Aug. 18 2021
WELCOME BACK The Appalachian
ET CETERA
Sudoku
EMILY BROYLES EDITOR IN CHIEF
editor@theappalachianonline.com
EDITORIAL ANSLEY PUCKETT
DAN DAVIDSON
GABRIELLE TROUTMAN
ELLA ADAMS
JAKE MARKLAND
AUBREY SMITH
MANAGING EDITOR
SPORTS EDITOR
CHIEF COPY EDITOR
OPINION EDITOR A&C EDITOR
NEWS EDITOR
MULTIMEDIA XANAYRA MARIN-LOPEZ
MIA MENDEZ
VISUAL MANAGING EDITOR
MULTIMEDIA EDITOR
KARA HASELTON
EFRAIN ARIAS-MEDINA JR.
PHOTO EDITOR
GRAPHICS EDITOR
BUSINESS JESSICA KIMES
BUSINESS MANAGER
business@theappalachianonline.com MACKENZIE HAMRICK ASSISTANT BUSINESS MANAGER
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editor@theappalachianonline.com Plemmons 217 • smithng4@appstate.edu
MEG POWELL
MARKETING DIRECTOR
ALLISON BENNETT DYCHE ADVISER
adviser@theappalachianonline.com
The Appalachian is the award-winning, independent student-run news organization at Appalachian State University, published since 1934. The student staff maintains all editorial discretion, and there is no prior review by university faculty, staff or administrators. The Appalachian strives for accuracy in newsgathering and reporting. If you think we have made an error, email editor@theappalachianonline.com. Participation in The Appalachian is open to all current full-time students at the university. For more information about joining, email outreach@theappalachianonline.com. The opinions pages of The Appalachian are an open public forum. Contributions are welcomed via email to editor@theappaalchianonline.com. Opinions expressed are those of individual columnists, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the news organization overall. Unsigned editorials represent the collective opinion of The Appalachian editorial board.
Letter from the Editor And we’re back. Hello, Mountaineers! I am extremely excited and humbled to serve as your Editor-in-Chief of The Appalachian for the 2021-22 academic year. Our publication has aimed to be “of the students, by the students and for the students” for nearly 90 years, and this year we are by no means stopping. And hey, nice to see you again in print. Like many student newsrooms in the nation, COVID-19 shut down our operations as a weekly print publication. Almost overnight, we moved toward communicating digitally through our website and social media channels. In August 2020, we introduced our weekly newsletter, along with a weekly PDF of our newspaper in an effort to reach students, faculty, staff and citizens who were working, studying and connecting with us remotely from all over the state and nation. While undergoing this change, we changed internally, welcoming a new adviser, Allison Dyche, to our newsroom. We are so excited to work with her this year! Last academic year, The Appalachian maintained a staff of roughly 75-100 students and received more than 50 awards combined at the state, regional and national levels for our reporting, photography, advertising, graphic design, video, podcasting and more. Going into this year, we decided to take a step back and reevaluate our position and purpose on campus and found new ways to innovate. Our main news outlet will be digital, publishing on our website and social media channels with breaking news and information you need to know. A personalized, interactive newsletter in your inbox every week will also let you in on top stories and vital university and local news. Our monthly print edition will focus on quality content such as in-depth stories and vibrant photography, encouraging our staff to experiment in story-telling. As the first person of color in this position, I also want to acknowledge the scarce diversity not only on this campus but in our newsroom. The Appalachian is committed to uplifting Black, Brown, POC, LGBTQ+ and other marginalized voices in our content and at our university as a whole. I am committed to making our newsroom a safe space for your speech, thoughts and personal and professional growth. We want to hear from you. This is your paper. Students, if your organization or club is crafting up a cool movement, or if you have a strong opinion you feel needs to be shared, contact us! We want to hear what you have to say. Story tips and Letters to the Editor are extremely encouraged and welcome. We do this for you, the students and community members of App State and Boone. I am excited to meet as many of you as possible and hear your hopes and aspirations for this university and yourselves. Stop in our office, the door will be open. Thank you for picking up our first print edition this year and for supporting student journalism. Have a great first semester! Emily Broyles 2021-22 Editor-in-Chief
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MEET YOUR
EDITORIAL BOARD Name: Emily Broyles Position: Editor-in-Chief Major: Journalism, Spanish Minor Before you graduate: Tube down the Todd River with your closest buddies. Boone summer is unmatched.
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Name: Ansley Puckett Position: Managing Editor Major: Journalism, English Minor Before you graduate: Go to a corn maze during Halloween season and pick pumpkins to carve.
Name: Xanayra Marin-Lopez Position: Visual Managing Editor Major: Journalism, Media Studies Minor Before you graduate: Get some Cook-Out milkshakes with your friends at night, and go on the parkway to the Yonahlossee overlook. At night you can see Charlotte in the distance.
Name: Gabrielle Troutman Position: Chief Copy Editor Major: English: Creative Writing, Communication minor Before you graduate: Go on as many hikes as possible! The High Country has so much to offer as an escape from common school stresses.
Name: Jake Markland Position: News Editor Major: Journalism, Political Science Minor Before you graduate: Load up a backpack, grab some friends and go spend a couple nights in the woods.
Name: Aubrey Smith Position: A&C Editor Major: Journalism and Public Relations, Photography Minor Before you graduate: Wake up super early and go on the parkway to watch the sunrise.
Name: Dan Davidson Position: Sports Editor Major: Journalism, Recreation Management Minor Before you graduate: Try a warm cinnamon roll at Macado’s.
Name: Jessica Kimes Position: Business Manager Major: Communication and Advertising, Business and Spanish Minor Before you graduate: Jump off every waterfall within a thirty mile radius of Boone.
Name: Makenzie Hamrick Position: Assistant Business Manager Major: Management with Dance and Digital Marketing minors Before you graduate: Find your people that make you feel at home and help you be the best version of yourself.
Name: Meg Powell Position: Marketing Director Major: Advertising, Non-Profit Organizations Minor Before you graduate: Write a kind note to a professor who has had a notable impact on your college career, letting them know their positive influence on your life!
Name: Ella Adams Position: Opinion Editor Major: Anthropology Before you graduate: Go on a good thrifting haul.
Name: Mia Mendez Position: Multimedia Editor Major: Electronic Media Broadcasting Before you graduate: Stay up all night, and watch the sunrise with your closest friends on the parkway with a really good cup of coffee.
Name: Kara Haselton Position: Photo Editor Major: Self-designed, Photojournalism and Social Justice Before you graduate: Find a community that helps you be more yourself and be actively present there.
Name: Efrain Arias-Medina Jr. Position: Graphics Editor Major: Commercial Photography, Studio Art Minor Before you graduate: Learn as many skills as you can within and outside of your major while you still have the spaces and resources available to you.
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THE 2020-21 YEAR: HERE’S WHAT YOU’VE MISSED SO FAR Emily Broyles | Editor-in-Chief
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BASKETBALL SUN BELT WINS
he last academic year was nothing short of unexpected. Students and faculty adjusted to a virtual In March, the Mountaineers went ‘dancing’ for the first time in life, political and racial advocacy was amplified on the mountain and NCAA championships were 21 years. App State’s men’s basketball won its first ever Sun Belt attempted for the first time in almost two decades. Briefly, here’s what you missed: Championship last season, granting the team a bid to the NCAA tournament. After defeating Georgia State 80-73 while in the fourth seed of the Sun Belt, the Mountaineers barely lost to the Norfolk BLACK AT APP STATE : “SHERI, WAKE UP” MARCH State Spartans in their first tournament game 54-53. Two-year head Following the murder of George Floyd and protests for social justice in summer 2020, Black students and coach Dustin Kerns’ motto of “taking the stairs” has granted App alumni authored demands to App State, asking for changes in recruitment to uplift Black and Brown faculty, State basketball more success and even more support from students. staff and students and a bias reporting system. Once signed as “Concerned Mountaineers,” the Black at App State collective is now a well-known group of student advocates after the “Sheri, Wake Up '' protest on Aug. 31. The march to Chancellor Sheri Everts’ office included nearly 250 people, including students, faculty and SANFORD HALL RENOVATED staff and police. Students and student athletes shared testimonies and chants and risked arrest from campus With “good bones” still in place, Sanford Hall is set to last even police once inside B.B. Dougherty. longer for first-year students, with its renovation completed in March. Built in 1968, Sanford was constructed during App State’s transition from a technical school to a regional university. The $18 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION million renovation made way for air conditioning, a new double With former Vice President Mike Pence and now-Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff in town, it was elevator, and advanced lecture halls and workspaces. Being home to hard for students not to weigh in this election. The two well-known men visited the High Country amid an the English department, every App State student will have at least election year, in theme, like no other. Among the 20,000 students on campus, many had differing opinions one class in Sanford Mall before they graduate. on presidential candidates Donald Trump and Joe Biden, with some “settling for Biden” after preferred candidates tapped out and others behind conservative values Trump supported. While waiting on election results, students of contrasting views clashed on Sanford Mall.
