For more information on any of the club teams, visit the website:
clubsports.appstate.edu email us at: clubsports@appstate.edu or call us at the Student Recreation Center (828)262-2100 Director of UREC: Joe Carter carterjr@appstate.edu Director of Club Sports: Erin Sanders sandersec1@appstate.edu Coordinaters for Competitive Sports: Chris Carr carrcp@appstate.edu Heather Marshall marshallha@appstate.edu Executive Officers: Chad Deaver deaverce1@appstate.edu Olivia Chason chasonom@appstate.edu Patrick Sekel sekelp@appstate.edu February 5th Edition of Club Sports Illustrated Edited by Hallie Langley and Kristen Poole, UREC Publicity Programmers and App State Students
Cover and Table of contents photos taken from Club Sports Photo Library Cover submitted by Climbing and Table of Contents submitted by Cycling
In This Issue: Archery
Crunch Time
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Women’s Rugby
New Semester, New Opportunities
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Cycling
Winter Training
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Equestrian
More Than an Drive
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Triathlon
Preparations
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Women’s Basketball
Meet Madi Thomas
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Women’s Lacrosse
Krispy Kreme
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Women’s Ultimate
Ready to Rock n’ Roll
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Women’s Volleyball
Preparation is Key
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Executive Corner
Executive Corner
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ARTICLE BY: BRITTANY ROUNTREE
CLUB SPORTS COUNCIL REP
ARCHERY Crunch Time Arrows weren’t the only things flying at the first Appalachian Archery practice of the New Year; sprays of ice from the explosion of an unexpected snowball were a common sensation between rounds. The blanket of snow over the field meant total ease while searching for stray arrows; rather than kicking at the dirt and hoping to find the area that an arrow had thrust itself a full inch beneath the earth. Archers simply looked for the unmistakable track it had made through the snow. Coupled with the pleasantly crisp 50 degree weather, it was the perfect day to welcome new faces onto the team.
Photo by: Kaitlyn Reed
shoots held that allows Appalachian Archery to directly compete with other colleges. To determine who will attend the competition, a shoot off will be held at the upcoming practice among members who wish to be a part of the group of 10 shooters attending. The rest of the team will have the Rinehart 100 as their first and foremost concern for that weekend. The next two practices will be a crucial time for competitive members to build the stamina necessary to withstand shooting well throughout the two consecutive days of shooting. Non-competitive members will also be encouraged to train and attend the shoot.
Many members were excited to shoot for the first time with new releases, rests, and bows from the Holiday Season. All of the new gadgets will be tuned just in time for the major competitions Photo by: Brittany Rountree approaching later in the month. These include the Rinehart 100 and the Wildlife Commission Shoot, both held on February 20th. The Wildlife Commission Shoot will feature both Vegas Style and 3D competition opportunities. The team’s best shooters will be sent to this competition as it is one of the few
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WOMEN’S RUGBY
Photo by: James Foley
With AHO’s first game of our matrix season coming up this weekend, anticipations and excitement in our team are at an all time high. This Saturday, February 6th, AHO will be traveling to University of North Carolina at Charlotte. This past weekend, we really kicked it into high gear by having our day-long rugby camp. Although we were focusing on whipping our new members (and our returners) into shape, we still managed to have a fun time learning the game we love. Through the teaching of the lines, scrums, and occasional snowball fights, the team is starting to feel prepared and confident as we come into such an important semester. With this being the last week of practice, we are sure that AHO will be fully ready to be at our full potential in hopes to come out victorious in our upcoming game. Looking even further into the future, we have many challenges and games to
New Semester, New Opportunities
overcome (including UNCC). With the new semester comes the loss of some of our leaders and great players, including our VP and co-captain. However, we have a new person in both of those positions, and new people to raise up in AHO, we have no doubt that this could be our best semester yet. We went 5-1 last semester, which were all friendly. This semester, we are determined to put the work into making it an undefeated season. With practices four times a week and team bonding sessions, AHO has the full possibility to become the best we have ever been.
ARTICLE BY: RACHAL AROKIASAMY CLUB SPORTS COUNCIL REP
“Oderint, dum metuant!”: Let them hate, so long as they fear!
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CYCLING Winter Training Photo by: Jacob Richard
Training for the upcoming season is important in every discipline in cycling. Our biggest season is around the corner and the cyclists on the Appalachian State team are training for road season. This means training through winter. As many of you know, winter in Boone can be quite unforgiving with the snow, ice and unforgiving wind causing sub-zero temperatures, it can be quite hard to find the motivation to get on the bike and ride. December and January are the months of base miles where every individual rides long hours in the saddle to remind their bodies what being on the bike is like. Now that February is here, the harder training starts with intervals, climbing, and group riding techniques. When the spring semester starts, so do the group rides that many of the riders come to for base miles. These usually take place in Lenoir or Wilkesboro because the weather seems to be a bit kinder to us on the road.
us for the road season. Not only are we able to get miles under our tires, but we also are able to practice with the group and learn group dynamics, or at least brush up on our skills. The biggest struggle during training season is the winter weather. Not being able to ride outside most days dampens motivation to get on the bike for some. This is due to the grueling fact that we must ride inside on indoor trainers, which can be frustrating and extremely boring. So, to make these times better, Sean Weddell has offered training nights twice a week for due paying riders. We are able to ride during the week and also have a little bit of company while doing so inside. It at least makes the winter weather not seem as bad as normal.
