Spring, summer and fall 2011 may hold upperclass-men’s last chance to take Fundamentals of Com-munication (COMS 111), said Dr. Lynette Sharp-Penya, associate professor of communication.

COMS 111 is being re-placed by Foundations for Speech and Rhetoric, or COMS 211, listed this

school year as COMS 240, as a part of the new core curriculum. Students un-der a pre-2010 degree plan who have put off filling their speech requirement and want to take COMS 111 must do so by fall 2011, Sharp-Penya said.

“If they don’t sign up for COMS 111, they can still graduate,” Sharp-Pe-nya said. “These students can take COMS 211, which will be a great course.”

The speech require-ment of ACU’s pre-2010 core curriculum can be fulfilled by either COMS 111 or COMS 211, but the new core can only be filled by COMS 211, said Dr. Joe Cardot, chair of the Department of Com-munication. COMS 211’s unique philosophy will make it a much hard-er course to be able to transfer in from another school, Cardot said.

COMS 211 focuses more on public speaking and rhetoric than COMS 111, which provides a selec-tive sampling of the field of communication. COMS 211 has been placed as a sophomore-level class with ENG 111 and ENG 112 as prerequisites.

“We’re going a lot fur-ther with this new course that will teach people

Optimistthe

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

acuoptimist.com

1 sections, 8 pages

weatherinside

page 3

websitenewsThe Shore Gallery and the Cockrell Gallery will feature student artwork inspired by various students’ Study Abroad experiences.

page 5

featuresRecent ACU graduate Matthew Worthington encourages students to make a change by joining Teach for America.

video Find video of these news stories and more on the weekly newscast available on our website, acuoptimist.com. 81° 62°

The university will create an on campus nursing program set to open in fall 2013. The new pro-gram will end the university’s affiliation with the Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing.

Dr. Jeanine Varner, provost, said the university has been sat-isfied with its more than 30-year relationship with nursing part-nership with Hardin-Simmons University and McMurry Univer-

sity, but felt the need to start an on-campus program.

“For more than 30 years we’ve been a part of a consortium with the purpose of delivering nursing education,” Varner said. “It’s been very good for the most part; it has served us well.”

Dr. Nina Ouimette, dean of Shelton Nursing School was con-tacted and declined to comment.

Varner said the decision to leave Shelton Nursing School was

not because of problems with the nursing school, but in response to an expressed desire for an on-campus program.

“We’ve heard from prospec-tive students and their fami-lies that they wanted a program that’s here on campus like all of our other programs,” Varner said. “Nursing coursework occurs at the junior and senior level, and so by the time they reached that lev-el they were a part of a program

that didn’t seem to be ACU’s.”Varner said the new program will

not affect current ACU students, but will only affect freshmen who enroll in fall 2011 and begin their nursing coursework in fall 2013.

The university plans to offer a bachelor of science degree in nurs-ing, but Varner said the university is also exploring the idea of offering a doctor of nursing practice in the future, allowing students to pursue careers as nurse practitioners. The

only doctorate-level degree offered at ACU is a doctorate of ministry.

“We are interested in offering a DNP because it is a very impor-tant degree,” Varner said. “Nurse practitioners can do many things that bachelor’s-level nurses can-not do. They work side by side with the physician.”

Varner said 40 percent of stu-dents at Shelton Nursing School are from ACU. She said the univer-sity has given the school two-years

University to bring nursing program to campusJeff Craig

Managing Editor

ACADEMICS

Registration for the sec-ond annual “Run the Dal-las White Rock Marathon with ACU” is now open for ACU faculty, staff, alumni, students and other com-munity members.

About 150 people partic-ipated in the event last year. Organizers in the Students’ Association hope for more participants this year.

“We had a really good response to it the first time,” said SA President Samuel Palomares, senior communication major from Elsa.

The Dallas White Rock Marathon takes place in early December each year. Participants can register to run a full or half mara-thon, a 5K, or a 5-person relay on race day.

SA sponsorship of the event provides partici-pants with a $20 reduc-tion in their overall reg-istration cost, a free ACU running shirt and a free pre-race pasta dinner.

Last year, about 70 per-cent of ACU participants

Marathonrunners prepare for race

STUDENT LIFE

Kelsi WilliamsonArts Editor

see NURSING page 4

New school will end 30-year deal with HSU, McMurry

Wed. Fri.Thurs.

85° 62° 78° 60°

Number Four Wildcats, page 8

CURRICULUM

Christianna LewisSenior Reporter

Communications replaces course

see RUN page 4

As social clubs’ pledges re-turn from fall break, they face about two more weeks of pledging. The exact date that pledges across campus will become official mem-bers of their respective so-cial clubs is not disclosed, but pledges can expect to

be admitted anytime before Friday, Oct. 29.

“We’re entering the final stretch for pledging,” said GATA president Bonnie Kel-lum. “We keep the date they get in a secret, so it will be sur-prise for the Flames, but the school regulates the length of the process. The last day the

SOCIAL CLUBS

Pledging nears six-week mark

Laura GasvodaStaff Reporter

see CLUBS page 4see COMS page 4

Casting Ballots

STACY ACTON // Staff Photographer

Joel Swedlund, manager of the McGlothlin Campus Center, and Traci Crawford, sophomore art major from Abilene, use the portable voting booths in the campus center to participate in the Taylor County general election Monday. The early voting for November’s general election is open to any registered voter in Taylor County who has a form of state-issued identification or a voter registration card. The county has five permanent early-voting locations, including the United Supermarket on E.N. 10th Street, K-Mart, Hastings, The Mall of Abilene and the elections office at Taylor County Plaza. A complete list of voting locations can be found at www.taylorcountytexas.org/election1.html.

Vol. 99, No. 17

announcements

Wednesday 22Friday

The Christian Service Center needs volunteers interested in business or design to put together an informational brochure. The work could be done any weekday afternoon before the end of November. Con-tact Jim Clark at 673-7531 or jclark@cscabilene.org for more information.

The Oakridge Church of Christ will have a free Trunk or Treat for com-munity children from 5 p.m. - 11 p.m. on Oct. 30. Volunteers are needed to set up games, run activ-ity booths, and clean up. Dinner will be provided for volunteers but advance notice is requested. Con-tact Emerald Lemmons at emeraldlemmons@gmail.com or call 370-1327 for more information.

The Center for Contem-porary Arts needs a gallery assistant to help with exhibit setup and preparation as well as an administrative

assistant. The work can be done any time 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Tuesday - Friday. Please call (325) 677-8389 or email info@center-arts.com for more information.

Disability Resources, Inc. needs volunteers from 10 a.m. until dusk Mon-day - Saturday and 1 p.m. until dusk Sundays Sept. 29 - Oct. 31 to help with its annual Pumpkin Patch. Volunteers will help sell pumpkins, read at story time in the children’s area and assist with children’s games. Contact Jo Ann Wil-son at (325) 677-6825, ext. 2003 or e-mail joannwil-son66@sbcglobal.com.

