November 15, 2011

The Appalachian

TheAppalachianOnline.com

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Vol. 86 No. 21

Appalachian gets ‘social’ University mirrors students’ passion for connecting online

by Anne Buie Senior News Reporter

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Applicants’ social media profiles not deciding factor in admissions process Scott

Social media is playing an increasingly important role in the way organizations communicate with consumers – and Appalachian State University is no exception.

Universities across the country have reported using sites like Facebook to screen applicants – more than 80

percent of college admissions officers at least consider social media presence, according to a Kaplan survey.

But Director of Admissions Lloyd Scott did not confirm or deny the use of social media screening or its role in Appalachian’s admissions process.

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“In my experience, we have not,” he said.

Scott did say that students should be careful to maintain a professional online presence.

“I wish that more people who use Facebook were more aware of what long-term implications could be as they open their lives – as to what,

in essence, becomes public scrutiny,” he said. “If you put it on Facebook, it’s not private anymore.”

Admissions representatives from North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill said they do not screen applicants’ social media profiles.

The Appalachian

Social media provides first glimpse of life on campus for prospective students Keifert

Appalachian does use social media as a marketing tool – setting up blogs, Twitter accounts and Facebook groups to reach out to current and potential students, as well as alumni.

“It’s just a chance for us to reach students and prospective students in a way that they’re comfortable with,” Scott said.

“It’s a chance for us to share information and ensure that information is shared in a way that prospective students are very comfortable with, because it’s a very vibrant part of their life.”

One unique example is the Facebook group set up for freshmen – titled AppState Class of 2015.

The group is student-led and supported by the Office of

Admissions. This differs from other colleges within the state, including Western Carolina University (WCU).

“Typically, an incoming freshman takes the initiative to make the Facebook page,” said Romie Patel, WCU’s assistant director of admissions.

At Appalachian, University Communications works with an upperclassman to monitor the group.

Vonté McKenith, director of public relations for the Student Government Association (SGA), has been involved with the group for the past three years – after creating the original group his sophomore year.

“We approached him about helping us out in other ways because students really appre-

TheAppalachian

ciated the time he was spending on there and how he was helping them out,” said Ann Keifert, Appalachian’s assistant director of marketing.

McKenith said he undertook monitoring of the group because he wanted to encourage student-to-student relationships.

“It gives them the idea that Appalachian is a school that cares, because when they see that a student is running this group and answering their questions, it shows that they care,” he said.

McKenith described the experience as a “second job” and estimates that he has answered about 3,000 questions.

“I’ve hosted live chat sessions,” he said. “Parents even

came in and asked questions.

It’s a great, great resource for the school to have.”

Freshman education major David Marvel is an out-ofstate student from Delaware.

He said the group was helpful for getting answers to questions about registering for classes and getting around campus.

“Vonté was really nice and able to give information the way that we would understand it, because he’s gone through this before,” Marvel said.

Freshman social work major Camille Bullock agreed.

“It provides a more simple way for questions to be answered – not just by a representative, but by other students,” Bullock said.

The Appalachian

Students, organizations go ‘social’ to share information, coordinate events, make connections McKenith

McKenith’s group is not the only example of studentinitiated social media use at Appalachian. Various clubs and organizations use Facebook and Twitter to reach out to students, including SGA. “We’ve started a blog with

both senators and cabinet members,” McKenith said.

“We’ve linked our website to our Facebook, Twitter and YouTube account.”

Freshman communication studies major Salem Sherrill is on the Appalachian Dance

Team.

“We actually have a page that we put all our dances on for us to watch and practice, so it’s like a take-home practice,” she said.

Sherrill is also part of her residence hall’s Facebook group and said she has noticed that

social media can help shyer students make connections on campus.

“Sometimes, people can type something but they can’t say it face-to-face, so it really helps them with their social skills,” she said.

Students petition against Soucek’s App visit

by KELLI STRAKA

Senior News Reporter

North Carolina State Senator Dan Soucek was welcomed onto Appalachian State University’s campus Friday – but he wasn’t welcomed by all.

The senator spoke as part of a Veteran’s Day Celebration, outside the B.B. Dougherty Administration Building at 7:30 a.m. But earlier in the week, two freshmen started a petition protesting the presence of the senator – who has made negative comments about the LGBT community – on campus.

Freshman music education major Ayla Kitting and freshman chemistry major Ian O’Keefe crafted the petition, which was delivered to the Office of the Chancellor Friday.

“He is a person that doesn’t necessarily fit in with the Appalachian way of acceptance, tolerance and freedom,” O’Keefe said. “We feel like him being asked to come to Appalachian was saying that those values weren’t being taken to heart.”

The petition references a comment Soucek made on the floor of the N.C. Senate, in response to a charge that the Defense of Marriage Act is discriminatory.

“I think there is a fundamental difference between the civil rights of African Americans and the gay and lesbian community,” Soucek said in September.

For a full transcript of the petition, visit TheAppalachianOnline.com.

“You can’t choose the color of your skin, but you can choose your sexual behavior. Gay behavior is a choice.”

Kitting and O’Keefe’s position takes the stance that Soucek “has not done his research” and should not be accepted as a speaker on Appalachian’s campus.

“We feel that having him speak here again would show support to something that we do not support and give legitimacy to an illegitimate stance,” according to the petition.

Freshman undecided major Matthew Barfield said he signed the petition because Soucek is not a good representation of the university’s ideals.

“Someone shouldn’t feel like the person who’s hurting them or who’s hurt them is being praised,” Barfield said.

Senior political science major Lia Poteet signed the petition as well.

“We mostly wanted to draw attention to the issues and really just show the campus, the students and campus leadership that these are the issues college students should be concerned about,” she said.

Tips for keeping your social media presence clean:

2. Play ‘tag police’ Check your photos and photos your friends tag you in. You shouldn’t post anything “less than becoming” – photos with alcohol, skimpy clothing, anything that is questionable.

3. Don’t whine Be very careful about status updates and what you post in general. Keep it positive and neutral. “Venting” posts should be avoided if possible.

4. Watch what you ‘like’ People can learn a lot just by looking at the pages you “like.” Be certain that none of those pages could be considered derogatory or biased – like the “This is America and You Should Speak English!” page.

5. Be search-savvy Periodically Google yourself to see what comes up. Employers will do the same thing, so you may as well see what’s out there and make sure everything is on the “up and up.”

Source: Angel Wood, Appalachian State Career Development Center

ASG addresses tuition

by HANK SHELL News Editor

Representatives from the Association of Student Governments (ASG) met Saturday at Appalachian State University to address student concerns over proposed tuition increases across the state.

Currently, Appalachian students are facing a proposed tuition increase of 12.3 percent, while students from other universities in the UNC-system are facing more.

In response to student input, ASG passed the “Cuts Hurt” initiative – a campaign to raise legislators’ awareness of the impact that budget cuts to education have on students.

Student Body President Lauren Estes said student support is crucial to its success.

“I think it has the potential to be an incredibly effective campaign, but it will require student initiative and individual involvement in order for it to even take place,” she said.

This year the UNC-system sustained budget cuts equal to a 15.6 percent cut across the board for all institutions, according to a report from the UNC Board of Governors.

By collecting student-submitted videos about their experiences with budget cuts, compiling them into a documentary and submitting it to state and federal lawmakers, ASG hopes students will gain more of a voice in the discussion surrounding state appropriations for higher education.

ASG is a body of student leaders from each UNC-system institution and is headed by Appalachian business administration graduate student Atul Bhula.

