IN THIS
ISSUE PHOTO COMP 04 2015 WINNER 06 08 10 12 AHO RUGBY: A YEAR IN REVIEW 14 16 PRO-MADS 18 WRAPPING UP SOCCER 20 THE ULTIMATE SEASON TRIATHLON: A YEAR IN REVIEW 22 A MAJOR YEAR OF REBUILDING ICE HOCKEY
A SEASON OF UPS AND DOWNS MENS LACROSSE
GOALS FOR THE 2015-16 YEAR EQUESTRIAN TEAM
MENS RUGBY
CLOSING OUT A SUCCESSFUL YEAR WOMENS VOLLEYBALL
MENS ULTIMATE
WOMENS SOCCER
WOMENS ULTIMATE
TRIATHLON TEAM
Director of UREC
Publicity Programmer
Joe Carter, carterjr@appstate.edu
Alyssa Gribble, gribblead@appstate.edu
Director of Club Sports
Executive Officers
Erin Sanders, sandersec1@appstate.edu
Activities Coordinator Chelsea Watson, watsoncg@appstate.edu
Philicia Gibson, gibsonpn@appstate.edu Ian McNeill, mcneillim@appstate.edu Katherine Uva, uvakr@appstate.edu
24 A YEAR FOR THE BOOKS WRAPPING THINGS UP 26 28 CLIMBING TEAM YEAR IN REVEW 30 ODERINT DUM METUANT THE ROAD TO NATIONALS 32 BASEBALL SPRING 2015 34 36 38 GRADUATING OFFICERS 40 42 44 46 WOMENS BASKETBALL
WOMENS LACROSSE
CLIMBING TEAM
WOMENS RUGBY
SWIM TEAM
BASEBALL TEAM
TRIPLE CROWN WITHIN SIGHT CYCLING TEAM
FENCING TEAM
ALPINE SKI YEAR IN REVIEW ALPINE SKI
ANOTHER YEAR, ANOTHER BYE SNOWBOARDING TEAM
CLUB SPORTS SYMPOSIUM CLUB SPORTS BANQUET
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
The November 21st Edition of the Club Sports Illustrated Designed by Alyssa Gribble
2015 PHOTO COMP W TEAM: CYCLING PHOTOGRAPHER: LEVI ROSE SUBJECT: ALEX JEROME LOCATION: BEECH MOUNTAIN
4
YEAR IN REVIEW
WINNER
5
ICE HOCKEY
Despite only having a fewer number of games
difficult task of filling the numerous holes
union, to hosting a fundraising night at Come
this season, this may have been one of the
of spots on the roster left by the previous
Back Shack, to playing casual pickup games
most successful seasons for App State hockey
players. The team’s recruiting efforts ranged
at the outdoor rink at Sugar Mountain. After
in recent memory. The team has accomplished
from setting up contact tables in the student
some very positive interest expressed through
so much this year despite the many obstacles placed in front of them when they returned to school in late August. However, through the impressive spirit and determination shown by both veterans and newcomers to the roster, through a painful, yet necessary process of keeping a tight grip over a greatly depleted budget, and through a sudden surge of support of our founding fathers, the 2014 team has healed from its major wounds and will be at full strength going into next year. One of these obstacles that the team faced this year was physically putting a full roster on the ice. Due to losing over half the team to graduation and transfers last summer, the
“THIS MAY HAVE
BEEN ONE OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL SEASONS FOR APP STATE HOCKEY IN RECENT HISTORY
seven returning team members faced the
6
YEAR IN REVIEW
”
these events, the team nearly tripled in size and recruited enough players to competitively play against other teams in the region. These players ranged from former junior hurricanes who could skate before they could walk, to players who recently picked up the game, allowing interest from all skill levels. Now, with only one senior graduating, App State hockey will build off the positive trend from this year and continue to grow and be more competitive in the coming years. Aside from physical barriers, there was also a growing cloud of uncertainty that has been haunting the team, past and present. That cloud has been responsible for cancelling the 2012 season and severely crippling the
WRITTEN BY: CAMERON HUNT, PRESIDENT 2013 season, and was eyeing down the 2014 season as its next victim. That cloud was personified as an outstanding debt of $4,220 that had been swept under the carpet and allowed to fester for over five years. However, despite a debt that made up almost half the size of the year’s projected budget, the 2014 team was determined to take the hit this year to allow for a brighter future in the years to come. While a big chunk of the debt was absorbed by the current team, there was still a significant amount outstanding that demanded immediate attention. That attention was provided by the extraordinary support of the alumni team. After being informed of the current state of the team, the alumni contributed a substantial amount of over $1,600 in only two days of fundraising! Due to the help of both current and former players, the team was finally able to break away the terrible shadow of debt that hung over them and is currently debt free!
