By Molly ByrdPage 2 Editor

ACU social clubs are pre-paring for another semester of pledging by encouraging interested students to regis-ter online by 5 p.m. Wednes-day, so they can participate in the upcoming activities.

An informational meeting Thursday discussed details regarding student eligibil-ity, rushing requirements, the benefits of pledging and financial responsibilities for those who want to partici-pate in the pledging process.

In order to be considered for membership in a social club, a student needs to meet four requirements. The stu-dent must have completed two full semesters, be en-rolled as a full-time student (12 hours for undergraduate, 9 hours for graduate), be a high school graduate from 2007 or earlier and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.

Once students have veri-fied they meet all the re-quirements, they need to go online and register at www.acu.edu/socialclubs before 5 p.m. Wednesday. After com-pleting registration, students also must print out the medi-cal form and pledging con-tract to turn in Sept. 12 when

they rank clubs. To keep track of the number of rush-es attended, students will be given a rush card, which also will need to be returned the day of ranking.

“If you register, it does not mean you are required to pledge,” said Mauri West-brook, director of Student Organizations and Activities. “But if you don’t register on time, you won’t be able to participate in the pledging process because late regis-tration isn’t allowed.”

Current club members said in a recent survey that being in a social club gives them a chance to develop deep and

meaningful relationships, en-courages them to participate in service opportunities and provides them with a place to feel accepted and loved.

Suzanne Langston, Sigma Theta Chi president, said her experiences in a social club have far surpassed her ex-

pectations and she has been blessed beyond measure by the friendship and oppor-tunities she has received by taking part in a club.

At the informational meet-ing, Eric Gentry, Gamma Sigma Phi president, told the audi-ence they might find some-

thing really great in a club they had not expected. His words mirrored those of the Social Club Handbook: choose a club based upon personal decision and not on stereotype.

The rush process lasts two weeks, leaving an event-free week before Bid Night. Each student will then rank his or her favorite clubs; potential pledges will be placed in the club in which they receive a bid and is closest to their top ranked.

Bids will be delivered Sept. 18. Men receive their bids in their residence halls,

Department of Journalism and Mass Communication :: Abilene Christian University :: Serving the ACU community since 1912

Log on to www.youtube.com/acu-video to see Wednesday’s newscast from the JMC Network Newscast staff. This weeks webisode includes stories about changes to Chapel, ACU parking tickets and the pledging process.

:JMC networkMore from the WebcastaCU WeatHeR

Wednesday ThursdayHigh: 83Low: 66

Friday

High: 88Low: 66

High: 91Low: 68

Online Poll : What do you think about the new

Chapel card readers?

a. They work great.b. They’re fine. I love waiting in line.c. It is a horrible idea.d. Students should quit whining. acuoptimist.com

Pg 3InsideThis Issue:

Seasoned chefs: Three men bring their experience to the grill

Read the rundown on the presidential nominees’ vice-presidential picks

Among the best: ACU ranked high by ‘U.S. News & World Report’

Pg 6 Pg 5

Optimistthe

a product of theJMC network

Pg. 8 ACU jumps to No. 4 rank with opening-day winWednesday, September 3, 2008 :: Vol. 97, No. 4 :: 1 section, 8 pages :: www.acuoptimist.com

20%

Zak Zeinert :: chief photographer

A sign advertises a house for sale on East North 16th Street. Apartment rates and rent at houses around campus have recently gone up.

Zak Zeinert :: chief photographer

Katie Barnard, junior history major from Abilene, and Liz McClellan, sophomore family studies major from Austin, grab some hot dogs at the baseball-themed Sigma Theta Chi rush Monday. Social clubs will sponsor rushes for the next two weeks as an effort to let potential pledges preview their clubs.

Potential pledges treated to food, fun

Rent rises for nearby apartments, housesBy Tanner AndersonPage Designer

The dream of off-campus living may seem far away to some, but when the dream be-comes reality, students who are looking for new means of shelter may find themselves in a housing predicament.

In recent months gas prices were not the only thing on the rise in Abilene — several apartment com-plexes and houses around campus have been gradually increasing rent prices. And

with the growing student population, it may become more difficult to locate ide-al living quarters.

“Prices have been going up every three months; I think you’ll find that all over town,” said Riatta Ranch manager Bill Chatham.

Riatta Ranch offers an apartment with one bed-room and one bath for around $554. At Riatta, resi-dents can use the complex’s swimming pool, fitness cen-ter and volleyball area.

According to University

Park apartment’s Web site, students who live in UP pay between $379 and $696 a month. Students who lived there last year paid $459 for a two-bedroom apartment and $369 for a four-bedroom. These prices don’t include the subsidy price, which is a small portion of the rent that is covered by ACU. The rent includes an electricity allow-ance, cable TV, high-speed Internet, furniture, water/sewer and access to all on-site amenities.

The Grove, an apartment

complex on Ambler Avenue where several ACU and Har-din Simmons University stu-dents live, offers furnished apartments between $470 and $495 a month. Those rates are up from a year ago when students paid between $420-$465 a month. All the apartments at the Grove are fully furnished and include cable television, utilities and $30 a month to help pay stu-dents’ electricity bill.

“The best thing to do is to

Gustav’s strong winds, rains affect some ACU students By Michael Freeman Managing Editor

Although Hurricane Gustav made landfall about 700 miles from Abilene on Monday, the effects of the storm hit close to home for some ACU students.

“Baton Rouge probably has more damage than they’ve

really seen from a storm in a couple of decades,” said Shannon Williamson, gradu-ate student in psychology from New Orleans.

Hurricane Gustav knocked out power for nearly 1.4 million households, Louisi-ana Gov. Bobby Jindal said Tuesday. Michelle Guillory, graduate student from Port

Allen, La., is one of those without power. She said she is working on her ACU de-gree online from home.

“I lost power around 11 a.m. [Monday morning],” Guillory said. “We could have a couple of days with-out power.”

The process of restoring power will take some time.

Williamson’s father works as a manager for a Louisiana electrical power company.

“He had to work all week-end in preparation for the storm,” Williamson said. “And he’ll be working 12-hour, maybe 15-hour days for the next few days.”

Almost two million peo-ple evacuated Louisiana as

the hurricane approached, according to CNN.com. But many students’ families de-cided to stay in their homes. However, they will be with-out groceries, gasoline and water in addition to being without power.

“Everybody is closed down,” Guillory said. “Gaso-line stations are closed. In

fact, a lot of places are com-pletely out of gas. If you didn’t get your gasoline yes-terday [Sunday], then you’re out of luck.”

As Louisiana officials and residents begin to return to normalcy, Gustav treks northwest. Experts from

Students ‘Rush’ in Readers relocated, structure of Chapel unchangedBy Michael FreemanManaging Editor

Returning students may not notice many changes to Chapel. Not many alterations were made because of the posi-tive feedback from last year’s Chapel program.

“The two surveys that we had data from in fall of 2007 and the spring of 2008 gave us good validation that what was going on in Cha-pel was a good thing,” said Mark Lewis, assistant dean for Spiritual Life and Chapel Programs. “But everything is always up for evaluation and consideration.”

One aspect of Chapel that received evaluation and change during the summer was the card reader program. To aid in the flow of traffic in and out of Chapel, new card readers were installed on the handrails inside Moody Coli-seum. The old card readers, which were located at the base of the stairwells enter-ing Moody, were deactivated. Currently, 23 card readers are active, one more than was ac-tive last year.

