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App State Wrestling upsets No. 21 North Carolina, 24-14

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App State Wrestling upsets No. 21 North Carolina, 24-14

By Bret Strelow. BOONE, N.C. — Once wrestling resumed, App State delivered a 12-point flurry — and the first of back-to-back pins happened in a crowd-rousing hurry.

Participating in only their second dual of the season with a young, inexperienced team, the Mountaineers beat a ranked North Carolina squad for the second straight season by winning 24-14 against the No. 21 Tar Heels in Varsity Gym.

Photo courtesy of App State Sports

App State handed UNC a narrow loss last year in Chapel Hill, and a large home crowd in the High Country was looking for a reason to explode on a sleepy, rainy Sunday afternoon. The Mountaineers claimed three of the first five matches to take a 9-6 lead into the halfway-point intermission, but coming out of the break, Will Miller produced a six-point pin just 43 seconds into his 165-pound match and Luke Uliano followed with another six-point pin late in the second period of his 174-pound match.

Just like that, App State (1-1) had a 21-6 lead with three matches remaining, including two in a row with top-20 wrestlers from North Carolina (6-3) taking the mat.

The Mountaineers held a seven-point advantage going into the final match, and heavyweight Jacob Sartorio used a pair of third-period takedowns to prevail 7-3. Ethan Oakley, Ike Byers and Tommy Askey were responsible for the pre-intermission victories, as Byers won a 2-1 decision at 141 pounds while making his first dual start in his fifth year with the program.

Photo courtesy of App State Sports

App State, which opened its 2023-24 dual schedule with a loss to No. 2 NC State, picked up its 11th victory against a Power Five opponent since JohnMark Bentley became the Mountaineers’ head coach.

North Carolina’s lineup often has five ranked wrestlers, although it was missing returning All-American Lachlan McNeil, who was in Alberta, Canada, over the weekend winning the Canadian Olympic Trials. Even if the Tar Heels could have gotten the maximum of six points from his normal spot in the lineup, it would have created only a nine-point swing in App State’s 10-point victory.

Byers followed Oakley’s 7-2 win against Jace Palmer with a 2-1 decision decided by a tiebreaking point for stalling against Derek Guanajuato with 1:07 remaining. Byers increased his season total to 12 victories and was promoted to a captain’s role as Bentley addressed the team in the locker room following the dual.

Jayden Scott won 4-3 against App State’s Cody Bond at 149 in the only ranked showdown, giving UNC its second win in addition to 22nd-ranked Spencer Moore’s 8-6 decision against redshirt freshman Noah Luna, and the Mountaineers totaled 15 points over the next three matches.

Askey claimed a 7-3 decision against Danny Nini before Miller and Uliano opened the second half of the dual with momentous outcomes. Miller’s victory followed his clutch win against a returning All-American in the 2022 victory at UNC, and Uliano held a 1-0 lead in the final minute of the second period before gaining control with a near fall and subsequent pin.

Photo courtesy of App State Sports

North Carolina’s Gavin Kane (ranked 18th) and Max Shaw (ranked 15th) posted consecutive major decisions against Tomas Brooker and Carson Floyd at 184 and 197, but those four-point wins while trying to overcome a 21-6 deficit weren’t enough to keep the team outcome in doubt going into the final match.

Sartorio, who trailed 2-1 in the third period against Cade Lautt, moved ahead on a takedown with 1:15 left and added another with 17 seconds remaining.

The 2023-24 season is presented by Hungry Howies and Penn Station.

App State 24, #21 North Carolina 14
125: #22 Spencer Moore (UNC) def. Noah Luna (APP), 8-6 dec.
133: #20 Ethan Oakley (APP) def. Jace Palmer (UNC), 7-2 dec.
141: Ike Byers (APP) def. Derek Guanajuato (UNC), 2-1 dec.
149: #21 Jayden Scott (UNC) def. #27 Cody Bond (APP), 4-3 dec.
157: #19 Tommy Askey (APP) def. Danny Nini (UNC), 7-3 dec.
165: #25 Will Miller (APP) def. Isaias Estrada (UNC), fall (0:43)
174: Luke Uliano (APP) def. Marcus Murabito (UNC), fall (4:28)
184: #18 Gavin Kane (UNC) def. Tomas Brooker (APP), 12-3 maj. dec.
197: #15 Max Shaw (UNC) def. Carson Floyd (APP), 14-4 maj. dec.
Hwt: Jacob Sartorio (APP) def. Cade Lautt (UNC), 7-3 dec.

Aguilar, Castle lead App State past Miami (OH) in Cure Bowl, 13-9

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Aguilar, Castle lead App State past Miami (OH) in Cure Bowl, 13-9

By David Rogers. ORLANDO, Fla. — Just about the only App State Football personnel for whom the Cure Bowl weather was really “miserable” on Dec. 16 were the guys charged with laundering the uniforms after the Mountaineers’ 13-9 win over Miami (OH). Boys will be boys and celebrating a victory by diving and sliding through a paint and mud-filled lake at midfield — previously known as the event logo — is fun, fun, fun, even if names and numbers afterwards are unrecognizable.

According to weather reports distributed at halftime of the Avocados From Mexico Cure Bowl, more than 1.45 inches of rain fell on FBC Mortgage Stadium on the campus of the University of Central Florida — just during the first half. And the torrential downpour continued throughout the second half, with a brisk wind keeping the American flag above the stadium flying stiff-straight.