7
“WE WILL BE A TOUGH TEAM
TO BEAT FROM HERE ON OUT AND HAVE A VERY BRIGHT FUTURE
”
8
YEAR IN REVIEW
MENS LACROSSE
WRITTEN BY: BEN SMITH, PRESIDENT
This season had a lot of ups and
the week before App had to beat the
downs for the Men’s Lacrosse team.
number 1 team in our division in
The Mountaineers dealt with a lot of
order to make the playoffs. The game
weather and injuries that the team
was a back and forth fight throughout
had to over come. This being said
the entire game. No team took more
the men had a very good year, they
than a two goal lead during the
finished 4-5. during those 5 losses
game. Down by 1 with 30 seconds to
App did not lose by more than 2 goals
go Tennessee Wesleyan tied up the
ever. They lost two games in double
game with App to send the game to
OT and one game in single OT. This
overtime. During the overtime App
being said, as the weather got better
had many opportunities to win the
so did App in winning 3 out of their
game but were unable to capitalize.
last 5 games and finished 3rd in the
Tennessee Wesleyan however had one
SECL Div II West conference which is
opportunity and took full advantage
typically one of the top conferences
of it, and won the game.
in the league. Even in the loss App showed a lot The proudest moment in the season
of heart and showed the rest of the
was when the men traveled to
league that they will be a tough team
Tennessee Wesleyan. TWC is ranked
to beat from here on out and have a
in the top 10 in Division II. Due to
very bright future.
an overtime loss to Asbury College
9
EQUESTRIAN TEAM
T
he 2014-15 academic year
For starters, this year has been a very busy,
was a great year for the
action packed year. I want to incorporate
Appalachian
Equestrian
all of our accomplishments form this year,
Team. This year we had
such as hosting the #selfiewithChester
seven IHSA riders make it to regionals and
event into the teams activities for next year.
one go on to IDA nationals. This year we
Most importantly, I want the Appalachian
have four seniors so the vast majority of
Equestrian Team to grow closer and truly
the team will be coming back next year.
become a family. We Appalachian students
On the Hunt Seat team, Alexis Lott and
are grateful to be apart of the Appalachian
Miranda Horton will be graduating. On
Family and I would like to translate this
progress by acting as a voice for the team.
the dressage team, Madeleine Mason and
feeling into the Equestrian Team. We
We are going to have a fantastic year; I
Kristen Gore are graduating. With only four
currently have a great team, but I would
can’t wait to see the accomplishments we
members graduating we hope to bring the
like to see our numbers grow and our
will have together.
majority of our members back next year to
relationships grow even stronger. I want
welcome the new members.
next year to be a year of growth; growth in numbers, growth in relationships, growth
For next year, I am honored to have been
in experiences, and growth in any other
elected as President of the Equestrian
aspects that we can influence.
WRITTEN BY:
Team for the 2015-2016 academic school year. I am also grateful that I have had
I have a great team of executives, team
the opportunity to serve as Vice president
captains, and chairpersons. I know with
this year because it helped me to learn
their help we can accomplish these goals
more about leadership, team paperwork,
together. I will strive to be the type of
and team members. I have also witnessed
president that everyone feels comfortable
several aspects of the team that need
approaching and the one who will have
improvement. I hope to make these
your back. I also want to help the team
improvements next year.
10
YEAR IN REVIEW
HALEY MCCUNE, VICE PRESIDENT
“I CAN’T WAIT
TO SEE WHAT WE WILL ACCOMPLISH TOGETHER NEXT YEAR
” 11
“ TOGETHER IS HOW WE OVERCAME THE CHALLENGES ”
12
YEAR IN REVIEW
MENS RUGBY This year brought many new victories on
This spring semester brought many
April to ensure a successful tournament,
and off the field for AHO Rugby. In the
obstacles to AHO but as a team and an
which it was! Not only did we win the
fall semester we came in 3rd place in the
organization, we were able to overcome
tournament but it was also a successful
Southern Rugby Conference with a final
those obstacles and have a successful
fund raiser for the club.
record of 4-3. Our largest moral victory
semester.
from last semester was nearly edging
due to weather wasn’t the ideal way
The 2014-15 year was great for AHO
out UNC-Wilmington in the semi-finals
for the semester to go but we were
Rugby and we couldn’t have done it
of the playoffs. Wilmington had not lost
stable able to improve our skills and
without the support of our Alumni as
a game in almost 3 years and was the
fitness in practices as well as inter-squad
well as our seniors. AHO would like to
juggernaut of the SoCon. AHO, being the
scrimmages in the snow!
