The Optimist
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Spring game brings optimism

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By Grant Abston, Sports Editor The departure of one of the greatest offensive trios in ACU history left ACU with an unfamiliar look entering the spring. But after wrapping up workouts with a scrimmage Saturday, the Wildcats moved one step closer to finding replacements to defend their 2008 Lone Star Conference championship. "The thing that stands ... [Read More…]

Standout Performances: Former RB, WR perform well at NFL Combine

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By Brandon Tripp, Sports Writer After establishing themselves as two of the top athletes in Division II, two former Wildcats continued to turn heads in the next phase of their football career: the NFL Combine. Johnny Knox and Bernard Scott took full advantage of the opportunity to impress NFL scouts and coaches from around the league. "I think ... [Read More…]

Multitude of records ripped from season

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By Daniel Johnson-Kim, Editor in Chief With the stroke of a few computer keys, one of the most successful seasons in the history of the ACU football team and the host of records several Wildcats broke during it may be deleted forever. The NCAA announced Thursday that two prospective student-athletes were provided academic assistance by members of ... [Read More…]

Thomsen fills holes on national signing day

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By Grant Abston, Sports Editor With the departure of some of the best skill position players in ACU football history, the Wildcat football staff knew they would have to address those needs during the offseason. ACU addressed those needs on Wednesday, adding 22 high school players and four junior college transfers to a team that returns eight ... [Read More…]

The Best Back: Running back Bernard Scott wins Harlon Hill Trophy

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By Grant Abston, Sports Editor After coming up short a season ago, running back Bernard Scott aimed to leave no doubt in voters' minds to whom deserved the Harlon Hill Trophy this season. And it worked, as Scott became the 19th player to win the award on Dec. 12 at the 23rd annual awards dinner at the Florence Convention Center. Scott became the ... [Read More…]

False Start: ACU falls to Northwest Missouri State 45-36: Penalties, Bearcat offense halts the Wildcat football team’s playoff run

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By Michael Freeman, Managing Editor The Wildcats' historic playoff run came to an end as No. 2 ACU lost to No. 3 Northwest Missouri State 45-36 on a chilly, overcast afternoon Saturday at Shotwell Stadium. With the win, the Bearcats advanced to the NCAA Division II semifinal game, which will be next Saturday against North Alabama, who defeated ... [Read More…]

Big Country Blowout: ACU outduels West Texas A&M 93-68: The football team breaks 88-year-old school scoring record, advances to NCAA quarterfinals

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By Michael Freeman, Managing Editor Fans witnessed history Saturday afternoon as ACU and West Texas A&M battled for four hours at Shotwell Stadium. When the dust settled, the Wildcat football team had shattered a school scoring record for a single game and had advanced to the NCAA Division II quarterfinal round for the first time in school ... [Read More…]

The Campus Store fuels football fever

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By Colter Hettich, Features Editor The ACU football team silenced critics and encouraged Wildcat fans on Nov. 8 with its win over Midwestern State. The win clinched the title of Lone Star Conference champions for the Wildcats and fueled school spirit on campus. Fans and memorabilia collectors can purchase one of two, unique LSC champions T-shirts ... [Read More…]

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