Rides off the mountain are hosted by our team advisor and coach Sean Weddell and usually include part of the members of his team, High Country Development. These rides are long, but they prepare
HUNTER HILL
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ARTICLE BY:
SECRETARY
Photo by: Jacob Richard
Photo by: Jacob Richard
“Our biggest season is around the corner and the cyclists on the Appalachian State team are training for road season.�
Photo by: Matt Slawyer
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Photo by: Sophia Twarog
Photo by: Sarah Klassett
“Some may view our commute as long, annoying, or tiring, but we view it as an opportunity to grow stronger.�
Photo by: Sophia Twarog
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Photo by: Savannah Mathis
ARTICLE BY:
EQUESTRIAN
SOPHIA TWAROG CLUB SPORTS COUNCIL REP
More Than a Drive
The Equestrian team rides at two barns which are both located an hour away. Our western team rides at Mimosa Hills Farm in Morganton while both our hunt seat and dressage teams ride at Foothills Equestrian Center in Taylorsville. Some may view our commute as long, annoying, or tiring but we view it as an opportunity to grow stronger. Since our teams must drive an hour to ride we always carpool to our lessons. When everyone gets in the cars, we are all excited and glad to see each other. Our team members may discuss their classes, work, family and of course horses. We all learn so much about each other on our drives. This provides us with a strong bond and we all become family. After our lessons, we are always hungry. Lenoir is the perfect spot for us to stop and have lunch or dinner together. On the drive back we often
talk about how we rode and how the lesson went for all of us. We provide critiques and tips as well as reassuring those who may not have had the best of rides. Before we know it we are already back in Boone and the hour long drive flew by. Although the hour commute to our barns is time consuming we always make the best of it and it doesn’t bother us. The drive is worth it, considering we are riding with three amazing coaches that support us and teach us all we need to know. The whole team is able to grow closer and truly know each other. Our team has helped make this drive as easy as possible by having members consistently pay the same amount for gas money. Our coaches are also in constant contact with us if the weather does not provide for a safe commute. We may have one of the longest commutes but that doesn’t stop us!
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TRIATHLON Preparations Off season in the early spring semester can make it very difficult to train as hard as we would like to due to Boone’s ever changing weather. Because of this, we have to adjust our workouts to mostly indoor for a while. This means the only weekly team practices we can hold are swim in the SRC. We are able to meet every Monday and get in a good workout no matter the weather. Practices are member-lead and last an hour. It’s an awesome time to get a little work in while hanging out with our teammates.
Coming later this year, the team plans to compete in one conference race as well as the Colligate Triathlon Nation Championship in Clemson! Everyone is really excited we are able to race this event this in April. In the meantime, the team will be planning new apparel items, fundraising, searching for sponsors, and getting ready to compete again. It is going to be a great year for App State Triathlon!
ARTICLE BY: ABBY DUFFY VICE PRESIDENT
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“It’s an awesome time to get a little work in while hanging out with our teammates.”
Photo by: Judith Merdrano
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Photo submitted by: Jordan Cobb
ARTICLE BY: JORDAN COBB SECRETARY
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
This week, I decided to interview the president of the women’s club basketball team, Madi Thomas. Madi is a senior who is majoring in Health Promotion with a minor in Nutrition and Foods. This is her second year being part of the club team. How did you start playing basketball? “My dad was always playing basketball and other sports so when I was born he started me off playing very early. He coached me all the way through elementary school.” Being the president of the team, everyone looks up to you. What does that mean to you, in terms of the way you present yourself? “I have always said to lead by example, and I want to continue to do that as a president. I hope that I can set a good example not only on the court as a player but to hopefully be a good role model for the younger girls coming in.”
Meet Madi Thomas
How do you feel the chemistry of the team is this semester versus last semester? “I think the chemistry is a little bit better because we are more comfortable with each other.” What is something that you would like to see happen for your team before you leave App Club Sports? “I would love to see us win a tournament along with winning nationals because I think we have the ability to do it. “ Do you have any advice for your teammates that are staying behind? “Be patient with each other, and have fun! This is the last time you will ever have this experience and you need to live it up and enjoy it! Make the most of it!”
The team will be competing in Maryland the weekend of February 27th and 28th. This will What do you think the team’s weaknesses be their first tournament of the semester, and strengths are at this moment? and hope to come home with a win! “I think our weaknesses are communication and confidence. Our strength is our bond that we have with each other. We are all friends.”
