IN THIS
ISSUE 04
APPALACHIAN EQUESTRIAN SEMESTER EQUESTRIAN TEAM
06 SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY ANTICIPATING WINTER 08 10 A SHIFT IN SEASONS 12 WRAPPING UP SOCCER 14 WRAPPING UP FENCING 15 A SEMESTER OF GROWTH WRAPPING THINGS UP 16 CLIMBING TEAM
ALPINE SKI TEAM
CYCLING TEAM
WOMEN’S SOCCER
FENCING TEAM
ICE HOCKEY TEAM
BASEBALL 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
18 SWIM TEAM 20 AHO ATTITUDE IS BACK CLOSING THE FALL 22 24 A SEASON TOGETHER 26 MEN’S LAX SEASON REVIEW FINISHING STRONG 28 AHO: RESPECT ALL, FEAR NONE 30 32 HIGHS/LOWS OF THE SEASON 34 36 SWIM TEAM
MEN’S RUGBY
MEN’S ULTIMATE
WOMEN’S ULTIMATE
MEN’S LACROSSE
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
WOMEN’S RUGBY
LET THE SNOWBALL FIGHTS BEGIN! SNOWBOARDING TEAM
TRIATHLON TEAM
WOMENS LAX TAKES INVITATIONAL WOMEN’S LACROSSE
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
EQUESTRIAN TEAM
WRITTEN BY: APRIL KAISER, TREASURER App State Equestrians have by far held
having four different sectors, but we work
Chatam, VA in the spring! Our other two
their own as a strong and unified team
and strive for an accepting and uplifting
competing teams, Hunt Seat and Dressage,
this semester. With a wonderful expansion
equestrian family.
have been doing very well at horse shows.
of our Western team to having several
At Hunt Seat’s last show of the semester
riders attending regionals to hosting our
This year, we have a very well-established
at Virginia Tech on November 8th, one of
annual IDA show, everyone has worked
Western team for the first time in our
our riders, Sophia Twarog, as well as two
incredibly hard this semester for the whole
team’s history! The best part? They have
other riders from other schools, qualified
of the team. The Equestrian team has
kicked some serious butt! Their last show
for High Point Rider! Although she did
four different options available when
was at Martin Community College/ NC
not receive the title, the fact that she tied
someone joins the team, they can compete
State show in Williamston, NC, and they
for the title is a massive accomplishment
in Western, Hunt Seat, or Dressage or they
earned Reserve High Point Team! We also
within itself. The Hunt Seat Team, overall,
can choose to do noncompeting in any of
have Pressley Laton attending regionals
now has a total of three riders heading
the three disciplines. It has its challenges
at Old Dominion Agricultural Complex in
to regionals in the spring hosted by
4
Averett University, Haley McCune for the
we will keep everyone updated. All three
Intermediate division (now in Open), Lex
competing teams have fought hard for their
Lott and April Kaiser for the Advanced Walk
accomplishments and continue to make
This year’s unified equestrian team has
Trot Canter division (both now in Novice),
us proud to be Appalachian Equestrians!
already improved in leaps and strides and
and with two more shows left for the spring
Non-Competing Team is also a wonderful
we are all prouder than ever of each other
semester, we may very well have more hunt
option for riders, and they have all been
and each other’s triumphs this semester. I,
seat riders joining them. Dressage has
working very hard improving their riding
as a fellow member and teammate, cannot
their last show of the semester coming up
equitation and skills. For the first time this
wait to see where our team goes with our
this weekend at Emory & Henry College
semester, in our Thursday non-competing
many goals and aspirations in our bright
in Virginia and we wish them luck and
hunt seat lesson, all of the riders cantered!
foreseeable future.
good draws! A few of our Dressage riders
The ability to canter is a great milestone
are also close to qualifying for Nationals.
and requires a great deal of an equestrian’s
With a few more shows next semester,
understanding, coordination, and
confidence to feel comfortable executing.
5
CLIMBING TEAM
WRITTEN BY:
This past weekend, the ASU climbing team hosted our 15th annual Southern Comfort Bouldering Competition at the Student Recreation Center. We had another great turnout and all of the registration spots filled up! Most of the competitors were from
ALEXA ZAKULA,
Appalachian State, but we had a few participants travel from NC State and Lees McRae
SECRETARY
with a finals round for the top three strongest climbers. Our very own Austin Meyrick
to climb with us. The competition rounds ran from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, finishing up placed first in finals, closely followed by Carter Smith. ASU alumna and former climbing team member Melise Edwards took third place in finals, and was also the top female climber of the competition. Following the finals round, the winners in each division were announced and prizes were awarded. We have been lucky enough to have so much support from a variety of generous sponsors, including a handful of big name climbing companies and some local Boone businesses. Stick Boy Bread Company provided pastries for all the participants, Regear and Lost Province Brewing Company
6
“WE HAD ANOTHER GREAT TURNOUT THIS PAST WEEKEND
”
donated clothing and gift certificates, and
to make the trip to Horse Pens in Steele,
of sponsors set up booths near the stage
Footsloggers provided many of our prizes.
