The dorms are decorated, Sanford Mall is crowded again, classes are about to begin, papers are back on stands and we’re back.
Welcome to campus for the 202425 academic year, Mountaineers! Whether this is your first time on campus or it’s your final semester or year, we all have one thing in common: App State is home and we are your student-run news outlet you can rely on for all things App State. Thank you for picking up our first issue of the academic year.
I am so excited to serve again as your editor-in-chief for The Appalachian as we celebrate our 90th anniversary and as App State celebrates its 125th.
tragedies to calling out administration when voices went unheard, last academic year, our publication covered important events and issues during a time in which the community’s voices needed amplification. Additionally, we reported on events that are not yet soon to be forgotten such as sports events and major leadership changes that some may describe as historic. Plan to see much more coverage from us this upcoming year, especially for the 2024 presidential election.
through our website, which is sent out on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Finally, we want to hear from you. The Appalachian is here for you and is made for you. We are here to tell everyone’s story, whether you’re a student or not, are from the area or not, culturally or geographically, etc. If you have a story idea, want to highlight someone or something in the community, are seeing or experiencing an issue or want to voice your own opinion, please reach out. We want to accurately represent and reflect our readers and what matters to them.
Business Marketing
Ethan Batchelor | Business Manager business@theappalachianonline.com
Julia Woodring | Director of Marketing & PR
Emily Escobedo Ramirez | Director of Engagement
Shan Shan Lou | Chair of the Department of Communications
The Appalachian is the award-winning independent student-run news organization at Appalachian State University, published since 1934. The student staff maintains all editorial discretion, and there is no prior review by university faculty, staff or administrators. The Appalachian strives for accuracy in news gathering and reporting. If you think we have made an error, email: editor@appalachianonline.com.
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Throughout our 90 years, The Appalachian has committed to serving the App State and Boone communities by providing up-to-date news and information on issues that affect our area, championing for and highlighting members of our community, entertaining and more. Our staff has strived to be ethical, accurate and fair for 90 years, and we will continue to do so for many more years.
From student safety to protests about identity and international
On the topic of history, last academic year our publication produced the first ever Hispanic Heritage Month special section and Spanish-translated issue of our paper. Since then, our publication has continued translating its content online, which can be accessed on the Spanish translations tab on our website.
Whether you’re a reader, a listener or a viewer, new or old, our publication has something for you. Our print issues come out monthly and can be found in nearly 60 locations on and off-campus. Our website is also updated nearly every day during the school year and includes multimedia content such as podcasts, videos and photo essays. To ensure you don’t miss out on content, consider subscribing to our newsletter
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If you are interested in being a part of The Appalachian during our 90th and for the future, consider joining us. Participation is welcome regardless of major and class level and we would love to have you!
Thank you, reader, for picking up the first issue of the school year and for celebrating our anniversary year with us. I hope you enjoy this issue and will stick with us as we continue reporting on the present and documenting our history. Have a lovely first semester, everyone!
Jenna Guzman 2024-25 Editor-in-Chief
Graphic by Rian Hughes
Graphic by Rian Hughes
The Appalachian’s 2024-25 Editorial Board
Siri Patterson Managing Editor
Take a deep breath, muster up your courage and say hello to the person next to you in class. Worst case scenario, they ignore you. Best case scenario, you
professors are just people, and they are there to help you and make connections. Some of them are pretty cool
Madalyn Edwards News Editor
If possible, take at least one “fun” class each semester! Some of them are pretty cool people too!
Find something you’re passionate about! It can be stressful to manage classes, a job and your social life. Getting involved in something or having a hobby that fuels and recharges you is so important!
Find a friend or two in your classes, especially if you have labs. Join a club and explore Boone. Set aside time for rest and relaxation.
Don’t freak out if you change your major once or twice or seven times your first year — you aren’t supposed to have your whole life figured out at 18!
Learn to balance fun and work. Take advantage of opportunities to have fun and meet new people, but always make time to go to class and do homework.
Andrew Rice Political Editor
Valencia
matters is how you take care of yourself. Build in time for rest and take things slow.
Reach out to people with similar interests to you, go to random club meetings and find a community that encourages and uplifts you!
Graphics Editor Go to class!
What’s your advice?
Translation Editor
Enjoy Boone’s natural beauty! Go for a swim at a cool spot on the Watauga River or hike on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Hayden Wittenborn Photo Editor
Embrace Boone, don’t isolate yourself to campus. Explore the beautiful outdoors. Go to a live bluegrass show. Learn about the place you’ll be living in!
Take lots of pictures! I promise you will only regret the ones you didn’t take.
Director of Marketing & PR
Take as many different kinds of classes as your schedule allows, maybe you’ll find something you love!
Emily Escobedo Ramirez Director of Engagement
Be curious about everything, this is the time to explore and gain new knowledge! Don’t forget to give yourself time and grace to grow as a human and college student. It’ll all work out.
To some students, learning about climate solutions to students.
The QEP committee gathers
Quality Enhancement Plan shifts focus to climate education Understanding the UNC System’s Board of Governors
In May, all 17 institutions universities in the UNC System were informed that policies and programs which fall under the diversity, equity and inclusion policy would be curtailed.
Later, on July 24, UNC- Asheville and UNC- Greensboro saw a loss of several degree programs and academic departments, including philosophy, religious studies, anthropology, physics and mathematics, according to The Associated Press.
Every day of the academic year, students, faculty, staff and extended members of North Carolina public universities are affected by the decisions and policies made by a group known as the Board of Governors.
As incoming freshmen begin their time as members of a public institution of higher education, understanding who is making the decisions that affect their tuition, classes, campus and more, may become essential.
As incoming students begin to fulfill their general education studies, they can expect to see a new requirement different from the rest of their courses.
Laura England, associate director of the Pathways to Resilience QEP theme, said the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, which regulates and accredits schools in the UNC System, requires member schools such as App State to go through a reaccreditation process every 10 years.
This fall semester, incoming students must take a climate literacy course to fulfill a general education requirement. The new QEP will also introduce a new minor: climate studies, which England said she hopes will roll out during fall 2025.
plan
Who is the BOG?
