Mock said. “We would just end the long rally with an error on our end. We had plenty of op-
portunities to score.”Senior Kalynne Allen
led the Wildcats with 11.5 points. Freshman Jennie Loerch led with 10 kills while junior Madelyn Robinett smashed nine kills and served one ace.
The pioneers are cruis-ing into the postseason. They have won six match-es in a row and are fight-ing with West Texas A&M
edward isaacssports editor
‘Cats upset UWA in OTThe seniors were not quite ready to say goodbye to Shotwell Stadium, so they went into overtime before finishing off No. 21 West Alabama 22-16.
The game started with 10 year-old Rex Fleming, son of Lance Fleming, flip-ping the coin and calling the first offensive play for the ‘Cats. Rex has a ma-lignant brain tumor, and has been an inspirational person even in his young age. Rex’s call went for 33 yards and jump-started the Wildcats first drive.
The Wildcats would
go on to score the first 13 points, and take a shutout into the fourth quarter.
Wide Receiver Dar-rell Cantu-Harkless did a little bit of everything for the ‘Cats, totaling 288 yards of offense, f lipping the field twice on spe-cial teams and catching nine passes, capped with a rushing touchdown in overtime.
“It has everything to do with the ten guys in front of me blocking very hard,” Cantu-Harkless said. “I couldn’t do it without them. My job is to make one guy miss, and the ten other guys handle the rest.”
Despite the Tigers av-
eraging over 37 points per game on the season, the defense held UWA to only 16 points, and only gave up two touchdowns dur-ing the day.
“Coaches do a good job game planning and scheming.” linebacker Justin Stephens said. “Our defense steps up when the time comes.”
Safety Angel Lopez
had a game high 12 tack-les, while Mike Wallace finished with 11 stops. In Overtime, Stephens made a pair of tackles before cornerback Stephen Ford deflected a fourth down pass from the Tigers and sealed a Wildcat victory.
Meanwhile, quarter-back Mitchell Gale only needs 301 passing yards to eclipse the 12,000-yard mark and become the all-time leading passer in ACU history, after he threw for 284 yards and a touchdown.
West Alabama is the first ranked team the Wildcats have beaten all year, and the victory on senior day will leave the
Wildcats with a signature win to end their home schedule.
“Getting a win for the seniors came into my mind in overtime,” Can-tu-Harkless said. “We are trying to win every game but this one is so special for the seniors. Overtime, win at home, just a great experience.”
The ‘Cats will be back in action next week to take on the Incarnate Word Cardinals in San Antonio, with a chance to finish the season at 7-4.
football
matthew sloansports reporter
mandy lambright chief Photographer
Sophomore linebacker Justin Stephens celebrates with his teammate after beating the University of West Alabama Saturday at Shotwell Stadium. The Wildcats won 22-16 in overtime. It was the last homegame of the season.
Wildcats finish disappointing year
After making it all the way to the Elite Eight last season in the NCAA Divi-sion II National Champi-onship, there were defi-nitely high hopes for the women’s soccer team this season.
Unfortunately the women’s soccer season came to an early end on Thursday, when the Wild-cats lost to Midwestern State 1-0 in the first-round of the Lone Star Confer-ence tournament.
“I think everyone had much higher expectation
going into this year with the players we had return-ing from such a successful run the year before,” head coach Casey Wilson said. “But there were lessons learned which were valu-able to all as they mature through this process.”
The 2012 season came off to a very uncharacter-istic and slow start, for the
‘Cats, losing as many as three games in a row and falling from the very top to the very bottom of the LSC standings.
But the Wildcats finished the regular season with a four-win sweep against In-carnate Word, Texas A&M-Commerce, Texas Woman’s, and Midwestern State to gain the fifth and final seed in the post-conference tournament.
Leaving the team this season is one of the most talented senior classes the program has seen yet. Midfielder Julie Coppedge, forward Krysta Grimm,
soccer
natalie goinAssistant sports editor
mandy lambright chief Photographer
Midfielder Ashley Craig prepares to advance the ball upfield. see finish page 7
volleyball
Casey Wilsonhead coachacu soccer
I think everyone had much higher expectations going
into this year.”“
contact sloan [email protected]
Darrell cantu-harklesswide receiveracu football
We are trying to win every game but this one is so
special for the seniors.”“
see spot page 7