The Dyess Youth Center needs help with a Ping Pong Exhibition from 4 p.m.-6 p.m every Friday. Volunteers will preside over tourna-ments and help with an exhibition for the students. Transportation will not be provided, nor can volun-teers have any sexual assault

charges or charges pend-ing. For more information, contact Sheri Frisby at (325) 696-4797 or e-mail sheri.frisby-@dyess.af.mil.

Mesa Spring Healthcare Center needs volunteers from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. any day of the week to help with fun activities for the residents, including playing instru-ments, calling bingo and sit-ting and talking with them. All help is appreciated. Contact Laura Reynolds at (325)692-8080 or lgreyn-olds@sears-methodist.com.

The Dyess Youth Center needs volunteers from 4 p.m. -6 p.m. every Monday - Friday to assist students with homework in the areas of math, science, English and history. Transportation will not be provided, nor can volunteers have any sexual assault charges or charges pending. For more informa-tion, contact Sheri Frisby at 696-4797 or e-mail Sheri.frisby-@dyess.af.mil.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

calendar & events

20 Thursday21 23Saturday

The Optimist maintains this calendar for the ACU community to keep track of local social, academic and service opportunities. Groups may send announcements directly to optimist@jmcnetwork.com.

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

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

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volunteer opportunities

2Campus Day

Screenwriting Work-shop. Students seeking to improve their writing abilities are invited to hear Chris Young, UCLA/LAFSC professor and screenwriter will speak at a FilmFest screenwrit-ing workshop from 1 -12 p.m. Oct. 23 in the Mabee Library Auditorium.

Dallas White Rock Mara-thon. Students wishing to run the Dallas White Rock Marathon or Half-Mar-athon can sign up with ACU to receive a $20 re-bate, a free ACU running shirt and a free pre-race party. Register to run at www.acu.edu/whiterock

The Abilene Christian University Music De-partment will present Dance, the Orchestra and Percussion Ensem-ble Concert at 8 p.m. on Oct. 21 in Cullen Audito-rium. Admission is free. For more information call 674-2199.

Free Prime Time Night Out, Students can pick up a ticket to enjoy a free hour of bowling and a free $5 arcade card to use any time between 7 and 11 p.m. on Oct. 21 at Prime Time. Tickets are limited and will be avail-able for pick-up in the Campus Center.

A Crash Course in Photography, Poetry, and Fiction Writing. The Shinnery Review, ACU’s student art and liter-ary magazine, is hosting a free, one-day crash course in photography, poetry, and fiction writ-ing from 1-4 p.m. Oct. 23 in the Living Room of the Campus Center. Students are welcome and encour-aged to refine their skills or learn something new.

Casting Crowns will give a concert with special guest Lainey Wright at 7 p.m. on Oct. 28 at the Taylor County Coliseum.

Advance tickets are $30 ($20 for groups of 15 or more) or $25 for general admission tickets ($20 for groups of 15 or more). Call (325) 677-4376 or visit www.liveatthepark.com for more information.

Graduate and Professional School Fairwill take place from 1:30 -3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 27 in the McCaleb Conference Center (Hunter Welcome Center). Recruiters from graduate and professional schools from across the country will answer questions concerning the programs their schools offer and the admission process. Featured schools include: ACU, Dallas Baptist University, Hardin-Simmons University, McMurry University, Texas Tech, University of Texas and University of North Texas.

11 a.m. Chapel in Moody Coliseum

11 a.m. Small group Chapels meet in various places around campus

11 a.m. Praise Day in Moody Coliseum

4 p.m. Soccer game at Angelo State University

11 a.m. FilmFest Screenwriting Workshop in Mabee Library Auditorium

2 p.m. Home volleyball game vs. Southeastern Oklahoma State

3 p.m. Football game at Eastern New Mexico University

contact Zhou atoptimist@jmcnetwork.edu

Writing Center offers workshop

A five-week-long Communi-ty Writers’ Workshop hosted by the ACU Writing Center will start Nov. 6 to help par-ticipants improve their writ-ing skills. The workshop will take place Nov. 6, 13, 20 and Dec. 4 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Dr. Shelly Sanders, assistant professor of English, will teach the class.

Several different methods of writing are covered in the workshop. In one exercise, Sanders will give five ran-dom words, and ask students to use these words to write a short piece. In another exercise, participants will write a story with the first line given to them. Sanders will help participants work on descriptive writing, learn literary techniques like plot, character and style, and try other exercises to focus on the craft of writing. She may invite a guest speaker to the class. Al Haley, writer-in-res-idence at ACU and associate professor of English, spoke at the 2008 workshop.

Participants will share their works with each other and give feedback on other writers’ stories. Participants are given the opportunity to invite friends and families to

join a class and share their writing. Sanders said that she feels it is really important to show the ACU Writing Center is hospitable to the Abilene community. It not only pro-motes awareness of ACU, the Writing Center and the Eng-lish department, but it’s also a fun way of meeting new people and hearing about their plans for their stories.

“People working in all professions came to the workshop [in 2008],” Sand-ers said. “It’s been a bless-ing to me on many different levels. I am not only able to tell people what I’m pas-sionate about, but I get to meet all kinds of people I will never get to meet work-ing on campus. It helps me to know that there are a lot of people working other jobs who are interested in writing. I hope I will help them to be able to tell their stories and be proud of it.”

The first writing workshop took place in 2008. This is the second time the ACU English Department, in partnership with the ACU Writing Center, is hosting the program.

“Everyone liked it. The response we had was en-couraging, and students became more confident in writing,” Sanders said. “They all learned some

new writing techniques.”Drew Winters is one

community member who attended the workshop two years ago.

“I found the workshop surprisingly productive and enjoyable,” Winters said. “Dr. Sanders herself is a lovely woman, and she knows her craft. Sharing creations can be intimi-dating, but her disarming manner and confident leadership ought to relax even the most nervous students. I would recom-mend the workshop to anyone interested in cre-ative writing.”

Bethany Bradshaw, senior English major from Hender-son, helped Sanders as an assistant with the workshop in 2008.

“People really enjoyed the workshop,” Bradshaw said. “They were so eager. I was amazed by their enthusiasm. I remember a guy who came every week and had so many questions; he was really open to feedback. I also remember this old lady who wanted to

write about her family mem-ories. It was so interesting to hear different perspectives about life.”

About 50 students partici-pated in the 2008 workshops, but this year, enrollment for the single workshop is lim-ited to just 15 participants. Sanders said a smaller group is better for creating a work-shop atmosphere and makes it easier for students to share their works.

The session is free. All people in the Abilene com-munity over 18 years of age can apply for the fall work-shop. If they are not accept-ed, they can apply again for a spring 2011 session. Those interested in the workshop must submit an application with a writing sample under five pages before Oct. 23. Those interested can pick up an application at the ACU Writing Center or contact Sanders at 325-674-4833 or shelly.sanders@acu.edu.

Keyi ZhouContributing Reporter

CHAPEL

It was so interesting to hear different perspectives about life.