“We really want to avoid the

See Chapel page 10

See Gustav page 4

acuoptimist.com: Log on to see a video focused on the pledging process, changes to this year’s process and interviews with students considering pledging.

See Rent page 10

Lewis

See Rush page 10

PLedging dates to RemembeR

n Wednesday : Register online by 5 p.m.n Sept. 12 : Rank in Living Room of the Campus Center.n Sept. 18 : Bids delivered by social clubsn Sept. 19 : Bid night from late afternoon until 5 a.m.

For more information about pledging a social club visit www.acu.edu/socialclubs

Applications for SALT, Service Action Leadership Team, are available in the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center in the Bean Sprout. This group of students organizes events throughout the year that engage the

student body in service and work to establish relationships with the neighborhoods surrounding the campus. Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5 with inter-views to follow from Sept. 8-10.

Last day to request C/NC or P/F.

8 a.m. - 11 p.m. West Texas Fair & Rodeo

7 p.m.“Circle of Laughs” comedy featuring Chonda Pierce at Southern Hills Church of Christ.

7:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.ACU comedy Moonlight and Magnolia’s in Fulks Theater. Call 674-ARTS (2787) for tickets.

10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Service Expo in the Campus Center’s Mall Area. Representatives from area agencies will set up displays and be present to talk with students about service opportunities. Contact: Rita Harrell, Ext. 2932

8 p.m. – 10 p.m. Shades try-outs in Gibson Gym.

9 p.m Seekers of the Word try-outs in Biblical Studies Building Room 130.

8 a.m. - 11 p.m.West Texas Fair & Rodeo with exhibits, rodeo, livestock shows and carnival at the Taylor County Expo Center. Call the Expo Center at 677-4376.

10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Service Expo in the Campus Center’s Mall Area. Contact: Rita Harrell, Ext. 2932

10:30 a.m.West Texas Fair and Rodeo Parade in downtown Abilene.

7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Connecting Caring Communities Talent Show at the Paramount Theatre. Contact the Office of Multicultural Enrichment.

7:30 p.m. - 10 p.m. ACU Fall Comedy Moonlight and Magnolia’s

Calendar and Events

Volunteer Opportunities

Announcements

Friday3

Wednesday Thursday Saturday

The Taylor Elementary Chess Club is seeking volunteers to help with the club on Thursday afternoons from 3:15 p.m.-4:15 p.m. Volunteers do not need to know how to play chess.

Sanctus Real Concert needs volunteers Sunday, Sept. 14 to help with a variety of tasks from loading vehicles and providing security to selling merchandise anytime during the day from 9:00 a.m. until midnight. The concert will take place at the Paramount Theatre.

ACU’s Summit (Lectureship), Sept. 21 – 24, needs volunteers for a variety of jobs. Someone is needed to answer phone call requests for shuttle pick-ups, and 21-year-old drivers are needed to drive 15 passenger vans for the shuttle service (training required through ACU Physical Resourc-

es). Male students are needed to serve communion Sunday evening, volunteers are needed to work the registration tables in Teague Center and baby sitters are needed during the day and evening to assist with child care.

The Alzheimer’s Association is seeking volunteers to help in a variety of ways with its annual Alzheimer’s Walk at Nelson Park. The walk takes place Saturday, Sept. 20, and help is needed from 6 a.m. – noon. They also need help on Sept. 18 and 19 to haul tables to the park.

Louis Thornton, husband of Lynda Thornton who works in the Applied Studies Department, is hospitalized and has an urgent need for blood. He can receive Type B-positive, B-negative, O-positive or O-negative. If you can

donate, please go to the Meek Blood Center, 1150 N. 18th St., and donate in his name.

The Volunteer & Service-Learning Center will host a Service Expo on the main floor of the Campus Center on Wednesday and Thurs-day, Sept. 3 and 4. From 10 a.m. to noon representatives from area agencies will be available at their displays to discuss with students various volunteer opportunities.

An ESL teacher at Abilene High School needs volunteers to help in her class with one-on-one

tutoring in core subject areas for non-native speakers of English.This can be done Monday-Friday anytime between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Find out volunteer opportuni-ties by visiting the Volunteer and Service-Learning Web site at www.acu.edu/vslc and clicking on Volunteer Opportunities. For more information or to sign up to help, contact the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center in the Bean Sprout.

CreditedChapelsto date:

CreditedChapelsremaining:

Checkup07 58

Chapel

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Campus Day2

acuoptimist.com

4 5 6

If you walk, jog or bike, use the lighted ACU Lunsford Trail. If possible, always go with a group and carry a cell phone with you.

Tuesday, Aug. 26 12:55 a.m. Fire alarm at Smith Hall Room 104.3:07 p.m. Disturbance at the Campus Center with terminated ARAMARK employee.5:53 p.m. Contacted subjects selling books in the University parking lot, and they were advised to leave and did comply. 6:45 p.m. Contacted students playing football on the soccer field with the “keep off” signs. They moved to another field.7:35 p.m. Contacted students that had burned a chair at 2400 Madison. The fire was out, and the subjects were warned about the violation.

Wednesday, Aug. 27 2:00 a.m. Assisted Abilene PD with traffic stop at E.N. 22nd Street and Cedar Crest. K-9 was called to the scene to check for narcotics; subjects were then released.5:12 p.m. Assisted subject locating lost dog at 500 E.N. 23rd Street. 10:09 p.m. Report of children playing on the ACU Pond wall; checked and all was OK.

Thursday Aug. 28 9:29 a.m. Report of female threatening suicide near library; located and subject was OK. Notified ACU Counseling Center. 11:41 a.m. Student attempting to enter the Bean without paying. Subject advised.

7:20 a.m. Assisted elderly subject with changing tire at 2400 N. Judge Ely Blvd.10:10 p.m. Assisted employee with found property (drugs) off campus; items were brought to the station for disposal.10:23 p.m. Report of students throwing water balloons from West Campus North parking lot; unable to locate.

Friday, Aug. 29 7:00 p.m. Cut lock off of a bicycle at Sikes Hall.10:25 p.m. Report of a stolen wallet and phone.

Saturday, Aug. 303:00 a.m. Assisted APD on DUI arrest at College Drive and Avenue D.11:50 p.m. Loud party outside at 500 E.N. 20th Street; con-tacted resident and took party inside.

Sunday, Aug. 31 3:20 a.m. Report of suspicious vehicle at 800 E.N. 12th Drive; unable to locate.4:50 p.m. Saw smoke com-ing from 2400 Rountree Drive; contacted subjects burning wood in the yard and informed them of burn ban.

Always report suspicious activ-ity to ACUPD at 674-2305 or 674-2911.

Police Log

ACU Police Tip of the Week

Check out a short newscast on ACU ticketers, changes to Chapel and women’s social club teas this past Sunday.

Log on to www.youtube.com/ acuvideo to see a video about pledging and a few interviews with current members.

Online Newscast Webcast

In the article titled “Mosier, Headrick remembered for impact at ACU”, which ran Aug. 29, a mis-take was made as follows:“Mosier is survived by her husband Bert and brother Charlie; she also

is survived by two children and two grandchildren.”Bert actually passed away several years ago, and Martha was the last living of her siblings.

Corrections /Clarifications

September 3, 2008 Page 3CAMPUS NEWS

Service Expo begins WednesdayBy Colter HettichFeatures Editor

A handful of service opportunities will surface this Wednesday and Thursday, less than two weeks after the service-themed Opening Day Ceremonies. More than 20 organizations will fill the Campus Center Sep. 3-4 for this year’s Service Expo.

