DJ HEROES TAKE LEGENDS APPS will host the first-ever DJ Blowout at Legends on Wednesday. The event will feature four local DJs, including three Appalachan State University students. Each will play a 35-minute set.
The Appalachian 11.18.14
Appalachian State University’s student news source since 1934
EARTH WIND FIRE
Vol. 89, No. 23
Running backs Terrence Upshaw, Marcus Cox and Ricky Fergerson comprise a three-pronged ground attack that is leading a high-scoring App State offense
by Daniel Statum
A
pp State football has seen a third running back show he can be just as deadly in the ground attack as both sophomore Marcus Cox and redshirt freshman Terrence Upshaw. Junior running back Ricky Fergerson has run for 292 yards this season, while averaging 7.7 yards per carry and notching three touchdowns. With two games remaining, he has already surpassed his total from last year when he ran for just 215 yards. Fergerson has seen the majority of his carries in the matchups against Troy and Georgia State
where he ran for more than 100 yards in both contests, as well as having an 84-yard dash against the Panthers that ended up just four yards short of a touchdown. When thinking of the running game early in the season, most of the attention was on the onetwo punch of Upshaw, who has run for 460 yards while averaging 4.8 yards per carry with two touchdowns, and Cox, who has amassed 1,142 yards and 15 touchdowns on a 5.9 yards per carry average, but running backs coach Chris Foster said he never saw it that way. Foster said he always knew the three backs had a chance of
Intern Sports Reporter
being a true triple threat. “Ricky had a great camp,” Foster said. “Everybody looked at it like a dynamic duo, but Ricky was always right there in the running. He’s continued to work, and when he finally got his opportunity, he made the best of it.” Upshaw agreed with Foster but added a little more flair to how he thought of the backfield trio. “We’re earth, wind and fire,” Upshaw said. “I’m earth, Ricky is fire, and Marcus is wind. That’s how we’re rocking now.” The explosiveness of Fergerson, Upshaw’s ground-and-
pound technique and the quick flowing movements of Cox are what make up the three unique styles in the App State backfield this season.
“We’re earth, wind and fire,” Upshaw said. “I’m earth, Ricky is fire and Marcus is wind. That’s how we’re rocking now.” Foster said the three backs have worked hard as a group and although one may succeed more or gain more recognition,
they all continue to push each other to make one another better. “We help each other out,” Fergerson said. “We come out on the field, we get on each other and rag on each other. I try to have them look up to me as sort of a big brother because I am older, and I have [played] three years now.” Upshaw said he looks at the situation with the same mentality, where he and Cox have both been in the program for just two years and sometimes look to Fergerson to help push them –
SEE TRIO PAGE 9
SGA works to provide rape kits by Nicole Caporaso Senior News Reporter
Morgan Cook
Cans that were donated for the fourth annual Hunger Games Canned Food Drive sit outside the ACT office. The drive collected a total of 3,768 cans.
Soup of the day: Charity by Nicole Caporaso Senior News Reporter
Various organizations in Watauga County, many of which are associated with Appalachian State University, have been working to make a large impact on fighting hunger in the county. The Appalachian Ambassadors concluded their annual canned food drive Nov. 15. In addition to collecting monetary donations and cans, the ambassadors sold T-shirts for $10, which equates to 48 pounds of nonperishable food, said Sam Utesch, chair of the student ambassador’s canned food drive. “Within Watauga County, almost a
quarter of the population lives on or below the poverty line,” Utesch said. “In Boone, excluding Blowing Rock, that number rises to almost 50 percent.” Last year, the ambassadors were able to raise over 14,000 pounds of canned food. The donations go to the Watauga County Hunger and Health Coalition. Utesch said one in three people who receive assistance from the coalition are under the age of 18, and with partnerships and government subsidies, every dollar that the coalition receives can turn into 4.8 pounds worth of food. “The Student Ambassadors want to
SEE FOOD DRIVE PAGE 4
Rape kits are not available on campus, and to the knowledge of Dr. Bob Ellison, Director of Health Services, they never have been. According to www.rainn.org, a rape kit may also go by different monikers, such as a sexual assault evidence kit or a sexual assault evidence collection kit. A rape kit, Ellison said, can also more accurately be called a “forensic exam.” “Forensic examination includes a very careful interview of what happened, a very structured, detailed physical examination and evidence collection according to a specifically trained protocol,” he said. “DNA or hair samples might have to be collected, as well as vaginal or oral or rectal swabs – there’s just a variety of things. X-rays or photographs might be necessary, it depends on a case-by-case basis.” Due to continued unavailability of rape kits on campus, Appalachian’s Student Government Association is now revisiting old legislation on the topic. “We are currently working on resurrecting that legislation as we speak,” said Carson Rich, SGA president. “After a multiple number of forums and hearing that previous legislation had been written about rape kits, it was brought to our attention this is something the students really want, so we are looking into the feasibility of it.” Currently, those in need of a rape kit can go to Watauga Medical Center. Vicki Stevens, director of corporate
communications for Appalachian Regional Healthcare system, said there are staff members available “24 hours, 7 days a week,” to perform a forensic exam. According to a Nov. 14, 2002 article of The Appalachian, legislation passed in both the Faculty Senate and the SGA to make rape kits available through Health Services. However, in the 12 years since, that has not happened. “It is an extraordinary process that must be done correctly and frequently enough to maintain an expertise,” Dr. Ellison said. “The process is done at the hospital for the entire community because there are needs beyond the Appalachian campus for this service.” Health care practitioners who would perform these examinations must be SANE-certified, which stands for Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, Ellison said. Ellison said he does not believe the physical examination process should necessarily be made available by Health Services. The possible revival of SGA’s prior legislation on making rape kits available through Health Services comes at an interesting time for Appalachian. Rape Culture Awareness Week on campus is currently be held Nov. 17-21. “I think the conversation is extraordinarily important, students want access to high quality care and services, which is something we at Health Services would agree with,” Ellison said. “But the service is available close and locally and it would not be in best interest to duplicate those services here.”
One of the World’s
Thinnest Condoms
GET SOME at your local drugstore and supermarket, or at 004condoms.com
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
The Appalachian | TheAppalachianOnline.com
TARTUFFE Sarah Weiffenbach
The Department of Theatre and Dance sponsored the play “Tartuffe,” a French comedy about hypocrisy. The play was performed by students from Nov. 5-16 in I.G. Greer Studio.