2020
LGBTQ INITIATIVES IN TOWN, UNIVERSITY The last academic year saw changes in advocacy and amplifying marginalized communities on campus and in the Town of Boone. Boone Town Council passed an LGBTQ anti-discrimination ordinance this past spring. The ordinance was introduced by town council member and App State alum Dustin Hicks to foster a safe environment for the local queer community. This ordinance helps protect transgender citizens from House Bill 2 and other discrimination. App State’s SGA has also worked for a more inclusive community on campus, brainstorming a bill that could allow students to change their legal name to their preferred name on their App Card or student identification card. Senators Ben Negin and Connor Ranes were inspired by the Equality Act, which prohibits discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation and gender identity.
VACCINE CLINIC
As students experienced a year of locked buildings and Zoom classes, App State pushed to become a vaccination distribution center. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services approved the university’s request, and Holmes Convocation Center became home to the first vaccine clinic on the mountain March 11. App State vaccinated 310 people that day, and since then, has administered 4,625 doses. Students who would like to receive a vaccine can schedule an appointment with Student Health Service.
LOCAL LEAGUE SPORTS COME TO THE MOUNTAIN: AMB, BIGFOOTS
During the pandemic, some people came together through sports. Boone as a whole came together and created two different sports teams in the High Country. This summer, both Boone Bigfoots and Appalachian FC played in Boone as the home team. Boone Bigfoots is a collegiate-level, woodenbat baseball team, which blossomed through COVID-19 shutdowns last year, according to owner Bob Wilson. Appalachian FC hosted their inaugural tryouts in March for the locally based club. After nearly 40 people tried out from different backgrounds and states, Appalachian FC qualified for the semi-finals in the Southeast Conference playoffs after its first season and finished third in the conference.
Jesse Barber A COVID-19 tester organizes supplies on the second floor of Rivers Street parking deck on August 29, 2020
PEAK PEOPLE TO KNOW
SHAWN CLARK
Ethan Hunt | Associate News Editor
SHERI EVERTS
Sheri Everts is App State’s chancellor. As chancellor, Everts is responsible for the entire faculty, staff and student body. She is also in charge of appropriating funds for all programs offered by App State with the power to discontinue existing programs or start new ones. Everts became chancellor in July 2014 after finishing six years at Illinois State as provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. Some of Everts’ current priorities for the university include: “articulating the ways Appalachian defines sustainability, increasing the diversity of our student, faculty and staff populations and maintaining a focus on slow and steady enrollment growth,” according to the Office of the Chancellor biography.
JUDY HAAS
Judy Haas is the dean of students. As dean of students, Haas oversees student conduct, case management, off-campus student services, the student legal clinic, student veteran services, and parent and family services. In her role as dean of students, Haas serves as a liaison between the student body and university administration. According to her biography, Haas keeps the “best interest of the student in the forefront of her mind.”
BAILEY GARDIN Bailey Gardin, senior political science major, is the president of the Student Government Association. As president, Gardin represents the student body, and along with the rest of SGA, has power to pass legislation, which can affect the day-to-day lives of students. For example, Gardin, who previously served as director of academic affairs, was part of the team of SGA senators who worked on the bill that provided students with the pass/no credit option in fall 2021. Gardin and his vice president, DJ Evans, are taking over from the Michael-Davis administration, which led App State through the COVID-19 pandemic.
CHRISTOPHER HOGAN Christopher Hogan is the director of the Counseling and Psychological Services Center. Hogan has spearheaded several new mental health programs as director. Most recently, Hogan worked on the Let’s Talk program, which was changed to “Let’s TeleTalk” during last year’s global pandemic. In both iterations of the program, the Counseling and Psychological Services provided two to three hours several times a week, during which students could pop in and talk to a licensed counselor about whatever was on their minds. The counseling center also offers group counseling, workshops, educational programming, prevention programs and a host of other services for students to utilize.
JAIME PARSON Jaime Parson is App State’s interim Chief Diversity Officer. Parson took over the position from Willie Fleming following his retirement in June, having served for six years in the position. As Chief Diversity Officer, Parson is responsible for working toward and promoting greater equity, inclusion and diversity throughout the App State community. Shortly after taking the position, Parson attended the dedication of the Junaluska community historical marker on behalf of Chancellor Everts. The marker commemorated the contributions of Boone’s historic African American community. Parson highlighted the importance of Juneteenth and pride month in her first message to the university as Chief Diversity Officer. “We all share the responsibility of advancing an equitable and inclusive university environment,” Parson said in the message.
Shawn Clark is App State’s head football coach. Clark started coaching in 2016 as an assistant coach under Eliah Drinkwitz, App State’s former head coach, who departed for the University of Missouri in 2019. Following Drinkwitz’s departure after the 2019 Sun Belt Championship, Clark coached the Mountaineers to a win in the 2019 New Orleans Bowl. Clark led the Mountaineers to nine wins and three losses in his first full season as head coach. Clark attended App State from 1994 to 1998 and played lineman for the Mountaineers.
YOSEF
Yosef is App State’s mascot. He is a pipe-smoking, bearded mountain man, often wearing a black and gold flannel. Yosef was first mentioned as App State’s mascot in a 1948 edition of The Appalachian. Before the character became the mascot, Yosef was used as an alias for a writer on The Appalachian and as a character pictured in a 1941-42 edition of the yearbook. Today, Yosef can be seen celebrating a touchdown on Stadium Drive on the west side of campus, cheering on the sidelines of football games, and posing on stickers, flags and t-shirts.
DJ EVANS DJ Evans, senior political science major, is SGA vice president. As a leading member of the administration, Evans is responsible for working with Gardin to set the tone and priorities of student government. Evans identified the treatment of marginalized groups as one of his top priorities for the upcoming semester, in an interview with The Appalachian last spring. The Black at App State Collective, which was formed July 2020, listed several changes to SGA in their demands, including the permanent appointment of a director of diversity and inclusion to the SGA cabinet, to Everts. Evans and Gardin plan to work with whomever is appointed to this position to continue Evans’ goal of focusing on the treatment of marginalized groups. Kara Haselton
The Appalachian, 1941-42
YOU GRADUATED FROM ZOOM UNIVERSITY.
WHAT NOW? Jake Markland | News Editor As of the first day of class, it has been 523 days since App State students received an email alerting them that spring break would be extended for one week, allowing the university and the world time to better understand COVID-19. That amount of time, 523 days, is plenty long enough to forget a thing or two about learning in an actual classroom and going to school in an actual
building. Here are a few things students should know when returning to in-person learning. The quick, breezy commute from bed to desk is a thing of the past. Now students are once again forced to perform morning tasks like making coffee and cooking breakfast before class instead of during it. No longer are the days of waking up at 7:55 a.m. for an 8 a.m. class; students must wake up leaving adequate time to
prepare for the day, drive or bus to campus and find their way into the classroom. Pants are no longer optional, but this is App State, so you only need to wear shoes if you feel like it. The classroom itself will be a startling sight. There will be students everywhere, none of whom will have their names displayed below their faces nor the ability to turn their faces off. Students can no longer private message a Zoom classmate to confirm that they too have no
idea what is happening. Hang in there. Zoom silence is awkward, but awkward silence in real life is a whole ‘nother ball game. If you sit there long enough, someone else is bound to start talking. Should one decide that there is nothing to be learned in today’s lecture, it is not as simple as zoning out and scrolling through Twitter. No, they must actually sit in the classroom until the time is up, desperately avoiding the urge to take a nap. But overall, the students
can rejoice and take pleasure in returning to the things they once took for granted. They can ditch the blue light glasses in favor of looking their classmates in the eye. They can make a clear, defining line between their school lives and their personal lives. They can attend office hours, go to a football game and watch Luke Combs sing about what happens when it rains. They can look at dozens of walls each day as opposed to the same ones they have been closely observing for almost a year and a half.
