The Appalachian

09/01/2024

App State faced off with the East Tennessee State Buccaneers at Kidd Brewer Stadium to open their 2024 season, winning 38-10 in a solid first outing of the year.

The Mountaineers’ offense came out onto the field after a quick Buccaneers punt and got off to a fast start, with senior quarterback Joey Aguilar finding senior wide receiver Christan Horn for an 83-yard touchdown on their second offensive play of the season. It was the longest touchdown of both Aguilar and Horn’s careers.

“On defense we played very well in the first half, all except for one play,” Clark said. “Anytime you misfit a gap and it goes to a 70-yard run, that doesn’t look good for us. That’s not what we wanted. Overall we played sound.”

The Mountaineers will travel to Clemson, South Carolina next weekend to take on the Clemson Tigers in Death Valley. The game will kickoff at 8 p.m on the ACC Network.

Read more in the story by Clay Durban and Adam Persico at the link below:

App State faced off with the East Tennessee State Buccaneers at Kidd Brewer Stadium to open their 2024 season, winning 38-10 in a solid first outing of the year. The Mountaineers’ offense came out onto the field after a quick Buccaneers punt and got off to a fast start, with senior quarterback Joe...

08/30/2024

Coming off a 9-5 season that ended in a 13-9 Cure Bowl victory over Miami (OH), head coach Shawn Clark and his Mountaineers squad set their sights on the 2024 season and on East Tennessee State.

These teams last met week one of the 2019 season, where App State defeated the Buccaneers 42-7.

A lot has changed in five years for ETSU. Last November they cleaned house and hired Tre Lamb, former Gardner-Webb head coach from 2020-23.

“Their quarterback, he’s very elusive, and we have to do a great job keeping the pocket,” Clark said. “He can really hurt you when he gets outside the pocket and becomes a dual threat quarterback.”

The game will kick-off at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday. For those wanting to watch from home, the game will be broadcast live on ESPN+.

Read more in the story by Davis Lemons at the link below:

Coming off a 9-5 season that ended in a 13-9 Cure Bowl victory over Miami (OH), head coach Shawn Clark and his Mountaineers squad set their sights on the 2024 season and on East Tennessee State. These teams last met week one of the 2019 season, where App State defeated the Buccaneers 42-7. A lot...

08/29/2024

In Boone, you can pick up a guitar and be invited to a band jam session; go to a coffee shop and meet someone who can connect you to a venue; or post a video on social media and find yourself at TApp Room onstage the next week.

This is because of Boone’s rich history of Appalachian music, stemming from the variation of folk music from the British Isles, which, in turn, nestles a hotspot of creativity and broadening music genres in the valley of a mountain. With the sheer number of bands and performers within Boone’s town limits, becoming a Boone artist may be intimidating to navigate, though not impossible.

With multiple avenues for performing in Boone, from club events to selling out The Appalachian Theatre of the High Country, booking a show can either be a quick turnaround or take months to plan.

“Lots of venues in Boone book shows several months out, so you have to be on top of everything so you’re lining up shows that sometimes won’t happen for another 2 to 3 months,” Kletzoff said.

Read more in the story by Meg Frantz at the link below:

In Boone, you can pick up a guitar and be invited to a band jam session; go to a coffee shop and meet someone who can connect you to a venue; or post a video on social media and find yourself at TApp Room onstage the next week. This is because of Boone’s rich history...

08/29/2024

App State women’s soccer faced the Charlotte 49ers on Sunday for their seventh matchup of all-time. It was the first meeting since 2019 and the first in Boone for the Mountaineers since 1998.

Before kickoff, the Black and Gold celebrated senior day in the valley. Seniors Gracie Giacoletto and Skyler Walk were honored as well as graduate students Izzi Wood, Mumu Guisasola, Sarah Widderich and Stephanie Barbosa.

After a back-and-forth start, the Mountaineers struck first in the 33rd minute. Freshman midfielder Ellie Garrison put a ball through to Barbosa on the edge of the box. Barbosa quickly sent a ball to the middle, finding junior defender Shannon Studer a yard outside of the goal area. Studer delivered a one-touch strike past Charlotte’s keeper, Emma Wakeman, breaking the scoreless tie. This was Studer’s second goal of the season.