Alabama for another round of fun boulders
area and contribute many prizes to be given
We will host a sanctioned Collegiate
and intense competition. The Triple Crown
as awards and raffles. Often food and drinks
Climbing Series (CCS) competition in the
Series normally only consists of these three
are also provided as well as some fun mini
spring semester as well.
competitions, but this year a fourth round
competitions, like crash pad stacking or table
has been added at Rumbling Bald right
bouldering. These competitions are more
This coming weekend is the third
outside Chimney Rock, NC. While each of
than just climbing – they are huge day-long,
competition of the Triple Crown Bouldering
these competitions has their own divisions
sometimes weekend-long, events that are
Series, which consists of four outdoor
and results, participants can also track their
great for climbers to meet others and make
bouldering competitions across the South
performances throughout the entire series
connections with amazing companies.
East. Team members have already traveled
and there will also be winners for the series
to Hound Ears in Boone, Stonefort in
as a whole. These competitions are open to
Chattanooga, Tenessee and are preparing
the public and are fun for all ages. A variety
7
“while the re
sports are we’re just g
8
est of the club e wrapping up, getting started
”
ALPINE SKI TEAM
As the semester quickly draws to a
been the highlight of the season.
close, the Alpine Ski team is starting
They’re all eager to show their stuff
preparations for the coming race
and learn from some of the veteran
season. Booking houses, turning in
members on the team. We’ve held
USCSA forms, and finalizing the roster
countless drylands, with activities
are all in full swing as we eagerly
ranging from indoor soccer, to hiking,
anticipate winter.
Several lucky
to eating. More importantly, we’ve
Team Skiers have already taken their
held the annual McConkey Monday
skis out of lonely summer storage
and introduced the new skiers to the
and headed out to Sugar for the
most important game in the world,
first few snows.
the game of G.N.A.R.
With dedication
like that, there’s no way we won’t
WRITTEN BY: REBECCA PURKEY, CLUB SPORTS COUNCIL REP
have a terrific season. We already
So, as most winter sports go, while
have two Trikke sessions and two
the rest of club sports are wrapping
classroom sessions with the most
up, we’re just getting started. We’re
knowledgeable Dr. K under our belts,
so stoked to head out to the slopes
and the team is more than ready to
to start practicing gates and fine
get out to the mountains and put
tuning our skills in preparation for
those newly honed skills to good use.
race weekends.
Getting to know the new Team Skiers at drylands and get-togethers has
9
CYCLING TEAM
L
WRITTEN BY:
ast article I reported the summary and results of our mountain bike season. It was a good one but
CRAIG STEWART,
we have more to look forward to. The cycling team participates in three seasons – Mountain, Cyclocross
SECRETARY
and Road. We are now starting our Cylcocross season in full earnest. Let’s give some background. Cyclocross isn’t new, however, it might sound exotic. Cyclocross is best described as an obstacle course on
The collegiate season will reach its pinnacle in Austin, Texas over
bikes. Each course contains features that make a rider either take
winter break where we will send a contingent out to race. We have
acrobatic risks or get off to run around. Obstacles could include
some serious talent among our current team. Freshmen Byron
massive sand pits, steep and unrideable hills, or even random
Rice is looking strong and will have a mixed season of pro racing
planks of wood sticking out of the ground. It turns out that the
and collegiate racing. Baird Sills is determined to dominate and is
best bike for such a course is half road and half mountain. Take a
looking for a front row start at the national championships. But
standard road bike – give it some engineered steroids plus knobby
we must not forget the rest of our team. We have racers in each
tires and you’ve got a cross bike. Each year it seems as if cross bikes
level doing well and progressing. Charlie Shuford is primarily a
get closer and closer to mountain bikes; adopting technologies
road racer but is using cyclocross this season to stay in shape and
from every facet of the bike. Another way they make cyclocross
work on some bike handling skills. Forrest Howard has some good
more miserable, yep – miserable, is by having the entire season
days in between horrific sand pit slide outs. We also have Katie
run through the depth of winter. Therefore each race is cold, rainy,
Horvath as a brand new racer who just got a bike and is trying her
snowy, muddy, icy, not warm, and miserable. And while it may sound
hand at the sport.
as if I talk with disdain, cyclocross holds a near and dear spot in every cyclist’s heart. For the most part, cyclocross is a way to enjoy
Conference standings are still being calculated but Appalachian, as
the terrible weather and keep riding year-round.
per usual, will be at or near the top!! Look forward to a full report next semester!
10
“ IT WAS A
GOOD SEASON BUT WE HAVE MORE TO LOOK FORWARD TO
” 11
WOMEN’S SOCCER
The Women’s Club Soccer team had one
season. One was in Charlotte competing
semi-finals but we still held our heads high
of the best seasons yet since my freshman
against women’s adult leagues. This
after the tournament.
year back in 2011. During the fall semester,
tournament helped raise funding for breast
we have had many highs and a couple lows.
cancer and was a lot of fun to play against
Along with the highs have been some lows
Starting the season off, we beat Wake Forest
former college athletes and even some
however, specifically Regionals. Once we
and tied against Virginia Tech, one of the
alumni from good ol’ App State. One of the
heard we made it to Regionals we instantly
top competitors in our conference. Over the
toughest tournament we played in was
worked harder in practices and started
years we have always had a strong rivalry
Virginia Tech’s annual Hokie Classic. We
preparing. During Halloween night we
with VT and games are always intense.
unfortunately lost to U.Va in a close game
played against UNC-Chapel Hill and lost.