The BOG is comprised of 24 voting members who are elected by the North Carolina General Assembly, according to section 200 of chapter two of the UNC Policy Manual. All 17 universities in the UNC System fall
The QEP is one major component of the reaccreditation process, and England said schools try to relate their QEP themes to current efforts on campuses. The Pathways to Resilience theme will focus more in-depth on the
climate crisis and climate education.
Beginning this fall semester, the theme will be integrated throughout campus and into courses, presenting opportunities for climate education for a diverse student demographic.
England said while many climate education opportunities present the ongoing problems related to climate change, few offer solutions. She said this QEP aims to combat this issue and implement ways students can learn about climate change without feeling anxiety toward the subject.
“The vast majority of teaching about climate change and institutions of higher education so far has largely focused on the problems,” England said. “But if we stop there, we’re all left with this sense of dread.”
England said in order to grow students’ climate responsibilities, they will first build a foundation of basic climate literacy with the new QEP. Students will receive specific careerorientated information relating to climate literacy, followed by learning
opportunities outside of the classroom and support related to climate anxiety.
These steps, in turn, will hopefully establish climate resilience and “response-ability” where students can use their education in their respective fields to forge solutions related to climate change, England said.
England worked with a committee of around 100 students, faculty and staff across multiple departments to prepare for and plan out the five-year implementation stage of the QEP theme, which England called “year zero.”
Each student, faculty and staff member brings new ideas to the table that England said “goes beyond” a scientific perspective.
on the BOG: the chair, vice chair and secretary. These positions are elected by the 24 voting members at the last meeting before July on even years, according to the BOG website. Officers serve two-year terms.
The current officers are Chair
under the BOG’s umbrella of power.
Members are elected every odd year and serve four-year, overlapping terms, according to the same section. There are three officer positions
past members, past officers and past governors of North Carolina. Special members have all the same powers as regular members, but cannot vote, according to section 200 of chapter two.
The group’s BOG structure was developed in 1971 by the North Carolina General Assembly, and replaced the former Board of Trustees, according to the BOG website.
What does the BOG do?
The BOG has been entrusted with powers by the General Assembly that have the potential for large impact.
“The Board of Governors shall plan and develop a coordinated system of higher education in North Carolina,” according to section 203 of chapter two of The Code the UNC Policy Manual.
In order to delineate their decisions and policies, the BOG maintains “The Code of the Board of Governors of the University of North Carolina and the UNC Policy Manual.”
This manual extensively details the policies every university must abide by. It covers policies pertaining to a vast range of areas like student employment, tenure, student government and financial aid.
In addition to creating policies, processes and structures for universities, the BOG has a hand in determining who sits in positions of power.
The UNC System president and office is elected by the BOG. The current president is Peter Hans, who was elected in August 2020, according to the UNC System website.
In addition to the voting members, there are also several “special members” within the BOG, including Graphic by Rian Hughes
Wendy Murphy, Vice Chair Kellie Blue and Secretary Pearl Burris-Floyd.
Some of their extensive responsibilities include establishing new UNC System institutions universities, determining academic degree programs and departments at each UNC System institution university and deciding enrollment levels.
Siri Patterson | Managing Editor
to discuss introducing a climate studies major to App State’s campus. Laura England is the associate director of the Pathways to Resilience QEP theme and she is looking to bring a five-year
for this theme to the university starting in the fall of 2025.
Courtesy of Asher Fazal
Register to vote in Boone: What to know
Andrew Rice | Political Editor
On Aug. 13, the first group of students moved into their dorms on App State’s campus. As they wander around and get acquainted with their new surroundings, one man said he plans to meet as many as he can.
Bill Ellis, 64, lives in Watauga County and has actively registered voters across the country since 2000. Most recently, he has helped App State students register to vote.
“It’s not enough now for people like me to just sit back and vote,” Ellis said. “That’s why I’m doing it.”
For many students on campus, Nov. 5 marks the first presidential election they are eligible to vote in. The deadline to register to vote is 5 p.m. on Oct. 11. Volunteers across Watauga County said they will be on campus until the deadline to help students register to vote.
Who can register to vote?
Eligible voters must be citizens of the United States and must be 18
years old by Nov. 5, which is Election Day. They must be registered and living in the county they intend to vote in for at least 30 days before Election Day.
How do I register?
Voters can register online or in person through their local DMV or by mail.
In Watauga County, volunteers with the county Democratic Party can be found around campus during the registration period helping students register to vote. Forms to register or update registration by mail in North Carolina are offered in English and Spanish.
“Voter registration is particularly important because it’s often the first step to political engagement among potential voters,” said Bricca Sweet, the volunteer director for the Watauga County Democratic Party.
To register to vote, voters must sign a form attesting certain personal information is true, including:
• The voter’s legal first and last name
• The voter’s birth date
• The voter’s driver’s license number or social security number
• The voter’s residential address
• The voter’s mailing address Voter registration forms require that both residential and mailing addresses are listed, especially if the two addresses are different. For students living on campus, their residential and mailing addresses are typically different and are required to be included in both.
Matthew Snyder, the director of elections on the Watauga County Board of Elections, said both of these addresses must be included to verify eligibility to vote.
“The residential ties you to where you should be voting and what ballot you will be getting,” Snyder said.
The mailing address can be from anywhere in the country where it is deliverable, Snyder said. The Watauga County Board of Elections will contact registrants if mail is sent back undeliverable.
The Office of CommunityEngaged Leadership maintains a list of residential addresses for each dorm on App State’s campus as a part of their App Votes campaign.
Ashley Vinson, the associate director at the Office of Community Engaged Leadership, said it is important to have lists like this to provide students with the information they need to vote.
“We want to make sure all students have the information they need to make a voting plan,” Vinson said.
Voters can also provide demographic information about themselves including race, gender, ethnicity and political party affiliation but these are not required elements to register.
Previously-registered voters can update their registrations when they move or change addresses.
To update registration, voters must sign forms attesting to their name, address and party affiliation.
