The Appalachian
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STUDENTS ELECT
Suspensions reinstated
Elections for Student Body President and Vice President will take place Friday, March 23 through Wednesday, March 28 on Appalnet
by MEGHAN FRICK
Associate Editor, Editorial Content
A
ppalachian State University has reinstated suspensions for four Appalachian football players and another student accused of sexual assault by junior history secondary education major Meagan Creed, Creed said in an interview Tuesday. Two of the students accused by Creed were also accused by freshman sustainable development major Alex Miller, as The Appalachian reported in the March 1 article “Athletes Accused.” Those two student athletes were initially found responsible for the charges brought by Miller, but were not found responsible for the charges brought by Creed, according to the March 1 article. The students initially faced summary suspension from the university, but the suspensions were overturned based on a discrepancy between Appalachian’s Code of Conduct and the UNC Policy Manual, according to the March 1 article. But Creed was informed Thursday, March 8 that suspensions for all five students had been reinstated, she said. The decision came exactly one week after The Appalachian published Creed and Miller’s allegations March 1. The suspensions have increased Creed’s feeling of safety on campus, she said. “Yesterday was probably the best day that I’ve had since all this happened, because I could relax on my own campus,” she said. “I’ve spent the whole day on campus – outside, enjoying the weather, enjoying Appalachian again.” Dean of Students J.J. Brown said he could not comment on a specific student conduct case. He did, however, comment on recent concerns raised about the student conduct process. Brown said students should bring concerns to his office, because the Code of Student Conduct is reviewed and evaluated each year. “I’ve said to a number of students who have expressed concern in the last couple of weeks that if they have any concerns about our student conduct process, we welcome their feedback,” Brown said. Vice Chancellor for Student Development Cindy Wallace, Director of Student Conduct Judy Haas, Provost Lori Gonzalez and Associate Vice Chancellor for Communication and Cultural Affairs Hank Foreman all referred The Appalachian’s reporter to Brown. The Appalachian does not print names of alleged sexual assault victims unless given permission by the alleged victims. Both Creed and Miller provided that permission.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Vol. 86 No. 40
Information compiled by Anne Buie
Freemyer & Lee
Hatley & Hanna
Cox & Barnes
Evan Freemyer is a junior political science major. Robert Lee is a junior political science major.
Steven Hatley is a sophomore business management major. Chelsey Hanna is a junior international business major.
Jake Cox is a junior political science major. Eric Barnes is a junior management major.
Qualifications/Experience
• Lee and Freemyer have both served as senators since their freshman year. • Lee and Freemyer have been members of the SGA Rules Committee.
Platform/Issues
• Freemyer and Lee want to continue pushing Appalachian State University’s leading role in sustainability. They hope to establish energy use monitors for residence halls and train resident assistants to use the monitors efficiently. • Freemyer and Lee hope to utilize the Association of Student Governments to show statewide support for the Teaching Fellows. They hope that the support will force legislature to evaluate the consequences of cutting the scholarship program and could eventually refund the program.
Qualifications/Experience
Qualifications/Experience
• Hatley has been involved in SGA for over 18 months. • Hanna has been an off-campus senator since December 2011 and is currently president of the Net Impact club.
• Cox has served as a senator and as director of international and environmental affairs for SGA. • Barnes has served as a senator and as director of legislative operations for SGA.
• Hatley and Hanna said they are committed to an open door policy between SGA, administration and students. They support the idea of creating a 24-hour phone hotline for students to contact SGA members about concerns. • Hatley and Hanna are looking into adding more flexibility within the general education program by adding lower-level foreign langauge classes.
• Cox and Barnes’ platform is called F.O.C.U.S., which stands for feasibility and organization, communication, unity and sustainability. • Cox and Barnes are looking into the feasibility of adding more phone lines for Safe Ride and opening Sanford Mall to tailgating. • Cox and Barnes said they are trying to implement sensitivity training for professors for the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender community.
Platform/Issues
Platform/Issues
SGA presidential debate highlights student concerns by ANNE BUIE
Senior News Reporter
The candidates for student body president and vice president discussed a variety of issues, including campus safety and the inefficiency of the Association of Student Governments, at the Student Government Association presidential and vice presidential debate Tuesday. This year’s tickets are: Jake Cox and Eric
Barnes, Steven Hatley and Chelsey Hanna, and Evan Freemyer and Robert Lee. The candidates answered questions from a debate panel and from the audience. Each ticket had three minutes for an opening statement, two minutes and 30 seconds to answer questions and three minutes for closing remarks. Candidates also had the opportunity for a 30-second rebuttal if needed. James Terrell, the panelist from club
council, asked candidates how they planned to improve student safety on campus. “In order for students to feel united, they must come to campus knowing that while here, that they are safe,” according to the Cox-Barnes platform. Cox-Barnes wants to add more blue light telephones and improve the security in parking decks at night. see Debate, page 2
90.5 WASU wins 2012 mtvU College Radio Woodie Award
by KATIE REULE
Intern News Reporter
Appalachian State University’s student radio station, 90.5 WASU, “The App”, won the 2012 mtvU College Radio Woodie Award, according to its website. WASU received more votes than nine other national universities to win best college radio station of the year. “The next step is to get the word out that we’re here and we’re better than we’ve ever been,” Music Director Torrence Welshans said. “We have to keep getting better, to keep our name out there. Our 40th anniversary is April 14th, and it’s shaping up to be a pretty exciting year for us.” WASU has competed for the Woodie award since 2009 and won the second-place Shoulda Coulda Woodie Award in 2011. The mtvU Woodie awards are a yearly competition that
let voters choose their favorite music artist, music video and college radio station, among others, according to MTV’s website. Welshans said WASU gathered support and votes through student involvement, local support, faculty promotion and the help from 106.5 “The End,” a radio station in Charlotte, after making it to the top 10. “We were a small fish in a big pond,” Welshans said. “We were up against schools from major cities like Chicago and Seattle. We’re from Boone. That’s huge that our small community came together to beat such big cities.” For a complete list of the finalists for this year’s College Radio Woodie Award, visit wasuradio.com. Freshman communication major Judith Bernholc works a shift at WASU’s studio in Wey Hall.