After our first two games we knew we had
which was one of our toughest losses. We
This was a tough loss since we knew we
a strong group of girls with a diverse set of
played Duke and won in the final minutes
only had a few chances to prove ourselves.
skills and were excited to start the season.
and ended up playing Virginia Tech once
Saturday we were scheduled to play Florida
We participated in two tournaments this
again. We suffered a tough lost to them in
and Clemson, but weather proved to be an
12
issue and all games were canceled. Since
golden goal overtime only to still be tied
over the east coast. Spring season will be
we could not finish our bracket, Sunday
at the end. This led to penalty kicks which
some of the girls last semester with the
games were changed to 20 minute halves
is one of the most heart-stopping moments
soccer team, and I hope to make a lasting
in which they are usually 40 minute halves.
in the game of soccer. At the end of the
memories for the seniors. Knowing this
While all the teams fought to have games
shootout we ended up losing and having to
is my last year of competitive soccer is
changed to Saturday evening or regular
pack our bags. Looking back at Regionals, I
heartbreaking but I know all the friendships
halves on Sunday, but leaving later that
feel like we really had a chance if weather
and memories I have made over the past
evening depending on their games times,
wouldn’t have canceled our games, but it is
few years will last a lifetime.
the officials were resilient and we had no
what it is. We can just take this opportunity
choice but to take the 20 minute halves.
and learn from it.
Knowing you worked hard all season and only having half a game to prove yourself
While the fall season has ended, I am
at Regionals was absolutely infuriating. We
already excited for the spring season. We
ended up playing Vanderbilt and played
hope to have a competitive schedule but
a great game, but before you knew it the
also fun and friendly games. We usually
whistle was blown for the end of the game
travel to UNC-CH and compete in their 7v7
and we went into a short five minute
tournament which brings schools from all
WRITTEN BY: TAYLOR BRANTON, PRESIDENT
13
FENCING TEAM WRITTEN BY KELSEY PAINTER, PR OFFICER
T
he Appalachian State Fencing Club has taken our first semester rather easy. Unfortunately, the tournament we planned to host in October
fell through, but we are planning for multiple tournaments in the spring and doing some traveling. We are also sorry to say goodbye to our armorer, Richard Batsuli, but several people are being trained to fill the vacancy. Our biggest event so far has been the coaching day. Earlier this month, we had two coaches and several fencers from Wake Forest come and train with us. Coach Peting, who has done workshops with us before, came and introduced some new and interesting techniques as well as coaching strategies and how to lead effective practices. He also went over how fencing techniques have evolved by drawing parts from all kinds of national styles. The other coach was an Italian fencer and ran a good deal of epee drills, and showed our epeeists several new techniques. We spent all afternoon in the clinic, and we finished it off with some free fencing as usual. With a rather uneventful first semester this year, all we can really say is how much we are looking forward to the upcoming semester. We are preparing for our tournaments and traveling and training hard to maintain a great club!
14 14
SAY IS “ HOWALL WEMUCHCANWEREALLY ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO THE UPCOMING SEMESTER
�
13
WRITTEN BY SAM YOUNG, PRESIDENT
A
t the beginning of the Fall
ICE HOCKEY TEAM selling Dominos coupons.
2014 semester, The App State ice hockey team faced a
As for the team, there are over 15 players
number of challenges coming
currently on the team roster. The team
into the new school year. There was a grand
consists of players from all skill levels and
total of only six returning players from the
experiences with the sport, but all of us enjoy
previous 2013-2014 team, as well as an
playing just for the love of the game. This
outstanding debt of $2,820 to the Blue Ridge
year’s team is especially heavy offensively
Hockey Conference (BRHC) which needed to
with three former junior hurricanes playing
be paid back by the end of the calendar year.
forward.
These challenges meant that there would need to be some serious recruiting and
After waiting an additional three weeks for
serious fundraising done during the fall 2014
the Winston Salem Annex Arena to open,
to have a successful season.
App State ice hockey has already played two games with Elon and Radford. There is one
So far, the team has been able to accomplish
more game this semester with Johnson and
those goals. As for the debt, the total amount
Wales on December 6th. Opponents next
has been paid in full to the BRHC. Paying back
semester include Johnson and Wales (Jan
the debt has been the team’s biggest priority
31st; Feb 6th), Virginia Military Institute (Jan
this year so there can be much more capital
16th), and Radford (Feb 14th). This team
available next year to put towards more
has grown so much over the course of this
games and practices. The team has also been
semester, and I can’t wait to see where we
hosting several fundraisers, including a Come
will be at the end of the year.
