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THE APPALACHIAN TheAppalachianOnline.com

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Vol. 87, No. 17

App Loft clears out, Mountaineers stay calm as Sandy rages by ANNE BUIE

Managing Editor

n Sunday morning before then-Hurricane Sandy hit, there were 18 people staying in the App Loft in Manhattan, N.Y. By Sunday night, there were only two people left – Howard Gisking, the fall faculty director for the loft, and his wife.  “It’s lucky they got out,” Gisking said. “It would have been difficult to have 18 people here, especially with no electricity and no water. It would have been a really big, big problem.” The loft lost electricity and water, but Gisking said he and his wife had enough supplies to last five to six days.

But despite the lack of electricity and water in the neighborhood, Gisking said the overall atmosphere was “calm, peaceful and friendly.”   “One thing I noticed is that New Yorkers, probably because of 9/11 and having gone though that, is that people seem to be very calm,” he said. “We were on the street for an hour and a half walk. There’s no electricity, the subways and busses aren’t running. No mass transit or anything like that. No street lights. But people seem to be going about their business.”   And as for Gisking, he said he was staying positive despite the situation.   “We have the opportunity to make the best of a situation without electricity, or

Unfamiliarity with snow causes car accidents, but not for this snow

internet or television,” he said. “No distractions or restaurants open around here... we’re realizing this is probably what is was like before the days of electricity.”   Gisking and his wife were not the only people who lost power. Tuesday afternoon, The New York Times reported that 2.3 million people were out of power in New York. Luckily for junior music industries studies major Conor McClure, that number didn’t include his sister, who currently resides in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.   Since she didn’t lose power, she was able to post Facebook statuses and tweets, which helped McClure stay in contact with her.   “The ability to basically live-tweet the inside [of ] these disasters really helps

with news and staying upto-date, but also communcate and whatnot as well,” McClure said. “It was cool seeing her update frequently with a first-hand experience of it all.”   Although McClure said he was confident his sister would be fine, he was reassured by her constant updates.   “She tweeted this morning, I think saying, ‘Nothing really looks different except for a tree or two,’” McClure said. “She’s described it as, ‘Basically fine, just rainy.’”   Her reaction to the storm seems to be a common one.  Appalachian alumnus Tyler Thomas currently lives in Bushwick, N.Y.   Similarly, Thomas said the general mood of his area was calm, and could almost be

considered relaxed.   “I saw my neighbors out talking to each other cleaning things up, the kids had the day off from school so they played outside a little while,” Thomas said. “It was actually kind of a nice change of pace. After moving straight from Boone to New York City, I think people move too fast up here and don’t relax enough, I’m still kind of getting acclimated to the pace. Mayor Bloomberg told people in a press conference Sunday night to take advantage of the situation and catch up on some sleep, and I think a lot of people did.” But despite the current calm conditions, Thomas did not fool around with the Sunday’s impeding storm.   “When I read an article

that compared Sandy to the storm in the movie “The Perfect Storm,” but worse, I knew it was serious,” he said. “I saw that movie. It was a really bad storm. George Clooney and Mark Wahlburg even had a hard time riding it out and I’m nor George Clooney nor Mark Walhburg.  The point is: I kept my ass safely inside.”   Thomas said he had been impressed with the way people were handing the storm.   “We know the damage that was dealt and we’re going to deal with it as we can get to it,” he said. “People are already overwhelming New York volunteer services to help clean up... folks keep up that kind of attitude, we’ll all be fine a lot sooner than we expected. This place is resilient. I’m optimistic.”

Kidd Brewer Stadium fence knocked down due to high winds, gusts

by KELLI STRAKA News Reporter

This week’s snow has not caused more traffic accidents in Boone, Boone Police Department Cpt. Jim Wilson said. On average, there are 100 traffic accidents a month in Boone, Wilson said. “Living here as long as I have, this was just not that big of a deal of a snow,” he said. The roads were also kept in good driving condition, Wilson said. More traffic accidents happen when the snow is unexpected, Wilson said, due to lack of planning. “I’ve seen that a lot of times, especially in the Boone area,” Wilson said. Forecasts for this snow were well announced and shared, he said, which allowed Boone residents to prepare in advance. “It didn’t catch anybody off-guard,” Wilson said. “The roads weren’t even near as full as normal for “But we do utilize a Tuesday and WednesASU Police to help day.” For the university, us with how to there are more traffic acmake sure tires are cidents during the first OK, how to drive in snow of the year due the show, how to to unfamiliarity of how check anti-freeze to drive in the snow, and anything that University Police Cpt. deals with winter Douglas Dugger said. driving and safety.” “Usually people are caught off guard,” DugVickie Hawkins, Associate Director for University Housing ger said. Another reason people tend to get in traffic accidents during the first snow of the year, Dugger said, is from cars not being properly geared for the snowy conditions. “Especially in our case, sometimes with the university, some of the students aren’t familiar with winter driving,” he said. Wilson said that to help avoid traffic accidents during snow, reduce speed “tremendously” and increase following distance “by double.” “Brakes are not your friend,” Wilson said. Once you apply brakes, all steering is gone, he said. It’s best to keep the wheels rolling a little bit. Even with four-wheel drive vehicles, the cars don’t stop any faster, only accelerate faster in the snow, Wilson said. The University Police offer safety programs presented in the residence halls for winter driving tips, Dugger said. At this point of the semester, University Housing has not had University Police present the program, Associate Director for University Housing Vickie Hawkins said. Typically the programs are late fall semester and early spring semester when there is more snow, Hawkins said. “But we do utilize ASU Police to help us with how to make sure tires are OK, how to drive in the snow, how to check anti-freeze and anything that deals with winter driving and safety,” she said.

Matt Abele | The Appalachian

High winds toppled the fences surrounding Kidd Brewer Stadium Tuesday, due to the landfall of Hurricane Sandy. The storm dropped over six inches of snow on Boone and brought gusts of wind up to 50 mph to the area.

Jump Start goes from pilot to permanent by STEPHANIE SANSOUCY Senior News Reporter

The university has hired a full-time coordinator for Jump Start Appalachian, turning the pilot program into a permanent program, said Director of Transfer Articulation Jane Rex. The newly appointed coordinator of Jump Start, Phil Lewis, said the Jump Start program began in February 2012 as a pilot program funded by a grant. Jump Start was created to help transfer students from the three biggest “feeder” schools – Caldwell, Central Piedmont and Wilkes Community Colleges – with their transition to the university, Lewis said. Lewis said Jump Start was picked up as a permanent program because there are an increasing number of transfer students, along with an increasing recognition of their need for support. “Supporting students to be successful has important implications for future funding,” Lewis said. Lewis said he hopes that as a permanent program, Jump Start will build bridges with other student organizations to help transfers become involved on campus. “It would be great if we had the space and time to create a Transfer Student Center on campus,” Lewis said. As of now there is no place for transfer students to meet, since many commute. Senior public relations major Lindsey Shaw is one of seven current student mentors in the Jump Start program.