California Sen. Jack Scott challenged the opening Chapel crowd to live lives of service. His speech set the tone for what the administration hopes will be a year underlined by service.

Nancy Coburn, director of Volunteer and Service-Learning Center, was pleased with the senator’s charge. She expects his words will draw slightly more student attention to departments like the VSLC.

“Whenever I hear that kind of thing, I get excited; but on the other hand, it never surprises me because that’s just who we are,” Coburn said. “To call a Christian institution to serve just makes sense to me.”

Representatives for more than 20 local volunteer and service-based organizations will be available to talk to students in the Campus Center from 10 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. both days.

Rita Harrell, VSLC administrative coordinator, explained the Expo’s purpose.

“This is a time when we offer to our local agencies and non-profits an opportunity to come, set up a display and visit with students about service opportunities at their locations,” she said.

Organizations like Big Brothers, Big Sisters and Habitat for Humanity, both of which

will be present for the Expo, have annually set up displays on campus for 10 years. Other organizations in attendance include Boys & Girls Club of Abilene, Care Inn of Abilene, Communities in School Day Nursery of Abilene, Herald of Truth, March of Dimes, Meals on Wheels, Texas Special Olympics and Young Life.

Harrell has noticed a growing trend: professors are requiring service hours for course completion. The Service Expo benefits not only those students looking for required hours, but those just looking to help people.

“We also have a lot of students who just want to be involved in serving,” Harrell said. “They’re just looking for a way to give back to the community.”

ACU honored as ‘Up-and-Coming’ school, rankings bring attentionBy Laura AcuffOpinion Page Editor

U.S. News & World Report stationed ACU in the top tier of its “America’s Best Colleges” rankings list, which hit newsstands in Monday’s issue of the magazine.

Statistics including graduation rate, faculty-student ratio and entrance exam scores determine rankings in conjunction with a peer assessment survey.

Specifically, ACU tied with Chapman University (Calif.) as the No. 1 “Up-and-Coming” school in the Universities-Master’s western region, placed 21st in quality for the western region and ranked 12th in its region for “Great Schools, Great Prices,” according to an ACU Web site press release.

Admissions counselor Krystina Bruner said she appreciates the professional acknowledgement U.S. News & World Report’s attention brings.

“I think it really reflects positively on just the efforts

that we’re putting forth to make ACU a distinctive place and let people know what we’re really about, so I’m really excited that they’re finally giving us credit for the hard work that we put in over the past year,” Bruner said.

While the new Mobile Learning Initiative surely played a role in earning ACU’s spot in the national magazine, Bruner said she believes the credit truly belongs to the people behind the technology.

“It’s everyone on campus; I think the people here are what really make ACU distinctive,” Bruner said.

Jonathon Dobermecki, a prospective student from Georgetown who visited the ACU campus this week for Purple Monday, said he knew about U.S. News & World

Report’s rankings, but they would not affect his decision on whether or not he would join the freshman class next fall.

Dobermecki’s top priority remains finding a “good Christian college,” and he said he wanted to visit campus to verify firsthand the reputation ACU has both spiritually and academically.

“It looks like a really good school here,” Dobermecki said.“I want to see it for myself. That’s why I came here to check it out. [Rankings are] a good thing to have, but I want to experience it myself.”

East North 10th construction takes toll on studentsBy Zak ZeinertChief Photographer

If students are tired of road construction and miles of never-ending cones, they may be out of luck for some time.

Students may be displeased to learn road construction on East North 10th Street is only the first of three phases, and the project will continue throughout the year.

Cody Marshall, city of Abilene design engineer, said the work is currently in the first of three stages.

“It mostly just has to do with drive quality. The pavement is 25 years old and in pretty bad shape. We’re going back and totally reconstructing it so that it will last another 25 years.” Marshall said.

Construction started Aug. 4 and stretches from Judge Ely Boulevard to Treadaway.

The first phase is expected to continue for at least two more weeks. The following two phases are expected to last 4-6 weeks and end in early January. The second phase will stretch from Treadaway to Pine Street, and the third will go from Pine Street to Grape Street.

The construction is the result of a bond election that was passed by taxpayers in 2006. Taxpayers approved $19 million for construction to be spread out over a four-year period. A committee was then assembled to review and propose which streets to repair. The project is currently in its third year.

Some people, though, have had enough of the endless lines of cones stretching down the road.

Tila Beason, an employee at Shell gas station at the intersection of Judge Ely

Boulevard and East North 10th Street, is tired of all the construction.

“It’s crazy. I don’t know why they’re doing it at this street. And the timing is bad, right when all the kids are coming back,” Beason said.

Andrew Cramer, senior marketing major from Houston, used to take East North 10th

Street to work. “Its ridiculous; the cones

are so close to your car. I wish they would do it during the summer when no one is here,” Cramer said.

Despite this, Marshall said most citizens have responded positively to the construction.

“The only drawback is having to deal with traffic, and traffic having to deal with the construction.” Marshall said.

Zak Zeinert :: chief photographer

Cars drive down East North 10th Street in a single file line; construction on the street began Aug. 4 and will continue for the next few weeks.

It’s everyone on campus; I think the people here are what really make ACU distinctive.

:: Krystina Bruner, Admissions counselor.

“”

E-mail Hettich at: clh05d@acu.edu

E-mail Acuff at: lka06a@acu.edu

E-mail Zeinert at: zaz05a@acu.edu

Wednesday, September 3, 2008 Page 4CAMPUS NEWS

but off-campus students pick them up in the Cam-pus Center from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Women meet in Hart Auditorium, where they will each receive a card directing them to the location where they will be introduced to their club.

“I can’t wait to round that corner at our location and see our new pledge class,” Langston said.

Bid night begins Sept. 19 in the late afternoon and lasts until 5 a.m. Pledges have a long day but must be back in their campus hous-ing no later than 5 a.m.

If anytime during Bid Night pledges feel hazing has occurred, they have the responsibility to report it because it is against state laws, Westbrook said.

Pledging has two differ-ent phases. The first is the initiatory phase, where the activities work on building relationships within each pledge class; the second is the provisional member phase, which focuses on the relationships within the club as a whole.

“I like to see how the new guys bond together because our pledging process is dif-ficult,” said Taylor Sturgis, president of Galaxy. “It forces them to lean on each other, and the relationships they end up building last forever.”

Pledging is a six-week process, and each club has a 15-hour limit for activities per week. In order to com-plete the pledging process, all prospective members need to complete a list of requirements that are made by each club.

Jon Sharp, sophomore

communication major from McKinney, is interested in pledging this semester. “I know some people who are already in club, so I think it’ll be fun even if it is time-consuming because it’s a good thing to be involved in,” he said.

Once prospective mem-bers have been inducted into a club, they will be respon-sible for a certain amount of money toward their dues. The dues pay for different

activities throughout each semester. Other costs in-clude socials, T-shirts and Sing Song. Pledges can talk individually to the club pres-idents if more information is needed regarding dues.

If students have any ques-tions or want more information, they can contact Mauri West-brook at 674-2069 or e-mail her at socialclubs@acu.edu.

backup as much as possible,” Lewis said. “I’ve noticed con-sistently that by five minutes after Chapel is concluded, the floor readers are virtually emp-ty. But the ones that still have the longest lines are on either side of Section F. And not that we can commit to get every-body out in five minutes, but it’s a worthy goal,” he said.