ASG will meet again in January to form a more concrete stance on tuition increases.

2

News

• November 15, 2011

The Appalachian

| TheAppalachianOnline.com

Topping out ceremony celebrates peak height for leadership center

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Appalachian State University’s flag, the American flag and a Christmas tree attached to a concrete beam were hoisted on top of the new residence hall in celebration of the “topping out” ceremony last Friday.

The building is one of four projects in the Center for Student Leadership.

The ceremony, a tradition for highrise projects, celebrated the moment when the last bit of structural concrete was poured and the new residence hall reached its highest peak – a milestone for many at the ceremony.

“It’s a thank you, really, for the workers, the design team and the university,” said Tom Peyton, project manager for Balfour Beatty Construction. “We’ve got a long way to go, but this just signifies the completion of the structure.”

Before the beam was hosted up, it was signed by the workers, the design and construction team and Appalachian administrators, including Vice Chancellor for Student Development Cindy Wallace.

“It is so important to us,” Wallace said. “This beautiful building complex is going to be about engagement leadership and academic excellence and the best Appalachian can be.”

Senior building sciences major Phillip Baxter has interned with the project for two months and attended Friday’s ceremony.

“For me, I’ve only been around for a couple of months, but it’s still really neat being slightly part of it and seeing how everyone else is and what it means to them,” Baxter said.

Senior building sciences major Dillon Horn has interned with the project since May. “Being able to watch a project all the way through before I graduate, and have that experience before I graduate, is really valuable,” Horn said.

Olivia Wilkes | The Appalachian

(Above) Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Development Dino DiBernardi signs the celebratory beam at the "topping out ceremony" of the new Center for Student Leadership. (Below) The ceremony commemorated the placement of the last beam, decorated with signatures, a Christmas tree and American and ASU flags, onto the top of the building Friday morning.

Senior building sciences major Jeff Ward has been an intern for the project since late April.

“It’s really exciting, being able to see the building coming all the way up to the top, and it’s nice to see all the hard

work you’ve been doing become something real,” Ward said.

The building still needs an exterior veneer and interior build-out, but is on schedule for completion in summer 2012, Peyton said.

Distance education suffers decline in interest, funding

by CATHERINE HAITHCOCK News Reporter

Appalachian State University’s

Hughlene Bostian Frank Visiting Writers Series presents

Novelist

The Visiting Writers Series is named in honor of Hughlene Bostian Frank, class of 1968, former trustee and generous supporter of Appalachian State University.

For further information on the Fall season, please call 262-2871 or see www.visitingwriters.appstate.edu.

To receive Appalachian’s “This Week in the Arts” announcement by email, please contact arts-events@appstate.edu.

Admission to all events is free.

To read on-line excerpts from the Fall Visiting Writers’ works, please go to www.library.appstate.edu, click Reserves, then enter Visiting Writers Series as Instructor or Course Name. If needed, use the password asuwriters.

Mary Doria Russell

arts-events@appstate.edu

Photo by Jeff Crooks

The Fall 2011 Visiting Writers Series is supported by the Appalachian State University Foundation; Appalachian’s Offices of Academic Affairs, Multicultural Student Development, and Cultural Affairs; the College of Arts and Sciences, the Department of English, the Summer Reading Program, the University Bookstore, Belk Library, and the Appalachian Journal.

Business sponsors are The Gideon Ridge Inn and The Red Onion Restaurant. Community sponsors include John and Marjorie Idol, Mildred Luckhardt, Paul and Judy Tobin, Alice Naylor, Thomas McLaughlin, and The High Country Writers.

Thursday, November 17th 7:30 p.m.

Table Rock Room Plemmons Student Union Appalachian State University Craft Talk:

Writing Historical Fiction

Table Rock Room Plemmons Student Union 3:30-4:45 p.m.

Book sales and signing will follow these events.

Parking is free on campus after 5 p.m. We recommend the Library Parking Deck on College Street (from King Street, turn down College Street at the First Baptist Church). To reach the Student Union, cross College Street and follow the walkway between the chiller plant and the University Bookstore, passing the Post Office and entering the Student Union on the second floor. For further parking information or a map, please see www.parking.appstate.edu or call the Parking and Traffic Office (828) 262-2878.

Appalachian State University’s Distance Education program is experiencing a gradual decline in applications and revenue, administrators said.

The program, which consists of around 25 locations at any given time, has been hit heavily by the tough economic conditions.

The distance education program is not delivering the anticipated 32,000 credit hours initially projected and instead is producing around 25,000 to 26,000 credit hours, Vice Provost for Resource Management Tim Burwell said.

“We have fine-tuned our forecast in terms of what we expect to deliver,” Burwell said. “So what we’ve run into in the last two to three years is that we have not been getting the number of students that we have been forecasting, so the demand hasn’t been there to the degree of what we thought it was going to be.”

Around 75 percent of distance education programming takes place through the department of education. In recent years, the demand for teaching positions has drastically declined, which Burwell suspects is directly associated with the decrease in distance education applications.

“A lot of our programming is done out of the College of Education and much of it is on the graduate level,” Burwell said. “With the economy, school districts have cut back on teachers, so I think we are seeing a cut back in terms of teachers pursuing master’s degrees and certification in that field, so we are not getting the demand we thought we

were going to get.”

Other administrators agree with Burwell.

“The big reason behind our problem is the economy and its impact,” Interim Director for Distance Education Mary Englebert said. “The bad economy makes going back to school or continuing school a discretionary expenditure. And less so is our need to adjust to a new reality where we have competition amongst other schools.”

To counteract the immediate hit to the program, program administrators are looking into new ways of marketing, possible integration of new disciplines, online classes and the introduction of two-way interactive televisions.

“We are a school that is very serious about our faculty-to-student interaction and that makes it hard to switch to online education, where there is less direct interaction,” Englebert said. “That’s not part of our original mission.”

To determine whether distance education students are willing to forfeit faceto-face interaction with professors, the program has been conducting anonymous student surveys, Englebert said.

Although the distance education program is experiencing changes, Englebert and Burwell both stressed that it does not necessarily mean programs will be cut.

Rather, a significant reevaluation of the system is underway.

“This is a transitionary period for us and we are going to try a number of different things to see what we can do to try and align the market that we serve with the funding that we receive,” Burwell said.

Lifestyles The Appalachian

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November 15, 2011 •

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Review: DeGraw, Cook, Carolina Liar Alumnus Adam Jennings | The Appalachian

by MICHAEL BRAGG Lifestyles Editor

Singer-songwriter Gavin DeGraw(left) and Editor’s Note: The following reflects American Idol winner the views and opinions of the author.

David Cook(bottom) perform for a packed arthing Auditorium was halfcrowd at Farthing full by the time the audience Auditorium Friday. was allowed to take their

F

seats at the Gavin DeGraw and David Cook concert with Carolina Liar Friday night.

Los Angeles natives Carolina Liar kicked the concert off with a spectacular and untamed energy, constantly urging the crowd to get on their feet and make some noise.

“I knew they were good, but I didn’t know they were that good live,” sophomore psychology major Anna McNamara said of Carolina Liar’s electrifying set.

As the lights went out for American Idol winner David Cook, the crowd jumped back on its feet and let out ear-splitting screams.

Cook addressed the audience for the first time with a simple question: “How the hell are you?”

At approximately 8:58 p.m., Appalachian State University witnessed its first performance by an American Idol.

“I can already tell we are going to have fun tonight,” Cook said.

Cook remained connected with his audience, asking them questions and telling them stories laced with dry humor. Prior to performing the song “Kiss on the Neck,” Cook had a snarky question for the audience.

