IN THIS
ISSUE 04
CAROLYN GENAY WOMENS LACROSSE
06
DIXON STYRES ALPINE SKI TEAM
08
KYLE CICENIA SWIM TEAM
10
CARLY HALL WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
12 Director of UREC
TYLER GRANDIS SNOWBOARDING TEAM
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
14 PRIYA FORD
WOMENS VOLLEYBALL
16
SAMUEL YOUNG ICE HOCKEY TEAM
A NEW 18 DISCOVERING OBSESSION TRIATHLON TEAM
19
INGRID HUMPHREY WOMEN’S ULTIMATE
20 EXECUTIVES’ CORNER 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 September 26th Edition of the Club Sports Illustrated Designed by Alyssa Gribble
MEET YOUR PRESIDENT, CAROLYN GENAY << PICTURED TO THE LEFT
04
1.
What is your favorite part of competing?
3.
How do you get your team’s spirits up after a loss?
My absolute favorite part of competing is constantly being
My team is pretty good about keeping their chins up but I like
proud of my team. I’ve had countless coaches, referees, and
to foster an environment that isn’t all about score. At the end of
spectators come up to me after a game to compliment my team.
the day, a score is a numerical value but there are many other
The compliments typically revolve around how impressive my
values that I will be more proud of in my team. I like to remind
team is at being friendly and good sports. To me, this speaks volumes of who we are and how we come together. We truly are able to bring the best out of each other and it shows.
2.
What made you want to be the President of your Club Sport?
my girls to be proud of what they do well, compliment each other’s successes, and play until the last whistle. If nothing else, a losing game is still great practice!
4.
Where would you like to see your team in a year?
I would love to see the women’s lacrosse team do the best that Since I’ve been on the team, I’ve noticed how influential the
they can while remaining a tight-knit group. Personally, I would
officers inevitably are on the team members. Good or bad, the
to see my team in the top 3 in our conference. We play against
team typically follows suit of the captains and I couldn’t resist
some great teams and I’d love to see a winning record for us.
the opportunity to have a hand in this team’s success. I love this
However, my most important goal is to see this team be happy.
sport and there is something truly special about my team.
The field is a place we all love to be so hopefully winning and happiness can go hand-in-hand.
05
A NEW CHALLENGE WRITTEN BY DIXON STYRES, PRESIDENT I try and imagine sometimes exactly
as eager as we are to be on the
ourselves and our school to the
what professional ski racers do
slopes this winter. People from
top again as we practice daily, wait
in preparation for their races. All
all walks of skiing experience
for opening day, and put in many
the preparation that goes into
are joining together to not only
hours of preparation for our next 28
something as short as 28 seconds
become a better family, but to also
second shot at glory.
for them seems a little over zealous
improve their experience on the
once you look into it. But once you
slopes. Our drylands practices give
experience it first hand, the need
us the motivation and edge on our
for speed is what its all about.
opponents in our efforts to be at
For the past couple of weeks
our very best this season.
the ASU Ski team has been busy
And as we travel to our first
recruiting new members that are
race this January we aim to push
06
MEET YOUR PRESIDENT, DIXON STYRES How did you originally get into your sport & how long have you been playing it?
1.
I originally started at Hawksnest Ski Resort when I was 3 years old, but i had been on the slopes in a backpack way before that. I’ve been skiing about every year since.
2.
What is your favorite part of competing?
3.
Do you have a role model that inspires you?
Our faculty advisor Witold Kosmala has put in several years of work to reach the coaching level he has today. His work towards his goal has brought him down a long path and the fact that he’s been able to have a job at the school and still pursue his goals is truly remarkable.
4.
Where would you like to see your team in a year?
The USCSA southeast conference to which we are
Our team has been to our regional championships
members of is one of the best conferences that i’ve
for several years now. I would like to see us place
seen in our community. The unity that our teams
better in this event and become more well known in
share both on and off the slopes almost seems
the conference.
like we aren’t out there to compete but more so to become better friends.
07
MEET YOUR PRESIDENT, KYLE CICENIA << PICTURED TO THE LEFT
“ YOUR TEAMMATES ARE YOUR FAMILY
”
08
13
1.
How did you originally get into your sport & how long have you been playing it?
When people first think of swimming, they normally think of the Olympics or summer league. In reality there are many other forms of swimming: summer league, high school swimming, and competitive (or club level) swimming. My name is Kyle Cicenia and I have been fortunate enough to participate in all levels of swimming. As President of the Swim Team, it only makes sense that I love the sport of swimming. After coming to campus as a freshman, I immediately contacted the current President in hopes of joining the team. It was the best decision I have made in college.