Back Shack Night on November 17, 2014, and
“
tHIS TEAM HAS GROWN SO MUCH OVER THE COURSE OF THIS SEMESTER
” 15
BASEBALL TEAM
It has been an eventful and successful
they had was against Catawba Valley who was,
games by scores of 5-1 and 7-2. After the
season for the men of the Appalachian State
perhaps, the best competition that App State
series, CVCC players expressed compliments
Club Baseball team. The team finished the
will see this year. They would lose both
to the Mountaineers, saying those were the
season 2-5 in exhibition games against Surry County Community College, UNC Charlotte, and Catawba Valley Community College. The team then reached the wild card in the Greenville Invitational Tournament, losing in the elimination round to conference rival ECU. It was the farthest the team had ever gone in the tournament. The season started off great with a split double header against Surry County. The Mountaineers would take the first game 6-5, but then lose the second game 5-0. The team would play two weeks later against UNC Charlotte and unfortunately lose the series two games to one. They would lose 7-1 and 5-1, but then bounce back with a 6-3 win to avoid the sweep. The last exhibition series
16
“IT HAS BEEN AN
EVENTFUL AND SUCCESSFUL SEASON FOR THE BASEBALL TEAM
�
two closest games they had played all fall. The 3rd annual Greenville Invitational Tournament had arrived and Appalachian State was there once again. In order to win the tournament, they would have to win their pool (or the Wild Card spot) and win the semi-final and final game in the elimination round. The Mountaineers would go 2-1 in pool play, defeated UNC Wilmington 4-2, losing to Virginia Tech 12-0, and hanging on to beat Kennesaw State 7-6. Because of UNCW winning the pool, Appalachian State would receive the Wild Card berth and play the ECU Pirates in the semi-final game. Playing their conference rivals, App State put up a great fight, only trailing 2-1 into the 5th inning. But then the ECU bats exploded and gave
the Pirates a 7-1 lead at the end of the 6th. App State would lose the game and ECU would go on and win the tournament later in the day. It was the farthest the team had ever gone in the tournament, and that’s something that this writer/president is very proud of. The Mountaineers have begun their winter workouts in preparation for the spring season.
WRITTEN BY: PATRICK SEKEL, PRESIDENT
17
“ OUR SWIM
CONTINU DURING W
18
MMERS WILL UE TO TRAIN WINTER BREAK
” Appalachian State’s Swim Team just
medley, and the 100 yard breaststroke
competed at Clemson’s TigerTown
at our home meet. The swim team
Invitational for our final meet of the
has continued to work hard under
semester. The season began with the
the expertise of our coach, Richard
2014 Allan Jones Invitational at the
Miller, a previous collegiate swimmer.
University of Tennessee followed by
Our swimmers will continue to train
our own 20th Annual High Country
during winter break with their club
Invitational home meet. We had thirty
teams back home as we continue to
or more swimmers attend all three
prepare for the East Coast Swimming
meets and had many school records
& Diving Championships at Georgia
broken. The biggest event of this
Tech. We expect to bring a large
semester was the 20th Annual High
number of swimmers to compete
Country Invitational. Seven teams
at our national meet with previous
were present including UGA, UNCW,
school records expected to be broken.
UNCG, ECU, Davidson, and Coastal. Our women’s’ team placed fourth and the men’s team placed third. Several hundred swimmers competed and we had a large turnout of volunteers to help run the meet. Melissa Crew broke school records in the 50 yard breaststroke, 200 yard individual
WRITTEN BY: ROBERT COMPTON, VICE PRESIDENT
19
MEN’S RUGBY The fall semester of 2014 was one of the best
up scoring off of a muffed scrum, ending the
it was best game of the semester simply
semesters in our recent history in terms of on
game abruptly with a final score of 22-17.
because of the sheer toughness that we
the field play, practice scheduling, recruiting,
Even though we lost,
played with as well as proving to ourselves
and closeness with teammates off of the field. The best game of the semester came in the semi-final of the Southern Rugby Conference playoffs against our longtime rivals, UNCWilmington. We entered the playoffs as the last seed in tournament meaning that we would have to play the #1 seed in the first game. All of the other teams had written us off due to the sheer power of UNCW as well as their nearly 3 year dynasty in the Southern Conference. The semi-final game was a heavyweight slugfest for 80 minutes straight. Neither team was giving an inch and collectively it was one of the most physical games in AHO history.
At the end of 80
minutes, the score was tied, 17-17. Sudden death overtime ensued.
After roughly 15
more minutes of physicality, UNCW ended
20
“WE CAN’T WAIT TO REACH NEW HEIGHTS AS A TEAM
”
and other teams in the conference that we are for real and will continue to be a serious physical competitor in semesters to come. The highs of our season came in terms of simple fundamental improvements as well as a complete turnaround in attitude. The attitude towards practice and showing up on time is something that we preach and has helped us sharpen up the little things that pay large dividends in the end. Our success on and off the field can be attributed to our leadership from our older guys as well as a newfound sense of unity between us as teammates. We finished the semester with a record of 3-2 in the regular season, and 1-1 in the playoffs. Following the semi-final loss to UNCW, we demolished ECU in the 3rd place game, 55-17, the following day. We are excited
to give our bodies some rest over Christmas break but also we continue to remember to never stay out of the fight. “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” These spring semester games will be here before we know and we can’t wait to keep improving
WRITTEN BY: CAMERON HUNT,
and reach new heights as a team. BOAMT!