The Mountaineers’ next game will be at home against Longwood on Thursday at 6 p.m. The game will be streamed on ESPN+.

Read more in the story by Adam Persico at the link below:

App State women’s soccer faced the Charlotte 49ers on Sunday for their seventh matchup of all-time. It was the first meeting since 2019 and the first in Boone for the Mountaineers since 1998. Before kickoff, the Black and Gold celebrated senior day in the valley. Seniors Gracie Giacoletto and Skyl...

08/28/2024

OPINION: Throughout the high school years, students hear countless stories of what will happen in college and how to prepare themselves. From parents, siblings and teachers alike, college cliches are unavoidable. However, it does not take a college freshman long to realize one thing: most of these cliches are false.

Most students have heard at least one teacher giving a “this would never fly in college” speech. Whether it is using notes during an exam, answering a text or missing one class, it seems like high school teachers are constantly attempting to act just like professors in an effort to prepare students.

While there are some professors who unfortunately do live up to this stereotype, most could not be further from it. They are fully aware of the fact that this is many students’ first time living away from home, and therefore their first time practicing independence. Unexpected things occur, especially in one’s first year of college. However, with independence comes a number of ways to prove one is responsible, including communication with all professors.

Read the full opinion by Leah Boone at the link below:

Throughout the high school years, students hear countless stories of what will happen in college and how to prepare themselves. From parents, siblings and teachers alike, college cliches are unavoidable. However, it does not take a college freshman long to realize one thing: most of these cliches ar...

08/28/2024

A bipartisan group of current and former election officials met on App State’s campus for the North Carolina trusted elections tour Wednesday, Aug. 21. The group answered questions about election processes and what they do to ensure election security.

About 30 students and community members watched as Bob Orr, former associate justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court, and Jennifer Roberts, former mayor of Charlotte, hosted the panel.

The panelists started by explaining the makeup of the board of elections. They said the State Board of Elections holds an administrative role over each county board of elections in North Carolina. Each county board then administers the election process in each county, which involves recruiting poll workers, designating precincts and handling all ballots for the county.

“I typically tell folks they’re the ones who actually do the real work, because at the state level, we don’t touch or handle a single ballot,” said Four Eggers, a member of the North Carolina State Board of Elections.

On Sept. 19, the Watauga County Board of Elections will hold an election equipment test event. The event is open to the public and will test the ballot counting equipment before it is used for early voting.

Read more in the story by Andrew Rice at the link below:

A bipartisan group of current and former election officials met on App State’s campus for the North Carolina trusted elections tour Wednesday. The group answered questions about election processes and what they do to ensure election security. About 30 students and community members watched as Bob ...

08/27/2024

Boone and the surrounding areas are rich with community and traditions every App State student should get to experience. This guide will help you discover events and activities during the fall semester that allow you to try new things and meet new people.

Saturday — Watauga County Farmers’ Market — Every Saturday morning from 8 a.m. to noon, Horn in the West hosts 40-60 local vendors selling anything from fresh fruits and vegetables to handcrafted pottery. The Farmers’ Market season ends in November.

Saturday, Aug. 31 — App State vs. ETSU — App State will face off against the East Tennessee State Buccaneers in the season’s home opener, with kickoff at 3:30 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 20 — Tweetsie’s Ghost Train ($$) — Beginning in September, Tweetsie Railroad will be transforming every Friday and Saturday night from its usual western theme to a spooky ghost town. Tickets cost $60. Attractions include a night-time journey on the ghost train, a haunted house, carnival rides and more.

For more fall activities, read the guide by Sara Jones at the link below:

Boone and the surrounding areas are rich with community and traditions every App State student should get to experience. This guide will help you discover events and activities during the fall semester that allow you to try new things and meet new people.   Monday, Aug. 19 — First day of classes ...

08/27/2024

App State held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Holmes Drive Parking Deck on Thursday to celebrate its completed construction.

The ceremony began with remarks from Interim Chancellor Heather Norris, President of New Atlantic Contracting John Morrison and Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs J.J. Brown. Around 40 people attended.

