February 2, 2012

The Appalachian

TheAppalachianOnline.com

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Vol. 86 No. 30

ASG supports Ross’s tuition recommendation by HANK SHELL News Editor

The Association of Student Governments (ASG) voted last weekend to support UNC President Thomas Ross’s 2012-13 tuition increase recommendation: an average, system-wide tuition and fees increase of 8.8 percent for instate undergraduates. ASG President Atul Bhula sent the UNC Board of Governers a letter detailing ASG’s support Tuesday morning. The student body presidents of all 17 UNC System institutions

signed the letter, which said the plan offers “the flexibility needed to best serve the University’s individual campuses and their varying needs.” Ross’s recommendation also included a proposal for an average 4.2 percent increase in tuition and fees for 2013-14. ASG felt Ross’s recommendation was a reasonable compromise between the need for affordable education and the need to maintain adequate funding, Bhula said. “Other groups generally say, ‘No, I don’t want this. No, I don’t want that,’ but don’t necessarily give a

rationale or an alternative solution as to why,” Bhula said. “We believe that President Ross has done that and has tried to stay under that four-year plan as much as possible for the next two years.” The four-year plan Bhula referenced is a guideline set by the Board of Governers, which seeks to cap both tuition and fee increases at 6.5 percent. The ASG letter said Ross’s recommendation preserved three main priorities: affordability, accessibility and quality of education. Under Ross’s recommendation, Appalachian’s current proposed

tuition and fees increase of 9.3 percent would not change. The recommendation also proposed a 3.1 percent increase in tuition for 2013-14. “It is a North Carolina law to provide education at an affordable rate and President Thom Ross’s plan allows North Carolina families and students the opportunity to not only receive that affordable education without the massive and sudden increases in tuition, but it also grants them the ability to plan for college long-term,” Student Body President Lauren Estes said. Estes said Ross’s recommendation

keeps both students and families in mind. “He understands that stability for the overall cost of higher education is a plan that will allow families to plan financially for the growing cost of higher education,” she said. The Board of Governors will consider Ross’s recommendation at its Feb. 10 meeting, during which it will decide on tuition rises for each institution in the system. Until then, Bhula said he and other members of ASG will continue to voice student concerns to individual members of the board.

‘Forbes’ names Boone No. 4 fastest-growing American small town by MEGHAN FRICK Associate Editor, Editorial Content

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oone was named one of America’s fastestgrowing small towns by Forbes Jan. 23. The university town joined a list of 14 other rapidly growing areas, including leisure locales like Heber, Utah and oil meccas like Pecos, Texas. Forbes used census data to determine which small towns are expanding most quickly, based on population growth from 2007 to 2010. For Boone, which saw a 14.7 percent increase in that time period, plenty of factors contributed to growth. The Forbes article cites retirees, the ski industry and the growth of Appalachian State University. “Boone has more students per non-student resident than most college towns, so that dictates what type of development and activities occur in the area,” said Todd Cherry, the director of Appalachian’s Center for Economic Research and Policy Analysis, who was quoted in the original article. “This,

combined with the relatively heavy tourism impacts, creates a unique situation for Boone.” The article also cites Boone’s 7.2 percent unemployment rate, which is below the national average. That’s largely due to the growth of area industries like health care and the expansion of the university, Professor of Economics Peter Groothuis said. “Generally, unemployment is lower in growth areas because people are moving to where the jobs are,” Groothuis said. For some, Boone’s recent growth explosion was an unexpected development. Jonathan Edwards graduated from Appalachian in December, but he lived in Boone long before that – his father has been employed by the university since before Edwards was born. Edwards said his undergraduate experience was different from what he initially expected. He didn’t quite realize how much the town had expanded until his freshman year, when he moved into Hoey Hall. “That was when I realized just how big it was and

Paul Heckert | The Appalachian

Based on data from the U.S. Census, Boone is one of the most rapidly expanding small towns in the country, according to an article in Forbes. For some Boone residents, that quick growth has come as a surprise.

how it opened up my little hometown and made it this awesome college town,” he said. “I wasn’t expecting that at all.” For Edwards, the town’s growth is a welcome change. “Even with all the growth, Boone still has maintained its small-town feel, especial-

Deans of Walker, Reich colleges detail impact of recent budget cuts

ly in the downtown area,” he said. “Granted, some things have really changed. For example, I remember when Wal-Mart opened to overtake K-Mart as the place to be. But in many ways, even with the rapid growth, Boone is still Boone.” Cherry, for his part,

doesn’t believe Boone’s inclusion in the Forbes list will necessarily spur on further growth. “Population growth rates in small towns can be quite volatile and therefore changes in growth rates over a short period do not convey much information,” he said.

For Groothuis, Boone will continue to grow – but not because it was in an article. “[It’s] not so much the list, but why we are on the list,” he said. “We have great natural amenities – the Blue Ridge Parkway, state parks and mountains in general, great summer weather.”

Football team welcomes new recruits by JAKE AMBERG Sports Editor

The Mountaineer football team signed 19 recruits Wednesday – the largest recruiting class in at least the last five years. Coach Jerry Moore praised this class as possibly the best he’s ever achieved. It’s been a tumultuous offseason – one that saw six of Appalachian’s coaches leaving, four of them for rival Western Carolina. But Coach Moore was pleased with the way his staff handled the recruiting period and said the coaching turnover did little to affect Appalachian’s results. “What you have to do is evaluate your players and we had evaluated our players,”

Moore said. “We had them 1-2-3, like a pro draft, so we knew who we wanted.” The Mountaineers signed 10 defensive players and nine offensive, but another factor was more striking: the size of the linemen Appalachian State recruited. In years past, the Mountaineers have opted to sign smaller linemen, usually in the 240-pound range, and progress them through their career. This season, Coach Moore changed his strategy. “Offensive linemen was a must,” he said. “The smallest lineman we’ve recruited is 278 pounds. We didn’t compromise this year.” see Signings, page 10

RAs gain single rooms, lose pay raise Kelli Straka | The Appalachian

Pictured are (L) Randy Edwards, dean of the Walker College of Business and (R) Charles Duke, dean of the College of Education.

by KELLI STRAKA Senior News Reporter

Editor’s Note: This is part two of a threepart series exploring perspectives from the deans of Appalachian State University’s nine colleges. In December, The Appalachian spoke with the deans of three Appalachian State University colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Fine and Applied Arts and University College. The deans spoke about their efforts to rein in spending in the face of unprecedented university-wide budget cuts. Now, the deans of the Reich College of Education and the Walker College of Business have weighed in as well. Reich College of Education Dean Charles Duke said the College of Education has had to make a 30 to 40 percent cut to its operating budget. “The biggest impact for us has been two-fold: one is not to be able to fill existing faculty slots and the other is that the professional development activities for our young faculty have been severely curtailed,” Duke said. For the most part, the cuts have eliminated any opportunity to support faculty professional travel, which the college has done quite regularly in the past, Duke said. Additionally, the college scaled back its field experience office and reduced the number of visits faculty can make for observation of student teachers from five to three.

“We are not at all pleased with that,” Duke said. “We believe that the five visits are very important and that doesn’t mean to suggest that if a student needs assistance then we’re not going to help. But, as a general rule, we’re down to three visits.” Most of the remaining budget covers administrative costs like phone bills, copying and paper, Duke said. While the college has not lost any faculty positions, it has not been able to fill seven that are vacant as a result of retirement, reassignment and faculty taking other positions. “We’re adamant about providing quality instruction and to do that we need qualified people,” Duke said. “Ideally, those qualified people would be full-time faculty. That’s not to say that those people don’t do a good job, but it’s the continuity that’s a problem.” The college has found ways to temporarily fill positions so classes can be offered. It continues to seek donor assistance and stay active in grant writing. In essence, the college is doing more with less, Duke said. “I think the issue is how long this will last,” Duke said. “I think if it stretches over a number of years, there will be concerns about retaining faculty.” Walker College of Business Due to budget cuts, the College of Business has cut its operating budget approximately 35 percent - losing everything except personnel salaries, Associate Dean Heather Norris said. see Cuts, page 2

Olivia Wilkes | The Appalachian

Senior resident assistant Vonté McKenith has a "one on one" conference with a resident sophomore appropriate technology major Jacob Gentry, in Lovill Hall's lobby Sunday evening. McKenith supported the proposal regarding single rooms for RAs next year in order to have a private place to meet with residents.

by KELLI STRAKA Senior News Reporter

All Appalachian State University resident assistants (RAs) will have a private room by the fall semester of 2012, housing officials said Monday. This fall, many RAs dealt with situations that could have been mitigated by the ability to talk with residents in a private setting, said Vickie Hawkins, associate director for university housing and residence life. Living with a roommate puts limits on the amount of one-on-one conversations

RAs can have, Hawkins said. “The reaction is overwhelmingly appreciative, excited and thrilled because RAs know, too, that they’ll be able to better perform their job by more effectively assisting their residents,” she said. RA Council President Vonté McKenith wrote a supplemental four-page support piece in addition to the original proposal that was submitted. The RA Council passed the proposal in early November and McKenith sent the support piece to univer-

sity administration Nov. 17. “From there it has been a waiting game as it moved up the ladder through University Housing and Student Development,” McKenith said. McKenith, an RA of three years, said single rooms for RAs can be highly effective. “As an RA, you spend numerous hours dealing with various issues, from a resident having relationship problems to those residents seeking someone to talk to,” McKenith said. “With these encounters and more, havsee RAs, page 2

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• February 2, 2012

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University celebrates Black History Month through cultural events by ANNE BUIE