BETHANY BRADSHAW // senior English major from Henderson‘‘ ’’

October 20, 2010 Page 3CAMPUS NEWS

A new grief counseling sup-port group is available to the ACU community, inviting those who are grieving death to take one step further in the healing process.

The sessions take place from 6:30 - 8 p.m. on Tues-days in the Alumni Confer-ence Room on the second floor of the Hunter Welcome Center. The six-week group first met on Oct. 12 and will conclude on Nov. 30 with a Service of Remembrance, a ceremony encouraging par-

ticipants to share memories, stories and photos of those who have passed on.

Steve Rowlands, director of the University Counseling Center, believes this group is an important opportunity for students and faculty alike.

“You are surrounded by others who are dealing with a similar situation,” Rowlands said. “Their experience may be different than yours, but what’s helpful to them can be helpful to you.”

These free sessions are offered to anyone grieving the death of someone they love, or knows someone who

is grieving. During the ses-sions, participants will learn to understand what grief might look like, how differ-ent it is for each person, and that there is no “right” or “normal” way to grieve. The group is a place where con-fusion, anger, chaos, tears, stories, pain and out-right sorrow are welcome, accord-

ing to the group’s website.“If you’re struggling with

grief but uncertain that the group is for you, it’s worth-while to attend one of the sessions to get a better idea,” Rowlands said.

Cherisse Flanagan, direc-tor of the ACU Psychology Clinic and instructor of psy-chology, also believes in this

healthy way for people to manage grief.

“Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult things we have to bear,” Flanagan said. “Counselors and groups will not take away your grief, but allow you to experience it more fully, with the support of others who care.”

Steve Eller, university counselor and facilitator of the group, also recognizes the benefit of group support. Eller emphasized the safe and respectable environment he hopes the group will embody.

“It’s a place where you can go and devote time to

that loved one instead of feeling isolated and alone,” Eller said. “We aim to plant seeds, thoughts and tech-niques to support people. When they’re ready to work towards it, they’ll know which direction to go.”

For more information on the group or to sched-ule an individual appoint-ment, contact Steve Row-lands or Steve Eller in the Counseling Center at 674-2626, or visit the Counsel-ing Center.

Counseling Center offers grief support groupCAMPUS

contact Burch atoptimist@jmcnetwork.com

Christina BurchContributing Reporter

DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer

Governor Rick Perry speaks to a crowd at the Robert D. and Shirley Hunter Welcome Center on Tuesday. Perry was speaking at an event hosted by the Taylor County Republican Party and the Republican Women of West Central Texas.

Big Country Campaign Study Abroad fair displays travelingstudent creativity

This Saturday the Shinnery Review, ACU’s literary pub-lication, will bring students from all departments togeth-er for a free afternoon “Crash Course” in photography, po-etry and fiction writing.

The goal of the event is to give students an opportunity to learn more about artis-tic and creative outlets that might not be easily acces-sible in every discipline, said Bethany Bradshaw, senior English major from Hen-derson and co-editor of the Shinnery Review.

“It’s an open event to all students to encourage cre-ativity across campus,” Brad-shaw said. “We want to give students in all disciplines a

chance to learn more about artistic endeavors.”

David McMichael, senior English major from Abilene and editor of The Shinnery Review, said the event will also benefit the publication in the spring, when it releas-es its annual issue of student writings and photography.

“We’re trying to promote the Shinnery Review and get more students interested and involved,” McMichael said. “We’d like to see an increase in the number of Shinnery submissions so that we have a broader pool to choose from.”

The Crash Course will give students tips and tricks for photography, poetry and fic-tion writing and will be bro-ken into three 45-minute ses-sions, each featuring an ACU

faculty member, Bradshaw said. The faculty includes Nil Santana, instructor of art and design, Al Haley, as-sociate professor of English and writer-in-residence, and Heidi Nobles, managing edi-tor for ACU Press.

Guests are not expected to stay for all three sessions, Bradshaw said, but she en-couraged students to try new creative genres.

“We’re trying to give stu-dents a place to explore their creative sides and try new things, but it’s very relaxed,” Bradshaw said. “There are no tests, no homework. And there’s homemade food — for free.”

McMichael said the Crash Course is designed to be a fun opportunity for students to develop

and experiment with ar-tistic skills.

While this is the first year for the event, the Shinnery Review hopes to make this an annual event, Bradshaw said. In the mean time, the publication’s staff is prepar-ing other campus activities for the semester.

“We’ll have a reading at the end of the semester, ‘The Slithy Tove,’ which is our an-nual fall reading,” Bradshaw said. “There’s going to be more free food, too.”

The event will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Liv-ing Room of the McGlothlin Campus Center. All students are welcome, and no previ-ous experience is required.

STUDENT LIFE

contact Hernandez atoptimist@jmcnetwork.com

contact Zhang atoptimist@jmcnetwork.com

Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult things we have to bear.

CHERISSE FLANAGAN// director of the ACU Psychology Clinic‘‘ ’’

Juliana KocsisCopy Editor

Workshops to offer writing tipsCAMPUS

contact Kocsis atjck07a@acu.edu

Alumna to sing at concert CAMPUS

Glimpses into the ACU Study Abroad Program will soon come to life in The Shore Art Gallery in the Don H. Morris Center. The new exhibit will open on Friday, entitled “Post-cards”: from Abroad.

“The exhibit is a chance to experience the vistas of England and Italy through the eyes of a student, some-one who is seeing these places for the first time,” said Robert Green, profes-sor of art and design.

The purpose of the show is to feature stu-dents’ work as the they traveled from England to Italy. Every two years the ACU Art Department in-vites students to take part in the study abroad art show program. This past fall students experienced a unique “plein-air” paint-ing class. Green described this painting technique as painting on location, out-side in nature. Armed with acrylics and watercolors, the students were able to recreate the surrounding landscape on their inter-national travels.

Not only were the stu-dents able to gain a deeper perspective on painting, but on society as well.

One student featured in the show is Morgan Hallmark, sophomore art major from Sasche. Hall-mark said the experience was something she will never forget.

“The history, the people and the scenery is what in-spired all of my work. I was trying to capture a small piece of the beauty I was seeing,” Hallmark said.

She was especially touched by the many peo-ple living in poverty.

“There were many, many beggars. I wanted to help them, but be-sides giving them a few euros, there was noth-ing I could do,” Hallmark said. “I tried to capture the sadness I felt when I saw them, the helpless-ness that overcame them in their everyday lives. Maybe if I noticed them, others will too.”

Green believes the dis-play will showcase the tal-ent of ACU art students. He also said the collection will be different from nor-mal aesthetic art collec-tions on campus.

“Their interest and hard work is evident in the quality of the show,” Green said, “The students worked really hard to cre-ate these works while we were overseas.”

On Nov. 11, another study abroad art show will open at the Cockrell Gal-lery located downtown. Rachel Brown, Study Abroad coordinator, said this show will feature pho-tography by the art stu-dents returning from the Study Abroad Program.