Dorm receives LEED certification Mountaineer Hall’s sustainable design merits gold rating by the Green Building Council
by CATHERINE HAITHCOCK Senior News Reporter
Appalachian State University’s Mountaineer Hall received a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) gold certification for its energy-saving and sustainable design this month. The LEED rating system was developed by the US Green Building Council (USGBC) as a way to transform building practices by providing a framework for developing green building designs, construction and maintenance solutions, according to usgbc.gov. The 234-unit residence hall received a total of 68 points based on its features. Sixty-five points are required to obtain gold certification. Mountaineer Hall, which was de-
signed with sustainability in mind, had to go through a commissioning process to ensure that the building and all of its entities were operating properly in order to be certified, University Sustainability Specialist Crystal Simmons said. Appalachian’s Board of Trustees enacted a policy that states all new buildings and major renovations must meet the standards of the LEED silver certification. “This certification says a lot about University Housing because we are not required to become certified - we just have to meet those standards,” Simmons said. “This shows leadership and initiative on their part to pursue this.” This is Appalachian’s second LEED gold certification. The first was awarded in 2010 to Frank Hall after it underwent green renovations in 2009.
Amy Birner | The Appalachian
SGA acknowledges general support for university Student Conduct Board by ANNE BUIE
Senior News Reporter
The Student Government Association passed a bill to support the Appalachian State University Student Conduct Board at their meeting Tuesday, March 6. The senators wanted to acknowledge the student conduct board’s hard work, sponsor and Off-Campus Senator Francis Ramos said. “They do not receive the positive recognition they deserve and that shouldn’t be the case,” Ramos said. “It is not fair to them.” Ramos said the bill was not written in response to any case currently involving the student conduct board. Doughton Hall Senator
Rachel Quirin wrote the bill. Director of Academic Affairs Ann Tate also sponsored it. Senators debated about giving the student conduct board support during the meeting. Off-Campus Senator Frank Byrne voted and debated in favor of the bill. “This is more important than the passage of any senate bill,” Byrne said. “As a campus, we have a lot of healing to do. We need to examine the policies that contributed to this situation and we need to look at how to educate the students, faculty and staff to prevent future assaults. We need to move forward as a university so that a tragedy like
this doesn’t happen again.” Off-Campus Senator John Secrest supported the bill. The bill would reaffirm SGA’s support for the student conduct board amidst the current scrutiny it’s facing, he said. “SGA continues to support this institution whose purpose and drive is to see students championed, students properly attaining justice and or defended in cases of accusation and treated fairly,” Secrest said. Not all senators supported the move. Newland Hall Senator Katherine Glassman voted and debated against the bill. “I feel like we should see Conduct, page 2
Correction A March 6 story in The Appalachian contained a factual error in a story regarding a “It Gets Better Video” produced through University Communications and Appalachian Media Production. Due to a reporting area, Assistant Director of the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership Suzette Patterson was quoted saying that the LGBT Center produced the video. It also mistitled Troy Tuttle as university photographer. Tuttle’s title is University Creative Director.
2
News
• March 22, 2012
The Appalachian
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Faculty feeling effects of rising Chancellor Kenneth Peacock costs, dealing with stagnant pay elected to ACE board of directors by KELLI STRAKA
by KELLI STRAKA Senior News Reporter
As costs rise and wages stay the same, some members of Appalachian State University’s faculty are feeling the pressure at the gas pump. Crude oil prices have been “rising over the past two months, particularly in recent weeks,” according to a March 1 news release from http://eia.gov. Despite rising costs, Appalachian’s faculty have not received a pay raise in the last four years, Chancellor Kenneth Peacock said during a faculty meeting earlier this month. Shawn Arthur said he has been commuting to work for the last six years. Arthur, an assistant professor in the department of philosophy
and religion, commutes from Ashe County - approximately 24 miles. “As they [gas prices] grow higher, I’ll be more likely to avoid coming to town unless I absolutely have to in order to save money,” Arthur said. “For coming in to do other types of meetings, other university events, grade or research in my office, it definitely affects all of that.” In order to conserve gas, he and his wife try to carpool as much as possible because of the gas prices. Arthur also has a motorcycle, which he said helps alleviate some of the cost of gas since it gets about 50 miles per gallon. “I ride it every chance I get,” Arthur said. “It gets twice as much miles per gallons as in a car.”
Arthur said he also gets his gas from Mountain City, Tenn., because it’s cheaper. Faculty members are also feeling the pressure in other costs. Sarah Carmichael, an assistant professor in the department of geology, also travels from Ashe County - approximately 26 miles. She has been commuting that distance for almost four years. Carmichael said gas isn’t a big issue, but her rising flood insurance is, because of the lack of pay raises. “It wasn’t high the way it is now when I first moved,” Carmichael said. “So my mortgage is fixed, it’s same amount every month. Then I’ve got this tacked on flood insurance which just gets bigger, and bigger and bigger.”
Senior News Reporter
Chancellor Kenneth Peacock discovered last week that he was officially elected to the board of directors for the American Council on Education (ACE) during an ACE meeting in Los Angeles, Calif., last week. ACE, based in Washington, D.C., is the major coordinating body for all of the nation’s higher education institutions, according to its website, http://acenet.edu. Its member institutions serve around 80 percent of the United States’ college students, its website said. “I was pleased and surprised,” Peacock said. “It is a tremendous honor. But it’s an honor not for me - it’s an honor for Appalachian.” Peacock will serve a three-year term with 38 other members on the ACE’s board. ACE provides national leadership on higher-education issues and influences public policy on higher education through advocacy, research and program initiatives, its website said. “It’s supposed to be a united voice for higher education,” he said.
As a board member, Peacock will be required to be part of a subcommittee. He hopes to be part of the International Initiatives subcommittee, he said. Peacock intends to share with the board the challenges and opportunities that Appalachian faces and is excited to get advice on how to help these challenges, he said. “There are things I think I’ll hear about in these meetings and that I can share with my leaders here on campus to say, ‘Is this something we should think about?’” Peacock said. “I have a lot to learn but it’s going to be fun.” In June, he will attend a two-week board of directors training session. He will have his first official meeting as a board member in October. “I’m proud that Appalachian is listed among these great institutions and that we have a seat at the table,” Peacock said. “Appalachian is at the table with some leaders, with giants that we have in higher education in America.” ACE and Appalachian share similar goals, Peacock said. These goals include providing opportunities for higher education as well as boosting retention and graduation rates.
Debate
Continued from page 1
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Vice presidential candidate Lee received audience applause after he said he wanted to educate students, specifically males, on what constitutes sexual assault. “There’s nothing masculine about forcing yourself upon a woman,” Lee said. The three tickets also discussed ASG, an organization that unites student leaders from each UNCsystem campus and has, in the face of criticism, acknowledged a need for reform. All three tickets did agree
Conduct
that ASG is underutilized, but they disagreed on how to work to make it efficient. Presidential candidate Cox said the ASG events he has attended were “extremely and utterly degradingly embarrassing.” Presidential candidate Hatley disagreed with Cox’s approach to ASG. Hatley said lack of awareness about ASG causes the organization’s problems. “[I want to] raise awareness to teach students exactly what is the ASG,” Hatley said.