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The Appalachian

Black History Month began Wednesday and will last through the month of February. If you’d like to mark the occasion, check out one of these events – hosted by several NPHC organizations, the Appalachian Popular Programming Society and the history department. Gospel Choir Performance The Appalachian State University Gospel Choir will celebrate Black Histo-

ry Month Feb. 8 from 4 to 5 p.m. in Plemmons Student Union’s Summit Trail Solarium. The choir will sing a spiritual slave song, Hlonolofatsa (pronounced low-no-la-fat-sa) and another traditional spiritual. Tuskegee Airmen Film and Lecture APPS will sponsor a showing of “The Tuskegee Airmen,” a film that focuses on the only combative African-American pilots to engage in battle during World War II. Following the movie, Retired Captain Harvey R. Alex-

ander will speak about his experience as a member of the Tuskegee Airmen. The event will take place Feb. 15 at 7 p.m. in Plemmons Student Union’s Greenbriar Theater. The event is co-sponsored by the history department and the department of military science and leadership. The Beauty of Natural Women

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. will host “The Beauty of Natural Women” Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. in Plemmons Student Union’s Multicultural Center. The

fraternity will bring in four to five women who have chosen to avoid the use of synthetics for the purpose of enhancing appearance. The goal is to emphasize the importance of natural beauty. Black Wax Museum Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. will sponsor a Black Wax Museum Feb. 28 from 8 to 10 p.m. in Plemmons Student Union’s Blue Ridge Ballroom. The wax museum will bring famous African Americans to life and attempt to tell their stories.

Broyhill not an option for on-campus housing by MADISON FISLER Intern News Reporter

The newly renamed Broyhill Events Center will not be a residence hall option for students living on campus next fall, Housing Director Tom Kane said. Preparing for state approval to meet code and compliance upgrades and other renovations will take more time and money than previously thought, so the Broyhill will not be open as a residence hall anytime soon - if at all, Kane said. But the center will now become a venue for students to congregate and study. “We are trying to make it a more student-friendly environment,” Student Programs Director Dave Robertson said. No renovations have been made to

the interior for study rooms or gathering sites, Robertson said. Students are encouraged to utilize the Broyhill for study group sessions and as a peaceful workplace. The Broyhill Events Center has also become Appalachian’s second largest venue, after the Holmes Convocation Center, for university-sponsored events. “Events such as club banquets, receptions, meetings, awards ceremonies and special events can now be held in the Broyhill facility for free, unless the event hosted has a fee for entry,” Robertson said. Reservations for a room at the center must be made at least 21 days before the event is scheduled to take place. Catering is available through Appalachian Food Services, but arrangements must be made separately. The

Cuts

Continued from page 1 The cuts have affected the college’s ability to expand programs and have put strategic initiatives on hold, Norris said. Some of the donations received through the Dean’s Club, which normally fund scholarships, are now being used to subsidize some of the areas that have been cut, Edwards said. In addition to depleted scholarship funds, Edwards said students in the college are suffering from closed sections and are seeing an increase in the number of class seats. The college also lost two lecture positions this year one in economics and one in accounting. Those two areas have a relatively large number of required courses for business majors and minors, Edwards said. But the college does not have the money to hire the faculty for those positions, which makes maintaining the number of seats difficult, Edwards said. “We support the university’s plan and certainly Chancellor Peacock’s plan, which is to try to maintain as many

center is equipped with special events staff who are available to help with room and equipment setup if needed. “I can’t see how it will replace Legends for shows and concerts consistently, but I think it will be a great place for dances and events like that coming up in the future,” said junior Jeff Peterson, chair of the APPS special events council. The center is not available for reservations for public and community events for the time being, but the public is still welcome to attend any university-sponsored function that is open to the community. A final decision has not been made about the policy regarding community events at the center, Peterson said. The Broyhill Events Center is currently open for student use from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday.

seats in classrooms as possible, and that’s what we’ve been trying to do,” Edwards said. Because the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business accredits the college, the faculty is required to publish papers and peer review journal publications. Traveling to professional meetings to present research and get feedback is part of this process. But due to budget cuts, the college has had to cut back on travel expenses. The college is also facing the inability to repair Raley Hall’s roof, which leaks when it rains. “Literally every time it rains, we have leaks,” Edwards said. “We have a couple of big trash cans catching water, and then out in the stairwells, it’s a safety issue where water is dripping.” The university has temporarily patched the roof while it waits for funds, Edwards said. “The cuts have been coming for several years now, so cuts over several years probably hurt morale for faculty and staff and the difficulty is knowing when it will end,” he said.

RAs

Continued from page 1

ing a place in the building that you can go to with that resident is essential.” Currently, Appalachian and UNC-Asheville are the only UNC System schools that do not provide single rooms for RAs. Because RAs will be given a private room next fall, they will not receive a pay increase in the next two years. Pay for the position typically increases each year in alignment with housing and dining costs, Hawkins said. Additionally, there will no longer be a Senior RA position. “We also know that the Senior RA position is very stressful,” Hawkins said, after speaking with students currently serving as Senior RAs. “We want to spread out the opportunity for all returning RAs to step up into a leadership role and serve as mentors to first-year RAs.” Freshman biology major and Justice Hall RA David Snotherly said he is looking forward to the change. “I am very excited to have my own room,” Snotherly said. “It’s a great opportunity for establishing independence and the residents can feel more inclined for open discussion.”

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WASU added by iHeartRadio Review: by EMMALEE ZUPO

‘50/50’ packs both heart and laughs

Senior Lifestyles Reporter

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ppalachian State U n i v e r s i t y ’s student-led radio station, WASU, is one of 14 inaugural schools in the nation to be added to Clear Channel Media and Entertainment’s iHeartRadio. iHeartRadio offers livebroadcast, digital-only radio stations and usercreated custom stations with streaming access for computers and mobile devices, according to a press release from Clear Channel. WASU Webmaster and DJ Christian Morgan said he thinks inclusion in iHeartRadio will increase access to the station and, in turn, increase the size of its audience. “A big portion of our listenership is the family and friends of our D.J.s who, for the most part, live outside of our immediate area,” he said. “iHeartRadio makes it easier for them because not only can they tune in through their computer, but now also through their smartphones and tablets as well.” Morgan also said being a part of iHeartRadio will make the station more

by MICHAEL BRAGG Lifestyles Editor

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

Margaret Cozens I The Appalachian

A sophomore web master and DJ for WASU radio, Christian Morgan begins a broadcast for the radio station. WASU radio was recently added to iHeartradio, a national platform for radio stations that broadcast 13 other college radio stations from across the country.

“discoverable.” WASU Program Director Joel Gillie attributes the station’s inclusion to its past success during events like mtvU’s Woodie Awards, New York Festivals’ Radio Program and Promotion Awards, as well as WASU’s own supportive fan base.

“I think our listeners are the best out there,” he said. “When we ask them to do things like vote for the Woodie Awards, they vote their hearts out and we get a lot of support from the university as well. They give us all the tools we need to succeed.” WASU DJ Jeffrey Peterson said being

Students trade vacation for service through ASB by MICHAEL BRAGG Lifestyles Editor

Instead of hitting the beach or visiting home for spring break, sophomore public relations major Tommy Wrenn will join several other students to volunteer his time, thanks to Appalachian and the Community Together (ACT)’s Alternative Spring Break (ASB) program. “It just seems like a really good opportunity,” Wrenn said. “I’ve been wanting to do more service work this semester.” Domestic ASB offers Appalachian State University students the chance to do service work within the United States. “Unless you’re taking your education outside of the walls of the classroom, you really aren’t getting the full breadth and depth of what’s possible as part of your education,” ASB Director and Coordinator Selena Hileman said. “So what we like to say is that Alternative Spring Break is a great avenue...to learn about different communities, different social justice issues that are going on in our nation.” The first ACT-sponsored ASB trip took place in 1988 in Boston and the program has only grown since then. “When we first started this, the popularity grew exponentially,” Hileman said. “It used to be first come, first serve. Signups would happen at 7 a.m. and students were literally coming at 4 a.m. to get their spot because when it’s first come, first serve, it matters where you are in the line.” ASB has since adopted a lottery system. Each student is assigned a number and picked at random to choose a location. This year, the program offers 16 different locations, with two peer leaders in each group. The 2012 lottery was held Sunday in Plemmons Student Union’s Blue Ridge Ballroom. There, students like Wrenn and sophomore psychology major Allison Neese they waited for their numbers to be called. “It was nerve-wracking,” said Neese, who ended up being the 15th person picked. Neese will travel to New York and

added to iHeartRadio is confirmation for students at the station that they’re continuously doing better. “Last year, we got second place with the Woodie Award and just with the national recognition we’re getting, people are noticing that this isn’t just a one-time thing,” he said.

App students to put in 15 hours at ACT Dance Marathon by MEGAN WRAPPE Lifestyles Reporter

Madelyn Rindal | The Appalachian

Students advertise their programs at the Alternative Spring Break (ASB) Lottery on Sunday evening.

volunteer with Part of the Solution (POTS), a program that works to combat homelessness in the Bronx. Wrenn, on the other hand, is going to Savannah, Tenn. He’ll take care of abused and neglected dogs at the Horse Creek Wildlife Sanctuary and Animal Refuge. “It looks to me that I spend a certain amount of time each day with a dog… just so they can experience that kind of relationship and bond with a person rather than just walking them for like 10 minutes,” he said. Wrenn’s peer leader, senior business management and human resources major Allison Shumpert, spent a previous spring break at Horse Creek and wanted to make sure ASB stayed involved with the organization. “The people who work there are absolutely amazing,” she said. “They give up so much so these dogs can recover from their past and have a good life. I wanted to make sure App continued to be involved in that.”