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Photo submitted by: Jordan Cobb
What is the thing you will miss most about the club basketball team? “I will miss the girls of course, and the traveling and staying in hotels.�
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WOMEN’S LACROSSE Krispy Kreme It’s extremely exciting that the Women’s Lacrosse conference season is already here! This comes with more competitive tournaments, new members, and more team bonding, and with all of that in our future, we’re ready to dive right in! We’ve had a few practices already, and although the first practices come with some struggles, such as getting back into playing shape and getting in sync with each other, we’re looking strong for the upcoming games that will start at the end of this month. However, something unique about this semester is the fundraiser we will be heading off. We are teaming up with Krispy Kreme to sell some delicious doughnuts for Valentine’s Day to raise money for our team. That money will go toward traveling, team apparel, and equipment which is extremely helpful for any club sport. These doughnuts can be the regular glazed everyone loves, or the intricately designed Valentine’s-themed doughnuts. Also, the doughnuts can be ordered in singles or in dozens. It’s a great way to surprise someone,
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or even treat Yosef to a wonderful surprise. Another reason this is so exciting is the inevitable team bonding that will occur through this fundraiser. It is a great way to further connect with teammates we already knew, and to get to know new teammates really well before we start playing games. This will definitely help with the team chemistry, and it makes the upcoming tournaments more thrilling than ever. The Women’s Lacrosse team will be manning the hall of the Student Union near Crossroads Coffee Shop from February 9th-11th starting at 11 am until 2 pm. We hope to see everyone there because Krispy Kreme is certainly a must!
ARTICLE BY: EMMA EVANS CLUB SPORTS REP
All photos by: Emma Evans
“It is a great way to further connect with teammates we already knew, and to get to know new teammates really well before we start playing games.�
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Photo submitted by: Lindsey Rotche
“Catches and throws are improving, and everything is starting to really click.�
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WOMEN’S ULTIMATE Ready to Rock’n Roll The Nonads are back and ready to go. Due to heaps of snow and all, we haven’t been able to have all the practices we would like. Most of the practices we have been able to have have been in Varsity Gym, which unfortunately means we are unable to use the most integral piece of equipment in the sport…a disc. We have however been able to do cardio, sprints, and play some Mountain Ball. Even with this limited practice schedule trying to hold us back, the Nonads were able to complete and perform gallantly in their tournament at Chapel Hill this past weekend. Catches and throws are improving, and everything is starting to really click. This season looks pretty dang promising. Spring semester is the semester that really “matters” in Ultimate Frisbee. This is where we compete in sanctioned tournaments. Sanctioned
tournaments are sponsored by USA Ultimate and team’s results in each tournament affect their national standings. This will also affect your seed in sectionals at the end of the semester. Teams that make it through sectionals (top four) move on to regionals. The top two teams at regionals move on to nationals. The Nonads have competed at regionals in 2012, 2013, and 2014. After a building year in 2015 we are hoping to possibly make another appearance for 2016. Stay tuned for noteworthy Nonad happenings.
ARTICLE BY: LINDSEY ROTCHE SECRETARY
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WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL Preparation is Key The Spring semester brings new teams and competition for Women’s Club Volleyball. Last week, the club participated in team placements. These team placements brought in new interest in the club. This brought in new members and also creating new teams for the spring semester. Women’s Volleyball will have three competing teams this semester. The first competition of the semester is this weekend February 6th at Chapel Hill. The teams are all preparing with practices three times a week until Saturday. Also while working hard to prepare for the upcoming tournament, the executive board is planning more
ARTICLE BY: AYRON WALKER SECRETARY
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team unity events to make the three teams seem like one. Currently the teams are working on having more drills that work with all the teams together. Another idea that is new this semester is team conditioning. The club is preparing to work out together to make us all better and faster while playing. The ideas keep coming too, with getting more teammates apart of events around campus. For example, Club Expo and other events being planned within Club Volleyball and with other clubs on campus. Bringing in new ideas and members is hopefully going to bring good tidings to Women’s Club
“The club is preparing to work out together to make us all better and faster while playing.�
All photos by Mike Collins
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Executive Corner Article by: Patrick Sekel
As February kicks off, the executives are staying hard at work with their destinations and semester projects. Chad continues to follow up and work with The Appalachian, Olivia hopes to propose her team unity proposal soon, and Patrick’s manual changes to hotel and equipment policies were approved by Club Sports Council. Each of the executive officer’s projects have gone into full swing. Chad has begun his plan of attack for the symposium, trying to figure out dates and times. Olivia is figuring out time, dates, and places to host the Club Sports Banquet. Patrick has begun collecting demographics and plans to contact similar universities about their Club Sports Programs. At our last council meeting this past Wednesday, the council decided to host a Club Sports 5K that will take place sometime in April. The committees have been hard at work figuring out a theme, registration, publicity, and risk management for the event. The council looks to continue on February 17.
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