The Office of Spiritual Life and Student Ministries has been entertaining the idea of adding more card readers in Moody within the next few weeks, Lewis said.

Another change the office has considered is forming a Chapel advisory team, which will consist of faculty, staff and student leaders. Once the team is formed, it will meet monthly to discuss themes and problems in Chapel and seek out solutions by taking ACU students’ suggestions

and researching other schools’ Chapel programs.

“It’s one more way of punc-tuating the point that Chapel doesn’t belong to this office,” Lewis said. “It belongs to the university. And we want it to be communicated in every way possible, and this is an impor-tant part of that.”

The number of Chapel cred-its for this semester will remain the same; about 70 credits will be offered. However, 23 Chapel credits will be available dur-ing Summit (Lectureship) from Sept. 21-24.

“We wanted to help bring the students back,” said Bra-dy Bryce, director of Ministry

Events. “We want to let them have a voice, and let this be their event in much the same way that Homecoming and Sing Song are student events.”

The university will spon-sor five Chapel forums, which will start after Summit and throughout the remainder of the semester. Campus Conver-sations and small group Cha-pels that were developed last year will also occur this year. The schedule and topics of the forums and Campus Conver-sations can be viewed on the Spiritual Life tab on the my-ACU Web site.

“Our purpose of Chapel is not just to do Chapel,” Lewis said. “We want it to be purpose-ful. We want it to bless the stu-dents and the faculty and staff that come. We want it to be a part of the bigger effort to form Christ in all of us.”

the National Hurricane Cen-ter predicted six to twelve inches of rain could fall over Louisiana, northeast-ern Texas, western Missis-sippi, Arkansas, southern Missouri and southeast Oklahoma by Thursday. However, the winds have died down since the storm hit Louisiana.

“The wind was just in-sane. We have trees down everywhere,” Guillory said. “I was here for Katrina and Rita, but for whatever reason there is a lot more wind this time around. It’s just very strong.”

Many students who are from Louisiana or have family living in the state said they were concerned, especially considering what happened when Hur-ricane Katrina battered the state in 2005.

“I mean, I was really worried,” said Bonni Wat-tigney, sophomore graphic design major from Keller. “Because this hurricane, they were predicting that it would hit the West Bank where my family is from.”

The hurricane came ashore near Cocodrie, La., about 80 miles from West Bank. West Bank is a metropolitian area in New Orleans, which is on the west side of the Missis-sippi River.

“It can be a really life-threatening thing, especially while the levees aren’t pre-pared,” Wattigney said. “If they break and it floods, there is not a lot you can do to es-cape from rushing water.”

The levees in New Or-

leans held strong against Gustav, but some water did spill over parts of New Orleans’ Industrial Canal floodwall Monday, causing minor flooding, according to the Associated Press. Louisiana’s government and people are receiving accolades for their prepa-ration of the hurricane.

“Everyone had a plan,” Williamson said. “People were really scared, and be-cause of that they really had to plan. I think that was a good thing. It’s bet-ter to be overprepared.”

start early, ask lots of ques-tions and don’t settle for the first thing that comes your way,” said Hamilton Doty, se-nior advertising public rela-tions major from Paris.

Monthly rent is a question no potential buyer forgets to consider, but other questions to ask concern general bills and the overall efficiency of the house. Several ACU stu-

dents who live off campus say it is smart to ask if the house uses lots of electricity dur-ing the winter and summer months. Students say those interested in living off campus should ask the landlord, but they could ask the current res-idents for another opinion.

Students say people also should also ask about the pet policy for the building as well as maintenance and yard care policies. Some landlords are

able to cover expenses such as leaky faucets, air conditioning and other necessities that are vital to comfortable living.

“If you’re living close to campus, realize that you may have to pay a little more,” said Ben Klein, graduate student in psychology from Fredericks-burg, Va. “There’s probably a greater demand for the house if it’s next to campus.”

Emily Jorgenson :: staff photographer

A student slides his card through one of the new card readers in Moody Coliseum Tuesday. The Office of Spiritual Life and Student Ministries plans to install more readers in the next few weeks.

Chapel: Readers to be added

E-mail Freeman at: mxf04b@acu.edu

Continued from page 1

Continued from page 1

Rushing: Pledging begins soonContinued from page 1

Upcoming RUshEs

n Men interested in joining a club must attend at least one rush for three of the six clubs.Women interested in joining a club must attend at least one rush for four of the five clubs.

Wednesday, Sept. 3Gamma Sigma Phi 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.665 E.N. 20th St.Lunch Rush

Pi Kappa9 – 10 p.m.Zona Luce grass areaUltimate Frisbee

Thursday, Sept. 4Alpha Kai Omega8 – 9 p.m.Hart AuditoriumSuperhero Rush

Delta Theta5 – 6 p.m.1917 Cedar Crest

Frater Sodalis7 - 8 p.m.Prime Time, 4541 Loop 322

Galaxy and Ko Jo Kai6 – 7 p.m.Nelson Park Pavilion

GATA9 – 10 p.m.ACU Bowling AlleyNinja Bowling

Sigma Theta Chi7 – 8 p.m.Hart AuditoriumSiggie Cinema

Sub T-169 – 10 p.m.601 GillLate Night Wiener Roast

Monday, Sept. 8Sub T-166 – 7 p.m.Will Hair Park

Gamma Sigma Phi8 – 9 p.m.2693 Garfield Ave.

Ko Jo Kai9 – 10 p.m.World Missions Globe and

Hart Auditorium (Onstead-Pack-er Biblical Studies Building)

To see a complete rush schedule, visit www.acu.edu/social clubs

E-mail Anderson at: ts04a@acu.edu

Rent: Students suggest questions to ask about off-campus housing

E-mail Byrd at: mab07d@acu.edu

Gustav: Storm soaks Louisiana, stirs up worries about damageContinued from page 1

E-mail Freeman at: mxf04b@acu.edu

acuoptimist.com

Log on to see a video of what students think of the changes to Chapel

this year.

Page 5September 3, 2008

FocusWednesday

Anyone who frequents the Bean has heard im-promptu singing and laughing from students in line for international cuisine. Ethnic diversity among ACU students has been widely recognized, but not many realize the diversity behind the Bean’s international grill.

John Smith, a.k.a. Big John, Willie Pichittana-bodeekul and Antjuan Gant man the immensely popular international sta-tion. Smith grew up in Louisiana and attended

Louisiana State University. Gant, who proudly claims a Spanish father and Af-rican-American mother, hails from St. Louis. Pichit-tanabodeekul was born to Chinese parents but grew up in Thailand.

These three men now serve dishes from a differ-ent country everyday. But students need not worry about getting tired of the same old thing — they won’t repeat a dish for eight weeks.

Smith has worked at ACU for 10-12 years. He

has had a passion for food for as long as he can re-member. As a child, Smith would look forward to homemade pastries, his mother’s specialty, almost every night.

“My mom was more of a pastry chef than anything else, and she made some good stuff,” he said.

Smith traveled the country and the world before focusing on his ca-reer. He spent more than a year as the cook for rock bands such as Pantera and Kid Rock. After that,

he moved to Hollywood to work. Eventually, Smith ended up working in the Bean’s kitchen. After a confrontation with his su-perior, ACU and Aramark sent him to New York for professional training.

“I attribute everything to ACU helping me way back when and that chef who expected more out of me,” Smith said.