“In both shows there is something for everyone,” Green said.

“Postcards”: from Abroad will run Friday through Nov. 12 in the Shore Gallery. For more information contact the ACU Art and Design De-partment at 674-2085.

Meagan HernandezContributing Reporter

The ACU department of music will host a percussion concert on Thursday and a voice recital featuring ACU graduate Jordana Torrez on Friday at 8 p.m. in the Wil-liams Performing Arts Cen-ter. The concerts are open to the entire community.

The ensemble will be a recital featuring two mu-sicians, Cheryl Lemmons and Torrez. Lemmons has performed as an accom-panist at ACU for more than 15 years and will play piano during the concert. Torrez, an ACU graduate, will sing in the concert. Together they will perform

musical pieces by Henry Purcell, Hector Berlioz, Jo-seph Marx, Samuel Barber and other composers.

“I hope people can come enjoy the variety of music,” Lemmons said. “I think students should come to hear a profes-sional live performance.”

Lemmons said she is looking forward to the performance, particularly because an ACU student will play a big part.

“I think the concert will be moved and inspired,” Lemmons said. “I’m really looking forward to hav-ing one of our graduates perform for our current students. It gives them a much better idea of what it

is they are preparing for.”Students who are inter-

ested in music are excited about this concert and look forward to seeing it.

“I love music so much, and piano is one of my favor instruments, I’m taking piano class right now, and I’m going the orchestra and percus-sion ensemble concert this Thursday,” Jing Yuan Jiang, senior finance management major from Guangzhou, China, said. “I think this is a great op-portunity to hear a profes-sional concert. I’m look-ing forward to coming.”

Meiqi ZhangContributing Reporter

Page 4 October 20, 2010FROM THE FRONT

more about persuasion and cam-paigns than just oral communica-tion,” Cardot said. “Anyone that could take it would benefit from them, but it’s not required for any-one but freshmen.”

COMS 211 will require students to give five speeches on personal and community values and on is-sues at the community, national and international level, Cardot said.

“By the end of it they will have a better understanding of themselves and how they can function in their world,” Cardot said. “It’s going to be more of an integral part of the new core.”

Cardot said he hoped that moving the communication class

to the sophomore year would al-low students to come in more prepared for the rigor of the course and more aware of the importance of communication in careers after college.

Sharp-Penya said she was ec-static to teach a more in-depth course, but she also wished the new core had a communication class for freshmen, because stud-ies show that the classes reduce communication apprehension.

“There’s a good reason to

keep that in the freshman level,” Sharp-Penya said. “Re-search shows that there’s an inverse relationship between communication apprehension and retention.”

COMS 211 will be finalized this semester, Cardot said. He also said while ACU will offer only a few COMS 111 sections next fall, the issue is still under discussion.

notice and will help the school in its time of transition.

Dr. Paul Fabrizio, vice presi-dent for academic affairs at Mc-Murry University, said ACU’s deci-sion to leave The Shelton School of Nursing will afford the school an opportunity to review itself and make positive changes.

“I think it’s going to have a positive effect, not because ACU is leaving, but in terms of the oppor-tunities it provides. We have to re-ally think what the school is about,” Fabrizio said. “How often do you get

a chance to recreate yourself?”Fabrizio said the school will

continue in its purpose to edu-cate students in the field of nurs-ing for the next two years while ACU is still a part of the school and after ACU leaves.

“I think ACU has studied this very seriously and made a decision as to what is best for ACU. We wish them the best,” Fabrizio said. “Our first move is to continue teaching and engage in a thorough self-study and move forward.”

pledges can be accepted as official members is Fri-day, Oct. 29.”

New procedures have af-fected the pledging process this year for all the clubs.

“The new pledging pro-cess has been influential

in GATA’s large numbers this year. Because of the invitational process, girls have more time to decide what club to pledge, rather than being ambushed on Bid Day,” Kellum said. “I believe this new process will continue to improve the numbers in social

clubs and allow for greater diversity within clubs.”

Pi Kappa member Paul Sims, senior elementary education major from Ko-diak, Alaska, said the changes didn’t affect Pi Kappa as much as other clubs.

At this point in the semes-ter between midterms and

pledging some students, such as Meghan Morgan, junior advertising/public relations major from Colleyville pledg-ing Ko Jo Kai, have been busy.

“Pledging keeps you busy, but it’s a good busy, and you’re enjoying yourself. Even though everything is hard and exhausting, I’m en-

joying time together with the girls even more now, because I’ve formed relationships with them at this point.”

However, Morgan said many clubs’ major activi-ties, such as Homecoming and grubs, are over.

“Our biggest assignments are over (like Homecoming

and grub); now we just have lots of small tasks and more activities,” Morgan said.

However, Alpha Kai Omega, GATA and Pi Kappa pledges have yet to have their grubs.

attended the pre-race pas-ta dinner, Palomares said. The dinner will be held at the ACU campus in Irving again this year.

So far this fall, many of last year’s participants have registered or asked about the event. However,

Palomares said there are also people signed up from as far away as North Caro-lina and California.

Brent Bailey, senior Bible major from King-wood, hopes to complete his third full Dallas White Rock Marathon this year. Bailey said he decided to run the Dallas marathon

for the second time last year when he heard about the ACU sponsorship. He also said his favorite parts about the event were the pasta dinner and the ACU running shirt.

“The dinner allows you to see all the other people running with you,” Bailey said. “You kind feel like

you’re part of a big team.”Both Palomares and

Bailey said the White Rock event targets a small niche of people at ACU but has the potential to involve a larger community.

“It captures a unique ACU community,” Palo-mares said. “It’s also good for marketing ACU. It looks

really good to have 100 ACU people running around.”

Palomares plans to run the full marathon for the second year in a row. All members of the SA cabi-net are also taking part in the event.

This year’s races are on Dec. 5 and will begin at 8:00 a.m. Anyone interest-

ed needs to register both at the official White Rock website, www.runtherock.com, as well as on the ACU sponsored website, www.acu.edu/whiterock.

Run: Students to run in Dallas White Rock MarathonSTUDENT LIFE

Continued from page 1

contact Lewis atcll09a@acu.edu

contact Williamson atkkw07a@acu.edu

Continued from page 1

ACADEMICS

Nursing: New school to arrive on campus

SOCIAL CLUBS

Clubs: Pledges near completion of pledging processContinued from page 1

contact Gasvoda atlag08a@acu.edu

CURRICULUM

COMS: Course emphasizes speakingContinued from page 1

contact Craig atjrc07d@acu.edu

By the end of it they will have a better understanding of themselves and how they can function in their world.

DR. JOE CARDOT // chair of the Department of Communication‘‘ ’’

FocusOctober 20, 2010 Page 5

There is a public education problem in the Unit-ed States, a serious problem that has profound effects on the present and future generations. One of the major problems is education inequi-ty. Though many would argue that all have equal opportunities in America, it is simply not true, and if the playing field is uneven, the future is unequal as well.