Photo Courtesy | Phil Lewis

Some of the original mentors from the recently formed Jump Start Appalachian program for transfer students helped transfer students with their transition to Appalachian State.

Her role as a mentor is not only to promote the program at the three “feeder schools,” but to be there to support transfer students and to be someone to meet up with or ask questions, Shaw said. “I really love to hear them say how much we have helped them,” she said. “It’s gratifying that we are actually making a difference.”

Shaw said she hopes that as a permanent program, Jump Start can reach out to more students from schools other than the three target schools they work with now. Jump Start has a Facebook page as well as ‘First-Wednesday’ events where transfer students can meet and socialize with other students on the first Wednesday of every month.

ON THE WEB Wanna be in the loop with the ASU athletes and games? Check us out on Twitter at @theappsports.

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Election Insert

Look inside this issue of The Appalachian and online for our Election Insert.

News

| November 1, 2012

Tennis court refurbishment finished by KELLI STRAKA News Reporter

The six Athletic Center Courts and five Rivers Street Courts are now refurbished as part of routine maintenance, said Eddie Simmons, associate director for University Recreation. All 11 courts were refurbished and the six Athletic Center Courts have new nets. The Rivers Street Courts will have the best old nets from the Athletic Center Courts. The refurbishment was needed to keep the courts “safe and useable,” Simmons said. Refurbishment is required for outdoor tennis courts every three to five years, due to weather and use. Two of the Rivers Street Courts had large cracks that made them unsafe to play

on, Simmons said. The Athletic Center Courts refurbishment began Oct. 15 and finished Oct. 23, and the Rivers Street courts refurbishment started Oct. 23 and finished last Friday. UREC, Physical Education and the Athletic Department split the project’s costs, which totaled $47,750. UREC will pay for new nets on the Athletic Center Courts. Junior finance and banking major John Finlayson plays on the Rivers Street Courts two times a week if weather permits, he said. Finlayson said he “wasn’t happy with the courts.” With the large cracks on two of the courts, Finlayson said he could really only play on three courts. The nets were also in bad condition, he said. While Finlayson said he hasn’t seen the courts

finished, he saw the construction crew filling in the cracks. “I’m definitely excited to see [them] now that they are finished,” he said. “I’m definitely excited to see new nets as well, that aren’t sagging.” Junior history and secondary education major Matthew Alexander plays on the Rivers Street Courts three to four times a week if it’s nice outside and has time, he said. Before refurbishment, Alexander said the courts were in “pretty bad” condition. “As a tennis player, I hate people who play ‘soccer tennis,’” Alexander said. “It just makes me so mad because they mess up the nets.” Alexander said the cracks on the courts caused the tennis ball to “bounce every which way.” “They definitely needed to be refurbished,” he said.

The Appalachian

| TheAppalachianOnline.com

Compost facility increases waste diversion rate toward zero-waste by JULIEANNE PIKE Intern News Reporter

The university’s new compost facility, which opened last November, has significantly expanded its capacity for composting. “I think you can safely say that we have composted close to 200 tons since we opened the new facility,” said Resource Conservation Specialist Jennifer Maxwell. The new facility has the ability to compost 275 tons annually, a significant increase from its previous capacity of 100 tons annually, she said. Since the new facility opened last year, collection of some post-consumer waste from campus events has been made possible. The facility plans to continue to increase its postconsumer collection, Max-

Farm, Maxwell said. The compost provides numerous benefits for the soil and vegetation, including improved soil structure, increased water holding capacity and the ability for soils to retain nutrients longer, she said. Expanding the compost efforts on campus is one of the major initiatives in Appalachian’s Waste Reduction Strategic Plan, Maxwell said. Appalachian began its composting program in 1999 and was the first school in the UNC system to begin composting on campus. “The new facility is a wonderful teaching tool and research opportunity for our students, faculty and staff,” Maxwell said. Food Services supports all campus sustainability initiatives, Kessler said.

well said. Separating the contents left on the trays is a difficult process for Food Services, said Director of Food Services Art Kessler. “In order to collect postconsumer waste from the trays that come back into our dish areas, we would have to put on more employees which would increase our costs,” he said. Extra costs would raise prices, which could increase meal plan levels, Kessler said. The facility currently collects pre-consumer waste from Food Services, which includes scraps from food preparation and food that is brought back from catering events, Kessler said. The cured compost is used for landscape application on campus and at the Sustainable Development Teaching and Research

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A&E

The Appalachian

| TheAppalachianOnline.com

Voting celebration reaches across party lines by EMMA SPECKMAN

Review:

by CONNOR CHILDERS Senior A&E Reporter

Editor’s Note: The following reflects the opinion of the author.

Maggie Cozens | The Appalachian

College Democrats President Lia Poteet hands senior political science major Johnny McElhany some information about the upcoming election at Monday’s Rock the Vote event. The event, held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Solarium, encouraged students to vote and offered free food, speakers and live music.

members from each group involved collaborated and assumed specialized roles to help make the event run as smoothly as possible. “We helped provide entertainment and did a lot of the advertising for it,” said APPS President Whitney Howard. “We wanted to get people excited.” From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.,

WASU set up a live broadcast from the Solarium, provided music and gave away prizes. “We got involved when Dylan Russell from SGA brought the idea to me,” said WASU Station Manager Lauren Brigman. “We all met for about a month to plan it. As a radio station we have to be impartial. We were out there just trying to encourage people

SAGA to host drag show SAGA Spring 2012 Gwendolyn Latrice K. Fontaine. A&E Reporter “It’s all about the students who are performing,” Hoyle The Appalachian State Sexu- said. “It really gives them the ality and Gender Alliance club chance to be creative and a is hosting its biannual Amateur chance to learn the art of male Drag Show Thursday in hopes or female impersonation.” Hoyle said the show’s secof entertaining students and ondary goal is educating the raising money for the club. The funds from the show, public about the LGBT community and which has redrag culture in peatedly proven general. to be the most “It gives us profitable fun- “It really gives them the the chance to draiser the club chance to be creative have a converhosts, go toward and a chance to learn sation about covering costs and for the pro- the art of male or female female male imperfessional drag impersonation.” sonation that show SAGA puts on later in Shelita Hoyle, professional drag queen we probably wouldn’t have the semester. other wise,” This year the Hoyle said. show will fea“I had a conversation with ture six drag kings and two queens, a record number of someone last night who didn’t male drag particpants in com- even know drag kings existed.” parison to past years. The per- Hoyle, who aided in judging formers, all of whom are Appa- the show last semester, got her lachian students, perform short professional start at the Appasets of dancing and lip-syncing lachian’s amateur show six years to their chosen songs. At the ago. She sees the event as a fun end of the night, judges will determine two winners to be learning opportunity for perMr. and Ms. SAGA Fall 2012. formers in training. “Mainly we want to help our The winners go on to perform alongside professionals at the amateur performers prepare for professional show later this se- some of what a professional goes through, if they decide mester. The event is hosted by a pro- that they want to continue with fessional drag queen who goes performing,” said SAGA President Taylor Bailey. by the name of Shelita Hoyle. “Really, I just hope they have Hoyle has been a recipient of the titles of Miss Gay Diamond fun. They’re definitely going to America and Miss Sweetheart be laughing, because I’ll be on Hickory for her performance the microphone,” Hoyle said. The show is Thursday from at competitions. The show will feature a guest performance 7:30 to 10 p.m. in the Broyhill by last semester’s winner, Ms. Events Center. Tickets are $5.