He graduated from the Culinary Institute of America, a 2.5-year pro-gram. The application process typically takes a full year, but thanks to help from ACU and Ara-mark, he was accepted in three months.

Smith said at the time he attended, the school was considered the WestPoint of culinary schools. In fact, an instructor took his class to the United States Mili-tary Academy at WestPoint to show them the level of discipline he expected.

That discipline has fol-lowed Smith ever since. He keeps a clipboard full of lists at all times and makes certain his crew stays at least three days ahead in preparations. De-spite a world-class train-ing, Smith continues to learn from his peers.

“I learn more from a guy like Willie than I could ever learn from a school,” he said. “He’s amazing; he really is.”

Willie Pichittanabodeekul started cooking with his mother at the age of 12.

“I didn’t have time to play soccer or anything like that,” he said. “I was born in a poor family and I had to help take care of us.”

After graduating from Sukhothai University with a B.B.A, Pichittanabodeekul moved to Abilene in 2001 and joined the Bean’s staff. Thanks to new and more available equipment, Pichit-tanabodeekul can serve students dishes he learned to cook from his mother, like shrimp egg drop soup and egg fu yong.

“I knew I wanted to work in a kitchen,” he said. “I like working with these guys ... and [the new station] is great.”

The pride and joy of the international station is its Mongolian grill. The circular grill allows all three chefs to cook at the same time and walk 360 degrees around it.

Antjuan Gant joined the Bean’s staff 16 years ago af-ter serving time in the mili-tary. Gant holds a sautee

degree but never expected to cook on the calibur of equipment he now uses.

“When I first walked in, I couldn’t believe my eyes,” Gant said. “I’ve been cook-ing most of my life … It is my passion, and I love it.”

Although he enjoys cooking, serving others is what really puts a smile on his face.

“It’s not just work; it’s fun,” Gant said. “What makes me feel good is to see people enjoying something I’ve prepared.”

Taste the GlobeThe Bean’s culinary masterminds have cooked up

an array of sensational, international dishes.

Photos by: Zak Zeinert, chief photographerStory by: Colter Hettich, features editor

Zak Zeinert :: chief photographer

Gant and Pichittanabodeekul work around the new, Mongolian-style grill, while Smith, a.k.a. Big John, prepares the front counter. Smith said “it’s like a circus” when students flood the Bean after Chapel. of

Zak Zeinert :: chief photographer

Pichittanabodeekul puts together some spicy chicken wraps for lunch Monday. of the

E-mail Hettich at: clh05d@acu.edu

You should be worried.One of ACU’s most hal-

lowed traditions has been delayed this year. With-

out failure, this event sweeps the c a m p u s a n n u a l l y , sending stu-dents into a frenzy of re-vulsion, ex-asperat ion and trepida-tion.

I speak of the yearly

battle against the crickets (yes, those little black in-sects that chirp at night).

Every fall, crickets de-scend upon ACU in a plague of Biblical proportions. But this year, the little winged creatures have yet to appear. It’s a shame, really.

If the crickets never show, this year’s freshman class will not be able to witness the utterly disgusting sight of thousands of the repul-sive pests crawling all over each other on the north side of the Brown Library, a scene that would make Jack Bauer shudder. They will not smell the stench of hundreds of cricket carcasses decaying on hot sidewalks, a scent that rivals the mixture of rotten eggs and the body odor of an overweight Hungarian wres-tler. And they will not know the thrill of taking out their school-related frustrations on the wretched bugs by stomping out a few of their meaningless lives, a feeling

that would even put a smile on Dick Cheney’s face.

Fighting crickets every year has become common-place for most students. It’s almost as much of an ACU tradition as Sing Song or Homecoming, and freshmen should not miss it.

Only two possible rea-sons can account for why the crickets have not shown yet: one, the university dis-persed some type of toxic cricket repellent into the air over the summer, or two, the little devils are prepar-ing for a massive attack on

the school, possibly with the intent of storming the residence halls, swarming students into submission and feasting on human flesh and blood.

Apocalyptical fantasies aside, the absence of crick-ets in Abilene could be a significant sign. It may fi-nally provide some tangi-ble evidence for Al Gore’s global warming theory. Per-sonally, I have no idea how carbon dioxide emissions would relate to the West Texan cricket population, but I’m sure the Environ-

mental Protection Agency will concoct some rationale connecting the two.

So until then, be happy ACU’s sidewalks and air space are void of any pesky critters this week. The only possible reason you should worry is if you are the type of person who studies the behavioral and social pat-terns of insects, thinks the plot of a SciFi channel origi-nal movie could happen in real life and considers killing crickets to be an actual ACU tradition. Unfortunately, I may be that type of person.

John Garner (vice presi-dent under Franklin Dealano Roosevelt) once said to a friend seeking office, “The vice presi-

dency isn’t worth a pitcher of warm spit.” Ironically, the man who was the recipi-ent of this bitter advice was Lyndon B. Johnson, the same man who in a few hours on November 22, 1963, went from humble vice president to leader of the free world after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Johnson became president of the United States during a

tumultuous period in Ameri-can history that included the Civil Rights Movement, the “War on Poverty,” the “Great Society” and the Vietnam War.

For an office that at first glance seems unimportant, the vice presidency has had a powerful impact on the course of the nation. Accord-

ing to the 25th Amendment, the vice president is first in the line of presidential suc-cession “in case of the re-moval of the President from office or of his death or res-ignation.” The vice president also is president of the Sen-ate whose vote breaks any ties.

Originally, the vice presi-

dent was the person who received the second most electoral votes. This natu-rally led to severe infighting when the candidates were from two separate parties, as was the case with Feder-alist President John Adams and Democratic-Republican Vice President Thomas Jef-ferson. After the 1940 elec-tion, the power to select a vice president shifted from party leaders to the candi-dates themselves. Now run-ning mates are chosen to balance the ticket either geo-graphically, ideologically or,

in recent years, to counter-act a candidate’s experience or persona.

The selection process has changed dramatically since the days of Adams and Jef-

ferson. The two current nominees for vice president represent just another evolu-tionary step in that process.

I’m not ready to be blind-ed by bright yellow skirts or run over by skipping girls, but pledging season has ar-rived, and rushes already be-gan Tuesday.

Last Sunday, I spent my afternoon at teas, explaining

to potential pledges the merits of my club. I was surprised by the number of women I met who claimed to be “open m i n d e d ” about their choices. This was a very welcome atti-

tude, one many should take to heart, especially this year.

The numbers tell a story—a good tale for men, but a daunt-ing one for women. Fewer men registered to pledge this year

than seen in a long time, but about 250 women registered to pledge. That’s more than the pledging figures for the two previous years.

The university has six men’s social clubs, but only five wom-en’s social clubs that are active

this year, and the new rules limit each women’s social club pledging class to 48 members. So how many women are going to get their first choice bid? Or even their second choice bid? Not many.

Pledging rules state wom-en must attend at least one rush sponsored by four of the five social clubs. This is com-mendable. It allows women to explore their options and open their horizons. This is particularly important this year with so many hoping to pledge into only five social clubs. But my recommenda-tion goes beyond the rule: attend at least one rush from all five clubs. Why try more than the required number?

Because rushing should be a fun, relaxed time before the hectic pledging process begins. Make a point to enjoy yourself while meeting club members and focus on find-ing the right fit for you. Each club offers something differ-ent and unique, but each also offers friendship and sister-hood. Above all, pray about your options.