A recent report released by the National Cen-ter for Education found only 12 percent of all African-American students exiting the eighth grade are proficient in math, and only 13 percent are proficient in reading. Only 17 percent of His-panic students exiting the eighth grade are profi-cient in math and 15 percent in reading.

In comparison, white students score around 30 points higher in both math and reading. Many factors contribute to this disparity, but most alarming is the lack of appropriate educational resources such as schools and teachers for mi-nority and low-income students.

“It doesn’t take much to see that minorities and low income students in this country are up a creek with a very broken boat,” said Matt Wor-thington, 2008 ACU graduate and current Teach for America Corps member in Washington, D.C.

The inequalities can no longer be overlooked, Worthington said. Schools that cater to low-in-come students simply do not have the support and resources necessary to provide the kind of educational opportunities students need and deserve.

“We say that we’re desegregated, but I’m not sure that we are,” says Stephanie Talley, an in-structor in the Teacher Education program at ACU.

It is the problem of inequity in public educa-tion Teach for America is seeking to combat by recruiting promising leaders who are motivated and committed to making a difference, to be trained and placed in high-needs schools across the nation for two years, Worthington said. There is a high turnover of teachers in high-needs schools, and many of the teachers who do stay have very low proficiency ratings and do not of-fer a proficient education to their students, and Worthington said by seeking out and training talented individuals, Teach for America is work-ing against this problem. The key to improving education is improving teachers, Worthington said. It is the hope of Teach for America that their corps members will stay dedicated to fighting educational problems after their two-year com-

mitment is completed, and 66 percent of corps members stay in education after their commit-ment is completed, he said.

Worthington didn’t hear of the program until his senior year at ACU. He had been interested in education and applied for the program. The program is very competitive, and depending on the year, as many as 40,000 people apply; usually about 10 percent of these applicants are accept-ed. After a long process of interviews and essays, Worthington was accepted into the program and placed in Washington, D.C. After visiting D.C. and finding a place to keep his things, he was sent to L.A., where he would receive intensive educational training,

“It was like an education boot camp,” Wor-thington said.

After this training he was ready to begin teach-ing. Teach for America is an alternative licen-sure program and some regions give their stu-dents probation certification while they work on Masters of Education through cooperating universities. Worthington said he is working on his Masters of Education through George Mason University. In D.C., Worthington now works with

students with learning disabilities. Last year, he worked with students who had emotional distur-bances. He said these students have the highest drop-out rates of any other learning disability and are at the highest risk. He works with stu-dents who are often two to three levels behind and sometimes as much as six to seven grade lev-els behind, and said he views this as a very seri-ous problem.

“We read to receive, we write to give,” Wor-thington said, “and if we can’t do that, what else are we going to do but wait around for someone to give us handouts until eventually the light fades out and the pain goes away?”

Worthington said he is not giving out hand-outs; he is giving students a much more impor-tant gift: the gift of education.

Many days, Worthington works from six in the morning to six or seven at night. It is not an easy job, but when asked why he is doing what he is doing, Worthington said, “Because I follow Jesus.”

Worthington also believes that ACU needs to talk about Teach for America.

“ACU students need to know about Teach for America because it is so close to where Jesus is leading us,” Worthington said. “I see Jesus caring about people who are overlooked.”

And that is exactly who the undeserved stu-dents in our public education system are.

“I can’t say that it’s the easiest thing to get up every morning and go to work, because it is hard working in the school system, but I know Jesus is calling me to it,” Worthington said. “I know he’s calling others to it, and I know he wants good things for his people, his children, all of his children.”

Still, he is adamant that there is a deep need for change in the United States, which can be made through education and organizations like Teach for America.

“A lot of people want to change the world, and so they get on a plane,” said Worthington. “If you want to make a great change in America, teach a kid.”

Those interested in being a part of this change may contact Teach for America recruiter Jessica Gasper at jessica.gasper@teachforamerica.org. This organization is not exclusively for educa-tion majors, but for anyone who is dedicated to making a difference through education and or-ganizations like Teach for America.

Brian Johnston Contributing Writer

Teach for America strives to create equal opportunity for all students

If you want to make a great change in America, teach a kid.

MATTHEW WORTHINGTON // 2008 ACU graduate‘‘ ’’

contact the Optimist atoptimist@jmcnetwork.com

photo courtesy to MATTHEW WORTHINGTON

Worthington poses with a couple of his students after a ceremony celebrating their transition to high school.

We’ve seen them circling the Lunsford, lighting up parking lots or fogging up unpopulated pathways. Al-though in violation of ACU policy, cigarette usage is in-filtrating campus.

But how should non-smokers react? When stu-dent’s spot a smoker, should they go up to the guilty party and politely tell them to stop? Should they list the number of health hazards in conjunc-tion with cigarette smoking?

These attempts could be made, but chances are, if someone’s already chosen to 1) ruin their health and 2)

break campus rules, they’re not going to respond very well to any suggestions.

Perhaps honesty is the best policy, yet in the case of smoking we believe a sneak-ier, less evasive approach is more likely to ensure less air pollution. It’s not a real fire we’re dealing with here, so beating around the bush is a perfect tactic to quench the flames. Below are some excellent passive-aggressive ways of handling this nui-sance to ensure ACU re-mains a smoke-free zone.

1) When a cloud of smoke permeates the air, take on a

heavy cough immediately. This will obviously make the smoker aware of the outside effects of his or her habit.

2) Carry a water mister in a back pocket, and while watering the landscaping on campus, “accidentally,” take aim toward the fire-paper sticking out of a friend’s (or stranger’s) mouth. Don’t doubt, just aim (unintention-ally of course) and fire. On a warm day, a slight mist might even be a welcome relief.

3) Take a moment to memorize some common health risks of smoking. When passing by a smoker, it should

be easy to nonchalantly in-terject these into any con-versation. For example, “I’m nervous about my upcoming speech in communications. Good thing I don’t smoke and won’t have to worry about bad breath on top of every-thing else.” Bad hygiene and a guilty conscience: it’s a two-in-one combo.

4) Although a slightly more aggressive approach, if worse comes to worse, yelling, “Fire!” really loudly is always a great fallback. This works best in large groups of people.

Okay, okay, so we’re not really serious. While smok-

er’s may not follow the rules when they choose to light up on campus, that doesn’t mean we have the right to spray water in their face or yell fire in a crowded theatre – ever. There is even the chance they don’t know the rules and deserve a kind explanation of campus protocol before any water fiascos ensue. And plus,

passive-aggressiveness in any form is just too much work.

So simply stated, our only request is this: Smok-ers, stop blowing smoke in our faces and we’ll stop coughing in yours; a win, win for everyone.

OpinionPage 6 October 20, 2010

Unsigned editorials are the opinions of the Optimist and may not necessarily reflect the views of the university or its administration.

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Optimistthe

Smokers’ cigarettes still smolderEDITORIAL

TOMS rip-off lacks charitable spirit of originalCOLUMN

Self ExaminationBy Ryan Self

There’s a new pair of socially responsible shoes in town. Every time you buy a pair of these shoes with a one syl-lable name, a pair is d o n a t e d to a child in an im-poverished part of the world. The canvas slip-style shoes come in a variety of colors and pat-terns. Of course, I’m talking about BOBS.