TAPPING IN ON THE 828: 12 VITAL SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS Aubrey Smith | A&C Editor Upon your arrival to the mountain, it can be overwhelming to know just how much is going on in the Boone area. With a lively campus paired next to a thriving downtown, events and things to do are in abundance. Luckily, these twelve social media accounts have made it easy to follow along and keep up with the bustling atmosphere of the High Country. App State (Instagram & Twitter: @appstate) App State’s official social media is stocked full of scenic pictures of the university and Boone area. Quality content, memorable pictures of campus, and views from the mountains make for a pleasant surprise on your timeline. App State Campus Activities (Instagram: @appstatecampusactivities) From poster sales or concerts on Sanford, to movie showings at the Schaefer Center, there’s always a wide variety of events sprinkled about at App State. Campus activities will keep you in the know of all the action in the mountains, as well as all the new and fun events the university has to offer. University Housing (Instagram: @appstatehousing) If you’re a resident on campus, staying tuned in with university housing is a must. Their Instagram will keep you updated on all the latest, whether it’s inspection notices, information about move-in and move-out, event notices, or housing tips. Most residence halls have their own Instagrams as well, which can provide important updates and information regarding your own hall. App State Athletics (Instagram & Twitter: @appstatesports) App State Athletics’ socials provide coverage of the numerous sports on the mountain. On their Instagram, you’ll find clear-cut pictures of smiling athletes hard
at work in their element. Over on App State Athletics’ Twitter, you’ll stay up to date on sports schedules, interviews and ticket sales. The App Sports (Twitter: @TheAppSports) The App Sports provides extensive coverage of all things athletics in the 828. Ran by students and brought to you from The Appalachian, their Twitter will keep you in the know of the latest with everything from football to wrestling to basketball. App State police (Twitter: @appstatepolice) & Boone police (Twitter: @boonepolice) When living on or near a college campus, it’s important to be aware of any emergency situation that may present itself. From emergencies to traffic accidents and road closures, stay updated on the news with campus police and Boone polices’ Twitters. App State Wellness & Prevention services (Instagram: @appstate_wellness) It can be easy to forget to prioritize yourself in college. Overwhelmed by deadlines and assignments, we can often overlook our mental and physical health. App State Wellness & Prevention Services’ Instagram provides entertaining TikToks focused on helping students’ wellbeing, event updates and educational posts. Explore Boone (Instagram & Twitter: @exploreboone) Explore Boone keeps a long list of the best spots in town. Whether you need to find your next spot for a meal, your future destination for an adventure, or are just in the mood to bask at some high quality, breathtaking pictures of the one of a kind views in the mountains, Explore Boone has got you covered. APPS (Instagram: @asu_apps) If there’s an event going on at campus that all the students are talking about, chances are APPS is behind
it. From concerts to movie showings to seasonal events on campus, there’s always something happening for students to enjoy, and the student-led organization keeps Mountaineers entertained year long. They invite big performers to Boone every year and are behind bringing artists such as Doja Cat, John Mayer and Outkast to entertain students at Legends. Downtown Boone (Instagram: @downtownboonenc) Downtown Boone has something for everyone. Anything from a hemp collective, to a donut shop, to a record store, there’s so much in store for your time spent in Boone’s little city. With small business spotlights and posts highlighting the best of Boone, Downtown Boone’s Instagram will leave you dying to get to King Street. OASIS, Inc. (Instagram: @oasishighcountry) Providing crisis lines, educational resources and support, OASIS is working to end sexual and domestic violence in neighboring counties Watauga and Avery. The nonprofit organization keeps an updated Instagram, spotlighting its supportive resources and a link to its website, where its Watauga, Avery and Spanish crisis lines are accessible. Black In Boone (Instagram: @blackinboone) Supporting citizens of the High Country, Black In Boone’s socials are reflective of their focus: “action, education, and manifesting a world in which Black and Brown (sic) folks can thrive in the high country.” The Black led advocacy group posts meeting and event notices and educational resources, and in addition to their Instagram, they have a newsletter you can subscribe to.
STUDENT HEALTH RESOURCES Cameron Stuart | Reporter Starting college can be an exciting time as students move to a new area, meet new people and discover a new sense of freedom. Throughout their time in Boone, App State offers resources to ensure students’ mental and physical needs are met, especially during a pandemic. The Counseling and Psychological Services Center on the first floor of the Miles Annas Building located behind Plemmons Student Union offers counseling, referral services and other mental health resources for students living both on and off campus. Counseling services include short-term individual counseling, group counseling and couples or family counseling. These services help students work through mental health issues involving anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, body image, identity and grief. After an initial consultation, individual therapy sessions are typically 45 minutes long. Several programs are available either only online or primarily online due to COVID-19, including individual counseling, group therapy, and Let’s Talk, renamed as “Let's TeleTalk.” The Counseling Center offers an oncall counselor to speak with after-hours
in the case of urgent mental health issues including suicidal thoughts or sexual assault trauma. They can be reached at 828-2623180. The M.S. Shook Student Health Service on the second floor of the Miles Annas Building provides physical health resources, include a pharmacy vaccines and basic x-ray services, and more. Students can get tested for COVID-19 at the Student Health Service by making an appointment through their MedPortal accounts, or by calling 828-262-3100. Students, faculty and staff can call the same number to book vaccine appointments. Student Health Services also offers birth control options, condoms, pregnancy tests, safe sex education and STI testing for all students, as well as emergency contraceptives for $10 with a valid App Card. An after-hours nurse telephone service gives students the opportunity to speak with a registered nurse outside of regular hours by calling 828-262-3100. Appointments with Student Health Services can be booked either through students’ MedPortal accounts or by calling 828-262-6577. An AppCard is required for all appointments and services.
ACADEMIC RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS Megan Pettey | Reporter Student Learning Center The Disco Student Learning Center offers a variety of resources to help students thrive in their academic and personal development. Six central tools are offered by the Learning Center to address the specific needs of students. The center currently offers small group tutoring via Zoom for select courses such as chemistry, physics, accounting, finance, Spanish and law. Students can make appointments online to schedule a session with a trained tutor approved by the academic department relative to their course. Leadership Education and Development Tutoring is available for chemistry students and provides an opportunity to meet with classmates to discuss course concepts, develop study tools and enhance their overall understanding of class material, according to the website for the Student Learning Center. Students who receive an A in the relevant course can also be hired as LEAD Tutors. These sessions are voluntary, and an updated schedule will be posted on their website when the fall semester begins. Learning Labs are also offered for many subjects and don’t require an appointment. Students can drop in using the Zoom link provided for the specified lab during operational hours. The website for the Student Learning Center provides a schedule with available hours for each lab. As-U-R in the center is an in-depth program for students who struggle with executive functioning skills which include initiating tasks, planning and prioritizing, organization, time management, setting and achieving goals and flexibility. Students with executive function challenges may be diagnosed with ADHD or simply struggle in areas related to these skills. This service has the capacity to support 100 students at a time. Applications for this program are ongoing and available to current students, transfers and high school seniors. Academic Success Courses are available as a one-credit hour course for students who wish to improve in areas such as time management, reading efficiency and study skills. These graded courses are offered in-person, online and as a hybrid course. The Student Learning Center also of-
fers peer academic coaching and academic consultations to help students reach their goals. With peer coaching, upperclassmen trained in teaching useful study skills work with students of all majors. Students can choose how often they meet with their coach to develop a plan for academic success. Academic consultations are offered year-round to students who wish to have a one-time meeting with a study skills specialist. University Writing Center The University Writing Center is a free resource for those seeking assistance with any stage of the writing process. Located on the second floor of Belk Library, the Writing Center’s staff assist faculty, Boone residents and students with their writing. The Writing Center will offer in-person and virtual consulting appointments beginning Aug. 23; appointment lengths vary depending on the needs of the consultee. Students may meet with consultants as many times as they wish during the semester without exceeding one appointment per day. Students with experience in writing may also be consultants for the Writing Center. The center can also provide confirmation reports upon request that indicate the length, time and date of the session for instructors, according to the Writing Center’s website. Academic Advising Each App State student is assigned an academic advisor to ensure academic success in every subject. Regular consultations with academic advisors are recommended by the university so students can stay on track with their goals and graduation requirements. Advising is located in D.D. Dougherty Hall where students can meet with their assigned advisor before they declare a major. These advisors can help students register for classes, find the right major and more. After students decide on an area of study, they will be assigned an advisor in that department. Most majors require advising sessions prior to registering for classes to make sure students are on the best path toward graduation. They can also assist with finding internship opportunities, building resumés and answering questions related to the students’ career goals.