This spring
give a shout out to our seniors: Josh
#4 seed in the tournament, was definitely
also brought a new class of AHO recruits
Blanco-Captain, Kyle “Achilles” Walker,
overlooked by UNC-Wilmington which
in which continued to stick around even
and Ryan “Seacrest” Gipson. Good luck to
gave us a chance to shock the conference.
after all of our canceled games which
all of you out in the real world.
While the scoreboard didn’t fair in our
shows the dedication to this team needs.
favor, in our minds we knew we won that
This spring also brought the first ever
game.
We beat them down physically
“Spring Rucktoberfest Tournament”. AHO
for 95 minutes straight and eventually
Rugby has been hosting “Rucktoberfest”
caused them to lose in the championship
for the better part of the last 15 years
the following day to Furman.
Many
and it has always been in October. With
UNCW players have been quoted saying
our governing body, USA Rugby, switching
“I don’t want to play AHO again” and we
our competitive season to the fall, we
couldn’t be happier about that statement.
decided to change the tournament to
Having 5 games canceled
WRITTEN BY: CAM HUNT, PRESIDENT
13
“WE HOPE TO CARRY THIS MOMENTUM INTO NEXT SEASON
14
”
YEAR IN REVIEW
WOMENS VOLLEYBALL
Women’s Club Volleyball has much to be proud of in retrospect. From hosting challenging, successful home tournaments to bringing home 1st and 2nd place titles, Women’s Club Volleyball hopes to carry this momentum into next season. Newly appointed Club Treasurer Hannah Green says she’s excited for next season and the opportunity to host even more home tournaments. Home tournaments are a wonderful way for Club Volleyball to fundraise and the tournaments we hosted this year will greatly benefit us next season! President Priya Ford is hopeful that we will have more fundraisers next year that will get the word out about Club Volleyball as well as get our members involved in helping the community! Next season is full of promise, and we can’t wait to see what it might bring!
WRITTEN BY: CORBIN BRUTON, SECRETARY
15
MENS ULTIMATE With the college season coming to an end,
the games. In the Express’ April 19th overtime
blocks. The Express will compete against
many Nomads look towards their summer
loss to Jacksonville, Nordgren notched a team
opponents in Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee
ultimate plans. Professional team Charlotte
high +9, as well as team high 4 defensive
in their 14 game season.
Express, has signed a select group of Apps to compete in the AUDL South during the teams inaugural season. This group will join 6 other App alums to make 11 current players spread across the AUDL. This total ranks among the top in the country for colleges placing players on professional teams. App Currently has players on starting rosters for not only the Charlotte Express but also the Raleigh Flyers. These teams will play each other on May 2nd, in the first year of the Cross State Showdown. Current Nomads on the Express include seniors Adam Russell, Daniel Schopler, Jeff Nordgren, and Ryan Schanz, as well as sophomore Ian Barry. In the Express’
“PROFESSIONAL
Nomads are still focused on the end of their season. This weekend they head to Axton, Virginia to compete in the Regional
TEAM CHARLOTTE EXPRESS HAS SIGNED A SELECT GROUP OF APPS TO COMPETE IN THE AUDL SOUTH
first two games the Nomads had a positive impact on the team despite the outcomes of
16 16
With all this hoopla about Pro-Ultimate, the
YEAR IN REVIEW
”
Championship, with 3 bids to nationals on the line. The Nomads will open up playing Towson, followed by a game against sectional foe USC. The boys from Boone will have to top one of three top 20 teams in the nation in order to secure a spot to Natties. The sky is the limit for this team and with a high chance of rain all weekend the Nomads will be playing in their natural element, bad weather. To follow the action this weekend, follow the Nomads on twitter @Nomads_Ultimate.
WRITTEN BY: RYAN SCHANZ, SECRETARY
17 17
WOMEN’S SOCCER
As the year comes to an end, we could
four games scoring more then 15 goals. We
Soccer that was never recognized before.
not have asked for a better season of
then continued on to win our quarterfinal.
This year, and spring season in particular,
soccer. We were undefeated going into the
We then lost in the semifinal, but only after
has only made our team better and closer.
NC State Tournament and continued that
a hard 4-3 battle against nationally ranked
With that said, the end of the season is
streak until we lost in a hard fought battle
UNC. Overall the tournament showcased
bittersweet. We had such success and joy
in the semifinals. The team’s spirits and
App State’s skill and progress we have
that we cannot do anything but be proud
record were not hurt. Instead we entered
made in just the past year. We had a large
of what was accomplished, but leaving us
Carolina Cup, a tournament known for their
freshman class join the team in the fall,
are three seniors that have all contributed
big name attendees including UNC, NCSU,
but as they became a part of the team, the
to what made this team successful and a
ECU, UVA, Maryland, and more, with the
team began to succeed even more than
family. First is our President Taylor Branton,
same gusto as before. We left round play
in the past. With all the new faces, and
better known to the team as Tots. She has
ranked second in the entire tournament,
some very talented returners, we were
been the heart and soul of the team as she
out of fifteen teams, with zero losses in
able to make a name for App State Club
led us and made sure the little things no
18
YEAR IN REVIEW
one thinks about are done and everyone is
the team, but also brought a passion and
together.