3
4
NEWS
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
The Appalachian | TheAppalachianOnline.com
ASU student uses pageants to campaign for special education by Nicole Caporaso Senior News Reporter An Appalachian State University student was crowned as Miss Asheville on Nov. 8, just one step in her journey toward competing for the title of Miss North Carolina. Brianne Schlott, a senior special education major, said she became involved with pageants last year through the Miss America Organization, which provides scholarship money to its pageant winners. Schlott, who won $1,100 by becoming Miss Asheville, said she initially started pageants because of the scholarship money, but it has made a more meaningful impact on her life. She is now able to spread the message about her platform. “Mine is to the R-word campaign, and in use of the word ‘retarded’ being a derogatory form of language,” she said. “I thought that was pretty cool to be able to spread the word, because it’s so simple for people to get out there and be aware of the word and know the derogatory meanings behind that.”
Schlott said one of her reasons behind looking forward to competing in the Miss North Carolina pageant in June is that it would possibly give her the opportunity to meet Thom Tillis and discuss education with him. Additionally, she would like to be able to represent the area. “I’d love to bring home the crown of Miss North Carolina,” Schlott said. “The last Miss North Carolina to win Miss America was Miss Asheville in 1962. So, the crown kind of stayed in the mountains and I want to bring it back and represent the Miss Asheville sisterhood as well as I possibly can.” Schlott said she doesn’t understand why some people think pageants are objectifying to women. “What people don’t understand is what I’ve gained out of pageants,” she said. “It has made me more of a confident speaker. I have learning disabilities in reading and learning comprehension. Before I couldn’t pronounce certain words, but now I can give them what’s on my mind and tell them what I believe in.”
Courtesy of Kelly Morgan Photography
Senior special education major, Brianne Schlott poses for a picture after winning the Miss Asheville pageant.
Schlott said she has become more mature and responsible. She feels people are depending on her to be a role model. Being ready for pageants involves a lot of preparation for Schlott, as pageants involve sev-
eral portions. “I constantly read CNN news and newspapers to be up-todate on current events because we have a 10-minute interview for these pageants, and it’s oneon-one with the judges and they
can spit out anything they want at you,” she said. “Also, I have to be in peak physical shape. I have to get on stage with a bikini and high heels, so it can be kind of awkward at times, but they’re looking for self confidence, so by working out, that’s what helps me get out there.” Emery Sherrill, a senior exercise science major, has been working with Schlott to perfect her talent, en pointe ballet. “We have been meeting a couple times a week leading up to her pageant to work on enhancing her pointe dance by adding harder elements to it,” she said. “Brianne is such an inspiring and compassionate person. You can tell instantly that she cares about the people around her and wants to make a positive impact on each and every person she meets.” As a role model, her message is one of encouragement. “You can be and do whatever you set your mind to,” she said. “I work with students with severe disabilities, but I see so much potential in them and I know if they set their mind to something, it’s possible.”
Professors start conversation on campus governance, corporatization by Tommy Culkin News Reporter Faculty and students are coming together to address controversial campus issues, such as the erosion of faculty governance and the rising tuition costs. Conversation surrounding these problems stemmed from a forum titled, “Whose University Is This?” held Nov. 10 in Room 114 of Belk Library and Information Commons. The event was organized by two Appalachian State University professors, Michael Behrent and Greg Reck, with the American Association of University Professors. The ultimate goal of the forum was to find ways to foster a cooperation between students and professors to solve the problems hurting Appalachian. “I think that [students] are
often treated in a university like this as consumers,” said Behrent, an associate professor of history department and AAUP chapter president. “It’s important to think about [how] the American education system and universities were all founded upon the notion of creating citizens for a democracy.” Reck, anthropology professor and AAUP chapter vice president, said a major problem at Appalachian is an erosion of faculty governance in recent years. Faculty members used to have a critical role in decisions regarding personnel, the curriculum, and the budget, but they have lost power, he said. He cited growing bureaucracy as the primary reason for this. “Important decisions about personnel and curriculum are taken out of the hands of faculty and put in the hands of commit-
tees or taskforces and are created by these bureaucrats and are stacked from the very beginning,” Reck said. Despite Reck’s criticisms, Andy Koch, chair of Faculty Senate, said Appalachian’s issues of faculty governance are improving. “What I do not think came through as clearly as it should have [at the forum] is that the university has taken major steps to address all of those concerns,” Koch said. Koch said the faculty has historically had a prominent say in the curriculum, with the exception of the past few years. The university is in the process of rectifying the situation by rewording the faculty handbook. By more clearly defining the role of the faculty in the handbook, Koch said the university can take steps to make sure
Put your thoughts down on our paper.
their power isn’t undermined. “A lot of the situations thrown out [at the forum] with regards to governance are things that have been on the senate agenda, and we’re working with the administration to fix them,” Koch said. Zach Kopkin, senior anthropology major, criticized the university for the rising tuition. Kopkin said Appalachian’s tuition has increased 61 percent in the last five years and 264 percent since 1980. “For those of you who might be freshmen, you’re going to end up paying about $7,000 more than I had to pay for my education,” Kopkin said at the forum. Wyatt Wells, the director of student accounts, said although the university does have some influence over tuition, for the most part it is a statewide issue.
Dallas Linger
The single remaining male contestant runs from the female contestants at the Hunger Games competition.
FOOD DRIVE
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 make sure that everyone within our Boone community has the ability to have food on the table this holiday season,” Utesch said. Additionally, the Boone Police Department has partnered with the Watauga County branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People to provide further assistance to local residents. Donations, also benefiting the
Send your letters to the editor to
editor@theappalachianonline.com 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. 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. The Appalachian reserves the right to decline publication of any letter and to edit letters for the purpose of clarity and space. Letters are subject to abridgement.
