1
In This Issue Executive Corner
Women’s Lacrosse
14
Welcome
The Kickoff
Baseball 4
Women’s Rugby
A Winning Run
Misconceptions
Cycling 6
Swimming 18
Seasons of Potential
Going Swimmingly
Equestrian 8
Triathlon 20
Welcome Back
Tri Time
Fencing 10
Women’s Volleyball
Back on the Strip
A Winning Run
Men’s Lacrosse On The Rise
August 26th Edition of Club Sports Illustrated Designed, Edited, & Published by Ian Hensley, UREC Publicity Programmer, Juinor, Graphic Arts & Imagign Tech Articles from App State Students
2
3
12
16
22
Executive Corner Eric Horth
The Executive Officers have been diligently working so far this year! We started meeting in early August with training to learn the ropes of the program, and how to do our jobs as an Executive Officer that will best help all of our club teams and the program. With school starting back, we have all been hard at work getting ready for all the duties that the school year brings – officer conferences, recruiting events, and collaboration with our individual teams.
We have also been working together with Eric Horth, the new Competitive Sports Sports Coordinator, to enhance the Club Sports Program as a whole. As of now, we have been working to make sure that all MIC’s are being proccessed accurately and efficiently. This Friday, we are having an MIC Processing PARTY to ensure that all teams are able to travel, and can continue to compete and participate. This year we have had an
incredible amount of MIC’s which is a testament to all of your teams’ hard work in the recruiting process. As a program, we have had a lot of participation in all of the recruiting events, and are excited to continue working with all of our teams. We want all of our teams to know that we are here for them for anything that they need, and to never hesitate to contact us. We are excited, and cannot wait to see the program continue to grow!
Article By: Angena Lebarre
3
BASEBALL A Winning Run
As a new semester kicks into gear, App State Club Baseball is not far behind. Returning players, A. J. Herrin (President), Mike Koller (VP), Zach Roddy (Secretary), Clark Jones (Treasurer), and Zach Thompson (Club Sports Council Representative) serve as officers of the club. With the loss of a few four year members, the team looks forward to returning players and new members seeking to join. This gives the team a chance to build on their past success, as well as integrate new players into their program. App State Club Baseball is a member of the NCBA Mid-Atlantic Region, Southern Conference, and hold the 2012 Mid-Atlantic Regional Championship title. Practices have shown a good
amount of talent; which officers anticipate as a winning run. One major goal for the team this year is to make it back to the playoffs. It is important to not only strengthen the talent of our players, but to also develop connections between teammates. A favorite series of the players is the Spring Break tournament, played last season in Clearwater, Florida; which presents the opportunity to compete with a wide variety of universities. It is without a doubt that this club continues to grow and strives to be the best. Returning players and new players alike look forward to further developing the team and foresee a bright future for the season.
Article By: A.J. Herrin President
4
A.J. Herrin
A.J. Herrin
5
Cycling
A Summer of Training + Seasons of Potential This summer, while the regular semester came to a conclusion, so did our collegiate cycling calendar. That did not stop our team members from training and racing on their summer break. Summer is a time for many races within the USAC Domestic, and UCI calendar and one of the best ways to come into the collegiate season fit and ready to race is to have a few events under your belt. Other members took time off of racing to focus on training, and honing skills necessary to their success. Team members like Zeb Ramsbotham, William Johnson, Garrett Clark, and multiple others jumped on the road and criterium scene, with some incredible results including multiple podiums and wins as individuals. These races spanned from local races in the Southeast U.S. to large domestic events like the Tulsa Tough located in Oklahoma. Other teammates like Jordan Bouldin, Byron Rice and Annie Pharr stayed
6
in the off-road scene competing in Mountain Bike races from local race series like the Southern Classic, 6 hour races, and prestigious events such as the Boston Rebellion UCI race. Throughout the summer people also got together to ride all over North Carolina, from long rides here in the mountains of Boone, to big rides down in the endless trails of the Pisgah Forest.