Sound familiar? Obvi-ously BOBS, produced by the exceptionally creative people at Skechers, is a blatant rip-off of the wildly

successful TOMS shoes and their “One for One” busi-ness model. When TOMS was introduced to the world, the shoes and their noble business proposi-tion helped usher in a new business model, one that married good deeds with good business sense. What BOBS threatens to usher in is a business era where corporations promote a desire to help others while, in reality, hoping to exploit people’s better natures in order to make a profit.

But is Skechers the only company that has ever added a good cause to their product for less-than-philanthropic reasons? It would be naïve to think that over the last few years multiple companies sud-denly decided to become

more socially responsible of their own accord. They were simply responding to a market of consumers who wanted a charitable cause with their purchase. The “invisible hand” of the free market was pushing companies toward doing some good while keeping their stockholders happy.

Was it pure altruism that prompted Pepsi to for-go advertising in the Super Bowl this year and invest that money in charitable causes throughout the country instead? Unlikely. The $20 million social me-dia campaign garnered more votes than the last presidential election, ac-cording to Mashable.com. That’s pretty good PR con-sidering that money would have otherwise gone to-

ward advertising. In this case, Pepsi gains a reputa-tion as a “do-gooder” while helping millions across the country do charitable work that might not otherwise be possible. Everybody wins. The wonderful thing about this new compas-sionate side of capitalism is both producer and con-sumer get what they want in addition to doing some good along the way.

Also encouraging about the free market as a force for good is the fact that the same free market principle which perhaps spurred Skechers to produce the ridiculous BOBS may also have contributed to its de-mise. As of Oct. 15 BOBS were no longer to be found on Skechers’ website. Per-haps after an understand-

able backlash from the blogosphere and twitter-verse, the marketing gurus at Skechers removed BOBS from their line of shoes altogether. Maybe they needed time to rename the shoes something catchier, like TODS or JONS.

It appears as though the creative people at Ske-chers thought they knew what their consumers wanted, a socially respon-sible product, however blatantly ripped-off from the successful TOMS. What BOBS lacks, how-ever, is something that all the angry bloggers and loyal fans of TOMS ap-parently want with their socially responsible prod-ucts – authenticity.

Is Blake Mycoskie en-joying financial success

after he introduced the world to TOMS? Yes. Have the folks who came up with Pepsi’s Refresh Proj-ect likely earned them-selves a rather handsome bonus? Sure. We realize this (or should). We also realize that at some level, these companies have a genuine desire to do good in the world, and that’s what makes their prod-ucts so appealing. When corporate social respon-sibility is done correctly, doing good and making a profit don’t have to be mutually exclusive. When done poorly, well, ask the marketing genius behind BOBS, and the answer probably won’t be pretty.

contact The Optimist atjmcnetwork@acu.edu

Self

contact Self atrcs06g@acu.edu

the issueSmokers have been spotted on campus, throwing their butts on the ground and exhaling vapors.

our takeThe campus has rules against smoking on campus, please abide by those guidelines.

letter to the editor

This past Tuesday, Rick Perry spoke at an event hosted by the West Central Texas Republican Women’s Club. This event was held during the day at the Robert D. and Shirley Hunter Welcome Center, and several stu-dents attended. This event was inherently political, as the purpose was to encourage those in attendance to vote for Rick Perry. While the university was not offi-cially affiliated with the event, they allowed the group to use their facilities, and the podium from which Perry spoke featured the ACU logo.

This is the second time that the university has rented its facilities to a political group seeking to pro-mote a political agenda. In June, former President George W. Bush’s Deputy Chief of Staff and political strategist Karl Rove came in a similar event hosted by the Taylor County Republican party. This event was also held in the Hunter Welcome Center.

ACU has a policy that states that when a political candidate is invited to speak on campus, an oppos-ing candidate must also be given an opportunity to speak. Additionally, the university should not dem-onstrate support of one candidate over another; Rick Perry’s use of a podium featuring the ACU logo seems to be in direct conflict with this rule.

By allowing political groups to host events on cam-pus, particularly during an election, the university muddles its message of non-partisanship and Christian unity. Therefore the policy that applies to ACU students, faculty and staff regarding campaigning and political events on campus should extend to events held by third party groups, regardless of political affiliation.

ACU remains partisan

By Morgan DavisThe Funny Funnies

COLLEEN ASHLEY senior political science major from American Samoa

JARED PERKINS junior environmental science and political science major from Saginaw

October 20, 2010 Page 7FROM SPORTS

Streak: Suggs lays crushing hit

Massoni found Andrew Mo-cio, who was then leveled by L.B. Suggs. Eric Edwards picked up the ball and rum-bled to the end zone for an ACU defensive touchdown.

“I actually thought it was incomplete when I hit him,” said safety L.B. Suggs. “Then I saw Eric Edwards pick it up and score.”

With the Wildcats already leading 24-0, Mitchell Gale and ACU stepped back out on the field. But the drive did not go as planned as Gale threw his first interception of the season, thanks to a tipped pass by Taylor Gabriel.

The Wildcats would re-bound to score 30 more points before the final buzz-er of the game.

ACU has won by an aver-age of 44.7 points per game against the teams they have played outside the top-10. This shows one thing about the Wildcats – they know how to beat the opponents they are supposed to beat. Too of-ten last season and with many top tier teams in general, they tended to play down to their opponents. But the Wildcats have done no such thing, dominating every game they were supposed to.

Unfortunately for Gale, there is one thing he will take

away from this game he won’t be happy with, an intercep-tion. But all a fan has to do is look at the numbers to un-derstand that Gale, when all is said and done, could have one of the best single seasons in ACU history.

Gale is currently fourth in Division II in passing efficiency. This statistic measures a quarterback’s completion percentage, touchdowns and intercep-

tions. All three of the quar-terbacks ahead of Gale have attempted fewer passes, thrown for fewer yards, and thrown fewer touchdowns.

The 7-0 Wildcats will be back on the road again in Portales, N.M. this week-end for a showdown with the 3-4 Greyhounds from Eastern New Mexico.

FOOTBALL

contact Tripp atbjt07a@acu.edu

DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer

Redshirt sophomore quarterback Mitchell Gale drops back to pass Saturday. Gale threw for 5 TDs and 379 yards in the win.

Shake receives disc golf awardShaking It UpBryson Shake

It’s rare for a faculty mem-ber from a Division II school nestled in the “Bible Belt” of Texas to be recognized at a nationwide event in South Caro-lina. It’s even rarer for that person to be your mom.

D e o n n a Shake, an instructor of exercise science and health, and a dang good mother, might I add, was the recipi-ent of the Educational Disc Golf Experience National Educator of the Year Award Saturday, October 19th.