Continued from page 1 have taken a closer look with the bill because of all the things going on with student conduct and all the recent things brought to light,” Glassman said. Residence Hall Association Senator Nathan Bailey also voted and debated against the bill. The bill stated that “each and every case that comes before Student Conduct Board is reviewed and analyzed carefully.”
Part of the Freemyer-Lee platform is to utilize ASG to show statewide support for Teaching Fellows. The ticket said it hopes that showing the statewide support will convey the importance of the program to legislature. “This we will use to show the N.C. Legislature the importance of the Teaching Fellows program not only to the public education system, but to the universities as well,” according to the Freemyer-Lee platform as posted on http://freeleeforasu.com.
Bailey was opposed because of the phrase “each and every.” “I didn’t feel like the wording was correct because not every case has been reviewed carefully,” Bailey said. Bailey said he didn’t think the bill was passed on behalf of the student body. “I feel like this was a bill passed because the senators wanted it and not what the student body wanted,” he said. The bill passed with 35 ayes, seven nays and two abstentions.
Speak Up for YOSEF & Take the NSSE
Appalachian Freshman and Seniors:
Take the National Survey of Student Engagement this Spring! Let us hear your opinion of living & learning at Appalachian and help improve our curriculum & campus life. Check your ASU email for the NSSE invitation. To learn more visit NSSE.appstate.edu
Lifestyles The Appalachian
Check out online coverage and results from Battle of the Bands
TheAppalachianOnline.com
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March 22, 2012 •
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Speakeasy Tattoo raises more Review: Games’ than $3,000 on St. Patrick’s Day ‘Hunger keeps readers Boone shop holds annual fundraiser for art education in Watauga
by BLAKE LITAKER
glued to story
Intern Lifestyles Reporter
by MEGAN WRAPPE
S
Editor’s Note: The following reflects the opinions of the author
Lifestyles Reporter
peakeasy Tattoo Co. raised $3,757 for art supplies at Watauga elementary schools Saturday at the fourth annual St. Patrick’s Day Tattoos for Schools fundraiser. “We wanted to do something to give back to kids in the community, so we reached out to three local art teachers and offered them a donation of all proceeds,” owner Greg Kinnamon said. The shop raises funds by selling temporary tattoos and raffle tickets, charging a $5 cover for an after party at Boone Saloon and giving permanent shamrock tattoos for a $10 donation. Throughout the day, a mix of Appalachian State University students and community members filtered in. Speakeasy staff tattooed 144 customers, down slightly from 161 last year. Freshman French and international business double major Carly Pollick was one of the first in line to receive a shamrock tattoo. “I found it inspirational that a business is giving all their money to charity,” Pollick said. While waiting in line, freshman criminal justice and international studies major Courtney Schmidtke also spoke about the cause the tattoos supported. “Art programs are usually the first to get cut and when kids don’t have anything to do, that’s when they get in trouble,” Schmidtke said. The fundraiser is centered around the shamrock because Kinnamon, who is of Irish descent, started the business four years ago and noticed that Boone lacked a St. Patrick’s Day party. “I thought this would be a great day to do something,” he said. “Who doesn’t want a shamrock tattoo?” The after party was held at Boone Saloon, with sideshow performer Captain Stab-Tuggo kicking off the evening. Stab-Tuggo swallowed swords, picked up paint cans with his eyelids and swung cinder blocks from his ears. “I donate my time to this fundraiser to help the kids, since art teaches personal responsibility,” the performer said. “Helping out where I can inspires others to do good, so I drive up from Atlanta every year and bring the party.” Boone natives The Drawstrings and the Tremors, a rockabilly band from Greensboro, closed out the entertainment lineup.
Online Video Coverage
Olivia Wilkes | The Appalachian
Jessica Schreck | The Appalachian
Check out the sights and sounds of this event at TheAppalachianOnline.com
Two sisters, alumna Amanda Prendiville and sophomore nursing major Katrina Prendiville (top) hold hands while former Speakeasy Tattoo artist Justin Essing tattoos a shamrock onto Katrina’s foot. Boone resident Barry Houck (bottom) gets a shamrock tattooed on his arm Saturday afternoon by Speakeasy Tattoo artist Jared Oreias. Speakeasy gave out free shamrock tattoos on St. Patrick’s Day to raise $3,757 for elementary schools in the community.
LGBT Center graduate assistant wins award by MICHAEL BRAGG Lifestyles Editor
After less than one academic year as the LGBT Center graduate assistant, clinical mental health counseling graduate student Mark Rasdorf will receive a national award for his work in the center in San Francisco Saturday. The award is sponsored by the Association of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues in Counseling (ALGBTIC), part of the American Counselor Association (ACA), and is one of four awards presented this year. Rasdorf received the award for graduate assistants. “Honestly, it sort of comes as a surprise,” he said. “I mean I’m really, really honored.” Rasdorf was nominated by graduate student in Marriage and Family Therapy Michelle Hossinie and Human Development and Psychological Counseling assistant professor Christina Galvin. “I think he’s very deserving of the award,” Galvin said. “He’s a very caring and sensitive and compassionate person and it comes through when he’s working with people, so I think he’s very deserving of it.” Hossinie was the first to introduce the idea of the award to Rasdorf last semester when nominations went out. “I think the beauty of it is that Mark wasn’t working to get this award,” she said. “He wasn’t trying to write the great novel that gets the Pulitzer or do research, he was just being himself.” LGBT Center volunteers Matthew Coons and Tommy Wrenn both wrote letters of recommendation based on their experience working with Rasdorf and what he has done for the center. “When I was reading about it I just said, ‘This is Mark’s award,’” Wrenn said. “There’s no other guy that I think deserves this, so I’m just really excited.” Coons said Rasdorf influenced his own participation in the Center. “I went in there last year and I didn’t get a
Correction
welcoming and the people in there weren’t very nice – I’ll be honest,” he said. “Mark has made it very clear what’s expected from the volunteers. The number one thing that he always brings up is to be welcoming. Mark has always brought that up and has always been really open to what we want to do.” When Rasdorf came to Appalachian State University in the fall of 2010, he had no intentions of working with the LGBT Center, but the suicides of Rutgers University freshman Tyler Clementi and others inspired him to organize the first Candlelight Vigil on campus. “When I worked on my application for here I wrote that my interest is, and it sort of remains in, working with young veterans and their families because I feel a moral obligation as a society for that,” he said. “But really it was after doing that Candlelight Vigil in 2010 that the universe sort of refocused me.” The next academic year, Olivia Wilkes | The Appalachian Rasdorf applied for grad as- LBGT Center Graduate Assistant Mark Rasdorf works at his sistant for the LGBT Center desk Tuesday afternoon. A branch of the American Counseland got the position. “That vigil was really a ing Association will honor his work this weekend. turning point because it was something I didn’t expect to do and just a lot way and so many great things have happened of other things have flown out of that,” he said. for us as students to get to be around Mark and Both Coons and Wrenn said they believe work with him… he’s gained a lot from being Rasdorf finding his way to the LGBT Center in the LGBT Center and it’s given him a lot was not by chance. more passion for the things he’s doing than just “I think everything happens for a reason,” graduate school now.” Wrenn said. “It just happened to work out that
A March 6 story in The Appalachian did not correctly identify the run time for the play, The Illusion. The play ran from Feb. 29 to March 4, not March 3. The article also mistakenly identified sophomore theatre arts major Jacob Dailey as the student who played Alcandre the Magician, when the role was actually filled by junior theatre arts major Victor Rivera. Additionally, a quote from Alcandre the Magician was incorrectly phrased as a direct quote, when in actuality, the quote was meant to be paraphrased.