Feat. Local DJs: -DJ Sno Chainz -DJ Bayz -DJ High Tops -DJ BOOME
“North Carolina state law requires that the UNC Board of Governors set tuition rates consistent with the actions of the General Assembly,” Wells said. Wells said outside factors impacting tuition include the availability of State General Fund Revenue available to the university, analysis of student debt levels, and the availability of student financial aid. However, the university does have some ability to influence the campus-based portion of tuition, by requesting increases in the tuition in accordance with the UNC policies. Koch said the university has acknowledged the problems facing it, and is doing its best to rectify them. “We saw many aspects erode for a few years,” Koch said. “We are now seeing those relationships rebuilt.”
Hunger and Health Coalition, will be collected in two locations through Jan. 30: the lobbies of the police department and fire station. This will be the second annual food drive for the Boone Police Department. Other campus organizations are also a part of the trend. Appalachian and the Community Together (ACT) concluded a food drive on Nov. 7. Kelsey Trevethan, a member of ACT’s Impact Team, said it was the second time ACT has sponsored a Hunger-Games-themed food drive. “Each person who donated five cans got one entry into the ‘reaping,’ and essentially we look for one victor at the end,” she said. “We ended up with 3,407 cans.” The canned food collection was based off the popular book-turnedmovie, “The Hunger Games.” “Essentially we look for one person who is the victor at the end,” Trevethan said. “But there were different prizes for the top three victors – gift cards and things like that.” Trevethan said the food went to Hospitality House’s food pantry. “In Watauga County, this is the third most impoverished county in North Carolina and the Hospitality House serves individuals who might not have access to that food,” Trevethan said.
Opinion The Appalachian | TheAppalachianOnline.com
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Staff Opinion
Staff Opinion
Fight for a cure, but end the objectification of women Brittney Miles Opinion Writer
Save the ta-tas! Surely every student at Appalachian State University is familiar with this phrase. The pink ribbon has become a fashion staple, but students should be more aware of what they are wearing. Unlike the recently controversial Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation, whose CEO earns a higher annual salary than President Barack Obama, the Save the Ta-tas Foundation donates a percentage of its profit from every item sold to fighting breast cancer. The Susan G. Komen foundation was recently under fire for revoking grants to Planned Parenthood for breast cancer screenings, according to www. theblaze.com. In 2008, Save the Ta-tas Foundation was created by Julia Fikse, who had a dream to
cure cancer with playful humor. Unfortunately, Fikse’s fight for a cure has come at a cost to feminism that isn’t remotely funny. The most popular breast cancer slogan might be Save the Boobies. It’s exciting to see so much support for an important health issue. It’s disappointing that it took the sexualization of a disease without a cure to do so. Sexualizing breast cancer has gotten the attention of many men and women. The fact that people get more excited about saving a pair of breasts than saving a mother, daughter, wife, lawyer, doctor, teacher, best friend or just fellow human being is downright disgusting. Cancer shouldn’t be sexualized, because it is not sexy. Breast cancer is painful and scarring; it steals lives. It is the No. 2 killer of women in the cancer field, and actually No. 1 for Hispanic women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexualizing this disease is disrespectful, because breast cancer victims are fighting for
their lives, not just their breasts. A witty I Love Boobies T-shirt is in not honoring someone who is battling or who has lost their fight with this horrible disease. That’s not to confuse a lost fight with a lost battle. Tees like those created by Save the Tatas Foundation imply to women that losing their breasts is equivalent to losing everything. Women who have had mastectomies have not lost their fights with cancer. According to a September Stanford University study, 81 percent of women who had double mastectomies in 1998 were still alive 10 years after their diagnoses. These survivors deserve to feel sexy and powerful without their breasts, despite the changes their bodies have faced. These women have lost a battle, but they have won the fight against breast cancer. They should be proud of a noble choice to save their lives before they saved the ta-tas. Not only is this campaign disrespectful, but it gives men the wrong idea. Males shouldn’t be taught they should care about breast cancer because they care
about breasts. They should care because their loved ones could be lost to breast cancer, and they themselves can get it, too. So why don’t more people realize how objectifying this advertisement campaign is? We see objectifying campaigns all the time. Women are sexualized to sell Hardee’s burgers, sports cars, electronic devices and now funding for a cure for breast cancer. Unfortunately, in this sexsells society, it seems the sex we are selling caters to men the majority of the time. If we’re going to paint breast cancer pink, shouldn’t we come up with something hot to sell testicular cancer, too? As a society and as human beings, we should continue to search for a cure for breast cancer. We also should try to cure our sex-sells attitude. If there is one time when a woman definitely shouldn’t be viewed as a sexual object, it is when she is fighting for her life.
Malcolm, a junior history major from Walkertown, is an opinion writer.
The public purpose of the Internet must be protected Opinion Writer
In a month that has offered little promising political news, there has been one potentially positive development: President Barack Obama has articulated clear objectives on net neutrality. Obama said Nov. 10 that the Federal Communications Commission should adopt regulations to prevent communications companies from restricting any legal content sent across the World Wide Web. The president went on to say the Internet should be treated as a public utility, according to The New York Times. Any time people in the government talk about regulating the Internet, there is a healthy amount of skepticism. No one who values the Internet as a medium for free expression would want the government to
Opinion Writer
Griffin, a junior journalism major from Madison, is an opinion writer.
Staff Opinion
corporations can restrict content. Some amount of government regulation is warranted in this case. There is currently little competition in the broadband Internet market. A September document from the FCC showed the lack of consumer choice, including the fact that “nearly 75 percent of homes have no choice in providers” for higher-speed tiers of Internet. As troubling as some of the effects of government regulation might be, as long as that regulation is confined to ensuring open access, it is a good thing. As with all actions of the government, citizens must be vigilant to guard against overreach. It is the critical role the Internet plays in all of our lives that makes this issue so important. The Internet has become so integrated into everyday life that it has become more than just a luxury. It is now the primary medium for news, entertainment, communication and work. More than just these things,
Hannah Malcolm
it has the most-used method for self-expression, for sharing and receiving diverse ideas about the world around us. Any decisions about this vital technology will have an effect on our freedom in one way or another. Therefore, the Internet must be treated as a public good, not simply a commodity that private companies may control in whatever way they please. This is not to say that no one should be able to profit it from or that no one can charge for it. Obviously, there are certain costs to providing service and the companies that provide the service should be remunerated. However, there must be some recognition that the Internet has a public purpose and that its purpose must be respected. Creating the environment for the freest possible Internet will not be easy, but it is good to see that the president seems to be serious about making progress in this area.