“How many people out there are in love tonight?” he asked. “Well, congratulations. This song isn’t for you.”

Just before Cook and his band played their last song, he made a

toast with a plastic cup of what appeared to be champagne.

“Boone, thank you guys so much,” he said.

While Cook had a phenomenal light show and remarkable rock ‘n roll energy, the last act was still to come.

Gavin DeGraw was met with the largest applause of the night as he took his place at the piano, ready to perform hits like “Chariot,” “Sweeter” and “I Don’t Wanna Be.” DeGraw kept up a theatrical, flirtatious attitude throughout his performance – staying close to the edge of the stage and singling out unsuspecting females to hold their hands and serenade them.

“He pointed me out in the crowd and was like, ‘You, come with me!’ and he held my hand,” McNamara said.

DeGraw didn’t hold back from replying to audience comments either. At one point, he admitted to being out of breath from the altitude and an audience member said he’d get used to it.

“I get used to it?” he asked. “Is that what your boyfriend told you?”

DeGraw finished out his performance with the track “Not Over You,” while standing on his piano and faking a backflip.

During the concert, an unannounced celebrity stood backstage: country star and American Idol winner Carrie Underwood.

“She came to support Gavin and David backstage and that was definitely a plus and a surprise,” said Whitney Howard, APPS Concert Council chairperson. “She is friends with both of the guys and she wanted to support them, so she hung out backstage for a minute and dipped out.”

Police shut down beard, moustache party at Speakeasy

by DANIELLE WATKINS

Intern Lifestyles Reporter

Speakeasy Tattoo Co. hosted its third annual beard and moustache competition Sunday night, in celebration of the shop’s third anniversary.

However, police cut the celebration short at 10:30 p.m., right before the beard and moustache competition judging. “[The police] said the event wasn’t business related,” said Anthony French, tattoo artist at Speakeasy.

The event started at 7 p.m. and French said it was supposed to last “until the beer ran out.”

“We still have one or two kegs left,” he said.

“Everyone was super bummed.”

Greg Kinnamon, owner of Speakeasy, said the event was in no way connected to No Shave November and was simply an idea he came up with to get Boone residents interested in the shop.

“What better way to get the college kids involved than to do something with facial hair,” Kinnamon said.

The party took place outside the shop on West King Street and was open to anyone 21 and older.

“If you’re going to have a party, you might as well invite everyone,” Kinnamon said.

Local band DrawlStrings performed live music throughout the night, entertaining guests as they filled up on free beer.

This tradition began three years ago as a way to celebrate the anniversary of the shop’s Friday the 13th grand opening in November 2008.

Kinnamon said he wanted to open the shop on that day so that every few years the party would fall on Friday the 13th.

The evening concluded with a facial hair competition, open to both male and female guests.

“The women really go all out,” French said. “It’s a fun time for both genders.”

Guests were encouraged to sign up for the category they felt best exemplified their facial hair.

Categories for the competition included: grizzly (for those with untamed hair), creeper stash (for the moustache crowd), presidential (for the well groomed), I’m really trying here (for those lacking in the facial hair department), facial hair with props (for the female demographic), unique and white trash.

The audience would have decided the winners of the competition, based on how loudly they cheered, had the event not been shut down by police.

Miqula De Leon, one of the female contenders, made sideburns and a goatee out of yarn.

“Unbeknownst to me there is a white trash category, so I think I’m going to sign up for that,” De Leon said.

Church offers free lunch for students

by RYAN NAGY

Senior Lifestyles Reporter

For the past four years, the First Baptist Church on the corner of King and College Street has offered students a chance to mellow out for a couple hours, do some homework and eat free, homemade food.

This year, those lunches are held each Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The only requirement is that students sign in via email when they walk through the door.

“Tuesday lunch gives First Baptist a great opportunity to be a church,” Pastor Roy Dobyns said. “As pastor, I love seeing college students enjoy a home-cooked meal with wonderful Olivia Wilkes | The Appalachian people.”

Students fill their plates with food at the First The First Baptist Student Center Baptist Church located beside the library. is a neighbor to Appalachian State The church gives free lunch to students University, located next to Belk every Tuesday.

Library on College Street. Dobyns sit and socialize with each other, playing said he loves the “church on the pool, cards, or board games and watching corner” environment First Baptist offers.

The weekly lunch is the brainchild of television.

Senior accounting major Ben Gregory First Baptist’s college committee, but the costs for food aren’t taken from church said one of his favorite things about funds, said college committee chairperson attending the lunches is the opportunity to meet new people in a diverse Beverly Holton.

“Every week, the food is donated by environment.

“There are a lot of environments volunteers,” Holton said. “Sunday School classes, individuals and families take going on at once – it’s really spread out,” money out of their own pockets to make Gregory said. “It really gives me a friendly and generally accepting feeling. I always this happen.”

Holton said the lunch usually costs leave satisfied, fulfilled and loved.”

Ken Shull, a former Appalachian around $150 to $200 a week, or about $2 to $3 a person. Volunteers typically biology professor and member of the prepare food for around 70 students, but college committee, said he attends the offer peanut butter and jelly sandwiches lunches to reconnect with the college to students who don’t like the food choice students he left behind.

“I was on the faculty for 34 years and or don’t make it before the food runs out.

Volunteer hostess Laura Graham it was the contact with the students that oversees the event each week and said I loved the most,” he said. “Being on the her motherly instincts led her to nurture college committee keeps me in contact with the students.”

Appalachian students.

Shell said he’ll accept any challenge “I’m a mother, grandmother and soonto-be great grandmother,” Graham said. from a student to a game of chess during “I love cooking and serving good food to the Tuesday lunches.

For more information on First Baptist folks, especially hungry college students.”

While they eat, students who attend Church and the activities offered to the free lunches have the opportunity to students, visit boonefirstbaptist.org.

Guests were also invited to enter a raffle for the chance to win prizes, including gifts cards to Speakeasy for varying amounts as well as gift cards to local businesses, including Melanie’s, Vidalia, Mellow Erika Barnett | The Appalachian M u s h r o o m , Jared Oreias, tattoo artist Expressions and at Speakeasy, enjoys the Haircut 101. revelry at the beard and K i n n a m o n mustache competition said the party Sunday night, Nov. 13. is humorous, especially by the end of the night.

“It has more to do with the culture of Boone than anything else,” he said. “I like to do something that no one else is doing.”

The fourth annual moustache and beard party is scheduled for the same time and place next year.

“It’s always a really rad event,” said French.

“Every party needs a theme.”

Dr. Dog closes out fall lineup at Legends

by MICHAEL BRAGG Lifestyles Editor

Philadelphia rock band Dr. Dog will conclude the Legends fall semester lineup Thursday night, with opening acts Quiet Life and David Vandervelde.

Dr. Dog drummer Eric Slick described the band’s sound as “psychedelic punk ballads.”

“Spirit moves you, dude,” Slick said.

Appalachian Popular Programming Society (APPS) President Tyler Thomas said he’s excited for Dr. Dog to make their Legends debut.

“They’re the music you always hope you find,” Thomas said.

“They’re a bunch of friends hanging out and making music and it doesn’t really need a genre, because it’s a lot of fun and it always translates well live.”

Dr. Dog recently put a new album called “Shame, Shame,” the first album they recorded outside their home.

“It was a huge learning process for us because we’re used to recording ourselves,” Slick said.

Quiet Life is an Americana band based out of Portland, Ore. and is one of the two opening acts for Dr. Dog. They’ve released three albums, including the most recent – titled “Big Green” – in January of this year.