2.
What made you want to be the President of your Club Sport?
After my freshman year I was elected to be Captain of the team. Here I really learned how much of a difference I can make on my teammates. I was there to motivate and inspire my teammates, ultimately providing me with a great leadership opportunity. After our previous Presidents graduated, I knew it was my time to step up. Our previous Presidents had such a huge impact on my college career and I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t thank them enough for that. I wanted to give freshman the same experience I received.
3.
What is your favorite part of competing?
The feeling after going a new best time is one of the most rewarding experiences during the swim season. It makes all of the hard work worth it in the end. After practicing day in and day out, you start to form a special bond with your teammates. By the time you start traveling together, you are a swim team family. That kind of relationship is like no other. During my four years, I can honestly say that my best friends to this day, are my teammates that I have made through swimming. Your teammates are your family.
4.
Do you have any advice for younger athletes wanting to succeed in their sport?
Being a competitive swimmer takes a lot of hard work. Before getting the chance to compete in a swim meet, swimmers put in a lot of work in the pool. Swimming between 5-7 times a week on top of weight training, it is up to the individual swimmer to keep themselves motivated and push through those hard practices. Time management is also something you will learn by being a competitive swimmer. Being able to manage athletics as well as academics will only better prepare you for the future. No one understands that more than a competitive swimmer.
09
MEET YOUR PRESIDENT, CARLY HALL
“THE MORE DEDICATED YOU ARE, THE BETTER YOU WILL BE
10
”
The Women’s Club Basketball Team is a very dedicated group of girls. The President, Carly Hall, is an incredible player and even a better leader. Her infectious aggression and energy radiates throughout the entire time when she plays on the court. Carly answered some questions regarding her position as the President and her desire to play basketball.
1.
How did you originally get into your sport / how long have you been playing it?
3.
What is some advice for younger athletes?
The more dedicated you are, the better you are going to be. Only putting in time at practice isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t going to make you stand out on the court. I spend hours outside of practice working on my game
Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been playing basketball since 3rd grade. I think I was
so that when it comes to game time I am more prepared than
interested in playing because my best friend started playing a
the competition.
year before me and my dad also coached basketball.
2.
What made you want to be president?
Basketball is my passion and I am very competitive. I wanted to be
4.
What is your favorite part of competition?
The adrenaline rush you get that helps you compete at a level you didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know you were capable of. Also, having team cohesiveness and working together in order to win the game.
president so that I could share my passion and competitiveness with other members and hopefully they too would eventually feel the same way. I wanted to leave my mark on our program and make a difference.
5.
Where would you like to see your team in a year?
My goal this year is to finish top 3 or better at every tournament we compete at. We have been to nationals the past 2 years and not performed well. I would love to see us go there and prove to people how good of a team we really are.
11
MEET YOUR PRESIDENT, TYLER GRANDIS
1.
How did you originally get into your sport & how long have you been playing it?
I decided to join a bus trip that went to Cataloochee Ski Mountain on Friday nights my freshman year of high school with my friends. I taught myself how to snowboard and slowly got better. Through being at the mountain I found out about their high school racing program. From there it was just the matter
12
of convincing my friends to join me in founding the snowboard club at my school and giving the racing a try. I simply fell in love with the sport after that.
2.
What is your favorite part of competing?
I absolutely love the thrill of the speed. The rest of the world falls away as I fly through the course. It is a strange mix of adrenaline and concentration that makes an almost zen state.
3.
What made you want to be the President of your club sport?
When I joined the team freshman year, I found a family of friends. A group of people bound together by the desire to shred. I wanted to keep that family
5.
Do you have a role model that inspires you?
My role model is definitely my Dad. He has taught me so much throughout my life. His entrepreneurial spirit has inspired me to tackle my own projects and put in the effort to get things done.
going and make sure other students had the same opportunity I did.
Do you have any advice for younger athletes wanting to succeed in their sport?
4.
My advice for those wanting to succeed is to practice as much as possible and never loose track of the fun. If you always have fun with your sport the practice will never be a hassle.
13
MEET YOUR PRESIDENT, PRIYA FORD << PICTURED TO THE LEFT
How did you originally get into your sport / how long have you been playing it?
My favorite part of competing is just being in the game. I love
I originally tried out for volleyball in 8th grade and almost made
on the court I don’t think of anything else but what’s going on
the team, but got cut on the last day. Freshman year of high
on the court and it’s the best stress reliever for me.