The latest book-turnedmovie craze “The Hunger Games” makes its first appearance on the silver screen Friday at midnight in theaters nationwide. The adventure series, penned by Suzanne Collins, hit bookshelves in September 2008 and has become immensely popular. It sold more than 11 million copies and spent 180 weeks in the number-one spot on the New York Times bestseller list. The film version of “The Hunger Games” stars Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen and Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark. “I absolutely love the books,” said Caroline Bonin, a sophomore creative writing major at Oberlin College and an extra in the movie. “The first one is by far my favorite. I found the third to be disappointing at times, but I love all three.” “The Hunger Games” takes place in an apocalyptic world called Panem - a country that rose from the ashes of what was once North America. Panem is split into 12 districts and is ruled by the Capitol, which has complete control over each. To remind each district of its power, the Capitol annually sponsors the titular Hunger Games. A girl and boy between the ages of 12 and 18, called “tributes,” compete in the games. The goal: to kill the other tributes and be the last one alive. After taking the place of her sister Primrose (Willow Shields) as tribute, Katniss competes in the games alongside Peeta, a boy she’s known her entire life. Together, the two District 12 tributes are hurled into the frightening world of the Hunger Games, which are broadcast across Panem for the entire country to watch. The whole world of Panem is intriguing, but it’s Katniss’s strength and perseverance that wins you over and keeps you reading. Her spirit and heart make her a relatable character you want to believe in and her struggles, both physical and emotional, tear at your heartstrings. If the movie’s 93 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes is any indication, fans are already considering it a spectacular film and a faithful adaptation of the series. The film was shot in western North Carolina, including Hickory, Shelby and Charlotte - where Bonin was able to work as an extra alongside the cast. “It was a lot of fun to shoot, but really hot,” she said. “I haven’t seen the entire movie yet, but I’m going to the midnight showing and have really high hopes for it.” As the first book within a trilogy, “The Hunger Games” is mesmerizing, shocking and addictive. This, paired with the cleverness and relatability of Katniss, is what made it so successful. If fans have anything to say about it, the movie will follow suit.
Rating:
4 out of 4 stars
4
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Pink Floyd Tribute band The Machine returns to Legends by MEGAN WRAPPE Lifestyles Reporter
F
or the first time since 2007, Pink Floyd tribute band The Machine will take the Legends stage Thursday. “I know that most cover bands are crappy,” guitarist Joe Pascarell said. “If you take the time to come see us, though, I guarantee you’ll have a great time.” The Pink Floyd catalogue is large and The Machine has plenty to work with, but the band typically scales its sets back to 15 or 20 songs. “My favorite song varies - I have phases with different songs,” Pascarell said. “I absolutely do not get tired of playing the same songs. I get tired of the business side of things and all the other stuff, but never get tired of the music.” The guitarist said he didn’t mean to create a Pink Floyd tribute group, although he’d been influenced by the band his whole life. But after having issues with other band members, he and a friend put together a band that simply played music they both enjoyed.
March 22, 2012 •
A cappella groups converge
“It was never a conscious decision to be a Pink Floyd band,” Pascarell said. “Me and the current drummer for The Machine were disillusioned with other people we were in bands with at the time and we decided to put together a band playing music we both love. Two months after meeting our agent, we both quit our jobs.” APPS Program Advisor Randy Kelly said the band fits in with the history of Legends. “We’ve had a Beatles, Michael Jackson, Guns N’ Roses and a Led Zeppelin act,” Kelly said. “Let’s face it, App kids will never get to see these acts, so we try to bring acts in that practice these bands’ songs for hours and are pitch perfect.” APPS Stage Shows Chairperson Megan Ternes said the music of Pink Floyd is “timeless.” “The ticket sales are going very well, not sold out, but definitely a show to see,” Ternes said. “We’re expecting a great turnout.” Tickets are $8 in advance for students and $10 at the door for everyone. The event is BYOB with proper identification.
Photo Courtesy of Jack Benas
The Appalachian Popular Programming Society will bring The Machine, a Pink Floyd tribute band, to Legends Thursday evening for the first time since 2007. Tickets are $8 in advance for students and $10 at the door for everyone.
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APPALACHIAN STATE UNIVERSITY’S Hughlene Bostian Frank Visiting Writers Series: Spring 2012 The Spring 2012 Visiting Writers Series is supported by the Appalachian State University Foundation; Appalachian’s Offices of Academic Affairs, Multicultural Student Development, and Cultural Affairs; the College of Arts and Sciences, the Department of English, the Summer Reading Program, the University Bookstore, Belk Library, and the Appalachian Journal. Business sponsors are The Gideon Ridge Inn and The Red Onion Restaurant. Community sponsors include John and Marjorie Idol, Paul and Judy Tobin, Alice Naylor, Thomas McLaughlin, and The High Country Writers. The Visiting Writers Series is named in honor of Hughlene Bostian Frank, class of 1968, former trustee and generous supporter of Appalachian State University. For further information on the Spring season, please call 262-2337 or see www.visitingwriters.appstate.edu. To receive Appalachian’s “This Week in the Arts” announcement by email, please contact arts-events@appstate.edu. Admission to all events is free. To read on-line excerpts from the Spring Visiting Writers’ works, please go to library.appstate.edu, click Reserves, then enter Visiting Writers Series as Instructor or Course Name. If needed, use the password asuwriters.
Book sales and signing will follow each reading.
Poet and Essayist JIM MINICK
Novelist LEE SMITH
Craft Talk: Playing with Words: What Poetry Can Teach About Metaphor and Word Play Table Rock Room 2:00-3:15 p.m.
Craft Talk: A Life in Books Table Rock Room 2:00-3:15 p.m.
(The Blueberry Years, Her Secret Song, Burning Heaven) Thursday, February 23 Table Rock Room Plemmons Student Union 7:30 p.m.