The second opening act, David Vandervelde, currently resides in Nashville, Tenn. and has two albums under his belt – “The Moonstation Horse Band” and “Waiting for the Sunrise.”

“That first record is pretty much a collection of some of the songs that I finished when I was living in Chicago and recording mostly just by myself,” Vandervelde said.

Vandervelde is currently working on two records and waiting for a label to pick them up.

Unlike most Legends shows, the doors open at 8 p.m. instead of 9 p.m., to accommodate the three acts performing.

Thomas said this is one of the biggest Legends shows of the semester – especially because Dr. Dog’s sound is so fitting for the student body.

“I feel like they’re so Appalachian, because Appalachian is so eclectic and diverse in its way,” he said. “I think the student body will enjoy it and I think they’ll connect with it.”

While Dr. Dog has never played at Legends, Slick said they’re looking forward to the show.

“Boone seems to be full of really cool people,” he said. “We already think highly of it.”

Doors open at 8 p.m. Thursday night. Tickets are still available and are $10 in advance for students and $12 at the door. This concert is BYOB with proper identification.

takes on big acts

by WILL GREENE

Intern Lifestyles Reporter

Appalachian State University graduate Dan Millice is a prime example of hard work in school paying off.

A 2010 graduate of the Hayes School of Music, Millice has mastered albums for acts like Trey Songz, Dave Matthews, A$AP Rocky and Boonebased bands Easy Company and Bafoodus.

A$AP Rocky’s newest release, titled “LiveLoveA$AP,” has received universal acclaim for its sound quality, according to Pitchfork Magazine.

“I always played music growing up and everything about it intrigued me,” Millice said. “The ins and outs of the music, the intricacies and the overall sound just interested me.

I knew from a very young age that I was meant to be in the music business.”

Millice said he came to Appalachian because he knew the music program was best for him.

“They had all of the recording equipment that I needed to hone all of my skills behind the boards,” he said. “I never even considered another school.”

To this day, Millice said he has nothing but good things to say about the Hayes School of Music.

“They really laid the foundation for my work and gave me the confidence to do whatever I needed to do,” he said.

Millice was involved with the student-run record label, Split Rail Records, during his time as a student.

It’s the time when he met his mentor, music professor Scott Wynne.

“Scott basically showed me everything I needed to know about production and mastering,” Millice said. “If it was not for him showing me what to do, I don’t think I would be where I am today.”

Millice’s most recent mastering project, “LiveLoveA$AP,” received an XL (with the best being XXL) in the publication XXL and an 8.2 (out of 10) in Pitchfork.

Millice, as well as every other graduate of the school of music, was required to complete an internship.

Dan decided to go to New York City and work for Masterdisk studios.

“I went to New York because I knew that was where the money and jobs were,” he said. “I served an apprenticeship under Scott Hull, who has produced acts such as Dave Matthews and Elton John, and after only four months, they decided to bring me on full time.”

While Millice has permanently moved to New York City, he still has a big heart for Boone musicians.

“I mastered Bafoodus’ first album a couple of months ago,” he said. “They are a great bunch of guys and really easy to work with.”

“Dan is a really great guy and is incredible at what he does,” said Andy Page, adjunct professor of music and lead guitarist of Bafoodus. “Our album, “Bafoodus,” sounds sonically incredible and I have only Dan to thank for that.”

Although Millice is in New York, he always has those at The Hayes School of Music and Appalachian that mentored him to thank.

“Without the support of all of my teachers and everyone at Appalachian, I would not have had the confidence to move to New York, not knowing a single person, and be where I am today,” he said. “I will be forever grateful to Appalachian for laying the groundwork of my career.”

A

44 •• November 15, 2011 2011 November 15,

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

SDR helps you with involvement

Each student at Appalachian State University has an official co-curricular transcript. Involvement, leadership positions, on-campus employment, awards, leadership programs etc. can be listed on the transcript. Visit www.sdr.appstate.edu to see what your options are for involvement. Start building your experiences today.

Need help getting involved?

The Center for Student Involvement and Leadership is available for advising appointments. Schedule a time today to talk with a professional in the office to determine your best plan of action. Get out, meet people and make a difference. Call 262-6252, or visit the CSIL website at www.csil.appstate. edu, drop by Room #219 for more information.

Visiting Writers sets schedule

The Hughlene Bostian Frank Visiting Writers Series is named in honor of Hughlene Bostian Frank, class of 1968, trustee and generous supporter of Appalachian State University. Admission to all events is free. For further information on the Fall season, call 262-2871 or see www. visitingwriters.appstate.edu. To receive Appalachian’s “This Week in the Arts” announcements by email, please contact arts-events@appstate.edu. Writers scheduled are: Novelist Mary Doria Russell, “The Sparrow,” “A Thread of Grace,” and “Doc,” will speak at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in the Table Rock Room of Plemmons Student Union. A Craft Talk: Writing Historical Fiction will be held from 3:30 until 4:45 p.m. in the Table Rock Room.

International Fair on Wednesday

The 7th Annual International Fiair at Appalachian State University is set for 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Wednesday in the Grandfather Mountain Ballroom of Plemmons Student Union. If you want to travel and study abroad this year, come to the fair and you will be introduced to over 60 international faculty-led programs offered this year. Meet one-on-one with faculty leaders and learn about other study abroad and international venture opportunities. Enjoy free food and refreshments. Mark your calendars now. For more information contact the Office of International Education and Development (OIED) at 262-8034 and ask for Nathalie Turner, or email her at turnernm@appstate.edu.

2011 Counseling Center groups

Understanding Self and Others Group: Issues commonly addressed vary from depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, self-esteem, issues of family conflict or abuse, etc.

Students who want to resolve specific concerns as well as those seeking personal growth are welcome. This can be a good time to get peers’ perspectives on various issues, and to recognize that you are not alone. Four groups are available: Mondays 1:00-2:30; Tuesdays 2:00-3:30; Tuesdays 2-3:30 (Freshmen/Transfer Students only) Tuesdays 3:30-5:00; Wednesdays 3:00-4:30.

Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual Therapy Group: This group will present an opportunity for gay, lesbian, and bisexual individuals to explore life challenges. It will provide a safe environment in which to address a variety of issues (e.g., coming out, spirituality, family relationships, depression, selfesteem, abuse, etc.). Goals of the group include: reducing isolation, finding support and making changes. Two groups are available: Time/Day to be determined (Contact Carol O’Saben or Sheri Clark: 262-3180 or osabencl@appstate. edu or clarksl@appstate.edu).

Painful Pasts, Promising Futures Group: This group is designed for those who have experienced traumatic events in their lives or who come from backgrounds in which they did not feel safe. Members will learn how their past experiences and their biology are affecting their lives now. More importantly, they will learn what to do about it! Members will learn important insights about their patterns in relationships and skills to better manage their emotions and relationships.

Thursdays 3:30-5:00. (Contact Amber Lyda for more information: lydaam@appstate.edu).

Transgender Therapy Group: This group is similar to the “Understanding Self and Others” group in that a variety of issues will be explored in a safe and supportive environment. Some of the issues will be unique to gender-variant students. Goals of the group include: reducing isolation, finding support and making changes. Time/Day to be determined (Contact Sheri Clark for more information: 262-3180 or clarksl@appstate.edu).

WISE Women, Image, & Self Esteem: This group is designed for any woman interested in changing how she values herself. If you’d like to feel better about yourself and less controlled by appearance, food and what others think, this group may be for you. Thursdays 1-2:30 p.m. (Contact Denise Lovin: 262-3180 or lovindm@appstate.edu).