The greatest quality a poten-tial pledge can have this year is an open mind. So whether you get a bid for your first choice or fifth choice, don’t pass up the chance to enter into a family of sisters where not only memo-ries, but also friendships, last a lifetime.

ViewsWednesdayPage 6

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

Signed columns, cartoons and letters are the opinions of their creators and may not necessarily reflect the viewpoints of the Optimist or the university.

The Optimist encourages reader response through letters to the editor but reserves the right to limit frequent contributors or to refuse to print letters containing personal attacks, obscenity, defamation, erroneous

information or invasion of privacy.Please limit letters to 350 words or

fewer. A name and phone number must be included for verification purposes. Phone numbers will not be published.

Address letters to:ACU Box 27892

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Editorial and Management Board

Daniel Johnson-KimEditor in Chief

Michael FreemanManaging Editor

Sommerly SimserMult. Managing Editor

Laura AcuffOpinion Page Editor

Zak ZeinertChief Photographer

Colter HettichFeatures Editor

Grant AbstonSports Editor

Lydia MelbyArts Editor

Kelline LintonChief Copy Editor

September 3, 2008

Vice presidency adds dimension to election

Rushing should be a fun, relaxed time...

“”

Cody VetetoChief Videographer

DeLaina ParkerBroadcast Manager

Molly ByrdPage 2 Editor

Multimedia desk:(325) 674-2463

Optimistthe

Kenneth PybusAdviser

Cade WhiteAdviser

Christi StarkAdvertising Manager

Annual campus crusade against crickets delayed

By Kelline Linton

Got Your Grammar Talk

By Alex YorkLebensgefahr

By Michael Freeman

The Fro Knows

It’s almost as much of an ACU tradition as Sing Song or Homecoming...“

”

E-mail Freeman at: mxf04b@acu.edu

E-mail Linton at: krl04b@acu.edu

The issue:Voters sometimes think candidates for the vice presidency are unimportant adendums to their presidential candidate’s ticket.

Our view:Past vice presidents have taken office at crucial times in the nation’s history. Thus, the office deserves due consideration.

The solution:Voters should examine their preferred presidential candidate’s vice-presidential nomination to ensure their views still align.

For an office that at first glance seems unimportant, the vice presidency has had a powerful impact...

“”

As the first woman to run as a Republican vice-presidential can-didate, Palin may ap-peal to independent women voters and de-jected Hillary support-ers. At 44 years of age, the Alaskan gover-

nor with only 2 years under her belt brings needed youth and diversity to the Republican ticket. With her staunch opposition to abortion and support for gun ownership, she is very appealing to stead-fast Republicans who might otherwise be weary of McCain. Palin, who was ethics commissioner of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission and boasts an impressive background on energy policy, also has strongly promoted more drilling in her na-tive state, which has been a serious issue in the cur-rent election. McCain and Palin, however, do differ on the issue of drilling in Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

Although as a first-term governor, she may appear as an outsider and therefore “uncorrupted,” unlike those who served in Congress for decades; her youth and inexperience may bring trouble to the Republican ticket. Since McCain has persistently branded Obama as “dangerously unprepared to be presi-dent,” selecting a running mate who is younger and less experienced than Obama “takes the whole experience issue off the table,’’ according to former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle.

With more than three decades in the senate (he was first elected at age 30), Sen. Joe Biden from Delaware brings experience to the Obama campaign. With a for-eign policy background matched by few in Con-gress, Biden is well known on the hill. He is current chair-man of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and addresses and potentially alleviates Obama’s less expe-rienced foreign policy credentials. As a senator known for taking the Amtrak back home every night and hav-ing roots in Scranton, Penn., Biden resonates with blue-collar voters Obama needs to win. Now, after a second run at the Democratic nomination for the presidency (he first ran in 1988) and as Obama’s running mate, Biden is a well-known figure not only in Washington but all across America.

Unlike Palin, with 35 years in the Senate Biden tar-nishes Obama’s image as “a new brand of poli-

tics.” While Biden may help Obama’s weaker foreign policy credentials, he also highlights the fact Obama has little experience in foreign relations. However, perhaps most worrisome to the campaign is Biden’s mouth. He often finds his foot in his mouth, which could cause trouble for a cam-paign that has kept strong control over its image.

Sen. Joe Biden Gov. Sarah Palin

Pledging-induced stress unwarranted

VicE-PrEsidEnTiaL PrEViEw

Age: 64

Representative State: Delaware

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Source: www.ap.org

VicE-PrEsidEnTiaL PrEViEw

Age: 44

Representative State: Alaska

Party Affiliation: Republican

Source: www.ap.org

Drawings by Alex York

Wednesday, September 3, 2008 Page 7Sports Jumps

Football: ACU jumps to No. 4 in nation after weekend win

Adams’ PAT was blocked, and the Wildcats’ lead remained at nine. The Wildcat special teams then responded with one of the biggest plays of the game, recovering a bobbled kickoff and giving the offense the ball on the 10-yard line.

“The third quarter was the difference,” Thomsen said. “We got off to a slow start, and the crowd noise was a fac-tor, but then we got a chance to settle in.”

Malone connected with wide receiver Johnny Knox on the second play for a 7-yard touchdown to extend the lead to 37-21 at the end of the third quarter. Malone finished with four touch-downs on 18-25 passes for 293 yards, earning LSC South Division Offensive Player of the Week honors.

The Bearcats pulled within 10 after a touchdown with 13 minutes remaining and stopped the Wildcats three straight series for a come-back. But the Wildcats put the game away after stop-ping the Bearcats on a fourth down, scoring immediately on their next drive, a 47-yard-er that ended with a Scott 14-

yard scoring run, ending any hope of a Bearcat comeback.

Scott finished with two touchdowns, 177 yards on 29 carries and two catches for 36 yards. Edmund Gates led all receivers with five catches for 122 yards; he also had two rushed for 24 yards. Knox, Holloway and Fergu-son each finished with three catches and a touchdown.

Defensively, linebacker Eric Edwards and safety Nick Fellows headed the Wild-cats. Edwards led the team in tackles with nine and had a forced fumble; Fellows finished with seven tackles and a fumble recovery.

“Defensively, we played solid but we had a few break-downs,” Thomsen said. “Eric Edwards had a solid game for us and led our team in tackles. Fred Thompson

played well, and Nick Fel-lows had some big hits for us in the secondary.”

Linebacker Thompson

finished with four tackles. Defensive ends Vantrise Stu-divant and Aston Whiteside combined for two sacks and

provided pressure late in the game to help seal the victory.

The Wildcats will have a bye week before playing

Texas A&M-Commerce at home Sept. 13 at 6 p.m.

we were a better team and more prepared than our op-ponents, but it also takes a lot of mental toughness to get out there and play at high level. I was really pleased with how the girls performed.”

Moronu and Hines both were named to the all-tourna-ment team for their outstand-ing performances.

“We did really great just as a team pulling together,” Hines said.

“I think we all learned to trust each other,” Moronu said. “We also learned how to close a match.”

“We have had a lot of ad-versity so far, so to play this

well, it says a lot about our character and integrity,” Mock said. “It builds momentum heading into next week.”

The Wildcats will play four more games this weekend, two Friday and two Saturday, at the Fort Lewis College Invi-tational in Durango, Colo.

Soccer: Wildcats to face Permian-Basin

Courtney Wilson who had the lone Wildcat shot on goal.