happy. Without her the team would have
higher level of play to the game that the
of girls will join the team next year and
I’m sure another great group
fallen apart all together. Another senior
team could only feed off of. Our only regret
only add to the wonderful family we have
graduating is Audrey Boyles. She has been
is that we didn’t get her to join the team
made here in Boone. Every single girl on
our impenetrable defensive force for many
until her senior year. Our seniors will be
this team has contributed to the successes
years. With her in the defense we were
sincerely missed, but the team wishes the
of the year and we will only continue to
always confident and ready to face any
best for all of them in their future careers.
succeed and grow in the next season.
opponent knowing that the other team,
Without their leadership and presence
at the very least, had to get through her.
the team wouldn’t have come together so
Finally our third and final senior this year
perfectly. With our seniors leaving we have
is Ashley Cress, who was voted MVP by the
to remember all we have to look forward
team. Though she waited to join the team
to this coming year. From new officers to
this year, she truly deserved the MVP award.
another great season in the works, there is
She not only scored a variety of goals for
nothing this team can’t do when we work
WRITTEN BY: CARLY WILSON VICE PRESIDENT
19
WOMENS ULTIMATE
A
nd an ultimate season it
speed, and laughter to the team! Although
was for the ASU Women’s
she is graduating, she will forever be a
Ultimate team. This year,
Nonad.
we welcomed seven superb
new players to the field. Ella Perrin,
With Maggie Simmons and Bree Pacey
Sarah-Cabot Morris, Molly Ellmo, Madison
leading the Nonads next season is sure
Coughlin, Meredith Abercrombie, and
to be one for the books. We are looking
Sydney Baumann played throughout the
forward to building up our endurance
entire 2014-2015 season. Joining with
and developing team skills as a whole.
little experience on the Ultimate field,
The Nonads are looking forward to new
each drastically improved. They are sure to
members and having a great time playing
be a power house next season. Everyone
Ultimate. As always, spirit and friendship
on the team had a great season, building
will be at the forefront. Look out for the
our skills and friendships. “This season was
open Mad Hatter Tournament this summer
the best so far” exclaimed a Nonad. She
and join your favorite Nonads in some fun
was certainly not the only one with this
ultimate playing.
feeling. As we look to next season, there is much excitement and anticipation. The only downside is senior Ingrid Humphrey will no longer be able to play (as she is
WRITTEN BY:
graduating). Simply said, Ingrid is a rock star. She has been playing for the Nonads for four years, every year adding strength,
CORRIE MALONE, SECRETARY
20
YEAR IN REVIEW
“ I CAN’T WAIT
TO SEE WHAT WE WILL ACCOMPLISH TOGETHER NEXT YEAR
”
21
TRIATHLON TEAM
As all other club sports teams are
4.
feeling right now, it is exciting to
Comeback Shack this winter with lots
We had our first fundraiser at
know that finals will be over soon
of money raised for the team!
but sad that the year will be over. We have had an incredibly successful
5. Invested in a team sun tent!
season with exceptional growth and are stoked for next year.
We
6. Had a blast at Tuckfest Outdoor
are grateful for the award of “Turn-
Festival this April at the Whitewater
Around Team of the Year” and feel
Center.
that we definitely deserved it. There
getting podium in running and
are many things that we improved on
mountain biking events.
We had multiple people
this year, including: This year may have been a success, 1. Doubling our participation at races
but we still have a long ways to go.
during the fall season, with an overall
Our goal for next year is to have even
increase in membership.
more presence in our conference and qualify for Nationals. We were one
2. Increased the number of races we
spot short of nationals this year, so
participated in in the fall, with a total
next year we will train harder and “tri”
of four races including conference.
our best. Stay aero.
3.
We are getting more volunteer
hours this year!
22
YEAR IN REVIEW
“WE HAVE HAD AN INCREDIBLY SUCCESSFUL SEASON WITH EXCEPTIONAL GROWTH
”
WRITTEN BY: RILEY PARR, SECRETARY
23
WOMENS BASKETBALL
WRITTEN BY: ALYSSA HORAN, SECRETARY Overall, this has been a fantastic year
home court and it definitely shows.
together with all the stress from school
for the women’s club basketball team.
Although the team was expected to play
and still have a blast like this team does.