An Introduction to Mindfulness Group: Mindfulness involves stepping out of “auto-pilot” reactions and learning to pay more attention to our present experiences. Activities in this group will help participants cultivate a mindful approach to their lives, which can decrease stress, create emotional balance, and allow a person to take actions more in line with their values. Thursdays 3:30-5:00 (Contact Chris Hogan: 262-3180 or hogancj@appstate.edu).

To get started with a Counseling Center group, come to the Counseling Center during Walk-In Clinic, call 262-3180 or visit the website for more information at www.counseling. appstate.edu. If you are interested in group but these times do not work for you, please get in touch with Chris Carden at 262-3180 or cardendc@appstate.edu.

Career resources available at ASU

Come explore the resources on campus here to assist you with your career planning and job searching needs. Is choosing a major causing you stress? The Peer Career Center can help! Choosing a major is one of the many decisions you will have to make during your college career. Do not take it lightly. The average person spends 86,000 hours working in his/her lifetime. How many hours are you going to spend choosing your career? We offer assistance in finding a major and career that matches your interests, abilities, values and experiences. Call 262-2029 to schedule an appointment or drop by our office located on the 2nd floor of the Student Union, beside McAllister’s Deli. Visit us at www.peercareer. appstate.edu. The Career Development Center offers many resources to assist you in your job and internship search skills. Career Counselors will help you build a professional resume, cover letter, and help develop your interviewing skills. Students can utilize Career Gear, (careergear.appstate.edu), our new and improved career management system, to schedule career counseling appointments, post resumes, search for jobs and internships, sign up for on

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campus interviews, research employers, identify employer mentors and stay up to date with career center events and fairs. Learn about all of the great resources in the CDC at careers.appstate.edu.

Free, confidential legal advice

A licensed attorney is available to answer your questions, provide advice, and make referrals. This service is offered free of charge to any Appalachian State University student.

Contact the Student Legal Clinic if you have a traffic ticket, a minor criminal charge, a question about your lease or the conditions in your off-campus apartment -- or any other issue or problem that you need legal help with. The Student Legal Clinis is located in Room 221of the Plemmons Student Union. Call (828) 262-2704 for an appointment.

It’s fast and easy! Appointments can usually be scheduled within a few days.

Financial Aid questions?

Parents and students with financial aid questions are encouraged to visit our website at financialaid.appstate.edu and their AppalNet account. The Office of Student Financial Aid is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., except for University observed holidays.

Find Yosef A Holiday!

It’s almost time to Find Yosef A Holiday! The Office of Multicultural Student Development invites you to once again join in celebrating the many cultural traditions that are observed around the world during the winter season. To sign up as a holiday sponsor, please complete and submit the registration form by Friday. Go to http://multicultural.appstate.edu/ events-programs/multicultural-events/find-yosef-holiday-fair to find the registration form. Classes, clubs, athletic teams, offices, and departments are all eligible and invited to submit forms. This can be an excellent way to enhance multicultural awareness or inspire those in your lives to spread their holiday cheer with others. The Find Yosef a Holiday Festival is Dec. 2 in the Blue Ridge Ballroom of Plemmons Student Union, 5-7 p.m.

Run the Gobbler!

“Run the Gobbler, Eat the Cobbler!” What: ACT’s first annual 5K, The Gobbler. Runners and walkers welcome! All money raised will benefit ACT’s scholarship for international service-learning in honor of Leigh Lane Edwards. After the race, fresh cobbler will be available for all runners and spectators! The Gobbler will be the last event for Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. When: The race will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday. Day-of registration will begin at 7 a.m. Once the race is completed, wipe your sweat away and enjoy fresh cobbler on Duck Pond Field! Where: The Gobbler will begin and end at Duck Pond Field on Stadium Drive. Register online today at http://thegobblerboone. wordpress.com/registration/. Questions can be directed to Emily Brown at brownei@appstate.edu.

Get ready for 2012 fall housing

Did you know that most students begin considering their options NOW for Fall 2012 housing? In order to get your preferences (location, cost, roommates, amenities, etc.) you should begin now, too. University Housing, the Office of OffCampus Community Relations, and the Student Legal Clinic have partnered to help explain the process and timeline by offering a 60-minute program called “Find Your Match!” to walk students through the process of exploring housing options and securing housing for Fall 2012. The program will include issues related to both on- and off-campus housing, including timelines and procedures for obtaining housing, cost, location, utilities, contracts, roommate choices, etc.

To register for “Find Your Match,” go to www.offcampus. appstate.edu. All programs take place in the Watauga River Room in Plemmons Student Union, from Noon to 1 p.m. on the following dates: Nov. 15, 17, 29, Dec. 1, Jan. 18, 19, 23, 24, Feb. 1 and 3. For more information about on-campus housing, contact University Housing at 828-2626111 or visit housing.appstate.edu. For more information about off-campus housing resources, contact the Office of Off-Campus Community Relations at 828-262-8284 or visit offcampus.appstate.edu.

18 Days of Giving begins at ASU

The National Society of Scabbard and Blade and the Department of Military Science and Leadership is sponsoring the non-perishable food drive, 18 Days of Giving through Friday at Appalachian State University. All canned, boxed, or sealed non-perishable food items will be appreciated. All items donated benefit the Hospitality House of Boone. The small act of giving one item will go to help a family in need this holiday seson. Specialty items needed include: green beans, peanut butter, syrup, jelly or jam, salad dressing, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, sugar, flour, corn muffin mix, chicken stock, basic spices (pepper, garlic pepper, etc.), powdered creamer, children’s snacks. Please call 828-262-2996 for questions, comments or large donations.

Clearly marked collection boxes will be located in many commonly used buildings across campus through Friday.

If you would like to sponsor a box for your department or area, please contact the above number to make arrangements for delivery.

Plemmons nominations sought

The W. H. Plemmons Leadership Medallion, named in honor of Dr. William H. Plemmons who served as the second president of the University from 1955 to 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: A student leader who has provided distinguished leadership above that of other student leaders; 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; 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; and 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. The process for selecting recipients will be as follows: A seven person committee appointed by the Chancellor will solicit and review nominations and recommend recipients of the W. H. Plemmons Leadership Medallion to the Chancellor who

will submit the recommendations to the Board of Trustees for their review and approval; the committee will screen the nominations and seek relevant supporting information concerning nominees chosen for further consideration; this process will take place annually and leadership medallions will be awarded during the Fall Semester Convocation. It is understood that the medallion is intended to recognize meritorious leadership and may not be awarded each year; nominations for this award will be accepted through Wednesday, Dec. 14, by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Development. Nominations should be submitted electronically by using this link http://plemmonsmedallion. appstate.edu/index.php?module=plm. For additional information, please contact Dino DiBernardi, Chair of the W. H. Plemmons Medallion Committee, at 262-2060 or visit our website at www.plemmonsmedallion.appstate.edu.

Toy, clothing drive underway

A service-learning class is sponsoring a toy and clothing drive for the non-profit organization Farmworker Health Program of Watauga, Avery, Caldwell, & Wilkes. What is needed: men, women, and children (ages 0-14) clothing; warm accessories (scarves, hats, gloves, coats); new or lightly used toys for children; monetary donations (given directly to Farmworker families); gift cards (will be given directly to Farmworker families); Monetary donations are tax deductible. Drop-off donations in the ACT Outreach office located by McAlister’s Deli! Contact Amanda Moore at mooreaa@appstate.edu or 252.229.2922, or Hillary Heath at heathhj@appstate.edu for more information.

