Connor Mullins, Carrie Johnston, Author at The Optimist

Meteoric rise for Athletics raises danger of burnout

October 15, 2021 by Connor Mullins and Carrie Johnston

On a typical day, Jordan Herrod will work 12-14 hours. The new assistant athletic director of communications includes talking to coaches, responding to media requests, coordinating interview times, managing athletes' media schedules and writing his own copy for the Department of Athletics website. Herrod is the third communications director in ... [Read More…]

Wildcats aim to win on the road against Eastern Kentucky

October 9, 2021 by Connor Mullins

The Wildcats take on their second Western Athletic Conference and Atlantic Sun Conference opponent of the season but on the road this time against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels. The 3-2 Wildcats lost 42-21 against the Central Arkansas Bears last weekend at home, but are hoping to turn things around this weekend. "Where we really got in ... [Read More…]

UCA snaps Wildcats’ three-game win streak due to 28 unanswered second half points

October 3, 2021 by Connor Mullins

ACU dropped its first conference game of the season in a 42-21 loss to the Central Arkansas Bears. The matchup was the first of seven Western Athletic Conference and Atlantic Sun Conference opponents for the Wildcats. The Wildcats started strong with a 21-14 lead going into halftime but struggled to execute in the second half. The Bears scored ... [Read More…]

ACU joins other universities in slavery study group

September 30, 2021 by Connor Mullins

ACU has become the fourth Texas member of Universities Studying Slavery. USS comes out of the President's office of the University of Virginia and provides resources and conferences for universities to take part in. The USS allows universities to discuss how to handle the issue of race and racism deeply rooted within their universities' ... [Read More…]

Wildcats wrap up non-conference against future conference foe Lamar

September 23, 2021 by Connor Mullins

The Wildcats take on future Western Athletic Conference foe Lamar on Saturday at 6 p.m. The Wildcats and Cardinals face each other twice this season, with this game being a non-conference game and the next game being a conference game. The Wildcats defeated the Div. 2 UT-Permian Basin Falcons on Saturday, 34-9, while the Cardinals defeated Div. ... [Read More…]

Winless Wildcats prepare to face winless Wildcats in home opener

September 10, 2021 by Connor Mullins

ACU (0-1) faces the Louisiana College Wildcats (0-2) for its home opener this Saturday at Wildcat Stadium at 6 p.m. It will be the first time since November 16, 2019, that Wildcat Stadium will be at full capacity. “One of our goals is to be undefeated at home,” head coach Adam Dorrel said. “We wanna win our home season opener. There’s nothing ... [Read More…]

Wildcats pummeled in season opener at SMU

September 5, 2021 by Connor Mullins

ACU dropped its 100th season of football opener against SMU at Gerald J. Ford Stadium on Saturday night, 56-9. “Obviously, we want to win every game, and we’re trying to but evaluating players tonight was very important for us,” said head coach Adam Dorrel. “I don’t think we had a guy play over 35 snaps tonight, which was a real positive. Things ... [Read More…]

Meet the 2021-22 Optimist Editorial Board

September 4, 2021 by Sydney Varner, Maci Weathers, Hannah Maniscalo, Carrie Johnston, Connor Mullins, Riley Fisher, Allie Jones and Nathaniel Chisholm

As the semester moves forward, you will see articles published by the Optimist Editorial Board. Such pieces are not indicative of one persons opinion, but rather a combination of opinions and beliefs of the Optimist Editorial Board. We felt it was beneficial for you to get to know us each individually before you hear our voice ... [Read More…]

New staff in Athletics ready for challenge

September 3, 2021 by Connor Mullins

The Department of Athletics welcomed several new staff members over the spring and summer, and they say they're ready for the challenges ahead. Jordan Herrod joined the university over the summer as assistant athletic director of communications, coming from Fresno Pacific University, and recent graduate Landon Autrey, the new Director of ... [Read More…]

A new era awaits Wildcats in first season of WAC

August 21, 2021 by Connor Mullins

The Wildcats have embarked on a new adventure by joining the Western Athletic Conference on July 1. Athletic director Allen Ward expects a major transition, but it's nothing he and his staff can't handle. "We’ve been working tirelessly over the last few months to make sure we’re fully prepared for everything and I feel like we’re in great ... [Read More…]