The award, given annu-ally at the United States Disc Golf Championships in Rock Hill, S.C., goes to an educa-tor who has perpetuated the sport of disc golf in his or her local community and shown exceptional teaching abilities in the sport.

The committee that se-lected the winner made a great decision, if I do say so myself.

“Each year, the E.D.G.E, staff selects an educator who is using disc golf in their pro-gram.We give the award to those that are making the most out of their job as edu-cators,” Jon Lyksett, Execu-tive Director of E.D.G.E. said.

My mom fits those pa-rameters to a “t.”

Shake, attended a state convention in 2008 and saw a booth on disc golf. Intrigued, she began asking questions about the sport, and the more she learned of it, the more convinced she became that ACU needed to offer a course dedicated to the sport.

“I instantly fell in love with the sport because it was fun and beginner-friendly, while still offering a platform of competition,” Shake said.

After coming home from this convention, she was sold on the sport which was foreign to my family. She instantly wanted to take us all out to a local course and spend an afternoon togeth-er learning the ins and outs of disc golf. Most families spend time together at the dinner table, we spend time together in an active man-ner. You practice what you preach. That’s the true defi-nition of a teacher.

Joe Bell, chair of the ex-ercise science and health department, was also in-trigued by the possibil-ity of adding it as a class at ACU when Shake ap-proached him after at-tending the conference.

“Deonna was so excited about this opportunity. I could tell from the passion and attitude that she exerted that this was something she really wanted to make hap-pen,” said Bell.

In the fall semester of the 2009 school year, disc golf was offered for the first time as a class.

The new class filled up quicker than Usian Bolt’s 100-meter dash time and continues to be a huge suc-cess to this day.

Shake realized that in order for the sport to prog-ress locally and on campus, a course would be benefi-cial, not only for her class, but for the Abilene com-munity as well.

She spearheaded the process of organizing the installation of ACU’s own disc course and single-handedly raised $18,000 for the course. The Wildcat Disc Golf Course officially opened on April 28, 2009.

Jay Reading, designer of the ACU course and a profes-sional disc golf player, talked about the rarity of teachers like Shake.

“It’s the people who teach with passion and commitment and demon-strate a zest for life who are the ones that are easy to spot,” Reading said.

Those type of people are a rarity. But what’s even more rare is finding a bet-ter mom than mine.

COLUMN

contact Shake atbxs09a@acu.edu

Goals: Coppedge scores twiceCarpenter scored in the 17th minute and again in the 19th minute.

This would be all the Wildcats needed as goalie Elliot London picked up another shutout victory, re-cording four saves. Ashley Holton added to her goal-scoring totals as well with an insurance goal late in the game. Julie Coppedge recorded assists on all three goals.

In the second game of the weekend, it was more of the same as the Wild-cats’ offense dominated. Coppedge would score two goals against the Bulldogs in efforts of a 4–0 victory.

Coppedge scored her first goal in the 31st minute and added her second early in the second half. Carpen-ter would add a third goal for the Wildcats and Ash-ley Craig would score late to seal the Bulldogs’ fate. London picked up her sec-ond shutout victory of the season. ACU’s defense only gave up two shots on goal in the match.

“Andrea, Ashley and Julie all stepped up this

weekend,” Wilson said. “They have played to-gether so teams cannot just focus on one player, because then another one would beat you.”

With the pair of victo-ries, ACU played its final matches at home this sea-son. The Wildcats current-ly sit in second in the con-ference with a 6–1 record. However, ACU will be heavily tested this week-end as they take on Angelo

State and Incarnate Word on the road, both of whom currently have a 6–1 record in conference.

“This past weekend was a big weekend for our team,” senior midfielder Kendall Cooper said. “The two wins we had were cru-cial in taking another step forward towards our team goal, winning conference.”

The Wildcats will travel to San Angelo Friday for a match with the Rambelles at 4 p.m. ACU will complete the road trip Sunday, travel-ing to San Antonio to take on Incarnate Word at noon.

The Wildcats currently

SOCCER

contact Cantrell atjrc07f@acu.edu

Doubles: ACU now on radarHach and Joiner, as well as Walker and Mongin, went into their doubles tourna-ments ready to show that they could compete with the best duos in the nation, and did by finishing in third.

Hach and Joiner won their first match with ease, defeating Josh Raymond and Yeswanth Nadella 6-1, 6-1. They then had to play the number-one ranked team of Rafael Array and Mikk Irdoja and lost a tough match 6-2, 7-5. Hach and Joiner did not let that loss bother them, however, and beat in the third-place match by defeating the Concordia team of Andrey Baldarev and Daniele Pi-ludu, 7-5, 6-2.

Walker and Mongin had a similar journey in their doubles tournament, as they were also able to win their first match with relative ease, 6-2, 6-4, over

the California, Pa. pair, Bornefeld and Franziska. They then lost to the team of Alida Muller-Wehlau and Barbora Krtickova in the semifinals but bounced back with a well-earned win against Barbi Pocza and Angie Werschel, 2-6, 6-3, 10-4, in the third-place match.

“It was an exciting week to be a part of, and now we’re looking to see what the spring season has in store for us,” said senior Bryan Joiner.

TENNIS

contact Johnston atjdj10a@acu.edu

Offensive Player of the Game

Mitchell Gale

• Gale completed 17 of 26 passes in the game against Incarnate Word. He threw for five touchdowns during the game, butdid throw his first interception of theseason. Gale recorded his second gamethis season with five touchdown passes.

Defensive Player of the Game

L.B. Suggs

• L.B. Suggs made a game changing playwhen he hit Cardinals receiver AndrewMocio forcing him to fumble the ball, which was returned for a touchdown. Suggs also led all Wildcats in tackles withnine in the game.

I actually thought it was incomplete when I hit him.

L.B. Suggs // sophomore safety for the ACU Wildcats‘‘ ’’

KELSI WILLIAMSON // File Photo

Jaclyn Walker finished third in doubles with partner Julia Mongin.

Teams cannot just focus on one player, because then another one would beat you.

Casey Wilson // head coach of Wildcat soccer‘‘ ’’

Continued from page 8

Continued from page 8

Continued from page 8

Shake

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SportsStandings

FOOTBALLTeam Div. Ovrl.ACUTAMU-KMSUWTAMUENMUE. CentralTarleton St.Angelo St.UIW

4-03-12-12-12-22-11-20-40-3

7-06-16-15-23-42-52-52-42-5

VOLLEYBALL

Team Div. Ovrl.ACUWTAMUAngelo St.Tarleton St.MSUTAMU-K

8-08-07-14-44-44-4

19-315-811-1017-710-109-10

WOMEN’S SOCCERTeam Div. Ovrl.MSUACUCen. Okla.WTAMUNE St.E. Central ENMU

7-0-06-1-03-4-02-4-10-4-31-5-10-7-0

12-1-011-2-07-7-16-5-34-5-55-7-23-11-0

Briefs

n Ijeoma Moronu was named Setter of the Week by the LSC league office. It is her third Setter of the Week honor this year.

n Edmund Gates was named an LSC Top Performer of the Week for his efforts in the Wildcats' win over Incarnate Word on Saturday. Gates had his fourth 100-yard receiv-ing game of the season. and caught two touch-downs in the win.

n Alex Carpenter won the Division II National Preview Tournament in Mobile, Ala. Carpenter shot a 3-under 69 in the second and final round Tuesday to win.