Diversity Series continues

The Office of Multicultural Student Development is pleased to announce the third installment of the 2011-2012 Diversity Lecture Series. All Diversity Lecture Series events are free and open to the public. “Religious Intolerance in America and the Challenge of Pluralism” is the topic at 7 p.m. today in the Blue Ridge Ballroom.

Can’t we all just get along? America is a “sweet land of liberty,” isn’t it? American narratives often celebrate the nation’s rich heritage of religious freedom. There is, however, a less told and often ignored part of the story: the ways that intolerance and cultures of hate have manifested themselves within American religious history and culture.

Examining religious intolerance in America’s past, reminds us that this story has not disappeared as people continue to grapple with religious diversity and theological differences.

Looking at this past can offer us some important insights into the challenge of pluralism.

Lynn S. Neal earned her Ph.D. in Religious Studies from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She teaches courses in American religious history, religion and popular culture, and religious intolerance. She is the author of Romancing God: Evangelical Women and Inspirational Fiction (2006), and “Evangelical Love Stories: The Triumphs and Temptations of Romantic Fiction.” She is also the co-editor, with John Corrigan, of Religious Intolerance in America: A Documentary History (2010), and has published other works on this topic, including “Intolerance and American Religious History,” and “They’re Freaks!: The Cults Stereotype in Fictional TV Shows, 1958-2008.”

Window on Wales adventure set

Window on Wales: Service. Adventure. Sustainability. is a 35-day human-powered adventure explores the least visited country in Great Britain--Wales! You will hike, backpack, and sea kayak through rugged terrain of the Welsh backcountry; tour the Center for Alternative Technologies; visit towns and cities of the Welsh frontcountry; share a week with Welsh farming families in homestays; gain 16 new friends; and so much more! All majors are welcome and class credit ranges from 1-6 hrs. Visit www/op.appstate.edu/wales for more information. An information session will be held in Outdoor Programs in the SRC on Nov. 29 at 6:30 p.m. Trip registraction is Nov. 30 at 7 p.m. Pick up an application packet at an information session.

Insurance commissioner at ASU

North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin and Chief Criminal Investigator Al Koehler will be on campus on Thursday. They will address issues pertinent to insurance consumers from 11 a.m.-Noon in Raley Hall Room 1020.

Their talk is presented by the Brantley Risk& Insurance Center along with the RMI Student Society. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Tree planting to honor Maathai

Appalachian State University’s Appalachian African Community will honor the life and memory of Wangari Maathai at 12:30 p.m. Thursday at Durham Park on campus.

Maathai, a globally recognized champion for human rights and women’s empowerment, died in September. The event is co-hosted by the Office of Sustainability, Women’s Center and Minority Men’s Leadership Circle.

A reception for those wishing to learn more about Maathai and for those interested in starting a university tree fund will be held afterwards at B.B. Dougherty Administration Building. Donations toward the cost of the tree will be accepted during the event and at the reception.

A short opening introduction to the life and accomplishments of Wangari Maathai, remarks by the hosting organizations and a Swahili vocal performance will culminate in the planting of a tree beside Kraut Creek in Durham Park.

Professor Maathai was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 for her Green Belt Movement that resulted in more than 40 million trees being planted in communities across east Africa. She was a pioneer in articulating the links between human rights, poverty, environmental protection and security.

Maathai used conservation efforts as a means of improving communities’ quality of life, empowering thousands of women, and promoting peace and democracy in her home country of Kenya.

“This event is an important gesture by Appalachian State University that shows how much we care about a global champion for the environment, women and developing nations,” said student Fielding Russell, vice president of the Appalachian African Community. “Despite being a global icon and a U.N. Messenger of Peace, so few Americans, or even Africans, for that matter, know who Maathai was or what she did. The Appalachian African Community is saddened by her passing, but grateful for this opportunity to honor her and share her legacy with the campus and the Boone community.”

Opinion

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JUSTIN HERBERGER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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

Letters to the Editor The Appalachian welcomes Letters to the Editor. Letters should be 250 words or less and include the author’s name, ASU Box, phone number, classification and campus affiliation, if any. The Appalachian reserves the right to decline publication of any letter and to edit letters for the purpose of clarity and space. Although we are unable to acknowledge those letters we cannot publish, we appreciate the interest and value the views of those who take the time to send us their comments.

Letters should be submitted electronically via our Web site or e-mail. Letters may also be mailed to “Letter to the Editor,” The Appalachian, ASU Box 9025, Boone, N.C. 28608. Letters may also be brought to the newsroom, located on the second floor of Plemmons Student Union.

Letters

November 15, 2011 •

5

Editorial

Library attempt to preserve staff positions over services misguided Of the wide range of budgets cut and funding lost this year, one of the most notable reductions has taken place at Belk Library and Information Commons.

Students returned at the beginning of the semester to find that 24/5 library hours only recently gained - were a thing of the past, with only the atrium remaining open past 2 a.m. Last week, we learned that starting next semester, the atrium will close at 2 a.m. as well.

The Appalachian understands that these losses are due to a massive $1.9 million reduction in the library budget. However, we disagree with the priorities established by the library in response.

As the cuts rolled in, the preservation of jobs was ultimately valued over the preservation of services like 24/5.

“I think for the whole campus, a priority is to protect individuals and permanent positions,” University Librarian Mary Reichel said. “As much as possible, we try to protect the positions and the university does the same thing.”

The Appalachian considers this emphasis on permanent positions a misjudgment and a failure on behalf of the library to preserve its most essential services - which should always be studentcentered more than anything else.

Reichel said the pursuit of information literacy drove her decision to cut services like 24/5 before cutting staff positions.

“You can say that the University Librarian puts a higher priority on information literacy, building a collection, reference services and other critical

library services - some of which won’t impact you today or tomorrow but are necessary for the future than late-night hours,” she said.

Every time heavy budget cuts are made, tough choices have to be made as well.

And in this case, The Appalachian does not believe the right choice has been made. It is a good and noble thing to pursue high ideals and to keep people in their jobs - but it is not, in this situation, the right thing.

The library does not exist to create jobs. It exists - or should exist - entirely for the benefit of the students of Appalachian State University. It should serve their needs first and foremost.

Students have been persistent and vocal in expressing their need for 24/5 hours this semester and instead of attempting

to restore them, the library chose to eliminate the only 24/5 space still available.

We understand that usage of the library after 2 a.m. has not been overwhelming. The service may not be utilized by the entire student body, but that does not diminish its importance. Every student will not need the library every night, but they deserve the right to use it when they do.

The library exists to further our education - no other reason for its existence should trump this one. And those in charge of making decisions should not assume that we do not know what we need.

In keeping with the mission of any university institution - to serve students - the expressed academic needs of the student body should take precedence over all other uses of funds.

Editorial Cartoon

It’s easy to observe Veteran’s Day, but how will you honor America’s 75,000 homeless veterans this week?

Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week November 12 - 20, 2011

Division switch not the right choice for Appalachian

Let’s review recent scandals (and should-have-been scandals) involving some of the “big boy” Division-I football teams like Auburn, Miami, Florida State, Florida, Southern Cal, Ohio State, Oregon and Penn State.

Universities are paying players, players are systematically cheating in classes, players are being supplied with prostitutes, multiple arrests for all kinds of crimes including major theft, assault and rape are occurring, state funds are being used inappropriately and child rape is not being reported.

Yes, that is where Appalachian State football should be – with the “big boys.”