The 2016-2017 school year shows tremendous potential for ACCC wins and podiums, but more importantly holds the opportunity for the Appalachian State University Cycling Team to compete for the top step of the podium in USAC Collegiate National Championships. The first meeting, and group rides in the area have brought new aspiring teammates and countless talented cyclist to the cycling community and hopefully to the team. These new faces along with the many veteran team members together could lead the team to a successful National Championships campaign. The USAC previously divided teams based on being Division One or Division Two, where club and varsity programs competed together. The new division separates clubs and varsity programs instead of D1 and D2. The cycling team has consistently been a top three club team, and on many occasions been the highest ranked club team in Division One. This new setup of collegiate cycling holds the opportunity for our team to be a significant factor in the chase for a National Title.
Annie Pharr
Daren Wilz
Article By: Jacob Richard Secretary
Jacob Richard
Matt Sloyer
7
Equestrian Welcome Back
8
ar og
For the Equestrian team we have to get started as soon as school starts because our show’s season starts in September. We have no
time to waste at the beginning of the year. The first team to kick off the season for us is our Western team on September 17th -18th at Saint Andrews University in Laurinburg, North Carolina. Then the Western team gets a break until November 5th-6th when we have to make the long haul to Martin Community College in Williamston, North Carolina. The start of the Hunt Seat team’s busy fall season is September 24th at Averett University in Danville, VA. They will T a i also be competing this Soph fall on October 1st at Virginia Tech, October 15th at Wake Forest University and October 22nd – 23rd w
Welcome back to the High Country! I hope everyone’s summer was filled with wonderful adventure whether it be here on the mountain or somewhere in lower elevation. The team had our first meeting with perspective members August 17th, so we could go ahead and hit the ground running after summer break. However, we are still open to people that may have just found out about the team to join as well.
at High Point University. The Dressage teams season will kick off September 25th at Emory & Henry with a busy fall schedule. They will also compete October 2nd at Bridgewater, October 30th at Virginia Tech, and November 19th at Emory & Henry. We are really excited for our show season to start up and looking forward to many blue ribbons for App State. We hope to see some Mountaineers come out and support us at our shows this season. We would also like to wish the best of luck to all App State Club Sports teams on their upcoming seasons.
Article By: Corinne BergMan President
Katherine Uva
Molly Bostancic
Katherine Uva
Katherine Uva
9
Fencing
Back on the Strip With over 150 potential new members signed up at our Club Expo booth, the fencing team is ready to hit the strip running this school year. Last Thursday, we held an interest meeting outside the Quinn for prospective members to learn more about our sport, our team, and the various tournaments that we attend throughout the year. Our prospective teammates enjoyed listening to our Armorer, Chandler Case, explain the different weapons and the rules associated with each. We also plan to continue our Thursday night Macado’s tradition with our new members this year. Outside of our bi-weekly practices at Quinn, some teammates are
branching out into the community to increase the availability and knowledge of fencing in Boone. Our Vice President, Maria Cilenti, is an experienced epeeist and teaches private fencing lessons to beginners in Watauga County. She is also helping establish a new fencing club in Hickory, NC. Additionally, Maria will be teaching epee to our new members this fall. She also plans to create a new conditioning program to keep us in shape for our competitions. Lastly, as the Public Relations Officer, I plan to update our club Facebook page and website so be sure to keep an eye out for updates and new pictures from our tournaments
P
10
Maria Cilenti
online. In the meantime, you can check out our website at www.appstatefencing.wixsite.com! The new website will include an updated roster with new members in addition to information on our practices and upcoming tournaments. Our team is looking forward to another great year as we expand our program. We’re especially excited for the spring semester as we plan to attend Nationals in Winston-Salem this year!