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YOUR GO-TO GUIDE FOR THE 828’S FALL EVENTS Maggie Watts | Reporter After a year of online classes and events, App State is seeing a return to normalcy with the 202122 school year. In-person activities are in abundance throughout the High Country this semester. Here’s what’s up this fall: Aug. 18 — UREC Fest and Welcome Back Concert on Sanford University Recreation will host a festival on Sanford Mall from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Later that night, local bands Bad Cameo and Deaf Andrew will welcome students back to campus with a free concert. The festivities will last until 9 p.m. Aug. 19-22 — Blowing Rock Plein Air Festival The Blowing Rock Plein Air Festival aims to bring artists from around the world to paint in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Artists may find inspiration for their paintings in the beautiful, mountainous scenery. At the end of the festival, their artwork is displayed and can be purchased at the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum’s Wet Paint Sale. Aug. 28 — High Country Beer Fest — $$ At the 14th annual High Country Beer Fest, 35 breweries will each give out two ounce samples of beer. The event features live music, free fermentation seminars and food. Additionally, the Watauga Humane Society will be at the event with puppies in search of their forever homes. The festival will be held at the High Country Fairgrounds from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. General admission tickets are $50. Sept. 3 — Turchin Center exhibit opening The Turchin Center for the Visual Arts will open a new exhibit that aims to remind viewers of the intricacies of human relationships. In “Matters of the Heart (and Other Abnormalities),” artist Shawn Morin investigates human reactions to worldwide changes and major events, such as 9/11 and COVID-19. The exhibit will be located in the Mayer Gallery, and opening day hours are
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noon-8 p.m. Sept. 4 — Luke Combs concert at The Rock — $$$ Get ready to have a “Beautiful Crazy” time at The Rock this fall! After two COVID-19 reschedulings, country singer and former App State student Luke Combs will play Kidd Brewer Stadium from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Labor Day weekend, along with opening act Drew Parker. Sept. 10-11 — Banff Mountain Film Festival —$ The Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts will host the Banff Mountain Film Festival, an international film screening and competition. The films cover topics such as mountain culture, sports, environment, adventure and exploration. Doors open at 6 p.m., and screenings will start at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $8 for App State students and $15 for everyone else. Sept. 16-19 — Merlefest — $$$ Merlefest is an annual music festival in Wilkesboro, North Carolina that features traditional Appalachian region music, including bluegrass, folk, gospel, blues, classic country, Americana and classic rock. There are 13 stages at the hour-away event with various artists performing. The festival will be held at Wilkes Community College and begins at 9 a.m. Ticket prices vary depending on how many days you attend, but general admission for all four days is $190. Sept. 17 — Founder’s Day Founder’s Day honors the founders of App State: B.B. Dougherty, D.D. Dougherty and Lillie Shull Dougherty. It also honors the first day of classes held in 1899 at Watauga Academy. Following Founder’s Day tradition, Chancellor Everts will ring the Founders Bell at Founders Plaza with members of the Appalachian Bell Ringers Society, and new members will be inducted into the society. Sept. 17-19 — Family Weekend App State’s Family
Weekend aims to give families a taste of campus life and the chance to meet other Appalachian families. Sept. 18 — App State vs Elon (first home game) The Mountaineers play Elon in the first home game of the season. There will also be a celebration of the App State Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2021, a tribute to Coach Jerry Moore and the unveiling of the Coach Jerry Moore Plaza and statue. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Sept. 23 — App State vs Marshall The Mountaineers play Marshall University in the second home game of the season. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 23-25 — Class of 2020 celebration weekend and commencement ceremony App State and the Alumni Association will welcome 2020 graduates back to campus for the graduation celebrations they missed due to COVID-19. There will be an in-person commencement ceremony on Sept. 25 and a Wine and Cheese Reception on Sept. 24. Oct. 11-12 — Fall break Oct. 15 — BRAHM Winter Exhibition Celebration The Blowing Rock Art and History Museum will celebrate the opening of its winter exhibits with a free, family-friendly reception. This event celebrates the opening of three new exhibits: “Emergent Landscapes: Mountains, Music, & Improvisation in the Paintings of Abie Harris”; “Potters & Patrons: The Gorelick Collection at BRAHM”; and “Storyland: A Trip Through Childhood Favorites.” The celebration is from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 16-17 — Spooky Duke Race The annual Spooky Duke Race is a fundraising and awarenessraising event for the Parent to Parent Family Support Network, and it includes a 5k, 10k, costume march and contest. The Halloweenthemed event encourages adults, children and pets to wear their oneof-a-kind costumes and participate in the festivities. The free costume march will begin at 10 a.m. in the Peacock Hall parking lot, and races begin at 9 a.m. Oct. 16-17 — Valle Crucis Country Fair The annual Valle Crucis Country Fair features crafts made by North Carolina artisans, homemade food and performances by authentic Appalachian bluegrass and country bands. There will also be family-friendly activities such as ‘pumpkin bowling,’ face painting, visits with alpacas and dancing with local clog teams. Admission is free. Oct. 16-17 — Wooly Worm Festival — $ The annual Wooly Worm Festival in Banner Elk celebrates the coming of winter. Wooly worms race up a three-foot long string, and
the winning worm predicts how severe the winter weather will be. The event also features local food vendors, crafts and live entertainment. The festival is held at the Historic Banner Elk Elementary School and races begin at 10 a.m. Adult tickets cost $6 per day, tickets for children ages 6-12 are $4 and children five and under get in free. Oct. 20 — App State vs Coastal Carolina App State faces off against Coastal Carolina in the first home Sun Belt championship game of the season. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30 — App State vs Louisiana Monroe (homecoming game) App State’s homecoming game against ULM will begin at 3:30 p.m. An App State Football Alumni Reunion will also take place at the game. Nov. 13 — App State vs South Alabama The Mountaineers play South Alabama at The Rock. Kickoff is at 2:30 p.m. Nov. 14 — Yonder Mountain String Band and The Del McCoury Band concert — $$ Bluegrass groups Yonder Mountain String Band and The Del McCoury Band will perform at the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts at 7 p.m. The Del McCoury Band is the most awarded band in bluegrass history! Tickets go on sale Sept. 9. App State student tickets cost $25, faculty and staff tickets are $40 and other tickets are $45. Nov. 19 — Ski season begins (lasts till March 27) — $$ Hit the slopes at Appalachian Ski Mountain, Beech Mountain Resort or Sugar
Mountain Resort. All three establishments are within 9-19 miles of each other and less than an hour from Boone. At only 3.9 miles away, Appalachian Ski Mountain is the closest to campus. When classes are canceled due to winter weather, App Ski Mountain offers a discounted ticket price of $10 for 8 hours on the slopes. Nov. 24-26 — Thanksgiving break Nov. 27 — App State vs Georgia Southern App State plays Georgia Southern in the last home game of the football season, with kickoff at 2:30 p.m. This game is also Black Saturday and Senior Day. On Black Saturday, App fans are encouraged to wear black to “blackout” Kidd Brewer. Senior Day refers to the last home game of the season and honors the seniors who are playing at Kidd Brewer Stadium for the last time. Nov. 30 — Last day of classes Dec. 2-8 — Finals week Dec. 3 — Turchin Center exhibit opening The Turchin Center for the Visual Arts will open its new exhibit, “In the Garden of Healing” by Dara Mark. This exhibit focuses on Mark's emotional state over the five years after her husband died. The medium is watercolor on Yupo paper, and the various colors aim to reflect Mark’s changing emotions throughout the years. The exhibit will be located in Gallery B, and opening day hours are noon-8 p.m. Dec. 10 — Fall commencement ceremonies Congratulations to the class of 2021! Dec. 10-Jan. 7 — Winter break
YOUR GUIDE TO BOONE COFFEE Ansley Puckett | Managing Editor
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STICK BOY BREAD COMPANY
ith over 10 different coffee options in Boone, choosing where to get your brew can be overwhelming. Here’s a guide to help Location: Bakery: 345 Hardin St, Boone, NC 28607 | Kitchen: 211 Boone Heights Dr, Boone, NC you navigate Boone’s expansive coffee culture from local favorites to 28607 familiar chains. Hours: Bakery: Monday-Friday: 7 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. | Saturday: 7 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Sunday: Closed Kitchen: Monday-Friday: 7 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. | Saturday: 7 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Sunday: Closed With both a bakery and a kitchen, Stick Boy is great for a pastry stop or a cozy breakfast meet-up. Want something on your way to class or work? Stop by the bakery for a latte and a scone. In need of somewhere to take your parents for a weekend breakfast? Go by the kitchen for a chicken biscuit and cappuccino. No matter which location you stop at, you’re guaranteed a great cup of coffee.
