The Appalachian 01.30.14
Appalachian State University’s student news source since 1934
Vol. 88, No. 29
Sun Belt revenue top of all non-AQ conferences by Ben Cogsdale Sports Reporter
A
s Appalachian State approaches the move from the Southern Conference to the Sun Belt Conference, the university received good news about the economic stability of the conference. The Sun Belt earned approximately $4 million in BCS revenue this past season, the most among the four non-automatic qualifying conferences, according to CBSSports.com. An automatic qualifier conference automatically sends its winner to one of five BCS bowl games - the national championship, Rose Bowl, Sugar Bowl, Fiesta Bowl or Orange Bowl. A substantial amount, $1.7 million, separated the Sun Belt from the Mountain West Conference, which garnered $3.4 million in BCS revenue. Conference USA earned $2.8 million and the Mid American Conference rounded the group out earning $2.28 million. The $6 million performancebased revenue - which was divided into shares in which the Sun Belt received four shares, the Mountain West had three, Conference USA had two and MAC had one - was based off of where conferences finished in the standings. Next season will also usher in the elimination of the previous BCS system. Effective next season, four teams will compete for the National Championship in a playoff system, resulting in more opportunities for smaller conferences. The new playoff system will produce $86.5 million for the non-automatic qualifiers to split, as opposed to the previous maximum of $28 million in the BCS system, according to a statement from CBS Sports. Out of the total $400 million, SEE REVENUE PAGE 7
2013 Non-Automatic Qualifier Revenue Totals
An automatic qualifier conference is a conference that automatically sends its winner to one of five BCS bowl games: the National Championship, Orange Bowl, Sugar Bowl, Fiesta Bowl or Rose Bowl. The non-automatic qualifier conferences totaled $12.48 million in revenue in the 2013 season.
$ 4 Million - Sun Belt $ 3.4 Million - Mountain West $ 2.8 Million - Conference USA $ 2.28 Million - MAC Source: CBS Sports
$12.48 Million
Malik Rahili | The Appalachian
Corey Smith’s Legends show postponed Intern A&E Reporter
Technology Services upgrades in Belk Library
A&E Editor
by Laney Ruckstuhl
by Sam Lineberger by Colin Moore
Acclaimed country, blues and rock musician Corey Smith was slated to return to Legends on Thursday night, but will perform Wednesday, Feb. 5 instead. The show was postponed due to adverse weather conditions in Atlanta, which have made long-distance road travel hazardous for Smith and some of his musicians, said Randy Kelly, Appalachian Popular Programming Society program adviser. “If a civil authority says you can’t travel, that the roads are too dangerous, then legally you can’t have the show,” Kelly said. For many, Corey Smith’s Boone show has become a yearly tradition. APPS was able to quickly coordinate a makeup date for the concert not too far from the original date. Smith is considered a top country artist by publications such as Pollstar, Country SEE COREY SMITH PAGE 3
Intern News Reporter
File Photo | The Appalachian
Cory Smith will perform at Legends on Wednesday at 9 p.m. Doors open at 8 p.m. and tickets are $15 in advance for students.
A&E
SPORTS
Belk Library is opening a new Technology Services Desk on Monday where students can check out a wide array of technology equipment in one place. Currently, students can check out technology equipment at the main circulation desk. The new desk will combine check-out with the old Digital Media Studio, as well. The new desk is tentatively set to be open weekdays from 7 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. and will be located on the lower level of Belk Library. Jason Stamper, Circulation Services manager, said the best thing about the new desk will be the convenience it provides students. “All the technology equipment will be consolidated, making it easier for students to find what they’re looking for,” Stamper said.
Students can currently check out cameras, microphones and other digital media devices in the studio, as well as iPads, laptops and other technology from Circulation Services. “After everything is established, we will figure out what’s being added additionally,” librarian Scott Rice said. Rice said new technology will be introduced once the desk is up and running, including a Green Screen, a 3D printer and e-readers, such as Kindles. “The main focus is that whenever [students] check out any equipment they need help with or have technical issues, they can get it fixed right away,” Technology Support technician Katherine Alford said. Alford said the workers at the new Technology Services Desk will be more equipped to deal with technical issues, whereas not all circulation desk employees are trained in this aspect. “Help with be readily available,” Alford said.
ON THE WEB
Video
Photo Courtesy of APA Talent and Literary Agency
Craig Robinson will bring his mix of stand-up and comedic song to Holmes Convocation Center on March 2.
SEE CRAIG ROBINSON PAGE 4
Justin Perry | The Appalachian Junior forward Jay Canty is working his way through another setback after breaking his hand.
SEE JAY CANTY PAGE 7
Appalachian State's women's basketball team fell to Georgia Southern 59-68 at home Monday. Check out the video at TheAppalchianOnline.com