Article By: Lauren Brackett Public Relations Officer
11
Men’s Lacrosse On The Rise
Last season was a record year for Appalachian States Men’s Lacrosse Team, going 4-0 during the fall season and 7-3 in the spring campaign. Along with this record, the team won both the SouthEastern and Northwest conference titles and made its first appearance in the SELC playoffs in Atlanta. After a 16-10 victory over the College of Charleston in the preliminary round, ASU fell short to Kennesaw State in the semifinals. At the end of the season, everyone left the field knowing we had made history, but not satisfied with the results of the season. Fast forward to the fall of 2016. With preseason games around the corner, the team is readying themselves to improve upon an already successful 2015 season. The loss of last year’s seniors, goalie Jake Vilis, defensive midfielder Grant Simpkins, and attackman Will Nassif, will come as a blow to the team. However, 7 of the original starting 10 players will return to the field, ready to pick up where they left off last season. Players to watch this season are senior attackman Jon Cooper,
12
senior long stick midfielder/close defenseman Matt Frizzel, and senior midfielder George Revercomb. Along with returning starters, the rising sophomores and juniors are looking to build upon the success of last season and step into a larger role for the team this season. In addition to returning players, a class of eager freshmen are looking to find a home for themselves on the team. All in all, ASU lacrosse is on the rise and preparing for another historic run for the championship.
Goals for the men’s lacrosse team this year are at minimum to win the SELC NorthWest conference for the second straight year. Once that is accomplished, the team will set its eyes on the main prize: The MCLA National Championship tournament in California. One thing that the team plans to improve from last season is the unity of the players both on and off the field. More activities outside of practice, such as cookouts and fundraising activities, are planned for the fall season to make every member feel welcome on the team. The fall season will open at home on September 11th against High Point University, at State Farm Fields at 12:30 P.M. Come support your Men’s Lacrosse team as they prepare for another successful year.
Article By: Sam Ingles Club Sports Council Representative
Sam Ingles
13
Women’s Lacrosse The Kickoff
Women’s Lacrosse is happy to announce the commencement of our Fall 2016 season! We kick off the season with many new players and always welcome additions. I look forward to learning more about all the great new players we gained this fall. Practices this year will typically be on Mondays and Wednesdays, and team workouts will fall on Thursdays, from 6pm until 8pm. Our team travels, as well
as hosts, tournaments throughout the year; our Yosef Fall Classic is less than two months away! We encourage students to join our team, all skill levels are welcomed. My favorite memory as part of ASU Women’s Club Lacrosse Team was our first team game night because it showed me how close the girls on the team really were. I joined the team second semester not knowing
M Katherine Miller
14
Katherine Miller
Kate Roche
a single player but felt welcomed with open arms! I know our team is very friendly but we are also serious and competitive when game time comes. This team is a perfect combination of fun and serious competition. Our lacrosse team places an emphasis on team bonding both on and off the field. The officers have planned an array of activities for
this coming season; activities range from team dinners to hikes and other team adventures. I have been able to see this team grow, both in lacrosse skill and as college students in the mere semester I have been a member. If you want to have fun, get in shape, and make great friends, come out to Women’s Lacrosse!
Article By: Maddie Marcellino Club Sports Council Representative
15
Women’s Rugby
Misconceptions
It is that time of the year again when AHO Women’s Rugby starts coming together as a new team. It is a new year, with new people, and a new team. When talking about rugby there are quite a few misconceptions people have about the game of rugby that I would like to talk about. I am not big enough to play. One of the most common misconception about rugby is that you must be a certain size or certain strength to play. Rugby is a sport that has many types of positions for many types of people. Yes, there are those positions that may require some size but there are also positions that need people who are quick and agile to make it down the field. I will get hurt if I play. It is commonly known to people that there is tackling in rugby, like football, which will lead to injuries. Although there is tackling in rugby, there is not hitting like you see in football. Unlike football, when you tackle a person your arms must be wrapped around the person for you to tackle them. Yes,
16
there will be some bumps and bruises along the way, but there is technique for everything. I cannot play because I have never played before. Even if you have never played rugby before, that is ok! Rugby is a sport that has techniques and skills from other sports woven into it that would make you a perfect fit for this sport. Even if you have not played other sports, we will start with the basics and teach you everything you need to know to play. As we go through each day of practice you will become more and more aware and equipped for our first game. It is an ongoing learning experience that we all go through together. From personal experience I can say that I am still learning about the game after playing for a year. I am not a very aggressive person. If you do not see yourself as an aggressive person that is ok. You do not have to be an aggressive person to play rugby. While it is a contact sport and can seem aggressive on the outside, rugby is very much a team