When can I register to vote?
Voters may register during the early voting period if they complete same-day registration. Same-day registrants are required to provide documentation with proof of residence.
“We make voting as easy, as smooth and as straightforward as possible for our students so that they can build a lifelong engagement in their democracy,” Sweet said.
Ellis said he is excited to help inform and educate as many students on App State’s campus as possible.
“If we’re doing this every day, we’re going to be able to reach our goals,” Ellis said. “There’s no question about that.”
Guide to recruitment: How to shine, survive and find your sisterhood
Abby Buckner | A&C Editor
As the fall semester approaches, App State’s campus is alive with students old and new ready to embark on a new year. For some, there’s a challenge on the horizon: sorority
For those who are interested, one week every fall potential new members, or PNMs, will go through a whirlwind of smiles, name tags and tons of outfits. Fear not, brave recruit, this is a lowdown on how to survive and thrive during this wild week on your quest to find your sisterhood.
The basics:
App State currently has nine Panhellenic chapters on campus, including Alpha Delta Pi, Alpha Gamma Delta, Alpha Omicron Pi, Alpha Phi, Chi Omega, Delta Zeta, Kappa Delta, Sigma Kappa, and Zeta
Alpha Delta Pi: sisterhood, service, character and knowledge
Alpha Gamma Delta: loving, leading and lasting
Alpha Omicron Pi: character, dignity, scholarship and college
Alpha Phi: character, generosity, innovation and sisterhood
Chi Omega: friendship, personal integrity, service to others, academic excellence, community
and campus involvement and personal and career development
• Delta Zeta: - friendship, belonging, curiosity, generosity, empowerment and community
• Kappa Delta: friendship and loyalty, personal integrity, lifelong learning and selfless service
• Sigma Kappa: loyalty, friendship, personal growth and service
• Zeta Tau Alpha: friendship, leadership, service, knowledge, integrity and community
The Panhellenic Council chapters are not the only sororities on campus, and there are four NationalPanhellenic Council sororities. These chapters have a different rush process.
Mary Ferguson, vice president of the Panhellenic Council, and Skylar Rogers, vice president of RecruitmentElect, gave a recruitment rundown on what each day will hold for PNMs.
Starting off the week with day one is values, where each chapter essentially rolls out the red carpet to introduce itself.
Day two is philanthropy, where PNMs will discover the causes each chapter champions. Rogers said she loves this round, explaining this is the “why and what behind each chapter.”
Day three is sisterhood, which allows a PNM to visit up to five organizations to gain insight into what makes their sisterhood special.
The fourth and final day is a whirlwind, with preference and bid day concluding the week. Ferguson and Rogers describe it as “the toughest, yet most exciting round,” where a PNM can be invited back into up to two organizations in preference to have deeper heart-toheart conversations.
Finishing out the extravaganza, new members will run — yes, literally run — home to their new sisters in an epic sprint of joy and sisterhood.
It’s important to remember that, in a myriad of ways, App State is uniquely different from other schools, and Greek life is no exception.
“I think the most challenging part of recruitment is to not lean into the typical stereotype that sororities have,” Ferguson said. “App State Panhellenic Recruitment is not SEC recruitment by any means, so don’t pay too much attention to TikTok.”
Dress to impress:
An outfit reflects who you are before you speak, many sororities share the same mentality when it comes to recruitment fashion: wear what’s comfortable and wear what is you.
“On the first day of recruitment I wore these super cute cowboy boots that I’d thrifted, and about halfway through the day, the sole of my boot came clean off,” Alpha Gamma Delta President Meredith Mobley said. “Honestly, it was a funny conversation starter and I got to know a lot more people that way.”
Remember to prepare for potential wardrobe malfunctions and wear pieces that make you feel confident. The 2024 recruitment guidebook offers a few suggestions on outfits for the various rounds. When shopping, gravitate towards cute and casual pieces and a few fancy dresses or rompers for the Sisterhood and Preference rounds.
Take care of yourself: Long and tiring days of recruitment can leave you feeling like a dried up sponge without proper hydration, rest and nourishment. No one conquers recruitment on an empty stomach, so remember to bring a water bottle, snacks and even a fan to keep yourself sparkling all day.
Delta Zeta celebrates bid day in the fall of 2023. For many Delta Zeta members, bid day is a time to meet new sorority sisters and create lifelong friendships.
Courtesy of Delta Zeta
Chi Omega sisters enjoy a groovy bid day as four sisters gather to meet their new recruits. Chi Omega is known for their community and campus involvement. Courtesy of Chi Omega
“I know after both formal recruitments I’ve been through, I’ve taken a much needed self-care day complete with lots and lots of sleep, my favorite shows and a little sweet treat,” Delta Zeta Vice President of Membership Morgan Rodriguez said. “Never feel guilty for taking care of yourself, especially after a very tiring few days.”
Someone to lean on:
With over 300 PNMs tackling recruitment every year, according to the Panhellenic council, and hundreds of new faces to meet every day, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. Making new friends along the way is a great way to maximize your experience and survive the week.
“One of my favorite memories was standing in line with the same girl and sharing how nervous we were, little did I know she would become my sister and future roommate,”
Kappa Delta Vice President of Recruitment Elle Houston said. In recruitment, PNMs are separated into Rho Groups, which
are guided by a Rho Gamma, a disaffiliated member of the Panhellenic community who is there to help coach PNMs through the process.
“Making friends throughout the process allows you to have a support system and someone to talk to,” Alpha Omicron Pi Vice President of Recruitment Anjil Hash said. “Utilize your Rhos as much as possible, they are there as an unbiased opinion and will help you navigate all of the emotions that come along with the journey.”
Be authentic:
Each sorority echoed the same piece of advice for anyone participating in this process. The secret to recruitment? Being yourself.
Forget a rehearsed speech or polished persona. Spark up conversations that share your true passions to let your genuine self shine through.
“Please help us get to know you by talking and asking about things you value and care about,” Chi
Omega Recruitment Chair Meredith Kennedy said. “We want to get to
know you for who you are, not for boys and partying, so steer clear of those topics.”