Wilson, who returns to the team after leading the Wildcats in offense and assists last sea-son, also addressed areas in which they could improve.

“We could work on mov-ing as a unit and finishing our chances,” Wilson said.

Defensive captain Micah Merrill-Johnson said the team was, “very good at keeping possession of the ball, had a great depth of talent, mean-ing every player on the team was really equal in abilities, [and was] able to stay strong through the entire game and always play with a ton of heart

every moment [they were] out on the field.”

Merrill-Johnson also said they needed to build “team chemistry” in order to improve with such a young program.

The Wildcats travel to Odes-sa Wednesday to play Texas-Permian Basin. The Wildcats and the Falcons will square off at 5 p.m.

Singh: Golfer finishes 9th at 90th PGA championship

When Singh arrived at the practice range for the first time, Coach Jarrett noticed his clubs had indentations the size of quarters on the sweet spot.

“His clubs looked like they were 20 years old, so I asked him when was the last time he received new clubs, and he quietly responded, ‘last year.’ I couldn’t believe it; he‘d worn down those

irons to the bone in just a year,” Jarrett said. “That’s proof of his will to be the best he can be.”

Singh, who was inducted into the ACU Sports Hall of Fame in 2007, would go on to become a model for ACU golfers for years to come. He led the team to its first Division II National Cham-pionship in 1993 for both individual and team catego-ries. Singh led the team to a 36-shot victory over the

closest opponent. “Although we took the

team title rather easily, Jeev showed what a tremendous

competitor he was when he had to birdie five of the last seven holes to win the individual na-tional title,” Jarrett said.

Singh was inducted into the ACU Sports Hall of Fame in October of 2007.

“Jeev truly considered be-ing inducted as one of the greatest honors of his career,” Jarrett said.

Fifteen years later, his work ethic and passion for the game of golf has continued to pay off. Singh has won 17

professional tournaments in his fifteen years as pro, earn-ing a little over $4.3 million in career earnings.

Singh has become one of the most recognizable figures in India as well. He was knight-ed to Sir Jeev Milkha Singh in 2006; his father Milkha Singh was given the same honor for his Olympic achievements 48 years earlier.

Singh has competed in all four PGA majors in the last two years with his best finish

coming just three weeks ago at the 90th PGA Champion-ship in Detroit when he fin-ished tied for ninth place.

“He’s the hardest worker I’ve seen and he loves the game so much that I could see him playing for ten more years,”Jarret said. “He’s the type of player that will only get better as time goes on, and that’s really exciting.”

Emily Jorgenson :: staff photographer

Midfielder Kendall Cooper goes for the ball in practice Tuesday. The Wildcats will play Incarnate Word on Friday.

Zak Zeinert :: chief photographer

Members of the ACU football team run during practice last week in preparation for their game against Northwest Missouri State. The Wild-cats beat the Bearcats 44-27 and jumped to No. 4 in the nation.

E-mail Harris at: tch05f@acu.edu E-mail Cantrell at: jmcnetwork@acu.edu

E-mail Abston at: gda04b@acu.edu

E-mail Harris at: jmcnetwork@acu.edu

Continued from page 8

Continued from page 8

Continued from page 8

Continued from page 8

Volleyball: Cats head to Colorado undefeated

UpComing gAmEs

Opponent Date/TimeDixie State Fri., 10 a.m.

Palm Beach Atl. Fri., 4 p.m.

Montana St.-BIllings Sat., 10 a.m.

Fort Lewis Sat., 2 p.m.

UpComing gAmEs

Opponent Date/TimeTX Permian-Basin Wed., 5 p.m.

Incarnate Word Fri., 6 p.m.

John Brown Sept.12, 1 p.m.

Our Lady of the Lake Sept. 13, 1 p.m.

The third quarter was the difference...

...I’ve never seen a player work harder...

“

“

”

”

:: Chris Thomsen, head football coach

:: Vince Jarrett, Singh’s former coach

SportsWednesdaySeptember 3, 2008 Page 8

Wednesday

Women’s SoccerACU at Texas Permian-Basin, 5 p.m.

Friday

Women’s SoccerACU at Incarnate Word, 6 p.m.

VolleyballACU vs. Dixie State, 10 a.m.ACU vs. Palm Beach Atlantic, 4 p.m.

Saturday

VolleyballACU vs. Montana State-Billings, 10 a.m.ACU vs. Fort Lewis, 2 p.m.

Cross CountryACU Classic, 11 a.m.

:: Home games listed in italics

Standings

Upcoming

Friday

Women’s SoccerMissouri Southern 2, ACU 1 (2OT)

VolleyballACU 3, Fort Hays State 1ACU 3, Texas A&M International 1

Saturday

SoccerACU 0, Drury 0 (2OT)

FootballACU 44, Northwest Missouri State 27

VolleyballACU 3, Findlay 1ACU 3, New Mexico Highlands 0

FootballTeam Div. OverallACUTarleton St. WTAMUMSUAngelo St.

ENMU

0-00-00-00-00-00-0

1-01-01-00-00-10-1

TAMU-C 0-0 0-1

VolleyballTeam Div. OverallWTAMUACUMSUSE Okla.TAMU-C

Cameron

0-00-00-00-00-00-0

5-04-04-03-02-12-2

Women’s SoccerTeam Div. OverallCent. Okla.WTAMUNE St.TAMU-CAngelo St.

SE Okla.

0-00-00-00-00-00-0

2-02-01-01-01-11-1

ACU 0-0 0-1-1TX Woman’s 0-0 0-1East Central 0-0 0-2MSU 0-0 0-2ENMU 0-0 0-3

News

Scores

SCOREBOARD Ex-ACU golfer makes mark on PGA tourBy Hutton HarrisSports Writer

Work ethic, a phrase that is accompanied with nearly ev-ery great athlete of the sports world. Competitors go above and beyond in their prepara-tion off the field to get the slightest edge. Sports figures such as Michael Jordan, Jerry Rice or Jeev Milkha Singh.

That’s right. The 36-year-old from Chandigarh, India, not only has had a 15-year ca-reer on the European and PGA Tour, but is the most success-ful golfer in ACU history.

“In 25 years of coaching golf, I’ve never seen a player work harder than Jeev,” University of Houston head golf coach Vince Jarrett said. Jarrett was the ACU men’s golf coach from 1986-1996.

Singh came to the United States in the late ‘80s to attend high school for a short time but then committed to Houston Baptist University to play golf. Not long after Singh dedicated himself to Houston Baptist, the golf program was disbanded, leaving Singh open to play golf elsewhere. Fortunately, Coach Jarrett and ACU were informed of Singh’s availability.

“I had heard of his talents through a close friend but had never seen him play,” Jar-rett said. “We decided to take a chance on the kid, and boy am I glad we did.”

Jarrett’s risk turned into a major reward for ACU.

By Grant AbstonSports Editor

The ACU football team knew it would be tested ear-ly when it was slated to play Northwest Missouri State at the beginning of its 2008 season. NWMSU was ranked No. 3 in the nation, had been to the national championship the last three seasons and had not lost a home football game since October of 2005.

The Wildcats passed the test after winning, arguably, one of the biggest games in school history, beating the Bearcats 44-27 to end their 15-game home winning streak. The Wildcats jumped from No. 8 to No. 6 in the American Football Coaches Association Poll and all the way up from No. 8 to No. 4 in

the d2football.com poll. “It’s certainly one of the

bigger wins since we’ve been here because of the quality of the opponent and because they hadn’t lost at home since 2005,” said head coach Chris Thomsen.