PRESIDENT
21
MEN’S ULTIMATE
C
WRITTEN BY:
HA CHA COOL-AY. This past weekend the Nomads traveled to scenic Wilmington, NC, to compete in the
RYAN SCHANZ,
2014 Fall Easterns tournament. Fall Easterns, which is usually referred to as Feasterns, is the last highly
SECRETARY
competitive tournament of the fall. In this tournament the Nomads squared up against a field that included UNCW, UNC, Maryland, Georgetown, and other highly ranked regional teams. The boys
Senior Ryan Schanz sat out most of the first half with a knee injury,
from Boone certainly had their worked cut out for them, but who
but played all of the second half to ensure the Nomads got back
doesn’t enjoy a challenge.
in the game. What a nice guy. The Nomads eventually dropped the game to UMD by 3, trading points with them the rest of the game
Saturday for the Nomads included four straight games with no
after the slow start.
bye, a marathon type day the Nomads had conditioned for. The
day opened with a hard fought game against recent rival USC,
The final game of the day pitted App against familiar for Clemson,
who eventually had the Nomads number in the end after battling
who App knocked out of the postseason last year. This game would
for two hours. Senior Captain Austin Olive had a lot to say to the
be the ticket to the championship bracket if the Nomads won so
team after the game noting that losing isn’t fun. Good call Austin.
they came out hitting on all cylinders. With a light wind at their
The next game was against William & Mary Darkhorse, a team
backs the Nomads made quick work of Clemson’s Beta Zone, and
named after the popular Katy Perry song, this game certainly was
toasted the purple and orange team with hard man defense. After
to a different tune in the Nomads favor. The Nomads took an early
going up before half, the Nomads had cemented a large lead before
lead and never looked back, phenomenal play from Mike Curinga
the play happened. The play is in reference to a Callahan, similar
really defined this game for the Nomads. Curinga notably dropped
to a pick six in football, the defending team catches a D in the
an easy score in the USC game but don’t worry Mike, no one saw
Offensive teams endzone. The play started with a spectacular pull
it. The final two games of the day were against Maryland College
from Ryan Schanz, who truly mastered the wind on this breezy day,
Park, and Clemson. The UMD game started slow for the Nomads as
after setting a zone to trap Clemson in their endzone, the offense
they went down 0-3 early and had to dig themselves out of a hole.
had to force some iffy throws that resulted in a tipped disc and
22
Ryan Schanz scooped up before touching the ground. The crowd went wild as App rushed the field in excitement, Daniel Schopler yelled from the sideline “ Anything Is Possible!” , we don’t know why, but he did it. After this the Nomads cruised and beat Clemson 15-6, ending a long Saturday with the promise of playing for a championship on Sunday. Sunday was not what the Nomads expected, having to face the top two teams from each pool in their first two games, App got off to a rocky start. Despite losing their first two games the Nomads found a lot of positives that they can build off of to better themselves for the Spring season. The final game of the weekend was a battle with NC State that included heavy first year player playing time. In order to help adjust these youngsters to the speed of the college game, App took the opportunity to play as many of them as they could and still stay in the game. In the end the Nomads dropped the game to the Wolfpack but are excited to get the opportunity to play them again in the spring. With the fall season being over the Nomads now look to have a productive winter to get them into tip top shape when they begin the spring season. The lock down D chain on Saturday was given to Daniel Hickman and Sunday to Caleb Louie for their lock down defense. For any inquires regarding the Mens Ultimate Team please contact Austin Olive at oliveal@appstate.edu. CHA CHA CABESA.
“THE NOMADS NOW LOOK TO A PRODUCTIVE WINTER SPORT TO KEEP THEM IN SHAPE
” 23
“ TOGETHER IS HOW WE OVERCAME THE CHALLENGES
24
”
WOMEN’S ULTIMATE The women’s ultimate team, widely
the field. She did an excellent job making
The group as a whole is what makes
known as the Nonads, certainly takes
sure all the logistics were worked out
the Nonads such a great team to play
home the most improved award of the
and everyone was keeping up with their
on. Together is how we overcame the
season. Coming into the season without
responsibilities. Returning players Bree
challenges. Together is how we improved
our strong leaders of previous years,
Pacey and Maggie Simmons, both stepped
and grew. Together is how we had fun
was quite the challenge. Teaching the
up as role models to the entire team.
and formed strong relationships both on
newcomers, figuring out the logistics, and
With hard work and dedication, Bree and
and off the field. Together is how we play
stepping up to fill those big cleats of last
Maggie showed strong leadership on the
ultimate!
season’s superstars are just a few of the
field. All the returning Nonads did a great
tasks the Nonad vets tackled this season.
job this season and deserve many thanks.