to vote.” One of the main goals of the event was to promote and encourage early voting on campus, which has been going on in the second floor of Plemmons Student Union since Oct. 18 on every weekday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and will continue until Nov. 2. “Our early voting site in the union has been a great opportunity for the

campus community,” Wallace said. “I voted there last week. ASU students fought hard to secure that site on campus.” According to the groups involved, the event reached out to inform eligible voters on campus. “It was a huge success,” Brigman said. “I’m sure people will start posting ‘when’s the next event?’ [on Facebook] soon.”

‘Dia De Los Muertos’

by LOVEY COOPER

SageSport is an authorized dealer for Boone

828-262-1112

Chad Valley releases infectious new pop album

Senior A&E Reporter

f the ubiquitous posters, contact tables, campaign signs and people with clipboards haven’t persuaded students to vote yet, six groups on campus pulled together on Monday for one last shot. The Student Government Association, Appalachian Popular Programming Society, College Democrats, College Republicans, WASU radio station and APPSpeaks collaborated to bring Rock the Vote to the Solarium Monday. The event was originally planned to be outdoors on Sanford Mall, but inclement weather conditions necessitated the change. “I believe the turnout was good,” Vice Chancellor of Student Development Cindy Wallace said. “A pretty fall day on Sanford Mall would have been much better, but that was not an option.” In her speech to the audience during the event, Wallace reiterated the importance of student involvement in the upcoming election. “Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy and to be an engaged, informed voter is our responsibility,” she said. “A democracy cannot survive and certainly will not flourish without an engaged, informed citizenry.” Representatives and

November 1, 2012 |

Sports & Outdoors

Boone Mall

Aneisy Cardo | The Appalachian

Students dance in Calloway Peak for the Dia De Los Muertos festival on Halloween. The festival is a Mexican holiday that celebrates deceased ancestors with music and food.

‘Ghost Stories and Murder Ballads’ event brings Boone flavor to Halloween by R. SCOTT MORRIS A&E Editor

Last Thursday, a group of storytellers and musicians visited the university to perform in the “Ghost Stories and Murder Ballads” event in Plemmons Student Union. The event was orchestrated by the APPS Appalachian Heritage Council as part of a series of holiday events for the Halloween season. But unlike the other events, the focus was on the history of the Appalachian mountains. “Storytelling is a very important aspect of the Appalachian culture, and murder ballads are an especially unique feature of the music of the region,” said Appalachian Heritage Chairperson Josie Hoggard. “We were hoping that an evening that highlighted both would be a really fun way to get people in the mood for Halloween, especially because the stories that were told were based from around the region, which makes it especially spooky.” The storytellers who participated in the event, Saundra Kelley and Marjorie Shaefer, are members of the Jonesborough Storytellers Guild, a group of professional storytellers that formed in Jonesborough, Tenn., in 1994. Shaefer joined the group after moving to the area, having already been a professional storyteller for several years. “I came down here from Michigan to go to ETSU, and felt as if I had come home,” Shaefer said. “We decided to move down here, so I began looking around for venues where I might continue to tell [stories] after I graduated. The Guild has been telling in Jonesborough every Tuesday night for over 18 years, so I joined.”

The story Shaefer told at the event was “Mariah of the Spirits,” a story from a collection written by Sherry Austin. “When I first read “Mariah of the Spirits,” that story spoke to me, so I asked Sherry Austin if I might tell it,” Shaefer said. “Sherry is from Charlotte, N.C., and lives in Flat Rock, so the story fit into the Appalachian theme. It is my favorite ghost story currently. I have told it three times at different events since [the event].” The second half of the night was filled with “murder ballads,” an Appalachian tradition. The ballads are a form of song that originated in the British Isles and were brought over to the American west, often keeping the original stories but changing the locations. “Storytelling is an important feature of the Appalachian culture and murder ballads are a form of musical storytelling, the two together were a great way to get people in the mood for the week leading up to Halloween,” Hoggard said. “Trevor McKenzie, a recent graduate of Appalachian State’s Appalachian Studies graduate program, is a great performer in the traditional style of the region,” she said. “He came and performed murder ballads, some from the region, and some that are even older.” “He is a treasure – a connector between the old ballads and the new audience,” Shaefer said. “It takes young artists like him and David [Funderburk, who played backup for McKenzie] to keep Appalachia in tune with her roots.” The event served as a reminder of the reasons why stories and storytellers are relevant today. “Stories give us a structure on which to hang memories,” Shaefer said.

The reception of Chad Valley’s debut full-length album “Young Hunger” could be encapsulated in one word: infectious. While some listeners may find this glittery, synth-pop album irresistible, others might try everything within their power to keep from succumbing to its contagious hooks. Hugo Manuel, the brains behind this Oxford-based music project, is part of the artistic collective Blessing Force, also based in Oxford, England. While this is Manuel’s first full album, his experience with dance music is nothing new. Before taking on Chad Valley as a solo project, he was part of Jonquil, an equally dance-focused band. Appropriately, the sounds of “Young Hunger” are nothing new to music as a whole. This album is undeniably influenced by 1980s pop music. However, something about this album shines through as genuine rather than ironic. It’s hard to keep from repeating the refrain of the album’s second track, “Tell All Your Friends,” over and over again. Manuel sings, “Tell all you friends, tell everyone / All I wanna think about is you,” over an arrangement of synths and synthetic beats, which sound like they couldn’t come from anywhere other than the shelves of a used record store. Manuel drew from other popular styles as well to create this album. In “My Girl,” the album’s fourth track, Manuel sings “If you wanna be my girl / You’ve gotta get with my friends,” a line referring to Spice Girls hit single “Wannabe.” Another track, “Evening Surrender” seems to channel post-Genesis Phil Collins and, even more surprisingly, Marvin Gaye. Listen to this track with “Sexual Healing” in mind and you’ll understand. The song opens with a slow drum-machine produced rhythm characteristic of 1980s R&B and then what sounds like a synth-replicated saxophone fades in. “Evening Surrender” features the vocals of Sarah Assbring of Swedish music project El Perro Del Mar. To balance out a lot of the older influences, “Young Hunger” features a surprising array of guest artists, including Twin Shadow, Glasser and Active Child. His inclusion of these indie-pop frontrunners really helps to bring this album out of the past and into the listenable present. These guest appearances seem to keep the album grounded while it toes the line of self-indulgent nostalgia and quality pop music. Overall, the album is very top-heavy. The first five tracks are the best and most memorable, but after the album’s interlude, it drops off into electro-mediocrity with a few slightly redeeming moments here and there.