Incidentally, WASU’s addition to iHeartRadio coincides with the station’s 40th anniversary. Gillie said the station plans to invite alumni from the program back for the anniversary, and that being able to reference this latest success will show just how far the station has come.

Over 100 Appalachian State University students will crowd into Legends Saturday, Feb. 25, ready to dance their hearts out. Appalachian and the Community Together (ACT) is hosting its ninth annual Dance Marathon, which will benefit Western Youth Network, Parent to Parent and the Children’s Miracle Network. Students involved will spend 15 straight hours from 11 a.m. Saturday to 2 p.m. Sunday. “It’s surprisingly easier to do than you think,” event Co-Coordinator AJ Anglim said. “You do get to sit down, but only when you’re eating. It’s something you can look back on though and say, ‘I danced for 15 hours.’” Each participant is expected to raise funds before dancing in the event. The goal is for every student to raise $10 an hour and $150 at the end of the marathon. Students may register with a club, as a group of friends or individually. Clubs and organizations can also sponsor their own members in the event. “Groups stay together, but are put with other groups,” Co-Coordinator Patrick Holder said. “They then dance together, eat together and take breaks together. There are a lot of breaks and other performances.” The event is considered a fundraiser, but there is a prize involved. All clubs, groups and teams are qualified to win the Chancellor’s Cup. “In the past two years, Catholic Campus Ministries and the Student Leadership

Floor have won the cup,” said Kate Johnson, ACT’s associate director for community service. “Student Leadership Floor feels motivated by last year’s win and there have been rumors that the leadership alumni will be competing against this year’s team.” The ACT Dance Marathon was held for the first time in 2003. Since then, the event has experienced growth and changes in structure. “The marathon used to be 24 hours, then we changed it to 13.1, then to 13,” Johnson said. “We also changed the fundraising from $240 to $150.” The marathon used to be a homecoming service project, but was replaced by the annual homecoming blood drive. The change in dates resulted in less student participation, but in the past few years the number of dancers has increased steadily. “Patrick came in and wasn’t even co-chair and convinced us to use online software for fundraising,” Johnson said. “We went from raising $11,000 to $30,000.” Appalachian is one of 150 schools across the country to host an annual dance marathon. ACT’s event may not be as large as other schools, but receives good participation for the size of the Appalachian student body, Anglim said. “We have really good dancer retention, and for the size of school we are,” Anglim said. “We really do have a good marathon.” Students interested in Dance Marathon can register at act.appstate.edu.

Comedian, actor and writer Seth Rogen (“Superbad,” “Knocked Up”) boldly took on a comedy that calls for a double take when someone hears what it’s about. “50/50,” which stars Golden Globe-nominated actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt (“500 Days of Summer,” “Inception”) deals with cancer - but it takes an unfamiliar spin on the subject. “It was a movie about cancer that didn’t leave me feeling horrible,” junior interdisciplinary studies major Marygrey Wilcox said. “I felt good about life after seeing it.” Wilcox saw the film at I.G. Greer Saturday, through APPS’ semester-long film series. In the movie, Gordon-Levitt plays Adam, a young, healthy, always-plays-it-safe kind of guy who finds out he has a rare form of spinal cancer. Adam’s best friend Kyle (Rogen) helps his buddy through the chemotherapy process and recent break up by getting him high, taking walks and attempting to pick up women at bars. Along the journey to recovery, Adam is cheated on by his girlfriend – hence the breakup. He also receives counseling from a young hospital therapist, Katherine (Anna Kendrick, “Up in the Air”), with problems of her own. What “50/50” does what no other film about cancer can do is make you laugh. Rogen intersperses his usual bits of foul, coarse comedy throughout, and Gordon-Levitt takes a subtler, dry approach to humor. The two actors have incredible chemistry onscreen. They play off each other’s lines and make the viewer believe Adam and Kyle are actually two friends who went to high school together, work at the same radio station and support each other. “I really enjoyed it,” Wilcox said. “It wouldn’t have been as good without Joseph Gordon-Levitt or Seth Rogen.” While the film does have its comedic moments, it’s still a movie about cancer. Between the laughs and marijuana puffs, Adam is slowly deteriorating. The chemo and the absence of a lover in his life leave him equally empty and apathetic toward the future, resulting in sulking and hysteria. Luckily, Rogen’s character is able to lift viewers’ spirits with an outrageous, vulgar comment about Adam’s cheating girlfriend and how cancer will get him laid. “[‘50/50’] doesn’t really go with the rest of Seth Rogen’s films,” Wilcox said. She’s right - Rogen really breaks out of his normal pothead typecast here, while maintaining the identity his fans have grown fond of. Gordon-Levitt was a standout lead in this film, which earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical. “50/50” is the type of film that doesn’t come around often enough. It’s written flawlessly, could not have been acted more skillfully and captivates the audience with all of the big three: comedy, romance and drama. “50/50” is well worth the $15 it’ll cost Wal-Mart or the dollar it cost to rent for a night. It is one of the most inspiring, well-rounded movies you’ll see this year.

Rating: 4 out of 4 stars

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Official University News & Announcements

Meeting Notes

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

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.

Spring Counseling Center groups

Understanding Self and Others Group: Issues commonly addressed vary from depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, self-esteem, issues of family conflict or abuse, etc. Students who want to resolve specific concerns as well as those seeking personal growth are welcome. 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 1:30-3 and 3:30-5; Tuesdays 3-4:30; Wednesday 3-4:30; Thursdays (with dog) 3-4:30; Fridays 10-11:30.

Lesbian/Gay/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. Tuesdays 5-6:30 and Fridays 1-2:30.

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 and Fridays 3-4:30. (For information contact Amber Lyda: 262-3180 or 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. Wednesdays 4:30-6. (For information contact Sheri Clark: 262-3180 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 2-3:30 p.m. (For information 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 2-3:30 (For information 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 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.

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

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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: Jan. 23, 24, Feb. 1 and 3. For more information about on-campus housing, contact University Housing at 828-262-6111 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.

Do you have SOUL?

Interested in working with Orientation as a Student Orientation Undergraduate Leader? SOUL is a paid leadership position and includes: supervising testing, leading group discussions, guiding tours, performing in a skit, serving as an orientation resident assistant, and assisting an academic advisor with new student academic planning. Are are looking for students with strong leadership potential and a desire to help new students. Learn more about the position and apply online at http://www.orientation.appstate.edu/soul. Applications and references are due Friday, Feb. 3.

Spring Diversity Speakers Series

The Office of Multicultural Student Development has announced the Spring schedule for the 2011-2012 Diversity Speaker Series. We hope that you will take advantage of these unique opportunities to see, hear and learn from some of the leading experts on diversity and social justice. All Diversity Speaker Series events are free and open to the public. The series includes: Heather’s Mommies Get Married: Homophobia, Censorship and Family Values, Tuesday, Feb 21, Blue Ridge Ballroom, Plemmons Student Union, 7 p.m. Author Lesléa Newman discusses her classic children’s book, Heather Has Two Mommies: why she wrote the book, how difficult it was to get it published, the controversies that arose as it became one of the most controversial books ever published. She then discusses the rights of gay and lesbian families and delves into the history of the LGBT marriage movement. This presentation includes a slide show (with photos from Lesléa’s own wedding!) and video. Leslea Newman wrote Heather Has Two Mommies, the first children’s book to portray lesbian families in a positive way, and has followed up this pioneering work with several more children’s books on lesbian and gay families. Ms. Newman is also the author of many books for adults that deal with lesbian identity, Jewish identity and the intersection and collision between the two. Other topics Ms. Newman explores include AIDS, eating disorders, butch/femme relationships and sexual abuse. She has received many literary awards including Poetry Fellowships from the Massachusetts Artists Fellowship Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts, the Highlights for Children Fiction Writing Award, the James Baldwin Award for Cultural Achievement, and three Pushcart Prize Nominations. Nine of her books have been Lambda Literary Award finalists. Hands on the Freedom Plow: Personal Accounts by Women in the SNCC, Tuesday, April 24, Blue Ridge Ballroom, Plemmons Student Union, 7 p.m. Much has been written about the courage and tenacity of the male ministers and activists of the Civil Rights movement: Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., Julian Bond, Stokely Carmichael, and others. About the role of women we know less. In Hands on the Freedom Plow, the personal stories of fifty-two women–northern and southern, young and old, urban and rural, black, white, and Latina are shared. Two of the book’s six editors, Faith Holsaert and Marsha Noonan, will present a sweeping personal history of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). Since the women spent time in the Deep South, many of the testimonials describe how they risked their lives through beatings and arrests and witnessed unspeakable violence. These intense stories depict women, many very young, dealing with extreme fear and finding the remarkable strength to survive. The women in SNCC acquired new skills, experienced personal growth, sustained one another, and even had fun in the midst of serious struggle. Readers are privy to their analyses of the Movement, its tactics, strategies, and underlying philosophies. The contributors revisit central debates of the struggle including the role of nonviolence and self-defense, the role of white people in a black-led movement, and the role of women within the Movement and the society at large. Each story reveals how the struggle for social change was formed, supported, and maintained by the women who kept their “hands on the freedom plow.” Faith S. Holsaert lives in Durham, North Carolina, is a teacher and fiction writer and has remained active in lesbian and women’s, antiwar, and justice struggles. Martha Prescod Norman Noonan, community organizer, activist, homemaker, and teacher of history including the Civil Rights Movement, lives near Baltimore, Maryland.