Trust that if a sorority is right for you, they will love you for exactly who you are. Alpha Phi Vice President of Recruitment Ashleigh Larson said preparing by “thinking about what you’re looking for in an organization” and any goals you may have will help aid in the process.
“Think about the woman you want to become and find an organization that will push you to get there,” Larson said.
Alpha Delta Pi Vice President of Recruitment Claire Jones shared a similar notion, solidifying the importance of knowing yourself in and out of the sorority.
“Take time for yourself to discover who you are,” Jones said. “Before coming to App I spent a lot of time reflecting alone on who I wanted to be in the next four years. Understanding my values and goals made the recruitment process much smoother, helping me find a sorority aligned with my aspirations.”
Run home:
As you sprint towards Bid Day, remember that no matter where you end up, you gained memories, friends and an appreciation for the power of comfy shoes.
“The recruitment process is challenging and we all feel at one point a feeling of unsureness,” Sigma Kappa President Marisa Flores said. “A lot of it is just a guessing game and it is sometimes hard to know exactly where you are supposed to belong, but remember everything happens for a reason and it’ll all work out.”
Courtesy of Alpha Delta Pi
How to insert yourself in the music scene: Boone offers hotspot of indie bands
Meg Frantz | Assoc. A&C Editor
stemming from the variation of folk music from the British Isles, which, in turn, nestles a hotspot of creativity and broadening music genres in the valley of a mountain. With the sheer number of bands and performers within Boone’s town limits, becoming a Boone artist may be intimidating to navigate, though not impossible.
Lucas Parente, keyboardist and vocalist, and Asher Rockriver, bass and rhythm guitarist, found each other organically while on campus and blossomed into Anchorage, an indie rock band. The two musicians performed together on Sanford Mall last year and after that performance decided to build upon their sound base and recruit new members Katherine Baloga, vocalist and flutist, and Owen Watkins, lead guitarist.
to produce a full musical picture together,” Kletzoff said.
The Boone music scene stems from living rooms and dorm buildings and grows into a Saturday night specialty.
Cold Front schedules its practices, meeting twice a week throughout the semester, so they are consistently working toward bettering their sound and dynamic. Once they are closer to the date of their show, they decide on a setlist and play through it from beginning to end to work out kinks.
Anchorage has a subgroup of songwriters, featuring Parente, Rockriver and Baloga, as the three have been writing songs since high school. The subgroup brings songwriting and performing ideas to practices and as a band they will discuss the intricacies of dynamic
events to selling out The Appalachian booking a show can either be a quick
shows several months out, so you have to be on top of everything so you’re lining up shows that sometimes won’t happen for another 2 to 3 months,” Kletzoff said.
Parente said TApp Room, one of the bars in Boone, is especially welcoming to new bands, and Boone Central — @boone.central on Instagram — is a great place to start talking to promoters.
“I’ve found that just talking to the other bands at events are a great way of both networking as well as talking to similarly minded people,” Parente said. “Most musicians here in Boone are great about appreciating each other’s sounds and the skills everyone brings to the table in our music scene.”
Amidst tweets, clickbait and 15-second clips, it can be hard to keep up with content, let alone stand out
among the crowd. Social media in a musical context is not only for building a personality but also can help connect a band with its “correct” audience, according to Forbes.
Anchorage’s Parente said he believes social media is an excellent tool, particularly in the tight-knit music scene in Boone. He added that social media on a broader scale creates a “decentralized music network” and doesn’t require music labels in order to attain success.
“Because of that, it can be a little scary navigating what feels like the Wild West of music social media, where a lot of today’’s music aims to be more and more sensationalist in order to pull views,” Parente said.
Cold Front’s Kletzoff said she uses social media to book shows and talk with other bands in addition to building a presence and personality on platforms.
Freshman psychology major MacKenzie Clegg started using social media to her advantage before she even stepped on campus. She posted on the App State 2028 Snapchat story looking for people as passionate about music as she to connect and build a presence in Boone.
“My biggest goal has always been to perform to give someone an experience whether it’s to feel joy, sadness, anger, or to feel seen or heard,” Clegg said.
Clegg has written songs since middle school but started taking it seriously in January of this year. She posted videos of her songs on social media and a producer from Nashville reached out to her, and she and her producers are working on an EP they hope to record by the start of the school year.
“I chose to continue to pursue music in college to make as many connections with professors and peers as possible so I can learn as much as I can from them and continue to grow as a musician,” she said.
Anchorage the band poses for a photo at their Blues Brews show on Feb. 9. The band decided to rebrand in the fall of last year and since then have performed many shows in Boone.
Anchorage the Band performs at the Rock and Roots show on April 26. Anchorage has been known to perform covers as well as their own original songs. Courtesy of Katie Weekers
These boots were made for walkin’ (to class): An App State Lookbook
Ann Korwan | A&C Reporter
Walking across App State’s campus, you will most likely see the different styles that make it unique. Some might opt for athleisure and mountain wear for a mix of comfort and functionality, while some are pajama wearers just trying to get through the day and, of course, some show up and show out in the coolest outfits you have ever seen.
“The fashion culture at App is honestly one of the things that makes me like going to class,” said Zoe Britt, a senior apparel design and merchandising major. “Being an apparel design major, I’m surrounded every day by such cool expressive people that constantly inspire me to broaden my style.”
Whether you are dressing to impress or just trying to get through the day, this lookbook has just a few of the essentials for App State students.
Cozy layers for cool mornings
• Essentials: Flannel shirts, sweaters and scarves
• Stores: Lucky Dog Vintage, Lililu On King, Goodwill
Flannel shirts are a staple at the university, combining comfort and style effortlessly. Pair them with your favorite jeans or leggings for a casual, yet put together look. As the mornings get chillier, layer with cozy sweaters and scarves that are easy to take off once the day warms up. Opt for neutral tones like beige, gray and forest green, or go bold with vibrant
autumnal hues such as burnt orange and deep red.