Rating:

2.5 out of 4 stars

| November 1, 2012

The Appalachian

ppalachian

| TheAppalachianOnline.com

ews

Official University News & Announcements

Meeting Notes

Send copy to David W. Freeman, Director of Student Publications, Center for Student Involvement and Leadership, second floor, Plemmons Student Union, or e-mail: freemandw@appstate.edu.

Spring Counseling Center groups

Understanding Self and Others Group—Issues commonly addressed vary from depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, self-esteem, issues of family conflict or abuse, etc. Students who want to resolve specific concerns as well as those seeking personal growth are welcome. Mondays 1:30-3 p.m., Tuesdays 1:30-3 p.m. and 3-4:30 p.m. USOGet Moving (moving your body to increase wellness- see below for details), Wednesdays 2:30-4 p.m., Thursdays 1:30-3 p.m. (Transitions to ASU Group, doesn’t start until October) and USO-DOG 3:30-5 p.m. (group Therapy with co-leaders and a therapy dog) Lesbian/Gay /Bisexual Therapy Group—This group will present an opportunity for lesbian, gay and bisexual individuals to explore life challenges. Fridays 1-2:30 p.m. Painful Pasts, Promising Futures Group—This group is designed for those who have experienced traumatic events in their lives or who come from backgrounds in which they did not feel safe. Wednesdays 3-4:30 p.m. Transgender Therapy Group—This group is similar to the “Understanding Self and Others” group in that a variety of issues will be explored in a safe and supportive environment. Wednesdays 5-6:30 p.m. (For information contact Sheri Clark: 262-3180 or clarksl@appstate.edu) Food/Mood Group—This group is designed for students who use food and/or exercise to cope in ways that would be considered “unhealthy”. To Be Determined. An Introduction to Mindfulness Group—Mindfulness involves stepping out of “auto-pilot” reactions and learning to pay more attention to our present experiences. Mondays 3:30-5 p.m. USO-Get Movin’ Active Bodies Healthy Minds—Did you know that exercise is one of the best mental health interventions we know of? Tuesdays 3-4:30 p.m. To get started with a Counseling Center group, come to the Counseling Center during Walk-In Clinic, call 262-3180 or visit our website for more information www.counseling. appstate.edu. If you are interested in group but these times do not work for you, please get in touch with Chris Carden at 262-3180 or cardendc@appstate.edu.

Music therapy group at Wellness

Are you looking for support in making a lifestyle change or recovery regarding alcohol, substance use, or other addictive behaviors? Music therapy may help you in this journey! No musical training or experience is needed, and a variety of musical experiences will be used. For more information, call 262-3148, or come by the ASU Student Wellness Center, 2nd Floor Annas Support Building, beside Health Service), starting in October, date and time TBD.

13th annual Queer Film Series begins

The 13th Annual Queer Film Series continues Tuesday, Nov. 13, at 7:30 p.m. in Library 114, Facing Mirrors (Iran, 2011, Unrated, 102 min., in Farsi with English subtitles) The first narrative film from Iran to feature a transgender main character, Facing Mirrors is a story of an unlikely and daring friendship that develops despite social norms and traditional beliefs. Rana drives a cab in order to survive financially and pay off the debt that keeps her husband in prison. By chance, she picks up Eddie, who’s on the run and desperately awaiting the passport he needs to leave the country. When the religious and inexperienced Rana learns that her wealthy passenger is FTM, conflicts arise, but maybe they also can help each other out of their dire situations. Winner of the Best Feature-Length Movie of the 36th annual Frameline LGBT Film Festival. Also, four special screenings sponsored by APPS Films with a panel organized by QFS: Monday, Nov. 26, and Wednesday, Nov. 28, at 7 and 9:30 p.m. in I.G. Greer Auditorium, Bully (USA, 2011, Unrated, 98 min.) - This documentary, directed by Sundance and Emmy-award winning filmmaker, Lee Hirsch, offers an intimate, unflinching look at how bullying has touched five kids and their families. Filmed over the course of the 2009/2010 school year, Bully opens a window onto the pained and often endangered lives of bullied kids, including 16 year old lesbian, Kelby, revealing a problem that transcends geographic, racial, ethnic and economic borders. It documents the responses of teachers and administrators to aggressive behaviors that defy “kids will be kids” clichés, and it captures a growing movement among parents and youths to change how bullying is handled in schools, in communities and in society as a whole. A discussion panel will take place between showings each night. All movies are free and open to the public. Discussions follow the films.

As-U-R new student support

During this time of year many faculty and staff will provide academic advisement to students who try hard to succeed but very often fall short. Appalachian State University is pleased to announce a new student support program that may be able to provide assistance to students who are chronically in this situation. It’s called “As-U-R,” and is a service geared toward students with “executive functioning” challenges (EFC). EFC is basically defined by chronic difficulties in organization, planning, and decision-making, which can make success in college-level academics especially difficult. Some college students with EFC may have previously been assessed for or even diagnosed with ADHD or specific learning disabilities, but others may have performed satisfactorily in high school only to struggle with college-level work. As-U-R provides a comprehensive package of support services including academic support, skillbuilding, and advisement geared towards addressing EFC. The As-U-R program is currently soliciting applications for the 2012-2013 academic year. If you know of a student who seems to meet the above description and might benefit from our program, please refer him or her to the College STAR As-U-R website for more details and application procedures. Questions about the process should be addressed to the As-U-R director, Dr. Monica Lambert, lambertma@appstate. edu. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the 2012-13 cohort is filled.

Flu vaccine clinics for students

Students, don’t spend weeks sick in bed, missing classes and finals. Protect your health by getting your free flu vaccination. A Daily Flu Vaccination Clinic will be held MondayFriday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (except Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.), at Student Health Service, 2nd floor Miles Annas Building (post office building). After Hours Flu Vaccination Clinics will be held Wednesday, Nov. 14, 5 to 7 p.m., Student

A Service of the Division of Student Development

Recreation Center.