Financial Aid Fair set for Feb. 25

The Office of Student Financial Aid has scheduled a Financial Aid Information Day for Wednesday, Feb. 25, in Plemmons Student Union form 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Stop by the contact table to obtain financial aid information for summer school 2012 and the 2012-2013 school year and study abroad. Financial Aid counselors from the Office of Student Financial Aid will be on hand to answer general financial aid questions durthing this time.

Outdoor Programs offers ski shuttle Outdoor Programs at Appalachian State University offers a ski and snowboard shuttle to Beach Mountain. Included in the $20 trip price is lift tickets. Shuttle riders will also get discounts on rental prices if they need equipment. You must register at Outdoor Programs in the Student Recreation Center. The shuttle service will repeat every seven days until Friday, Feb. 24. Dates and times are: Thursday, Feb. 2, 9, 16, and 23, from 5 until 11 p.m. For more information contact Keith Crawford at 262-4700 or email crawfordtk1@ appstate.edu.

Sustainability film series to begin

The sustainability film series at Appalachian State University enters the third year with films that focus on environmental

and economic issues and social justice. A feature-length film will be shown in Greer Auditorium each month during spring semester. All films begin at 7 p.m. and are shown free of charge. A 30-minute panel discussion will follow. Visit www.sustain.appstate.edu/2012filmseries for more information. Sponsors of this year’s series are the Office of Sustainable Development, Appalachian Popular Programming Society (APPS), Belk Library and Information Commons, and Appalachian’s Renewable Energy Initiative and Energy Center. The film series schedule is as follows: Tuesday, Feb. 21, “Economics of Happiness”; March 20, “The Last Mountain”; April 17, “Wasteland”. The series is hosted by Appalachian’s Office of Sustainability and Department of Geology. For additional information about the film series, contact Brian Zimmer in the Department of Geology at zimmerbw@appstate.edu.

Collection on display in Union

Eleven works selected from the Leigh Lane Edwards Collection will be on display until Feb. 8 in Looking Glass Gallery in Appalachian State University’s Plemmons Student Union. The Leigh Lane Edwards Collection is one of four permanent collections housed and displayed in the Plemmons Student Union (PSU). It is named in memory of Edwards, a former PSU Looking Glass Gallery curator who died while a student at Appalachian. Art in the collection was selected during a national purchase awards competition in 1996. The Looking Glass Gallery exhibition was guest curated by PSU Permanent Art Collections Manager Sarah Young, a senior at Appalachian majoring in art management with a minor in business. Looking Glass Gallery is located on the first floor of the Plemmons Student Union. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 10 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. – 10 p.m. and Sunday from noon – 10 p.m. Gallery admission is free. For more information, visit www. LookingGlassGallery.appstate.edu.

Spring swim lessons available

University Recreation Aquatics is now taking registration for spring swim lessons for children and adults. Session I begins Feb. 20. For registration details and form, go to www. aquatics.appstate.edu. For more information, contact Cheryl Eddins at eddinscj@appstate.edu or ext 8707. Classes will be open for both spring sessions until filled.

Mandatory presidents meeting set

A mandatory spring presidents meeting for all Appalachian State University student organization will be held today, 5:30-6:30 p.m., in the Linville Falls Room of Plemmons Student Union. All organizations must have a representative present. Attendance will be taken.

Renew lifeguard certification

Do you need to get recertified to be a lifeguard? Appalachian State University Recreation and the American Red Cross are now accepting registration forms for this semester’s lifeguard challenge. The challenge is open to all community members including ASU students who have a current lifeguard training certificate. This course will recertify you in the areas of Lifeguarding, First Aid and CRR/AED. Be sure to renew before it’s too late! A recertification will be held Feb. 27 and 29, 5-8 p.m. For registration forms and fee information visit online at www.aquatics.appstate.edu. If you would like more information on this topic or other aquatic related programs, please call Cheryl Eddins, Assistant Director for Aquatics, at (828) 262-2100 or e-mail her at eddinscj@appstate.edu.

Students learn from Malawi trip What can you learn from a journey to Malawi?

Eleven students from Appalachian State University recently traveled to Malawi to learn first-hand about managing NonGovernmental Organizations (NGOs) and the obstacles to Malawi’s economic development. The trip was part of a course offered by the Walker College of Business. The trip in early January was the college’s first short-term study abroad program to Malawi. “Malawi was selected because it is such an extreme example of a country and economy with almost insurmountable obstacles to development,” said trip co-leader Dr. Marty Meznar. “Also, World Camp’s headquarters are in Ashville and we have known of their work in Malawi for several years.” Meredith Church, who works with Meznar in the Walker College of Business and who also was a trip leader, had previously worked with World Camp in Honduras. As a result their experiences, the students have used their business skills to help one village develop a plan to reduce its dependence on fluctuating funding levels from various support organizations. Malawi, a republic located in southeast Africa, is one of the 10 poorest countries in the world. Its population has been ravaged by HIV/AIDS and the average life expectancy is less than 40 years. Hundreds of thousands of children have been orphaned as parents succumb to the virus. The country is land-locked, there are few paved roads, and an unreliable electrical grid reaches only 4 percent of the country’s 11 million residents. The Appalachian group was hosted by the NGO World Camp, an organization active in AIDS education and prevention efforts, among other projects. The group also met with other NGOs such as the Jewish Heart for Africa and Never Ending Food. “The trip provided students with opportunities to improve their cross-cultural communication skills, to understand some of the unique administrative challenges faced by nongovernmental organizations and non-profit organizations in general, and to apply their business skills in a very practical way,” Meznar said.

Snow Ball Dance set for Feb. 17

Are you looking for a nice date for Valentine’s Day or a reason to ask that one special person out this February? How about taking them to the Residence Hall Association (RHA) Snow Ball Semi-Formal Dance? The Snow Ball Dance will be held Friday, Feb. 17, from 7-10:30 p.m. in Grandfather Ballroom of the Plemmons Student Union. This is a semi-formal dance with a large photo booth (that can hold up to 12 people), a great DJ, and free food. The cost is $3 in advance or $5 at the door. There will be a contact table outside of cascades in the Student Union the week of Feb. 13-17 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. All proceeds will go to support OASIS Inc. in their efforts of supporting the Boone Community. We hope to see you there to dance the night away with us.

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February 2, 2012 •

The five best memes about Saturday’s Duck Pond incident No one’s more popular in the social media world than Ryan Gosling. He’s the frequent star of memes like Feminist Ryan Gosling, Ex-Boyfriend Ryan Gosling and even Ryan Gosling Disneyland Cats (yes, that exists). He also recently starred in “Drive,” a movie that features plenty of stuntheavy car sequences. So when you throw together a crazy driving incident and memes, well...Ryan Gosling is sure to emerge.

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This one’s pretty selfexplanatory. MykeyT’s heading to a party up in Boonetown, and casually inviting you to holla if you wanna ride. Get it? If you wanna ride. Into the bottom of Duck Pond. With MykeyT. Stop questioning it so much - it’s funny.

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by MATT ABELE Social Media Coordinator

by MEGHAN FRICK Associate Editor, Editorial Content

4 3 1

This one’s pretty straightforward. This baby-faced guy is the face of the college freshman meme, which Redditors and Tumblr-ers and other natives of the internet use to skewer first-year collegiates who are heavy on enthusiasm and light on common sense. When four freshmen and a Mustang wind up in a pond full of ducks, is it really such a surprise that he’d show up?

Arguably the most popular meme on the ridiculously meme-saturated web, troll guy is the face of snark and sarcasm and are-you-really-that-gullible trickery. Here, he’s trying to convince a couple of innocent freshmen that their Student Undergraduate Orientation Leader should’ve informed them about the extra parking on campus - you know, the parking at the bottom of Duck Pond. But hey, this is Boone. If you can find parking anywhere - even if you’re parked next to a mallard - more power to you.

The other memes might make you chuckle, but this one’s undeniably the best. Saturday’s incident has been Facebook status-ed, Twitter-ed and meme-d to death. But if you say you got through the day after without hearing a Polar Plunge joke, you’re either a liar or you live under a rock. It was the most popular (or insufferable) joke after the accident - that’s why it comes in as our number-one meme.

Chinese Culture Club hosts oncampus new year celebration by CASEY SUGLIA Lifestyles Reporter

“Gong hei fat choi” is a Mandarin phrase wishing people a happy new year. Students, faculty and community members alike spoke and heard the phrase Monday at a Chinese New Year celebration in the Blue Ridge Ballroom of the Blue Ridge Ballroom, hosted by the Chinese Culture Club. Unlike the Western new year, the Chinese New Year follows the lunar calendar. “The official name of the holiday is ‘Spring Festival,’ which celebrates the arrival of spring,” said Dr. Wendy Xie, professor of beginning and intermediate Chinese. “That is why it falls on the end of January and beginning of February.” The celebration typically lasts for one week.

Upon arrival at Monday’s celebration, students were greeted by the red and gold decorations covering the walls. Both colors represent prosperity and good luck in the new year. New China Buffet catered a meal of lo-mein noodles, fried rice and spring rolls and the event featured face-painting and traditional Chinese games as well. Although many left after enjoying their meal, others stayed to watch the performances, as students from a beginning Chinese class led attendees in a traditional New Year song. “It’s a good experience to attend events like these,” said freshman undecided major Lisa Myers, who performed with the Beginning Chinese students. “Its always

good to learn about other cultures. Plus, who doesn’t like a party?” Following the song were presentations from various community members, including poetry readings, song and dance numbers and a Kung-Fu demonstration by the Blue Ridge Kung-Fu Arnis academy. Sophomore international business major Leah Chan, secretary of the Chinese Culture Club, said events like the Chinese New Year Celebration “brings students together.” “I like seeing everybody come together - not just for the free food but to watch the majority of the performances and meet people they don’t even know,” she said. “It’s a way for them to learn about the culture.”