1.
school I tried out again and my coach told me I made the team not on my technical skill, but based on my positive attitude and my ability to take direction from my coach. I remember when my coach told this to my parents, my parents told me how proud they were and were so happy I made the team and worked so hard.
14
2.
What is your favorite part of competing?
being a part of a team and working together for a win. When I’m
3.
What made you want to be the President of your club sport?
I’ve wanted to be president ever since I got involved in the club freshman year. I love volleyball, have always made it a priority in my life, and I want to be as involved in volleyball as I can be until I reach an age that I can’t play anymore. Even then I want
5.
How do you get your team’s spirits up after a loss?
I believe the best way to get my teams spirit up after a loss is to focus on the things we could improve on, and them make them better in the next game. Once we get a loss there is no point in dwelling on the unfortunate feeling of losing but to start the next game with a positive attitude and make up for that loss.
to continue reffing or coaching.
Do you have any advice for younger athletes wanting to succeed in their sport?
4.
6.
Where would you like to see your team at the end of the year?
At the end of the year I see my team at nationals dominating and having such a fun time doing. I believe not only does my team have so much potential, but the other teams in my club also
My advice is to make your sport a priority and when you get to
have a great amount of potential.
the court, field, etc. to only focus on your sport. It’s a great time to forget every other stress going on in your life.
15
“KNOWING THAT YOU’RE IN THE BATTLE WITH YOUR GUYS IS A GREAT FEELING ” MEET YOUR PRESIDENT, SAMUEL YOUNG
16
1.
How did you originally get into your sport & how long have you been playing it?
I started playing hockey when I was about 7 years old and haven’t stopped for 13 years. The first league I played in was a little local Parks and Recreation league in Raleigh. At that age, not many kids wanted to play the goalie position, so our team cycled through a rotation of who would play goalie every game. Once it came to my turn, I didn’t want to stop playing the position. I continued to only play goalie in a league in a roller rink throughout middle school and high school. Eventually, I could afford to join an adult ice hockey league during my senior year of high school.
13
2.
What is your favorite part of competing?
My favorite part of competing, especially while playing goalie, is the feeling of dependency on one another. It’s very hard in any team sport for only one player to dominate while the others sit back. Each player has to have a level of trust with each other in order for the whole of the team to succeed. Whether it results in a win or a loss, knowing that you’re in the battle with your guys is a great feeling.
3.
Do you have any advice for younger players wanting to succeed in their sport?
One piece of advice I have to younger players in the sport is that you don’t need to join a professional travel hockey team and have a lot of money to play hockey or have fun playing it. You can have as much fun on the ice as you can have in your driveway with a stick, a ball, and a trashcan. Growing up, I learned that playing ice hockey can be an expensive sport, and I got a little upset when my friends joined teams that I couldn’t or bought equipment that I couldn’t afford, but I still had fun playing in my garage and shooting a ball against a wall until I put a million holes in the drywall!
4.
Where would you like to see your team at the end of the year?
After losing six seniors last year, including three from our top line, our team will be missing a good amount of experience, leadership, and talent. App State hockey has 6 games on the schedule. Although we have a slightly younger team for this season, we still have a great group of guys that will be able to compete hard this season against some tough competition. Our goal this year is to get our financial situations in order and have yet another competitive season.
“OUR GOAL THIS YEAR IS TO GET OUR FINANCIAL SITUATIONS IN ORDER AND HAVE YET ANOTHER COMPETITIVE SEASON
”
17
WRITTEN BY WILL RUMLEY, PRESIDENT
T
riathlon instills a constant, inward obsession that pokes at the nerves and fuels daily motivations. It’s like a dormant fire that, once caught ablaze, is not easily extinguished. When I joined the Triathlon
Team in the Spring of 2014, I caught that fire.
Prior to joining, I had no idea what triathlon was, how
it worked, or any of the lingo that came along with it; I was a newbie in every sense of the word. Sure, I had seen a few videos online and heard about how difficult they were; but my real world experience was limited, if not nonexistent. My sophomore year at App State, I joined the team because I felt myself slowly developing an unhealthy lifestyle. I joined because I cared about my body.
Before college, I swam for high school, year-round,
and summer league teams. My experience with land sports like running and cycling was almost nonexistent. When I got to college, I made the decision to take a break from swimming that had, kind of, “burned-me-out,” to pursue new interests that come along with being a freshman at a university. However, the yearning to get back in the pool became stronger and stronger the longer I stayed out of the water. It wasn’t until my sophomore year that I got the itch to try out endurance, time-
“
based sports yet again. This time however, I wanted a sport that was eclectic in nature; but required a physical prowess unlike
THE TEAM HAS BECOME A CLOSE-KNIT, HARD-WORKING GROUP OF INDIVIDUALS THAT I AM PROUD TO LEAD!
any other.