Novelist and Memoirist DEBRA MONROE
(On the Outskirts of Normal, The Source of Trouble, Newfangled) Thursday, March 8 Table Rock Room Plemmons Student Union 7:30 p.m
Craft Talk: Plot Matters: In Fiction and Memoir Table Rock Room 11:00 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Juanita Tobin Memorial Reading
Poet and Memoirist TOI DERRICOTTE
(The Undertaker’s Daughter, Tender, The Black Notebooks) Thursday, March 22 Table Rock Room Plemmons Student Union 7:30 p.m.
Craft Talk: Poetry or Prose: Rethinking the Poetic Line Table Rock Room 2:00-3:15 p.m.
(Mrs. Darcy and the Blue-Eyed Stranger, On Agate Hill, The Last Girls, Fancy Strut) Thursday, April 5 Table Rock Room Plemmons Student Union 7:30 p.m.
Poets R.T. SMITH (Outlaw Style, Ensemble, Tresspasser) and SARAH KENNEDY (Home Remedies, A Witch’s Dictionary, Consider the Lilies) Thursday, April 19 Table Rock Room Plemmons Student Union 7:30 p.m.
Craft Talk: Historical Narrative Poems: Where Is This Voice Coming From Table Rock Room 3:30-4:45 p.m.
Parking is free on campus after 5 p.m. We recommend the Library Parking Deck on College Street (from King Street, turn down College Street at the First Baptist Church). To reach the Student Union, cross College Street and follow the walkway between the chiller plant and the University Bookstore, passing the Post Office and entering the Student Union on the second floor. For further parking information or a map, please see www.parking. appstate.edu or call the Parking and Traffic Office (828) 262-2878.
Nina Montalto | The Appalachian
Ear Candy, an all-female a capella group, performs Monday night in I.G. Greer for the ASU Men’s Glee Club’s second annual Sound Check A Cappella Concert. Along with Ear Candy, the concert included other a cappella student groups: Enharmonix, Higher Ground, Lost in Sound, The Mountain Ayres, Treble Attraction and VoiceMale. The show was hosted by special guest Steven Powell, also known as Appalachian State University’s “boombox guy.”
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• March 22, 2012
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Staff Opinion
Kony 2012 loses purpose due to technology
MEGHAN FRICK
ASSOCIATE EDITOR, ONLINE OPERATIONS
March 22, 2012 •
Anne Buie Without technology, Kony 2012 probably wouldn’t have become such an Internet sensation. Jason Russell, the filmmaker, became a hero overnight. His name was widely searched as people wondered who was the mastermind behind the thought-provoking documentary. “The world we live in has new rules. The technology
that has brought our planet together is allowing us to respond to the problems of our friends,” Russell said in the documentary. But after a March 15 incident, Russell’s name was searched with different intentions. People wanted to learn about the problems in Russell’s life. Society feeds off people’s misery. The technology that allowed people to view the videos also caused Russell’s downfall. The same people who made Russell’s video famous also turned against him. “Humanity’s greatest desire is to belong and to connect,” Russell said. “And now, we see each other. We
Editorial Cartoon
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.
hear each other. We share what we love and it reminds us of what we all of have in common.” Technology has connected people globally. But people only like to share news if they can reap the benefits. By sharing Kony 2012 via Facebook or Twitter, people felt like they were good citizens. And after Russell’s incident, people had no trouble sharing the news. People wanted to show their superiority to Russell; they mocked him for being caught for such an embarrassing crime. Russell is now a joke to some. To others, he’s a pig. But up until recently, so-
ciety considered Russell a mastermind. In the wake of the bad media coverage, society forgot about the true purpose of Kony 2012. The purpose of Kony 2012 is to bring the world together to prevent a horrible crime from occurring. But isn’t mocking a man having a mental breakdown just as bad? Instead of focusing on Russell’s actions, focus on Kony. Focus on a man whose actions are truly inexcusable.
Buie, a freshman English and middle grades education major from Charlotte, is a senior news reporter.
Aren’t you worried that being out in the sun this long could be dangerous?
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.
Absolutely . . .
Column:
Politichondriac
Foolishness in the politics of energy We often hear public ire directed at our nation’s energy policies. And why not? Our energy consumption has become one of the most defining characteristics of modern life. We use energy to work, play, relax, travel and feed ourselves, as well as to create the dizzying array of consumer goods we enjoy on a regular basis. In short, to participate in our society, you must become an energy consumer of the highest order. Given the importance our consumption of energy has on our everyday lives, we can easily see how a political issue is made out of fluctuations in the price or availability of energy. But blaming the government for the price of gas is a grave mistake, as gas and other fossil fuels we’ve come to rely on are provided through the use of the market. Anyone versed in simple economics knows the mechanisms of supply and demand dictate price. When it comes to a commodity like oil, both supply and demand are global. Many countries produce oil and every country is a consumer. While global production has remained flat for the past several years, there is great reason to believe supply will soon fall short of demand. See: Peak Oil and China. So where do politics come into the equation? As some conservatives would have you believe, the government is actively attempting to raise prices as a result of recent decisions, like prohibiting the Keystone XL pipeline and drilling in ANWAR. What this view neglects, however, is the scope of the market involved. The trickle of extra gas we could milk out of these areas, at the price of extreme environmental degradation, pales in comparison to the production of Saudi Arabia, Iran, or even Venezuela. Price is dictated by global supply and these fields will contribute little to that supply, moving prices negligibly if at all. Short of an outright subsidy on gas prices, there is no way for the government to directly influence price. As an aside, the government subsidizes gas companies for exploration and other endeavors, but does not subsidize the consumer. This should theoretically make its way down the chain, but just check out ExxonMobil’s latest earnings. Moving forward, both liberals and conservatives rally behind the idea of energy independence. The way this argument is presented, however, falls into the same trap. U.S. production, despite our greatest efforts those of the government included - will never be what it once was. With no way to increase supply, we must lower demand or find alternative sources of energy. Paradoxically, the economically natural way to do this would be to allow prices to rise, or even (gasp!) to artificially engineer a rise in price. Daniel DeCarlo, a senior psychology major, writes about modern politics and government.