New boot goofin’
• Essentials: Slippers, boots and sneakers
• Stores: Off The Rack, Mast General Store, Lucky Penny
With a campus that’s as hilly as App State, boots and sneakers are going to be your best friend. White sneakers are a popular choice and incredibly versatile, making them easy to match with any outfit. Platform Adidas Stan Smiths are a comfortable option that can be dressed up or down, making them a closet essential. Dr. Martens and Blundstones are popular choices among App State students and, once broken in, are perfect for rainy days and crowded nights at Boone Saloon. A pro-tip for those living in dorms: comfy slippers are great for walking around and easy to slide on for unexpected fire drills.
Adventure-ready attire
• Essentials: Hiking boots, outdoor jackets and beanies
• Stores: Mast General Store, Footsloggers, Regear Outdoors
Living in the heart of Appalachia means spontaneous hikes and outdoor activities are always on the agenda. Invest in a sturdy pair of hiking boots, like Blundstones, that offer both support and style. An outdoor jacket, preferably waterproof, is a must-have
for all of the unpredictable weather days that come with living in Boone. Complete the look with a beanie to keep warm and add a touch of mountain chic.
Backpacks, backpacks, come get your backpacks
• Essentials: Canvas tote bags, water bottles and hats
• Stores: Etsy, Amazon, locally owned shops
Staying hydrated is essential when walking around campus, especially when you have to sprint from Peacock Hall to Sanford Hall in under 15 minutes. An insulated water bottle, like a Hydroflask or a Yeti, can ensure you don’t have to buy a drink and can even be filled up at stations around campus. Along with a good water bottle, flatbrim baseball caps are an essential at App State, as they are easy to style and can also show off school pride if you get one in school colors. Lastly, a sturdy tote bag can come in handy when you don’t want to carry around a heavy backpack.
Going out outfits
• Essentials: Comfy shoes, statement tops and denim
• Stores: Lucky Penny, Monkee’s of Blowing Rock, Anna Bananas
A pro tip for those who are excited to get to Boone Saloon and Lily’s this semester is to not wear your brand new shoes because the odds are they are going to get very, very gross. Instead, opt for well-worn Nike Air Forces or really any shoes you don’t have an emotional attachment to. Match them with your favorite jeans and a short sleeve top for those chillier evenings and you’re all set. Parties and bars may not be for everyone but are still a fun way to let loose after a long week of classes.
Game day gear
• Essentials: All black and gold
• Stores: Alumni Hall, High Country Souvenirs, App State Campus Store
No closet is complete without game day gear. Alumni Hall, High Country Souvenirs and the campus store are the best places to stock up on whatever fits your style. Jerseys and bibs are popular options and match great with face stickers and pins. When the evenings begin to cool down, layering will become your best friend and a jean jacket is the perfect item to match your game day fit. Don’t forget comfortable shoes, like Dr. Martens or Converse, as you’ll be standing and cheering for most of the game.
Fashion influencer Zoe Britt poses in an elevator showing off her outfit on Oct. 16, 2023. Britt is a senior apparel design and merchandising major. Courtesy of Zoe Britt Graphics by Chloe Pound
Pivotal fall sports Mountaineers
Fran Murphy | Sports Reporter
With fall seasons fast-approaching, these six athletes will affect winning at a high level for each of their App State sports teams as their roles have all grown since last season.
Kanye Roberts (Sophomore Running Back, Football)
Kanye Roberts scored a team-high seven touchdowns on the gridiron last season for the Mountaineers. Roberts is a versatile offensive weapon for the Black and Gold; the 14 catches and 114 receiving yards he racked up during the season complimented his rushing ability.
Roberts appeared in all 14 games in 2023 and finished second on the team in rushing yards with 696 on an average of 5.7 yards per carry.
With the Mountaineers’ primary running back Nate Noel transferring this offseason, the window for Roberts to contribute on the ground has opened wider. He will be counted on to produce at a high level this season in order for the Black and Gold to reclaim the Sun Belt Championship.
Myles Tate (Senior Guard, Men’s Basketball)
Tate was a two-way presence for the App State’s men’s basketball team last season, appearing in all 34 games, averaging 9.4 points per game, and earning the fourth-best assist to turnover ratio in the Sun Belt at 1.9.
Tate’s standout game last season came in a 65-58 win at Marshall, where he poured in a career-high 25 points on four made three-pointers.
With the remainder of App State’s primary backcourt of Donovan Gregory, Jordan Marsh and Terrence Harcum all departing from the team, look for offensive possessions to be run through Tate with more frequency in the 2024-25 season. After coming off the bench in 82% of games in 202324, becoming a consistent member of the starting five is a real possibility for Tate moving forward.
Jamil Muttilib (Junior Guard, Men’s Basketball)
Jamil Muttilib will be a pivotal piece in the Mountaineers’ offense returning to the high level fans are accustomed to. Muttilib transferred from Kilgore College to App State’s basketball program this offseason.
Muttilib averaged 19.2 points per game at Kilgore, with his highlight being a 42-point night against Trinity Community College.
Muttilib scored 20 or more 16 times, earning first-team all conference and first team all-region in his 2023-24 season.
Standing at 6’6”, look for Muttilib to enhance the Mountaineers’ backcourt by complementing Tate’s ability to shift the defense and create open looks with size and an extensive motor to score.
After finishing the 2023-24 regular season with the best record in the Sun Belt at 26-5, expectations are high, and the level of play from these guards will play a crucial role in determining whether or not they are met.
Emily Carver (Senior Guard, Women’s Basketball)
Senior guard Emily Carver started in all 24 games she played and averaged 13.5 points per game in the 2023-24 App State women’s basketball season. Carver converted the most total three-pointers on the team with 55 and shot the longball at 33%, second only to senior guard Zaida Porter.
Carver’s hottest stretch of the season occurred when she followed a 28-point performance against the College of Charleston on Dec. 5, with a 27-point night on Dec. 10 against Richmond. Carver shot 50% from the field during this stretch, while pouring in 10 triples.
With the graduation of Faith Alston, last season’s leader in points and assists, Carver will be called upon more frequently to be a catalyst and shot maker in the 2024-25 season.
