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You are here: Home / Showcase

Former Wildcat Airion Simmons indicted in federal sports betting scheme

January 15, 2026 by Zion Webb Leave a Comment

Former ACU men’s basketball forward Airion Simmons was indicted in a federal investigation involving an alleged point-shaving and sports betting scheme Thursday morning in Philadelphia. According to the indictment, which included 38 other NCAA men’s basketball players, 17 teams, and numerous Chinese Basketball Association games, Simmons was ... [Read More…]

Filed Under: News, Showcase, Sports

Patterson signs three-season extension with eyes set on national championship

December 18, 2025 by Roman Raffaeli Leave a Comment

After leading the Wildcats to back-to-back United Athletic Conference championships, Head Football Coach Keith Patterson has agreed to a contract extension, good through the 2029 season.  In his four years at the helm of the program, the team has gone 30-20 overall while winning its first two FCS playoff games. The Wildcats have also won eight ... [Read More…]

Filed Under: Showcase, Sports

Women’s basketball hosts inaugural Christmas Classic, battles Montana, Buffalo as WAC play nears

December 17, 2025 by Roman Raffaeli Leave a Comment

With just three games to go before the beginning of Western Athletic Conference play, the women’s basketball team will play back-to-back days as it hosts the inaugural ACU Christmas Classic in Moody Coliseum. The tournament will feature the Wildcats and three other teams, with each team playing two games. The Wildcats will face the University of ... [Read More…]

Filed Under: Showcase, Sports

Star defensive back Tyson Williams ‘bets on himself,’ enters transfer portal

December 13, 2025 by Roman Raffaeli Leave a Comment

After three seasons in the purple and white, star defensive back Tyson Williams will enter the transfer portal with one year of eligibility left. “I love ACU and the coaches that have been there with me through my years,” Williams said. “I just want to take a bet on myself because I’ve got one year left. I just want to go up and play at the FBS ... [Read More…]

Filed Under: Showcase, Sports

Golf to host ‘fantasy land’ Intercollegiate tournament in Fall 2026

December 10, 2025 by Roman Raffaeli Leave a Comment

In the fall of 2026, the golf teams will host the inaugural ACU Intercollegiate at Halbert National Golf Course in Granbury.  ACU Athletics, HNS Sports Group and Golf Channel announced on Dec. 3 that the debut of the tournament will take place on Oct. 19-21 at the newly opened course. Founded by David D. Halbert  ('78) and designed by renowned ... [Read More…]

Filed Under: Showcase, Sports

Wildcats fall 41-34 to SFA in round two of FCS Playoffs

December 9, 2025 by Roman Raffaeli Leave a Comment

The Wildcats' season came to a close on Saturday with a 41-34 loss to Stephen F. Austin State University in the second round of the FCS Playoffs. The loss ended the Wildcats' five-game winning streak, dating back to Nov. 1. The team clinched its second consecutive United Athletic Conference title before winning a first-round playoff game over Lamar ... [Read More…]

Filed Under: Showcase, Sports

Church of Christ members navigate Christmas without a biblical blueprint

December 5, 2025 by Baylie Simon Leave a Comment

In the New Testament, Christians are not seen celebrating Christmas. There is the birth of Jesus, but his birth is not marked as a day of celebration for Christians in the Bible.  The Church of Christ strives to imitate the New Testament as closely as possible. For some members, this means not celebrating Christmas at all. For others, this means ... [Read More…]

Filed Under: Features, Showcase

Wildcats bring FCS football back to the Big Country for second straight year

November 28, 2025 by Roman Raffaeli Leave a Comment

For the second time in two years, the Wildcats will host a first round FCS Playoff game. After a commanding 24-0 victory over the University of Northern Arizona in 2024, the team will host Lamar University on Saturday.  The Cardinals enter the round one contest having lost their final two games of the season and ending Southland Conference play ... [Read More…]

Filed Under: Showcase, Sports

Wildcats blow out UCA with ‘killer mindset,’ host second straight FCS playoff game

November 24, 2025 by Roman Raffaeli Leave a Comment

The Wildcats clinched their second consecutive United Athletic Conference Championship on Saturday with a win over the University of Central Arkansas.  With several scenarios for the team to secure the automatic qualifier in the FCS playoffs, the Wildcats made it simple by dominating the Bears on their way to a 49-28 victory.  The Cats ... [Read More…]

Filed Under: Showcase, Sports

Gallery: Indian Culture Association hosts annual Golden Gala

November 24, 2025 by Callie Brimberry Leave a Comment

  The Indian Culture Association hosted its annual Golden Gala on Saturday at Hillcrest Church. Students, faculty and ICA members gathered to celebrate Indian culture with Bollywood dancing, henna art and traditional dishes. ... [Read More…]

Filed Under: Multimedia, Photo Galleries, Showcase

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acuoptimist The Optimist @acuoptimist ·
25 Jan

BREAKING NEWS: The university canceled classes in Abilene on Monday, including all in-person and online classes in response to the severe winter weather. Offices will also be closed.

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acuoptimist The Optimist @acuoptimist ·
21 Jan

Bid Distribution will now take place on Jan. 30, and Bid Day will take place on Jan. 31. McPherson did not respond to an interview request.

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The Optimist

2 months ago

The Optimist
Andrew North was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at 3 months old; he’s never known life without it. Now, in his late 20s and married, North has cultivated a fulfilling life despite facing adversity from the perceived limitations of his chronic disease. North is an ACU graduate student pursuing a master’s degree in marriage and family services.To read more, visit acuoptimist.com or click the link below. #acuoptimist #abilenechristianuniversity #feature acuoptimist.com/2025/11/grad-student-with-cystic-fibrosis-wins-scholarship-strives-to-make-an-imp...📝: Callie Leverett ... See MoreSee Less

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The Optimist

2 months ago

The Optimist
The Indian Culture Association hosted their annual Golden Gala last Saturday at Hillcrest Church. Students, faculty, and members of ICA gathered together to celebrate the beauty of Indian Culture. To view the full photo gallery, visit acuoptimist.com or click the link below. #acuoptimist #abilenechristianuniversity #photography acuoptimist.com/2025/11/gallery-ica-hosts-the-annual-golden-gala/📸: Callie Brimberry ... See MoreSee Less

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Optimist Newscast Feb. 28, 2024

Our top stories today include a recap of The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940, the ... [Read More…]

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