The six-floor, 600-space deck, designed and built by Winston-Salem-based New Atlantic Contracting, replaced the former Holmes surface parking lot. The deck adds 460 spaces for daily faculty, staff and student parking and eventgoers heading to the Holmes Convocation Center, which connects to the deck’s second floor via an enclosed glass walking bridge.

Read more in the story by Sam Deibler at the link below:

App State held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Holmes Drive Parking Deck on Thursday to celebrate its completed construction. The ceremony began with remarks from Interim Chancellor Heather Norris, President of New Atlantic Contracting John Morrison and Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs J.J. Bro...

08/26/2024

Clay Durban (Sports Editor) - With many key players returning and a weaker conference schedule, the Mountaineers should be able to reclaim the Sun Belt Title in 2024. On the other hand, they also have non-conference matchups with two juggernauts, Liberty and Clemson, which on paper should both result in losses. In the end, they will give up a loss in a tough environment on the road in Marshall and to the Tigers and Flames.

Prediction: 9-3 and Sun Belt Championship (Losses against Clemson, Liberty and Marshall.)

Adam Persico (Associate Sports Editor) - App State has many key contributors returning on both sides of the ball looking to improve on last year. Nine starters on defense are returning and senior quarterback Joey Aguilar has kept his weapons from last year. The toughest tests of the season for the Mountaineers come in the form of a trip to Death Valley to face Clemson early on and a visit from defending Conference USA champions Liberty. When it comes to conference games, the Mountaineers are talented enough to win the east and play for the championship.

Prediction: 10-2 and Sun Belt Championship (Losses against Clemson and Liberty.)

Read football season predictions from the rest of The Appalachian’s sports desk at the link below:

Clay Durban (Sports Editor) With many key players returning and a weaker conference schedule, the Mountaineers should be able to reclaim the Sun Belt Title in 2024. On the other hand, they also have non-conference matchups with two juggernauts, Liberty and Clemson, which on paper should both result....

08/26/2024

App Police Chief Andy Stephenson announced he will step down from his position at the end of the month, said Senior Director of Public Relations Anna Oakes in an email Wednesday.

Stephenson accepted a position on the Safety and Emergency Operations team at the UNC System. Oakes said Stephenson will work under Frederick Sellers, the vice president of Safety and Emergency Operations.

In addition to serving as chief of police, Stephenson held the role of director of public safety since June 2017, according to Appalachian Today.

No interim has been named at this time.

Read the story by Siri Patterson at the link below:

App Police Chief Andy Stephenson announced he will step down from his position at the end of the month, said Senior Director of Public Relations Anna Oakes in an email Wednesday. Stephenson accepted a position on the Safety and Emergency Operations team at the UNC System. Oakes said Stephenson will....

08/22/2024

Families, friends and strangers gathered on Grandfather Mountain, sitting in quiet anticipation awaiting a spectacle of lights. All sunlight vanished from the landscape, a silence settled over the mountain and a gentle breeze swept through, sparking the radiance of thousands of twinkling lights dancing through the night.

Fireflies, lightning bugs, glow worms or luminous insects — however one might know them — have long illuminated summer nights in Appalachia. Only in recent years have they been seen flashing in unison deep in Grandfather Mountain.

The park reports the presence of 10 species of fireflies, including the Photinus carolinus, or synchronous firefly, found on the mountain. The synchronized bug only appears for a few weeks each year and was first noticed in 2019 by a NC State professor visiting the mountain for research.

In the five years since the discovery, the park, run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, has held an event called Grandfather Glows for visitors to witness the phenomena. The fireflies spark intrigue and curiosity in many Caveny said, partially due to their nostalgic feeling.

Read more in the story by Abby Buckner at the link below:

Families, friends and strangers gathered on Grandfather Mountain, sitting in quiet anticipation awaiting a spectacle of lights. All sunlight vanished from the landscape, a silence settled over the mountain and a gentle breeze swept through, sparking the radiance of thousands of twinkling lights danc...

08/21/2024

With fall seasons fast-approaching, these six athletes will affect winning at a high level for each of their App State sports teams as their roles have all grown since last season.