App State head coach Shawn Clark raises the Cure Bowl trophy the team won on Dec. 16. Photo courtesy of App State Sports

Without question, the inclement weather was a factor in the game. The two teams combined for 13 fumbles in the sloppy conditions, five of them lost as turnovers. The Mountaineers had seven fumbles (two lost) and the RedHawks mishandled the ball six times, losing three. Even where the fumbles were not lost, many were drive-killers.

Ultimately, this game hinged on the ability of App State quarterback Joey Aguilar to defy the odds and pass the football vs. two RedHawks QBs that couldn’t. “Joey California” completed 19 of 33 passes for an improbable 211 yards. There were no touchdown passes to add to his season total but the only real blemish to the performance was an interception on his first pass of the afternoon. Aguilar also rushed five times for 14 yards, including the game’s first TD that didn’t come until less than five minutes remained in the third quarter.

Mountaineer QB Joey Aguilar and offensive lineman celebrate in the end zone following Aguilar’s third quarter TD in the Dec. 16 Cure Bowl. Photo courtesy of App State Sports

By comparison, Miami’s two QBs, juniors Henry Hesson and Maddox Kopp, combined for 6-of-10 passing for just 44 yards. Known as a rushing team, Miami did get 180 yards on the ground from junior running back Rashad Amos, including the RedHawks’ lone TD in the third quarter, but overall the App State defense — with some help from the soggy conditions — limited Miami’s offensive production to just 227 total combined yards, 183 of it on the ground and almost all by Amos.

Meanwhile, the Mountaineers featured a more balanced attack, including a career high rushing by junior running back Anderson Castle. The former star quarterback at Watauga High School carried the ball 20 times for 119 yards, making several key plays to pick up first downs and extend Mountaineer drives. Castle emerged as the feature back on the night, with significant contributions from sophomore Kanye Roberts, who actually started the game at running back. Roberts carried the ball 10 times for 48 yards. Nate Noel, who was limited midway through the season with a lower body injury, reportedly entered the transfer portal on Dec. 7.

Miami (OH running back Rashad Amos ran for 180 yards, but was frequently stopped by App State defenders during the Cure Bowl on Dec. 16. Photo courtesy of App State Sports

After the game, both head coach Shawn Clark and quarterback Joey Aguilar credited the team’s intentional practices in adverse weather and conditions for being ready to play in the downpour.

“Come October,” said Clark, “we never know what kind of weather we are going to get in Boone.”

Aguilar added, “We practice in the rain and sometimes even dunk balls into buckets of water to make it even more of a (challenge).”

App State finishes the 2024 season as the Cure Bowl champion with a 9-5 overall record, 6-3 in Sun Belt Conference play.

POST-GAME NOTES FROM APP STATE SPORTS
  • With a 9-5 final record, App State has won nine or more games in eight of the last nine seasons and three of four seasons under head coach Shawn Clark.
  • App State improved its record in bowl games to 7-1 since moving up to the FBS ranks. The Mountaineers have earned bowl berths in eight of nine seasons since their first year of eligibility in 2015, including an NCAA-record seven berths in the first seven seasons.
  • This was App State’s fourth bowl win over a MAC team in as many tries, including the second against the MAC Champion (Toledo in 2017).
  • This was the fourth time in its FBS history that App State has defeated a team with 10 or more wins. Miami was 11-2 entering the game. The previous wins were against No. 18 JMU earlier this year (10-0 entering game), Louisiana (10-2 entering the 2019 Sun Belt Championship Game) and Toledo (11-2 entering the 2017 Dollar General Bowl).
  • This was App State’s seventh one-possession game of the year. The Mountaineers won three of them, while an additional 48-38 win over Southern Miss was decided in the closing seconds as well.
  • In driving rain all day long, there were 13 fumbles and five fumble recoveries on a sloppy FBC Mortgage Stadium field.
  • The 13 points marked App State’s lowest winning point total since a 13-10 win at Furman in 2003.
  • The teams were even with three turnovers apiece. Under head coach Shawn Clark, the Mountaineers are now 18-1 when winning the turnover battle, 6-12 when losing, and 11-4 when they have the same number of turnovers as the opponent.
  • Team captain and safety Nick Ross played in his 66th career game, tying the school record held by Thomas Hennigan, Caleb Spurlin and Xavier Subotsch (all 2017-21).
OFFENSE
  • Joey Aguilar was named Cure Bowl MVP after passing for 211 yards on 19-of-33 completions and rushing for 14 yards, including App State’s lone touchdown on a 9-yard run in the third quarter.
  • Aguilar capped his incredible first season as a Mountaineer with school records of 3,757 passing yards, 33 passing touchdowns, 294 completions and 461 attempts.
  • Even in terrible conditions, Kaedin Robinson still put on a show with nine catches for a career-high 118 yards, hauling in all but two passes thrown his way.
  • Anderson Castle rushed for a career-high 119 yards – his first career triple-digit game – including some big first downs to seal the victory on the Mountaineers’ final drive. His previous high was 67 rushing yards vs. Robert Morris in 2022.
DEFENSE
  • The nine points scored by Miami tied the fewest allowed by App State this year (31-9 win against Marshall on Nov. 4).
  • App State’s defense held the RedHawks to 227 total yards, including 44 passing, and only 11 first downs. Miami was 3-of-11 on third downs and 0-of-1 on fourth down.
  • The Mountaineers forced one Miami fumble (forced by Nate Johnson) and recovered three total (by Nick Ross, Santana Hopper and Ronald Clarke).
  • Caden Sullivan and Ross tied for the team lead with 10 tackles apiece. It was a career high for Sullivan, while it increased Ross’ season total to 105.
  • App State had sacks by Hopper and Montez Kelley that were instrumental in keeping Miami from moving the chains.
SPECIAL TEAMS
  • Michael Hughes made both of his field-goal attempts, despite the elements, from 29 and 22 yards out. He finished the season with 19 makes on 22 attempts. His 19 field goals are tied for second-most in a season in program history.
  • Mitchell Lake punted three times for a 43.7-yard average, including a long of 53, for his highest game average of the season.