While in the beginning these daunting
Of course, none of this could be said
objectives seemed near impossible to
without all the new and wonderful ladies
accomplish, thanks to the hard work of
who came out this season. Through their
every lady Nonad on the team, these
commitment and diligence, great strides
goals quickly became a reality. As
in the name of ultimate were made.
captain, Kenyon Hall demonstrated great
This season was marked by outstanding
leadership, taking time to plan practices
athleticism, superb attitudes, and great
and observe the team as a whole to
fun. While I wish I could name every
help better improve everyone’s game.
single Nonad member and give a shout
This season’s president, Ingrid Humphrey,
out to their particular contribution to the
showed great dedication both on and off
team, something seems more important.
WRITTEN BY: CORRIE MALONE, SECRETARY
25
MEN’S LACROSSE
T
he Appalachian State Men’s Club Lacrosse team
have former members back in town and the game was an ample
had a very successful 2014 fall season. The team
reflection of the mood for the afternoon. Throughout the game
had four games/events planned for the fall season,
players on both sides were caught having a joke with one another,
but due to cancellations the team was only able to
trying extravagant behind the back passes, and generally having
participate in three of them. With a solid mixture of
a good time. With a large turnout for the alumni team, we look
returning players, players transferring in, and newcomers, the team,
forward to continuing this tradition for years to come, as both
led by coach Angelo Acitelli, had tremendous potential heading in
current and former players alike enjoyed the chance to partake in
to our first competition of the year.
a brotherly competition against friends from years past.
Our first game on September 28th was against Elon away from
Our last competition of the season took place in Greenville, NC
home. The game ended in a loss for the Mountaineers, but the team
at East Carolina University the weekend of the 8th of November.
was pleased with their overall efforts in their first competition of
The Appalachian State Men’s and Women’s Club Lacrosse teams
the year. Coach Acitelli remained enthusiastic about the prospects
travelled down to ECU to take on a number of other club lacrosse
for the spring season and insisted that there is no reason to
teams in a weekend tournament. The Men’s team finished the
be upset with a preseason loss against a very good Elon team.
tournament with a record of 1-4. On Saturday, the men’s team
George Revercomb, Cole Eglestein, and Collin MacClennan were
played UNC, UNCW, and Maryland. After losing to UNC in the early
three notable freshman who saw significant playing time on the
game, the team lost by narrow margins to UNCW and Maryland
offensive end and impressed on their first appearances for the
which placed us at the bottom of the playoff bracket in a “play-in
team.
game” early Sunday morning. After shaking off a slow start, ASU was able to overcome and rout rival UNC-Charlotte and progress on to
On October 12th, the club lacrosse team held their inaugural
the next round before eventually losing to James Madison. The
Alumni Game against former players who travelled back to Boone
team was able to take away from the tournament many positives;
for the Homecoming weekend festivities. The game ended up as a
beating up on an arch-rival, getting the chance to have an all-day
victory for the current Mountaineers, but the score line wasn’t the
lacrosse event, and getting the chance to travel and represent our
most important aspect of the afternoon. The club was happy to
university outside of Boone.
26
WRITTEN BY: WILL NASSIF, SECRETARY
“
our team was able to take away many positives from the tournamenT
” 27
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL WRITTEN BY: ALYSSA HORAN, SECRETARY
The women’s club basketball team just
of how much they have accomplished in
potential. Everyone associated with the club
finished the semester at James Madison
just one short semester. With a young team
Women’s Basketball team is excited for the
University this past weekend. They finished
compiled of only two seniors, many players
next semester and upcoming future. With
the tournament going 3-2 beating UNC
have stepped up and showed they have the
the foundation layered for the next semester,
Chapel Hill twice and James Madison and
physical and mental capacity to show they
the sky is the limit for this team. If they keep
losing to University of Delaware and Virginia
are capable of succeeding together as a team.
their heads straight and play to their full
Tech. Even with a few losses, this tournament
Coach Dylan Eppley sums up the semester
potential there is no limit on how well this
was the best one they have played in all this
by saying, “This team amazes me every day.
team could do.
semester. The competition was tough, but
We continue to come closer and closer
App State rose to the challenge and was a
as a unit. I have never
threat to many schools. The tournament at
been around a group of
JMU was a favorite for the girls because the
people so special. On the
team was able to measure themselves up
court we have improved
against tougher competition than they have
in every tournament we
seen so far. Along with the tough competition,
have played in. I could not
the girls were able to bond with each other
be more proud of these
with the 6 hour plus car rides and small hotel
girls and am excited to
rooms we were confined to.
see what great things we can do next semester.”