App State currently has 13 rostered upperclassmen, so look for Carver to embrace her role as a leader on a veteran team as the Mountaineers attempt to improve on their 17-15 record from last season.
Izzi Wood (Graduate Student Forward, Women’s
Soccer)
Izzi Wood tallied career highs in goals and assists with seven and four for App State’s women’s soccer team in 2023.
Mountaineer to earn All-Conference honors since Kat Greer in 2018. With 2024-25 likely being Wood’s final season, she will take on a leadership role for the Mountaineers.
A standout season from Wood would go far towards the Black and Gold improving on their 9-6-3 record from last season.
Charlotte Bosma (Senior Forward, Field Hockey)
Charlotte Bosma led App State women’s field hockey in goals with seven in the 2023 season, starting in 15 of her 17 games played last season. She racked up her first postseason accolade by claiming a spot on the All-MAC second team. Bosma also
Carver takes a
against Georgia State on Feb. 9, 2023. By scoring 15 points, Carver became the game leader.
excelled at setting up her teammates, placing second — behind senior defender Sarah Perkins — in assists. Bosma’s continued excellence in facilitating and creating shots on goal will be key in helping App State’s chances of surpassing last season’s Mid-American Conference tournament first round exit.
Graduate student Izzi Wood preparing to make a kick during a match against UNCChapel Hill on April 3. In 2023, Wood was named Second Team All-Conference. Courtesy of
Wood was named Second Team All-Conference, making her the first
Bosma following through her downswing to hit against Saint Louis on Oct. 29. In the 2023 season alone, Bosma scored 7 goals and accumulated 14 points. Courtesy of App State Athletics
Sophomore running back Kanye Roberts at Kidd Brewer Stadium on Oct. 28. To date, Roberts has accumulated 823 rushing yards and 9 touchdowns with App State.
Photo by Emily Simpson
Charlotte
Senior guard Myles Tate drives to the basket looking for a shot against Georgia State on Jan. 17. Tate had 15 points this game and shot 50% from the field.
Photo by Landon Williams
Emily
shot
Photo by Leah Matney
Before the kickoff: App state football preview
Clay Durban | Sports Editor
After returning to the Sun Belt Championship Game in 2023, the Mountaineers will look to reclaim the conference title for the first time in five years.
They’re led by fifth-year head coach Shawn Clark, who’s coming
off a
strong year where he led the Black and Gold to a 9-5 record, a conference championship berth and a Cure Bowl victory over the Miami University RedHawks.
This year’s squad returns many of the most important contributors from last year, including senior quarterback Joey Aguilar, sophomore defensive end Nate Johnson, redshirt senior wide receiver Kaedin Robinson and redshirt sophomore running back Kanye Roberts. This experience will help them improve upon their impressive performance in 2023.
Clark and his team will have several important games over the course of the season that will ultimately determine whether it’s seen as a success or a failure.
The first true test of the Mountaineers’ season will come against Clemson in Death Valley. The Tigers have fallen slightly from the lofty highs of the days when they were annual national title contenders, but they are still a formidable challenge for any team facing them.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Tigers are led by quarterback Cade Klubnik. Klubnik threw for 2,844 yards and 19 touchdowns in his first season as the full-time starter in Clemson.
Complementing Klubnik is the return of the team’s leading rusher, running back Phil Mafah. In 2023, Mafah ran for 965 yards on 5.4 yards per carry, with 13 touchdowns and should be expected to make an even bigger impact this year with the departure of star back Will Shipley.
The Tigers defense is an elite unit that has produced many NFL draft picks, including five last year, and was top 10 in the country in yards allowed per game. They will be led by senior linebacker Barrett Carter, who had 62 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and one interception last year.
All this talent on the Tigers’ roster gives them an advantage over the Mountaineers in almost every facet of the game. In all likelihood, Aguilar and the rest of the offensive skill players will have to play the game of their lives in order to give the Mountaineers a chance.
The Mountaineers will have one advantage going into this game: the Tigers will be coming off a matchup with the SEC juggernaut Georgia Bulldogs, which could wear them down and give the Black and Gold the opening they need to pull off the upset.
One of the biggest home games the Mountaineers have on their schedule is against the rising Group of Five power, Liberty University.
The Flames are coming off a brilliant season where they finished 13-1, won the Conference USA Championship and earned a berth in the Fiesta Bowl.
Liberty’s offense is led by quarterback Kaidon Salter. Salter threw for 2,876 yards with 32
touchdowns and six interceptions and ran for 1,089 yards and 12 touchdowns last season, where he was named first-team All-CUSA and CUSA MVP.
Lining up in the backfield alongside Salter is fellow first-team All-CUSA member Quinton Cooley. The running back ran for 1,401 yards on 6.3 yards per carry with 16 touchdowns in his junior year and is expected to be a force in what could be his final college season.
The Flame’s defense shouldn’t be slept on either, after finishing the season in the top half of the nation in both points and yards allowed per game.
The Flames and the Mountaineers are both at the top of the pecking order in their respective conferences and mirror each other in other respects as well. They both are returning superstar quarterbacks and other potent weapons on offense that will more than likely make this game a shootout to remember.
The Mountaineers’ offense will likely be able to keep up with the Flames, but the fate of the game may rest on the shoulders of the defense as a key stop could ultimately decide if this game turns out to be a win or a loss.
The Mountaineers’ conference schedule isn’t as challenging as their non-conference schedule, but their late season game against the James Madison Dukes could ultimately decide which of these teams reach the conference championship game.
The Dukes are almost unrecognizable after their head coach Curt Cignetti and star quarterback Jordan McCloud left for Indiana, sparking an exodus of talent that left many holes for new head coach Bob Chesney to fill.
Chesney’s offense will be helmed by redshirt quarterback transfer Dylan Morris. Morris threw for 3,721 yards, 20 touchdowns and 17 interceptions in four years at the University of Washington and sat behind eighth overall pick Michael Penix Jr. the past two.
JMU’s defense was among the nation’s best in 2023, allowing only 19.5 points per game, but the majority of last year’s defense left.