Mountaineers outrun Queens, 93-81

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Mountaineers outrun Queens, 93-81

By David Rogers. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — If Appalachian State men’s basketball head coach Dustin Kerns wanted an early season, up-tempo test in a hostile environment, he got it on Dec. 13 in Curry Arena at Queens University.

Even though Queens is only in its second season as an NCAA Division I contender, no one should take them lightly. The Mountaineers prevailed in the high-scoring affair, 93-81, but it was not without moments of angst for the visitors from the High Country.

To call Curry Arena a hostile environment is actually misleading, at least for this game. A near capacity crowd was on hand to watch the non-conference action (announced attendance: 1,534), with an estimated 70 percent of the folks supporting App State. As the all too familiar chant of APP—STATE…APP—STATE…APP—STATE rang through the rafters, it is probably more accurate to call it an “unfamiliar” setting for the Mountaineers, rather than hostile.

Kerns was certainly appreciative of the Mountaineer fan support following the game.

“I want to tell you… this is a tough place to play. I want to commend all of the App State people. It really helped us,” he said in opening his post game thoughts about the team’s opportunity to play in Curry Arena, where the Royals had not lost a Division I home game in the past two seasons. “This was a packed house and an opportunity for us to go on the road and get a win in a hostile environment.”

App State guard Xavion Brown is making a habit of dramatic, thunderous dunks like this one at Queens University of Charlotte on Dec. 13. Photographic image by David Rogers

Kerns noted that Queens plays a different style than the Mountaineers are used to seeing.

“(Queens) is a good program and well-coached. (Their style) is hard to play against. I am really proud of our guys,” said Kerns. “One of the strengths of this team is that it is somebody different each night. Tonight, it was C J Huntley, who had a career night. We got off to an incredible start. They punched back. We punched back. They punched back… Queens can get hot and they did. I’m just really proud of our guys for responding.”

The Mountaineers seemed to be the much better team in the early going, at both ends of the court, jumping out to a 17-2 lead. They got scoring contributions from all five starters and the points came in different ways during that initial run. There were fastbreak layups from Tre’Von Spillers and Justin Abson as well as 3-pointers from Terence Harcum, Abson, and Christopher Mantis. C J Huntley even added a couple of free throws.

With a big App State fan contingent behind him, Myles Tate lines up a 3-pointer at Queens University on Dec. 13. Photographic image by David Rogers

But then the Royals got the wheels firmly attached to their regal carriage, eventually tying the game at 25-25. That turned out to be the closest Queens got to a lead in this contest, but they had made their statement: they were not going to tuck tail and run softly away into the night. Queens’ 20-8 run over eight minutes of the first half to tie the game at 25 said as much.

It was, in fact, a highly entertaining game. If the outcome was decided only by 3-point shots, the Royals would have won, 33-27.

But on layups, shorter-range jumpers and dunks, App State was dominant, including almost half (46) of the visitors’ 93 total points from inside the paint. The Mountaineers clearly had a deeper bench, with 36 points coming from non-starters in the floor rotation compared to just seven points from the Queens bench players. App State’s pesky defense also showed up, stat-wise, with a 15-4 advantage in points scored off of forced turnovers. Offensive rebounding also tilted things App State’s way, with a 20-4 advantage in second chance points.

Now 8-2 on the season, the Mountaineers stay on the road Saturday, Dec. 16, facing another in-state opponent, Gardner-Webb, at a neutral site in Greensboro’s Novant Health Fieldhouse, 4 p.m.

KEY PERFORMERS
  • APP – Donovan Gregory: 22 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 block, 3 steals
  • APP – C J Huntley: 22 points, 8 rebounds, 1 block
  • APP – Tre’Von Spillers: 16 points, 10 rebounds, 1 block, 2 steals
  • APP – Justin Abson: 8 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks
  • APP – Myles Tate: 5 points, 5 assists, 2 rebounds, 1 steak
  • QUC – Deyton Albury: 25 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal
  • QUC – AJ McKee: 19 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals
  • QUC – BJ McLaurin: 18 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal
TEAM COMPARISONS
APP QUC
FG% 56% 51%
FGs 34-61 28-55
3FG% 38% 42%
3FGs 9-24 11-26
FT% 89% 88%
FTs 16-18 14-16
TOs 9 13
PtsOffTO 15 4
TotReb 31 23
DefReb 24 19
Off Reb 7 4
2ndChPts 20 4
BenchPts 36 7
PtsPaint 46 34
FstBkPt 6 14
Blocks 5 1
Steals 9 4
Assts 19 13
Times Tied: 1
Time Tied: 1:04
Lead Chg: 0
LeadTime 38:49 0:00

 

 

 

Yount gets warm send-off, Perry sworn in

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Yount gets warm send-off, Perry sworn in

By David Rogers. BLOWING ROCK, N.C. — Anchored by a warm sendoff for outgoing Commissioner Albert Yount after 16 years of service on Town Council, the Dec. 12 regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners provided a lot of warm and fuzzy municipal government moments.