Miles, an undeclared sophomore from Rock Hill, South Carolina, is an opinion writer.
Bridget Mundy | The Appalachian
control it. However, there are problems relating to a free Internet that go beyond the government. Without well defined policies outlining net neutrality, service providers could take actions that would limit the ability of users to obtain legal content. Net neutrality is an important idea for protecting those things about the Internet many people value. Large telecommunications companies should not have the power to manipulate access to certain content for commercial reasons. This is not an issue about empowering government, but rather empowering individuals above both the government and corporations. To use the Internet to its fullest potential, individuals must not be obstructed from getting legal content. The situation is a difficult one because it puts us all between two institutions, both of which can have a potentially negative impact on Internet freedom. In light of this less-than-ideal situation, the objective should be to create an environment in which neither government nor
End rising student debt costs
While some European nations, such as Germany and Denmark, provide a free university education for their citizens, the cost of college in the U.S. has been consistently rising. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities has stated the cost of a public university education has risen by about 28 percent since the 2007-08 school year, and North Carolina is among the top five states for cutting funding. Because of this combination, more and more students are having to rely on student loans, both public and private, in order to be able to pay for their college education. The increased reliance on student loans changes the purpose of college for the worst, making it more and more a costly investment in one’s future economic potential instead of purely an educational institution. However, this change has not happened without opposition. The North Carolina Student Power Union was established two years ago and has become increasingly active, organizing a walk-out on UNC Greensboro’s campus last month. The organization held similar movements at UNC-Chapel Hill, NC State and UNC Charlotte, as well. While the NC Student Power Union has a long list of reform demands, its main objective is to eradicate the usage of student loans within the UNC system of schools. The first step to reducing the amount of student loans taken out is to reduce tuition. However, a reduction in tuition can only happen if the state government increases its funding. The fact of the matter is student loans exist on such a massive scale because they produce profit for both businesses and the government. Until mass action is taken, the system will not change. In addition to organizing walk-outs, the NC Student Power Union is trying to convince the UNC Board of Governors to make all of their meetings open to students, faculty and staff. It is important for these three groups to maintain solidarity when seeking reforms. There is the possibility that politicians will claim that tuition can only be lowered by cutting costs, which could translate to the cutting of tenure-track positions and even faculty and staff pay cuts. Student loans should not be used as a wedge to divide groups that ought to be united. North Carolina needs to prioritize education by making it available for more individuals, lowering tuition and abolishing student debt. At the same time, faculty and staff are an important part of the university and should not be exploited, though an argument could be made that they already are. Debates over who is being exploited the most will not benefit anyone other than the exploiters. Student debt is harming all members of the university and needs to be reduced, if not eradicated. The NC Student Power Union is doing a wonderful job of trying to cause overdue change. Hopefully chapters will spring up on the other UNC campuses and the union will accomplish its goals.
Editorial Cartoon
Kevin Griffin
5
6
The Appalachian | TheAppalachianOnline.com
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
App Submit Announcements App News is a service of the Division of Student Development. Email dycheab@appstate.edu at least two weeks in advance. Submissions should not exceed 100 words and must include the event title, date/ time, location and cost, other pertinent information and a contact(s) (email, phone and/or URL). Announcements will be edited as needed and will run as space allows. Preference will be given for events that are free or have a nominal cost. Call for nominations Nomations for the W. H. Plemmons Leadership Medallion will be accepted through Dec. 5. Nominations may be submitted at https://plemmonsmedallion.appstate.edu/info. The W. H. Plemmons Leadership Medallion, named in honor of Dr. William H. Plemmons who served as the second president of the University 1955-1969, was established by an action of the Appalachian State University Board of Trustees in 1996. The award was created to recognize the time, energy, skills and commitment of students, faculty, student development educators and staff who exceed their peers in providing leadership that enriches the quality of student life and advances the education of students. Students and university employees are invited to nominate a student or university employee for this award. Nominations may be made in the following categories: 1. A student leader who has provided distinguished leadership above that of other student leaders. 2. A Student Development Educator within the Division of Student Development for meritorious leadership in his or her work to enrich the quality of student life and learning. 3. A member of the faculty who has provided meritorious leadership through his or her work with student clubs or organizations, or work that enriches the quality of student life and learning outside the classroom. 4. An employee of Appalachian State University who
has provided meritorious leadership that has significantly enriched the quality of student life and learning outside of the classroom. For information, contact Dino DiBernardi, chair of the W. H. Plemmons Medallion Committee, at 828-262-2060 or visit http://plemmonsmedallion.appstate.edu. Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition The competition is accepting submissions through Nov. 21 for the 12th Annual AMPC. The competition is open to anyone and the focus is on the people, places and pursuits that distinquish the Southern Appalachians. The AMPC has grown into one of the regions most prestigious photography competitions. Go to www.appmtnphotocomp.org for information, including a gallery of all previous finalist images. The exhibition will be installed at the Turchin Center in and will run March 6-June 5. Email campbllrh@appstate. edu or call 828-262-2475. Kwanzaa Week During Kwanzaa, people in the community get together and celebrate in one of several ways: drumming and dancing performances; poetry reading; storytelling; sharing information about African and AfricanAmerican ancestors; honoring the elders of the community; learning about the principles and how they can be practiced throughout the year; feasting; and gift giving. Presented by the Black Student Association and Multicultural Student Development. • Kwanzaa Creativity Day, sponsored by CASE, 5-9 p.m. Nov. 18, Table Rock, PSU. Featuring crafts, handprint wreaths, and beaded bracelets • Kwanzaa Dance Class, 7-8:30 p.m. Nov. 20, Parkway Ballroom, PSU. Learn traditional African Dance. Light refreshments served. • KWANZAA Celebration and Feast, 6 p.m. Nov. 21, Parkway Ballroom, PSU. Live music & free food. International Education Week Runs through Nov. 21 at Appalachian State University, and