One of only two returning starters is cornerback Chauncy Logan. Logan
Football coach Shawn Clark adjusting his headset at Kidd Brewer Stadium on Nov. 4. During Clark’s football career in college, he was a two-time All-American and three-time all-conference selection.
Photo by Max Sanborn
Graphics by Rian Hughes
had 45 tackles, one interception and six pass breakups in 2023, earning himself All-Sun Belt Honorable Mention honors.
The Dukes are an intriguing matchup precisely because of all of the turnover in their program. They are going to be a completely different team than the one the Mountaineers faced last season, so everything we assumed about the program last year can be thrown out the window.
If the Black and Gold can execute, they should be able to pull off the win as this JMU isn’t as good on paper as the team last season, but one can never truly know how the teams match up until they kick off.
The rest of the Mountaineers’ schedule isn’t quite as noteworthy as these three games, considering many of these teams are clear underdogs compared to the Black and Gold.
The Mountaineers could be considered underdogs against Clemson and Liberty, but they could have a shot at pulling off the upset against these two teams, similar to the upsets of Texas A&M and JMU in the recent past.
If they are able to overcome one or both of these teams and win the games they’re capable of winning, they could have an outside shot at an at-large bid into the new 12-team College Football Playoff.
In all likelihood, the team may stumble a couple of times and lose some of the games they are favored in, or lose tough games on the road
Infographic by Kaitlyn Close Graphic by Kayla Masterman
The Appalachian predicts Football Season
Sports Desk
Clay Durban (Sports Editor)
With many key players returning and a weaker conference schedule, the Mountaineers should be able to reclaim the Sun Belt Title in 2024. On the other hand, they also have non-conference matchups with two juggernauts, Liberty and Clemson, which on paper should both result in losses. In the end, they will give up a loss in a tough environment on the road in Marshall and to the Tigers and Flames.
Prediction: 9-3 and Sun Belt Championship (Losses against Clemson, Liberty and Marshall.)
Adam Persico (Associate Sports Editor)
App State has many key contributors returning on both sides of the ball looking to improve on last year. Nine starters on defense are returning and senior quarterback Joey Aguilar has kept his weapons from last year. The toughest tests of the season for the Mountaineers come in the form of a trip to Death Valley to face Clemson early on and a visit from defending Conference USA champions Liberty. When it comes to conference games, the Mountaineers are talented enough to win the east and play for the championship.
Prediction: 10-2 and Sun Belt Championship (Losses against Clemson and Liberty.)
Max Schwanz
The Mountaineers are coming off of a 9-5 season and a Sun Belt title. The return of quarterback Joey Aguilar and running back Kanye Roberts sets the stage for an explosive offensive attack and the Mountaineers are poised for a Sun Belt title repeat. The Mountaineers will pull off an early season upset in Death Valley against the Clemson Tigers. However, they will struggle against a strong Liberty team and on the road against a familiar foe in Coastal Carolina.
Prediction: 10-2 and Sun Belt Championship (Losses against Liberty and Coastal Carolina.)
Tess McNally
The Sun Belt title sets the stage for the 2024 season. The return of Joey Aguilar should generate wins against conference rivals however, the schedule has some formidable competitors in our way.
On paper, the Black and Gold should beat our conference teams and could struggle against two ranked schools. The losses against Clemson and Liberty may be inevitable but will make for a good game. Historically, the Mountaineers struggled against conquerable conference teams such as Coastal Carolina and James Madison. Overall, this schedule makes for an interesting and exciting season ahead.
Prediction: 8-4 and Sun Belt Championship (Losses against JMU, Coastal Carolina, Clemson and Liberty.)
Fran Murphy
A high-powered Mountaineers core is set to take the field and compete in an easier conference schedule in 2024. With running back Nate Noel, Kanye Roberts will be a major contributor for the App State offense, along with an experienced Joey Aguilar at quarterback. The Mountaineers will take care of business against conference opponents, and the Sun Belt title will be theirs to take. However, App State will suffer defeats against non-conference powerhouses in Liberty and Clemson.
Prediction: 10-2 and Sun Belt Championship (Losses against Liberty and Clemson)
Graphics by Rian Hughes
Leah’s Lens: What they didn’t tell you about college
Throughout the high school years, students hear countless stories of what will happen in college and how to prepare themselves. From parents, siblings and teachers alike, college cliches are unavoidable. However, it does not take a college freshman long to realize one thing: most of these cliches are false.
Most students have heard at least one teacher giving a “this would never fly in college” speech. Whether it be using notes during an exam, answering a text or missing one class, it seems like high school teachers are constantly attempting to act just like professors in an effort to prepare students.
Within the first few weeks of college, it becomes increasingly evident that these high school teachers were heavily exaggerating. It is unlikely that a student will go through college without multiple professors allowing either the use of notes or another studying apparatus during exams — many professors even encourage it.
There is also an excessive amount of false advertising in high school about the strictness of college, assuring students left and right that their professor will take no late work, not accept a single absence and take no excuses for anything but a student’s best.
While there are some professors who unfortunately do live up to this stereotype, most could not be further from it. They are fully aware of the fact that this is many students’ first time living away from home, and therefore their first time practicing independence. Unexpected things occur, especially in one’s first year of college. However, with independence comes a number of ways to prove one is responsible, including communication with all professors.
The majority of college professors will be much more likely to let a late assignment or absence slide if you complete one single task: letting them know as soon as you can. Though high school teachers assure their
students there will be no leniency in college, most professors will prove otherwise.
Other misconceptions surrounding the academics of college do not focus on the professors, but rather the trajectory of a course schedule. Though a large number of incoming freshmen have a major in mind going in, changing majors is more common than one thinks, yet it is not talked about nearly as much as it should be.
four years of your life.
These things can be true, though they are certainly not a guarantee. Pushing these cliches on incoming college freshmen can often add to the pressure and stress of leaving home and starting a new chapter.
However, regardless of the anxiety felt while transitioning to college, App State offers many activities during orientation to combat some of the stress.