CROSSROADS COFFEE HOUSE | WIRED SCHOLAR Location: Plemmons Student Union | Belk Library and Information Commons Hours: Monday-Thursday: 7:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. | Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Saturday: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m. | Sunday: 2 p.m. - 9 p.m. As one of two coffee shops on campus with seating, Crossroads is a student favorite, from studying between classes to setting up meetings. Stocked with Hatchet coffee and Stick Boy pastries, Crossroads also has everything from lattes to breakfast items to smoothies. Take a break from class in its cozy seating area or hit the books with your study group at one of its tables. Then, keep a look out for Wired Scholar’s reopening after a year of closure and get your late night library study brews. Andy McLean
LOCAL LION Location: 791 Blowing Rock Rd, Boone, NC 28607 Hours: Monday-Saturday: 7 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. Voted best off-campus coffee shop for Best of Boone 2021, the Local Lion is quite literally a local favorite. Patrons can enjoy its convenient drive-thru and long hours to get their coffee fill. Also known for its large homemade doughnuts, the Local Lion is a great place for studying with friends or a quick stop for caffeine on the way to morning classes.
TALIA ESPRESSO BOONE
ESPRESSO NEWS Location: 267 Howard St, Boone, NC 28607 Hours: Monday- Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. | Saturday and Sunday: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. This App State student favorite is a classic and conveniently located near campus on King Street. Perfect for a coffee stop between classes, Expresso News offers classics like lattes, hot, freshly brewed coffee and smoothies.
BALD GUY BREW COFFEE ROASTING CO Location: 747 W King St, Boone, NC 28607 Hours: Monday- Saturday: 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Sunday: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Bald Guy returned to Boone after losing its location to a fire in 2016. Now, Bald Guy Brew is on King Street with Ransom Pub. Bald Guy Brew is a great stop for a coffee after a meal or a quick rest before continuing your day. With a location in downtown Blowing Rock as well, you can also enjoy Bald Guy when exploring Boone’s neighboring town.
Location: 444 W King St, Boone, NC 28607 Hours: Monday-Thursday: 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. | HATCHET COFFEE Friday-Sunday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Talia Espresso is truly a hidden gem of Boone coffee options. Location: 150A Den Mac Dr, Boone, NC 28607 Located within walking distance of campus, Talia Espresso is the Hours: Monday - Sunday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. perfect place for a pick me up during a day of exploring King Street. With unique flavors and creative drinks, Hatchet has made a name for itself in the community. Its Although small, Talia Espresso’s atmosphere is cozy and welcoming. large space is perfect for Sunday coffee and study dates. Even located a little out of the way, you’ll make Have a chat with one of the friendly baristas as they make you a drink the trip for its fan-favorite coffee. Don’t have time to go to the edge of town? No problem, App State uses from their creative and large menu. Hatchet coffee in its on-campus coffee shops so you can get your Hatchet fix.
KOVU’S COFFEE
BLUE DEER ON KING
Location: 869 NC-105 Extension Suite 1, Boone, NC 28607 Location: 352 W King St, Boone, NC 28607 Hours: Monday - Friday: 7 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. | Hours: Monday - Saturday: 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. | Sunday: 1 p.m. - 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. Located right behind Belk Library, Blue Deer has a great view of campus and King Street. Offering Kovu is Boone’s newest coffee shop but is easily recognized by its cookies and ice cream along with coffee, Blue Deer is great for coffee fans with a sweet tooth. With a large furry mascot, Kovu. With the cutest logo, you can enjoy a cup of joe space close to campus, Blue Deer offers students a place to sit and study or gather with a large group of or a pastry and be some of the first students to try out Boone’s freshest friends. coffee spot.
BEST OFF-CAMPUS EATS Abi Pepin | Reporter
MELANIE’S FOOD FANTASY When it comes to off-campus eats, students can look no further than down the street for their off-campus dining necessities. Another App State student staple, located in downtown Boone, is When the dining hall food just isn’t hitting the spot, or a friend hangout is very much needed, Melanie’s Food Fantasy. Open Thursday through Monday, from 8 a.m incoming students have all the opportunity to slide by the local restaurants Boone has to offer. to 2 p.m. Melanie’s offers breakfast and lunch options like omelets,
pancakes, waffles, burgers and salads. Students can enjoy fresh fruit, local produce, organic coffee or the student special with views of King Street on the outdoor patio. With some more unique dishes such as Tempeh Scramble, Pimento Cheese Grits and the Caribbean Sammie, students can find something delicious from this locally sourced restaurant. Don’t go on family weekend or any other busy weekend because you might miss a football game waiting in the infamous Melanie’s line.
Jesse Barber
LOST PROVINCE BREWING CO. Lost Province Brewing Co., a microbrewery and wood-fired gastropub is located right off King Street. With a variety of beer and a changing on tap menu, Lost Province has a menu of locally sourced and house-made food. Best known for their Neapolitan pizza baked in their wood-fired oven, Lost Province also has seasonal and dessert specials, appetizers, charcuterie and pub fare. On the weekends, students can enjoy live music and other special events while trying the newest beer on tap or a “build your own” pizza. A second location, Lost Province at Hardin Creek, opened in June. The new brewery and taproom is dog and family friendly, with light bar snacks available.
BATTLE OF THE MEXICAN RESTAURANTS: LOS OR DOS? Newer students, you’ll be faced with a settlement that holds more weight than College Decision Day: will it be Los Arcoiris or Dos Amigos for dinner? While both restaurants serve favorites like tacos, queso, fajitas, margaritas and arroz con pollo, it’s inevitable that students pick their favorite of the two. Los Arcoiris, located at 168 Boone Heights Dr, has two AppalCart stops nearby, making it more convenient for incoming students and other on-campus Mountaineers to go out to eat. The hand-painted mural walls give students an authentic feel while they enjoy lunch specials from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. With a long menu of appetizers, daily specials and endless drinks, Los Arcoiris is a must try when coming to Boone. Dos Amigos, located at 187 New Market Centre, is conveniently near the Regal Boone Cinema, Big Lots, Lowes Foods and several AppalCart stops. Similar to Los Arcoiris, Dos Amigos has lunch specials from 11 a.m to 3 p.m. With a jam-packed menu full of appetizers, combination dishes, drinks, soups and salads, Dos Amigos is a favorite among students and their visiting families.