They have faced a lot of adversity with
better at Nationals, they still showed their
injuries and players stepping up to fill in
perseverance when playing a team that is
There are two graduating seniors. Lauren
officer roles mid-season. The team that
bigger and stronger. This team may not
Mckellop, business marketing major, played
had finished Nationals at NC State is not
be the best team at a tournament but
four years on this club team and was the
the same team that started in the fall. The
they leave everything out on the court
president her junior year. Needless to say,
coaches and players cannot be more proud
no matter what the score. By far the best
she is the heart of the team and everyone
of how much they have overcome.
part of this season is the friendships and
will miss her leadership and presence
relationships made. This team feels like a
next year. She is hoping to find a job in
One of the biggest accomplishments for
family that comes together and plays the
Charlotte, and will hopefully have time
this team is winning the home tournaments
sport that everyone loves. It is difficult
to come back next year and see the team
both semesters. They dominate on their
to have a group of college girls come
play. Cam Lawson is one of the coaches
24
YEAR IN REVIEW
and is also graduating this semester. He
Improvements still need to be made in
Whether it was strolling the streets of
is a great asset for the team because of
order to be even more competitive for next
downtown Aspen, Georgia, taking pictures
his basketball intelligence and his love
year. The girls have to work on individual
with Honest Abe, or competing against
for the team. Megan Lewis, freshman, is
techniques outside of the practices, so
teams all across the nation, this year has
transferring to a school in Texas, which
there is more time to focus on team-
been remarkable. This group of girls and
is her hometown. She will also be missed
oriented drills. Because there were so
the coaches had memories that will last
because even though she only was on the
many injuries this year, the players will
a lifetime. Thank you to everyone that has
team for one semester, she is a big part of
have to become more conditioned when
helped support this team!
the team.
there are limited substitutions.
25
WOMENS LACROSSE
WRITTEN BY: OLIVIA CHASON, CS COUNCIL REP
26
The second weekend in April, the Women’s
time in the sun after all of the bad weather
Lacrosse team traveled to Wilmington for
we’ve experienced here this spring.
the Endless Summer Lacrosse tournament,
We played our first game against Wake
which was what the team had been
Forest University, a new team to our
preparing for all semester. We were set to
conference. With our luck, it rained
play three conference games, in addition
throughout our first game. Despite the
to two other games. This tournament was
rain, we played very well and beat Wake
highly anticipated because our conference
Forest easily. We were very happy with our
games were against some of our toughest
performance. Our next game was against
rivals, East Carolina University, North
UNCW. In this game, we were able to
Carolina State University, and University
beat them and continue to play at a high
of North Carolina at Wilmington. The team
level. We had been changing some things
also was looking forward to spending some
around on the field and were using some
YEAR IN REVIEW
new motion offenses that seemed to work
they were up at halftime by a few goals. We
biggest accomplishments being our very
very well for us. After UNCW, we got to play
came back in the second half, however we
successful fall home tournament, “The Yosef
Old Dominion University, which was a very
weren’t able to get ahead and we ended up
Fall Classic,” and our huge wins at the ECU
fun game that we controlled and won. After
losing by two goals. Although we lost, we
tournament in the fall, we set ourselves
those games, our day was done and the
played very well and we didn’t let ourselves
up for a fulfilling year. We look forward to
weather cleared up, so we were able to hang
get down about it. We went on to play NC
building our team back up in the upcoming
out at the beach and explore Wilmington.
State for the second time this season right
year, so that we can come back even stronger
On Sunday, we were set to play our biggest
after our first game. Unfortunately, we lost
next spring.
rival, ECU. Our games against ECU have
to them as well by a mere two goals. Despite
always been tough, competitive games. In
our losses, our team was very proud of the
the fall, we beat them twice, once in a brave
way we played that weekend, especially
heart after going into overtime. ECU came
after the set backs we’ve had this semester.
out ahead in the beginning of the game and
The team had a great year overall. With our
27 27
“
28
we are really loooking forward to the new year and what it holds for the climbing team
YEAR IN REVIEW
”
CLIMBING TEAM This was a big year for AppState Climbing.
Appalachian State. We had a great time
our team. This all came to a close when
We hosted two competitions, traveled
meeting climbers from other colleges
we held our last practice as a pizza party.
to other schools, attended festivals,
and enjoyed getting to try out some new
As sad as we all are to say goodbye to our
represented at nationals, had many team
gyms.
seniors and an awesome year of climbing,
bonding experiences, and even donated back to a local climbing cause.
we are really looking forward to the new In addition to these college competitions,
year and what it holds for the climbing
many of us attended the Triple Crown
team.