sport and there is a lot of organization behind the chaos. If you enjoy sports, physical activity, or simply being on a team, rugby will suite you just fine. Rugby is a confusing sport. If you are looking at the game of rugby with no knowledge of the sport, then yes, it may seem confusing. It may seem like people are running and simply hoping something will happen. Like I said earlier there is a lot of organization going on behind what seems to be chaos. In rugby there is a lot of passing and supporting that happens to get the ball down the field. Once you get the basics the rest will come a lot more naturally and will make more sense. I hope that by talking through some misconceptions I have cleared up any doubts you may have had about rugby. If you are interested in this fantastic sport you can come out to practice this week and see what you think. If it does not end up being for you that is fine but if you seem to enjoy it, we will gladly welcome you onto the team. You will not just be joining a sports team but you will be joining a family and will make memories that will stay with you for years. We are a very social team and like to hang out outside of practices and games to bond as a whole. If you would like more information regarding practices or about the game
in general, you can contact any of our officers whose emails are available on clubsports.appstate.edu. Below is a tentative game schedule for this fall for anyone interested in playing or simply coming out to support your AHO Women’s Rugby team. Dates Location 9/10 @ CWRFC 9/17 VS Guilford 9/24 @ NC State 10/1 @ College of Charleston 10/21-10/23 Alumni Weekend 10/28-10/30 Rucktoberfest (Home) 11/5 VS Emory & Elon
Article By: Sadie Lagle Club Sports Council Representative Club Sports
Savannah Dougher
17
Swimming Going Swimmingly
Swim Club is having a successful start to the season! After participating in many Welcome Weekend events prior to the start of the season, such as Club Expo and UREC Fest, we were able to meet many potential swimmers, informed them about our team and recruited a lot of new members! Our first practice had a large turnout consisting of returning swimmers and many new faces that we were excited to meet. This was the highest turnout we’ve seen in a while and we’re super excited about what this means for our team this year. We think we’ll be a competitive force at both inseason meets and nationals. Our team represents a diverse range of swimming backgrounds, which makes it fun to see everyone come together and work hard as a group, regardless of ability.
18
The team made strides to get to know each other better as we all went to dinner after practice. We discussed our goals and aspirations for the upcoming season and the new swimmers were given the opportunity to ask officers questions about the year. Getting to know each other better outside of the pool will enable us to push each other to excel in practice and at meets and bond as a group. We’re looking forward to a great season of competition & fun and can’t wait to see what this year has in store!
Article By: Katrina Huff Secretary
Olivia Bear
Olivia Bear
19
Triathlon Tri Time
The Appalachian State University Triathlon Club has now been around for 5 years, and within those years, the team has grown tremendously. When we were just a club, the goal was to become a club sport. Once we became a club sport, the goals for the team just kept getting bigger and more grandeur. Though the sport of triathlon is an individual sport and we all have differing aspirations, as a team we strive to be the best we can be, not only in our sport, but in our community as well. As a team, our main goals this year are to further develop our team both physically and mentally, promote triathlon in the High Country, and use our influence as a team to make the best of the opportunities that we have been given on a college campus. As the semester begins and the season looms ahead, I think back to my first triathlon, two years ago and why I chose this team out of the bunch. When you hear the word triathlon, the first thought is, “whoa, that’s intense” or “those people must be crazy.” And coming in my freshman year, I did think that triathletes were a little crazy. I mean, who would
20
want to swim, bike, and run for fun? Even as a former swimmer and runner, the triathlon team sounded extreme. But I was willing to try something new and see how it went. The first week of freshman year is full of meeting after meeting, debating which clubs and sports to try, but after sitting through the first interest meeting of Triathlon, I knew that it was where I wanted to be. Though it is an individual sport, the team comradery and all-inclusive environment upheld by all the members and officers is why the Triathlon team is the best. Physically, you are completing a triathlon by yourself, but you are not alone. At every practice and every race the team there is cheering each other on, helping each other out, and constantly motivating one another to do their best. Practice for Triathlon just started, and the first race of the season is merely weeks away. The team is in preparation mode to make sure we all survive and do well. Our first race will take place in beautiful White Lake, North Carolina. Triathletes will have the option to compete in sprint, international,
and half-ironman distances. A majority of the team will be competing in the sprint and international races, and two members will be taking on the half-ironman. After the completion of White Lake, the team will be taking on one more race in September and two races in October, including the Liberty Conference Championship. In addition to competing in multiple races, the team is planning a few fundraisers and hopes to participate in various events that benefit the High Country.
