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You are here: Home / News / Breaking News

Ward to step down as director of athletics after fall semester

September 10, 2021 by Carrie Johnston

Allen Ward, director of athletics, will step down from his position at the end of the fall 2021 semester. In his nearly four-year tenure at ACU, which began in July 2018 after taking over for Lee De Deon, Ward has guided the Department of Athletics through its Div. I and Western Athletic Conference transitions. The university confirmed Wards ... [Read More…]

Filed Under: Breaking News, Showcase, Sports

2021 Sing Song predictions

April 23, 2021 by Special Contributor

Sing Song 2021 will take place at the Paramount Theatre in downtown Abilene this weekend. All acts will be judged on just three categories: vocals, entertainment and costumes. The Optimists' overall predictions are listed below.   Fraternities First Place: Frater Sodalis These Appalachian mountain men are "swimming across the river" ... [Read More…]

Filed Under: Breaking News, News, Showcase

Brette Tanner named new men’s basketball head coach

April 14, 2021 by Owen Simpson

Associate head coach Brette Tanner was promoted to be the next head coach at ACU during a press conference Wednesday after Joe Golding accepted a new head coaching job at UTEP. Tanner will be the 17th head coach in program history. “I’m humbled and honored to be the next head coach of Abilene Christian basketball and to continue leading this ... [Read More…]

Filed Under: Breaking News, Showcase, Sports

Golding leaves ACU for new coaching job at UTEP

April 13, 2021 by Owen Simpson

Head coach Joe Golding leaves ACU for a new head coach position at UTEP. Golding was ACU's head coach for 10 seasons and led the team during its transition to Div. I. After his first seven seasons as head coach, his combined record was 87-121. However, the last three seasons, Golding and the Wildcats were a combined 71-23, capturing two ... [Read More…]

Filed Under: Breaking News, Showcase, Sports

Abilene hosting vaccination clinics for community

April 12, 2021 by Dillon Daniel

The Abilene-Taylor County Public Health District has been scheduling vaccination clinics for community members 16-years-old and older at various locations in the city. Upcoming clinics include the following: Tuesday, April 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Abilene Convention Center (Pfizer vaccine administered) Wednesday, April 14 ... [Read More…]

Filed Under: Breaking News, News, Showcase

ACU lifting mask requirement, not requiring vaccinations in fall semester

April 8, 2021 by Owen Simpson

The university will drop its mask mandate inside campus buildings and classrooms for the fall semester and resume large Chapel gatherings. ACU plans to keep its COVID-19 protocols in place throughout the summer, including face mask requirements inside and social-distanced classrooms. "Over this last year, ACU has demonstrated its ability to ... [Read More…]

Filed Under: Breaking News, News, Showcase

Wildcats conclude historic season against UCLA

March 22, 2021 by Owen Simpson

ACU's historic season reached its conclusion in the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament Monday night against UCLA, 67-47. After shocking the Texas Longhorns in the First Round, the Wildcats were hoping to become the first 14-seed in 25 years to reach the Sweet 16, but poor shooting sealed their fate. "We had a 10-point game. We've been there ... [Read More…]

Filed Under: Breaking News, News, Showcase, Sports

ACU stuns Texas, claims first NCAA Tournament win in school history

March 21, 2021 by Owen Simpson

The Wildcats forced 23 turnovers and held Texas to a season-low 52 points in their first NCAA Tournament victory in school history Saturday night. "We showed tremendous heart tonight, a ton of adversity all night long, couldn't get the ball to go in the basket, couldn't find a way to score, but just continued to guard and found a way to get on ... [Read More…]

Filed Under: Breaking News, News, Showcase, Sports

Wildcat Stadium watch party to offer food, prizes and t-shirts

March 17, 2021 by Owen Simpson

The university is hosting a watch party at Wildcat Stadium for the men's basketball NCAA Tournament matchup against the Texas Longhorns Saturday night. The gates are expected to open at 7:30 p.m. for anyone wanting to attend, and tip-off is scheduled at 8:50 p.m. Games, prizes and food will be provided. "There will be some social media giveaways ... [Read More…]

Filed Under: Breaking News, News, Showcase, Sports

Wildcats dominate Nicholls in Southland Conference Championship, 79-45

March 14, 2021 by Owen Simpson

The Wildcats clinched their second-consecutive Southland Conference Tournament title with a 79-45 blowout win against Nicholls to clinch an automatic bid in the NCAA Tournament. "I'm really proud of our guys," said head coach Joe Golding. "I think we came down here for 80 minutes and guarded well. This group has been special from the start, and ... [Read More…]

Filed Under: Breaking News, News, Showcase, Sports

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acuoptimist The Optimist @acuoptimist ·
22 Apr

NEWS: Students can now vote for the 2026 Mr. ACU and Miss ACU. The link to vote can be found through an email sent out by the Student Government Association.

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acuoptimist The Optimist @acuoptimist ·
29 Mar

Sing Song 2026 Awards Class Division:

Overall Award:
1. Mixed
2. Seniors
3. Freshman White

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Click the link in our bio to nominate a graduating senior for the Optimist to feature in our print issue. ... See MoreSee Less

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ACU’s Got Talent showcased student performers Tuesday at the Boone Family Theatre, featuring acts including singing, dancing and spoken word. Lois Botelua, freshman theatre major from Fort Worth, and pianist Peter John, freshman finance major from Park Row, took home the top prize for their performance of “The Visitor” by Sienna Spiro, earning a trophy and $500.To view the full photo gallery, visit acuoptimist.com or click the link in our bio. 📸: @leslie.lu.carrigan #acuoptimist #abilenechristianuniversity #studentlife ... See MoreSee Less

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