Kanye Roberts (Sophomore Running Back, Football) - Kanye Roberts scored a team-high seven touchdowns on the gridiron last season for the Mountaineers. Roberts is a versatile offensive weapon for the Black and Gold; the 14 catches and 114 receiving yards he racked up during the season complimented his rushing ability.

Myles Tate (Senior Guard, Men’s Basketball) - Tate was a two-way presence for the App State’s men’s basketball team last season, appearing in all 34 games, averaging 9.4 points per game, and earning the fourth-best assist to turnover ratio in the Sun Belt at 1.9.

Read about more fall sports Mountaineers in the story by Fran Murphy at the link below:

With fall seasons fast-approaching, these six athletes will affect winning at a high level for each of their App State sports teams as their roles have all grown since last season. Kanye Roberts (Sophomore Running Back, Football) Kanye Roberts scored a team-high seven touchdowns on the gridiron last...

08/21/2024

To some students, learning about climate change and its effects may feel overwhelming. However, App State’s new Quality Enhancement Plan aims to solve this problem while presenting climate solutions to students.

As incoming students begin to fulfill their general education studies, they can expect to see a new requirement related to climate literacy education.

This fall semester, incoming students must take a climate literacy course to fulfill a general education requirement. The new QEP will also introduce a new minor: climate studies, which England said she hopes will roll out during fall 2025.

Asher Fazal, a junior sustainable business management major, is also a member of the committee. He said his educational background in sustainability and business allows him to bring a helpful perspective to the table.

“I think the focus of this QEP is to create a generation that is able to handle this big issue and adaptation because they have such strong information,” he said.

Read more in the story by Madalyn Edwards at the link below:

To some students, learning about climate change and its effects may feel overwhelming. However, App State’s new Quality Enhancement Plan aims to solve this problem while presenting climate solutions to students. As incoming students begin to fulfill their general education studies, they can expect...

08/20/2024

As the fall semester approaches, App State’s campus is alive with students old and new ready to embark on a new year. While some students are adjusting to living away from home and finding their groove on campus, others are preparing for a different adventure on the horizon: sorority recruitment.

For those who are interested, one week every fall potential new members, or PNMs, will go through a whirlwind of smiles, name tags and tons of outfits. Fear not, brave recruit, this is a lowdown on how to survive and thrive during this wild week on your quest to find your sisterhood.

The basics: App State currently has nine Panhellenic chapters on campus, including Alpha Delta Pi, Alpha Gamma Delta, Alpha Omicron Pi, Alpha Phi, Chi Omega, Delta Zeta, Kappa Delta, Sigma Kappa and Zeta Tau Alpha.

Read the full guide by Abby Buckner at the link below:

As the fall semester approaches, App State’s campus is alive with students old and new ready to embark on a new year. While some students are adjusting to living away from home and finding their groove on campus, others are preparing for a different adventure on the horizon: sorority recruitment. ...

08/20/2024

Welcome Week is a true depiction of the school year - Courtney Quinton

Welcome Week at App State is more than just the beginning of campus life; it is a preview of the range of experiences students can expect throughout the academic year. The week is packed with activities, events and opportunities designed to help new students get involved in the Mountaineer community, thanks to organizations like APPS, fraternity and sorority life, academic clubs and many sporting events.

Welcome Week is always an amazing time to connect and see everyone you missed over the summer. It is also a fun way to make memories and meet new people you may not have yet had the chance to.

During my freshman year, I was lucky enough to meet people through Welcome Week that I still consider some of my best friends who never let the excitement from that week burn out.

Is Welcome Week really all that welcoming? - Gabby Maryland

During the first few weeks of the fall semester, incoming students are treated to the unbridled pageantry that is Welcome Week.

The week includes a series of events and campus festivities meant to entice first-year students into the prospective joys of student life.

Take it from someone who has been there and so totally done that, welcome week is a fleeting fair, and it is not, nor has it ever been, an earnest representation of what actually happens during your time here at App State. Your journey as a member of the Mountaineers community is what you make it — remember that.