Despite many bruises and a couple of injuries,
The coaches this semester
the girls were able to fight through the
have done a phenomenal
pain and show a lot of the other teams that
job with teaching and
they were a force to be reckoned with. The
getting the players to
coaches and players cannot be more proud
realize and reach their full
28
The players want to stay in shape and active for the rest of the semester, so they will continue to have practices twice a week, but they will be more skilled focused. The girls also want to start lifting and work out together to stay connected and keep getting better. Over Christmas break when the girls part and go their separate ways they each will still continue to individually work on their skills waiting for next semester to come. For this team to succeed they must continue to work hard and get better every time they come together because the competition is only going to get harder as they travel farther and farther away from Boone. This team is not afraid of anybody and has a toughness that you do not normally see with a group of girls. No matter what challenges are put in front of them they will continue to improve and look ahead to reach their ultimate goal of trying to win a tournament.
29
WOMEN’S RUGBY
As the new school year started, our returning
of them picked up the skills necessary to be
became a part of our large family, it was as if
AHO vets were all very excited to get back
competitive ruggers very quickly. Another perk
they were already a part of the team.
into the swing of the school year and the
of our newcomers was how seamlessly they
pending rugby season. Coming off of a Final Four Nationals decision upset, everyone was very eager to recruit and continue onto the path back to the top. We had a very successful time when recruiting new girls for the team, with over a hundred sign-ups at the Club Expo and a very significant turn out for the interest meeting. With the start of a fresh season, the team was taken under the wings of two newly elected captains, Rachel Baker and Miranda Miller. Both young women did not waste time getting practices going in full force and quickly brought all of the rookies up to speed on all rugby fundamentals. This year’s batch of rookies surprised everyone with how energetic and ready to learn they were. Each
30
When it came time to cleat up and take to
“
the pitch, AHO continued from where we left off last year, playing hard and playing for
AHO IS IN HIGH HOPES FOR SPEEDY RECOVERIES OVER WINTER BREAK
”
the woman running next to you on the pitch. We started the season with a win against UNC-Charlotte and keeping the focus over the course of a few matches, continued on to win our third consecutive Rucktoberfest Championship. Unfortunately after a round robin game weekend in Athens, Georgia, a few of our key players sustained some injuries that are affecting their ability to play putting our social season on hiatus until next semester. However, AHO is still in high hopes for speedy recoveries over the long winter break. In the meantime the team is keeping up the morale
with team dinners, movie nights and study sessions. We plan to be back next semester healthy and ready for our Matrix season!
WRITTEN BY: CHLOE RAMJON, MEMBER
31
“
32
WE WANT TO WIN, BUT HAVING FUN HAS ALWAYS BEEN MORE IMPORTANT TO US
”
SNOWBOARDING TEAM As I sit here writing this, there is snow
amazed me how tight-knit we are as a
I cannot wait to get back on the slopes
falling outside. Many people have this
conference. Of course we all want to win,
with my team and goof around. We put
idea that North Carolina doesn’t get any
a little friendly competition is always
our heart and soul into everything we
snow, and while it is true that we don’t
fun, but seeing how we come together
do, and I know this season won’t be any
get as much as some other states, our
when we get to regionals and nationals
different. I hope to look at our team a year
team is beyond proud to be a part of the
and collectively represent our conference
from now, proud to be an alumni of the
Southeast “Dirty South” Conference of
is awesome. Like I said, we want to win,
Appalachian State University Snowboard
USCSA. As you all saw a few weeks ago,
but having fun has always been more
Team.
our schedule is very local this year, which
important to us. I remember sitting at
bummed a lot of us out at first, to be
the top of the Giant Slalom course at
honest, but as the season approaches we
WhiteFace Mountain during Nationals
focus less on the decrease in excitement
last season and throwing snowballs at
from not getting to travel out of state
the other teams. We were all stressed,
with the team and more on how excited
so we decided to release that stress
we are to just be out there racing,
by having some fun. It just goes to
regardless of where that may be.
show that we tend to have a bit of a different approach to things than some
Our conference has its rivals. We go head
of the other schools, who yelled at us for
to head with other schools like UVA and
getting snow on them (ironic, since we
JMU every week, but ever since joining
were snowboarding).
WRITTEN BY: MIRANDA MARTIN, SECRETARY
this team my freshman year it has always
33
Highs: 1. We grew two fold as a team, and are growing closer than ever before. We all became better as a team and individually as the season went on. 2. We placed reasonably well in the Mid-Atlantic conference and may
TRIATHLON TEAM
be going to Nationals. 3. We got a few sponsors and managed our money very well!
T
he season is now over, it’s starting to get cold, and
4. We were able to go to 4 races this year, which is 1 more than last
we are now starting to gear up for the spring. Biking
year. This kept us busy and we all had a blast!
and running will get increasingly more difficult with the cold and snow, while swimming will be our main
form of training. The season has been fun, however, and we are very
5. We got to race in the Gobbler 5k here at App and enjoyed some epic cobbler.
excited for next Fall. As a good way to wrap up the season, I have compiled a list of highs and lows to reflect on:
Lows:
6. Monday wings at Murphy’s became a tradition, and we’ve tried every flavor. 7. The Richmond Olympic race had the best t-shirts of all time. We
1. As with every new year, getting used to having new leadership and
are talking polyester, long sleeve with high quality prints, form fitting,
learning how to manage a team proved to be difficult at times.
and beyond comfy.