The Appalachian State University Triathlon Club is ready to kick it into high gear for the 2016-2017 season. We are going to swim, bike, and run our butts off to achieve all of our team and individual goals to the best of our abilities and have a grand ol’ time in the process. Here’s to eating whatever we want for the next couple months!
Judith Medrano
Judith Medrano
Patrick Duffy
Article By: Tristan Thomas Vice President Will Rumley
Will Rumley
21
Womens Volleybal Order on The Court This Monday, Appalachian State’s Women’s Club Volleyball had a record turnout for both general interest and open gym attendance. President Ayron Walker is enthused with the sheer amount of participation, especially from freshmen who likely heard about the organization through Club Expo and UREC night. These are two events that allow club sports to showcase themselves and pique the interest of potential new members. This year, all events promoting Club Volleyball were an utter success. This past Monday night over sixty ladies showed up to Open Gym at the Quinn Recreation Center, ready to bump, set, and spike their way into team placements which occured on Wednesday. With new members and a new school year came the re-election of positions for Club Volleyball’s executive board. Senior Ayron Walker, a right-side hitter and former secretary, is President
22
this year and is a phenomenally organized and communicationoriented leader. She reports her opinion on this year’s great turnout, “I’m very excited to see all the new faces that are interested and passionate about volleyball!” Newly Elected Vice President and former publicity chair Emily Carmichael is equally as excited about the coming year, “I think we are headed in a great direction as our own community both on and off the court. We have conquered obstacles I feel that we have had in past, such as communication. We have had great turnouts for our events so far and I am interested to see where this year takes us!” Emily is a libero and outside hitter, and has done a great job so far facilitating events and communicating to both new and returning players. Other newly elected executive board members include first time board member and Treasurer
ll
Bailey Layne. She is enthusiastic, approachable, and extremely capable with money and organization. She put special focus learning about new members at this Monday’s open gym as well as working hard to be inclusive. Ashley Collins is this year’s Club Sports Council Representative, she is committed to attending biweekly meetings and she is also a talented graphic design major and will likely design club apparel this year. Tori Whicker is this year’s Publicity Chair, and though her position is not officially recognized she plays an extremely important role in spreading the word about Club Volleyball’s events on social media platforms, and has done
a wonderful job so far, especially with getting those #likes and #followers on Instagram! This year’s Secretary is senior Natalie Bouchard, who is hard at work writing Club Sports Illustrated articles and carefully taking minutes at Executive Board meetings. Each member of the board is so excited to work together to share duties, play volleyball and to start this new year and season. They are constantly working on bettering the club and learning new things every day, especially when it comes to AppSync.
Article By: Natalie Bouchard Secretary
Mike Collins
Mike Collins
Mike Collins
Mike Collins
23
LEARN MORE ABOUT CLUB SPORTS GO TO CLUBSPORTS.APPSTATE.EDU
Executive Officers Nikko Weeman weemannk@appstate.edu
Angena LeBarre lebarreac@appstate.edu
Sophie Twarog twarogsr@appstate.edu
Coordinators for Competitive Sports: Chris Carr carrcp@appstate.edu
Eric Horth horther@appstate.edu
Director of UREC: Joe Carter carterjr@appstate.edu
Director of Club Sports: Erin Sanders sandersec1@appstate.edu
@AppStateClubSports
@AppStClubSports
clubsports@appstate.edu | (828)262-2100