Read these two opinions on Welcome Week by Courtney Quinton and Gabby Maryland at the link below:

Welcome Week is a true depiction of the school year Courtney Quinton Welcome Week at App State is more than just the beginning of campus life; it is a preview of the range of experiences students can expect throughout the academic year. The week is packed with activities, events and opportunities de...

08/19/2024

Walking across App State’s campus, you will most likely see the different styles that make it unique. Some might opt for athleisure and mountain wear for a mix of comfort and functionality, while some are pajama wearers just trying to get through the day and, of course, there are those who show up and show out in the coolest outfits you have ever seen.

“The fashion culture at App is honestly one of the things that makes me like going to class,” said Zoe Britt, a senior apparel design and merchandising major. “Being an apparel design major, I’m surrounded every day by such cool expressive people that constantly inspire me to broaden my style.”

Whether you are dressing to impress or just trying to get through the day, this lookbook has just a few of the essentials for App State students.

Cozy layers for cool mornings - Essentials: Flannel shirts, sweaters and scarves - Stores: Lucky Dog Vintage, Lililu On King, Goodwill

Flannel shirts are a staple at the university, combining comfort and style effortlessly. Pair them with your favorite jeans or leggings for a casual yet put-together look. As the mornings get chillier, layer with cozy sweaters and scarves that are easy to take off once the day warms up. Opt for neutral tones like beige, gray and forest green, or go bold with vibrant autumnal hues such as burnt orange and deep red.

Read the full lookbook by Ann Korwan at the link below:

Walking across App State’s campus, you will most likely see the different styles that make it unique. Some might opt for athleisure and mountain wear for a mix of comfort and functionality, while some are pajama wearers just trying to get through the day and, of course, there are those who show up...

08/19/2024

After returning to the Sun Belt Championship Game in 2023, the Mountaineers will look to reclaim the conference title for the first time in five years.

They’re led by fifth-year head coach Shawn Clark, who’s coming off a strong year where he led the Black and Gold to a 9-5 record, a conference championship berth and a Cure Bowl victory over the Miami University RedHawks.

This year’s squad returns many of the most important contributors from last year, including senior quarterback Joey Aguilar, sophomore defensive end Nate Johnson, redshirt senior wide receiver Kaedin Robinson and redshirt sophomore running back Kanye Roberts.

The first true test of the Mountaineers’ season will come against Clemson in Death Valley.

The Tigers have fallen slightly from the lofty highs of the days when they were annual national title contenders, but they are still a formidable challenge for any team facing them.

Read more in the story by Clay Durban at the link below:

After returning to the Sun Belt Championship Game in 2023, the Mountaineers will look to reclaim the conference title for the first time in five years. They’re led by fifth-year head coach Shawn Clark, who’s coming off a strong year where he led the Black and Gold to a 9-5 record, a conference c...

08/17/2024

What's the best part about coming back to campus? A new print edition of The Appalachian is on stands everywhere! Specifically catered to welcome Boone's newcomers and returning students- this print edition will get you through the start of the new semester. For a map of our nearly 60 newsstand locations (including stands on the Hickory campus!) click here: https://tinyurl.com/theappalachianprintmap

08/15/2024

OPINION: For most incoming first-year students, the college experience can be extremely intimidating. It is easy to wonder how one should navigate this new, exciting and entirely distinct chapter of life when there are so many outcomes to worry about and an immense amount of pressure to consider.

Many people, even decades after graduating, describe undergrad as some of the best years of their lives. College is often labeled as the prime “time of self-discovery” in a young person’s life, and it is a common trope in pop culture for people to have met their life-long friends at university.

The fear of somehow not managing to experience all of these opportunities in the short time it takes to earn a degree is an awfully disappointing thought, but the good news is that freshman year is not as contingent on chance as it may seem. Forget about luck — the freshman year experience depends upon personal perspective. The first two semesters of a student’s college experience are under their control, and it all begins with mindset.

Read the full opinion by Allison Lehan at the link below:

For most incoming first-year students, the college experience can be extremely intimidating. It is easy to wonder how one should navigate this new, exciting and entirely distinct chapter of life when there are so many outcomes to worry about and an immense amount of pressure to consider. Many people...