2. We had some pretty rough injuries happen to some of our members
I am very glad to note that the highs outnumber the lows, and we
and that was a real bummer seeing them hurting.
all can’t wait for the Fall to start up again. Until then, stay aero my friends (that includes you Craig).
3. The t-shirts given out at the Conference Championships were terrible, but makes for a nice bike rag.
34 34
WRITTEN BY WILL RUMLEY, PRESIDENT
35
WOMEN’S LACROSSE
The women’s lacrosse team finished out the
team would win. Appalachian pulled ahead of
them the win. The Mountaineers were ecstatic
fall season by traveling to Greenville, North
Elon in the second half of the game and put in
about this win because they were able to
Carolina to attend the 10th Annual Pirate
a goal in the last couple of minutes that gave
prove themselves as a team that would not
Invitational Tournament. They played six games and they won five of the six games, which put them in second place overall. The Mountaineers started out the tournament on Saturday with an early morning game against NCSU. It was a very back and forth game in the first half and by halftime, the game was tied. The Mountaineers turned on their game in the second half and finished with an 8-6 win against the Wolfpack. After this game, the Mountaineers were scheduled to face Elon for the second weekend in a row. The previous weekend, ASU lost by three in a hard fought game against Elon, so they were determined to come out with a win in order to redeem themselves. Both teams played at their best against each other, but only one
36
“THE PIRATE INVITATIONAL WAS A FANTASTIC WAY TO FINISH OFF AN EXTREMELY SUCCESSFUL FALL SEASON
”
let losses hold them back. They finished off the evening by playing Richmond. Coming off of two wins, Richmond was no match for the Mountaineers. ASU beat Richmond 11-3. Appalachian was one of only two teams to finish pool play undefeated, which put them in the second seed position for the elimination round on Sunday. On Sunday, ASU started out the day with a game against seventh seed, UNCW. The Mountaineers continued their sweep of wins by frustrating the Seahawks with their effortless play. This win knocked UNCW out of the tournament and brought ASU to the next round of games. They were scheduled to play their biggest rival, ECU. At the Mountaineer’s fall tournament, the Yosef Fall Classic, they
WRITTEN BY: OLIVIA CHASON, CLUB SPORTS COUNCIL REP beat ECU in a brave heart by only one goal, so it was clear that
Mountaineers. The Pirate Invitational was a fantastic way to finish
another game against the Pirates would not be an easy win. ECU
off an extremely successful fall season. The girls are counting
pulled ahead in the beginning of the first half, but ASU came
down the days until their first games of the spring season so that
back to bring the game to a tie at half time. In the second half,
they can continue to show everyone what they are made of!
Appalachian continued to pull away from ECU because the team was determined to continue on to the championship. The girls finished the game up by three against the Pirates, which brought the Mountaineers to the championship game. In the championship game against Division 1 James Madison University, the Mountaineers fell behind in the first half as the exhaustion of previously playing five close games kicked in. Unfortunately, ASU could not make a comeback in the second half of the game and they took their first loss of the whole tournament. Despite losing in the championship game, the Mountaineers were incredibly proud of their play in the final weekend of the fall season. They were able to prove that they will be a force to be reckoned with in the spring season by beating ECU, Elon, UNCW and NCSU, all of which are in the same conference as the
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/
WRITTEN BY KATHERINE UVA, CLUB SPORTS EXECUTIVE
Today, November 19th, the Club Sports
reviewed their semester, and have begun
it is all because of the students playing that
Council had our last meeting of the Fall
brainstorming about what they would like
sport, not a paid professional. Our Club
semester. We discussed the Club Sports
to see happen next semester. Being a first-
Sports athletes complete all of their own
Awards that are awarded at the end of the
year Club Sports Executive, I have learned
paperwork and truly dedicate themselves to
Spring semester to Club Sports Team of the
many things about our program and how
their team.
Year, Turnaround Team of the Year, and Officer
policies truly do influence our athletes. I
of the Year. Our Executives and Club Sports
have personally been working with AppSync,
I know I speak for all of the Executive
Council has done a great job of redefining
by creating forms that will be easier for our
officers when I say that we are so proud
the Club Sports Awards and other aspects
athletes to complete, and for our Executives
of all nineteen teams and what they have
of our program. We also had a presentation
to process. These new forms should also
accomplished so far this semester. We have
by the Triathlon team, who petitioned to
allow us to use less paper and help achieve
teams traveling all over the southeast,
replace their hosting requirements for 50
our sustainability goals.
and they continue to always represent
man hours. The Triathlon team gave an
Appalachian in the best light. Overall, our
excellent presentation, and the council
One thing I have also learned is how great
Club Sports teams work incredibly hard, and
granted their petition.
it is to work with Club Sports athletes. Club
we hope that they will be able to rest over
Sports teams are completely student run,
the upcoming breaks as they get ready for a
In addition the council broke into
and sometimes even coached by fellow
spring full of competitions.
their committees and each committee
students, so when it comes to teams’ success,
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