News features a variety of curricular and co-curricular opportunities to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. For more information and a list of all activities, visit http:// international.appstate.edu/calendar/events/mega/iew. • International Students in your Classroom faculty and staff workshop, 10-11 a.m. Nov. 18, New River Room, PSU • Global Perspectives Panel, 6-7 p.m. Nov. 18, Price Lake, PSU, featuring a panel of international students discussing topics concerning current political issues, cultural stereotypes and their thoughts on American culture • International Coffee Hour, 12:30-2 p.m. Nov. 19, Whitewater Cafe, PSU • Practice your foreign language skills, 6-9 p.m. Nov. 20, Price Lake, PSU • Culture Crawl, 6 p.m. Nov. 21, Grandfather Mountain Ballroom, PSU, featuring free food and performances, hosted by international students at App State Band fundraiser Dewey’s Bakery, based in Winston-Salem, has opened up a holiday shop at 149 Meadoview Drive in Boone. The shop will be open 11 a.m.6 p.m. through Dece. 23 (except Thanksgiving). The bakery, known for its sweets, is operating the Boone holiday shop in order to raise money for the Watauga High School band. Community Blood Drive Hosted by App State ROTC, in conjunction with Community Blood Center of the Carolinas, noon-4 p.m. Nov. 18, Varsity Gym. Donors must bring a current officially-issued photo ID. Donors can donate every 56 days. Schedule your appointment by visiting www.carolinadonor. org and entering sponsor code: APP. Walk-ins welcome. For information, contact westmorelandjb@appstate. edu. The Peel submission deadline The final submission deadline for The Peel Literature & Arts Review is midnight Nov. 19. Submit your writing or vi-
sual art at www.thepeelreview. submittable.com. Submissions are only accepted from current students (undergraduate and graduate), and students are limited to five submissions per category. The categories are poetry, prose and visual (which includes painting, ceramics, photography, illustration, dance, fashion, video, etc.). For more information about The Peel, go to http://thepeelreview.com. Poetry Protest Presented by The Peel Literature & Arts Review, the student literary arts journal at App State. The protest will be held 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 19 on Sanford Mall. Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Training Open to all faculty, staff and students. Extra credit slips will be made available. Learn suicide statistics, myths and facts about suicide, what to look for, how to talk to someone in distress, and where and how to refer for more help. • 5:30-7:30 p.m. Nov. 19, Three Top Mountain, PSU • 4-6 p.m. Dec. 4, Three Top Mountain, PSU Go to preventsuicide.appstate.edu or email cavallaroe@ appstate.edu. Appalachian Global Symposium The symposium is an opportunity for faculty, staff and students to present their recent global experiences (research, education abroad, teaching, and service–learning) and network with colleagues. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. Nov. 19, Parkway Ballroom, PSU. A detailed schedule is available at the Global Symposium website: http://international.appstate.edu/globalsymposium. Study abroad opportunity “Paris: Tales of a City” will examine the culture and intellectual history of Paris. Students will explore monuments and museums, attend musical and theatrical performances, and venture off the beaten path to discover local points of interest. Pre-departure readings and films will prepare participants to get the most out of the expe-
rience. The travel dates are May 11-25, 2015, and the cost is $3795 (includes airfare). Upon completion of this program, students will receive General Education credit for LLC 2025 in the Aesthetic Perspective, “How We Tell Stories” theme. For more information, email gardnerdl1@appstate.edu and fournierj@appstate.edu. Oudoor Education Certifications The certifications begin in September. • Dec. 5-7, American Mountain Guide Association, Climbing Wall Instructor • Dec. 14-22 and March 7-15, Wilderness First Responder • Feb. 5, Epinephrine Administration • Feb. 21-22, Wilderness First Aid • April 10-12, Wilderness First Responder Re-Certification • Leave No Trace Master Educator, Aug. 10-14, 2015 Master of Public Administration Program Appalachian State offers the Master of Public Administration Degree Program (MPA), for students looking to become leaders in public and nonprofit organizations. Three distinct concentrations allow students to craft their own programs of study: • Town, City, and County Management • Administration of Justice / Criminal Justice • Not-For-Profit Management For information, email bradburymd@appstate.edu or visit http://mpa.appstate.edu. Educational Media Master’s Degree or Certificate Appalachian State offers an Educational Media Master’s Degree and Certificate programs. The program is entirely online and includes a range of courses involving media and technology. Students develop the technical, aesthetic, and intellectual expertise and perspectives needed to analyze and develop online environments using new media and online networks. Go to http://edtech.appstate. edu/.
November
sunday
monday 16
tuesday 17
wednesday 19
18
Repertory Orchestra, 2 p.m., Rosen Concert Hall, free
24 Tunnel of Oppression, 5-10:30 p.m., Blue Ridge Ballroom, PSU, free
Alexis Stegman Student Voice Re- String Area Chamcital, 4 p.m., Recital ber Concert, 6 p.m., Hall, free Recital Hall, free Gospel Choir, 6 p.m., Wind Ensemble, 8 Rosen Concert Hall, p.m., Schaefer Cenfree ter, free Concerto Aria Final Round Concert, 8 p.m., Rosen Concert Hall, free
20
Kwanzaa Creativity Celebration, 5-9 p.m., Table Rock, PSU, free
Thanksgiving Meal, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., dining halls, $5.25/meal
“Spent” screening and Q&A, 6:30 p.m., room 114, Belk Library, free
Brass Chamber Ensembles, 8 p.m., Rosen Concert Hall, free
“Awakenings” (1990) screening, 7 p.m., Greenbriar, PSU, $1
Fall Appalachian Dance Ensemble, 7:30 p.m., Valborg Theatre, $9/students, $16/adults
DJ Showcase, 9 Community Blood p.m., Legends, $4/ Drive, noon-4 p.m., Varsity Gym, hosted advance, $6/door by App State ROTC Global Symposium, Global Perspectives 8:30 a.m., Parkway Panel, 6 p.m., Price Ballroom, PSU Lake, PSU, free The Peel submission deadline, midnight, thepeelreview.submittable. com
23
friday
thursday
“The Maze Runner” screening, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., I.G. Greer, $2 Study Abroad Resources Open House, 2 p.m., Belk Library, free
26
25 Holiday for students, no classes
27 State holiday, university closed Thanksgiving
saturday 21
Lorena Schakel & Julie Wall Student Clarinet Recital, 6 p.m., Recital Hall, free Fall Appalachian Dance Ensemble, 7:30 p.m., Valborg Theatre, $9/students, $16/adults “Awakenings” (1990) screening, 7 p.m., Greenbriar, PSU, $1
22 Brazilian Romance with Todd Wright, Welson Trumura, and Keith McCutcheon, 7 p.m., Rosen Concert Hall, free Fall Appalachian Dance Ensemble, 7:30 p.m., Valborg Theatre, $9/students, $16/adults