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Holy Ghost, Brave Baby ready to take stage at Legends by MICHAEL BRAGG Lifestyles Editor

The multi-genre, Greensboro-based quintet Holy Ghost Tent Revival will play Legends Thursday night, along with Charleston, S.C.’s Brave Baby. Holy Ghost made its Legends debut last September, as a headlining act with over 500 people in attendance, Programs

Advisor Randy Kelly said. “When I first watched them I realized the band has legs,” he said. “It’s going to get bigger and bigger. They’ve got legs. I think Holy Ghost is going to go somewhere.” But for trumpet player Charlie Humphrey, the stop in Boone means a little more than just the band’s second Legends show. He’s also a junior music performance major at Appalachian State

University. “It’s awesome,” he said. “It’s one of the most rewarding experiences to see all of my friends in the audience and I feel at home. I guess it’s very comfortable to see all my friends out there cheering me on cheering us on.” The band is currently is coming off a tour with Langhorne Slim. “We’ve been playing with him since last Friday,”

Legends hip-hop takeover scheduled for Legends Friday

by MICHAEL BRAGG

Lifestyles Editor

In a change from its usual pace, Legends will feature an all hip-hop lineup Friday. Boone-based act BPL will headline. Campus sensation MykeyT (junior business management major Michael Taylor),Young Toon (alumnus Kerry Lamar) and DJ Ladro will open. BPL’s trumpet player and MC, senior music industry studies major Michael Martin, said the band leans “a little more toward hip hop” than funk. The band, which has a new full-length album underway, includes a three-piece horn section, drums, bass and keys. “We put on a hell of a show,” keyboardist Rhett Huffman said. “It’s some high-level musical sh-t.” MykeyT will open the show, with a mix of covers and original tracks. The rapper recently played a show at Klondike Café, which he said around 200 people attended. “It was packed out,” he said. “It was really good and a lot of people came out. It was a really cool thing.” The Asheville native is currently

working on a mixtape, which doesn’t have a release date yet. He’s also on his way to a bachelor’s degree and plans to pursue a MBA at Appalachan State University. “Once I do that, I’m going to start my own record label,” he said. “I can produce tracks myself and I’ll have my studio. I want to start my own record label and sign myself to a deal and then be able to go out and be a producer for another artist.” Appalachian alumnus Kerry Lamar, or Young Toon, will open as well. He said it’s a strange feeling performing where he used to live and go to school. “I actually went over to the theatre building, Chapell Wilson, and was just walking in the halls,” he said. “It’s such a surreal feeling.” Young Toon raps about politics and religion and has a mixtape, “Prodigal Son,” currently available. The final opening act, DJ Ladro, hails from Chapel Hill and makes beats for rap artist K.O. Kid. Doors open at 9 p.m. with tickets $3 in advance for students and $5 at the door for everyone. This event is BYOB with proper identification.

‘America’s Got Talent’ hosts weekend Charlotte auditions, students consider attending by MEGAN WRAPPE Lifestyles Reporter

Hordes of television hopefuls will travel to Charlotte this weekend, hoping to audition for NBC’s “America’s Got Talent.” The auditions will take place at the Charlotte Convention Center, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday. Charlotte is one of the last three cities of the program’s open casting call - and some Appalachian State University students have considered auditioning. “I haven’t totally decided yet if I’m going to audition, but I am thinking about it,” sophomore music education major Amanda Rutherford said. “My biggest decision is deciding if I should sing, play piano or both together. I know it’s sort of last minute and all, but we’ll see how it all plays out.” Either talents would be acceptable at

the “America’s Got Talent” auditions, which accept singers, dancers and an array of other skilles. Both single talents and combinations are acceptable, Casting Producer Shannon McIntosh said. McIntosh added that auditions are brief - around 90 seconds long. “If you can’t get what you want done in the audition room in 90 seconds, bring a DVD with you of your performance,” she said. Between 6,500 and 8,500 people are expected to audition over the weekend, McIntosh said. Of that group, 100 to 150 will be chosen to go to Hollywood. The show is a variety-style reality series which launched the career of child singer Jackie Evancho. Its sister show, “Britain’s Got Talent,” made Susan Boyle a household name. For more information, visit americasgottalentauditions.com/charlotte.

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Humphrey said. “We’ve been opening every show and it’s like playing in front of people who have never seen us before and have reacted very positively. It’s been a good experience so far.” The members of Holy Ghost recorded new tracks over winter break and hope to turn them into a fulllength album sometime in the near future. “I guess this new

recording that we’re coming out with is probably like the thing that we’re trying to push the hardest, because it’s all-new songs, kind of a different sound and new lineup,” Humphrey said. “So it’s like we’re trying to get people acquainted with this.” Opening for Holy Ghost is indie group Brave Baby a band which compares its sound and vocal harmonies to Fleetwood Mac and the

Decemberists. The group, which plans to release an album sometime in 2012, records and produces its own music. “It’s more of a life album,” Masters said of the band’s latest effort. “We all go through BS.” Doors open at 9 p.m. Tickets are $5 in advance for students and $7 at the door for everyone. This event is BYOB with proper identification.

Students enjoy unusual weather on Sanford Mall

Michael Bragg | The Appalachian

Junior technical photography and hospitality and tourism management major Sarah Bono and sophomore biological anthroplogy major Charnelle Jamieson sit in their hammock on Sanford Mall in January.

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Staff Opinion

Noise ordinance not really an issue of sound

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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.

Catherine Haithcock Everyone and their mother knows about the Boone Town Council’s recent noise ordinance proposal: a 55-decibel cap after 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. Needless to say, many students, locals and business owners aren’t happy. Arguments have ranged from the destruction of a lively downtown culture to businesses fearing failure, all the way back to the possible effects the ordinance will have on Appalachian State University’s enrollment. I lived off King Street last year and I can say wholeheartedly that I could

never hear live music coming from any venues, let alone other noise. Besides the occasional emergency response vehicle and girls woo-ing on the street, all was peaceful and quiet. I suspect one or two other things are really going on here. Either the Town Council doesn’t know anything about decibel levels, or there is a much deeper alternative motive behind the proposal. Boone has been named the fourth fastest-growing small town in America by Forbes magazine. Its population has grown by 14.7 percent and been named one of the 10 best places to retire by U.S. News & World Report. In a nutshell, we’re growing at an exponential rate. And the presence of Appalachian certainly isn’t stemming that growth. Every year, more students settle in Boone to continue their education in one of the

most beautiful places in the world. Some leave and some stay after graduation - but the locals and the town have been here for years. I believe this ordinance is really a way of keeping the relationship between Boone and Appalachian in check. Imagine 17,000 students bombarding your hometown. Yes, the school has provided jobs. Yes, we’ve made Boone’s economy flourish. But frankly, at times we’re downright disrespectful to the locals and the environment. I don’t think the Town Council truly plans to change the decibel cap to something so low you can’t even have a conversation on the streets. They have to know - especially after all the open public forums - that this is a ridiculous number to propose. To me, it’s more likely that this is a lot like buying a car. You go to the dealership, find

the car you want and start haggling. More than likely, you’re going to offer a lower price than you’re actually willing to pay. The dealer will offer a rebuttal and negotiations will continue from there. That’s what this ordinance is here to do. The Town Council knows that a significant amount of Boone’s downtown revenue comes from tourism, students and locals. They’re not going to jeopardize that with an unreasonable noise ordinance. In no way, shape or form do I agree with the proposed 55-decibel cap. But we need to step back and look at the potential for a larger meaning behind it. That’ll enable us to oppose the ordinance in a civilized manner.

Haithcock, a senior journalism major from Franklin, is a news reporter.

Editorial Cartoon Aaron Fairbanks | Editorial Cartoonist

Ya’d think we live in a college town with all these dang’d noise making hoodlums!!!

Got an opinion? Write a letter to the editor Send letters to: frickma@appstate.edu.

Column: The Satirist

College absolutely best way to spend money, students say Editor’s Note: This column is satire. None of the quotes contained within represent actual interviews with Appalachian State University students. The only way to lead a happy, respectable life is to attend a four-year university, said pretty much everyone who matters. It’s important that 18-year-olds spend the first chunk of their young adulthood attempting to cultivate some sense of self or purpose. It’s the best way for them to avoid any real, adult responsibilities while learning to jump through hoops, the nation’s top pedagogy experts said at a conference in Washington Monday. “Everything about the college experience - from late nights tweaking out in the library to finish some research paper on Margaret Thatcher’s influence on modern pastry-making in the British colonies, to regretful sexual encounters in the handicapped bathroom of your friend’s dorm - is designed to give students a greater sense of purpose and to give them the necessary tools to succeed in today’s world,” said Francis P. Funklebutt, an Appalachian State University professor. The college experience is one all alumni can look back on as a priceless series of life-enriching events that not only represents the climax of human life, but comes at a surprisingly minimal cost as well. “The money was so worth it,” recent graduate Stacy Humperdink said. “I’m glad my parents and the taxpayers’ money could help me flounder around for two years before changing my major to sociology.” College is a great idea for anyone who doesn’t plan to die directly after high school - especially if social acceptance is what they’re aiming at. “I was this close to not going to college because I’ve always wanted to be a ship captain,” sophomore communication major Jared Beaglesworth said. “Then my high school guidance counselor told me I wouldn’t be worth anything to anyone if I didn’t have a piece of paper to hang in my office.” Economics Professor Nancy Fontanancy took it one step further. She notified the dean of her department Thursday that she’ll be leaving at the end of the semester to pursue another piece of paper - this time, a bachelor’s degree in finance. “I can’t imagine doing anything else that would bring me more fulfillment,” Fontanancy said. “Now I can look down on people with only one degree.” Rebecca Gitlen, a junior journalism major from Atlantic Beach, writes satirical columns about college life.