Aaron Fairbanks | Editorial Cartoonist
Staff Opinion
Appalachian student body needs to become more accepting of students with diverse backgrounds
Madelyn Rindal I was sitting in my freshman seminar - Discourse in Politics and Religion - last semester. In the middle of a heated discussion over various dogmas and religions, it hit me: something was very wrong with this picture. Looking around, I noticed that everyone in the class was from a JudeoChristian background, even if they now claimed atheism or agnosticism. And every person in the room, including the instructor, was white. It is well known that Appalachian State University lacks racial diversity, but the numbers themselves are staggering. As of fall 2011, 2,133 students of diverse
backgrounds and 15,211 students of Caucasian descent were enrolled at Appalachian State University, according to factbook.appstate.edu. How exactly can a class on politics and religion incorporate discussion on diverse faiths and backgrounds when no one in the class identifies with those beliefs? Compare that with UNC-Chapel Hill. The university boasts 9,803 students of diverse backgrounds and 19,587 students of Caucasian descent according to its 2010-11 factbook. We have some catching up to do. Diversity is vital to education. Diversity in the classroom creates dialogue. People of different backgrounds offer a vast variety of perspectives, even on simple matters. I grew up in a diverse school district in Guilford County. My peers included
those of Ethiopian, Pakistani and Vietnamese descent. In my high school English class, when we learned about childhood reading and language development, Dr. Suess came up in discussion. Almost every person in the room agreed Suess was a fond part of our childhood and helped foster our love of reading. But one girl disagreed. As a non-native English speaker, she found Suess’s rhymes and nonsense words difficult to follow. His stories, she claimed, delayed her language acquisition because she didn’t understand which words were real and which were made up. Without her, we wouldn’t have considered this perspective. Diversity in the classroom makes for a holistic education. We should be learning from our fellow students as often as we learn from our professors.
It’s not clear who’s at fault here. Should the university do more to recruit those of ethnic background? Possibly. What’s clear, however, is that something needs to change. I know I’m not the only one bothered by the stark homogeneity of the student body. It’s our responsibility to change this. We can start by being more accepting of ethnic minorities. Stigmas like “all black people at App play sports” are exasperating and untrue. Appalachian is a great school. Diversity would contribute to a richer academic and social environment that would make everyone’s college experience more beneficial. Rindal, a freshman special education major from Greensboro, is a former staff photographer for The Appalachian.
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March 22, 2012 •
Women’s hoops gains historic win over North Carolina State Saturday by TYLER WOOD Sports Reporter
T
he Appalachian State women’s basketball team continued to make history in Raleigh Saturday, defeating North Carolina State 66-62 in the second round of the Women’s National Invitational Tournament. It was the Mountaineers’ first-ever victory against the Wolfpack. Appalachian had lost its previous 24 meetings. “Honestly, I think they overlooked us,” junior Courtney Freeman said. “I think they thought just because they were an ACC team and we were from the SoCon they would beat us.” NC State jumped out to a 31-25 halftime lead, as the Mountaineers did not have answers for the Wolfpack’s Kodi Burke. Burke had 17 points and eight rebounds in the first half. The second half was a completely different game. Appalachian players seemed to regain their confidence in their shooting strokes. “We couldn’t shoot much worse than we did in the first half,” junior Anna Freeman said. “We passed the ball to get open looks and people were making their shots.” Trailing 39-38 with
13:10 remaining in the final half, the Mountaineers went on a 22-13 run over the next eight minutes. That run gave the Apps control of the game at 6051 with 5:20 remaining. The Wolfpack would make a serious run in the final minutes to put a scare in to the Appalachian faithful, as State closed the gap to 62-60 with 19 seconds left in the game. Forced to foul with the shot clock turned off, the Wolfpack reluctantly fouled Anna Freeman, who shoots at among the nation’s best at 86 percent. Anna Freeman showed why she is one of the best players in the SoCon as she calmly sank four free throws in the final seconds, giving the Apps the history-making upset victory. “It’s a big deal for the SoCon as a conference when one of us beats an ACC school,” Anna Freeman said. “For our program to beat Wake Forest last year and then State this year is huge.” Anna Freeman led the Apps in scoring in rebounding, recording 26 points and grabbing seven boards. The junior was unconscious from the field in the final 20 minutes as she scored 22 points on 7-8 on her field goal attempts. Freshman Katie Mallow pitched in 14 points and
helped keep the Apps in contention in the first half with 10 points. Mallow has started the last two games, and her shooting ability helps stretch the floor for the Mountaineers’ starting lineup. “Coach has started to notice me more in practice,” Mallow said. “I really haven’t done anything different in practice, I just think coach has realized how bad I want to play more.” Next for the Mountaineers: a rematch against the University of Virginia Thursday at 7 p.m in Charlottesville, Va. In their first game of the season, the Mountaineers were embarrassed by the Cavaliers 80-48 as UVA exploited its size advantage. But for the Mountaineer players, the first game of the season was just a long time ago. “We are a completely different team,” Courtney Freeman said. “We are playing together and much better now as a team.” Junior forwards Kelsey Sharkey and Anna Freeman battle it out on the boards at practice Monday at Holmes Convocation Center in preparation for their upcoming game against Virginia this Thursday.
Dewey Mullis | The Appalachian
Stalling, Purcell win events to lead six different Mountaineers in first place to open outdoor season by LEIGH ROBERTS
Senior Sports Reporter
Appalachian outdoor track jumped out of the blocks over spring break, kicking off the 2012 season with meets in Conway, S.C. and Winston-Salem. On March 16 and 17, at the Wake Forest Invitational, the men’s team put four athletes in first place finishes and the women’s team placed two in first. “We’ve had some pretty good days so far and we’re feeling good about being outside, so right now I’m very pleased with how we’re starting out the outdoor season,” head coach John Weaver said. Among the first place finishes for the men’s team was junior Jared Stalling, taking the hammer throw with a toss of 58.47 meters.
Another first place from the distance side came from another junior, Alex Taylor, who finished the 800-meter run in 1:53.02. “It was a good meet for us all the way around,” Coach Weaver said. “Jared Stalling in particular did really well, the distance kids did well. I’m really very pleased overall at the competitiveness. We were visible and we were pretty much at the front of everything we were doing and I thought that was really good.” The men’s 4x100-meter relay team of Dennis Moore, AJ Dohanic, Justin Thomas and Landon Powell finished in first place, with an impressive 40.48-second time. Powell and Moore also competed in the 100-meter dash, taking second and fifth, respectively, while Dohanic took second place
in the 110-meter hurdles. Junior Will Raby picked up first place points in the 5,000-meter run in 14:46.84. Senior Darius Purcell had an exceptional day, clearing 7’3”.25 in the high jump to break the school record and the SoCon record, all the while landing himself in second place. “I did really good, to be honest,” Purcell said. “I PR-ed for the outdoor season and I broke the outdoor Appalachian record and the outdoor SoCon record, so I did pretty good. I’m building up, trying to get really strong for the conference meet.” On the women’s side, sophomore Shaquiela Robinson won the high jump, for the second meet in a row. Robinson cleared 5’8” to take the title.