Jesse Barber
LILY’S SNACK BAR Located across the street from the Holmes Convocation Center, Lily’s Snack Bar is a bar and sandwich shop. Students can enjoy trivia and dance parties while eating chicken tenders and potato wedges and drinking slushies. Prided on their inclusivity, Lily’s “is not a place for racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism or any kind of hate,” according to their website. With weekly specials like $6 Lily’s Iced Teas on Tuesdays and $2.75 vegan tacos on Wednesdays, Lily’s offers additional specials which are promoted on their Instagram page. Lily’s also includes locally sourced ingredients from nearby businesses. It is also the first bar in the area to require proof of vaccination upon entry.
Moss Brennan
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THE MOST APP STATE THINGS ABOUT APP STATE Lily Kincaid | Reporter Many students consider App State as their “home away from home.” The scenery of the High Country is enough to make some people fall in love with the school after the first visit. Others may find themselves enamored with the unique culture of the Appalachian region, and some may be drawn to Boone’s developing environmental protection efforts. No matter students’ reasoning for choosing App State, it’s clear that it sets itself apart from other schools, and here are some of the ways it does that. Sustainable Development Teaching and Research Farm From the Broyhill Wind Turbine, which was one of the largest in the state at the time of its construction, to campus-wide zero waste initiatives, sustainability is something that is ingrained into the university's culture.
The Sustainable Development Department offers several different degree options and a range of hands-on learning opportunities. Many of these opportunities come from the Sustainable Development Teaching and Research Farm. The farm, located in Ashe County, houses livestock, gardens, orchards and greenhouses. Students donate the seeds they save to local seed libraries, and they donate most of the crops from the farm to the University Dining Halls. Fermentation sciences As a response to North Carolina’s growing craft beer and brewing industry, App State began its fermentation sciences program in 2012. With its roots in chemistry and biology, graduates with this degree often find careers with biotechnology businesses, as well as breweries, wineries and distilleries. Students in the program have access to a pilot
plant, where they gain hands-on experience in creating recipes and brewing beverages. Dance Marathon Fundraiser For 17 years, the university has held an annual dance marathon that raises money for local non-profit organizations that aim to offer support to children and families in the area. The event has recently been hosted by Appalachian and the Community Together (ACT) and is held at Legends. Participants aim to raise at least $150 throughout the school year for the Western Youth Network and the Parent to Parent Family Support Network. The end of the fundraiser is marked by a 15hour dance marathon celebrating the students’ accomplishments and how they’ll benefit local families. Niche Clubs Clubs are an important part of the experience at App
State because membership in a club allows students to create friendships, develop leadership skills and explore their passions. The university is home to over 500 clubs, meaning that there’s bound to be an organization for everyone to enjoy. However, the school encourages students to start their own clubs if they can’t find one that interests them. Some current clubs include but are certainly not limited to the Quidditch Club, the Beekeeping Club, the Roller Derby Club and the Fly Fishing Club. Split Rail App State was at the forefront of student-run record labels when Split Rail Records was created as a part of the Music Industry Studies program in 2005. Now, the record label signs a new local artist every spring and has been featured in articles from the New York Times and Billboard Magazine. Split Rail Records is a perfect display
of App State’s support of local musicians and a great opportunity for students to participate in the High Country’s music scene. Dark Sky Observatory Many students are familiar with the Rankin Science Observatory, but those outside of the Department of Physics and Astronomy may not know that App State has an off-campus observatory. Tucked along the Blue Ridge Parkway near Purlear, the Dark Sky Observatory has been operating since 1981. This remote area is ideal for an observatory, as there is less light pollution in rural areas. The observatory occasionally hosts viewing events and tours that the public can attend, and there are souvenirs for sale in the visitor center.
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MISS AMERICA MIGHT BE A MOUNTAINEER APP STATE SENIOR REPS NORTH CAROLINA IN HISTORIC PAGEANT
Maggie Watts | Reporter fter a weekend of performances, interviews when her father became unemployed, Batson and modeling, 34 women stood onstage in started looking for places to perform that did not High Point on June 26, waiting for news of who require a heavy financial commitment. She soon would be crowned the new Miss North Carolina. discovered community theater. Crying tears of joy, a rising App State senior “Through community theater, I made a received a bouquet of red roses and her sash and connection with someone who knew about the crown. Miss America organization and who knew I The new Miss North Carolina, 21-year-old wanted to get back on stage and perform,” Batson Carli Batson, hopes to use her platform to support said. theater arts through her impact initiative. The When the dancer learned about the talent pageant participants each have essential impact portion of pageants, she enrolled in Wilmington’s initiatives they implement through their local Miss Azalea Princess Pageant. As a junior in high communities. Batson’s social impact initiative, school, Batson won her first pageant. Carolina Cares, aims to aid “We always like to say that community theater. “A lot of people you kind of get the ‘pageant bug,’ “If you’re familiar with once you do one, you can't think that pageant and Broadway Cares, it’s kind of in really stop,” Batson said. the footsteps of that,” Batson Batson went on to win girls are really said. “I take Carolina blue Miss Wilmington, Miss Greater catty and rude and Sampson County and Miss buckets into performances and theaters and performing arts mean, but in my Cleveland before her recent events and collect monetary She will compete in experience, it’s crowning. donations, and then those the Miss America Pageant in donations are given directly back actually quite the December. to those theaters in need, and “It's the 100th anniversary of opposite.” they're able to do whatever they Miss America,” Batson said. “It's need to do with it.” really special to me to be able to go and represent Carolina Cares once raised over $8,000 in one North Carolina at such a historical event.” night. The money sent 31 children to theater camp Batson said she loves the sisterhood of North tuition-free. Carolina pageants. She describes her competitors “When I was little and wanted to do certain as “the most inspiring, impactful, empowered things, we had to look at the price first,” Batson women” that she’s ever met. said. “So to just be able to go ahead and set these “We all have such a special bond and a way kids up, and knowing they didn't have to find of lifting each other up and promoting each other money to do it, that was really inspiring for me.” in our state,” Batson said. “A lot of people think Due to COVID-19 closures last year, theaters that pageant girls are really catty and rude and throughout America were forced to close their mean, but in my experience, it's actually quite the doors. Batson said she feels strongly about opposite.” supporting theaters and performers who lost work App State senior Karolyn Martin holds the due to the pandemic. Miss Moore County title and competed alongside “What comes to my mind is how we all got Batson in the Miss North Carolina Pageant, to watch Hamilton on Disney Plus. What a lot of winning second runner up. people didn't realize is the people that we watched Batson and Martin met through the on stage were unemployed,” Batson said. “So Appalachian Musical Theatre Club’s trip to New getting into theaters and kind of celebrating their York in 2018. Martin said their friendship grew reopenings and collecting monetary donations through theater and pageants. to get them back on their feet, I'm excited to do “It was so great to meet her and then to that.” continue our relationship and friendship through In high school, the Wilmington native the Miss America Organization,” Martin said. wanted to be a professional ballerina. She even Read more online at participated in a summer-long dance intensive www.theappalachianonline.com 15 at New York’s Joffrey School of Ballet. However,
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Courtesy of Lenn Long Photography
THE MOUNTAINEER MARKET Jaclyn Bartlett | Reporter
Iyana Mack