“The Maze Runner” screening, 7 p.m. and 9:30 “The Maze Runner” p.m., I.G. Greer, $2 screening, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., I.G. Jacob Cook GradGreer, $2 uate Voice Recital, 6 p.m., Recital Hall, free
28 State holiday, university closed
29
A&E
The Appalachian | TheAppalachianOnline.com
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
7
Q&A
Meet Appalachian graduate artist Brittney Flood
by Lovey Cooper
Senior A&E Reporter
T
he Appalachian spoke with recent Appalachian State University graduate Brittney Flood, who opened a collection of paintings about her art and her life after college at the start of the month at the 3rd Place Campus Ministries gallery. “The purpose of 3rd Place is to provide a community space through aspects such as spirituality, creativity and social justice,” said Mary Claire Grube, a 3rd Place intern with a focus on social justice. “By providing another art gallery, we offer local artists a chance to display their art and the community a place to view it.” The organization describes itself in its mission statement as “an open and affirming community, practicing the way of Jesus by offering radical welcome and support for seekers of spirituality, creativity and justice,” but it is open to people of all religions and hosts non-religious events throughout the month. Hosting art like Flood’s helps to tie the community in with the ministry, and vice-versa. “I think [Flood’s] art stands out because of the way she makes people her subjects,” Grube said. “She re-imagines them in such a fresh wave of impressionism that it just makes you stop and look.” The exhibition is on display in the 3rd Place gallery, on 132 Appalachian St., through Novem-
ber. The Appalachian: Tell me about your own personal history/experience in art. How did you get started? How have you progressed through college? Brittney Flood: I didn’t paint much until I got to Boone, but I had always doodled through classes and obsessively kept a sketchbook. Through college, I explored a lot of techniques and had the privilege of having professors who encouraged experimentation and individual study. Working in studios with lots of other people was a great collaboration and probably what I miss the most. I think a few of my techniques have progressed, but becoming more confident in making marks and executing a piece is something I think is the most progressive. TA: How would you describe your own artistic process/style? Has it changed since graduating? BF: It’s quite intuitive. I’ll have this idea I’d like to translate visually, and will get clues as to what to do next the moment I begin painting. I often work quickly and on multiple pieces at a time to stay loose. Since graduating in August 2013 I unintentionally took a break from painting and making things for about six months. [I] had a full-time job and was focused on working.
Dalton Kilby
Appalachian State University alumna Brittney Flood’s artwork is displayed in 3rd Place Gallery on Appalachian Street. The gallery will be on display through November.
Now it is about work, but a different kind. Now, I still paint or make quickly, but have realized the best works I make come from the work itself, from the process, from responding to the paint itself. It’s important for me to continue working and painting each day. TA: What have you been up to lately in the arts? BF: Exhibition, residency and grant proposals. I’d like to receive an artist residency some-
day somewhere out west, or maybe in eastern Europe. This past summer, I had my sights set on a residency in Berlin. I was a finalist but ultimately wasn’t chosen. It was one of those ideal situations; 24/7-studio access, a small one-bedroom apartment in town, stipend for materials, etc. It was hard to be rejected, but [I] got a lot of great feedback in the process, which has helped along the way. I try to apply to a few things a week and have been putting lots of good vibes out there. Hopefully something good will
come back this way soon. TA: How did you get involved with the 3rd Place for this exhibit? BF: I saw a “call for artists” flyer on King Street one night and thought I’d go for it. I hadn’t shown anything new in Boone since my final senior exhibition last year and was excited about the possibility of bringing something fresh back. Check out the full Q&A at theappalachianonline.com
Events
Boone DJ scene showcased at Legends blowout
by Kelsey Hamm Intern A&E Reporter
The Appalachian Popular Programming Society will hold the first-ever Boone DJ Blowout on Wednesday at Legends. Four local DJs, selected by the APPS Club Shows council, will each play 35-minute sets, with a range of music genres from rap to electronic. The DJs will be Gary Pietryk, senior appropriate technology major; Scott Rodesiler, sophomore physics major; Zachary Bayha, sophomore graphic design major; and Scott Steward. “We wanted to showcase and celebrate the local DJs we have here in Boone,” said
club shows chairperson Addison Wemyss. “We will have two tables on stage, and after the first DJ plays his set, the second DJ will come to a table and play into the mix. It will be continuous.” Wemyss said the council did not hold one particular DJ in mind, though the council members encouraged a number of local DJs to apply. Pietryk said he heard about the competition after attempting to gain a spot opening for a show at Legends. “I emailed Legends trying to get a gig there,” Pietryk said. “I saw the DJ Showcase on the schedule just in time. I spent five days recording a mix three
hundred times over to make it perfect. I sent it in, and I got an email the next day saying I had been accepted.” Also known as DJ High Top, Pietryk played at multiple venues in Virginia before his transfer to Appalachian State University. He describes his mix as a combination of his own taste and attention-grabbing songs – all done in his own style. “I grew up on music,” Pietryk said. “So when I listen to songs in my head, I know how they will sound out loud together. I might have an electronic song and a rap song, which few might think to mix, but they flow well and sound really good
in a mashup. I’m really interested in mashing up songs, more so than just DJing.” Rodesiler has been mixing for a year and previously played at multiple venues in Charlotte, such as the Chop Shop and Neighborhood Theatre. He learned the math behind the craft from a local Charlotte DJ. “My style ranges,” Rodesiler said. “For [this showcase] I will stray away from the known electronic songs. A lot of DJs I hear are repetitive, and that’s fine, but I find it to get kind of boring and so I like to keep a varying flow.” Wemyss is happy to support the local and growing DJ scene
with this event. Both Pietryk and Rodesiler encourage the students and the community to come out for the event, not only for self-promotion, but for the advancement of the DJ scene as a whole. “I really want this show to happen again,” Rodesiler said. “DJs are well known as long as you can get the people to come out. I’m not necessarily well established in the DJ community here, but I’m fairly well known, and as long as events like this keep happening, the people will sustain the scene.” The doors to the event open at 9 p.m. Tickets for Appalachian students are $4 in advance, and $6 at the door.