When I finally mustered up the courage to the join the
team, I was immediately hooked on the distinct camaraderie that the triathlon atmosphere facilitates. In the Triathlon Team, I found new friends that share a common goal of self-
”
improvement while still having a good time. When officer elections rolled around last year, I decided that I wanted to lead the team that I had, in a rather short time, grown to love dearly. We cheer each other on through the thick of the race, and we celebrate each others’ accomplishments and successes. While we’re all still getting to know each other this year, the Triathlon Team has become a close-knit, hard working group of individuals that I am proud to lead! Stay aero.
18
MEET YOUR PRESIDENT, INGRID HUMPHREY
1.
How did you originally get into your sport?
I originally started ultimate my freshman year of college, so I’ve been doing it for 3 years. I started because I wanted a change from soccer,
I felt like I needed to step into a bigger role than the position I had last year (secretary).
4.
How do you get your team’s spirits up after a loss?
and the girls at the club expo table were really nice and enthusiastic.
2.
What is your favorite part of competing? My favorite part of competing is having fun
playing a sport I love. Winning is awesome, but mostly I just enjoy playing with my teammates.
3.
What made you want to be the President of your club sport?
I wanted to be president because I wanted to be in a leadership role, but not as captain. For our team the president is more of a behind the scenes role, someone who helps the other officers and the team with any needs they have. Also as the only senior and returning officer,
When we lose, a good way to get our spirits up is to talk about what we did well during the game and discuss what we could’ve done differently (if anything). Ultimate is a very unique sport in that it is self refereed and governed by a sort of code of ethics called “the Spirit of The Game”, that basically says we are all out here to play a great game, let’s be good sports to each other and ourselves, show respect, make honest calls, have fun. I consider a game of ultimate to be successful when everyone has a good time, despite winning or losing.
5.
Where would you like to see your team at the end of the year?
We have a lot of new players this year, so by the end of this year I’d like to see the new girls comfortably taking charge on the field and working well with the returning players. I’d also like to see us going to sectionals and regionals for the 4th year in a row!
19
WRITTEN BY: PHILICIA GIBSON, CLUB SPORTS EXECUTIVE
“
IT IS A SUPER EXCITING TIME FOR CLUB SPORTS
”
20
At our third council meeting of the
sister” team. They also proposed
During the next part of our
semester, we are finally starting to
that every time a team goes to
meeting the council members met
dive into things and we couldn’t
their brother or sister team’s
with their committees. During the
be more excited about it! We
game, they would receive a budget
committee updates we learned
started off the meeting with team
point. The Council voted this into
that Team Unity committee has set
updates. Teams are getting into
effect at the last council meeting.
the date for their annual Dodgeball
the full swing of competition and
After reflection and discussion,
Tournament:
it is awesome to hear how all
the Executives decided that this
Community Service committee
of the different teams are doing.
vote was not in the best interest
held their first street clean-up for
Women’s and Men’s Ultimate
of the program. It is extremely
their adopted street, Queen Street.
traveled to a tournament together,
beneficial to some teams while
Publicity committee has started
Womens’ Basketball won their
not beneficial at all to others; it
to look into Club Sports stickers
home tournament, and everyone
dilutes the value of the budget
as well as reserving a slide on
that traveled on the Equestrian
point, and it distorts the vision
the TV’s in the Student Union.
team placed (these are some of
and motive that Team Unity had in
And Budget Points committee
the highlights of the updates).
mind while creating the brother/
is working on what awards they
sister teams. The Council voted to
would like to give out at the end
The bulk of our meeting this week
nullify the vote, and work together
of the year banquet.
was spent on discussing the vote
over the next couple of months
that took place last meeting. Team
to figure out how we can make
It is a super exciting time for Club
Unity committee had proposed that
brother/sister teams beneficial to
Sports and we all can’t wait to
each team would be paired with
the program as a whole.
hear about the great work that our
another team creating a “brother/
November
teams are continuing to do!
19 13
19th.
21
LEARN MORE ABOUT CLUB SPORTS G O
T O
C L U B S P O R T S . A P P S T A T E . E D U
follow us on twitter : @asuclubsports like us on facebook : facebook.com/appstateclubsports