Black Saturday 5K set for Nov. 10

Appalachian State University’s Recreation Management Association (RMA) will hold the 4th Annual Black Saturday 5K on Nov. 10, at 8 a.m. The 5K will begin on campus, starting and finishing at the Holmes Convocation Center. Proceeds from the 5K will go toward the Recreation Management Scholarship Fund, which is awarded to a senior majoring in recreation management. Registration fees for the Black Saturday 5K are $10 for students and $15 for non-students if received before Nov. 10. Registration after Nov. 10 is $20 for all entries. T-shirts will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Awards will be presented to the overall male and female, as well as the top male and female in the following categories: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior, Faculty/Staff, Over 50, High School and Other. Refreshments will be available. For more information about the Black Saturday 5K, or to register for the event, go to http:// blacksaturday5K.appstate.edu.

Talk on Nov. 2 highlights research

Dr. John Krigbaum of the University of Florida will discuss “Holocene Diet and Seasonality at Niah Cave (Sarawak, East Malaysia): New Insights From Light Stable Isotopes,” Friday, Nov. 2, from 2 to 4 p.m. in 421 Belk Library and Information Commons. His presentation reviews light stable isotope data derived from human tooth enamel recovered from Niah Cave in northern Borneo. Published stable carbon and oxygen isotope data from bulk samples of tooth enamel will be compared to serially-sampled tooth enamel data to infer patterns of seasonality and diet. Dr. Krigbaum’s presentation will provide a great opportunity for students and the general public to witness interdisciplinary research in anthropology, chemistry, museum studies and geological sciences. He has used stable isotope analysis to address a variety of paleontological and archaeological problems - from his work on the Paleocene-Eocene transition in fauna from Bighorn Basin, Wyoming, to the reconstruction of dietary adaptations in prehistoric human populations in prehistoric Asia. His talk is presented by the Department of Anthropology and sponsored by the Department of Geology.

New tool to aid students to plan

DegreeWorks, a web-based academic advising and degree audit tool, is now available to students at Appalachian State University. It is an academic planning tool with real-time counseling capabilities, giving students meaningful and consistent direction and providing advisors and student records managers with up-to-date curriculum information. With a theme of “Finish in Four,” the Division of Academic Affairs has implemented the degree audit tool for students in response to a request from the Student Government Association to help students navigate curriculum requirements and keep them on track towards completing their college degree in four years. “We believe DegreeWorks will empower students to assume more responsibility for taking the appropriate classes required in their intended major,” said Susan Davies, associate vice chancellor for enrollment management at Appalachian. “This online tool makes degree requirements more transparent for the student, which will free up time in their advising appointments to focus on career aspiration rather than asking ‘What classes do I need to take,’” she said. DegreeWorks allows students to explore “what if” scenarios, such as how a change in their major will impact the number of additional courses that will be required to graduate in four years. Freshmen who entered Appalachian this fall learned about DegreeWorks during summer orientation. Rather than keeping up with paper degree checklists used in the past, they and other students will have access to their program of study 24 hours a day through the web-based program. In the next year, additional options will be added to DegreeWorks. Students will have an opportunity to create a fouryear plan using a curriculum planning tool, and academic departments will be able to use that information to better understand demand for certain classes when they are creating departmental class schedules. More information about DegreeWorks is available at http:// degreeworks.appstate.edu.

Reception for state’s poet laureate

The Appalachian State University community is invited to a reception to celebrate Joseph Bathanti’s selection as the North Carolina Poet Laureate, an honor held by only six previous poets. The reception, hosted by the Department of English, will be held Thursday, Nov. 8, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Plemmons Student Union Solarium. Joseph Bathanti teaches creative writing in the English Department and is Director of Writing in the Field and Writer-in-Residence in Appalachian’s Watauga Global Community. He was appointed Poet Laureate by Gov. Bev Perdue, who praised both his many award-winning works of poetry and his “robust commitment to social causes. As Poet Laureate he will be an ambassador for North Carolina literature. He will also continue his tradition of service: Gov. Perdue has announced that he will be helping “veterans to share their stories through poetry—a valuable and generous project.”

BSA to host ‘Adopt-A-Family’

Black Student Association will host an “Adopt-A-Family” Event with Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, Nov. 11-17. On Nov. 7-9 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. there will be a contact table set up by Cascades for representatives of student organizations to sign up to “Adopt-A-Family”. Student organizations are welcomed to pick up a “family packet” containing family information, clothing sizes, and requested needs for their organization to collect and donate to their adopted family. Organizations will be responsible for returning their donated items back to BSA by 5 p.m., Monday Nov. 19 from 2-5 p.m. in the BSA office located upstairs in the student union beside McAllister’s.

Registration is now open for the Gobbler 5K, a race scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 1, at 8:30 a.m. at Duck Pond Field. The cost is $16 and includes: race day t-shirt; warm cobbler; entertainment. Register by Nov. 13 to be guaranteed a t-shirt. All proceeds support International Service-Learning Scholarships (ACT) and the Community Care Clinic. For more information contact Jessica Blanford, blanfordjl@appstate.edu.

Logo, Video contest; Win money!

Appalachian’s Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) Marketing Team is hosting two contests for Appalachian students, a

logo and video contest. The contests provide opportunities for students to exhibit their artistic abilities while helping to advertise Appalachian’s Global Learning QEP. The QEP’s theme is “Global Learning: A World of Opportunities for Appalachian Students.” Prizes are: First place, $500; Second place, $300; Third place: $200. The logo must convey the spirit of Appalachian and global learning. The emphasis is on global learning opportunities here on campus. The use of the phrase “Global Learning” within the logo is at your discretion. It is not mandatory. Entrants can use official Appalachian marks from the virtual toolbox, but must not alter them in any way. Official Guidelines. Logos must have all original content; contestants cannot use unauthorized, copyrighted material. Both full color and black and white versions of the logo must be submitted.

Logo images must be scalable from thumbnail to billboard size.

The contest is open only to current Appalachian students. Students may enter individually, or in a group of no more than two students (this includes undergraduate and graduate students). All logos become the property of Appalachian State University upon submission.

Complete an entry form and submit your logo via email to Terri Lockwood at lockwodtl@appstate.edu or send DVD submissions to Terri Lockwood, 1028 Anne Belk Hall. Submissions are due by 5 p.m., Nov. 30.

The video must convey the spirit of Appalachian and global learning. The emphasis is on global learning opportunities here on campus. Describe what the QEP (Quality Enhancement Plan) is and why it is important.

The contest is open only to current Appalachian students. Students may enter individually or in a group of no more than four students (this includes undergraduate and graduate students). Only one submission per individual/group. Videos must comply with the Student Code of Conduct. Videos must have all original content, music, images, etc.; contestants cannot use unauthorized, copyrighted material. The video should not be longer than two minutes or shorter than 30 seconds. Please do not submit videos produced via cellphones - submissions will be judge on video quality. All videos become the property of Appalachian State University upon submission. Complete the entry form and email videos to lockwodtl@appstate.edu or send a DVD to Terri Lockwood, 1037 Anne Belk Hall. Submissions are due by 5 p.m., Dec. 7.