Yount had only a few brief comments, most of which brought smiles or laughter from the standing room only crowd packed into the Town Hall council chambers. There were smiles and chuckles aplenty when Yount quoted Mark Twain, “Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.”

Interim Town Manager Kevin Rothrock addresses the Board of Commissioners while thanking Albert Yount for his service and mentoring. Photographic image by David Rogers

“On every board I have served, I have tried to use that as my North Star,” explained Yount, the former U.S. Navy serviceman bringing in a nautical reference for what has helped guide his decision-making.

Yount followed that up with the night’s best one-liner.

“I served 16 years, which is probably eight years too many. I think there should be term limits — for everybody except me, of course!” he deadpanned to raucous laughter.

With Yount dispatched into the night, Mayor Charlie Sellers got things on track with the business of the evening, starting with the swearing in of the recently elected starting their new terms. That started with Sellers being sworn in as mayor by Alamance County Superior Court judge Tom Lambeth, presiding over the ceremony. Then Town Clerk Hilari Hubner administered the oaths of office for returning Commissioner David Harwood and newly elected Commissioner Cat Perry.

Newly elected Cat Perry, left, is sworn in as a Commissioner on Dec. 12. Photographic image by David Rogers

In the Public Comments portion of the meeting, a Green Hill Road resident for the seventh straight year, he said, asked the Commissioners and Town to do something about the speeding on Green Hill Road. His most recent formal study was in 2021, he reported, with cars reaching as high as 60 miles per hour through the residential neighborhood and a posted speed limit of 25 miles per hour. More commonly, vehicles are traveling in excess of 10 mph over the posted speed limit. Sellers thanked him for his comments and suggested to the commissioners that they take up the matter at January’s Winter Retreat, saying he had gotten other complaints about other streets, too, including Ransom Street and Hill Street, among others.

Hunter Wiseman discusses the town’s annual audit. Photographic image by David Rogers

There was one Public Hearing in which Planning Director Brian Johnson outlined a proposed ordinance change for required setbacks where there were severe topographical features of a development site. The ordinance change allows the town administrator author to provide the calculations for determining any setback reductions. After discussion with questions and concerns particularly coming from Commissioner David Harwood as to necessity, the issue was tabled and will be addressed at the Winter Retreat in January.

Summary of Regular Agenda
  • Tasha Brown was publicly sworn in as new finance director
  • Presentation of the FY2022-23 Audit. Hunter Wiseman of the audit firm Scott, Price & Thompson presented the audit findings. The firm had one Financial Performance Indicator of Concern (FPIC) relating to “… expenditures exceeding legal budget ordinance.” According to the audit notes, “This indicates that the unit’s purchase order system, contract approval process and / or payment process is not in compliance with North Carolina General Statute 159.” The unit in question relates to Water and Sewer Operations and the town has 60 days to respond to the indicated concern.
  • Commissioner Melissa Pickett was appointed by the Board as Blowing Rock’s representative to the High Country Council of Government Rural Planning Organization Regional Transportation Advisory Committee.
  • Doug Chapman of McGill Associates presented both background and current information about the Memorial Park Improvements Project which had attracted bids significantly over budget in the spring of 2023. He discussed three options for completing Phase II. After discussion, the Board voted to address the matter at length in the Winter Retreat.

The Town Council went into closed session for informational purposes only with no decision expected when it reconvened in open session to adjourn.

Vestri captures USATF National XC title, ZAP sweeps in Kiawah Island

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Vestri captures USATF National XC title, ZAP sweeps in Kiawah Island

By David Rogers. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A stacked field of 131 elite athletes from across the nation, including full contingents from 20 top U.S. clubs and a smattering of top-level unattached harriers didn’t faze Amanda Vestri on Dec. 9. The former Syracuse University athlete now training with Blowing Rock-based ZAP Endurance claimed the championship title of the 2023 USATF National Club Cross Country Championships staged in Apalachee Regional Park.

Vestri was the only member of the ZAP Endurance professional running team competing in the event. Head coach Pete Rea explained that several others who might have taken on the challenge are in a different training mode.

Amanda Vestri holds form with 2k to go in the 6K USATF National Club XC Championships in Tallahassee, Fla., Dec. 9. Photo by Michael Scott, courtesy of ZAP Endurance

“We have six of our members who qualified to run in the U.S. Olympic Trials for the Marathon in early February,” said Rea.

Vestri, however, embraced the challenge of the 6k USATF National Club Championships course, finishing the distance in 20:06.3, more than 14 seconds before No. 2 Claire Green of the Peninsula Distance Club (20:20.4). No. 3 Maya Weigel of Peninsula Distance Club was two seconds behind her teammate (20:22.8).

In the club team competition, Peninsula Distance Club had all five of its athletes finish in the top 10, easily beating the No. 2 club, Hansons-Brooks Distance Project, as well as the No. 3 club, Pacers Running//GRC NB ‘A’.

Kiawah Island Half Marathon

Three other ZAP members also got in a competitive training run on Dec. 9, in the Kiawah Island Half Marathon. Andrew Colley finished No. 1 in the men’s division while Kristin Van Ord and Annmarie Tuxbury finished 1-2 in the women’s division.

‘Tis the season for a spirit of giving

David
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‘Tis the season for a spirit of giving

By David Rogers. BLOWING ROCK, N.C. — Christmas and the holidays more often than not emphasize giving rather than receiving and that was the theme on Dec. 7 for the Blue Ridge Energy holiday dinner party at Blowing Rock’s Meadowbrook Inn.