Events
New King Street boutiques add color to Boone by Casey Suglia Intern A&E Reporter
When it comes to women’s clothing, Boone has a selection of boutiques to fit everyone’s individual needs. Supporting local businesses is a great way to boost the economy and keep the local color alive on King Street. Over the past year, changes have been made to the row of businesses on King Street, specifically boutiques. Since this past spring, two boutiques and one name change have added to the group of women’s clothing shops on the street. Each shop is reasonably priced and caters to those who want to be trendy, while still keeping the personality of Boone. Consider shopping at one or all of the new or newly renovated boutiques in downtown Boone.
Morgan Cook
Lililu on King Street owner Libbi Henley dresses a mannequin in her boutique Nov. 11.
Boone Belles For the southern belle in everyone, Boone Belles – located in the former Boone Drug location since May – caters exactly to those needs. “Boone Belles is a mix of preppy style and casual fun stuff that you can just wear to go out to dinner or hang out with friends,” said Sarah Henderson, employee and senior middle grades education major. The prices are affordable and the store’s Facebook page con-
stantly posts about one-day only sales, marking down the prices of certain items anywhere from 25 to 50 percent. “Our prices are reasonable, which is one of our main selling points, and we have a variety of different items,” Henderson said. “We have keychains and gifts that bring people in other than the clothing.” Carrying “Simply Southern” merchandise, the shop focuses on southern style – usually bright colors, fun patterns and plenty of dresses. “We cater to a variety of Appalachian students of all ages and a lot of tourists from out of town,” Henderson said. “We have a little bit of everything at the store so all different kinds of people shop here.” Darci & Co. Boutique After having their merchandise for sale in the Shoppes at Farmer’s Hardware, Darci & Co. moved to its own storefront in Boone in June. Tucked away in a brick building between Split Endz and Capones, Darci & Co. is a small-scale boutique catered to college women. “We love bringing high fashion to the high country,” said Jessica Hapney, junior apparel design and merchandising major. “You’ll always find something that is different and personal to you and we love to keep the classics, the upscale
fun look, but at a price that everyone can afford and enjoy.” Hapney co-owns the boutique with her mother, Darcy Johnson, while attending Appalachian State University full-time. Because of the small size of the boutique, Darci & Co. keeps a “specialized inventory with a high turnover rate,” offering a limited amount of styles and items that are constantly changing. The store carries an array of dresses to provide shoppers with attire from game day tailgate to post graduate professional. “All the different shops have a very different unique style about them, but we like to think because of our specialized size, we can cater to the uniqueness that people are looking for such as cocktail attire or even fun accessories,” Hapney said.
Lililu on King (formerly Gladiola Girls) After the third change in ownership since 2002, the former Gladiola Girls boutique became Lililu on King this past spring. Although the sign outside still says Gladiola Girls, the boutique has adopted the new name and attempted to kept the same feel of the store. The merchandise and warm decor is still the same, bringing upscale, classic and unique clothing to King Street.
8
The Appalachian | TheAppalachianOnline.com
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
CRIME LOG Nov. 15 CAMPUS
Nov. 16 2:29 a.m. | Underage Consumption of Alcohol Hoey Hall An arrest was made for underage consumption of alcohol.
The Appalachian 217 Plemmons Student Union, Boone, N.C. 28608 828 • 262-6149
Copyright © 2014 The Appalachian
Nov. 15 1:51 a.m. | Underage Consumption of Alcohol Cannon Hall An arrest was made for underage consumption of alcohol.
1:35 a.m. | Underage Consumption of Alcohol Bowie Hall An arrest was made for underage consumption of alcohol. Nov. 15 11:30 p.m. | Underage Consumption of Alcohol LLC An arrest was made for underage consumption of alcohol.
Nov. 14 9:55 p.m. | Underage Consumption/Possession of Alcohol Lovill Hall A student referral was given for underage consumption/ possession of alcohol. Nov. 14 11:57 p.m. | Using Marijuana Justice Hall A student referral was given for using marijuana.
WHO ARE WE?
LIKE US
FOLLOW US
@TheAppalachian
FOLLOW US
@TheAppalachian
EDITORIAL BOARD
BUSINESS OFFICE Business Manager Paul Heckert Asst. Business Manager Ignacio Martinez
ONLINE Web Manager Justin Perry Asst. Web Manager Maggie Cozens Community Outreach Director Stephanie Sansoucy
Contact Information EDITOR-IN-CHIEF (828) 262-6149 BUSINESS OFFICE (828) 262-2157 ADVISER OFFICE (828) 262-2245
Associated Collegiate Press
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. 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. The Appalachian reserves the right to decline publication of any letter and to edit letters for the purpose of clarity and space.
VISIT
TheAppalachianOnline.com
The Appalachian
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 ensure its First Amendment rights.