And for the record, I have requested an answer to two questions I feel are the most important questions that should be addressed prior to making a decision about moving up to FBS football.

1. What percentage of schools that move up to play with the “big boys” are successful on the field?

2. What percentage of schools that move up to play with the “big boys” actually make money or don’t lose more?

I’m still waiting on the answers.

Matthew Robinson Professor of Government and Justice Studies

Benefits of education real, costs artificial

Last Thursday, Meghan Frick and Hank Shell engaged in a point – counter point editorial in regards to the value of a college degree. Both writers are partially correct.

Shell is right that the benefits of higher education are greater, or at least more salient, today. Frick is right that the costs have also increased dramatically.

But neither view truly addresses what it intends to address: a fair assessment of value.

Today, the value of an Appalachian State University education is about 2.7 times what students are paying for it. North Carolina covers about 63 percent of the cost of college.

The direct costs don’t reflect the benefits, so students are really coming out on top. Is it not reasonable that tuition increases over time and perhaps above the rate of inflation to help compensate for this?

On the other hand, though, colleges are suffering from administrative bloat and the commoditization of higher education (thanks to government subsidies) has lent itself to the argument that educational quality is on the decline. Cuts in some areas where spending has risen too quickly or where services are over-offered may be appropriate.

Education is still valuable. The benefits are real; the costs are artificially low.

But you’re not paying for the rights to a job and not all budget cuts severely diminish educational quality. In fact, sometimes the added effort required to make the grade or qualify for the job complements the degree.

Daniel Villanova Junior marketing and management major

Aaron Fairbanks | Editorial Cartoonist

Staff Opinion

In light of FBS move, athletics should never be valued as they were at Penn State Meghan Frick Earlier this month, Penn State - a state-funded, football-driven school not unlike ours - was brought to its knees by an unexpected scandal.

By now, the story is familiar to most. Jerry Sandusky, a former member of the Nittany Lions’ revered coaching staff, was arrested and charged with 40 criminal counts. To the shock of most at Penn State - along with the athletic community and most of the country - many of the charges related to the continued sexual abuse of children.

A few weren’t surprised, though - namely Penn State President Graham Spanier and longtime head coach Joe Paterno. Both were fired in a meeting of the university’s Board of Trustees.

And when the decision to fire Paterno was announced, students took to the streets.

They screamed and rioted and flipped over news vans in downtown State College, Pa. And what were the riots about?

Not the fact that children were raped in locker rooms.

Not the fact that boys were sexually abused by a man who ran a charity for children. And not about the fact that Paterno looked into the eyes of a graduate assistant who walked in on a young boy being raped and chose to do absolutely nothing.

No. The students of State College rioted because JoePa - a man they praised and idolized and adored was no longer their coach.

Joe Paterno’s actions should have solicited disgust. Once again, because it bears repeating - he had a face-to-face conversation with an eyewitness to child rape and he did not act. He didn’t tell the police. He didn’t make any attempt to stop Sandusky’s activities.

But Paterno wasn’t vilified

- he was mourned. And that’s what happens when football takes over a school.

When athletics become as ingrained in the fabric of daily life as they were at PSU, they start to seem more important than the most basic human values.

Are we really so far from that at Appalachian State?

We are a football school - there’s no doubt about it.

And if we move up to the FBS, we’re going to become even more of one.

In the coming years, we’re likely going to see bigger stadiums, bigger crowds and higher salaries - and we’ll be in the perfect position to develop a campus culture just like Penn State’s.

For me, this is yet another cautionary tale as we discuss a division move - and as we place an increased emphasis on athletics.

And the situation may have hit the SoCon. Citadel President John Rosa admitted today that similar allegations were made at the S.C. Military College in 2007, according to abcnews. com. If our tiny conference isn’t immune, who is?

Sports should always be a diversion - never the main point of receiving an education. Sports are not philosophy. They are not religion.

So please, Appalachian State, watch yourself carefully as the years roll by. If you ever find yourself getting to the point where Kidd-Brewer is your church and Jerry Moore (and his inevitable successors) are your clergy…I beg you to take a step back.

Football is not a bad thing - it has an enormous power to build morale and community on campus. But it should never supersede our humanity. It should never seem more important than the moral imperative to protect children As a university and as a family, let’s guard what’s most important and make sure we never become a Penn State.

We are App State. And we are better than that.

Frick, a senior public relations major from Columbia, S.C., is the associate editor for editorial content.

Sports The Appalachian

Online Coverage:

Check our video and photo galleries: Football vs. Western TheAppalachianOnline.com 6 • November 15, 2011

| TheAppalachianOnline.com

Mountaineers dominate Western

by JAKE AMBERG Sports Editor

A

s it has been in recent years, this year’s battle for the Mountain Jug was not much of a battle at all.

Appalachian cruised to a 46-14 victory against Western Carolina Saturday.

The Mountaineers have won their last seven games against the Catamounts and were led by a school-record six field goals

by Drew Stewart. The sophomore kicker, who tied the old record of four in the first half, accounted for 21 points – also a school record.

“We’re always hoping for touchdowns and we came through today,” Stewart said.

“The first couple of drives were antsy – we haven’t put up points in the last couple of games and the offense drove right down and I had to kick field goals.”

Senior Brian Quick set another receiving record today for the Mountaineers, surpassing Rick Beasley’s all-time career receiving mark. Early in the second quarter, Quick caught a screen pass from fellow senior DeAndre Presley and took the pass 33 yards to set the mark. He’d entered the game only eight yards away.

“After they called it, I knew,” Quick said.

“It was that time I was going to go ahead and break it. I knew I was going to have more than seven yards on that play.”

At the start of the game, Appalachian struggled in the red zone. Despite moving the ball deep into Catamount territory on four of their first five drives, the Mountaineers couldn’t find the end zone.

But near the end of the first half, with App leading 12-0, ASU’s offense woke up behind big defensive plays. Western’s starting quarterback, Zac Brandise, was knocked out of the game after a vicious hit from defensive back Demetrius McCray.

Adam Jennings | The Appalachian

Sophomore quarterback Jamal Jackson runs for a touchdown during the Mountaineers' 46-14 victory over Western Carolina University Saturday at Kidd Brewer Stadium.

Following a Western punt, running back Steven Miller broke a 23-yard dash after a screen pass from Jackson. Miller displayed both power and quickness on the play, cutting across the field and exploding out of a broken tackle to take the ball down to Western’s 19-yard line. Jackson would

score on a two-yard run to finally get ASU in the end zone, bringing the score to 19-0.

On the Catamounts’ first play, while following on the ensuing drive, Western’s backup quarterback, Brandon Pechloff, was picked off by defensive back Dominique McDuffy. McDuffy returned the ball to

Appalachian smashes Lees-McRae in first regular season game, wins 90-61

Amy Birner l The Appalachian

Junior forward Nathan Healy dunks the ball during last Friday night’s win over the Lees-McRae Bobcats. The final score of the night was 90-61 - a blowout for the Mountaineers’ first game of the season.

Carter, Williamson lead Mountaineers over Bobcats

by JAKE AMBERG Sports Editor

Appalachian State cruised to an easy 9061 victory over Lees McRae Friday, behind four double-digit scorers led by forward Andre Williamson.

“I think we did pretty well, just getting out the first game jitters,” said Williamson, who pulled down his first doubledouble of the year with 16 points and 11 rebounds.

“I think we got after it defensively pretty well a lot of times, but we just have to stop our mental breakdowns.”