In addressing the more than 100 people representing the cooperative’s Members Advisory Committee and the Community Leaders Council, Blue Ridge Energy CEO Doug Johnson made it a point NOT to talk about energy initiatives and policy. Instead, he focused on something else.

“This is the one meeting that we don’t talk about business or energy policy,” said Johnson. “We just want to enjoy a nice Christmas meal and reflect on some ways this Cooperative and its members make life better for the people in our area.”

Blue Ridge Energy board member J.B. Lawrence of Blowing Rock gave the evening’s invocation and briefly addressed the more than 100 people in the audience. Photographic image by David Rogers

Johnson then set about outlining the ways the cooperative’s members are giving through the Blue Ridge Energy Members Foundation, which is funded by members choosing to “round up” their respective monthly electric bills, by donations from the co-op’s two subsidiary companies and through special gifts of capital credits and other donations from the community.

“It is important to note the Foundation’s purpose is to give to others who need a hand-up or to support initiatives that make life better for the people that live in our communities,” said Johnson.

Enumerating some of the year’s blessings:

  • The Foundation is wrapping up its 17th year and over these years “… we now exceed $3 million given for crisis heating assistance, helping over 23,000 families,” said Johnson.
  • In 2023, 1,168 families have received electric or fuel bill assistance with a total giving of $163,815.
  • In the fall, the BRE Members Foundation awarded $130,000 in community grants to 22 local non-profit organizations.
  • Over the Foundation’s 17-year history, it has awarded more than $1.7 million in community grants to provide support services to BRE members and customers, and to promote community development.
  • The Foundation gives $25,000 annually to support scholarships and Bright Ideas Grants for teachers.

Underlining the breadth of community support among the co-op’s members, Johnson reported that more than 22,000 members participate in Operation Round Up, Operation Round Up Plus, or by donating their capital credit refunds.

“Altogether, with members, employees and board member donations, the Foundation will receive more than $217,000 this year. Since 2000, this group has contributed over $4.6 million,” Johnson said. “Since 2007, the Blue Ridge Energy Propane & Fuels subsidiary, as well as the Ridgelink subsidiary have contributed $800,000 to support the Foundation’s purpose.”

Blowing Rock TDA Executive Director Tracy Brown is a member of the Community Leaders Council and was thankful for Blue Ridge Energy’s gift of appreciation for the service of Community Leaders Council members. Photographic image by David Rogers

Johnson closed his remarks by highlighting the special fundraising campaign, Neighbors Helping Neighbors started in 2023, in response to rising fuel costs, especially in the early part of the year.

About the Members Advisory Committee

Started over 50 years ago, Blue Ridge Energy’s Member Advisory Committees have served Blue Ridge Energy members by being a voice for the community. These committees meet on a regular basis, hearing insights about Blue Ridge Energy operations and offering perspectives on how our members can best be served.

Four district Member Advisory Committees (MAC) are made up of at least 14 members of the cooperative appointed by the Board of Directors. These committees meet regularly and serve as a sounding board for the cooperative. They also provide input on programs and services.

Members serve three-year terms and are eligible for an additional three-year term. Each fall, a selection committee makes recommendations to the Board for new MAC members to fill any vacancies.

About the Community Leaders Council

The Community Leaders Council (CLC) is made up of community leaders from each of the four districts who can give input to and work with Blue Ridge Energy regarding local, state and national issues of interest to the cooperative and its service area.

Representatives on this council are appointed to three-year terms, with vacancies filled each January upon approval from the Board of Directors. CLC representatives do not have to be members of Blue Ridge Energy.

Mountaineers dominate Central Penn, 111-35

David
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Mountaineers dominate Central Penn, 111-35

By Zach Smith. BOONE, N.C. — For App State basketball fans, it was hard not to enjoy the Mountaineers’ thrashing of Division II contender Central Penn, 111-35, not just because the score was so lopsided but because it was accomplished as much with reserves and scout team players as with the team’s typical frontliners.

A dozen Mountaineers saw action Tuesday night in the second half of an App State basketball doubleheader. The women’s team defeated Charleston, 77-73, earlier in the evening.

The start…

 

… and the finish.

App State guard Xavion Brown had a highlight reel performance against Central Penn on Dec. 5. Photographic images by David Rogers

It was a night filled with highlights for the home side.

Graduate guard Bryant Greene got his first career start. A Boone native and Watauga High School alum, Greene posted career highs in points (14) and assists (7). He also saw 31 minutes of action, the most he’s played in his App State career.

Six different Mountaineers scored in double figures. Three of those, Tre’Von Spillers, Josh Hayes and Xavion Brown recorded double-doubles. Hayes scored a game-high 18 points while Brown grabbed a career-high 16 rebounds.

The first half went as expected for App State. Greene drained two free-throws early and, following a quick layup by Central Penn junior Jordan Strickland, the Mountaineers never trailed. App State went on six separate runs of six or more consecutive points in the first 20 minutes of action, taking a 59-19 lead into the locker room at halftime. The Mountaineers were good on 51.1% of shots and held the Knights to just 18.9% entering the break.

The second half was much of the same for the Mountaineers and their punishing defense. Central Penn made just three shots from the field over the second half, only scoring on free-throws over the final 15:42 of play. App State continued their great shooting form, hitting on half of their shots from the field over the final period.