Staff Opinion

Appalachian gets the admission process right

Megan Wrappe You arrive home from school and look in your mailbox, and there among the usual array of small envelopes, a larger one catches your eye. Something glints in the corner the Appalachian State University seal. This is the letter that will define the next four years of your life. I vividly remember the day I ripped open my acceptance letter from Appalachian. I saw that the first line began with “Congratulations” and realized I’d just been accepted to college. It was a whirlwind feeling. My letter from Appalachian was the second I’d received,

out of six, and one of the more positive. I knew I had a place to attend school earlier than the majority of my high school classmates and that was a huge relief. The overall process of admission, prior to receiving my letter, wasn’t without its fair share of stress. For most high school seniors, your last year before college is stressful enough with AP classes and extracurriculars and everything else. Add in applying to a handful of colleges with their own individual deadlines and different requirements and it’s enough to make anyone’s head spin. But the process at Appalachian was easy. The First Connections section of the website made it possible to check every day to see whether all my application materials had been received and all my fees were paid. I could also view a projected time frame for when I’d receive notification of the

university’s decision. For some time, my list didn’t have everything checked off and that constantly worried me. It said my teacher letter was still missing - though I knew it had been sent along with my grades, one of the most essential parts of anyone’s application. By the end of the year, everyone in my high school guidance office knew my name. I constantly checked back to see if my materials had been sent. But once all the check marks were present on my First Connections account, I could breathe a sigh of relief. The Appalachian admissions process was extremely prompt. I applied at the end of January and received my letter by the third week of February. Many of my high school classmates were placed on waiting lists or kept waiting for two or more months.

That would’ve left me in pieces. I was completely satisfied with an admissions process that lasted under a month - especially considering the number of applications the admissions office processes. I received three more acceptance letters by the end of my college application process, but I chose Appalachian. And as I look back on it now, I believe it’s the best decision I’ve ever made. A few of my high school friends who went to other colleges ended up transferring within the year. After a year and a half here, I could never think about leaving. I hope the high schoolers receiving their letters from Appalachian this month someday feel the same way.

Wrappe, a sophomore journalism major from Winston-Salem, is a lifestyles reporter.

The Appalachian

Opinion

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Staff Opinion

Addition of UFO senate seats ineffective Anne Buie The student body recently approved a Student Government Association bill that will add 10 extra senate seats for members of University Funded Organizations (UFOs). Members of SGA have continuously stated that the bill will increase representation for UFOs and for the student body, but I think they’re wrong. SGA’s senate seats aren’t

filled to begin with. Right now, some senators have been moved around to represent residence halls they don’t even live in. If SGA is so concerned with actually gaining representation for students, the current centers need to focus on more effectively reaching out to the student body. The other problem with the bill is its focus on UFOs. “These specific UFOs alone hold a great percentage of the student body,” Off-Campus Senator Frances Ramos said. “I do want to make it clear that this first step does not mean we are excluding all other clubs on campus.” I appreciate Ramos’ assertion that other clubs on

campus won’t be left out of the equation, but I’m frustrated by the 10 UFOs that were chosen. The organizations chosen: the National Panhellenic Council, Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic Council, Residence Hall Association, Women’s Center, Club Sports Council, Black Student Association, Appalachian Ambassadors, Appalachian and the Community Together and Appalachian Popular Programming Society. All these groups have plenty of influence and representation on campus as it is. SGA’s new senate seats should be aimed at clubs that aren’t funded by the university. They’re the ones

that need additional representation because they aren’t represented by Appalachian. Anyone can run for a senate seat and could before this legislation passed. But adding 10 essentially required senate seats will increase the odds of electing apathetic people who don’t truly serve a purpose. Instead of ensuring the election of the best people for the job, SGA has added 10 seats that are basically just a requirement. At the end of the day, all they’ve done is decrease their chances of accomplishing anything. Buie, a freshman English and middle grades education major from Charlotte, is a senior news reporter.

Guest Cartoon

February 2, 2012 •

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Column: Introvert Breaks Out

Sophomore ready to get out and explore Boone

When I transferred to Appalachian last fall, I was taken aback. Boone and the campus have so many activities to offer and I wasn’t used to so much busy activity. Maybe my former university was lacking or maybe I didn’t make the effort to look around. Regardless, I vowed to find more opportunities and live a more “carpe diem” lifestyle in Boone. Unfortunately, it didn’t take long for me to meet plenty of students who spent weekends alone in their hometowns or apartments. It only took a little longer for me to become one of them. In college, it’s easy to get sucked into a vortex of routine once the newness of the area has subsided. After the initial two months of attending parties and shows, my Thursday nights became dedicated to homework. Fridays were for naps and movies. It’s easy for me to disappear into a weekend of good books and cups of tea, but it doesn’t necessarily make me happy. As an introvert, I’ve learned that I’m not socially inept or awkward - I’m just socially lazy. To fix this problem, I pulled out my calendar and found a few events. Each weekend as I write this column, I’m going to push myself to get out of my apartment and into anything that’s going on in Boone. I started my quest this weekend at Blowing Rock’s 14th annual Winterfest. Blowing Rock is an adorable, quaint town and beginning the morning in the cool mountain air was a great change of pace. And believe it or not, watching people leap into the freezing water of Chetola Lake at Blowing Rock’s Polar Plunge was an incentive to consider participating in our own version this February. After the plunge, I made my way down Main Street, casually walking and taking in the hustle and bustle, from winter sales to children playing in the park. If I’d had more money, I definitely would’ve capitalized on those sales for future apartment decorations. After resting up from the early morning, I decided to end the day closer to campus. I went to Galileo’s to check out Nice to Meet You, James. I’d never been to the restaurant and bar before and I loved the ceiling lights and overall ambiance - they even have fondue and s’mores. Nice to Meet You, James was fantastic - they brought a ton of energy and talent to their show. I’m looking forward to filling this semester with the best Boone has to offer, from sports to arts to the great outdoors. I also hope to break down some stereotypes about Boone’s lack of entertainment or activities. I’m convinced that there are interesting people and places to be seen all over. I’m determined to find them. Brianna Linden, a sophomore public relations major from Hickory, writes about breaking out of her introverted tendencies and learning to explore.

Column: DeCarlo On Politics

The most important thing Obama said in his State of the Union

Andrew Cox | Guest Cartoonist

Staff Opinion

Students’ mental health should take top priority when university allocates funds Meghan Frick My first senior semester was an absolute disaster. I’d like to attribute that to my slightly obsessive involvement with The Appalachian. And it’s true - if I wasn’t eternally focused on headlines and cutlines and deadlines and yelling at reporters...well, it probably would’ve been easier to get back on track. But it’s not the newspaper’s fault that I was a wreck last semester. And, as much as it may sound like a copout - it wasn’t mine either. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t struggle with clinical depression. Well, that’s a hyperbole - I can, but I was very young. Mental health has been a constant struggle for most of

my life. That’s why I’m grateful we live in a world with enormous medical options for people with depression. The little blue pills I swallow every night have done wonders for my everyday well-being, for my overall joy in life and for my ability to get anything at all accomplished. I am not a victim of depression - I am a survivor. I have healed. But no matter how much better you are, it’s unbelievably easy to backslide. All you have to do is stop taking those pills and stop going to therapy. And it would be easier to go to therapy if Appalachian’s on-campus counseling center had consistent availability. It’s wonderful that our university offers free counseling. But it’s harder to access that service than you might imagine. By the end of last fall, my desperation was massive and my motivation was nonexistent and my dorm room

was full of the physical debris that accumulate when you’ve stopped caring about absolutely everything. And one day, my life came to a breaking point. It involved a lot of tears and a lot of stubborn refusals of counseling. And finally, it involved my most stubborn friend - the kind of friend everyone needs, the kind who absolutely will not put up with your crap - literally walking me to the front desk of the counseling center and making sure I stayed. I made it to a therapist’s couch that day and I was offered services. But I was told they’d be sporadic - that the center was simply understaffed and overbooked and I likely wouldn’t see a counselor more than a few times a month. That’s a problem. See, my parents have insurance and they’re willing to support me. I’ll be seeing a referral counselor soon and finding help within the community instead. But what about people whose parents refuse to be-

lieve mental illness is a real threat? What about people who can’t afford outside therapy? Those students need options and they need them consistently. This is by no means an attack on the counseling center. Everyone I’ve encountered there has been genuinely lovely to me and I’m sure they’d offer the world to Appalachian if they could - more sessions, more counselors, more services. Instead, this is a plea to the university, to whoever makes this particular decision - no matter how tough times are financially, please carefully consider the counseling center when budgeting decisions are made. Please make students’ mental health a priority. There are people here who need that consideration. They need it desperately. Frick, a senior public relations major from Columbia, S.C., is the associate editor for editorial content.