Seniors Omar Carter and Isaac Butts both made an impact as they

returned to the starting lineup. Carter scored 15 points and grabbed eight rebounds, starting the game two-for-two from behind the arc. It was an early lead from which the Bobcats would never recover.

ASU held Lees-McRae to just 21 percent shooting in the first half, but perhaps what was most impressive for the Mountaineers was their depth.

Head coach Jason Capel routinely went to his subs to keep his starters fresh.

ASU scored 39 points with their backups, with freshman Tab Hamilton scoring a bench-high 10 points in his college debut.

After adding two blocks and a steal,

Hamilton became a viable bench option for the Mountaineers – guard G.J. Vilarino is sitting with a sprained ankle suffered Monday in practice.

“It came from defense – defense as a team,” Hamilton said of the win. “Team defense is what opens everything individually. We still have to work on rebounding and better closeouts.”

Lees-McRae saw their entire starting backcourt leave with injuries in the first half. D.J. Brown and Daniel Sepokas combined to play just 18 minutes.

Asad Lamont ultimately led the Bobcats, with 14 points on five of 16 shooting.

Despite their early

success, Appalachian must look to see what they can improve with their first real test of the season coming up Monday, against local rival ETSU. “We gave up 61 points – not the best,” Carter said. “For us, I don’t think we had a good shooting night, but we still scored 90 points.”

Appalachian also saw a strong performance from Jamaal Trice, in his Mountaineer debut. The former UConn player started and netted 10 points and buried two three-pointers.

ASU will play its first road game of the year Monday in Kingsport, Tenn. against the ETSU Buccaneers.

Western’s 33-yard line and Jackson scored on a 13-yard scramble with just seconds left on the clock, putting the Mountaineers up 26-0.

“When we get into the red zone we want seven, but if we get three, we’ll take three,” Jackson said. “Once we get our tempo going, I think it’s pretty tough for people to keep up.”

ASU continued to pour it on at the start of the third quarter, when Quick made another sensational touchdown grab from 28 yards away.

Although Western finished with over 200 yards for the game, ASU dominated the Catamounts all day.

In what is becoming a theme in Mountaineer wins, App consistently pressured the quarterback and kept Western’s passing game in check.

Now, after a victory over Wofford Saturday, the Georgia Southern Eagles will almost certainly clinch the SoCon title.

Following the game against Western, head coach Jerry Moore discussed Appalachian’s plans for the rest of the year.

“We kind of had a state of the union meeting here in this room Monday, after the Furman game,” Moore said in the football film room. “We realized where we are. We talked at length about where we are.

We’re not interested in somebody beating somebody and then next week somebody beating somebody else. We know our fate and know where we were and we set our goals to hopefully play six more ball games and this was the first game.”

The Mountaineers are now 7-3, 5-2 in the conference. With a win next weekend against Elon, they could help close in on another playoff appearance.

Western Carolina (1-9, 0-7) finished winless in the conference for the third time in six seasons.

App wrestling begins season with two wins

by CHASE ERICKSON Intern Sports Reporter

Appalachian State University’s wrestling team opened its dual season Sunday with two convincing wins.

The Mountaineers (2-0) defeated Anderson (0-3) 3212, then dominated Belmont Abbey (0-3) 50-0 at the Varsity Gym. Despite Appalachian’s victory over Anderson, head coach JohnMark Bentley said his team still has “a lot of work to do.”

“In the first match, I wasn’t too pleased with the way our team competed,” Bentley said. “We didn’t get after it and we were passive. We didn’t control the tempo or the pace of the match.”

In the 125-pound weight class, sophomore Dominic Parisi got the Mountaineers off to a good start, earning six points when he pinned Anderson Meyers in the second round.

After Appalachian’s Chris Johnson won by forfeit in the 133-pound weight class, Mike Kessler won the 141-pound weight class by pinning Ian Harper in the first period.

Savva Kostis (149 pounds) and Carter Downs (174 pounds) both earned the Mountaineers five points, winning by major decision for their weight classes.

In the 165-pound weight class, Kyle Blevins defeated Brian Onofrio in the second round.

Four Mountaineers – Chip Powell (157 pounds), Jon Hartley (184 pounds), Paul Weiss (197 pounds) and Brock Durfee (285 pounds) – lost close matches by decision.

Following the second match, Coach Bentley was much happier with his team’s results against Belmont Abbey.

“I thought we competed hard and did a good job in the second match,” he said.

Appalachian State won every match in its competition against Belmont Abbey. Highlights of the competition included Savya Kostis’ victory by fall over Brandon Wilkins and Kyle Blevins’ pinning of Joseph Maumoynier.

“My assistant coach showed me a new finish two days ago,” Kostis said. “I used it in that match and I ended up pinning the guy right at the beginning. It was very good to go in early and have an individual with my coach and then see it pay off.”

Blevins was also happy with his practice throughout the past week – and the improvements that resulted on the mat.

“This last week in practice, I’ve been trying to make a point to wrestle more on the top position and try to score more points,” Blevins said. “In the second match, I got the takedown and then just fell into a cradle. I locked it up and that was it.”

The Mountaineers will travel to Philadelphia, Pa. Sunday to compete in the Keystone Classic.

ASU volleyball ends regular season 12-4 in the SoCon

by LEIGH ROBERTS

Senior Sports Reporter

Appalachian’s volleyball team improved its record to 20-10 and 12-4 in the conference this weekend, closing out regular season play with two matches on the road.

The Mountaineers took the Chattanooga Mocs in four sets Saturday.

In the first set, Chattanooga and Appalachian seesawed back and forth before the Mocs pulled ahead, 14-10. ASU pulled out an 8-0 run to regain the lead and senior Maggie Sauls closed the

set 26-24, with two kills.

The Mountaineers fared the same in the second set as the first.

A 25-20 App win with three lead changes put Chattanooga on the verge of elimination with a 2-0 score.

The Mountaineers struggled in the third set and the Mocs pulled ahead 24-21. App attempted a comeback with a three-point rally, but Chatt finished the set with a 26-24 win, cutting Appalachian’s lead to 2-1.

ASU must have caught fire in the fourth set, making it look easy and grabbing the win with a 25-14 set win.

“I stepped up my offense a lot,” said senior Anna Wagner, who finished with 10 kills and 14 digs.

“The past few weekends, I knew that I had been struggling a lot and I focused more and executed more than I had in previous weeks.”

The Apps won an impressive 3-2 match at Samford Sunday, getting revenge against the team that finished just one game above them in the SoCon North.

In the first set, Appalachian couldn’t quite get it together and lost in a hard 25-12 set.

In the second, a new team seemed to step on the court. The

Mountaineers sealed a 25-21 set win, tying it up at 1-1.

The third set was much closer.

There were 10 ties and three lead changes before App took the set 25-23.

The fourth set went back in Samford’s favor and they closed the door on ASU, tying the match 2-2 with a 25-18 win.

The fifth, deciding set went to Appalachian with an exciting 1512 score.

“We played well against Chattanooga but we played great [against Samford],” head coach Matt Ginipro said. “We just had an outstanding match.”

Both seniors, Wagner and Kelly Rhein, managed an unbelievable 25 kills to set the tone for an impressive Appalachian win.

“Overall, this weekend I played up and down, but I’m just so happy that I could step up for the big one,” Rhein said. “We just finished so strong and it was so much fun. You could feel the passion out on the court.”

The Mountaineers will head to Birmingham, Ala. for the first match of the SoCon championships Saturday at 10 a.m. ASU is seeded second going into the tournament, just ahead of Georgia Southern.