Justin Abson (21) had his own highlight reel moments on Dec. 5. Photographic image by David Rogers

App State head coach Dustin Kerns shared his thoughts on the matchup against Central Penn postgame, as well as a look into how App State schedules games around final exam periods.

“You know, we’re allowed to play two non-Division-I games a year,” Kerns said. “One of them we always try to strategically play right before exam period for a couple reasons. One, we want our guys to be here in class. We don’t want to be on the road and traveling so they can be in class. Two, it’s a long break, exams. Hopefully it goes the way it went tonight.”

Typical of Greene, although he scored 14 points he more frequently looked to pass, first. Photographic image by David Rogers

Kerns made sure to point out Greene’s performance, who made his first start in his fifth season with the Mountaineers.

“Really happy for Bryant Greene. Started him tonight,” Kerns said. “Fifth-year senior, he means a lot to our program, does a lot for our program. Just a great representative of App State University and our program. He’s kind of a legend in the High Country and in the Boone community, so I really was glad to start him.”

Greene explained what it meant for him to perform well in his first career start.

“First of all, I just want to thank Coach Kerns and the coaching staff for giving me that opportunity,” Greene said. “It’s really just a testament to my teammates, getting to practice with them every day. I just really enjoyed getting to do this tonight with them. I’ll always cherish this moment for as long as I live.”

Christopher Mantis hits from long distance for the Mountaineers vs. Central Penn on Dec. 5. Photographic image by David Rogers

Greene became the first Boone native to start in an App State men’s basketball game since J.R. Archer in the 2010-11 season. He shared what it meant to play for his hometown team after being a lifelong fan.

“It means a lot,” Greene said. “Obviously growing up here, being an App fan my entire life, I bleed Black and Gold. I’ve been at App State since I can remember. I mean, this is surreal, to be able to play for the team I grew up cheering for my whole life. I really can’t put into words how special it was tonight.”

Xavion Brown had a career night as he posted a 12-point, 16-rebound double-double. Despite his own accomplishments, Brown’s first thoughts were to congratulate the walk-ons and scout team role players that were able to record quality playing time against Central Penn.

“First off, shoutout to all the walk-ons on our team,” Brown said. “They work as hard as us every day, if not harder. Being able to play with them, I like it a lot. It’s a feel-good moment because, obviously, they don’t get as much time as (the starters), or they don’t get to play as much as us. But being able to get them the ball, and to be able to watch them succeed and score, I’m happy for all of them. Especially (Greene).”

Bryant Greene made two 3-pointers on Dec. 5 vs. Central Penn. At Watauga HS, he was known not only for his outside shooting, but for his fearless inside attacks on the rim, too. Photographic image by David Rogers

Central Penn’s loss drops the Knights to 1-9 on the season. Central Penn looks to snap their five-game losing skid Saturday (Dec. 9) at The Apprentice School in Newport News, Va., in the Great Ships Classic tournament. That matchup is set to tip off at 2 p.m.

With the win, App State extends their win streak to six straight. The Mountaineers improve to 7-2 on the campaign and look to continue that success next on Dec. 13 when they travel to Charlotte to face Queens. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. and can be streamed on ESPN+.

TOP APP STATE PERFORMERS
  • Bryant Greene: 14 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds
  • Xavion Brown: 12 points, 16 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 blocked shot, 1 steal
  • Josh Hayes: 18 points, 12 rebounds, 4 blocked shots, 1 steal
  • Tre’Von Spillers: 10 points, 11 rebounds
  • Justin Abson: 15 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 6 blocked shots
  • C J Huntley: 11 points, 9 rebounds, 1 steal
Team Comparison
CP APP
FG% 13% 51%
FGs 10-75 44-87
3FG% 5% 33%
3FGs 1-22 12-36
FT% 56% 79%
FTs 14-25 11-14
TOs 12 15
PtsOffTO 2 16
TotReb 35 80
DefReb 19 55
Off Reb 16 25
2ndChPts 5 24
BenchPts 21 56
PtsPaint 12 62
FstBkPt 8 23
Blocks 2 16
Steals 10 9
Assts 3 31
Times Tied: 2
Lead Chg: 0
LeadTime 0:00 39:42

App State WBB outlasts Charleston, 77-73

David
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App State WBB outlasts Charleston, 77-73

By Zach Smith. BOONE N.C. – Career nights from multiple Mountaineers propelled the App State women’s basketball team over College of Charleston, 77-73. The Dec. 5 matchup was the first part of an App State basketball doubleheader as the men’s team played Central Penn later in the night.

The Mountaineers were led by junior Emily Carver and senior Faith Alston, who combined for 48 points. Carver’s 28-point performance marked a new career-high, topping her 27-point night against Coastal Carolina last season. Sophomore Rylan Moffitt grabbed 17 rebounds, also a career high.

J’Mani Ingram goes up for two points against College of Charleston on Dec. 5. Photographic image by David Rogers

App State started hot, quickly going on a 7-0 run in the first three minutes of play. They would go on another run later in the opening quarter, scoring the final 10 points of the period. App State hit at a 50 percent clip from the field through the first 10 minutes.

The second quarter wasn’t as successful. Charleston outscored App State, 18-11, featuring a 15-3 run over the final 4:20 of the half. The Mountaineers did not score from the field over the final 8:31 before the break. Despite the limited second quarter scoring, App State took a 38-32 lead into the locker room at intermission.

I like to win.

App State head coach Angel Elderkin shared what she said to the team at halftime.