Mountain photo contest opens

The 10th Annual Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition (AMPC) is accepting submissions through 5 p.m. Nov.16. This competition celebrates the unique people, places and pursuits that distinguish the Southern Appalachians and it attracts entries from across the United States. Amateur and professional photographers 13 years of age and older are encouraged to submit entries at http://www.appmtnphotocomp.org. A panel of professional photographers will review all entries and select those that will be displayed in exhibition at Appalachian State University’s Turchin Center for the Visual Arts March 1 through Aug. 16, 2013. The judges will also select the final winners that will be showcased during the exhibition. The Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition is a partnership among Appalachian’s Outdoor Programs, Turchin Center for the Visual Arts and the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation. For more information about this photography competition, please visit http://www.appmtnphotocomp.org, or call Outdoor Programs at 828-262-2475.

2012 Multicultural programming Fall Programs Tuesday, Nov. 27, Legends Nightclub, 6 p.m., Kwanzaa Celebration. Kwanzaa is the first African American holiday established in the United States. Friday, Nov 30, Blue Ridge Ballroom, 5 p.m., Find Yosef a Holiday Festival. This fair-style event offers an “a la carte menu” of the images, sounds, foods, and activities that represent winter holidays from around the world. Attendees will learn in fun and interactive ways about many international holidays, cultures and customs. Spring 2013 Programs Tuesday, January 22, 2013, Holmes Center, 7 p.m., The 29th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration: An Evening with Maya Angelou. Dr. Maya Angelou is hailed as one of the great voices of contemporary black literature and as a remarkable Renaissance woman. A mesmerizing vision of grace, swaying and stirring when she moves; Dr. Angelou captivates her audiences lyrically with vigor, fire and perception. Dr. Angelou, born Marguerite Johnson on April 4, 1928, in St. Louis was raised in segregated rural Arkansas. She is a poet, historian, author, actress, playwright, civil-rights activist, producer and director. She lectures throughout the U.S. and abroad and is a lifetime Reynolds professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University in North Carolina since 1981. Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2013, Blue Ridge Ballroom, 7 p.m. “Hidden Voices: The Lives of Queer Muslims.” Participants will learn about sexual and gender minorities within the Muslim world and examine the complex intersection of Islam, sexuality and gender. Faisal Alam is a queer-identified Muslim activist of Pakistani descent. At age 19, while trying to reconcile his sexuality with his faith, Faisal organized the firstever gathering of LGBT Muslims, which led to the founding of Al-Fatiha, an organization dedicated to supporting and empowering lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex & questioning (LGBTIQ) Muslims, and their allies. Today, Al-Fatiha has sister organizations around the world including Canada, South Africa, Spain, United Kingdom, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine & Indonesia.

Opinion

The Appalachian

The Appalachian | TheAppalachianOnline.com November 1, 2012 | 5

| TheAppalachianOnline.com

The Appalachian Your student newspaper since 1934

Staff opinion

Minorities shouldn’t define the majority

MICHAEL BRAGG Editor-in-Chief

ANNE BUIE

Managing Editor

Abbi Pittman Copy Editor

Chelsey Fisher News Editor

R. Scott Morris A&E Editor

Kevin griffin Opinion Editor

Maggie Cozens Photo Editor

LizzIE McCREARY Graphics Editor

LIBBY DALLIS Video Editor

Contact Information EDITOR-IN-CHIEF (828) 262-6149 BUSINESS OFFICE (828) 262-2157 FAX LINE (828) 262-6256 Associated Collegiate Press

Ryan scott I’m in a sociology class, and we were recently given a project in which we had to do something kind for somebody once a day for a week. One day, I decided to stop by the dining hall and buy a cookie for a random stranger. So I bought the cookie and headed over to a woman sitting

alone. Following my introduction and project explanation, I told her I was giving her a free cookie. Her response floored me. “I’m going to be honest, I’m getting the feeling you put something in that cookie, and it’s making me very uncomfortable,” she said. I awkwardly laughed and explained what I was doing again, but she still was not satisfied. “Let me be blunt,” she said. “I feel like you’re trying to rape me, and this is seriously making me fear for my safety.” At this point, I set the cookie down, reassured her I had no bad intentions and walked away. Has our society really grown so

distrustful that a free cookie is a death threat? Sexual assault has become a rampant issue on many college campuses, but my cookie offering was not me trying to hurt anyone. I realize that over the past year, sexual assault has been an issue on this campus. But accusing me of attempted rape because of a cookie is taking things too far. According to the FBI’s annual crime report, there were an estimated 83,425 forcible rapes reported to law enforcement in America in 2011. The 2010 United States Census states there are about 151,781,326 men in the country. So according to these numbers,

only a small percentage of men committed rape last year. There’s no denying that certain men are the reason for rape and sexual assault. But the key word is certain. Certain Hispanics are in this country illegally, certain Muslims are extremists and commit acts of terror and certain Appalachian students are potheads. If we can distinguish the majority from the minority in those situations, why can’t it be done here? Oh, and to the girl I mentioned earlier, I really hope you enjoyed that cookie.

Scott, a sophomore computer science major from Huntersville, is an opinion writer.

Editorial Cartoon

Hurricane Sandy: A preview of the 2012-13 winter

Our Mission The Appalachian, a student-run publication at Appalachian State University, strives to provide fair and accurate news for the campus community; to inform, entertain and create a forum for ideas; to provide an outlet for reader's opinions; to be a champion for student, faculty, staff, and community interests; and to remain independent, exercise and insure its First Amendment rights.

Letters to the Editor The Appalachian welcomes Letters to the Editor. Letters should be 250 words or less and include the author’s name, ASU Box, phone number, classification and campus affiliation, if any. The Appalachian reserves the right to decline publication of any letter and to edit letters for the purpose of clarity and space. Although we are unable to acknowledge those letters we cannot publish, we appreciate the interest and value the views of those who take the time to send us their comments. Letters should be submitted electronically via our Web site or e-mail. Letters may also be mailed to “Letter to the Editor,” The Appalachian, ASU Box 9025, Boone, N.C. 28608. Letters may also be brought to the newsroom, located on the second floor of Plemmons Student Union.