Men’s golf starts season strong by ANNIE RUCKER
Intern Sports Reporter
The men’s golf team is off to a strong spring start after winning a tournament over spring break. ASU was the number one seed at the Harmony Match Play Tournament going into the match play. The team finished winning all five of the matches. “We won 5-0, but we should have,” head coach Bill Dicus said. “We had the best team out there.” Graduate student Dustin Hudson was the top player for ASU, finishing in second place, carding a 142 for the entire tournamen and finishing two over par. “There was never really a point in the match that I was down,” Hudson said. “None of the matches went past the 15th hole.” App’s strength also came from sopho-
more John Michael Cole, who competed as a lower seed. Cole finished both rounds with a 76 and also finished two over par. During the qualifying rounds, junior Josh Nichols competed individually and earned the individual medal after posting 139 to finish one under par. Hoping to keep the momentum going, the team has high aspirations going into this upcoming match. “I don’t see that we’re going to prepare any way specially for this golf tournament coming up,” Coach Dicus said. “We’re just going to keep doing the things we’ve been doing since we’ve been pretty successful so far.” The team is looking ahead to the C&F Bank Invitational in Williamsburg, Va. March 25 to 27. “We’re going to come into it with a really good mindset,” Hudson said. “Everyone’s got a lot of confidence right now.”
Junior Sarah Williamson was the second Mountaineer to take first for the women’s team, finishing the 5,000-meter run in 17:24.25. Fellow junior Amanda Hamilton took third and Hannah Orders took fifth. “I think I did really well for coming off of spring break,” Williamson said. “I’m pretty much doing the same thing. I’ve started focusing more on higher mileage, but making sure it’s quality higher mileage.” Junior Katie Cagle took second place in the 10,000-meter run, with a time of 37:14.34. The 4x400-meter relay team crossed the finish line in second, with Breanna Alston, Kristen Campbell, D’Shawrna McLucas, and Shenita Martin leading the way.
Softball faces tough series by ETHAN JOYCE Intern Sports Reporter
The Appalachian State softball team returned from spring break and put itself to a test, hosting a doubleheader series against the University of South Carolina-Upstate Tuesday evening. In game one of the doubleheader, the teams dealt with delays due to inclement weather. When the game finally started, the Spartans of USC-Upstate hit with reckless abandonment, scoring six runs in the top of the second. The Spartans never looked back, winning the game 102. The exclamation point of the game was a grand slam to center field by the Spartans’ Ashley Butler, which struck the top of Owens Field House. Senior shortstop Megan Rembielak was not worried at the time of the slam. “Anytime an opponent hits a homerun, it kills the mood,” Rembielak said. “But we knew it was so early in the game and we had so many atbats to produce.” Coach Shae Wesley did not think the rain delay made that much of a difference for the Mountaineers. “We have had a lot of weather delays,” Wesley said. “It is kind of the nature of our sport, unfortunately. You just have to tip your hat to Spartanburg. They have some great hitters on their team and a very explosive offense.” In the second game, the story did not prove much different, with the Spartans winning again 12-4. USC-Upstate started off hot again, scoring two quick runs in the top of the first. The Mountaineers began to make a charge back, led by junior Allie Cashion’s homerun in the bottom of the second, but could not pull off a comeback in the end. The Mountaineers’ next series will take place against division rival (and last year’s conference champion) Chattanooga. Rembielak is certain about what areas the team should work on. “We really need to get our swings back to where the were,” Rembielak said, “Also we need to string together everything. When our defense is on, our offense is not. When our offense is on, our defense is not. If we can all be on the same page, we will win every game this weekend.”
Future of Mountaineer tennis rests with freshman star Gabby Gabriel by JORDAN DEVERE Intern Sports Reporter
Maturity, poise and calmness are rarely traits expected of freshmen, but Gabby Gabriel is not your ordinary freshman tennis player. When head coach Colin Crothers first noticed Gabriel, he said he knew there’d be many schools seeking to recruit her talents. “She had a very high junior ranking on tennisrecruiting.net,” Coach Crothers said. “She had one of the highest rankings for an American player, plus she was also in-state. I tried to recruit her early on but she started looking at other schools. But she ended up contacting me after newfound interest in App and she has worked out great.” Coach Crothers is not the only one im-
pressed with Gabriel’s ability and potential. “I think she’s adjusting to the college level and she’s got immense raw power,” assistant coach Eri Latimer said. “So if she can work on her consistency she will be very strong.” Gabriel had a selection of college tennis programs and ended up becoming a Mountaineer for the team experience. “I really love the campus - it’s so beautiful,” Gabriel said. “For me, it wasn’t who was ranked the highest. It was about the team, the coach and the people. I love being on the team and everyone made me feel at home instantly and the classes are really good and everyone’s helpful.” The Mountaineers will play a conference match against UNC Greensboro next Wednesday at home.
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March 22, 2012 •
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No. 29 baseball off to best start since 1972 Brian Quick draws NFL attention at pro day workout by JAKE AMBERG Sports Editor
by TYLER WOOD Sports Reporter
Olivia Wilkes | The Appalachian
Junior pitcher Rob Marcello pitches Sunday afternoon at the concluding game of the Mountaineers' home series sweep versus The Citadel. ASU won the game 7-6.
Team goes 7-1 over Spring Break, earns first-ever national ranking by JAKE AMBERG Sports Editor
S
itting at 17-3, Mountaineer baseball’s early season success has come at an unprecedented level. Since joining DivisionI in 1972, no Mountaineer team has started the season with a better pace and no ASU team in the club’s 109-year history has been nationally ranked. Coming in at No. 29 in the Collegiate Baseball Newspaper, Appalachian State is poised to steal the Southern Conference from Elon, which has won the SoCon four of the last five years. The Mountaineers went 7-1 the week of spring break and have won 15 of their last 16 contests. The lone loss came in heartbreaking fashion to No. 3 South Carolina in Columbia, S.C. Despite leading the game for seven innings, Appalachian’s bullpen faltered in the bottom of the 7th. In a
game in which Appalachian State raced out of the gate to a 4-0 lead, the Gamecocks chipped away at ASU’s lead, finally scoring three in the bottom of the seventh to put South Carolina up 6-4. Appalachian’s usually sound defense surrendered two errors in the frame, including one at the beginning of the inning to start the rally. Centerfielder Evan Marzilli rocked a double to right center, to score all three runs. Despite seeing another upset bid fall short, the Mountaineers currently hold a perfect 6-0 SoCon record and an 11-0 home record. The Mountaineers also beat the Duke Blue Devils twice within a week to pull their out-of conference record to 10-3. On March 18 the Mountaineers completed their second sweep of a SoCon opponent, beating The Citadel 7-6. “It’s my first year here, but I know they have struggled
with them,” said pitcher Rob Marcello, who earned his third win of the season and struck out five Bulldogs batters in seven innings of work. “It’s a good sweep to go, and gets us full ahead for the SoCon for the rest of the year.” Despite holding a 7-3 lead going into the top of the 9th, closer Nathan Hyatt surrendered three runs and faced two runners on second and third base. Despite allowing a Nick Orvin single, right fielder Tyler Tewell threw out the tying run. Most impressively, Tewell’s throw did not hit the ground, allowing catcher Jeremy Dowdy plenty of time to turn and make the tag on pinch runner C.J. Clarkson. “Off the bat I thought it was a sinking line drive - I didn’t think I would get to it at first,” Tewell said. “It carried a little more than I thought, so I played the play like I thought it should be played. I didn’t want to dive on it and have it get past me
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and let the runner score, so I played it safe and I was fortunate enough to make a good throw and I want to send a thanks to Dowdy for actually catching it and making a tag on it because I couldn’t of done it without him.” The Mountaineers are happy with their early season success and their sweep of The Citadel in a rivalry that dates back to 1972. But for head coach Chris Pollard, the important thing is keeping his team loose. “Nobody is going to go away,” Pollard said. “Understand that you’re going to get people’s best shot, but at the same time, you have to maintain that even keel— loose is the word we throw around in the clubhouse.” The Mountaineers’ game against High Point was cancelled due to rain and no makeup date has been announced. The next scheduled game is against Elon Friday at 3 p.m.