By now, I have learned that Obama’s oratory is impressive. I don’t know whether this is a compliment to the man himself or his consultants, but it is a compliment nonetheless. It is rare that I, with all my particular biases, find fault with his speeches the first time through - the way I would immediately react, in the midst of almost every sentence, to most of the Republican field. No, to find fault in Obama, I have to consult a written form and let it all sink in. Regardless, I thought the program the president laid out in the state of the union was unambitious. I suppose that’s what you get when a president and his policies, against all reason, have been labeled radical. Obama doesn’t want to back down from the course he has charted, but can’t bring out anything truly meaningful without risking a return to the “radical” moniker. On the other side, he can’t backtrack for fear of losing those of us on the left who may still nurse a glimmer of “hope.” For all these faults, I still believe his program - not in every detail, but in whole - is much more pragmatic than anything I’ve heard a Republican suggest. But that’s not was, in my opinion, the single most important part of the president’s speech last Tuesday. The point to which I refer was repeated often, in different formations throughout the speech, and was almost subtle enough to escape immediate recognition. I’m sure it was intended to do so. Even so, it was not enough to stop Romney’s people from picking up on it and on its importance - the candidate replied directly in his rebuttal. Have you guessed what it is yet? I hope not, after I’ve spent all this time building up suspense. “Send me a bill and I will sign it!” There it was. Anticlimactic? Let me explain. This short turn of phrase, elaborated on later in the speech, is a subtle reminder to the American people that the president is not the sole mover of the nation. It’s a reminder that it is the legislature, not the executive, which is vested with the power to institute any true changes in policy. Not to ignore the power of the presidency, but let’s face it: the stagnation of Congress almost brought our government to its knees last summer. It has still failed to solve the budget deficit. The senate has filibustered more in the last session than ever before. Healthcare reform was gutted. They even refuse to appoint Obama’s nominations to the circuit court. To blame the president for the faults of government is a mistake. Meaningful reform requires the legislature and the legislature, now more than ever before, refuses to work effectively. Obama was shrewd in his decision to remind us.

Daniel DeCarlo, a senior psychology major, writes about modern politics and government.

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February 2, 2012

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Butts’ improvement helps ASU’s SoCon chances by JAKE AMBERG Sports Editor

L

isted at seven feet tall and 290 pounds, senior Isaac Butts towers over most ASU students and most of his teammates. But no one could’ve expected how small the big man’s role would be over the last five games. The senior center just returned from an injury and is playing only 16.6 minutes off the bench. Still, looks can be deceiving. Although many expected Butts to own the SoCon, the center’s role has fit perfectly into Appalachian’s budding identity. “I’m just doing whatever I can to help my team,” Butts said. “It doesn’t matter if I’m in the game and playing my hardest and scoring or cheering from the bench.” Before the season, many believed Appalachian would dominate the post with a combo of Butts and fellow senior Andre Williamson. However, Butts got off to a slow start and suffered an injury in late December. This helped Appalachian develop an identity that better suited its talent, allowing more

minutes for Mike Neal and Nathan Healy and more scoring opportunities for the talented Jamaal Trice. Andre Williamson believes Butts’ limited production is of no fault of his. Instead, it’s a matter of other ASU players stepping up. “[Carter and Trice] have been hitting some shots and when the opportunities present themshelves they’ve stepped up some games,” Williamson said. “Ike is just starting to get back into the groove of things.” Although Butts is putting in less than 20 minutes per game, he’s still playing arguably his best basketball of the season. The senior is shooting an impressive 70 percent from the floor while averaging seven points and five rebounds. What has really stands out is Butts’ improved movement and footwork. Early in the season, Butts was plagued with travels and turnovers but has only turned the ball over six times in the last five games. Butts has also shown maturity off the court, accepting his role. “I’ve just been focusing on playing harder and making this a team thing,” he said. “It’s not

about me as an individual, it’s about us as a team winning and at the end of the day, that’s all that matters. I just want to win. Just because my minutes got cut doesn’t mean I’m not going to go out and play as hard as I can.” The shift to a smaller lineup works for senior Omar Carter, who ranks second on the team with rebounds. “I’m a pretty good rebounder, Dre [Williamson] is a pretty good rebounder,” Carter said. “I’m a matchup problem and Dre is a matchup problem. Can’t nobody in the league guard Dre. When Dre puts his mind to it, can’t nobody stop Dre.” The smaller lineup allows Appalachian to spread the floor more and force opposing teams to respect the fearless three-point shooting efforts of Williamson and Healy. Of course, when Butts is on the court, there’s no denying his sizeable talent. When the big man is motivated, he produces. “When I get my opportunity, I know I have to go out and produce and help my team,” Butts said. “I have a lesser role in the offense and the team, but when I’m in there I’m just going to play hard and help us win.”

Women’s basketball grinds out victory against Western Carolina by TYLER WOOD Sports Reporter

Paul Heckert | The Appalachian

Sophomore guard Michelle Taylor moves the ball toward the basket against a WCU defender. The team won the game 58-39.

Men’s hoops looks ahead to pivotal conference weekend by JAKE AMBERG Sports Editor

Sixty days ago, on Dec. 1, the Appalachian State men’s basketball team pummeled UNCG and officially started a winning streak of two games - an achievement that has eluded the Mountaineers in their 14 following games. Now ASU (9-10, 5-5) sits on the brink of winning not just two but three straight games, against the Samford Bulldogs Feb. 3 and the College of Charleston Feb. 5. “This is a crazy year in the Southern Conference,” Capel said. “Heading into February, every game is so important and we have a chance this week with two home games to make up for some things. But we’re playing two very good teams.” Although both teams are below ASU in the SoCon standings, the pressure is on the Mountaineers to sweep the weekend Still, senior Omar Carter is confident. “I think we’re going to win,” Carter said. “What better way to do it than at home? It would be a real big confidence booster. We haven’t had a back-to-back home game in a while.” In its previous matchup with Samford, Appalachian held onto a 68-63 win on the road. Capel believes the Bulldogs are playing much better basketball following their switch to a zone defense. But the success ASU had against Samford’s

Paul Heckert | The Appalachian

Senior Center Isaac Butts goes in for a layup in Thursday night’s game against UNCG. The men lost the game in overtime 73-77

Princeton offense could translate to Thursday night’s game. “The first matchup was some time ago and those guys are playing some really good basketball right now,” Capel said. “I thought we did a good job on their Princeton stuff. We only got beat on a few back doors.” Saturday’s contest against Charleston could be one of the toughest of the season for the Mountaineers. Charleston averages just shy of 36 rebounds per game and has a talented front court - thanks to Antwain Wiggins and Trent Weideman, who combine for 25 points and 15 rebounds for the up-and-down Cougars. Senior Isaac Butts believes Appalachian can control the post against the tough Charleston lineup. “We feel like we’re the premier post team in the conference,” Butts said. “We probably have some of the best post guys. We have to play out of our minds, but we’re willing to accept that challenge.” The two teams above Appalachian in the SoCon North, UNCG and Elon, both have two conference games this weekend as well. A loss by both of these teams and two ASU wins would put the Mountaineers in first place for the first time since their conference-opening win against UNCG. Thursday’s game against Samford tips off at 7 p.m. and Saturday’s showdown against Charleston is 2 p.m. matinee.

It wasn’t always aesthetically pleasing for the fans, but the women’s basketball team soundly defeated Western Carolina 58-39 in the Holmes Convocation Center Monday. “I am the coach of the team, but I am a fan of women’s basketball in general,” head coach Darcie Vincent said. “If I had turned on our game that we just played on television, I would have changed the channel.” Coach Vincent’s remarks may seem unusual, since her squad dismantled the Catamounts and ran away with a 19-point victory, but junior Anna Freeman echoed her coach’s sentiments. “It doesn’t matter who we play or what the score is, we need to always keep working on Appalachian,” Freeman said. “Tonight I didn’t feel like we did a very good job of doing that.” Freeman led all scorers with 16 points, and perhaps more importantly led the Mountaineers in minutes played, with 36. Freeman’s minutes indicate that she is close to fully recovered from an ankle sprain she sustained the previous Monday against Samford. “It’s good,” Freeman said. “It has recovered

really quickly, thanks to my constant ice baths.” The first half was a back-and-forth game. The Mountaineers were unable to distance themselves and led 29-25 at the completion of the first 20 minutes. Junior Kelsey Sharkey helped control the paint and corralled four first-half steals, which helped push the Apps in front. The second 20 minutes were a completely different game. Western had trouble passing half-court on multiple possessions and the Catamounts were only able to produce 14 points. “Our guards have been awesome the last couple of games,” freshman Maryah Sydnor said. “They have been in people’s grills and that has created steals for everybody else.” Sydnor had her fourth double-digit game with 11 points, but her coach would like to see more physicality out of the freshman post player. “Tonight’s game was pretty physical and Western was putting their hands all over us,” Vincent said. “Every time Maryah made a cut tonight, they chucked her and she doesn’t like that.” Appalachian’s defense generated 29 Western turnovers and held the Catamounts to a paltry 18 percent shooting in the second half.

“The defense is one thing we did execute tonight,” Freeman said. “Our defensive pressure helps create our offense.” All year, the Mountaineers have questioned who will play point guard. For the majority of the season, Coach Vincent has appointed a point guard by committee approach, but Michelle Taylor received extended action at the lead guard spot against Western Monday. The junior flourished in her new role. “Michelle got our game ball tonight,” Vincent said. “She did a phenomenal job. She never practices playing point guard and she came out tonight and had no turnovers.” Taylor finished with seven points, four assists and two steals. More importantly, the natural shooting guard did not turn the ball over in her 32 minutes and gave the Apps some stability in the backcourt. Appalachian’s next opponent is SoCon nemesis Georgia Southern. “If I’m not mistaken, we have only beat them two times since I’ve been here,” Coach Vincent said. “They’re a team that I think is ready to explode and we have to make sure that it’s not against us.” The Mountaineers will face off against the Eagles Saturday at 5 p.m. in Statesboro, Ga.