Aubrey Smith | A&C Editor From packed venues to bands playing on their backyard, unique music for everyone is abundant throughout the High Country. Whether it’s an evening at TApp Room or a concert on Sanford, Boone is always echoing with music. Barefoot Modern Barefoot Modern is a Boone favorite and was even voted best local band in The Appalachian’s Best of Boone 2021 edition. The group makes indie-pop music that gives off an electric and exciting vibe when listening to it, and songs like “La La Land ‘’ are filled with punchy strums of guitar and a melodic chorus. Signed to Split Rail Records, App State’s own record label, the band continues to put out music that Boone locals love. Luke Combs You might not know it, but country artist Luke Combs once spent his time
From painting and graphic 2019 but did not have the time to design to embroidery and put serious practice into it until calligraphy, App State has a wide the pandemic hit.“People would variety of artistic talent. For these always tell me, ‘you should sell three students, art is not only a this, can I buy this?’ and things method of self expression, but a like that, and I was like, ‘yeah, business as well. maybe one day,’” Hensch said. Graduate student Madison “It's unfortunate that COVID Hensch is currently studying for happened, but it did give me a her master’s in special education lot of time to work on my pieces, while running her embroidery and that's kind of how I decided business, Madison & Thread, on I was going to start selling them the side. because I had the extra time to What started as a way to make them.” keep busy during the pandemic Hensch said she gets soon became a inspiration for “ ... I can have fun her embroidery way for Hensch to earn money with it, but also I can from her love while enjoying make what I want and of nature, and a her hobby. majority of her “It just try to sell that and get pieces, as well means so much that out there too ...” as her website more to artists and Instagram, when you pick their pieces out, follow a natural theme, using where you get something personal mostly green colors. from them,” Hensch said about Hensch’s pieces often take supporting small businesses. multiple hours to finish, with her “You're getting more personalized longest commission taking over pieces that actually have love and ten hours. care put into them.” Customers can buy from the Hensch began dabbling in options available on her website embroidery in the summer of or contact her for personal
commissions. Another student and small business owner is senior and studio art major Inaya Mack, who started her calligraphy business, Letters of Grace, during her sophomore year. Mack found her talent for hand lettering her freshman year when she spent her free time doodling and replicating designs from Pinterest. She began using her skill to write inspirational quotes to put around her room and keep her motivated and eventually started her Instagram to share her art and words of encouragement. “I thought maybe other people would like to see it too, because it's a creative thing, it's art, but it's also something where you're able to share encouraging words and things like that,” Mack said. “I thought it would be helpful for other people to see those things written out in a creative way.” Read more online at www.theappalachianonline.com
MUSIC IN THE MOUNTAINS
walking this very campus. If you’re a fan of country music, you know Combs is a modern-day staple in the genre. Even with those not particularly taken with country music, Combs’ music is easy-going and catchy and provides an enjoyable listening experience. Dropping Plates With their strikingly composed incorporations of melodic guitar and passionate vocals, Dropping Plates makes perfect music for riding around in the car with friends, spending time on Sanford soaking up the sun, or just enjoying the beautiful mountain scenery. Formed in the hub of the High Country, band members Ben Burrows, Jake Fain, Aaron Huntley and Forrest Britt shake up Boone with songs like the mood-lifting “Spun” and the serene and peaceful “Wave.”
Dylan Innes If acoustic guitar and thoughtfully composed lyrics are your favorite aspects of music, Dylan Innes is a must-listen for you. His vocals paired with sincere lyrics provide a genuine connection between artist and listener, and Innes goes a step further with beautiful acoustic instrumentation on songs like “Bristol” and “Flower Mouth.” Galloway You can’t go wrong with any of Galloway’s music — it’s perfect to put on while walking around east side or chilling in your residence hall room. With mellow guitar chords and snappy lyrics, songs like “Buzzcut” and “Boys Like You” will be stuck in your head all day after the first listen. Read more online at www.theappalachianonline.com
BAREFOOT MODERN
Melanie Mae Bryan
THE DEBATE ENDS HERE EAST CAMPUS IS BETTER Ella Adams | Opinion Editor East Campus or West Campus? The debate over which is the better side of App State’s campus is a minor culture war among its students. Is Trivette or Roess the better dining hall? Are west side’s residence halls that much better than east’s? Is the Duck Pond or Sanford Mall the better place to hang out? It’s time to settle the debate. At the risk of making enemies of west side loyalists, I’ve got to side with east side. Here’s why: East Campus
is by far the more convenient side of campus. Some of the most important and widely used campus landmarks like the student union, library, bookstore and Sanford Mall are less than a five minute walk from any of the residence halls on the east side. King Street is also a quick walk away. The west side does have the football stadium, which is a great place to be on game days, but it can also be a bit of a pain if football isn’t your thing. Along with its many essential
campus buildings, east side also has better dining options. After all, Roess is the dining hall with the Chick-fil-A. Now, which side of Roess is better, upper or lower, is a debate of its own. (Upper is the correct answer, by the way). In addition to an oncampus Chick-fil-A, east side also has dining options in the student union, including McAlisters and Crossroads. In terms of oncampus dining, east side once again takes the cake. Although I’m a fan of the east
side of campus, I’ve got to hand it to the West Campus—it does have better residence halls. But the shiny, new west side buildings are sorely lacking in friendly resident ghosts. I’m sure any former East Hall resident would be more than happy to recount their paranormal encounters. New doesn’t always mean better, after all who doesn’t love a good ghost story? Even though the east side living quarters are older, and depending on who you ask, slightly haunted, the benefits of
living on that side make it worth dealing with a spooky dorm or two. Of course, both sides of campus have their perks and drawbacks. The west side has the stadium, the Duck Pond and newer residence halls, but the east side’s convenience, food options, proximity to King Street and walkability make it the better side of App State’s campus.
Efrain Arias-Medina Jr.
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APP NATION
PREVIEWS VOLLEYBALL Dan Davidson | Sports Editor The App State volleyball team enters 2021 coming off of a disappointing 1-15 season, including 1-10 in Sun Belt action. The Mountaineers finished dead last in the East Division and just one game from the bottom of the conference. However, the numbers don’t tell the full story. The 2020 volleyball season was one riddled with uncertainty. It was an unprecedented year that saw numerous postponements, cancelations and quarantines. Despite the difficulties that came along with COVID-19 in college athletics, head coach Matt Ginipro would be the first to say the season was much more successful than the 1-15 record may suggest. “Through all of the insanity … everybody was great,” Ginipro said. “That’s the biggest positive I take out of this whole thing. That it was the best one-win season that I’ve ever been a part of.” The Mountaineers return several key players, most notably Sam Bickley and Emma Reilly. Bickley enters her junior year after totaling 1318 assists, 244 digs and 63 kills in her first two years in Boone. The setter earned one Sun Belt Freshman of the
Week award and one Sun Belt Setter of the Week award as a freshman and has appeared in 42 matches across her career. Reilly returns for a fifth year in the black and gold, electing to take advantage of her extra year of eligibility given to all athletes due to COVID-19. Reilly has already amassed 1,677 digs (fifth in program history), 143 service aces (fourth in program history), and two All-Sun Belt honors as a Mountaineer. The libero even earned All-Sun Belt First Team honors in 2019. Given a more typical year in 2021, Ginipro believes Reilly is “a shoo-in for beating the career digs record.” The Holmes Convocation Center will host the Mountaineer Classic on Sept. 10-11, featuring Charlotte, Bellarmine, Wake Forest and App State. The Mountaineers open up conference play shortly thereafter and conclude the season with a trip to Conway, South Carolina, to take on a Coastal Carolina squad that finished 2020 with a perfect 16-0 conference record and a national rank of #14. The Mountaineers open the 2021 season with an exhibition Aug. 20.