The Mountaineers are again making waves in the NFL. Appalachian State’s pro day workout welcomed representatives from 26 NFL franchises. The reps evaluated the players on a series of position-specific drills and the 40-yard dash. The biggest draw of the day was senior wide receiver Brian Quick, who was listed 6’4” in February’s NFL Combine. Quick has the potential to be the highest drafted Mountaineer since Dexter Jackson was selected in the second round, No. 58 overall, in 2008. Quick has been seen in most mock drafts between the second and fifth rounds, and is listed as a top 10 receiver on most analysts’ draft boards. Although Appalachian State does not release the 40-yard dash times of their players during pro day, Quick said he performed consistently with his 4.55 mark at the Combine. Despite the buzz surrounding Quick’s draft status, the wide receiver has refrained from speculation. “At the end of the day I want to stay in the NFL,” Quick said. “Getting picked is just the first step. I don’t care about the money.” Quick said in preparation for ASU’s pro day, he worked out for nearly eight hours a day, and worked extensively to figure out the difference between NFL and collegiate terminology. Despite having to learn new terminology and play a more under-center oriented offense, Quick thinks he’s improved since the Senior Bowl that took place in early Febuary.
Quick said he was nervous about losing his starting spot on the team and dropped three or so balls in the first practice, before improving and earning praise from NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock. Maycock said Quick “made money” during the week. “It’s all about coaching,” Quick said. “I had the best coach for me. Guys from other schools know the terminology a little bit better…Those guys are human. They’re not better than me or less. They’re just out there trying to work and I support them.” Until the draft, scheduled for April 28-30, Quick admits he’ll avoid thinking too hard about where he could be living in May. “I’ve been thinking about it, but I’m going to let God take care of it,” he said. “You don’t have to think about it. Just let it come to you. Of course it’s in my head because I’m very eager to know. It’s my job.” Along with Quick, DeAndre Presley and other ASU seniors attended Febuary’s NFL Combine. “These guys are consistent - everything that happened today didn’t start today,” strength and conditioning coach Kareem Young said. “For you to have 26 teams to come back here after doing their homework, it shows you what these guys have accomplished.” Presley’s key to being drafted or signed by an NFL team lies in his versatility. Presley has seen interest from teams as a wide receiver, a defensive back and as a return specialist. “The fact that I can play many positions, a team can’t say ‘Oh, he can’t do this,’” Presley said. “They can come in and see that I can do multiple roles.”
Trotman finishes third, Blevins fourth at NCAA Wrestling Championships
Erin Morton | The Appalachian
Seniors Kyle Blevins and John Blakely practice in Varsity Gym. Blevins, along with senior Austin Trotman, won All-American in the NCAA Division-I Championship.
by CHASE ERICKSON Intern Sports Reporter
Appalachian State University seniors Austin Trotman and Kyle Blevins shocked the wrestling world Saturday at the 2012 NCAA Division-I Wrestling Championships, becoming Appalachian’s first pair of All-Americans in over 70 years. Trotman won both of his final bouts to earn third place in the 184-pound weight class at the NCAA tournament. Blevins secured fourth place in the 165-pound weight class and won six straight matches before losing in his final bout. “To have two guys in the top six on the same team in the same year, that speaks for the heart that these guys have and the work they’ve put in,” head coach JohnMark Bentley said. “I’m very proud, though I don’t think it’s fully set in.” Trotman’s third-place finish is ASU’s best since 1941 and he finished his career with 129 wins. Blevins recorded 40 wins this season and was the only unseeded wrestler at this year’s tournament to finish as high as fourth place. “I started the day by beating the guy from Maryland, who was ranked in the top eight all year,” Blevins said. “That was a huge win for me. I don’t know what to think right now, but the excitement is setting in. I gave it all I had with no fear, and it was the most relaxed I’ve been in a tournament all year. It feels great.” ASU concluded the tournament tied for 21st place and finished ahead of top tier programs including Hofstra, Missouri, Purdue, Virginia and Harvard. “Our guys don’t usually get the respect they deserve at this tournament and maybe people will take us seriously now.” Bentley said. “It’s extremely difficult to compete
against fully-funded programs, and this year’s success shows we’re doing the right thing.” Trotman lost in a 12-9 decision to eventual national champion Steve Bosak of Cornell in the final four. With a chance to earn a spot in the thirdplace bout, Trotman faced No. 3 Ben Bennett of Central Michigan. The match was close, but Trotman survived with a 2-1 decision. In Trotman’s final career match against former NCAA tournament finalist No. 2 Robert Hamlin, both competitors finished the third period tied at 1-1. In overtime, Trotman managed to grab both of Hamlin’s legs and force the match-clinching takedown. Trotman won the third-place bout 3-1. On the road to his third-place finish, Trotman also defeated No.1 seed Joe Leblanc of Wyoming. “I came out ready to wrestle and consistency is key,” Trotman said. “I was able to work hard in preparation and condition myself and was able to wrestle every match exactly the same.” Blevins began his final day as an ASU wrestler against No.7 Josh Asper of Maryland. Blevins scored first with a takedown, but Asper escaped, narrowing the Mountaineer wrestler’s lead to 2-1. Asper escaped again in the second period and the score was tied at 2-2 heading into the third period. With less than 40 seconds left in the third period, Blevins escaped and earned a second takedown for the 5-2 win. In his third place bout, Blevins lost to No. 4 Bekzod Abdurakhmonov of Clarion, 6-2. But Blevins will still finish his career as the fourth best wrestler in the nation at 165 pounds.