Wrestling readies for Chattanooga by CHASE ERICKSON Intern Sports Reporter

In its fourth conference match of the season, Appalachian State University’s wrestling team is preparing to travel to Tennessee for a critical faceoff against Chattanooga, Sunday at 2 p.m. Both teams will head into the competition with undefeated conference records. Both are hoping to Madelyn Rindal | The Appalachian remain unblemished. “It’s something we Sophomores Riley Keen and Collins Creech practice have been using to push Wednesday afternoon for their match at Chattanooga. ourselves and motivate ourselves,” head coach Appalachian’s dual meet against The Citadel. JohnMark Bentley said. “I think that, legitiTrotman secured a 16-3 major decision mately, we have the best team in the confer- and Blevins earned an 18-3 technical fall. ence. I feel confident in the 10 starters we are “It was good getting the bonus points and putting out on the mat.” getting that big win,” Blevins said. “It was an The Mountaineers fell 27-10 to Chatta- exciting match and I feel like this next one nooga last season. Now they hope to avenge for Chattanooga, I’m going to have a toughlast year’s loss with a victory that could lead er match. We’re all going to have tougher to a Southern Conference regular season matches.” dual meet championship. Senior Tony Gravely, 125 pounds, is com“Not only did we lose to them last year, ing off an excellent outing against The Citabut every year that I have been in school,” se- del with a pin under a minute. Chip Pownior Austin Trotman said. “That is definitely ell also earned an important 5-2 decision motivation - and we have the team to beat against his own Citadel opponent. them this year.” The Mocs are hot, coming off a 27-13 Nationally-ranked wrestlers Trotman, at win over The Citadel last Sunday and led by 184 pounds, and Kyle Blevins, 165 pounds, freshman Nick Soto, who has a 20-4 record are both coming off dominating victories in on the season.

The Appalachian

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February 2, 2012 •

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Broaden is Appalachian’s only two-sport athlete Dinh brings French flair to App tennis by LEIGH ROBERTS

Senior Sports Reporter

S

tanley Broaden is one of Appalachian’s 46 men’s track and field athletes and one of 27 men’s soccer players. But there’s one title he doesn’t share however: he’s App State’s only two-sport athelete. Broaden has been playing soccer since he was five and running track since he was eight or nine. Originally from Wilmington, N.C., Broaden secured the state championship title in the 300m and 110m hurdles his senior year of high school. He also appeared in the New Balance Nationals, where he finished in fifth in the 400m hurdles, earning him AllAmerican honors. On the soccer side, Broaden was on a two-time NCSCA state team and three time allconference in high school. “It had always been something I had wanted to do,” Broaden said of continuing both sports in college. “But it was kind of just a thought.” And it’s a high school career like his that allowed Broaden a possibility most athletes do not have: the ability to be a twosport collegiate athlete. “He was recruited through soccer and then the soccer coach came to me and wanted to know if that could be worked out,” track and field head coach John Weaver said. “I said ‘Well, sure. As long as you’re willing to do that, somebody as good as he is, we can certainly fit it in.’” Broaden said some schools wouldn’t allow an athlete to double up. “But then when I came here, they put it on the table right when I came on my visit and that just kind of became more of a reason to come here,” he said. Broaden is halfway through his freshman year and it’s already beginning to pay off. His first appearance with the track team took place at the Dick Taylor Invitational at

by JORDAN DEVERE Intern Sports Reporter

Olivia Wilkes | The Appalachian

Freshman mens soccer forward and track hurdler Stanley Broaden conditions and practices in the Varsity Gym Tuesday afternoon. Broaden, recently named Southern Conference’s Indoor Track Athlete of the Week, is the only two sport athlete at ASU.

UNC. In the meet, he finished in fourth place in the 60m hurdles, with a time of 8.28. The time put him in first place in the conference and eighth all-time in the ASU record book. “He’s doing very well already,” Coach Weaver said. “He’s at the top of the conference, so we are hoping that he will continue to improve and do well. He’s certainly motivated.” For now, Broaden said scheduling is “on and off.” “Two times a week I’m with soccer and then the rest, leading up to meets, I’m with track,” he said. “But they kind of overlap.

I’m running with soccer and it’s the same kind of running I’d be doing with track and that way I still get to scrimmage with my team.” Coach Weaver said he’s happy with the way the situation worked out. “In the fall, he’s totally with soccer,” Coach Weaver said. “Right now, in the spring and winter he is with us, but he does a couple days of the week with soccer just to keep his contact there. It’s working out fairly well at this point.” Broaden said it’s hard to tell which sport is his favorite. He likes both and doesn’t regret

having to split his focus. “Being able to do both, if one doesn’t go well, then I’ll always have the other to fall back on,” he said. “I don’t get too tired of one sport because I am doing both of them.” Coach Weaver’s only worry is pushing Broaden too hard. “He does a lot of things really well,” Weaver said. “So really, it’s just a matter of kind of keeping tuned in and making sure we don’t overwork him which we haven’t been.” Broaden’s next appearance with the track and field team will take place this weekend at the Penn State Invitational.

For almost everyone, leaving home for college is a landmark moment. But it’s even bigger when you’re leaving to travel across the Atlantic Ocean, landing at a relatively small school in Boone, N.C. Kim- Le`a Dinh has played tennis since the age of four and left to come to America to hone her tennis skills. Originally, Dinh turned to the Midwest, looking into schools in Michigan. But when Bethel University, a small school in Tennessee, called with an offer, she didn’t hesitate. As a sophomore, she played as the number one for Bethel and performed well - but she was looking for more. “I was looking to transfer to a bigger school and I was at first going to go to a school in Florida, but Coach Crothers called me first so I came here,” Dinh said. The adjustment has not always been easy coming from big-city Paris, which has a population of around 15 million, to Boone. “It has been hard,” Dinh said. “It’s so small here and everything is different, the way of life especially. It was difficult, but once I got into the team it was a lot easier. They accepted me with open arms, but they still make fun of me accent and all.” Dinh hasn’t just brought French flair to App State tennis - she has also brought talent. “She’s definitely added a lot of depth,” Dinh said. “She was the number-one player at Bethel University in Tennessee. She’s done really well, moved up in the lineup and has improved her game to become one of the top players.” Assistant Coach Eri Latimer agreed. “She has adjusted pretty well and being a transfer and being from France, she’s acclimated well,” Latimer said. “She is a pretty feisty and passionate player and her volley has improved tremendously.” After a strong start to the season, Dinh is all about taking the next step. “I just hope we can do better and knock off some bigger schools,” she said. The women’s tennis team will take on Virginia Tech Jan. 5, hoping to improve to 2-1.

SUPER BOWL MAN-ON-THE-STREET This weekend’s Super Bowl showdown between the Giants and the Patriots has all the makings to be one of the best in history. Here’s what some Mountaineers are doing for the big game. “Getting together with some hallmates, going down to the lobby of Gardner and watching it on the TV there.” Who will win: Giants Rooting interest: It better be the Giants, I have a bet on it.

Luke Christy, freshman, undecided major “A bunch of my friends and I are having a party at my house. We’re just going to drink some beer and enjoy a good game, hopefully. I’m not too excited about the Super Bowl because the last time the Giants and Patriots played, it was one of the worst Super Bowl’s I’ve ever seen until the last play.” Who will win: Giants Rooting preference: Because of my girlfriend, I should be pulling for the Patriots, but I think I’ll pull for the Giants

Brent Foote, junior criminal justice major

“I’m actually going to Fayetteville. It’s my boyfriend’s 21st birthday so we’re going to go hang out with some people down there and watch it.” Who will win?: Giants Rooting interest: Not really

Elizabeth Thomas, junior sociology major “I work for housing and residence life and for at least part of the Super Bowl, I will be in my hall; Mountaineer Heights providing some snacks for anybody who wants to watch the game.” Who will win: I really could care less who wins the game. I’ll just enjoy it and enjoy the game and the commercials Rooting preference: None

Christopher Todd, senior geography major

Information compiled by Jake Amberg, Sports Editor

Signings

Continued from page 1 Defensive back Dante Blackmon is the highest-rated recruit for Appalachian, based on rankings compiled by rivals.com. Blackmon, a three-star recruit, is one of the most anticipated enrolling freshmen and the highlight of a deep class of defensive backs for the Mountaineers. Recruiting Coordinator and Defensive Backs Coach Scot Sloan said the addition of new defensive backs will bolster an area of the defense that was suspect in last season’s playoff defeat against Maine. “It was one thing we identified,” Sloan said. “There were games last year where we really needed to stay

in our star package with five DBs on the field. It’s something you have to address with the way college football is going.” Blackmon is one of 10 players recruited from Georgia, but ASU also pulled eight from North Carolina. One other state was represented by New York quarterback Paul Magloire. The Mountaineers will now enter their final offseason preparations before beginning spring practices shortly following Appalachian’s spring break. The team is currently in the hiring process for an offensive line coach and an inside linebackers coach – two positions expected to be announced within the next two weeks.

Infographic: To find out more about the newest members of the Appalachian State football team, check out TheAppalachianOnline.com

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