08/14/2024

In May, all 17 institutions in the UNC System were informed that policies and programs which fall under the diversity, equity and inclusion policy would be curtailed.
Later, on July 24, UNC-Asheville and UNC-Greensboro saw a loss of several degree programs and academic departments, including philosophy, religious studies, anthropology, physics and mathematics, according to The Associated Press.

Every day of the academic year, students, faculty, staff and extended members of North Carolina public universities are affected by the decisions and policies made by a group known as the Board of Governors.

As incoming freshmen and returning students begin their time as members of a public institution of higher education, understanding who makes the decisions that affect their tuition, classes, campus and more, may become essential.

Read more about the UNC system’s Board of Governors in the story by Siri Patterson at the link below:

In May, all 17 institutions in the UNC System were informed that policies and programs which fall under the diversity, equity and inclusion policy would be curtailed. Later, on July 24, UNC-Asheville and UNC-Greensboro saw a loss of several degree programs and academic departments, including philoso...

08/01/2024

PHOTO GALLERY: From energetic football games to packed concerts, App State does it all. Kidd Brewer Stadium transformed into a country music venue on Saturday, July 27, as a part of the Appalachian Summer Festival put together by the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts.

The Appalachian Summer Festival celebrated their 40th anniversary by bringing Brad Paisley and Tigirlily Gold to Boone.

Tigirlily Gold started off the night with a few covers and mashups that included songs from Dolly Parton, TLC and more, as well as songs from their debut album “BLONDE” including “Shoot Tequila,” “Leroy” and “I Tried a Ring On.”

Paisley came on shortly after Tigirlily Gold and the stadium atmosphere filled with excitement for this superstar’s performance. In the crowd, people slow danced to some songs and sang at the top of their lungs to others. Each song brought a new life to the crowd along with a changing set design and neon lights to match its vibe.

Read more and view the full photo gallery by Emily Simpson and Nicole Evans at the link below:

From energetic football games to packed concerts, App State does it all. Kidd Brewer Stadium transformed into a country music venue on Saturday, July 27, as a part of the Appalachian Summer Festival put together by the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts. The Appalachian Summer Festival celebrat...

07/02/2024

The App State Board of Trustees voted unanimously to rescind the evening parking permit and its regulation to campus during their June 18 meeting.

Students will no longer be required to obtain the $120 evening parking permit to park on campus from 5-7 p.m. on weekdays. The new regulations go into effect on the first day of classes for the upcoming fall semester.

The meeting also revisited other parking-related regulations, adopting and recording revised regulations such as vehicle registration, fees, disability parking and parking violation appeals.

The news comes following pushback from some students in response to the announcement of the evening permit in June 2023, as well as concerns about the backflow of parking-related traffic in downtown Boone caused by the permit.

Read more in the story by Madalyn Edwards at the link below:

The App State Board of Trustees voted unanimously to rescind the evening parking permit and its regulation to campus during their June 18 meeting. Students will no longer be required to obtain the $120 evening parking permit to park on campus from 5-7 p.m. on weekdays. The new regulations go into ef...

06/22/2024

The Town of Boone will implement several changes concerning downtown parking regulations, according to a recent press release.

Among these changes include revisions to employee parking, the reinstatement of resident parking permits, changes to construction parking permits and price increases for certain parking lots. These changes will go into effect July 1.

Employers in the Downtown Boone Municipal Service District will be required to provide a list of authorized employees in order for those employees to obtain an employee parking permit.

Additionally, the per-violation fine for violating the time limit at metered spots will increase to $25.

Two banks of three free 30-minute parking spaces will be implemented near the Watauga County Courthouse and North Depot Street which will be marked with “appropriate signage.” Fines for exceeding the time limit will apply to these spaces. These designated parking spaces will “help facilitate takeout pick-up and quick errands.”

Read more in the story by Madalyn Edwards at the link below:

The Town of Boone will implement several changes concerning downtown parking regulations, according to a recent press release. Among these changes include revisions to employee parking, the reinstatement of resident parking permits, changes to construction parking permits and price increases for cer...