Staff opinion

Republican is voting for Obama

ANNE BUIE If you’ve been reading our papers regularly, you probably noticed I engage in a Point Counter-Point with Editor-in- Chief Michael Bragg. In the past few issues, I’ve defended Gov. Mitt Romney’s stances, although I’ve been slightly torn between the candidates. Bragg and I have always envisioned this particular paper officially stating who we’re voting for. But when I sat down to write my opinion last night, I realized I don’t think I can vote for Romney. I’ve always believed that President Barack Obama will be better for the people, and Romney is better for the economy. But I finally realized, I don’t care if the economy is booming. If the American people are being denied equal rights then who cares how prosperous our country is? I believe in equal rights for women, the LGBT community and any American citizen. And I’ve finally accepted that the person who can help provide these rights, or at least act as an advocate for them, is Obama. When I cast my ballot sometime this week, it won’t be for the candidate everyone thought I was voting for. It’s for the person I believe will support the American dream for everyone. Buie, a sophomore political science major from Charlotte, is the managing editor.

Andrew Cox | The Appalachian

Staff Opinion

Let’s have America move ‘Forward,’ not in reverse

MICHAEL bragg In just a few days, America will either extend the presidency of Barack Obama or usher in new leadership under Gov. Mitt Romney. This American citizen, eligible voter and ally for equality hopes that the president stays put. President Obama did not inherit an easy job. He walked into the oval office with two wars, an economic depression, multi-trillion dollar debt and a plethora of other problems already piled on his desk. Obama helped save General Motors. Romney said “let Detroit

go bankrupt,” according to The New York Times. Obama scaled back and pulled the combat troops from Iraq. Romney called the move an “astonishing failure,” according to TheWashington Post. And while the economy is not in tip-top shape, Romney’s tax plan could potentially add $5 trillion to the deficit, on top of an unnecessary $2 trillion for military, which they did not ask for. PolitiFact has deemed all this “true” in Obama’s favor. But most importantly, Obama stands for equality. As the nephew of a gay uncle and a friend of many in the LGBT community, I see their rights as not only important, but crucial. Obama stands for equal marriage, treatment and rights while there are those state, like North Carolina, that put their rights up to a vote. You don’t put people’s rights on

a ballot. You put a leader in office who will correctly interpret separation of church and state and understand that all people are created equal with undeniable rights. Romney and Rep. Paul Ryan won’t stand up for LGBT rights. And until they do, my support will stay far away from two individuals who cannot see past their own religious, political and personal views when implementing any sort of policy. But while both of the candidates are promising to fix everything, we should keep one thing in mind: Neither presidential candidate can fix the nation. They need a dependable Congress to make the right decisions and work together. But that’s not happening anytime soon. And once a president enters their first term, they start campaigning for another four years. Since Obama has already com-

pleted one term, he will focus on the nation and its issues more without re-election looming over him. Romney will begin his campaign for re-election the second he sits down at the job. I guess that’s going on his list of things to accomplish on day one, which, as Obama jokingly told his blissfully optimistic contender in the first debate, is going to be a very busy first day. As I have said before, I’m more comfortable putting in the candidate who has done the job for four years rather than the confident candidate who doesn’t even know what’s going on in the president’s office this very second but constantly says he can do a better job. I support President Obama for another term as president of the United States. Bragg, a junior journalism and public relations major from Lillington, is the Editor-in-Chief.

Staff Opinion

Dumpster diving experience solidifies belief to share food

austin mann It was only a few nights ago when some friends and I ventured out into the dark and cold to find a vital essence: food. While most of us have no problem finding and

consuming food, this is not true for many people in Boone, and indeed in the entirety of the United States. After a short ride, we ended up at the Ingles on Route 105, a haven for foods of all sorts. They were closed. However, we were not interested in the food inside, but of what lay in the rear of the store. We made our way to the dumpster, where one dumpster provided us with 40 to 60 heads of lettuce, over three bags of bread,

at least 12 cans of peppers and much more. And that was only one dumpster; there are at least eight like it all around Boone. Why are all these things thrown out? They were all perfectly edible, the produce and bread being individually wrapped and the cans slightly dented. Other than that, everything was before or slightly after its expiration date - but still safe for consumption. Rather than donate their food, many retailers

compact it, ruining the food, or lock their dumpsters, making it impossible to get food into the mouths of people who need it. It wouldn’t be so hard for local businesses to just donate it. In fact, the Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act of 1996 makes it incredibly easy for food and grocery donations, from individuals, corporations, farmers, non-profit feeding program administrators and more. These individuals

and organizations will not be subject to civil or criminal liability that may arise from the nature, age, packaging or condition of donated food. It’s time to take advantage of this law. It’s time for us to share the wealth, and share our food. Before you throw your food out, look around and see who else needs it. Mann, a freshman computer science major from Raleigh, is an opinion writer.

The Appalachian

| TheAppalachianOnline.com

Matchup: vs. November 3, 2012 | 2:00 p.m. Allen E. Paulson Stadium Statesboro, G.A. by JORDAN DAVIS Sports Reporter

The Matchup This Saturday marks the second time Appalachian will face off against Georgia Southern. Last year, App pulled of a 24-17 upset, largely due to the defense. But this year, both teams will play off against each other’s strengths. Appalachian’s strong offense against GSU’s conference leading defense. But Appalachian’s offense all depends on the performance of the quarterbacks. QB Jamal Jackson was injured last week during the Western game, and has been listed as questionable to play. If Georgia Southern wins this game, then the team has the chance to defending their Southern Conference crown. The games have typically been tight in the past, five of the past six meetings have been decided by a touchdown or less according to gasu.com. How ASU can win The Mountaineers have faced two teams with a triple option attack, and neither game has been ideal. In last season’s win, App held Georgia Southern to just 135 rushing yards and will need a similar performance this year. App’s defense will be tested against this rushing attack, but the offense can help take pressure off them. But the offense will be tested too – quarterback Jamal Jackson is coming off an injury. GSU has one of the best defenses in the nation, but App must put some drives together and get points on the board. Getting in an early hole could be trouble against this defense and the Eagle’s ball control offense. How Georgia Southern can win The Golden Eagle’s game plan will be simple: run the ball and play defense. Earlier this year they beat Wofford 17-9 without attempting a single pass. GSU’s option rushing attack ranks second in the nation with 387 yards per game according to goasu.com, and is lead by QB Jerick McKinnon. GSU averages only six pass attempts a game, but often times they go for big gains because defenses have to play against the run every down. Their defense ranks fourth nationally, allowing only 289 yards per game. The Eagle’s may try to put some pressure on Jackson and see how he can run on his injured knee. The Bottom Line Over the past few seasons this has been the biggest game on the schedule; and this year is no different. One of these teams have been ranked number one in the nation the past two meetings, and number one has fallen each time. An Appalachian win this year would keep hope alive for a conference title, and would all but clinch a spot in the FCS playoffs.