Thomsen’s Wildcats got off to a slow start and looked like they were in for a long night after falling behind 21-7 at the end of the first quarter. The Bearcats scored the first two touchdowns to take a 14-0 lead before the Wildcats responded with their first score of the season. Quarterback Billy Malone hit tight end Ryan Keeling for a 3-yard touchdown pass to cut the lead in half, but the Bearcats scored again to ex-

tend their lead to 21-7 to close out the first quarter.

What looked like a long night for the Wildcats turned into a dominating perfor-mance over the next two quarters as the Wildcats out-scored the Bearcats 30-0.

The offense got things rolling with a 61–yard touch-down pass from Malone to wide receiver Jonathan Fer-guson to cut the lead in half just one minute into the sec-ond quarter. The Wildcats then cut the lead to 21-17 af-ter placekicker Matt Adams hit a 34-yard field goal with 6:10 to play, becoming the highest scoring kicker in school his-tory with 230 points.

“One thing we try to in-still is that the scoreboard doesn’t matter,” Thomsen said. “We just need to play

no matter what the score is. No situation is as good or bad as it seems.”

The Wildcat defensive players shut out the Bearcats in the second quarter and continued their play into the second half, allowing the of-fense to score 20 points in a crucial third quarter that saw the Wildcats get their first lead and extend it to 37-21.

Malone threw his third touchdown of the game when he hit tight end Kendrick Holloway for a 1-yard touch-down pass to take a 24-21 lead with 10:20 remaining. ACU extended its lead after running back Bernard Scott scored on a 1-yard touch-down run after the defense stopped the Bearcats. Matt

Opening Statement

Soccer team begins second season with loss, tieBy Ryan CantrellSports Writer

The Wildcat soccer team began its second season Sat-urday with a pair of games in Missouri. The women went 0-1-1 on the road, losing their first game 2-1 against Mis-souri Southern and bounced back to tie a strong Drury Uni-versity team in game two.

The Wildcats were only minutes away from escaping with a victory against Mis-souri Southern when mid-fielder Nikki Llewellyn scored for the Lady Lions to force overtime. The first overtime period went scoreless, but in the second overtime period,

L l e w e l l y n scored again and handed the Wildcats their first loss of the season.

“Last year our goal as a new program was to make the playoffs, but this year we feel that we can compete and battle with every team we face,” said head coach Casey Wilson. “We hope to be able to compete with ev-eryone we face in the Lone Star Conference.”

The first half went back

and forth, but the two teams headed to halftime scoreless. The Wildcats jumped out early in the second half after mid-fielder Jackie Gentile scored the game’s first goal two minutes into the second half; she was set up on the play by offensive captain Jordan Re-ese. Llewellyn would later tie the game in the 88th minute, sending it to overtime.

In the second overtime, she once again scored with only 1:05 left on the clock, crush-ing the Wildcats’ chances at winning their season opener.

The Wildcats had a quick turnaround the next day against the Drury Panthers. The Panthers entered the

match ranked No. 12 in NCAA Division II. The Wildcats’ de-fense stepped up and fought Drury to a 0-0 tie after an-other double overtime game. ACU had only six shots in the game with only one going on goal; however, the Wildcats’ defense was just as strong against Drury, holding them to nine shots, four of which were on goal. Goaltender Crissy Lawson made some key saves to post her first shutout of the season.

“Our strengths are pass-ing, communicating and building each other up,” said forward and co-captain

Volleyball team posts best start since 1994By Chandler HarrisAssistant Sports Editor

The Wildcat volleyball team won its first four games of the season for the first time since 1994, going 4-0 over the weekend at the Grape-vinewoods.com Lady Buff Classic in Canyon.

The ACU women defeated Fort Hays State 3-1 (25-19, 20-25, 25-18, 25-21) Friday. The team had a .389 hitting in its season opener, led by sopho-more middle blocker Shawna Hines and freshman outside hitter Jennie Hutt; both fin-ished with 11 kills. Sopho-more middle blocker Jordan Schilling also added nine kills in the winning effort.

“I think this weekend was a big confidence booster,” said head coach Kellen Mock.

The defense was just as impressive as it held Fort Hays State to a .122 hitting percentage. Sophomore set-ter Ijeoma Moronu showed her versatility on offense and

defense, contributing 36 as-sists and 15 digs. Junior de-fensive setter Amy Wilson had a team-high 17 digs for the Wildcats.

In its second game Fri-day, the Wildcats defeated Texas A&M-International 3-1 (25-17, 25-14, 20-25, 25-11). The Wildcat defense was out-standing, holding TAMUI to a .050 hitting percentage.

Wilson again led the team in digs with nine, followed by junior outside hitter Erin Cur-ry, junior setter Emily Dick-inson and Hutt, each adding seven apiece. Moronu posted her second consecutive game with 36 assists.

The Wildcats’ hitting per-centage was .299 for the game, led by Hutt with 13 kills.

Things would only get better for the Wildcats on Saturday as they earned their first sweep of the sea-son, defeating New Mexico Highlands’ Cowgirls, 3-0

(25-22, 25-15, 25-17). Wilson’s 18 digs once again

led the team, while Moronu added 24 assists. Hines’ eight kills and Hutt’s seven kills led the team with a .222 hit-ting percentage. The Cowgirls posted .039 hitting percent-age in the loss.

In its final match of the tournament, the Wildcat team came back from a 1-0 deficit to defeat Findlay 3-1 (16-25, 25-16, 25-20, 28-26).

Curry’s 15 kills led the of-fense, while the defense had nine team blocks to hold Findlay to a .101 hitting per-centage. Moronu’s 37 assists was a season-high, and the team finished the tourna-ment with a .230 hitting per-centage overall.

Head ACU volleyball coach Kellen Mock earned career victory No. 37 with the win over Findlay.

“It was a great start to our season,” Mock said. “I think Emily Jorgensen :: staff photographer

Junior outside hitter Michelle Bacon goes for a ball in practice Tuesday. The 4-0 Wildcats will travel to Colorado this weekend.

Photo courtesy of Creative ServicesQuarterback Billy Malone throws a pass during ACU’s 44-27 victory over Northwest Missouri State. Malone threw for 293 yards and four touchdowns.

Wildcats defeat No. 3 NWMSU in first game

FRESH BUNCH

The Wildcat soccer team features six new freshmen for the 2008 season. With 21 total players on the roster, only two are seniors.

FRESHMEN

n GK- Elliott Londonn F- Brooke Magersn D- Kaleigh Johnsonn MF/F- Rachel Patchenn MF- Alyse Ritchien F- Tina Greigo

SENIORS

n MF/D- Micah Merrill- Johnsonn MF- Jackie Gentile

* 6 of 14 LSC Teams

Football

Soccer

Volleyball

See Singh page 7See Football page 7

See Soccer page 7

See Volleyball page 7

n Billy Malone was selected as the LSC South Division Offensive Player of the Week after the quarterback

guided the Wildcats to a victory over previously ranked No. 3 NWMSU. Malone went 18-23 for 293 yards and four touchdowns.

n Middle blocker Shawna Hines earned LSC co-Defensive Player of the Week honors after leading the

Wildcats to a 4-0 record in the Lady Bluff Classic. Hines had 18 total blocks and 31 kills. It was Hines’ first LSC Player of the Week honor.

Wilson

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