WOMEN’S SOCCER Connor Davidson | Reporter In the 2020 season, App State women’s soccer couldn’t find its rhythm and struggled to put any games in the win column. The Mountaineers finished the season with a 6-11-1 record and went 4-6 in conference play. This season, the Mountaineers lose two players; senior midfielders Tess Cairney and Mary Perkins. Both players were consistent starters and contributed to seven scored goals combined. Cairney and Perkins are big losses, but the returning and new talent should more than make up for it. App State returns senior defender Kirsten Seeley, who led the team in minutes played and started all 18 games last season. Also returning is junior midfielder Olivia Cohen, who in addition to starting every game
Andy McLean
FOOTBALL Dan Davidson | Sports Editor In Shawn Clark’s first full year at the helm of the App State football team, the former AllAmerican led his alma mater to a 9-3 record. The nine wins included an 8-point victory at rival Georgia Southern and a 56-28 thumping of North Texas in the Myrtle Beach Bowl. The bowl victory upgraded the Mountaineers’ bowl record to 6-0 in its six consecutive bowl appearances since joining the Division I Football Bowl Subdivision in 2014. Heading into 2021, App State returns ample depth and experience, including 21 super seniors and graduate students and 17 of its 22 starters from the 2020 season. Demetrius Taylor, Baer Hunter, Corey Sutton and Thomas Hennigan are some names that headline the class returning for its fifth year. Across the past four years, the group has accounted for 42 victories, including four bowl championships and just 10 losses. A plethora of the Mountaineers have been named to national preseason award watch lists, highlighting some of the nation’s top players. The recently released Walter Camp Player of the Year watch list included Taylor as one of just three defensive ends on its list. App State returns fully loaded at every skill position, likely running out a starting receiving trio of super seniors, including Sutton, Hennigan and Jalen Virgil. Camerun Peoples, Daetrich Harrington and Nate Noel all return to anchor the backfield,
but Notre Dame transfer Jahmir Smith joins the crew to add even more depth at the running back position. On the defensive side of the ball, Taylor and Caleb Spurlin star on the defensive line. In 2020, Spurlin was the only FBS player with multiple sacks and receiving touchdowns. Brendan Harrington, D’Marco Jackson, Trey Cobb, Shaun Jolly and Kaiden Smith all enter the season with preseason All-Sun Belt recognition. For the first time in years, the Mountaineers will start an unfamiliar face at the quarterback position. Following the departure of Zac Thomas, who went 32-6 as a three-year starter at App State, graduate transfer Chase Brice decided to join the team. Brice brings extensive high-level experience to Boone after spending three seasons with the Clemson Tigers and one season as Duke’s starting quarterback. Brice has appeared in 36 FBS games and has thrown for nearly 3,200 yards and 19 touchdown passes. The Mountaineers kick off their season Sept. 2 in Bank of America Stadium, taking on the East Carolina Pirates. The Black and Gold then head to Miami, Florida, to take on the Miami Hurricanes just over one week later. App State plays its most crucial conference games back to back at Louisiana Oct. 12 and at home against Coastal Carolina Oct. 20.
last year, also tied the team-high two goals scored. The other player to notch two goals last season was forward Izzi Wood, who rejoins the team this year as a sophomore. Goalkeeper Kerry Eagleston returns after posting 67 saves and six clean sheets last season. In the conference, Eagleston was third in saves and second in shutouts. In addition to the returning players, the Mountaineers will have some extra help from two notable transfers. Sophomore defender and forward Breckyn Monteith joins the Mountaineers after playing one season at Wake Forest. Monteith averaged
60 minutes per match and started in five out of the eight games she played in. App State also welcomes graduate transfer Audrey Viso, who played in 39 matches as a midfielder in her four years at Clemson. Rounding out the newcomers are 10 freshmen who look to make their mark on the field this season. At the helm for the Mountaineers is head coach Sarah Strickland who looks to find success with new and returning talent. App State begins its regular season Aug.19 against UNC Asheville.
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GOLF Ben Brady | Reporter
Andy McLean
WOMENS BASKETBALL
MENS BASKETBALL
Ben Brady | Reporter
Ben Brady | Reporter
Last season, App State women’s basketball finished with a winning record for the second time in the past three years, the fourth-most Sun Belt wins, and won seven of its last nine games down the stretch of the season. Led by veteran seniors, forward Lainey Gosnell and guard Pre Stanley, the Mountaineers posted a 15-12 overall winning record, including a 10-8 record in Sun Belt play. For their efforts throughout the season, Stanley was named First Team All-Sun Belt, while Gosnell was given Second Team honors. Stanley, who led the Mountaineers in both points and assists, also led the Sun Belt in total points (256), was third in points per game (14.2), and fifth in steals (1.5). Gosnell finished the season as the only player in the conference ranked in the top 10 in scoring, rebounding, 3-pointers attempted, 3-pointers made and offensive rebounds. In Sun Belt tournament play, the Mountaineers picked up wins over ULM and a quarterfinal victory against UTA before finally dropping a 66-63 battle against No. 1 seed Troy, despite a personal-best 29 points and 14 rebounds from Stanley. She earned All-Tournament honors after averaging 20 points per
game, good for fourth overall in the tournament. For her tremendous career at App State and her remarkable senior campaign, Stanley became the first player in program history to receive a WNBA Training Camp invite, eventually signing a contract with the Washington Mystics. She currently plays with the PAOK KYANA program in Greece. Despite losing two superstar seniors, the Mountaineers look to fill the voids and continue building a winning culture with the additions of transfers Taylor Lewis, a forward from Middle Tennessee State, forward Summer Schloss from UAB, forward Alexia Allesch from Seton Hall and guard Nevaeh Brown from Wake Forest. App State also announced the addition of guard Breanna Locke, a graduate transfer from Emmanuel College, who averaged 22.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.6 steals per game last season. The Mountaineers round out their 2021-22 roster with the addition of four incoming freshmen.
Prior to bringing in head coach Dustin Kerns at the conclusion of the 2019 season, App State men’s basketball had tallied eight straight losing seasons. In his first season with the program, Kerns led the Mountaineers to 18 wins, their most since 2009-10, including 11 Sun Belt victories, their most conference wins ever. In his second season at the helm, App State won its first Sun Belt conference title and earned its first NCAA Tournament bid since 2000. Entering the Sun Belt Conference tournament tied for seventh place in the Sun Belt standings, and having lost six of their final seven regular-season games, the Mountaineers secured four victories in four days, including consecutive overtime battles against regular-season league champion Texas State, and East No. 2 seed Coastal Carolina. The run culminated in an 80-73 victory over No. 1 seed Georgia State, securing the Mountaineers’ conference title. Graduate guard Michael Almonacy, who joined the team as a transfer senior prior to the 2019 season, erupted for a career-high 32 points in the championshipclinching game. For his efforts of 21.8 points, 6.5 rebounds,
and 3.8 assists per game, on top of a tournament record 20 3-pointers, Almonacy was named Most Outstanding Player of the tournament. Senior guard Justin Forrest, who was named First Team All-Sun Belt after the 201920 season, was named Second Team All-Sun Belt and to the Sun Belt All-Tournament team after averaging 20.0 points and scoring in double figures each game. Forrest currently ranks third in program history with 1,828 points, just 357 behind alltime leader Donald Sims. He also ranks fourth in career 3-point field goals made, fourth in steals, and ninth in assists. Junior guard Adrian Delph, who tallied career-high numbers in points, assists, rebounds, steals, and blocks, was named Third Team All-Sun Belt alongside Almonacy. Delph continued a high level of play into the Sun Belt Tournament, where he averaged 17.8 points per game. Though the Mountaineers lost their NCAA Tournament opener in a close 54-53 defeat, with the presence of a young core, returning experienced veterans, and with coach Kerns extended through the 2026 season, the future of the program is bright.
Before the 2020 season, App State men’s golf needed a new head coach, and former men’s basketball assistant Jason Allison stepped in as interim for the 2020-21 season where he didn’t disappoint. The Mountaineers finished third or better in six of their nine tournaments, earning Allison his spot as the head coach for 2021. Senior Timothius Tamardi had his best season last year, earning a spot on the All-Sun Belt Second Team with a stroke average of 72.24. Tamardi also made the record books in Boone, having the fifth-best stroke average in program history. Tamardi made history in the offseason, being the first App State men’s golfer to compete in the NCAA championship, where he came just a few strokes short of the finals. Behind Tamardi, the Mountaineers return juniors Addison Beam and Svevvir Haraldsson, who started during the 2020 season and were a large part of the success. Beam won the Gaston County Amateur in 2020 as an individual and had a T13 finish last season. Entering 2021, the Cherryville native will have to step into a big role. Haraldsson, who came to App State from Iceland, had a careerbest stroke average of 74.17 in 2020, including three top 15 performances. The Mountaineers also reloaded in the offseason, welcoming one transfer and three freshmen to the roster. Ryan Marter transferred from Wofford, where he had a stroke average of 72.11 in the spring. The other newcomers include Josh Baxbaum, James Gradisek and Ben Locker. After one of the best seasons in program history, the Mountaineers men’s golf team is poised for another strong season under Allison.
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