In October and March, we held our
Bouldering Series. These are bouldering
bi-annual Southern Comfort Bouldering
competitions (more like festivals) held
Competitions and raised a bunch of
all over the east coast. One of the
money for our team. All of our competitors
competitions was even held at Hound
had a really good time and most of
Ears in Boone. This was another chance
the competitors who placed were from
to get to meet other climbers in the
Appalachian’s team.
community and enjoy the company of our teammates.
We went to many different climbing competitions in our region, including
Finally, we had plenty of team bonding
Brevard, Western, and UT Knoxville. At
experiences this year. With potlucks
the competitions we went to, our team
before each competition, we really got
members dominated and represented
the chance to know each individual on
WRITTEN BY: ASHLEY BEAN, SECRETARY
29
WOMENS RUGBY
T
his year has been a tough
final game of the fall semester against
one
Women’s
Georgia Southern University. However, she
Rugby. We’ve suffered many
for
Aho
didn’t let it stop her from doing what she
injuries from some of our
loved and coaching our team through the
key players, but our rookies stepped up
spring semester. She will be returning as
when we needed them most. If it weren’t
our back captain next year, fully recovered
for the outstanding leadership from both of
and ready to kick off the season.
our captains and the commitment from our players, we would have done much worse
Additionally we’d like to congratulate our
this year. We focused on getting back to
two other graduating seniors, our President,
the basics second semester with improving
Kelley Castanho and our Social Chair, Chloe
our passing, tackling, and rucking.
The
Ramjohn. Both were outstanding assets
goal was to work on the fundamentals of
to the team and we wish them success
the game.
on their future careers and can’t wait to play against them at our Alumni game this
Our pack captain, Miranda Miller (aka
coming fall.
Dougie/High Chancellor), is a graduating senior who we will miss greatly. She has been instrumental not only defensively in the rucks and scrums, but offensively as well
WRITTEN BY:
when she gets her hands on the ball. Our back captain, Rachel Baker (aka Dothraki Warlord), suffered a major leg injury in the
MELISSA MANDERBACH, CS COUNCIL REP
30
YEAR IN REVIEW
“IT WAS A TOUGH YEAR FOR AHO RUGBY BUT OUR ROOKIES STEPPED UP
”
31
SWIM TEAM
T
he 2014-2015 swim season
In addition to breaking records and placing
was one for the books.
in the top 30 at nationals, our team has
Appalachian State Swimming
really come together this season. Some
just concluded the season
of our most notable achievements was
with a great performance at the East Coast
increasing the size of our roster and
Collegiate Swimming & Diving National
becoming a swim team family. From taking
Championships at Georgia Tech. The team
part in the Polar Plunge to hiking the Blue
had great swims and personal bests from
Ridge, we have really come together as a
both our men and women. Our men’s team
team. Our team’s end-of-the-year banquet
placed 26th out of 74 teams, the highest
was bittersweet with officers Kyle Cicenia
finish in our team’s history. The following
and Shannon Whitaker graduating in May.
swimmers broke school records:
However the team has a bright outlook for the coming year with the elections of
Matt Jacobs, Ryan Franz, Cole Quinn, & Kyle
a new officer group. Even after graduation,
Cicenia 200 Freestyle Relay 1:29.85
swimming will always be a huge part of our lives. When you’re part of a team, you’re
Kyle Cicenia 200 yard Freestyle 1:52.80
part of something bigger than yourself. Teammates for life.
Matt Jacobs 100 yard Breaststroke 1:00.66 Matt Jacobs 50 yard Breaststroke 27.30
32
YEAR IN REVIEW
“OUR TEAM HAS REALLY COME TOGETHER THIS SEASON
”
WRITTEN BY:
KYLE CICENIA, PRESIDENT
33
“
THE APP STATE CLUB BASEBALL TEAM STARTED OFF ITS SPRING SEASON STRONG
”
34
YEAR IN REVIEW
BASEBALL TEAM
The App State Club Baseball team
(.500 with 2 RBI), as well as starting
started off its spring season strong,
pitchers, seniors Mike Aiello and
winning four of its first five contests.
Kevin Wetzel. The Mountaineers have
They started off with a sweep of Mid-
also seen great outings from relievers
Atlantic- South rival Wake Forest, and
senior Ben Duncan and junior Eric
followed up by winning one of two
Janken.
games played so far against Elon University. The team faced off against
App State ran into a rough patch
UNC-Chapel Hill at Beaver Field at
this
Jim and Bettie Smith Stadium for
against conference foe NC State.
its second home series, winning one
The Mountaineers were swept by
of three contests. They played well
the Wolfpack in a mix of a bad, team
against the Tar Heels, however caught
hitting slump, defensive mistakes,
some unlucky breaks, resulting in
mental errors and bad breaks. They
some heartbreaking losses.