Editor-in-Chief Joshua Farmer Managing Editor Gerrit Van Genderen Visual Managing Editor Malik Rahili Chief Copy Editor Abbi Pittman News Editor Laney Rucksthul A&E Editor Meredith Warfield Sports Editor Cory Spiers Photo Editor Morgan Cook Video Editor Jackson Helms Asst. Video Editor Chris Deverell
The Appalachian is also online
Thursday’s Puzzle Solved WATCH US
TheAppalachian
TUESDAY
21o | 10o Partly Cloudy
WEDNESDAY 34o | 24o Partly Cloudy
THURSDAY 41o | 27o Partly Cloudy
FRIDAY
43o | 32o Mostly Cloudy
Classifieds
Choice dude searching for a partner in crime to ride tandem bike with. Enjoys long walks on rugged trails and girls who wear leggings as pants exclusively. Has Border collie puppy. Tweet/Instafollow: @itspaulsable
Place Your Classified Ad Here
Classifieds run for a week online and in print for $20. Please email business@theappalachianonline.com or call the business office for more information
Source: Ray’s Weather
Sports Tuesday, November 18, 2014
The Appalachian | TheAppalachianOnline.com
9
Where do non-power-five programs fall in bowl discussions? Resumes tell the whole story for potential bowl hopefuls, not necessarily records Nick Joyner Senior Sports Reporter
When you talk about postseason college football, you are going to have a lot of controversy. Discussing the better team can be extremely difficult, particularly when the teams at hand haven’t met on the field. That is where resumes come in. Let’s look at Georgia Southern from App State’s very own Sun Belt Conference, who now sits at 8-3 (7-0 Sun Belt). In non-conference games, the Eagles are 1-3 with losses at N.C. State, Georgia Tech and Navy. Earlier in the year, the two losses to ACC foes N.C. State and Georgia Tech were beacons of light for Eagles fans. In week one, the Wolfpack defeated Georgia Southern on a last second touchdown pass and escaped with a 24-23 come-from-behind victory. The next week, the Eagles fought back from a 35-10 halftime deficit to lose on yet another last minute, fourth quarter touchdown pass by Georgia Tech. Georgia Southern lost that game 42-38. Navy, a 5-5 independent school, blew the Eagles out of the water last week, 52-19. Indeed, college football postseason play can be a bit tricky. We don’t always have the luxury of seeing any two given teams face off to determine the better team. Resumes, at the end of the day, have to be the deciding factor. If two teams have similar records, but one of them has more impressive victories, how could you not select them over a team with inferior wins? Let’s compare Georgia Southern to a school in a much bigger conference, but with a similar record such as Utah, who resides in the Pac-12 Conference, and sits at 7-3 with some very impres-
TRIO
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 not only on the field, but off the field as well. Although Fergerson is older and has more experience than both Cox and Upshaw, he says that he learns things from the two of them, just as much as they learn from him. “Marcus is a great blocker,” Fergerson said. “That is something I wish I could pick up on, and with Terrence,
sive wins. The Utes have wins at Michigan, UCLA – then ranked #8 – and Stanford. UCLA is currently 8-2, good for a No. 11 position in the college football playoff ranking. Michigan and Stanford, although having down years, are two schools with rich talent and tradition. Stanford is coming off a year in which they were the Pac-12 champions. At home, Utah has struggled a bit. The Utes have a very impressive win over the University of Southern California, a team ranked No. 24 in both the AP and coaches’ polls. Outside of the 24-21 win over the Trojans, Utah has beaten some less impressive teams such as Idaho State and Fresno State. The three losses, however, is what separates Utah from a team like Georgia Southern. Utah’s first loss at home came to Washington State, a lowly Pac-12 team with a marginal 3-7 record. After that hiccup, though, Utah has been playing great football. The two other losses Utah has encountered came at the hands of No. 2 Oregon and No. 6 Arizona State. The Arizona State loss was not only a road game for Utah, but they lost that game 19-16 in overtime. Who were we comparing Utah to, again? Oh yeah, Georgia Southern. With a resume as stacked as Utah’s, it’s pretty hard to compare a team like Georgia Southern to the Utes. Close losses to N.C. State and Georgia Tech simply do not compare to losses against Oregon and Arizona State. Until Georgia Southern is able to string together a few impressive wins, they should not get into a bowl over any power five conference school. Hanging around with teams like N.C. State and Georgia Tech is simply not going to get the job done. If a smaller school is going to stack up with the big boys, they not only have to schedule the bigger schools – they have to beat them. he runs hard, so if I get in after him, I try to bring that same pound on whoever we’re playing.” Foster said that he is going to continue to give each back an equal opportunity in every game, and he will play whoever he feels like has the hot hand, and is playing the best at the time. The running back trio and the rest of the Mountaineers travel to Lafayette, Louisiana, to play Louisiana Lafayette on Saturday at 5 p.m.
Check out Thursday’s issue of The Appalachian for a full season preview for App State men’s and women’s basketball
Malik Rahili
When it comes to bowls, don’t overlook quality non-power-five programs Jason Huber Intern Sports Reporter
The College Football Bowl Series has had some new changes this year with the new four-team playoff system coming into play. Two of college footballs biggest bowls, the Rose Bowl and Sugar Bowl, will now be the playoff games before the National Championship game. However, there are still 38 bowl games for the 76 eligible teams who have at least six wins or are declared worthy based on a conference title. With the new college football playoffs, the 38 other bowl games include three New Year bowl games including the Cotton, Fiesta and Peach bowls. The new rules state the highest ranked team from the group of five non-power conferences – the Mountain West, Conference-USA, American Athletic, Sun Belt and Mid-American – gets a guaranteed spot in one of these three bowls. Georgia Southern is currently first in the Sun Belt with an 8-3 overall record and a conference mark of 7-0 in its first year in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision after transitioning from the Football Championship Subdivision. As is the case for App State, NCAA rules say a transitioning team cannot make a bowl game. However, with Georgia Southern leading the conference with only three losses to N.C. State, Georgia Tech and Navy, there is an outside chance they could petition and be selected to play in a bowl game. This raises questions about whether a non-power team deserves to make a bowl game over a team who has a harder schedule in power conferences
such as the Big Ten, Big 12, ACC, Pac12 or SEC. Sun Belt Commissioner Karl Benson said in an interview with USA Today that the only way Georgia Southern could get in a bowl game is if there are fewer than 76 bowl-eligible teams and the NCAA gives them a waiver to make a bowl. “All of our [bowl-eligible] teams would have to be placed before they could even come in the mix,” Benson said in the interview. Georgia Southern should be given the chance to make a bowl game over bigger teams because a team that wins its conference should get the chance to compete like any other team. Georgia Southern is handling everyone they face in the Sun Belt, and still have higher quality wins compared to bigger teams such as Marshall. During college basketball’s “March Madness” tournament, a team with a losing record can get hot at the right time, win their conference tournament and then make the NCAA tournament. This allows smaller teams, who have beaten their conference competition, to compete against bigger and better teams to see what they are made of. Just like basketball, smaller football programs should be given the opportunity to make a bowl game. Power-five football schools have their own competition, just like smaller schools. If a school performs well, they should be given an equal chance to make a bowl game. Georgia Southern has the requisite amount of wins to make a bowl game, and with ineligibility to make a bowl game in their transition year, they have to hope less than 76 teams win six games, or they are out of luck. Smaller schools in weaker conferences should be given an equal chance to make a bowl game if their record and win qualities stack up to powerhouse teams.