“I talk to our team all the time about ‘… there’s the ceiling, and then there’s the floor,’” Elderkin said. “Sometimes our ceiling, it can be really high. But then I also know that the floor is low. When we don’t take good shots and we don’t defend and we don’t run our offense, we have these 11-point quarters, these 10-point quarters, and they’re gonna kill us.”

The third quarter was where Carver came alive. The junior guard scored 21 of App State’s 29 points in the quarter, including each of the Mountaineers’ final eight. Carver hit on all but one of her shots from the field in the third frame. App State shot 56.3% as a team in the period, outscoring the Cougars, 29-19.

Rylan Moffitt scores two of her 8 points against College of Charleston on Dec. 5 at the Holmes Center, but it was her career high 17 rebounds that proved a real difference maker in App State’s 77-73 win. Photographic image by David Rogers

The fourth quarter was similar to the second. App State shot just 21.4% over the final 10 minutes, as the Cougars mounted a late-game comeback. The rally narrowed a 16-point Charleston to just three points, but a Carver free-throw with seven seconds made it a two possession game and secured the win for the Mountaineers.

Elderkin spoke on what it means to have veteran guards Alston and Carver on the team.
“It’s been awesome, they’ve been with me. Faith [Alston] is on her fourth year, Emily [Carver] is on her third year,” Elderkin said. “Those are kids that I recruited at a young age, I know their families, I know them. Faith is like a coach on the floor, she’s unbelievable. Emily has an incredible will to win.”

Carver’s contribution on the court resulted in a career-high in points, but she explained that it wouldn’t have meant as much if the Mountaineers had not pulled out the win.

“I like winning,” Carver said. “I mean, if I would have got the career-high and we would have lost, it would have still hurt. I like to win.”

App State’s victory snapped Charleston’s four-game win streak and dropped the Cougars to a 5-2 record. Charleston’s next matchup will be a home test against Jacksonville State. The Dec. 11 matchup will tip off at 7:00 p.m. and can be streamed on FloHoops.

The Mountaineers move to 5-2 with the win and look to continue their success on a three-game road trip. Their first test is a matchup at Richmond Dec. 10 with tipoff set for 2:00 p.m. and can be streamed on ESPN+.

The App State women close out the road trip with a Dec. 15 tilt at Gardner Webb (Boiling Springs, N.C.), then a quick trip to Milwaukee, Wis., to face Marquette.

KEY APP STATE PERFORMANCES
  • Emily Carver: 28 points, 4 rebounds, 1 blocked shots, 3 steals
  • Rylan Moffitt: 17 rebounds, 8 points, 3 assists, 4 blocked shots
  • Faith Alston: 20 points, 4 assists, 1 blocked shot, 4 steals
  • J’Mani Ingram: 6 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals

Team Comparison
FG% 37% 37%
FGs 23-62 25-68
3FG% 30% 32%
3FGs 3-10 7-22
FT% 75% 65%
FTs 24-32 20-31
TOs 22 18
PtsOffTO 16 25
TotReb 47 44
DefReb 31 26
Off Reb 16 18
2ndChPts 8 16
BenchPts 19 11
PtsPaint 28 32
FstBkPt 8 12
Blocks 3 6
Steals 11 10
Assts 6 11
Times Tied: 1
Time Tied: 0:40
Lead Chg: 0
LeadTime 0:00 39:20

Mountaineers stun Auburn, 69-64

David
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Mountaineers stun Auburn, 69-64

By Zach Smith. BOONE, N.C. — “How about them Mountaineers?” App State head coach Dustin Kerns said after defeating Auburn in front of the largest home crowd since 2009. The Mountaineers defeated the Tigers, 69-64, in the first-ever nationally televised game at the Holmes Convocation Center.

App State once again proved they can rely on multiple scorers. Four Mountaineers posted double-digit points. Junior guard Myles Tate led the way for the home team with 18 points, while Donovan Gregory (12), Terence Harcum (12) and CJ Huntley (10) rounded out the leading scorers.

App State guard Myles Tate scored a team-high 19 points in the Mountaineers’ uspet win over Auburn. Photographic image by Flaco Rafael for High Country Sports

The first half was as close as the Mountaineer faithful could have hoped. Auburn rode a 9-0 run to a 19-10 lead but App State countered with 10 straight points to put the Tigers’ largest lead to bed. The rest of the half was back-and-forth with neither side taking a lead of more than three points. Freshman guard Jordan Marsh put the exclamation mark on the first period by hitting on a driving layup with under five seconds on the clock. App State took a 33-31 lead into the locker room with all 7,037 fans in attendance on their feet.

… I’ll remember that court-storming because I really wanted to get that moment for our players/

The Mountaineers never relinquished their lead in the second half, despite Auburn’s best efforts. App State went on a 7-0 run halfway through the period, and junior forward Christopher Mantis drained a three-pointer to give the home team their largest lead of the day. Shortly after, Auburn went on a 6-0 run of their own, closing the deficit to three, but a Gregory midrange jumper and a Tate 3-pointer put the game to bed for the Mountaineers.

Dustin Kerns showed pride in his team, afterwards.

“Just a great day for our program and the university,” Kerns said. “Just so proud of our players, you know. (Auburn has) a really good team. They’ll be in the top 25 here in a couple weeks.”

Mountaineer guard Donovan Gregory fights his way to the rim during App State’s 69-64 upset win over Auburn on Dec. 3 at the Holmes Center. Photographic image by Flaco Rafael for High Country Sports

Kerns was also sure to give credit to the fourth-largest crowd in App State men’s basketball history.