hope to turn things around this
past
weekend
in
Raleigh
weekend as they take on top-ranked
WRITTEN BY: PATRICK SEKEL, PRESIDENT
The Mountaineers have relied heavily
East Carolina in Boone, once again at
on the fielding and hitting prowess
Beaver Field at Jim and Bettie Smith
of freshman shortstop Carson Isaacs,
Stadium. The team looks to veteran
who is currently hitting .500 with
leadership from senior infielder
two homeruns and four runs batted
Aaron Norris, junior outfielder Jon
in. App State has also seen great
Smith and sophomore catcher Grant
contributions
Caudill to carry them past the Pirates.
from
sophomores
Clark Jones (.353) and Jamey Meeker
35
CYCLING TEAM
A topsy turvy season is coming to an end
This course proved to be the most difficult of
State University racers than any other team.
here with the cycling team. The conference
the season dropping many ‘flat-land’ racers
Two crashes inhibited Miles Hubbard and
lead has been traded amongst several teams
and leaving only the true ‘climbers’. Many of
Forrest Howard from finishing the race but
including Virginia Tech and the US Naval
the races finished with small groups or solo
Appalachian State University still held the
Academy. If you remember, Appalachian
breaks that provided exciting and enveloped
numbers game in the lead group with three
State University won both Mountain bike
spectating.
strong racers left. A late attack by NC State
conference championships and cyclocross
tried to shake up the lead group but in the
conference championships in the fall and
A wet and wild downtown criterium race was
end Gene Taylor was able to lead out Zach
winter respectively. We now find ourselves
held in North Wilkesboro on Sunday. The
Felpel for his first Collegiate Criterium victory.
in the middle of a close race for Road
course was a figure eight loop in the heart of
Wish us luck as we compete and conference
conference championship. The last race will
downtown passing by established spots such
championships this weekend and at Nationals
be held at Virginia Tech with three races all
as ‘Talia’s Espresso’, the ‘Liberty Theater’, and
in three weeks.
counting 1.5 times the amount as a regular
the ‘The Dispensary’. The rain caused racers
race making this weekend a ‘springboard for
to practice caution. This caution divided many
separation’ – Miles Hubbard.
of the fields early on in each race, only the daredevils survived. The Men’s A race turned
Last weekend was our home race, the
into an Appalachian State University show of
Foothills Cups, held in Wilkesboro/ North
dominance. Dropping the current Conference
Wilkesboro North Carolina. Saturday held the
leader early on Zach Felpel and Forrest
road race. The course was challenging with
Howard traded attacks. With about 20 laps
a 1000+ foot climb with every ~12 mile lap.
to go the men’s field held more Appalachian
36 36
YEAR IN REVIEW
WRITTEN BY: CRAIG STEWART, SECRETARY
37 37
WRI
DAVID LONG PR
A
s the 2015 spring semester
On October 13, 2014, Vlad announced to
Although Vlad and some of the other
ends, the graduation of
his friends, family, and the Fencing Club
officers have already made plans for their
several officers will also
that he has been accepted to the graduate
future after graduation, I still do not have
occur soon. Most of the
program at Parker Chiropractic College. He
any definitive plans yet even though I am
officers, including myself, are expecting
is expecting to start his graduate studies in
studying Marketing and Management with
to graduate in May or during the summer.
September 2015. Since he is going to begin
a concentration in Entrepreneurship as
The graduating seniors and officers of the
to earn a chiropractic degree in September
my majors with a minor in Supply Chain
Fencing Club include Vlad Vedock, the
and he will be graduating with most of
Management. I have been applying for
President; Amanda Martinez, the Treasurer;
the current officers during this quickly
full-time employment and internships that
Ryan Smith, the Armorer; and me, David
upcoming May, I am assuming that he will
I would start during the summer and had
Longworth, the Public Relations officer. The
most likely get a summer job or internship
three interviews with different third-party
post-graduation plans of the graduating
to help improve his resume. Even though
logistics providers throughout this semester,
seniors that I am aware about are the plans
Vlad Vedock has already decided his post-
but I haven’t had the best luck regarding
for myself and Vlad Vedock.
graduation plans that include beginning
getting accepted for employment or an
to earn a chiropractic degree starting in
internship. If I haven’t been accepted for a
Vlad Vedock has been studying Exercise
September, I will be having completely
full-time job or summer internship around
Science as his undergraduate major at
different plans for my future.
the time I graduate in May and I maintain
Appalachian State University since 2011.