Gaining independence and time away from your family can often equate to a sense of newfound freedom unlike anything else. You can eat what you want, wear what you want and go to as many parties as you want. These are the factors of a freshman’s independence that are talked about the most.
What isn’t talked about prior to entering college, however, are the hardships that come along with said freedom such as grocery shopping, cleaning, making sure you have everything you need in case you get sick and keeping yourself motivated with no immediate help from your family.
College is a time during which you learn new things about yourself, gain independence and find who you are outside of your family. With countless expectations in every freshman’s mind, it is often hard when college life does not go according to plan.
Another fallacy surrounding one’s course schedule in college is that a student can immediately start taking classes they are interested in and can avoid any subjects they do not like. In reality, college students typically end up taking between 42 and 60 credit hours of general education requirements, covering a wide variety of subjects.
App State requires 44 hours, with topics ranging from writing to
physical education to science and math.
Not only are there cliches about the academic side of college, there are also many surrounding the social aspect. It is highly unlikely that you will go the summer before your freshman year of college without hearing all about how you’ll meet your friend group at orientation, your roommate will be your soulmate and it will immediately feel like the best
Oftentimes it takes college freshmen time to find both their footing and their niche. Many freshmen come in with extremely high expectations set for themselves, only to deal with the challenges of reality setting in.
In order to allow incoming freshmen the chance to enter college with a clean slate and an open mind, they must first not be drowned in countless stereotypical expectations. College is not the same for everyone, nor is it how films portray it. It is a time in one’s life to choose for themselves and pick the path that is right for them.
Leah Boone | Opinion Editor
OPINION: Freshman year is all about perspective
Allison Lehan | Assoc. Opinion Editor
For most incoming first-year students, the college experience can be extremely intimidating. It is easy to wonder how one should navigate this new, exciting and entirely distinct chapter of life when there are so many outcomes to worry about and an immense amount of pressure to consider.
Many people, even decades after graduating, describe undergrad as some of the best years of their lives. College is often labeled as the prime “time of self-discovery” in a young person’s life, and it is a common trope in pop culture for people to have met their closest life-long friends at university.
The fear of somehow not managing to experience all of these opportunities in the short time it takes to earn a degree is an awfully disappointing thought, but the good news is that freshman year is not as contingent on chance as it may seem. Forget about luck; the freshman year experience depends upon personal perspective. The first two semesters of a student’s college experience are under their control, and it all begins with mindset.
It’s entirely overwhelming when
one goes from living at home to a residence hall, free from looming parental supervision and the limitations of being a minor within just a few days. A college acceptance letter tends to invite a lot of inflated expectations and fears into the minds of incoming freshmen, and when that happens, it is difficult to think realistically.
When that pre-college summer panic starts to creep in, before any expectations are set, the best thing to do is to take a step back and look at the bigger picture. The first year of college is a unique and isolated period, but in the grand scheme of things, it is just another stepping stone for more important life events.
In general life, the undergraduate years are glorified as a kind of untouchable, miraculous blip of excitement that starts and ends within the blink of an eye. The “last hurrah” before true adulthood comes knocking. This romanticized perception of college places a lot of pressure on students to construct their expectations around the idea of a perfect, cinematic college experience. But real-life college is not like “22 Jump Street.”
By entering freshman year with
heightened expectations of what social media and Hollywood portray university to be, disappointment is virtually a guarantee. College is wonderful and exciting, but it might not seem that way immediately, and that is completely valid.
Adjusting to independence, a new environment and a new workload takes time. It is natural and even expected to be nervous when the first fall semester rolls around. When these emotions start to feel disparaging, it is important to remember that every incoming freshman is going through their first year together and may be feeling the same anxiety.
Adopting the mentality that everyone is in the same boat will help relieve feelings of isolation and provide some much-needed security surrounding inevitable first-week jitters.
Even though people have the same worries when entering freshman year, not everyone will have identical first-year experiences. One of the most beautiful and unique aspects of a college education is the opportunity to experience operating within a diverse community of peers with different goals and backgrounds.
Everyone hopes to have a successful freshman year. Everyone wants to make friends and have a good time. Whether a student thrives socially or not depends upon their perspective and effort.
It is not a secret that personal mindset is a strong determinant of the efforts and outcomes a person puts in and receives when placed in a precarious situation.
According to a piece published by the Stanford Report, “mindsets can impact your outcomes by determining the way you think, feel and even physiologically respond to some situations.”
It is easy to let worry consume thoughts and drive one to avoid situations out of fear of being uncomfortable. Anxiety is inevitable when starting college, but a person’s individual response to it is what will end up either discounting or justifying it.
Start college with an open mind and a willingness to leave the comfort zone. Challenging comfort zones is the only way to cultivate personal growth in anything, not just social skills.
Welcome week events, official and nonofficial, are a pivotal part of the freshman socializing experience, and finding friends is an essential step in adjusting to college life. Whether eating at the dining halls, walking down King Street, studying at Belk Library or throwing a frisbee around on Sanford Mall, having friends makes those events much more enjoyable.
An introverted student who thinks
they won’t be able to make friends out of shyness is bound to solidify their worries as reality if they stay in their dorm and don’t challenge their social comfort zone. A student with the same anxiety who goes to social events and interest meetings despite their fear is much more likely to meet people and cultivate a healthy social life, which is the backbone of an enjoyable freshman experience.
Ultimately, college should not be glorified as the end-all-be-all final salute to young freedom, no matter what someone’s expectations or experiences are. It merely marks the start of a long and beautiful journey of independence, responsibility and life-long learning.
Four years should not define the decades following them, and if college does not end up being like the movies, that is OK and honestly for the best. Starting freshman year is the perfect set of conditions to send anyone into an overwhelming panic, but it’s important to remember that nobody will know what the future holds until it becomes the present.
Acknowledge what cannot be experienced yet and appreciate the ability to prepare accordingly. Nothing will ever go exactly as planned, and college is no exception.
The best things a new student can do to make the most out of this unique, exciting opportunity is to put themselves out there, roll with the punches, and, above all, remember to view everything with a positive perspective.