“Thanks to everybody that came,” Kerns said. “That can do one of two things: it can really raise the level of your team and it can hurt the other team and I thought it did both. So, really, really thankful for all the people that came out to be a part of this moment.”

Kerns spoke on what the historic victory meant for him and how people view App State basketball.

“When I met with [App State Director of Athletics] Doug Gillin and I was interviewing here, he asked me ‘what are you going to do to change the perception of App State basketball?’” Kerns said. “And he believed that I was the guy to do it. It’s been a lot of work with a lot of people, and I definitely think the perception of App State basketball is changing. I’ll remember that court-storming because I really wanted to get that moment for our players.”

Kerns compared the victory over Auburn to another iconic App State upset.

“You know, the Michigan game (2007) was a moment for App State football,” Kerns said. “Maybe this was our moment.”

Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl has made it a habit to get mid-majors on Auburn’s schedule. According to Pearl, his appreciation for smaller schools dates back to the beginning of his coaching career at D-II Southern Indiana. As an assistant coach at Iowa, a road trip to Northern Iowa solidified the idea that he would continue to play mid-majors as he moved on to head coach at the high-major level.

Pearl was complimentary of App State and their fan base post-game.

“Great environment in here, great fan base,” Pearl said. “We knew coming in this was going to be like playing a middle to lower-half SEC team, so credit them. Their guards, in particular, lined us up and drove us.”

Pearl also was sure to mention his team’s sub-par shooting.

“I think when you miss 10 free throws and make nine, and you miss 24 threes and make three, it’s not going to win many games,” Pearl said. “Some of that was defense, but a lot of it was open shots.”

For Auburn, junior Johni Broome posted his second consecutive double-double, scoring a game-high 21 points while grabbing 13 rebounds. Sophomore guard Tre Donaldson was the only other Tiger to score in double-digits, cashing in for 12 points.

The win improves App State’s win streak to five, improving the early season record to 6-2. Auburn’s loss snaps a five-game win streak, the record falling to 5-2. The Tigers’ only other loss on the season was to No. 20 Baylor at a neutral site.

Auburn’s next test isn’t until Saturday (Dec. 9), when they’ll travel to Atlanta to face Indiana. That game will be broadcast at 1:00p.m. on ESPN2.

App State returns to action on Tuesday, when they’ll team up with the women’s basketball team for a doubleheader at the Holmes Convocation Center. App State’s women’s team will tipoff against College of Charleston at 5:30p.m., and the men’s team will face D-II Central Penn approximately 30 minutes after the conclusion of the first game. Both games can be streamed on ESPN+.

 

ZAP’s Vestri finishes No. 8 out of 200 elite runners in Boston indoor season opener

David
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ZAP’s Vestri finishes No. 8 out of 200 elite runners in Boston indoor season opener

By David Rogers. BOSTON, Mass. — In a field of almost 200 top-ranked collegiate and professional women’s middle distance runners, Parker Valby of the University of Florida ran a sub-15 minute 5,000 meters (14:56.11) in the Sharon Colyear-Danville Season Opener indoor track meet at Boston University — and it came just one week after she captured the NCAA Division I Cross Country title in Charlottesville, Va.

For most of the race, Valby ran a step behind Andrea Rodenfels, representing the Boston Athletic Association, the duo gaining significant separation from the rest of the elite field in Heat 1. With five laps to go, Valby surged ahead and never lost form in not only setting a meet record but an American record as well.

Blowing Rock-based ZAP Endurance also had an elite runner in the race, Amanda Vestri who recently joined the team after finishing her collegiate career at Syracuse University. Near the middle of the race, Vestri jumped into the No. 3 position to lead a long, single file of elite runners. She remained at No. 3 before fading slightly in the closing laps to finish No. 8, clocking 15:21.11. Even so, Vestri was just five seconds behind the No. 3 finisher, Ella Donaghu of the Nike Union Athletics Club.

According to ZAP Endurance head coach Pete Rea, Vestri’s performance in Boston represents a milestone of sorts in her career.

“Amanda is a 10,000 meter specialist, so this 5,000 meter distance is more akin to speed work for her. After her training with us for a few months, we wanted to see what she could do. Her best time at this distance while competing for Syracuse was 15:42.48. So for her to improve on her time by roughly 27 seconds is pretty significant and we think she can go a lot lower.

“To put this performance in perspective,” added Rea, “the slowest qualifier for the 2021 U.S. Olympic Trials was about 15:24 and Amanda ran faster than that in this race. While her beating that time in this indoor race looks promising, for the 2024 Olympic Trials I don’t think a 15:21 will make the field. The U.S. has a deep field of 5,000 meter female runners this year.”

In the Seeded Men’s 5,000 meters, Harvard University’s Graham Blanks followed up his recent win in the NCAA Men’s Cross Country Championships by breaking the NCAA indoor record for the 5,000 meters in 13:03.72, smashing the 11-year old mark of 13:08.28 set in 2012 by Arizona’s Lawi Latang. The mark also was under the Olympic qualifying standard of 13:05, should he earn a spot on the U.S. Olympic Team.

Of local interest, Blowing Rock-based ZAP Endurance athlete Dan Schaffer, who is more of a mile and 1500 meters specialist, stepped up his distance and qualified to run in Heat 1 with the elite runners.  Ultimately, he finished at No. 39 out of the 235 top collegiate and professional runners competing in the field.

 

 

 

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