38
YEAR IN REVIEW
my GPA to be considered acceptable by
FENCING TEAM
ITTEN BY:
GWORTH OFFICER
a university’s graduate school program,
Martinez. Vlad Vedock has been accepted
then I will begin the application process
to start earning a chiropractic degree
for earning a Master’s degree in Business
from Parker Chiropractic College starting
Administration with a concentration in
in September 2015. I am still currently
Supply Chain Management so I can have
searching for employment and internships
more appealing qualifications, skills, and
to start during this summer, but I also
knowledge relevant to jobs in logistics
have the desire to earn a Master’s degree
and supply chain management. Since most
in Business Administration in Supply
of the current officers, including myself,
Chain Management as soon as possible.
are graduating soon, having some plans
Even though the post-graduation plans
for the future is great for our professional
for the officers, especially for Vlad and
growth and career development.
I, are different, we are all determined to improve our professional wellbeing and
Having definitive plans for the future is always great for anybody, especially for the officers that are graduating soon. These officers include myself, Vlad Vedock, Ryan Smith, and Amanda
career development.
“MOST OF OUR OFFICERS ARE GRADUATING IN MAY OR THIS SUMMER
” 39
WRITTEN BY: REBECCA PURKEY CS COUNCIL REP
40 40
YEAR IN REVIEW
ALPINE SKI Ski season has since come and gone, and we
We have four graduating seniors this year,
same without them. They’ll all be continuing
are all enjoying ourselves in the new warm
including Matthew Brodie, Alexis Everett,
their skiing, and some will probably join other
and sunny weather. However, just because the
Crosby Taymore, and Josh Mintz. They will
regional club teams. We are excited to hear
snow has melted and the slopes have been
certainly be missed; the team won’t be the
about their future accomplishments as Ski
closed for weeks, that doesn’t mean Team Ski shuts down until next winter. We still meet up and reminisce about the past seasons and secretly wish the cold and snow would once again return. Our biggest accomplishments this year, including becoming a more cohesive team, were having both the girls and guys team make it to Regionals. We also had one skier, Ian Oliver, qualify for USCSA Nationals. Not only did we have many skilled returning members continue to improve on their technique, we also had several freshmen who time and time again proved themselves on the slopes. We could not be more excited for the coming years as they return and improve their skills even more.
“AS A WHOLE,
WE COMPETED VERY WELL THIS YEAR
”
Team Alumni. As a whole, we competed very well this year. We had several new members contribute a lot to the overall success of the team, and other Team Ski veterans competed their very best and took us to Regionals. We were able to take our top ten members to Regionals and compete against some of the best teams in the area. Next year we are looking forward to further improving our team as a whole in terms of skill and technique. We are already excited for winter to return so we can get out on the slopes and resume practicing again. But for now, you can find our members outside and enjoying the warm spring weather while it lasts. Ski ya later!
41 41
/ SNOWBOARDING TEAM WRITTEN BY MIRANDA MARTIN, SECRETARY
T
he Appalachian
State
University
Snowboard Team is wrapping up another year. As we head into the end of the semester and the beginning of
warm weather, our family has bittersweet feelings about the end of each season. Of course we are stoked for all of the activities that come with summer, but at heart we miss the snow. And each year we are so excited to see the new members that join our team, but at the same time we know we will miss our seniors. Congratulations to the 2015 Graduating Snowboard Team Members!
42 42
YEAR IN REVIEW
DO YOU FOLLOW CLUB SPORTS ON SOCIAL MEDIA? IF YOU DON’T, YOU’RE MISSING OUT. FACEBOOK.COM/ASUCLUBSPORTS @ASUCLUBSPORTS
FOLLOW US TODAY! 43
44
YEAR IN REVIEW
CLUB SPORTS
SYMPOSIUM The Club Sports Symposium took place on
for next year. Club Sports Executive Philicia
Monday, April 27th at 5pm at Broadston in
Gibson did a great job coordinating and
Valle Crucis, NC. It was a time of learning for
running the night!
all of the officers for the 2015-16 year. They heard presentations on many various subject
A special thanks goes to LKN Merchanise,
topics, including leadership, AppSync, the
Licensing at App State, and the ASU
Budget Point system, Apparel and Licensing,
Counseling Center for your presentations!
the Counseling Center, and much more. It was a very successful night as a whole and many walked away educated and excited
45 45
CLUB SPORTS
BANQUET The Club Sports Banquet took place on Thursday, April 23rd at 6pm at Broadstone. It was a fun-filled evening with great catering from Woodlands BBQ, celebration of all that the Club Sports teams have accomplished this year, and presentation of awards to specific teams for their achievements. The awards were as follows: Turn Around Team of the Year - Triathlon Team Officer of the Year - Philica Gibson Rich and Tasse Little Team of the Year - Mens Rugby. Special thanks to Ms. Cindy Wallace, Ms. Tasse Little, and Woodlands BBQ! Congrats to all the teams, it has been a great year! Looking forward to 2015-16 to seeing all that will be accomplished.
46
YEAR IN REVIEW
47 47
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T O
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