by JORDAN DAVIS Sports Reporter

his time last year ASU quarterback Logan Hallock was catching passes during practice - not throwing them. Hallock was prolific as a high school quarterback at nearby West Wilkes High School, but only two schools invited him for an official visit. Appalachian offered him a walkon spot, and after redshirting a year Hallock found himself on the team as a wide receiver. “It was a tough transition going to wideout,” Hallock said. “There’s a lot of things that you really don’t think about until you’ve played that position. I’ve always played quarterback and that was just like second nature to me.” This year in spring practice with the team’s depth at quarterback running thin, head coach Jerry Moore asked Hallock to move back to his old position, a gratifying moment for the long time signal caller. “I want to do whatever I need to do to help out the team,” Hallock said. “But going back I felt a whole lot more comfortable at that position, and learning from Jamal and Deandre the past two years have been very beneficial for me.” As the leader of the offense, quarterback Jamal Jackson has been a willing teacher for Hal-

Photo Courtesy | Keith Cline/Go ASU

Sophomore quarterback/ wide receiver Logan Hallock assists placekicker Drew Stewart bunt the football down the field during the game against Western Saturday.

lock. “That’s my job. I have to worry about what I have to do on the field, as well as preparing the next guy in line,” Jackson said. “Logan does a good job of taking in information and learning and he’s a great student of the game which you have to be at the quarterback position.” When second string QB, Kameron Bryant, got hurt during a game against Coastal Carolina, Hallock was left as the team’s only backup quar-

terback, which is what opened the door for his opportunity Saturday. Hallock’s lone appearance last week could be something from a Hollywood script. The third string quarterback was thrown into action on the road against rival WCU after seeing only two snaps all season, and goes on to set a school record completing his first 20 passes while helping his team get a big win. “I’ve always been a Logan Hallock fan,” Moore said.

Appalachian vs. GA Southern Samford vs. Wufford Elon vs. Citadel #16 Texas A&M vs. #15 Mississippi State #1 Alabama vs. #5 LSU

“He’s a team guy all the way. He doesn’t get near as many reps in practice as Jamal, they don’t even split it, and yet he was able to go out there and throw for 234 yards.” Despite being thrown into the Appalachian spotlight for his performance, Hallock is staying humble. “I can’t take any of the credit for it,” Hallock said. “Just everybody taking a role and doing their job... we did what we needed to do and get the W which is most important.”

Demetrius McCray’s confidence shows on the field by CHASE ERICKSON Sports Reporter

When Demetrius McCray takes his position on the field, he makes his victims know exactly where he is. McCray, one of Appalachian State’s senior cornerbacks, creates his own imaginary island on the football field. It happens to be a very lonely and scary place for any of the wide receivers matched up against him. McCray isn’t afraid of any challenge from opposing wide receivers. They might be fast but he is faster. When he is on the field, the only thing he is focused on is shutting his man down and crushing his man’s playmaking hopes. “Any coverage or technique I try to teach him, I just have to tell him once,” Appalachian State Cornerbacks Coach Bryan Brown said. “Once I tell him that one time he gets it.” Not only does he get it, but he reacts perfectly from Brown’s teachings during the game. With his super sticky coverage skills and his exquisite athleticism, it’s hard to find a better cornerback in the FCS. That’s why McCray earned fourth-team all-America recognition from Phil Steele Publications last season. The Southern Conference has a strong onslaught on cornerbacks including Samford’s Jaqiski Tartt, but McCray continues to prove that he is in a class of his own. McCray has a disruptive ability that is challenged by few and can run stride-forstride with the fastest wideouts. “I’m just trying to become a better player,” McCray said. “I am trying to be one of the best players to ever come to Appalachian State.” And with forcing four turnovers so far this season, there’s no denying that Mc-

File Photo | The Appalachian

Senior defensive back Demetrius McCray prepares to tackle at the ECU game. McCray played exceptionally well during Saturday’s away game against Western and helped the Mountaineers take the victory.

Cray is playing at the top of his game towards the end of his career at Appalachian. Not only is McCray a phenomenal cover man, he’s a heck of an athlete. In high school, McCray lined up at quarterback, wide receiver and defensive back in order to touch the ball and continue making plays for his team. His job now might be to disrupt people from getting the ball, but every time he lines up, he doesn’t just want a piece of the ball, he wants the whole thing. When the opposing quarterback throws up a jump ball downfield, he better watch out. McCray is going to be the guy who will most likely comes down with the football in those situations because of his ideal combination of size and speed. And with his overall athleticism, McCray has the ability to fly past offensive players and take

PIGSKIN PICK’EM Weekend Matchups

Backup quarterback rises to the occasion

Georgia Southern vs. Appalachian State

November 1, 2012 |

interceptions to the house. Compared with the top SoCon corners last year, there’s no denying how good McCray was. On the year, he led the Southern Conference with five interceptions and tied for 12th nationally with 14 total passes defended. He registered 48 tackles, one sack and forced one fumble. Nine games into the 2012 season, and McCray is once again making noise. After a mediocre performance against East Carolina, McCray crippled Montana and quarterback Trent McKinney with two huge interceptions. Neither of Mckinney’s passes were good, but it doesn’t deter the significance of McCray’s ability to step up when his team needed him. If McCray hadn’t put himself in the right positions, those plays would have never happened. “It was the end of the game and I knew he had to throw it deep,” said McCray, referring to his second interception which stopped Montana’s final drive and preserved Appalachian State’s 35-27 victory. “I played off a little bit and once the ball was in the air I told myself that it was mine and nobody was going to down with it. That is my approach with every ball that is in the air.” After a rough outing against The Citadel, McCray bounced back with a forced fumble that turned the tide in Appalachian’s favor against Chattanooga. Regardless of the atmosphere, McCray is just one of those players who can change the momentum of a game with miraculous plays. McCray is just a different cat. His impeccable vision allows him to scan the field quickly and precisely. His size (6-foot, 185 pounds) makes him imposing and helps him shadow receivers at times. His athleticism allows him to make play after play. The competition will only get better against McCray, but so will he.

FCS Media Poll Week 10

Eric Barnes

Lauren Brigman

Whitney Howard

SGA (31-14)

WASU (31-14)

A.P.P.S. (34-11)

Vice-President

Station Manager

President

Bryan Terry

Kenneth Peacock

Greek Life (27-18)

Appalachian State (30-15)

IFC President

Chancellor

1. Georgia Southern* 2. North Dakota State 3. Montana State 4. Sam Houston State 5. Old Dominion 6. Lehigh 7. Wofford* 8. Eastern Washington 9. Stony Brook 10. James Madison 11. New Hampshire 12. Northern Arizona 13. Central Arkansas 14. Appalachian State* 15. Illinois State 16. Cal Poly 17. Indiana State 18. Albany 19. Tennessee State 20. Delaware 21. Harvard 22. Towson 23. Eastern Kentucky 24. Bethune-Cookman 25. South Dakota State * SoCon Member Source: soconsports.com