PlayerProfile

n Julie Coppedge, sophomore soccer player from Amarillo, scored two goals in the Wildcats’ 4-0 win Sunday against Southwestern Okla-homa. Coppedge now has four goals on the year to go along with eight assists and has been an integral part in the success of the ACU soccer program this year. She started all 19 games last year and scored four goals in her freshman campaign en route to earning second team All-Lone Star Confer-ence and second team All-Region honors as a true freshman.

Ex-Factor

n Bernard Scott and the Bengals had a bye week last week and will resume play Sun-day against the Atlanta Falcons. Scott has run for 78 yards on 17 carries this year.

n Johnny Knox had five receptions for 120 yards in the Bears’ 23-20 loss to the Sea-hawks Sunday. Danieal Manning had four tackles in the effort.

October 20, 2010Page 8

Wildcats survive scare to remain in first

Thursday was a wake-up call. That’s what Coach Mock is calling it, and that is what her team is calling it.

“We realized every team is gunning for us,” said senior setter Ijeoma Moronu. “It was a remind-er that every game we play has to be the only thing that’s on our mind.

The Wildcats almost suffered their first confer-ence loss of the season Thursday, but the women pulled out a five-set win against upstart Midwest-

ern State. That wake-up call was enough for ACU as they went out and swept Cameron in their next match Saturday.

It looked like the ’Cats were going to lose their shot at getting home-court advantage for the Lone Star Conference post-sea-son tournament after fall-ing behind to Midwestern 2-0. The Wildcats turned things around, however, and rallied for an epic five-set victory.

“We weren’t quite as men-tally and physically prepared for Midwestern as Midwest-ern was for us,” Mock said.

Ijeoma Moronu may have played the best game of her career, scoring her first triple double. She recorded 51 as-sists, 24 digs and 10 block as-sists. Junior Jennie Hutt and senior Jordan Schilling both put up double doubles to aid in the victory.

But the comeback wasn’t without its tense moments. The ‘Cats survived a match point in the third set before winning the game 28-26. In the fifth set, the Wildcats didn’t even have a lead until the 13-12 mark. A kill by fresh-man Madelyn Robinett finally ended the match to give ACU its fifth victory in a row.

“We didn’t play particular-ly well,” Mock said. “They put us to the test, but I was really proud of how the girls bond-ed together for the win.”

Win number 19 came much easier than 18 did. The Wildcats dominated the entire match against a 7-14 Cameron squad en route to a 3-0 victory. The second set told the story. The Wildcats had an attack percentage of .700 while holding the Ag-gies to -.029.

Senior Shawna Hines led the way in kills with 14 in the match. She also led ACU in points with 16.5 while con-tributing on the defensive

end with five blocks.The Wildcats will return

to action Thursday at home against East Central in a crucial conference match. The rest of the Wildcats matches will be in the con-ference, so every win from now on is critical for the ACU’s overall standing.

This week the ’Cats moved up to 20th overall in the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) national poll. It is the highest ranking for the Wildcats in the last two seasons.

Austin GwinSports Editor

VOLLEYBALL

DANIEL GOMEZ // Chief Photographer

The ACU defense bottles up an Incarnate Word run Saturday. The defense was stout, allowing only 265 yards of offense and 14 points. The Wildcat defense also forced a fumble which Eric Edwards returned for a score. It was the fourth touchdown for the ACU defense this season.

Defense throttles Cards

The ACU Wildcats have moved to 7-0 with a 54-14 beat down of the Univer-sity of Incarnate Word in ACU’s first ever match-up with the Cardinals.

Mitchell Gale had an-other monster night as he

continues to dominate op-ponents. Gale went 17-26 for 379 yards and five touch-downs. He also threw his first interception of the sea-son when a pass intended for Taylor Gabriel bounced off Gabriel’s hands and was picked off by the Cardinals.

“I thought Mitchell did another nice job tonight,”

said ACU Head Coach Chris Thomsen.

Edmund Gates had an-other 100 yards in receiv-ing, making this his third straight 100-yard effort. Gates needed just three catches to pull in 121 yards and two scores. Two of those receptions went for 40-plus yards.

“I thought we did pretty well in all three phases to-night,” said Thomsen.

After forcing a three and out by the Cardinals, the Wildcats were determined to get points on the board. It took just two plays to put them in great field po-sition as Gale found Gates for a 47-yard reception to

set the Wildcats up at the Cardinals’ one-yard line. Daryl Richardson would punch it in from there, and the Wildcats were up 7-0.

Toward the end of the first quarter, Incarnate Word was trying to put something together. Eric

Brandon TrippSports Director

FOOTBALL

STACY ACTON // Staff Photographer

Anastasia Nelson tries to dribble the ball past two Central Oklahoma defenders on Friday.

Scoring surge nets win

The Wildcats shut out two conference opponents last weekend to improve to 11–2 overall and 6–1 in con-ference. ACU downed the Bronchos of Central Okla-

homa 3–0 on Friday before defeating Southwestern Oklahoma State 4–0.

“The games went great this weekend. We played well,” Coach Casey Wilson said. “We played good on Friday against Central Okla-homa, and then took care of

Southwestern on Sunday.”Andrea Carpenter con-

tinued to be an offensive standout as she scored two first-half goals against the Bronchos, and the Wild-cats never looked back.

Ryan CantrellSports Multimedia Editor

SOCCER

Duos place third in national event

The Wildcat Tennis team sent four players to the ITA Small College National Championships this past weekend. Sophomores Hans Hach and Julia Mon-gin competed in the men and women’s singles tour-naments and teamed up with Bryan Joiner and Ja-clyn Walker, respectively, for the doubles tournaments.

Hach placed fifth in his singles tournament while Mongin placed third in hers. Hach lost his first-round match, but was able to bounce back by win-ning his next matches with ease. Mongin made it to the semifinal match before getting beat by the number-one ranked player, Yuan Jia of BYU-Hawaii.

Both Hach and Mon-gin were able to win their last matches, ending the tournament on a good note. Hach beat Andy Blair from Drury University on Saturday 6-1, 6-2, sealing his fifth-place finish. Later that day, Mongin beat Jutta Bornefeld of California, Pa. for third place 6-2, 7-5.

“I thought Hans [Hach] and Julia [Mongin] both played very well in their singles tournaments,” said Coach Hutton Jones. “Hans had a tough match to start his tournament but was able to play very well after that first loss. And Julia beat two very talented players and lost to the best player in the nation, so I was very proud of both her and Hans’ performances.”

Jeff JohnstonSports Reporter

TENNIS

contact Gwin atagg07a@acu.edu

see STREAK page 7

see DOUBLES page 7see GOALS page 7